Saturday afternoon and into the early evening, I decided I better get my butt in gear and begin working more on the studio re-organization. However, once out there, I found myself lost...... not even knowing where to begin. I'm thinking one has to be in a cleaning, organizing state of mind to actually do either. I have good intentions, just no motivation to see the process through, LOL!
So, it wasn't long before I decided maybe I should be working on something else, so I focused my attention to what I needed to get to creating: the Music of the heART swap or the Art Idea Journals. Deciding the Art Idea Journals would require the most time, I decided to focus on the Music of the heART swap.
I began by cutting my chipboard and my transparencies to the required 4"x4" size. I picked out some fabric to use, looked through my beads - although I had previously purchased an embellishment item that contained beads before deciding to go with my original thought. I looked at the stamps I desired to use, grabbed some inks, EP, and came back into the house. {Oh no! I'm doing it again, LOL! Dragging supplies back inside.}
Anyways, I looked at the printed paper I'd recently picked up for the swap at Scrapbook Art and decided how I desired to use it, then cut it down to size. Next, I focused my attention to stamping; and before I knew it, I was actually assembling the swap submissions together! I got them all completed! {Although, I may change one small section, so I left it semi-attached in the event that I do decide to do something different there. It can be easily changed.}
It felt so good to be creative! To actually have the time to sit and enjoy the process of it all. I don't think I actually realized just how much I'd missed the doing vs. thinking about it, LOL! I'm happy with the way my contributions turned out, even though I am considering a small change and the possibility of adding one particular item. Both can be done fairly quickly, without much difficulty, and neither would be too time-consuming ---- Perfect! So, I packaged them up and set them aside to allow the ideas to brew a bit before I make that final decision.
Saturday evening, Don & I spent time lounging around, watching TV --- nothing in particular, just channel-surfing; chatting about nothing really important before retiring to bed. I woke up early on Sunday, 4 a.m., drifted back off to sleep for a few prior to deciding just to get up. My nights off work are probably the hardest on me. I can't stay awake in the evenings as I am used to lying down in preparation to go to work and work all night. Even my best thought out plans for actually doing something seem to go out the window after I reach a certain point and from there, there's no turning back.
Yesterday morning and into the early afternoon, I browsed online for a bit...... checking out some blogs I hadn't been on in a while, visiting some websites, clicking links here and there before I finally decided it was best to get off the computer and actually get some things accomplished around here.
Don helped me make dinner, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and garlic bread. While the meatloaf was baking, I tackled Chaos into to tub for a bath. He {Chaos}, was so good! Didn't give me any problems bathing him, stood perfectly still while I washed and rinse him. It's after the bath ordeal that we have a problem with, LOL! He playfully attacks my hands and the bath towel as I try to dry him off. Growling in a playful way, barking at me, running away and coming back. After managing to get as much water off of him as I possibly could within the confined space of the bathroom we ventured into the living room. He had to rub himself on everything, the carpeted floor and me. We played with his toys for a bit, before he laid down beside me, being content. Somehow in all the playing around, I ended up with a fat lip! Chaos had his toy in his mouth and my head was over his when he raised up and caught me, right in the kisser. Thankfully, the swelling is down this morning although it is slightly bruised.
After I cleaned the bathroom back up from Chaos' bath, washed out the tub, and got in myself a bath to remove any remaining dog hair off of me, and clothed again, Don & I had a good dinner. We washed up our dishes together putting things back away before retiring to the living room once again before I ventured back out to the kitchen to bake a Carrot Cake... yyyyuuuummmm.
Then, more playing with Chaos ensued. He really is a good dog, just needed some attention and loving from the two of us. I guess we both get too tied up in the coming and going, doing this and that, to really realize that he needs us as well. As the evening wore on, all of us were tired and retired early for the night. Well, at least I did....... it seems Don and Chaos got up to watch the SuperBowl game and TV for a bit while I snoozed. Anyways, here I am waking up at 4 a.m. in the morning, trying to be quiet while the two of them sleep!
I believe I'm going to get into MS Word and type up the game sheets for Amber's baby shower. I finally found my printer software so I can hook that up or save them to a disk. Sheila, one of Amber's previous co-workers and a mutual friend, offered her assistance to me with the baby shower so I may just take her up on some of it. She mentioned being able to make copies of whatever I needed at work for me ---- without getting into trouble actually doing it.
I'm still looking for my scanner software....... which totally sucks! I've artwork I'm dying to share --- a recent book I created a few weeks ago.... BLOOM; and now this Music from the heART swap. Anyways, until next time, happy arting, artlings!!!!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Art Journal Inspiration........
I recently discovered 52 Figments - Swirly Girl's website with a lot links to participants art journal entries. Unfortunately, I personally have too much going on in my own life at this time to participate, however, I desired to add the link here within my blog to inspire me as well as remind me to check back often.
Awwwhhhhhh, So many art projects, and too little time......... {big sighs}
Awwwhhhhhh, So many art projects, and too little time......... {big sighs}
Yesterday's adventures and today's agenda.....
I worked Thursday night into the wee hours of the morning on Friday. We had several trucks making deliveries earlier in the evening so there was a lot of work to do. Upon arriving, there were skids that Clay had already pushed out onto the store floor and waiting in the back section of shipping and receiving sat 4 skids requiring pre-sorting onto 4 wheeled carts for each aisle of the store. Brian, Kelly, and I sorted them and finished up by 1:15 a.m. prior to hitting the aisles.
I worked houseware aisle, quickly attacking two and half skids of merchandise, before I hit a snag. New products! and a skid of Arm & Hammer laundry detergent that was previously on an endcap I'd set earlier in the week, that had been changed over by who knows who. Anyways, I called Clay over to scan the new items and we chatted about an incident I had in Aisle 5 earlier in the week which involved another co-worker not placing items in the right spots on the plan-o-grammed shelves and not backstocking overstock, cramming it in when that doesn't work. Anyways, Clay assured me he'd talked to the co-worker and was hoping things had been rectified there.
Upon finishing housewares, I begin in the Cereal, Coffee, Breakfast snacks, and PopTarts aisles finishing up yet another 2 skids and a few stray boxes; restocked another two endcaps: one of Coffee and another of PopTarts I'd set earlier in the week as well. Afterwards, I tackled my backstock and trash from the two previously done. By this time, we're close to opening at 6 a.m. and I really do not like to have skids still on the sales floor although some nights it can't be avoided. So, I took all the empty skids, stacked them, and pulled them back to the stockroom. With Kelly's assistance, we managed to set a display skid of water in another aisle before I went to help assist her finishing up in aisle 2. We managed to finish her other 4 wheeled cart just prior to leaving at 8 a.m. All in all, it was a good night, lots of work done and completed, all without incident or injury!
Don arrived shortly at 8 a.m. and being payday we went to Perkin's for breakfast prior to returning to the store to pick up my paycheck at 9 a.m. There was a lot of buzz about being under a winter weather watch, which was originally expected to dump 4-8" of the fluffy, white stuff on us beginning today around noon. The recent update is a Winter Weather Warning, total accumulation of up to 10"!!!!! Guess, I may get my studio re-organized yet, LOL!
After arriving home, I watched some TV for a bit before heading to bed around noon. Don spent his first day back at the store after Shawn called asking him to come in while he created some transfers onto some shirts in the back.
Thursday evening prior to going into work, Don & I got to discussing some mutual friends of ours.... wondering how they were, plans to contact them for a get together. It is so uncanny how that seems to work for us, whenever we think about Dennis & Sheila, it usually isn't long before they're contacting us. Yesterday was no exception. Upon getting up from sleeping around 3:30 p.m. Don said Sheila had telephoned, desiring us to come over for Lasagna, Salad, and Garlic bread for dinner and that she'd call back about 4 p.m. Sure enough and right on time, Sheila telephoned and we made our plans to go over. Around 6:30 p.m., we left to ride over, stopping along the way to pick up some wine coolers. We arrived at Sheila's around 7; had a great dinner, sat and chatted, catching up with one another busy lives until a little after midnight before coming home. The evening seemed to whiz by........ Our drive home was a bit of an adventure as it was foggier than all get out in spots and various other traveler's had their high beams on. Why do people do that? It makes the fog so much worse to drive in, but then, I suppose some people have problems with night vision and driving. Anyways, we arrived home safely around 12:3o a.m. and shortly thereafter retired ourselves.
I couldn't get over seeing Shadow again. Shadow is Dennis and Sheila's black lab, who is Chaos' father. I still cannot get over the similarities of the two dogs.... like Father like Son, LOL! I noticed alot about their markings, their mannerisms, etc. If Chaos turns out to be half as well-behaved as Shadow is we got it made! Chaos is approaching the 6 month mark, is due for a heartworm treatment, and an appointment for his rabies vaccine. Lately, he has been a "little" burger butt. Into everything... just like a little kid...... curious by nature, very playful yet loving when need be. He is such a hoot! One of his newest games is to bat around his food on the wood flooring in the kitchen, chasing after it, growling, barking and attacking it before he finally eats it and begins pawing at another piece in a cat-like fashion. It is so comical to watch as he tries to stop suddenly, often sliding into the cabinets and any other fixture in the kitchen. I guess it's hard to stop 55 lbs. going 50 miles an hours. He reminds me of the Cottonelle commercial where the yellow lab puppy goes slidding in, LOL! God love him.
Today's plan is to do some household chores, give Chaos a much needed bath, and maybe make it out to the studio for some re-organizing efforts. I'd love to start on getting something accomplished for the Music of the heArt swap and the two Art Idea journals, instead of simply talking about doing them. Hopefully, the incoming storm will provide me with some time to accomplish something!
I worked houseware aisle, quickly attacking two and half skids of merchandise, before I hit a snag. New products! and a skid of Arm & Hammer laundry detergent that was previously on an endcap I'd set earlier in the week, that had been changed over by who knows who. Anyways, I called Clay over to scan the new items and we chatted about an incident I had in Aisle 5 earlier in the week which involved another co-worker not placing items in the right spots on the plan-o-grammed shelves and not backstocking overstock, cramming it in when that doesn't work. Anyways, Clay assured me he'd talked to the co-worker and was hoping things had been rectified there.
Upon finishing housewares, I begin in the Cereal, Coffee, Breakfast snacks, and PopTarts aisles finishing up yet another 2 skids and a few stray boxes; restocked another two endcaps: one of Coffee and another of PopTarts I'd set earlier in the week as well. Afterwards, I tackled my backstock and trash from the two previously done. By this time, we're close to opening at 6 a.m. and I really do not like to have skids still on the sales floor although some nights it can't be avoided. So, I took all the empty skids, stacked them, and pulled them back to the stockroom. With Kelly's assistance, we managed to set a display skid of water in another aisle before I went to help assist her finishing up in aisle 2. We managed to finish her other 4 wheeled cart just prior to leaving at 8 a.m. All in all, it was a good night, lots of work done and completed, all without incident or injury!
Don arrived shortly at 8 a.m. and being payday we went to Perkin's for breakfast prior to returning to the store to pick up my paycheck at 9 a.m. There was a lot of buzz about being under a winter weather watch, which was originally expected to dump 4-8" of the fluffy, white stuff on us beginning today around noon. The recent update is a Winter Weather Warning, total accumulation of up to 10"!!!!! Guess, I may get my studio re-organized yet, LOL!
After arriving home, I watched some TV for a bit before heading to bed around noon. Don spent his first day back at the store after Shawn called asking him to come in while he created some transfers onto some shirts in the back.
Thursday evening prior to going into work, Don & I got to discussing some mutual friends of ours.... wondering how they were, plans to contact them for a get together. It is so uncanny how that seems to work for us, whenever we think about Dennis & Sheila, it usually isn't long before they're contacting us. Yesterday was no exception. Upon getting up from sleeping around 3:30 p.m. Don said Sheila had telephoned, desiring us to come over for Lasagna, Salad, and Garlic bread for dinner and that she'd call back about 4 p.m. Sure enough and right on time, Sheila telephoned and we made our plans to go over. Around 6:30 p.m., we left to ride over, stopping along the way to pick up some wine coolers. We arrived at Sheila's around 7; had a great dinner, sat and chatted, catching up with one another busy lives until a little after midnight before coming home. The evening seemed to whiz by........ Our drive home was a bit of an adventure as it was foggier than all get out in spots and various other traveler's had their high beams on. Why do people do that? It makes the fog so much worse to drive in, but then, I suppose some people have problems with night vision and driving. Anyways, we arrived home safely around 12:3o a.m. and shortly thereafter retired ourselves.
I couldn't get over seeing Shadow again. Shadow is Dennis and Sheila's black lab, who is Chaos' father. I still cannot get over the similarities of the two dogs.... like Father like Son, LOL! I noticed alot about their markings, their mannerisms, etc. If Chaos turns out to be half as well-behaved as Shadow is we got it made! Chaos is approaching the 6 month mark, is due for a heartworm treatment, and an appointment for his rabies vaccine. Lately, he has been a "little" burger butt. Into everything... just like a little kid...... curious by nature, very playful yet loving when need be. He is such a hoot! One of his newest games is to bat around his food on the wood flooring in the kitchen, chasing after it, growling, barking and attacking it before he finally eats it and begins pawing at another piece in a cat-like fashion. It is so comical to watch as he tries to stop suddenly, often sliding into the cabinets and any other fixture in the kitchen. I guess it's hard to stop 55 lbs. going 50 miles an hours. He reminds me of the Cottonelle commercial where the yellow lab puppy goes slidding in, LOL! God love him.
Today's plan is to do some household chores, give Chaos a much needed bath, and maybe make it out to the studio for some re-organizing efforts. I'd love to start on getting something accomplished for the Music of the heArt swap and the two Art Idea journals, instead of simply talking about doing them. Hopefully, the incoming storm will provide me with some time to accomplish something!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Baby Shower inspiration discovered on the web...
Here are some of the inspirational items I found on various websites for my own DIY shower ideas. They provide some images to go along with a few of the things I'm envisioning for Amber's yet a bit different.
Don's Six Week Follow up Appt. and Baby Shower Preparations
Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Ohio; albeit a bit chilly later in the afternoon, but out day started out just like any other day around here ---- hitting the floor running. Don had his six week follow-up visit with Dr. Lambardi for his total left knee replacement. We had a pleasant enough drive, listened to some awesome CD's Shane recently burned for us, and chatted along the way.
Arriving at Dr. Lambardi's office, we had a bit of a wait which wasn't too uncomfortable as we chatted with another woman and her mother from Marietta, Ohio until Don was taken back in for x-rays and his follow up appointment. After the x-rays were developed, they appear on a computer screen in the actual examination room for the Dr. and Nurses to view. Dr. Lambardi's nurse was one of the first to come in, and as she flipped throught the views on the computer screen she came to one which actually showed Don's prior to surgery x-ray and his after the surgery x-ray taken previously yesterday. WoW! What an improvement! As she turned to show the x-ray screen to Don of this view explaining what we were viewing, Don got chocked up a bit, saying, "I can never truly express how much this means to me and Thank you for everything!" I believe the emotion he expressed caught us both a little off guard, as we both had tears swell up in our eyes. Dr. Lambardi appeared shortly thereafter and Don once again couldn't thank him enough! Anyways, the good news is his knee is healing nicely, he has 100 degree range of motion in bending the knee ---- excellent for 7 weeks after the surgery! and he doesn't need any additional physical therapy. We see him again in one year!
After Don's Dr.'s visit and a restroom break, we walked through to the hospital side of the New Albany Medical Center, we made a quick stop into the cafeteria for a snack to settle my upset stomach from taking a couple Excederine earlier. Then, ventured onto the elevator to visit the 2nd floor of the hospital. Don wanted to see Carlos, his physical therapist who assisted him during his hospital stay. Carlos' face lite up when he looked up and saw Don, they laughed and chatted for a few minutes after Don said, "Thank you for all you did for me during my stay here!" I can say it was quite an experience during the time, but afterwards you truly begin to appreciate each and every member of the team that makes all this so worthwhile in the end!
Afterwards, we drove I-161 West into Columbus to go to Burlington Coat Factory's Baby Depot. I'd been on their website several times during the last few days while searching for ideas and planning Amber's baby shower so while in the area, we decided to go and look. I'm not certain what I want to do within my own home for my grandchild yet. Not sure about purchasing a 3 in one playpen that has a diaper changer, a bassinet, and playpen or if I want to purchase an actual 3-in-1 or a 4-in-1 baby crib. So, we went, we saw, we priced....... LOL! and I am still no further along in what decision to make that is right for me. I can say I am leaning more towards purchasing a 4-in-1 crib as to get more bang for my bucks!
Afterwards, we browsed some more and I couldn't get over all the supplies I'd forgotten a baby needs! Of course, I think we all remember all the big ticketed items, but what I am talking about is all the little things........ grooming supplies, safety preparations, medical.......... Wow! It was "eye opening" to say the least. I did purchase a white wicker basket filled with Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, Baby Magic, diaper cream, baby bath soap and shampoo. I came with a lullabye CD, too cute!
As Don's stomach begin to growl, we headed down to Sawmill Rd. to go to Boston Market for lunch, before driving to I-270 to 23 N. A quick stop into Michael's got into my pocket a bit, LOL! There I purchased $48 worth of Baby Shower items. I found a few of the items on my Wilton wish list, so I won't need to order them now since Michael's had them in stock. I got the pastel cupcake cups, the blue and pink diaper plastic diaper pins for the "Don't Say, "Baby!" game, and both Wilton Comfort Grip Cookie Cutters in a butterfly and a flower shape for pastel frosted sugar cookies! These will be on a platter at the shower and I picked up 100 clear shaped treat bags to give each guest a package.
In the wedding section, I found some heart shaped charms that are engraved, "Thanks" that I want to use with some pastel sheer ribbon to create bookmarks for each guest to accompany the sugar cookies for each guest to take home. These will allow us to make our own to match our, "Daisy, Tulip, and Butterfly" theme. I, also, purchased some white tulle circles from the wedding section and some pastel colored metallic curling ribbon in all the colors I needed in one container to wrap up 5 or 6 cool pastel colored votices I found that will be perfect for the party favors, a package of 12 vanilla candles to fill them. {I figured I can alway pick up more at a later date.} Not bad, at all for the $$$ I spent......... guess, I'm starting to like this idea of creating for Amber's baby shower..... as long as I can recruite some assistance, LOL!
Upon returning back to town, we stopped by Amber & Chris's to look at the rooms they remodeled recently. Amber & I chatted about the baby shower while we made some Taco Salad for dinner and she loved my ideas!!!!! She's coming over today to begin discussing what we need yet and to plan times to assist me..... I'm flabbergasted!
Arriving at Dr. Lambardi's office, we had a bit of a wait which wasn't too uncomfortable as we chatted with another woman and her mother from Marietta, Ohio until Don was taken back in for x-rays and his follow up appointment. After the x-rays were developed, they appear on a computer screen in the actual examination room for the Dr. and Nurses to view. Dr. Lambardi's nurse was one of the first to come in, and as she flipped throught the views on the computer screen she came to one which actually showed Don's prior to surgery x-ray and his after the surgery x-ray taken previously yesterday. WoW! What an improvement! As she turned to show the x-ray screen to Don of this view explaining what we were viewing, Don got chocked up a bit, saying, "I can never truly express how much this means to me and Thank you for everything!" I believe the emotion he expressed caught us both a little off guard, as we both had tears swell up in our eyes. Dr. Lambardi appeared shortly thereafter and Don once again couldn't thank him enough! Anyways, the good news is his knee is healing nicely, he has 100 degree range of motion in bending the knee ---- excellent for 7 weeks after the surgery! and he doesn't need any additional physical therapy. We see him again in one year!
After Don's Dr.'s visit and a restroom break, we walked through to the hospital side of the New Albany Medical Center, we made a quick stop into the cafeteria for a snack to settle my upset stomach from taking a couple Excederine earlier. Then, ventured onto the elevator to visit the 2nd floor of the hospital. Don wanted to see Carlos, his physical therapist who assisted him during his hospital stay. Carlos' face lite up when he looked up and saw Don, they laughed and chatted for a few minutes after Don said, "Thank you for all you did for me during my stay here!" I can say it was quite an experience during the time, but afterwards you truly begin to appreciate each and every member of the team that makes all this so worthwhile in the end!
Afterwards, we drove I-161 West into Columbus to go to Burlington Coat Factory's Baby Depot. I'd been on their website several times during the last few days while searching for ideas and planning Amber's baby shower so while in the area, we decided to go and look. I'm not certain what I want to do within my own home for my grandchild yet. Not sure about purchasing a 3 in one playpen that has a diaper changer, a bassinet, and playpen or if I want to purchase an actual 3-in-1 or a 4-in-1 baby crib. So, we went, we saw, we priced....... LOL! and I am still no further along in what decision to make that is right for me. I can say I am leaning more towards purchasing a 4-in-1 crib as to get more bang for my bucks!
Afterwards, we browsed some more and I couldn't get over all the supplies I'd forgotten a baby needs! Of course, I think we all remember all the big ticketed items, but what I am talking about is all the little things........ grooming supplies, safety preparations, medical.......... Wow! It was "eye opening" to say the least. I did purchase a white wicker basket filled with Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder, Baby Magic, diaper cream, baby bath soap and shampoo. I came with a lullabye CD, too cute!
As Don's stomach begin to growl, we headed down to Sawmill Rd. to go to Boston Market for lunch, before driving to I-270 to 23 N. A quick stop into Michael's got into my pocket a bit, LOL! There I purchased $48 worth of Baby Shower items. I found a few of the items on my Wilton wish list, so I won't need to order them now since Michael's had them in stock. I got the pastel cupcake cups, the blue and pink diaper plastic diaper pins for the "Don't Say, "Baby!" game, and both Wilton Comfort Grip Cookie Cutters in a butterfly and a flower shape for pastel frosted sugar cookies! These will be on a platter at the shower and I picked up 100 clear shaped treat bags to give each guest a package.
In the wedding section, I found some heart shaped charms that are engraved, "Thanks" that I want to use with some pastel sheer ribbon to create bookmarks for each guest to accompany the sugar cookies for each guest to take home. These will allow us to make our own to match our, "Daisy, Tulip, and Butterfly" theme. I, also, purchased some white tulle circles from the wedding section and some pastel colored metallic curling ribbon in all the colors I needed in one container to wrap up 5 or 6 cool pastel colored votices I found that will be perfect for the party favors, a package of 12 vanilla candles to fill them. {I figured I can alway pick up more at a later date.} Not bad, at all for the $$$ I spent......... guess, I'm starting to like this idea of creating for Amber's baby shower..... as long as I can recruite some assistance, LOL!
Upon returning back to town, we stopped by Amber & Chris's to look at the rooms they remodeled recently. Amber & I chatted about the baby shower while we made some Taco Salad for dinner and she loved my ideas!!!!! She's coming over today to begin discussing what we need yet and to plan times to assist me..... I'm flabbergasted!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
What exactly is my "Baby Shower" idea?
Hmmm, I'd love to answer, a catered in event, possibly done in a classy, upscale restaurant with someone else footing the bill........ but I know in reality that isn't too likely to happen.
So, here is my ideas:
Preparations:
So, here is my ideas:
Preparations:
- Let me finish organizing my studio supplies --- after all it is more important that I know where my art supplies are!
- You {Amber and Nancy, Chris' mother} come over and assist cleaning, dusting, and vacauming it. Heck, I'll even leave it unlocked, ya'll can come over while I'm sleeping! {smiles}
- Make up your guest list. Hand deliver those locally that you'll see and mail only those that need to go out of town.
- Create a gift registry on www.BabyDepot.com, www.Target.com, and www.WalMart.com and/or include {what I feel is tacky} a list of things you are still needing. Leave off big ticketed items ---- I'm certain no-one desires to spend several hundred dollars on the crib of of your dreams. Maybe we can tuck "the list" into an smaller envelope guaranteed to fall out upon opening the invitation. {wink}
- I often think "gift cards" are so impersonal, but I do believe for a Baby Shower they are a wonderful choice as they provide the proud parents to be with some funds for those larger purchases need and maybe not received! I'm wondering if a note "Gift Cards Graciously Accepted" can be added to the gift registry? I think this is an excellent idea as they can be used in the months after the baby's arrival when finances of the parent tighten up.
- Let's use what we already have decorating the theme for the baby shower! {Hey, that's a great idea! Why didn't I think of it?}
So, since Amber is hell-bound the Baby Shower be held in my studio in March, I got to thinking about what is available on the retail end of things and dates on the calendar. Spring officially begins on March 20th and Easter is over the horizon. Meaning, I came up with a "Daisy, Tulip, and Butterfly" theme, perfect for the pastel color palette of not knowing the sex of the unborn babe.
I choose the "butterfly" theme for symbolic reasons as well. In many cultures, the butterfly is reminiscent of spiritual transformation, representing the butterfly's three steps of metamorphosis --- as a caterpillar, pupa, and the beautiful, yet fragil, winged insect. In images of the Garden of Eden, Adam's soul is symbolized by a butterfly, or drawn with butterfly wings. In paintings of Mary and her Child, the presence of butterflies stands for their care for human souls. The Gnostics depicted the Angel of Death by showing a winged foot stepping on a butterfly, symbolizing "rebirth after death." The butterfly is also a symbol of woman's delicacy. It can serve as a reminder to treat her with gentleness. In mythology and art, the caterpillar -- the larva (immature form) of a butterfly --- spins itself into a cocoon, where the mysterious transformation takes place during the time of "retreat" known as the pupation period, similarly to a fetus growing in the confined space of a mother's womb. And I even found an Irish blessing related to butterflies, that reflects back upon the Irish bloodlines of my own mother's heritage.
An Irish Blessing
May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun, and find your shoulder to light on
To bring you luck, happiness and riches today, tomorrow and beyond.
Possibly an quote suitable for the front of our invitations, in the event that we hand create them. In the event that we purchase them, I did discovery a website that featured babies with angel wings surrounded by flowers and butterflies, created in soft pastels resembling a watercolor effect that are inexpensive to purchase! There are also inexpensive matching stickers to decorate the envelopes and to use on some of the other ideas I have.
So, we set the stage within the studio, using different pastel-colored plastic tablecloths in a color-blocked pattern since the table are already set up so that when I have company over to create art we can look across and see what one another are doing. This will enable us to accomodate a lot of guests and promote interaction with one another. I'm thinking the pink, blue, and yellow on these tables, will work well as it won't promote the typical "blue and pink" theme of a baby shower which is important since the expecting couple choose to be surprised.
For a centerpiece, a medium sized potted floral or a medium sized floral bouguet would work best placed in the center of the three tables. I'm thinking it would promote the theme without adding too much of a distraction or inhibit interaction between me hostessing and Amber's guests. Maybe add a pillar or a taper candle in for elegance. I have matching candlestick and a hurricane glass pillar that matches my Pfalgraph tableware already and somewhere around here is a daisy candle ring that may also work!
Additional decorations to match our theme: Daisies, Tulips, and Butterflies
Decorated Pencils for the games we'll play requiring them. Glue some silk daisies into the erasers and wrap and glue decorative papers around them, mixing and matching printed papers to our color scheme. Displayed in glass jars with clear marbles I have on hand approximately halfway from the centerpiece to the ends of the tables.
Decorate and chill about 12 bottles of water and using a 2"x 10" mixed colored pastel cardstocks and printed papers adding text, "Thank You for Coming!" Curling ribbon and a small tag, could be a circle or daisy, tulip, butterfly shape possibly with an "S" monogram for "Saunders" {Chris's last name}.
I already have in my back laundry room/guest bedroom, a large watering can filled with pastel wildflowers with daisies and various pastel colors that will promote the "Spring" time theme and the symbolism of rebirth. The food buffet: aka, my bookbinding area can be transformed using a light pastel green tablecloth and tableskirt to hide all the supplies hidden within the shelves beneath. Adorned with my watering can filled with silk wildflowers, my Pfaltzgraff Tea Rose stoneware for the buffet serving area we can quickly and inexpensively set the stage for refreshing refreshments.
Food ideas:
Removing the crust from breads, using white and wheat bread, and lightly toasting some of the white bread. Fill them with tuna and chicken salad to create "finger sized" sandwiches by cutting them in half diagonally.
Potatoe Salad & Chips
A vegetable tray: carrots, celery, brocolli, califlower, grape or cherry tomatoes with a Hidden Valley Ranch Dip
Refreshments:
Decorated bottled water, a Fruit Punch with some lemon, lime, orange slices, and Iced Tea
Desert: Cupcakes vs. a Cake iced in pastel colors with sugared images of daisies, tulips, and butterflies adorning the frosting.
Set Up a Baby Gift Center on my journaling table by covering it with a purple tablecloth and creating a Diaper Cake as a centerpiece. I'm thinking 2 tiered, not too big, possibly 8" base to allow plenty of room for gifts, gift bags, ect.
Purchases we'll have to make will be: 1 each pastel tablecloths in pink, blue, green, purple, and yellow color; and one green table skirt. To keep from having too much pastel colors, use the white stryofoam plates and cups, napkins, and clear fork, spoons, and knives, then on to..........
Party Favors!
I'm thinking tulle wrapped candles decorated with ribbon and/or raffia; a nice glass votive with candle, tulle wrapped candies: Jordan almonds, Hershey kissses, Pastel M&M's. Small yet effective without breaking the bank!
As a keepsake to Amber, I'm planning to create a Baby Shower Guest Book for guests to sign along with their well-wishes for the parents-to-be and baby Saunders. I'm thinking a stamped themed background with a sheet of vellum for the first pages, followed by a poem or quote as an introduction to signing in. A decorative matching acid-free pen with the daisies for an additional keepsake. This will be placed on one corner of the table just as we enter the stuio and will provide a space for guests to sign-in as we enter. I'm thinking the last couple of pages will be pre-printed with spaces to add each guests name, the gift they brought, and checklist for "Thank You's" to be sent after the baby shower is over. Also, I want to create a small label for guests to fill out with their name, street address, city, state, and zips for Amber to use for her to label her Thank You cards. This will save her from having to hand address each envelope later when she sends them. I'm certain she'll find this useful and time-saving as her final preparations for the baby comes, she's later in the pregnancy with more Dr's visits, and is focusing on her hospital and the baby's homecoming.
{Since we're having this in the studio, I'm thinking it will be best to greet the arriving guests in my home prior to moving into the studio once we're assure no-one else will be joining us. Maybe, I should mention to Amber, that as we're hand-delivering invitatioins, I can mention where the studio is located in the event of late arrivals or have Don and Chris hang out in the house. Just something else to consider..........}
As we enter the studio and guests are signing in the guest book, I'm desiring to add a small basket, flower pot, or other container filled with pink and blue plastic diaper pins for each guest to pick up. These will be used for our "Don't say, Baby!" game. When one guest catches another guest saying the word, "Baby", she collects the pin from the guest she caught. At the end of the game or the shower, the guest with the most diaper pins wins a door prize! I do want to have this prize be a little more elaborate than the party favors --- maybe a larger candle, bath & body lotions or bath salts --- something they can use to pamper themselves.
Game Ideas:
I'm thinking instead of purchasing games, I can use my computer to create them. Print up one page and have copies made at Office Depot. Amber, Nancy, Mom, and I can mat them onto printed paper and a cardstock base to match the various printed and pastel papers used in decorationing the studio. Anyways, here's my ideas:
As an icebreaker, "Guess Mommy's Waistline!" Have Amber "pose" front shot, sideways, and yes, the dreaded rearview. Pass around a roll of pastel streamer and have guests tear off a section that they think will fit around Amber's waistline. As the guest are passing around and tearing of the streamer, have guests introduce themselves and a bit about how they first met Amber. After all guests have torn their guess off, have each measure Amber's waistline with their streamer. The guest with the most correct guess WINS a cone-shaped party favor filled with candy or other party favor!
Next, is an Anagrams game were Amber and I will come up with 10 baby related words scrambled up and a blank line for guests to unscramble. We'll probably set a 5 minute time limit. The guest with the most correct answers wins a party favor. *1 or 2 party favors - in the event of a tie!
After the Anagrams games, guests will be teamed up 2 per team, to play "Baby A-Z" This a printed sheet of paper using 2 columns A-M, then N-Z, for guests to write down as many baby related items or words associated with baby. A time limit will be set, 5 to 10 minutes. Both guests on the team with the most words on their list, WINS a party favor!
As to not drag the Baby Shower out too long, allow guests to mingle, etc. I decided it is time to play, "Baby Bingo! with a Twist" Again, we'll create the game using printed paper and cardstock bases, with a 4" x 4" grid of 1" squares to have guests write in a "gift" they believe Amber might be unwrapping. Each square is a gift, after all Bingo cards are filled out, Amber will begin opening her gifts. As a gift that a guest has chosen on her Bingo card is opened, an "X" is placed in that square. The guest who gets a "Bingo" must hollar out "Baby Bingo!" or their party favor prize is forfeited to the next bingo winner who correctly hollars out, "Baby Bingo!" {that's the twist!}
Then, we can move on to mingling and eating!, saying, "Thank you's, and "Goodbyes".
Craziness in a nutshell........
Monday and Tuesday seemed to simply disappear magically into the ethers, never to be fully recovered again. After working 8 hours the previous 6 nights prior to my scheduled nights off, I was totally exhausted. Arriving home on Monday, it didn't take me long to fall out, I slept until 4:30 p.m. ,something rare for me to do, and since I'd slept so soundly laying back down in the evening was out of the question knowing that Don would desire my company in bed laying beside him while we slept. Lacking an energy and motivation, I spent the entire evening lounging in my pj's, alternating between the couch watching TV and the computer, catching up with some emails, groups, message boards and general internet surfing. Sometime around 1 a.m. the sandman came to visit and I couldn't seem to hold my head up any longer so I went to bed. I slept until 4:30 a.m. waking myself up dreaming about an art technique. Of course, my curiousity was peaked, so in my half comatosed-state of mind, I got up void of any real motivation to implement the idea. I often wonder what it would be like to be in my studio in that condition, LOL! Would I play with more abandonment, suppressing my inner critic? Anyways, my heart wasn't into venturing out into the cold bone-chilling air to seek the sanctuary of my studio so I plopped my butt into the computer chair once again.
This time I had a mission in mind...... to search for ideas for my dd, Amber's baby shower as she believes my studio is the perfect location to host it and in March at that! Grrrr........ KIDS!!! {I'm glad I was never one, LOL!}
I cannot say that I am too happy with this idea of using my studio, however, Amber always has a contrasting opinion that always seems to involved me arranging my life, schedule, time, and money to suit her own needs and desires........ although I frankly do not see what is the problem having this in the house. But as usual, I know she'll not let up on her "ideas" until I give into the demands of having it her way.
Anyways, I'm waiting on an actual guest list so we can choose invitations related to our Baby Shower theme when my mind begins to wander off thinking about the RSVP's. Amber believes most don't actually mail them if they're not planning to attend as often it is a last minute decision or circumstances that will prevent a guest from attending, so she'd like to have MY Phone number on the invitaions --- since I'm the "hostess". {I'm cringing already from the havoc this is gonna wreck into my daytime sleeping habits ; and let's not to mention the already made strides I've made within organizing my studio already!!!! }
So, after browsing, ideas for the baby shower theme itself, the invititions, RSVP's, refreshemnts consisting of food, drinks, and snacks, party favors, prizes, games to play, setting up areas for a buffet-style refreshment area and a gift giving area, I thought to myself, "Why the hell am I the only person responsible for pulling this off? And just who does she think is footing the bill?" Now, don't me entirely the wrong way, I don't mind doing my fair share of hosting this event, but I definately am believing that I won't be financing the entire event and that she's going to have to get some other people involved in setting the stage so to speak. I don't have the time, money, and resource to pull this off especially while working my crazy shift and trying to accomodate her timeline. My solution is to delegate some of this responsibility to others.... Amber, myself, Chris's mom, and my mom.
I looked at ideas, and believe I've found a lot of $$$ saving-ways to host a beautiful event, however, the drawback is it is a DIY style of project which means time! Another rare commodity in my life, after all, "who the hell needs sleep? it's only semi-tractor trailors filled with skids weighing twice my body weight I'm lugging around through the aisles of Kroger's at 5 a.m., " ROFLOL!
So, I pick up the phone and telephone Amber, requesting the company of her presense to discuss all the details of pulling this off. I cringe when I get the "but I want to have it in March vs. my Saturday, April the 8th suggestion" so that I'm not out the last 3 weeks of my pregnancy shopping and purchasing all the things I'll yet need before the baby comes. {Needless to say, all the while, I am wanting to kick my own ass for allowing her to once more dictate what and how I live my life and what I can and cannot do with my own paychecks.}
I realize that she means well, but she simply doesn't put a whole lot of thought into her best laid plans...... it's jump in head first and come hell or high water we all deal with the consequense after her decision has been made. Awwwhhhhh, another day in paradise!
Anyways, I think I've come up with a solution, so we're getting together on Thursday afternoon so she can one by one elimate all the ideas I have......... can you tell I'm looking forward to that? LOL! I love my dd, Amber, but she can become the biggest pain in my pita. Hmmm, maybe I need to email her, www.more.com's article, "Don't call me Grandma!" LOL, I'm certain that would go over big with her pregnancy-induced hormonal state of mind.
This time I had a mission in mind...... to search for ideas for my dd, Amber's baby shower as she believes my studio is the perfect location to host it and in March at that! Grrrr........ KIDS!!! {I'm glad I was never one, LOL!}
I cannot say that I am too happy with this idea of using my studio, however, Amber always has a contrasting opinion that always seems to involved me arranging my life, schedule, time, and money to suit her own needs and desires........ although I frankly do not see what is the problem having this in the house. But as usual, I know she'll not let up on her "ideas" until I give into the demands of having it her way.
Anyways, I'm waiting on an actual guest list so we can choose invitations related to our Baby Shower theme when my mind begins to wander off thinking about the RSVP's. Amber believes most don't actually mail them if they're not planning to attend as often it is a last minute decision or circumstances that will prevent a guest from attending, so she'd like to have MY Phone number on the invitaions --- since I'm the "hostess". {I'm cringing already from the havoc this is gonna wreck into my daytime sleeping habits ; and let's not to mention the already made strides I've made within organizing my studio already!!!! }
So, after browsing, ideas for the baby shower theme itself, the invititions, RSVP's, refreshemnts consisting of food, drinks, and snacks, party favors, prizes, games to play, setting up areas for a buffet-style refreshment area and a gift giving area, I thought to myself, "Why the hell am I the only person responsible for pulling this off? And just who does she think is footing the bill?" Now, don't me entirely the wrong way, I don't mind doing my fair share of hosting this event, but I definately am believing that I won't be financing the entire event and that she's going to have to get some other people involved in setting the stage so to speak. I don't have the time, money, and resource to pull this off especially while working my crazy shift and trying to accomodate her timeline. My solution is to delegate some of this responsibility to others.... Amber, myself, Chris's mom, and my mom.
I looked at ideas, and believe I've found a lot of $$$ saving-ways to host a beautiful event, however, the drawback is it is a DIY style of project which means time! Another rare commodity in my life, after all, "who the hell needs sleep? it's only semi-tractor trailors filled with skids weighing twice my body weight I'm lugging around through the aisles of Kroger's at 5 a.m., " ROFLOL!
So, I pick up the phone and telephone Amber, requesting the company of her presense to discuss all the details of pulling this off. I cringe when I get the "but I want to have it in March vs. my Saturday, April the 8th suggestion" so that I'm not out the last 3 weeks of my pregnancy shopping and purchasing all the things I'll yet need before the baby comes. {Needless to say, all the while, I am wanting to kick my own ass for allowing her to once more dictate what and how I live my life and what I can and cannot do with my own paychecks.}
I realize that she means well, but she simply doesn't put a whole lot of thought into her best laid plans...... it's jump in head first and come hell or high water we all deal with the consequense after her decision has been made. Awwwhhhhh, another day in paradise!
Anyways, I think I've come up with a solution, so we're getting together on Thursday afternoon so she can one by one elimate all the ideas I have......... can you tell I'm looking forward to that? LOL! I love my dd, Amber, but she can become the biggest pain in my pita. Hmmm, maybe I need to email her, www.more.com's article, "Don't call me Grandma!" LOL, I'm certain that would go over big with her pregnancy-induced hormonal state of mind.
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