You better get a 6×6inch acrylic block if you haven’t already got one …

Look what’s on offer over on the EI blog!

Available on the website from December 1st and offer of the month for Graphicus Guild members, this is one seriously gorgeous butterfly plate with a stunning flower stamp too.

which i really do, they’re just so damn pretty that sometimes you don’t want to eat it!! Anyway back to the topic of conversation, hello how have all you’ve been? Well this post is more or less a continuation of the previous subject of lovely chalk and blackboard. If you haven’t seen it check it out here. This little pet project was started by myself and the lovely karla, being in a art environment you would’ve thought people would have more respect but apparently this was not the case as during the last week i had to keep cleaning the board constantly from people who can’t keep their hands to themselves. Therefore we decided that we would just wipe the board completely and remove the quote, however before we started this i decided to play with the board a little bit since we were cleaning it anyway and below is the final outcome of a collaboration between a few different people in the class. Myself (swirls), Karla(cupcake), Allister (flower) and Heather (snowflakes and snowmen.) It’s nothing spectacular a bit overcrowded and inconsistent with the subjects but hey a little fun never hurts right?

I just discovered wedding photos from a couple I worked with this past summer, Lynn & Ed, over on the Duke Photography Blog. AND wow… what a beautiful event that not only showcased a group of very talented vendors, but a very stylish couple too!  Uyen at Sassy Girl Weddings created an amazing outdoor setting to complement the gorgeous Rancho Las Lomas venue in Silverado {southern California}.

I love that we hung the customized escort tags, which seated each guest to their table, on the mini fiji water bottles. {we used the same elastic thread that was used around their diagonal booklet invitation, shown below}.

I’m also super excited that their chic Wedding Cake matches their custom invitation, which we personalized just for the couple using orange, brown + a unique swirl design!

>>see more engagement & wedding images @ Dukes Blog.

Photographer > Duke Photography
Wedding Coordinator > Sassy Girl Weddings & Events
Cake >  Great Dane Bakery Florist > Commerce Flowers
> 24 Carrots Catering >  Fusion Linens

These Jewelry Designs are made with Antiqued Brass Wire and at some times with Bronze, Copper, and or Sterling Silver. 

Please go to www.silviascreations.etsy.com to see more details about each piece.

Shamanic Love with Enamel Pendant and Green Tourmaline / Lepidolite $159 

Something new… I fashioned a simple pendant out of 22 gauge copper, and then applied liquid enamels and sifted transparent colors to make it a work of art. Attached is a Green Tourmaline with little pieces of Lepidolite to add more interest and balance.

The copper chain is 25″ long with Black Tourmaline beads in between. The pendant including the wire wrapped stone has an extra  4 1/2″.

This piece makes a statement and do to its multicolored shimmers looks fantastic with all earth tones, purples, greens, and of course white and black.

GREEN TOURMALINE brings balance and joie de vivre. It rejuvenates and inspires creativity. It magnetizes the wearer to prosperity and abundance. Green Tourmaline treats eyes, heart, thymus, brain, and immune system; facilitates weight loss and relieves CFS and exhaustion.

LEPIDOLITE activates and opens the throat, heart, third eye, and crown chakras, clearing blockages and bringing cosmic awareness. This stone aids in shamanic or spiritual journeying and accesses the Akashic Record. Lepidolite is extremely useful in the reduction of stress and depression.

BLACK TOURMALINE protects against cell phones, electromagnetic smog, radiation, psychic attack, spells and ill-wishing, and all negative energies of all kinds.

COPPER reduces inflammation; releases tension and frustration; enhances brain function; promotes emotional harmony; alleviates and helps to integrate difficult astrological and cosmic influences.

This necklace resonates with the astrological signs of TAURUS, SAGITTARIUS, CAPRICORN, & LIBRA.

ROMANTIC DELIGHT WITH AMETHYST STAR, INCL EARRINGS $149

Did I have just fun playing around with various antiqued brass chains to honor this absolutely beautiful Amethyst Star. The necklace is 17″ long with a 2″ extension the Amethyst has an extra length of 1″. Matching earrings are included. Surprisingly this charming necklace is light as a feather perfect for a romantic night out! AMETHYST is one of the most spiritual stones, promoting love for the divine, giving insight into its true nature, and encouraging selflessness and spiritual wisdom. It opens intuition and enhances psychic gift. Amethyst resonates with the astrological signs of PISCES, BIRGO, AQUARIUS, & CAPRICORN.

Psychic Eye Necklace with Opal and Kyanite $220

Hand forged brass, sterling silver, and copper plates with Mexican Opal and wire wrapped Kyanite. OPAL enhances cosmic consciousness and induces psychic and mystical visions; helps to stabilize mood swings and eases the flow of life-energy through the subtle body. KYANITE balances the whole being, clams and releases blocked emotions; brings tranquility and quietness; aids meditation and access to all levels of awareness. COPPER reduces inflammation; releases tension and frustration; enhances brain function; alleviates and helps to integrate difficult astrological and cosmic influences. SILVER eases the flow of energy in the body and clears it of impurities; eases difficulties with movement; alleviates nerve twitches; prevents infections; encourages clear insight and intuition. This necklace resonates to the astrological signs of CANCER, LIBRA, PISCES, SCORPIO, TAURUS, SAGITTARIUS, ARIES, and AQUARIUS.

Ammmonite Fossil with Mookaite Beads $99 - AMMONITE is a fossilized animal which was present on the Earth in eons past: it is similar in its structure to the snail. The properties of ammonite include stimulus to architects and those in the fields of construction. It provides for insight to the basis from which to start and allows one to retain the "whole picture" from conception to use. Ammonite is a protective stone, giving stability and structure to ones life. It can elimminate the caustic attributes and can transform negativity into a smooth, flowing energy. It also tends to encourage and to supplement ones survival instincts. It is a stone to assist one in the promulgation of the requirements, and the actions necessary, for world survival. MOOKAITE (Austranian Jasper) provides a useful balance between inner and outer experiences. It imparts both a desire for new experiences and a deep calm with which to face them. mookaite is a physically stabilizing stone that fortifies the immune system, heals wounds, and purifies the blood. THIS NECKLACE IS 26" LONG THE PENDANT IS AN EXTRA 2 3/4". It can be wrapped around the neck twice for a choker versions. Resonates with the astrological signs of AQUARIUS, LEO,& GEMINI.

SOLD

ANCIENT BRONZE SEAHORSE $69 - Here comes another new piece of bronze clay I created. The necklace has a very mystic ancient feeling to it. Black Garnet also called Andradite is dynamic and flexible. It stimulates creativity and attracts into your relationships what you most need for your development. Andradite supports male qualities such as courage, stamina, and strength. It realigns the magnetic fields of the body. It cleanses and expands the aura, opening psychic visions.THIS NECKLACE IS 15” LONG WITH A 2” EXTENTION. Resonates with the astrological sign of Aries.

SOLD

SOLd

Dusted off some old oil pastels, and painted.

Saratoga, CA

mandala pouch with paste on

i’ve been working on more pouches to offer through my etsy web site, here.

they are carefully hand sewn (no machines!) with muslin fabric. the seams are double-folded and sewn to be extra sturdy (double threaded and triple-knotted).

i use ribbon for the drawstrings, and create them so that you can pull from both sides at once – way more fun than just having one ribbon!

these few pouches are only my second attempt so far, and so are priced very cheaply. the designs are slightly blurry – i tried to portray them as accurately as possible in the photos on etsy. they stained well, and are still an exciting way to carry around your smallest treasures.

swirls pouch

i know folks who use them to carry smoking accessories, dice, coins, handkerchiefs, and more. they’re also great if you attend or work at renaissance faires and need a ‘period’ or ‘non-modern’ way to carry small things on your person. these pouches would also be a great way to present a small gift (jewelry, special stones, or even a gift card).

please take a look at my etsy site and let me know what you think. i may at some point offer these types of items for sale directly through this site, but i’d like to find out what folks are interested in first.

thanks for your feedback!

Hi all, Well some of this card is a little sneak peek of what is to come in our new summer mini catalogue to be released December 1st. There are lots of great things on offer again! So!!…. what’s new on this card you ask? Well the butterflies are new, aren’t they sooooo cute and we also have a butterfly punch that co-ordinates with this stamp set, coming out in the same catalogue. WoooHooo!!!! As you can see on my card, after you have stamped the image onto your card stock and punched it out, you will have a tiny border right around the butterfly, isn’t that just neat!!!! All other products used are Stampin’ Up and are available to purchase from the 2009 – 2010 Stampin’ Up Idea Book and Catalogue. The whimsical swirl stamp beneath the butterflies is from Scribble This (page 84) , the ~heartfelt~ tag is from Heartfelt Thanks (page 83) , Tempting Turquoise ink and card stock have been used, and so has Chocolate Chip ink and card stock, and some Designer Series Paper also in Chocolate Chip (page 135), has been selected for the matting.

I have made this sympathy card for my daughter, Caree, and her fiance, Adrian.  Adrian’s little sister passed away after a long battle with cancer on Saturday morning. Samantha was way too young, and she fought with so much courage that she has been an inspiration to her closest family and friends. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her and loved her. It has been a difficult time for Adrian and Caree, their hearts are sad and heavy, and as their family it is so hard to watch them hurt so deep inside, but they know that they are loved and that we are with them as we carry them in thought and prayer.

~for Samantha, only 20…. ’forever young’~

Love Sally x

Grunge Banner with curly brances in ten different color designs. Useful as placeholder for text, as element for your designs, cover for announcements, etc… See all previews and download links further this post. Have fun using!

Here are other fun curly brushes from my collection. Curls and swirls are my favourites! I just can’t get enough of them!

	Butterfly effect by Angelic Trust More than 350 brushes !! Need to be logged in to download. The registration is really worth it!
image coming soon	Principles of joy by Angelic Trust Need to be logged in to download
	Curly Qby Teddy Bear Cholla on Deviant Art Great size and resolution ! LOVE these, use them everywhere! Her other brushes are not that worth it for me, but take a look; she has a lot of fun with her computer!
Sorry, no image available !	Ultimate Spin by Miss MNice website, no previews for the brushes though
	Spotted Swirls by LeeDeeYa on Deviant Art Love these also! Their size is average, usefull for a lot of things.
	Swirls and Flourishes by Obsidian Dawn Various qualities of  curly brushes (30)

Halloween background with graveyard, zombies, bats and misty sky. Useful as invitation or party card, etc…

I tried making brown butter pound cake a couple weeks ago and ruined it by overbaking it.  Despite the the need to drink an entire glass of milk with each bite, Dennis and I couldn’t resist having several slices because of the wonderful brown butter flavor.  (If you’ve ever had browned butter in a dessert, you know what I’m talking about.  If you haven’t–then you haven’t fully lived!) 

While the remainder of the pound cake lies in the freezer, awaiting it’s transformation into a creative bread pudding, I found the link to a similar recipe waiting for me in my inbox yesterday, compliments of my good friend, Krista.  The recipe is, in fact, based upon that brown butter pound cake, but with the addition of pumpkin and dulce de leche. 

Krista knows me too well.  Cake, brown butter, pumpkin and caramel?  Oh yeah, I’m there, baby! 

After baking it and diving in (I only had a tiny slice…times five), I discovered that the texture isn’t dense like pound cake, but lighter like regular cake and very moist.  But since it doesn’t look like cake, I’m calling it bread.  Which kind of makes the name sound a little more wholesome, even with the mention of brown butter and caramel and the fact that the only wholesome thing in there makes up a very small part of the cake bread.

Whatever you want to call it, this stuff is awesome–bake a loaf and see for yourself!

Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Caramel Swirls

 Veronica’s Notes: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves & ginger. I used 1/4 t cinnamon, 1/8 t nugmeg, a couple sprinkles of cloves and the rest ginger.

This was a fun little project. Catrina is having a baby in less than 2 weeks! She’s such a cute pregnant lady, but oh so ready for this little gal or guy to come. This is def one thing I CANNOT relate to. haha.

Anyway, the invites were designed based on the baby’s room. The gender is unknown, so Catrina went with a seashell fabric (very fitting for a Sunny Coast babe) with lots of yellows, teals and blues. She has sewn everything from the mobile to the bedding and we were able to sneak a “shell” from the mobile to get the color swatches.

I took the photo of Cat and imported it into Illustrator, did a live trace, recolored it and waalaa…

To make the pop-up I printed the front and back side-by-side and after scoring the fold & cutting the bleed, I used an exacto knife to go around her belly. I then glued the two pages together.

In case you didn’t know, you’re a “mum” here in Australia… not a “mom.”

I love how it turned out and hope you do too.

Sweet Dreams… well for me. I am 15 hours ahead of all you EST peeps.

Swirls are beautiful and a nice way to enhance and give uniqueness to your design work. Here are 21 swirl design taken from different form like nature, food and art to inspire you and give more ideas on how to use them.

You may also be interested in the following related posts:

2. Artic Winds

3. Blade

4. Blue Swril

5. Cool Swirl Thing

6. Grapevine Swirl

7. Vanilla raspberry swirl cup cakes

8. Twirly Swirls

9. Rose Swirls

10. Swirls with a Daisy

11. Blue and White flower Swirled

12. Bench Swirl

13. Polymer clay swirl beads

14. Candycurl Swril

15. Swirling around and around

16. Colored Swirl

17. Experimentations

18. Typography

19. Hallucinogen

20. Raffles

21. Eddy Swirl

See This and More on hellocollections

Halloween party card in four different colors, with swirls, curls, bats, pumpkins and grungy shapes. Useful as invitation or party card, etc… See all previews and download links further this post. Have fun using!