Transformation of a GREAT garage sale find!

Okay as I said earlier in the week I was going to a huge town wide sale that was occurring in the next town over. Always on the look out for great little treasures that people over look I was as keen as a hawk flying in for the kill. One of the treasure was a entire scrapbook of WWII news clippings in almost mint condition for $5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This I gifted to Adam who is the ever loving fan of history.

But since I have been doing so much creating for the joy of others, I decided to treat myself to a little something !!!! And boy did I ever! Although the find was inexpensive, it made my week, and to think I almost passed it up (actually driving around for an hour and 1/2 before I committed to buying it!)

Here it is ...... and its transformation (took me ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day)..The pictures aren't the best since A) taking pictures of a mirror isn't the easiest, and B) some of the pictures are during the day and some are at night. The colors are (Lime Green, Rich Purple, Cream Cycle Orange)

(Above: The piece after sanding... it was an ugly green color)

(Above: After primer)

(Above: After adding lime green to the frame and purple to the scrolls)
(Above: Adding some pok-a-dots for fun)

(Above: First addition of the orange.... looking like fun to me!)

(Above: This is it all done and finished. As I said the lighting is awful since it is night time. Please ignore the mess in the reflection. I wanted to hang it but our drill broke!)

(BELOW:Before and After)

The piece itself I would love to know more about. On the back it has all the original manufacturing notes. It is made by Turner Manufacturing Company, and is known as a Turn Wall Accessory. My mom said that her Grandmother had one in the 50's and they are called Shadow Boxes. (the selves that are with it are original). My understanding is that this design came in many different looks. I have a gut feeling that the paint that was adorning it was entirely not original so I had no qualms about painting over it. If you know anything about these shadow boxes I would love to know. I looked online fore some information about it antique value but nothing. Not that the value is much to me because now it has become priceless.

Take care my lovelies and have a beautiful SUNDAY!

~*~*~*~*Smooches~*~*~*~*

The leaf turns another year

If not for anything else this time if year is my biggest inspiration. Not only does it inspire me to paint but to sit back and enjoy the beauty that life has to offer. The cool breeze tickled my face yesterday which gave me a euphoric feeling. The trees waved at me as I passed; Autumn was back, my dear old friend to say Hello. The 'magic' of her memory. I felt as if I had been wrapped in a blanket of love that allowed me to do nothing but smile. Holding me tight bracing me for whatever might come. Autumn's breeze felt like a reassuring mother's hand, soft, gentle, nurturing. Promising of endless possibilities while filling the depth of me with excitement. I sat, listened, longed for her to never leave again. The leaf, the gray hairs of Autumn. Although she just got here I can see her gray hair start to form, her radiant beauty that too promptly fades and withers like the most majestic rose. Peace she whispers in her wind to mask me pleas for her to stay. Peace is the story she beckons from the tippy tops of all the ambient colored foliage. Once more in that reassuring embrace she coddles me like a child, and like any obedient child I fall into peace and allow her to love me as I hold to her tightly.

Oh how I love her......

Smooches,

Steph

Video Update :) Oh Zombie Doll FOORRRR SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and The little zombie doll is now up for bids on eBay. I know many of your asked when she was going for sale and well today was the day! Please stop over and check her out. You know you can reach my eBay under my Must visit links of by clicking the eBay ticker at the top of the screen!

I was walking outside today and sooo much enjoys the cooler breeze that is in the air. I just closed my eyes and felt inner warmth sweep over me. Almost as if nature was giving me a huge hug. With the warm feeling all kinds of memories swept over me. Most of the memories were of the Fall season which even being cold can still leave warmth. I just took the moment, absorbed it, and made a beautiful memory. Don't forget to make memories :)

Smooches,
Steph

I am glad it is raining so the drops can mask my tears of joy *thank you for these beautiful awards*

Ms. Fannie Narte is an example of class, sophistocation, inspiration, creativity, and who has just recently brought tears to my eyes. In the few short months I have been blogging Fannie has not only given me inspiration but also the friendship that any woman so desperately longs for. Now she has just one-uped herself by gifting me two blog awards. Just so lovely I can't come back toEarth. Fannie blogs at both: Imagine, Create, Inspire & Artistic Expressions, . She is a Jill of all trades and a master of her craft (no pun intended). Please stop by frequently as Fannie is ALWAYS updating and writing words that always flow like sheer poetry! Thank you Fannie a million smooches and much love!

Less exciting exciting... I have been a busy busy girl! Here is my new painting from last night that will be going up for sale... I also made a pair of beer bottle cap earrings and I made a few new clay figures over the weekend. I will be sure to take a picture soon.. or maybe a video update since I just received an outstanding print from one of Fannie's other favorite artists Catherine Holman... soo maybe a video update is in order.

**** Keep smiling think as positive as you can and great things will happen **** If you can't smile dance.. have you ever seen a person dancing frowning?....

Many smooches to all of my loves you really really really make everything worth it.

SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOCHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Steph

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the first of hopefully many video updates. This was done on the fly but I think it gets the point across! Oh and the second surprise that I couldn't mention until now is that my brother got engaged this weekend! Congrats Joe and Joanne! I am excited and very happy for them. Please enjoy the video!

Smooches,
Steph

Love is not all........but it sure is enough for me.

Lately, with a BIG surprise coming this weekend (one that I will tell you on Sunday or Monday) I have been thinking about my relationship. I think as the years go by we tend to take the memories of the past for granted. We tuck them away in recesses of our minds and tell ourselves that we won't forget. Like old precious baby clothes we tuck them in a cedar chest and hang on to them for sentimental value. But how often do we take them out; our memories. We are so caught in the present which in frequently a struggle that we forget that we stored away these precious memories that wove together a lasting relationship. Those little sweet bits of memory that save us from the turmoil of today. Today is a day for me to reflect with my favorite poem.



Love is not all: It is not meat nor drink
Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain,
Nor yet a floating spar to men that sink
and rise and sink and rise and sink again.
Love cannot fill the thickened lung with breath
Nor clean the blood, nor set the fractured bone;
Yet many a man is making friends with death
even as I speak, for lack of love alone.
It well may be that in a difficult hour,
pinned down by need and moaning for release
or nagged by want past resolution's power,
I might be driven to sell your love for peace,
Or trade the memory of this night for food.
It may well be. I do not think I would.
-- Edna St. Vincent Millay

We started dating when we were 14 and for 9 years he has been my best friend

My support system when no one else understands

I couldn't help but love him even when he looks like a neanderthal at Time Square

Or when his car breaks down for the 3rd time

They right right love might not be all....

But is certainly has been enough for us.

I love you Adam

OHHHH SNAPPPP look what I did!

Lovelies, Lovelies you will not believe this...

Still not sure where the OHHH Snappp saying originated but I think it works nicely with this post. I live in the downtown district of Saratoga Springs NY. For all those who don't know where or what kind of town it is I will sum it up by sayings miles from Albany and VERY VERY ARTSY. Very much like Burlington VT. Anywho! I just found out there was an art supply store a hop skip and a jump from my work (also downtown) and on my lunch break I decided to take a hop in to see if they had antique varnish for my little lovelies. While looking for the varnish I came accross...... ready for this........ POLYMER CLAY!

I know I know nothing great and special, but...... to me it was because I never worked with it. For years I threw clay (not great at it) but I did it. I never loved it becuase I didn't like the way it made my hand feel after, all dry and cracky or what I like to call OOOGIE.. But I have done some reading about polymer and I decided that since I paint, do mixed media, sew and decorate dolls, knit, crochet, paint glass, etc..., I thought maybe I should branch out a tad. I am pleased with the results and will continue to grow. These are my first two little girls and I will be reserved in saying they are for sale although I would love to keep both of them. They are so new in fact that I didn't even name them yet! Well take a look and let me know what you think?!?!?! I am excited for feed back on this one and of course any tricks of the trade are much appreciated and welcomed...

Ahh yes and onto the business part (eBay listings) I didn't forget to list another one.. with the new clay endevour I just didn't have enough time in the day. I will be listing a new Halloween painting tonight to go onto eBay. And here it is....... please happy bidding there are three lonely girls up there right now with no bids (tear tear)...

I will be scarce in the next few days on and off. Mine and Adam's best friend is leaving for Germany on Monday, and our other friend is visitng from Burlington VT for the weekend and the car show so we will be busy with that. No fear! There will be tons of pictures. But I will be on and off all during that time for comments and questions.

SMOOOOOOOOOOOCHESSSS...

feedback please...

STEPH

Look at Merlin isn't she wickedly cute!... Video updates on hold :(

Hmmmm.. for about as long as I knew I wanted to do a Halloween Extravaganza I knew I wanted it to be dark and whimsy. Don't get me wrong I enjoy my cuties but generally I am a goth loving soul. But it is much easier said than done. I sometimes feel the innovation that goes into goth has to be that much more unique, goth/whismy is out of the ordinary and you can't get by without using your imagination. Ahhh, imagination I guess that is why the group us of on here do what we do we have active imaginations. Although, I wish I could capture the same imagination I had when I was a child but I guess I am just hardened by life. Needless to say the concept of Merlin didn't come over night. I took me some time to get the right face, the right body, the right devilish sunken in look. She FINALLY came to life last night and I couldn't be happier with her. Of course there is always some fine tuning here and there but all in all I think she is pretty darn cute.

Ahh the video camera debacle. I can't get a break with the darn thing! So it is all fixed all excited to take it home and do my first video update and guess what…… I don't have a DV port. For you that aren't familiar with the term DV (and believe me it isn't a bad thing) it is a port that your camera can plug into that will extract your video with sound onto your computer…… well, I am lucky my Adam is a beautiful nerd (nerds are my favorite) he bought a port and it should be here by the end of the week. So please standby it will be here soon enough.

Oh and one other little tid-bit I am excited about! This weekend is the Lake George car show. Lake George NY I like to think the equivalent to Myrtle Beach, SC. The boardwalk is a tad shorter but much more beautiful. Anyway I use to live in that area for years and I can always remember the car show. Why might you ask, because my dad restores custom muscle cars, and I have a little beauty myself named Velvet! She is a 1980 Comoro and she is fastttttttttt and loud. Just a little something special my dad and I do. Do you do anything special with your Mom or Dad, or even sibling? And as I get older I can only appreciate him more and more. I am very lucky to have two WONDERFUL parents!

Have a wonderful day my Lovelies and remeber it is one day closer to the weekend!! Or as the song says, 'everyone is working for the weekend'

SMMOOCHHHESSSS,

STEPH

Halloween/Autumn Extravaganza ’08/ Video Camera

Come one come all! That is right I have spent all weekend getting my little Halloween duckies in a row just in time to start my Halloween Extravaganza! Starting 8:30pm Eastern time the lovelies will be up for bids on eBay. I will have a ticker on my blog with all the items listed for the day and you know you can always reach my eBay from the My eBay link at the top of my blog.

Now that the business portion of this is over... I would love to thank all of your for the kind comments and emails I have been receiving with concerns and inspirational uplifts. These are much appreciated and greatly needed. I think we all need a little virtual hug now and then. There is always light at the end of the tunnel is you have hope. I didn't get much painting done this weekend. I did make a new doll and one painting that took a great portion of my day yesterday. I will be posting them for a looksy.



Oh and other exciting news!!! My video camera is fixed so now I can take you on a play by play oh me, my life, and my work. Please stay tuned for VIDEO UPDATES!!!!!!!! So much fun!

This weekend Adam and I spent a lot of time on the bike. We took about an hour ride up in the mountains and it gave me a chance to clear out the cob webs. I think I just needed some time to relax, I was getting a little nervous about releasing my Fall collection and non of it selling. I know that sounds awful but if things don't sell there is no money coming in to buy new products to create. One day at a time.

Again my heart was a little overcome with all the well wishes I recieved and I know I have some great friendships developing on this little blog world.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday, I haven't been outside yet but it look beautiful!

Alright my loves I have to head out and at least think about putting brush to canvas.....

Oh and the little Office Gremlin is a commission that I did. Please enjoy and remember your Office Gremlin is never more than an email away.

Rad Bikers and Office Gremlins

Hello Lovelys,

I had an awesome night last night! I try to make my nights as eventful as possible because living everyday to the fullest is very important to me. As a very generous gesture my parents gave Adam a motorcycle a few months back. I have only been on a motorcycle ones when I was much younger and had to build up the courage to get on one. THANK the good lord I did! SO much fun. We went to a local bike shop where they had one.. I repeat one.. bubble gum colored helmet left just for me. Then we rode over to our favorite chain restaurant (normally I don't like eating at chains) 99 (for those of you who might not have one that is a restaurant similar in style but much better than Apple Bees). Then we went over to the fabric store where I picked up some new colors for a new idea I had yesterday. So much of a burning idea that I had to do it right away to see if the idea could be translated as well on fabric as it could in my mind.. and yes they are very cute....




Well These are two of my new creations... and yes they have a copyright so please do not try to duplicate. They are called Office Gremlins (the name is also under copyright) For all of your who are unfortunate enough (like myself) to work in an office setting you will know that there is always a menacing little creature that is always doing things that no one seems to fess up to. For instance, who drank the last cup of coffee and didn't brew a new one, or who used the last of the printer paper and didn't restock, and my all time favorite who used the last of the shipping supplies and didn't bother to let some one know we needed more. Well that is where the Office Gremlin comes in, that little guy does it all but you can't be mad at him because he is soooooo darn cute..























These two guys won't be for sale.. butt.. there are plenty more to make! They are for sale on here and I will be putting some up for sale on Etsy (that might take some time because I am in the throws of my Halloween Extravaganza) The cost per Gremlin is $10 and if you ask in advance you can have your Gremlin color customized and you can decide what type of gremlin you have, is he the coffee snatcher, or the paper Houdini, or is he something that is unique to your office? Possibilities..... endless. These little babies are the prototypes so the real guys will have the full Office Gremlin story pinned to them ready to own their mischievous ways.

Alright I am off....

Thanks for stopping by and keep an eye out for your Office Gremlin......

Smooches

Monday,monday, mon.....

Sorry I didn't post over the weekend I was really busy getting some work (paintings and such) done (catch up from vacation). Had a touch of bad news last night. My mom went into the hospital. She is doing well she is going to have to be there for a few days but it could have been worse. We are very happy that she is feeling better. While I was there I brought her some of my prettys to keep her company and I brought her a new addition to the prettys family



SOLD

Meet Olga. I made her this weekend and brought her to see my mom today and while at the hospital she sold to the very nice Dr. I know she is going to a great home! Don't worry though there will be more (of course not the same as Olga) but other prettys waiting for a good home!

Here are some of the other goodies I was working on this weekend. All of these will be for sale during my Halloween/Autumn extravaganza ! Stay tuned and keep your eye on my eBay site. (Prime shopping right now) Moving out the inventory!


Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek. Please don't forget that starting Sept. 1st my Halloween collection will be hitting eBay. At least one every two days.

Take care lovelys

Smooches

Hurry before they are gone

At long last I took a little time off yesterday to list some of my pretties! They are on eBay they are originals and they are for sale! Please visit my ebay page http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZseppie_inc

and bid on one before they are gone! Here are some examples but there are more so go see.

Well folks. As in previous blogs I said that I was going to start sewing dolls. Give the long awaited 3-D quality to my pretties. I did it, and I have to say they are pretty cute! I will give you a preview. Remember this will be for sale along with my Halloween original mixed media. These ladies are my first stab (not a sewing) but at doll making. Now I have recently (last night) graduated to sphere heads totally round!!!!!!!!!!!! I am excited. The preview I will show is without any of the little extra add ons I will be applying (ribbons, Halloween paraphernalia, etc..) But tell me what you think! This is my original pattern ! Now that I started it is hard to stop, but I really have to get back to my paintings. I only did ONE (ONE ONE ONE) new one this week AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.... We know what I will be doing this weekend. But in my defense I did two dolls and they do take longer to love!

Please let me know what you think and don't forget to stop by my auctions and pick up an original. It is definitely a summer sale. Moving out the inventory!

I am going white water rafting this weekend I am soooo excited! I haven't been in years but I use to LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I hope we end up with nice weather. Lately it has been chilly, like Fall chilly (and to me that is the best weather there is). Speaking of strange weather my heart does go out to all those in the midst of storm Fay, stay safe.

I have enjoyed reading every ones blogs about their kids going back to school. I have yet to have such a wonderful experience since I don't have children but I bet it is a bottle of mixed emotions. But I too will be heading back to school. Hopefully soon. I want to redirect my current BA into a BS for teaching and not just any teaching but an Art teacher. It will be a long road but I am really hoping to get a start on it next Spring semester. We will see. Dreams dreams dreams. I have a way of dreaming too big.

Alright my Lovelys enough rambling for today, or as my mother would say (excuse the crudeness) diarrhea of the mouth.

I will take my leave. Let me know what you think!

Smooches

Spooky Time

Hi Lovelys,

That is right as promised I have a sneek preview of my Halloween Collection. As perviously stated all these sweeties will be up for sale. You can all have your own orginal. The game plan is for the WHOLE month of Septmeber to list an Item every two days (Most will be on Ebay) Some things MIGHT be put on Etsy. Regardless I hope you have a great time shopping and getting in to mood for what I feel is the single most magical holiday of the year. The ghosts and gobblins come out to toil while witches fly and black cats link us to Hallows Eve's of late. Not to mention the fall so beautiful and enriched. Don't worry for those who don't share the same passion for Halloween as I do I will also be listing several Autumn items which are cat and witch free. So please enjoy this time with me and stay extra close becuase updates will be popping out of nowhere!!!!!!! *evil laugh***

Let me know what you think I LOVVVEEE feed back. I didn't put everything out becuase there has to be some suprises.

Tip of the day:

Common objects: Something I can't stress enough. Around the house everyday there are a million items you can you to make art. Can't draw a circle for a face? Use a cup for the outline! What about alumminum foil? I can think of a million thing to do with it, but have you tried to paint with it? I have done some great things with plastic wrap, alcohol, tissues, and newspaper. So never under estimate what you can do becuase you don't have 'art brands' or items. Art is all about creativity so why not!

Smooches my lovelys please comment oh my collection.

EBAY LISTING

Hello Lovelys,
Get it while its hottttt... I made an Ebay posting this is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=160273562133

Remeber you can always reach my ebay through this blog by going to MUST VISIT LINK : My eBay auctions. I have been trying some new things so please ignore the revision notice.

The September Halloween Madness is coming along nicely and tomorrow I will be sharing a SNEEK PREVIEW of what is in store! All originals will be for sale and some with free shipping and some with discounted shipping! AWESOME RIGHT?!?!?!?! So please stay tuned! Oh and did I mention I have made some sweet fabric halloween dolls. That is right and they can be all yours!

Happy Bidding and SMOOOOOCHHHESSSS

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Video and Whats up!

Hello All my Lovelys!!!! Yes I am home and happy to be so. I had a great time but it is so nice to be back on the saddle. I did some Halloween paintings last night that I will be posting the first week of Sept. Please stay tuned to my ebay as I will be listing some items later today. I will make sure I make the announcement and put a link. But a friendly reminder you can always reach my ebay by using the My ebay link under must visit links.

Here is a little video that I compiled really fast (I still have to upload my real movie software (one of my concentrations in college) But this is just a slide show so no worries. There were a lot of picture to choose from over the last 10 days but I think that the butterflies are the most beautiful! Please enjoy. Most of the butterfly pictures were taken by me and all the pictures of Adam and I are taken by his Grandmother who is a photographer!


Smooches my lovelys

Stick around!

All good things come to an end

Back home early tomorrow morning. BOOOOOO. I will be happy to be getting back but not happy at all to be getting back to work (that excludes my art). We had a wonderful last day we went to a tropical indoor butterfly garden and outside garden very very beautiful! So

much fun and very very beautiful. Great place for a wedding (as I nudge Adam) Who is on my right in this picture at the butterfly garden. Picture taken by his Photogarpher grandma who will be off to Italy in a couple of weeks!

There will be many many more pictures to come but we will see if I paint or upload the photos tomorrow.. decisions decisions. hmmmmmm

Please stay tuned my lovelys

smooches,

steph

Italian Food and Family and a question for you!

Yesterday was a good day. We were able to have a wonderful dinner with Adam's grandma, aunt, uncle and cousin. We have been spending a lot A LOT of time simply relaxing. As a matter of fact I just woke Adam up! I know I know. He will sleep all day if he could. I am up with the sun most of the time.

My sketches are coming along nicely. I also have some new fabric ideas that I am going to try to make reality. These little guys will be my first adult attempt at sewing so we will see. No promises. My crafts I will be putting on Etsy. I am really biting at the bit to get back there and start to put all the ideas on canvas. I was talking a virtual waltz on eBay and noticed that many of the Halloween paintings don't have bids!!!!!!!!!!!! What is up with that! Sure it is only August, but think about shipping time people! So when I start to list my items in September understand that shipping does play a factor!

Well I am off now to watch the Olympics on HD!

QUESTION FOR YOU:
As I abover stated I am a sewing novice. But over the years I have notcied that people can actually draw or paint on the fabric. Almost as if the fabric was some kind of canvas. Help me out there people what is the name of this matieral that you can draw on and what can you draw on it with? What kind of seal to you have to put on it? I really really would like to know, but don't know a lot about it!

THANK YOU LOVELYS!!!!

Smooches,
Steph

To Grandma's House We Go/Halloween Collection Free shipping!

We are at Grandma's house and off the Yacht! I wish I had money to buy a boat like that. **I wonder how many paintings I have to sell to afford such a luxury** I hope everyone is doing well. I know I am definately enjoying my vacation and the time away from obligations.

Grandma moved into a new house (townhouse) and it is stunning. She cracks me up she is in the 70's and takes college courses and took up photography and photoshop and she is amazing at it. I could only hope to have a 1/4 of her drive at that age.

I will be coming home and hopefully banging out some paintings VERY VERY VERY soon. I am going through withdrawl. I will be starting my HALLOWEEN COLLECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know I am really excited. I brought my sketch pad so there will be plenty of ideas. You all know it is my favorite holiday. So in honor of ALL HALLOWS EVE I will be running free shipping (on Ebay) on select Halloween pieces and discounts on on others through the month of September. You can reach my ebay through my blog under must visit links and my ebay name is seppie_inc

I must be off.

Smooches to my Lovely's

Steph

DEEP SEA STEPH

I am off folks!
Have a great weekend and I will be thinking about my lovelys while we are out to sea!

Smmmmooches
steph

BALTIMORE

Howdy Folks,
Adam and I made it a-okay that is after we got out of the NY hail storm. We got into MD so late that all we wanted to do was sleep. But sure enough bright and early we were up ready to roll, so Adam, myself, and his exquisite Aunt Julie all went to the Baltimore Aquarium. This for the record was my first time in Baltimore. I think the most interesting thing was this weekend is the 15th annual Anime convention at what the local call the BCC. This is a huge world wide event and people spare no expense. I have never been into Anime, but I could definitely appreciate the creativity of the costumes they donned. We are heading out to the yatch later and that means no Internet access, but I will be sure to think of all my lovelys while I am out getting a tan. Stay cool...

Smooches
Steph