Winner of my 200th post give away

Is Karen S at A Creative Kick blog.  Congratulations Karen, I will get this book off to you as soon as possible.

I will leave you with this photo of a prayer flag my 7 year old friend made for me.  Thanks, Lauren.

Be Well.

200th Post! Time for a give away

Hello there, my blogging friends!  It took me awhile but I have finally reached my 200th post in this one.  I thought I had better have a give away to celebrate.  Details below.  

For now I am showing you some paper "buttons" I made after reading a tutorial on Kelli Nina Perkins blog.  They looked so pretty and I had everything I needed so why not?  If you click on Kelli's name above, it will take you to the tutorial on her blog.

They were fun and easy to make.

 I used a few on this journal page.  See them in the flowers towards the bottom?

Here is the double page spread.

When I saw these bangle bracelets on the Art Bead Scene blog, I wanted to make some.  So I did.  Click on the blog name and you will see the tutorial.  I had saved some plastic rings from lids off of mayonnaise jars and that is what I used as the bangle part of these bracelets.  Upcyclers Unite!!

Finally, in honor of all my loyal blogging friends I thought I'd give away this fantastic book by Judy Wise and Stephanie Lee.  Plaster Studio.  Mixed media techniques for painting, casting and sculpting.  I love the book but have decided that I'm not going to be making good use of it so would like to pass it on to one of you.  Please leave a comment on this post telling me you want your name in the drawing for it.  I'll draw a name on May 19th.

I found evidence of more upcycling in the natural world when I was cleaning out behind some books on a shelf in my studio.  Beautiful mouse nest!  Luckily I must have caught the mouse before they actually used this nest, it is a constant battle to keep up with the little furry critters.  There are bits of fabric, tissue paper and of course the peacock feathers.

So that is what I have been up to when I'm not outside working in the garden.  Hope you all are having a fine spring.  Don't forget to leave a comment if you want to be in the drawing for the Plaster Studio book.  I'll announce the winner next Sunday.  Till then,
Be well.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

My Dad, Bill Brattain, is turning 85 on May 6th.  Hard to believe that young boy with the violin is 85 now.  Dad played in the Youth Philharmonic when he was a kid.  I remember him playing his violin when we were kids, he'd play a piece of classical music to send us to dream land.

He grew into a handsome young red haired man.

This picture might have been taken yesterday, tall lean young man in jeans and T-shirt, baseball cap.

Soon he was a father.  I love this shot of Dad with two of my brothers and me, Christmas about 1957 or '58.

Dad was born and raised in Oregon with his Dad, Mom, one sister and two brothers.  Here he is with my grandfather and Uncle Creed and Uncle Laird.

I like this picture of him, still a handsome man.  Yep, that's my dad!

My family, doing what we like best, talking, laughing, eating and drinking fine wine.

He has an irreverent sense of humor.  Put a camera in his face and he is just as likely to make a silly face as smile.  Notice him above, making a face.

Here he is with his sister, my Aunt Peg.  He's getting older but he still isn't grown up;-)

This picture of my step mom Dottie, Chainsaw man and Dad was taken up at the family cabin when we had a work party. 

Sorry for the quality of the pictures, I really should get a scanner.

This final photo, of me and my Dad, taken at a previous birthday party.  I don't have enough pictures of me and Dad.  We are having a get together on Sunday to celebrate, maybe I'll get one of my brothers to snap one.

Happy Birthday Dad.  I love you!! 

Adding this on May 7th.  Had a great time with my family and thought I'd share this photo from yesterday with you all.

Tom, Bill, Jan, Rick 

When my sister in law Renee asked Dad how it feels to be 85, he replied, "Smooth.  Life just keeps getting better and better."

Sounds like a good thought to leave you with.

Be well.