No More Sleeps!!!

FINALLY cruise day has arrived! No more sleeps!!! Sherry (GOTART?) and I are leaving today on the Artful Voyage in Mexico with Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi! Read more here - gotta run!!!
Stay Creative!!

xoxoxoxo Lezlei

Friday Fill-Ins

I am so happy it is Friday!!!
And...here we go!

1. I have a history of procrastinating about everything!


2. How to stay on a plan to lose weight is something I wish I knew.


3. I'm eating (or recently ate) Lemon Lime Splash cake crumbled into some Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream…YUM!


4. There are only 7 MORE SLEEPS and I am on the road…[to my 8 day Artful Voyage in Mexico cruise with Tim Holtz!]


5. So that's it, that's all I needed to do...do the doggone thing.


6. I have NEVER believed, where men are concerned, that something is better than nothing!


7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to talking to the new man in my life, tomorrow my plans include finishing my packing for the cruise and finishing my piece for the ADO September Challenge - Clowns and Sunday, I want to spend some time with my boo!

Stay Creative!!!
Lezlei

Friday Fill-Ins!!!

And...here we go!
1. My car is so lonely sitting in the driveway...we have no where to go.
2. The Artful Voyage in Mexico (cruise) is coming up next.
3. Lately, things seem hopeful.
4. In my brain is one of my favorite 'hiding' places...sometimes I hide things there and noone (including) me can ever find them.
5. What happened to the good times?
6. Finding the man of my dreams is not impossible!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hiding in my room, tomorrow my plans include dinner with a friend or hiding in my room and Sunday, I want to go to church instead of hide in my room!

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

And...here we go!

1. That's a promising to be.
2. Hey! Man of my dreams, I'm over here!
3. The possibilities include: growing old with the bestest man friend I ever had.
4. Homemade chili with rice and cornbread is one of my favorite cool day recipes.
5. How will you know when you find the man of your dreams?
6. Things that make me melancholy are a rainy day and a stormy sky.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to playing with my nephew, tomorrow my plans include playing with my nephew and Sunday, I want to finish my homework and turn it in before midnight so I won't have to take this class again!!!

Stay Creative!
Lezlei

New WIPs - Ready for Costuming

Here are 2 new WIPs (I see a pattern here)...I really am going to get them finished. I haven't worked with polymer clay for a while...I wasn't as frustrated this time as my skill has improved somewhat. The heads, arms, and legs are made from polymer clay attached to wrapped wire armature.

Find more photos like this on ADO art dolls only

I have tried a few different body techniques...I think the wrapped armature is my favorite.

TIP: I wrapped with pantyhose from the 99 cent store and padded here and there with batting. See my previous blog on the Doll magazine.

Stay creative!
Lezlei

Use Your Head...Great Idea!!!

Grab your keys and head to the craft store and make a beeline to the Halloween section (which amazingly is already on sale to make room for the Thanksgiving items) and grab all the skulls you can!

There is a wonderful article by Linda Hansen in the October edition of "Doll Crafter & Costuming" magazine (I KNOW I have magazines issues!) page 20, "Use Your Head - Plastic skulls found in craft stores made a great base on which to sculpt a head". DUH!!! I should have thought of that!!!

The article shows you step by step how it's done. And get this! Linda uses beads for the eyes! I think this is a great idea for novice sculptors like me!

I will let you know how it goes!!

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

Finished ADO Challenge - Birds Attack

Here is my finished ADO Halloween Challenge piece, "Birds Attack". Would you believe at one point he was green? Monsters are hard for me...but I guess that is what it is all about...a challenge.

"Birds Attack" is made from apoxie sculpt with a wire armature, birds also made from apoxie sculpt. Wings are made from some delightful wire mesh gifted to me by my sister-in-law Sherry of GotArt! I used mohair for his scary hair-do. His shroud is made from dyed cheesecloth.

Stay Creative!!!

Lezlei

ADO Quarterly Challenge - Halloween

Here is my WIP Monster for the ADO quarterly challenge. He is my first ever monster! I think I may need to stick to the dolls...hehehe.

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

My Inspiration for Bikini Legend

Well...it's shocking, but here it is...my inspiration for "Bikini Legend"...

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

ADO Challenge - Bathing Beauties

I created this "bathing beauty" for the ADO Monthly challenge...entitled, "Bikini Legend".


Find more photos like this on ADO art dolls only

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

Birthday WIP

I am still trying to finish the Blue Fairy for my sister Penny's birthday (which was June 21). Penny was actually here last week for my Mom's birthday. She had hair for a minute, but I decided that I didn't like it. I stuck her in a jar of buttons while I fiddled with her skirt. Still need wings...I better get busy!!!

She also has an ouchie on her elbow I have sanded down so that I can fix.

Stay Creative!


Lezlei

WIP - Theresa, cont'd

I think this piece is just about finished. I think I will let it sit for awhile and then take another look at it.

Stay Creative!!!

Lezlei

WIP - Theresa

Just wanted to share a work in process of Theresa. Acrylic on unstretched canvas. Textured using Golden molding paste.

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

Gone Too Soon...RIP

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Goodbye Theresa

Theresa with Dad

You may recall an earlier post where I asked for prayer for my sister, Theresa. I wanted to let you know that she is finally at rest. Theresa passed away early Wednesday morning. Thank you for your prayers. God chose His COMPLETE healing in His arms. I will be going to Sacramento next week for the services.

Lezlei

Hello, Do You Have Any Buttons?

After you read this post, you may be embarrassed that you know me.

I decided that I would make my granddaughter a button bracelet...quick, easy, cute. So I googled "buttons". I identified a vendor that was within driving distance and decided to give them a call first...

Ring...Hello, Benno's Buttons...Hello, I located your store on the internet...do you carry buttons...yes we do...do you have a good supply of buttons...yes we do. (Nothing is worse than driving to somewhere and being disappointed with what the vendor has to offer.)

Still unsure of whether this was futile 17 mile trip, I headed over to Benno's Buttons. Well, I arrived, walked in the store and knew immediately that I had made a "grave" mistake. I should have NEVER actually went to Benno's Buttons. I should have just ordered what I wanted on their website. Here is why...

DOES BENNO'S BUTTONS HAVE BUTTONS? Uh...yea...and trims!

So what did I come home with...BUTTONS!!!

And of course with all those metal buttons I had to make a bracelet that evening....Cute huh?They even had a sale rack for discontinued buttons. Of course I grabbed up some excellent bargains!!!

So I am a little embarrased that I asked them if they had buttons. If you live in the Dallas area, stop by and tell them a blogger buddy sent you!

Benno's Buttons is located at:

1334 Inwood Road

Dallas, TX 75247

phone: 214.634.2324 / fax 214.634.2050

If you don't live in the Dallas area, you can order buttons from the Benno's Buttons website: http://www.bennosbutton.com/

I definitely will be visiting them again!!!

Stay Creative!!!

Lezlei

Where Have I Been...Again?

Health Update: Well I really haven't been feeling 80% (I haven't felt 100% since before I had children). You may recall an earlier "Where have I Been" post I mentioned that I had not been feeling well. My doctor ordered an additional test, an abdominal ultrasound. The result of the test showed that my liver is enlarged. My echo cardiogram was great...no heart problems were seen. So we are on the hunt to determine why my liver is enlarged. I will take more blood tests next week. If results are still abnormal, I will need to go see a specialist.

However, I have managed to do some fun things...I just get tired easily. Here is a quick summary!

Visit to DE: I spent 6 days in Dover, DE visiting my son and his wife. I had a wonderful time! First he took me to PHL for a real Philly cheese steak sandwich...with whip....yummy! On Saturday we drove over to Ocean City beach...that was a blast. Check out my tattoo...lol...it's henna (OK maybe I was having a little too much fun). I also had yummy funnel cake and some ranger fries smothered with apple cider vinegar...yum-my!!! Here are some pics...

Granddaughter's Birthday: Well it has come and gone. She is 10. She received all the goodies I sent and LOVED them! Here are some reminder pics that include a couple of decorative items I made for the gift wrap.

Sister's Birthday: Well it has come and gone. She is 58. I called her on her birthday to tell her Happy Birthday, of course, and to tell her that her birthday present was NOT in the mail. She laughed...again I'm stuck with the costuming! I know she will love it when she receives it.

Artful Voyage in Mexico: Sherry (GotArt!) and I have booked ourselves in a balcony cabin (we deserve it) on the Tim Holtz 8 day Artful Voyage in Mexico cruise. The cruise is scheduled for October...yippee!!!

Well that's enough for today. I will tell you about my "button adventure" in my next blog.

Stay Creative!
Lezlei

King of Pop - Gone...

What a day!!! The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, gone in a heartbeat! We are reminded, once again, that tomorrow is not promised.

"Lord, I lift up the family of Michael Jackson and all the millions of fans that are saddened today by his passing. I ask You to give them peace and direction during this difficult time. Lord, we thank you, for Michael is finally at peace in your arms! In the wonderful and powerful name of Jesus, who is able to dry EVERY tear! Amen."

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold
...
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart...

Lezlei

I Have Been Tagged!!!

By one of my favorite doll artists. Sue Barton of Barton's Original's "tagged" me back on May 13th while I was on the mend".

Sue creates the most WONDERFUL dolls! Precious little Azlyn (#2 from Sue's kindred series) pictured above happens to be in MY collection. Please visit Sue's blog to see her wonderful dolls and read her encouraging and inspirational blogs!

How the tagging works. First I mention and link to the blog that has tagged me. I then have to list 6 items that make me happy, and lastly, tag six other bloggers and let them know that they are now "it".

Six Things that Make Me Happy
1. My Favorite Grand Daughter (I only have one)
2. My Children and Family
3. Friends Who Know Me and Love Me Anyway

4. My Art (also keeps me sane)
5. smells that bring back pleasant memories
6. that you took the time to read my little blog

I Am Tagging
* Sherry at Got Art!

* michelleK at MICHELLEK Art

* Abi at An Angel At My Table

* Pinkglitterfae

* David at Chicken Lips

* Nat at Art Dolls by Nat

Well, I am off to let them know they have been tagged!

Happy Creating!

xoLezlei

Carried Away with Corsets!

Well not exactly...you may recall my post from May 11, 2009... Creative Every Day where I shared the corset pictured above. Well before I got ill, I created a couple more. Here they are...

Here is an unfinished corset...still needs the froo-froo...lol.

Happy Creating!

Lezlei

June 15th is a Special Day!

June 15th is the 10th birthday of my favorite grandchild, Ianna. I really miss her...she is not only my favorite grandchild, but my favorite art buddy. She always joined me for any new art project! She is such a fast learner...and loves to go teach to someone else (one of her many gifts).

In celebration of her birthday, I am sending her a little something every day this week. The first offering (Monday) is this little "birthday bird". He is made from paper clay with a foil and wire armature. He is gessoed and painted with acrylics, then finished with a clear gloss glaze. He is ready for the party with his fanciful party hat and reminds Ianna that her "10th birthday is almost here!"


The Tuesday offering is a mini "happy birthday collage" on canvas featuring Ianna when she was just 3 years old. Such a cutie!!!

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

WIP Fairy for My Sister Penny - Surprise

Don't worry...I keep telling her to read my blog regularly...she still doesn't do it...so it will be a surprise.
When I was visiting Penny last month she asked me to make her a fairy...I am sure she is not expecting it in this millennium. Penny's birthday is June 21st. She will be 58. The fairy will be her birthday present.
Here is my WIP...struggling with the hands...but just about ready to start to paint her.


Stay Creative!

Lezlei

Where Have I Been?

First there was the trip to Sacramento / San Francisco. Then I was SICK! Well, it started with me being progressively more tired each day....pain between my shoulder blades on my back...pain in my upper chest...couldn't walk more than several steps without finding myself "breathless". Finally went to the doctor...diagnosis..."silent reflux" associated with my hiatal hernia.

"A hernia occurs when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or
opening into another part. A hiatal hernia forms at the opening in your
diaphragm where your food pipe (esophagus) joins your stomach. Part of the
stomach pushes through this opening causing a hiatal hernia.
Most small hiatal hernias don't cause problems, and you may never know you have a hiatal hernia unless your doctor discovers it when checking for another condition. But a large hiatal hernia can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus,
leading to heartburn and chest pain."

My doctor prescribed medication and I am feeling MUCH better now. My doctor also ordered an echo cardiogram, which I completed last week, to make sure nothing was going on with my heart. I will get the results this week.

I regret being away for so long...but I'm back!!! I did manage to be creative through it all. I will share in my next post.

Stay Creative!

Lezlei

I Can't Explain It!!!

This is my nephew, William. I got to see him while I was in CA this weekend. Incredibly handsome guy...and these are his teeth. Gold with diamonds and rubies. He let me rant for about 5 minutes before he popped them out and told me they were removable.

I love my nephew. But (Us) parents will NEVER understand!

It kinda qualifies for creativity...

Lezlei