Projects Update

I have been unable to post up creations of mine because here lately I have not been doing much creating. I have been really focusing on my health instead. However I have found time here and there to fit in a project or two so I thought I would share them with you guys!!

The Wreath (Anthro inspired)
I finally got to make my wreath!! I absolutely HEART it!! =) I have been seeing these online everywhere and dying to make my own however never really could find the time to set down and do it, because trust me it takes A LOT of time. I am so glad I finally made myself tackle this project once it was finished! I used two old Anthropologie (my favorite store!) magazines I had lying around, a mirror and a piece of my mom's old costume jewelry. It was actually an earring and I took it apart and used just the jeweled part. The best part is I have another one that was the match for a future project! =) This took roughly around six to eight hours to do. First I had to rip out all of the pages. Next I had to roll them into cones. Finally I glued them on a piece of styrofoam boarding arranging them how I wanted. I think it is really cute how I used Anthropologie books and it turned out like it might actually have came from Anthro itself! =) I wish I had step by step pictures for you guys, but I am not that far advanced just yet! I can't wait to tackle another one. The possibilities are absolutely endless. I am thinking of making up several for baby door hangers as well. We will see! Enjoy the pictures! =)

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Resurrection Cookies

I follow a blog called Fern Creek Cottage and she posted this today and it is really too great not to share! I am also including the picture she used, since we have not made them yet! Read through the entire recipe! We will be making these this year for sure!

Resurrection Cookies

To be made the evening before Easter with your kids

1 c. pecans

1 ts. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 c. sugar

ziplock bag

wooden spoon or rolling pin

tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't wait until you're half done with the recipe)

Place pecans in ziplock bag and let your children beat them with a wooden spoon or rolling pin to break the pecans into small pieces~Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 ts. into a mixing bowl.~Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. The eggs represent life.~Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest of it into the bowl.~Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar.~Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know that we belong to Him.

Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.~Explain the white color represents-in God's eyes-the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isaiah 1:18.

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet.~Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.~Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66.

Go to bed! ~Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20, 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven door and give everyone a cookie. notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matt. 28:1-9

 

 

The hollow cookie!

Recycled Art

I was browsing the web today and had to share two incredibly fabulous pictures I came across. I have to say Anthropologie is my new all time FAVORITE store! Today I realized why! It isn't the products they sell (even though I completely heart each and every one of them) it is their displays! They are so astounding. If you ever get the chance to go into an Anthro store, I highly recommend it. It is like being in an art museum and seeing recycled art on display!!!

Keep checking back, I will be posting some of my own RECYCLED ART very soon! =)

Peace, Love and all that hippie jive

Echoes of an Artist

It is finally time to reveal my TOP SECRET project!! This has been in the making for a few months now. I was really ready to expand my artist palate so to speak. So I am now unveiling my newest creations "ECHOES OF AN ARTIST".

"Alice in Wonderland" collection by Echoes of an Artist

I am making jewelry or rather pendants for necklaces as of right now. (However I am not limiting myself to pendants. I will go where my creativity takes me!)  I have never been interested in jewelry until I started to think outside of the box and realized that canvas and paint are not my only mediums. From time to time I move to my sewing room and work on a project or two. Sometimes I knit a scarf or funky hat. I am constantly looking for a new outlet and way to express myself. I believe that this is a feat for any artist out there. We find new inspiration and need new ways of expression.
"Drink Me", by Echoes of an Artist




"The White Rabbit" by Echoes of an Artist



"Mad Hatter" by Echoes of an Artist




When starting on this venture, like any artist, I wanted it to be an extension of who I am. I didn't want to simply string beads on a string. I wanted to make pieces of art for others to wear and enjoy. I also didn't want to dive in too deep too soon. So I thought it was best to start simple and go from there. I hope to make each piece unique and original. I want it to be something I love so dearly that I am almost sad to part with it.

I have several pieces coming up that you are simply NOT GOING TO WANT TO MISS! Pieces that I literally do not know at this point how I am going to give them up!! These pieces however are the first of many. The ones pictured here are done on black recycled scrabble tiles. The bails they are set on are sterling silver. I wanted to start with something I love and vintage came to mind! I absolutely adore anything old. Old things seem to have stories behind them. I don't really look at it as "old", however "touched". They just have more character and a way to make me smile. So I chose "Alice in Wonderland" for my first collection. Who does not love the story of Alice?? It is a timeless childhood favorite. I steered clear of the Disney remake however and stuck to the true original Lewis Carrol. These images are absolutely beautiful and stunning. Even as an adult they warm my heart and bring back so many fond memories of my youth.
"Alice in Wonderland" collection by Echoes of an Artist

The price is $10.00 each.

This collection will only be offered now. I do not plan on doing any reproductions of this collection to keep them one of a kind. However I do have more "Alice in Wonderland" images I may add to the collection at a later date.

I have many more pieces to come, not all on scrabble tiles. However to find out on what, you will just have to wait! I don't want to spoil the surprise!

I also want to tell everyone that I have had a CUSTOM design made just for my CF walk coming up! The design is so vintage and simply put, ME! I told my designer exactly what I wanted and she delivered much more than that! I am currently in the process of making these with the special custom graphic made just for the walk. These will be priced at $10.00 each. $5.00 will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help find a cure for CF. While the other $5.00 will be put back into making even more of these treasures!! (I will post pictures VERY SOON!)

I am so excited to get the chance to pour so much of myself into something for others to enjoy. The collections coming soon will be similar to this. However some will have extra details and even a few will be hand painted! VERY excited about that!

 I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by and check this out! I love each and every one of you!!!

Peace, Love and All That Hippie Jive




*Photography done by Dominique Springer