Friday, February 12, 2010

First Flowers of the season in my Garden.

When it has been raining for days it is hard for me to remember the last time it wasn't raining :(

So, I am glad I was able to get this shot of the first spring bulbs blooming in my Garden :) In between rain showers.

These beautiful crocus having been coming back year after year, multiplying and needing very little care from me. Oh I love hardy plants! :)

So, if we can just keep the snake away from them things will be fine. Oh yeah, we have a snake, poss. more than one living in our garden. He (well, of course it has to be a male, HE! HE!) has already destroyed the roots on my favourite Rose bush with his tunneling and he seems as busy as ever with his snake holes. On the bright side we don't seem to have much of a mole problem anymore :)

I think it is time to get some polyanthus for the pots around the front door. Oh, Spring is in the air..........................now I have that song stuck in my head.........................

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

New Etsy Shop :)

I am really excited (here she goes again :) to show you our new Esty Shop. It was opened a few weeks ago and already has had a couple of orders.

http://www.photosbychipperfield.etsy.com/

There are at least 40 images there at present and more are being added daily :)

The premise behind this shop is to share some of the amazing and interesting images our Family, who are all keen Photographers, have taken on their many travels. :)
There are and will be many more shots of the pretty Flowers and Butterflies that inhabit our beautiful garden every year :)


I love this shot of the Blue Moon, it was a joy that the rain clouds parted just long enough to grab a few shots :)

Who doesn't love a sunset and in the Northwest in November an amazing sight.

I just love this shot of the San Fran Sea Lions, they look sooo cute and cuddly when they are a sleep :)

Sail Boats in the San Fran Bay :)


Sellwood Bridge in Portland Oregon, yes that building is directly underneath part of the bridge.


This cute little Finch came to join my Daughter and I while we eat outside in Tiburon, California in November. Such a joy to be sitting outside dining in NOVEMBER!!!! (esp. for a Northwesterner)


And here is our glorious Mountain, Mt. Hood. Again, I was very excited to capture this shot on an on and off rainy day just as the sun was going down :)

Pop on over and check out more images at http://www.photosbychipperfield.etsy.com/

So what do you think so far?!?! Let me know I LOVE to hear from you all :)

BTW, check out Green Leaf Reviewer she has a great giveaway going on and is an interesting blog about green products and going green :) Thanks to Anna at A Beader's Blog for the heads up :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sand Art Video.

Opening my emails this morning I came across this video link from a member of the Art Guild I belong to.

I really couldn't resist forwarding this, it is absolutely amazing :)

Click the link to see this talented Artist create amazing pictures with sand over a light box

Sand Art

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, February 5, 2010

A Walk In The Park.

I go for a walk in the local park by the Tualatin River several times a week. It is beautiful, peaceful and usually, for 6 months of the year, I have it entirely to myself; I think this could be because of the rainy weather in the NW. It is such a cute park in a NW. rugged kind of way big fir trees, hillside slopes and bubbling river.

Well, the other day, just to the side of the pathway I saw the first daisy of the year, YAY! Of course it was raining that day, like so many others but I was able to get a shot of it half open :)

As I strolled along in my own little world I realised there are a few things I can't do at the park anymore without little people around (my words for children :) Well, I guess I could do them but then I would most probably be locked up for being a little crazy (poss!).

Sad really!

So here is the list of things I can't do by myself at the park and still pretend I am sane :)

1). Sit and make daisy chains. (Add a kid doesn't seem weird at all :) Middle aged woman by herself, poss. a little crazy.

2). Talk to the Ducks. (Ditto! :)

3). Watch kids at play. (Ditto! :)

4). Skip along and sing. (Still a little crazy!)

5). Swing around the trees. (Not from them :)

6). Play on the play equipment. (OK, if absolutely, nobody is around :)

7). Walk the bases on the baseball field.

8). Chase the squirrels. (Could pretend I am running :)

9). Shoot hoops on the Basketball court.

10). Play in the leaves.

11). Run and jump in the puddles.

12). No Laughing out loud.

13). Absolutely no smiling at kids let alone talk to them. (Too Stalkerish!)

14). Run in the Fountain.

15). Watch teenage boys playing B.B., don't even look in their direction (Add a young kid.......!)

Get my drift!

But as I was leaving the park I did have a quick word with one of the ducks :)

OK, what else changes when there are no little People in the home anymore??? Let me know your thoughts :)

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

I'm just off for a walk in the park, I might pick some daisies for later :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Sharing "Giant Blog List " :)

Red Button Heart - 10 x 8 Photo :)

So, I was wondering around the forums last week and found this amazing thread in Biz Topics.

There posted for all to see was the "Giant list of Blog Topics" by Carzoo Critters and on her blog: CarzooCritters.blogspot.com She is sharing it with everyone so we will never run out of blog topics ever :)

So, for everyone who missed it here it is :)

GIANT list of blogging topics

etsy tips
how tos
demos
tips and tricks
tutorials
tip of the day
give aways
your latest creation
a custom order you made
a craft show you participated in
a craft show you went to
a link to a treasury you love
a link to a treasury you made
something you loved that was on the front page
something you loved that you found when pouncing etsy
sketches to new ideas
teach your readers how to draw something
recipes
healthy eating
healthier versions on otherwise unhealthy food
talk about your favorite food
favorite restaurant
money tips
how to save
how to be frugal
links to good deals online
links to sales
a funny lighthearted story about your kids
a story about your pet(s)
a story about your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/best friend
pictures of your child's artwork
exercise
work out videos you love and hate
a diet you are on
articles you read
current news
favorite tv show
books that are your favorite
books you read to your kids
you tube videos you have watched
your favorite song
a movie you watched that you LOVE
a movie you watched that you HATE
a movie you watched with your kids that made you laugh
a movie quote
a quote from a book
a website you love
blog for a cause
picture blog
of your workspace
something funny when you went out
what you had for dinner
your pets
your kids
a new creation
inspiration pictures of nature
inspiration pictures of architecture
inspiration photos of animals
inspiration photos from the news
inspiration photos when just looking at google images
inspiration scents and smells
feature a seller on your blog
feature something you recently bought from an etsy seller
feature something from your favorites on etsy, explain why you had to heart it!
top 5 finds
feature something unusual you saw on etsy but you love it
feature something you love by color
something you have always wanted to do
something you are looking forward to
what you are thankful for today (thankful thursdays!)
things that make you happy
amusing pet peeves
something funny you saw today while running errands
things that distract you when you are trying to get something done
get your readers involved
suggestions on a name for a new product
polls about favorite colors, favorite food, favorite type of jewelry, favorite movies, favorite games
polls about a favorite new product
critiques and suggestions
ask how everyone else gets motivated or creative
blog about someone else's blog post you thought was interesting
blog about someone's new creation they posted on their blog
if you don't have time to blog for yourself, post a link to another great blog article of a follower of yours

Is there anything to add to this? :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

BLOG LOVE FEST :)

OH MY!!!!!! :)

I am soooooo excited and I know you guys hear that a lot around here but this truly blew me away with humility.

Last week I was honoured to be awarded 3, yep, you read that right, 3 different blog awards from fellow bloggers :)

This means so much to me because these came from people that I have enjoyed greatly over the past months and feel a wonderful friendship thru our blogs.

Not only do I get to enjoy these but I get to pass them along to others :)

The First one came from Teddy Started it, if you haven’t been over to visit you should, absolutely has me giggling to myself all the time reading her blog.

As a recipient I have to share 7 things about me that you might not already know, uh, oh.

So, here goes;

1). I do not like surprises. No, not at all! My poor Hubby and children know not to throw surprise parties, buy surprise gifts or have someone jump out of a cake (well, you get my drift)

2). I have lived in 7 Big Cities (and a few smaller ones) in 3 different countries.

3). As a young woman I vowed (To myself and anyone who would listen) I would never live anywhere other than London, England, note above, lived a few other places, thankfully no one was really listening but just be careful what you vow.

4). I am truly grateful every morning to be alive and kicking :)

5). I have wanted to own an Hotel forever! Perhaps, so I could stay in a place that I felt truly comfy in and I'd know the service would be how I wanted it.

6). I believe in Karma.

7). I have an obsession when it comes to hanging artwork. It has to be straight! Even when I go to other people’s homes, the Doc’s office, Hotels, even stores, I will straighten the artwork. (Scary?!?! :)

Now, as a recipient, I need to honour 7 other bloggers, (wow, that is tough, there are so many wonderful one’s out there :)

1). A Beader’s Blog – If you haven’t met Anna yet, you don’t know what you are missing. She is a great writer and a joyful blogger with amazing insight and the world’s best commenter.

2). Dutch Touch Beads – Jenni, is a busy, busy lady but always has a min. to pop over and comment on my blog. She is a wonderful caring person and a great jewelry maker.

3). Cabin + Cub – Valerie is another busy person but always has time for others, is so positive, enlightening and funny.

4). Acrylic and Steel – Erica, is a young vibrant powerhouse. I think she could take over the world; she has so much talent in so many areas and is a loving Mom too :)

5). So Many Memories – Annette writes from the heart, she has so many interesting things to share and I love reading her blog everyday :)

6). Alicia Istanbul’s Designs – Alicia is a very talented jewelry maker and a busy Mom and super runner – check out her blog this week she has one of the best giveaways EVER :)

7). MAB’s Notes on Jewelry – Laura, wow, this girl is so creative in her jewelry making and blogs like no other, funny, always entertaining and often thought provoking.

Here are the Rules to Pay it Forward (If you want to participate):

1. Copy/paste the Kreativ Blogger Award picture onto your blog

2. Thank the person who awarded it to you and post a link to her/his blog

3. Write 7 things about yourself we might not know

4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award

5. Link to them

6. Notify your 7 bloggers of their awards



NEXT :)

This next award came from my buddy Annette at so many memories, thank you so very much, go check out her blog and see the wonder :)

With this award I'm to list 10 things that make me happy and try to do at least one today.
Tag 10 bloggers that brighten my day and they are to link back to my blog and make their own 'Makes Me Happy' list.

Here is my “Happy” List :)

1). Of course my Family. :)

2). Good Food and Wine (I think most of you know that one already).

3). Music from Gilbert and Sullivan to Motown to Snow Patrol.

4). Good Books – Jane Austin, Dickens………

5). My Flower Garden.

6). Harleys and Fast cars (I guess Poppy was a give away).

7). Love the Ocean, could never Live very far from it.

8). Being Creative.

9). Older Movies esp. Chariots of Fire, The Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind.

10). Tea Parties. (I am a Brit. after all :)

Are you bored of hearing about me yet?!?!?!

Now 10 Bloggers that brighten my day - it goes without saying that everyone listed above does that and more but I thought I would share the love with a few others as well:

1). The Moss Garden.
2). Teddy Started it.
3). 31 Everything.
4). Dirksen dabbles.
5). All Things Tangled.
6). The Lost Earring.
7). French Revelation.
8). Raspberry Kidz.
9). Studio M.M.E.
10). Navigating Crazy Town.

And last but not least I received the Sunshine Award from Created and Felted, Thank you!


The rules for accepting this award are:
Put the logo on your blog or within your post,
Pass the award onto 12 bloggers,
Link the nominees within your post,
Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog,
Link to the person from whom you received this award.

I am Happy to pass this award onto these great bloggers!

1). Aly Gatr’s Everywhere.
2). Andrea Creates.
3). From My Female Perspective.
4). ArtSnark’s Artifacts.
5). Artsy Fartsy Me.
6). Christie Cottage.
7). Crazyg Photography.
8). Going Green in 2010.
9). Official Jewelry by Tara.
10). The Little Fox.
11). The Wine Key.
12). Trapped in the 80’s Moms.

I really hope you guys enjoy checking out each others’ blogs. I certainly do love reading them all.
But, I need a cup of Tea now :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Giveaway Day is Here Again!!!!!!

We Have 4 Winners!!!!!!



I am so excited to announce the winners in the January Giveaway on PoppyPlacePdx!!!!!..........................................(silent drum roll) .................................................

The winners are ****

**** YAY!!!!!!

Congrats to you all :)

I would like to thank everyone who participated, commented on my blog, went to my Etsy shops, hearted them and everyone who is now following my blogs :)

This is such a great way to make connections with fellow Etsians and I love reading other people's blogs! There is so much great talent out there.

Watch out for next month's giveaway I really think you will like it :)

Happy Monday :)

Happy New Month :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.