Calamity Kim

Calamity Chimp Causes Chaos in the Craft Room

So I have spent all day trying to re-organize the Sewing room. I don't know know why it has to become such a disorganized nightmare but it's like a bunch of Drunken Craft Monkeys were in there swinging from the paper lanterns- throwing fabric and buttons and making piles of fabric everywhere! I am not the best housekeeper and I hate the futility chores but I have been keeping up with the laundry and the vacuuming and the dusting- everywhere except for my sewing room! I get so caught up in making this or that and then suddenly ( after about 3 months) I can't bear the sight of my favorite room!!!

Oh, The Calamity! I went to work on the ironing board and folded and put away piles of fabrics then I took it down and moved on to the next pile of whatever. I am planning on painting,  someday, maybe this summer...because this used to be Chelsea's room ( Raven Never-smiles, Princess of the Night who wears a shade of darker than black so that her skin looks luminous, transparent and glows with an unholy light) and I had painted it rainy skies gray with standing by the abyss blue trim.  Now I just want it to be uncluttered and Jamaican aqua with red and white accents.

That means I need to have another big ass garage sale and get rid of some of the craptastic  junk I have collected

I really need to pare it down to a bare minimum but every time I look at some of it I think, oh, I may need that and back it goes!!! Wish I could enlist some of you guys to help me. We would sure have some fun!!!! Anyway. Maybe tomorrow I will be done and I can post some lovely before and afters....Happy Weekend and keep your eyes peeled for drunk craft monkeys!

whoa.....whoa...slow down, there little horsie...

I found this charming link on Carol's Blog: WIP here's a link. So you can go make your own card catalog files. In Asheville at the library they had the most beautiful wooden ones...I wonder if they kept them or if everything is all on computer? Anyway, everyday I try to get something accomplished and today I did get some easter stuff mailed to the grandsons and some fairy nest materials off to Amanda and a present to my 80 year old Mom who has been wanting an Elmo TMX or whatever that latest giggling rolling red monster toy is! I finally found one on eBAY that was affordable and I called my Dad to warn him of the impending surprise.

He said he would try to surprise her but we both know that's damn near impossible- she knows everything.

When I was young I never got away with anything!
She had eyes in the back of her head my brother said.
One day I tried to look and see, but she slapped my hand away and said stop giggling and don't be ridiculous.
My Mom is very serious and My Dad fell in love with her because she looks like Kim Novack( who has the same birthday as me and was 37-23-37)  and Doris Day and Grace Kelly all rolled into one.
She has that hair.

That permed, rolled, under the dryer, combed out and teased up and lacquered till it won't move.
You can pinch a piece of it and the whole thing stays together and moves. 
You can't run your fingers through that, no matter how hard you try.
No, you aren't allowed to say helmet head...that would hurt her feelings.
When I was a child she would do her nightly beauty regime which included the noxema and then she would wrap her hair with toilet paper and bobby pin it.
Sometimes she wore a bonnet over that.
All pink and lacy.

My Mom still wears a girdle and panty hose.
She never got her ears pierced.
She didn't wear blue jeans until 1997.
They have  elastic.
She has some awesome clothes from the 50's in her closet and when she dies I am using all of her Pendelton pants and skirts in a quilt.
She wears pearls.
My Mom is a classic beauty from the 40's.
She still wears blouses.
I have never seen her wear a t-shirt.
She doesn't understand me at all.
But I mailed her the Elmo after searching for one for months because in my whole life I can never remember her ever saying that she wanted anything.
Except this silly doll she saw on Good Morning America.
She doesn't know how computers work.

She has never seen any of my stuff here or on Flickr.
They don't have a computer and it is too late for them to ever learn.
I will let you know how she likes it!
Maybe it will make her happy for a day or two.
One can hope.
Anyway, I didn't mean to get so far off track.
I was going to discuss the many things that I want to do and how everyday is an adventure and a challenge and how happy it makes me to get comments and emails and about doll quilt compulsions and swaps and ask for  you all to help me.

I am making a doll for dear sweet Amanda of the Button Box who is having a hysterectomy on April the 13th.
Friday the 13th!

In true pixie fashion she is making a nest room with a ficus tree filled with roses on lights garlands and flower bowers and candles and fairy nests and all sorts of wondrous dreamy and magical things to help her body & spirit heal.
It is difficult but we are hoping she will be better afterward without all the miserable monthly agony she has been experiencing.
I am making her a 50 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR UTERUS ONCE IT"S OUT DOLL and I need some more suggestions. So far I have:
1. Make a canteen with it
2. Use it for haggis
3. Plant it under a tree
4. Wear it as a hat
5. Make a purse from it
7. Freeze water in it to keep the beer cold
8. Make a doll quilt from it
9. Blow it up and make a balloon
10. Save it till 4th of July and put firecrackers in it and throw it at cars
11. Fill it with candy for your next pinata party
12. Put it on your head and scare the kids with it
13. Use it as a shopping bag
14. Use it to catch cats or rats, even.
15. Stuff it and make a softie
16. Or make a sock uterus with it
17. Cut it in half and make slippers
18. String it with catgut after its dried out and make an instrument from it
19. Use it in an anatomical puppet show ( find more discarded organs)
20. Cut it into strips and knit something with it.
That's all I can really come up with. I need 30 more. Somebody help me. Thanks.

Oh, to be HBC

If I could be anyone besides myself...I might like to be Helena Bonham Carter.

First because she is beautiful, tiny and elegantly funky.

Second because she lives in England, has partnered with another chick to make these incredible clothes - her line is called Pantaloonies and she is having babies with Tim Burton.

Third, because she is an actress with great roles offered to her and she gets to travel alot.

Did I mention she was stylish and tiny,  with a tiny little body and looks impossibly cute and yet still very sexy in her little pantaloonies? I am probably the last to know- Amanda gave me a link to HBC's website. Who Knew? I adore the giant hat, and the pig in a carrage, but the giant scissors and thread? COME ON!!!!!!!

almost last day in March

A Luminous Spring

A Luminous Spring, originally uploaded by Annabelle13.

This is the work of Anabelle13 on Flickr...I just had to share

Vote for Louis!!!!

Please vote!!! If you haven't already! If you have then, Merci!!! Louis is very difficult and especially more demanding than usual....cucumber sandwiches, indeed! Go Now You have 24 hours left!!!! You can only vote once....Here is the link

happy anniversary next month!

I started this blog back in October - and the 6 month anniversary is April 22nd. I am planning a party so ya'll better tell your friends and get your glad rags on and bring a casserole or spmething sweet! I am planning on a wonderful, happy, delightful April long Month of Craft Chaos here at the cottage so get ready! In the meanwhile- we have these real roses to offer inspiration and challenge if you attempt to use the Following Flower Tutorial to make some then please join the Calamity Kim's Wonderland Flower Garden at Flickr. I invite you to make a rose or two and add your pictures! I am hooked I think and am off on another rose adventure- creating one of the Little Prince Asteroid B-612 roses..so cool! Be back soon!

10 Step Rose Program

I thought I would show the rose first. Then you would have your curiosity engaged and stick around for the rest of the PAPER FLOWER TUTORIAL. I was inspired by Ulla's post with a link to Miz Smoochie Lips blog about how she created a flower with a silk flower and some bits of fabric and lace and I was further egged on by my Stepdaughter Lexi telling me about Cassie Chappell, www.mommymakesroses.com who was going to be on Martha Stewarts show with her paper roses- made from Coffee Filters!!!! Ok, Now I was blown away by how real they looked! I wanted to make my own with the Calamity Kim Spin! SO I bought the coffee filters- the triangle shaped kind- I do have some round ones I am saving to make yoyo's with (seen on Carol Duvalls show) and gathered my materials.

Mis en Place is a term used by Chefs to arrange all the ingredients and prepare everything a head of time so that then they can combine them  without having to stop and chop...etc. So ...

Step 1. Gather all materials:

Petal and leave patterns from PDF Pattern TEmplates from Martha Stewart

triangle shaped  " cone" coffee filters
glue stick
floral tape in green
stamen
old papers, books, sheet music, paper doilies
fabric
lace- at least 3 " wide
floral 16-gage wire
watercolor paints
acrylic paints
walnut ink stain
coffee
scissors
bamboo skewer
brushes and containers for water
paper towels
paper plates
pen
patience
glitter
glue
green paper for leaves

***Go to www.marthastewart.com or follow this link to her website. I recommend watching the video and printing out her directions and the pattern for the leaves. It is listed under Paper Rose Craft***

Step 2. cut out the petals from coffee filters. All 8 sizes.
Cut out each size and keep separate  on paper plates with the number written on them.
Like plate one would be labeled  first petal.  plate 2 would say second petal...etc however you can have them organized and ready. Once  you start you won't want to have to go back and cut petals.

Step 3.  Cut out special addition petals  from paper ephemera. Like pages from old books or magazines or newspaper or wrapping paper. Sometimes I pick a theme and then use that through out the project. Alice in Wonderland seems especially appropriate for this one. Painting the roses red and all that!

Step 4.  After painting the completed rose like the directions call for,  I really think that it would be easier and faster to watercolor the coffee filters first. You can enlist the children in this and I would cover the table with plastic or even do this outside.

Wet the coffee filters with a spray bottle filled with water and the use some water colors to get the look you want. If you really want to control the color then cut out your petals first and do a lighter shade in the center and darker around the rim. Study pictures or go buy some roses to use as an example.
Flickr has a wealth of roses and choosing a color is tough. The petals will dry quickly in a warm oven or use your heat gun or blow dryer. Once the rose is complete you can always touch up the color.

Step 5. Begin by placing a set of stamen in center. I used some that were already wrapped in a bunch from Michaels( from the bridal section). If you are using loose ones then just put the end of the wire in a loop over the center and hold stamen up and wrap tightly with floral tap. You must pull floral tape as you go to open it up and get the waxy stuff going. Be sure to wrap tightly and compress the base of the petals where it is wrapped to the wire at all times.

Step 5. Take the first petals and place on wire, over the stamen  and wrap. The directions from Martha were good except I would use a glue stick and put a dab of glue as I added each petal for better stability. Add petals and keep them on top of each other and don't slide down stem. WRAP TIGHT.
Step 6. Add some petals and then every other time add some lace petals or fabric or ephemera papers. Continue dotting the base of petal with glue stick and wrapping tight after each addition. You don't want the petals to fall out or be pulled out when Aunt Pansy comes over for a visit and is knocked out of her socks by your luscious vase of roses.

****I suggest you don't leave anyone in the room alone with your spectacular roses because they will either be stealing them or picking at them to "see how you did it."If you must leave the room take them with you and cover your behavior by saying that you were just moving them to the next room, where they look so lovely in the light streaming in the window.

Unless, you have spent days and days crafting and not cleaning the windows and they are so thick with dust and rain marks that you keep the blinds pulled and the lamps on. If this is the case then you will have to be quick on your feet and make up a different lie as you deftly remove the roses,  so they don't get hurt or put into purses or coat pockets while you aren't looking.

I am just warning you. You can't come crying to me, OH THE CALAMITY!!!!!!

They stole MY ROSES!!!!!

You have BEEN WARNED!

Step 7. Keep adding layers of filter petals and stuff until you think you might have to quit and take a nap.

Step 8. Make a nice refreshment if you start to feel faint or exhausted. Remember, sugary drinks like sweet tea and coke are just going to make you more tired and the afternoon gin and tonic-a isn't gonna let you finish-a, so better skip it till after you're done and celebrating a vase full!

Step 9. I ended with the last two rows of petals as the filter paper . Then I mixed some walnut ink crystals in a tiny bit of water and brushed the edges of the roses. You can try a marker or watercolor.
Be bold.

Be adventurous!

Use your imagination!

The important thing is trying.

And having fun.

I had to keep telling myself to be patient.

Flowers take days to be this open and lovely.

****The key is this:  Your eye sees shapes and your brain wants to  recognize that shape. The key to roses are the turned down petals.

So Be sure to use your bamboo skewer to roll each side of the petal down with a point in the center.

Like a real rose.

Just roll it with your thumb and forefinger and you will be really good at it after the 3oth petal....be patient.

Stand back and admire your rose often and talk to it!

Tell it how beautiful it is becoming!

Remember the children and dog shouldn't hear you mumbling curse words  !@#$%^&* as you are crafting- it will make them run and hide and then who will be there to help clean up all the scraps of paper you have most assuredly gotten all over the floor and table? Whew!

Step 10.  I didn't add my leaves yet but I am pretty sure I will be cutting them out of some green Japanese paper- like in the art dept of Michaels- go look,  they have some.  Or you could use the coffee filter paper and watercolor it green....then use the same method with the glue stick and floral tape to wrap them onto the stem. I would go over it once more with floral tape pulled tight around the length of the stem, to give it a nice even presentation. 

After you have shaped all the petals and attached leaves add a bit of glue to some edges and sprinkle glitter on...if you like Gypsy roses.. I used brown german glass glitter..Or if you want a more realistic rose only use the coffee filter petals and omit all the extras.

If You really want to jazz them up you could add some feathers inside and ragged edged fabrics; you could bead on the petals or use cut up vintage linens with embroidery...look around...what do you see? Poems, love letters, eviction notices? All usable!

You could employ those colored pictures the kids have layered 3 feet deep on the fridge, or the latest Anthroplogie catalog.... Doritoes or Lays bag? I see roses. Liner from giant dog food bag- roses! Maps? Junk Mail? ROSES!!!!

Dog ate a library book? After you pay $112.00 for it, what are ya gonna do with it? Don't throw it away- Recycle it into a rose!!!
Ok. I hope you enjoyed this. If you do make a rose then let me know. I will start a Flickr group for us. The next time one of those holidays comes and you are expecting roses but don't get them- Make Your Own!!

If you do get some and are one of those people without allergies who dry them out- consider making them into paper  and Then making roses from that!!

Now, the paper making Tutorial will have to wait for another day....I am worn out!

I am going to hit the couch with my current embroidery and new Peter Pan DVD....

Flickr is an amazing place. You can put in a search and get all sorts of results! I was doing research on bunting and got everything from converse sneakers to baby snugglies to birds to what I was searching for- those fabric flags. I get obsessed with certain images, colors and shapes. I have to gather them around me in order to sooth and quell the obsession. There are worse things to desire. Gnomes are my drug of choice. The evil red cap mushrooms with white polka dots, any polka dots, any red and aqua, fabrics with blue skies, basket weave, architectural elements, birds, nests, chickens, eggs, making roses from paper or fabric. I have tried to find out what flower stamens are made from- like do they have a machine that dips thousands of ends of string or thread into giant vats of plaster of Paris or paper pulp? How does that work? I want to make some- why? Because I want to make some roses.

After being inspired by Miss Smoochie and Martha Stewarts segment on coffee filter roses( unbelievably real looking) I have this image in my head that won't go away. Sometimes I start making something and realize why no one else is doing this- because it's hard! Too hard!!! Like the little miniature plants I read about in a doll house miniature book from the library. Oh, la tee da, ya take the floral tape and glue it together with a wire in between and let it dry then cut into the shape of a leave. Repeat 52 times. Then glue into tiny tera cotta pot. Sprinkle tea on top to look like dirt and voila! You have a plant. I made two leaves and looked at Fred and said: "this is too hard". I was seeing spots!

I get too caught up in somethings and can't shake the obsession- the roses will be awesome on the Marie bear- I see it in my head. I can almost see all of it. Sometimes when I am under the spell of the muse I can see it totally finished, but often the image is in pieces and it isn't until I start the project that the materials on hand change that original plan and morph into something altogether different. I am fragmented too- I start this and then tire, and then I work on this other thing and then I must finish something so I return to that and then it is completed and I wonder why I didn't do that in the first place! CrAzY pSyChO cHiCk!!!!!Yikes! Maybe it happens to everyone- maybe I am losing my mind? I used to have to finish the thing I was doing - like task oriented- God knows I have never been time oriented. Now I seem driven some days to create and without even having a venue in which to sell- before I had shows and shops and now its just Etsy or Ebay. Do I create to keep the boredom and ennui that my brother seems to have in buckets? (He called me yesterday so excited about Quintin's new double feature- Grindhouse! It is just right up Fred and My brother Glenn's alley! The chick with the machine gun leg- wow. The boys will be happy!) Anyway, sorry, I am rambling.

Sorry. I was waxing on about the obsessiveness of my style. I am digging this new program that allows you to draw with a stylus pen on a mat and it appears on the computer screen. Fred said he has had it for 10 years and we have been married for 3 of those years and he just saw fit to pull this particular rabbit out of his bag o tricks. I asked, politely, if he knew I would never be the same? That I would not stop until I had drawn everything conceivable? That I would then transfer those drawings onto fabric with my gorgeous ( hello, beautiful HP 8250) printer and embroider those designs until my fingers bled? He said yes. That's why. He knows. I am found out. My obsessiveness is out for all to see. Huddled over sewing in a bright corner of the couch, with small containers of buttons, beads, drawers from storage containers full of perle cotton and floss... yoyo's from nights compulsively stitching scraps. Creating.

Changing one substance into another that says: look here. Notice this. See the details. Shine. I love the thought that quilts are whole cloth- CUT UP and sewn back together. Those seams had better be strong or it will wear out and break open and then weaken the whole damn thing. I am working on small doll quilts. Like everyone else. I am a sheep. I actually fell in love hard with the one Vicki made with the tiny embroidered sheep. I have some squares of quilt that were on towels that I bought back in the 80's. I removed them from the towels and have saved them all these years. I use them for coasters in my bedroom. Under the lamp or my cup of tea. They are about 7"x7" and soft pastel colors of floral fabrics. They are soft from washing and I love them. So I save all my scraps( of course, you say, with a smirk) and like the idea of using them for small doll quilts. Now doll house size is going to make me see spots again...too tiny and I just get a headache, but, 8x12 isn't too bad. Carol Doak wrote a paper piecing miniature quilt book that is invaluable and she has some free patterns on her website. I was lucky enough to get to take a class with her and she is mahvelous!

So, that's where I am at- working on the art apron, then a bit of patchwork, taking Sadie to Petsmart to get her nails trimmed- which she didn't need after all- going to the grocery...watching the flowers grow and bloom! Happy Spring! oh, Happy Everything!

stats, tatts & bats

I started this Blog in October .
I really had no idea how it worked.
I wasn't sure anyone would even find me - I had two other failed attempts that I couldn't find when I Googled them!
That's funny!
I just entered Ulla's contest on her Blog and there have been quite a lot of Blog a versary type give aways and in honor of my upcoming 6 month anniversary I too, am going to be giving away a bit of treasure!

So far I have written 321 posts.
I have had 689 comments.
10,752 page views.
734 visits in the last 7 days
and 43 since midnight.
My Blog Log reports:

Daily Totals: 67 offsite clicks | 126 page views | 70 readers
So, is this bad? Is this good? Does it matter?

I think about having 100 people in my home- daily. First of all, I am certain that 100 people couldn't fit in my house!
We never entertain. We are pretty much lone wolves, me & Freddie.
Except for family events and those are few and far between.
It is what it is.
I have the hope that someday this might change but for now I am content in my own small world...me and Sadie Mae filling the days with crafts and walks and cooking and chores.

Blogging and wandering around Flickr and Etsy and Ebay and the web is time consuming and fun!
I enjoy it very much and yesterday when Fred hooked up the stylus and pad it blew my mind to draw on the computer!
He had been holding back, he's had it forever, maybe he knew with my addictive personality I would not be coming up for air on that one for a while!
It was amusing and I will definitely be practicing and playing with it more in the future! Last night we watched a new series on Planet Earth in HD and man, it was pretty awesome!

Then it was Dresden Files with Claudia Black from Farscape fame playing a guest visit. After that we watched Battlestar Galactica and  it was the season finale.
Next year in 2008  we will have a new season.
Fred almost cried, I think.

I know he is thinking Starbuck is a definite cylon and  I don't know what to think except if they come to Earth, will it be in our time frame and will we battle the Cylons? Yes, we are sci fi geeks and I don't mean to bore you but we do love us some sci fi and techno babble.

So did you guys stay busy over the weekend?
Plant some flowers?

Create some crafts?
Cook? Read?

Play?
Before I show pictures of the 6th month blogaversary extravaganza prizes I would like to know what you think about my blog.
Is it good? mediocre? boring? plain bad? snooze fest?
what do you like?
what would you change?
what do you want to read about?
I would like some feedback at this 6th month juncture just to know if I am in the right place with all this.
I do enjoy the interaction with you cyber yaya's... and please feel free to be honest and help me.
I can take it!
I am asking for it.
I don't know what is the expectation that I should have, anyway, I am happy that a few of you do leave comments and I try to answer them with an email or I go visit your blogs but there are so many!!
Sometimes I can't remember who is what and where is who?
I bookmark some to come back to and if I dig ya I throw ya on my side bar asap so I don't forget...if I need inspiration I go wander...
Someone will write a book I am sure, about Blog etiquette and what the "rules" are. Maybe Amy Sedaris can do that for us?
That would be a hoot! So, I am going to go sew some and I will let you know about the  blog party....

a new trick for an old dog

Fred showed me how to play with some of his software- !!! I never knew!! OMG!! What fun is that!! I can print this on to fabric and there ya go- I can do some portraits of the grandkids, the dog, OMG!!! A new door just opened in Calamity Kim's fun house!

so sweet it must be bad for ya

Just sittin around, painting on the doll house...eating fried egg sammies with bacon & cheddar and taking pictures and playing with banners...there should be a new one up- if you see the b&w then hit refresh and you know that you can click on my pictures for a larger view, right? I was excited to see that the Little Prince was bought from the Etsy shop and I will be writing about the buyer after I get her permission- it's pretty interesting and I am sure she won't mind but first I should  ask.

The art apron that I sold made it to Rosanna in Italy and I was so relieved that she liked it! She is the collector extraordinare that Jenny blogged about and I was so honored that she wanted one of my pieces.

This Land of Blog is pretty cool- ya never know who is out there reading  or taking a peek at yer stuff! I am happy that I can make things that people love and that gives them joy. That's what makes me happy in return

I hope that the windows and trim will get glued today and then I can paint the outside with primer and then the Jamaican aqua. I am excited about the doll house after buying some wee cakes and treats from Vicki & Grace at Turkeyfeathers...I was wondering if I could make a tiny set of starbucks cups too...just for fun...I am starting on some doll house quilts after being inspired by Hillary and Vicki and Jenny at Allsorts and.... one will be part of the 6 month Blog-a-versary coming soon...

This is my second time trying to write about today's adventures. The first time the computer froze and I had to reboot. I hate it when that happens..

Anyway, As I was saying we had a wonderful day- we went to several office supply stores to find a desk for Fred to work at home with. He can't always get in our little office room because I am usually in here and the music room has lots of space. So we found one with a modern look- silver and frosted glass for the beach feel- there were some that were just way too dark, and we both agreed on this so, having finished our mission we went across the street to our newly renovated mall. It looks great- a new food court and AMC 12 Theater. We had time to kill before the movie so we walked around to Hot Topic where I fell in love with some Cupcake Cult items...skimmers...with skulls in the cupcakes...                                                                                                          death by cupcake!

Ahhh yes, I am in the Cupcake Mafia. Would you like to join? Death bu sugah...not funny when you are diabetic (like my Grandma and Aunt) but hey, pick yer poison. We all must die from something...Anyway, then we went to the Disney store and I found some beautiful wooden blocks on clearance for 9.99. I will be spelling out Calamity Kim's Cupcake Mafia...and then we wandered over to Hallmarks where I saw some new Jim Shore stuff- gotta love things decorated with quilt patterns...the Gnome was without a doubt a huge OMG moment! but then I saw the price and he won't be coming home to my garden at $80. anytime soon, but here's a picture anyway. a girl's gotta dream....He is 19.5" tall and made of resin...

I would be afraid he would get broken...I'd cry. He is gorgeous though. I wonder why Disney hasn't latched on to the Gnome thing yet? Maybe they can't get the rights to them? Dunno...but I am working on a gnome softie and will put a free PDF up on the blog soon. It will be part of my 6 month Blogathon Anniversary Celebration Extravaganza of Calamity Kimness!!!...there will be cupcakes. There will be prizes and games and a special drawing...soon. Anyway, we went to see the Last Mimsy and I have a kind, soft feeling in my heart. It was sweet and sincere and had a definite message for all of us human beans not to lose our compassion or humanity...it wove in a bit of Alice and the Rabbit lore which I was grateful for and the kids in it are too cute. Rainn from The Office was in it also and he was great as a hippy science teacher. Michael Clark Duncan is in it too (reminding me of Lilo & Stitch) and  all in all it was very entertaining.  Fred is so kind to take me by the hand and do fun stuff- when the ticket girl asked if the tickets were adults, I said "we try" and he chuckled at me...did she think we had some children stashed behind us and we were dropping them off? Or did she think we were seniors? I know my hair is going gray, but really, sweetie, I am only 46! Hahaha...anyway..we had a lovely day and he is putting his desk together while Steve Winwood plays softly in the background...love that...

I guess I feel serene. It had a nice message, that movie and the everyday stress has been undone....tomorrow I am hoping to finish that !@#$%^&* art apron...I sewed yoyo's and buttons and did some embroidery last night while we watched 6 Degrees, which I am so glad wasn't canceled. I am adding some more flowers and gnomes and mushrooms and I will try to list it Sunday or Monday. I will let you know tomorrow. I need to finish it and clean the table in the sewing room- again, that craft bomb just exploded everywhere  when I was in the heat of the moment- trying this fabric and that- throwing it around- I am a mess! Crafty Chaos...anyway...hope all you peeps are having a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Izzie bakes cupcakes

OK, so I had to stop and take a break and since I was laughing at my self I thought you guys might get a kick outta this- I was sewing away and making the pockets for the chenille side of the newest art apron...a little of this...iron...a little of that, press, a bit of lace, no maybe this ribbon, you know, just listening to the radio and thinking about Georgie and Izzie and how this could have happened...and I am wondering how long until he spills it to Cassie?

and I am sewing and pinning and thinking about cupcakes and how Izzie is going to be filling the kitchen which is good cause that poor Meredith, she needs some junk in her trunk and then I had to stop. I realized I forgot to pay attention to the fact that the apron is double sided and that the pockets--Oh Shit!! I am sewing the pockets all the way through...to the bottom...to the other side...and that's when I had to laugh about how every sewing machine comes with a seam ripper!


They know we are gonna make a mistake! It doesn't matter how long you have been sewing or how great you think your skills are- one day You are gonna need that seam ripper...thankfully I happen to have 4 or 5 of them.....hahaha...so I took it out- I had only gone a few inches and it didn't hurt anything except my pride...but it was funny. Now, who wants to take some bets on Georgie and Izzie? Cassie? Who is gonna be Chief? Anyone? I just remembered it was flea market over at Shabby in the city, some early bird I am, but then I found out about a Blog Spring Fling Tea Party hosted by Artsy Mamma  well! I am so sorry that I missed it but you gotta go back over to her blog with me and check out some of the swell tea party action! Not to be missed is The Par Tea Planners blog also! Gorgeous colors and crafts and my oh my! I am adding a copy of her very artistic invitation- maybe next time we can get invited and we can put on our hats and gloves and fancy going to town dresses!!

Grumblegarth Hodgewicket

Remember this guy? Well, let me tell ya....

Grumplegarth Hodgewicket is the first of many Gnomebears that I have found and become friends with. He appeared one day in my garden, quite enchanted by my dog Sadie, he stepped out into the open and politely asked her name. She stopped playing frisbee for a moment and said, "Sadie Mae, what's yours?" Well I tried not to show my excitement, and frighten him off, so I casually offered some honey tea and cupcakes and now Grumplegarth is a constant visitor here at the cottage. After many long conversations he has agreed to travel to someones' home, should they be so in love with him and bring good cheer and tell tall tales all the day long for a wee bit of honey tea and cupcakes in return. He stands 18" tall and is made from cream colored fur. His eyes are black glass from Germany. He is dressed in wool felt boots, a blue embossed ultra suede shirt and quilted green velvet pants with wide ribbon trim.

His shirt is embellished with silk flower blooms (sewn on with green beaded centers) to help camoflauge him in the garden. He is also wearing a purple ultra suede belt and pouch with a few of his most prized treasures inside. Please email any questions you might have and I will ask Grumplegarth if I don't know myself. He is listed on Etsy and I must say it's a small price to pay for this fellows wonderful companionship. His cap is Rachel Ashwell Crimson Velvet. I am working on a logo design too....

I have started the Marie bear and am also using some Rachel Ashwell velvet for her...she is going to knock you guys out!!!!!

Anyway, yesterday I rambled around and found another book- I am pretty sure this is the one that Amanda has been telling me about..

but I'll have to ask... I like the idea of wearing some Calamity Kim designed clothes so I am going to try one of these patterns...I'll let ya know how it goes...I also picked up a copy of Cottage Style Magazine which has several nicely done stories by FiFi...one feature is about Karen Jasterminsky who owns a shop called Gathered Treasures in Burns Ct here in Sarasota. I will have to stop by and check it out...maybe in one of my new skirts and cow girl boots...I can braid my hair and put some makeup on and clean up real nice! I would love to have some products in a shop or two and am trying (not really, but I am going to) get some stock up so that I can approach some shops here. I would love to have my stuff at Garden Argosy on St Armands Circle...

but I feel a bit intimidated by the owner( she wasn't too pleased with me taking pictures in there one day, even though I asked permission from one of the sales staff) she arched a brow at me when I explained that it was for my Blog...oh, poor unfortunate name that became...web-log I know, why couldn't a chick have named it? we would have called it something like web-musings..then it would be a bemuse. Doesn't that sound nicer- i was bemusing today when I realised I had bemused about my whole life...no? how about web-rambles....'brambles'.. i was brambling about my dolls....OK, sorry I got off track there for a moment....speaking of bemusing Blogs did you know that Jen O'Conner has a Blog? Yes, the coolest chick who gave us Earth Angels has a new Blog and so does Nicol Sayre...

I will be leaving adoring stalker psycho fan comments on their Blogs about how much I love their stuff...geez, can it get any better? Can Mary Engelbreit please start a Blog? I love her website but am not sure how much time she really has between the drawing, the designing and the decorating and book writing she does that she would have time to Blog. I do know that it is amazing how small it makes this big old world seem and we are all just kids at a party!!

Making crafts and hanging banners and blowing up ballons and baking cakes and cupcakes and decorating and celebrating our love of everything together! I don't care if anyone comments anymore- I see the traffic running through my blog- those of you that stop and say howdy are graciously thanked, those of you who hit and run, I understand that too- there are millions of Blogs to be read....get going!!! Have a Blast!!! I do want you to look at some pictures before you skeedaddle though....have a gander at some cute stuff I just put out for Easter...

Love me some paper mache!!! I have some nice Dept 56 pieces and some lovely Nicol Sayre...each year I try to get one or two new pieces...anyway....gotta get busy! I have some BIG plans.... and they may or may not include gnomes, dolls, felt, banners, doll houses and paper mache....ya never know what you'll find here at Calamity Kim's Craft Cottage...the ideas are like my bundt cakes- spilling over everywhere! Have a happy day and I'll be bemusing again tomorrow.....

I do like Amazon- today I ordered this book and this book and can't wait till they get here! I have wanted the wee folk book for a long time but didn't think I'd ever make them but now that my supply of wool felt has grown I have the materials and the notion to make some wee people!

and have you seen this? 

The Softies have been Chosen!

I am so: happy, excited, scared, nervous , elated, doubtful, anxious, thrilled, humbled and proud.
All at the same time.
Louis is one of the final 5 in the bestbunnybear category at the Softie Awards. Voting from the people (me & you) will begin soon and I was dying to tell- but had to keep it a secret...how wonderful for Louis...he has never won anything...and just to be nominated is an honor.

I would like to thank Heidi, the judge, and all the judges really deserve some sort of cake because that was a tough decision to make- so many wonderful creations from which to choose...I couldn't have narrowed it down to just five per category...Use the link here to go see who you're going to vote for!!! WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!Yipppeeeeeee!! boom shacka lacka boom shacka lacka!!!(that's me and Sadie jumping for joy)

This was at 5:30 am.....

Get your own glitter and more at BlingyBlob.com
There is not enough coffee in my cup to help me get awake this morning...Even this jazzy bling thing I found (thank you Phyllis..Shabby in the City) can not keep my eyes open, though I did feel a bit of a seizure coming on as I was creating it...no, just kidding, no, really....So yesterday I saddled up my Durango (wish it was an Appaloosa) and galloped downtown where the air is sweeter and a bit more exotic....I don't know why I feel such a surge of love for Sarasota when I am Downtown, but I do. The shops, the palms and bricks and flowers and the feeling of people seeing new and interesting things..peeking in gallery windows...feeling funky in my black satin converse with pink cherry blossoms sneakers...walking into new stores, checking out the cool stuff...going to a movie house and watching a "film".

I found some wool yardage at a church rummage store $4 for about 4 yards - 2 blue and 2 gray...I will be felting that for future projects...I found a cute little paper mache basket- a reproduction with a wire handle for $2 and a lovely heart shaped tin with painted roses for $5 at The Sarasota Trading Co on Pineapple Ave.... very unique objects in there...did I mention expensive and odd? I saw a skeleton in a Plexiglas case...like something Mr Jackson might enjoy...too bizarre..

I like the shabby chic or vintage look in my shops not the over blown I used to live in Zanzibar giant elephant foot table look....moving on I went to Burns Court and saw Miss Potter...it was lovely and a bit sad..I wasn't prepared for any sad and the tears came unannounced and unstoppable..but it had a happy idyllic ending..I felt the need to come home and Google Miss Potter to learn a bit more about her... Did you know that there is a Beatrix Potter Society? Founded in 1980. Beatrix was born in 1866 and died in 1943.

Here is a quote from her journal which was written in code and took many years to crack:

“It is all the same, drawing, painting, modeling, the irresistible desire to copy any beautiful object which strikes the eye. Why cannot one be content to look at it? I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result.”

She was an excellent watercolorist without any formal training and there is a wealth of information about her life on the Internet.

I once did a mural for a woman who wanted Beatrix Potter type illustrations in her mudroom. So I gathered many books and studied up and did a fair copy of Miss Potters style...but it was difficult and acrylics are harder to get soft and delicate as watercolor and a wall is a different surface..but anyway..I have always loved her work and thought that Renee was good in her portrayal..who knows, really what she was like, but Renee seemed to have the old maidenly blushing bad hair and sweaty thing down...Ewan McGregor was fine and all the Victorian set dressings were lovely...it was a more restrained and proper and profusely ornate time. I enjoyed the movie especially when the illustrations became animated..really quite charming....After the movie I found a shop that carried Italian pottery and bought a few pieces of old world map wrapping paper for use in making those recycled coffee tin buckets...

Easter is quickly approaching and I am starting to think about rabbits and I know I should have started making them weeks ago! Oh, well, You can only do what you can, right? I enjoyed a break from the sewing room yesterday but after the grocery store and making dinner and watching Blood Diamond ( where I cried a bit more, when I wasn't covering my eyes completely) I laid there thinking about the Marie bear and what she was going to look like until I finally fell asleep. Super Fred had to go to Tampa today for work and so we were up at 5 am...geez...I hope I can stay awake for LOST....Yesterday I also rented Eragon and Rocky(12?) what a triple feature that is! Fred just rolled his eyes- having become used to my extreme movie diversity- I rented Rocky for him and just guessed about Eragon..who knows? dragons are good sometimes...but John Malcontent, er, Malcovich is in it!?!

We shall see....did I tell you how good I thought Stranger than Fiction was? It is, good I mean.  So today I suppose I should pick that art apron back up..I made a pot holder to go with it...too sweet if ya ask me! I will show pictures soon. It is still dark and I am going to put some of Miss Potters best in here for a bit of candy...I think I will go get some more coffee...have a great day...I added a few pictures after the sun came up! Treasure!

I found the sweetest tablecloth at good will for 2.99 and some4 His n Hers towels with undies on them for 79 cents each! Now how fun is that?!!!!

Gnome love

******Click on pictures to view larger*******

I have been sewing up a storm lately! Yee Haw!!! It is so much fun to have the freedom and time to sit and sew and allow my dreams to become reality. I am thankful that I have that security. Fred trudges off to work each day and I am allowed to stay here at the pretend cottage and Make & Do to my hearts content. Now, there have been times in my life that I was single and worked 2 jobs and was too exhausted to even imagine making or creating and I think those times must have fueled my battery because I have some ideas, let me tell ya!!! Do I have ideas!!!

Yesterday when Fred came home he saw me in the same spot on the couch as when he left that morning and said: " whatcha got there?" and as I held up my newest and fattest bear he said: "whoa! What's that?!!" Now this is the moment that I always scan for sarcasm.....none detected I answer:" a gnome." "well, he's a bear that thinks he's a Gnome." "Really? Says Freddie. Yes says I. Isn't he silly? Well, I never know how people are going to react- they either love bears or they hate them.

When Fred and I started dating I had little bear vignettes and tea parties set up all over my apartment. Here and there were bears in chairs eating fake cake and drinking from empty tea cups. I said it's like in Hook with Robin Williams- ya have to pretend. He looked at me differently after that- the etch a sketch and magic 8 ball and kaleidescope on my coffee table were clues..I like to play. I can and I will. I will grow old but never up. I don't have to.

Now, I have the bears in the guest room and not so much around the house, in respect for Fred's maleness. I don't want him to have to be faced with little toys everywhere when he has to be serious and grown up and trudge off to work each day....but they are ready should any grandchildren come for a visit...they can be pulled from nooks and crannies at the drop of a hat and it's teddy bear picnic time! Now that I am making bears again it is different- I am not used to answering to anyone- except my inner  critic.

Not that he is critical but when I suggested that the gnome bear might need some embroidery on his ears..he quickly vetoed that as uneccessary embellishment.You can never have too much if you want my opinion!  So here are a few pictures and then I am off to start my day. I just saw where Miss Potter is playing at Burns Court...a movie might be the order of the day for me....then it's time for serious work on Marie...I have visions of her dress and head gear! Gonna be grand....glittery..sparkle...yoyo cupcake heaven!

hi!

hi!, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Just a quick post- while I catch my breath! I started this guy yesterday afternoon and in about 28 hours! presto! There is another bear born!! He doesn't have a name yet, but he thinks he's a gnome! Can you believe that?!! Silly old bear!!

tiny troubles

Yesterday was like a NYC sweatshop except not as dirty or sweaty, and Tony wasn't holding a gun to my head or anything but I was keeping busy with new items listed in The Etsy shop and shopping at the Etsy shop of Vicki & Grace- I was sitting on top of their shop, hitting refresh and I was fast enough on the button to grab a gorgeous chocolate cake and a pineapple upside down cake!! Pictures soon when they arrive...in the meantime, my doll house fever burning red hot, I traveled to Ebay and checked out some other possible additions to the doll house Quilt & Cupcake Shoppe. I was happy to see this: 

But knew I could probably make my own...and is that the sort of thing I really want in the doll house? Will it scare the children?  How about the bears? Won't they feel a wee bit mortified? OK, that's what I thought...moving on, I saw this doll furniture and really wanted it but it is a little high- or maybe it's a good price- 23.99?

Is that reasonable? I haven't a clue- there is some stuff made by Miniature Artists that seem to be a bit expensive- but they are tiny little pieces of art I suppose...and in limited quantities...like these tiny shoes...

Made by: Sylvia Rountree, the Doll's Cobbler and a steal at 18.00 buy it now- well I went back and someone had bought them! Perhaps that was a great price- I said ouch! and looked around to make sure no one was watching...it seemed sinful somehow to be wanting these tiny objects just to strut around in the doll house! Like doll house porn, I went to the next item on the list...unable to stop, my heart pounding deep in my chest...painted furniture...oh, yes! Please! Yes! That's good, really good, oh, I love it! How wonderful...only 10.99- why that's cheap! What a bargain! Once again, someone else snapped it up -I went back and it was gone. How can they decide so quickly?

I won't be changing the doll house furniture like my socks- once I get it furnished I am sure it's going to stay that way for a while...right? Or will it? Maybe the little attic space will be filled with cast off chairs and odds and ends as I find the next best thing to add to the decor- maybe I can add a garage so that I can have a bi-annual garage sale! I already know I must have a yard for the flamingos and clothesline. How else would I be able to display the tiny quilts? My shop is going to have bolts of fabric and a sewing machine and an ironing board and of course the cakes and pies and sweet treats, but it will never, I repeat, NEVER have a vacuum or tiny sponges, dust cloths or cleaning products! That is just going too far! To expect me to clean the doll house?!? What? It will have magic elves for that! No tumbleweeds of dog hair- no bits of fabric( God, the chenille and acrylic fur!) No, that is not going to happen...there will be no dusting in my tiny dream home...where everything is just perfect and happy and beautiful!

Now, I don't know about you, but I have never bought anything from Hong Kong on ebay. I am not sure how long it would take to arrive- it worries me that my tiny package would be lost and I wouldn't ever get to enjoy setting up my kitchen with the fairy kitchen set....me love you.....long time...baby....sweet stuff....cupcake, honey buns...sugar ...oh, yes.....that's right, come to mama.....
Oh, you don't know? You haven't seen? Well, it looks almost like a replica of some fifties Lefton stuff- like faces on the sugar bowls and cups that look like flowers...oh, yeah, it is making me have another hot flash, hang on while I fan myself just a bit! Whew! That's better, can you hear my heart pounding? See that wild, animal look in my eyes...no, I'm not licking my lips, what? No, honey, every thing's alright! ( Super Fred with his sonic ears...I better click over to my emails before he comes in and catches me...that would be really embarrassing...) to get caught lusting over doll house decor...

oh, whew! It's OK...he's not coming....back to the naughty miniatures...oh, did you see that set of cups...like Alice in wonderland with the playing cards holding the tea spoons? Oh, my, yes....

a new art apron

With the temperature going down into the 40's tonight we have the windows open to the fresh air and I am happily sewing away on a new art apron...wanna see?

This time it's all about fairy cakes and tea cups and birds and roses...The chenille side is like frosting on a cake! I am still working on the pockets then it's a waistband and ties and after a few yoyo's and buttons and bows she'll be all done! I wish I could make these faster but they take about 3-4 days depending on the laundry, grocery shopping and walking the dog and Fred time I have to spend...The roses are just gorgeous - they are a Spanish rose by Michael Miller. The cupcake fabric is Martha Negley and I love her color ways- lots of aqua and brown and peach and they are just wonderful to work with- hard to find though! At least here in Sarasota- only Alma Sue's has it in stock. That's the shop where the sweet Mennonite women are always quilting on a quilt stretched upon a  big rack. She is getting in so much fabric it is stacked to the rafters! The shop has one whole wall dedicated to Kaffe Fassett too!  I just thought I'd check in- we don't really celebrate St Patrick's- if we had the kids here we would or were where our friends are...and since we don't drink beer- it just isn't a big ta do. But, I hope you all are having fun...

Tomorrow it's out with the bunnies! Yippee! I have a few paper mache chicks and rabbits and I do love some Easter eggs and baskets sitting around...I wish I could see the grandkids gathering eggs- maybe someday..maybe I can talk them into video taping it! Hayden (in the kitty suit from Halloween) will be 1 on April 4 and he is running around chasing the dog and Austin (with the rose)(who will be 3 on August 21st)....they live in Clarksville which is just too far! I do get to talk to them almost everyday though, so that helps..but still...if they were here Austin would be sporting one of those rabbit costumes at Target!

I think they are adorable! The kids in costumes!  Do it while they're young and won't remember or be traumatized by it! LOL! Anyway- I will be back hopefully tomorrow with a new apron to list and something worthwhile to discuss- I know, all of you aren't as fabric and grandbaby obsessed as I am...but I can't say I am sorry...This kid here is as cute as a cupcake in a doll house if ya ask me! How do you resist these sweet faces? Geez.... 

into the rabbit hole

I feel as though I just walked into the Looking Glass... This little lovely Alice was made by  (one of my new best friends :) teehee) Jenny of the Polka Dots- actually here is the link HERE go there see what I saw, be amazed! I love it! It's like another Nicol Sayre- only with Alice. I would offically like to place an order for Little Red Riding hood....I am giggling like a cRaZy  girl- strung out on Halloween candy and espresso- wow! really, so very sweet. I will have to get to know Ms Jenny  and then I can do one of those online interviews. You know the kind- where I ask after wiping up drool , ah, how long have you been creating? Where do  you get your inspiration from? Why paper clay? Mache? Oh, yes, I will continue to stay on top of this one- already I have been back to her blog 4 times, just to look longingly at these small girls...

my heart has been stolen, again, by yet another Jenny...what's with the Jenny's? Especially creative, that's what! You people enjoy that, now, ya here! One can never have enough pink, aqua, glitter or Alice....

Let's go shopping!

sometimes ya just have to have cake.

or maybe something to love, and cherish.... or maybe rest your weary head upon...I have been stocking the store over at Etsy and now I am going to go work on my splendid new art apron! I just received the Martha Negley tea cup fabric from Reprodepot and can't wait to go into the sewing room and get busy! Sadie and I might split a peanut butter and jelly sandwich first- it's raining and there is a bit of low thunder...perfect day to drink some tea, listen to dave and sew...I keep hearing this song by John Legend and I really like it too...turn off the radio and give this an ear....also see if you can beat me to some more of Grace's fabulous tiny pastries and fake cakes tomorrow 10am pacific time she will be listing sweet treats in her shop on etsy...maybe I won't link you...maybe you'll have to find it for yourselves! ...oh, that's just plain rude, ain't it? well, they look so tiny and sweet and she makes them so lovely and I don't want to make my own...really...I have other irons in the fire...not that the doll house is progressing in any way- would you like to see it? I will add another picture...maybe I can finish this apron and then get to work on the doll house....Happy St Patrick's early all you wee folk out there! Please call a cab or get a designated leprechaun to drive...please?...i do worry so...have you seen the shirts that say don't drink and draw? teehee...is the teehee annoying anyone beside Troy? I will stop- it just looks so cute and I am sick of LOL. really.btw brb LGAC (that's later gator afterwhile crocodile) oh, god...stop me, please, i have ta go sew....

are you Lost?

as I sew my mind wanders around on it's own...to things that are bugging me...like Lost. I know that they are trying to make the fans and naysayers happy by answering some of the mysteries they have created over the last few seasons...but what is up with Locke? Why would he push that guy into the security-device-that-makes-blood-spurt-out-of-your-ears-thing? Didn't even bat an eyelash. Just did it. Then he said sorry. Like he just farted or something. Sorry. Wow! they have totally become desensitized to the violence haven't they? There was Jack playing football. Kate looked very shocked.

What else would ya do if you were reconciled to the fact that you were staying there with them? It seems like a nice place to live to me. Why would you want to go back to your old life? When you look at the big picture it's kinda nice to be on a tropical island with a bunch of interesting people. I think I might just sit on the beach and weave me some baskets.  I definitely would be  working in Sun's garden and  babysitting for Claire, and riding around with Hurley in his VW- at least till it ran out of gas!  I just don't understand why  the bit about Kate being flawed- what that one eyed guy was going on about before he got the sonic blast. I get that they have access to computers and the outside world- or that someone inside was feeding them info- we still haven't really met all the survivors- there could be another "Other" spy.

I don't know...but they have to leave some of the mystery or else it's a bunch of people on an island- like that reality show- which was one of our guesses about the plot line- Fred thinks that they are dead and that this is Pergatory. I disagree and can't seem to change his mind! I think that they are all spiritually lost and this is an opportunity for them to find themselves- but what is the problem with being in paradise? No bills? No phones? No mowing the yard? What's wrong with that?

I wouldn't mind that so much- I damn sure wouldn't stress out about it. I think I would talk to the Others and agree to a truce. Then if they didn't agree I'd send Locke and Sayid over. I apologize if you don't watch the show- (sorry Barb) but these are the things that float through my noggin as I am sewing ....I started a new couple of art aprons and some new-sort-of-old-fashioned- but-calamity-kim-styled things that I am dying to let you see but am not finished with yet and I guess I have to wait till I get them just right, before I show them off! I ordered some of Martha Negleys coffee and tea cup fabric and I just got the Moda sock monkey textured fabric in the mail today! I can't wait to start that idea! So, it's busy around here at the calamity cottage! I don't think I have ever explained the Calamity part of my blogs name, have I?

well, it has to do with several things...first of all I am fairly clumsy. Yes, that's right, I can knock over or run into just about anything in my path! I am a breaker too- I can strip a screw, scuff up shoes, break your brass monkey, don't take me near the china shop! I am just a bit heavy handed! Maybe from gaining and losing weight - I don't know my own size or strength?! It's kinda funny...and the other part of the reason is that I would have loved to have been Calamity Jane- not the drunk part(like on Deadwood) but the ridin', ropin', cussin,  hanging out with cowboys part! I would have worn some jeans under my skirts and never even owned a corset! I like the idea of the prairie and the west and Indians and all that. I could have lived it.  Give me the wide open range or the freedom of a gypsy to roam and see and make and do. That would make for an interesting life. So, I guess that is all for now...I felt famous when Amanda told me Louis had made an appearance on Ullabenulla's blog. I love going to visit her and seeing all the unique and wildly exotic things she features- so, Louis was in good company!

I was so busy Monday that I missed going to visit her! We had a call from the bank and long story short the Visa card numbers got hacked at TJMaxx and someone tried to use a fake duplicate of my card in Spain. So the bank killed my card and I had to go request a new one. HUGE  pain in the ass to have to go get cash- what's that?  Now it will be days before I get another card and have some  funds. She was saying how we won't even have cash someday-? What Miss Bank lady? How will we go to yard sales? buy girl scout cookies? get a paper?  It all keeps progressing but does it really have to?  Can't we keep the paper money? After they just spent all that on trying to design it so that it can't be counterfeited?  anyway... maybe someday we will use old money for collage...

Louis Auguste...is fini

I have told you about the pictures in my head- If I were a cartoonist I could draw a picture of all the ideas fighting to get free from my mind. I am not as good with words as I would like to be, but I can sometimes see it and express it in fabric or reed or wire and so for me- this is art.

Many people don't collect or even like bears, but I do. I think we can all be an animal form- remember the X-Files episode where Peterman from Seinfeld was a scientist guy and all the people in that little town looked like animals or birds? That's the Mask/Cher episode....ok, I'll get back on track- so anyway, I would be a bear if I were an animal or a bluebird.

I have been working on Louis for many weeks and have finally finished him. I am putting a link to my slide show of his set at Flickr- please increase the speed in the upper right corner or slow it down if you like. Enjoy! I will be listing him on Etsy on Friday!

Last night we rented The Holiday and it was delightful- more serious and less gooey than I thought and I liked it. Jack Black cleaned up real well and Jude, ah Jude....you could use him for Novocain at the dentist he is so painless to look at!

Buzz, buzz, buzz goes the bees, bees, bees...Spring? Can it be? Oh, Joy! I am as busy as a bee myself with all kinds of new opportunities and success at the Etsy!!! I am full of Hope and Joy and I can't sew fast enough! I will be putting in some new items on Friday and sew, I must sew...I gotta go, really, I'd love to stay and chat but I have aprons to make and dolls and bears and make do's!! Yee Haw!! Life is good and so are you! Thanks for the pat on the back and all the blog love- it feels pretty darn good! I'd love to have a party and invite you all! We'd have a time out under the ficus tree with lanterns twinkling! More soon- I promise! Gotta SEW!!!!!

These lovely treats are from Turkey feathers- Vicki and her daughter Grace- she makes these with her own small magic fingers! So sweet! so Tiny! So adorable in my new doll house when it's finished one day!

The shop at Etsy is called Dollhouse Sweets and Petite Treats so check them out! I know I will be adding cakes and pies until I hopefully have a nice little display of them! Yumm!! If you are looking for delightful vintage embroidery patterns you can go visit Vicki at Patternbee- It's delightful! I gotta go! Be back soon! Yippee Yo Yo !!!

I am not sure where to begin.
First, may I ask: What fresh Hell is this?
It takes me months to get used to daylight savings time. Just a mere hour, you'd think that wouldn't hurt anyone.

This morning I was in my cozy rocket, dreaming about shabby swags of roses painted on big furniture. Like giant furniture really.
When suddenly I was awakened by Super Fred, saying come on,  princess, it's time to get up. Then he takes off the warm quilt and turns off the fan and literally drags me from the bed- in a gentle, fireman helping the old lady who can't walk get out of bed sort of way. Not funny. Not amusing. Stop laughing. I don't wanna get up, I'll be good, I say, I beg, please?
Nope.
Just a single hours difference and it might as well be 4:00 in the morning.
My head feels full of broken glass, my eyes hurt, I am thick with sleep and dreams. I don't wanna. Whatever.
I am up now and just hoping not to be too snarfy and grumpy as I plan my agenda.  First off- I had a wonderful weekend at the Sarasota Quilt Guild's Quilt Show.
I volunteered at the Raffle ticket table- selling raffle tickets for the 2 quilts and sewing machine they had. I was turning the round cage holding tickets perhaps too aggressively for the chairwoman, who told me to "be careful, I might lose some". Oh, sure, careful is my middle name! I am reckless and flying off the cuff most days, she doesn't know Calamity Kim! I can and will break your brass monkey!
So when the replacements came to relieve us of our posts I was told in no uncertain terms that I was being replaced! I am sure that in two years at our next show I won't be allowed near the raffle area! Hahaha! Lighten up, I say, Oh Tightly bound Guild woman, you are about to bust a seam!

Geez! Anyway, after I was exiled I really enjoyed walking around and viewing all the quilts. We are full of many talented ladies with diverse areas of expertise, that's for sure!
All forms of quilting from traditional to free form art were displayed and I have about 178 photos if you want a better look over at my Flickr. I ran out of room on my digital card and didn't bring a spare. Next time I will go both days- Fri and Sat, so that I can have more time and get more pictures!
I didn't have any quilts entered, but hope to finish one someday good enough to be entered.
It was great looking at all the vendors wares as well and I got some nice stuff to add to the stash! I will take some pictures later to share with you.
Today I have to mail a few more things that I sold at the Etsy shop! Thank you! I am so happy! I sold Vinnie Vidalia and a Bi Polar Becky!
I have more types of Becky's in the works too- like Raven-Never-Smiles- she will be a bit Goth and will have a frown on both sides! hahaha!
I also started a new art apron.
I was invited to go to a cottage Guild quilt thing today also. So I will be gone most of the day to that- I'll let ya know how it goes!
There are more exciting things in the works, that hopefully I will be sharing with you soon, but for now I need to sew, sew, sew!!!!
Oh- and we went to see The 300 on Sunday- all I can say is that it is awesome. I loved it. It was art on film. I loved, loved, loved it.
Did anyone else know that the Actor who plays the King is the same guy who won our hearts in The Phantom of the Opera? Gerard Butler. My, my, my...I told Fred about halfway through- we gotta start going to the gym!

Wow! never seen so many pecks since I left the chicken ranch! va-va-voom as Daddy would say when he saw Sophia Loren on screen!!! He was also in Timeline and Tomb Raider and Reign of Fire. He is good lookin and has a powerful screen presence. But the film itself was beautiful. The quality of light. The way that it was presented. Nice.
Ok, gotta get movin! Be back soon! Have a great Monday!   

Today when I went to Jude's Blog to check on progress with the fabulous quilt she is making for Walter, ( I have to check, just to make sure she isn't doing anything wonderful that I might miss!

Have you seen the appliqued letters she's doing? They are dreamy!) I happened upon a toymaker thingie on her side bar, knowing what killed the cat I had to peek anyway and I was blown away by this woman's illustrations!

Marilyn Scott-Waters is her name and I think you should all go check her stuff out and buy her books and send her daisies for being so wonderful and giving with her art. I am going to get on her email list so that I can be notified when she puts something new to play with on her site.

If everyone took a moment to just play every day the world would be a finer place! She has cool stuff like Fairy Furniture and Anxious Dream Theaters and decorated boxes and wonderful things!

All beautifully drawn and watercolored in a sweet old- fashioned way. You can print them out- go see all the PDF"s she has!

Did I say they were free? I just started giggling like a 5 year old! Hurray for toys and Toy makers!  Thank you Jude for sharing that delightfully fun site.

The Little Prince

I sewed like a mad woman today for about 6  hours and my results were quite pleasing! I made a pincushion that has been kicking in my mind to get out for several weeks now.

I want to make some more "inspired by books" pincushions- there are so many wonderful ones out there! This little guy is standing on his Asteroid B-612 which I made from a coat that I felted.

I get lucky sometimes at Goodwill and find them before anyone else does- I don't think many people buy them to wear here- so it must be for crafting! I always bought cashmere coats for bears and boiled wool sweaters, but now those are hard to find and I almost never find beaded sweaters anymore...Oh well, His clothes are made from wool felt and his body is wired and stuffed and he has little pin flowers and his volcano's even have puffs of smoke!

I entered him in the Softie Awards on Flickr- have you been watching it? Did you see Amanda's Molding Mildred? She is right up on the website! I love it!  There are 12 categories with everything from bears to robots, wild cards to functional, pincushions and cozies. Tomorrow is the last day to enter and then the judges will choose 5 finalists from each of the 12 categories. Then i think we, the people get to vote and then the winners will be announced!

I am excited by the fun of it! There are so many cool, creative, funny, splendidly unique items that no doubt the judges will have a difficult time! I am just happy to throw my hat in with all the good company!

I am listing the Little Prince on Etsy, BTW, so if you are in love, you'd best be going.....have a great night- I am bummed- no new Earl, No New Office, what about Grey's??? Come on, why do they do this to us??? Did anyone watch LOST last night? What about that huh???? huh???!!!! wow! can't believe they dangle big giant carrots like that! I am making a Locke doll- he will be very trusting and loyal, and somewhat misguided....

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Louis Auguste

Louis Auguste, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

sometimes the vision in my head comes out into reality and I am content

how about a little bit of Dave...

This is a future post: for tomorrow morning, so that I can start working right after coffee with Amanda! I have a list. A big list and 2 things that I need to finish before the Softie Awards are closed to entries....so here's some Dave....and some Blue men....you've probably seen it before, but just bear with me (*teehee*) and turn off the radio first or you'll want to gouge your ears out with that pen on your desk! ........

I woke this morning suddenly with an idea! I usually don't do that, usually I don't open my eyes, I just roll over and have a hot flash that drives me up and to get coffee- usually Fred has already woken ahead of me and got the pot going.

OK, so, this morning I woke fully and completely with an idea in my mind!
I was as surprised as he was when I said, let me tell you about my idea!
I usually don't talk until the coffee has warmed my tongue and I've taken Sadie out and watched one sad story from the reporter yap yap yappin on the tv....
But not today! I want to spill it.
Really I do! I am lousy with secrets.
I already told Amanda and she agreed that it will be totally killer!
I am working on Louis now in great haste so that I can complete him and do a few of these new  grand plans and then I can show you!

So today I was busy! I drew his jacket pattern and I made a prototype first- thinking that it would need adjustments to the pattern, but it was fine.
If I had made it from the silks first then for sure it would have messed up somehow! Hahaha!
That's what I think anyway.
I learned long ago to not trust my patterns...sometimes they work and sometimes they are horrible mistakes!
I musta had some mojo cranking today because it went together pretty well- usually I can be heard cussing like a sailor but today was so serene and peaceful and I think some new songbirds have moved into the neighbors maple tree which is close to our bedroom and office where the computer is.
It was nice. Like spring!
Daylight Savings begins on Sunday (march 11) and I will be so glad! It will be getting dark later and I will be able to get more done! I prefer to walk Sadie later than I have been and so it will be great!
I am posting a few pictures of Louis's progress. The prototype fabric is Amy Butler and this will be nice for a change of clothes for him. I will make the silk coat tomorrow and should be listing him and his lovely attire on Fri.
The ship hat has had some more glitter added as well as some pearls and beads and I must say turned out lovely! I will make a Marie as soon as I get the cream colored velvet....

I could listen to this song over and over and not tire....

a new day and a pink martini

The sun is out!
The birds are singing!
The amaryllis is up and about to bloom!
The squirrels are running around and the fur is a flying!

I have been Making and Doing and whistling while I work! I was so excited when I sold my art apron yesterday! It was listed in Etsy and then gone in a flash! Thank you Rosanna! I am delighted that she found my work after I just admired pictures of her fabulous sweet collection over at Jenny's- Where Everyday Is A Holiday! You better run over and have a look...and sign up for Jenny's Vintage Kitchen Swap she has open also! It is sure to be amazing if hosted by Jenny! (Have you ordered your own gorgeous Jenny look a like paper doll yet? Better get one fast before they are gone!) I  have dreams of  her fabulous Coconut cake  art on my kitchen wall someday soon!  I just can't decide between green or pink?

Anywho, I just listed  something new at Etsy and  will be listing some items to go with it, but first I have to run to  the post office!  Yippee! Yahoo!!  Thanks for the boost of confidence  and  the kind compliments. I appreciate  them very much....I hope it's a beautiful day where  ever you are!!! 

Thanks amanda for showing me this lovely song...

Thanks for stopping by...

Hey, y'all! I am so glad that y'all stopped by, (imagine that this is spoken with a slightly southern accent..or not, I can turn it off if you aren't charmed by it!) would you like to have a seat?

Sadie, stop, stop that! Oh, I am sorry, she is getting hair all over you...she just wants some love- you'll have to ignore her or she'll have you down on the floor or throwing that damn Frisbee in a minute!
What's that? You love dogs? Oh, well, so do I and she is a sweet one! Why she's scared of her own shadow! I had the dress form out and modeling the art apron and she was very afraid!! I had to take it down from the table and take everything off of it so she could see that it wasn't going to eat her brains! Yikes! Zombie manikin...hahaha!

OK. I will behave- I have been loading the shop over at ETSY and now I will be giving you the old soft shoe number as a diversion while I slowly ease your wallet out and relieve you of some of that hard earned cash...NO, really, I have a Son in Collage, er, College, and he needs some food and pencils and money to pay his phone bill so he can call his poor Mother (*hint*). No, really, I need to be cruising the new, giant Goodwill my Brother just called and told me about. So that I can buy more old junk to make into art. What's that? You don't know about my habit? My habit of making Art Dolls? Mutants? Make Do's? What, no, there's that's not rum cake we're eating. You feel dizzy?

You need to sit down? You need to go to ETSY and see what is in my store before someone else beats you to it? Well, Sadie, move, come on, get your head off their feet so they can go! Go now! No, wait, come back...soon...we'll dish about the neighbors...or about The Fountain that comes out today...have you seen it? I am going to get it in just a minute....come back later and we'll talk about it! Please excuse the shameless self promotion but I must sell some handicrafts to keep the fabric in stock- you see, if I use even the smallest amount of fabric, it must be replaced otherwise my heart starts to beat wildly and I get short of breath and I simply must maintain balance in the sewing room! I need it to survive...more than cakes and pies and magazines and treats- i needs me some fabric! Oh, no, wait, that's not right...

shameless...simply shameless...grandbabies need shoes?...need to prove to inner critic that I am worthwhile?...Mom wasn't right about all the mess making and globs of glitter and glue..on her hands and knees trimming it from the rug...I have a million reasons to load up the Etsy store and send you over- but mostly because I make 'em and that's my joy. I need to sell them to keep on makin! If you can't buy it's ok, maybe someone else will and I can have some small success. That would be swell! I don't want to put commercials on here and I don't feel comfortable pushing my products, but I need a venue and this is it until I learn to build a website..so if This is a turn-off then just keep on bloggin but do stop by again real soon and we'll dish! **** After going to Blockbuster I learned that The Fountain wasn't released today- they had the sign up and I was all excited but they didn't receive it today...bummer, I will let you know when It really is available ! 

eye candy

May I share this with you? I saw it over at Flickr- Icingsugargrl's pics. Its' painted by Will Cotton. I am in love.

Inspired by Marie and Louis

I must admit that I have a hard time inserting pictures into this blog- I can load them easily enough but sometimes they don't go where I would like them. My placement isn't accurate and like anything else that I am afraid to fuss with I just dump the pictures in and hope for the best! However I would like to put some pictures in and then describe them so lets give it the old college try, shall we? Ok, so the picture is loaded and now all my words go over here and we still have our fingers crossed, don't we? Recently I decided to pick back up where I left off almost ten years ago on the bear making scene. I used to sell them at a shop run by Martha and Tommy Thompson in Asheville, NC. The shop was called Sassy Cats, Bears and Friends and for many years was located in Biltmore Village in a set of train cars. Martha is one of the kindest, most charming women I have ever known and the sassy part of the stores' name could be attributed to her spirit as well as the name of her dear cat.

I made my very first bear while living in Beverly, Mass. I wanted to make something for a woman where I worked who was a very sweet and compassionate nurse. So I found a bear pattern, probably Simplicity or something and made her a small bear and put a cape on it- a super bear if you will. Nurses used to wear capes and even though we later learned in Incredibles that capes may not always be a wise accessory, they do cut a dashing silhouette on any super hero! So there were several years between Beverly and Asheville and when I needed a way to make extra money I remembered bears. I had been collecting Boyd's Bears ever since I first laid eyes on one and knew I would never be as famous or as profitable but I could try.

So I made a few and took them to Sassy Cats,Bears & Friends and Martha took them on consignment. I am sure she saw some spark of something in my work that was different or maybe she just felt sorry for me, with her tender heart. I am not sure, but when she sold them and then called me to ask if I had made anymore I was elated! That was such a defining moment for me- approval and validation- my bears were loved! In some deep place inside me I knew that if they loved my bears then they were loving me because so much of my humor and self went in to each one. My bears were to become Brave Bears and I made up stories or poems (godawful I'm sure) and would write them in small books that I bound with leather. I spent every waking moment on making bears and creating their stories. Why they were dressed the way they were or embroidered a certain way.  The more time I spent on each one, the more elaborate they became. The embroidery couldn't be contained on just the paws, it spread with abandon on the entire surface of some bears and I used all sorts of embellishments: lace, buttons, bells, feathers, painted canvas, wire, beads. After a while I quit my job at Grove Park Inn and Martha started buying my bears outright and then selling them at the shop- I had people collecting my bears.

Which was wonderful because then I could pay the rent! I worked hard, though and some of the joy was taken away because I had to produce a certain amount of items each week and birthing 4-5 completely unique bears per week wrung my imagination dry. I would go downtown to the Galleries and Library and renew and then be back at it...all hours of the day and night. Martha had bear signings at the shop and I got to meet several well known, famous bear Artists- Deb Canham and my biggest inspiration: Gary Lowenthal the creator of Boyd's Bears to name a few. She even had a signing and included me. Big shot!! Haha! My personal life was not a Fairy Tale however and I will spare you the sordid drama of d-i-v-o-r-c-e from the chef (remember I keep marrying the Village People). So one day I left and had to get a job that was consistent- why I never believe  my work (like weaving baskets) can support me I will never know- I keep starting careers and then ending them...but that's a story for another day.

I must have made close to 400 bears in about 3 years and after I got divorced I packed all my sewing supplies in big plastic bins and didn't open them for nearly 5 years. It wasn't until I moved down here again 4 years ago that I opened them up and set up my sewing room. I started making pillow shams and I even sewed a clown costume for one of the shriners. I didn't make a bear again until I had a grandson to give it to and he was made from polar fleece and a bit wonky. I never could afford mohair very often before and only made a few with the traditional wooden joints and cotter pins and mohair. If you know anything about bears then you know that this defines the collectable artist bears from commercial made (in some foriegn country) bear. I still prefer plastic joints but I do have a small supply of mohair now. I have the inspiration too. It came back. After giving up my creativity for a soul-less corporate position as a store manager, it took me years to get back to the "idea place "in my head. Now I am safe. I am secure. I have confidence. I have plans and dreams. I can hope. I can birth bears again. ***

I was so inspired by Sophia's Marie Antoinette that I knew I had to make at least one bear with the same sense of style and color palette. I found the teal velvet at Joann's in the home decor section- it is by some designer like Liz Claiborne or something. It was perfect and it had some coordinating silks in mist and cream. I also got the brocade and some iron gray silk. I knew I wanted to make a ship hat and ran the movie back several times to the scene where they are watching mini ships battle in the fountain. I paused it and took a picture. I love the whole descent into decadence that she journeys- champagne and shoes and cakes and pastries and silks and hairdressers...what a world...I know I have Italian and Cherokee ancestors, and even some Scottish blood, but I have an affinity for the French style that makes me wonder if there was a petite chateau in my family tree. Merde'. Maybe. *teehee* anyway, the cream colored silk made a nice fabric for the bow and I bought silk flowers at the crafts store and tea dyed them in the Florida sunshine for a day and then spread them on a cookie sheet and dried them on low in my oven. Fred never knows what's cooking- fake cakes, inedible fairy cake ornaments, pincushion pies, dog bone cookies...it's fun to keep him guessing!***

The velvet is cotton and sewed and stuffed like a dream. I used one of my old patterns that I drew  and perfected years ago with a slight hump on the back and a round tummy and nice shaped arms and legs. I put wire in the arms to help him pose and I chose swavorski crystal beads for the eyes. I took the head with me to Joann's and no one said a word as I auditioned different buttons and beads. The eyes say alot and I didn't want to just use my usual black jet glass beads. The tea dyed flowers are all sewn on to the bow and have either a pearl, frosted glass bead or sterling silver bead in the center. I also used blue glass flowers and some aqua colored glass beads for the centers. I have spent about 43 hours on this bear so far. Material costs and time are whats used to arrive at a price to charge and if I paid myself 5 dollars an hour this bear would already be about 240.00 (of course I can't expect to get that much but some of my bears were 200 dollars at the shop). I am going to make him a coat and add some lace at the cuffs and maybe a vest and some bows on his ankles. He needs a few keys in his hands, since Louis was fascinated with locks. He will be unique and totally one of a kind. That is the delight for bear collectors- they know they have a one-of-a-kind-in-the-whole-world-bear. I will post about the ship another day- I have some pictures in Flickr if you care to browse, feel free- you can see the progression of the ship- I still need to glitter it up some more with the german glass glitter and change the ribbon to tie it with...the lavender isn't working...and sew the coat and vest...I will put up some more pictures when it is complete and it will go in the Etsy site...In the meantime I wanted to show you what I found at Chez Target yesterday when I went for soap....I found these...***

which I hope I can bear (teehee) to give to the grandsons....they have a sort of a vintage look to them and their theme is very old- fashioned (only 4.99 each!!!)- they have party plates and table decor that are just so sweet! I think I need to get a job at Chez Target just to see what's new all the time! Of course I would spend my paycheck before I got it! I saw framed prints of Marilyn, Jimmy and Audrey and a blue pleather foot rest that would be groovy in the living room- since we got rid of the coffee table due to Miss Sadies largess.***

These sweet little salt an peppas had to come home with me. There were napkin rings in white porcelain also but I didn't get them. I am going to decoupage some music paper napkin rings I think from some paper tubes I've been saving. They also had a bunch of linens on sale and I got some putty colored curtains with tie ups for the office doors that will protect the books from the sun for only 4.98 a pair! I also got some Rachel Ashwell eyelet curtains in green and one with the blue roses pattern for the same low price of 4.98.

I love it when they clearance things! I haven't been to Target since Nov and missed the usual after Christmas sale. They had some concrete stone little mushrooms for 4.98 apiece and some stone frogs that I thought a lot about...I should have gotten those mushrooms...when I go back they will be gone....But I didn't hesitate to get the 30% reduced copy of Amy Sedaris' book: I Like You! Hospitality Under The Influence.

This book is a riot! I love her style and love the way it's serious and funny- and I hope she hasn't been snorting the baking soda or getting high off the glue gun fumes..because I would hate to see her stop with just this book- she can tackle every aspect of life as far as I'm concerned! Very funny and yet it has wonderful recipes and takes "the cocktail party" serious. I recommend this book highly- I almost couldn't put it down to watch The Dresden Files or Battlestar Galactica (and don't worry cause Starbuck is probably a Cylon and will be reborn).

These trays take me back to the school lunchroom and I snagged two for only 2.98 each! I can make fred laugh when I serve up his Sloppy Joes, carrots , peas and tots on this baby- or I could use it for bead and button sorting while sewing embellishments on a bear or doll or purse project. Hundreds of uses while keeping it nostalgic and fun!That's what I love about Target- they totally get us and what we want! The toy section is filled with imported stuff thatlooks like Danish designs; I saw groovy kits and stuffed animals- the knitted mole guy was too cool. I am not sure how they keep the prices so low and the designs so nifty but I hope they never stop. I used to love The Martha Line over at Kmart but our stores here are just worse than awful. Dirty, disheveled and not stocked- how you might imagine the apartment of a grown Stewie, Bart and Pigpen would look.

Last but not least I found some robot boxers for super Fred- He worked until midnight on Friday and then on Sunday had to go to work twice- he is on call for Sarasota County water dept. He does the controls and instrumentation- it's complicated but we wouldn't always have running water if it weren't for him and his crew! So who better to wear the bot shorts than him?!!!! (that's another *teehee* or LOL). So there you have it- I learned how to control my picture placement by calmly switching back and forth between the compose post and edit HTML sections. I shared with you my bear story and showed off some fabulous treasure from Chez Targez. What more could a girl ask for? Oh perhaps to sit and share a cup of tea with Amy Sedaris (she probably spikes hers) and Jude, Barb, Amanda, Jenny, Carol, Cara, Phyllis, Jayne, Tami, Cindy, Stacey, Lisa, and get out the glue gun or oil the sewing machine and get to making and doing!!! Sorry if I left anyone out- please include yourself in Calamity Kim's Craft Club and have a seat! I am considering writing to Amy to ask for a signed glam shot to put in my sewing room. I think that would be funnee!!!!

Sewing on Silent Sundays or Gone in an Instant?

Do you ever get that itch?
That little voice in your head that whispers..."go"?
When you know you'd rather be shopping at the craft store or wandering around the thrift shops?

Now, you know that you need to do laundry, dishes, wash the dog and return the videos, BUT, you want to go.
The sun is shining after a few days of dreary, cloudy, foggy crap.
The beach calls to me...I want to go!
Fred got a service call and is at work, poor guy.
Sadie is sleeping her morning nap.
I want to go!
The different places I haunt suggest themselves eagerly. The Bookstore? The fabric store? Goodwill is open until 5...
I should work on something. I should be good and stay here and finish my Marie Antoinette inspired bear. (pictured in this post) He needs a coat- I have the silks in cream and teal mist....
I don't need to go...well, we are out of safeguard, only have the lavender and some vanilla/oatmeal soap (Fred-"is there any other soap that doesn't smell like flowers or food?)

There is dinner to think about..what shall it be?
The sun calls...
maybe I need some vitamin D ?
Maybe I want to enjoy one last breath of cool air across my face before the hot, sticky, sweaty heat of our usual weather begins....
Maybe just an hour or two....
gone!

so good I watched it twice

If you are looking for something that will keep you guessing and entertained then please go rent Stranger than Fiction. Usually Will Ferrell tries too hard, but this time he is believable as an IRS agent, devoid of any semblance of life until he starts hearing Emma Thompson narrating his life in his head! It sounds hokey but really it is a nice movie with subtle humor and great actors- Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah and see if you can spot Tom Hulce- Fred said the same age train must have hit him(that also hit Fred!) It was a pleasant diversion from real life...which is what I want in my movies...happy Saturday!

Fabulous FiFi and her magic cottage

I would like to direct your attention to the most recent issue of Coastal Living and it's wonderful feature on the Fabulous French FiFi!

I have posted about her shabby chic style before but am doing it again, in case you missed it(you can't stop me!!)!!

Her cottage is covered with the palest, tenderest pink and then there's the spring, pale green trim....The fence has a riot of purple passion flowers threatening to knock it down, so lush are the vines...

There are little touches of relaxation here and there through out her yard: a hammock, a chair, an iron daybed with a canopy above and roses and everywhere are angel trumpets hanging with the loveliest color of creamy silk peach blossoms.

When I walk Sadie by, I have to not look sometimes, because when I do pause to drink in the blissful yard and garden, my steps have faltered...my walk has turned into a drag and I want to push open the gate and hop on the hammock and let Sadie chase squirrels and doze in the dappled sunshine at my feet....,

Now, I have to recommend that you get Coastal Living while they are offering this free trial issue because the rate is 60% off the regular price if you do decide to get it - and you will fall in love with this magazine...$16 dollars for 10 issues is pretty great I think!

The Photo credits belong to: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn; Styling by Brian Carter

....so enjoy these pictures and then take a peek at my newest Make Do Bi-Polar Becky...she is happy and sometimes she's sad...made from my own pattern...tell me what ya think....her faces are made from vintage Vera linen napkins and her skirt and crown are Amy Butler...

Squirrel Nut Zippers

March 1st, the wind is blowing

Just a few calendar shots to welcome March with it's rain and flowers and wee leprechauns running about...
I was so thrilled to find a site yesterday to purchase some flower stamens and some plaster mushrooms.

Yes, with the red caps.
Yes, I am spoiled rotten and elated that there are websites devoted to lovely millinery flowers and vintage ribbons and all things lovely and old.
I wish we could adopt a more ornate sense of fashion where everyone embellished their clothing with bits of lace and flowers.

I would have ladies wearing skirts and blouses and dresses designed by April Cornell.
I am sure this wouldn't last long but,  it feels so feminine and sweet. Like Spring. The new, buds on the trees. The bright green blades of grass. I love all the birds and the songs in the air. The faeries fly and jump and get drunk on dew drops and honeysuckle wine.[ The lovely Amanda came out of her Button box long enough to show me this fabulous Fairy Site- URBAN FAIRY DOORS in Ann Arbor, MI of all fantabulous places! I was amazed and astounded and knocked over by the clever Faerie Evidence. Take the time to explore his site- it is so worth the time...fairy doorways right in front of buildings...how marvelous...]

I am making and doing a lot this month and I promise I will have pictures and stories to share.
I welcome you to comment and introduce yourselves if you'd like.

Calamity Kim is about crafts and ideas and sharing and tea time.
I would have loved to have been born 150 years ago and hung out with Emily Dickenson or Beatrice Potter.
I love vintage and quilts and dolls and felt and old hand tatted lace and white leather gloves.
I make teddy bears and aprons and make do's and dolls and love faeries and gnomes and believe in monsters under the bed.
I watch sci fi and B&W and love Audrey and Cary ( Charade) and Fifth Element and The Matrix and weird stuff like The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai.  Farscape, Firefly, X Files,  Harsh Realm,  Millennium,  Bell Book and Candle, Hope Floats,  Practical Magic, Fried Green Tomatoes, Legend, Overboard, Marie A., Warner Bros Cartoons, Iron Giant, All Dogs Go To Heaven, Secret of Nimh,  guilty pleasures all!
I still read faerie tales and collect children's books. 
I love little red and  Cinderella best of all.

I am building a doll house to turn in to a quilt/cake shop.
I love aqua and red and blues and greens and Dave Matthews and David Gray and Dixie Chicks (shut up! I don't care about politics they sing and play from their hearts) and Bonnie Raitt and The Boss and some jagged little pill every now and again.
I have a golden retriever named Sadie who will be 2 on July 31st and you're all invited to come play Frisbee at the park.
I am married to Super Fred and he is very patient with my crafty chaos and art bombs that explode without rhyme or reason all over the pretend cottage that we live in.
I have a son named Troy who loves FSU and is living and loving a sassy chick in "Tally".
I have a beautiful step Daughter named Lexi who lives in Clarksville and is married to Beau who is stationed at Ft Cambell and proudly serves our country in the Army. They have Austin (2) Hayden (will be 1 next month) and one on the way in August! She has always been an over achiever and the grand baby dept is no different! I am so honored and blessed to be able to be their Granny and delight in all their cuteness and new activities almost daily, thanks to a great Verizon Plan and Flickr.

The other beautiful stepdaughter is Chelsea, or
Raven-Never-smiles, as I like to call her and I wish she visited more often but she just doesn't seem to need us in her lives. When she grows up and gets a family then maybe things will be different.
So there you have it, a brief little bit about me and who I am and what I like and what you may find here to learn, laugh or cry about. Thanks for stopping by and come back again real soon, y'all! ( do you think that Petticoat Junction is on DVD yet?) You can always click on my pictures to see them bigger!