Subway's in the house...er town

Subway has arrived in our corner of France much to my and my other half's delight! It's pretty much like back home right down to the white chocolate macadamia nut cookies! YUM! We will definitely be patronizing it as much as possible because we want it to stay!

In cuter news, I received a lovely package from Pimiento Negra containing a lovely scarflet, a wonderful, muliti-colored scarf, a pompom ring, a cute-as-2-button glasses case and some beady supplies. She is such a sweetheart! Really made my day!

Everything is much lovelier than the photo.
I need to get her stuff mailed off soon. Hope she'll like it as much as I like mine.

Speaking of Valentine's Day

I got this lovely bouquet

along with a card and some Valentined theme scratch-off lotto cards.Yes, those are my guilty little pleasure. I do win a couple Euro on occasion though nothing to write home about!

My other half came home a bit early and we went out to a nice, Lebanese restaurant that was recommended to us by my mother-in-law. The decor was beautiful. They had these hand-embroidered tablecloths that I would have love to have at home! The service was exceptional. The food was SO good. Unfortunately, I can't really remember the names of anything we had apart from the chawarma chicken. I'll have to do a search on it to see if I can find anything that looked familiar. I do remember seeing falafel and fattoush (sp?) which I *think* are pretty well-known? I don't know much about middle eastern foods, but my other half and I are always up to trying something new.

In other news, I finally managed to get something made and mailed off to donate to Crafters for Critters. Go and check out the site! They are having a big sale and it's for a great cause! If you miss out, not to worry, there'll be a whole slew of other goodies available in April.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's how NOT to win the heart of the object of your affection:



I posted another peanuts cartoon here since I couldn't make up my mind.

Hope everyone has a fantabulous day! :D

FIRE!!!

Yes, that's right! The toaster caught fire earlier this week. We think my other half placed something on top of the toaster that pushed down the button; then, it heated up and melted both my colanders which were not too far from it, then caught fire! That is what happens when other half takes over kitchen duties.
Lessened learned: never have a condition that doesn't allow you to be able to stand up for long periods of time and definitely don't let anyone open you up and take things out. Well, actually still waiting on the second part. Should be fun. :P
The long and the short is that we now added the following items to our next shopping trip: a toaster and a colander. Maybe I'll buy one of those metal colanders?
We are thankful that only those things were harmed and it didn't turn into to something bigger and out of control. *OOF!* :)

In other, happier news, my Sampler arrived today!


It's really cool! I got lots of great things! Stand outs are the zines, pencil case, tote bag, and li'l pouch. I mailed off my samples for the next one Monday so I'll definitely be getting a March sampler. Actually, I've started brainstorming for April already. This was such a GREAT idea! I'm so jazzed to have participated in it!

One of my newest ATCs already found a new home and was deemed a "favorite". How cool is that?!


My muse visited me for a very brief moment and I also did this one


I wish she'd hang out a bit longer!

And just like *that* ...they were gone

Well, my 60s Mod Heart Earrings are sold out, but I have lots more heart themed things available here. All the heart jewelry, mostly custom orders, sort of got me in the spirit of Valentine's Day.
So I decided to send out Valentine's to all my close, single friends. You know, that's when I realized I only really have 1!!! The others are married or in serious relationships. Isn't that strange that I never really thought about it?! Oh, well, she gets a card and maybe a li'l gifty. :)

This brings me to another topic. My other half and I always get dressed up and go out to some fancy schmancy restaurant for Valentine's Day. We got a recommandation for this supposedly great restaurant and have been trying to reserve for the past week. These people like never answer the phone. You'd think they'd want the business. We know it's the correct number because it came off a business card taken from their establishment on New Year's Eve! I've tried calling as all different times with no luck. The phone just rings and rings! There's not even an answering service. I suppose I'll give up and try somewhere else. Man, that irks me!

Speaking off my other half, here's a not-so-great photo of him to compare with the avatar he made for himself:

Scary, eh? You can make your own by clicking here

Other "news":
Here's a cool mother of pearl pin, I bought for my mom

She's recently gotten into vintage and vintage-style pins. I'm so proud that I was able to clean this one up: it had a couple of spots and the nacre was a little dull. A little gentle cleaner and water did the trick. This is one of those times I wish I had taken a before picture. Oh, well, too bad the photo doesn't do it justice. It's really very lovely!

Here's an ATC that I made this weekend

It's the first one I've made in awhile. The lady was from an envie in the Wings issue of Material Zine. I haven't been feeling that inspired lately. I think my muse may be off playing in someone else's yard. :|

Deception, thy name is blog!

I was hoping to join some cool, crafty-type communities only to find that there aren't any here on blogger. :( Well, unless I missed something???
Seems they are at livejournal. I decided to open an account there so I can join in on all the cool goings on, but my blog stays here. We'll see how long I last before I start pulling my hair out. ;)

Spicey Creations got an update today.
Lots of new pretties, but I think these are my fave:

I call them 60s Mod Heart Earrings! If you want to know what I'll be sporting on Vday, it's these in silver. I just put them up and there's only 1 pair left. Wondering if the last pair will find a home today as well or will they linger long after Valentine's Day is over?

I am also working on my Sampler contributions at the moment. Just finished up some custom orders. Gifts, so SHHHH!
Also, working on ATCs for a possible swap. Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be feeling creative. :)

He's at it again!

My darling other half has been trying to convert me to Linux. I think he senses my frustration and that I've had about all I can take from XP! He's offered to get me a Linux CD so I can boot up in Linux to test it. Well, he did convert me to Mozilla after all so maybe Linux will be okay? Oh, sometimes change is good. Guess we shall see, eh?

This has been a busy, busy week! I managed to get everything done that I needed to get done and also be a bit creative on the way.
Today, I added some pretties over at Spicey Creations

I've been trying to get a decent pic of this mother of pearl and cranberry pearl bracelet for ages!

I also got these cool buttons and made this for myself (ignore messy chignon):


Oh, and I managed to get the first batch of zines mailed off on Friday. They are now winging their way off their destinations. I now have to do a second printing as I have a couple more requests. Hopefully, get those all done next week. YAY for zine-y goodness!

I was craving homemade chocolate chip goodness and not being able to go out and buy some, I had to resort to making my own:

They alot more chunkalicious than the photo suggest. Dangerously so, in fact!

It snowed last night! :)

Okay, so it lasted all of 5 minutes and it didn't stick, but my other half and I were witnesses to this! It doesn't snow where we live. Well, rarely, anyway! I never seen more than a few flakes much like last night's in the 5 years I've lived here.
I had to be quick, but I managed to snap a couple photos before it disappeared.

Those tiny white specs you see are snowflakes:


It stuck to the ground for 2 whole minutes before disappearing:

Zine Trauma

Well, as a select few you readers (we'll get back to the fact that there are actually folk reading my blog in minute) are aware I had a sort of epiphany. No, that's not the right word. Let me attempt to explain it a bit better. See, I had finally finished my zine after months of wanting to do it, then a month of planning then actually typing it all out an doing it. It felt finished. The protocopy was looking good and certainly something I, personally, would love to receive. Then, some sort of doubt, I guess settled in. I starting seeing all these ways my zine could be so much better as I start my second issue. (Yes, I've starting writing for it and it's due out in May.) I took a couple days, delaying printing and mailing to hash it over. What I decided is that in my heart, the zine is finished. Getting sappy enough for you yet? ;) It is how I planned it and the way I wanted it at the time of its conception. I feel it should be respresentative of that. I'm not completely sure that any of this makes any sense. It really did sound so much better in my head. So, right now I am at getting zines done for those I "owe" and I will maybe print out some extras to have on hand for trades OR print out on a case by case basis. I love trading so I could be easily persuaded to do either. :)
Anyway, I've pretty much decided that Issue 2 will have white or cream-colored pages. (Issue 1 has blue for no particular reason except that I thought it looked cool.)Also, lots more artwork, writing, and maybe even an interview or 2. We'll see how that pans out.

In other more exciting news, perhaps. I received an ATC RAK (Random Act of Kindness)! It is so beautiful! I am definitely going to reciprocate. I also received some really cool cards in a 3-way trade. I need to get the artists' permission before posting photos so hopefully I will not forget to ask so I can show their cool work.

Also, I want to thank those who are reading my blog and have sent such positive emails about it. Those messages really do make my day and encourage me to continue! :D Feel free to leave comments on individual messages as well.

News you can use...

Okay, well maybe not news you can use, but news just the same. :)
It's rainy and yucky out which usually make for fairly creative days.

I forgot to mention that my sneak peek is up over at The Sampler. I sent in mostly beaded keychains, a few pendants on black cotton cord, and 5 "couple" sets of wine glass charms. Here's a photo I took as of an example of the goodies I submitted before sending:

No, it's not the same one up at the sampler. :)

I've also added a couple of pretties over at Spicey Creations. Here's some photos of a couple of them:

Turquoise Chunk Necklace


Garnet and Pearls Bracelet (15% off until Feb 1)


I hope to get some more items added tomorrow.
I also plan to added a photo of the cover of my mini-zine, but maybe not. It's been an interesting day sorta. I've got lots of pretties to take photos of, but I prefer using natural light and that's hard when it's dark and grey out! :(

Another ATC kinda day

Here's some more of my ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). This is addictive!

Travelling Circus


Home Sweet Home


Treetime Treasures


I need to work on my collage and definitely take more photos of the ones I'm making! I also want to work on drawing some and possibly doing some in watercolor. Such are my ambitions! We'll see how that pans out. :)

Oh! I almost forgot: My mini-zine "Delicious" is finished which means now I start printing out zines and putting them together for mailing. I think the mailing out will start Thursday. I'm so excited! :D :D :D

Zine Sneak Peek

Here are a few pics of my zine. Well, the "prototype" anyway. I'm having loads of fun making it and it helps me keep my mind off things.

Front cover:


Random Page:


It's nearly finished then I can mail out my trades. YAY! If you are interested in trading for your zine, feel free to email me. Must feed my zine habit.

More ATCs

My last post was bit sad so I thought I'd post some more ATCs to show:

Crimson Reflection


Lil Asia


Quiet Jungle


Ladybug Scales


I hope to work on collage and other techniques so I can do even more things with my cards! They are certainly addictive. Whoda thunk it?
Yes, I'd love to trade cards with you as that really is the whole point, isn't it? ;) Stay tuned for a couple sneak peeks from my zine tomorrow.
P.S. I did not scan them because taking a photo turned out to be quicker.

Feeling Melancholic

Today is an odd day. I had taken my father's pictures down right after he passed away (December 15, 2004) as it was too painful to see them out. and I finally felt like looking at them today. Perhaps I will be able to have them around me again soon as I'm starting to miss his face.
I'm feeling rather melacholic. When you lose someone you love, you never really forget, it's always there somewhere in the back of you mind, lurking. Particularly in this case when it's so fresh and I'm still in mourning. Whatever I'm doing, it's always hanging there somewhere in the background, so I keep busy trying to push it back further hoping that eventually, it will be easier to deal with. I think time really is the only thing that will lessen the pain I feel. I know that sounds awfully cliché. Perhaps today will be will a creative day and I can use that pain to help me create...

First ATC

Okay, here it is, my first ATC:



I decided to be brave and post it. Next time I'll try scanning as there are some weird particles or something on the first photo that aren't there in reality. Maybe some reflections or something. i dunno. Anyway, here it is.

Next post, I'll hopefully have some photos of the prototypes for my zine and maybe have done an even larger site update over at Spicey Creations than the January update I did a few days ago. T'is all for now. :) Happy Monday!

Posting pics

I do realize I need to post some pics at some point. Well, maybe not need to, but certainly want to. I think I'll work on that along with a site update today. I'll do a bit of research and try to get that done later this week.

I've been shopping around for zines to read. Must feed zine habit. I have not finished mine quite yet. All that's left is the mini-zine really. I gave myself to late-January early February to get it done, but now I'm thinking I'd like to get the first copy mailed by January 15. Yes, I already have some copies reserved! I do love swapping so I'll try to get some sort of description along with a photo of the prototype sometime so those interested in trading can contact me.

I really want to add some links and things to spruce up my blog. Another thing to add to my "to do" list. File that away and try to check a few things off the list. Back to work with me! :)

Partipation Station or something *cool*

Well, I decided to participate in a few cool samplers. One is The Sampler (http://homeofthesampler.com) and the other is the Ultimate Box Swap (http://www.herbsnbirds.com/box-swap.shtml). I just mailed off my contributions last week. I am hoping to receive lots of goodies from other businesses, especially indie/diy business in the goodie packages. I am waiting patiently til February which is when the goodies will be shipped. I'll give a review at that time. I will also post when my sneak peak is up at the Sampler. Crafty goodness -YAY!

Today, I also continued work on my first zine. I'm not sure if it's readable or what, but I had it on my head to do this and so I am finally doing it. I'm very excited about my zine as it is in it's final stages. Well, according to the deadline I gave myself it should be. If you are interested in trading for one, drop me a line and I'll let you know when it's done.

Oh, I also made my first Artist Trading card yesterday. Perhaps if I get brave, I'll take a piccy of it and post. :)

I've discovered BLOGS!

Okay, so I didn't only just discover them. I've known about them for awhile and been tempted, but wasn't sure I had much to say. If you are reading this you'll probably discover I can be quite long-winded. We'll see how this plays out. I'm very much interested in getting my thoughts and ideas out there and having feedback which hopefully this will lead to.

I'm not sure if I should post a little introduction or what, but for the moment, I think I'll save that for my eventual "About Me" homepage.

You can find me on crafster.org on occasion when I am looking for crafting stuff to do. I dabble in lots of things, but my main "skill", as it were, is beading/jewelry-making. My site is http://www.spiceycreations.com if you'd like to check it out in and give me your questions and comments. I try to update as often as possible, but I have some cool things that are not yet up so if you don't see what you want ask. I lurve doing commissions! Yes, I might be interested in trading/swapping for other groovy handmade stuff so leave me a comment with your email address and I'll surely get back to you. :)

My new "baby" is my zine which I am currently working on. A zine is basically a self-published magazine. I am discovering all the ins and outs of zine-making myself as this is my first. I'm scheduling it to come out in early February. If you are interested, again, drop me a line. I'd be happy to trade for yours. Hopefully, I will have some pics out soon and be able to tell you a bit more about it. I am planning to include some goodies with it so stay tuned!