A Pink Wednesday Fairy!

Happy Pink Wednesday!

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Baby shoes? Who knew?

Who knew inspiration could come from baby shoes? I've been collecting baby shoes since I've been designing bears. It's only been in the past year I've started collecting baby shoes with stuff in 'em. It started with the glittery one with the bird. Then came the one with the Christmas greens and baubles. My latest one came from Martha Kohley. It has a snip of fur from her mothers coat and an antique ornament tucked gently into the top of the shoe. It's also tied up with rayon ribbon and has a jingle bell.

So what does all this have to to with anything? Well, I've been wracking my brain for an idea that would encompass all the creative projects I've been working on. Bears, soldering, and altered art. The idea hit me when I was looking those lovely baby shoes! Combine the whole she-bang in a baby shoe!! So that's what I did.

I revived one of my oooooold teddy bear designs....because it was little....and because of the simple head design. The pattern must be at least five years old because, if you'll notice, none of the finished bears in the picture to the right are airbrushed! Oh my, my how my bears have changed!! Anyhoo, with a little inspiration taken from each shoe and my old bear pattern, this is what I came up with! A sweet little angel bear tucked gently in a glass glittered shoe with crepe paper ruffle 'round the top and all laced up with ribbon and one of my soldered charms! :o)

Oh, and I have to share too about the little crown. That came by way of Sandra Evertson's blog. She did a little tutorial on making crowns for little dolls. Wire, glue and glitter. Love it!!! A special thank you and warm bear hug for Sandra for sharing such a darling and simple idea. :o)

So you see, one thing leads to another. It's the AHA! moment. Inspiration and ideas come from everywhere. The delight comes in putting it all together!!

Warmest glittery bear hugs, Aleta

5 Random Things!

I was tagged by Danita (Oh Danita, you shouldn't have!) to list 5 random things about myself. Hmmm. Thinking. Thinking.....Oh I know one!

1. The only meals I cook are Thanksgiving and Christmas. How's that for random? Ha!

2. I was a redhead for two years. I thought people would take me more seriously as a redhead than a blonde. It didn't work. I'm thinking it had nothing to do with my hair color. Ha!

3. I eat peanut butter toast for breakfast and cereal for lunch.

4. I don't like glass shower doors. They're a pain to keep clean and clear. Give me a shower curtain you can throw into the washing machine any day!!

5. If I had the time, I would change the sheets and bedding on the bed every day. To crawl into a freshly laundered bed every night would be heavenly. It's one of the most wonderfully relaxing things I can think of especially if the sheets are rinsed in lavendar. (sigh)

Okay, now I guess I have to tag a few of you out there. I think I will tag all of you Oregon gals. You know who you are. Pony up to your blog ladies and list those random facts!

Warmest random bear hugs, Aleta

Merry Merry Holiday Gallery!

Hamish, Princess Sugartoes, Aerianna Pinkertoes, Dear Posy and Shivers! Only five made the gallery opening. The rest will be finished and posted next week!

Warmest holiday bear hugs, Aleta

Pink Wednesday Tea Party!

My goodness! These Pink Wednesday's come around faster and faster each week!! Today it's a Pink Tea Party. Pink ice cream, pink petal cake and rose tea. De-lish!! It's actually a tea party set up for my bears in the studio. They play tea party all day and I work, work, work. How did I get it so backwards?! Hee!

The boys are here today to demolition the tile surround in the master bath. The 80's dusty rose and seafoam green will finally be gone. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!!!! All the rest of the baseboard will be finished today as well. Another step closer to putting the house on the market and moving into my dreamhome!!

As for me? I'll be madly stitching noses and inserting eyes so I can get to the airbrush later this afternoon. Seven little noses and seven sets of eyes. Can I do it? I'm going to try!!! I'm supposed to list them tomorrow!! Need more coffee.........

Warmest Pink Wednesday bear hugs, Aleta

A bit of fun and folly!

If it doesn't move, I decorate it!! Even the cats have become accutely aware of this fact. Ha! One of my favorite things to decorate is my collection of mannequins. This one is a particular favorite this year. I found the dress at the last Antique Expo here in Portland. White satin with silver sequins, maribou and a tulle skirt......SWEET! I gave it extra fullness with another tulle underskirt, added those darling silver sparkly pipe cleaner and glass bead snowflakes and topped it off with a necklace of glass beads and bells. Jingle, jingle.....here comes Miss Kringle!!

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

It's a red and white year!

This is the only time of year when I bring LOADS of color into my house. I love it for about six weeks and then I'm done. It's as if those six weeks fill me up enough to last through the rest of the year. It's vibrant and full of energy for a time and then I retreat back into pale muted shades.

This year I'm adding more white to the mix and absolutely loving it!! Take for example, the Santa pictured. Isn't he just the coolest folk art Santa?!! Danita Art. There's a link over there to the left. I know, I know. Learn how to insert the link in the text. I'll add it to the list. ;o) Anyway, she has another Santa up for auction on eBay which I adore. However, I really shouldn't be a Santa piggie. Oh, but it's a really fabulous santa and a bit different than this one........ Ha!

Have a truly fabulous weekend my dear blog friends!!

Warmest red and white sparkly bear hugs, Aleta