Christmas decorations

A holiday tradition is to go to Ace Hardware in Angel's Camp to view their Christmas display.
There were just three of us this year, Candis, Cat and me. Who would expect to find such a stunning display at a hardware store? But, it's no secret. People come from all over to see their trimmings. Here are some pics.
My favorites this year were the gnomes and toadstools. It seemed so woodsy and cute without being cutesy.
I only come away with photos - most of their things are too expensive for my budget.

Thanksgiving was quiet with a late dinner with the kids. My pies are especially good this year, so I was proud to carry them in for a tasty treat.

I hope you all had a happy holiday.

More birthday pics

Nancy sent me the group photo, and the cat that pops up out of a cone was made by Pat for Sally's birthday. I knew I forgot something important.

Wackos have birthdays!

Today we celebrated Sally's and Pat's birthdays. We won't mention the ages, but we are not Spring chicks. Here are some pics. Char made the birthday pendant swag which we will use at all the b'day celebrations. There were a lot of gifts exchanged, many of them hand made. Of course these lead to a lot of discussion of the techniques used. Char's fairy in a wine glass with wired sculptured effect on the top was great. She used a photos of Pat's granddaughter as the face. And she made a paper weight with an image she had altered and put it in a decorated box for Sally. Rosemary made an ID card for Sally that looked like a driver's license, but had a very clever twist with the photo and the text. Such a cool idea we'll all be copying it. The picture of the file folder and gift box were ones I covered for Sally who is a cat lover. We had some show and tell - Sally had a whole bunch of new books she had made at classes and on her own, and I shared the City of Bones altered book. One picture is of Rosemary looking at it. I know I'm forgetting a lot of what we saw, please forgive me friends. You probably dont' remember everything either. After a three hour lunch we moved on to the new Michael's store for browsing and buying. It was a wonderful afternoon.

New Fabric Book started

I bought a fabric childrens book at the flea market and it looks like it was never used, so I thought it would make a good base for a fabric book and save me the trouble of backing my fabrics. In my stash there are quite a few really lovely Asian inspired fabrics. The pictures show the base book, and some of the stash. I'll post more as it takes form.

Fall clean up

Today was a blissful fall day, temperature in high 70s with the sun out and no wind. It was the perfect day to dig in and get the fallen leaves cleaned up and some of the overgrown plants cut back. Nikki found a big flower pot that I had pulled the lambs ears out of, that just fits her for a nice little seat. She looks really cute sitting in it watching me work. But, tomorrow I'm planting something in it so she will have to find another spot to claim. Also a good day to do some clean up in the studio.

Tomorrow I'm giving another tour of our new super store, a Michael's which is so deluxe you would hardly know it. Wide aisles, a fantastic inventory, clean as a whistle, and the help knows where things are. The shelves are well stocked with the latest of everything - even Goldens paints and gels are on display. So far everyone who has come to town lately wants a personal tour, and I'm delighted to oblige. Bobbi is going to be in town tomorrow and we will head there after splitting some lunch. We haven't seen each other for a few weeks and have lots of catching up to do.

I can hardly wait.

Altered books update

City of Bones is done, done, done. Photos will be posted soon. I started the Headaches book awhile back and set it aside while I worked on this one. So, I most likely will pick it up and finish it off. Having this extra time by not doing the arts and crafts shows this fall has made all this progress possible. And it even gave me time to experiment with using wax in the book. I like the look and it was so easy I'm kicking myself for not using it before. I knew a more difficult way to use it with a pot and brushes, but one of the gals in the Sac group (thanks Yoli) posted her way of using wax which is sooooo easy I could not resist trying it. Basically, its just heat some of the beeswax and let it drip on the page, then use a heat tool to move it around until you get the coverage you want. Then I buffed it with an old sock.

The Nature inspired Altered book is finished also. Last little touches done. Here are some pics. There are about 25 spreads and then a tin box mounted inside back cover which contains little tins with nature treasures that I'll be adding to.

Nikki is learning the WAIT command using a single index finger pointing up. And the Shake Hands command offering her my hand upturned. We gave up on High Five command because the hand signal too closely resembled the STAY command, so whenever I wanted her to stay she'd rush over and slap my palm with her paw. Now I have to train me! to use the proper signal and the right command.

Life at the dog park is more and more interesting. It was really crowded today as the sun was out and it was a perfect day for a pet outing. We go almost every day, and see different people all the time, with only a few that show up at the same time we do each time. It's lots of fun for dogs and owners alike. And Candis goes with us and often brings Pokey, one of her family's dogs.

November set in

Can you believe it's already the 9th of November? This week sped by. The critique group met in Sacramento on Wednesday and I came away full of new ideas and enthusiasm for the Altered book I'm working on. Since then I have put many hours into it and by tomorrow night it will be finished. Yesterday there was a Wearable Art show in Sacramento and Sally and I went. It was fun and very interesting. We may participate next year with a booth to sell some of the things we make that were not in evidence there. Who knows what this year will bring?

We make daily trips to the dog park. I decided Nikki is part Jack Russell Terrier, as she can keep up with them and even outrun some of them. And she jumps like a JRT. She just looks like a long legged, long bodied chihuahua. But it's a disguise. I'm convinced. While I was gone the other day she got on the kitchen counter and walked off with the Brillo pad. Thank goodness she didn't eat it! I've got to be so careful what I leave around. Nothing is safe! She's very sly and notes where I put interesting things. Then later, she'll try to find a way to get them. Thank goodness she won't be puppy forever! She's my little darling and sweet as pie. Just young and foolish! And dear old Buddy is feeling so much friskier with his youthful companion. He no longer cries while I'm gone. I am really so blessed by having my two pets.

Halloween is over - life moves on

Nikki and I have a little game we play every morning. She follows me everywhere, and helps with everything. She loves to make the bed with me. She dives under the covers, chases my hands as I work, and wants to have her tummy rubbed. Isn't she a doll? Such a cheerful little soul.