SHAYLASTURBIA

How's this for a storm?

2009-06-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

The weather has been hot and humid for the last few days, perfect for tornado and severe storm brewing. Last night the conditions were finally right, it got really still, clouds started rolling and turning green, and it was black as night when it should've been daylight. We were instructed to go into the basement by the weather service, but of course where were we? Standing on the deck outside. We had tons of rain and wind, but nothing was damaged. (except the crops being flooded) We are suppose to have 8 days of hot and humid and a chance of these storms every day. Something to look forward to?

ATC and Inchies

2009-05-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

I used the zentangle idea for this ATC and inchie swap for swap-bot. I love making zentangles! It's so relaxing!!

Disintegration Collaboration

2009-05-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

I took down my bundle and took it apart and the picture is some of the result. It did not seem to change too much, just a few papers bleeding into one another. I decided to rebundle and rehang it for another couple of months and see what the spring rain and storms can do to it. The second picture is of the new bundling. We'll see what happens.

The 100 year floods

2009-04-04T11:40:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you've all heard of the flooding in North Dakota and Western Minnesota. We took a drive a few days ago and met with many detours and road wash outs. Unbelievable how much water there is! The pictures of the roadsides are fields completely covered in water, with a thin 2 lane road in between. The water is frozen so it doesn't look quite as dramatic as if it were all water, but as it melts it's going to be a mess, worse than it is now. Major highways are closed and many houses are partially submerged. Even the local zoo has to move all the animals out to another zoo because they flood! Happens every year!!!

House (ATC) Swap

2009-04-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Doing a house ATC swap on swapbot. Tried a few ideas mostly with paper and they just didn't turn out the way I wanted, so felting was next in line. These I was happy with, so the felted ATC's is what I'm going to go with. Now, on to the next swap.

Disintegration Collaboration

2009-03-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

Over 50 artists are now participating in the Disintegration Collaboration. Bundles of every imaginable material, shape, and color are hung, tied, buried, and submerged all around the world. Nature is working her magic with snow, rain, hail, sun, wind, earth, fire, and water all interacting with and disintegrating bundles of bundles. On May 1, each artist will reveal the results on their own blog.

This is what 1 degree looks like!

2009-02-14T09:53:00.001-08:00

HELP!!! I'm making inchies and I can't stop!!!!

2009-02-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

I made inchies about a year ago for a St. Patrick's exchange. It was fun, but after that I never thought much more about them. I was cruising blogs and groups and saw some fun inchies so thought I would try again. Now I can't stop!!!!! Everything has "inchie" possibilities! Now if I can just figure out what to do with them. Anyone want to trade?

My rainbow

2009-02-01T16:16:00.001-08:00

Your rainbow is intensely shaded violet, red, and orange.

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate a challenge. Others are amazed at how you don't give up. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

The times they are a changin'

2009-02-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

"In today's economy there are no experts, no 'best and brightest' with all the answers. It's up to each one of us. The only way to screw up is to not try anything."

- Thomas J. Peters

ch ch ch ch ch changes

2009-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

“They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”

Andy Warhol

Busy "Arty" morning

2009-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

This morning my "muse" gave me a boot out of bed and said, "Get crafting!". I took her gentle nudge and made some felted and embroidered ATC's. That wasn't enough so I went on to felt a couple of small hearts, one red, one purple. Still wasn't enough, so I created some "steampunk" hearts from polymer clay. I also had been wanting to try a technique I saw in the new "Cloth, Paper, Scissors", so I did that too. It was an article about melting plastic bags, and using junk mail for art. I found some purple and green bags in my stash, and cut them, layered them between some foil, and ironed away. They melted into a fun purple and green mix and I turned it into a business card wallet. I straightend the edges, embroidered them with green thread, sewed on a purple button and a velcro closure and voila! Business card wallet! Now I think I need a nap!!

See? Shayla really does knit!

2009-01-04T06:27:00.001-08:00

ALMOST 2009!!!!

2008-12-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing the best in the new year for all. May all your hopes and dreams become realities.

The Power of a Woman

2008-12-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

Happy Holidays! Find ways to bring joy!

2008-12-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." Edith Wharton

In memory of Mouse

2008-11-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

And then there were 12........2 days ago my wonderful siamese cat, Mouse, had to be put to sleep. He and I had been to the vet nearly every day for the last two weeks. He had a mass in his head that manifested itself as an ear infection and ended up destroying the nerves on that side of his face. His eye, tongue and throat were affected. He couldn't eat for the last week and I brought him to the vet every other day for fluids so he would not dehydrate. The last day I just couldn't watch him suffer anymore. He wanted to eat so badly and couldn't. The vet said force feeding would only have been a temporary fix.

My heart is broken. He was a clown, a cuddler, and he was my muse when I worked in my studio. He always wanted to be with me, to HELP me work.

He was 7. I rescued him and his 3 sisters from a woodpile after his mother was hit by a car. They were maybe 4 weeks old. He has had a wonderful cat life of food, play, catnip, and cuddling. I miss him terribly.

Goodbye Mousie, my life is not the same without you.

Fall Bracelets

2008-10-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

I was busy today making fall bracelets. It's cold and windy here today, a perfect day for playing in my craft room. I made the skull beads from polymer clay, and aged them so they look like bone. I used glass and crystal beads on silver wire to add to the mix. The felted bead bracelet is just a fun fall look.

FAMILY

2008-10-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

"If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty." - Jeff Foxworthy

Halloween Spirit

2008-10-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm getting in the Halloween spirit. I decided to paint my pumpkin like a haunted house this time. I like to paint them rather than carve them because they last so much longer. Turned out cute, huh? It's a beautiful day here today, about 65degrees, sunny, breezy, but tonite and most of next week is suppose to be rainy and cooler. I suppose it was in inevitable, winter always does rear it's head, but it always seem to come just a little too fast. At least they are predicting rain and not SNOW!! There was frost on the windshield one morning this week, but that was all. ( and that is enough ) Better get out and enjoy this beautiful day. Have a great weekend everyone!!

It's Fall!!

2008-09-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of the year! The nites are cooler, the leaves are beautiful oranges, yellows, and reds. The air smells earthy. Apples are ripe. And best of all my birthday time. No matter how old I get, I LOVE my birthday!!! Don't care if it means I'm another year older. It's MY special day!! woo hoo!!

Steampunk test

2008-08-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Ragamuffin

39% Elegant, 28% Technological, 37% Historical, 28% Adventurous and 60% Playful!

You are the Ragamuffin, the embodiment of steampunk playfulness. Chances are, you approach the genre from a much more casual and lighthearted standpoint than most other fans. To you, there is always an element of play inherent in the genre, and you may very well enjoy fashion as much for the opportunity to dress up as for the style itself. You probably wear goggles as an accessory, and rarely as actual eye-protection. Your outfits are likely to incorporate a lot of brown or cream, and combine large boots, Victorian corsets or vests, aviator caps or bowler hats, and gypsy skirts or slacks, simply because you like them all.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

SP12 package arrived!!!!

2008-08-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am SO spoiled!! I received the most awesome package from my SP. Thank you a million times over. EVERYTHING was perfect! I've wanted a ball winder FOREVER!! The ZUM body stuff I use, how did you know? I love that stuff!! The model magic clay is perfect for beadmaking. The koolaid is my choice for dyeing yarns and fleece, it gives vibrant color and smells so nice!! I love the yarn and have started some socks from it. The knit kit is a wonderful little tin with knitting supplies, how clever!! Thank you again secret pal, you are wonderful!!!

Only one word?

2008-08-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

This isn't as easy as it looks. Your answers can be ONE WORD only. Copy, paste, and give it a try.

1. Where is your cell phone? PURSE

2. Your significant other? SLEEPING

3. Your hair? BLONDE

4. Your mother? INNOCENT

5. Your father? GONE

6. Your favorite thing? CATS

7. Your dream last night? ODD

8. Your favorite drink? WATER

9. Your dream/goal? RETIRE

10. The room you’re in? COMFORTING

11. Your ex? CHARMING (not in a good way)

12. Your fear? DROWNING

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? CALIFORNIA

14. Where were you last night? HOME

15. What you’re not? UNKIND

16. Muffins? PISTACHIO

17. One of your wish list items? SECURITY

18. Where you grew up? MINNESOTA

19. The last thing you did? BEADING

20. What are you wearing? CAPRIS

21. Your TV? HUGE

22. Your pets? CATS

23. Your computer? SLOW

24. Your life? WONDERFUL

25. Your mood? CONTENT

26. Missing someone? YES

27. Your car? CUTE

28. Something you’re not wearing? SHOES

29. Favorite store? BARNES & NOBLE

30. Your summer? LONG

31. Like(love) someone? ALWAYS

32. Your favorite color? PINK

33. Last time you laughed? TODAY

34. Last time you cried? MONDAY

35. Who will re-post this? ANYONE?

I'M HUNGRY!!!!

2008-08-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is my siamese pain. She is ALWAYS hungry. I've never seen a cat like her. She is perfectly healthy, no problems, but she is like a dog. When the wet food is passed out amongst all the cats, she eats hers in 2 bites and then proceeds to finish everyone else's plate too. If she can't grab it in her mouth, the she waits, and the paw comes out and she grabs the food off the plate. When there isn't another morsel left ANYWHERE, she curls up and goes to sleep in her favorite cat bed. I have a favorite quote painted on a sign in my bedroom.

There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast.

That pretty much says it all.

ME?

2008-08-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

you are lightcyan
#E0FFFF

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is very low - you have better things to do than jump headfirst into every little project. You make sure your actions are going to really accomplish something before you start because you hate wasting energy making everyone else think you're working.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Is it over already?

2008-08-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

Is my weekend over already? I had so much fun this weekend, working on jewelry projects, I just don't know where the time went. Why do Mondays come around so fast?

I thought I would try my hand at this. This is the fifth project in Mary Hettmansperger's book "Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivet". Mary calls it her "Wrapped Beads" necklace. She used sheet metal and encased her beads inside the pod form by drawing a bead on the bottom of her wire, inserting the beads into the pod and wrapping the wire at the top. I used some copper mesh that I had in my stash of useful (less) metal pieces, and some of my massive bead stash, wrapped some wire, and this is what I came up with. Cute, no?

Great 4th of July weekend ahead!

2008-07-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

No work today, so we get to leave 1 day earlier on our motorhome excursion. We're hitting every flea market and antique store we can find, and a few garage sales in between. I love treasure hunting!!!!! Thankfully there is lots of room in the motorhome to store lots of treasures!!

Happy 4th of July holiday weekend to everyone!

Meet Cassandra

2008-06-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

This is my new dotee doll, Cassandra. She is the first one I've ever made. I'd say she turned out rather cute. I've been seeing lots of cute fabrics and beads that have been calling to me. Seems these Dotee's are everywhere. Swap-bot is full of them, so I just had to jump in and make one too. Me thinks she will soon have many friends!!! She was really fun to make! I already have started on another, that seems to be turning out rather tribal looking. Pictures of her will be soon to follow. Just can't stop at one!!!

SP12 Questionnaire

2008-06-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love alpaca, and sari silk. Any fiber is fine, as long as it's soft.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I store them in jars on my desk, so they are in easy reach whenever I need them.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting since I was a child, a neighbor taught me the basics, the rest I taught myself. I consider myself an intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Amazon

5. What's your favorite scent? Patchouli, musk, cinnamon, spice, pumpkin, ginger tea

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? red licorice

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I spin, make wire and bead jewelry, crochet, felting, rubberstamp, draw, collage, and make altered art.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all varieties of music and yes to the MP3's.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love all shades of pink, except very pale. Bright purples, limes, pinks, are all great. Brown is not a favorite, unless it is paired with a light blue.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my bf and 13 cats and have a grown daughter who lives in California.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear mittens, wrist warmers, and socks.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? instant gratification items, socks, dishcloths, wrist warmers, scrumbles, etc.

13. What are you knitting right now? I have socks and a knitted elephant on the needles right now. Oh, and scrumbles too.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Love it.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I use them all. I prefer 4 straight needles for socks.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? neither, but would love both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? a year, a shawl that I just keep adding on to when the mood strikes.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect? vintage jewelry, beads, cats, dotee dolls

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Fiber trends clogs pattern (I know everyone has made them but me) and their knitted llama pattern. I just buy my magazines at the store.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'm always open to learn a new technique or hobby. I would like to learn to make those microscope slide necklaces and the pieces of broken china plates made into pendants.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? yes, I make socks and I wear a size 5 womens' shoe.

23. When is your birthday? september

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? shayla

Is That All There Is?

2008-04-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

IS THAT ALL THERE IS?
Peggy Lee

SPOKEN:
I remember when I was a very little girl, our house caught on fire.
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up
in his arms and raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I stood there shivering in my pajamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
And when it was all over I said to myself, "Is that all there is to a fire"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to a circus, the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears.
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And so I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle.
I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself, "is that all there is to a circus?

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
Then I fell in love, head over heels in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love.
Then one day he went away and I thought I'd die, but I didn't,
and when I didn't I said to myself, "is that all there is to love?"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing

SPOKEN:
I know what you must be saying to yourselves,
if that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?
Oh, no, not me. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment,
for I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
when that final moment comes and I'm breathing my lst breath, I'll be saying to myself

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

I've Been A BAAAAAAD Blogger!

2008-03-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've been such a bad blogger. I haven't posted in ages! I have a good excuse, but I'll save it and just show you a picture. My daughter got married in Las Vegas at Treasure Island Casino and the following day, I rode back home with her and stayed the week until her reception the following Saturday. What a beautiful wedding, I'm so proud of her.

We had so much fun, eating out, going to Disneyland, going to the beach, going on a boat tour on the ocean, shopping, vintage car show. A great time!

Now I'm trying to get back in the swing of things, back to the old routine. It's hard.

Promise to post more in the future, and with that I will leave you with a beach picture.

Galavanting and bracelets!

2008-01-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

Didn't have to work on Friday, so I went "galavanting". Ran alot of errands, went out to lunch, just general goofing off. Yesterday I went to a huge thrift store that's about 100 miles from the house, in a REAL town. Found lots of interesting stuff, and some jeans and shirts. I have such a hard time spending $40 for a shirt, or a pair of jeans, when I can have 2 or 3 for the same price at the thrift store. And it's so much more fun to shop there, because it's like a treasure hunt, you just don't know what you will find. I found some vintage redwork embroidered squares 15 x 15, the are pressed and flawless. Also I got a Coach purse, wallet, and makeup bag for $7. What a deal! Of course there was a Hobby Lobby stop, Barnes and Noble, and Paradiso. (Mexican, yum!)

Today I made an bridal shower bracelet for my DD. She is getting married in March, and her bridal shower is next Saturday. I'm flying there Friday to spend the weekend with her. I thought this bracelet would be unusual and something special because "Mom" made it. Whatcha think? Her color is Orchid Pink, so this will match beautifully and the engagement ring, and I do charm, on the sides of the heart will be perfect. I hope she likes it.

I'm winding down now, making dinner, having some amaretto and diet coke, and now I'll relax and watch Amazing Race tonite. I never want to get caught up in those shows, but always do.

Hope you all have/had a great evening!

Lucky Day!!

2008-01-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I posted about having to go to the dentist today and have a tooth pulled. Not to mention that "terrified" is not even the word to describe how I feel about dentists. (not to offend anyone, I'm just very afraid). So, I'm all psyched to go, been worrying all nite, and first thing this morning the dentist's office calls. I figure they are just verifying my appointment, but NO, they are CANCELLING!!!!! Dentist was sick!! How lucky could I be? Yes, I had to reschedule, yes, I have to worry some more, but at least I got out of it this time!!! Yahoo!

This what I'm knitting, only in a stripey, pink, orange, purple color. Got the pattern from Nik's Knits. It's so adorable, I just had to try one. I'm going to try it in different sizes, and colors. Very cute for a child, or adult. Thanks to Nik's Knits for the pattern.

Finally Friday!

2008-01-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

I'm always so glad when it's Friday. End of the work week, 2 days off ahead of me, I can stay up later than normal because I don't have to get up so early. BUT....I'm sick. Have had a flu bug all week. Achy, stuffy head, sneezing, sore throat, tired. I've been taking antibiotics for a tooth problem, which I have to have pulled on Monday. (another thing to be excited about) Wouldn't you think somehow, that those antibiotics would have helped me not to get this cold/flu thing?

No knitting tonite, just bed. nitey nite!

Happy 2008 and PIF

2008-01-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

I am "borrowing" (stealing) this idea from Linda - and I love it... here's what she wrote in her blog post:
How would you like to promote the spirit of handmade and get something inreturn? All you have to do is reciprocate and it just goes from there.“Theidea of the exchange is I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people wholeave a comment on this blog post requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’tknow what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or nextweek, but you will receive it before winter's end, that is my promise! The onlything you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise onyour blog.”And so I have! As you know, I am a sucker for giving things away - and getting packages always makes me smile too... so I'm happy to send some goodies and cheer out into the world... just promise that you'll repost too like I did :)

Happy 2008!! May all your wishes and dreams come true!