What I've Been Doing

I have a couple of major projects going on right now, plus a few smaller ones.
Our house was built in 1850 and we love it but it's a constant work in progress.
Right now we're painting the den. The den is on the second floor and is where we spend a lot of our time. This room has probably not been painted in 20 years. We also had quite a bit of staining on the walls from a leak on the 3rd floor. So - it was way past time to paint.
I chose a color that looks like warm wet sand. Love it. In the paint can it looks just like a melted chocolate milk shake!
So here are a few pictures of the work in progress. It's a mess so don't be offended. ;)

 So, what are you working on?

Crocheting in Living Color

These vivid colors and patterns are surely brightening up my Friday!
I found Lucy's blog, Attic24, which is full of colorful inspiration. She has provided a link for how to make the ripple pattern.
I don't crochet so I don't know whether this is considered a difficult or easy pattern, but they are definitely bright. I want one of those pillows!

Critters

Sleepy birds and wide-awake birds. I love them all.
Melissa Sue Stanley, from the Chicago area, designs and makes critters like these birds and lots of others. She also crochets and her amigurumi critters are just adorable.
I found these on Melissa Sue's blog, art = love = life. She sells her items in a couple of places but you can find the "wide awake" bird in her Etsy shop here ($45).

A New Crop of Confetti...

...is what jewelry designer Michelle Taylor calls her latest additions to her shop, Blue Moss.

According to Michelle, she started designing her own pieces when she was unable to find what she liked. Apparently, enough people kept asking her "where did you get that?" that she began creating for others.
Sometimes people ask me that same question but I think it might be for different reasons.

She uses a great mix of vintage and found pieces for a really unique look.

I found these pieces on Michelle's blog, Blue Moss.

Rubber Stamp Maker Gianni

What is it about rubber stamps? I find them fascinating.

Giannigoh is from Malaysia and makes the most darling rubber stamps, which she also sells.

She will do custom work as well.

Gianni is also trying to create an art community in her area so if you have any friends in Malaysia send them her way.

Here are some of her stamps that I particularly liked. How cute is that little owl?

Giannicarveshop

Polymer Clay Dragon

I sculpted this dragon for my son from polymer clay. I really had fun making this. It was such a departure from all the girly things I usually make. I put lots of claws on him and pointy things on his head and tale to make him look fierce.

My first dragon but I liked doing it so much I may make more!

From the Past Week

Since I'm doing some other things and don't have any of my own stuff to post about, I thought I would share a few more of my favorites from around Blogland this past week...

1. Miniature cuties from Atelier Sterre (via Daisy in lala Land)
2. Lovely egg basket from Marie Claire Idees Blog with complete how to.
3. Injured George by Make It Awesome via Softies Central. Poor bunny. (Cute!!)
4. Wool Butterfly Lampshade by MIXKO
5. Great idea for using an old book cover from Sweet Paul.

Chick Pops

Bakerella is a daily blog read for me. Not that I'm into cooking that much but her photos you could eat! Plus she has really, really great ideas and includes recipes and instructions for most everything she posts.
These Chick Pops are typical of the kinds of things she writes about.
Right now you can vote on which version of these Chick Pops you like the best - Big Head? Big Bottom?All Body? No Body? Or even...No Stick.
Full post, pictures, recipe and instructions on Bakerella.