tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10912845401823366522024-03-12T20:33:36.162-07:00Paint Myself PrettyA woman and her paintbrush.......................................................life and art intermingledCameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-53374806679887750852014-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:002014-10-21T14:15:31.619-07:00I'm on Instagram now!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eThviivRnsk/VEbLZbnHxBI/AAAAAAAAFEg/eCpF48X6n0c/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eThviivRnsk/VEbLZbnHxBI/AAAAAAAAFEg/eCpF48X6n0c/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Hello Lovelies!<br />
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I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm on Instagram now! In fact, I've been there much more than here, so I wanted to invite you to follow my stream at @paintmyselfpretty. I'm posting photos of old favorites, new available items and exclusive COUPON CODES!!<br />
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So, please.....find me there and say Hi!<br />
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The coupon is for 20% off your entire purchase of fun, one-of-a-kind creations....like my Snowball Ornies, Feltie Jacks, Sea Glass Hair Barrettes and Reusable Coffee Cup Sleeves...and much more!<br />
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Thank you, thank you for being a part of this Artsy Community I love so much!<br />
Lotsa love,<br />
Cam<br />
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-47558802930667707332014-09-03T17:05:00.001-07:002014-09-03T17:05:35.678-07:00GLITTERFEST!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know this is a neglected little place...<br />
I'm so sorry about that.<br />
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I just got my first smartphone a couple months ago and have discovered Instagram!! Please follow me there to find updates and photos of what I'm up to. I am better able to keep up with my account there :) @paintmyselfpretty<br />
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<br />
I got the best news today!<br />
I will be participating in Glitterfest Fall on October 11th! It is an incredible show!! I am so grateful they are giving me a shot among such high-quality artisans!<br />
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Please stop by if you're anywhere near Anaheim, CA then....I'd love to meet you!!<br />
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I will be offering one-of-a-kind sculptures, paintings and other fun things!<br />
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Hope to see you!!<br />
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Fall is officially in my home now....haha!<br />
Big pumpkin spice hugs,<br />
Cam</div>
Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-16285851699661866992014-05-22T22:20:00.000-07:002014-05-22T22:20:25.882-07:00HUGE SALE Going ON NOW!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, Sweeties!<br />
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I just wanted to let you all know that I'm having a GIANT Sale to clear my shelves for new items in the Fall.<br />
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Just enter FABFORTYOFF at checkout for 40% your ENTIRE purchase!<br />
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So, this lovely 11x14 painting would be just $38.40!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsVruUrGpYU/U37W8agq5YI/AAAAAAAAFCY/oDAAr7VjxZ0/s1600/Cozy+Street+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsVruUrGpYU/U37W8agq5YI/AAAAAAAAFCY/oDAAr7VjxZ0/s1600/Cozy+Street+001.JPG" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and this owl art necklace would be just $14.40!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_t2lWKnxIY/U37Y7pnpuhI/AAAAAAAAFCo/-mtbxoIc6qc/s1600/loves+u1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_t2lWKnxIY/U37Y7pnpuhI/AAAAAAAAFCo/-mtbxoIc6qc/s1600/loves+u1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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What about a sea glass barrette like this one?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNJMTTwTLUg/U37aKbzfU9I/AAAAAAAAFCw/1I-TKBSylpo/s1600/shell3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNJMTTwTLUg/U37aKbzfU9I/AAAAAAAAFCw/1I-TKBSylpo/s1600/shell3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just $10.20!!<br />
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I have over 100 items in my shop including a Clearance Section that you would take an additional 40% off of with the coupon code!<br />
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Please stop in. Maybe you can get a little early Christmas shopping done :)<br />
Thank you and big hugs to you all for your support and friendship over the years!<br />
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Big Hugs,<br />
Cam<br />
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-9456287459554557862014-03-20T13:58:00.000-07:002014-03-20T13:58:34.478-07:00A Good Day....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello Dear Friends...<br />
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I've been meaning to come back here....to thank you all for your unwavering support and words of encouragement.<br />
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I've been wanting to fill you all in on how Life has been since that profound post almost 2 months ago. <br />
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I've been making changes and making progress....and today just seemed like a good day to return :)<br />
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In fact, I've been lucky to find that most of my days have been good, but so different from where I was 2 months ago.<br />
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My fellow Gardentender and I are working together to enjoy the path we are on....which is the best news....but it didn't start that way.<br />
I was ready to walk through the gate and not look back. I was making plans on how I was going to raise my little girl and was putting things in order to strategize what my next steps were. I didn't want to stay where there was no hope left and where I was not wanted. He had told me these things. Told me I should leave.<br />
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So I was going to. In the past, I would've begged him to want me again and make promises to be more of what he wanted. I would've changed myself to conform to his needs (or, at least, what I thought his needs were) and abandon my own.<br />
I decided to, instead, choose happiness...for myself, for my little girl...and ultimately, for him, since he said he wanted to go.<br />
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I was feeling proud of myself for not being afraid anymore!<br />
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I calmly informed him of my decision. I wished him the best and without tears or regret, I slept well that night.<br />
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Well, I think he realized he better do something...and do it quick! The next day he told me he didn't really want me to leave...but that he was just so dissatisfied and unhappy with his work, his problems, and Life, in general, he figured telling me to leave would be a better option for me. He felt he had nothing left to offer. He didn't know how to dig himself out of his rut.<br />
Maggie and I are the best things in his Life...and it took almost losing us for him to admit it.<br />
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That was the first Good Day :)<br />
Since then, things have been getting better and better.<br />
We are trying to communicate and reconnect with the help of counseling and little daily rituals.<br />
We are taking it one Good Day at a time.<br />
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I have learned so much about myself since the first of the year.<em> </em><br />
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<em>Most importantly, </em><em>I HAVE FOUND MY LIGHT!</em><br />
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I guess blowing out the candle I burned for him during the decision making process, made me take notice of the glow that still surrounded me. I wasn't left in total darkness like I once believed living without him would leave me.<br />
I shine brighter than I ever gave myself credit for.....<br />
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I truly believe the kind thoughts and hopeful prayers of you, my Dear Friends, helped me find my light, too. It felt like the Universe was just there waiting for me to arrive....it already knew what I searched for.<br />
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...And I have to tell you...communing with your own uniqueness, appreciating what makes you <em>You</em>, feeling strong and confident in your own heart and mind is a damn good feeling!!<br />
Thank you so much! XOXO<br />
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So....on that note...<br />
Just a peek at a few of my Good Days so far, to share with you:<br />
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Mother/Daughter Boot Scootin' Boogie Party at Maggie's school</div>
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Succulents Blooming</div>
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Planning, writing, dreaming and manifesting :)</div>
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Dark Chocolate dipped in Peanut Butter</div>
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Starting a Veggie Garden</div>
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Witnessing Rainbows from my Kitchen Table</div>
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Keeping an eye on a wee Hummingbird Nest in our Backyard</div>
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(that beak is the chick's...almost ready to fledge)</div>
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Yes, some very Good Days, indeed :)</div>
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I've also started exercising and eating better (which is why chocolate and peanut butter is such a big treat...heehee) and have lost almost 10 pounds!</div>
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When I reach my goal of 25 pounds, I hope to share the results with you here.</div>
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I have appreciated all your little check in's and kindness. Even in my despair, I never felt alone.</div>
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Please know that I send wishes for Light and Love to all the corners of the globe, to you, Dear Ones.</div>
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I am truly grateful for all my Good Days and Good Friends...yesterday, today and to come :)</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-39056989616505573272014-01-30T13:22:00.000-08:002014-01-30T13:26:12.535-08:00I hope.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I hope you'll forgive me for my long absence.<br />
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I anticipate that this will be a difficult post...<br />
I debated whether or not to even come here...<br />
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I decided though, that instead of worrying about what to write, who will read this and what will be thought of me, I'd simply come here to let my heart spill out over the keys.<br />
I'd do it for me...<br />
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I feel like I'm on the verge of bursting into a million tiny pieces.<br />
It's proving necessary to get some of my thoughts out of my muddled head, rein my emotions back in check and dissuade my soul from bursting beyond recognition.<br />
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My heart is aching so.....<br />
This is what it ponders....<br />
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What do you do when you find yourself reaching the end of a path? <br />
The path I'm on now has been narrowing for some time and despite my efforts to scratch the overgrowth away, I'm losing the battle.<br />
My fellow Gardentender seems to be willing to put down his rake entirely. Our combined effort is just enough for us to squeeze through, though our legs and feet bleed with the thorns of Life's weeds. These wounds are left festering with the pain and burden of neglect.<br />
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He discards the rake from time to time, and I pick it up in desperation to try to rake with both. I hold it out to him and ask him to rake with me...beside me...together.<br />
I tell him the weeds are tough, but together, we are tougher. I explain that though the path may seem like it is not clearing at first, we have to believe that it will, because together we can make anything happen....<br />
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I cry in exasperation that he doesn't take the rake I'm holding out. I yell in frustration that I seem to be the only one who cares about clearing the path. I stop and glance back at our little girl who needs a path to follow, and I wonder if the time will soon come that I have to clear a different path....one that doesn't require 2 people, 2 Gardentenders, to maintain.<br />
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My fellow Gardentender has just one week left after giving him a month's thinking time to decide if he wants to stay, hold his rake with both hands and make our path wide and beautiful. To use love, trust and reconnection to transform the garden around it to one that is thriving and nourished.<br />
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This is the path I still want to follow. One I can see so clearly in my mind that is just under the surface, waiting to emerge. I wish he could see this vision with me.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-5yEQx9yPo/UurBRZZCAYI/AAAAAAAAFAw/tg4vokilg0E/s1600/Into+The+Garden+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-5yEQx9yPo/UurBRZZCAYI/AAAAAAAAFAw/tg4vokilg0E/s1600/Into+The+Garden+copy.jpg" height="640" width="465" /></a></div>
Or.....we let the weeds overrun this path....and find new ones.<br />
Another hard choice. One, in my opinion, seems so lonely...but, perhaps his destiny lies on a different horizon?<br />
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I hope, in a week's time....he decides to plant roots with me. <br />
I hope he is ready to do the hard work that we must both do to make our way through the weeds and mend the bandaged, bloody sores we've been ignoring.<br />
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I hope...<br />
...but I'm storing up seeds, just in case.<br />
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-76973573652644579852013-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:002013-11-01T14:00:30.214-07:00More Little Bits.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just finished 2 more of the mini painting necklaces....<br />
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I'm enjoying mixing different components from different sources. I even went through my own jewelry box to see what unworn treasures could be brought back to life :)<br />
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This pretty necklace is called, "Flight"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUsR7_gWzJo/UnQRfmwxh9I/AAAAAAAAE-w/o3X8FyO6CLY/s1600/flight5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUsR7_gWzJo/UnQRfmwxh9I/AAAAAAAAE-w/o3X8FyO6CLY/s400/flight5.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYZXMdMl4tw/UnQRjUPRC1I/AAAAAAAAE-4/GzLoo9EK8v8/s1600/flight2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYZXMdMl4tw/UnQRjUPRC1I/AAAAAAAAE-4/GzLoo9EK8v8/s400/flight2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Teeny and unique :)<br />
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This is my favorite so far. The chain draping was a new thing for me. I just love how it looks....reminds me of a Gypsy Princess.<br />
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I call this one, "Beauty"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkvbqTPI5HI/UnQSHJdAMYI/AAAAAAAAE_A/_8A3uktFZTU/s1600/beauty6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkvbqTPI5HI/UnQSHJdAMYI/AAAAAAAAE_A/_8A3uktFZTU/s400/beauty6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The center abalone piece is from an earring my grandma had among her things. The large round beads are made of carved cinnabar. They've been in my stash for years and have just now found a purpose.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agj7Sh_Hohk/UnQSuMKoR8I/AAAAAAAAE_I/eftZRPIkevI/s1600/beauty5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agj7Sh_Hohk/UnQSuMKoR8I/AAAAAAAAE_I/eftZRPIkevI/s400/beauty5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember these little paintings are just 1 cm x 1.5 cm in size... created with acrylic paints and ink on canvas paper and sealed with Diamond Glaze. Can you see the hints of iridescence on his neck?</div>
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My daughter has claimed 1 of the paintings for her own ( a starfish) so I just have a toadstool and wolf & moon pendants left to bead. They are listed <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">in the shop</a> as soon as they are made, so please take a peek, if you like :) </div>
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Speaking of my Darling Daughter, she was a sugar skull girl for Halloween this year.</div>
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This is how she went to school yesterday. We didn't paint her face white....just painted the eyes and used temporary tattoos for the rest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koXMQo_abYQ/UnQUFLaPouI/AAAAAAAAE_U/lrSUt7R1b-0/s1600/Use+this+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koXMQo_abYQ/UnQUFLaPouI/AAAAAAAAE_U/lrSUt7R1b-0/s400/Use+this+one.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Here is the nighttime version.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xV46W3sYfc/UnQUQBVqHAI/AAAAAAAAE_c/WF1iGKQvMy0/s1600/Maggie+Halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xV46W3sYfc/UnQUQBVqHAI/AAAAAAAAE_c/WF1iGKQvMy0/s400/Maggie+Halloween.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It always makes a kid (and a mom) feel proud to get lots of compliments. </div>
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Her costume was a big hit :)</div>
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I hope you all enjoyed your festivities, too!</div>
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One last thing I'll leave you with before I go. Maggie's jack-o-lantern this year!</div>
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A 2-faced cat with 3 ears!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6FJStAdchQ/UnQVORhPQaI/AAAAAAAAE_o/nfCjaXKeb0g/s1600/2+faced+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6FJStAdchQ/UnQVORhPQaI/AAAAAAAAE_o/nfCjaXKeb0g/s400/2+faced+cat.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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She conceptualized and designed this creepy creation all on her own.</div>
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Makes a Halloween-loving Mama's heart pitter patter with pride....haha!</div>
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Can't wait to see what she thinks of next year :)</div>
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Have a fantastic weekend! </div>
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Candy corn kisses,</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-46375584644812210012013-10-27T21:38:00.000-07:002013-10-27T21:38:40.582-07:00Just little bits of Art....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
....and when I say "little", I mean tiny...haha!<br />
I've been trying something new and working really, really small.<br />
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Here's an example:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69RKnld44_k/Um3jSi7y5uI/AAAAAAAAE9o/vOmPtUeIWWs/s1600/feather6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69RKnld44_k/Um3jSi7y5uI/AAAAAAAAE9o/vOmPtUeIWWs/s400/feather6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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That's a dime next to that pendant. The painted rectangle is just 1 cm x 1.5 cm. ( Or roughly 3/8 x 5/8 inches.</div>
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Can you see the lovely iridescent medium shimmering on the feather?</div>
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Since these tiny art pieces are original, one-of-a kind creations, I wanted to make them into special jewelry. I am using bits of broken, vintage necklaces and adding new and pre-owned components to make wonderful pieces that are unlike anything I've made before.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkVEk0X937k/Um3kveQBDgI/AAAAAAAAE90/GnSBclP0x0g/s1600/feather1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkVEk0X937k/Um3kveQBDgI/AAAAAAAAE90/GnSBclP0x0g/s400/feather1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They come with coordinating earrings, as well....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IN5IGj8jSqQ/Um3k7UEa-dI/AAAAAAAAE98/zgrfYAddmA0/s1600/feather4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IN5IGj8jSqQ/Um3k7UEa-dI/AAAAAAAAE98/zgrfYAddmA0/s400/feather4.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I've painted 7 in all. Here's the 2nd one:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shEXJlB72WA/Um3lTU0bDdI/AAAAAAAAE-E/jpu_8-gTJdA/s1600/owl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shEXJlB72WA/Um3lTU0bDdI/AAAAAAAAE-E/jpu_8-gTJdA/s400/owl1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is just 1.5 cm in diameter. Acrylic paint with a Diamond Glaze coat on top.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWL4CFexRgw/Um3lvDQXkSI/AAAAAAAAE-M/0pb_GSSemac/s1600/owl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWL4CFexRgw/Um3lvDQXkSI/AAAAAAAAE-M/0pb_GSSemac/s400/owl2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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The pearls and sweet carved rose beads are vintage.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaXsHRktNxM/Um3mM3a2YfI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/0RnO3DtBlRA/s1600/owl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaXsHRktNxM/Um3mM3a2YfI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/0RnO3DtBlRA/s400/owl3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm really taking my time and going through my stash thoroughly for each little mini painting. I took a quick snapshot of a small portion of my desk. It looks like a bead store burped up on my table :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyIbnfX7Mzk/Um3m0ZquS-I/AAAAAAAAE-g/dZ0INYEu2go/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyIbnfX7Mzk/Um3m0ZquS-I/AAAAAAAAE-g/dZ0INYEu2go/s400/beads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll share the others with you as soon as they are done.</div>
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I hope they become beloved treasures for art and jewelry lovers alike :)</div>
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I'll be spending tomorrow re-vamping my store for the winter Holidays. I'm offering $10 DOLLARS OFF all orders over $50 with code OVERFIFTYISNIFTY. This coupon code is valid until December 15, 2013.</div>
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Make your Christmas List and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintMyselfPretty">pop on over</a>....perhaps there's a few treasures there to help :)</div>
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Thank you so much for coming here time and time again to check in with me.</div>
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As blogging becomes less and less popular, I understand how amazing it is that you come by for a visit...and I appreciate it!</div>
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Back to the beads and pliers....</div>
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Many hugs,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-41510912507531682992013-10-18T13:13:00.000-07:002013-10-18T13:13:09.655-07:00That Dead Feeling Continues.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day of the Dead, actually :)<br />
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I just love painting these girls! They are macabre in their skeletal make-up....but still so bright and beautiful. I love the flowers and the colors....it is so fun to paint them!<br />
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I tried something different from canvas this time. I thought I'd use some chipboard shapes I bought a while back to make ornaments for the occasion.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKa4g-PurT8/UmGOZZx72YI/AAAAAAAAE8c/gAcVDeM74Qc/s1600/never+forgotten1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKa4g-PurT8/UmGOZZx72YI/AAAAAAAAE8c/gAcVDeM74Qc/s400/never+forgotten1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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They can be hung on your altar, a Halloween tree ( I always wanted one of those) or on your walls all year round.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_dPfVgASwM/UmGOuk7IfaI/AAAAAAAAE8k/KVgDTtOHgEA/s1600/never+forgotten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_dPfVgASwM/UmGOuk7IfaI/AAAAAAAAE8k/KVgDTtOHgEA/s400/never+forgotten.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used bits of old and new jewelry pieces to dangle below. This enamel butterfly was an old pendant that belonged to my Grandma years ago.</div>
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The sentiment translates to, "Never Forgotten".</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHOP6gHphnI/UmGPROzRLfI/AAAAAAAAE8s/4oXevO6M7t4/s1600/love2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHOP6gHphnI/UmGPROzRLfI/AAAAAAAAE8s/4oXevO6M7t4/s400/love2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The flowers are cut from vintage greeting cards. This one says," Eternal Love".</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMBpdfXrJqk/UmGPlJ8poVI/AAAAAAAAE80/3KGDysJDwP8/s1600/love3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMBpdfXrJqk/UmGPlJ8poVI/AAAAAAAAE80/3KGDysJDwP8/s400/love3.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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I don't know if you remember when Amy showed some of us how to sew fabric onto watercolor paper and use that to paint on? The original post is <a href="http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2011/11/class-ic.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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Well, I had a 9 inch square sewn and waiting for ages for the right inspiration to come along.</div>
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This is what it became :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyXM2n01Clg/UmGTbYaK1bI/AAAAAAAAE88/Ad5B4lvvfbU/s1600/forget+you3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyXM2n01Clg/UmGTbYaK1bI/AAAAAAAAE88/Ad5B4lvvfbU/s400/forget+you3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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See, color and more color! Love it!</div>
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Her message says, "I will never forget you" (thanks for the letter tiles, <a href="http://www.thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/">Micki</a>!)</div>
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Making the fabric flowers for her hair reminded me that I had some flower brooches <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">in the shop</a> that could use a photo redo.</div>
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Maggie helped me :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKOHujEmYmw/UmGUVj2--nI/AAAAAAAAE9M/2I98ndMEkwI/s1600/pin+headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKOHujEmYmw/UmGUVj2--nI/AAAAAAAAE9M/2I98ndMEkwI/s320/pin+headband.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I think they definitely look more attractive now :P</div>
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I'm trying to keep the Halloween coming, though I know Christmas is at my door getting ready to ring the bell......"Hold on, hold on, I'll be there in a minute!"</div>
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My Friend, Magaly is having lots of dark, Hallow's Eve fun over at her <a href="http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> if you are craving more!</div>
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Go visit for a spell...okay, okay...that's an old one...but she is a witch...so it's true!</div>
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Hugs and happy memories,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-54519272960368627502013-10-12T01:38:00.000-07:002013-10-12T23:26:31.433-07:00Lost Soul *UPDATED*<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, though that is the title of my latest piece....it's really about how I've been feeling lately.<br />
I've been in a bit of a funk.....<br />
...but, finishing this piece has helped.<br />
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Amazing, isn't it...what slapping a bit of paint down on something can do for your mental state :)<br />
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I know it's been a while since I've been here. I've felt very guilty about not making the time I used to for blogging. Part of the funk I've found myself in....</div>
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...but, that will have to wait for another time.</div>
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I'll show you this piece, but my scanner wasn't big enough to capture the whole thing. I'll take photos on Sunday and list her in the shop. *SEE NEW PHOTOS BELOW*<br />
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This is "Lost Soul". Her arm is tattooed 'Alma En Pena' which is the Spanish translation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9QVa73DkxA/UlkHtx1ejoI/AAAAAAAAE7s/W6koV7W_z4w/s1600/lost+soul+web+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9QVa73DkxA/UlkHtx1ejoI/AAAAAAAAE7s/W6koV7W_z4w/s400/lost+soul+web+copy.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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She is 9 x 12 inches</div>
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I used molding paste on the flowers. I love that stuff! It really gives it phenomenal texture in person!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHk00zG7n0A/Ulo8lcgYPpI/AAAAAAAAE78/vTmGCvDub4M/s1600/Alma+en+Pena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHk00zG7n0A/Ulo8lcgYPpI/AAAAAAAAE78/vTmGCvDub4M/s400/Alma+en+Pena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aift5fYGeok/Ulo8p-ZLViI/AAAAAAAAE8E/iX5b33DBXww/s1600/alma+en+pena3+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aift5fYGeok/Ulo8p-ZLViI/AAAAAAAAE8E/iX5b33DBXww/s400/alma+en+pena3+wm+copy.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hCLUe1g__A/Ulo8tCKgKBI/AAAAAAAAE8M/sRRmqLUp7kE/s1600/alma+en+pena2+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hCLUe1g__A/Ulo8tCKgKBI/AAAAAAAAE8M/sRRmqLUp7kE/s400/alma+en+pena2+wm+copy.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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She is now in the <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">Shop</a> :)</div>
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Oh....and hey!</div>
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Carmen is having a Secret Santa over at her Blog. Go read about it <a href="http://whoopidooings.blogspot.com/2013/10/secret-santa-2013.html">HERE</a> and sign up....I did! The best part is stalking is highly encouraged and expected....heehee! It's lifting my spirits already!</div>
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<a href="http://whoopidooings.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/secret-santa-2013.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whoopidooings: Carmen Wing - Secret Santa 2013 logo - Christmas Raven" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjNvTs7vEGk/UlcOA9AXNGI/AAAAAAAAHKo/Q6hRxHXVq6c/s320/Secret+Santa.jpg" title="" width="274" /></a></div>
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Please have a great weekend!</div>
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I've missed you guys!</div>
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Keep the paint flying,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-18683109732470351062013-09-12T21:29:00.003-07:002013-09-13T14:48:26.260-07:00Speaking of Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thank you everyone!<br />
I truly appreciate the support, love and words of encouragement you guys gave me on the news of my being published. It is so nice to cross a Life Goal off the list....it was a dream come true....a small, but important step forward for me and my art :)<br />
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Though it was a nice wave to ride for a while,<br />
...it's time to get cracking again....heehee!<br />
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I wanted to show you a piece I just finished inspired by all the strong, amazing Tribal Girls painted by my dear friend <a href="http://thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/">Micki Wilde</a> in her new art course, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/162122188/wilde-and-free-online-art-workshop-with?ref=shop_home_active">Wilde and Free</a> (clever, eh?)<br />
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I have to be honest, I had never done any tribal/native-feel paintings before...and I was afraid I wouldn't get the "right" look.<br />
Micki makes it look so effortless and gives you so many ideas, references and videos of her own to drool over (you can see the finished products on her blog or in her Etsy store now)....that it makes you just want to go "wilde" ;P<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYOcPRrckhI/UjOH_Z2TFsI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/V3MILeel6hQ/s1600/dream6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYOcPRrckhI/UjOH_Z2TFsI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/V3MILeel6hQ/s400/dream6.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
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Dream </div>
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8x10 Mixed Media on canvas panel</div>
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I knew I needed to incorporate a dragonfly, which has served as my totem animal for a long, long time. It represents the Guardian of the DreamWorld and can warn of illusions. I wanted this girl to be looking toward her dreams....and be ready follow them :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li52BF87GGk/UjOIHfjF-nI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/aKfJgP5gR3o/s1600/dream5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Li52BF87GGk/UjOIHfjF-nI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/aKfJgP5gR3o/s400/dream5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Micki really knows how to stoke the creative flame. I see more tribal girls in my future!</div>
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Thanks so much for checking in on me. With blogging starting to fall out of favor, your choice to visit me here speaks volumes!</div>
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((Hugs))</div>
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Now go chase some of your own dreams!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-48299650979533163662013-08-30T13:28:00.000-07:002013-08-30T13:28:52.169-07:00The BIG News!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So........<br />
The big secret I've been keeping. The one I've been teasing you with. The one I keep hinting at and then run away giggling to myself......<br />
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Well....<br />
Here it is!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdgoh_olRlY/UiD3FqiFa_I/AAAAAAAAE4k/-t-y-mXwQ28/s1600/magazine1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdgoh_olRlY/UiD3FqiFa_I/AAAAAAAAE4k/-t-y-mXwQ28/s400/magazine1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm Published!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYrS9fvDqys/UiD3PQ24MKI/AAAAAAAAE4s/191L1u96EBs/s1600/magazine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cYrS9fvDqys/UiD3PQ24MKI/AAAAAAAAE4s/191L1u96EBs/s400/magazine2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Halloween sculptures made it into this issue!</div>
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I don't know if you remember, but those were my first attempt at sculpting....ever! You can read that post <a href="http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2011/09/claythings.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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I submitted them over a year and a half ago and heard just before going on vacation that they were selected! I have to admit I blabbed a little, but I was waiting....waiting until I could hold the magazine in my trembling hands and shout from the rooftops....</div>
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I'M PUBLISHED!!!</div>
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Can you tell I'm excited?!</div>
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I've been so excited, I made new sculptures to commemorate the event!</div>
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Before I show you I wanted to tell you that I added a CLEARANCE Section to my store where I drastically reduced a bunch of paintings and other goodies. I won't be renewing them, so grab them now....stock up on gifts....and use this <strong>10% OFF coupon</strong> on your entire purchase to sweeten the deal!</div>
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Enter CELEBRATEWITHME at checkout :)</div>
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I gave you this sneak peek on Facebook a couple weeks back.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW74PxJWJ7k/UiD52zfOnBI/AAAAAAAAE44/p04yAc5157A/s1600/cat+doll3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OW74PxJWJ7k/UiD52zfOnBI/AAAAAAAAE44/p04yAc5157A/s400/cat+doll3.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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This became my very first try at a doll. This is Mango :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcSicLaarc0/UiD6LCwJIfI/AAAAAAAAE5A/Usudlv2ggxw/s1600/mango6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcSicLaarc0/UiD6LCwJIfI/AAAAAAAAE5A/Usudlv2ggxw/s400/mango6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7_WpEnKDdM/UiD6VEkVLkI/AAAAAAAAE5I/Eyn5xv08rt8/s1600/mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7_WpEnKDdM/UiD6VEkVLkI/AAAAAAAAE5I/Eyn5xv08rt8/s400/mango.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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I love cat paw pads....so he had to have them, too.</div>
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After I made him. I tried a different face shape.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3XHW1H8d4U/UiD6oEcmsZI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/omBURqoE0Xg/s1600/spats9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3XHW1H8d4U/UiD6oEcmsZI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/omBURqoE0Xg/s400/spats9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is "Spats"</div>
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Tuxedo cats are special to me now that I own one :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCVZ6Qc6lNg/UiD7CopXsKI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/lCeNrV2K9EA/s1600/spats6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCVZ6Qc6lNg/UiD7CopXsKI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/lCeNrV2K9EA/s400/spats6.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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These really were labor intensive. I have one more body ready to apply clay to, but to be honest, I don't think I'm going to tackle that anytime soon. These may be the only two I ever make. </div>
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Who knows.... </div>
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I've been working in clay so much over the past few weeks!</div>
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Look at these cool pumpkins I made.</div>
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I call them my "Sleepy Hollow" Series.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFjAUdiNQMM/UiD7_NK_T8I/AAAAAAAAE5k/WAN3qIWdhzo/s1600/goblin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFjAUdiNQMM/UiD7_NK_T8I/AAAAAAAAE5k/WAN3qIWdhzo/s400/goblin3.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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(sold)</div>
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All the text is cut from a vintage copy of the book.</div>
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"Sleepy Hollow was famous for Goblin Pumpkins"</div>
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"Sleepy Hollow is the most haunted spot in the world"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW7TC2V_iF4/UiD8bxRDRlI/AAAAAAAAE50/9y6bMLcdv7w/s1600/sheldon4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW7TC2V_iF4/UiD8bxRDRlI/AAAAAAAAE50/9y6bMLcdv7w/s400/sheldon4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"shocking things happen in Sleepy Hollow"</div>
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"Sleepy Hollow is full of strange spirits"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uC78l6KAes8/UiD8y2bNtAI/AAAAAAAAE6E/5TPVURZ9KDU/s1600/greeter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uC78l6KAes8/UiD8y2bNtAI/AAAAAAAAE6E/5TPVURZ9KDU/s400/greeter1.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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"Welcome to Sleepy Hollow"</div>
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These are fun to make. Each takes on a personality of its own. I like flipping through the pages of the book and trying to make phrases that go with their expression.</div>
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...and because Halloween is not complete without a bit of the macabre, I made these:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovQ3XlUKyvA/UiD9dFFU8WI/AAAAAAAAE6M/iUr2QzglMxg/s1600/vfred4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovQ3XlUKyvA/UiD9dFFU8WI/AAAAAAAAE6M/iUr2QzglMxg/s400/vfred4.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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4 pairs of fangs for your curiousity cabinet.</div>
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This little piggy had rigor mortis.....</div>
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(Sorry, Natasha May) She hates it when I show digits in jars..haha!</div>
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I used driftwood as the bones. </div>
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They are perfect for this because they are already discolored and rounded....and the paperclay sticks to the wood easily.</div>
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They are all in<a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/"> the shop</a>....get 'em while they're hot!</div>
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Don't forget to use the coupon code CELEBRATEWITHME to get even more off :)</div>
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Thank you, thank you to all of you for your support, excitement and friendship!</div>
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It makes me so happy to share my life, creative and otherwise, with you!!</div>
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Biggest hugs!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-62480068067261379992013-08-20T22:33:00.000-07:002013-08-20T22:33:13.612-07:00Almost...but not yet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, I didn't know.....should I pop in here again after that cliffhanger ending last post....and NOT reveal the big news yet?<br />
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I'm waiting 'til September 1st to spill the proverbial beans. But, I just couldn't wait that long to share a bit of other things I've been working on.<br />
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I am so in a Autumn/Halloweeny mood! Whilst powering through the 1st three seasons of Vampire Diaries, I took out my felt and thread...and tried to multitask :)<br />
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Here's a sampling of what I made:<br />
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/024/1/5881679/il_570xN.491110254_i1ki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Putrid Green Zombie Head Feltie Keychain OOAK" border="0" height="400" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/024/1/5881679/il_570xN.491110254_i1ki.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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Zombies are just too fun! They can come out all crooked and ugly....and it's perfectly expected :D</div>
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<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/020/1/5881679/il_570xN.491158247_j49v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Zombie Head Feltie Keychain OOAK" border="0" height="400" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/020/1/5881679/il_570xN.491158247_j49v.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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I had a Nightmare inspired moment, too.</div>
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<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/022/0/5881679/il_570xN.492168811_mucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bone Daddy Skull Head Stuffed Felt Keychain" border="0" height="400" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/022/0/5881679/il_570xN.492168811_mucy.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
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And I made this drooling dude, as well. Have brain, will travel....heehee!</div>
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I put them all up in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintMyselfPretty">my shop</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYlNpNdA8NE/UhROkSmnZ5I/AAAAAAAAE4U/UuxZiCunNnc/s1600/brain4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYlNpNdA8NE/UhROkSmnZ5I/AAAAAAAAE4U/UuxZiCunNnc/s400/brain4.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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So, while I know this is not the same as hearing big news....I hope it almost is.</div>
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Just like Autumn is far from coming to my hot, sunny California city....I'm eagerly anticipating!</div>
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Thanks to you all for being excited with me!</div>
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I'll be back in September.....ready to unveil!</div>
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Smiling like a big, toothy jack-o-lantern,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-88133327448449008432013-08-11T22:24:00.001-07:002013-08-11T22:24:45.661-07:00Been Busy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello Blog Mateys!<br />
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I'm so sorry to be MIA.......Bad Cameron...Bad *slaps hands*<br />
I promise, though, it's all been for a very good reason!<br />
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First off, I made a new batch of sea glass hair barrettes with some of the goodies found while beachcombing this Summer.<br />
Take a looksee....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK9goBt3VPU/UghtuVMOmdI/AAAAAAAAE3E/LZewedYPjjA/s1600/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AK9goBt3VPU/UghtuVMOmdI/AAAAAAAAE3E/LZewedYPjjA/s400/forest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0n8yaz8c1Q/UghtzwUbGyI/AAAAAAAAE3M/6J8wT7ZT90M/s1600/big+blu4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0n8yaz8c1Q/UghtzwUbGyI/AAAAAAAAE3M/6J8wT7ZT90M/s400/big+blu4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wdeTdLDYM0/Ught6sePTqI/AAAAAAAAE3U/tB0jlA6fV-Y/s1600/pastel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wdeTdLDYM0/Ught6sePTqI/AAAAAAAAE3U/tB0jlA6fV-Y/s400/pastel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are just a few. I had the good fortune of finding some beautiful bits of rare colors this year :)</div>
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Oh, and some pretty agates...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNtJce6it8/UghuXVyexFI/AAAAAAAAE3c/77NT0IYYdmg/s1600/agate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNtJce6it8/UghuXVyexFI/AAAAAAAAE3c/77NT0IYYdmg/s400/agate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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....and cute heart-shaped stones, too :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Wz4W1upKQ/Ughumu5bhII/AAAAAAAAE3k/5Nl4gDw0sLU/s1600/hart1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5Wz4W1upKQ/Ughumu5bhII/AAAAAAAAE3k/5Nl4gDw0sLU/s400/hart1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are all in <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">the shop</a> for those who'd like a closer peek.</div>
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Also, Maggie started 2nd Grade this week.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSfTgRlhZAQ/Ughvjf3vB4I/AAAAAAAAE30/A8IZJYDK5xw/s1600/Maggie+1st+day+2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSfTgRlhZAQ/Ughvjf3vB4I/AAAAAAAAE30/A8IZJYDK5xw/s400/Maggie+1st+day+2nd.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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So, that's been part of why I've been absent....</div>
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<strong>BUT</strong>, the main reason is something extra special!!</div>
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Unfortunately, I can't reveal the secret just yet....even if I am bursting at the seams with excitement!</div>
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Something is brewing....</div>
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I'll give you a sneak peek, though....because I just can't help myself!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0-9zo3dY0U/Ughww79UQdI/AAAAAAAAE4E/fFSeqoC1ll0/s1600/cat+doll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0-9zo3dY0U/Ughww79UQdI/AAAAAAAAE4E/fFSeqoC1ll0/s400/cat+doll2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So......I'll keep working away, giggling in anticipation.....</div>
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Can't wait to show and tell! :)</div>
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Hope your week is filled with good stuff, too!</div>
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Hugs all around,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-43101934671324411762013-07-26T01:37:00.000-07:002013-07-26T01:37:14.665-07:00We're Back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello Dear Bloggy Friends!<br />
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How I missed you!<br />
It's hard to believe that we're almost in August already! Our vacation was just right....enough time to linger and enjoy all the sights....beautiful weather....and a new camera to break in! Heehee!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrNFwpA5t4/UfIhiigmV1I/AAAAAAAAEvc/zBKZx1HY66A/s1600/flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrNFwpA5t4/UfIhiigmV1I/AAAAAAAAEvc/zBKZx1HY66A/s400/flower.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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We took over 1400 pictures! I couldn't believe it myself!<br />
Fear not, I won't show you all 1400...but, this post will be chock full of photos...so be forewarned ;P<br />
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Most of our travels were along the coast from Oregon to Southern California, so we visited many beaches and stopped at a ton of view points. It is amazing how the coastline changes depending on where you are.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3qviFFlCC4/UfIiwZmes4I/AAAAAAAAEvs/wkxnIWKK0ps/s1600/coast+view5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3qviFFlCC4/UfIiwZmes4I/AAAAAAAAEvs/wkxnIWKK0ps/s400/coast+view5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZaPZQXc_VA/UfIi1DrUNMI/AAAAAAAAEv0/UOiBqw0nnXo/s1600/coast+view4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZaPZQXc_VA/UfIi1DrUNMI/AAAAAAAAEv0/UOiBqw0nnXo/s400/coast+view4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There were natural formations like Arch Rock:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ftMvaRQwvI/UfIjIqoa6AI/AAAAAAAAEv8/VzEvtOoyVv0/s1600/arch+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ftMvaRQwvI/UfIjIqoa6AI/AAAAAAAAEv8/VzEvtOoyVv0/s400/arch+rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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....and Devil's Churn:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-lqSU3tmFc/UfIjU2Qn8xI/AAAAAAAAEwE/7UyJVkrrsgI/s1600/coast+view2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-lqSU3tmFc/UfIjU2Qn8xI/AAAAAAAAEwE/7UyJVkrrsgI/s400/coast+view2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was regular sand:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtU2co6OVM8/UfIjuXnd2lI/AAAAAAAAEwM/om5sSJY4C-A/s1600/on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtU2co6OVM8/UfIjuXnd2lI/AAAAAAAAEwM/om5sSJY4C-A/s400/on+the+beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Black sand:</div>
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Dunes:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZjjfAXryIQ/UfInflYS5MI/AAAAAAAAEyI/M16g_pxJU_0/s1600/florence1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZjjfAXryIQ/UfInflYS5MI/AAAAAAAAEyI/M16g_pxJU_0/s400/florence1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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....and no sand at all! </div>
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Just sea pebbles and smooth driftwood....and an agate or 2 if you hunt for them :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq9reUKTXH8/UfIj_yuTy2I/AAAAAAAAEwc/BJqMTEsOXIE/s1600/agate+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq9reUKTXH8/UfIj_yuTy2I/AAAAAAAAEwc/BJqMTEsOXIE/s320/agate+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I searched for some while Maggie and her Daddy built a really cool structure.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f1nHxOIJ7g/UfIkaybZuhI/AAAAAAAAEwk/pGhjBUYqcC8/s1600/Nat'l+Monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f1nHxOIJ7g/UfIkaybZuhI/AAAAAAAAEwk/pGhjBUYqcC8/s400/Nat'l+Monument.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some beaches had great tide pools:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NMeu1MCrwc/UfIkr97LViI/AAAAAAAAEws/IaLDVy6h_5I/s1600/tidepools2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NMeu1MCrwc/UfIkr97LViI/AAAAAAAAEws/IaLDVy6h_5I/s400/tidepools2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcKIag7uQQ8/UfIkyjjvZ1I/AAAAAAAAEw0/5kHWiE54LlY/s1600/tidepools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcKIag7uQQ8/UfIkyjjvZ1I/AAAAAAAAEw0/5kHWiE54LlY/s400/tidepools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Those are anemones that Maggie is touching.</div>
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Some had great hiking opportunities:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgof-Eohu1o/UfIlXwoA5YI/AAAAAAAAExI/uDj6mmiO7_0/s1600/wedding+rock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xgof-Eohu1o/UfIlXwoA5YI/AAAAAAAAExI/uDj6mmiO7_0/s400/wedding+rock1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is Wedding Rock. </div>
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The above picture was taken where the arrow below is pointing.</div>
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I've circled a person on the side of the cliff for scale.</div>
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Some beaches were great for stacking rocks:</div>
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All were beautiful in their own way :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuvbEEnofoc/UfItcMo327I/AAAAAAAAEz8/7ftGtJxmZDs/s1600/driftwood+art+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuvbEEnofoc/UfItcMo327I/AAAAAAAAEz8/7ftGtJxmZDs/s400/driftwood+art+photo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We got to enjoy lakes, rivers and streams, too:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QmYqYxyRlo/UfImXgtKihI/AAAAAAAAExg/Nb9EW1wQbmc/s1600/columbia+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QmYqYxyRlo/UfImXgtKihI/AAAAAAAAExg/Nb9EW1wQbmc/s400/columbia+river.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VkX0YAoVH8/UfIm1ckPMjI/AAAAAAAAExw/eD7k91qw_Dw/s1600/fern+canyon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VkX0YAoVH8/UfIm1ckPMjI/AAAAAAAAExw/eD7k91qw_Dw/s400/fern+canyon+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMG2abDTemo/UfInDlQlhMI/AAAAAAAAEx4/uI-Ohg17-ag/s1600/kayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMG2abDTemo/UfInDlQlhMI/AAAAAAAAEx4/uI-Ohg17-ag/s400/kayak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and gorgeous waterfalls, as well:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQUD0pc9EnA/UfInO9HwPRI/AAAAAAAAEyA/l0K3YQDizi4/s1600/horsetail+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQUD0pc9EnA/UfInO9HwPRI/AAAAAAAAEyA/l0K3YQDizi4/s400/horsetail+falls.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I was able to meet up with some Blog Friends on my travels,</div>
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including <a href="http://hockmangirl.blogspot.com/">Kathleen Hockman from M&L Hockman Ranch</a>. </div>
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Maggie and I went to her sanctuary on a drizzly day to help with chores.</div>
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This sweet boy is 1 of 3 horses Kathleen cares for. </div>
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His name is Jax. What a Love!</div>
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This is the 2nd time I've been lucky enough to spend time with </div>
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<a href="http://littleredhenry.blogspot.com/">Heather Henry from Little Red Henry.</a> </div>
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We made it an art/coffee date :)</div>
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Here we are with our works in progress.....</div>
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Wonderful <a href="http://jennyleewentworth.blogspot.com/">Jenny Wentworth</a> who is also a Blogger/Artist, </div>
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was able to sneak away from work to join us for a bit.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLYOIYyxaG8/Ucz3JG9F1-I/AAAAAAAACfU/M4S6ISJtA5g/s1600/DSCF6695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLYOIYyxaG8/Ucz3JG9F1-I/AAAAAAAACfU/M4S6ISJtA5g/s400/DSCF6695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Photo courtesy of Heather...thank you!)</div>
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In addition to making art, there was art to appreciate all around...</div>
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Yes, the water is purple!</div>
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A 3 tiered treehouse!</div>
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I'd love to own that car :)</div>
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And then, there is art in motion....animals! </div>
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I really wanted to see how close I could get with new camera and take some neat pictures of them.</div>
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I caught him just as he turned his head and the light hit his eye :)</div>
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Roosevelt Elk fawn.</div>
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Never seen a slug like this before. It resembled tree bark.</div>
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I never realized just how cute porcupines are :)</div>
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We got to do some fun things!</div>
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Maggie decorated her bike for Independence Day and </div>
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rode in the Parade at the campground.</div>
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And....she also was the only girl to participate in the Banana Slug Races!</div>
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3 kids caught slugs to race. Maggie is holding "Lightning - The Wonder Slug". </div>
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We even made a pennant to cheer him on...haha!</div>
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They put them in the center and the first one to crawl out of the outer circle won. </div>
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That giant, spotted one was the winner.</div>
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We visited Oregon Caves for the first time:</div>
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We saw a Sumeg Village:</div>
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I got my big behind in there...but it wasn't easy!</div>
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We made sure we acted silly from time to time, too!</div>
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Another great Summer of memories!</div>
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It's good to be home, though. Maggie starts 2nd Grade in just 2 weeks! </div>
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Time to get back on schedule :)</div>
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I brought home lots of fabulous sea glass and treasures. I'll be re-opening my Etsy store with new hairclips and that painting from last post for sale. At this rate, Christmas is just around the corner!</div>
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How has your Summer been? I'd love to hear what you've done!</div>
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Hugs all around! Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end of all those photos!! Haha!</div>
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Now to finish unpacking and continue vacuuming sand out of the car....</div>
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Sunny smiles,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-18823274737587702732013-06-17T15:37:00.000-07:002013-06-17T15:37:04.878-07:00The Trees are calling...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...and I am listening :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ_OfyL5adY/Ub-L1LGcNUI/AAAAAAAAEu4/PLQYbkZWFSQ/s1600/Trees+are+calling+full+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ_OfyL5adY/Ub-L1LGcNUI/AAAAAAAAEu4/PLQYbkZWFSQ/s400/Trees+are+calling+full+copy.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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It is time for our annual Summer Vacation...5 weeks of tent camping, sightseeing, soaking up nature and relaxing! I created this piece in anticipation of cooler climate and gorgeous green trees!</div>
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This girly's face has some definite<a href="http://thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/"> Micki</a> inspired touches!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_oJ2exuku8/Ub-Mx4Wz2JI/AAAAAAAAEvE/uQGzJ3UKOVA/s1600/trees+are+calling+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_oJ2exuku8/Ub-Mx4Wz2JI/AAAAAAAAEvE/uQGzJ3UKOVA/s400/trees+are+calling+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We just bought a new camera...so I can't wait to take a zillion photos to share with you on our return!</div>
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If you are curious about past year's trips, you can read last year's post <a href="http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2012/07/home-at-last.html">HERE</a> and the year before <a href="http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2011/08/travelers-are-home-part-1.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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There's nothing like being away in another world to help renew your spirit and re-energize your mind! I'm so ready to spend some time hearing what the trees have to say :)</div>
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Hope you all are enjoying your summers, too!</div>
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Redwood sized Hugs!</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-30369020612876289342013-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:002013-06-03T12:12:39.290-07:00My Weekend CREATE-ing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello Everyone!<br />
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I hope the weekend treated you all well! Mine was amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg4jGG9S_wg/UazePru6slI/AAAAAAAAEr8/7y8_ZYfXeJA/s1600/apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg4jGG9S_wg/UazePru6slI/AAAAAAAAEr8/7y8_ZYfXeJA/s400/apron.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Mom and I went to the<a href="http://www.createmixedmediaretreat.com/"> CREATE Mixed Media Retreat</a>, finally, after waiting for over 6 months for it to arrive. I don't know if you remember that I asked my Husband for this gift last Christmas....a Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary gift all rolled into one....<br />
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My Mom wanted to attend with me, so it was nice to have a Partner in Crime to go with. Plus, she lives just 15 minutes from where it was held here in California, so we didn't have to spend the money on hotel rooms.<br />
If money was no option, one could take (4) six hour classes and (4) three hour classes over 5 days. We took (3) three hour classes and (2) 6 hour ones....5 classes in all.<br />
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On Wednesday, we took a class called "Carved Birches - no cutting tools required" given by <a href="http://staciswider.com/home.html">Staci Swider.</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2BjQqJyzdM/UazeklcD3jI/AAAAAAAAEsM/Te-0n6iMbD4/s1600/birch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2BjQqJyzdM/UazeklcD3jI/AAAAAAAAEsM/Te-0n6iMbD4/s400/birch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was a 3 hour class. We used 12x12 canvases, acrylic paint and oil pastels. The neat birch tree effect was created with molding paste, crackle medium and house paint! A really cool effect!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qVP7tG-pTg/UazeZvY6-aI/AAAAAAAAEsE/Gu1I-ox4CtI/s1600/birch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qVP7tG-pTg/UazeZvY6-aI/AAAAAAAAEsE/Gu1I-ox4CtI/s400/birch3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My oil pastels weren't blending very well, so the teacher let me borrow one of hers. It was some French brand of oil pastel....and it was like butter! So creamy! I need to add those to my wish list!</div>
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Thursday night, we took a class called "Crinkly Iridescent Vestiges" given by<a href="http://www.agavelatte.blogspot.com/"> Helen Shafer Garcia</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0WNR0EV8rA/Uazgj2PmQnI/AAAAAAAAEsg/rQB54vsFuUg/s1600/flower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r0WNR0EV8rA/Uazgj2PmQnI/AAAAAAAAEsg/rQB54vsFuUg/s400/flower2.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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We were given a special Masa Paper (rice paper) that we drew simple images on, crinkled up and soaked in water. We outlined our drawings in a wonderful acrylic ink and watched them bleed. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWuau3Fgf9M/UazgZtp45II/AAAAAAAAEsY/m9T6jysSz7I/s1600/create+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWuau3Fgf9M/UazgZtp45II/AAAAAAAAEsY/m9T6jysSz7I/s400/create+015.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
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We filled them in with watercolors and embellished when dry. We worked on several, but this is the only one I finished.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfWtU5Pqv8s/Uazgz75x9sI/AAAAAAAAEso/GkWxBIbLoQU/s1600/flower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dfWtU5Pqv8s/Uazgz75x9sI/AAAAAAAAEso/GkWxBIbLoQU/s400/flower1.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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We took a 6 hour class Friday morning called "Unleash your Creative Spirit" with Staci Swider again. This was so different than what I'm used to, that it really forced me to just go with the process.</div>
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Here's my view of the class from my side of the room :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGA7PdEs4eY/Uazi5Pdw5AI/AAAAAAAAEtE/infSV3b__p8/s1600/class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGA7PdEs4eY/Uazi5Pdw5AI/AAAAAAAAEtE/infSV3b__p8/s400/class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We started with a 2 foot square wood panel. We covered it in gesso and acrylic paint (I used my hands the whole time). We dripped water over the top and swirled it around by moving the panel to and fro. We soaked up the water and some paint with a large piece of watercolor paper. We did this as many times as we liked........then, we were told to find something hidden, looking at the panel in all directions. Some found faces, others found animals.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGbhnRe-oE/UazilKUP5MI/AAAAAAAAEs8/O0SCsdZAfEI/s1600/giraffe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGbhnRe-oE/UazilKUP5MI/AAAAAAAAEs8/O0SCsdZAfEI/s400/giraffe2.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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I saw a giraffe :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDiSd6hFnzE/UazjIdYvBgI/AAAAAAAAEtM/WPgP5mifRok/s1600/giraffe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDiSd6hFnzE/UazjIdYvBgI/AAAAAAAAEtM/WPgP5mifRok/s400/giraffe4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were told to incorporate some of the watercolor paper into the panel. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWLn8o2SxO4/Uazjkmw_juI/AAAAAAAAEtU/2Lmv1LtNhyQ/s1600/giraffe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWLn8o2SxO4/Uazjkmw_juI/AAAAAAAAEtU/2Lmv1LtNhyQ/s400/giraffe1.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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We used oil pastels to define our lines....otherwise, it was all painted using just my fingers!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxupjzpJm0Y/UazkH6lEyCI/AAAAAAAAEtk/ZmS5hGqfAaA/s1600/giraffe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SxupjzpJm0Y/UazkH6lEyCI/AAAAAAAAEtk/ZmS5hGqfAaA/s400/giraffe3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Saturday morning, we took a 6 hour course by <a href="http://www.chriscozenartist.typepad.com/">Chris Cozen</a> called "Incised to Perfection: Working with Color, Pattern and Texture"</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBPhSipjV04/UazlcgxCgJI/AAAAAAAAEtw/WJn23Z-StHM/s1600/cozen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBPhSipjV04/UazlcgxCgJI/AAAAAAAAEtw/WJn23Z-StHM/s400/cozen4.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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There were lots and lots of layers put on this piece with flowers being "found" in the random designs. Stencils and course molding paste were used.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WVtb1bucr8/Uazlt6RS0fI/AAAAAAAAEt4/jCpQQd5liRA/s1600/cozen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WVtb1bucr8/Uazlt6RS0fI/AAAAAAAAEt4/jCpQQd5liRA/s400/cozen3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize you could paint over molding paste with watered down acrylic and have it bleed over the surface. Interesting.</div>
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We worked on 2 canvases, but I didn't come close to finishing the 2nd.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dthJEyQL18w/UazqkDS9fJI/AAAAAAAAEuY/Ns7CMUs9lv4/s1600/cozen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dthJEyQL18w/UazqkDS9fJI/AAAAAAAAEuY/Ns7CMUs9lv4/s400/cozen2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our last class on Saturday evening was called "Chip Off the Old Block" given by <a href="http://pamcarriker.com/">Pam Carriker.</a></div>
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We were given tips and guidance for carving our own stamps.</div>
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I've tried this before, but not for a long time. I tried to pick an image that I could get a lot of use out of.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZwVWCmbqBg/UaznhS7XrDI/AAAAAAAAEuE/qmXHLHcOOg0/s1600/wing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZwVWCmbqBg/UaznhS7XrDI/AAAAAAAAEuE/qmXHLHcOOg0/s400/wing1.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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I carved both sides so I would have both wings. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these in art to come ;)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPcP5NYqyFA/UazoC5nWhtI/AAAAAAAAEuM/QBZk6fSsPIc/s1600/wing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPcP5NYqyFA/UazoC5nWhtI/AAAAAAAAEuM/QBZk6fSsPIc/s400/wing.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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Thanks for letting me share my class projects with you! Attending them was a wish come true....</div>
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I think we'll try to go next year, too! We'll see what the Hubby says....heehee ;P</div>
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Big paint covered hugs to you all!</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-91558548988011871112013-05-23T11:51:00.000-07:002013-05-23T11:51:25.703-07:00Painting Happy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Everyone!<br />
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I'm so excited to share a new piece of art with you! But, before I do, I need to give you a bit of info on how she came to be.....<br />
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You see, I was lucky enough to take a very special online painting course called Paint Happy.<br />
It is given by the wonderful Micki Wilde of <a href="http://thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/">The Secret Hermit</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://secrethermit.typepad.com/my-blog/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgYvZR7tIgE/UZyr78AaneI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/Cm0-62YIiaM/s400/paint+happy+for+etsy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've long been a fan of her work.</div>
She makes whimsy and cheeriness look so easy....her faces are so full of warmth and character....her backgrounds are delicious....and it is evident that she adores what she does. <br />
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What's amazing about this course is that it addresses every single one of those truths so that you can have them, too! It delivers so much good and useful information on how to keep your art playful and meaningful, even if it sprang from a darker place.<br />
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Wait til you get to the part about your Wolf! I don't want to give too much away...but that part was really powerful for me. There is a wolf in me that hasn't yet gotten onto the page. When it does, I'll share it here.<br />
Here, check out the promo video for the course. You'll see why I'm so excited!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/66333924" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>
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Now, onto my art! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uQ-e-N4gNI/UZ5d1s8K9bI/AAAAAAAAErM/8Cd4FVb2Sek/s1600/garden+girl+full+WM+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5uQ-e-N4gNI/UZ5d1s8K9bI/AAAAAAAAErM/8Cd4FVb2Sek/s400/garden+girl+full+WM+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had so much fun making this piece. I find I can be way too serious when I create. I can get too hung up on details and my own weird sense of perfection that it can suck a lot of the enjoyment out of making art....and it seems to take a lot longer, too.</div>
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I whipped this one out pretty quickly (humming all the while, I might add)...and I couldn't be happier with the results! </div>
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You can see the influence of Micki's style in her sweet face.</div>
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...and look at how her ideas and techniques transformed my background! </div>
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You can click to enlarge if you like :)</div>
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So much bright, doodly, colorful play!</div>
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I can't wait to try out more of her suggestions!</div>
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If you'd like to take the course or see more of her fantastic art, please visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesecrethermit">Etsy Shop</a> and <a href="http://thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/">her Blog</a>!</div>
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Everyone deserves to enjoy what they do!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inOPGyU3HlI/UZ5gWTuReTI/AAAAAAAAErs/BPc6UChyfqc/s1600/garden+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inOPGyU3HlI/UZ5gWTuReTI/AAAAAAAAErs/BPc6UChyfqc/s400/garden+girl.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Big neon colored hugs!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-4818975351886165352013-05-20T00:20:00.000-07:002013-05-20T00:24:15.558-07:00Peace, Love, Foxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ3P-86LGBw/UZm8LltStMI/AAAAAAAAEms/5tIbqSYEcOU/s1600/welcome+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ3P-86LGBw/UZm8LltStMI/AAAAAAAAEms/5tIbqSYEcOU/s400/welcome+sign.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Last year, <a href="http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2012/05/your-mission.html">Maggie's Spy Party</a> was a lot of fun....but EXTREMELY labor intensive and stressful. As soon as it was over, I told her that the next year was going to be an "easy" party for Mommy and Daddy.....haha!</div>
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We did simplify a bit, but I hope it didn't look like we did ;P</div>
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These were her invitations this year. I had quite a few extra, so I tried to incorporate them into the décor.</div>
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The colors were white and green polka dots, brown and accents of yellow. </div>
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I went to our local park to pick up lots of free, natural elements for our décor :)</div>
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The little hedgehog was a thrift store find.</div>
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I tried to add a woodland touch to everything in the house. I just took the above photo tonight, so sorry for the lighting! But, I forgot to take pics of everything on the day.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovuDi7_0guI/UZnBRDcwpMI/AAAAAAAAEn8/mxOvNvaRSGM/s1600/deer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovuDi7_0guI/UZnBRDcwpMI/AAAAAAAAEn8/mxOvNvaRSGM/s400/deer1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found some cute woodland fabric to use as a tablecloth, but I also made Mags a special shirt from it for her special day. The owl is an iron-on.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5pe2xkdmwM/UZnBo1pm6MI/AAAAAAAAEoE/G0bcCQgwKsA/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5pe2xkdmwM/UZnBo1pm6MI/AAAAAAAAEoE/G0bcCQgwKsA/s400/dress.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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We had 2 craft stations for the kids. 1 for making painted rocks and another for coloring and beading their own bookmarks. </div>
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I purchased digistamps and made the templates for the bookmarks in Photoshop. I had them printed on cardstock and cut them out myself.</div>
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See the cute snail on that rock? :)</div>
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These were the Goodie Bags.</div>
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I hot-glued raffia and ribbon bows to clothespins to clip onto simple white bags.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_653QnzxYA/UZnD7lCxfAI/AAAAAAAAEo8/qZTDZme45fI/s1600/goodies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_653QnzxYA/UZnD7lCxfAI/AAAAAAAAEo8/qZTDZme45fI/s400/goodies1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Inside (again, night picture, sorry) was a sheet of Woodland Stickers, a fox bookplate that I turned into a sticker using my handy Xyron machine, a foldable owl friend, animal crackers, fruit snacks and a Tootsie Pop. I'm not big on giving lots of candy. I thought these things and the crafts were good enough :)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9LlSGRdMdxc/TUMP3zhsfRI/AAAAAAAADaA/qDYqfyC3XkQ/s1600/paper-owl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I found this cool guy<a href="http://www.3eyedbear.com/2011/01/14/owl/"> here</a>.</div>
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It was a super hot day. I wanted the drinks to be super accessible. </div>
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I made 2 kinds of iced tea and offered juice boxes and water, as well. I decided not to put out food this year which was the biggest stress reliever of all! The kids arrived, started their crafts, had a drink......then......</div>
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Went outside for the main event!</div>
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An Animal Show!</div>
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We were able to go to their Website and pick 5 animals for the show. These were Maggie's choices.</div>
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A sweet little Hedgehog :)</div>
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A funny Armadillo :)</div>
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A fierce-looking Alligator. </div>
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I just love this windswept picture of Maggie...cheeks rosy from the heat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SGoRHZZAaM/UZnIwHTffBI/AAAAAAAAEp0/LiPu0PMMycs/s1600/fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SGoRHZZAaM/UZnIwHTffBI/AAAAAAAAEp0/LiPu0PMMycs/s400/fox.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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A Fennec Fox.</div>
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This little critter made all the girls squeal with delight :)</div>
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The adults loved the animals as much as the kids. </div>
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They were all asking questions and waiting their turn to pet. :)</div>
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This next animal stole the show and made everyone gasp.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3erz8k1HMDM/UZnJdgf22nI/AAAAAAAAEqE/CXYRC910fd0/s1600/animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3erz8k1HMDM/UZnJdgf22nI/AAAAAAAAEqE/CXYRC910fd0/s400/animals.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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This is Gizmo the Barn Owl.</div>
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It is so hard to describe just how beautiful they are up close....and how soft....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKLz0ENWinI/UZnJxMkDEEI/AAAAAAAAEqM/gowuBeDK0uU/s1600/aniamls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKLz0ENWinI/UZnJxMkDEEI/AAAAAAAAEqM/gowuBeDK0uU/s400/aniamls1.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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It really was so neat to have an event like this in our own backyard. 5 animals was just enough, though. Everyone was getting thirsty and a bit over-heated. </div>
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It was time to go in and cool off with some cake!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvWlrXdJj9s/UZnK0TMn0YI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Z-7BvAlVr5Y/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvWlrXdJj9s/UZnK0TMn0YI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Z-7BvAlVr5Y/s400/cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Those rocks on the cake are actually candy. </div>
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I think this is my favorite cake of all her Birthdays so far.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmAqMu5uREI/UZnM2B02KUI/AAAAAAAAEqs/JUzeGmWIPXA/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WmAqMu5uREI/UZnM2B02KUI/AAAAAAAAEqs/JUzeGmWIPXA/s400/dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After cake and presents, some girls danced while others finished their crafts. It was a very nice day!</div>
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Maggie has told me, though, that she's looking forward to the "hard" party she's going to have next year! She's already started making plans.</div>
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Uh oh! Haha!</div>
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Thank you so much for stopping by our little woodsy gathering!</div>
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I'll be back with some art soon :)</div>
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Hugs,</div>
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Cameron</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-86779452023756806682013-05-13T23:04:00.000-07:002013-05-13T23:04:03.775-07:00I've Got 3 Words for You....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm so sorry!<br />
Well, those aren't the words I was talking about, but they are oh-so-true!<br />
I've been away from my blog for far too long....forgive me....pretty please :)<br />
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You see, it was Maggie's 7th Birthday last week and we had 2 parties for her over the past 2 Saturdays....one for family...and one for just school friends. I've been cleaning, planning, cooking, decorating and basically in Party Mode for 2 weeks straight. I can't wait to get all the photos up here to show you, but that will be another post.<br />
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So, now that I'm officially "free", I've resumed my regularly scheduled activities! That means going to the gym. Boo! But also, painting! Yay!<br />
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I rescued a whole deck of these adorable flashcards from the trash a while back.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXuL85wYciI/UZHOV9VOmTI/AAAAAAAAEjU/qhCs3N5U-R8/s1600/cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXuL85wYciI/UZHOV9VOmTI/AAAAAAAAEjU/qhCs3N5U-R8/s400/cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started by gessoing them and adhering some paper to them.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2-r9J1Fryw/UZHOz83QdnI/AAAAAAAAEjc/3l_R_ipE6RM/s1600/wip1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2-r9J1Fryw/UZHOz83QdnI/AAAAAAAAEjc/3l_R_ipE6RM/s400/wip1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I used my new favorite technique of scribbling on watercolor pencils....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYAyibR5jpA/UZHPE_Y4WDI/AAAAAAAAEjk/yJiV7EqzlZE/s1600/wip1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NYAyibR5jpA/UZHPE_Y4WDI/AAAAAAAAEjk/yJiV7EqzlZE/s400/wip1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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....and gessoing again over it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cfY-WqLBXQ/UZHPThwVUfI/AAAAAAAAEjs/LFwu89eg3Pk/s1600/wip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cfY-WqLBXQ/UZHPThwVUfI/AAAAAAAAEjs/LFwu89eg3Pk/s400/wip2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then came some stamping. I have a new "screen" background stamp that I tried here for the first time :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdGzzRHzaRg/UZHPpl3hOJI/AAAAAAAAEj0/z888lifZT3w/s1600/wip3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdGzzRHzaRg/UZHPpl3hOJI/AAAAAAAAEj0/z888lifZT3w/s400/wip3b.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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Here's where the steps weren't documented so well....haha! You know how it goes, you start getting to the heart of the painting and it's hard to remember to stop and snap a photo :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvuFhZ4YdkI/UZHQFogE2WI/AAAAAAAAEj8/pGyYqR-Zo_E/s1600/wip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvuFhZ4YdkI/UZHQFogE2WI/AAAAAAAAEj8/pGyYqR-Zo_E/s400/wip4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I nearly finished one before I remembered to stop.</div>
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I tried something different for me. I sketched out the faces in watercolor pencil which I later used to add the shading to the face.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0sDKcDJto/UZHQjTaEkPI/AAAAAAAAEkE/ilT8T3RNHXI/s1600/wip5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ND0sDKcDJto/UZHQjTaEkPI/AAAAAAAAEkE/ilT8T3RNHXI/s400/wip5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here they are all finished....complete with touches of glitter....because who doesn't love glitter?!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSD7V3mp22A/UZHRBJVd3ZI/AAAAAAAAEkM/s2KEELR2ywY/s1600/all3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSD7V3mp22A/UZHRBJVd3ZI/AAAAAAAAEkM/s2KEELR2ywY/s400/all3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The 3 words I have for you are......"Gratitude"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9wXQ_GL_CM/UZHROntClfI/AAAAAAAAEkU/IJsHzcGWWFE/s1600/gratitude7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9wXQ_GL_CM/UZHROntClfI/AAAAAAAAEkU/IJsHzcGWWFE/s400/gratitude7.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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"Stillness"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdVzkkfXqk/UZHRfqEB9MI/AAAAAAAAEkc/4-mYjJa9MbU/s1600/still7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEdVzkkfXqk/UZHRfqEB9MI/AAAAAAAAEkc/4-mYjJa9MbU/s400/still7.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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...and "Simplicity"</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRN19Pz9Im8/UZHRtHwLNoI/AAAAAAAAEkk/2k4JJ6faLzo/s1600/simple7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRN19Pz9Im8/UZHRtHwLNoI/AAAAAAAAEkk/2k4JJ6faLzo/s400/simple7.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Gentle reminders for good vibes :)</div>
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All <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">in the shop</a>.</div>
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I hope my Stateside friends had an awesome Mother's Day yesterday....and that all my friends had wonderful weekends! I'll be back with party pics soon.</div>
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Here's a sneak peek ;P</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Or7MfWhbNEc/UZHSdT4mFxI/AAAAAAAAEks/jSplw9W2-Ko/s1600/welcome+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Or7MfWhbNEc/UZHSdT4mFxI/AAAAAAAAEks/jSplw9W2-Ko/s400/welcome+sign.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nUVKZ_McLQ/UZHSgi3SP5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/f9ADksgEFP8/s1600/wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nUVKZ_McLQ/UZHSgi3SP5I/AAAAAAAAEk0/f9ADksgEFP8/s400/wreath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll be going now...but just 3 more words before I do.....</div>
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Thanks for visiting!!!</div>
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...okay, and maybe 3 more...</div>
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Love you guys!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-17836053372850862652013-04-24T22:11:00.000-07:002013-04-24T22:13:00.292-07:00Looking Sharp-ie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you get ideas stuck in your head that you just can't shake?<br />
Ideas that make perfect sense....in theory?<br />
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Well, I had purchased some iron-on transfer paper a while ago thinking that I would make tote bags with transfers of my art on them....<br />
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Turns out the ironing process, the thickness of the canvas and my patience level weren't a good combination for this project.<br />
So, I thought I'd paint the bags instead.....<br />
sort of like this.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsESxeYh8gY/UXixHVYZDHI/AAAAAAAAEfg/oGlnNSy0b_Q/s1600/bag+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsESxeYh8gY/UXixHVYZDHI/AAAAAAAAEfg/oGlnNSy0b_Q/s400/bag+sketch.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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Sorry for all the random pen marks on this sketch. </div>
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The concept was to paint different Dia de los Muertos inspired girls and attach a jersey flower pin to the side of her hair that could be removed to wear on other items. </div>
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Like this....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hA7Tm99xrmE/UXiyFDM45TI/AAAAAAAAEf0/fVNucUPxhL0/s1600/muertos+bag+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hA7Tm99xrmE/UXiyFDM45TI/AAAAAAAAEf0/fVNucUPxhL0/s400/muertos+bag+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The other side would have a pocket sewn on in a matching jersey fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2z4meJrcVM/UXiya-mlJqI/AAAAAAAAEf8/mcTsDmDsMhU/s1600/muertos+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2z4meJrcVM/UXiya-mlJqI/AAAAAAAAEf8/mcTsDmDsMhU/s400/muertos+bag2.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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There were several complications to this idea. First, she took forever to paint! Acrylic needs to be watered down quite a bit to flow over the toothy canvas, which meant lots and lots of layers to get brighter colors and full coverage. I didn't want to ask a lot for these bags....and at this rate, they wouldn't be worth the time I was putting in :(</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZmNcgNUL5I/UXizArCvN-I/AAAAAAAAEgI/hSexijNCKmQ/s1600/muertos3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PZmNcgNUL5I/UXizArCvN-I/AAAAAAAAEgI/hSexijNCKmQ/s400/muertos3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second complication occurred after I gently washed the bag to test for durability and shrinkage. I expected some....but not only did it shrink, it wrinkled very badly! I have attempted to iron it 3 different times with underwhelming results. The painting held up well, though....haha!</div>
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Here's the size difference after washing.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HSmk4BDNsQ/UXizpx8tRoI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/DaYe2sF3Kis/s1600/bag+difference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HSmk4BDNsQ/UXizpx8tRoI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/DaYe2sF3Kis/s400/bag+difference.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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So I switched gears and decided to use permanent ink instead....it was definitely faster.</div>
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Sharpies are very durable and come in all kinds of great colors.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dia9-bemq40/UXi0d3IeOtI/AAAAAAAAEgc/xwFMlxHRge8/s1600/butterfly4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dia9-bemq40/UXi0d3IeOtI/AAAAAAAAEgc/xwFMlxHRge8/s400/butterfly4.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I would simply recommend spot cleaning these totes, no biggie...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad8yc0INZYY/UXi2Nm0XtaI/AAAAAAAAEg4/_bPFtYKukWE/s1600/butterfly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad8yc0INZYY/UXi2Nm0XtaI/AAAAAAAAEg4/_bPFtYKukWE/s400/butterfly3.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, I should've tested the "permanent metallic ink" (not Sharpie brand) pens I've been using on my rocks on this fabric. It seems they bleed when wet...sheesh!</div>
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So, no spot cleaning either....haha!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WzPhbrC6T4/UXi2D8jDe2I/AAAAAAAAEgs/YIzJoRP_OlY/s1600/fox+bag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WzPhbrC6T4/UXi2D8jDe2I/AAAAAAAAEgs/YIzJoRP_OlY/s400/fox+bag4.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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Clever fox Loves the Earth :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Afo1tIszNLU/UXi2cepbCvI/AAAAAAAAEhA/ylZPQ2ct2yY/s1600/fox+bag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Afo1tIszNLU/UXi2cepbCvI/AAAAAAAAEhA/ylZPQ2ct2yY/s400/fox+bag3.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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So, I've got some cute totes available<a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/"> in the shop</a> right now....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBqgO-Qmgak/UXi28DebZ7I/AAAAAAAAEhI/tQyeQFx8uMU/s1600/flower+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBqgO-Qmgak/UXi28DebZ7I/AAAAAAAAEhI/tQyeQFx8uMU/s400/flower+bag.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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They will happily serve you as long as you follow an important rule (remember that 80's movie "Gremlins"?)</div>
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Don't get them wet!</div>
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.....but feeding after midnight is perfectly acceptable ;P</div>
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I also did a few more rocks over the weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxYukd1l44Y/UXi4W3ccJzI/AAAAAAAAEhU/9-lxJBjKd30/s1600/heart+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxYukd1l44Y/UXi4W3ccJzI/AAAAAAAAEhU/9-lxJBjKd30/s400/heart+face.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN_WIJ0Jh4/UXi4brzhZuI/AAAAAAAAEhc/gEsZVtiguz4/s1600/pinky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN_WIJ0Jh4/UXi4brzhZuI/AAAAAAAAEhc/gEsZVtiguz4/s400/pinky.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVUlYJTZxaE/UXi4gS3ff2I/AAAAAAAAEhk/HCjwzVExVmo/s1600/tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVUlYJTZxaE/UXi4gS3ff2I/AAAAAAAAEhk/HCjwzVExVmo/s400/tiger.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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It might be time to switch over to familiar territory again...some safe hair clips or zombie plushies or something....haha!</div>
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What projects have you tried that didn't quite turn out as expected?</div>
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All my best,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-22164817156067601452013-04-15T14:24:00.001-07:002013-04-15T14:24:04.310-07:00Someone's Getting Stoned!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Is it you?!<br />
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Don't worry, no broken bones or midnight munchies happening here....simply the Winners of my little painted stone Giveaway :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVF8hEmFsQ0/UWxsZjJTKBI/AAAAAAAAEe4/05YBwnskJDA/s1600/stones+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVF8hEmFsQ0/UWxsZjJTKBI/AAAAAAAAEe4/05YBwnskJDA/s400/stones+001.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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By the way, I had a Wonderful Birthday everyone! I spent the day at the Spa where I had a facial and a pedicure, I did some yoga and took myself to lunch, then found these waiting for me when I came home....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wpVfUxp89Q/UWxuT4uVT0I/AAAAAAAAEfI/dGcAThzng0E/s1600/flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wpVfUxp89Q/UWxuT4uVT0I/AAAAAAAAEfI/dGcAThzng0E/s400/flow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and this...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fblx-YVkF_0/UWxujj-EJYI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/vN5ri_4e6O8/s1600/succ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fblx-YVkF_0/UWxujj-EJYI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/vN5ri_4e6O8/s400/succ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A succulent garden made by my dear daughter, complete with plastic lizard :)</div>
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Then they took me out to a delicious dinner. Turning 40 is not so bad...haha!</div>
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Thank you so much to all of you for the warm wishes for my big day! :)</div>
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Okay, back to getting stoned. We had 12 lovely entries...and, I must apologize, but for the first time ever I used random.org to choose my numbers for me.</div>
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The first Winner is # 9! That's the lovely Carmen Wing! Hooray! She said she liked the little deer, so that's the one she'll get.</div>
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The 2nd Winner is #7! That's the fabulous Theresa MacNaughton! WooHoo! She'll get the butterfly!</div>
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I'll get in touch with you ladies to let you know when I mail off your packages!</div>
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I've been having so much fun painting stones lately. I made 4 more for <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">the shop</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACARCg8qH_o/UWxuCWjWdcI/AAAAAAAAEfA/u7soNLTTVuQ/s1600/stones1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACARCg8qH_o/UWxuCWjWdcI/AAAAAAAAEfA/u7soNLTTVuQ/s400/stones1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Have you ever tried this? It is addicting....heehee :)</div>
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Until later, Dear Friends,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-88821013659406703392013-04-08T12:15:00.001-07:002013-04-08T12:15:12.449-07:00Jumping Jellyfish, Batman!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello again Dear Ones!<br />
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Sorry, this post has absolutely nothing to do with Batman.<br />
I just couldn't help myself....haha!<br />
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I'm doing 2 posts in one day! Unheard of around here!<br />
I thought it would be a good idea to keep this show and tell separate from the Giveaway below, but I just couldn't wait til later in the week to post again. I just don't have that kind of patience when I have new art to share....haha!<br />
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This is "She Dreamed"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPrJ2lLxhFU/UWMSW2xcRXI/AAAAAAAAEeI/ADKI2cjYBNs/s1600/she+dreamed1+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPrJ2lLxhFU/UWMSW2xcRXI/AAAAAAAAEeI/ADKI2cjYBNs/s400/she+dreamed1+wm+copy.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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5 x 7 inch mixed media on canvas</div>
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I just love hunting through old books and finding just the right words to put together. I've used this saying before. Of course, I'm a big fan of dreaming.....and consider it lucky when I can find the word in the text :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS3ezf5U5KE/UWMTL0VKryI/AAAAAAAAEeY/QV3yHa0_vl4/s1600/she+dreamed3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lS3ezf5U5KE/UWMTL0VKryI/AAAAAAAAEeY/QV3yHa0_vl4/s400/she+dreamed3.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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The eyes of an art piece are always what speak to me most.....I think hers are filled with lovely thoughts. What do you think she is dreaming of?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9nC-SSOWpc/UWMTnFyqbOI/AAAAAAAAEeg/aTG76SaQvO4/s1600/she+dreamed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9nC-SSOWpc/UWMTnFyqbOI/AAAAAAAAEeg/aTG76SaQvO4/s400/she+dreamed2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She and her jellyfriends are currently <a href="http://www.paintmyselfpretty.etsy.com/">in the shop</a> :)</div>
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I'm keeping this post short and sweet....</div>
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Hope you have an amazing week ahead, and please don't forget to visit the post below for a Giveaway, if you haven't done so already.</div>
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Gotta jump in my Batmobile and run to the store now....</div>
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Hugs all around!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-6680284720346005912013-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:002013-04-08T11:31:02.557-07:00My Birthday Rocks - a Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello my most lovely Bloggy Friends!<br />
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Spring Break is officially over today for us. Maggie's back at school and I'm trying to get caught up on all the things I've let slide over the past 2 weeks. I have plans this weekend, you see.<br />
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My birthday is this Sunday, the 14th....I turn the BIG 4-0!<br />
....and you know what?<br />
I'm really looking forward to it! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWE_z7NZYY8/UWMHAiUomXI/AAAAAAAAEdg/APzTgxxoySY/s1600/fly+rock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWE_z7NZYY8/UWMHAiUomXI/AAAAAAAAEdg/APzTgxxoySY/s400/fly+rock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm dreaming of sneaking out of the house early whilst my 2 Sweeties still sleep. I want to go to yoga, get a massage, take myself to a little café for a yummy lunch, then go to Barnes and Noble and peruse all my favorite arty magazines with a coffee in hand and, maybe, treat myself to one (which I never do).<br />
I'll then go home and snuggle with my family on the couch while we watch a movie of my choice....then we'll have a nice meal and go get ice cream afterwards.<br />
That's my plan anyway.<br />
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I'll let you know what really happens...haha! ;P<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkwLPuaaSsA/UWMHW6yi9MI/AAAAAAAAEds/TXfW7KGC3ro/s1600/fawn+rock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HkwLPuaaSsA/UWMHW6yi9MI/AAAAAAAAEds/TXfW7KGC3ro/s400/fawn+rock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How do you like these rocks? They were a little difficult to photograph because they were made with metallic ink pens. They were oh so fun to make! </div>
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We collected these stones on the beach here in Southern California....naturally tumbled by the sea.</div>
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Would you like to win one?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpJSC5ykEao/UWMLOrbmuvI/AAAAAAAAEd4/PHq23ODVkv4/s1600/stones+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpJSC5ykEao/UWMLOrbmuvI/AAAAAAAAEd4/PHq23ODVkv4/s400/stones+001.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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I love that I get to celebrate my Birthday with all of you in this awesome art blogging community. Sharing here over the years has given me so much....I'd like to just offer a little bit in return.</div>
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I'm thrilled to give away both of these stones to 2 of you wonderful Friends....plus, I'll throw in some other fun goodies into the package, too :)</div>
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Please just leave a comment here and I'll pick 2 winners out of a hat on Monday, April 15th. If you have a preference as to which one you'd like if you win, feel free to share!</div>
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Thank you so much for the support, input, inspiration and laughter over the years! :D</div>
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Much love to you,</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-65390387648043092842013-03-28T17:18:00.000-07:002013-03-28T17:18:23.787-07:00Tuesdays with Maggie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Maggie has been home for Spring Break, so I've been trying to alter my weekly routine to include her in them. This way, I still try to stay on task and we can do something together. Of course, it takes a bit longer....haha!<br />
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Tuesdays are my designated art day.<br />
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I made some room at my table and we worked side by side.<br />
We started with 2 sheets of 9 x 12 inch white Bristol Board. We chose patterned papers to tear and adhere to them.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPnUCwUFXqY/UVTSfFTTTSI/AAAAAAAAEao/Dk47NsA8hx4/s1600/mags+art1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPnUCwUFXqY/UVTSfFTTTSI/AAAAAAAAEao/Dk47NsA8hx4/s400/mags+art1a.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_Sqev7VFg/UVTReLAuaFI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/WuEG7W008C8/s1600/mags+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lM_Sqev7VFg/UVTReLAuaFI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/WuEG7W008C8/s400/mags+art.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Here they are all covered. Mine is on the left. Hers on the right.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SL-AU_VSQCY/UVTRn-EnFTI/AAAAAAAAEaY/bLsLVJBAx78/s1600/2gether1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SL-AU_VSQCY/UVTRn-EnFTI/AAAAAAAAEaY/bLsLVJBAx78/s400/2gether1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We then took some watercolor pencils and scribbled them on in different spots. We applied gesso to the surface to pick up the color and tone down the papers.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQM25bAn1SI/UVTSGkn0DxI/AAAAAAAAEag/M_E0Yzj780o/s1600/2gether1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQM25bAn1SI/UVTSGkn0DxI/AAAAAAAAEag/M_E0Yzj780o/s400/2gether1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then it was time for paint and stamping....</div>
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Here, Maggie is rubbing the stamp pad directly onto her surface.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rzpvZ_3SkY/UVTS1GwzvLI/AAAAAAAAEaw/neGcvjoBlFs/s1600/mags+art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9rzpvZ_3SkY/UVTS1GwzvLI/AAAAAAAAEaw/neGcvjoBlFs/s400/mags+art2.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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They looked like this after that layer.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQ7QFElf2k/UVTTG1gJsgI/AAAAAAAAEa4/dqbY4GtsEX8/s1600/2gether.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQ7QFElf2k/UVTTG1gJsgI/AAAAAAAAEa4/dqbY4GtsEX8/s400/2gether.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we were ready for our main images and inspirational quotes.</div>
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Maggie wrote her own :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUCI26qoFU/UVTTr2HYetI/AAAAAAAAEbA/ILfCW3BheuM/s1600/mags+art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WUCI26qoFU/UVTTr2HYetI/AAAAAAAAEbA/ILfCW3BheuM/s400/mags+art5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Enjoy wildlife, </div>
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Be friendly,</div>
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live life.</div>
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Enjoy!"</div>
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Then she chose this image to put on her piece.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGzWbb8YZow/UVTUEpxBBgI/AAAAAAAAEbI/KfgTjAGUwhc/s1600/mags+art4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGzWbb8YZow/UVTUEpxBBgI/AAAAAAAAEbI/KfgTjAGUwhc/s400/mags+art4.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Her finished art :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yE2eBJJ36T4/UVTUOufpPII/AAAAAAAAEbQ/SFiZhe-DEcQ/s1600/mags+art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yE2eBJJ36T4/UVTUOufpPII/AAAAAAAAEbQ/SFiZhe-DEcQ/s400/mags+art3.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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I still hadn't decided what I wanted to do with mine when she proclaimed she was done and went to play. </div>
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She compares herself to me sometimes and feels badly that she can't draw or paint like I do. I tell her it's taken me years and years of practicing and doing art regularly to be where I am today....and I'm still learning and improving...and that she will, too. So, I was planning on keeping things loose and simplistic, so we could both do similar styles, when we began.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6zNWChQhHs/UVTWA2GHl7I/AAAAAAAAEbY/BeJ27lsf1PU/s1600/unfold+wip4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6zNWChQhHs/UVTWA2GHl7I/AAAAAAAAEbY/BeJ27lsf1PU/s400/unfold+wip4.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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But since she was done...well, I could let loose....haha!</div>
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So I began to see a face in my background.</div>
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I sketched her out in white pencil and began applying washes of thinned acrylic paint.</div>
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Those are the 3 colors to the left there that I usually use for my fleshtones. </div>
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Americana Brand - Light Buttermilk, Fleshtone and Light Cinnamon.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I9qhft3ai8/UVTW1ega6hI/AAAAAAAAEbo/JvtOtXHGVRo/s1600/unfold+wip6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3I9qhft3ai8/UVTW1ega6hI/AAAAAAAAEbo/JvtOtXHGVRo/s400/unfold+wip6.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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I apologize for not having more in-between stages, but I started working quickly once I figured out what I wanted to paint. I chose a Rumi quote to feature "Unfold your own Myth"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uZwaIN2JWk/UVTXRTQe3pI/AAAAAAAAEbw/P-wFRodpvUk/s1600/unfold+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uZwaIN2JWk/UVTXRTQe3pI/AAAAAAAAEbw/P-wFRodpvUk/s400/unfold+final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above are her finished eyes....</div>
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...and below, the finished piece.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9oJrfJupY0/UVTX4ewqOnI/AAAAAAAAEb4/rQZuO_aF4AU/s1600/unfold+final5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9oJrfJupY0/UVTX4ewqOnI/AAAAAAAAEb4/rQZuO_aF4AU/s400/unfold+final5.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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All those layers paid off, I think. It gives the background such a lush look.</div>
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She has the quotes "Reveal the greatest version of you" and "The possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another" written on her, also.</div>
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Click to enlarge if you like :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pob_K6nX0ok/UVTZuypml8I/AAAAAAAAEcE/uNjl2CYi3JE/s1600/unfold+final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pob_K6nX0ok/UVTZuypml8I/AAAAAAAAEcE/uNjl2CYi3JE/s400/unfold+final1.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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She has a neat Renaissance feel to her. </div>
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She is listed <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintMyselfPretty"> in the shop</a>, fyi. </div>
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Love that Maggie and I both made art this week.</div>
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I also received some awesome art from my friend, <a href="http://www.thesecrethermit.blogspot.com/">Micki Wilde aka The Secret Hermit</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABRUBvtwVjQ/UVTa6s6VQUI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/J4NyHlzEPK0/s1600/micki1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABRUBvtwVjQ/UVTa6s6VQUI/AAAAAAAAEcQ/J4NyHlzEPK0/s400/micki1.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Isn't she adorable?!</div>
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And look at that yummy texture!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJrr76q93Jk/UVTbFXQUB3I/AAAAAAAAEcY/gYTS8k4QkUw/s1600/micki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJrr76q93Jk/UVTbFXQUB3I/AAAAAAAAEcY/gYTS8k4QkUw/s400/micki.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Thank you, Dear Micki!</div>
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Please visit <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesecrethermit">her shop</a> to see more of her whimsical girls :)</div>
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I'll be by to visit before the big weekend festivities!</div>
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Don't overdo the chocolate....or, instead, do indulge, but hide all the evidence....heehee!</div>
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Reveal your gifts to the world, beautiful creative kindreds!</div>
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Cam</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1091284540182336652.post-6100071033809798892013-03-20T18:53:00.002-07:002013-03-20T18:55:57.333-07:00Peculiar Paige<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After I created "Creepy Crawley Clare" some time ago, I got an idea to have girls posing with all sorts of gruesome beasties.....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Z2mYFqOzI/UUplCdxL6NI/AAAAAAAAEZo/hhfOZ8jY7oE/s1600/Clare2+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Z2mYFqOzI/UUplCdxL6NI/AAAAAAAAEZo/hhfOZ8jY7oE/s400/Clare2+wm+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Clare walked into the woods they say,<br />And didn’t come out for 21 days.<br /><br />Her complexion had changed<br />From peach to gray.<br />Her hair was tangled and smelled of decay.<br /><br />She whispered to spiders and giggled with slugs<br />Her entire body was crawling with bugs.<br /><br />Other folks might’ve thought her deranged,<br />But the town already considered her strange</span></div>
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Sounded like a perfectly easy plan....but as I started thinking about each girl...their stories started unfolding. These began to include strange tendencies and twisted endings....odd behavior and disturbing details...<br />
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Paige is the scrapped canvas I began and covered up last week. I was working on a 5 x 7 inch canvas last week and just couldn't fit in everything I was envisioning. Here she is in a larger 8 x 10 format.<br />
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...and I am so much happier with the outcome :)<br />
Hope you enjoy her, too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOfxWqB0jBU/UUpld6Br09I/AAAAAAAAEZw/tBG4AxZRt6s/s1600/paige4+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOfxWqB0jBU/UUpld6Br09I/AAAAAAAAEZw/tBG4AxZRt6s/s400/paige4+wm+copy.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The peculiar habit of Paige is<br />locking things up in cages.<br />Her creatures are cherished,<br />even after they've perished.<br />Her parents swear it's just one of those phases.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqrbhUTQEDc/UUpl-Vlt90I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/Zhekf9dECzw/s1600/paige1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqrbhUTQEDc/UUpl-Vlt90I/AAAAAAAAEZ4/Zhekf9dECzw/s400/paige1.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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I have 2 other poems written out for 2 other odd personalities :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waRk-VqeYkg/UUpmbkS8lnI/AAAAAAAAEaA/McG6nxcS5PQ/s1600/paige6+wm+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waRk-VqeYkg/UUpmbkS8lnI/AAAAAAAAEaA/McG6nxcS5PQ/s400/paige6+wm+copy.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Until those take form, Clare and Paige are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintMyselfPretty">in the shop</a> waiting for a brave soul to adopt them ;P</div>
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Hope you are having a wonderful week! Maggie starts 2 whole weeks of Spring Break next week....so we'll see how much creating I actually get done....haha!</div>
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All my eerie best,</div>
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CAm</div>
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Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14435728791853628468noreply@blogger.com23