Easy Blogging

So these aren't "picture perfect" and tweaked to within an inch of their life. I thought I might try just blogging from my iPhone to get back into the groove.

Since I like seeing what other artists buy at the bookstore, these are my recent acquisitions.

Several art books, a couple craft books, some mags and, of course, some new moleskins. Oh, see that Art Lab for Kids? That was a gift from my friends over at Rockport Publishing. Can't wait to dive into it and use it with my art class!

People Ask the Darndest Things

Questions from the inbox:

If money wasn't a factor, would you get plastic surgery? Probably, but I’m not telling what for.

I am just setting up a blog and I came upon yours. It is wonderful. Do you review books by individuals? Only if it’s art-related. I have to set some boundaries or the next thing you know I’m writing a review for Clorox.

Hi Francie! In a nutshell, what is rough edge applique?? In regular appliqué, the edges are turned under for a neat finish. When I say rough edge appliqué I’m referring to the practice of sewing something down with the rough edges out and showing. They add texture and develop character as they fray.

Are there sites that critique handmade crafts? Not that I know of. But then I’ve found that not many people really want an honest opinion of what they make.

Where can I get cute free mailing labels? Thanks! Many of the sites that I link to on the gift tag page also have other printables available.

Any tags with cows? Huh?!? Assuming you are referring to printable gift tags, then, no, not that I’m aware of.

Have you created an art journal that you would be willing to share? Yes, several, and I hope to start sharing those here again soon.

hey francis..i've had the biggest crush on you for awhile! i don't go on here a lot but message me on www.******.com under the username "wishfulthinker". Talk about “wishful thinking”.
I've had a crush on you for awhile. …
Ok so I have a crush on U. …
I'm INFATUATED with you. …
hiya cutie are you a member of any other social internet site? I’m sensing a trend here.

Do you know about the website www.bit.ly/***?? I made 200 today. it's mad easy. You made 200 what, though. That's the question.

Title? I don't need no stinkin' title!

In all honesty expect this post to be all over the place. It would be as hard to put a title on this as it is to choose which is my favorite child. (Don't tell the others but I'm partial to Chico the cat. He never sasses and always agrees when I think it might be time for a nap.)

So as mentioned in a previous post (go ahead... I'll wait) I am trying to make my house look more like normal people's houses (and less like your grandma's garage sale) before class tomorrow. I do have a book review almost ready for you. But in the meantime I'll just cheat and share some links with you.

*gathering inspiration from these two online mags

Sweet Paul's Spring 2011
LMNOP's Holiday Issue 13 Yes, I'm a little late.

*loving these blogs

Pia Jane Biajkerk
Newspaper Taxi

*aching over these artists

Holy Smoke
Kristin Perers

*loving these books

Scandinavian Stitches by Kajsa Wikman

Scandinavian Needlecraft by Clare Youngs and Sarah Hoggett

*playing with the cool kids ;)



I have to admit when I joined Pinterest a few months ago I knew it was cool, handy, all that, but I had no idea it would explode like it has. You can find almost anything and anyone there. So if you haven't joined yet, what are you waiting for?!

Difference of opinion

I am on a one-woman mission to rescue what I call "vintage treasures" and what my husband calls "all that crap crowding the house." In fact, just yesterday, he threatened an intervention. But do you want to hear something so astounding, so unbelievable that you'll be up nights wondering at it? When people don't pay the property taxes on houses and buildings they own and those said places become so derelict as to be put on the city's demolition list, those buildings are razed to the ground without a thought for what might be in them. Yes, some of them are empty or contain nothing more exciting than possum poop. And others... well others belonged to somebody's mother who died and their children took what they thought was worth something and the rest just sat there. Tchotchkes collecting dust but otherwise aging quite well without anyone fiddling with them. Fabric doesn't age as well but the rest... Or the barns and outbuildings with doodads that nobody knows what the heck they are but they sure look cool on your wall. Anyway, I was shocked. Still haven't figured out what can be done about it.


And so I make myself feel better by going to church garage sales where other little old ladies are more than happy to send their stuff home with me. Where they are tickled when I say I love things "with character" or that I was born in the wrong generation. Or maybe they are just happy to have someone appreciate all the crap crowding their house.

25 ways to wear a scarf

How cool is this?! And I am SO a scarf kinda girl. Weather here in west Texas is *almost* warm enough to have to pack them away. *pout*


Click on the pic to go to YouTube and see the whole video.

Earth Day 2011 and Billion Acts of Green

Today is Earth Day and I encourage to do what we should be doing every single day - working to reduce your footprint on the planet. No, this doesn't diminish your legacy to your children any. In fact, it will likely increase it. It also won't save you money in most cases. Sometimes living green can be costly and inconvenient. After all, if it were easy, everybody would be doing it, right? But we now know the planet won't last forever. Shocker, right? So do whatever you can for today but more importantly make small changes that you can incorporate in everyday life. Earth Day Network encourages you to pledge your commitment on their Billion Acts of Green site. Go share your act - it will keep you accountable. If you're stumped for ideas, check out acts posted by other members.

And, for goodness' sake, go outside!

But what do you DO?

Do you ever get that question? Especially you stay-at-home types - moms and dads alike.

"So where do you work?"
"Oh, I don't actually have a job outside the home. I write reviews for several book publishers for my blog as well as a large craft website.* I also create art for a major company using their new products that's shipped out to stores nationwide. Oh, and I teach an afterschool art class to elementary school kids. And every time somebody needs anything vaguely craft or art related done for school, church, or family I'm the first one they call on."
"You get to stay at home! That's so nice. I wouldn't be able to that. All that time on my hands would drive me crazy."

Fortunately, starting this next week, I'll be working as a cake decorator / pastry chef at a local bakery. So I can finally say I DO something! :)

* up til 6 months ago... which is a whole other story. That particular experience, while giving me a jumpstart on craft reviewing just left me with a bad, but not bitter ;), taste in my mouth there in the last year. A major reason I just kinda clammed up online.