tHe aRt oF maKiNg a mEss

Snow days sale in my Etsy shop! www.crazyladybugg.etsy.com

2012-01-12T21:24:00.001-08:00

after clearing and sorting, I can now start on another quick project!

2012-01-11T17:38:00.001-08:00

Starting on my new 2012 Moleskine

2012-01-04T17:20:00.001-08:00

tea and journal doodles

2011-12-21T13:40:00.001-08:00

When this is full I'll post a video of a journal flip-thru.

2011-12-19T22:04:00.001-08:00

When this is full I'll post a video of a journal flip-thru.

2011-12-19T15:01:00.001-08:00

a quiet morning with my almost full journal and half empty cup o' coffee.

2011-12-19T10:33:00.001-08:00

girly leg warmers- fresh off the crochet hook

2011-12-16T11:56:00.001-08:00

My shirt kept slipping off my shoulders so I gave it a crochet makeover. Fits great!

2011-12-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

I remember playing "office" at my Memaw's house when I was little. this brings back memories of simple fun.

2011-12-12T13:05:00.001-08:00

all ready for my Etsy shop!

2011-12-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

Just need to decide on a handle and it's done!

2011-12-10T14:50:00.001-08:00

Another new purse idea.

2011-12-10T12:36:00.001-08:00

Trying out a new purse pattern. So far, I love it!

2011-12-07T17:05:00.001-08:00

Now in my Etsy shop!

2011-12-05T18:16:00.001-08:00

Mommy & Me Hat Set - now in my Etsy shop crazyladybugg.etsy.com

2011-12-05T15:59:00.001-08:00

Crochet baby dress gift set

2011-11-30T13:02:00.001-08:00

finishing up some crochet WIPs that I have been putting off. weaving in the end yarns aren't my favorite part of crochet projects.

2011-11-24T19:27:00.001-08:00

Crochet baby dress- sz 0-6 mos. 100% acrylic fibers. Handwash cold, lay flat to dry.

2011-11-19T14:13:00.001-08:00

Doodled page all ready for writing.

2011-11-18T20:16:00.001-08:00

It's an evening with my journal and music. There's only a few pages left until I'm done with this book.

2011-11-18T20:03:00.001-08:00

travel journal peek

2011-11-10T17:57:00.001-08:00

Taken at Lakewood

keeping the wee one from asking to play the Wii- messy but worth it!

2011-10-20T08:57:00.001-07:00

plum cloche

2011-10-07T11:22:00.001-07:00

the perfect weather for a RED hat!

2011-10-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

My new "model" showing off a cozy Fall cowl neckwarmer. Now available in my Etsy shop. http://www.crazyladybugg.etsy.com

2011-09-10T14:12:00.001-07:00

I've been in a mood to draw faces... something I'm generally not very good at. (tape bound journal page)- #artjournal

2011-09-05T09:55:00.001-07:00

a quickie journal page

2011-08-25T17:36:00.001-07:00

my latest WIP- a skirt for me. I love Doris Chan's patterns.

2011-08-20T20:28:00.001-07:00

packaging up an order- my fav part of an Etsy sale!

2011-08-10T09:06:00.001-07:00

tape-bound journal: light brushes of gesso on papers

2011-08-04T20:25:00.001-07:00

working on a little tape-bound journal made from my pile of paper scraps.

2011-08-04T20:10:00.003-07:00

working on a little tape-bound journal made from my pile of paper scraps.

2011-08-04T20:10:00.001-07:00

The Maya Hobo Bag

2011-08-04T14:50:00.001-07:00

New to my Etsy Shop ! Lightweight and summery with girly ruffles.

a lonely little daisy

2011-08-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

Taken at Wildwood Park

Procrastination

2011-07-21T16:41:00.001-07:00

This week I have really lacked motivation - especially for finishing up any of the many projects I've been working on over the last several weeks. While in my slump I managed to go to the library where I picked up a few creative DIY books. One I liked in particular is Creative Girl -The Ultimate Guide for Turning Talent and Creativity into a Real Career. by Katharine Sise. One of the tips I have been putting into action is her "Ten Minute Rule". Basically, the reasoning is that anyone can do anything for ten minutes- so tell yourself you'll work on the task you are avoiding for only TEN minutes. Easy enough! Of course, most of the time you find that once you get started - it's not so bad and you may want to just keep going after all. Her trick works so well because STARTING a task is usually the hardest part. So by following the ten-minute rule, you train yourself to get good at starting. A super simple way to get moving and re-focused on your stalled projects.

it's a coffee cup sketch kind of morning.

2011-07-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

a huge TinkerBell mushroom we spotted on our walk today!

2011-07-20T11:40:00.001-07:00

creative aftermath

2011-07-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

Purple Jelly-Bean Market Bag

2011-07-15T15:32:00.001-07:00

Another Eco friendly shopping bag for your trips to the Farmers Market and fruit stands.

A year?!

2011-05-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten my little Messy-Art Blog... Hopefully now that I have things streamlined a little better, I will keep up!

lots cookin'

2010-04-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

i've been steadily cookin' up new ideas and for the moment, i have been working on a series of crochet handbags and market totes. i will be updating my etsy shop soon! here's a few things that you will be seeing there.

spring time crochet

2010-03-23T16:55:00.000-07:00

usually by the time Spring arrives, I have had the chance to finish up a few crochet projects. this year i'm getting a later start...
this is the latest project all done on time for a little pixie.

week #5

2010-02-10T16:01:00.001-08:00

any week that involves a sushi lunch date is a VERY good week!!

week #4

2010-02-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

being a first grade art docent is just about the coolest thing i've done. i wish i could do it more than just once a month.

week #3

2010-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

week #2

2010-01-12T22:42:00.000-08:00

already 12 days in to the new year and 2 weeks down in my weekly diary. the format helps me keep things short and sweet. i'll save the rants and complaints for another place- one i don't have to look at every day and be reminded of what i'm miffed about.

week# 1

2010-01-05T10:29:00.001-08:00

2010 has crept in quietly. I keep forgetting to write '10 on my
paperwork. even with a quiet week, there's things to write about.

weekly planner

2009-12-30T13:07:00.001-08:00

this week i went out and got me a new Moleskine 2010 weekly planner. 2 days down.... 53 more weeks to go!

crochet weather

2009-11-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

here in the Great Northwest, the weather has turned cold and drippy again. the bright-colored leaves are always a treat to see fluttering down and it's sad to know that soon all that will be left of the trees are brown sticks coming up out of the dirt. meanwhile, it's the perfect time of year to get cozy and crochet. i have been in a slipper-making mood and found a great pattern in the Crochet Today! magazine. they are quick to do and give me a real sense of accomplishment after the summer of creative inactivity. secondly, slippers are a great way to go thru some of my yarn stash from the past many winters. i also plan to be working on hats and scarves again, as well as few more market bags. bring on the sleet and snow!

end of the summer

2009-08-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

...and here we are already at the end of the summer. school begins on the 2nd of September. it's been such a busy season of work, work, a little play, and more work. i'm actually looking forward to the cooler months because they usually bring more time to sit and relax.
with the change in weather, i find that my crochet hooks are calling to me. i've already started a Fall wrap and perhaps by the time the really wintery days arrive, i will have made myself a sweater too. i'm also looking forward to long afternoons with my sewing machine again. my brain has been brewing up lots of ideas... it's time to let them out and have fun.

being a tourist

2009-05-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

today i was up and out of the house much earlier than usual. i planned a little adventure to a local art & framing shop to have a large Monet print framed for hanging in my newly re-arranged living room. i walked down the main street practically skipping while i held my rolled up poster. it was such a nice feeling to take a detour from my usual day and do something fun. it helped having the sunshine to gently sweep me along. i walked in the frame shop and didn't know where to start- with so many choices, i could have easily been there all day! eventually i decided on a rustic-looking frame with mats that matched the wall color and sofa in my living room. when i finally placed my order and left the shop, i continued on my way thru downtown and had a treat at a little coffee shop where i feasted on a lemon-blueberry muffin with glaze drizzled over the top and my usual coffee drink **tall-half decaf- mocha-with whip** (some days i take a chance and try other coffee mixes but i always come back to the good 'ol mocha. it's just a slightly "grown up" hot chocolate but sooo yummy). i sat and ate at a little table for 2 in a corner. i felt like a tourist, watching the different groups of people coming and going and it was so calming and energizing at the same time. if you haven't given it a try for a while, take a walk down your town or city's main street and have a little adventure- even if it's just to enjoy a muffin and a mocha!

buy local

2009-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

the idea is simple yet super smart!

pick 3 local businesses that you would greatly miss if they disappeard.
spend $50 each month at a locally owned business.
feel amazed that you helped to generate about 42.6 billion in revenue and save your local economy.

for more info on check out The 3/50 Project. and go shopping!!

have you heard about Dibspace?

2009-04-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

i was recently introduced to Dibspace. and now i find myself checking it out every day (sometimes even several times a day) to see what's new and what's being offered. it's a great way to barter without feeling like you are getting cheated. so far, i've "dibbed" a manicure and i'm in the works of getting help with a worm bin (cool!). it's a great way to share your talents and enjoy treating yourself to something that you may not have otherwise tried. take a look!

staying up late

2009-03-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

i was in a mood to create like crazy yesterday. it was the first day i didn't have electricians or construction people in the house drilling, pounding, sawing, or using my bathroom. it was nice to finally have a chance to get some time to relax and make something... and what is better to make than a purse?! it's not like i really need another one but this fabric has been sitting on the top of my stash calling to me. so, here it is- a reversable shoulder bag. so far i love it... and i'm thinking i may need to make another one--- only bigger!

meSSy kid-art

2009-03-13T18:48:00.001-07:00

xaNdeR is 5 years old and really, he is one of my greatest inspirations! he loves to create and is so un-afraid to try new things and especially, get messy! as a way to show his art to the world we started him up with a few items listed at my zazzle shop. come by and take a look! he'll be so happy you were there.

back to etsy

2009-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

i haven't added any new items to my Etsy store in a while so here's something new. even though spring will be here soon, we are expecting more snow this week! crazy. so for those of us that don't live warmer places, hat and scarf shopping may still be in season.

more crochet creations

2009-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

i have been in a mood to crochet like crazy lately. my most recent project- a spring time sweater for my little ladybuggy girl. she has been so patiently waiting for it to be done and stood so still each time i measured and draped pieces all over her. this was my first sweater- made from the "Flower Girl Cardi" pattern written by Candi Jensen in the Sept/Oct '08 crochet today! magazine.

i'm so happy how it came out and i'm looking forward to making another one in different colors.

Wordle

2009-01-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

have fun with www.wordle.net
make happy word clouds

ravelry addiction

2008-12-30T00:20:00.000-08:00

so my latest addiction is www.ravelry.com. most of the evening has been spent updating my yarn stash info and taking pictures of what i have. at first i thought "what a geeky idea!" but then when i pulled my box o' yarn from the top shelf of my craft closet i soon found the genius of having a stash log for all those crazy odds and ends. i also realized i need to put myself of a yarn buying freeze until i can get thru most of these skeins!!

my morning ritual

2008-12-29T10:20:00.001-08:00

GARDEN French Press Cozy, originally uploaded by PatchworkPottery.

ritual [rich-oo-uhl] n.- any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a set manner.

my morning usually starts out with filling my water kettle with filtered cold water and then putting it on the stove to boil. while the water boils i grind up my special mix of decaf & caffinated coffee beans and put together the pieces of my french press. a few moments later, in go the grounds and hot water, i give it all a little stir, pop on the top of my french press lightly, and let it all sit for another 4 minutes or so. i grab my favorite mug out of the cupboard and my mouth happily anticipates that first sip of hot morning deliciousness. ahhh...

so when i saw this great French Press Cozy by PatchworkPottery i wondered how i didn't know about this sooner!! how cute is that?!

sNoW is here!

2008-12-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

with the cold weather upon us and more snow than we wimpy washingtonians are used to, i've been passing the time indoors crocheting in front of the fireplace. after finishing all my orders on hats from my friends and neighbors, i decided to finally make a new hat for myself! the few times i have been out of the house this week i have worn it. it's a nice feeling to get compliments from other shoppers waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store. plus, red is one of my "happy colors"!

my next small project is to spiff up my foam hat head.

poster project

2008-12-18T16:51:00.000-08:00

i've been so busy and distracted that now the deadline for the poster project is creeping up on me. i have about one more week! so far i have tackled the little steps and i'm getting ready to put it all together.

First step - lots of gesso on poster board

Second - green oil pastel rubbing on the back of picture

Third- trace around picture on opposite side of green pastel markings

Fourth- completed picture of the Meeker Mansion!

a quick hello

2008-11-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

just a quick little howdy before i'm headed off to dreamland.

i have a few projects in the works and lots of ideas incubating. in the meantime, i have started working back in my moleskine sketchbook journal and scanned in a few of the "before" pages. i'll be adding my scribbles and thinkings on them as the days and weeks go by.

Ch-CH-Ch-anges

2008-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

lots has been going on behind the scenes... but i see that my blog is needing some love. all the links went wonky on me when my back was turned. i'll have to take care of that little by little.
so in my 10th week of the Artist's Way i am faced with the interesting reality that i am a workoholic... and not exactly in a good way. i tend to put off my creative play by putting myself to work, thus avoiding any progress and keeping my inner artist child locked in a closet.
so this week my task has been to have a messy house. i worked hard getting as much as i could get done on one day.... and then pulled out the sewing machine and fabric paints... and ignored the house for the last 2 days. of course, today was the day that my neighbor (who has lived next door to us for 8 years but has never been inside my home) decided to stop in and say hello. i invited her in to see my mess... and my messy art. it was tough to let someone see my house in "less than presentable" condition but so liberating at the same time. it was however very worth the uncomfortableness of my dis-orderliness to have some positive encouragement and much needed validation. she admired my wall-art and creative touches. i can say i don't care in my brain, but at the end of the day... a pat on the back is a better feeling than a swept floor.

finished project

2008-08-16T22:23:00.001-07:00

Crochet Toddler Dress, originally uploaded by crazyladybugg.

i've had a busy creative week. i don't know if it's because i've been reading "Getting Things Done" and have managed my time more efficently or because of coming into week 4 of "The Artist's Way". reading one after the other has really given me a shot of creative gusto. so here is my latest finished project- a dress i made for my lil' girl. once the weather cools down we'll get her all dressed up in it.

i dream of sushi

2008-08-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

i was taking a little "artist date" the other day and decided to go to the fabric store. i found these great fat quarters on sale and since they had sushi on them, my attention was instantly caught. i know i'm going to have to make lots of these the way my family loves sushi!

sew fun

2008-07-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

i've taken some time to combine 2 of my favorite things... thrift shopping and sewing! this is a great book to have on hand for super ideas on how to "creatively" alter, adjust, or completely re-form your old clothing or new thrifty finds. so far i have already chopped up a few t-shirts and they are now my favs to wear. i only wish i came accross this book sooner-- i would have been able to save a few old items from the give-away bag.

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

2008-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:00

this is soooo fun! the hardest part was finding a good picture of myself. give yours a try too!

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Roots - Geneology

another go-round

2008-07-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

i went thru "The Artist's Way" book a couple of years ago and today while trying to find something in my closet, i came across a notebook that i used for my "morning pages" back then. i saw how much creativity had become unblocked from working in the book last time and was amazed to see how many goals i had actually reached since i began writing in the pages!
so i have decided to do another round in the book and get started back on my "morning pages" and artist dates.
i borrowed this book from my mother in law (yeah, she's got a great library) last time so this time i will have a new book of my own to write in, highlight and underline in, and get all wrinkled from flipping thru the pages. aahhhhh!

New jewelry

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

I just got a super nifty new silver necklace this weekend. I ordered it from Sima off her Etsy Shop . It's the "My family handstamped necklace" that I had her make with my 3 kids' names and a pearl in the middle. It came out so beautiful!! (The picture above is just an example of what mine is like)

Take a look at her wonderful jewelry. You're bound to find something you like too!

Moving forward

2008-07-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

looking back at my last post, i can see how much time has passed and how much my lil' one has grown. he's now 3 months old and i find myself back into a "nesting" mind frame. now that he's sleeping more and i'm not carrying a ton of extra weight around, i feel motivated to be getting things done around here.
this week i'm focused on organizing. sure, it's a pain but once you get started there is an excitement that comes when you see how much better things can be! every day or so i take on a new area... monday was the kitchen hutch, tuesday was the back yard (we potted up some lovely flowers and herbs), then today it's my desk/computer space. what brought most of this on is re-reading the book "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. i have read it over before but that was more than a year ago. reading it again has sparked some new ideas and reminders for keeping up on my "shtuff".
are you feeling like your mind will explode with all the to-do lists and projects that need working on? take a look in GTD and you will be ready to go out and buy a bunch of office supplies, sticky notes, and maybe even a label maker!! organizing can be fun... and artful if you let it.

where have i been?

2008-06-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

wow! what day is it?!!

i have somewhat lost track of time since the baby was born... this one makes three for me and it is a CIRCUS around here! i do like circuses but i never thought i'd be living in one. funny thing is... i never really thought i would have kids. so now here i am-- surrounded by little things and silly giggles, slobber kisses and of course-- lots of PooP.

now that baby "X2" has turned 8 weeks old and i'm getting a bit more rest, i have pulled out the sewing machine and my journal again and have been working away. i find that the days i get to feed my creative side (even if it's just for 10 minutes) are the days i am a happier mom. and we all know that a happy mom makes a happy family, right?!

a few of my latest projects:

baby wrap carrier, diaper tote-bag, crochet market produce bags, purse organizers, and a really cute pin cushion. WHEW!

Thrift-store shopping @ home?!

2008-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

wow! it's like the best of both worlds... making a cake and eating it too... thrift store shopping while being at home!
sure, it's not the same as actually holding all those wonderful things in my happy lil' hands but it's not bad for when you get the thrift store itch at 10:00pm on a Sunday.

see what's available at Goodwill.

first listing on Etsy

2008-03-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

today i opened up my seller account and finally took the plunge in listing my work on Etsy. i have mostly sold my things on Ebay before but i can see why other artists are fustrated over their sales and the new fee structure... so here goes!

check out my new shop - more things to be added soon!!

what color are you?

2008-02-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

this is a really great color quiz to take. mine is very accurate. i do tend to be a leader to make sure that things are done right- not the best quality at times ( people think i'm BOSSY)!

you are mediumspringgreen
#00FA9A

Your dominant hues are cyan and green. Although you definately strive to be logical you care about people and know there's a time and place for thinking emotionally. Your head rules most things but your heart rules others, and getting them to meet in the middle takes a lot of your energy some days.

Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

so what color are you?!

origami paper cranes

2008-02-18T08:31:00.001-08:00

this weekend i sat at the dining table and worked on this paper crane project to help cheer up someone who is awaiting a liver transplant. in the past, i have tried to fold cranes but usually get all messed up and confused so i give up and am left with only a soggy piece of origami paper. the pdf file of directions that Julee posted are great and i was able to get thru all the steps easily ( just ignore picture #19). as origami paper i just used my usual computer paper printed with my art collages and scans of vintage hankerchiefs & pillowcases. they really made for some colorful cranes!

the ZNE book club

2008-02-15T08:18:00.000-08:00

i'm excited to be part of my first "book club" experience. i have been a member of the variaZioNE mixed media artist network for quite a while but have not had much of a chance to really participate in all the fun activities and such as much as i would like. i finally decided to jump on in! all are welcome to join in too so if you like to come along with me, the more the merrier. plus, your entrance fee will benefit our little furry friends in need of rescue! you have until Feb 17, 2008 to get entrance to the club so check it out right away!

this month's book is Collage Unleashed by Traci Bautista

label-maker fun

2008-02-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

i found the acme label maker site a while ago (but forgot about it until today). i have been playing around with sayings and it brings back memories of turning the dial to the letters, squeezing out my name with the handy little label maker, peeling the back off the long sticker, and then placing it on my pencil boxes and notebooks for school. now you can make your very own labels like in the "old days"- and not hurt your hands with all the squeezing!

Labels by ACME Label Maker.

feeling eco-friendly

2008-02-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

this week i have been on an eco-friendly crochet kick. after reading Gina's blog post, i have made myself some new shopping bags. i pulled out the old vintage-colored yarn my mom had been saving since forever and now have 3 new bags for my groceries, library books, clothing store buys, craft store purchases, and anything else you can get that usually comes in a plastic bag when you check out your items. it's like a whole new way to let other people know about your personality while also showing that you care about the earth! nifty! my new bags are holding up nicely and actually carry so much more than the usual grocery-store plastic bags (which usually tear, or can only fit 2 items at a time inside them so you have to take 10 trips from the car and back to the kitchen for unloading), and have a much more comfy feel to the handles -not digging into your palm when holding a heavy item.

so far, i have found that most places are happy to put your things in a tote or bag that you have brought along for your shopping. i would imagine it saves the store money too- not giving away so many plastic bags with their logos printed on them. the one place i got an eye-roll was from the cashier at Target. at first she was frustrated that she couldn't find a price tag on the bag... and then looked at me questioningly. after i pointed out that they were to put my items in she rolled her eyes and said "OK". well, i'm sure i won't be the first person to use the BYOB method of shopping in her line. hopefully she won't be so weird to the next customer.

Coffee Time!

2008-02-08T23:19:00.001-08:00

today i was feeling much more energetic and inspired so i heated up the beeswax again, got painted and messy making coffee-art. YAY

items with this design are available at my cafepress store!

Sifting thru sadness...

2008-02-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

My grandpa passed away a couple of weeks ago after suffering a heart-attack. He had the choice of getting a bypass surgery about 5 years ago but his heart was so unhealthy at that time, there was no guarantee he would even survive the procedure. He decided to let things go and enjoy his life while he had a little time left. He was to be 80 this year. After the memorial service, we were all at my mom's house and she went thru the kitchen drawers and asked me to copy some of my great-grandma's crocheted potholders and counter protecty things. My grandpa always used them when he cooked. I spent a few evenings making a bunch of these, thinking of him. Anyhow, these are my finished items (old next to the new). Working on them really helped me work thru the sadness ( grief is such a big word) I've felt this week. Every day it gets better...

it's so sad that items like pot holders can last longer than a human life...

home again

2008-01-31T14:27:00.000-08:00

our vacation was wonderful and it was so nice to get away and see the sunshine again. now that i'm home i haven't left the house... i got sick and out of kindness to others, have stayed away from people for the last few days. all the stress i've had lately has brought on "shingles"- yuk. since i've had some time on my hands -- i've been up to lots of projects. my latest is crocheted pot holders and of course, more scarves and hats. i'll be sending gifts out probably next week.
today i got out all my painty things and melted some beeswax. i'll post my latest projects soon.

change of scenery

2007-12-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

after being in a long rut for so long... we are finally getting out for a change of scenery!

we're planning our first big vacation since we went to Boston/ New York/ New Jersey over 2 years ago. this time we will be driving down the California coast to end up back in L.A (where I used to call home). we will take a week down and then spend a week in Los Angeles visiting my family, hanging in my old neighborhood, and EATING lots of good Arabic, Armenian, Mexican, and Sushi foods!! YUMMY!! it's almost my favorite part of going back to visit. with so much cultural variety there, it's easy to get good food.

in preparation for the trip, i have made a simple little travel journal taken from the Paper Source website. i did tweak it a little so that i could have pockets to put things into on both sides of the book. it's still a work in progress and needs a cover but so far i've added some color to the inside. the rest will be filled while on the road. i've also painted up some 4x6 index cards to use for journaling and placed them in a few pockets. i wanted to make sure to use envelopes large enough to fit postcards and maps into. so far, i'm happy with the results.

this is what it looks like now... and when we get back, i'll be sure to post pics of how it holds up after 14 days of riding around in a diaper bag!!

front side when opened

back side when opened

journaling weekend

2007-12-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

it's a pain being sick but i was able to get in lots of journal time. there were so many ideas jumping around my brain, i tried to catch as many as i could!!

a peek in my journal

2007-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

i keep different types of journals. some for art only, some for words only, and some with both art and words to keep things interesting. this journal covers the happenings of about 5 months in the beginning of 2007.

back to finding time for myself

2007-11-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

it's been a long time away but i have found my way back. i have missed colorfulness, my messy art, and india-ink stained fingers.

new ideas are hatching and there's more to be coming soon.

Colorful thoughts

2007-07-27T17:02:00.001-07:00

Colorful thoughts
Originally uploaded by crazyladybugg

it's a nice feeling to be getting back to my journal. it's like a friend i have missed spending time with. my newest journal book is now my favorite. i can tell i will be getting more of these type. the construction is perfect so that i can fit a TON of things on the pages without completely ruining the binding.
i've been feeling sluggish and lethargic artistically these last few months. so much of my energies have had to go elsewhere lately. i will probably start over on 'the artist's way' program. it helped me so much last time i went thru the book (even tho i only got to week 10). if i try hard to make it all 12 weeks- who knows what i will be able to accomplish !??

new look

2007-07-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

nothing too fancy... just getting started on "freshening" up my blog and de-cluttering my surroundings.

musical inspiration

2007-04-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

after complaining that there's no good music out i realized it's not that there's nothing good out there-- but it just wasn't getting to me somehow. then one day i visited mikesradioworld to see what else was out there. i've always been more of an "alternative" music listener so that's the first category i clicked... then closed my eyes and scrolled down to be sure that my selection would be a random one. BINGO... i got a winner!! my new favorite station is WFNX in Boston . when i visited Boston back a couple of years ago i quickly fell in love with the city... now i love the tunes too.

journal time

2007-03-15T17:29:00.001-07:00

i've been back on a journaling binge lately. i have left off journaling for a few months but during the time my dad was in the hospital, i found myself sitting in a waiting room for hours and hours. after being inspired by zee-flower's journal pages, i remembered that i had a small bound journal that i started but never really got going in. i pulled it off the shelf and stuck it in my bag with a few pens, scissors, and a glue stick. the next time i was at the hospital sitting in the waiting room, i was able to escape to a little into a spot where all i had to do was think about me and how i was being affected by the happenings around me. i didn't have to be brave, i could be sad, tired, lost, worried... without the guilt that comes when i let others see my expressions. so i got thru the days one by one, and as my dad healed- i noticed that a change occured in me too. some days i feel like a butterfly... getting my wings.

2007-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

just another coffee-cup sipping morning. i gave X the digital camera so he could take pictures of whatever his little peepers saw. he asked to take a picture of my coffee so i said "sure"! surprisingly, this turned out to be a great shot of me holding my favorite ladybug mug. i think he's on his way to being a true artist. i wish i could have started so young.

Super Bowl Sunday= Funday

2007-02-05T10:51:00.001-08:00

trance
Originally uploaded by crazyladybugg.

instead of hanging out with the boyz, i pulled out some long lost art supplies and unfinished projects. i experimented with my embossing powders and rubber stamps, my heat gun and crayons. i got ink up my arms, paint on my elbows, and charcoal all over my fingers. it felt great.

Moo mail sent

2007-01-29T11:36:00.001-08:00

from crazyladybugg
Originally uploaded by ♣ EREG™.

yup, i'm in love with "moo"!
this is one i sent to Liverpool. isn't mail amazing? i can send my art over oceans and land to get to a place i most likely will never see with my own eyes. it makes me happy knowing that a part of me can reach the other side of the world even if it's not by my own two legs.

winter time art

2007-01-18T20:24:00.001-08:00

Crochet slippers
Originally uploaded by crazyladybugg.

lately, my artsy-ness has taken the form of warm clothing and winter accessories. when i come across a new crochet pattern that appeals to me, i work on it right away and if it turns out right... then i'll make multiple versions of the same thing. so far i've made about 3 pairs of slippers, 5 scarf/hat sets, 4 purses, 2 sets of mittens (with more in the works), and 2 baby ponchos. the funny thing about crochet projects is that whenever i make something, i have in mind who i'm making it for and give it away as a present. i guess that's what the best part of my winter crochet spree really is-- the happy presents that i get to share with others.

i love my MOO cards

2006-12-22T13:33:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by Εduard.

my mini Moo cards came in the mail today! they are so cool. i have 100 of them and i can see that perhaps i will need another 100 soon. there are so many different ways you can make them- it's sure to be an addiction. i have that kind of personality anyhow...

Mail-art making time

2006-12-21T09:39:00.001-08:00

mailart7
Originally uploaded by crazyladybugg.

i set aside some time to make a few postcards. having everything handy really does help the process to go faster. i was able to make 4 in no time at all. these will be going out as thank you's to those who sent mail art in to my blog : www.placestamphere.blogspot.com . i am very behind on these thank you postcards but i'm glad to finally have them done... and now, all i need are stamps! doh

Completely HOOKED!

2006-12-13T08:21:00.001-08:00

Bright colors
Originally uploaded by jackjoann123.

i have been a crochet maniac these last several weeks. i've pretty much given away all the things that i have made. i can't help that the cold weather always makes me want to stay inside and cozy up with some yarn and a hook. my latest project is a baby poncho and finally a nice scarf for myself. making something for me is the hardest part! i can decide well on what colors, textures, stitches to use for everyone else but when it comes to deciding what i want to do... i stand in front of a wall of yarn and can't even pick ONE!!

rainy day blues

2006-11-21T16:00:00.001-08:00

la femme
Originally uploaded by crazyladybugg.

i'm feeling so blue and sluggy today. the weather is so miserable out and i'm trying to keep myself motivated. today i decided to make a mess on my recently cleaned dining room table. just 30 mintues of color really can make a difference in the day.

art day

2006-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

my nieces (ages 8 and 6) came over on saturday for a few hours. all three of us sat around the table and rubber stamped, made fun-mail, and then wrote in our journals. honestly, it was the most "funnest" day i have had in a while! jazz had some really great ideas for her rubber stamped postcards. it was amazing to watch her work. there was no stressing over what would fit on a page or how things should be laid out. she just looked at what items were on the table and then worked on her project as the ideas came. what resulted was something funny, spontaneous, and so imaginative!
i had made them each their own journals by decorating the covers of a composition notebook and presented them to the girls with 2 colored acid free pens and a pencil. they were so happy. it made me feel great to share the love of artfulness with another generation. before they left jazz said to me: when i grow up, i want to be an artist- just like you.
i remember thinking the same thing about my favorite auntie when i was little.
memories if that saturday will keep me going for a while...