Here's a banner I made last year before I fell into the magical world of digital art. I still like it and it was fun to make.
It's SNOWING here! I so need to move to Florida... or Mexico... or Tortola...
Will is having the best day ever! He and his pals are running wild and acting like it's the Blizzard of The Century! LOL! Hey, we're Texans! A flake or two is enough for us!
And the very best news... on Thursday it is supposed to be 70!!
Now that is what I call winter!
Sweet neighbor girls including Will's darling future wife in the front!
Wacky boys... mine is on the left.
Well, here I am with my daughter, enjoying some wintery fun.
So, here we are out shopping in our seasonal finery. It was surprisingly warm, though Sissy had to bring her (faux) fur muff. Fashion overrules sensibility, as always! We had great success in finding gifts, though I am not done.
Of course we did a little window shopping, too. And needless to say, we saw lots of things for ourselves, but we resisted (well, except for those rhinestone birdies!). Hopefully, I'll finish up soon, because if not, well... the day will be upon us! Now, off to finish up a few digi orders.
A blizzzard has come to my house... inside only, thankfully!
In fact, it is supposed to be much warmer here today, in the upper 50s! Yea! I am going to take a wee break from digi-land a create a few tangible items before I go into glitter deprivation shock!
I am going to make some"Twilight" inspired pendants, all dark and dreamy!
What do I know about winter after 20-plus years in Texas? Here our grass dies and the temperatures fluctuate from spring-like to shivery from day to day. Snow? Rare and short-lived. I do love summer, but perhaps if we had a BIT of real winter it might be nice. Romantic, even. I know...I think about the weather too much. What can I say? So, this is J's holiday banner. Festive, no? It was fun to make and it suits her. Sorry, J, but this is how I see you, sweetie! You're a Party-On-Wheels! xo
So, today I making banners (yes, Shery & Christine!!!), laundry (well, duh, I'm breathing!), making my Christmas cards (yes, yes, a little late) and making some phone calls to insurance company, school, etc (which I HATE doing).
We had some scarey wether here last night. I do so love TORNADO WARNINGS (not watches) in DECEMBER!! What's with that?? We get hail instead of snow. Not that I'm wanting that awful white mess!
Everyone knows what I want... palm trees, turquoise seas, one hand full of seaglass and the other one wrapped around an icy Caribe...
Sorry, I drifted off...
Back to the grindstone. The digital factory is O P E N!
Thank God it's MONDAY!
What an exhausting weekend! I need to do some housework so I can RELAX! I'll post some photos of our weekend project in just a little while.
Right now I think I'll have another cup of coffee and do something fun, like toss in a load of laundry!
SO, I have recovered from being pepper spayed (previous post) and am feeling all the tougher for it! Those holligans can't faze me!
I am super busy, but am making great progress in crosssing thing off my to-do list. Still up to my neck in digi work, but I am really wanting to get my hands in some glitter!
Well, I am off to find some weeds to serve as proxy herb bundles. I am helping do the props for our church's drive-through (I want to say drive-by... probably an effect from my recent experience with thugs!) nativity.
Stay warm!
xo~dale
You know, I like the city. I live in the Dallas suburbs where it is nice, quiet, tidy, but Dallas looms to the south, lush with museums, pro sports, music, art, shopping, you name it. I like knowing all of that is nearby.
Brrrr... it is crazy cold today, but sunny... high in the mid 40s! EGAD! Do I live in Texas or Michigan?? Well, despite the chilly weather Siis and I are headed to Harry Hines for some Chistmas shopping. For those unfamiliar with Dallas, Harry Hines is a road that is lined with the most wondrous shops all chock-full-o-cheap-bling! YES! SPARKLES!!!! I could tell you my favorites haunts, but of course, then I'd have to kill you. Suffice to say, if I am willing to go outside in this sort of weather, there are deals to be had!
So, Thanksgiving was nice. But on our way home from the lake I was attacked by some CRAZY virus or somesuch vile mischief! I crawled into bed and semi-slept for 12 hours (and I normally do not require lots of sleep) and then spent yesterday moaning and groaning. Today I am feeling much better, though still a bit slow. I am still too hedachey to do much on the computer, so please be patient with me, my dear banner customers.
Hope your Thanksgiving was great (and not followed by a sick day!).
xo~dale
Whew! Sis and I redid my shop space at Market Square (McKinney, Tx.) today and it is all ready for the holidays. My sis is so good at decorating. We had fun and my space looks very twinkly. On the far right you can see the wonderful metal piece that I found to display my collaged pendants. I love it. It looks like a carousel or a crown! It was made to hold wine bottles, but the husband hacksawed the wine bottle holders off it and VOILA! ~~Now I have a pretty and very functional display piece! And it cost all of $19 at Ross!
Now, I can mark this off my to-do list!
How can it be Sunday night?? The computer has eaten my brain!
Actually, my sis and I escaped for a while yesterday afternoon. Of course, we nearly froze, but we had fun.
Last night I saw "Twilight". I think it is very nice the way Edward GLITTERED in the sun! Think of it... handsome, immortal, dangerous, strong, smart, musically talented, a snappy dresser AND he SPARKLES!!! I think I will be dreaming of vampires for a while.
Today was swallowed whole by digital orders. I did go to church and out to lunch with friends and family, which was very nice.
My 2 younger boys are out of school all week and Kate's last day is Tuesday. I always like it when my kids are at home, safe in the nest.
Hope your weekend was warm and glittery!!
I suppose it is remnant of my enchantment with "Dr. Zhivago", but I (who can hardly bear our silly little Texas winters) long for a Russian winter. Well, perhaps not an entire winter, but a week or two in this spot above. I want a cape lined with something crazy like beaver fur, some boots that lace up and a time machine...
~cue "Lara's Theme"...
In real world, Iam shivering because it is below 60! EEEK! Not fit for man nor beast! Luckily i am neither, so I will survive!
I MUST tidy my studio some today or the Art Police will be pounding on my door!
And now I will leave you with a poem I wrote...
Russian Winter
Outside Moscow the snow was clean,
Watch out world~~~ I'm on my way! I have been lost in digi-wonderland all this week. I have lots of orders and I am trying to fill them promptly. I think perhaps tomorrow I need to go outside and see if the world is still out there!
The banner above was created for a client in Norway. It was fun to make with all the whimsical elements, bright colors and sparkle!
On this busy Monday I did find a little time to have fun. Spent some time with a friend, worked on digital orders, kissed my kids and enjoyed a lovely WARM mid-November day. Yes, I was too busy, but I am grateful for a full life. I am never bored...never!
So, my work table is waiting for my return. I have so much graphics work that I have neglected it. Hopefully, this weekend I will find some time to work on something besides digital creations. NOT that I'm complaining! It is wonderful to be busy.
The sky was absolutely amazing today. These are photos I snapped with my iPhone. Wish I'd had my Canon with me, but you can see it was a pretty spectacular sight!
The sunset was stunning!
So this evening a fierce wind is howling across the Dallas area, roaring down from the north and the temperature is nose-diving. I am home alone... kids are scattered at various activities, the husband off doing good deeds. It is very quiet... well, except for that wind! I'm off to curl up with a blanket and a book.I have some new designs (including this "Twilight" inspired one) in my Cafe Press shop. You can order shirts, bags and all sorts of goodies. FUN!
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This vignette is on a table in a little hallway going to my bedroom. It is all white, seashelly and magical. I found the little fairies at the thrift store yesterday. :).jpg)
Here's some crazy, Frenchy stuff in my piano room. The painting in the background is very old and is painted on blue velvet (NOT a paint-by-number! LOL!)..jpg)
My doll heads are hanging out in this little nest.
And, this is a glass case filled with sand and little odd treasures. Mostly all of these things are from the thrift store and I LOVE them!!
The Yukimi or "Snow Viewing Lantern" is a style created especially for Japanese Gardens. Developed in the Ashikaga Period (16th century), all Yukimi lanterns have the same general form. They comprise a large roof, a light compartment and a base with three or four legs of various forms. The large roof can have spans of two to three meters across. They can be rustic, made simply of suitably shaped stones, or as this one, carved with an ornate lattice work light compartment, elegantly formed roof and supporting legs. A deep layer of snow can settle on the large overhanging roof adding to the charm of these lanterns. 
It is a dark and stormy night...
and we're having a tornado watch in November... GEEZE!!
My daughter is feeling much better and that makes me very happy and so far (fingers crossed) no one else is sick. Whew!
I am off to an uneasy sleep until this nasty storm passes.
Well, my sweet Kate is wrapped in blankets, eating popsicles and hopefully the antibiotics are kicking in. She does not have strep or mono, but some unnamed something or other.
Sis and I DID escape for a bit and visited one of our trinket shoppes!! Oh, fun! Found some cheap treasures and had some sisterly laughs.
Yes, I know it is autumn, that winter is waiting just around the corner, but I am still in denial. The weather has been so marvelous here. Today is is cooler, but I think I will try to fool myself a bit longer.
I am off to take my daughter to the doctor. Poor girl! She feels lousy! Hopefully, she'll get some meds and be on the mend soon.
My sis and I had a play date (well, that's what it is) planned. We were going to visit our favorite junk jewelry shop, but I have to take care of my Kate first. The baubles will have to wait... but not for long. If I get Kate home, medicated and tucked in with a bowl of soup (hey, she's 19!), perhaps sis and I can streak up to the treasure cove for a spangle or two!
Oh, poor Kate, my sweet daughter is feeling awful tonight. I suspect she has strep. Off to the doctor tomorow...
She is 19, but still my baby girl and I hate for her to be sick.
I worked on some digital jobs today. The image above is an avatar that goes with a new Lollishop banner now listed in my Etsy shop. I love the hopeful expression on this girl's face. I gave her sky blue wings. They fit her, don't they?
I have a a new project buzzing around in my head. It involves velvet, acorns, twigs and more. My hands are itching to get to work. It is a good thing to have a fresh idea brewing!
Oh, sometimes I LOVE Texas so much... like today when it is in the 80s!! I am so sorry for any of you that are being snowed upon today!! I know some folks love it, but give me sunshine any day!
Oh, and has anyone seen my housekeeping fairies? They are AWOL and I am getting rather perturbed with them. I have a sneaking suspiscion that they are vacationing somewhere with my laundry elves! I swear, you cannot find good help these days!
Halloween is not the madness it was when I had four costumes to make and my own little swarm of trick-or-treaters to wrangle, but it is still fun. Now there is just Will dressing up, so it is a much more sedate evening. I miss the chaos, but it is a bit of a relief, too.
Will had lots of fun with his buddies and (as you can see) fared pretty well in the candy department. We always sort the candy. Amazingly (and sady) Will got only one Reece's cup! Well, at least I won't have my usual guilt about sneaking them out of his stash.
The husband donned his superhero duds. I guess guys never outgrow that. He always did look good with his boxers over his jeans.
Hope your Halloween was filled with fun (and Reece's!!)!
