I've been Crafty!!

First up is something I made for me. I don't do a whole lot of that, so you should be impressed. Last week, Karen over at Misses Kwitty had this FABULOUS tip about using stick glue when trying to get something to stay in place that pins just wouldn't work right on. Well she was right!! I woke up early yesterday and made this for me:



Isn't it cute?? I've been just cramming my hooks into yarn balls that were not in use, but that's not always a good thing. Karen's tip worked wonders as it made it easier to tack the ribbons and set the material. Thank you so much!!

Next up is a hat and scarf set that I put together for Miss Pinks. I am SO in love with this set!! The color is really a pretty purple, but it looks blue in the photo. (also, I'm washing sheets, so not one word about the naked bed!)



The pattern for the hat was plain, but with the curly scarf, I wanted to add a little flair, so I added a ruffle to the trim.



She loved it!! Hubs even thought it turned out well and it didn't take me that long to do, so this may be a set you see again before this winter is out.

Well, this may be my last post for a little while. They are going to induce labor tomorrow morning so I'll be at home snuggling with my new son. I'll try to post photos of him and at least give an update, but you know how that labor thing goes! Please, say a prayer or wish me luck. I'll see you guys when I'm Momma X 2!!!

Much Love,
Pinky!

Something Cool for the Whole Family

A while back, Hubs and I were driving on backroads through Mississippi when we passed what we thought was a giant movie screen. After turning around in someone's driveway, we made it back and indeed! It was a giant movie screen! We had found a Drive In Movie Theater! And it was in operation!! OMG! For nearly 2 years, 5 bucks a piece would find us an hour from home and watching double features on a giant drive in movie screen. We saw Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Batman Begins and a slew of other movies that we either laughed at, gasped at, or talked avidly about on the way home. Watching a car load of teenage girls scream their heads off: priceless.

Every Thursday I would call the movie line to see what was showing. We would make plans, gas up the car and head out. Until one weekend I called and it was closed early. Then, I called again the next weekend and I got the dreaded "beep, beep, beep! We're sorry, this number has been temporarily disconnected." Hubs and I were upset, to say the least. We thought maybe they had just closed down for the winter months. I tried again in the Spring and I didn't even get the "temporary" message. Our drive in was gone.

I honestly thought about crying. Hubs and I enjoy the movies, but not all the people, the price, the overinflated everything. At the drive in, we paid FIVE DOLLARS each to watch 2 movies. New movies! Drinks were a buck and candy was still fifty cents, if you can even believe in such a world. The old speaker boxes didn't work, but they broadcast the movie on a FM line, so you tuned in on your car radio. If you have a giant sub woofer and loud speakers, like we do in the Jeep, well then you were in for quite a show. We would leave it tuned in while we drove away so that you could still hear the movie music while driving down the road. Man, I miss that place.

Yesterday, we were in a town close to where the drive in had been and I said to Hubs, "Hey, wouldn't it be cool if the drive in was open again!" We both agreed that it would be really cool, but I had lost that number to a cell phone change a year ago. I came home a little sad all over again. But by some oddity in the world, things changed direction for me. I was reading a Better Homes and Gardens article about things to do during the summer. I had skimmed it a few times, saw about the zoos, thought " yeah, I should do that" then opened the article all the way. Tucked in the crease of the page was a title that said "Go To A Drive In Movie"! Wow, was I stunned! Even better than that was this link right here: www.driveinmovie.com. If you click that link, you will be taken to a current listing of every known drive in across the United States!

And I found quite a few left here in Mississippi. Not ours, sadly, it has gone dark. But there is history about a lot of the places still left and all kinds of information. So, grab the kids, waste some gas and go do something that will build awesome memories. I know we will!!

WHEW! I finally have time to update this thing!!

I've been MEGA busy. By far the busiest I have been in about 6 months. It's been mostly good busy. Here is one thing that made the craziness worth it:

Miss Pinks had her first dance recital!!! Doesn't she look beautiful? They had the moms hopping at dress rehearsal and the night of, but it was worth it. I was SO nervous before she went on for her first dance. I knew she knew the dance, it was just mom jitters. Her and her class did super well and they all got ribbons with medals on them at the end of the show! My mom gave her roses and then we all went out to eat. We almost took up a whole row at the show! Lots of love for the princess.

Friday, I got older and celebrated my 32nd birthday! It was so scheduled with work, school obligations, rehearsals, etc. that I didn't get to do as much as I would have liked. My dear friend took me out to eat and gave me presents! Very cool. My fam had a small party for me crammed in between everyone getting here and the dance recital. I did take pamper me day on Wednesday, so that was good. Hubs bought me a portable fan, let's face it, I'm hot all the time now, and a book I've been wanting for a year, but wouldn't buy for myself!

Tomorrow is the day we get the ultrasound!!! So you know that I'll be posting at least one more day this month. I'm getting REALLY big and am ready to know exactly what has been kung fu fighting in my tummy. VERY ACTIVE BABY. Plus, we find out if there are 2. Exciting, huh?

Alright, that's it, I've got paperwork to do, clothes to fold, me to bathe and go to work. Doesn't that wear you out just thinking about all that? It does me!! Have a good one!

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky

I'm awake, and I don't really want to be, but I've got lots of pictures to share!

I don't know what's gotten into me! I've been sleeping well lately, but my hip started hurting tonight and I just HAD to get out of the bed. Remember how I told you all about my knee problems? Well, it doesn't affect just my knees, it gets a lot of my bones and since I have been preggers with the Pod, my hip is acting up. It's quite irritating, to be honest, because it only acts up really bad on days when I have already felt bad and have been lying down. I took some Tylenol earlier today and I don't want to take anymore, so I guess I'll just have to stick it out.

I will share a sneak into some of my new jewelry! I wanted to make a lot more today, but it just didn't happen. Miss Pinky has decided (after a little mom persuasion) to move into what used to be the guest bedroom. She gets a great, big bed and a MUCH larger room. She's decided to let the Pod take her smaller room. Especially since we bought her a neon pink, satin bedspread, she's all good. But, I did a little too much moving stuff over. Jewelry preview!

There are actually three new pieces in this group. And a sideways shot of my messy work area. I really like the way the necklace turned out. It's a bold piece without being overbearing with color. I think with the natural shells it's a much more elegant design. I also connected the pieces together with an unusual technique. I'm reopening the store Monday, April 7th, so stop by and see all the new stuff!

Okay, I know that I told you a while back about a dining room suit that hubs' grandmother left him when she passed. Well, we finally got it moved into the house! I'm still cleaning on it, but it's so beautiful and ornate!! I really didn't think I would like something with this much detailing, but it's really gorgeous. Pictures!

These are the side chairs and one of the captain's chairs. The leather on the seats is worn a little thin, but for being and 80 year old set, I think it looks pretty swell! Here is the buffet:

I just think this piece is magnificent. The way the front comes out to a point is just beautiful to me. Plus, all the detail in the woodwork is downright amazing. Here are some close ups:

The buffet



Side Chair



Captain's Chair

A dear friend of mine loaned me this miracle cleaner/waxer to use on the furniture and it truly is amazing. I know with all the detail, the chairs will take me forever to polish and clean, but they are going to be so gorgeous when they are done. Here is the set together. Ignore my naked walls! i have things that are going there, I just haven't gotten that far yet. You can see the side chest (?) peeking out in the corner. I couldn't seem to get a great shot, but you get the idea. When the leaves are pulled out, it sits 8 comfortably.

I guess that's it! I had a lot more to say than I thought. huh. I hope you enjoyed all the shots and have a wonderful day!

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky!

New Work!

I think I've got the background and lighting that I want to make me okay with my pictures. I did these this morning. I've been scoping out how the sun comes in and seeing what seems to be the best time of day. I like to use natural light if possible. Up first, a silly painting I did called "Mad Fran". I don't know what she's so mad about, but I wouldn't ask her! I may end up doing more in this series. Cheap paintings done with acrylic, but lots of fun!

I have this crocheted cuff that I did. It's in a lovely plum colored chenille. VERY soft. I couldn't figure out what to do for a button and then I remembered I had this great snowflake. I made it so that the cuff gets smaller as it goes around, so that it ends in a point. I'm liking asymmetrical lately.

Next up is a funky pair of earrings that I did a while back, I just had to decide if I like them or not. I do. Black disks balanced on burgundy wire with an few cool dangles at the top. They hang about one and a half inches. (they are a little dusty in the picture. sorry about that!)

I had purchased beads to be in a winter beading challenge, but after I found out about the Pod, then got so sick with the Pod, I didn't get to finish the challenge. So, I dismantled the piece I was working on and made this really pretty memory wire bracelet. Full of Czech beads, frosted beads, pressed flowers and faceted glass. I think this one turned out quite beautiful.

Last, but not least, my absolute favorite. I may create one for me. This is a red leather cuff that has been machine stitched down one side and clasps in front with an awesome hook and eye closure. I sewed the hook on by hand, not easy in leather! Very modern style, but oh so silky on. Look!!

On my fuzzy arm!

So, that's what's the newest! I really luuuuuuuv that last cuff. LOVE! I've got some other crochet pieces in the works, but it's going to be 70 degrees here today, it's hard to get motivated on some of those. And, since my machine sewed so easily through that leather, I have a pieced together cuff that I want to do. Well, I've got to get up to the office and do some paperwork. I hope you all have enjoyed the new product preview!! Have a Happy Hump Day!!

LOOK WHAT I DID!!!!

OMG! I'm so excited about this!! Yesterday I bought a pattern and some material and I made this!

I made this dress for Miss Pinky, TODAY! Ir's been a while since a sewing machine and I had a relationship, but I must say, so far so good. I am SO proud of myself!! WOOO! Now I'm really excited that I bought maternity patterns. This was my test run and it turned out perfect.

I'm going to post pics on Flickr! Hope everyone has a great night!!

I'll bet you guys are wondering...

how it is that I'm posting so much lately? Well, the answer to that is easy. I had a few problems and I'm being forced to chill out. Keep in mind what a difficult thing this is for me to do. But, I do want this little Pod, so I don't really have a choice. What's nice is that I'm going to be able to create more jewelry, get into sewing like I want to and I have already made 2 blankies for my daughter's stuffed animal, Bunny. You can see Bunny in this shot:

I know you can see the bears, the white bunny and the big dog. Look closely to the one she's clutching onto in slumber, that would be Bunny. He's already had one leg replacement surgery and we've tried to clean him, but his fur is matted with love. I had one or two favorites like that and I'm glad she has one, too.

This Saturday (or was is Sunday?) we turned a plain old box into a two story townhouse for Bunny. Complete with construction paper ceiling fans, tables, toothbrush and toothpaste and a wide screen television. Oh, yeah. Bunny had a party later with all his friends and they stayed up and watched football. You just can't beat that.

Excitement!

I have to admit, I've been waiting on this for too long. Hubby and I are ridiculous fans and I cannot wait to see this on May 22nd!! This is totally going to be my birfday present:



I think it's a little funny that Indiana eludes to the fact that he is seriously getting old and that it's not like it used to be. I only hope that they don't do that too much through the movie, it could wear on me.

In oddly related news, Hubs and I have been hashing out names for the Pod. I told him that I really like the name Jackson, but he named his dog that. Hubs points out that in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Dr. Jones, Sr. remarks that they named the dog Indiana. "I always like that dog" was the response from our fav Indy, so who knows what fate awaits the Pod. Named after a dog? Just maybe....

Halloween Cuteness!

WOOO HOOO!!

I finally got my camera dock!! I uploaded 212 pictures tonight! I"M SO HAPPY!! Here are just a few highlights:

My hubby is so cute. I cut myself out of that picture. OMG! I'm so happy!! I'll post more later. HOORAYYYYYY!

Paying It Forward.

Just in case you don't know what paying it forward is, it's where someone does something nice/helpful/cool/generous for you asking nothing in return but for you to do the same for someone else. Well, I have been given that opportunity! Christine at the wonderful Paper and Cloth posted a PIF on her blog and I was the lucky recipient. Here are the rules nabbed from her blog:

The 'pay it forward' rules are:
1) anyone with a blog can join;
2) the first three people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade goody from me and I have 365 days in which to send it to you;
3) in return, you have to pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

I know that not everyone makes handmade goodies, so please pay it forward in whatever form of kindness that you can. I'm proud to be a part of something that has the potential to spread joy all over the world. Join in with me and lets spread the love!

HUGS and LOVE,
Pinky

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to AMBER!
Look at her! Isn't she just GORGEOUS?!?
I cannot express to all of you in the internet world what a joy and honor it is for me to know her. She is beautiful on the inside with a HUGE heart, a caring soul and she's just a magnificent friend. My only regret is that we don't live closer to each other! HA!

My dearest friend, I wish you happiness beyond your dreams. I wish you joy that fills your heart to overflowing. I wish you true friends and love in your life, always.
May the sun shine upon you today in celebration of that day you came into the world.
HUGS and TONS of love to you on this very special day!!

My love to you,
Pinky

I want to post a picture

But sometimes, I don't remember what all I have posted. That and some of my pictures are lame to me. Anyhoo, here is one that I don't think I have shared, mainly because it isn't mine!

This is "Miranda the Tempest" by John William Waterhouse and is by far and away my most favorite of his works. When I first started working at Neblett's, I framed this picture. It had the white all around it with the words on the bottom and I literally just stuck it in a frame. It was the very first picture I ever framed all by myself. I carried it everywhere with me, to each place I lived because it just held something special for me. When I left the store 5 years ago, I bought a really fancy custom frame, texturized to painting to look like an oil and framed it one last time.

It was the first picture I ever did and the last one I did when I left. She gives me closure on that time and joy for still being with me when I start all over again.

This is the first picture I framed when I got back:

Thanks, Jared, for being the start of new memories. :)

Hugs and much love, Pinky!

I have good news!!

You see, I've been worried that since I bought the framing business, I would have to close my Etsy shop. I haven't made anything new since, well, forever and you all know that it's been killing me. I found out today that I can keep my shop open, just tuck it under the wings of my framing business! Isn't that fabulous???

OH, I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I have totally quit marketing my Etsy shop, stopped making jewelry and had started giving up on even being able to keep it. NOW, I know I don't have to and I want to make some more jewelry! WOOOO!

I hope that everyone is having a super Wednesday!! HUGS and much, much love!
~Pinky!

OH! To be so honored

Mrs. Kwitty bestowed a high honor on me and I wanted to share. It left me blushing with her kindness. I will compile my list soon, don't you worry!

See? Isn't she fabulous?? It made me feel like a queen today. Thank you so very much. HUGS to you Mrs. Kwitty!!

(p.s. I bought my book cover to work today so I could read on my lunch break! heeheehee! )

Quickie!

Most of the frames in the floor. We had to take them down to paint!

Walls, pre-paint = GROSS!

New Paint! You can see where we stopped.
There is a reason to that, don't you worry.

New Walls! Hubby is such a badass.

Custom chops still in the floor. It was quite a mess!

That just about ends day 2. All the frames are up now and I'll post pictures of that later.
I'm off to a market to buy more stuff! WOO!!
Hugs-N-Luv!
~Pinky!

The Destruction!

Some of these pictures are from the first deconstruction, most are from today. WOO! It's a mess in there! And, sadly, yes I did just get home. I know, it's 11:00 p.m., but there is much work to be done and we are re-opening on August 1st. Just like John Wiggins said, "I can sleep when I'm dead."

These are the two of the old counters that we took out.

This is the Mamma-Jamma Supa Awesome Wall Cutter!!

End of Phase I renovation. MUCH more room!
(See my new rug! pretty...)

Well, I guess that's all for now. I have more to show you, but Blogger is being funny and won't let me upload anymore. Oh well. We're working tomorrow so I'll have more to post by then, anyway.

HUGS-N-LUV!
~Pinky!

One of my favorites...

Artist Spotlight

I wanted to take a minute to tell you about an artist that I have been totally in love with for quite some time. Her name is Zindy and I've never met her nor have I bought anything, but I adore her art all the same. She is talented beyond words with pencil, coal and paints. What gets me the most is the raw emotion that she manages to capture. She brings forth strong emotions that blow my mind. Like sadness, elation, grief, anger. I've always heard that getting emotion onto paper is one of the hardest things an artist can do. Well, I think she's doing pretty well. Here are just a few from her site:

Not only does she do a fantastic job at people, check out this drawing of Josh Holloway from Lost:

Pretty amazing, huh? Check her out and I can promise you, you won't be disappointed.

Hugs-N-Luv ~ Pinky!