Its Like Spring Outside

Its been such a great weekend. In Arizona this is the time of year we get to enjoy. Its been in the 70's and it has been perfect. Driving in my car I heard several vintage Elton John songs. Love, love, love Bennie and the Jets. :) I think I need to find a copy of Captain Fantastic somewhere. Great memories of the 70's. I also have been catching up with good friends this weekend. Dont you just love a great meal, hanging out with other creative people? I leave so inspired.

My new studio is working out great and just as I had hoped. Having one large room in the heart of my apartment is so convenient. I am definately getting more done. I wanted to share a couple new projects. I have been making these fabric flowers. They are so easy and alot of fun. I like as many components in my work to be completely handmade as possible. These flowers can be used in so many ways. I am working on a bride doll and I want to make lots of small white ones to embellish her gown. This doll is a work in progress and working out the kinks in the pattern, but its what I love doing the most. I have made a couple more cupcake pillows and since spring has been in the air this week I am starting my Easter pillows. This is my first chocolate Easter Bunny. You never know what I will feel like creating. One morning before work I came up with this pin cushion. I have more things in various stages of done and I will share them later.

I just got home from Trader Joes and found these frozen macaroni and cheese bites. Three different sales clerks told me these were awesome. So thats what I am having for lunch:) I guess I will go and give them a try. Have a great week.

Whats New At Tillies?

I like to post an update from time to time with what is new at Tillies. This is an adorable shop in Mesa. If you are local, you may know about Tillies. Elaine is the shop owner and she has been working really hard on bringing new vendors and gorgeous new things. They have been giving the store a fresh new make over for the new year. In addition to handmade items, you will now find several vintage and antiques vendors. There is one room devoted to Longaberger Baskets for all of you collectors out there. I took a few photos to share with you all. There is so much more! If you live in the Phoenix area and would like to visit, mention you saw this blog post to receive 10 percent off:) Tillies is located in Mesa on the SE corner of Dobson and Guadalupe. The hours are 9:30 to 5:00 Tuesday through Saturday.

Pillow Talk

The holidays were great but I am so glad to get back to creating. Its been peaceful and quiet. It seems like its been a very long time since I have been able to enjoy a normal weekend. I had months of redoing my apartment spaces and then the fast pace of the holidays.

Today I made these two pillows. The rooster pillow was some scraps from some home dec fabric. I rouched some satin ribbon to create a trim to dress it up a little. The next is pink roses. I am working a new pattern for a teddy bear with a rag doll type body. I cant wait to get her done. I am really excited to get this year started with alot of new ideas. I hope you all are having a creative start to the new year.

Its A Brand New Year ~ What Will You Be Doing?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. For the first time is many years we had family in town and we had so much fun. Christmas really is about family and friends. I know we will have alot of fun memories.

2010 was a year of transition for me. I had been unemployed for 9 months and started my job this year. It was an adjustment going through a long training and learning a new job with many different resposibilities. I am so thankful to have my job and work for such a great company. I also created a new studio and work area that is now completed and I am ready to start creating again.

I usually am not one for alot of New Years Resolutions because the fast become New Years Disalutions. lol But this year I will be making alot of changes, all good, but still scarey. Even good changes can be stressful. First, starting in February my job will be changing and I will be moving to another department along with my 18 co-workers. After going through training for a month last May I am not really looking forward to another month of training, but I must and do so with an optimistic attitude. When training is over I am planning to have hip surgery. My condition has been inoperable but technology has caught up and it looks very good for me. Its not a normal hip replacement, there will be some re-construction involved and the Dr hopes to lengthen my leg as well. I am not going to lie,,,this scares the hell out of me, BUT its time and I am going into this ready. I am looking forward to my physical therapy and plan to take advantage of every minute of it. I want to get into a workout routine that I will do from here on out.

As far as my business goes, I am making some changes. I have so little free time and want to use it doing what I love. That is creating. I have been focusing on how to be a successful business and not being the artist. I have been wanting to get back into doing my mohair teddy bears and art dolls. I will be doing some home dec things I have been wanting to create for awhile now. I am not sure how much time I will devote to social media, news letters and marketing. I just want to create, focus on my blog, website and Little Pink Boutique at Make Mine Pink.

So, its a big goal list for 2011. I have been getting ready for these changes and I am ready to start this new year. What do you have planned for a fresh new year? I hope its something new, fresh and something you have always dreamed of.

I wanted to share the work of my friend Del Gonzales. He is an amazing artist. His talent has no limits. I commissioned this portrait of my Son in Laws dog named Kid. Kid is 14 and very special to our family. His health is not what it used to be and I knew this would be the perfect Christmas gift. He loved it so much. Del captured every bit of Kid:) Let me know if you would ever like to contact Del for a portrait. As for me, I have not been able to get much done over the last couple months but I did get this bracelet and earrings made for my Sister in Laws birthday. Have a great week, its a new beginning, make it great:)