PiXiE bELt

Today I made my own Pixie Attire. I think I'll call it a Pixie Belt. This was soooo much fun. If you have positive feedback, I'd LOVE to hear it! Thanks.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Day of the Dead is NOT Halloween

photo credit here

When I was young, I used to live in Texas. As you may know many people of Mexican descent live in Texas, also, as the border of Mexico touches that of Texas. I have been drawn to Mexican textiles and traditions due to my exposure to them, as well as for their colors and design. Soon, on November 1st, many people will be celebrating All Saint's Day. Then the Day of the Dead or All Soul's Day celebration will follow on November 2nd. I know I am not the only artist who enjoys the art and decorations of Day of the Dead. Karen Michel shared two Day of the Dead color sheets for children (or adults) on her blog here. Also, to find out more about the history of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day/Day of the Dead/Dias de los Muertos, just click on the underlined words above, where you'll be linked to Wikipedia.

On flickr you can find a bunch of amazing, authentic photos of people in costume for Day of the Dead. An example is this gallery here. Another great set can be found here. To see images from the full event, not just face paint and costumes, view a wonderful flickr set here.

If it feels right, this could be a good time to honor your loved ones and ancestors who have passed on. Day of the Dead is not the same as Halloween. Instead it IS a time to send love and respect to those who have died. The only part that is the same between the two holidays is that people may be dressed in costume, eating festive food.

Sending peace and love to all who have been lost and to all who are still grieving.

If I Had A Bunch of Bucks . . . $$$$

So I was out window shopping with my best friend today. We went to DSW. In case you didn't know, but really wanted to know, I used to own a ton of shoes. I have stayed away from clothing and shoe stores for quite some time now. Basically, if I am shopping these days, it is for books and art supplies. I had a little bit of culture shock, as I really don't know what is in fashion anymore. I also had a deep urge to buy a ton of shoes again! Oh, if only I had a bunch of bucks . . . I would have liked to get the following:

(Okay, maybe not the whole store's worth of shoes, but . . . This picture was meant to show the amount of tall boots that were available. Boots are Hot! My best friend said, "They always have been." I'd have to agree.)

Now these shoes I was drawn to because it kind of looks like they have tape across the toes. I am soooooo into tape right now as an art supply. My eye went right to them. What do you think? Would you wear these?

These boots took my breath away a little. I don't really have an outfit I'd wear them with anymore, but I'd be happy seeing them in my closet! No, no, I wouldn't really do that. Maybe I'd just have to get some new clothes, too! No, no, I won't likely do that either. I'd rather get new music, art supplies, or books if I have any spare change in my purse.

We ate lunch at T.G.I. Friday's.

How did you spend your Saturday?

All About Monica (Follower Appreciation Winner)

I have been reading the blogs of Monica for maybe a year now. I feel that she is some kind of kindred spirit, if I may say that without really knowing her. What I do know is that what she shares on her blogs really speak to me. You can see beautiful art and photos by Monica on her blogs here and here. Congrats, Mon! Thanks for playing along on my blog!

Halloween at Work

I was dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West. No one really knew who was in the costume because you could barely see my face! The wig was AWESOME!

Here I am with my co-teachers. As you can see, we had a Wizard of Oz theme for our costumes. You can see more about The Wizard of Oz here.

We set up photo stations for parents and their children to come through and have their picture taken. Then they were invited to make their own fun foam frame to take home.

These are the pumpkin seeds from our class pumpkin before they were baked. They were delicious right out of the oven with just a little butter and salt on them.

The children voted to make a scary jack-o-lantern and this is what it ended up looking like! Pretty scary, eh?

Thinking About Remains of the Day Wraps

What's your favorite fabric stuff to use in your projects?

Rita A. is an Artist

This month I did a Follower Appreciation giveaway on Mondays. Yesterday Rita A. won! Upon receiving her email, I learned that she has just opened up an Etsy shop. You can find it here. Please take a moment to look at her blog and Etsy Shop. Congrats, Rita. I'll be sending you some artsy stuff in the mail soon! And congrats on listing your first item on Etsy! It feels good, doesn't it?

On One of the Last Warm Days of Fall . . .

I took a ride on the river in a canoe with my honey.

He caught a fish.

I saw a jet trail in the water's reflection.

And I ate Swedish Fish.

The sun was starting to go down a bit.

I wore a lot of orange stuff.

See?