inkspired musings

Welcome!!

It's Easter Egg time again!

www.librarythings.com

For the last 5 days I have been trying to 'grow' crystals inside egg shells for a

faux geode look.

Hah.

Apparently I am a miserable crystal grower!!

http://www.marthastewart.com/343344/crystal-egg-geodes

No, those are NOT mine.

Mine have NO CRYSTALS. Boo Hoo.

I am getting ready to start

Geode Crystal Attempt #3

grrrrr........

So, while I am waiting for crystals to grow...

or not to grow...

let's look at some other ideas for Easter Egg Decorating!

www.TheCraftersMerchant.etsy.com

I found these pretty sequin wrapped eggs on etsy.

If you don't have the time or inclination to try these yourselves,

check out the web address above to purchase.

If you want to try some on your own, I would do this:

* Styrofoam egg shape

*sequins on a string, purchased by the foot or yard.

*Craft glue

* scrap of ribbon

Apply glue to egg, press string of sequins into glue. Set aside to dry. Add bow and ornament hanger to top with a straight pin.

You can easily cover up the top with a little rosette of ribbon or a circle scrap of pretty fabric to finish it off.

printable book mark

courtesy Jan Brett

This next Easter Egg decoration is so simple -

great for kids

and no messy dyes!

shemakesahome.com

Confetti eggs

Using a hole punch, get out those scraps of leftover scrapbooking paper, and let the kids have fun!

Or, well, of course, you too!!

Use up that scrap of sparkle glitter paper!

After you have a pile of 'holes', get out the glue.

I love to use Scotch Brand Quick-Dry Tacky Adhesive.

It comes with a nice narrow tip for small work like gluing little dots of paper onto eggs.

This will also dress up nicely those dyed eggs that didn't quite 'make the grade' and need a little help.

Dot Eggs

http://teachingmama.org/10-ways-to-decorate-easter-eggs/

part of a mural

courtesy Jan Brett

glitter Easter Eggs

found onwww.coldwellbanker.com

Glitter Easter Eggs

You can do this on those old plastic eggs,

or cover up Egg dying disasters.

Other options can be wood eggs,

papier mache eggs,

or blown eggs.

Find a bowl with a curved bottom, like a cereal bowl.

Generously pour in glitter.

Coat your preferred egg with an old brush and some craft glue.

Place in glitter bowl. Using a spoon, cover egg on all sides.

Using the metal egg dipper thingy that comes with egg dying kits, remove egg and place on a wire rack to dry.

Bald spots? Just go back with some glue and carefully dab the glue onto the bald spot. Spoon glitter over it. Press lightly with fingers. Wait for it to dry.

Great idea that I read somewhere:

Using the plastic eggs, open and put a fishing line across it, to come out on either side. Clamp shut. Use the fishing line as 'handles' to put in bowl, and remove from glitter bowl. This way you don't have to mess with glue-y fingers removing glitter!!

www.craftberrybush.com

Thread Wrapped Easter Eggs

Be sure and check out the web sites I have listed beneath the Easter Egg photos. You will most likely find more complete directions there!!

These are thread-wrapped Styrofoam eggs.

Cool!!

www.craftberrybush.com

needle felted duckling in 'pond'

www.BondurantMountainArt.etsy.com

Sharpie Easter Eggs

sorry, I don't have a 'where to do it' for these.

Do you?

There was some concern about the Sharpies and food safe to eat....

Rhinestone Easter Eggs

ala Martha Stewart

Moss covered Easter Eggs

www.cherishedbliss.com

These Easter eggs involve sheet moss,

craft glue and the base egg. I wouldn't use real eggs for these, as they would be inedible anyway.

I think the twine wrap with the button accent is way cute!!

Using the tiny twig nests/wreaths is also

a super display idea.

www.DIMDO.etsy.com

Pressed Flower eggs

www.coldwellbanker.com/easter-eggs

Use a dry, blown out real egg for these. Apply pressed florals using a decoupage technique. I would use Mod Podge, it is just a great, non-fancy decoupage glue. Check it out in the 'new' sparkle glitter formula!!

Decoupage Eggs

Use the same idea as above, only instead of dried florals, use napkins. You can find my Napkin Decoupage tutorial in a different blog. (Just type in tutorial in the search engine!)

Vinyl Sticker Eggs

You can find the tutorial/directions here:

www.Lil'Luna.com

Sprinkles Easter Eggs

www.studiodiy.com

I think these are soooo pretty!

I found the sprinkles at Jo-Ann Fabrics at 40% off,

I bet you can find them on sale too.

www.studiodiy.com

There's a tutorial at the above addy.

Here's a cute way to display your fancy eggs:

1989 ceramic planter

www.RetrofitGallery.etsy.com

Rubber Cement resist Eggs
Rubber Cement Egg

http://teachingmama.org/10-ways-to-decorate-easter-eggs/

Rubber Cement is a natural for resist!
Drizzle on plain eggs, or use a light colored egg.
Dip eggs in dye bath.
Remove, let dry, or pat with a paper towel to dry.
Rub off the rubber cement and reveal the color underneath.

Shaving Cream eggs

Making Shaving Cream Eggs

http://teachingmama.org/10-ways-to-decorate-easter-eggs/

Teaching mama has the tutorial on her website for these.
Since I don't like getting my fingers/hands messy I would never do these! But if you don't mind glopping around in shaving cream and food coloring - go for it!

Angela also gives her way to boil the perfect egg.
Since I live in a high altitude place, we have to boil our eggs a tad longer to get them to come out 'perfect'.

Well, I hope you have found a couple of new ways to dye your Easter eggs,

and to make this time of year

extra-special!!!

No kids?

Ask a neighbor child (with parents' permission of course), check with your church Sunday School/child ministry leader for kids with inactive parents,

or be a Big Brother or Big Sister.

There are lots of kids out there that would LOVE

to help you make some eggs Easter-worthy!

Why not visit a shelter that helps families with children, and invite them all over for a fun Easter get together.

There are always ways to include others...

vintage illustration

'til next time,

inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

"Nantucket with rabbit"

original Collage Art Doll by inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

Whoopee!!

vintage illustration

www.fashionnactioin.blogspot.com

MORE Easter Egg fun today!!

watercolor and pen eggs by Alisa Burke

Ever optimistic,

I am now doing round 4

of attempts to make Geode Eggs...

Hah!

I will succeed......

makemylifelovely.com

(NO, those aren't my eggs...boo hoo)

Here is a very good tutorial I found online:

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/incredible-egg-geode

www.instructables.com

(NO, those aren't my eggs either...)

Here are some simple line and ink eggs:

www.confettisunshine.com

Again, check out food safe alternatives if you plan on eating them...

What about using the water-in-the-barrel watercolor pens.

You could simply fill the barrel with water and food safe dye,

for a nice airbrushed watercolor effect..

that is totally edible.

I thought these eggs were so charming:

for sale at:WestTwinCreationsLLC.etsy.com

vintage illustration postcard

Here are some DIY egg terrariums.

You can find directions here:

www.shelterness.com

My choice would be to add tiny dried flowers,

or those little silk ones...

courtesy Jan Brett - check out her wonderful website!

Noah's Ark Mural coloring page, Jan Brett

You can find a tutorial link for these

DIY Nail Polish Eggs

at www.liluna.com

www.liluna.com

I read several tutorials from different crafters about the above

Nail Polish Easter Eggs.

After reading them, I decided this one is NOT for me.

A big concern all had was about the

smell of the nail polish.

It also seemed like one of those really goopy kind of crafts,

not a favorite of mine, as you know!

But, if the idea intrigues you - go for it!

:0)

vintage Easter postcard

www.artistshelpingchildren.org

Next up are some really charming

'green' Easter Egg planters.

You can find the directions here:

www.craftpassion.com

Start out with fast growing wheat grass, a smidge of potting soil

and cardboard egg cartons.

After the grass has sprouted (see tutorial link above)

you place them inside the pre-colored egg shells.

www.craftpassion.com

The shells have been decorated/dyed

by using decals on the white shell,

then dying in a color bath.

Super cute I think!

OldPixels.comfound onflickr.com

So, are you sick of Easter Egg decorating yet???!!!

If not, put in my search blog box

Easter Egg

and you will find many more ways to have

Easter Egg decorating fun from my past blogs!

antique Easter postcard

Here is one more for today:

found on www.coldwellbanker.com

This is a slightly different take on the Christmas ornaments that I used to make with my Mom and sister. We took round Styrofoam balls

- so for Easter use egg shaped

You can purchase small 'sequin' straight pins.

Gather a bunch of pretty sequins.

Anchor each sequin with one straight pin, pinned directly into the Styrofoam shape.

You can cover them, as shown in the photo above,

or you can make really fun patterns with swirls, dots, lines - whatever your imagination wants.

We found if a ball was completely covered with sequins, it made it heavy and the 'hanger' part pushed into the top wanted to come out way too easily, even when glue was applied.

That's when we started making patterns.

We also used cut out parts of doilies, anchoring them with straight pins, for really pretty and unique Christmas ornaments.

Since these are shown as just 'eggs' and don't appear to be meant to hang but to display in a pretty basket, you shouldn't be bothered with how 'heavy' the ornament is.

Send me your photos!!

:0)

www.realstylenetwork.com

...and because every holiday deserves a little mermaid...

www.jillatay.etsy.com

'til next time!

inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

vintage postcard

www.eyedealpostcards.com

"When I grow up

I want to be a little boy."

- Joseph Heller, Something Happened, 1974

www.tumblr.com

Easter/Spring is the perfect time

to remind ourselves

that seeing life through

child-like eyes

is still okay!

kids photography tips by natgeo

www.photographytips.com.au

"The reluctance to put away childish things

may be a requirement

of genius."

- Rebecca Pepper Sinkler

http://www.quotegarden.com/inner-child.html

www.jamesadamhill.com

Remember when wanting to do

housework

was fun?

www.sheknows.com

Well, let's do some fun things

this week!

news.asiantown.net

...and don't be afraid to get a little messy!

www.bizquests.com

This is a simple paper craft idea

from Martha Stewart:

www.marthastewart.com

Ways to tailor this for different age groups:

If your child is comfortable with scissors, let her pick out the paper and help her draw the pattern for her to cut out. Making a 'master pattern' from the inside of cereal boxes helps guide the pencil lines.

Tiny tots?

Give them a sheet of card stock and those

wonderful 'dot'Bingo markers.

Let them make colorful dots all over the card stock for you to then cut into the shaped flower petals.

Just about any age group can help put a dot of glue in the center, and press the paper candy cup in place. For those who can write,

let them add the name of each person at your holiday table and use these as place cards!

found oncraftysisters-nc.blogspot.com

Pastel Jelly Bean Topiary

You can find the tutorial at the above listed website address. My philosophy?

Anything you do with jelly beans

is listed under

"fun activities"!!

Just try to remember:

the goal is NOT to see how many jelly beans you can eat in one sitting...

but how many jelly beans you can

actually craft with!

www.craftysisters-nc.blogspot.com

found on www.taliaaudenart.blogspot.com

Pretty Spring Bunny Garland

Check out the link above for 'directions', but mostly it is a look at the photo and make your own!
The bunnies are drawn freehand.
Use a hold punch at the top of each ear to thread ribbon through.
You small children will have fun dipping cotton balls in craft glue, and sticking the tail on the bunny.
Or
you can put a dot of glue on the bunny
and have your child squish a cotton ball on top of it.

Remember to save all the little punched holes
and add them to your
Easter confetti egg decorations.

www.shemakesahome.blogspot.com

Bead Bunnies

found at FamilyFunMagazine:

familyfunmagazine.com

You can check out their website,

or just look at the photo and make your own.

You will need:

pipe cleaners to match paint

wood beads in 2 different sizes

fine tip black marking pen for face

desired colors of acrylic paint to paint beads

I would suggest you put the wood beads onto a bamboo skewer to paint. You can then put the skewer over an open bowl/container for the paint to dry evenly.

How can your little ones help?

Have them stick themed stickers

on the tummies of each bunny!

You can smooth over with a dab of Modge Podge if you want.

Have little ones thread the beads with a piece of pipe cleaner.

You can then bend them into ears and feet.

Older kids?

Have them use the permanent, fine point black marker

and add the name of each holiday guest.

Use bunnies as cute, you-can-take-them-home

place cards!

found onwww.crafaholicsanonymous.net

Washi Tape eggsby Linda Gardner:

Go to the above link to find directions.

Or just look at the photo and say

"I can do that!"

The wrapped candies egg stands can be hot glued to the bottom of the egg if this is something you want to keep for display.

If not, I would skip the stands and just place in a pretty basket.

Don't forget, these eggs can be filled with small candy,

small toys, little animals or...

Little hands can practice fine motor skills by helping to fill each egg. Also, let them practice snapping the eggs together.

Older kids can easily tear off a strip of washi tape

and wrap around each egg.

I think I would add stickers,

just because I think it would look festive!

Kenzo Kids fashion wear 2013

www.shefashiontrand.com

Let's not forget how fun paper dolls are!

I think, really, paper dolls are for

both boys and girls.

found onbonecasdepapel.blogspot.com

Want to send this to someone other than a Grand daughter?

Place a sticky note over the desired words on the front.

Photocopy, and download.

You can then add any words you want in Paint program,

or stamp your own saying to layer over the words.

You can also 'erase' areas with Paint too.

Too complicated?

Ok, just stick a big ole' Holiday sticker over the words!

the Easter Egg Cart, part of the Easter Egg mural byJan Brett

the Pavilion for the Easter Egg mural byJan Brett

Are we having fun yet?!!

www.reuplifestyle.com

www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com

That's it for today!
'til next time,
inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com
www.inkspired.etsy.com
www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com
and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

Caution:

Some photos are graphic in nature

E is for Elephant

by Gregory Colbert

lifeisbeautifulthatway.blogspot.com

"She owned the road

as an elephant owns the veldt

and like a big blue elephant

moved with massive grace

and dignity."

- David Drake, author

www.reimaginationprints.etsy.com

elephant in San Diego Zoo

mixed media sculpture, Israel

www.OrnaArtHeart.etsy.com

"Elephants, it turns out,

are surprisingly stealthy."

- Thomas French, Zoo Story: Life in the Garden of Captives

- but maybe not as babies!!!

E is for Elephant print

www.CaseyGirard.etsy.com

www.lewfoster.etsy.com

www.JoArtyJo.etsy.com

"Elephants can sense danger.

They're able to detect an approaching

tsunami or earthquake before it hits."

- Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Small as an Elephant

collage bywww.AcorntoZebraCollage.etsy.com

stained glass coloring page

courtesyDover Books

pendant byMissingPiecesStudio.etsy.com

"We admire elephants in part

because they demonstrate what we consider

the finest human traits:

empathy

self-awareness

social intelligence.

But the way we treat them puts on display

the very worst

of human behavior."

- Graydon Carter

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/elephants.html

credit: unknown

Shriner's Circus, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

www.albuquerquer.about.jpeg

Color-Your-Own.com

Asian Elephants in India

www.worldwildlife.org

elephant in Indian Zoo

page by John Platt

www.blogs.scientificamerican.com

Beating an elephant into submission for tourism

Thailand Elephant Tourism

www.asianelephantstoday.com

"Elephants have the largest brains of any mammal

on the face of the Earth.

They are creative,

altruistic

and kind."

- Ingrid Newkirk

vintage elephant head clip, courtesy Dover

www.melstepp01.wordpress.com

courtesy Dover

www.keepbusy.net

"It's estimated that across Africa

100 elephants are killed for their tusks

every day.

It takes nothing more than simple math

to get to what that adds up to

in a year,

and it's a distressing figure."

- Graydon Carter

Sept, 2012

www.burrard-lucas.com

confiscated tusks

www.ripoffreport.com

elephant in the grass

www.rgbstock.com

'Elephant Love'

www.evilwerewolfpirate.deviantart.com

a road roller crushes confiscated elephant tusks

worth $10 million,

Quezone City, Metro Manila, 6-2013

www.globalnation.inquirer.net

"I don't know how many lions and leopards
I've shot.
I've shot two elephants, which is enough -
never again.
It's a melancholy and moving thing
to hunt an elephant.
It's like shooting an old man."

- Wilbur Smith

www.vet.cornell.edu

www.en.wikipedia.org

"Elephants love reunions.
They recognize one another
after years and years of separation
and greet each other
with wild, boisterous joy.
There's bellowing and trumpeting,
ear flapping and rubbing.
Twines entwine."

- Jennifer Richard Jacobson,
Small as an Elephant

greeting at a mudbath

photo credit: Sigfried Wallach, c. 1998

www.netshake.com

Mila greets Mary, after being alone in a circus for 30 years.

Elephants don't forget.

San Diego Zoo

www.dailymail.co.uk

endangered species Sumatran Elephants greet each other

www.glbrain.com

Shirley and Jenny meet again after being apart for 27 years.

Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary

www.greenme.it

"It is absurd for a man to kill an elephant.

It... is not heroic,

and certainly it is not easy;

it is just one of those preposterous things

that men do

like putting a dam across a great river,

one tenth of whose volume could engulf

the whole of mankind

without disturbing the domestic life

of a single catfish."

- Beryl Markham, West with the Night

baby elephant trying to wake dead mother

thesun.co.uk

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

www.bangngangang.com

"One hundred Pounder", Mozambique,

presumably refers to each tusk.

www.newswatch.nationalgeographic.com

"Killing wildlife and trading in illegal rhino horn and elephant tusks are only misdemeanors in Mozambique.

Game wardens get $96 per month.

One elephant tusk is worth a minimum of $10,000

in China or Korea, as an aphrodisiac."

- Sam Sloan

elephant coloring page

credit unknown

"I meant what I said

and I said what I meant -

An elephant's faithful,

one hundred percent!"

- Dr. Seuss

en.wikipedia.org

African elephants 'Follow the Leader"

www.elephant-world.com

I hope today's blog has inspired you,

touched you

and convinced you to be more active

in the preservation of these beautiful

giant beasts.

Bizarro elephant cartoon 2-19-2007

othernationsjustice.org.com

elephant trunk

www.listverse.com

'til next time,

inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

www.vintagerosecollection.com

It's time for a tea party!

A rose tea party, that is!

www.DaintyDelightsInc.etsy.com

Two lovely paper dolls with tea party dresses,

from Liana's paperdoll blog

www.joechip.net/liana

I don't have this doll's name.
Do you? Let me know in the comments section!

Liana's blog paper doll and dress

New Yorker fashion 2008 Spring issue

'Jill's Easter Dress'

"Ivy"

You can find more base dolls and lots more paper doll clothes if you put in my search box:

'Liana's'

white lace dress and shawl, circa 1814

Let's send out some invitations!
Here are several ideas to inspire you:

courtesy www.sweetlyscrapped.com

www.sweetlyscrapped.com

www.Graphicsfairy.com

out-of-print Back Street Design Tea Party Cutting Design

www.EnchantedQuilling.etsy.com

Spellbinders teacup die

Eleanor Boardman vintage magazine cover art

a garland pattern to cut

www.kawaiigoodies.etsy.com

Here are some great
Rose Tea Party accessories to wear:

www.WakeUpTheAngel.etsy.com

www.CROCHETTT.etsy.com

www.CandyBead.etsy.com

www.shimrita.etsy.com

"Georgia Rose"

original Collage Art Doll made from all recycled junk mail by inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

Here are some more fun tea party fashions:

Barbie I Dream of Spring

"Tea Party Pretty"

original Collage Art Doll using all recycled junk mail by inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.modcloth.com

www.BluKatDesign.etsy.com

www.GallivantsVintage.etsy.com

Let's set a pretty table:

tea party note card

www.vintagerosecollection.com

www.PorcelainPolyester.etsy.com

tea pot shaped sugar cubes: www.wishingwellart.etsy.com

an Original Arnaricreation from Japan

Royal Ainsley tea cup and saucer

vintage salt and pepper teapot shaped shakers

www.APinchOfJoy.etsy.com

a Royal Bayreuth tea cup made in Bavaria, Germany

www.GyspyGeranium.etsy.com

www.JanesCollectables.etsy.com

with lots of yummy food:

www.littlefruitpies.com

tea cookies

www.DaintyDelightsInc.etsy.com

Using a Ritz cracker as your base, spread a light cream cheese layer on top. Arrange green grapes in a circle around outer edge, with a fresh raspberry placed in the center.

two toned jelly bean cupcake with gumdrop leaves

www.lovethatparty.com.au

hand painted cake with food safe colors

www.thebeautifulbakingcompany.com

Noritake teacup and saucer, circa 1918

www.oldandnew8.etsy.com

For special, take home favors,
you can use many of the images for the invitations, or use some of these ideas:

fancy chocolate bar wrappers

courtesy Martha Stewart

for an embroidered tea towel,

or a painted apron:

hand painted tea pot marble magnets, found on etsy

a Pashmina scarf

www.BusySloth.etsy.com

Their very own teacup to take home.

This one is only $10 on etsy:

www.oZdOinGltagaiN.etsy.com

and so is this one:

vintage Bavarian tea cup and saucer

www.OurShabbyShack.etsy.com

You could whip up a little muslin bag fairly quickly, using teacup designs printed from your printer:

Harrison Fisher vintage painting

www.vintage-spirit.blogspot.com

a special kirigami cutting:

Take lots of photos,
and remember to send me one or two!
Going through my comments section is the best way to do this.

A couple of out-of-print Back Street Design paper cuttings that I have done:

'til next time,
inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

Alfons Mucha "The Spirit of Spring"

found on pinterest

Not much to say today,

but sharing some giggles with you -

"Giggle, Giggle, Quack"by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin

happy baby found onwww.carolinetran.net

"Time for Middle Age" Collage Art Doll by inkspired

made with all recycled junk mail

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

dancing in the highway of life...

www.imgur.com

www.YellowBugBoutique.etsy.com

Future lumberjack?

www.wambuiwairua.wordpress.com

recycled junk mail and bottle cap magnet art

by inkspired

Disney's Bambi and Thumper with bluebird

www.chiccousa.com

www.YellowBugBoutique.etsy.com

"Flora"Collage Art Doll made from all recycled junk mail

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.YellowBugBoutique.etsy.com

found on pinterest

found onwww.etsy.com

Roundup-50.photo.tutsplus.com

Dinah the Dinosaur

Merrimack Pub. Co.

flamingo hat at the Kentucky Derby

photo cred: Jeff Haynes

safety pin pattern by Sherri Osborn

Bert and Mary Poppins

"Taboo Island Twister Tie Hula"

by Thor Geck0

www.lifeisbeautifulthatway.blogspot.com

3t5awq.com found on pinterest

funny-pictures.picphotos.net

ACHOO!!!

"Dreaming of Spring"original collage paper doll

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

Well, had enough

tee hee giggles?

Here's one more for the day:

www.dailyhaha.com

Remember to smile at a stranger today!

tee hee,

inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

SPLASH!!!

"A Mermaid Weighs In"

by Bill Layne

found at muscleheaded.wordpress.com

There are mermaids splashin' in my pool -

Mermaid Mysterious World

by jewels654.deviantart.com

found atsohbanet.com

Siren of the Sea

bylewfoster.etsy.com

Check out Lew Foster's shop on etsy.

He is one of my favorite artists there!

'merman'

found onfanpop.com

I don't mind their mer-friends so much,

illustration by Mabel Atwell

for "Water Babies"

found on weheartit.com

enchanting water fairies

byYuehui-tang.com

vintage photo

found onkatiesredumbrella.blogspot.com

Crustacean Cafe, Mermaid Tea

found onmatouenpleluche.etsy.com

mermaids performing at

the Sip 'n Dip Lounge Tiki Bar, Great Falls, Montana

found on www.thehairpin.com

Or even all the treasures they bring with them -

Mermaids of Atlantis

found onS-ries.fanpop.com

'pirate treasure'

unknown source

Do you know? Leave a comment so I can credit it!

vintage mermaids byChierri,

found onmermaidsisters.net

and I guess I don't mind all the 'stuff' they bring -

'a fisherman's secret'

byaloha_mermaid.deviantart.com

1947 Jantzen swimsuit ad

found onvintagegal.tumblr.com

Florida Road Map, given out my SHELL Co.

found onmyraroberts.com

Kaira Andrade mermaid shoe advertisement

found oncoloribus.com

It's all the non-mer friends that they bring along

that clutter up the pool....

vintage mermaids

found onjamboree-bay.blogspot.com

mermaid with sphere

found on karenamandahooper.blogspot.com

vintage tattoo art poster

found onpopscreen.com

mermaid - sailor sternboard carving

by Jac and Patricia Johnson

www.skipjackmarinegallery.com

mermaid wallpaper found on fanpop.com

I mean seashells and rocks and things are ok,

but the mer-friends that are critters

are just too many!!!

Mermaid and Goldfish by Judith Stein

found onJudithSteinWatercolors.etsy.com

from an Art Nouveau Mermaid postcard

fabric block found on mermaidfabricblocks.blogspot.com

mermaid byAndrew Loomis, from the 1940-1950 era

found onoklahoma.net

The Little Mermaid by Disney

found onblogs.indiewire.com

...and some of them are sooooo big!

Metropolitan August magazine cover art

by Willy Pogany

found onartofnarrative.tumblr.com

Mer-horses with King Titan

possibly byWalter Crane

"Chasing the Wind"

by Don Maite

found on cosmicdolphins.wordpress.com

mermaid and walrus vintage illustration

found on thegraphicaddict.com

seahorse and mermaid

by Sue Halstenberg

...and now my pool seems like the

popular spot in the neighborhood,

and I don't have a full-time lifeguard on duty,

so you know what always happens...

CampariMarch advertisment

with Eva Longoria and admirers

found oncoloribus.com

H. J. Fordillustration from the early 20th century

found onflickr.com

The Little Mermaid saving the prince

unknown source

Do you know? Leave a comment!

"The Little Mermaid"

found onfreyjasig.deviantart.com

I think I may as well give up,

and just enjoy them while they're here!

by David Puu

found onclubofthewaves.com

May 15, 1926 Judge Magazinecover art

found on pinterest.tumblr.com

marked July 2013

found onwanderlustdrifted.com

1939 vintage photo

found onffffound.com

SPLASH!!!

'til next time,

inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

It's time for another Fashion Show

with Celebrity fashions

featuring 'peachy-keen' colored accessories

that might have made them even more stunning!

Angelina Jolie

found on blognews.am.com

You really can't tell what's under that beautiful draped fabric,

but I think these would be super!

They have a fine gold glitter front, with gold sky-high heels and a hand-painted sole!

$110.00

atRockstarlette.etsy.com

For some added interest, wouldn't these look beautiful on her ears, as a compliment to her dress?

brass with white opal glass dragonfly earrings

$19.88 at anntelope.etsy.com

Next up is an actress that played it 'minimal' with her jewelry.

That is, if you can call thousands of dollars of diamonds minimal...

Jessica Albaat the Golden Globe Awards

found onaliexpress.com

I really enjoy the 'furry' clutch she is carrying.

It adds a kick of fun!

Wouldn't this look beautiful on her other wrist?

hand beaded bracelet with cabochon

found atibics.etsy.com

and this around her neck?

2009 Bloom Winner hand beaded necklace for $720.00

found atmikelle.etsy.com

or perhaps this?

hand beaded free form necklace $135.00

byibics.etsy.com

These shoes would add a little more of the funky that Ms. Alba started with her unique clutch:

vintage 1950s confetti print shoes $78.00

made for Nordstrom and found atzestvintage.etsy.com

Next up is the beautiful Jennifer Hudson -

Ms. Hudson is at the 2011 Oscars

photo found onzimbio.com

I find the squished boob show a bit distracting

from the rest of her dress,

how about you?

Remove some of the push-up pads from her foundations,

and try adding this as a beautiful feature necklace:

handmade lace jewelry,

using a thousands of years-old technique, passed down from generation to generation.

$119.00 found at LandofDante.etsy.com

The photo doesn't do justice to the beautiful threads used in this necklace!

This next ensemble is just beautiful -

Ginnifer Goodwin at the Emmy Awards, 2012

found on www.douxrousse.blogspot.com

The shoes are perfectly matched, and so is the belt.

The only thing I might change is to remove the pave diamond ring,

it just looks too big and clunky for the delicateness of the lace

on the dress and her petite frame.

How about this one instead?

18k gold with diamonds and aquamarine ring

sold at netawolpe.etsy.com

Next is a beautiful curvy actress -

Danielle Brooks at the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards

found on customcelebritydresses.com

Ms. Brooks has chosen very well.

The simple lines of the dress show off her curves,

rather than emphasize them in a negative way

or trying to hide under layers of fabric.

Because of the rich skin tone she has, I think she

could easily wear this as an attention-getting accent:

spiral burst adjustable hand made bracelet for $20.00

found atmelissawoods.etsy.com

An actress that consistently hits the mark with her fashion-sense:

Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Catherine Zeta-Jones at a function in China, 2013

photo found onusmagazine.com

Ms. Zeta-Jones has a beautiful figure and a presence

that compliments anything she wears,

as shown in the above photo.

With a 'busy' pattern at the top,

you don't want to wear 'busy' jewelry.

I can't tell what her footwear is, but these would look fantastic:

pleated orange stilettos custom made $150.00

by ChristyNgShoes.etsy.com

Next is a lovely lace overlay dress

worn by Karen Fairchild at the CMA awards, 2013:

photo found on washingtonpost.com

In my opinion, the dress is beautiful and fits her figure great.

But,

she really needs some accessories to prevent a bit of boredom here.

Perhaps this?

salmon bib statement necklace for $6.71 (no, that isn't a typo!)

for sale at EllenJewelry.etsy.com

The 'bumpy' texture of each stone drop mimics the lace in her dress

without overwhelming you with extras that keep your eyes busy.

The gold accents around each stone is just enough.

I like these peachy nude suede heels for her also:

nude suede heels for $73.00

custom made at ChristyNgShoes.etsy.com

They really bring out the undertones of her lace dress.

Nice accent!

Carrie Underwood wears a super flirty short cocktail dress:

Carrie Underwood at the People's Choice Awards
page by Cynthia Nellis atfashion.about.com

An important part of Ms. Underwood's ensemble
is her marvelous smile.
Isn't it nice to see someone who genuinely looks
like they are having fun?
With the fun 'glitter' confetti accents on her dress, you want to keep the accessories at a minimum.
However, wouldn't this look great -

nail polish duo by GlitterfiedNails.etsy.com

This nail polish duo comes with a Gold polish you can wear alone,

or you can add the second polish on top. It is a clear lacquer with gold confetti in it.

Subtle enough, but a cute addition to this outfit!

I will finish today with one of my favorite actresses:

Katherine Heigl at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards

www.harpersbazaar.com

Ms. Heigl seems to be the actress the critics love to hate.

I don't agree, and neither does my husband!

If you stayed away from 'Mrs. Pollifax - Spy' because of the critics pan of it, go back and watch it!

Really, any of the movies that the critics have said 'nay' to,

you will probably want to go back and check them all out!

:0)

The lovely saturated shade of orange in Ms. Heigl's dress

does not compete with her hair.

Nice.

I'm glad she added the sparkle strap on the left.

I think some fun nail polish could also compliment this look -

part of the Sweet Shimmer Collection at

www.Glitzd23.etsy.com

First, the name of this polish is so fun -

'Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana'

hee hee

My reasons for choosing this shade is

1. There is glitter in it, to compliment her sparkle strap.

2. The polish is a shade lighter than her dress,

so her fingers don't disappear!

I like these vintage beaded shoes:

1940's beaded brocade pump for $159

www.BTMVaccessories.etsy.com

They go well with her pearl clutch,

and with the length of the dress would only peek out

ocassionaly.

Well, that's it for today!

I hope you had fun imagining fashion accessories

and shoes and beads and everything!

'Tangerine Tango' hand beaded necklace with hand made glass beads

by inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

'til next time!

inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

paper doll dress blank card

by inkspired

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

BLING BLING!!!

Anne Hathaway at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

found at marieclaire.co.uk

I love all those red carpet fancy gowns with

sparkle!

Let's add in some extra accessories

that might make them even better -

if that's possible!!

Ms. Hathaway's dress is really all the jewelry she needs, as the dress IS the jewelry!

However, I think these edgy earrings would add a fun

touch to the glitzy fashion -

what do you think?

sterling silver mod earrings $80.00

www.notAjewelry.etsy.com

Next is Cate Blanchett:

Cate Blanchett at the 2014 Oscars

found on www.indianexpress.com

Ms. Blanchett's gown is very tastefully done -

I love the sheer but not see-thru illusion.

Wouldn't these lace peep toe shoes look gorgeous with it?

champagne lace heels $63.00

www.ChristyNgShoes.etsy.com

Here's another gown where the gown itself

is all the jewelry needed!

Nicole Kidman, found on www.today.com

I am not so fond of the bra-look bodice,

but I love the rest of this beaded column dress!

I think these sling back heels, with a touch of neutral

color, would look pretty peeking out

from underneath Ms. Kidman's gown

to accentuate all that gorgeous beading:

Carlos Santana sling back snakeskin leather heels $19.00

www.BoutiqueHomesille.etsy.com

Nina Dobrev sparkles in this dress:

Nina Dobrev at Awards 2010

found on jenniferfabulous.blogspot.com

back view of Nina Dobrev's Awards dress, 2010

found on www.thecelebritydresses.us

Her lacy diamond earrings are perfect.

But

I hate how her shoes don't fit!!

Plus, in the 1st photo, they appear to be an odd yellowish color. I think these 1980's vintage shoes would compliment her ensemble better:

1980s satin shoes with beaded flower spray accent $4.00

- no that's not a typo! But these vintage shoes need a little work on them.

JRSnodgrass.etsy.com

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -

Catherine Zeta-Jones is a beautiful woman

who dresses in beautiful clothes!

Catherine Zeta-Jones Oscars dress

found on www.dhgate.com

I think this is a fairy-tale dress!

Wouldn't these be fun,

peeking out from under her gown every-so-often?

gold studded and blue 3inch heels $50.00

www.SopheaShoes.etsy.com

Next we have Taylor Swift wearing golden sparkles -

Taylor Swift at the 2011 American Music Awards

found on blog.asiantown.net

I think the neck-arm area is a bit too bare.

It looks as if Ms. Swift's gown is being pulled down...

She needs this airy beaded necklace!

moonlight and lace beaded collar pdf for $5.00

www.JewelryTales.etsy.com

Not only do I think it would compliment

and improve Ms. Swift's ensemble,

this is for a pattern that you can bead yourself!

So, you could change the color or shape of the beads

to fit your outfit!

Gillian Anderson found on www.thexfileshunt.blogspot.com

Ms. Anderson's dress has a lot going for it,

but I think she has missed the mark with her accessories.

I think she needs a statement necklace to offset the subtle fabric design and simple lines of this dress.

golden cluster crystal necklace $24.00

www.BellaJewelry4u.etsy.com

I think this stunning statement necklace would really bring out the gold tones from her gown.

What do you think?

I also like this bold Art Deco style necklace:

Art Deco style metalwork necklace $14.00

www.BellaJewlery4u.etsy.com

The soft burnished metal in this piece would not overwhelm

her gown's subtle gold fabric.

Let's add to Ms. Anderson's ensemble a pair of

vintage 1980's gold lame brocade shoes

by Party Line.

Party Line vintage 1980's pumps $48.00

www.HarlowGirls.etsy.com

Let's finish our blog today with a movie screen

and TV actress and Broadway play icon -

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren at the Golden Globes 2011 Awards

found on main.stylelist.com

'Older' actresses many times are tempted to dress younger than their age, and it is not becoming.

I think Ms. Mirren has really hit the mark

with this beautiful gown.

It is suitable for an 'older' woman,

and she wears it with class.

Her diamond necklace doesn't overwhelm the dress,

and indeed it accents the lovely lace on her shoulders.

What can we improve on?

How about this lovely bracelet -

tulle and rhinestone crystal cuff $150.00

www.GibsonBespoke.etsy.com

I like it that is is a bit bigger than the one she is wearing.

And of course the shoes...

satin and tulle rhinestone accented peep toe platforms $100.00

www.lambsandivydesigns.etsy.com

I like the added rhinestone and tulle embellishments.

I believe these are custom made,

so Ms. Mirren could have them dyed a shade more

'golden champagne'.

That's it for today!
I hope you have enjoyed all my 'fashion' blogs!

'til next time,
inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com
www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com
www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com
and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

vintage fairy

'I stood against the window

And I looked between the bars,

And there were strings of fairies

Hanging from the stars;

Everywhere and everywhere

In shining, swinging chains;

The air was full of shimmering,

Like sunlight when it rains.'

1st stanza: 'I Stood Against the Window'by Rose Fyleman

fairies dancing upon the water, from a vintage ad

'They kept on swinging, swinging,

They flung themselves so high

They caught upon the pointed moon

and hung across the sky.

And when I woke next morning,

There still were crowds and crowds

In beautiful bright bunches

All sleeping on the clouds.'

2nd stanza: 'I Stood Against the Window' by Rose Fyleman

http://www.celticfairymusic.com/fairy-stories/fairy-poetry.htm

illustration by Frances Brundage

found on picssr.com

a teddy bear fairy paperdoll

Teddy Bear paper doll set by Beverly Matteson Pont

c. 1954 - 1995

found on origamibears.com

'Buttercups in the sunshine look like little cups of gold.
Perhaps the Faeries come to drink the raindrops
that they hold."

- Elizabeth T. Dillingham in "Faery Song"

vintage fairy found on www.bumblebutton.blogspot.com

Courtesy of Dover Publications, website address to the right.

The Fairies by Robert Herrick*

If ye will with Mab find grace,

Set each Platter in his place:

Rake the Fier up, and get

Water in, ere Sun be set.

Wash your Pailes, and clense your Dairies;

Sloths are loathsome to the Fairies:

Sweep your house:

Who doth not so,

Mab will pinch her by the toe.

vintage Queen Mab of the fairies from

Treasury of Verse for Little Children cover art

vintage Butterfly Fairy

Let's do some 'splainin'.

Queen Mab is the queen of the Fairies, and is found in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.

As this is a vintage poem,

you will find the spellings a bit 'odd'!

Fier is today spelled: Fire

Pailes is today spelled: Pails

Clense is today spelled: Cleanse

I also edited the word "Sloths".

In the original poem it is "Sluts".

However, the meaning has changed quite a bit from then to now! We consider 'sluts' to be 'bad women who sell or give their bodies for sex.

This is certainly NOT what Mr. Herrick means in his poem!

I substituted the word "Sloths" which I feel is more accurate terminology in our modern world.

'Titannia' by Karen Prince

I found many poems that refer to Queen Mab

who will pinch you if you do not do things her way.

It was almost always referring to:

'pinch you til you're black and blue',

and this is done while you are sleeping!

Tatania by Frederick Howard Michael

closeup of Tatania's crown

My scan isn't so great,

but it is like a moth/butterfly floated down on her head

to be her tiara!

fairy to color on a green background

courtesy of Dover publications

'Angel Pond' found onwww.paintermagazine.co.uk

'til next time,
inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

tee hee!

vintage clown found on

aleeka_stock.deviantart.com

C is for clown!

funny clown found onpolyvore.com

Turn a 'C' on the side

and what do you get?

A big happy grin!

1957 coloring book

found on www.papercherries.etsy.com

Clowns want us to laugh

and giggle

and guffaw

and hoot and holler!

children during a magic show

page by Matthew Jones on www.shizzledizzlemagic.com

laughing baby Yao

www.delightmakers.com

(That is one of my all-time fave photos, by the way!)

vintage song sheet for the movie theme song for Laugh-Clown-Laugh,

starring Lon Chaney

www.lonchaney.org

I get mad when people try to make clowns scary.

It ruins it for so many.

Clowns have always just wanted kids to have fun.

:0(

This is how it makes the Clowns feel:

Lladro clown figurine

www.parkestatecompany.etsy.com

So I say enough!

Let's remind all kids how fun clowns can be!!!

from "Look! Look! A Clown!"vintage book

myvintagebookcollectioninblogform.blogspot.com

February 2013 kids laughing

www.ksoo.com

It's okay to act silly!

coloring page bywww.colorkiddo.com

circus folks, 1955
found on www.boingboing.net

Clowns like to play lots of games...

Learning numbers is fun

www.sheknows.com

a harder dot-to-dot clown

www.kidspot.com.au

pinball maze

courtesy of Dover Publications, address to the right

Clowns like to sing silly songs too!

1910 song sheet cover

courtesy Indiana Music Libraries

Rudy the Clown

Can you hear me now?

www.clownfest.com

c.1915 Circus Day In Dixie Song

courtesyIndiana Music Libraries

Clowns have lots of friends!

Circus performers in Blackfoot, Idaho

photo from the 1800's

thecircusblog.wordpress.com

1960s Circus Clown poster

cottagewhimsies.etsy.com

bouncing clowns

blog-de-aprendizagem.blogspot.com

One of the most famous American clowns is

Red Skelton

He was such a cool man,

it'll take a whole 'nother blog to cover him!

Red Skelton

www.vs-uc.com

Piglet even wants in on the fun -

www.hmcoloringpages.com

Silly piglet!!

www.dpshots.com

Clowns have been around a long, long time.

In different ages, they dressed differently from what we think of as a clown now, but back then everyone knew who the clowns were because of how they dressed.

Here are some different, well-known styles:

Victorian clowns

www.2flavors.me.com

vintage clown postcard

www.zazzle.com

vintage clowns

missimmondssays.blogspot.com

March, 1922 Theatre Magazine cover

www.largesizepaintings.blogspot.com

c.1917 Lily of the Valley, A 'Nut'song featuring a 'Pierrot' clown

courtesy Indiana Music Libraries

Claudett Colbert in a harlequin clown costume

www.thevintagegirlsuk.wordpress.com

So get your clown face out
and do something silly today!!

clown photo booth

www.themcallisterblog.blogspot.com

Kathmandu, Nepal school children

www.dailytravelphotos.com

make a clown costume with paper plates and pompoms

www.funfamilycrafts.com

(and never leave home without your
whoopie-cushion...)

found onwww.thesurrealpoet.wordpress.com

'til next time -
inkspired

an inkspired original collage made from all junk mail

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

OWWwwwww!!!!

found on www.rayur.com

Got hip pain?

Not able to do what you used to do?

courtesy Dover publications

It might be time for a hip replacement!

www.jontybabe.blogspot.com

My Uncle has just undergone a hip replacement.

Wow.

When you think about it, it is an amazing medical feat to take out a major bone joint,

and put a new one in!!!

artificial hip diagram

www.slideshare.net

Here are a few things we have learned

throughout the process:

1. Don't let other people tell you what your pain level is.

You know best!

2. Yeah, they really do need to do all those tests

to determine what your hip damage is

and the condition of the area surrounding your hip.

3. Take notes.

4. Take notes.

5. Take notes!

6. Keep a folder or briefcase or whatever works best for you.

Have a central place that you can keep all the paperwork in. Notes from doctors, nurses, etc.

Handouts - and more!

7. Keep a calendar on the wall, and update it every time you are given an appointment time.

8. In your 'hip folder' you should have all the names and phone numbers of professionals that you are dealing with.

I like to write down the date and time and name of every person I speak to on the phone.

9. Really, really really try to have someone that can either stay with you for 2 weeks following surgery,

a place where you can stay for 2 weeks minimum

after surgery

with someone you can depend on to take care of you.

This may be a rehab center.

www.dreamstime.com

You will be on pain meds when you come home

after the surgery.

These will make you loopy and not able to keep track of

what you have taken,

when you have taken it,

and when you should take more.

www.caring4youragingseniorcitizen.com

Really.

Have your caregiver:

9. Keep a chart for each day's drugs.

Write down when you have given what drug.

This is really important.

There will be several drugs for recuperation,

and it just does not work to try and remember them all.

www.diabetescare.net

So, make it easy on yourself, and write it down on the chart.

10. Yes, you will have pain after the surgery!

Some people think, well, the bad hip is gone,

a new hip is in,

so no more pain right?

Wrong.

www.prsrehabservices.com

You have just had major surgery!!!

My uncle was under the impression that after a couple of days he would be back to dancing.

Why did he think that?

Because of well-meaning friends trying to encourage him.

It didn't encourage him,

because now it just frustrates him after the surgery is done

with wrong expectations.

www.distancedemons.org

So please,

remember that each person has

their own timetable of healing.

Perhaps Aunt Martha was up and happy in 14 days,

but that doesn't mean that

Aunt Maude will be.

Each person is an individual with their own unique healing times.

Be honest with your doctor/surgeon.

The doc will know what is best for you.

After all, the doc has seen inside you!!!

tee hee hee

www.abc.net.au

11. Follow your doctor's orders.

12. Follow your therapists' orders.

These are professionals.

If they say don't walk stairs unless someone

is there with you,

then don't walk the stairs unless someone is with you!!!

Yes, you may feel it is silly,

or unnecessary

or baby-ing.

Too bad!

Follow the professionals directions so you can heal the right way, and in the right time.

13. Exercise. Yeah. Really.

Your PT (physical therapist) will help you with what exercises to do, and how to do them.

Please remember,

you do NOT know more than your PT!!!

If she says to use your walker,

then use your walker.

If she says a cane is okay in this situation,

then don't think you can use a cane whenever you want!

www.actwellness.com

We discovered a bit late in the game

what are good exercises and positions to be in.

Uncle's leg was swelling up, and was very hot.

The incision site did not look too irritated or red.

Temperature was normal.

Pain levels went up.

The PT came for a home visit and we learned:

14. Elevation is key!

Get those toes above the nose!

(Also above the heart!)

She stacked a pile of pillows up that looked like a scene

from The Princess and the Pea!

www.nataliesmillie.deviantart.com

Only, the pillow stack was for Uncle's feet only!

However, after 2 days of keeping his legs/feet elevated,

and being up and doing walking at least 4x per day,

the swelling has gone down considerably

and so has some of the pain.

Yippee!

15. Ice. Ice. Ice.

I thought that icing was only beneficial a couple of days after surgery.

Wrong.

Now that we are icing regularly, Uncle's pain is lower,

his swelling is lower

and we are all 'round much happier!

Some ice pack hints:

www.brennerchildrens.org

Always wrap your ice pack in a towel.

This protects your skin, and also absorbs any

random condensation.

www.afoodiestaysfit.com

A bag of frozen peas works super as an ice pack!

The peas conform to your leg/hip really well.

dumb hint: don't eat the peas after they have been used as an ice pack. They have been thawed, frozen, etc.

too many times to be healthy to eat!

We are on Day 11 after surgery.

I'll keep you updated on Uncle's progress

and any more tips I might have to make

your hip replacement surgery

or your time as a caregiver easier!

www.pissedoffteacher.blogspot.com

We are both looking forward to the day when Uncle

is walker free

and cane free

and back to dancing!

'til next time,

inkspired

www.inkspired.etsy.com

www.collagepaperpainting.etsy.com

www.inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

and on pinterest: K.Kloberdans

Struggling to get back in the swing of things!
I have missed my blog, and perhaps you have too! I think I want to change the focus a bit, but I am not sure how yet! Been having fun on Facebook. You should be able to find me with this:
Karen Kloberdans

I just renewed my domain name - myinkspired.
Very frustrating!!!!
I cannot find any directions on how to rework my web page

Myinkspired.com

Grrrrrr. I am feeling old and rusty!

So, I put up a temporary web site that is still under construction. You can find it here:

myinkspired.myfreesites.net

Any-who-how, I have to start somewhere!

Now, let's try to upload a photo, shall we?

See you later!

Spring has Sprung and Summer is here!

The hot days of summer are here.

Fortunately I LOVE summer and sun and all the greenery that comes with it.

We went for a drive over the weekend, up to Ft. Collins, Colorado. Moderately heavy traffic on the interstate. They are doing road construction, so everyone has to slow down and gawk, even though the workers had the day off. Such curious creatures we are!

The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining and all the trees are leafed out. It's good to get out of the house and feel the breeze, smell the green, soak up the sun.

I hope that you can get outside today, and be reminded that God cares for you.

til next time,

Inkspired

🌸

Is it hot enough for you?

My personal heat index is rising as I try to figure out how to change blog font, text, page placement and color!!!

I change it but as soon as I type a lettter, it reverts. Grrrrrr.....

...and they said write a blog! It will be fun! Relaxing! A creative outlet!

Well, I AM feeling a bit creative...on how to scream in text!

Bear with me, I'll be fine. I am also using an IPad for the first time to blog, so perhaps that is contributing to the bugs.

We have been so enjoying the seasonal blueberries this time of year. We are trying to increase our intake of fruits and veggies. You know, that being healthy thing! I would prefer to go meatless, simply because I think it is healthier. I don't eat pork or turkey. Beef would be my next choice, but that is very hard to give up! Fish is a keeper I think.

What are you doing to try and be healthier? Drop me a line.

Here is an iris folding pattern for a strawberry.

You can find tutorials and more patterns in my past blogs.

Enjoy!

'til next time,

inkspired

Well, I am still figuring out how to load pictures!

In your mind, picture an antique graphic with two American flags, crossed at the poles.

The flags are surrounded with vintage florals and fireworks.

Now you see my picture, hand picked for you!

Growing pains, bear with me.

Our dog Tyler barks at the invasion of fireworks and thunder.

These are 2 things we have no control over,

so Tyler needs to modify his idea of what we need defending from.

Not so simple!

A work in progress, which our neighbors have been testing us with

almost nightly for a week or more now.

GAAAAaaaaahhhh

We live in an unincorporated area of the county, so fireworks are legal,

unless the governor declares all fireworks taboo in the state due to high fire risks,

which is extremely unpopular and not good for reelection.

We live less than 2 hours from the Wyoming border, a state which apparently sells the "big" fireworks that are not sold in Colorado.

All of this means we have very large fireworks going off behind us,

across the street and over a block.

Poor Tyler.

We are going to try a compression wrap on the Fourth I think.

(Insert diagram here of how to wrap it!)

You can purchase thunder shirts for dogs also.

The idea is that the tighter feeling (like a tight t-shirt) brings security and safety to the dog.

Let me know if you have tried this!

We'll see if it diminishes dog duties of protection too.

Must.

Guard.

The

Family!

The sacred dog code of reason to live

til next time,

inkspired

I recently added a game app all about fashion, creating your own looks and competing against other fashionistas around the world.

Oh my! I am so addicted to this game! My husband says it is a natural for me, and just feeds into an addiction I already have.
He's prob'ly right, not that I admit to it!

Which brings me to the subject of Fashion Police.
I think we need a mandatory class taught in all schools at the Elementary level, and again at the High School level about Fashion. What we wear, and what does it say about us?
In my dreams, I know.

Seriously though, how many times have you been at a store and thought "I wonder what made her decide to wear That in public?!".
"Does he even own a mirror?"
"I would be so embarrassed to go anywhere with him (or her) in that outfit!"

I feel a headache comin' on.

Insert choice of photo here. X. As I still can't figure out how to from my iPad!

What does this have to do with trendy fashions? Apparently there are some of the above-mentioned wardrobe disasters now being created, designed, AND MARKETED to the general public now! As High Fashion! How do I know this? Because every item of clothing and accessories in my new game are available for purchase, and delivered to my door.

This makes my fun fantasy game into a potential real life nightmare. Yikes!

I feel a series of Fashion Police blogs comin' on.

So let's start with a very basic concept.

UNDERWEAR IS NOT MEANT TO BE A FASHION STATEMENT, NOR AN ACCEPTABLE ITEM OF CLOTHING TO BE SEEN OUTSIDE OF THE BEDROOM.

Underwear is defined as something meant to be worn under clothing. In fact your Grandma might still refer to it as your undergarments. Under is the key word here.

I don't care what color bra you are wearing. I don't want to see what type of underwear you are wearing. The thong vs not is not a current debate burning in my mind. I don't care if you are wearing name brand briefs or WalMart special whiteys. Silk vs cotten blend? Nope, don't care.

Underwear has some specific duties:
1) protect the body from abrasions. Think riding a horse.
2) keep body fluids on your body, not mine. Think sitting on a bus seat.
3) holding things in place rather than flapping around. Think a plus size body jumping rope.
4) makes outer garments fit better. Think Grandma in a sheath dress with nothing on underneath.

Yet showing underwear outside the bedroom is becoming more frequent. Is this truly a progression in fashion, or are we sliding back to the Stone Age? I think you can guess my position on that!

See you next time when I will approach just what is fashion? And young vs more mature fashion choices.

Hello my friends

I have decided to attempt to reactivate my blog. I’ve been too long away.

So long in fact that I am once again like a Baby Blogger!

Stay with me as I have so much to share, and as I learn the fine nuances of Blogger Life.

A Harvest Kaleidoscope

Something I have enjoyed so much lately is creating kaleidoscopes

with my camera!

I use an app called KaleidoCam.

I am totally addicted to it.

Spidery Webs Kaleidoscope

Here everyone is gearing up for Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve.

In our neighborhood I see orange lights, huge blow-up witches, lots of pumpkins, both real and fake, hanging cobwebs of the cotton/poly variety, and plenty of Jack-o-lanterns.

Don’t forget the corn stalks, a few bales of hay and fake black cats!

🎃

I will practice some more on posting things tomorrow.

Consider yourselves as my guinea pigs!

Ink spots just for you,

inkspired

Figuring out how to add labels, Again!

Another Halloween Kaleidoscope for you!

The end of October already!

We have several inches of snow on the ground. Got to 9’ Fahrenheit last night.

But I am still wanting crisp, colored leaves

and

Hot cider drinks

in front of a fire;

I want to enjoy cold mornings and warm afternoons.

Perhaps next week!

For those of you that still have your Autumn leaves to enjoy,

I found this simple craft on Pinterest.

Mason jar, or jar of your choice

Pressed leaves that are still pliable

Silk leaves

Twine, raffia, your choice of ribbon

Flameless tea light

You could lightly glue, use spray glue or Modge Podge to affix the leaves.

How simple!

yet charming.

Here is another quickie decoration idea:

I love the popcorn bases!

Have a safe and fun holiday tomorrow.

‘til next time,

Inkspired

Easter Egg Time

Yes! MORE Easter Egg fun!

Fun stuff to do with kids at Easter time

The Enormous Elephant alphabet time

rose garden tea party

Spring giggles

Mermaid Splashes

peachy keen celebrity fashions

Celebrity sparkle fashions

I Spy with my little Eye a fairy fluttering by..

C is for Clown

Hip replacement surgery 101

Rising above the bog

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Dog Days of summer

Fireworks and Dogs

Fashions and Fashion Police

Time to refresh and renew

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