I'm really busy tonight getting ready for an SCA event and losing an hour of sleep because of Daylight Savings Time. But I made this cool belt to wear tomorrow. It can go well with Steampunk, Gypsy, and Pirate costumes and I can't wait to wear it. I'll share more details soon when I'm not so pressed for time.The only parts I had to buy were the grommets. Everything else was handed down to me.   read more

Tomorrow I'm going to teach my friend to knit. I printed up a few pages of basics so she has some reference material when she gets home, because she can't kidnap me. I read once that most people learn to knit an average of 7 times before it sticks with them. That's because we stop knitting for months or years at a time. But if you do it a few times a week you'll remember it.   read more

We are getting reading for another SCA archery event in Van Nuys, CA tomorrow. We have arrows to deliver and it looks like the weather is going to be a lot nicer than last time. So I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to take my bow this time and if I can get authorized again, I can participate.Since this event will be at the same location as the previous one, here's a write up about the last one: http://greenmanarche ry.blogspot.com/2010 /02/great-weekend.ht ml   read more

Every time I get up to 50 followers, I lose one. It's the darndest thing. I think I've hit 50 about four time now.I spent the better part of an hour tonight on Amazon.com trying to figure out which amigurumi knit and crochet books I wanted. I finally narrowed it down to four. Then my boyfriend said he only meant for me to pick one. So I had to leave 3 out. Maybe I'll get them eventually when money isn't so tight. I bet I could find 100 craft books I want though, if money was no object. Mr. Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful was the one I finally decided on getting: http://www.amazon.co m/Mr-Funkys   read more

Today I took a leap and tried to add 2 bluebirds to one of my watercolor backgrounds. It was a lot harder than I expected and I'm not altogether pleased with it. But I've learned not to judge my own work too rapidly. Usually after it sits a few days or weeks it starts to grow on me. Mixed media can be tricky. If all else fails I can cut it up and make bookmarks.Then I started the red dragonfly and got interrupted before I got very far.   read more

Tonight I got an unexpected chance to go to Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster, CA. And I was able to pick up some more Derwent watercolor pencils in colors I didn't have yet. I was shopping w/o a list though so out of 8 pencils, I wound up with 2 I already had and another one that wasn't a watercolor pencil at all. But I got 5 new colors that will help with skin tones and lips so my petite girls don't look jaundiced. I was sorely tempted by the stores vast inventory of fancy handmade papers. But at $8.00 a sheet, it will have to wait until I sell more art or win the Lotto or something. Tomorrow   read more

Today I thought I would take a moment and just appreciate some of the many amigurumi creations I've made in the last few years. I made this mosaic of some of my favorites. Many have found new homes by now, so I'm glad I photographed them when I had the chance.   read more

I've been re-reading You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. It first came out in 1984 which is probably when I read it. It is a life changing book. Recently she was on Oprah. My only regret is I didn't read that book every year of my life and it took over 20 years to come back to my life again. Upon re-reading it I realized I have a habit of being overly critical of myself and mean and bossy to myself. I also think I've been punishing myself for what I see as my failures as an artist. So now I'm trying to be a kinder and gentler person to myself. One thing I noticed right off is when you start   read more

Yesterday I made this animated banner for Project Wonderful. Then I realized the blog I was going to rent ad space on was in New Zealand. I hope I find a blog to put it on soon. I want to see it twinkling. Maybe you have P.W. ads on your blog in this format. If so drop me a line. I just discovered that while the copy above doesn't show the animation if you click on it to view the larger size, the animation comes alive. Check it out.   read more

It's been a while since I worked with watercolors. But after seeing a painter on TV who goes by Gary, I had to give it a go. So last night I started out with 2 watercolor backgrounds. I had paint left over so I did two more small bits of watercolor canvas. I love how vibrant the colors are. I need to go take photos before it rains so I can show you guys. I'm not sure what to do next. I intended to add a bird or two. We'll see.   read more