2008 is closing and

2009 is on the horizon..

Well, time sure flew this year once again. It seems like just yesterday I was wondering what 2008 had in store for me and now I am looking back reflecting on what happened in it. I was able to see parts of this great country I had always wanted to see. I was able to spend time with family and friends. I saw my first born leave his teen years and embark on his 20's(hey I remember those..I think:D) I now have a chauffeur(no I didn't hit the lottery, just have a 15 year learning to drive, which thinks I have forgotten how to since last April) that in 2009 will be driving herself. Said good bye to a several friends that passed away. Made new friends and enjoyed getting to know the old ones better. Found a new strength in myself and learned that there are people out there near and far that do care about. Started a new chapter in my life on my own again. Thankful that I still have a job with the state in which the economy is in. Thankful for having BLESSING to count. I think this is the year in review in a nutshell.

Wishing you a WONDERFUL, CONTENT and LOVE filled 2009.

Thanks for reading over the past year and please continue next year starting Jan 1 for my word choice for the new year. I have found a word is much easier to do than making resolutions that I usually break by Jan 2.

Merry Christmas

The day started off with Stephenie and I seeing what Santa brought her and Michael (we will deliver it to him when he comes over to the Reynas for food and gift exchange) yes still at 15 and 20 Santa comes to our house. Then I threw a couple of surprises in for Stephenie(Miss I know everything I am getting). I gave her a blanket that I made and a couple of movies that she had mentioned that she wanted. All awhile I had a couple of breakfast casseroles cooking in the oven. We got dressed in our matching pj pants and off to the Reynas for food and gifts. The snowmen above were made by Katalina. I think they were so cute and she made each of us one.

There were many gifts. I got new gloves to walk in and dress ones too. But once again my Mom and Dad gave me a great surprise. This embroidery piece that my Mom's Dad did in 1911 at the age of 5 as you can see was written on the piece. It was done on paper.(sorry for the picture but glass really sucks). So now I have another great family piece for my house.

After all the food and gift unwrapping. We all went different directions. As you can see where Susan and Jose went. They were watching Holiday Inn. Dreaming about it is more like it. Yes they are using their new blankets that I made for them . They are 9 feet long so that you can really can cuddle up in them.

Ms Wilson you gave Joesph the most awesome present(his words exactly). He wanted pictures with the book. He loves Mustang cars and can tell more than you ever wanted to know about them. He also got a t shirt that Ford Mustang on it.

Good thing that Santa brought 4 controllers to the new Wii that the Reynas got. This is what the kids were doing after we finished the gifts. Yes they were playing and not fighting. I must admit that this a REALLY cool game system.

It also attracted the older generation too. Now Dad is saying that a Wii might be a good birthday present for him in February. I think that it is so cool that something can bring the young and older generations together.

Micheal and Stephenie went to pick up their Grandmother and took her to their Dad's for Christmas. I came home to watch my good old black and white Christmas movies. Have got to get to bed early as tomorrow is a work day.

I hope that this post finds you all enjoying your holiday and family even if it is via phone calls.

20 YEARS AGO

at 8:41 am I delivered my first born. When we came home on Christmas Eve they brought him in this stocking for me take him home.He was so tiny that he didn't even fill up the stocking. Now 20 years later we still use it for Santa for him. Each year as I unpack it the memories flood back and I always wonder where the time has gone.

I am glad to say that he has gone from a precious little bundle in a stocking to a handsome and wonderful young man. Michael has had some great trails in his 20 short years but he has taken them and turned them into life learning experiences and is making his way in this world. I am sad to say that my first born has had some tough times in his first 2 decades, but has come thru them with flying colors!! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY my FAVOR TIE boy. Mom is so PROUD of you and LOVES you with all her HEART!!

Best Ever Hostess Gift and other Updates

I always like to give someone a little happy when they are nice enough to open up their home. So yesterday since I was the hostess to our stamp club I got a few nice little happies. Well this I must say this was the COOLEST hostess gift EVER. My friend Shelly H gave me a WHOLE dozen of FRESH, GREEN eggs from her chickens.

Here is a shot of them all in their glory. Yes I am a little nuts about these but they just bring back such great memories from my childhood. To think that she shared them with me..a whole dozen of them:D

One last shot. Shelly has some really great shots on her blog of these great eggs, chicken stories and great artwork. THANKS for sharing with me Shelly.

Boy where has December gone. I can't believe that it is all ready the 14th. Still so much to do before Christmas Day and the EOY. Sorry it has been so long since the last update. I went to San Antonio on the 5th and came me on the 7th. While in San Antonio came down with the crud. Which I really didn't need. As I had a party yesterday for my stamp club, gifts to finish, cards to make, work to do....as everyone else this time of year with a 1000 things to do and all you want is to take time and REALLY ENJOY the SEASON(like we should).

The party yesterday was a great success. Everyone brought great food to share. The weather was great. It was really fun opening my house for others to share. It is so funny how we spend so much time doing things to and in our homes to make them nice and never open them up to others to enjoy. I think of my home has a great big piece of art and that I need to start sharing it with others. I am not saying that it is a master piece but it is a reflection of me. Well I have got to get going on that list of many things to complete today. Thanks goodness for a great night of sleep and feeling like a human again.

Beginnings

Well here is a little piece that I did for my friend Kathy(who is going to be in the next two issues of Somerset-Congrats) in OR who had surgery last month. I had to make sure that she got it before I posted it. I must say that I am pleased with the way it turned out. I used the wings, a collage sheet image(isn't that little girl just the cutest), flat keys(to tie the ribbon on to use as a hanger), ribbon(that is to die for.. the colors and feel are the best), Dresden foil trim(everything looks better with a little foil on it) with rub-ons from RockCandy Studios, I then placed it all on a crackled background that had been stamped a cool vintage stamp, added ink to I got it the way I liked and then add a saying from Oxford Impressions Country Girl Plate, which I love. Sent it on it's way to OR.

Well, while on I am beginnings I want to let those of you who have followed my blog know that I as of last Wednesday I have started a new beginning. As you will notice my name has changed but I am the same person. Let's see where this small start takes me. Looking forward to 2009 and what it has to bring.

Discovery

Saturday started off going downtown with a freind. Man it was cold but refreshing, I do love the cold. Then I went out to pick up my Mom and we went to Jackson to surpirse Ronnie and she what her and her friends had created in Jackson. Bought a few little things. We went to lunch then head back to Somerille via the back roads. While going back Mom's she showed me this great historcial church that I have driven by many times and never knew set back there. That is what the pictures are of. I love old buildings. It just amazes me how much pride and detail went to the buildings of the past. Then I hung out with Dad and help him paint on the landscape on his train lay out. These are the trains that he and I worked on and had all set up when I was little. Then they went back in the attic when they moved out to Somerville and he pulled back out and set up last year after semi retiring.

"Green" Transport

If you have followed my blog you will no that back in April I got this tricycle it was in rough shape. This fall my Dad helped me refurbish it. He took it a part, cleaned all the chrome and made it shine like new. While he was at it he made sure that it was in working order. I went out and spent a Saturday painting it the wonderful RED with white baskets. Once I had it painted my Dad and I put it all back together. We had to ordered a new basket for the back(the old one rusted out), fenders, head light, tail light, reflectors and of course a flag. Once a parent always a parent he wanted to make sure that I will be really visible while riding even though I in my 40's I am still his little girl. Dad delivered it back to me and now I am ready to ROLL. Well this tricycle has filled a dream and not only that it gave me another special memory to share with my Dad.

COME FOLLOW ME

Okay I have added the Followers Link..I must keep up with all my bloging friends one thing at a time. So please add your picture to the followers link. I would love to see who is following me and sharing in my life.

Fall 2008 in Arlington

Okay I just wanted to share with all of you what a great FALL we are having here in the south. This is how God rewards me for suffering through the hot, sticky and humid summers here in the south.(if you are thinking that she doesn't like the summer heat you are on the right track)Have been saying for a few weeks now I was going to take the time and get shots of these great colors of fall and have not taken the time. Well last Sunday while working in the yard with the great crisp breezes from the north blowing I took the time. I could have filled up a 2g memory card with photos but stopped and got back to work after about 15 minutes. I would love to someday be one of those "LEAF PEEPERS" on the New England Coast. Since I am not I will relish the fall here in the south. I just feel so alive this time of year and rejuvenated. So to all my friends that don't get to see this great change of season enjoy and just pretend that it is a little chilly,a slight breeze is blowing and you can here the leaves falling.

As you have noticed I have several places to sit in my yard, but now I need to learn how to sit there and in joy. Any suggestions???

WE ARE SEARCHING FOR.......

Mixed Media Mélange (M³) is excited to announce a 3 day artist retreat to be held in September 2009 in West Tennessee.
We are currently searching the globe in a quest to find talented artists/ instructors to offer a variety of dynamic mixed-media classes.

If you are interested or know someone who you'd like to recommend, please email us at mixed.media.melange@gmail.com and we'll send the proposal forms.

Artfully yours,
Roxi Phillips
Creative Director
Mixed Media Mélange
mixed.media.melange@gmail.com
901.299.8330

Time to Remember

I hope that all of you will take time today to remember those that in the PAST have fought to protect us and give us the rights we have today. Those who are now in the PRESENT are sacrificing to help protect us and to keep our freedoms. And those who in the FUTURE will serve our great nation to help keep us safe and free.

I would like to just say THANK YOU to all of the unsung HEROS from the PAST, PRESENT and the FUTURE who have given and continue to give of themselves to let me have the rights and privileges that I have as a US Citizen. THANK YOU is not enough but is all can say and BLESS each and everyone of you.

The card about was made with Artistic Outpost's 4th of July plate, red and blue white core card stock. The gold Dresden foil is from Rock Candy Designs. I used the Fiskar star embossing plate and the Fiskar stripe embossing plate and distressed it a little to make this card front.

Venue is Chosen

Here is another teaser for 2009. Then venue has been chosen. This is where we will be holding the FIRST Mix Media Masters retreat in the fall of 2009. Look for more hints and info for what this great new ART event here close to home in the south will have to offer.

MANIC MONDAY

Another post with pictures..but I am just glad it is Tuesday and that Monday is over. Have you every had one of those days that you wonder why you even got out of bed. Yesterday was that way. It all start Sunday night I couldn't get to sleep. Then got up a little late..went for my morning walk at 5:35 which is late..got home packed lunch and had to go back 10 times it seemed like to get everything that I forgot..got ready to leave..had to come back in because I forgot my glasses..left out and there was a great sunrise happening..went by bank to make a deposit..then at 6:50 had a wreck..am okay..car doesn't have much damage..all the while I knew what was waiting at the office for me..hey I got my first ticket since I was 18..not to bad..have to go to court and probably safe driving school..go figure..got to the office late for me..it was a little after 8...by this time my head and back were hurting..busy day at the office and nothing seemed to go right..but hey I went home and worked for just about an hour and went to bed early..when I got up it was TUESDAY and it just started off better...okay I am done bitching..those who know me well also know the whole story and thanks again for all the thoughts.

"Bootie"

I received this "bootie" from Kathy my art friend in Portland, OR a couple of weeks ago and just now had time to get a picture of it to post. It was a great surprise the day it arrived. She found a pair of vintage baby shoes and turned them into precious pin cushions. This piece of art sits proudly by my sewing machine and every time I look at it I think about my friend that was gracious enough to share a part of her art with me.

She also got the great news that some of her art work will be published in the March/April issue of Somerset Studios. I can't wait to she what she has created for them. Congrats and waiting on pin and needles to see your art in print.

EXTRA EXTRA!!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been busy with getting things ready to sell at a friends shop in Arlington called the TOUCH OF NOSTALGIA. The about picture just shows some of type of work and items I will be selling. So far I have just done the coasters. I will be bring in something different each week for the month of November. She is having sipping Saturdays each week, she will be serving a hot beverage to get you in the mood for the up coming holidays. If you are in the Arlington Area come on by the store is located on Hwy 70 just before the flashing light and see all of the great treasures she has.

The second thing I want to call your attention to is that ROCKCANDY is having a "WICKED SALE" on the website. So get on over there and check out the great deals. While you are there look at all the great things they have for the holidays.

Here is a little teaser from Candice, Robyn , Roxi and myself to all of our ART FRIENDS. We will putting on a Mix Media Event for the fall 2009. This will be held here in the Memphis Area. We will reveal more on our blogs, twitter, printed materials and by word of mouth over the next few months. Finial details will be available in Feb. 2009.

Stampers Day Out and Other Great Things

OMG!! Have you every just walked in a place and saw something that you just had to have. Well after the day of fun with my stamp friends. I stopped by a friend's great little shop in Arlington to just say HI! As I was looking around this AWESOME dress form said you need and want me. She was so right. I have seen many dress forms, but this is one was so very unique one. It still had the original tag on it. So now where to place it in the house.
Well as you can see from the picture of all my goodies that the day was a GREAT. There is the collage piece that we did. I really don't like mine, as I and my own worst critic. But hey looking at here it's not half bad. Front and center is the one of the newest Oxford Impressions Halloween stamp set. Just look at all the great images. I can't wait to cut them out and slap a little ink on them. Next see the great set of jewelry that my friend Ronnie made. Now if I can just keep it off Stephenie. I will enjoy wearing it. Cyndi had awesome jewelry that she and her Mom made to help support a village in Africa. Shelley was selling great finds. I got two different sizes of test tube, a piece of a vintage measuring tape and some cool picture dictionary pages. So has you can see it was a day of fun, food, art and friends.


Well, my Secret Stamper really made my day. I just love my happy from her. She gave me this cool pumpkin bucket with goodies in it. Halloween rub ons, ribbon, truffles and a pair of lips like we got back when I would have carried a bucket like the one above. Going door to door dressed up and saying "Trick or Treat"! What memories. Thanks SS!!!



Well a quick run down on the days advents at SDO. Today was Stampers Day Out which is our stamp clubs annual day of hanging out with the girls and doing art. We had 4 GREAT projects this year. I started off the day teaching a Michelle Zindorf technique, was followed by Cyndi teaching and instructing us a making a set of tumbled marble coaster, lunch(yes we have a great batch of cooks), Robyn started off the afternoon session with an awesome 6x6 canvas college piece and then to finish off the day Shelley lead us in making a grunge metal necklace and the really neat and relaxing bandanna technique. What a fun filled day. So now off to bed.

Girls Day Out

Today Stephenie and I went downtown for a girls day out. It was a wonderful day the sun was out and the temperatures were great. We started out with lunch at Hard Rock. Then went walking down Beale for a little shopping. We went to Schwabs and had fun trying on hats and making funny faces. Found a few bargains. Then off to Peabody Place to see the construction and a short trip to Victoria Secrets where Stephenie scored a bargain. We found several great little bouquets that had some great and unique finds. To top off the day we had treated ourselves to cheese cake at The Cheese Cake Corner. Yes it is a little pricey but worth EVERY CENT!! We rode the trolley around the river front loop and just enjoyed the sites. We finished the day off with a quick trip the factory outlet mall.

Dressing Up

Well no pictures today just words. But this is kinda funny and also made me think about the past I mean the way past.

Stephenie: Mom, Amanda, Megan and I are dressing up and looking cute tomorrow for school.

Me: Great

Well the fashion show begins. Here she comes in a pair of jeans, heels and a semi nice shirt. And states this is what I am wearing don't I look cute.

I of course say yes and then smile to myself. Remembering when dressing up actually meant a DRESS, HOSE, GRIDDLE, and HEELS. Comfort was not even not part of it. Then I began think about even 100 years ago when women actually took hours to get dressed with all the slips, corsets, graters, hoops,etc..

BOY HAVE TIMES CHANGED!!!!!!!!!!!

CPS Sketch

Artistic Outpost is sponsoring this week CPS sketch. This is a card that I came up with using the sketch. I use the NEW Snowy Woods plate, Anna Griffin Holy paper from several years back(but I still just love it and my stash is just about gone) and the trim around the vintage Santa is from Rocky Candy. Make sure that you check out Artistic Outpost's blog for the other Design Teams cards.

Artistic Outpost is a 1 this month and New Releases

Artistic Outpost Birthday Specials and Blog Candy!

It's OUR Birthday and YOU get the presents!We are so excited to be celebrating our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It's truly overwhelming to think how fast this year has gone. Twelve months ago, we only had eight stamp collections and a big dream. Today, we have over 20 collections and we have made friends with so many wonderful people just like you who enjoy creating with our images.

THANK YOU for a great first year!To celebrate we have many Anniversary Specials in our store, and also some Blog Candy to giveaway!Our Anniversary Specials:
You will find our original "8" collections are all on sale for a limited time for $9.99. They include: Thai Buddha, Chinese Proverbs, Singing Cowboy, Distant Generations, Polaroid Cutie, Hair is Important, Christmas Stories, and Ave Maria.

We also have bundled together our last release Vintage Halloween and Route 66, for a limited time, you can get both plates together for $19.99.

New Release Specials:
We are also pleased to introduce two new stamp collections: Snowy Woods & BlueBird.
Snowy Woods is a larger collection of unmounted stamps measuring 8.5" x 11". This plate is full of vintage images of Santa and peaceful winter scenes. For a limited time, this plate is on sale for $19.99.
Click here to see wonderful artwork using Snowy Woods images.
BlueBird is designed to reflect both winter and spring. We hope that it provides creative inspiration for you throughout the winter months. For a limited time, the Bluebird plate is on sale for $9.99.
Click here to see wonderful artwork using BlueBird images.
As an added bonus, you can purchase both new plates for $28 in our Bundled Special. That's a $36 retail value!!!

Anniversary Blog Candy!!!!
Artistic Outpost is giving away one Vintage Halloween plate & a TJ CD to ONE lucky winner! (Already own Vintage Halloween - we'll let you select any plate of the same value in it's place.)
How do you enter to win?Simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite Artistic Outpost Plate by 11:59 CST on October 4th. When you leave your comment, be sure to put your NAME in the comment -- if you enter your comment as "Anonymous", we cannot give you the prize as Blogger does not record your email address for us. You'll need to check back to find out if you have won. We will have the random number generator pick one number from the comments to select the winner of the Vintage Halloween Plate and TJNL CD, and post the winner on October 5th. Please remember only 1 entry per person. Good Luck!

Day 5 of AO sneak peak

Well the weather is really getting that nip in the air, so that is what inspired the colors in this card and the this great paper I found at the LSS. I used the new color coordination's in orange cut 6x6 and used my cuddle bug folder with the branch with leaves and sanded the image, then I cut the patterned paper to 5x5 and sanded a little. Then I mad back ground paper with distress inks in tea, peeled paint, mahogany and touch of marmalade. Then I stamp images from Artistic Outpost NEW Bluebird plate in chestnut roam chalk ink. I must say that it is very easy to create with these new plates,once again Robyn has come up with great images that just makes your mind reel with ideals.

Day 4 with a little Shimmer

Okay I know that the picture is not the best. But it is really great in real life. I used the new Snowy Woods plate from Artistic Outpost stamped the image in blue. I found this really cool stuff while in St Charles last weekend that looks like the vintage gliter or what they used it is called Diamond Dust which is really glass. It gives the vinatage look on your work. Then I edged the piece with the vintage white tinsel form RockCandy Studios.

Day 3 for AO Sneak Peek

Today I used the New Bluebird Plate from Artistic Outpost.I stamped the bird nest on robin's egg blue in brown and the sweet little boy on kraft in blue. I then add twine from the awesome packing from RockCandy Studios and then add buttons by the shot glass from RockCandy Studios too.

Big 3

Well, here is a few pictures from the big 3 party today. We had a blast at Ms Abby's birthday. All of us kids enjoyed the slide. We had food, fun, presents and a plain old good time. The weather was great it is really starting to feel like FALL in the south. Let's just hope is stays this way.

AO Christmas in September

Here is another sneak peek from the new plate from Artistic Outpost's Snowy Woods. I stamped the image in bottle and then stamped the Santa in watermelon and cut it out placed it over the green image with pop dots. I used a bingo card, Dresden foil holly branch with rub ons, the greatest ribbon ran through a key and metal snowflakes that have hieroglyphics embossing powder on them all from RockyCandy Studios.

CottonFestival in Somerville

I just love the fall as here in the south it is festival time. A couple of weekends ago we went to Somerville to met my Dad, Mom and Joseph to see what was happening at the Cotton Festival. They had several booths with things to buy and people demoing crafts form the past. I really enjoyed the quilts and the broom maker. I just love watching people doing these crafts that are becoming lost arts. As you will notice in the slide show Joseph's favorite part was the Mustangs. He can tell all about them and that when he gets a real job and alot of money he is buying one. We had lunch at a local restaurant which where I got the great shot of the cool signage on the floor. BTW make sure you check out one of Joseph's hidden talents. Everyone can balance a spoon on their nose, but hey he do it with a fork.

AO Show in St Charles IL

Okay I promised pictures from St Charles from last weekend. I must thank Robyn and Shelley for letting me share in the AWESOME experience with them. I got to meet and work with Gerrie and Lisa who are also on the AO design team. It was a great pleasure getting to meet and know them in person. It was so wonderful to see how people took to Artistic Outpost and RockyCandy Studios. I just love seeing that other people are excited about the great products that my friends have to offer. Well, over all the show was great as we had champagne to celebrate on Sunday for a great success. Thanks to all who have let me join in on your little adventures.

Artistic Outpost New Plates and 1 year Anniversary

The wait is almost over!!! Artistic Outpost is releasing two new stamp plates. On October 1st, Snowy Woods and Bluebird will be available.
We're so excited about our Christmas plate this year, it features peaceful images of a loving Santa Claus who we believe is the real one. No mall Santa's helpers here!!! This is a full 8.5 x 11" unmounted stamp collection. Loads of beautiful images, and our first "full" plate.
Our Bluebird collection is once again the half plate size of 8.5 x 5.5". It is meant to be your solace this winter. You can see the reflections of winter and spring all in this one collection. Our peaceful collection of bird inspired images to take you through to spring.Specials on these plates will be posted on October 1st. In addition, believe it our not, October marks our ONE year anniversary. Holy Cow! Has it been this long? With this milestone will come blog candy and additional specials on our one year old darling stamp sets. The ones that got us going and that we will always hold in our hearts.

On the tag I used the bird image from the new Bluebird plate, tag from the fall collection, metallic rub ons, Dresden foil from RockCandy Studios and the cuddle bug branch folder.

CHI-TOWN HERE WE COME

Today Robyn and I leave for Chicago to sell Artistic Outpost and RockCandy Studios' awesome wares. I am so looking to the cooler weather and a change of scenery. I am so lucky to get to help promote two awesome companies and GREAT FRIENDS. So be watching the blog for pictures of this great advent and I am sure some wonderful sites. We will have some time to look around and see a few sites. Yeah I heard that the CUBS are even in town, that is if we know about 2 years ago that we were going we could have gotten tickets.


MORE TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!

What I did last Summer

Well this is the result of thinking all the way home last night about an ATC swap that I signed up for last month and said hey I have plenty of time. Well, time is almost out and had to be done by tomorrow. I know that my summer was not very exciting, but hey when you work for a A/C and heating company summer is not vacation time. Especially when you are the main accounting and operational person. So the great ACT size stamp of numbers from Artistic Outpost(Geek is Chic Plate), the coolest little Dresden foil glasses from RockCandy Studios, a few office supplies and you have what I did last summer. I am sorry if you read this and you are in the swap, but I just had to post because I really thought that is turned out great. Maybe someone will host a swap for "What I did last Fall" then I can have a vacation ACT.

HALLOWEEN done AO and RCS Style

This cute little Halloween ornament is a variation from a stamp club project from a couple of weeks ago. I stamped the great little witch using Artistic Outpost stamps, attached a watch face to her, used a spider web for her wings, add a metal find, this wonderful mini tinsel in the wonderful fall colors with a few buttons by the shot glass from Rock Candy Studios. then mounted it all on a flourish that i inked, painted and distress until I got the look I wanted.

Here is a simple Halloween Tag that would be great to use for goodie bags. I used a walnut stain tag and this great hand dyed fiber from RockCandy Studios stamped with saying and pumpkin image from Artistic Outpost and then I used the swirl embossing folder with my new favorite machine the Cuddlebug.

Here is a Halloween Bing Card the I did using two of my favorite companies products. The Bingo card, Dresden foil Big Black Cat and hanger all from RockCandy Studios. The cool wrought iron fence, tree, pumpkin and the vintage style saying are all from Artistic Outpost.

I have never been a big fan of the scary and gross Halloween things. But I have always liked the vintage feel for the holiday. Now I have found two GREAT companies ROCKCANDY STUDIOS and ARTISTIC OUTPOST (which are both owned by GREAT friends) that let me capture that feel. So just maybe this year we might have a little vintage spooky going on in our house.

Reality Check

I can't believe that a whole week has past and I have not posted. This past week has been crazy. First off it was a short week, first of the month, boss going out of town next(so have to get extra things done), State tax Auditor can by,computers went down, had a stomach thing for a couple of days etc....But hey this is normal week in my life so why am thinking it was crazy. I do love my day job that pays the bills and love the diversity of it does make it exciting. I had a GREAT meeting, chat, catching up, meal and plotting with Candice, Robyn and Roxi. I can't wait until we are able to disclose our plan for all you artist out there. Got an AWESOME design team package from RockCandy that put the creative pressure on. Or maybe I should say has pulled the MO JO out of hibernation. The ribbons are to dye for..the colors are so rich and vibrant. Also have two new stamp plates from Artistic Outpost I have used them on a couple of cards, but want break them out for several things. As Robyn said on her blog(she expressed exactly what I am feeling)I am Artistically Underwhelmed..I have soooo many ideals swimming in my head and really feeling I don't have the time to create. Mark my words I will turn out some pieces this weekend. I am very privileged to be among such wonderful artist and friends. They are so encouraging and such great sound boards for ideals. Between Artistic Outpost and RockCandy Studios who could ask for anything else in the creative department. They both have wonderful design teams which I am very fortunate to be on. I really feel that at times I am not turning out enough for either of them. Okay enough of the whining.

Will have somethings to post after this weekend. I do think that another reason I have had a such funky week is that it would have been my Grandmother Murphy's birthday. She is one that I can say that really helped me get my creativity out.

So off to bed to get some rest so that I can get up and maybe go to a couple of estate sales and them come home to hid out in my room.

Art and Downtown

Well, tonight was the big night out with the girls to go downtown for ART.Cyndi and her husband Bob, Suzanne and myself were the only ones that braved it. Roxi was all ready to go until she became a little under the weather. It was defiantly worth it. The vibe was so ARTIE. There were many galleries open and each had a it's own type of ART. There was ART for everyone. The one thing that was for sure is that it was great inspiration all around. Of course while sitting at work to day it dawned on that I forgot to take my camera, that was defiantly a bummer. We looked at ART, walked down S Main, had dinner at the oldest restaurant in Memphis the Arcade, looked at more ART and then went home. I must say that the mojo can back alive tonight and many ideals are rolling around in the old mind. Thanks ladies and Bob for a great night of ART, chatting and fun.

Snippets of Terri's Visit

I just wanted to share a little of Teri's visit. She experienced several first like fried catfish, fried dill pickles, and ribs from Rendezvous. We saw downtown via the trolley and the carriage ride. We got to ride in the Cinderella carriage. She saw Graceland and boy was I glad that she missed Dead Elvis Week, as we had no wait when we went. Oh yeah we did have a little work time while she was here. Since the weather didn't corporate and our business really dropped down to nothing.

Michael's Art

Yes I am a PROUD Mom! I just love it when my son shares his artwork with me. The top photo is a jacket that he painted. The bottom picture is one of his paintings that he painted. I think that he has talent. No matter what his art teacher said his freshman year of high school. Keep on doing art my Son, I love your work and you with all my heart.

Terri is coming!!

I can't find a picture quickly of Terri by herself so I will use this one. She is the one on the far right. She will be here on Monday for a week to "work".Yes Jennifer and Dave I will make her work:D I can't wait to show her around and work with her in the store. She works for Data Base our computer software company and is coming to see how things work in the real world(no offense, but it a little different than on a test system)they each get to do this thru out the year. These guys are my LIFE LINE on what ever trouble or ghost pop up in the system. I wish I could just have them all come and hang out. They will never just understand how much I have enjoyed working with them over the past couple of years and getting to know them on a professional and personal level.


SEE YOU MONDAY TERRI!!!

A Little More Artistic Outpost

Here are few things I have recently done for Artistic Outpost. I love how versatile the new plates are. I really can loss myself while in the zone with these plates. So check out the web store and order up a little creativity.

HAPPINESS, SADNESS AND STUFF

Today is the first day of Stephenie's sophomore year. You see the joy on her face. Well Mom had tears as she left the parking lot of the school. She is turning into a great young lady and in this day in time that is a very hard thing to do. It dawned on my that this is probably the last time I will be making that first day of school run forever as she and I are hoping that she can drive next year. So I am trying to reveal in the fact that she is growing up and am sad as it is pushing me into a new phase and uncharted waters in my life. As most of us do I am wondering if I did the best I could by her.

As promised here is the RED couch. I must say that this has been my most favorite piece of NEW furniture I have ever bought. It sits great, lays great and looks great. Can you believe that the nail heads are real and not the fake they use on so much furniture today. I made new fleece blankets that look like old wool blankets to use on it. I just love having a comfy place to sit that I actually did a lot of that this weekend.

Okay last! I know that this has been a long post but figured I would do it all in one. Found these great old can bins a couple of weeks ago for an awesome price both for 22 bucks. Well, I do have another plan than candy for them. They will be new wall sconces in the den. I am one that believes that everything has more than one purpose.

Thanks to all who read my blog. I must admit I look at the counter then have a tenancy to compare mine to others and I have very few people that hit my site compared to theirs.Then I remind myself that everyone of those hits I get is from someone who really wants to know what is going on in my life.I also want to say THANK YOU for the comments and emails from the blog. If you don't comment or email PLEASE feel free to do so. I blog to let all you know whats going on in my life and REALLY would love to know whats going on in yours too. Thanks for reading.

A Little halloween

Here is a little cone I did with Artistic Outpost new Vintage Halloween Plate. I got the old thread cone from our trip last year to IA at the wool factory. Can't wait to go back. Okay back to the art piece. I just love the new Halloween plate. On the back of the cone I used the quote on the plate. It sure is hard to get good pictures of the 3D art but I love doing. They are still offering their SNEAK PEEK DEAL thru the 10th. So visit the Outpost and start your Halloween in August you will be glad you did.

Baby Sis is Turning 40

DISCLAIMER: THIS MAYBE A SAPPY POST!!!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday my DEAR SIS

Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!

My sister's 40th birthday is hitting me harder than my own. It is one of those finality's in live. The youngest of the family is now in the over 40 club. She and I were talking the other day that we are now our parents in the family group and our parents are our grandparents and our kids are us. It makes the saying that LIFE GOES ON so real. I know that she and I have had our years of totally hating each other and then the years we kinda liked each other. Now she is my BEST FRIEND. I so look forward to our walks every am to just get caught up on each others lives. If we didn't have this time even though we live less than a mile apart we would hardly talk to each other. She has turned in a GREAT Mom, Wife, Teacher, Daughter, Friend and Sister. I know that I don't tell you enough I total LOVE and ADMIRE you as a person and am glad to call you my SISTER. Okay enough I am going to have to pull out the tissue if I don't stop.

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROAD TRIP

Wouldn't it be fun to cruise off into the sunset. I used the new Route 66 late from Artistic Outpost. Make sure you check out their web site to see the great sneak peek deals on this plate and the new Vintage Halloween Plate. Several of the embellishments are from RockyCandy Studios which is now up and ready for business. I will treat you to some more tomorrow.

Sneak Peek Specials

Sneak Peek specials...now thru Sunday, August 10th.

Artistic Outpost is proud to release two new stamp collections: Route 66 and Vintage Halloween.

Route 66 features nostalgic images of the first American super highway, Route 66. Who isn't yearning for a great "road trip" right about now! We always get a little sad when August rolls around. It means another summer is winding down. Use this terrific set to capture those memories in your summer scrapbooks or make something unique which pays homage to those that are born to be wild!

Vintage Halloween is for all those out there who prefer "treats" to "tricks". Who wouldn't love seeing the children in our two main images showing up to the front door on All Hallow's Eve? This collection features work from Victorian era postcards. Think of all the Halloween Party invitations, cards, or treat bags that you could create with this one set!

To celebrate the launch of these two new collections, Artistic Outpost is running sneak peek specials...From now until Monday, August 11th, the following items are on sale at the Artistic Outpost webstore.
Vintage Halloween - $9.99
Route 66 - $9.99
OR PURCHASE BOTH for $18 (that's $6 off the retail price of both)

There is a special "bundled" product in our webstore that will allow you to order both plates for $18.00.

Watch my blog for projects featuring these GREAT new plates

THEIR OPEN FOR BUSINESS

YES!!! Roxi and Candice did it they are open and ready for Business. Their store front is RockCandy Studios. If you love any type of mix media art this is the place to shop. They will be adding things daily so if you don't see what you want today you better look tomorrow.

Congrats to both of you on a great place to shop!

He is an US Citizian

Well today was one of joys and sadness. My sister has wait 15 years for this and we didn't even get to witness it. They sent letters out with instructions and they plainly said that if you were family or friends of the application you were to arrive 1 hour after they arrived to see the ceremony. Well when we got there they would not let us in and Jose was already in the court room starting the swearing in process. The people in charge said that the letter was wrong and there was not anything they could do about it. I feel so sorry for my sister and the kids as this was a VERY big day for them. We were allowed to go in and take pictures of Jose. He was so beaming and proud. As were we all. Then Mom and Dad treated us all to lunch. I am so proud to be able to call Jose an American!

The coolest thing is that tomorrow will be Jose and Susan's 15th anniversary of their civil ceremony.

Horses for a Cause

Here are some of the horse that local artist have done to be auctioned off for different organizations. We had a fun day out looking and photography them.

Oregon Pictures Finally

Okay I know that it has been a couple of months since I got back from Oregon but as you all know there are times this computer just wants to be a peel. Well okay really it is operator error. I have finally got this slide show to load. I really want to plan another trip to this Great state it is just beautiful.

Twitter Site

I set up a Twitter account over a month ago and have done much to it. But it is easier to post those short blurbs there when they come to mind. So here is the link to my twitter site (you can also look up mrwilkerson) and you might want to watch it. I will be posting my random things there. I am so sure that all of you are just dying to have another place to read my ramblings. So come and follow me and let me know that who are so I can follow you.

I AM TEASING YOU AGAIN!

COMING SOON TO THE INTERNET NEAR YOU!!!!

Two very special friends will be opening up an Internet store called RockCandy(a clever play on their names Roxi and Candice) on August 1st. They will have the coolest things for all of you who love doing ALTERED ARTS and other types of ART. They have many things that you can't find elsewhere. I was lucky enough to get to see and use several items that they will have. I even already have a Christmas gift done using their vintage animal college sheet. They have college sheets, vintage buttons by the shot glass, small glass bottles, metal embellishments, vintage die cuts and many one of a kind items etc etc... I think you get the picture. So mark your calenders to check this awesome store out on August 1.

I am just blessed to be among such great ARTIST and FRIENDS!!!

Let me "TEASE" you

Here is a "tease" of the next four GREAT plates from Artistic Outpost for 2008. As many of you know this is the week of Summer CHA and even though the company is not going there in person to showcase their wares and see all of the great new and exciting products. They wanted to let everyone see what they have coming for the rest of this year. To be among the first to know about the new plates and the "Sneak Peek" specials by joining their mailing list.

As you can see by this TEASER they have GREAT new images coming. If you are like me your mind is already creating new projects for them. This is very easy to do with these stamps.

So take some time today and visit Artistic Outpost and join the mailing list to make sure you are among the first to get your hands on these plates and the great "SNEAK PEEK" specials. (I know that I love specials and all of my friends do too.)

ADDICTED

Okay I finally bought it. I was at a friends yesterday and got to use her Cuttlebug. I became addicted. Then today Michael's just made me go and buy it. They gave me a 40% off coupon and they also let me use the 15% off total purchase one too. When they finished ringing me up I paid a whole 22 bucks for this GREAT little toy. To really top of the great bargains for the weekend I found all 24 of the Fiskers texture plates for less than 10 bucks on Friday. So came home last night and googled to see if they would work with the Cuttlebug and when I found out they would it was another reason to buy it. All I had to do was buy a silicon oven mat and cut to size of the temple lay it on the "A" board, lay my paper down, place the template and the cover "C" run it thru the machine and walla embossing done. I am sold and now I will be embossing to my little heart is content. I always liked the embossed look but hated doing not any more.

Blog Quote

I was just checking out Tim Holtz's new stamps on Stampers Anonymous and OMG there was the saying from my blog on a stamp. I must be on the cutting edge if Tim has it as a new stamp. I will have to order it since I am using it on a swap for next month. He just made my life easier.

HAPPY JULY4th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

I just wanted to take few moments to reflect on what it means to get to live in this great country. It means that I get to get up every morning and have many choices that I get to make. Like what church I want to attend, where I work, what store I want to shop at, etc.........This brings my thoughts to all of those in the past, present and future that have given me this right by serving in our Military and protecting this great country. I am for one who at times take this for grant it and know that I shouldn't. So while you are enjoying your friends and families today. Say a little Prayer and Thank You to all who allow us these privileges we have.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATALINA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU PRETEEN SOCCER QUEEN!

You are turning into such a wonderful young lady. I am so proud to call you my niece. You are beautiful inside and out. Wishing you a great day of good MEMORIES!

We love you,

Uncle Bill, Aunt Michelle and Stephenie

AO Shadow Box(finally)

Here is the way that summer should be spent. This is the summer cabin image from Artist Outpost. I stamped the image and placed it in a shadow box and add sand, shells and message in a bottle from RockCandy. AO is announcing their newest plate "Keeper". For a sneak peek sale for only $9.99 you are getting 7 deeply etched images that include a snapshot of a boy with his first catch and a scenic view of a wonderful summer cabin. See post below for more examples of this GREAT new plate.

NEW PLATE FROM ARTIST OUTPOST

Artistic Outpost is announcing their newest plate "Keeper". It features nostalgic images from the lazy, hazy days of summer. On this plate you get 7 deeply etched images, including a snapshot of a boy with his first catch and a scenic view of a wonderful summer cabin. Sneak Peek sale of $9.99 for subscribers for the Keeper plate. Sale will end June 30th.

I have included a few examples of the great things you can do with the GREAT new plate of stamps. I will try and get the shadow box to upload tomorrow,but for some reason it will not do it tonight.



This one of the hottest thing around now. This is a clear card. Stamped with the fishing lure in black on the clear card, the other images are stamped on brown paper and placed on the card.

This is the inside of the mini book. It has the sentiment on the left and a small journal on the right that can be pulled and have your summer memories recorded on for those long winters days ahead. The pin nib is from RockCandy.

The front of the mini book.

Tag that was done with the she is a fisher of men stamp. I colored in the image with distress inks from Ranger. The tag is from RockCandy.