***The Studio at Crow Haven Farm* Where Magical Things Happen***

BEEN AWAY FOR AWHILE...HOWEVER, I'M STILL HERE!

2011-10-28T11:53:00.000-04:00

I'm so sorry I haven't been around in awhile. However, I'm still here! I haven't been in the studio for so long...and hoping to get back into my favorite room soon. I did manage to work in there a little bit last weekend. The Gallery I show my artwork called, and they need some Holiday Items...oh my...and it begins! LOL
Besides working my ass off at work, home, family, etc...we did manage to get a new vehicle. Meet BELLA!

She is a beauty...and so much freaking fun to drive. I feel like I'm in a Sports Car for heaven sakes! LOL I will post some more pics of her in our driveway! I hope everyone is enjoying the FALL WEATHER. I'm so looking forward to hearing from you and catching up!

CHEERS FOR NOW!

What I'm Doing!

2011-04-09T18:01:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's been awhile since I last posted here in blog land. My bad! However, I have a good excuse...I'm a TWILIGHT FREAK! LOL Can't wait for the 4th Book to hit the big screen in November! I bought the first book a few years ago and just never got around to reading it. My art studio, working, etc...took so much of my time, that I put it in our library, and just forgot about it...until recently. My niece Tiffany totally understands what I'm about to say here...I'm a TWILIGHT FREAK! LOL I read the entire series in less than a week and had to go out and get all of the movies. I'm now reading the books again, because I read so freaking fast the first time, now I'm sitting back and enjoying them page by page.

So looking forward to seeing how they do the fourth book. It will be interesting to see how the new director captures all that is in the fourth book. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it will be a good one. The book is wonderful.

I have also been spending time looking for this!

However, it would be nice to have this color since it's my favorite color in the world, I'm in search of the baby blue one. I'm thinking of holding out for the new 2012 which hasn't been revealed yet, so I guess I will keep my fingers crossed on this one too!
Have a wonderful weekend and keep rocking with whatever that you do!

Okay, I had to add more pictures from the Breaking Dawn Movie...LOL

CHEERS!

Creepy Orphan Society's Challenges-Come Check Us Out!

2011-02-06T12:07:00.001-05:00

THE CREEPY ORPHAN SOCIETY IS ROCKING IN THE NEW YEAR...PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THE LATE POST...THE Creepy Orphan Society's FIRST QUARTERLY CHALLENGE IS IN THE THEME OF

DARK SHADOWS

REMEMBER THESE?

I REMEMBER YEARS AND YEARS AGO, WATCHING THIS SERIES (THE REMAKE) ON FRIDAY NIGHTS. I wouldn't make any plans because I had to be home to watch this. Ben Cross was absolutely amazing in this series, and then they cancelled the show.

Now we are gearing up to see the gorgeous Johnny Depp and the amazing Tim Burton to put their magic onto the big screen.

So, won't you join the Creepy Orphan Society and create a piece of art in the theme of DARK SHADOWS. I believe that I will be making an Art Doll. However, things could change. That is the beauty of art and challenges...do whatever comes to you.

I hope you all join in on this Challenge and let's see what we all come with.

Enjoy and here are few pics of the dream team!

I so can't wait for this movie to hit the big screen.

Now, over at Creepy Orphan Society we are also doing another challenge entitled "Dark Comic." This is our February Monthly Challenge. Not sure what I'll be creating for this one, but I'm very curious to see the other team members work and interpretation of this challenge.

Have a great weekend and make sure you check us out over at http://www.creepyorphansociety.blogspot.com/

Cheers!

As we wait for Spring...the "Ladies in Waiting" also wait

2011-02-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

DUE TO THE WEATHER AND ANOTHER STORM APPROACHING, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO GRAB SOME PUTTER TIME...SO HERE IS THE LATEST

I'M A LITTLE BEHIND ON BLOG POSTS, BUT HOPEFULLY IN ANOTHER A MONTH OR SO, I'LL BE CAUGHT UP AT WORK AND GET BACK INTO THE STUDIO FOR SOME ART TIME.

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY COPY OF THE MAGAZINE YET, SO IF ANY OF YOU HAVE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU LIKE WHAT ART DOLL QUARTERLY DID FOR MY LATEST COLLECTION...WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL.

I cannot believe they spelled my name wrong...especially on the COVER! LOL However, it's spelled right in the article. LOL Oh well, I'm grateful that they loved my dolls enough to publish them! This Collection really pushed my sewing skills and those wigs...my goodness, I think I like sculpting the hair rather then trying to do that again. LOL

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND AND SEE YOU SOON.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

CHEERS!

Creepy Orphan Society-January Challenge

2011-01-15T10:27:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I LAST POSTED...PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR NEGLECTING MY BLOG...IT'S BEEN A VERY BUSY 2 MONTHS WHICH STARTING A NEW JOB AND ALL AND TRYING TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND IT. LOL

I WANTED TO POP IN AND LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE CREEPY ORPHAN SOCIETY IS DOING THEIR JANUARY CHALLENGE AND IT'S ENTITLED

CHILDREN IN THE ATTIC

VISIT US HERE

My little gal is almost done and I will be posting her at the end of the month.

It's been years since I saw the movie and read V.C. Andrews books...I believe there were 5 books in the series and the first one was entitled "Petals in the Wind."

If you haven't read the series or have seen the movie...put it on your list of things to do for 2011

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season and see you soon.

CHEERS!

Art Doll Swaps & Happy Holidays From The Studio

2010-12-17T20:24:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS FROM THE STUDIO AT CROW HAVEN FARM

I'm so sorry I haven't been posting...been very busy with orders, the holiday preparations, and working at the day gig!

I wanted to share before the end of the year a few of the doll swaps that I was involved with. The first Art Doll Swap was with Abi Monroe...my team mate from Art Dolls Only Group. I have been a big fan of Abi's Art Dolls ever since I found her and got to know her over at ADO. Abi's Art Dolls are just absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to see what she made me. The Art Doll that I made for her is named "Bethany." She is all about "NATURE." Here are some pics of her:

I really enjoyed creating her for Abi and was thrilled that she made it safely to her new home! Thank you Abi for doing this Art Doll Swap with me and I know Bethany will bring you joy for years to come. I can't wait to see my new baby...soon! LOL

Now for the 2nd Art Doll Swap. This Art Doll Swap was from the Holiday Art Doll Swap that Zan (another ADO Member) and a gorgeous, talented gal that put this whole thing to together for quite a few of us. I got Sonia, and what I opened up was just amazing. Not only did she create an Art Doll for me, she threw in some ornies, a crow (Love, Love...the Crow) and a bunch of other goodies. I was so excited to receive such a wonderful package in the mail. Check out the wonderful art work I received from another talented Art Doll Artist and who is also a team mate of mine over at ADO:

Sonia, thank you so much for everything you made me. I will cherish them forever...and the Crow is in my studio as I type this. LOL

Here is the Art Doll that I made for Sonia for our swap:

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL TIME OF YEAR WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP

I'LL BE BACK AFTER IN JANUARY!

HAVE A WONDERFUL REST OF THE YEAR AND SEE YOU SOON!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

CHEERS!

Happy Thanksgiving and Let it Snow!

2010-11-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, AND THE STUDIO HOPES THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES HAD A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY!

I HAVE BEEN BUSY PREPARING FOR SOME UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, ART SHOWS AND STARTING A NEW JOB.

NEEDLESS TO SAY...I WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I WON'T BE POSTING AS MUCH AS I USE UNTIL AFTER THE NEW YEAR.

I WANTED TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND I WILL BE POSTING WHEN I CAN.

AS FOR OUR THANKSGIVING DAY, WE WOKE UP TO A BEAUTIFUL SNOWFALL AND IT WAS A GLORIOUS DAY.

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES THAT I TOOK AS THE SNOW WAS FALLING DOWN UPON US.

ENJOY AND SEE YOU SOON.

WE ARE ALSO GEARING UP FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON AND STARTED GETTING SOME DECORATIONS IN PLACE...LOTS TO DO STILL, BUT WE ARE STARTING. lol

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE A WONDERFUL ONE!

CHEERS

Art Doll Gallery Show & Madness In The Studio!

2010-10-30T09:52:00.002-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

Well it has been a crazy week here Crow Haven Farm...just when you think you have everything done...

"BAM" it all comes at you with FULL SPEED! LOL Isn't that always the way?

First off, I am having an Art Doll Gallery Show which is being held at the Baum School of Art in the Rodale Family Gallery. I'm really looking forward to it and I have been preparing for this over the past several months. If you are in the neighborhood, I would love to see you all. Here is the invite that the Gallery sent out:

Not only will have a bunch of my Folk Art Jointed Art Dolls there, I'll be introducing some new works which I have entitled "The Crow Art Dolls." I will also being showing some of Eclectic Beings too.

The show couldn't have come at a better time. I was so excited to hear that I was being published in the Winter Issue of Art Doll Quarterly. I just received my copy of the magazine a couple of days ago and was just absolutely thrilled how the girls just popped out of the page!

Art Doll Quarterly did a fantastic job photographing them and really capturing their little outfits and faces. Look for my Wedding Collection in the Spring 2011 Issue...Should be quite exciting!

Here is a picture of some of my Moulin Rouge Girls I just finished and dropped off at the Gallery:

and here is what I'll be finishing up this weekend!

Wish Me Luck on Completing these little gals...my eyes are half shut as it is! LOL

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL, SAFE, SPOOKY HALLOWEEN! Save some candy for me!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

NEW WORKSHOP-ARTSPELL the ALCHEMY of M.E.

2010-10-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

I am proud to announce that one of our Creepy Orphan Society Members is starting a new and amazing workshop entitled "ARTSPELL the ALCHEMY of M.E."

Click HERE to SIGN-UP!

I am really looking forward to this workshop and working with Cody!

Congrats CODY! I'm so proud of you!

CHEERS!

Cheers

It's All Most Time...November 1st It's Out of the Bag!

2010-10-13T08:13:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

The newest issue of Art Doll Quarterly,

due to arrive at your favorite bookstore

and magazine stand on November 1st.

Woodstown Whimsies, Artist Daryle Cook Made the Cover! Find their work here. http://woodstownwhimsies.blogspot.com/

My Nordic and Trachten Crow Art Dolls Made the Issue and I absolutely love how they presented them.

Both of these Collections that are being shown in ADQ will be heading to my Art Exhibition November 4, 2011, which is being held in the Rodale Gallery located at The Baum Art School in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Thank you so much Jana for all of your hard work and the creative team at Stampington for creating such a wonderful Art Magazine for all of us!

Now I Hope Everyone runs out and gets their COPY OF THIS GREAT MAGAZINE! As for me, I will knock over the Postmaster! LOL

Enjoy and until next time...

CHEERS!

MORBID CURIOSITIES CHALLENGE-My Creepy Orphan

2010-10-08T14:08:00.000-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

Creepy Orphan Society has a BLOG now. I've been working on it for the past few days and it still needs some work, but it will get there all in due time.

If you would like to join our new and exciting Group, please leave me a comment here, email me, or leave a comment on our new Creepy Orphan Society Blog. Please note, make sure you leave your links so we can check out your work.

We are officially open as of January 2011, but some of the members have signed up for a few challenges before we launch in January. Our very first Challenge is entitled:

MORBID CURIOSITIES

You can check out the Mütter Museum next time you’re in Center City Philadelphia, on 19 South 22nd Street.

WEBSITE INFORMATION: http://www.collphyphil.org/mutter_hist.htm

I will be posting some of the members that have completed their challenge later on the COS Blog.

I have also finished my piece. Meet "Henray Lost." He is a Creepy Orphan waiting for Adoption. However, they keep him locked in his room at the Orphanage because he lost his foot and they hung it on the ceiling so he couldn't get out.

The poor thing...what is a Creepy Orphan to do?

I hope you enjoyed "Henray Lost" and make sure to stop over later to the other Creepy Orphans.

I hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend.

Now off to Rock out to RUSH and add some green olives to my drink!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS

Happy October 1, 2010 - 30 Days Until Spooky Time!

2010-10-01T08:54:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

Happy October 1st Everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend of creative goodness! This weekend is a good weekend to play, decorate for the Festive Season approaching and chilling with some Green Olives and Vodka. LOL

Here is a quick tutorial on using Elmer's Caulk to get your creative juices flowing this weekend.

First...Make sure you buy the "CLEAR" caulking. Elmer's makes one also that looks like white glue. You don't want that one. Get the CLEAR one.

Okay, get your imagine (copyright free, i.e., public domain). I printed mine out on my ink-jet printer. Squeeze the caulking onto your substrate (i.e.,canvas, wood, papier mache box, canvas board, cloth) and then lay your image face down into the caulk. Be careful not to get any of the caulking on the back of your image. For best results, allow this to dry for 24 hours. I usually do a bunch at night so they are ready for me the next day.

I laid down some gesso on my piece of wood because I wanted a clean transfer.

Here is my transfer dried.

Second, you grab some water and start rubbing off the paper. You might have to do this a couple of times until you get a clean image.

See how the water is removing the paper? Keep doing this process until you get the image you want. It's really easy and simple and a lot cheaper than going through all of your Golden Gel Medium.

Enjoy and have fun!
Have a great Weekend and Until Next Time...
Cheers!

The Studio's Practical Magic Blog Party Post...Come On In & Cast Some Spells

2010-09-24T09:41:00.000-04:00

It IsTime For A Practical Magic Blog Party. This Blog Party is being hosted by LA Bohemian Magic & Frosted Petunias. Our lovely Hosts have created a Practical Magic Blog for all to visit and participate, so go HERE to join in on the fun and visit all of the wonderful Practical Magic Blogs.

I have been a very big fan of this movie...and actually have had to replace my current copy of the DVD due to overplaying! If you haven't seen the movie or have not read the book, this is a must for your Bucket List!

Here are some pics from the Movie to give you taste of what is to come.

The House in this Movie is to Die For!

One of my favorite scenes. The girls trying to bring back the villian!

My Dream Kitchen!

The Fashions in this movie are absolutely wonderful. I have actually made some skirts and dresses that were inspired by this movie.

Now for a little Practical Studio Magic. Meet Hilga...she is the Keeper of the Cauldron, and loves lots of bones around her at all times!

A few Witches and Pumpkin Heads to keep the party rolling!

Hilga's Heads...she always makes the Heads!

Wonkey the Spider decided that she wanted to come to the party and help Witchess of Wartstown and Transylvania Trickster with mixing potions and spells.

Take Old Bottles that you have and turn them into Mixed-Media Bottles. They are great for potions, herbs, and even some dried Dragons Liver!

Now you can't have a Practical Magic Party without a "Spell Book." Start creating an art journal with your pictures, spells, words, chants, and fortunes!

Last but not least...YOU MUST HAVE TEQUILA.

MIDNIGHT MARGARITA'S!

We hope you enjoyed a little Practical Magic...and make sure you stop over and see all of the other participants!

ENJOY & CREATE YOUR OWN MAGIC EVERY DAY!

The Holiday Doll Ball SWAP-Deadline December 5th

2010-09-20T07:10:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

Well it's here once again...The Holiday Doll Ball SWAP is upon us! Zan from Vagabond Creations has put together the Annual Holiday Doll Swap just in time for the Season. Please visit her amazing, storytelling Blog here: http://vagabondcreations.blogspot.com/ and sign-up to create your Holiday Art Doll to Swap with some amazing Artists.

I will be participating in this event...so hope to see you all there!

Have a beautiful week, and don't forget...The Practical Magic Blog Party is this Saturday, September 25th...can't wait to see all of the Witches attending the Party!

Until Next Time...Cheers

Windows Update , Alcohol Inks & Knitting Books

2010-09-15T07:21:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

It's been a very busy two weeks here at the Studio. Still working on the House Windows and we have three left to do out of 37. Yes, that is correct...37 Windows in this House! LOL They sure needed some tender loving care. LOL In the mist of working on these Windows, we also had this burst of energy to start clearing out the attics. I can't believe how much "STUFF" you acquire over the years. It's absolutely amazing. We have been taking bags and boxes to the Good Will everyday! It feels good to be clearing out, fixing up the House so we can enjoy Fall Season.

Here are some pics of what has been going on here at the Studio.

I WILL NEVER GLAZE WINDOWS AGAIN! That stuff is HORRIBLE! Stick with good old fashion Window Caulk!

Looking really good!

My husband was playing around with my eye glasses and my camera...

Pretty Cool Photo! OMG...I'm blind as a freaking bat without my eyeglasses! LOL

I managed to get some time (very little) in the Studio. Started playing with my Alcohol Inks. The key with these, make sure you let them really dry and spray a varnish on them before you start adding water to your piece.

Gotta love Amazon...Got some new Knitting Books and Sewing Books. Once my "Crow Art Dolls" are wrapped up for the Gallery Show, I'll be spending some quality time with my sewing machine, knitting needles, and of course all of the lovely yarn I have been collecting!

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

Keep Creating Your Magic!

Until Next Time

CHEERS!

Crow "Art Dolls" Coming To Life In The Studio & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2010-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

Well, I'm getting closer and closer in finishing some new Crow "Art Dolls" for the Gallery Show in November, and making headway with Orders for various Shops. I still have much more to do, but they are coming along, and this Batch is heading to Georgia, and will find their way to their new owners.

The Next Batch will be heading over the Great Pond...I just hope they don't make a pit stop at the local pubs over there! LOL

In between creating dolls, mixed media paintings, I'm also working on our First Challenge over at Creepy Orphan Society. Our First Challenge is entitled "Morbid Curiosities." Perfect theme and just in time for the Festive Season.

This piece still has a lot of work left to do, but I'm getting it started.

I'm really looking forward to visiting the Mutter Museum in Philly. Check it out here! Creepy Good Time We Will Have!

I hope you all have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Mixed-Media All Night Long & Then Some!

2010-08-29T10:26:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

Well, as most of you guys know, we have been working on the outside of our House all week, and now we have started on the porch area. After house cleaning all day and getting the inside of the house cleaned and the forever loads of laundry (I swear gremlins live in our house and wear our cloths at night)...I couldn't sleep and wanted to take advantage of some time in my Studio, because I knew I wouldn't have time today to work in there. So, I was able to complete a bunch of works that were started, and now they are ready to head to the Market this coming week.

I hope you enjoy the works I did. I had a lot of fun working on them and playing with all of my supplies.

I was able to get some more Organic Spa Washcloths done too! I absolutely loving the new Amy Butler Cotton Yarns!

Okay, now I'm off to finish my house chores! After this is done, you can bet I'm having myself a BIG MARTINI with lots of GREEN OLIVES! LOL

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

On To The Windows...And Much More!

2010-08-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

All I can say it's been one Hell of Week, but well worth it! If you have been following along with me on our House Demolition, you can now see what was behind the aluminum siding...LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFUL STONE. It was just waiting to be exposed...slowly but surely it is being exposed.

Here is a picture before (you can view more photos on my previous post). This is what the front of the house looked like before they started tearing down the aluminum siding.

The Stone is getting exposed!

A Night Shot of the Side of the House!

Now look at the front...The STONE HAS BEEN EXPOSE and the HOUSE IS BREATHING AGAIN!

Next project...re-doing all the windows, which means striping the paint, sealing and adding the paint. This weekend we will be hosing down the porch, putting our lights on the trees for the Fall, scrubbing, sweeping and planting some MUMS...WOOOHOOOO

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend and be creative.

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Oh My...House Demolition This Week!

2010-08-23T10:40:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

This week is "HOUSE DEMOLITION WEEK", and What A Sight We Have! I guess this Summer could be called "Repair, Fix, Improve, and Build Summer." LOL The crew has started on our lovely home. We are having the Front of our House Pointed. Taking off the Aluminum Siding and Exposing that Beautiful Stone underneath! I so can't wait until this done. We have many other things to get done before the Cold Weather moves into our area (Which by the way I can't freaking wait). Take a Look So Far of the Goings on here at The Studio at Crow Haven Farm!

Last Week the guys came and repaired part of the side, off of the Summer Kitchen. We planted some grass there so everything would blend in.

This picture is one of the sides of the house. You can actually see the Summer Kitchen's back view!

After all the dust is gone, you see these Windows, they are getting some tender loving care too!

See the Corn Fields. I love listening to the corn at night...Have you ever run through a Corn Field at Midnight when the Moon is Full? If not, try it! It's so exhilarating! mawhhhhhhhhhhhh LOL!

Okay, off to get some work done in the Studio!

I hope Everyone has a wonderful and creative week ahead!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

A Practical Magic Blog Party by Justina & Anna, September 25, 2010

2010-08-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

It's a PRACTICAL MAGIC BLOG PARTY!

Okay, who hasn't seen this movie or have read the book? I've watched this movie so many times, that I had to buy another copy! LOL

Justina & Anna are putting on quite the Blog Party on September 25, 2010

I'll be there, and I'm bringing my BROOM!

Click Here to Join the fun!

What a great party to kick of the Holiday Season!

SEE YOU ALL THERE!

CHEERS

Manic Weekend:Sketches, Awards, Gifts, Cleaning & Finally Drinking!

2010-08-17T15:12:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

It's been one crazy weekend here at the Studio. It was so beautiful as I was held up in the Studio listening to the much needed rain drops hitting the windows as I dash around gathering bits and bops of all kinds of stuff. I swear this Fall I'm having a major clear-out and getting this Studio organized. But for now, it's just going to have to do. So many things in the kettle, orders to be filled, telephone calls to make, groups to manage, artists friends to visit, renewing my passport, knitting, sewing, painting, ripping, tearing, sculpting, taking photos, paperwork, cleaning, running, laundry, and DRINKING...ALL OF THIS BETWEEN LAYERS OF PAINT!

It was a beautiful weekend! LOL

On Saturday, I received my precious handmade ornament from the ever so talented Marie Patterson. Marie is a Spooky Time Jingles Artist, and I happened to snag "Penny Pumpkin" one of her new Spun Cotton Ornaments. OMG...She is absolutely beautiful. Full of life, color and the detail is absolutely wonderful. Marie is so talented and I'm so glad I was able to snag Penny from her. I can't wait to see next months listings over at STJ. I'm so a collector of these amazing spun cotton ornaments. Thanks again Marie for everything.

She is living with me in my Studio on my Ornie Tree.

I also received Donna's giveaway that I won. I'm still in shock that I actually won. I never win anything. I keep playing that damn lottery, but haven't hit it yet! Well, winning Donna's Giveaway is way better than hitting any lottery...her artwork is just amazing. Check out her work over at So Dark So Cute She has amazing works over there and her Blog Shop.

THANK YOU AGAIN DONNA! They are with me in my Studio! LOL

I worked on some Sketches over the weekend. I actually draw in my Sketchbook every night before I head to bed. I'm still learning and growing with each pencil mark. It's a process, but I am really enjoying the feel of paper and pencil. Something I will do until the day I die (which hopefully won't be any time soon)! LOL I still have much to learn and do!

Earlier today I received an Email from Donna, So Dark So Cute Awarding me with:

"Strange men or Strange Woman in Pinstripe Suits"

Yes, I'm Strange, and I love creating weird whimsy, creepy strange artwork. I tend to create more in this genre during the Fall, but then again...I'm an Artist, so therefore I am STRANGE All of the TIME...so TiS THE SEASON TO BE STRANGE! I wouldn't have it any other way!

The award originated with Cate Gardner who is celebrating the pre-release of her book, "Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits."
To accept the award, however, you have to do some "strange" things--like, go forth and celebrate the strangeness of friends (and strangers, who are always allowed) by nominating seven blogs run by strange folks.

Here's my list of my favorite strange bloggers:
Colleen- LoopyBoopy
Nicole- Mealy Monster
Sheri - Ostrich Girl
Jacqui-Odd-Dollz
Jade - New Age Dolls
Haley Monster -Without you, I'm just plastic
Moriah Betterly - MLB Studio
I hope everyone has a wonderful and creative Week!
Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for the opening of:

THE CREEPY ORPHAN SOCIETY...More to Follow!

Until Next Time

Cheers!

P.S. I did manage to get a few Martini's In!

Tis The Season For Camping & Custom Ordered Crow Art Dolls

2010-08-09T08:43:00.000-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

The Season is getting closer, and I can't wait until I am able to walk outside with my blue jeans and a big old sweater! We got a little of this, this weekend as we ventured over to the campgrounds nestled in the magical forest close to our home. The best part was smashing marshmallows, melting chocolate between the graham crackers and devouring them! Why is it, when you go camping and eat outdoors, everything just taste so much better? LOL

Setting up the Tents!

It was a beautiful Weekend!

To go along with the coming Season...I recently finished working on some custom orders for "Crow Art Doll Witches." Here is one completed...and now living in Maryland with LuLu!

I love working on Custom Orders...I never know what is going to happen with them! I send them off to their new loving homes...as they bring joy to their new families for years to come!

I am currently taking Custom Orders for the next 3 weeks only, as I'm preparing for an upcoming Gallery Show which is being held on November through December at "The Baum Art School" located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Should you wish for a Custom Ordered Crow Art Doll, please leave me a comment here or email.

LuLu thank you for the opportunity to create magic for you!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Fabric Art Journal & DAG's Creepy Orphan Society Challenges (WIPs)

2010-08-04T16:30:00.000-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

Just a quick post here just to show you what I have been working on over the past few days.

As you know, I'm taking a workshop over at "The Land of Lost Luggage." It's quite interesting so far. I never knew there were so many acrylic mediums to change the look of your acrylic paints. LOL Still practicing and playing and having fun with all of the new techniques.

I made this Fabric Art Journal and have decided to use it for my workshop assignments. I used various fabrics from different designers. I love Amy Butler Fabrics, Alexander Henry, and Tina Givens Fabrics. So full of life and color. They really are fun to mix & match.

I sewed signature pages in the fabric journal. I used 140 lbs watercolor paper, heavy card stock, and canvas paper. I absolutely love the canvas paper in an art journal. I also added the pre-treated muslin sheets that I had previously prepared for other projects. LOVE THEM!

Over at DAG we are currently working on some Quarterly Challenges, and we will be posting them over at the DAG Blog at the end of the month. Some of the Artist's over there Donna and Essie really did a fantastic job on their challenge pieces.

We also have a group which is currently called "Creepy Orphan Society." This group is having a great time creating their "Creepy Orphans." I started working on some new ones. Here are some Works In Progress of these little gals. Hmmmmmm I can't wait to see them completed. They are currently drying! LOL

This little Dude isn't so Creepy! He might have to find another group to join! LOL

Until Next Time...Have a GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

CHEERS!

Doodling Like You Did When You Were Two!

2010-07-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

It's Monday, It's a Hot Day, It's a Work Day, It's a Windy Day, It's a Java Day, It's a Studio Day, It's a Creative Day,

It's a GREAT DAY!

Okay, grab your markers, grab your paper, and start doodling like you did you when you were two!

I just signed up for an online workshop at The Land of Lost Luggage, which is taught by Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen.

Sign-up over at Julie Prichard's Blog

I'm really looking forward to kicking up my painting techniques. I did the first assignment, but have to go back and re-do it. LOL Hey, that is how we learn right?

Have a great Week!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Who isn't Addicted To Art Supplies?

2010-07-21T11:36:00.000-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

Okay, who isn't addicted to Art Supplies...I know I am! I have been working on various projects using different mediums. I am so freaking in love with SHIVA OIL PAINT STICKS! These are absolutely wonderful, and they dry in 24 hours (unlike oil paint) LOL

I was looking through my old issues of Cloth, Paper & Scissors, and they have a workshop describing various techniques using these beautiful oil sticks.

I have to get all of the colors, but for now here is my stash!

They are just so creamy, and blend so evenly. I LOVE THEM!

Various Brands of Oil Pastels. I really like the Crayola Brand. They are really easy to use. You can add water, just like watercolor paints. For the Shiva Oil Sticks, you CANNOT USE WATER WITH THOSE, so if you want to dab and play with water, use the Crayola Pastels.

Ohhhhhh Watercolor Crayons. These are so awesome. I use them all the time in my projects. Especially my art journals. I love playing and mixing the various colors to get great skin tones. Plus they dry fast!

Look at the dreamy colors!

Now onto felting...I made a few of these for my friend Anita, and for her granddaughters. I also made one for myself! I followed the technique in Betz White's Book entitled "Warm Fuzzies." If you are into felting, this is a fabulous technique/workshop book. The instructions are very clear and lots of photographs. So grab some old wool sweaters and get felting!

Last but not least...do you TANGLE? Well...if you don't you will start once you get this great book. There are so many different tangle books out there, but this one is very simple, great photos to follow and practice. Love this Book!

Until Next Time...Enjoy the rest of the week and have a creative and wonderful WEEKEND!

CHEERS

NESTING TODAY!

2010-07-18T10:02:00.001-04:00

NESTING...Now to find the "ING"

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE!

CHEERS!

Sketchbook Project 2011, So Dark So Cute Giveaway & Projects

2010-07-15T07:22:00.012-04:00

Greetings & Salutations

Sorry I have neglected my little blog here ...it was so freaking hot last week I thought I would die! We so need some rain here on the East Coast! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July. The Fireworks here were simply spectacular this year!

The Sketchbook Project...are you SIGNED UP? Better hurry if you are not...the themes are going fast! I picked "STORYBOOK" for my theme. I received my Moleskine Journal in the mail yesterday, so it's official...I'm participating in the THE SKETCHBOOK PROJECT FOR 2011...WOOOHOOOO

Go here to sign up and read all the information about this project being sponsored by the Art House Co-op, and the journals will be in the possession of the Brooklyn Art Library.

They have even made T-Shirts for this Event! I'm so getting one of these! LOL

You have until October 31, 2010 to sign up. The Sketchbooks are due on January 15, 2011, and the Tour Begins on March, 2011. Which means that ...once they get your journal back it will be traveling to various states for people to check them out and look at them. Also, they will be downloaded into the mainframe, so people from all over the world can view your journal/sketchbook! Now how cool is that?

Here is my Journal/Sketchbook...Do you have yours?

What I'm working on...I have been working on different projects, but needed to complete some orders...so needless to say, I have been crocheting and knitting like crazy to get these done. I had to make 10 Sets of various colors ...so here is a little peek for you to see these wonderful washcloths I have been making! My Family and Friends use nothing but these handmade cloths. Once you use them, you will never use a store bought washcloth for anything!

Connie, from "Bee Happy Designs" makes these wonderful wrappers for your hand knitted, hand crocheted items, and she made these wonderful wrappers for me! They just added the finishing touch to my work. Please visit her at http://www.etsy.com/shop/conicuts

Thanks Connie for the fabulous job you did for me!

SO DARK SO CUTE- BLOG GIVEAWAY

Donna, over at So Dark So Cute is Celebrating her Grand Opening of her Blog Shop

Make sure you Check OUT...Donna is part of DAG and she makes amazing Creepy Orphans, and various other Mixed-Media Art Work!

CHECK OUT HER GIVEAWAY...I SO WANT TO WIN THIS!

http://www.sodarksocute.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend...I know I will be locked in my Studio. I many new projects in the works and looking forward to sharing them with all of you.

Keep creating Art...and always REMEMBER TO GIGGLE!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Art Journals, Painting and Sketching

2010-06-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

Greetings & Salutations Everyone!

Happy Friday...Well, I've kicked up my Friday and currently working on some File Folders for my Journal that I'm doing for the Journal Junkin Workshop. I haven't made my cover yet, but will get to that soon. I'm having way to much fun with these folders. It's amazing how you can keep adding, and adding and keep adding to these fabulous folders. This is a very inexpensive way to test out new products, work out ideas and to see what colors look good together. I have the first layer down, which is the paint and now I'm adding the 2nd Layer with lots of different stencils, rubber stamps, found objects for added textures. The 3rd layer will be more paint, and more paint! I would really like to have at least 5 or 6 layers on these before I start adding collage pages, magazine pages, etc. Give it a Go! LOL

I am also working on playing with my Shiva Oil Sticks. I learned how to use these when I took Misty Mawn's Workshop over the Winter. LOVE THESE OIL STICKS. You can also use your oil paints after the first layer is dry. I'm waiting for this piece to dry and then go back in and add more coloring and shading to her features. Can't wait to see this done!My girlfriend, Anita, had this book sent to me from my favorite place...AMAZON.COM! If this is the only drawing and/or art book that you get, get this one. IT's broken down into 52 Chapters which gives you 52 weeks of various drawing techniques, etc. The First Chapter is "Draw Cats in Bed." I have been a big fan of Carla Sonheim and her little girls that she draws. I'm so glad she put this book out. Apparently this is a new series of books entitled "Lab Series" by Quarry Books and they have another one entitled "Collage Lab" by Bee Shay, and yes that is in my Amazon Cart! LOL Here are some new sketches that I'm working on. There is nothing like lots of sketch art books and a ton of pencils and art goodies all around you. I have this big bucket with all kinds of pencils, colored pencils, etc...and I carry that damn thing around like it's Linus' Blanket! LOL You should see me when I take my bucket to the local Pubs! LOL

I hope everyone has a wonderful, creative and great WEEKEND!

Until Next Time

CHEERS!

Art Dolls Only MMC -Marie Antoinette

2010-06-22T14:14:00.000-04:00

Art Dolls Only is having their MMC for the Month of June, which is...Marie Antoinette! Now I just couldn't make just one, so here are the two that I made for this wonderful challenge!This one was done in Pinks, and this one was done in Blues!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

CHEERS!

What the Crow Has Created In The Magical Studio!

2010-06-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS...

I guess I have been away from Blogger for a bit and they have CHANGED everything around. I can't figure out how to do my blog posts and the pictures are jumbled together...what the hell! LOL So please be patient with me while I try to figure this new blogger out! LOL I have been working on some new projects and hopefully you will be able to follow me here with these messed up pictures. I have been working on some sewing projects and this is the first Rag Bag I made. It is really easy to make and I love the look of these bags. Very Shabby Chic and vintage looking. I am debating on tea or coffee staining it...hmmmm I also love stamping on MUSLIN. You can color your muslin with paints, teas, dyes, inks, sprays, all kinds of things. Just make sure you if you are using dyes, you wear gloves because I believe my hands have been purple for about a week now! I have been working with threads and teaching myself how to do embroidery stitches, especially the quilting stitch. Love how this stitch comes out. I got the idea by watching Teesha Moore's videos on YouTube when she demonstrates her stitched, fabric journals. If you haven't seen them yet, make sure you watch them. They are fantastic! Here are some new Art Dolls that I'm working on for a local gallery. I still have to run the wire through their little heads so you can hang them up on the wall. However, I really like how they turned out. Very simple to do...just create your pattern, gesso the muslin, and think of it as a blank canvas...and most importantly...HAVE FUN and DON'T THINK TO MUCH ABOUT THE OUTCOME!Art Journaling is a great way of getting out ideas, playing with your paints and just having fun. This week that is all I have been doing. I've taken my Art Journals (I believe I have about 6 going all at once), got my box of papers out, paints out, and all kinds of goodies and I'm just having fun.

I also made a handmade Art Journal by Crocheting the cover and adding (sewing) a piece of wool felt to the Crocheted Cover to give it support. I also crocheted a pocket and hand stitched it to the cover. Take your muslin strips that you have stamped and stitch it on. This cover is not perfect and has flaws, but you know what...that is OK because it's mine and I made my first Art Journal from start to finish. I used a Canvas Pad and cut different sizes out for the signatures. I also used card stock and watercolor paper, so I would have all different types of papers going on in this Art Journal.

See how I sewed the Wool Felt on. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. I used a sewing machine for this part. Take your muslin strips that you have stamped and stitch them on too!

Well I sure hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend. It's beautiful here today...however, I will be working in the Studio creating more treasures...enjoy, play and always remember to giggle!

Until Next Time

CHEERS!

Happy Memorial Day To All of You!

2010-05-27T07:11:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day Everyone! Be Safe and Remember your Loved Ones Always!

Cheers!

Muslin Strip Tutorial, Learning to Crochet, Journals, Knitted Washcloths & Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-06T08:10:00.011-04:00

**GREETINGS & SALUTATION**

Another week has passed here at the Studio, and I have been learning so many new things to create.

I was trying my hand at stamping strips of Muslin and they came out fantastic. It's also a great way to add fabric to your mixed-media pieces. I used this technique to create custom wraps for my Spa Washcloths that I sell over at my Etsy Shop.

Basically you will need to cut 2" inch strips of muslin. Don't use scissors to cut them, just rip and tear. This will give your edges that raw frayed looked. You can tea stain or coffee stain your muslin and let the piece of fabric dry and then start to rip and tear your strips.

Once the Muslin is dried and your pieces are ripped, break out your permanent ink stamp pads and your collection of stamps. Start stamping your imagines onto your Muslin Strips!

You can use words, background stamps and then go over them with your picture stamps!

A closer look. Don't get worried if your Stamp isn't dark...this look gives it that Shabby Chic Look!

Now, set aside for about 30 min and then you can start using your strips for your projects. Here I used them to wrap up my Spa Knitted Washcloths.

I'm already for Mother's Day...I got every one's gifts ready for the Big Day on Sunday! I can't wait to give this to my family members!

Now that I have learned how to Knit, the next thing to do...of course...was to teach myself how to Crochet! LOL Boy, do I love this art form. Such beautiful crochet patterns and so many to learn. Can't wait to make a messenger bad and then felt it!

This is the BEST CROCHET TUTORIAL BOOK EVER. I have the Knitting one too. Just absolutely love these BOOKS, and I highly recommend both if you are interested in learning how to Crochet and Knit!

Here are some Crocheted Spa Washcloths that I have done. Absolutely love the colors and the patterns for these.

Now, I just couldn't stop at crocheting washcloths, so I'm working on a line of Crocheted Journal Covers that will be covered with backing fabric and then I will sew the signatures in using Watercolor Paper.

and I couldn't stop there...check out the crocheted FLOWERS! LOL

Here is the 6x6 Journal with the added flowers and the sewn in Signatures made from treated Muslin Pages.

Inside the journal. See how you can add the Muslin Pages to your Journals!

Side View of the 6x6 Journal

Two Crocheted Journals Ready To Go to a NEW HOME!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL MOTHER's DAY! Keep CREATING MAGIC...

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

CHEERS!

ADO's 2nd Quarter Challenge - Alice In Wonderland

2010-04-29T07:40:00.007-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

ART DOLLS ONLY "ADO" - HAS STARTED THEIR 2ND QUARTER CHALLENGE WHICH IS...ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

WE ARE HAVING A BLOG EVENT, SO MAKE SURE YOU GO OVER TO WWW.ARTDOLLSONLY.BLOGSPOT.COM AND SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE. THE EVENT STARTS JUNE 1, 2010 and YOU HAVE ONE MONTH TO FINISH AN ART DOLL IN THE THEME OF "ALICE IN WONDERLAND." I created TWO Alice in Wonderland Art Dolls. I really enjoyed creating their little knitted shrugs and working on their hair...ALL THAT HAIR! It wasn't hard to do since my hair is long and thick! LOL

This was a fun challenge, and if you are interested in participating with us on June 1st, make sure you sign up so we can all come and visit your Blog Post on your creation of Alice in Wonderland.

Until Next Time...Have a Wonderful and Creative Weekend

CHEERS!

All Tied Up In Muslin & New Listing on Etsy!

2010-04-22T07:57:00.005-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

Well another week has gone by, and today the weather doesn't seem to know what to do today! Will it Rain or Will the Sun Come Out and let me continue with painting outside? We wait with baited breath. LOL

I finished up my listing over at my Etsy Shop. I just listed my Spa Washcloths. I really like how they came out. I also love the fact that I'm getting big shipment today of fantastic organic cotton in a bunch of new colors. I have listed the colors over at my Shop if you want to take a look at the colors that I will be offering for these Spa Washcloths. I absolutely cannot make these fast enough for people. These knit up so nice in the yarn that I'm using and the colors are to die for! I have also included with the Spa Washcloths, a white ceramic bowl that has been hand stamped by me. If you are interested in purchasing a set and would like a different wording on your ceramic bowl, just convo me over at Etsy and let me know the colors and the wording that you would like and I will get the order started.

These Spa Washcloths are made to Order. The delivery time on your Order is approx. 2 weeks. However, if I eat boxes and boxes of Fruit Loops and have a ton of Java, I could get them to you sooner! LOL
These Spa Washcloths will last you a lifetime. Enjoy!

I've been working on my Muslin Journals too! As you can see by this picture, it's great having a clothes line up in the yard! LOL

Sanding, Gessoing, Painting, Staining, Sanding, Gessoing, Painting, Staining & Sanding. Well worth the time and effort in preparing these pages for Art Journals.

I made this journal after reading Lynne Hoppe's Muslin Art Journal Tutorial that I have posted earlier here on my Blog. This Journal is Approx. 9 x 11. I didn't pre-wash the Muslin before I dipped it in Tea Stain and it shrunk a bit. So if you want your journal a specific size after you have tea stained it, make sure you pre-wash your muslin first! LOL

On these pages, I have started adding bits of fabric scrapes and glued them down with Gel Medium. I would recommend using Golden's products for this. I had some Gel Medium, (Dick Blick Brand) ...no likey, likey! LOL

These pages I added some additional walnut crystals and waiting for the pages to dry.

I like doing a lot of prep work on my art journals. Once they have coats of paint and gesso, the whole art journal will be ready to go and make some art whenever I feel the muse coming on!

I hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend. I will be sharing more pages with you next week and some new fabric journal covers that I'm working on.

Play, Laugh, Dance, Create, Dream, Believe, and always make sure you have a Bottle of Wine on hand!

Until Next Time...

Cheers!

Studio Madness Again!

2010-04-16T12:41:00.005-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

I can't believe it's Friday already! Where does the time go? I would say, right out the Studio Windows! LOL I love waking up, smelling the Java brewing and planning my day in the Studio. Sometimes it doesn't go according to plan, but those times I treasure because MAGIC happens, and when it happens, I just go with it! I haven't bonded with my sewing machine much lately. However, today we are bonding again and making wonderful Art Doll Clothes!

My Marie Antoinette painting has been staring at me for months. Why is it when you begin a painting, or I should say, when I begin a painting, I never seem to finish them fast. I have walked by this painting countless times. Some days I add a splash of paint here, a piece of vintage collage paper there, and sometimes nothing at all. I guess I like the paintings to "SIMMER." LOL

I was inspired by my painting to create some Art Dolls to go along with the painting. As you can see, I still am working on them. Just like the painting, I let the dolls SIMMER too!

Now for these little gals, I will be completing them today as they will be heading off to their new homes. I can't wait to add their Knitted Shrugs and Leg Warmers that I hand knitted for them. I'm giggling in anticipation to seeing them done. LOL

Gotta LOVE Polka Dots!

In their GLORY!

Oh my, these little babies need some clothes! These are waiting for me to find my MUSE!

I keep knitting washcloths and my husband steals them! LOL I promise I will have some of these wonderful, hand-knitted Washcloths up in my Etsy Shop Very Soon!

Yes, as you can see, my Yarn Stash is quickly growing! I just freaking LOVE YARN!

Update on my DRAWING...This is about it! So many things to do and never enough time to get everything done! Will be posting an update on my Drawing soon, so make sure you stay tuned!

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL & CREATIVE WEEKEND!

Spend time with your Art Supplies, no matter what they are...Play and Bond with them. You never know what new discoveries you will find!

Until Next Time

CHEERS!

Art Dolls Galore, New Knitting Supplies & Muslin Art Journal

2010-04-09T08:30:00.009-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

Okay, I have a lot to share today, so grab yourself a cup of Java, and of course your Fruit Loops and let's begin.

Just got some new yarn to start another knitting project. This is going to be a Market Bag. I'm currently using this same yarn for my Yoga Socks, which has a little stripe in it. I wanted to try this yarn on bigger needles instead of the double pointed ones I'm using for the socks, so I will let you know how that goes! This yarn is wonderful. Knits really nice and soft. This is a picture of the what the Market Bag will or is suppose to look like after you have completed the project...we will see how I do! However, I will change the initials to CROW...of course!

Some more new colors over at www.knitpicks.com I can't wait to start using my new circular needles. Now if I can just figure them out, I'll be good to go. Heading to Knitting Classes tomorrow, so will take them with me!

As you all know, I've been working on my Muslin Journal that I learned over at Lynne Hoppe's Blog www.lynnehoppe.blogspot.com I absolutely love working on fabric. You can do so much with these pages. You must try this...it's so much fun.

What I'm doing is gessoing some pages ahead of time. Let the gesso dry and then I started adding some paints, foam stamps, and putting in some texture. I got some of that new Tim Holtz Crackle Paint. It didn't work as well as I thought it would. May be it works better on paper. Not really happy with that product. I do like his inks though! LOL The thing with journal pages, you can keep adding more and more layers, so I will be adding more paints and stuff to these two pages.

Now for Art Dolls Only. We are having our Monthly Challenge and this Month is entitled

"SPRING ENCHANTMENT." I still need to finish my First Quarter Challenge...LOL

Here they are in the "Work in Progress" stage! As you can see, I'm still developing more Art Dolls, but completed the Three for Challenge!

Introducing the "GARDEN GIRLS"

I absolutely loved doing their hair. I use some left over wool roving and attached it with a glue gun!

I think that about does it! As I'm writing this, I'm looking around, and I see so many projects started and waiting to get completed. I wish there was more time in the day! If any of you can figure out how to make the days longer, let me know...I would love to know! LOL

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

CHEERS!

Muslin Journal Playing

2010-04-07T09:32:00.005-04:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

I hope you all had a great weekend and very Happy Easter! I believe I ate to much chocolate! LOL !

I have been working on a Muslin Journal that Lynne Hoppe put up on her blog as a tutorial. If you haven't seen her fantastic tutorial, hop over there and check it out. Be warned, it's addicting! LOL

All you need to get started is some Muslin. I tea stained the Muslin and added some walnut crystals to the mix. Measure out your pieces. I wanted a bigger journal, so my pages are 10 1/2 x 8 1/2.

Tear your Muslin after you have measured them out if you want the raw edges (which I absolutely love).

I did a drawing and then sewed it to the cover.

Add, ribbons, paper, other pieces of fabric, etc. to your pages. I gesso, so gesso your pages and get your paints out. You can also use watercolor, oil pastels, pencils, papers to get your creative magic going!

I sewed the signatures together and then used yarn to sew them together and bind them in the book. It's so much fun...you must make one of these, you will love it!

Have fun making your Muslin Journal and make sure you stop by and see Lynne's wonderful Muslin Journal Tutorial!
UNTIL NEXT TIME...

CHEERS!

Happy, Happy, Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T07:23:00.004-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

Just hopping in to wish everyone a very HAPPY EASTER and a very CREATIVE WEEKEND!

I will be batting down the hatches and locking myself in my Studio! However, on Sunday I will be finding the Easter Eggs, and eating lots of CHOCOLATE! LOL
Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Commissioned Piece: Designs by CK

2010-03-26T07:53:00.003-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!
It's Friday and the weekend is upon us!
A ways back I had commissioned Chris from Designs by CK to put his magic to King Kong for my husband. When I received it in the mail, I was so ever pleased with Chris' amazing hand at this piece he did for us. My husband is a huge fan of King Kong and I knew the right person to design this piece. Chris' work is just amazing and if you haven't been over to see him, you must visit him at: www.designsbyck.etsy.com, www.designsbyck.com, and www.designsbyck.blogspot.com
Chris work is truly amazing and I'm always so happy when I get artwork from him. Thank you again Chris for your hard work on this, and being so patient with me. LOL
I haven't found the perfect frame yet, but I will know when I see it!
As for this Friday, it's cold out, raining, and the perfect day to kick back with some Joni Mitchell, go through my latest yarn purchases and KNIT ALL DAY LONG!

I can't wait to make leg warmers out these. Just look at the colors.....oh la la.... www.knitpicks.com. These colors come out early May and I can't wait to buy one of each!

I received some new Knitting Books yesterday from Amazon and these are the BOMB. These books are terrific. Tons of instructions, patterns, and pictures. I love these. Check out the Pumpkin Dress color on the color of the one book. This is a must for me to make. Now, I just need some pumpkin yarn! LOL

Almost done with my fourth washcloth. My husband absolutely loves these. Plus, they are so great to practice different stitch patterns. I love making these.

I would've have posted my scarf I'm making, and I will once it's done. However, I screwed up a couple of the rows and have to take it to knitting classes tomorrow so my teacher can fix it for me. LOL The trials of being a beginner knitter. LOL

I hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend. Stop back earlier in the week to see more of my finished projects. You never know what I'm up to next! LOL

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

IT's All About Knitting These Days!

2010-03-18T08:13:00.009-04:00

Greetings & Salutations!

My current obsession is KNITTING. I've been so busy with getting my hands on anything dealing with Knitting. I'm completely crazy over this new love. I'm even dreaming about knitting and the dreams go, knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, purl 2! LOL

On Tuesday during my mad search over at Etsy, I came across a wonderful shop called "Lambsears." Kelly's shop is just amazing and what even makes it better, she is an amazing knitter, and great to deal with. Make sure you check out her shop here Lambsears When ordering these beautiful handmade, hand painted knitting needles, you get a free Knitting Needle Case that comes with your purchase. Also, Kelly does special orders, which she is doing for me. I wanted these Knitting Needles in 14 inch length because when doing bigger projects, I need the extra length. However, I did order some in the 10 inch length for shorter projects.

www.lambsears.etsy.com

Kelly also offers some fabulous HomeSpun Yarns. These are very YUMMY!

Check these out! I just absolutely love these, and they are PINK!

I just ordered a bunch of HomeSpun Art Yarn, and I'm waiting to get those from England. So in the meantime, I purchased some yarns from Joann's. These wonderful colors will be made into more Art Doll Shrugs for my little girls.

I just had to get another BASKET! LOL Just full of new and beautiful yarns ready to be turned into something wonderful!

Yes, Books on Knitting. Can't have enough in my library of learning! These books are wonderful. Especially the Book on Yarn. This book goes really in to depth about the properties of yarn and where it all comes from. Who would've thought there are so many different types of wool. LOL If you are new to knitting or would like to learn more, these books are awesome. The book on 400 Stitches is the bomb. You can't imagine all of the stitches you can create by just knowing the knit stitch and the purl stitch! It's just amazing!

Here is my first WASHCLOTH I knitted. My husband actually used it this morning and loved it. Well, why wouldn't he...right? LOL I used 100% cotton yarn (Sugar & Cream) to knit this. When working with WHITE yarn, make sure you keep your hands clean. LOL I'm pleased on how it came out. Not bad for the first try.

My Art Doll Shrugs. These are addicting to make. I can't wait to finish up some Art Dolls so they can be dressed in their little Shrugs!

Now onto my other passion...drawing. Still working on my style, techniques that I'm learning through the various workshops that I'm taking. Shading is the hardest part...I gotta tell ya! It's not there yet, but I swear I will get there if it kills me! LOL

Well, I'm off to make another pot of Java, put some Joni Mitchell in and get knitting and doing some other things. I plan on locking my Studio door again this weekend...hopefully my husband will send food up to me! LOL

Have a WONDERFUL and CREATIVE WEEKEND. Remember...DO WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO and always GIGGLE when doing it!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Studio Madness & Learning to Knit

2010-03-11T09:07:00.005-05:00

Greetings & Salutations!
Well it's been a crazy week as usual and I have managed to get one Shrug knitted for my little Art Doll. I have been wanting to learn this skill for many years, and have tried it numerous times over the years, but never managed to grasp the whole knit and purl and all the other things you have to do. Not to mention, how to hold those darn sticks in your hands while controlling the tension on the yarn. LOL
I must say, this is a wonderful art form to learn and I'm having a blast at it! Here are some pics of my little Art Doll with her new knitted Shrug on. I think it came out pretty good for a first try at this.

This little Art Doll still has a lot of work left to do...but once she is completed, she will be hanging out with me in my Studio. I so have to keep her! Especially with this little Shrug on...my goodness! LOL

Now if learning how to knit wasn't enough to keep me busy, I had to purchase this book on Crocheting. If you love Crocheting, this is a great book. Very basic, but it goes into some really advance stitches and patterns. The girls that wrote this book also wrote the other book that I got on Knitting called "Chicks with Sticks." Another fantastic book. Order them off of Amazon. They are so much cheaper than running to your local book store.

Had to get a Knitting Basket and stuff with all kinds of new yarns, needles, accessories, etc. It's ready to take with me where ever I go! The other thing is, make sure you get a knitting needle carrier too. I also took a sharpie and put the numbers of each knitting needle on the top. This way you don't have to fumble with your knitting gauge and try and figure out the metric system. LOL

So, do you think I should clean up this section of my Studio? I think so...with Spring right around the corner, it might be a good idea to have a major clear-out!

Okay, I have been waiting to get this DVD for some time now, and it finally came. If you are a Michael Jackson fan and even if you are not, this is a great DVD. After watching it, I threw in my Michael Jackson CDs and started dancing around in the Studio. I must warn you though, you will watch it over and over again...that's how good it is. I cried at the end...what an amazing artist he was.

On Joe Perry. Yes, I love this dude! LOL My husband brought this home for me. His friend tore this out of a magazine so I could have it for my Studio. I must say, he so curls my toes! LOL

Well, I'm off to have a meeting on Art and then heading into the Studio for the entire weekend. Yes, I'm starting early because I have numerous commission pieces to complete and get some art dolls finished.

Until Next Time...Have a great weekend, keep creating art and make sure you remember to giggle at yourself.

CHEERS!

Sketches, Knitting, Art Dolls & WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!

2010-03-06T09:13:00.005-05:00

Greetings & Salutations! Back Home now and trying to get the house cleaned up, laundry, and a bit of Spring Cleaning. Looks like it's going to be a nice few days here on the East Coast, so better take advantage of it before the "BIG STORM" hits us again! LOL
Here are some new sketches that I have been working on. As most of you know, I've been taking some Portrait Workshops with Misty Mawn and Suzi Blu. Still trying to get that Bloody profile to work for me...still needs a lot of work. However, I am enjoying the process of learning to draw and trying for the life of me to get those SHADOWS down! LOL

Gotta LOVE the MOLESKINE!

Working with Watercolor Paper...it isn't as easy as they tell you! LOL

Some New Art Dolls "Works In Progress." The poor things need a face and some clothes! I'm actually working on some Art Doll Challenges that we have going on over at "Art Dolls Only." Stay tuned for updates, as I move through the process.

Okay, let's just say that I've always wanted to learn how to Knit, but those damn knitting needles always got in the way, or should I say my clumsy fingers...Well, being away and having a need to keep my fingers busy, I thought I would give it another try. Can I say, "ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT." OMG...it's nothing like my Grandma was doing back in the day! LOL

Now I must find a Knitting Club to join...This is a very addicting craft!

Give it try...believe me, if I can do this, anyone can do this. I'm extremely clumsy with my fingers! LOL

Here are some GREAT Books to get you started. I ordered these off of AMAZON! The instructions are really basic and they actually go into types of yarn, weights and all of the different types of knitting needles...WHO KNEW!

Another score on AMAZON... WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE! Now I'm aging myself, but this BOOK was my constant companion as a kid...Well, let's face it, it still is because I'm still just a BIG KID!

Great Movie...if you haven't seen it, get it, rent it and ENJOY IT!

Okay, off to SPRING CLEAN and catch up with everyone. The Studio is calling my name! May be I should just lock myself in there for the next week or so...What do you think?

Until Next Time...Play, Laugh, Create and always remember to GIGGLE...It does work!

CHEERS!

IT's All About Sketching!

2010-02-27T19:24:00.004-05:00

Take Time Out To DRAW, SKETCH, PLAY! These are a few my sketches that I have been working on. I am actually taking the Misty Mawn Workshop "Drawing & Painting Portraits" and I have to say, I'm very behind in the workshop due to an unexpected Business Trip, but I will be catching up in the next week or so. I thought I would post some draft sketches that I'm working on. I am also very excited about Suzi Blu's New Goddess & The Poet No. 2 Workshop that will be starting sometime in May. I absolutely love her workshops. Suzi is a fantastic art teacher and she really gets you excited about what you are doing!

CREATE ART EVERYDAY and HAVE FUN!
Until Next Time...CHEERS!

Nothing Like a Cold Beer!

2010-02-23T10:37:00.001-05:00

Now This Is What I'm Talking About! LOL

Winter Storm, One World One Heart Winner and Digging Out!

2010-02-15T07:25:00.003-05:00

Well, anyone who has been watching the weather here of late, knows that East Coast has been plagued with lots of SNOW! I'm so loving it. Now this is WINTER and we are getting more apparently later tonight! WHOOOHOOO!

No MILK TODAY! LOL

The One World One Heart Event ended last night at Midnight. As I'm packing and getting ready for a business trip that will take me away for at least 3 weeks, I had to draw the name of the WINNER of my One World One Heart Giveaway. Well...actually the computer did it and the the random number was 172...which is STEPHANIE from QUEEN OF DREAMSZ!

CONGRATS STEPHANIE ON WINNING IZZIE. I KNOW SHE WILL LOVE HER NEW HOME.

I would also like to thank all of you who visited me and played along with this wonderful event that Lisa put together for all of us.

Next year will be even bigger as the word will spread throughout blog land.

Looking forward to it next year.

In the meantime, continue to giggle, create and do what you love!

I will be back in about a month.

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

OWOH-MAGIC CARPET RIDE BLOG GIVEAWAY

2010-01-25T11:11:00.008-05:00

OH BOY...It's that time of year again where Blog Land is on OVERLOAD! Are you ready to participate and have fun at the Blog Event of the Year? Get ready and JOIN US ON THE MAGIC CARPET RIDE!Make sure you stop over at A Whimsical Bohemian and say hello to our Creator and Host, LISA and to see the Hundreds of Other Bloggers Participating in this WORLD EVENT!

HERE IS MY GIVEAWAY THAT THE STUDIO IS OFFERING...MEET...

"Izzie, The Red Haired Bandit" She is ready to take her ride on the Magic Carpet!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
THE DRAWING WILL TAKE PLACE ON
FEBRUARY 15, 2010.
I will notify the WINNER the Night of February 15, 2010

ENJOY AND HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME! Party, Laugh and Meet Some Amazing BLOGGERS OUT THERE!
CHEERS

Finished Art Dolls and ADO's MMC Challenge

2010-01-16T08:53:00.003-05:00

Greetings and Salutations!

I have been working like crazy in the Studio and have finished up some of the WIPs I posted last week. Here they are!

First of off, over at Art Dolls Only, we are having our January Mini Monthly Challenge entitled "Mother Goose." For my Challenge piece, I sculpted "Jill." However, I did not create "Jack", but he is on the pail! LOL
These little girls were a lot of fun to create. I love using old sweaters and making them into wearable little clothes for my Art Dolls. This little girl is listed over at my Etsy Shop. Her name is Bedelia Knittlemeyer. She is 12 inches tall and hand sculpted out of polymer clay.

Meet Omenia Cardinalia. She stands approx. 14 inches tall is hand sculpted out of polymer clay.

The three little girls together!

Now for the more Gothic, spooky characters. Meet Wkee Beduki. He sits approx. 7 inches tall and is hand sculpted out of polymer clay.

This little guys name is Sbeets the Spit Meisler. He sits approx. 8 inches tall and is hand sculpted out of polymer clay.

Meet Onyx Oblonski. He sits approx. 8 inches tall and is hand sculpted out polymer clay.

All three together!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I know that I will be in the Studio having a great time sculpting, sewing, painting and rocking out to some great tunes. Oh, and that bottle of wine that is sitting on my work table! LOL

Remember to do what you love and have fun and for heaven sakes, REMEMBER TO GIGGLE!

Until Next Time...

CHEERS!

Gifts,Sketches, Journal Pages and Art Dolls

2010-01-08T21:20:00.007-05:00

Greetings and Salutations!
Boy oh Boy it was Christmas at the Studio this Week. Pattee from Odd-Dolls sent me "Dwiddle." Look how cute this little House Elf is...(by the way, Pattee is offering a workshop on how to create these little guys, so check it out over at her Ning Group). Click the Badge on my sidebar and it will take you to her Ning Group! Dwiddle is sitting with me in the Studio! I absolutely love him and Thank You Pattee for making me smile! The next gift is from Colleen over at LoopyBoopy. I am a collector of her Art Dolls and if you haven't gotten one yet, well you need to get one. Make sure you get it when you see it, because if not, it will be gone! LOL Thank You so much Colleen for Sending me Joelle. I love her too and she has found a home in my Studio. However, I have to feed her Martini's here and there! LOL Joelle and Dwiddle are up to no good! LOL Thank you girls for making me giggle!

I've been working on some new Art Dolls for my Etsy Shop and New Website. These little gals are not finished, but close to being done. I will post them all here before I place them over at Etsy. I'm loving this cold weather. I get to dress them in Winter Clothes!

Now if I can just figure out how to get some of pictures loaded right over here on Blog, I'd be set. Sorry for the sideways photos. LOL As you all know, I've been spending time with my Art Journals and my Sketching. I have made a goal to work in my Art Journals everyday and Sketch every night before I go to bed. As for the Art Journals, they are starting pages and I just love the fact that a page is never done. Man, you can keep going and going with these pages.

New Sketches for January 2010

Art Journal Pages in Progress! Try using watercolor with gesso! WOW and it's fun!

I will have updated and finished Art Dolls in a few days. I can't wait to show you all once they are finished. Stay Warm and Create Art Everyday!

Unitl Next Time...CHEERS!

Workshops, Etsy Update and More WIP Journal Pages

2010-01-02T05:07:00.009-05:00

Greetings and Salutations from the Studio!

Well, after a few months of Holiday preparing, running around like a chicken with its head cut-off, wrapping, buying, selling, creating, phone calls to families and friends, decorating, weathering snow storms, reading the latest Stampington publications, blogging, participating in various groups, challenges, listening to Christmas Music 24/7, working on various workshops, writing, painting, drawing, sketching, laughing, crying, screaming...IT's ALL OVER! Yeah, right...it's only beginning! LOL

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL and SAFE Holiday Season and now are preparing to conquer 2010! To jump start everyone...Marie over at EVB Studios is offering a wonderful workshop for only $10.00 entitled "INTENTION COOKIES." What a wonderful idea and I started making mine New Year's Eve. I used acrylic washes and added a bit of a black wash to them after they dried. Once the paint was completely dried, I then sprayed them with Triple Thick Spray.
Once your Intention Cookies are done, slip a message into them so that your intentions come true! These make great gifts and it's so cool to place them around your house to keep you focused on your goals. Check out www.evbstudios.com and join the fun. You can't beat the price of this workshop! Enjoy

New Items Added to www.crowhavenfarm.etsy.com
Whispers the 3rd

The Gossip Girls...and boy do they Gossip!

Working on some portraits!

Love working in my Journals. I love the fact that you don't have to complete the pages...I just keep adding collage elements, texture, and lots of paint. Try it, you'll LOVE IT!

Sorry about the pages being sideways...can't seem to figure that one out! LOL

More Sketches in my Moleskine!

Now, these loaded properly...LOL

I hope you all have a wonderful WEEKEND and CREATE ART!

Until Next Time

Cheers!

Happy New Year Everyone & Studio Madness!

2009-12-27T12:23:00.010-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL FROM STUDIO!

THANK YOU ALL FOR A FABULOUS 2009 & LOOKING FORWARD TO 2010!

I hope you all had a wonderful, happy, and safe Christmas! It's hard to believe that it's over and we are heading into 2010 shortly! As we gather our thoughts and writing down our "New Year's Resolutions"... (please, I'm lucky if I commit to one of them, but I do try!!! HAHAHA). However, for those of you out there in blog land, make a commitment to start an "Art Journal." You will never regret it and you will find such peace and freedom in this art form. I have only been doing Art Journaling for a very short time, and it's really helped me with ideas and my sketching. It has also given me the freedom to do whatever I want. Over Christmas break I continued working on my Art Journals and here is a sneak at some of my pages. Now, mind you, an Art Journal you don't have to finish it in one sitting...some of these pages I work on for months...that is the beauty of the Art Journal...there is no AGENDA! It's just you and your Art Journal...Try it, I promise you that you will always continue on this path!

This Darn Page is Sideways...arrrrghhhh!

Pop in a movie while you are working on your Art Journal...Remember, it's just you having fun!

One of my Art Journals. I have several going all at once! WHOOOHOOO

More Sketches
Grab yourself some Adirondack Color Wash Sprays...These things are freaking AWESOME!

Cut-up paper towels and use gel medium...Look at how much fun you can have with a PAPER TOWEL!

This is the Journal Page I did for "Create and Pass the Journal" over at "Art From the Heart!
My Angel Page from the workshop I'm taking over at SuziBlu.ning.com

This piece that I'm working on is from Angel Workshop with Suzi Blu. I am having loads of fun with this. She isn't done, but she is getting closer to being completed.

Still working on this piece. I keep switching her colors. By doing so, it's creating really cool layers and textures.

A Basket Full of "Works in Progress." It takes time considering all of the layers of paint these little suckers require! LOL

Got my little girl ornies done! I think they came out really well! These are addicting to make!

My little "Gothic Annies" are all most done. Just need to add some clothes and hair!

Now for some new "Art Book." It's so nice getting new books. It's better than buying chocolate! LOL Well, I might not go that far!

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL, HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR! ALWAYS HAVE ART IN YOUR HEART AND KNOW THAT YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

CHEERS!

Artistic Darla Is The Winner and Studio Madness!

2009-12-18T07:30:00.009-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

First of, thank you all for participating in my Blog Giveaway, and don't worry if you didn't win this time. I will be having a few more Blog Giveaways in January. Don't forget about the MAJOR BLOG GIVEAWAY From ONE WORLD ONE HEART BLOG EVENT...Click Sidebar Badge for Details. I believe it's starting sometime in January. Last year I participated and it was massive. It took a good month to get through every one's blogs. LOL

OKAY...now for the Winner...the Magical Hat picked ARTISTIC DARLA! Congrats Darla on winning the "Bottle of Believe" and just in time for the Holidays! May she always keep you believing! Cheers my Friend!

I haven working like a mad woman trying to get some Holiday Art Dolls finished to take some of the local shops here in Pennsylvania...here are some that have been dropped off ... I actually wanted to keep them all! LOL

My Studio is a MESS, but I'm working away to get some more Gossip Girls completed before Christmas...these little girls take so much time, but I love creating them. Look for some new ones over at my Website come Mid January 2010

Lots of arms and legs!

Some New Art Dolls for DAG...Creepy Goth Girls

I'm taking a workshop over at Gritty Jane on creating Clay Folk Art Movable Art Dolls. I'm having fun making these!

Here they are...aren't they just so much fun. My new ones you will be able to hang them on the wall or have them sitting! Watch for these new gals over at my new Website!
I WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I WILL BE BUSY IN THE STUDIO COMPLETING MORE ART DOLLS AND WORKING ON MY PAINTINGS, SKETCHES AND OF COURSE...MY JOURNALS.

ENJOY, BE SAFE AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO GIGGLE.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

CHEERS!

It's A Blog Giveaway...Happy Holidays

2009-12-14T08:01:00.007-05:00

GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS

It's time for Blog Giveaway here at the STUDIO...so make sure you enter to WIN!

***A BOTTLE OF BELIEVE***With the Music in the Air, the Pumpkin Rolls being baked (by the way, my Sister-In-Law makes the worlds greatest Pumpkin Rolls), Christmas Cookies getting decorated, People singing while Decorating their Trees, the Egg Nog flowing (you should try my Egg Nog...it will make you giggle for days! LOL), and the warmth in our hearts (wouldn't it be great if the world had Christmas in their hearts 365 days of the year?), My Christmas Wish for all of you ... is to be Happy, Create Art, and always remember to GIGGLE...it helps when things seem overwhelming!

I will be collecting all of your comments, and the Magic Hat will be picking the Winner Thursday, December 17, 2009.

Good Luck to you all, and a BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT and the many laughs you all have given me over the past year!

Until Next Time...CHEERS!

Snow, Movies, Studio Time, New Website, and Breathing

2009-12-11T10:31:00.019-05:00

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW...I know a lot of us are getting hit with SNOW, and I'm so loving it! We took these pictures on December 5th...The First Snow of 2009! LOL

The forecast this weekend is SNOW, SNOW, SNOW, SNOW! WHOOOOOHOOOOOOO

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHING 2010
Crow Abbey Designs by Michelle Schafer

I've been working on my new Website, getting tags, business cards, and all of the goodies ready to launch in 2010. I'm working on getting new items to offer through Crow Abbey Designs, so make sure you sign-up and follow me for updates!

I asked LuLu Kellogg from Coastal Sisters (and a DAG Member) to design some Certificate of Authenticity's for my designs under "Crow Abbey Designs by Michelle Schafer." LuLu did a fantastic job in capturing what I wanted. LuLu will design anything for you and send you the design so you can have them printed. I had mine printed over at www.vistaprint.com. They did a fantastic job and shipping was really fast!

Thank you so much LuLu for your help! I absolutely love them!!!

Make sure you stop by and get your orders in. LuLu also designs blog banners, etsy banners, and all kinds of other goodies. Any Artist that creates and sells their works, should have these for their customers!

Check out Coastal Sisters Blog/Website

The other day, I finally got my Diary for 2010 from the "DIARY PROJECT" that I participated in. Here is my page that will appear in the Daily Diary for 2010. Fantazya did a wonderful job getting these Diaries together!

You can order your Daily Diary for 2010 by going here: http://www.fantazya.ca/diary2010.html Make sure you check out the link to see all of the fabulous artists that were involved with this project.

Okay, many of you have been asking me about DAG "Dark Artists Guild." DAG has decided to move the Forum to DAG GrimCity. We will no longer be on NING. Our new Forum is under construction, and will be ready for new Members and Fans on January 1, 2010. MarZel, The Goblin, and Myself are very excited for 2010 and what we have planed for DAG GrimCity. Stay tuned for more details.

I'm looking forward to getting home from work...yes, I'm posting my blog from WORK (shhhhhh don't tell anyone)...and settling in to watch some Christmas DVDs in my big chair with my pencils and sketchbooks. Since we don't have TV, we load up on DVDs. I just got the newest Harry Potter (the 6th movie), and was a little disappointed. I guess that is what happens when a new Director takes over. Oh well, at least the book was good! LOL
As for my weekend...I will be working in the STUDIO, watching my workshop videos from the newest Suzi Blu Workshop on "ANGELS" and getting some Holiday Art Dolls Completed. I hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend. Always make time to create art, even if it's for 5 min a day...you will thank yourself!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

CHEERS

Share The Joy Blog Party Event Happy Holidays!

2009-12-03T17:37:00.032-05:00

Welcome to "Share the Joy" Blog Event being hosted by Denise of Bella Dreams http://www.bella-dreams.blogspot.com/ Please make sure you stop by and say hello to all of the other participants of this beautiful event. Click the Badge on the right side-bar and it will take to the official post.

Share the Joy Blog Event is about sharing Holiday Traditions, Music, Movies, Decorating Ideas, Holiday Recipes, and all kinds of other things.

From decorating your fireplace mantels, to bowls or jars full of Christmas Ornaments, you can get some ideas for Holiday Cheer during this amazing Blog Party!

Now this is a "Martini" Glass!

Look what you can do with Pine Cones!

MUST HAVE CANDLES!

Christmas Ornaments on Old Vintage Candlesticks

I have taken some the ideas above, and started to incorporate them into our Home. Welcome to our Home...It's still early, and we have more to do, but it's a start!
OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE

Tradition...what does it mean to you?

Over the years and ever since I was born, I get an ornament each year, mark the date on the ornament and hang it on the tree. Now from the looks of our tree I should be about 300 years old (well, sometime I feel like I'm 300, but I'm not)! LOL

One of our traditions that we do on Christmas Eve...we grab our sleeping bags and snuggle ourselves under the Christmas Tree, listening to music, watching the fireplace crackle and reading Twas the Night before Christmas.

Love collecting various types of Snowmen

What would the Holiday's be without Music...Have it playing from Thanksgiving Day right up through January!

Take a little tree and make it your Center Piece!

Vase full of Christmas Ornaments

Away in the Manger

This Manger is very old and has been in my husband's family for many years. I love laying next to our tree and gazing into this beautiful Manger.
Another Family Tradition, on Christmas Eve we all gather over at my in-laws, watch old movies, eat, laugh, and just be together. Christmas...we head back over to the in-laws and continue where we left off on Christmas Eve. It's a wonderful time of year!

Aquarius LOVES CHRISTMAS. We emptied the water and filled him with Silver Christmas Ornaments and lots of White Lights.

See how simple it is to make center pieces...Grab a Jar, Christmas Ornaments, some tinsel and pine cones.

We are still working on our Porch...The lights have to go up and the poinsettias and wreaths need to be added.

THE NUTCRACKERS STAND GUARD!

Back inside for some warm Java and more pictures of Christmas Decorating.

Collecting other artists Christmas works. Etsy is great place to find unique Christmas Decorations!

It is my wish that all of you have a WONDERFUL, CHEERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON...May the JOY you feel during these times, fill your HEART with LOVE all YEAR ROUND!

PEACE & CHEERS TO ALL!

*****The Studio at Crow Haven Farm***** Where Magical Things Happen*****

BEEN AWAY FOR AWHILE...HOWEVER, I'M STILL HERE!

What I'm Doing!

Creepy Orphan Society's Challenges-Come Check Us Out!

As we wait for Spring...the "Ladies in Waiting" also wait

Creepy Orphan Society-January Challenge

Art Doll Swaps & Happy Holidays From The Studio

Happy Thanksgiving and Let it Snow!

Art Doll Gallery Show & Madness In The Studio!

NEW WORKSHOP-ARTSPELL the ALCHEMY of M.E.

It's All Most Time...November 1st It's Out of the Bag!

MORBID CURIOSITIES CHALLENGE-My Creepy Orphan

Happy October 1, 2010 - 30 Days Until Spooky Time!

The Studio's Practical Magic Blog Party Post...Come On In & Cast Some Spells

The Holiday Doll Ball SWAP-Deadline December 5th

Windows Update , Alcohol Inks & Knitting Books

Crow "Art Dolls" Coming To Life In The Studio & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Mixed-Media All Night Long & Then Some!

On To The Windows...And Much More!

Oh My...House Demolition This Week!

A Practical Magic Blog Party by Justina & Anna, September 25, 2010

Manic Weekend:Sketches, Awards, Gifts, Cleaning & Finally Drinking!

Tis The Season For Camping & Custom Ordered Crow Art Dolls

Fabric Art Journal & DAG's Creepy Orphan Society Challenges (WIPs)

Doodling Like You Did When You Were Two!

Who isn't Addicted To Art Supplies?

NESTING TODAY!

Sketchbook Project 2011, So Dark So Cute Giveaway & Projects

Art Journals, Painting and Sketching

Art Dolls Only MMC -Marie Antoinette

What the Crow Has Created In The Magical Studio!

Happy Memorial Day To All of You!

Muslin Strip Tutorial, Learning to Crochet, Journals, Knitted Washcloths & Happy Mother's Day!

ADO's 2nd Quarter Challenge - Alice In Wonderland

All Tied Up In Muslin & New Listing on Etsy!

Studio Madness Again!

Art Dolls Galore, New Knitting Supplies & Muslin Art Journal

Muslin Journal Playing

Happy, Happy, Happy Easter!

Commissioned Piece: Designs by CK

IT's All About Knitting These Days!

Studio Madness & Learning to Knit

Sketches, Knitting, Art Dolls & WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!

IT's All About Sketching!

Nothing Like a Cold Beer!

Winter Storm, One World One Heart Winner and Digging Out!

OWOH-MAGIC CARPET RIDE BLOG GIVEAWAY

Finished Art Dolls and ADO's MMC Challenge

Gifts,Sketches, Journal Pages and Art Dolls

Workshops, Etsy Update and More WIP Journal Pages

Happy New Year Everyone & Studio Madness!

Artistic Darla Is The Winner and Studio Madness!

***It's A Blog Giveaway...Happy Holidays***

Snow, Movies, Studio Time, New Website, and Breathing

***Share The Joy Blog Party Event*** Happy Holidays!

***The Studio at Crow Haven Farm* Where Magical Things Happen***

It's A Blog Giveaway...Happy Holidays

Share The Joy Blog Party Event Happy Holidays!