Mulberry and Main

Hallo!

2009-08-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

New post at the new blog. Go there now.

Hello!

2009-08-21T22:34:00.002-04:00

Posted over at the new blog!

simple.little.joys.

Fresh!

2009-08-06T01:41:00.001-04:00

New post on my new blog! Follow me over there!

Two things...

2009-06-23T07:06:00.001-04:00

I just posted at my new blog, simple.little.joys.Have you stopped by for a visit, yet?

Nothing elegant? Oh contraire!

2009-06-15T09:03:00.001-04:00

New post over at my new blog:
simple.little.joys.

Just to let you know...

2009-06-10T21:09:00.001-04:00

New post is up over at my new blog home:
Simple.Little.Joys.

This is not goodbye...

2009-06-07T15:00:00.003-04:00

I'm moving! Over to simple. little. joys. I will link to new posts on the new blog here for a bit, and eventually this blog will just automatically redirect to the new blog. Please update your bookmarks or what have you, and feel free to follow me there!

What I will be working on next...

2009-05-31T17:37:00.004-04:00

From Kathryn (Collage Diva) over at True North Arts, Project: Serendipity Compass. Should be interesting!

By the way, Kathryn's son has started blogging, too. Head over to Paper Ninja Arts and have a look!
His first project is a Star Trek Communicator Badge. How cool is that? We haven't seen the movie yet, but maybe we'll make some badges to wear for when we do.

Life Map: A continuous work in progress...

2009-05-25T12:56:00.004-04:00

This was a culmination of a prompt from True North and an idea I'd been playing with in my mind.I had much higher hopes for this project. Often, ideas in my head don't turn out quite the same in the physical manifestation. I foresee reworking this piece at another time.

Everyday moments...

2009-05-25T00:42:00.004-04:00

Who knew the joy to be had in as simple a task as hanging clothes on the line? It is a joy that is now my own. My Grandma always hung the laundry out to dry when it turned warm, and I loved climbing into a bed made up of crisp, clean sheets and blankets.

Only

2009-05-14T20:51:00.002-04:00

This is a mixed media piece that I finished in April. I thought the bird was the perfect visual symbol to go along with the quote. I find myself drawn, always, to birds. If I had a totem animal, I'd say it would definitely be a bird (or a skunk...but that's another story).

What's the story universe...you are melody in numbers...

2009-05-05T08:55:00.003-04:00

This our screen porch all lit up at night. This has become one of my favourite places.

Just one more for today...I promise...

2009-05-03T23:02:00.004-04:00

I went shopping with my newfound friend, Amy and her daughters on Friday. We went to the huge Salvation Army near the Dayton Mall, and a Goodwill a bit further down the road. Among my finds for the day is this object of utter awesomeness:

A Dymo label maker from the 1960s! For 1.99!! I was a bit worried as to whether it worked, but I bought some label tape at WalMart and voila! Score! Something new to add to my "clear tub of joy", for use in my art journaling.

Also discovered that it is much easier to plan a diabolic scheme whilst one sports a mysterious mustache.

Makes your eyes light up, Your tummy say "Howdy."

2009-05-03T22:37:00.003-04:00

No, it's not Shoo Fly Pie...but it certainly was delicious. We had dinner with my In Laws and I made a Blueberry Peach pie. Vanilla ice cream was the perfect accompaniment.

I always take the long way home...

2009-05-03T08:29:00.004-04:00

I recently had this idea, of creating some sort of personal map, as part of my art journal. So, as I was browsing my bookmarks, imagine my delight when I happened upon this over at Soul Journal:

"The Personal Map Making contest deadline has been extended:

Deadline to enter: May 22, 2009
Map Gallery & Winner Announcement: June 1, 2009
Next Soul Journal Prompt, "Serendipity Compass": June 1, 2009

**** To enter the contest please link back to the new blog using this address: www.collagediva.com/truenorth"

What do you call it when you find what you are looking for?

***Edited to Add***

Here is the first step of my "journey" in creating my personal map. Check back to see progress over the next few weeks.

Creative Everyday...

2009-04-29T22:28:00.001-04:00

These things...

2009-04-12T11:16:00.003-04:00

Heard: Neko Case and Mazzy Star are working for me this morning.

Read: Currently reading The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz...not sure if I've ever read one of his books before.

Inspired: Possibilities.

Reflected: "I'd forgotten what it was I didn't need." Other people may let me down, but I don't have to let myself down.

Digested: Coffee, so far.

Loved: Finding my favourite shirt...it has been missing for months! AND, my MP3 player charger.

Bothered: In reference to Reflected above, I "let it go"...

Desired: I'm content.

There are just times when...

2009-04-03T12:58:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I find myself in this rut...this uninspired funk. I want to be creating something...but I don't know what. I haven't been keeping up with the CED Challenge, and I am disappointed in myself for not doing so.

I am off of work until April 13th, and I am looking forward to all of the possibilities contained in each coming day. My kids also happen to be on Spring Break, that started today.

My middle son Tree and I just made Almost Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. We used Pillsbury Breadsticks and I spread a mixture of (real) butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling, then rolled up the dough. We were going to make our own icing, but instead used whipped buttercream frosting...not sure which brand. I forgot to take pictures...but a houseful of boys (my guys and their friends) are too impatient for such things. They had to dig right in. I can't blame them, they turned out to be so good.

One of my friends is supposed to be coming tonight for a Girl's Night/Melrose Place marathon. We haven't had any luck finding a place to rent MP DVDs, however. Not sure what we'll end up doing. I also hear they are making a new MP? I wish they wouldn't. Not everything needs to be remade/next gen. Really. And, if so...well, where's Three's Company? Laverne and Shirley? The Andy Griffith Show? So, it's not something I'll be watching. For me there's no replacement. No comparison. Even if in rewatching the old episodes I discover how cheesy they were.

These things...

2009-03-25T01:23:00.000-04:00

Heard: Our cat is making quite a racket...it's that time, you know. Aaargh!

Read: In addition to the other books I've been reading, I just started Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos.

Inspired: I've been collecting a lot of ideas lately for a "project" I am working on with my Seestor.

Reflected: On my thoughts and feelings about friendships and connections, since I started reading Belong to Me (and, really...The Saving Graces, too). I have 4 friends that I consider really close friends...but something is...lacking...unsatisfying. Not anything to do with my friends...I love them, they're all awesome in their own ways. Perhaps it's that aside from J(my Seestor) and N...I am friends with each of them separately. Only J knows all of them, B and N have met, but only J and N are friends as well. So, I don't really have a close "group" or "network" of friends...it's more linear? Or like a satellite? Anyway...I think that's what it is.

Digested: Chicken Fettuccine, salad with cornbread croutons (LOVE THESE), garlic bread.

Loved: Those cornbread croutons. Reading at work.

Bothered: I'm trying to let it go. I'm trying to be ambivalent.

Desired: Nothing currently.

These things...

2009-03-23T00:11:00.000-04:00

Heard: Just listening to Pandora Radio lately - my Over the Rhine channel.

Read: Currently reading Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney, If I am Missing or Dead, Belong to Me ~ kind of just whatever happens to be on hand.

Inspired: It seems kind of silly that I am so excited about this, but I was inspired by some things currently in our kitchen to paint the "tin" backsplash cream. Also, to find something to use as a "countertop" to add onto a small cupboard, to transform it into a sort of additional counter/workspace without really adding more to the kitchen.

Reflected: A creative retreat would be nice.

Digested: Cubed Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Butter Bread. PB Fudge Brownies.

Loved: Spending time with a friend yesterday. Baby smiles. The art of Carrie Chau.

Bothered: Wiring problems.

Desired: This book and this book.

In my world right now...

2009-03-20T15:52:00.000-04:00

This is our cat Stalin, doing his favourite thing...napping. I thought it was a cute photo so I thought I'd share.

I picked up this adorable sugar and creamer set, just 49 cents each at Goodwill. But, those colours? Yeah...not so much.

Luckily I had some enamel paints at home, so I was able to turn them into this:

Much better, n'est-ce pas? They now go perfectly with our salt and pepper shakers!

These things...

2009-03-17T21:43:00.001-04:00

Heard: Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm - That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart

Read: Found the book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. It's beautiful.

Inspired: COTON...I LOVE this site.

Reflected: Every day is a gift.

Digested: Buffalo and Original Chicken Strips, Seasoned Red Potatoes...Iced Cappuccino from Tim Horton's

Loved: Everything about today. The sunrise was beautiful. Enjoyed my Tuesday a.m ritual of a bagel with bacon and cream cheese and reading before going to the therapy center.

Bothered: My allergies are acting up.

Desired: This outfit.

These things...

2009-03-17T00:51:00.000-04:00

Heard: Azure Ray - November

Read: I've been reading The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney and Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell.

Inspired: Jess Gonacha

Reflected: Feeling so blessed in my life.

Digested: Chinese...yay for chopsticks!

Loved: Lunch with my sweet husband...joking and laughing together...playful teasing...sitting down to dinner as a family.

Bothered: Ugly wallpaper. Attitude from the self check-out machine. Idiot drivers.

Desired: This wallpaper.

I just want to remember this...

2009-03-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

"Ginger ale is the zesty effervescence and the zing that keeps the party on a high note from beginning to end."

My husband and I had a good laugh over this little statement I found whilst browsing for recipes yesterday.

I did love that crazy hair of his...

2009-03-15T21:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of us on our honeymoon. This is pretty much what his hair looked like before I cut it (well, the photo was from about 1 1/2 years ago, so it was even longer and crazier!). Quite a bit of a change, no?

I absolutely, no question, without a doubt...

2009-03-15T11:31:00.000-04:00

...LOVE this man! I just gave him a haircut (what an understatement...you should have seen his hair before!)...he looks sooo cute! He was cute before, but this is a new cute.

P.S. - Please forgive the shoddy picture...it was taken with my phone camera.

These things...

2009-03-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

Taking a cue from Shelby, a witty, creative, amusing not-at-all-your-ordinary-everyday-average teen. But mixing it up a bit.

Heard: Steve Earle - Sparkle and Shine

Read: The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney

Inspired: Fine Little Day

Reflected: Dining room design. Friendships. Connections.

Digested: Smokehouse Maple Chili.

Loved: ...

Bothered: Unfinished dining room, living room and kitchen design. No separate creative space. Loads of clothes to sort and get rid of.

Desired: Gesso. X-acto knife. Glue.

In Memory of Esme Kenney...

2009-03-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

I did not know Esme, but the loss of any child, especially in this manner, is an horrifying tragedy. One that could have been prevented. When will the government wake up and stop worrying about the rights of these monsters? What about the rights of innocent children? Lock up scum like this and throw away the damn key! I am so...angry about this...time and again it is proven that child molesters CAN NOT BE REHABILITATED. The following is the story of what happened this poor girl. I am just disgusted.

From zimbio.com:
"A convicted sex offender who had warrants out for his arrest is accused of killing 13-year-old Esme Kenney. The Cincinnati girl was found dead on Sunday, after dissapearing during a jog.

Anthony Kirkland has been charged with the murder. Kirkland's criminal history is extensive, as detailed by Cincinatti television station WLWT:

Detectives arrested and charged Anthony Kirkland, 40, in connection with Kenney’s death. In court Monday, Kirkland pleaded not guilty.

News 5 has learned that Kirkland was kicked out of a halfway house one week prior to Kenney's disappearance, and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest when he was taken into custody early Sunday morning.

Kirkland is a Tier 1 sex offender who was convicted of importuning in 2007 and sentenced to one year in prison.

According to Cincinnati police, Kirkland got into a fight with another resident at the Volunteers of America halfway house on Friday, Feb. 27.

Police said Kirkland didn’t have any outstanding warrants at the time and the other person involved in the altercation did not want to press charges, so Kirkland was expelled from the facility and put out on the street."

Decorating for Spring...

2009-03-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

Over-the-Rhine...

2009-03-08T14:56:00.000-04:00

I am in love with the music of Over-the-Rhine. They'll be playing at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton on the 27th and 28th of March and we're planning to go. I can't wait.

The Best Laid Plans...

2009-03-02T20:24:00.000-05:00

I had planned to spend today enjoying my "me" time by getting crafty...starting my altered book/tip-in journal or breaking out the new block of polymer clay...or creating a collage. But instead we woke up to find that our pipes had frozen. Again. For the third time this winter. Even with the water dripping. So, instead of enjoying a quiet and cozy day with cup after yummy cup of coffee and craft supplies, I spent it on the couch with only TWO cups of coffee (we happened to have some bottled water leftover from the last time the pipes froze) and vegged out on the computer, whilst Husband Dear spent the day playing hooky from work to mess with the pipes (and play XBOX 360).

Fortunately, the water started running shortly after I got home from work. I celebrated by doing a happy dance, and then having a nice soak in the whirlpool.

Waiting.

2009-03-01T23:03:00.000-05:00

I took these photos of Bear while he was waiting on the bus, but they were just okay. Then I ran them through Poladroid and I love how they turned out!

I am thinking about making a book of these "Polaroids" with Inkubook, once I have a whole bunch. Wouldn't that be fun? I think I want either the 7x5 (not available yet) or the 8.5x8.5 Simple Square.

Can't sleep...

2009-03-01T03:46:00.000-05:00

I've been mucking around with a new layout/design for my photography blog. I've changed it, but the design is not completely finished. I still need to tweak some bits and pieces. Go have a look and let me know what you think. I've also been thinking about removing the music...it's nice and all, but...maybe everyone doesn't want to listen to music whilst visiting the ol' blog?

I'm kind of feeling the urge to mix things up over here, as well. But, I like the bird...so we'll see.

Well, I think I should probably try to get a little sleep.

Creative Everyday Feb 23rd-March 1st

2009-02-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Click image for full size view.

A bit late, but...

2009-02-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

Some photos of the Valentine decorations in our living room.

Handmade and vintage Valentines in the photo holder, red garland tree on thrift shop cakestand decorated with book paper trim, vintage Owl salt and pepper shakers were a gift from a friend:

Setting the mood, heart shaped candle:

This adorable owl was a gift from my middling, Tree and is sitting in a vintage milkglass nest vase/compote:

The sofa table, decked out with tulips, candles and a few favourite treasures:

Close-up of my vintage Owl salt and pepper shakers that my friend Christina gave to me. Aren't they cute?:

Creative Everyday Feb 16th-22nd

2009-02-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately, mainly pondering my personal quote for the year "There's so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy...", and what it means, to me at least.

I am at a place in life now where I am happy. I am happy with my family. My house (mostly, it could use a little tweaking here and there...). My job. My friends. There is nothing more that I want, on a grand scale. Sure, there are things that I want, small scale...gluesticks, x-acto knife, spray paint...but, big picture? I'm complete.

For larger view, click on the image.

Less calories than Smoky Links, but taste better...

2009-02-16T10:35:00.001-05:00

In my travels on the internet today, I happened upon The Creative Type blog, which led me to The Little Red Suitcase, where blogger Patty posted a tutorial from Christina Clouse on making an altered book. If you were ever wondering how to get started on an altered book, be sure you check out this tutorial.

I was inspired by a prompt from The Creative Type, "Framed In" , so that's something I am working on right now, just to get me thinking and creating. I'll post here once I'm satisfied.

Oh...and Happy Valentine's Day...

2009-02-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

I made this for you:

The heART of me!

2009-02-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here's my blog entry for the Mother Henna heART fest. Click on the image to see a large view.

Stylista...that's me.

2009-02-12T22:49:00.000-05:00

Bohemian 4 Ways - by mulberryandmain on Polyvore.com

Just playing around with Polyvore. Kind of a mindless activity...the above was one of the "looks" I created. I am drooling over the middle two pairs of boots. I had a pair very similar to the first pair. And I'd love to have the first three pair of sunglasses.

Spoiler Alert: Mochahontas Valentine Dotee

2009-02-11T08:44:00.001-05:00

This is the Dotee I made for the Valentine Dotee swap at Swap-Bot. I mailed it out last week, but I am not sure if my swap partner has received it yet. Meet "Thief of Hearts":

Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk...Discriminating?

2009-02-10T17:49:00.000-05:00

So, today I see a commercial for the upcoming 3 Day and once I got home I decided to check out the website for more information, figuring this is something I would like to do to support a cause that is close to my heart.

The first thing that bothered me was that in order to participate you must pledge to raise (after PAYING 90.00 to register, mind you) 2,300.00! Then, I read that "All walkers must have medical insurance at the time of the event in order to participate". Am I the only one irritated by all of this? Breast cancer does not discriminate...it can affect any woman, whether she has medical insurance or not! And isn't any amount raised, no matter how small, doing it's part? I imagine that there are those out there who would like to participate in the event, but are unable to meet these requirements, people whose lives have also been affected in some way by breast cancer. But, no...I'm sorry, you can't...because you don't meet our (monetary) requirements. Pshhh. Seems like some socioeconomic discrimination to me.

Here's something you can do, if you aren't able to participate in the 3 Day, for whatever reason: donate a mammogram at the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc..
Quoted from the site:
"Thank you for giving the gift of life. The average cost of a mammogram is $100.00. With your generous gift of $100.00 this Valentines Day, you have helped NBCF save the life of an uninsured woman by providing a free mammogram. However, every donation matters. If you'd prefer to make a general donation, any amount could help one woman in the early detection of breast cancer."

Creative Everyday...today's the day...

2009-02-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I haven't really been following along with Creative Every Day, but as she says "Do what works for you!". It's not that I don't mean to follow along better, it's just that...well, gosh darn it...I forget. Anyway, there's a theme for February, which is Words! Here's my little bit of creativity for the day, going with the Words! theme...

What do you think?

Girls' Day Out

2009-02-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

My Seestor-in-Law has been receiving radiation treatment, so I accompanied her and my Mother-in-Law today. We stopped at Wal-Mart, because we got there too early, and when it was finally time for her appointment, I think it took her longer to get undressed than it did to get the treatment. From there we headed to Dorothy Lane Market, which was a really neat place that I'd always heard about on the radio or t.v. However, I apparently made the mistake of taking pictures of the sushi, and the guy making the sushi was extremely rude about my taking pictures and I tried to explain to him why I took the pictures, but he wouldn't let it drop. So, that really left a negative impression in my mind. Whatever happened to customer service? What's really cool about the place is their selection of cheeses, their bakery and also the fact that they had un-homogenized milk in glass bottles. If I only I could get milk that way all the time...

Here are the illicit photos of the sushi:

Clearly I committed a heinous crime in photographing their sushi. Did he think I was a sushi spy? I have no idea.

We also stopped at a Goodwill where I got 7 out of 9 of a set of Peanuts books, a Shroder bobblehead (Peanuts), two cute tops and some capri or pedal-pusher jeans, a new book and a white long frame that I will use for a future embroidery. We then had lunch/supper at Bravo! Italiano and afterward meandered home via the back road route.

Swap Received: Valetine Dotee

2009-02-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here's the Dotee I received from Shelli for the Valentine Dotee Swap at Swap-Bot.

Isn't she cute? My first Dotee and my first swap. Thanks, Shelli!

My Funny Valentine...

2009-02-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

Bear drew these and I just love them! He's definitely learning early on to be a romantic.

This first one is a close up of my favourite part of his "Haret Volokano" (Heart Volcano) drawing. Quoteth the artiste: "Hearts shoot out..."

"Haret Volokano" by Bear

Love the heart with all the arrows through it...Cupid sure didn't miss, did he?

Just a simple heart struck by Cupid's Arrow.

I Made This!!!

2009-02-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

These are the snowmen I made for my Mother-in-Law for Christmas. I forgot to take photos before I gave them to her, and finally remembered to take my camera to her house.

I found this pattern at Urban Threads, and embroidered it for my Seestor. I am going to sew it to a tote bag for her.

Thrift Store Score!

2009-01-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

The other day at work, my client and I had some free time, so we trekked over to the Salvation Army in the city where she has therapy. It's a great shop. So, I am browsing and I happen upon two carts with boxes in them filled with scarves, hats, gloves...all for 49 cents each. I pulled out one scarf, not paying close attention really, but basically loved the design and tossed it in my cart with three other scarfs.

Later at home, I am putting my finds away, and I discover on closer inspection that this scarf is marked Hermes. I thought...yeah, right. Haha. I just bought a knock off Hermes scarf. Out of curiosity I began looking online for info on Hermes scarves. And according to the factors for determining real vs. faux...my scarf should be a genuine Hermes. However, I am still skeptical.

I'll have to post a couple photos later.

Serenity

2009-01-18T00:47:00.000-05:00

A little dose of sweetness over on my photography blog...check it out!

Mushroom Redo

2009-01-15T07:08:00.001-05:00

I finally finished repainting my Salt and Pepper shakers. I love how they turned out. Perfect!

This and That...

2009-01-15T06:35:00.000-05:00

I had a little visitor yesterday...no, not the BeBe. I had my first Cardinal visit to the bird feeder. I think it helped that I moved the bird feeder from the back yard, to the front/side yard. I had noticed him and a female cardinal out in the tree there earlier. I was so excited, they are my favourite bird. The photo isn't the best, because it was pretty snowy, but I love how it looks like he is posing for me. I look forward to seeing him and his special lady friend again.

We used this fresh greenery wreath as a centerpiece with a candle in a tall glass holder at Christmas. It was drying out, so I stuck it on our post out front.

My Mother-in-Law and Brother-in-Law brought our mail from the old house, plus Bear's Wall-E iDance? that shipped sometime after Christmas. My B-i-L loves cherry pie, so I decided to whip one up. Do you like my latticework crust with the heart cut-out? I served it warm, with Vanilla Bean ice cream. Soooo good.

I made this second banner/bunting to fill in the quilt shelf in the dining room. I don't think it is finished...I might play around with it some more.

And this is the first banner/bunting that I made for Valentine's Day decorating this year. I made one last year that I gave to my Seestor. This one is made entirely with supplies I had on hand, so I like that I didn't spend money on it!

My next quick project...

2009-01-11T18:35:00.000-05:00

I got these wooden Salt and Pepper shakers at one of the local antique shops. But, what's up with the colours? Yeck. That's gotta change. I am going to be painting them in a little while. Then, they'll be the perfect little addition to our kitchen.

I've spent most of the day packing away the Christmas decorations. I have all of my beloved vintage balls packed safely away. I've slightly re-arranged my "future" art studio so that I can put all of the Christmas stuff together in an organised manner. It was a bit jumbly, what with us moving in right at Thanksgiving and barely being unpacked and decorating for Christmas. I can't wait for The Mr. to finish the studio, sometime this spring, maybe. I've had a great idea involving the storage closet and the attic space above the studio. I think we can tear down the ceiling, and then above where the storage closet will be, he can make a sort of small loft. Anyway...enough rambling for now. I'll be back to show the results of my S & P shaker make-over, well...sometime later.

Trying something new...

2009-01-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

I just joined my first swap over at Swap-Bot. The swap is a Valentine Dotee Doll Swap. I've been doodling some ideas, and I think I've come up with one that I like. Unfortunately, before I get started on it, I really need to get the laundry organised. We still have a lot that has not been sorted through and put away, from the move. I'll feel much better once the laundry is out of the way. Plus, we need to get the Christmas decorations down so that I can put up the Valentine's decorations (it's not much...yet! I'll be adding to that collection now that we've moved.). I was able to get two red tinsel garland trees and a wreath on Christmas clearance for 1.50 each, and I am going to use them for Valetine's Day decor instead. Also two boxes of red wooden bead garland. And some red bath towels, plus two different handtowels, for the bathroom. I am going to embroider the handtowels...sometime!

Speaking of Valentine's day...Bear and I cut out some paper hearts and decorated them using his box of glitter paint "pens". And I made some paper chain.

Brrr! It's chilly!

2009-01-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

The other day I decided to experiment with Salt Dough "clay". I think there is a lot of potential here, if only I figure out a way to prevent my pieces from cracking during the baking process. I haven't finished my pieces yet, so no photos.

If you recall, I purchased "This Book Will Change Your Life". My idea has become to turn it into more of an altered journal. It's funny...I have so many journals...and I don't even use them. I haven't had a feel for journaling for a while, but I am still drawn to those books full of blank pages...waiting to be filled. So, this is one of my goals for the year...altered.

Starting the New Year...

2009-01-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

...the way I start most mornings! I hope everyone had a fun, but safe time last night! We spent it at my SIL's, had dinner, played Trivial Pursuit, watched the ball drop.

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, but I do have some goals I'd like to accomplish in 2009. Some are personal, some are business and some are home-related. Also, thanks to my Seestor, I will be attempting to follow This Book Will Change Your Life, but I can't promise that each day's task will be followed to the T, if at all.

Overall, 2008 was a great year. The only complaints I have would be that it took so long to get moved and Chris spent the whole summer working overtime on Mom's house. This was our first summer without The Boys, as they spent the summer with their Dad and his awesome girlfriend in New York. Lucky boys. The whole move waiting game was a hindrance for a lot of my creative outlets...as those of you fellow artists can attest to, the problem of not having a set aside space to create can really stifle the creative process. Well, at least for me, it does. Now that we've moved, and once The Mr. can finish the extra room, I'll have a space of my very own...my own studio to create and think and meet with my photography clients, if necessary.

Well, that's enough rambling out of me for the moment. I must ready the house and prepare dinner! We're having my MIL and BIL over for Pork Roast, Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes, Rye Bread and Gingerbread cake.

New Work

2008-12-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

This is what I worked on yesterday and last night. I made the dragonfly for a friend, but I am not sure if I am pleased with the outcome. I might have to try again. I am very pleased with how the lion turned out. I have listed the heart pendant on ArtFire.

Today I am hanging out (read: babysitting) with one of my best friend's baby, Serenity. I am going to try to get some photos today, as we tried to do photos on Sunday but we had to go get batteries because every single battery in our house was nearly dead. I know, right? Well, of course we ended up looking around...wasted a lot of good natural light that just streams into the "Honeymoon Suite" (my husband and I's bedroom), where I planned to take the photos. I did manage to get a couple good shots, but I plan to take a few photos whenever I am watching Serenity and maybe assemble an album for my friend. I have to say, it is so good to have a baby in the house (and nearly still a newborn, at that!). The Mr. and I would love to have a baby, but I had a tubal ligation after the birth of my youngest and as much as we would like to, the tubal reversal is so very expensive. One can dream, can't she? And in the meantime, snuggle with this precious little shmookie.

What I've been working on...

2008-12-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

After seeing Brittney Gobble's works with polymer clay that are partially inspired by Christi Friesen, I decided to do something with all of that clay I had sitting out from various Christmas gifts that I'd made. I was already familiar with CF's work, having made the dragons and turtles before, but I hadn't tried a horse. I think they both turned out pretty cool, but I wish I would have made the horse more extravagant.

ArtFire vs. Etsy

2008-12-22T22:44:00.000-05:00

Whilst perusing the Etsy forums today, I happened across a thread about ArtFire. It all sounded very interesting, so I decided to have a little peek. ArtFire is similar to Etsy, but without the fees. You can actually list your items in your "Studio" for free. They do have a paid membership status, which comes with more features, but the free membership is pretty good on it's own. I joined today with a free membership, but I will probably upgrade (and score 7.00 a month for life, to get ALL the benefits of membership) soon. I've already listed three things. After a couple years of not much luck with Etsy, I am ready for a change. It is so hard to get exposure at Etsy and I am hoping that ArtFire makes that easier. We'll have to see.

If you click on the ArtFire button over to the right it will take you directly to my ArtFire Studio. Have a look!

Edited to add:
I notice that a lot of visitors are coming via a search of ArtFire vs. Etsy. The best way to determine for yourself which is better is to give ArtFire a chance. If you can set aside the fact that there are some bugs to be worked out at ArtFire, still some tweaking to do, still some features to roll out, I think you'll find yourself pleased overall. It's really wonderful to be a part of this creative community!

New Crafted Goodies!

2008-12-21T22:44:00.000-05:00

Pieces of Me...

2008-12-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

It's fun to play around with Wordle.

Style Dilemma

2008-12-10T07:17:00.000-05:00

Over the (agonising) time we spent waiting to move, I amassed a collection of vintage goodies that I planned to use throughout the house. The irony is, we've moved and the majority of my collection is still hidden away, because now the house is bedecked in Holiday Cheer. I've been considering how I will display all my goodies once the Christmas decor is packed away. This is quite a challenge because the things I've collected are mostly vintage kitsch...but my preferred decorating style leans towards Pottery Barn, Viva Terra, with a little Anthropologie thrown in...Contemporary meets Rustic meets Romantic meets Natural with a Bohemian twist? I guess that I am destined to fall under the Eclectic category. Our new home is a good sized...Victorian? It doesn't have the massive gingerbread trim as most Victorians, and I am guessing that ours is more Folk Victorian than anything. At this point the interior is...not my style. Aside from the bathroom (a definite spa feel) and our bedroom, which is fairly neutral. The boys' rooms are neutral enough, as well. Achieving a style that works well within the home as well as fitting with my style preferences seems to be a daunting task. As of now, the only change that I have planned is to remove the Country Prim border in the kitchen and then paint the walls a lovely buttery, sunny yellow. The cabinets are a darker green, but fairly expensive, so they will be staying as is, and I think the colours will work well together. The next dilemma is our dining room, which opens directly off of the kitchen, and is painted a rather nice shade of green, but which I have not found to fit into the feel I want for our dining room. Not to mention that dark green carpet with a floral pattern...nice? Yes. Expensive? Yes. My taste? Certainly, no. What to do? I am still contemplating...
Let's move on to the living room, which is painted a shade that rather reminds me of honey mustard...or spicy brown mustard...and one wall papered with a Prim houses print. Ah, no. Originally I intended to paint this room a pale lavender, however I have moved towards undecided on this...I might go with something slightly more neutral...a nice warm grey? My couch and ottoman are a dusty dark sage, and the furniture in this room is all black/espresso, with very square, clean lines.
My husband has a living room all to himself, which we call "The Man Cave". His furniture goes well in that room, with white walls, dark trim, a light wood fire place and dark maroon carpet with a floral motiff. I have decided not to change this room at all.

Come Right In...

2008-12-07T14:25:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by Mulberry & Main

I thought the front porch could use a bit of Holiday Cheer, so I used some left over random bits and bobs and this is what I came up with. I still have some (faux) garland to twine around the porch railing. All we need is a nice welcome mat...even though we don't use this door as the main entrance.

Christmas in the Kitchen

2008-12-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

Above image: "Gingerbread" houses, my favourite Glade scented candles Glistening Snow, and these cute snowmen adorn the window ledge in the kitchen. A pair of "mittens" made by my middle son, Tree that are actually decorated with math symbols...who knew mathematics could be viewed so creatively? Isn't this snowman just the sweetest? I spent the day making these with my friend Christina. A better view of one of the "gingerbread" houses.

Above image: A closer look at one of those snowmen on the kitchen windowsill.

Above image: Just some little things I am working on at the moment...in the kitchen waiting to be finished. The second snowman from the windowsill. The little boy and present is part of a salt, pepper, creamer and sugar set. Some of my very favourite tiny vintage glass Christmas balls in a Ball jar.

There's no sleeping in when you have three boys. Bear, the youngest, woke me up this morning at oh...I don't know...7:30? He was bothered, apparently, by the stack of clothes in his room and wanted to know if he could put them in his dresser. What!?! Good grief. Then he was back, wanting to use our bathroom. So, of course after that I just couldn't sleep. Which is okay, considering my head is reeling with all of the things I would like to accomplish. I need to finish up my itty bitty ornaments, I have some ideas for some snowmen that I'd like to make, I should really get started on the gifts I have to make. Not to mention that there is still so much that needs to be put away. And laundry. And I need to refill the bird feeder. Whew. Now, if I could just find the motivation to get up and do some of these things, because I tend to just sit here on the laptop gathering further inspiration, drinking cup after cup of coffee and not bothering to tackle any of the inspirational ideas that I've already gathered.

Well, for now I am off to do a little decorating on the front porch. I'll post some photos later!

Wintry Bathroom Oasis

2008-12-06T15:08:00.001-05:00

Bathroom Christmas Decorations
Originally uploaded by Mulberry & Main

This small blue bottlebrush wreath hangs on one of the doors of the laundry closet. Using blues and whites and silver, with some sparkle thrown in, I've created a serene winter getaway in the bathroom. This white star atop my frosted tree is one of my most cherished Christmas decorations. My middle son, Tree, made this for me when he was only just about 5 years old, out of torn paper and tape. He even made a "tube" so that it could be placed atop the tree...he's so creative! The bottom right photo shows a more complete view of the corner of the bathroom near the whirlpool tub.

Dining Room Decorations

2008-12-06T14:53:00.001-05:00

Dining Room, Christmas
Originally uploaded by Mulberry & Main

Just a sampling of the way we have decorated the dining room for Christmas. The tree is adorable in person, it doesn't translate well in the photo. Those red and green felt ornaments hanging from the shelf in the upper right photo are from Dollar Tree! And I just love the polka-dot ornaments on the tree, too cute! The little snowman in the bottom right photo is a rock that I painted.

The Inaugural Post...

2008-12-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Mulberry and Main. We no longer live on Main Street and we don't live on Mulberry, but the name comes from a country decor/crafts shop that my Dad crafted a sign for when I was a child.

We've recently moved from a house that was just too small for the 5 of us...I think nearly any house would be too small for 3 rowdy boys, but I digress. Anyway, we're still getting settled in and we still have bins and boxes of stuff everywhere, but nearly the first thing I did was decorate for Christmas.

Mulberry and Main

Hallo!

Hello!

Fresh!

Two things...

Nothing elegant? Oh contraire!

Just to let you know...

This is not goodbye...

What I will be working on next...

Life Map: A continuous work in progress...

Everyday moments...

Only

What's the story universe...you are melody in numbers...

Just one more for today...I promise...

Makes your eyes light up, Your tummy say "Howdy."

I always take the long way home...

Creative Everyday...

These things...

There are just times when...

These things...

These things...

In my world right now...

These things...

These things...

I just want to remember this...

I did love that crazy hair of his...

I absolutely, no question, without a doubt...

These things...

In Memory of Esme Kenney...

Decorating for Spring...

Over-the-Rhine...

The Best Laid Plans...

Waiting.

Can't sleep...

Creative Everyday Feb 23rd-March 1st

A bit late, but...

Creative Everyday Feb 16th-22nd

Less calories than Smoky Links, but taste better...

Oh...and Happy Valentine's Day...

The heART of me!

Stylista...that's me.

**Spoiler Alert: Mochahontas** Valentine Dotee

Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk...Discriminating?

Creative Everyday...today's the day...

Girls' Day Out

Swap Received: Valetine Dotee

My Funny Valentine...

I Made This!!!

Thrift Store Score!

Serenity

Mushroom Redo

This and That...

My next quick project...

Trying something new...

Brrr! It's chilly!

Starting the New Year...

New Work

What I've been working on...

ArtFire vs. Etsy

New Crafted Goodies!

Pieces of Me...

Style Dilemma

Come Right In...

Christmas in the Kitchen

Wintry Bathroom Oasis

Dining Room Decorations

The Inaugural Post...

Spoiler Alert: Mochahontas Valentine Dotee