Snooty Giggles at Silo Studios

Bottle Tree Envy

2010-02-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to present to my friends, my family, my fellow bloggers, and Studio Thursday clients. . . . .drum roll PLEASE. .....MY BOTTLE TREE!!!!!!! My dear friend, Ellen, gave me my bottle tree for my birthday back in December. My dear husband, Patrick, put it in the frozen ground at Christmas. And there it sat for too many weeks before I finally was inspired by the sunshine to dig out all of my favorite colored bottles from college. . .and adorn my tree. I think I have every color represented.. .so, there should be no evil spirits entering my kitchen door!!!

A Little Bit of Art and A Whole Lot of Puppies!!!

2010-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Lots of love going on around here!! Love in the studio and love in the house. . .a lot of dogs being saved and little bit of art being made. . .it's all good, though!!!! I've got a new project starting that I'm uber excited about!!!! It's called BeeBeez. . . .and it stands for button bracelets. I love, love, love, buttons...they are just so much fun to look at and collect, but it turns out that they are even more fun to make!!!! So, I started thinking. . .wouldn't it be cool to make a fun accessory for kids and teens (and me) where they can show off their collection of buttons in a way other than cramming them on their backpacks? And wouldn't it be cool if they could express what they love, feel passion for, and just find plain silly? And wouldn't it be even cooler if they could swap and trade them just for funsies? So. . .I came up with BeeBeez...making buttons that celebrate anything and everything and fabric cuff bracelets made of scraps to wear them on! The picture is my first prototype. . .a product of an idea at 2 in the morning that I just had to do. . .but I am making great progress with the final product. And a big shout out to Ellen who has discovered the button maker inside of her.....I couldn't be doing this without her....and she has already raised so much money for the rescue with the buttons she has made and sold!!

With my passion for animals one of my favorite things to work on in the studio is animal art. . .being in a bit of slump I thought today I would just turn my head to everything else and take 20 minutes for a quick pup painting. . ..

Ellen has also been venturing with me to rescue the dogs of late!!! We've brought back so many precious babies, many of them already in their forever homes and a few still waiting!!!!

Gabriella is a sweetheart of a little girl who was a big matted mess that was itching terribly and quite uncomfortable for her first few days with us. . .but now she is a comfy sweet little shit-zu mix that is waiting for the perfect forever family for her to live out her golden years with.

Ariel (now Lieve) was a deaf dalmatian puppy that found herself scared and alone at the shelter. Not anymore. . .after hanging with us for a few days and making big buddies with Finn, Lieve has gone to live with her new dad who thinks she is the greatest thing since the Beatles. . .cause it's Valentines and all you need is Love!!!!Wally, or better known at one point and time as the cowardly lion, was once a mess of a cocker spaniel, now....after having several pounds of matted fur shaved off of him, he looks more like a naked mole rat...but I won't show you that picture!!Gilbert, Gilbert, Gilbert (now Frisco). . .what a guy....this little cocker has enough energy to power a locomotive. . .good thing his forever family is up for the challenge!!

Precious Petunia (now Uno) slept the whole way back on Ellen's shoulder. . .poor thing was spayed just before transport, so we thought it was just because she was so groggy. . .turns out, according to her new family, she is just one laid back sweet lovin' Boston Terrier!

We've made a new addition to our family as well. . .I'd like to introduce Nana....actually I like to call her Peanut Butter and Ba"nana". . ..Nana is a 2 year old Newfoundland that we were fostering for another rescue group and well, Newfies have been Patrick's dream dog for as long I have known him, so after she spent two weeks with us and we discovered that she was absolutely as amazing as the breed is known to be. . .we adopted her!!!!

Nana was an owner surrender and when she was saved by Big Fluffy Dog Rescue....she was quite a physical mess, covered in mud and matted to the skin. When I first met her at the vet she looked like this....

Now, after a good bath and grooming. . .she is a beautiful girl that doesn't seemed to be phased at all over the fact that she doesn't have a gorgeous Newfie coat....

Boston Terrier Gets a Name and Studio Thursday Clients Win Big!!!!!!

2010-02-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

This precious girl is stuck in a high kill shelter and waiting for us to rescue her. . .she didn't even have a name. . .just a number...so, I sent out an email announcing a contest for the first creative name to be emailed back....the winner would receive a $25 gift card to the studio. Well, I should have known that my customers would rally not just for the gift card, but for the sake of the Boston Terrier as well!!!! Everyone responded so quickly and with so many great ideas that I couldn't just declare one winner. . ..so I am announcing THREE winners!!!

FIRST TO RESPOND: Cara Finger

MOST CREATIVE: Claudia Pullen with "Valentina" because it's February and she is looking for LOVE!!!!

MY FAVORITE: Ingrid Derrickson with "Petunia". . .I just love it...sounds sweet and southern!

Snow Days in Middle Tennessee

2010-01-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

It doesn't happen often, but every now again we get a delicious treat in Middle Tennessee and everyone just stops what they are doing and absorbs it for the day or two that it sticks around. When you say snow around here we get excited and run to the grocery store to buy enough food to feed our families for 2 weeks. . .and yet, we eat it all in 2 days. . .something about snow just makes us hungry!!!!! We got six inches of snow and 2 inches of ice! The dogs, as heavy as they are, just walked right on top of it. . .couldn't even break through. . .I was a nervous wreck that someone was going to tear an ACL. . .but all is well.

Somehow I couldn't stop laughing at the dogs and never got pics of the house, it looks so amazing in the snow. ..but I did see these beautiful berries...awww.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

2010-01-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the New Year with a couple of new rescues!!!!!! I hope so much that this new year brings peace to so many who have found themselves in desperate situations, losing their jobs, their homes, and having to leave their pets behind as they trudge forward to start from scratch. So many animals are being left behind, putting shelters and rescues way over maximum capacity. . ..here are two guys that we got on New Year's Eve. . .Here is to KNOWING that their 2010 will be a new beginning!

Meet Scamp. . .a young (2-3) year old, terrier/pek/maybe a little something else, mix. OH MY OH MY. ...what personality this little guy has!!!!! He camped out with my mom last night and she reports that he has wonderful house manners, completely potty trained, LOVES toys (shakes them to death), plays well with other dogs, gets along with cats and kittens, and is TOTALLY accustomed to sleeping in the bed with his people. For all of Scamp's energy...he is a complete and total love bug, too!!!!

And bless this guy's heart. . ..Riley. ..an 8 year old English Cocker Spaniel, was left behind when his family moved. The realtor contacted me to see if there was anything we could do. He was already at the shelter where they could not even put him up for adoption because he did not meet their "criteria" during this serious crunch time. Due to his age and a really bad ear infection (totally treatable). . .he was deemed "unadoptable". The volunteers at the shelter were so thankful that a rescue came in to save Riley because he is the sweetest boy you will ever meet. I was panicked at how I was going to get him and what I would do with him temporarily, so I sent out a request on FB to see if anyone would be willing to bring him into their home for a long weekend. . .and well, this is how blessed I am...Raquel, an old friend that I haven't seen in years, immediately responded and said she would be happy to get him and keep him for the weekend. Little did she know that when she would pick him up he would be covered in poo from the shelter. . .but, she made a call to a friend (remember, this is all happening late on New Years Eve) who was a groomer who happily agreed to clean him up for her. . .see. . .it truly does take just a a couple of "little things" to make one big thing happen. So, on Monday, Riley will head to the vet to have his ears taken care of then come back this way and await his new forever family. Riley is housebroken, will be fully vetted, has great energy and great love to give.

All I Want For Christmas

2009-12-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

Meet the Sawyer family who were so generous to open their hearts and home to both Reese and Rachel!

All I want for Christmas I got yesterday. . . .officially every Snooty Giggles Rescue Dog is in it's forever home for the holidays!!!!!!!!! Well, with the exception of Giles, who is feeling much better and has found the glory of a fireplace here at our home, so for now. . .he is where he should be.

So. . .since my doggie wishes came true with a little help from Santa. . .here are the next things on my list:

1. Warm Socks. . .seriously, I think I was the only child that truly enjoyed opening up a box of new socks on Christmas morning and I still love it!!!

2. A New Garbage Can for the Studio....for the life of me I cannot find the dang thing. . .where in the world would a large paint covered garbage can have disappeared to?

3. Lens Covers for my camera. . ..someone should make these disposable because apparently I think they are anyway and then I wouldn't feel so guilty.

4. A Case of Lysol with Bleach Spray Cleaner (the green bottle). . .enough said.

Hmmmm.....looking at that....I'm not a very exciting person, huh? But. . ..easy to please if my husband ever bothered to read my BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December Days

2009-12-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

Marching homeless dogs in the Liepers Fork Christmas Parade. . .this was all kinds of down home fun!!!!!!

My oh my. . . .December has brought with it all the craziness of the holidays and just a little bit more!!!! Nash, my oldest turned 17!!! Oh man. . .and with him on his new adventure to finish high school a year early so that he can start college in the fall "at sea". . .it has really made me sad. . .thinking that next year he won't be home for Thanksgiving...he won't be home for his 18th birthday....uggghhhh. Why is it that when something is so exciting for our children, we can't help but feel a selfish tug at our heart? Sometimes I feel like I already miss him.

Then. . .the day after Nash's birthday. . .I turned 39!!!!! The last year of my thirties. . . .I can't decide exactly how to embrace this year....with fear or free will. I keep thinking, how will I dress a year from now, when I'm 40 and probably too old for leggings and cowboy boots?....what will I do with my hair....will I be way past a pony tail? I then I wonder....what does it say about me that these are things I fear with my 40's? I think I have severe Peter Pan syndrome!!!!!

At the shelter pulling dogs ready for the journey "home".

AND THEN. . . .to make it all go away. . ..we rescued dogs. . ..that will take your mind off of anything!!!! A trip to Bowling Green in the cold rain to bring back some pooches that couldn't wait to get to a forever home. . .ahhhhhhhh... .now I am at peace again. Because these dogs. ..honestly, they could care less about what I'm wearing or how my hair looks. . .they are just so blatantly happy to have been saved I could be in a clown costume and they would never utter a negative word!!!!

Sheila was a bit afraid of being in the crate for the ride back.

The trips home are always interesting. . .this time Michele made it with me, always nice to have a buddy along. You never know who is going to be okay in a crate. . .who is going to cry....who is going to get car sick. ..or who thinks they should be driving down I-65 instead of you!!!! Luckily, no one got sick and most were content to just hang in their crates and sleep through the journey...except Oscar. Oscar is an amazing Pomeranian who Michele described as "entitled". I'm not sure how this guy ended up homeless because he had obviously been spoiled and well taken care of. . .his manners were impeccable, his heart huge. . .his car etiquette had been serioulsy entertained before as he was quite certain that A. We had made a huge mistake in crating him because B. His steering skills were quite superior to my own!!!!

Giles before his trip to the "spa".

Everyone has been placed in a forever home with the exception of Giles. . .Giles was a senior silky terrier mix who had bad teeth, bad cataracts and was completely deaf. He had been infested with fleas, needed a good grooming, and was very thin. However, he is the epitome of sweetness, wanting nothing more than to be with his human...but, Giles has been very sick since he got home with an upper respiratory infection. I feel like he has started to turn a slow corner, but hopefully will be well soon and we can search for his forever family. Should the perfect family not be found then Giles will spend his golden years with us and that will be just fine. It is hard with the seniors. Most people don't want the hassle of possible medical issues nor do they want to think about the short time they may have with a new pet in his/her elder years. ..but I think senior dogs are the best dogs of all. They are so happy and content to just have a warm spot to sleep, someone who cares enough to make sure they can chew their meals. . .and a soft touch to let them know you are there.

They adapt so easily to their "disabilities". Though Giles cannot hear a thing, he manages just fine. . .his sight is nowhere near perfect, but he never bumps into a single thing and still enjoys watching the other dogs out the window while perched on the arm of the couch. . .I think that what saddens me the most about Giles is that he is truly missing something. ..and I know what that something is. Giles is missing his "little boy". Somewhere along the way Giles was the companion to a young boy. . .I know this because the only time he has truly perked up since he has been sick is when Gabriel comes to visit. Gabriel is the 10 year old son of our dear friends Montie and Sallee. . .and somehow this deaf and blind dog knows when Gab has entered our home and will come immediately to him. For those moments. . .Giles is a puppy again, playing with Gab in a way that we just can't get him to do with us. ..not even my sons (who are both teenagers). It is so odd for a senior dog, especially in his condition to react this way to a child. ..no fears, no intimidation. ..just sheer faith in the scent of a little boy.

So. . . .there we have it!!!! It's mid December and the craziness is just beginning to wage a war against my heart and my head!!!! But, I have so many new ideas for the new year. . .in art, in business, in dog rescue. . . I can't wait to get started and that is what is going to get me through the insanity of the holidays!!!!

Peace and Puppies Y'all!!!!

2009-11-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Look Who's Coming for Thanksgiving Dinner!!! I'd like for everyone to meet Snurt!!! Snurt was sitting in a shelter for several months with no hopes for adoption, but we changed that and decided to bring her "home for the holidays"! Who knows what all is in Snurt's DNA. ..I definitely see a little Pekignese, but my oh my. ..what else? Some Doxie, some Bassett. . ..I don't know, but it's all kinds of good and silly that's for sure. She is about 3 years old and is just settling in here, so I don't know much about her personality yet, but I think she is destined to be a Diva!!!!! Hopefully over the weekend we will get to know her better so that we can find her a forever home in time for Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. I will be enjoying the Feast, as my son's have always called it, with my parents, brother, nieces and nephews (along with my crew). . .and all the family dogs and cats. We are fortunate to live close together so travel is limited to a 10 minute car ride. ..we feast, we clean, then we head back home. . .easy breezy!!!

Much love and blessings to you all!

Big Black Dog

2009-11-18T17:03:00.001-08:00

Those of you who know me well know that I always present the happy side of rescue. . .not the sad stories, but the happy endings. But today, my heart is broken and I just have to tell it like it is.

Meet Moose. Moose was really just " a big black dog", but my rescue friend Valerie gave him a name, even though she hadn't even met him. . .she gave him a name because he deserved it.

Moose was an old man. . .around 10, who found himself in a local shelter. He was old and missing lots of hair from fleas. Unlike many shelter dogs, Moose didn't seem sad. I'm guessing that's because the shelter was probably the best place Moose had ever been.

A kind and caring volunteer called me to see if I could help Moose. The shelter was too crowded to even put Moose up for adoption because they had "younger, cuter, more adoptable dogs already waiting for space in the adoption runs". . .Moose didn't have a chance in hell. Moose was big and old, a mutt of mutts, and his hair was in bad shape. . . .why would anyone want that when they could adopt a young, cute little fluff ball . . .why even try right?

Well, Valerie and I tried. Money wasn't the issue, the issue was where could he go during the interim. Valerie has her fosters, I have mine. . .neither one of us have a "quarantine" option where Moose could be outside/inside. But, we tried. . .we tried to find someplace temporary to buy him some time until we could figure it out. But we failed. And tonight, an old dog that still had a lot of love to give, still had a smile and a wag for anyone he met, a dog that thought the shelter might just be the best place he had ever been because maybe it truly was. . . .that dog died on a stainless steel table all alone, with no one who gave a damn holding him tight. . .no one to whisper in his ear that they were sorry and that it would be okay. No one.

And it's killing me.

Moose is not the only old dog that died today all alone on a cold steel table. Thousands of dogs with similar stories, all across our country have joined him on the other side of the rainbow bridge on this very day. Old dogs that no one wants. Old dogs whose joints are a little stiff, eyes are a little blurry, and well, they may only hear what they want to.. . .but they are amazing nonetheless. They are truly the bottom of the barrel in the world of rescue and I cannot stand the thought of an old dog that still has not given up hope dying with no one.

Take the time to say a little "something" out loud or in your heart for all the dogs that died today because they were simply "unadoptable". . .may they find the peace they so deserve.

IT'S OVER!!!!!

2009-11-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's over and it was successful and we (meaning my family) survived it all!!!!!!!! Oh man, thanks to everyone for making the Holiday Open House for Silo Studios such a success. I can't imagine that it could have been any better!!! Okay, I probably could have made about 100 more Christmas Lazy Susans.. . .or 60 more pieces of tin yard art (constructed from the tin from the barn that was once where my house is!). . .but, all in all....it was a huge success!

Fun Ornaments for your tree or anytime of year for anyplace you want!!!!

It was so much fun to take this old mirror and make a functional piece of furniture with it!!!!! It reminded me of something from Alice and Wonderland, so we titled it the Cheshire Chest. . .I keep thinking when I look in it I'm going to see a grinning cat looking back at me!!!

I'm going to have to build myself one these guys. . .fun and convenient!!!!

These All Lit Up Coffee Tables really did light things up!!!!! A great glow for a nightime showing!!!!

OMG!!!!!

2009-10-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Working on some new ideas for holiday ornaments. . .wouldn't work around here if it wasn't a dog or a mermaid!!!!

I can't believe it!!!! My new website is finally up. . .much more grown up, just like me (not)!!!!!!!! I'm so excited because now I will be able to manage it myself and keep my customers updated. . .AND IT WILL FORCE ME TO MAINTAIN MY BLOG!!!!!!!! And. . .soon, you will be able to do a little shopping right there in your home!!!! Same address (www.silostudiosart.com) Different look!!!!!

Busy, busy, busy it has been and now it is time to get ready for the Holiday Open House!!! I couldn't get in the mood, but now the temps have plumetted and apparently the sun is never, ever, ever, coming out AGAIN!!!! So, it feels a bit like Christmastime around here!!!

There is a new addition to the family, and no it isn't a dog (though, I'm sure that will change soon as it looks like Maisie might have a forever home!). . .it's my grand niece (I'm not really that old, but my siblings are much older!). Her name is Kimber Capri and she is quite honestly the most beautiful little girl I have ever had the pleasure of holding in my arms. Sweet cheeks, all ruby red and covered in peach fuzz. . .oh. . .she is simply delicious!!

Why My Customers Should Not Leave Furniture Here To Be Picked Up At A Later Date

2009-08-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

I was so proud of this groovy 1952 two piece modular sofa that I found at the the flea market. . . .

Both pieces looked like this one before Billabong discovered it in the driveway. . . .thank goodness it was going to be re-upholstered anyway. . .

Unlike this piece which had already been re-upholstered and as ironic as it seems. . .I was at the fabric store when Billabong decided to have his way with it. . . .

Originally it was in great shape like it's stronger companion.

Sometimes words just can't explain things. . .

Blah, Blah, Blah Y'all

2009-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yeah. . .I know. . .let's not even go there. . .let's just pretend I haven't ignored my blog for oh, I don't know. . .over a month.. . .AGAIN.

BREAKING NEWS AT THE SILO HOUSE:

* I guess a couple of shows have come and gone. . .they have been amazing and this last one absolutely CLEANED ME OUT!!!! I'm so excited to start from scratch and create all new goodies for the next one, especially since it's the Halloween show and I love Halloween!!!!

It was so crazy for last week's show that I forgot to take pictures. . .this is one that I took after this new piece was finished. . .we converted an old science lab cabinet into "Professor Doodles Cabinet"!!!

* The summer is definitely almost over because my garden is slowing down and we find ourselves eating more Fried Green Tomatoes than red ones. And yes, I did just spell that with capital letters. . .I'm that Southern.

*Since my last blog we have been honored by the presence of two wonderful homeless dogs. Miss Ruby was an elderly (think 18-20 years old) chihuahua that I ran across at a shelter in our region. She was terminally ill with congestive heart failure and riddled with arthritis, but she showed no signs of pain and had a stronger will to live than any creature I have ever met. I knew when I brought her home that she wouldn't have long. . .and it was 10 days exactly that I was blessed to have her in my arms and my life. . .she will forever be in my heart. This experience was the most moving that I have had in rescue. For 10 days she rallied. . .she rode with the top down over and over, she went to the flea market two days in a row, she played like she thought she was a puppy, and she absolutely stole the heart of every person that she met. When Miss Ruby died we went once more around with the top down. . .listening to a little John Mellencamp before burying her along side Sidalee and Buster T Calhoun.

You can't really tell here, but this is Miss Ruby riding in the car with the top down. . .she had a little giraffe print bed to keep her comfy cozy!

This past weekend I brought home another senior dog. . .but, this one, hopefully, with many good years to come. Bacco was an 11 year old English Lab who had been abandoned by the family that had owned him since puppyhood. . .such a sad story, but it ended with the graciousness of Tad and Ingrid who took him to their amazing farm where he will live his golden years as every Lab should!!!!

Yay Bacco!!!!!

*Oh. . .we went to the beach. . .such a nice get away. Great house, great water, great company with all three of my guys. . .much needed and appreciated by all.

The boys were able to get some small scale sailing in while we were at the beach. . .I can't believe they are so grown up.

*And then I find myself here today. . .the flea market is back this weekend, the boys have started school. . .everyone is in high school now which officially makes me old as hell (did anyone notice that I put the flea market in front of my boys?? That's just wrong). . . .it seems that everything moves in a constant circle doesn't it?

This isn't at this month's flea market. . .I'm cheating a bit.. .but this was a flea market a month or so back and I couldn't believe the luck I had finding this giant A.. . .it could only have been better if it were an "S".

Words to Live By. . . ..

2009-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

This will be a brief blog. . ..but wanted to share some words of wisdom. I am a lover of words.. ..can't get enough of them, love quotes, love cliches. . . .love sarcasm, love humor. . .but what I love most is when someone dear to me says something that makes me think, makes me giggle, gives me chills. . .I love words that cause me to react. . .so I thought I would share some words of wisdom that have caught my attention lately. . .some of them are certainly not "original", but for some reason finally have meaning to me. Here we go:

"Remember to swim only with your left arm. The sharks won't get you if you aren't using your right arm." my father's last statement to my boys before they left for their sailing trip.. . .this being much more useful than when he told me when I was little to always remember that racoon poop is red. Don't ask, you really don't want to go there.

"Sometimes you just can't get there from here." yes, I've certainly heard this one before, but it had little meaning until my sister used it this week when discussing our national state of economic distress. . .and now that I think about it, these words can apply to so many situations.. .and sometimes be humorous when I use them talking to my dogs!!!!

"Have you ever thought if you had chicken for lunch and then chicken for dinner if the chickens knew each other?" my husband use to say this all the time when we were dating. . .I think it was a nervous filler when he couldn't think of anything else to say. . .but occasionally when we are having long distance conversations while he is at work. ..these little words of wisdom come out and give me the giggles because I know it's just his way of trying to stay on the phone a little bit longer, even though we've already discussed everything possible.

I would love to add pictures to this post so that you might see the loves of my life and put a face to their words, but for some reason, I'm unable to add pictures to my blogs today. . .anyone else having this trouble or know maybe how I can fix it?

Who Would Have Thought?

2009-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today as I prepared to start painting and distressing the furniture for this month's show. . . .something wierd came over me. . .a need for a change. . .just this once, something a little different. Now I really like to pride myself on how the show is always new, new furniture, new ideas, new little goodies here and there. . .but one thing remains the same. . .COLOR. . .I am always full of bright bright colors. PINKS, GREENS, YELLOWS, AND BLUES. . . that scream of tropical getaways. But, not this morning. . .for some reason this morning I needed to step back and revisit the colors of French country cottages that I have loved my whole life. . .I needed to go vintage. So, I hit the paint store. Now normally I like to use OOps Paint and gather paint from the Habitat For Humanity store. . .but sometimes, you just gotta do what is driving you. . .and I needed vintage colors.. . .so I dug around in my box of paint chips and narrowed it down to 22. . . .uggghhh. . .can't spend that kind of money on paint. . .so I made a deal with myself. . .I agreed that I would try 11 new (but old) colors for this show. . .and if they go over well. ..I will treat myself to the other 11 afterwards!!! I like making deals with me. . .so much better than making deals with my husband!

Here is a sneak peak at the colors that will premiere during the July Show. . . wish them luck!!!!

Play Day

2009-06-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Fun Bag Tags. . .this one made especially for me. . .surely one day soon I will get to make a trip to the beach!!!

So. . . .I took the advice that I give to all of my art buddies and had a play day!!! Wanted to mess around with some little stuff that I could use all of these paper scraps for that are gathering like ants in my mailbox (seriously, that happened a few weeks ago. . .wasn't pretty. . .many members of that army died during battle. . .which occured in the middle of the road when they eagerly attacked me while I innocently tried to retrieve my mail).

Notepads made out of left over papers and chipboard. . .add a dash of scrap fibers and how freakin' cute is that!!!!!!!

So. . . these are some of the goodies that I threw together for the "idea basket", which is sometimes also known as the trash can.

Bookmarks. . .there are still people out there that read "real" books aren't there?

Lots and lots of fun bag tags. . .for you, the kids, the dogs. . .whoever needs a cute claim to their goods. . .I think these are perfect.

Also, I can easily personalize the backs with contact information for special orders.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring more playtime. . .I had a great day. . .and my scrap pile just got smaller. . .always a good thing.

Only one week and two days until my boys come home. . .can't wait to lay my eyes on them, I know they are having a blast, but it sure is quiet around here!!!

I Spoke Too Soon

2009-06-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

That is the absolute last time that I will jinx myself by proclaiming that my computer was fixed. . .so, enough said, I don't want to talk about Idgie (that is now my computer's name, I'm trying to make her my friend so that she will be kinder to me) anymore. . .for fear she might rear her moody attitude!!!!!!

Again, a lot has happened. . . .the dogs have been through some serious training and are doing much better. . .the boys are on a diving trip for several weeks and I'm dealing with my first empty nest issues. . .and of course the creating continues!!!!!

I hit the flea market today. . . .so much junk . . .it was hard to make decisions and not just go rent a big truck to haul the whole lot off with!!!!! However, for fear of Patrick's reaction I tamed myself and spun in a circle and just pointed!!!!! Can't wait to see what comes next in the process. . ..

I'm uber excited about the potential of some of my flea market finds today!!!! I'll post after pictures, well, after I guess!!!

The June show was wonderful. After the article that ran in the Tennessean we had an amazing turnout despite the tornado warnings!!!!! Lots of new friends were made and everyone seemed to leave with some goodies and a smile!!!

I'm really enjoying mixing up my bright and fun colors with some rustic and naturally aged pieces.
Happy shoppers abound. ..even if they were soaking wet!

Got to get to work. . .but I promise. . .as long as Idgie will let me. . .I'll be back to my regular blogs!!!!

My Apologies. . .Please

2009-05-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it has been well. . . .2 months basically since I've been able to blog. And actually. . .it's been basically un-avoidable. . .my computer crashed. . .then barely got it running before the show. . .then realized after the show that most of my stuff was missing from my newly refurbished computer. . .then came the next show. . .and now, finally, I think I have everything running well enough that I can actually BLOG!!!!!!! So let's get to it!! Because SO MUCH has happened that I hardly know where to start!!!

FIRST AND FOREMOST. . . . .drumroll please. . . . .I GOT A CONVERTIBLE MINI COOPER!!!!!!!!!!! It's hot chocolate and absolutely the most perfect little piece of machinery in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pictures later. . .it needs a bath!

Lots of gorgeous blooms that made it through the heavy rains. ..the catmint is always one of my favorites.

So, it's been an interesting spring around here. . .naturally speaking. We've had a ton of rain (seriously, it seems to never stop. . .I'm fairly certain that moss is going to start growing on the slate floors in my house). . . the flowers haven't been great, we lost a lot to the slugs and wind-burn this winter. . .but I'm still so proud of them and Patrick for taking such amazing care of them.

Lots of babies being born around here. . .rabbits, deer, robins. . .and kestrels (falcons)!!! Yes, falcons nested in a hole that a woodpecker had made in the top of the silo and had 5 babies. It was so cool. The skies were too grey against the wood of the silo to get good pictures.. .but we've had so much fun watching them. Always cool to see mamas and daddies in nature work so hard to feed and care for their young. . .sometimes I think they are smarter than most human parents.

Turtle. . .turtle. . . .turtle

Then just this week a snapping turtle of some size was working it's way through the pasture only to run into 5 hysterically barking dogs. I knew the dogs wouldn't hurt it, but I couldn't bare the thought of them making it crazy and slowing down his journey from point a to point b, so I had the boys (carefully) pick him up and move him to the creek via a box. . . .now I'm worried that maybe that isn't where he wanted to go and what if we just confused him or made his travels even longer?

A lot of new product has come and gone from the studio. The May 2nd Anniversary show was stellar. . .lots of new customers and plenty of old favorites. I was really proud of so many of the new pieces that truly were one of kind and unlike anything we have ever done. The new t-shirts were a hit as well and I will keep them stocked for the summer shows.

Hard to get the whole idea in a picture, but I loved the way this daybed and arbor fell together for a great screened in porch get away. . .almost wishing now that I hadn't sold it!

When I broke my foot I spent one whole day weaving clearance fibers through this discarded bird cage. . .made bird tags with stamps, old book pages, and a little glitter. . .but had to rely on Hannah to tie those suckers in there when my patience was shot, but I needed to finish the piece. One of my best and first customers. ..Little Miss Suzie took this piece home with her. . .I know birds will be forever happy!

Charter, my youngest, has left middle school behind and will be a high-schooler next year. I can't believe it. . .I never thought I would sound so old when I said "it's all gone by so fast". . .but it has and I feel like I just want to stop this summer from progressing at all.. .just keep my boys, "my boys", for one more year.

Charter and Joe (best buddies since they were in 3rd grade)

It won't be long before Finn is old enough for us to safely bring in new fosters. I've missed that part of rescue for the last few months. I love to do transports and pulls and home visits. . .but I love really making a difference by bringing a dog in and nurturing it until it is ready to go to it's forever home, most of all. I say all of this knowing that it will be longer than the 16 week mark. . . FINN IS POSSIBLY THE WORST PUPPY IN THE WORLD. . .I am going to have to get him through this stage before introducing a strange dog to him. . .I don't want it to rub off on anyone else!!!
In the last 48 hours I've lost 1 book, 2 pieces of furniture, random plants and flowers,1 painting. . .and possibly my ACL to this precious guy!!!! He looks sweet and innocent here. . .curled up in a Silo Studios dog bed. . .with his big piece of driftwood that he so cleverly robbed from me that I couldn't take it away from him. . . .

My. . .that was a lot of information, huh? Two months is too long.

A Few of My Favs from Last Week's Show

2009-04-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

So Happy I was that last week's show was such a wonderful success! Thanks to all of you guys for coming out and allowing me to bring a little bit of silliness into your home. It was a lovely frenzy of color in the first hour and you guys picked this place over like a piece of fried catfish!!!!! Too much fun, but man Ellen, Kasey, and I were absolutely exhausted by the time it was finished. Sorry guys. . .I couldn't have done it without you, though!

Wanted to make it a regular thing to post some of my favorite pieces from the shows on the blog the week after. . .so here they are:

I love this dog bed with it's wonderful red!!! We make the dog beds out of various things. For the small storybook beds we use chairs that have seen their final days as seating and take the backs and the legs to make the headboards and footposts. This one is what I consider a throne and these are generally made from dresser mirror frames that no longer have a dresser to call home! I just love the great salmon-ie red color and the recycled pillow sham screams summer fun!

This petite side table is one of my all time favorite "make it work" finds. It wasn't in desperate shape. . .it just needed a little love, and when that is the case I like to salvage it instead of taking it apart. . .give it a little more life, if you will. What was so wonderful about it (aside from the amazing lines and the strong heavy wood) was that when we sanded it down and got the grimy icky scummy top layer off of it . . .it was an amazing blue that you couldn't make happen if you tried. ..perfectly imperfect!

The "girl in a frame". . .was a new little hint of art that I worked on for the show. I got to piddle with a new style of painting and I had such fun.

This isn't necessarily a new piece, just a new idea for an old favorite. I adore old ladders and the endless possibilities that they possess. You can use them in the bathroom for towels. . .in a reading room for magazines. . .by the pool or at the lake house for beach towels. They work great braced over two anchoring pieces to create an arbor for hanging plants and candle chandeliers. ..I could go on FOREVER. But, this month my mother found these crazy little buckets (at a dollar store no less) with hooks that were so dang precious. At first I couldn't really decide what to do with them, but the ladder was perfect because the buckets hang beautifully and work great for holding flip flops and sunscreen or even some herbs.

Just a little peek of what I loved. . .hope everyone who snagged something, whether it was a Mother's Day Card or an Armoire. . .took it home, talked to it for a second and made it part of something special!!!

Have a good one!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!

2009-04-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted in almost two weeks.

I can't believe that the April show has already come and gone and now it's time to get ready for the May Show our 2nd Anniversary of Silo Studios' Studio Thursdays.

I can't believe that in one month my dog family has grown from 3 to 5.

I can't believe that two days ago it was sunny warm and beautiful and today it is cold and dreary .

I can't believe that my son is "working" today.

I can't believe that there is no Diamond Glaze to be found in a 60 mile radius.

I can't believe that I actually just put on leg warmers with my spring ensemble because I was too damn cold and stubborn to change clothes.

I can't believe that in a month my baby will be 14.

I can't believe that tonight I will be putting together Easter baskets without silly string and play dough. . .they have been replaced with i-pod gift cards and fishing lures.

I can't believe that I'm watching the very first episode of Sex and the City and enjoying it like I did the very first time even though I know how it all ends.

I can't believe that I finally got the nail out of my tire and that I know it will only happen again soon. . .nature of the beast when you build furniture in your garage.

I can't believe that I finally watched Marley and Me and didn't cry as much as I did when I read the book.

I can't believe that there are only 2 more pieces of furniture that need to be picked up by their "forever homes" this weekend.

I can't believe that I actually just drew a blank on what to write next. . .must be time to stop.

Say Hello to Finn. . .our latest canine addition to the family. ..how precious is that!!!! Should have named him Elvis, though. . .he truly thinks he is The King.

Billabong. ..who was mentioned in an earlier post as "Nobody's Dog". . . .is most definitely now "Someone's Special's Dog". . .he is ours. We found a home for him with the help of another rescue friend who places large breed dogs in the New England area. . .but we couldn't do it. We couldn't bare the thought of him travelling for two days in a crate knowing how bad he hates being in one. So, apparently we also couldn't bare the thought of him leaving at all and so now he is ours. He is a sweetheart of a guy. A true rescue who doesn't want to "mess up a good thing". . .he is humble and grateful for any kind gesture.

Doesn't Take Much To Make Me Happy

2009-03-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

So, somedays are better than others, but today was one of those days when the tiniest things just made me giggle!!!! Seriously. ...

the first little great thing that happened today...COSTCO, with my husband. We never get to do anything together and I'm always doing those tedious errands by myself. It was bliss and I want to do it again next weekend.

great little thing #2. . . .on Friday my mom had a cat cry at her office door, she opened the door, said cat came in, crawled under her desk, and proceeded to successfully deliver 5 kittens. And though it is sad that she is a homeless kitty with 5 kittens and no daddy to speak of. . .oh, the preciousness of a mama cat loving her babies and trying to do what is right?? That my friends, is a priceless quite giggle and I got to go over today and see that mama and her babies snuggling and cuddling like they knew they'd hit the lottery. Spread the word my friends, in about 6 weeks all these guys are going to need forever homes.

#3 of the little things. . . Pledge has come out with new Multi-Surface Cleaner. Now, I loved the original, but this one rocks to the next degree. It is in an aerosol can (yeah, I'm all about the environment, but it isn't hairspray people). . .it smells good, it cleans great on all my surfaces, it's not watery. . .no streaking. . .it's the bomb man.

and last of the little things that made me happy today (drum roll please). . . .SPRING SCARVES!!!!!! Whoever came up with this is my hero of the day. I love scarves and to think that now I can wear them FOREVER. . .oh, it almost leaves me speechless. I have found many many wonderful spring scarves at Target and TJ Maxx. . .lovely colors and fabrics and great prices, so I don't care if I get paint on them in the studio. I wore my first one today. . .couldn't stand it. Granted I had to wear a sweater and my very fake Costco Uggs. . .but I wore the scarf!

Rainbows and Tornados

2009-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Funny how what is going on outside my studio effects what is going on inside. If it's rainy and icky outside you can bet I can't get a thing done. . .if it's sunny I just can't stop. Today was such a crazy mix in Middle TN. At one point we had a rainbow on one side of the pasture and what looked like the perfect sky for a funnel cloud to pop out of on the other. And then, my husband noticed behind us that it was raining on the other side of the silo and high in the sky it looked liked glitter falling down. Oh.. ..it didn't even seem real. Totally reminded me of the Twilight book series. For those of you who haven't read them, instead of the sun setting the vampires on fire.. . .it makes their skin sparkle like glitter. Much more romantic than bursting into flames.

This sky was so spooky. You could watch

the clouds just spinning in cirlces over

your head.

And so. . .my work in the studio followed suit. Usually I focus on one "thing" a day. . .but today, I was all over the place, spinning like the clouds. Painting, cutting, pasting, sanding, sealing, stamping. . .and every now and then, there was glitter involved!!!!!!!

I think today I had the most fun just making these little guys for my herb garden. . . .scrap metal that was a crumpled mess and headed for recycling got it's own second chance in life here as markers for my herbs.

A little scrap wire, beads that didn't seem to belong anywhere, crumpled thin sheet metal. . .and a pencil. . .BAMMM. . .big fun for me!!!

New Day

2009-03-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today the sun actually came out after a night of amazing rain. It sounded so crazy on the tin roof that I kept thinking the dogs were running up and down the steps. ..but it was the rain. Every drop must have been a different size to make all of those amazing sounds.

And the grass is crazy green.. .or the weeds, but I don't care because it's GREEN!!!! Seriously, did you hear me say green? Funny how when the grass is so freshly green, the sky seems much more blue. . .and the barn behind me just intensely red. . . .color, color, color. . . I LOVE IT.

And it makes me want to play. So today I gathered scrap and made these silly little scrap shacks and slapped some happy color on them. . . .LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM, LOVE THEM. It would be so "suessy" to have a whole wall full full of them. Funny how the simple little things can sometimes be the most precious to me.

There Will Be No Pictures Today

2009-03-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Today I broke the heart of one of my best friends. I did it in a jealous bitchy moment with an accidental click of an email. So, today it's not about the art and it's not about the animals. . .it's about "sistahs".

The crazy thing about friends is that we all have our quirks and itches and for me those are things that I love and embrace. I like knowing people so well that I know those little things. ..and they make me laugh and sometimes they make me crazy, but they always keep me "real". There is no such thing as perfection in this world, certainly not in people. . .and that is an amazing thing to me. I consider myself blessed to have a handful of truly unconditional friends. . .and right now my hand feels lighter.

So tonight. ..go to bed with your hands full. . .don't let little stuff get in the way.. . .don't be petty and jealous. . .think before you speak (and type). . .be okay with apologizing. . .accept apologies when you know they are genuine. . .and pray that tomorrow she still loves you for who you are.

I Know I Know I Know

2009-03-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is so close.. . .What a wonderful weekend to work in the yard and sneak away for picture breaks! Tulips blooming in the front are just too tempting for words. . . .must take pictures!

I know that I said I was going to be more consistent with my blog. And really. . .I am. I am managing to get it in there once a week and I think that is pretty good for someone like me!!!!! Seriously, I'm proud. . .you should be too!!!!!

I know that I said in my last blog that I was going to awaken every morning with the attitude of Nobody's Dog. And though Nobody's Dog (aka Billabong) has totally settled in here.. .I managed to use his thought process for about 3 hours before I realized that I am only HUMAN!!!!! I have to bitch and whine and moan. . .and feel sorry for myself. After all, "everyone else got to go somewhere for spring break"!!!!!

I know that it was just a handfull of days ago that I was stressing over the "week before a show" crisis. . .and here I am blogging instead of creating. . .only two work weeks before the April show!!!!!! So many ideas and once again, never enough time to play with them all. I often wonder if when life slows down and I do just have time to play everyday. . .will I still have good ideas?

So. . .I know, I know, I know. . .but I also know that I like who I am and if that means that my intentions are good and I forget not to whine or I procrastinate and I only get to blog once a week .. . then everyone better enjoy it!!!!

Nobody's Dog

2009-03-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

It is a rainy rainy morning. . .and yesterday, when it was so cold and rainy a sweet little puppy found his way into my arms. Well, maybe you can't call him little, but he is sweet. He appears to be about 3 months old(hasn't lost his baby teeth, yet) and he already weighs 21 lbs!!! With his true double dew claws he obviously has some Great Pyrenees in him. . .but, his short coat and black markings have us completely bewildered.

After a spit bath and a good towel dry. ..some water, food, and a warm place to sleep.. .he woke up this morning a normal puppy. ..like nothing bad had ever happened in his life. Which made me realize that my fav dog man, Cesar Milan, is right when he says that dogs live in the moment. Last night he was cold, hungry and a little bit leery of the world. . .today, he is playing with Hoot and Tallulah like he's known them his whole life. . .he rests in a comfy bed as if it is the ground he is accustomed to. . .and he lays in my arms and soaks up all the love I can give him like he expects nothing less.

So, I've thought about it and just for a week. ..I'm going to think like Nobody's Dog. I'm going to wake up every morning and embrace it as a new day. No matter what might have happened the day before, or even minutes before I fell alseep. ..I'm starting every day from scratch. I want to see how hard it is to put a day behind you and really focus on the now. . .I don't want to be Nobody's Dog, but I think I can learn a lot from him.

And. . .know that he is no longer Nobody's Dog. . .for now he is Billabong and we will make him feel like he is Someone Really Special's Dog. . .because soon, when we find him a forever home, he will be.

The Show Must Go On

2009-03-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.. .nothing like living in Middle Tennessee where it can be sunny and 80 degrees on one day and freezing rain and sleet the next. . .but, the show must go on and so it did. Studio Thursday clients proved their dedication, turned their noses up to the weather, slipped on their rubber boots and came anyway!!!! Thanks so much to those of you who fall into that category you really made me feel like a million bucks yesterday when I thought for sure that the day would be a total loss!

I'd like to take today's blog and recognize a special group of customers. Well, all of my customers are special and I look forward to seeing everyone of you each month. . .and you know, I miss you when you aren't here and worry what has happened and will often send an email just to make sure that everything is okay. . .but, today I'd like to place tiaras on the heads of 4 women who are the epitome of dedicated Studio Thursday shoppers. Rain, sleet or snow, they are here. . .and if one of them isn't, I know something is wrong (or they are still at the lake house). This group of women are who I want to be when I grow up. .. .they are full of smiles and giggles, compliments and evil one liners (my favs), they have embraced their empty nests and when they walk in the door they can turn a cold icy day into the warmest sunniest spot in the world!!!! First there is Betsy, probably my oldest and most dedicated "client", as well as my biggest fan (outside of my family. . .but she was the first member of my studio family). . .she is funny and loving and precious in every way. . .and I discovered yesterday. . .she's a hell of a dancer and I'm going to have to hit a dance floor with her sometime! Next there is Jonelle. . .honestly, the complete sweetie of the bunch (sorry guys, but you know she is). She has a precious grandbaby that they are all so proud of and she often accompanies them to the show, another doll baby just like her grandmama! Then there is Kim. . .a beautiful blonde who knows what she wants and when she wants it. She is strong and proud, quick witted and loving all in one. And last but not least. . .Mary Ruth, the group clown. Never a dull moment and I always have to keep my eyes and ears open because I just don't know what she is going to do or say next. . .which I love and appreciate. Each one of them is special and completely individual. . .but as a group they are WHOLE and I hope that I am as blessed when my boys grow up and move away to have such an amazing group of friends to share all my best moments. CHEERS TO MY MERMAIDS, Y'ALL!!!

Bon Temps enjoyed his one and only Studio Thursday. He will be leaving this weekend for his forever home. But the dog center we had built was his favorite resting spot for sure!!! I hated for him to get the bed dirty, but at least it showed people that dogs really do love the product!!!! I think it's because it kind of creates a protective "den". . . .

So, my favorite piece from this month's show was a great little sunburnt sideboard. I was shocked because I thought for sure it would be the first thing to go. . .but no, it wasn't until one of my really dedicated customers, Meredith, came in later in the day that it found it's forever home. ..and then of course, once it's marked sold. . .Everyone wants it!!!! Thanks Meredith. . .I love knowing that my furniture is going to a great home.

See for me, my furniture and my art.. .well, they are kind of like my fosters. Every piece has a little bit of my blood, sweat, and tears. . .a lot of love and passion. . .and a good time was sure to be had creating it. . .so, I want them to be just as loved and appreciated when they leave here. The same for my rescues. . .all I want is for someone to love them as much as I do because I know how wonderfully unique each one is.

HERE IS TO A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND FILLED WITH LAUGHS AND SUNSHINE!!!!!!

Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty

2009-03-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

Finished Furniture For the March Show A Salvaged Plant Stand and a Child's Bench made from an Old Iron Bed and Old Table Leaves. . .both in my favorite shades of pink and green!

With only one true work week to go until the March Studio Thursday. . .it's getting down to the nitty gritty!!!!! Sometimes I get frustrated because I have a million and one ideas that I never get to before a show and I always feel like I'm not "finished". Whether it's a great furniture idea or just a cool new saying. . .there is always something that doesn't get done. I just have to say No Problem. . .there is always next month. However, this time. . .I forgot about Easter products falling under the March show. . .so. . .I feel like the Easter Bunny trying to get the eggs decorated before the big day!!!!!! I love it this way though. . .I love the chaos and the crunch! So, if you ever hear me complain. . .understand that those are words of love!

The Lazy Susans Don't Look Like Much in Their Early Stages. . .but they will be full of color and charisma before the show.

Sometimes I Just Need to Paint Lots and Lots of Bright Colors. . . .these are clothespins on their way to being something cooler than just a clothespin!!!

I NEED SPRING. . .WHAT ABOUT YOU? I'm absolutely craving color. This weekend's snow was so beautiful. . .but snow is white and I need YELLOW, PINK, AND GREEN!!!!! So I found myself just throwing color on anything that would stand still!!!!!! My mom has always said that if sits too long in my house it will eventually get painted!!! In fact, she used to say that she didn't want to waste money on a fancy casket, so would we please just put her in a pine box. . .well, now she is so worried that I'll paint it that she has declared that she would like her body to go to science. I swear she means it!!

Meet Bon Temps. . .he pretty much spends his time in this position. . .or the trash can!!!!

Our latest foster, Bon Temps, will be leaving soon for Maryville, TN. He is a wonderful Basset that was in pretty bad shape when he came to us. But he is now eating good food, gaining weight, and starting to find his voice again (in that crazy hound way!) I think he has been one of our favorites. ..lazy and laid back. . .a real lover. He will be missed.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-02-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have so many things that I love in this world. . .and I'm not talking about my family, friends and pets. . ..I mean THINGS. ... .actual inanimate objects that just simply make me happy. What is so amazing about those things? They are so cheap!!!!! I mean who doesn't love to have a doughy little Hawaiin girl dancing on their desk?

I don't love eye candy that costs lots of money. . .it's the little bits of here and there that make me smile. There are no rules to what draws me in. . .it could be color. . .it could be size. . .quirky or simple. . .meaningful or meaningless.. .it just doesn't matter as long as it gives me a giggle or a sigh. And when I stop giggling, I just pass it along to someone else. These things are scattered all through my home and they inspire me everyday.

A Handful of Today's Favorite Things

(Which Could Change at Any Minute Because I'm Just That Way)

FAVORITE JUNK:
Architectural Salvage is the basis of my furniture. ..taking the old and turning it into something new. But, sometimes, they make a better statement if you don't touch them at all. . .but just place them where they can be enjoyed, as is.

FAVORITE PIECE OF ART:
This is one of my most favorite pieces in the whole house. ..you can only see a piece of the pie here. . .the dearest member of my tribe, Cynthia Torroll, made this beautiful mermaid as a house warming gift. ..constructed out of of old CD's. . . mmmmm, I just love her as she swims on her side.

FAVORITE PIECE OF FURNITURE:
Gotta be the polka dotted Duncan Fife. . . .I love finding a cool piece with great bones,whether it's on the side of the road, at a yard sale, visiting the flea market or a favorite antique shop. . .and then some Sir's Fabric to boot. . . .YIKES. . .that's the combination for perfection!!! Who can't giggle on this couch?

MORE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU!!!!!

Saturday at the Silo

2009-02-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

I love Saturdays. . .I love Mondays the most because I have the whole week ahead of me to create cool things, but I love Saturdays because there is such a creative buzz here in the studio. It's the only work day of the week when I have company other than the dogs!!! Montie comes on Saturdays to build furniture. . .Patrick is home willing to lend a hand as well as the boys. . .sometimes I just feel like more gets done on a Saturday than Monday thru Friday!!!!!

a ton of kids chairs just painted and waiting to be distressed. . ..drawers lined up like building blocks in need of some cool hardware. . .

furniture packed in like sardines eager for a little love!!!

People always ask me what we do with everything in- between shows. Well, most of the time we sell a big percentage of everything so we just move aside stuff and pack it away. . .tuck it out of view. . .and we've even been known to just use it in the house until the next show. However. . .it doesn't really matter because once a show is over we just have to start building and painting more. . . so, the big room in the house that we use for Studio Thursdays actually ends up looking more like a workshop!!!!

Have you ever really had the time of your life?

2009-02-19T10:37:00.001-08:00

I love milk glass. . .thought since I also love letters and symbols I'd add some to these pieces and see how it came out. . . .what a great way to spell out what's on your mind!!!!

More clipboards for my shoppers!!!

New big art for the next show, full of great spring color!!!!! Some new ideas, some old favorites.

So. . .heard this line on a movie the other night and couldn't help but think. . .Have I ever really had the time of my life? I mean. . .I can think of so many great times that I have been blessed with. . .but is there just one that is the ultimate. . .I mean THE TIME? Everyday seems like such a great time for me. . .I'm in the studio. . .doing what I love, surrounded by all my animals. . .in a wonderful home. . .talking on the phone to great friends. . .fixing dinner for my boys. . .maybe I'm blessed that everyday is THE TIME OF MY LIFE? Is that possible? Just something to think about.

I've been lazy in the studio today. The peer pressure from my friends to get on facebook finally got to me and I had to do it. . .then I just got so busy with it that before I knew it. . ..mid-day had come upon me and I was hungry!!!!!!

However, I've done some playing. . .I'll try to post my pictures appropriately, but assuming that doesn't happen. . .whoever might read this will figure it all out!!!!

And oh. . ..Dudley has a home!!!!! He will be going to a wonderful horse farm in Chattanooga to be a companion to an older man and his family. Tomorrow we will say goodbye and he will be on his way to his forever home. . ..Yay for Dudley!!!!!!

There is Such a Thing as Too Much Spare Time

2009-02-15T14:18:00.000-08:00

Okay. . .so I can't exactly figure out how to put these pictures where I want them. . .but, here are the pics that I refer to in the last paragraph of my first day blogging!!! I'll get the hang of it soon. . .or I'll call a friend for help! I

This is the picture of Dudley that I also can't get with the paragraph I intended. ..so read on!!!!

Oh My Gosh!!!! All three of my guys have been gone since Friday morning and I think I'm about to go nuts. . .and it isn't just that I miss them. . .I just don't know what to do with all of this free time. What will I ever do when they go off to college. . .I'll definitely have to rescue more dogs. . .puppies I think.

I thought I would get so much done in the studio. . .but not really. I've piddled with some ideas, but not the mass outpour of product that I thought would happen. I'm such a crunch time girl. And I've discovered that I'm the slob. ..not my 16 year old. There is no one here but me and yet the place is trashed. . .go figure. . .

Our new foster, Dudley, is trying to find his place here. But, I think he knows that it's only temporary. . .he doesn't seem to want to "unpack" all his stuff. He's a good guy though, with his big goofy ears, just hope he gets a forever home soon so he can start his life.

So. . .a couple of weeks ago, my new friend Sherry came over to play in my studio and we goofed off making some belt-buckles. I had so much fun and this weekend when I couldn't decide what to do, I thought I'd play with a few more. ..here's a gander at a few of my favorites.

I think maybe this is enough for day one. . .since I'm getting frustrated with my photoraphs and their placement. . .plus, My Big Love BFF is coming over for Sunday nite HBO so we can be in awe of Juniper Creek together!!!!!