Happy Halloween

My entry into the pumpkin decorating contest.


Proud First place winner!!! $75.00


Morton's Salt Girl. I should have stood just like her, but whatever, I'm more than satisfied with the pumpkin winnings!

Personal Day

Tomorrow is a personal day. I decided Wednesday to ask if I could take Friday off, it was no problem.

On the to do list

1. Michael's Arts and Crafts. This is employee appreciation week at Michaels, and it seems that I'm an employee. All I have done is shown my work, filled out a bunch of paperwork and complete a 70 question quiz about stealing, smoking pot and having issues with authority. Check, Check and Check. I passed with fling colors. It was much like the MMPI, but for people who work at Michaels. Honestly, it made me uncomfortable. But I digress.

So Employee Appreciation Week at Micheal's means 50% off my complete purchase. That's right, 50% off my ENTIRE purchase! I plan to take advantage and restock my supplies.

At some point in December I will teach a class, it is nice to be appreciated in advance.

2. Laundry.
3. Sleep in past 5:30 AM.
4. Make 20-200 items for goody bags for the Handmade for the Holidays. 200 is pretty ambitious, but that is what I'm shooting for. It is worth it. 200 people will have my business card and a little slice of clay with a hole in it. I plan to do an abstract flower. They can hang it on something or whatever. I'm sure I'll also make a few beads and maybe some other fun easy things.

5. Make a pot of crock. For that I need to go to the grocery store. So I imagine the day will start with a trip to the grocery store and maybe jamba juice. I think pot roast will be on the menu. Or maybe I'll be a super good wife and try to replicate Matt's mom's chicken and biscuits recipe. Never having had it, nor knowing what it tastes like will likely be an issue.

I'm looking forward to a nice day off!

So much going on

I've been approved to begin teaching a polymer clay class at Michael's. Now to come up with a lesson plan and a project. It is hard to think beginners. I plan to teach my first class in January. I hope that works with their schedule. If not, that'll have to do. I'm busy busy busy.

First up
10/21/07
Barnsdall Art Park October Arts and Crafts fair. Sadly, I cannot find one single thing about the fair online to link you up. I doubt that is a good thing. Let's hope that the word is out in other ways.

10/27/07
John Burroughs High in Burbank. Their first arts & crafts fair. I haven't a clue what to expect, but its local and inexpensive. The funds support the school arts, so that is good.

11/10/07
Craft Republic This one is at the fair grounds in Pomona. I'll rock the Inland Empire.

11/23/07-11/24/07
Handmade for the Holidays This should be awesome. The day after Thanksgiving and at the busiest intersection in Hollywood? Across the street from the Grove (big mall) and they will flyer every car to inform them of our fantastic handmade items. No lead here.

12/7/07-12/8/07
Fashion Co-Op Holiday I'm super excited about this show! I was invited to vend at another event this same week in December. That event looked just as awesome, but it came with a hefty price tag. I debated all weekend long what decision I would make, do I risk it and go for it, or not. I was still on the fence when I learned I was accepted into the Fashion Co-Op show. Hooray. This show was a third of the price of the other, and it will be just as great. It's at the same exact location of the other show, so I still get to experience showing in Santa Monica.

So all of that and my full-time job and holiday stuff! My job, btw, is going great. I'm learning a new responsibility and things are just great.

Random on a Thursday

Emma slipped jumping up to the ledge above our sidewalk. I had her on a short leash and I didn't see that she wanted to jump up, so of course I feel totally responsible. She is walking a little off, but I'm sure she'll be fine. Just a little sore maybe. Poor baby. I feel terrible.

I redesigned my website and put up a blog just for submissions to art shows. You can look at them if you so choose.

www.jjmhandcrafted.com
www.jjmhandcrafted-art.blogspot.com

Tonight for dinner we are having grilled artichokes and grilled zucchini. The zucchini has been marinating for a few hours in a combo of Cabernet, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and various spices. I know I have two acids, the wine was an after thought. I will sprinkle the artichokes with Parmesan and salt and pepper.

This website freaks me out. Are you left or right brained?
clockwise or counter

Tomorrow is our 5th wedding anniversary. The traditional gift for number 5 is wood. I got my DH a wood plank cookbook and cedar and alder wood planks. You can't get much more wood than actual pieces of wood.

Tomorrow we might go to the fancy restaurant just down the street. I need to find the menu to confirm its stuff we'd like to eat. We can get all dress up and walk over and toast to our love and commitment.

Artwalk Pictures

From the Fall 2007 Brewery Artwalk



















Thanks to Sara for taking some of the pictures.

The Brewery Artwalk

It's this weekend. October 6 & 7.

I'm in building 624, come visit me and see some art.

Goals

I have a goal to do 2 or 3 art/craft shows per month between now and the end of the year.

I have applied to a bunch and I'm awaiting replies for some and gearing up for others.

This weekend is the Brewery Artwalk! My most favorite show ever.

I hope I hear all positive things from all the other shows, no rejections, please.