Rockin around the Christmas tree

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ROCKIN AROUND

THE

CHRISTMAS TREE

As my 17 year old would say, "Only in my house!"

This years Christmas tree turned out to be FUNFETTI.  Although, I must confess.  My first inspiration was to get a tie-dye look.

It all started with my daughter's black light party last year.  We had an old white artificial tree.  I thought it would glow under a black light, and it did.  But a blue/white glow wasn't enough for me, so I added flourescent pink and orange.  Unfortunately, The colors could only be seen upclose, from a distance it still looked blue/white.  

In daylight my flourescent painted tree looked pink. For me, way too  common.  Feeling an itch to re-use and save the earth (and our checking account), I decided to "Paint the Roses Red". Yes. I was planning to paint the tree.  So out came my spray and acrylic paints.  And I turned up the tunes.  No way was I going to listen to old Bing and dream of a "White Cristmas".  Instead, I pulled up Pandora Radio and listed to Tower of Power, James Brown and "Played some funky music 'white girl'"!

 With yellow enamel spray paint I randomly added yellow spots to the interior and exterior tree branches.  Then adding bright acrylic colors to my pallet, I again randomly placed colors as well as patterns such as this for a tie-dye look using a 1 1/2" wide trim brush.

With my new tree looking less alive than my old Grateful Dead T-shirt, I decided it needed to look alot more like a party.  For streamers(tinsel) I used bright ribbons in co-ordinating colors.  And since I've gone this far, the reflective qualities of  CD's were a no brainer for ornaments. The DVD's and CD's even reflected prisms of colorful little rainbows through out the room. 

This is what happens when you force a city girl into the country.

Have a blessed Christmas.

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Blue is great when I'm homesick

Today I'm homesick, but a cure is on its way.

I don't miss business suits, long commutes and climbing the corporate ladder.  But I do miss the diversity in business, the arts and people, not to forget the fog. 

The move wasn't all that bad

The Midwestern cost of living has been a God send.  I don't "have to work" to exist and now have the time to creatively breathe. 

We picked up some pretty fun instruments while trying our hand at a co-op gift shop. Learning to play upright and electric bass has been a total blast.  My favorite is still my flute and Gourdalin.  This last year has been great as we've gotten in on some gigs where my jewelry has gotten more exposure (and sales!)

But I still miss the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hubby and I have been working on organizing a benefit concert right in the middle of the busy holiday art & craft show season.  Like we weren't busy enough!  It's for a couple of great causes, and thankfully we won't have to freshen up our set and play.

It's a good thing to help others.  It takes the focus off of "us".

But God wired into me the need for some "me" time.  A time where I can be alone and create.  Pour my favorite beverage, put on some good tunes, and spread my supplies all around me and just dive in...for hours!   One thing I have learned is this;  Even though I feel like I could just burst if I don't creatively express myself, I won't.  And when I finally can focus on my creativity, the outcome will be good.  So I have made a decision.

Rest up and dress up

Tomorrow I will dress up in clothes that make me feel creative and special.  And tonight? I will get some much needed rest.  I now have a date with my pillow.

Meet "Blue".

Yes, I've named my pillow. 

dome-dome-dome-dome.......DOME!!!!

Do you ever feel like your chasing your tail working in circles?  Lately this has been me. 

I've been trying to create enough inventory for my first Holiday Extravaganza Show in years.  I realize some of you already have this down to an art.  But shows are relatively new for me and we'll have two more within the next 30 days.   I'm not complaining, but this is also a great time of year for Ebay listings.  Although it is quite possible that I am in denial that I'm over my head, I still want to make this all work.  Even though I feel like I'm running in circles! 

                                           But I have a remedy, BUILD A DOME HOME!
                                                    (this one is a Geodesic Dome home)

Why a dome home? I'm thinking it would add some (ahem) structure to my life, forcing me to follow a routine.  You're probably like, "what-ever girlfriend", but hear me out. 

It could be a great work environment.  Set up work stations around the inside perimeter of the building.  Just walk through the door and visit the stations the order of which they present themselves.

1st stop,  Station 1 -  Check your email and print all shipping documents.
2nd stop, Station 2 -  Packaging.  Then leave packages by the door @ the last station.
Station 3,4,5 etc     - designing, photography, research, etc.
Final Station - Pick up the packages you initially placed by the door and your day is done!

Since each work station is designated for each unique job, you're good to go when you hire help! Booyah!

But, no work environment is complete without a kitchen.  This wonderful unit would go right in the center of the dome.  I'd like an "S" shaped wall with this kitchen unit on one side and a small restroom on the other.

Should one not prefer the Geodesic design because of its angles, there is also the Monolithic design.

Both designs are known for economical heating/cooling.  Monolithic structures have no fire hazard or negative feng-shui angles. I still prefer the Geodesic design. Maybe because the Monolithic makes me hungry for dim sum.                                 
                                                          Chinese steamed pork buns.

And now, to give credit where credit is due.

 Geodesic dome homes by Timberline.
The Monolighic dome scoop  and full story.
Circle Kitchen by Compact Concepts.

Dream kitchen

Recently I was asked what my dream kitchen might have.
For me an ergonomic sink is a must!

Very similar to this Ferrari luxury kitchen sink center from KicheConcept.




I love the idea of stepping into the sink area instead of leaning completely over. A foot rest bar would be nice. I'd probably even go for a paisley or kidney shaped basin.

Color would be a must for me. I wouldn't have this solid red, too modern for me. 

And unless I want to spend the bulk of my kitchen time with cleaners, I say forget all the trendy whites.  Besides, I live in the Midwest and when it's cold and white outside, bringing it inside is the last thing we want to do.

 (But, if you like this, thank Kitchn.com.)



When my kids were younger they watched a show called Gulla Gulla Island.  I remember the set had a colorful kitchen.  I am leaning a wee bit in that direction, but on a more grown-up than pre-school level.

I just LOVE the yellow and blue  contrast!!    I'm talking color here.  Thank you hgtv.com

Actually, this blue/purple is the same color I purchased to paint the exterior of my home...with a yellow accents.
(hmmmm.......) 

Now back to reality. I don't get new cupboards, I'm stuck with the ones I have.

I'm tempted to use my outdoor paint in the kitchen for my cupboards. I'll check with my local hardware store for safety issues.
The sink and work center is awesome, but I think unrealistic for many middle class homes.
        

T-Shirt to Underpants Upcycling Tutorial

T-Shirt to Underpants Upcycling Tutorial



Thank you Haley Pierson-Cox. You are an inspiration. Check out her blog folks!

A FEW CHICKS IN A BARN

It's so exciting to be able to share this great news with all of you lovers of antiques, primitives, collectibles, crafts, food, and fun loving folks.  We have been invited to become part of The Country Loft's special holiday events

The Loft is a 100 year old barn that has been beautifully renovated.

If you dream of restoring your old barn, you'll love how they have decorated The Loft with family heirlooms.

During fair weather events we have even more antiques and primitives outdoors.

My creative juices have been flowing and at each upcoming event, I will be revealing a new collection of jewelry at the Country Loft.

We have a neighboring homestead with plenty of outbuildings full of antiques, collectibles and crafts.  Before you visit our neighbors, be sure to fill up an a healthy meal at The Loft.  Plenty of home-made pies are available with the daily meal specials.

On the 4th of July, we'll be just a heartbeat away from the Historical Seward Nebraska July 4th Celebrations.

Thanksgiving Weekend ~ Nov 3,4 and 5th

Christmas at the Loft ~ Dec 2,3 and 4th
A real life bearded Santa will be here.  Come get your picture laser engraved on an ornament!

Please come visit, just watch for the signs:

The Country Loft

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Schweitzer Customs

2871 Rokeby Rd

Milford, Ne 68405

1(402)761-2727

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Dilemma Dahling - To wear or not to wear

Oh, the ever inspiring wide-wonderful-world of Etsy has uprooted my deep roots of contentment and stagnancy. To wear or not to wear, that is now my question. And my dilemma dahling.

Of course the more we expose our handmade artistic labors to others, the better the chances are of sales. It makes perfect sense, but I fight it. When people find out that I love to make jewelry and accessories, they immediately ask if I am wearing any of my own designs.

Arrrgh!

Some of my things are heirlooms. I wear them because of the warm fuzzies I get just knowing it belonged to Grandma.

But my creations are one-of-a-kind. Like this one:


If I wore some of my favorite pieces, they'd become "previously worn"... used. I just cannot get myself to sell or gift my designs in anything other than "new". (Would you buy socks worn for a day?) Blah! see what I mean?

In the meantime, while I wrestle with my dilemma, I'll wear Grandmas earrings and print up more business cards. Then when someone asks if I'm wearing any of my creations I can tell them about my loving grandmother and hand them a business card.