Best Friends Forever

Earlier this year, my daughter Amy and I created this sweet "Friendship Journal" for her friend Donna. They are truly the best of friends, even got married on the same date (a few years apart). Donna was Amy's Matron of Honor, and Amy was a bridesmaid in Donna's wedding. In lieu of this friendship which began while my daughter attended Western Michigan University for a while, I would also like to commemorate the celebration that is going on my sweet friend, Deb's blog, "It's All Good." She has posted her 100th post. Congratulations!

Please check it out and sign up for her grand giveaway!

"IT'S ALL GOOD"

And for my lovely daughter, Amy, here is a photo from Amy and Derek's wedding from 2007 of Donna and Amy. They are such beauties!

Amy and Donna

Altered Photos

I really like playing around with vintage photos. This technique is really quite simple, but will only work with photos processed by Snapfish. I tried other photo processing companies, and it won't work. The emulsion will not soften with other companies. You simply immerse your photo into warm water for a couple of minutes, slightly dry, and etch the surface with an awl. You can scratch it with a Scotch scrubbing pad, or put things underneath and rub your image to create. I used watercolor pencils to add colors to the surface for this one. The possibilities are endless!


The photo below was originally orange, and then I color enhanced it in Photoshop. Originally, I was fortunate enough to be able to take a class taught by Nellie Wortman of "Early Morning Thoughts." She happily showed us some of the techniques described in an exciting book by Karen Michel called "The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery." Another really great book called "Mixed Emulsions" by Angela Cartwright will also rock your world.


Here's to taking your photo passions to a new level of discovery!

Felted Knitted Treasure Bowl

I've gone a little bit western-country style at the moment. I hand knitted this Sedona-colored bowl, machine felted, and then added a few of my cowboy styled treasures. Due to the fact that I live in Michigan, there is not a whole lot of cowboy looking things to be found, but a lot of country. I may have to run to the Salvation Army again. I haven't been there in a couple of days! LOL

Have a magical day!

Nancy

Felted Clutch Handbag

Spending most of this past weekend alone, I was able to just knit away totally undisturbed.....total bliss! My hubby was out of town fishing for walleye with my son, so I was thrilled to catch up on all those programs that were slowly filling the DVR. I made these two felted clutch bags while watching the Lifetime channel on Friday and Saturday. They are first hand knitted with 100% wool yarn, then machine washed in extremely hot water. I just love to see the end result, when you pull them out of the washer. They go from huge, to completely dense. It is always a surprise! I also knitted two eye glass holders, a knitted "treasure bowl," and started another. This weekend is my slumber party at our local yarn shop. I need to finish a teddy bear, and line two totes. Looking forward to meeting new people and discovering new patterns!

May every stitch you knit bring you a little closer
to that calm, clear space in the center of your soul.

--- Earth Heart Design

Have a wonderful day!

Nancy

KC Willis Class Commercial

This class is looking SO exciting to me. Here is a short film for inspiration.

Check it out.....K C Willis Collage Camp

I am spending all day with my friends from Blooming Ideas and It's All Good. We will be playing with fabric, lace, and hoping to finish our projects for the "A Year of Color" exchange. This is going to be a great day! Can't wait . . .

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun . . . .

Beyond Awesome....

CLICK HERE

LEXINGTON - Back in 1997 the Kings School's physical education teacher, Lynn Kelly, initially formed this gym class project to give girls a chance to participate on a team. Practices were held during lunchtime to 4th & 5th graders. Then there was a performance for parents at the end of the year.

Their first performance was during halftime at a King's girls reserve basketball game. Later in the year Miami University and the University of Dayton's mens basketball game were their first "big time" performance. It grew from there.

They practice 5 days a week for 2 hours. "Most coaches are real hard on you, but Ms. Kelly makes it fun," says the team.

Random Acts of Kindness Update

Thanks to all of you who have agreed to participate in my Random Acts of Kindness Event!

I have received all five addresses for my R.A.K. This will be fun for you and me! I have been busily coming up with some new surprises to send to you and planning when would be the right time to pop them in the mail. It won't be too long.

Can anyone identify this old-time movie star?

Mexico's Shines

Photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mexico's shine.
Bougainvillea, neon flowers.
Luscious concoctions
make me hesitant
to exhale.

By Nancy Van Hoose

I want to own
the colors
and aromas.
A lifetime of nature's
pallet and perfume.

By Debra Abel

Mexico's glow
riding upon the sea.
Perfectly rounded
gray-lavender rocks,
like moons stacked upon clouds.

By Kimberly Baslock

Photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

By Terri Gauthier (Above two)

The rocks remind me
of birth,
wet and waiting
to explode into the earth
and know the light of Mexico's shine.

~Janet Rice Parker

By Vikki Light

Photo taken in Ixtapa, Mexico

These cool 4 X 4's were exchanged a couple of weeks ago during our March Art Meeting held at Vikki's house and I took these photos on trips to one of my favorite destinations. I am a big fan of Mexico, and all it's colorful artwork and the happy people that make it such a beautiful country.

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)

"Give Away and Pass It On" - Random Acts of Kindness Alert - my turn to pass this on after participating with Blooming Ideas and It's All Good. The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.

- What I pick will be just for you.

- It'll be done this year (2009).

- You have no clue what it's going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be a handmade card, something knitted, something lovely made out of paper, beads, or a random treasure (like candy!). Who knows?

- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.


And in return, all you need to do is post this text into a blog of your own and make 5 things for 5 others. Please e-mail me with your address. My e-mail address is in my profile.

Won't this be fun????

Please remember to post your own RAK in order to make the game complete ladies. There is room for just one more participant!!

Her Majesty Marie Antoinette

When I first heard about the latest opulent issue of Somerset's publication called "Marie," I couldn't wait to experience a taste of it. There is quite a rage stirring on so many blogs, and I too have become attracted to her flourishing dresses, diamond-encrusted crowns, her frivolous lifestyle, and her story of broken love.

Once I decided to make this digital collage of her, my mind started moving into motion. In fact, you can get even more inspiration by visiting Itkupilli and checking out her wonderful digital collage sheets. She is amazing!

I keep thinking of what else can I make? Should I alter a pair of satin shoes fit for a queen, a doll, a journal, or maybe some tags? Her Majesty is definitely inspiring me to begin a Marie art journey, starting by searching my room for items that speak of her femininity, grace, and memories of her past life.

Thank you, Dede Warren, who put out a call on her blog six months ago, looking for artists interested in participating in an art journal, round-robin style, with a theme of Marie Antoinette and the style of her day. That is where it all began. What a heavenly issue from Somerset publications to treasure.

Altered Apron for Amy

When my daughter came to town this past week, I decided to make her this quick gift by altering a window curtain panel. I loved the bottom lace, the fabric was stiff, and it looked practically new. As I am a great fan of rummaging through everything at our local thrift store, I am always looking deeper into the stacks of goodies that line the crowded racks. I thought this would make a lovely apron! So, by adding some accent vintage-inspired fabric, and using the pattern that I have had for years I simply shaped the upper part of the fabric. There was just enough material to finish the job. I love the fact that the sides are hemmed, the bottom had that sweet crochet lace, and all I needed to add was the large apple blossom. Fun and easy project to do in a day!

A Secret Garden

What a dreamy girl image! Three weeks ago, Art Creations Friday supplied this beautiful girl photo, and I just couldn't resist playing digitally with it. I was so inspired by Marie Markham, that I imagined spring colors and made some art to share! Thank you, Marie!

I'm A Scrapbooking Dropout

Yes, I'm finally admitting it! There was a time when I used to scrapbook everything about my children's lives. I used to document every birthday, vacation, and holiday--you name it, I scrapped it. I used to shop at my local scrapbook store so often that they finally asked me if I wanted to work there. And as time passed, I worked almost three years on their "design team." When the economy turned bad, I had to move on and took the fun of the hobby homeward to play. I truly got tired and burned out from scrapbooking, and ventured into unknown worlds like "chunkie" books, artist trading cards, journals, and now digital artwork. I'm not sure if I will ever go back to scrapbooking like I used to.

Then came the blog. It seems like blogging is just a lot easier, and less expensive. And besides, my thoughts are now on display in this visual journal with the things I love. Just posting things about art, photography, my children, and new things I've tried is just a place to share what makes me happy.

At first, it seemed like my blog was a place to post a photo of something I made. Now it has a become a place to record my memories, write a story, and document my thoughts, my feelings, and new ideas. I love the fact that I can skip around and do posts out of order. In scrapbooking, you used to do pages chronologically...you know, finish the Christmas pictures before my daughter's birthay. Today I might write about a memory from a past vacation, and tomorrow it could be what to make for dinner.

My life has evolved over the past two years. My children are both living across the state. No more stories pasted in scrapbooks about school soccer games, their first cars, and broken bones. My blog is more about me, and being honest. And, as I age, I am still wondering who that really is.

My Art....inspired by Mexico!

One of my favorite places to visit is definitely south of the border in Mexico! Here are some of my newest artwork inspired by the longing to visit the sea again. Wishing I was there....

Mother Bear Project

In an effort to qualify a local high school student, Karolyn Klever, from Rochester Adams High School in our local school district into the National Honor Society, she hosted a session for the international "Mother Bear Project." It was held at one of my favorite knitting shops, Skeins on Main, this past Sunday.

If you are not familiar with the "Mother Bear Project," they are a non-profit group dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children, primarily those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations.

Please write or call Skeins on Main, to volunteer your time towards this worthy cause. Karolyn hopes to collect 75 bears to ship over to Africa by May 1st. Please contact Kristine, Karolyn's mom, for information to start your bear!

Here are some of those donated in previous years....

Your name will appear on a tag attached to the sleeve of each bear. The pattern is very simple, fast, and the result is really quite sweet! Then a red or pink heart will be hand-sewn to the chest of each bear once they are ready to be mailed.
The red hearts on this map indicate where your bear might be sent!

Come on and make a difference!

A Giant Has The Map

Post 5: Final
"This gruesome woman," thought the Queen. "How could I ever fulfill a wish that was not my fault?"

Madame La DuRee hovered close to her face breathing in short wrenching spasms, as she ran her long fingernails against the Queen's smocked satin sleeve. The Queen held back her fear. "I know of a giant who has a map of every town, village, and house marked on it. He has a much larger map upstairs in a chest that shows every inch of the sea."

"If you promise to purchase at least one item from this Golden Castle of Faerie Enchantment, I will transport your beloved Samuel back to you. He has been living on an island not far from where his British ship "The Stargazer" sunk ten years ago!" Loraina is very much alive and you are a great-grandmother!"

The Queen was happier than she ever could have imagined. All has been a dream, for "The Amazing Princess Lisa" has cast a spell over me today so that I could bring you this story that you shall be forced to forget. But, in this happy hour, it has taken away my fears of my missing grandson and renewed hope.

It took some time to get Samuel home, where she had found him grown, and their child tall and beautiful. And they lived happily till the end.

Is That Really Madame LaDuRee?

Post 4:
"Ah, I so need some refreshment," whispered the Queen to Sage. "There is so much to taste, and my eyes are full if imagination. And, look at those cupcakes!!" Just follow the signs ahead....look at all of those sweet, edible jewels and dazzling stars just waiting to behold and devour.

The Queen smelled the cotton candy, roasted cinnamon almonds, fried sweet donuts, and kettle corn. Could she resist the scent of heavenly delight? She had to go back and and visit more circus themed art projects back in the tent, and thank Miss Lisa for such a glorious day!

And would she need a Circus and Follies image CD to take back to the castle?

She felt guilty for having the most imaginative visit. So many years had passed. She longed to see her dearest grandson, her Samuel. "Are you still alive?" the Queen asked. "But wait, I see someone I know ahead. Is that really you, Madame LaDuRee, the Queen shuddered. What are you doing here?"

"Oh, yes, my Queen. It is me. Certainly, I can bring you happiness again. But, first, I must make a condition. And if you do not fulfill it, you will never see your grandson again!" warned the fortune teller.

So Much To See and Do . . .

Post 3:
With laughter in the Queen's heart, her horse drawn carriage arrived in the Land of Winchester. She could hear the haunting melodies of the carousel.

"Glad to meet you," said Albious Woodsby. "This is Laurel. He can assist you with anything you may need, My Lady. Don' t forget to visit the Carlisle Pavillion, the Candy Court, and Food Pavillions."

The Queen grew overwhelmed in excitement. "There are so many things to do, and places to visit. How will I ever see everything?" she cried. As she rounded the Carlisle Pavillion and said one last "hello and goodbye" to Carneigie, the clown, there was The Tinsel Tent! "Look, look, look, these dolls are so vintage and even beyond that are MORE demonstrations! What a wonderful land of Faerie Enchantment!"

If only I had brought more friends, she thought.

Whisked Away to Adventure

Post 2:
The Queen loved parties, games, and especially music. "What will I wear?" she exclaimed. "All I have are these old horrid clothes!"

Perhaps I need a extravagant party hat? In the very tiniest of fine print on her invitation reads: You must visit the "Emporium of Wonders." There is a table set up just for you to assemble a wondrous hat. "Oh, how clever of them!" she said. "I will look divine!" The Queen lovingly packed her artful suitcase filled to the brim with tinsel, paint, glue, carnival images, and crepe paper!

So, as the sun rose over her magical kingdom, she stepped into her carriage to be whisked away to undertake the adventure she so needed. She thought of Samuel, who was lost at sea after that severe thunderstorm. It was so hard to be happy, when she had lost so much!"

The Magical Message

Post 1:
Once upon a time, at the end of winter, when the snowflakes fell like feathers from the sky, a Grandma Queen sat at her window knitting.

As her beauty had faded, and her children had married, she longed for a life of fun and tom foolery like in the days of her youth.

As the hours passed, and the sky grew dark, there came a knocking at her door. Hesitantly, she opened the heavy wooden door to her castle and there stood a sweet little elf named Hans, from Party Owl Service (aka POI), who eagerly handed her a magical message!

"Gracious, gracious," the Queen cried. "What is this?" She lifted the seal of the leather envelope. And, behold there was an invitation to attend a great magical event called "The Carnival Soiree."

She was so full of joy to see that she had not been forgotten by her long lost friends in another kingdom across the huge pond. The invitation read more like a treasure map than a request to attend, but the Queen grew excited in anticipation.

First, you need to find the "Path of Illumination." There you will see all the colors of the rainbow flickering in sparkling lanterns like twinkling stars.

Pass the "Growing Wand Garden." There you will see a tree next to a brilliant yellow tent. Inside this tent is your ticket for adventure.

"Oh, my," said the Queen. Will I find myself light-hearted and full of happy thoughts today?" She was never quite the same when her first born grandson, Samuel disappeared off the coast of Madagascar so long ago.

Yes, she will go. How could she not?