tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30797042565467734232024-03-14T03:39:11.586-04:00Criminally Created: Idea Thief at Large!Original creative ideas seem ever harder to come by. If you are looking to get creative but need inspiration, you have come to the right place. I love stealing - make that borrowing - ideas from other sources and making them my own. Now I will share what I have learned with you!Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-50100276108263756192012-02-10T18:30:00.001-05:002012-02-10T18:30:01.774-05:00Sundance Calling...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to jewelry, I am amazed and inspired by the artists and artisan jewelry in the Sundance Catalog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, this is what I aspire to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a kick it would be to be featured on the pages next to Jes Maharry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While that remains a dream at the moment, I will continue to use the catalog as inspiration for my pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an artist, I am very cautious not to rip off the designs of others. Technique though, I try and mimic in order to continue to grow my own talent and design capabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The handmade market is full of wonderful jewelry designers, artists, and metal smiths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it is easy to think of just giving up and letting everyone else have at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter of fact, this has been suggested to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my theory on the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, everyone has a different taste and style and no one artisan can fill the needs of all the various likes and wants. Second, I like creating beautiful jewelry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fun. It’s rewarding. It’s my thing! I am not switching gears now! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third, there is room for everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a jewelry box full of jewelry of all different shapes colors and sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine only being able to buy from one or two people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Variety is the spice of life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am if I sat here all typing all evening I could bore you to tears with all the reasons why I believe it is perfectly fine that there are so many jewelry designers, and artisans in the world, but let’s just leave it at this for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact of the matter is, whether Sundance calls or not, I plan to keep on creating beautiful jewelry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzmYPMBXOqA/TzGU0v-Gk_I/AAAAAAAABSo/VGefCVGK4xo/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzmYPMBXOqA/TzGU0v-Gk_I/AAAAAAAABSo/VGefCVGK4xo/s320/161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgGifu6A-qQ/TzGU-mu4MJI/AAAAAAAABSw/K-w0cSTEPAI/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgGifu6A-qQ/TzGU-mu4MJI/AAAAAAAABSw/K-w0cSTEPAI/s320/170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-46873107933141442992012-02-07T19:00:00.001-05:002012-02-07T19:00:00.973-05:00Losing My Grasp!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLpupS-7tuw/TzGKJAtfO5I/AAAAAAAABSg/61G6bzYT6X0/s1600/116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLpupS-7tuw/TzGKJAtfO5I/AAAAAAAABSg/61G6bzYT6X0/s320/116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How does time slip away so quickly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when I think I have a grip on it I see how far I have slipped…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So here I am writing my first blog post for February of 2012 and my second blog post of the year…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do intend this to be more than a once a month blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly, I do.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think one of the worst problems I have is time management. When it comes to work, kids, husband, house, jewelry, and everything in between, I don’t exactly have things balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am trying, but sometimes I really feel like the proverbial chicken with no head. When everything is important how do you prioritize?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blog is all about stealing crafting ideas, so I want to know…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you do it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I can use your ideas to bring this picture into focus…</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-52651045258757833212012-01-13T20:43:00.001-05:002012-01-13T20:45:56.191-05:00Resolutions? What resolutions?<div><p><b>So it is Friday the 13th.</b> We are nearly two weeks into the new year and I have already fallen off the resolution band wagon... 1. Be a more consistent blogger... Its been about a month since my last blog... No worries. I still say I can recover this one... 2. Lose weight... Did I remember to wrap up the gravy from dinner tonight? Can't let that go to waste! Where did I put those button extenders? Hmmm... I still have 11 1/2 months. Don't worry. I can catch up. 3. Make more stuff. Now this one is the one I get a gold star in. Well, at least a silver star.</p>
<p>I have been busy creating new jewelry. I am experimenting with precious metal clay. PMC silver is fun and rewarding to work with! I must start selling so I can buy more!!! </p>
<p>I have ordered business cards, purchased a domain and web hosting package, and set up an Etsy account. Now I just have to get it all up and running... Looks like I will be busy this weekend!</p>
<p>The beautiful red head in the photo is my niece. She is wearing a Simply Southern Whimsy original, turquoise and carnelian necklace. There are more pics to come, and I hope to have her model more for me soon.</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uypnVyARpxM/TxDdsTnXAxI/AAAAAAAABCY/j1Act5SWqu0/388946_2408294570717_1351795300_32004819_932662898_n.png' /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-49035414064896101672011-12-14T18:00:00.001-05:002011-12-14T18:00:04.691-05:00SHARKS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes. I am aware that the whole point of my blog is primarily to tell you about my adventures in arts and crafts, particularly thieving the ideas of others. I am going to take a few posts and go off course, just a little. Today, I want to talk about SHARKS!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our recent trip to the Smoky Mountains we decided to take our kids to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. You see, my kids are boys, 6 and 3. They love the Kratt Brothers shows, particularly Wild Kratts. Their favorite episode features - you guessed it - SHARKS! We had been to this aquarium in the past, but the experience wasn't great, do to no fault of the aquarium. The last time we went the boys were 4 and 10 months. My then four year old was HORRIFIED. He nearly ran through the whole thing. Scared of the dark, scared of the - SHARKS!, scared of the octopus; he was just plain scared! That day was a nightmare for all involved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might ask why we would try it again... Well it is amazing the difference that a couple of years can make. My now 6 year old is totally cool with the dark and - SHARKS! My three year old isn't scared of ANYTHING. Never has been. He is all about it. So a fishing (as you might say) we did go. My sincere "Thank you!" to the Kratt brothers for helping to educate my boys on - SHARKS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The aquarium is wonderful. They have beautiful and mesmerizing tanks and sea life exhibits. Don't believe me? See for yourself...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mention the SHARKS!?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(No children or parents were scared out of their whits while making these photos.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iapjjOIEins/TujyQfMRtOI/AAAAAAAABA0/WhEPthXV6sM/s1600/Shark1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iapjjOIEins/TujyQfMRtOI/AAAAAAAABA0/WhEPthXV6sM/s320/Shark1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the SHARKS! were exciting and awe inspiring, I have to say, and I think my boys would agree, that the African penguins really made the whole day! Particularly a little tuxedo wearing fellow by the name of Steve, who kept the boys entertained for quite some time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com/">http://gatlinburg.ripleyaquariums.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All this doesn't even take into account the hands on stations where you can actually pet a stingray (no barbs) or horseshoe crab, or the many other interactive exhibits you and your children will love! We had a wonderful experience at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. If you and your family are ever in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it is well worth the price of admission to take a tour. Have fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com2Gatlinburg, TN, USA35.714259 -83.51016379999998735.684277 -83.580178299999986 35.744240999999995 -83.440149299999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-90416293176150828752011-12-12T20:55:00.000-05:002011-12-12T20:55:39.627-05:00Smoky Mountain Christmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYkwdwBOKkI/TuZ79EuEC5I/AAAAAAAAA-s/DRTKfFP-JCY/s1600/SmokyMountainChristmas2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132px" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYkwdwBOKkI/TuZ79EuEC5I/AAAAAAAAA-s/DRTKfFP-JCY/s320/SmokyMountainChristmas2.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew Santa traded his reign deer for flying pigs?<br />
(Decorations outside Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge)</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My family and I LOVE the Smoky Mountains. We particularly love Sevier County. Sevier county includes the wonderful towns of Sevierville (Dolly Parton's home town!), Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg Tenessee. Most places go all out for the Holidays, but these three lovely towns really know how it is done! This is the second year that we have gone to enjoy the sights and sounds of Winterfest and once again, we were not disappointed! Lights, lights, lights, and more lights! There are Christmas themed shows including Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge. It is just BEAUTIFUL and so much FUN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This trip we decided to visit the Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. When you have kids (or are big kids like my hubby and I) animals are always a good choice. We also had a big breakfast and did some shopping at my personal favorite eatery the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, which is surrounded by shops like the Apple Barn and Cider Mill, their own candy shop, Christmas shop, and even ice cream shop! You could spend all day at this one location. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This area truly has something for everyone. In Sevierville you can take in a multitude of wonderful musicals and dinner shows or pet exotic animals in one of the petting zoos. In Pigeon Forge you can take your family to Dollywood, have a fabulous country style dinner at the Old Mill or the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, ride go-carts, or go shopping at one of the several outlet shopping centers. In Gatlinburg you can walk the quaint alpine village streets, see the various Ripley's attractions, including Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, enjoy the ski lift and views from Ober Gatlinburg, tour the artisan trail loop, or play a game of putt-putt in your choice of venue. You can zipline, horse back ride, or just enjoy the view! You shouldn't miss the opportunity to see the wonderful peaceful sites of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Newly weds, or family's of any and every size will find something that they love about this area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLRAJ1CEHpo/TuZ8RegJ_XI/AAAAAAAAA-8/39JdwXqeobA/s1600/SmokyMountainChristmas1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236px" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLRAJ1CEHpo/TuZ8RegJ_XI/AAAAAAAAA-8/39JdwXqeobA/s320/SmokyMountainChristmas1.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys outside the Applewood Farmhouse Grill in Sevierville, Tennessee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over this next week I plan to tell you much more about the adventures we had this visit and share some of our favorite photos from our wonderful Smoky Mountain Adventures! Stay tuned!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know who, driving his "red-neck sleigh" outside the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0Pigeon Forge, TN, USA35.7884241 -83.55433289999996335.7550611 -83.61534989999997 35.8217871 -83.493315899999956tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-56148169876186738362011-12-04T15:12:00.002-05:002011-12-05T14:37:57.166-05:00Tis the Season!<div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rcFEVvpWE6c/TtvUES5a8EI/AAAAAAAAA-k/-cjk6OpgsaA/2011-12-03%25252018.48.14.png" width="400" /></div><br />
For someone like me, with limited free time, the Holidays can prove to lessen the amount of free time for creating. Well, maybe not all creating. There are trees to put up and decorate. There are mantels, doors, and table tops to dress in Christmas finery. However, in my case at least, after a long day at work, checking home work, getting kids fed and dressed for bed, checking off items from my Christmas shopping list, wrapping, baking, Christmas parties, etc. I am amazed that I have ANY time left at all. Amazingly enough I do manage to find a few minutes here and there to do what I love. Don't be surprised to open a gift from me and find one of my creations made with love!<br />
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</div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-32105213692305115862011-11-28T22:21:00.001-05:002011-11-28T22:52:53.029-05:00Signs<div><p>As if I didn't have enough going on in my work space, my husband brought me in some pieces of board that he had cut and thought would make good signs. Okay, so I did mention that I would like to try my hand at a few. Of course, due to my new Facebook addiction, I have run across several examples of really great signs and said "I think I could do that..."  That is how it all starts. The serial idea thief in me starts scheming.</p>
<p>Not all of my stolen ideas turn into something I want to do on a regular basis. For one thing, I am incredibly impatient.  Tedious prep work just drives me insane.  This is the reason I took up and quit making fabric purses with only one completed and two more half completed. Who has time for all the measuring, pressing, pinning...? I just wanted to sew!</p>
<p>With sign making, my husband can cut the wood for me and then I can get straight to the business of painting, which I LOVE! I think this new hobby will stick. Well, if I can find time between blogging, Facebook, my full time job, making jewelry, being a mom...  Wow, no wonder I am so exhausted!</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i3ztrFTtXUI/TtRPtmCFKUI/AAAAAAAAA-c/hLtgtwFDvoc/353486265313932263.png' /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-88494201903789366572011-11-26T21:10:00.001-05:002011-11-26T21:34:13.139-05:00JEKYLL ISLAND CHRISTMAS<div><p>I am lucky to live close to the beautiful and historic state park, Jekyll Island. My family and I took the short trip over to the historic district tonight for their annual Christmas tree lighting festival.  It was such a wonderful evening punctuated with a beautiful and exciting fireworks display. </p>
<p>There are only 28 days left until Christmas Day. What will you and your family be doing to celebrate the season?</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FiRa8fJeJLc/TtGgQ242T_I/AAAAAAAAA6M/HGQ7kR9HLDE/2011-11-26%25252017.32.58.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lPWeWUWZMRw/TtGc9zPuGXI/AAAAAAAAA5M/1c7CkBKFroY/2011-11-26%25252017.37.44.png' /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-3737183985305102372011-11-22T18:59:00.056-05:002011-11-23T11:47:35.031-05:00Everyone Needs an Angel: Part II<div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Now that you have your angels made, you have to decide what you would like to do with them. You can leave them as they are. You can let your kids paint them, or add glitter. There is no limit to what you can do to “finish” these cute little ornaments. This tutorial may seem like overkill for a simple clothespin craft, but. I wanted to take something simple and it into an heirloom quality item. I think I accomplished that. I decided to “antique” my angels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I used inexpensive tubes of Apple Barrel paint and Deco Art crackle medium. I first painted the angels a cream color. I allowed them to dry. Then I went over the paint with the crackle medium. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6BtQTTxT50/TsvCetJjf_I/AAAAAAAAA28/jRsdkVXhdX4/s1600/Materials1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6BtQTTxT50/TsvCetJjf_I/AAAAAAAAA28/jRsdkVXhdX4/s320/Materials1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">There are no bonus points for neatness here. You want the finish to be a little rough. If the paint is thicker in one spot than another – perfect! The perfection is in the imperfection! Use the same thought process with your crackle. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to crackle the entire angel. If you like, you can just do a spot or two. Use your own artistic interpretation of “antique.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIiRXiksuSY/Tsu-ClFqK5I/AAAAAAAAA1U/HDVb2ZeTM2w/s1600/PaintedAngel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIiRXiksuSY/Tsu-ClFqK5I/AAAAAAAAA1U/HDVb2ZeTM2w/s320/PaintedAngel.JPG" width="201" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiOHqQ-Nilc/Tsu-J3Voh4I/AAAAAAAAA1c/28QFO3ZsUhU/s1600/CrackleCloseUp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AiOHqQ-Nilc/Tsu-J3Voh4I/AAAAAAAAA1c/28QFO3ZsUhU/s320/CrackleCloseUp.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of crackle finish</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Now we want to really give it that dirty, dusty, old look. For this we need stain. You can purchase a water based stain if you like. I chose to make my own stain. To do this I used an olive colored paint and mixed it with water. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdpflFOH7A8/Tsu-i0eHRKI/AAAAAAAAA1k/9afz4ay4qig/s1600/Makingstain1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdpflFOH7A8/Tsu-i0eHRKI/AAAAAAAAA1k/9afz4ay4qig/s320/Makingstain1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSSBJB-H510/Tsu-wB8x7bI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ALU2Y0WdL2w/s1600/Makingstain2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NSSBJB-H510/Tsu-wB8x7bI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ALU2Y0WdL2w/s320/Makingstain2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The more water you use, the thinner your paint. This is completely up to you. You can experiment on a scrap piece of wood if you like to determine the best consistency for your taste. My stain is pretty runny. The crackle finish on my angels is pretty fine and I want the stain to get down into the small crevasses. You can drop your angel in the stain or use a sponge or brush. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="color: #666666;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykknQiwO73g/Tsu_NYLRjPI/AAAAAAAAA10/on6MO9_nvWE/s1600/AddingStain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykknQiwO73g/Tsu_NYLRjPI/AAAAAAAAA10/on6MO9_nvWE/s320/AddingStain.JPG" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">You can rub off excess stain (as I have done) or you can allow the stain to dry as is. I recommend using coffee filters to remove excess stain. They are lint free and absorbent. I have found they work best for me. You will need to let the stain completely dry before moving to the next step.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxRgNxKpBAM/Ts0YmqtN5qI/AAAAAAAAA3M/KZxQ3prAF2I/s1600/waxwithfilter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rxRgNxKpBAM/Ts0YmqtN5qI/AAAAAAAAA3M/KZxQ3prAF2I/s320/waxwithfilter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">We are in the final stretch now!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Once your angel is completely dry, we need to put a protective coating on her to keep her looking great. My choice of medium for this task is paste finishing wax.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-KOxFgR6BA/Ts0c4wd6zMI/AAAAAAAAA3U/EScot80sKm4/s1600/Ready+to+wax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-KOxFgR6BA/Ts0c4wd6zMI/AAAAAAAAA3U/EScot80sKm4/s320/Ready+to+wax.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snxJZu1Cdbs/Ts0ddyy3mCI/AAAAAAAAA3c/spmhep47GCs/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snxJZu1Cdbs/Ts0ddyy3mCI/AAAAAAAAA3c/spmhep47GCs/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfYU8XdSXbc/Ts0d1byNG3I/AAAAAAAAA3k/JsFNjco-IhM/s1600/Waxing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfYU8XdSXbc/Ts0d1byNG3I/AAAAAAAAA3k/JsFNjco-IhM/s320/Waxing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Using a small amount of wax and a coffee filter, lightly buff the angel with the wax. This will give her a protective satin finish. It adds just the right finishing touch to the antique character of the angel. A bonus too in that there is no drying time once you are done, you are done! <strong>A word of caution though; buffing too hard can damage your angel</strong>. An angel without wings and a halo, just isn't an angel. Go lightly and you will be pleased with your outcome.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">If you would like your angel to star in your latest Christmas tree production, then you will want to add a string. I have chosen to use silk cord, like that used for jewelry (mainly because I make jewelry and have it handy), but you may use whatever stringing material you like.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmV_FiwZO1s/Ts0gd0u_8KI/AAAAAAAAA30/8L79uaA_GB0/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmV_FiwZO1s/Ts0gd0u_8KI/AAAAAAAAA30/8L79uaA_GB0/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Put a dot of tack or craft glue (something that will dry clear) at the center top of the angel's wings. There should be enough space to gently tuck the ends of the string so that they are hidden below the wings. You may need to use a toothpick to aid in hiding the ends of string. Let this dry overnight to insure a firm hold on the string.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">All this work has paid off! We now have a beautiful angel(s) to adorn our household Christmas scenes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EdQDUBAOMs/Ts0iLU7y2hI/AAAAAAAAA38/iBfGwgcpZbw/s1600/BeautifulAntiquedAngel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EdQDUBAOMs/Ts0iLU7y2hI/AAAAAAAAA38/iBfGwgcpZbw/s320/BeautifulAntiquedAngel.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-56281654839552120882011-11-21T18:59:00.013-05:002011-11-23T10:39:37.040-05:00Everyone Needs an Angel: Part 1<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Have you looked at your calendar lately?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why, but I keep getting shocked by just how close we are to Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only 4 more Sunday’s lie between today and the big day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday is Thanksgiving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black Friday is – THIS FRIDAY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have already seen outdoor Christmas decoration going up and the stores have been playing Christmas Carols since November 1<sup>st</sup>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I just put away all my decorations for this past year, and still, hear we are again!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The good thing is, I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love everything about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the carols, the lights, the blow up Santas and Snowmen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here where I live we have temperatures up to 80 degrees this week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need all the decorating we can do to really bring that Christmas spirit. I mean, the weather surely isn’t going to be helping us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas shopping in shorts might be appealing to some, but I find it depressing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what can we do to lift my spirits?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, sometimes it takes an Angel, or 20…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I have made some really cute and super easy Christmas tree ornaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can make these as simple or elaborate as you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to post in two parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we will assemble our angel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Check back tomorrow for finishing touches.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">For materials you will need the old fashioned style clothespins, clothespin doll stands, and some miscellaneous “Woodsies” purchased at my local craft store. I bought a large bag of assorted Woodsie pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and some wood glue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z4UUblGETM/TsqNwqf_E_I/AAAAAAAAA0M/_DKtq1o0Dpk/s1600/IMG_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z4UUblGETM/TsqNwqf_E_I/AAAAAAAAA0M/_DKtq1o0Dpk/s320/IMG_0680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I first glued my clothespin into the clothespin doll stand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAe9suFYIhc/TsqONESfovI/AAAAAAAAA0U/McGMzimNFqA/s1600/Angel2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAe9suFYIhc/TsqONESfovI/AAAAAAAAA0U/McGMzimNFqA/s320/Angel2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Next I picked out a small circle from my assortment pack to use as a halo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glued it on a little slanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is light enough to stay nicely in place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEtzVV4lyGI/TsqOgNg2cHI/AAAAAAAAA0c/B_TNG_hj_20/s1600/Angel3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEtzVV4lyGI/TsqOgNg2cHI/AAAAAAAAA0c/B_TNG_hj_20/s320/Angel3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Then I picked out two teardrop shaped pieces to use as wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glued these to the center of the back of the clothespin under the halo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful not to use too much glue or it will run and the wings will slide out of place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The right amount of glue will keep the wings positioned the way you like.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnRnBG9D7iU/TsqOymGmnsI/AAAAAAAAA0k/9FkNIkAD28o/s1600/Angel+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnRnBG9D7iU/TsqOymGmnsI/AAAAAAAAA0k/9FkNIkAD28o/s320/Angel+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Now you have a finished angel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great project to do with your children, but I chose to go just a bit further with my angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will share that with you tomorrow in Part II!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-27876693070242713652011-11-17T09:21:00.002-05:002011-11-17T11:53:24.718-05:00Bailing Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's Make a Basic Wire Bail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7U7aZE-zbY/TsRlAPhabKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gVqJ0MTNoLk/s1600/Alison+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7U7aZE-zbY/TsRlAPhabKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gVqJ0MTNoLk/s320/Alison+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gather all your materials. You will need wire (I have used sterling silver), a bead or beads ( I am using emerald briolettes), wire cutters, a pair of round nosed pliers, and at least one other pair of pliers of your choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtNpF8R-Hs/TsRlsz5V_eI/AAAAAAAAAzg/tSlL1FXYECA/s1600/Alison+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtNpF8R-Hs/TsRlsz5V_eI/AAAAAAAAAzg/tSlL1FXYECA/s320/Alison+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut a length of wire appropriate for your bead. (Note: The size of the hole in your bead will determine the gauge of the wire you need. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aitXvA0oHA/TsRl_3_QlaI/AAAAAAAAAzk/-D8BCQ45qww/s1600/Alison+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5aitXvA0oHA/TsRl_3_QlaI/AAAAAAAAAzk/-D8BCQ45qww/s320/Alison+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thread the wire through your bead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cM-dDoMVus/TsRmIckFNVI/AAAAAAAAAzo/DzgCIMTJyeY/s1600/Alison+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cM-dDoMVus/TsRmIckFNVI/AAAAAAAAAzo/DzgCIMTJyeY/s320/Alison+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fold both ends of the wire up creating a triangular shape. Don't fold the ends too tightly. (Note: If you are using a small briolette, as seen here, use <strong>caution</strong>. They are fragile and will break if the wire is too tight. You want it to "swing" slightly on the wire.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqcM8kLwxIw/TsRmVCM922I/AAAAAAAAAzs/8BnIB5q8Ykk/s1600/Alison+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqcM8kLwxIw/TsRmVCM922I/AAAAAAAAAzs/8BnIB5q8Ykk/s320/Alison+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I apologize for this blurry picture... Now you should pinch one end of wire between the round nosed pliers. Bend it at a 90 degree angle away from the crossover point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRNjk2lQT9Q/TsRma1GrGBI/AAAAAAAAAzw/QiFv0vTnVyk/s1600/Alison+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRNjk2lQT9Q/TsRma1GrGBI/AAAAAAAAAzw/QiFv0vTnVyk/s320/Alison+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keeping the wire pinched between the nose of the pliers wrap the wire back toward the crossover point over the pliers creating a rounded loop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPewk7-hfC4/TsRml4kxinI/AAAAAAAAAz0/cP35j5xtJnM/s1600/Alison+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gPewk7-hfC4/TsRml4kxinI/AAAAAAAAAz0/cP35j5xtJnM/s320/Alison+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now we are ready to start wrapping. Pull the leftover end of the loop down and around in front of the other length of wire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UugBrnpAAk/TsRmwHsHj2I/AAAAAAAAAyc/o8DtKR2eb_o/s1600/Alison+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UugBrnpAAk/TsRmwHsHj2I/AAAAAAAAAyc/o8DtKR2eb_o/s320/Alison+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With your other pair of pliers, pull this end of wire tightly all the way around the other wire, as if wrapping a rope around a tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1QYfrDZA9E/TsRm1-eQa0I/AAAAAAAAAyk/q9ShMCfFH8I/s1600/Alison+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1QYfrDZA9E/TsRm1-eQa0I/AAAAAAAAAyk/q9ShMCfFH8I/s320/Alison+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wrap until you are out of that length of wire. If you have any gnarly ends you can clip it off with your wire cutters.</div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZzOR17ArkI/TsRnLcCTNgI/AAAAAAAAAz8/kaW74egfTac/s1600/Alison+014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" hda="true" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZzOR17ArkI/TsRnLcCTNgI/AAAAAAAAAz8/kaW74egfTac/s320/Alison+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wrap the other length of wire in the same fashion around and on top of your first wrap.</div> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5WNz_-UJA/TsRni23B2dI/AAAAAAAAA0E/X-qgV-RCyIQ/s1600/Alison+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5WNz_-UJA/TsRni23B2dI/AAAAAAAAA0E/X-qgV-RCyIQ/s320/Alison+015.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cut any excess wire. Make sure to tuck or file the end so that there are no sharp edges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYAFwJPDA8I/TsRlLd9_g5I/AAAAAAAAA0A/IDbRXvg783c/s1600/Alison+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYAFwJPDA8I/TsRlLd9_g5I/AAAAAAAAA0A/IDbRXvg783c/s320/Alison+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Viola! Your beautiful bead now has a bail and can be added to your fabulous jewelry!</div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-53601780236058212342011-11-16T10:48:00.001-05:002011-11-16T10:51:13.048-05:00Green with Envy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div>After my inspirational journey through my latest Sundance catalog, I decided that I needed a new leather cord necklace! Does that have anything to do with all the beautiful leather pieces in the catalog? I plead...Guilty! I was just so envious of all the beautiful pieces! So here is my quick and easy version of the Sundance inspired necklace.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-IJ6LNZxsc/TsPXtSHtg1I/AAAAAAAAAww/mEuwfCA0W1M/s1600/Greenwithenvy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-IJ6LNZxsc/TsPXtSHtg1I/AAAAAAAAAww/mEuwfCA0W1M/s320/Greenwithenvy2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I used sterling silver for all my metal components as well as semi-precious gemstones, but you can make an equally beautiful piece with less expensive materials. You are limited only by your imagination. I will take better pictures than this too. Cross my heart! I was so excited last night I just couldn't wait to snap a couple of quickies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JHIJd6Ck6k/TsPYsbuEnAI/AAAAAAAAAw4/t0zEFgHTpdw/s1600/Greenwithenvy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JHIJd6Ck6k/TsPYsbuEnAI/AAAAAAAAAw4/t0zEFgHTpdw/s320/Greenwithenvy.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br />
I learned how to wrap wire for "dangles" by reading beading magazines. I plan on doing a few tutorials for this for anyone who may not be familiar with how to do it yet. I will try for tonight. I say "try," because I work full time and have two rambunctious little boys that sometimes like me to pay less attention to my arts and crafts and more attention to them. Imagine! I love, love, love, my boys! I will get the pics up though, cross my heart - again, and just for good measure, pinkie swear too! Stay with me...<br />
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</div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-58508871877085862142011-11-15T06:07:00.002-05:002011-11-16T13:46:08.711-05:00SUNDANCING...God love Robert Redford for this gift to the world! That is how I feel about it anyway. I love to find a Sundance catalog in my mailbox! This catalog is such a great source of inspiration to me. After browsing the pages of beautiful artisan goods I am so motivated! Create? Lets!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f7VLOkjwJcc/TsJH68r5bxI/AAAAAAAAAwE/F9tB3UX3Ais/2011-11-14%25252022.14.05.png" /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-91574198225239713662011-11-14T10:03:00.000-05:002011-11-15T06:12:33.696-05:00Christmas Cone-Head!<div>Yes Sir! That's me - a Christmas cone-head! I am sure you have see a lot of cone shaped "Christmas Trees" being sold for decorations in pretty much every retailer that sells any kind of Christmas decor. Some are metal with lovely dangles, some a plastic with sparkles and glitter... So pretty. Well, I am stealing this and making my own. I am not selling you my version of this idea as anything original, but you can certainly create your own original take on this very idea! <br />
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For my version, you will need a paper mache cone (find one at your local arts and crafts store), a hot glue gun (make sure it is fully loaded!), and plenty of pretty floral "picks" (also found at your local arts and crafts retailer).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEeFBTwZjFI/TsEmiOPfFMI/AAAAAAAAAv0/w9sIXtr7UcY/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEeFBTwZjFI/TsEmiOPfFMI/AAAAAAAAAv0/w9sIXtr7UcY/s320/IMG_0747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you see, I chose picks with these beautiful berry-like doo-dads. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You can use whatever you like. I also covered my cone with a like colored piece of felt prior to adding my berries, but depending on your color palette, you can do anything you like from using a like colored piece of material, to leaving it as is, to painting it the color you desire. I used a cone that is approximately 10" tall. It took about 10 picks to cover my cone, but keep in mind that depending upon what size cone, and the type and size of pick you use, this may vary.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can simply pull the "berries" from the pick, but to reduce damage to the "berries" I chose to clip them from the pick with a pair of wire cutters. If you don't have a set of wire cutters, you can get a very inexpensive set from most retailers. You can find them in several departments from floral to hardware. I then, very simply, hot glued my "berries" to my cone starting at the bottom and working my around the cone and up to the top. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCgi-Nq1D2s/TsEpBUwHEiI/AAAAAAAAAv8/xxk1uX7KK_E/s1600/IMG_0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCgi-Nq1D2s/TsEpBUwHEiI/AAAAAAAAAv8/xxk1uX7KK_E/s320/IMG_0742.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Look how pretty she is!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't you see her in all her loveliness, standing in the middle of the dinner table during the Christmas feast, surrounded by all the wonderful Christmas finery! I must make more! So easy, so pretty and I caught the picks I used at a great sale! So CHEAP!!! But so pretty, no one will know!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-69728364430378276132011-11-12T18:59:00.001-05:002011-11-12T19:13:07.109-05:00What a Messy Mess of a Mess!<div><p>Back from a trip to my local craft store. I am working on a number of projects at once. Better to say I have been bouncing from one to the other and back again. My little office/art studio/craft space has become a bit of a wreck! To top it off my kids keep dragging their toys in here... Oh my... In their defence, this space was a recently confiscated "toy room."  Could it be Mom is a bit of a hypocrite? OUCH! I think my next order of business is cleaning this place up and getting organized.  STAY TUNED..</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E2bvdkZi6fY/Tr8IYKznzGI/AAAAAAAAAts/v57MIxpg-sI/1321142293196.png' /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-85780495975603249292011-11-11T12:48:00.001-05:002011-11-23T10:42:07.761-05:00I never FELT so many flowers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVP-2RFUD6Y/Tr1fXS2-S1I/AAAAAAAAAtk/mUza1PzlcGY/s1600/Sweater+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gVP-2RFUD6Y/Tr1fXS2-S1I/AAAAAAAAAtk/mUza1PzlcGY/s320/Sweater+Wreath.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; mso-themecolor: dark2;">One of my new discoveries and the very thing that has lit a fire under my creative tushie this season is the yarn wreath with felt flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit it, I saw this browsing Etsy, and you see what happened next…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I didn’t copy the artist’s original design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I do believe imitation is the highest form of flattery, I would never try to pass off another person’s work as my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">idea</i> thief. This is MY little wreath and I LOVE it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of a warm cozy sweater I just want to cuddle up in! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have been researching other ideas to take on how to create the beautiful flowers for the wreaths, I have had my eyes opened to so much more! All this time I thought felt was just a children’s craft project. What I fool I have been!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a good little stock of various types of felt flowers growing in my craft room…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to show you what I do with the harvest!!! Stay tuned!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while these flowers are indeed FABLOUS, felt can be turned into so much more than just flowers! It can be made into beautiful coasters, trivets, slippers, dolls, and stuffed animals… the list go on!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I foresee a lot of felt in our futures!</span></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-3027038763644290652011-11-09T13:24:00.001-05:002011-11-14T17:01:34.915-05:0045 Days Until Christmas! Oh My!I know a lot of you are saying, "But what about Thanksgiving? We haven't even had our turkey dinner yet!" Well, if you are an arts and crafts person, like myself, then you are probably making decorations and/or gifts and/or gift wrapping and/or Holiday attire. In which case, you have to start thinking about these things way ahead of the Thanksgiving bird! If you haven't yet, as we love to say in the South, "Bless your heart!" You better get to it!<br />
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I have recently taken a hiatus from jewelry designing only to be slapped in the face with the creative desire to make all things Christmas. Now I feel the need to throw some jewelry in the mix as well. I have been known to sell my one of kind pieces in the past. I also, when I am able to part with them, which is often just as heart wrenching at parting with a beloved friend, have been known to gift my creations. Again, jewelry making is no original concept of mine, or anyone else's. We know cave men/women were some of the earliest jewelry designers, I mean, take Wilma Flintstone for example! She was the proud owner of one of the most iconic necklaces known today! So we stole the idea of becoming artisan jewelry makers from our earliest fore fathers and/or mothers. And I stole the idea from another thief who stole it before me. What makes it original is what you do with it! So here are a few of my past designs to give you some inspiration. Now I need to get busy on some new ones! Happy Creating!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQUvrpRMAg/TrrDiAnX92I/AAAAAAAAAtE/G5eA4FP_6tE/s1600/citrine_amethyst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SPQUvrpRMAg/TrrDiAnX92I/AAAAAAAAAtE/G5eA4FP_6tE/s320/citrine_amethyst.jpg" width="258" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWpjb2W8yw/TrrDnB_J5-I/AAAAAAAAAtM/2CQ6itIcX4c/s1600/earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWpjb2W8yw/TrrDnB_J5-I/AAAAAAAAAtM/2CQ6itIcX4c/s320/earrings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="211" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9nOP70i29I/TrrDp1yzkHI/AAAAAAAAAtU/dfxeywzoDwg/s320/Copper+Bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIn1IjhhVxk/TrrDu1r-YMI/AAAAAAAAAtc/KnoDPmWVEvo/s1600/teardrop+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIn1IjhhVxk/TrrDu1r-YMI/AAAAAAAAAtc/KnoDPmWVEvo/s320/teardrop+necklace.jpg" width="320" /></div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079704256546773423.post-14698569651658276752011-11-08T16:44:00.000-05:002011-11-09T16:28:24.850-05:00Its So FLUFFY!!!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_u_kXRHjRhA/TrmgnYD1z8I/AAAAAAAAAs8/YNAG2iyG0ik/s1600/2011-11-06+21+00+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_u_kXRHjRhA/TrmgnYD1z8I/AAAAAAAAAs8/YNAG2iyG0ik/s320/2011-11-06+21+00+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Okay, so maybe I am one of the few people in the world who had never seen this before. Please don't think of me poorly. I finally did see it. I took the idea, and I ran with it! Ain't she just as pretty as the frosting on a lily white cupcake! Unfortunately, I didn't take pics of the work in progress. I was too busy picking hot glue off my burning fingers. That's okay. Just like childbirth, it was worth it in the end! From here forth though, I assure you, I will be documenting all the steps to the wonderful projects that will appear here. I happened to have promised my mom one of these beauties, so as soon as I get to work on it (once my finger burns have all healed of course...) I'll take you through all the steps. You can find various versions of this project all over the web. You can use white or brown filters, or for those over achievers out there, you can color them any color you like by various means. You can also make them in various sizes and shapes. This is an inexpensive project for someone with some time on their hands. I used over 450 coffee filters, a round 14" foam wreath form from the floral section of my local craft store, and lots of hot glue. Did I mention to use caution with that stuff? It really burns! </div>Simply Southern Whimsyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11746751480630150167noreply@blogger.com1