ACT Team Logo Vote!!!

Hi Every one!!!

Here are the submissions for the ACT Team Logo! Please only pick ONE, and convo me your choice on Etsy. Thanks!!! When you choose, pick the number associated with the Logo, and just convo me the number of your choice. :)

NUMBER ONE


NUMBER TWO



NUMBER THREE



NUMBER FOUR


NUMBER FIVE


NUMBER SIX

He spoke in minor chords- his voice a combination of melancholy songs and deep, meaningful inflections. One always got the impression that when he partook in a conversation, that part of him was somewhat removed, as if remembering a lost love, or recalling a special poem. His eyes would sort of glaze over, and you'd know he was somewhere else. Regardless of the importance of the discussion at hand, I inherently found this habit of his more endearing than annoying. How could I not? I was in love with him.
His hair was a deep, resonant blonde that bore it's history, in steaks of yellow, stretching back to the windmills and tulips of a Holland long past. Wild Pacific-Ocean was the shade of his blue eyes, and within them they held the depths of the swells of so-many waves.
He was mine, but for a moment in time, in the startingly fresh way a person can belong to another, more a connection than an ownership. Our eyes, our hands, our bodies interlocked, and we felt that compelling need for one another, that engulfing fire that burns out before it has the proper chance to grow into all it's possibilities.
Yes, he was mine, and I know that he tried to stay, tried to relinquish his traveler's heart for the committment of togetherness, but the uncontrollable nature of solidarity continually fueled his desires, and I simply could not compare.
On drizzle-tinged New York evenings, as I drink coffee with whomever I'm currently seated across from, my mind is inexplicably drawn back to him, and I remember his music-voic, haunting me with his words, like song lyrics I can not forget. The most beautiful phrase he ever chocked out, amidst tears of apologies, was "good bye".

Oh, Pacifica

There is a morning that is unlike any other morning on the planet, and that is the one where you wake up in Pacifica, CA, where you can FEEL the density of the fog creeping in. I've heard others tell similar stories about special, interesting mornings elsewhere... in Woodward, Pennsylvania, where you can view the majestic mountains in the distance... or on the coast of Alabama, where long stretches of sand and Southern traditions meld into a comfortable, homey atmosphere.

Oh, but for Pacifica... what with it's practically incandescent fog, it's slightly chilled air; there is no other place quite like it. The fog rolls in, covers you as if it were a blanket, and you are aware that not far away is the famed city of San Francisco, where people wore flowers in their hair some 40 years hence, but now they just kind of sit back, smoke grass, and blend into the background.

San Francisco basks in the sun, only a short distance away from Pacifica, yet the sharpest contrast. There is Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, the Rainbow District, you name it... there are little cities within the main one. Something for every one. It is truly the tourist's delight.

But Pacifica is something else entirely. The sites to see here are the ones you have to know of ahead of time, to go looking for... the old Sutro Baths, the Taco Bell perched on the beach where you're allowed to go in barefoot. The ocean swells here, dark and foreboding, and you can't help but miss the calmer feel of the Atlantic, back home on Long Island. The Pacific Ocean is somehow wilder, filled with a sort of reckless abandonment that both terrifies you and draws you in.

I do not know if I shall ever return to Pacifica, but to have another morning there would be more than worth a million spent elsewhere.

There is a man. He exists under palm trees of light, along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, as if in a dream. He lives thousands, perhaps trillions, of miles away from me.

Hawaii. It may as well be Alaska, or Guatemala, for that matter.

"I'll see you later". Those were the last words he said to me in person. I stood on the stoop of the homeless shelter, our baby son in my arms, watching as he got into the taxi and left. I kept waiting for it to stop, to turn around, for him to rush back out, in a fit of tears, or some kind of emotion... to say he was wrong, that he loved me, that he wasn't leaving.

"I'll see you later".

Now, it is five months later. Much later. And I've still not seen him. I don't know if I ever will. As the days grow further, and time spreads us thin, I slowly collect the pieces of my shattered self, and I move on. I have to be a good mother to my son, and my newly born daughter. I have to focus on them.

Too Hot

LOL, it's only about 75-80 on Long Island, and it's already too hot. I always said I didn't want to go through a summer pregnant... well, I guess the best laid plans... la la la. :_)

Two new additios, please check them out!!! :)

Repent!

and

Forget the Flowers... Run!

Thank you so much for looking, and enjoy your day!

Abuse is NEVER OK

Whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological, you do not have to be on the floor bleeding to be abused. Too many people make excuses... they say "well, it's not like I'm on a Lifetime movie. He doesn't beat me THAT badly..." or, worse yet, they feel it is their fault.

My new ACEO born out of healing is entitled "I Do Not Cherish the Pain", and it can be found newly listed here.

We spent our last days perusing the library stacks-
filling the void with inconsequential books,
an escape of the mind, a way to hide the heart.

If I had known as a little girl
(all skinned knees and climbing trees)
that love only lasts for two years,

I likely wouldn't have bothered. But,
you came rolling by me on your Heeley's;
offering security, devotion, and forever

in your eyes, and I, awakening from solidarity,
fell head first into your open arms, needing your love
more than I ever thought I could.

And now here we stand, on the cusp of good-bye...
devoid of the joy of growing old together.
There is no more "together".

It was a dream that I once had, a fantasy
of trust, of eternity... waking up is the
most palpable of pains to digest.

Busy busy busy!!!

Hello every one! Happy Wednesday! :)

I am busy today and tomorrow working away on a knitted newborn hat for my hubby's expectant co-worker. I'm doing a cute purl/knit combo for the first couple of rows, then straight knit stitch the rest of the way. I'm knitting the hat on 2 size 8 needles, then I'll stitch it together when I'm through, adding a cute pom pom on top. I'm knitting it out of this:



I'm also working on picture tutorials for my craft blog Alocraft! It's a blog where we'll be doing weekly crafts of choice, posting pics and interacting with one another as we progress in making the crafts. It's going to be a lot of fun, and if you'd like to join in, simply click on the link in blue above and come on over to learn more!

I'm also eagerly awaiting for these mirrors to arrive in the mail! I can't wait to start custom embellishing the back of themm... they're going to come out awesome!



Well, I hope every one has a blessed and creative day!!! :)

Steampunk!

So, I know I've said it before, but I really, really dig the Steampunk style... more in actual jewelry than clothing, but nonetheless... it's addicting!

So, to celebrate that, I've created a new Jewelry for Your Hair piece... Steampunk Butterflies!


Using pieces from a vintage watch, I combined the dial, several links, vintage butterfles, metal balls, and several buttons to complete an aesthetically-pleasing, overall-unique design. I really dig the way this beauty turned out!


You can see this new creation at my Etsy shop! Come take a look! :)

Also! Audrey's Giveaway Blog has a SUPER giveaway going on right now!!! You could win this delectable candle from Sugarville Candles! Go enter now!!!

Giveaways

OK, so I enter some giveaways... and most of them have a couple of ways to enter. To be honest, I usually just do the first choice, whatever it may be... I simply don't have a lot of time to go around doing every thing that a giveaway requires... until NOW!

There is finally a giveaway that I'm not only willing, but excited to do every thing it requires to get multiple entries! Please, take a moment and check out her giveaway, it truly is fantastic!

Here is the Giveaway!

Vintage Watches?

OK, so recently I've gotten into Steampunk... a style I dig very much. So, I recalled that Mom had some watches left over from Grandma, or perhaps earlier... and I checked them out. Here they are:



Now, I don't know anything about watches, but I think they *might* be worth something, and I'd like to find out before I go and break them up to use on crafts, LOL. :)

So, here they are, closer up.

1. This one is an Electric, by Timex.


2. This second one is a Bulova.


3. And this last pretty one is also a Timex, with no other indicating title.


If anyone knows anything about watches, I would love any feedback regarding these. Thank you so much!

Aloquin :)

From Start To Finish...

I recently created the first in a series of ACEOs titled the Fruit of the Spirit! I love the way it came out, and I wanted to share the creation of it with you! :)

First, I took an already pre-cut ACEO (that stands for Art Cards, Editions, and Originals, and the only rule is that they be 3.5 by 2.5!) I then sketched out the idea with a pencil first, before I inked over the marks with my black BIC pen.


After the pen dried, I erased the pencil marks and began color in my card, with paint pens and markers. I enjoyed the way the colors blended, especially on the inside of the orange!

I contined coloring the rest in, testing one color against another, and this is the final product! Not bad, if I do say so myself... can't wait to make the others in the series!

A True Story

This was posted earlier on DAWG Group web site, and I'm reposting it here, hoping it can help someone. Please read it, it's not long, and it WILL move you.

What God Can Do with $.57

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.' For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would
do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there....


A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University , where thousands of students are educated. Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr.Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'.

This is a true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.

Ideas and Buttons!

It is a beautiful, warmer day today, accented by the lovely sound of the snow melting away into nothingness... Spring is on its way! :) Thank God!

I created some new rings yesterday, and wanted to share them with you... what do you think?




I had a lot of fun making these, and they'll be up on my Etsy shop soon!

I've also been toying with an idea lately... would anyone be interested in a blog where there is a craft each week, complete with instructions and area where you can post/discuss your craft when done?

Let me know, I'm trying to find out if there is an interest for such a blog!

Thanks!!! :)

The Birth of Ideas

So, yesterday, we had to go to the shelter next door because they were painting ours. We were over there from 8:30am until about 5:30pm... but, it was good down time for me to work on a couple of sketches of ACEO ideas! I only had a blue ball point pen with me, but I had a good time, regardless. There is something... calming about simply sitting and sketching once again... reminds me of simpler times.

There were two twin boys running around the shelter, and they both had coats with a rocket ship design on them, so that inspired me to make this sketch...



Then, keeping with the steampunk affinity I've had as of late, I decided to make this sketch... can't wait to turn it into a quality ACEO!



Then, I had an idea for a nice, calm kitchen-table/coffee sort of thing... so I sketched this out. My husband suggested I lower the table, enlargen the window, and pehraps draw an ocean scene outside... or maybe even a moonlit night. We'll see what I can come up with!



Finally, you'll see how the view of the side/back yard looked a little bit ago... and yes, the snow is still falling... I'm so glad my husband finally grabbed me batteries for my camera!

TGIF every one!!!

Sorry- no photos!

Regretably, my digital camera's batteries have officially run out. Hopefully, hopefully my husband will remember to bring some batteries home from work tonight, so this won't cripple me.

Alas, today we have a blog entry with no photos... boring? Somewhat, perhaps. But! I baked brownies today in cupcake tins... that was fun. They came out so round and cute... I'd take a picture, obviously, but you know...

Also a little upset. An order I placed from an Etsy seller was supposed to arrive already, and still hasn't. I have been trying to communicate with the seller to no avail. I really hope they contact me soon... I'd hate to miss the item I paid for and have to leave negative feedback...

Oh well, I suppose that's it for now. Off to try and remain chipper even in the dull rain. Good day every one!

Creative Inspiration

Hello, and Happy Monday!

So, I know that every one who creates garners their inspiration from somewhere... wether it be music, the sky, family, or street signs...



I was just going through my pictures folder and I found one titled "Inspiration". I have a lot of photos pulled from around the world wide web, and I've no idea anylonger from whence they came, but they are a constant source of inspiration for me.



If any of these happen to be YOUR work, fret not... I am merely showcasing your talent here on my blog, because I appreciate it so much that I've added it to my personal folder.

What inspires you? My friend makes origami earrings from mangas! Another person I know makes soda can tab bracelets.

Inspiration is every where... all you need to do is look. And never stop creating!!!




OH!!! AND a BIG congrats to Jammatun! for winning mine and Luv Ewe Knits blog giveaway!!! She won those wonderful, quality, versatile face cloths! Way to go!!!

More giveaways to come soon, so keep checking!

When You Can't Name Your Art...

Ever make something that you're VERY happy with, but you just can't seem to figure out a good name for it?

Well, that has happened to me... tonight, I finished my first two steampunk-inspired ACEOs... and, I think they turned out fantastic. I really dig them, a lot.

I'm ready to put them up on Etsy and share them with the world, but I can't think of a good name for either one! I mean, there's always song lyrics... "Time is On My Side" or "Time Keeps on Slipping Into the Future"... but those are... expected? I don't know... I want something a little more unique, to show the one-of-a-kindness of the cards themselves.

So, here are my two latest creations... can anyone out there help me with a name for either, or both of these cards? If so, you will get the appropriate mention for naming the card(s) in the respective Etsy listing. No good answer will be ignored, and all will be considered.

Please, if you have any ideas, post away!!! :) And thanks.

1.)


2.)


Oh, and don't forget to enter my giveaway, which ends tomorrow night! Enter HERE!

Steampunk?

So, I was reading blogs yesterday, and I came across this! Well, after thoroughly reading the blog, and researching the shop, a definite love for what is known as "Steampunk" began!

Take a moment and look up Steampunk on Wikipedia... or, better yet, get straight to the point and read about the art/design part of it here!

When I was in college, I used to make sculptures with melted straws, adding elements of mechanical/metal whatever-I-could-find that I thought was asthetically pleasing. To find that there are many others who do similar stuff, and there's even a NAME for it... I was very happy, to say the least.

Since then, I've been looking at stuff all over Etsy, Ebay, and the web. I really do love the style, and I invite you all to research it on your own, if you haven't a clue what it's about.

However, if you DO have a clue what it's about... take a look at this here, a barrette I made last night inspired by Steampunk. Now, it isn't necessarily clocks and gears, but it does have broken pieces of a cell phone... so, does it constitute Steampunk to you?



Also, don't forget to enter the Giveaway for a $40.00 value wonderful prize!!! Enter HERE!!!

WONDERFUL Giveaway!!!

Hello, friends! Today I am hosting a really great giveaway, sponsored by Lynette from LuvEweKnits!

I recently received an amazing hat from her, which I have completely fallen in love with, and it has become my favorite hat. Not only is it super warm, but it's very versatile... it's cute, fun, and I can wear it basically with anything, and not feel bored. I truly love this hat, and am very grateful that I found her Etsy shop. Here, take a look at my hat! I even let my baby model it :)




After I fell in love with my hat, I knew I just had to feature her on my blog. AND to make it better, she agreed to have a giveaway, so one of you lucky winners will also fall in love with her wonderful work! :)

Here is the feature:

Which do you like to do more, knit or crochet? Why?

It's funny; I learned both as a child, but really hated knitting. I didn't use either one very often until young adulthood, and then picked up crochet, which I adored, and got to be really fast at, and fairly skilled.

Then a couple years ago, I joined a Stitch-n-Bitch group and became jealous of the beautiful knitted items my new friends were making. I decided I would learn again to knit no matter what, and I did. I re-taught myself, and I continue to add new techniques and tricks. I've become a pretty fast knitter now, too, and I can honestly say, I love knitting now, probably more than crochet. I just love the softness and the variety of things I can do with it, and the rhythm is meditative for me.

I also enjoy knitting on the knitting machine, though not nearly as much as by hand.

How did you first learn to knit?

The first time I learned I was about six years old. My great Grandmother had incredible patience and taught me. It didn't really stick, and she and my mother both re-taught me a few times through childhood. I just wanted to be stitching like they were when we would visit Gramma and sit on her 'davenport' together. I eventually just picked up crochet projects and other needlework to work on while they stitched. Through the years they taught me needlepoint, embroidery, sewing and quilting, too.

What is your current inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere I look and everywhere I go. Yarns and fibers inspire me, knitting books and patterns, you tube videos, I just want to learn more techniques, fondle more yarns, and make beautiful things. Sometimes I am inspired by my environment, nature, color, or people I meet or know, or love.

Do you do any other crafts? Which ones?

Yes, many! I don't have time to do them all anymore, but I also sew, quilt, rubber stamp, scrapbook, one stroke paint, embroider, paper craft and bead!

I love to learn new things, and having several skills in my back pocket helps me to be more creative, and combine media. For example, I'm working on several knitted felted bags right now that include sewn reinforced linings, zippers, and embellishments with beading, embroidery and needlefelting.

How did you begin on Etsy? Has it been profitable for you so far?

I started my Etsy shop in November 2009. It's been a slow start so far, but I have learned loads of great information about how to present my shop and how to promote it by attending the Virtual Labs. I've been working on my photography, improving my titles and tags, and adding more items to the shop as often as I can. I'm also doing a lot of promoting now, using Facebook and Twitter, and my new blog. I feel it's normal to take some time to build up a foundation and make my business name known before sales start to become regular.

What's the favorite item in your shop right now?

My favorite item in the shop right now would have to be the charcoal felted children's boot slippers. I love all the felted slippers, they're so much fun to make. You knit up what looks like really huge slippers, and they felt down so neatly to the perfect size and they're so cute! The felted slippers are my kid's favorite, some like the boot style, some the clog style, and some of them have had multiple pairs.

Where did you come up with your shop name?

It was difficult! I wanted something sweet, but not too cute, something memorable, and preferably something unique. Also, I needed it not to match anything in my state, since I am registered as a business. It took a bit of trial and error, but I've grown to like my business name quite a lot.

Have you found Twitter to be helpful?

Yes, definitely! Twitter has been really helpful to increase views in my Etsy shop, on treasuries I make, on my Facebook Fan page, and on my blog. Every new set of eyes opens a whole new network of people, so I count on Twitter to get my name and my work out there.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start selling their homemade wares on line?

Learn how to take good photos, don't under price your goods, and definitely use social networking to promote your work. Be real and let people see your personality, not just your promotions. Most of all, LOVE what you do, be passionate about it. It's infectious! Also, it takes awhile to get going, don't be disappointed if sales don't start off with a bang. Make sure you set a budget for yourself on what to spend for listing and advertising, and stick to it.

Tell us about the item up for grabs for the give away.

The item up for grabs for the giveaway is a set of ten Organic Cotton Crocheted Facecloths in Marshmallow. It was the first project I did for my new blog, 99 Balls of Yarn. The cloths are round, about 5 inches across, and can be used for face cloths, removing makeup, baby washcloths, or even as coasters. The marshmallow color is neutral to match any décor, and they are unisex! The cloths are all hand crocheted by me. The organic yarn means no chemicals against your face or baby's skin. This set of ten is a double set, and has a retail value of $40.

Lynette Connors
Luv Ewe Knits

So there you have it, folks! Now I bet you're wondering how you can enter this fantastic giveaway?

All you have to do is visit Lynette's Etsy shop HERE and report back here, telling us in a comment which is YOUR favorite item! It's that easy!

For extra entries, visit Lynette's blog 99 Balls of Yarn and become a follower, then come back here, post on this entry, and tell us that you've become a follower!

This giveaway will last from today (Feb 8) until Monday, Feb 22. That's two whole weeks! Plenty of time to get your comments in, and win those wonderful face cloths!

Enjoy, and Happy Monday, every one!!!

Hello, and T.G.I.F.!!!

Today has been a pretty creative day thus far... even though, for some reason, my wonderful son Kyle has decided it is National Get-On-Mommy's-Nerves in Any Way Possible Day, but heck... he's adorable, and days like this are par for the course. At least I've gotten a bit done. Here he is, being his cute self.



I've been working on a pretty drop-stitch scarf recently, and managed to get a bit more of that done... I enjoy the drop-stitch pattern because it works up quickly, and turns out very pretty. :)



I also managed to fix up the pink barrette I've been working on, and I like it better than I did. I'm going to list it on my Etsy today, at long last. I tend to be a perfectionist about things I make... I'm way too critical sometimes, but I think this turned out nice.



I've also been featured in 2 treasuries today by the wonderful women of the DAWG Group! Go check them out, comment, and click away!

Pink Tea and Sunshine Treasury!

Who Let The DAWGS Out Treasury!

Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made, so rejoice and be glad in it! :) Happy Friday every one!!!

And stay posted, a VERY COOL give away is coming this weekend!

Thursday Creative Traffic

Welcome back every one for today's installment of Thursday's Creative Traffic!

Today we're going to look at a site that I just found out about. I am sure it's already received a lot of traffic, so you should definitely check it out... it's a great site!

What am I talking about? Why, it's animoto.com!

This animoto site allows you to upload your very own pictures, put them to music (yours or theirs), and then it makes a video of them, for free! You get to make as many as you want, 30 seconds long. If you want a longer video, you can pay... but for advertising your Etsy wares, a 30 second video is perfect. It's comprehensive, not over-done, and no two videos are ever the same...

Seriously, take a look... you'll be glad you did!

Oh, and you can see the video I made last night right here!

Happy Thursday every one!!!

I wish to thank ZionShore for posting about this site!

Whatever Wednesday!

Ok, so I'm allowing myself some freedom here... I've now decided that Wednesdays from hence forth will be "Whatever Wednesdays"... which means, basically, that I can post about anything I want, NOT just crafts. I generally love to keep my blog about crafts and Etsy, but once in a while there ARE other things to post about, and from now on, I'll leave them to Wednesdays! :)



I posted on a thread on Etsy today, titled "What Makes You Keep Going?"
You can view that here.

I was kind of bummed recently that the things I was making for Etsy (which I love, by the way) seemed to be falling by the wayside. I'd make something, fall in love with how it turned out, then post it on Etsy and... nothing. No hearts, no sales. And that was rather discouraging, especially when you want to be recognized for a good job (we all do!).

Well, it turns out that I've come to the conclusion, after reading every one's comments on the thread, that the sheer fact that Etsy exists, allowing us to post our items that ordinarily would not be seen by anyone, is in itself a wonderful thing. Wether we sell or not, we are learning, gaining exposure, finding friends, and sharing our work with the world.

And that is priceless. :)

Happy Wednesday, every one!!!

New Creations!

Ah, another EARLY Sunday morning (it just turned midnight), and what to do? All the chores are done, every thing is put away where it belongs, I've already eaten dinner (we took advantage of the Papa Johns $10 dollar pizza deal!) The baby is asleep-

and my loving husband is watching some zombie flick on his laptop...

... so I take the opportunity, and take photos of my latest creations!

Here we have a collection of barrettes that I've been working on, and I'm happy to say that I really like the way they are turning out.

This pink one below is for Valentine's Day... but I'm not done yet. In fact, after I took this picture, I affixed a glittering gem that used to be an earring stud to the center button, creating a more classy look. I still have to let it set, then coat it with a protectant, but it should be good to go up on my Etsy by tomorrow.

This one is made with bits of blown glass- dark purple pieces. I like it because it has a more sophisticated look to it.

Here is another shot of it, from another angle.

OK- last but not least, my favorite! one so far... I'm not sure what I'm going to call this one, but I'm thinking something "Stone"... it gives off the feeling of stones to me. I really, really love this one... I hope every one else will, too. :)

And as a side note, my hubby bought me a cup of coffee the other day from a train stop while we were at the Dr. office, and look! What a wonderful lighthouse there is on it. I kept it simply for the lighthouse... maybe I'll make something out of it!