Freckled Star

For the bunnies...........

Dear Bunnies........

I know you can see read this because it seems everyone and their brother has a blog, a Facebook, a MySpace or tweet so I am imploring you..........

GO AWAY!!!

Yes at first I welcomed you.....

You were all so darn cute especially the little babies!!

And as long as you stayed under the deck and on the hill I could care less. I hate that hill anyway. Eat it all I said. Rejoice:)

And this you did for a long time.........

Until now.........

Now you love my grass which you have destroyed faster than a 140 pound Bull Mastiff on a hot summer day!!

You love to poop on my outdoor rug and lounge chairs. Why do need to get on those by the way?

You think my container gardens are for your own personal entertainment. Which you do not eat the plants. I guess you do not like ivy or succulents but you still insist on rummaging your big bunny butts through them! Why??

Possibly because you just went thru my herb garden out front and chewed the basil, thyme, chive and parsley plants down to the ground like an efficient lawnmower. Perhaps your full or need to rest? And you don't like oregano so I take it you're not Italian??

So little bunnies you've seen those big boys who live here right? You know the one's that like to shoot soda cans and my gnomes with pellet guns. Yes those boys........

Well guess what keep it up and your next!

You've also probably noticed the traps set out in some of my neighbors yards and yes I laughed as hard as you did when I saw those. But you know what that means right? I am not the only one not buying your little bunny cuteness anymore....

So watch your backs little bunnies.......

and I wouldn't be crossing the street so non chalantly anymore either........

You've been warned.......

Oh and guess what........

you can't have this........

I've gotten wise to you. So just stand back and get teary eyed because unless you grow wings there is no way in hell your getting to it........

Now I have to go pick up the mess you made......

Peace!

 

Blog busyness.......

Because my NADA Final Project is complete I am kind of a non-issue at the store for the next week and a half. That's when I have to go back to Virginia for my final class (who hoo!)...........

Meaning I come here and basically sit. I have run all my reports, made all my suggestions for the month and so far it looks like everyone is doing what they are suppposed to be doing so...........

Until the next month comes I really don't have a whole lot to do............

Which means I have some pretty good people working for me:)

Now usually I'd just go home but today I have to wait for our manager's meeting at 2 so..........

I have to look busy;)

My blog has been neglected for quite some time so I decided to work on that:)

Specifically my sidebars.........

The "Les Sirenes" picture heading has all my event pictures including pictures of all my swaps:)

Under the heading's "Etsy", "Beautiful Shops" and "Inspriring Blogs" I have all NEW links!!

Here's just a sample of the great things you'll find............

Knock Knocking

 Simply Me Art

A Bushel and a Peck

The French Nest Co.

The Little Pink Studio

Breathing Beside Us

So go take a looksy:)

Well it's almost 2...........

Thank God..........

My camera battery finally shipped so I will be taking pictures again really soon.........

Have lots of stuff to show that I have been working on around my home..........

Easy peasy stuff;)

And I am going to be a doing a big mirror project soon for my room........

So many ideas so little time:) 

 
 

The Perfect Day...........

On Sunday we celebrated Char's Birthday!

3 Pea's style;)

Which starts off with killer gift giving!!

While I was doing swaps for Les Sirenes I decided to just do an extra vintage bottle.....

and another treasure chest......

for her gifts this year.

The response I got was totally unexpected........

but in a good way:)

What can I say some people just get it:)

After we were all done with the tears and before Frank thought we were all hormonally imbalanced we got in the car and skedaddled:)

Off to The Mermaid's Mercantile in Solana Beach..........

and again it did not disappoint..........

We started off with the most delicious chamomile cupcakes!!!

So many cute booths set up. Got some really great ideas like these bird cages which I have 2 of......

The Vintage upholstery lady was there again............

and Deb Hodge who I was surprised to see! I thought all the mermaids at Les Sirenes had wiped her out:)

I got a super cute little white tank with a linen starfish on it:)

Here's just some random things I liked from all over the mercantile........

Then we headed inside "Out of the Blue". Where I bought a few more seashells. You would think I'd have had enough by now:)

Ideas galore!!!

Next we took off down the street and into a shop called SoLo which was awesome!!

I WANT THOSE PILLOWS!!!

Some other other places to mention that I didn't take pictures of.........

Ta Dah at Home (site says under construction)

Leaping Lotus

Mistral Soap

ChicWeed

and Soul and Pepper Cafe where we had lunch (again:) what can I say the sandwiches are to die for!!

Then we headed to the Farmer's market.........

Where I picked up some sweet corn and flowers:)

After that it was to the French Cowgirl and Muttropolis:)

Boy that was a lot of walking!

Back to the car..........

Headed to the Pottery Barn Outlet in Elsinore.........

First a pit stop for gas and beverages which was an adventure in itself trying to find Char iced coffee!! Oh and if you need to know where anything is in Temecula I could probably tell you we drove around that city for a half an hour looking for a damn McDonald's:)

The outlet had a great big basket for my pool towels that I love! And I love even more that it was $89 and I got it for $29:) I am going to strap a starfish to it and it will be even cuter!!

We all found something there......

Then it was time to head back home........

Where Frank already had everything out to make dinner on the barbecue:)

Added my corn and turned the margarita maker on..........

It was a perfect day:)

*as an aside I have no idea why there is so much blank space at the bottom of this post and I have no idea how to get rid of it!!! Ughhh!!!

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

Wrapping it up.........

Well sorta. I still have to take pictures of all the kits I have been doing that I bought at vendor night:)

Waiting on that  damn camera battery. That was a $47.00 DUH! purchase!!

I did take pictures of all my swaps with my pocket camera. They turned out ok........

That pocket camera is great for outdoors but inside..........

Well I really need to read the instructions........

Yes I have a problem with reading stuff that bores the heck out of me:)

Here we go.......

At first I thought I was nuts for doing all 4 swaps but the after was well worth the temporary insanity:)

1st up the Les Sirenes Wall Hanging Assemblage hosted by Joy......

These are the squares I turned in........

 

And this is what she did with them........

This turned out AMAZING!! I love it soooo much!

All the squares the 12 of us turned in looked awesome together even though we didn't know what the other was doing:)

So the first one is a little blurry and the second crooked but you get the point:)

You can definitely tell the pictures from my Canon compared to the little Nikon.........

Anyhoo......

Then we have Valerie's (no blog?) Mermaid's Treasure Trinket Chest.

Which was a surprise swap......

This is what I made for Kathy Jacobson........

The top:)

I wrapped it up in a Wisteria scarve.......

With a handmade crown as a special added touch:)

 

 
 And here is what I got..........

My secret partner was the lovely Christine Elle Rose........

I tried some close up shots and they were just not working out!! Sorry:(

So sweet and it was filled with all sorts of goodies. My favorite being this cuff she made......

On to The Beach Coquette Collier that was hosted by Christine as well.

Yep I got lucky:)

Remember these flowers I sent in.......

Well she turned them into this..........

It is absolutely gorgeous!!

Last we had Jessi's Bliss is a Bottle swap.........

My partner was Cathy Scalise and I made her this..........

And she made me this..........

I love the seahorse on top!!

I was so glad I participated in all of these. Usually fear overtakes me and I think to myself "These ladies are so much more talented than me why would I subject them to my so called art". I have realized I have to STOP that way of thinking. We all have something to give! This was my 6th event and I have to tell you honestly the first one I truly engaged in. Okay so the "Alice" event doesn't count:) And by doing that, opening myself up, putting my take on art out there I received so much. Many new friendships, a kindering of spirits by all who attended. The speech by Jenny Doh was right on the money. Her words rang true for all of us there. We all hurt and we all use art as a way to deal with that hurt from the mundane duties as women in everyday life to the disastrous turns life takes sometimes. But together we all have one another. We are a community. We are soul sisters. And with all my heart I thank each and every one of you. Thanks for letting me come along on the ride:)

 

Now that's a wrap!

Going to  Mermaid's Mercantile this Sunday and celebrating Char's Birthday!

Can't wait!

I am one lucky girl:)

Have a wonderful weekend!

 
 

 
 

 

Look at what I can do:)

Project time!!

Ok so 2 of these projects I was really looking forward to. 1 of them I didn't know what we were doing and the other I did not want to do at all(because of my fear of clay and paint;)

But I must say all of our instructors were beyond fabulous! They all had great tips and techniques to share and to be honest I was amazed at how all my projects turned out:)

Now I didn't stray to much from the mold. I pretty much follow the samples to the best of my ability. So I can focus more on learning techniques for future use.

First up the Sirene of the Sea Coussin taught by Holly(love her!!).......

The kit.....

and the after......

Yes I did that!! In this class I learned how to use a beading needle(yeah me!). Loved it! I also straight stitched that entire pillow cover(in a pretty straight line I might add!) and when I put the pillow insert in it didn't fall apart(yeah me again!).

Next up the Summer Bliss Keepsake Album taught by Melissa.....

I loved, loved, LOVED the paper and the linen album!! So here is my after:)

I learned to use Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist on linen!! I have some but have only used it on tags. This opens up a whole new can of worms. Now I NEED every color;) And we used the stencils with it which I have to admit I have seen but not thought twice about. Need some of those now too!! As I rub my hands together thinking of all the possibilities!!

Next is the Enchanting Mermaid Adornment taught by Julie(and she is a riot)......

This is the second class I have gone to taught by her and she is lots of fun:) This was also the project that I had no idea what we were doing:)

When I saw it was this and we could either do this........

or this.......

I seriously had to refrain myself from jumping up and down like a chihuahua on crack:)

Here's mine not quite done.......

Hoping to add all the foof around it and put in a little frame today. Again I am loving beads!!

And my last project. The one I was not looking forward too. The one I had already pretty much written off to the corner of shame(along with my dragonfly fairie thingy I made with CLAY!!)in my studio. But.......

Surprise, surprise!!!

This is the Sea Pixie Figurine taught by Jenny.

Just one look at all that paint and when she told us to get out our clay and I saw foil pieces that needed that clay on them I started shaking like a chihuahua coming down off crack!

But it wasn't so bad;)

In fact.........

Sorry about the image it was from my iPhone. Still can't find my damn battery charger!

Turns out she wasn't so hard after all:) I still can't believe I painted her! But the tip of getting your brush wet first then dipping it in the paint so it was more of a watercolor was FABULOUS!! And I did use a pencil to make sure where I wanted the eyes to go before dotting with paint. Also running another coat of flesh tone over the lips so they weren't soooo red and let's face it jacked up was also a good tip:) Oh and using the end of my paint brush for the polka dots on the stand, genius(thanks Susan!).

There you have it all my amazing projects! They were all soooo much fun. The instructors were all amazing. And no I can't say that enough!! Plus my tablemates with all their suggestions and different takes on the projects. It was just a blasty blast as Lindsay would say;)

I have to do my swaps next. Which I need to take pictures of sooooo.........

It may be a little while.

Also I have got to get my final project done for NADA and I am sitting here writing blog posts!!

Toodles!
 

 
 
 


  

 
 

 

A DUH! moment...........

So yesterday while I was downloading my pictures I kept thinking to myself "I know I took more pictures than this"..........

As I was driving to work and it was still bugging me it hit me..............

Yes you did dummy on your little pocket camera!!!

DUH!:)

Here is a few highlights from vendor night...........

This lady had all kinds of things decorated with vintage seashells. Gorgeous! I did not grab her card so if someone could help me out with her info I would appreciate it:) 

This is Jennifer of SweetEyeCandyCreations.

 

Deb Hodge of BreathingBesideUs.

Denise Hahn of  InMyBlueRoom. I did buy the above decoupage kit:)

Sweet Holly from HollyLovesArt.

 

Jamie of SimplyMeArt. I got a gorgeous bracelet from this table. And I really wanted one of her seashell bottles but I didn't get it:(

Loved the necklace and the shell torso was lovely. I thought I picked up her card. Still unpacking but if someone knows let me know so I can give credit. She had a beautiful display:)

Love these starfish. Great idea!

These pictures don't even scratch the surface of all that was there! Kim had some new designs in the tote department. I loved the red, white and blue one. Check it out! I did buy a piece of coral from her. All of our instructors had booths. Amazing artwork and style. But after a little while I had my hands full and threw my camera back in my purse:)

So now you've seen the room and the vendor night;)

Tomorrow I am hoping to get my projects posted. I still need to take a few pictures of the "after" and I can't find my stupid battery charger!! Hard to think where I might have left it these last few months. Probably some hotel room wall. I am thinking maybe when we went to the Grand Californian in June. Another DUH! moment I am just full of them:) I left my iPhone charger in the hotel wall in Corpus Christi!! Good thing there are 4 iPhones in this house and I have a back up pocket camera:)

Be back.............
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 

Les Sirenes~The room..............

I have to admit I am EXHAUSTED today........

I have not unpacked all my gorgeous things.......

And I have an entire backyard to clean considering we had a ton of people here for Zach's birthday yesterday. Barbecuing, swimming, beer pong..........

So paper plates, pool towels and red cups are EVERYWHERE!!

Not to mention I have 3 extra large kids sleeping on the couch downstairs:)

Hello Monday! LOL:)

I am going to start with the room.......

And away we go......

Pictures don't really do it just. It is so beyond amazing. Every detail, every personalized touch. Well it's simply incredible! Of all my events this is by far my favorite. But we all know I am little partial to seashells;)

 

This is from vendor night. This is  Denise Hahn's picture and table. I was so incredibly fortunate to sit next to her for the whole weekend. She is crazy talented and while I pretty much follow the mold when it comes to projects she sets a whole new standard! I was lucky enough to pick up a few kits from her and extremely lucky to have received her tablemate gift (yes we bring lovely things for our tablemates:) which is the kit to make this little album........

Anyway I'll talk more about tablemates later:)

These were waiting for us that Thursday evening to take back to our rooms. Little snack buckets! I swear Kim thinks of everything!

On to the following day..........

We walk in and this is our table. Table #4...........

Around the room.........

My fabulous tablemates Sherry, Susan, Denise and Colleen. The only one missing is Kathleen.

Another centerpiece. These were AWESOME!!!

This last picture and the first one I borrowed from Sherry. My pic of the banner out front was too bright and the one of this centerpiece too dark. I really need to read my camera directions:) Oh and Sherry I LOVE your blog banner!! 
 

That's it for today. Back to reality:(

Cleaning, laundry, work...........

I want to be a mermaid again! lol......
 
 
 

 
 

  

Crowns and shells.........

Two of my favorite things!

These are so simple:)

Crowns are in the children's party section at Target for $1.99. I showed them on my post yesterday. You could probably find them at the $1 store too..........

Get a bag of seashells. Pottery Barn has them all on clearance now. You can get an awesome assortment for $5.99 to $10.99. Cheaper than Micheal's and nicer too!

I used a hot glue gun for the whole project.........

The great thing about hot glue is it dries almost instantly. The bad thing I burned my fingers about 100 times!:)

I brushed just a little Diamond glaze all over and dusted with Martha Stewart's Super Fine Glitter.....

This one is mine. I made one for someone else too but I can't talk about that just yet:) Don't know if I'll actually wear it long. Things in my hair make me grouchy:) But will be cute for a few pictures maybe.....

Fun little project......

Well I am all packed up and ready to go.

Wait scratch that.

My creative suitcase and swaps are ready to go.

Forgot I am going to need some clothes:)

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!

This is going to be my favorite event yet I can feel it:)

See ya........

 

 

Getting ready.........

Just when I think I have it all figured out........

Packed and ready to go........

I think of more things I can do:)

For example.........

Little gifts for Swap Hostesses.........

I had already ordered these sweet soaps from Giovanna......

I just wanted them to have a little more something;)

So out came the Staz On pad and rubber stamps. I must have 1000 muslin bags so viola!!

Got even sweeter didn't it! 

My little gifts are all ready.........

Cookies from The Brown Butter Cookie in Cayucos. I just tied a little Moo card with my name and email on it. Hurray I remembered them this time!! I have had these for a while and they never make it into my bag for these events when these events are exactly why I ordered them! Yeah me;)

So anyway another quickie today........

I need to balance the ol' checkbook and see just how much money I can blow while I am there:)

2 more days!!

Oh and I have one more little idea up my sleeve.........

What could I possibly be doing with these????

Be back soon;)
 
 

 

Home Sweet Home.........

Ahhhh my bed.......

Oh how I have missed you!

But you have still not made my back feel any better:(

Perhaps it's the fact that I have spent the last 16 days in foreign beds.......

The one in Corpus was soft and comfy. Made me never want to get out of it actually:) But once I did oh boy!!

Then the sleeping with Frank in a twin size for 4 days at the condo while dad got the big bed was a little well let's just say very, very close;)

And when we finally got the big bed, a whooping full size!, Frank had gotten so comfortable sleeping on top of me that he continued to do so and my legs were still dangling off the side!!

Now we are home and yet my back is still bugging me!

Perhaps it's lack of exercise...........

Hmmm......

No that can't be it;)

All right so I need to get off my butt and quit typing and/or making excuses and take the damn dog out!

Just a quickie today.

Took lots of pictures at the beach. Maybe I will download them at work today:).........

Maybe that's not such a good idea;)

Be back later..........

3 more days til Les Sirenes!!!! I can't wait even though it means another hotel bed. I think I'll survive:)