Make and Tell Challenge, Day 19

Today I drew and painted the first coat of the Beach Day Tote. I had sketched it first, which I do 90% of the time, and it helped immensely. I like the crispness of the colors in this one.

Make and Tell Challenge Day 18

I stopped by Michael's tonight and picked up some exciting new charms and beads. I was especially struck by this ornate fringed pendant and incorporated it into a triple-stranded necklace. A departure from my usual gumball-bright style, it creates a dramatic effect that will be perfect against a plain white tee or sweater.

Make and Tell Challenge Day 17

I almost didn't make it this time. But I outlined the Fruit Shower Tote. Now to tackle some dishes.

My Bangle Collection

This is my bangle collection. I really like it. As in, sometimes I lift the top of the hat box and just stare. I also sometimes think about making a print out of this photo to frame and hang on one of my walls. Just one of my many pipe dreams.

Jack Handey Quote of the Week

This one's a personal favorite.

"The memories of my family outings are still a source of strength to me. I remember we'd all pile into the car - I forget what kind it was - and drive and drive. I'm not sure where we'd go, but I think there were some trees there. The smell of something was strong in the air as we played whatever sport we played. I remember a bigger, older guy we called "Dad." We'd eat some stuff, or not, and then I think we went home.

I guess some things never leave you."

Make and Tell Challenge Day 16

I can't believe I've been doing a this Make and Tell Challenge for sixteen days already! I also can't believe I've spent most of that time painting the same three totes! Tonight I hunkered down and painted the entire second coat of the Fruit Shower Tote. That means outlining tomorrow, and then the finished product. What, no rhinestones? Yep, that's right. I'm taking a break from the sparklies to accommodate those customers who crave a simpler look. But that doesn't mean that I'm forsaking rhinestones entirely; it's all about creating options.

I've noticed that several of the other Make and Tellers strive to create something different each day. I sort of envy them that; the element of surprise is definitely on their side. Nevertheless, the Challenge has been a great motivator for me in terms of churning out totes, especially because I'm working on creating a summer-themed line to market to local shops. What's more, seeing everyone else's creations has inspired me to think of other (non tote-related) things that I'd like to make, including but not limited to:

Repainting and rhinestoning (yes, I told you it would be back) an old sun mirror that came with our rental (Our landlord said we could have it. Although he may cringe if he knew about the rhinestones. . .)

Painting big cartoon jewels and pearls on my trusty old Gap denim jacket.

Painting a pair of my old jeans.

Making a Faux Show necklace to match the blue leopard dress I bought the other day.

Making some bright, jungly paintings to hang in the living room and some kooky fruit ones for the kitchen.

Finally finishing my decoupaged candy box. And perhaps creating another from old magazines.

One Day Sale Spree

Annie Sez, $12

Annie Sez/La Belle, $30

Annie Sez, $6

Kensie Girl, Macy's, $19

City Triangles, Macy's, $14

XOXO, Macy's, $17.  This one is my favorite, as well as the bf's.

Betseyville, Macy's, $30

I did something bad last Saturday. After putting in a few hours with the Fruit Shower tote, I felt like going shopping. To be fair, I did need to go to Wal-Mart for paper towels, shaving gel, and other boring essentials, but that wasn't the kind of shopping I had in mind. I had an Annie Sez coupon, and Macy's was having one of their famous one day sales (of course, I had Macy's coupons too. Every good cardholder does.) Now, I'm not an Annie Sez regular. I'd popped in for the first time in years a few weeks ago and ended up spending enough to qualify for a coupon. This time I was surprised to find two dresses and a funky tee. When I got to the register, the sales associate complimented me on my necklace (I was wearing my pizza eraser creation), and I told her I made it, as well as my tote. She asked me if I was a fashion designer, and I said, well no, and told her about my day job, adding that I made and sold accessories on the side. Then I gave her my card. It was very unlike me; I'm usually shy about that sort of thing. But I thought, I bothered to get the things printed, so why not? Besides, I need to become more assertive if I want to grow my business.

So, on to Macy's. This was where I struck gold. Racks of gorgeous, colorful clothes greeted me in the junior's department. I greedily snatched up three fabulous dresses and headed to the fitting room. I ended up taking them all, plus two long-sleeved tees (white and black) so I could wear the dresses (and others) over them to work. Bolstered by my bargain-hunting high, I dashed off to shoes. As always, I went straight to the clearance racks. They were pretty bare, and at first I was dismayed. But a closer look confirmed that they were still there: size 7.5 white Betseyville pumps decked out with a red patent heel and little red hearts. And they were 70% off, marked down from $100. Needless to say, I made them my own. I'm not usually big on designer labels, but I LOVE the extreme flashy kitsch of Ms. Johnson.

Okay, so here's my take: the pictures, the stores, the prices. It's this sad little obsession, I sometimes think, that prevents me from living a true artist's life. I did go to Wal-Mart, in case you're wondering. I spent just a little less there than I did at Macy's, which I found slightly depressing. But I did pick up five boxes of movie-size candy for my decoupage project. I chose them based on color, not flavor, as evidenced by the Good n' Plenty, which I loathe (but such awesome packaging!).