Velvet Chicken - SOLD!

VELVET CHICKEN
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I sold this painting this week. How cool is that??! I always said that I would feel like a real artiste when I sold a painting, even though I've sold lots of other things.

In other news, I've started a new ballband warsh cloth. I figured that since I had the cotton out and I had the pattern memorized, might as well crank out another. This one is red and turquoise, a housewarming present for my brother and sister-in-law.

We are off to see Cirque de Soleil tomorrow. The kids will love it!

Bad Ass Ballband!

Badass BallBand Dishcloth
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I am so happy to have received my copy of Mason Dixon Knitting for Xmas. The first thing I did was whip out a ball band warsh cloth. Well, I didn't really whip it out. I am a painfully slow and novice knitter so it took 3 days on and off with kids around. Its awesome. I finished it this afternoon and will blog that later. This pic was taken while we drove to Mayfield Dairy for a tour. Three words: One Dollar Scoops. Very tasty.

Christmas Hedgehog Finished

Christmas Hedgehog Finished
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I finished my Christmas hedgie. He is cute. I painted him on a sheet of plywood that I found in a dumpster. He looks just like the Beanie Baby hedgie that the girls love, and Fern just about went nuts when she saw him.

Almost Done!

The girls and I went shopping this morning. We picked up two gift cards from Best Buy for the nephews. I also picked up a bottle of Crown for the adult gift exchange this weekend with hubby's family. It goes with the two Macanudo cigars that I picked up this weekend. Its always harder to find something that the guys will want. Last year, hubs scored big with his Barney Fife "Nip It!" t-shirt.

So, we are just about done with Christmas shopping. I still need to pick up a couple jars of hot pickled garlic for my dad from Jaemor Farms. MIL and SFIL are getting tickets to the Georgia Aquarium since they couldn't do it last year when we gave them as gifts. And then there are my brother's kids. One of them is getting a kid's tattoo set if I can find it.

One of the other artists at the shop previously asked me to crochet some blank cuffs for her to embellish. At first, I said I would but then I got to thinking...my cuffs are unique and original and I don't think I like the idea of her selling cuffs there too, even if they are a little different. I wouldn't mind making her a blank own for her to embellish for herself but no more than that.

We celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary this weekend. Well, it wasn't much of a celebration. We went to the mall and did some shopping with the kids and then went to a pizza buffet. No cards were exchanged. It was very low key, and that is ok. One year though, I am hoping we can hike to the Hike Inn at Amicalola State Park.

Christmas Pressies!

Skullie and Cuff for Haley
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

We have two nieces/second cousins in the tweens, and I try to make them something every year. They probably hate them but I do it anyways. This year, we got them some large pressboard letters (H for Haley and K for Kahler) and some paints so they can paint them for their rooms. I also made each one a skullie and matching cuff, but not too matchy matchy. I don't like matchy matchy.

I am starting the tradition with my girls of making them each something for Christmas. Lulu is getting a hot pink flap hat. Fern is getting a handmade bunny doll. I made the bunny doll several months ago when I had a hankering to make something complete by hand with no pattern. Shades of Little House on the Prairie, I guess. Its just been sitting around since then, so I think I will paint it with a cute little face.

Its not the green onions....

I was listening to a story this morning about the recent e.coli outbreak up north. Turns out it wasn't the green onions, it was the poopy in the tacos. I don't know about you, but I get ill every time I eat at Taco Bell, generally with the runs and a stomachache, but you don't see me screaming "E. COLI!".

I am dying to paint more but I am out of canvas. Bummer. I do need to finish crocheting some Christmas gifts for some kids we will see this weekend. I am doing skullies and cuffs for a couple of tweenish girls.

I would really like to get this blog looking hip and fun, and learn how to get all of my fave craft blogs listed on the edge. Yeah, I got two listed but it was tedious and I just don't have time to sit down and learn HTML.

Girl with Cupcake

Girl with Cupcake
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

Here is the second painting in my series of girls holding things. I like this one better, as the balance is there. I like the trees better too. Too bad I forgot to erase a couple pencil marks before I varnished it. Oh well. I am torn about whether or not I should sell them or keep them. I think they would look cute in the guest bath/girl's bath.

Circles Painting

Circles Painting
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I painted this for the entry way. I wish it was a little bigger. Its only 16"x20". Perhaps a frame would help. I am fairly pleased with it. Its sort of an inspiration piece for decorating the rest of the house.

Another attempt at a painting

Girl and Bird Painting
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I started this painting last night and finished it this morning. I am pretty happy with it, although I think the balance is off because the bird and tree are on the same side. That other side looks so bare. I like the way the girl turned out but not the trees so much. The background is pink because I started out thinking I was going to paint a fairyballerinapixieprincess for my oldest. I forgot to paint over it before this evolved. Meh.

UGA-LY

UGAly
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I feel like I am totally prostituting myself out with this one. After taking this picture, I did fix the G so that it looks more a UGA G.

Some days, I like to stand directly in front of a wall and be charming and witty. Its just like blogging, except you don't need a computer. Although I have discovered that my dear friend, Helen W, has begun her own craft blog. Sadly, I cannot remember my password for my own blog and cannot leave comments. I asked to have it emailed to me AGAIN. Right now, I can only blog from flickr. Yes, I have actually reproduced. Twice.

I hope Helen will blog about her wonderful felting carrots and other fruits and veggies. They are so cute.

My wrists are killing me. I need to back off the hook but I really cannot afford to with Christmas right around the corner.

The Green Machine

The Green Machine
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

Another flap hat. Recognize the yarn? I'll be so sad when it runs out.

Just want to thank my brother for the belated birthday present - a 12 pack of beer and $20 for a pedicure. Now THAT is a great present! My toes are a gorgeous shade of neon pink, and they are buttery soft. Got the old brows knocked back too.

We met some friends for dinner last night. There is a new place called Mojo's just off the Square in Gainesville. The food was great (burritos and stuff), the decor is neat. The service? Meh. Here's a novel idea - if you are required to take orders from the public, speak ENGLISH!

My little one is walking. *sniff sniff*

MOONPIE

MOONPIE
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I am clearly not a painter but the Zoloft is leaving my system and my creativity is back. I think. I love Sharpies. I painted the cat and then outlined it with a black Sharpie.

My Hats are Hits!

Woody Skull Cap
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

So I found a cute little shop in which to sell some of my stuff. Its part art gallery (folk art mostly) and the rest is like an antique/junk store. The first trip, I took up my ebay duds. The second trip, I took 6 of these skullies. Susie (the shop owner) called me the next day and said that one person bought them all. I had assumed this person bought them to resell them. Nope, she bought them all as gifts for her cooks and bartenders at a nearby restaurant. I had them priced at $5. I have since raised the price to $12 for a skullie, $18 for a flap hat.

This hat is still one of my favorite skullies. There's that same damned green yarn again! Versitile!

Daisy Skullie

Daisy Skullie
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I finished this hat last night. Its really cute. I love this vintage green yarn. I bought 12 skeins off ebay a while back. I also used it for my Space Invader tote.

Funky Chickens

Funky Chicken 3 Orange
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

My oldest daughter and I made some salt dough ornaments a few days ago. I've found a cute local gallery that has accepted my stuff. I took a few of these up there since this is a big poultry area. My hats are flying off the shelves and I have 3 paintings in progress to take up there soon.

My baby turns one today! *sniff sniff*

Has it really been 20 years?

So I realize that my 20 year high school reunion is coming up in November. Do I go? Hell no.

First of all, I had maybe 2-3 GOOD friends in high school. Second of all, no one gives a shit what happened to me. I've attempted to reconnect with 5-7 folks from school - I sent an email, then sent one back, I emailed back and that was it. So, I figure that if anyone really cared about me showing up, they would email back.

Redan High School Class of 1986...Party Mix of 86...fuck all ya'll. Man, I've been waiting 20 years to say that. Let me tell you what MY high school experience was like. The girls hated me. I had zero girlfriends. The guys were a little more open and I had lots of guy friends in several grades. I loved vintage clothes, unusual pieces, punk or whatnot. I had a couple friends that lived the vintage/punk thing but that was it. I was a total outsider. But I was so smart.

So here I am now, mother of 2, wife to one. There is no way I could afford to go if I wanted to. Good thing I don't.

Here is the back of The Salad Hat...

Salad Hat 2
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

...complete with mushrooms, a tomato, and shredded carrot.

From Yoda to Tossed Salad

Salad Hat 1
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

Well, can you believe this hat started out as a Yoda hat? I wanted to make a Yoda had with this vintage green yarn I bought off ebay. And damnit, I could not get the ears right to save my life. Mack Daddy spent a good 20 minutes searching Yoda pics online for me, but I just couldn't get the yarn to do what I wanted.

Well, what to do with a green hat with side flaps? Well, I was going to stop with the ruffle. A 'head' of lettuce - get it? And then it was just downhill from there. Unfortch for The Old Man, it is sans croutons because I couldn't crochet a decent one.

So I give you....The Salad Hat. I will probably list this on ebay at some point as we are trying to pay for The Old Man's vasectomy.

I hope I did that correctly. I really, really want that Mason-Dixon book.

Space Invaders!

Space Invaders Tote
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I've been working on this tote all week. I am really pleased with the way it turned out. I still think it needs a toggle or some closure at the top. And I think I will also stitch around the strap so its not quite as stretchy.

This is the first time I've cross-stitched on crochet fabric. I am not sure I did it correctly - the stitches seem more rectangular and not square. On the advice of my husband (did I just say that?), I outlined the space invader. The eyes still didn't stand out so I added a dollop of glow-in-the-dark puff paint and some pearl buttons. I didn't sew the buttons, just stuck them in the paint.

Is Pac-Man next? Hmmm....

Cuffs, cuffs, cuffs!

Cuffs, cuffs, cuffs!
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

My hands are killing me but I cuff on. I love the spider one. I am off to get some more buttons today. I am hoping to get my etsy site up soon! I'd really like to be able to sell some locally as well but Gainesville is not a real progressive, artsy town.

Its been cool here the last couple of days but it looks like we are back to 90-plus degrees today.

Color Inspiration

Pat Albeck
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I love being inspired by color in vintage pieces. I found this piece at a thrift store. I love the colors. I googled the name on the piece, Pat Albeck, and discovered she is some sort of British designer. I think I will keep this instead of selling it. It will look great in my kitchen! I've also started a cuff inspired on the colors.

A Beautiful Afghan

Girly baby afghan
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I found this photo on my computer while organizing some files. I made this for hubby's cousin's youngest child. I think its the prettiest afghan I've even made. The colors, the pattern - it all just came together. The green is a discontinued color from Red Heart called Kiwi. It was such a beautiful green and I was so sad to use it all up.

My hands are killing me so I think I am going to have to put the crochet down for a day or two. Working on the computer trying to list things on ebay doesn't help either.

The weather sure has cooled off here today. Its only in the low 80s. I actually turned the air off and opened the windows. I am literally counting the days until fall. I <3 cold weather!

Cuff Insanity

Cuff Insanity
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

Yes, I have gone insane. Two more cffs, one of which is a gift for a friend. Someone save me.

New Cuff, A Random Bitching

Its a new day and a new cuff is here! I love the colors on this one. I have to figure out what to do with them. I don't really have an outlet here in Gainesville to sell them. I would love to have an etsy store but I don't want to use a credit card. So the goodies just pile up.
So let me take this opp to bitch. I do not care for my new town. We moved here in February and this Mommy Dating is hard. We joined the local MOMS Club, we've been to every park, we've done story time at the library and we still can't seem to make any friends. Part of the problem is that this is a VERY conservative area and I am not. I am support gay marriage and a woman's right to chose. I am not a Christian. I might as well be a leper in these parts. Its also a pretty wealthy area. I just don't feel like I fit in. I would really like to connect with a few cool moms. Don't I sound pathetic?

I have met some other homeschooling moms online and maybe that will pan out. I just get tired of meeting a new mom, chatting, giving my number out and never hearing from them again despite a perfectly pleasant convo. Its like dating and being rejected all over again. I don't think I am that weird. I really miss my old friends.

A new cuff and red square progress

I finished a cuff today. I've been seeing them around, love to look at them on flickr.com. I really like the way this turned out. I just used some scraps, plus some of the new Red Heart turquoise that I bought recently. I also snagged some bits and bobs from my daughter's craft stuff. I figured that since I spent most of the morning organizing it, I was entitled to a few sparklies.

Progress on the red/pink/purple log cabin blanket. I took this pic outside and it does a much better job of showing the colors. I think I am going to do three strips on each side and then do a cherry or hot red border with a picot border.

I got my first (but hopefully not my last!) ROAK package today from a lovely fairy godmother in Michigan! She sent several scrap balls of yarn. I have added them to my scrap rotation in the car to be crocheted into motifs or squares. Thank you!

I am hoping to one day make this blog cool-looking with fun buttons and a new topper header dealy etc. I am not computer saavy so I would appreciate any help!

My first crochet post

OK, here is my very first crochet-related post. Hopefully, my husband will stop flapping his trap long enough for me to focus on this. I am kidding, of course. Love you, babe.

I am making yet another baby blanket, of original design. Its a variety of pinks, reds, and purples. Who knows where it will take me but so far, I am lurving the colors. For some reason, the colors are not that true. I should have taken the photo outside.




After I showed The Old Man my scissor fob, I could tell he was thinking, "This is what you did with your day?"

Haven't you ever searched high and low for your scissors? Didn't you think, "Hey, a big ass crocheted curly dangling from my scissors would solve that prob-lemo!" Well, there you go, ya big ho cake.

Wow....my fifth blog!

Ok, so I have started about 5 of these things and I can't ever seem to remember my fucking password or the name of the blog. This time, I wrote it down. I just have to remember to post.