designsbyRED3of5

Veteran's Day 11/11/11 my thoughts...

2011-11-10T18:29:00.003-05:00

Today is 11/11/11 and Veteran's Day & Remembrance Day. I am re-posting what I wrote on 2010 Veteran’s Day because not much has changed...
I have come to the conclusion that every day should be Veteran’s Day. Why you ask? Well, every morning I wake up in a nice warm, safe bed in a safe home with the freedom to do just that. They are our heroes.

Pray for the children of those who are deployed, pray that their parent comes home to them. These women and men are fighting for the privileges we enjoy. Some military personnel come home to fight more battles for their marriage, child custody, a place to live, and a job. All veterans struggle with issues that are beyond what I can even imagine. Think of the veterans who wake up without a warm safe bed or a roof over their head here at home. Pray for the vet who struggles with just the images that they bring home that only they can see. Currently, there are military personnel fighting in faraway lands with family members at home just keeping on keeping on.

My Dad and his jeep on the Brittany coast.

Every family history has some military service. Mine spans three generations. At the age of 19 my father fought under General Patton in WWII. My father-in-law was part of the Liberators in WWII. My Eldest brother is a Marine and was in Vietnam. He remained in active service for 20 plus years. My next eldest brother was in the Navy on the USS Oriskany an aircraft carrier off the shores of Vietnam. My younger sister was in the Air Force in the late 70’s as a communications and electronics tech. In that time and place for a woman it was rare to have that skill, which put her on the fight line servicing B-52s. She also was part of the teams testing the stealth fighters. My nephew is a Marine like his father.
I am thankful that my family came home safe, but not every family is that fortunate.

Every veteran has stories they will share if we just listen.

To all military personnel past & present God bless &
thank you for your service.

Friday's project....7000 Bracelets of Hope

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000-04:00

Thought I would re post this. Turns out I have my Fridays back....so I thought I would make some more bracelets.
On Feb. 28, 2011 my outlook on my life was altered dramatically. I received a post on that day about it being World Rare Disease Day which linked me to the Global Gene Project and the 7000 Bracelets of Hope page. I thought wow…a chance to do something for the children who suffer and their families. I have Polymyositis which I believe is under the rare category since it effects only1in 100,000 people. As an adult this has been a struggle for my family and I, since no one really understood the future challenges that we were to face. I cannot even imagine what it is like for a child or especially a parent to deal with diagnosis that very few people understand.

What caught my attention was the bracelet campaign. I thought here is something to pass on a bit of hope and support every day. I started making jewelry when a fall left me in a wheelchair and I had to give up my job. So I was all in with the bracelet project. These two blog really made up my mind to create some. A blog post from a parent …world rare disease-day-2011 and a blog from an artist The Rest of the Story left me certain I would be helping out.

Sometimes it is the little things that can make a huge difference. I had recently offered to make a necklace for a friend. I just really wanted to make her something easy to wear and would make her feel pretty when going to her Doctors appointments. Her reply touched my heart in many ways… “That is the most kind offer! In fact call me an emo, but tearing up right now!! I love everything...pearls, natural stone. but you surprise me! Anything you make is beautiful and I will like and treasure forever! It would be awesome to wear something to the doctors that you made so that I feel like I have piece of all my myositis friends with me, along with their strength.” The fact that someone else thinks of me as strong…makes me feel strong in a way.

So I hope that the bracelets pass along a bit of hope, strength and good karma to all those who receive them. And they know that there are people who understand. And you to can send hope to a child.

Summer Phone Call

2011-07-26T11:56:00.001-04:00

Come with me... And you'll be...In a world of...Pure imagination, Take a look..And you'll see...Into your imagination...**ring, ring** (someone answer the phone)**ring** "hello...anybody home? Hi (your name here) its Regina calling...how are you doing today? Staying cool I hope. It is hot here in Cincinnati...You are feeling OK today you say, that is good.... Um I was wondering if you could come out & play? (remember your eyes are closed therefore *imagination in use*) Figure maybe we could sit by the pool under the trees and sip cool drinks. Or sit in on my porch and watch the world go by. Do some handmade craft? Maybe a game of gin rummy or canasta? We are in the lazy, hazy days of summer you know **possible replies** well here is where you fill in the blanks,,, that is for your end of this conversation...**my response** "that's great looking forward to seeing you..you have a good porch for porch sitting you say some iced cool drinks on all ready and cookies fresh from the oven *really the store* .....Well great I will be right over. It will be good times" **phone disconnects** *BIG SMILE* someone can come out & play....

My Birthday Wish

2011-06-27T11:30:00.001-04:00

A birthday wish.....

A dream is a wish your heart makes,
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true
from Disney's Cinderella

When we think of birthdays…. we think presents, cake, candles and wishes. We ‘wish each other happy birthday all the time. I have blown out many candles in my lifetime and made many wishes over the years but this year I think the wishes will be different. So today as I blow out the candles on my cakes my wish is…for my family and friends

For all my FB “friends in the box” may you have a year or more ‘better’ days than not so good days. A good laugh at least once a day and more smiles than frowns. May all my spoonie friends find an extra spoon every now & again. May you find the courage to sing a happy song as if no one is listening. May you have the energy to do the ’happy dance’ as if no one is watching. And may you no longer feel invisible.

For all my family and friend I wish for you to have more good than bad days and more happy than sad days. May you truly understand what it means to be a ‘spoonie’. May you come to learn the 3E Love heart ….Embrace diversity. Educate your community. Empower each other. Love life. May you accept the skin your in…..

A happy Birthday to me and a very merry unbirthday to you!

regina

Art and Music: my thoughts

2011-05-23T12:35:00.003-04:00

Someone told me the other night that I seem to have song for all occasions, maybe so. Perhaps I need to change what I want to chat about. Maybe I should add music the the art. Music can change your make you feel calm, happy, excited make us laugh and cry. Fuel your creativity. Hopefully I can brighten your day with some musical insight.
Music has become a big part of my big girl life *middle age*. My big girl life has brought new challenges and a wonderful *that is sarcasm* auto-immune disorder. A rare disorder with treatment that is a guessing game, has left me in a wheelchair and a lot of time on my hands. Not always is time a good thing...when you watch the world from your window. Art, crafts, and music have become a lifeline. Music has always been a big part of who I am just ask my children. They will tell you about choir rehearsals, singing at two churches every Sunday and a car with me as the radio.

My very first album that I could listen to...was "Bookends" from Simon & Garfunkel. Actually my older brother kindly left it behind when he went in the navy in 1969, so finders keepers. Needless to say to this day that album is one of my favorites. Paul Simon is one of the great writers of that generation. His lyrics always paint vivid images and feeling. Take the song...."At The Zoo" these word seem like nonsense but they never fail to prompt a sing along and a smile. So for your enjoyment and the word make a neat poem. Remember you can always sing as if no one is listening.

Someone told me, It's all happening at the zoo., I do believe it, I do believe it's true.
Mmmmm. Mmmmm. Whoooa. Mmmmm.
It's a light and tumble journey, From the East Side to the park; Just a fine and fancy ramble...To the zoo.

But you can take the crosstown bus If it's raining or it's cold, And the animals will love it If you do. If you do.
Something tells me It's all happening at the zoo. I do believe it, I do believe it's true.
Mmmmm. Mmmmm. Whoooa. Mmmmm.

The monkeys stand for honesty, Giraffes are insincere, And the elephants are kindly but they're dumb. Orangutans are skeptical Of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum.

Zebras are reactionaries, Antelopes are missionaries, Pigeons plot in secrecy, And hamsters turn on frequently.
What a gas! You gotta come and see
At the zoo.

Ode to an Art Teacher...

2011-05-03T10:49:00.000-04:00

Today is National Teacher day! Thank a teacher for all that they do.

for all the teachers....
A recent quote from an Art Teacher I know,"Hours preparing for the art show tonight: too many to count...Graeters gift cards for those who helped hang the artwork: $20.00...seeing the look on a students face when they see an award ribbon on their artwork: priceless..."

I am sure at one point in your life you had a memorable art teacher, even if you did not like art. Some of those memories might be great, some not so great.

At some point everyone loved to cut and paste, I know I did.

When I went to college at 31 to get an associates degree in commercial art, I found that I had to redefine my image of art teachers. The curriculum covered everything from drawing to hand paste-up for printing and computer drawing and of course the required dose of English, History, and Econ.

The fine arts drawing class was the real surprise. The professor was a big fan of having your still life run off the page. *Gasp* "What do you mean? Like cut it off, not put it in the middle of the page?" *horrified* I was in shock. I got over it, loved the class and what that professor passed on to me.

And yes, you can draw a still life of crumpled brown paper bags!

And you can always run the image off the page.
Kinda like coloring outside the lines.

Besides grading, art teachers spend countless hours on lesson plans, examples for the students, ruin their clothes and clean up the messes. And hand out the awards at school art shows that make our children's eyes light up, our hearts swell and tears sneak into our eyes.

Hopefully sometime in your life there was an Art Teacher, who encouraged and allowed you to 'think outside the box' and 'color outside the lines.'

Thank them sometime, for they can change how our children view the world.

Art Teachers are priceless...

7000 Bracelets of Hope...

2011-04-19T11:42:00.001-04:00

On Feb. 28, 2011 my outlook on my life was altered dramatically. I received a post on that day about it being World Rare Disease Day which linked me to the Global Gene Project and the 7000 Bracelets of Hope page. I thought wow…a chance to do something for the children who suffer and their families. I have Polymyositis which I believe is under the rare category since it effects only1in 100,000 people. As an adult this has been a struggle for my family and I, since no one really understood the future challenges that we were to face. I cannot even imagine what it is like for a child or especially a parent to deal with diagnosis that very few people understand.

So I hope that the bracelets pass along a bit of hope, strength and good karma to all those who receive them. And they know that there are people who understand. And you to can send hope to a child.

Music and Me

2010-11-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

Today is a music post. I find more and more that music is what gets me through the day and sparks the creative karma. Upon reflection of what to write about I come back to my favorite things * no song cue intended* those are art and music. Art in the making of and the viewing of beautiful things. So I have decided to write about what I know.
Do you ever find that you are tryin to go to sleep and the one song keeps replaying in your head over and over. I do that a lot, sometimes it's the last song I heard on a TV show.
The lyrics are what stick with you...they are like poems with a melody. One of my favorites lately and can't seem to get out of my head is new Amy Grant's song "Better Than a Hallelujah". The first two lines are just.... well a prayer, a poem, a story... you decide
"God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes"
Such simple phrases that express so much, something to think about for today.
Here is a link to the video Better than a Hallelujah
Be safe and kind to one another.
regina

My Handmade Holidays

2010-11-17T18:33:00.000-05:00

The holidays are fast approaching and for most families money is tight, very tight. When my girls were young I was a single mom, we had very little money. So a handmade Christmas was what we had back then. One year my children and I made picture frames with cardboard, left over material and poly stuffing. Imagine an 8 year old and 2 year old with glue and fabric...messy to say the least. Have you ever made Christmas tree ornament out of pine cones, ribbon and glitter? We made gifts and decorations from found objects. Found objects..little did we know we where green even back then! Oh no wait we also did that when I was little too. I can remember making stars and snowflakes out of aluminum tv dinner trays.
Fast forward to 2010...handmade has taken on a whole new look. There is all kinds of handmade venues on the internet, ArtFire is just one of many. You can find jewelry made from old pieces, journals and books made from old cereal boxes. You can find clothes knit with yarn reclaimed from discarded sweaters. Baskets made with yarn made from plastic grocery bags and old VCR tapes.
As artisans we can make anything old new again. On ArtFire you can find anything from vintage clothes and jewelry to cool guitar straps to pencils cups made from old computer discs. Stop by ArtFire and browse by trends, color, location or holiday to name just a few.
Stop and pour yourself a cup of tea and shop from your comfy chair.

Veteran's Day 2010 Thoughts

2010-11-11T11:09:00.003-05:00

Today is 11/11/10 Veteran’s Day. I have come to the conclusion that every day should be Veteran’s Day. Why you ask? Well, every morning I wake up in a nice warm, safe bed in a safe home with the freedom to do just that. They are our heroes.

Currently, there are military personnel are fighting in faraway lands with family members at home just keeping on keeping on.

Every family history has some military service. Mine spans three generations. My father fought under General Patton in WWII. My father-in-law was part of the Liberators in WWII. My Eldest brother is a Marine in Vietnam and remained in active service for 20 plus years. My next eldest brother was in the Navy on the USS Oriskany an aircraft carrier off the shores of Vietnam. My younger sister was in the Air Force in the late 70’s as a communications and electronics tech. IN that time and place for a woman it was rare to have that skill, which put her on the fight line servicing B-52s. She also was part of the teams testing the stealth fighters. My nephew is a Marine like his father.
I am thankful that my family came home safe, but not every family is that fortunate.

Every veteran has stories they will share if we just listen.

My Dad and his jeep on the Brittany coast.

To all military personnel past and present God bless and thank you for your service.

Celebrate October

2010-09-29T11:38:00.001-04:00

As summer draws to a close and we slip into fall. Falls brings along pumpkins, ghosts, witches and leaf peeping (the act of driving to look at the fall foliage) Leaf peeping is especially popular in the New England states in the US.
Along with all this ArtFire has rolled out some serious new changes. Thanks to all those involved especially the programmers extraordinaire. ArtFire has a new front page, new sellers tools,
new features for buyers and other stuff too.

And to celebrate all this new stuff... there is the ArtFire Group Deal...$5.95 a month for a Pro account. It doesn't get any easier. The deal ends 10/01/10. For more info on the group deal http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal

And with fall comes the end of baseball and here in Cincinnati we are celebrating the Cincy Reds winning a their division...world series here we come.

So in honor of all things good or all these good things, here is a deal from me to you 50% off any one item with coupon code; october50 good through 10/01/10.

Enjoy looking around the new ArtFire and hope you enjoy shopping handmade.

August...the end of summer

2010-08-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

Yes... August is really here...already. It seems like just yesterday it was May with summer just around the corner. Sadly August is the month children are sorry to see , parents quietly rejoice and teachers dread. Stores have had their inventory sales, some even have winter coats out (yuck). This is when you take your children shopping for their school supplies, now days the schools kindly supply the lists before school starts and the local stores have your list. Much better than trying to fill a list after that first day of school so you can have it for the second day. The new clothes that must be fought over, moms and daughters do anyway. My favorite line was " but all my friends are wearing that "________" to school" (which has not started yet) You can fill in the blank in this household it was about shoes. How they all knew what everyone will be wearing, I have yet to figure out. This was before internet and twitter and they had not seen anyone yet! Sadly (not) those days done for me, it just means cold weather is almost here. But to give you parents a break, maybe something for you or maybe your are an early holiday shopper.... Here is a new coupon good for all of August...(drum roll) 61% off any item. Coupon code: augustdeal.

Hope you have a great day and Happy August!

regina aka red

Celebrate Christmas in July...really?

2010-07-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

Christmas in July....what a concept. But I have really needed an excuse to shop. For me the simple abc's of Christmas in July are:
A) We try to trick ourselves into feeling like it is winter out (when it is 90 outside).

B) Reminds us that the holidays are less than 6 months away! ( I will still be shopping in December even if I start now.

C) To give you a jump start on holiday shopping...with a coupon deal, 50% off any item.

coupon code: christmasjuly

Now just sit back and relax and shop in the comfort of your home for a handmade gift.

And as always free shipping.

Come by and see us sometime.

designsbyred3of5 artfire studio

Regina aka red

Ode to an Art Teacher...

2010-06-09T12:01:00.000-04:00

As the school year ends... I thought I would re-post this on in honor of all teachers. But especially those who teach our children the arts. Enjoy!

for all the teachers....
A recent quote from an Art Teacher I know,"Hours preparing for the art show tonight: too many to count...Graeters gift cards for those who helped hang the artwork: $20.00...seeing the look on a students face when they see an award ribbon on their artwork: priceless..."

I am sure at one point in your life you had a memorable art teacher, even if you did not like art. Some of those memories might be great, some not so great.

At some point everyone loved to cut and paste, I know I did.

When I went to college at 31 to get an associates degree in commercial art, I found that I had to redefine my image of art teachers. The curriculum covered everything from drawing to hand paste-up for printing and computer drawing and of course the required dose of English, History, and Econ.

The fine arts drawing class was the real surprise. The professor was a big fan of having your still life run off the page. *Gasp* "What do you mean? Like cut it off, not put it in the middle of the page?" *horrified* I was in shock. I got over it, loved the class and what that professor passed on to me.

And yes, you can draw a still life of crumpled brown paper bags!

And you can always run the image off the page.
Kinda like coloring outside the lines.

Besides grading, art teachers spend countless hours on lesson plans, examples for the students, ruin their clothes and clean up the messes. And hand out the awards at school art shows that make our children's eyes light up, our hearts swell and tears sneak into our eyes.

Hopefully sometime in your life there was an Art Teacher, who encouraged and allowed you to 'think outside the box' and 'color outside the lines.'

Thank them sometime, for they can change how our children view the world.

Art Teachers are priceless...

TGIF...yes it is finally Friday!

2010-05-21T11:31:00.001-04:00

After months of neglect, I am attempting this blog thing, again. My favorite pastime lately seems to be the search of deals, the kind the appear daily. It seems like everyone these days has a "deal of the day" ...sounds like fun. My favs have become woot.com, barnes and noble deal of the day , target.com/. There are more out there, Sears, Kmart, and others.

So ... I decided that I might apply that concept to my ArtFire Studio and have a daily deal. I will post the daily deal on my facebook page...and tweet the deal sometime around 11:00 am est daily. And I am shooting for an email as well.

Since it is Friday, the daily deal is good all weekend. Each weekend brings us closer to summer and all things related. Sun, surf, no school, cook out, fireflys, and other stuff. For me summer is full of birthdays, lots. So maybe you need a quick gift...so the weekend deal is *drum roll* 55% off all items till Monday. Easy peasy coupon!

Coupon code is : 55weekenddeal
And now that it is offically the weekend, mostly. Enjoy and have a good one.
Retail therapy is always good for the soul.
Hopefully I will be able to offer a deal a day. I know money is tight ...so here is a chance for some retail therapy right from your favorite chair.

Thanks stopping by and visiting.

regina aka designsbyred3of5
designsbyred3of5/artfire.com

for facebook you can find me at: regina_ellen@yahoo.com

December where did it go....

2010-01-11T10:52:00.006-05:00

Well... here it is the middle of January and no posts since November. I have good excuses really! December was spent trying to get ready for the holiday both in my ArtFire shop and with my family. The Artfire shop needed more inventory and some exposure. You know twittering and all that. Figuring out family Christmas gifts proved to be a challenge as well.

I had my first custom order from one of my customers for Christmas gifts for her three sisters. That proceeded to be a little daunting at first. My customer had a general idea what she would like but when i asked for specifics she said "I like everything you do, so you pick the colors and stones" Yikes! So... I had the bright idea I would give her 4 necklace sets to choose from when she wanted something for each of her 3 sisters. She works at one of my doctors and we where going there early in December, so naturally I wanted to have them done by then. NO problem right...well that proved to be more of an issue than I dreamed. I got three necklaces done and realized that two of them were too long. l So let the restringing begin. Then discovered I did not have the right findings to finish off the necklaces, so more internet shopping ensued. I was working with copper and realized that I needed to use crimp covers....of course I had to find some and order them. That was not so simple. Everyone seemed to be sold out of copper!

Well, I manage to get all of them completed, packaged for gift giving and notes on the stones that they were used. When I took them into the office to deliver them, I am thinking well I was hoping at least three of the necklace sets she would like. But surprise... I could have sold 2 more necklace sets to another lady there...and my custom order for 3 necklace sets turned into a sale of all 4 sets.

Lesson learned....never under estimate yourself nor the power of great sale prices!

Memorial Day 2011

2009-11-11T09:52:00.019-05:00

To All the those who have served our country across the globe.... Thanks you and God bless.

Some were so young.

A few of my Dad's photos from WWII.

Life in the army.... WWII trying to look casual

And some were just 19 years old....

Music Monday…A few of my favorite things.. British…

2009-10-26T12:14:00.003-04:00

Music Monday…A few of my favorite things.. British…
With the announcement of Lord Andrew Lloyd Weber’s illness I pondered about a few of my favorite things British. Well first I have to tell you that “Jesus Christ Superstar” is probably one of my favs by Weber. Mostly because it was the first LP I ever bought and being a catholic school girl, it was almost scandalous in 1971. Now don’t get me wrong there a lot of musicals by ALW that I love, but you always have a special place for your first.
Britain has a great history of entertainment. I will only list a few more of my British favs, the new “Dr Who” with David Tennent. Can’t wait till we get to see the newest Dr Who here is the USA. When you mention British comedy, Monty Python is the first that comes to mind, but there are others. Comedian Eddie Izzard always makes me laugh out loud. Just the phrase “Cake or death? Ah Cake please.” From the HBO special “Dress to Kill”. And who else but Eddie would run 43 marathons in 51 days to raise money for Sport Relief!
British music explores all music genres from pop to classical. My favorite vocalist who I discovered quite by accident is ‘The Voice’ Russell Watson. Russell’s amazing story is one of trials and tribulations. Love his versatility with any music genre and he does them all so well. But to finish out I think I’ll share Russell Watson’s version of “Music of the Night” from Phantom from YouTube.

October Sale

2009-10-22T18:36:00.006-04:00

Well I am celebrating again this week end...blood work is looking good. And I like having sales!

All the beatuies in my ArtFire Studio designsbyred3of5 are at 50% off. These savings are already showing in the listing. To get ready for the holidays you can now you the Amazon Wish list button on each listing. So it now even easier to leave hints for presents.

And 10% of all the sales for Sept & Oct will be donated to The Myosotis Association to premote reseach and awareness. For information on this disease please visit: http://www.myositis.org/

Music Monday with a green tambourine...

2009-10-05T10:16:00.003-04:00

Today let’s explore the wonderful world of bubblegum music and its connection to Cincinnati.

The Lemon Pipers were a 1960’s psychedelic pop band from Oxford Ohio. Oxford being the home of Miami University and about 40 minutes northeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Lemon Pipers are chiefly known for their song Green Tambourine, which reached number one in the US in 1968. The band played a mix of blues and rock jams regularly in Oxford clubs and a Cincinnati underground rock venue, the Ludlow Garage in Clifton near University of Cincinnati. This song has been credited as being the first bubblegum #1 hit and marked a beginning of the bubblegum era.

There is a lot of information on bubblegum music and was the beginning for a lot of groups ranging from The Monkeys to the Jackson 5 to The Osmonds to The 1910 Fruit Gum Company and many others
Take a break and listen to The Lemon Pipers on this clip from “The Mike Douglas Show”. Watch for Ann Miller to do a go-go dance near the end. Classic!

Music Monday

2009-09-28T10:10:00.005-04:00

Let us imagine a wedding reception.... the band is playing, the beer has been flowing. The DJ has just put on the record that has everyone yelling.

NO it is not the Hawaii 5-o theme song... it is "Shout" from the Isley Brothers from 1959.

Just a short note on the The Isley Brothers, yes there are from Cincinnati, Ohio.

So celebrate the end of 7 days of rain, let's shout about the sunshine!

thanks for stopping by.

regina

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

2009-09-24T09:59:00.011-04:00

Happy Autumn!

Autumn color right in your own back yard. "Leaf Peepping" right out my window.

First glance....

A little closer...

Even a little closer.... see the blue sky ...

Closer yet...

Up close and personal.

Myositis Monday with a little music

2009-09-21T10:51:00.003-04:00

Today is National Myositis Awareness Day! Today is a to recognize all those living with this disease, as well as the friends and family that love and support them. Today, ask at least one person if they've ever heard of Myositis. If they say no, educate them. That’s one less person who doesn’t know about myositis.

This day remains a milestone for people with myositis, a chronic autoimmune muscle disease, and it gives The Myositis Association and its members a chance to educate the public. Unless you have a friend or relative with myositis, most likely you've never heard of it. Numbers of patients affected are small – about 50,000 in this country. Go to myositis.org to learn more about this disease and its 4 forms.

There is life after myositis it is just different! I was diagnosed in Jan. 2007 and yes, life is very different. But today's music is from Barenaked Ladies.."One Lttle Slip"
“Today is a new day”… Chicken Little.

Thanks for stopping by,

regina aka red

Never forget...

2009-09-11T09:38:00.006-04:00

Remembering 9/11/2001...we saw so many images during that time. This ring was the artist's response to those images. The throngs of people trying to escape over the bridges and the photographers trying to catch those images...so that we never forget.

"Exodus...9/11/09"

Photo and ring by Dana Kagrise and can be seen the in the book "1000 Rings" from Lark Books

music monday

2009-09-07T10:19:00.005-04:00

Well the end of summer was made official here in Cincinnati with last night's WEBN Fireworks. This is the 37th year for this end of summer spectacular from barges on the Ohio River. You can view the fireworks from either the Ohio or Kentucky river bank or even on the river. Those on boats start to claim a good spot a week before the fireworks. A little background on WEBN-The Lunatic Fringe of American FM. This link to wiki tells the tale well. Album formatted rock & roll going back to the 1960's. ***sidebar-Pure Prairie League actually recorded their demo for the song "Amie" in the WEBN studio.***
Photo byLeigh Taylor at The Enquirer.

The end of summer fireworks blast has been choreographed with music played on the radio station since the very first show in 1977. If you wanted the music you dragged along a portable. Yesterday at the end of a three day festival on the river a half a million people forage to the river for this light show. With its outstanding and awesome pyrotechnics from rozzi fireworks the evening is tops.

The music track usually features everything from classic to hard rock and there is your music for this rainy Monday. You can catch the whole of the broadcast on this link WLW fireworks (this is the whole show)
Hope you have a good Labor Day.
While you grill out, enjoy those Negative-Calorie Cookies along with some 'tree frog beer'.

"ribbit" says the frog
regina aka red

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T10:35:00.009-04:00

Just a few words on Wordless Wednesday...
In memoriam Erich Kunzel 1935-2009,
founder of the Cincinnati Pops.
May the road rise to meet you and the sun shine on your face.

and here is the sun...

Sunrise 4 by JoannBristol Fine Art Photography on ArtFire

Glorious Morning by dakotafire Images of Prairie Beauty on ArtFire

Sunrise and Seagulls by Nightmaiden Designs on ArtFire

Music Monday... sort of

2009-08-31T17:49:00.006-04:00

Yes it is Monday, all day. I have been exploring the mystery of coupon codes. **What? Coupons in this economy** you ask.
ArtFire has released a new gadgets for us selling on ArtFire. No, not just the FaceBook Kiosk that was early last week which is a great app....late in the week it was the coupon code option.

So let's Celebrate with Kool and the Gang for the Kyle and the gang over at ArtFire.

A Sunny Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T10:25:00.005-04:00

Bright And Sunny...

Rural sunray bridge by artisangoodsbygayle

Sunset sail by redsails

imperfect sunflower by abracapocus

Birthday Music Monday

2009-08-24T10:42:00.003-04:00

Today is music Monday and I have to depart from the Cincinnati theme. Today is the dear husband’s birthday and as I listened to the morning radio they we reading the celebs birthdays for today. As they went along, *I was listening with one ear* till they got to the name Mason Willaims, the composer of “Classical Gas”.

Yelled down the hallway to my husband “guess who you share a birthday with? He was puzzled. We never pay much attention to that kind of stuff. Wait for it... dramatic pause…. Mason Williams…***see him really surprised ** I said “You know the guy who wrote…***husband finished my sentence*** Classical Gas!” my first 45 record.” I also then finished my part of this little conversation…”yea he was also a writer on the Smother’s Brothers Show. Even wrote the theme song for that show. ***see husband stop what he was doing for that statement! *** Well so today just some short info on Mason Williams *thanks wiki*

Mason Douglas Williams (born August 24, 1938) is an American guitarist and composer, best known for his guitar instrumental "Classical Gas". He is also a comedy writer, known for his writing on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and Saturday Night Live. He is also an eclectic poet and lyricist, who have published several books.

Here is just a short YouTube with Mason Williams performing on the Smothers Brothers Reunion Show Taken from an old VHS tape video is not great but still sound great.

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon.
Regina aka red

Muse in a Box

2009-08-23T10:23:00.010-04:00

Over the summer I saw a blog talking about "use the Muse II". Hummm..sounded interesting. Turns out Scarlett Lanson 'the bead maven' along with ArtBeads.com, has this clever contest where everyone receives a box of beads and stuff with a mystery "Muse". The muse is was an undisclosed focal point in the box. All that was known of the Muse was that is was from LillyPilly Designs. You could use all the elements in the box , or just some or add some of your own beads to your creation. Scarlett would then announce the winners on her blog http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/.

My box arrived with so many different textures and shades of blues and purples. And the muse from LillyPilly Designs…very lovely and reminded me of old wallpaper patterns from the 50’s. This particular pattern reminded me of my Grandmother’s house. The more I looked, the more I kept turning it upside down, I guess because my life has been a little upside down lately. The muse was just calling for sparkle and what better than one of my Grandmother’s old earrings. So the finished project involves 2 strands, one of beads and sparkle and one of soft look of pearls and pearl knotting.

The big reveal has happened and you can view all these wonderful lovely necklaces. Thanks again to The Bead Maven herself, Scalett Lanson for all the work creating this wonderful creative challenge. So visit the http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/ to see all the winners and all the entrees.

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.

regina aka red

Ode to An Art Teacher

2009-08-21T14:07:00.007-04:00

With a lot of our little ones going back to school, I decided to repost a blog entry from this spring. Enjoy!

for all the teachers....

I am sure at one point in your life you had a memorable art teacher, even if you did not like art. Some of those memories might be great, some not so great.

At some point everyone loved to cut and paste, I know I did.

When I went to college at 31 to get an associates degree in commercial art, I found that I had to redefine my image of art teachers. The curriculum covered everything from drawing to hand paste-up for printing and computer drawing and of course the required dose of English, History, and Econ.

The fine arts drawing class was the real surprise. The professor was a big fan of having your still life run off the page. *Gasp* "What do you mean? Like cut it off, not put it in the middle of the page?" *horrified* I was in shock. I got over it, loved the class and what that professor passed on to me.

And yes, you can draw a still life of crumpled brown paper bags!

And you can always run the image off the page.

Kinda like coloring outside the lines.

Besides grading, art teachers spend countless hours on lesson plans, examples for the students, ruin their clothes and clean up the messes. And hand out the awards at school art shows that make our children's eyes light up, our hearts swell and tears sneak into our eyes.

Hopefully sometime in your life there was an Art Teacher, who encouraged and allowed you to 'think outside the box' and 'color outside the lines.'

Thank them sometime, for they can change how our children view the world.

Art Teachers are priceless...

A Rainy Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T10:23:00.008-04:00

In honor of a rainy day here in Cincinnati.

lightning photo from WisteriaPrints

holding on to sunshine by ShadedMemories

ohio urban fall from Molly Steinwald's shop

leaf and raindrops from FourDogDay

and a after the storm

Storm and a rainbow by Exposures Photographys

Music Monday

2009-08-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

In researching Cincinnati music … Marty Balin was on the one I clicked on today. Just so happens today is the 40th anniversary of “Woodstock”. We’ll get back to Woodstock in a minute. A little bio first, Marty Balin was born Martyn Jerel Buchwald, January 30, 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is best known as the founder and one of the lead singers (along with Grace Slick) of Jefferson Airplane, the pioneering psychedelic rock band from San Francisco. Balin was the founder and a featured vocalist for Jefferson Airplane from 1965 to 1971. Playing with the group from 1965 to 1972 performing at Monterey and Woodstock.
Actually Jefferson Airplane took the stage late Sat Aug. 16 and played into the wee hours of Sunday Aug. 17th. There has been a lot of press lately on the 40th anniversary of “Woodstock-3 days of music and peace”, how it was a one in a life time event and much more. Even those who did not attend, the music from that show became a sound track for their lives. Jefferson Airplane with Marty Balin in the mix sang songs that help shape a generation that Sunday 40 years ago.
Me… that was a summer of the move to high school, but that it seems like a life time ago. Ah… the music of Jefferson Airplane takes me back in time, if just for a little while. Kinda like Alice through the looking glass….and the white rabbit.
As always thanks for stopping by adn hope to see you soon.
regina

SUPER SUMMER SUNDAY SALE!

2009-08-16T10:49:00.001-04:00

Enjoy the last days of Summer....having a 50% off sale in my ArtFire Studio. The prices listed are 50% the original prices. And will keep sale prices though Monday!
Hope you will find something to sparkle like summer!
As always free shipping worldwide.Buying handmade is the best!
thanks for stopping by,
regina aka RED
http://www.artfire.com/users/designsbyred3of5

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-04T10:53:00.005-04:00

Windy Vista on Mt. Lemon, AZ

On the way to Mt Lemon in Tucson, Az

A valley of sand.

Tucson Sunset

Music Monday!

2009-08-03T10:27:00.005-04:00

Just a short note: Doris Day for today. The girl next store!

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in Evanston which is near Xavier University as Doris Mary Anne von Kappelhoff (born April 3, 1922) known by her stage name Doris Day.

Her accomplishments encompass stage, screen, recording and television. Check Wiki for a complete history.

In Alfred Hitchcock's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956), Day sang "Que, Sera, Sera" which won an Academy Awards for Best Original Song and became her signature song.

So for today...let's all sing... "Que, Sera, Sera"...What ever will be will be..."

Thanks for stopping by

regina

Wordless Wednesday: Free Flight

2009-07-29T12:25:00.006-04:00

Free Flight....neighborhood hawks...

Hawks in my neighborhood by Sarah Kagrise

At rest.....by Sarah Kagrise

Music Monday: King of the Cowboys

2009-07-27T11:37:00.007-04:00

While growing up my mom made sure we knew what famous people started in Cincinnati. I am not sure why she did this but as adult I can kind of understand. You grow up thinking that Cincinnati is just a city that no one really know where it is and nothing like New York or LA, but really this town has a lot of real history.

But today is Music Monday and we are going to take a look at Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. (Thanks Wiki) Being 50*mumble...mumble* years old, the Roy Rogers Show was on TV when I was real young. There was Roy Rogers, The King of the Cowboys, Dale Evans, his horse Trigger and his dog, Bullet, on Saturday morning TV along with Sky King and the Lone Ranger.
Roy Rogers was born Leonard Slye, Nov. 11, 1911 in Cincinnati, Ohio and the beginning of Roy’s career is what great stories are made of this is a quote from Wiki…“Leonard Slye moved to California at 18 to become a singer. After four years of little success, he formed Sons of the Pioneers, a western cowboy music group, in 1934. The group hit it big with songs like "Cool Water" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds".
From his first film appearance in 1935, he worked steadily in western films, including a large supporting role as a singing cowboy while still billed as "Leonard Slye" in a Gene Autry movie. In 1938 when Autry temporarily walked out on his movie contract, Slye was immediately rechristened "Roy Rogers"[2] and assigned the lead in Under Western Stars. Rogers became a matinee idol and American legend. A competitor for Gene Autry as the nation's favorite singing cowboy was suddenly born.”
I am sure what we watched were reruns…but was I was real little. Mostly I remember the closing song to the show, “Happy Trails” which became the couple’s signature song.
No start to a car vacation was complete without a chorus of Happy Trails.
FYI: If like ‘cowboy music’ not to be confused with country music, here's is a link to Rider’s in the Sky singing Woody’s Roundup” from the movie Toy Story 2.

Enjoy and Happy Trails.

Come back and visit.

regina

A Super Sunday Sale

2009-07-25T18:30:00.009-04:00

Tune in for a Super Sunday Sale on July 26, 2009. Let’s have 50% off any item in the 'just $10.00' category. Just visit my ArtFire Studio for a peek.
Just pick out your favorite item that is listed at $10.00. Use the Contact Artisan with your choice and wait until I send you a revised PayPal invoice to pay for your purchases.
And best of all Free Shipping worldwide!

Photo is UpCycled Green per Sarah

Happy Sunday and thanks for stopping by.

regina

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T10:42:00.008-04:00

Dandelions always in the wind...

Dandy Dandelion Print
by Photo Teresa

Dandelion Pendant
by I M creations

Dandelion Seeds photo print
by K Winkeler photos

Dandelion Vinyl Wall Art
by Chuck E Byrd Wall Art

Music Monday: Rosemary Clooney

2009-07-20T11:38:00.006-04:00

Growing up my mom always made a point of telling us the famous people who started out or have ties to Cincinnati, Ohio. To me it seemed like every big star came from my hometown. My parents are from the WWII generation and big band was the sound. We heard the Andrew Sisters, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and the like long before we got to listen to anything we wanted. My mom made sure we knew about Rosemary Clooney, I think Rosemary was my mom's favorite. Rosemary is from Mayville, Ky, on the Ohio River. And yes her brother, Nick Clooney is George Clooney's father, making George Rosie's nephew. According to Rosemary Clooney own bio: The singer noted for her decades-long mastery of American popular song started life amid the poverty of small-town Maysville. Her childhood was a difficult one; Clooney and younger siblings Betty and Nick were shuttled among their alcoholic father, Andy, their mother, Frances—who traveled constantly for her work with a chain of dress shops—and relatives, who would take turns raising the children. When Clooney was 13 her mother moved to California to marry a sailor, taking Nick with her but leaving the girls behind. Her father tried to care for Rosemary and Betty, working steadily at a defense plant, but he left one night to celebrate the end of World War II—taking the household money with him—and never returned. As Clooney described in her autobiography, This for Remembrance, she and Betty were left to fend for themselves. They collected soda bottles and bought meals at school with the refund money. The phone had been disconnected, the utilities were about to be turned off, and the rent was overdue when Rosemary and Betty won an open singing audition at a Cincinnati radio station. The girls were so impressive, in fact, that they were hired for a regular late-night spot at $20 a week each. "The Clooney Sisters," as they became known, began their singing career in 1945 on WLW in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati connection WLW radio…1945, was a beginning of a long and illustrious career. Her first #1 recording "Come On-A My House" (psst.. this link will take you to a 1981 live recording of this song) was a silly song she really didn't want to do but Mitch Miller insisted so it is said. My sister and I grew up watching "White Christmas" every holiday season. We were not a "Wonderful Life" family. .Nope, musicals was first at our house. Her part in "White Christmas" was the first of many performances with Bing Crosby. But my favorite song from that movie is "Sisters", which my sister thinks we should learn and sing it someplace, probably in a car.

Side Bar: WLW TV and Radio WLWT was a pioneer in LIVE TV. Before there was Oprah, there was Ruth Lyons and her 50/50 Club, and The Paul Dixon Show. These shows we only got to watch when we were home sick from school. Ruth Lyon was certainly a very visible pioneer at WLW-TV and Radio.

Rosemary's music, Ruth Lyons's and her white gloves, Paul Dixon and his rubber chicken jokes in Cincinnati: priceless.

Wordless Wednesday: Woodlands

2009-07-15T10:56:00.010-04:00

Woodlands...

The ol Ohio by Thomas Flynn
Thomas Flynn's shop

In The Forest by Penny Hodge
Peggy Hodge Fine Art Photography

Bird in tree by Amy Grennell
amy grennell

Music Monday.. on Wednesday!

2009-07-15T10:21:00.006-04:00

Music Monday: Pure Prairie League
Yes, we are having Music Monday on Wednesday. I got a little distracted this week. Oh the simple pleasure of summer, the weather in Cincinnati was gorgeous, cool breeze and clear blue skis. Time to sit in the shade, drink my coffee, read a book maybe or dream of summer’s past. Summers where swim practice was at the crack of dawn, we spent the afternoons hanging around the pool and listening to the radio.

Today we can chat some of what I remember as ‘summertime music’. Well music from the 70’s that I consider summer music. Now days you can turn on any oldies radio station and hear the song “Amie” by Pure Prairie League. Originally released on their album “Bustin Out” in 1972, then released as a single in 1974. This song triggers many memories, starting in high school. Pure Prairie League has had many members over the years, thank you to Wiki for the history because there have been too people associated over the years to list. Needless to say Pure Prairie League has had members from the Cincinnati area The Goshorn Brothers (the Cincinnati connection). You can still catch The Goshorn Brothers playing in the Cincinnati area. In September 1978, Vince Gill (vocals, guitars, mandolin, banjo, fiddle), joined Pure Prairie League. Previously he had played with the bluegrass outfit Mountain Smoke, as well as Boone Creek and the Sundowners. Pure Prairie League’s album “Firin Up” produced a couple of Top 40 Hits for PPL. The songs “Let me Love You Tonight” and I’m Almost Ready” on which Vince Gill sang lead. I read on some place that Vince Gill wrote about 60% of the material on that album. Vince continued to play with Pure Prairie League until 1982. Pure Prairie League still plays live concerts today even though members have change the music remains the same. For you listen pleasure…Amie by Pure Prairie League

till next time....

Wonder Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T07:00:00.004-04:00

Wonder and War

Sunset Tucson, AZ Sept 1997 by Regina Edwards

Pismo Beach, Califonia May 2006 by Regina Edwards

One of the streets of Julich, Germany June 1945

by Richard P Deiters US Army (Dad)

Music Monday

2009-07-06T10:53:00.005-04:00

My two favorite things are art and music. For ‘Music Monday’ I thought I might explore the great music that comes from the Cincinnati area. A lot of different types of music found its start in Cincinnati. From soul to jazz to rock to classical there are many artists who have ties to Cincinnati area.

As we all head back to work after the 4th of July holiday, I think of all the fireworks and concerts I have watched on TV over the years. This year there was a special Cincinnati connection on the shows that were broadcasted. The conductors of all three orchestras featured on those shows have ties to the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

First: A Capital Fourth with National Symphony Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, conductor. Mr. Kunzel has been the conductor for A Capital Fourth since 1991. Mr. Kunzel was named Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops in 1977. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs at Riverbend Music Center in the summer months and historic Music Hall during the winter.

Second: The Boston Pops 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, conducted by Keith Lockhart. Keith Lockhart was an associate conductor herein Cincinnati before took over the Boston Pops. During his tenure here Cincinnati kindly referred to him as “Conductor Boy” because he looked so young and was studying under Maestro Erich Kunzel. Here we have another link to Cincinnati's rich musical history. But the best in Boston was the fireworks provide by the Famous Rozzi Family from Cincinnati. The Rozzi’s have been a fireworks icon in Cincinnati for four generations.

Third: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks featuring the legendary New York Pops under the direction of Steve Reineke provided the music. Mr. Reinke is also a current associate conductor for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under the Maestro Erich Kunzel.

This is just a short introduction to music in Cincinnati. I will try to fill ‘Music Monday’ with some of Cincinnati’s musical history.

Wordless Wednesday: Waterfalls

2009-07-01T09:40:00.005-04:00

Photo by Michaella's shop

Photo by TimFleming's shop

Photos by quicksnaps

Photo by CHPhotography's shop

2009-06-23T17:51:00.017-04:00

A new friend Laurie, at made by swirley girl has bestowed upon me the Kreative Blogger award. This is such a thrill receive it from someone who’s photos are just outstanding. Visit Laurie's shop and let her photo cards help you express something special to someone special.
Here are the rules of the award:
1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3. List seven things you love.
4. List seven blogs you love.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Here are seven things I love (in no particular order):

Dark chocolate
A good mystery or sci-fi book

The comics in the newspaper

Most all kinds music

Iced Coffee with chocolate

Watching the sun rise or set especially in the desert

Graeter’s black raspberry mocho chip ice cream

Seven blogs I have discovered and recommend you visit:
mkc photography by michelle ciarlo-hayes
the phineas and lou cafe
kiddlebug
wishartglass
babblingabby
madmaggiedesigns
homefront artistry team

Ode to a father...

2009-06-12T17:43:00.006-04:00

Father’s Day 2009!
Street market Nogales, Mexico 9/2000

Dear Dad,
Well yet another year has come and gone. And I still have not been able to figured out how to give you a vacation somewhere, being summer and all. Well, travel just isn’t what it used to be.
The picture above is a glance at the market place in Nogales, Mexico in 2000.
Nogales was a day trip for Doug & I from Tucson. We saw houses hanging on the hillside and donkeys on the street. The market or shopping area was actually the bottom floor of a large building that took up a whole city block. The streets were blocked off on either side of the building. . It was an experience to say the least.

By the time I was old enough to remember car trip vacations, the travel entailed taking Rick or Carl back to base. These trips seemed like “Day” trips in my mind. I remember a couple a 3 day marathon trips to Paris Island, SC. Drive all night (I still have not figured out how you did that drive all night thing) drop Rick off and catch some sleep and be back for work on Monday. All I really remember was Paris Island was hot and sticky. The Spanish moss was fascinating. Wondering Spanish moss can grow without dirt! And sleeping in the back end of the station wagon while you drove. Rick & Jan’s wedding in Quantico I think was the one time we weren’t in a hurray to get him back to base. We just wanted to get there for the wedding and see the sword detail. And in the later years there were Kansas City trips in August, talk about hot!

Carl’s graduation from basic training I remember as being real cold for spring at the Great Lakes Navel Yard (Chicago I think). Carl returns usually involved only a trip to the Greater Cincinnati Airport in northern Kentucky. He always seemed to be stationed out on the west coast. That meant standing on the roof on the concourse, watch for him to walk to the plane and watching all the planes take off.

Well no one needs to go anywhere, now Rick & Jan have been coming here. He used to do that drive all night thing too! So did Marty, must be a Dad thing.

So instead of a vacation ticket, hope this helps you celebrate summer and Father’s Day.

Hug and kisses,
Gina

Did you Know.... on Etsy

2009-06-05T10:16:00.008-04:00

Did you know that on Etsy there are Teams? I had seen some but today in a forum thread on Etsy I discovered the HomeFront Team. This is the desription that GRABBED my attention...
"The Etsy Homefront Team is made up of over 100 shops, all owned by spouses and significant others of members of the uniformed services. We are male and female, of all ages and several different nationalities and are located, quite literally, worldwide!
Our one common thread is that we are personally involved in supporting our countries on a day-in, day-out basis. Without prejudice, or regard for religion, race, nationality or political views, we keep the homefires burning and our families together, no matter how far apart we are."
Check out more on their blog: http://www.homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/

I guess you could say I have been around military all my life through my family.
My Dad served under Patton in WWII, he will tell you stories all the time.
My Eldest brother (1 of 5) is a Marine served during Vietnam and beyond almost 20 years.
My Second brother (2 of 5) was in the Navy on the USS Oriskany during Vietnam.
My Little Sister (4 of 5) was in the Air Force in the late 70's and early 80's. She was an electrical tech on B-52's.
And the baby brother was born the same afternoon my Eldest brother was a plane to his station in Vietnam.

Just a note my shop is called: 'designsbyred3of 5' there is a story behind that name choice.
First, I am the middle child, 2 older brothers, a younger sister and a younger brother giving me distinction of being 3 of 5. Yes we are a family of Star Trek fans.
Second, my initials growing up spelled RED. My older brothers tormented me with that, but my sisters initials spelled MAD.

We should thank all those who served for our freedom... to write.

And blog!
I will get off the soap box now.
The past is always part of our future.
Thank a solider and their family.

regina 3 of 5
This is a picture my dad in

front of his jeep in Gien, France

Planning a '30 minute' necklace

2009-06-04T10:17:00.004-04:00

Can it be done??? Doesn't everyone like a challenge now and then.
I was checking in at a large publisher of craft books (http://www.larkbooks.com/submissions) for submissions... a call out section for artists and saw a design challenge for a '30 minute' necklace project. *See light bulb above head* the brain is going "I can do this... maybe?"

** Serious thinking going on here, see wheels turning above my head** You see due to my auto-immune disorder I avoid wire work, I just don't have the strength in my hands. So I make almost all of my necklaces on one sometimes two pieces of flex wire. That leaves me only struggling with crimps and crimps covers.

Dana, the daughter has done this project thing and her paper jewelry project graced the cover of the book. http://tinyurl.com/paper-jewelery * She also has a BFA in silversmithing and jewelry making along with her MA in art education.* So writing directions is easy for her. Really Dana has had pictures of her artwork printed in 5 books from Lark, the first while she was in undergrad. Dana's web page http://kdanak.com/

I wonder if the 30 minutes includes picking the beads? Or it is just string them together. I can string one together in 30 minutes, I think.
For now I am trying to come up with a good combination of stones that is easily purchased.

Next I will worry about writing down directions.

thanks for stopping by
regina aka red

Summertime...

2009-05-29T10:07:00.016-04:00

Summertime and the livin' is easy...
So the song goes, but right now even if it is summer, things are not so easy.
Let's celebrate the joy of a good sale! And beautiful baubles to brighten the day.
Hopefully this will makes someone feel just a little better this summer.

I will be having a 50% off sale in both of my on line shops. For the next 7 days (5/29-6/5/2009) .

On ArtFire the prices listed reflect the 50% savings.
http://designsbyred3of5.artfire.com/

On Etsy I will have to issue you a new paypal invoice that reflects the reduced price once you have made your purchase.
http://designsbyred3of5.etsy.com/

Come join the fun in the sun. Also during this sale we will have free shipping.
Thanks for stopping by,
regina aka red

Ode to the Art Teacher

2009-05-22T09:50:00.006-04:00

A recent quote from an Art Teacher I know,
"Hours preparing for the art show tonight: too many to count...
Graeters gift cards for those who helped hang the artwork: $20.00...
seeing the look on a students face when they see an award ribbon on their artwork: priceless..."

I am sure at one point in your life you had a memorable art teacher, even if you did not like art.
Some of those memories might be great some not so great. At some point everyone loved to cut and paste, I know I did.

When I went to college at 31 to get an associates degree in commercial art, I found that I to redefine my image of art teachers. The curriculum covered everything from drawing to hand paste-up for printing and computer drawing and of course the required dose of English, History, and Econ. The fine arts drawing class was the real surprise. The professor was a big fan of having your still life run off the page. *Gasp* "What do you mean? Like cut it off, not put it in the middle of the page?" *horrified* I was in shock. I got over it, loved the class and what that professor passed on to me. And yes, you can draw a still life of crumpled brown paper bags! And you can always run the image off the page. Kinda like coloring outside the lines.

Besides grading, art teachers spend countless hours on lesson plans, examples for the students, ruin their clothes and clean up the messes. And hand out the awards at school art shows that make our children's eyes light up, our hearts swell and tears sneak into our eyes.
Hopefully sometime in your life there was an Art Teacher, who encouraged and allowed you to 'think outside the box' and 'color outside the lines.'
Thank them sometime, for they can change how our children view the world.

Art Teachers are priceless...

Still all knotted up...

2009-05-19T11:13:00.004-04:00

Well this adventure in pearl knotting is still continuing. I have having a devil of a time calculating how long the thread needs to be. I was half way done with a piece and realized that I had not near enough thread to finish. I had restarted it 3 times so my string had gotten shorter. Imagine that... I kept cutting it apart. Is there a secret formula for figuring out the length of thread? So after all the blog reading, twittering and posting, this afternoon I will cut is apart and start again...with all new thread!
So until next time.
Thanks for stopping by.
regina aka red

All knotted up...pearl knotting

2009-05-15T10:44:00.007-04:00

My daughter, Dana, who started me in this endevour has taught me a new skill... pearl knotting.

This first time she tried to show me did not go well. So for Mother's Day she explained it to me again and I am hooked. The most important thing she showed me was that the knot can be undone if you make a mistake. I have undone a lot of knots this week!

I started with large wooden beads and redid that one twice. Then progressed to real pearls and finished adding the clasp to that one today. So this new skill needs practice, but it is a start.

Thanks for stopping by. regina aka red

Glass Works

2009-05-13T10:16:00.008-04:00

Today I wanted to share my latest adventure in the land of necklaces. I have been on the lookout for something to use with the Italian mesh ribbon.

I found this great handmade glass pendant on Etsy. I loved the size and color of this bead but could not envision it on just a leather strand. Turns out is was made by my local barista in my fav coffee shop. He has been selling his glass beads for a few years and I have always fascinated with the colors. Guess what? He is now selling on Etsy thelettergglassworks.etsy.com! (Mikey, there is the shameless plug for your shop. )

So a few strands of beads later and some Italian mesh ribbon, the final product is much more that I hoped for. Having never worked with the ribbon before, it was a challenge to keep the weight of the bead from stretching the ribbon. Solved the challange of the weight with a strand of beads and pearls woven in ribbon and around the other strand of Bronzite and peacock colored pearls.

All in all a very lovely piece.

Thanks for stopping by, regina aka red

Starting Over

2009-05-11T11:58:00.004-04:00

Today I would like to start this blog over. I missed all of April, so let's try May. Tried a new header, some new color. I have this vision of 'artful blogging' but I am not sure how to get there.
I having stringing up stones and bead now for about a year. Making jewelery is the first creative thing I have done in about 15 years. And only began doing that due a sudden change in my health that has kept wheelchair bound for about a year.

I was always fascinated by photos and took a lot over the years, that was the extent of my creative outlet. So today I am posting an old vacation pic from Tucson, Az. It is on a lookout point on the way up to Mt. Lemon, Az. The locals call it "Windy Vista" .

As Always thanks for stopping by.
regina aka red

Just a Short Note...

2009-03-26T12:04:00.007-04:00

I know it is not the end of the work week yet...but we can celebrate that it is "Friday Eve" WaHooo... So let's celebrate!
Thursday the day at almost end of the week and a great day to eat chocolate!
Of course any day is good to eat chocolate.
Enjoy and Keep smiling!
Thanks for tuning in.
regina aka red

Online Bead Shopping

2009-03-25T14:10:00.007-04:00

Starting this new hobby, I was introduced to buying beads on-line. You take a chance, but sometime the bargains turn out to be a real find. Winning a penny auction on ebay and the stones turn out to be really different and more than you expect is a good thing. The rose quartz used in the necklace to the left were a penny auction.
Can I name my favorite retail on-line sellers? Well let’s do it anyway. There are the staples like FireMountian and Rishashay. But it is the smaller ones I like, Lima Beads and ‘The Big Green Bead Machine’ with new bargains every 5 minutes, ArtBeads.com with free shipping in the US, Treasure Island Pearls with lots of price points to chose from and Bead Inspirations, another with free shipping in the US. A lot of the smaller online vendors offer coupon almost all the time if you subscribe to their email listing.
Ebay vendors are a different kettle of fish, sometime the descriptions are not very complete and pictures are not very clear. It takes some searching to find a vendor that does enough business to have a lot of product to choose from. My fav is Foxy Finding out of Tucson, AZ. I have never been disappointed in the beads I have won on auction. They do charge for shipping and handling, but I figure that 10 beads for a penny, I don’t mind the shipping. (Tucson AZ is the home of the largest Gem Show which takes place in February every year.
Let’s not forget the suppliers on Etsy and ArtFire… there is lot offered there too.
So it is off to finish a necklace and enjoy the rain out the window!
thanks for tuning in.
regina aka red

Stringing the Beads!

2009-03-23T12:17:00.002-04:00

Stringing the Beads!
Another Monday, spring is officially here, and the sun is shining here.
As March comes to a close I realize that I have been beading for almost a year. Since I have limited studio space and limited mobility it has been a challenge. I now have more beads than I think I will ever use. But that is ok. Sometimes that best pieces I have made have been like a puzzle. What can I do with no wire wrapping? How can I get a dangle with no jump rings? How can I use this wonderful big slab bead with just using Flexwire? I have managed to make a large centerpiece with just wire.
My favorite creative process I got from my daughter the art teacher. During one of her silversmithing classes in college the class was handed a paper bag with 10 things from the hardware store. The class then had a 3 hour class to make a piece of jewelry. Surprise!
Sometimes I will pull some beads in the same color family and then see what I can come up with. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. And sometimes accidents turn into a great piece.
Enough for today… have a piece to finish and a paper bag of stuff awaits.
Thanks for tuning in.
Regina aka red

Spring Forward!

2009-03-06T11:46:00.002-05:00

Spring Forward!
This is the mantra for this weekend when we move our clocks ahead an hour. And then spend another few weeks getting our bodies adjusted to the new light. But it is a sign that winter is almost over. There is light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.
So I decided that I was going to start celebrating Spring. I missed out completely on winter, so Spring here I come! I know the official start of spring is not for a while…but today in Cincy it is 60, very spring-like.
Onward!
Let’s start with a 50% Sale in the online shop in honor of Daylight Saving Time. This would be a great time to spring clean a little early.
ArtFire is a new site for all things handmade. Part of my new year was start up another online shop beside Etsy. ArtFire is a fun new place to shop for handmade objects. Check it out!
http://designsbyred3of5.artfire.com/
There are still some things in the Etsy shop.
http://designsbyred3of5.etsy.com/
So let’s spring forward and pick up some sparkles.

Artfire!

2009-01-07T18:53:00.004-05:00

This is a warm idea... Artfire.

Another home for buying homemade.
Check out my shop!
http://designsbyred3of5.artfire.com
thanks
regina aka red

A Hazy Shade of Winter...

2009-01-06T11:01:00.004-05:00

A new year has arrived in all its glory.
Here in Cincinnati if you don't like the weather wait 24 hours and it will change. This morning it was freezing rain and tomorrow might be snow. Last Saturday it was in the 60's and sunny.
So another winter begins.
And we will carry on as we do here. The weather people will have you convinced that we will be getting the snow storm of the century and we might actually get an inch!? The grocery's will run out of milk and bread. And then no snow.
Would it not be grand if we could all just look out our windows and decide that snow is beautiful and all will be well. Or the sun is shining and we can love it!
Even just rain that may be wet and inconvenient but is better than snow and requires no shoveling!
Just think here is Cincinnati there is always something to talk about... it is the weather and it is always changing.
So today's song could be "A Hazy Shade of Winter" or "Singin' in the Rain" depending on the glass is half full or half empty.
I'll go with half full of some good coffee!

Christmas Music..my favorite part of the holiday.

2008-12-20T09:53:00.003-05:00

On the fifth day before Christmas...my true love gave to me...hum... not 5 gold rings.
Yes.. Christmas music is my favorite of music, all of it. I drag out all my Christmas music in October truth be told. Now there is a reason for that, really.
I sang in church choirs since i was 12 years old. That is about 40 Christmas' worth of singing. In case you have not had the pleasure of singing in a choir, you begin learning new musics for Christmas in September. Especially if you are learning something from Handel's Messiah, tough stuff.
Every year I am on the lookout for some new album/artist in the Christmas genre. Recent years I have come across The Ten Tenors from Australia, Celtic Woman, Chris Isaak, Josh Groban, barenaked ladies, Harry Connick Jr. and a whole album of re-releases of old Rosemary Clooney Christmas recordings. Always any Amy Grant Christmas album. There have been many, many others, but these stand out.
This year's finding I discovered thanks to iTunes, the group is called 'Straight No Chaser'. These gentleman received a recording contract due to a YouTube video that was posted on for a college reunion. Their version of "The 12 days of Christmas" which was recorded in 1998 when all these guys were students at Indiana University got 6 million hits last Christmas. Surprise!
Along came A&M records wanting them to record a Christmas album. Now on sale everywhere.

Here is the link to YouTube video to view for yourself! Check it out a guaranteed smile.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Now the link to YouTube video giving you hint of how the new album came to pass.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujzd2STgfU

Remember singing keeps you looking young and brings a smile to your heart. As the song says "Count your blessings instead of sheep"

Happy Friday of the full moon

2008-12-12T11:29:00.005-05:00

Yes, today is Friday the end of the work week.
Less than two weeks until Christmas and the time of year that I remember my mom saying 'just because' a lot and ending with the infamous phase 'I said so!'
And of all nights tonight is a full moon.
Do I believe that the world goes a little out of whack at a full moon?
The answer would be, yes. Why you ask.. well I know if I am going to have trouble sleeping it will be tonight. And it has been like that for many years.

So in honor of the Full Moon and 'just because i said so'... I think I shall have a 50% off sale in my Esty shop.
Starting at 6:00 pm tonight 12/12/08 and ending at midnight Sunday 12/14/08.

And gives the lovely Etsy shopper a chance to grab a last minute gift for themselves or someone else that is on their list.
ttfn regina

Ta Da My First Post

2008-12-11T11:35:00.001-05:00

Today is... FridayEve what a great day! This is my first try at blogging...