Random Thoughts Tuesday - What'cha doin?

chilling on a summer night

Me? I'm kicking back after a day of catching up. Enjoyed a relaxing week at the beach - sand, sun, lots o' water, tons of fishing &(of course) mini-golf... a much appreciated break. (A few pics here if you're curious)

still fishing

A lovely last minute get away before school kicks in (plus a celebration of our 19th anniversary - where has the time gone?)

copper tree pendant step 1

Saturday I learned copper etching & cold connections from Holly at the brick & mortar shop for ebeads.com. I always have a great time over there. Holly is just so darn nice, knows so much & is happy to share. She is also very patient with newbies like me - an extra plus.

I took a bunch of work in progress photos. Here are a couple. I need to clean up the rest before posting (my point-n-shoot is acting up more than usual, perhaps too much moisture got into it last week). It may take a few days, but I'll add more photos of the class soon.

WIP - etched copper ACEO

We were making jewelry and I thought how cool would it be to etch some copper ACEOs! This piece is etched but hasn't been "aged" in liver of sulfur yet. I also want to add a border of nickel, wood or leather....still debating...

copper etching & cold connections class - photo courtesy of ebeads.com

Good news! Holly will be holding this class again on September 10th. She normally only teaches it once in a blue moon, but so many folks were interested that she's put it on the calender again. Go to the Beads website for details or giver her a buzz at the number you find there with any questions.

More fun on the horizon. Once school resumes, I'll rev the interviews back into gear. I keep running into the most interesting people & can't wait to share them here! Tonight I popped into Michael's Crafts for a minute and  met a local photographer who is about to publish a photo-illustrated dystopian graphic novel series. She's agreed to pop by for a chat soon so check back in a few weeks.

Portrait of Mary Shelley ACEO

Ooh, I almost forgot - leave a comment before 8/18 & you're entered in my random drawing for a mini-print (2.5" x 3.5")  of  Portrait of Mary Shelly. Click here for details.

Well, I'm calling it a night. If you are looking for some more random goodies, visit Stacey Uncorked. She is keeping the home fires burning for the chaotically-inclined-fans-o-Keely while sharing oodles haphazard info today. If you are feeling chatty, post your own babblings & link up! 

Until next time, hope you have a creative day!

Random Tuesday Mail Call - ACEOs etc

Shakespeare Writes ACEO from LD Photography.etsy.com

Ooh - lucky me! New ACEOs!!

Paris In The Springtime from GoddessArt on ebay

Frilly chokers (there's a lovely blue one too)

Black lace choker with beads & ribbon from ScarletRabbit.etsy.com

charms...

Assorted charms from GatheringSplendor.etsy.com

And prints!

I'm trying out a new printing company. I'll be adding these to the ArtSnark etsy shop this week. But since I can't leave well enough alone, I am embellishing with inks, markers & watercolors first. 

By the way, click on any of the image captions to visit the folks who sent the other goodies. Some were gifts, some were purchases. It's all good. 

Did you get any fun deliveries recently? Listening to some cool tunes? Make something amazing for dinner? It is Random Tuesday, so rant away. Post your ramblings & then be sure to link up over at Stacey Uncorked and see what other folks are raving about today

Random Tuesday Thoughts resumed

New Banner for ArtSnark.etsy.com


So, how's it going? Not much new around here - still playing catch up from the trip plus the past week (when I sat on my duff with a nasty cold). I was tired of the fall colors in my etsy banner so I pulled together a new one. I am carrying over the spring sale which means lots of original art at crazy low prices - many $10 or less, + other pieces have free shipping.

I haven't had a random Tuesday post in a while so I'm just going to ramble a bit..... I can't believe it is still Tuesday, by the way. I look back to 3:18 am when my insomnia woke me up and it seems like two days ago...phew.

Listening to lots of William Elliot Whitmore - I just can't get enough.

Headache, Ltd. edition Lady Gaga poster from charmaineolivia.etsy.com

While I am so not a Lady Gaga fan ( i know, just shoot me) , I am loving this poster - the white hair is a brilliant touch. Though I think I prefer the non-Gaga-ed version in CharmaineOlivia's shop.

The always fabulous Maria-Thérèse over at www.afiori.com posted some very cool Circus photos today.

Thinking About Birds from CocodeParis.etsy.com

I am also crazy about the Etsy shop CocoDeParis. It is full of fun images like Thinking About Birds, above. Yeah, I know the whole printing/painting-on-a-bookpage is overplayed lately....but it is a look I love, and these guys do it so well.

This weekend we visited my favorite aunt who recently retired to Florida. She gave me a box of cool old stuff which includes some of my granddad's school books from the late 1800s. They are in remarkably good condition. I'll scan some pages soon & post for anyone who wants to use them in collage or whatever.

Hmm... I am waaay behind on the giveaways, studio tours & artist features, yeah? Sorry about that - life & my poor organizational skills keep getting in the way. Feels like time for some destash though, so pop back here Thursday for a chance to win free stuff.

Well, I could pour another glass of wine & ramble you to death. Instead I will call it a night & direct your attention to StacyUncorked who is tending the Random Tuesday torch while The UnMom is on RTT hiatus. Be sure to visit Stacy if you are seeking misc chattering folks or want to add a link to your own mumblings today.

Gut Ripper's Revenge & other Random Tuesday highlights

 

Wow- where has February gone? Time sure is flying - can't believe it is already Random Tuesday. 

Issue #1 © ConnorKaiComics

First up today we've got 2 new comic books from a fledgling company, Connor Kai Comics. This entrepreneurial 2nd grader decided he needed to earn some cash & got creative.  I am totally digging the cover of issue #1. Also available now:

Issue #2 © ConnorKaiComics

These are very reasonably priced at .25 each or $1 for a 5 issue subscription. Visit ConnorKaiComics.com for more about this budding artist & his creations. 

Totally off topic, I love this Sneaky Jane print from Svitrolica.etsy.com...  Click caption for bigger image & more info.

Sneaky Jane from SVitolica.etsy.com

Fiskars sent along this book page wreath project. Don't know what I'd ever do with a paper wreath, but I kind of like it.

designed by Lisa Storms

 Here's the link to the directions.

Aannnddd....today just feels like the perfect day to mention the National Mustard Museum.  Hmm.... I could totally see a condiment called Gut Rippers Revenge. Wouldn't buy it, but I can see it.....
 

So, are you supposed to feed a cold or a fever? Either way,  I think it is time to self-medicate with a triple chocolate brownie.

Random Tuesday Thoughts are brought to you by TheUnMom.com. Need a little more anarchy in your day? Click the button on top & see what Keely and her minions are up to. While you're there, join the fun & add a link to your own miscellaneous musings...c'mon, you know you want to...

Random Tuesday Thought - When life gives you lemons....

Make cocktails & watch some Monty Python

If you need more out of your Tuesday, pop on over the The Un Mom & see what chaos is churning in the universe this week.

RTT - Pancake, Pasta, Chocolate & Zombies, a classic combination

 

Thank goodness for Random Thoughts Tuesday - I am way overdue for a brain flush.....

Goofing around on SoulPancake when I'm supposed to be working - sshhh, I won't tell if you don't.

The other day at Epcot's Via Napoli Little Dude asked me to turn around & take this picture - 

I turned back to find this going on

How slow does he think I am? And, yes, I did fire up the manners lecture after taking the shot. Ok - in reality my husband got serious while I turned away so he wouldn't see me laughing. I know, I know  "don't encourage him..."

For the first time ever, I'm not eating Halloween candy! It is not willpower; I'm spoiled.  The fabulous husband brought back a 2 lb box of Leonidas chocolate from Belgium last week. Just a few more days and I'll be spoiled & fat.... & possibly in a choco-coma.

Did you catch The Walking Dead on AMC Sunday? I tried to resist- but, hey, it has zombies.  Even with cliche's & silly bits it looks pretty good so far. Also full of "oh yeah, that guy" actors - the ones that you remember you liked in something....

There seem to be way ...too .... many....periods...in ...this ...post

Lucky me - I'm featured over at The FamiLee Jewels today. If you have a minute, please pop by & leave a comment - cheers.

If you have 2,  blog-out your chatter & add a link over at The Un Mom. Need more chaos? There are lots of other folks doing the same, so click through & check them out.

Gotta run. Hope you have a fantastic Random Tuesday! Which reminds me, if you're in the USA don't forget to vote.

Random Tuesday Thoughts - whine & cheese

 

Hey there. How have you been? Wow - I just dropped off the map. Spent last week getting the husband & company ready to rock at Spieltage 2010.

Then the French strikes (or at least the coverage) escalated & I've been scrambling for the last 2 days, rearranging travel plans. Discovered France24 for news updates. Our Paris trip has been postponed until things settle down a bit. Thought about going to Rome but the airlines wouldn't let us swap cities so we'll be visiting the City Of Lights sometime next spring....

ooh...what would Doris say?

Not much else going on around here.....let's see... the Finish-And-List-A-Piece-A-Day  for a week was a bit of a flop (5 finished, 1 listed). There was way too much going on last week. Will have to try again soon. Anybody want to join me?

Got a minute? I was messing around & put up a flashy fall banner in my ArtSnark Etsy & ArtSnark Artfire shops. I'm concerned that on Etsy it is too distracting & on Artfire too blurry (nothing to distract from in there yet).  

What do you think? Do I need to use the same banner in both? I'm thinking about going back to the blue banner in the Etsy shop & just clearing up the Artfire Blur. Any & all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Cheez, this post is waay too memememe.... How about a bit of youyouyou???? Click the button at the top of this post, teleport to TheUnMom & add a link to your chaotic rambles today.

Speaking of cheese, here is a well aged one for you

RTT- Random freebies & fun stuff

Hey there! Can you believe it is already Random Tuesday? Where has the time gone?  Here are this week's odds & ends. Enjoy!

Artist/Illustrator Diana Evans has been posting some great Halloween projects lately! 

Halloween Treat Box by Diana Evans

Check out this cute Halloween Treat Box - click here to for free download from her blog.  While you are there, check out these fun spooky labels. Click here for spooky label download.

labels by Diana Evans

I bet Diana will be sharing more goodies this month. You can keep an eye out for them on her blog DianaEvans.blogspot.com  as well as  over at The Hive.

The blog FreebiesandMuchmore is giving away  "a $25 Gift Card from a major retailer like Amazon and Target..." on 10/15 to 1 random winner. Just clickety click  for details.

Pendant by EarthExpressions

On 10/29 ArtbyMSR is hosting a random drawing for this cute pendant from EarthExpressions. Click here for details

And don't forget to comment on my blog before 10/14 to enter random drawing for Myke Amend's "Spooky Steampunk Bag Of Awesome." Need details? Fine 'em here.

Thanks for popping by today. Seeking more controlled chaos? Click the purple button up top to visit The UnMom for many links of mischief. Have some random ramblings of your own? Be sure to add a linky to your miscellaneous musings while you are there.

Random Thoughts Tuesday

h

And another week goes flying by! Rushing through the random today. My son just told me that he volunteered to bring homemade cookies to his 1st grade class tomorrow...I suppose I could be annoyed but I always love an excuse to make cookies.

Do you get the Martha Stewart's cookie a day email? If not you are missing out! Sign up here. Today's recipe is for Cappucino Brownies. Does that count as a cookie? I don't know.... but they sound tasty. Won't be making them for the kiddies though - I like my kid's teacher too much to do that to her.

The Eyes Have It by Dava Shepherd

Still need business cards? Dava Shepherd is hosting a Uprinting business card giveaway on her blog, TreasuresFromHawaii.

How about some free vintage french music downloads? Stampingon (they publish the Somerset craft mags) sends out free downloads via email now & again.

Ready for Halloween? It has always been my absolutely favorite holiday! Of course back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, we had to make our own spooky decorations. I have the best memories of going to the fabric store with my mom each September & looking through all of the pattern books to find the perfect costume.  If you're into crafting for Halloween  Martha is (once again) the go to gal. You can also find some fun projects over at Instructables. What are your favorite Halloween project sites?

The Proportion Of A Man's Heart by Lorraine Reynolds

What'cha doing October 1st? If you are in Burlington, VT. be sure to stop by The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery  for spooky stories & the opening reception of The Art Of Horror. This group show includes work from one of my favorite Etsians, Lorraine Reynolds of Glimmering Prize. She also shares her projects over at her cool blog.

Oh & here is a fun faux-bleach stamp technique using embossing ink & powder & alcohol inks. Will have to try sometime.

Have to run. If you're looking for some more chaos, click button on the top to visit the Unmom. Make sure you leave her your linky if you get around to posting your own bit of  random tonight.

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Oh, I almost forgot - leaving a comment enters you in the 10/14 random drawing for artist Myke Amend's "Spooky Steampunk Bag of Awesome". Click here for details & info on Myke's latest project, the multimedia collaborative event, Cirque Acirca.

Random Thoughts Tuesday - scholars & adventurers

 I am enjoying the 1st blissfully quiet morning in months.

Vintage Photo Children c.1936 from HappySteiler.etsy.com

Little Dude started 1st grade today & computer trouble has everyone out of the office for a little while.

I should squeeze in some drawing time or clean the studio. Instead I'm doing laundry & getting my Random on. I haven't RTTed in a while.

If you decide to play along, just set your brain to spin cycle & see what falls out.. Then pop over to TheUnMom for a purple button. Be sure to add your link & send those musings out into the world.

Still loving this tune. Yes, it is 7+ minutes...but it is perfect for this dark & rainy day.

Leather Journal Necklace from WayFaringArt.etsy.com

I'm looking for something to read. I've been revisiting childhood faves this  summer, mostly classics like Dorian Gray & Mysterious Island.  

I recently started The Difference Engine but I'm already a bit bored with it. I'm thinking something more Robinson Crusoe or City Of Z - ish perhaps.... Any suggestions? What's on your nightstand right now?

Brass Steampunk Adventurer's Corset from Harlots & Angels

Which somehow reminds me - just how fantastic is this corset from HarlotsAndAngels.etsy.com?? Love the clasps! 

It is funny, but thinking random often leads me to the Etsy search engine. Tossing "explorer",  "adventure" & similar terms just entertained me for far too long this morning...

The laundry room is buzzing & I just fed my postcard addiction over at TheOldBarnDoor.etsy.com. So,  it is time to get back to the real world before my shirts wrinkle & my wallet completely empties! Before you go, check out this fun Victorian trading card brought to you by The Old Barn Door & "OXO real meat extract".... ahh...good times...

Victorian Trading Card Pair from TheOldBarnDoor.etsy.com

Oh & what is Random Tuesday with out a zombie? Today's Zombie Ant is brought to you by the New York Times & Ophiocordyceps unilaterali.

RTT - just passing through

Hey again.How have you been?

 

Sorry things are so dull around here. It is Random Tuesday though so click on the purple button to visit The Un Mom if you need a little chaos in your life today. And if you have chaos to spare, have yourself a rant & leave a linky while you're there.

Have a Lego or Harry Potter fan in your home? Then you  know that the video game comes out today. Little Dude is bouncing off the walls waiting for his to arrive.

Until then he keeps kicking my @$$ at air hockey. I was planning to let him win but he needs no help.....

It is amazing how many more hours there are in a day when you don't have computer distractions!

By the way, the ceiling is patched & will get repaired next week. Then the cleanup begins (yuck).

I'm on a  borrowed PC & still haven't figured out how to do a screenshot, so no eye-candy today.

For added confusion, the new Thursday Giveaway will be posted this weekend. We'll also have a guest post - Remember Dr. Laura Koniver from Heartsong FineArt? (She shared her studio here last fall.) Laura will be visiting in a few days to talk about creativity and health- fascinating stuff, so be sure to stop back in a few days.

Things should be back to some form of normal around here by the weekend. Hope you have a creative week!