And now, back to artsy things!

I haven't done much art-making this summer. I've either been too hot, too tired or in some cases, too sick to do much of anything. I was laid-up for the last three days with a neck so stiff I was naseous. And the heat! Well, don't get me started. Let me just say that after the freak blizzards in Maryland this past winter, you would think it wouldn't have to be 95 degrees for weeks on end. But, so it goes.

A link to this delightful altered tin with the dolly head was first spied on my friend Sandy's blog. And I should add, the digitally-talented Sandy is the one who created my new blog banner and my new Blythe blog banner. So I followed Sandy to her 'real-life' art friend Maija and her blog and then to her Etsy shop.

I can only claim Maija as a virtual friend although we've traded some things before, Blythe charms and fat book pages, to name a couple. She has a gorgeous blog, a ton of talented friends, and great stuff in her Etsy shop, so check her out!

Sandy, Maija and others just got together for an art weekend with another virtual friend of mine, Viv, who is so talented also, and has a darling blog. I've been on the lucky receiving end of her work, also!

So, my dollhead collection is now "plus-one" in a very nice way!

Yay Me! (again) and Thanks to Shonna of Twisted Figures

The above goodies are winging their way to me, courtesy of Shonna Bucaroff of Twisted Figures. I entered a drawing on her blog for her '100th Follower' celebration, and somehow her cutie son drew my name out of a jar.

You might recognize another piece of Shonna's art, "Busy Bee," which I bought from her Etsy shop and blogged about here. Shonna also turned me on to Suzi Blu's Web site and art classes. Love this style! Thanks, Shonna.

A Happy Blog Anniversary To Me! And Thanks to Some Great Swappers, Bloggers and Readers!

It seems like whenever I am a little behind in posting, my latest post invariably becomes a hodge podge as is this one. I don't know how anyone could miss their own one-year Blog Anniversary, but I did! August 2nd was the date, and 288 posts later, here I am. So, leave a comment on this post, and I'll draw some names out of a hat (let's say 3) for some very special art and goody gifts. Deadline is 6 pm EST Sunday, August 17, 2008.

Before I explain the photos above, I just have to say blogging, more than anything else art-related, has really turned my world around in the past year. Or, I guess since my world was already spinning on its axis, blogging was like the little kid saying, "faster, faster!"

So many exciting things have happened since starting this blog: I have met some truly wonderful, wonderful human beings, both on-line and in person. I've exchanged a lot of art, and emails and Moo cards and more. I've joined some terrific on-line communities. I've actually taken over responsibilities for a couple of them. I've started writing for three other Web sites. I've been encouraged to submit art and writing for publication. My photography might have gotten a wee bit better. I've met famous and published art peeps! I've learned a lot more computer lingo. I filled a void in my life. I even started a second blog http://bly-me.blogspot.com/ for Blythe collecting in December 2007 and have 74 posts there. I'm just so thankful for this supportive, creative, communicative community. Thank you all.

Even more thanks go out to Mary Ann of mainer_at_heart on Flickr.com and http://firstborn.wordpress.com/. Not only did I receive the fabulous Marie Antoinette doll above from her in a 1:1 swap, but we have become art/blog/phone and more friends, and I have contributed to her upcoming zine. I also have the privilege of knowing her talented sister http://labouroflovex3.blogspot.com/, too. Together, they feed my interest in all things Marie as well as in fat books. In fact, I forgot to photograph the "itty bitty" fat book I received Saturday from Mary Ann's group, so more to come on that. And sister Jo is hosting a Marie itty bitty-so tres fab!

The pin cushion in a tea cup is from Jillian Haupt http://www.jillianhaupt.com/ in a 1:1 swap in Vivian's pinkeep swap. See more pinkeeps at http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/. I sent Jillian a pink velvet baby shoe in exchange. You can see its 'partner' in my etsy shop at http://www.hpsgsmith.etsy.com/ or in the shop preview at right.

The dolly box in red, white and blue bandana style is one I recently made after another 1:1 swap with Mica of http://garboodles.blogspot.com/ and etsy and ZNE. I went nuts over one of her 'frozen Charlotte' doll figures and dolly boxes. She agreed to a swap, so I sent her one I posted earlier. The good news is I still have one coming from her-can't wait! Not sure where this little gal is headed, maybe etsy, maybe a gift, who knows? maybe a blog anniversary prize! She has such a sweet face and is only about one inch big. I'm not the happiest with the paper clay body I made and painted, but I guess she's so cute otherwise, it will do.

Finally, on a completely unrelated note, hence the 'hodge podge,' this book: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, came free inside my copy of Marie Claire, British edition. (I also highly recommend the Marie Claire Ideas, French edition). Anyway, while trying to pass some time and practice the very foreign-to-me concept of "patience," I decided to try this book. It was a bit of a slow start, because I couldn't figure out where we were headed. But the pace suddenly started careening around corners without braking. It is a genius book in my opinion. The language and age barriers of the subjects are hysterical, and the underlying subject matters-while poignant, are treated equally hysterically. But, it just seems so right. I highly recommend this book, even if you can't get it for free. Hmmm, maybe a blog prize....

Thanks for a wonderful first year!

Happy Spring Fellow Weirdos!

I was tagged by the lovely Michelle of Hold Dear http://michellegeller.typepad.com/ to tell seven weird/unusual/funny things about myself. So, in the interest of my reader(s?) I am going to steal/use Michelle's because hers ARE funny:

1. I used to be able to put my legs behind my head. Not anymore. True dat on both counts.
2. My very first job was as a newspaper correspondent. I got paid 30 cents an inch. I had to be wordy to eat.
3. I HATE snakes. Michelle seems to like them.

4. I dislike rats. I won't say hate. Michelle seems to like those, too.

5. When I was in high school, my dream car was my beat-up but once beautiful 1964 Skylark black and white convertible with black leather bucket seats.
6. After I kissed a boy for the first time, I called him a weirdo. He never kissed me again (I was in third grade).
7. I once drove a plow/disker/farm implement-type thingy...for about 10 seconds! :-)

8. This is the laziest post I have ever done! Now I get to tag some more blog friends, so I say: Sandy http://sandy-sandyscreations.blogspot.com/, Angela http://geminiangelsart.blogspot.com, Melanie http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/, Kris http://krishubick.blogspot.com/ and Yvonne http://moline.typepad.com/!

Happy Spring! I am on the countdown to Art & Soul-I leave in five days! I am giddy! I have been saving packing for last because it will be so fun- I get to pack art supplies! a Blythe! funky clothes and jewelry! Yippee! Hampton or bust! New blog fodder ahead!

Art & Blogging Award: Pass it On

Recently I received this beautiful award from two very talented ladies, Laurie-Blau Marshall http://loudlife-laurieblaumarshall.blogspot.com/ and Heidi Eberle http://mermaidsdowry.blogspot.com/, both ZNE sistas and members of Artists and Poets. The award "Arte y Pico" was created to be given to bloggers who inspire with their writings and artwork. It is a special honor, and it is to be passed on to at least five others. There's more info at http://www.arteypico.blogspot.com/. I'm not just saying this, but both Laurie and Heidi are two I would have thought of immediately, so I procrastined a little in posting this and making my selections.

But both Lisa Kettell http://faerieenchantment.blogspot.com/ and Debrina Pratt http://whimsicalworldoffairies.blogspot.com/, fellow ZNE and Faerie Zine members I mentioned two posts below are both quite deserving. Lisa has boundless energy and keeps us all active and on track in The Faerine Group on Flickr, and Debrina has a certain style that cannot (and should not) be replicated. It is like viewing beautiful confections. Debrina gets a bonus point for being new to the world of blogging and jumping in with both feet!

I would also like to send a shout out to Vivian Neroni of http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/. I love visiting her blog to see what she has made. Her tiny bears are just the tip of her sewing talents, and I am very envious of anyone with sewing skills. Her photo arrangements and sneak peeks of her vignettes are very enjoyable.

Gabreial Wyatt, another one with apparently boundless energy, runs a website I write for http://www.vintageindie.typepad.com/ as well as her own two etsy stores and a gathering place for vintage etsy folks (no, that is not old people). I single her out here because I love visiting her site and all its variety: travel articles, guest writers (besides me), DIY stuff, features on vintage lines and most of all: well-written stuff. Hooray for good grammar and spelling!

And finally, where would I be without Angela and Michelle? Still trying to figure out what "blog" means, probably. Michelle http://www.michellegeller.typepad.com/ took me under her wing early on; I'm not even sure how or why. But, we've gotten to be great blogging buds, and are scheming to meet at an art retreat. I mention her blog also because of excellent writing (turns out she writes for work, as well) and because of all the eye candy photos - from her studio, her travels, her fun friends and husband (gotta love a DH who leaves blog comments) and of course, her artwork.

Angela http://geminiangelsart.blogspot.com/ is a true Gemini with one foot firmly in the art world and the other in the Blythe world. We started out blogging over art- she's a famous designer for Dream Street Papers http://www.dreamstreetpapers.com/- and now we correspond constantly over our growing Blythe collections. 'Auntie Angela' is another talented sewer (I must have totally missed junior high home ec) and is making some clothes for my girls as a trade. We are meeting soon- ironicly enough- once for art at the ZNE Castle in the Meadow event and once for Blythe, at the TIB and Blythe Network Midwest Meet-Up at her house.

I know I have forgotten many, but many of those also received awards from Laurie or Heidi on more in our "art circle," which truly is a circle around the world.

Let My Fingers do the Talking

I had a great time writing my first book review for the vintage indie blog. It's a great site-chock full of news and information for independent artists, shop owners and the like-all of whom have a love of vintage in common. Check it out at http://vintageindie.typepad.com/. Scroll down for my "Off the Shelf" review and down further for my little bio (afterall, I may be vintage,too). I reviewed VintageStyle -inspired jewelry designs, the latest publication from Kalmbach Publishing and Bead & Button magazine.

Indie Editor Gabreial Wyatt is super-busy so she runs a lively and current blog. I found her from the Cottage Style Street Team for Etsy, on Etsy, Flickr and Ning. Hey, we're all a busy bunch. Check out Gabreial's two etsy shops for some cool finds.

What I Did On My Winter Vacation

So far, I feel like I have been piddling my time away, being lazy, but I guess that's what vacation is for, right? Today I got up at the sinful hour of 10:30 a.m., and at 4:30 p.m. I looked at the clock and asked myself what in the world I had been doing for the last six hours. I couldn't really think of anything! Eek. I did package up some swaps and mail stuff. I spent a lot of time reading friends' blogs. I took some pictures and uploaded them to Flickr.

I am glad to say my pictures have a static address now, which is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lillysoflondonish/.

Makes it a lot easier to direct friends to photos like the one here of Cabbage Patch Jacob Alexander Dye. Now hold your comments! He wanted to pose like this! He got Matchbox sets. Cousins Chloe and Logan got the Cabbage Patch(es): Sophie Madison and Billy Somebody. Kids always like the boxes best.

It has been about a month since I got this glorious swap box from Michelle of Hold Dear http://michellegeller.typepad.com/ in Oregon. We've been hatching a plan, or actually she has, about a Mermaid Swap. I've been waiting until she announces her plans to post these pics, but I just couldn't wait any longer. Tonight I sorted through her goodies again, and I just feel so fortunate to have such wonderful blog friends. I can't wait to meet some of them in person next year. I also sorted and filed goodies from fellow Memory Works 'worker' Lynn Darda of Winamac, IN who sent me a huge box of Western US memorabilia and the wonderful DeBRiNa Pratt of spark*your*imagination on ebay and flickr. I have more goodies to show in future posts.

We are still enjoying all the remnants of Christmas treats here, although I spent that day in bed under the weather, and missed the Cabbage Patch opening altogether. Right now I am writing this in my new Lands End flannel pjs and contemplating a Lands End peppermint cookie...or a Godiva's...or perhaps some South Bend Chocolates...maybe some Chex Mix....or, I know! A deviled egg. Egads. Holidays + vacation = strange eating habits + strange sleeping hours. Love it!

Oh yeah, I forgot. Maybe I am lazy today because I stayed up until 2 a.m. this morning crocheting: nine hats to be exact. Lester models the one with Elmer Fudd earflaps here. They're actually for the Blythes on that 'other' blog http://bly-me.blogspot.com/.

Give Me My Art Time, and No One Gets Hurt

I've had no time for art the last few days; I haven't even made it to the studio, so I'm starting to feel a little out of sorts! The best I could do was another early morning with a few minutes to play with the camera. Still learning how to shoot into the sun.

Been doing "real work" projects and haven't even had time to blog or look at art magazines or even watch television. I would be getting cranky, but tomorrow starts the weekend - yay! For some crazy reason I agreed to babysit an unrelated toddler Saturday night, but I figure I am guaranteed free time when he goes to sleep because I won't be at my own house.

Some wonderful swap packages have arrived this week, and I need to take time to photograph everything. At least I got my thank-you's out; Martha and Emily would be proud. TGIF (in 41 minutes!).

Where Am I? And Why? And Who Cares?

Well, I'll tell you! And then I'll explain the title of this post. My little perplexed mermaid ATC was chosen for an artist of the week gathering at The Faerie Zine both here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/thefaeriezine/ and here: http://thefaeriezine.blogspot.com/. Thanks to owner and imaginator and birthday girl Lisa Kettel for choosing me (again).

So as I thought about posting this and the fact that I have blogged about similar awards before made me think: "boy, you sure are obnoxious, girl!" Girl = me. Obnoxious = writing about my art and awards and me, me, me.

I've really been thinking about this since I read blog friend Altered Kat's post on her blog http://www.alteredkat.blogspot.com/wherein someone criticized her for blogging about her art and what she sells. I just couldn't believe it. Still can't.

Here is what she wrote: "I was recently criticized for my blog being one big commercial...and for my readers, if you are looking for a more in depth Kat, you won't find it here. I do not blog to keep a personal diary of my life on line...I treat my 2 worlds as such...there is "on line Kat" and there is the mom, the wife, the daughter, the sister...etc.I do not post facial pictures of my family on line, I do not mention the town in which I live. I have mentioned that I am a stay at home mom trying to relieve some of the financial pressure off of my husband...which is probably why my blog seems so commercialized." She concluded by saying, in essence, with all the crap in the world, why can't we all just play nice? Amen, sister.

I have been blessed with supportive and encouraging comments from my blog readers, and I cannot tell you or say 'thank-you' enough for how much that has propelled me forward in my art. All of this has also reminded me to visit my blog friends more often and remember to leave (nice) comments as well.

So, why did I start blogging? Because I could. (well, to see if I really could). I had missed the place writing had in my life. I was also way behind in my computer skills- having once worked at a daily newspaper, writing and editing, pasting up the old-fashioned way, taking photos with a camera as big as my head (a Hasselblad, actually). So, I wanted to join the 21st century with a bang. I also wanted to keep a record for myself of all the art I am making. And, I wanted to be uber-cool and progressive by making my "private" art diary (weblog) part of the online community (translation: being brave).

I have been 100% rewarded. Maybe 1000%. If I could say anything to Kat's detractor or anyone's, it would be this: you do whatever you want with your blog and so will I, and so will Kat and Lisa, and Kari and Heather and Alicia and Kris and Chrysti and Claudine and Gail and Michelle and Chel and Izabella and Lisa and Cris and Laurie and Suzan and Sadie and all my wonderful blog friends I haven't mentioned and hope to meet down the road.

Whew! Don't know where that came from. I guess I am a little tired of defending my altered art and Zetti love and Blythe fixation and cupcake craving and etsy habits and more as "not weird." So there people. Artists WILL take over the world someday.....and you'll thank us!

Now, where was I? Oh yes, in the spirit of the above I am already linking on for Karla's blog party here: http://karlascottage.typepad.com. What a great idea! On Dec. 12 we will all hop from blog to blog enjoying each other's holiday decorations. Gives me something to focus on, instead of just slapping my tree together. Mark your calendars. In the meantime, just go blog about something. It could change your life.

Oh, Delight! She exclaimed!

oh, delight!
Originally uploaded by Sea Dream Studio

The kind fellow ZNEr Dale at Sea Dream Studio http://dalemclain@blogspot.com/ in sunny Texas posted this photo of the goodies I sent her for being one of three randomly drawn winners in my 100th Blog Post gala. She arranged them so nicely in her photo on Flickr that I had to borrow it to make this blog post. No peeking, Karyn and Laurie! Can't wait to see what Dale makes with all this. She's been doing the coolest Bird and Bingo collage art. I've also enjoyed the ephemera packs I've purchased from her on Etsy.

To Blog Or Not To Blog? That is Not the Only Question.

The other question is: Am I weird? Are my fellow bloggers weird? Oh course I say, "yes!" (I mean to blogging!).

I posted this same question to my fellow bloggers on ZNE (where we can blog in private all we want- and post glorious art). I am enjoying- and feeling good about- the responses.

That made me wonder who else out there feels their family and friends just don't get it. I find only my fellow art friends visit my blog and comment, which is just fine with me! However, even my "normal?" friends who visit my blog regularly still tell me they don't get why I do it or who I am talking to. (actually my journalism training makes me want to write: to whom I am talking, but that sounds so fussy). I also find I use parentheses a lot on my blog posts (because I feel like I have to explain everything). What do you do? What kind of feedback do you get? Do your kids tell you you are having a midlife crisis when you add music to your blog and create an avatar? Does your mom ever visit your blog? Does your DH not tell anyone "my DW has a blog."?Is my problem just a Midwestern thing? We ARE slow to evolve (there's still quite a number of ceramic ducks with raincoats here). What's the deal? Who AM I talking to? And why? :)

And the Winners Are: Karyn, Dale, Laurie!

It wasn't exactly Deloitte & Touche or Price Waterhouse, but as you can see my 100th Post Blog Drawing was ever so official. DH wasn't thrilled to be participating, can you tell? However, all 17 commenters from AROUND THE WORLD (whee!) went into the Longaberger pie plate at lunch, and out came Karyn Gartel http://altereddiva.blogspot.com/; Laurie Blau Marshall http://loudlife-laurieblaumarshall.blogspot.com/ and Dale McLain http://dalemclain.blogspot.com/.

Email me your addy and off will go tiny bottles (not bubbles), vintage bingo ephemera, cool paper scraps, fibers and other lovely misc. Misc is always good.

Thanks again everyone for your comments. Only 96 more comments until #200! I don't think 200 is celebrated. Someone I was reading last night, who has only been blogging since February, was celebrating her 50,000 visitor-not sure how that is possible?!

Hello Fellow Bloggers & Bloggettes & Readers

I've updated my blog and website links on the right to include more of my favorites and fellow bloggers. I have been thrilled that some of these folks have seen fit to include my blog on their site and link to here. If I have missed anyone or you have a blog you would like me to list here, just let me know and we'll trade links!

Meanwhile, enjoy the new blog toy/psych test. I've also cleaned up my other links and blog candy, to keep it fresh for you, dear reader.

Stay tuned soon to see what posting a comment for my 100th post will get you. Photo of goodies/prize(s) coming soon....and herein is a photo for fun, just because, from ClaresCupcakes.

If You Can't Bake 'Em, Join 'Em

After all the eye candy at Cupcakes Take the Cake http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/ and at Flickr here http://www.flickr.com/groups/cupcakestakethecake/, I am having a faux sugar rush! So, here's my own little faux contribution, appropriately titled, I think.

The Cupcake As Art? Maybe Not.

The cupcake bug has really bitten me. I love looking at the beautiful works of art on Flickr as I have mentioned before. In fact I've requested permission to post another incredible work of art; meanwhile, here is my somewhat lame attempt to decorate Halloween cupcakes.

It was fun; they are colorful. But, they look nothing like the creations from my cupcake group! I guess practice could help in any arena!

I was amazed to see this is my 78th post! Getting close to that all-important 100th post milestone which means prizes! drawings! free goodies! just for commenting. A time-honored blog tradition. Stay tuned.

New Halloween Trading Cards

I can't believe how many hours I just spent to make 10 Artist Trading Cards! It was over an hour per card. Then it took me another hour to photograph, upload, list on ebay, list in my groups, and now here I am! While listing them on ebay I realized my listing fees were more than my asking price! Talk about a smart business move! But in truth, I make them for fun, and I am amazed every time someone buys one. All the cutting, pasting, gluing and decorating are all just like playing to me. (The subject of our CaaT blog this week). They are listed under hpsgsmith on ebay, or click my link at right. Sorry, I can't bear to part with the "Little Witch." I raided my own vintage photos for that one, and by that I really mean MY own. So, I know it's a vintage photo of over 40 years old-ouch!

Where Did All the Time Go?

This little stack of envelopes on my desk looked so pretty I just had to take a picture!

Between blogging, scanning, uploading, ebay buying and selling, reading posts, reading other blogs, responding in ebay art groups, ZNE and Artchix (my newest adventure-love their stuff!), I keep wondering where all my creative play time went. Hmmm, imagine that! But, I think most art folk know this drill.

Suddenly and stealthily, all the technical stuff overtakes the creative stuff, and the Muse starts screaming for oxygen or demanding a vacation (gotta love that Muse!). Suffice to say, I have been busy and am making myself crazy with all the things I want to make, but sometimes am just too t.....i...r....e...d...zzzzzzz.

Oops, what was I saying? In any event, I have quickly realized I just cannot blog every day. Besides, I'll bore everyone to death.

On a final note before I go play, I have to say I have been thrilled with some of the blog comments! I have also heard from some well-known and published artists and bloggers, such as JuJu http://www.jujulovespolkadots.typepad.com/ and Lisa Kaus, whose blog and business are both listed at right in my favorites. Visit them both; you won't be disappointed.

Stay tuned for a contest/drawing among comment-makers for some fun art bits surprise gifts!

Some ZNE Lovin'

Imagine my excitement to come home from work to discover my blog had been chosen among more than 100 internationally to be featured on ZNE Blogz http://www.zneblogz.com/ front page for Technorati Tuesday. The moderator or webmistress person searches every Tuesday for member blogs mentioning ZNE, and as I had just posted about my ZNE Book Club assignment, mine came up first in the search and voila! It's a great way to link to other artists and get blog visits. I also added to the bottom of my front page the ZNE Blog Ring, which links all the member blogs together. You can now visit them from my site! Just scroll to the very bottom of any page. You can search or you can choose "random" to see which blog(s) you get. Every one is a treasure, and I am thrilled to be a part of this group. Click on the ZNE logo on the right panel of my page for more information on this group. The name comes from VariaZioNE, meaning "variation" in Italian. Ciao!

I Saw A Spirit - collage

Here is a little collage I did for my ZNE Book Club assignment this week. We are to create a mixed media collage one step at a time, by drawing random tasks from a bowl and performing them in order. Mine were: write, use Twinkling H2Os, sandpaper, sand again, stamp with bleach, distress in some way, use water color crayons, paint, distress, apply a photo, scratch, apply a transparency, apply magazine bits, apply background paper bits, apply text, overstamp, seal.

I made this copy, and also a sepia one, before sealing as I think I will coat it with beeswax or maybe spooky beeswax drips, I haven't decided.

Next up is a numbers theme ATC for my ATC/ACEO Enthusiasts group on ebay, and the collage will also serve for the August month-end collage challenge for CaaT. I am continually amazed by all the talented people on ebay! It would be so great to do nothing but create, post, sell, buy, read beautiful blogs, rinse and repeat all day long!

Tonight I picked up some more art supplies. I am going to try my hand at acrylics, so I got some paint, brushes and thick little fat canvases (5x5). I also got a bunch of paint swatches (Lowe's) and will be collecting wallpaper swatches for my next endeavor.

Finally, I am awaiting some domino-size tiles in the mail from my BkNq (book-nique) group, out of which I am supposed to make a tiny book. Not sure what my subject will be! I have gotten lots of suggestions at home for verrrry short books, such as "Guide to Safe Hunting," by Dick Cheney and so on...you get the idea...and I don't want a political blog!

Happy Blog Party Day!

...Celebrating the wonderful publication of Artful Blogging by Somerset/Stampington. Visit this link among many: http://www.artsymama.blogspot.com and check out all the artsy stuff around you and everywhere....