Rocky Road Creations

Yard Sale Nonsense And ramblings

2011-11-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

So Saturday I hit a few yardsales and found this.

NO not that!

This.

It's a making memories scrapbook bag. My husband got it for me for a steal.
So cool!
Back to the Cat, look how she's sitting. It totaly cracks me up!

I got this old college typewriting book from 1941. It was in the free box at the library.
It will be cool to use in projects. Anyone remember those college typewriting courses?

I also got a bag of pens. These are truly cool pens. Fine point, silver, gold, black. I love them.
They would have cost a bundle in an art store.
I got a huge heavy duty canvas that was gessoed black. I gessoed over it in white.

Something good is going to go on this. Just don't know what it will be yet.
Hope you all are having a good Fall. It's still hot where i'm at but cooling down.
Have a great day.

Diana

Giveaway over at the Rusty Rooster

2011-10-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Rusty Rooster is having the most delicious giveaway. Click Here She has beautiful art, and some vintage goodie art supplies. Love it all. I think I need to work on a giveaway.
Go check her out. She has a beautiful blog.

Diana

My Studio Assistant & Some New Work

2011-10-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Samantha came out to the studio with me today. She's a great assistant. She sits there
and looks beautiful all day long. It's really nice to have a soft furry companion to keep
you on track. I finished a hand full of paintings under her supervision. LOL!

Faith, apply before flying. See instructions. Here's a close up

During these tough times it's so important to have faith. It's also very hard sometimes to
just totaly trust in God. I always want to pick up my troubles and worry over them. Time and time
again, I always find out how faithful our father is.
Here is another mixed media painting. This one is for my sister.

It's a work in progress. You can click on any of my pictures to see more detail.

Another work in progress. I'm not too happy with this one.

I just have to finish the wire work on this Paris one.

I'm really happy with how this last one came out. It's so rustic. These are all going to

be put in a shop for sale. I just have to be able to part with them.

I seem to have a problem letting go of artwork.

Oh, I know you want to know if I got that job. They had to discontinue the hiring process. AGAIN!

This is the second time this has happened. So, I didn't get it but I didn't not get it. Does that make sence? They probaly had some kind of hiring freeze. I'm not giving up hope.

Keep me in your good thoughts. It's not over yet.

Hugs to you all.

Diana

I Won A Giveaway!!!!!

2011-10-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have really been admiring Debbies blog. Her paintings are so cute. When she had a giveaway I just had to enter. I never win these things so I was so happy when I won this one. Here is a link to her blog. Click Here I won 3 beading books. Can't wait to cuddle up in a chair, with a nice cup of coffee and get
inspired. Thank you Debbie.

Just look at her art work. How Cute Is This? I love it!!!
Who would not want to crawl inside this picture and cozy up in that Air Stream?

This, too, is so cute. Her backgrounds are so pretty.

Big Bottom Girls. So cute!
Thank you Debbie for all your inspiration. Congratulations, too, on being published in
my favorite magazine, Somerset Studio. I can't wait to see it. I also can't wait to see what you
come up with next.
Love you, blog sister.

Diana

Me And My Shadow

2011-10-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

A little less than a year ago I had to have my little kitty Shadow put down. Earlier that year, our computer had crashed and I thought I had lost all my treasured pictures.
Well, we have a friend who is a genus with computers and he rescued our pictures.
Here is a treasured,rescued picture of me and my Shadow kitty.

All snuggled up in a kitty bear hug. I really treasure this picture. Here are a few more
pictures of her on the deck

Not the greatest quality pictures but I love them.

I had my job interview today. Now I get to sit on pins and needles waiting to hear.
Keep me in your good thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Diana

More Plant Pictures from Cambria

2011-09-30T09:09:00.001-07:00

This was in the front of a shop in Cambria.
The whole town is "eye candy". So beautiful!

Some rustic art.

My hubby in front of a driftwood sculpture. I am so homesick for the coast.
There is something so calming,cleansing,renewing about walking the beach. Breathing
fresh cool sea air. I hope you all have a happy Friday! God Bless You.

Diana

Exciting News

2011-09-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

No pictures today just a Big Announcement. I have a job interview on Tues. Please keep me in your prayers. I have been unemployed for about a year and a half. I just sat down the other night and wrote out
some goals. I hear there is power in putting it down on paper. I am going to share them here too.
1. Find a job
2. Put my artwork in a shop.
3. Submit work to my favorite magazine. Somerset Studio
4 Get published.

Goals #1 and 2 might just be accomplished. I found a shop not too far away that wants to see
my artwork. I just need to get my business cards made 1st. Next week I hope to be announcing that
I got the job.

Going Coastal Continued

2011-09-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are more pictures of my wonderful trip to the coast.

I call this Ocean Still Life. This was on Moonstone Beach.

That darn date stamp. I forgot to crop it out of the pictures.

Would you like some chocolate covered scorpions? No thanks!

Ok, how about some chocolate covered crickets?

More garden pictures. I would love to have this.

And this. This door is awesome. Gotta run. I will be posting more pictures
soon.
Thanks for reading. Please leave me a comment and let me know you were here.

Diana

Going Totaly Coastal

2011-09-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

My husband & I snuck off to the coast for 1 more visit
before he had to go back to work. We had the most relaxing
time ever.
It has really been a trying time for us. Just 2 1/2 months ago
he had open heart surgery.

He became the biggest grouch.

Poor guy!

I was like, Who are you and what have you done with my husband?

On this trip we really reconnected.

We talked,joked and laughed. We spent time just watching the
waves. We visited beautiful gardens in Cambria and other garden
shops on the way.

Who wouldn't want this on their patio or back yard?

Some good advice for both of us.

This shop was in a little town on the way. This picture was taken out back under
a huge old oak tree.

A cute shop for kids.

This is Nitwit Ridge in Cambria. It is made of salvaged materials. We missed the
tour so we didn't get to go inside. Darn!!!

OK, blogger is taking too long to upload photos. I have so much more to show you.
sooo... tune in tomorrow for some beautiful ocean shots and more plant pictures.

Hugs to you,
Diana

Vintage Goodness

2011-09-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you know how it is. You go to yard sale after yard sale leaving empty handed each time.

Dissapointment mounts. Then, you hit the gold mine.
I love buttons,lace and trims. I also love vintage containers to put them in.

Beautiful antique buttons. Beaded collars, lace. What a find!

Old rusty door hardware and old sewing drawers make me swoon. I know, I'm
wierd but you, dear blog friends get me. You understand the madness.

Now I need to use these goodies and not hoard "what a bad word" them.
We would never do that...... would we?
I hope you have a blessed day. Please leave me a comment and let me know you
were here.

Diana

I can't give this up!

2011-08-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been feeling really discouraged and have toyed with the idea of quitting blogging.
Then I read a post by http://mybrowneyedgirldesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/true-feelings.html?showComment=1313462197766#c2186607951676216236 I love her blog. I also picked up the latest
issue of Artful Blogging.
I am finding I'm not alone in these feelings of inadequacy. I just need to pick myself up and dust myself off and try again. I wonder if this is what a mid-life crises is. Lol!!! Thinking back and regretting what you haven't done and kicking yourself for what you're not doing. I need to
get over the fear and do it anyway. Make my dreams come true.

I'm going to share a kinda new painting I just finished. I have been working on it for a year now.
Just when I think I'm finished, I think of something else to enhance it. The painting is called

Delight.

I also am going to be doing a picture of my sister and I at the coast. I have been
drawing a thumbnail sketch to work it out. As soon as I have that one done I will post it.
Thanks for listening to my rambling. Have a great evening
Diana

Blissed Out At The Coast

2011-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I finelly got my trip to the coast. It was so wonderful to feel the

ocean breeze. I really needed to feel the sand between my toes.

Here is a picture of a beautiful pelican.

There were two on the pier. They just sat there and posed

for us. Earlier we watched them dive for food. It was

really fun to watch.

In my wanderings I found the cutest flower shop.

I just had to stop and take pictures of it.

We took my sister with us. It is rare that we get to spend time together.

Tim had a hard time walking on the pier. He's smiling through his pain here.
Still, he did really good and is recovering from open heart surgery very well.

A week before we went to the coast we went and spent some time with 2 of our good friends.
Jerry and Cathy. Cathy is a kindred spirit. We like the same things. It is dangerous for us to go

shopping together. I made her this remote control cover. In our vintage world, we
do not like to see the ugly things.
She has a talent for setting up vintage vignettes.

Have a great day. Blessings to you.

Where Bloggers Create Party

2011-07-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a part of this years Where Bloggers Create party.

My blog is a very humble blog with a big heart. For the last 2 years I have eagerly awaited this party.

I love looking at creative spaces. I have every issue of Where Women Create and re-read them

often. When Karen first started this party I was thrilled.

I'm so glad you stopped by to visit. There are more pictures on

my flickr. Have a great day and enjoy everyones pictures.

Creative Restoration

2011-07-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

After going through the scare of my married life I have needed to reconnect to my creative side.
I have been so afraid of making a mistake in my husbands care. Fixing the wrong food. Kicking him
in my sleep. Not doing the right things. Fear of getting in a wreck while driving him to Dr appts. It's been
overwhelming soooo. I made myself go Create. Ahhh, no rules, no mistakes, just play. It has really been

creative restoration. Here are some things I have been working on.

I also need to work on cleaning up my studio. There is a blog party coming up. Here are a few pictures

of the mess.

Well, gotta go find something to fix for dinner. If you have any heart healty recipes for picky eaters I
would love to have them.

Answered Prayers

2011-07-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

There has been some major happenings in the Polly household. 2 weeks ago tonight my mother in law took a tumble and broke her hip. She is now in a nursing home recovering.
3 days later my husband went in for an angiogram for chest pains and was informed that he had
two arteries completely blocked and would be immediately scheduled for bi-pass surgery.
To say that my world was rocked would be putting it mildly. My husband is my best friend and
any thought that I might lose him is unthinkable. I fell apart. Then I turned our lives over to God.
I have a friend at church that once told me that she has to constantly throw her son on the alter of
Christ. Those words came back to me.   So, I took my beloved husband and threw him at the feet of
Christ. This crises was not in my control.
  3 hours after surgery my husband was cracking jokes. They had him sitting up and standing.
5 days later he was able to go visit his mother. God has answered my prayers. He is doing so good.
This has taught me to again, put my trust in God. For all problems, every challenge we go through there
is a reason. God has a purpose.   Trust Him!!!!

Come join the party

2011-06-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello my neglected blogging friends. I have been seriously slacking in my blogging posts.
I am so sorry. I will try to post more.
Karen at "My Desert Cottage" is going to be having her annual Blog party!!!!! YEAH!!!! I am so addicted to looking at where other women create. Click on the link in my side bar to see her post about it.

I promise to post some pictures of art that I have been working on. Thank you for sticking with me.

Diana

Just Saying Hello

2011-04-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

In another couple of week this area will be surrounded with beautiful

lupin

Some of them are blooming already. It is so beautiful when their all blooming at once.

Today I forced myself to go out in my studio and make something.

I made this altered canvas.

Here are a few other things I have been working on.

I took a few before pictures of my flower pots. I will have them filled with flowers in

a few days. Now they're full of weeds like the property. It's so green and pretty right now but
that will soon change. We will have to have a clearance of 100' from the house for fire protection.
My husband and his brother are looking into getting a riding lawn mower. Now I can actually help clear
the property.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my little blog. Please leave me a comment and let me know you
were here.

Update on My Mother In Law & A New Painting

2011-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop in and say that my mother in law, true to form, is barreling through
this latest challenge in her life. She is up and walking, and working her arm. She just gets
better every day. Thank God!!!

The picture above is an altered canvas I did not too long ago. I have been trying to be creative but
for some reason it has been a struggle and I have to force myself to go out to the studio.
I know that this will pass and I will soon be creating with abandon.

Spring has finally sprung in my neck of the woods. The birds are chirping,bees buzzing and wild flowers are blooming. I hope that Spring is blooming for you wherever you are.
Have a Blessed Day.

Please pray for my mother-in-law

2011-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken just last week. Yesterday my mil suffered a stroke. She is paralyzed on
her left side. My mil is one of the strongest,beautiful people I know. I really have been blessed for
the last almost 16 years to have her as a mother in law.
The last few years haven't been kind to her. She has lost 4 siblings and suffered other strokes as well.
Everytime something happens to her she just pulls through. I found out today she was up and walking.
I don't know how she does it. Yes I do. God blesses her.
I know the time is coming to say goodbye. I know without a doubt she will be with the Lord when that
time comes. Thank you for your prayers.

Snow In April

2011-04-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

We Have been having some crazy weather here in Central Ca. We had 10" of snow today.
Just a couple of weeks ago we had crazy rain/snow/wind storms that knocked out power for
up to a week. We were blessed we only went 2 days with out power.
Thank God for all the PG&E crews who worked diligently throughout the storms to
bring the power back to our mountain communities.

Just a few days ago my sister and I were taking pictures "In" the wild flowers.

I'm not kidding about being in the flowers. LOL. This last picture is of my sister
Rachelle. She comes up and spends weekends with me and we hole up in my
studio and work on art projects.
I will be posting pictures soon of what I have been doing.
Have a great rest of the day.
Diana

Fiona's Butterfly Challenge

2011-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

I have entered into a butterfly challenge over on youtube. The challenge is to make 12 butterflys using what you have on hand. Oh my gosh there are some beautiful butterflies being made. I'm almost scared to post mine. LOL.
I'm not quite up to par on making videos with my camera yet so I am doing my part in the challenge a little differently.

1st picture is an overall view.

2nd picture is a antique piece of lace made into a butterfly,

the black one next to it is made of ribbon and glimmer misted.

3rd picture. Fiona said to think outside the box, so here are

my off the wall butterflies. The one on the left is made out

of corrigated card board I found outside. the one next to it

is made out of leaves.

The next set are paper butterflies. One is hand

stamped and covered with glossy accents. The

white one next to it was hand drawn. It is a double

layer butterfly.

Next set is glittered butterfly on flower. Stamped and

glimmermisted double layer flower.

The last set is just two different stamped butterflies.

Oops, not the last set. The last set is a faux rusty,copper and

a real copper butterfly.

Thank you for looking. Here is a link to the challengeFiona's Butterfly Challenge

I have a lot of catching up to do

2010-12-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
Can you believe it is December. I was just posting about how hot it was and having to stick my head in

the freezer at the supermarket. Now Christmas is knocking at the door. November was a crazy weather month here in the foothills of central Ca. We had SNOW!!!!!
Now the weather is warmer. I'm trying to enjoy the sun while we have it. I, also have been making a
mini album. I have become addicted to youtube. Did you know you can type in any kind of art work and

find tutorials on how to do it? Here is the front of my book and some flowers that I made. There are some wonderful talented ladies out there that so generously share their knowledge. I'm half tempted to try it myself.

I participated in a vintage art supply swap with a young girl from the Neitherlands. I met her on Flickr.

Here are some pics of what she sent me. Some of the pictures didn't come out. Sorry!
There were some vintage papers, train tickets, receipts, old tatting, material. I will have alot of
fun using this stash.
I have also been exploring some of Tim Holtz distressing ideas and doing some tags. I will post pictures when I get them finished.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas Season.
Thank you so much to the ladies that responded to Samantha's post. Isn't she a sweet kitty.

Here are some recent pics I took. Note, No toads were hurt in the taking of these pictures! LOL.
Have a great evening.
Diana

Hello From Samantha Kitty

2010-11-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. My name is Samantha and I just wanted to pop on and say HI. I'm Diana's other kitty.
Mom has been really sad sence Shadow went to heaven. I have really been trying to keep her company and
fill her days with soft paw touches and gentle purrs.

I know she misses her blog friends and will be back soon. She seems to be getting better every day.

Look at this picture that she painted. I think it helps her to see it everyday. I just wanted to ask everyone
that reads her blog to not forget about her. I hope you all have a great evening.
Go hug your pets. We need it.

Love Samantha

YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE TELL BEING STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE YOU HAVE

2010-10-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

I got that quote off Joanna's blog.http://mosshill.blogs.com/joannas_journal/ Joanna is amazing.
If any of you follow her blog you know how wonderful she is. Right now I am getting strength from
her posts about the trials she has been through and how she handles it all. And God!!!!!
I'm leading up to something here.
This Monday, I am taking Shadow to the vet to be put down. It is time. My heart is broken.
I have to be strong for my little girl cat. I can't let this go on anymore. I was going to take her
today but all the vets up here are closed. Who would think that a vet would close it's office at
noon on a Saturday.
I live 45 minutes from the nearest bigger city and that vet office is closed too.
Shadow is 17 years old. She has had a good life. It's time to say goodbye.
Please keep me in your prayers on Monday.
God bless you.

Cloth Paper Scissors Virtual Studio Tour

2010-10-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/in_the_studio_with_cate/archive/2010/10/12/tour-these-beautiful-studios.aspx Hello to my peepers. I'm participating in the Cloth Paper Scissors virtual tour.

If you are half as addicted to looking at studios as I am, go over there and take a peek.
This 1st pic is the front of my studio. I have a note on the door that says, think before you bug me.

It doesn't work. LOL!

The 2nd pic is of my desk. This desk is an antique from 1912. My husband gave it to me. I love it, it is 3'X5'. Lots of room to spread out on but I always end up working on that little mat on the desk.

Next pic is of my tool supply caddy. I got this bad boy at a thrift shop in Oakhurst,Ca for $10.00. It was a steal. Love it!

The antique ceiling tin piece was a 3 panel screen that I took apart. I have the other 2 panels in my bedroom. I need to figure out something to do with it.
These pics are not posting how I want them to. My husband got the mini card catalog at a yard sale.

I almost sold it at my yard sale. So glad I didn't. It is great for storage.
The big white cabinet came from my church. It has huge flat drawers that are great

for big watercolor pads. Stamp pads,canvas and all kinds of goodies.

I have one more in a storage shed but no room for it.
Here are some more random pics of my studio. Thank you for visiting me.

Go and enjoy the tour.

Update On Shadow

2010-10-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Good evening. I just wanted to post an update on Shadow. She seems to be doing better and
eating. She is moving around the house ok and comes out as usual anytime I'm eating anything.
I think I panicked and presumed that it was time. I do know that I need to prepare myself for the
inevitable. Yesterday I had to give her some hairball medicine and it went very badly. I ended up
getting bitten and stressing her out. Today she is calm and ok.

Shadow

2010-10-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello, I want everyone to meet my little girl kitty Shadow. Please keep her in your prayers.
{and me too)! Shadow has been with me for aprox 16 years and is now starting to show her
age. I have had to make the tough decision to have her put down. Tears are streaming down my
face as I write this. I haven't taken her yet, but the time is coming quickly. Our fur babies are so
important to us. I know alot of you have had to go through this heart wrenching experience.
Shadow has not been featured in many pictures here like Samantha has because the minute Shadow
sees the camera she runs from the room. Please just keep us in your prayers. Thank you!!!

A Great Give Away!

2010-10-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

http://petitemichellelouise.blogspot.com/You just have to go visit this blog for an awesome give away.
Lots of vintage goodness .

Autumn Is Calling

2010-10-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Autumn is slowly trying to get a grip here, but Summer is not giving up without a fight.
Today was a rainy day. Cloudy and cool, then the sun popped out and broke the spell.
I spent the day tucked in my studio. Then came out to do some apple picking and take a few
pictures.

This is what I made.
Autumn is the time of year we start to nestle in for the winter. The days start getting cooler and shorter.
It's time to start getting cozy. I'm going to try my hand at making a apple pie with those apples I picked.
I will show you the results good or bad. Wish me luck.
I hope Autumn is finding its way to you where ever you are.
Diana

I'm addicted!

2010-09-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I'm addicted to lace. Gotta have it. This is my latest haul from my secret source.

I'm almost scared to admit that these pictures arn't all that I bought. There is more. 2 gallon baggies full of

beautiful, vintage, lace.

I will be going out to my studio now to create up a storm. Here is a batch of cookies to enjoy.

Have a great day.

Sewing Right Along

2010-09-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I just finished my 2nd fabric collage and wanted to share it with
you. I'm getting addicted to making these now. Tomorrow I will be starting on my
next one. Have a great evening.

My New Best Art Friend

2010-09-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.
Hope you are having a great Saturday.
For years I have been oogling the art of people like Beryl Taylor,KC Willis and a whole
bunch of other people in random magazines. I loved their art. I wanted to do art like that.
There was only one problem. It involved using a sewing machine. So I just sat in the sidelines
and oogled from a distance. Then one day I got a sewing machine. Ahem, that was aprox 4 years
ago, Said sewing machine sat on a shelf, gathering dust, and my guilty feelings. A friend came over and
showed me how to thread it and such. Um, I have slept many days sence then.
The longer time went on the more intimadated I got by the process.

Yesterday, I made up my mind it was time. The machine was already threaded from my friend from
4 years ago. I started playing around with my laces and fabrics and sat down at the machine.
The first line of stitches went fine. I gathered more courage and sewed a little more. Hmm,
this isn't too bad. I started having fun with it. Then, it happened, I ran out of thread.
Oh Noooo, now I have to thread the machine and learn how to thread a new bobbin.
Off I go to search for the manual. Can't find it any where. Ok, no problem, I can go online
and down load it.
As soon as I hit the print button, I found the manual.
So back to the studio I go.
Full of determination I start. Make mistakes, try again. Then success. I did it.
I make my self take it apart and do it again. Confidence soars! Look at what I made.
Have a awesome day.
Diana

My traveling art tote

2010-09-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I came across a Spring 2008 Somerset Studio Life article by Rebecca Sower.
This artice inspired me so much. You know how you can look at a magazine and years
later an article you just glimpsed at really inspires you?
This couldn't have hit me at a better time. My mother in law is getting very feeble and can't
be left alone so, I have been called on all the time to go and look after her when my brother in law has to leave for awhile. Anyway, it can get really boring, and I started dreading going over there. Then I came across that wonderful article.
So here is my art kit that I can grab and go at a moments notice.
Hope this inspires you to make your own.
Have a great day.
Diana

The decision has been made. Good Bye Country Living!

2010-09-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

It has taken me a long time to finally reach the decision to purge my beloved Country Living
collection. I have decided to sell them in batches of 10 for $5.00 a batch. Does that sound like a
good idea? I have some other news too. I don't have to close my booth after all. Robin the lovely owner has agreed to lower my rent fee. Things are looking up in that dept. Sales have been a little bit better too.
I am working on a bunch of new work too. You saw some of it in my last posts.
Thanks for all the comments on that post about the country livings. It really helps to know i'm not the
only other hoarder out there.
Take Care,
Diana

I'm Doing My Part!!!

2010-09-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, im doing my part to recycle. Two of these pieces of art are recycled roofing tiles.
Someone has got to save them from the land fill. LoL! I am also saving all those rusty door
hinges from land fills too.
What about all those vintage hats with velvet millinary? I'm saving those from rotting away in dusty
antique stores.
Ok, enough sillyness. I just wanted to share some of my most recent art. Hope you enjoy it.
Good night to you. Have a great evening.
Diana

Don't you just love

2010-09-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love those groupings of sun flowers along the side of the road? I love to take pictures of them.
Even the dried up flowers can be beautiful. I know some people call them weeds, but I just love them.
I finally finished a painting I have been working on. It is called Delight. It is of a mother and daughter.
The daughter is peeking out from behind her mother and she's holding a big bull frog. It reminds me of the

antics I pulled as a child. LOL!
Sorry the pictures aren't that great. The painting is 12X24 acrylic on canvas.
I had company over the Labor Day weekend and I taught my friend how to do

a faux fresco painting with spackling paste. This is how it turned out.
Well I hope everyone has a great day. Stay cool. Autumn is on the way.

Blessings,
Diana

I have been busy in my studio

2010-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some studio vingettes with you. I hope you all are cool where ever you are.
It is soooo hot here. Thank God it is supposed to cool down this weekend. My sister is coming up
for a visit and we will be doing something crafty.
I am so ready for fall. Cool,crisp air. Sweater weather,wood smoke in the air. Ahhh bring it on.
Have a great rest of the day. Go create something wonderful.

My Blog Make Over

2010-08-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
My blog has had a make over thanks to the wonder Sharon at My Vintage Studio. She noticed that I was in
dire need of help and hopped on and fixed up my blog for me and I love it. You don't know how many hours I fiddled with it trying to get a back ground. I followed the directions exactly but it never worked. So
I am eternally gratefull to her. Thank You, Sharon.

Should I say good bye to my Country Living collection?

2010-08-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

Oh my,
I have created a monster. I have a collection of country living magazines that goes back to 1984. Oops, I lied. It actually goes back to the premier issue. I forgot that I bought those back issues on ebay. I have been wanting to be brave and get rid of them. They are outdated and I need the room for my Somerset Studio collection or my Victoria collection. I LOVE Victoria magazine. When they stopped publishing it. I was devastated. I have a dear friend who's friendship was born because of Victoria. 13 years later and it's still going strong. Ok back to the Country Livings. How do I get rid of them? Help!!!! Am I going to regret it? Has any of my dear readers taken the plunge and got rid of something they once cherished?
Please help me make this decision. I will love you forever! Good night or morning.
Have a wonderful day. Please leave me a comment!

Act As If

2010-08-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

This blog post is really just for me. If anyone can get something out of it that would be great.

I really believe that I am destined for better things than just doing what I was doing at my last job.
I believe you are too. Ever since I lost my job I have been fighting with myself. Thinking "If only I hadn't
answered that particular call that ended my career there." I want to project into the future. Imagine I use this
time off to really get my art out there and something great happens. Then I will be saying,"Thank God I answered that call"!
How do I begin? I think I have to get past the fear of failing. That quote comes to mind. "What would you
do if you knew you could not fail?" I would be a successful artist. I would also be running around buying
items to re purpose and sell. I LOVE that! The thrill of the hunt. Fixing things up.
I have a booth in a shop. It's not doing well. I live 21/2 hours away so I can't be there to tweek it and
fluff it like I would like to. Sooo. I'm giving my 30 day notice this month and closing it.
I have been in contact with some local folks that want to see my work.
I need to set goals and ACT AS IF.
Act like it has already been accomplished. Believe it will happen. Then the hard one.
Make IT Happen.

If anyone who reads this blog is struggling with any of these same issues. I would love to hear from you.

Have an awesome day!

Visit to the old yellow shed

2010-07-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday.
I have been having so much fun taking pictures. I love rusty,crusty,chippy,peelie stuff!

It makes a great subject for photography. Just wanted to share some of the pics. Hope you enjoy.
Manzanita trees also make good subjects. We have an abundance of them on the property.
I love the branches. The way they bend. Even the dead trees can be beautiful. My husband makes
beautiful lamps out of them. I will post a pic soon of that.
Have a great day.

From Trash To Treasure

2010-07-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Look at this ugly old shelf. I have had it for 13 years. I decided to toss it out at the thrift store.
Then I thought again. I admit it, I am a lazy artist. I didn't want to go through all that hassle and

strip all the paint off and sand and and and!!! Then a light bulb went off. I could cover

it with sheet music. Soo that's just what I did. Look at it now. Here's some close ups.
I am so happy I decided to keep it. I love decorating it and setting up little vingettes.
Thank's for looking. Have a great evening.

I'm truly BLESSED!!

2010-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday to you!
I have been out playing with the camera again. I have to fill up my photo bank again because when
my computer crashed I lost everything. Hopefully, I can get it back.
You know, even with all of that, God has been so good to me. I am so lucky to live in a beautiful area.
I have a wonderful husband,. an awesome ~~step~~ son. Even when bad things happen I have got to try to
see the good and know that God is in control of my life. Not me!
I haven't shared this here yet but in April I lost my job. I had been at this job for just under 10
years. It was a very stressful job. A soul crushing job that I honestly didn't want to do anymore.
What do you do in this economy? I couldn't quit. There is really nothing available where I live.
I honestly felt that I couldn't go on with out risk to my health. I cried out to God. Please get me
out of this job! I can't do it anymore! It was a totally heart felt prayer. 3 days later, I lost the job.
I don't know what's next in my adventure but, I know I am going to put my trust in God.
If you are going through any kind of a struggle, please know that God loves you and if you
put your faith in him he will see you through. Just believe it!!!
Have a blessed day!

Fabulous yard sale find!

2010-07-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday to all of you.

Saturday I went on the yard sale trail and found this fabulous little goodie.

Can you believe it is 110 years old. Look at the detail of the clasp. I am so intrigued with old pics.
I always wonder about their lives. Pretty cool stuff! I stopped at another sale where this woman had all
these boxes of beads,lace and interesting wood pieces and every thing I asked about she said, "oh that's not for sale" UGH!!!! Why would anyone have all these boxes out, full of goodies, and not want to sell it?
It was very frustrating!

I have to show you my friend Betty's beautiful salesmans case. Sorry no blog. She is the most amazing artistic woman and she has a heart of gold. I just love her. Let me take you on a little tour of her place.

If you look close at the last picture you will see 2 cows. They are named Hamburger and T Bone. LOL
Sorry about the crazy way this blog posts. I wanted the text between the pics. Still have a lot to learn.
Have a great day or evening depending on where you are.

Random Photo Shoot

2010-07-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Look at that face. She is sooo cute!

120 viruses and a hard drive crash later...

2010-07-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the game. Hi everyone! MY COMPUTER CRASHED!!!!!
How in the world can you get 120 viruses? It's not like I go to bad sites. I visit YOU!
I know all of you don't have bugs. LOL. Anyway, it has been a crazy week. I learned I am lost
without this here computer. I rely on all the inspiration I receive from you.I can't tell you how many times
I walked into the office to get online and remembered that I couldn't.

I have so many new pictures to share. I am totally revamping my studio. I'm getting rid of so much stuff.
It's hard to let go but I feel like I should be on a episode of hoarders. That scares me!
I will be posting pics soon.
Have a great day!

Flower garden pictures and a glimmer mist tutorial

2010-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hello there everyone who visits my little blog. I hope you all are doing well and staying cool.
It was 103 here today and will be hotter tomorrow. Today I drove to Oakhurst to go grocery
shopping, "and stick my head in the freezer lol." I Forgot My Wallet!!!!! I got all the way through
the self checkout and did not have any way to pay. I was so mad at myself. Have you ever done
anything stupid like that? Let me tell you it is not the first time I have done that. LOL.
I have been playing with my camera again. Here's some pictures for you.

The next picture if it loads correctly is my recyled can project.

I glued wooden beads under it .

That adds a little something extra to it. To make your own glimmer mist you

need to get one of those travel spray bottles. I got mine at target. Fill it with

about 1/2 and inch, less or more if you like, of the paint you like. Then get

Windsor & Newton iridescent medium and pour about an inch, then add water.

These instructions are not set in stone. Play with it.

It really is a pretty way to add some shimmer to

your projects. I like to decorate the bottle with

old sheet music .

If you have stuck with me this long thank you. You

are a trouper. Have a great evening.

Diana

Home Sweet Home

2010-07-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Thursday to you. I have just been puttering around in my flower beds and
containers and playing with my camera. I am not nearly as good a photographer as many of you.
But... i'm working on it.

Just wanted to share some flowers with you. This is an old antique wheel barrow that
I have to prop up with that ugly brick in the background. I surprised that these marigolds

haven't died in the heat here. Here's another wheelbarrow filled with vinca, lavender
and some yellow marigolds.
This white container is going to get a paint job and filled with some kind of overflowing lush

plant. I don't know what yet. This little frog was a gift from my mother about

35 years ago. I cherish it. My mother died in 1994 so this is special to me.

This tin frog was a yard sale find. Can you tell I like frogs? LOL

Here is my favorite spot on the deck and my beautiful spider plant. Next picture is
more random plants. Thank you for taking time to visit me. Tomorrow I am going
to take you into the studio and show you some "Green" projects I am working on and
my own version of glimmer mist with out the probaly high price tag of it.
Have a good evening and I will see you tomorrow.

Sweltering in the heat!

2010-07-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I have had it with this heat. Soooo here is a nice shot of the snow to
cool us off. Just looking at this picture lowers my body temperature.

When you walk outside it's like walking into a furnace.

If I have to go the grocery store you will find me in the

freezer section with my head in the door. I drive home with

an assortment of frozen foods tucked in my clothes. Just kidding!

I haven't posted any art work in awhile so I will post some work that

I put in the shop up in Stockton

I hope you have a wonderful day where ever you are and

stay cool.

Diana

Monterey Cactus and Succulents

2010-07-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, I was just visiting Julies blog over atA Succulent life. She had some amazing cactus pictures and it
made me remember that my husband & I took some pics in monterey of a cactus garden. I think this is a

~~Hens~~ ~~and~~ ~~Chick~~. Edited to correct. This is a aeonium. It is huge the pic dosn't show how big it is. This next pic will give some

perspective. In this last pic if you look close there is a raven. I tried to get a better pic and
he flew away. I guess he's camera shy.

We stayed at Hotel Casa Munras. The flowers were beautiful. This is a pic of bouganvilla. The next shot is

a close up of a beautiful rose. Sorry my post posts out of sequence. I need to learn
how to get my posts the way I want them.
Have a wonderful day!
Diana

Sand In My Shoes and Delight In My Heart!

2010-07-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Just got back from a whirlwind trip over to the coast. I took a solitary walk through my beloved Asilomar.

Asilomar holds so many special memories for me of my youth. I went on retreats there every year with my mom. It is just a calming cleansing place that is very sacred to me.

As I walked the grounds so many memories came back. Oh the smell of the place.

The cool breeze. The ocean pounding in the back ground. Ahh bliss. Asilomar looks like it has
taken a beating. Alot of the towering trees have toppled, but alot of new trees have been planted so it

looks like they are taking care of it. I love the rustic nature of the place.
Asilomar will always be my favorite place and reside in my heart.

A while back while blog hopping I read a post about a very special store in Carmel.

It is called Findings. It is a special place filled to the brim with vintage notions and trims.

Some of these trims come from that awesome place in New York called Tinsel Trading Co.
I feel very lucky to have had a chance to see in person these delicious goodies and take some home
with me. The owner Nancy was just as charming as could be and didn't mind my picture snapping and

falling all over myself oogling these treasures. There was so much to see. It was

simply a jumble of lovely goodness. I hope you are still with me this is a long post. I have a few more pics to post. Hang in there. The cottages and buildings in Carmel are simply charming. What a beautiful spot on the Calif coast. A couple more pics.

The flowers were amazing!
Here is a toast to you. May you have sea breezes wherever you are and God in your heart.

Have a great rest of the day!
Diana

Lovely Vintage Finds AHH!

2010-07-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love when you walk into a antique store and find just the perfect items

to compliment your already over flowing stash of vintage goodness. The dreaming of what you
will create with these goodies is just as much fun as creating them.
The hunt itself is so much fun. I am so glad to be getting involved with the wonderful community all
my fellow bloggers have created. Thank you to all of you out there that have inspired me. I am looking
forward to all the new friends I am going to make. Happy 4th of July everyone. Please be safe.
Diana

Project Genesis

2010-07-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I was over at Suzans blog at the old grey mare and she is doing a project that I feel is very important.
So I am jumping on board. I have almost always recycled my cans and I use weight watchers smart one
containers in my studio as paint pallets. I know there is so much more that I can be doing and am really going to try to do better.Here is the link Please join.

Have you ever had a disaster while creating?

2010-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, happy Thursday to everyone. Has this ever happened to you?
A few months back I had just finished painting this custom pet portrait and
took it outside my studio to give it a nice clear coat. I picked up the wrong bottle
of paint and squirted white spray paint all over it. I was sooo mad at myself!
I am happy to report I was able to repaint and repair the damage and delivered
this little critter to its happy new owner.
Please share some disaster stories. I will pick a random comment out of a hat and
have a nice little goodie packed up and sent your way.
Thank You,
Diana

Welcome To My Studio

2010-06-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

2010-06-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.lisakaus.com/I have been inspired by Lisa Kaus's work so I did my on rendition of it.

Gods Grace is Amazing Journal

2010-06-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
This is a picture of an altered journal I did for a friends mom.
It is just a regular notebook that I covered with vintage sheet music. I
attached a tag to corrugated card board and added a few embellishments.

Beautiful Sunset

2010-06-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Wow 2 posts in one day. My husband took this picture back in April and I just wanted to
share it with you.

Studio musings and Blogging reattempt

2010-06-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well here I am trying to start blogging again.
Has everyone been oogling the "Where Bloggers Create" posts?
The 2nd annual event was last Saturday and I have been sitting
transfixed at my computer. I get inspired then run out to my
studio and change something. Go back look somemore then
run out and change something again.
I have my studio looking pretty good. But it's not done.
"IT WILL NEVER BE DONE"!
I don't want it to be done. I so love changing things around.
I love to reorganize. I want to take some new pictures and post
them but hubby has commandeered the camera.
I really am going to try to keep up the blogging thing this time.
I even went and got Tara Frey's book Blogging for Bliss.

I have other news. My beloved step son who is in the Navy is in town.
I havn't seen him since last October. I will get to see him sometime
this week. He is the best kid and I love him sooo much.
I have known him since he was 7 yrs old. He is 25 now.
I will write more about him later.
I hope you all have a blessed evening.
Diana

I'm Coming Back

2009-10-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hello again,
I have been gone for a little over a year. The death of my aunt took the wind out of my sails
for awhile. I have been doing alot of creative things. I put art work in a shop up in Stockton Ca
It is called The Vintage Crafters Creative Nook. I'm having a few sales but nothing big.
I also have a couple pet portrait commissions that I am working on. I will post pics soon.
I really want to try to get back into blogging as its a wonderful creative community.
Sooo there will be pictures and new posts coming soon.
Thanks,
Diana

My Beloved Aunt Passed Away

2008-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

My heart is so broken right now. Last Tues night my Aunt passed away.
She was like a mother to me when I was a child.
She took care of me during the 1st 2 weeks of my life and
on and off through out my childhood.
I am having such a hard time with this.
I did a collage of their wedding picture and
was going to take it to her but life got in the
way and I never took it to her. My heart breaks at
that thought. I did take it to her memorial service and
give it to my uncle. If anyone actually reads this blog please
pray for me. Thank You.
Diana

From Trash to Treasure

2008-10-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have been so remiss in my blogging duties. Are they duties?
We have to think of a better name so the fun will not be taken out of it.
Any way, I found this ugly handymans tool caddy a a yard sale last weekend.
I pd 50 cents for it. Look at the before and after photos.
Diana

I Wish I Were

2008-08-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Right now I am sooo enamored of 2 artists work. Can I be them, Please?
Kelly Rae Roberts and DJ pettitt. I have been kicking out pieces like
crazy. I really am trying to do my own thing with them and not simply
sit down and copy their work. Kelly Rae said she is moving to Portland Or
in a few months and I'm jelouse. I want to move to the Pacific Northwest
so bad.
I am lucky to live in a beautiful area so I am not ungrateful. I just long
for cool cloudy weather. Here in Central Ca it is so hot. Hot and dry.
The fire danger is very real. Just had one about an hour away that
was a major fire. So far the Lord is keeping us safe.
Today I drove down to Fresno and went to Joanns.
Surprise ! They were having a major sale on canvases .
50% off so I stocked up.
Well I'm going out to the studio to paint.
Have a good rest of your Sunday.
Diana

The Muse Is Back

2008-08-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been having the hardest time with a creative slump.
Then I was looking through some Cloth Paper Scissor magazines
and found some art work from Kelly Rae Roberts. Sorry I don't
know how to link yet. Check out her work at KellyRaeRoberts.com
Now, I'm not really a copy catter but I wanted to do something different.
I have never drawn people before so this is my rendition of her stuff.
I did a couple of them and now I am working on a canvas . I really love
doing the back grounds. Take a peek. I'm off to post more pics.
Diana

I Love My Cat!!

2008-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just have to post about how much I love my cat.
Samantha is not your normal cat. She has expressions that make
you feel like she understands everything you say and she knows how
you feel. I have never had a more comforting cat than her. She is almost
human. One of these days I should do a post of all her funny antics. Oh she
has gotton herself into some messes.
One time I kept hearing these thumping noises all day long but I was busy and
didn't pay too much attention to them. That night I couldn't ignore them any more.
Samantha had to perch herself on the bathroom window sill and leap up on a 8' tall
cabinet and jump down behind it. She had no way out. My husband had to saw a hole
in the cabinet and pull her out. To this day she will not let me go to the bathroom by my
self. She thinks I will get stuck behind the cabinet. Too funny!
I hope all of you pet lovers have a great rest of the weekend.
Diana

Plants Plants and MORE Plants

2008-07-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

Now that I've confessed to killing a plant I feel the need to let you know I don't kill all
my plants. I do have a few that are thriving. I will be posting pictures shortly.
Does this ever happen to you? You have your camera ready the perfect shot framed,
and the phone rings. Now I'm the first to admit I am not a slave to my phone but I
thought it might be my husband calling so I had to abort the shoot and run to the phone.
and yep it was him. With an angry tirade about being stuck in traffic. He commutes up
Hwy 41 here in Central Ca and they are doing major road work. So he's stuck and mad.
Anyway this dosn't have anything to do with plants. Sorry.
Off to take those pics.
Thanks for reading.
Diana

The Rose Died

2008-07-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

That beautiful little rose plant that I used as a centerpiece for the ladies luncheon
curled up and died. I have no idea what I did wrong. Some plants just do not like me.
I have an african violet that is on it's way out too. I really love plants! I have all my life.
I'm just having a run of bad luck with these little guys.

Visions of ETSY grandure

2008-07-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

You know this blogging thing isn't as easy as all you bloggers make it out to be.
Trying to come up with a witty post is harder for me than designing a new
piece of art work. I DON'T have the gift of gab.
That said I have been hanging out on etsy poking around at all the features.
I stumbled upon the "Quit your day job" article and now my head is swimming
with visions of lounging in my studio all day creating. I actually am thinking
of setting up an etsy shop. I just want to see if anything will sell.
So stay posted I just may quit procrastinating and do it.

Calvary Chapel Ladies Luncheon

2008-06-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

We had a beautiful luncheon at my church today. I will post more about it later but
here are some pictures of it.
Blessings to you
Diana

How Can This Happen?

2008-06-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this. It's supposed to be the hottest weekend so far this year.
You would think it would be safe to start tearing off a roof right? Guess again!
Now that part of our roof is tore off the wind starts blowing and clouds are rolling in.
Big clouds, thunderstorm quality clouds. Thank God it's just the back porch area that
is tore off and they can get it covered. I just find it curious that a sunny hot morning
turns to this.
I myself LOVE storms. Snow storms,Thunderstorms all of it. The louder the thunder the
better I like it. I must be strange. Don't answer that tell you get to know me.
On a lighter note I have been creating up a storm and hopefully soon I can join the art world
and post some pictures of it.
I still have a lot to learn so be patient.
Blessings to you.
Diana

Do I dare hope to do this?

2008-06-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have been reading alot of blogs and you guys have got it all together. I am so green its going to take a lot of help to get this computer unsavy fool up and running. I've read about how blogging has changed your life and all the friends you have made. I can hardly manage to get a
photo uploaded. and oh... the banners you all have are to die for. How do you do it? HELP!!!
I want a blog where I have beautiful photos and awesome art displayed.
I want to be able to wow you with funny stories and whitty remarks.
So let the fun begin.
Diana

Thank God It's Friday

2008-01-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well I can't believe I did it. Here is my 1st post.
Ah, Friday with a whole weekend stretched out b4 me.
What will I create or will I even create?
Do you ever feel creation panic? You wait all week
with great plans to do some fantastic creation and the
weekend comes and goes and you have created nothing.

I really hope to make some great new blog friends so if
you are reading this by any chance stay tuned I will be
posting studio photos and art work and great links to
all my favorite blogs.
Diana