Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope your family has a wonderful holiday season.

Foster-Smith Cabin

Foster-Smith Cabin Linocut















This is a test print for the linocut I worked on this weekend.
This is #3 in a series of linocuts of Brookhaven, Mississippi landmarks.
Each plate in the series will measure 2 inches x 2 5/8ths inches.

How I am feeling lately...

Divine recipe for Apple Spice Bread

#mailart 2 project

#mailart 2 is off and running and I am thrilled to be part of it!
Twitter's #mailart project is the brainchild of Mark Philip Venema and you can read more about it on his blog, here:
http://markphilipvenema.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/second-mailart-group/

The theme for this round of #mailart is Time and Being Human and I have been brainstorming for the project. Even though I can't share the images until after they have reached their future owners I can share some of my brainstorming.
I've been trying to focus on different concepts of what time can mean in my day to day life, what time can feel like, how it functions day to day...
These are some of the ideas brewing. Many of them may become #mailart, others will fall by the wayside.
Roaring
Rapid
Growing
Dying
Birth
Full
Empty
Snared
Sucked in
Snared
Caught
Stagnant
Swift
Money
Empty
Elusive
Hard to hold/catch
over booked/overloaded/overextended
Stretched thin
Blocked in
Flies
Creeps
Hindsight
Stands Still
Rich
Progression
Rippling
eroding
wearing
building
wasted
repetitive
productive
cyclical
rut
fading
treasure.........

I am excited to see how these ideas come to fruition and will share them with you when the project runs its course.
Hope you enjoy!

I'm Back - Finally!

Feel free to chastise me for staying away so long, but Vacation and illness are my excuses.

We had a lovely vacation earlier this month to Lake Fausse Point State Park in South Louisiana. The park is fantastic and the cabin we rented was wonderful. We had the opportunity to visit Avery Island and tour the Tobasco plant and the Jungle Gardens there. Really lovely.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip!

We got to see quite a few gators, and got closer to this one than I like!


Things are slowly getting back to normal, though, so here I am at long last to fill you in on recent happenings. I'm slowly finishing some tatted items to add to my etsy shop and am pondering some new items to add.
I have a lovely baby bootie pattern that I love to make (though it is a tad time consuming), but I want to make them in some less traditional colors. Suggestions anyone? I'm thinking dark brown or turquoise or a nice pale green. Hmmm.....
I am also venturing out with some new bookmark patterns, but I want to try a few more out before I settle on them for the shop.

I finally managed to finish a special order necklace and two other necklace I am giving as gifts.






























































I've also joined in on a #mailart project from twitter. (I'm @knotaway if you'd like to follow me there.) I'll be part of a group of 30 or so artists who will create a postcard size peice of art for each participant. We will mail them to each other. Everyone should receive 30 pieces of original art from artists all over the world. Fun, Fun, Fun!!! I'll be sure to post more details about that later!
Thanks for visiting. More Later!

Crockpot Lasagna

Our new favorite recipe...

Crockpot Lasagna

(everything is approximate - my crockpot is big)

3 lbs ground chuck/beef/sirloin
2 jars spaghetti sauce
3 oz low fat cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheese (I used colby jack)
1/2 box oven ready lasagna noodles
parmesan cheese (to taste)

Cook and drain the ground beef (I do this the night before, to cook in the morning). Mix the spaghetti sauce and meat and spread a thin layer in the bottom of the crockpot. Alternate layers of uncooked noodles, meat sauce and cheese ending with cheese. (I place slices of the cream cheese with the shredded cheese.) Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. (If my meat sauce is cold I start it on high for about 1/2 hour.)

I've never had to deal with leftovers with this recipe.
Hope y'all enjoy!

Grandma's Sugar Cup

At least that's how I thought of it....

I can remember watching her measure sugar with a cup like this so many times for Sweet Tea, Lemon Meringue Pies and Pear or Peach Cobblers.

She was the best cook, a great nurse, once caught a 25 lb catfish out of the pond, and so much more...

I wish my kids could have known her.

I'd love it if you would share some of your memories, too.

Blog Giveaway - Pink Tutu

3 Little Monkeys is giving away a child's pink tutu on her blog!

http://3littlemonkeysnews.blogspot.com/

Now just tell me WHO doesn't want a pink tutu????

Here's a bit about it from her blog (but be sure to visit her blog for the details, and follow her!)

Don't forget to visit her shop, too.
http://www.lilsoutherngirl.etsy.com/

"Alright I am doing my very first give-away. This one is for a beautiful pink tutu. This is my most popular item and it takes the cutest photos. This tutu is available in sizes 0/3m all the way through a 5T. The winner will be able to choose the size they want."

Swinging by...

I apologize for the extended absence from my blog. I have been quite busy lately in my offline world and have neglected this poor little blog!

Let me know what you think of this recent photo.
It's easy to see that nature has definitely taked over this old swing in my grandparents' yard. I know all the "younguns" use to love swinging on it.





















This is "Gold Dust". It is my newest addition to my etsy shop.
It is a macro shot of a bloom on a Jerusalem Artichoke plant in my backyard. I really love these plants even though they can be somewhat invasive. I transplanted them from my Grandmother's backyard. I believe she got them from her parents' home in Louisiana.
I hope you like it.

4.23.09

I am getting ready to enter a local art competition, so I've been busy selecting my entries and getting them framed. I'll share my selections later, but one of my options is a photo I took last summer. I took the photo with my digital camera, so now I needed to find the best place to get a high quality print. Twitter provided a wonderful answer to that question!

http://www.iprintfromhome.com/

You can check out their blog, too.
http://iprintfromhome.blogspot.com/

Every Tuesday they tweet a special, so if you are on Twitter you should add them!
I ordered my prints the middle of last week, and received them on Monday. Much quicker than I expected. They were well packaged and the quality is SUPERB! Needless to say I was in the frame shop on Tuesday!
What do you think of my choice of photo?

4.16.09

Youch!
I've been seriously neglecting the blog.
Sorry about that. Life has been busy lately and has kept me from spending more time here.

I did manage to take a couple of shots that I liked.
This one was a particularly dreary day, but I love the colors!














This is a Cherokee Rose that I started from a clipping about 13 years ago. I think it likes where I put it as the flowers are quite a bit larger than the ones on the original plant.







I am thrilled to say that an item I donated to http://www.etsyforcharity.etsy.com has sold! I'll be packaging it and sending it on it's merry way tonight.

Do check out this store. All proceeds go to charity (this month's sales go to Autism Speaks, http://www.autismspeaks.org).

4.3.09

Birthday Gifts DONE! (Well 2 of them anyway.)
I've been busy this week making birthday gifts for two of my kids' friends
(one more for next week I think!)
Do you like them?

3.30.09

Newest additions to my etsy shop...
Do you like them?
I thought they'd be perfect for filling Easter baskets...

3.27.2009

I guess one of my favorite groups of paintings are those from the Hudson River painters.
I love the magical look of the light in those paintings.
The light here in Southern Mississippi sometimes has similar qualities.


I imagine there must have been more than a few folks irritated with me this morning
as I meandered around trying to find a spot to take THE picture.
Needless to say, I didn't find IT.

These will have to do.
Bear in mind that they don't do the morning light justice.


I really wish, though, that I could have found a decent shot of the trees
as a palette of greens against the storm clouds to the West.

Had to include this shot of the back of an 18-wheeler!
Doncha just love it!

Two finished prints...

These are short editions, but having been out of printmaking for so long, it's about all I could manage and be happy with. I hope to get some framed and in my booth at Southern Treasures soon.
The top one is the Coffee Pot. It was a cafe many years ago, but is vacant (I think) now.

The second one is what I have only ever called The Smokestack of course. It is an old factory that the city wants to refurbish and revitalize as a transportation hub.
I would love to get up close with a camera before they do!

So here's the corrected - unflipped cut

This is an artist's proof that I made quickly last night. If I am very careful I may get 7 or 8 final prints out of this. I printed all the blue plates last night. Pardon the terrible photo. Oh and if I haven't mentioned it, the size of this is 2 inches wide be 2 5/8 inches tall.
Teeny Tiny!

I've started a second tiny print of the "Coffee pot". You'd have to be from my home town to know what that means. Maybe I can get it finished tonight...

As if I didn't have enough going on...

I whipped out a new, small block yesterday, and printed it quickly to see how it looked in the ink nearest my hands.


The image area is only 2 inches wide.

I'm pleased with how it turned out except for one small detail...

It's backwards.

Silly me, I flipped the image!


Oh Well...
Cutting again.

EtsyforCharity!

I've just joined a really neat shop on Etsy...
http://EtsyForCharity.etsy.com

From their storefront...

Etsy for Charity (EFC) is a group of artists all fueled by the passion of helping the community with their crafts. All items listed at EFC Shop are donated by Etsy sellers and they will be shipped direct from their country to you! Sales proceeds (less shipping and other expenses) for this month will be donated to EFC March Charity of the Month Save The Children http://www.savethechildren.org Search tags for "efc team" for members of Etsy for Charity (EFC). Register at http://etsyforcharity.ning.com to be a member of EFC Team.

Be sure to stop by and look at all the wonderful wares to be had!
Here's what I've donated:

We have a Winner - um make that WINNERS!

So, everything was prepared and I was ready for my daughter to draw a name for the winner of my giveaway, and what happened? Well, my son would not be outdone and snuck his hand in the pot, too.
The TWO winners for my giveaway are.....
(insert drumroll here...)
munecita and Jaime!
Congrats!!!!

So, I got busy last night mixing ink and printing their notecards! (As it turns out they both liked purple! How did I get that lucky?!?!?!)

Your packages will soon be winging their way to you! :D
...with a few other little "Happies" to brighten your days!











I didn't manage to make any progress on the aforementioned WIP.
But there's always tonight, or tomorrow night...

I did manage to start a new WIP! Who wants just one iron in the fire?









These are the first two blocks for a 4 color print. I've got a LOT of cutting to do to cut away everything that isn't black in the image.
If this works, it'll be the most involved linoleum block print I've ever done! Wish me luck. I'm rusty!

What a cool giveaway!

The Fabric Shopper

is having a wonderful giveaway!
Be sure to check it out!

"5 Weeks of Amy Butler (Week 4) Bag Pattern & Fabric Giveaway!

This week's giveaway is the Nappy Bag pattern from Amy Butler paired with 2 yards of Stenzo European fabric from Bunte Fabrics. Click on the pattern photos above or follow this link for more information about the pattern: Amy Butler Nappy Bag Pattern"

My giveaway winners to be announced later today!

Who doesn't like to get mail? and WIP

Especially if the mail comes in a box or a lovely large padded envelope?
Well, Nyah Nyah! I got both yesterday!!!! LOL!
Who's jealous?

My first package was a lovely large box from
http://www.mainstreetseedandsupply.com/
This was my first order from them and I must say I am more than pleased, I am delighted.
I'm planning on planting ALL these lovely sunflower seeds. The small packets are special varieties of sunflowers. If you haven't guessed Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. (Queen Anne's Lace is the other.) FUN FUN FUN!!!


My next package was a wonderful happy from
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5830139
I WON these on her blog:
http://www.inklore.blogspot.com/
They are fabulous!!!!! My daughter has already claimed one and I am trying to talk my son out of another or I won't have one to keep after I share...
They are very well made, BEAUTIFUL and smell delightful. THANK YOU, SAM!


Don't forget that tomorrow (Noon - central) is the deadline to sign up for my giveaway!
http://knotaway.blogspot.com/2009/02/sky-outside-is-lovely-blue.html
I've already got a number of folks signed up, so don't miss out on your chance to win!

I am determined to finish a WIP (work in progress) this weekend. I started this project in November (ducking in shame!) and really need to finish it. It is going to be (already is!) a coffee table. It is on 3/4 inch birch plywood and sitting on a metal frame. I'll snap a shot of the table when it is finished.
Tell me what you think...
This is really just the underpainting. I've got a lot to do to finish it.
Below is the photo it is based on...

(And yes, I know a coneflower is not technically a sunflower, but they are close enough for me! :D )

LuvHandmade.com

I happened upon this really neat website through the etsy.com forums not too long ago.
http://www.luvhandmade.com
They were offering some free "promotion" and I was quick to reply that I'd love some!
My etsy shop is now one of the shops they are featuring in their minibrowser! WOW! I am among great company. Everyone should check out the many shops that they feature!
THANKS luvhandmade.com!

Don't forget if you haven't already signed up - I have a giveaway ending this Friday at Noon (Central time)! Don't miss out! I'm feeling generous!
http://knotaway.blogspot.com/2009/02/sky-outside-is-lovely-blue.html

Red River Road...

I've just listed this earring and choker set on Etsy. I almost hate to part with them, as my daughter has a similar set, but I can always make myself a set.
Red River Road

Don't forget about the giveaway. There is still time to leave a comment and get your name in the drawing!

Boo Hoo!!

I am ineligible to win this prize, but you may not be. A VERY talented friend and fellow etsian is hosting another fabulous giveaway!

http://jewelrybymignon.blogspot.com/2009/02/weird-sort-of-thing-here.html

Be sure to check it out!
Sob!
Wish it could be me!
Hope ya'll have a great weekend!
Come back now ya hear?
Or as my five year old says...
I'm gonna haf ta let ya go now!

Sunset Enriched...

Sunset Enriched is my newest addition to my etsy store! It is a monotype on yupo using waterbased block printing ink. I wanted to recreate (and edit a little) last night's sunset. Hope you enjoy!

And don't forget to comment below for my giveaway!

Ott Lite Giveaway

WOW! I really hope I win this wonderful giveaway!
http://quiltingonabudget.blogspot.com/2009/02/ottlite-giveaway.html
check it out!

The sky outside is a lovely blue...

But so am I. I've been in a funk/blah/bleh whatever you want to call it since Friday! There are no real reasons beyond everyday life for this, BUT I am determined to come out of it starting NOW!

So to make myself feel better I've decided to do something to make someone else feel better.

I'm going to start my first giveaway! That's right a giveaway!
I'm going to give one of my zebra print notecards and matching envelopes in the color of your choice (and maybe a couple of other little "happies") to one lucky winner.


And just HOW do you win? Well...

This drawing will be open to anyone. I'll draw one winning name on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

1. Follow my blog. Easy peasy! (That's one entry) (Don't worry. If you are already following you are automatically in the drawing!)

2. Leave me a comment telling me how much you'd like to win. (Don't forget to tell me your favorite color!) (That's the selfish part of this giveaway. Don't forget to leave contact info!) (That's another entry!)

3. Blog about my giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment here letting me know you did. (That's another entry!)

4. Visit my etsy shop - Knotaway and pick out your favorite item and come back here and leave a comment about why you like it. (That's another entry!)

5. Make a purchase in my etsy shop- Knotaway . (That is worth 5 entries!)

That is a possible 9 entries! If I have left something outrageous out that you think is worth an entry or two feel free to let me know!

Do this by NOON (central time zone!) on Friday, March 13th (yes, that is Friday the thirteenth!) and you may be the lucky winner to be announced on the following Monday!

Again - don't forget to let me know how to get in touch with you! I can't send you goodies if I don't know how to get in touch with you!

GOOD LUCK!
Wow! I am already starting to smile!
Thanks!

Oh and speaking of giveaways...
Check this one out!
http://alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-giveaway.html
She's also on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6178650
and has some really lovely items!