Vintage Dragonfly's Halloween Matchbox Swap

She's done it again! Joanne of Vintage Dragonfly has come up with another fabulous Matchbox swap. This one is Halloween themed and you fill the matchbox (a large one) with 4 handmade Halloween items of your choosing.

For more details visit her blog HERE

Of course I'm already signed up, and guess what if you sign up you might just end up my partner. Now wouldn't you love that! ;)

Bloggerette Sorority: What's Cookin Blog Hop Announcement

The Bloggerette Sorority is hosting a Recipe Blog Hop Party this coming up Monday, August 15th. So you still have time to hop over and join in.

I've already started cooking and photographing and you know how much I love to cook!

Alpha Stamps Halloween Giveaway Challenge

Alpha Stamps has done it again, put together the most spooktackular Halloween giveaway.

Click HERE to get to the info or keep reading

Win the fabulous Hocus Pocus Halloween Kit shown at right and have your art featured on the Alpha Stamps’ blog!

Enter up to 3 of your original designs into our Halloween Giveaway Challenge!

The Rules:

- Create up to 3 pieces of Halloween-themed art using at least 1 Alpha Stamps’ rubber stamp or collage sheet image in each entry.

- Maximum of 3 entries per person (so you can enter 1, 2 or 3 pieces of artwork).
- Submissions must be your own original artwork.

How to Enter:

- Take a good quality photo of the piece you would like to submit (preferably against a neutral-color background) and save the photo as a jpeg. Please also include your name in the jpeg file name (e.g., JSmithHalloweenATC.jpg )
- Simply email submissions to submissions@alphastamps.com and include the words “Halloween Giveaway Challenge” in the email title. Please include your name and the title of the artwork in the body of the email. The email address you send the submission from will be the address used to notify you if you are a winner.

Deadline:

Submissions are due by NOON (PST) Sunday, August 21.

Travel Reads (not as good as Vacation reads)

So I read a bit, not as much as I expected, during the big move. I'm not sure if I didn't read as much because of the move or because of the quality of books. Anyway, read on and you will see what I am talking about.

The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett

Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women: — Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women -- mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends -- view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.


I enjoyed the help, it was beautifully written and easy to read. I could offer up some deep message that I received but to be honest I just enjoyed it for what it was, a slice of people's lives in the 60's.

There is a wonderful Read Along going on over at Simply Sarah's web site for this book with chapter discussions. You should stop by and see what others are saying if you have read it or go out and get it and read along.

I am looking forward to seeing the movie, i have a feeling they will be changing quite a few things.

Overall I am giving this book 4 stars, I didn't like the ending.


Beauty A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
Author: Robin McKinley

Sixteen-year-old Beauty has never liked her nickname. Thin, awkward, and undersized, with big hands and huge feet, she has always thought of herself as the plainest girl in her family - certainly not nearly as lovely as her elder sisters, Hope and Grace. But what she lacks in looks, she makes up for in courage. When her father comes home one day with the strange tale of an enchanted castle in the wood and the terrible promise he has made to the Beast who lives there, Beauty knows what she must do. She must go to the castle and tame the Beast - if such a thing is possible...

Here is the unusual love story of a most unlikely couple: Beauty... and the Beast.

1966-1988 Best of the Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1979 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1979 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)2000 List of Popular Paperbacks for YA

I love retelling/modernizations of classic fairy tales, however this one did not meet my expectations and I hate to say it but if I were you I'd pass it up for something like Beastly by Alex Flinn (but don't bother with that movie!) which I reviewed HERE.

The author decided to go with a very convoluted style so not only is the book originally written in the 60's (so the grammar rules are all a bit different) but it is a bit to stylized for my taste (and that's saying something because I read classics).

It is supposed to be told from Beauty's Point of View but in this rendition Beauty doesn't seem to have a personality at all. Descriptions are minimal and at one point in time I found myself saying "good thing I know the premise behind the Beasts situation otherwise I would be really confused right now."

When really considering why I didn't enjoy this book I have to go with the fact that YA authors have had to really step it up over the past few years not only in the stories they tell but also in the way they write them. I don't think that this book would be published (as is) today.

Overall I am giving this book 2 stars


Another Faust
Author: Daniel Nayeri, Dina Nayeri

One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish - only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city's most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor's extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up - reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty - they start to suffer the side effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption

What a colossal waste of my time. I hated it, from start to finish. Why did I finish it? I was in a car and all my other books were packed in the back.

The characters are shallow, the explanation behind everything is virtually nonexistent and when you finally get to some action it falls flat. On top of all that this is a contemporary retelling of a Faustian tale so if you don't have the background you might be lost, or you might not since it was so bad.

1 Star, and that might be generous

I am a long way's off from making my reading goal for the year. Hopefully I'll get the house put together quickly and be able to get to some good books soon! If anyone knows of a book club in the Birmingham area I would love to join one.

Hello, Goodbye

Today's the big day, the last day in this studio. Kind of a bittersweet feeling, I hate to see all my things boxed up but at the same time I can't wait to get my very own studio, one that I'm not just making do (like I did this small room).

Please sit back, enjoy my small studio and remember that next time you see studio photos it will be of one I've created from scratch! And I mean scratch, the current floors are coming out, a wall is being knocked down and we are still discussing what to do with the ceiling. Very exciting, but I know it will take some time.

Hope you enjoyed! Have a Great day and see you next time.

And the Winners Are...

Drum roll please.....

I used Random.org true number generator (couldn't get the screen shots to work) and the two numbers selected were

#28 Susan of Pieces of Fate

and

#7 AmyF of Amy Klaire's knitting, stamping, life

Congratulations Ladies! And thank you all for following and helping me clean out the studio for the big move.

Please send me an e-mail cmoh@earthlink.net with your mailing address' I would like to post the boxes tomorrow.

Just a quick FIY...with my follower # closely approaching 100 I'm planning on doing another giveaway once I get settled. Let me know what y'all would like. I've got a few idea's, item's collected as I drive cross country, a kit or two of my must haves and possibly some of my art (let me know what you would be most interested in receiving).

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Father's day and a great weekend.

Bloggerette Garden Party

The Ladies over at Bloggerette Sorority are hosting a Garden Party today and even with my total lack of a garden, I'm taking part. Right now we are renting a house in sunny CA that has a very small backyard. We found out we are moving right when it was time to plant so I didn't plant any new flowers or do any yard work but I did keep all the potted plants nice so it's still nice to go out and sit with an ice cold tea (or Gin and Tonic).

So please, sit back, relax, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the pittance of a Garden I am pleased to share with you.

Pictures above is my brand new lawn furniture, I fell in love with these retro pieces last year and bought them this year. Once we've moved I have plans to make some matching/coordinating pillows. At the end of the photo are 6 small planters, in each of those I have my herbs. One of the projects that got put on hold because of the move were some shabby chic signs with the herb names on them. Guess I'll have to have my husband make another herb garden for me.

Below are some of my favorite (altered) photo's of the flowers in my plethora of pots.

This final image is new growth in the Rainbow Garden my daughter and I planted to help her learn her colors. Alas I deleted the original photo's and right now the Rainbow Garden is in transition (in other words it's not so full of color, there is no orange or blue flowers) but please hop over to the original post I did HERE, you won't be disappointed. It was a very fun, inexpensive and has been a very rewarding project to do with a 4 year old.

Thank you so much for stopping by my garden, I am thrilled that you spent some time on my blog today. Looking forward to your comments and stopping by your gardens.

Mega Move Giveaway

Ends June 19th

Please help me de-stash before my big move.

Treasures of the Sea Matchbox

I recently took part in a Treasures of the Sea Mini Matchbox Swap hosted by Vintage Dragonfly. A few weeks prior to her announcing the Ocean theme she posted images from Things With Wings Swap, which was a matchbox swap also. I was so thrilled with the opportunity to take part in another matchbox swap, especially one with one of my favorite themes, that I neglected to read the instructions. Opps...

So I was supposed to create a mini matchbox and fill it with goodies or create a scene inside. But as you see I created a large matchbox. When I discovered my mistake I was so mad at myself but I got over it fairly quickly because I love what I created and knew my partner would also.

I used some of the fabulous mermaid themed collage sheets from Alpha Stamps for all my collage images, fibers, German scrap and a number of the extras, like the little clear balls that look like bubbles. The sea horse is a stamped image from Oxford Impressions that I covered with diamond glaze. The coral is cut from a sea themed post card and I covered it with crackle diamond glaze, it gives it a real life effect that doesn't show well in the photo's.


When I went to fill the matchbox I remembered that my MAMA group had put mini matchboxes inside the larger ones. I had a sea themed mini matchbox that I made a while ago so I pulled that down. The funny thing is that it would have worked for the swap all on it's own but I didn't think it would be fair to send something that I created a long time ago.

I altered it a little. Added a transparency film behind the opening I had cut to show off the inside, so that I could fill it with pearls.

When I uploaded pictures to the group I only showed this piece, didn't want to draw attention to the fact that I was incapable of following instructions.


For the side of the large matchbox, the portion that pulls out, I affixed a piece of coordinating paper (I used this on the sides of the matchbox also) added a bit of glitter and created some more of the coral bits that I used on the top of the box.

The mermaid I created by making a mold of a lovely brass charm I have, making the mold and then painting her with a fabulous shimmery paint that sometimes looks blue and sometimes green.

As a final touch on the sides I added a real shell (also got these from Alpha Stamps).

I absolutely love the sides of this box. I used the same decorative paper as I did on the short sides and added glitter along with the German Scrap fish (which I toned down the blue shine on by brushing them with alcohol ink) and adding some fibers.

The matchbox is glued to a piece of foam core that is slightly larger than the box. I painted it the same color as the mermaid and then distressed some crepe paper (which of course I added glitter to) and crinkled it. Attaching it where the seam is and hiding the wrinkle with stones.

Along the edge I affixed river pebbles, pearls, some real sea shells and filled it in with sand.

The entire thing sits on top of some flat marbles.

I had a great time creating this piece and can't wait to take part in more swaps hosted by Vintage Dragonfly.

Make sure you check out my Mega Moving Giveaway in the post below and tomorrow I will be joining the Bloggeret sisters for a tour or our gardens.

Hope you all have a Great Monday!

Mega Move Giveaway

Well Gang, I'm moving, again, sigh. But that's a good thing for you because well, let's face it moving is an excellent time to clean out the stash and boy do I have some fun stuff for y'all.

I have 2, yep that's 2 (which means 2 winners) flat rate postal boxes filled to the brim with paper, ribbon, fabric, pearls, ink pads, charms, stickers etc etc etc. The pictures above are just a taste.

What do you have to do to enter? There are 3 ways/opportunities. Please use a new comment for each different entry.
1. Leave a comments
2. Become a follower (or if you already are please remind me)
3. Post on your blog, a full post or on the sidebar (with a link back here & please use the button)

On Sunday June 19th I'll randomly select 2 winners and you will have 24 hours to exchange information with me. Please leave a way for me to contact you, via your blog or e-mail. Entries without these will not be considered.

Hope you have a wonderful week and I can't wait to send these goodies off!

Art Share ~ Treasures of the Sea

Monday I was thrilled to find my Treasure of the Sea Mini Matchbox swap return. My partner was Lynn and she created a stunning piece that is perfect for me.



I love all things vintage and she mixed the Ocean theme with vintage in a wonderful way. The image looks like an old photograph, the frame around it is a thick cardboard covered with a marvelous sandy texture. It hangs over the edge of the matchbox giving it a fabulous 3D quality.

What I find most special about the top is the flower she made out of miniature sea shells. I've never seen anything so wonderful and I keep turning the box this way and that to get a better look at how she put it all together.



The matchbox came inside a lovely gold organza bag that I don't have shown here, she also included some wonderful bird stickers and a charm I have posted below, it too came in an organza baggie. I love those things!

Inside the mini matchbox she stuffed some wonderful bits and pieces. A cut out of a dress form in a lovely cream felt, some mini collage images, a real sea shell and a gorgeous crystal.

The little box/drawer she painted blue and added a blue button as a pull.






The charm she created is also ocean themed, with all sorts of different ocean creatures, shells and fabulous bling. The glittered shell is a real sea shell! I just love it.

I'm thrilled with this swap, what I created, what I received and how it all ran. I am looking forward to the next one! You should come join us.