Ambitions Design

Time to pay tribute

2011-07-12T16:24:00.014-04:00

I am sitting here listening to Colbie Caillait's new song, "brighter than the sun". It is a song with a great hook, very catchy. She is singing about a love that is brighter than the sun.

It is funny how the words can be applied to each of us in our own lives in various ways to something or someone we admire greatly.

It is these lyrics especially that have me paying tribute today:

I swear you hit me like a vision
I, I, I wasn’t expecting
But who am I to tell fate where it’s supposed to go with it?

Oh, this is how it starts, lighting strikes the heart

It goes off like a gun, brighter than the sun

Today is the very day 3 years ago that my silly dream became a real living thing. SpookyTime Jingles. STJ was my vision and lightening to the heart.

Bittersweet in some ways, I suppose. I love the growth and am really humbled by all we have grown but also misty of the good days behind us that I would love to relive and how fun an early dream can be. I guess kinda before the reality of " hey, you really have something here, so get your butt back to work"!

Such a wonderful place to be, and I know it.

I have made some of the truest friends I have ever known in my life. I have met such genuinely sweet people who are so beautifully talented that "inspiring" seems to not be a big enough word to describe the feelings I have. I have experienced some amazing experiences that would not have been in my life without my silly little dream

come true.

Looking back today, I want to say....

Thank you to every artist who has ever been part of SpookyTime Jingles. Thank you to every person who has ever purchased a piece of our art or helped us spread the word in anyway. It really all helps tremendously! Sometimes people can forget or not realize that artists' create not just for love but also money. These are not occasional crafters nor hobbyists but tried and true artisans. Souls need to be nourished and the bills need to be paid...mortgages covered, doctor's visited, school supplies gathered, clothing worn and food in the tummy's of our lil pumpkins.

The success of SpookyTime Jingles helps insure that, for everyone affiliated with STJ. I thank you from the bottom of my soul for allowing my silly little dream to flourish so that I could help other artist's follow their own "silly" little dreams.

With much Love and gratitude, thank you~

*Please consider visiting our "giving page" where we are accepting donations for The Make a Wish Foundation of America! Each Anniversary we choose a new charity to benefit. The Make A wish Foundation, grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. You can donate directly or purchase a piece of art from us that shows a portion of the sale going to this charity in YOUR NAME! Starts tonight at midnight~

This year we chose this charity in honor of our surprise guest artist, whose son had 4 years of fighting for his life from a blood cancer. The foundation granted his wish in the dark days when nothing was guaranteed in this sweet young boys future. The wonderful news is he MADE IT and is now a grown young man and doing wonderfully considering the harsh side effects that chemo leaves in ones body. So please consider donating in honor of someone you love. You may just grant a child their last wish.

http://friends.wish.org/100-000/page/Dani-Nelson/SpookyTime-Jingles-Donates!.htm

The curveballs keep coming

2011-06-28T01:06:00.009-04:00

So what an unusual post this will be but none the less I feel like it's what I want to do. So, some of you know me and some know of me. I suppose I have made a small name for myself in certain circles. Of course I do plaster myself and my work in the arts online enough. But, I don't think any of you know that I have had had a "missing" brother named Scott for over 20 years.

When he was 19, he just vanished. Now, you should understand we share the same Dad only. I was 15 and we were best buddies. Although we grew up separate with no contact until we were teens, it was like two long lost besties found each other. He would drive me to Ithaca, NY to his college on the weekends, all the way from Seaside Heights, NJ. He would visit me when he could and call me. And when I was a lil older he would take me to parties and do fun stuff all the while being the protective brother whom I knew, loved & cared for me very much, or so I thought.

My relationship that my brother and I had with our father was iffy at best on most occasions. But my brother Scott had the distinction of dealing with Dad for much longer than I did.

The short is, to the best I have been told: some prize winning fight ensued between Dad and Scott. Scott took his stuff and left everything. These were days before Facebook and Cell phones so short of driving to Ithaca (wasn't old enough), he could not be found.
I tried everything a teenager could to locate him. I tried calling all of the usual suspects with never an answer or a returned message. For a long time I imagined the worst and would just keep checking what little was on the internet at that time.

Eventually, my Dad got word from cousins in Florida that he was OK and living in the Sunshine state! Such a gift to know!! But then I realized he never called me. Not once in all those years to say hello, I'm OK, I'm sorry, - NOTHING!

I can tell you that I put so many work hours into finding him and shed so many tears that I could just scream bloody murder.
Long story into short, he finally answered the phone one day 7 years ago. I said like a lil school girl..
"SCOTT!
it's Danielle, omg!!! Can you Talk!!!???
Scotts response:
NO...................................................................
me:
uh..........um.......Why Not?
Scott:
because I have a dinner party, I have to go.
Me:
Can I call you back or ......ah...should I not?
Scott:
Don't call back............
Me:
OK...............click

I still cannot fathom what I could have done as a young girl that would cause him to act this way towards me. Especially, after how close we had become. Confused is an understatement.

Why, do I bring this up now..20 + years later? Well, while searching my family tree online, I bumped into Scott (whom I have since tried desperately to pull from my memory bank) it seems my brother who has been hiding electronically speaking since the day he left, finally put something in his name...A FACEBOOK PAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A picture of him, his wife and two beautiful boys.

I would've been such a great Auntie.

Hate to tell ya Scott, but you look just like Dad.

SpookyTime Jingles Grows up

2011-05-01T01:48:00.002-04:00

Yes, STJ is growing in so many ways. In just a few days STJ will attend its 3rd National Halloween Convention in King of Prussia/Philadelphia. Each year we are one of the most highly anticipated vendors at this show. It is so heart warming to receive such a warm and exciting response from attendees, fans and collectors alike.

So,this year we decided to completely revamp our booth displays to keep it fresh and to keep you all on your toes! You will NOT be disappointed, I promise!
Think Neo-Victorian haunted house meets SpookyTime Jingles!

Also look for our LIVE feed to be shared on our Facebook Fan Page!

If you see a piece you like when we post pictures and videos leave a comment on our Facebook page and we will contact you. Last year we sold Dozens of pieces from pictures posted on our page!

This year we are doubly honored to be considered by 2 television networks for interviews and filming for upcoming features about Halloween!
Fingers, toes and eyes crossed ;)

SHOWROOM FLOOR SALES DAYS ARE ONLY Friday, May 6th-Sunday the 8th!
The other days are for vendors only

*if you would like to attend the NHC and need any assistance, please let us know we would love to help!
contact us at: spookytimejingles@yahoo.com
-------------

We are nearing our 3 year anniversary-July 13th, since we opened our internet doors and beyond!
No small feat in the tough climate we have all weathered these last few years.

Our growth and success has shown that so many of you love our concept and our goals and believe in what we do. Thanks, seems too little of a word for the tremendous gratitude Wendy and Myself have for all of you. And an especially big hug of thanks to the artists who work so hard to bring you the best they can do every month and at every show.
-------------

Finally, last year we held our 1st annual STJ Holiday Soiree and it was a remarkable success for a 1st year show. The Soiree excitement continues for us this year as Wendy Leaumont (STJ new Co-owner) is aboard full time! The talent Wendy brings to STJ is nothing short of magical.

Together we have planned an ambitious event for the 2nd annual STJ Soiree and intend to make it even better for artist and collector alike!

To start we have a new Webpage for the Soiree
http://www.spookytimejingles.com/soiree/
that will allow us to not only give you the important details but also display it all attractively.

We have a new venue this year that is warm and inviting in gorgeous historic New Hope, Pa. (I always dreamed of having an art show in New Hope-yippee!!)
Plus, it is only 10 minutes away from last years venue.

This venue should hold us for many many years to come and we hope will prove to be the yearly home of the STJ Holiday Soiree!

Imagine Warm woods, glistening chandeliers, cozy carpeting underfoot and Victorian furnishings among some of the finest holiday collectibles to be had!
Yummy!!

It is hard to believe all we have accomplished as a group of dedicated artists in such a short amount of time.

I am honored and humbled and happy.

artfully yours,
dani nelson
founding owner of SpookyTimeJingles.com

Finding me

2011-03-17T15:01:00.001-04:00

As most know, I am a chronic pain sufferer. It will be 3 years this May I was diagnosed with FF (F----- Fibromyalgia) I will let you determine what the 1st F stands for.
The worst part of chronic pain is not always the pain itself. Instead it is what it steals from you, your self, your soul.
One of the first things to take the biggest hit was self care. I had nothing to give and I wore that on my face like an opening night marquee. Basic care was a strong struggle that left me in some very dark places.

But by the grace of God, family, friends and a few lovely Facebook strangers, I have slowly (snails crawl) gained function back into my life.
Currently, I am focusing on the Glam! I am all about taking the time to put makeup on everyday even if I have nothing social to do. It is quite amazing how much better you feel taking that time for yourself. My favorite inspiration is YouTube tutorials by the Make Up Geek.

Those who also struggle with pain and/or depressive episodes, I hope you can also find some strength to do something nice for yourself because you are so worth it.
Here are my recent efforts for a work related photo shoot, it turns out I am still a woman, yippee!

Photos by Sas photo imaging.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
-dani

Good Times

2011-03-15T09:09:00.001-04:00

Recently my good friend and SpookyTimeJingles business partner Wendy Leaumont and I had a fun photoshoot.

Being new partners in STJ and wanting to market it, we hired Sas photoimaging. As you can see we had a blast!
We made our hats from a YouTube tutorial, gotta love YouTube!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
-dani

and fun was had by all!

2011-03-08T15:53:00.017-05:00

This last week was fun and exciting. Great friends, Amelia from Arizona & Wendy from Louisiana flew in for a few days of fun! We found fun, beautiful & inspiring things along the way that are sure to please the artistically minded~

~wendy, dani, marie, amelia~
Along our travels we stopped into to see the lovely Marie Patterson. Luckily, Marie and I only live 15 minutes from each other!

We also stopped to meet Doreen Kassel of Uncommon Creatures and her hubster's photography studio! Very sweet that these two work together each day in their large studio space.

We headed to New Hope, Pa and...

~We found the giant nutcracker and it drew us in like a beacon~

-----------

http://christmaspastnewhopepa.com/

These sugary sweet nutcrackers are reminiscent of the old Glitterville pieces. These are produced by Kurt Adler.

sorry for low res
http://christmaspastnewhopepa.com/

While in there I saw these cuties by Janell Berryman of Pumpkinseeds Folk Art! I always get so excited whenever I see Janell's work in stores. Maybe because, I know what goes behind getting pieces into reproduction and I always find it so fun to see a dear friends work in a store!

~We noshed @ Marsha Browns in New Hope & enjoyed the gorgeous scenery inside as well as about town~
http://www.marshabrownrestaurant.com/menus.asp

Mannequin/doll display beside Love Saves the Day
http://www.myspace.com/lovesavesthedaystore
----------------------------------------

Next we
Spent the day in NYC!!!

I love that I was with Amelia for her first trip into NYC!

Time Square was UBER busy which included this guy who wanted a $1.00 per picture so he could buy weed...lol

It was funny because Amelia was just saying how she recently caught an episode of Jerseylicious and then I spotted Alexa (Glam fairy) from the show!
http://www.theglamfairy.com/
http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/jerseylicious/index.jsp

Amelia (Amy) of SweetB Folk Art has a serious candy addiction.
She was a total blur in Dylans Candy Bar! I finally caught this shot of her in what I think maybe a slap happy candy coma!?

http://www.dylanscandybar.com/

~I tried on fun hats in the Fashion District and can't wait to wear them at this years events~

Happily Shopping in NYC!!

We found amazing displays throughout the city. This is the Louis Vuitton display, featuring handbags created in the shape of various wildlife!
snake, cat, owl, raccoon, forg, crab and more! INCREDIBLE!!

http://www.louisvuitton.com/

~notice the tiny heart necklace in the roots~

~notice the sweet lock on the doorknob~

Both available at www.Tiffanys.com

These tiny lil scenes (approx. 6 inches tall) made my heart flutter..so sweet and scarily well done!

-------------------------

Next we.....

Sunday we had to take Amelia to the airport ;(

On the way back from the airport, Wendy and I decided to drown our sorrow's in two world famous Philly cheese steaks!

Really nice guy's at Pat's!
(Wiz wit)
http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/location.html

Versus

the street at Geno's
(Provo Wit)

http://www.genosteaks.com/index.html

-------------------

Finally, Wendy and I headed home to Casa Nelson to prepare for the next days duties which included costume changes!

Here is a hint of what we were up to and hope to share very soon!

~Sas Photos~
http://www.sasphotoimaging.com/

So, now I am coming down from my friendship high ;) They have left and I must get back to reality ;(
Hope you enjoyed!!

Unique Display ideas

2011-02-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

Magazine Photo Shoot

2011-01-17T18:29:00.000-05:00

Quick little video of my new studio space in which Andrew of Wilkinson Media is shooting my studio for the magazine "Where Women Create"!

Truly a Magical day it was!

So inspired by a Michael DeMeng Project

2010-10-02T15:04:00.010-04:00

The current issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors has a Michael DeMeng instructional project for creating Day of The Dead Skeletal assemblage.

Seeing this was the most inspired I have felt in months!!! I knew when I saw it, that I would do it! That felt like I struck gold because I have been in a dry spell.
Luckily, I had been collecting "DeMeng like" materials since the Spring. I have all the materials to start a BIG ole honkin DeMeng styled project but kept chickening out b/c I knew it would take me time to do it justice. But seeing this one in CPS, I knew it was perfect for my current focusing ability.

I started it today and finished in approx 4 hours. I did not rush it, it just came together like it was meant to be. I love it! The only thing I did differently besides the finishing accessories is that I used 2 different skeletal heads to donate the sexes even more and found it added some extra interest.

When I purchased the Bride and Groom from AC Moore last week, I saw they were $8 a piece and refused! But I did find more ethnic bride and grooms in their clearance section for only $2 each. Luckily, I had every other material needed so it was easy to start. I used a wooden box lid for the background so that I would have that extra detail of the inset for the vintage text.

I really dremeled the edges of the wood with various bits to take away the strong sharp lines of the wood.
I went with the text "The Familiar" because it rang true with my intent for the subjects. I think of my Michael and I and how we just know each other so well after 19 years...we are The Familiar.

Exciting Time of Year for me

2010-09-15T22:51:00.015-04:00

I am here resting up since my health has been scary and questionable as of late. I need to rest these bones for the big event. My 2nd annual trip to Petaluma, California (Can you scream Dreamy?) for the 15th annual Halloween and Vine Halloween Art show! This show is a personal favorite for me as it is wrapped by the cutest, quaintest, friendliest town I have ever been in America. Of course the drool worthy art is the big draw- no doubt but this charming "old town" makes it the epitome of 100% perfect for me.

Last year I was lucky enough to attend both Halloween and Vine and Ghoultide. Both represent wonderful artistry that will leave you spellbound to say the least. With my own holiday show in its first year (SpookyTime Jingles Holiday Soiree) I needed to choose which one to attend as there was no way I could do all three (boo hiss).

So for many reasons the choice was Halloween and Vine baby! The stellar Petaluma Antiques Faire certainly did not hurt! The day after H&V is Sunday the 26th, and the center streets of Petaluma close down for streets filled completely with gorgeous antiques! It is nothing like I have ever seen!
Wonderful News, that it worked out well as Halloween and Vine and SpookyTimeJingles has since partnered to help spread the word about these amazing artists and the magic they bring. It was only 2 years ago that I dreamed of being able to simply visit this Super Bowl of Halloween Shows and now to think that we have partnered is heart warming beyond compare. The owners, Ginny Betourne and Christy Silacci both seemingly come from the same school of belief as myself, that there is room for all of us in this industry and to help others along the way. These are the type of women whom make you proud to be a professional woman. No shananigans just support, Hoo-rah ladies!

I just know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!

There are 4 of us flying into San Fran from all over the country to meet up in Petaluma for the show. We added a few extra days this year so that we didn't lose time due to full days of travel. Plus, some of us are working the show, so we will need all the time we can get!

We have rented a sweet lil cottage that sleeps 5. It will be really nice to stay in a small house versus a hotel. I am in love with this yard already!

I imagine this amazing opportunity of rooming with friends, giving us many laughs and memories to reminisce on for many years.

I can see me now asking my roomie...are you asleep yet or can I keep talking? HA!

I am excited to be among such dear friends and new ones, whom I know will be dearie's too in no time flat (a girl just knows these things).

~click above to go to the Facebook event page or paste the link below~
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=148858378488093&index=1

After the big show day of the Halloween & Vine artistry, is an after party at the Adobe Pumpkin Farm in their exquisite Halloween Barn! I LOVE this farm and I cannot imagine a better location for friends, new and old to gather, enjoy a lovely dinner and dessert served with local wines.

If you are attending this years Halloween and Vine, please do stop by! We would love to see you! Details below:

You can also get information about this Event at: Creating TheHive

http://creatingthehive.com/event/1199/halloween-vine-after-party-2010

Confession: Chronic Pain, Ambition & Living well

2010-09-06T17:20:00.008-04:00

Wowza, is every one else feeling the pressure of the season? I was speaking to a dear artisan friend the other day who mentioned that over the past few years they were unable to enjoy Halloween, do to the hectic work schedule this time of year brings. Shows, online markets, social networking, marketing not to mention family and everyday life.

It really hit a cord with me. I know for a fact if I am honest with myself, I can say the same about Halloween last year. Now, Halloween and Vine and even Ghoultide later undoubtedly made it quite fun (I soo enjoy shopping Halloween art ;) but when I got home and back to the real world of hectic schedules and expectations, the razzle dazzle of my beloved holiday was tarnished. There was no time left for fun it seemed.

This is such a sad and embarrassing thing for me to reveal. I work hard to be a machine as far a my body will allow me. I feel like it is a failure to not be enjoying the best time of year. I know that if my health was up to par that the heavy work schedule wouldn't mean a thing. You see, I have always enjoyed being an innovator even before I knew really what that meant. When I am smitten with my work it feels like fun, which means I end up devoting all time to that "work" and everything else gets neglected to some degree and I make no apologies-I just love it too much. I have never been good at balancing my home, work and social life and it is a character flaw that I wish was different for my loved ones but is not nor ever will be and I made peace with that long ago.

What I cannot make peace with is this bloody chronic pain. I think it is the chronic pain ruining my MoJo. It was just 1.5 years ago that I got the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (aka: FM, Fibro). Leave it to me to get some disease-disorder that the medical community for over a 100 years believed was a falsehood and was simply made up in the imagination of needy women.
I told every specialist I saw over 12 weeks that they were wrong if they thought it was FM. You don't just wake up one day with "hospital pains" (the type of pain that the minute you feel it you know you are going to the hospital ER) always so fun, those are.

I later learned that the FM was brought on from a serious head trauma I had just suffered 2 years prior (10 foot steel pipe was dropped on my head (frontal lobe: memory, concentration, ect.. at a home improvement store). The gift that keeps on giving.

So, I now fully understand the depths of chronic pain (thought I understood before.. ha!) and how it through and through changes you as a person. It even changed a chunk of my belief system. There are things I would have never considered before that I surely would now if it made the pain go away. In truth, the pain has been in a harsh flair up for many weeks now. When it is bad, the pain brings me to an ugly place that should not exist--despair. During these time I cannot help but think about how I should be enjoying the upcoming sweet & spooky season and enjoying all of the good fortune and recognition that has been coming my way. I mean this is what I work for, to reach these goals and I cannot even enjoy it but for moments at a time.

Over the next 6 or so weeks I will be challenging myself by far the most I ever have since this illness took hold.
Even in great health, I believe the schedule I have made for myself would challenge Lance Armstrong. But I must secretly believe I can pull it all off because I NEVER give up.

So, in the next 6 weeks: I shall begin dismantling my current studio all together, painting the new one and moving all of the stuff back in. Staging the new studio for a photo shoot in TWO WEEKS for my biggest interview yet(eeep), Fully Decorate the house (we have approx 40 bins of Halloween decor), a coast to coast trip for Halloween and Vine which this year is 90% work related, Our first ever SpookyTimeJingles Holiday Soiree Art Show (HU-MUNGO undertaking), our 3rd annual Nelson's Manor Halloween adult Party (this is a very large undertaking), Multiple house guests at one time which will be a blast but the house has got to look good- fat chance in hell ;), Plus all of the normal stuff that goes on day to day...woo wee! I am wiped just from typing it out ;)
Yet, I am not sure I would change a single solitary thing! Yet, here I sit and vent, uh I am a frustration to myself!

So, as I prepare myself and try to align my health issues with my ambitions and learning to live well I ask for any positive thoughts and suggestions you can send my way as I try to find my way into the happy medium~

Love & hugs~
dingy dani~

Stampington Holiday & Celebrations Annual Issue is out and SpookyTime Jingles looks great!

2010-08-31T14:30:00.012-04:00

I am so pleased with the Stampington Holiday and Celebrations annual issue-2010! It is their best issue yet. I am SOO happy we decided to kick up our ad campaign with them this year.

The issue has not even officially hit the stands yet (tomorrow 9/1) and it already seems to be their best selling issue. This issue will be featured in EVERY Barnes and Nobles, nationwide through October 2010 on end caps to showcase it!

We are on the first page in..

And the back cover!

I know that there are VERY FEW left to order. No exaggeration. So if you plan on ordering one, I suggest you hustle up! link below to order

http://www.stampington.com/html/holidays_celebrations_2010.html

Plus a big congrats to my STJ artists and friends Iva Wilcox, Jenn McGlon, Tracy Nuskey-Dodson and Melissa Valeriote for their wonderful features inside this amazing issue!

Wonderful wake up call

2010-08-30T17:58:00.004-04:00

Today was a first...I slept in a bit after a late night and was woken up in the late morn by a friendly gentlman who is the Editor in chief of a large magazine. Kinda went like this:

Hmmm..yes, I am Dani.
Yes, I would love to do a two part interview with you about SpookyTimeJingles.com.
Your calling from where? Really....your kind of far, how did you hear about STJ?

You are doing a story on Halloween Collectibles and the fast growing industry that it has become for original folk art and my name keeps coming up to interview?
(heart and tummy are doing the mambo at this point).

ok...
blah, blah, Halloween, Blah, Worlds finest artists, blah blah.
(I blathered on like a tween crushing on Justin Beiber)

40 minutes later.......
yes we can finish this in our next conversation when you have the rest of the questions ready.
(he actually wants to hear more from me...holy hell!)

Get you pictures of Halloween pieces and 3 artist referrals for additional interviews...ah sure... (who the hell do I choose?)

Yes, I look forward to hearing from you too. Thank you~ hung up.

SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a way to start the day! I love my job!!!!!

My Story is featured on CRESCENDOh this week!

2010-08-23T02:49:00.012-04:00

Those of you who follow my seemingly never ending shenanigans, may know that I have had some fun features done about moi, moi art and SpookyTimeJingles. Well, the excitement continues with an upcoming photo shoot in September for a nationwide magazine that just blows my ever lovin mind (happy dance here)..but more about that later before I jinx it right out of the picture!
Ok....
But also, today starts my week of being featured on the uber amazing site, CRESCENDoh in their Art Saves Series!

http://blog.crescendoh.com/readers_share/2010/08/ambitious-designs-its-always-been-about-the-art-by-dani-nelson.html

My story shared, is the short version (someday I will share the whole enchilada) of how art saved my life (sanity) after a severe head trauma 3 years ago, rehabilitation and subsequent diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (head traumas-the gift that keeps on giving).
Now, Crescendoh is not uber amazing simply because they are featuring moi as one of their stories...no they were way cool in my eyes before that. You see the creative Jenny Doh, former editor of MANY a Stampington Mag, created CrescenDOH (see last name;) to show that ART SAVES!
Her goal is a dreamy recipe of: Creative Passion, Authentic Community and Focused Compassion! Now, stop and reread those lovelies and marinate in them..they are good for the soul, indeedy!
Is she just genius to verbalize those elements so perfectly, or what!?

For those who do know me, know just how much effort I put into building up the artist community. It is so important to me and I am somewhat unsure why I am soo driven but I am and I love it. So, when I was told I would be featured on Crescendoh, I was so pleased as Miss Doh and I seemingly have the same mindset about an art-filled community full of genuine good souls helping lift one another up! I say Hoo-rah! Thank you Jenny and the Crescendo team for sharing my story and pictures of SpookyTime Jingles artisan pieces, ads and even a fan photo!

Hugs and Happy Creating!

~dani~

SpookyTimeJingles New Group that is Open to all "creatives" on the Hive ONLY!

2010-08-22T15:29:00.006-04:00

SpookyTimeJingles New Group that is Open to all "creatives" on the Hive ONLY!

I have wanted to start a group for a long time now, that combines STJ artists and STJ fans who also like to share in creativity and the process..whatever that may be for you (sketching, painting, scrap booking, poetry, etc...).

This type of group makes sense to me since, I often would like to add more artists to SpookyTimeJingles but cannot due to size constraints. When a marketplace gets too large in size it causes the viewer to lose interest because their is too much content to take in. Hence the reason for our 6+month wait list to join us plus we just do not have a lot of turnover.

So in creating this open group, I would so love a place where other creatives with the same interests (holidays) and goals (kindness and inspiration) as STJ could commingle and share in this holiday goodness together! I believe the HIVE has given us the perfect venue to make this happen.

So please come join in the HIVE: http://creatingthehive.com/signup/spookytimejingles

And then join our STJ group on The Hive: http://creatingthehive.com/group/SpookyTimeJingles

~Hugs & Happy Creating my friends~

When Ghosts Haunt Your Studio - In the Studio with Cate - Cloth Paper Scissors

2010-08-09T22:50:00.000-04:00

Fun Surprise to see my storage ideas featured by editor, Cate Prato of Cloth, Paper, Scissors today! thanks Cate, I REALLY enjoyed working with you and appreciate all of the coverage you have given myself and SpookyTImeJingles.com

When Ghosts Haunt Your Studio - In the Studio with Cate - Cloth Paper Scissors

Studio Photo Shoot Pictures that didn't make the STUDIOS magaine issue

2010-08-05T08:38:00.008-04:00

So the day finally arrived when the Fall Studio's Issue came out. It was so fun to see myself in print and those pieces of who I have collected over the years.

Below are a bunches of the pictures that I enjoyed from the photo shoot but did not make it into the magazine. The issue would have been all me if they all made it..lol
I hope you enjoy, I have been lucky enough to collect some amazing pieces over the years. See if you can pick out your favs ~

Getting started: Accepting Credit Cards at Shows and Everyday

2010-08-05T07:46:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, I sent an email to friends in the biz about how to get started accepting credit cards. So many thanked me that I realized I needed to share this info even further. So....

It is a very intimidating process until someone shows you the way and suddenly you go....AH that is easy!!!!!!!!!!

So a special shout out to Iva Wilcox for her sharing of information that helped me get started 2 years ago.

This info is for any artist selling at shows. You will make more money if you take credit cards..people buy more from you when they can charge some of it. Here is the info just in case.

STEP 1:
ProPay.com

sign up, VERY EASY application, no credit check. instant approval. ONE TIME Fee each year (not monthly) is $55.00 for up to $3000.00 of charges accepted per month!!!
you will get a ATM card to withdraw your money from the credit card transactions within 24HOURS or have it transferred to your bank acct!!!

You can do the entire thing via their online website when running a credit card but just in case you do not have wifi/internet connection available at your location, just order the below supplies and run the cards after the show back at home or hotel!
*I personally ALWAYS take a imprint of the card so I can prove I had the card in my hand and that the owner did authorize it.

STEP 2:
Order Supplies
1) Credit Card Imprinter
1) pack of Slips (long ones I prefer to the shorter ones-you can always use the extra space to write on the slip)
1) sign saying you accept MasterCard and Visa

I bought my supplies from here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/BARTIZAN-CREDIT-CARD-IMPRINTER-KIT-W-SLIPS-SIGN-/380256627081?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58890fa989

Total investment: is under $75.00 to accept credit cards for an ENTIRE year!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is AMAZING!

*Side note: You can also optionally order a name plate for your business that attaches to the imprinter so that every time you swipe a credit card transaction your business name will also imprint on the sales/copy/receipt slip.

In my opinion there is no better service for taking credit cards at this level.

Happy selling!!

My 1st Magazine feature!

2010-07-21T16:56:00.003-04:00

this is my best Halloween pose ;)

I am soo pleased to announce that I will have a SIX page feature in the upcoming Fall issue of Studios! Studio's magazine is an extension of Cloth, Paper, Scissors and will feature my Halloween Studio. My studio is part work space and part Halloween Gallery. I worked with a wonderful photographer named Andrew Wilkinson, owner of WilkinsonMedia.net.

He was wonderful and guided me through the entire process. He was even excited to shoot my studio space and liked looking at all of my collected works and especially my cabinet of curiosities. We actually live in the same town and have since attended some of the same art shows. He was kind enough to drop off a goodie bag filled with doll parts for me to alter! Amazing how things work, you just never know who you will meet and if you will make a new friend. The entire experience has been magical and I am grateful for these Happy Days!

I really adore the fact that my favorite artists that I have collected Halloween pieces from will be seen in print in my article!! I hope it brings them some extra exposure and maybe even sales! How cool would that be?!

page 102 -A Visual Treat! Yeah, I made it to the Table of Contents too! ;)

Studios by Cloth, Paper, Scissors can be purchased at many Barnes & Noble, Joann's, Michaels, Hobby Lobby and AC Moore's. They tend to sell out quickly so you may find ordering easier.

You can pre-order the issue now by clicking here!

Shared Randomness

2010-06-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

In an effort to get back to blogging I thought, why not share some randomness with you?? Here are some pictures I found on my phone, from the last few weeks. I thought it might be fun to share and perhaps even a touch cathartic.

Our new favorite garden center (Ash's) had this wonderfully whimsical n clever gate. I say Dreamy!!! I will copy this and know exactly where I want it ;)

The hubster mulched all around our front yard trees. We found these vibrant Zinnia's and also grabbed some of my all time favs-Lavender, in white n purple flowers! They make me happy. I just adore the way they sway in the breeze.

I found our hightsy sleeping in her favorite hot spot. She is a sunbather at heart.

Bored one night I put my face on a bunch of different photo props. I love these iPhone apps.

Mr. Nelson was strangely fond of this one :)

A pic I snapped for no apparent reason waitong in the ER for Gavin to be seen. I have an iPhone app that creates wonderfully strange environments around the shot.

ER waiting room.

Notice the balloons way up high.

Once at The Childrens Hospital of Philly, I would roam around at times looking for beautiful things to lift my spirits.

Wonderful common area for children and loved ones to share a smile. Lots to touch and feel and play with.

the elevator ceiling was lit up with a vibrant starry moon lit night.

Renee Brittenbucher prints were a soothing sight for my eyes.

Just lovely spirited pieces. These reminded me that the most simplistic things can have a big impact.

Smitten as a kitten with this floor at CHOP.

A sweet girl dressed up as a lemon to celebrate the life and legacy of Alex of Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Art All Night in Trenton each year is such a great event. Watching art created live is dreamy.

Plus the 1000's of pieces on display from every skill level and medium is a delight!

A fun lamp I wanted to bring home.

Oooh this piece too!! I was head over heals for this photgraph of which I could not grab a decent shot of due to the glare. That is why you need to frame these things in glareless glass. You'll never even see it in your own home as normal lighting will glare it up too.

Rory Mahon and crew heat iron and other metals until it is molten. The poured this molten iron right in front of us into the molds and created Art All Night 2010 medallions for collectors. Amazing artistry.

Finally, I leave you with a pic of Lisa and myself. I met Lisa through the world of STJ many months ago. We met up this week as she had oodles of goodies to gift me for use in display and marketing of our STJ Soiree this October 16th, 2010. How cool right??!!
Lisa was also awesome enough to help us sell raffle tickets at the convention. You just never know when you will meet a new friend!
Thank you Lisa for your generosity towards STJ and your friendship to me. Hugs abound!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our Family

2010-06-18T22:05:00.001-04:00

Hello all sweet readers. Michael and I want to thank you all for your unbelievable sweet comments, emails, texts and posts in support of our Gavin. Our Gavin is home for 3 days now. He has a long road ahead and quite possibly more bumps to come but he is in good spirits and such a level headed young man, so it has not proven to be too difficult for him to handle.

The short version is he had contracted the common teenage virus: EBV aka Mono. The large majority never know they get mono or are only mildly affected. Needless to say Gavin got hit by the Mack truck of Mono viruses.
While in hospital (CHOP) they discovered some other concerns; strong possiblity of Crohns disease and a remote chance of a cancer (not blood). This harsh case of Mono may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Gavins White blood cells are very high and his platelets are pretty low. His Spleen is still enlarged (common for harsh virus cases).
Blood results today revealed his platelets have barely risen in numbers so more retesting on Monday.

He is undoubtedly better compared to those super scary first days. Until his body recovers from this Mono the other specialists cannot do further testing to deny or confirm the other concerns.
So, it will be a few months before we have more answers. Gavin will finish his schooling at home and make up exams hopefully this summer.
We have been told it can be up to 6 months just to recover from the Mononucleosis. Who knew? Not me!

Surprisingly this is seemingly ok with all of us. I think because we believe all will be ok. So for now we are going about each day as normal. The only difference is helping care for Gavin which I could do for the rest of life x a gazillion years. He is our love (Austin too ; ) and we will make it all work so he has everything he needs.

I know a number of you have children with disorders, diseases and some of them had to pay the ultimate price. My heart breaks for each and everyone of. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Always.

Much love & joy-
Dani, Mike, Gavin & Austin

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Scary Time Update

2010-06-10T19:59:00.004-04:00

I just popped into a "healing room" here on his floor. They have these rooms filled with 2 computers, sofa, round table/chairs and tv. You can put a sign on the door that says "healing in Progress" so you can be left alone. I am around the corner from Gav as he spends time with a friend who came to visit. He was cleared of "catchy cooties" so now can have all visitors.

Saying, Thank you just seems "airless" to me...like it doesn't carry enough weight in how grateful I am for all of your prayers and well wishes. HUGS x a gazillion ;)I am doing well. 1 crying jag on the phone with Brandi yesterday when they brought up some crazy scary diseases (since ruled out) and 1 when the doctor came in to prep us for the oncologist talk. Unfortunately, I was unable to hide that jag from Gav but I was able to quickly "pump the brakes" and pull myself together.

I got a shower today which healed me bunches.I needed to do laundry, which they offer for free here. Clean clothes and a shower and I feel so much better. So crazy how I took that for granted before.I went upstairs to the top floor- Connely Center and found they also have a great resource center so you can find any and all info on your child's illness(es). They also offer nap rooms. 10-3pm daily you can reserve a room to get rest. This will be helpful as Mr. Nelson stays at home nights with our Austin and comes back days to spend with Gavin. I can get some real rest in a real bed that doesn't remind me of medieval torture.

I was able to borrow a nap room from 2-3pm today and although I did not sleep it was a worthy visit. They offer those same rooms at night for parents with children in the intensive unit. If one becomes available (sometimes they do), I will get a room at night which would be wonderful. Close enough to Gav to be there and still sleep in a real bed. Again, something I just took for granted.

I am starting to feel a lil bit more comfortable here (unfortunately) and venture from the room which I am pretty sure Gav likes ;) LMAO..that poor boy. Sick and stuck living with his mother in the same room..really quite funny. A teens nightmare for sure!

Also comical how every doctor looks at me so perplexed, stunned, shocked-they stare-no exxageration. They all think I am WAY younger than my age. Seems they all think I had him at about 10 yrs old..lmao. I suddenly feel ashamed of how young I look to some people. I know I do not look my age but I can assure them Michael is not Elvis and I am not Priscilla and married at some unfathomable age ;)

So back to reality..tomorrow yields full body scans for Gavin with dye/contrast looking for cancer and/or proof of Crohns disease. sigh...................

Scary time for us

2010-06-09T15:09:00.001-04:00

I am sitting in what looks to me like a reflection bench. Time to sit and think. Plenty of room to have personal space. I wonder how many 1000's of people-parents - loved ones before me sat here reflecting on what their lives have become. This is CHOP- childrens hospital of Philly. Our son Gavin was brought in last night from our area hospital via ambulance. Gav is 17.5 years old and an EMT himself. So this was undoubtedly strange for him to be the one wheeled around. He is a proud young man with a high tolerance for pain. I knew something was quite off when he agreed to let me take him to the ER.
Many tests and hours later all we know is his spleen is very large. His White blood count is scary low and his platelets are also too low to be healthy.
I truly feel like we are in an episode of House. Tons of tests and no answers. At least not yet. The doctors and staff so far are wonderful. They have kept his severe back pain limited with warm compresses and meds. I finally left the room so I could stretch my body. I need to avoid letting my usual rituals go in fear I will have a strong Fibro flair up. I can't imagine letting that happen. I need to be here wholly for Mr. Gav.
My walk revealed something wonderous and yet overwhelmingly devastating. The sheer scope of this hospital is undeniable. It is 100% dedicated to just children. I am sitting looking over a common area 4 floors up. Surround this and me is rooms on top of rooms on top of more floors of rooms for some very sick children. It iscwonderful here and yet as scary as any horror film I have ever seen. The littlest angels are wheeled past me with their mommas in tow, seemingly to another test. Mothers and fathers sit on nearby benches staring in oblivion, holding their heads in their hands, some crying, one fixing her makeup to hide her tear marked face others sharing with others their battle stories of how they are trying to save their childs life.
My heart is the heaviest it has ever been and I wonder where we will fall in with our beloved Gavin. Will this place become apart of our forseeable future or will we get to sneak away with our baby never to return?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

howdy do!

2010-05-25T14:40:00.026-04:00

Hi all. I hope everyone is doing well. As usual I am a month late in coming to the party ;)

These pictures give you a pictorial time line of my last 6 weeks. hugs~

Went to see Nickelback in Atlantic City (thank you Lord above...was beyond amazing)

Turned another year older :)

Miss Brandi Mckenna flew in from North Carolina to help me knock out the STJ collector Tree that we are raffling off (winner drawn any day now) in all of it's Halloween glory! I love me some Brandi and know in my hear she is my long lost sister ;)

Wicked ass tree topper Brandi made for the Halloween raffle Tree

Went into NYC for a second time to see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA

We also got to spend the day in NYC with Miss Marie and her simply awesome daughter Laura
Please note only the Patterson girls could be this happy in a NYC taxi ;)

Got to finally meet the sweet Zan, she is a true blue soul for sure ;)

We all had lunch together and I had what may be my last Bento Box from Takashimaya, NYC :(
they close June 5th, 2010

Went Buck wild in M&J trim

I got to meet a Jenny of Polka Dot Pixie (a personal fav of mine) for a quick 10 minutes at the airport. We had a small window until she flew home from Newark from a teaching event she just finished...from when I dropped Brandi at the airport to get back home to NC.

Was meant to be ;)

I unwrapped (to inspect) and rewrapped HUNDREDS of pieces of original Halloween art for The NHC (Nat'l Halloween Con). All art from my SpookyTimeJingles.com artisans. The BEAUTIFUL Marie Patterson helped me and saved my sanity (what is left)

I stuffed Miss Wendy Leaumont in my car with loads of boxes for the National Halloween Convention. This doll of a friend flew in from Louisiana just for me..well ok for the National Halloween Con too but..whatever ;)

~Wendy's Art business- My Brain Child~

I met some amazing peeps at The NHC and Loved it!!
~Made some new friends and hugged some old ones~

I kept the "staff" in line..ha!

Photo ops everywhere!!

Wore my Queen of Halloween Crown made for me by Marie Patterson
plus she gave me The Art of Tim Burton book as a bday gift! SCORE!

We SOOO Flippin RAWKED the NHC!!

We had FOUR full Booths!!!

I had a dreamy photographer come to my abode and shoot me and some studio/art pics for an upcoming publication! How exciting. Andrew's photography skills and English accent left me smitten ;)

And truly there is much more but this is enough, yes?

So, I know I act like "it" is no biggie and I flit around like a tweaked up chickie. But the truth is, I have amazing friends and family that support and help me at every turn. I could NOT have gotten everything done without my Dr.'s, meds, friends, family and the power naps that saved me ;)
Fibromyalgia does sometimes knock me out for the count but I am getting better at managing it and asking for help. My point in sharing this is, that chronic pain and illness suck the big one BUT I am not giving up until someday I am pain free and not just pretending like I am.
~Go give a "soft" hug to the chronic pain sufferer in your life.~

Oh.....

I leave you with these pics I just found in my iphone.
I need iphone anonymous..I LOVE this phone!

And at some point I took these stupid random pics of myself..HA!

~Hugs abound~

Halloween & Inspiration abound at a Tattoo Convention?

2010-03-29T10:41:00.016-04:00

So Mr. Mikey and I (at my prodding) headed over to the 2010 Tattoo Convention in Phila this past weekend.

I personally have a love hate relationship with tattoos. I have many from my young adult life of lessons learned (many of which I now dislike). I very much enjoy tattooing as an art form and even apprenticed right out of High School but alas my attention span was not up to the amount of work it takes to be a worthy tattooist.

This was our 3rd Tattoo Convention (last one was a decade ago or longer) and my how things have changed. Halloween art is everywhere! Original and print art for sale as home decor is everywhere! It was a true feast for the artful eyes.

I had to buy this print..it is beyond awesome and the fact that it is done by a women tattooist makes it even sweeter!

another piece by the same artist, Lara
soo moody, haunting and beautiful in an odd manner.
LOVE IT!

The diversity of creativity astounds me continuously and it is for this reason I adore tattooing. Such a personal expression (when not a drunk frat boy and getting a Tasmanian Devil) of someones inner thoughts, fears, dreams and really soul. The need to have a one of a kind piece of art permanently inked on your body is really understandable is it not? We all collect things we must have, things we covet and adore. Beloved trinkets we feel the need to keep close to us. Are tattoos really any different? Such a very personal art form, tattooing is and I can see I am even more understanding to why beautiful young women "sleeve" themselves with ink. So my point..? I say congrats on your courage of diverse creativity and may you enjoy it with no regrets forever more.

Such wonderful examples of intriguing art for inspiration!

~Think out of the box and challenge your thoughts~

Tattoo Conventions offer dozens of affordable booklets of art (line drawings, flash, originals, etc) which make for great inspirational reference!

Mixed Media
what do you like about it, what don't you like. Don't just dismiss it b/c you wouldn't necessarily buy it...look at it, discover it and see if anything surprises you?

Artful business banners that are just so expressive!

Finally, I leave you with the jewelry genius of Francene of MARTHA ROTTEN!
I was lucky enough to meet her at last years National Halloween Convention and am delighted to report she is returning to the 2010 NHC in a few weeks!!

MarthaRotten.com
All her pieces are non tarnishing or turning..they are solid polished pewter!

Baby Head Bracelets!

I got this one!!!

Baby head Belt buckles, yes!
~Molded from Vintage Doll heads~

Molded from real crows feet, chicken bones and various bonery!

Let your Halloween Party guests see your attention to every spooky detail with these wicked salt and pepper shakers!

Tinsel Trading &Tim Burton Exhibit with friends

2010-03-24T15:28:00.018-04:00

This past weekend, we were lucky enough to spend the weekend with Kristen Beason and family as well as Marie Patterson and hubster. The Beason's drove here from Ohio so we could all see the Tim Burton exhibit in NYC at the MOMA. It was a great weekend with great friends. One I won't soon forget.

~Dinner all together Friday night~

Tinsel Trading Company

~Vintage Glittered, Wendy Addison Delights for sale~

~Beautiful Spring Display~

~Lil Miss Sassy Pants herself, Kristen Beason~

~Simply Drool Worthy~

~Have you ever seen so many trims? HEAVEN!~

~Tim Burton Exhibit~

WICKED!
~Entrance to exhibit~

Just spooky good stuff!

~Awe inspiring~

Who doesn't love a totem of TB monsters?

Divine to see his design sketches

Clowns, Aliens, Monsters..oh my!? LOVE IT!

I can't wait to go back again in a few short weeks to take it all in again.

If any of you are in the area and want to meet up in the city just say the word.

~Hugs~

Tribute to the most magnificent woman who ever lived

2010-03-22T11:52:00.018-04:00

I cannot start my day without recognizing my beloved "Grammy" Florence. 3 years ago today she passed. She was given 3 weeks to live after a stage 4 diagnosis of lung and liver cancer. I moved in with her and provided day and night hospice care along with meds every 2 hours until I found here at 6 am-3 years ago today. She died 3 weeks to the day of her diagnosis..that doctor was right on target, unfortunately.

I could have gone on caring for her for the rest of my life. I have NO doubt in my mind about this.

My Gram who undoubtedly saved me from a life not worth living & who supported me 110%.

Who flew me to Paris to have my first date with Ettione, a young man I met the summer before at Club Med Camp.

Gram drinking a virgin Margarita (yet she is holding onto the fridge?)

Who flew all the way to see me at camp in Copper Mountain, Colorado for 2 days because she missed me.

Gram and Popsy at their vacation house on Discovery Bay in Jamaica

Who took me to all of the best Broadway shows and restaurants and shopping and.....
EVERYTHING NYC has to offer-all of my life.

Gram and her beloved Pookie (who is now SPOILED & living it up in Juno Beach Florida chasing seagulls with my Uncle)

Who taught me the serenity prayer that reminds me to accept the things I cannot change,

Holding a pic of my mom ;)

Who taught me to always dress to impress when traveling in flight or in any major city,

Gram and Popsy leaving the island

Who taught me how to cook like a well seasoned chef and how to throw amazing parties with every detail attended to,

Gram threw herself, her 80th birthday bash at the club and invited everyone she ever held close to her heart

Who gave Michael and I Hot Fudge and a Paint Brush for our 10th wedding anniversary so "us kids" could go have some fun!

Gram and Popsy cuddling

Who nurtured my artistic side at every turn and showed me why diversity is such a wonderful thing in this life.

Who kept me grounded when my early ambitions were too flighty,

Who helped guide me in raising two amazing young men,

~MY Gram with My Mom~

Who SERIOUSLY served English tea from a carafe with china teacups & saucers AND SCONES (she brought all of this in a Gucci Tote) in my hospital room while I was in labor with Austin to everyone in the room! (and I heard her whisper I was being a baby with my moaning..lmao)

Who was the most unlikely comedian everyday of her life!

4th from the right-look for the chicken legs ;)

Who I discovered after she passed away, had kept this picture (laminated) of her holding me in her wallet since 1973 when this photo was taken.

and the list goes on......

Dispersing Grams ashes along the river as she wished

She and I used to walk the towpath along this river once a week and each bring a gourmet lunch.
We would try to out do each other. She went first and packed fine GUCCI china to eat on, silverware and a candelabra!
For my turn I sewed a small square tablecloth with hand beaded edging and handmade matching napkins! Waterford goblets and my mismatched yet matching china and silver. I made a turkey Waldorf sandwich (cranberry's, grapes and walnuts) on bread I baked, as well as a chocolate torte for dessert!

I loved to impress her. She taught me well.

I love and adore you beyond words Gram and although I know this post would cause you to say "oh get over it already" (lol), I cannot.
I will miss you until I meet you again.

My sweet jetsetting escapades !

2010-03-06T11:47:00.013-05:00

Hey gang! Wow...3+ weeks since I planted some deets on this bad boy..EEP! Well here is the quickie version of my escapades!

I flew to North Carolina and spent a dreamy week with Miss Brandi (She's Off her Rocker) and family. We had a fantastic time of it. Seriously, Miss Brandi made me laugh until I hurt. I didn't know it until recently that I have been in serious need of good 'ole gut busting laughter. Brandi is so much fun and has such a carefree fun nature to her. It is pure joy just being in the same room as Brandi. Her sister Dusti (makes HOT jewelry) is the same way. Both are true blue with a beautiful moral compass for everything around them. They are WAY fun and creative and find value in all styles of art-Love that! Two, well rounded beautiful souls that I am lucky to count among my friends and I know it! Cannot wait to see them again ;)

My recent travels have afforded me this joy and I feel rejuvenated in so many ways. I actually felt SOLID joy. Now, I know that sounds sad and all but truth is for a long time it has been difficult for me to have that actual feeling of true joy. The type that encompasses your entire mind and body. You know it when it comes and it is nothing short of beautiful.

Missing that feeling, I have chalked up to the aging process combined with a busy schedule and the stupid *%&*#%@! health issues of the last few years (FU-Home Depot..thanks for the 10 foot steel pole to the head which doctors believe is the reason the Fibromyalgia came on (head injury)..the gift that keeps on giving). So, a big thank you to the Harlan sisters for bringing a big smile that is still stuck on my face ;)

Do to the short flight to NC of only 1.5 hours and usually pretty darn cheap, Miss Brandi and I will jetsetting back and forth a lot more often to work together!

Now, while there we visiting Robert Brawley aka Halloween Fanatic! Mr. Brawley is a kick azz collector who recently went back to his own artistic roots and is creating some fun holiday pieces of his own! Mr Fanatic opened his home to us and showed us his wonderful collection of original holiday collectibles. We had a ball with Robert and family and are smitten with him. He is a true delight and I hope to see him again in the future!

I was so rejuvenated when I came home that I actually tore the azz out of my studio space and cleaned and organized it! I am so happy, I made the time to do it. Perfect time for Spring cleaning and enjoying our home. Please take the 2 min. tour of my studio and see some of my sweet & spooky collected pieces from many artists' you will recognize.

Jetsetting Continues South!

2010-02-13T15:54:00.024-05:00

By this time tomorrow (in theory-barring yet a 3rd blizzard) I shall be in Charlotte, North Carolina staying with Miss Brandi McKenna of She's of her Rocker!! Look there she is in her Halloween finery !

Brandi and I met last year in person when she drove all the way from NC to Phila for The National Halloween Convention to help with the SpookyTimeJingles booth! Which btw..I am the NHC's- Halloween Art Director this year! Yippee Skippee! What an honor! Extra work but still pleased to be asked.

~Ok..back to Brandi~

She brought some of these wicked large azz moons-they were a BIG hit!

How flippin awesome is she? She and her hubster Jim were there to see just how fantastic the con was and how STJ rawked it! So, she is thee perfect chick-a-dee to help me plan for this years upcoming show in which we will have FOUR booths (instead of one). HELP me! Lord hear my prayer!

Now..this once again requires me to fly with my menagerie of calming BullChit- (xanax, slipper socks, eye mask, ipod, vitamin water & Luna Bars) but this trip is only 2 hours - easy breezy right? Well yeah kinda? With the EXCEPTION it is on a "puddle jumper" plane...hear my deep sigh?!

Puddle Jumpers are the ones that hold 40 passengers or less (Tight Quarters), yes it is a jet and it is Continental...BUT Continental (as most all airlines do for small jets) contract out their "smaller" flights to private companies and Continental (again as other airlines) who practice this have NO liability should something go sideways! Yep..ZERO!

But what could go sideways...? Certainly not the plane-that would be crazy!

Ok, So I pinky swear this is my last rant about my "flight issues"

My Ever so slight ;) flight phobia aside I am UBER jazzed to get down to some nitty gritty Halloween art and spend time with Miss Brandi and her family. Brandi is one of those true blue people you meet in life and thank your lucky stars for your good fortune. Seriously, it amazes me that I have made such good friends through the wonders of the internet + art= genuine friendships.

I will be leaving some Facebook updates along the way for those that seem to enjoy my Jetsetting escapades and random pictures & posts. If we are not yet friends, just ask ;)

In Flight Music Choice:
This flights relaxing new album of choice will between the new Corinne Bailey Rae "The Sea"
or Sade's first album in a decade "Soldier of Love". No Nickelback, 3 Doors Down or Seether for me in flight or I will be rockin out in my seat and singing..lmao...not pretty, not at 'tall ;) !

Last trip's relaxing music was John Mayer's new album "Battle Studies" (awesome btw) but with his recent crude & stupid azz Twitter remarks (DUMB AZZ) I cannot bring myself to listen to him again yet (why do I care?). But I do have to wonder why men can be so stone azz stupid when it comes to women?

Well, Ok that about does it for this ramble... Thank you for joining me and for giving a damn about my jetsetter blatherings and other lil ditties~

Tickle Me Smitten

2010-01-28T16:21:00.001-05:00

Look at these darkly wondrous lil goodies that totally tickled my Fatuitous fanny this week! Feels SOOo good to find things that make me smile, laugh and pine away for one!!

~Exquisite Corpse Doll~

Look at the cover of the newest ADQ- Art Doll Quarterly, February 2010. I am so kRaZy over this cover doll.

This doll was designed by two different artists' each making a different component in separate work spaces! They had general guidelines set before they started but how amazing is this doll that they constructed. I AM SUCH A SMITTEN, KITTEN~ ( besides the fact that my dear friend Marie Patterson (Studio) has her doll pictured 4x inside! Go Marie (hope she autographs it for me;)!!

Ok, Next on my Tickled Smitten list is: Tim Burton's Tragic Toys for Girls & Boys Series.. Sweetly Spook-a-licious!

I just collected my first set from my free ebay bucks certificate and they arrived today!!! Miss Janell turned me onto these sweet & spooky lil characters with lil sourly sweet stories in the book, written by Tim Burton. I will leave you to learn more about the sweet & silly characters but the one in the middle is "Stain Boy"- What's not to love I ask!??

~I excitedly look forward to adding the rest of the crew over time~

Filmmaker Tim Burton is known for his unique ability to mix intelligent wit with highly original visual intrigue.
In this wonderful little volume, Burton gives birth to a cast of gruesomely sympathetic children--misunderstood outcasts who struggle to find love and belonging in their cruel, cruel worlds, where destruction and misery lurk in every corner....Burton's lovingly lurid illustrations convey both the sweetness and tragedy of his macabre, partly human creations.

My final Tickled Smitten is this darkely divinely designed Kookshi doll original made by Janell Berryman.
While visiting Janell in Oregon, I snapped this up and snuck it in my suitcase. Yep, I STOLE it. I knew if I told her I wanted to buy it she would just give it to me (she is too nice to me, I tell you). So, I stole it and just paypal'd her the money. he he he~

Now, go google-a-away my sweet and spooky friends and gets yours!

Beyond Description

2010-01-23T08:46:00.001-05:00

Here is me after ZERO sleep for 20 hours, getting ready to leave for the airport at 4 am to go see my friend, buddy, pal, confidant..... Janell:

I look downright loopy. My right eye looks 30x larger than the left...what in the hell is that?

So....
I made it on time to Phila International and made it through TSA easy enough ( no anal probing needed for ass bomb checkage-BONUS!). Two Xanax later I boarded my high flying "bed" to Denver to catch my final flight to Eugene, Oregon. Here is the early morn sun rise after takeoff from Phila.

phl to Denver" width="375" height="500">

Xanax induced sleep, slipper socks, John Mayer-new Battle Studies album (yep, that kind of mood) on Ipod, Vitamin Water and two lil pillows for perfect propping. I was in Denver in no time flat!

Somehow got to Denver 1 hour early (? how does that happen?) and tooled around and found THEE best place to drop some cashola (actually Visa Gift Cards I got for Christmas ;)!

Mosaic Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery in the Denver Airport

I wish I could have scooped up one of these..they are sooo wonderful but alas I was too cheap!

~Mark Brown Robot Assemblage Art~
Look for his books too..he is simply amazing!

~Heart Assemblage~
Kathryn Arnett Recycled
Stacked wood pieces 6+ inches deep wrapped with metal straps- how cool!

~Live with Passion Assemblage Mirror..Yummy! ($400+..eep! Still worth it ;)~

Finally, I settled on a piece that fit on my Visa gift Cards and that made me smile. It truly was a "Dani" item..

Erin Smith Art

So, I left Denver Airport a happy chic-a-dee with my new art in tow.
Got on my lil plane to Eugene and next thing I knew I was on the ground and coming down the escalator to see a super sweet Janell waving and smiling bright. I swear we hugged for 5 minutes. I knew instantly she was everything I had anticipated..A kind genuine soul.

So to shorten this growing post I shall share some of the things I just LOVED about my stay on the Florence, Oregon coast at Miss Janell's beach side abode:

FLORENCE BEACH

Roxy (aka ROX-A-Roni)

Heceta, LIGHTHOUSE & SEALS Swimming and Barking!!!

Truly a busy whirlwind of a trip. Although it rained lightly everyday it was still somehow nice. With temps in the 50's I was smitten b/c I just knew back in NJ it was 30 or below...burr~
Janell was a fantastic hostess. She kept me fed and watered (I constantly skip both necessities when deep into work) and was just an awesome friend.

Myself and Janell in Stone Structure at Top of Cape Perpetua

th 2010 065" width="500" height="375">

The purpose of this trip was to buckle down (ha!) and to throw ideas around about creating fun and unique pieces for Janell's D56 lineup. Department 56 can really create almost anything in reproduction with very lil limitations it seems. That alone opens up a whole new world for Janell. I am soo excited to see what she and the D56 team come up with! Can you imagine? What an exciting time!

We did manage to find sometime to sight see for approx 1 hour where gorgeous coastal views and the sound and site of seals made my heart sing!

Cape Perpetua Overlook

th 2010 082" width="375" height="500">

We drove 2+ hours to meet Jo & Dylan of CBTH and had a wonderful time. Jo served us an awesome lunch of Vegi Lasagna with a tasty Caesar salad.

And for dessert we had was this!:

ornie from Jo n Dylan of vary before the horse">

How awesome of Jo and Dylan to do something so sweet! We got to meet the whole CBTH clan including the kiddo's and they are just the sweetest family. Big hugs for their kindness and hospitality.

We ate some interesting meals along the way.... This is supposed to be Mongolian Beef from a lil Thai restaurant. However we are so NOT convinced.

We did eat an amazing meal at Sierra's home (Janell' s daughter). She cooked us dinner in a Hot Pot. Hot Pot cooked vegi's and shrimp, bbq pork and sticky rice..YUM!

Can you believe we found this at a local Goodwill...was kind of eerie for me and sad too. These two items were on the shelf right on top of each other.

So, now back to my reality of being back in NJ with what feels like enough work for Martha Stewart's Staff.

Dirty Spelunking with a Prozac Smoothie please

2010-01-19T14:52:00.009-05:00

Do you have any interest in Spelunking? Well perhaps you could send a well equipped team to help me explore and analyze this downy right sorry azz situation I have gotten myself in.

I realize spelunking is considered an Extreme Sport but I assure you there will be many death defying maneuvers required to remedy this situation. Send Help STAT with a Prozac smoothie chaser please.

p.s. My Oregonian travel goodies will post this week for those who give a crap..lol-hugs! ;)

forged friendships & ass bombs

2010-01-09T16:33:00.007-05:00

Wow, my head is spinning right now! I am packing up to head for the Pacific Northwest!! OMG is this a dream come true or what, right? I am an excitedly nervous nelly (soo much to do)!

I am off to spend a week with Janell Berryman on the Oregon coast in 2 days!!! I am excited to finally throw a big hug around her. It has been a number of years since we forged a friendship, all due to the wonders of Etsy. We have spent lots of time emailing and chatting on the phone but due to distance (me NJ) and obligations this is the first time we will actually meet in person.

How bazaar/crazy/somewhat outlandish is it that we are all part of this artful online community and that so many of us genuinely care bunches for each other yet have never met in person? It truly astounds me that someone I count as my dearest friend in the world is someone I have never laid eyes on in real time.

Oh, and guess who we get to "lunch" with on Thursday? Giggle, Giggle....Joy & Glee... Jo & Dylan of Cart Before the Horse! OMG... squeel!

Now, I am not particularly pleased about the long flights involved nor the fact that people have been shoving explosive materials up their keester.
Nor the fact that both of my nearby airports have had substantial security issues very recently. But a quick visit to my doc the other day secured me a script for xanax. She gave me enough for all four flights and I plan on partaking in the marvels of pharmaceuticals so that if someone does decide to bring down the plane I won't give a rats ass.

Most of my concern is with my Fibromyalgia issues. Fm is a crap shoot. You just do not know when the pain will hit and how strong. I am only approx. 6 months into my diagnosis and I still have not learned exactly how to manage this strange affliction.
So, I basically carry a diaper bag worth of chit with me to insure my comfort.
My flight plan strategy/must haves:
Earplugs or Earbuds/ipod
my perfect lil pillow tucked under head (I always rock a window seat or I refuse to fly ;)
eye mask on (that's right..I am one of those peeps..I want to forget where I am)
a lil travel blankie that I bring
2 bottles of water
My favorite health bars/snacks
Gum
lip balm
Meds/Aspirin
Shoes come off & Fuzzy Slipper Socks go on

I basically go into hibernation. It is near impossible for someone like me to sit still that long without doing some sort of task. With no internet based resources or cell phone use I am like a dope sick junkie in the throws of withdrawls. And being that I cannot use these usual tools to distract me from the fact that I am in a tin can with wings 30k up in the air and that at that altitude I will almost certainly have FM muscle pains I must do the next best thing....SLEEP!

Now, I do bring my sketchbook, a book & game/movie on ipod in case my hibernation strategy goes south but by in large I try and sleep my way through the whole event. That is why I try like hell to get flights with no layovers. Seriously, can we REALLY put men on the moon and we cannot get ONE FRIGGIN non stop flight to Eugene, Oregon airport?

I digress...

I will settle for NOT having this guy as my seat mate....

The point is it is ALL worth it to meet the sweet J.B. in person and to get to work & play with her is something I will soon be able to scratch off of my "if dreams come true" wish list!

BTW..did I mention....

Yeah J!!!

Just watching can be exciting!

2009-12-07T22:55:00.006-05:00

Now, get your mind out of the gutter people!
I am talking about the SpookyTimeJingles.com auction on eBay for an entire 6 FOOT tree with TREE TOPPER AND SKIRT AND 44 Ornaments !!

ALL ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART! What??? Such lunacy!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110467416957

See for yourself...and PLEASE do watch.
It will help STJ more than you know by even just logging into your account and clicking the watch this auction link. Tell your friends and family to watch (and bid if they like) too. It could put STJ on ebays "pulse" which will certainly get the STJ artist's the recognition they SO deserve!

~Thank you Bunches~

Happy Watching and Happy Bidding ;)

Click to "meet" each piece in a slideshow!

My mind is a bad neighborhood to be in~

2009-12-03T13:54:00.014-05:00

Yes, it is true at the current moment, my mind is a bad neighborhood. Where have I been, you may be wondering or not so much....I have been EVERYWHERE & absolutely F-ing NOWHERE. How is it possible that I have seemingly accomplished so much yet am absolutely nowhere near where I NEED to be?

I suppose this is a universal sentiment but when it is happening to me it seriously sucks and I am a tad bitter at the moment ;)

There is a reason my personal business name has "Ambition" in it. From the moment in my life (still remember the exact time and place when it hit me)the word AMBITION set off some sort of happy chaos in my mind. It felt like the word explained my whole purpose of being on this planet. Versus just being that crazy chick who always has something going on here, there and everywhere and OH..are you kidding me..she is doing what, now? The word ambition gave me purpose and therefor courage to follow through with my ambitions.

Now that purpose, that understood drive has been my constant companion for 10+ years now with the caveat being the occasional unwelcomed episodes that rear their ugly head at thee absolute worst time (One of life's curious mysteries)

My current quandary seems to be that I am pulled in 10 different directions and it is all of my own doing and I am not sure I would change any of it (well short of hitting the lottery and hiring oodles of staff).

No one thing is bad or even problematic accept that I am in the pooped out stage. I am behind on emails (back up to 370+/-Now 420 by post time of this!), I have very lil time to blog, sketch, write or create the art I need to create to be a happy gal. Christ, I swear am lucky if I see daylight and breathe fresh air once a week.

FM=Fibromyalgia is a serious pain in my f-ing ass. Ok, enough already, seriously..funny gag you pulled their fate but now it is time to reel it back in-please. You are f-ing up my mojo. Aging parents who enjoy testing me, Two teen boys who are great kids but still they are teens and 100% know how to irk me within an inch of insanity.

Well the list could go on and I KNOW we all have these random BS issues in our lives but I need a break so I can grab my dreams and goals for STJ. I have HUGE, I MEAN HUGE commitments and plans for SpookyTimeJingles.com in 2010 that I am hell bent on finishing and producing to help continue our world domination ;) I need this first for all of "my" STJ artist's but also to know that I CAN pull this off. Just that in itself is enough without the bunches of other variables that get thrown in.

My point is (in part;)...I miss talking, with you all. I miss the groups and other online communities that inspire me to be a better artist & person and to share my knowledge with others excitedly coming into this wonderful artful community we are so lucky to be part of.

I am hoping that this public venting (whining)will allow me to let the angst of the pressure that I put on myself-GO!

Now that I have done all that vomiting. I do want to seriously thank all of the SpookyTimeJingles.com artist's and supporters who have helped me keep my head above water during the last busy months. I 100% could NOT have accomplished a 1/4 of what we have done without all of you. The commitment and excitement you all bring to STJ is heart warming beyond compare. Thank you for turning STJ not just into a successful business but into a true family that I am so honored to be part of.

Heartfelt Hugs~

Surprise!! 12 Extra Sales Days on STJ this December!!

2009-12-01T00:03:00.002-05:00

~Click This Badge to go directly to the 12 Days of Christmas sales page!~

Help SpookyTimeJingles.com countdown the 12 days of Christmas!
Beginning 12/1-12/12 we will be listing a few new ooak goodies each day!

Just look for this first avatar if you go directly to the STJ Main Page each day!

It will take you right to all of the one of a kind handmade artisan pieces that make for perfect gift giving! Many pieces are under $35.00! Wow!

Happy Gift Giving!

Our Halloween Home 2009

2009-10-31T20:50:00.005-04:00

~Here is hoping your Halloween is filled with nothing but sweet & spooky goodness~

HUGE ARTIST on SpookyTimeJingles tonite!!

2009-10-12T21:14:00.006-04:00

Be sure to be at SpookyTimeJingles.com tonight at midnight (EST)
when we update with our newest goodies.

You will not believe who our surprise guest artist is!!

Also, here is my one Halloween piece offered for October 2009

Halloween Jetsetters Unite!

2009-10-11T13:21:00.007-04:00

Hi all! Happy Haunting is among us and as many of you know I have been jetting around to some wonderful Halloween destinations this year.

Brandi of She's off her Rocker coined me the Halloween Jetsetter and I loved it! It inspired me to start a blog with contributors about great Halloween destinations.

We will share our travels and experiences with you that we find along the way, 365 days of the year. Halloween never ceases for us and I am sure for many of you as well ;)

Please stop by and see us in our infancy and leave comments and or suggestions about places we must see.

Click below to jet on over there!

Halloween & Vine Trip 2009 !!

2009-10-06T09:05:00.074-04:00

I have just returned from The amazing Halloween & Vine, here are the deets! Ghoultide Gathering deets to follow in the next few days!

I flew from Newark, NJ International on Friday, Sept 25th into San Fran. I met my friend Wendy of My Brain Child from Shrevesport, LA who also flew in and we were on our way!

We picked up our rental and upgraded for a nominal fee to a Nissan Altima Hybrid-we both Loved this car. We drove for 4 days all over and never went past a 1/2 tank of gas!

After leaving the airport we started the 30+ mile drive north to The Hilton Sonoma. This drive took us through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge! Very cool but so super foggy no pics were of any value on the way. Oh and the traffic...$#^@&*^@*&*^...enough said.

Our hotel was nice enough but we couldn't wait to check out Petaluma and to be ready for the next days festivities! Petaluma is DELIGHTFUL! This town was full of great food that is very affordable and tons of charming shops with friendly staff and oodles of Halloween delights! Finally, the next morning we awoke early to get in line. We were 45 minutes early and still were at the end of the building almost around the corner!

To be a part of the most famous Halloween show of the last 14 years was a truly amazing feeling!

Jorge of HoHo Halloween and I vamping for Camera ;)

Jorge reworking his table after many sales ;)

And look at Miss Laurie Hardin's table of Monkey-Cats Studio! I missed the chance to get my pic taken with her (I am so blond sometimes)

Laurie sold her work like crazy and I was honored to help her and her sweet hubster Kelly along the way. Of course only when I wasn't walking around in a daze shopping!

Here is some of what I brought home with me!!

William Bezel Pumpkin JOL

Scott Smith 2 sided Ornament

Kerry of Paper Moon
Needlefelted Sculpted Bat Boy!!

Arbutus Hunter Paper Mache JOL

Susie Scott Paper Arts Ornament

When we returned from H&V and the local gift shops we put all of our goodies together on the desk in our room and had a lil photo shoot! We had a ball!

The days following the show we were on such a Halloween high! We visited everything we could of visual interest in Petaluma and had a ball!

Here is my roomie Wendy!

And me, dani!

We fell in love with the AWESOME Halloween Displays in the shops of Petaluma. Totally Inspiring!

*Petaluma Antique Mall*

*ILeoni*

Oodles of Glitterville goodies with super kind owners who gave us wonderful attention.

This store is a do not miss!

ILeoni also has this signed Glitterville piece! Only one in stock!!!!

*PaperWhite*

Look at this killer window display!

PaperWhite has this great Day of the Dead collection~

Of course I bought yards of fun ribbons and trims!

*Papyrus*

20% off all Halloween goodies!! Yee ha!

~Marisa's Fantasia-Halloween Store~

And look they had a Janell Berryman of Pumpkinseeds Folk Art Display!

*Heebe Jeebe*

*Heebe Jeebe*

Also has an everyday artsy store of fun!

After shopping & dinner on the water at Dempsey's,

we even even went to a rock show to see these awesome young (very young) men named

~The Lost Boys Band~

From Lake County, California

While walking through Petaluma we saw TONS of moving billboards for these kids who looked like they were 12.

They were playing that night at McNears Mystic Theatre!

An Awesome Venue for sure~

Anywho while walking down the street we met the father of the drummer and other family members who were taking the bands SERIOUSLY pro equipment inside the theater. They said you have to see them, you cannot believe how good these "kids" are. The short of it is we said no thanks as we were not convinced ;) They insisted on giving us free tickets.

WELL...HOLY COMOLY! These kids ROCKED!

We came to find out they have opened this summer for 3 doors down, Kelly Clarkson, Lynard Skynard, All American Rejects, Toby Keith and other HUGE artists! WTH?

I have no doubt these young men will make it and continue to grow their sound which will make them world famous. I was the old chick in the theatre who went up and bought their CD from the Drummers mom..LMFAO!

During the show the Uncle came up and said " I TOLD YOU SO"!! They offered to have us stick around to meet the band (too funny) and get the CD signed. Wendy & I were wiped out and left after the show, just stunned by the talent. My hubster is annoyed that I didn't take them up on it and get it signed. He agrees they will be HUGE! Still laughing that a grown women (supposedly me) was totally crushing on these kids talent.

Oh and you HAVE to see the keyboardist..he spins on a rotating floor at like 20+ miles an hour while playing. Crazy good show.

Finally, After a Full Day of Shopping on Sunday we packed up our mess for our flights home...eep!

And readied for the morning drive back into San Fran for our return flights ;(

We finally Got a few great shots in the fog!

And even found an awesome cupcake store
(drove by the van and followed the address...lol).

I had them pack up some for the hubster and kiddos and flew them back to NJ! they were a lil banged up but tasted awesome!

This was undoubtedly a trip of a lifetime and I am so happy that Wendy was my roomie. She is not only a sweetheart but truly very easy to travel with. Good Stuff!

Halloween Pieces on Ebay!

2009-09-19T17:55:00.008-04:00

Click Frankie to see the rest offered!

center>Yepper that's right! For 5 days only I am going to try it since I had 5 free listings given to me from ebay.

Everything starts at only $9.99 or less! What? Crazy-ness!!
Now, go peek and bid, so I don't cry..(shameless)!

I will finish listing the rest within 24 hours so that they end before I leave for the Halloween shows!
http://shop.ebay.com/ambitionsdesign/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

or search for
Dani STJ!!

Martha Stewart! Johanna Parker and a Giveaway!

2009-09-18T12:53:00.006-04:00

Hi all!!! So here is the quickie gist to my post.

PLEASE, help me, help my friend Johanna Parker.She was nominated by Martha Stewart as a "Doer of the Week"! There are 10 nominees and voting is scary close.

Johanna is a wonderful supporter of the arts and always uber friendly and willing to encourage and help all fellow artisans. Let's help a wonderful person and a tremendous artist with taking 10 seconds to vote for her!

Poll: Who is your favorite doer of the week?

Anyone who votes (I will trust you + I will be watching the numbers)
and comments on this post, that you voted will be entered to win this Halloween Ornament!

Winner Drawn & Announced by September 24th, 2009

Sweet & Spooky Spirited Halloween Tree!

2009-09-08T21:24:00.012-04:00

Here is my 1st Pfatt Marketplace offering in 3 months! It will update on September 10th. Be sure to check out my page "Ambitions Design" on the 10th!

The countdown is on!

2009-09-07T02:34:00.006-04:00

Well only a few short weeks until I fly into Cali then return in time to head over to Michigan. I am going to help our SpookyTimeJingles.com artists that have been invited to sell at Halloween & Vine and Ghoultide Gathering shows. What a dream come true to be able to attend these famous shows as well as represent STJ!

I so look forward to meeting so many online friends, bloggers and collectors that I have "met" through Ambitions Design & SpookyTime Jingles.

If you are able to attend either show and would like to meet up to say hello, just drop me an email or leave me a comment here and we will set it up!

Click for links/info below:

My Dracula made the Etsy Gift Guide!

2009-08-14T02:05:00.009-04:00

I got a convo from Suz of Surprise, Delight, Joy that one of my Halloween sculpts made it to the front page of the Etsy Gift guide! Look at my Dracula "mugging" to the camera ;)

I am surprised as my Etsy shop was closed for 3 months and I just listed a handful of Halloween Creepsters a few days ago.

I swear when it comes to validation for my art it will never get old.

I just had to share this with you all as this totally made my day!

p.s.....If you want to see if anything from Etsy shop has made it to the front page, storque or gift guides just go to www.craftcult.com . You can see over the last week as well as go into their "Vault" to search the history.

You can see here that CraftCult shows me my spot on the gift guide and takes me right there to go see it!

Happy Searching!

Time Again!! Second Annual Tombstone Trade!

2009-08-06T16:27:00.011-04:00

Here is the gist of it...

Sculpt 1 original tombstones-headstones out of any sculpting medium you prefer (papier mache, paperclay, polymer, celluclay, Das Clay, etc...)

Make each one the approximate size of an art card (2.5x3.5). This is not a RULE BUT A GUIDELINE.

They must stand on their own and may or may not have a base.

They must be signed & dated with the year 2009 on them.

They may be designed & embellished in any way you like.

Each artist will send and receive 1 tombstone to/from 1 other artist.

The goal is to keep this annual swap going so that in a few years we will each have a wonderful collection of one of a kind tombstones from the artists we know and love!

Please take pictures of your spooky creations for all to see when you are done and post them in our Flickr group to share.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/ambitionsdesignswap/

**WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW before you email me**

I will limit the participants to approximately 16 artists.

PARTICIPANTS from last year will have FIRST chance to join in again.

Participants MUST be well versed in sculpting and be able to show their work if I am unfamiliar with your art. This is because we have a number of extremely talented sculptors and I want to avoid someone being disappointed.

SEND ME YOUR BLOG LINKS if you email me directly at ambitionsdesign@yahoo.com

Your pieces should be sent out in the 4th week of September, 2009.

I know we can make this another amazing year. It was so fun and definitely memorable last year and I can't wait to see who I get!!!

Blog Size

Leave a comment if interested and once I have touched base with all previous participants I will begin to add new participants for this year!

Finally, I will keep a list of all participants in the left column of the blog for you to see under the badge. As well as any NEW news pertaining to this trade.

As with all of the trades/swaps that I host, you will be able to find this information again for reference by going to the very bottom of my blog.

See ya soon

2009-07-15T22:37:00.005-04:00

Hey all. Just a quickie post to say that the recent updates of mine (Ambitions Design) is my last on Pfatt and SpookyTimeJingles.com for the foreseeable future. I am not leaving either marketplace, rather taking a break.

I have been fighting a painful illness now for many weeks and the truth is I need the break so I can try and heal. Although, the suspected illness has no cure, there are many things I can do to help heal my body and regain strength. Without a doubt I need to remove some of my duties to relieve the stress I place on myself to get things done.

A few of you know that I have not been well but mainly I have said nothing for many reasons over the last 10 weeks. I am now as I did not want there to be speculation over my temporary break from either of the marketplaces.

I will still be running SpookyTimeJingles (hopefully from a laptop at the beach) no different than now.

I hope to post on here from time to time over the summer to say hello.

Happy Creating~

Have I lost my marbles?

2009-07-10T21:35:00.011-04:00

Spent sometime today with the kiddo's at a big fair today. I was dropping them off to hang with friends. So, after I was quickly discarded by the spawn. I snapped a few pics for fun. It was daylight which certainly makes it all look very different.

The colors are like candy!

Everything looked like something I wanted to put in my house for some reason. I do not know what is happening to me but my "tastes" have definitely taken a turn towards the odd end of things.

My home is eclectically decorated & quite colorfully compared to most folks but is, I think pretty mainstream. A few oddities & unusuals here and there. But this takes the Carnival Cake!

All I wanted to do today was run off with this Clown Mouth GARBAGE can lid of all things!

Enough so I contemplated bribing a staff member with a $100 bucks for it! As, I wondered if that was enough to get the job done, I wondered if one might be arrested for Clown Can Bribing?

CLEARLY, I have lost my ever-lovin marbles!

I could see Michael now! Not sure he would say anything to me other than shoot me a look of WTF?

I could hear me telling him how surely the kids would be so very excited to throw away their garbage now versus leaving things lying all over the house all the time! It was an investment in the cleanliness of our homes future, I could hear me saying aloud in my head.

After additional thought I remembered I am not really "slammer" material and decided to opt out of a trip to the pokey.

Then, I spotted this!

Which I instantly imagined hanging over my fireplace!

Now, all that being said I promptly grabbed a funnel cake and got my butt home!

Christmas at Pfatt in July!

2009-07-09T21:10:00.003-04:00

Be sure to stop by Pfatt July 10th, for the now annual July Christmas celebration!

The few Premier Marketplaces like Pfatt are the ones who helped pave the way for ones like SpookyTimeJingles.com

Pfatt Marketplace has wonderful artists and you are guaranteed some wonderful eye candy!

I will have a sweet Santa on Sale!! Be sure to stop on by for a peek!

A little extra to share today

2009-07-03T23:21:00.005-04:00

This is our local Firehouse tanker truck, isn't it beautiful! It is painted with the scene of George Washington and troops crossing the icy cold Delaware River. We live next to the Delaware right where George Crossed. History and Heritage is so cool!

So I was sitting here and working on the SpookyTimeJingles site, listening to Michael Jackson and remembering the old days and how I truly believed I was going to marry MJ when I was in Middle School! Ya..I know...
When I get a picture in my email of my son, Gavin in uniform. Gavin is a volunteer fire fighter in trainer as well as training to be an EMT. He is a proud member of our local fire dept.
He recently participated in an event to help families with special needs children.
There is nothing more handsome than seeing your son in a uniform. I am so proud of my boys. For now here is Mr. Gavin in the middle. Blonde and Blue...look out..lol!

Our ambulance and crew recently represented Union at Pennington's first annual Special Needs Event Open House. This event allowed special needs children and their families to understand how emergency operations work and what will happen if an emergency situation is to arise.

~Proud Momma~

1 year at SpookyTimeJingles & lots to celebrate!

2009-07-03T10:47:00.006-04:00

Can you simply believe it!

It has been 1 year since I started SpookyTimeJingles!!

I love everything about STJ and our Sweet & Spooky Style.

To help ring in our 1 year we have MANY specials planned but here is one of my fav's

Be sure to stop by for unique art, An amazing guest artist, free shipping from many sellers & of course this celebrate & donate to help our fur friends!

Such Wonderful Animation!

2009-06-21T16:10:00.006-04:00

If you are a fan of animation from these movies...Beetlejuice, Monkeybone, Coraline or The Nightmare Before Christmas then you will LOVE, ADORE, & Covet this video as much as I do!

So wonderfully done..beyond words...ENJOY!

This a video of a French singer Emile Simon's song "Flowers"

Let's meet at the Halloween Shows!

2009-06-20T23:02:00.005-04:00

Hey all just a quick post to tell you that I have booked my trip to Ghoultide Gathering in Michigan this October!!

The hubster and I will be going. We will be arriving a few days early to take in the Detroit Zoo and other local goodies. If you are going and want to meet up before or after the show, definitely send me an email.

Also, I am working out the details for the Halloween and Vine show in Petaluma, Cali. I am not crazy about a 12 hour flight but hopefully a fully charged ipod and a handful of sleeping pills will get me through ;)

Any who, I will be booking a room (hotel undecided yet) with double beds and I am open to sharing with a blogger friend or trusted soul ;)

Any interest in meeting up and or being bunk mates send me an email at
ambitionsdesign@yahoo.com

Sneak Peek!

2009-06-11T03:15:00.004-04:00

A quick peek to give you an idea of what I have finished for the upcoming SpookyTimeJingles.com update! Mixed media collaged paper mache ornies with sculpted details !!
I have had fun getting in some more painting time and have also worked in a postcard sized painting of a haunted Halloween scene that is ghoulishes!!

Hope you can stop by to see the other sweet and spooky friends I have created for this update.

My sofa gives birth!

2009-05-27T05:54:00.006-04:00

So..... many will probably wonder why I am not upset (especially after it was brand new by a few short weeks) but it is repairable and we never spend lots of money on our sofa's as we have two teens in the house and 3 dogs. Plus when it comes down to it, she is loved certainly more than the sofa.

Enjoy!

Nesting Bluebirds of Love

2009-05-25T23:43:00.003-04:00

Our friends Kate and Roger are getting married in one week! I was asked to create the cake topper, Yikes!! Well, I finished it and revealed it tonight via Flickr to Kate. She sounded sooo very excited and giddy!! I was relieved and overjoyed. May they have many happy lifetimes together~

Skellykins are Back!

2009-05-13T14:00:00.003-04:00

**Click above pic to go to the Skellykins**

SpookyTimeJingles seriously kicks azz! Wait til you see all the wicked good pieces!!

Pfatt Pieces are here!!

2009-05-06T14:02:00.005-04:00

May 10th these pieces will be available on Pfatt!

2 Skelly ornies & 1 Moon makedo! The moon was inspired literally many moons ago by Lance of Crescent Hill. After 6 months of looking at him it finally came to me on how to finish him!

Woot woot!

I am early for Pfatt's Halloween celebration (June) but are you ever too early for Halloween? I think NOT!

Thanx!

For Those who like it CREEPY!!

2009-04-22T14:38:00.005-04:00

Found this today while searching Fangoria magazines site. SpookyTimeJingles is due to have a blip in Fangoria's next issue so I was looking around and found some awesome videos from the National Halloween Convention.

The below video was from an AWESOME display at the convention. Michael and I loved this group not just for their wicked good props but also b/c they were friendly guys, who LOVE what they do!

More Proof The Handmade Movement Continues to Thrive!!

2009-04-17T16:59:00.005-04:00

Buy Handmade!! WOOT-WOOT!

Just got to share the goodness!

2009-04-13T18:05:00.017-04:00

I have returned from The National Halloween Convention in King of Prussia, Pa. The whole thing was amazing!! And boy could you see our booth when you walked down the center aisle!!

SpookyTimeJingles.com was told time and time again that we had the BEST booth at the show!

Other vendors were coming up and saying the sweetest things. Many asked if they could put our STJ link on their site (ah-duh..YEAH!), One said he has been doing these shows for 20+ years and he has never seen any booth better than ours!!

Halloween Tree, do you have yours?

The booth really was a visual feast for the eyes. The artwork sent by the STJ artisans was TOP-NOTCH!!

Someone said they had never seen Halloween done like this! Another said, it is like Christmas in our booth, only it IS HALLOWEEN!!!

We sold and sold and sold! We had awesome packaging (Black bags with clear frosted polka dots that showed our orange tissue paper through it!) and you saw our bags being carried all over the convention floor!

People were trying to find out "what is with the bags and where are they all coming from"?
To see bags click this link and look at the 2nd picture in the slideshow on the CBS website!

We were photographed and interviewed so many times. CBS 3 said "Wow, you guys are popular" after they came back a second time for more pictures. I could seriously go on for another 2 blog pages about all the wonderful stuff that happened for STJ this Easter weekend.

Brandi of She's off Her Rocker and her Hubster Jim drove all the way from North Carolina (11 hours) to be there and help! I am not only grateful for their help but for their friendship. We will be long time friends for sure!

And then suddenly it was all over ;(

To see all the pics from the convention click this link!

I hope to have inks to the interviews and more press photo's soon!!!

HUGE HUGS & THANKS to the STJ fans that drove out to see us and collect!!

Featured on Artisan Challenge

2009-04-03T11:30:00.005-04:00

Wow, I am just the queen blogger this week....3 posts in 7 days...just like the "good 'ole days" ;)

My 2009 Spring Bunny Piece is in a challenge!

I totally forgot it was chosen and I have done zip, zilch and zero to ask for help!

Please visit
http://blockheadradiolive.com/holiday

and pick the Holiday piece you like best.
If that happens to be my Spring Bunny, then even better!

Shameless...I know ;)

Please let me know!!

2009-04-02T21:08:00.004-04:00

Ok my blogland friends.

Can I ask, beg, plead with you to PLEASE go to the SpookyTime Jingles Blog and let me know if you are going to the National Halloween Convention April 10th or 11th in King of Prussia, PA?

There is a poll up for you to choose your current status of attendance.

Many hugs for your continued support of all things sweet & spooky!

www.spookytimejingles.blogspot.com

Skelly Treats all around! Blog Giveaway Winner Announced!

2009-03-31T18:22:00.002-04:00

Before, I announce the lucky Custom Skellykin winner please look at what Marie Patterson (Designs) sent me as a surprise gift!!

And look at this awesome Skelly ornie inside the box, "Twisted Love"!! She even hand makes the hangers!

Thank you so much Marie for your time, talent and even more your friendship. I always enjoy our lil art group and lil trips together. You are such a genuine soul and know how to make a friend feel special. Thank you.

P.s. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing it on a chain at the Halloween Convention!!

Now to announce the winner of the 1st ever custom Skellykin!!

I have to admit I was excited when the generator picked #4 (for page) of my followers (this included 2x entries for positive comments left) and # 13 (for the 13th follower on that page)!

I am excited because I happen to be a fan of this talented doll maker and look forward to working with her to create a Skellykin just for her!!

**CONGRATULATIONS**

Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions!

~Thank you all for following & entering and I hope to do it again soon~

Confessions of a recluse Oompa-Loompa

2009-03-28T01:16:00.012-04:00

Ok, first off let it be known that I actually left the house! Yeppers, actually two Friday nights in a row...Holy Commoly, alert the presses!

A small few of you know this about me, but I almost NEVER (seriously never) leave the house. Seriously, going to the doctors is a day out for me. I leave when I have to. Although, I am actively working on changing this dangerous behavior.

Since starting STJ, I work it like a million mile marathon. In other words non stop. So, when I actually left the house last Friday, it was a big deal. I met with a friend Kate to discuss business stuff, girlie stuff and the cake topper I will be making for her wedding cake in May!! We later met up with our hubsters (or soon to be's) and had a hysterical time laughing at my hubster singing some karaoke 1980's hair band song..oh just LOVELY, it was ;) It was truly nice to be among others. Sounds strange but I kinda forgot what this was like.

Ok, so moving on.... I left the house AGAIN tonight when a friend Kath invited me to dinner! I ate something so wonderful that did not come out of some sort of can or frozen container and I am pretty damn sure it had great nutritional value! Again...STJ/Art make the whole having to eat to sustain life a real pain in my azz. Truly I do not understand why I am not a stick/size 0 by now???!!

Might be/Could be the sheer lack of movement of my azz off the desk chair??....fleeting thought however. Ok so we then after dinner met up for drinks with my dearest friend Andy who actually used to be my boss years ago (funny how these things happen). Well, we met at this newer club nearby that had all purple lighting. It was actually very cool to look at.

So here is a corner of the club with the purple lighting....

And here is me in the purple lighting (pic by Kath):

Do I not look like an Oompa-Loompa? And what is up with my lips? You could use them to float barges for crying out loud!! I knew they were "bigger" than most but yikes!

Ok, on a positive note, I am rocking a handmade resin ring from an Etsy seller and a necklace too that is out of view. All in all I had a wonderful time and enjoyed living life a bit vs. watching it go on around me.

Don't forget!!

2009-03-23T23:17:00.006-04:00

www.NationalHalloweenConvention.com

KING OF PRUSSIA CONVENTION CENTER!!

Yeah, a Giveaway!!!

2009-03-08T17:22:00.008-04:00

Wanna win a OOAK Halloween original by Ambitions Design made just for you?

Well just become a public follower and you are entered.

click FOLLOW link in the right hand-side column of this blog

Comment on anything positive you feel like sharing and you are entered twice!

You must be a follower to be eligible.

I will create a Skellykin just for you!!

~this post represents some of the Skellykins already sold~

Winner Announced ON MARCH 31st.

Your Skellykin will be created during the week AFTER April 13th.

We will work together to get you a Skellykin just for you!

Advertising..ARGH!!

2009-02-28T14:24:00.006-05:00

With any luck the above ad will be accepted by Stampington for my upcoming May ad in "Where Women Create".

I chose to use my "Ode to Tim Burton" ornament for the ad, as it is my most viewed picture ever on Flickr! CrAZy!!

Also Flickr has it in their Explore feature since November of 2008! For whatever reason this picture tickles people and I LOVE IT!! I am happy to say that this ornie resides with one of my all time favorite artist's, Kristen Beason. It makes me happy to know each year he will be on a wicked good Halloween Tree, amongst other sweet & spooky friends!

I cannot begin to tell you how much time it takes me to work on ads for STJ and Ambitions Design. I do not have a photoshop type of program and am befuddled by some of the requirements for print ads vs. internet.

I do use Picnik.com which is heaven sent as it is made for "people like me". However, regardless of the program you use, if the original quality of the image is not up to par is all worthless when it comes to print ads.

As soon as time allows I would like to take some sort of crash course in a photo editing program. I had downloaded a 30 day free version of Corel and thought "sure, I can figure out". WELL NO I CANNOT!!!

If anyone can suggest a program or suggestions for a photo editing challenged gal, I would greatly appreciate it. And for those in the area, if you know how to use one and want to teach me...let's work a deal!! I need help!

I am alive!!

2009-02-23T16:59:00.009-05:00

So, for those wondering where I have been hiding.... I have been in bed! I contracted some sort of very scary virus that settled in my throat. It created lesions, affected my breathing and really ability to function. So, doctor's visits every other day (I did not want the hospital) & I was holed up in our guest room with a laptop (greatest invention ever) and trying to take care of STJ business, in between sleeping.

The day that I started to really realize that it wasn't a cold but something more sinister (very dramatic, eh?) Was the day I found out SpookyTimeJingles.com was accepted into the National Halloween & Haunters Convention this April in the Philly region!! This is a huge opportunity for all of the artist's associated with SpookyTime Jingles and I am very excited, although slightly unnerved at the worked ahead of me. eek!!

Luckily, STJ has THEE BEST group of artists who pitch in with ideas & help and truly make all the difference to whether this was to come to fruition or not.

This convention is a marvel of props for the professional haunter to the home haunter as well as the newly added collectibles for Halloween fans. The owners of this convention decided to add a collectibles section after receiving much call for it. Our booth #1115 will be stationed near the Halloween antiquities. A great fit if you ask me~

Yesterday was the first day in a week that I could get out of bed and eat. And when I did, I soon after hit my studio!! My lil banged up studio was like heaven on earth and I will never again complain about the lack of space or storage! I created non-stop until 3 am (from noon). I couldn't help myself. It felt so good to be back in the drivers seat again, albeit much slower than my usual.
So, the pictures you see of my recent creations are from my recent, til 3 am efforts. Hope you enjoy~

Hugs, Dani~

My BTF Interview!

2009-02-12T14:52:00.007-05:00

BTF is a New York City based mag all about good living for you and the earth. Zan the editor asked to do an interview about my handmade arts and those from SpookyTimeJingles artisans!

I hope you will come for a read!

www.bigtownfarmer.com/articles/FEB09STJ.html

OWOH WINNER!!!

2009-02-12T10:34:00.003-05:00

Congrat's to Jacqui!! I hope this skelly brings you many smiles.

~I will contact you soon for your delivery information~

~hugs~

Your friendly Spooky reminder!

2009-02-11T02:34:00.005-05:00

NEW Pfatt exclusives for February!

2009-02-08T02:09:00.004-05:00

These will be available on February 10th on The PFATT Marketplace as well as some surprise sales!!

Ambitions Design exclusives this month on Pfatt!! Woo Hoo!

Random picture tagging

2009-02-06T12:19:00.008-05:00

I was "tagged" by Ginny of Ginny Diezel Studios, and here was my tagged task.....

to go into my fourth folder and pic the 4th picture and share it in a post! I love how random it is.

This is my 4th photo in my 4th folder of a wonderful day my Austin and I had at the Delaware River doing homework. We live in a River town that divides New Jersey & Pennsylvania and this is just down the road form our house. he studied (for a bit ;) and I wrote a poem about our day.

Riverside Lull

~A day at the Delaware with Austin~

Rustling leaves sound symphonic in the tender breeze,

Sunlight gleams gloriously across glossy river rocks,

The Cicada’s rhythmic strumming.

An Egret so perfectly poised.

The cooling breeze tempers the warm sun.

Mini minnows surf the shoreline and tickle at my toes.

The mindful current moves sublimely as bees do their last dance of the season around my flip-flopped feet.

A single sandbag warns of disasters past.

An unwelcomed visitor tangles in my hair.

This leads me back to an unquiet mind.

Deep breath

Smell…..exhale…listen and feel.

Feels like I could sit here forever….Although life’s realities are slowly knocking at my minds door.

A quiet smile from my sweetpea soothes me without delay.

New Blogger on the block!!

2009-02-03T21:23:00.010-05:00

Everyone, please welcome my friend Denise Lynne of DLynne Art Dolls to our wonderful world of artful blogging!! Denise is a polymer clay sculptress who does amazing fairy & baby sculpts!!

When you visit her blog you will see she is BRANDY new and needs some comments!! I hope you will peek at her links to her Etsy shop & Website & see her amazing creations!

Happy Exploring!!

http://dlynneartdolls.braveblog.com/

One World One Heart Giveaway!!

2009-02-01T16:59:00.006-05:00

Well, I finally snuck in some time to have an offering for the OWOH HUGE giveaway across the world!! An original Halloween Skelly art doll by lil 'ole me!

All you have to do is...
leave a comment here on this blog post and you are entered!!

Please make sure you leave an email or website address so I know how to find you and all are welcome to join in.

Be sure to peek at the OWOH link to see all the artists who are participating. You will go nuts over all of the lovely giveaways!!

The list is now OVER 800 artists from all over the world participating in this One World One Heart Giveaway!!!!

Winner announced on Thursday 2/12/09

Meet "The Darlings"

2009-01-22T00:08:00.006-05:00

New grouping of the cutest lil art dolls you ever did see!! Poseable arms & legs and yes they all sit upright perfectly!! Find these new additions on Etsy in time for Valentines Decor!

Hopeful that CHANGE is here!

2009-01-19T11:13:00.010-05:00

See my excitement in my Etsy shop!!

**Blog readers can take an additional 10% off any Etsy piece**
I am always happy to reserve a piece , just ask

This is the first time in what feels like forever I am hopeful, excited & prideful for our future as a country. I will be stationed in front of my television with eyes peeled tomorrow and probably teary eyed. I sooo love to see the perceived underdog make his or her way to their dreams and shock everyone around them. Well in this case everyone around him is the world. Not only are the eyes of the world on President Obama but so are their hopeful souls waiting for change.

~ GodSpeed ~

New SpookyTimeJingles Series!!

2009-01-12T15:41:00.005-05:00

Available on STJ at midnight!!!

Looks what's coming!!

2009-01-08T15:38:00.005-05:00

An extra special added SweetyTime touch to STJ!!

Look at a peek of some Valentine ornies, I will have on SpookyTime Jingles

AND OF COURSE, Still our Sweet & Spooky usuals!!

Plus, THE what is in the box...PEEK on PFATT!!

Pfatt Peek~

2009-01-04T13:45:00.004-05:00

What is in the box, you ask? You will just have to visit my Pfatt page on January 10th the find out! Lovely, I say...just lovely!!

Last Artist of the month for 2008!

2008-12-28T18:35:00.025-05:00

For those of you not yet aware of the artistry of Beth of Strange Dolls, this will be a visual feast!!

So exciting!!!

Beth Robinson (Strange Dolls) is an ingenious artist with a grand conscience that shows in every piece she creates. Clearly affected by the world around her, I believe she often creates pieces that reflect her desire to understand & explain the darker circumstances of our world today.

"Stitch Bitch"

I so enjoy her attention to detail and the subtle differences of textures and color even when a "blood stain" is present. This never over-done ability, really impresses me.

She has found wonderful recognition, as she was recently commissioned to create for a Cirque de Soleil installation and fundraiser for energy efficiency!! What an honor!!
The dolls are 30 inches tall and made with Cernit and Aves. They were suspended, like acrobats, in the air.

These odd dolls are not something you will find in a toy store. They are hardly something you would buy for a child. They are misproportioned, strangely dressed, and they have a story and character uniquely their own.

Created after reading about doctor assisted suicide, she created this gripping piece
(I could not upload photo's at the time of publishing, so click link to view..amazing!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strange_dolls/447742587/

Each doll is entirely hand made using polymer clays, vintage fabrics, acrylic paint, and sometimes real human hair or teeth. Each piece is one of a kind.

Artist Bio:

Beth Robinson is a self-taught Vermont artist who has been making and selling hand made dolls since 2003. Although she found significant success with her oil paintings, her life was transformed when a friend sent her a link to a Japanese doll artist's website. From that moment she realized that taking her characters off the canvas and turning them into actual little people would be the best way to express herself.

Her dolls have been featured in the magazines: SPIN (USA), Stuff (USA), Maxim (UK and Hong Kong), Rue Morgue (Canada), Art Doll Quarterly (USA), Nordic Vision (Norway), and RIP (Russia).

"Apparition"

In closing, it is really no wonder that Beth has found such success in her few short years of sculpting. She clearly took to it like a duck in water and has found her "voice". Her dark, even at times unsettling works are always strangely beautiful in execution and leave you pondering what prompted such a piece?

~Links~

Blog - n - Website

Santa came to town & made Mom & Dad proud!

2008-12-21T18:03:00.006-05:00

Our 15 year old son Gavin played Santa Claus today for the township children (shhh & maybe some adults)!

Santa always comes the Sunday before Christmas each year driving around town on top of the Fire Truck. Santa's helpers hand out candy canes to all the residents who wait for him to come by!

~I have the warm & fuzzies~

A wonderful honor and my 1 year Anniversary blogging today!

2008-12-19T00:46:00.005-05:00

I love the Wymzee Arts award and what it stands for. I am very honored to be thought of in such a lovely way that they chose to add me to their list of recipients.

~CLICK~

To read my interview

What is the the Wymzee Arts Award?

This has been made to Showcase what we believe to be the..... Top Creative Blogs, Websites & Artists currently online. We selected these people because of their Outstanding Art Work, Friendship, Support to all the Craft Community, and Creative Excellence. You will see us showcase only the Best! We would like to say...Welcome to Wymzee Art Friends"Showcase of the Best Artists for the year 2008"

Thank you Sandra & Lisa for thinking of me in such a positive way and for understanding that nothing would make me happier than to see every artist succeed in a way that makes them happy.

a HUGE Thank you to many of you who have followed my lil ambitious blog. Hard to believe I have been doing this consistently for a year already.

You ALL (yes even the woman who called me a devil worshiper for combining Christmas & Halloween arts together on SpookyTimeJingles.com) have made my life better.

I have seen many opinions, suggestions, hopes, dreams, aspirations & inspirations. I have seen many of you lift each other up and care for each other in times of need. I have seen you join in swaps, host swaps, give awards and help spread "the" word about the latest and greatest.

This whole blogging atmosphere, 100% has created communities of people with common goals who genuinely care for each other, even though many have never actually met.

I am undoubtedly a better person due to this art driven community we have accidentally created. You all inspire me and show me the best in people. Thank you all for so much for welcoming me with open arms and for caring about what I have to say.

Much Love,

~Dani~

Ok, One more...PLEASE!

2008-12-17T14:18:00.008-05:00

This cause is VERY important to me. PLEASE read and vote online.

President -elect Obama's team has created a web site asking individuals
to submit ideas for change and below is a link regarding ending sexual
violence. They are going to look at the top 3 ideas, so spread the work
on this one, which currently has only 61 votes.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/get_serious_about_ending_sexual_violence

As a volunteer first responder to victims of sexual assault I can tell you we need ALL the resources we can get.

Besides, keeping up with the current technology so that forensically we can be sure to capture all the evidence (our machines are only a few years old are already outdated). We also need to provide the victim with a multitude of harsh medications to help combat any sexually transmitted diseases, a full change of new clothing as we take everything for forensic testing, Medical Care, Counseling, Legal aid, and sometimes shelter all add to the astronomical cost of caring for victim.

Imagine you or a loved one was in such a situation, would you not wish you had these services to help you through what is undoubtedly among if not thee absolute worst event ever in your life?

Now deal with it for the rest of your life.

I could ramble for hours and truth be told the details of why ALL nationwide organizations need more resources is because rape and incest is not going away without more monies, education & prevention programs & YOUR HELP!!

Please take the time to vote.

To learn more on how you can help or how to protect your loved ones, please visit: