tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50370903389324708202024-03-19T04:55:11.782-07:00The Mouse PadWelcome to my craft, writing, and lifestyle blog. Kick your shoes off and stay a while.Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-6910927569810127712012-12-02T23:26:00.000-08:002012-12-02T23:26:00.698-08:00See and Sew: A Sewing Book For Children, By Tina Davis Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, it's been a while since I've been here. I just haven't been motivated as of late, but now that I will be making Christmas presents this year, I decided there's no better time to jump back in to craft blogging.<br /><br />So last year I started working on a doll wardrobe for two people and their two dolls. I got halfway through the list of clothes I wanted to make before time ran out and then I stopped working on it completely. :-( So I've decided to work on the wardrobes again, and now I have four more dolls added to the madness. Fun! I'm also adding in some extras as well. So I want to document my work here as well as on my doll blog.<br /><br />Now I want to try to do some hand-sewing with these doll clothes because I could get more control and details in the clothes, but I wanted to get a book on hand-sewing, and when I found<a href="http://www.amazon.com/See-Sew-Sewing-Book-Children/dp/1584794917" target="_blank"> See and Sew by Tina Davis</a> I jumped at it after reading the reviews of adults finding this book helpful in hand-sewing as well as kids. I got it about two days ago and finally read through it today. Here's what I thought.<br /><br />The one thing that caught my attention was the bright colors on the cover and the cute vintage art. I loved that the book was hardback as well, it added to that vintage feel, but I kind of wish that I had gotten the spiral-bound book. In fact I believe I bought the last hardback book on Amazon.com. When I first got the book and saw how big it was, I loved it and wanted to get the other two books by Tina Davis, one for cooking and one for gardening. But now I'm not so sure if I will do that, even for the cute vintage pictures.<br /><br />The book has 7 chapters on actual sewing, the dos and don'ts, the techniques, etc. This is all for hand-sewing, by the way. In the first couple of chapters it teaches how to get ready for sewing by setting up a sewing basket or box, how to sew safely with techniques and when to get an adult involved if the person reading the book is a child, and how to begin with how long of thread to use and how to knot the thread. There are detailed illustrations to show how to do all of this.<br /><br />The next two chapters talk about basic sewing and embroidery stitches. You will learn how to baste, sew basic stitches, and hemming stitches, and decorative stitches. There are illustrations showing how to do each stitch with detailed explanations on how to do each as well as showing some alternatives for the stitches.<br /><br />The next chapter is about how to sew on a button. I found this chapter pretty helpful as it taught how to sew on a shank button and how to sew on a non-shank button. It also teaches how to sew on snaps and hook and eyes, though this part is not really that detailed, but the pictures give you an idea of it.<br /><br />After all the project pages, there is a chapter on finishes and trims. You will learn how to make pom-poms, tassels, and monograms on your finished projects. The pom-poms and tassels have a little more detail and description about them than the monogram section.<br /><br />There are ten sewing projects in the book and one project on sewing on cards. Most of the projects are more for fun, at least in my opinion. Most are functional, but a lot made from felt and fleece because this a beginning sewing book and those two fabrics don't ravel. So for a child or beginner, this projects are perfect for them, but for someone a little more advanced or someone who wants to use different fabric, these projects may not be for you and you will want to try another book.<br /><br />So what did I find wrong about this book? Well first of all, a lot of the information you can find in this book you can find either online or in a more detailed sewing book. So while the book is charming, if you are just looking for techniques to teach your child or you are learning on your own, then I would suggest just looking elsewhere.<br /><br />The book keeps suggesting to have the patterns printed out on a copier. The thing about this that bothers me is that if you have the hardback like I do, you will have to force the book open to get it copied, possibly ruining the spine of the book. Another thing is that in order to do the projects you have to go get the pattern copied and you have to size it up as well. I would have preferred if the book would have taught how to design your own patterns with measurements and using pictures as guide. I guess technically you could still do that, but this just kind of irritated me. Another thing that irritated me was that some of the stitches she says do for the projects she didn't teach in the book, so you'd have to look them up anyway. Again, a little irritating.<br /><br />So what are my final thoughts on the book? A very cute book with tons of cute graphics, but the information is easily found elsewhere and for free. If you are just looking for techniques, go that route. However, if you like vintage and craft books, then this book would be a cute addition to your collection. The projects aren't all that great either, that is if you are looking for something a little more fun or functional to make. However using felt or fleece is a great fabric to start with so if you just want sewing practice, then these projects are perfect for you.<br /><br />I don't know if I will get the other books by Davis. I do like the look of them, but I have read they are really about the same, basic projects you can't really use and not really the information you'd need for the subject matter. I love craft books, but I think this will be the last one I get in the series, still thinking about it. If I do get the others I will of course come and do a review on it.<br /><br />And on that note I am off to start planning out the doll clothes I will be making. I will be updating here again soon about what I'm doing. Take care until then, bye for now.<br /><br />MichelleMickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-39437897890203051422012-04-16T19:46:00.001-07:002012-04-16T19:46:33.265-07:00Don’t worry. Be crafty.<p align="center"><img style="display: inline" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/terrifiedart_lg.jpg" /> <br />(<a href="http://www.craftcast.com/post/779217-5-things-the-artist-in-you" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>Hello my lovelies, I am back. My computer situation has not been sorted, but I am making do with it for now. Looking to upgrade later on this year so I can deal for now.  Now on to today’s crafty post.</p> <p>Have you ever had it when you are overwhelmed with the supplies you own, the ways you could go with a project, or the many ideas floating around in your head?  Or perhaps you are sabotaging yourself with the ever popular “its no good” or “I don’t know what to make”. Well, don’t feel alone, many an artist have gone through these exact same feelings. I myself have suffered with these feelings and thought perhaps I was a weird one.  That is until I found this interesting article about this exact same topic.</p> <p>Alison Lee of <a href="http://www.craftcast.com" target="_blank">Craftcast</a> broke down typical worries of artists and explained why you shouldn’t take things so seriously and to enjoy and have fun with your art.  I know, easier said than done, but the tips Alison listed really clearify things and make sense out of the garbled mess that can be the artistic mind.  Head on over to Craftcast and read Alison’s article “<a href="http://www.craftcast.com/post/779217-5-things-the-artist-in-you" target="_blank">5 Things The Artisit In You Can Stop Worrying About Right Now!</a>” and finally release those fears, push past your barriers, and get crafty!  I’ll do the same.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TWoddOzlZL8/T4zZiGRZ6uI/AAAAAAAAA3o/x3IL_lILI9Q/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And on that note, I will talk to you lovelies later. Be good until then.  Bye for now. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TWoddOzlZL8/T4zZiGRZ6uI/AAAAAAAAA3o/x3IL_lILI9Q/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Looking around at her big stash of stuff, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-34258990941687018042012-04-05T04:27:00.001-07:002012-04-05T04:27:57.457-07:00I give up for now guys…<p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/dillweedashx.jpg" />I’ve been trying to get back into blogging but if its not one thing its another. As you may know my computer has been unusable because it overheated and needed a cleaning. I finally got it back a couple of days ago and was trying to sort things out on it so that it would work faster and blah blah. Well I kept noticing something weird about it. It gets hot on the completely other side of the keyboard now and there’s a constant humming. For days I thought it was just me, but no, I’ve used this thing enough to know that Best Buy Geek Squad has messed up my computer!!!  They put it back together wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>I am beyond pissed because its going to take an act of some higher power for me to get it fixed back around and those dillweeds better NOT expect payment for it!!!  I’m livid, if you can’t tell.  I haven’t been able to use my computer much because its slow and sluggish, probably from all the heat that is barely escaping because all the vents are ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COMPUTER and so the air is not getting out and my computer is just staying hot. Sorry, just frustrated by this on top of other things. And to make it more frustrating it’s Script Frenzy this month and I haven’t worked on it yet because I am reading through what I wrote last year to see where I left off.  Loving the story I wrote last year, btw. But now I may have to put it off for a few more days while the dillweeds that insist they know what they are doing fix my computer, AGAIN. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tg-Vv8MDxaY/T32BvIPx0aI/AAAAAAAAA1o/PWh6NstRa3c/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> Once again, sorry, just frustrated and this is just the tug that broke the doll’s neck. Ha, did you see what I did there…oh nevermind.</p> <p>So basically, if I owe you an email, its coming, but probably not until hopefully this weekend but don’t count on it until next week. My email is muy backed up again and I was all set for a big cleanout when I finally got my computer back since my sister’s is kind of slow to do it and I thought my computer I’d whiz right through it. Yeah, not so much. So yeah, if you sent me something you will get a response next week at the latest. Sorry, but it is what it is. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tg-Vv8MDxaY/T32BvIPx0aI/AAAAAAAAA1o/PWh6NstRa3c/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />I’ll see what I can do from my sister’s computer, but honestly its only really good for watching things and not much else. So yeah, odds are I’ll be silent for a while, but I’ll be back as soon as those jokers get things fixed. Ugh! Dillweeds.</p> <p>And so on that note, I’m off. I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter if you celebrate. If not, I hope you have an awesome weekend. I will talk to you lovely people later. Be good until then. Bye for now.</p> <p>Wishing she knew how to fix her own computer, <br />A rather pissed off Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-38076564738553651852012-02-12T06:05:00.000-08:002012-02-12T06:05:13.081-08:00Secret Lives By Terry Border<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/raisin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/raisin.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/secret-lives-everyday-objects-bent-objects-gallery-1.7403" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
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A creative guy by the name of <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/secret-lives-everyday-objects-bent-objects-gallery-1.7403" target="_blank">Terry Border</a> took a concept, what would happen if regular everyday things took on a life of their, and decided to make that happen through art. In his gallery, pictures like the one above takes regular items like a raisin and puts them into a "real life" situation. Poor elderly "grape" up there surrounded by the youngsters. Even me at my age, and I'm not that old people, I can relate to that feeling. LOL! The gallery is full of other fun and cute pictures. One of my favorite is a nibbled and kissed on chocolate bar locking himself into a room trying to save his life. You have to see it to get it, but trust me, its awesome. In searching for more from Terry, I found a picture not in his gallery on the page from article that I just had to share with you.</div>
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<a href="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/donut-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/donut-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.art-spire.com/daily-selection/terry-border-in-the-meadow-we-can-build-a-doughnut-man/" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
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Too cute and funny right? Of course now this makes me crave a powdered doughnut, and I'm trying to change my lifestyle and diet. *sigh* Someone out there have one for me, ok. Thanks. :-) Oh and in doing a little search I found where you can see more of his art from this set of objects he calls "Bent Objects", I was in luck and found his <a href="http://bentobjects.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> where he shares them. Awesome. There's also a <a href="http://www.terryborder.com/index.html" target="_blank">main website</a>, but it doesn't look like its recently been updated. I'd stick with the blog and his Twitter to keep up with him.</div>
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But I just had to share his neat work with you all today. I love how creative he is and I can't wait to go through his blog and see all that he's done. Yes, I'm excited. :-) And on that note I will say good bye to you lovely people. I shall be back soon with another fun crafty find from the net. Until then, be good and I will talk to you soon. Bye for now.</div>
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Craving fried and powdery baked goods,<br />Michelle</div>
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<br /></div>Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-52713874832221725372012-01-29T23:22:00.001-08:002012-01-29T23:22:41.677-08:00Believe It Or Not, It’s Edible!<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/knit-1.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://veganyumyum.com/2007/06/knit-night-cupcakes/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">Look at this super cute cupcake.  Lolo (Lauren) of “<a href="http://veganyumyum.com" target="_blank">Vegan Yum Yum</a>” fame created some cute knit related cupcakes for her friend’s going away party.  How did she create such cute and detailed cupcake toppers?  With marzipan!  I have never worked, nor do I think have tasted marzipan, but I think it’s amazing how it can be formed into such detailed shapes.  And when I say detailed, I mean it.  Look at this next picture.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/knit2.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://veganyumyum.com/2007/06/knit-night-cupcakes/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>Look at this detail!  She made a sweater, two finished scarves with tassels, balls of yarn, a knitted work in progress, and my favorite, a frogged piece of work.  So freaking cute!!!  So I bet you are curious on how to make these cuties.  Never fear.  Lolo was on Martha Stewart and taught Martha and the audience how she makes her little treasures.  Have a look.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 500px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:983058bd-0753-4744-a4e5-ab77ce60acd7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="500" height="369"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ESJ5QXNcd0c?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ESJ5QXNcd0c?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="369" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Can you believe how simple that is?!?  And how the makes it look like knitting, it was a facepalm moment for me.  Genius.  It’s just amazing how crafty people are and what they come up with.  I just had to share this little find with you all.  I know it’s a bit dated, but it’s new to me and I’m sure some of you are looking at it with fresh eyes too.</p> <p>And that will be all for this post.  Trying to tidy up my computer so hopefully I won’t lose too many files when they take it apart.  *sigh*  I hope to be back posting soon.  Especially since <a href="http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/what-you-need-to-know-.html" target="_blank">OWOA</a> is coming up soon.  So excited.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tt4frG3eehM/TyZFQG9B8pI/AAAAAAAAA08/JzaZCs44Tl8/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Ok talk to you guys soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Ready to warm up now, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-65003707790973054402012-01-29T22:58:00.001-08:002012-01-29T22:58:10.735-08:00Most Expensive Gingerbread House<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/house.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.decoist.com/2009-12-10/worlds-most-expensive-gingerbread-house-makes-christmas-special-this-year/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">Wow, I’ve forgotten how I blog.  I wanted to make this quick post to try to clean up some things I’d been meaning to do and never gotten to, since I have to take my computer in to be cleaned soon.  It’s been doing the annoying turn off thing because it’s been overheating and diving into my computer to do it myself really seems daunting when you see you have to take the WHOLE THING APART.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-disappointedsmile" alt="Disappointed smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ljr0Z9c1ijc/TyY_gH_pZ8I/AAAAAAAAA0s/cx5wg4EIdu8/wlEmoticon-disappointedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  I’ve got it working ok as long as I have a fan blowing on it.  Let me fill you in on something, it’s 33 degrees outside, my room is the coldest room in the house in the winter, my fan is right next to me blowing, and I’m wearing my jacket with the hood up.  In short, I do this for you.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ALmnQ8osPDg/TyY_gUUBDZI/AAAAAAAAA00/_yGQCe-242o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="left">So around Christmas time I did a search for dollhouses because I was on the search for different ways to set up one, when I came across this interesting article about a gingerbread house made to look like a dollhouse basically.  It was located in Gothenburg, Sweden and basically instead of making your generic gingerbread house the person decided to show the inside of the house as well as the expansive grounds, and all of it, you guessed it, is edible.  Pretty neat right?  It’s 50 cm, a little over 19 and a half inches tall.  And why is it considered the most expensive gingerbread house?  In Sweden the house costs 35,000 SEK, or close to 3,000 Euro, if it were that price today it would cost us American peeps roughly $3963.90.  A bit pricey for a cookie house, for me at least.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ALmnQ8osPDg/TyY_gUUBDZI/AAAAAAAAA00/_yGQCe-242o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/house2-1.jpg" /></p> <p align="left">But isn’t it pretty?  You can get some closer views of the inside <a href="http://www.decoist.com/2009-12-10/worlds-most-expensive-gingerbread-house-makes-christmas-special-this-year/" target="_blank">here</a>.  For food it is pretty detailed.  This all got me to thinking about how I would create a gingerbread dollhouse for actual dolls to reside in.  For one thing I think the house above is missing a gingerbread staple, candies.  I think it would have made it look more like a gingerbread house and not just a brown house covered in snow, kwim?</p> <p align="left">Then I started thinking, would I make it for 1/12th or 1/6th.  Now I would prefer 1/6th, but 1/12th seems like it would be easier to work with on a project like this, thinking size-wise and and all.  Maybe if I have a kid some day I will entertain this thought again and have them share in the fun of making it with me.  But I just had to show you guys this and try to bring some life back to the blog.  Still not back yet. I have a ton to do.  My emails are backed up again thanks to my computer, and so many other things are being pushed back. If you have emailed me I will get back to you.  Sorry about the super delay.</p> <p align="left">And that’s about it for this post. I will talk to you lovely people later.  Be good until then, by for now.</p> <p align="left">Wishing it wasn’t so cold in her room, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-3573501856612539342011-12-30T20:43:00.001-08:002011-12-30T20:43:13.113-08:00Coming back full force in 2012!<p>So I just wanted to pop on to say I have not abandoned the blog, just taking time for myself at the end of this year. Can you believe by the end of tomorrow we’ve all just gone through another 365 days?  Crazy right?  Here’s to another 365!  Humm, there isn’t a leap year next year is there?  Well if there is, add one more day to my cheerful wish.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C-nWYpg_MCk/Tv6S4GhX6BI/AAAAAAAAA0A/IzULxIZjum0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>But with that said, until I return I wanted to leave you with some entertainment.  The following video is an animated version of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity”.  The artist did it in an attempt to get the play done in animation instead of live action.  Seems it will be live action in the end, but I so wish I could see a full Wicked animation.  Oh and in case you were wondering, the artist who did this works for Disney.  It’s pretty awesome.  Take a look.</p> <p align="center"><object width="500" height="331"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=19733014&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=19733014&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="500" height="331"></embed></object></p> <p align="left">And on that note I will wish you all a Happy New Year, and I hope that this year ends on a good note for everyone.  See you in 2012!!!</p> <p align="left">Singing songs from famous Broadway plays, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-23095537306910540042011-12-25T19:46:00.001-08:002011-12-25T19:46:10.658-08:00Merry Christmas everyone!<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/merry_christmas.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.allthingschristmas.com/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>I hope all of you had an awesome Christmas. Mine was ok. It ended up being mostly just another day for me.  I didn’t get my gifts done because I realized late in the game a lot of stuff had to be hand sewn and while I’m getting faster at it, one item can take one or more hours. So while its no sweat to have things be a few days late, I still feel bad about it.  But I am coming up with some cute things that I think they will like.  This whole process is giving me a lot to think about when it comes to making clothing for dolls.  As soon as gifts are done and given out I will be jumping right back in making stuff to sell finally.  I think I really needed to get over this fear of creating and making a mistake and wanting it perfect the first time out.  I made TONS of mistakes on the clothing I made and I’m learning two things.  One, it can usually be undone and redone again.  Two, it’s not the end of the world and usually the mistakes are only things I will see and I am being nitpicky about.  So yeah, this whole experience is turning out to be good for me.</p> <p>And I know this place has become a ghost town but I will be back to blogging here really soon.  I’m going to be altering the focus of this blog a bit but I will tell you more about that in the new year.   Hey it’s only a couple of more days.  Can you believe that?  A couple of more days and that’s a wrap on 2011.  I don’t even know how to describe this year for me.  It’s had ups and downs, thankfully mostly ups.  I’m hoping next year will be a better year though.  I’m hoping everyone in my life gets into better health and that I can take BIG HUGE LARGE strides towards my future.  Fingers crossed tightly.</p> <p>Silly thing, my mom is kind of sad that today was kind of a bust when it comes to Christmas.  She misses how it was and had planned an old fashioned Christmas but things just didn’t turn out that way. So she said she wants a do over and has chosen Valentine’s day to do it.  Don’t ask me why Valentine’s day, she just wants it.  So I guess I might have two Christmases next year.  Who knows.  She wants to pull out the top half of the tree and put presents under it and celebrate.  LOL!  So I guess we will see.</p> <p>And well that’s all for now guys.  Blog posts will resume in the new year.  For now, for the next few days I will try to finish gifts, do some Winter Cleaning, and just close out the year on a hopefully good note.  So once again I hope you had a very Merry Christmas.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_ixJNpIe8_c/TvfuAVEi93I/AAAAAAAAAzw/Sebbs2JVslI/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I’ll talk to you all soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_ixJNpIe8_c/TvfuAVEi93I/AAAAAAAAAzw/Sebbs2JVslI/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Popping another piece of candy into her mouth, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-43253485314617451362011-12-05T11:08:00.001-08:002011-12-05T11:08:34.104-08:00Sewing Pattern Reading<p>With the world of technology, there’s practically nothing you can’t learn about or learn more about on the internet.  This is a great thing for me because I am a very visual learner.  With the help of <a href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">Youtube</a> and other various websites and blogs I am able to learn a lot about the crafts I am interested.  I learned how to crochet solely by watching great Youtube tutorials on the craft.  So in thinking about how helpful Youtube is to a crafter, I thought I would start sharing some of my favorite videos with you on crafts I do and even some I don’t.  I hope you will find something of interest to you through these videos.</p> <p>I am trying to relearn how to sew.  It might not be the best thing to be learning on a such a small scale, doll clothing for those who don’t know, but I’m a glutton for a good challenge.  So back in high school when I was taught about sewing, I was never taught how to properly read a pattern.  Oh sure I knew what “cut 2” meant, but there are other parts of the pattern that I didn’t know or understand about until a video I saw yesterday about it.  Curious what I mean?  Have a look at this neat and informative video below.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 500px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2e6161d1-61fb-4a2e-a7f4-ce9b59bf655f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="500" height="369"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/N6AiGihQhqc?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/N6AiGihQhqc?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="369" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div> <div style="width: 500px; clear: both; font-size: 0.8em" class="wlEditField" maxcharactersaccepted="245" defaulttext="Enter video caption here" wlpropertypath="Video.caption"> <p align="center"></p> </div> <p>Short and sweet and too the point.  There were some tips in there I hadn’t hear of before, which will be great knowing now when I try to sew for myself in the new year.  This is just another great example on how Youtube, among many other places, can be super helpful to you in a craft you already love or a craft you are just dying to learn.</p> <p>Now, if you aren’t a fan of Youtube, especially after their “improvements”, you can still find some great videos out there.  You’ll have to use <a href="http://www.google.com" target="_blank">Google</a> or whatever search engine you prefer.  Go to the search line and type one of two things.  For this example I will use sewing, but of course you will use whatever you are looking for.  In the search line you can type “how to put in a dart”, I find it’s best to put all lower case because upper case can sometimes have them looking only for links with upper case while lower case tends to look through them all.  After you type that and it loads the page, you simply click on your video link at the top of the page and various videos will pop up.  You will of course have Youtube videos show up in the mix, but you will have other options as well.</p> <p>Now another way you can try searching is typing in the search bar “how to put in a dart+video” or “ “how to put in a dart+video” “.  Now the first option will tell the site you are searching for a video, but it will kind of search for all the words individually.  You will more than likely get videos of how to put in darts in clothing, but don’t be surprised if you get videos on how to put in a dartboard or how to play darts or some other crazy stuff.  Now with the second option that has quotation marks around the phrase, this is telling the site you want to search for the phrase exactly how it is.  Now this will return fewer search results but it will get you closer to your goal of what you are looking for.  These tips will work for any kind of search not just for crafting videos.  But yeah, this search should get your exposed to the various websites and blogs out there that also host crafting videos.</p> <p>Another suggestion I have is if you know a craft really well and feel you can teach really well you should make a video.  I guarantee people will watch your videos.  There are people looking videos and they need you to make them.  If/when I get to the point I feel I know a craft well enough I will make a video for sure.   Now don’t worry, I’m not asking you to give away your trade secrets, just some hints and tips that are general knowledge or things you don’t use now in your work but used to use with success.  Also, if you watch one of these amazing videos, be sure to pay it forward by “liking” the video and leaving a quick comment to thank the artist/crafter for their tutorial and sharing it with the world.  If we want more videos in the future we have to let those who make them know we appreciate the time and energy it took them to make it for us and we’d be super happy if they decided to grace us with another.  No, don’t kiss up to them,that’s just fake and people can tell fake, just know a little kindness goes a long way.</p> <p>And well, that’s it for this post.  I just really wanted to share this video with you all and let you know to expect others with you on various crafts.  If there is a craft you are interested in and can’t find information on, let me know and I will see if I can hunt down something for you.  And that’s it ladies gents.  I’m off.  Have an awesome day and be good until next we meet.  Take care.  Bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tgo4lXURB6g/Tt0Wsbf25MI/AAAAAAAAAyU/iGDE_OuLZuU/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Happily crafting away, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-30846522743806029092011-11-24T08:00:00.001-08:002011-11-24T08:00:53.362-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<p align="center"><img src="http://www.keplers.com/files/keplers/HappyThanksgiving.gif" /></p> <p>I hope you and yours are having a happy and safe Thanksgiving.  And if you are thinking of going out into that mess tomorrow please be extra careful and safe.  Talk to you all again soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p8Pa_sVtvhI/Ts5qNPqRBQI/AAAAAAAAAxM/SR2uzo62aP0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Happily watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-3793563694161141292011-11-23T13:36:00.001-08:002011-11-23T13:36:48.746-08:00Google Friend Connect Shutting Down<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/google.jpg" /></p> <p>I know this might not affect many of you, but some of you it will and I wanted to mention it.  I was randomly looking at my Mozilla browser and noticed the headlines button.  Clicked on it for the first time today and noticed a title mentioning Google was shutting down some things.  I usually don’t pay attention to stuff like that, but today I did for some reason.</p> <p>So from what I’ve <a href="http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2127299/Google-Shutting-Down-Knol-6-More-Failed-Products" target="_blank">read</a>, if you do not have a Blogger account, and you have a <a href="http://www.google.com/friendconnect/" target="_blank">Google Friend Connect</a> gadget on your website or blog, come March 1, 2012 you will no longer have your followers gadget on your website.  It doesn’t seem to affect Blogger though, just non-Blogger sites.  They are encouraging people to instead make a Google+ account and use their gadget on there to drive traffic to your Google+ account.  Yeah, don’t see how that works for people to stay connected and follow your blog or website, and I do see this as Google’s way of getting more traffic in an attempt to surpass Facebook, but I see them closing the service as lame.  I have seen so many blogs out there using Google Friend Connect, so I call bull poo on this one not being a success.  But I thought I’d mention it to those of you in danger of losing your followers gadget.  If I’m on your non-Blogger Google Friend Connect, you have no worries of me not continuing to follow, I’ll still be there.  But you might want to mention it to your readers who maybe only follow you through the service and might lose your website after it closes down.</p> <p>And with that I make my return back to real life again. *sad sigh*  I’ll be returning guys, I promise.  After Monday some time for sure.  I have things to share with you still.  I might post about some of that tomorrow when I get a free moment.  But I shall return soon.  Until then, be good, and bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RsZ1JJcNS7U/Ts1nb-jgyxI/AAAAAAAAAws/IQvbeM9-S-0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Sadly returning back to real life, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-64636641757901224722011-11-13T01:17:00.001-08:002011-11-13T01:17:14.718-08:00O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter?<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/mountain_dew.jpg" /> <br />{source unknown}</p> <p>So I’m sure most of us learned as a child to sing a favorite Christmas carol, O Christmas Tree, I’ve heard it in both English and German many of times.  But it seems the years since that song was written that Christmas trees have been changing and getting quite, dare I say it, crafty.  As evident from the picture above of a crafty Christmas tree made out of Mountain Dew cans and topped with a Mountain Dew bottle, Christmas tress are a’changin’.  After seeing this picture I was curious what other crafty Christmas trees were out there so I <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+christmas+trees&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">googled Creative Christmas trees</a>, and boy did I find some unique and creative ones.  And of course I had to come share my findings with you.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qG7G8zw7dGs/Tr-LE-ks4PI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/RpSBgHaF0w0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Have a look at these cool trees.  Click the “source” links under the pictures to go to the website these trees are hanging out on.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/plywood.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13126/list/Creative-Christmas-Trees" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">Plywood tree.  I saw a miniature version of this tree as well.  Pretty cool, and you can actually hang ornaments on them or just leave them as is.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/tree.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.work-killer.com/2009/12/creative-christmas-tree-designs/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>Christmas ornaments hung on wall in the shape of a Christmas tree.  Love this idea.  Also made me think you could something like this with varying sizes of picture frames.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/lights.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://walyou.com/most-beautiful-christmas-trees/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">This is more for outdoor decorating.  A Christmas tree made out of lighted balls.  Some of the trees made around the world will impress you.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/lego.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://freshpics.blogspot.com/2008/12/unusual-and-creative-christmas-trees.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">Get your kids in on the creative fun by having them make a tree and decorations out of Lego.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/ladder.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2008/12/11/unusual-and-creative-christmas-trees/" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">A ladder dressed up as a Christmas tree.  Love the idea and even the look of it.  It just seems to fit for some weird reason.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/snow-1.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/trees/christmas-tree-themes/#page=1" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>This is so cool.  It looks like an actual snow covered tree in a house.  Made easily with rolled cotton and snow glitter.</p> <p>I do hope you’ve checked out the websites these pictures came from because these pictures are only scratching the surface of the cool stuff out there.  I hope, perhaps, that you have gotten some ideas on how to think outside of the…errr…um…tree box, and came up with some ideas on how to make your Christmas a little bit more unique this year.  I’m collecting these ideas to try out when I finally get a place of my own.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qG7G8zw7dGs/Tr-LE-ks4PI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/RpSBgHaF0w0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And now that the Christmas season is in full swing, I’m hunting the web for unique and interesting items in the handmade community.  I will be sharing my cool finds with you in the coming days and weeks.  Hopefully you’ll find that thing you’ve always wanted from my searches and reveals.  Fingers crossed tight that you will.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qG7G8zw7dGs/Tr-LE-ks4PI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/RpSBgHaF0w0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed" alt="Fingers crossed" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ipQqGQ3Gaw/Tr-LGEzFPqI/AAAAAAAAAwY/iXAb3EXgyyw/wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  For now I am off.  I’m wayyyy behind on Nanowrimo and I think I want to try typing some tonight.  *Looks at clock.*  Or maybe I’ll get some sleep instead and start catching up tomorrow.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sleepysmile" alt="Sleepy smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VhmxzuowYjY/Tr-LGYo63WI/AAAAAAAAAwg/BSb8ui3qS6I/wlEmoticon-sleepysmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Talk to you lovelies soon.  Be good and crafty until then.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Yawning from looking at the little yawn emoticon, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-11733067941250306462011-11-12T17:43:00.001-08:002011-11-12T17:43:36.616-08:00Black Friday Ad Scans<p align="left"><a href="http://bfads.net/Adscans" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/black_friday.jpg" /></a> <br /> <br />This post is for my USA readers.  But for those of you outside the USA who are curious, the day after Thanksgiving in the USA we have one of the biggest shopping days during the year, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CHwQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBlack_Friday_(shopping)&ei=jBm_TpyaEMygtwes_b3ZBg&usg=AFQjCNEndRj8yTW35sGKS5P5WAmpqNg9HA&sig2=SS8I4LUu8UWOckAxS_hQZA" target="_blank">Black Friday</a>.  If you are hoping to get a good deal Black Friday is the day to attempt to get it.  A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving some websites will share scans of Black Friday ads.  You can simply just <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=black+friday&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a" target="_blank">Google Black Friday</a> and find tons of websites dedicated to the day.  Granted it does further force the commercialism of the holiday, but hey a deals a deal, and if you are in the market for some craft items you are in luck this year.  Tons of sales, some starting on Thanksgiving, are centered crafty deals.  So be sure to get your newspaper on Thanksgiving morning because some of these good sales need a coupon from the news paper.  Humm, I wonder how much the newspaper companies lose out on because you know everyone will have a coupon on Black Friday but not all of them will have paid for the newspaper it came from.  Hummm.</p> <p align="left">For your ads sneak peek click on the picture above to be taken to be taken to the ads scan page and enjoy.  I found some crafty deals in the AC Moore, Michaels, and Jo Ann’s paper.  AC Moore has a 30 percent off your entire purchase coupon for Thanksgiving between 4 and 10 in the evening, along with some equally good coupons for Black Friday.  Let me know if you find any equally good sales, I’m still hunting around.  Oh and there are also some awesome sales on other stuff too, so make those lists people.  You’re welcome.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U068qi_VmNw/Tr8gxpJuZdI/AAAAAAAAAwA/uo_qNrqNDvA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="left">And I’m off.  Must return the real life again, but had to let you guys in on some of the cool finds I found.  Talk to you again soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qkOUTQT6Eec/Tr8gx8Xqr3I/AAAAAAAAAwI/ngALV_2_LGc/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="left">Window shopping the night away, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-35895523229185503992011-11-11T14:56:00.001-08:002011-11-11T14:58:32.226-08:00Happy Veteran’s Day<div align="center">
<img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/veteransday.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></div>
Thank you for your bravery and thank you for my freedom.<br />
<br />
Proud to be an American,<br />MichelleMickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-15836933224056914782011-10-31T17:50:00.001-07:002011-10-31T17:50:52.055-07:00Happy Halloween!!!<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/halloween-2.jpg" /></p> <p>Happy Halloween to all of your freaks and ghouls out there!  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eWK713sn7gU/Tq9CaVNFjRI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Ecd0c1JRFrw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  I hope you are all playing it safe and having a fun time tonight.  I’m doing my usual Halloween thing of spending the night in.  It’s raining something horrible out there so I don’t think there were any trick-or-treaters out tonight.  My friend even took her kids to the mall because we got hit with one of the coldest and wettest Halloweens in a long time. I remember Halloweens just a few years back where you had to wear short sleeve shirts because it was hot an muggy.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the cold, but the wind and rain make it extra brrrrrrr.  So I hope you are staying warm tonight if your neck of the woods is unseasonably cold too tonight.</p> <p>Right now I am currently counting down the hours to the start of Nanorwrimo.  I am being a Nano Rebel this year by not writing a novel.  I’m going to be finishing up a script for the photostory I’ve been trying to finish for a long time now.  I think my time of Nanowrimo is coming to an end.  I don’t know if I’ll be doing it next year.  I do cherish the crazed writing during November, I just think I want to start making that an everyday thing than just a one month thing, so I don’t know about future Nanos.  But this year is my first as a Rebel and I’m kind of excited about it.  I don’t want to write a novel just to write a novel and waste time on something I’ll hate, so I will write the script which will hopefully help me write my story and get it done so I can start taking pictures in December and start putting it up next year.  Fingers crossed.</p> <p>As for other things I am doing right now, I’m focusing on my health right now.  There are a lot of things I need to get done by the end of the year.  I have something I am dreading coming up in 28 days, and I don’t really want to talk about it right now because I’m that nervous about it.  It’s really silly to be nervous about it, but when I explain it…on the 28th or 29th of next month, then I’m sure it will be clearer why I dreaded it.  I’m working on inventory for my shop.  I finally found a place to put my shop.  I think that was another problem for me, where to put my shop, but I found a nice place for it to be that a lot of other doll sellers are on so it works.  And well, I guess that’s about it right now.  So the goals for the end of the month is to work on the immediate health issues at hand, get through that situation I’m dreading at the end of next month, and get the shop open.  I know I won’t make the Christmas rush with my shop, but that’s ok, as long as I get it open.  Oh, and yes I am still working on emails, comments, etc., etc. etc., you get the point.  I’m working on all that.  Now that some stress has been taken off of me with my parents health either doing better or being looked at, my mom still worries me some with her heart issues, I’m getting a little more calmer and I can focus better.  I’m hoping this next month will be busy and productive for me.  I’m ending this year on a good note, no matter what.  And NO Michelle, that isn’t jinxing it for you by saying it aloud.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed" alt="Fingers crossed" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QuxkI3K5Cx8/Tq9Ca9QaJNI/AAAAAAAAAuI/QCkGOzxUnDk/wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eWK713sn7gU/Tq9CaVNFjRI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Ecd0c1JRFrw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And on that crazy note, I will bring this post to a close.  I will talk to you lovelies soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eWK713sn7gU/Tq9CaVNFjRI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Ecd0c1JRFrw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Realizing she needs to get up and exercise some of this candy off, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-27032924402917173962011-10-29T01:32:00.001-07:002011-10-29T01:32:53.358-07:00Homemade Butterfingers<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/butterfinger.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/11/homemade-butterfingers.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>Ok, so about a month ago I found <a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/11/homemade-butterfingers.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> online for homemade Butterfingers.  Supposedly candy corn, peanut better, and compound chocolate make for a spot-on replica of the crunchy peanut butter treat.  So I was super excited to try my hand at making it.  So I got a two pound bag of candy corn…you only need a pound for one batch, a 18 oz. jar of JIF honey peanut butter…you only need 16 oz. but I used the whole jar, and compound chocolate…I couldn’t find any at the store I was at but knew you could make some from chocolate chips.  So with my ingredients in hand I set out to make the most awesome treat in the world…or so I thought.  What’s to follow is my experience with the recipe and what I learned about it.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eihozpR9sWI/Tqu6M2voWaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/bH06-rQGD6A/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>So first of all, I had a big two pound bag of candy corn.  Nothing wrong with that right?  Except that the candy corn was for Halloween…as in trick-or-treating.  What does that mean?  The candy corn came divided into individual baggies.  I needed a pound for my recipe.  So I had to sit there and cut the baggies open to get a pound.  If you are doing this recipe, be sure to get the bag from the regular candy section. It’s just a bag of candy corn.  You tear it open and you are good to go.  It took forever to get a pound of candy corn from those baggies.</p> <p>So next I put the candy corn in the microwave for a minute.  Stirred.  In for 15 seconds.  Stirred.  in for 15 seconds.  Stirred.  In for 15 seconds.  Stirred.  You’re getting the idea right?  Now when you stir it be sure to fully stir because I think some of the candy was cooking on the bottom but not getting stirred and got a little hard.  But yeah, so that took a little while but I got it melted, but it was quickly cooling on me, so I had to hurry and get the peanut better into the bowl.  This lead to lesson learning two.</p> <p>Ok, so this hot mucky orange mess in your bowl is starting to cool no sooner that microwave turns off.  You have got to get that peanut better stirred in and then put it all in a pan to fully cool.  But like I said, this stuff is already cooling. This is where I made my big mistake I think.  When I pulled the candy corn out and placed it on a tray on the counter I had to open the peanut butter…as in take off the top and pull off the protective seal, and scoop it out and into the candy corn blob.  I stirred every time I got a little something in, but this stuff was cooling fast.  By the time I was done the stuff at the bottom was hard as a rock and I gave up fully blending so I wouldn’t end up with a rock in the bowl.  So I quickly scooped it into a parchment paper lined 8x8 pan.  Now what I quickly learned was that I should have scooped the peanut butter out into a separate bowl and have it waiting with a spatula to quickly scoop into the candy corn the second it comes out.</p> <p>So I put the mess into a parchment lined 8x8 pan and put it into the fridge.  I believe this was mistake number 3.  Why? Because when I pulled it back out it was super hard to cut.  I think if it would have been allowed to harden at room temperature it would have been easy to cut and not have crumbled like mine did.  But after some hard work, and yes a little bit of sweat, I got it cut into some chunks.  Now it was time for chocolate.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/chocolate-chips.jpg" />Ok, so I couldn’t find almond bark or melting chips at the store I was at, so I had to pick up an alternative that I wasn’t to happy using, but it was the next best thing.  Chocolate chips.  Yes, like the kind you put in chocolate chip cookies.  So you’d think I would just melt them and coat my candy with it right?  Wrong.  Seems chocolate chips are too dense when melted.  It needs some fat in there to make it flow more.  Enter vegetable shortening.  Yes, we are talking about the Crisco here people.  Ok so here’s <a href="http://www.chocolates-made-easy.com/Melting-Chocolate-Chips.html" target="_blank">the recipe</a> of how to make compound chocolate out Hershey’s chocolate chips.  Ok, so for every cup of chocolate chips you have, you add a tablespoon of shortening to the mix.  I used two cups of chocolate chips, roughly the whole 12 oz. bag, and two tablespoons of shortening.  I pop that into the microwave and microwave it for 40 seconds and then stir.  Then I put it in for 20 seconds and stirred.  20 seconds then stirred.  20 seconds then stirred.  You get the idea here again right?  Good.  So once it was melted I realized that I hadn’t cut the peanut butter mix beforehand, another thing I would suggest.  So I thought I could do it quickly.  As stated above, it took a while.  Well once I got it cut I was worried the chocolate would be hard again, but oddly enough it wasn’t.  It was still smooth and flowing…something I must admit freaked me out a bit.  Makes you wonder what that stuff does in the ol’ arteries.  But I digress.  Moving on.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/melted-chocolate-chips.jpg" />So here I had my nice homemade compound chocolate.  I had two mini racks of yet to be coated Butterfinger bars.  So I started pouring the chocolate over the bars.  Mistake number 4.  Dip it people.  Your chocolate will go farther.  I didn’t realize that until I got done with the first rack.  The second rack I dipped as best I could in what was left of the chocolate…I was not making another batch.  For the most part things got covered, on top.  The bottoms of most of them were basically bare.  So dipping surely is the best way to stretch your chocolate and get full coverage.</p> <p>I popped my Butterfingers into the fridge for about an hour to set.  I pulled them out and went to try one.  Mistake number 5.  People, when you are messing with candy or sticky stuff in general, coat whatever surface you are using in cooking spray or some cooking oil of some kind because it will stick otherwise.  I had chunks pull off in my hand but then leave the bottoms of the chunks attached to the rack.  *Shaking my head.*  So I grabbed a flipper and scraped off the bars as best I could.  Once off, I finally got the try the fruits of my labor.  Final thoughts?  The peanut better part tastes shockingly like the Butterfinger peanut butter, but it was more soft and chewy than hard and crunchy.  The product as a whole?  Yeah with the chocolate I wasn’t tasting Butterfinger, even though my friend swears it did taste like it.  Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t Butterfinger.  I still have a ton left in the fridge and I planned to give it a second try tomorrow since it will have had some time to “age”, and then see if maybe I can taste Butterfinger.  As it stands right now I don’t see myself making this recipe again.  It just wasn’t what I expected.  So now I have tons of peanut butter, chocolate chips and candy corn sitting around.  Humm, well the candy corn is in baggies so I can eat those as a little sugar kick…which I really don’t need after my visit with the dentist the other day.  As for the chocolate, there’s always uses for chocolate, so I’m not worried about it sitting around for too long.  And the peanut butter is destined for good ol’ fashion pb&j’s.  Yum.  But all-in-all I’d call this experiment a mixed success. I got what I started out to make…well…sort of, and it doesn’t taste bad just not really like Butterfinger.  So while it’s not 100% what I wanted it wasn’t 100% what I didn’t want.  So we will loosely call this a success.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eihozpR9sWI/Tqu6M2voWaI/AAAAAAAAAtw/bH06-rQGD6A/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>So, tell me what you think.  Still want to try your own Butterfingers?  Have you already done it?   What did it taste like?  Did you use something different from me to get the taste you got?  Please share, I’d love to know.  Maybe with the right encouragement I’ll be willing to give it another try…next year.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QooScsuMQ74/Tqu6NHCRRxI/AAAAAAAAAt4/bxu2WqNfSIk/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And on that note I will bring the post to close.  It’s just after…4 a.m.!!!  What am I still doing up?!?   I wanted to craft in the morning!!!  I guess that’s not happening.  Oh well, early afternoon crafting is just as fun.  Hope all of you have a great and crafty weekend and I will talk to you soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Yawning and stretching, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-35250870964797192552011-10-28T22:40:00.001-07:002011-10-28T22:40:54.461-07:00Something Like Summer<p>So while I should have been busy crafting today, I realized a book my sister loaned to me 2 weeks ago on my Nook was about to expire, so I had to finish it tonight. I just finished it and I must say I was impressed.  The book is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-Like-Summer-ebook/dp/B004I6DKPY" target="_blank">Something Like Summer</a>, and it was a rather interesting read.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/something-like-summer.jpg" /></p> <p>It’s a romance novel about two teenage boys, Ben and Tim, who meet one summer due to Ben’s crush on the mysterious new guy in town Tim.  Something happen that lead to Ben and Tim being together.  They had a hot and steamy love affair, but some issues caused them to have to split up.  What follows is 10 years of life, love, and chance meetings.  Some really sad things happen along the way that leads to a bittersweet ending.  I wouldn’t say this book was destined to be one of the great classics of our time, but it was a rather good read.</p> <p>Some parts I felt were rushed in the story, but it flow non-stop so that was good.  The author, <a href="http://www.jaybellbooks.com" target="_blank">Jay Bell</a> who is a gay man himself, told the story in such a way that you didn’t view the story as “a love story between two guys” but more as “a love story between two people”.  I will warn you now, some of the sex scenes are written in a slightly graphic way, but nothing to raunchy…nothing worse than what you’d find in your male/female romance novels.</p> <p>But I think anyone could relate to this story.  Young love, first love, and even a love triangle, which is what our main characters find themselves in after a while.  So if you are into romance novels, pick this story up.  I really think you will like it.</p> <p>Sadly though, in reading the book it has gotten to late to craft, so I guess I will watch some things online and call it a day and make better use of my time tomorrow.  Not that today was a total loss.  I got to spend time with a friend and finish a good book.  Win/win?  I’d say so.  <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pVafT1bNSE0/TquR5fYiYMI/AAAAAAAAAto/EepaXHNbCwA/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Talk to you all later.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Dreaming about what tomorrow will bring, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-5061241165231933802011-10-25T05:22:00.001-07:002011-10-25T05:22:08.931-07:00My Two Loves Together At Last<p>So I haven’t been really crafty as of late.  My worries over my health and the health of others really has been keeping me from being creative as of late.  One of the crafts I’ve really been missing is crochet.  Since finally learning it, I’ve just fallen in love with the calming rhythmic pattern of yarn over pull through the loop, but I just can’t find the time, energy, or creativity to sit down and do some.  Nothing created a strong enough need in me until I found my way onto a crafty young lady’s video on Youtube.  What did she create?  A character from one of my FAVORITE video games, Animal Crossing.  Along with that she made the character some clothing that reflects the clothing in the game.  So cute.  No really, it is.  Have a look.</p> <center> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:37e91bbd-921b-4f65-b302-7e9c5f157422" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="500" height="369"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7-5FSWfgIJ0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7-5FSWfgIJ0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="369" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div> </center> <p>Isn’t it, dare I say it, kawaii?!?  I know, I’m a goober.  LOL!  But seriously, it’s such a cute idea and I can’t believe I didn’t think of trying something like that myself.  But the good thing is she has resparked my need and want to crochet again.  I have these gloves I want to make out of this beaded pink yarn I’ve had for a while now.  I think now is the time to try them out.  Wish me luck. I’ll update you on how things are going.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2mhhBxGxl50/Tqap72zvsxI/AAAAAAAAAsk/I8nw5OKgJkY/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And once again I am off.  I need to get dressed now to go out…on no sleep.  Ugh!  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sleepysmile" alt="Sleepy smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DHsPY5UANTg/Tqap8BIltNI/AAAAAAAAAss/q1p1rLikAbU/wlEmoticon-sleepysmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Oh well, I guess I can sleep when I’m dead…hopefully years and years and YEARS from now.  Ok, be good ladies and gents.  And I’ll talk to you all again soon.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Wishing she could slip under her covers, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-14428714361815443642011-10-25T05:03:00.001-07:002011-10-25T05:03:31.946-07:00This Is Halloween<p>As the creepy  and cool holiday of Halloween nears, a lot of people are letting their creepy and cool sides hang out.  From cool decorations and costumes to awesome…Halloween lights?  Humm, I understand lights for Christmas, but Halloween?  I’d never seen a big Halloween light display, until today that is.  Seems this family Riverside, CA really likes Halloween.  On their Youtube channel they have videos dating back to 2008 of their Halloween extravaganzas.  Here’s their light show for this year.  It’s pretty awesome.</p> <a name='more'></a> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:935f3b46-b404-48c1-9e76-fd658512cda8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="500" height="284"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/WAXMtUCcp7o?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/WAXMtUCcp7o?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="284" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div> <p>Pretty cool, right?  But if Halloween just isn’t your thing, never fear, they’ve got a little something for you too.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:83c82cd3-6959-433a-b945-a178ee75e70d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="500" height="284"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/UfcNoMnKjrY?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/UfcNoMnKjrY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="284" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div></div> <p>And here I thought nothing could top all those awesome Christmas light displays people go all out for.  My favorite part has to be the singing Jack-o-Lantern faces.  Love them.  And they can carry quite a tune, don’t you think? </p> <p>So, what are you plans for Halloween?  Me?  Not much.  I will have a friend over on Friday or Saturday and then on actual Halloween just maybe watch a creepy movie with family at home.  Not many kids trick-or-treat around here any more, which is sad, the neighborhood is getting old. Oh well, such is life.  But we’ll still find a way to have fun.  I am planning on making homemade Butterfingers.  I have enough to make two batches, one for practice, and one for when my friend comes over.  I guess I’d better try to make my practice batch soon, like today.  LOL!</p> <p>Other than that, not much going on really.  Stomach is still causing me issues.  Had a weird choking episode that woke me from my sleep yesterday and had me swearing I was going to literally die yesterday.  Trust me, that wasn’t fun.  That must have been my “trick” for Halloween, so now I should only get “treats”…right?  Fingers crossed on that.  Well I am off.  I am super tired, didn’t sleep last night, and I have to get dressed to go out for a bit.  My sleep pattern is off again, sucks, and I don’t see myself sleeping anytime before 12 today, which also sucks.  Meh, I’ll survive.  Talk to you guys soon.  Oh, and if I don’t get back here before then, have a happy and safe Halloween. I’ll talk to you all soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Wishing she was one of those party people in the house tonight, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-63938277964532012452011-10-12T17:37:00.001-07:002011-10-12T17:37:34.133-07:0012 Years Ago Today<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/Candle.jpg" /> <br />January 5, 1997-October 12, 1999</p> <p align="left">And I still can’t believe you are gone forever.  You are always in our hearts and thoughts.  We love you.</p> <p align="left">Love always, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-4897009453169152372011-10-04T17:18:00.001-07:002011-10-04T17:22:06.746-07:00Hey guys! Guess what?!<div align="center">
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<a href="http://www.widdlytinks.com/">Halloween Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com</a></div>
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Halloween will be here soon! Just a little PSA from your friendly mousey gal. Are you excited yet?! I know I am. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qppdD_yrUgU/TouiXNEyXCI/AAAAAAAAArk/DUQaGQxg6WM/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></div>
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Can’t wait to go look at Halloween decorations, <br />
Michelle</div>
Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-45463174191020976042011-10-04T17:13:00.001-07:002011-10-04T17:13:17.378-07:00Maillardville Manor And Bathroom Transformations<p>So <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Eleven33Designs" target="_blank">my friend</a> has this problem.  She has to many bathrooms.  I know, anarchy right?  To many bathrooms.  She literally has two bathrooms in her master bedroom.  She has another in the house for her girls and guests to use, so she really doesn’t need another bathroom.  But one thing she could use is a craft room.  She uses a corner in her bedroom to craft in, but that bathroom is just calling out to her, and no not in a pee-pee dance sort of way.  She has visions of taking a sledgehammer to her garden tub and taking out the toilet and making the 7x7 room, with an additional walk-in closet, into her dream craft room.  But there is one tiny catch.  She want’s to leave it so if she decides to move she can quickly whip it back into a bathroom for those couples that demand their own bathrooms.  Totally makes sense, right?  Right.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CM5sdUlDW7c/TouhGf90ncI/AAAAAAAAArY/79Rg2OV7F1o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>So, are you guys following me so far?  Or are you having some trouble envisioning this awesome bathroom space?  Troubled?  Never fear, I’ve come prepared thanks to my friend’s super drawing skills.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EkMTyX-S4Cc/TouhGqkEkAI/AAAAAAAAArc/NTFmJtxu-RI/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/bathroom.gif" /></p> <p>Ok, so the black line at the bottom is the door into the bathroom.  On the right is the sink and counter area.  Go around the corner and you have a walk-in closet that my friend says you can easily have four people sitting down in there.  Awesome storage options!!!  Then in the upper right corner is the garden tub I can only imagine is itself awesome. Then to the left of that is the toilet.  I think  she said in between the toilet and tub is a window, there are some mirrors in the bathroom that look like windows.  I must go over there and see this room…but can I do it without being roped into manual labor, that is the question.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ES5RzwqCSXY/TouhHJTG9TI/AAAAAAAAArg/ivxx1d1RXn8/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  But my friend and I were looking around trying to find pictures of before and after bathroom transformations.  I couldn’t find any, but she found this crafty gal who managed to do so and it turned out…well…awesome.  LOL!  Sorry.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CM5sdUlDW7c/TouhGf90ncI/AAAAAAAAArY/79Rg2OV7F1o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Anyway, so this gal who writes the blog <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com" target="_blank">Maillardville Manor</a> explains how in her last house her and her husband took a bathroom they barely used and changed it into an office/craft area.  It was small but it was functional.  Have a look.</p> <p>They went from this:</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/HPIM2225.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2010/06/computer-room.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">To this:</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/ComputerRoom.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2010/06/computer-room.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">I know, impossible to believe this was a bathroom in a former life.  And see what I mean, it’s small, but functional.  And my friend has more room than this to play with so she could have a pretty nice craft room.  You need to go check out the <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2010/06/computer-room.html" target="_blank">post</a> on <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com" target="_blank">Maillardville Manor</a> about this amazing transformation.  But do you want to hear the extra cool part about this transformation?  They wanted to leave the bathroom so if they move, which they did, they could whip it back into a bathroom, which they did.  They hid the pipes in the cabinetry by cutting holes for it and plugging them so it was a easy switcharoo.</p> <p align="left">So in the end they ended up with this:</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/PowderRoom.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p align="left">I promise you that’s the same room.  You can see it in this <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">post</a> on <a href="http://www.maillardvillemanor.com" target="_blank">Maillardville Manor</a>.  Who am I kidding, it’s still hard for me to believe it’s the same room.</p> <p align="left">But I love how even though she had so little room she still had everything in it’s place.  Her yarn, her scissors, her ribbons, and her office stuff.  So it just shows you that your only limitation is your mind.  I’m in such awe what this couple was able to accomplish and it just drives me to think outside of the box and really try to see my true vision in things.  Sometimes I think I have crafter’s block, but it really just is all a mind thing. If you think you have crafter’s block then you will because you think you do.  But if you just relax, take some deep breaths if needed, and let the creativity flow through you.  Sure you may not recreate a room, but I guarantee that whatever you do create will be, dare I say it, awesome.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CM5sdUlDW7c/TouhGf90ncI/AAAAAAAAArY/79Rg2OV7F1o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="left">I’ll talk to you lovelies later.  Stay crafty.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CM5sdUlDW7c/TouhGf90ncI/AAAAAAAAArY/79Rg2OV7F1o/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p align="left">Lazily day-dreaming about craft rooms and crafty things, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-24172161254825207972011-10-04T15:45:00.001-07:002011-10-04T15:45:51.554-07:00Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Part 2)<p>So a while back, about one or two years ago, on my doll blog I was <a href="http://dashausdermaus.blogspot.com/2010/09/hey-buy-this-housebut-only-if-you-are.html" target="_blank">pimping out this house across the street and to the left of my house</a> that was just finished being built and for sale.  I was encouraging my hobby buddies to move in and be my neighbor.  That house was finally bought by a young guy in the military, his girlfriend, his baby, girlfriend’s mother, and his roommate.  Yep, packed house.  LOL!  But the same builder who built his house built the one directly in front of my house.  So now I’m offering this one to you.  LOL!  But I don’t know how excited you will be now knowing I keep such a watchful eye out.  LOL!  But look at it this way, you’d have the neighborhood watch right across the street from you.  What’s not to love???  You’re welcome.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bR8dVCRW3ro/TouMmjS9CxI/AAAAAAAAArI/3uSdNiX0LMU/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>So I guess I should show you the house you will be buying then.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Here goes, here are some pictures of what it looked like while being built.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh7494656bd49eae86d783b02d27126d-psd01d4915f6dca87fdd53ee958412390.jpg" /></p> <p>Sorry for the blurry picture, this is how it was on the site.  This is the house’s early beginnings.  Before this much was done we were trying to figure out which way the house would face.  This house is on a corner and could face either way.  Usually houses on the corner in this neighborhood faces the side street that connects with the main street.  But this house faces out onto the main street towards us.</p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh2e31e17ec9d51451de191b3731cb04c-pse8fa5ae91689f377c581c5895d44c177.jpg" /></p> <p>Side view of the house from the street it connects with.  The garage is huge.  Much Bigger than ours.  And those windows on the side are I believe two of the three bedrooms.  Funny, these pictures were taken about a year ago. <br /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh7ae4ca36d654765e72afcb620deee3e-psce3b9c59de411193c5ed467cb2edbe1.jpg" /></p> <p>Back view of the house.  This lot it is on used to be wooded, so a good bulk of the trees remain on it.  So what you are seeing is the back door and a living room window and kitchen window.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Ok, so the next pictures are the outside view after it was finished being built.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh6cf25ddab38fd01d37a74cf1bc8c8add-ps7351d8988be8c62749af8df44861638f.jpg" />This is a distance picture of the house.  This past December or January my mom took an awesome picture of the port-a-potty covered with snow.  Just had to mention that.  I think it is horrible the relator decided to keep that in the picture.  Why didn’t they photoshop it out?  But I digress.  So this house is a heather gray color.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh3a79f1cea49b14ba2a1a9435c6a6367-psb14444c137337c4632734e8cef6ca3b.jpg" /></p> <p>A little closer view.  The door has a little window next to it, two big windows up front from I believe the kitchen, don’t quote me on that, and a double garage.  And it has a security light in back.  Please don’t use it, it’s bright and annoying.  I might have to stop being your friend if you use it. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-laughingoutloud" alt="Laughing out loud" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dXZf77uGx4M/TouMnWfByDI/AAAAAAAAArQ/81itf7Dp13k/wlEmoticon-laughingoutloud%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Now we pop inside the house. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh326e9086d6915e5a673ede8fd964b011-psd2aed0eac16e775cdd69b3bc695e138.jpg" /></p> <p>Walking in from the door you can see the living room with a lovely fireplace.  Perfect for those cold autumn and winter nights.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uha9c915936796de856a52ebfa1bdc9137-ps568111bee456e44fe7cf92cc56c7ce.jpg" /></p> <p>The spacious and open living room, dining room, and kitchen area along with the back door.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uhcb1a51f9a957ba74a3af87dde5ff05f-ps2bd72a97ad16590d252f05e4db07bc8.jpg" /></p> <p>Just look at that crown molding.  Gives a special look and class to the room, don’t you think?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh55d5378d1db370bd37ad627b8ecd21b9-pscf1e81b827150605e7ac64d912bd4c2.jpg" /></p> <p>Here’s the kitchen.  Big and open with plenty of storage space.  And so brightly lit in the daytime and opened into the living area so you can stay connected with the whole house.  Now if you’ll just follow me down the hall to the guest bathroom.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <br /><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh7cbb8786f58633eaa553388c44ea935-ps281ea8e7dc384fd49e9dfc81e53727c9.jpg" /></p> <p>A good size bathroom for guests and the rest of the family to use.  You have a bathtub and shower combination, standard toilet, and sink with counter space for odds-n-ends.  Let me show you the master bathroom.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh1d10d2499815cab9e177ef2bfa2cd6c-ps3648e1ed1555433ab3c168dd3f7360fe.jpg" /></p> <p>A double vanity. Isn’t that nice?  No fighting for the mirror or sink with your husband or wife, you’ve got your own space.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <br /><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uh219f8ed7674834202ed4338782bd4b9f-ps4f4bcaef6e5892c1fd2c5dd4a4aaead.jpg" /></p> <p>And of course you have a toilet, and bathtub and shower combination.  Kind of wish it was a garden tub like the house next door and it doesn’t seem like it got the frosted glass like the house next door either. Bummer.  But still very nice.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/picture-uhe017aac928312b1056c74af0b26b33b9-ps2868cf814ad466e505bd9b2d2aa84c8.jpg" /></p> <p>And then the umm…walk-in closet in the master bedroom?  Humm, doesn’t look like much does it?  Kind of a bummer also, but has room for tons of improvement, or you can maybe change it to a crafty nook if you have other closet options like a wardrobe.  Be creative.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you for touring the house and I hope you saw something of interest that makes you consider buying it.  What?  Oh you want to know the price?  Ummm…well umm…keep in mind it used to be $139,950.  The builder recently dropped it to $136,950.  Pretty awesome right?  Which means you only have a monthly payment of $805.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile" alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bR8dVCRW3ro/TouMmjS9CxI/AAAAAAAAArI/3uSdNiX0LMU/wlEmoticon-openmouthedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  So, what do you think?  Want to be my neighbor?  Let me know in the comments and I’ll get the needed info to you asap.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jh68sUAdDUA/TouMnmGXYxI/AAAAAAAAArU/k-BQvwr1Eew/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> <br /> <br />Ok, so I had to be playful today.  I was joking with friends today that they needed to come buy the house so I could stop wondering who will move in.  It’s been on the market for months now and I just want someone to move in already.  And it seems the builder feels the same way since he dropped the price in July.  They recently had an open house, and still no takers.  Who knows, maybe one day soon someone will move in and the mystery will be over.  But I swear, if they use that security light, there’ll be a price to pay!!!  *shakes fist in air*</p> <p>And I’m off people.  I’ve got another house related post for you, but this one is actually craft related.  No, I’m serious.  Give me a bit and I’ll post it for you.  Trust me, you’ll be in awe.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81OHRTzeJJc/TouMm-XoERI/AAAAAAAAArM/ry58AaZr-To/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />   Until then, be good.  Bye for now.</p> <p>Still wondering who will move in, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-25819021323617524292011-10-04T14:03:00.001-07:002011-10-04T14:03:27.612-07:00Knock, knock. Boo’s there???<p><img style="display: inline; float: left" align="left" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/Frosty-Leaf-Ghosts-photo-260-cl-D.jpg" /></p> <p>Sorry, being my candy corn self again today.  Fall is officially in the air and with that comes the holidays.  Although technically Columbus Day is in October, I don’t really celebrate that for several reasons.  No, the kickoff to my holiday season starts with none other than Halloween.  Boooooooo…  And aren’t these <a href="http://family.go.com/crafts/craft-774901-rosetta-frosty-leaf-ghosts-t/" target="_blank">leafy ghosts</a> so cute?  It took me a second to realize they were actually silk leaves. Cool idea huh?</p> <p>Halloween, for me at least, has been a hit or miss with me over the past couple of years.  At first I loved it because of trick-or-treating, but then my mom stopped taking us and would just buy us candy so it didn’t mean much to me then without the trick-or-treating.  Then we got to throw Halloween parties in our teens so it meant something again for me.  But after my brother passed away, 12 years ago on the 12th, it changed Halloween for us.  He really liked Halloween and he died so close to it.  Honestly the whole end of the year is a sad time for my family.  Seems a lot of beloved people and animals passed away in September, October, and November.  But with the death of my brother it kind of made me give up on the holidays.  But times passes.  Wounds heal.  And then you want to give it another go.  So I want to try to do a little something fun this year.  I’m thinking one or two scary movies, something I have not done in literally years.  Some Halloween treats that I whip up myself.  And spending time with a family friend I haven’t seen in about a year.</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: right" align="right" src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/92245779_63O4Q4aG_c.jpg" />And speaking of whipping things up, one of the things I want to whip up is this.  A <a href="http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/chocolate-pumpkin-cake-clv0907" target="_blank">Chocolate Pumpkin Cake</a>.  Doesn’t it look spooky as well as chocolaty?  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pyac4PhLbt8/Tot0m7t797I/AAAAAAAAAq8/zUWDhTmDpRs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /> I love the black cake stand, it just adds to the Halloween feel of it.  I don’t know if this cake will make it on the list of to-dos this year since I really want to make some homemade Butterfingers, but it’s certainly on a to-do list.  I’m already thinking of different colors to celebrate other holidays.  Like today it’s slightly warm, feels like a Spring day.  I’m picturing a pink cake with light green frosting dripping from the top.  Maybe some candy eggs decorating the sides of it.  It’s a thought.  Ohhh, or a slightly darker green, a slightly darker red, and then spots on the red to make it look kind of like a strawberry.  Ideasssss.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pyac4PhLbt8/Tot0m7t797I/AAAAAAAAAq8/zUWDhTmDpRs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Sadly my ideas are about as crafty as I’ve been getting as of late.  I’m trying to work my way through organizing my computer and my “haunts” online so I can better socialize and finally open my freaking shop that has been in a “coming soon” state for years now.  But I hope with this fall my life slowly going back to normal that I can start planning and achieving some goals.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed" alt="Fingers crossed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mzUVNOCElBs/Tot0nQPui1I/AAAAAAAAArA/gJ3BPgJuT_o/wlEmoticon-fingerscrossed%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  I’m hoping that 2012 will be an awesome year.  Even if it ends being our last year, be sure to celebrate Christmas big this year seeing it that some people depict that it will be our last.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jn_o4UnCnlk/Tot0nlWlglI/AAAAAAAAArE/YaQAHcERqmY/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  But seriously, I am ready to move forward with my life and see my goals start to come true.  Each day the goal list grows with things I want to try to achieve, but  I’m starting to logically see that I can’t reach them all, at least not in this lifetime, but I’m going to shoot for the stars and grab as many on my way by and be happy with my haul once I reach the end of the universe.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pyac4PhLbt8/Tot0m7t797I/AAAAAAAAAq8/zUWDhTmDpRs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>And so I’m off peeps.  I needed this post to reenergize me and my quest for happiness.  I’ve got plans.  I’ve got goals.  And I’ve got determination.  A nice little arsenal to have if I do say so myself.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jn_o4UnCnlk/Tot0nlWlglI/AAAAAAAAArE/YaQAHcERqmY/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  Ok, I will talk to you lovelies soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pyac4PhLbt8/Tot0m7t797I/AAAAAAAAAq8/zUWDhTmDpRs/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Planning her next big crafty caper, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037090338932470820.post-49701003052608150492011-09-27T23:27:00.001-07:002011-09-27T23:27:39.173-07:00Beaded Toilet Paper Necklace<p align="center"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c251/vincantations/il_fullxfull182151588.jpg" /> <br />{<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68937244/toilet-paper-on-your-neck-sterling" target="_blank">source</a>}</p> <p>Had to post this quick find from <a href="http://www.etsy.com" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.  It’s a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68937244/toilet-paper-on-your-neck-sterling" target="_blank">Beaded Toilet Paper Roll</a>.  Isn’t it cute?  Ok, so some people may think it’s kind of “gross” but I think it’s adorable. I could see myself proudly wearing this around town.  LOL!  If you want to make one of these darling “loo rolls” yours click on over to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiciaBeads?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">LiciaBeads shop</a> and snatch one up while you can.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6a166bzwr_Y/ToK-WsdgetI/AAAAAAAAAqo/p7pVgjbRfuw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Ok just had to share this.  I’m off again.  Talk to you guys soon.  Be good until then.  Bye for now.  <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6a166bzwr_Y/ToK-WsdgetI/AAAAAAAAAqo/p7pVgjbRfuw/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Enjoying her quirky fashion sense, <br />Michelle</p> Mickeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00066518635686275985noreply@blogger.com0