Spreading my wings

Spring has a certain energy about it...time for new life in the animal kingdom, new blossoms in the garden and a new shop for me! I've been eyeing 1000 markets for awhile and have been thinking about putting my art in another handmade venue. I adore Etsy and love being a part of it but sometimes I feel that my shop gets lost in the crowd. 1000 markets has a different feel to it, like a small town vs. a large city. Each individual market is unique and original. The photo layout is nice on the eyes, and the people are welcoming. One of my favorite features is "the wall" where you can post comments. I also have a blog in my shop where I'll be posting, so take a stroll on over and say hello!

Kreativ Blogger Award

I'm honored to have received the Kreativ Blogger Award from the infamous and oh so talented Raven from Dirty Pretty Things to Ponder (a blog I couldn't live without)!

I now must list 7 things that I LOVE!

1. Coffee!!!-The first thing I think about when I wake up each day.

2. Lucy-If you read my blog then of course you know how much I adore her!

3. My Family-Great husband, awesome kids...who could ask for more?

4. Kevin Bacon-my secret crush is not a secret, I tell anyone who cares to listen

5. Thai Food-Hot and Spicy please!

6. Paris-This is the place that stole my heart...my dream is to visit for an extended period of

time...possibly forever!

7. The Ocean-the smell of it, the visual beauty of it...and it's something I get to experience daily on my walks! I'm a lucky girl!

Passing on the Kreativ Blogger Award to these bloggers!

http://solsisters.blogspot.com/

http://dailydream-dailydoodle.blogspot.com/

http://starrynightimpressions.blogspot.com/

http://tarynhipp.blogspot.com/

http://artisticbuffet.blogspot.com/

Memories of my Mom

March 11th is quickly approaching and I'm filled with joy...my first born son is turning 15...and sadness because my Mom would've been 74. It's been over 5 years since she lost her life to lung cancer and I do think time does heal a lot of the pain, but I still have a hard time dealing with her birthday. I treasure the memories I have of her and cherish her things that I keep tucked away.

One of my favorite things is her charm bracelet. Each time I hold it I can hear her voice telling me when I was a little girl about each charm and the significance of each one. I also have her wedding band that she wore for over 40 years.

And tucked away in a little box I have a tiny piece of her. .. a lock of her baby hair tied with a tiny piece of satin ribbon that her mother had saved. A story that my Mom told me over and over...one of my favorites...was about her Mom cutting off her long hair when she was 11. It was very traumatic for her since she had long hair her whole childhood. My grandmother was tired of hearing her whine while brushing the tangles out, so one day she braided her hair, tied the ends with some pale blue ribbon and proceeded to chop them off! My Mom saved those braids in a box her whole life...and never grew her hair out again. When my Mom was in her final days her urgent wish was for me to find those braids so she could send them to Locks of Love. I did find them after a frantic search through her house and I sometimes wonder what little girl is wearing the wig made from my Mom's braids and wish she knew how special and loved that hair was. My Mom was a special woman, always thinking of others even till the end of her life. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!

Thank you kindly neighbor!

Mosaic Kitty
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

While driving down the street a few months ago I noticed this wooden cat dish holder sitting next to someone's trash cans. I drove past a few times that day and finally decided that I really needed to rescue it. I'm so glad that I did and I wanted to send out a big thank-you to the unknown neighbor that had a second thought about discarding this into their trash. So next time you have some old junk that you think has no use whatsover, please set it on the curb on trash day...there may just be a mosaic artist lurking in your neighborhood who would love to have your junk for their next project!

On a scale of 1-20...

Riverbed
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

What would you rate this?
You can tell me on plaincraft.com anonymously, just click on the little row of boxes beneath each picture...I have 3 items that you can rate.
Riverbed, Bali Bowl, and Our Love is Not Black or White are on plaincraft for 2 weeks and the top rated items make the gallery page each day. I really like this site because it gives me some feedback on what people like or dislike. As an artist that is helpful when you're creating new things. Click here!

Deal Alert! You can get free shipping on my small heart mosaics until Feb. 2 and pop over to smashgirl cards to pick up your Valentine's Day card to go with it!

The eyes have it

WIP More eyes...
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Remember the 129 eyes Jennifer from RockCandyMosaics sent me? I'm slowly working my way through them...I think I'm down to 120. Here's my latest wip, using a roadside find, a vintage plate and TWO eyes! Stay tuned for the finished results!

A lab and a bottle of hot sauce

Custom order card
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

When Corri from Puppy Dogs N Polka Dots sent me a convo the other day, asking if I could make a custom card for her I told Lucy to get her beauty rest! The next day after buying my hot sauce ...remember I live in California and we drink hot sauce so we were out...I opened up the cookie jar and the photo shoot began!
Lucy is a natural for the camera, she did a fabulous job...take a look!

For Lucy

For Lucy
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

I made these homemade dog cookies for Lucy, she loves them! They're made with pumpkin and whole wheat flour...so much healthier than store-bought. After the loss of Buster I've become a
bit paranoid about tainted pet food, and often wonder if Buster may
have been a victim. The extra effort is worth it, knowing that these treats are safe for Lucy. One problem...my kids want to know why
I don't make any cookies for them???

I've been featured on Rare Bird Finds!

My "I love you more than pancakes" card featuring my late dog Buster was picked by Amanda of Rare Bird Finds and featured on her blog! Thanks Amanda, this picture of Buster pining for the pancake is one of my favorite photos. I like to think that Buster is in doggie heaven eating as many pancakes as he can !
Be sure to check out Rare Bird Finds blog, it's filled with so many cool things to buy, and her Etsy shop, Little Pies for homemade organic dog treats!

The Girls get Pampered

My friend Jenny and I decided that our white dogs were looking a little dingy so we made plans to take them on a "spa" day to the local doggie shop. Pet Treasures in San Clemente has a U-Wash area for your dogs. Giant tubs that would fit any size dog, nice warm water, shampoo, conditioner, brushes, towels, blowdryer, ear cleaner, doggie colonge and treats...plus they do all the clean up!

A couple of dirty dogs in need of a bath, first...a stop at Starbucks!

Did you say "bath"???

Clean again!

Best friends!

Hearts!

I'm usually a last minute person but this year I've decided to be a bit more organized so I'm making fun new things for Valentine's Day! I'm so proud of myself!

Here's my latest heart titled, "Our Love is Not Black and White".

Here's just one of the many heart cards I've added to my new shop, smashgirl cards. I love finding interesting and pretty colors in old magazines.

Now, I must try to be organized in all aspects of my life!