Painting Chic

One week down...

2012-01-08T12:23:00.000-06:00

What a great first week of 2012 this has been! We said goodbuy to the holidays and everyone is back in a routine. I have been cleaning out closets and drawers all week! I always am "forced" to clean out old stuff, to make room for new things that all recieved for Christmas presents! I think also, taking down all the holiday decorations gets me in that clean up and clean out mode!

I have also been busy this week with my Scrapbook Life Journal online class! This has been such a great week getting to know this new project and all the amazing, talented, inspirational classmates and instuctor! I saw that Stephanie posted she is keeping the class registration open for a few more weeks. So, if you by chance are reading this and are looking for a wonderful, inspriational creative outlet, jump over to her blog and sign up! I'll show you a few of my journal pages to give you a little nudge...

The first assignment was to create a binder for the entire year using items from our stash! I CAN NOT explain to you how wonderful my stash is! I found so many beautiful papers that I felt like I
was shopping all over again. Once this binder was loaded with enough of the papers for the entire year, I really felt like I accomplished something wonderful! I could'nt hardly wait for the class to begin on Jan. 1st!

Stephanie gave us this inspirational doodle to print out and make our own for our journal...

Using my trusty Loew Cornell watercolors and Pentel watercolor brush, I did just that! Made it my own crazy, full of color, buzy, doodle!

Here are the other pages I created in my journal for the first week of January!

A new prompt comes out today for the Second week! I am excited to see what this week will bring!

Have a wonderful week!

Waving goodby to the Holidays!

2011-12-28T17:20:00.001-06:00

How are YOU? I sure hope all your Holidays were a blessing! We have had a wonderful couple of months around here! I sure do love the Holidays! I am always a little sad when Christmas is over! I love all the baking, shopping, wrapping, and family! I am also very blessed and thankful to all of my customers who placed special orders for gifts this Christmas season! Y'all kept me very busy and I am very thankful to you!

I just wanted to fill you in on a class I will be taking in 2012! It sure looks like a great journey.

It is a Scrapbook Life Journal class! You see... I LOVE my art journals! They are a place where I can experiment with my art and write whenever I feel like, without the pressure to create a "masterpiece", because they are just for me! I love to look back on them and see exactly what was going on during all the past months. This class sounds like it will inspire me and my journals with uplifting meaning and scripture. 2011 was a really rough year for me...and a lot of our friends and family. It just seemed like everyone went though their little slice of Hell! I am NOT, going to have another year like that! I want to have a fresh, uplifting perspective on EVERYTHING I do in 2012. If I do have some rough patches, which I am sure we will, I want to have something outside of the mess to keep me inspired and uplifted and to help me move through it! With all the mess we had to deal with this past year, I learned that really my friends and family are going through their own mess and can't always give me the support I need. God needs to remain first in my life and then everything else will follow!

The past couple of days, I have been getting my journal ready....Take a peek!

Here is my art journal and all the supplies in one box that Stephanie says we will be working with!

This is one of my favorite verses! I WANT to be reminded of this every day and to use the gifts I have been given, because He created me to do what I do!

ALL those pages ready to be filled up with great stuff! Bring on the New Year!

Gallery Photo Wall!

2011-11-07T16:23:00.000-06:00

(This post is really long, but I have been filling you in on what has been keeping me busy! I promise it's worth sticking around for!) When moved into our home about 4 years ago, I knew where all the furniture would go and where I would hang all the pictures and it has been that way until... I walked in my back door about a month ago and thought "yuck"!

Here is the view from the back door (Before)

I guess getting a new sofa launched me into this frenzy of change! I have looked at this room for 4 years and have loved it! How does this happen? I blame it ALL on PINTREST! I have been seeing so many inspiring photos that made me realize my room just wasn't living up to my expectations any more! My biggest plan for change....I NEEDED a photo wall! I am always drawn to the photos of all be beautifully arranged photos and memorabilia!

I knew right away three things I wanted to change. I knew I wanted a photo wall on this large wall. I had to plan what I would do with this hutch. I knew I wanted to keep it in the room because I love it!

The second thing...see that frog painting...I have had it in our home since 2005 and IT HAD TO GO! I love it, but SO tired of it! The third thing...I knew I needed to do something with that smaller wall at the entry, where I made my first attempt at a photo wall! So...with these three things in mind, I got busy!

First thing i did was move the large hutch to the wall where my old photo wall was before. It fits! This is exciting, because I knew if it was too bulky for this wall, it would need to stay where it was, and that would derail my entire plan!

Next, I painted a painting of a black Angus cow and her baby. Angus cows are what my Husband and family raise, so they hold a special place in our hearts. I knew I could incorporate the colors in this painting that I already had going on in the rest of the room! So long frogs!

I knew I needed a long console table for the big photo wall. I LOVE the tables in Restoration Hardware, but please, they are outrageous + I need one 10 ft long! I enlisted the help of my sweet husband who is a whiz with the welder. We came up with this steel frame and then I just stained boards and screwed them to the top. Since it is custom, it is the exact length and width I wanted!

Next, came the fun part! I gathered all my stuff that I already owned and then made a list of what I needed to buy or make. I already owned all the frames from the other wall of fame. I found the old sign letter F in Fredericksburg Tx, about a year ago which has been sitting in my kitchen. I shopped the rest of my house and gathered all the accessories for the table! The only new item I bought was the round mirror! I cut the frame around the deer mount and the number 4 out of MDF and painted them black. I arranged all the items on the floor first, that way I wouldn't make a mistake on the wall! ( I really need to put together a tutorial to show you how I hung all my items, I have a sneaky trick that is like magic! ) I can not tell you how much bigger this room feels with this big wall of fame! I REALLY recommend doing this, it is really fun to create and visitors are always drawn to it!

Here is a view from the back door after!

On my next post I will show you what I did with the other side of the room which is the kitchen and eating area! Have a great Monday!

HUGE Mile Stone!

2011-10-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

This summer, I celebrated a HUGE milestone! My 40th Birthday! I told my husband and some sweet friends that really all I wanted for my birthday was to celebrate in Vegas by seeing the Celine Dion Concert! They were all happy to accommodate! It was such a wonderful trip! We all really had a nice time and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life!

Such a Wonderful concert! It really was the best Birthday Present EVER!

Here I am in the Vegas Birthday crown my sweet friends wanted me to wear all day! Ha! At least I took a photo with it!

Such a fun group of friends to spend time with!

And...a beautiful pool where we spent time relaxing! We stayed at Mandalay Bay and it really was amazing! Beautiful rooms and pool, yummy restaurants, and a nice casino for playing at night! So far 40 has treated me well! I am excited to see what the next 40 will bring!

A few things that kept me busy this summer!

2011-10-07T15:59:00.000-05:00

Enjoying Family and Friends at Lake Amistad!

Celebrating My Baby's 12th Birthday!

Watching my oldest daughter play summer league basketball

More photos to come! Trust me, I have been busy!

New Blog!

2011-10-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

I have been on a blogger break! While on my break, I thought about what I wanted to change about my blog. I LOVE looking at magazines! Notice I said looking. I am a visual person so that helped me decide the direction I wanted to take! TONS of photos with captions! Sure, every now and then I will have some stories to tell, but right now I am giving it a shot! While on a break from this blog, I did not take a break from being busy, so I have so much to SHOW you! I will upload tons of photos showing what has been keeing me busy the last couple of months! Let me know what you think of this new look and idea, I LOVE to read your comments! Happy Hump DAy!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-05-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

This weeks theme was panning...WOW this was a HARD one!

I love the expression on Jessie's daughters face! That is so cute! Maybe I should have picked a subject that I had more controll of? My daughter's rabbit spends his evenings running through the back yard...I just could not get him totally clear! I can't wait to try this technique when Madi runs track again next year...maybe then, I can perfect it!

Have a wonderful weekend and a very safe and blessed Memorial Day!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-05-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

This weeks theme is LIGHT!

I have always wanted to try one of the photos where a cell phone is used to write your name. My youngest daughter Abby, was excited to help. I asked her to write her name while the shutter was open! It worked pretty well...It really requires a steady hand! I think that is her name spelled backward right?

I just love Jessie's photo this week. It is so calming...

Have a wonderful weekend and let your light shine!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-05-04T06:30:00.004-05:00

This weeks theme is LOUD!

See that scream...somedays, I feel like that! You HAVE to visit my talented team up partners blog to hear her cute story that inspired that photo!

As for my photo...I am teaching our 15 year old daughter Driver's Ed! It has been going really well...there is just one thing...every time I get in her car, I find myself reaching for the radio dial! She likes the music...well...loud. Much louder than I like it...

unless it's Bon Jovi!

Here is to living out loud today! Make it a great one!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-04-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

Today's theme is yellow...

Yellow is such a happy color for spring...don't you think? When I think of the color yellow, I can't help but think of a yellow lemon. Where we live, our water is not really yummy tasting. So... if you order water in the restaurants, you need to order it with lemon! Such a powerful job for such a small little fruit! It does the trick..makes the water drinkable!

I just love Jessie's pretty yellow flowers she has growing at her house! I guess they have had some rain...we are still praying for it here!

Have a blessed Easter!

Spring Inspiration!

2011-04-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

I am always inspired by Spring...this year is a little bitter sweet! We are having such dry conditions with wind and wild fires here in West Texas this year! Oh course, my little part of the world is green because of the sprinklers! Praying for rain in our little neck of the woods!

Photo from gosanangelo.com

On a lighter note...I have been working on updating my website! This usually takes me awhile because it is not really my cup of tea...It is slow going! I almost have it finished! All I have left is to finish uploading photos into my portfolio gallery! So, please, go take a peek and let me know what you think!

Here is to making it a great week!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-04-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

Today's theme is DESIGN...

My youngest daughter, Abby has a project due this week in math...She has to DESIGN her own home! Sometimes things just work out like that! It all seems to come together! This was the perfect theme for this week!

Here is a confession that you may not know about me....I am a fabric horder! I love it...collect it! It sits folded up in the closet of my studio. I usuall never do anything with it? The design on Jessie's daughters pants is so beautiful. If I had seen this fabric in the store, well, I would have a yard or two sitting in my closet right now!

Happy Thursday!

No Foolin...

2011-04-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

My sweet daughter passed her written driver's test yesterday and received her driving permit!

I do think it is an April fools joke is on me....the time is flying by way too fast! Remember in this post when I thought she should still be a baby? What the heck is going on here? NOW she is driving? Oh my...

We are doing the Parent Taught Drivers Education program...so please wish me luck...so far it has gone really well...She has been driving for years at the ranch, and it really helps that she gets to learn the rules in her own little car! I am sad to say, I now know how my parents felt!

Have a wonderful weekend...and don't be fooled...LIVE it up, TIME is passing that fast!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-03-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

We chose to do old for our theme this week. With both of us turning 40 this year, it is safe to say we are appreciating "older" things haha!

This vintage cameo bracelet has been sitting in my mothers jewelry box for years! I have been BEGGING for it for at least the last 10 years for sure. Finally, this past month she gave it to me! It is so beautiful, each little hand carved cameo tells a story! I am so happy to have it to enjoy, i just love antique jewelry!

Sweet Jessie posted a beautiful story about this bible! This verse also has special meaning for her...you have to visit her blog and read the story! It is such a moving story...not real sure how she does it! What a woman! And be sure to wish her a happy birthday...she celebrated the big one this week!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-03-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Today's theme is Music...

This theme was a no brainer for me with a teenager in the house. That music from her i-touch is going constantally. I am just so happy that she likes some of the good ones that we used to listen to! I do have to tell you though...those earphones are really the best investment I ever made! You put them on and it sounds like you are at a concert...Amazing! Jessie's picture of her sweet daughter playing her violin is so precious! I just love it when children can play an instrument! Way to go Violet!

Have a wonderful Thursday...AND Happy St. Patricks DAY!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-03-10T06:55:00.000-06:00

Today's theme is upside down....

This is what our Molly McBeagle does...she runs inside, gets on her blanket on the couch and "gets comfy"! She is so funny, she ends up with her head hanging off the couch looking like she is smiling! Don't you just love how Molly and Jessie are in the same position? Such a cute team up this week!

This just proves that sometime when things get turned upside down they can be fun and worthwhile!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-03-03T06:30:00.001-06:00

This weeks theme is Everyday Beauty...

Yes, I had to do it...a photo of the sunset...it is a perfectly beautiful event that happens everyday wherever I am! This is a shot right outside my garage door...absoulutely beautiful!

You have to visit Jessie's blog to read the story behind these little flowers! I love stories like this!

Have a wonderful Thursday...hope you find some beauty in your day!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-02-27T17:12:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme is Shadow! I LOVE shadow photos! They are so whimsical and take on a life of their own!

See that little dead branch? I sure wish it had been green for the photo. I am actually worried about some of our new young plants we planted last year. This winter has been really harsh, with a couple of really hard freezes! I am praying I will see buds soon! Anyway, here is to a peaceful Sunday!

Driftwood Creation

2011-02-18T09:01:00.000-06:00

Who knew driftwood could be so beautiful?

My parents have this beautiful home on Lake Amistad in Del Rio...with this gorgeous view.

This past spring, there was a HUGE rain which caused the lake to fill up extremely high...when the water began to recede, it created a TON of driftwood. So, of course, I told my mom to collect it for me! I knew I wanted to make something...just not sure what?

So she brought home a huge load of drift wood for me. She also collected some shells and berries from the water. I took it all to my barn and began laying it out. I thought I might make a frame for a mirror, until I saw the wood shapes! It begged to be made into a cross!

My parents love to spend time fishing...catching Bass and Catfish. So I took some old fishing line and a Texas Rigged lour and attached them to the cross.

It really turned out incredible! My mom took it back to her lake house this weekend to hang it on the wall. It is a wonderful representation of their house and activities on this beautiful lake!

I can't wait to make another one!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART 2011 WINNER!

2011-02-17T20:49:00.000-06:00

The One World One Heart 2011 EVENT has come to an end! I have really enjoyed meeting new friends and have enjoyed reading all your lovely comments! The winner of my door prize is .....

CHEEKY RADISH!

Congratulations, I will get in touch with you!

Thank You all for stopping by, and leaving wonderful comments! I have enjoyed hearing from you the past couple of weeks! Have a wonderful Weekend!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-02-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

Today's theme is BLUE! One of my favorite colors!

This weeks weather has been so beautiful that I knew the clear blue sky would be my subject for this week! Jessie found the sparkle in her daughters clear blue eyes this week! Absolutely Beautiful!

Have you entered my give One World One heart Giveaway? If not, use this link and go make a comment on that post! I will be drawing the winner at 5:00 Central time today! Good luck and Happy Thursday!

Celebratng 15!

2011-02-14T15:28:00.000-06:00

I JUST had this little nugget YESTERDAY! So can someone please tell me why there are 15 candles on her birthday cake today? Everyone warned me about this! "Enjoy every minute because the time will fly by!" Well, I would like to think I enjoyed every minute....but the time still flew by! This baby is turning into a beautiful, smart, amazing, strong young lady! I must now learn how to embrace this next chapter in our lives...everything is changing...time really does fly!

Happy Birthday my Madi!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-02-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

The seventh challenge...profile.

The weather has been SO horrible! And then today...75 degrees! When I heard about this challenge, I knew I wanted to get outside and and get a photo! Classic profile picture, soaking up the sun! The sun always feels so good after such a cold spell! I am really ready for spring!
This is such a fun project...find out mor about it at Jessie and Cara's blogs!
Here is to sunshine on your face this week!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-02-03T09:21:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme is BEHIND....

Yes...my calendar is behind! I still have not ripped that January page off! February is right behind there, waiting for me to catch up!

And look at Jessie's little girl there "behind" that chair! SO ADORABLE!

So I am going right now to rip off that January page...HELLO February!

ONE WORLD ONE HEART 2011

2011-01-31T10:18:00.004-06:00

Comments for this give away are now closed! Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I have enjoyed reading your kind words and meeting everyone the past couple of weeks! - Angie

ONE WORLD ONE HEART 2011! My time does fly. It seems like yesterday that I was participating in this event in 2010. I really enjoyed reading all the blogs last year. I am amazed by Lisa, the creator of this event. She is such a remarkably talented artist. I met some really wonderful people that I still read every time they post! This event is really special and I am pretty sad that this will be the final year. This really is a wonderful way to get to know so many people that are interested in the same things! Click on the link above to visit Lisa's blog and see a list of this years participants and all the wonderful prizes they are offering! Oh...I almost forgot to tell you a little about me....my name is Angie Friend and I am an artist living in a small West Texas farming community! I have two beautiful daughters who keep me really busy with all their activities. I am married to my childhood sweetheart...who is becoming my middle age sweetheart. I am so blessed to be able to stay home and work in my 4th bedroom studio! Thank You for stopping by!

This is what I am giving away this year! I feel like it really fits the theme of this wonderful event...This little heart wants to fly right into your life!

To enter, leave a wonderful comment on this post and let me know your name, your e-mail address (so I can reach you if win)

and a link to your blog address! I really want to return the favor and visit your blog and leave a wonderful comment! I will announce the winner on Feb. 17th here on my blog as well as contact the winner by email! Good Luck and THANK YOU for visiting!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-01-27T09:33:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme is stacked...

There on my bedside table...always there....wonderful reads waiting for me! I LOVE it when my mom or friends give me a wonderful book that I should read! It is one of my favorite things! I like getting into bed and reading from my "stack"!

LOVE the way Jessie edited her photo! I am one for editing....it maybe the artist in me...real hard for me not to tweak the colors!

See more wonderful team ups on Megan or Melody's blogs!

My sidekick!

2011-01-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

This little guy is with me every step of my day. He is definitely my sidekick! He turned 10 this past Christmas EVE! I just don't know what my day would be like without my little Sparky. See him cowering under the coffee table...that is what he does when I get my camera out! He absolutely hates to have his picture taken!

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-01-23T16:38:00.000-06:00

This weeks theme...Focus on Unusual Elements....

When I heard the theme, I thought about seeing my reflection in my computer screen everytime I am editing a dark photo. I found a dark photo that I took of a moonlit night a couple of weeks ago and yes, there I was!

Check out the Flickr pool to see more wonderful photos!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-01-20T15:44:00.002-06:00

Black and white is the theme for this week....

Yup, i did it...a black and white cat on a black and white cow rug! Oreo the cat lays right there on that rug by the window every time he comes in. I had already taken a photo of the chandelier over the dining room table when nearly stumbled over him! It was like he was screaming at me...."hello, I'm here in black and white full glory!" I love that Jessie and I both found items that were already black and white!

Happy Thursday!

DIY Camera Bag...

2011-01-17T17:21:00.001-06:00

I have been committing a horrible crime....I have been carring my DSLR in my purse! SO...I have this really nice purse, that I hardly carry because it only has a snap for a closure. It really is a shame for this handbag to be sitting in my closet. The other day I took it out and decided I could make an insert to fit in it to carry my camera! So...here we go! (By the way, my 14 year old daughter said this was so stupid!) Tell me what you think? I really don't want "normal" folks thinking I'm stupid.

Here is the bag!

I found this 1/2" thick foam and
fleece fabric at Hobby Lobby.
I bought 1 yard. Fleece works good because
it does'nt need to be hemmed.

Measure the bottom and sides of the bag...

Transfer measurements to the foam. I cut a piece for the bottom
and 4 pieces for each side.

I put all pieces in the bag before I covered them just to make sure they fit!

Next, I laid out the pieces on my fabric and trimmed it to fit.

Wrap the fabric around it real snug...

I put that presser foot as close the the foam as I could get it.

Trim off the excess...

That finishes the bottom, and it can be placed in the bag.

Next lay out all the pieces, with about 1" between the pieces...

Between the foam, push down the fabric to make the top look nice.

Fold the ends down like wrapping a present.

Pin all the pieces in place and then sew...

Once all the pieces are sewn in place, gather the ends together...

I had to sew the ends by hand. They are just
to bulky to get in the machine...

Now place this part in the bag

I finished the center divider the same way except...

I created a pocket to hold that lens cover...

Sew the botton of the pocket before sewing
it around the foam!

This part can slide in the bag to seperate the camera

from lenses or other equipment.

Here is the finished bag!

I think it is going to work just fine! My camera fits in it perfectly and the top still snaps! The best thing about it...I can remove all the foam lining and use it as a purse whenever I need to!
Please....Tell me what you think?

Happy Monday!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-01-16T15:20:00.000-06:00

This weeks challenge...Focus on the Eyes...
This was a tough one...

Good thing about my camera...it can take really crisp photos....NOT such a good thing when you are getting that close to your face! Simple fix...black and white effects! I HAD to edit....or go get BOTOX....and since I have already spent the money on PhotoShop...there you go...

Go see all the Beautiful EYES linked on Jessie's blog! These ladies are amazing!

Happy Sunday Ya'll!

Team Up Thursday...

2011-01-13T08:54:00.004-06:00

This weeks theme was All In A Row! Since we live in a rural school district, it takes tons of buses to take all the kids home from my daughters school. They line them up like this everyday. Yup, they are all in a row. I just love Jessie's photo...she has her ducks all in a row! So cute!

Have fun looking at more team ups at Melody and Megan's Blogs!

CLUTTERED!

2011-01-12T15:34:00.007-06:00

How did things around the house get so cluttered? It seems every cabinet, closet, and drawer is completely cluttered up. It was all so organized before Christmas! I guess through the holidays, something has to give. Obviously for my home, I found out it is organization! So...ENOUGH is ENOUGH...time to do something about it! Abby, my youngest daughter's closet was THE WORST spot in the house!

1. We took EVERYTHING out. 2. Threw away a large trash bag of "stuff'". 3.Filled one more trash bag with clothes and toys to donate. 4. Took a few measurements. 5.Made a little plan on paper. 6. Headed to Lowes. A few pieces of lumber later, a ton of elbow grease, and some new rubbermaid organizers, and WA LA! Organized and EASY to maintain! That is the key with her...it MUST be easy to maintain...nothing too complicated, everything has a place!

This over the door shoe rack that I found at Target is a really GREAT solution to her shoe problem! The shoe cubby we used before, took up way too much valuable space. This gets every shoe in it's place AND is using space that we do not really miss! Those three drawer cubbies tucked on the back shelves are wonderful! One for shorts, one for tops and one for purses and bags! They hold a ton of the clothes that do not get hung up!

I cut those boards I picked up at Lowes to create these cubbies. I put the rubbermaid three drawer organizer on the bottom and labeled all three drawers so she knows what goes where! It makes it easier for her to sort and put away her laundry!

These are the "special" stuffed animals and dolls she kept. Each one has a story for her and they are all tucked away on that top shelf. She can see them every time she opens her closet AND they are out of the way!

Now on to the other areas that need help!
Happy Hump DAY!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-01-09T15:30:00.004-06:00

52/2

This weeks theme was Reflective Surfaces! When I first heard this theme, I thought about all the times I sit in my tub and see my distorted reflection in the faucet! That is a reflection NO ONE wants to see! The next thing that came to mind, was the car mirror! How many times a day do we pull down that little mirror and put on lip gloss, check our teeth for pepper, or to give the kids in the back "the look". I can not tell you how hard this was...holding yourself AND the camera to get a shot of the reflection! I really got a kick out of looking at all the photos! So many are of the roof of the car...the brick on the house, or of a ridiculous look on my face! Anyway, here is my favorite one! Now, you will probably think of me next time you pull down that mirror!

You have to run over to the Flickr page and see all the other creative shots! This is really so much fun! Thank You Jessie for asking me to do this, I am so happy I said YES!

52 Weeks of Me....

2011-01-02T17:23:00.003-06:00

Last week I opened an e-mail from Jessie, my Thursday team up partner. She was telling me about this new challenge that she and her friend Cara were hosting. Each week, you take a photo of yourself! WOW, 52 weeks of ME? I'm in! I am never in front of the camera...and if I am, I am always making a goofy face! This challenge will help me find a good photo face....haha...those who personally know me will be waiting for the silly faces! I can't help it, that is really just who I am...But....I promise, I will TRY to get some that are "normal"!

So...Here we go.....Since the theme is Traditional Portrait, I figure a "normal" face would work good! So fun to be doing this! I can't wait to meet all the others participating...this should be good!

Oh....and Happy and Blessed NEW YEAR!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-12-16T07:42:00.003-06:00

December.....

I really can not believe that Christmas is here! I feel like this year has FLOWN by! With all the hustle and bustle, we always try to remember the reason for the season. This stained glass cross is in a sweet little chapel that the church behind us just built! Since we live out of town away from the city lights, that cross glows so brightly!

Can there be anything sweeter than Jessie's photo of her sweet baby girl "playing" with her tree?

This will more that likely be my last post until after the holidays...so I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-12-09T08:38:00.002-06:00

I was so glad to get Jessie's email that she was available to participate in this weeks team up! After having a break for a couple of weeks, it is really nice to thin about it again!

Today's theme is Words. I just absolutely love it that our shots are so similar! Don't you just love the colored lights on Jessie's tree!

Since we were married, I have collected glass blown ornaments...so I just use the white lights so the ornaments can be star of the show! It is so fun to unwrap all the ornaments every year. Each one is special and brings back a special memory!

Have a wonderful Weekend!

Good Monday!

2010-11-22T09:05:00.005-06:00

After a very busy weekend...I was so happy to see Monday this morning. It means one more day closer to TURKEY DAY! I am so excited for Thanksgiving, it is my favorite holiday!

Just a few images from the weekend...just so you can "see" what kept us so busy!

A Basketball tournament!

My oldest daughter participated in a teammates Quinceanera!

And.. finally, my newest creation...La Catrina!

WHEW! What a busy weekend...it is no wonder that it flew by!

Now, I'm off to the grocery store to buy some yummy Turkey Day fixing's!

Happy Monday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-11-11T07:49:00.004-06:00

PAPER....

I think of the newspaper...rolled up and waiting on the front lawn every morning! Our day really does begin with paper!

Jessie was reminded of a game her daughters play! Love that!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-11-04T07:39:00.003-05:00

Today's theme is orange...

When I heard the theme, I automatically thought of this huge sign hanging in our barn! Yes, my husband collects road signs...don't ask me!

Jessie, sent a photo of her pumpkin...classic! I just love how this pair looks this week, the way she sat that little pumpkin on a mirror to take its photo...looks so good!

After I sent Jessie my photo, she e-mailed me telling me that she wanted to take a photo of a big orange "end road work" sign in her neighborhood, but it was raining! Now... that would have been funny!

I think it is so neat that we think alike!

Have a happy Thursday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-10-28T07:40:00.003-05:00

CALM....

Every afternoon, Sophie Siamese looks for a calm place to take a nap. She heads to my oldest daughters room where the sun streams in the window. She curls up on her bed and stays all day! She didn't even move while I was taking her picture!

Jessie's image completely conveveys the feeling of calm. I have to agree with her that one of the calmest places on earth is the beach!

Have a wonderful CALM weekend!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-10-21T08:09:00.002-05:00

Today's theme is BUBBLES! When I heard the theme, I thought of champagne!

Don't the bubbles in Jessie's photo make you happy! I just love kids playing with bubbles!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-10-14T09:02:00.003-05:00

This week's theme was FUN! We must be having lots of fun around here because this week has flown by. I can't believe the holiday's are right around the corner!

My girls love riding horses...they think it is so much FUN! The older they get, the more they appreciate it. It is a little bit of work to have fun with the horses, but it is SO worth it!

I really feel for my photo partner Jessie, her family has been under the weather for the second week now! I wish I could tell her it gets easier once her babies get a little older, but really it does not. When your kids get sick, it is still hard on Mom!

Even though they are sick, don't they look like they are having some fun?

Find some FUN in your day!

Productive week!

2010-10-07T09:20:00.004-05:00

I just love saying that! I have been so busy with my art...it really makes me giddy! I have updated my ETSY shop, worked on creations to take to The Carriage, and have several commissions that I have been working on! WOW! I just love to stay busy doing what I love! I just wanted to stop in here and give you a little peek! My team up Thursday partner Jessie had some sick babies this week...we we took a little break..so really it gives me a chance to show you some pretties I have been working on..

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-09-30T06:52:00.006-05:00

Landscape is our theme for this week. Both Jessie and I shared photos that are what we consider to be wonderful places. My photo is the road that enters our ranch. I just love the way the tree canopy forms over the road welcoming us. Because there is no cell service, it is really a quiet get away!

What a wonderful place the beach is! Jessie took this photo while on vacation!

Hoping you find your "wonderful" place!

Happy Thursday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-09-23T06:28:00.000-05:00

This weeks theme was Dreams of Flying...inspired by Jan Von Holleben who turns gravity on it's ear with a series of photos entitled "dreams of flying".

This was so much fun! Abby was a really big of help with this one! She was running around gathering up supplies, changing into her basketball uniform, and holding that pose!

I think the hardest part of this challenge was getting up high enough. I was on the very top run of an 8ft ladder.

I just love what an original idea Jessie had for her photo. We all know what texting and driving can do! I can not wait to see all the wonderful photos! Go check out the flickr pool to see more!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

-Angie

Team Up Thursday...

2010-09-16T09:44:00.003-05:00

Small...

So here I am in my garden on my knees, trying to get a photo of this little guy! "just land already!" So he lands...on my camera lens! I wait and wait and until finally....dragonflies are so amazing! But really...aren't the small things always worth waiting for?

Jessie and her family are on vacation this week at the beach! Look at this small shark tooth they found....still would not want to meet it's owner!

Happy Thursday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-09-09T07:02:00.004-05:00

Today's team up theme is work! Now, I could have taken a photo of myself doing all sorts of things. You see, I am a "jack of all trades". Some people call me "mom"! This photo is actually the last thing I would call "work"...but I do receive actual money for this job! hehe!

Jessie's husband enjoys his job too...looks like any mans dream!

Here is to having a great day and I am hoping you love what you do today!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-09-02T15:57:00.002-05:00

Selective Focus as a theme gave me the opportunity to try some new things with my camera! I am having a great time playing around with it! This little cotton blossom was calling my name the night before when I went on a walk. I knew I needed to wait until sunset, so the sun could give the photo some color!

I am glad to hear Jessie is having a better week. Sneak over to her blog and read her story!

Have a Happy Thursday!

Making Monday Marvelous

2010-08-30T07:25:00.005-05:00

The C.R.A.F.T. blog hosts a marvelous day of "look what I made" links! I could spend hours looking at all the links. There are some really amazing people out there creating beautiful things! You should go check it out! I linked up a photo of Abby's hot pink bedroom!

I have had several e-mails asking me about her headboard. Yes, I made it! I really love the headboards from Brocade Home...but don't like the huge price tag. I created a version of my own! I am trying to work out the details with photos to post a tutorial here for you!

Have a MARVELOUS Monday!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-08-26T06:05:00.001-05:00

OLD is our theme for the week. Our sweet dachshund Snickers is 13 years OLD! He has been a really sweet pet for my oldest daughter. He is still as spunky as ever!

I just love how this duo turned out. Jessie shot her photo in black and white and since Snickers is black with grey hair on our concrete patio, it reads as black and white! It is visually a perfect pair. Even a bigger kick, Jessie and I were sending our photos to each other at the exact same time this morning! I just love it when it all comes together like this!

Have a Happy Day!

Hot Pink Room!

2010-08-24T16:09:00.004-05:00

My youngest daughter Really wanted a HOT pink room! I knew a room re-do would be a really great gift for her birthday! She was out of town all week last week...so I got busy! I found the bedding first, that way I could match the paint! One coat on the walls, and I really got nervous! WOW, this is really PINK! Once I began placing the bedding on, I realized I could tone it down by putting a solid white quilt as the first layer and using solid white curtains over the windows!

Abby was so excited when she got home frome her trip! She Really loved it!

If she could only keep it this clean! ;)

Team Up Thursday...

2010-08-12T06:30:00.001-05:00

"Morning"

My favorite spot in the "Morning"... my back porch with a cup of coffee and a good book! I try and do this as long as the weather will allow! When it gets cool, I bring out my snuggie!

Really, how cute are Jessie's sweet little girls all gathered around that table for breakfast! Such sweet cheeks!
Happy Thursday!

Bottle Tree LOVE!

2010-08-11T14:26:00.001-05:00

bottletree1
Originally uploaded by friend family photos

My sweet hubby and I just celebrated our 17th Anniversary! He made me this wonderful bottle tree! Of course, I have been dropping hints complete with a drawing of what I would like it to look like! he he he! He did such a wonderful job! It is "planted" right in our flowerbed outside the back door! The bottles look so pretty and colorful in the sun! Really, You HAVE to get one of these!

Team Up Thursday...UP

2010-08-05T14:50:00.004-05:00

It is really good to be home from vacation! It is always good to get away and better to get back home! We had a blast on our trip...and I got some really cute photos! This one I took of Abby on the Swing at Six Flags turned out perfect for the theme!

I really feel for Jessie in sending her oldest daughter to Kindergarten! I remember that day like it was yesterday! It really does hurt for a week or two! The hardest was when my youngest went to school!

Team Up Thursday...

2010-07-22T09:42:00.003-05:00

Silhouette is our theme for this week. I love Jessie's photo, it really reminds me of the silhouette art cut from paper and framed! When I heard this weeks theme, I knew I wanted to do the heart and the sky was amazing with all those beautiful fluffy clouds! I grabbed my youngest daughter and her friend and told them what I needed them to do. They both looked at me like I was crazy while I was taking the photo. But once they say the finished product the both said "Ohhhh, Okay!"

We are off on vacation for the next week, We are really ready to relax! Have a wonderful week and I will talk to you when I get back!

XOXO

NEED......

2010-07-21T09:58:00.002-05:00

need n. 1. necessity 2. a lack of something required or desired 3. something required or desired that is lacking vt. to have need of; require vi. to be in need

Yes, I do believe I need the IPAD! If you have one I would love to hear what you think about it! I would like to know if you have read a book on it (while outside) and if you can play your music with it like the ipod! My b-day is coming up and I might NEED to ask for it!

What do you Think?

Team Up Thursday...

2010-07-15T09:03:00.005-05:00

Today's theme is Where I live...I guess it is the painter in me that encourages me to "play" with the color in a photo after I take it! I just love messing around in photo shop! When we built our home...the front doors were the first thing I picked out, so when I think about what I love most about our house, I think of those doors!

My partner Jessie lives on a beautiful lake! Check out her blog where she tells about all the sights of her lake!

Have a Wonderful weekend!

Jump in!

2010-07-01T08:59:00.003-05:00

The Water...for today's team up Thursday! I love this photo of Sparky trying to get the courage to jump in the water! Anytime he goes to the lake, he spends his whole time on the back of the boat trying to muster up the courage.

Go take a peek at Jessie's blog to learn more about her sweet photo! I love seeing her pretty photos of her girls!

Have a happy and safe July 4th!

See you next week!

It just happened!

2010-06-30T16:32:00.003-05:00

I really have not meant to be away this long! I can not believe this is the last day of JUNE! I feel like time is slipping away! Then I upload my camera and look at all the photos....this is what I have been up too...

3 Basketball tournaments with our older daughter's team!

A fun trip to Lake Amistad!

A fun week spend with Todd's nephew!

However.....My art table does look like this! In between all the "activities" I have been creating. I will show you when I get them finished!
I MISS sharing with you! Your wonderful comments mean the world to me!
Thank You for being here!
Happy hump day!

Team up Thursday = Mirror

2010-06-10T16:09:00.003-05:00

Today's team up theme was mirror!

When I heard the theme, I automatically thought about that little message that appears on the side mirror of my car. I love the idea that Jessie's little girl makes faces in the mirror because I have always done that!

I still do...take a peek of one I took after fixing my "teeth" in the mirror!

Sometimes I just can't resist!

And yes, my girls do it too!

And...the hubbs thinks all three of us are so goofy! He makes us laugh even harder!

HAve a Happy Weekend!

Team up Thursday: SIGNS

2010-06-03T18:04:00.005-05:00

This week our theme was signs...Jessie has no idea that my first few photos were of my oldest daughter making a peace sign with her hand! That day was just too rainy and dark, so the photos did not turn out as bright as I needed...How amazing that our brains are creatively thinking alike! My second round of photos was with this really glittery, metal, peace sign hanging in my daughters room.

I just can't get over how darn cute Jessie's daughter is holding up the I LOVE YOU sign! This has to be one of my favorites!

I love the message behind our photo this week!

We all need a little more love and peace!

Wishing you love and peace this weekend!

Team up Thursday...Hot and Cold

2010-05-20T08:53:00.004-05:00

This weeks theme was a challenge for me! Jessie did hot and I did cold. I knew I wanted to do ice cream...but wow, photographing food is hard! The lights kept reflecting all wonky off the granite and the ice cream kept melting! LOL! Plus, my daughter was standing there waiting to eat the ice cream! So this shot was the best which looks pretty great with Jessie's hot chocolate! I love it that we both thought of edible items for the theme!

Have a Happy Thursday!

Team up thursday = Being mom!

2010-05-13T16:32:00.003-05:00

I am running a little late today with my post! I had to have my computer worked on, it got some "spy ware" on it and it would not bring up the Internet! Never a dull moment around here...

My partner Jessie and I decided to go with the host theme this week which is "mom" I just love that both our photos are "head" shots with our girls! And look at her daughters sweet cheeks! I would love to pinch them! Those days go by tooooo fast!
Have a happy FRIDAY!

Team Up Thursday = Color

2010-05-05T20:53:00.004-05:00

For this weeks team up, Jessie and I chose color. We knew we would both be going to festivals this past weekend so color seemed appropriate. Jessie said the festival they went to was sort of lame. The festival I thought we would attend wasn't there....it is THIS weekend! Really, it just makes me laugh...So much for planning!

I walked into my studio after being on a serious painting spree last week...the COLOR was screaming at me! My table seems to speak to me after I work on a couple of paintings! It says "here I am...lets paint!"

Go look at some other nice team ups in the Flickr gallery!

Happy Thursday!

Girls deserve art!

2010-05-05T20:47:00.006-05:00

One of my friends came to my home with some pretty large canvasas in tow. She told me to paint what ever I thought would look good in her 2 girls rooms!

I LOVE CREATIVE FREEDOM!!!

So, I created a pink and black peacock for Kelsi, since her beedding is black and white, and her walls are pink!

And for Katie, I painted a cute little mod cat to match her brown and pink bedroom!

The best part about all of it....seeing their faces!

They LOVED them!

Really, that is the best part of this job...loving how much people love and appreciate something that I created!

Ready for the Art Show!

2010-04-30T14:36:00.003-05:00

All the paintings are done....ready for the Del Rio, TX Art League show!

Taking the parrot and a peacock to be framed today, and they will be ready for me to take them in the morning!

Here is a photo of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Del Rio, TX....followed by my version....

Here is the Tropical Parrot!

And The Spanish Dancer..

Wish me luck with the judging and the sale!

Happy Weekend!

-Angie

Team up Thursday = Fruit

2010-04-29T12:42:00.004-05:00

Whew, what a crazy busy week! I am working like crazy getting all my goods together to head to Del Rio Sat. Morning! I will share pictures tomorrow with you! I am really pleased how my Spanish Dancer turned out!

But...lets get back to today's team-up! Fruit is the subject...and I just love how we both represented that with GLASS ! My apple is a fused glass plate and Jessie's of course is a margarita in a beautiful glass! LOVE IT!

Check out more teams on Flickr!

Happy Thursday!

Inpiration out the window....

2010-04-27T15:20:00.004-05:00

Out my window where I paint, there is a bush that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Almost every time I look up, they are there.

Yesterday a photo....

Today a painting!

(of course with my spin on it!)

Have a great Day! -Angie

Calling Curl Girls!

2010-04-23T15:26:00.006-05:00

If you have curly hair like me, then you are going to LOVE this product! I have tried EVERY product from the salon and grocery store that promises to smooth and shine your hair. See, when you have curly hair...it likes to FRIZZ!!!! I sport a bob and sometimes I wear it curly and sometimes I use my magic CHI iron to wear it straight. But really, no matter what it always seems to get big and frizzy!

....So here is how this goes...

...Saw this in a magazine

....bought this product at Target yesterday

....washed hair this morning

....used the new product

.....AND I LOVE IT!

That last one has never been the case! The products usually work o.k...but this one is FAB!!! I have smooth hair and it is shiny!

Whew...I sound like an infomercial!

Happy Weekend!

Time Flies...

2010-04-22T07:54:00.004-05:00

Really? An entire week has passed since I posted last! This weekend and week has flown by me. I have been super busy getting work done for the art show in Del Rio. Time really does seem to pass by quickly when I am painting!

So for today's Team Up Thursday we went with the theme "shape". I was amazed when I saw Jessie's photo. When she e-mailed me she said she was worried others would not see what she saw...Do you see it?

Mine is a very literal display of the idea. Abby came home on Monday with this little treasure in her pocket. "Look at this sweet little heart rock I found today on the playground!" Sweet it is, just like my little girl!

Team up Thursday = From Lying Down

2010-04-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

For this weeks team up, Jessie and I went with the theme "From Lying Down". Anything you could photo from a lying down position was fair game! I love this match up! Don't you just love how the shirt and the sky are the same color!

I am sure my neighbors were wondering what the heck I was doing laying down in my driveway! Ha-Ha..I like to keep them wondering!

You can see more Team up Thursday photos at Melody and Megan's blogs!

Have a great Day!

Paintings for a judged show!

2010-04-13T19:52:00.005-05:00

I have been working on a couple of paintings to enter in a judged show at the Firehouse Gallery in Del Rio, TX. I have to have them there by May 1st so it is keeping me pretty busy! I can enter up to 6 pieces...I have been working on some pieces similar to these. Since these are past works that i have sold and I try not to replicate originals...the ones for the show are different.

I will take pictures of all the new works that I plan to enter and put them up here for you!

I will see you on Thursday for Team Up Thursday!

E is for....

2010-04-07T18:36:00.004-05:00

It is team up Thursday again! This week, in honor of the Easter holiday, we decided on the letter E. This was really a fun theme. I spent the entire weekend looking at all the things that begin with E! There really is a ton of things out there! But staying true to the theme, I whipped out the bunny ears and used Sparky for my subject! He despised them! It was a lot of fun with some really great laughs!

I love Jessie's photo! It is an absolute classic vision that comes to my when I think of Easter! (Beside's the endless Easter isle at the grocery store!)

Happy Thursday!

Wanting.....

2010-04-05T14:51:00.004-05:00

Doing a little online browsing today...found some real cuties that I want....no, I NEED!

Necklace = Divinerose

Felted birds =Feltmeupdesigns

XOXO Bird dish = Elmstudiosonline

Chandelier Pillow =PillowPallooza

Easter Blessings!

2010-04-04T17:00:00.003-05:00

We are home after a long weekend at the ranch and Lake Amistad!

We had such a nice time...just the 4 of us.

Thankful that he died for us...

Even more thankful that he ROSE !

Wishing you a blessed Easter!

The Owl Box

2010-03-28T21:20:00.002-05:00

This is one of the best things I have seen on the web.

This is a live feed of a wild mother barn owl in her nest that a couple in CA. put up in their backyard with a camera. You have to go see it here! The girls and I have watched this for hours! Hopefully, you enjoy it as much as we do!

Happy Sunday!

Spring Colors!

2010-03-23T09:32:00.002-05:00

Sweet Sherbet colors always come to mind when I think of spring! It is fun how the seasons affect my artwork! I love using sweet spring colors!

This little cutie reflects some of the sweet sherbet colors!

Have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY!

New Goodies!

2010-03-18T15:03:00.007-05:00

I have some new creations to share with you! I have been working on some new missions. These are three layers of painted wood. They are each embellished with a beautiful large drawer pull!

These 10"x10" plaques have chalkboard paint on them, so you can change what you love about your life based on your daily mood!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Team Up Thursday = Green

2010-03-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

For Team Up Thursday, Jessie and I chose Green. This past weekend while at the ranch, I looked accross this green field and knew right away that I wanted to use a picture of the cows with their new babies. Jessie's photo is amazing with that little drop of rain dripping. Love it that we both used nature for this team up!

Sweet Warm Weekend!

2010-03-15T11:27:00.003-05:00

Such beautiful weather this weekend. Couldn't have been a better weekend to visit our ranch. We all had a great weekend of much needed outdoor time!

The kids wanted to explore the cave, so of course, I am always game. When you walk through the entrance of the cave, you have to bend down a little so you don't hit your head on some lower hanging rocks. Looking down, look what was beneath my feet! A huge heart rock! It is the heart of the cave!

More exploring brought a wonderful gift. A little backstory, I have been searching for arrow heads for some 20 years at this ranch. EVERYONE seems to find them but me! This weekends search paid off! I found a beautiful, perfect arrowhead! It feels so exciting to search and search and then to flip over a little dirt and see a perfect little piece of history! Just think, the last person to touch this rock was an American Indian! Amazing!

Team Up Thursday = Relax

2010-03-10T21:21:00.003-06:00

This week's theme was Relax! When I hear this word, I think about getting in a nice warm bubble bath with a glass of wine! It really is my favorite part of our entire house!
It also makes me long for summer days spent at the lake! But since it is the middle of the school week and I could'nt get to Lake Amistead today to take a picture, the bath will work just fine!

Walk

2010-03-03T16:45:00.002-06:00

I have teamed up with Jessie to participate in a neat little project call Team up Thursday over at Mental Inventory. Each week we capture something in our life based on a simple theme and tada...our diptych if formed!

I am so proud to have Jessie as my partner. She is a newbie photographer like me but you can not tell by looking at the photos on her blog. I have a good feeling about this match...and am looking forward to all the Team up Thursdays to come!

Such a pretty day!

2010-03-02T17:18:00.004-06:00

We had a beautiful day here today! The temps were around 60 and there was no wind! I am so glad since I had to be in town today running errands! This past weekend was so busy! The high school girls basketball team played in a bi-district game out of town, so of course that meant a road trip! We were so happy to be there to see them win....They are headed to Austin to the District Championships! Yup....that's another road trip!

Here is a complete picture of the owl I was talking about a few posts ago that I sent to California for Cindy's birthday. It was not the only painting that went to California...but of course that was also commissioned for someone's birthday so I will just show you a teaser...I will show you the full painting once her birthday has arrived and she sees her gift!

Snow is rare!

2010-02-25T08:22:00.003-06:00

In West Texas, snow is rare! We had 4 inches yesterday... which set a record! The kids were ecstatic because they actually had a snow day from school! They woke up and were outside by 7am! They played outside off and on all day long. I finally made them come in for good about 6pm. I am so glad we were able to experience this, but I am really ready for the temps to get back to 50!

I was real busy working in my studio too! I have been working on a necklace and some crazy cowboy boots! I will show you some pictures of them in the next couple of days when I get them finished!

Fun gifts in the mail box!

2010-02-22T10:41:00.004-06:00

It is so fun getting gifts in the mailbox! And thanks to Cindy, my girls were able to experience that feeling this weekend! I participated in a craft swap a couple of weeks ago with Cindy in California. Ii told her how my girls hovered around the box while I opened it! She offered to trade me a couple of albums for my girls if I would do a painting for her mothers birthday coming up! Of course I jumped at the opportunity! I knew the girls would love having thier own albums sent to them!

Thank You Cindy for the sweet albums you sent my girls! We checked the mailbox this weekend and there was a fight the entire way home about who was going to open the package first! My 14 year old Madi, won the battle...and I could barely get them to wait while I took pictures! They wanted me to tell you how much they love your work. Abby asked if you were famous, and I said "not yet"!

We spent a few hours yesterday picking photos and uploading them to snapfish so they can fill their sweet albums with photos! Thank You again for your kindness and hard work!

A little more quiet!

2010-02-21T14:55:00.002-06:00

I made a huge discovery yesterday while browsing all the blogs I love. Most of them have a white background. I kept wondering why all their photos look so beautiful on their blogs. Well, I think it is because they did not have a blog layout screaming for attention! So I think I will give it a try. Lets see if my photos become the important thing to look at. I don't know about you, but its the photos on the blog really "do it" for me! I love to read blogs that have photos with every post! What do you think?

xoxo

Angela

Inspiration...

2010-02-18T09:25:00.004-06:00

These beautiful flowers that my husband gave me for Valentines Day inspired me to create some pretty paper flowers on a pretty cute piece I am

working on for a sweet swap friend in California for her birthday day, which is today! Happy Birthday Cindy!

I am really ready for SPRING weather! It is bitter sweet though....when the warm weather shows up, it is really hard for me to be inside! Maybe I need to set my art studio up in the patio! Hmmmm...that is something to consider! This

I will show you the entire painting in a couple of days! I don't want to spoil the surprise!

Have a happy Thursday!

Thank You for all the LOVE!

2010-02-16T12:12:00.004-06:00

The deadline to win a prize for the one world one heart blog hop as passed. I did not win a "prize"....

I won something greater!

I won the support of some pretty amazing people I met and visited along the way! I am so proud that I recieved 350 wonderful comments about my tree owl and I now have 80 BLOG followers! I won the greatest gift of all...Thank You all for your gift of inspiration!

One World One Heart Winner!

2010-02-15T12:15:00.004-06:00

After an amazing time visiting all the blogs and meeting such a wonderful group of artists I can finally reveal WHOOOOOOOO the winner is!

Javajune

I would really like to send a heartfelt Thank You to lisa for organizing such a wonderful adventure!

Also, a special Thank You to all the new friends I made along the way, and all the lovely people who visited my blog, and became a fan/follower!

One World One Heart Giveaway!

2010-01-24T19:42:00.007-06:00

I am really excited to be offering this giveaway to you, as we all jump on this magic carpet ride!

How to Enter:

Leave a comment saying what the brightest part of your weekend was & your e-mail address!!

To make this a little easier for everyone you can copy, paste & fill-in-the-blanks:

Brightest part of your weekend:

Your e-mail address, so I can reach you if you win:

Contest ends Monday Feb. 15 at 10 central time -- the winner will be chosen randomly & announced later that afternoon!

Bonus Entries:

If you do any of the following let me know by leaving a separate comment for each one you do. If you do any of the following already, let me know in an extra comment. Please, please make a separate comment for each of the bonus things that you do or your comment won't count. The separate comments help me to stay organized & makes choosing a winner so much easier...& it also ups your chances of winning! If you have any questions please e-mail me!

1. Follow my blog.

2. Follow painting chic on Twitter & Tweet about this giveaway.

3. Become my fan on Facebook.

My giveaway is an original 8X10 collage with a turquoise background with a cute little owl sitting in a tree!

Have fun and Good Luck!

-Angela

WHOOOO will take this lamp home?

2010-01-23T15:56:00.006-06:00

I have been working on a cute lamp to donate to this wonderful event which will benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

Come and Spend a Radiant Evening Lighting the Way for the
Children’s Miracle Network
Highlights for the Evening Include:
- Nine Local Chefs Dazzling us with their best Hors d’oeuvres,
- A De-Lightful Dessert Bar
- Champagne Bubbly Bar
- Cash Bar
- Music by the Latin Rhythm Aces
- Silent Auction of each Chef’s Signature Dish
- Live Auction featuring Unique and Beautiful Lighting Fixtures
January 28, 2010
6:30 in the evening until 9:00
River Terrace Restaurant
800 West Avenue D

Take a look....

Linen Closet Bliss!

2010-01-22T09:12:00.003-06:00

This photo is from a BHG magazine I picked up in the grocery store line last week. This is so nice. I have a closet exactly like this in my bathroom! I really need to do this! It is completely organized and yet very user friendly! I actually think it could be maintained! I expecially love the 2 tiered lazy susan that all the medication is on....wonder where I can get that! Of course, the magazine does not give a source for that!

Have a happy weekend! (You know what I will be working on!)

Lisa Leonard Online » illuminate {giveaway}

2010-01-18T09:57:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers is having a giveaway! I LOVE this necklace!!!

Lisa Leonard Online » illuminate {giveaway}

New Cuteness!

2010-01-17T14:44:00.005-06:00

These cute little owls turned out nice! Happy Sunday!

Banishing "THAT" voice!

2010-01-13T16:19:00.003-06:00

"What do you think you are doing?"

That is the voice that i want to BANISH! Sometimes I will be working on a project, drawing in my journal, or typing on this blog and I will hear THAT! It is THE WORST! I am doing "it"! What ever "it" is. I am sure other artists have some variation of this voice! What does it take to get rid of it? Maybe I am just crazy?

These collages represent our four homes we have lived in since we have been married. They are named Living Happily Ever After.

I have a WEBSITE!!

2010-01-09T16:01:00.002-06:00

I have been working on this website ALL week! I am so glad it is as far as it is! Making websites is HARD!!!! I still want to add a gallery and a link to my Etsy store. My head started hurting so bad, I had to stop! So be sure and take a look and let me know what you think of it so far. Be sure and sign the guest book, I am feeling a give away coming on!

Everyone needs an ALICE!

2010-01-08T10:32:00.002-06:00

I found this wonderful place online, named Alice, that I have to share with you! You can order all your household goods online and they ship them to your home with free shipping! I am so excited about this! I can't wait to get my first shipment! The prices are very reasonable and they search for and use coupons for you! Alice can also tell you when you are running low on a product!

Alice.com

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-04T13:07:00.002-06:00

Good bye 2009!

A special thank you to all my family, friends and customers who supported me and my small dream to be an artist! I am realizing as the days go by, that dream grows because of the encouragement you all give me!

It is hard to believe another year has passed. Winter break ends tomorrow and everything is back to normal. I will miss the winter break. Shopping, decorating, going to movies, baking, Christmas, planning a New Years celebration, time with family and friends, hunting at the ranch, playing the WII with the girls, staying up late, and days filled with laughter.

Hello 2010, and Welcome!

So BUSY!!!

2009-11-12T07:51:00.003-06:00

I am so blessed to be this busy! I had two more sales from my Etsy shop! (Thank You Jenifer) The robin is for her partner in L.A. and the love birds was for a wedding present!

I also have a little display of some of my creative work set up at the beauty shop in Wall. Their consignment shop is a work in progress. They have been moving things around and arranging thier shop to make the most of thier space. I think it is such a great idea. They are such sweet ladies and they have a real fun atmosphere. I am anxious to see how my stuff does in their shop! So if your in Wall, TX. stop buy and check it out!