The Things I Get Into

What the hell are you doing, Mom?

I have a list of blogs I check, at least 3 times a week. If there is something interesting posted on Facebook from one of the companies I use, or an artist I follow, I will click on that and follow the thread. This can get me into a lot of trouble. Lots.

The Gelli Art Plate people made a video on texture plates, using Pellon 71F for the texture. Not being an accomplished sewer or quilter, I had no idea that this stuff existed. But the process outlined by the Gelli ladies intrigued me, so last week I checked my phone for JoAnne coupons, and off I went.

Basically, Pellon 71F (and trust me, there was an overwhelming display of Pellon, all with various numbers that represent various aspects of the material) is a fusible, slightly stiff material. One side is sticky, and that is the side you want to place down. For example, if you wanted to fuse a cotton print to this, you would lay out your shape of Pellon with sticky side up, placing the material down right side up.

For Gelli Plate usage, you cut out various shapes or designs, whatever floats your particular boat. When you have it the way you want it, place a sheet of parchment paper down, put your Pellon on top of that, then another sheet of parchment paper. Set the iron to wool setting with steam, and hold the iron for about 10 seconds in one spot. This fuses the materials together. When you are sure the pieces are all adhered, you flip it over and press the back to make sure.

I had the right idea, but did not build enough layers. My texture prints didn't have as much texture as I was looking for, but it's a learning experience and was fun. I applied paint to my round Gelli plate, then pressed this texture plate into the paint, then made a print. Going to try this again. In fact, I have a long list of things to try this weekend. 10 inches of snow Sunday into Monday. Sigh.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

It Ain't Over til it's Over!

Amos. He jumped up on my lap, then climbed on the dining room table.

So dang cute. He had been groomed the day before.

Ben, stalking Gracie at my house

Gracie likes her chair, but in the winter Jake follows the sunshine around the living room floor.

Beatles biography for sale

Mixed Media ephemera for sale

We can see the grass! However, and here it comes, this is not going to last. Snow and ice will once again visit Indiana. The forecast is for 5 to 10 inches, and because we have received the high end on every single forecast all winter, I'm thinking it's cabin fever time once again.

I ran over to Cathy's yesterday to delivery some checks, and Amos was so cute I had to take a photo with my phone. Should have also taken a shot of his brother, Otis, but Otis was on his mom's lap. Which is where Otis normally is.

I have opened an Etsy shop. The name of it is GracieandJake, all one word. Once I figure out how to get the code to the sidebar for this blog, I will do that. But blogspot has changed things a bit, and I am like in never-never land working with this. I am selling my old Beatle books (2 sold within 24 hours of opening the store), and will add various other Beatle items. But I have also put together a packet of old papers for mixed media art. Very reasonable in price. Shop ETSY here.

Thanks for stopping by.
Linda

Sunny Sunday

It's 30 degrees outside but sunny. And, I am proud to say, the dogs and I walked for the second day in a row. I doubt this will continue this entire week, what with a forecast of a high of 18 degrees, but I decided we had to start back exercising. All 3 of us have gained winter weight.

This is a shadow box with a sewing theme I recently completed. It was started well over a year ago, then added to "the pile." Ya gotta laugh. Every artist or crafter has a pile of unfinished projects that we look at, think about, and perhaps even complete. This is currently for sale at Gilley's Craft Mall in Plainfield, IN.

Gracie was sitting alongside of me on the couch yesterday, and I couldn't resist. Such a princess.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by.
Linda

It's Getting Better all the Time

Jake hates all camera

Point that thing at someone else, Mom.

I refuse

Let us take over the couch

Baby girl. Spoiled brat. My Gracie.

To paraphrase John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it is getting better all the time. The sun is out, the air is warmer, and birds are chirping. Probably will snow next week.

I have friends with dogs who don't bug them every waking minute to go out, to play, to do what the dog wants to do. Gracie is an Aussie, and she is a very unique dog. Boy, that's a diplomatic statement. If Gracie is not challenged mentally and physically, she can make life for me an endless trip to the door. To save my own sanity, it is to my benefit as well as hers to walk, or take them to the dog park, or to Puppy Playground for a half day of romping with the other dogs. I have also taken to putting the dogs in the car if I am running errands. Depends on where we are going. I will not under any circumstances leave them in the car at a grocery store or any Walmart. Nor will I leave them for more than a few minutes. Dog snatching is a big business here in Central Indiana. Disgusting.

So today we will walk and ride. Maybe I can wear her out. Have a good one.
Linda

alisaburke: dreaming of spring

alisaburke: dreaming of spring

There is a great quote on the Monday post from Alisa Burke: Despite the forecast, Live like its Spring. Lily Pulitzer. Please click on the link above to see some amazing photographs of flowers.

Our forecast today is for a temperature of 43. Everyone is happy. And then the news weatherman explained that THIS is our norm for late February. Central Indiana has been so below in air temps and way above normal on snow accumulation that we have forgotten what the average should be.

I will enjoy each day. I will not let the weather affect my mood. I will survive.

You, too!!
Linda

After the first 12 inch snow storm. A month ago

My river birch tree on the south side of the house

Bored. We are so bored.

This has been a horrible winter. Since December 1st (and I honestly don't remember if we had snow in November), we have had 51.6 inches of snow. I have cleaned closets, cleaned the house, cleaned cabinets, stock piled stuff for a trip to Good Will, and baked.

The cabin fever is so bad, I have even taken the dogs to the dog park on a day when it was sunny, windless, and 15 degrees. We stayed 30 minutes. Snow packed paws and my cold feet was the reason to head for home.

I have lost my motivation to work on any art projects, feeling very non-creative. The sewing machine sits idle, the paints neatly lined up on a shelf.

So yesterday I did a quick 2 pages in an art journal. One side was in blues and pinks, with the word "Despair" outlined. I then flipped the page over and did a second in brights with the phrase "Cheer Up Now". Going to take my own advice. It is not up to the weather to brighten our days, nor our friends, or co-workers, or family. It is up to us to find that shining spot within ourselves.

But this endless snow and cold has taken it's toll. Enough already. Time to live this moment and make the best of it. Hope you agree.
Linda