Is it a sign?

Shhhh...you hear that? It's opportunity...knocking!  This was the post from my psychic today, it was also my 3rd sign that I need to really start thinking of my art as a way to support myself.

Scary? yes. Can I really do it?  yes???

I made a custom portfolio for myself and by the end of the day I have 3 orders and maybe a 4th, is that a sign? yes

New quilt store in Clarinda Ia, wants teachers, is that a sign? yes. My jobs a joke, was just thrown under the bus, is that a sign? yes

Ok, I guess its time to get off my ass and do something about this. 

Here are the portfolio's I am doing, custom orders, monogramed, pick your colors, take your real personality to that boring meeting and flash your swag! or whatever yur supposed to flash!

 

When God shuts one door, at least a window is open, might be small but its a start!

 

 

Summer

I have been working on my new stuff for the JJC Gallery Show in July. The Title of the exhibit is "Color My World" right up my alley LOVE color!! I will post once the show is over.

I have been wanting to do a Manatee collage for some time now, so I just decided to jump in and see where it takes me, I want to try a little more of an abstract look, not so color exact.  I have the drawing done, now have to decide on fabrics.

We had to let Gunthie go to doggy heaven on the day before mothers day, that was the hardest thing I have had to do in a long time, but it was time and I know he is at peace.
I asked the vet for one of those shots so when it was my time to go I could just sigh one last time and drift off in happy dreams. He couldn't be convinced, due to some silly law.

We miss you "Gunker"

 

Brandon is doing drivers ed - Gosh I can't believe he is going to be 16, where does the time fly?

 It was just yesterday that Gunther was dragging B around the yard by his arm, and B was laughing his head off. I was a nervous wreck that daycare was going to turn me in to child protection because of the teeth marks on his arm.

 

 

 

B's first pay check from his first real job!  Doesn't like the job so much, but likes payday!

 

I will try to post more often and get some tutorials going. I want to develop a couple of new classes so will post here to get feedback and input from my expert friends.

 

Thanx for stopping by, hope your summer is happy and productive!

 

 

Vacation's over (sad face)

I had a wonderful week at my friend Patti's in Punta Gorda FL.  It is absolutly beautiful down there. We went to Boca Grande Beach and it was awesome! probably the best beach ever, even nicer then my Corona Del Mar secret spot.

We went to Manatee Park and saw a bunch of Manatee's. For some reason I am obsessed with Manatee's, I think they are just the coolest critter ever. Below is a baby and mama.

 

I really wasn't looking forward to going back to work, but I have been so busy the last 2 weeks I haven't even minded.  While down in Florida, Patti, Donna & I took a couple of art classes at  Inspiration Studio. We made a coconut fish and a cool moasic tray. The owner was interested in my art work and may sell in her gallery so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

What have I done? Who did that to my carpet?

I think maybe I had a moment of insanity or maybe it was clarity? not real sure yet. I signed up for "31 Days of Organizing" from Becky's blog Organizing Made Fun. Now I think I am having joiner's remorse, if there is such a thing. Knowing my track record with organizing and actually putting stuff away where it belongs.

Just a glimpse of my organizing skills! My follow through really sucks too, I do great for the first day, but after that I swiftly go downhill. Maybe by showing the world what my closet looks like, I will stay focused long enough to at least show a pic of the after???

Now of course I can't just sign up for 1 thing (I am a Gemini after-all) I also signed up for JoAnne Sharpe's Magical Marker Mystery Tour, which started Sept 24 (so I am already falling behind) I have done a couple other on-line classes that JoAnne has and they are really fun, she is a great teacher and you can access the videos and tutorials forever and the cost is only $38. Its like taking a class over and over or maybe even finishing it later when my closet is clean. JoAnn's Blog
I do have a ton of markers and paper so I thought it was  my duty to sign up and utilize my art tools :)

On a side note, I did get my carpet in the living room cleaned last night, not on the to do list but when B called me at work and said "there's been an incidence in the living room, not sure who did it and not sure which end it came from" I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. I wanted to tell him, he needed to call his father because I had a late meeting until at least 7pm, but I did not, when I walked in the house I really wished I had.  I will not gross you out with details of the crime scene but I'm pretty sure this is the culpret

B and I spent 1 hour trying to get the Bissell carpet cleaner to work to no avail, so I called and told Troy he needed to get a carpet cleaner on his way home and I would be in my studio trying to get the sad state of my carpet out of my mind. Looking forward to a new day!

Fabric Collage for Lauritzen Garden Exhibit

Had a very productive weekend. Worked on the background of my cactus and finally found a sky fabric that looks awesome. I will start quilting this week so I will have both done by the due date of Oct 15th. Troy and I went to Mahogany Prime Steak House for our 16th anniversay and they gave us 4 roses, such a nice touch for a special occasion.
Went to Mangelsen's to look for sky fabric and found fabric to make new christmas stockings and Troy found an aluminum christmas tree on ebay for 50 bucks and its here is Bellevue - Score!!

 
Gracie had her girley sx this week and she is doing great, wouldn't even know she had anything done, the scar is pretty much invisable all the stitches are on the inside - Good work Dr May!

My treasures

Here are our cool finds on day one. Back again tomorrow, I have to check out my Flea Market Style mag for ideas of things to look for tomorrow. Troy is going to make a dragon fly out of the old wrench and faucet knobs, just news to find some wings.

Junk bonanza

Great day of junkin at Junk Bonanza in Shakopee MN. I didn't realize that much junk existed!! A lady we were in line with said junkin started in this area so there are a lot of events during the year. There had to be 1000s of people there. Will post some pics of what I got in awhile