About Me

My photo
I've been an artist my whole life and have had so many exciting art related jobs, which makes me kinda of a jack of a bunch of trades. I'm also college grad with a BFA and went to the High School of Performing & Visual Arts here in Houston. Visit my shop at Etsy and I promise you'll most likely receive a Smile to take with you! I decided to mention that about 10 years ago I was on chemo for 2 years. The chemo worked, but left me with other Heath issues, such as a case of Fibro which left me with having to get disability.Sad news, since I had a great career, that I can not work anymore. With my Faith and determination, I am determined to still do my art. My art gives me inspiration and thank you God! Oh, and please follow my blog! I'd love to have yall join me in my show and tells and also would love to hear what yall have to show and tell!:)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Diary Project 2010


This picture of my Miss Peanut Jones turns out to be the chosen page for the Diary I mentioned below! As yall can see this Diary is in 3 languages, English, French, and Spanish! I hope yall will think about doing this project also! International publicity along with a darling Diary for 2010!!!
Please go to the post below this one and you will see a green box with red writing and that is the link to the site where you can be a participant of this 2010 Diary Project!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Diary Project 2010






The new Diary Project from 2010 is happening right now! I did the Project last year and it was a blast. I ended up getting 2 pages & you get to design the date of the page you choose and then put your website or shop's title and address on it! It's great publicity! All you need is a website or an Etsy page.
I am showing you to the 2 pages I did last year and the dark green cover above with an open page of the diary. I bought 3, 2 as gifts and one for myself! When I finish designing the paqe for the 2010 diary, I'll post it. Lucy Baribeau came up with this great idea!!!
Here is the link to get to the details about this fabulous Diary project.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Howdy on Tuesday (Sign in Problems?)



Are some of yall trying to make comments and can not? Maybe you have to register again or something. I've had word that some people have tried to make comments and are not able to. They aren't even able to sign in. I guess you have to go through the process of filling out the login and if it comes up with wrong password, you have to just click on forgot password and then go through the motions of what it tells you to do. At least you can read my blog, and possibly you may have to register, like making your own blog, to at least be able to sign in.

By the way, I'm feeling better and made an Etsy Treasury and also got in a Treasury! Yay! That always feels so good. I will post these treasuries here, but they will also be listed in my Flickr page as well eventually with all the shops names.

After I do that, I am going to go to an Team Etsy Texas meeting online!

So, I'll catch yall later!
Until then, have a Dreamy Evening!
Linda :)

Monday, April 20, 2009

Sunday in Bellaire..Let's try again!

I made it back to the Bellaire Art Fair Sunday, only 1 hr. to set up. I unloaded all my stuff, and sopping wet stuff,grrr... and layed everything out to dry! I needed all day to go through everything and find out what got damaged and I was surprised that everything was in pretty good shape, especially my 3d pieces that got soaked, didn't get ruined once they dried out, but I would not recommend my pieces to survive a thunderstorm,(I was lucky) but they are definately durable to moisture!
My friend and fellow Etsy pal, Diane (http://dsullivancr2.Etsy.com) turned up and helped me get up my tent, thank God for her! She had brought a few of her precious items & also set up her tent. I never had the chance to even mosey on over to see her for the rest of the day.
Everything kept blowing over due to the wind and also I was sorting out all my things. It was a gorgeous day though. Some of the things that I use to hold up my prints got pretty messed up, oh well, I used them that day anyway as customers kept coming up & those pieces kept falling down & I kept putting them back up and then they'd fall down again.....I finally got finished setting up & it was time to go home! What? Geez. Oh well..."Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!"
Anyway, I actually did pretty good with my sales, considering! Then, Diane helped me load all my stuff and helped me with my tent!!! What a sweetheart!!!
Then everybody had driven away and I got in my jeep and my car wouldn't start....No problem...... "Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!" Compared to Saturday, nothing could have bothered me. I mean nothing like my car not starting. What's the big deal? I called Diane as she just left & neither one of us knew how to jump a car.. exactly. I then called my Dad & he came right over. And he didn't know how to open his hood, and I couldn't figure it out either. "Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!"
Well all of a sudden an angel appeared disguised as a young man and helped us. My car started right up and wallah!!! I be headin' home to my ranch in a concrete building!
All is well now, except for me. I kinda, well I really couldn't move this morning when I woke up. Felt like an 18 wheeler ran over me. I had bruises, blisters, & ant bites all over me. So what did I do today? Stayed in bed the entire day and slept. I'm feeling a bit better now, and decided to visit my computer before crawling into bed again.
So...Night yall!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Ceramics by Tina Lewis


Tina Lewis from Etsy was just added to my blog as a follower, so I must show off a piece of her beautiful work!!! Then please go visit her darling shop at:
http://TinaLewis.Etsy.com

This is just one of my favorite items she has that is my fave!

In Tina's words:
This two piece set consists of a lower rounded pot with an oil lamp lid. I like to use the oil lamp with citronella for outside or fragrance for inside. The top can also be used for a nice single stem/Ikebana Vase. The combinations and uses are endless.

Isn't it fabulous?!?!

The Bellaire Festival Nightmare

My partner Pam, poor thing got sick as yall know and my 2 friends that would have been our neighbors couldn't go, so I thought I'd brave it alone.
Ok, I was told that there would be many volunteers to help us. It wasn't raining this morning so I got up at 4am and got there at 5am. Nobody there yet. Hmmm. Finally the people showed up and I got my Festival package that told me where my booth would be. No problem setting up, but very time consuming. I had a couple of helpers that really did more harm than good, as what they tied up for the wind, fell down anyway. I would have done it differently anyway. I saw AnaMaria, which was so nice and her friend gave me a delicious muffin. By the time I parked my car and got back to my tent everything was getting sprinkled on, but not damaged and I pulled things more into the tent. There were hardly any tents there, and really no customers, but I almost immediately got a couple of customers and sold 6 things. Yay to that. Then it was time to leave, around 10:30am as NOW they tell us we can come back tomorrow from noon to 5pm. Everyone scurried around and left. I was stranded having to fend for myself. A lot of things I had were damaged with the rain. I also have many heavy pieces. I nearly killed myself as I had to try to dash things into my jeep at a rapid pace while I was getting drenched through my rain coat, coat, and clothes. Everything was drenched actually. I could not pack my jeep to save my life. Then the tent had to go in first. I got my neighbor to help me at the last part of the folding down of the tent, but I did not have help to lift and carry to & put things in my jeep. I'm starting to hate everybody at this point. All would've fit, but as it was pouring down rain in buckets & I needed a special way to pack, that was impossible.
So there I am drenched, my stuff is drenched, and needless to say I had stepped in a huge ant bed where I got about 10 huge ant bites. Good grief. As you can see, I finally made it home and had to vent. so venting I just did. A frapachino in one hand & a dry warm cozy robe I have on. I almost need to go back tomorrow to the Festival again, it's suppose to be beautiful weather, naturally.... because I need to air out my stuff. I brought some items in to try to save.
Moral of this story?
Never Trust Mother Nature.

Friday, April 17, 2009

The Bellaire Arts Festival


I will be in this wonderful festival tomorrow. Although it looks like it will rain. What to do about this weather. Well, it's already paid for and is suppose to be so much fun!!! I missed a small Katy fest. a couple of weeks ago due to my car not starting. I really look forward to these festivals as they are a way for people to see my items in person, and that is so much more alive and better seeing my work that way than seeing them in a photo. I've been in several shows and never take pics because I am always so busy. A photographer took a picture of Pam White and I at the 1st Saturday's Art Market held in the Heights once, and I grabbed it from Mitch that runs the fest. You may see that pic on my Flickr page. Pam White was suppose to be my partner but she is feeling so sick. Let's all pray for her recovery. Diane and Paul, who I have posted about will be my neighbor's and Ana Maria, the one that I posted about her jewelry will also be there! I guess we are all going to suffer the storm. It's been such perfect weather here in Houston....maybe the weather man is wrong! He has been wrong before. Right? Fingers crossed that he's wrong now! :)

Cotton Eyed Jo!!!



Oh I just discover that Jo (Who plays a big part in our Houston Team) has only one bunny left from 3, which were all unique, so you better grab one of these before it's gone!!! Also I have included a gorgeous kitty pillow. Her webshop address is: http://CottonEyedJo.Etsy.com

In Jo's words about the bunny: This particular bunny is Cabin Craft Chenille on one side and is backed with a hand embroidered and quilted side. At approx 9 inches in height by 12 inches at widest point, they are just the right side to tuck into a basket for decorating in cottage or country style homes. This item is not intended for use by children 12 years or under.(cspia) It is sturdily made, and washable/dryable by machine. But these are vintage textiles so should not be washed weekly.

In Jo's words about the pillow!!! The backing of the pillow and cording are made with a tapestry fabric. It comes complete with a 18 inch bamboo fiber pillow form inside. The 100% wool strips are either up cycled wool from the thrift store that has been felted by me, or hand dyed colors from my PRHG(Primitive Rug Hooking Group) friends.



This is my childhood friend's business and I wanted to share it with yall! I would love for yall to visit her website and also sign the mailing list. She sends out very helpful organizing tips which have helped me so much!
I posted a picture of a crafty closet's before and after picture! Thought it to be quite appropriate for all the artisans out there!!! :)


Clutter Roundup
provides calming and stress free
home and business environments through de-cluttering and organizing services.
With our proven customized solutions and time management techniques,
you'll have more time to do what you really want to do
and enjoy a better quality of life.
www.clutterroundup.com

Congratulations to Pam White


Pam White from http://serendipityrose.Etsy.com is about to be a new grandmother to a grandson!!! Congratulations to Pam and her daughter, Shannon!

Diane,(stained glass and mosaic artist from http://dsullivancr2.Etsy.com & I are getting Shannon a darling and oh so soft and well made to perfection, baby blanket from a fellow Artisan, Cindy Joy. It will be dark blue with gold fish as the pattern and the inside will be the same as the pic's but will be a blue color!

Yall must take a look at her shop! http://CindyJoy.Etsy.com
She used to be a part of our little Houston Artisan Team, but had to move to Lake Tahoe. She really helped so much in getting our group together!

About her blanket: The portrayed picture is not the one I'm getting, but it is similar.
From Cindy's words: Minty vines with cheerful blue flowers scroll up this blanket, ready to twine around your little one, fending off cold and drafts. All bundled up and ready for giving, this blanket is ideal for tucking around your little one in the car seat or the stroller or as a play mat or just for cuddling or napping. It also makes a great impromptu changing mat. When they turn into toddlers, it will be a great security blanket.

This super cuddly Stroller Blanket of approximately 20" by 30" is made with Mint Green 100% Polyester Dot Minky on the back and Chocolate Brown with Mint Vines 100 % Cotton Flannel on the front. This flannel is a sturdy, high quality quilters flannel. This blanket is top-stitched for durability.

All Bundles of Joy products are:
- Pre-washed with dye free, perfume free detergent,
- Machine washable and dryable (Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low),
- Require no ironing,
- Created in my smoke free, pet free, dust free studio,
- Handmade for your Bundle of Joy with the utmost care and craftsmanship, and
- Comprised of the highest quality materials.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Sea Babe Jewelry


I just discovered this talented jewelry artisan, since she just made herself a follower of mine! She lives in Hawaii as well. Lucky gal! I used to live there in the 70's in Oahu, and went to Maui last year of 08. LOVE THE PLACE!!!
I found her jewelry to be very unique and you will have to go to her shop to see more! She also has a blog which is listed if you click on her thumbnail pic under my followers, yet her Etsy shop's address is: http://seababejewelry.Etsy.com
Although it was difficult to choose, I picked this ring to show, as I've never seen one like it. Find out all the details about it in her shop! And there are many more pieces that rank as fine unique jewelry as well.

Creatures by Chase



Your fairy is called Bramble Iceglimmer
She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.
She lives in leafy dells and bluebell glades.
She is only seen when the sun sets on the day of a completed harvest.
She wears bluebell-blue dresses. She has icy blue butterfly wings.

I nabbed this fairy name fun from Cotton Eyed Jo's blogspot.

I think you have to buy a fairy to show what it looks like, so that leads me to adding a couple of pictures of this wonderful shop in our Houston Team who makes fairy, butterfly, angel, whatever you want it to be... WINGS!!!! You have to go visit her shop on Etsy!!! She also has a website and I've used her in a couple of my treasuries you can see on my Flickr, which is mentioned at the top of my page!!! Her Etsy shop is http://creaturesbychase.etsy.com and her website is www.dualfantasystudios2.com
Her wings are totally handmade! And I got to see them in person at our last Houston Artisan's meeting. Totally awesome. Used in weddings, for babies, costume for theater, she's growing and we all felt honored to meet her. Very sweet gal!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Friendly Banter


This is another shop from MiaSophia. I love these flowers she makes! Go to her shop to see even more choices!
http://FriendlyBanter.Etsy.com

Mia Sophia


I know MiaSophia from her stained glass work, but she has just started making gorgeous pendants, so I wanted to show off one of her pieces! You can see her entire shop by visiting http://Miasophia@Etsy.com. She is also a Houstonian!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Grandma Marilyn


This beautiful 7 inch (17.8cm) bracelet was created using net weave with Miyuki Silver Lined Gold seed beads and Copper Luster 4mm Czech Fire Polished Crystals.
I just had to add this beautiful bracelet. Marilyn has such a precious style working with small beads. I think this is just gorgeous! Don't you think?
http://GrandmaMarilyns.Etsy.com

Monday, April 13, 2009

My New Purchase!


I just purchased this awesome photograph from this lady I met at one of our Houston Team meetings! As a thumbnail it looks like a photo, but when you see it bigger, it looks like a watercolor painting! I just had to have it and will be getting it tomorrow at our meeting! Yall will have to visit her shop, http://everythingdear.Etsy.com

Another Favorite Artisan!!!



I just love Pam's jewelry and own some of her work. I even have a gorgeous beaded string with a turtle at the end of it on my cell phone. She also makes bookmarks and lamp or fan pulls. Her jewelry is awesome!!! I love the greens and charms bracelet she made for me.....I just love it!!!

Some more of my favorite Artisans 2



These are a few of Diane's stain glass pieces. Just gorgeous and so worth visiting her shop!!! I own a fabulous stained glass & mosaic piece of hers. Love them!!!

Some more of my favorite Artisans!!!



Here are some gorgeous wood pieces. I own one of them actually. Paul is married to Diane so they share the same Etsy shop! I have to post Diane's next, but wanted to include Paul's work as well! Amazing work, I think!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Covering a Big Box (Tip)

I just had an order for a mermaid mobile. I only had one box that it would fit in, so I decided to cover it with beautiful colored paper, & over & over again, it just looked awful. Smaller boxers never gave me problems. So I got torn pieces of the brown paper you use to ship in, and made a camouflage over the entire box including the inside using a glue gun! It turned out awesome! I then braided a rafia string and wrapped it around the box into a bow and put a knot on each end and spread out the rafia on the ends as well. So if you are ever in a dilemma, I promise you, what a delightful way to make your box look professional! I wish I had taken a photo of it, but it had to go in the mail ASAP!

My Kitty Kenzie


I had to introduce you to a member of my family. She is my daughter and a rescue kitty that was 9 when I got her. I've had her around 1 1/2 yrs. We both hated each other the 1st couple of weeks and now we are in love. I wanted to share some of the darling pics Rick took of her!!!

Happy Easter Eve!!!


There has been a traditon in my family where they always gave me a magical Easter since I was a little girl! My mom even made some frilly Easter dresses to wear that had many petticoats! Well for the last several yrs., me being an only child with no brothers, sisters, or even children except my kitty Kenzie(a rescue kitty) who stayed in my closet for 2 weeks hissing at me....we finally fell in love. I've had her for 1 1/2 years now so she is around 10 yrs old....My parents decided no more Easter baskets, so I made one for my boy friend Rick!!!! He doesn't like sweets but he loves coffee and nuts. So I made him a basket with metalic colored easter eggs to put the mix of nuts in from Walgreens & got him some chocolate covered coffee beans, & also a 20.00 gift certificate from Starbucks (Which, by the way, I'm addicted to the Venti Mocha Frapachinos without the whipped cream, & chocolate syrup) Anyhoo, I made Rick a fabulous Easter basket!!! I wanted to show you!!! Hey the Sunflowers are in a vase behind the basket and also I wanted to mention that I got him an Easter card!:)

Friday, April 10, 2009

The Etsy Texas Team Swap!


I just participated in the Etsy Texas Crafter's Team promotional swap. I learned about wonderful Texas shops and had to share some of them. Some have more than one shop and some are not available right now to show their unique items, but here are a few at least, worth checking out!

This one is of a doe doe bird. You must go visit her shop to see how she makes them. They are so fabulous! http://bellavioletta.Etsy.com
I just have to purchase some of these. I got 2 in the swap, but I'm keeping one for myself and giving the other one to a customer!

The Artful Flamingo / Swap



This shop was also a part of the swap. I just happened to buy this print! I can't wait to get it! Please check out these delightful shops, as she has 2 listed at the top of her front page at:
http://TheArtfulFlamingo.Etsy.com
http://beachcomberscove.etsy.com

Sump'nSassy/ Swap



This shop is a must see! I picked out one of my favorite pics to display! You must go visit her shop at http://Sumpnsassy.Etsy.com

Peculiar Parchment/ Swap



Oh these little thank you tags are just too cute! I hope you make a visit to this delightful shop! You won't be disappointed! I am displaying one of my favorites!
http://PeculiarParchment.Etsy.com
http://raevyn77.blogspot.com/

Crossties/ Swap


I think you will love the knitting items this shop creates! The pic above is one of my favorites from her shop! Her shop's address is:
http://crossties.etsy.com

amaria



Another fellow Houston Artisan with "To die for" jewelry!!! I am just adding these couple of pieces as these are some of my favorites of her gorgeous pieces, yet there are many more to see at her fabulous Etsy shop, a must see!!! And a truly genuine, nice gal to boot!
http://amaria.Etsy.com

STEEL / The Swap


Oh! Love this shop too! Another goodie I found out about in the swap! I had to show of one of her items and tell yall you must go check out this fabulous shop!!!
http://Steel.Etsy.com

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Itsmecheri/ From the Swap


Wow, What a beautiful shop and she went all out for this swap of many goodies! This list can't be complete without it! I know you are going to love her shop and this picture is one of my faves!
http://itsmecheri.Etsy.com

Texas item from a Shop of the Swap!


This lady has more than one shop, but I had to show off the one I bought from her. She is an amazing artist, photographer, & jewelry maker! This actual piece is a watercolor made into a beautiful high quality print. I just love it so much!
Just another awesome artist in Texas! You may want to check out her other 2 shops on Etsy as well. It will tell you where to go on the top of her page on this link:
http://rhradcliffedesigns.Etsy.com