MONSTER HANDS TREATS

OK, wish I had a picture of these, but you'll just have to trust me that they are the COOLEST Halloween Treat ever!

And so simple to make...you can do it with your kids too!

You'll Need:

Plastic Gloves

(like the Dentist/Doctor/Salon type WITHOUT the powdery stuff)

Candy Corn

(preferably with the black tips)

Bags of Popcorn

Cheap Orange and/or Black Ribbon

All you do is put a candy corn in each finger tip of the glove. Then stuff the fingers and entire glove with popcorn, (don't over stuff, the fingers should be able to droop a bit) and leave room at the wristlet part.

Tie closed at wrist with ribbon!

The hands are all tinted, bumpy and lumpy, with spooky nails!

I'm telling you...you will LOVE it!

Great for parties, classroom treats, or just in a bowl for your family!

OK GO MAKE SOME!

Lost n Found

So the new shop Attic Joys seems to be chugging along nicely. Though of course my favorite best stuff gets scooped up right away. But I'll tip you off - I've been saving these WONDERFUL UNIQUE CARDS - lets just call them "Parts" for now....(yes, I must keep the suspense)...anyhoo, they are PERFECT for mixed media/collage artists..so be on the lookout, as they WILL go up over the next 5 days or so.

Meantime, I opened a second shop called LostnFound Joys to sell off some other vintage treasures that does not fit in the ephemera category. Above is just a peek at what you can find there. There is much more. And some very cute, unique stuff for the little ones in your life!

You'll have to take a peek and see for yourself! (:

AND today, in celebration of October 1st & the Fall Season I have taken $1.00 off each item!

As for creating, I have done about 2 journal pages and thats it. Obviously been busy with the shops, looking for more employment and kids and life in general.

I also have a meeting tomorrow with a Home Mortgage Assistance Program (for which today I have to put a short novel of my life together) so keep your little fingers crossed and say your little prayers. (:

OK now go take a peek at LostnFound Joys on etsy here:

http://www.lostnfoundjoys.etsy.com

HAPPY FALL ALL!

NEWS FLASH

This is the name of my new shop on etsy, where you can find vintage photos, cabinet card, vintage postcards, etc. I have been uploading stuff little by little, so be sure to check back on the ever growing collection!
You can find the link to the right.
I have some really great funky and unique postcards that I hate to part with, but I'm hoping it will help us to stay afloat for a while.
Unforunately there seemed to be some glitches in the search categories on etsy and my listings were not showing up - eeekk!
Murphy's law in action once again?
Thank you all for your blessings, prayers, good thoughts, and fond wishes.
We were able to get some partial food stamps to help with the grocery bill, so at least that's something.
OH and my sweet, lovely daughter turned 16 yesterday. Sometimes you wish you could just capture them in a little snowglobe when they're small and keep them that way forever. But I am very proud of the person she is growing into, kind, creative and strong, always able to make me laugh - the light of my life, as are the other two.
Of course she had a social whirl of a weekend, so we will have a little cupcake celebration tonight. Happy Birthday darlin'!
OK, all...now go check out my shop and tell me what you think! I'm open to all critique and suggestions.
http://www.atticjoys.etsy.com
Monday Hugs To All!

Desperate But Still Here

I miss blogging and speaking with you all. However, the summer was spent mostly hanging around and being busy with the kids, especially the little guy who is a handful but so adorable. As you know they are the light of my life. So there wasn't much time for blogging. Nor was I in the mood much for blogging with the way things are going.
You see, our finacial situation is absolutely DIRE right now and we are trying to stay one step ahead of foreclosure. My hubby has been fortuante enough to get a bit of work here and there with local laborers and I still have my Sales job though I couldn't work it much over the summer and the income just is not enough.
Believe me, we have looked for more work and continue to do so. I tried getting public assistance, but was turned down. I don't understand teh system at all! Last year they gave us emergency food stmaps and now this year they are ssaying we are not applicable. Our income is less now then it was last year! Go figure.
And of course our heat and electric and water has gone up, like everything else. SO I'm doing a lot of praying, especially that we make it through the winter. Some heat is a neccesity after all. (:
As is food and water.
Funny, we're not materialistic people, and we're basically good people, with three great kind kids. And I'm sure that the economy is taking it's toll on others out there as well.
I hate to write such a down post but wanted to let you all know where I'm at, why I haven't been blogging - never mind creating. It's all I can do to just keep putting one foot in front of the other each day and not be overcome by fear but try and walk in faith.
AND I hate to do this, really I do, but if any of you are so inclined for a bluejude print, NOW would be a great time to stop by my ETSY shop. As EVERY little bit would help to at least keep food on the table and the neccesary bills paid. PLEASE DO NOT go to my Cafe Press Shop as I have not been able to pay the fees but for some reason its still up.
Also taking any donations in my paypal if anyone is so inclined. At this point anything as small as $10.00 is a huge help. I know how incredibly awful that must sound but that's how desperate I am right now. Also all prayers and blessings are welcome and appreciated. Thanks so much for your understanding while reading this desperate post.
Still keepin the faith...and tring to stay hopeful. Miss you all and hope everyone is well.
Big BlueJude Hugs!

Like Mother Like Daughter

These are some pieces done by my favorite artist, my daughter. Just fifteen years old, and she is not only talented in art, photography, and writing; she is also one of the wisest and kindest kids I know. She sometimes has more depth and insight than the adults I know, including myself!

Anyhoo, the top piece was done for a music festival that ended up getting cancelled. BUT the art teacher liked it so much, that she sent it to be featured in a supplement of a local paper. They showcase the High School kid's art once a month.

The second piece was done in mixed media and the little writing all about says He loves me...He loves me not.

The scanner as usual, doesn't do them justice. But I think they are spectacular...much like her!

I am very proud of you Sweet Pea!

And soon, you all can look forward to seeing some of her photography on etsy. That will really rock your socks! The kid's a natural.

Ok Happy Week All!

Basement Art

"The Man In My Basement" D. Altaville c.2007

I did this piece earlier this year, came across it over the weekend and decided to sell prints of it at Abstract Joy on etsy. I LOVE THIS! The reason for the title is because he ACTUALLY was created in the basement! (Now Understand I have an UNFINISHED basement, but excess art supplies are down there. SO, while I was waiting for the dryer to stop one day, I started drawing this. Then just continued intermittently, when I was down there. Adding a stroke of color here and there and well, you get the picture.

So he is available here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com where I still have my SUPER SALE going on. AND there is some new relisted stuff at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com also on SUPER SALE!

Anyhoo, I had a lovely weekend and the best part was the day I spent with my daughter yesterday. We spent some time looking at her fave photographers on the net, went out for pizza and played PacMan and generally did a lot of talking, bonding and lots and lots of laughing!

Nothing is better than laughing with your child.

And if you wanna know what I finally ended up naming the piece in the post below, well, you'll just have to use the link to Abstract Joy on etsy to find out!

OK enuf rambling. Hope everyone has a great week filled with lots and lots of laughter. I feel truly blessed.