.............New Painting.....Pink Martini Shaken Not Stirred................

For more information, click on the painting
Pink Martini, Shaken Not Stirred
Now that spring has arrived I figured it was time to shake off the winter doldrums and stir up a seasonal image. The colors in this painting bring back memories of summer sunsets, and luscious green grass. Hmmm....I can almost hear crickets chirping, and bees buzzing.
If you're in the mood to raise a toast to spring, try this Cosmopolitan Recipe:
1 1/2 cups cracked ice or 6 ice cubes
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar syrup
Big splash of cranberry juice
Lime wedge for garnish
Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice and add all the ingredients except the lime wedge. Shake vigorously to blend and chill. Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Lightly squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and drop it into the glass to garnish.
Cheers to warm spring breezes and beautiful sunsets.

....Pop Art Desserts....A yummy look at Art.....

click on painting to see artists at work.
Pop Art Cupcake
This beautiful work of art was produced by one of the artists in my Pop Art Desserts Class. We studied the work of an American artist, Wayne Thiebaud, and created a painting based on his famous pastry paintings. Thiebaud is associated with the Pop Art Movement due to his interest in painting objects of mass culture~things that are popular with people. The students emulated his use of texture, an exaggerated color palette, and well defined shadows. And the finished works......absolutely delicious.

.......DON'T FORGET.......EARTH HOUR TONIGHT............

Click on picture if you'd like information on this eco-friendly slumped wine bottle
Earth Hour Tonight!!

Don't forget to help celebrate our earth tonight by turning off your lights from 8:30PM - 9:30PM. Find your favorite sweetie, light the candles, sip wine, play games, and have a deep discussion. Let's see how many will participate.
Cheers to a little earth hour romance.

.....Pop Art Pets.......Kids Art Work......And Homemade Dog Biscuit Recipe

POP ART PETS
click on pictures to see student's working and finished art work.
On Wednesday, my art students finished their Pop Art Pet Portraits. As you can see from the photo's, the art work was splendid. Each artist used a picture of their pet as the basis for their sketch and painting. The art work was done in the style of Pop Art, so realistic renditions of their pet was not emphasized. Students used the element of shape to draw their animals, created a simple background, and thought about a warm/cool color scheme before applying their paint colors. After the paint was dry, the artist's outlined their work with a thick black sharpie ~ an added "Pop Art Touch". On the last day of class we normally make and decorate cupcakes, but decided, since the class was all about their pet, to make Homemade Milk Bone Dog Biscuits. The students each took a turn adding, stirring, and kneading the ingredients. Then formed a piece of dough into a shape, baked the dough for 50 minutes. The biscuits smelled wonderful while cooking. Our dog, Rory, devoured her biscuits, so they must have been pretty tasty.
I've included the recipe for those who might be interested in making their pup a special treat.

Homemade Milk Bone Dog Biscuits

3/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 cups whole wheat flour
In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine. Stir in powdered milk, salt, and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough. Pat or roll to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into bone shapes. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool. They will dry out quite hard.

..........First in a Series....Letters From Home Plates........

For more information on plate, click on the pictures.

A letter from the heart ~ for a far away Best Friend Forever.
Last weekend my B.F.F. was in town, along with her husband and another couple ~ whom we had the pleasure of meeting. Even though they only live a few hours away, with children, work and other time commitments, we don't get together often enough. But when we do, it's as though no time has passed and we're still the same kids we were when we first meet in high school. As I sat down to work on Monday, our visit was still in my thoughts. So I sketched out a few ideas, and came up with a new series for my story plates.....Letters from home...This is the first plate in that series. With family and friends scattered here and there, more letters from home will be posted in the coming weeks.
So grab a cup of coffee, and write a note to me about your B.F.F.'s

..........SMALL TALK....SIX THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SPRING.........

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLATE....CLICK ON THE CHICK.

SIX THINGS I LOVE ABOUT SPRING

1) It's one day closer to summer.
2) The days are longer.
3) The daffodils are in bloom.
4) My children are out of school for spring break.
5) I can open up the windows and let the fresh air in.
6) We can sit outside on weekend mornings to drink coffee, read the paper, and watch the birds building their nests.

What do YOU love about Spring?

...................Another Day of Production...........................

New Story Plates
Today I am working on brain storming story lines, drawing, and painting another series of story plates. I am trying to get enough work together for the Virginia Beach Garden Club's Flower Show and Sale on Wednesday, April 29, which will be at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. (Put it on your calendars!) As you can tell from the picture, there will be first birthday stories, and a "letter from mom" story. More ideas are percolating and keeping me up late. So, I best get back to work. Have a productive day, and Just Create Something. :)

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

SOMETIMES SHE CAN BE A LITTLE IRISH
Hand made collage bY: Allison Strine
click here to go to her shop
I saw this collage and fell head over heals in love with it. My precious grandmother and my grandfather, who passed away the year I was born, were from Ireland. Allison's art work brings back memories of my grandmother, and the pride I have in my Irish heritage. This Saint Patrick's Day, I celebrate all those Irish souls who were brave, independent, and strong willed enough to cross the ocean and begin a new life in America.. To all of them (especially Grammy and Pop Smith) I say thank you, God Bless, and Slainte!
~ Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone

Grammy Smith's Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 f.
Mix together:
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t.sp. baking soda
2 t.sps baking powder
1 t.sp. salt
1 c. raisins
2 t.sps. caraway seeds
Mix together: 1 pint sour cream
2 eggs
Then mix into flour mixture. Dough will be sticky. Sprinkle with flour; with floured hands, knead and turn dough to mix thoroughly. Shape into a ball, place in pan. In center of ball, cut a cross shape with a knife.
Bake bread for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean.
ENJOY!

Girl's Night Out ~ Slumped Glass Class

click on the photo to see the girls hard at work!!
Girls Night Out Slumped Glass (and wine drinking) Class.
Along with my neighbor, Kim, I hosted an evening night out for the local gals. Kim invited a group of her good friends, all of whom have young children, for an evening of crafting, eating, drinking, and story sharing. After making dinner, feeding, bathing, and reading to the children, washing the dishes, kissing the husband, and making a dish to share, the ladies arrived, ready for a girls evening out. Everyone grabbed a bite to eat, and a glass of wine then gathered around the table to begin the crafting process. They learned a little about slumped glass, and the firing process, then designed a tile trivet using glass pieces and their vast creative skills. The sounds of laughter and glass breaking filled the house as wine was consumed, and art was created. The girls took full advantage of their evening out, enjoying every second up until closing time. :)

Happy 16th Birthday CupCake!

 

Happy Birthday to our little Cupcake.
I guess parents aren't the only ones who have a hard time believing their little one's are getting older. Our daughter will be turning 16 this week. To us, she has and always will be, our little cupcake. So yesterday, before heading back to school, our son gave his little sister her 16th Birthday Present. As she opened each gift item ~ flower sunglasses for ages 3 and up, plastic princess earrings/bracelet/necklace, birthday princess crown, and birthday ribbon ~ we were all thinking "What???!!!". But the hand written note on her card explained it all..."Here is some stuff to make you feel like 5 again (cause it seems like you are that old to me)" Our daughter thought it was hysterical, and plans on wearing her special princess gifts on her "real" birthday. Well, after seeing her decorated with her new jewelry, I had to give her an early birthday gift ~ one that I had special ordered back in January. The adorable "Cupcake Party Hat" came from Silver Spoon Scraps, on etsy ( the online gift store for handmade gifts). I could not believe how perfectly it all worked out. I know that wearing these unique gifts will make her feel like the special girl she is!

When women gather good things happen

Happy Birthday Janet!

Yesterday I brought my Traveling Art Party to a delightful, sunlit home in the neighborhood. Amy had called a few weeks ago wanting to plan a special surprise birthday party for her mother and her close group of girlfriends. Together we came up with an idea ~ the group would paint a canvas which would be presented to her mother at the end of the party. Since she was a little worried that some of the women would feel intimidated about painting, we decided an impressionistic, loose style painting (along with free flowing wine punch) would free up any inhibitions. Well, I must say, this was one uninhibited group of women. I think I had as much fun watching, and listening to the group as they did telling stories on one another, drinking punch, laughing, and, oh yeah, painting. Now, due to Amy's thoughtful surprise, a few women have discovered their hidden talent, her mother has fond memories of a sunny afternoon spent celebrating with good friends and a masterpiece to hang. Click here to view pictures from the party.

Blog WALL OF FRAME

As an art teacher, I used to hang students art work in the main hallway; giving more exposure to their beautiful works of art. The children started calling this the “Wall of Frame”, and looked forward to seeing their art work hanging there. When I started teaching out of my house, I no longer had a public space in which to showcase my students’ incredible art. But today I had my AHA moment….I can feature their art on my blog! So, let’s give a big round of applause to the first artists to make it onto the “Blog Wall of Fame”!! Click here to visit their classroom

Another day to celebrate!

This morning a telephone call from our public school system woke us up. An automated voice kindly informed us that there would be a two hour delay due to hazardous roads. Yippee, 45 more minutes snuggled up in bed! What a nice gift on a cold, snowy Monday morning.
We do have a little sunshine this week..my son is home on spring break. Even our pup is enjoying
some extra attention!
Today's Production Schedule: Painting two commission pieces (sweet sixteen and celebration plates), painting wild and delicious cake plate and wild thing martini plates, painting surfer girl and martini necklace charms, and posting my "Frozen Margarita and Lime Necklace".

Thanks to IndieSpotting: Your hand made shopping connection! Click here: http://www.myshoppingconnection.com/indiespotting/2009/index.php to visit their hand made shopping site. Enjoy seeing all the talented artists whose work is shown here!

Good Things Happening on a Rainy Sunday!

Custom Order Wedding Platter for my sister-in-law. Finished and ready for her best friend.








Art class working on their art quilts. Click on photo to see class in action and finished work. Their work is truly inspiring!