Do You Remember Elvira?

What was she? Elvira, Mistress of the Dark . . .

She would host these movies that were awful . . . but we watched . . . just to get her take on it . . . and to laugh.

It was something for the whole family . . . or for friends . . . ElviraMistressoftheDark

I would think that just about everyone was watching . . .

It was back in the 1980’s, if I recall correctly . . .And she became an almost overnight sensation. It was a local Los Angeles gig for Elvira . . . a.k.a. Cassandra Peterson. She hosted a B-rated horror film show.

She created her look and character with the plunging neck line, vampiress persona and double entendre humor. Her family owned a costume shop . . . and this is where young Cassandra had a ball dawning different costumes for Halloween.

She’s also a saavy businesswoman who has kept her brand going for at least three decades . . . She started this gig when she was 30 and is now in her 60’s . . . looking great as ever . . .

She still makes public appearances around Halloween . . . with fans young and old . . . flocking to see her . . .

It’s truly heartwarming to know of someone who found her niche and ran with it all the way to the bank!

I love success stories!

Who would have thought that hosting dumb horror movies would make someone famous . . . and rich . . . ?

There may have a been a bit of luck initially, but Cassandra Peterson had to give it that entertaining quality that kept us all returning week after week. It wasn’t the movie she hosted . . . it was Elvira . . . what was she going to say?

If you missed out on the real deal back in the 80’s . . . you can get aquainted with the Mistress of the Dark through her DVD’s and books . . .

Just click one of the links above and you’ll find more than you’ve ever known was available about this icon . . . and you can also get an Elvia costume for Halloween . . . or lounging around the house . . .

I do love reaching back into the past . . . and finding treasures . . .

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

Time Flies When You’re Busy

It’s so true . . . but no excuses!

All last week I thought about posting here . . . but with the turn in the weather to HOT . . . and playing around with paper strips . . . time just flew by.

It’s fun to learn something new and to be motivated to finish projects I’ve started . . . and never finished.quilledballoons

I’ve been giving my paper crafting a lot of thought and have been doing a lot of research, too. Just when I think I’m getting a handle on the topic . . . something new is added and blows me away. So, I’ve been busy learning . . . getting confused . . . refocusing . . . 

My learning curve is as loopy as the paper strips I’m curing and twirling . . .

And I got thinking that maybe focusing upon a theme would help . . . it has to a degree . . . but it’s much like window shopping. You’re focused until something catches your eye and attention and you’re off chasing butterflies . . .

I’ve enjoyed spring . . . and I’m determined to enjoy summer . . .

Although it officially hasn’t arrived . . . but the weather has given me summer heat . . . that I’m determined to enjoy . . . under the air conditioning.

I do run my errands early in the morning . . . working on that schedule to be home when the heat of the day sets in. I’m basically a fair weather girl. I like to be comfortable . . . and a bit cooler is preferred.

In my research . . . I came across a woman who makes miniature food charms . . . and one of her very popular pieces is s’mores . . . she’s made the graham cracker charms and chocolate charms and marshmallow charms, but the completed s’mores is what sells out . . .

So, this got me thinking . . .

Yes, about s’mores . . .

I’ve posted lots of s’more recipes in the past . . . but what is so great is coming up with your own combinations . . .

I’ve had one where you put the ingredients in a sugar cone/waffle cone wrap it in foil and set it on the grill or in the oven . . .

So, far that one seems to be my favorite because you can make them throughout the year. And they’re not all that messy . . . well . . . yes they can be.

campfire2And, this does get me thinking about the taste of summer . . . and it may very well be the original version of s’more . . . The one we grew up on . . . the one that everyone knows and loves . . . Every well-planned camping trip includes a box of graham crackers, Hershey chocolate bars and a bag of marshmallows.

And while driving to your destination . . . visions of a camp fire come to mind and making s’mores . . . and more importantly visualizing taking that first bite of your gooey s’more . . . being careful not to have the whole thing slide into your lap or down the front of your shirt/blouse.

Yes, indeed this is a common taste of summer that we crave from year to year . . .

There is something positive to be said about the traditional way of making s’mores . . . and creating your own variation on them . . . that brings something special to your camping trip or outdoor cookout . . . and don’t forget the ghost stories and urban legends.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

Holiday Weekends Mess Up My Week

I don’t know about you, but after a Monday holiday my week is messed up.

I’m always a day off . . .

The same with the weekend — did I have two Sundays?relaxation

Well, it seems that Tuesday is upon us and I’m trying my best to keep up with the week the best I can . . . with my irregular sleep schedule — that may be more of the reason than a long weekend.

I do love writing during the wee hours of the morning . . . There are no interruptions . . . no telephone ringing . . . no neighbor noises . . . just pure silence that is relaxing allowing me to write without distraction.

I had to renew my security software on my computer.

It’s a bit of a bother, but necessary . . . or so I’ve been told . . . It does make you wonder if it really is doing what it’s suppose to do.

I can sometimes get on websites with a virus that takes over my computer . . . I didn’t even see it coming! Aren’t we supposed to be protected from that?

And I do wonder about the hacking that is going on . . . not that I have such important documents on my computer . . . but what I have is important to me. I do wonder how secure we truly are on-line . . . but I’m hooked on the internet right along with millions of others . . . and we’re not going to stop using it.

It’s like when my new security software was installed and my bandwidth was diminished . . . I restarted my computer to fix the problem. Sometimes the magic wizard of installing new software doesn’t prompt you to restart . . . I think it is necessary to do so . . . it solved my problem. And, why would that software have anything to do with my bandwidth?

Strange things do happen in the wee morning hours . . . you’d think I’d be the only one on-line . . . or with a few night owls . . . but maybe they do cut back a bit or do those things they do when we’re supposed to be asleep tucked securely in our beds.

Well, the good news is that I have a whole year of security on my computer.

The Unofficial Start of Summer.

It’s interesting how Memorial Day unofficially announces summer and Labor Day unofficially brings it to a close.

Memorial Day was indeed warm here . . . let’s hope Labor Day brings us fall weather. I can only hope.

I’ve been thinking of those who went camping this weekend . . . and how many s’mores they consumed . . . and how many ghost stories were told. This is truly an exciting time of year. The fair to hot weather brings on thoughts of being carefree.

Some people use their vacation time to get into their favorite hobby . . . or do something new. It’s just a welcome break from the regular daily routine of work and related responsibilities.

Some people pack their vacations with activities that keep them and the kids busy . . . doing something fun and different from the norm. It’s nice when there are vacation plans that include a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

I remember some vacations that were quite exhausting from all the things planned . . . and when I did get home, I enjoyed sitting on the front porch or balcony or patio (depending upon where I lived) and relaxing . . . yes, it was home, but I had to recharge after such an exciting vacation.

But the memories were absolutely priceless . . . something I can fondly think about for years to come . . .

Life is full of precious “treats” to savor.

I remember going to this lake, not far from my home.relaxation1

It was quiet even when a lot of people were there. It was one of those places that was completely serene . . . and once you entered that sacred ground, you could feel the calmness and the weight of the world lift off your shoulders.

I’m sure you’ve found such places, too. It is necessary to unwind from time to time . . . relax and allow yourself to just enjoy the peaceful solitude of your thoughts . . . or no thoughts at all.

I remember watching others sitting in their portable chairs . . . sitting still . . . and some women would be doing needle work . . . a man would be reading a book . . . but mostly people were quiet.

It seems to be the perfect setting for a Stephen King novel . . . but it never really spooked me . . . thinking about it now . . . I wonder if something paranormal was happening . . .

I believe it’s good to get out in nature from time to time . . . dig in the dirt . . . sit calmly . . . have a picnic . . . just relax and enjoy either alone or with friends or family . . .

I think we are all drawn to certain places . . . some to the desert, others to the beach and some to the mountains . . . it is their special place to relax and soak in nature . . . There are some garden settings that are specifically designated for places of reflection and meditation.

Although it’s nice to get out and go someplace . . . I find I enjoy making that serene place in my own backyard . . . so I can visit it regularly. I’ll write out there and sometimes eat breakfast or dinner . . . sometimes have a cool or hot beverage and just unwind . . . taking in the calmness and the quiet.

In the distance I sometimes hear the church bells . . . and other times the faint sound of the train whistle . . . I love that sound . . . it is peaceful and quite calming to me.

Well . . . we’re embarking upon a new week . . . a short one with the unofficial start of summer . . . How do you plan to spend the next few months? I hope you’ll take in the sights and sounds of nature and enjoy it thoroughly. Maybe learn something new and exciting or get into something you love doing.

I’m beginning to think summer is the time to reflect and explore . . . and maybe a time of spiritual growth . . . and healing . . .

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon

Mass Production Vs. Personalization

For most crafters this can be an issue.

I know it can be for me . . . that’s why I’m writing about it.weddingfavorboxes

You see, I enjoy making boxes . . . lots of boxes . . . some for my family and friends and neighbors and some for special occasions.

When it comes to special occasions, a wedding or anniversary or even graduation party . . . I need to get a lot done in a relatively short span of time. So, mass production is the way to go when I can get things pre-cut using my Silhouette Cameo and my printer. But, sometimes I feel I need to give a bit of a personal touch as well . . . just to set my work apart from the work of others or store-bought.

And, to be honest with you, I want to have some fun and be creative . . . not just do an assembly-line process . . . which can become quite boring.

We do buy equipment to make certain tasks easier.

This does save us time.

And allows us to make a number of attractive products with relatively little effort. Which in many cases can be a blessing . . . especially when you have several orders to fill. And, as a business this is necessary.

So, when it comes to doing things for your own gatherings and hostess gifts, you would probably take more time with them.

I’ve been thinking about Halloween coffin gift boxes and how to embellish them in a very attractive or spooky manner to fit with the season. It’s fun to add pumpkins and children trick-or-treating . . . or to have spider webs and a scary spider with vampire fangs . . . or build some kind of grave yard scene . . . maybe add a witch, a ghost or a goblin TrickorTreat3. . .

And what to put inside . . . besides tasty treats.

We can have fun when it comes to those products we mass produce . . . by adding some nice embellishments that add to the hostess gift box. We do love having something tasty to take home with us.

And a seasonal greeting with a fun spider as in the picture to the left would dress it up quite nicely and give your treat bag or box a little something special on the outside.

It is all a matter of taste . . . as how long you have to put together your hostess gifts. I like my guests to believe that I take as much time in preparing the gathering as I do in creating the gift. My guests are special to me . . . and I want them to know it.

So, it is all a matter of what you want to do . . . and how you feel about giving your very best . . . given the situation.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope this was helpful and gave you something to think about.

Sharon

Passion For Quilling

I know I’m a bit obsessed about quilling.

First I was curious. Then I became excited about the 3-D construction. Now . . . quilling-sena-runa-30

I am completely blown away.

Turish Artist Sena Runa quit her paying job to devote her time to quilling. This shows true passion . . . and a true artist.

There is definite attention to detail . . . and it seems as though Sena is having some fun along the way. That is truly passion to me.

Many of us would “rather be” doing just about anything than “work,” but very few of us leave the “job” in order to pursue it 100%.

I know of others who have . . . and things have worked out well for them . . . but they worked . . . worked harder than when they were working for a salary . . .

But, when you’re doing what you love . . . then it’s much like play . . .

This could be true for Sena Runa . . . and she is an excellent artist . . .

I am inspired by her quilled art.

How about you?

quilling-sena-runa-8Although this feather is flat . . . it is definitely three dimensional. Just like a real feather. All made from strips of paper.

I know it is quite unbelievable . . . but so very much is indeed possible . . . if you give it a try.

I loved the coiled paper for the “beads.” And the curl of the “feathers.”

I just had to share some of Sena Runa’s work with you. I think we’ll be seeing many more of her paper quilling creations for many years to come.

She sells her work from approximately $85. to $550. depending upon the piece and the amount of detail involved. They do come framed and they are not huge . . . about 91/2 by 11 1/2 inches.

When you’re this good at your craft . . . the money will definitely follow.

I can look at Sena’s quilled art and I am amazed by how she knows what to include and how to separate the piece.

But, then, with practice and having a sense of what you feel by the shape of the piece . . . you will definitely know . . . and flow with that feeling.quilling-sena-runa-6

It is wonderful to have such a talented artist for inspiration . . . challenging you to come forward and create something of your own that speaks clearly from your soul . . . your heart . . . your life force . . .

Music and musical instruments have a certain “feel” to them. They would be excellent subjects for quilling . . . the coils and the curves . . . you can feel the movement . . . and with the color selected . . . this reminds me of the ocean and waves . . . and the crashing into the rocks . . . 

Everything blends together in a symphony of the senses . . .

That’s what I see and feel when I think about quilling and using it as an art form for self-expression.

One of my favorite pieces of Sena’s is what I believe to be an outline of Mickey Mouse.

It is beautiful as she made it, of course . . .quilling-sena-runa-1

I see something entirely different that I would want to put inside . . . my feelings about the magical kingdom created by Walt Disney . . .

And, given my age, my experiences go way back . . . to a time of fairy tales . . . and those characters that did shape my life a bit  . . . we are a product to an extent of what we’ve lived, observed and were taught . . .

If the outline is a “symbol”, then what other symbols would be appropriate to include in the piece that would say “Disney” . . .

Or . . . is this not meant to be the outline of Mickey . . . just a large circle with two smaller ones on top . . . maybe it means something entirely different to Sena . . . it is, after all her art piece . . .

And, maybe my vision of the paper elements and the colors wouldn’t work as well . . . or would involve more time than I would like to devote to one piece . . . or an element of mystery is necessary for others to discover on their own . . .

Then the question comes down to . . .

Do we create for ourselves . . . or others?

I do wonder . . . perhaps it’s a mixture of both . . . depending upon whether you want to sell it . . . or not . . . and if you actually know what the public wants . . .

I want something that “speaks to me” or something that I truly receive a positive feeling from . . . maybe even something to stir memories . . .

When I make mine . . . it will be for me to keep and to enjoy . . . I’m not interested in selling it . . . but one never knows if the time and price are right . . .

We all have our tastes . . . and when we think of Disneyland or Disney World, we’ve all had our own personal experiences . . . and how would you best depict it in a quilled piece of art?

It is quite challenging . . . and could be fun in the process.

I hope this was inspiring for you.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharon