Arts Extravaganza is Fast Approaching

Here's a peek at some of the original paper mache creations that I'll be featuring at the first annual Arts Extravaganza on August 29. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by. I'd love to see you!

Birthday Blast

There's something about the sights and sounds of an amusement park that bring out the kid in all of us. That's why I'll never get old. I may be another year older today, but I'm still a kid at heart. John and I spent the day at Knoebels Amusement Park, and we had a blast.

 It was a hot, sunny, summer day. We couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

These scrumptious treats look divine.

When it comes to tradition, John and I make it a point to get our pictures taken in the arcade every time we visit Knoebels. We always take goofy, off-the-wall photos in those little photo booths. I love those black-and-white photos.

Like I said, we'll never grow up. Life is just too much fun! John purposely tried to imitate his favorite artist Salvador Dali in the second round of photos. Note the look of insanity in his eyes. Hee! Hee! If he really wanted to pull it off, John should have been sporting a handlebar mustache and wearing a purple cape.

Twister. Need I say more?

Crafty-Good Shopping

As a designer, it's always exciting when you're shopping and you come across a product that you've designed or one of the books that you've been featured in. While shopping at Jo-Ann fabric and craft store this afternoon, I spied the earrings, earrings, earrings book by Barb Switzer, which features three of my projects.

My friend Lynn was kind enough to take my photo. Thanks, Lynn!

After a long day of shopping, Lynn and I stopped by Dave Colarusso's Pizza & Pasta for their fresh tomato pizza.

There's nothing like it! What a great way to end a day of shopping for craft supplies.

Festive Offerings at The Auction

Here's to another fun night at Kemler's Auction. We saw so many interesting items for sale. I love this Halloween blow mold. I bet he'd look neat all lit up.

I love the vintage Christmas houses. They bring back fond memories of the tiny, little village nestled under our Christmas tree. I can just picture the lights casting a faint glow through each window.

Am I seeing things, or is this donkey eating the baby donkey's ear? As I recall, these items did not sell.

I'm not a fan of this stuff, but I like all the different colors and the way the items were arranged on the table. Now I can't wait for the next auction.

Julius Rules The Roost

I have several things on my to-do list. I'm sculpting like crazy for the upcoming Art Extravaganza that I've been invited to, and I'm in the process of designing my own Web site. When I saw Julius jump into my computer chair this morning, I thought I'd paint my sculptures. I got a lot of painting done, so a big thank you to Julius for helping me decide what to tackle first.

I had a few more touch-ups to take care of, but when I turned my head, Julius jumped onto my painting chair and fell fast asleep. So guess what I'm doing next? You got it. I'm working on my Web site. Julius is such a good decision maker. Now it's time to open Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Have a wonderful and productive day!

An Innovative Experience

Today's Innovative Bead Show in Allentown was worth the trip. The vendors offered an array of different beads, jewelry findings, and kits.

The variety of beads was overwhelming at times, but there's nothing like sifting through all of those strands.

Look at all of those spools of silk cords. Love those shades of green.

When at an Innovative Bead Show, be sure to visit the Bead My Love booth. Meg Fillmore is a talented bead embroidery artist that creates some of the most magnificent designs. I love this award-winning necklace. Her work is amazing to see in person.

Meg's mom looks lovely in this dashing necklace.

Peep

Here's a quick look at what I was working on this afternoon. I finally added a face to the snowman that I created last week, and I sculpted this little peep. They're both sitting on the window sill in my studio. With this hot weather, they should dry in no time.

Have a great weekend!

Good Business

I'm glad the ice cream stand near Stookey's turned away paying customers tonight. Stookey's bar-b-que trumps an ice cream cone any old day.

When we arrived, it was 9:15 p.m., and the "open" sign was still on even though they close at 9 p.m. John said the girl was more than willing to serve him. Now that's good business.

Here's to good business! Thanks, Stookey's. You made my night.

After The Rain

I got caught in the rainstorm this afternoon, and when I got home, Julius and Chiseler were on the porch watching the rain. I don't know what it is about the rain, but Chiseler loves it, and I think Julius seems to like it now too. This is a picture of Julius and Chiseler sleeping on the porch after the rainstorm. Chiseler looks so cute when he curls up.

Here's to the life of a cat. Up all night; sleep all day.

~Best buds~