Another Nuerotic Post...I Wanna Sing!

I JUST WANNA SING ABOUT IT!

This may well turn into one of those neurotic posts I love so much! Things have been so awesome lately that I just want to sing about it! Just when you thought lots of the people you are so close to are destined to be lost in a sea of negative energy they spring out, happy and feeling optimistic about the future. And whether they realize it or not, you feel that joy and excitement for them! After all, they are the people that you care about and as a matter of human nature we share energy with those closest to us.

I noticed just last week that so many people were being extra positive and sunny and that the bulk of conversations did not center around the recession, politics and crime, instead people talked of what they were going to do to have fun, enjoy nature and the sun and happy events in their lives. While I admit to being one of those people that feels others energies a little more than most (if I talk to people who are depressed I'm soon depressed too, if they are happy go lucky, then go lucky happily do I!) I work at trying to be the voice of sunshine and motivation. It's definitely what has moved me.

I don't know this gentlemen but look at that beautiful smile on his face. As I lay basking in the beauty of Mother Nature on the beach a couple of days ago he walked by looking satisfied and peaceful after his short flight over the ocean. He stopped and gave a "I'm happy" for my camera without hesitation. After all, isn't that what life is about. And I forgot to mention, I was there thinking "I'm happy about it all!" too. The company was wonderful, the energy was great and Nature was doing what she does best. Just being beautiful!

In the past few weeks I've rekindled old friendships with misplaced friends (cause I just couldn't find them), hung out with women who motivate me and inspire me with their positivity and energy, made great new friends of like mind (Artists and Creators) and made so many artful connections through not only this blog but other Artists blogs and connections. Life is good and I want everyone to love it! LOL. Which is one of the reasons I do the Contests and give away stuff LOL. I just like the energy it creates when you share a part of your creativity with someone else. I guess I truly believe in "Pay it Forward!"

I've been invited to write a weekly column for Divaprenuer Magazine and I couldn't be happier about that! My first article will appear next week! If you haven't checked this Magazine out please do it's a definite worthy read! The title links to the site. Lots of information for women entreprenuers and women that are interested in bringing a little something more to their lives!

Okay on to the next adventure. But hey if you need some inspiration or just a good laugh...write me! That's what friends do! :-) diviacity@diviacity.com. And the title of this post is "I wanna sing!" This is my song for today :-)

Peace and Colorful Days to you!
Stephs

LOL LOL LOL...My Horrorscope (yes I know) for today!

Aquarius
by Astrology.com
Make the most of your good energy today -- you can open new doors and meet new people with ease! You're sure to surprise at least one person who thought they knew you inside and out. Off I go! Ciao!

CONTEST #3 - WHATS YOUR PASSION?!

That's right! What's Your Passion? So this contest will center around your creative artistic passion. If you like to cook, tell us about it. If you like to draw, play an instrument, Sing, Journal, make jewelry, climb a mountain, build things...whatever your passion. Write as little or as much as you like but it must say your passion is, why and what you do to keep it going!

Fun, right. Now here's the real fun part. The prizes (haven't totally decided but know there will be at the least 2 but maybe my usual 4) will be centered around the winner's passion. For real! So if the Winner is passionate about music, the gifts will all be music related. I'm having fun just thinking about it! So I'll start the Party off!
As you may know by now, my passion is Art and Color. Art in many forms. But mostly extremely colorful and Vintage is what excites me most. I would say all forms but there's a whole whole bunch of stuff out there! So I'll play it safe. What I love about it is the way it makes people smile, think, dream. Art tends to bring out a different side of people. I've seen it totally calm and totally enrage LOL (for real). For me it makes me happy. It makes me curious, like Vintage Art always makes me curious about the time period. sometimes I even do research on a certain time period or Artist, or theme after seeing a piece of Art. Sometimes I want to get to know the Artist. Sometimes I want to travel to the place in the painting or photo. I admit, I think, eat, breath and live Art. I've met a ton of people and seen a million things. I love Art! :-)

What's Your Passion? This Contest will run until Friday, August 7th! The prizes will be unusual and beautiful (and something you will actually want to keep LOL so no need to get your re gifting list out!

If you enter please Follow This Blog so you can keep up on Contest News ecetera. And if you would like me to add a picture of your Art, Craft, whatever passion, please send it in Jpeg format to diviacity@diviacity.com. I can't wait to hear from you!

Peace and Colorful Energy to you!
Steph / Diviacity

THE PARTY WAS OFF THE HOOK

Thank you to all of the wonderful people that came by my Blog during the "Where Bloggers Create" Party. What an awesome day! The responses and Comments I got were beautiful and heartfelt. What makes it worthwhile! Be sure to check out Karen Valentine at My Desert Cottage. This lady knows how to throw a party (and her Blog is a Party in itself!).

You can also link to dozens of other wonderful Artistic Blogs through her site.

Hugs and Colorful Thoughts
Steph

Off to Dream up some new Contests and Creations....

THE WINNERS OF CONTEST #2 ARE...

This contest was so much fun. Nothing makes me happier than interacting and participation. Thank everyone that played along. The winners should send an email to: diviacity@diviacity.com with full mailing address. All prizes will be mailed within 5 business days. Just as the names are drawn at random the prizes will also be chosen at random. The prizes for this contest are all Jewelry and Jewelry related! The next Contest will be announced by Wednesday, July 29th. Be sure to follow my Blog to keep updated on the regular Contests happening here at Diviacity! You can also follow me on Twitter by clicking the Twitter Button in the Sidebar.
I love to Blog, and I love to give stuff away!

Have a Colorful and Creative Week! :-)

WELCOME "WHERE BLOGGERS CREATE" PARTY HOPPERS!

COME ON IN, THIS PARTY STOP IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!



Hi Where Bloggers Create Party Goers
Here are a few pictures of my slice of Artistic Heaven.
click on each image for a larger view

These pics show paper display racks that I added to organize the trillions of pieces of paper I have (yes I do love paper :-)

To the left is 2 Four Foot table that have been covered with Vintage Linen which hides 2 large three drawer units where I store my product like powers, paints, etc.
The revolving rack hold some of my more used Rubber Stamps. They are also stored under the tables (and to be honest, in the bedroom! :-)

Since I've spent the past few years setting up at various Fairs and Shows I've collected lots of Displays. I've decided that climbing up and and down the stairs with this stuff is no longer an option :-) so it came in handy for setting up my studio. My studio is actually set up in my 700something square foot apartment in the East Bay, California. The Studio and Living Room share a space so it was necessary to make this work space comfortable and functional. The Red Futon folds down for guest but also had great storage space underneath and behind.

Smaller revolving racks are used for products like Alcohol Inks and Glimmermist. I also used other display items to hold and store Art and Product.


As always with us Artists, there is more to this story. But since I blogged on my Studio only a few days ago here is a link to the post (which is actually a little further down the page :-)
DIVIACITYs STUDIO
Thank you so so much for stopping by.
For more fun, today is the last day of my Comment to Win
Contest #2
All that's needed is a Comment on the post
Things I learned along the Way
(and you may want to follow to keep up on contest
and winners info! This weeks prizes are one of a kind Jewelry gifts)
Thank for Coming!
You're always welcome here!
Steph

Trash to Treasure & Artisitc Friends

New Webisode up today! Trash to Treasure. One of my favorite hobbies,
bringing something to life. Trash to Treasure.

Learn to make this beautiful piece in only a few minutes!

To learn to make this and so many other project visit my youtube channel anytime!
Diviacity on Youtube

Wow. I can truly say I am immersed in Art (and apparently Blogging too LOL)! It inhabits my thoughts with a fury. And I love every minute of it. Aside from being able to create and express my artful self it has introduced me to a world of new colorful, passionate and creative souls. When I first started with what is termed "Mixed Media Art" it was considered "different, even weird." To discover a whole world of like minded Artist is just fascinating! When people ask me for advice on Art related stuff I always suggest that they hook up with people who are doing the same or similar craft. Its the best way to learn things you may never have considered. Like where to get supplies, how to apply for things and so on.

Another great discovery has been the amount of People, Services and Clubs out there to help Artists. When I find them I try to list them in the sidebar but if you know of some you'd like to share please let me know.

Here are some really cool places to hang out for a little while!

KV Creative Designs
LisaLizaLou
Tangerine in Dublin CA
DIY Home Improvement
The SitsGirls
Creative Souls
CreateWriteNow
ZNE

Don't forget about the fun Contest I'm having right now.
Comment to Win!
Simply Comment on this post Things I learned Along the Way and
follow Blog to stay updated on
Winners. This Contest ends Friday, July 24th!
Have a Color filled day!

CONTEST #2 - THINGS I LEARNED ALONG THE WAY

I had so much fun in the first contest I'm ready for the next one already. Ok lets mix it up! Here is the setup for "Contest #2.

Comment on the Post: Things I learned Along the Way to Divaism! (or Manism :-) with the most interesting thing you've learned along the way "That you can share!." And then Follow this blog so I can keep you updated on the contest.
There will be a total of 3 Winners!

I'm having so much fun this may become a regular thing. Now one other thing. Gifts are available for Women and Men! The Contest will end on Friday 7/24!
All Winners will be notified within 48 hours of Contest End.

Here is a pic of what the Winners from the first contestwon. A handmade 100 Page Journal. Unique Handmade Textured Journals that are fun and not only hold your thoughts but make it a great experience to Journal!

This is only one of the gifts from the next Contest!


Sterling Silver, Agate and Jasper!

If you would like to be on the Sidebar of my blog
please let me know in your comment!
Have a Colorful Week!

AND THE WINNERS ARE..... (mental drum roll please)

The Comment Contest has ended and the winner's names have been drawn!

The Winners are:
Carole M.
Sonia Lewis
Melanie Walker (who comment anonymous due to system error)
WKOFART2C

And they are going to be super surprised when they receive their
Colorful Artful Prizes.

Another Contest will be announced Tomorrow :-)
See you then!

Dream in Color!

ORGANIZING THE UNORGANIZED ARTIST, PEACE AT LAST

Its with laughter and um... thoughtfulness that I realize my bed would not crash if it fell, there's no where for it to go. 2 or 3 easels, piles of canvas, boxes of rubber stamps and tons of other art goodies hold it at its post. The closets might yield another type of danger. I'm sure I've probably already suffered a couple of concussions over the years after being pummeled by falling cigar boxes, displays and supplies. Considering that I live in a small space storing my art supplies takes just as much creativity as working with them. Fortunately, a friend (and landlord) came to my rescue. With Starbucks in hand at the crack of dawn we methodically pulled the living room apart and turned it into a Studio/Living Room. The result is a beautiful peaceful and inspiring space and I couldn't be happier.

Over the years setting up at vendor fairs and parties I have built up a collection of displays. This year I have found out that carrying these things up and down stairs is no longer something I can afford to do physically LOL. So they came in handy for setting up my Studio area. I purchased and traded for other items needed to make this space work. Now the trillions of pieces of paper I have have a home. The rubber stamps can be acessed without hassle. Its a dream come true for a small space such as mine.

Fortunately, during this process I was able to find things I'd long forgotten. Unfortunately, I'd discovered things I'd bought many times over because I couldn't find the previous LOL. Bad I know. We created a great work and storage space by placing 4 foot tables against the wall and covering them with a vintage linen I found at a thrift store. Now I can store my millions of Stampington/Somerset (I admit to being addicted) magazines neatly and reach them as needed for inspiration. We also placed a couple of those heavy duty plastic 3 drawer units under the tables for storing product and paints. The spinning display rack worked perfectly for the rubber stamps and a smaller one holds my color products like GlimmerMist, Chalks and Alcohol Inks and sits nicely on the table. We then cornered 2 of the 4 foot tables and created a desk space that is just perfect. Laptop on one side, work space on the other, and should I need more work space the easy store tables (the legs just screw off) make a great addition.

Of course its still a living room so I had to keep an area for TV viewing, resting and looking at the view through the balcony doors. We did this by setting the entire room up in a U shape. It feels roomy and looks cozy and professional at the same time. The Futon provides extra sleeping area for guests but also has a great space for storage underneath and behind. Extra tables, portable folding chairs and extra displays now have a home out of view but very accessible. I was told this apartment is a little over 700 square feet. I prefer not to think about that...LOL. But the area I live in is superb. Clean, Quiet and calm enough to give most of the surrounding neighbors a false sense of supreme security. I decided that I'd stay here until I get that Beach House of my dreams or they drag me out kicking and screaming! So making it work artistically was the only option.

Aside from that, I've realized that since I have this new workable creative space, theres a calming more peaceful air when I do create.

Now that I've got that out of my system... its off to the closet to dig for beads LOL. One day all will be as one! But on a good note, I did find a long forgotten sketch book from when I first attempted to draw. There's something to be said for organization, especially by a completely and I do mean completely, Unorganized Artist!

COMMENT CONTEST END TONIGHT

Be sure to add a Comment to any Post on this Blog to have your chance to win 1 of 4 Awesome Prizes. Follow me for 2 chances to win.
Contest end today, Friday, July 17th!

Now how easy is that!

diviacity@diviacity.com w/Questions

CAN WE JUST SAY YUMMY

http://www.copenhagenbakery.com/

THINGS I LEARNED ALONG THE WAY TO DIVAISM!

*At this age, 1 night of dancing equals 2 nights of recovery
*1 drink now is equal to 2 drinks 20 years ago
*Kids know everything...you know nothing!
*Borrow and Have is all a matter of perception
*There's a reason why they call them walking shoes (gotta get me some!)
*Spandex is not my friend!
*Stretch pants should not be transparent (if they are, they are way too small!)
*Don't make plans too far out, my body controls my schedule now

*Just because I see it that way,... well it's just because I see it that way
*If someone asks you to do a reality show about your life, chances are they are laughing at you
*Sarcasm is my birthright, now's the age when I can exercise that right
*"I forgot" works better now LOL
*Scary movies have different affect at different stages in life
*To say "Thank you" to doctors
*Cleavage has its own life... some wear it well, some should not
*Stretch Marks don't really go away, they just hide and wait till you try to show too much skin
*Hot peppers are evil
*They call it fast food for a reason
*I am not pleasingly plump...there is nothing cute about pleasingly plump
*Ask if they wanna hear it before you tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth
*Its all precious and Now is always the time!
*Procrastination is a luxury reserved for the young LOL
*If it says Unknown Caller don't answer it LOL
*Passion and fun are life's little blessings so enjoy!

SisterGirls!

Today I had to stop and give a mental toast to the SisterGirls in my Life. Having people who truly care about you and 'have your back' is a true blessing! As my life has changed in my effort to work out my dreams (and believe me it has been an emotional loop after 30 years of Corporate Craziness), my SisterGirls have been there, sometimes physically, sometimes, mentally, by phone, email, a visit. They are always motivating and inspiring me to continue on. They've listened to me rejoice and cry. They've seen me with my hair sticking straight up from stress (looking like a crazed jungle woman) or laid lumpy and gray (because I couldn't make it to the hairdresser! LOL). They know things about me that no one else will every know. They've seen me through Man Burn. They share secrets with me and trust that they will remain secrets. I've seen them looking crazy and wondered if anyone else had seen them looking like that. They fed me when I couldn't afford to buy a meal and told me to stop acting crazy when I started spinning in circles from trying to do way too much! I could go on, but I'm sure by now you get the pic. I love my SisterGirls. We all have very different lives but we have one common thread, Heart. I hope all women have true SisterGirls.



One new SisterGirl after I'd commented that "Life is too short..." stopped me, and said "Don't Say Life is too Short (I know what u mean) but Say Life is Long. You're an Amazing Creative Lady with much 2 Give the World Live Long." I never looked at it like that, but I thank her (A.S.) for that turn in my outlook. I wish all my SisterGirls long colorful lifes. And more than that just that they experience the kind of piece and inner warmth that only living good (if only mentally and spiritually) can offer.

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS FINDS!

Lately I've been immersed in Blogsville! I have to tell you, I have found some absolutely Fabulous spots for artists. Who knew there was so so much out there. In my sidebar I've added connections and widgets for some of those Fab Finds. If you know of more feel free to let me know so I can add them. I love sharing. Art is my passion and a passion I truly feel worth sharing. Have fun!

SPEAKING OF SWEET THINGS...

This is one of my favorite cakes to serve at small parties.
Easy fast instructions.
A box of Lemon Cake Mix - prepare as instructed adding 1 tbsp of lemon zest and 1/2 can crushed pineapple to mix. Bake in bundt pan. When cooled add Cream Cheese Frosting (sprinkle top with 1/2 tbsp of lemon zest. Fill center with Fresh Strawberries or other desired red fruit. Circle plate with fresh fruit. EASY, FUN AND ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!

Don't forget to comment on one of my posts for a chance to win one of 4 wonderful packages!

COMMENT AND WIN!!!

Comment on anyone of my posts for a chance to win one of four gifts! Won't say what but go to my website to see the kind of things I create. http://www.diviacity.com/ Follow the bird and enter the shop door! Have fun looking around. The winners will be picked on Friday, July 17th and notified within 48 hours! What fun!

Update: FOLLOW ME AND YOU HAVE 2 CHANCES TO WIN! (click FOLLOW on the button in the Sidebar,

Note: to Comment simply click on the comment link under each post

THAT 70'S GIRL!

Well recently I have fallen into a time warp of sorts and have been as much immersed in 70s nostalgia as one living in the 2000s can be. I've had one of those lifes where many things tend to come full circle. The good thing about that is when goods things show up to remind you what you have accomplished even if its just growing mentally and spiritually. Not religiously, spiritually. Sometimes people that helped shaped your process come swirling through the vortex.

Sometimes memories that you need to jar you come through. I had one this week when my sister reminded me that as very young children we took the bus to Hollywood on our own (lived in L.A.) so I could buy beads to make us bracelets with our names on it. She reminded me of this to let me know that I'm doing something I've always done and loved doing, create. And I so needed that peeps! I couldn't thank her enough for that. And for some reason it made me ecstatic but it also brought tears. Tears of comfort I think. Another small validation of the dream of sorts.

Okay up and away, on another note, sometimes fun stuff comes through too! For some reason I have a growning collection of Tye Dye. Don't laugh. You know if you lived through the 60s and 70s you at some point wore something with tye dye. Well I still do. Can't explain. Its just happy clothes for me! I've even taken to teaching others to Tye Dye without a sink! I love the color infusion into my day each time I put one of these babies on. Not to mention they are great conversation starters. People always want to know where I got it, or tell me fun stories of their own Tye Dyes or just ask me what the hell I'm thinking LOL. And I tell them I'm thinking 'Life without Color' would suck! 'Color makes me happy and brightens my perspective and outlook'. 'Color makes the world go round!

Okay you get it! I've just mentally planned my day. A trip to the Antique Mall here in town. Memories and inspiration all in one place. I love color and I'm blessed to be able to experience it. Everyday! Have a colorful day and great adventures! Muah!

Here's my vid on making your own Tye Dye without the sink!

The Divas Dressed!

Well what a beautiful day it was outside today. The sun was shining, (well actually it was beaming hot but I turned the temp down in my mind so I could adjust LOL). I woke with an urgent need to paint, because I had an urgent need to see water and didn't think it was going to happen today. Well its 9:30 and um...no painting. LOL. In fact, I attempted to step outside the box today and just relax. Well any true artist knows that's a lot easier said than done. I live, breath, think, dream... art.

I haven't given up on the beach though! These dress forms are made from Paper Clay. Its such a rewarding and relaxing experience to sit and gently and purposely mold the paper clay over the paper mache' dress forms, or other surface.

The one in the middle was made after my daughters wedding in January so that's what I named it "My daughter's Wedding". Although her dress was long it was white with a splash of black. It was one of those moments in space that it all comes together. 'She's a woman, she's married, she's grown folk now!' And you couldn't be prouder. Cause believe me, if she made it to that point...YOU HAVE ARRIVED! LOL no joke.

The Red one was made when I apparently had some fierce energy LOL. Started out as a early 80s step out outfit, but I think it wound up looking like the Warrior Princess LOL! The bottom is decoupaged text paper. The trim and center is painted with gold metallic paint. I think I wore something like that to a party once...in the 80s.

The middle bottom dress is wild. It was my take on vintage funky 70s but 50s in a 60s kind of way! Ooops there's that neurotic crafter!

The Blue dress is one of my favs. Its all paper. Torn paper and a real sterling wire necklace LOL. The colors remind me of the ocean and the sky.

I love it when the neurotic crafter comes out of me because I throw thinking to the wind and just grab stuff and go. Seriously, I just pick things up from all different areas of my studio and make it work. And that challenges my brain big time! And as I grow on and create on...I appreciate every lil brain challenge I get!

If you have dress art you've created I'd love to share it. Just send a jpeg under 1mb to diviacity@diviacity.com.

10 SMOOTH REASONS TO JOURNAL

1. It's Healing (Mind and Spirit)

Sometimes when things are overwhelming or we have a lot going on we tend to internalize. Journaling helps you release thoughts that hinder from your mind. Once you have brought them out you can visualize them and you can deal with them immediately or realize that they are really not as much of an issue as you think they are.

I sometimes suggest writing out each issue that is consuming your thoughts first. Then going back a little later and writing out ideas on how you can deal with them reasonably and even quickly, if they in fact need to be dealt with!

2. It's Educational (Mind)

You can use your Journal to document things you learn along the Journey through life about yourself and about the things around you. It can be a source for you to return to time and time again for information.

3. It's Healing (Self Outlook)

Did you over react today when someone said something you didn’t like, or someone cut you off on the road. Did you feel hurt when someone criticized or maybe you were overwhelmed when someone encroached on your personal space. Write it down.

Now write down what you did right before this incident and right after. Get it? Sometimes without thinking about it, we let little things that happen effect us and we bring them out unknowingly when emotions are high. Once in a while keeping track helps to figure out why we do what we do, and then recognize it in the future.

4. It's a way to keep record of your life.

Do you remember the day you realized you were grown? Do you remember exactly where you were when you heard some really good news or how it affected you? Maybe a conversation with your kids you’d like to remind them of when they have kids of their own?

5. It's Healing (Can improve your outlook on life)

Reminding ourselves of good things that happen in life, in our own lives or the lives of those around us can really go a long way when we are feeling in a rut or that our Journey is stalled. If you believe everything happens for a reason, keeping a Journal of the things that happen in life can sometimes give you direction when you seek answers.

6. You can learn so much about the choices you make and how you deal with them.

Ever wonder why you have bad relationships, over and over again. Or why you keep ending up in dead in jobs or any other repetitive actions.

Looking back over Journals you’ve written in the past can sometimes show patterns that were repeated when you didn’t realize it. It can explain why by showing you what things you did in those situations, how you handled them and how you resolved them.

7. It's Healing (Forgive and Forget)

Sometimes to heal we need to forgive and forget. And sometimes, we need to say “I’m sorry!” Keeping track of who we are and what we do can shed light and teach humility when we don’t realize that we need to take that path.

8. You can learn about self defeating habits and how to stop them.

This is no joke! I wrote about twenty or more times in a one year period about the wonderful cakes and desserts I’d made. I was single. I ate those desserts! Need I say more! Well, as I guiltily snacked on a bowl of peach cobbler while I read back over that Journal I realized that I was doing some serious damage in the kitchen! I was doing way too much!!

9. You can learn about your strengths... and weaknesses.

Art is a strong point for me. Staying organized is not! Hmmm, It’s never been. Thanks Journal! Thanks!

10. YOU LOVE YOU!!!

And by Journaling you can find out just how much and why it’s a good thing! It’s a damn good thing!

The Candy Bag Can and The Neurotic Crafter!

Confessions of a Neurotic Crafter.
Dear Journal!

Me, Scrapbook Paper and a Christmas Truffle Candy Can. I swear if it stays still long enough ART ATTACK!!! There was a period of time where I thought I had to have tons of everything. So when I collected Cigar Boxes, I collected a ton of them, and when I collected Fabric, and then then there was the Tin Cans. It got to the point where if someone knew I collected, they added to the collection. It was the dawn of the 'Collect This' Phase. The shelves are full. The drawers and closets are full! LOL, I tell you, there's a lot of purging in this Mixed Media Art Space.

I love that I tried it and created some fun purses but as with many Multi Crafting Artists the Phase came and it went...hence the word Phase - a regularly recurring cycle of changes. LOL now there's a word I need to have a moment with. If my brain would play an alert when I'm going into Phase mode...the savings alone. Oh well... that's for another day.

Right now, it's on to a new Phase! My Cricut. This is one of those things that when I first bought it I was just elated by the prospect of a machine that could cut out lots of wonderful shapes and save me the hassle, since I can't cut a straight line for anything! Magically delicious! I bought it not long after they first came out (of course the bigger one came out literally within a few months of me purchasing the first one but that's for another day. Anyway, I excitedly bid for cartridges on Ebay, planned all sorts of projects, made a couple of cards and parked it in the corner for the next year. Then....

Another Phase Paper Dolls.

And what do you know, a Cartridge that cuts out paper dolls and little clothes and even has the tabs. Will wonders never cease. Now my Cricut sits proudly on my 1950s Style Chrome dinette set (that I have rarely eaten on because it belongs to the crafts). The new cartridges are Hot! so now I think I'll be in the Cricut Phase for a spell longer. Moved on from Paper Dolls, floating back towards Rubber Stamping Phase and Binding it all Phase. Mix that up with a little 'Can't Stay off this Laptop' Phase and a sprinkle of 'Emboss that Stuff' Phase. Wish I had control over the Sleep Phase. LOL for real. I wouldn't be sitting at this laptop at 1:00 in the morning. Phases. And Confessions of a Nuerotic Crafter!

A Day at the Beach!

COMFORT FOOD FOR MY SOUL
NATURE AT HER MOST BEAUTIFUL!

The Color of Things

Well after spending way too much time trying to create a unique background for this blog I had one of those 'I'd be mad at myself if this wasn't a damn good idea' moments and decided that I had a ton of unique backgrounds at my disposal, my paintings LOL. And of course I have dozens of them enough to give me unique backgrounds for a heck of a long time. Whew... now I have to focus on something else and not the tremendous time I spent (actually about 4 hours between 2 days).

I laugh when I think of how I fought the whole blogging thing tooth and nail. Now I think its just another form of journaling. Its Journaling out Loud. I want to share my art and this is a way I can do it and get the writing fix taken care of too. I guess in that way its kind of therapeutic. I also fought My Space and swore I wouldn't do Facebook at the same time...well hell, now my Myspace page has moved aside for a new Facebook page. Wow...

For me the passing of MJ has brought up a whole lot of nostalgic emotion. The first concert I ever attended was the Jackson 5 in 1971. I bought hip huggers because of them LOL. The first concert I took my son to was the Victory Concert in 1984 in Los Angeles. Of course he was pretty freaked out by the crying and screaming girls and women, but it was magical. Songs like ABC, I want you back and Ben all hold fond memories for me. Those songs gave me a reason to dance.

As I sit here typing on this 17in laptop I laugh at the fact that my first computer was half the size of an oven LOL. And the screen was black and the letters were yellow. Kingdom of Kroz was the game of the day and the characters were alphabet. A modem was as big as a VCR and was a mysterious magical box that allowed you to sign on to the wonderful world of BBS. LOL. I am cracking myself up now!

I fear I have become spoiled by technology. The cell phones, the digital this and wireless that. Polaroids replaced by palm sized boxes that contain everything but the printer and allow you instant view. The phones without the long knotted and twisted spiral phone cords LOL, remember those? LOL
Unfortunately, along with the change in the phone came the change in service you get over the phone too. Please Push 1, Please Push 1, Please push... you know what I mean. And you want to curse the recording out but what good would that do. She'd listen only for a few seconds before repeating, 'please press 1' grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Oh well, it's 2 a.m. and the deal is done. I'm a happy camper, theres a colorful background on my blog, my friends are all doing ok, healthy, the kids are cool... My biggest complaint is I'm too tired to go on LOL. Guess I'll wrap it up.

The painting in the background is called Ode to Mother Nature.

Thanks for listening LOL. Feel free to comment. I love it! Hugs!

FABULICIOUS SUN CATCHERS

Well I'm in a creative whirl wind now. I have started at least 3 projects today LOL and posted a new Video on YouTube...which brings me to the point of this post. :-)

I've posted a video (Fabulicious Sun Catchers) showing you a fast and easy technique for creating your own Fabulous Sun Catchers. Its a lot of fun and it is so calming and relaxing to do.

Check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i3Ruhw3mAU

Have a Colorful Day!

By the way....I love sharing resources. If you have a blog or store you'd like to share please leave me a comment with the link. I'll be glad to post it here too :-)

Create your own Inspired Journal

My Inspired Journal Video featured on this site today:
http://blog.createwritenow.com/2009/07/07/create-an-inspired-journal.aspx

HAVE A COLORFUL DAY!

The Altered Diva Again and Thanks!

Whew.... after hours of labor and lots of help from my friend http://kvcreativedesigns.blogspot.com/ I have created a new blog. Its 2:15 in the morning but like many Artists I tend to go until I can't go anymore.

It was very important for me to create a new and fresh blog. And as I'm making other changes (switching completely from Myspace to Facebook, Teaching by Skype, etc.) I thought it only fitting that now be the time to switch over to a new Blog. My reasons were many but major that I wanted to have more control over content and appearance. As most know, if it isn't wild with color, I lose focus LOL. Sadly I will have to retire the Altered Divas Logo and come up with something Fresh. I love that logo. But its grown stale on me and surprisingly I've hung on to it a little longer than I normally do.

It took me a long time to take to blogging but of course now I'm addicted and that's all she wrote LOL. Its a great way for me to communicate and show love. Its such an important networking tool that I don't know how I did without it for so long! The old blog is still up for a while. And you can read it by clicking on the link on the sidebar or on the bottom of the page.

Just as I have learned how to do certain things with my blog I'm also setting up a blog
for another friend http://www.dublinpleasantmemories.blogspot.com/.
Thanks to the help I recieved I can now pay it forward. Gotta love that! And to boot, its Katherines Bday and she stopped to help me. I can't wait to make her a crazy Dragonfly piece of art! Get your party on Lady!

Anyway, like I said, it's 2 something so brain fog is guiding my conversation now. LOL. Guess I'll cut it short. Just wanted to start my first blog by saying Happy Birthday to Katherine, Thanks and Big Hugs. And Good Journey to Janette who is working on building anew with her business. And a big Ups to Gina of Tangerine in Dublin http://elevenmorningstangerine.com/ who is always pushing wonderful ideas and great creative energy my way(it was she who got me going on the Youtube thing) And of course love to everyone else and keep it strong. Yall know it's going to get better.

I've got a million ideas swirling around in my big head and just hope I can make them happen soon. This Art World I live in is the best place I've ever been! Love yall!

psst: Please follow my blog for lots of fun, chatter, art, and good stuff!