Excuses

Alright, so its been a little too long since my last blog. I know i shouldn't make excuses but I feel like I have been uber busy. Not to mention I've been stranded in Greenup for a week. Its such as small town and most of the time the only internet access I have is dial up. Need I say more. I'd rather punch a wall then be on dial up.
Even though the weather forecast called for snow last weekend, I feel its spring. As do my kids at school. Their behavior has made that apparent.
On an up note I got a new haircut & color! I love it! Yeah for bangs. I had them at the beginning of the year, but then grew them out. That persisted to be a complication and a head ache. Not to mention it didn't really look the best.
Hopefully, I will be more regular with posting in the future.

Anwabisabi

I’m always starting new projects! (Finishing them is another story, as I’m sure all of you may know.) Recently while surfing the net I found this wonderful little shop full of embroidery patterns andwabisabi.etsy.com. I couldn’t help but purchase one! Here I have displayed just one of many. Checkout the shop and you’ll find the one I purchased; a simple, charming chandelier. I can’t wait to scurry of to the store to get the floss, hoop, and fabric!

Exceptional

With my vast knowledge of art education (I'm on my second year of teaching) I have embarked on the process of mold casting. Last year, and in my personal arts, I ventured into plaster gauze casting. Its an easy process that becomes familiar very quickly. This year I have decided to take the plunge and divulge in mold making.
Using flex wax for casting is probably just as familiar as plaster gauze for most. In my case, not so much. This week I checked my sources: mom (art teacher extraordinaire), colleagues, and of course the net for processes, tips, and procedures.
Well, Monday I did the test run on myself. Me, being my impatient self, burnt the crap out of my hand. I did however make a perfect mold...or so I think...and learned the proper cooling time.
Today, I had the students create their wax molds. I let the wax cool with ample time. They patched any cracks after removing the mold from their hands and then applied a layer of plaster gauze (that familiar stuff) to make sure there would be no leaks.
The hands will be place in a box of sand and filled with plaster of pairs. If all goes well, the outer layer will be removed to produce an exact replica of the models hand. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I will post my pictures when they are finished, as for now, cast your eyes on what its suppose to look like; compliments via google images.

Sunday Brunch

I enjoy cooking, especially when I don't "have to". So Sunday breakfast/brunch I always find enjoyable.
Today, I fixed my hubby french bread, breakfast pizzas. They were delish! Not to mention gorgeous! French bread is so versatile! If I had company over I would have plated them with a sprig of parsley or mint!
Personal taste determines what you would add atop your sliced bread. I chose to go for the "good ol" breakfast toppings i.e. sausage & gravy, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a pinch of shredded cheddar. Bake the sliced french bread before you put your toppings on; this way you won't have soggy bread. Once topping are on, heat until cheese is melted.
Probably not the most healthy breakfast, but its actually too meals in one (brunch) and they were small portions per slice of bread. (boy can I rationalize)
Anyway, Jason enjoyed them so much he had three slices!
Hope all had a good weekend!

Happy Friday

Ok, I just came across what could possibly be the highlight of my weekend. Most of my friends know I am a beer connoisseur. I like to try different types and/or add things to my beer. Who knew there was such thing as a beer float! Woot!

Ingredients

1 scoop vanilla bean ice cream
One 14.9-ounce can Guinness Draught beer
Whipped cream, for topping
Dash nutmeg

1. Place the ice cream in a large soda-fountain glass. Fill the glass with the beer. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and the nutmeg.
thanks Rachel Ray

No wire hangers...

I have the fever of creativity! And as any artist/crafter knows, you have to go with it while you got it, because it might not be there tomorrow! Inspiration is such a fickle thing. Its randomness amazes me.
Lately, my inspiration has been Mommy Dearest/Joan Crawford. I don't know if it is the actress or the old Hollywood glamor. The look of the heavy brow and full lips? Possibly its the movie Mommy Dearest?
Anyway, I plan on doing a whole series of ceramic pieces based on Joan and/or other old actresses; i.e. Bette Davis. They will be posted on my etsy shop post completion. I can't wait to share my art work and open my etsy shop; very exciting!
Here are view face jugs I've been working on. They haven't been bisque fired yet. They are still works in progress. Can you pick out which one was inspired by Ms. Crawford?

The Itch...

I don't know if its because the weather is warming up, or because everywhere I look I see bright, vibrant pretty things. The point is, I have the itch to buy something. I want, always, new clothes but I found this and it would make a lovely addition to any weekend! Plus, what girl doesn't like Barbie? sephora