Friday and Saturday I had an opportunity to 'get away' and just take two incredible classes from Lisa Kaus. It was a perfect getaway because I didn't have to actually fly anywhere since Lisa lives close by in Portland, OR. It was two days I was immersed in creative fun but getting to sleep in my own bed! I didn't answer my cell phone, office phone or emails - absolutely in heaven.
The first class was called Gridlocked and she taught us her entire process and techniques of how she designs her pieces. I was amazed on how much information there was. I was just so excited to back working with art supplies - graphite pencils, acrylics, water color crayons, gesso, bees wax, etc. The mediums I LOVED in art school combined with found objects! Here is the finished project
This project really means a lot to me since I used a lot of found objects from
Dottie's stash. She was a talented collage artist so I think she would have appreciated me tackling this project! One of my big takeaways from this class is that someone can teach you the process and the how to's but what they can't teach you is the creativity. That comes from you and only you. I am really looking forward to doing another one of these boards for a good friends birthday present!
Continue reading "Creative Juices flowing!" »
Last weekend we had a chance to spend some time with good friends and attend Dozer Days. This was our first time and it was a little boys (and big boys) playground! I had no idea how many people would attend and apparently in years past around 15,000 are in attendance - WOW!
So what exactly IS Dozer Days? It is an event that is organized by the Nutter Foundation here in Vancouver, WA that allows young kids to run the big construction machinery, supervised of course. The money raised from the event goes to the local Parks Foundation and the children of our community.
The best way we could describe it was a small scale Disneyland but the lines were for taking your turn at driving/running the equipment! We loved seeing all the expressions on the kids faces while they were digging with these large backhoes - eyes as big as saucers and the concentration was intense.
Continue reading "Dozer Days" »
We have so much going on this weekend - not sure if it's poor planning or we just needed to do these things right now. This is a long post with pictures...
But first let's just start with last weekend - both Kayce and I had a great time at the Come Play in Eugene event. This gal is the hostess with the MOST. Gorgeous house and just a welcoming spirit.
Here are a few shots that I took from her studio:
And Tricia was there with goodies from Cocoa Daisy, Emily of course is a wonderful treat - so cute! and I spent most of the time looking through Ali's new book. This is on my top ten list! Here is our group shot from Saturday:
The next day we woke up before DAWN (it was dark out) and headed north to the Coburg Antique Fair. Both Kayce and I found some treasures and did a pretty good job filling up the Mini. Here's a picture of some of my finds...
Continue reading "Busy week - no music Tuesday" »
Last Thursday I took a last minute trip down to Eugene, Oregon for a crafting night with these gals. It is about a two hour drive from my house - but I was ready to get away from my computer! I just wanted to do something fun. Hubby was out of town and the weather was actually beautiful for a drive south. Plus I invited Amber (the ribbon jar), who I have wanted to meet for some time.
The night was hosted by the amazing Jill - her house is gorgeous and no detail left undone. I, of course brought my camera but was too busy talking and crafting to take pictures. So the pictures I do have are not very good and I need to learn how to take better ones in low light or get one of these.
Tricia of Cocoa Daisy brought the crafty goodies and Ali provided the idea. I would recommend that you go to Tricia's site right now and purchase this kit. All of us who went to this event have put the project on our blogs so I am sure it is going to sell out! I have always enjoyed Cocoa Daisy kits - they are well put together and the 'education' behind it is so good. And I was introduced to a product that I have never seen before: Hambly Clearly Heavy overlays. And Ali showed us how to use the KI Memories lace paper! Below are pictures of my completed album (yes, I have completed an album!) and go to Ali's to download the directions and check out Amber's.
I skipped the stitching because I was too lazy to bring out the sewing machine
Continue reading "Cocoa Daisy Night" »
I had a shoot last week and I was frustrated with over exposure...gotta be on M to control that and other things!
Not sure why Amazon has it listed for $999 though, that is more than double the price I bought it for last year. But I am loving this little camera right now - I have it in P mode and I can just shoot what ever when ever. Can you tell that I am fighting this whole manual mode thing?? 
