April Come She Will...

Welcome to April, Friends.
This song started going through my head.
I found this sweet video montage.
Enjoy this little blast from the past,
along with some lovely BBEST selections
perfect for the rainy days ahead.
I love them.
They bring rainbows.
Hello April!

Custom Banners by emhgraphics

Kitchen Sink Battz by theknottysheep

Purple Rain by NightSkyJewelry

Rain Candle by ajscountrycottage

April Showers by jemsbyjbandcompany

Lights Out, Peace In

Eco Love Pinbacks
from Joonbeam

This past Saturday, March 28, my husband, son and I participated in Earth Hour. For the time between 8:30 and 9:30 pm local time, we turned off our computers, lights, and televisions as part of a global vote to support our beautiful planet and to send a message to the powers that be that we must do something to stem the tide of climate change. Participation has grown since the event's 2007 beginnings in Sydney, Australia, from 2.2 million homes, to 50 million in 2008, with a 2009 goal of 1 billion people voicing their concern by switching off the power. For more about Earth Hour and some great photographs from that night around the world, visit http://www.earthhour.org.

World on His Shoulders Recycled Assemblage Art
by the Junkyard Gypsy

Though some may say that turning off the lights for one hour is merely a drop in the energy usage bucket and is purely symbolic, we would argue that the experience was deeper, for it reminded us of the peace - both physical and emotional, that is missing in our daily lives; peace and quiet that is crowded out by the constant drone of machines, the hum of computers, the noise of radios and televisions, and the glare of artificial lights that keep us awake much longer than our bodies can handle. It's been noted that people slept an average of 10 hours before the widespread usage of electric lights. Now we are reduced to about 6 or 7 hours of rest, which is far less than we need to stay healthy.

So what did we do during that one hour of darkness on Saturday evening? Well my son freely elected to turn off his computer (which is on almost constantly!) and read by flashlight in his room. My husband and I sat on the family room couch, snugly under a handmade blanket, a candle's warm glow lighting the room, homemade brownies on the coffee table, and we talked. We also listened. We listened to the lack of sound. We relished the quiet and we felt the peace of technology's absence. We felt the natural, sleepy rhythm of the night as it was long ago. In fact, we lingered this way beyond the one hour, enjoying the respite from our usual routine.

Peace (Original Collage)
by Sixsisters

We wish we could say that the rest of the neighborhood joined in the event, but, alas, house lights across the street still blazed and dampened the full effect of the evening. But even if you or our neighbors missed Earth Hour, there is still time to give it a whirl. We'd encourage everyone to turn off all the lights and machines at least one night (maybe even once a month) to discover the pleasant effects of shutting off the modern world and tuning in to the natural one - and to save a little energy too.

Here are some suggestions for how to spend your own "Earth Hour" whenever you want to try it.





First, take a walk outside under the moon and stars. Breathe in the fresh night air. Listen to the sounds of nature in the darkness.

Take a Hike (Original Collage)
by Van Fleet Street Design

Then come inside and turn off the lights, and set the mood by lighting candles.

Votive Candle Holder
from Nonnie's Treasures

Fill a mug with your favorite warm beverage. (We'll let you boil some water for coffee, tea or cocoa but turn off the stove after that!)

Flowery Coffee Mug
from Jill's Treasure Chest











Or perhaps share a little something special with your friend or partner. Break open that wine bottle that you have been saving for just the right occasion.


Hand Painted Wine Glasses
by Glitz N Glass










You could surround your tub with pretty votive candles...

Cheery Flower T-Lite Holder
from Crafty Bargain Basement










...and relax in a hot, lavender-scented bath.


Lavender Granola Bar Handmade Soap
by In a Lather








If you are by yourself, you might want to take this time for personal contemplation and meditation. Light some incense and let your cares drift away.


Raku Tree Incense Burner
by Fehustoneware







After you have finished delving deep into your inner self, you might want to jot down a few of the inspirations that came to you. If you are a writer, now would be a good time to let your creativity flow onto paper.

Yellow Butterfly Wear-A-Notebook Necklace
from Kara Lennox (Wear-A-Note)






Got a book that you've been itching to finish? Curl up in a comfy chair next to a bright candle and do some reading.


Silhouette Bookmark - Flower in the Meadow
by Word Walks






There's nothing like the gentle craft of knitting or crochet to calm the spirit after a busy day. Now is a good time to make something with that special yarn you bought and put in the closet for "when you have time."
Spin Del Skeins Hand Spun Yarns
from The Knotty Sheep

Make your lights-out "Earth Hour" a family affair with board games, cards, or drawing and sketching. Adults, this is your chance to play with crayons again! Sing a song, play an instrument, and celebrate being together.

Sorry Clock
by Imotime














Card Night Quilted Fabric Post Card
by Attack of the Vintage















Take-A-Long Art Book Folio for Kids
from Whimseys by SuZ

No matter when you decide to turn out the lights, or what you do during your electricity-free hour, you will reap the benefits of slowing down and enlightening your inner landscape with a break from the modern world. Your carbon footprint will shrink a little too.

The Earth will thank you for your time.

Gods Earth Original Print ACEO
by Beth Peardon Prods

Ideas for helping reduce your energy consumption:

• http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp
• http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/caq/articles/summer2008/LevelOne.cfm
• http://www.powerscorecard.org/reduce_energy.cfm

Musings....

Creating is a joyful process. It involves thought, intention, determination, time, focus, and belief. This is the case whether our craft is developed from scratch or if it is the craft of treasure hunting through flea market finds to ferret out and share special hidden treasures. Every creation holds a piece of ourselves, captured in that moment. Our hands, our time, our focus, our thought – all wrapped up in our craft.

Sharing our creations with others requires many of these same things, along with an element of risk. Risk that our art will not be appreciated or understood. Risk that that we take every time we list an item in our shops or create a custom order. This willingness to risk ourselves, to be open to our family, our friends, and even strangers – this risk makes us stronger individuals and more grounded artists. Our willingness to step out and BE OURSELVES with our fellow human beings is a demonstration of faith in humanity and in the goodness of others. It is a great and joyful act, and adds value to each piece of creation we share, each flea market find we offer.

I am delighted to be a part of the BBEST community, which is not only a group of astoundingly talented crafters, but is also an incredible gift, regularly enriching my life and inspiring my craft and art. The influence of this team is broader than we may perhaps think.

***

SO, my daughter went off to a Fine Arts Academy for Contemporary Dance (a boarding school by any other name) in August, the week after she turned 16. It was a very hard time for her and for me. We were very close, and though we both knew that this was an incredible opportunity for her, we had a very difficult time being apart. The first night was the worst, and she called me several times, whispering into the phone so that her roommate wouldn’t be disturbed. She cried, but didn’t want me to come and get her. I cried too, but not when we were talking. I second guessed the decision to send her away, and rode an emotional roller coaster for the next several weeks.

My daughter was determined and stuck it out, and though she didn’t stop missing home for a moment, she made new friends, learned a new routine, began to understand her teachers, and started to dance. The dance brought her great joy although the discipline required made her grumble and complain. She was inspired by the upper classmen though, and worked hard to grow. She learned about the routine of the dorm and settled quickly into a rhythm of learning and living and laughing. All the things you want for your children!

In October, she told me about auditioning for pieces that were choreographed by upper classmen, and how excited she was to get some opportunities to perform. She was immersed in the creative and learning process (are they separate? maybe it is all one process.) and was very happy.

When she came home at the end of November for a long weekend at Thanksgiving, she was VERY EXCITED. I picked her up and she talked most of the way home. She told me about a boy, a college senior in the Contemporary Dance program, that was a beautiful and breathtaking dancer. She certainly didn’t have any classes with him, but she had seen him perform once and had been very inspired. Right before break her teacher told her that she was actually going to have the opportunity to dance with him in a piece they would be learning in December, to be performed before Christmas. She was absolutely thrilled to be chosen to perform, and even more thrilled to have a chance to learn from someone so astounding. She talked about how he danced – so strong and graceful – and about how perfect his technique was. It made her want to practice and stretch and grow better NOW.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and when I drove her back to school and dropped her off it was very different from the first time. She had a big smile and a wave, and didn’t need any help into the dorm. She immediately saw friends and they were laughing and talking before I drove from the parking lot.

I was about 20 minutes away when the cell phone rang. It was my daughter, and she was sobbing.

When she and her roommate got onto their hall (up the three flights of steps with their bags dragging behind them), they noticed papers stuck on every room door. Some announcement, they thought as they rushed down the hall to their little room-haven. When they got to their door they unlocked it and pulled the announcement off the door.

They both stood and read. The paper explained that the young man, the senior, the inspiring dancer that everyone knew from his performances, had committed suicide in his dorm room over the Thanksgiving holiday.

My daughter was filled with grief. Overcome. Bowed down. It brings tears to my eyes now, 7 years later, remembering our conversation and what she went through. She had never met this boy. I had never met this boy. But in my mind was the image of his dance, strong, muscled, perfect technique. In her mind was the actual memory. I was filled with grief.

The entire school student body felt the impact of the young man’s passing, and December was a more somber time than we ever expected. When Christmas break came, though, I felt strongly that we needed to have some serious conversations about what had happened. We talked then, and truly, we talked for the next several years. My daughter worked through this loss in her dance and when SHE was a senior, she danced in a piece dedicated to this young man – and it was a phenomenal and emotional experience.

Trying to make sense of the senseless must be a human foible, but we did come away from all this with a lesson that reminds us of this young man. Our lesson, that neither my daughter nor I ever forget – You can never know the impact that your life has on another person. You may never even meet them, you may never see them, you may never know that they saw you. Your interactions may be slight, may not be in person, may be oblique. But your influence and contribution to the world and the lives of others is greater than you know, your impact ripples out from your life touching those you see and even those you don’t. Your gift is grander than you ever imagine. So share it, and give it, and make your impact on the world. Go!

***

Thank you BBEST. Every day.

E is for..............

Have you noticed just how many diverse products are available from members of the Bbest team? I love researching items for the blog, and part of the fun is deciding which aspect of a letter of the alphabet I'm going to feature. Of course I was a little spoilt for choice this month, after all, 'E' is for Easter - and that is just around the corner......

However.......

I decided, that this month E is for.......

Egg

'Don't be silly, I bet you can't find anything' I hear you say, well...................

How about this one to begin with!

 

I just love the concept of a knitted egg!  I certainly didn't expect to find one like this from Blazing Needles.  I love that cord, too, all knitted, isn't it fun!  Find out more details by looking here.

I didn't have to look far to find the next item, either!  What do you think of this from beadbug? 

 

I was quite spoilt for choice, there are several beautiful beaded eggs, so go and have a look.  The one shown here is easy to find here and makes a good starting point.

If you are looking for a window decoration there is no need to go any further than clingingimages. 

 

Here you will find not just eggs, but a basket of them too!  Aren't they fun?   Very bright and cheerful too, just right for spring.

This next item is an original acrylic painting from sixsisters.  I love the blue eggs.  

This painting measures 6 X 6 inches with a 2 3/8 inch profile.  It is a museum wrapped canvas ready to hang or frame.  Find out more here. 

And still there is more!  Isn't this bottle opener fun!  However, it could just as easily be something else!

 ButtonDivas has thought fully given the option of converting it to a keychain OR a pocket mirror. In fact, it could even be a pinback button and magnet.

If you are feeling energetic, you could organise an Easter Egg Hunt, but if time or energy doesn't permit GlitznGlass has one ready for you!

 

Isn't it cute?  It is listed here, where you will also find that it comes complete with a scented palm wax votive.

And to close - here is the perfect addition to your Easter breakfast table!  

 

These egg cosies from makeyourpresentsfelt are such fun.  I know I am going to succumb one day soon!

If you want to find some more items with an eggy theme just search 'bbest team, egg'.  You may be surprised by what you find........

Happy Easter (when it comes)!

Spring Think

The only constant is change.

All seasons bring change, but spring is the season of new growth, warm rains and sunshine. Promise is everywhere. Spring sprouts happiness. Thoughts of change within our own lives seem to come to the fore in spring. The earth renews and we with it. Change is a challenge. Change is a mixed blessing. We can bring about change for the better.


Etsy is changing exponentially right now. The economy is driving more sellers to Etsy and, I do not know what the buyer status is, but even if there are more, they are now spread more thinly.

Recently Etsy confirmed that there are way too many items listed for fair share visibility ~ the system cannot handle that many listings, explaining why so many of our items see 0 views for hours or even days. They aren't on the front page, in Time Machine or in search until later ~ read: buried. Etsy's search system, which encourages renewing, naturally spurred this on.

We need to adapt to these changes and stay abreast of what's happening. If you notice something odd, you can be sure something odd is going on. But you are most likely going to need to seek out the reason yourself. Etsy is not going to hand you news unless it suits their business.

Many people are joining other selling {ArtFire and 1000 Markets} and social networking sites {twitter and facebook}. Here is something you may not have considered and you don't need to go anywhere. Building & visiting Treasuries.

Something fun: craftopolis Here is an outside site that lets you search for your items in treasuries & gift guides. This is really handy for those of us who build treasuries {our featured shops can find, visit & click} and those of us with multiple shops. It includes T West and alternate status. This seems like a small thing, but it is not. Visit treasuries you are featured in and comment. Build treasuries mixing BBEST and shops new to you. There are very few things we can control in the way of exposure in a growing sea of mass sellers and item listings...You can use the treasuries to your advantage. Craftopolis is a gift toward this end.


Another way we can gain exposure is through blogging. Many of us have our own blogs and either love blogging or like it or are, let's face it, a bit bemused, even overwhelmed, by blogging.

What do you write about? What do people want to read? What's it all about, Alfie? This team blog is a great place to start. We are looking for guest authors. The best part is ~ you do not need to commit to anything more than ONE guest post. It's a great place to start and a wonderful way to connect and contribute to your team.

There are so many topics to write about and we each have a unique style and varied talents and interests. We all have circles of friends and family outside of our team ~ when you author a post, invite them to come read and comment. We have the potential to expand our team presence and visibility for all of our shops.

This team is wonderful. This blog is your blog. It's about, for and by all of us. Convo me for a date. I will help you in any way. Happy Spring, dear BBEST friends.

The power of tutorials

When I'm reading a blog post and run across a crafting how-to piece, I feel as if I've been given a special gift. I sit back and ask myself, "Really? I get this information for free?" That's the power of a tutorial.

Tutorials often teach you something unexpected, something that is potentially useful just for you, or they provide inspiration for a next step you are considering. After I read a post on BBEST artist Liz Plummer's blog about How to create a concertina book, for example, I was inspired to purchase several books about bookmaking. Liz also writes about her Gocco printing process on her blog, as evidenced by the moleskin journal below that includes a Gocco-printed cover.

Gocco Printed Seed Head Journal,
by lizplummer

The writer/artist who writes tutorials is in an especially good position to create a sense in the reader's mind that he or she is an expert about the topic at hand, someone who can be trusted, and possibly someone whose work you might wish to explore further. In short, tutorials clarify who the person is behind the writer's voice, and provide an indirect method of promoting the artist.

When you read Suz of whimseys' Short Tutorial on Eco Cloth Shopping Bag, you're impressed right away by her concern about the earth, and will wish to browse through the products in her shop, which (like the shopping bag in her tutorial) are also made of fabric.

Sherrill Kahn Fabric Bookcover Dayplanner
Journal Book Cover, by whimseys

Likewise, Joon of joonbeam inspires trust in her values when you read her blog tutorial, Love Our Earth & Things Can Be Pretty! by golly!, about recycling a grocery sack into a mailing envelope. Joon's writing personality takes you straight to her shop, where (among other items), she promotes ecology-minded practices.

Sweet HoLiDaY Squares - Gift Boxes (2)
Handmade with LoVe,

by joonbeam

While there are many indie tutorial sites on the Web such as Craftster, CraftStylish and Craft, the tutorials on these sites differ from the tutorials found on blogs. A blog tutorial tends to make you feel that you have a personal connection with the writer, not that you're reading an encyclopedia of instructions. If you have a question or a comment, you can communicate directly with the writer and be reasonably certain that your response will be read in a timely fashion, and that any questions you have will be answered just as quickly.

The writer of a blog tutorial has several decisions to make, however, before posting. These include the focus, the fiber and the format of the tutorial:

• Focus. What is the reason for the tutorial? Does the tutorial give the reader a taste of what is in the artist's shop, but on a simpler scale? Does the tutorial describe a process that creates curiosity about the artist's products? Does the tutorial establish or confirm the artist's expertise in a particular area? The purpose of the tutorial may be answered by one or several of these questions, but the writer/artist needs to establish a business reason for sharing his or her expertise through a how-to post. Moreover, to justify its existence, that post actually needs to be useful to the reader in some way. Because many people do not realize the extent of design effort and manual dexterity that go into machine knitting, for example, Barb of Blazing Needles cleverly educates her readers about that process in a series of blog posts, beginning with Machine Knitting - Part 1.

Personalized Wine Cozy,
by blazingneedles

• Fiber. The fiber of a tutorial relates directly to the content of the post. What is it about? Does the post provide step-by-step directions to produce a product? Does it describe a process? Does it give an historical overview of a specific art or craft? Does it provide general information that can become a jumping-off point for the reader to explore the topic further? Again, the fiber of the tutorial may consist of the answers to one or more of these questions, but it affects the approach the writer/artist takes to the topic, and ultimately the format. When Kimberly of thewildhare writes about her felted rabbit-making process, for example, in Where is the brown bunny? you will find the process so intriguing that you cannot resist visiting her shop to see her cute rabbits.

Custom Needlefelted WildHare,
by thewildhare

• Format. The format of a tutorial is determined by both the focus (purpose) and fiber (content) of the post. In its purest form, a step-by-step tutorial includes numbered or bulleted instructions, as well as clear photos. A tutorial that describes a process follows a logical sequence from beginning to end, with photos, but is a little more general. A post with an historical perspective will take the reader through a timeline of stories, again with photos to illustrate significant points. A general information post often provides links to useful information so that readers can take charge of the next step in their learning. Alysa of Alysa Merle Handcrafts, for example, not only describes the process of making plarn (plastic yarn) bags on her blog, but she also writes articles for Helium, establishing herself as a credible expert in this area. Her blog includes a link to Creative earth-friendly crafts, which educates her readers about the process she uses to crochet recyclable totes from plarn. The article also includes suggestions for how to explore this topic further.

Blue and Tan Purse, Made with Plarn and Cotton

by Alysa Merle Handcrafts

During the fall of 2008, Zuda of ZudaGay participated in an online group activity that resulted in a series of tutorials on her blog, beginning with Day 1 of the 30/30 Day Challenge. By using a "photo story" format, she informs us not only about the creative process she employs while developing her beautiful polymer clay flowers, but she also tempts us to visit her shop to see the final products.

Lovely in Peach Brooch,
by ZudaGay

Blog tutorials provide a perfect opportunity for writer/artists to inform readers about their creative process, highlight their work, and create a sense of their trustworthiness. With careful attention to focus, fiber and format, these tutorials become wonderful "freebie" gifts for their readers, and highly effective marketing tools for the artist.

© 2009 Judy Nolan. All rights reserved. Please note that the images in this post are owned by the artists and may not be used without permission. Simultaneously published at http://sparklines.blogspot.com.

Chocolate Cake, Sally, Facebook, Boomers!

I was just taking the homemade chocolate mayonnaise cake from the oven when I heard the doorbell. Setting the cake on the rack to begin cooling, I then hurried to the door.

“Sally!” I beamed. “Come in! You are just in time to frost the cake when it cools!”

“Oh, it smells delicious!” exclaimed Sally. “I don’t know if I can wait.....maybe we will just eat it warm without the frosting,” she drooled.

I laughed. “You know, one of my Boomer friends thinks you like chocolate cake more than looking at the things they make!” I said. "But, you know what I said? They love chocolate just as much as you do! Come sit down here by the computer. I want to show you my Facebook page.”

“What in the world is Facebook?” asked Sally.

“Oh, my goodness!” I replied. “It is a way to connect with almost anyone you know. And what fun it is, too,” I continued. “You remember I told you I had taught elementary school for 32 years and been a principal for the next four years of my career?” I asked.

Sally answered, “Yes, and you said the last 34 of those years were at the same school.”

“Yes,” I replied. “And guess what? I have had such fun connecting with so many of my former students! It is great to see them all grown up and to see their children. And to learn about their careers and just to chat with them. One of my former students just arrived in Afghanistan a few weeks ago. Another is a landscape architect. One is a doctor who just today posted that he was caring for his baby for the first time alone and hoped she didn’t have a poopy diaper! I just laughed at that and commented on his page that our son had thought that, too, but that he is an expert now at the poopy diaper thing!! Some are stay at home moms. One just got a new job. It is amazing what everyone is doing. And you connect with one, then another, and it is just really exciting!”

“That sure sounds as if you are enjoying chatting with your former students,” Sally said. “What about your Boomers and Beyond friends? Are any of them using Facebook?” asked Sally.

“I know a few who are. And I expect there will be lots more join Facebook. It is free, of course, and it is a great way to spread the word about your own Etsy shop and to connect with members of your team outside of Etsy chat. And, there is another venue called Twitter where teams list their items, and somehow what goes on one gets to the other. That will have to be a whole topic for another time because I sure haven’t figured it out yet! But, for now, let’s look at a few I know who are on Facebook and also some others that you maybe haven’t seen before,” I suggested.

“Okay,” said Sally, “But, why don’t we stop and frost that cake first? Then, we can eat and look and look and eat........:

“Sounds good to me,” I laughed. We did, sat back down, and sighed with pleasure at that first bite of cake and marveled at these gorgeous creations from our Boomers and Beyond team!







Night Sky Jewelry
Salt Lake City, Utah








Indian Princess Nacczari Turquoise and Black
Onyx Earrings






SixSisters

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Facebook





Sunset Dove







One Dog Talking
Raleigh, North Carolina







Floppy Cotton Frog Hat












Zuda Gay
Central Illinois

Facebook







Misty Spring Morning
Flower Focal









Ghi-Goo-ie Designs
Omaha, Nebraska







Native American Tribute
to the Eagle Earrings











Beth Peardon Prods
Boston, Massachusetts
Facebook





Pink Daisy
Original Photo









In a Lather
Indianapolis, Indiana





Rosemary Mint Shampoo









Gimme Beads
Waynesboro, Georgia






Something Pink











Fehustoneware
Denver, Colorado






Stoneware Carmel Wave Mug










Nonnies Treasures
Danville, Pennsylvania






Sophisticated Lady

Meet The Boomer!

I am pleased to introduce Chris, from Chris1 !

1. What is/are the name of your shop/s?

Chris1.etsy.com and vintage1.etsy.com

2. What kind of items do you sell?

Chris1 sells all kinds of one of a kind fused glass items including platters, night lights, glass ACEOs and business cards along with all kinds of one of a kind dichroic jewelry including wire wrapped and silver metal worked jewelry.

3. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?

29 yrs first starting with stained glass then moving on to stained glass stepping stones while experimenting with the kiln back in the early 90's. Then in 2001 full time fusing with new large kilns and more equipment. Now and again i go back to stained glass but not very much.

4. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?

With all the classes and knowledge I've gained in the last 8 yrs I consider myself an artist.

5. What inspires you?

Everything inspires me! Music, nature, designs, landscaping, everything makes my head spin out glass thoughts and how would I do this in glass thoughts.

6. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio? It's hard to answer this one cause my studio is in the basement and I have a room on the 1st floor where my computer is located that has my mid size kiln and 2 small kilns in it so I do a lot of firing here. I spend my time doing lots of house work stuff while I am waiting for my kilns to finish firing, or my enamel paints to dry or or whatever has to be done. I guess I'm very lucky in some ways.

7. What keeps you company while you’re working on a project?

In the studio it's the radio that keeps playing all my great oldies but goodies music. In my computer room my TV and computer keeps me going.

8. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Opening the kiln after it's been fired....and seeing how everything looks! Most of the time it's a surprise and it's just like Christmas Day when you open presents!

9. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

The lest favorite would be using my tile saw! I am totally soaked after using it.

10. What are some of the venues you use to promote your shop/ware?(Do you blog?)

Yes I do have a blog, here is the link. http://fusedglass.blogspot.com/ I have this shop also http://www.1000markets.com/users/chris1 Also this shop http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=25101 and of course I use twitter http://twitter.com/lpi...most all of my sales come from word of mouth and Etsy. I belong to the BBEST TEAM which stands for Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team and CGGE TEAM which stands for Creative Glass Guild of Etsy.

11. Related to your craft,tell us about a funny, strange or unusual situation you found yourself in.

At the moment I can't think of any but I know that it happens to all of us.

12. Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t necessarily know by talking with you in the forums.

That is a difficult one also. That I tend to follow the thought of what will happen if I do this or try that with my work that is.

13. What’s your favorite book and why, favorite movie and why, favorite kind of music?

My favorite books were romance but then I got bored with them so switched over to mysteries. Janet Evonavich is one of my favorite authors, JA Janice is another. I have many others that I like their style of writing and will pick up books from the library where I work 1 day a week filling the for sale books that are donated. Check them out at your local libraries...50cents to 2dollars a book beats paying full price for them. Music I like is most all of the oldies but goodies..music from the 60's - the 90's.

14. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or crafters?

Just let your mind go... don't be locked into something...take it and roll with it. Think outside of the box...and have fun!

Please leave our team mate a comment, about her work, her life, her artistic process! She would love to hear from you!