tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29719817954710985122024-03-18T20:57:57.864-07:00Art & Whimsiesandraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-61874729380055024312013-11-24T14:25:00.000-08:002013-11-24T14:28:03.453-08:00DIY Paper Garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I seem to be transitioning into a vintage book theme for much of our Christmas decor. Last year my boys and I made some beautiful heart paper ornaments, along with a rolled paper star for the top of the tree.</div>
This year I decided to try my hand at making a paper garland. I posted a pic on my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/hG8a5nMwtx/" target="_blank">instagram </a>this afternoon, which sparked questions as to how it was made. That is where this blog post comes in :). <br />
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I know that there are a bunch of people making similar garlands, and I in no way
claim that this is my own original idea, this is just my own
interpretation. </div>
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You will need a big stack of paper; from books, sheet music, maps... whatever you would like. A paper punch of the size and shape that you desire, but at least 1 1/2" at it's narrowest point. And a sewing machine with heavy white thread, set at a fairly wide stitch.</div>
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Start by punching out a big pile of paper pieces, you will need quite a bit to make a long garland. </div>
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Pull out several inches of thread from both the spool and bobbin before starting your stitches, this will be for hanging later. Sew 4 paper pieces at a time, right down the middle. Between each little stack of papers, make several "empty" stitches to create a space between each paper ornament. <br />
Continue along until you have the length you desire.</div>
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Leave another few inches of thread on this end for hanging.</div>
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Now you can begin fanning out your pages. Press each piece open to create a 3D effect.</div>
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Now you have your very own paper garland =). <br />
I will be adding mine to my wall tree, once I get it put up. <br />
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No classic literature was harmed in the making of this garland. I generally use books that are damaged, or that were destined for the dump.... especially copies of old Reader's Digest books ;).</div>
andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-46445837191558652822013-11-22T19:40:00.001-08:002013-12-03T09:57:14.087-08:00Dollar Store Christmas Village, Revamped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am SO excited about this little village! </div>
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My Mom has a village that she has collected for years and has it set up all winter on top of her piano, complete with a little skating pond. I have always wanted one, I just haven't found one that was "me"... that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg!! </div>
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Then, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon this <a href="http://misskopykat.blogspot.com/2013/01/mini-winter-wonderland.html" target="_blank">blog</a>, via Pinterest, that really got my wheels turning. She had taken a cheap village, the kind you can find at the dollar store or Walmart, you know the ones with the poorly painted details. What she did was GENIUS!</div>
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Here is my version.</div>
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I started with a dollar store village. I really liked the shape and texture of these three houses, and of course I had to have a church =). I haven't decided about the little people yet... but I picked them up just in case.</div>
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On the other blog she had spray painted the pieces, which admittedly would have been much easier, but I decided to use what I had on hand. I mixed equal parts white and antique white acrylic paint, with just a little bit of pearlizing medium for a bit of shimmer. </div>
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I then started applying coats to the houses with a 1" artist's brush. It took about 4 coats to cover everything, especially the roofs and little nooks and crannies. Once that was dry I painted all the raised "snow" areas with white paint, to make the snow stand out against the ivory a bit. </div>
I forgot to get a before pic of the trees.... but they are just basic bottle brush trees that you can get at Walmart, or anywhere they sell the villages. Walmart has them in white, and "flocked" green. To make them match the houses I dipped them in a white wash solution of my paint mixture with quite a bit of water, mixed really well! Spray painting would work much better for this, but again, work with what you've got ;).<br />
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The last part is making everything "snowy". For this I used modge podge and mica flakes, but glitter would work just as well. I applied the modge podge with a small brush on the houses, just where the white snow areas are, then sprinkled heavily with mica flakes.</div>
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I brushed the trees lightly with modge podge, just on the tips of the bristles, then rolled them in the mountain of mica flakes that was covering my workspace ;). Nothing wasted!</div>
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After that it was all about gathering up the perfect accessories around the house and making a little vignette. </div>
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We have several old books that I use for various projects, and also for photo props, so I thought these would be a lovely addition.<br />
I also added a few antique electric insulators that I have collected, and placed battery operated tea lights underneath, as well as gold painted pine cones as bushes.</div>
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My boys were sweet enough to donate a vintage looking truck from their matchbox collection =). I will be adding a tree to the back as soon as I have an extra one.</div>
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I am excited to have a bit of winter up in the house! Can't call it Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving or the Hubby might just blow a gasket ;).</div>
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Next will come our "tree", which I have found the cutest idea on Pinterest for that too!!<br />
Pics of that to come soon!</div>
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YAY! </div>
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<br />andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-31119142024511608832013-05-28T09:50:00.000-07:002013-05-28T09:52:28.193-07:00Petite LPS Blythe custom... a little steampunk girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, you remember the little lady that I posted last time? Well, she got quite the makeover! And boy was it a pain in my bum, and fingers, and pretty much just a pain! But totally worth it =). This was my first time working with a LPS (littlest pet shop) Blythe... so I wasn't totally sure what I was getting myself into, and there really is not much out there for tutorials on customizing them. So I decided to go for it and see what happens... seeing as I found these dolls on clearance it wasn't going to be a huge loss if I completely screwed up. </div>
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I had read that the easiest way to do a reroot on these dolls is to actually cut the scalp open, and that seems to be the only way to get to the eyes to change them at all, as they are encased in rubber inside the head. So, I did a little surgery =).</div>
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After getting her opened up, eyes removed, and makeup removed I did a bit of sculpting on her mouth and nose to give her more personality. That blue eyeshadow did not want to come off for anything though!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtSvAw4pqx3JwGlh_QPajjDwG_pvgTcW9hwAl8ep6ScypRbeF0cJGWAdtBiX2Hjxl3jd5pUxGPLyFlo0vpoyS_1zpuKc11aosZMlwBZ9poMMEhxzLvcSH8ERFtHIoCfNsmOENW33S7ds/s1600/IMG_9306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtSvAw4pqx3JwGlh_QPajjDwG_pvgTcW9hwAl8ep6ScypRbeF0cJGWAdtBiX2Hjxl3jd5pUxGPLyFlo0vpoyS_1zpuKc11aosZMlwBZ9poMMEhxzLvcSH8ERFtHIoCfNsmOENW33S7ds/s400/IMG_9306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I removed the chips from her eyes and sanded off the blue color, then added my own hand painted paper pieces for her new eye color. Pretty sparkly golden hazel. I also removed the hideous lashes, then secured the chips back in, and popped her eyes back in, with a slightly higher gaze to hide the gaps from the eyelashes.</div>
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Next I started rooting in some black cherry alpaca wool that I dyed myself using curly brown alpaca wool, and cherry koolaid. I used the knot method, and a large sewing needle to insert all the hair... which took forever! I then carefully glued her scalp back together, and fixed her hair to hide the seam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoODRdLdqnptHY8l9vwcSA9_WuXDHy7fFl_IYVMQWLr2Pqx-lDA9-pzNPNL7_uKIoYC7keJhD-UVmsR85exNNJjBP8OAx5etVmbKxAGwVWCFBrvRpx9VeVFz8OGRgo4pobasCQ4Sb1OPI/s1600/IMG_9319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoODRdLdqnptHY8l9vwcSA9_WuXDHy7fFl_IYVMQWLr2Pqx-lDA9-pzNPNL7_uKIoYC7keJhD-UVmsR85exNNJjBP8OAx5etVmbKxAGwVWCFBrvRpx9VeVFz8OGRgo4pobasCQ4Sb1OPI/s400/IMG_9319.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
I made her dress and corset from scraps of fabric I had laying around. Her "petticoat" is made from wire that I formed to resemble a birdcage. I painted her eye makeup to resemble gears. My little steampunk princess =).andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-6734178477582386022013-03-30T09:13:00.000-07:002013-03-30T09:13:16.335-07:00LPS Blythe, and awesome Hubby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><span class="userContent">Sometimes it's the little things that make me
so happy =). For example.... Hubby knows how obsessed (to put it mildly)
I have been lately with looking for little petite Blythe dolls to
customize, while I wait the month it will take for my f<span class="text_exposed_show">ull
sized one to come in. I have been looking online and in stores for the
ones that come with the Littlest Pet Shop toys, but they are becoming
hard to find, without paying an arm and a leg. Today he took the boys to
a hockey game, but first he stopped off at Toys R Us to see what they
had in stock and found 2 of these little ladies on CLEARANCE for
me!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqCm3aORXhA8CHPqitXBHKiOnhtMvXO4ppODqsLz4sSMDDs095WsXTXjUMgyBMEL-k60M6ouxwkpx53Wgjy8McGx_H5Qc5Q3aH4fZfucuMTqeQN8J6YH9JzkfS6uHp2DIKE0oSyfXdpY/s1600/IMG_9303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqCm3aORXhA8CHPqitXBHKiOnhtMvXO4ppODqsLz4sSMDDs095WsXTXjUMgyBMEL-k60M6ouxwkpx53Wgjy8McGx_H5Qc5Q3aH4fZfucuMTqeQN8J6YH9JzkfS6uHp2DIKE0oSyfXdpY/s1600/IMG_9303.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> LOVE HIM!! Can't wait to start working on them, they are both
going to get a brand new look.... complete overhaul! Mini works of art
=).</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Now to cut open her little head and see what I'm working with, Muahahahaha!!! </span></span></div>
andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-47504770419905986562013-03-10T12:20:00.001-07:002013-03-10T12:20:41.134-07:00Tangkou Customization Update<div style="text-align: center;">
I am happily making progress on the customization of my tangkou doll. =)</div>
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The first thing that I did was remove her wig... which was a lengthy process in and of itself! When I was research the Tangkou France (Paris) doll before buying her I knew that there was some issue with the glue. Apparently some of the dolls that were sold in that first batch had wigs that were over glued, so I pretty much had a 50/50 chance of getting one of them..... and it seems that I did!! </div>
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After a bit of tedious work with the flattened end of a plastic paintbrush handle, used to gently pry up the glue, I was able to get the wig off without doing any major damage. There was quite a bit of glue left on her head, but I was able to get that off really easily with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_0htXs-w5s7pZwYfWL-rY0NMIoCKyuLiiQpe3GRwNQZtqZ4lxEnu2Bwz-Lek7pPfE_BJMqXXpDZy7BCh3B73Z6dqLqeLqpGc2-uoYgKrPwIzE3VUkRkfkTYfMZXupTMMHqesaVlNwxg/s1600/IMG_9205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_0htXs-w5s7pZwYfWL-rY0NMIoCKyuLiiQpe3GRwNQZtqZ4lxEnu2Bwz-Lek7pPfE_BJMqXXpDZy7BCh3B73Z6dqLqeLqpGc2-uoYgKrPwIzE3VUkRkfkTYfMZXupTMMHqesaVlNwxg/s1600/IMG_9205.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she is modeling her new Sinead O'Connor look.</td></tr>
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The rubbing alcohol method is how I managed to get most of her original makeup off too, but there was still a bit of a stain left. That was ok though, because I was planning to sand matte her anyway. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBwb6DfLQ9MZgom58goNSuM9VzKXD8EAktQnCki3mLd4p6TnJ-aGbUrJHwi2MNoPbZ5F_xZkza9fw8beKVMI4-AzDGlVMEZwUmMgUOtS2un3MO67ja_-n47sAswUYwUZ2s20swNzib8Y/s1600/IMG_9233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBwb6DfLQ9MZgom58goNSuM9VzKXD8EAktQnCki3mLd4p6TnJ-aGbUrJHwi2MNoPbZ5F_xZkza9fw8beKVMI4-AzDGlVMEZwUmMgUOtS2un3MO67ja_-n47sAswUYwUZ2s20swNzib8Y/s1600/IMG_9233.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I was able to get her face plate off I decided to do a bit of carving to add some unique personality to her face. I really was wanting her to resemble my painted girls a bit, so I did some shaping to her eyes, adding the tear duct area and rounding out the bottom of her eye socket a bit with an exacto knife. This was tedious work because I really needed to literally shave off tiny bits of a time so that I wouldn't over carve anything!! I also used the exacto knife and a stone file from my dremmel tool (used by hand, not actually IN the dremmel!) to carve the philtrum (above her upper lip), her lips and her nose. I didn't care for the extreme point of her nose, or the way that her top lip stuck out and went also to a bit of a point at the top, so I carefully modified them to make a cuter more "pixie" like lip.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeBGaQW_cJoOCp99sAM6phA9VBz63fDRgOwJr2jVa2-3QEfx-YYXk2n5s3xBNFkrNyVCH30BGt5SJyoylflgWAAt-PllKi1cd1ZYCvHc5d3Opm635rZPPI1l3ojQvrQTYF6LsUXvuDQ4/s1600/IMG_9239.JPG" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think her new eye shape makes her look a bit more like her Pullip cousins.</td></tr>
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Then after much sanding with a very fine grit sand paper, 400-600 grit to be exact, I started applying layers of ground up chalk pastels in a neutral palette. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9xaZ440B9rBLG4VnjN3V7rHbDDksyzqvJAl2Td4-2yRbu_uAkHV4coYiTym7NfPo881znK58ig2fdOuoTPhUi0HeTzz9rF8_bjDS-F-dl4q1wfVa2l3N1FvK4vRkC3-lDLyViQ4m7K8/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9xaZ440B9rBLG4VnjN3V7rHbDDksyzqvJAl2Td4-2yRbu_uAkHV4coYiTym7NfPo881znK58ig2fdOuoTPhUi0HeTzz9rF8_bjDS-F-dl4q1wfVa2l3N1FvK4vRkC3-lDLyViQ4m7K8/s1600/IMG_9241.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love how her eyes sparkle!!</td></tr>
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I still have quite a bit to do before she will be ready to put back together, and I am not completely happy with her nose, so I will work on that a bit more. So far, though, I am pretty pleased with the changes, especially considering this is my first time!</div>
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More to come soon =).</div>
andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-43919231059887011522013-03-09T10:22:00.000-08:002013-03-09T10:27:12.113-08:00Tangkou and the Doctor!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So excited!!!</div>
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My Tangkou baby arrived, and she is just as sweet as I thought she would be! She is my first ball jointed doll.... and will be my first customization. </div>
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Look how cute she is sitting on my computer desk, watching my every move. She has made fast friends with The Doctor and Amy, and only wonders if she would ever be able to fit in the Tardis... it is bigger on the inside after all, so there is hope. Maybe she will become the next companion. </div>
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Ohhhhh, I see period costumes in her near future!!! Maybe something Steampunk...... ;)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlEMJkjWcDo58L6wi6YOffPd6XYVBiQBU2R48R7UuHH9wRKOauQvZ3YtKlKgNQWYEK0QO5K6KfC3ei5K60bN0h0zUcu9pOAyM2HStbMVhGB7-L4XZXtfVvTlo9kL8YpVWZTHJ4S6-c9U/s1600/IMG_9195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlEMJkjWcDo58L6wi6YOffPd6XYVBiQBU2R48R7UuHH9wRKOauQvZ3YtKlKgNQWYEK0QO5K6KfC3ei5K60bN0h0zUcu9pOAyM2HStbMVhGB7-L4XZXtfVvTlo9kL8YpVWZTHJ4S6-c9U/s400/IMG_9195.JPG" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move over Amy!</td></tr>
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Hubby shot a couple photos for me that came out really nice. Here she is wearing the hat that I made for her while I was waiting for her to arrive...... it fits perfectly! Having two boys, and a husband, our home is usually overrun with superheroes, legos, Star Wars and Doctor Who..... as you can see. Now... don't get me wrong, I do enjoy all of these things, but sometimes it's nice to have something girly around (hence the ongoing theme of my art).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK3FtkRtcfQL-rsn4rY1N0q-RSB50RfG3U-sENiCqSX77pVZpW_DqRfqc2BLq3vNToW9eiHObIxfeMkarHyE0dQxB7QZ0XlbUczLXDRrY7kSsoTJRlV5PNJccbfLd7xRNPOn31BiVzAc/s1600/Tangkou1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK3FtkRtcfQL-rsn4rY1N0q-RSB50RfG3U-sENiCqSX77pVZpW_DqRfqc2BLq3vNToW9eiHObIxfeMkarHyE0dQxB7QZ0XlbUczLXDRrY7kSsoTJRlV5PNJccbfLd7xRNPOn31BiVzAc/s400/Tangkou1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like my pretty new hat?</td></tr>
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So, when this lovely lady was on her way it felt almost like a new baby coming to our home. I instantly felt the maternal need to make her pretty things. It will be nice to have "someone" in the house that I can make pretty dresses and accessories for..... you know, without starting WW3!</div>
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I have actually threatened my boys that I would start making pretty dresses for their "action figures"..... wouldn't Iron Man look so sweet in tulle and lace????? ;) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1aT4bNhMCGxa0USngMh4b5MkpeW8rcYc-Q1ldcEsghwndxHNjTp49VWxpIfRHlojptyb2VEBHzCCGNx83LWeD8_nQSonIKvlZeJv9dDy1gvmVTVjSD3wczO12TTLrXY0oyizRBAsdd0/s1600/Tangkou2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1aT4bNhMCGxa0USngMh4b5MkpeW8rcYc-Q1ldcEsghwndxHNjTp49VWxpIfRHlojptyb2VEBHzCCGNx83LWeD8_nQSonIKvlZeJv9dDy1gvmVTVjSD3wczO12TTLrXY0oyizRBAsdd0/s400/Tangkou2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So sweet</td></tr>
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The only thing I am a bit disappointed with is her hair. I knew it was a felt wig, and it wouldn't be perfect, but it's really pretty sloppily made, and was put on a bit wonky. I will be making her a new wig soon... after I get around the huge amount of glue that they used adhering it.</div>
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Also, that pink makeup has got to go!!! I think she needs something softer..... and maybe some freckles =). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgK39x-WS7_ZMk4J9PvzAtBkD6CEDupqEvJhrtTFj30O0qPXMY2nhlgt0h6hdEVtviQ6mJLL4MD0OIOap2Q8_cp7-j8Ktfob88GsPH4lkJHaoY80i9NNZLc0HtAwDuAkn501F9XcG0h4/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgK39x-WS7_ZMk4J9PvzAtBkD6CEDupqEvJhrtTFj30O0qPXMY2nhlgt0h6hdEVtviQ6mJLL4MD0OIOap2Q8_cp7-j8Ktfob88GsPH4lkJHaoY80i9NNZLc0HtAwDuAkn501F9XcG0h4/s400/IMG_9202.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exterminate!!!</td></tr>
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Her purple "hooker boots" were the first thing to go!!</div>
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Well, that's my introduction to the newest member of the family. I haven't picked a name for her yet... I think I will wait until I have fixed up her makeup and see what kind of personality she gains and go from there.</div>
<br />andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-68083032165280641782013-03-08T07:47:00.000-08:002013-03-08T07:47:05.229-08:00RemodelingRemodeling =). Please excuse the mess... trying to prettify the place a bit =).andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-82902116090489958752013-03-07T13:10:00.000-08:002013-03-07T13:13:16.307-08:00New Art, and possibly a new obsession!<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been quite some time since my last post here, and my blog, as well as my art, have been undergoing some changes. After much thought on the matter, I have decided to change my blog name from "Primitives & Whimsies" to "Art & Whimsies". I know it's not a major change, but it feels like it to me. I have not made "primitives" for quite some time.... so I am not really sure why it took me so long to make this change.</div>
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At the same time I am starting to feel that my art is taking on it's own individuality... finally. That, to me, is a big deal! </div>
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Here are a few newer paintings that I have been working on....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_VteVamTeexbfrXNy8DgruIhvD2HbRTkOEwQOO22j614VTKl6IPKQMWc5atx7AIvcKiOQc4Ut-xsiEMHvOAx7RlEcyLvly628naQeUhBLCzecIJni24lESzqZKxJm8dJ4rmtOUuXNAg/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_VteVamTeexbfrXNy8DgruIhvD2HbRTkOEwQOO22j614VTKl6IPKQMWc5atx7AIvcKiOQc4Ut-xsiEMHvOAx7RlEcyLvly628naQeUhBLCzecIJni24lESzqZKxJm8dJ4rmtOUuXNAg/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" height="296" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeper of the Sea (progress photo)</td></tr>
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Practicing painting "loose", as opposed to my usual OCD detail all the
time. This one was fun, it was nice to just relax and let the paint do it's thing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Media Collage on cardboard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Media collage on watercolor paper</td></tr>
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These last three were part of a facebook challenge, led by Jane Spakowsky (<a href="http://grittyjane.blogspot.com/">GrittyJane</a>), which was a 10 Day Painting Challenge. We were challenged to make one piece of art a day, for 10 days. It was a great challenge... but one that I did not quite finish.... I made it to day 7. Oh well! It was fun anyway =).</div>
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Now to the newest obsession... or at least it might be if all works out well ;).</div>
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For the longest time I have been admiring, and one day hoping to adopt, an adorable Blythe doll. *sigh* They are just so cute, customizable, and photogenic!!!! But the price tag gets me every time!! About a year ago I had my eye on one on Ebay that needed a lot of work, which would have been perfect because I that is exactly what I was wanting to do..... but I hesitated and missed out on a great opportunity. Since then I have gone back many times, but they just seem to be getting more and more expensive!! For my first time customizing, I just could not see spending that much.</div>
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Then I stumbled upon the adorable Tangkou dolls!!! Seemed too good to be true, a doll very much like a Blythe, but for 1/3 of the price! So I started looking online for reviews and saw some great things, and very little that was bad. So I decided to buy myself an early birthday present =). </div>
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Here is what she looks like.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tangkoudollshop.com/products/france" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0154/3491/products/TGK2003_grande.jpg?99" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to go to Tangkou site</td></tr>
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I think I am in LOVE! I ordered her about a week ago, and have been patiently waiting for her to come in! Thankfully Hubby checked the post office this morning, and she is in, just have to wait for him to bring her home =).<br />
So, you can probably expect another post tomorrow with pics!!<br />
<br />andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-49010803086492804842011-11-23T10:46:00.000-08:002011-11-23T12:07:01.001-08:00My Hubby ROCKS!Oh I am so super excited!!!! My wonderful hubby just made me the most awesome display pieces for my upcoming craft fairs =).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG-tx7cvaJCXl1ikyja5psViBnrpQmYhlsxvpHqandzJ119gpItgmOQJ6abA5SkVyvrXJHqRdJU6mDVogN8eoSoTzqaecOA88PNSO7qyBk5IqWa8sx6f-SeWpui8wCvHjaRvaPM7VcjY/s1600/IMG_8648.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG-tx7cvaJCXl1ikyja5psViBnrpQmYhlsxvpHqandzJ119gpItgmOQJ6abA5SkVyvrXJHqRdJU6mDVogN8eoSoTzqaecOA88PNSO7qyBk5IqWa8sx6f-SeWpui8wCvHjaRvaPM7VcjY/s400/IMG_8648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678278339915807026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">No humdrum velvet bust for</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ms for this girl, NO SIR!!<br />I can not wait to show them off in action this weekend at the<a href="http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/2011/11/buy-maine-handmade.html"> Etsy Maine Team craft fair</a>!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuy4nFvqQmjuFwUlaNXuGMcEC3QEnz_wTcVQry729ByExwSmaSMqo2RoTEBHvmt0GSmw75TnqE-SxkZK4U3QnAzOv1KNttYEA3iPvksCT1YNGsboMxVm7caOC2FrZEKhdZym9aMAyaIM/s1600/IMG_8658.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuy4nFvqQmjuFwUlaNXuGMcEC3QEnz_wTcVQry729ByExwSmaSMqo2RoTEBHvmt0GSmw75TnqE-SxkZK4U3QnAzOv1KNttYEA3iPvksCT1YNGsboMxVm7caOC2FrZEKhdZym9aMAyaIM/s400/IMG_8658.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678269655971129010" border="0" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;">This piece will have rustic spike nails on the front, for hanging earrings. Each tier is a different spacing apart for different lengths of earrings.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I have hung the earrings from manila tags that I have fancied up with a scrapbooking edge punch.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5biAslL6edjHGkvL314_ami4lX59JWeqHdrvYC2zB5T3fa96hgD4k73-LzV_6nLF1QhqxEKODIfPiQ5jo6OkJi47POZhUKc9oh9TP4xfjovjpkZJSDb4-KOgxPaPa_KACKZIaHTMqYRQ/s1600/IMG_8352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5biAslL6edjHGkvL314_ami4lX59JWeqHdrvYC2zB5T3fa96hgD4k73-LzV_6nLF1QhqxEKODIfPiQ5jo6OkJi47POZhUKc9oh9TP4xfjovjpkZJSDb4-KOgxPaPa_KACKZIaHTMqYRQ/s320/IMG_8352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678279587401812866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-KylryfhioX7F71NWRzmHzJXCQmYfkAi3LbS95v62Ps4qz65EF0DWvFCW8xAnvtQ6I5x3t37b7roueZajVbyzNrweJXIA_1fcVJzBwbVPXlA3LuTHiATUsBZh5rybqF-zC2jtxbOrNM/s1600/IMG_8662.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-KylryfhioX7F71NWRzmHzJXCQmYfkAi3LbS95v62Ps4qz65EF0DWvFCW8xAnvtQ6I5x3t37b7roueZajVbyzNrweJXIA_1fcVJzBwbVPXlA3LuTHiATUsBZh5rybqF-zC2jtxbOrNM/s320/IMG_8662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678277095563397906" border="0" /></a><br /><--- These wider pieces are perfect for displaying the more elaborate necklaces.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvhZqOwWM65klY_YZFYfO1UYRTrYxzXTF8tHsfWGZWqmRA9Lln3BUoYEI6Fd1LlTb7uBlnZEPsi2LwEYSAIams25ck8B8a2xWAMv9smIT8KlFL2C_D3lzkgkaowQ8n6W5qVAN9c_Hdl4/s1600/IMG_8673.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvhZqOwWM65klY_YZFYfO1UYRTrYxzXTF8tHsfWGZWqmRA9Lln3BUoYEI6Fd1LlTb7uBlnZEPsi2LwEYSAIams25ck8B8a2xWAMv9smIT8KlFL2C_D3lzkgkaowQ8n6W5qVAN9c_Hdl4/s320/IMG_8673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678275053805088194" border="0" /></a></div>And the skinny fence post pieces are the right height and width for the longer, more simple necklaces. ---><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rHjUpNcIj0kovJ5H5TlGZXdRzvt0WkJ3LxhxsKLGuynVWlrTApZjIYif8lQuspRlu0ldRKclhOEGo8CbGAPNDe2pbZjmVmcAXjqNChEl7Dtp6Z99KPINcvb0hMtzM9CoJ7YYUHiARuo/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rHjUpNcIj0kovJ5H5TlGZXdRzvt0WkJ3LxhxsKLGuynVWlrTApZjIYif8lQuspRlu0ldRKclhOEGo8CbGAPNDe2pbZjmVmcAXjqNChEl7Dtp6Z99KPINcvb0hMtzM9CoJ7YYUHiARuo/s400/IMG_8659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678281226076364866" border="0" /></a>The hat displays are going to be a great way for me to display my hats up off of the table, so that they can be seen from across the room. They are all different heights, which makes it easier to group them together, or separately.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEKB297404YzvHgsvk47uBxzE2VhHyDn9c1ernYsNpa-d4OFRr1k3-wEmpXR8ScQfWCz3NVbL0BTjX0Cm_EO-hrFvW8rHdfYzCJ9kL6lC3gpac5pewlFgwAZZ2WxIG50QfnwFli3Ap2I/s1600/IMG_8677.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEKB297404YzvHgsvk47uBxzE2VhHyDn9c1ernYsNpa-d4OFRr1k3-wEmpXR8ScQfWCz3NVbL0BTjX0Cm_EO-hrFvW8rHdfYzCJ9kL6lC3gpac5pewlFgwAZZ2WxIG50QfnwFli3Ap2I/s320/IMG_8677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678281832739535506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well.... that's all for now. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEKB297404YzvHgsvk47uBxzE2VhHyDn9c1ernYsNpa-d4OFRr1k3-wEmpXR8ScQfWCz3NVbL0BTjX0Cm_EO-hrFvW8rHdfYzCJ9kL6lC3gpac5pewlFgwAZZ2WxIG50QfnwFli3Ap2I/s1600/IMG_8677.JPG"></a>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-1388951916057523532011-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:002011-11-10T16:28:19.447-08:00A CHILL in the air...... Time for Holiday craft fairs!!! =)<span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm so excited, and nervous, and pretty much scared out of my mind!!</span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">I have 2 big art/craft fairs lined up on back to back Saturdays!! What was I thinking?!?!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/p/sat-dec-4th-show.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 346px; height: 447px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmRzZxTw_wEpRrqMe41hUaMh2_j1urIJUZmTT-bTnejox-TEP_CF7JZqS3HfD5XQc9U5-021EE7N5rKshyfiRoJ2qZOXnKWatPosG-_HugQCC6ARCE6dvPW4fLLSQyaL5-aa6B6Zy9Bfk/s640/2011+draft+1.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thebigthawportland.wordpress.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 506px;" src="http://thebigthawportland.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/bigchillpostersmall.jpg?w=500&h=760" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(click on the posters above for more info)</span><br /></div><br />I have been working my bum off crocheting, jewelry making, and display prepping. I am determined to have just about everything I need done for BOTH fairs, so all I need to do is a bit of re-stock in between if needed. Thankfully the first fair has a full 10'x10' space to fill, and the second will probably be about half that. I think it will work out smashingly =).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp3QlUdZws0YFqEdsiqcSPwV5SQwhWqlDevSnpNdzGS8lxSmnd0HTCxjuhrzUCcfk4utCSEXa4lzyqEYVkzdy9gZK6gIapbN8f8N6Jx5h7WtlLhGRs88DJtzFACKpWaKvGltN-Z1LPL4/s1600/IMG_8322.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_Q1XOL-9iai5V-mDfkKuItlq5gjsw6i4HuL96IiWvpg-sG0eiALRA-Ppa_QQirw3GhZZ_yPqqIW63Cet6BtgipmVHqVGNMPnJ-e3Gz8JF7SCRDbO1hUMpWJ-YN5wPbOgwgyOl54bRqk/s1600/IMG_7283.JPG"></a>Here are some new jewelry items that I will be bringing along with me, all of which are now available in my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/mytatteredwhimsies.etsy.com">Etsy shop</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKARCNbujluRkebFIPcXV6crM71CWdcAgXYonbeihlnBhuCf1aFkMW-7HLOAhCZumU_MFvmJbzCvdRCtxOpa9s02wZpkBCvkp46H6RAcbmFW2gBhIlTjxPuIqb3Hcap44VdlFtWTjE6Do/s1600/jewelry+medley1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 545px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKARCNbujluRkebFIPcXV6crM71CWdcAgXYonbeihlnBhuCf1aFkMW-7HLOAhCZumU_MFvmJbzCvdRCtxOpa9s02wZpkBCvkp46H6RAcbmFW2gBhIlTjxPuIqb3Hcap44VdlFtWTjE6Do/s400/jewelry+medley1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673522981228434066" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I am so excited about some of the new items I have made for the fairs!! I wanted to make some lower priced things that would make great stocking stuffers. I also wanted to expand my crochet inventory beyond hats and accessories (although I will have plenty of those, I'll save those for a later post).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dU1lzkKiHfkUTABF17vBrsdNrf9PNESxW4V2nBkGHqWonxMQAVBdx2j4JcnWx_2-BsuD6SBuGA1zMnF5ngQcHYfHSMyEv-YNsAN42g2TV3Bi_3DU9AM-l8tKof7tp5QmMWlW4AtaiWo/s1600/cozy+medley1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 552px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dU1lzkKiHfkUTABF17vBrsdNrf9PNESxW4V2nBkGHqWonxMQAVBdx2j4JcnWx_2-BsuD6SBuGA1zMnF5ngQcHYfHSMyEv-YNsAN42g2TV3Bi_3DU9AM-l8tKof7tp5QmMWlW4AtaiWo/s400/cozy+medley1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673526183090811106" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnVxsI-WvKMN5iIsr4FRV5WZEKHrc-75bw5bibq3qeyo7rd_GAj_NXopdxUikMazjTjpBahNREhU0szHspsuYNKbznUOj4IzqVY_be2hdjycSGZdHpxbEWArorhQ9CLuos6U9iaBBJck/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG"></a> <div style="text-align: left;">I have seen these cup cozies all over Etsy, and I just thought they were the greatest idea! I had to make some! The re-usable cup sleeves I made my own pattern for, but the mug cozies I adapted from a pattern that I found <a href="http://diyods.blogspot.com/2009/01/mug-cozy-tutorial.html">here</a>. I just made a couple changes, making it taller and using a HDC instead of a DC for the top section.<br /></div></div></div></div></div><br />These are just a few things that I will be bringing with me to my upcoming fairs. I'll be back later with another post featuring hats, ornaments, and GLITTENS!! Yes, I said it, gilttens! =)andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-4501195739745759002011-05-25T18:40:00.000-07:002011-05-25T19:01:49.521-07:00We have a winner!!! Or two =)Well, I had to extend the voting by a couple extra days, due to a three way tie on Sunday. But I'm happy to say, we have a winner!!!<br /><br />And the winning Etsy shop name is.......<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Tattered Whimsies</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> =)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">YAY! I am so excited, I love this name! I really think that it will represent what I have in mind for my new Etsy shop so very well! As soon as I have it up and running I will post a link here =).<br /><br />Thank you to all who voted, both here and on facebook. I could not have made this decision without you! I have to thank my wonderful hubby for humoring me and helping me pick a name out of a hat.... er.... bowl in this case, for the giveaway. So, without further ado............<br /><br />The winner of a fantabulous pair of crochet fingerless gloves is...........<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Sarah Waterfield</span> of </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FairyWhisperArt">Fairy Whisper Art</a>!!!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">She is fantastic, you really should go check out her art!<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who participated!!! This was fun! I think I might just have to do this again sometime =).<br /></div></div></div></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-64140452088420970122011-05-14T17:42:00.000-07:002011-05-14T18:41:21.142-07:00New Shop Vote/Giveaway... YAY!!Ok, so I know that I said I would do this yesterday..... but blogger was being funky, so I didn't want to mess with it. So, here we are.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">***VOTE/GIVEAWAY TIME!!!****</span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For those of you who have not read my previous post, I am in the process of setting up a second Etsy shop for my crochet and fabric jewelry and accessories. My goal is to have this new shop embody a very feminine, Victorian, whimsical feel. I have been struggling with deciding on a name for my new shop. I want the new name to mesh well with my current shop<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andraswhimsies"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andra's Whimsies</span></a>, but still have it's own distinct flavor.<br /><br />This is where you all come in =). I have come up with a few names that I like.... a couple I threw in just for fun. I would love it if all you beautiful people would vote on a name, in the comments space below. I will then choose the name based on what gets the most votes.<br /><br />Here's the fun part!! Everyone who enters a vote will be put in a drawing to win this beautiful pair of my fingerless gloves =).<br /></div><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71257598/coral-beautiful-short-fingerless-gloves"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_pg3aBS3FkfM30z0rVhj_Vai8sV_Qf7qPK_z4SVfxqDur-qys0vbHVYQZ_lGZJqwM1_Dp1jboqIA9ukxpdHY-wN7WeMKjD6GRAAdDsGMfk5O3IA2qQw4hs_rk4csKnCczzhWiMhnnhA/s400/IMG_0903.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606737307104501234" border="0" /></a><br />YAY! So, please make sure that I have at least a first name and last initial so I can add your name to the pot. I will leave this up for about a week.... or until I feel I have enough votes counted =). Then I will announce the winning shop name, and giveaway winner.<br /><br />Here is the list that I have come up with...<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><ol style="text-align: center;"><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Fanciful Fibers</span></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Whimsical Fibers</span></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Fiber Whimsies</span></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Tattered Whimsies</span></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Fanciful Whimsies</span></li></ol><br />Happy voting! Feel free to share =)andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-86597371693376927372011-05-12T09:06:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:23:11.040-07:00Decisions......I have been contemplating some changes lately. I am thinking that it's time to set up a new Etsy shop, featuring my crochet accessories...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73645699/key-lime-beautiful-short-fingerless"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RhVcVkPSz65l40Mb1EJRcMPbblmyU9QH_V7739XKqJCuxxNyg7OUlafCm2usIvDh7pa7fgfG2p8JFmzrUbvUH7LVemFFk7ysLWApnGNRxFsoA61AyDAcK4OmUlkgvUBiH51xDvMDfHg/s400/IMG_1845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605862526876019186" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73647752/mustard-yellow-beautiful-medium-length"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCYCSBnPSdUkrPxdEZiFNtSzsVEHPYqFEBM-7QOFabAyvHoaLDOK3yza7TvHzQtNYhXxXXJqaYmB0CeTRfjtwa5Ib4rsrOvlAawDHaU3QlGLZD76KDCHy_z7KJMm4xp_yBoEMl11UAoM/s400/IMG_1901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605862847722524434" border="0" /></a><br />along with some new designs that I have come up with using vintage and re-purposed fabrics.<br /><br />So far I have been able to make things flow fairly well in my current <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andraswhimsies?ref=si_shop">Etsy shop</a>, but I feel like once I start adding some of the new designs it might be a bit much =). I have been tossing around some shop name ideas, but I just can't decide on anything. SO..... I have decided I am going to put it up on here for a vote, and I might just make it a GIVEAWAY!!<br /><br />I'll post more tomorrow =). Keep a eye out for it!<br /><br />~Andraandraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-59813290545347534102011-04-26T07:30:00.000-07:002011-04-26T07:48:55.438-07:00A Rainy TuesdayIt is so dreary and rainy today. I am thankful for the rain, for the flowers sake, but I would so love to get out and enjoy the spring warmth! It's supposed to get into the 70's tomorrow, so I'm hoping that the rain will hold off for a couple hours so we can play!<br /><br />Here is a peek at what is on my work table this week. I'm not sure how much more I will do with her before she is deemed "finished".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBKCbX2k1kj2V-o3Nyi7dSLOl0thDpXpOIitAE10KkCISyGs1jeDPbXh1IboYXOerFrsr7Xcq7jXFpS8zZypgE4HN1brb72ZdYG3PeMCCOhTB1rtgUEnLaYxJTZ0g0QTfiefibHI4kTg/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBKCbX2k1kj2V-o3Nyi7dSLOl0thDpXpOIitAE10KkCISyGs1jeDPbXh1IboYXOerFrsr7Xcq7jXFpS8zZypgE4HN1brb72ZdYG3PeMCCOhTB1rtgUEnLaYxJTZ0g0QTfiefibHI4kTg/s400/IMG_0129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599901534962844994" border="0" /></a><br />I am really liking the idea of painting with just 3 or 4 colors on the palette. In this case I used burnt umber, vermilion, sap green, and lamp black. Then I just mixed colors and tones within that scope. It's very freeing!! The original drawing is outlined with a super fine sepia pitt pen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlISVrJizAwiDEaWcz3m50NPks1Hut-a-FID0Ggs9StypUbrIpOi3M3SmJ1kfFbJ2iykTHygFRVUXgAI9FzHs0bGSCWNzGnADbSMkyIuF-PtJbA_IAM9L7_dC3Jx4_vGACJcW_JgQtPs/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlISVrJizAwiDEaWcz3m50NPks1Hut-a-FID0Ggs9StypUbrIpOi3M3SmJ1kfFbJ2iykTHygFRVUXgAI9FzHs0bGSCWNzGnADbSMkyIuF-PtJbA_IAM9L7_dC3Jx4_vGACJcW_JgQtPs/s400/IMG_0131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599901541844754386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am sorry that I have taken so long to update you all about the fair. The Big Thaw was so much fun! I sold a rather large painting within 5 minutes of opening, we were actually still setting up when the woman came to look at it. We had a couple of issues with our setup in the beginning, but we got it worked out =). The foot traffic was quite steady for the whole day, and we made a few decent sales, and lots of new connections. We have another art show or two in the works for this spring/summer. I will give more details once we know more.andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-75321161158868961462011-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:002011-03-24T08:22:52.411-07:00The Big Thaw Arts & Craft Fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnBpU65QOeZ7wUYNzKCaZ0Lrxlc4QQZKnX5ObFwN2sjv9ixnv91BJYRtJh9oAW6UFJXnhdM2NoBW309ZJaxU4LtVqDhOHxdGgUv0qePZeEpq7_sdSC2cnEMC05vaE4brVKGUaGSpLXKA/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thebigthawportland.wordpress.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 455px; height: 703px;" src="http://thebigthawportland.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/bigthawweb.jpg?w=500&h=772" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited!!! I will be doing my very first art fair WOOHOO!! With my hubby by my side, we will be taking a huge leap into the art fair world.<br /><br />This April 16th will be the very first (hopefully to become annual) Big Thaw arts, crafts and vintage fair at the Mayo St Arts Center in Portland, ME. You can click on the photo above and it will take you to the blog site for the fair.<br /><br />I can't get over how talented the state of Maine is!!! You have to check out the vendors sites, there's some really cool stuff in there. I've already got my eye on a few things =).<br /><br />I have been working my bum off painting and creating for the fair!! Here's a little preview of what I will have to offer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnBpU65QOeZ7wUYNzKCaZ0Lrxlc4QQZKnX5ObFwN2sjv9ixnv91BJYRtJh9oAW6UFJXnhdM2NoBW309ZJaxU4LtVqDhOHxdGgUv0qePZeEpq7_sdSC2cnEMC05vaE4brVKGUaGSpLXKA/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnBpU65QOeZ7wUYNzKCaZ0Lrxlc4QQZKnX5ObFwN2sjv9ixnv91BJYRtJh9oAW6UFJXnhdM2NoBW309ZJaxU4LtVqDhOHxdGgUv0qePZeEpq7_sdSC2cnEMC05vaE4brVKGUaGSpLXKA/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587658345640910786" border="0" /></a><br />Several new original Mixed Media paintings, along with prints of all sizes of older paintings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLD3SapOwTlfxYYC_qlH3Xavs76B7UEJJnEWab-kLeijmNckCJnonYFppX-_-A18jn-bGrmzTpabDfU5dFldwgVWCAr3rCaW3gD5IT6ANhb79MhOXJNIOKURquM9GQVB546D87yvnXI4/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLD3SapOwTlfxYYC_qlH3Xavs76B7UEJJnEWab-kLeijmNckCJnonYFppX-_-A18jn-bGrmzTpabDfU5dFldwgVWCAr3rCaW3gD5IT6ANhb79MhOXJNIOKURquM9GQVB546D87yvnXI4/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587658375437635938" border="0" /></a><br />The debut of my new jewelry, made with prints of my paintings.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEdhXpBP4dlvQLIjRdS6eRCcyLZi-oRS0AmUholNJS2iw_dgaziwIWpgGrGvAfpMIRbod2k8HCI6RFohcJQdbOTqdTcfUkULV_kFRoeI7WRCWSFFhrT1txfc5rBl7S2yEWv9RvAlJMak/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEdhXpBP4dlvQLIjRdS6eRCcyLZi-oRS0AmUholNJS2iw_dgaziwIWpgGrGvAfpMIRbod2k8HCI6RFohcJQdbOTqdTcfUkULV_kFRoeI7WRCWSFFhrT1txfc5rBl7S2yEWv9RvAlJMak/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587658351143381826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHlRlq9N0F_hgzfoKTtQ9ieOBE6k2pkxAZ66hxI_7YakkgN-wfnQcmeudUnQYMxiTpp-OaHJ8o1z70zO2JxJb9MZx7_QoQhcWZvHyMNrwzZ94CABjKxYSZI283wWtmkcHYk4nWEqYOfU/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHlRlq9N0F_hgzfoKTtQ9ieOBE6k2pkxAZ66hxI_7YakkgN-wfnQcmeudUnQYMxiTpp-OaHJ8o1z70zO2JxJb9MZx7_QoQhcWZvHyMNrwzZ94CABjKxYSZI283wWtmkcHYk4nWEqYOfU/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587658374684575138" border="0" /></a>Crochet fingerless gloves and woman's hats. Don't you just LOVE the display hands?!?!?! Just got them in today, perfect multitaskers!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uiuoi0z6FSB-vJNe82HEoAXlPZ0kH5S7k8KhJG8EnBKkwGDFLQVu54FvysfOSGy1g8oio6HSjZ0xp8nTno2so-OEEXeV1xIvaySF-Bhqb8k_ZfLVY8xC_s9k9Krx2nqKwwRnr4qPAAI/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uiuoi0z6FSB-vJNe82HEoAXlPZ0kH5S7k8KhJG8EnBKkwGDFLQVu54FvysfOSGy1g8oio6HSjZ0xp8nTno2so-OEEXeV1xIvaySF-Bhqb8k_ZfLVY8xC_s9k9Krx2nqKwwRnr4qPAAI/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587658370167812882" border="0" /></a><br />Of course, whatever does not sell out at the fair will be put up on Etsy =). And I will be offering prints of all originals very soon.<br /><br />Be sure to check out my hubby's photography at <a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/SJohnsonPhotos?ref=ls_profile">SJohnsonPhotos</a>, he will be sharing the booth space with me =)<br /><br /></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-45013416641331055602011-02-22T07:25:00.000-08:002011-02-22T07:42:10.620-08:00Slowly But SurelyShe's coming along nicely.... but slowly! Hubby took some pics of me painting the other day.... so I thought I would share :).<br />Like my messy desk? I have to have everything I could possibly need right within my reach, obviously lol!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oqRh9rbkyPv-krgUqO8QZUVzi31HaoQZ5jSqxNULQHDD58VdsP8vRv1om2qn9Q0IN4Purxb90bmaJDc_-1YDgtlM2YBOeIs6qUh2DFbwpqOv8X5tw8JJN0npsp-NjmBLGQ-Ph65fwQA/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oqRh9rbkyPv-krgUqO8QZUVzi31HaoQZ5jSqxNULQHDD58VdsP8vRv1om2qn9Q0IN4Purxb90bmaJDc_-1YDgtlM2YBOeIs6qUh2DFbwpqOv8X5tw8JJN0npsp-NjmBLGQ-Ph65fwQA/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576535833291122946" border="0" /></a><br />I realized after he took these pics that I did the highlighting on the top of the birdhouse on the wrong side.... unless she is from a planet with two suns. I'll have to fix that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28CaIMBmV3eBUfFCKKzkehrnKUBaDJwwJ54YzxVY9_YZ_CZ1E3ml9thReb_K8J6V7R-tRHM6MbPRL7v2AbUeKxmuWrJnRMYP3x75a3S_Ju9EHwelCoorK1LPaKSL5wSnC6btDUd5E5m4/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28CaIMBmV3eBUfFCKKzkehrnKUBaDJwwJ54YzxVY9_YZ_CZ1E3ml9thReb_K8J6V7R-tRHM6MbPRL7v2AbUeKxmuWrJnRMYP3x75a3S_Ju9EHwelCoorK1LPaKSL5wSnC6btDUd5E5m4/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576535829271053714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'v got quite a bit more to do before she is finished. Then I have to ask my wonderful hubby to build me a frame, since she is painted on reclaimed particle board.... the heavy duty kind. I like to paint on reclaimed surfaces whenever possible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhBaIhe8LuFEUOFaIPRPr7NMxBwux899mG2_SIX-nKZ1yIllzczPRHeIIyXhGCfDe8eeJpd7-Umgxig9Am8kbOoAlT-30pOIBulGjI8rOqd7aH_09LGYdXZSQ5fKfx58FYJSyeUCFqEU/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhBaIhe8LuFEUOFaIPRPr7NMxBwux899mG2_SIX-nKZ1yIllzczPRHeIIyXhGCfDe8eeJpd7-Umgxig9Am8kbOoAlT-30pOIBulGjI8rOqd7aH_09LGYdXZSQ5fKfx58FYJSyeUCFqEU/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576535830568119362" border="0" /></a><br />Doesn't he take beautiful photos??? He has an etsy shop too, where he sells beautiful photography prints. You can find his work here at <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SJohnsonPhotos?ref=pr_shop_more">Shaun Johnson Photography</a>.<br /><br />I hope you all had a great long weekend!!!andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-6079365370993093012011-02-19T10:05:00.000-08:002011-02-19T10:10:19.851-08:00Free Time = Paint TimeWOOHOO!!! Yay for free time! I actually have a little bit of time to paint this weekend. Our weekends have been so full lately, it's nice to just be able to hang out with the family at home, and enjoy some painting time at my little desk.<br />Here's little sneak peek at what I'm working on. There's a long way to go, but I'm liking her so far :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavDgpOAYuNuxnNYXKtLil-7-yg726aG_ezUB3jIz0u0L657K1ehxM9hF3JgjVhi8vcJAY6g_6rxdYmCfjV8VX1wbUsLH_fJs9HK2Ijt9XM3FZKEl8lMhyphenhyphenGNeEQu_3nF_jsO2UTKIawlk/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavDgpOAYuNuxnNYXKtLil-7-yg726aG_ezUB3jIz0u0L657K1ehxM9hF3JgjVhi8vcJAY6g_6rxdYmCfjV8VX1wbUsLH_fJs9HK2Ijt9XM3FZKEl8lMhyphenhyphenGNeEQu_3nF_jsO2UTKIawlk/s400/IMG_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575464217992621058" border="0" /></a><br />Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-7731469354265221712011-01-27T09:07:00.000-08:002011-01-27T09:40:14.782-08:00New FrontiersWow!! It has been far too long since I have posted anything on here. There is so much going on that I want to share.... but maybe not all at once =).<br /><br />First of all, Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I have been working on some LOVE themed mixed media paintings that I have just added to my <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andraswhimsies?ga_search_query=andraswhimsies&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Etsy store</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66569234/the-frog-prince-original-mixed-media"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsYrMdrZXk0g-7WNBqQTVy_FEOsbUdFbl5i6akS8w_4jz5j-zYmHNLXhEMgrxgHn3rk_V83Gk0oXETZOvtzHue05U5bDGUebFp-jxzwDPUhSFAQL6PDh1lOTVS4BEeHfG6M4YchIq9Bw/s200/Frog+Prince2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566920530183465106" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66567162/you-have-my-heart-on-a-string-original?ref=v1_other_2"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCIYw7a8-wVb47fJ5stscMBVD-evY_2JG3RtKv9us1ILvTSFDyHf9jvuBW9Yu1WxAltrLxtmxhr7CrRitLnnkAtL-HnuPEKez4kf7LhoACB1Gh2VjzccgGcs_qo6RZzZUzfAyOnYb8CM/s200/Heart+on+a+string1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566920708548740194" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHctXTw4ly9U5yPb5uF-QnNbmTANxzztk4jJJXGrgPZu8xb_djTGnrSf69lnh7x1MYuWWYzGYqLbjcn6LKwysY-6hsppEvEmjqxndtMl4J_6gCz0KpmTLn6yHRiNyTUC2vcUe4pm21N4/s1600/princess%2526frog1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHctXTw4ly9U5yPb5uF-QnNbmTANxzztk4jJJXGrgPZu8xb_djTGnrSf69lnh7x1MYuWWYzGYqLbjcn6LKwysY-6hsppEvEmjqxndtMl4J_6gCz0KpmTLn6yHRiNyTUC2vcUe4pm21N4/s200/princess%2526frog1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566920872655760466" border="0" /></a></div><br />I am hoping to have some V-Day cards made up very soon with these images, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.<br /><br />Second of all =). Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not content unless I am trying something new. That in mind.... I am considering setting up a second Etsy shop specifically for cute, whimsical accessories. I have been crocheting for a while now, and am running out of people to crochet for lol! Not to mention, running out of $ for my ever increasing yarn hoard. I haven't figured out a shop name yet... but when I do you better believe I'll be sharing the news.<br /><br />Here's some photos of a project that I worked on last night... gotta keep my hands toasty warm, it gets down right freezing during these Maine winters!! These are coming in "handy" while I'm working on other projects. tee hehe!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrVt21IbDTQ23UHSrsujBnAzemQIUF0BSo6N54sHzlafEF9EQtD_bYXROXxhFyr2zU6KPAyplQ8eitWTDP1sXmvyt64D0wYRF5d2qfjChMrYKviW-WHTZUJdC-ozEAQ9Jol13-pvmVyU/s1600/blue+lacy+fingerless+gloves1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrVt21IbDTQ23UHSrsujBnAzemQIUF0BSo6N54sHzlafEF9EQtD_bYXROXxhFyr2zU6KPAyplQ8eitWTDP1sXmvyt64D0wYRF5d2qfjChMrYKviW-WHTZUJdC-ozEAQ9Jol13-pvmVyU/s400/blue+lacy+fingerless+gloves1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566914257156493554" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwJArjTnTszyHf7rW4E6WnShxoRtZNl_HNz_WSBXT30d0Hjk3qR4xqUcr-mYkkwo8wicNPLxrnciFU6QFXDDT_mV-5w1xr429uvix3ukcjlQLexLEZYeD32IjAsa7HlZenmaDW3woZLg/s1600/blue+lacy+fingerless+gloves2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwJArjTnTszyHf7rW4E6WnShxoRtZNl_HNz_WSBXT30d0Hjk3qR4xqUcr-mYkkwo8wicNPLxrnciFU6QFXDDT_mV-5w1xr429uvix3ukcjlQLexLEZYeD32IjAsa7HlZenmaDW3woZLg/s400/blue+lacy+fingerless+gloves2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566914360528135218" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a link to the pattern for these adorable <a style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" href="http://gettinghookedoncrafts.blogspot.com/2010/11/free-crochet-pattern-fingerless-gloves.html#comment-form">fingerless gloves</a>.... just in case you're feeling crafty =). She also has an adorable <a style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gettinghooked">Etsy shop</a> with some of the cutest handmade stamps i'v ever seen!!andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-22079451066985382812010-10-02T07:29:00.000-07:002010-10-02T07:39:51.749-07:00An Artist in Training =)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Logan is having so much fun with his new art journal, he doesn't want to put it down! He wanted to learn how to draw faces, so I have started with teaching him the proportions of the face. How to draw the lines through the face to lay out the eyes, nose and mouth. And then I just let him go with it, to make his faces look how he sees them. This is about him being able to express himself. I am very impressed!!! For a boy who went from drawing basic smiley faces last week, to this in just one try...... </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdf1OawVnNiz-YFAhYO6FeFrqzQh7h0h3YHQp3WbiPsK2Abo9WL0KeDJrlvB6fzP7MVlC7B8ggfFzihkyK1r6BC6LKCdt5qzuUm2a2ClBOtU5qKG03MUhNwX5vZUp88fpmSRNoFOrUjQ/s1600/logans+art+journal1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdf1OawVnNiz-YFAhYO6FeFrqzQh7h0h3YHQp3WbiPsK2Abo9WL0KeDJrlvB6fzP7MVlC7B8ggfFzihkyK1r6BC6LKCdt5qzuUm2a2ClBOtU5qKG03MUhNwX5vZUp88fpmSRNoFOrUjQ/s400/logans+art+journal1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523457519533720370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Not too shabby!!! </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">He used to want to be a teacher, now he wants to be an artist..... and a paleontologist of course =).</span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">Off to draw with my little budding artist!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-24391482599808702952010-09-29T06:04:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:09:53.639-07:00Learning Through Art<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >I am so excited to share this with you! This summer my husband and I decided that we wanted to pull our 8yo son out of public school and homeschool both him and our 5 yo. It has taken much prayer and research for us to come to this decision, but it has been wonderful so far.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >I am taking a fairly relaxed approach to their schooling, making sure that the important things get accomplished daily, but giving them plenty of room for natural learning through play and creating with their hands.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >I have wanted to incorporate art into their learning as much as possible. Our 8yo has been asking recently to learn how to paint and draw "like Mommy".... so yesterday we devoted our whole day to researching journal making and making him his very own handmade art journal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >We found this excellent video tutorial by an amazing mixed media artist (who I very much admire) named <a href="http://timewithtascha.blogspot.com/">Tascha</a><a href="http://timewithtascha.blogspot.com/"> Parkinson</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" ><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6RKnjaJ5WCo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6RKnjaJ5WCo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >After watching this video we were ready to get to work on our own art journals.... we just had to adjust things a bit to get a larger scale with our own books. We got our bristol paper and cardboard ready, and picked out our cool scrapbook papers.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfns0p2U7UNo30lfiD1_FYXzRy9te20qcjLDKgAEqXDz0KGrnET3ZB0_lH9iAwycPoWBww5AOcGOs1-_aK09I0mvDk0-JkSfLg_HjqCVQTOk0nkOOjIlsZcBQkvF65Ds7nf3ZNCnPnco/s1600/IMG_8872.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 483px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfns0p2U7UNo30lfiD1_FYXzRy9te20qcjLDKgAEqXDz0KGrnET3ZB0_lH9iAwycPoWBww5AOcGOs1-_aK09I0mvDk0-JkSfLg_HjqCVQTOk0nkOOjIlsZcBQkvF65Ds7nf3ZNCnPnco/s400/IMG_8872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522328940428992194" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6RmuSZDTXe-KiQ4Y2Vhz0RYYH5yQFa0FcLkILEEJ4sV887jDPDuzmXm0mPHTrj1hTKlNs6NYcxRNC5pDGUBfZFNMjqvPt28p9eKFygy8bcMVdCvhDB09HdEIgDn_oNBYpYFGzNGIyIY/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6RmuSZDTXe-KiQ4Y2Vhz0RYYH5yQFa0FcLkILEEJ4sV887jDPDuzmXm0mPHTrj1hTKlNs6NYcxRNC5pDGUBfZFNMjqvPt28p9eKFygy8bcMVdCvhDB09HdEIgDn_oNBYpYFGzNGIyIY/s400/IMG_8896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522328947480683410" border="0" /></a><br />Next we set to work gluing, and gluing, and gluing some more =).<br />Have to get the boys used to getting their fingers dirty if they are going to make art.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjnDeJuVp0mEfkkeC0hiwhXfao4GTatM2UgngjdKcuz6Q0IXPXK59dO6wfGJtacvD9NRbL1M7pNCidQ4Le0ibIVI4EK1IBFf0f_gIPGZ0dj2yBbidQLPvtkFDnahatqK4RxD_jbzsEy4/s1600/IMG_8871.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjnDeJuVp0mEfkkeC0hiwhXfao4GTatM2UgngjdKcuz6Q0IXPXK59dO6wfGJtacvD9NRbL1M7pNCidQ4Le0ibIVI4EK1IBFf0f_gIPGZ0dj2yBbidQLPvtkFDnahatqK4RxD_jbzsEy4/s400/IMG_8871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522330570753800642" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JQJFyOEeZtb_JHnNtenKZYuKjkWFyd2NMpGoYRF15MEJ3vQavocMIAP2ufxGNbueYKKc8MFkg1S1xpD7trsmam4tlfj-DmFexbaZ9VKo6uG3x03hN_8NCEVuYaxyG5uITCuBa1ecZl8/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JQJFyOEeZtb_JHnNtenKZYuKjkWFyd2NMpGoYRF15MEJ3vQavocMIAP2ufxGNbueYKKc8MFkg1S1xpD7trsmam4tlfj-DmFexbaZ9VKo6uG3x03hN_8NCEVuYaxyG5uITCuBa1ecZl8/s400/IMG_8869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522330566340658338" border="0" /></a><br />Then came the tricky part...... securing all of the pages of bristol paper inside the book. This was Logan's first time with a sewing needle.... and I think he did great!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfHqvB1UbDArCxBApTCiUK0jXzaryUFuoMbhUaufQyDhNObVvCkr7_k2TxspdUcjwel2lDK4m6krHc5WZawWcBf9w3ycVWj5-luMu0AT28b1WNRpc4DR1vADRMi9uxvOF2RzoP1IVOMk/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfHqvB1UbDArCxBApTCiUK0jXzaryUFuoMbhUaufQyDhNObVvCkr7_k2TxspdUcjwel2lDK4m6krHc5WZawWcBf9w3ycVWj5-luMu0AT28b1WNRpc4DR1vADRMi9uxvOF2RzoP1IVOMk/s400/IMG_8877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522331865190584050" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCouzKLNjniP3a8CqaTXZtQy-y78esniJxsN_A6GZHocUzEZLwbLVcNr53_9UW0bV75uaFB6qfP3ZEobm2MrwOI6j_R2-R-HxZw-jvxij9Ep8WwYhNMBRzLFmjBSgqH96eE5YJLzgILU/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCouzKLNjniP3a8CqaTXZtQy-y78esniJxsN_A6GZHocUzEZLwbLVcNr53_9UW0bV75uaFB6qfP3ZEobm2MrwOI6j_R2-R-HxZw-jvxij9Ep8WwYhNMBRzLFmjBSgqH96eE5YJLzgILU/s400/IMG_8878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522331866749501890" border="0" /></a><br />After much work.... and thankfully no blood, sweat (well maybe a little), or tears.... we were finished!!! YAY!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUEbmAlK-8Y7qGhV-ficrjm3MGFhtAyQTk4oqm1uQRGIfN9s4MBaKjpjK3dNYd66KCwV-bpyF8eMq5kMA6CNRaSJe_7Ok2GsDif6WBydc4ORD8rNiTcaikFMWMoLfC6mAgBczdqBa5tU/s1600/IMG_8880.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUEbmAlK-8Y7qGhV-ficrjm3MGFhtAyQTk4oqm1uQRGIfN9s4MBaKjpjK3dNYd66KCwV-bpyF8eMq5kMA6CNRaSJe_7Ok2GsDif6WBydc4ORD8rNiTcaikFMWMoLfC6mAgBczdqBa5tU/s400/IMG_8880.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522332790475262114" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWZgYdttiYA0nLiWz5y5oKtGNrqv2sTMSWIkYNo4_C71obYAiwMpdnKrxn6dJXg0AnjLV0Vb8TiCmT-HnS9I3i-CX5qz0M8QC0IfIarUkfCBOKOaRHIsG8DCKLHWKK2-rCpUKt0-rj0Y/s1600/IMG_8900.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWZgYdttiYA0nLiWz5y5oKtGNrqv2sTMSWIkYNo4_C71obYAiwMpdnKrxn6dJXg0AnjLV0Vb8TiCmT-HnS9I3i-CX5qz0M8QC0IfIarUkfCBOKOaRHIsG8DCKLHWKK2-rCpUKt0-rj0Y/s400/IMG_8900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522332800994122898" border="0" /></a><br />Now to get drawing and painting in them!!<br />I specifically used the bristol paper because I knew that it would hold up well to pretty much anything we might want to play with.<br /><br />We both learned so much in just this one project together. Not just art, but history, math, teamwork, following directions, and even more real life skills that will be useful for so many things in the future. And it made us closer as Mom and Son.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-35515818341852503022010-04-28T11:16:00.000-07:002010-04-29T06:01:47.574-07:00"Upcycled" Portrait finished... and more<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I have been working hard on several paintings lately... too many at once I think =). I have a couple waiting on my dear sweet hubby to build frames for, so they will look all pretty.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">BUT, I did manage to finally get photos taken of the "upcycled" project that I was working on. She came out quite beautiful, I think.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9manyLMrjL1xJvPljLNh7Ltm22QLfB9vKksosN8uBJdVLUYRM_gQFaZ-a33aXrsJ8cqby1ujxAQWKHYDrQNakS0fMrRaJQbKPbWXH3YSTqhcEWU_uEzdiHI1sKnTAfRp8c7P5Q9JLPdc/s1600/IMG_5721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9manyLMrjL1xJvPljLNh7Ltm22QLfB9vKksosN8uBJdVLUYRM_gQFaZ-a33aXrsJ8cqby1ujxAQWKHYDrQNakS0fMrRaJQbKPbWXH3YSTqhcEWU_uEzdiHI1sKnTAfRp8c7P5Q9JLPdc/s400/IMG_5721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465257101369824194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My talented hubby made the frame out of scrap wood leftover from a project that he was working on, he makes beautiful Primitive birdhouses and furniture. One day I will be a good wifey and share some photos of his work too =).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I used several layers of paint and crackle on the background, along with stamping with my new favorite tools.... bubblewrap and bottle covers for circles. Then I layered on some collage elements from scrapbook papers and some printed vintage sheet music. </span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEQs5bqJoJMP5ZBnHwqC9svmxvOBMWWEumIQJdO18XFNsRLjcpdrz8R2U3M_GMwomUmMMcKmOlTK7TJtq59uoNOiZzCBiF2b8JIFwJ7A4CueCF5JYfm9CqHA1rwnQBNvjNj6PtvQvib4/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEQs5bqJoJMP5ZBnHwqC9svmxvOBMWWEumIQJdO18XFNsRLjcpdrz8R2U3M_GMwomUmMMcKmOlTK7TJtq59uoNOiZzCBiF2b8JIFwJ7A4CueCF5JYfm9CqHA1rwnQBNvjNj6PtvQvib4/s400/IMG_5704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465256912930963330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I recently picked up Kelly Rae Roberts' book "Taking Flight". WONDERFUL!!!! I can't put it down! It is both informative and inspiring!!! I decided to give some of her techniques a try and this is what I came up with the first time around. I have a few more that I am finishing up using many of the same ideas.<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOonW7Voxi9bOALWfDZjoBke9rsfx5MsperXQhgH7anllQKQAv0_ZZ4bIhLFn2UV5PZZuhuklxtxf_2p-K8zmKz8_p8fFJmmcPy1qQQVfDidPRhYeW5uOw3V8PZ1FtA1vuoWHdvKiJ_-o/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOonW7Voxi9bOALWfDZjoBke9rsfx5MsperXQhgH7anllQKQAv0_ZZ4bIhLFn2UV5PZZuhuklxtxf_2p-K8zmKz8_p8fFJmmcPy1qQQVfDidPRhYeW5uOw3V8PZ1FtA1vuoWHdvKiJ_-o/s400/IMG_5747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465256664521015346" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzBWkh6arE2QXI6OwuJfmK3H4paUjW5rHjOHL3Tz9wX6GduBSU9l97H7J8mfSMxPbv1EDM6IWGbYxqdyPiD4SH4R0kXCnRBrjhPNCX7zLxCv6CNHfd0gQsbd-Aage9FC8S4Pg81L-oKs/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzBWkh6arE2QXI6OwuJfmK3H4paUjW5rHjOHL3Tz9wX6GduBSU9l97H7J8mfSMxPbv1EDM6IWGbYxqdyPiD4SH4R0kXCnRBrjhPNCX7zLxCv6CNHfd0gQsbd-Aage9FC8S4Pg81L-oKs/s400/IMG_5726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465256490186034706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am really having a hard time figuring out where to list my paintings! I might try these out on ebay and see what happens. Selling paintings is still very new to me. Still testing the waters a bit =).<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-56554149570894089012010-03-24T09:19:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:50:22.543-07:00"Upcycled" Portrait Work in Progress<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You may call it "Upcycle", or "Recycle" or just makin' fun stuff out of old junk... but regardless of what you call it, for the frugal crafter/artist it's the way to go! Not to mention saving trees and keeping waste out of the landfills =).<br /><br />Lately I have really been thinking about ways to make my art a little bit more "green". Finding ways to use something that may otherwise have been tossed away. Hubby and I are in the process right now of cleaning out our storage unit, and I am finding loads of treasures! Old baby books that were damaged... or chewed on. The board books will be especially fun. Books of poetry and classic stories that had been water damaged. An old dilapidated bookshelf that I have already had hubby cut into perfect canvas sizes and layered with gesso. The possibilities are endless!!<br /><br />Right now I am working on a beautiful portrait.... but if you saw the "canvas" beforehand you would have thought I was crazy!<br /><br />Upon going through the boy's old baby toys I came across several board puzzles with missing pieces. I was able to pry the top cutout layer off of one of them, leaving a lovely piece of sturdy thin particle board. (i'm pretty sure hubby thought I was crazy) The only problem..... it was covered with animals =).<br />After a layer of Gesso, this is what I had.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_fTmE9NS1v99vwAI1S1T8oV-VrtTWidg3Lped6z25-wnIMj8Mj1RabfLh7CHZb_3vV2fSBfm14XTdVCur_IFzWasSoFgYkgBd0Kbvs0TzcvZVRTCePDHDOp2aDCmd_VUC1x4BS7KKJs/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_fTmE9NS1v99vwAI1S1T8oV-VrtTWidg3Lped6z25-wnIMj8Mj1RabfLh7CHZb_3vV2fSBfm14XTdVCur_IFzWasSoFgYkgBd0Kbvs0TzcvZVRTCePDHDOp2aDCmd_VUC1x4BS7KKJs/s400/IMG_5269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452239615102075410" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />You can still kinda see the animals peeking out. I'v been working hard on her all day, and am really loving how she is coming out. She isn't finished yet.... but this is what I have so far. The background looks black... but it's really Burnt Umber.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ML-QhjD15kLuB90rj202lCuQbPJkQ-F7aV2S4laZQVZWllZBW7X2O5tIZ1jraFfE_bnTGkNeB8boNjCjM9R9J9hokAgXcxFGZzmqVM57494ND2c2MOX-CmOxKOJxBYjJ3LAd-wv9Fk/s1600/IMG_5272.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 438px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7ML-QhjD15kLuB90rj202lCuQbPJkQ-F7aV2S4laZQVZWllZBW7X2O5tIZ1jraFfE_bnTGkNeB8boNjCjM9R9J9hokAgXcxFGZzmqVM57494ND2c2MOX-CmOxKOJxBYjJ3LAd-wv9Fk/s400/IMG_5272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452241668245868194" border="0" /></a><br />I will post more photos when she is finished.<br />Thanks for looking!<br /></span></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-45320571107851842442010-03-24T08:53:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:12:43.283-07:00Now on Etsy & Ebay<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">These are my offerings for the week on both Ebay and Etsy. You can click on the photos to see the description and more photos.<br />It feels really good to actually have some things up for sale again!<br />Be sure to check out my other items on Etsy, I have a couple of prints for sale on there right now too.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180483809052&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXbmp_gBCDAYsSqVTym9CBJdruumyWsqtdm3vGBeetxAdZMhjQ2GV2gBfMpX5z7WqY7_6BQY6hGNlDf8Ddc1-fUmUJu9RkkMKKQ4HRRa8z30XvTL-TwCMddGpCQ6inbutQg-TfnJrGj4/s400/izzyrepro5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452232140782007042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180483798913&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7GrzqhNWwqaVAcHJgfTFRK2sAIbCJqGs4NDy8izHc4fkL2SYTZc_tq9LqA3nZ3qEgPNHAIznkoo_pKYQYIt2TjRMjIoJddhztpHxHEivIGmYwUEVbeuiUltZpvUP_1oK0UH0cUVz8Hk/s400/sophia1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452231897986560002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180483796301&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXrcD2WpaTkVrBLdyqMh3xPaDiiVuijdc45EhFIVEgJHhbUbM9SteGLS2U4yIY13-F3RzMsr_FBDTrmq1i5f02c7uS7HJz1ai9lx2ALYjSojVMDTFrrhqSVGX0t8I3dGOKAQ9xns-Ooc/s400/Molly&teddy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452231649040659874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42981686"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWdXf_8UCRl7dHjuYKPPQgEozWVUhyTxWRVNI_4ye1M-KNRh6W4kEh-fjUn_haj4L-iOwLNjb2nxWaPRGsBRonb8gfHeCmWNYkT4z9H140zQ1J0RtAHpWSs0nmcXnNQpjeGGVCzzKI0c/s400/friendship&grace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452230690385144034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42986461"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkJbpTC39TPB6HJ5cAkf3BzrrD84hgdrog49JDehJWwmPQor2WFiqkvBMQY7a8kGIXYSPAeRaq2LhoDUXCPLRLYbBVs3Ji6h7UWEE8F0pCNRNeWRJYtYCjI8MXoAunsepcLNPLPZ040k/s400/gardenfairy2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452230588849050514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42984812"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZAs9ObLfm-xYg4_QHLZTWuvlkfL1BaPbWbV1ECALonuj1_lwkonUCeYVkRi78IOiaSncCsIYG4AsuybJTd-KcNpN4P0KFLnsMx676BPJrO45V3cJrVkZ9uV_R5Fmh_qfKzt55OjKuzk/s400/bunnygirl2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452230498286794178" border="0" /></a>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-66771635445318505262010-03-01T12:20:00.000-08:002010-03-01T12:38:58.216-08:00Fairy Princess & Angel<div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been working one some new mixed media paintings over the past week, specifically for prints. They are 9x6 paintings on watercolor paper, and have been mounted on thin sturdy cardboard. I'm not sure if i will be selling the originals to be framed, or just the prints. But either way as soon as i can get the printing sizes worked out i will have them up on Etsy.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFr97jaqWbyaEfjSaH13d9kJ-5ViMi81yAcN-HXe9GG5wbIzTtWg1O38Qtel0iMJaDeLVk1wSLABm2QA0QN5Ag5fqz5HXXEdcZwEu9-D01euiymxhDaYEqA9jZ7x1DtXNhC9hIFXIk9o/s1600-h/long+ago+and+far+away.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFr97jaqWbyaEfjSaH13d9kJ-5ViMi81yAcN-HXe9GG5wbIzTtWg1O38Qtel0iMJaDeLVk1wSLABm2QA0QN5Ag5fqz5HXXEdcZwEu9-D01euiymxhDaYEqA9jZ7x1DtXNhC9hIFXIk9o/s400/long+ago+and+far+away.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443763380707791298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Long Ago and Far Away" was created using collaged pages from a 40's vintage book, acrylics, watercolor pencils, printed paper, charcoal and is sealed in beeswax.<br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xxPqGADeM-ccFcLqC2wDOeyw2M6CRnr0EX10bdjW3Tz32FLdddpu__ZmLp3i2b6ERrTSTyRRr-37mVOnP9DDfw6-N1HcU3nQUHj8r3gB9QPI0uXtZy8j7hxaJVJOjErgCyphERR2j0s/s1600-h/MMangel1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xxPqGADeM-ccFcLqC2wDOeyw2M6CRnr0EX10bdjW3Tz32FLdddpu__ZmLp3i2b6ERrTSTyRRr-37mVOnP9DDfw6-N1HcU3nQUHj8r3gB9QPI0uXtZy8j7hxaJVJOjErgCyphERR2j0s/s400/MMangel1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443763148076305282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The angel is watercolor pencils, acrylic, charcoal and is also sealed with beeswax.<br />Look for them soon on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/andraswhimsies">Etsy shop.</a><br /><br /></span></span></div>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2971981795471098512.post-81612720133923414602010-02-23T06:48:00.000-08:002010-02-23T06:54:58.485-08:00Spring is on it's way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCG3Z_pk4hNiENrqVRp6JnttI2-rleP5iuWncI5gdd1Nj0MUlYR_ZWQsutyNWpgYvaFwKbqvFqRxTkZxgkTuEbMUJUpstBAwYi8kRbwn2Rx0lz4gQ8SEzG5vqSeCqZF7y8PGt_zVtOK6k/s1600-h/IMG_5051.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCG3Z_pk4hNiENrqVRp6JnttI2-rleP5iuWncI5gdd1Nj0MUlYR_ZWQsutyNWpgYvaFwKbqvFqRxTkZxgkTuEbMUJUpstBAwYi8kRbwn2Rx0lz4gQ8SEzG5vqSeCqZF7y8PGt_zVtOK6k/s400/IMG_5051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441451467968683330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh what a BEAUTIFUL sight!! This is what I found when I went to get Logan off the bus yesterday....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPXurAWV0c8VYQF51fRPhCKyFyjwJp2PUR3kGmMHRmDMl9KQl-ddo_bgxp2SOTeSEmHse7jIrlsJYY8Euh4Up5RTKyMWDUO5R5Y-oV_O8hZi1oi40wH-DZAEDsU3NH4UrgjLbskw04_o/s1600-h/IMG_5034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPXurAWV0c8VYQF51fRPhCKyFyjwJp2PUR3kGmMHRmDMl9KQl-ddo_bgxp2SOTeSEmHse7jIrlsJYY8Euh4Up5RTKyMWDUO5R5Y-oV_O8hZi1oi40wH-DZAEDsU3NH4UrgjLbskw04_o/s400/IMG_5034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441451627407537938" border="0" /></a><br />Sap buckets on the old maple trees out front, courtesy of Giles Farm. A true sign that spring is on it's way! =)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course the weather man is calling for snow the rest of the week..... UGH!</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>andraswhimsieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15763338954779046573noreply@blogger.com0