Summer fishing!

We've been doing some fishing this summer... just so happens that there have been some mild days with clouds that made for pretty comfortable conditions...( you know what it's like sitting in humid 100 degree weather in the sun. no fun).

Abby caught a load (I mean around 15) bass, sunnies and spots at our own Lake Linganore!

Em had the first catch of the night!

Last weekend we did some night fishing in at Choptank. It was perfect pretty clear weather with a slight breeze (perfect for keeping mosquitos away). You can catch several different fish here, but we have our poles set with bottom rigs and we mostly catch channel catfish. (Maybe also cause it's at night? - I'm no fishing expert...)
 They put up a fun fight for the kids and it is rewarding since they bite pretty often!
Anyway, they were getting hits one after another and by 2am we had caught 7 (+1 small) cats...
Bry caught the largest of them,,, about 25" according to the ruler on our cooler :)
We let them all go since we don't eat them and trekked home! (getting home at a greuling 4:30am... but it was tons of fun and everyone's dying to go back soon!

One of Bry's cats!

Unloading a LOAD of Stamps on Ebay!

well... the time has come. I sorted and sorted and sorted again through my 250 Stampin' Up stamp sets. All from my very first set (Greetings Galore I bought in 2000) to the newest additions.
From those I have managed to whittle down my "keepers" pile to about 50.  I also have about 75 Papertrey Ink sets that I have not sorted... oh the pain...!

So I have started to sell my sets at bargain prices on ebay. So far I have sold approx 44 sets! So there's about 150 odd sets left!

These stamp sets have been my source of income, joy, comfort and creativity at times. It's hard for me to let them go, but it's comforting to know that they will end up in homes of other crafty people who love to stamp!

If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing stamp sets, you can check out my ebay page. there you will find auction style listings as well as reasonable BUY IT NOW prices that reflect the average completed (sold) prices on ebay.  my seller name is IPPYHOLLERMOM and I have been on ebay since 2003 :)

Many of my listings start at $1 or $5 and I do combine shipping as well as ship overseas!

AHHHH! It's a jungle in here right now. taking pics, sorting, listing, packaging and shipping... it's a real store in here!
The kids are helping me and we are making a few bucks for fun summer activities! At least they benefit... :)

As for school, things are going great! FAST and GREAT! I am halfway thru the summer semester and actually keeping up with all the work. I think I might actually be able to do this!
I had my first lab practical last nite and I was able to identify all the pig parts! YEA! Now that's LIFE!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer! See you soon!

2 weeks into it...

I used to think that time was flying by... but I think I may have been a little premature in that statement.

Time is NOW flying at breakneck speed!

Summer courses are no joke. You are listening, absorbing, reviewing, writing, regurgitating information and more all while trying to balance family, sustaining life (ie eating, drinking, exercising), sleeping and maintaining order. I haven't had much time extra time for fun things like art, friends and leisure... but yet. But as my life starts to normalize, I will work time in!

I did not want to add a real photo... you're going to have to trust me... this is better.

In 2 weeks I have thoroughly reviewed every aspect of the periodic table, scientific method, cell composition and respiration, pH, conductivity, fetal pig dissection, thermodynamic energy, classification, molecular diversity and more! I took bio during my first year of college but I am required to take it again as you need to have completed the course within 10 years of the start of clinical study. For me that was 16 years ago... lucky me :) Seriously though, I am so glad to be doing this.... I can honestly say I don't remember 75 to 80% of everything we are going over. And I feel for those students in my class who are struggling more than I am ~ since it has been such a help to me to have seen most of this before~ regardless of how little I recall...

Most of the students in my class have dissected something or another in the past. I, however, have not had the opportunity. When I was in HS we didn't dissect anything... and in college I took the bio elective which was minus the lab.  So when it comes to lab assignments, it's all new to me~ I am enjoying it!

Anyway, the pace is incredible and surprisingly I am surviving. (I started very confident, then started to worry a bit... now I am gaining confidence again but looking towards another difficult hump - according to my professor, this next test next Thursday will prove to be the hardest of the semester sans the final.) 

On a different note, I will say that despite the support that my family has shown, it has been a difficult  transition going back to school. I miss spending all the extra time with the kids, I am not spending as much time with my hubby in the evenings and meals have become more for sustenance and less for conversation. I am hoping that come fall, things will return to normal as my classes will mostly be when the kids are at school. 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - A New Direction

View of a full rainbow from my front door

It's been a very rewarding journey. In 2003 I started selling stamps and scrapbooking supplies through Stampin' Up! and then moved to making and selling handmade cards thru various vendor fairs, online Etsy and local Artisanal shops in MD!

How AWESOME to be able to sell my work, that I have made from raw materials with my own hands!

The reward is great!

Throughout this journey I have met so many people. From all different walks of life~ Nurses, artists, mothers, teachers and MANY more! I cherish each and every encounter and have learned a lot about myself from all of you.

I especially appreciate The Muse and Art Partners for believing in my work. For promoting me and backing me up each time I had ideas.  Thank you Whitney, Susie and Barbara!

Now my journey is taking a little turn (ok - a Big turn). I have decided to leave my art for personal enjoyment and dedicate much of my time to going back to school - Radiological Technology. I have always believed that you never stop learning. There is always a new skill you can acquire that will enable you to further help others. Art is one way of touching people. And I have definitely been so fortunate to make art my job for these years.

So I have decided to start on this new road. My family and friends are supporting me (I do need it... I haven't taken a test in 14 years), and I feel confident in my abilities. And it helps that I'm going to school with my brother, who is 11 years younger than me, studying the same thing~ What a blessing! He said it perfectly... "When else in our lives would we ever be able to go to school together?"

I am going to continue to sell bits online as I continue to be creative and will stop selling at the stores.I will also continue this blog - sharing my personal art as well as interesting (hopefully) stories of a 35 year old, mom of two, as a student!

I am looking over the rainbow... to a new and exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) journey. I think I can... I think I can...

Memorial Day weekend! YEA!

Time for sun, fun and family! 

I love having these three day to spend just enjoying each other with no time restraints or schedules... 

It's been a long month....

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. 

See you next week~!

Our first set of babies this year!

A few weeks ago a mommy and daddy chickadee (I think) started scoping out our gourd birdhouse for a possible new home site. ... and after a few visits, renovations and furnishings, they laid their set of 4 eggs. The mom diligently sat on those eggs and the dad made his unending trips for food...

Then without fanfare, the babies hatched! I saw four little beaks hungry for food... so cute!
Then today I guess they flew the coop! Except for this one youngster who is a little bit of a late bloomer. I gathered him up and tried to put him back in the gourd... but after a few minutes, he was trotting around again on his own. So I guess he's ready... or at least he is trying to be!

Good luck babe!

More paintings...

Just had to make more... I think the blue haired woman (originally Taylor Swift) looks a lot like Kate Voegele.
 

 

I love this album, by the way :) 

Hope you are having a great week!!!

An Unhurried Sense of Time...

I have been taking a few days for me. Painting, collaging and just having some personal time.
Stacie showed me a technique she learned from 21 Secrets and I played a little today with it.
You take a magazine face and transform it (mold it) to your own.

Here's how my face turned out... PS. the face I used to start was J. Lo's! (Can you see it? of course, not!)
My daughter says it's missing something. Who knows, I might add more.

I tried to add colors to resemble a self portrait... drk hair and eyes... no bangs... etc...
It doesn't really look like me... but I still like it. I like the saying... because I am always struggling with time. I like the "unhurried" sense. I will try to be in such a hurry :)

You can get more information about 21 Secrets from Stacie's Blog and view her collage she made using this technique! added plus - You can check out a list of GREAT quotes on her blog post as well!

Well, I hope you are having a great week... I will post again later this week!

LOTS of LAYERS just for ME!

I don't have too many days where I just make art for my enjoyment only. Usually I am making something for sale or as a gift. But today I had the opportunity to just mess around with a technique from the newest Somerset Studios Magazine I subscribe to ~ and I got to spend the day crafting with Stacie!

The project was to explore layers. And we really did put layer upon layer on this watercolor paper base. I love using PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive). It's the first time I"ve used it and it works AWESOME in place of mod podge or gel medium. I belive it comes in both matte and gloss finish. I used Matte.
Acrylic paints, gesso, inks, water, sewing, stencils, stamps, ephemera and glimmer mists... all mediums I LOVE to use.

Here's how mine turned out! 

 

In the end I cut it in half to make the front and back of my art journal (and it is definitely tough enough to handle cover wear and tear!)

I think Stacie put her's up on her blog! - TAKE A LOOK!

I had a MUCH NEEDED day of rest having fun with my friend and creating something I really like to look at. I hope to do it again very soon!

Happy MAY!

April came and went... and fast! And with May comes a lot of changes!
The weather is beautiful, the plants and trees are growing, lots and lots of animal visitors in the yard and lots of new goodies!

The birds are busy foraging for materials to build their homes and prepare for new babies!
Why not a little sparkle and sturdy cottons?

This week I have some new colors for NEST BUILDERS. These metal cages are painted and then sealed with a weather proof spray and filled with organic and other fancy fibers. Some fabrics are pulled apart and everything is cut to no longer than 4 inches. All materials are safe and fun for birds.

When you run out of fibers, fill them again with your leftover yarns and strings! (remember, no longer than 4inches :) )

 

You can see more and purchase from my etsy store on sale now!

Mother's Day ... so soon?

Just realized today... APRIL is almost over! How did that happen?
Well just in time for May, I have a couple Mom's day cards for the stores. here's one I made today using water color crayons, water, stamps and glitter!

 

Hope you are enjoying these last few days of April! 

See you soon!

sewing... is not usually my thing ~ Nursing Cover Up

Ask anyone who knows me... I love to sew on paper... not so much on fabric. Why? Because, in my opinion, fabric is too stretchy... it moves around sooo much. And sewing on any fabric other than cotton is a nightmare.
But a few days ago I saw my sister and she mentioned wanted a nursing cover up. I had never even seen one in real life, but have heard they exist.

I went online to buy one... and behold... $40. Hmmmmm. Having trouble swallowing that.
So I searched online for a tutorial on how to make one... BINGO!


I found LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS. Step by step instructions on how to make this project. And so $6 and 2 hours later (please keep in mind sewing is not my forte.. it will take you far less time.) I have a gift for my sister! I hope she finds it handy :)

Paper Fabric FUN!

Last night I taught a paper fabric bookmark class through the MUSE here in Frederick! It was such fun. All the projects turned out so cool and the people were even cooler!
With about 10 crafters... mixed in with a little cheese and wine... we had a party~!
Here are some photos I stole from Whitney's (The MUSE) blog...

Thank you to all who came to create with me... I am very happy to have met you and hope to work with you again soon! and thanks to Whitney, Margaret and the MUSE for having me!

Blogging for Lila - BLOG HOP

Blogging for Smiles!

Stacie brought this to my attention last week when she signed up to blog on April 15. First, I am so encouraged and inspired by my dear friend who gives to others like there's no tomorrow. Her heart is full of love and charity - Thank you Stacie for passing to me, yet, another avenue to help out!

So this is why I picked today to blog - in honor of Stacie's birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

As a mother, artist and citizen of humanity, I am constantly compelled to find ways to make a difference. Some concepts are out of my reach, currently. But then other opportunities, like this one, come my way and it makes me feel excited and fortunate to participate. This is one way we can contribute to Lila's future happiness - Lila's continued smiles!

Lila has Cerebral Palsy and her family is trying to raise funds for a much needed Stem Cell Treatments. One this June and one a year later.

Here's some information about Lila (from Sarah Stevenson's blog):

You can read more about Lila and her family's journey at Mommy, You Know What?  - a blog by Lila's mom, Maria. They have set of several fundraising events in addition to lots more information about Cerebral Palsy.
There are lots of ways you can help... participating in this blog hop is just one way to raising awareness and directing others to join forces.

Thank you for taking your time to check this out today.

Please "hop" on over to Denise's Blog  - INKSTITCH - next (On April 14) for her posting for awareness!

And THANK YOU to Sarah Stevenson of What is Design for starting this wonderful way to share Lila's story!

 

 

 

 

A side note: I watched the movie - SOUL SURFER - yesterday. It was such an inspiring story of a young girl and her family's journey through an extremely difficult circumstance. This girl is amazing... through her situation she is able to give in ways she would've otherwise not have had the opportunity to - sharing her unique talent to bring happiness to others... check it out with your family if you get a chance.

"Oh, Deer"... Mom and babies visit me again!

Last year in May a momma deer had her babies in our yard. 

One in our bushes and one at the top of the hill in the trees...

This morning I took a peek outside and saw the momma and her deer visiting me again! 

(Or - I want to believe that was them :) )

So... Let's just say it's so!

Hope you are having a great week!

PS... really looking forward to the Paper Fabric Class I'm teaching at the Muse next Wednesday!

If you are interested in this or other classes...

It's Wed April 13, 7-9pm

info here: THE MUSE

hope to meet you there!

Getting ready for Easter!

Making Easter cards have always been a bit challenging for me. This year I am trying a different angle. Instead of all stamped images, I am using a bit of paper piecing. I have always liked the chick in egg image, so I am using that one this year :)

Here I adhered strips of ribbon to the background and pieced the egg on top of it using dimensionals.
Swarovski crystals detail the sentiment. and the inside is blank for your own personal message.

A couple weeks ago it felt like Spring was fast approaching... but now I'm not sure when winter will end. It's been so cold out... I am thinking ahead to our 60 and 70 degree days... hopefully they will be here soon!

New Easter cards at the stores this week and next...
See you soon!

Coming Up... Blogging for CP Awareness

On April 11 I will be participating in a blog hop for Cerebral Palsy Awareness - Blogging for LILA. 

If you are interested in sharing your blog space for this hop, check out Sarah Stevenson's blog!

This blog hop will last the whole month... so you pick a day that works for you!

Hope you will join!

New Wedding Card

Last week I spent a lot of time designing new cards and also taking care of home business. It's amazing how much neglect your house shows when you put it aside for a few weeks. And with spring here... the exterior is starting to nag me as well :)

Tomorrow we have our monthly craft day... this time at Kathy's! I am looking forward to this once a month ritual with my friends. So in preparation for tomorrow, I designed this card so I can make several while enjoying mimosas and conversation.
It features a stamped cake cut out and popped up onto another layer. You can't see it here, but the cake is glazed along the edges and the heart is as well.
The sentiment says, "Congratulations" and the inside says, "May love be yours today and always."

I will also be cutting tons of yarn and other fibers for more birdcages. I hope to get those in the stores soon... 

but for now you can purchase them on my etsy site :)

I'm hoping to get a couple more solid days of creating this week. I hope to have a new card to share with you by the end of the week!
Hope you are having a great day~ See you soon!

Welcome Baby Card

While I have baby on my mind... Here's a Welcome Baby card!
Stamped, copic colored and glittered. I love the designer paper... by KI Memories "It's a Boy".
The buttons are coconut buttons and dyed brown. I machine stitched the seam in white.

I will have some this and the girl version card up on etsy and delivered to stores soon :)

I'm considering taking an online class that Stacie recommended.21 Secrets: An Art Journal Playground. I love learning new mixed media techniques! Check it out... it looks like fun!

Easy Glittery Cards...

It's been a while since I made cards like this. Colored in using copic markers and chalks. And a touch of ultrafine glitter for pop!

Looking forward to Easter and Mother's Day cards and these are perfect to put me in the soft, subtle mood!

I'm also going to stock the stores up with gift tags and baby, wedding & birthday cards soon!

Hoping to get at least a few days of solid work in this week... we will see~ Company coming tonight. See you soon!

**One more picture! It's so hard to put my little nephew down. He's so cute and smells so good! (I know... weird...lol).**