Wicked Wool Gathering

Join Me For A Spring Fling Sale on Etsy!!

2011-04-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

Whooo hoooo Spring has finally sprung here and I am so happy to see the sunshine and to feel the warm weather that I'm having a celebration in my Etsy Shop!! You will get an additional 15% off on any items all ready on sale too, yipppeeeeeee.

Everything is 15% off when you use code SPFL15!

Be sure to stop by and take a peek, see you there!!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Brenda

Lavender...Me...Etsy Treasury

2011-03-28T00:33:00.000-07:00

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Who hoooo happy dancing, I've been featured in this beautiful Treasury!!

Have You Seen The Queen Button Bee...

2011-01-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

So where have I been????????????

I have been up to my button balls in BUTTONS on Etsy!!

Okay so yes I love, love, love buttons and dyeing them is even better!! I am dyeing buttons in every color you can imagine....check them out...Of coarse I have un-dyed buttons too, lol.
Who would of thought first dyeing wool and now buttons, I am a lucky girl. See you again soon, maybe I'll dye the cat next, hahahahahaha.

PS, has anyone else noticed my new gassy Sheep Banner, did I say that out load, lmao.

Happy Over the Hump Day!!

Brenda

Wednesday Woes Equals Thursday Thankfuls

2010-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful...that Wednesday is over!! Wednesday was not such a great day. It started right off with a virus on my computer and Internet failure. Yep at the same time, errrrr. I spent over an hour on the phone with the cable company to re-establish my Internet connection but than I had to get the virus on my computer fixed so another four hours on the phone with Microsoft and tada, I'm back. Of coarse there were also three appointments yesterday that also didn't go so well. I discovered I had two appointments scheduled for the same time, good grief I don't mind multi tasking but I can't be in places at once so I cancel one. Okay now I only have one in the morning and one in the afternoon work them in between Internet issues, computer virus issue and be sure to pick up hubby from work on time, I can do this. Errrr both appointments the other parties involved with these appointments are no shows, you have got to be kidding me, especially since the morning one was a doctor appointment, huh.....So to say the least I totally missed Wool Wednesday, so sorry. Thank goodness it's Thursday!!

So here we are and I am so ready to PLAY!! Quick recap, we've sorted, we've washed, we've done some dyeing. So next I promised we would do some kettle / pot dyeing.
We're still using food coloring and / or kool aid for this technique. I did use both for these batches. First you will need to let your wool soak in your vinegar water solution for about 30 minutes or more is okay. Pick out the colors you would like to use and as before mix each with your water and vinegar solution. You may need to pour off a bit of the liquid in your pan before you add your colors. To much liquid everything can turn to mud as to much liquid will cause your colors to bleed into one another too much. Don't panic, you will be fine. Heat up your wool so that it is hot but not boiling. Now your ready to pour your colors into the kettle / pan. Let it simmer uncovered, remembering not to let it boil for about 30 minutes. This technique gives you the ability to dye more wool at once than our previous techniques.

I really love this technique!! This technique is a dyeing surprise or as I call it pot luck as you really won't know how it is going to look until you take it out of the pan.

Okay we simmered, now we will need to let it cool once cooled you are ready to rinse in cool water. Just look at all of the beautiful colors that you created with this technique and all in just one batch. I usually rinse mine about 2 to 3 times in the same pot I cooked in and changing the water for each rinse. Remember to remove your wool from the pan, squeezing is okay to remove excess water but no twisting. You will need to do this for each rinse until the water runs clear. Now your ready to dry. It will dry the fastest outside on a nice sunny day but I have dried mine on top of the dryer on wash day and on my registers when the heat is on remembering to rotate several times during the process. You can also set it in an area and blow dry it with a fan. We northerners have to improvise during the Winter months, hehehehe.

TaDa, you did it!! Just look at all those luscious colors!!

Easy again huh!! Now your ready to do some more creating, enjoy and have fun!!

So where should we go next. Well, are you ready to tease your wool???

I hope you enjoyed kettle dyeing as much as I did.

See you soon and happy Thursday everyone!!

Brenda

Wool Wednesday Update Finally and 4 Weeks of What???

2010-10-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Whewwwwww, I've been teasing wool for the last three days for a special order in my Etsy Shop and my poor fingers are beginning to look a bit like hamburger and I have a nasty blister too!! Thanks goodness I'm almost done!! Okay so finally the cooler weather is here which with that comes Fall and Halloween yippeeeeee!! So that means it is time to dive back in to Wool Wednesday, whooo hooo. Mark those calendars as we are back on track starting Next Wednesday, October 13th!! I can't wait!! PS, wait to see my surprise, hummmm I may be feeling a new challenge coming your way.....

I can't believe it has been 4 weeks since I posted last, where does the time go!!!!

Well, some of it went here. I've been crocheting lots of these little Basket Bowls.

Oh and something new for me...
I totally fell in love with this!!

"Jazzy Blues"

I have been Hand Dyeing my own buttons for my Etsy Shop!!

"Purple Passion"

Oh yeah, did I mention buttons!!
Buttons, buttons and more BUTTONS, lol!!!

Believe it or not, hanging my head in shame here....

All of these buttons are from my own PERSONAL STASH, yes....

and of coarse I have more, ummmm, a few food storage bags full, a small sandwich bag, a canning jar and two 5 gallon ice cream buckets full, well you never know what one your gonna need when your making crocheted decorative pot holders... I love buttons, I have since I was a kid. I loved to play with Grandma's Button Tin, ooooooooo...My grand kids take right after their grammy, they have a great big bowl of buttons sitting on the coffee table here that they love to play with.

Okay, can we say I have a real crafting problem..

So yes, I have begun DE STASHING and listing my over abundance stash in my shop.

I hope it is good therapy for my CCD (crafting compulsive disorder, hehehehe).

Okay, now one of my little secrets is out of the bag, believe me when I say you haven't seen nothing yet, hahahahahaha. Did I mention my surprise, ummmm all 44 pounds of it, hahahahahaha, bet your scared now huh, hahahahahahaha.

See ya here again soon or at least by next Wednesday!!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Brenda

Whooo hoooo, It's The Grand Re-opening of HalloweenArtists.com!!!

2010-09-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

We're new and improved!!

A New Magazine / Market Place!!

A new look, new columns!!

Just a Sneak Peak

We have
You must check out the Artist in the Spotlight, a wonderful and super talented artist!!

Have you guessed who the writer is for the Collectors Corner??? I would recognize that illustration anywhere!!

Yepper Heather of Witch Hollow Primitives is there too, with this fab column!!
Have I inticed your Courious Juices yet???

and my big news that has been killing me to keep a secret
written by
who, yes ME!! Whooo hooo!!
Yes, yes, yes, I am selling there too, I'm over the moon with excitement!! I'm doing the biggest happy dance!!

A New Look, Great Columns of Interest for you our viewers and Amazing Halloween Art!!
It doesn't get any better!!
So what are you waiting for?
Grab your broom and fly on over to HalloweenArtists.com and enjoy the ride!!

Happy September 1st Everyone!!
Brenda

I'm So Dizzy My Head Is Spinning, Your Making Me Dizzy...

2010-08-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, yes, I do feel a bit like this these days, lol. Tis the season to be a bit over whelmed creating with the feeling of being unfocused and not so centered. Although I so love the whole process of prepping and creating for the Holidays it gets a bit blurry sometimes and takes you so out of the loop!! I want to apologize for not popping around to visit all of you, I love our visits and miss them terribly!!

So what have I been doing....

Lots of Crocheted Spiders, Mummy's, Black Cats, Witches and Scarecrows oh my....
Waiting for faces...

A gazillion Crocheted Angels, Knitted Lipstick / Chap Stick Slipper Holders, Crocheted Dish Cloths, Crocheted Christmas Stockings.....
Must sew, add ribbons, pull ends, add decorative touches, make pom poms did I mention I absolutely hate to make pom poms, ewwwwww, lol...

Crocheted Petite Sachets and Small Doily Sets made with crochet thread...
I haven't made doilies in years, had to cure a sudden craving, lol...

and

These little foil armatures are awaiting their skin, lol.
Whewwwww, I wish I could say this was all I had in progress but ohhhhhh noooooo where would the fun and stress be in that!!

So

this year I am taking a vow. Come December 1st this Grammy Bear is going to take a Family Winter Hibernation Break all the way through January 1st 2011!! Every year it feels like the Holidays come and I missed them, ughhhhhh, I can do this....

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

So back to work I go, sure hope I get that vacation December 1st, lol.

Happy Creating Everyone

Enjoy the process

and

Remember to stop and smell the Holidays!!

((Hugs))
Brenda

This Summer Slacker Is Finally Busy with Handmade Treats and some Halloween Art, yipppeeee...

2010-08-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon Some Yummy Cat Nip Treats

No not for you, for your kitty of course, hahaha.

Laundry Sets

Now in my Etsy Shop

I love these!!

Oh yeah and some Art too, whoooo hoooo
Hows about some Magic!!

This was my entry for our current MHA Cat Challenge, lol, I know my cat picked up some strays, hehehehe.

Did you know that you can find MHA (The Magical Holiday Artists) on Etsy and NOW ON EBAY TOO, whooo hooooo!!! We are MHAE on Ebay, be sure to look us up!!

The Cat, Moon and Pumpkin were sculpted and applied to the glass.
I love how this piece came out!!

and one Candy Corn Ornament, my entry for this months SEHA challenge.

There is a lot of great entries this month, be sure to check them out on Ebay by placing SEHA in the search bar!!

This little cutie is currently listed on Ebay

and so many more things in progress...

So back to work.

PS, Wool Wednesday will be returning this Fall!!

Hope your having a wonderful week!!

Brenda

The Wool Wednesday Challenge Comes To An End.....

2010-08-11T19:31:00.001-07:00

A beautiful Mixed Media Piece by Maggie of Just Add Glitter and Stir. Be sure to check out Maggie's blog and all of the details she included in this up cycled treasure trove piece!! Check out her amazing Pink Wool Bouffant Hair Doo, loving it!!

Lori of Flossie Kat's Korner, this is the most beautiful hat and your needle felted Rose takes it from casual to elegant!! There is nothing more classic than Earth Tones and your creation just proves it!! I love it!!

So there you have it!! Each and every creation was amazing, beautiful, unique and created by some of the most talented people!! I had so much fun offering this Challenge to each of you!! Thank you for joining me!!

Hats off to each of you!!

Keep creating, have fun and remember wool isn't just for blankets and socks!!

Brenda

GI Joe Pimps a New Ride! And A Couple Of New Creations From Me Too!!

2010-07-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Designs by Eddie, 6 years old and Tonya, 5 years old.

Eddie is still looking for the perfect wheels.

Here's a pic of the grand kids latest creations with a little help from grammy.

Tonya has a car for her Polly Pockets to but she hid it on me, lol.

A double seater car boat for GI Joe and a pair of binoculars made from those handy dandy toilet paper rolls. Got to love toilet paper rolls, I swear you can make anything with them!! Caution when using scissors to poke holes for sticks and seats please have an adult to supervise the adult, lol. I sliced my finger wide open during this project, ackkkkkk.

And a couple of
sneak peaks

of my latest creations...

These ornaments will be for sale soon, somewhere new for me, fun, exciting, stay tuned for more info and front view pics, hopefully, lol.
Mumble, mumble, grumble, grumble, I hate taking pictures, darn camera, darn lighting, Yes, I'm sure it's not the person operating the camera, hahahahahaha.

PS, we still have three more Wool Wednesday Challenger Creations coming soon. Can't wait to see them Lori, Maggie and Sherry!!

And a Mystery Guest from London, England with a few Wooly Creations made with my Wool Fuzz and Nubbs, just wait to you see!!

Welp, I'm off. I have been eyebrow deep in wool, so many things to finish and get listed, whewww.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!

Brenda

And A Pic Of My Latest WIP...

2010-07-17T23:19:00.001-07:00

I'M

Are you, lol?

The image above is a sneak peak of one of my latest WIPs, wicked cruel aren't I, hahahahahaha

Try to stay cool!!

Brenda

We're Off to Woodstock, Ireland, A Mad Hatter Tea with Pumpkin Man and your Goody Bag awaits You, It's Time for More Wool Wednesday Challenger Treats!

2010-07-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Before we begin our travels today you may want to tuck your credit cards or other magical treats in this Goody Bag!! Created by Dede of Brightest Blessings Wiccans!! She even created the handmade button, totally awesome Dede!!

Maybe we'll run into this guy at the Mad Hatters Tea Party today, you never know....
I adore this Pumpkin Man Ornament!! He was created by Becca of Magikal Seasons!!

It's A Mad Hatter Tea Party Today and Robert of Halloween Fanatic created this Fab Mad Hatter for the Special Occasion!! Be sure to pop over to Robert's Blog today for his Mad Tea Party!! He came out wonderful Robert, I will be popping over for some fun today!!

A blast from the past and we're off to Woodstock!! Created by Chris of Magical Fairys!! Isn't she beautiful, love her and her Peace Sign, what a great touch!

Are you ready to party with the Irish Green!!! Hang on to your Shamrocks and away we go...

So what happens when you mix an Irish Farmer with the Black Sheep of the Family, well this of coarse, lol.

Here is Sarah's Creation of Cottage Garden Studios!!

I love green, emeralds and this guy!!! Fantastic Sarah!!

Whoooo hoooo folks for some of the most fabulous creations I have ever seen!!

Will there be more, yes indeed, so hold on tight this ride isn't over quite yet!!!

I also wanted to apologize for being late again this week, this crazy heat, I've been suffering with my first ever heat rash and had to have two teeth pulled last week, acckkkkk and I spent most of the day yesterday with my 6 year old Grandson who is so sick, my poor baby. He has been running a high fever and throwing up, so when he called Grammy yesterday to tell me he felt like he was going to throw up and he didn't feel good well off to my Eddie's house I went. We ended up taking him to the Doctor's and they didn't feel it was heat related nor did they think it was step so we are still waiting for the test results today. Grammy tends to drop everything when it comes to her Grand Babies, sorry folks!!

Today is showing progress though, yipppeeeee. I am playing with Kool Aid and more food coloring, OH YEAH!!! More on that very soon!!

Happy Wool ummmm Thursday All, lol

Hope your all having a wonderful week!!!

Brenda

Happy Birthday America and

2010-07-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 39th Birthday to my wonderful sister Kim!!!

Remember I'm smiling because your my sister

I'm laughing because you don't have choice, hehehehe.

But it could have been worse, if Dad had gotten his way you would be...

Cindy Puff, ROTFLMAO

Love ya!!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

Enjoy your holiday weekend everyone!!!

Brenda

I'm Late, I'm Late...For Wool Wednesday!!!

2010-06-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I know I said we would do Kool Aid dyeing next but I decided I really needed to finish processing the dyed wool I had already done before I dive into more so I have spent the last four days doing just that. It is now finished and ready to be listed in my Etsy Shop. Tomorrow, I will work on getting my wool goodies listed, whoooo hooooo. So now I am finally ready to start the Kool Aid dyeing, yummy.....

I wanted to share a few awesome treats created for our Wool Wednesday Challenge so far!!! I am loving these and what you folks are coming up with for this challenge is blowing me away!!! How beautiful and fun!!!

Cat from In The Light Of The Moon has already created two mixed media items with her wool!!

Loving them Cat!!!

1st she created this fab textured book!!

then...
she created this awesome pendant, what a great idea!!!

Robert of Halloween Fanatic, now has a new passion, yep wool!!

Robert created this mischievous sculpted witch Delores with beautiful woolen locks!!

Mischief is written all over her face, lol.

Love her Robert!!!

I am loving this challenge!! I can't wait to see more of your wonderful creations!!

and I will leave you with this.....

I started playing around with an idea for my woolly creation tonight made from the scraps, lol, we shall see......

Have a GRAND weekend everyone!!!

Brenda

I Be Jammin

2010-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hahahahahahaha

Gotcha!!!!

Those antibiotics are working good, lol.

Jammin in a Head Banging Way That Is......

Fill Your Day With Some Fun!!

Brenda

Toothache, Dentist, Yuck!!!

2010-06-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

and I have to wait until Tuesday, ackkkkkk.

So not real chatty but here's an update...

Whooo hooo Maggi is joining us for the Wool Wednesday Challenge!!

How great is that!!

Only two spaces left, lets fill them up!! It will make my tooth feel better, okay maybe not but we would love to have you join in....

See you soon

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Brenda

The Wool Wednesday Challenge Has Begun...

2010-06-11T07:40:00.001-07:00

Its all about having fun!!

Tie it in a ribbon.

Tie it in a bow.

Wrap it around your primitive crow.

You can wet it

or keep it dry

What you make will be our surprise!!

4 openings left!!

So you can play to.

Now you know what you must do!!

Come on in and join the fun!!

After all this Challenge has just begun!!

Be sure to check out my previous post for the details.

Whooo hooo, mailing the first 6 challengers wool out today...

Chris

Cat

Dede

Sarah

Lori

and

Becca

Thank you so much my friends for playing!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Robert

Maggi

and

Sherry

#10 - time to enter has expired, sorry.

Brenda

Wool Wednesday Challenge! Are You Ready?

2010-06-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

What am I going to do with all of this wool?

Well I'm going to send some to each of you, whooo hoooo!!

So how does this work? I am offering each of you a chance to create something from wool. Anything you want, no theme, no boundaries here and all you need is your creative imagination. Already worked with wool no problem your still welcome to join in on the fun. Wet felt it, dry felt it, use it for hair on a sculpture or cloth doll, how about some fringe for a sewing project, stuffing, I would love to see a mixed media artist incorporate it into their work. Your wool will measure approximately 3 - 3 1/2 inches in length. Keep in mind wool is not Washer and Dryer friendly though unless your going for a felted or matted look. This is for fun!!

All you have to do is post here that you want to Take The Wool Wednesday Challenge! Feel free to snatch one of the Banners on my side bar for your blog if you would like.

I will send you a small package of wool for FREE!!

This is wool that has been processed by me. It will come to you clean but may contain small pieces of hay that can be shook or flicked with your fingers on out or combed out with a regular hair comb, however you prefer to use it in your project.

Contact me by email through my blog with your mailing address and

Let me know if you have a color preference of the following choices

Natural

Color (Reddish Pink / Pinkish Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Purple or Rainbow Striped)

Brown with a bit of a gray hue

Or a mix of any or all of the colors above.

Prefer to process your own, no problem I will send you some dirty wool to give it a try.

All I ask in return is that you send me a picture or pictures of your completed creation(s) so that I can share them here on my blog with a link to your blog to show what can be created with wool.

NOTE: I am limiting this challenge to the first 10 people to respond by next Wednesday, June 16.

You can send me your pictures once your creation is finished or by July 16th.

So what are you waiting for???????

Ohhhh yeah, I make number 11 in this challenge!!

Thank You

I can't wait to see what you create!!!

Happy Wool Wednesday Everyone!!

Brenda

Life Is Good #2, #3 and #4, Thank You Chris and Sherry!!

2010-06-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

#2 is from Chris of Christina's Primitive House

Her questions are:

1). What is your favorite dessert?

I'm not a big dessert eater but I love chocolate milk, have since I was a kid.

2). What is your favorite color?

I love color!! All colors even black!!

3). If you could go one place in the world for a vacation where would it be?

I have always wanted to go to Ireland.

4). What is your dream house like?

My dream house has a 50 foot by 50 foot Craft Room, lol. And another bathroom!!

5). What is your favorite pet?

Currently we don't have any pets but I'm a cat person. My husband didn't like cats when we first got married but I already had one and informed him that she comes with the marriage, lol. He came around to my way of thinking pretty quick, lol.

6). What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?

Hummm, I guess the same things I'm doing now.

7). What is your favorite music?

My favorite music is Journey's.

8). What is the one thing you love to do?

Creating Art

9). What is the one thing you hate to do?

Dust, yuck!!

10). What do you collect?

Halloween Art.

Life Is Good

#3). Is from Sherry of Byrum Art

Her questions are:

1). What makes you happy, silly happy?

Hands down it would be my grand kids, I love the silly things they say.

2). What is your favoite flower?

Carnations

3). What talent would you like to have that you don't?

I feel very blessed with the talents I have, I would just like to master my current talents.

4). Do you have pets?

No pet currently, sigh.

5). Do you like spending time alone?

Yes, that is when I kick butt and get so much done. For me it should be a requirement, lol.

6). Do you like gardening?

I love gardens but I am no gardner. I can kill a cactus garden, and my mother said it couldn't be done, lol.

7). What is your favorite song?

Strange but true. I love the group Journey and their songs but if I have to pick one favorite it would have to be Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" and right behind that would have to be her song "Hard Candy Christmas". Their seasonal you know, lol.

8). What do you like to do for others?

Make them things, handmades, art, etc. That's why I don't make any money doing what I do, I'm always giving it away. I love gift giving!!

9). Are you a morning person or night owl?

A night owl, I love staying up to 4:30 am.

10). How is your bedroom decorated?

LMAO, okay well, ummm, EARLY MESS. Okay it's not quite that bad but it isn't a calming retreat. I'm a firm believer, I sleep there, I don't live in there. Ohhh, and right behind hating to dust is making the bed. Yepper just like when I was a kid I still feel no need to make the bed, I'm just going to mess it up again later anyhoo. LOL, okay all of you bed makers out there I know your just cringing at the thought, hahahahahaha.

And last but not least is Life Is Good #4 from Chris of Prim Country Farms

Her questions are:

1). Where do you live?

I live in the Finger Lakes, Mark Twain Country, Wine Country, we go by many names here. I live about 30 minutes away from Watkins Glen Race Track for you Race Fans out there. I live in Elmira, New York.

2). What is your favorite time of year?

I love the weather and the colors of Fall and of coarse Halloween FALLs in there too!!

3). Who would you like to take art lessons from?

I would love to take lessons from so many talented Artists for different reasons, different styles, bring them all over.

4). What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I don't watch much TV I reaally enjoy watching the Harry Potter collection.

5). Which reality show would you like to be on?

The last reality show I watched I think was the Osbourne Family.

6). What is your favorite color?

Love them all.

7). Which is your favorite Season?

Fall

8). What books do you like?

Ghost stories.

9). How many hours do you spend on your art a week?

I need more hours in day, my artwork always gets shorted to complete other tasks or I have to give up sleep to complete my work it seems.

10). What is your favorite ice cream?

Mint Chocolate Chip

Thank you so much Chris and Sherry!!

Have a wonderful day!!

PS: Wool Wednesday Tomorrow with a twist, whoooo hoooo, see you then!!!

Brenda

My WIP is whipping into shape, Felted Soaps and some Awards!!!

2010-06-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well he now has a hat!!

He's no longer just a handsome face...

My new friend is almost ready for some heat....

Have you figured out what he is yet????

Awwwww yes and some felted soaps or Soaps With Coats!!!
They are wet felted with wool so your washcloth is part of your soap, how cool is that?
They smell so good...Camay and Ivory so far, awwwwww.
Okay, they smell better than they look, still working on my technique for these....

My sister is currently my felted soap tester, lol.

Life is GOOD!!! Lucky me, I have received this award four times, how lucky can I get. Must go and buy a lottery ticket, hay, you never know....

First let me say that I am SO sorry Dede and Chris for not acknowledging my awards here sooner. Life was a bit crazy at the time, sorry. Today I was given this Award again and again, whooo hoooo. So I have decided to post one at a time in the order they were given to me. LOL, by the time I'm done answering my 40 questions you will all know more about me than I do, hahahahahaha. Ready for some fun, here we go...

Life Is Good Award #1 was presented to me by Dede of Brightest Blessings Wiccans and her 10 questions to me are:

1). Besides friends and family, what makes you truly happy?
Creating

2). What is your favorite thing to do for "me" time?
Awwww, a bubble bath

3). What is your favorite, most fun to make item that you have ever made?
Knitted chapstick / lipstick holders

4). If you had one wish, what would you wish for?
A cure for all types of cancer

5). What was your favorite thing to do as a child that you still enjoy doing?
Watching Lost in Space, lol. I still love that Carrot Man!!!

6). How many children do you have?
1 boy

7). Any grand babies yet?
2 a girl and a boy, how lucky I am!!

8). Favorite Season?
Fall

9). The job that you loved, where and doing what?
At a bank as a teller.

10). Where do you prefer to live, city or country?
We moved a year ago back to the city and I have to say I am loving it, its conveniences and so many more things to do. But I still love going for rides in the country!!

Next time I will be posting my Life Is Good Award from Chris of Christine's Primitive House so be sure to come back to find out what Chris is curious to know about me, hehehehehehe. See you then.....

Brenda

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder???

2010-06-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, two weeks, where does the time go???

Well in my case it has gone to watching my grand kiddies, whewwww, I need some of their energy!!! So when the kiddos weren't here I was busting my tail to make some new goodies for my shop. My routine has been so broken but hopefully I'm starting to adjust, ackkkk. Some of you may have already noticed that I put my Etsy Shop on vacation mode about two weeks ago as it was so neglected (pitiful, would have been a better word, lol). So I shut er' down with great intentions of giving er' a face lift but the best of intentions sometimes get a wrench thrown at them, ughhhh.

So above you can see some of my new finished goodies and some that are still in progress. Oooops, just noticed I forgot to put my 7 bars of felted soaps in the picture, still working on that technique. I'm bad though, the only thing in the picture created with my wool is the one Kitty Toy (center). We have had crappy hot and / or rainy weather here so more of my wool processing will come soon I hope, sorry.

I've been working on felted soaps, kitty jingle bell toys, dog squeaky toys, dryer balls, handmade laundry soap and primitive felted bowls for laundry sets. Oh yeah and some crocheted pot holders (for another MHA Giveaway - coming soon!!!), oooopppps forgot those in the picture too.

I started this guy last night...He's looking a little cross eyed so far, lol.

Got plans for these...

Ohhh yeah and for these too, hehehehehehe.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!

I'm back, boy did I miss all of you!!

Brenda

From Start to Finish!! Spirits Of The Night / Ghosts...

2010-05-16T11:51:00.001-07:00

From this...

to this....

She is my entry for this months SEHA Challenge...
Spirits Of The Night / Ghosts

What do you think?

Hope everyone is having a super weekend!!

It is beautiuful here in New York so I'm going to go enjoy a bit of it before I start my ghost listing on Ebay, hopefully she will start tonight depending on how nice that weather is outside, lol. Now listed on Ebay.

Brenda

Could You At Least Pass Me My Paint Brush...

2010-05-12T04:21:00.000-07:00

Feeling a bit like this lately, lol...

Here's my latest WIP.

Deadline, Friday, huh, what? Are you out of your mind?????

Awwww, that's better.....

Thank You Kathy!!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Brenda

Looky What I Got and Mr. Tinkles!!

2010-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Looky, looky what I got from Sarah of Cottage Garden Studios!! Lucky me, aren't they beautiful. I totally love my treats. They are so much better in person, I'm such a lousy photographer, so sorry Sarah. My pictures don't begin to do them justice!!

Beautifully Matted!!

The Magical Holiday Artists had a Spring / Summer Theme Swap and I joined in for my very first time, quite nervous I was...

I love my new picture with the cutest bunny, sunflowers and bumble bees!! The Moonlight Market Postcard from Sarah's Everyday Witches Series (I so loved that series) and the most beautiful Macro Flower Picture, ha, if I could only take pictures that beautifully!! Thank you Sarah, happy dancing!!

and then there is Mr. Tinkles, lol!!!
This was my swap piece for Sarah.

Mr. Tinkles with his Sunflower Umbrella
Why Mr. Tinkles? Because sometimes it sprinkles

but sometimes it just tinkles, lol.

Yipppeeeee Sarah loves him and Nonni does too, hehehehehe.

Now I'm off to create, I am gluing myself into my chair!!!

Happy Monday and Happy Creating

Brenda

Wool Wednesday Part 3 - Dying Wool

2010-05-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Lets dye some wool, yipppeeeee!!!

Here's some things you will need and / or are optional.

Today we will be using the following:

White Vinegar

A Measuring Cup

Food Coloring

Easter Egg Dye, perfect timing, I bought mine after Easter so real bargain there regularly $2.99 on clearance for 30 cents each (always love a bargain). Did I mention I bought like 12, lol.

A Glass Cake Pan (8 X 8 or 9 X 9), minus my Son's Birthday Brownie, hahaha

A Canning Jar ( I used an Alfredo Jar, recycling friendly)

Warm Tap Water

Wooden Spoon (optional)

Rubber Gloves (optional)

and a Microwave

Note: I haven't tried the Kool-Aid yet, that will come another time

Pretty easy so far, huh

Line your pan with wool, I pull my locks by the tips for this part. Lay them side by side in your pan, my locks were short enough to do two rows. Add another layer. In your measuring cup put about 3/4 of cup of water, add a glug (yep a glug, that's the term used in most of the YouTube Videos I watched, high tech here!!). Add your food coloring, here we have used red, note the red will have more of a pink tone to it then red when mixed with the water so don't be to stingy with it, but you don't need it all either. You will get a better feel for this after a couple of batches.

Now pour it gently over your wool, tap your wool down gently with the end of a wooden spoon (I apparently like to get messy as I just use my fingers) into your liquid. Now your off to do something else for about 10-15 minutes, longer is fine, I've gotten busy and didn't come back for a couple of hours, so no problem. Come back make sure it is totally wet, if you need to add a little water be sure to also add a bit more vinegar as that is what sets your dyes. You want it to just cover your wool, to much and it is going to splatter all over the inside of your microwave, yeah I did that too. Okay we are ready to microwave it.

Place it into the microwave and cook it for 5 minutes, check it, looks good, cook another 2 minutes, done. Okay, it is going to be super hot, so use those OVEN MITTS!! Set it out to cool, about 30 minutes to an hour. We're ready to rinse. Squeeze the excess liquid out, no ringing or twisting, fill your dish with cool water, place your wool back in to the dish, gently patting it. Repeat this oh about 3-4 times to you have clear water and your getting rid of the vinegar smell. Time to dry again.

For this look, the rainbow effect with bits of white showing. Place your wool into your pan as before. Yep water and vinegar but no color this time. Pour over your wool as before, let sit, check wetness and water level. Okay now your ready to dye. Place drops of food coloring on to your wool. About 5 drops across each row of the colors you've chosen leaving a bit of space between each row of color. Gently tap it down into your liquid with your wooden spoon, I recommend that you rinse your spoon when changing colors. Time to microwave. Repeat cooking, cooling and rinsing as before.

Okay now lets give the Easter Egg Dye a try. Grab that canning jar or your recycled glass jar. Fill it about half way or a little less, add a glub of vinegar, throw in your Easter Egg Dye Tablet, let it dissolve and stir. Now pull off a clump of your wool and push it into your jar. You may need to add a bit more water just to cover the top of your wool. It's ready to microwave. This time you will cook it only 2 minutes, remove from the microwave, don't forget those OVEN MITTS, this one is going to be even hotter than the last process. Let cool, this one takes much longer to cool. Once cool, you repeat cooking for 2 more minutes in the microwave and let it completely cool. Now your ready to rinse and dry as before. So there you have it. You just dyed your own wool, it was really easy, huh.

Of coarse I had mine all over the kitchen drying and this morning my husband says to me when I got up. I went in the kitchen to make coffee and it looked like Toucan Sam threw up all over the kitchen, lol, I haven't a clue as to why??? Hahahahahahahahaha

So what did I learn: I loved this process, it was lots of fun!!! The colors are amazing!!

Generally you will find that all of the color is absorbed by your wool during the microwaving process but I did find that there was color left in the water and vinegar mixture after using the Blue Easter Egg Dye, so add a bit of red coloring and another glub of vinegar and make yourself some purple as shown in the above picture. This is a very kitchen friendly process, your ingredients are all food safe so there isn't any need for separate dishes or utensils for this project. When your done dyeing, just wash as normal, loving that!! Oh one more thing, be warned your kitchen and microwave are going to have a high concentration of vinegar smell, although it didn't bother me a bit, my husband and son were totally grossed out, lol.

So what's next: I hope to try the Kool-Aid Kettle Dying Next, can't wait, can you????

I loved this Youtube video on rainbow dyeing with Ruthann McCaully

Also here is the link for processing your own wool again: HJS Studio

Next Wool Wednesday Kettle Dying with Kool Aid!!

Also Lori of Flossie Kat's Korner left the best tips in my last Wool Wednesday Post for washing your wool in the washer, so be sure to check that out as well. I will be giving it a try my next wash day, it's going to really cut the time of washing, whoooo hoooo!! Lori makes the cutest miniature needle felted critters, so she has plenty of experience at processing her own wool, be sure to check out her adorable creations on her blog.

Okay, it looks like a lot but it really isn't, it is super easy and fun!! Give it a try!!!

Woolly Wednesday To All!!!!

Enjoy your week!!!
Brenda

5 1/2 hours and 7 banners later!!

2010-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have sat down a couple of times now to create a banner for my Etsy shop, ughhhhh. It is a real pain in my hinny. Each time all I did was get frustrated and said just forget it!! So I sat down again determined that I could do this!! I collaged, I resized, chopped off heads, chopped off my shop name, ughhhhhhhh, Calgon Take Me Away!!! I did this from 11:00 pm to 4:30 am, good grief.....Finally 5 1/2 hours and 7 banners later, whooo hooo, I have one( picture above with one of my wicked friends), happy dancing!! So I surf around at other shops and I discover this Shop Announcement thing, huhhhh, what in the world, are you kidding me, ughhhh. So now I have to make a shop announcement, that will have to come another day, I have no more patience left in me, lol.

This was way more FUN!!

I shipped mine Friday, whooo hooo!!

My very first swap!! MHA had a Spring / Summer Theme Swap and I joined in the fun!! Sarah of Cottage Garden Studios is my partner, whooo hoooo, I always adore her work!! I can't wait to show you what I created for Sarah (really hoping she likes it) and what Sarah created for me, pics soon!!!

Busy, busy, busy creating my Swap piece, check, done, yippeeee.

Way to frustrated with techie computer stuff, so tomorrow we are traveling to a happy place, yepper, Wool Wednesday, ahhhhhhhhh, feeling better already, lol.

See ewes tomorrow.....

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!

Brenda

Wow, A Wonderful Award From A Very Dear Friend!! The Bryrum Spiritual Art Award!!!

2010-04-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

WOW!!

As quoted by Sherry of Byrum Art:

It has been along Winter and I've had some difficult transitions in my life this Winter. Many of my online friends have continued to inspire me and help me just by being their selves. It's been awhile since I've given this award out but I would like to pass in on to some of the ladies here on blogger land that have encouraged me to continue despite my personal problems and despite the economy. To me the greatest spiritual gift one can give is encouragement and support to others!! So I want to thank

Sarah of Cottage Garden Studios

Becca of Magikal Seasons

Jeanne of The Candy Corn Chronicles

Suzie of Cat In The Moon

Brenda of Wicked Wool Gathering (whooo hooo, that's me!!)

Dede of Brightest Blessings Wiccans

Cindy of Shaggy Hag Decor

and my special friend of Witch Hollow Primitives who is greatly missed!!

So ladies I hope you will pass my humble Award on to those who have inspired you and your offerings this loonnngggg Winter this year!!

(End of quote.)

Thank you Sherry for thinking of me!!

I'm a natural born giver, it's just my nature, I know that and I've known it for a very long time, probably about the time I was dating and my Mother generally didn't approve of anyone I dated including the guy I've been married to for 29 years. But it was back then that she made a statement to me that has not only stuck but made me realize a big part of who I am. Her statement "You know you can't save the world don't you?" It was right there and then that I realized she was right (not that I was intentionally trying to save the world, it's just who I am)but I also made the conscious decision to give and be passionate of everyone I meet. As the old saying goes, you don't know why a person is the way they are until you've walked a mile in their shoes. So remember that it is important to leave a grin, a smile, a laugh, a gentle hug, words of encouragement, or a simple hey I've been thinking of you, with everyone you meet and remember to not be quick to judge as it really does make a difference in each of our lives!! The words you give come back to you!! And although we may not be able save the world, I believe we have the power within ourselves to make the world a better place. I live by this rule, I believe in the Poem at the top of my blog!! Call me childish, maybe I'm living in a Fantasy World but I choose to believe. By the number of WONDERFUL AWARDS that I have received as of late I'd say it not only works but stands very true!!

Thank you Sherry!!

So I would like to pass this wonderful award on to a few special people, people that I feel give of themselves unconditionally:

Of coarse I would include Sherry and all of the wonderful ladies on Sherry's list, I will pass it on to a couple more wonderful ladies:

Cat of In The Light Of The Moon

and

Kathy of Calkat The Jewelry Junkie

Thank you ladies for making a huge difference in my life!!

((Hugs))

Brenda

Another FAB Monday!! A Grand Award!!! A Couple of Giveaways!!!

2010-04-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

ITS FAB MONDAY!!

Loving this one!!! This was awarded to me by Cindy of Shaggy Hag Decor!! Cindy has a few blogs and each one is FANTASTIC!!! You must check them out, she creates some of the best vintage style Halloween Art ever!!

(As Quoted by Cindy): I created this award for a few of my favorite Halloween Artists. This is for those that are always ready to lend a hand. I have so many but will limit it to 4.

Becca from Magical Seasons

Brenda (that's me, yippeeeee!!)

Dede from Brightest Blessings Wiccans

and

Sarah from Cottage Garden Studios

This is a big thank you for always being there for everyone!! (End of Quote)

What a wonderful surprise, thank you SO much Cindy for thinking of me!! I should be giving you this Award, your the best and you always go above and beyond for everyone!!

Next Looky Looky...

Here's an awesome giveaway!! Lisa from Pearl Avenue Studios created this beautiful luminary for the Halloween Queens Castle Bootique Giveaway. Be sure to pop over to the Bootique to enter and then fly on over to Lisa's blog. You'll find amazing Halloween art on both of those stops!!

What You Want MORE, okey dokey...

Be sure to fly by Lynda's blog Haunted Swamp Designs for another fun Giveaway!! Her Giveaway is a DIY, loving it!!! Hurry over to check it out!!

I'm beginning to really like Mondays!!

Enjoy all of the amazing Halloween Artists Links I've included in today's post, you won't be disappointed!! They are truly amazing Creators and Artists!!

Happy Monday and good luck on those Giveaways!!

Brenda

Wool Processing Woolly Wednesday Adventure Part 1 & 2 and a Happy Dancing Award!!

2010-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Whooo hooo, I'm a happy dancing girl once again!! I have been honored once again with this awesome Award!! This time by Chris of Prim Country Farms, love hers and her husband's Prim Goodies!! Thank you so much Chris for thinking of me for this Wonderful Art Award!!

Wool!! I am addicted, is there such a thing as Woolly Wove, I'm sure I have it!! Currently there is no cure for this disease, lol.

Remember wool is a 100% natural and renewable resource.

Want To Process Your Own Wool? I will have a great link at the end of today's post. I have done a lot of research on processing your own wool and this is one of the best links I have found.

Part 1 & 2: Sorting and Washing continued: So we have sorted out our wool prior to washing. Note: I do not pull out slightly discolored wool prior to washing and here's why. I'm a firm believer in "waste not, want not". It will work perfectly for the core of your dryer balls and / or stuffing. So with that said where have we been and where are we going. Washing your own wool will NOT be a fast process but you can do other things while completing this part of the process. I wash mine in about 1/2 pound increments due to the fact that I am using my kitchen sink, which opens up some other inconveniences, lol. A 2 3/4 pound bag of raw - dirty wool was sorted and separated into 5 batches for washing. Each batch receives 2 - 3 washes (I use Dawn Dish Soap) and three rinses. Which takes a total of 2 1/2 - 3 hours to complete per batch (that is just the washing process). Each wash and rinse soaks for 15 to 20 minutes. This was NOT real dirty wool, so keep that in mind. The dirtier your wool the longer this process will take. It is very important NOT to agitate your wool during the washing and rinsing process as this will felt your wool!! So with three really good wash days so far I have managed to wash less than 5 pounds of wool, did I mention this is time consuming, lol, but after it drys you will be so happy with your results and extremely proud that you did it yourself. Well I only have about another 24 more pounds to go, yikeeessss.

So what have I learned: I did buy some heavy duty Playtex Gloves and yes, that water is still freakin hot!! I have burned my hands and wrists even with my new gloves. I now also have a dedicated Wooden Wool Washing Spoon, to gently poke my wool into the hot water instead of using just my hands, ouch!!! It also appears that my skin is not overly fond of my new wool hobby. I am carrying the red itchy rash to prove it, lol. But I am stubborn and I will continue with my new journey!! Yes, I am still loving it even though there are some drawbacks (don't forget about the smell, I swear them sheep are rolling in their urine, that part is truly awful, but obviously not enough to discourage me). I don't even want to know how that speaks of my character, good griefffff. I have very sensitive skin so I should have known this was probably going to be an issue, so if you have sensitive skin this is another thing to keep in mind. Oh yeah did I mention that I've learned I need a much bigger house and a 2nd kitchen would be grand, lol.

Yippeeee, it's time to dry!!!

It's on top of the dryer...

It's on top of the washer...

It's on the heat vents...

and even in the yard!!!

Yes, you will need a lot of drying area!! I am also now planning laundry day around washing and drying wool day, lol. Place your wool on top of your dryer while drying your laundry. Drying outside is best, when the weather cooperates and is the fastest but beware of windy days or you will be chasing your wool, lol.

Just to show you how bad the Woolly Wove Disease is... Guess what came today... Yummy, over 7 pounds of wool roving, yippeeee!!!!
Aren't you just dyeing to know what I'm going to do with this...

Are you ready to process your own wool? I finally found one site that had the best information and takes you through the whole process instead of bit by bit. Here it is, hope you enjoy it: .

A bit of wool trivia: Did you know that it is recommended that you shear a sheep at least once a year as their wool continues to grow like our hair does. Of coarse that explains part of that awful smell, just imagine what our hair would look and smell like if we only washed it once a year, ewwwww. Also, it is highly recommended that you not bathe your sheep as you will felt the wool right on their body, talk about a bad hair day, lol.

So we survived washing (well at least you have, I still have about 24 more pounds to go, hehehe) and drying. So where do we go next, we will be dyeing our wool during our next Wool Wednesday.

Inquiring minds want to know and the answer is yes. Coming soon, I will be offering up some of my woolly wares for sale here on my blog and my Etsy Shop.

So it's back to work for me. I have a sculpture screaming my name (currently I'm calling him Mr. Tinkles, hehehehe) and those darn sheep are blat ting at me again. So until next time.

Have a great day!!!

Brenda

Hurry in The Witchie Wedding Is About To Begin and a Wonderful Award!!

2010-04-12T16:33:00.001-07:00

Yeah Aggie's Big Day has finally arrived!!"

and another awesome award too, whoo hooo!!!

Come on in and

Welcome to Aggie's Wedding Day, beware of Aggie's cobweb collection on your way through
The Ushers (the monsters of coarse) will seat you
Don't leave without having some Wedding Cake, if you dare...
Awww, look her familiar has donated some Hair Balls for Aggie's Boo quet (everyone knows a black cat's hair balls look just like that, orange with eyes) giggle, giggle, snort
Enjoy

Aggie will be listing soon on Ebay. Be sure to place SEHA in the Ebay search engine for more wonderful Halloween Art and Wedding Witches listing April 10th - 17th.

Okay, this one was just to much fun!!! I want to make a whole Wedding Party now!!

Next have you heard? I have been nominated by Becca of Magikal Seasons for another awesome award!! Speaking of wonderful art, you must check out Becca's if you haven't already. She makes the most whimsical and fun creations. They are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!! I am really humbled by this one. This award is for Art You Think is Wonderful. Wow, thank you Becca for such a wonderful compliment and for such a beautiful award!! Although, I could pass this one on to an infinite list , I will limit myself to only a few.

I would like to give this wonderful award to the following amazing Artists.

Kathy of Calkat The Jewelry Junkie (and they say what's in a name, lol) you will love her creations!!

Cat of In the Light Of The Moon (she is the queen of mixed media creations)!!!

Lisa of LLA Creations (I am in awwww every time I see her new carvings)!!!

Thank you again Becca for thinking of me and my work!!

Next more on Wool and I'm starting my "Spring / Summer Swap Piece" for my MHA / Etsy Team Partner. I can't wait to see what everyone creates!!

Have a wonderful week!!
Brenda

Rub A Dub Dub There's A Sheep In My Tub....and my WIPs

2010-04-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

So it begins....Today was the first day of starting my adventure into processing my own wool fleeces. As you remember Hubby gave me some on our Anniversary. Awww, nothing says love like a good farm smelling fleece. I went and bought another 19 and 3/4 pounds more and the lady I bought it from gave me another two pounds. My poor husband looked at the seven large garbage bags on her table and said that's all yours?????????? With the cheesiest grin I responded uhhh huhhhhh, poor guy.....

So day one and what have I learned. First let me say, I LOVE IT!! I find it very therapeutic. Believe it or not, this is some of the white wool, looking pretty dirty, its going to get better..

Now for my first lessons. Too much soap, oops, makes it much harder to get rinsed clear with SO many bubbles.

Next buy a pair of good Playtex gloves, I burned the **it out of my hands!!!

Love these!!!

and I got to put the Horse Before The Cart, I usually do...

In the two pounds the lady gave me there were batts / batting nice and clean and ready to use, yippee. It's a very dark chocolate brown. So last night I made these. Wool Dryer Balls, they are a lot of fun to make. Again very relaxing. I will tell you more about this process later. First we have to sort out the unusable stuff, wash, dry, pick / tease, comb and make rolags from our raw wool fleece and then we can create. I'm the only one allowed here to put the Cart Before The Horse, lol. I can't wait to try soap felting too!!

Yikes, that's a lot of wool, I better get those gloves this weekend, I have a lot of work yet to do, lol, poor hubby....

Here's a few pics of my Wedding Witch still in progress but she's getting closer...

Here's the front view, hahahahahahaha. She has a lovely netted underskirt, hehehehehe.

Check out how long her netted train is!!!!

A bit closer up...

and she'll be holding this little JOL treat bucket for her bouquet, haven't figured out what to put in it as of yet????? Any ideas???

So there you have it. The sheep are hanging out in my kitchen and I'm trying to plan a Witchie Wedding, no rest for the Wicked, lol.

Hope your having a wonderful week!!

I'll be back to baaahhh ther you more soon...

Brenda

Have You Heard? Agatha Twitch The Witch Is Getting Hitched!!

2010-04-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

She will be my entry for the SEHA Monthly Theme Challenge

"Wedding Witch"

Be sure to check them all out listing April 10th - 17th on Ebay!!

hahhahahaha

Brenda

Sure Hope The Easter Bunny Brings You Lots Of Chocolate This Sunday!!!

2010-04-01T16:51:00.001-07:00

From My Flock to Your's!!!

((Hugs))

Brenda

If A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words, Then This Award Must Be Worth A Million

2010-03-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me so long to post this dear Sarah, I am at a loss for words over this wonderful award. I've cried, I've smiled and cried some more. This one is a real touchy feely award if you know what I mean, Thank You Dearest Sarah!!

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL! But why is it so beautiful? This award has a history (a special and touching story) all of its own, yes, it's a piece of art, it's inspiring, and it's heartfelt!! It is perception, it's growth, it's personality, it's individualism, it's a bond, it's a warm fuzzy feeling, it's life's ups and downs, it's a connection / bond to others that we meet and greet, it is....

An amazing AWARD indeed and graciously bestowed upon me by Sarah of Cottage Garden Studios. Sarah is an amazing woman, she is a conqueror and passionate soul. If you haven't visited her blog, you must, you will love her journeys.

QUOTED BY SARAH

"This award is not one to be passed on...it is a gift from me to you and I hope you will honor me by taking it! I have been watching you amazing women support up each other and this is my small way of saying thank you! Here is to Renee...Cheers hon!!

The Mental Duck to Mental Swan Award is given to two amazing groups of Bloggers;

1). To Bloggers who encourage and nurture other Bloggers to explore and grow in their creative, spiritual or mental lives.

2). To Bloggers who are blooming and growing creatively, spiritually or mentally in their lives and sharing it on their blog.

Brenda of Wicked Wool Gathering - Brenda is another dear friend that I have watched bloom over the last year. Another wonderful artist whom I adore! Sweet and caring she never fails to send hugs just when you need them!"

I am thrilled to have received this award, I am....beyond words...

Thank You Sarah, I have and will treasure it, I will display it with honor.

Thank you everyone for sharing this honor with me!! Please realize that it has been with you my followers that I have grown and I have learned that we can conquer our hearts desires with passion!! We can breathe life into our creations and each other by living and not letting life pass us by. So please let me bow to each of you and say Thank You for touching my life!!

((Hugs))

Brenda

The End of Spring and Easter Creations...On to Halloween and Christmas, yippeeee.

2010-03-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here's some yummy Springtime Easter Bunny Rabbit Coasters / Ornies
Now listed in my Etsy Shop.

And here is my grand finale for the Easter / Springtime Season. This large Carrot Stocking measures 23" in length and I am having a terrible time trying to get a decent picture of it because it's so big, ugggg. I'll keep trying, can't take one outside it has been raining for days here.

You can check it out in my Etsy Shop here.

So what's next Halloween and Christmas of coarse, yipppeeee, my favorites!!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Brenda

A Game Of Photo Tag with Flat Stanley

2010-03-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged, photo tagged that is. I was first tagged by Dede of Brightest Blessings Wiccans. So how does it work? Well, you go to your first photo album and pick the tenth picture, post it, and tell about it. Okay sounds easy enough. There's only one problem though my actual photo albums are packed and buried in a closet never to be seen again I'm sure... Lack of storage, don't you just hate it!! Next, my digital photo album, ummm, no that won't work it's filled with pictures you've already seen here or pictures of my grand kids that I can't post here, long story.... So what do I have? Ahhh haaaa, this, lol....

Another good reason why I don't have any pictures to show, lol. Here is just a small grouping of yes, guilty as charged, hanging my head in shame. Rolls of film and disposable cameras still waiting to be developed. Yeah, I save them for several years before they finally get developed. So go ahead pick number 10 and we'll all be surprised to see what it is, lol.

OM, I've been tagged again!! This time by Sarah of Cottage Garden Studios. Now what do I do? Ahhh haaa, I've got it. This time it involves a phone call to my sister. Kim does Becca still have her Flat Stanley Book? Becca, yeah. I need the tenth picture, can you scan and email it to me? After a long conversation of why? It arrives. So what is the story behind Flat Stanley, loads of fun...

Flat Stanley was a school project for my niece Becca several years ago now. Flat Stanley is a real story for children. Long story short, Becca had to make her own Flat Stanley and mail him to someone. The person who received him was to journal information about the weather in their area, their landscape, take a few pictures of the area they live in, etc. But I was living in PA. at the time, she is in NY (we were only about 40 minutes away from each other) so the weather, landscape, etc are basically the same. So now what do I do? I've got it, I'll scrapbook him, lol. I pictured him with the "Welcome To Pennsylvania Sign", pictures with the family, and so on. Everywhere we went Stanley went, people had to think we were totally insane, lol. What I won't do for my niece and nephew. The timing of their project was perfect since it was Christmas time there was plenty of things going on. On this particular page he went to work with me for our company Christmas party, lol, yep. Flat Stanley visited with Santa, danced with a co worker, posed with the tree, presents and snacks and even went for a walk in the country (lol, we taped him to one of landscape pictures hanging in the lunch room for his walk). We had a riot with Flat Stanley, looking back at these pictures, I think he had a lot of fun to, lol.

PS, Becca received an "A" on her school project, "AKA" my "A", lol, I'm still trying to figure out how it was the students class projects. The teacher loved it so much that she put it on display. And my niece still has her Flat Stanley Book that I created for her after all of these years, I'm thrilled to know that I created more than a Flat Stanley Scrapbook, I created a wonderful childhood memory that is still being cherished today!!! Love ya Becca from your auntie Laa Laa!!!

So now I'm suppose to pass it on to 5 other bloggers!! This one touched me more than you know, so I would love to see all of my followers nab this one!! Please do, I would love to hear your stories!!!

Happy Over The Hump Day!!

Brenda

29 Years of Marriage and What do I Get, sheep's Clothing, huh???

2010-03-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yepper, sheep's clothing, lol. One whole white fleece all 7 pounds 6 ounces of it. Well it will be white. It is in raw form (dirt, hay, etc), so I have to do all of the work but it will be so worth it and I saved a ton of money buying it this way. It even comes with sheep poop, hahaha, I'll save that part and give it to hubby for fertilizer, hubby loves his yard!! I'll be dying some and I think I am going to give spinning a try after it is all cleaned up.

oh yeah, here's a little more, don't worry there is only 4 ounces of grey wool here, for them Witch Sculptures of course. Yeah, this one needs to be cleaned to. It's a good thing my husband loves me and he is so use to the way I buy supplies (huge bulk). If I need one I might as well buy 50 or more because its always cheaper in bulk than when you buy just 1 or 2. Okay, this is my story and I'm sticking to it, lol.

He bought me new curtains for the kitchen. 28 years ago these gifts would have gotten him in the doghouse, now I love getting things for the house, lol.

New rugs for the bathroom. Can you tell I love color!! Not so much on my walls but everywhere else. He bought me more clay, I seem to be going through it like crazy lately. And he took me out to one of the best dinners I have had in a long time (The Texas Road House). OM Goodness was it ever delicious!!! We had a wonderful anniversary!! I feel extremely spoiled especially since all he got was the movie "2012" that he wanted which I enjoyed to, boy did he get ripped.

Here's one of my WIP's

She still needs a lot of work, more paint, fabric, accessories, some hair would probably be nice. She is a challenge piece, can't give away what yet. I only have about two and a half weeks to finish her. With Easter only two weeks away, I have a few things I need to finish for the grand kids so I hope I can get it all done in time.

And I just had to share this!! We found this in our attic when we bought our house in October. Isn't it just screaming Cool Halloween Art all over it. From what I could find on the Internet they quit making this Rattlesnake Beer sometime in 1997. It is from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Oh yeah and still coming in the next day or two. Photo tag not once but twice!!
Have a Great Day!!
Brenda

The Queens of Halloween are Having a Giveaway in Their New Bootique Castle Shop!!!

2010-03-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just click on the picture to see how you can enter.

This fabulous prize was created by Karen Harper of idrawpix. Karen's work is always amazing although I am still trying to win one on Ebay, lol!! I will have one in my collection you wait and see my pretties!!! This giveaway marks the Halloween Queens Castle Bootique's second month of listings. The Queens are a very diversified and talented group of artists. I love all of their work and hope to own some of it to!! So what are you waiting for, someone to bite you, flap on over and enter now, time is running out!!

Also it appears my dear friend Dede has photo tagged me, hmmmmm, fun, will have to see what I have in my album or at least an album I can get to, lol, number ten you say.....So coming soon...

Along with a few more goodies.....

Have a great day and be sure to bring your broom with you next time, I'm working on Halloween!!!

Brenda

Did you say Easter Basket Giveaway? The Magical Holiday Artists are Hopping Into Spring in a Magical Way X 2...

2010-03-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

OM Gosh, just look at all of these fabulous Easter / Spring TREATS!!!

All of these amazing, wonderful and beautiful items were created by some of our team members, how awesome is THAT!! Want a chance to win, hop on over to the Magical Holiday Artists Blog by clicking on either of the pictures above and you'll be on your way...Whooo hoooo Spring is coming!!!

GOOD LUCK

and

Happy Monday Everyone, all Mondays should be like this!!!

Brenda

I'm In The Spotlight, oooo I Feel Like Royalty

2010-03-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

I've been picked to be in the Because We Believe Artists Spotlight!!! Happy Dancing!!! Yep, that's me the one in the blue jeans and sweatshirt on the Red Carpet, lol. Do you think Joan Rivers is going to have a field day with my outfit, "The Worse Dressed", hahahaha. You can see it here. Thank you everyone for your wonderful support.

WIP

Here's a pic of my latest work in progress an Old World Santa Ornament. I'm really happy with the way he's turning out. I just need to find the perfect fabric now to make his hat. I'm leaning towards a hunter green velour type of fabric, what do you think??? Now you have to realize that I am NO SEWER, little things here or there but nothing to say I sew but I have a terrible fetish for fabric, lol. So once I walk into the fabric store it is going to be "Game On" for me, I could end up with 5 different fabrics to make one hat, yikkkessss, I'm scared.

Happy Friday Everyone and I hope you all have a great weekend!! Thank you for sharing in my happy dance too!!!

Brenda

For Renee and The Memory of Mothers Everywhere Including My Own.

2010-03-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

The passing of Renee has been a tremendous loss to the blogging world. She touched so many of us. When I first discovered her blog I instantly started reliving our journey during my Mother's cancer. She lived exactly one month from the day she was diagnosed. After she passed I wrote this in memory of a wonderful Mother although I think it fits well for anyone who has lost someone special in their life. I think this is a good time to share it with all of you with so many sharing the sadness of Renee's passing and the family and friends she leaves behind.

Walking The Threshold Of Life

By Brenda LaBell

As we walk through the threshold of life, we often forget about the things that are important. We only get one chance to walk through that threshold and be sure we do it right. So remember that life can be too short, too hectic, too fast paced and sometimes unforgiving. Make the effort to spend time with your loved ones. Don't let them slip away without sharing their laughter, their sorrow, their likes, their dislikes, and to grasp onto everything they represent for this is what you are left with when the threshold of destiny comes upon you.

As we sit here just a short time after your passing, Mother, we gaze to wonder if we did everything we could to hold your memories with us forever. You were fifty-four years young to us, but in your threshold of life you had reached old age. During your last weeks of life there was so much to say, but none of us could. How do you tell the ones you love good-bye? But somehow you did with the little things you said. Such as, "I'll miss you", "I love you", and by telling us not to cry. You faced it so bravely Mother, and mothers don't leave their children, or so we think. Our hearts are forever filled with your memories, your love you gave unconditionally, and you will by missed.

As each of us continue our walk through the threshold of life, we can only hope we do it right, for we each only get one walk, and our destiny is not yet foretold. You were the best Mother, Grandmother, and Wife. You really did put everyone before yourself. You gave us so much. You often asked..."What am I here for?" Well, now we know and we only hope you know it too. You were an important person in each of our lives. You listened, you cared, you loved us, and you gave us all of the things we needed to carry on without you. Stand proud for you did a great job! You touched so many lives in such a short time. You won't be forgotten or unspoken of. You will live on in each of us through our thoughts and our stories.

With all our love...

God Bless You Mom

Patricia Anne Cram

March 19, 1944 - June 5, 1998

Your Loving Family

Miss You Mom

It's so hard to lose the ones we love, family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as your heart aches for the loss of Renee. "The Power Of Renee" will live on through each of you.

((Hugs To All Of You))

An Irish Blessing

2010-03-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

Mr. Leprechaun is finished and now listed on Ebay

He is my very first full bodied sculpture and I am thrilled with how he turned out. Sure hope you all love him too.

I love birthdays!! The more you have, the longer you live!!

Well yesterday (Saturday) was my 40 ish birthday and it was awesome. I did some shopping, of coarse it included art supplies, much more fun than buying clothes well at least to me it is, lol. Of coarse I couldn't come home until I had some new yarn too, you can't ever have enough yarn, giggle, giggle, snort... I went to three craft stores and I was in my glory!!! And very achey and breaky today though, the "ish" part of my birthday definetly shows more each year but it really is just a number. I bought some polymer clay, a couple of cones, a new crochet pattern book (yes, I already have probably a couple hundred books, but whats one more that I don't use but have to have, hehehehehehe), took a couple of those free patterns of coarse too. Did you know they have a free crochet pattern out there for snuggies, oh yeah had to have that one. Bought a couple of Artsy things for the grand kids to and some other misc. art supplies. Had some birthday cake, spent some time with my grand kids, hubby and son. What a fantastic day, now back to the real world, laundry, dishes, etc. But for one day I did nothing but what I wanted to do, no housework, what a life, I could get use to that very easily, lol.

Well back to creating those Easter Bunnies.

Sure hope you had a great weekend too!!

Brenda

Have You Met Herman????

2010-03-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

No Not That Herman...

This Herman or Should I Say Hermans

Be sure to grab a piece as your reading today, it has a sugar and cinnamon topping, yummy!!

Dede, Brightest Blessings Wiccans

the sweetheart and dear friend that she is sent me a starter batch, yum, yum, yum. I have heard this delicious bread called by many names, starter bread, friendship bread, but my favorite name for it is Herman, because you have to feed him, lol. Although my grand daughter all of 4 years old was not at all impressed by the fact that it was Herman, she wanted to know why it wasn't a girl???? So I told her next time we will make a girl and I asked what will you name your girl bread? She said Rosie, so our next batch will be Rosie, she is sitting on my counter (naughty girl for sitting on my counter) and on day six I will feed Rosie, hehehehehe. From the mouths of babes......

Thank You Dede, it is scrumptious!!!

I have finally finished my commissioned elephant, yipppeee, so he or she is off to their new home today. Sure hope he likes him it is for his step daughter. I will know tonight...

WIP

Oooops, he's looking a little out of focus in this photo, he must be nipping on that green beer already. Yes, I said him.

Mr Leprechaun is coming along. He still needs a hat, some grass on his base, etc. I was hoping he would be done by today but that doesn't look to promising. Sure hope he's finished in time to list him, ughhhhh.

Have A Stupendous Weekend Everyone!!!

Brenda

Looky Looky, for me awww shucks......

2010-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am honored, thrilled, overjoyed and most of all loving this award!!! How could you not love an award that is this beautiful and Springtime Fresh!!

It is awarded to bloggers whose positiveness and creativity inspires others in the blog world. Wow, how flattering is that!!

My Sunshine Award was presented to me by Kathy from Calkat The Jewelry Junkie!! I adore her, her blog and her artwork and jewelry is amazing!!! By the way I will be doing a little shopping with you very soon, lol!!!

The Rules for accepting this award are:

1). Place the Award on your blog or within your post.

2). Pass the Award on to 12 Sunny bloggers.

3). Link to the nominees within your post.

4). Let them know they received this Award by commenting on their blog.

and

5). Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this Award.

Now, I'm a firm believer that some rules were meant to be broken and I think this one is a sure fit and this is why.... I know some of you are Award Free Zones and I totally respect that and understand your reasoning. So if I nominate you please know that if you are an Award Free Zone do not feel that you are obligated but I want you all to know how you've inspired me in my art, the blog world and my life.

Bloggers Who Inspire Me (I don't have many followers but the ones that do are some of the best people I have ever met!!!)

So My Nominees Are: All of My Followers and here's just a few reasons why!! They are people that are positive, inspiring, sincere, supportive, they always make time for others, they are really good people and true friends!! 12 will be my short list.

1). Kathy, Calkat The Jewelry Junkie: Of course this is coming right back at you girl!!

2). Sarah, Cottage Garden Studios

3). Dede, Brightest Blessings Wiccans

4). Sherry, Byrum Art

5). Becca, Magikal Seasons

6). Laura, Cobblestone Creations

7). Lisa, Pearl Avenue Studios

8). Caroline, Carolines Crafts

9). Josie, Skeleton In My Closet: I know you are an Award Free Zone, but I really want you to know that you are all of these things to me too, thank you!!!

10). Robert, Halloween Fanatic

11). Jeanne, Wild Woods Art Studio / The Candy Corn Chronicles

12). Jeannine, By Way Of Salem

Okay, that's enough before you all get a fat head, lol.

Thank You Kathy And To All Of You That Inspire Me!!

((Hugs))

Brenda

"Oh Magoo, you've done it again!"

2010-02-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

Started creating this guy last night. Reminds me a bit of Mr Magoo, lol. Hummm, I may be the very first person to create Mr. Magoo the Leprechaun, I can't wait to see this one finished, hehehehe.

WIP, I Don't Do Commisions But Apparently My Husband Does

2010-02-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

This cute little elephant head commissioned piece will be a key chain .

I did a commission item once and I suddenly suffered from procrastination (okay that one wasn't so unusual) and brain fart so I decided they just weren't for me but my husband apparently does take commission work for me, lol. The best part is he gets twice the money I get when I sell my work so what could I say, lol.

A Primitive Easter Bunny

and

A Halloween Witch Make Do

What a strange array of company I keep.

I have a few more items in progress, since I still have this annoying cough from being sick I haven't braved painting yet I'm afraid their eyes may end up on the back of their heads, hehehehe.

and a HUGE THANK YOU TO CINDY FROM THE SHABBY HAG FOR MY NEW AWESOME CUSTOM BLOG BANNER, hoot hoot!!!! Thanks again Cindy, I love it!!!

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!

Brenda

FINISHED!!!

2010-01-21T10:21:00.001-08:00

I've added a little matching Gift / Hang Tag

Everything is now glued in place.

Finished and now listed on Ebay.

Can't wait to make more of these!!

PS Cat, I did answer your question in my previous post, hope it helps.

Happy Creating

and

Happy Thursday Everyone

Brenda

Finishing Up Valentine's Day

2010-01-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine WIP / Getting Close

Altered Art / Mixed Media ACEO Album or Wallet Photo Album

Sweet and Cute next to

Creepy and Cute, lol.

Now Listed on Ebay
Valentine's Elf / Troll "Where's The Love?" Keychain Sculpture

Creepy Cute Trolls Need Love Too...

Next Maybe St. Patrick's Day

Hope your having a great week!!!

Brenda

I Have To Be The Queen of Work In Progress and Unfinished Projects

2010-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Okay this one is finished

Now listed on Etsy

Hugs and Kisses Kitty

Oh did I mention I will doodle on anything handy, lol

Santa didn't make it for this Christmas, sorry Santa
The one on the left I started last night, Valentine's in progress

This little sketched Postcard didn't make it in time for Christmas either, imagine that, hehehe

and a few more sketches, I'm thinking Harlequin Sister Paintings with a bit of a folk art flapper theme and the center one a little more modern????
so as you can see I love to start things, but I'm not a good finisher...
Trust me when I say this is just a very small fraction of my WIP, lets see if I finish any of them...

More pics soon lets hope I finish some, BTW sorry about the pics, I take terrible pictures to!!

Sure hope your having a great day see you again soon
Brenda

Whooo hooo feeling better, something finished and WIP, IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK!!

2010-01-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's my SEHA THEME entry. Listing her tonight on Ebay. This month's theme is The Kitchen Witch, so I opted for a Frosty Winter Kitchen Witch (comfort food season), although now that she is finished she reminds me a bit more of Smurfette, lol. At least she's not Grumpy Smurf, hehehehehe.

I have a few Valentine's items in progress, an Easter Bunny Girl and I have a few ideas for sculpting, mixed media ACEO albums, yikkeessss I'm going to need more hours in the day to get caught up. I am so thrilled to be back and in the creative spirit again. I really needed this fix!

Thank you everyone for all of your well wishes I greatly appreciate them all. I'll tell you what I didn't feel that bad when I had surgery, yuck it was awful. I even opened my house up for a bit today hoping all of those bad germs and bad vibes leave the building.

Sure hope everyone is loving 2010 so far, I am now....

More pics soon
Brenda

Stubborn, Bullheaded, Pigheaded, thats me

2010-01-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

but guess where it got me. You got it nowhere!! I ignored the ear aches, my throat feeling like Mt St Helen, my neck being swollen and sore to the touch, the cough of hacking up four lungs straight from my toes, and a nose like Niagra Falls. All of this and I still kept saying it's just a cold, it's not that bad. Alright I caved today when making a can of soup and doing a few dishes totally wiped me out. Hubby and I made the trip to the Doctor's Office (an hour each way, like we weren't tired enough). We have a sinus infection, bronchitis, swollen glands and I have two ear infections to boot. Now that I am on antibiotics and prescription cough medicine maybe I will really start feeling better and if I hadn't been so stubborn I probably would have really felt better a few days ago. Now I have to miss my second weekend with the grand kids due to my foolishness. I really think this is a woman's trait, they feel like they always have to take care of everyone else but totally neglect themselves. Please remember to take care of yourselves and not just everyone around you!!

Brenda

Santa Left Germs In My Stocking, ewwwww!!

2009-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit green, be back soon...
Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!

Brenda

Peppermint Stick Ernie Elf Ornie (Silly Guy)

2009-12-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

This Elf was named after a very good friend, bet your scared now by the company I keep, lol. Full of piss and vinegar, thats what Ernie and this little Elf have in common, can't you just see it, lol. Ernie was sculpted over a wooden spoon to look as though he is part of a candy Peppermint Stick. He was so much fun to create!! I will be listing him in my Etsy shop. Trying to get better pictures of him. I take horrible pictures, sorry. Sure hope he made you smile too.

Brenda

Santa's Woodland Christmas Elf / Yay, I finished something

2009-12-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Now listed on Ebay

Welp the sculpting newbie finially finished her first sculpt!! I have several in progress but this is the first one that is totally finished, whooo hoooo!! This is the second class offered by Pattee of odd-dolls. I love the way he came out!! More sculpts in progress sure hope I get them done before Christmas, lol. Now I'm off to make Dede some slippers.

Hope everyone is having a festive week!!
Brenda

I'm A WINNER AGAIN, Merry Christmas to ME!!

2009-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!! Looky Looky what I won!! This 5" X 10" print of Sarah Sullivan's Gift Shop on the Magical Holiday Artists Blog. I love her artwork and own a few pieces including a custom Avatar created just for me!! I will have to post a picture of it sometime, it is adorable as is all of her work!! Be sure to check out Sarah's blog and her Etsy Shop. She's like a potato chip you won't stop at just one visit, lol.

Now I don't play the Lottery or Scratch Off Tickets, but this might be the time to play!!

Thank you for sharing my jump for joy!! Now I have to get my fanny back to work. Hope to have some goodies posting here soon.

Have a great week!!

Brenda

WoWzEr AnOtHeR MAGICAL HOLIDAY ARTISTS (MHA) GIVE-AWAY!!!

2009-12-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

Whooo hoooo, we're having another awesome give-away just in time for your Holiday Celebration!! Just look at all of these beautiful items created by some of our members!! Click on the link below to pop on over to see who created these wonderful items and where you can find more of their wonderful work along with how to enter.

http://www.magicalholidayartists.blogspot.com/

Good Luck!!!
Brenda

BWBA's 1st Anniversary and 1st Giveaway!!

2009-11-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/

One year ago marks the birth of the Ebay Artists Group - "Because We Believe- Art" that Josie of Skeleton In My Closet started along with her good friends Tammy, of Light and Shadow Studio and Karen, of I Draw Pix (our Founding Ladies) and to celebrate this milestone the group is having a blog giveaway!

As you know, as a group, We Believe in the Magic of the Holidays, the Tooth Fairy, Monsters under the Bed and all other sorts of magical and mythical flights of fancy and we have decided to share that with you, our Followers.

Santa's sack is filled to the brim with presents... With 15 different handmade OOAK (One Of A Kind) ornies created by the generous and talented members of our group. This is an event you don't want to miss!! So hitch a ride with the Tooth Fairy and fly on over to enter...

Click On The Top Right Button To Fly On Over

So what are you waiting for...
GOOD LUCK my little Leprechauns!!!

I Believe
Brenda

Winter WIPs Finally

2009-11-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

Well, better late than never. Here are my newest works in progress, hope you like them, they are now off to spend some time with the painting elves... More pics when they are finished....

Meet "Winter" Warlock I'm thinking and "Snow"

Brenda

Another Award??? and WIPs!!!

2009-11-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, I've received another award!! Sherry is such a sweetheart and hers and Ron's artwork is amazing!!! You won't want to miss a thing. http://www.byrumart.blogspot.com/

Thank you SO much Sherry for thinking of me....I am honored...

So the rules of this one are to tell you seven things about myself you may not know.

Geeee whizzzzzz this is hard...Well....

1. I love thunderstorms!!
2. I could sit in a park for hours and just enjoy Mother Nature.
3. I am the oldest child in my family, yep my parents practiced their parenting techniques on me. Eight years later when my sister arrived they were to tired to be tough on her, lol.
4. I wear my emotions on my shirt sleeve for the whole world to see.
5. I'm not a big fan of sweets including chocolate, but don't you dare touch my Hershey's Syrup for my chocolate milk.
6. I love ghost movies, such as The Others, Thirteen Ghosts (although this one was gorey for me I do love the story.
7. I hate the cold weather of winter but I love to look outside at a fresh fallen snow and no I don't want to build a snowman, its to cold out there, hehehehehehe

Okay, now that I bored you to death, lol. I would like to pass this on to Dede again,

Dede, she is such a sweetie be sure to stop by her blog and say hello... http://www.brightestblessingswiccans.blogspot.com/ I love her blog, she's a real inspiration. Thanks Dede!!!

Sarah your next sweetie, you can run but you can't hide, hehehehehehe....

I did mention WIPs, their coming, just tring to get decent pictures, ugggggg.

Sure hope your having a great weekend.
Brenda

A Change Of Scenery / A Change Of Creativity

2009-11-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

WIP / LOL

I'm really hoping that the change of scenery and a little mood music here will put my mind on track to Christmas / Yule Creating, sure hope it works and this is why....

Recently I took an online sculpting course with Pattee of Odd Dolls
www.odd-dolls.blogspot.com and I must say she is such a sweet person. I have completed the first class and well yay, I've already signed up for her second class. I think I've found a new passion, hummmmm not quite sure yet but it might just be better than yarn, hehehehehe. Well I'm certainly no master sculptor, but with a little practice ummmm you never know, right.....

Well here is a picture of my first piece she isn't finished yet maybe after Christmas.

Last night I sat down determined to sculpt my second piece and my first Christmas / Yule Ornament but again the brain appears to be still in Halloween mode because it became this...Looks a bit more like a Disney's Haunted Mansion Ghost Face to me, sigh.

So as you can see I really need to convince my brain that its time to create for the Christmas / Yule Season before it is over, I sure hope this works, hehehehehehehe.

How about you??????

Brenda

Magical Holiday Artists Is Having A GIVEAWAY

2009-11-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

We're having our very first giveaway on the Magical Holiday Artists Etsy Team Blog (MHA). Look at these prizes, WOW!!! Hurry pop on over to find out how you can win.

http://www.magicalholidayartists.blogspot.com/

Remember to place MHA in your Etsy Search....

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!

Brenda

My First Award!!

2009-11-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wow Cat " In The Light Of The Moon" this is my first Award as well!! Thank you. Now lets see if I can do this right, lol.

Hummm 7 facts about myself:

1. I'm a young grammy of 2, (as in the eye of the beholder)
2. I love sci fi (especially Star Gate and Star Gate Atlantis)
3. My favorite TV shows still include Lost in Space and The Munsters
4. I love Nicholas Cage movies
5. I refuse to grow up
6. I'm an ex Bank Auditor (surprised ya with that one didn't I, lol)
7. and last but not least, I love who I am!!!

I would like to pass this on to a few people that inspire me with their blogs.

Dede, http://brightestblessingswiccans.blogspot.com/
Caroline http://carolinescrafts-carolinejones.blogspot.com/
Cat http://merelyadreamart.blogspot.com/
Becca http://magikalseasons.blogspot.com/
Heather http://witchhollowprimitives.blogspot.com/

and of course there is Cat who was sweet enough to give me this award and Lisa, Sarah, Cindy, Pattee, and so many more. Thank you

((Hugs))
Brenda

Have You Heard!!!!

2009-11-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

WHOOOO HOOOOO, I WON THE FIRST PLACE PRIZE on Byrum's Art Blog!!!! I am still stunned, what a wonderful week I have had...I won the most amazing Halloween Painting. If you haven't seen their blog you must!! Ron and Sherry create beautiful one of a kind paintings, necklaces, signs, pillows, candles, and the list goes on and on, such talent and creativity. I am beyond excitement when I say that I am thrilled to add another piece of their amazing art to my collection. I currently own three of their prints and recently I actually won one of their fab paintings to my total amazement as I didn't think I would ever own one and to say that I actually now having bragging rights to two of their paintings, well all I can say is WOW. Each piece of art that an artist creates leaves their home and arrives to yours with a piece of them included. I truly believe there is an attachment between the Artist, Artwork and their Love of Life. Thank you SO much Sherry and Ron I will truly treasure my wonderful prize.

Thank you Dede and Cat for the congrats!!!

Brenda

AND THE WINNER!!!!

2009-11-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

of the LUCKY 13 GIVEAWAY is...

First I would like to say thank you for all of the nice things that each of you posted about my crocheted slippers. I would like to give a big thank you to my original Lucky 13 Followers, which is what sparked this giveaway and to each of you that have joined my blog since. I have had so much fun with this giveaway and I hope you have too. I am already thinking about what we should do for a Christmas Giveaway!! THANK YOU for making this such a success and so much fun!!!

Okay, okay, enough said, right.

AND THE WINNER IS: Dede - http://brightestblessingswiccans.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Dede!!!!
Contact me at blabell1@stny.rr.com

Let me know what color you prefer:
Purple / Lavender Poms
Pink / White Poms
Country Blue / Navy Poms
(The Variegated Pair) Chocolate Covered Cherries / Dark Brown Poms
Linen /Claret Poms

and your mailing address.

Thanks again everyone!!!
Brenda

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2009-10-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

LUCKY 13 GIVEAWAY REMINDER: Remember to become a follower of my blog and post a comment if you would like to be entered to win a pair of warm and toasty crocheted pair of slippers, ENDING SOON!! I will announce the winner on the evening of NOVEMBER 2nd.....

BEWARE OF SPOOKS LURKING ABOUT....

IT'S HALLOWEEN!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!
Brenda

Lucky 13 Giveaway Update

2009-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Keeping in the Halloween Spirit!!! Don't you just love Halloween...

Just for fun I am including this little hang tag that I made with your prize (I have to shorten the loop a tad yet). It goes well with the day of the drawing, lol.

So here's your clue:

Yes, it is the night of the FULL MOON, hehehehehe. Tuesday, November 2nd!!!! Just 5 more days to go, whoooo hoooo....

and here they are!!! The winner will get to pick their favorite color from the (5) pairs pictured. They are wash and dry friendly and I can remove the pom poms if you prefer. Hope you like them.

Open to US Residents Only, sorry.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck to all of you that entered!!!
Brenda

I WON!!!!

2009-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it!! What an honor it is to have won such a GRAND prize by such a talented artist. Patrick from Cre8ors Touch was having the most awesome Halloween Party Giveaway. I entered to win one of his fabulous pieces of artwork and I won!!! Whoooo hooooo!!! He makes some very unique and highly collectible Halloween Pieces along with Christmas, other holidays and SO much more. He offered several different Halloween pieces in his giveaway that any Halloween Collector would drool over. I was the lucky winner of his Bobble Head Skeleton, it just amazes me how he creates these. They are so unique and fun. I still can't believe that he's coming to my house!!!! If you haven't seen Patrick's / Cre8tors Touch work as of yet, you must check it out, oh so talented. His blog link can be found to the left on my blog list or copy and paste the link here: (Sorry, I can't figure out how to get it to link, errrrr).

http://thecre8orstouch.blogspot.com/2009/10/winners-anounced.html

Whoooo hooooo, Thank you Patrick!!!

I will post a picture of him here when he arrives home, lol. I hope everyone is having a great day and thanks for sharing with me my JUMP OF JOY!!

Now go hurry, fly on over to Patrick's Blog and see what I won and all of the other fab prizes and poke around to see all of his other wonderful goodies.

Brenda

Flashback

2009-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Remember When:

Well while taking the lovely picture of my feet for my giveaway clue I couldn't help but laugh. I couldn't believe that I was actually taking a picture of my feet! I instantly was thrown back to the good ole days before digital cameras. Yep the days when we had to take our roll of film in to be developed or send it out by mail. Oh how exciting it was to see your new pictures and suddenly oooops you come across the picture of the back of Great Grandma's Head, yeah a picture of the ceiling, I even have gotten one of the back of my stove, lol. Who in the world is taking those pictures, giggle, giggle. All of the pictures of my son taking pictures of himself, that use to drive me crazy!! The worse part of that is he and his buddys at 26 and 27 will still do that if you leave the camera unattended, urrrggggg. I can remember getting so frustrated thinking I can't believe they make you pay for these pictures! Getting pictures developed is something else I don't do well. I had my sister's baby shower pictures developed when her son was 8 years old, lol. I currently have 10- 12 disposable cameras that need to be developed, surprise, surprise. I took my memory card in 2 weeks ago from my digital camera and was instantly sent into price shock. Love those memory cards, they hold lots of pictures and I love to take pictures (although I am a terrible photographer). Took my card in to be developed for my grandson's school project along with a disc, nope the disc did not get developed that day. I had 214 pictures on my memory card for a total $32.10, wowzer. The good news is at least they are all pictures I want no floors no ceilings yippppeeee. So what did I learn about that, well not to wait untill my memory card is full before I have it developed, yeah right like thats going to happen.

So yes to purposely take a picture of my feet made me snicker, the good news is at least now with digital cameras it won't make it to film it will be deleted, lol.

So on that note I will leave you with this, to go along with the picture of my feet, lol.

Do you remember when, lol???????

Lucky 13 Giveaway Updates will be coming soon.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you leave with a giggle to start off your weekend.
Brenda

Lucky 13 Giveaway Update

2009-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

WOW Dede, your crystal ball is amazing, can I borrow it, lol. You are good. But I have to ask where did you get the color purple? Would that be your color of choice?

So you all now know what the prize is, yep it's a TREAT FOR YOUR FEET for the upcoming cold weather. A pair of handmade slippers by me. As we all know handmade is always better.

Dede gets another entry into the cauldron that is now flaming hot.

Blog about my giveaway on your blog and post it here that you did and I will give you another entry into my giveaway.

Congrats Dede!!!

Awwww A Treat for your Feet,
Brenda

Another Clue Lucky 13 Giveaway

2009-10-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome my pretties to my Lucky 13 giveaway!!! Well I see there are a few brave souls here, poor dears... It appears we will have to fatten some of you up a little more before placing you into the oven, hahahahahaha.

So here is your next clue:

But its not store bought....

Hummmm, it appears that I could use a new pair of shoes in the near future...

Remember become a follower and post a comment that you would like to enter. Want another chance to win, okay, take a look into your magical crystal ball and if you can see (guess) what the prize is I will throw another entry for you into my currently cold cauldron pot. So take a guess, only one guess per day though.

Trick or Treat???
Brenda

Lucky Number 13 Give Away

2009-10-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

First let me give you a quick update on Little Miss Tootsie Peppermint. She was my Pay It Forward Ebay Giving Works item that I posted about earlier. Well she just ended and I am SUPER EXCITED and SUPER HAPPY as she ended at $63.00 whoooo hooooo! The proceeds will be donated to the Human Society US in loving memory of a dear friend.

NOW for some more exciting news. I have reached Lucky Number 13!!! 13 Followers, yeah and thank you so much for joining me!! Keeping somewhat in a Halloween Theme, I have decided that this is a perfect time in my new Blog to do my very first giveaway. I have just been howling to do one, lol. So what is it? Well first let me tell you what it isn't, it will not be a piece of my art. Want to enter, become a follower of my blog and post a comment that you would like to be entered. I will post more information and another clue tomorrow, hehehehehehehehehehe. Makes things a little more interesting now doesn't it, not knowing what your entering for. Thats okay, I know what it is, so go ahead and enter, if you dare, hahahhahahaha. Hope to see you again real soon.

Trick or Treat my Sweet?

Thanks for stopping by.
Brenda

What do the Pumpkin Girl, A Witchie Bust and a Make Do ACEO Have In Common

2009-10-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ebay, lol. Listing tonight. These were a lot of fun to create. Hope you like them.

My version of the the Vintage Style Pumpkin Girl Crocheted

A Witchie Bust Crocheted

and My version of a Make Do ACEO Drawing in Pen, Ink and Colored Pencil

Sure hope you enjoyed your visit please stop by again.
Brenda

Paying Kindness Forward For Tootsie

2009-10-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

During the process of our move to our new home I received some very sad news. With just 3 days before the move I became very sad that one of my Ebay customers had passed away. She was so much more than just a customer though. We spent lots of time talking to one another by email in the wee hours of the morning, you know the hours, yep, the ones when most people are sleeping. We had built a wonderful friendship and I miss her terribly. So I decided that I needed to do something, but what she isn't from my area, suddenly it hit me A Giving Works Auction on Ebay. So here she is all decked out and ready to go to her new home. My friend loved animals and was a huge cat fan (she owned 4), so I have decided that the proceeds will by donated to the Humane Society USA. I know this isn't much, it can't even begin to cover the way she touched my heart, but it feels right and that is what counts.

I am donating 100% of this auction and I will be paying the shipping fees to anywhere within the US. I am listing her tonight at approximately 8:30 pm Eastern time on Ebay. Thanks for looking.

Let me introduce to you: TOOTSIE PEPPERMINT, isn't she scrumptious, PS, no licking the kitty, lol.

Thank you for gathering here and I hope you have a great day.
Brenda

New House Craft Room WIP

2009-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!! Well today I thought I would share some of my Happy Dancing with you and some of my WIP well kinda, lol.

It has been a crazy busy week, but ohhhhhh so exciting. First, we bought a new house and moved all of our goodies in last weekend. I LOVE my new house!! Next as you now know I created my first blog still trying to figure out how to add a couple of links here but also very exciting!! I've also opened a new Etsy Shop, link forthcoming, I hope. So as you can see I have been a very busy girl and grinning from ear to ear all week, love it!!

Here are a few of my so called works in progress what a disaster huh. Hubby is buying me a cabinet this weekend, like he thinks thats going to be enough, silly boy.

Keeper Piles:

The Gots To Go Pile so far, oppps not the desk of coarse, sure hopeing this one gets bigger.

So as you can see I still have my work cut out for me, but I am having a great time with it all!!! I'll try to post something a little more exciting in the work in progress category over the weekend, sure hope everyone has a great one.

Thanks for gathering here,
Brenda

My Final Blog Look

2009-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Whooo hooo, what do you think? So much to talk about, so much to do, more in about 10 hours, must have some sleep and than wake up juice COFFEE COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE, looks like I need more huh. See ya soon.

Brenda

Welcome

2009-10-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new Blog!!! I am so happy you stopped by. I hope to make this a place that you will enjoy visiting. Currently it is in it's newbie stage and under construction more to come soon. Here you will see some of my artwork in different mediums along with WIP and some chit chat of course. I hope you will visit again and again. Thanks for gathering and Happy Fall.

Brenda