"Hey, if I had somewhere to go, I certainly wouldn't be in Cleve-Land." -Howard the Duck

Friday, September 28, 2012

Art Supply Drive for At-Risk Kids!

SO...do you have any extra art supplies lying around?  My answer is...why, yes I do!  The shot above is of some of the shelves in my studio years ago.   There's a great solution if your studio looks anything like mine does...read on...

I've posted about this in previous years, and with Back to School comes my dear friend Melody's art supply drive.  Melody is a fabulous artist and each year she volunteers her time to teach Art Journaling to kids in some Southern CA public schools.  Since she cannot afford all the necessary supplies alone, we are asking for your help if possible.  You can read about Melody's vision, see some of the kids' artwork & find out how to donate here on her blog

Thanks for taking the time to read about Melody's classes & please help if possible.  The kids so appreciate being able to express themselves in their journals.  Art programs are being cut in so many public schools...it was always one of my favorite classes & I've already sent one big flat rate box off to Melody...and I'm working on at least one more to send before this year's November 6 deadline. 

Many thanks from Melody & the kids!
 

A Bit More Christmas...

I'm quite into adding some sparkle to our tree this year.  I've been working with some faux pearls & crystals to create some new baubles for our tree.  I've made extra to share in my Etsy shop, too. 
 
I'm fine with icicles as long as they're these faux ones...I'd love to never see a real one again!
 
 
I've also been dyeing some Christmas ribbon...these take awhile as it takes multiple applications of dye to get the deep, rich color I want.  I'll be offering these special sets through Christmas...I've already sold some...so I know my hands will be red & green for awhile.
 
My mind is now shifting to Halloween & Dia de los Muertos mode...watch for that next week.  And could someone tell me how it got to be almost OCTOBER already? 
 
 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Santas & Gnomes & Mushrooms...oh my!

You'd better be good...Santa is watching you!  I decided to make a few of these little elves to sell this year...another blast from the past in my ornament collection.  I think he's a jolly little guy!
And every tree needs a mischievious Gnome hiding in it's branches.  He brings a bit of fun & laughter to your Holidays.
Mr. Gnome brought some Magic Mushrooms from his forest home...repurposed from sparkling wine corks...these are FUN to make...especially gathering supplies!!! 
And these little old fashioned light bulbs are a nostalgic touch for Christmas.  The red is actually a deep satin finish red that matches the bows on the wreaths.
 
All of these & more are available in my Etsy shop, KittenCreates.  I'm not sure if any of these will be restocked...so if you want to add to your collection, get them before they're gone! 
 
Thanks for looking...are you making anything for Christmas yet? 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Christmas Kitties

It's beginning to look more like Christmas here each & every day.  While it's WAY too early to decorate for Christmas, it's the perfect time to make new ornaments for our tree & yours. 
I've shown these cute kitties in a past post when I made them for a fundraiser for an animal rescue.  I've pulled out my Christmas calico...it's from the 1970s & 1980s, so they are vintage & so cool. 
Each kitty has a pretty bow around his or her neck & a little heart charm that says "love my cat" on one side & has a paw print on the other.  These kitties are now available for you to adopt in my Etsy shop...KittenCreates.  I think every home needs a kitty or two...I know ours does!
 
 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Chiles!

We absolutely LOVE jalapeños...so this year we planted some in a pot set out in the full sun in our backyard.  We thought we had 2 jalapeño plants, but one turned out to be a banana pepper or something...the next door neighbor is enjoying those as they're pretty mild & we like the heat. 
Some of these will become Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies later today...recipe courtesy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks.  You can see some I made for watching the Super Bowl here.  The link to the recipe is there, too.  They are quite yummy & addictive.  I've discovered that a thinly sliced bacon is best for this recipe as it cooks more quicky & the chiles don't get overcooked before the bacon is done.  Some of them are probably destined to be part of a salsa, too. 
We also planted one pot with an Anaheim chile plant.  I let some start to turn to a gorgeous red...I'm not sure how that will affect the flavor, but it will be interesting to find out.  These will probably become some chile relleños & maybe some salsa.
Don't they look wonderful?  There are still some little chiles on the plants...I'm hoping we can get some more of these beauties before the wonderful heat leaves us & that nasty stuff that is cold & white & ugly moves in.  I'm certainly not at all ready for summer to end.