Dawnz Altered Artist(s) Studio

Happy New Year to You

2011-12-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas Bloggers

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

to you

from the bottom of my heart.

~Dawn

Santa Hat Brownies

2011-12-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

OK.

Seriously how cute is that?

I made these for a Christmas Party last night and they turned out very yummy and delicious.

Simple really.

{1)Brownie Bites, or make your own pan and cut with a round biscuit cutter or make in mini muffin pan,

2) Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, I made mine from scratch cuz I roll that way, but you could totally buy the already made version in the piping tip can,

3) Strawberries for the hats. Cut off the bottom}

and

voila

They were a huge hit, there were no leftovers, and almost everyone said they were making them for Christmas!

~Dawn

merry christmas!

2011-12-07T14:05:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas out there in Blogger-land!

I am still attempting to heal my hand from the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome. I am only going to post art when I make something going forward, and not post so much. :(

AH life, gets in the way sometimes. I also really wanted to update this so there wasn't still a Halloween Pumpkin for the most recent post.

~Dawn

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:10:00.001-07:00

This carved pumpkin is from a couple years ago. The carpal tunnel syndrome has forced my to forgo carving a pumpkin this year on Halloween. {I do love to carve Halloween Pumpkins though.}
He was "Igor" from Young Frankenstein, played in the movie by Marty Feldman.

Hope you had a SPOOOKY Halloween.

Halloween E.A. Poe ATC

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

colorful

2011-10-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Steampunk ATC

2011-10-15T12:15:00.002-07:00

Here is the Steampunk Themed Artist Trading Card I made recently for a Steampunk Swap.

I was really happy with how it turned out. Funny enough, I was searching through some small watch parts to add to the gears and this small piece fell on top of the face and I was surprised the size was perfect for the eye. I had german scrap goggle style glasses and they were too big so I added them to the hat. The images of the steam engine, man and hat all found online. I cut them out and added the german scrap, gears, watch parts, and rubber stamped images, I also inked the edges.

Cow Time

2011-10-05T06:02:00.002-07:00

last in my series of cows from Wisconsin, all from a couple years ago in Madison WI @ the State Capital Square

With Chocolate and a Straw

2011-09-28T06:00:00.003-07:00

more cow sculptures from Wisconsin

update

2011-09-23T07:00:00.003-07:00

Well sometimes life gets in the way. between stress, busyness, health problems and life in general I haven't been blogging much. My main reason for resisting the urge to blog is carpal tunnel syndrome. I have had it for years....

I am trying acupuncture at the moment.

So I need to take a little break from blogging and making any issues I have any worse. I do have a few weeks of Photos on Wednesday already in the queue from using Post Options. So there will still be a small bit of activity.

But before I go, I just found this great idea online and wanted to share. I just got the new Pottery Barn catalog in the mail. They have a cute decor idea with matching pictures frames on a wall for Halloween look. You insert photos of headless people to complete the look.

Of course they can be printed and used in your own artwork for the spooky upcoming holiday. Go here to download the pdf. I would not print them and then sell some on etsy if I were you. I don't imagine you want the legal team from pottery barn after you. They should be for your own personal use...

You can also go to potterybarn.com and type party planner in the search box and get some other cool halloween ideas and free stuff.

Enjoy!

The Great Wizard

2011-09-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

more cow sculptures from Wisconsin

Little Bo Peep

2011-09-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

more cow sculptures from Wisconsin

so very true

2011-09-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Me? Behave? Seriously?!.... As a child I saw Tarzan walking around naked, Cinderella showing up after midnight. Pinocchio told lies. Yogi and Aladdin were thieves. Topcat was a gangbanger. Batman drove over 200 mph. Snow White lived in a house with 7 guys. Popeye smoked a pipe and had a bunch of tattoos. And in later years, Pac-Man ran with digital music eating pills that enhanced his performance. The fault is not mine!

borrowed from a status update on fb

Giveaway Advice

2011-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

GO HERE

My sweet friend from across town Meri Wiley is having a fun giveaway at her place. Drop by and check it out she makes fabulous sculptures and is giving away a Halloween one!

Can't pass that up!

oompa loompa

2011-09-07T06:56:00.001-07:00

more cow sculptures from Wisconsin

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

Have a Happy Labor Day Everyone! I hope you stay cool, eat some yummy food, rest, relax, and put your feet up. I know that is what I am doing!

arizona sights

2011-09-02T06:00:00.004-07:00

I love living in Arizona. We have lots of interesting creatures here. Some are cute, some are awesome, and some are really creepy.

Roadrunners fall into the awesome category. They do run really fast. I have seen quite a few lately and saw one just this morning on my way to work.

The way they run with their legs going at full speed and their head down is really like it was in the cartoon.

It is an amazing sight. We also have had 2 scorpions in the house this week. That falls in the creepy crawly category. It is like a mini crisis in the house when you spot one. Everyone who lives here has a scorpion story. I have already blogged a couple of times about that though. You can go here if you are curious.

Funny Cows

2011-08-31T06:10:00.003-07:00

only in Wisconsin, my birthplace and homeland would you find a cow sculpture dressed as Glinda the Good Witch. also known as things I miss about Wisconsin...

pleased

2011-08-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I am so proud of myself for fixing my blogger problems on my own. I ended up trying to fix the issues on my own for over a week to no avail. I was really happy with the service through blogger and their help section and forums.

Of course the problems I had were due to a known blogger issue. Apparently I had some bad html in a recent post that was causing the problems. Who knew?

However I googled the question first and went in to some parts of the html of the blog and edited it with what a poster was speaking of and it didn't fix my problem, made it worse, and I ended up having to pitch my background and tweak a bunch of other stuff. So whatdya think of the current look?

So if you....

have your sidebar dropping to below your posts....

You have some bad html somewhere. To check, try viewing each of the individual posts on your homepage to see if the sidebar returns. If you find a post with a missing sidebar then that is the bad post.

You need to edit the bad post to fix the html. This can be done normally by switching between compose and edit html a couple times and then republishing. Repeat the steps until the blog is fixed.

Wanted to share the blogger help!

Latest Garage Sale Find

2011-08-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

I often speak of how much I love garage sales. Here is my latest score...

It was a wooden cassette tape holder. Now in it's new home and recycled it will become a rubber stamp pad holder.

It has a fancy insignia on the side that says Napa Valley Box Co. It is not made of oak just cheap wood. But I thought the insignia was cool and I am a giant wine lover.

It fits most of the flatter stamp pads. I added the labels to the sides of them.

Just before typing up this blogpost, I googled and found some others on ebay for $39.95. Hmmm not even close to what I paid for it.

SCORE!

I love New York

2011-08-24T06:08:00.002-07:00

ugh.blog.frustrating

2011-08-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else having trouble with their blog out there is blogger land? I have noticed over the past week some days the background does not load properly and it remains white. Now since yesterday they converted my whole blog to one column and all my sidebar info is below all my posts.

What the?

We are off to see the Wizard

2011-08-18T06:01:00.009-07:00

Here I am joining this fun Wizard of OZ swap hop…

Thanks to Twyla and Lindsey for hosting. I am posting a day early in case someone who follows my blog wants to join in the fun and get cracking at making some atcs!

I happen to adore all things Wizard of Oz. I loved the movie as a kid. My sweet hubby was born and raised in Kansas.

here is a couple of my artist trading cards to start off….

I joined a Wizard of Oz Chunky Book Swap a few years ago. We each got a particular theme to create our page with, and mine was "Munchkins/The Lollipop Guild". The whole post is here.

Here is a few more I did. I wanted to include my Wicked The Broadway Musical ATC too. I like that version of the classic story as well.

and well one more of the beloved Wicked Witch of the West.

I needed a good excuse to use one of my favorite stamps! :) Available @ Viva Las Vegas Stamps although I bought it locally at my fave shop, Frenzy Stamper. Viva Las Vegas Stamps has a whole set of different Wizard Stamps.

As a little extra side tip...I keep a mask made from a post it note on the top of some of my stamps. When they are too wrinkled up and ripped, I make a new one

Because we are loving all things "Wizard of OZ" I wanted to share with you my most coveted Wizard item I own. My sweet friend, Stephanie Wright made it for me a few years ago, it is one of my favorite things in my artistic side of my jewelry box.
It is Soldered around the Edge, hanging on a rubber cord and collaged to Wizard perfection and of course double sided with both witches....

Seriously, how cool is that??

Is a Bird in the Hand Really Worth Two in the Bush?

2011-08-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

Still love my Cuttlebug

2011-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made a few cards recently that I wanted to share. First off a Wedding Card that I personalized. I measured the inset of one of my favorite embossing folders with the flourish box to find out how big the space that would be available to add a personalized touch. I printed the bride and groom on regular old textweight printer paper and then fit the paper in the embossing folder and voila....

How cute is that???

I dabbed a couple of the higher points of the embossed area with a silver pen. It turned out just really cute. I am sure I could have used thicker paper in the printer originally and did it to test it out first on copy/regular paper. It turned out so perfect that I didn't need to redo it again.

I really love my cuttlebug for lots of reasons and this is definitely one of them....

busy.busy.busy

2011-08-15T06:01:00.020-07:00

I am behind on everything it seems. But at least I have my health and a roof over my head.

It seems that everyone in my life that I love is dealing with something.

Here is a partial list:

complete knee replacement surgery

death of a brother in law

death of a beloved pet

foreclosure

calling off a wedding (2 separate couples!)

stroke

bleeding ulcer

pacemaker surgery

Makes my very small problems pale by comparison. I guess perspective is always a good thing. I am blessed in many ways. I am grateful for what I have. Actually this is a public declaration of that. The hubs and I have not had the easiest time of it in the last couple years but I am grateful for what we do have.

I guess I think I can handle a a house that needs to be cleaned some, a smelly dog, a birthday gift that I didn't finish in time and various other things. {not to mention all the phone calls from all these friends} At least I still have clean underwear at the moment....
God Bless all my friends and family...I don't know what I would do without you. May you find peace, love, and grace to see you through.

Sweet Package in the Mail

2011-08-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

One of my newest online friends, Daniella

sent me a thank you gift and sweet surprise in the mail. There was even a sweet addition of vintage lace from her grandmother.

How did I get so lucky?

I love all of it and I love artist trading cards!!!

Thanks again !!!

pretty in pink

2011-08-10T07:07:00.005-07:00

seriously?

2011-08-06T12:17:00.001-07:00

I know it is hot everywhere. But gosh we all get a bit tired of it some of the time, don’t we? I took this off the hub’s car dash yesterday.

I adore anything swirly

2011-08-03T07:06:00.002-07:00

fleur de lis bench

2011-07-27T06:00:00.008-07:00

Taken at the Paine Art Center, Oshkosh Wisconsin

It's HOT here too

2011-07-26T07:01:00.002-07:00

I have been living in the Phoenix Area for 17 years. It is HOT here in the summer. I often make jokes that the meteorologists here have the easiest job on the planet.

"Today is going to be hot and sunny"

but WOW it is hot pretty much everywhere lately it seems.

So hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.

Time to get back into the studio where it is cooler and make some art!

she's a beauty

2011-07-20T06:00:00.004-07:00

Taken at Paine Art Center, Oshkosh Wisconsin

My version of “where bloggers create”

2011-07-15T05:00:00.004-07:00

I am taking part in Karen Valentine's Where Bloggers Create. To start off here is a pic of me.

Here is where I sit and blog mostly. My screensaver is the beach on Maui where I got married.

Alas, I do not have a big enough house to devote a whole room to my artist studio. I wish I did. Instead I have carved a small space in the corner of my master bedroom. I do get lots of natural light from the large window behind me. Somehow I think the 3 panel screen covers it all up. You would not believe how much stuff I have packed behind that little screen though.I could literally roll out of bed and start creating if I wanted to.

Here is the view of my desk. {while it is clean} The back side of the 3 panel screen has a one of those scrapbooking hanging organizer that is for punches that I found at Tuesday Morning for FIVE DOLLARS. I wouldn't recommend if you think someone will run into it very easily. Mine is very heavy. It fit perfect on the hinges of the screen.

While sitting there at my desk I create mixed media art and jewelry. I worked for 15 years as a window dresser/visual merchandise manager. I dressed mannequins, creative window displays, floral arrangements, and everything seen at a Department Store you could imagine. I am very content with only decorating ONE Christmas Tree a year now as opposed to hundreds. I have always been artsy and I have been playing with crayons since I was a child. Now my crayons are a bit more expensive. I have enjoyed the creativity in my workplace and now enjoy working in my art studio on what I want to work on.

I create.
I create and make art not because I want to but because I HAVE to. It is soul fulfilling to me.

I adore cabinet cards like this one I created. Love her feet. I swapped this one with someone a long time ago. Funny I don't remember who has it but I always liked it.

When you are an artist sometimes you need to spread the love and give some away to keep going.

I also really like making greeting cards. I absolutely love this face drawn by my idol, Piero Fornasetti.

I make jewelry of all sorts. Here pictured is a domino bracelet that is rubberstamped and hand painted by me.

I also like funky stuff like this pocketwatch necklace that I made in a T!m Holtz Class.

Here pictured is a Sterling Silver and Black Bracelet currently featured in my etsy shop.

I did a series of posts last year called "Top 10 art supplies I can't live without" It is located under the labels in my sidebar.

I also love to organize and really like both these labelmakers. The trusty Dymo labeler was a DOLLAR at a garage sale, and the Casio I really like too.

This is how I house my markers and pens. It was a ZIG marker display that I picked up for TWO DOLLARS at Recollections when they went out of business. I redid it by color and it really works for me. I love having it on my desk. I covered up the part that listed the names of the colors with black gaffer tape.

I found two of these mini apothecary chests from Pier One on clearance at 80% off. I fill them and change them around now and then. They house stuff I use a lot. I use those clear thick glue dots with one of whatever is in the drawer on the front. I can peel it off pretty easy if I want to change.

They slide in and out super easy and I can look though the items in detail. This drawer has some keys of different types.

When I am working on a big project I keep a big plastic box on the floor next to me to throw scraps and remnants into. Some days, I like to challenge myself by making artist trading cards and greeting cards or journaling solely from items from this stash.

This is a craft armoire I bought at a rubberstamp show that houses my rubber stamps and other various items. It is divided among categories with my labelmaker. For example: backgrounds, flowers, phrases, text, wings, angels, birds, etc....

I keep parent size sheets of paper and large rolls in a crate on the floor too. They are rolled up and kept together at the top with a clothespin. I dig anaglytpta wallpaper.

This is my decorative tape stash on a multiple pants style hanger, purchased at TJ Maxx in the clearance section for 3 DOLLARS. I thought it was a genius idea to use this hanger that was hatched by my friend Jeane. It also works for ribbons and really anything on a spool that you can slide on.

I am actually low on tape at the moment, always need to re-stock

I keep some things around my desk that inspire me. This is a painting from my friend Lisa who paints magical trees. It was for Halloween but I adore looking at it all year long. My initial is hanging in front of it and it has nothing to do with her painting, it just happens to be there.

I think this is funny.....and it sits at my desk too.

Here is me and my sweet hubby. Without whom my creative pursuits would not be possible. He is as interested as I am when I recieve art in the mail. {Who doesn't really when there is mostly all just bills.}

This is my art studio assistant. Her name is Pumpkin. She provides lots of enjoyment and keeps me company. I love my West Highland Terrier. She sometimes helps me pick out things out of my box I keep on the floor.

Lastly since we are mostly all bloggers here....I recently downloaded "Microsoft Live Essentials" after reading so many blogs raving about it. If you don't have it....

This is what "Live Writer" looks like. You can draft a post and have it look exactly like it will look on your blog as you work on it. Loading pictures is a breeze. It sync's with your blog and posts directly to your blog very easily. There are much more editing options for you to use.

can we all collectively say

"ah, now I get it!".

As a similiar side note.... If you don't know what "post options" are... You not only need to go buy Karen Valentine's book, but you need to start using it. Post options will make blogging much easier.

My food for thought is...

1) It does not need to cost a fortune to organize and house all your most used tools and supplies.

2) Keep something that someone else made near you that you like to inspire you.

3) You don't have to feel like your room/art studio does not look like those featured in magazines.

4)You can take a small corner somewhere and make it work.

5) Whether big or small create something every day.

On a romantic side note, I have another tip to Leave a post it note in your spouse/significant other's pants pocket, their luggage before they leave for a business trip, or anywhere they will find it later on.

Create with abandon and spread some artsy love....

~Dawn

I adore columns

2011-07-13T06:01:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Mark

2011-07-11T06:00:00.001-07:00

Today is my oldest brother's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mark! Don't my brothers look oh so fashionable in the family Christmas Picture sporting the velour green matching shirts.

I'm not saying how old Mark is today. He is loved dearly more than he knows. Here is the card I made for him that he should receive in the mail today.

I thought he might think it is clever that I used floppy disk parts, he works with computers.

The Dust Storm Here yesterday

2011-07-06T13:14:00.002-07:00

The Phoenix Haboob of July 5th, 2011 from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.

We had a massive dust storm yesterday called a haboob. It was unbelievable and the local weather guys say the largest in Arizona history at 50 miles wide. It also had 75 mile per hour winds. I have never seen anything like it in my life. There is dust on everything everywhere. A fine layer of dust was left on top of everything. Eeerie. Everyone here can't stop talking about it.

Off to dust my house apparently....

I love purple

2011-07-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

yummy mango and kiwi cake

2011-06-29T06:00:00.004-07:00

BTW I was not the baker, it was very special to enjoy with my family though

Artist Trading Card

2011-06-28T07:00:00.004-07:00

I made some new Artist Trading Cards recently. I wanted to play with my new art supplies that I recently acquired from my friend. This was my favorite of the ones I created.

Shown here is a rubber stamped image of the butterfly, the word believe, and stamped mini postcard, collage clip art I printed, sequins, stickles, crystal, and white Pilot pen on brown painted matboard.

It really is a simple design, but I like it when you can tell a story through collage. It looks like the wings fit perfectly on the girl and if she is struggling to think "believe" I like that the word fit the size of her torso perfectly. I honestly believe that one of the very reasons I adore artist trading cards is because you can quickly assemble them {especially if you have lots of experience making them}. We all know you can obsess over a painting or piece of jewelry for many months. But at 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 there is only so much you can do in such a small space. It feels good to look at something you created so effortlessly and admire it upon completion. It personally helps me get out of a creative rut by making a few artist trading cards.

Chocomole!

2011-06-26T09:00:00.003-07:00

If I had not made it myself, I would have thought this was crazy. Seriously! I watch Dr. Oz and find his show fascinating. I saw something on his show recently that I had to try myself.

How could these seemingly odd ingredients made smooth creamy decadent Chocolate Pudding??? Avocado, Dates and Cocoa Powder?

Well they do.

It helps if you have a 3 horsepower blender, Like my Blendtec.

It was extremely rich and creamy. My friend Stephanie has dubbed it Chocomole and I really like that!

The recipe is here

Had to share........ I happen to be lactose intolerant and it is so good for you! I know it sounds really weird, but it was delicious!

Join the Party

2011-06-23T07:00:00.004-07:00

I am taking part in my friend Karen's "Where Bloggers Create 2011" Party next month. Go to her blog to find out more details and sign up!

My Desert Cottage Should be fun and bloggy linky parties are always so fascinating. Take a trip around the world with me!

Dawn

I love water lilies

2011-06-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

The winner is....

2011-06-21T20:30:00.003-07:00

The winner is Daniella Hayes Thanks to all who entered my Just Like Christmas Drawing. Daniella will receive the prize package of loot, which I hope she will love.

Just like Christmas Giveaway

2011-06-19T07:05:00.008-07:00

*GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER
I have an old friend who likes all the same crazy mixed media art that I do. She recently moved and has less space to store her stuff. (oh the horror!) Poor thing. She went through her inventory and decided it was time to purge a little. So she gifted me several boxes of rubber stamps, paper, ephemera, and goodies.
( I know, I know, Lucky Me!!!) ...and thank you again from the bottom of my heart D!

I feel very special to have gotten first dibs. I certainly do NOT have the room for it all myself. Plus I would like to pay it forward....

It's time for a bloggy giveaway.

If you want to be entered, here is my rules:

1) You have to comment on THIS post and leave me your email address like this:
name(at)cox(dot)com

2) You get a second entry if you are also a google follower here on my blog

3) You have to tell me one art supply item you really want or can't live without.

I promise you your lil package of goodies will be very fun to open when you receive it. It will consist of a rubber stamp or two, paper, stickers, ephemera, tags, fibers, and all kinds of creative inspiration. I know I didn't take the time to snap a photo of the actual stuff I am gifting away, but I promise you it will be worth it!

I am off for vacation. So there will be a small bloggy break and you can enter the giveaway from June 13-20th

Dawn

Ruh-roh

2011-06-16T07:10:00.005-07:00

Good thing we got this in the mail after having my car for nearly 9 years. Bummer of a side effect "possibly causing injury or death"

As Scooby would say

Ruh roh

*Off to the dealer for inspection upon return from vacation

Dawn

LOVE

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Favorite Salad these Days

2011-06-08T07:00:00.005-07:00

The fabulous "Chopped Salad w Salmon" from Wildflower Bakery

Class Time with Josie

2011-06-02T06:30:00.021-07:00

I took a class last weekend with the lovely Josie Cirincione. The class @ Frenzy Stamper, was mostly on soldering, and we made a fun collaged vial necklace. I also took the class with my dear friend Karen, and had fun to boot.

This Photo taken from Debbie's Frenzy Stamper blog, thanks Deb!

Here is my cute necklace.

I learned a little about adding black patina to soldered pieces. I really liked it because I wear black nearly every day, well not really... but almost.

Close up of the collage image in it.

I even got Josie to autograph both her books for me. She happens to have 2 books out and is working on her third. They are all great and I recommend them. The Bent Bound and Stitched was a gift from my artsy friend, Steph, so thank you again Stephanie!

It was so fun to have taken a class again after too many months of not taking any. I adored it and it rejuvenated my creative spirit.

Dawn

Birthday Cake for a Friend

2011-06-01T06:00:00.002-07:00

Shampoo Tip for you

2011-05-31T07:06:00.005-07:00

As I was washing my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle. I am in shock! The shampoo I use in them shower that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"!

Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? Now I understand why women are so often described as

"full-figured"!

Tomorrow I am going to start using "Dawn" dish soap. It says right on the label "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove."

It pays to read the warning labels!Why I do not receive royalty checks in the mail from them using my name I will never know....

A lil Red White and Blue Art

2011-05-28T07:00:00.006-07:00

My Hero, USMC Sargeant CA Binyon
My Father in Law

Dawn

The Few The Proud

2011-05-27T07:07:00.005-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

I am blessed in many ways in my life. I am thankful for being an American and I am proud. My dear Father in Law, Carl was a Marine Corps Sargeant and was wounded in action on Iwo Jima and received the Purple Heart. Your proud Son and Daughter in Law love you very much Carl and miss you even more. Thank you for your service and for allowing us enjoy the freedom we have every day. You are a hero.

Dawn

If you Blog, you must have this!

2011-05-26T17:01:00.009-07:00

I have been blogging here in the blogosphere for over 5 years. I can click buttons and keys better than anyone. I recently read something so helpful about blogging that I really need to write about it and share this with everyone.

I asked the hubs for an e-book for my birthday and he generously ordered it for me!

YAY!

It is extremely helpful and chock full of tips and tricks. (I even finally got a signature that I wanted that automatically loads when I open a new post!) The book is suited for "blogger/blogspot" specifically. Just when you think you already know everything, you find out there is always something new to learn! The book is so easy to follow and had great step by step instructions.

I printed my own copy of Karen Valentine's e book and bound it myself, so that was my own special way to keep it. Not everyone can do that unless you have a binding machine. Mine is industrial grade but similiar to Zutter.

Her e-book is awesome. Here it is...

Go here now....

If you are a new blogger,this is a "must have" book!

Dawn

Prickley Pear

2011-05-25T00:56:00.001-07:00

Wanna piece of Cherry Pie?

2011-05-18T06:00:00.003-07:00

Life imitates Art

2011-05-13T06:11:00.001-07:00

I thought this was very funny and had to share. I know there is a lot of bloggers out there who have enjoyed writing about the Royal Wedding (including me!)

I figured something light was in order today because it happens to be Friday the 13th.

Stay out of trouble and Have a Great Day!

Bookmarks

2011-05-12T07:00:00.003-07:00

I made a slew of bookmarks for a friend recently. Everyone attending her daughter’s bridal shower is going home with a pretty new bookmark personalized with their name made by yours truly.

That’s my Story and I’m Sticking to It!

Little bit of Kromekote Paper, Rubber Stamping, The face is colored with Caran de Ache Watercolor Crayons, Decorative Edge Scissors, Flocked Paper, Heat Set Laminated, and a Hole punched for the Fibers.

Voila.

Variation of something I did similar a few years ago.

More pretty cactus flowers

2011-05-11T07:35:00.004-07:00

Sweet and Salty Bars

2011-05-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

Prepare to salivate…

I am a big fan of the Sweet and Salty Combination of almost anything. I was introduced last year to a new delectable treat I wanted to share.

Apparently they have been around for eons and people call them all kinds of different names. If you google Club Cracker Bar you can get a host of different recipes.

I call them delicious.

60 buttery Keebler Club Crackers

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 to 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1 to 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

Sea Salt to sprinkle on top

Butter a 9 X 13 pan, Line with the crackers. In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar and milk together to a boil over medium heat. Stir in crushed graham crackers. Let boil 5 minutes. Pour half of the sugar mixture over the crackers. Cover with another layer of crackers pressing down lightly. Pour remaining syrup mixture over crackers smoothing to coat. Top with third layer of crackers, again pressing lightly. Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Pour evenly over the top layer of crackers, making sure the crackers are completely covered. Refrigerate only until firm. Sprinkle just a pinch of Sea Salt on top.

NOTE: you must work quickly. You can layer the pan with parchment paper before you start the whole process if you feel comfortable with trying that.

OH.MY.GOSH. are they good

Pretty Flowers

2011-05-04T06:00:00.004-07:00

Flowers compliments of my boss from Admin Professionals Week, since it is right before my Birthday I count them for both events.

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-05-02T05:25:00.002-07:00

Yowza, today I am turning 45. So I guess this baby photo is pretty humorous from my youth.

Age ain’t nothing but a number, right?

My Brush w/ Royalty

2011-04-27T06:00:00.026-07:00

I am linking up today with my friend Laura's Linky Party to blog about "My brush with English Royalty".

I spent the better part of 15 years of my life as a visual merchandiser. Which is to say that I designed displays and dressed mannequins at a department store. In the late 90's here in Phoenix I worked at Macy's @ Biltmore Fashion Park. The shopping center, Biltmore Fashion Park in this case was having a month long tribute to "All things British". British Airways was one of the sponsors and I vaguely remember they were advertising a new daily nonstop from Phoenix to London at the time. I could be wrong.

The All Things British Event included a Celebration with special guests and Macys had a touring exhibit of Replicas of the Crown Jewels.

That was back in the heyday of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"...so Robin Leach was there.

The Royal that was in attendance was Princess Anne. So I met her right before she spoke at the opening celebration when she arrived at Biltmore Fashion Park. She is below dressed in pink.

{I told you I had a brush with royalty}

This was one of the set of smaller windows on one side of the store

The following pictures are from the large display we did inside the store on the Main Floor near the Fine Jewelry department.

It was pretty fun at the time. I remember my co-workers and I all trying on a crown (behind closed doors of course) and giggling. No photos were taken of that event...we had to be very careful with the replicas. They were exceptionally beautiful in person.

I know Macys hired a professional photographer to take pictures of the whole event. I did not have access to those of course.

This was the only ones I have found and I had to scan them to digitize them. You know back when you shot pictures from a camera with film and did not know if they turned out until you picked them up at a photo developing store.

I will be watching the Wedding along with millions of others. I want to know what her dress looks like just like everyone else. Quite an event that does not take place all that often. We all want to be treated like princesses some days! {am I right?}

This whole story is much different from my "visual merch days" than the 4 days I spent with Anna Nicole Smith. You can go here to read that one. That week was my Brush w/ Celebrity Story.

I normally post my wordless wednesday-photos on wednesday. I am skipping that this week for the Linky Party Event.

How cool are these?

2011-04-26T05:00:00.001-07:00

I adore everything that Fred Flare makes. I found these at Marshalls for $1.99. Talk bubble Paper Clips, genius!

Here it is on a journal page which is blurry for some weird reason. Cute though. Love these for journaling!

AZ vs. WI

2011-04-25T06:28:00.002-07:00

Straight from the lips of a dear friend from my home state and birthplace of Wisconsin. “This has been the 3rd snowiest winter in the last 120+ years here, over 100 INCHES of snow”

I moved to Arizona almost 17 years ago. Hot weather does not force your car off the road and into the ditch. {I am about to eclipse the length of time living here in AZ longer than the small town I grew up in back in Wisconsin}

The following are some of the things I adore about my beloved Sonoran Desert….

Local art that replicates the feeling of how hot it can be here….

But I walked with a friend the other day and we spotted a hawk nest on a palm tree, cool huh?

We have flowers everywhere here right now. Who doesn’t like exotic flowers like these Bird Of Paradise?

How about some pretty flowers on cactus?

Of course topping the list is sunsets like this one…

I love the desert, and I love Arizona. I truly appreciate the beauty of the desert. Is is not just a bunch of gravel and rocks to me.

Not to mention the weather here. I love SUNSHINE! I love the 70’s 80’s and 90’s most days.

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T06:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Must be time for Easter

2011-04-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

Looks like Cadbury Mini Eggs and Jelly Bellys. It certainly must be Easter soon.

We are big into having a very serious Egg Hunt. I thought I would share a couple of them with you. They are Martha Stewart Eggs purchased the day after Easter a couple years ago. Embellished by yours truly of course.

This is the hubs egg.

This is my Mother’s Egg.

This one belongs to me.

This would be the elusive “Golden Egg” that only one person gets to find. It was trimmed in Gold German Dresden Scrap. The finder of the Golden Egg gets a lottery ticket and something extra special handmade from me!

The Egg Hunt, the rules that go with, the fun of it all, has a long standing tradition in my household.

I love purple

2011-04-20T06:00:00.002-07:00

so funny

2011-04-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

You hate your job ? Why didn’t you say so ? There’s a support group for that. It’s called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar!

(this was someone’s status update on fb) I thought it was very funny!!!

You know what they say? it’s 5:00 somewhere…

Aussie Visitors

2011-04-17T08:59:00.002-07:00

My Brother, Rick and his wife, Gail are now visiting in Australia and will be in New Zealand in a few weeks. My SIL is a band director/teacher and since January had been doing a semester in a school in Australia teaching music to the students there. Her teaching post had ended and now she is free to travel so my brother just got there and they will now travel throughout Australia and new Zealand together for the remaining weeks before they fly home. She has been writing a blog and posting pictures and videos.

Her blog is Here

Had to post a couple of her very cute pictures of koalas! Cute huh? Can’t wait to see the many thousands of photos they will be and have been taking.

sad :(

2011-04-16T06:00:00.010-07:00

I just got my email this week that House of 3 is closing it's doors. I love their stuff! They happen to be the cool place where I purchased my blog background, by the way. They have swirls, frames, blog backgrounds, brushes for photoshop junkies, beautiful ornate monogram letters, wall adornments for your living room of those chandeliers and lamps we all love.

They are offering 50 % off everything. Now is your opportunity to update your blog background (regular price is $3, so you can buy a cool blog background for $1.50), your blog header, or get some photoshop brushes. GO LOOK NOW! I am sad they are closing down. I just had to place an order myself. If you have not been there you need to at least take a look!

I love them because, their style typography with a spin that is just up my alley. House of 3 is comprised of Rhonna Farrer, Heidi Swapp, and Janet Hopkins.

Fun Crafty Tutorial

2011-04-15T06:00:00.004-07:00

I am a lifelong crafter and artist. I am joining in on my friend Laura's Linky Party to showcase a Spring Crafty Project. This project takes little money, little time, and everyone you know could use one.

What could be better than that??

sa-weet! Let's get started.

Step 1: You have to start with a manila style tag

(and if you don't have one, you can make your own from cutting up a manila office folder) Told you it was cheap and easy! If your manila tag is to large, you can trim the sides to fit... Punch a hole in the top center with a punch if you used a manila folder. Use a corner rounder for the edges if you like.

You can even strengthen the hole with reinforcements from a scrapbook eyelet

Step 2: Add texture from the Cuttlebug if you have one, or you can skip this step...

Step 3: Decorate!!! You could draw freehand, glue some images, stamp your heart out, or whatever your little heart desires, Small stickers for your name work great, Use colored pencils, stamp ink pads, chalk, really almost anything you have on hand.

Step 4: Fold around a small block of post-it notes. Use the post-it it note block as a guide. You can make the scored lines with a bone folder or your finger. You can tear the back page off of the post-it pad and it will lightly stick to the manila tag.

Step 5: Add hairband for closure. Thinnish style works best, Loop through.

I purchase a package of them from the Dollar Store. Can't beat that. They also come in multi-color and in black. They work better than rubber bands around ink pads and things you want to keep together, too. The bands don't deteriorate like regular rubber bands do.

Voila!!!

Some hairbands make it around the whole operation once, some you have to twist twice. No matter, they both work and neatly keep your paper project tucked away til you need it again.

Perfect to inexpensively make and give away. Small enough to keep in your purse for a quick note, in your car, in your Easter Baskets, the possibilities are endless.

Any theme, personalized with their name, flowers for spring, you could use small Easter themed stickers for your Easter Baskets, the world is your oyster with options.

Dont FORGET:

Your items you will need are:

manila folder or ready made tags that are 2¼ " X 4½ ",

Elastic thin style Hair Band

scissors,

ink/markers/color pencils,

rubberstamps,

small alphabet stickers,

Small Post it pads that are 1 3/8" X 1 7/8"

Hope you enjoyed it and it brought you some crafty happiness!

FLW

2011-04-14T06:00:00.012-07:00

Ironically, I live very close to Taliesen West in Scottsdale, which happens to be very near where Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked the remaining days of his life. We have both lived in Wisconsin and Scottsdale, Arizona.

This is Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect

recently I read this awesome book by Nancy Horan called "Loving Frank".

A couple friends have recommended it and raved about it. I enjoyed it.

I live right near Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and drive on it every day on my way to work. I literally pass the entrance to Taliesen West every day too. I can take a hike in the Preserve/desert right out my back door and end up over at Taliesen West. I have a friend with a family member who is an architect attending school there. I have a different friend who is a docent there and gives tours.

So Frank and I basically have looked at the same patch of desert every day.

I was inspired to make a collage shadowbox for my home to commemorate him and his connection to where I live.

I have been saving and collecting a few select items to put in this collage. Last weekend at the Bloggy Luncheon we made Shadowboxes and I got to work on my Frank Lloyd Wright Box.

This is when it was still in process....

Here it is

my homage to

Frank Lloyd Wright

The Glass Saguaro is very geometric and FLW inspired I think.

pretty even though it is prickly

2011-04-13T06:00:00.002-07:00

Bloggy Fun

2011-04-12T16:56:00.008-07:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending an Arizona Bloggers Luncheon. What fun to meet fellow bloggers in real life that you already knew online. I had a great time. The lovely Meri was our host and she held a class in which we made beautiful shadowboxes, as well as a potluck delicious lunch. This post tells you all you need to know about Meri and her specialty making shadowboxes.

She even had signs out at the street showing us how to find her

One of Meri's famous shadowboxes

Here is the giant room she had all prepared for us to work in

Here I am intently looking at something, I have no idea what....

This is me (lower right side) and the fabulous woman I shared a table with, My arm looks pretty busy doing something.

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes, they were all fabulous and all so very different....

All the goodies she had for us to use in our shadowboxes!

Her husband escorted us from the driveway to the door with an umbrella over us because of the rainstorm. How nice is that???

Not only that, we had the largest assortment of beverages available anywhere. Seriously.

Oh, we all had so much fun. A couple of the photos are from some of the other bloggers and the rest are mine.

Here is the photo of all of us... Imagine 12 bloggers all wanting to snap photos. Very humorous.

Back Row, left to right:

Jenny Kuller, Sharleen Snow, Meri Wiley, Karen Valentine, & Gail Friend

Middle Row, left to right:

Laura Ingalls Gunn, & Dawn Binyon (me)

Front Row, left to right:

Jennifer Rothstein, Joanne Livingston, Melissa Waterbury & Wendy Landis

Plus my project gets a post all on it's own. You will have to check back for that on Thursday.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-04-11T06:00:00.011-07:00

Today is my Father, Jim's 75th Birthday. I wish him a VERY Happy Birthday.

Among a few other gifts, I customized the cover of this book. I wanted to share how clever it worked out. I purchased a thin hardcover book titled "The Best Dad in the World" (the kind you find at Hallmark stores) This one I found at BigLots a few months ago, it was $2.

I inserted his head from a photo on the "Dad" that was pictured and then added me to the "child" too. I am particular about perspective and it took a couple tries on the ole printer to get the size ratio down. If you really want to be picky, his picture is more recent and mine was when I was little so that doesn't match up quite right. But it is really adorable anyway.

Just clever enough to share for the idea that you may find a similiar type of book for your mother or father and use as a fabulous personalized gift.

There is a nice spot in the front for the inscription of "to" and "from". SO my calligraphy skills are called on and I added an additional photo of the two of us when I was young. I posted last year the cute Father's Day card I made here. On that post is my favorite picture of my Dad and I when I was young, which is the pic I included on the inside of the front cover of the book.

I feel so lucky that I spent the last 7 weeks with him while he was visiting me. He is a winter visitor here in AZ and spends the rest of his year in WI where I grew up.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

yellow is a happy color

2011-04-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

Card Love

2011-04-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

Recently I joined a greeting card swap hosted by my friend, Heather. I had so much fun with the last couple times I swapped with her in the past.

Send in 12 pretty handmade cards and get 12 different ones back. What could be better??

This was my favorite one...so sweet!

These were the ones I sent in for the swap...

phew

2011-03-31T06:00:00.003-07:00

March always brings lots of busyness to my life every year. Nothing like a bad midwestern winter to drive out some visitors to my beloved desert. But in addition to the visitors we had a car incident, the flu, and various other crazyness.

point A : The hubs car was hit and run in a parking lot. He was in a store at noon for 15 minutes and when he got back outside the entire side of his car was creamed in and side swiped. No witnesses, no cameras in the parking lot, no note of course. Heck, the culprit even snapped off the side mirror which was missing. Thank heaven for car insurance. We still don't have the car back from the auto body shop. We tried to make do and share my vehicle and last week finally gave up and got a rental.

point B : oh the gastro intestinal flu. yowza. After you get over it and are back to better health it leaves you with a great deal of gratefulness for basically pretty good health most days. No idea where I came in contact with it, but of course I proceeded to give it to my husband anyway. Thankfully we could take turns somewhat taking care of each other. No more needs to be said on the matter. It was awful.

I am blessed in many areas of my life.

The busyness is almost over and I am grateful.

I have missed garage sales that are starting to ramp up for Spring. I love seeing family and friends, but love my alone time too. At least there was no repeat of 2001, when we had 21 people visit during the month of March. :) Today is the last day of March already. Hard to believe.

Bring on April!!!!

I just love the desert

2011-03-30T06:36:00.001-07:00

coincidence

2011-03-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

I was out running some errands the other day and spotted this on a shelf @ TJ Maxx.

Look familiar?

Coincidentally I love the image and print it myself to use in artwork. The image happens to be famous Italian Opera Star Lina Cavalieri. Who I adore.

She was a muse and inspiration for one of my heroes, Piero Fornasetti. He used her face as his inspiration to draw this image he called Julia, he designed thousands of items with her pretty face on them. I did a whole post on the story some time ago, you can find that here

Humorous when you are out and about in the world and you see something you really like that strikes a chord.

Pink Roses with Glitter on them...LOVE!

2011-03-23T06:31:00.004-07:00

They were a gift on Valentines, and I assume the glitter was sprayed-on from the florist
:)

Happy St Patricks Day

2011-03-17T06:00:00.005-07:00

Here is an Artist Trading Card with the St Patricks Day theme...

what was this lighting designer thinking when he designed this?

2011-03-16T06:00:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday Rick

2011-03-14T06:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my brother, Rick.

This is such a funny picture. I am the baby of the family. Rick is the younger of my two brothers pictured here. Typical Rick look but in a cute way. I can't believe my Mom made them wear matching shirts for the family Christmas photo.

{So as a side note, why is there no decorations on the tree for the photo. I know they were there eventually. Would you not decorate before you snap a photo?}

Rick is a great guy and so smart and talented. He is three years older than me.

My Mom and brother Rick were born 7 days apart. I think it is curious how many people I have met over the years where one of the children are born really close in time to the Mother. In the hubs family his Mom and his older sister were born one day apart. Just saying....I think it's interesting.

Happy Birthday Rick, YOU are the best! I tell both my brothers that they are my favorite brother. So hard to choose! Hope you have a great day! Wish I was closer to bake you a cake. Much love....

really colorful popcorn

2011-03-09T06:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-03-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Today is my sweet Mother's Birthday. I am very fortunate to call her a friend as well as my Mom. In addition she lives across town from me.

I am blessed beyond belief. I love you very much Ellie Mae and Happy Birthday. See you tonight for dinner!

Gift for my Mother

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

An altered cabinet card that was repurposed into art of my beloved Great Grandmother

How to Change your Life in 2011

2011-02-25T14:57:00.002-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT:
I am teaching a class with my friend author, Amanda Owen in a few weeks. If you are a reader of my blog and live in the Phoenix Area I encourage you to sign up for our class. I have cut and pasted the information and details as follows:

The Power of Receiving

a Gratitude Journal

and How to Create the Words

and Pictures That Lead You to Your Dreams

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Class Location : Frenzy Stamper
7064 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Store located in Old Town Scottsdale directly
by the Famous 5th Ave horse fountain

Call 480-946-0007 to reserve your seat

1 PM to 5 PM Fee: $75

If you have trouble accepting a compliment, give to others who don’t give back, or wonder when you will find the time take a nap—let alone achieve your dreams, join Amanda Owen, author of The Power of Receiving: A Revolutionary Approach to Giving Yourself the Life You Want and Deserve. Based on the information in her new book, Amanda shows you that when you tap into the power of receiving, you not only create more balance in your life and greater reciprocity in your relationships, you give yourself the key that unlocks the door to your hopes, goals and dreams.

Amanda is joined by artist Dawn Binyon (me!), for a fun afternoon workshop. You will learn how to use the power-of-receiving principles to achieve your goals—plus create a Gratitude Journal where you can write about blessings as well as record your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Amanda and Dawn will show you how to personalize your Journal by creating the words and pictures that lead you to your goals.

Amanda and Dawn will supply:
A Gratitude Journal to decorate and embellish
Amanda’s book The Power of Receiving
A Revolutionary Approach to Giving Yourself the Life You Want and Deserve
Gratitude quotes to add to the pages of your journal
A baggie with ephemera

Student supply list:
Your dreams and a glue stick *And don’t forget to bring your favorite pen!

Amanda Owen is the author of the bestselling book The Power of Receiving: A Revolutionary Approach to Giving Yourself the Life You Want and Deserve (Tarcher/Penguin) Learn more here http://www.thepowerofreceiving.com/

Hope to see you there!

Who doesn't love getting flowers

2011-02-23T06:00:00.002-07:00

12 years

2011-02-19T06:00:00.002-07:00

12 years ago today I married the love of my life. It took me SOOO many years to find him. Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart!

The whole very long story is in a post below or here

The winners are...

2011-02-17T20:23:00.004-07:00

The big granddaddy whole kit and kaboodle OWOH winner of The book, bookmark, necklace, and ephemera is

Marie of Lemondrop Vintage

The second book goes to:

Marina

of Cherry Pie

{I used Tara Frey's Random Number Generator}

Congratulations to the winners...I so enjoyed One World One Heart this year. I spent more time traveling the globe via blogging than I probably should have and I loved it! Thanks to Lisa Swifka for organizing it!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-02-17T06:00:00.008-07:00

My Name is Dawn. I am a Mixed Media Artist and I live happily in Arizona with my sweet hubby Roger.
{editors note: I have been traveling to blogs all over the world via this event and loved seeing photos of where in the world you are! Ironically the couple posts below depict what my neck of the woods generally looks like. Normally it is sunny like the lunch I had with the hubby sharing nachos seen below just 2 weeks ago, and the gorgeous sunset photo was just last month. However, we have our share of the epic weather everyone has been having...we had 3 nights of hard freezes and temps in the mid 20's}

My blog is a creative endeavor to share my art and life with the world. I have been blogging here since 2006. I have hosted numerous giveaways, ranted about what is important to me, and shared pictures of my crazy mixed media art for many years. I will glue anything that is not nailed down and alter anything that I can. I make jewelry, love artist trading cards, collage, altering cabinet cards and books, painting, journaling, and keeping myself in the art studio and out of trouble. I am still searching for the perfect black pen. I hope that many of you will come out of lurkdom and actually post some messages on some of the other parts of this blog besides this BIG grandaddy giveaway. This whole event is courtesy of the lovely Lisa Swifka

It is my hope that your trip here though my blog was fun...sparked some creative inspiration, shared some love, and sent you on your way with a smile.

without further adieu

{MY 2011 One World One Heart - Giveaway}

My sweet friend and author, Amanda has graciously offered an autographed copy of her newly released book,

"The Power of Receiving

A Revolutionary Approach to Giving Yourself the Life you Want and Deserve"

by Amanda Owen...

I thought it was a nice addition to this giveaway to start your new year off right with a little positivity...
{ATTENTION: editor's note...Amanda has given me TWO copies of her book to give away. My giveaway just got better. That was so very kind of her to treat 2 of you to her really awesome book!}

plus a handmade bookmark for you made by yours truly

I also am adding to that something I made for you...ONE Beautiful Handmade Handpainted Rubber Stamped Marilyn Monroe MahJong Pendant on a Black Cord Necklace.

of course it will be packaged in a cute hot pink zippered pouch

But, wait there's more...

ALSO

ONE package of goodies, ephemera, paper, stickers, ATC blanks, and goodness to inspire your creativity!!!

Here is the WHOLE kit and kaboodle of positivity and goodness with a lil piece of jewelry too!

Just in case you need another link to where this whole event is explained and where it originated from

here it is

You must toss your hat in the proverbial ring by completing leaving a message to THIS very post. No extra hoops to jump though just leave me ONE message. FYI You do need to be a blog owner to enter with a google linked ID.

On February 18th I will pick a winner!!

{good luck}

I am keeping this blogpost at the top of my blog until then and taking a lil break from blogging til the bloggy event ends. This One World One Heart Contest runs from January 31st until February 17th.

PLEASE

Have an ARTSY day!!!

and join in the Revolution of bringing bloggers together ONE World and ONE Heart at a time. For a list of all the participants you can go here

Lucky In Love

2011-02-16T06:00:00.005-07:00

Happy Los Dos Day

2011-02-14T06:00:00.011-07:00

I celebrate my love story for all the world to see and to share with Karen's blog and Linky Party at My Desert Cottage.

It all happened at an unassuming restaurant in Phoenix, AZ called Los Dos Molinos. A restaurant widely regarded as having the hottest Mexican food in the area. It is named on local top chefs lists as one of their favorite Mexican restaurants.

I met the love of my life there.

A coworker/friend of mine had a friend coming in from out of town visiting for a weekend. Apparently he was a big golfer and was coming from the cold midwest to AZ to golf for the weekend in February. They asked me if I wanted to go out for Mexican Food with them as a foursome on a blind date.

I thought "hmmm sounds like fun, what is the worst thing that could happen, I could have a good time??"

Little did I know I was meeting my husband that day.

So they came by work and picked me up at 6:00 and off to dinner we went.

I distinctly remember saying to my Mother the next day.

"I met the nicest guy I have ever met in my life, he lives 2,000 miles away and he says he is going to call me tomorrow, how in the world is this ever going to work out?"

Well let the games begin, we began as friends and got to know each other through many hours on the telephone. Talking until late at night, every night, until we saw one another again...

After our weekend we met he sent me flowers (the picture above is of the actual flowers he sent),

and I sent him Fairytale Brownies with a card that said "Thank you for the wonderful weekend" (the brownies rock!)

I also sent him faxes, notes, letters, and we had a good share of wooing in both directions that was going on.

He sent me poetry and TWO weeks after we met he sent me these words...

It says "Thanks for your friendship and awakening my heart from it's slumber"

I was pretty hooked!

His creativity and poetry were astonishing and flourishing...

He did a daily dedication for 7 days that I received every day in the mail. This was for Thursdays...

So you see after that unassuming first date, we met in LA 10 weeks later at the airport for Easter weekend.

After all the miles, distance, love, and friendship we married on Maui exactly one year to the exact day that we met. So our anniversary really is our actual anniverary.

This coming Saturday on February 19th we celebrate 12 years of Wedded Bliss...

So you see Valentines Day holds something very special to me.

Our Very First Valentines Day together was nearly a year after we met. It was the very day we arrived in Hawaii to get married. We spent it watching the sunset at Mama's Fish House and having a Mai Tai and eating Lobster Guacamole and Chips. (If you have ever been there you know why the sunset and location is so spectacular there)

Kind of hard to outdo being in Maui on your first Valentine's Day huh?

Some of the photos and etc above depicting our courtship is all part of the altered book I made my hubby and gave him as a gift the day he moved from Kansas to Arizona to start our life together. We call it the "Book of Dreams" and it details the story of how we met.

Yes, we are pretty sappy most days.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,

how cute is this?

2011-02-09T06:00:00.005-07:00

If you place a ring in the spine of a book and get the lighting just right, this is what you can see, I saw it in the paper last weekend and wanted to try it out, so adorable!

All you need is a camera, a ring, a book, and some sunlight...

Packers Win Super Bowl!

2011-02-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

I could not call myself a true Cheesehead Wisconsinite if I didnt give a proper shout-out to my beloved Packers. I even lived in Green Bay for a few years in my early 20's. Born and raised on Packer Football. I was proudly wearing my Packer garb today and eating some cheese curds.

I now call Arizona home but still follow along as a HUGE Packer fan.

SO happy.

They WON the SuperBowl.

All I can say is Brett Who...

it is now Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood.