merry happy christmas anniversary

"Tears are words that need to be written." ~ Paul Coehlo.  that's such a great quote, isn't it?  it's very apropos at the moment, too.  you see, today marks exactly ten years since i entered widowhood.  my husband passed away just 4 years into our marriage (ouch) and left me with three kids to raise on my own.  christmas has never been the same ever since and i've become more and more disenchanted with the very thought of it as the years have passed.  then there's my, er, wobbly household. seven living, breathing beings reside under one smallish roof, all with some degree of personality disorder. haha.  i admit, the mix does allow for some entertaining and humorous banter, but the clash of personalities can also cause thunderous rifts.  it's tricky, for sure.  adding to that, i've been dealing with the very real possibility of a valued friendship fading away.  heartbreak like no other, right there.

so those are my written tears, a portion of them anyway.  thanks, Paul Coehlo, for the inspiration.

~~~~~ ***** ~~~~~ 

while i'm here i'll offer a peek of what's new from the JMO studio.  i've had my hands in clay lately, and i am LOVING it.  oh, the possibilities!  i created these musical notes with a cookie cutter, air dry clay, paper, glue and varnish.  they will either be strung together like garland or bunting, or each may hang separately.  i haven't decided yet.

and with that same clay i've also been doing a little sculpting.  this here is Penny Ann, she's about 90% complete.  i'm kicking around the idea of giving her a body, though i really love her just the way she is.  she was lovingly created by sculpting air dry clay around a styrofoam ball, has glass eyes, a crochet beret (handmade by moi), and her hair is silky soft hand dyed Wenslesydale locks.  artist's pencils were used to apply her 'makeup.'

also working on sample patterns for the first ever JMO Collection ~ Summer 2013.  i can't divulge many details on that project just yet (sorry), but here's a look at one of the pieces in development.  almost the entire collection will be crocheted, with macrame and beaded accents added.  i am REALLy excited about this project and will share more details as soon as i can!

well, that's it for now.  may the coming year bring you all peace, love and harmony.  until next time...
~jean

creative nuggets

"When we are in the midst of making something, in the actual creative act, we know we are who and what we are because we forget our public reception for a minute. We become the art itself instead of the artist who makes it. In the actual moment of making art, we are blessedly anonymous. Even when done in public, the act of making art is a private act. Creativity is always between us and our creative energy, us and the creative power working through us. When we are able to stay clearly and cleanly focused on that, then we are able to do very well."

~Julia Cameron, the Artist's Way Every Day

Wednesday Wishlist: Hearts

Hello all.  In keeping with the whole Valentine theme going on all over the place right now, I devote this week's Wishlist to all things love-ly, and made by fellow Etsyans of course.  Show them some LOVE please and right click on their name to open their shops in a new window.  My dear sellers, I love you all!

XOXO,
Jean

World Peace Alternative Apparel

by rctees

(PEACE!)

Thinking Inside the Box B&W Fine Art Photograph

by bauerart

(this really captured my heart.  bravo, bauerart!)

Zipper Bag for Yarn

by TopShelfTotes

(ok, as a knitter and crocheter, I LOVE this!)

Red Toile Fabric Stationery Gift Set

by prettypeardesigns

(fabric stationery.  awesome!)

 Untold Story Bone Earrings

by Simplish

(tell me your story, and I'll tell you mine)

 

Broken Heart Greeting Card

by thecattsuglybabies

(LOVE!  LOVE!  LOVE!)
 

Antique Oddity Major Atom the Victorian Sideshow Midget Photo

by diabolus

(love me some vintage photos!)

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

by gatelinesalsa

(can you say 'yum'?)

 

 Stoneware Pottery Plate with Hex Sign

by misspottery

(misspottery has the prettiest pottery on the planet!)

 

OverSoul Alien

by oversoul

(you can't find a more lovable alien anywhere!)

 Meraviglia Eccentric Ring

by FridaWer

(now that's amore!)

 The Maharani Collection Limited Edition Beaded Bangle

by wintergarden

(I am truly in awe.  Gorgeous!)

 Felted Crochet Handbag

by BlackDogFiberStudio

(BlackDogFiberStudio, oh how I love thee!)

 

Whimsical Cottonwood Fairy House Carving

by RiverOtterRustic

(Whee!  I want one for my garden!)

 

ACEO Dragon Watercolor

by AnikasArt

(RAWWWRRRRRR!)

Wednesday Wishlist: Top Treasury Picks

First blog post of the New Year!  Woot, woot!  I've been on a roll lately over at Etsy making treasury after treasury, so for this Wishlist I've handpicked 10 of my faves from a selection of my treasuries to showcase here.  No particular theme or color palette, just random picks that will leave you in awe.  Of course, I'd love for you to right click on the shop names below each photo to show these awesomely talented Etsyans some much deserved love.  Check it out:

Crochet Pattern - Sushi

by skymagenta

Resistance..Fine Art

by lewfoster

Paris Wedding Tags

by creativevisions

Rock Paper Scissors, Mixed Media Print on Wood

by retrowhale

Totem Pole Pillow in Fruit Salad

by shapescolors

Recycled Acoustic Guitar String Bracelet

by foxdesignsjewelry

The Coolest Necklace Ever for Detectives

by mLindvall

Vintage Brown Recycled Bike Clock

by 1byliz

Passport Cover Vintage Milan Map

by sugarcanetrain808

Cowboy Zombie Skeleton Guitarist Steel Sculpture

by zedszombieranch

Wednesday Wishlist: Embrace The Dark Side

Whew, FINALLY posted another Wednesday Wishlist!  This week I invite you to walk with me on the dark side...the dark side of Etsy that is!  I don't know if it's because Halloween is coming or because I've been in a bit of a dark place myself lately, but I am LOVING all these goth items I found using Etsy's search tool.  They're wicked, wonderful, delightfully delicious additions to my Wishlist!  Right click on the shop links to open the item in a new window.  I dare you.  Muahahahahahaha!

Neo Victorian Scarab Jewel Necklace

from tempusfugit

Prison Riot Striped TuTu

from mtcoffinz

Unique Skull Pendant

from ParadiseFindings

Mini Purse Elizabeth Gothic Victorian

from UniquelyDifferent

Skeleton Key Soap Raygun Scented

from SteamBathFactory

Purple Plum Rose on Black Filigree Ring

from ForevermoreCreations

Witches Magick Candle Large

from whitemagic

The Blushing Vampire

from darkfaerie

Pyscho Soap from ArtSpot

Monsters and Lace Striped Hoodie

from TheLunaGirls

Wednesday Wishlist: Bits of Whimsy

For this week's Wishlist I once again turn to those fabulous Etsy sellers (I can't help it, really.  I could do 10 years' worth of Wishlists and not even scratch the surface of all the wonderful talent to be found on that site!).  Having been feeling a little overwhelmed lately, I sought out a little whimsical fun, and just look what I came up with!  Please show their shops some love by right clicking on the links to open in a new window.

Thanks, and have a whimsical day!

Lisa Snellings Lavender Blue Poppet

from Strangestudios

Robot with Headphones Print

from randomhouse

Clockwork Orange 5x7 Print

from kahlaw

Let's Talk from jeffclaassen

Sock Creature Casey from beezmiller

Goldi Golden Skeleton Key Dangle Earrings

from VintageMusings

Hot Air Balloon Ring

from MintyFreshFusions

Cow Bag-Purse Crochet Pattern

from sonicka

The Witch's Mushroom Garden

from WanderingLydia

Elephant Rain from Phizzychick