Grama's Gourds and Primitives L. Akin

Photo on the side bar :)

2012-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

If you click on the photo in the side bar of the Gift Card Holders, it will take you to Create & Decorates website and it gives instructions on making your own gift card holders. Enjoy! I really enjoyed making the pattern for them I hope you have as much fun painting them as I did. Have a great day!

Linda

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2012-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have been tirelessly working in the dungeon on many different items. I just finished a child's growth chart and painting. It was fun to do. A little change of pace for me recently. My mind races from idea to idea. I need to regain focus so I can accomplish another goal. I will have some primitive items coming out in the August issue of Create and Decorate...so look for the issue coming out in June. I am always thrilled to work with the creators at Create & Decorate, always a pleasant bunch. I don't know if you know this but they have projects online that you can do. If you take a peak you will find my Gift Card Holders in there. I will post a link for you. I can never get them to directly link so you will have to copy and past. Sorry :(

http://www.createanddecorate.com/downloads/

Other things going on for me right now....hmmm...I am working on some package ornies and cinnamon and regular salt dough bowl fillers. These are so much fun to do. I have been dipping them in scented was as well as dusting them with mica flakes...They not only smell good but they sparkle too.

Here is a tip for you fellow creators. If you use mica flakes and they seem too large for your projects, I take them and put them in a coffee bean grinder and it grinds them up rather nicely. I can make them as small or not so small for my projects. I love it. I will be posting some pics of my newest creations tomorrow. So look for the ornies and fillers!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Now it is onto Valentines! I love Valentines. Well I should get off here and continue to rummage through the net looking for things that I don't need. Have a wonderful evening.

Linda

I got my favorite magazine in the mail!!!

2011-05-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just a little note to let you guys know that a new CREATE & DECORATE magazine is coming out soon! Be looking for it. I have something in it! I wish I could share but can't until it hits the stands! I can give you a hint! It's on a cheese board!!! Be lookin guys! It has a load of talent in the magazine not just painting! It has stitchery, pillows and so much more to create so check it out.

Have a wonderful day fellow bloggers! And have a Blessed and safe Memorial weekend. If you see one of our servicemen remember to thank them and their families for all they do. God Bless America!

What cha workin on?

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am drawing up some monkeys. I told you guys I was on a new venture so it's monkeys today. I am enjoying the kid's decor. I am going to be painting on an 8x24 canvas and it will have several monkeys, monkeying around. So what are you working on? I will post pics as I go along on the painting. Give ya some sneak peaks into my new venture.

Have a wonderful day and let's get creating. Work those minds and fingers!

New Venture!

2011-04-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Good morning all you bloggers...
Well I have been a busy little bee...This past Easter weekend, (Thank you Lord for Easter or I would still be burried in sin) Saturday to be exact, I prepared for my garden. This is out first garden here so you can imagine the work we had to do. Removing Sod with a pic ax is no fun. I tell you I was so sore Sunday but I still got Easter dinner ready and Easter eggs. Well the garden is ready to plant after all that work. Now if it would let up on the rain and we could have a super warm day so I can make my rows for my wonderful vegetables and fruits. I will be making some home made salsa once I get my tomatos, peppers and onions up and out of the ground. So who else is planting a garden this year? What is your favorite thing that comes from the garden....I have so many I don't know where to start...But I guess if I had to choose it would be the BIG FAT JUICY TOMATOS! I love them. I will also be planting me some gourds since I cannot find them here in Nebraska..At least not advertised.
Well for my new "Venture" I have a new muse and he has kind of changed my views of painting. I will post a pic of him (also in my garden) so you can see why I have gone in a different direction. I am sure I will revert back to my Prim style painting but I just enjoy painting these cute happy little pictures. As he grows I am sure it will pass. But it sure is fun right now. Have any of you ever ventured off the beaten path? Right now my enjoyment is Jungle Babies, Leapin Ladybugs, Tute little Birdies, Owls, Dinosaurs, Oh the possibilities are endless...for baby nurserys. It's amazing how children change your creative thinking. Well I will post some pics of my new adventures and my new Muse! Have a wonderful day and let's get planting...:) and Painting! You will see him in the last picture in the garden! Love kiddos!

Saturday night blog!

2011-03-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop in here and see what everyone is doing? I am just craving some sunshine....we got a little taste of it a couple of weeks ago and well now it's snowing...blah! But that is okay it is whatever comes and I am blessed enough to enjoy another day.
Today was a good day. No, no painting that would of made it a GREAT day! But I did some needed rest and relaxation. I went to a Memorial this morning to honor one of the fallen whom received a Silver Star. It was an enlightening moment sorrowful but celebratory in the same token. It reminds me of the fallen from the beginning of time whom have given their lives so we can be free. Starting with Jesus Christ and still going through time with many many more. But the greatest was Jesus and we will soon be celebrating his greatest gift to us all. John 3:16. So let's take a moment to remember all of the heroes whom have given their lives so that we can be free. Past, present, and future. Thank God for Jesus and for our military. God Bless and have a wonderful evening.
My next post will be of what I am doing...I will share my pictures of Leapin Ladybugs and Sweet Giraffes. Hugs to all!

Good Sunday morning!

2011-03-13T08:33:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Hope you are have a gread Sunday. I would just like to take a moment and think about all the suffering around the world, not only in Japan but all over. My heart aches for the loss in Japan it is such a tragedy. I cannot imagine the loss or the pain they feel. I would like to say a prayer for them and ask the Lord to wrap his arms around the people and comfort them in this horrific time. These are trying times across the world, the fighting in the Middle East, the fires and flooding in America, Lord just wrap us in your Love and protect us. Amen.
If we could all just take the time to spread some kindness to those whom surround us even strangers. Just a little hello and how are you today. It is a blessing to wake up each morning and we are never promised tomorrow. So remind people that life is worth living and how lucky we are to still be alive. Even in tragedy something good will come. So today I am just going to say Hello and you are loved. John 3:16. He knows each and every hair on your head. God Bless and have a wonderful day.

Ready for Spring

2011-03-07T06:49:00.001-08:00

Good morning ladies and bloggers! It is flurrying outside and well I am just ready for some beautiful spring flowers, and sunshine...I don't know about you guys.
With that said craft fairs are starting and I am ready to get out and mingle with some like-minded folks. I have been painting up a storm and have wondered into another area besides primitives and home decor for adults. I have been painting pictures for little childrens rooms and I have to say it is fun and rewarding. I have to say that my little grandson was an influence on that. I am hoping that others like my new venture as well. I will post some pics of the new items. I am thinking that I might sell some on Etsy we shall see. I have Craft fair March 12, 2011 and would like to take them with me. My next show is at Northwest Highschool if anyone is in the Omaha area.
So is anyone planning on a garden? If so when do you start your indoor seeds? I am planning on a garden and can't wait to till up the dirt. I am going to take my little helper out with me, he loves the outdoors and even though he is little still he likes to help. He's a smart little booger...I hope he keeps those traits and continues to be a helper in the future...and Mimaw is still cool in the future. Well just wanted to say good morning and let everyone know that I am still painting and not as distracted with other things I am totally focused on painting and loving it! Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!

Give Away!

2011-01-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Oh I would like to share a give away with you all! The give away is from Spooky Hollow Folkart and it is fabulous. She is one talented artist and I think you guys should check out her blog and enter her contest and also her Etsy and her website. Very talented. Here is a link to her blog which will show you links to her other sites. Have a wonderful New Year ladies and bloggers!

http://wimsyfolkartist.blogspot.com/

Winner!

2010-12-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Okay we have a winner, I had 3 comments...so I decided to give all 3 ladies a gingerbread ornie. Please e-mail me with your address so I can send out your gingerbread. Have a wonderful evening ladies! Thank you so much for your participation and comments!

Hello strangers!

2010-11-21T19:43:00.001-08:00

Hello to all! Long time no blog...
Sorry I have been away. I was in the process of moving and well now instead of Sunny California I am in the frosty Midwest! AND I LOVE IT! It's cold, it already snowed, and I did a craft fair and it was a success! I am ready to get painting and crafting. The holidays are coming up so I made a ton of Gingerbread ornies, and salt dough ornies. I have pics of the gingerbread that I will be posting. I have pics from beginning to end. I had fun making them.
Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? That is one of my favorite times of the year. I will be making a turkey, homemade cornbread stuffing, sweet candied yams, buttery mashed potatos, potato rolls, punkin pie! Ahhhh I am getting hungry. Well here are some pics of the gingerbread ornies!
Hey how bout a give away! Tell me what your favorite thing is about Thanksgiving or what your thankful for. I am thankful for my dear friends and family. Let me know and how about December 1 I will pick a winner out of the wonderful hat! Good luck start posting.

Good Thursday evening Ladies and Bloggers!

2010-08-12T19:30:00.001-07:00

Well I was sitting here monkeying around and thought I would post something on my blog. Just a couple of more weeks and it is onto the wonderful Midwest. I am so looking forward to this next adventure placed in my path. I love and long for the midwest. I love the green grass in the summer that is soft and delicate under your barefeet. I love the crispness in the air when Fall is creaping in. I love the smell of the fresh cut grass when spring arrives and the blooming flowers. The winter is an welcome sight for snow. I can almost taste the fresh country air now just thinking about it. For some reason I feel that my creativity will be overflowing when we get there. It will be a time to relax and come back to peace of mind. Time is creepin up on me and I wish it would stop creeping and just get here. We found the cutest house with real trees, and real grass. A place for a garden which will flourish with fresh fruits and vegetables, I can almost taste the juicy, seedless watermelon, the canteloupe, and fresh grape tomatoes. Ahh at last freedom from the hustle and bustle of California.
Well I haven't been totaly out of the realm. I have an instructional piece in this months Create & Decorate. Check it out and let me know what you think. I love that magazine because it has so many different avenues of creativity. Makes me want to explore other mediums. Here are some pics of this months project.

Photos Courtesy of Sean O'brien

2010-08-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Time is of the essence....

2010-07-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies and bloggers....
I haven't forgotten my blog. I have been running around like a chicken, well you know the rest of the story. I have been traveling to my favorite place in the world twice in the last 6 months. I went home to Ohio to celebrat the graduation of my daughter from highschool, her birthday, and to spend some most need rest and relaxation. Not that much rest and relaxation was among any of us but it was a great time. I went home to Wayne County Ohio (It's not my birth home, but home where my heart lies. It is the most beautiful place I have been so far. Rolling hills and green green grass. With trees that seem to touch the clouds. But enough of what I was doing slacking off. I am getting ready for my next move....and I am so excited. We will be departing Southern California within the upcoming weeks and I am so ready for a new start in the Midwest. More to come from me I assure you. I can devote my time to my art. Yahoo! Well I just wanted to touch base with all and let you know I haven't forgotten you. Have a blessed day.

So much going on...No time to get my blog on...

2010-06-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hehe! I made a riddle...Just had prom and now we are in the home stretch for graduation...My daughter is graduating on June 17, and I am so proud of her. She has met some challenges but she pushes on and that is what makes me so proud of her. Now after graduation is done we move onto moving on! Yes we are moving again. This time it is to the wonderful Mid-west! I am so excited I can't stand it. I long for a slower pace. Stopping to smell the flowers. Mowing the lawn, ahhh mowing your own lawn. That will be sooooo awesome. Getting to paint more. More room! Oh the list goes on and on and on. There hasn't been much flying out of my paint room this year with all the goings on but in October all that will change. I have plenty of things written down and drawn out as long as they don't get lost in the move we will be on a painting frenzy! More contests, more for sale, more of more. I didn't want my fellow bloggers to think I had forgotten them. Have a wonderful day!

The Rusty Thimble is Having a GiveAway!

2010-03-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Well get over there ladies and bloggers and check it out. Too cute primitive bunny! I love it! Here is the link!
http://therustythimble2.blogspot.com/

Create and Decorate April Issue!

2010-02-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

Well I know I don't post much in here...but I would like to change my focus from what I am doing to this because painting is MUCH more fun! Right now I am desperately trying to finish up my Medical Transcription course. I am sooooo close. And then I will put my energy back into painting. Yahoo! With that said I would like to direct your attention to the new issue of Create and Decorate....yes there is something in there that I painted...I will post pics in the side bar so you can see. And no I haven't forgotten that I am going to start doing e-patterns and painting more it's just that sometimes we have to do other things...(not that we like doing them)but they have to be done. I will be moving again here in the next few months so that will slow me down a little bit as well. But I will get to be in this place for 4 years hopefully! It will be in the Mid-west which is awesome and I am so looking forward to the green grass and four seasons! Maybe not all the snow that the Northeast is getting but snow none the less. With that said let me post some pics....

We have a WINNER!

2010-02-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to.....
Well let me tell you who picked first! My husband was half asleep and I said pick one...and I thought he was gonna knock the whole bucket on the floor...cause he was still sleeping I think. Anyways the winner is....Sharon! Congratulations Sharon I will be emailing you and requesting your address so I can mail off your handpainted picture....

Posting the winner today!

2010-02-14T07:47:00.001-08:00

I will be posting the winner today so get ready. I am gonna take all the names down and put them in a hat and pull out the winnder! See ya soon!

The finished Room! Don't forget to sign up for the GIVE AWAY!

2010-01-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

It is done! It isn't some HGTV makeover but I couldn't go buy all kinds of fancy gadgets. At least I know where everything is and I got rid of tons of stuff! Okay not tons but I did get rid of some. Now for what I am going to give away....drum roll please.....Okay check it out below! Keep posting ideas for organizing and remember February 14th I will put you in a hat and let the little guy pull a name out! Good luck ladies! You can sign up on this link or the one below...read all the details below! Come on sign up it's always fun to get a freebie! Share with on your blog,follow me, and post a comment for 3 chances to win.

Organizing Give Away! I have been inspired by other organized crafters and artist!

2010-01-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

Just for the record...I am not proud of these photos! Help Me!
I was looking through the blogs and I have looked at a lot so I don't remember which one it was but, I am going to tear my paint/craft/treasure room apart! Yikes I know, but It needs to be organized and it would be so much easier to just go in and grab what I need and sit down and paint. Instead of digging around and finding something else and totally forgetting what I had started out to do in there. Which is what happens when I get on the computer as well. So I am going to go take pictures so you can see just how much stuff is in there that needs painting, but is so discombobulated that I don't know what to grab first. Wish me luck....Please tell me that I am not the only crafter that has an array of "stuff" that is gonna be used at some point. I just can't get rid of it I might need it. You know the saying. Oh I am sure I can use it for something in time....

Don't laugh I know it is a lot of stuff for such a small room...Any suggestions? I know some of you have that super organized gift...share it with me...Who knows what I will find in there maybe something for a GIVE AWAY!!! Yea there is an idea...Hah that's what I will do. Leave me a comment about some good organizing tips and you will be entered in a give away. If you follow my blog I will enter you twice. If you post it on your blog I will enter you 3 times. If you already follow let me know so remind me so I can enter ya again. I don't know yet what it will be but I can come up with something. Supplies? something painted? We will see so start posting your ideas and I will get to work in the over crowded room! Let us just say the give away prize will be listed within the next week...and the winner will be announced February 14th....Happy Valentines Day! SEE PHOTOS BELOW!

Okay I Have Been Inspired...And It Is Going to Stem a GIVEAWAY!

2010-01-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful give away!

2010-01-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

Okay you have got to check out this blog! It is remnants of the past and it is awesome. She is having a give away and you just have to enter...

Here is the link! www.seasonsofthepast.blogspot.com/2009/12/resolution-giveaway

Happy New Year to all in the blogging world!

2010-01-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Today is a the first day of the New Year, and I am so looking forward to this year. I have a lot of things going on, magazine submissions, new ideas, pattern packets, oh the list goes on and on. My first goal is to finish that schooling. I am so close it is unreal and what a burden to lift. I can not wait. Then I can focus on my painting and all the new ideas rushing in.
So what is the next holiday coming? Ah a time for love and romance. St. Valentines day. One of the patron Saints known as St. Valentine of Valentinus, legends have it that he was a priest in the Roman times of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius had believed that unmarried men made better soulders, so he banned young men from marrying, creating his soldiers. Valentined defied Claudius and continued to marry in secret. Legend has it that this angered Claudius and he had St. Valentine put to death. Other legends say that St. Valentine was imprisoned and sent the first Valentine for a young lady he had fallen in love with. He had signed it Your Valentine, which is still carried on today. What ever legend is true there are many and February is filled with hearts and kisses. So think of something romantic to do for your Valentine. Everyone loves to be loved and this is a time of year to show extra love and romance.

2009-12-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Winter is upon us and this is where I'd like to be!

2009-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

So home sick sets in. I know it is not my original home but it is where my heart is. I so long for the four seasons and this season upon us makes me long for it more. There is something about winter in Ohio. Once spring planting and fall harvest is done winter sets in and relaxation is upon us. The fresh baked bread, home made pies, and trail bologna and swiss cheese. Some of my greatest times were spent in Ohio. It is where my painting actually got it's start. It is where some of my closest friendships developed and grew. I thought I would share some of my inspiration with you. Some of the places I have been and am sure to go again. Enjoy.

Is it slackin? Or is it too many irons in the fire....

2009-12-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted in a looooong time. I am running around with like a chicken with, well you know. I have been painting and sending stuff to the store in Temecula. It seems to be doing well. I seem to always be in a hurry so I didn't get any pics of what I painted which stinks because they were old small pie tins. I will paint another and post a pic. I think I will do an e-pattern on here what do you think?
This has been a busy time sense the beginning of November. The Marine Corp Birthday Ball, Happy belated birthday Marines. I'll post some pics of that as well. Then good ole Thanksgiving came along. I didn't get to tell all Happy Turkey Day. Now we're getting ready for Christmas. This is my favorite time of year beginning in the Fall but this year was just wow busy. I am thinking about listing on Etsy in the beginning of the year and hitting it hard and heavy. I am going to put all my energy in painting. I will be finished with school by then and I will have at least 1 iron out of the fire. What a load to be lifted. Once I finish I have discovered you need 2 - 5 years experience to get a job...Now, how are you supposed to get experience if no,one will hire you? Who knows but I am going to finish no matter what. Then paint...should of went to school for that instead lol. Well I am going to dig up some pics of the ball and that cute little bugger that joined us in August. That's momma and Carter. Then the Man in uniform is my hubby and me...

A New Day!

2009-09-24T11:25:00.001-07:00

Time is sparse...I have so many things to do and get done I haven't had time to get on here. My wireless crashed so I'm on the desk top and that just stinks...So I have been painting lanterns, and ghosts, and snowmen...It is so much fun. I can't get enough time in the paint room. So I am going to post pics of my latest painting projects. I am so sorry I didn't get up the gourds. I am getting busy and painting. I will get a give away up here in the near future for the Winter season. So be looking for that as well. Heres the pics of my recent projects.

2009-09-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Remembering this day 9/11/2001

2009-09-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

I can remember the exact spot on the floor in my home I was when I saw the Twin Towers attacked. I remember the pain in my heart and the fear I felt. Our country would never be the same. I would like to offer my condolences to the men and women's families whom lost their lives on that day and many whom have lost their lives afterwards defending this nation. My prayers go out to all the men and women of uniform not just Military, but our many uniformed and non uniformed heroes here at home. Let's not forget what happened on that day and let's remember how our country united as one. Let's remember how we helped one another in a time of chaos and heart break. Let's not forget our heroes whom are still abroad protecting our country. United we stand....Let's love our neighbor not harbor ill will and hatred. God bless this country and the world. May he protect us and keep us all safe.

Give Away! Give Away!

2009-09-04T06:52:00.001-07:00

You have to get on over to the Antique Pallet! She has the cutest little scoop up for a give away with a Scarecrow on it and it's a cutie...Check it out! Here's the link!

www.theantiquepallet.blogspot.com

Freaky Friday!

2009-09-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

Well good morning to all. I am up bright and early had some gourds to get out so I can take them to the store in Temecula. I will be taking pictures once it's light here...I painted some like the ones in the magazine. Some of them are for hanging and some of them are for sitting. There so much nicer than pumpkins because pumpkins go bad. These will last year round. So when the sun comes up for me I'll be taking some pictures. (As long as the little buggers are dry) This is my favorite time of year. Soon the leaves will begin to turn, somewhere in the country, and the air gets cool and crisp. The smells change and hot chocolate comes out of the cupboard along with home made soups and pies. Oh I can not wait for fall to be in full force. Well have a great day!

It's Official I'm a Mimaw!

2009-08-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm a little young to be a Mimaw, but life is funny and hands us only what God thinks we can handle. He is a BEAUTIFUL baby boy he was 7 lbs 3.2 oz. His name is Carter Marshal! I am proud of my daughter she handled things way better than most young mothers in labor she is an amazing woman. I am not in any form promoting young girls to get pregnant. It is a hard road to travel and it takes many things away from your life the best thing is to WAIT! But if you ever end up in the situation talk to your parents seek their advice and don't use abortion as an alternative because there are so many women whom can not have children and will love the baby. It is not something to be ashamed of it happens and it happens a lot. If you can't talk to your parents which you should ALWAYS talk to your mom or dad FIRST, talk to someone and not another teen ager an adult. Churches, pastors, nurses at hospitals, someone with compassion. Your baby is a real person not a disease, or sickness, it is a little person with a beating heart and little fingers and toes who deserves a chance at life.
O.k. I went off on a tangent there, don't know where those come from but apparently sometimes they need to be said and if it helps just one person then it has helped someone who needed it. Now let's talk about painting hehehe...
I have about 20 of those little luminaries that I did for Create and Decorate that I am working on....I am so excited I am gonna take them down to The Ole Town Mercantile in Temecula next week...so be on the look out for ghost and punkins....I will post pics of the process so it will help readers to see from beginning to end. Stop in your nearest store and see if they carry Create and Decorate, I know some of the Albertsons carry them. Or call JoAnn fabrics I think they carry them as well. So many neat things to see in that magazine I just love it because it's not just painting. Go get cha one....have a great day and God bless you all and thanks for following and just stopping in to read my blog. Hugs to all!

Linda

Good Wednesday Morning Ladies and Bloggers!

2009-08-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

How is everyone out in Blogging Town? All is well here in Southern California it has been quite warm I must say. I have been busy trying to catch up on everything sense I went down to Texas. I love going there but I wish I could go down and relax, but that just isn't the case yet. See my dad's home was there and for a time it was mine and my dad's home till I married and moved to Ohio. Dad longed to move up to Ohio as well but time didn't permit. He passed away 4 years after I moved away. So now I go home and work on the house and dig through old memories. It's a hard job, I am supposed to be cleaning and removing, but I start looking at things and it brings in old memories. Fond and pleasant memories none the less. I miss my mom and my dad very much. But anyways now I am trying to catch up here from my time spent away. I still need to finish my school and I have new submissions for the magazine due Oct 1...so I really need to get on the ball here. Let me know how all is going for you guys. What are you working on? How are sales? Where are ya selling. Let me know about your lives. God Bless and have a wonderful crafty day. Big hugs to all.
I do have a sneak peak of the Oct issue of Create and Decorate. You'll fine my Jack-O-Lantern luminary there...Check it out here's the link.

I'M HOME! WHEWHOO!

2009-07-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello to all I am back from my trip to Texas. Long hard working trip. So glad to be home. I missed my hubby. Now it's back to work here at home. Doesn't that seem like the story of life, work, work, work. Oh well keeps us moving right along I guess. I hope you all are doing well and having a great summer. I will get back into my favorite thing of painting here real soon. Lifes little bumps just get in the way sometimes. Blessings to all.

Big Thanks!

2009-06-30T18:47:00.001-07:00

I just want to say thank you to all whom participated in my give away! It was fun reading the comments and being able to make someone's day. (Daizy Donna :)) I also want to thank all of my followers. You all make my day with wondering in here and seeing what I am doing and looking at my paintings, and my rants...lol my cleaning frenzies. With all that said I am going to be away for a couple of weeks. I haven't been on here lately because I have had company from Ohio. Which I had such a wonderful time while they were here. I'll put up pics of our travels, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo and the trips to the beach. What a great time we had. Just a little taste of Ohio for us and it makes us long for home so much more. Ohio is actually my second home. I was raised in Texas but left when I was 29 to Ohio and I FELL in love with it! So How I long for Ohio. So I will be back in about 2-3 weeks I'll be hiding out in Texas and have no internet....So hang tight my little bloggers I will return shortly. God Bless you all...

Dadadadadum!!! And the Winner is!

2009-06-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well there you have it! Daizy Donna you are officially the winner! Congratulations. I will e-mail you for your address and get your little package sent off...Stay tuned for future give aways ladies and bloggers! Have a great day.

Good morning fellow bloggers!

2009-06-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

I just scared the living stuffin out of myself....I thought I deleted the post with comments to enter the blog give away...Yikes. But I found it no worries.
Well I have company coming today and I got the house ALL cleaned up. I'm ready. So excited! Family from Ohio which is one of my favoritest places on earth. Such a cozy little place. I lived in Holmes county and Wayne county....Home of the Amish! BEAUTIFUL country living. I can't wait to get back there. I miss the snow and the little villages. I love how they have parades, candle lightings at Christmas, and the PIZZA! Oh how I miss Lem's Pizza in Fredricksburg! I'll have to post some pics on here of the most beautiful place I know of so far. The snow, the barns, the green green grass, the beautiful flowers. I miss my flower beds and my tiny garden of tomatoes and peppers. It's like a slower pace than here in California. Look at that I went off on a tangent from losing the entries to missing home. Well have a great day I gotta get to the grocery store so we can have some eats! Have a Blessed and wonderful day!

GRAMA'S GOURDS AND PRIMITIVES GIVE AWAY! REPOST!

2009-06-09T11:28:00.001-07:00

Well as I have said I was painting gourd eggs this week. I have started on 33 to be exact....Well a couple are not eggs. But that's ok. I have painted on these eggs before but I don't remember it being so hard to be steady as I go with the brush. So with that being said I made a sheeps leg WAY too big, vines went all out of sorts, trees got bigger than I expected and to top it all off they are sliperly little suckers. (Not really slippery but they sure do get away!) One of these fine feathered imposters is going to be a give away! Yes a give away. I have seen this on other blogs and what a neat idea. So here goes. Up for grabs will be the gourd egg pictured above. It is for the gourd egg alone. This is handpainted by me. The rules are leave me a comment with your email address. Then go to your blog and post a link to the give away. If you post a link it gives you double entry... If you don't have a blog please let me know in your comment. Comment posting will last until June 25,2009 at Midnight west coast time. I will throw all the names and emails in a hat and have my daughter draw one out. The winner will be announced June 26, 2009 at 9:00 A.M pacific time...Are you ladies and bloggers ready? Here we go start posting... Let's get posting my fellow bloggers. To leave a comment scroll down and where you see the little pencil click there and post away.

I'm still here!

2009-06-09T11:21:00.001-07:00

I am burried in medical transcription reports. I am going to school, blah. My hubby wanted me to go so we would have some certainty...lol whatever that means. So I am drudging along. But I have to say it is quite boring and not fun compared to my painting. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just do the things that we love. I am quite certain we would do so much better at them...Anyways there is still time to sign up for the give away. You can post your comments here or on the post GIVE AWAY. I'll see if I can bump it up so if you missed it you can certainly post your comment for entry. Please either check back to see who wins or leave me some kind of way to contact you. If you have a blog that's easy I'll just post if you won on your comments in your blog, but if you don't have a blog i'll need an email address. Well good luck to you all. I'm going back in the dungeon to do my grewsome labor of transcribing....Just 237 more dictations to do in this section...blah! Have a great day ladies and fellow bloggers in case there is some Mr. bloggers out there...have a fabulous day! Ciao! lol at least i'm in good spirits....

Just a little morning funny...

2009-06-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

So ya see I used vinegar and cleaned all the windows, inside and out..Well you know the windex commercial where the birds fly into the window...hehe My husband was sitting on the "blue recliner" (which I call the throne) and Low and behold the King heard a thump thump on the window got up to see what it was and there's a bird flying all dizzy and drunk..He had flown right into the window. Just so you know the bird is allright. But it was too funny. He said well I guess the windows really are clean. Well have a great day!

Obsessive Compulsive!

2009-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have gotten out of my rut sorta...I can't paint unless EVERYTHING is clean and organized. Hints the title. So not only am I a nut case like that I have a thing about chemicals. Beings that the skin is the largest organ of the body it only makes sense that we absorb things through our skin. Which leads to another tangent, Vinegar the clean all cure all. I use vinegar for all my illness. So I figured why not clean with it. I won't intoxicate my body with toxins through my hands or feet, and I certainly won't be inhaling them. So I got me out a metal pot and put a cup of vinegar and the rest with water. HOLY COW! Vinegar is amazing. I will take pics of my windows so you can see how clean and streak free they are. I also use one of those microfiber rags. One to wash and one to dry. AMAZING! My chrome on the sink is super shiny and it got all those little cruddies off the sink. I am sure you have heard of the Magic Eraser...Well I use to use it till yesterday when I discovered vinegar! Removes all kinds of stains in the sink. So now (obsessive compulsive) I have moved from the kitchen into the living room and am working my way down to the bedrooms. This could take a week BUT the house will be pickled clean...lol Then I can paint without reserve. So if any of you guys get in a rut whip out some vinegar and be prepared to amaze yourself. You can actually see results and feel some sort of an accomplishment. My husband came home yesterday from work and said "Wow the kitchen looks awesome". That says allot...being the Marine that he is...Mr. Clean...no not cause he's bald either...lol Well ladies don't forget to scroll down and sign up for the give away....Maybe I'll get crazy and throw something in extra, who knows. I'm feeling a little crazy today! Have a wonderful day! Now let me go get those pics...

Pics

2009-06-04T10:50:00.001-07:00

The window that you see at first is clean...the next one is not...just an example. Look at that faucet shine...Needs some little stars reflecting off of it...

Whimsical Wednesday!

2009-06-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Well I am trying to get motivated....We're have June Gloom here in Southern California and I have to say makes it hard to wanna do anything. The house is a mess, it's gloomy and it seems like it just clutters the mind. We have company coming next week and i'm just lagging along! Blah. I'm sure somewhere in the pages of the computer I will get motivated. I am addicted to looking at all these othere creations that people are making wondering why I can't get motivated. I think I'm just distracted. Does that ever happen to any of you? I was inspired by these little Sock monkeys! Too stinkin cute. I have these ideas floating around in my head but they are something totally different than I normally do. Maybe I should just jump in and quit "monkeying around"! Hehe! I'm thinking about some ideas for babies....Hmmmm wonder where that comes from. I am thinking about some signs for doors, room walls, and bathrooms....not my normal gathering of thoughts. But I think they will be cute. It's just getting the idea out on paper then onto a piece of something....Well wish me luck in my adventures, i'll probably get back on track here soon. I think I'll go do them dishes that keep saying "WASH ME! WASH ME!" I hate it when that happens....

New painting!

2009-06-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

I painted a Lazy Susan with a Fall scene. The idea was inspired by Laurie Speltz. I did the back ground in Maple Sugar Tan, and the border with Terra Cotta. It's such a creamy comforting combination of colors. I really enjoyed painting this so I did a Cutting board, a trivet set, and a wall board. I will be posting pics of all of them on here. I hope you enjoy lookin in on my blog. The contest is still on so post your comments so you can get entered in the give away for the Gourd Egg! I am going to be doing another give away after this one for July! Maybe a birdhouse for the 4th of July? Let's see how this give away goes...God Bless and have a great Day!

2009-05-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday morning! I haven't been posting because I wanted people to see the signup for the give away. Haven't had many sign up. Just a few more weeks and I call out a name. Come on let's sign up bloggers. I'm gonna have another give away after this one. It's a birdhouse....
Let's see what have I been doing. I have been painting some fall stuff up. I see that's coming up so I am getting ready. I am going to put some of them up on my blog here so you can order them if you would like. Fall is my favorite time of year so hopefully these come out really cute....I'll post pics later on today!
Things to paint on: These are just some things you can paint on and you can find them in your cupboard, garage sales, thrift stores flea markets etc. You can paint on cutting boards, jars, old pails, kitchen wooden stools, just plain boards, spoons, forks, if you can draw an idea on something you can paint on it. Some things have to be primed for example metals. There are sealers out there just for metal painting. When you paint on glass you also need some kind of sealer so the paint adheres. Once you have finished painting on glass you need a heavy sealer so the paint doesn't come off. Well just some ideas for ya. Have a great day.

Sign up for my give away!!!

2009-05-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

Hurry I don't know if you noticed there's a giveaway down there below this. Just post a comment. If you have a blog post the give away on there and you get double entry. Just let me know you posted it on your blog and where. Have a great day.

Grama's Gourds and Primitives GIVE AWAY!!!!! REPOST!

2009-05-20T17:38:00.001-07:00

Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey!

2009-05-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been painting my little heart out on my gourd eggs...I will be taking pics of them tomorrow evening. Hopefully they will be closer to finished. I am excited about these little guys. I will be taking them to Old Town Mercantile in Temecula hopefully Friday. Things are getting busy and that's just the way I like it when I am painting. If you are interested in one for yourself please let me know and I will get right to work. Just comment me. I have some fun ideas coming up for gourds for July 4 and the coming up seasons. I'm really liking these little eggs. At first I was a little shakey couldn't seem to use my pinky for balance but now, now it works. yahoo!
Tomorrow I will be helping a lady with her fine china, but then it's back home to paint paint paint. She seems like a really neat lady. She's an artist as well. Can't wait to meet her. She does murals...So I don't know how much we'll get done with her dishes but I am sure it will be a great day. I will be in later in the day to post some pics and a GIVE AWAY! Get ready! Maybe it's one of these fine little gourd eggs.....Patients my little bloggers, patients....Tomorrow, evening....After my china rendesvou I will be seeing you!

Linda

Momma B's Front Porch Give Away!

2009-05-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Go check out her blog she is a talented artist I have seen on Etsy and now I see she has a blog. Check her out! I'll post a link....

http://mommabsfrontporch.blogspot.com/

Good Saturday Afternoon!

2009-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some gourd eggs....whewhoo fun! I didn't do a pattern contest because no,one seemed interested. So maybe later. Anywho I am working on Gourd Eggs! I have gotten 33 ready to work on. I am going to go in the paint room today and get started. I will take pics as I go for all to see. You can purchase gourd eggs on Ebay. Just go to the search bar and type in gourd eggs. There's a ton of them. The first thing do is clean my gourds. To do this I have an old wash tub that I fill with dish soap and a 1/2 cup of bleach. I scrub them with copper scrubbies. Then I rinse them off and let them dry. After they are dry I like to basecoat them with gesso. I have discovered skewers....drill a hole in the bottom of the gourd eggs and poke the skewer in make it a tight squeeze so it doesnt move around. This makes it easier to basecoat the gourds. Now decide what you are going to paint on them and get started.
I am not quite sure what I want to paint yet, too many ideas need to relax and focus on just one. Let's get started.

I'm a little late I know....

2009-05-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Mother's day and I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to all you moms! A mother's job is never done. From the time you feel your child in your womb you are a mother. That kind of a connection is grown and nurtured over time. Even when a child leaves the home you never lose that love that you have for your child. For all of you who still have your mom please take the time to let her know how much she is loved. We're not all blessed to have them forever...So call her and tell her thank you for just being her. Take the time to love her back the way she has loved you over the years, unconditionally without regret. Happy Mothers Day to all you Moms and God Bless you all.

Wacky Wednesday!

2009-04-29T08:16:00.001-07:00

Good morning fellow bloggers! Birds are singing, flowers are blooming and the dreaded black widow is lurking around. I found one in my garbage can just happily purched at the back. She's a rather large one. So now I am seeing more and more of the famous black widow webs all over the place. I am a little scared of spiders I would say especially ones that mass produce and hang out around my house and happen to be deadly poison. I guess it's time to get the dust out and sprinkle a barrier around the perimeter of the house to keep them outside where they belong.
I cleaned all day yesterday so today I get to clean the paint room up and get back to the so called grind...lol it's such a painstaking task to go in there and play all day. The painstaking part is cleaning it up lol. Painting is the fun part.
How about a tip? Instead of using paper towels to dry off my brushes after rinsing them I use an old wash cloth...Saves money, trees, and I guess you could say time. You can always throw it in the wash instead of the trash. I also use a large plate from the kitchen, I can just wash it off as well. I squirt my paints onto the plate and when I'm done wash it all up. I pick off the paint and throw it in the trash and the tough stuff I let sit for awhile then dump it as well. Oh wait maybe you want some painting trick....hmmmm ah I got one....When painting gourd eggs or wooden eggs use the dipper from the easter egg kits to hold your item. This is best for sealing with spray sealer....Try it see if ya like it...Have a great day!

A place to call home for a spell...

2009-04-24T08:25:00.001-07:00

Good beautiful morning to all you fellow crafters, gourd hounds, painters, and just the plain curious. I have went on search for a little place to call home for my creations. I have found one. It's set in the town of Temecula in what they call Olde Town Temecula which has got to be one of the coolest things in California. I love that the state of California calls what is the beginnings of a town Old Town! It is reminaiscant of old western towns. I will post pics. Temecula is not the only one, San Diego and others. Its so neat. Anyways I ventured off the subject...hehe. I am taking some of my art work to a store called..."Olde Town Mercantile." Cute name and cute store. It's not small I can say this it is a LARGE store with many unique items from local artisans. They even have the Old Western Pictures there. Where you dress up as a vintage saloon lady, or outlaw, or whatever the case may be. They have antiques, handmades, even old time candy from yesteryear. Such a comfortable enviroment and the ladies are such a delight. Pleasant and very helpful. I felt right at home when I talked to them. I'd been in there many a time just because I like it. Then I decided to ask....nerves sink in fear, of being told NO! Like a little child asking for a permission. That's how I felt but once I got to talking to them they were the nicest people. So check it out. They have a website as well. I'll post a link in the sidebar so you can check it out for yourself. Now let me go find some pics of Old Town so you can see for yourself, the days of yesterday, a simpler time. Oh how I long for simpler times.

Thursday tip!

2009-04-23T09:13:00.001-07:00

Good morning to all! The weather is nice kinda chilly but I am not complaining. I thought I would sit down and give a little tip on painting. I am not quite sure if anyone ever uses watercolor pencils but I do. I love them. There a great way to draw your pattern onto your project. After you have drawn what you want to paint then you can go ahead and paint. Once you are finished painting your project if there are any left over markings they just wipe off with a damp cloth. I also love this because it's much easier to erase watercolor pencil if you make a mistake when your making your pattern onto your project. For example if you just don't like the whole thing whaula it wipes off with a damp cloth. I also like watercolor pencils because there are different colors. I have found not to use the dark pencil with light paints because it shows through and it takes too many coats to cover it. Try this out see how you like it.
Motivational tips....hmmmm Sunshine, birds chirping and a glass of sweet Texas iced tea! Enjoy! If you wanna know my secret to sweet Texas tea I'll give it to ya! I turn on the faucet let the water get hot hot hot put 4 family sized tea bags in the hot water let sit for an hour then I put a cup and a half of sugar! (to a gallon of tea) MMMM it's best after sitting in the frig over night....Now that you have your recipe for motivation let's get painting! Have a wonderful day!

Cooled off! Whew!

2009-04-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon bloggers from all walks of life. Today is a beautiful day here in Southern California. Unlike the last 2 so hot you could melt butter on the sidewalk.
I have been in and out of my paint room today trying to drum up some new ideas. I haven't had much of a response about the pattern. So if your interested sign up in the comment section of my blog. Put your name and email address and I will compile a list and go from there. You can make your comment private so no,one sees your email address and I will not publish it. Once I have at least 5o interested I will do a drawing to decide whom wins. The pattern will be an e-pattern and it will be something for summer...Sound good? If so please sign up. If I do not receive enough interested by May 15, then I will figure something out. Thanks and have a wonderful day. Each day is a gift for we should not take for granted. God Bless!

Linda

Hot Hot Hot!

2009-04-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well Southern California is starting to Heat Up! Whew! I tell you what it's warmer than it's been in A LONG time. Life is great! The new Create and Decorate is on the shelves. I will post a pic of the submission. I have listed some new things on the website. Just click the link in the sidebar and look in paint and artwork on the website. I'll post pics on here so you'll know what to look for. I am gonna be doing a pattern up lets say by May 15th. I'll have a sign up and I'll draw a name for the winner of the pattern. Any comments on this? Does anyone want to participate? Send me a comment and let me know and I'll get it started.
Now a few pics of what's new.

Saturday afternoon breezes!

2009-04-18T13:38:00.001-07:00

Today is a cool, comfortable, sunny day in Southern California. There is a gentle breeze flowing through the house moving the curtains. The windchimes are chiming along with the birds chirping. These are some of my favorite days. I have put a hammock up on the back patio so if I get the chance to just relax and do nothing I can just hop into it. I am so inspired by these beautiful days. I have been diligently working in my paint room with new and exciting products. I am doing a show next weekend and hoping to sell out...I have been working on submissions for next year. I am thouroughly motivated and can't seem to sit down to relax. Oh wait maybe that's what I'm doing when I am painting. Hehe! The website at www.oldprimitivesisters.com has been upgraded and I am looking forward to adding new product to the sight. It will most be likely be after my show next weekend. I will keep you posted. I have some really cute things I want to get on there. I will be posting pics today of what I am working on and what to look for on my website. I will create a link directly to the site in the side bar. Looking forward to all possibilities this year. I am full of joy. Thanks for looking in on me. Oh yea April 21, 2009 the next issue comes out for Create and Decorate, look for me between the pages....

The Day After the Tea Parties!

2009-04-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I am quite proud of many Americans whom stood for what they believe in. I have to say that I am especially proud of my home state of Texas. I'm proud of the Govenor and the people. Stand proud my fellow Texans. Not only is it about taxes but it's about the Constitution staying in tact. I am also proud to say that these were peaceful protests. I am sorry to of heard the negative media attention by certain news stations Chicken Noodle News, and the Peacock! But that's they way they spin things.
With that little tid bit said I am going to get painting. I will post some pics this week of some things that I have for sale on the website. Have a great day my fellow blog readers.

Easter's coming...

2009-04-09T18:36:00.001-07:00

Easter is a reminder of the special gift that we have received from Jesus. To have him take all our sins upon him so we could seem him again in Heaven. I am not only thankful for that but I am thankful for many other things in my life that are also gifts from the Lord. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, friends and my fellow readers. I just want you to all know that having you peek in to see what I am doing or painting is a blessing and I just want to thank you for taking time out of your day to see what is here.
I am painting away in my little paint room. I am trying to get things ready for submitting to my favorite magazine Create and Decorate. I will be listing some new items up for sale here in the near future at www.oldprimitivesisters.com
As soon as I get them listed I will let you know via my blog here. I also have another instructional piece in the June 09' issue of Create and Decorate. It is a handpainted gourd birdhouse. If you go to www.createanddecorate.com
you will be able to see my gourd. Thanks again for checking in and have a Blessed Easter...

Long time no see!

2009-03-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have been burried in work! Just a few more days and I get to see my husbands smiling face again. Seven months is a long time to be away from a loved one. I just want to say to all of the spouses of the deployed if you have to go longer than 7 months I am so sorry. I am very thankful for my husband and his pride and honor. He is a great man as are others whom are deployed. (Men and Women) I just would like to take the time to thank each and every deployed Marine, Sailor, Soldier and even civilians that are amongst this for their commitment to our safety and protection. I would also like to thank the spouses whom are home waiting for their loved ones to return. May God wrap you all in his arms and give you comfort.
Now with that said what I have been doing...No pics please! Can't do that but I can tell you it will be in the Fall issue of Create and Decorate...It will light up your day.
I am working on a bucket for a friend in Ohio! I will be able to post pics of it. So be looking for that. Thank you all for reading and checking in on what I am doing. It makes my day to get messages from my readers. If you have questions please feel free to ask I will help you as much as I possibly can. If I don't know how to do something I will certainly research it and find out if possible. Have a wonderful Wednesday! Spring is coming hang in there let's get rid of these Winter Blues!

Good Thursday to all...

2009-02-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

No I haven't painted today...or yesterday....but I did do something constructive. I cleaned. I don't know if you have seen my latest for Create and Decorate. But there it is in the side bar. The little gourd eggs. I have to say that might be one of my favorites. I really enjoyed painting those little guys. I am gonna have to get in my paint room and get started on my next submission. I also have a bucket that I will be painting here real soon. It's for an order and I will post pics as I go so you can see from beginning to end. I love doing those because you get to see what it doesn't look like in the beginning and then it turns into something in the end. That so fascinates me. So keep peeking in on me and we shall see a bucket in progress.

Have a great evening fellow blog readers.

Linda

I got a Lemonade out of Lemons Award! Yahoo! Love ya gals!

2009-02-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

I was given an award by two wonderful people that I have had the pleasure of meeting through crafting. They have been a part of my life in sad and happy times just through meeting on a auction sight. Probably more so than I have theres. They just don't know how they lifted my spirits through these last months. I just want to say "Thank you both." Below are the two talented and kind ladies whom nominated me...Check out their wonderful creations.
www.daizydonnas.blogspot.com
www.pinehollowprimitives.blogspot.com
Here are the rules:
1.Put the logo award on your page.
2.Link the person or persons as I did from your blog that gave you the award.
3.Link ten blogs that you are awarding.
www.brush-strokes-n-stitches.blogspot.com
www.misspootsiesprimitives.blogspot.com
www.onceinabluemoonprimitives.blogspot.com
www.rantsbybebe.blogspot.com
www.kimhardtoriginals.blogspot.com
www.patientlywaitingforkarlee.blogspot.com

That's all I've got for now. These are all special people to me and the ladies whom awarded me.

6 More Weeks!

2009-02-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to say that Puxatony Phil saw his shadow...More snow, more rain, and more cold. But hold on Springs coming, pretty flowers, Easter Bunnies, all these beautiful things will be coming to let us know there is light at the end of the snow tunnel. I have been working outside of the home lately so not much painting going on. I am missing my paintbrushes and paint. I did get a shipment in of new paints and brushes so I am super excited. But as we all know I am always excited when it comes to painting. Just a little bit till my hubby gets home. No Valentine this year but hopefully he will be home before "Warm Weather" really gets here. I hope everyone out there in blog world is surving our slow economy keep your heads up because it will work its self out. When in doubt get out a paint brush and experiament with some paints who knows what lies at the end of those fingertips. Have a nice evening fellow bloggers.
Linda

Cupid...

2009-01-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ok here's the pics of the Valentine Hang Tags....There in order of painting. The first picture I have floated the edges of the tags, and then I transfer my pattern. I draw a pattern of my own and then using tracing paper and transfer paper put the design on multiple tags. Once transferred I will begin basecoating the wings, body, and bottom...then I will do his hair. You will see as the pics go on.
Once I have basecoated everything I will proceed to shading to add definition to the little guy. As you can see in his wings I used a French Grey Blue to define the feathers. Then after all floating is done I will add specific details, ie Love and Cupids Bow and arrow. I will also float on the outer right a darker brown to add depth to cupid. You will see as the pics go on.
As you can see in the picture above I have added some Sweet Annie to the Hang tags. This is just something to give the little tags character and more smell. Hope you enjoy if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Have a good evening.
Some how the pics got reversed. I will come back in and fix it. Be patient with me...I'm not a pro at blogging hehe!

Monday! Monday!

2009-01-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon friends and the curious. I had to work this morning at my other "JOB". So no fun stuff this morning but I am home now and it's off to the paint room. I am going to be working on some hang tags for an order that I have received. They chose Winter (my favorite snowmen) and Valentines. I am excited. So I will get those started and take pics for you guys. The first thing that I do to them is antique them with my coffee, vanilla and cinnamon mix. I boil coffee grounds vanilla and cinnamon on top of the stove then I start the dipping process. After they have set in the mix for a bit, I take them out and place them on a cookie sheet and place them in the oven at the lowest temp. Two hundred is a good one. Make sure to keep an eye on them because they can burn and well then now you have a new not so pleasant odor for them. lol. I know because I have done this. Trial and error is my motto. Then after they are dried I begin painting. I will float the edges to make them look even older. The color depends on the inner design. So I am going to get busy I think I will do the Valentines first. I am so ready to be warm and not think about snow...or cold...Not that I'm seeing snow here in Southern California it's beautiful here today, maybe that's why I don't want to work on snowmen...hehe...Love is in the air...Well have a wonderful day!

Linda

Winter Blues

2009-01-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

Good day to all...I thought I would put some jumpy music on here to brighten up everyones day. I am fortunate enough to have Sunshine and Blue skies! But I know my fellow Northeasterners and others are having the winter blahs...So here's some fun music to brighten up everyones day. I know I've been absent from the blog world, but I have been painting. I painted a gourd for DecoArt and submitted it for there website. I haven't heard back yet to see if it has been accepted so cross your fingers. If it's not I will post a pic of it for all to see. It is too cute. Can I say that even if it is my own creation? hehe...My daughter even liked it and for a teenager thats quite a compliment I must say. Most of the time she just says "ah that's nice". But not this time. The hearts and minds of teenagers if we can win them over we have found a way to conquer the world. I have also painted some springy shabby chic coasters. I am going to try and get them into a magazine as well so no pics at this time...But I will be painting some other items that I will be posting pics of. I have finally gotten back into the groove of painting. Funny how that works because of course now I have a job. So time is limited on painting. Hmmmm if I could of just gotten back into the groove before I got a job then I wouldn't of had to of gotten a job. Lifes funny mysteries. Just a couple more months and my lovey will be home. I can't wait, once again my teenager never seems to stop surprising me, she can't wait for him to get home either. (She must really be bored}. Well that's an update of what's going on here. Times a ticking so maybe I should head to the infamous paint room....Good day to all!

I haven't been here in AWHILE...eek!

2009-01-03T17:28:00.001-08:00

How is everyone in the blog world doing. I have been traveling for the holidays. I went to Texas for a brief period. I hadn't been home for Christmas in 8 years. So I thought it was time to go there for the holidays. It's different now but that's how life is. Now I'm back and seem to be a little more organized. I am going to hit the paint room hard this year. I have to focus. I hope everyone got a glimpse of my article in Create and Decorate. It hit the stands in December. I will post a link.
www.createanddecorate.com
There will be another one to come out in February. I placed a pic in the top right hand corner. Create and Decorate is a great magazine to teach you many things including painting. Enjoy.

Time passes...Thanksgivings coming!

2008-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been faithful on here everyday. I have been glued to the TV watching the during and after elections. It is a day that will be writtend down in our history books. It is a day that we hopefully have taken down the racial barriers that have haunted the American people for many years. Now with that said lets talk about the holidays coming up.

I haven't been painting as much as I would like to or should. I have been distracted by a little guy. He's 14 months old and well that's the age where they are SUPER curious about everything you are doing. He loves my paint room and well frankly I do to, that's why I try to keep him out of there. Hehe.

Some of my favorite things about the upcoming holidays are the delectible foods. Thanksgiving is and always has been a great time for my family to get together. Well both of my parents have passed away in the last 3 years but the tradition still carries on. I get up at the crack of dawn on Thanksgiving Day and start cooking cornbread, and basting my turkey. I am so excited in the morning to do all of this. I will be doing it without my hubby this year because he is away for Thanksgiving. But my thoughts weigh heavy on his return. Once the dressing is prepared I stuff the Ole bird separate the skin and season and butter it. Then I place it in the roaster and the cooking begins. We have sweet potatos, mashed potatos, green bean casserold, rolls, gravy, home made dressing, and pumpkin pie. Of course don't forget my favorite beverage good olde southern sweet tea...I have to have that everyday. I just thought I would share some of our traditions with you now share with me some of the things you do for traditions.

Tuesday November 4, 2008 ELECTION DAY!

2008-11-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today is election day. It's time to set aside my work. I will be glued to the T.V. anciously waiting the results. Which we may not know for days. But none the less I will be glued. This will be an election to go down in history. So take the time out of your day to vote. You may think that it doesn't count but it does. You can make a difference especially in the swing states. So Get Out and VOTE! Let your vote be heard.

Have a great day and I have had a suggestion on something to paint so I will be doing something for Christmas. Thanks for looking in on my blog.

Monday Monday

2008-11-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Good evening to all. I haven't been painting much these last couple of weeks. The little guy that I watch won't let me. But I will get back to it and then I will give you a sneak peak of what's going to be on the website for sale. Does anyone have any requests? Well if so just tell me and I will see what I can do.
These past couple of weeks have been super busy you could say. I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago. Yep they just keep coming and you can't slow them down. I have been trying to slow down myself. But I don't think that is allowed. Well I should find something constructive to do so have a good evening everyone.

Sweet Annie Prim Hang Tags

2008-10-31T15:43:00.001-07:00

I have just finished some hang tags. I have listed them on the website so go check them out. I will post pics and if your interested grab them. They are scented and grungied up with my concoction of different spices and coffee and tea. I really enjoyed making these. They are heavily scented and also sealed for protection. I plan on doing some more as the season changes to winter I love doing those. I usually put them on my products but there great on gifts or to hang on the tree. If you would like a larger amount just email me and i'll get to work. Thank you again for looking in.

Sleeping Ginger!

2008-10-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello guys...This is a gourd that I painted early in the year. It is also a lamp. It stands 10" tall and 28" around. It is a kettle style gourd. I have painted gingerbread guys on it. With flour, and sugar bags at their feet. I am going to place on the website for sale. Get over there and check it out. It is a one of a kind. The gourd is painted all the way around with Blue velvet for the sky, and Asphaltum for the ground. The gingerbread men are different colors of browns. I know the one pic is a little blurry but I wanted you to see that it is lit up. It has the moon and stars cut out at the top. I used the famous mini tool to do this. It is a fabulous little saw. Thanks for peeking in to see what i've created again.

The Blog Collection: Apply to Join The Blog Collection

2008-10-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Blog Collection: Apply to Join The Blog Collection

I'm Finished!

2008-10-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

Well what do ya think. I finally finished it. I added a hang tag which has 2 acorns, and an oak leaf to continue the theme. It reads Fall Harvest. I also attached some homespun and sweet annie to the hang tag. I inserted a 7 watt light into the gourd. The way that I do this is using a 1" hole saw, I cut a hole in the back of the gourd. I do this before any painting begins. I also seal my gourds with gesso before I paint them. After I cut the leaves out I cleaned the gourd out. There are some places that have this cool tool to clean the inside of the gourd. One place that has them is Welbourn Gourd Farm here in Fallbrook California. I don't have one, it's on my list. I did it the hard way, scraping and using my hands. Once my gourd is finished painting and sealing I insert the light. The lights are corded and have a snap in effect. Perfect little night light. What's really neat is at night the designs that are cut out appear around your room or on your ceiling. So with this little lamp they will have leaves and acorns around there room. Well I hope you enjoyed this little project. Let me know what you think of it. If you would like me to make one for you please contact me through the comment section at the end of this post or email me. Check out my profile for my email address. Thank you again for looking on as I create. Have a great day.
Oh yea the window it's coming I'll work on it some more this week. Hang in there.

2008-10-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all. I didn't put up the pics last night. I worked on it till 12:30 last night. It isn't completely finished. I have to put a scripture on it and seal it. I also have to add a hang tag and some sweet annie to it. I also have to put the light in it. Well thank you for looking in on my blog. I hope you enjoy the pictures. The colors I used for the leaves are antique goldenrod, gingerbread, and antique moss green. I also spattered the gourd. I really like the way it turned out. Can't wait to complete it.

Gourds Gourds Gourds

2008-10-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well hello fellow bloggers...As you can tell the window is not reached any progress. What you see in the past pictures is as far as I have gotten. But I have started a gourd that I have to finish this weekend and this is what I did to it a couple of days ago. I am going to paint it as well. I have cut (with a mini saw to gauge size I placed it next to a mason jar.)out oak leaves, maple leaves, and acorns. After I got it all cleaned out I painted it with ochre and gingerbread. Now I am going to paint oak, and maple leaves also acorns on the gourd. Once it is all finished I will place a 7 watt light into it and make a little lamp. This is the beginning of what I have done. I am going to add pictures later on tonight so hang in there.
Linda

Hump Day!

2008-10-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness 2 more days till FRIDAY! Whewhoo. Well I sent out emails with my blog and my website and I get a message back from my Loving brother. What do I want your blog for What the heck is it? Hmmm well now he's going to peek in here and see that I wrote about him.
I have been scrubbing gourds in case anyone wants to know. I have tons of ideas I just need some time to put them on gourds. I like for my time to be quiet and alone for me to paint. It's like my own little world. No, one saying Mom i'm hungry, or can you cut my hair, or whatever it is that someone needs. I want some work time so to speak. Just so you know I haven't finished that window...I will and you'll be the first ones to see it...
Two more months and the magazine comes out. I am so excited I want to show you what I did but I can't. You'll just have to wait for the magazine. Create and Decorate. December issue. Well have a great day and I'll be back.

Manic Monday!

2008-10-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Well good afternoon to all. Today is a beautiful breezy day here in Southern California. I have listed some items on Etsy and Old Primitive Sisters Marketplace. Just search Lakin on etsy and when you go to the website of Old Primitive Sisters Marketplace there you will find my items.
I have been drumming up ideas for more submissions. I am thinking of something with everyones favorite...A HO! HO! I am thinking of a gourd....We'll see fellow friends. If anyone has a request for something for me to paint please let me know.
Let me see if I can think of a tip for you painters...
I find that when painting with red if you use green as a base coat then paint your red you don't have to do as many coats. It also makes your red a little deeper.
Tea staining prims...this is good information I use coffee grounds as well as a tea bag. This makes a deeper staining. I boil my tea bag and coffee grounds and then dip my item in the soup de jour so to speak. You can also add vanilla for a light scent. If I want them to look a little older I put them in the oven on the lowest setting for about 10 minutes. If I see smoke I'm in trouble.
If you have some tips you would like to share feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will post them crediting you with the tip.

Windows

2008-10-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

As you can see in the photos they are sanded down pretty good. I used 60 grit and it went so much faster. Then I'll come in and use 180 grit sandpaper to remove burs and splinters. After it is sanded down I will apply Americana lamp black paint to the whole frame. Front and Back. Then I will apply a clear mulsti purpose sealer to the glass so that the paint will adhere to the panes. I freehand my scene with either a regular pencil or a watercolor pencil. The water color pencil is the best because as you paint it disappears. Once I have finished my painting I seal it with an indoor outdoor matte varnish. Then I take and frost the back of the glass to make it look wintery or hazey. Like when your in a super warm house and its cold outside and you have the frost on the window. I will take pics as I go along so you can see this. If you have questions please comment me.

Have a great day fellow artists.

Wacky Wednesday!

2008-10-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Haha I took some pics of the window...Whewhoo! I am going to upload them for you. I finally got my belt fixed on my sander. What an accomplishment and it made sanding the old windows soooo much easier. I have recently gotten back onto the Old Primitive Sisters website. I will be selling my items on there so please check it out. It's been a little crazy around here because of the fires in Southern California. I live right behind Camp Pendleton so I have been busy preparing if we have to evacuate for the fires. I had to load up Betsy! Betsy is my husbands pride and joy. His Jeep! Anyone whom is married to a man who owns a Jeep will understand this kind of behavior. He wasn't at home so I had to do this. I loaded her up on the trailer all by myself. So she's ready to go. So that's what has prolonged the uploading and attention to my blog.
I have also listed some items on ebay. A lantern and A star. I will post pics of them as well. If you would like to see my items just go into ebay and type in OPSG in the search bar and it will bring up all the items in the group and scroll down and you will see my lantern and barn star. So here is the pics. First the window and then the lantern and star.

Thank Gosh it's FRIDAY!

2008-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Well as you last looked in you read that my belt broke and I had to get a new one. Well I got a new one and guess what! It was the wrong size...go figure. Just my luck sometimes. So I didn't finish my window...and no I didn't post the pics of it sanded. Today I will take pics of a barn star that I painted, and I promise i'll take pics of the window.

This weekend my neighbor is going to take 2 of my lanterns and a couple of stars to a show. I am excited. This will be the first things that I sell in California. I so hope they like my creations.

Did you see my logo? Well that lady on the banner is my Grama. She's the one that inspired me and her gourds are what got me started. The table she's painting at is the same table that I paint on. She was 11 years old in that picture. I loved my grandmother dearly she was one of my best friends. I learned alot from her, I spent many summers with her crafting, traveling and playing in the dirt. Those are some of my fondest memories, spent at my grandparents house. There's a little peak into where my business name came from and a little sneak at my life.

Something for sale!

2008-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have placed one of my lanterns on ETSY. You can view it if you click on the ETSY mini. Check it out.

No I haven't taken a pic of my window....I got disgusted my sanding belt broke so I have to get another one. I really want to get this started because I have a show I want to take it too...Hang in there guys.
Have an awesome day.

Lanterns....I'm Hooked!

2008-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

I painted another lantern. All I have to do is find the scripture for it sign it and seal it and it's done. I know I said I was going to do that window...Well I sanded it down. What I do is find old style windows from old houses. I sand down the old paint off the window. I then paint it with primitive looking colors, such as barn reds, blacks, deep dark greens, and mustards. Only the wood part. Once that is done I start on the paynes,I frostt the paynes then I paint a wintery snowman scene, or a fNew England style scene. In the am I will take a pic of the unsanded side, then the sanded side. I did at least sand it...So tomorrow you will see the start...Have a great evening ladies and fellas..

Ahhhh! It cooled off today!

2008-10-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day I had today. The weather was like fall, cool and crisp, what a refreshing day. I have been painting away. I have a barnstar that I finished. It has a snowman on it. I'll just post a pic. I started on the window that I am going to paint. I sanded two edges, the paint is really thick and old. I don't want to use a paint stripper because that is such a harsh chemical. So I just sand away. I will take pics I promise so you can see what I do. Trust me it is a slow process. But the finished product is so worth it. Well it's late and I really should be sleeping so good night to all. I'll leave you with a pic of my barn star.

What I've been doing besides melting from the heat!

2008-10-01T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone! I have been painting...hahahaha! I have some pics for you guys. I am sending these with my neighbor to a craft show here in San Diego. I am trying to paint and watch a little guy at the same time, which if anyone of you have little ones, you know this is virtually impossible....But I have succeeded. haha! But as you can see I have only done 2 lanterns. I have some old windows that I would like to get out and sand down then paint. Maybe this afternoon I will do that. I'll take some pics of the process so you can see. Whewhoo sounds like fun huh. Ok here's my lanterns enjoy. The Halloween one was inspired by Deb Richey...She's a very talented artist and I really admire her work.

2008-09-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well I gave up on bingo. Maybe next time. I have finished a lantern. I haven't decided if I want to put it on Ebay or Etsy? What do you think. I am going to post a pic of it. Let me know your opinions as well of the lantern.

Website

2008-09-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Just letting you guys know i'm working on a website. I don't know how long these things take. But i'm trying to get one done so people can have access to my work. I am also gonna get on Etsy here someday. So be looking for updates. Remember I have a piece in the February issue of Create and Decorate which hits the stands in December. I also have a piece in the April issue which comes out in February. Be looking for them. I will keep you posted.

Have a great day.

Linda

Wednesday! Whoohoo!

2008-09-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

It's getting closer to the weekend. I am excited I am going to get to paint some more. Has anyone thought about Bingo? Just checking. Don't forget to put your name on the list just leave me a comment so i'll know. I haven't figured out what i'm going to paint. How about an Snowman gourd ornament? Or some wooden tags? Those are cute. I'll look for a pic and you guys let me know if you wanna play. There will be 30 words and i'll list a few each day. I'll pull them out of a hat. Let's get a game going. If you win how bout you choose? I'll do 3 wooden hang tags, and I'll do one gourd ornament and you pick.

Have a good day!

Fun Fun Fun Bingo Anyone?

2008-09-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Good morning to my fellow artists and bloggers, woops noon. HeHe. I have fervently been painting on my submission this morning. I think the hardest part is doing the instructions. I have a giant pad of paper on my paint table which as I go along I write down the instructions. Then after all is said and done I try to decipher them and put them on my computer. I have five items that I am painting. They consists of the more Primitive New England style. I so wish I could share with you. But I can't you'll just have to check out the magazine. Remember to get the February issue in December of Create and Decorate to see my project in that one. It's a fun project and very useful.

Let's play a game. Would you guys be interested in Bingo? Maybe for a PRIZE? How about the prize being something hand painted from me. I'll think of something and post the idea and then we'll play BINGO and whom ever wins gets the item? All whom would like to play send me a comment and I will give it a week and then I'll post a list of words, you pick your words then email me with your list. Then we will commence the Bingo Game! Sound like fun? We play in my ebay group and it's a blast. How about a word jumble for today. No prize just something for funsies to get us in the mood.

1. wsearccor
2. laenolhew
3. tvaehrs
4. lgnosib
5. tsleekno

There's your list have fun....Remember this is just to get us in the mood so come on join the fun.

2008-09-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

What AN Honor! Thank You for the Nomination!

I have been selected for a Primitive Excellence Award by Lisa from Brush Strokes *N* Stitches. I am flattered and Motivated. Thank you so much and I will definately pass on an awsome reward. Again Thank You and God Bless You.
Now then, to uphold my end of receiving the award, I must pick 7 friends/blogs to nominate. Plus, the following:

*Put the logo on your blog.
*Add a link to the person who awarded you.
*Nominate at least seven other blogs.
*Add links to those blogs on your blog.
*Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

This is the hard part because there are so many talented artist out there. Here are my nominees:
1. Kim of Kim Hardt Originals. Very talented and creative person. I love her blog. http://www.kimhardtoriginals.blogspot.com/
2. Helena of Snow Pond Primitives what a fun blog. http://helenacstudios.typepad.com/snow_pond_primitives/
3. Penny of Miss Pootsies Primitives. You have to go over and look at her TTIBS. Teenie Tiny Iddie Biddies. Cutest prim little biddies....http://misspootsiesprimitives.blogspot.com/
4. Kelly from Once in a Blue Moon Primitives. Such an imagination and wonderful work. http://onceinabluemoonprimitives.blogspot.com/
5. Diane from Prims N More. She's got a great blog full of information and awesome prims. http://primsnmore.blogspot.com/
6. Stephanie from Sunshine N Ravioli. Such a talented artist. I love her work such an inspiration. Fellow military wife as well. http://sunshinenravioli.blogspot.com/
7. Gloria from Lowell Country Designs. Very Primitive artist great dolls. If you Love Mohair and Wool check her out. http://lowellcountrydesigns.blogspot.com/

These are my nominees....Awesome talented artists very inspiring and encouraging.

Time gets away from Us!

2008-09-21T16:57:00.001-07:00

I am sorry I have been missing in action. Life gets in the way sometimes of the things that we love so much. I haven't been much of a painter lately. I did get my submision in for Create and Decorate on time. Now I am trying to beat another deadline, I have till October 1st. I was searching google with my name and low and behold there were many spots mentioning my name. I almost feel guilty because I have been away so long. Sometimes we just have to focus on our passion and go with it no matter what anyone says. I have just lost my focus always trying to please others and not following my passion. Here lately there have been many reminders of what my passion is and to follow it well here I am trying to get back on track. Thank you all for supporting me and reading my blog. It means so much to me. Never let go of your dreams, they were instilled in us for a reason. Thanks again.

God Bless All!

Hello Strangers

2008-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

Long time no Blog! I have been going to school and have had visitors for the last couple of weeks. Whew I am tired. I am almost finished with my submission to Create and Decorate. Look for it in Dec 08'. It is a cool magazine for those of your artsy crafty folks. It is a great learning device of many types of crafts. Sewing painting and many many more. Check out there website. WWW.Createanddecorate.com. I wish I could post pics of the submission but no no that's not allowed.

Well let's see when my visitors came we went all over Southern California. We saw the Queen Mary, Venice Beach, Olde Town San Diego....We went all over the place. Holy Cow. I had to take a vacation from my vacation. LOL! Venice Beach was different I must say. Quite interesting certainly things you don't see in the Midwest.

Alas School! I have started going to school. It is an at home program which is good it allows me to do the things I love and well some of the things that I don't. I am trying to get organized and schedule my time to where I can paint more and do school as well. It is hard to get organized. Maybe I should say motivated...to get organized. Well thanks for stopping in to hear my goings on.

2008-06-25T12:55:00.001-07:00

Tip #1 when I am applying my base coats I tend to do a mix of 3 to 1 color and water. This way I get a smooth even coat. It may take 2-3 coats but it saves your piece from getting weighted down and also prevents the lines.

Tip #2 If you do end up with lines or high edges from your brush strokes you can take a paper bag and go over it to smooth it out some in between applications of paint. (Make sure no printing is on the part of the bag you are using.) Sometimes you have to lightly sand it. But if you use my base coat technique it prevents obvious brush strokes.

Tip #3 I keep a washcloth at my paint station I use it to clean my brushes as I am painting. It's washable and I can use it over and over. I also keep a rather large container of water right next to my rag. Makes it easy for floating and washing...

If you have any tips you would like to share please post them here for others to see. I have others I'll just have to think of them. Have a great day!

New Day!

2008-06-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

Good Friday MORNING!

2008-06-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's bright and early for me. I have been up sense 3:00 am, and I have to say I am tired. My mind is just running wild and I can't sleep. I have been working on my magazine submission and I have to say I just can't stop thinking about what I am going to do next. I am so looking forward to turning it in. I wish I could share the details but shhh it's a secret. It has given me some wonderful ideas which sparked my creativity. I am looking forward to getting busy and listing some things on etsy. Hope all is well out there in blogging land.

The other things on my plate are I am going to go to school! Holy cow! Just something else to do. I remember my grama saying don't put too many irons in the fire because nothing will get done...It will I'm on a schedule...at least I think I am.

Have a wonderful Friday!

I'm back in the saddle again!!!!

2008-06-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone in the blogging world. I have been away for a little while I have been moving...no fun at all. I have to say that I am so happy where I am living now. I was living on base and well thats just a whole different world I must say. I like it here we have a fenced in back yard and I sit on my back patio and just listen to the birds and relax. On base all you ever heard were crows which was interesting at first then it became creepy. Now I hear other types of birds singing and just chirping along. Its really nice.

I finally got my paint room organized and I have started on my project for Create and Decorate which will be out in Dec. 08 (very excited about that). I would love to tell you what it is but I can't do that...It's a surprise. I am going to start in the next couple of weeks listing some things on Etsy. My etsy name is gramasgourdsandprim. I couldn't fit my whole name, so I just shortened it a little. So when I get some things listed i'll let ya know. I hope all is well for everyone.

I do have to tell you that my daughter sings in choir and they went to Disneyland to Music in the Parks to sing and they took 1st place...which was awesome. This was also our first time going to Disneyland and I have to say I had a really good time. I was surround by a group of adults whom turned into kids because my daughter and I had never been to Disneyland. They were great for example...Oh we have to take you here and oh you have to see this. We had a great time.

Hello Strangers

2008-05-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

How is everyone out in the crafting world. I have learned that via HGTV.com you can show your crafts. It is really cool and what a way to advertise where you are selling your product. I am learning all kinds of things. I haven't been in here lately to blog because I am packing moving out of base housing. Whewhoo...can't wait to be out and have a yard. I'm lovin it. Maybe then I can get some painting done. I have my gourds prepped and ready for paint I just haven't had time. I did do the yardsale 2 weeks ago and sold $10 worth of stuff. People weren't buying the neighborhood had poor sales. People are holding onto there green money is tight and we're not quite sure where the economy is going. Hang in there people it's all gonna be allright. The Lord feeds the birds he'll feed us. Remember that. Well have a great rest of the evening I am going to hit the hay.

2008-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well it's Wednesday and I have been working on some Trees...I know I know it's not Christmas but these don't just have to be for Christmas. Although the ones I was working on were. Today I'm gonna work up a sheep tree...Everyone loves those adorable little sheep. I have got to get busy on my projects for the mags...I am waiting on paint which is never fun. How bout I post my trees so you can take a look tell me what ya think. Ok i'll take some pics...give me a minute. Ok here goes my pics enjoy. See I'm doing something. Well have a great day and oh wait UPS is here maybe it's my paint....Whewhoo I can't wait hold on let's go see..Nevermind he went to the neighbors. Shoot I don't know if Browns on my side...hehe Have a great day.

2008-04-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone it is a beautiful day here in Southern California. It is a bout 71 outside and I love it. Can't say I have been painting at all but I have been getting ready for a garage sale coming up this weekend. It will be a neighborhood sale so everyone come that is around. It is in Scripps Ranch which is located in San Diego California. Here is a link for directions http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/eve/622985100.html. Just copy and paste it and put in your tool bar. Or google Scripps Ranch Garage sales. I will have some of my painted items as well as other things that I put together. I actually got some things organized this weekend getting ready for the garage sales. So maybe it will be easier to get around in that paint room and get paintin...

Heres a tip for the day...What I use for staining my muslin or cardstocks or hang tags. I get a large stew pot fill it with water add 2 tea bags, coffee and vanilla it makes a great stain then I bake it or dry it on 200 in the oven. Not too long though because you'll burn up your products...