Scott's Birthday gift.

I would like to share a very special gift I commissioned for my husband's birthday. I found this artist through a post on Regretsy in which April Winchill commissions a portrait with a flip flop on her head, wearing a magic marker moustache. That was back in February. Then in early April, I read this post where others sent in their photos for portraits.

Well, I am only human. I HAD to have one! And what better reason to order one than for my husband Scott's birthday? So, this is the photo I sent to Sharie of ShariesCraftworld




Yes, I know...this could have gone horribly wrong, but I'm an adventurous gal. I've been with my husband for half of my life, so he obviously knows me and my humor. I received the finished portrait with plenty of time to oogle it before giving it to him on May 1st at his birthday dinner party.



I have to include an angle shot here, so you can see how 3D it is!



Now, like I said earlier, this could have gone horribly wrong. He could have had silent distaste, could have screamed in disgust and thrown it accross the table...but, Scott is my husband...I could not have asked for a better reaction.

click here to see the video of the unveiling.

I have to say that Sharie was a pleasure to work with, and that this portrait is one of Scotts favorite presents ever! Thanks so much again for this awesome portrait, Sharie!

Earth Hour Saturday Night!

Saturday night is Earth Hour from 8:30pm - 9:30pm. Earth hour was designed to promote Climate Awareness. I participated last year, and although I was alone in my dark house, I felt like I made a difference. This year will be no different, unless of course I go out, then I will hopefully be somewhere where the lights will go out as well (cause that's always fun).

If I stay home tomorrow night, my home will be dark from 8:30 - 9:30pm. I will light candles, catch up on some sketches, or finally start reading that book I have on the sidelines.
I hope you all join me.

The Parklane Post

Check out my interview with Lisa from the Parklane Post. Thanks Lisa!

Fireworks and Fire

The only fourth of July fireworks we saw were from the dock at Nick and Julie's.
It was so beautiful and simple.



A little bit of July 5th early morning.



It seems as though someone (JulieS?) threw a glass into the bushes.



Good times were had by all.

Happy 4th!

Independence day. That's what it's all about.

'Independence' has renewed meaning to me these days. It's a HUGE word that says a lot.

Freedom, Liberty, and Happiness.



That said, Scott and I bought some goodies tonight to fulfill our desire for some pineapple vodka. As soon as we get this started, it should only take a couple of weeks to be good to enjoy.

Happy 4th!!!

1000 Markets

1000 markets is a selling venue that is juried and fabulous. There are wonderful things to be seen and bought here, please browse around!

I just found out that I was accepted, and I am so happy! Please check out my shop there, and if you are so inclined, buy something! Haaahhaa!

It's late, they approved me moments ago, so forgive me for my overexcitability, please!

I can't believe that I got in! Yay!!!!

Old Cemetery

So, yes... I have been amongst the missing, I know it. I apologize to the few readers who have been wondering when and if I would ever post another bit of nonsense, mainly Suzanne and Kim...LOL!

Anyhoo, to celebrate my return, here are some pictures of a cemetery I have recently discovered.

I pulled over and walked around for a bit the other day. It was an incredibly sunny day! I think I need to go exploring more on an overcast day, or when the sun is not so high in the sky.


I would have never even known this cemetery existed had I not decided to change my route because of construction. It's quite lovely, on a hill (although the pictures don't show that well) and very small. I don't even know what the proper name of this cemetery is, but I think it is a non-conjoined part of Sharon Memorial Park.

Just beautiful!

A few of my favorite Boston Handmade things.

Being a member of such a talented group of artisans and craft people can have it's advantages. I have the first look at some of the most wonderful new items, and sometimes...they are gifts!

During the annual meeting in January, we exchanged gifts as a group. I was lucky enough to score two of these wonderful coasters from Lucie Wicker which have become a staple on my coffee table ever since. Hubby and I love them!


During the BH Downtown store's run, I had purchased an eyeglass case from Elizabeth Brennick designs which I have put to use as more than just an eyeglass case. I use it to hold the faceplate for my radio when I park in Boston, and when I am not parking in Boston...eyeglass case it is!


I also bought a painted wooded brooch from Wellerwishes (my sister, Kathy) which I wear all the time and love so much! Her pieces evoke a long lost imaginary magical time. So whimsical and colorful!



Since I first discovered Mimi Kirchner's dolls...yes, when I first joined Boston Handmade, I have longed to own one of her dolls. Lucky for me, she had these magnets for sale of her masculine tattoo men who now grace the front of my refrigerator. Someday I will own a real Mimi doll, but until then, I get to look at images of these beautiful tattooed men...


I am a huge fan of Breton Bleu Studios, I am lucky enough to own a few of her original paintings. I'm a huge fan! My favorite is a mini painting of a marsh that reminds me of Prince Edward Island...even tho I know that it was either from the coast of Massachusetts or of France. Here are a few together.

What are your favorite Boston Handmade items?

Happy Valentine's Day

Scott gave me roses.

Pretty, red, fragrant roses...

What'd you get?

Gina's Guitar Pick

I made this guitar pick pendant for Gina as a thank you present.
It's the one on the right (the one on the left is for a donation I spoke of below)


Gina sent Scott meli-melo's for Christmas. I can't find anywhere to order them here in the US or online for that matter. Need I say more?

I also really want to see if Gina reads my blog.

Rock! for "Music Drives Us"

It's time for another BandGig concert featuring musicians in the program of all ages and musical styles. These special concerts always benefit a cause and this time it is for Ernie Boch, Jr's Music Drives Us Program.


This Saturday night, January 17th, The Elks club in Norwood, MA will be host to this concert benefiting music programs throughout Massachusetts. There will be raffles with lots of great products and services, and a very special raffle of two Floor seat Celtics tickets (which should command a pretty penny!) The winner and a guest will be able to watch the players wipe the sweat from their brow, and may even get moistened by accident (that's how good the seats are)!

Once again, I am donating an item of handmade jewelry. This time, I made a sterling silver pendant in the shape of a guitar pick with "BAND GIG" stamped in, with a chain so the lucky winner will never be caught without a pick again! My pendant will be included in a basket of other Rockin' goodies...here is a sneak peek...

If a 'Rockin' Basket' is not your thing, there will also be baskets themed with 'Pamper Yourself', 'High Fashion', 'Living Italian' and 'A Night In and Out'.

Please come out to the Elks club on Saturday night for a great concert and an awesome cause!

New Year, New Etsy shop!

It's a new year, and time for new endeavors!

I have opened a new Etsy shop with vintage jewelry and jewelry components. Most of the vintage jewelry that will be featured in my new shop is courtesy of my friend Jape's mother and animal advocate extraordinaire.

Please check out my new shop findingrosetta where 50% of all profits from sales will be donated to the Neponset Valley Humane Society.

Here is a sneak peek of what you will find at findingrosetta
Vintage flower brooch

Vintage telephone cuff links

And a vintage brooch that has already sold...thanks Kathy!

Although its fun for me to take pictures and list items, my main goal here is to make some money for the Neponset Valley Humane Society. So please take a look and see if there is anything you like, even if you like it to just take it apart and make something else with it. Because that is fun, too!

A very special Christmas present

I made this pendant for my sister Kathy in her signature blog avatar for Christmas. I think she really liked it.

I only took these two pictures, and in retrospect, the pics are not so good. The pendant is adorable though...really adorable. In fact, it screams Kathy. This is her illustration copied in sterling silver. I can take no credit for the design. I placed a piece of thin paper on my computer screen and traced the outline of her little bunny to the best of my ability, and then copied that onto some sterling sheet with a sharp point, and then cut it out. It may not be exactly her avatar, but it is as close as I could get. And I love it!

I think it came out pretty good. Such sweet bunny goodness. I love Kathy, and I love this little pendant.

Merry Christmas!

It's all about comfort really.
Christmas is a time where you can kick back and relax and just be yourself. Just take it from Ruby (or Daisy...I can't tell them apart.)

She sat like this for a few minutes before anyone thought it was odd.

Merry Christmas!!

Guitar? I need practice!

****Warning :: even though there is a cute little boy in the first two vidoes, that doesn't mean there isn't a mean old cursing lady in the last video...could be NSFW...use your better judgment. :)*****

I have to share this with you all, not that this video needs any help with marketing...it has over 600,000 views.
I am in awe when I see such small children with such huge talents, and this boy has a talent that I am extremely impressed with.
Sungha Jung playing 'blackbird'


I really hope this kid can pursue his passion and not have to take over the family farm.

But whoa! Here is the same little boy only a couple of years older...and more adept it seems...
Sungha Jung playing 'blackbird' a few years after the first time...


Practice, practice, practice.

...Funny, the last video reminded me of a video I made a few years ago. I think it has to do with the shelving in the background or the color of the walls... not the quality of guitar playing.

Karate by Tenacious D, played by Nancy on guitar and vocals.


:D

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

It is cold outside, but the Mashed Potatoes will keep us warm, don't you think?



Ann Gorbett's painting of her family during the holiday season in 1967. Life is a bowl of Mashed Potatoes!

Ann Gorbett is the featured Frist Friday Artist on Friday December 5th at Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9. Stop by for some wine and cheese and shmooze!!! Hope to see you there!

A glorious end to a wonderful week

It's been an incredible last few days. There is something churning in the city of Boston that I want to shout about from the rooftops, but I think I will save that for later until more plans are in effect.

I had a fantastic time at my 'First Friday' gallery show. I made some sales and chatted it up with some friends, and made a few more.

I think mine was the first 'First Friday' that Dave attended (not totally sure, but he was a prominent guest at my show). Here he is with my mother early on in the evening. Later on, she was still in his charge, but was oblivious to his head being in the small trashcan all night.

I think everyone had a good time, we drank some wine and schmoozed it up.

After the show, I went home and got Rusty and went over to Japisuze for some pasta and sauce and some beer...a great end to the evening.

Also, today I just got my invitation to join Raverly an online knit and crochet community. I am excited to figure out how to use it to store patterns and my stash of yarn, and get to know the community. I have already found 3 people in Boston Handmade that are members, it should be fun!

Nantucket Window

Some Kerry Hawkins type photographs of a shop window on Nantucket. Kerry has a great eye for window photos, and I thought I would give it a try. This shop had the most wonderful display of cast toys. It was closed when we were browsing the windows.




I love the last photo with the standing frog.

Scarf!

I finished my scarf last night.

It was actually a challenge for this experienced crocheter. I had never used true handspun yarn before, and this particular yarn had incredible fluctuations in the thick and thin. I found it very hard to keep my stitches loose enough and actually pulled the whole thing apart twice before I was happy with it. The yarn I bought from Knittydirtygirl is called Godzilla eats Pumpkins and it has incredible color and texture. My photos don't show the true vibrancy of color, the true color can be seen here or here.

What a great model!


I had a lot of fun tearing this apart and re-making it and in the end, I think I have a fantastic scarf. I only wish that I had enough yarn to make a hat, too.

Two skeins 80 yards each.

Happy Halloween!