~ HAPPY NEW YEAR~

Well, 2008 is almost over! Our Tradition every year is to have my cousin here with us, she is 2 years younger than my daughter. They have a tradition of playing video games, having Pizza for dinner, drinking Sparkling Cider just before 12 then ..... banging pots and pans at midnight and then making Pasta at 2 am. Even though we are house sitting this year, it is not any different, we will just be annoying someone elses neighbors! :)


I was browsing the web today when I came across Deaf Mom World blog. She shared a video that is really funny, so as my last gift of 2008, I too am going to share the video with you. Enjoy!! (It is captioned too!!) I hope you all have a Safe and Happy New Year!

~ A Signing Giveawy ~

Today I came across a give away for Signing Time at Stop, Drop, Blog! I love these videos and often share them with my nieces. My niece Olivia especially LOVES these videos, so I have entered in hope of winning them for her! Wish Me Luck!!!

~ OMGosh Giveaway ~

Have you seen Rhonna's amazing designs??? I LOVE the Miracles and Inspire prints! She is very creative! She is having a fabulous giveaway on her blog Rhonna Designs to bring in 2009, you can win 209 yes 209 of her design kits!!!

~ What have YOU done???? ~

UPDATED! I came across this list on Dawn's blog, I thought it was cool too!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (on Wii, does that count? lol)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted I did collaged one, does that count?
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating...it was fish
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club 1/09 online bloggin book club!
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day


Although I have done alot of these there are so many more of these I’d love to do...this list really made me think of the New Year ahead....What have YOU done or what will you DO?

~ ART Day!!! Yeah! ~

UPDATED: Finally got all the ceramic back! Here is the "Art" mug that I created! I just love it and drink my water from it daily!

Today, my family had a belated party for my niece Olivia. We went to All in the Kiln in Walnut Creek. We had a very nice day creating! I can wait to get them back!

~ Merry Christmas!!! ~

Christmas Giveaway!!!

Hurry on over!! It's not too late!!! Bits of Wool is having a Christmas Giveaway and it ends on Christmas day! Go Take a look!!

Happy Holidays!

'Tis the Season!!!

Awesome Giveway!

Head on over to Riding with No Hands and enter their Giveaway for ATC2K Waterproof Action Cam! What an awesome prize!

Sad Day...R.I.P. Riggs

I have been house and pet sitting for my Brother. This morning I woke up to Riggs, his Black Lab, drooling profusely and breathing irregular. I was about to take my daughter to school when I made the split decision to take Riggs to the Emergency Vet. Within minutes of arriving at the Vet, Riggs lungs collapsed. My Brother is not returning until tomorrow and we made the decision to put Riggs to rest, as there was no hope for him. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. He was the best do EVER!! We will all miss him dearly.

Chrysti's 29 days of Giving!

I thought I had blogged about this already, but looking back I sadly didn't. Chrysti Hydeck is a wonderful Artist and Photographer, as well as a fellow ZNE member. She has been participating in the 29 Days of Giving on her blog, Art by Chrysti. Hop on over and see what she is offering for her giveaways! Some fabulous finds indeed!

Linky Love!!

I love to acknowledge other Artists! Fellow Artist and ZNE member Izabella Pierce has joined with a few other Artists and is having a Grand Opening for their new site Outsider Artist! This is an Amazing collabrative of Artist! I hope you will stop by and sign their Guestbook!

Who doesn't LOVE a Giveaway!!??!!

A wonderful Artist and Singer, Lani Kent, whom I met during the ZNE ConvenZioNE is having a Giveaway on her blog! I think you all should check it out! Healing Expressions I have entered and hope I win!!

Happy Holidays & Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

In Touch with My Inner Child

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Help Send BEAN to the White House!

Today, as I was searching the web, I was touched by a very sweet story. Bernie Berlin of A Place to Bark has a resuce dog that she is hoping is adopted by the First Family, The Obamas. BEAN is so adorable that I am helping another Artist, Animal Lover, and ZNE Member! Let's help get BEAN to the White House!!!

Bits and Pieces

I am not going to apologize for not bloggin regularly. My life has been turned upside down and I just need some time to get things straight. Things are not all straightened out yet, but I have some time today to blog.

I can't believe the year is almost over...it just fly by. I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful Artist over the past year,especially since I attended the first ever ZNE ConvenZioNE! It was a blast! One of the Artist I met was Susan Tuttle! She has a new book out and I have showin some love by postin it here. You can check out her Blog Contest at: Ilka's Attic

Also the book is selling on Amazon.com

So hop on over to both links and show Susan some love!


I have worked on very little Art lately, but have started making a brown bag art journal that I will begin to share soon. I also made a coaster book that is not completely finished. I am trying to get some eBay auctions up and running! So, lots of things to look forward to!

Hope your Holiday Season has started off feeling Blessed!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful day! I will be spending the day with my daughter, my brother, my neices and some new friends!
We always say what we are thankful for at the dinner table, traditions are what really makes the holiday!

Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Most Recent Art

I still slackin on keepin this blog updated. Most recently I have worked on some Jewelry for Deaf Hope. This wonderful organization helps Deaf women in Domistic Violence situations. Deaf Hope had a Tea Party Fundraiser in Sept. that I donated some earrings and a bracelet.

Hi All! I'm BAAAAAAACCK!!

Wow! I have had a long hiatus. Summer is always a busy time and I was not really focusing on my art. So much has happened since I last blogged that it would take a long time to catch up. So here is a brief synopsis of the changes: My daughter turned 15 years old in June,I turned 29 AGAIN! in July. We went to Disneyland, Santa Cruz, Saratoga, Placerville and will be going to South Lake Tahoe this weekend.


This past weekend I attended the first ever ZNE ConvenZioNE! It was so AWESOME and INSPIRING! I got to meet many Artist that I had been in contact with via the Internet and it was spectacular putting the name to the face. We officially crowned the Queen of ZNE the Amazing Chel Stroud-Hery! She looked so beautiful in her black velvet dress and Regal Tiara.



The Luncheon on Friday gave us all a chance to introduce ourselves and get to know each other a little. I was very excited to meet the Fabulous Michele Beschen of the TV show "B Original"! She is absolutely Gorgeous!


I was also very Surprised and Excited to see my ART in the Worthington Gallery West. I had done a ZNE Workshop some months ago where we Altered Vintage Wooden Hangers, I knew at one point that it would be included in a Gallery Show, but had no idea that it would be this weekend. I was BEAMING!!!

Saturday morning was breakfast with the Wild, Succulent woman herself, SARK. Her story is truly inspirational. I feel so blessed that I was able to attend.

I took the Wonderful JoAnnA Pierotti's Nestled ~ Thinking Inside the Box. JoAnnA is such an Inspirational woman. I feel truly blessed to have met her. I also got a wonderful surprise when my name was drawn for a book that she has contributed too. And to my great surprise, it was a book that I had seen in the book store a few weeks prior and was trying to win on eBay. "Art Making, Collections & Obsessions" by Lynne Perrella.
There was alot of wonderful women in this class including: Lani Kent (have you heard her SING?? WOW!!) Danielle Muller, Kristin Hubick, Dori, Bonnie and Patti. What a Fabulous bunch of ladies! I do hope that I will meet up with them again in the future!

Dinner was at the Blue Agave in Downtown Pleasanton. The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and talk of the classes that we had just finished atteneding. There was a silent auction, fabulous prizes and of course great food! I won two of the auctions!!! Yeah Me! It was a fabulous retreat and I look forward to attending again next year!
~Artful Blessing~

Happy Earth Day!!!

~ Sweet Nothing In My Ear

In Sweet Nothing in My Ear, Laura, who is deaf, and Dan, who is hearing, are an attractive young couple happily married for nine years. Their son Adam was born hearing, but by age six has also become deaf. When Dan decides to pursue the possibility of a cochlear implant for his boy - a tiny computer chip inserted in the brain that would allow him to regain his hearing - a divisive wedge is driven between husband and wife that threatens to shatter their marriage.

This was a wonderful movie. My heart totally went out to this family. The subject is very controversial in th Deaf Community.

Here is a link to the Captioned Trailer. Enjoy!
Sweet Nothing In My Ear

~ Waiting on the World to Change

This song is by John Mayer. This is a Beautiful ASL interpretation of the song. Brings tears to my eyes every time! Enjoy!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

~ Pay It Forward & Giveaway

About a month ago I was looking at the WANTED listings on PoshPoints and I came across a listing for Soda Tabs. I knew I had 2 huge bags of cans outside ready to take to recycling. When I read the posting, I knew I had to respond. I had my daughter go through the cans and take of the tabs, we have already sent these to Tesse (as a PIF, not for the PoshPoints). I thought this was an incredible thing for a little girl to do, so I emailed Tesse asking her if I could blog about it. She was delighted!

Hello my name is Tesse, I have a little sister named Jordie. She would tell you she is collecting Soda/Beer Tabs for Kids with Cancer. But really the Tabs are donated for more than just children with Cancer. The tabs help provide treatment for kids, they help provide wheel chairs for sick children, and these tabs also help with being able to provide the parents of these children a place to stay. My sister is dedicated to collecting “more” tabs than anyone. She has “employed” me as her helper. I am so proud of my sister for wanting to help these children. So here I am, asking that you please take the 2 seconds to get the Tabs off your drinks and save them to send for her. Please feel free to contact me for more information or for shipping information.

Thank you,
Tesse & Jordie
Tabs4kids@yahoo.com

I hope that alot of you will find it in your heart to PIF and email Tesse for her address and send her some Soda Tabs for Jordie's cause! We are on our second bag of Soda Tabs (I hang them in a baggie on the Refrigerator).

I have decided to add a Giveaway to this PIF (I will post pics soon). Leave a comment on THIS post after you have taken a picture of your tabs in an envie with the address partially shown and blogged about it on your blog. I will pick a winner on May 1st, 2008.

~ Perfect Jeans?

5 Minutes for Mom Giveaway!

Is there such a thing as Perfectly fitting Jeans? 5 Minutes for Mom is giving someone a $200 Gift card for TrueJeans.com plus they’re giving a 15% discount on orders at TrueJeans.com until March 31st.

The 15% discount only lasts until March 31st, so I recommend you click over now and buy a pair. And if you happen to be the lucky winner, then you can get another pair or two.

These jeans have gotten rave reviews in the media. They have an awesome sizing method...and who hasn't been frustrated with finding jeans that actually fit? The jeans offered at True Jeans are high-end designer jeans, so they’re not cheap.

If you want a chance to win the gift certificate, click on their link above and leave a comment and follow their instructions.

If I win this giveaway, I will be ordering "7 For All Mankind
"A" Pocket Bootcut Short" or "iT Jeans Diva"

Good luck!

~*HAPPY EASTER*~

I hope you are all enjoying your day with your Families! It is a beautiful day here in Northern California and I will be spending it with my daughter and our second cousin is staying the week with us.

DBC Peaceful Rally at AGB Conference - CA

My daughter and I attended this DBC (Deaf Bilingual Coalition)Rally. It was wonderful to see the unity in the Deaf Community. My daughter (Hearing) and I (Hard of Hearing) are very proud ASL users and support DBC. We are also in this video, can you find us?

~ Tim Holtz Monthly Challenge

Every month Tim Holtz features a Challenge on his Blog. I finally had enough of his products to try one of his Challenges. As I was doing the March Challenge, my daughter came in and said she wanted to do one too. My daughter's tag is on the left and mine is on the right. I think we both need a little more practice, but it was fun to do! I own both of his Distressables books, which have many fun projects. I am in the middle of finishing one and will share with with you soon. I also own both of his DVDs, but was sad when I realized that neither one of them are Closed Captioned. :(

I would love to take a class with him, but we never seem to be at the same place at the same time! ;)

Artfull Blessings,

Kathryn

~ Look What I found

Now, I know this is not ART related, but I found this giveaway from The Opinonated Parent and thought that I would share! This is such a FANTASTIC idea!! The IdentityPal is a USB data storage device used to aid in the retrieval of detailed medical records, pet owner details, and general safety contact information in the event of an emergency.The unit comes pre-installed with easy-to-use identification templates. The templates are to be filled out with any amount of identification information that suits your specific needs.

~I LOVE ASL Bracelet

Here is my newest creation! I just love making these bracelets! I will be putting this one on Etsy. I will give you the link soon.

~ Dancing With The Stars

Are you voting for Marlee? I am. You can click the picture below to taking you to the voting site on ABC.



and you can call in 1-800-VOTE-4-12


"I'm in my mid-30s, I've won an Oscar, I have four children. You figure out if my deafness has adversely affected my life."
-- Marlee Matlin

~HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY~

Tonight, Dancing with the Stars starts and I will be voting for Marlee!!! I hope you will join me in voting for Marlee too. Feel free to take this picture and post it on your blogs, myspace, facebook, websites, auctions, or wherever to show your support!

~ The Ultimate Blog Party Winner~

Choosen by Randomizer drawing generator is # 15!!!

© Eclisse Creazioni Art & Photography

Congrats!!! I have emailed her to let her know she has won the TUBP Prize!

I am feeling Lucky today!

I opened up my email to find out that I won some GREEN today! Yep, cold hard CASH!!! $10 in my Paypal account from The UNpink Ladies!! Thank you Gina!!!

AND

I won a prize from Sew Gracious whose prize was offered on The Downtown Boutique

I am so excited, I can't wait to receive my Prizes!!

~ Scrapbook Expo

On Friday, I attended the Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton, CA. I had only heard about it a couple of days before and wanted to try to takes some work shops. I was able to get into Quick Quotes "Canvas Al A Carte" Workshop. This class was so much fun! Here are the pictures of my unfinished project:





Here are some pictures of what the project will look like when it is complete.

Here is what I purchased for my daughter, with my 10% off coupon. So cute!

"Flip Flop Book"

After the work shop, I walked around doing "Make~N~Take" projects. This is where you sit down and make a small project. Sometimes for a fee and other times for Free.

Here is my first Make~N~Take that I did with "My Daughter's Wish" The fee was $5.00 and this is a cute Tag with a small tag book. I still need to add the ribbon at top, I did not like the ribbon they had there and knew I had plenty at home.



Next I did a Make~N~Take by Close to My Heart which was an adorable card, I just love the colors. My daughter also did this one on Saturday, see below for her Make~N~Takes.




The next Make~N~Take I did was FREE!! Heartstring Design had this adorable Clover shaker that I made in less than 60 seconds!




Then it was on to Chino Scrapbook Company there cute Paperclips were a must Make! This was another project that was quick and easy to do!



The next Make~N~Take for $2.00 was such a great little project. I bought 1 more of the one I did and 2 of the other coaster book to do at home with my daughter. S.E.I. has some great velvet papers and really cute iron-ons.

Here is the Make~N~Take that I didn't do there, but bought 2 to make at home with my daughter.

Here is what I purchased from them including the Awesome Monthly kit! I will get these every month because I signed up for Club S.E.I.

My last Make~N~Take of the day was with Kits to Remember or K2R their cute acrylic 4x4 albums were also a must MAKE!



I actually learned about the Expo from Jessica Guthrie's Blog. I had actually really liked her blog and products so much that I emailed her and let her know I was available Friday to work. I asked for Jessica after I had finished my Make~N~Take to meet her and let her know it was me who had sent her the email. She needed someone on Saturday and my plans had changed, so I told her I would be happy to help her out. I am so glad I did!! Jessica and her parents are absolutely delightful. If you ever get to take a class from her or meet her, you will see that her smile is so infectious and she is very helpful with questions. I was so proud to wear the K2R Krew shirt for the day! I had a lot of fun and offered to help Jessica anytime she has a show in Northern CA.




After using the Bind-It-All, I knew I wanted one. I imagined all the projects that this tool would help me to complete! I got the Bind-It-All kit from K2R.

Here are my daughter's Make~N~Take projects from Saturday.

All in all, it was a great weekend! I am so glad I found out about it! I am hoping to go to the one in SAC whether or not I work for K2R.