tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34042121962628239642024-02-19T06:22:20.864-05:00busylittleelfA day in the life of an artist and mother of a very precocious and active 4 year old, trying to find her artistic voice and have it heard in this busy worldelfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-44804420656847760262015-11-02T20:20:00.002-05:002015-11-02T20:34:29.013-05:00Two Years...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading "Chronicles of Narnia"</td></tr>
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It has been two years since my last blog post.<br />
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Nothing has changed and everything has changed. Two years ago, we decided to start a new adventure. This new adventure was thrust upon us and it has been the biggest blessing and biggest curse.<br />
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Within our son's first few months of first grade, we realized that public school wasn't working for us or, more specifically, for him. He was working beyond his peers' level at school and was unhappy. He was given the same homework packet that all his classmates were given and he had to complete them even though he would have been better served by being given more challenging work. The teacher was the first to comment on his ability, even encouraging me to "have him tested". That was the first step in trying to accommodate his academic needs. Unfortunately, the day he took his test (we found out about a week later) he had very little hearing out of his right ear, the side that the administrator of the test was seated. I knew there was a problem when his results came back higher in non-verbal compared to verbal. This child of mine is extremely verbal and so it was a big red flag in the accuracy of the test. After discussing the results, the director of the gifted program informed me that not only did they not have any structured program for gifted kids until 3rd grade but his scored weren't high enough to be officially considered gifted (just high achieving), but he could take the test again when he was a little older. When I stressed that he had a problem with his hearing, she asked if I wanted him retested, since I wasn't happy with the results, but she made me sound like the tiger mom who is never happy. I took a little offense since I could care less what the actual results were as long as they seemed legitimate. Since I had taken my son to the doctor and had verifiable proof that his hearing was compromised, and knowing my son very well, I knew that the results were not valid but by this point I didn't care what they really were, my mind started trying to figure out what I needed to do to meet my son's academic needs.<br />
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The idea of homeschooling came up. I had originally wanted to homeschool my son before he even started school but the traditional school values of our families dictated that he go to public school and, since we lived in the same town that I grew up, I knew that the school system was decent. There was talk about him reading with the second graders and seeing how that served his needs but that never came to fruition. I knew we were in no place financially to send him to an academically challenging private school. At the end of January, when I noticed that in frustration he had pulled a quarter to half dollar sized patch of hair out of the side of his head, it was time to take drastic measures. We pulled him out of public school and haven't looked back.<br />
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We are now in our second full year of homeschooling and he is now able to work at his pace and take classes at various places in science, art, music and history. He's working about 3 years ahead of his public school peers and we are slowly meeting other homeschooled kids that are like he is.<br />
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I think the biggest adjustment is for me since I now have no time to myself. My house cleaning schedule is disrupted and my house is often messy. It doesn't help that the husband doesn't help and since the little boy sees how little his father does around here, he now has the idea that he doesn't have to either. Luckily, I found that I can use free time on the computer as an incentive to get him to clean but it takes so much of my energy just getting him started. But it's getting better, he's able to do lessons on his own so I can carve out so house cleaning time. Now I'm just trying to find creative time so that I can get my etsy shop restocked with new items. I have great ideas...still...I just don't know when I am supposed to create them. But I'm being patient, the little one will not need me as much in a few short years and I can have that part of my life back. I would rather have him stay small. :)<br />
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So that's the short version of the beginning of our homeschooling adventure. As I continue to blog, I will share any fun ideas or adventure we have. But now I am going to go back into the kitchen to clean a little more. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of chess board</td></tr>
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Here's a little sneak peek at the little boy's Christmas gift. </div>
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It is a handpainted(and wood burned) Harry Potter Chess Set.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pawns</td></tr>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-61543060956243648632013-12-13T17:06:00.000-05:002013-12-13T17:06:18.499-05:00Christmas Tree 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every year, the first weekend after Thanksgiving, we make our way out to the country to our favorite tree farm. Rhodes Sister's Christmas Tree farm is in Huntsburg, Ohio about 45 minutes from our home. This year it took a bit longer since I turned too soon and took a slight scenic detour. I managed to right the ship and found our way easily after the initial mistake. It was a busy day and all the wagons were taken by the time we arrived. We trekked to the area where the Canaan's were planted. Without fail,we found a beauty, a 6 1/2 foot Canaan Fir. This year we found our perfect tree (which the hubs always says will be too small but always ends up perfect:), cut it down, had it shook and baled all within an hour. Not too shabby, we must be becoming pros at this! </div>
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These are the best photos from that day.</div>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-25160723687774665672013-01-09T11:17:00.000-05:002013-01-09T11:17:43.808-05:00In the Veggie Garden – Let the Planning Begin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhvbIC1424HU6EcKNNYcFxw_1vYGon21duqHz-BAME7QxZ-J3JJJ1IqnFvXB0XhJyYv5kvKoMfF6ELWpC9AbKeMohb1jpq-BTqW_DzZT2hzqbYN8qAvGj18a9mgBme4ReQdTPByS6Mp8/s1600/img063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhvbIC1424HU6EcKNNYcFxw_1vYGon21duqHz-BAME7QxZ-J3JJJ1IqnFvXB0XhJyYv5kvKoMfF6ELWpC9AbKeMohb1jpq-BTqW_DzZT2hzqbYN8qAvGj18a9mgBme4ReQdTPByS6Mp8/s320/img063.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s a new year and, for some reason, as soon as the
holidays are past and the un-Christmafication process is complete, my thoughts
turn to my veggie garden. I had some success last summer with my vegetables,
even though the temperatures made it rather unbearable to spend as much time as
I had hoped, but I was unable to make my little garden as beautiful as I
wanted. This year I am planning to get an early start; planning always helps. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The list of vegetables that I will grow this year has been
fine-tuned and a few new varieties have been added where others have been
deleted. I had an overabundance of yellow squash last year and they crowded out
my more preferred zucchini so I will only plant my favorite variety of
zucchini. I have added two grains: Amaranth and Quinoa. The Quinoa I have
chosen because I have become quite enamored with it and Amaranth because it is
supposed to help draw certain detrimental bugs to it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I had the idea of putting herbs between our neighbor’s yard
and our yard because deer are not too fond of strongly scented plants and I figured
both our neighbors and we would be able to harvest it when we chose. I will
start the seeds before the last frost and get those in place well before it
gets unbearably hot this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our herbs
for 2013: Italian Parsley, Oregano, Mint, Basil, Thyme and Marjoram.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB_KO9vZB_2G72tnbAilN1rOsRC7qWPlCAvdKmxQbD69sP_JBBV21WcFbJsCsok-B4kv3gVnylgGNJCRJwGySjgi-EsCoRPuOWKE5F6ih5pZHwKrsmdn-A6_tfvHKJiUx9HJjTl2zwgU/s1600/img064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB_KO9vZB_2G72tnbAilN1rOsRC7qWPlCAvdKmxQbD69sP_JBBV21WcFbJsCsok-B4kv3gVnylgGNJCRJwGySjgi-EsCoRPuOWKE5F6ih5pZHwKrsmdn-A6_tfvHKJiUx9HJjTl2zwgU/s320/img064.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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I have whittled my tomatoes list down from nine last year to
five this year. I have chosen to keep my favorite types from last year
(Genovese, Pink Brandywine, Lemon Oxheart, San Marzano Lungo No.2) and not
bother with some of the others (Purple Russian, Riesentraube, Snowberry, Sungella
and Pink Caspian). For some reason, these varieties struggled. Some had blossom
end rot and, when I cured that, they were then attacked by tomato horned worms
(I HATE those little critters!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some I
just wasn’t impressed by their flavor. I added the Purple Cherokee tomato to the
other four I retained. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In place of the deleted tomatoes, I have added two varieties
of eggplant and peppers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never managed
to get my peppers and eggplants planted last year, with the extra room this
year I shouldn’t have the same problem. The varieties of eggplant we are trying
this year: Ping Tung and Rotunda Bianca Sfumata Di Rosa. The peppers for 2013:
Lipstick, Melrose, Sweet Yellow Stuffing and Red Marconi.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFafjaCvH91rrtQWjnCTIxX0EGhTM1ARzM0wLZTZlgQKQJ929ingEHnNAKUJvpLclvULrqrhi0GxlLSlYcXnoINxtGT4PBRKSlhKpPUp2zSzIoCR25DrlUc6B0GWr07roi3tfCG4_M_g/s1600/img065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFafjaCvH91rrtQWjnCTIxX0EGhTM1ARzM0wLZTZlgQKQJ929ingEHnNAKUJvpLclvULrqrhi0GxlLSlYcXnoINxtGT4PBRKSlhKpPUp2zSzIoCR25DrlUc6B0GWr07roi3tfCG4_M_g/s320/img065.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Dragon’s Egg cucumbers were a huge hit with my little
one, as were spinach and leaf lettuce, so those remain but the Swiss Chard was
not well received so I will nix that or plant it sparingly. (We will be trying
Kale in the fall) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will try to plant my onion seed on time (early) this year.
Last year, I overlooked it. I have about three or four different varieties,
some spring type onions and some bulb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope to also plant a hedge of Lavender near their home since I read that it
helps prevent some of the pests that attack young onions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVkoSuvm-gDyEYcK9g8NyYhIJFr-yQiq9Q2K9S_vmH-wiP4R9q1UEMrDWPz2R4eNEaGUd3AW9Q1zXCydShOjAuuq7j6BVf4IXnHqaoUsaykvMuIMzDsGbJyuaEvm_MhQV0ogKGdcs4GQ/s1600/img066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVkoSuvm-gDyEYcK9g8NyYhIJFr-yQiq9Q2K9S_vmH-wiP4R9q1UEMrDWPz2R4eNEaGUd3AW9Q1zXCydShOjAuuq7j6BVf4IXnHqaoUsaykvMuIMzDsGbJyuaEvm_MhQV0ogKGdcs4GQ/s320/img066.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also added to my selection of beans this year. Last year,
I was late getting them into the ground and with the early arrival of hot
temperatures, they did poorly. I also hope to create a bit of a garden arch to
shade my pathways between raised beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are also a variety of other veggies I’m trying this year
(broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi) I’m a bit nervous about
these as some are suppose to be trickier to grow than my other veggies, but the
family likes them or is open to try them so why not?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/266275396688078010_S7FiVGQ2_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/266275396688078010_S7FiVGQ2_c.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Over the next few weeks, I hope to make some headway in the
aesthetic planning of the raised bed area. Above is the color palette I'm thinking of to add a pop of color to the cinder blocks and planters. The garden is fenced in with rather
unattractive fencing but I am sure there is some way to make it look prettier
than it does. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other problem I had in 2012 was weeds coming up through the
gravel drive and around the fencing. Pavers around the perimeter seem to help
keep them in check around the garden perimeter but the drive was out of
control. I read that baking soda twice during the growing season helps to keep
anything from growing so I will try that in the gravel areas and where we can’t
easily weed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's hoping for a more temperate spring where I can make great progress beautifying my little corner of Heaven! I will try to document any progress in photos. </div>
</div>
elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-49089287320966795752013-01-01T09:38:00.000-05:002013-01-01T09:38:10.100-05:00New Year, New Goals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xr8l3XdD1qpKS6o2iCDXan9nMuzfKiQb2aXZ7Dvd6iDHSyvKq3ZbBKB_nfagRVYw2Puhsb3Pe0OJ4NN2KVPtw0bNyip3kEMospqg-jTE5WX5sOQVJOpLclvJ3UH4LBfIqfkk2BDUCGk/s1600/snowmen+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xr8l3XdD1qpKS6o2iCDXan9nMuzfKiQb2aXZ7Dvd6iDHSyvKq3ZbBKB_nfagRVYw2Puhsb3Pe0OJ4NN2KVPtw0bNyip3kEMospqg-jTE5WX5sOQVJOpLclvJ3UH4LBfIqfkk2BDUCGk/s320/snowmen+003.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Happy New Year!<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have severely neglected my blog in 2012. Since it is a
time for new beginnings, I have decided to refocus on keeping this blog more
active than it has been in the past year. Actually, Busy Little Elf will take a
few new directions this year as well. I am still in school and have one class
left before I receive my entrepreneurship certificate. After I complete the
certificate, I hope to take a brief break from school to focus on getting my business performing to where
I want it to be and allow my husband to
take some computer classes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess it is always important to look at the outgoing year’s
events when planning for the future. It has been an eventful year. My son
turned five this summer and started kindergarten in August. All summer long he was
enrolled in nature classes and swimming. He also started playing soccer. Keeping
him active kept me very busy during a time when I have normally focused on
creating for the Etsy shop. I still managed to get new pieces completed and
finished some other pieces that had been sitting on my table for a long time.
Unfortunately, not as many as I had hoped for and I still have more unfinished
pieces that I hope to finish up before I start the new pieces for 2013. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My garden got a little out of control this past year. Early
hot, humid days kept me inside and prevented me from making as much progress as
I would have liked. My vegetable garden did exceptionally well and I’ve already
made adjustments to my grow list and have ordered any new seeds I will need for the
next growing season. I will need to start some seeds soon. How quickly time
passes! I can’t believe it’s time to start planning my garden. I do have some
seeds I will not be using this year. If you’d be interested in any leave a
comment with your email address (I will not post it for all to see) and I will
email you with what I have. I would be more than willing to mail them to you if
you could use them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started mentoring some of the kids at my son’s school. I
meet with five fabulous boys and girls and read with them an hour each week. I
really enjoy it and look forward to continuing to mentor in the New Year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our family has been attending more local community events
and this year attended the Grinch reading Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole
Christmas” from the top of the Fairport Harbor lighthouse. I hope to send a
proposal to the mayor and historic society that holds the annual event and try
to get involved by creating Grinch inspired display windows in some of the
vacant storefronts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest “event” for me in 2012 was that I got a new car. My
old car had a leak somewhere in the frame and I had a veritable koi pond in my
backseat so we had to replace it about 5 years sooner than we hoped. It’s not
fancy (a KIA Soul) but it gets us around and keeps us warm and dry and immersed
in music not water. It will also allow me to do more craft shows as it has fold down
seats so I can fill it with lots of handmade goodies. (Of course, it also
worked quite well for hauling soil, bagged manure and pavers for my garden!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So for this New Year, Lucky 13 (my son was born on the 13<sup>th</sup>
so I consider 13 a very auspicious number for us):</div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Write, Write, Write: Continue blogging on a
regular schedule (I used to be able to do that! I remember it fondly) </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Write and submit a proposal to Fairport Harbor
for their Grinch event</li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Create, Create, Create: Create a number of
sculptures based on literary characters, in particular, the Wizard of Oz, Alice
in Wonderland, the Grinch as well as new ornaments</li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Finish up any previously started projects
especially those that were targeted as gifts. :o(</li>
<li>Promote, Promote, Promote: Which means studying up on the newest methods of self promotion and then doing it</li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Get a better handle on my little flower garden.
I really need to mulch it well this year, the weeds are winning!</li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Continue learning how to manage a successful
bountiful organic vegetable garden and to turn the space into an area where our family can sit and enjoy the outside space. I think I may finally have enough wooden discs from our Christmas trees to make a path between raised beds. Now I need to decide on a theme for pavers that I can place on the gravel between the house and the drive so I can create a seating area. I keep leaning towards Alice in Wonderland for some strange reason.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>As always, get my studio organized and clean (I
laugh hysterically as I type that, sounds so easy and yet, it is always the
last thing to be attended)</li>
</ul>
</div>
elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-61925921947264010352012-11-01T20:21:00.000-04:002012-11-01T20:21:55.694-04:00Available Elves - 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87307552/little-lucie-elf-jingle-noggin" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/001/0/5302287/il_570xN.367188896_ihwm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87307552/little-lucie-elf-jingle-noggin" target="_blank">Little Lucie $30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87114314/bell-that-couldnt-jingle-elf-jingle" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/004/0/5302287/il_570xN.367200743_cw1n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87114314/bell-that-couldnt-jingle-elf-jingle" target="_blank">Bell That Couldn't Jingle Elf $25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110517111/holly-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/006/1/5302287/il_570xN.378991124_5rfw.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110517111/holly-elf" target="_blank">Holly Elf $40</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/79004159/mistletoe-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/005/1/5302287/il_570xN.383504644_jlg3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/79004159/mistletoe-elf" target="_blank">Mistletoe Elf $40</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78999709/winters-night-christmas-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/006/0/5302287/il_570xN.383494014_o6oo.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78999709/winters-night-christmas-elf" target="_blank">Winter's Night Elf $40</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110518842/christmas-cheer-felt-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/005/1/5302287/il_570xN.378997870_i64r.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110518842/christmas-cheer-felt-elf" target="_blank">Christmas Cheer Elf $40</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111768934/peppermint-boy-felt-christmas-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/008/1/5302287/il_570xN.383502670_75kj.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/111768934/peppermint-boy-felt-christmas-elf" target="_blank">Peppermint Boy Elf $40</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78402261/dodie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-pretty-red" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/000/0/5302287/il_570xN.325424143.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78402261/dodie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-pretty-red" target="_blank">Dodie (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85409857/peter-mini-felt-christmas-elf-white" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/000/0/5302287/il_570xN.325339178.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85409857/peter-mini-felt-christmas-elf-white" target="_blank">Peter (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85411115/verdon-mini-felt-christmas-elf-brunette" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/000/0/5302287/il_570xN.325551118.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85411115/verdon-mini-felt-christmas-elf-brunette" target="_blank">Verdon (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85408489/pattie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-white" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/000/0/5302287/il_570xN.325337976.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85408489/pattie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-white" target="_blank">Pattie (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78395086/linnea-mini-felt-christmas-elf-pink" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/000/0/5302287/il_570xN.325550488.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78395086/linnea-mini-felt-christmas-elf-pink" target="_blank">Linnea (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110811139/clarence-mini-felt-christmas-elf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/004/0/5302287/il_570xN.380054322_pq7p.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110811139/clarence-mini-felt-christmas-elf" target="_blank">Clarence (mini elf ) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78395352/horace-mini-felt-christmas-elf-brunette" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/007/1/5302287/il_570xN.380053587_gz70.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/78395352/horace-mini-felt-christmas-elf-brunette" target="_blank">Horace (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110810474/charlie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-blond" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/008/0/5302287/il_570xN.380052440_nn7j.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110810474/charlie-mini-felt-christmas-elf-blond" target="_blank">Charlie (mini elf) $20</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-24983632890483329112012-10-28T08:28:00.002-04:002012-11-01T17:30:42.008-04:00Available Snow Folk 2012 - Part 2 (the Snowflakes)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112760968/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/005/1/5302287/il_570xN.387123701_8sby.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112760968/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112759873/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament?ref=v1_other_2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/006/1/5302287/il_570xN.387118495_70sr.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112759873/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112758302/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament?ref=v1_other_2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/001/1/5302287/il_570xN.387111264_8q95.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112758302/folk-art-paper-clay-snowflake-ornament?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112756711/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake?ref=v1_other_2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/006/1/5302287/il_570xN.387109975_7hk3.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112756711/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112756043/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake?ref=v1_other_2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/001/1/5302287/il_570xN.387100404_csj2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112756043/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake?ref=v1_other_2" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110608811/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/002/1/5302287/il_570xN.379311408_g3p9.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110608811/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110771322/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/003/0/5302287/il_570xN.379903905_hn7n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110771322/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110774962/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/005/0/5302287/il_570xN.379917573_fbx6.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110774962/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61899258/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/001/1/5302287/il_570xN.383523109_a0c1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61899258/old-man-winter-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$30</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110774222/sweet-paperclay-snowflake-ornament" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/003/0/5302287/il_570xN.379917274_3mbt.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110774222/sweet-paperclay-snowflake-ornament" target="_blank">$25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110651058/sweet-paperclay-snowflake-ornament" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/003/1/5302287/il_570xN.379462107_h0jy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110651058/sweet-paperclay-snowflake-ornament" target="_blank">$25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110773544/peaceful-snow-paperclay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/002/0/5302287/il_570xN.379912121_keyy.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110773544/peaceful-snow-paperclay-snowflake" target="_blank">$25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/57390999/peaceful-snow-paperclay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/006/0/5302287/il_570xN.367334362_to55.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOLD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110772261/christmas-cheer-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/008/1/5302287/il_570xN.379906995_t2rq.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110772261/christmas-cheer-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61901189/christmas-cheer-paper-clay-snowflake" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/006/1/5302287/il_570xN.367344699_8nzo.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61901189/christmas-cheer-paper-clay-snowflake" target="_blank">$25</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the snowflakes currently listed in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bzlittlechristmaself?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are a few others close to completion that will also make their way into the shop before Christmas. I will do another posting with those as soon as they are done. </div>
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As with the Snowmen, these are eligible for Free Shipping when you use the code:</div>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-47115043136177005072012-10-24T16:59:00.001-04:002012-10-24T16:59:59.641-04:00Available Snow Folk 2012 - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87313810/shiver-a-christmas-snowman-paper-clay" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/000/1/5302287/il_570xN.290865785.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87313810/shiver-a-christmas-snowman-paper-clay" target="_blank">Shiver $65</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62834084/snowden-paper-clay-snowman-sculpture" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/005/0/5302287/il_570xN.383135453_r8qp.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62834084/snowden-paper-clay-snowman-sculpture" target="_blank">Snowden $60</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113045219/red-and-white-polka-dot-let-it-snow" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/004/1/5302287/il_570xN.388153179_l5cm.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113045219/red-and-white-polka-dot-let-it-snow" target="_blank">Red and White "Let it Snow"Trinket Box $25</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112772065/light-blue-and-white-polka-dot-trinket" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/008/0/5302287/il_570xN.387160114_3ed8.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112772065/light-blue-and-white-polka-dot-trinket" target="_blank">Blue and White Trinket Box $25</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63096775/yule-a-christmas-snowman-paper-clay" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/004/0/5302287/il_570xN.383137863_cfvi.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63096775/yule-a-christmas-snowman-paper-clay" target="_blank">Yule $75</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/63096775/yule-a-christmas-snowman-paper-clay" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113044152/roly-poly-snowman" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image2.etsy.com/004/0/5302287/il_570xN.388150202_cgih.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113044152/roly-poly-snowman" target="_blank">Roly Poly $35</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86914859/snowgal-jingle-noggin" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image0.etsy.com/001/1/5302287/il_570xN.387178884_9cx2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86914859/snowgal-jingle-noggin" target="_blank">Snowgal Jingle Noggin $25</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86913840/snowman-jingle-noggin" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/008/0/5302287/il_570xN.367199279_daen.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86913840/snowman-jingle-noggin" target="_blank">Snowman Jingle Noggin $30</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86913840/snowman-jingle-noggin" target="_blank"><br /></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/86913840/snowman-jingle-noggin" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Free shipping when you use the code: </div>
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FOLKSHIPFREEBLOG12</div>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-66541603077636404292012-10-16T11:07:00.000-04:002012-10-16T11:07:23.304-04:00The Paperclay Process<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JAxc_CzPPEnKuuOEmf-GOQ69_XLBBYgRYYW1fs8YTmOyMTb_17GO4qg3R-ulcakI3Lb2THXHtayXwIg1DpJap-hBLPYX92NECS0A50FsOljNzuiPbGx4l0r-SeQGjd6oQcqCOsAgfts/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JAxc_CzPPEnKuuOEmf-GOQ69_XLBBYgRYYW1fs8YTmOyMTb_17GO4qg3R-ulcakI3Lb2THXHtayXwIg1DpJap-hBLPYX92NECS0A50FsOljNzuiPbGx4l0r-SeQGjd6oQcqCOsAgfts/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spend a lot of time looking at other artists work and, in the past, spent much time competitively pricing my work with those artists' work. That was until I realized that my process is often different than theirs. The other day I had this epiphany; if I didn't realize this without much contemplation how would my customers? So a post about my process and what I offer my customers when they purchase from Busy Little Elf was probably in order.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82GMFagJTe1vVstKzZAaRC7dQcBSl48UFs9E9HteK8iCtwwjjAcj1uZmLo4DCQ1vTtcMaco0KBw-rWo7h-BBIDtJydpMsZexHXpy5rpUDlO6jlHVmZ_ge5_h6Sklo-DlO_Ktkr5nTEZE/s1600/WIP,+finished+leaves+and+flowers+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82GMFagJTe1vVstKzZAaRC7dQcBSl48UFs9E9HteK8iCtwwjjAcj1uZmLo4DCQ1vTtcMaco0KBw-rWo7h-BBIDtJydpMsZexHXpy5rpUDlO6jlHVmZ_ge5_h6Sklo-DlO_Ktkr5nTEZE/s320/WIP,+finished+leaves+and+flowers+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step one of the process for Paperclay ornaments and other sculpts is to build an armature.</div>
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I had to dig to actually find photos of this part of the process, it's second nature so I never think about photographing this step. In this photo, I am using store bought wooden shapes. These are the easiest and fastest to use and saves time (even though I do now have the ability to design my own shapes and cut them out) As you can tell, some of these have been soaked in water and shaped (some bent, some actually broken to achieve the shape that I want). A metal hanging loop is made out of wire and attached with glue and some pencil work is done so, when I cover the piece with paperclay, I have an idea of what I will sculpt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1UPrJEIjx5wosalqSPuFqDUth1MN9x0vBJtOsJ30I85OMfCBwuoGM3rs396D-Z5KKSMeo0xN1W7ea1KiubXEgjOtyz6S1TSnbUQ2puvbHg9BK56sT3dGCQIlrR_RryDvYKeYTuZPSzI/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1UPrJEIjx5wosalqSPuFqDUth1MN9x0vBJtOsJ30I85OMfCBwuoGM3rs396D-Z5KKSMeo0xN1W7ea1KiubXEgjOtyz6S1TSnbUQ2puvbHg9BK56sT3dGCQIlrR_RryDvYKeYTuZPSzI/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step two is to apply paperclay to the armature.<br />
In sculpts like these, it takes more time than the ornaments. Bodies have to be built up arms added and formed, clothing sculpted, facial features, etc. It is really fun to play in clay. Generally speaking, I try to let the character form on his own. I usually have a rough idea of what I'm going for but I let the piece develop its own personality. At this stage, you often have to let the sculpts dry so you can add more to them. Sometimes you get small surface cracks which get repaired with any new additions of paperclay.If there are any eyes or other parts that will be set into the paper
clay, it happens before the piece dries(although I like to do it as it
is drying not when it is still freshly sculpted). After fully drying, the piece is checked one last time for cracks and they are repaired. If I do a thorough job, I usually don't have to worry about cracks again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFSF2ua2oVA4JUtrttzX6JWigARAdt91LykkLCejfKz-YCfDUEtfYNZvxgFcY3YNhWLXsgksgS7hXIK5sXZTXlkXaK6oSO3_5Mj-oyUPuf_1KZdaK2ZChN4eYTJ4GLdOMrEHqs5qBRKE/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFSF2ua2oVA4JUtrttzX6JWigARAdt91LykkLCejfKz-YCfDUEtfYNZvxgFcY3YNhWLXsgksgS7hXIK5sXZTXlkXaK6oSO3_5Mj-oyUPuf_1KZdaK2ZChN4eYTJ4GLdOMrEHqs5qBRKE/s320/064.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Most of the paper clay artists whose work I love tend to use much simpler armatures than I do and focus on the finishing details. Sculpted details take time.The plus to using a simpler sculpt is it is much easier to cover the armature which ultimately saves time and allows a lower price point. I've thought about doing this to keep my prices low but my characters wouldn't be the same and, artistically, I'm just not willing to sacrifice the character. Plus, I like the way the sculptures feel in my hand with their smooth edges and flowing details.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX7Mes-GLdg1bmUwEsYIcZ8lW9Ffs-UhQcoi8ATAj4iIIfmOTeiMDP71meuiC7nYA2CBpRjZdmkH8BXLhF5q8hoqnl_UNWZwDFOAtLvTuWoHoY7ZbgKSmKL2ZuY6HD-RwYVQS6-GCM6s/s1600/WIP+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX7Mes-GLdg1bmUwEsYIcZ8lW9Ffs-UhQcoi8ATAj4iIIfmOTeiMDP71meuiC7nYA2CBpRjZdmkH8BXLhF5q8hoqnl_UNWZwDFOAtLvTuWoHoY7ZbgKSmKL2ZuY6HD-RwYVQS6-GCM6s/s320/WIP+003.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZM7-UVBQX4JdjEEL9mpgK7XkhsnDG_2p_9CP-TyWDLxX4HalwUfyGeo70IXUIV06JGs1vCueMFUvrTYKFgFW5zWqTJIP8PHZG7jaPow6XR7yIox8EJhQE6dMc387oIFFxkBEDOqPsUv8/s1600/paperclay+sculptures+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZM7-UVBQX4JdjEEL9mpgK7XkhsnDG_2p_9CP-TyWDLxX4HalwUfyGeo70IXUIV06JGs1vCueMFUvrTYKFgFW5zWqTJIP8PHZG7jaPow6XR7yIox8EJhQE6dMc387oIFFxkBEDOqPsUv8/s320/paperclay+sculptures+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Step three consists of sanding the dried sculpture. </div>
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I spend way to much time sanding but I like my pieces to 'feel' good so</div>
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I sand until they are smooth and have no noticeable imperfections. </div>
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Then I wet my hands and rub the entire surface until it 'feels' right to me. </div>
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(a bit weird, I know, but the tactile experience of my work is just as important to me as the visual)</div>
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Step four and the painting begins.<br />
This is where I am a bit different than most of my competition. I start with a white gesso coat and then lay in solid colors from there. Many of the colors need a good two to three coats to look good. The more colors involved the longer the painting process. I don't limit my palette (how many colors used). After all the solid colors are laid in, I go back and do subtle shading or add detail to the solids. Often the details have to be painted two to three times to be sure the colors are opaque. (again, some of my competitors just do their details in one coat on top of the solid base. It looks okay to most people but since I want to offer an heirloom quality piece, one that can be handed down, I like to pay close attention to the details) Is there anything wrong with using fewer solid colors with limited painted details? Absolutely not, I collect many pieces by artists that do just that, it just doesn't take as long to produce which means the price you pay should be more reasonable.<br />
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Step five happens after all the painted features are done.<br />
A coat of varnish is put over the entire painted surface and, once it dries, an antiquing gel is painted over the entire surface and is then wiped off until the desired effect is reached. This antiquing really makes sculpted details *pop* and adds depth to the entire piece. After another coat of a UV protectant varnish, the piece is almost done.<br />
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The final step includes attaching any separate pieces (the white rabbit's pocket watch), any mixed media details (the crepe rabbit's cuffs and collar), glitter, chenille, and felt bottoms on the bases. Obviously, not every piece has all these different finishing touches but most have at least one or two. The more that gets attached the longer it takes. Most of my favorite artists use many finishing touches. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the attention to details!<br />
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In addition to all these steps I take to create each piece, my attention to detail continues to the packaging of the piece. Each piece is packaged in a gift box where possible, some of my larger sculpts don't have boxes they fit into but they are packaged in a shipping box with beautiful snowflake tissue. I'll do another post with examples of the actual Busy Little Elf packaging, but the attention to detail translates to that aspect as well as the creation of the pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsF6N0sEXWAnMQ0i4iJSe27unnFBX0EgtzCqvrPhQsqF91xaMUh8JVXxLNxCQrGdfHjEZqhPA0JqCcxqZ40AmIVl3Mc7cx9kBAox3-tZTigokEc7paLgWXm4KLu5i59FRlVPONvSo5N8/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsF6N0sEXWAnMQ0i4iJSe27unnFBX0EgtzCqvrPhQsqF91xaMUh8JVXxLNxCQrGdfHjEZqhPA0JqCcxqZ40AmIVl3Mc7cx9kBAox3-tZTigokEc7paLgWXm4KLu5i59FRlVPONvSo5N8/s320/013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Another aspect of Busy Little Elf that many people don't realize is that I stand behind my pieces. Even if it has been years since you purchased the piece, I am willing to do minor repairs free of charge and major repairs for a small charge(actual repair charges depend on how severe or time intensive the repair is)Shipping to me would be the customer's responsibility but return shipping would be complimentary. I can even try to recreate a piece if one is irreparably damaged or lost. (It happens.) The cost of this would be reasonable and determined on a case by case basis. Again, I consider all my pieces to be heirloom pieces which means that they need to last for a very long time and, preferably, in tip top condition. The only thing that would change this is my untimely death, which I have no plans of so we should be good for another 30 or 40 years, maybe more, God willing ;O)<br />
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-43206193447840395402012-10-11T12:54:00.000-04:002012-10-11T12:54:52.184-04:00Tis' the Season: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgjdWXpqJ55erYeBNwz9cefB4IAbYnxskDT6mjUspbZ6FbbzFgnbvF2nUrdb67XRfrPXLn4TLQoRVM6nxw1_KWKSx-3f3uPftQ3hSgBnK-rWErBFLobN8Qt0Zdoy7j81f0G64AiO4KRY/s1600/phone+pictures+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgjdWXpqJ55erYeBNwz9cefB4IAbYnxskDT6mjUspbZ6FbbzFgnbvF2nUrdb67XRfrPXLn4TLQoRVM6nxw1_KWKSx-3f3uPftQ3hSgBnK-rWErBFLobN8Qt0Zdoy7j81f0G64AiO4KRY/s320/phone+pictures+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our family went and chose our pumpkins. </div>
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We hope to carve them up this weekend. I still have a little boy's costume to make before Halloween. The bug will be Mickey Mouse this year, that is if I manage to finish his costume! </div>
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In the meantime, the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bzlittlechristmaself?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">holiday Etsy shop</a> is filling up. </div>
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There will be well over 100 pieces this holiday season when all is said and done. Here are some snapshots of what is currently on the work table.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TSMlMBja5HlpItTy-wRTgEKhS6w3yNRmHC7bd075XJQlzamfxL5vN0OsQMTCf6dD1MDYuOKVbQSK7IurlnqrHhE1B9hrmtPoMOxMAhqaT5XSXE5ncu3R5aJVSCizIrAnGlCfwU-H1ks/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TSMlMBja5HlpItTy-wRTgEKhS6w3yNRmHC7bd075XJQlzamfxL5vN0OsQMTCf6dD1MDYuOKVbQSK7IurlnqrHhE1B9hrmtPoMOxMAhqaT5XSXE5ncu3R5aJVSCizIrAnGlCfwU-H1ks/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New snowflakes, ready to be sanded</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf12pEfc2cAtywHi1VyQhhi_OiVdqpFXVkBjZRpNbPBwTsicWQmnJkno3UW7oaRWHwvBSynfyVJ5TDfNuRKgKoLP5O_cKbB2gXWazj4H0c3HhE_yr7mTw74rYzLdfCegSxb1uDQaO1nc/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjf12pEfc2cAtywHi1VyQhhi_OiVdqpFXVkBjZRpNbPBwTsicWQmnJkno3UW7oaRWHwvBSynfyVJ5TDfNuRKgKoLP5O_cKbB2gXWazj4H0c3HhE_yr7mTw74rYzLdfCegSxb1uDQaO1nc/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowflakes and a trinket box being painted </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFUFeFKIQfmiU-Cx80Tgo-xGlonDH_yfS5MtPdEqJLb18AHpbwBvDlVAa6IGxaVhRIgywt-s9mRszyrmNenV1oXZmhyphenhyphenAyAhxn7wB_7QRjnBWG-NznYJe-HQad32e4l3YVuU8ZFHffxxM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFUFeFKIQfmiU-Cx80Tgo-xGlonDH_yfS5MtPdEqJLb18AHpbwBvDlVAa6IGxaVhRIgywt-s9mRszyrmNenV1oXZmhyphenhyphenAyAhxn7wB_7QRjnBWG-NznYJe-HQad32e4l3YVuU8ZFHffxxM/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the new snowflakes drying after receiving his glitter and the trinket box ready for antiquing and glitter</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coming soon: Free Shipping on the entire Etsy shop.</div>
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Stay tuned for details and coupon codes!</div>
</div>
elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-7797037823316503992012-09-27T17:23:00.001-04:002012-09-27T17:23:43.859-04:00Tis the Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCeXhez-ejDck2AV7nbLHzm80eJj7bUtXkosSNPXrKmkt6EJpXM8YU_Q7cpLwRHnt-oM0AgLUDbFXg77v7VtkIJm6BiMNE0140XuYUSCqUhDDc9uKfrCbTBaLLl9pcWcLfkPxO-trvQs/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCeXhez-ejDck2AV7nbLHzm80eJj7bUtXkosSNPXrKmkt6EJpXM8YU_Q7cpLwRHnt-oM0AgLUDbFXg77v7VtkIJm6BiMNE0140XuYUSCqUhDDc9uKfrCbTBaLLl9pcWcLfkPxO-trvQs/s320/008.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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It's that time of the year again. Time to list as many ornaments to the </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bzlittlechristmaself?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">holiday Etsy shop</a> </div>
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as possible before November.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg-9zWE5o5BmltkUe2JNLtbu-ETOucTPUDrF_A3uUybwD96EBewZVwZnjEljxFLLpGwxJqQ-v3Kru14U4q3HNXqRsB5C5HxPhgIktEd-SgTi87m6ns6-KnK9iW_W_vHjSqCEm03MYuc8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWg-9zWE5o5BmltkUe2JNLtbu-ETOucTPUDrF_A3uUybwD96EBewZVwZnjEljxFLLpGwxJqQ-v3Kru14U4q3HNXqRsB5C5HxPhgIktEd-SgTi87m6ns6-KnK9iW_W_vHjSqCEm03MYuc8/s320/018.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufmqXLFutzLzxdPhh0vnhqPrW5s2mrfUpi6Cr3SZlNBxGsb-jhnSsvpDqFdixSd62XdsSMv5O7-eiKsoEld_RQR58lj0gNBtrOAjMxkZcZMlDcx1seaRa5I672MAtn33svQIn4FkoFsE/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufmqXLFutzLzxdPhh0vnhqPrW5s2mrfUpi6Cr3SZlNBxGsb-jhnSsvpDqFdixSd62XdsSMv5O7-eiKsoEld_RQR58lj0gNBtrOAjMxkZcZMlDcx1seaRa5I672MAtn33svQIn4FkoFsE/s320/034.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm a little late this year. This fact is probably not shocking since I
haven't been able to keep up with my blog posts, tend to my garden,
clean my house, etc.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLxvym1-moAjvpwsIozw9OhoyFoR93MblxqyFqoA17nOpITsa87pdFqjpEV3PCk3gYdTc41zNwVdsJTubzrSFwk_59CUjUJdLEsXCmdjwNE2S0ByvpRZ6JFo81773ZxmTgS9i3mG7C08/s320/Gabriel's+first+day+of+school+83112-+Kindergarten+031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">little one on his first day of kindergarten</td></tr>
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I have been able to get my wee one to kindergarten every morning, pay
the bills, make sure laundry is clean and groceries are bought and complete class work when it's due.</div>
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I guess I should be pretty happy that I have managed that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrWE5Mp6s-4H9iyRotZb7U3uW6yd49-wqhMrazwIzNbbsRBG8d_nHmECqxaoqY93KJgjfG2yllHnFKAsxfRSMZzOPwZxlWNvxoRpe2iSwafiW4UnPOaj8uj9Ff5FJN_jONKni11P9P6k/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrWE5Mp6s-4H9iyRotZb7U3uW6yd49-wqhMrazwIzNbbsRBG8d_nHmECqxaoqY93KJgjfG2yllHnFKAsxfRSMZzOPwZxlWNvxoRpe2iSwafiW4UnPOaj8uj9Ff5FJN_jONKni11P9P6k/s320/047.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyxRsw2dUPbapLlm7Ehxyikv9b45R6mLVuMW7EZJ9lktHjle6vKjrlsdSkTsWHa-ExjtTfFMi_sugYL8qlXEej8DkNMf37Ar2nxtpdf_Dit6E-fetQ7LQlQtaenHQo729eHjhoUwh7V4/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyxRsw2dUPbapLlm7Ehxyikv9b45R6mLVuMW7EZJ9lktHjle6vKjrlsdSkTsWHa-ExjtTfFMi_sugYL8qlXEej8DkNMf37Ar2nxtpdf_Dit6E-fetQ7LQlQtaenHQo729eHjhoUwh7V4/s320/054.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCHMyk2TNlF9W7x4nWoPefdQun0gnDb5uGxjXL-Bxx4BqXMTxJEnsa740mnAAPhEf15rmA9d6C5p5T03FmGPhks5ODOnWgH-a8v9IqtIfOg-Vz228bN9_NBygh5lgDAAqCiYi-DGS8KI/s1600/mini+ballerina+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCHMyk2TNlF9W7x4nWoPefdQun0gnDb5uGxjXL-Bxx4BqXMTxJEnsa740mnAAPhEf15rmA9d6C5p5T03FmGPhks5ODOnWgH-a8v9IqtIfOg-Vz228bN9_NBygh5lgDAAqCiYi-DGS8KI/s320/mini+ballerina+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Needless to say here are the newest pictures of pieces that are being listed to Etsy. Many of them are just updated but there are a few newbies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70SHEtwJJxjB1l3u9d2xYPRkYAE5Ko97q-ykGL7gnRop-HrtR7flL8T7LTQtbf2RgIqahyheP8BVFEwDcSGCAQ6VTCkJPuiHag0Q0y-u7rqWau1VV5WAscyUAIUVQcE8BDOzz0iawqig/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70SHEtwJJxjB1l3u9d2xYPRkYAE5Ko97q-ykGL7gnRop-HrtR7flL8T7LTQtbf2RgIqahyheP8BVFEwDcSGCAQ6VTCkJPuiHag0Q0y-u7rqWau1VV5WAscyUAIUVQcE8BDOzz0iawqig/s320/029.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExedGv5yTCuwTe_IGcWFWNsGE2d4V03mezhWTWn3kzVLsi0IcoAPozqCgNUCYXbQ2Ntki4R_fRoXDEmvpmiABhKsCwhwSCsX7Kqhjf-FIv0Cpk8_2wC0Q7hMAguoGoQXREtwx-ZzN_to/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExedGv5yTCuwTe_IGcWFWNsGE2d4V03mezhWTWn3kzVLsi0IcoAPozqCgNUCYXbQ2Ntki4R_fRoXDEmvpmiABhKsCwhwSCsX7Kqhjf-FIv0Cpk8_2wC0Q7hMAguoGoQXREtwx-ZzN_to/s320/036.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCVX5LKzZ2ahC9_p_C_1-c51tmP9oLNM12yWOaVKyXq7JlLnWYn8psk-BhIH-fBtFEeOPPjoTDZjRir6PXKUkQXZW6krDoZxny0shJkpaIM997IGh1a9gSDq5SDmtWV0Gjbj4IlkW_Oo/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCVX5LKzZ2ahC9_p_C_1-c51tmP9oLNM12yWOaVKyXq7JlLnWYn8psk-BhIH-fBtFEeOPPjoTDZjRir6PXKUkQXZW6krDoZxny0shJkpaIM997IGh1a9gSDq5SDmtWV0Gjbj4IlkW_Oo/s320/056.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjqqCebBIT8u_T-AwT42iDwNhtzEtSxk06IAqgln2xQTeKdP2yCKMBP7RxP0dG7QrJXdLNHO95VUiiw3FMeZRDF1gFuI0Pkj1uLJzZQ0WBkgn0o76LEEN6ZsK6KIEgnQ1jbpL-_xBaw/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmjqqCebBIT8u_T-AwT42iDwNhtzEtSxk06IAqgln2xQTeKdP2yCKMBP7RxP0dG7QrJXdLNHO95VUiiw3FMeZRDF1gFuI0Pkj1uLJzZQ0WBkgn0o76LEEN6ZsK6KIEgnQ1jbpL-_xBaw/s320/061.JPG" width="249" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yS1EkGiMJr6sxR6-NUMloA39Da2XRRNczVhVFQcHdhx-oA59u53GONawTkGXTQILKuwoVli22AICA90zxyyDk2KrlgTT-D3xlEkaRmisBLsxFhjIkNRu4bI96XRTAJWGYmFh5oIiggY/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yS1EkGiMJr6sxR6-NUMloA39Da2XRRNczVhVFQcHdhx-oA59u53GONawTkGXTQILKuwoVli22AICA90zxyyDk2KrlgTT-D3xlEkaRmisBLsxFhjIkNRu4bI96XRTAJWGYmFh5oIiggY/s320/127.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Since I will be listing daily from now until the beginning of Christmas, be forewarned , </div>
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there will probably be many new blog posts. :o)</div>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-12670203739026637562012-05-30T11:14:00.001-04:002012-05-30T11:14:18.195-04:00In the Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncN34ohkfyy4gymSXMqm73BvHjTYdwPLeOfwV6ew8eMy6A3H6yQYPEX7JYyB2_Ak5wrl9ICPEBCU7j6rpHhvKHzFlrfmtmZk5Lk7vqByWf_qhyphenhyphen4q7nBY517g80hyWdsHOuRAk8YsRBEY/s1600/G's+last+day+of+Preschool+and+first+poppy+2012+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncN34ohkfyy4gymSXMqm73BvHjTYdwPLeOfwV6ew8eMy6A3H6yQYPEX7JYyB2_Ak5wrl9ICPEBCU7j6rpHhvKHzFlrfmtmZk5Lk7vqByWf_qhyphenhyphen4q7nBY517g80hyWdsHOuRAk8YsRBEY/s320/G's+last+day+of+Preschool+and+first+poppy+2012+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very first poppy of 2012</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAU-9vpzHi04udv85RWfi4FTMS_F_bKNNWHKGYUaexT90JAYmwvI0Zajc9EQ9zDLVYzAFWsjNdTu4DPy7Aen8TlwFBpc2J7AAho4wTvGQY9CtGX9QlzZv_9Nt3tbv_YPOpIqZHcVUOoM/s1600/Garden+2012+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAU-9vpzHi04udv85RWfi4FTMS_F_bKNNWHKGYUaexT90JAYmwvI0Zajc9EQ9zDLVYzAFWsjNdTu4DPy7Aen8TlwFBpc2J7AAho4wTvGQY9CtGX9QlzZv_9Nt3tbv_YPOpIqZHcVUOoM/s320/Garden+2012+018.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz6h56iN0fcq8i-yG1yX57g3c2cU-4oU2jF2Atxdqouj5FJr86suBg7dfWNC_V_Zer-AUAdml_aglxXg9VSO9h0F1issS7lsap-TQmbVkMEqIhXreTuQ6DV1fB0uF9VetPJIdeXCh0C0/s1600/Garden+2012+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz6h56iN0fcq8i-yG1yX57g3c2cU-4oU2jF2Atxdqouj5FJr86suBg7dfWNC_V_Zer-AUAdml_aglxXg9VSO9h0F1issS7lsap-TQmbVkMEqIhXreTuQ6DV1fB0uF9VetPJIdeXCh0C0/s320/Garden+2012+007.JPG" width="320" /><span id="goog_574391739"></span><span id="goog_574391740"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first year blooming for this gorgeous iris</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENe1a6KktdNapysV2y7rcdPFmGZKrDXEpqhkvHbVDhtlVZsm1fKAsS55stqN_0UZshFewedi-ZDPT8v89Jy2aHRko35SPPyjW5W7Spn8phGD29TsX6lbV2hJRttUR1fn8oOAfOJiiqeo/s1600/Garden+2012+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENe1a6KktdNapysV2y7rcdPFmGZKrDXEpqhkvHbVDhtlVZsm1fKAsS55stqN_0UZshFewedi-ZDPT8v89Jy2aHRko35SPPyjW5W7Spn8phGD29TsX6lbV2hJRttUR1fn8oOAfOJiiqeo/s320/Garden+2012+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Poppy: Coral Reef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS3ibf7k_lnP-LqYZBmgBFqN1UDyNalCASpBRhlw6i6B9F7DHOyICyuWZynJ4ssb2coHg8aBOASRPfiLwwTDp5GObiCaLw3gYaIkIMpR_qXMYZbSOfMi4RVaYzKIvyjM6nUnkyQzqFbE/s1600/Garden+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizS3ibf7k_lnP-LqYZBmgBFqN1UDyNalCASpBRhlw6i6B9F7DHOyICyuWZynJ4ssb2coHg8aBOASRPfiLwwTDp5GObiCaLw3gYaIkIMpR_qXMYZbSOfMi4RVaYzKIvyjM6nUnkyQzqFbE/s320/Garden+2012+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnW2aiJlCMhy4L_WiBdXLAMi3U1oK-oEEOTXfe6YsJEiNQ9eb72YsIUnV5DdpP1xy6hHeaf57Fon2WehHKGtplg_Yp9PCiLzquprKyqOkiWEg-uBv1jENL7zAStdJXTrhQ-E6a6283a0/s1600/Garden+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnW2aiJlCMhy4L_WiBdXLAMi3U1oK-oEEOTXfe6YsJEiNQ9eb72YsIUnV5DdpP1xy6hHeaf57Fon2WehHKGtplg_Yp9PCiLzquprKyqOkiWEg-uBv1jENL7zAStdJXTrhQ-E6a6283a0/s320/Garden+2012+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Poppy: Princess Victoria Louise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_EBOSqMg7Pu0SZ2sRXjpkZboawNm9v7nlmwH6C0a-k6Vx0CQLh-KibQ72fqhex-2fCYdvv6b7e52AWsQVS8Ws3jXqmL2OA4mXo8K_iRh9L-YlPZcJdLmWS-LswOtjj-a4AKg9LPXJK8/s1600/Garden+2012+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_EBOSqMg7Pu0SZ2sRXjpkZboawNm9v7nlmwH6C0a-k6Vx0CQLh-KibQ72fqhex-2fCYdvv6b7e52AWsQVS8Ws3jXqmL2OA4mXo8K_iRh9L-YlPZcJdLmWS-LswOtjj-a4AKg9LPXJK8/s320/Garden+2012+011.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foxglove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAiJZmZTt-GmNFNHdqKlYXjsaFY2V9J6gs6EoHijHjF31VrKUoJeaWWQg0KdZDm_g3ZCy_EYs-cgX5zpiFzuTskhRAvmnBrF-KSXwtbEIbbqhNUsWc0XOuZmb15ow5SdvW1oGOwljZ1k/s1600/Garden+2012+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAiJZmZTt-GmNFNHdqKlYXjsaFY2V9J6gs6EoHijHjF31VrKUoJeaWWQg0KdZDm_g3ZCy_EYs-cgX5zpiFzuTskhRAvmnBrF-KSXwtbEIbbqhNUsWc0XOuZmb15ow5SdvW1oGOwljZ1k/s320/Garden+2012+013.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower bed before the show</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I should be working on a number of projects around the house but I also need to get back into the habit of creating posts for the blog... so guess which won out? </div>
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All of my poppies burst this weekend. Unfortunately, it was so hot they didn't last very long. I was lucky enough to get some beautiful photos of this year's show. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did :O)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg634yIoVFBJZUu824NC9T6jtESGPtph_TCzBs8Kf7zVU9q3pfbfXxtkAf9FIlBJFdYwOhBxlClM3TSVWIBs1IzpJ6w-6xBzRlaiJjSR_X22ZDgOFJcXRTt-IAgGnikeBDdGB3mKFTqOuo/s1600/Garden2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg634yIoVFBJZUu824NC9T6jtESGPtph_TCzBs8Kf7zVU9q3pfbfXxtkAf9FIlBJFdYwOhBxlClM3TSVWIBs1IzpJ6w-6xBzRlaiJjSR_X22ZDgOFJcXRTt-IAgGnikeBDdGB3mKFTqOuo/s320/Garden2012+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flower bed after the show</td></tr>
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<br /></div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-13795310021688327202012-05-20T10:57:00.002-04:002012-05-20T10:58:15.151-04:00A Little Chickadee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is the finished chickadee. It was done in time to get it to the recipient close to Mother's Day but I forgot I was going to post a photo of it when it was finished. Will be making more little birds soon, some whimsical some similar to this one (hopefully, I will be a little better at posting updates :O)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished Chickadee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before antiquing</td></tr>
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Up next: My Flower Garden (poppies are blooming!)</div>
</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-71474200796407599892012-05-07T15:04:00.000-04:002012-05-07T15:04:53.724-04:00Well Hello, Friend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm back!<br />
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I had two classes this semester. (Thank goodness I only had two.) They were extremely needy and required much more of my time than I had expected. That was the bad news, I was so overwhelmed with trying to do well in those classes that I was totally unavailable to my Etsy shop. The good news is, I am finished and now can devote some of my time to getting back to the important tasks at hand. (Gardening, loving on my little one and, of course, creating!)<br />
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<b>In the Garden:</b> The flower bed is looking GORGEOUS. Lush and Green. Anxiously awaiting my poppies. The Iris are blooming but I'm itching to see those glorious warm shades of poppies glowing in the sunshine. My peony has quite a few buds but it has been an odd spring so I hope they will actually fully mature.<br />
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<b>In the Veggie Garden:</b> The Romaine and Lollo Rosso lettuce are growing like crazy! I can't keep up with it. The Spinach has started taking off, as have the peas and Swiss Chard. The Potatoes look like they are beginning to sprout (at least I can see some leaves breaking the surface ). My tomato seedlings are beyond the seedling state, I have to figure out where to plant these things in a short few weeks!<br />
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My husband finished pulling up the grass between the raised beds. Now I need to finish clearing any stray grass, put down weed paper, cover it with a layer of garden soil, plant the Irish moss, line the sides with wood discs and place footprints down the center. The worse part will be waiting for the Irish moss to spread to cover the area!<br />
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<b>In the Studio:</b> Trying to get back into the swing of things. I need to start designing all of my Christmas 2012 designs. I only have 3 months to get everything done as school starts up again in September. I am currently finishing a little bird. He will be a chickadee when painted and I'll be sure to post a quick update before he goes off to his new home (he's a Mother's day gift, shhhhh!)<br />
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Now, I must be off, I have a home to clean and projects to start. Until next time!<br />
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Enjoy the beautiful weather!</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-71907004574059914142012-04-06T08:55:00.000-04:002012-04-06T08:55:44.995-04:00A New Look<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am currently taking a marketing class. I decided it was time to really focus on my business since my son starts kindergarten in the fall. I will no longer have an excuse for not applying myself to the business in my "spare time". That said, I am working on the "re-branding" my shop in the few spare moments I currently have. These are the preliminary photos.<br />
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So far, I like them although I will probably keep refining the images until I have them just right. The whole idea behind the look is to create a sense of wonder or a magical feeling within the shop.<br />
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I have also been collecting some reference material that serves as the inspiration for new elf ornaments this year. I am really focusing on some characters that reflect Christmas of the 50's and 60's. As the designs come to fruition I will post photos. Now, onto Easter preparations.<br />
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Hope you have a Very Happy Easter!<br />
Kelly </div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-62382409150879085292012-02-11T09:40:00.000-05:002012-02-11T09:40:00.777-05:00Hungry Deer Will Eat Anything<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is our 2011 Gingerbread House. </div>
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It was just made from a kit, perhaps next year I will feel more inspired to make one from scratch. I've been staring at it for 2 months now. Occasionally, the little one would steal a piece of candy off of it and eat it. For the most part it just sat and collected dust. So I decided it was time to get rid of it. I always put off the disposal of food like products because it seems like such a waste. Then I had a thought. </div>
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We have an overabundance of deer in our neighborhood. So much so that we recently have seen a larger than normal number of car meet deer accidents, a local vigilante stalking and killing them illegally in the middle of the night and the city council talking of culling the deer population. In the meantime, they are hungry, eating anything they can find, including confused sprouts.(As mentioned yesterday, we have had an inordinately warm and snow free winter) Why not, then, put the food like product, the gingerbread house, out to see if, in fact, the deer would eat it.</div>
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I had hoped to find part of the foundation or crumbs but we have nothing left and it snowed last night so any tell tale crumbs are currently blanketed. I'll keep my eyes open for any remnants in the neighborhood. While it isn't the healthiest of offerings to the neighborhood deer, at least they have a little something in their tummies today. I feel much better than just throwing it in the garbage dumpster. ( I'm sure I drive the neighbors nuts as I throw out our apple peels, cores and other tasty trimmings from our veggies and fruits for the wildlife. No doubt they would prefer I throw them in the dumpster. Oh well, in a couple months I will put them into the composter! Once it's built that is:o)</div>
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Now I must go and enjoy our snowstorm. </div>
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It's not all that impressive but at least it is snow and I have missed it so! </div>
<br /></div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-4707917036099143082012-02-10T10:34:00.001-05:002012-02-10T10:34:28.247-05:00A New Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">newest primrose - unusual coloring and it smells delightful!</td></tr>
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What a winter we've had (not). So little snow this winter really has me in a funk. I know, what an odd bird to be sad about a snow-less winter but my little one and I enjoy playing in the snow. That and I'm itching to start gardening but I know, being in the climate we are in, that that could be a huge mistake. As soon as I would plant something it will snow like it has never snowed before.</div>
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Hmmmm, that's a thought!</div>
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So I wait. </div>
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I have my vegetable garden planned. I will be starting some seeds soon and need to build a couple new raised beds to accommodate the rest of our veggies. Then there is the fence that needs to be put up around all of our delectables. The deer and other critters will have a feast if I don't erect a fence. Unfortunately, it is too muddy when the temperature is right for building and when the ground is solid, it is frozen completely. Neither state works to place posts. Thus, my frustration with this winter builds. </div>
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In the meantime, school has started. I'm taking a marketing class and am writing a marketing plan for Busy Little Elf. It is nice to be able to think about why I started the business and where I would like to take it in the future. As things come to completion I am sure you will hear about them. For instance, I am working on my packaging. I would like it to be consistent and of a level of quality that my other competitors don't offer. I am looking at what makes my elves different than other craftsman's elves and how they can can stand out from the rest. I have been working on new elf designs, many of them are very Mid-Century inspired, and hope to put together kits for people to personalize their own elves at home. </div>
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I just registered my little one for Kindergarten.</div>
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I found out that he will be in school for about 6 hours everyday, Monday through Friday. I am not looking forward to the silence. I was always okay with silence before I was married, I reveled in my alone time but now things are just different. Often, my little bug is my inspiration. It is not always a direct inspiration. Sometimes it is just me being relaxed in his presence that spurs on the creativity. But surely I will be able to get more accomplished than I have of late. (Perhaps even be consistent again with my blog posting.) And maybe my house will actually be able to be cleaned properly. When the boys are home it's like picking up after small hurricanes. And I'm already a whirling dervish myself, strewing arts and craft supplies throughout the house behind me. </div>
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So a neat house will be nice. But I will still miss my bug.</div>
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A new start is in the offing. </div>
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For now, I will just sit in anticipation and dread. A healthy dose of both. Knowing that it will be better than I can even imagine while more difficult than nearly anything experienced. </div>
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I will fill my time with planning and gardening and making cute little creatures. </div>
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After I make the most of my unlimited access to the bug. (of course!)</div>
<br /></div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-30609051981821443212011-12-18T20:29:00.000-05:002012-02-05T11:49:17.098-05:00A Last Minute Craft for Little Ones: Gingerbread Boys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Every year I give the little guy a craft project so he can make some gifts to give to his loved ones. Last year we made Snowmen; this year we are making Gingerbread Boys(or Girls if you add eyelashes). It is an easy peasy idea. I've included a template to use as the body shape. We used left over cardboard inserts as the body since they are nice and sturdy but you could just as easily use brown construction paper if you have it on hand. As a matter of fact, every thing we used was what we had on hand. I'll give some possible substitutions.<br />
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What you'll need:</div>
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Cardboard</div>
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All purpose shears (we used our kitchen shears)</div>
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Construction paper (we used black, red and green glitter paper)</div>
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Large paper punch</div>
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Ric-Rac ribbon( I had some that is felt-like but any kind would do. If you have pinking shears, you could even cut out strips of plain white paper)</div>
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Small glitter pompoms (you could use construction paper punches instead)</div>
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Body template</div>
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All purpose school glue</div>
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Black Sharpie marker</div>
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Satin ribbon(for hanger) </div>
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Any other additions you'd like; crayons, glitter, markers, paint</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">body template</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Step 1: Cut out body template and trace onto cardboard or brown construction paper (I traced it onto the back with the sharpie marker) Cut out body. Depending on your child's cutting ability and strength they may need help with this step.</div>
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Step 2: Punch out some black and red circles. Glue in place for eyes and cheeks. Your little one can also paint or draw on the face.</div>
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Step 3: Add some buttons. We glued on glitter poms but feel free to use real buttons, punched paper, drawn or painted buttons, whatever you have available.</div>
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Step 4: Add "piping". We used our ric-rac, you could also 'pipe' on some glitter glue, dimensional paint, pinked paper strips, yarn, painted or drawn zigzags.</div>
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Step 5: Draw on smile and other features. This one has eyelashes so we consider it a girl. You could add a nose of some sort; we didn't like the ones we came up with no we skipped it. Add hair, clothing, etc. If you want to use the finished Gingerbread boy as an ornament punch a hole in the top center and run a ribbon (or yarn) through it. They are fairly large but very light weight and would look adorable hanging on the bottom half of the tree.</div>
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Hope you enjoy this little craft tutorial. I hope to add some more in the upcoming months.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From Our Family To Your Family, We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-4236570678746223552011-12-03T22:10:00.001-05:002013-03-20T10:51:56.176-04:00christmas elves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Finally, we are getting our decorations up. With school and the craziness, we haven't had a chance to get them up as early as I usually do but after spending the better part of the day cleaning and decking, we are finally getting somewhere. I'm really loving the kitchen this year. Since we are in a house built in the Sixties, I really am playing up the Mid Century inspired decorations and featuring some of my collectibles.(one of which I decimated when I was cleaning it to put out. I glued him back together but killed whatever value he would have had. Oh well! He's still cute)</div>
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I love when you take pictures of your home and you realize that there are certain things you should find a new home for. Case in point, my mass quantity of gallon sized Ziplocs. I use them when I make batches of play dough. Needless to say I've been making many batches lately but I really need to find a better place to stash them during the holidays.</div>
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Haven't found my mistletoe that I hang above my kitchen window and I think I need to make ribbon tie backs again, The windows look so much cuter when the curtains are pulled back. I'll have to get a better picture of the window. It looks fabulous with the new wall color (my favorite shade of red)</div>
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Here's a picture of the little train I decimated (not the sponge holder, the cutie to the right). Can't really tell he's broken but I ripped Santa right out of the cabin! You can see the wall color, and I can see where I need to do a few touch ups.</div>
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A little helper elf helping me hang the garland. (he really can't help too much since he's a bit vertically challenged, but he tries)Tomorrow, we get the tree that will sit in front of this window. The screen to the left will be gone. I thought I could hide my bookshelf but I'm not sure I like how it looks.</div>
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The beginning of the hutch decorations. Much cuter now since I added glittered glass ornaments, pine cones and little gold star bursts. Just need an extension cord or power strip to light it. Also, all my cutie Holt Howard Santas are all pulled out. They bring me so much joy to look at. Of course the truck won't stay there but it was a good parking place at the time.</div>
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So that's about it for now. More has been accomplished but I don't have the photos yet. (The bathroom is super cute with a silver tree and pink, blue and purple ornaments) Those and the Christmas tree I will share in a few days. </div>
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elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-11194676345904219062011-11-21T09:33:00.000-05:002012-02-05T11:50:05.670-05:00A New Look for a Retro Christmas Kitchen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I blame my decorating obsession on being a frustrated window dresser.</div>
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I have been working for a couple years to get our house decorated just right for the holiday season. I do it primarily to create memories for the little one but, let's face it, my stint as a visual merchandiser made me rather particular (read:obsessed) about decking the halls! </div>
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It's always a long process of trial and error and, since we've moved around a bit, readjustment to different era homes and different architectural features. We currently live in a super cute early 60's ranch. It is small but I think it lends itself well to Christmas decor; Since I LOVE Mid-Century Christmas, I had to go a bit kitschy in my kitchen. This year it really seems to be coming together. Luckily, my son has declared himself a helper elf. Every decorator can use one and, even though he's 4, he is nice to have around and actually quite helpful. Recently, we made a new wreath for our kitchen. It's not completely finished, I hope to add an elf or two, clinging desperately to a branch. But for the most part it is finished. I chose a candy theme because one of the memories I have of my mother's decorations when I was a child was her glittered plastic candy garland that she hung on the door frame in the kitchen (that's right, I'm not that original in my theme, just sentimental)</div>
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SO here's an 'almost' tutorial. If you ever need info please ask and I can answer and amend the post. Wasn't able to take photos of the wreath in progress because, well, I was a bit obsessed about finishing it and I wouldn't pull myself away long enough to take them :o(</div>
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It all started with a 24 inch white pine style wreath. </div>
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Then different bulbs were gathered. Most we found (pretty inexpensive) at our local craft store; the others came from Target and coordinate with other decor in the kitchen(to be shared later:O). I used all shatterproof bulbs since it is located in a high traffic area and we have a wee one in the house. My theme is candy in the kitchen so I picked focal ornaments that were giant candies in our kitchen Christmas color scheme(Lime, red and white) </div>
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Then the little one and I placed the ornaments around the bare wreath to see how we would like to do it. We started with the placement of the focal ornaments and added the largest ornaments down to the smallest. It's easier to fit everything in this way and you can tuck the tiny ones in to fill any spaces. I then wired every ornament to the base with white wire. </div>
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Originally, we had picked out a red velvet ribbon with glitter stars to finish it off but decided it looked pretty nice without so we're trying it out for a little while sans bow. I do reserve the right to amend this decision at any time :O)</div>
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[there is a nice little spot for it in the upper right quadrant]</div>
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All that is left for the wreath is to make an elf and hang him precariously from a branch or candy cane so he dangles in the center. Hope to make him look surprised and in desperate need of assistance.</div>
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In the meantime, the helper elf and I will continue to decorate the kitchen and the rest of the house. </div>
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Can't wait to share the little pass thru window treatment! It was inspired by a Home Depot commercial and I'm very happy with the look. Uber Mid Century feel! </div>
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Well that's it for now, still have ornaments to finish painting! Until next time, </div>
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<b>Have a fabulous Thanksgiving with your loved ones and, most importantly, enjoy!</b><br />
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</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-89710069043888078342011-10-07T16:13:00.000-04:002011-10-07T16:13:49.392-04:00Oh! How I have neglected you.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNK9wzJrxeQ8gK7SzQNNhwgeg06s4XVtfxt4k-llGZzN1of8znrWdJhyVfDX1Vc4uCNHD9I4-vCic0ihytqQudVc83ApddhioK_z9Pzq9CiPASD9yWMwYnyXo1FOXlUbuJMfjSyIy9r4/s1600/mini+elves+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNK9wzJrxeQ8gK7SzQNNhwgeg06s4XVtfxt4k-llGZzN1of8znrWdJhyVfDX1Vc4uCNHD9I4-vCic0ihytqQudVc83ApddhioK_z9Pzq9CiPASD9yWMwYnyXo1FOXlUbuJMfjSyIy9r4/s320/mini+elves+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since my last post. Lots of stuff happening here on the North Coast. Started classes this fall and have been inundated with trying to balance that with being creative and trying to keep the house up. Add to that, I have been taking my wee tot to preschool 3 days a week and, needless to say, I'm failing miserably on all fronts except school and the wee tot. At least I have my priorities straight(although I want to create more than take classes so it's a struggle)<br />
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But I have been creating in my random free moments. Here is a photo update of some new pieces soon to be listed in my Etsy shop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtQgLciZQIIwaoBTVEv8EZ2ZwMwEwVrMNTak3fZa-VEF0zyfRI8E1LlJel3E6D_25sM8_gkAoQgMwEKc7P2iLGkBjM155PgVFEQHt1OIIa4dq8hz6neB3r5BedBWfIVh5S_VDf01xfTo/s1600/mini+elves+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtQgLciZQIIwaoBTVEv8EZ2ZwMwEwVrMNTak3fZa-VEF0zyfRI8E1LlJel3E6D_25sM8_gkAoQgMwEKc7P2iLGkBjM155PgVFEQHt1OIIa4dq8hz6neB3r5BedBWfIVh5S_VDf01xfTo/s320/mini+elves+021.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini elves are all the rage this year. And their tiny size makes them ultra fun to make. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk6yfQGjQQJYpTPNPtMuEAfaxdlhBOmZi2YK-v0hCR5Bxljx2xeFxPApR7pnGV9zdcEbkJuHM976EY3TPngFi6qF9ueimDttt5wd5eKe-1xQcisldSfedbbFt71i6cki2Jqt-5flB5LY/s1600/mini+elves+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPk6yfQGjQQJYpTPNPtMuEAfaxdlhBOmZi2YK-v0hCR5Bxljx2xeFxPApR7pnGV9zdcEbkJuHM976EY3TPngFi6qF9ueimDttt5wd5eKe-1xQcisldSfedbbFt71i6cki2Jqt-5flB5LY/s320/mini+elves+028.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eskimo are so darn cute. I'm obsessed with them (they may be my new favorites:o)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfuxNXOs01bhiyR0i0-FlTAlLYQ87PpHmYrB0j0zBUinIUKCPd80kVIWv7nDOR4Hjl7hwdCx3GaP2HQItXjJxwmJ06E9oE2AXdddGWQUpwkRhKNHliRiqmQnOEYOw2Mi0rXXGTS4mmlo/s1600/mini+elves+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfuxNXOs01bhiyR0i0-FlTAlLYQ87PpHmYrB0j0zBUinIUKCPd80kVIWv7nDOR4Hjl7hwdCx3GaP2HQItXjJxwmJ06E9oE2AXdddGWQUpwkRhKNHliRiqmQnOEYOw2Mi0rXXGTS4mmlo/s320/mini+elves+034.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Angel boy. The tiny size makes them so cute but the girl's hair makes it hard to see her little halo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hViDmSKp-wlSi_PgMojG2HPZ17T1ce6aFMWXKu4HAr6acCPZVAhzOQDCA3xc4Yw7bNgjT3pNhJnD6qu258vyEanUQlcUgbXMETCjnq2aVQT_aFSUT2aGUhyphenhyphenjEks7tmKYJnOY-egMeVk/s1600/mini+elves+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hViDmSKp-wlSi_PgMojG2HPZ17T1ce6aFMWXKu4HAr6acCPZVAhzOQDCA3xc4Yw7bNgjT3pNhJnD6qu258vyEanUQlcUgbXMETCjnq2aVQT_aFSUT2aGUhyphenhyphenjEks7tmKYJnOY-egMeVk/s320/mini+elves+058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The autism puzzle piece wreath is back this year with some new styles. This one is inspired a bit by the Grinch. A portion of the price of these wreaths go to an Autism Charity. This year I am supporting a Cleveland center, <a href="http://www.monarchcenterforautism.org/feed/atom">The Monarch Center for Autism.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNFrXoN0jSlgYw5B7ds1fqzJUp-olSSAd3qZoNdiYuXzypZdSbbRcNtH2YM_y3_DOXXOsevXH5TE04J_Zhf8KnoFxhsskdro7Io0oucyO9efOUDehDuNUjzM7T0Xu0d4umUBJ1sqZ76A/s1600/mini+elves+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNFrXoN0jSlgYw5B7ds1fqzJUp-olSSAd3qZoNdiYuXzypZdSbbRcNtH2YM_y3_DOXXOsevXH5TE04J_Zhf8KnoFxhsskdro7Io0oucyO9efOUDehDuNUjzM7T0Xu0d4umUBJ1sqZ76A/s320/mini+elves+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper clay cuties.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMIcWkgGggMx8o1kjyr150RDVyBFlh7RVQspxDXn_cH6yPxPkupAxy5FhZDG1jv5xhtvLdA6AYyFEiUd_hUttCChbRPeU6aOWePs6hpk9qwmTCu46hjHoYyxiJrsjTPa3pR8H-3k9mE4/s1600/mini+elves+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMIcWkgGggMx8o1kjyr150RDVyBFlh7RVQspxDXn_cH6yPxPkupAxy5FhZDG1jv5xhtvLdA6AYyFEiUd_hUttCChbRPeU6aOWePs6hpk9qwmTCu46hjHoYyxiJrsjTPa3pR8H-3k9mE4/s320/mini+elves+067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQgDP4Q374mGsgyO7icbjo2o-oZeLyZhtKYh6x4F1-YYQv1EvsSa2pEM2R2nvJT32WohLXh7qbkO8TCoLtzlOruTzZEFeSMjBNMIJ8TCKYbZLp-OBKpmpWCXzlbigGw0f-GdMv8FjkLw/s1600/mini+elves+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQgDP4Q374mGsgyO7icbjo2o-oZeLyZhtKYh6x4F1-YYQv1EvsSa2pEM2R2nvJT32WohLXh7qbkO8TCoLtzlOruTzZEFeSMjBNMIJ8TCKYbZLp-OBKpmpWCXzlbigGw0f-GdMv8FjkLw/s320/mini+elves+070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I also have a slew of started projects that I wanted to photograph but have had some problems with them since they are bright white. (Motivation for another post, sooner than the last time :o)<br />
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Hope you have been having a fabulous fall! Here's to a great Halloween!</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-57006291195725534202011-08-25T12:55:00.001-04:002011-08-25T12:57:18.867-04:00Made in the USA or Why I Buy Vintage.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwTYwV_ZP-PTNq9A8sHwZmeHpGTfjF8U_pZcyM02L3ITznZmQ5e6DFqgGiZIG4LnTK9kFxLLLNaz9vmfj9Y02dq78x-YLYHWiy38VPQS6Vxix2gEKM3us4GXuGQkPm2mAtSf03kRNaDs/s1600/butter+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwTYwV_ZP-PTNq9A8sHwZmeHpGTfjF8U_pZcyM02L3ITznZmQ5e6DFqgGiZIG4LnTK9kFxLLLNaz9vmfj9Y02dq78x-YLYHWiy38VPQS6Vxix2gEKM3us4GXuGQkPm2mAtSf03kRNaDs/s320/butter+dish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 'new' butter dish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I won't get all political but it seems to me that lately the US corporations and politicians don't care much about what happens to our economy. That said, I realized that you can't buy a damn thing in the states that is actually made here and not imported. At least new products. I'm sure that's not completely true but, far and away, a product made in the States is the exception and not the rule. Is it any wonder why our economy is in the crapper?<br />
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So what is a girl to do?<br />
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Buy vintage of course! I don't need many things but every now and again I find I'm in need of something. Recently, I found I could really use a butter dish. It would have been so easy to hop into the car and drive up to Target or Bed Bath and Beyond but instead I perused ebay and etsy. And low and behold found a super cute butter dish from the late 60's early 70's in mint condition for (most likely) less than what I would have found at the local stores. The nicest things about it is that our money went directly to another American citizen for a well made in the USA, albeit vintage, product. <br />
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Doesn't always work, try finding a toaster, TV or computer made in the USA of US parts, but when it does it is a very good thing :o)<br />
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</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-21614173998080780922011-08-24T09:37:00.000-04:002011-08-24T09:37:42.809-04:00Are you a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJQ2R7rcJ21soS0KZvKC5PjU_gYlV_zLV9ibKG1fF1w1mYRvZ4wHM4RDGfsX78teOjszwIZ2j2DIAZOz79RQY5-1CIVrWDjbCd605EBq0qcVqhXHimcPqonLiHClcIXbrYON8uianXiI/s1600/tin-man-dorothy-scarecrow--large-msg-120143832193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJQ2R7rcJ21soS0KZvKC5PjU_gYlV_zLV9ibKG1fF1w1mYRvZ4wHM4RDGfsX78teOjszwIZ2j2DIAZOz79RQY5-1CIVrWDjbCd605EBq0qcVqhXHimcPqonLiHClcIXbrYON8uianXiI/s320/tin-man-dorothy-scarecrow--large-msg-120143832193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Halloween is quickly approaching. I've already missed my opportunity to add Halloween or fall pieces to my shop but do need to make a costume for the small boy.<br />
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My son is obsessed with the Wizard of Oz and for the past few weeks he told me he wanted to be the Tin Man. Since he is 4 and rather fickle, I ask him about every third day as I ponder a plan for how to construct his costume. Today, when I do my 'verification of Halloween costume', he informs me he wants to be the scarecrow...... alrighty then, change of plan, now I start to develop a plan for the scarecrow.<br />
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In reality, I will devise a costume for both characters and wait until I have just enough time to finish them before I even start construction. He's allowed to be fickle, he's 4 (yes, I continue to remind myself of this fact as I write), but now I realize why the past couple of years I just broke down and bought his costume. Ah, the joy of motherhood! :o)</div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-27108507453359439072011-08-19T12:38:00.000-04:002012-02-05T11:50:24.461-05:00In the Garden - A Few Firsts.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Chrysanthemum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8jaKftc25o99vTmLeKCGmBoHgHgaCxEpU_ztEPicPTCZLeAuTnx17uzUcP82crrNW_qzjLyLxZEi6-MlungUG50pZvp2UXkixSHhyaUuECHRPYbKe9LKIp25KSOctpdxaRleWGt91ds/s1600/garden+and+elves+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8jaKftc25o99vTmLeKCGmBoHgHgaCxEpU_ztEPicPTCZLeAuTnx17uzUcP82crrNW_qzjLyLxZEi6-MlungUG50pZvp2UXkixSHhyaUuECHRPYbKe9LKIp25KSOctpdxaRleWGt91ds/s320/garden+and+elves+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First ears of popcorn setting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First tomato plant to produce ripe fruit</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First peppers added to homemade chili (Marconi, Serrano and Gypsy peppers)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Yellow swallowtail captured on our butterfly bush. She visits daily. We also have a black swallowtail, monarch and hummingbird that visit daily.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Sadly, the neighborhood deer took a couple bites out of the Cherokee purple tomato that I was watching out my kitchen window so I had to wrap everything up. They also ate all the tomatoes off my container tomato plant (grrrr, they were almost ripe) and knocked off all the peppers, didn't eat them just knocked them off.<br />
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Luckily, the grape tomatoes are very prolific, I've been making a tomato salad with balsamic dressing nearly daily. YUM! <br />
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The chrysanthemum plants are looking amazing this year. They are fuller than I can believe and just loaded with buds. So excited to see them start exploding with color!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyOf70a-ARGXzftvZwXYr3LEYDVx9jDs4MqTkuE-IEgNzGwf2stpOlAEPBpbJt5z5dmqQwVBk3Ofk_dLadYSFlT7mlbvI5k17wzrtwHKIeo5ji_pBoDcEszED4Fi_H2S98Z3w0zxGMW8/s1600/july+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyOf70a-ARGXzftvZwXYr3LEYDVx9jDs4MqTkuE-IEgNzGwf2stpOlAEPBpbJt5z5dmqQwVBk3Ofk_dLadYSFlT7mlbvI5k17wzrtwHKIeo5ji_pBoDcEszED4Fi_H2S98Z3w0zxGMW8/s320/july+021.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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July is a time for all the lilies and daylilies to bloom in my garden. I just love my daylilies. Unfortunately, so do the neighborhood deer. The Liquid Fence works to a certain extent but I found that I would have to be diligent with it, needing a weekly application to keep them away. Not only do I not have the time to be that diligent, I don't have the stomach. The pungent smell leaves a little something in the back of my throat and I can only handle a monthly application. Needless to say, I resorted to my fail proof netting. </div>
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Finally, I figured out what type of lily made it in our move a couple years ago. Remember I had a lily bulb that made the move and transplant but last year the deer ate the buds before I could see which type it was? Well, it was the 'Black Beauty' lily like I had thought. I haven't uploaded my photos yet but will share it on my next garden post.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1IME7Uou2bmhmFHAhBK90OBZGMzHG9OBJUTuh9CntRUM-MHzKb_mqjiMa2LH4hngNPl5F9xlmDi2_a9yXWCsTqlQifZsHDcDsviG4t-hNTMHlq8T-04TJRuVjPjbDViQttgG2iW9jwc/s1600/july+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1IME7Uou2bmhmFHAhBK90OBZGMzHG9OBJUTuh9CntRUM-MHzKb_mqjiMa2LH4hngNPl5F9xlmDi2_a9yXWCsTqlQifZsHDcDsviG4t-hNTMHlq8T-04TJRuVjPjbDViQttgG2iW9jwc/s320/july+026.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Christmas Carol'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Raspberry Pixie'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKGJp8g3Tz42yOBQRDELUFDtRh85TBf9OWs3ukLeOpptJaJRy-Qs_pxa68_OLTZGuQ0MWtEvO4t0vPtYJXilxVVxVvZzOPoy77e_2OG5GbTQ2ae4HTYNEfvHXF4y4CiSZDrdKJPpXebk/s1600/july+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKGJp8g3Tz42yOBQRDELUFDtRh85TBf9OWs3ukLeOpptJaJRy-Qs_pxa68_OLTZGuQ0MWtEvO4t0vPtYJXilxVVxVvZzOPoy77e_2OG5GbTQ2ae4HTYNEfvHXF4y4CiSZDrdKJPpXebk/s320/july+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Siloam Doodlebug'</td></tr>
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The Japanese beetles found our hollyhocks so those have been decimated. Oh well, they were pretty while they lasted. It has given my husband a new hobby (killing Japanese beetles in soapy water every night). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUXV2OrPrrO-YiYBrsPeW4lZgE0fNeBXXERCNXqJ6gbUDC5lz4nbWOsH0H2xNmMajR1_2zlEv-oXc1v5HE1UTl9b7MDD7syDxB13b0ywAVFOP5kWa125KM4kPuawOCsj-hf6HijR5PTw/s1600/july+22%252C2011+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUXV2OrPrrO-YiYBrsPeW4lZgE0fNeBXXERCNXqJ6gbUDC5lz4nbWOsH0H2xNmMajR1_2zlEv-oXc1v5HE1UTl9b7MDD7syDxB13b0ywAVFOP5kWa125KM4kPuawOCsj-hf6HijR5PTw/s320/july+22%252C2011+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the phlox are only safe behind netting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Q6KmmbxPkFugHsr2OLJvk2IgijWgxFwxTjZp7yT3LD3uItdprnGZCwzfRAntreoyWkr_9bpSLV8o8ZRC085SP2eRfYjWmNVqeXKYFwNtDqznaFdYfBNEeoTmrz5PFhLXE3q9aD7Y8o/s1600/july+22%252C2011+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5Q6KmmbxPkFugHsr2OLJvk2IgijWgxFwxTjZp7yT3LD3uItdprnGZCwzfRAntreoyWkr_9bpSLV8o8ZRC085SP2eRfYjWmNVqeXKYFwNtDqznaFdYfBNEeoTmrz5PFhLXE3q9aD7Y8o/s320/july+22%252C2011+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short variety of Monarda (bee balm)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAuYWQguIElyNtxBNj_cwgWEYC1Lxk1tdJtNBb2g86WTQFxM-OV84BgsBTHeKW0WLuljhw4zyJ8VJFNnvGNLYd9PFOUW1h-xeLxx4ZYiSqZq2fH6A7i44VGqkkWyo9LMY0PWACC0r99Q/s1600/july+22%252C2011+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAuYWQguIElyNtxBNj_cwgWEYC1Lxk1tdJtNBb2g86WTQFxM-OV84BgsBTHeKW0WLuljhw4zyJ8VJFNnvGNLYd9PFOUW1h-xeLxx4ZYiSqZq2fH6A7i44VGqkkWyo9LMY0PWACC0r99Q/s320/july+22%252C2011+046.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verbascum (that my little Bug picked out)</td></tr>
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My little vegetable garden is starting to turn out tomatoes and strawberries. The strawberries were a little delayed due to the deers eating the first batch but I covered them in netting and they are producing fruit again. The popcorn is getting tall and I hope it will be pollinated so we get some ears. The peppers have been nibbled on by the deer but I think it may have been a mistake since they nibbled the Serrano peppers and I don't think they have a taste for hot peppers. I'm monitoring the situation but there are fruit forming so I am not too concerned. The carrots look good, at least from the top, I can't wait to try one in a few weeks. My tomatoes are going wild and I am so extremely excited. </div>
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I LOVE homegrown tomatoes. </div>
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Nothing compares to the taste of a homegrown, vine ripened, heirloom variety tomato. Sadly, my husband doesn't like tomatoes so I will be eating many, many tomatoes over the next few weeks. I know, poor me :o)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFodHCXTK1xz2WrJbgjLAYJgFjeWYbtR_vuuhtLcnu3w2DqNvDeuobr7XxClEG531UtgskaLulr1I0yBgdbYfdxNdRv0Rqxrb8rbxBvRKTP3vLDgCBEB-952PVvvTM57zOtoqDTEGszjg/s1600/july+22%252C2011+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFodHCXTK1xz2WrJbgjLAYJgFjeWYbtR_vuuhtLcnu3w2DqNvDeuobr7XxClEG531UtgskaLulr1I0yBgdbYfdxNdRv0Rqxrb8rbxBvRKTP3vLDgCBEB-952PVvvTM57zOtoqDTEGszjg/s320/july+22%252C2011+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first grape tomatoes of the year. they were my breakfast and very yummy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliN3SrkyjeFnagb3t9rsvFFhvk5wpOV9lWbYMHQAVW-Ao8Z2ieh7Q1uV4DD2CMmkkU4x2u1tFYSyxsXaFL_5g6Ut4AWGnKANjsVLAEkmMwywv4GEZ5Mx7LvyFig6pw-7lhKSvvCRTHkM/s1600/july+22%252C2011+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliN3SrkyjeFnagb3t9rsvFFhvk5wpOV9lWbYMHQAVW-Ao8Z2ieh7Q1uV4DD2CMmkkU4x2u1tFYSyxsXaFL_5g6Ut4AWGnKANjsVLAEkmMwywv4GEZ5Mx7LvyFig6pw-7lhKSvvCRTHkM/s320/july+22%252C2011+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherokee Purple tomato (can't wait!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvi5_rLXKI8l8EHyHpdhQsY-tAtSPYxa8u22e8H3kKr0WBfOVdUdi8JIlJvVQinB3KumnXjXtGShpkdD6eP2h-qCdLxAL1ck6LwM386Sll9h99LLs6_BoGPS7ohsLZcTgmSDhVO60SLQ/s1600/july+22%252C2011+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvi5_rLXKI8l8EHyHpdhQsY-tAtSPYxa8u22e8H3kKr0WBfOVdUdi8JIlJvVQinB3KumnXjXtGShpkdD6eP2h-qCdLxAL1ck6LwM386Sll9h99LLs6_BoGPS7ohsLZcTgmSDhVO60SLQ/s320/july+22%252C2011+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more grape tomatoes. this plant is loaded with them. Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_wFSniK5dskAhy9fK6dhUR61D0404z8DJQU9NmgXsfeG6shEXS06zS7gj-sn2lSpiUq0LrTSbKIAVZnv7JqIDcbKb05qtTMRaA5mXT_MNY8GtkslxRCl2NMw8vG1woO1xENEb3GsQr4/s1600/july+22%252C2011+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_wFSniK5dskAhy9fK6dhUR61D0404z8DJQU9NmgXsfeG6shEXS06zS7gj-sn2lSpiUq0LrTSbKIAVZnv7JqIDcbKb05qtTMRaA5mXT_MNY8GtkslxRCl2NMw8vG1woO1xENEb3GsQr4/s320/july+22%252C2011+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our very first ripe strawberry. according to the Bug it was very tasty.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</script></div>elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01602189816927015298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404212196262823964.post-35690067491189836802011-07-24T17:00:00.000-04:002011-07-24T17:00:50.114-04:00Where Did July Go?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxzzwZHrx0RDDbuGu_PjmWC64_p55KWb96OxsWUkbRqUS8yTnOWfX998UKcmihYU12OJdWaoKSW5_EEZCzdCi8tWEP1Z3fJV8hb0Bi1KS3ikGZVmsMvj2F7sD9rCdGjBsp5gMfdmSo3k/s1600/july+22%252C2011+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxzzwZHrx0RDDbuGu_PjmWC64_p55KWb96OxsWUkbRqUS8yTnOWfX998UKcmihYU12OJdWaoKSW5_EEZCzdCi8tWEP1Z3fJV8hb0Bi1KS3ikGZVmsMvj2F7sD9rCdGjBsp5gMfdmSo3k/s320/july+22%252C2011+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bug helping me paint his room. He took the low road and I took the high road. </td></tr>
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Now I know why I haven't done a Christmas in July celebration for my shop. This year was going to be the year and then reality set in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-TrKiBQQxLjRavwKJeH6C_v1aKi3XuVQhEESR9_rgkMQ2m-Wp-bae8tHKFDuJQvwB29Vr0Sy5RAnXJUqzIzQHvD_5BzSC0JacJD-NIpN7hpRdbSw65SSCN3oK80RIeQ8L1Hgbg3Vn6I/s1600/july+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-TrKiBQQxLjRavwKJeH6C_v1aKi3XuVQhEESR9_rgkMQ2m-Wp-bae8tHKFDuJQvwB29Vr0Sy5RAnXJUqzIzQHvD_5BzSC0JacJD-NIpN7hpRdbSw65SSCN3oK80RIeQ8L1Hgbg3Vn6I/s320/july+005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th: my patriotic boy</td></tr>
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July is probably the busiest month of the year for us (well maybe next to December). It starts with the Fourth of July, then our wedding anniversary on the 9th, our peanut's birthday a few days after that and projects and gardens to be tended to all the while. Before I know it the month has passed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpEHA72bRs0ZAhUi9yGpGdVAHPMbzgDaqjJ-eEWqjoUzoALgi4wcfDJj6PClZ99aOltZlMafXqZ3lkI_c4zy9D5feswoH21UxSxLMsKwXUEb_FpGyfMTSmhdNzcPl4fzP3c1ddcbu85Y/s1600/july+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpEHA72bRs0ZAhUi9yGpGdVAHPMbzgDaqjJ-eEWqjoUzoALgi4wcfDJj6PClZ99aOltZlMafXqZ3lkI_c4zy9D5feswoH21UxSxLMsKwXUEb_FpGyfMTSmhdNzcPl4fzP3c1ddcbu85Y/s320/july+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, the Bug, my niece and nephew at the beach on the Bug's birthday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1IF-mZ2FhOu1BF_o6luH7P3d2kqwl9Q3rghFb1BfwAA9IZLh93Reuy9XCYjoi41lpv-YudoMCE_8QjDgYOXznsiDYN8S5eW3IyYlYdEqjE08brucAUNXLe_kkMlSHx2XrD2sCtSvlvw/s1600/july+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1IF-mZ2FhOu1BF_o6luH7P3d2kqwl9Q3rghFb1BfwAA9IZLh93Reuy9XCYjoi41lpv-YudoMCE_8QjDgYOXznsiDYN8S5eW3IyYlYdEqjE08brucAUNXLe_kkMlSHx2XrD2sCtSvlvw/s320/july+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full of P&V. He left with mommy shortly after.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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There were so many things I wanted to do this month, like attend a reunion with fellow NRM Music alum. Some of the best folks I ever had the pleasure of working with but, unfortunately, after taking care of the obligations, I missed the weekend (it was this weekend and I had a hair appointment Saturday)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBacH9nlMzbAX00uUbVNQiicu2ZYLLvxvaw5WNSaf8X8Tyqg00awQl4fctIwgHQo1LXX50IMtwJ2Ckbot-Ov3GhJst27ARaT9uAWeljQbi0Av4PpHHXgHDooDunaSUcIpd47z_R_tifU/s1600/july+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBacH9nlMzbAX00uUbVNQiicu2ZYLLvxvaw5WNSaf8X8Tyqg00awQl4fctIwgHQo1LXX50IMtwJ2Ckbot-Ov3GhJst27ARaT9uAWeljQbi0Av4PpHHXgHDooDunaSUcIpd47z_R_tifU/s320/july+051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Olivia's Hamster sculpture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F4uSOX4mY3QOFOJj7RneT0tLoVkxXwujbGbdUQbfaJfEVY-gQqNWdP_3nMEELKAau1D6bd4JPHsVAP1adms7u00G4O7ALYk7mVbTrd3p-p_-4fXzQtr3FkdsMJOsqtt5bB0BkYDpTrs/s1600/july+22%252C2011+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F4uSOX4mY3QOFOJj7RneT0tLoVkxXwujbGbdUQbfaJfEVY-gQqNWdP_3nMEELKAau1D6bd4JPHsVAP1adms7u00G4O7ALYk7mVbTrd3p-p_-4fXzQtr3FkdsMJOsqtt5bB0BkYDpTrs/s320/july+22%252C2011+021.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephew, AJ's angry m&m (which his mother and I re-dubbed the 'killer tomato' since he decided not to paint the 'm' on it) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxtEFTH-ZjScQTHD9RrLPAGXHX8SQ9nHsvqyWb-TSf03cGXhbkZdt_MIhhHSuri4ZOGEIkP2T83RxfDN4hp6hY1Uaeb1cL_SNHLe5MQ-W6iOFWaXMnA7Bpb4Zgf1k3HmuCG9BjwbXdWM/s1600/july+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxtEFTH-ZjScQTHD9RrLPAGXHX8SQ9nHsvqyWb-TSf03cGXhbkZdt_MIhhHSuri4ZOGEIkP2T83RxfDN4hp6hY1Uaeb1cL_SNHLe5MQ-W6iOFWaXMnA7Bpb4Zgf1k3HmuCG9BjwbXdWM/s320/july+056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Iris's painted pig.</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I spent the last two weeks watching my nieces and nephew while my sister worked so Monday through Friday I was unplugged and madly trying to keep up with the house! The beginning of the first week we made paper clay sculptures and my nephew made a model car, we celebrated my Bug's birthday and later in the week, the younger two made wood puzzles while my older niece worked on a needlepoint project. The girls spent much of both weeks learning to sew. Just the basic whip stitch and blanket stitch but they got very good at it over the time they were at my house. We watched many movies because of the heat wave, would have liked to take them to more places but my car doesn't have AC right now and I don't tolerate the heat well. Can I just say, I am so happy we only have one little boy in the house. Always wanted a houseful but after the past couple of weeks I decided that God always knows best :o)<br />
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I also managed to register for classes, register the Bug for preschool, get outgrown clothes ready for a yard sale and list a bunch of new ornaments in my etsy shop. All in all a very productive, albeit exhausting, month.<br />
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Up next: a Garden update.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcveiwBBwE7r7q5qjfLcOm4EiRwLWlM28xhMzgMTOEigmeIukb56JcC4M1SA0h-Q30PuJImuARffMp3aVmLVC6CnSGeOitrTJlx8NCWgbiBib3beHaHCsCHWDuOesUevos62MYoxrEl4c/s1600/july+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcveiwBBwE7r7q5qjfLcOm4EiRwLWlM28xhMzgMTOEigmeIukb56JcC4M1SA0h-Q30PuJImuARffMp3aVmLVC6CnSGeOitrTJlx8NCWgbiBib3beHaHCsCHWDuOesUevos62MYoxrEl4c/s320/july+065.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aj's skelton puzzle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwcnOmdR3ifdPyRlrp1Myd6AIwpIgwkUQtQpgDntKcFK2BMPXACSSD2F8NjK2Hau43YVHPtj_VWuv79xejOdPROW847EWyDZAR7uDAw5RXH_ByxG4eJ03ytKxqq0hrSLsxqX6ZAQJ-3Y/s1600/july+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwcnOmdR3ifdPyRlrp1Myd6AIwpIgwkUQtQpgDntKcFK2BMPXACSSD2F8NjK2Hau43YVHPtj_VWuv79xejOdPROW847EWyDZAR7uDAw5RXH_ByxG4eJ03ytKxqq0hrSLsxqX6ZAQJ-3Y/s320/july+068.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnUFvdhfhXP0jz76gkg-VuPopPuNtnpX7daT2yOelu2P4wfafBleRNpuxZj6mOz5fpkdY2L3Vdp97r_zbDHhf0pHWJS_lZuVCS-eXqjDILzjd28EMwvbXRWm0VOucx9m6SfusIhpfbbU/s1600/july+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnUFvdhfhXP0jz76gkg-VuPopPuNtnpX7daT2yOelu2P4wfafBleRNpuxZj6mOz5fpkdY2L3Vdp97r_zbDHhf0pHWJS_lZuVCS-eXqjDILzjd28EMwvbXRWm0VOucx9m6SfusIhpfbbU/s320/july+076.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia's butterfly puzzle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhCB6wJzG4YkOsJNkVNrm7oipbeWWnTH4355o-1jIGRLsX68mLKNTvywEeXc8Oo5dVXxx2EpC3_uW8nisMiA_dmKm5bCbuGH18Cpzw_xLklbXquo5QGoxUzYvoSStb6S5nhilz3gaotM/s1600/july+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhCB6wJzG4YkOsJNkVNrm7oipbeWWnTH4355o-1jIGRLsX68mLKNTvywEeXc8Oo5dVXxx2EpC3_uW8nisMiA_dmKm5bCbuGH18Cpzw_xLklbXquo5QGoxUzYvoSStb6S5nhilz3gaotM/s320/july+080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris and her pig. Really Aunt Kelly? you have to take my picture? Yep! That's what I do :o)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9jEFpc4QkrTKi7CDyLzEksjSPZ9vkQV7LtgAyRIYXvAUUcgC9cpvhMbCnMkYffYkwNQ6Vk7vtw1aPHI7eK5PuFSclqe8ANW1l4KkEuyIqvANuWalzKtbyOeZuQUJ3qL2jcP_E6M84co/s1600/july+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9jEFpc4QkrTKi7CDyLzEksjSPZ9vkQV7LtgAyRIYXvAUUcgC9cpvhMbCnMkYffYkwNQ6Vk7vtw1aPHI7eK5PuFSclqe8ANW1l4KkEuyIqvANuWalzKtbyOeZuQUJ3qL2jcP_E6M84co/s320/july+075.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, our home is a pretty fun place much of the time </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmkNHsD47ZF_HAA9WOGFJpr5tdBzXLppTmrcWJcVy8yQbsNtNm_weFNGRVXOSNAIsA31e6uQYkgP7utBCxgeOqxg8NACc_9wImb2B6JyNJykbPDJ0SYh2KVgDJTXf0CsumWs1j3E6trQ/s1600/july+22%252C2011+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmkNHsD47ZF_HAA9WOGFJpr5tdBzXLppTmrcWJcVy8yQbsNtNm_weFNGRVXOSNAIsA31e6uQYkgP7utBCxgeOqxg8NACc_9wImb2B6JyNJykbPDJ0SYh2KVgDJTXf0CsumWs1j3E6trQ/s320/july+22%252C2011+025.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bug creating a masterpiece</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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