Minot Flood 2011

What was once a small river running through the middle of my town has turned into a lake. 

A lake that has inundated 4,000 homes. 1,000 of these homes are not repairable as water measures 6-10 feet on the main floor. 11,000 out of 40,000 people are displaced. 300 dogs are now living in the shelter. Water for consumption needs to be boiled. Water is to be rationed, and some homes that are dry, are exactly that...without water. 

For many, this is the first day of the rest of their lives. 

Although, I am one of the lucky ones, my heart hurts for my friends and family members who are wounded emotionally. As my niece said, "I wish I could just hug my house."

Get Your Nest On

My house has been invaded by guys; carpet layer, floor refinisher, carpenter, and plumber. The plumber was not my choice, but I was forced delighted to add another remodel project to my list, due to a leak. What to do, after getting a couple of rooms back in order? Get out my silver birds and help them get their nest on. 

I layered a bird nest on top of seashells. The silver glittered bird is actually a Christmas tree ornament that I embellished with a jewel and seam binding.  

More Christmas tree birds getting their nest on. The real silver glitter is starting to tarnish. I know it's in style (even to let your silver tea service tarinsh), but I'm just not sure how I feel about this patina. There's something totally gratifying about polishing silver, and yes I'm serious. How do you feel about this?

Welcome Spring and get your nest on. 

I sincelerly hope you are having a nice week, and that you are not experiencing flood waters.

Blessings,

Ele

Winner Dinner (not related)

Aaron from mudpiesandmarigolds.com is the winner of my giveaway! Congratulations!

A couple of weeks ago, I served prom dinner. I had great help from "Mr. Grill Master," and my "Super Talented Don't Know How She Can Fit so Many Creative Ideas Into Her Head" niece.  Our dinner was in my son's casual family room, so "Super Niece" had the idea of decorating with crayons and paper.

Rhinestone gems were glued on the ends of crayons to create a crayon topiary. Super Niece constructed a crayon candleabra and crayon napkin holders.

My favorite part of the table was the artwork that my niece incorporated into each place setting. She outlined the fork and knife with some funky graphics, and provided a different theme frame under each plate in which each guest could doodle. 

IThe The room was finished up with white lights and paper lanterns. In the evening it looked fabulous.  And yes, the guests had fun doodling on  the white tablecloth. 

Don't you wish "super niece" was yours?.....sorry, she's all mine:) 

A picture of the girls, (my daughter is the blonde in solid blue)

I hope you are having a wonderful week.

Blessings,

Ele

Banners in Style

Go to my last post and register for the giveaway!

Here a banner, there a banner, everywhere a banner banner.

Whatever you choose to call them; banners, pennants, or buntings, they are all in style. They are not just for birthdays and holidays. They are for every day!  

A great thing about mixed meda art is that you get to use everyday found objects and incorporate it into your creations. Flashcards? Yep, flashcards. I'm not the first to use flashcards, nor will I be the last. I think the appeal is that it takes us back to elementary school. It's the feeling of mastering numbers, and numbers are hot, in style, the thaaaang that makes a mixed media artist's heart beat.

  

I made this garland out of flash cards, music paper, and some vintage ledger paper. I threw in some vintage jewels, a cameo and a paper flower. I strung seam binding through punched holes, and added a few scrunched pieces to stream down. Oh so easy, try it you'll see!

Banners are for everyday. Hang them across a mirror, a window, or wall.

Blessings, Ele

Giveaway Time!

The good people at ramsign.com are giving one of my blog visitors a FREE enamel house sign.  

Gotta love sleek, handmade, glossy, and free!

If you are a follower (right hand sidebar), leave me a comment. If you are not a follower, now is a good time to sign up. I will draw a random winner on Wednesday, April 6th.

Ele