Thursday, May 31, 2012

Why am I doing this?

If I hurry, I can get one more post in before May is history. Where did the month go?

We have a small veggie garden, planted and waiting for rain. After years of planting things like turnips, eggplant, and beets (with only minor success and even less pleasure) we made the decision to quit playing with plants we don't really like and stick with the basics. So ... this year I have tomatoes, green peppers, and green beans. Ok, ok, I do have one jalapeno plant. That's my nod to unusual.

I pulled out my sewing machine again. I'm trying not to get over-committed to sewing projects that don't fit or look like the pictures (see discussion above about unsuccessful veggie choices), but I do need a new Bible cover. I've worn out the old one - even my vintage buttons are breaking in pieces - so I'm hard at work on an improved version. Hopefully, I will be happy enough with the outcome to show pictures... soon.

I did make a 20-minute-skirt a week ago. It didn't take 20 minutes. I made some adjustments to the instructions (I just gotta be me!) and it's ok. Of course I haven't worn it yet. I don't have one single thing that goes with it. It probably would have been a good idea to consider that when picking fabric. *sigh*

I have been making some note cards. It has been my goal to create a design that could be printed - one step, easy, fast. The problem is that what I really like are card fronts that are layered with colorful paper, and then finished off with some hand stamping/embellishment. It's just not right when it's fast.

We had grilled pizza this week. Last time I made it, it was wonderful! So this time, I used a different crust recipe. (I am my own worst enemy.)  Too bad that when we tried to peel the raw dough from the (suggested) waxed paper, it stretched and ripped into the most grotesque shapes! Well, where's the rule that says pizza crust has to have a shape? Or not be holey?



I'm pondering these fleeting moments of life. The whys and the who-fors. What is accomplished of eternal value? How much is for the eyes of mankind?  And I'm trying to stay honest.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians, 3:23

Friday, May 11, 2012

Trials and errors

Days are flying by. Too fast. I can't keep up.

I think about what has been accomplished between the dawn and the fall of night, and I wonder,  With so many experiments behind me .. all these lessons learned ... was it worth the time spent?

I don't know. So let's have a little bit of show and tell. (FYI: Those thoughts you'll be thinking? I know... I've thought the same thing. But hey, I have to build up this thick skin that gives me the courage to keep aiming for better all the while providing a good belly laugh for my friends.   *smile*)

Here goes....

A rustic little scene that has been distressed. Not unlike the maker.


They look like poster girls for Tylenol. Not exactly what I was going for. In fact, I never did achieve what I was going for. Hmmm.. maybe it's a mirror.


A background that I have plans for. Layers yet to come.


The worktable gets cleaned, only to be piled again with papers covered with ideas that evolve while I'm trying to clean up the last pile of papers that are covered with ideas that evolved while ....

Is there a cure for this? Do I want to be cured? Not so sure about that.

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Vintage buzz

Last week, we took a day to wander through some antique stores. We didn't buy anything, but the looking was... well, interesting.

"Vintage" is the new buzz word. If an old anything can technically be labeled "vintage", then it's a hot item. According to one very chatty dealer, everyone wants to decorate with the things they remember from early childhood at mom's or grandma's house.

That means that all the things I was so happy to sell at a garage sale, pitch into the garbage, or use as fuel for a bonfire could be financing a very comfortable retirement right now. *sigh* Oh well.

There were two especially great things about our day of leisure. First, the opportunity to deliver guerrilla art ...


Woven paper strips on coffee stained time card
  


Image transfer on book page

...topped off with a dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant. I don't know who General Tso is, but his chicken is out of this world!

 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Psalm 113:2