Friday, November 12, 2010

School Days, Wonderful School Days...

Well, my days of unemployment have finally come to an end.  I am returning to teaching this coming week.   YAY!

What will I miss now that I am returning to work?  First and foremost not spending endless hours creating new goodies, attending to my two online shops throughout the day and checking my email several times a day (OK, maybe I won't miss that so much).   But, I am super excited to be returning to teaching.

It's been a long year and a half looking  for a teaching position.  Because of cutbacks in the school districts, I sadly became unemployed.  After hundreds of applications/resumes, I am blessed to have a gotten an awesome position.   I have seriously missed being surrounded throughout the day with kids.  Their jokes, their unbelievable sense of humor, their innocence.  Having lunch with a table of Kinder kids is incredible!  Or sitting with 6th graders who just want to talk. 

Do you all remember the dance "Soldier Boy" from a couple of years ago?  Well, let me tell you, Ms Vess learned that dance, oh yes I did!  Now mind you, I am no youngster, so it was a challenge!  *smile*  At the time I was a Librarian at K-8th grade school.  So, every afternoon four awesome 8th grade boys came into the Library and taught me the dance, insisting that Ms Vess would learn. 

I attended all 7th/8th grade school dances as a chaperon.   And guess who was drug out onto the dance floor to show off her greatness doing the "soldier boy"?  Yuppers, the one and only Ms Vess.  HA!

My new position will be as a reading interventionist.  It is a Kinder-6th grade school.  I am excited to be working with students having a difficult time reading.  Reading is so important!  It opens an endless world of possibilities.  If you can read, anything is possible! 


I will continue my Blog, I would miss all of you too much and I have to admit, I would miss my Blog.  It has become an old friend.  :)

I want to wish all of you the happiest and safest upcoming Holiday season!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Desert Awakening, Arizona Beauty...

As many of you know, I am an Arizona "gal", so I thought it would be fun to share with all of you some awesome Arizona artisans.  Their work is incredible.

A wonderful mix of southwest decor, jewelry and even something for our lovable companions with four paws.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Christmas Holiday Shopping Countdown...

Hard to believe that Christmas is only 46 Days away. Not sure where this year went, but we will soon be celebrating the New Year 2011!

So, I am being self indulgent this morning. A girl has to do that once in a while. *smile* Below are just a few items from my online shop on Etsy

A little something for everyone. 


Have a Great Day!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Simply Delicious Handmade Collection on ArtFire...

Not sure why I love the combination of Gray and Pink, but ooooh how I do! While browsing ArtFire I was noticing some simply delicious creations. I couldn't just keep clicking to the next item, I needed to do something. A Collection was created!


Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Friday, November 5, 2010

How to Add the Like Button to Your Blog...

I have been asked several times how to put the Like button on Blogs. Thought it was time for me to Blog instructions. I hope you find them helpful.

Please don't let the instructions intimidate you, it really is quite easy to do.
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First click on Design, then click on Edit HTML (I would copy the original HTML code and paste it in Wordpad or Notepad for backup just in case something goes awry).

When the HTML window opens, check mark "Expand Widget Templates" (upper corner).

Now you will need to do a ctrl + f (do this together). A box will open at the bottom of the screen. You will see Find: (in the blank box put this info) <data:post.body/>

The cursor will go directly to that line. Then paste the following code after that:

<iframe allowTransparency='true' expr:src='"http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=" + data:post.url + "&layout=standard&show_faces=false&width=100&action=like&font=arial&colorscheme=light"' frameborder='0' scrolling='no' style='border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:40px;'/>

Click on "Save Template".

If all went good, every time you create a new post you should see the Like button at the bottom of the post.

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Have a question about this tutorial?  Leave me a comment and I will respond.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Color of Snow as the Sun Sets...

This absolutely "gorgeous" Treasury on Etsy was created by WinterGarden on Etsy.   Glenda and I were tossing around what winter is for some and from our fun and enjoyable conversation, she created this "beautiful" Treasury.  Now, as much as I would love to hold your attention, I can't, soooooooo here you go. Enjoy!

'Dusk' by wintergarden

There is nothing more beautiful than the colour of snow as the sun sets!


Treasured - Geode Slice, Mot...
$82.00

HOAR FROST MORNING -- 8x10 f...
$25.00

Australian opal necklace . T...
$745.00

SALE Ruffled Sweater Dress M
$60.00

Winter Berries Pendant (with...
$89.00

Queen of the Frozen Forest -...
$42.50

Fairytale Sky Birds, Fine ar...
$25.00

Crochet Rag Coaster Set of (...
$16.00

Aleina Leather Bag in Laven...
$156.00

violet. glass baubles dangle...
$12.00

lOvE alpaca X-Stream Fibers...
$87.00

Glass, Hammered Copper - Nec...
$70.00

18th Street Snow 1
$50.00

Steel Lilacs - Lilac and Sil...
$68.00

Irridescent Purple Beaded Sn...
$6.50

Frosty Winter Morning - Soli...
$1000.00

It's Blooming Bookmarks! Hallelujah!


It's blooming bookmarks in my Etsy shop. So how did these bookmarks come about you ask?

As many of you have probably noticed, I waste no fabric.  I have baggies with scrap fabric left over from other sewing projects.  I didn't know what I was going to do with them, just knew I couldn't throw them out.

I am an avid reader, I was enjoying the collection of Twilight books when I lost my favorite bookmark.

Now no way was I about to go buy a new one, ooooohh no, so.... The birth of Blooming Bookmarks happened!

I love, love, love creating them.


The blooms are incredibly fun to make and putting them together is even better.  I can just let my imagination go.  

The best part?  I get to enjoy the bookmark every time I pick up a book to read. 

Can't get any better than that! 

Now, I am off to enjoy a good book...

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Cranberries and the Holiday Season...

Whenever I think of Fall and the Holiday Season, I think of pumpkins, leaves in wonderful colors, fireplaces and "cranberries". The inspiration for my most recent Artfire Collection came from yummy cranberries and the artisans who created gorgeous items using the color of cranberries. So, dig in and enjoy!


Sunday, October 3, 2010

Awesome Craft Fair at Catlin Court....


I loved participating in this craft fair!  Although it was HOT, 107 degrees, it was so much fun!

The fair was held at Catlin Court in historic Glendale, AZ, wonderful antique and quaint specialty shops line both sides of the street. 

Walking the street and venturing into the specialty shops is so surreal.  Strolling into the awesome shops that sell candles, is too die for, oh the aroma!  Or turn the clock back by visiting the vintage shops with their wonderful dresses, shoes, jewelry and other awesome accessories.  

I was fortunate to have my booth in front of "Girlfriends Craft House", is that store name just too cute?!

A HUGE, gorgeous tree  shaded us throughout the day.  As you can see my beautiful granddaughter enjoying herself. 

And my husband watched closely over the money.  Doesn't he look excited?  HA!

All the wonderful shoppers made for an awesome day!  I can't wait to do this again in December.  *smile*

I hear my poor neglected Etsy shop and ArtFire studio calling me.  Lots of goodies I haven't listed.   Soooooo..... 

Have an awesome day!