Being A Working Mom

So I have spent the morning reading the blogs that I follow and reveling in the beauty and perfection of all of the home decor photos and craft spaces.

I realized that I have yet to follow a blog that is written by a woman that I can truly identify with. A crafty working mom who is trying to juggle work,  parenting,  side craft business,  chores,  and home repairs,  etc.

I am planning on tackling these dishes shortly but before I did I just wanted to post this shout out to all you ladies out there who, like me, are struggling to keep it together.

Keep your chin up!   Take it a minute at a time.

^.^  Myria

Boudoir Tour

We are currently undergoing a house remodel (going on two+ years now) and I just realized that my bedroom is the only room in the house that is not embarrassing and fit for public view.

My color scheme in this room is lavender,  gray,  plum,  silver,  and black.
You can see my Brocade bed spread and antique vanity thing that I inherited from my great aunt.

A top the vintage vanity that belonged to my Grandma I have my fancy Victorian style lamp that I paid to much money for but I am still glad I bought because I LOVE it!

I have one of my dad's vintage black and white photos that he took in the late 1960s on the wall. You can find it at Mandell Photos on Etsy .  I also use this wall mounted key holder for all my jewelry.

Nobody wears hats anymore. Sad panda!

I'm not sure what to call this. It's kind of like a vanity but you can't sit at it. Maybe it's a dressing table or jewelry armoire?   Whatever it is it's gorgeous!  

In this photo you can see the Black Quail pottery piece that my mom found second hand. It is signed Baca and I'm positive it was handmade here in NM and sold at galleries in Santa Fe.

You can also see the neat little vintage bobble head turtle pin cushion that she found used too.

I was so stoked when I found those two Avon perfume bottle figurines!

The glass on the door is cracked,  which is a bit depressing. But this is still a very useful piece of furniture - even if I do have a minor coronary every time I have to put something away or take something out.

Hard to see in this photo but I once found an awesome assortment of cut glass perfume bottles for $2 each. Needless to say I bought all of them. I resold a few at a consignment shop and kept the rest for my perfume bottle collection.

So now you have caught a glimpse into my tranquil space. The rest of the house looks like it shelters homeless squatters.  I'm exaggerating of course. 

Let me give you some history - we started an insulation project last year and it still isn't done yet.  The trim around the windows has been ripped off so the walls could be topped with insulation and then new drywall.  We are slowly putting on the finishing touches but I must say,  the reduced cost of our heating bills was immediate. We saved $70 the first month!  Totally worth the upheaval.

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Bloggy Moms December 2013 Blog Hop

Free Article Download

I received this email today from Somerset Place: The Official Blog of Stampington & Company. They included a link to Blog Archive Free Article Download: Voice of Your Soul

http://stampington.com/blog/index.php/2013/11/07/free-art-journaling-article-download-voice-soul/?utm_source=Stampington+%26+Company&utm_campaign=c11911f23f-Creative_Impulse_2013_05_025_3_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_916c207796-c11911f23f-7220125

I like to share ^.^

Postcards From Paris II - another gorgeous layout by Gabrielle Pollaco

I saw this on the Webster Paper blog - I am officially a fan of hers!

An {AWE INSPIRING} layout by Designer Gabrielle Pollacco! 

{STUNNING!}
Postcards From Paris II has so many GORGEOUS features! We adore the ones that Gabi highighted in her layout...like those amazing butterflies! Gabi was thrilled when she saw this collection! Here's what she had to say! 

Original Article: http://websterspages.typepad.com/webstershome/2013/07/postcards_from_paris_2_celebration_inspiration_and_a_giveaway.html

Thanks!

Myria

Sent from my iPod

Interview of Alene Geed

Hello readers,

Today I am interviewing a very interesting lady named Alene Geed. Read her interview and I think you will agree! 

I an especially excited to be doing this interview because it is going to be reciprocal. She will be interviewing me so be sure to follow her blog if you want to know more about me ^.^

What is your art/craft and how long have you been doing it? 
I am a Jewelry Metalsmith and author. I have been working with metals since 2007 and published my book 'Inside the Mind of A Jewelry Designer' in 2012

What got you started? 
In 2003 I began creating my own pieces. My first designs were the memory wire bracelets. The multiple coils make them so much fun to wear and the design possibilities are endless. But as any designer will tell you, I soon was driven to move on to more intricate designs... ones that kept the spark alive.  In 2007 I took classes in metalsmithing and never looked back! The feel of the metal and the endless possibilities when working with silver or copper will keep me inspired for several lifetimes.  

Are there any other arts and crafts that you would like to try your hand at?
I am intrigued with Polymer clay and would love to have time to explore that art. The color possibilities attract me I am also in love with Gourds and the amazing designs that these artists create. We own two such designs purchased from gourd designers.  Maybe in my next lifetime!

What are your favorite materials to use? 
Silver and copper metals combined with gemstones.  I have adored wearing silver for many years and so this was a natural transition. Copper gives me the added advantages of taking great patinas (so much fun) and being affordable. Gemstones add the color and richness that I want to portray. Right now I am enamored with Red Creek Jasper and am currently working on a collection using this gemstone.

What and/or who inspires you?
I absolutely devour the issues of Jewelry Artist and Art Jewelry when they arrive in the mail. They offer countless ideas, inspiration and tips. One of my favorite contemporary artists is Lexi Erickson. Her work is closest to what I aspire to create. Beautiful and a touch rustic!

Do you have a Coupon Code?
Currently my promo code for new customers is:  SPIRAL.   (minimum $30 purchase)

Web site:    http://www.alenesadornments.com

Blog:   http://www.alenes-adornments-blog.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/alenesadornments

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alenegeed

Book link: http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Mind-Jewelry-Designer-Inspiration/dp/1481021583/ref=la_B009RPITVG_1_1_title_0_main?ie=UTF8&qid=1354806917&sr=1-1

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alenegeed/

Thanks,
Myria 

Thrift Shop Finds: Antique Purses

Hi all,

I've been meaning to add this post to my blog for a while now.  I'd like to share with you some of my mother's gift shop finds:  antique purses!

  

The first purse is a tiny shell, similar to a coin purse.  

It is so dainty and so adorable I'm not sure how old it is but it looks pretty old.  It looks like it may only hold a lipstick.

Unfortunately the backside is missing the other shell.  

Someday I'd like to figure out a way to try and repair it but for now I just have it hanging with the good side exposed.  

The second purse I've had ever since I was a child and I always really liked it.  

I just love all the cute little flower detail.  It looks hand stitched.  It has the same artificial flowers on both sides.  It's also another very small purse that would only hold some cards, drivers license, lipstick, and maybe a few keys.

I'll be posting more thrift shop goodies soon so stay tuned!

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How to: Clean Vintage Makeup Bags

Have you ever seen a really cool purse or makeup bag at the thrift shop but didn't buy it because it had makeup stains inside?



I recently had the idea to use the makeup remover wipes from Trader Joe's.



I got the idea when I was cleaning the bag in the first photo.

I hadn't really been using them on my face because I don't like the smell; but I realized they would be perfect for wiping out my cool vintage find. Here is the after photo.



I couldnt clean the spots at the very bottom because they are under the plastic. Otherwise I think it came out pretty clean.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Passion for Paper

I love paper.  I have been collecting stationary, pretty paper, and erasers since I was a child.  Recently I was introduced to the wondrous world of handmade cards.  I became obsessed with the tools and embellishments and the endless possibilities.  It is magical.  I could spend hours on Pinterest looking at various designs, color schemes, layouts, inspirations, etc.

Here are some cards that I made not too long ago.

I became inspired by a layout that I saw that was being offered in a class by The Henhouse Paperie.  I loved the antique dressform, flowers, ribbon, lace, and tape measure that they used in the layout so I decided to make a couple for myself.

 I used a Crafty paper pack that I got at JoAnn's.  I made the roses using a Big Shot die that I got from the Henhouse. 

On the 2nd card I used the same paper but instead of a bow I used some vintage distressed lace that I had stashed in my scrap drawer.  I made the roses using some old ric rac. 

I feel like it could use more staining around the image...oh well.  I'll try to remember to do that next time.

Random Historical Tidbits and Antique Ephemera

These are rather interesting.  Thought you might enjoy them.

Miss America 1924

Helen Keller Meeting Charlie Chaplin

Leather gloves worn by Lincoln to Ford's Theater on the night of his assassination. Blood stains are visible at the cuffs.

Phoebe Mozee (aka: Annie Oakley). Famed for her marksmanship by 12 years old, she once shot the ashes off of Kaiser Wihelm II's cigarette at his invitation. When she outshot famed exhibition marksman Frank Butler, he fell in love with her and they married. They remained married the rest of their lives.

Very Young Lucy Lucille Ball circa 1930

Two Victorian sideshow performers boxing - the fat man and the thin man.

Prison Garb 1924. Belva Annan murderess whose trial records became the musical " Chicago ."

Maud Allen: Seductive US dancing girl who was sued for being too lewd, outed as a lesbian, and fled London after being branded a German spy who was sleeping with the prime minister's wife.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Caroline Otero, courtesan, the most sought after woman in all of Europe . She associated herself with the likes of Prince Albert I of Monaco, King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, Kings of Serbia, and Kings of Spain as well as Russian Grand Dukes Peter and Nicholas, the Duke of Westminster and writer Gabriele DAnnunzio. Six men reportedly committed suicide after their love affairs with Otero ended. Two men fought a duel over her. She was famed for her voluptuous breasts.

Filming the MGM Logo

Mae Questel ca. 1930s, the voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl, Minnie Mouse, Felix the Cat (for three shorts by the Van Beuren Studios), Little Lulu, Little Audrey and Casper, the Friendly Ghost

Bea Arthur (ne Bernice Frankel) (1922-2009) SSgt. USMC 1943-45 WW II. Enlisted and assigned as typist at Marine HQ in Wash DC, then air stations in VA and NC. Best remembered for her title role in the TV series Maude and as Dorothy in "Golden Girls".

In 1911, Bobby Leach survived a plunge over Niagara Falls in a steel barrel. Fourteen years later, in New Zealand , he slipped on an orange peel and died.

Three days before his 19th birthday, George H.W. Bush became the youngest aviator in the US Navy.

Market Street, San Francisco after the earthquake, 1906.

Zelda Boden, circus performer, ca. 1910.

Geraldine Doyle, who was the inspiration behind the famous Rosie the Riveter poster.

Vintage Baked Potato Cart. A legitimate fast food lunch option back in the day.

Cyclists ride in the first running of the Tour de France, in 1903.

Sergeant Stubby (1916 or 1917 April 4, 1926), was the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat. America 's first war dog, Stubby, served 18 months 'over there' and participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and even once caught a German spy by the seat of his pants (holding him there til American Soldiers found him).

Nightwitches - Female Russian bombers who bombed Germany during WW2. They had old, noisy planes & the engines used to conk out halfway through their missions, so they had to climb out on the wings mid-flight to restart the props. To stop Germans from hearing them & starting up the anti aircraft guns, theyd climb to a certain height, coast down to German positions, drop their bombs, restart their engines in midair & get the hell out of dodge. Their leader flew 200+ missions & was never captured.

Marilyn Monroe meets Queen Elizabeth II, London , 1956 Both women are 30 years old.

Chief Petty Officer Graham Jackson plays Going Home as FDRs body is borne past in Warm Springs , GA , where the President was scheduled to attend a barbecue on the day he died. April, 1945.

Craft Project - Miniature Curio Cabinet

Hi all,
My friend gave me this cute miniatures display thingie that she found second hand and I immediately wanted to jazz it up

First I picked my paper. I chose some paper that I bought from my Stampin' Up rep.

I picked this paper because it has the pastel pinks, blues, and yellows that I'm attracted to but it also had a nice bright red and coral which complemented the red background of the shelf. It also had little images of antique household items. I felt this theme matched the curio cabinet.

I selected a few coordinating embellishments.

Then I got started in my vision. I handmade the bunting banner out of the coordinating paper.

I cut the paper to the size of each box and added my embellishments. I left room for my little miniatures that I would be adding.

I added some little curios that I had sitting around my craft room but there is still room for more tiny finds.





In a few cases I took an image and measured it so that parts of the images could be in 4 to 6 boxes.


Until next time!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone