Sunday Creativity

So I found a great website/internet store for hand embroidery patterns.  It is called Sublime Stitching and the patterns rock!  No fuzzy bunnies or ducks!  I made a dishtowel for my mom using the "Tattoo Your Towles" pattern along with the tattoo alphabet.  I am giving the towel to her today and I hope she likes it!

On another note, I think I will try making an art journal.  More of a Junque Jorunal, and a tutorial can be found here.  Maybe I will make a Halloween one with creepy images and random poetry that looks like a spell. 
The Lions play the Vikings today and I am torn between rooting for my home team (Lions) and rooting for the Vikings, who are Bob's home team.
Happy relaxing Sunday everyone!!

Blog Party!!!

I joined a Practical Magic Blog Party and this is my contribution to the party.

I have always been into using herbs, from cooking to home remedies. I made some Sinus Shower Blaster Tablets to help with sinus paid and pressure.  The blasters are actually a version of a bath bomb and you put the tablet in the corner of your shower and when the water hits it, it will fizz like an bath bomb and release the scent of essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary and mint to help clear your nasal passages.  It's like a Vick's Vapo-Rub steam and has helped me a lot.  Here is how I make them:

You will need:

• Citric Acid (available at health food stores, some home brewing supply stores)
• Baking Soda
• Witch Hazel
• Essential Oils of rosemary, eucalyptus and mint (or I have used the Sinus Blend from Wholesale Supplies Plus)
• Spray Bottle
• Mold for the tablets (I used a small condiment dish)

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup citric acid with 2 cups baking soda.  Mix well, then add a few drops of the essential oils.  Just 1-2 drops at a time to start, you can always ass more.  Spritz the mixture with the witch hazel and keep mixing with your hands, squeezing the mixture between your fingers slightly to make sure everything is well mixed.  Keep spritzing and mixing until the mixture stays together when squeezed, it will be like wet sand.
Pack the mixture into your mold, making sure to pack it down well.  The harder you pack it, the longer it will last in the shower.  Gently unmold your tablets and let them dry overnight.
Use one in the corner of a hot steamy shower to help relieve sinus problems.
Below is a picture of what mine look like.

The Eyes Have It

Lately I have been drawing eyes.  I think I have it down to where my eyes have a "soul".  Here are some drawings, from first to most recent.  Some are drawn with markers, some with charcoal, watercolor pencils and graphite drawing pencils.

Zombies!!!

I am participating in a Zombie ATC swap at ATCs For All and these are my latest cards.  My theme is "sophisticated zombies".

Today I am making chicken tikka masala for dinner.  Yummy!!!

Dinner...Maybe

I was going to make this for dinner but we voted for pizza instead.  Dexter Season 3, Disc 1 came in the mail from Netflix and I am dying to find out what happens next.  (intentional pun included!)

New Creation

Here is an art doll I finished.  The doll is from Art Chix Studio and I used scrap book paper, a Tim Holtz Grungeboard crown, chipboard elements and sequin stars.  I plan on putting ribbon in the top holes to hang it.

O.K., I Will Make it Today!!

No white chicken chili yesterday.  There was a last-minute cookout at my mom's house.  My Uncle Mike came up to visit, bringing his new girlfriend and her daughter.  We had a good time visiting and made plans for next weekend to go see my cousin's band, Harlet, plan in Bay City.  I will make the chili today!!!

Today I am working on making some ATC's for Ten Two Studios Big Five-Oh swap.  I have one done already and great ideas for at least two more.

More random artwork from me:

Soldered Pendant

First Fancy Dress

Good Hair Day

The pendant is double-sided with a different image on the other side.  The two other pieces measure 5" x 7".

On another note, I am sharing my recipe for homemade laundry detergent.  It works great and is cheap to make.
You will need:

• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup Washing Soda (next to the Borax)
• 1 bar grated soap: Ivory or Kirk's Castile, you can use 2/3 bar of Fels Naptha too.  DO NOT USE DOVE, Dove is a "beauty bar" and is not a true soap. 

Grate the soap by hand or in a food processor.  Add the Borax and Washing Soda and mix well.  Using a food processor to mix gives the best results.  You can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance (find the oil at a health food store and make sure it is an essential oil, not a synthetic fragrance oil).
Use 1 Tablespoon per load.  No need for bleach or fabric softener.  For a front loading washer, you only need to use 1 teaspoon.  You can make a paste using water and some detergent to put on stains.  Use 2 Tablespoons for heavily soiled loads.
This detergent works great and is very economical.

Fall Cooking

Today feels like a fall day in Michigan, so I am making white chicken chili for dinner.  Usually this meal is reserved for football Sundays, but the weather is making me long for warm comfort food.


I am also working on making another Caroline hat, this time in a teal/green color but I am not sure about the ribbon color.


I recently started making Artist Trading Cards and below is some of my work.  The cards are mini works of art that measure 2.5" x 3.5".  They were originally created by M. Vänçi Stirnemann and you can find out more here.