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!

Too Much To Do

It's the dreaded April 15th!! But, luckily, we have all personal and business related taxes complete. Good for us. But, I still feel like I have too much to do today. I didn't go to work yesterday, so all that falls on today! I need a shower, I need to do Miss Pinky's laundry, I need to clean the kitchen, I need to order frames, I need to finish the schedule, I need to fuss at people about payment. You see what I'm talking about? It starts out innocent, like needing a shower, then in spirals into all kinds of crap! But, it all hinges on the shower. You can't tackle a day like today being dirty!

In other news, I'm working on a painting that I hope turns out like I want. I really do. It's been a while since all the pieces fell together in my head to create something cool. My brother wrote a short story called Chopping Tulips and it's the source of the inspiration. Read it if you have the time, it's consuming. I had a picture in my head of something that I wanted to paint, but it wouldn't come together. After reading the story, it clicked. A very LOUD click. It's one of those painting that is going to be messy, but a great release.

As I said earlier, I have to get a shower, so I better get my butt in gear. sigh. I just don't want to! But, I have to. Hugs, love and all that jazz.

~Pinky

Getting Ready

I've got a ton going on today. I think I've lined up 5 interviews today! What was I thinking?? I've got one girl who will be leaving next week and one that will be gone at the end of the month. Sigh, the joys of running a business.

What I think is funny is how loose people get in the mouth. A friend of mine was shopping in a local store when she overheard one of the girls saying she was going to interview at my frame shop. So, naturally, my friend listened closely. She talked about if she got the job she was soooooo outta there (talking about her current employment). She also gabbed on about her current boss and how crappy the work was. All the while sitting on a stool and not asking my friend if she needed help with her purchases. Living in a small town has it's advantages. I almost asked my friend if she wanted me to come to the store and shop, too, but didn't. OH! But wouldn't that have been grand! I wouldn't have told that girl who I was and just SURPRISE at the interview. People never cease to amaze me.

In other work related news, I have my new shop banner up! Here is what it looks like:

I know, that's a little small, but you get the idea. I dropped the "wearable" out of it and just made it into "Handmade Art". I talked to hubs about my shop because I got worried that I was going to diversify too much. He said, "if you could only make jewelry, then yeah, it would be too much. But you can do all kinds of stuff and I think you should show that." I felt better.

Well, I have to get dressed. I need to get my butt to the store and start doing interviews!! Hope you all have a happy day!
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!

Miss Pinky's Picture

This is one of my favorites. Can you tell me what it is?

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!!

Pinky.etsy.com is Closed

But only temporary. I really have been unhappy with my photos and every time I look at my shop, I'm like "Pinky, those photos suck! You have to take new ones, it's not like you're doing anything." Yeah, I smack talk myself. I'm also going to change the name so that it's just Handmade Art because I'm going to be adding some other things to the shop besides jewelry.

Well, I guess that's about it. Not much is going on here. It's actually pretty boring so if any of you guys have good book or movie suggestions, let me know. I'm getting sick of being stuck in the house all day!! Hope you have a Happy Leap Day!!!

Hugs-N-Luv
Pinky

A photo of me that is actually good...

And, I have my glasses on, which are missing in quite a few shots because of the glare. Sepia is a good color on me! Also, I did something today that I haven't done in quite a while. This!!

Hodge Podge
by: Pinky!
Click HERE to go to my shop!

Yep, I actually added a new piece to my shop online. It felt good. Hope all is well in blogger land!

~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!

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!

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!