My heart was there....

Let the wedding festivities begin!

Yesterday was my FDIL's bridal shower. These are the times that it hurts so damn bad, to be away from family! We had hoped to link up through a video chat so I could there for the event. As hard as my Mom and other shower guests tried we just couldn't get linked up... and I'd even done my makeup! I'm afraid I took it out on my DH, who puts up my moods no matter how grumpy I am... bless his heart.
Thanks to the internet, who didn't cooperate last night, I woke up to pictures of the event in my imail box (Thanks, Gail).

Here are a couple shots of the fun they had...



I hear the gift opening went on for a long, long time! Someone got the "kids" this sign... we've always had one that said the same thing hanging on our front porch. They'll have so much fun putting all these special gifts away in the brand-new house they just bought this week. I'm so excited for them!



Sarah and the TP brides! Apparently teams competed by making dresses for their "bride" followed by a fashion show... I so coulda won this one! I rock at shower games! :) And I needed a new lip-gloss!

Mazama Mosaic

My sister, Joanne is an amazing Mosaic artist living in Eugene Oregon. She recently completed the installation of this beautiful lilies project which graces the face of a storefront in downtown Eugene. The owner of Harlequin Beads traveled to Italy where she was inspired by the mosaic works there. She contacted Joanne, who is a sought-after instructor of mosaic art, and together they conceived the lilies project. They were about to begin installation when I was last visiting. I saw the giant sections of lilies embellishing every flat surface in Joanne's studio, so I'm especially excited to see this completed project.

This storefront just happens to be very near the venue for my Son's upcoming wedding reception, so may serve as a backdrop for some wedding snapshots.

I'm a cover girl!

I've been a centerfold before, been on book covers, but this is my first magazine cover! I can't wait to get the magazine in the mail! And today the UPS man is scheduled to bring my copies of two books that I created lots of projects for; Make It in Minutes: Wreaths and Make It in Minutes: Last Minute Gifts. Exciting times!

I'll post more on the books later.... for now I WILL finish a couple sets of instructions and step-outs, if they are the only things I get done today!

Yesterday, I posted up a bunch of awesome new products at RockCandyStudios.com Check them out under "new."

AND... watch for an upcoming drawing related to the project on the magazine cover! I'll post more on that in a day or two so check back.

Artfully Yours....

A Regal Surprise!

My special artist friend, Shelly Hickox honored me with this beautiful crown, artistically designed using all vintage materials. Even the sheet music, the sequins and the tissue are her estate sale finds. Shelly is definitely a kindred spirit... she's also a transplant from Oregon.

Mail invites... check!

Signed, sealed, sent....


Assembly line....

Wedding Invitation production!

This is the one and only, nearly completed invitation! I have most of the components cut for the remainder of the 140+. I got the final thumbs up from the newlyweds last night... so here we go with the rest! Thank goodness Bob is good with my Pazzles machine. He helped me cut for hours yesterday... very good man!




I still need to print and emboss the text for the inside of the invites and design the tuck-ins for the pocket on the inside... RSVP card, directions, registry, accommodations etc.

It's a very special time... marrying off my son, especially because I love who he's chosen to be his wife. I'm so grateful that she's welcomed my contributions to the wedding. Just about two months 'til the wedding day!

Artistic Outpost Sneak Peek & Bundle Sale!

Artistic Outpost is proud to release two new stamp collections: Route 66 and Vintage Halloween.


Route 66 features nostalgic images of the first American super highway, Route 66. Who isn't yearning for a great "road trip" right about now! We always get a little sad when August rolls around. It means another summer is winding down. Use this terrific set to capture those memories in your summer scrapbooks or make something unique which pays homage to those that are born to be wild!

Vintage Halloween is for all those out there who prefer "treats" to "tricks". Who wouldn't love seeing the children in our two main images showing up to the front door on All Hallow's Eve? This collection features work from Victorian era postcards. Think of all the Halloween Party invitations, cards, or treat bags that you could create with this one set!

To celebrate the launch of these two new collections, Artistic Outpost is running sneak peek specials...From now until Monday, August 11th, the following items are on sale at the Artistic Outpost webstore.
Vintage Halloween - $9.99
Route 66 - $9.99
OR PURCHASE BOTH for $18 (that's $6 off the retail price of both)

There is a special "bundled" product in our webstore that will allow you to order both plates for $18.00.