Wee Gnome

Wee Gnome
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I took a stroll in the backyard and look what I spotted crouched in the grass! A wee gnome! He has escaped from my shadow box and taken to the outdoors for some fresh air.

I'm playing with altering photos in photoscape. I had so much fun taking this picture and altering it. I just wish the mosquitos hadn't been so bad outside. Maybe I could have gotten a few more fun shots to alter. Ahhh well another day perhaps.

Giveaway!

So I follow this wonderful little blog that can be found here:
http://www.oopsicraftmypants.com/
I traded an ATC with Kira after I saw her beautiful work on Craftster.org. I was in awe of her illustrations and her wonderful bright colored work. I enjoy checking her blog for her new projects, pictures, and fun. Please head on over and check out her giveaway in honor of one year of blogging and 365 posts! She's giving away an original illustration and some fun crafty goodies! Check it out and Happy 1st Blogging Anniversary Kira!

Happy!

Happy!
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Since I can't post anything I'm working on in the crafty department right now, I thought everyone should see the smiling face of my handsome furry man! The weather is HOT so I'm staying cool in the crafty studio working away on some projects for those personal swaps. I had a dream last night about something for a certain someone ( ;)Angelica) that had to be brought to life. It is turning out just like in my dream! Damn, I love it when I dream of crafty awesomeness!
I'm also working away at Alexz's newest little friend! I was a bit intimidated when she asked me to make her Walt Disney in poppet form, but he is turning out wonderful.
Back to the lab to work on more secret ideas! If you hear someone exclaiming "It's alive!" don't be alarmed.

Teaser!

The last few days have been amazingly busy! We tore out our kitchen and dining room flooring to prepare for the new floor! I'm over the moon excited because it is something I've wanted to do since we bought the house almost 5 years ago. It also involves big messes, misplaced furniture, and an unhappy pooch. Merlin doesn't like the changes so he is a bit pouty, but I figure he'll get over it once we don't have to vacuum so much since he HATES the vacuum cleaner!

On the crafty front I'm working away for some personal swaps. I just wanted to share a tiny little teaser for Spooky Pooky! I can't wait to send this off!

Can't send it off until the other item is finished, but I just had to post a little pic because this is one of my fave things I've made in a long time. Hope it makes you curious Alexz!

Dali Inspired

Dali Inspired
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

What a fun day! After cleaning on the epic fail I ran to the art center. I knew the stained glass instructor was going to be there doing a make up class for a couple of students that needed to finish their stained glass yard sculptures. I was sad because I didn't get to take the class because of work. I just stopped in because I needed to add a chain to my stained glass piece I made last fall and he said to stop by and soilder it on. He said he knew I wanted to take this class and couldn't so I should grab some scrap glass and make a sculpture! I was so excited! I even ran home and got my own copper pipe to finish it off. So with about 2 and a half hours this is what I made. It reminds me of Dali's paintings so I'm calling it Dali inspired. It looks so pretty with the sun light hitting it. If you'd like to see a couple other angles check out my flickr stream.

Epic Fail Update

This morning I made some progress! I found the top of my desk! Things still aren't as organized as I've always dreamed, but it is workable at least. The rest of the place is still in shambles, but I'll take it one step at a time. I just need a rag to wipe down my desk and it is functioning again. The sewing table sadly is not. That shall be my next project. Then the stupid boxes of junk on the floor. I think I may be done for today as I need a break! Maybe I'll go paint on the zetti chair outside!

Epic Fail

Uhg! I'm getting crabbier by the minute. I need to get into my creative mode, problem is my space is less than work friendly at the moment. After finishing all the remodeling in the crafty space work season started before I had a chance to finish the putting away and organizing part of the whole deal. Don't get me wrong, I love to have my creative space, but it just doesn't help me feel creative when I can't find my desk! The sewing table looks much the same. To make matters worse I tried to bring a book case into the room. Problem is the ceiling is about 4 inches too low. UHG! I need some shelving pronto to store some things. I've lost my patience for today. Sadly I can't bring myself to even walk back in there. I have to get the space usable again so I can start crafting on some swap stuff! I'm making myself a promise, tomorrow morning I WILL make some headway and things will go much easier. Everything should have it's place! Wish me luck!

Merlin and Dad

Merlin and Dad
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

My boys enjoying the summer day and the cool grass. Dad's come in all shapes, sizes, and manners. We always said we wouldn't be those kooky dog owners that call themselves Mom and Dad to their pet, but guess what! I say it is good practice for the time when there may be a furless baby in the house. Hubby just rolls his eyes. I actually think he started the whole Mom and Dad thing. We're proud fur parents so I thought it was fitting to blog about Father's Day and wish all the Dad's out there a Happy Father's Day.

Herb Garden

Herb Garden
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I had the day "off" today. I never actually have days off. I always have something that needs to be done. Everyone wussed out on me after the last 12 hour weeding marathon so I did this all by myself! With a bit of help from my fun new tool the Hula Hoe. Isn't that just fun to say? My herbs are growing now and I can start the fresh herb cooking. All through the summer the hubby and I cook something at least once a week if not more with fresh herbs from the herb bed. I only had 3 herbs come back this year. The tarragon in the back that looks sad, but trust me in a week it will be 4 feet tall again. I thinned it out and cut it back. The chives in the front which also look sad after a thinning and cutting back. The hyssop came back super healthy so I can't wait to make some tea. The rest I planted today. Some are annuals and some will come back next year like the mints. Here's a list of what I'm growing: Lavender, dill, oregano, Greek basil, large leaf basil, orange mint, ginger mint, peppermint, spearmint, hyssop, tarragon, chives, fennel, curled parsley, flat leaf parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Those are moss rose planters hanging on the garage. I just love the color. You can probably spot my Little herb piggies too. Next project..... the Moon garden!

Look What I Found!

Chair Before
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I'm so excited! After much hunting I found an adult size chair to zettify! They just so happened to be on sale at our local farm supply store. It is a rocker and so comfortable to sit in. I can't wait to have it sitting out front of my house by the door. I think it just may complete my whimsical house! I painted the back of the chair, one arm, and the back braces black tonight. More black tomorrow hopefully!

A Time For Everything

Chives
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

My Hubby is finally coming home to stay after being gone a very long three weeks! Yes, I saw him on the weekends, but that just isn't the same! I didn't realize just how much we do as a team. It will take ages to get caught up on everything that needs to be done around here. The chives are in full bloom because the back yard hasn't gotten any attention yet! Doesn't matter to me that they are blooming because I think they are very pretty. I'll chop them back soon enough.
It sounds like the weather is going to be rainy for my only day off so house cleaning it is! I hope to get things caught up so I can get back to my crafty pursuits. I have been working on something for Alexz that I can do in the evenings comfortably in my chair. Nothing new crafty wise to share though! So gander at my lovely chives.

Bird on his head!

Bird on his head!
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

My Birthday was great, and I had lots of fun. I took this pic a few days ago, but think it is so funny I had to share. I was in the back yard taking pics when a squirrel came dashing across the roof of the building behind our house. I stopped to snap a couple pics when this little bird landed just behind him! It so looks like the bird is on his head! It totally amused me and I thought it was just too fun not to share. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday to me! (Tomorrow)

Happy Birthday to me!
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Ok, my Birthday is Monday, but since my Hubby has to return to school today he gave me my present a day early! Gorgeous amethyst earrings! I have been asking for them for a while now and he delivered! He has such great taste! The orange earrings are mandarin garnet. Those were a gift for our 4th wedding anniversary. The diamonds above were a Christmas gift when we were dating. Now my ears are complete! Until I get some bigger diamonds that is. ;) (Wow, it is hard to take a pic of your own ear!)

Breathe

Breathe
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I'm drowning. Work has gotten to me. All these hours stifle my creativity. I didn't realize just how dependant on my free time I am. I need to have moments to express myself. Time to create. I just feel stuffy and out of my element. Tonight I decided I needed to create a little reminder to myself. Breathe! Let things go. Remember who you are even during the times you can't seem to recall what your passions are. Let yourself loose. Yes, I'm tired beyond belief, sore as hell and cranky, but I created something. That makes all the difference to me. It doesn't make my aching muscles relax, but it sets my mind at ease. I'm going to take this little treasure and put it on my bed side table for those mornings when I'm holding my breath.

My House

House
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Whew! Yesterday I fought the battle with the weeds and I WON! The Hubby helped with the very front two beds and then my Mother in Law came to the rescue to help up by the house. I couldn't get all of the long front beds into this pic! Oh, also my house isn't crooked. LOL I guess either I am or the street is. I just love my little house full of character. Lots of flowers, bright little things, and gnomes! See if you can spot them hiding in the flower beds up by the house. ;) Now on to the back yard on my next day off!