The Dilemma of Painting

It has been nearly two years since I painted anything, and at 11:30 last night, the urge hit me and I just had to paint.  I've been holed up in the office most of the day finishing it.

I have a huge dilemma when I finish a painting.  Often I start a painting with the intent that I'd like to try and sell it, and or give it to someone in particular.  By the time I finish it, however, I've poured hours of work and love into it, and I love the way it turned out, and I don't want to part with it!  Such is my dilemma today.

Kyle's suggestion is to list paintings like this that I love on Etsy, ask a decent price (X hours labor, plus supplies) and if no one buys it, we get to keep it.  According to him, it's win-win.  I still hate to part with it, but we could use the money.

Whatever shall I do?

I think you should know...

If you should ever decide to take up knitting, you should know that these needles (and other Clover Takumi brand needles) are the only ones I'll use. They feel so good in my hands. They're made of bamboo, not aluminum (I despise aluminum needles). They're extremely smooth, but not slick, so your yarn stays in place. They're not very expensive, maybe just a couple dollars more than the dreaded aluminum needles. *Shiver* Should you choose to purchase them, you won't be sorry.

This has been a public servance announcement brought to you by your friendly neighborhood knitting watch lady. Have a nice day.

We have winners!

Chase is a winner because he guessed the EXACT right number of shoes- 52. Ellen is a winner because I drew her name.

You both get these fabulous handmade keychains! Isn't that the most exciting prize ever? Yeah, I thought so.

DIY Anthropologie

Please consider Exhibit A: I want it all. The fluffy white quilt, the incredible afghan, even the stained glass bookcases, which aren't really for sale. Since I will never pay that much for any of it, my only option is to make it myself. I need some serious help, though.

Problem 1- I can't quilt. I don't even own a sewing machine, but I would like one. If you're getting rid of one, please let me know. Also, if you would like to teach me how to use it, I would be obliged.

Problem 2- I can crochet and knit, but I'm mostly self-taught, so I can't do anything fancy. Any experts out there who feel like giving some lessons? Any idea how they made that incredible thing? I'm a quick learner.

Problem 3- I do not own a table saw, or any other power tools (save one), nor do I have ANY woodworking skills. Uh, Daddy? Feel like building me some bookcases? Better yet, teach me how!

If by some chance I ever learn how to do all these things, I would crown myself a Domestic Queen. Please stay tuned. I'll get it all done in about 10 years.

A crafty chain letter?

The first five (5) people to respond to this post will get something made by me.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It'll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it's going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Heck, I might bake (!!) something for you and mail it to you when you least expect it. I may even create something totally unbelievable and surprise you at work!! Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text into a note of your own and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your note.
7. Send your mailing address if you don't live close to me!

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own note to pay this forward.

*Feel free to respond even if I didn't tag you!*

So I was tagged and agreed to participate. You can reply here or on Facebook.

URGENT: It's a Fabric Emergency

I've decided to make new curtains for the spring/summer out of one of these two fabrics. I just need some input. Help!

Lovingly painted by me.

New Year, New Projects

It has been wonderful to be home with Kyle for the last few days. I am already looking forward to so many things in 2009. While we've been home, I have been inspired to work on some projects to spruce up our house a bit. I got inspired by Anthropologie, my new favorite store. Over the last couple days, I decided to repaint our stools.

As Kyle says, they're swanky. They add a nice splash of color to our living room and also help to tie the living room and kitchen together.

I also really love the bird stencils I found at Hobby Lobby. As much as we love birds, this is just perfect for our house! Overall, this was a very simple, inexpensive project.

A couple new projects on the horizon include a couple paintings for my living room, and I would really love one of these removable decals for our wall. Oh, what fun!

Just for fun

So often I think to myself about all the wonderful things I would love to do if I I had time to do things "just for fun."

This is scrapbooking week on Martha Stewart. When I came home for lunch, I tuned in. It makes me wish I had the time (and the money) to give to such a hobby! I need another Judy, who has every scrapbook tool known to woman. All I ever had to bring was paper and pictures. She has everything else! Judy- if we make a trip to Champaign this fall, I'm bringing the book I started a your house 3 years ago!

I started making this quilt about a year ago. I really want to finish it. Part of the problem is that I don't know how to do the backing. I am going to have to differ to an expert quilt-maker in my church. She makes amazing stuff, and will probably laugh and my messy hand stitching! Oh, well. It is made with lots of love! (It is much further along than this now, and we have a much prettier couch!



3 years ago, I did an oil painting for Kyle for Christmas. He loves Lewis Carrol's novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Through the Looking Glass, and other Carroll Nonsense Literature (hence, his blog theme, which he never uses anymore). The painting was a scene from Alice. It was my first oil painting. It made me want to do more, but it is such an expensive hobby!

I would also really like to knit something of substance, not just a scarf! I, however, am not good with reading directions. I need someone to show me how to do a new stitch. Kyle's mom can show me how to do all the stitches, and she can make just about anything! Unfortunately, I also have no time to make a whole sweater, or even a pair of socks :( Scarves are easy, and don't require much thought or time. This is my most recent scarf project. Hopefully it will be done before scarf season arrives.

I also have an interest in taking great pictures. I have so many friends who are great photographers. I would love to have a nice camera. Again, so expensive!

Blogging is probably my favorite thing to do just for fun. I almost always make time for "Across the Brandywine!" You all make it great.

Simple Things

I've been inspired. I came across a blog written by a woman who shares favorite things from her home and her life. So, as an intro to my new blog in a new place, I've decided to share with you a few things from my life right now.

Fall is my favorite season. The weather is turning. Football is in play. School is in full-swing. All of these things make for a happy Chelsea.

These are some delicious Autumn-themed cupcakes. I like the way they taste, and I love the way they look inside my cake platter. Next time I will try to making orange flavored icing instead of just orange colored icing.


This is a little knick-knack my dad got me last year. Everyone in my family knows I love Halloween almost as much as I love Christmas. I get Halloween gifts from them. That makes me makes me smile.


I am beginning a new craft inspired by some clearance books from Barnes & Noble (my new favorite date spot). I am no seamstress, but I believe I can similarly recreate these eclectic creatures.


If all goes well, I may even make some for Christmas gifts. Although, many in my family would not fully appreciate the awesomness that exudes from these beloved friends.


Well, dear friends, I do hope you enjoy the new blog in the new space. I will continue to paste to Xanga for those who read there. Arrivederci.