More ornaments

I've been creating tons of ornaments! Not literally. But for several days I've been very focused on making them, so that I have a little stockpile of them available for when I'm on Thanksgiving break. Although, I'm still planning to make some then. I had a hack of a time identifying some of them, but I think I've labeled them accurately. Here are several I've listed on my etsy shop:

English Ivy

Freeman Maple


Sugar Maple

Sweet Gum

Etsy Gift Guide

So, for those who aren't aware, etsy puts together gift guides of various items the etsy admin chooses. It's just one way to promote various sellers and aid the buyers at the same time. I was so excited to find out this morning that my Fly Agaric mushroom ornament has been featured in one. It is the Holiday Ornaments gift guide. I have no idea how long it will be in there, because I'm not really sure how it works. But, it has gotten me some extra views and hearts, so it's cool with me! Dan immediately suggested I make some more. Perhaps I will. I have some polymer clay left, but I thought I'd wait and see if I get any more sales. I've sold one ornament so far. On a completely different note, I went to the coffee shop today, since it was drizzly and cold and generally a coffee-type day. Man, did that ever hit the spot. For about five years now I've been drinking tea instead of coffee, but I've decided to get a French press and coffee grinder for Christmas. I'm ready to reemerge into the coffee world.

Appalachian Trail

Those of you who know me, know that I am just *slightly* obsessed with the Appalachian Trail. I have read countless books on the subject, as well as regularly browsing through hikers' online trail journals. Today Dan made my weekend (after a less-than-stellar Friday night at the local cow farm/gun auction) by taking me hiking on the AT! We only hiked about three miles, but it was gorgeous! And I forgot my camera. But picture this: steep mountain trail covered in crunchy brown leaves, and tall, huge trees with a few colorful leaves still clinging to their branches for dear life. The sun shone brightly through everything, and the views between the branches were excellent! I could definitely see myself thru-hiking. So much, that I asked Dan, in all seriousness, if he would let me if I really felt compelled to. He gave me a searching, uncomfortable look and said, "I don't know." And that has been the final word on the subject. Would I really consider leaving my husband for six months to go hiking? No, probably not. I would love it most of all if he would hike it with me. But then, he could meet up with me occasionally and we could hike together for a weekend or whatever. It could work...

Mockingbird painting

Here is a picture of my newest painting. I have not yet listed this on etsy. It's in a very different style for me, which I have been wanting to try out. I used a lot of glazing in this piece, so the colors are quite rich and deep, which doesn't translate very well into the photo. However, I'm thinking of doing another one in this whimsical style, only with a winter theme. I'm very seasonally oriented, if that isn't obvious. :) And on another happy note, I sold my first painting through etsy today! I'm so excited about it! And I really, really hope the buyer loves her new piece of art! It's one of the first paintings I did when I started this whole art thing back up again, and I love the pop of red in the leaves. If you are interested, you can view the painting I sold here. Happy day all! I know mine was! :)

Silvan Ornaments

I've recently discovered the joys of polymer clay. This plastic-y clay is quite easy to work with, and may be cured in a kitchen oven. After it's been cured, it is lightweight, and won't break when dropped...which is always an important feature in anything I am interested in. I have been making Christmas ornaments out of this versatile substance, all to do with woodsy things. I call them Silvan Ornaments! It has been quite enjoyable for me to work on these, as it both satisfies my inescapable yet way too early longing for Christmas, as well as my creative instincts. I have several leaves, a mushroom or two, an acorn, and an owl so far. I'm going to make some snowflakes, perhaps some little critters, and the requisite snowman for my mother. They aren't all done yet, but here are some photos for those interested. I also have a couple listed in my etsy shop, and more will be forthcoming.