I’ve got a lot to share with you! I woke up last night feeling like I’m “behind” in my blogging. I know it doesn’t work that way but still, I was kinda starting to miss you! :-)
One thing adding to my feeling behind is that I've been in a strange cycle that when I get home from work, I just don’t wanna turn on the computer. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that I’ve been really busy at work. And when I’m really busy at work, take means that I’m ON THE COMPUTER all day. So, needless to say, the last thing I want to do when I get home is sit down in front of the computer some more!
The first thing I want to share with you are the charms I received from the “By the Sea” Charm Swap I participated in. Here are the charms I received...
And then here they are all on a bracelet...
Isn't it glorious!? I can't wait to wear it at Art and Soul!!! This swap was another one from the Charmsters group that was formed at last years Art and Soul. I am CONSTANTLY amazed at the talent in this group and am just SO excited to be a part of it! Thank you SO much ladies!!! There are a few other charm swaps that I just couldn't resist joining with deadlines (quickly!) approaching...two different grunge swaps, a bird-themed swap and a mica swap. SO MUCH FUN!!!
This last week or so I was busily working on making a journal for a new Circle Journal swap I’m participating in. This one is hosted by Celeste aka Stone Soup Art. Celeste is a lovely, artistic soul that I met at this past ArtFest.
I’m pretty danged jazzed about how this all turned out. I decided I wanted to go with the theme “Mermaids” and then had a crazy vision to make the journal in a seashell shape. I continue to be inspired by Barbara Willis’ fabulous Vintage Mermaid Journal kit (which I haven’t started yet!)
So here’s a full view of the journal.
Then the pages...the inside of the front and back cover are the same...
Not sure why this is blurry...it's a scan!
The instructions page...
Then the sign in page...
At first I was just gonna have your basic tags for people to sign in on but then I thought with a mermaid theme, there was some opportunity to do something different! So the sign in tags are in the shape of a mermaid's tale and then they are tucked inside a seashell.
The rest of the pages are just some fun exploration with techniques, textures, and color.
A fold out! Again, completely inspired by Barbara Willis.
Mermaid graffiti. :-)
Whew!!! Now to get this journal on it's merry way! Andrea gets it first so I hope she has fun!
In other news, it's been a nice easy-going weekend so far. For Friday night date night, Glen and I went to the movies and watched the new Indiana Jones. It was good and all, but it didn't have the same feeling or impact as the original.
Saturday morning I got to volunteer at CAT and then in the afternoon, Glen and I went to a Sweets Feast party. I stayed away from all the cakey, cookie treats and just sampled some amazing vegan Coconut Bliss Strawberry Lemon Love ice cream! It was absolutely as good as it sounds! Then Saturday night we lounged by the fire with the lights out while watching National Treasure: Book of Secrets and relished the thunder and lightening storm! Ain't nothin' better than a good old fashioned lightening storm! THE.BEST!
Okay...more later...hope you're having a FABULOUS Memorial Day weekend. We had planned on going out to the Willamette National Cemetery but so far that hasn't worked out. Maybe tomorrow? Love to you all.
Michelle forgot to mention that last Tuesday was election day in Oregon (even tho' we have Vote By Mail here) and we went to FIVE election night parties! Amazing stuff, very exciting, most of our chosen candidates won their primaries and we hob-nobbed with lots of great Dem pols. My kind of fun!
Oh, and the seashell thing she made is very cute. Have fun with it!
Posted by: Glen the Husband | May 25, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Don't you just love all the charms? I love mine too - your little bottle was so cute.
Your mermaid journal is awesome! I love all the neat touches. That sign in page is a great idea. Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.
Have a good day!
Cheryl
Posted by: fromthepines | May 26, 2008 at 07:20 AM
The seashell thing is "cute"!
I envy the level of commitment your friends have to you!
Posted by: Gina | May 26, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Oh My Goodness, if that journal got sent to my house you would so never ever ever see it again! Yes, I would steal it! That is so awesome, love, love, love it!
Posted by: Miss Sandy | May 26, 2008 at 06:38 PM
wowza, you outdid yourself on that one! cant wait to see it in person!
Posted by: andrea | May 26, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Hey 'Shell, love the shell. Leave to you to come up with a shell-shaped journal, you original thinker, you. Looks wonderful.
I know what you mean about not wanting to turn on computer after work. I feel the same about listening to music after a full day of teaching it.
P.S. Five election parties? Whoa!
Posted by: Lilli | May 27, 2008 at 06:21 AM
I love all the charms and the way they look on the bracelet. I can't wait to see it in person at A & S. Love too the mermaid book. It is precious!
xo
Posted by: Leslie M | May 27, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Are you going to Portland also? There are so many great people going. I too will be there... which classes are you taking?
Posted by: Dede Warren | May 27, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Great charm bracelet. And I can't believe you didn't tell us about all those election night parties. You party animal....or maybe Glen is the party animal.
Anyway, your new journal is so clever and I see you have signed up for more and more swaps and such. Time, where do you find the time?
Posted by: Sharon @ norah'S | May 28, 2008 at 05:02 AM
Holy cow! That journal is to die! for! How long 'til you get it back again? I can't wait to see it IRL and your bracelet too! Fellow list maker here...should start list of what I'm eating or not going to eat....
Posted by: Gina Smith | May 28, 2008 at 09:47 PM