Will Art For Food

january 2010

2010-01-10T09:36:00.001-08:00

Life is good. These are the good old days.

Sculpting Polymer Clay Heads eBook Sale

2009-09-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sale on eBook “Polymer People: An Artist’s Method of Sculpting the Adult Head in Polymer Clay”

eBook Sale $8.99 (Until Sept 28th)

Reg $10.99

http://artist-how-to.com

——

*NEW Survey: Where Do You Purchase Your Art Materials?

https://app.expressemailmarketing.com/takesurvey.aspx?id=16639

Fall 2009

2009-08-30T08:54:00.001-07:00

It sure is feeling like Fall. It reminds me of the scene in "You've Got Mail" where Joe talks about bouquets of sharpened pencils

2009-07-29T09:25:00.001-07:00

Life is good.

2009-02-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

I still have laryngitis, but I feel much better. Just can't talk.

Getting back to work after having to take it easy for a couple of weeks. Missed three days of day job, but my own work here came to a screeching halt. Thankfully everyone has been very understanding.

Really makes me feel for those that are sick often.

Art Snob Whine...

2009-02-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

I am sooo bored with sites that offer clip art 'cut-and-paste' items. These sites are everywhere! Yet, people snatch the stuff up. I relate it to the Wal-Mart mentality. Altered Art is everywhere and people now know about Altered Art now. I suppose people automatically think they can 'do art', by purchasing these items.

One site I am thinking of offers a crap load of 'stuff' for free. Of course there are a large number of items there for sale also, but for the most part the entire site is a display of cut and paste items that are slapped together by the owner. 99% of the items are a reach to be called anything more than scrapbooking.

It is as if the world has suddenly discovered these Robert Rauschenberg wannabes and everything you see is a watered down attempt to recreate his uniqueness by copying each other. Ironic.

2009 three weeks in

2009-01-18T10:31:00.001-08:00

Well I am three weeks into the new year. So far I have been eating better and moving more, both good things. Daughter is approx 12 weeks away from popping, and is doing well.

Nothing much to complain about....

Heartbeat

2008-10-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Just an observation:

People that talk about how "so-'n-so thinks the world revolves around them" and then proceed to cut ties, "for the sake of mental health/sanity/family/children/spouse", run a high risk of becoming the very person they felt the need to avoid in the first place. Often without them seeing it happen, and those around them suffering silently. Martyrdom does not look good on anyone.

----
Good News - heard grand baby's heartbeat today. Went to her doc's appointment along with other daughter. Twas a good morning.

AND Getting LOTS of work done, so proud of self :0)

Baby's First Picture

2008-10-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

First Grand baby's First Picture

ugh

2008-10-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

Stupid people annoy me. That's all.

Hoffman Challenge

2008-09-22T11:32:00.001-07:00

Not seeing double, quilt is intentionally pieced this way. Very kewl! (FYI not part of Hoffman Challenge - was local quilter)

Portion of Hoffman Challenge Exhibit

Lots of Asian inspired motifs with the initial fabric of the challenge containing a Peacock.

Get Real

2008-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

65+ hour work weeks and someone expects me to stop and do something that I have already given the info on 6 times? Get real.

New Painting

2008-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Diane Dobson Barton - "Hawkeye" oil on canvas 11X14"

glam is me

2008-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, sat down here when it was gloomy outside. I looked up many an hour later and the sun is shining and inviting me to be outside.

Seriously wish there was a way for me not to have to do work on Sundays.

Donating to Whom?

2008-09-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

New work schedule for me. Taking Wed off again instead of Sunday. Would like to be able to take Sundays off, but it just does not work for me.

Looking into a charity to give a percent of my profits too. Seriously thinking of St. Jude's or the local food pantry.

I have a nephew that passed away when he was 6, over 25 years ago. and St Jude's was amazing to them throughout his illness. From my research I learned that about 70% 'other than administrative".

Although this is good, I like the idea of all the donation going directly to the purpose of the charity. Hence 100% going to Joe(Josephine) Blow's table to feed the family after being laid off and no job prospects in the region he lives.

Like a lot of areas of the U.S. we here in southeast Kansas are being hit with numerous layoffs and cutbacks. I am a big believer in a hand up, and not a handout. The food pantries have limits on the number of times you can use them, and can take cash donations and get bargains I would not be able to get.

But realistically is a local charity the way to go for a business donation?

awwww

2008-08-10T13:14:00.001-07:00

Life is good

Venting

2008-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I let loose on someone today. I am not proud of it, but in hindsight I did not say anything that is not common knowledge around here. I don't respect people that try to push others around for the sake of their own ego. I have been incredibly diplomatic for a couple of months now, and I was pushed too far this time. WAY too far.

You do not treat others like crap and expect them to sit and ask for more. Well you do, if you are totally oblivious to the entire world of reality around you, and are delusional and think you somehow have magic powers you can hold over everyone's head.

Well magic powers don't work in the real world, especially if you manage to alienate an entire community. Today one more was alienated. Good luck to you.

Pet Peeve Time

2008-07-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

Pet peeve, people asking for help/information through an email. You stop what you are doing to help them, telling yourself that if you were you you would have appreciated the help. So after taking time from working, you send a detailed-proofed email with the answers to their seemingly "VERY important" requests.

But then...

you never..

hear a "thank you".....

or another word from them again.....

Morning after...

2008-05-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Deciding to try and "Let go, and let God"

UGH

2008-05-19T20:40:00.001-07:00

Tired. Have an appointment in the a.m. with a man from the SBDC and I am not nearly as ready as I want to be. As in not ready at all. I am seriously considering calling in the morning and canceling until the next time they come through. Instead of going I could spend time work on updating my business plan and other info.

Speaking of "calling", major pet peeve alert. Don't make an appointment with me, make me drive with the price of gas the way it is, and then not bother to show. This tells me you are not serious and not to waste my time pursuing anything associated. Life is too short.

Wed is Local Art group meeting. Have lots of info to pass along concerning site etc.... Hoping a couple of 'special individuals' are able to make meeting.

Was 88 here today. Still no AC on though, by choice. Did some drawing out in the yard yesterday. Was sooooo nice and relaxing. In the old house I could not even consider doing art outside, the neighbors were so close in proximity they would inevitably stop to see what I was working on. I prefer the quiet stillness of hearing birds, not lips moving.

That being said the neighbors we do have around here are at least a block away and are more of a 'come on over' than 'let me come by' type folks. I swear I could be a hermit. Who am I kidding, I am.

Storm through area,,,,

2008-05-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering what the big secret was the other day. Well, I still can't say anything as we are in 'negotiations'.

And nope it was not the book :0)

On other news we had an awful storm go through here yesterday. While here all it did was drop some rain and look ominous. Just as it got past us it picked up strength and headed toward the corners of MO/KS/OK/Ark all about 75 miles away. The last I heard there were 22 dead. One tornado was on the ground for 90 miles. As it went through Picher, Oklahoma it almost wiped the town off the map.

I have not personally seen a word about it on CNN or other national news shows. But, there is plenty about George Bush's daughter getting married.

Secrets and Updates

2008-05-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

There are some things going on that I am dieing to talk about. But I can't, not yet anyway. But just know that I am chomping at the bit to share the possible good news!

In other news I am currently listening to a podcast provided by the Midwest Arts Conference. This year they are meeting in Kansas City, so my hope is that I will be able to go. So far I haven't seen the cost listed anywhere. Obviously I need to find out more info.

Kansas FUNdamental workshops are still going on with some amazing workshop opportunities. The ones I am eying are the ones on building a web site on a shoestring. I am not sure how much they can cover in the 2 hour workshop, but I have learned to trust the Kansas Arts Commission with making it a worthwhile activity.

One Could Say "Wal-Mart Made Me Green"

2008-05-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I would have to say environmentalism clicked for me, by living in a area that a large number of people have Wal-Mart jobs, so people can not afford to splurge on things like lights left on in rooms where no one is, unnecessary trips in the car (if they have one), eating left overs etc...

So Wal-Mart made us 'Green" before 'Green" was cool.

Business Expo

2008-04-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

This post is going to make me sound like a complete office supply nerd. But that is OK, cause I am what I am. A nerd,... that likes office supplies.

Today was a city Business Expo. What does this mean to an office supply nerd? Free pens and pads of paper, that's what!

That's right I picked up plenty of different pens and pads of paper, for free. Life is good ;0)

I can remember going to expo like events as a kid with my parents. If I recall correctly it was always part of the huge fair and rodeo during the summer. Thinking back, it may have been my first real lesson in seeing how a business markets their product. Interesting.....

Pain in the back...

2008-04-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

All this sitting, reading and researching is taking its toll on my back. I have never really had much trouble with my lower back before. Oh aches and pains here and there, but this has been ongoing for a couple of months now. It's like a chronic pain that flares up whenever I sit for too long.

My problem is I get obsessed with a project and do not want to take a break to do something else. I am like a small child that wants to keep playing with their toys and not stop to take a bath. Even when the bath is necessary.

Time to Adjust FAQ

2008-04-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

Every so often (once every few months) I get someone that buys an eBook, not knowing they are buying an eBook, or not even knowing what one is. Usually these sales come through eBay. I guess they stumble past them and see information they want to have, and proceed to not read all the information presented in the listing.

I thought I had things clearly labeled eBook, downloads, PDF file etc etc etc....

Guess its past time to create a more detailed FAQ list. (scribbles on schedule)
--

GORGEOUS day in SE Kansas yesterday. I mean truly beautiful. I came home from the day job and sat outside with a cup of hot tea.

Quack Kills

2008-04-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Always wanted to take a pic of this sign. Stopped in the middle of the highway today on the way home from meeting.

BTW meeting went well, we should be able to get something going :0)

Art Group

2008-04-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we have our first get together for a possible Southeast Kansas Art Group. It could be me just sitting there alone, or fifty people. No way to really prepare for specifics.

I am not great in new environments, think Alex Rover from "Nim's Island". So here goes, hoping it all goes smooth.

Cut Out, Cut Back, Use It Up

2008-04-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

I don't normally watch daytime television for a couple of reasons;

1. If I am at home I am usually too busy, so better to have radio/music on
2. Most daytime TV is crap

But today I turned it on and flipped to Oprah. I have to say I was impressed. The theme was how to cut back on 'stuff'. Not only for the environment and budget, but for peace of mind. Yea I know everyone and their brother has jumped on the 'green' wagon.

Many of the things they suggested of course were things many are probably familiar with, no Styrofoam, eat left-over food and so forth...

http://oprah.com

The reason this struck a cord with me is that today I was explaining to someone how I would not be purchasing their knick-knacks because over the past couple of years we have downsized and streamlined things in many areas of our lives. Nothing comes in this house, without a specific purpose and place.

My biggest weakness continues to be books. Book sales are tough for me! But, Altered Art is no longer high on my priority list. Yes, it is a way to 'use up things' but it also was (and I see it for many) is an excuse to hoard all sorts of gadgets and things to use. I just don't want all that 'crap' around me every day.
--

If you are looking for a place to start cutting back and reconnecting with the 'real world', check out

http://www.shutdownday.org

..and see if you can live without your computer for 24 hours. Could be interesting.
--

Just a quick reminder - if you are looking to clear out books your local Public Library is often happy to benefit from your excess. Especially if you are in a small town.

Thursdays

2008-04-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Thursdays are always slow starters for me. I take off on Wednesday and so Thursdays are my Mondays. To-do lists help. Sadly today... I have no to-do list. That'll teach me!

(Pulls out paper and pencil to organize her plan of attack)

Multitasking Myth

2008-04-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Multitasking is not natural. We were not designed as human beings to do many things at once.

Walk and chew gum?

Yes.

Drive our cars and text? Raise our children and work at home? Clean the house and write the great American novel?

No.

It is time we all realized that as wonderful as we are as human beings, we are not designed to do two things at once and do them both spectacular! Instead, what usually happens is both task end up being done half as well, with less attention, and enjoyment.

Are we capable of having many talents? Of course! It is just we can not do them all in the same moment, as well as when we focus on each task at hand and stick with it until it is completed. Only then can we move onto the next task and give it our undivided attention.

Laughter

2008-04-13T08:20:00.001-07:00

Laughter, it is an amazing thing.

1. Helps diffuse a difficult work situation
2 Keeps parents from killing their young
3. Helps us accept our own faults with a bit of grace

Photos

2008-04-06T11:47:00.001-07:00

A couple of the photos taken yesterday.

Back From Conference

2008-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

I spent the last two days at a Writer's Conference. Good info, good people, good times had by all. But, wondering if I should move on next year.

I have gone to this particular conference for 4 years (I think). And although my time there is accurately described above, it is not really aimed at my target market. When I first started going it was to get my feet wet in the world of conferences. Now, I fear, it is time to spread my horizons a bit wider.

Not that I have outgrown them in any way, many of these folks put what I do to shame! I just need a different challenge than what I get there each year.

So, now I am looking for one to go to that;
1. Fits my needs (Target Market)
2. Is relatively close
3. I can afford.

Sonic Java Chiller

2008-04-03T15:05:00.001-07:00

For the next couple of days I will be at a conference, so today I am trying to tie up loose ends on a few projects around here. Finish balancing books for March, backing up files, working on some watercolors etc...To break up the time, I ran to an area Sonic and used a coupon for a .99 Java Chiller. I swear they are addictive! Hubby threatened to run around town and get everyone else's coupons from mail boxes.

Achy whine of too much time in office chairs

2008-03-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to whine. So, prepare yourself.

I'm tired and achy. I am not really sure why but the muscles in my back have been screaming at me for the last week. If its not my lower back it's my upper. I think I am just getting old!

OK whine done.

I am still taking notes on the rewrite. The May 1st deadline I gave myself may not be enough time, but I am still shooting for it. I have re-thought so many areas in the process, I am considering breaking them into different eBooks, or articles or other publications.

Back to work....

AwwwWWwwwwWWw Spring

2008-03-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like I made it through Winter without a cold or flu. (knocks on wood) Now allergies, that is another thing! Gorgeous outside today, it is supposed to get up to 72! AWwwwwwWWw I likey!

Still working on researching for Passion for Profit update. A great deal has changed since the first edition came out.

Well time to go enjoy the sunshine and do some creating :0)

Mid-Life

2008-03-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

I took a life-expectancy test at marthastewart.com.

According to it, I can expect to live until the age of 89. I am 44. This means i am seriously IN my mid-life. This is sorta scary and exciting at the same time.

No one make any quick moves.

Hair-Pin Lace??

2008-02-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

(stands in front of room) "My name is Diane and I am a 'Project Runway' addict."

The other night they mentioned Hair-Pin Crocheted Lace. I knew my grandmother would know what it was, and how to do it. But since she is no longer around, Google had to suffice. I found this wonderful tutorial!

http://www.sykospark.net/hairpin/

New Flower Image

2008-02-21T13:51:00.001-08:00

Starting Over Painting At 44

2008-02-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

I decided today to actually sit down and paint. Not dabble, but reallllly paint. It is like starting all over again. Every so often something would click and I would feel a "Oh yeah, THAT's the way it's supposed to go".

Using acrylics I made the mistake of using some small panels that came in an oil set. I wanted to use oils, but that is another story. The panels are awful! Probably not made for acrylic, but not sure I would not use them for anything long term, no matter the medium. We are talking cheap cardboard quality.

I wish I had some stretched canvases in about 12" x 12" size range. The plan is to make some as soon as I practice a bit more and get the juices flowing. I will just use up the crappy canvas boards I have around first.

About, oh man, 6-7 years ago I would spend many hours each day out on location painting landscapes. My goal is to do that again as soon as it gets a bit warmer. By the time I feel confident enough to go out on location, it should be warm enough for me to be in the car working. Or the idea of painting out in the yard has been mentioned. We are in a rural area, and I wouldn't have to be concerned about anyone bothering me too much.

About the oils? I bought a couple of small sets online that were on clearance. When I opened them I realized there was no white paint in the set. So instead I dug out some Galleria paints I bought during the holidays at a Hobby Lobby, when in KC visiting family. LOVE them! Now I just need to teach myself how to use them all over again lol

BTW once I get something done worth sharing I will post it here.

Taking a brief break.....

2008-02-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from editing "Polymer People: Torsos" to post a few pics I came across.

Cold and icy here in Kansas today. No temptation to be outside. May have Polymer People completed by the weekend.

Bush Finger and Ten Things

2008-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

I am not one for bumper stickers on my car. They are tough to get off, and usually just look tacky. But, that being said I am tempted to purchase one found at CafePress.com. "Honk If You Voted For Bush, So I Can Give You The Finger"

------
Ten things You May Not Know About Me

1. I have to work at being orderly

2. Can not eat cantaloupe

3. Naturally introverted

4. Am usually the first to stand up to a bully - sometimes to my own demise

5. Am passionate

6. Feels blessed about 75-80% of the time

7. Likes to shop for office supplies

8. Made more money last year than ever before on site - and this year will be even better

9. Has more gray hair than last year

10. Wishes she had more time to update the look of business site

Library Patrons and Super Bowl Sunday

2008-02-03T10:56:00.001-08:00

I work a day job, part-time. People ask why I still have it. The funny thing is, no one associated with the day job ask. Not a week or two goes by when I don't hear someone say "I want your job". Almost every day I am surrounded by creative, inquisitive people. What could be better?

Besides it gets me out of the house and studio and around real live human beings ;0)

The little critter above was made by a patron and given to me. He was trying to find out if he could carve into Super Sculpey without cracks or breaks.

The great thing was he came in with this critter and had an entire background story made up for him, lol. Maybe someday I will tell it to you....If said patron approves.
--
Well today is Super Bowl Sunday!!!!!! Can I hear ya?

What?

What, did you say??

WHOOHOOOOOOOO!

Pass the wings!
----
Don't ridicule me, but I will be watching the game...just mostly for the commercials. LOL
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In the vain of advent calendars and internet countdowns everywhere, my Valentine's Day Countdown has begun.

http://artist-how-to.com/ValentineCountdown.htm
----
(((hugs))))

Di

No Whining Allowed

2008-01-30T17:36:00.001-08:00

No one has respect for anyone that finds a need to cut down others in an attempt to make themselves feel better. No matter how much "work" they produce, it will not make the work better quality. It is better to just focus on improving your own craft, and keep moving forward.

Just an observation from yours truly...

2008-01-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I haven't posted much since last Fall and I cleaned the garden up. I am looking to change that, on this blog in particular. The other blog http://artist-how-to.com/blog will be used for business purposes only. Of course on it I have been posting regularly.

BTW I really don't like blogs that whine and moan, about this or that, so I want to keep the information posted her on a positive note. Although, being human I am sure some whining and moaning will sneak in :0)

The last few weeks have been spent creating pieces for the "Polymer People Torso". If I were to guesstimate I would say It would be ready in about a month. So I am shooting for a March 1st release.

It is just SOOOOO nice to be working again with the human form. I love doing mixed media, but there is just something about creating a piece based on such an amazing thing as the human body that gets my creative juices flowing.

That reminds me, I saw a wonderful episode of L.A. Ink that included the work of Shawn Barber
OMG You HAVE to see this man's work. Love it!

New Year - Same Cleaning

2008-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time...I had a large studio apartment above a garage to use as my studio space. I felt free to collect all sorts of papers, do-dads, and every art material that was ever on sale.

Then we made the smart decision to down-size. We wanted a simpler life, knowing that with both of our daughters were about to fly the nest, a large home was not practical. So when the chance came to move into a smaller-family-owned home we jumped at the opportunity. After spending a great deal of time sorting, tossing and purging ourselves of excess, we were settled into our cozy home.

That was almost two years ago. This past month I began a very deep clean of our home and am still coming across many do-dads and materials that I have not used since the bid down-sizing. It is amazing how things accumulate and seems to 'stick'.

Controlling Creative Clutter

http://artist-how-to.com/creativeclutter.htm

Watercolor Sketch

2007-11-12T21:15:00.001-08:00

Watercolor Sketch 4" X 6"

Cotton Process

2007-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Before I grew cotton this summer I had never seen it first hand. I live in southeast Kansas and I am told there are two cotton gins in the state. (Which is nothing compared to Alabama, Tennessee etc..) This is about as far north as you can grow it, from what I understand.

In each boll there are four of these that pull off and fluff up.

As you pull them apart you will find seeds inside. Each of the 'bumps' in the above holds a seed.

You have to pull each one out and separate the fibers.

It is a slow and relatively tedious process that took me a number of hours to do by hand.

Once I was done separating the seeds and fibers I chose to put them both into plastic bags to protect them from any pet hair, dirt etc... I was told to expect a Grey toned fiber, but instead it is a sort of creamy white.

In the left are the seeds that I will keep back for next year. On the right is all of the fiber packed into one bag. To see how much it is packed, consider that the previous image has only a very small amount outside of the bag. Think of purchased batting, once you start pulling it from the bag it's as if it is on steroids and expands up to 10 times in size.

Cotton Bouquet

2007-10-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

As the bolls open I am clipping them off and placing them in a cup. It is getting toward the last of them all. Next, will be to see what I can make. Of course to do that I will have to learn to spin.

BY GOLLY! IT'S COTTON!!!

2007-09-27T16:29:00.001-07:00

It's finally here!!! What a great surprise when I rounded the corner of the yard I saw bits of white. Needless to say I ran for the camera. :0)

There are about 14 plants total, and each has a number of the bolls. Not enough to really make anything. Now you can all call it 'Cotton Picking Humboldt' for a reason :0)

Cotton Chronicle

2007-09-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Cotton Update

2007-09-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I updated here. But, it has been uneventful on the garden front. Well I say that then I think of the fact that all of the garden has been done in, aside from the cotton. It was so hot and dry here that everything fried.

So with a mower the garden of 2007 is no more.

Hawkeye was with me out in the yard, and she is bored (hence the beginning of a yawn in the photo above) and tired of waiting for the cotton to open.

This is how the cotton looks as of today. It is starting to show signs of drying up, which it is supposed to do. At least I think it is, this is the first time I have grown cotton.

Kansas Cotton - AHT Garden

2007-08-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last month it was flooding, this month it is dried up and blowing away. The melons are pretty much done producing. As are the maters, green beans and cucumbers are all things of the past.

But the cotton, ahh the cotton :0)

Inside this weird 'bumb' lurks the makings of a cotton sock, sweater, or perhaps....just fluff. But I am waiting patiently.

From what I have read it should open in about a month, if the conditions are favorable.
Good page for cotton information.

Lots of gourds. Surprisingly the vines are still blooming too!

Garden - "Watch Cat"

Pumpkins look healthy and ready to pick. Too bad we didn't expect them to be at this point until at least mid September.

Hot Garden Update

2007-08-07T12:12:00.002-07:00

The cotton seems to be thriving, maybe it is the 105 temps?

This odd looking thing is what shows up once the bloom falls off. I am new to seeing cotton grown, but this just looks really funky.

The blooms are all a pretty soft pink.

When we moved into this house May of 2006, I dug up our miniature rose bush and put it into a glass of water. Sadly it stayed in that glass for a good year before it got planted. The weak little thing bounced back though, and is now blooming.

Pumpkins are ripening far too soon to be used for Halloween.

One type of the ornamental gourds

Cantaloupe, itty bitty and oddly enough started out a green fuzzy thing we thought was watermelon. Some disappeared last night, hoping it was raccoons and not neighbors.

Maters are filling out nicely. Cleaning them off tonight and letting them ripen inside since last group disappeared due to critters.

Pre-Order EBook "Polymer People: And Artist's Method of Sculpting...."

2007-08-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Forgive this post if you are not interested, problem with regular blog.
------------
"Polymer People: An Artist's Method of Sculpting The Adult Head in Polymer Clay"

The beginning of the ultimate collection of information for the polymer clay artist working with the realistic human form.

Pre-Order $12.99

E-Book To be Released August 19th, 2007

If you have any questions please email us at

artisthowto@cox.net

Garden Update July 22 2007

2007-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Melons

Bloom on Okra

Obvious Cucumber - one of many

These little 'pods' are on all of the cotton plants. I don't know if they are the pods for cotton, or if they are new leaves. I am hoping for the former.

Decided next year there will be more gourds! I have a few showing up on the plants, but I am greedy and want more :0)

No rain in a while, so today I spent time watering. Hoping the sky opens up soon.

melons, cucumbers, and cotton, oh my!

2007-07-17T08:52:00.001-07:00

Watermelon, small and fuzzy

Green pepper babies

Please ignore my poor weeding. Think of it as extreme organic :0)

Melon

Maters....not yet eatten by critters

Kewl Gourds

Cucumbers out the ying-yang

Cotton is about up to my hip

Funky looking blooms on Okra plant

Flooding Southeast Kansas and Coffeyville

2007-07-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Corn and other crops throughout Southeast Kansas have been left with a great deal of damage. Expect anything related to jump in price.

Corn that about ready to be harvested is now useless for anything besides compost.

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On June 30th Coffeyville, Kansas withstood one of, if not the worst flood in its history. Below are images taken on July 8th, 2007. A corridor through the damaged area has been made for traffic to go through a section of the damaged community. Driving through the path you can only get a small taste of the ruins left behind.

No one is allowed into much of the eastern portion of the town, except for emergency and government personnel.

As you get into Coffeyville on 169 coming from the north you are met with flashing light and a guarded highway.

Walnut

Police, National Guard, and Sheriff's officers are seen throughout, keeping people out of the restricted area.

Some of Coffeyville's finest

Look close at how high the water was, and how the truck is now sitting.

Local Refinery

'Stuff' on the side of the building is oil

Notice the top edge is darker from the oil

Markings left on homes after searching

Only a fraction of the homes involved. Two weeks ago people lived their lives in these structures.

Spots around town have been set up as post for necessary personnel.

Businesses on the west side of town are opening back up for business. Boiling water order has been lifted. Interstate Fair and Rodeo has been cancelled for 2008.

http://www.coffeyvilleflood.com

LOST - All Tomatoes - Sad Art Chick

2007-07-05T16:41:00.001-07:00

I was rather shocked when going out to check on my tomato plants when I looked down expecting to see the usual round green shapes. What I saw instead? Nothing. They are ALL gone.

We are assuming that a raccoon hit pay dirt. Fortunately for me there are still blooms on the plants so all is not lost, there still is a chance I will have my homegrown 'maters this summer. Just have to try fencing them in now. (Since I initially posted this my husband saw the culprit. It is a HUGE doe. Was 'hissing' at our dog on the other side of the garden)

After the initial shock of loosing all my tomatoes I turns and say this moth/butterfly a few feet away. Sorry it is a bit blurry, was the best I could do. It flew off right after I took this pic.

A MELON! the only one I see in my HUGE patch. Perhaps it needs fenced in too?

The lone gourd is still growing.

The cotton plants are continuing to grow taller each time I go out. Sorry no pic today, next time :0)

Kansas Flood or "How Diane Spent Her Summer Vacation"

2007-07-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today is my normal day off from my day job. But I considered going in when I heard that the new highway, was open to the south. BTW WHY do we still call it the NEW highway when it is over 20 years old?

Husband and I drove around during a lunch break to see how things were going. The image below is the traffic backup on the new highway. I told the day job (library) if they got busy to call, and I could probably be there in about 15 minutes. This pic obviously shows I was wrong.

The water has receded to where life is beginning to return to normal. For some that is....

Iola, KS (10 miles north of where i live in Humboldt) homes affected are labeled with either yellow or red signs. The yellow, is logically to show caution when entering. There were a large number of homes though with the red signs, as it usually is this includes a large percentage of people in low income areas.

"Keep Out Uninhabitable"

As you come into the south side of Iola there has already been a large amount of cleanup. But there are still bails of hay sitting along side the road where they were drug and left.

Southeast Kansas Flooding Update

2007-07-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

I live in Humboldt, Kansas. The population less than 2000 and is approx 30 miles from Fredonia, a town seen on the weather channel this weekend. Record breaking flooding levels in the entire region. Iola, ten miles north of us, has evacuated the south part of the community. Twelve counties declared as a state of emergency.

Word is that the water has not been this high since 1990 so below are images taken over the last 24 hours. (posted July 1, 1 pm, 2007)

This is the road on the west side of town. In a small town such as our this is a major occurrence, at one point there were even people in lawn chairs.

Another shot of the bridge west of town. There is a house on either side of this image, on either side of the street. One on the right has had water into the structure, the one on the left up to the house but not into. (Neither house is visible in the photo)

Homes on the south side of town have been flooded. These images were taken last night just before sunset. You now can not reach the road I took from.

This was taken from the overpass looking at 169 highway south of town, at about 7pm last night. Since then the water has gone over the road and it is now closed. The only way out of town is to get on 169 going north and not get off until Kansas City, 100 miles away.
This road is also now closed, image taken last night about 7 pm. It is the road you get on to get to the overpass shown in the previous image.

Can no longer get to this area either, west of town. In the distance you can see the bridge referred to in the first image.

Taken last night at about 7 pm. The bridge I stood on to take this image is no longer accessible.

June 26th Update

2007-06-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

The every expanding melon patch, I swear Jimmy Hoffa is under there. The square footage of this patch is literally nearing the same as my living room.

Green peppers forming on numerous plants

Gourd plants in need of weeding

Itty bitty Cherry Tomatoes
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Rainy weather is called for this week. This past weekend there was just the right amount here. Others in area though are complaining that their potatoes are rotting in the ground with all the rain. I dug what was left of mine out this past weekend, before the rain hit.

Tater Crop

2007-06-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

This is a pic of some of the taters I have been able to get from the garden. Sooooooo good with a bit of butter and salt and pepper!

June 13th Update It's still alive!

2007-06-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

This patch just keeps growing and growing. Something is starting to nibble ont he blooms, I suspect it's rabbits.

Cherry 'maters a growin'

'Regular' 'maters

Blooms everywhere!

I don't know if this is a melon starting or if it is just part of the bloom?

Will Art With Food Update

2007-06-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

Yes, the title was intentional. :0) Below are updates on the various gains in the garden.

Above is the first 'regular tomato'. There are a few others on the lone plant, but this is the largest. Cute little sucker isn't he.

Cherry Tomato coming to life and before long I will be able pick a few. (Fingers crossed)

Cotton plants - It is the first part of July in Kansas. Honestly I had hoped they would be larger plants by now.

Speaking of larger plants. These are melons. I say melons and not a specific type because I had so few seeds of each I mixed them together. I suspect that the larger ones are Pumpkin.

To give you an idea of the size of the blooms, that is a U.S. penny on one of the petals.

The same plants Thursday, this Sunday.

Peppers are a blooming. "Ehhh a Blooming pepper". maybe I have watched too many Pirate movies?

I had hoped to see carrots coming up from seeds I planted a while back, but so far nothing. The cucumbers, and gourds are coming along steady. No sign of actual gourds or cucumbers yet, but I am sure there will be. (Is it a bad sign if I hear someone singing 'Gotta Have Faith' in my head?)

Which leads us to the next, and last pic, an empty hole in the ground.

This is where I buried some garbage scraps, next to the garden area. Obviously I did not bury them deep enough as some critter discovered his lunch. How he could have eaten that gross glob garbage is beyond me. Shudders* like the girl she truly is.

Those with gardening experience probably noticed the weeds in my garden. Well, I have come to the decision to embrace them. I have mulched with hay and obviously did not get it thick enough in certain areas, and of course I did not want to mulch right next to a plants stalk. (BTW Thank you Scott for the bale!) I am looking to get more hay to cover up the open areas....as soon as I find some. Again, I live in Kansas, so it can't be THAT difficult to find some hay.

June 5, 2007 Update

2007-06-05T04:11:00.001-07:00

I dug up a few of my potatoes over the weekend. They tasted wonderful!

Tomatoes are beginning to bloom, but the plants are not too large...yet.

Cotton is slowly growing.

Things are still coming up.

Buds on one of the melon plants. They are LOADED!

Something has eaten the tops off of the Sunflowers. They look as if they have been gnawed.

Bloom on another of the melon plants.

This gives you the idea of the size of one of the melon patches. The small item on the lower left is the seed package to label the area.

May 31st Update

2007-05-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was out in the garden a couple of days ago and took the pics seen below. When I went out tonight I was mulching with hay to keep the weeding down and hold in some moisture. BUT, even though that was my goal and I did accomplish it, I was more amazed at the amount of growth since these images were taken.

The melon plants are twice the size as the ones seen here. Tomatoes, melons, and green beans are blooming or about to bloom. I overheard someone say they had already been eating some of their potatoes so I imagine mine are about there as well.

Lots of green!

God does make ittle green apples! May11th Update

2007-05-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Even though we had all that snow after the apple tree bloomed, we still have little green apples!

The last few weeks have been rain, rain and oh did I mention...rain!? So the garden has become overtaken with weeds. I considered editing this pic so you could not see them, but I am hoping we have all been there. Anyway, these are some of the melons.

A sad pic of some of the cotton coming up. Each leaf is at least two fingers wide.

This one I have been meaning to take for a long time. e live in the house my husband grew up in with his five siblings. This is a cement base on the clothes line that they all made their hand prints in, 37-38 years ago. You can barely see my husband's, as he was only 3-4 years old and kept his fingers together. He didn't like the feel of cement between them :0)

Anyway, the potatoes are still growing well, the green beans have their first small buds on them, and the tomato plants are thriving. The only thing sad is the spinach. Something is eating away at the few that are still growing. I guess it's not to late to plant a few more once I get the weeds back under control.

April 29th Update

2007-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Cotton is breaking through the ground everywhere! Along with the Sunflowers, and Pumpkins :0)

Tomato's are now out, only planted two, a cherry and a 'Big Boy". The Green Peppers are also in the ground, as of last night.

These little wild flowers are popping up everywhere in the yard, we need to mow, but I hate the idea of cutting these beauties down.

It's Raining Men!~

2007-04-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today has been extremely wet. But, the clouds parted long enough today for me to venture out and take a few more pics of the garden are. This time, all the moisture seems to be a good thing!

OK, technically these are still inside on my kitchen window, but let say they are 'garden material' anyway.

My pepper plants are much like men in general. Stick with me folks.... Rough, with a few 'leaves' missing, but with a woman's loving care they will hopefully bring forth good offspring.

Something has been munching on the leaves. We have an abundance of Mayflies, but the man in the house, claims it can not be them. That they only eat nectar. No idea what else it could be...... anyone have ideas?

Cherry Tomato waiting for the ran to stop so I can put her into the ground.

Potatoes are coming up in droves!

If I recall the order my pictures were taken in, these are green-bean plants coming up. A sure sign that the first ones I planted are a lost cause, as these are the latest ones added.

Seen coming up in the Watermelon/ Cantaloupe/ Pumpkin area.

Spinach folks!

One more view of the potatoes for good measure :0)

Cotton Seeds Back Home

2007-04-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know the song says "...Cotton Fields Back Home", but so far I don't have a fields. I do have a few fluffy, funky-looking seeds though!

A few short rows have gone into the ground. Needless to say my parents, and I am sure others, think I am crazy for even trying them here in Kansas.

I came across an old episode of "Sunflower Journeys" (PBS show on Kansas) of a man that runs one of the two cotton gins in Kansas. So I know it is possible!

I did not plant enough to do much with, even if they do grow as they should. At least not enough to make anything of substance...perhaps in a few months a Minny Mouse sweater will be in order?

We Got Taters!

2007-04-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I pulled the mulch off of the plants to see what damage had been done by the past few weeks. As a reminder I had gorgeous potatoes and a few green beans coming up and the freezing temps killed them all off. Or so I thought.....

Tater. A bit brown still but see the green! IT LIVES!

The green beans though were no where in sight. So a few more were planted. Also planted tonight were; Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Sunflowers. Not a large number of any one, but enough to get it going....weather permitting.

The view from my front step on the way back into the house. Weird how cameras never can truly capture a sunset.

April 14th Gardening Update

2007-04-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

My lilacs, that were bloomin' just a couple of weeks ago are frozen and covered with ice Saturday morning.

My "crop of cups" is covered with snow before I left for a 'Writer's Conference'. The more I drove to the southeast the worse it became. When I arrived 60 miles away there was about 3 inches of very wet sloppy snow on the ground.

A shot to show the signs all the way on the day trip. I just could not get my head aound it being April 14th and snowing!

By the time I got home the snow of course was all gone and the temp was in the 40's. Today it is in the 60's and tomorrow they are calling for the 70s. Checking the gardenin area I have some hope that all is not lost. There were a few bright green signs of potatoes coming back up!!!

Do I hear "WHoowWWHooooo!"?

Garden on Easter

2007-04-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

No pics today. Sorry, was too depressing to see anyway, especially on Easter.

When I came home from my day job yesterday I went directly to the garden area. It looks as if everything that was coming up... has now frozen to death. The potatoes looked as if they were going to do so well too. Maybe if I had not followed the old myth that they HAD to go out on St. Pats day? Then again, you can never tell what mother nature will do.

In the spirit of Easter, perhaps under the cover of the earth are more eyes just waiting to break forth and give life.

.....only time will tell.

I do know, that as soon as this cold snap has passed, I will be putting out green peppers and replanting my green beans.

Perhaps it was me taking to the plants as I was covering them with plastic cups and mulch??? Maybe they do not like to be called 'little dude'.

Freezing Temps Prep

2007-04-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

The latest crop? Plastics.

Good use of plastic cups and 2-liter bottles.

This sad green bean, I expect, will not make it. I uncovered it to take this pic, and it appears that it has already gotten too cold. Since they are calling for 17 degrees tonight and similar lows the next, I placed extra mulch around things and made sure everything was relatively secure.

Some of the potatoes, that were covered with mulch only, did not appear well. This is not one of them. Sorry, I took a pic of the dark green damaged leaves of a plant but it was too blurry to share. In my defense the wind is blowing pretty strong and I did not want to stay out there too long. Least my own limbs turn dark green and fall off.

Closer view of my mini greenhouse affect. FYI Al Gore loves me :0)

Snow in April

2007-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable... In Kansas....With lilacs in bloom. Notice the white streaks folks, that is SNOW!~

April 5, 2007 Garden Update

2007-04-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

It is April...correct? I mean I live in Kansas, and it is safe to say that there will be no Snow in April in Kansas, one would think. But, that is what they are calling for at some point in the next 48 hours. As I write this the radar shows snow in Central Kansas, whether it gets here (SE Kansas) is something else.

Instead of knitting little green sweaters for my potato plants, so they can shiver in the cold blast, I covered them with what I had on hand. Recycled convenient store cups and mulch from the compost pile is not a cute as little green sweaters, but keeps me from possibly loosing the little suckers.

The plan is to change out the cups this evening to cut-down 2-liter bottles so what little daylight there is will get through to them in the coming days.

Took another pic of the blossoms (apple?) in case this cold blast is their demise.

April 1st Update

2007-04-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

We have taters! I was concerned that the heavy rain we have had since St Patrick's day was too much for the potatoes, but apparently not. Approx 30% of the area where I placed them have begun to show signs of life

A tree in our yard has these weird spike things on them, year round. No idea what they are, any ideas?

The pepper seedlings are coming along and are beginning to grow their true leaves.

A wall of lilacs in our yard.

The two pics above show how HUGE this sucker is. We should have cut it back last fall, but now we will have to wait.

Beginnings of a compost pile. I raked these up after hubby mowed the other day, and have them set aside to add to a compost pile.

More buds, these are on the trees east of the garden area.

Green beans popping up :0)

And last but not least, these are blossoms on what I think is an apple tree. Beautiful blooms whatever they are!

March 28th Update

2007-03-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

This weird looking grass was underneath bags of Aluminum cans we hauled off. It looks like maybe the image should be turned the other way, but this is correct. Sorta looks like a bad psychedelic Elvis 'do.

We have lived in this house since last May, so this is the first year I have really taken notice of the vegetation. One of the trees to the side of our house has these odd buds. The following is a closer up view.

I was curious and dug into the potatoes to see if they were doing 'OK'. The first one I saw had a few white rice like items on them. Sadly they were not roots, but were maggots. I know, shudder* But the next one I saw did have roots growing, so this is good. But now I know to expect to loose at least part of the crop.

I figure it is in big part because it has been VERY wet the past 7-10 days.

Also found a few worms, so this is good!

Proof that my green peppers are sprouting :0) Even though this was taken only two days ago they are 2-3 times this size today.

The lone lilac I brought into the house. Husband is 'allergic' so I tucked this one away in my office. Let's see if he notices lol.

More Lilacs, this bush is HUGE. I am not exaggerating, it has to be at least 15-20 feet wide. needs cut back but will wait until Fall.

More Lilacs again, purrrrdddyyy.

First sign that the green beans are doing well.

No sign of the spinach yet, so keeping fingers crossed.

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Husband (Jim) cut the lawn for the first time this season today. Gathered up enough clippings for a good start on my compost pile. Now I just need to figure out where I will throw something together to keep it.

So there you have it. This is what has been going on in the garden front so far. More items will be added to the garden plot in the coming weeks. So if anyone has any tips or ideas let me know!

Garden 2007

2007-03-23T12:45:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted here in a long while! What have I been up to? Well, let's see.....

Doing the normal business things, website, started wiki, ETSY shop and so on and so forth.

Adjusting to not having my daughters around so much. They are growing up, at 19 and 21 they prefer time with their boyfriends to hanging out with their old mom :0)

They both dropped by last night,one to do her laundry, and the other for a ride. They both wound up staying for several hours, so twas nice. Good times, good times....

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I started a garden, FYI this blog will primarily be used to record in the coming months. I do not have a tiller, and I m waiting to invest in one to be sure I will be using it. I will wait until next year at least to purchase one. This year though, a neighbor brought in is tractor and plowed and disc it for me for a small fee ($15)

It is only about 450 square feet. But, for me that is large. It is shrinking in size as I get things in the ground. The problem is I want to plant everything! So far I only have potatoes, spinach and half the green beans in the ground, and 30% of the space is used up.

The way the area looked as I begin to make a grid out of hemp rope.

A closer up shot of the good old Kansas dirt! Lots of clumps, but the area has not been tilled in at least ten years. My in-laws use to live on the property and the same area was once used for a family garden.

In order to do the pumpkin, watermelon and cucumbers I may have to dig up another area to allow for all the vining.

Another shot of part of the yard. The 'clump' seen in the upper right is what is left of a sad apple tree that was hit by lightening years ago. The goal is to clean out the dead limbs and see if there is anything left to save, and if not to replace it with another apple tree sapling.

So far I have 'declumped' (yes, that is a word....cause I said so) the soil for the 30% planted. After the long hard winter, my out of shape body was sore for many days afterwards.

This week it has been gloomy and cloudy, with just enough rain to help the weeds grow and to make it too muddy to be able to get in the space and dig them out. But, I figure if the weeds are starting to pop up though, underneath the surface my plants may also be developing.

I will go out today, if it clear enough, and take an updated pic as the ones here were shot over a week ago.

2007-01-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

Calling for snow tomorrow on top of the ice that is still left from last weekend. I find it interresting that as we get older the more afraid we become of falling. Remember as kids sliding and rolling around on the ground? It made no difference it it was ice, dirt, snow, whatever, it was fair game for fun.

I did manage to get things finished this week, if I don't consider that sculpture.

But on the good side I managed to get more things listed on ETSY than I had planned. So if you want something small for Valentines Dy or just for the heck of it check it out here.

On another note, a moment of silence for my nails. They had to go bye-bye. Stripped down to my natural nails tonight while watching Monk. I feel so much lighter!

2007-01-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

We are in the midst of a Winter storm. We went from 60's to 18 degrees overnight. Gotta love Kansas :0)

Things I completed this past week;

New collection of images for site

A dozen beads

Listed work on ETSY for the first time

Auctions listed of used books on eBay ended - barely broke even. I know it is the holidays so not too worried about it. Besides, they were used books an not art.

Youngest daughter turned 19

Had car repaired

Changed up blogs - for business and personal

2007-01-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

The nails are going to have to go. They just are not practical when working with polymer clay. I made a few charms with it today, and I should have them up on ETSY soon :0)

There is a big Winter Storm headed this way, that is supposed to hit tomorrow.

I am trying to get as much work done as I can the past couple of weeks and last night I as up until 5 am. Can we say "obsession?"

An best of all, tomorrow is Haley's 19th Birthday :0)

2007-01-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

I had decided after completing NANOWRIO this past November that my reward would be a manicure. Well of course once I finished I told myself I was too busy catching up on other things to go have I done. So it took until a few days ago for me to break down and just do it myself while 'working' on the computer. I had never done sculpted nails before, but I have to admit "I Likey" :0)

I trimmed them down quite a bit so I can still work in them. Sculpting hasn't been attempted though and if I can't do it with them, they will have to go.

Speaking of sculpting. I don't loose things to often anymore, but when I do, BOY do I do it big! All the high resolution files of sculpting figures in polymer clay have been lost, hundreds and hundreds of hours of work. I won't go into detail, and to make a long story short I have made up my mind that for some reason I was just not meant to use those files. That it can be done better, and that starting monday morning that is exactly what will begin.

2007-01-04T23:28:00.000-08:00

First post on new blog for purely personal info :0) Pic is of my desk a few weeks ago while participating in NANOWRIMO