Stonebrook Winery

We are so lucky to live in Northern Kentucky.  We have several vineyards close to us and had the opportunity to visit the Stonebrook Winery today. 

StoneBrook Winery is located in Camp Springs, KY which was once commonly known as the "Rhine of America." The Camp Springs region was once the premier area for grape growing and wine making before the onset of Prohibition. Vineyards like StoneBrook are Renewing the Rhine of America in Historic Camp Springs. .
The farm has two farmsteads. The original built in 1871 has several buildings constructed out of fieldstone by German craftsmen. Several of these buildings including the main house remain functional today. The other farmstead that was part of a division of the farm was built in 1890. This farmstead remains much as it was in the late 1800's.

Today, the 1890 era house has been remodeled into a winery and tasting room. And the out buildings provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the early inhabitants. Many of the tools and household items used in the late1800's are on display in the tasting room.

We had a tour of the property in a horse drawn carriage with one of the owners as our guide.

We all enjoyed hearing about how the farm has been in operation for 134 years.  About 6 years ago they began the winery and with research discovered that their ancestors had also had a vineyard.

 We then settled in to the tasting room for a sample of the wines, at 6 tastes for $5 I think it is a bargain.  I already drink some of their wines, my favorite is the Cranberry, and I have tried Blackberry and Strawberry.  Today I tried Pear - a nice light and refreshing taste, Elderberry - it was a heavier bodied wine with more of a red wine texture (delicious), and a Chambourcin, similar in taste to a beaujolais nouveau.  Terry also tried a Honey Mead (too sweet for me) a blueberry and a raspberry.  We had a bottle of the Cranberry in the fridge at home so we didn't buy any today, but I can certainly recommend them all. 

They have tastings every weekend, and said we could come with a group and bring snacks, they would conduct the tasting for us and if we wanted we could purchase a few bottles to share with our friends.  They also have dinners on Fridays and Saturdays that book way in advance, I would love to do that too, but will have to try to find a good date to go.

I love being able to support local small businesses, and enjoyed meeting three generations of this family.  What a wonderful fall afternoon and a great little get away!

Just Stuff

So, I did the benefit at Turfway on Sunday and felt like the show was poorly advertised and run.  Very low attendance to the point that about 2 hours in the Silpada vendor packed up her stuff and left.  While some of the vendors and customers were very nice, what is up with people coming to a show where shopping is the theme and acting rude to the vendors?  I didn't go into the street, hold a gun to your head and make you come to this event...you paid to get in knowing it was a shopping event.  If you don't wear/buy/like what I am selling smile and move on, oh and your kids don't make jewelry like mine after one day at a bead store.  How would you like it if I showed up at your job with my kid and said see...that's just like you do when you play (insert your job here).  My guess is you would be somewhat offended that I even suggested a kid could do your exact job.  I don't expect everyone to love my jewelry, but show a little respect for the work it takes to not only make all of it , but take time out of my life to show up to these events and sit all day hoping to make back the money I spent on a booth space.

In all of this my booth looked great:

Ok, so I got that off my chest!

My next show is December 5th at Dixie Heights High School in Crestview Hills Ky.  There will be 120 vendors and the cost is $3 to get in but you get a raffle ticket.  It is from 9 - 2.  come and finish your last minute Christmas shopping!
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So, I read a book last year called Drunk Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair by Laurie Perry.  Between laughing out loud and seeing part of myself in her writing I became a fan.  She has a great blog called My Crazy Aunt Purl which is also hilarious.  She recently posted on her fear of having people over to her house and the urgency to clean the house...calling it  the Messatorium.  OMG!  Thanksgiving is coming and that describes what is going on with me right now!  My Dad and Stepmom are coming on Wednesday and all I can think of is how the heck am I going to get this mess cleaned up?

The dining room table is covered in beads and I have orders to fill, but I can't serve Thanksgiving dinner on TV trays (plus I'm using one as an end table)., the cat peed on the carpet on the basement landing and I need to deodorize it again, all my bead show set up is in the living room foyer and don't even ask me about  the clean laundry pile in my bedroom!  Now I know they love me, but I am embarrassed to have them see this mess.

Of course, am I cleaning the house now...NO ... I am blogging and checking my facebook pages, shopping on line for Christmas gifts, reading my favorite blogs and e mails...in general goofing off.  Oh and Laurie has a new book coming out in February Home is Where the Wine Is .I can't wait to read it.

I just finished reading a new Kate Jacobs book  Comfort Food loved it!  And I saw she has another new one called  Knit the Season
which I also can't wait to read.  I loved the first two.  The Friday Night Knitting Club and Knit Two.  But I have to admit, these made me laugh and cry. 

So I guess I better quit goofing off and get back to work...I'll post again soon.

A Great Weekend with Great Friends

So we went to Charlies Hideaway this weekend on Lake Kincaid.  Mary Lou and Chuck have been trying to get us to visit for months.  It was a perfect night, clear and just cold enough to enjoy a bonfire.  Several other couples joined us including Rob and Susan.  We brought our son Justin, and there were 4 dogs there too.  Justin was in heaven when he sat on the couch with a dog on each side.
 
We all brought goodies to eat. Susan brought a delicious Fondue.  I never really had fondue before, but this was great.  She got a package from the Party Source and added garlic and wine.  We all dipped our bread and oohhed and ahhed over the warm bubbly mixture.  Mary Lou had chips and salsa to munch on while we waited for the turkey tenderloins and the rosemary potatoes to finish cooking.  Mary Lou used fresh rosemary from her garden.  As Rachel Ray would say  'Yum O"!  I brought 2 bottles of Cranberry Wine from the Stonebrook Winery.  It is just up the street from where we live and I love supporting a local vineyard.  I also brought the Oatmeal Cherry Toffee Cookies  I had  left and some hot chocolate mix and butterscotch schnapps to drink by the fire.

Terry threw in his fishing gear and saw a lot of fish, but didn't catch one.  He did enjoy sitting by the lake and enjoying the peace and quiet.  Later on by the fire we looked at the stars and tried to figure out what we were seeing.  Terry's boyscout skills kicked in and he identified quite a few.  Mary Lou cracked me up when she came out wrapped up in a blanket, she looked like a nun.  I kept calling her Sister Mary Lou of the Forest.  The night had to end, but a great time was had by all.  Lot's of laughter, good music, great friends...what more can you ask for on a beautiful fall evening.

So today I had to buy more cookie ingredients, but I forgot oatmeal, so I'll be back tomorrow to pick that up.  I also decided to make my Italian Meatball Soup.  No self respecting Italian would claim this, but my family loves it.  It is a mis-mash of several recipes including Minestrone,and a Tortellini Soup.  Like my other soups, a lot of what goes in the pot has to do with what is in the cupboard.

LYNN'S ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP

1 quart Chicken Broth (don't have it use Beef instead)
1 14 oz pkg of frozen meatballs
1 large can of Italian style diced tomatoes
2 cans Cannellini Beans
1 can Kidney Beans (drain all the beans)
1 small can tomato paste
1 pkg frozen spinach
1 pkg frozen peas and carrots
1 can green beans (drained)
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (I usually use turkey sausage)
2 pkgs of the Italian dressing mix (you know the dry stuff...I buy the store brand instead of the name brand)

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.  Brown the sausage.

 If you are in a hurry use a soup pot, but I often put this on in the morning in my slow cooker so it is ready when we get done at work.  I add all the ingredients into the pot and stir adding the frozen meatball and spinach last.  If I am using a crock pot I wait on the pasta and cook it and add it right before serving,  I have also substituted cheese tortellini for the pasta.

After all is heated thru, serve with shredded Parmesan and/or Romano cheese and a hunk of Italian Bread with butter.  Nothing better on a cold night.

I hope you love this as much as my family and friends do!

Hey! Look over here!

So, you haven't seen me in awhile....I've just been busy and overwhelmed!

The last 2 Saturdays I had jewelry shows.  I did quite well, but because of that I have been making jewelry like crazy!  I want to thank my hosts of the 2 events for inviting me.  Candy Walls of Longaberger Baskets and Joyce Bridgeford of the Forest Park Womens Club.  Candy put on a nice event at the local VFW and between the customers, herself and the other vendors there I had a successful event.  Joyce put on the Forest Park Womens Club Art and Boutique event at Winton Woods High School.  I hope to be a vendor again next year...in my same spot.

This Saturday , November 7th, my friend Paula Provenzano has a few of my pieces with her at Seasonably Chic an event by Cincy Chic  at the Phoenix Hotel in Cincinnati.  It is an opportunity for early Christmas shopping with local boutiques and businesses.  Paula has put together some fabulous gift baskets and if you buy a gift certificate for a service too you get an additional discount on the basket.  Make sure you get downtown to see her.

Today was a slow day at work and I am exhausted, so I left a little early to indulge the "Martha" in me.  I decided to bake cookies, bread, make pumpkin apple butter and at the last minute make chicken tortilla soup.  Now, if I was truly having a Martha moment I would have planned ahead.  It takes time to grow and harvest  vegetables, cherries, oats, wheat, apples, pumpkins, milk cows and churn butter, and get the eggs from the hens ( and kill and roast one for the soup).  Add to that forging my own utensils, pots and pans and making the bowls and cups...well, I just didn't think far enough in advance!  I know, I know...Martha is ashamed of me.

So I guess she just was my inspiration.  It started with a post about making apple butter, which I know my husband loves.  I'm more of an instant gratification kind of girl, so I didn't want an 11 hour project.  No apple peeling and cooking, straining and mashing.  I went to my favorite recipe source All Recipes.com and hunted for a recipe that would be easy to get all the ingredients and prepare in a few hours.  Here is the recipe that caught my eye:

PUMPKIN APPLE BUTTER

Ingredients

• 1 (29 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Simmer,uncovered, for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Pourinto freezer containers. Refrigerate up to 1 month or freeze.

Of course I can never just look at one recipe, after all I used to buy and read recipe books like other people read paperbacks!  So I started looking for a cherry crisp recipe, and I saw several that I will try soon, but these cookies made my mouth water!  All my favorite things, cherries, chocolate, toffee chips and oatmeal, so I printed out this recipe too!

CHEWY OATMEAL CHERRY TOFFEE CRISP

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup toffee baking bits

Directions

1. Sift together the flour and baking soda; set aside. In a large bowl,cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth.Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually stir in the sifted mixture, thenmix in the oats, cherries, chocolate chips and toffee bits until evenlydistributed. Divide the dough in to 3 portions and form them into logs,about 2 inches in diameter. wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate orfreeze until firm.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets orline them with parchment paper. Slice dough logs into 3/4 inch thickslices. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookiesheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to coolon baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to coolcompletely.

I had a plan to make pork chops for dinner, but the husband had some dental surgery yesterday and I didn't think that chewy food would be a good idea.  I am standing in the grocery store on my Blackberry trying to find a soup recipe like the one I knew I had at home for Tortilla Chicken Soup.  I never follow the exact recipe, it's more of a guide, but I was franticallly trying to remember the ingredients.  After reviewing a few, I had a general idea of what I needed and headed into the store.  Here is my recipe for the soup I made tonight, just remember, I often change a few things here and there depending on what is in the cupboard at home.

LYNN'S TORTILLA CHICKEN  SOUP

1 Roasted Chicken from your local grocery store
2 pkgs. taco seasoning
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
2 cans black beans
1 large jar salsa
1 quart chicken broth
1 bag frozen corn
2 cans kidney beans
1 can chili beans

Shred the chicken and place in a large soup pot with all the remaining ingredients.  Cook on low for about an hour, stirring occasionally.  Serve with sour cream, tortilla chips and cheese!  Perfect for a chilly winter night.


I get home, spread all my ingredients out and decide what to make first....bread!  Yes I know, it wasn't on the list, but with my handy dandy bread machine and a few ingredients I knew that apple butter would taste extra good on home made bread.  I threw the ingredients in and started on the soup.  Open cans, pour in the pot, strip chicken and add to the pot and finally add the spice packets.  Turn on low and start the next thing.  Get out the next pot and put in the Pumpkin Apple Butter ingredients, stir, cook on medium heat until it bubbles and then turn down and let cook for a few hours.  Uh oh!  What is wrong with the darn bread machine....it's mixing, but not stopping to let the dough rise!  So I shut it down and let the stuff rise, punch it down, let it rise again and set the machine to bake.  Probably won't be the best I've ever made, but slathered with Pumpkin Apple Butter I bet it will taste perfect!

On to the cookies!  So the butter needs to be softened.  Do I wait, no I nuke it!  Oops!  To much, so now I have to wait for it to go from a liquid back to a semi solid so I can cream in the sugars.  Once that happens I follow the recipe and realize I have to chill the dough before making the cookies.  I always hate how the dough looks when you have to make "logs" out of it.  There is something just wrong about 5 logs on a cookie sheet.  Five logs with chunks in them!  Mother's  you know what I'm talking about!  But I did it and put them in the freezer.  About 30 minutes later I take them out and slice and bake them.  In my oven they need 15 minutes of cooking time to look done to me.  They smell fantastic!  I following the instructions and let them cool for 5 minutes and then move to the rack to finish cooling, but anyone who knows me knows I can't wait to taste them...heaven in my mouth!  The perfect combination of flavors.  I now have a new favorite cookie.

Terry is on his way home and can't wait to see what I was up to today!  I am sure he will be in agreement with Martha that "it's a very good thing!". 

On a side note....what's up with Martha going on Rachel Ray?????  I am not usually home when Rachel is on in our area, but I was today and they are advertising that she'll be on the show next week.  I am sure it won't live up to my fantasies...food flying across the stage, a knife fight, forks stuck in someones eye, wrestling for cookware.  No it will be all nicey nice and civil.  I will just have to envision thought bubbles above their heads with what they really want to say inside!  hee hee...that may be funnier than anything that happens on the show!

Hope I will have time to post again soon, with Thanksgiving coming up I'll have to blog about my turkey adventures!  My Dad and Stepmom are coming to visit my son, so I am cooking this year again.  See ya soon!

Extreme Home Sale - November 21st - Turfway Park, Florence KY

I am so excited to be a vendor at this event!  Turfway Park is a beautiful venue and this is for such a good cause.  Come out to support local women in business and the family of Jami Reed.

When: Saturday November 21st
Where: Turfway Park, 4th floor,  Florence KY
Time:  10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Shop with over 40 vendors from Avon to Tastefully Simple and More!
Now in our 6th year, we have become the premier event promoting women in business. This is one of the biggest and most successful events of its' kind in this area. We are once again thrilled to be partnered with Turfway Park.

In the past we have partnered with The Greater Cincinnati Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure to increase breast cancer awareness. For this event we have decided to help the family of Jami Reed, who recently lost her battle with breast cancer.

Admission is $1

All of our vendors have donated fabulous door prizes that will be raffled off every half hour.

Here is a list of vendors:
Arbonne,Avon, Beijo Bags, Celebrating Home, Cincinnati Bell, Close to my Heart, Designs by Lynnea, Draws on Walls, Elk Creek Vineyards, EssentialBodywear, Home Interiors, Initials Inc, Just Jewelry, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Longaberger, Mary Kay, Mia Bella Fourmet Candles, Noah's Ark Animal Workshop, Pampered Chef, Party Lite,Paula Provenzano -Essentially Spa, Pretty Women Jewelry, Pure Romance, Scentsy, Sensaria Natural Bodycare, SewinSally, Silpada, Southern Living at Home, Synergy Chriopractic, Tastefully Simple, Thirty One Gifts, Totes by Design

Contact: Crystal Raines at ck2004carter@yahoo.com

Happy Halloween

Well, after a friend of mine posted this on Facebook, I couldn't resist making one of my own family.  What a great way to embarrass your kids, spouse, friends and even pets!  I have made these in the past for Christmas etc., and they are always fun...Enjoy...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I'm Still Here!

Yes, I am still out here!  I have been so very busy with getting ready for a variety of art/jewelry shows that I have neglected my blog.  I currently have over 250 pieces in my inventory, but with 2 more and possible a 3rd show on the horizon, I need to be creating pieces constantly.

I just finished the Sharonville Art Show and was thrilled with the results.  Here is a picture of my booth...


Thank you to the wonderful Ms. Paula Provenzano for her help and guidance in setting up my displays and her awesome sales ability.

I can't do it without her help. Ok, I guess I could, but it is so much more fun with her there, and she believes in my work more than I do some days!   We thankfully did not have any rain, but it was cold and cloudy.  The crowd was a little sparse, but response to my designs was fantastic.  Many shoppers wanted to know when my next show was, including asking if I would be at the Hyde Park Art Fair this weekend.  I haven't  entered that one, because I wasn't sure my work was up to their standards, but I contacted them, and will be getting an application in January for next year.

I am also thankful for the Alreddy Coffee and Cafe that was next to us.  Here is their blog.

Wonderful coffee and goodies (and heat and a bathroom) made us love them!  They had a terrific soup that I got us for lunch as well.  If you are ever in Sharonville, OH and have the opportunity to stop in to see them, I would highly recommend it!  Plus, one of the owners bought a pair of earrings right at the end of the show that put me over the top of my....err....Paula's goal.\

It was really great to hear people say that they loved my work and there wasn't any other jewelry like mine at the show.  It has encouraged me to apply to the Ryle H.S. show here.  A tough juried show with 175 artists, but they say that there are 5000 people that attend.  I'll have to get the jewelry elves in gear to make enough to get through a Friday night preview and a Saturday show.  I generally figure I need 10 percent of projected attendance.  Wow, that means I have to double my supply.  I guess I am being ambitious, but I have nearly 2 months to get ready.

It has been interesting to talk with some of my favorite clients who have been fans of my jewelry from the start.  The evolution of my work has been a fascinating process.  The longer I do this, the more my work changes....yet elements stay consistent.   There are times I have questioned my vision, my work is my heart.  My techniques and skills get better and have expanded my range of design.  My altered art jewelry is becoming a passion for me.  The act of  creating these designs using a technique I call collage is both invigorating and relaxing at the same time.  I love creating one of a kind pieces of art to wear!

I am currently in high gear, or as my wonderful husband says "the sweatshop is up and running."  I am going thru my stash of beads so fast I can't wait for the show next Sunday to stock back up.  My new goal is to have 400 pieces of available jewelry for my next 3 shows.  Ambitious, but I think I can do it.  I am also getting ready to start a new blog area featuring other artists on the web.  So yes, I have a lot of irons in the fire.

I have created more altered art pendants and charms to be used in my jewelry.  I am finding so many wonderful resources on the web.  I get many vintage type images from a group on Flickr.  You need to be a member of this group but it is great Collage Images. Google images is always an interesting source and I just recently stumbled on a site called Polyvore.

Polyvore is very interesting.  You can create your own collage images using a variety of sources.  I can spend hours just looking at the work already on the site, and I haven't even tried to make my own yet.   Here are some pictures of my recent creations:

All these pieces are available on Art Fire

October 24th Cash and Carry Sale

 

Here is the flyer for my upcoming show!  Come see me October 24th at the Alexandria VFW for the Cash and Carry Sale!

Silk Flower Pins

Well, I saw a flower on a dress on Etsy and loved it, but couldn't buy just the flower, and the dress was too small!  So I have thought about it for about a week and whipped out the hot glue gun to create my own.  I searched the web for a variety of sites about how to do this, and the only thing I didn't already have was the flower petals.  I saw some really pretty petals at Michael's called Daisy Doodles for about $5 a jar (for 36 flower pieces).  I just wasn't ready to spend a lot of money for an experiment!  So off to WalMart, where you can find a little bit of everything. 
First I needed to buy more glue, I hadn't used that gun in years and have no idea where the glue could be.  I looked for some clips for the pins, but didn't find any, so I figured I would just use the pin parts I already had at home.  Then to the silk flower section!  Prices ranged from $.94 to $7.00.  Since this was my first try, I went with the less expensive ones.  Then home to tear the flowers apart for their pieces, a great way to deal with life's little frustrations. 
I made one...not so good, I made a second one...better, but still not right...but the third and fourth one  I think I got it!  I used wire for one with a little hot glue, and the other one was just glued.  I think I like the wired and glue one the best.  I added some crystals and beads for the centers.  Here are the results:



I think I would even make Martha proud!


These are available for sale on ArtFire

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Steampunk

Big Bold Jewelry for Fall!

I've been watching the fashion magazines for what will be in style for the fall and winter.  It seems as though jewelry is bigger, bolder, and more unique (and at times expensive!). 

Check out this link showing some of the latest styles

Many of us can't afford high end designer jewelry in the current economy, but love to have unique one of a kind pieces to wear.  Sometimes the runway the looks aren't applicable to your everyday life.  Consider purchasing jewelry from local artisians or from the many websites that feature handmade jewelry.  I love creating unique and one of a kind pieces and sell them on ArtFire and at local arts and crafts shows.  I can also do a home jewelry party for you and your friends.  One of a kind jewelry makes a great gift and you never have to worry about seeing someone else wearing the exact same thing.  I can also custom make a piece for any outfit you have.

Contact me at  lynnea@designsbylynnea.com for more purchasing info or to set up a show.

Here is an example of a recent necklace I created that follows the trends shown online.  Lots of layered chains and beads, but scaled back to a real life version.

What's New For Manicures This Fall

So fall is upon us and my clients ask...what are the newest colors of polish to wear ?! It looks like purple will rule the season. Dark and rich shades are a perfect accent to the new fall fashions. A return to nail art seems to be in the air. I've done nails long enough to remember painting art on nails for every client. I like darker colors on shorter, squoval (squared off oval) nails. I think it makes them look clean with a high fashion edge. Longer nails can pull off an unusual multi-colored manicure as each nail is like an artists canvas for me.

Check out this link from InStyle Magazine Manicure Trends

At E J's Salon in Highland Heights, KY we have the latest in colors from OPI. Check out this fun site so you can see the Espana Collection and try on all the OPI colors.

If you are looking for an updated style at a local salon call me, Lynn Bennett, at 859-441-5440. I have over 20 years of experience in hair and nails. I do manicures, acrylic/gel/silk nails, spa pedicures, designer cuts and color, wedding styles, hair extensions and non surgical hair replacement (kind of like Hair Club for Women). Consultations are always complimentary.

Getting Creative

Well...I've added another show to my schedule. The Annual Cash and Carry Show on October 24th from 9-3 at the Alexandria VFW. I will post more information as I get it, but it promises to be a busy event.

So, I kicked myself in gear and started to use the stash of beads I bought from the last few shows. Here are my most recent creations. They are available in my Artfire Store or by contacting me at lynnea@designsbylynnea.com

Lotus Blossom and Vine Freezer Paper Stencil

Well,  I made another shirt.  My friend Paula gave me a shirt last week that was too big for her, so I decided to fancy it up!  I found a picture of a lotus flower and used it as my inspiration.  I found that I needed to draw it and then sometimes cut on or inside the lines depending on how the leaves lay, and how thick I wanted the separations between the petals to be.  I then drew the vines and leaves freehand adding things until I was satisfied with the lay out.  I was going to put one of the flowers over the shoulder and to the back of the shirt, but once I started to place the stencils I liked them all on the front.  I have to say that waiting to peel the paper off is the hardest part.  Kind of like waiting for Christmas...you know you are getting something beautiful and can't wait to see it!  I used black for the vines and red for the flowers.

Freezer Paper and Paint OH MY!!

Well, I became intrigued by a blog post about freezer paper stencils on shirts yesterday. The Artful Parent Blog gave me the starting point and I joined a group on Flickr that shows what other people have made.

I got interested in possibly screen printing some items after seeing the YUDU at my local Michaels craft store. After looking at more information on line I still liked the idea of the machine, but the costs just seemed too high for me to buy a machine and make one or two shirts at home. So I then researched doing screen printing the old fashioned way and still felt it was more than I really wanted to take on. So I was greatly surprised to see a link on my Facebook page from the By Hand forum that was about freezer paper stencils on clothing. So I read the Artful Parent Blog and then read a bunch of others...followed some links...looked at stencils and artwork and images...well you know how it is. I did some painting on fabric back in the 80's and always enjoyed it. I still wear a jean jacket I painted and embellished and get comments (positive ones...not WOW is she stuck in a time warp ones) about it. So since I had a basic knowledge of how it works I figured what the heck...I think I can do this.

So on my way home from work I stopped at the local Walmart and bought the freezer paper. It was a good deal...150 sq. feet for about $5.50, a $5 t shirt, and some of those small acrylic paint bottles with a bottle of fabric medium. I looked at a lot of designs before deciding on a leaf and vine one. I wanted a grown up shirt....not a kid one. I am always on the lookout for interesting shirts because I have to wear black and white to work everyday. After dinner I set up on the table and cut out my design, ironed it on the shirt and got ready to paint. I thought about just using black, but I also had copper and aqua. Both would look beautiful, but I went with the copper and aqua. I mixed them with the medium on a paper plate and used sponge brushes to apply them to the shirt. I waited as long as I could before removing the paper......and I LOVED my shirt! I can't wait to wear it to work tomorrow.

Show Updates!

I have a new line of custom made jewelry available. Memory Pendants.
I use a digital copy of your photo and create a beautiful pendant and necklace for you. Each piece is made to your specifications and I can add birthstones, name charms, dates, sayings etc. A unique piece for any occasion.
Here is a link to my blog page with information about ordering.
http://blog.designsbylynnea.com/2009/06/29/altered-art-jewelry.aspx


Come see me at the following shows:

September 27, 2009
The 33rd Annual Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Show
Sharonville Ohio
11 AM to PM

This is a great outdoor venue in downtown Sharonville, Ohio.


October 31, 2009
Forest Park Womens Club Art Show

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 31, 2009!! Come one and come all to Winton Woods High School, 1231 W Kemper Rd, Forest Park, OH 45240. Doors open at 9 am and close at 2 pm. There will be all kinds of crafts, jewelry, gifts, and the like available for sale. Forest Park Women’s Club will also be hosting a raffle — Grand Prize $300 cash! Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. Tickets can be purchased from a FPWC member or at the door during the Craft Show. Grand prizewinner will be chosen that day (need not be present to win). There will be other prizes donated by our vendors that we will pull throughout the day but for those, you have to be present to win. We will also be hosting a Bake Sale and will be serving lunch.
Here is a link to their page...Forest Park Womens Club

Queen De La Mer Set

I entitled this set the "Queen De La Mer" or Queen of the Sea for the beautiful Mermaid image I used for the pendant.  Resin coated glass on a beautiful gun-metal colored finding accented with adventurine beads.  The earrings are made using the same finding shaped into a cone with an adventurine bead drop.  To purchase click here :  Queen De La Mer

This link takes you to my Artfire store.







Look for me at the  Forest Park Craft show October 31st

Altered Art Jewelry

I recently came across Altered Art and Photo pendants and decided I had to make these.  I love that I can take a special memory or image and create a one of a kind piece.  In the pictures below I have used a variety of images, findings and finishes to create each beautiful necklace.  I use digital images and do not need your original photos.  I will work with you to create a one of a kind necklace for yourself or as a gift.  Contact me for your custom piece. 

E mail : lynnea@designsbylynnea.com

Art Deco inspired "Dream" Necklace $30, features a beautiful dreaming woman on the front and an inspirational saying on the reverse.  I used copper wire and glass beads to compliment the picture.  This item is for sale on Artfire



I created this necklace for my friend Lea.  She lost her twin sister to cancer and was looking for a way to honor her at the upcoming Twinless Twin convention.  I used a beautiful image provided by her and added a charm with her sisters' name on it.  I added two Garnets (their birthstone) to a silver chain and black cord necklace.  Prices for this type on necklace start at $40.




This necklace features a picture my aunt put on FaceBook of my grandparents.  I 'd say it was from the 30's or 40's.  I added the words Young Love in pink and put the pendant on a silver chain and ribbon necklace. Prices start at $25.

I went to Summer Fair and Got Inspired!

Well, Sunday was Summer Fair at Coney Island in Cincinnati. I went with my friend Kristy and had a great time! We shopped and shopped and shopped...but only bought a little. (Then we went to T J Maxx and Stein Mart and made a number of purchases) We mainly wanted to see how other people set up their tents and get inspired by all the artists. And boy did we get inspired! The show is one of the oldest juried shows in the US and was well attended. It was a beautiful day, perfect to wander around outside and laugh with a friend.

Here is a picture of us trying on hats...pretending to be "Ladies who lunch"...

All items are available on Art Fire

Hammered Copper and Turquoise Necklace

Here is a beautiful necklace and earring combo. I created the hammered copper wire pendant and placed it on a copper and turquoise necklace. The matching earrings complete the set. Both items are available for sale on Art Fire.

Gearing up for my June 13th show!

Well, I am continuing to make new items daily for my June 13th show..Sangria Fest. Some days I feel like I need to be drinking more Sangria, some days I need to make more jewelry.
I am looking into taking credit cards thru a company I found on the web Pro Pay . I have done some investigating on craft seller forums and this was one of the top rated providers. I like that I don't need a merchant account to accept cards on site and all the fees are spelled out up front. I had a small business in the past and the monthly merchant fees in addition to the transaction fees make it difficult for the craft seller/small vendor to make it worthwhile to accept cards. I have been taking credit cards thru Pay Pal and looked into their Virtual Terminal, but you pay a $30 per month fee to get this feature (also on top of the transaction fees). Pro Pay charges and annual fee and transaction fees, but you can process using your cell phone. Yes I said your cell phone! But in case there is no signal you can take an imprint, the customers zip code and process in a batch later that night. Like Pay Pal you get a debt/credit card to spend your money or pay a small fee to transfer to your checking account. I feel that I would have doubled my sales at the last show had I been able to accept credit cards on site. So I am going to sign up and I will let you know what I think after the show!

Here are my latest items for sale all items are available in my store on Art Fire

I've Finally Gotten Busy Again

Beautiful blue beads from Island of Misfit Beads make a unique bracelet. Accents of silver and blue crystals and a silver colored toggle clasp finish the look. This bracelet measures 8 1/2 inches long

True Blue Bracelet $25 + $5 s/h

This Man in the Moon ceramic pendant is copper and aqua color. I accented it with glass beads in aqua and copper spacers. Finished off with a ribbon necklace in aqua and copper. Approx. 16 inch choker.

To The Moon Necklace $20 + $5 s/h

These earrings have a matching bracelet. I used silver filled wire to make the spiral to highlight these beautiful beads. The beads are lampwork from Island of Misfit Beads and have a white background with blue and brown spots.

I See Spots Earrings $15 + $2.50 s/h

Lampwork beads from Island of Misfit Beads have a white background with brown and blue spots. I accented them with blue glass beads and silver beads and spacers. A toggle clasp makes it easy to put on.

Seeing Spots Bracelet $25 + $5 s/h

Beautiful wire wrapped pendant on an 18 inch gold colored chain. The pendant is a golden color with iridescent accents of greens and blues.

Its' A Wrap Necklace $20 +$5 s/h

Beautiful blue glass pendant is shown off at its' best on an 18 inch ribbon necklace. The pendant is 1 inch long and has blue with black and golden accents.

Simply Blue Necklace $10 + $5 s/h

Teal swarovski crystals dangle from gold colored chain for a delicate drop earring.

coordinates with the Eeeny Meeny Little Greeny Necklace

2 inches long

Dingle Dangle Earrings $15 + $2.50 s/h

Simply stunning describes this simple necklace. The focal point are the lampwork beads from Island of Misfit Beads. Lime green with teal green dots I used teal swarovski crystals and gold spacers to highlight the colors. 18 inch long gold toned necklace finishes the look.

Eeeny Meeny Little Greeny Necklace $15.00 + $5 s/h

As you can see I finally started to create new jewelry again. Life has been way too busy! I have a show coming up on June 13th, the Sangria Fest. This is the 4th annual Sangria Fest put on by the Argentine Bean in Crestview Hills Town Center. Hope to see you there!