1000 Handmade Greetings!

It's here and it's sitting on my coffee table looking gorgeous and beautiful...and it's sooo surreal...each time I walk by and glance at the cover I can't believe that I'm looking at MY card on the cover! Wow, all I can say is thanks Laura McFadden (the creator of this book), I feel honored!

When I read about the call for submissions months ago on Etsy, I decided to submit two of my cards...and I was pleasantly surprised to receive my letter of acceptance into the book.

I packaged my cards and sent them off for their photo shoot and then kind of forgot about it.

As soon as I found out it was published I quickly placed my order on Amazon.com and waited. Then it arrived...I ripped open the box and started flipping through the pages. The quality of the book and the composition of the pages is wonderful. Bright bold colors, amazing creative cards, sooo many cards to savor! Congratulations to all of the Etsy artists that are now in print, and thanks to Etsy for their Storque article about this book!

Cool Blogs From Cool People Final 2008 Edition!

Wow, the year is ending quickly here are my final picks for 2008!



Scarfmonsters blog is really cool, lots of pictures with brief stories and varied topics make this my first cool pick of the week. If you have an Etsy shop and haven't heard of Featsy yet, then you must read about it on her blog! It's the next best thing to Majaba! A cool new tool to find out if you've been featured in the gift guides or front page. Another cool discovery is the Redbox. Read, Oooh-lala to learn more about renting your favorite DVD for only a buck! I use it all the time it's great! Her ipod holder are really cool too!



If you're into celebrity gossip then you'll enjoy The Real Estalker's blog. I shamefully admit to watching The Orange County Housewives , hey I do live in Orange County and like to see what the housewives are doing for our image. You can take an online virtual open house tour and see what the asking price is for their homes. Read Calvin Klein wants to do his part to Stimulate the Economy he's planning on doing a demo on his $30 million dollar mansion to build a new one? Wow! Cool! Did you know you can rent Tony Danza's ski house? Fantasia from American Idol is in foreclosure? These are just a few of the interesting and cool blog posts!

What's new in the smashgirl studio?

My Bahama Bowl sold as I was listing my new Bali Bowl. The bowl was a garage sale find, I just added a touch of drama to it using these beautiful floral plates and finished it off with black grout.

Mega Rock Star is the plus-size version of my little rock star. I love working with rocks and pebbles! Sea Star is a mini-star embellished with sea glass, some pieces gathered this summer from the beaches of San Clemente!

Bubblegum is a fun wavy vase covered in clear and colored glass gems.

What's next? A few new things for Valentine's Day!

Yum!

I would say that I'm a creative person and sometimes that spills over into my lunch creations. This sandwich which my family has named the "Smashgirl" is now become a special request from my son. He said, "Mom, you should be a sandwich artist"!

Here's what's in it:
Toasted Sourdough bread
Turkey
Provolone or Swiss cheese
Mayo
Baby spinach leaves-much tastier that lettuce
Sliced pepperoncini's-for some spice

Give it a try and tell me what you think!

Cool Blogs From Cool People

With the holiday rush, I've only had time to post one cool blog this week!

Some of my favorite things while searching for cool blogs is the response to the question on my forum thread, "Is your blog cool?" I get anything from , "of course!" to "Probably not". I love the self-assured responses such as, "Oh man, my blog is totally cool!" or "SO cool. Dammit"!

I read many today but the one that stood out from the others was MaryJaneFrances. Mary Jane's blog is cool because she is so cool, she's a girl born in the wrong generation...some might call her a hippy, but I just think she's cool! Hippie Harlot is about a vintage book that screams "Mary Jane"! Check out the back cover...kind of like the coppertone girl grown up! Estate Sale is my kind of post, I love to treasure hunt for interesting things...take a look at her finds. Feather Silhouette is so interesting and unique...check it out!

Until next week...

Cool Blogs From Cool People

A day late this week...oops! Busy time of year, but here are my picks for the week!

Read Shock + Fade's blog, Most Unique Fragrance Ever and you will be shocked to read about some of the fragrances she's found! What exactly does a paperbook smell like? Hmm...I think I'll stick with my Pink from Victoria Secrets! One of the many cool things about her blog is the organization of it! It's easy to find your way around...I wonder if all aspects of her life are this organized? I'm jealous!

So Long and Goodbye is about the death of the polaroid camera and the growing movement of people who are petitioning to save it. I am old enough to remember my first polaroid and the thrill of watching my friends with their 8o's big hair develop right before my eyes. Save the polaroid!!! Don't forget to vote for her Hamster's name on her poll!

It's Simply Grey is full of amazing photographs, you'll feel like you're flipping through a magazine! We all have our wish lists, but when you see her wish list you'll be blown away...here take a look at tea time and you'll see what I mean.

I love these beautiful candles she makes, take a look at screen printed soy candles, they are so elegant and so eco-friendly too, now that's cool!

Lend me some sugar...I am your neighbor will make your mouth water! These cookies look so yummy and are beautiful too...added bonus, the recipe is there for the taking! Homemade Christmas cookies were a tradition at my house, my mom's were the best!

A wish list for your favorite mosaic artist

Have a friend or family member who is a mosaic artist? I've complied a list of things that can help you with your holiday shopping, feel free to add on fellow mosaic artists!

1. A Flickr Pro Account- only 24.95 for a whole year!

2. A gift card to Home Depot or Lowes (grout, thinset, etc.)

3. A gift certificate to Goodwill or any thrift store (plates, plates and more plates)

4. A magazine subscription to ReadyMade or Domino

5. A SAMA membership (Society of American Mosaic Artists)

6. Uninterrupted studio time (Free!)

7. An itunes gift card (music helps creativity)

8. Hand lotion, and a big gallon of vinegar (a must after grouting)

9. A box of gloves ( for grouting)

10. A new digital camera

Cool Blogs From Cool People

Happy December, time for more cool blogs!

"my blog is cool. and corny" it said on my forum post...I have to agree that WendiWinn is right! I love corny...give me Bill Murray or Will Ferrell anyday, I guess I have a corny sense of humor.

"Toesocks" are cool and they're making a comeback, read what Wendi thinks of them. I can still remember my pair from the 70's...rainbow colored...I didn't really like the way they felt but I did think they were cool!

"Gingerbread House" is a blog post I could relate to, I've bought the kit and had similar results. They make it look so easy on the box! Speaking of the 70's, my best friend's mom had this amazing Gingerbread House that she brought out each year...I always wanted to eat that thing but it was covered in shellac! Check out Wendi's sidebar where you can click on the chicken legs for her "post pick of the month". I did this after making my picks...she what she chose.

My next pick is smacthoughts a really cool blog with this amazing photograph that drew me in.

(no not the one with the creepy doll!) Click on the link! "Better Days Ahead" could be me and my husband in another 30 years or so. Make sure to click on the photo to read the story behind the shot. I love playing the blog tag game, you know list 7 random things about yourself...so I really love SmacThoughts post "7 more Random things about me" , I think she's on the hit list for tagging! I have to admit the picture really creeped me out!

Check out this cool shot she took called "Twin Time"!

She's a Calendar Girl!

She's a Calendar Girl!
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Lucy will be featured in the 2009 Lucky Fiona Calendar!!! We were so excited to hear the news and have already ordered our calendar. Lucky Fiona on Etsy is only making 20 of these calendars, so if you'd like one...these would make a great gift for those dog lovers...go quick and order one now! Proceeds from this calendar sale will benefit the animal shelter in central Illinois where they adopted Fiona from too!

Cool Blogs From Cool People-Thanksgiving Edition

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Here are this week's cool blogs!

Thanksgiving is all about family and I found a really cool blog by Stacey Winters full of beautiful photos of family, dogs, and more. Stacey doesn't write much in her posts but she doesn't need to, her pictures say it all! Browse through her posts and don't miss the pie crusts! One of my really cool finds on her blog were the photoscraps that she sells in her Etsy shop!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I searched for some cool blog reads about this glutenous holiday and came across eyepopart's blog . One of the best part's of the Thanksgiving dinner is the "oooh" and "awww" factor as the feast is laid upon the table. Read LeBrie's Felted Thanksgiving Dinner and you'll be blown away at the incredible spread that is completely inedible!
If you read my blog then you already know how much I love make art out of recycled items, and eyepopart is amazing at this! Take a look at For a green Thanksgiving and see the beautiful bowls made from recycled records...so cool!

Old Magazines=New Cards!

While waiting for my mosaic projects to dry I leafed through my favorite Elle magazines for some inspiration...I'm never dissapointed with the beautiful glossy choices to create with! When I spotted this beautiful plum colored page I just knew it would be perfect for my mod tree cards!


Cut into simple spheres, this page became my "Orb notecards". Each one their own color combination but together a beautiful set! Perfect to send a note, a generous 6 1/2 x 5 size with plenty of space to jot your thoughts. Here's an idea from my friend Rita, she loved her handmade card so much she framed it...voila' mini art!

All of these blank notecard sets are now available in my Etsy shop, a perfect gift for your favorite teacher, hostess or friend!

Cool Blogs From Cool People

Happy Thursday! Time for sharing more cool blogs!

A knitting magician in Las Vegas? Now that's cool! Check out All Things Tangled and read Send in the Clowns! A magician dating a clown, now posing as a mime??? Only in Vegas! When was the last time you went to a party and saw Liberace and Marilyn Monroe? How cool is that? Read Liberace to find out more! I'm a sock lover, I just have to have my feet cuddled up in socks...even in the summer at night. It's just a comfort thing for me, or maybe it stems from my childhood when my grandma used to send us a new pair of crocheted slippers each Christmas. So when I saw these Christmas socks I just had to add them to my favorites...one question remains...are they magic socks?



Daily Dream-Daily Doodle is such a cool name for a blog it captured my attention right away! This Etsy seller makes jewelry to drool over...I would like one of everything please (hint: to the family). Read My Brooch and you'll see what I mean...incredible talent! What a surprise to be reading along in her blog and come upon this post titled "Sunday" and say to myself, "Hey, that looks like Dana Point Harbor". Now that's very cool to find out that we are both from the OC! Here's what living in the OC has inspired her to make..."The Citrus Tree Necklace".

Come back next Thursday for more cool blogs!

Which collar should Lucy choose?

Talk about a "lucky dog", Lucy just got picked as this week's official "Friend of Fiona" and won a new custom collar from LuckyFiona on Etsy. I am having a hard time choosing which collar to pick...they all are so cute! We need your help!
Take a look around in her shop and then leave your comment below and next week I'll tally up the votes! Don't miss Lucy's 15 minutes of fame at http://www.luckyfiona.blogspot.com/!

"Cool Blogs From Cool People"

There are sooooo many cool blogs , I'm glad that I'll be doing this feature every Thursday so I can share them all with you!

Here's my picks for this week:

Robot Love definitely makes my cool blog list! First off, she has a post titled "That's cool..." where she talks about her purse contents called "Inside Friday". Each week she gives us a picture of what's inside...I don't know if I'd be brave enough to share my purse! It makes you wonder if what you carry in your purse tells a lot about you? I look forward to seeing the evolution of her contents week to week! I also think it's so cool that she has a close relationship with her sister...she mentions her in almost every post! Very cool! Take a look at what they create together, these lovely fabric pears!


There is just something cool about food plushies! So my next pick is Midnight Snack.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and the expectation of cooking a turkey, I just may have to get a turkey plushie to throw in the oven for the looks...as I slink off to the grocery store and buy my pre-ordered turkey dinner! I'm a bit lazy when it comes making the turkey! These super cool turkeys are available on Etsy. What a surprise to find her article, "Trying New Things" and read about her first mosaic project! You know as a mosaic artist I think that is cool and she also talks about my friend Jennifer(who gave me all my eyes) from RockCandyMosaics! Super coolness bonus points!

"Cool Blogs from Cool People"

I enjoyed sharing cool blogs so much last week that I am now going to be doing this weekly on Thursdays! I put the word out in the Etsy forums and now have soooo many cool blogs to choose from. Here are this week's cool blogs:

StarryDeborah's blog caught my eye when she mentioned being part of a charity event for children's cancer. It's so hard to watch anyone you love go through a battle with cancer, but I can't imagine having to watch a child deal with it. Deborah took part in the making of an altered book project that will be put up for auction to help raise money for children with cancer. Follow the link in her post to read the touching story behind the book, it will make you hug your kids tight!

Deborah you are one cool woman! Oh, and I love the music on your blog too! Also check out her post, "I've got the Paris Blues" about the city that stole my heart.

Get Palmd is a fun blog to read that's written by a 20 year old girl from Finland. Her blog is filled with hip fashion finds and other random bits from Europe. I was amazed to read about so many American subjects on her blog. Obama for president was a surprise, and "Wanna Be a TV Star?" lets me know that all of the junky reality shows I'm so addictted to are appealing to the Finnish too! The Amazing Race is on my Yes list too!

Cool Blogs from Cool people

When it comes to reading other people's blogs it can be overwhelming. There must be millions of blogs on the web! Sometimes I search by subject, or find new blogs in a forum...I don't always have time to read them so I'll save it in a bookmark for later. I just finished looking through my bookmarks and have recently updated my favorite blogs list (on my sidebar) and thought I'd share some cool blog reads that I found interesting.

If you want to read about celebrity gossip and judge for yourself if Christina Aguilera's boobs are real or not then read Freaky Friday...Christina Aguilera by RavenX. Her blog "Dirty Pretty Things to Ponder" is filled with fun little Hollywood tidbits, and fashion trends. Don't miss her article about the Heel-Less Wonders , how do they walk in them??? I'm still pondering that one!

Another blog I stumbled upon on flickr was The Knitting Blog-by Mr. Puffy the Dog. Being a dog lover I first was pulled in by Mr. Puffy the beagle...but soon discovered that Mr. Puffy's Mom is a fantastic knitter. Hanging in the OC showcases her beautiful knitwork...and of course Mr. Puffy does some modeling too! Be sure to check out My Retro-Fitted Skirt !

Table Transformations

I'm driving down the street through my neighborhood and out of the corner of my eye I see it...that old discarded table sitting on the curb. Quickly I pop the trunk and send my kids out to heave it into my car...and as I head for home I start thinking of the makeover this table will receive. A little sanding...some paint...and of course a mosaic on the top will make it beautiful!

The thing that attracts me the most about a table are it's legs. I love the funky shapes and styles from the 70's. My recent find had really attractive legs but the table itself was beyond repair. I decided to take the legs and use them for my next project. So I'd like to thank everyone who leaves their old junky tables next to...not inside...their trash cans. You are a mosaic artist's best friend!

We love Cindy!

Lucy
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Lucy and I are big fans of Cindy Alexander. She's an amazing Indie Artist. About 5 years ago, I went to see the Bacon Brothers...Kevin and his brother Michael have a band. The opening act was Cindy Alexander. I loved her voice and her songs so I bought a CD that night. My Mom had recently passed away and Cindy's music became like therapy for me. Her songs made me cry, they made me laugh and I became an instant fan. In fact when I am working on my art you'll find that Cindy's songs are my music of choice. She's inspirational! If you'd like to hear her music go to www.cindyalexander.com, one of my favorite songs is Idiot Child.

I'm featured on Cuteable!

I have always been an admirer of the Cuteable blog so I was thrilled to find out that my "Welcome with a Cherry on Top" Sign is featured today! Cuteable is a Monday through Friday collection of anything cute from sellers on the internet. Check in often to find the cutest things on the web!

Etsy Friends

Etsy is more than just a place to sell my artwork, it started out that way but I soon discovered the forums. The forums are the social backbone of Etsy. Think of it as the neighborhood hangout or town center where all the Etsians meet. I hooked up with a group of fellow mosaic artists and soon started chatting on a daily basis. Virtual friendships developed as we all began to share not only tips and pictures of our artwork, but the daily going-ons of our personal lives. It's really strange when you get to know someone only by typing on a keyboard, yet I really felt like I got to know my virtual friends.
When Jennifer aka Cowgirl Jen of RockcandyMosaics mentioned that she was planning at trip to California (she lives in St. Louis) I thought it would be fun to meet her face to face. So I soon crashed her romantic anniversary vacation with her husband and planned to meet her. As I drove down to Carlsbad to our designated spot, the windmill next to the 5 fwy, I have to admit I was a wee bit nervous.

As soon I saw her it all melted away and I felt like I'd known her for years!

Of course I had to bring Iris...I almost think Jennifer was more excited to meet her! For the next hour or so we talked and talked and talked about sooooo many things...and to think I was worried that I wouldn't know what to say!
Jennifer was my anonymous prankster who had sent me the 129 eyeballs a few months back, so it was only fitting that she should receive my very first eyeball mosaic...Ivan.

I have to give thanks to her husband, Chuck for making this happen, and as promised next time he'll get a surf lesson from my husband!
Ivan is now in St. Louis and enjoying life on Jennifer's windowsill!

I just got tagged!

Nancy from ManicforMosaics just tagged me so here I go!
If you have been tagged just follow these rules, it's fun!

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


1. I used to have a HUGE fear of spiders...now they're my friends and if I find one in my house, I'll move it outside.
2. I have a crush on Kevin Bacon, he's the only man I'd leave my husband for!
3. I still see my childhood friends quite often and treasure every moment.
4. My lifelong dream is to write a children's book.
5. The Amazing Race is one of my favorite shows...I'd love to do it!
6. I hate to shop in malls, but love to shop in thrift stores or on Etsy!
7. I've had two jobs in my life where I got paid to lay on the beach.

Here's who I'm tagging:

twinRobotlove

LSK Crochet

MosaicSmith

Mary Richmond Design

Natalie Baca

Boxing Day

Blythehopesvintage

Eye have an idea...

WIP
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

I dug into the 129 eyes that Jennifer sent me and have started working on the offspring of Iris (my Why mosaic). I grabbed some old croquet balls that were headed to the trash and had an "aha" moment. They were just perfect for my new creations! This is my first one, I've named him Ivan. In the works are his siblings, Ivy, Issac, Irene, and Ida. Time to rub some grout in my eyes...eye'll be posting finished pictures soon!

I think I hear the Ice Cream Man!

One of my fondest childhood memories of summer is that magical tinny sound of "Pop Goes the Weasel" coming around the corner. My brother and I would dash through the screen door at lightening speed to shake out some change from my Mom. Our biggest fear was that no kids on our street would flag him down and we'd run outside only to see the back of his truck turning the corner. It seemed like the end of the world as kids!

These days my neighborhood has no stickered singing trucks driving through and I feel a little sad for my kids that they don't get to enjoy the thrill of the Ice Cream Man. Where did he go? Did he trade in his truck and start working at Cold Stone? Maybe the price of gas shut down his business? Does he still come to your neighborhood?

I Love Lucy!

Meet Lucy, our newest family member! Adorable, sweet and loving she has brought so much joy into our house. After the loss of Buster, we really knew the kids needed another dog. Our house was too quiet, lonely, and sad. We missed the click-clack of doggy nails coming to greet us at the door, and the wet doggy kisses.

Lucy is a great dog with such a loving personality! Her family made a tough decision to find a new home for her when they decided to make a cross country move. We were the lucky ones to become her new family. Thanks to Dawn and her family for giving us a new best friend and companion!
WE love Lucy!

Featured Etsy Shop~Flowering Moon Designs

Joanne of Flowering Moon Designs has a self proclaimed obsession with glass. It is her medium of choice when it comes to making mosaics. I just love the garden stones that she creates! The beautiful iridescent glass shimmers and shines in the sunlight. What a gorgeous piece of artwork to have in your garden beds. I'm not the only one who loves these...the Etsy shoppers have cleaned her out and this is the last one available! What a steal at only $16.00!

Another signature design of hers are these beautiful and useful mosaic wall hooks. Everyone could use one of these in their house to hold keys, or your dog's leash. Art with a purpose, you got to love it! Again she's used those beautiful iridescent pieces of glass that catch the light.

For all of the musicians out there that are looking for some unique artwork, take a look at this mosaic guitar she created for an EMA (Etsy Mosaic Artists) challenge earlier this year, titled "Dragonfly Medley". Joanne's husband is a musician and this inspired her to join together her passion for art with his passion for music. What a romantic and beautiful idea! Her husband must really love her since he parted with his mint condition Martin Backpacker guitar! It even comes with the Martin gig bag!

Besides mosaics, Joanne is also an amazing stained glass artist. If you love fairies and angels then you'll love this! This is an inexpensive way to have the feel of a stained glass window in your home!

Joanne will also do custom orders! Be sure to visit

her Etsy shop Flowering Moon Designs to see more of her beautiful art!