Sad Somerset

Several years ago, I wondered into a Scrap book store. Although I don't "do" scrapbooks, I always liked these stores because of the pretty papers and rubber stamps. Anyway, I was in this store looking around and picked up an issue of Somerset Studio. I was shocked! Here was a magazine dedicated to the art of collage/assemblage - something I had been creating for many years. I have been collecting old letters, stamps, ribbons, jewelry, buttons, doll parts - you name it - for a long time and using them in my art. I had no idea there was a whole magazine about this art form. But here it was - Somerset Studio. Now this was probably back in the 1990's sometime. From that day forward, I was hooked. I bought every issue, waiting for the 15th of every other month for the bookstores to get the next issue. I even ordered the back issues - to make sure I hadn't missed anything. The magazine introduced me to artists such as Nina Bagley, Michelle Ward, Teesha Moore, Claudine Hellmuth, and many others. Eventually, I sent in my own art work and was published several times.

But sadly, the last issue was one I didn't buy. I picked it up at Art and Soul and leafed through it. There really wasn't anything this month that I was interested in. Then, when I returned home, I looked again at the bookstores and still didn't feel the excitement that I would have when a new issue came out. I can't explain it, but I just felt this sad feeling come over me. Maybe I have moved on to another place and Somerset Studio will no longer be there for me as inspiration.

Oh well, hopefully it was just an off month. Maybe June 15th, I will walk into Barnes and Noble and there will be the July/August issue chock-a-block full of great stuff.

Find a Grave

I was reading up on Ayn Rand because I am starting "Atlas Shrugged" and at the very bottom of Wikipedia, there is a link to FindAGrave.com. I have noticed this before for other Wikipedia articles, so I went to see her grave. Once I was in there, I realized that it was not just famous people, but all kinds of graves.

So I entered my brother, who died in 1979 and is bured in Biloxi, Mississippi. And there is was - someone I don't even know has taken a picture of his gravestone and posted it. How cool! So here is my brother - Michael Johnson. He died in 1979 in a motorcycle accident.

My grandparents are also buried in the same cemetery and again, someone has taken their picture. Here is Grandpa and Grandma Cole.

Memorial Day 2009

I love 3 day weekends. American flag flying out front and just taking it easy.

I found these great rubber stamps from RubberSoul. I already have the poster and now I can stamp this on all kinds of things! "Keep calm and carry on" has become my mantra lately...

The history of these British posters can be found here.


I found this book at the bookstore and even though it looked kind of "cutsie" I am glad I looked inside. I am a journal drop out! I can't seem to find my style for journaling. I like just straight journal entries like Sylvia Plath, colorful writing like Frida Kahlo, and Teesha Moore's unique style. I somehow want to combine all three types, not three sets of journals. This book has lots of different ways to journal and reminds me a lot of Teesha.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I found this book at Barnes and Noble, over by the young adult section (I was looking for any new Twilight type books). This is such a cool cover! And it combines both literature and goth! Instead of that most famous first sentence that all Jane Austen fans know, this one starts...

"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" - Chapter One

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.

So true, so true!

Book review to come shortly...

Shoot first, Pants later

I love this picture! Soldiers from the United Stated Army First Battalion, 26th Infantry, took defensive positions at firebase Restrepo after receiving fire from Taliban positions in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan's Kunar Province. Spc. Zachery Boyd, left, wore "I love NY" boxer shorts after rushing from his sleeping quarters to join his fellow platoon members.

It is so cool that this guy was asleep in his boxers and duty called. He put on his helmet and vest and was ready. The guy in the middle must have also been asleep since he is in sneakers and not boots.

Here is the article from his home town: here.

This picture just really makes me so proud of all our troops over there - fighting every day, every minute on duty - serving their country. They are doing such a great job. My husband has gone to Iraq for two tours and is about to complete his 20th year in the army national guard. I am just such a military fan!

Day 3 - Art and Soul Retreat

WE FINISHED OUR TIARAS!

Here are examples of Sally Jean's, from her book.

And here is mine. I don't have a great camera here, so I will take more pictures later.

And here are some examples from the other girls in the class.

This is a cool gothic tiara.

And a mermaid tiara.

And some other great ones.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This retreat is awesome. Yesterday, I took Sally Jean's Soldering for Virgins class. We worked on different types of charms techniques. Sally Jean is a terrific teacher and so patient with everyone. I think every person in the class left with a full charm bracelet. I soldered the basic two glass flat items, a 3-D charm with a vintage button inside, a couple bubble charms, and even tried soldering two pieces of turquoise stones into charms and a animal claw that I have had for years.

We really did learn so much. And what is great is that she shared so many tips that she has learned from years of experience. Now we get the benefit of her trials and errors. Plus she brought in examples of her work - she is a very talented artist.

Here is my charm bracelet - both sides.

Today, for the tiara class with Sally Jean, this was the kit - the raw elements to make our tiara.

And these are pics of Sally's tiaras!

And here is what I completed on the first day.

I did finish soldering all these pieces, which will make up the base of my tiara. Tomorrow, we start of the peaks and extra toppings.

Yeah!!!

Thanks Ali for watching after Edgar and Jack! You are the best!