Sunday, August 23, 2009

Truth of Spoof Giveaway




It's good to be back to blogging, the kids are back in school. I've gotten used to the old routine, I've not been making any art recently, but that will all change as I've got my "Big show" coming up next Saturday the 19th. It's a local even called Laurel Oaks Craft & Hobby Festival. I'm looking forward to it!
Now on to the Truth of Spoof Giveaway goodness. Recently while visiting fellow talent MizMollye's blog she had the cutest darned giveaway ever! She graciously said I could copy it & extend it my way - woo hoo - what fun.
Now you simply must pop over to her blog she's a most interesting gal & very talented artist.
The give-away is one of my faux cupcakes as pictured above in case you wondered what in the world the pic was. LOL
per Mollye: "I will list 15 jobs I've held (well actually 14) for various lengths of time during my life & ONE will be a spoof.
All you have to do is read my list & comment on it telling me which job you think I'm spoofing about.
The game begins Now & will be open until the end of the day next Saturday Sept. 19th. I will randomly choose a winner & post it Monday Sept. 21st.
And the best part you do not have to guess the right answer to Win!!
So here we go & good luck!
1.) Newspaper Asst. Editor
2.) Graphic Artist
3.) Clown
4.) Waitress
5.) Medical Asst.
6.) Costume Character
7.) Art Teacher
8.) Animal Tech.
9.) Optician
10.) Dog Groomer
11.) Secretary
12.) Candystriper
13.) Restaraunt Asst. Mgr.
14.) Game attendant
15.) Photographer
heehee I have quite a list I know & I've worked for the past 36 yrs. so have fun guessing & once again best of luck!
JILL

Sunday, August 16, 2009

My challenge

Jack's collage
Kay's collage

Sibling collages
Recently I was commisioned to do something very fun with free reign on creativity.
The challenge: to create 2 pieces of art for a sister & brother, using ephemera contained in her mother-in-law's vintage "button box"
Now this button box was mine to keep - yep I know what you're thinking how lucky! But I had to use the front & back of 2 postcards on each piece. I requested a photo of them as children to tie it together more.
So I did embrace this challenge & the box of buttons with vintage post cards, & keys & ran with it!
The pics were taken with my phone & are not very good but the collages turned out pretty well. Here's how it played out:
Step 1: paint background using walnut ink onto a sheet of canvas.
Step 2: choose my ephemera, including postcards, buttons, keys, pic of the 2 recipients
Step 3: begin gluing into place
Step 4: Matte medium over entire piece
Step 5: frame
Simple & fun for me & the smile was worth it~
She was surprising her brother with it & I'm eager to hear how he liked it.
JILL



Sunday, August 9, 2009

Rook

Did you read yesterday that Aesop's Fable may have been true?
Turns out that these clever birds "Rooks" have been studied & are in fact quite smart. They figured out that by dropping pebbles in a tube it would elevate the water level thus in turn raising up a worm as well. It was pretty interesting. Read about it here; http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/dpg_aesops_fable_may_be_true_lwf_080709_2892416
I've always liked that crows love things that are shiny & pretty. Trully a girly bird at heart wouldn't you say? Plus one of my favorite movies is "The Crow." They also happen to be the perfect bird for Halloween which I so love.
I think a pet Rook would be rather fun.
JILL

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

In the good ol summer time

Matt watching Adam's Baseball game
my house decked for the 4th
Adam water balloon fight
I made Pineapple upside down cake for desert
Where does the time go?
Well after recovering from the big 4th of July party hosted at my house. I haven't done anything except work.
Summer is going by quick. I feel the need for a wee vacation.
Not sure when or where but any place will do.
Need to get the creative vibes going too I have a show in Sept. which will be here before I know it!
Laurel Oaks Hobby & Harvest Fair
Saturday Sept. 19th
Laurel Oaks Park, Elida Ohio
9:00-3:00


If you are near NW Ohio be sure to stop by it's the only local fair I'm doing this year & it's a nice smaller one.
Hope you all are enjoying the warm air & bright sunshine.
JILL



Thursday, July 9, 2009

Wish I May, Wish I Might

ATC created for swap-bot's Venice Italy

You remember the old childs rhyme
"Star light star bright
wish I may wish I might"
well I think it a bit profound as in;
we should never lose sight of wishing & dreaming
remain able to see with the eyes of a child as well
By wishing & dreaming we may continue to grow & achieve
So may your little star shine & here's to the wishers & the dreamers!
hugs, JILL


Friday, July 3, 2009

Independance Day


Wishing everyone a Happy & festive 4th of July!
We are having a get together tomorrow with family & friends, it will be the social even of the year for us! :0)
My poor dog is so petrified of the little pops that's been going off in the neighborhood lately.
I ve proudly hung out my flag & remember with fondness how much patriotism I experienced growing up & can only hope that kids today will also experience some of this.
hugs, JILL

Monday, June 29, 2009

Old time Candy Swap

I'm hosting a swap over on swap-bot for a Vintage candy swap sign ups are good till midnight. Just in case anyone is interested. :0)
http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/39106
Swap-bot swap: Old time candy swap
I swap with Swap-bot!
Swap Coordinator:
Jillzwhimzy (contact)
Swap categories:
Food
Number of people in swap:
20
Location:
International
Type:
Type 2: Flat mail
Last day to signup/drop:
June 29, 2009
Date items must be sent by:
July 13, 2009
Number of swap partners:
1
Description:
This is going to be a super fun retro blast from your candy past!
You choose the candy but make it something A) your partner will like, B) candy that isn't quite so common these days.Simple as can be. Plus bring back a fond memory. This doesn't need to be expensive let's say $3.00 limit. Intl. partners & newbies welcome
Got any ideas?How bout Candy: cigars /cigarettes / lipstick,/ Buttons / Necklaces / Sticks / Lemon Heads / Boston Baked Beans / Chick-o-Sticks / Wax bottles & Lips / Good n Plenty / Necco wafers
Gum: Clove / Blackjack / Beeman's / Fruit stripe, Chicklets / Razzles
Bars: BUN / Baby Ruth / Clark, etc. you got the idea
(A great place to find these little old fashioned goodies is Cracker Barrel.)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Mad Tea Party Blog Event

Head over for a majical Mad Tea Party Blog Event it's very majical & ever enchanting!
So today I'm in the mood for all things Alice & some Tea!
Itty Bitty Book club Teacup page


Humpty Dumpty Majical Circus ATC hosted by: Lisa Kettell

Domino pendant of Alice created for swap-bot swap
Just a few things I've created Alice themed. There is something majical about that story & I as you can tell adore the vintage illustrations. I hand tint them & find all sorts of things to do. Lately it's swaps!
Hoping your summer is going well. I wish you all a wonderful tea party day!




Tea party cont.

Domino pendant created for Mad Hatter swap went to Portugal
a dreamy garden spot (adding this to my bucket list)

Adam found this party hat a bit small


Party rings are a must! (Don't you love my drusy)



We munch on cupcakes (Jillzwhimzy's faux buttercream cupcakes available on Etsy)





Tuesday, June 16, 2009

bookaholic


Photos courtesy of amazon where you can purchase all these books!

I admit I am a Book-a-holic!
I've said it before & I'll say it again; I own more books than I can probably read in a lifetime & still I buy more.
I can't help myself I love books. I dream of the day I retire & can sit & read endlessly if I so desire....
I love all kinds of books too! I don't know if there is any hope for me or not. But there is just nothing else like a good story to take you away (almost like Calgon)
So here's what's in my hot hands of late
I have these 3 books I'm perusing.
1) Lisa Kettell's "Altered Art Circus"
because it suits my artsy inspiration & I adore Lisa!
2) Sophie Kinsella's "Confessions Of A Shopaholic"
it's a good light hearted fun story that every girl that shops can relate to
3) Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture"
for motivation & wisdom - wow what a book, what a man!
All are highly recommendable, let me know if you have any super fab books I should look for!
JILL

Monday, June 15, 2009

Blog Award

Aww how sweet of Amanda to give me this we were swap partners & found each other's blogs because of this. check out her fun posts at:

One Lovely Blog Award Rules of Blog Award Acceptance:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
The lucky new awardee's are:

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Fun Finds



I admit I love to shop & if it's a deal I'm even more excited!
Here's some fun finds that I got recently. I work with a lady that always tells the customers let me know when you find something you just can't live without.
Here's my CLW-out goods.
First are my $9.00 flea market finds. Which consisted of vintage sheet music "The Rosary", framed print Victorian ladies, hankies trimmed in lace, & a hand embroidered dresser scarf with a lovely lady, an aluminum pin/trinket box.
Secondly my E-bay find of Birkenstock's in "Dorian" aren't they so fun? Paris & the eiffel tower on them. It makes me smile.
What makes you gals smile?
till next time :0)
JILL

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Serena of the Sea

created for Swap-bot's "Art doll swap"
This is Serena of the Sea
She loves to dance & twirl the seaweed like majical ribbons.
She enjoys music & is known for her lovely voice as well.
------------------------------
Mermaid
by: Walter de la Mare
Leagues, leagues over the sea I sail Couched on a wallowing dolphin's tail.
The sky is on fire, the waves a-sheen,I dabble my foot in the billows green.
In a sea-weed hat on the rocks I sit,where tern and sea-mew glide and beat,and where dark shadows the cormorants meet.
In caverns cool when the tide's a wash,I sound my conch to the watery splash.
From out their grottos at evenings beam,the mermaids swim with locks agleam.
-------------------------------------
I hope you all had a great weekend. As always it was over too quickly but I did get some things accomplished.
Progress with my artwork at the gift shop has been made in a definite meeting with the owner to look over my work this Thursday. woo-hoo I'm getting excited.
Have a marvelous Monday tomorrow. Now I'm off to do laundry & crank out some pendants!
JILL

Monday, June 1, 2009

For love of a Fairy

" Sweet Pete Fairy ATC"
created for Swap-bot's vintage fairie ATC swap
"Come fairies take me out of this dull world,
for I would ride with you upon the
wind & dance upon the
mountains like a flame."
W.B. Yeats
May we all be lucky enough to dance with the fairies :o)
JILL


Saturday, May 30, 2009

Shabby Jules

"Swap-bot's Attic Treasures Matchbox Swap"
note that she ingeniously created a treasure chest with a lid that opens to reveal goodies
"VE Spring Fling Swap"
Isn't it amazing how even vast miles apart you can befriend someone all because of the internet?
Well I am fortunate enough to have done so with an amazing artist Jullie Dodds from Australia. She is such a kindred spirit.
"Shabby Jules" is in many of my groups & I've been lucky enough to have landed her as a swap partner x2! Above are some of the amazing goods I've been lucky enough to have received.
You can read her blog here:
http://shabby-jules.blogspot.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've had a bit of fortunate news this week on a personal note. I will have a local gift shop / boutique selling some of my art! It's still in the works but I hope to meet with the owner again this week.
I also met with the owner of the local scrapbook store & she would like to have me teach some classes of my choosing!
woo-hoo! I am thrilled with both bits of good news!
and to borrow Jules fav saying:
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break." (chinese proverb)
JILL

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

convenzione final finale

my final day in California with Lynne at a tearoom
my incredible teachers:
Lisa Kettell, & Iva Wilcox

Lisa & Joan my Idol

Special thanks to:
Chelise the Queen of ZNE who makes it happen.

Lisa & Iva for being outstanding teachers.

My favorite sisters Jennifer & Yvonne for always making me laugh.

Joan for being my true Idol & I so want to read the book "adventures with Joan"

Jenny for being just as sweet in person as your papier mache creations.

Julee for always having the fab hair & having such a great workshop. Domino's Rock!

Mica for being so down to earth & super fun! What an amazing talent you are.

Ann Denise for being the queen of crepe goodness wow are you awesome.

Donna my bestest ZNE'r bud - I just luv ya! You're a super teacher!

Debrina for being so fun to sit with in class.

Melissa for making me smile.

Shari for being sweet & making such pretty things.

Big hugs & special thanks to my hostess Lynne she was so very kind to put me up for the stay & take me everywhere. I do appreciate your friendship your very dear. Thanks also to Bill & Millie
& remember "It's all good!" which was my motto.

(thanks to Lisa for the great photos)
JILL



Convenzione finale

Lisa Kettell's workshop

me with my super cool Teach=R Lisa Kettell


enjoying an In & Out Burger

Me, Jenny, Lisa, & Gypsy
It was such a super great
amazingly awesome good time!
Thank you to everyone that was there you made it just the best!





Tuesday, May 26, 2009

day 4 cont. Regalo per Mi

me & Jennifer aka: the polka dot pixie
My bluebird from paperclay

my embossed / stamped photo holder
& Donna's ATC aka: Bonnie blue denim
One of my true fav artists was there I couldn't believe when I saw her setting up her booth - yeah! Jennifer Hernandez (the polka dot pixie) was such a doll, she's a whiz at whimsical papier mache.
Guess what? - she even wore polka-dots!
You must see her site:
http://thepolkadotpixie.blogspot.com/

What can I say about my sweet friend Donna Cook she is such a talented girl. Donna aka: Bonnie Blue Denim did a fun make & take folded photo holder. I was able to pick my stamp design & try my skills at inking & embossing. Can you call a heat gun thingy a power tool? Well I got to use it anyway!
Donna has a great blog & always manages to make incredible stuff which she shares on her blog at:
She is also a huge supporter for a non profit group Sawmill Strays the animal lover that I am I say kudos!

Convenzione day 4

Julee Herrmann's Domino pendant workshop
(I made the 2 on the left Parisian theme, Lynne Wright made the peeking pixie)
(photo courtesy of Julee)

me & Melissa Merrill creating our crepe flower ladies
in Lynne Wright's workshop
my rose lady
So day 4 was more creative goodness during the Paperie & Pleasantries was Regalo per mi (make it take it classes!)
woo-hoo was this fun & I was a busy girl!
Julee Herrmann aka: "Breck girl" cuz of the Fabo Hair was charming as ever teaching us her skills at altering domino's
Her Mom was also amazing as she is quite the wiz at sewing!
she makes the greatest soldered pretties!



Monday, May 25, 2009

Convenzione day 3

Group shot of us ZNE'rs with Lips!
Joan Kettell & Yvonne
www.auroratique.blogspot.com

Me, Lisa Kettell, Brandi Butcher-Isley
Shari Replogle & me

Day 3 & 4 were the vendor fair Paper & Pleasantries along with some workshops.
I managed to mingle & mix with some super talented ladies!
It was a very good day!
Check out these other talents that were there;