Good Morning: Wishes and chills

It's another chilly morning here. I do like chilly frosty mornings. I'll take them over sweaty, stinkin' hot boilers any day. The dog is MUCH happier too. It's the husky in him... poor thing is miserable in the heat of summer. We're both feeling rather perky today.

The frost is starting to form in earnest now and it's beautiful. Everything is edged and embellished in cold glitter.

Even our BBQ is pretty. Just look at that landscape of ice.

Thank goodness for the abundance of inspiration for the winter projects that I'm working on.

Pleased toadstools

I am smitten!

I've made harvested a big batch of these funny toadstools. They are rather pleased with themselves. I'd be pleased with myself too if I were a red spotted toadstool.

My camera and the weather are not cooperating today, but once I can grab a few good snapshots there will be a couple of these listed in the etsy shop (however most will be heading over to Impresario Artisan Market for sale at some point this weekend).

ETA: HERE are the listings that will be available for the time being. There is one large and one small toadstool listed.

And one last picture for good measure :)

Morning Inspiration: Frost

It's getting nippy. The past few mornings have see a bit of frost on the ground, but I do believe today takes the cake with beautiful little shards of ice covering everything in the shade. It's quite beautiful. That lovely frosty coating and then the sun reflecting off of tiny bits of ice. Some people would say it glistens like diamonds... but I prefer glitter ;).

Getting these shots was an interesting process because as the sun quickly rose and the air warmed those little bits of ice melted... and fast! You could see the melting right before your eyes. Fascinating and sort of sad at the same time. All that hard work Jack Frost put into placing that ice just-so and 'poof!' it's gone.

Sweet Sentiments and Spooky Peek-a-boo tag

Graphic 45 is revealing MORE gorgeousness on their blog today. It's day 8 of their sneak peek at their brand new collection "Sweet Sentiments". Being a big fan of butterflies, flowers and vintage images, I can't wait to get my hands on it!

There are a ton of great projects and eyecandy on the blog today so hop over there!

One of the projects mentioned on the blog (and actually rather spooky, and not sweet at all) is my peek-a-boo tag.

Heck, there's even a viddy tute to go along with it!

And the supply list:

Steampunk Spells

Fanciful Floral

Frightful Folly

Steampunk Spells Banners

Steampunk Spells Chipboard 1

Steampunk Spells 6x6 Patterns & Solids

Graphic 45 Staples:
Regular Tag Album

Ornate Metal Key Holes
Ornate Metal Keys

Scor-Pal

Scor-Tape

Petaloo Flowers and leaves

May Arts Ribbons
Gina’s Design Small Fence and Gate Set

Pottin'

So I tossed another bunch of clay bits into the fire pit. Here's the haul that came out...

Notice how every piece is fine and dandy except for the nice moon face at the bottom... the ONE piece I would have like to have survived. Such is life. *sigh*

I AM happy that those lovely bits at the top left came out unscathed because little hands made them! Here's a better look at what young visitors created when they popped by the studio the other week...

I love the work kids create. Perhaps because it's made with interest and excitement and not toward some unrealistic end. Kids, generally, get true joy from the process of making.

Finally, all those little squares on the bottom left corner are this little city of houses. They are currently standing at attention on my kitchen table waiting for some arty affection. I think they are rather nice lined up in neat little rows. Perhaps they need a town to call their own.


Oh! One last little note. There are three new large mandrakes available in the etsy shop...

 ... and a handful of brand new mini mandrakes too!

Two mornings of inspiration

I was distracted yesterday by the absolute abysmal functioning of facebook and did not post the morning inspiration. Here is the delayed photography:

It is quite true that I have encountered many friendly slugs recently. A quick search of their symbolism and qualities as a totem revealed that they assist us in letting go of the gunk we carry. They also encourage reflection of the mysteries around us.

Today's inspiration come from our vegetable garden. Strewn across the soil are all of the tomatoes that did not make it into our sauces, salsas, salads or baskets and bags to friends and neighbours. I am sure that the birds, bees and other winged things will enjoy a little harvest party with them before we clean them up and pop them in the compost heap where they will feed next years spoils.

Into dreams

"Into dreams" Mixed media collage on canvas measuring approx 6" x 12". 

A new piece created for the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Northumberland. They are hosting  their 30th anniversary art auction on November 8th. Details for the event are available HERE.