Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Challenge of Color


BrightBloom

Each participant picked one color, I picked red (thinking of Christmas)
Then I was assigned the color palette above (nothing like Christmas)

This is what I made...

Color Challenge

I made a lampwork focal, added coral disks, faceted Czech glass, Agate beads (in browns) and brass findings.

Color Challenge


Color Challenge

It was a color palette I probably would have never tried if I didn't sign up for this challenge. 
Thanks again Erin, it was fun!

Here's the list of the participants and their color palettes:
1 Norma Turvey Teal Color Crave
2 Jeannie Dukic Green Mineral Tones
3 Mary McGraw Teal Embellished Hues
4 Jo Tinley Red Decadent Tones
5 Rebecca Anderson Pink Tulip Tones
6 Kristi Jaro Red Temple Entrance
7 Stephani Gorman Green Dew Tones
8 Melissa Meman Green Fruit Star
9 Kathleen Lange Klik Teal Silk Hues
10 Cynthia Riggs Red Autumn Comfort
11 Heidi Post Teal Flora Bright
12 Cece Cormier Teal Merino Teal
13 Amy Freeland Gray Cultured Tones
14 Alice Peterson Blue Island Play
15 Rose Noble Gray Autumn Stacked
16 Kristina Johansson Yellow Sunny Flower
17 Kirsi Luostarinen Teal Dragon Hues
18 Tari Kahrs Orange Citrus Tones
19 Mallory Hoffman Purple Petaled Dark
20 Molly Alexander Brown Peppered Tones
21 Regina Santerre Red Frosted Berry
22 Emanda Johnson Teal Color Purl
23 Amy Severino Orange Winged Tones
24 Bobbie Rafferty Teal Lime Hues
25 Tanya Goodwin Gray Pecked Tones
26 Lisa Lodge Blue Nocturnal Tones
27 Hope Smitherman Blue Bloom Tones
28 Linda Landig Green Cacti Dark
29 Ambra Gostoli Teal Perched Autumn
30 Lori Bowring-Michaud Blue Sharpened Blue
31 Pippa Chandler Teal Hungarian Hues
32 Keirsten Giles Purple Mineral Brights
33 Jennifer Justman Blue Autumn Rays
34 Sandy Richardson Purple Moroccan Brights
35 CJ Bauschka Teal Teal Air
36 Shaiha Williams Teal Sushi Hues
37 Kay Thomerson Purple Autumn Spectrum
38 Sally Russick Purple Golden Gate Tones
39 Cilla Watkins Purple Autumn Infused
40 Shirley Moore Purple Frozen Heather
41 Jenni Connolly Gray Paw Tones
42 Tamara Soper Green Field Tones
43 Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Blue Nested Blues
44 Jen Velasquez Pink Sweetened Tints
45 Maria Grimes Red Bright Bloom
46 Elisabeth Auld Gray Petaled Tints
47 Susan Kennedy Pink Zinnia Tones
48 Shannon Chomanczuk Gray Autumn Leaf
49 Holly Westfall Yellow Sprinkled Tones
50 Patty Gasparino Red Color Carton
51 Angela Little Pink Singapore Brights
52 Lizzie Zawinski Green Budding Hues
53 Kristen Stevens Pink Scooped Tones
54 Dawn Doucette Brown Jarred Tones

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Naughty or Nice

I found someone's "wish list" under her bed (wink wink)
And what a list it is...
I'll let Santa know she's been a good doggy this year...

suitcacebed

monkey

il_570xN.196409087

CottonCandyWhiteFlowersRoseCrystal600

il_570xN.193809617


favourite child

chihuahuanecklace
~Chihuahua Necklace~ I think this was for me?

robe

il_570xN.282262151

Yes, it's quite a list...
xo

Monday, November 28, 2011

Enameled Flower Challenge

Lorelei held a Jade Scott Enameled Flower Challenge...

This was the flower I used for the challenge...I loved the pink and copper colors together.
il_570xN.282734910


So what did I make?

Enamel Flower Challenge

I decided to make it into necklace.
I soldered the flower into a domed copper cup and riveted tiny vintage enameled flowers, also in domed copper cups. I then stamped the words "and smell the flowers..." and I added one of my tiny lampwork bees (hovering over the garden of blooms)

Enamel Flower Challenge

Thanks Lorelei! This was a fun challenge!

Here is the list of the other participants...
 1. Lorelei Eurto
2. Serena Trent
3. Susan Raber
4. Shawna Tobias
5. Lucid Moon Studio
6. K Hutchinson
7. Gigi
8. Lois Moon
And also!
http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
http://mariagrimes.blogspot.com (you are here)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The perfect ending

sunset 001

Last nights sunset was the perfect ending to a wonderful few days.
We spent Thanksgiving with my family in Santa Barbara (or paradise, as my dad would say) then headed up the coast to my favorite getaway place. There is nothing more relaxing than waking up to the smell of the salty air mixed with the pine trees. 
xo

Monday, November 21, 2011

Save the date...

Toys for Tots

Save the date...
Thursday, December 1st the Toys for Tots Auction starts!
Plus I'm getting ready (but not until after Thanksgiving) to load my site with holiday goodies, including ornaments, jewelry and even a fun kit!

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 
xo

Friday, November 18, 2011

It's coming very soon {and the winner}

website 5808

A couple weeks ago while in Vegas, Molly and I had some extra time to play.
Our medium of choice...paper clay.
The little owl on the holly branch is my favorite, the little tiny red heart (below it) will dangle from the branch.

I think I'll offer the owl ornament as part of my Toys for Tots sale, which is coming very soon!
In case you are not familiar with this event, each year I offer fun things for sale (hopefully you'll love them and want to buy them) then I donate 100% of the money to The Toys for Tots. It's a win win for everyone!
If you'd like to be notified (via newsletter) when I have everything listed, just sign up for my newsletter.


Now for the "Vampire Heart" giveaway winner. I went to random.org

vampiregiveaway

And the number was 26, which is GwynnieB, Congrats Gwynnie! Send me your mailing address, so I can send you your heart.

I myself can not wait to see the movie (loved the books too)...but not this weekend, too many screaming girls :o)
xo

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Winter Goodies {a giveaway}

Let it Snow-Lampwork Bracelet
~Let it Snow Bracelet~

I added a few new goodies to the store today...I've been working on "Winter" things.
You can check them out HERE.

But, before you go...I'm having a little giveaway.
In honor of The Twilight saga....
Giveaway

To enter-
Just leave one (1) comment below, letting me know if you plan on seeing the movie.

If you'd like to earn extra chances, here is how...

Facebook about the giveaway = another chance*
Blog about the giveaway = another chance* 
*Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one you do (with the links)

I'll have random.org pick the winner this Friday!
Good Luck

Contest is now closed...winner will be announced shortly 

Friday, November 11, 2011

TGIF

soup 005 (500 x 333)

It's a good day for dad's veggie soup...
I actually make this soup all the time. But I have made a few changes along the way. I now make it in a crock pot, because it's so easy and I love the way it makes the house smell...
If you'd like the original  recipe it's here.

Vegetable Beef Soup
2 medium Zucchini (cubed)
 2 medium carrots sliced 1/4 inch thick (I used a small bag of mini carrots)
10 white button mushrooms, sliced
2 stalks celery sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 large russet potato-peeled and cubed
2 onion-sliced
1 lb. Beef (cut in cubes)
1/2 lb green beans cut in half diagonally
4 cups vegetable broth
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes -drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped garlic (I love garlic)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp dried
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 2 tsp dried
Add ground pepper to taste 

Saute' the beef in a pan with a little oil over high heat, until beef in browned.
Add the cooked beef and all the other ingredients to a crock pot. Cook for 8-10 hours on low.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese...

Have a cozy weekend...
xo

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

NEW Design of the Month {November}

Angel Dust Necklace- Design of the Month
 ~Angel Dust Necklace~

I'm a little late with November's Design of the Month...better late than never...right?
You can check out the details here.
xo

Monday, November 7, 2011

Home again

Home again.
No matter how comfy hotel beds are, it always feels good to come home to your own...doesn't it?
When we left home the temps were in the low 80's, feeling a lot like Summer. But, we came back to a light dusting of snow on the mountain tops around us. What a difference a week makes.
I love walking around Vegas at night. It's a visual overload. Where else can you go from New York New York to Paris to Venice and then to Egypt all in one night.

The Bellagio fountains are always fun...



Friday after SEMA we headed to the race track for the invitational Optima Challenge. Let me just say, Kurt had a BLAST! Kurt use to drive race cars back in the day, so he was definitely in his eliminate. The event was televised by the SPEED channel, not sure of the air date yet...
Speed TV putting cameras in Kurt's Tahoe.

the optima challenge 2011

the optima challenge 2011


I had my pocket camera with me, so I took a quick shot of Kurt coming out of one of the turns.

Colby Donaldson (from Survivor) with Molly
Colby Donaldson (from Survivor) and Molly (Molly's a Survivor fan, wink wink)

Today I hit the ground running. So much on my to-do list this week, so I hope it's a productive one.
Have a great week!
xo

Friday, November 4, 2011

Vegas Baby

sematv2011 009

sematv2011 001
(Kurt's TV interview) 

We've been in Vegas this week (SEMA show for Kurt) 
While the guys have been at the show during the day, Molly & I had crafty time in the hotel. I found a Hobby Lobby here (first time I've been to one...omg, fun store!) and bought a block of paper clay and have been making lots of fun things! Can't wait to share...I also found a huge bead store yesterday! HUGE...I spent 2 hours there yesterday...fun fun!
I was packed and ready to head home today but Kurt has been invited to The Optima Challenge, which will be televised on SPEED™.
So instead of packing up to head home, we are packing up and heading to the race track. 
See ya next week
xo