AlpineButterfly

A-Muse

2011-03-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Vanna can you please spin the wheel for us today?

This idea came from, wanting a way to inspire the kids I worked with to write & play in their journals. This one, has a bit more of an adult theme, but could be easily adapted... and my son loves to walk by and spin, & spin & spin.

The a-muse is made of:

an old bike wheel & fork,
tissue paper collected from all around,
LED's
wood
paint
paper scraps

If you want to see the process I documented it at Instructables

On the spokes:

Play With Paper - books, origami, paper dolls, paper toys, zines
Doodle - put on some tunes grab some pens, colored pencils & play (inspired by Drawing Lab book)
WALK, RIDE, PLAY, MOVE, OUTSIDE - feel the air in your lungs.
Learn - something new
Change - Change the scenery, go out... library, coffee shop, notice, taste, smell
Game - Play a game, or better yet make one. A maze, a puzzle, game of your life.
Sew - clothing, toy, doll, something useful
Imagine - the best space ever, a tree house, a studio your secret cave. (A room of your own)
Machine Made - invent your own machine, what does it do? what does it look like?
Sculpt - salt dough, paper mache, clay
Toy - indulge your inner child make a toy from what's on hand.
Mail - send a post card or letter
Weave a Tail (purposefully spelled wrong, my cats were causing trouble, I wished I could weave there tails together!)
Vacation - for a day, or imagine one... or plan one
Rest - take a nap, a bath, eat well & take care of your body.
Spoiled Rotten - Find someone/something spoil them rotten for the day (to answer my son's question YES, it can be yourself... but it's surprisingly refreshing to do it for someone else.)
Repair
Draw it - Take a walk bring something back to draw.

Ohhh, it even lights up!

My Art Studio!!

2011-02-11T08:38:00.001-08:00

The Art Studio has passed inspection!! Stage one complete. I'm so excited... and chomping at the bit to move in. Sigh, apparently it needs insulation, electricity, drywall, and maybe some flooring before i'm there. But isn't it beautiful? I particularly love the large windows on the ends upstairs, i have a view of the whole neighborhood. Between those windows and the sky lights i have plenty of light upstairs to play and create.

Tim Burns our neighbor did the construction and foundation work, and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Everyone listened and was easy to talk to. And i think what impressed me the most, was that when faced with a challenge, the crew did a wonderful job of creative and intelligent problem solving. Nice to have a dream built with people like that.

More pictures from the ground up here...

My Crazy Scale won!!

2011-02-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

Mid December i posted this instructable, about how to modify your bathroom scale. I was a little tired of feeling fat every time I stepped on the scale. So i decided to modify it, so it didn't have numbers on it any more, and maybe make it a little less judgmental. So i painted a fun scene, and i made it much more colorful. Apparently, the judges for the Humana Health Challenge agreed it wasn't a bad idea, and they picked it as one of the first prize winners!! Sweet.

What has been equally cool, and perhaps even more touching, have been some of the comments other people have made. Who knew a bit of paint, and the sharing of an idea could have an impact? Many of the other entries were phenomenally inspiring as well. How to Help (when you can't change a thing), had me crying, but was a great idea, and How to Meditate is my next read. People also came up with great prototype ideas, and some of the discussions, and peoples willingness to try and share and make together was really cool. So if you need some warm fuzzies, and a reminder that the world isn't all bad today, I would highly recommend checking out the posts through out the challenge. (View all Entries)

Valentines Cards

2011-01-30T12:47:00.001-08:00

I'm home sick today, and a little sad because I was really looking forward to a postcard making class today. Felted postcards, seemed like such a wonderful Valentines project!

So in my heartbreak, I'm surfing the web for other fun & creative valentine card ideas. I thought I wold share a few of my favorites with you:

Jeanne Turner McBrayer has some wonderful sewn postcards she did with some free motion machine quilting. I really love the playfulness of them.
MarissaLouise, shows you how to make traditional cobweb cards (she has some in her Etsy store too!).

Grathio labs, has some free PDF's to download of US patent imagery, refined and turned in to cards (a couple cute cheeky ones too).

Sew, Mama, Sew has an adorable fabric valentines, inside a fabric envelope!!

My Favorite however was this beautiful old valentine I found on Will & Guy's website. This "card", seems to have some beautiful origami folding at it's root.

Jpg Color Shift in Firefox

2011-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

I'm working on the css of a website I'm currently building, and ran in to an interesting conundrum. The jpg image color didn't match up with my gif image. However, the problem wasn't duplicating in other browsers.

Jpg's and Gif images store color information differently, as a result I rarely have jpg images, butting up against gifs that need to match. But in this case converting the swirls to a .gif would triple the file size, and the other image needed transparency, so it had to be a .gif.

Many of you tech savvy folks will tell me... match it up as a png. That option would likely work better. In this case it seems the issue applies to both png's and jpg's. (read more details about the issue here: http://hacks.mozilla.org/2009/06/color-correction/)

I also am not willing to use png's just yet as a more than 5% is still in IE 6, and having the page not render properly for 1 in 20 potential customers is not an option. (Turnkey has an interesting article about this: http://www.turnkeylinux.org/blog/png-vs-jpg)

What to do?

Apparently the new version of Firefox is trying to be kind, and manage color correction information for photographers. This information can be contained in the jpg file. Yeah... that's a kind thing to do, but it's messing me up in this case. The article above outlines what you can do for png images. Here's what you do for jpg's:

When saving your jpg files, in Photoshop, be sure to uncheck "Embed Color Profile".

The result:

Warning!

2011-01-10T12:29:00.001-08:00

I was working on a chair on the 6th, when I came across this label... for a chair!!!

DO NOT REMOVE

USE THIS PRODUCT FOR SEATING ONE PERSON AT A TIME.
DO NOT USE UNLESS ALL MECHANICAL FASTENERS (BOLTS, SCREWS, KNOBS, ETC.) ARE TIGHT.
ON A MONTHLY BASIS CHECK CASTERS AND ALL MECHANICAL FASTENERS (BOLTS, SCREWS, KNOBS, ETC.) TO BE SURE THEY ARE TIGHT.
IF PARTS ARE MISSING, BROKEN, DAMAGED OR WORN, STOP USE OF THE PRODUCT UNTIL REPAIRS ARE MADE BY YOUR CHROMCRAFT DEALER USING FACTORY AUTHORIZED PARTS.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY

I'm sorry but things are really bad if you have to protect consumers from killing themselves on a rickety seat. I so wish we would stop our propensity to sue everyone here in the US, it's embarrassing!

Hording

2011-01-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Do you ever save things for that day... you know when you'll have the perfect thing to use them for. i sometimes keep them for years, tote them around, file them, keep them like precious jewels ... when they're like ... stickers.

Stickers i set you free!!

(sorry it's not on my cool car, or my awesome mtn bike... just think though you'll get to do all that extra advertising traveling from here to there.... way more effective than in my drawer)

Self Portrait... (sort of )

2011-01-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

This was my day yesterday... I'm not sure i can explain, but it has a little to do with the little one's homework.. things i love.. clothing that i saw worn... the things i try.. and monsters. Definitely monsters.

Sail away to another world

2011-01-03T20:45:00.001-08:00

This postcard was me just playing with the old paints from yesterday. The paints were applied using bubble wrap, and an old toy tire. I then wove the cereal box cardboard with a coke can. The "string" holding it all together on the sides, is old bicycle cable. I was thinking sailing away to another world might be nice today... some place with a tropical breeze.

If only I could

2011-01-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

Some days I wish I could attach everything to my little one, so they wouldn't get lost! Mind you I imagine he'd spin round & round with all those things, resulting in quite the Tasmanian devil :-)

Jar Of Dreams

2011-01-01T14:53:00.001-08:00

Hopes, Dreams and Wishes for the New Year.

Calleva Open House

2010-05-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I had an absolute blast this past Saturday at Calleva's open house. It was a beautiful day to be on the Calleva Farm, and a fun debut of our Art Inside Out Program. Kids and parents from all over the area were in attendance, coming to explore, ride horses, climb rock walls, and over in our corner of the barn we got to make mail art. Contructed from household packaging (cereal, granola, whatever boxes) we painted, stamped and collaged postcards. Stamps were made from celery hearts, carrots, potatoes, and even bubble wrap. Many ventured and tried the unexpected, using dandelions as paintbrushes. The post cards will be well on there journey tomorrow but, I thought I'd take to opportunity to share today. The kiddo's were wonderful, and I can't wait to see a few at camp again this summer.. I have to admit it was fun watching an adult or 2 jump in, and play as well.
Check out all the post cards at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/alp.butterfly/CallevaOpenHouseArtInsideOut#
or:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alpinebutterfly/sets/72157624058735790/

Resources:
Dandelion technique idea from: Crafting in a green world (written by Julie Finn)

Coffee Cup Packaging

2010-05-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Coffee Cup Packaging

Welding Goal Accomplished !!

2010-04-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Goal # 6, was to get some welding on! Has been done... I took a class at the local community college, and got to play, and learn. OK, the class was sort of geared towards construction welding, and I certainly got funny looks when I took my turn at the plasma cutter to cut these little birdy fellows out, but it was fun. The nice thing is that I got a chance to try my hand at a number of tools, and chat with other students about local resources. So while I have to admit I haven't cracked out the welder my lover bought me yet... I'm getting there (slooooowly) !

Vegetable Stamps

2010-04-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm gearing up for summer camp season. Totally excited, because I've created a new program, and will be getting to do art outside all summer long. Combining my two favorite things, art and the outdoors, how much better can it get?

My challenge is that I would like to introduce the campers not only to the magic of art, and the outdoors, but I would like to teach them about sustainable art. I have a great book in hand... Green Guide For Artists (by Karen Michel) and tons of ideas. Pictured above, we've been experimenting with vegetable stamps. Roses can be made quite easily from celery stalks or the part you cut off a head of lettuce. Potato stamps will definitely be part of the line up, and I know apples make a pretty cool imprint. I can't wait, we'll be raiding the garden.

In case you, or have a little one who's interested the program is called Art Inside Out... it's part of Calleva's very cool summer line up, you can find them here: www.calleva.org

New Canvas !

2010-01-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

Some blank canvases have arrived!! A kind neighbor arrived, with some new/old TV's for me to recycle. I'm pretty excited, and already have ideas brewing. The really cool thing is that one of the 2 TV's (the one not photographed unfortunately)... was a "kit" TV. The original owner, built the TV himself. Totally Cool!

Junk Mail Challenge

2010-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

For a little recycled art fun, I've sent a few items to friends to see what kind of Art comes back.

Included in the "junk" art mailer is:
• Brown crinkly packing paper
• Square Mesh
• Plastic strung beads
• Yarn
• Hemp string
• Golden Candy Wrapper
( I ate the candy)
• Drink Umbrella
• Plastic Mermaid
• Paper Tag
• 2 Business Cards
• 2 heart shaped brads
• 1 playing card (heart suit)
• Matches
• Name Tag
• White Nail
• Screw (one of my loose ones)
• Keyboard key
• Small beads

New Years Wishes

2010-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

I have long given up the tradition of making New Years resolutions, they always seem to fail me, and then there's guilt! Ughhh the guilt! Who needs it?

Instead I make wishes... about 10, give or take. Wishes, may or may not happen, if they don't well... wishes don't always come true, cause the powers that be seem to have at least an equal hand in the process. I mean eating those cookies, and crashing my diet, was CLEARLY an act of god!

Wishes help me focus though... on what I want in my life, what's important... AND sometimes I can have a hand in making them come true, a little effort to get it going in the right direction (with out the guilt). I usually make a point of taking each wish to a different fountain, and dropping a penny in, just for a little added luck.

This year the wishes in include:
1) Happy husband and kiddo
2) Finding ways for me to relax and play
3) Our Health
4) TOP SECRET LOVE WISH
5) Art Studio
6) Learn to Weld
7) Happiness for my Brother
8) Create my own company
9) Have an Awesome summer art program
10) Be totally Strong & Sexy, like Laura Croft (remember, these are wishes)

Happy 2010!!

Finding something in the ordinary

2009-10-17T18:28:00.001-07:00

A little man seems to have found his way in to my brown paint!! Just walking along...

Haunted Houses

2009-10-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to build haunted houses, with our left over cardboard boxes. Simple process really... Find card board box... imagine... cut out & paint. (I did the cutting, for safety reasons, but they had to draw, where I should cut)

The funnest part was listening to the stories the kiddo's would come up with while creating their houses. Trap doors, and secret chambers, underground labyrinths, passwords, and doors that automatically opened and closed! They were busy for hours.

Some times, a window also became a tombstone.

All in the details.
For some more adult fair, and resources on line, I've seen some awesome posts:

Claudine Hellmuth
Easy to make Halloween village

And:

Cheeky Magpie
Decorative tombstones

American Visonary Art Museum

2009-08-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

One of my all time favorite museums is the Visonary Art Museum. It seems to be the ultimate in recyling, re thing and re exploring museum.

Snap Dragons !!

2009-08-05T18:00:00.001-07:00

This spring, i tried my hand at growing things for the first time. I am notorious for NOT having a green thumb. My motivation was multifaceted, i was hoping i could use some as centerpieces for my wedding (didn't quite work out) ; i was looking to learn how to plant & grow things thinking i'd start with plants, and then perhaps move on to vegetables; and finally i though this might be a fun learning experience for both me and the little one to share.

And so today i present to you.... (drum roll please)... snap dragons!

I had a little help along the way, i have to admit. I picked up a great book called "You Grow Girl" by Gayla Trail, which not only helped me figure out what to do... but was also really motivational in having the guts TO do it. I believe she has a blog at: http://yougrowgirl.com/

The fringe benefits have been surprising. First of all i get really excited walking out the door seeing the snap dragons, and even MORE excited when I get to walk over , pinch them and make them talk. I still can't believe it worked! Only a few months ago they were little seeds, and itsy sprouts.

Now i have to admit.. i killed at least 1/2 the crop on a whole... ok, ok 3/4. Some didn't get enough light... some didn't get enough water... some perhaps were lacking in the love. I also can't quite imagine what my porch would look like if i was able to keep them all alive. Along with the snap dragons, i have a bit of lavender, some butterfly weed (but they won't give me flowers for a bit) , and unfortunately i seem to have killed all the straw flower off :-(

Recycled Wedding Crayons

2009-07-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

When I first went looking for places to have our wedding, I called a place reputed to have locally grown eco-friendly food. I thought, right up our ally!!

Well until, she told me the additional price I would have to pay for the linens, "because you don't want just plain restaurant linens."(snooty tone) I countered with... "can't we just put down art paper... and let everyone color? "

You could actually hear her gaping on the other end of the phone, mouth wide open. "ha, ha" I nervously added, "just kidding?"

Well it was our party... which meant crayons were allowed to be a part of it! (That particular restaurant was not.)

We collected old used, no longer loved crayons locally. Then the neighborhood kiddo's and I, peeled and sorted them all, hundreds of them. We took a crack at melting them in different ways, and subsequently shaping them in different ways. The results were very cool!

To make the hearts (in ice cube molds):
http://www.instructables.com/id/ReUse_ReMake_Crayons/

To make the tea sets (with cookie cutters):
http://dannyseo.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/new-crayons-from-old-one.html

Pro's & Cons
Both the hearts and tea cups went over well, and were great for making rubbing's, people left us love notes, and many were taken home as favors.

I liked that the ice cube mold technique allowed us to not have much, if any waist. I also liked the ways these felt in your hands. The kids could help with popping out the crayons from the molds and deciding about colors & shapes.

The cookie cutter technique, made some wild designs in the crayons themselves! Some really were just gorgeous. But also seemed to separate in to layers a bit, making them not as sturdy. Stir up the mixture a bit when it comes out of the oven, to make designs and mix up the layers that separated. I don't know if only using one type of crayon (like Crayola's only) would improve this. The cookie cutter technique was also not quite as child friendly. I found it to be slightly messier & melting more temperamental (different colors have different melting points). I let it sit to long once in the oven.. crayon smoke filled the kitchen... smelled like crayons for days :-) .

Comming up for Air

2009-07-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

Sigh... what a pleasure this morning, my art room is clean!! No more wedding boxes, papers, stuff cluttering up my space. No more plane tickets and itinerary's on my desk. I can start to think strait again!

I have to apologize for my absence... A wedding was a bigger thing to plan then I expected. And unfortunately right on the heels of our wonderful wedding, my mother was admitted to the the hospital, which has also meant a trip overseas, to help however I could.

On the upside, today I can breath. While my mother is still not entirely well, things are slowly getting better. I have a list of 103 things that need to get done, most of which have been put on the back burner. I'm looking forward to tackling those projects, thank you note, and playing a bit in the next few months. And breathing :-)

On this blog over the next couple of weeks, I'm hoping to be able to share some of the wedding projects... I was certainly inspired, and had a lot of fun creating them.

How I remember how to breath:

bringing some order back to my life (cleaning my sanctuary)
starting the tasks that have been put off
hugs!!
purring cats
my ritual cup of tea
listening to the little one's day
going outside to play
watching the water flow down a fountain
eating good food
accepting my lover's (now husband!) love

Wedding Invitations, Woops!!

2009-04-21T06:34:00.001-07:00

We all make mistakes, and we hope to have the opportunity to learn, and then correct those mistakes in the future. But this one... well, I'm hopping you all learn from this one!! 'Cause wedding mistakes, you hope to have the opportunity only one time.

I designed our wedding invitations, and spent a lot of time & effort, and had a lot of fun doing so. So busy planning, prepping, looking for eco friendly papers, and envelopes... I missed a couple of basics.

1) Not every person needs an invite... usually every household or so. Dope! would have cut my numbers in about half.

2) Square... means more money at the post office. Apparently, the of width of the envelope divided by the height of the envelope, needs to fall between 1.3 and 2.5.

In my case:
6.5 inches wide / 6.5 inches tall = 1 (this does not fall between 1.3 & 2.5)

A regular # 10 envelope:
9.5 inches wide/ 4 inches tall = 2.3 (this is fine)

There are a couple more rules about maximum and minimum width and height... The Post Office has some info here. I could really use one of those plastic place mat things they have at the post office to measure with!

3) Understand your quote. Ask Questions!! I worked with an awesome printer (Gateway Printing) , the prices were fair, and the help and craftsmanship were awesome. I, however, had a few screws loose... did not read the quote correctly, and did not have to presence of mind to make sure I was making the correct assumptions. In the end it would not have made a difference for me here, but man it would have killed me if I had been doing it as a freelance project. We'll chalk this one up to being new.

Wet and more wet

2009-04-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

Day two on the trail, started out wet!! We left the cabin, after negotiating with strong willed cotton bearing teenagers, they HAD to put on rain gear, and wear plastic bag skirts! Teachers are so demanding! I think everyone was a little sore, everyone a little tired, everyone dreading the rain. By the top of the steep climb leaving the cabin, the young man sporting some jeans in front of me.. was soaking wet, hiking up his jeans every 2 seconds, as they contined to slide down, rather unfasionably, past his bottom... And here in lays our lesson for today. I have long ago learned to dress for the weather... If I'm worrying about being cold, wet, uncomfortable, I have a hard time focusing on client needs. It has become almost second nature to me, and served me well.. But untill I saw the struggling miserable teenagers, I'd forgoten just how well. Now to be sure, the afore mentioned teenagers had been aprised of how to dress for a trip, what to bring.. But as is the nature of some.. Refused to listen. It made all the diffrence... Singing in the rain, vs "how much longer?"...
Tired, sore, and aching for sure.. I had another wonderful day, dancing through raindrops, warm and smiling.

Hiking the AT

2009-04-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Todays a hazy cool quiet day, some little sprinkles, and beautiful fog. I did my first hike on the AT today, along with a wonderful group of highschool students. 27 pounds of gear and water on my back, and after 8 miles I can tell you, I'm feeling my age. Surprisingly, inspite of many outdoor adventures over the years this is my first backpacking trip. I got to learn about how to filter water, and some of the flora trail side. Right now we're enjoying a cabin... And the kiddos are cooking, strumming the guitar, relaxing and recuperating. My feet will be heavy tomorrow, and my knees cranky... But my spirit light, I'm enjoying this.

Vinyl Possibilities !

2009-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

I love learning about a new tool, or technology. It always gets my mind spinning with possibilities.

So my good neighbor Vern, has a small business making vinyl signs (Eyler Signs, eylersigns@yahoo.com). They look really cool on cars, on wine bottles, and in store fronts... so I'd been thinking, hmmm , wonder how I could decorate my car? Ok, not there yet, but I did stop by the other day with a logo I'm creating for the wedding, wondering if Vern's program could cut out my illustrator files. Sure enough, we put our heads together and it works!! It looks really cool! (Next, I'll secretly sneak it on to my lovers car, ok maybe AT the wedding). Learned that dot's are a little tough, and if my lines were to thin, then it was possible it would break. I'm totally psyched though, and I'm sure we'll see some of this handy work at the wedding.

Sooo what would you do with vinyl?

Somedays I wish there were more Answers

2009-03-24T05:36:00.001-07:00

You know how the world seems like such a strange place sometimes? One day everything seems to be right on track, loving life, liberty and friends... and then some how, for some elusive reason, the world just flip flops, and in spite of your best intentions, you can't seem to do anything right, or get anything right, or even just be in a place that's right? And the only thing running around in your head are questions. How do I help my 8 year old with his temper? How can my lover & I be on the same page? How many books do I have to read to get this right? Are we there yet? When is enough enough? When is it to much? What planet am I on?

So many questions...

Days like that, one is so thankful for friends, friends that will walk around thrift stores, and sip coffee, who will listen and talk, brainstorm, and just be a shoulder to lean on and a person to smile with. Friends do seem to have the answer to life the universe and everything... or at least they can help you hitch a ride to the next planet :-)

thank you Michele.

Spring is in the Air

2009-03-11T07:24:00.001-07:00

We Officially have a Sprout!!!

The little one and I planted some seed this past weekend. I don't have much of a green thumb, but I'm trying hard to learn. (Let me apologize now for all the plants that may be hurt, terrorized, or other wise think that there quality of life is below par, under my care). We bought some seed starter, and me and the drill, punched holes in all kinds of plastic containers, yogurt, egg crates.. you get the idea. We then filled the containers, and added some seeds, along with the help of our neighbors kiddo.

Every day, I am diligently watering, but not over watering... insure our little seeds have light, and are warm... and sure enough I noticed, we had a little sprout... and then when I looked closer I could find more, tiny sprouts. It's sooo exciting. I believe these belong to our Strawflower row. (A couple rows may have gotten multiple seed types). We are also trying to grow Snap Dragons, Lavender, and Butterfly weed.

Let it begin!

2009-02-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

It has finally started... I'm supposed to get in gear, and plan a wedding. There seem to be new things to think about around every corner, exciting and frustrating. I'd like to do a lot of the little details myself, but I get SO many ideas sometimes, it would be 10 years before I could get married, if I tried to implement them all. Apparently, I don't have 10 years before May.

First thing off my plate is my hair. I have to admit, I'm a $15, hair cuttery kind of girl. If it looks funny... it grows back, and it looks different the next time I cut it anyways. I figured, this might not quite be the appropriate approach for a wedding (at least not mine). But I'm looking to keep things within budget, and as Eco-friendly as possible.

Natural Fusion... enters stage right. I found them on the web... by searching for Eco Friendly hair salons in my area (Frederick MD). They were really cool! The salon didn't smell icky... I got some highlights.. my hair didn't smell icky... actually it smelled wonderful. And no one made fun of me!! Ok that might be bad business for any one, but they were very friendly, and laid back... and extremely professional.

They asked ME what I was & was not willing to do for my hair, and listened to me, and we came up with quite a fun style. My stylist was Susan, very cool! And for the wedding Earl, will be doing my hair. It was really so wonderful to be helped, not up sold, or talked down to (on account of lacking that part of the X chromosomes, that understands hair & makeup). I don't think I've ever been so happy walking out of a hair salon. Thanks guys.

Chocolate bag

2009-02-24T06:15:00.001-08:00

Argggg, mmmmmmm. This was my valentine's present to my lover. It umm, killed my diet as well, as he could not eat it ALL by himself :-)

This was based on a 2006 article by Ken Bookman in the Washington Post was called "A Bag That's Good Enough to Eat", featuring how to make a chocolate bag. Mine doesn't look quite as good as the one in the picture... but it sure tasted good!! The bag is made up entirely of semi sweet chocolate... and I filled it with fresh berries, fresh whipped cream, and my own "Bailey's" chocolate mousse. I was amazed how well the bag left an impression on the chocolate.

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

The little one, built a shoe box to take to school yesterday, so he and all of his classmates could exchange valentines and treats. The shoe box HAD to be painted red & gold (for you Harry Potter connoisseurs, the house colors of Gryffindor), and have a slit in the top to accept envelopes. The lid was also important, so that he could also take it off, and get at all the envelopes. The following TV is my adaptation of this age old school tradition.

The TV was gutted, and the insides recycled. Then I made a fused glass panel for the front, and sandblasted the back, so the light would appear soft, and the glass translucent rather than transparent. Artist friends of mine were instrumental in teaching me about the glass, and in making this. (Their own work is extremely impressive: Eileen Martin, and Kathie Lynch)

I added a CFL light in the back of the TV, and a switch outside. (roll over the above image to see it turn on & off)

I then collaged and painted the piece, incorporating old letters & their stamps. This flying woman is in charge of delivering "AirMail". The roses are made of soda cans.

This painting style was a little different for me, but I really enjoyed getting to play, and think about what all those notes and letters ment to me.

The old VCR slot, is of course where the notes go it. The little one, has decided that when the small buttons below get pushed certain things should happen. The lips, you get a kiss, the hand, you get a hug... the arrow, you get to be the ring burrier (that's what he called it once... it stuck), at our up coming wedding.

And of course there is a way to get at your love letters ;-)

Happy Valentine's day all!! I hope you're feeling a little love where every you are. I know we seem to make valentine's all about "romantic" love, but it has always seemed to be really limiting to me. Especially when I had no "romantic" love around, but could appreciate the love of friends and family, or just accepting and appreciating myself. So to all of you out there without someone to dote on you, I highly recommend you give yourself a little love & appreciation today... go play!

Recycled roses for your sweetheart

2009-02-13T07:06:00.001-08:00

I got the idea for these, from paper flowers I used to make, from a book called "Bloemen van papier" by Hans van Eck. I though he came up with the most beautiful paper roses. Only problem was, when I tried to adapt the pattern exactly, I couldn't get the aluminum to bend properly. And I didn't want to use epoxy to attach everything, but soldering failed miserably (aluminum is really hard to solder, according to the web... I should have listened). I tried wiring things together, needless to say, non of it worked... Until , I got a little smarter, and modified the pattern. (you can find a pdf of my pattern at the bottom of the page).
What you'll need: aluminum cans, gloves (these suckers can get sharp), box cutter, needle noes pliers, and wire cutters, regular scissors, china marker, short aluminum rivets 1/8 inch or 3mm, #6 washers, wire, hole puncher that can punch a 1/8 in hole, rivet gun... oh and a hammer came in handy.
First I cut out my pattern pieces in sand paper. this is not necessary, but certainly keeps them around longer, and makes them easier to trace around. (A trick I learned from my mom).
Next I took on the aluminum cans. Cleaning them out ahead of time keeps things from getting sticky. Use gloves!! You will need 2 to 3 cans per flower. Take the box cutter and make a slit in the top of the can right below where it starts to bend. I make a slit in the bottom before the bend as well.
Then simply cut off the top & bottom with a pair of scissors. (Not your sewing scissors!), I find it easier, after I cut the top, to cut the length of the can to the bottom side, and then cut the bottom off.
Should end up looking like this. Put the top and bottom aside for recycling... or another project :-)
Using a china marker, outline the pattern pieces, on the aluminum
Now cut out all of your pieces.
You'll need: 1 "flower shape", 2 small "windmills", 1 large "windmill", and 3 large "petals".

Using a hole puncher, punch 1/8 holes in each one, because we're using 1/8 rivets... for the large "petals", punch the hole in center of the small circular part at the bottom of the petal. For the others, punch your hole in the center.

Take a piece of wire, and create a small loop. The wire will allow you to attach your rose to things, or make a bouquet. You don't want wire that is particularly thick, as that will make the whole thing harder to rivet.
You are going to assemble your parts on to a rivet as shown (the flower structure blow up is below). Rivet, 1 washer, loop of wire over rivet, flower pieces, and then the final washer.
* 3 petals off set,
* then large "windmill",
* then 2 small "windmills" off set
* and small "flower"
Should look like this in your hands, with the top of the rivet poking through the center.
Put in rivet gun, squeeze trigger, until the back shaft of the rivet comes off, and the front squishes (technical term ;-) ) . Before I start shaping my flower, I find it is sometimes useful to hammer on the top of the rivet, to flatten it a bit, and keep the top washer firmly on. It has been known to pop off sometimes, but the washer is integral, and without it the really flexible, tear able aluminum comes off the rivet when you start to work with it.
OK, start building your flower... I have all of the shiny sides of the petals facing up, so this will be a silver flower, (easier to photograph). If you want to see more of the color of your can, flip the flower pieces over when loading them on to the rivet.

Using round nose pliers, start sculpting the little flowers petals to pop out towards you. Making a bit of a cone. I find this to be the hardest part, getting these first 5 petals done.
Once you've done your first petal, start sculpting the next from the opposite(ish) side.
And on the the 3rd petal, still creating a bit of a cone. Squishing the aluminum down at the base helps sometimes too.
All 5 first petals done.
The next layers are a bit easier to sculpt, and you can bend back the tops of the petals a bit to make them show.
For the large "windmills" and petals, I like to start using a pencil, or whatever's handy to bend the petals back even more.
A rose!!

More roses!

You can get creative and use other cans for leaves :-) Have fun!!

PDF of pattern HERE

The Sneakrets' are OUT!!!

2009-02-12T20:36:00.001-08:00

I think I've been lost in these all week! My sneaky Sneakrets, little pillows, that I have been machine embroidering/collaging. They're a ton of fun to make, as I am hardly sure what exactly will come out each time. Only, they are also an amazing amount of work... but worth it, they turned out to be great cute pillows. And even before I could think to put them on Etsy, they have been snatched up, on commission in a couple of my favorite places. The Muse, in downtown Frederick, totally my favorite store !! And I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction at the VisArts center in Rockville.

That was a bit of a fluke, in that, I got to have a night out alone (sigh, small luxury), and visit a friends studio opening. The opening was wonderful, and good to see a lot of friendly faces, many of whom I had not seen since my lover's accident. Plus it's so nice seeing someone you care about succeed, and enjoy, wow!! Didn't get to chat with her as much as I would have liked, ... but it was so great & wonderful to see her glowing, I just liked enjoying the evening. While I was there, I had agreed to show another friend what I was working on, and brought her a couple of pillows to check out.

The reaction was so positive, and so kind ( I have such a hard time putting myself out there, in the non cycberspace world) it really made me feel good. Especially to have fellow artists, get a kick out of them. They loved the totally hidden, invisible zipper, sneaky pocket, although many loved them without even knowing about the pocket. Then they started brainstorming about all of the goodies you could put inside them. I was sticking to the conservative, notes & rings ... but got a great chuckle out of the hints of "prophylactics" and "vibrators.... you know the little ones". How to have your room look respectable when the in laws showed up, or the little ones come snooping!

What would YOU put in a Sneakret?

sneakrets ... sneeky secrets

2009-01-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

I've been working on some sneaky, silly secret pillows for valentines day. I call them my "sneakrets". I use scraps of fabric, old blue jeans, and interesting shirts I find at goodwill, and machine embroiderer them. I love using all the different colors of thread, it feels like painting with thread. And trying to freehand stich with the machine is a lot of fun... I feel a little like a kid, learning how to write, and it feels a lot little like doodling. A couple of these should be up in my Etsy store sometime soon.

7 Sins recycled TV

2009-01-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Another Kitty TV ...
This one is for my brother's cat... He's a bit of a devil :-)

So it only seemed appropriate to add the 7 deadly kitty sins.

Greed & Anger

Vanity

Sloth

Gluttony

Lust
and a little bit of Envy, from above.

Holiday Flowers

2009-01-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, I tackled a couple of home made projects. I tried to make as many gifts as possible this year. I think the hardest part of making gifts, is making something someone will appreciate. I always spend a lot of time thinking about what someone could use or want (and, hope, if it turns out they don't like it.. either it comes back, or moves on to someone else who will appriciate it... I am aware not EVERYONE, has the same taste as me). What I like though, is the time I get to spend thinking about the recipient. While, I'm painting or cutting or learning a new skill, like crocheting for this project, I get to think about the people I care about. Think about the colors they like, the things they do, and how they play. It's a lot of work, but I like that it gives me a chance to reminisce, play & stretch.

sneeky kitty

2009-01-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days I've put some crafting on hold, & have been tackling a website for a friend. It's been good to play on the computer for a bit again, keep those gray cells sparking. The cat has appreciated my inability to clean up, and is enjoying snuggling up in projects on hold.

In the Mail

2008-12-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

I got my Sketch book!! Ta Da, Christmas early.

Inspired by Judith's post I ordered a blank sketchbook from the art house coop.
(Go here to get yours http://www.arthousecoop.com/sketchbookproject/)

I have NO idea what I'm going to put in it... Since it's the time of year that my art space, and mind space becomes Santa's workshop. Elves, and mermaids only!!

So it will be interesting to see if my brain can stretch ans switch gears a little. The wonderful thing is that there are all these little blank pages. Pages full of potential.. ohhh, ahhh. I'm half tempted to send it back blank, and name it "potential".

Buy Handmade, Buy Recycled, and feel free to not buy :-)

2008-11-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Crazy Shopping Day!

(sorry I missed Thanksgiving, but it was thoroughly enjoyed with friends and family, And I am quite thankful for that.)

Today, I shall be peacefully avoiding the road, the mall, and most other shopping opportunities. I did put up a couple of my recycled bicycle gear ornaments in my Etsy store (http://www.alpinebutterfly.etsy.com) . To see if those look interesting to any one.

Other than that we are going to enjoy Thanksgiving day 2, with the otherside of the family, and perhaps the little one and I can play with a bit of salt dough. Make & bake some ornaments, and just enjoy getting messy.

I hope all of you are enjoying your day, shopping or relaxing, making wish lists, or clipping coupons... and hopefully getting a minute to enjoy the sunshine, each other, and maybe some hot chocolate.

Tina Turner Live in Concert!

2008-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I got to go see the Tina Turner concert. WOW! It was a birthday present from my lover. So we borrowed a wheel chair, and headed downtown for the show. Awesome. Who ever thought that we'd be going to a rock & roll concert, staring a grandmother with oh so impressive legs!! And so much energy. And how does she dance in heals for that long!?! She turns 69 tomorrow! ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Turner). Happy Birthday Tina!!

There are not many celebrities who I would take the time to meet. But Tina Turner is a woman who's hand I'd like to shake. I think she's survived, and thrived, and been an inspiration to so many people. Certainly to me. I remeber seeing "What's Love Got to Do With it". as a teenager. It had a profound effect on me as a young woman, her strength, how hard it was to go through a divorce at that time, how hard it is to leave an abusive relationship. How her mother called Ike & told on her! OK, I know it's Hollywood, and that the story was likely up played, downplayed, glamorized, or just twisted around. But I also know, it's a true story for so many women. Something, so many struggle with. So I was in tears as the concert started, happy to be there, happy to see a woman thriving, and happy to be part of a crowd, singing, clapping and dancing along. It was a wonderful gift.

I would also like to thank the Verizon center, for it's help and accommodation's with my wonderful invalid, we were helped in a most kind fashion, from all of the employees we came across. It really helped make the experience a pleasure.

Sewing Nook

2008-11-14T07:36:00.001-08:00

Last weekend an auction came to town. This is only my second experience at an auction... but wow are they cool! I kinda got lucky because it was held down at the end of my street, and it was a perfect excuse to spend some time outside, with friends and neighbors.

So I fell in love with a small antique mission desk. It even has a drawer with an ink well, and a writing surface. Sigh, but I couldn't really justify buying it, with out having a use for it. 5 min before the bidding began, I realized it would probably fit perfect in my little closet in the art room upstairs. Sigh... I now had an idea, and a reason!

I won the desk, at $50 (decent deal I think), and the sewing nook was born.

The desk fits perfect!!
I added a peg board, for all the sewing goodies. A really gaudy lamp (you can't see in the photo), won for a $1, so I can see. I put up my crazy heavy thread organizer, and I added a rod for ribbons.

In addition, I used the left overs from my bamboo cutting board, that I cut apart in my last project to create a small shelf, and with the help of a few nails, a bobbin holder (those things always go missing on me).

Finally, I decided to add a pin cushion to the board to try and keep it out of cat reach. I used a couple of eye screws, and picture hanging wire on this old pin cushion, so now I can hang it up.

It's a little tiny space, but it works perfect... got some sewing to do now :-)

As an added bonus, it allows me to close the door on a project for a bit, and even more importantly keep my sneaky cat away from the sewing supplies. He likes to try and steel, and eat pins!! ughhh. And once tried to eat the string right off the sewing machine! Cat safety a definite plus.

Luggage transform

2008-11-07T06:58:00.001-08:00

I found this great piece of luggage at a yard sale. 3 dollars for it, and it's 2 matching suitcases!! They are all in pristine condition, have all of their keys, and even still smell like grandma's & grandpa's. I'm always impressed when I see people taking care of things so well.

Only I don't have much use for a make-up case myself. So I decided it needed a new life. I also have this silly phone I'm supposed to keep with me ( I hate it)... but I've been informed it does me no good if it's not charged. Sigh.... picky picky.

So I decided to create a charging station for my PDA, my phone, and my little card reader gadget.

I cut out a bamboo cutting board to fit inside. I then drilled a hole in the back (yeah this made me a little sad) and then put a power cord inside as well as a USB hub. This will allow me to charge the things that need to be charged, and also to have them communicate with my computer when necessary.

The cords all get neatly tucked away on the bottom, along with a few extra accessories. I can easily plug in and charge all, or just one of the devices. I can also easily unplug all of them, to help combat the vampire electricity drainage :-)

This looks way cooler in my art room, than all those cables !!!

The things we do :-)

2008-10-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

So our little Harry Potter fan, informed us he would like to be a dementor for Halloween. And after much persuasion (read: convincing, bribing, explaining), I convinced him to let me make it instead of getting the really cheesy one from the costume store. Huge leap of faith on his part.

This was of course BEFORE the accident.

So the night before last, it was brought to my attention, that at the local school fall festival... the kids wear their costumes. The Fall festival was yesterday... 6pm. I think some part of my brain new this, but with all else going on it blocked it out.

I almost fell over...

So yesterday morning, got up... fed, & watered the invalid (my wonderful, in much pain, can't move around much, thankfully still alive fiance). And got the little one off to school.

Then:
8:30 am: Cut pattern (realized I needed more fabric for arm"wings").

9:00 am: Sewed some of pattern.

9:30 am: Shower

9:40 am: get invalid's things together.

9:45 am: write note to school about friend coming home on bus.

9:50 am: Drove invalid to Dr appointment (45 min there.... appointment... 45 min back). Dropping off note at school along the way.

12:20 pm: Make & serve lunch.

12:40 pm: Go to fabric store to get more fabric.

1:00 pm: realize fabric is no longer in stock!!! start to improvise/ PANIC.

1:20 pm: still waiting in fabric store to have fabric cut.

1:30 pm: still waiting in fabric store to have fabric cut.

1:40 pm: : still waiting in fabric store to have fabric cut. Arghhhh.

2:00 pm: leave fabric store. (way to much purchased.. panic shopping).

2:15 pm: next store to find black sweats.

2:20 pm: non found!!! start to improvise/ PANIC.

2:25 pm: explaining to clerk why she has to ring up the shirt even though it has no tag...

2:30 pm: lose.. run back to find similar shirt with tag.

2:40 pm: drive home.

3:oo pm: Sew like mad woman!!!

3:59 pm: 3/4 of the way done.

4:00 pm: little one getting off bus. coming in feeling sick. Doesn't think he wants to wear the costume tonight... maybe Halloween.
(Loosing hair fast).

5:00 pm: done!!!! Holly cow.

5:15 pm: feed invalid, walk neighbors dog, get neighbors kiddo into costume, get little one in to costume... walk to school.

6:00 pm: Fall Festival, me and 2 of the scariest 8 year olds ever! (or that's their take on it).

For the record... it was worth it! The little one couldn't stand still for pictures he was so busy swishing his arms around, and he continues to inform me how scary he is.

The invalid has been informed he may not have any more accidents/broken anythings around Halloween.

I'm still exhausted :-)

Some days the world just changes

2008-10-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

On October 14, coming home from work, my fiance.... crossed the double yellow line on his motorcycle, and hit an on coming minivan. He is OK... (so is the minivan driver, thank god)

I'm not sure how he's ok, maybe the sidecar, maybe his gear, mostly dumb luck I'm sure ...

He called me, after it happened, so at least I knew he was alive, or I assumed he was when I arrived on the scene. The local firefighters (our next door neighbors), were kind enough to bring me to the scene, and warn me that he was going to be helicoptered out. But I got to see him, and talk to him, and tell him I loved him.

He is now home.... he remains relatively unscathed. Has a broken leg, that required surgery that night, and a new permanent metal rod in his leg. Right now he cannot walk, and is in quite a bit of pain... He's lucky... I'm lucky... the little one is lucky.

I'm exhausted,
feeling lucky,
sometimes feeling scared,
feeling thankful,
absolutely amazed,
still dazed,
sometimes angry,
and still in love.

I need to send out a Thank you, to lot's and lot's of people, ambulance crews, firefighters, parents, neighbors, friend and family... We've gotten a lot of support, and it means the world.

Getting going in the Morning

2008-10-13T09:52:00.001-07:00

Trying to get going in the morning, can be trying for me at best. Fortunately the little one, who seems to relish getting up at the crack of dawn, is quite good at getting himself together in the morning. Only he always seems to forget one thing... So I put together this list to help him out... I used fonts from skulladay.blogspot.com and played with some graphic fonts. A little watercolor and a wooden doorhanger, and ta da... It seems to have helped out a lot, also helps me to say "double check your list", instead of reminding him of everything he forgot, and feeling like a nag.

Now to make one for myself... perhaps it should say DO EVERYTHING... in the next 5 min... Ahhhhggg :-)

Patio Chairs

2008-10-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Chair Before:
I got this chair from a local freecycler, along with 3 other and a table. The chairs are sort of usable, as long as you don't mind your butt falling through the holes (for some reason this seems to really bother my boyfriend.. can't imagine why). But they also have a lot of rust, and didn't generally look all that nice. So I decided to take them on. I have been wanting to learn a bit about rust and painting metal, as I have an old car, with a still decent engine, that I dream about painting.. figured I'd start with the chairs.

Chair After:
We ordered the fabric part on line (apparently called a sling), cause I didn't figure my sewing machine could handle this type of fabric. I did spend hours, disassembling, wire brushing rust off, treating rust, priming, painting.... sigh. I like it. I have added a little gold spray paint, for a subtle sparkle, but it's not showing up so well in the photo. And getting the sling back in & stretched took 2 strong headed adults, an evening, some cussing, some paint scratching, and a BA in engineering, to get it on.

One down... 3 to go (and a table).

Feeling good, reusing, personalizing... happy to give it a new life.

Climbing out of my hole

2008-10-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to my hole. When I get overwhelmed or depressed I sink in to my own little hole. It's a little dark, not a whole lot of food in there (some junk stuff). But warm, and lots of places to sleep. And someone went and put a TV in there! While I'm hiding in there, I have a hard time talking to people, and a hard time motivating myself. A hard time writing blog posts. Some times it takes me a while to realize I'm in my hole again... and then sometimes it takes me a while to find the will to crawl back out. And even sometime, I need a helping hand to start climbing & remembering that I don't actually want to live there.

My lover was kind enough to find it & shout down... so now I'm on my way out :-)

Amazing People

2008-08-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I interrupt my vacation pictures (which were getting a little boring to me anyways... but I will provide a link soon) to congratulate my friend Andrew Gifford!!

I opened up the post today, and here there was my friend Andrew. Page 17, The Washington Post Magazine (link here). A very cool, and kind soul... even if he did like the chick who left lipstick on his coke cans in Drama class, better than me. ;-)

I haven't heard of, or from him since high school. But I am totally psyched to see he is doing well and has started his own press, in spite of some phenomenal odds, including trigeminel neuralgia. (holy shit!!)

If you write, or would like to read something a little less main stream, you need to check out the Santa Fe Writers Project (www.sfwp.com). according to the website: "Santa Fe Writers Project is an independent press dedicated to the craft of writing. We stand by our authors and we stand by our books, embracing new trends and ideas beyond those of the current publishing industry."

Wow! I'm so amazed! and very much happy for him. Way to follow your dreams.

windmill's in holland

2008-08-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Through out our journey we came across modern windmills, in holland and on hillsides in France. Yeah!!! I love seeing cleaner sources of energy. But there is a certain charm, involved in the not so modern windmills as well. This windmill, is an actual working mill. You can buy flower and bread in the store that is located in it's base. The top of this structure can spin, so that it can change direction and face the wind. It is not often that I am in town, and see this windmill in action. We all lucked out, in that not only was this windmill working, but one Saturday we were allowed to go in while the sails were open, and the mill was turning. There were about 4 different levels. You can walk out on the outside wooden platform as well. That felt a little scary :) . And all the way at the top of the windmill you can see the wooden gearing over head.

The gears were huge, and between watching them turn, and feeling the movement in the building, you could feel a tremendous amount of power, and force flowing through the building. I don't think the modern windmills in the distance made much sense to me, until I felt this building... and this day there was only a light breeze.

House of Dreams

2008-08-11T18:08:00.001-07:00

House Boats in Amsterdam. Sigh. In one of my other lives I imagine myself studying art and living here (Although, I might have to sail it to Paris). I think this may be an extended fantasy of my mothers... but I don't think she'll mind to much if I borrow it for a bit as well. Waking up to the gently swaying of the boat. Cat looking out the window. Having a cup of tea in the morning, getting on my bike, canvas under one arm, and riding to school. Working, and studying art. And then returning to my boat in the evening. Some soup and salad for dinner... a nice cheap glass of wine (gotta be in france here). Watching as all the people walked by on the road, lovers, families, friends. And then when it was time to move on... sailing on to the next port. Seeing new sites and sounds.

Not particularly practical I'm sure :-) but then I don't suppose fantasies should be.

It sort of mirrors the one I have about havening a little "blue house". Only that one has visitors coming over to discuss, and make art. As well as children. Children who come after school, to paint and play... and make a mess. All the while I create Van Gogh sunflowers, a la my style instead (which I think includes a bit of dr seuss).

Home

2008-08-10T09:11:00.001-07:00

Home again.
Greeted by my favorite flowers at the house.

Although we have been home for about a week now, posts have not been forth coming for a number or reasons. Most of which is a combination of traveling, jet lag, and a bit of shell shock. Seems much has been happening while we were gone. It's funny how when I travel, I just imaging the rest of the world stops turning, wherever I'm not. With in 48 hours of landing, news has come in about a teenager being pregnant, and the boys mom moving out of town. Many questions linger in the air, many hopes... many fears. It's amazing how life twists and turns.

In the mean time, starting tomorrow, for the next little bit I plan to regale you with tales of foreign adventure. I have missed showing off some highlights and fun times on account of energy and internet connections. There may even be a surprise or two lingering in there.

Pizza Commentary

2008-07-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

We ordered a Pizza last night...one of which was an "Americaine" Pizza. An American pizza is apparently comprised of: cheese, ground beef, peppers, and olives. Sounded fine, and even turned out to be quite tasty. However, it seems an "Americaine"pizza, is not complete without some "spicy piz"...

I'm not quite sure what that says about us :-)

Tour de France

2008-07-19T05:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went and watched the Tour de France fly by... Yes we are now in France. It's quite an experience watching the tour. You have to pack a picnic, find a spot to enjoy, find some shade!!! Bake in the sun & heat all afternoon, waiting for the parade to start. Usually there is a car parade of advertisers before the tour arrives. They have silly dressed up cars, and throw candy, hats, small toys, sausages (yup you read that right). After the parade... you get to see about 30 seconds of fast bike riders. Then you have to find some way home :-)

It's good fun, a day out. You get to chat it up with other spectators, everyone has their own speculations. Cheer on your favorite team.. see the yellow jersey. And the polka dots... (personal favorite, it's for the best rider in the mountains).. I think only the french could make red polka dots an honor to wear.

We didn't get to see the parrade yesterday, much to the kiddo's disapointment... The crowds as well. As this is the part you only get to enjoy on the road, & can't see on TV. It apparently had a hang up, and as a result had to detour around us :-( Hopefully next time.

Arte y Pico Award

2008-07-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wow! I have been awarded an "Arte y Pico Award".

Apparently this is what it's all about:
“The “Arte y Pico” award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and their talents, whether it be writing, artwork in all media. When you receive this award it is considered a special honor. Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to at least 5 others.” ... and originated here:
http://arteypico.blogspot.com/

I'm really honored,

First to have been given it by such a wonderful artist & blogger, not to mention friend Judith Heartsong.

Second, because blogging is really quite a new form of expression for me... I'm horribly dyslexic, and have always hated writing as a result, but I find this blogging thing quite wonderful. Not only putting thoughts & ideas out there... but enjoying all of the wonderful knowledge & energy other bloggers put forward.

And finally, because it hasn't been until recently that I have actually allowed myself the title "artist". And truth be told, it was the little one, who introduced me that way first. I'm still getting used to it. And frequently fall back on "web designer", "flash animator/programmer", and "teacher"... sigh, I'll get there.

Ok now to pass it forward.
My 5 picks:

sethepotter The charachter & fun of his pottery & ideas keep my head spinning & laughing. This is wonderful work.

Keri Smith's Wish Jar her books and blogs have been been an inspiration and a catalyst for me in many ways.

The SteamPunkWorkShop... I think all I can say here is wow...and I wan to make myself a bus! Only mine will be an art bus.

Skull-A-Day not that I'm particularly in to sculls, but this guy had tenacity, and some wonderful ideas. Images of sculls made from everything imaginable, and plenty unimaginable. Wonderful imagry. And the boys absolutly loved it...

Nanibird This satisfies my need for paper art. I love the idea that a piece of paper, can be turned in to so much more, folding, cutting, printing, playing :-) Nani bird's are free to download & build.

Flying Flowers

2008-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

In case you hadn't noticed I have a profound love for butterflies. So when my mother suggested a trip to a butterfly garden I was more than gun ho. Camera in hand, I went hoping to catch an image or two. But this garden surprised me. Located in the Netherlands, is a small tropical paradise with exotic butterflies and flowers. I was amazed... oh no, not one of my images does it justice. The flowers were absolutely breathtaking... but even more amazing, was that some of them would just get up & fly. When the clouds broke and the sun shone, and all of a sudden in this small sanctuary, all kinds of flowers would take flight. Flowers attached to stems, flowers hanging from vines overhead, and now flowers fluttering past in the air. 50 of them, a 100 of them, butterflies everywhere. There wings beating to their own rythm, silenly. You could folow one for a moment.. but only a moment, becuase the next one would flutter past catching your eye, new paterns, new designs.

It made me think of the paintings my friend Judith Heartsong makes, of flowers... i was imaging what it would look like if they all suddenly took flight in her studio. Something like this place I think.

It was a wonderful sactuary. I think I will keep this place in my mind. I cannot build another for myself, but I'm sure I will visit this one many times in my mind, when I need to visit a quiet chearful place.

Note to Self

2008-07-11T03:51:00.001-07:00

Today's life lesson is sponsored by: how to not take on a freelance job before you go on vacation!! I have finally finished a flash piece for a client. A piece that was only supposed to take a couple of weeks (my estimate)... and have all of the information up front (clients promise). Ha Ha . Three weeks in to my vacation I have finally sent it off. ughhh. Does that mean I can now write part of my trip off for the tax man? tee hee.

Lesson's learned:

Portable work drives my mother up the wall.
Projects always take longer than you can think them.
In order for my links to continue to work in an AS3 scollPane component, I need to cash the incoming xml text as bitmap:

content_textfield.cacheAsBitmap = true;
NEVER take on work right before your vacation... No matter how desperate the client sounds.
My ego can occasionally lead me astray.
It's more important to me to hang out with my family & enjoy them, than my clients are.

Lessons I will probably have to continue to learn & relearn the rest of my life:

projects always take longer than you can think them !
My ego can occasionally lead me astray.

Anyone else have words to live by?

In the Land of My Forefathers

2008-06-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

On of the things I like most about this country are the bicycles. Bicycles for carrying, bicycles for moving, bicycles for young people and bicycles for old people. And apparently... bicycles for painting. Can life get any better?

Across The Ocean

2008-06-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've made it over the ocean again. As you can perhaps see I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with flying. I love being there, meeting new people, tasting new things. HATE getting there. But I'm here now so all is well :-)

The View From Up High

2008-06-18T18:40:00.001-07:00

It's been a full couple of weeks. I haven't been around, on account of my noes being firmly stuck in a flash file, along with life throwing a couple of those curve balls at us. Sigh, so I decided it was time to come out of my shell for a bit, smell the fresh air, look around a bit... Thankfully the local fire fighters have my back on this one. Yup... that's me on top of that ladder.

And here's the view from the top this week...

The powers that be... Flash

2008-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if I should allow my flash work to move it's way in to this blog or not... Thinking maybe I should keep my physical work separate from my bit's & bites work. But my flip side has shown up & is demanding attention these days.

It's always funny about me, I don't seem to get to live in one world or the other to long. Sooner or later I need some of the other & it manages to sneak it's way in to my life. Or I force it in kicking & screaming!

So I figure I better let all my facets in to the blog as well.... those of you who only love one side of me are perhaps going to have to deal :-)

Recycle your own TV ?

2008-05-28T06:17:00.001-07:00

I was playing yesterday, drawing out a TV in Illustrator, to see if I could create a screen print template. I of course took it to far ... And ended up with a coloring book page. I mean nothing is as inspiring as a blank TV n'est pas? Thought you all might enjoy. Feel free to print it out on the back of an old sheet of paper, or recycled paper.

Click here for the pdf
plus... feel free to send me a picture of what you made :-)

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T06:19:00.001-07:00

Rolling Thunder, honoring our veterans

2008-05-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today I rode down with friends and my lover to see Rolling Thunder for the first time. It was a gorgeous day, the sun was shinning and the ride down with friends was wonderful. I was amazed at all the motorcycles we saw, lined up all along the streets.

Thoughts of my brother weigh heavily on my mind. Thoughts of soldiers still fighting, that I wish were home. Thoughts of vets, who still struggle day to day with the memories and effects of war. Thoughts of the family's and loved ones of men and women who did not return.

My brother is home, and we count the days till he can no longer be called back with a stop loss. I love him, and I am sorry for all that he has had to see, and has had to go through. For him, and his buddies, I send up a wish today, a wish for love, support, understanding... but most of all for a place for peace and happiness in their lives. Thank you.

Good Advice

2008-05-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

I was standing in a friends office yesterday, chatting & enjoying her company, and absentmindedly eating some of the little chocolate candies in the bowl on her desk. Mmmm chocolate.

Well in to the third one, I realize they had messages in them!! So a little later, when I had a few minutes to myself, I diligently pull the crumples up ones out my pocket, and un-crumpled them.

I had to laugh, they both seemed to be speaking to the TV project I'm currently working on and it seemed like good advice to me :-) .

Some days require cookies

2008-05-18T13:41:00.001-07:00

Friday is usually my day to play... i've been struggling a little bit to keep it mine (Some how my day keeps taking back seat to many other wants & needs, sometimes not even my own). I was attempting a reclaim, and working on one of my TV's when sure enough, my lover calls... and mentions that the little one's teacher has called. Uhhh ohhh.... And boy was it trouble.

Now, i have to preface this with the fact that i'm fairly new to the world of parenting. I didn't make any of them, I got the pre-packaged variety... And man do I love them. We are all part of an add water and stir family. So this weekend, starting Friday, i had to become the wicked witch. i've had to do this on occasion before... but this time it got to last ALL weekend. I think my skin has actually turned a new shade of green, and there's a bump on the end of my noes. I do so hope it washes off!!

It was hard, i wanted to cave...

This morning we finally saw the light, creative essay consequences are done (the little one can thank MY parents for that). I'm exhausted, my lover is too. Will they ever know it REALLY is harder on us than it is on them?

I needed cookies.

Awesome Copy Cats!!! Open source Art.

2008-05-14T06:21:00.001-07:00

You know you're kitty is living in style when they can sit inside a Van Gogh!

Nope, this isn't another one of my art TV's... this one is made by AMoonShadow ... it's on her Etsy store here... and she has some wonderful painted computer mice, and bags here. I really LOVE her piece.

Her e-mail raised an interesting question though.. One that many of the artists I work with struggle with every day. You see, in one of my other lives, I'm a web designer & Flash programmer.. and I get to help other artists put there images, their ideas, there baby's out on the web. For the whole world to see... Their concern, will it get stolen, borrowed, left uncredited... will they see it in a shop 2 years from now with someone else's name on it making millions? It's scary.

Or is it? As a programmer, I know flash scripts, javascrips and html pages, and CSS, get "borrowed", all the time. Many try and credit the authors... many do not. But without this free exchange of information Firefox would not exist (what are you browsing on?).

As an artist, I'm inspired everyday by things I did not have a hand in making.. tree's, animals, steam engines, other people's art, computer monitors and TV's for that matter. No I'm not trying to copy anyone, I'm trying to continue a conversation. I would love to see people dumpster diving for TV's & monitors... get them out of land fills, recycle them, and find alternate uses for them. I know others feel the same, I've seen more patterns for shopping bags on the web than you can imagine.. grab one, make one, use it, or buy one from an artist you know.. let your voice be heard.

I challenge you, put you're art out there! Don't hide it in the cave that is your little home for fear that it will be stolen. Let other's be inspired, let them hear the voice that is uniquely yours. See what comes back, I bet you'll be surprised and perhaps inspired yourself! I know I have been, Thank you AMoonShadow!

Brainus Interuptus

2008-05-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days when your brain seems to be flying in all different ways at all different speeds, and you want a rope to wrangle it all together so the world can stop spinning?

Mmmm, yeah, I think I'm dizzy. I've been trying to work on my "heart" TV... It's becoming a lamp, but It was hard finding 10 calm minutes in a row. Many other cool things happened today though, and so I will accept my defeat for today, and appreciate what has been given to me.

An artist from Etsy, contacted me, because she was inspired by my "kitty TV", and as a result built her own, featuring Van Gogh's Stary night... (I'll put up a picture & a link soon).

The whole family has been receiving very kind donations so we can ride together next month, to support the American Diabetes Association.

A headhunter called... (always nice to be wanted).

I got to enjoy a cup of tea and a morning chat with a good friend.

... I suppose the TV will come when It's good & ready.

Climate Ride 2008

2008-05-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've signed up... now I'm scared. Late September I'm now due to ride my bike from Manhattan to Washington DC, as a fund raiser for the Climate Ride 2008. It's an effort to raise awareness, and motivate change about the climate and this blue green earth we live on. I'm a ~~little~~ LOT out of shape compared to my younger years. But I think the more daunting task is raising the $2250. Ughhhh what was I thinking again??

So, I had this brilliant idea... And those always scare the heck out of me.

I was thinking it would be wonderful to do a silent auction, featuring "green" artists. Artists who recycle & reuse in their art, Artists who are inspired by the natural world around us, Artists who craft & create items that we can use & reuse in our everyday lives instead of using disposable goods. Artists who inspire us to think green.

Only, now... to tell you the truth, I have little idea how to go about pulling something like this off. I have a place to book a room, but would artists be willing to donate (it's slow money in the art world right now)? How I could handle credit card sales? Could I put it on E-bay.. or Etsy?

I like the idea, because I think it could bring attention to a cause, as well as providing some solutions, and inspirations. Artists have these wonderful voices that come through their art.

Ideas anyone? I'm here... I'm scared, ... but I'm willing to give it a lot of energy & my best shot.

p.s. If you want to donate, and make that number a bit smaller.... my page is at:
http://climateride2008.kintera.org/alpinebutterfly

I think I'm supposed to put that in.

Magic People

2008-05-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

You ever notice how sometimes life is just a little magic? That one thing you wanted, or needed simply happened or was. The person you were thinking about calls you out of the blue.... I simple refer to it as Magic. I guess it seems like the easiest, simplest & perhaps there for the most likely explanation to me.

What I really get excited about though, is when I meet Magic people. You know them.. those magic people, the ones who get you thinking about things in a new way, or reminding you what's most important to you. The people who have glowing souls in spite of hard times.. or perhaps because they've over come them. I have a few wonderfully magic people in my life. They make me feel blessed.

I think Judith HeartSong knows what I'm talking about... she seems to have magic friends too Judith HeartSong: MUD.

Thank you for the reminder Judith :-)

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race !!!

2008-05-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today was amazing... chasing kinetic sculptures all over Baltimore... watching wonderful contraptions, and people being light hearted and fun. This event is put on by the visionary arts museum (I love this museum, if I ever wanted to see my work in a museum, it would be this one)... Clearly lots of hard work & good fun went in to every piece. Hmmm, wonder if I can play along next year?

My Personal Favorite... strange garden it was. There may be pink flamingo's playing at our house soon :-)

OK... I really liked the flying pig too.

Meet Fifi!! lol!

And the shoes she was sporting!!!

National No TV Week Challenge

2008-04-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that this week is national try and get your butt of the couch, and play week? (April 21 - April 27, 2008) Not so well advertised hu? So do you think you can do it? Turn off the TV for a WHOLE week? (yup, that's 7 days)

Well, consider this an official "I Dare you to!"

Not Turn on your TV for 7 days.
Not play your Wii, playstation, whatever, that plugs in to your TV.
Watching Southpark, etc... on your computer counts as watching TV.
Watching your DVD movies on your computer counts as watching TV.
Watching Movies, TV shows etc... on your ipod counts as watching TV.
(getting the idea?)

If you're up for the challenge, post a comment... tell me what you've come up with as an alternative to TV's this week, tell me what you've noticed outside, send me photo's of what you've done with your time instead, links to your blog updates, complaints about how hard it was, whatever. At the end of the week, I'll send one randomly chosen person a deck of cards:

by Lynn Gordon, of 52 alternatives to TV.

Good luck & have fun!

Lightning Bugs

2008-04-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Haven't you always wanted to catch a ton of fireflies put them in a jar & get them to light your way? Seems like this has been in my mind since I was a kid... so when my main squeeze's mom showed up with this busted Coleman lamp seemed like bugs would be the only thing appropriate to fill it with. I look a small strand of LED's & put a bug around each of the lights. Made the bugs out of old nylons, wire & paint. At night it looks fun.. especially hanging on the back porch. Next time... I'll be going for the blinky kind of LED's!

Little glass TV's

2008-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

I was trying to make little glass TV's. Melting stringers over a flame to make the out line, and then fusing the glass. The one on the right has a bubble, that I was trying to make the TV screen. But it ended up making to many bubbles. So I think I'll have to rethink that approach, and try again. I like how the little red TV turned out though, could make a fun pendant.

Glass experiments

2008-04-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

I've been playing a bit with fused glass lately. It's really fun to manipulate the glass. I like it, but because of the quality of the glass needed, it means I don't get to play with recycled glass, which I would like more. Not to mention it's quite clear, my tastes run expensive.
Above is an example I was learning to work with a glass pattern bar. You create a bar of glass, and then slice it and reassemble it... It reminds me of building & then using fimo/sculpy canes. I added a little bit of random to the piece above, which I like. I then sandblasted the back to make it frosted looking... That is cool!! Add a sandblaster to my dream tool list. along with a Kiln, and a tile cutter.

Catching Dreams

2008-03-16T13:20:00.001-07:00

Dreams and Gears have been on my mind. Trying to catch dreams, and play with gears. I have 2 TV's in the works, and more in the brain. I've been having a lot of fun experimenting with glass lately, I love the transparency, and the light that shines through. Makes you feel happy. Fun to look at all the different kinds available, & was learning to play with bubbles, I LOVE catching bubbles. I've been doing some soldering (thanks to my kind friend) & some fusing(taking a class locally), so I'm hoping to be able to incorporate some of that. In any case I'm doing a lot of exploring.

Art Party

2008-01-29T18:16:00.001-08:00

This was much fun!! I had fellow artist friends over, artists from different disciplines & walks of life. We all sat and chatted, munched, and doodled, and played. It was really nice to see everyone, and wonderful to relax, play on some art & not take it to seriously. I can't wait till the next one :-)

Recycled TV Bar

2008-01-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine offered up an old style cabinet TV.. and for some reason it called out to become a bar! Thank you Sally!

This project is an experiment in MANY ways. It's the first time I tackled grouting. First time I've cut glass. First time I sewed a curtain. Because of all these firsts... I was scared to invest moula and the result is that it is also recycled in many ways!

The TV insided have been brought away to stay out of a land fill. The shelves, are mostly pieces of old mdf board that have been in the attic since my move... (they weren't deep enough so I ended up gluing multiple ones together). The MP3 player drawer... is a cigar box, found somewhere. The speakers, which you can't seen.. we also an attic find. And the mirrored glass, was formerly hanging up in the kiddo's bathroom :-)

LED rope lights, light up the curtains & insides when the room is darker
The white string on this side is the pull to open & close the curtains.

The glass wine bucket, was kicking around the house taking up space. The fake pewter grapes were taken off, and it's shape was the start of the feel for the top... which the kiddo has decided looks like a hurricane.

I had a lot of fun building this, and some challenges too... but I'm happy I stuck to my guns, recycled, and played!

Dog Monitor

2007-12-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

Monitor number 2 has been created. This one was a custom order for a small pooch, and the request was for plain & techy. I got lucky because the inside of this 15 inch monitor had a silver lining. (I've noticed this on Apple monitors too). I don't know if it's because it's larger, than the monitors I'm used to working with... or newer? In any case I haven't seen it in any of the TV's . I like it. I think it would be fun to add some embellishments, or LED's or something... but this one wasn't mine to decide. keeps the brain cooking though
:-)

Art Computer Monitor

2007-12-09T14:14:00.001-08:00

I'm really excited as I have just sold my first Art Monitor! This one has been turned in to a cat bed. And already another one has been ordered for a dog.

The beds cam about from my fascination of old TV's and monitors. I love the ones with dials and buttons. So I have acquired a few from freecycle, and decided to gut one & see if my cat would like it. Sure enough, that's where he's hanging out now. So i figured I'd play with a couple more, and see if anyone else's pets would like it.

I was hoping to make a bit of an environmental impact, as all these tv's are going in to land fills with people buying flat screens that take up so much less space. But the TV's and monitors have a lot of lead in them, and lot's of things that aught to be recyclable.. So i gutted them.. and then took them to a place here where they recycle... But it turns out they still don't recycle the tube part (which I guess are called CRT's).

So right now I'm back to looking for places to bring the CRT's. I don't mind helping to pay to recycle them.. but then I really want to know that they are being recycled. (Click here to learn more about CRT's and their impact on the environment)

Anyways... here's the first cat bed.. We'll see what I come up with next. :-)