robbie moriarty

Vintage Valentines / Susan Abbott

2012-02-14T07:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all my Valentines'!!!

Mom, Lon, and Me / Marco Island Florida

2012-02-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

We ate at Hoots one meal a day. They have two locations one Marco and the other in Naples. We managed to do both.

Lon is wearing his fave Art in Speed Park T-shirt. He can be counted on to advertize the art shows for me when he is in Kentucky as well as Florida. Thanks Lon!!

Inspiration

2012-02-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Just returned from 5 days in sunny Florida. My parents have a house a block from the ocean. They have updated the entire house but stopped when it came to the screened in porch.

So I made the sacrifice to leave winter in Louisville where temps were in the 40's. It was sunny and 85 when I arrived in Marco. They needed me to help with the paint and decor. I just love a decorating emergency!

We also managed to find time to shop. How cute is this post card trunk???? It holds charcoal, starter fluid, etc... And really love the beach girls.

The pillow from Airzona belonged to my grandparents. The bucket candles, trunk, and beach girls came from my favorite store on Marco. Bells Outlet. Sam and I discovered it when we were there this past summer. Mom was humoring me by going there and didn't think she would find anything. Ha she should know that I am the bargain decor whisperer!

Before and After / Mom and Lon's Florida House

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Making Superbowl

2012-01-31T06:48:00.000-08:00

Found this image on FB. Kelly Ford Powell posted but not sure she is the one who made this Superbowl Delight.

The most exciting Superbowl in our family was 21 years ago when our nephew Sean Moriarty was born. Happy B-day to you Sean! Your such a fine young man. You make your family proud! Also proud of you for being man enough to carry a purse.

The Artist / Tracy Moriarty

2012-01-29T22:09:00.001-08:00

Well there she is pictured between the two stars of the movie. How cool is that!!!

Rock On With Your Bad Self Tracer!!!!

The Artist is a great movie!! Got so caught up in the story that I forgot I was searching for Tracy in every scene.

The movie is a metaphor about technology. I feel like I am a silent film and technology has passed me by as well.

I haven't even learned how to turn on the TV now that it takes several steps. Good thing I never watch TV.

We can be in constant contact with phones, computers, etc... But I really enjoy being out of contact. Don't get why you would be having fun at an event and spend time on your phone reading and texting about it. Reminds me of the story of the guy at the Grand Canyon setting up all his camera equipment trying to get a picture. Instead he missed seeing the Grand Canyon.

That said....I can spend hours on my ipad going thru blogs and Pinterest. But I do enjoy real books.

Never thought I would be the one fighting the latest thing kicking and screaming.

The Artist / Tracy Moriarty

2012-01-29T06:44:00.001-08:00

In the fall of 2010 my sister Tracy who lives in LA following her dream of acting wrote to me about a little French film she was playing an extra. She sent pictures of the fun sets and costumes she was wearing. Along with other members of the cast. The film is set in the 1920's, and will be a silent movie. And will not be released in America....

Well...since the Academy Awards were announced and The Artist got nominated....It is being released in America. We see it tonight. I can't wait to see if we can spot Tracy in any of the scenes.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

2012-01-27T07:46:00.001-08:00

The end of an era...Oh it was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean how long can you keep a 92 Ford Ranger alive?

It got a new life as an Art Truck...but at some point it didn't feel like totally reliable transportation. Even tho it ran great, major things didn't work like gas gage and radio.

So with a song in my heart and tears in my eyes I donated the Ozmobile to a charity that auctions off and raises funds for Veterans.

Robbieize The Charm Bracelet

2012-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

Robbieize

2012-01-26T10:13:00.001-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I Robbieize everything I touch. Just can't leave well enough alone. So it is no suprise when I should be making new designs for Kentucky Crafted: The Market which is March 3 & 4, my time is spent adding things to my charm bracelet from The Charming Weekend. Added some copper paper clips and more found objects. Much more!!! The more the better really! And turned it into a big-ass necklace that I plan to wear to the theatre tonight.

Inspiration for The Charming Weekend

2012-01-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

Mary Noelker sent this link to inspire. She had plans for her own charm exchange.

I was soooo inspired that I wanted to copy each and every technique that I saw in this one. Such a fun way to produce something that I wouldn't ordinarily. Push me outside my comfort zone and try new techniques.

The following posts are of The Charming Weekend. You Totally Rock Mary for getting this together and making it such a fun adventure! And...well...so charming!!!

A Charming Weekend / The Artists Less One

2012-01-25T12:57:00.001-08:00

Michelle Weston glass blower, Leslie Baete Fawcett bead weaving jeweler, Mary Noelker lampwork jeweler, Marianne Brown potter, Kelli Pope pottery-metal jeweler, Robbie Moriarty mixed media jeweler. Not photographed because she had to leave before documentation:) Theresa Kibby anodized alumimun jeweler.

And so it began. Mary sent an e-mail asking if we (7 artist friends) would want to come to her family's cabin on Lake Cumberland for the weekend...sometime in January when we are not busy doing art shows. We could each bring 7 beads that we made for a bead exchange. Mary would supply the chain and findings for a bracelet. At the end of the weekend we would take home a cool bracelet. YES...we all said!!!

Well that is not all that happened. First we were speechless when we saw the awesome cabin. In the e-mail she didn't mention the non stop laughter, flowing wine, yummy food, and life skills we would learn via new words/phrases. YES....we did all leave with a cool bracelet and much more.

A Charming Weekend/ Hostess Mary Noelker

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Here is our lovely Mary sporting one of Kelli Pope's wonderful creations. A great hostess gift from Kelli.

Damn, why didn't I think of giving Mary one of Kelli's necklace and ear ring sets for a hostess gift??!!

A Charming Weekend / Awesome Cabin

2012-01-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

A Charming Weekend / Charm Exchange

2012-01-25T12:41:00.001-08:00

This is Mary's arm sporting her charm bracelet.

A Charming Weekend / Lake, Trees, Fire

2012-01-25T12:36:00.001-08:00

YES...the banks of the Cumberland are filled with fossils.

YES...the cabin is nestled in midst of a defunk christmas tree farm.

YES...Anyone want Smores!!! Did she need to ask?

A Charming Weekend / Finished Charm Bracelet

2012-01-25T12:08:00.001-08:00

owl,anodized alumimun,Theresa
seed beads, bead weaving,sterling, gemstone, Leslie
pottery buttons, Marianne
recycled christmas light, Robbie
recycled zipper, Robbie
recycled dice, Robbie
pottery bead, patina,disk, hammered copper, Kelli
vintage key, domed patina penny, bobbin glass, glass bead, Mary
recycled zipper, wire e-bead, Robbie
peace, heart, doublesided, anodized alumimun, Theresa
pottery bead, patina disk, hammered brass, Kelli
heart, brass, distressed, copper wire, Robbie
seed beads, bead weaving, sterling, gemstones, Leslie
vintage brass die, paper inset, resin, Michelle
recycled zipper, wired, bead, Robbie
vintage bone,shoe button, Robbie

A Charming Weekend/ Leslie's Bracelet

2012-01-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Kentucky Crafted:The Market

2012-01-17T21:40:00.001-08:00

My first show of 2012.........................
Lexington Convention Center, Lexington, KY.
March 3, 2012, 10-8
March 4,2012, 10-5

Another King's B-day in January

2012-01-17T08:51:00.001-08:00

Oh Happy Day MLK

2012-01-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Over Reaction!

2012-01-14T10:15:00.001-08:00

School's closed 2 hours early this past Thursday....Yes the Blizzzzzzard was heading for us! It would hit in the late afternoon. Groceries were a buzzin. People stocking up for the big ass snow...THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN! We got a slight dusting that was gone by the morning.

Pic of our mantle with hand crafted metal snowmen.

New Year Goals

2012-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Tired of resolutions. I just break them as soon as they are made. My resolve to quit drinking Diet Coke lasted all of 2 days. Then my mantra was "REDUCE". Yes, that's it, I would reduce my size, intake, stuff, clutter, stress... did I say stuff? But then it occurred to me that I like clutter. I really do. I respond better under stress.

Who knows if I can even reduce my intake and size for the long haul. And really I need all this stuff in my life to maintain some level of comfort and creativity.

Yeah, I may reduce and organize my clutter. I might even quit drinking Diet Coke. But really does it matter in the whole scheme of things? My dream/goal for this year is simply acceptance. Oh Yeah and World Peace:)

Love this pic. I stole it off of Facebook and do not know the source. This seems like a job for Gordon the Brit. Gordon??? Happy New Year!

P.S. Gordon the Brit is amazing he found the orgin of the pic. It's called the Human Peace Sign by summer-every-day.

New Year's Eve / Epler-Milburn Estate

2012-01-04T07:13:00.001-08:00

Somehow the photographer took lovely pics of their home and then got caught up in the fun and excitement of the evening ...The pics of delish meal and other revelers are not as flattering as one would like thus not shown.

But there is some disturbing news. I was in a room full of men of a certain age....playing the game Gestures or Guesstures, whatever, the game where your team has to guess what you are acting out. The actor is not allowed to speak. When my team kept shouting out "orb" when I was clearly going for the word "circle" I was concerned. So when my next word was YMCA I was sure our team would win the game and all the lovely prizes under the tree. How could we miss, all of my team grew up in the 70's and know the Village People intimately. So I did the dance, not once but twice...maybe even 3 times. In a room full of men not one knew what I was doing!!!! Haven't they been to a wedding reception in the past decade??? Didn't I tell them about Drew Brumm's wedding reception and the dance injury I suffered doing the YMCA??? Didn't they try to put the unflattering pic of me getting my dance on at Drew's wedding as my screen saver? In spite of the loss a really good time was had by all. I stayed in my jammies the fist day of 2012 trying to get over the shock.

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T10:10:00.001-08:00

Put away Christmas and only left out my Happy Snowmen! Looking forward to a brand new year. Fresh start, Clean Slate, Etc........

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

Top: Lon and Shirley. Middle: Ryan, Tammy, Michael and Sean. Bottom: Sam and Me. Missing from family pic is my sister Tracy....Tracer you were missed this year. Congrats to brother Michael and Tammy for raising two fine young men! Mom and Lon, dinner and gifts FAB!!!!

Love When This Happens.....

2011-12-24T07:13:00.001-08:00

Judy George gave me these cool Holiday Decorations decades ago. Folk Art made by S.Siegel. Well last week at Goodwill I found a 3rd reindeer. Missing antlers that I can fix.

According to the tag on the bottom. It seems that in 1987 Stephanie Siegel liscensed her work to Kurt's Adler to be made in Taiwan. They did a pretty good job! I am always glad when the original artist gets credit and hopefully paid for a great idea that stands the test of time. But what I really love is finding another reindeer for my collection.

And Thanks Jude,I still love these holiday decorations.

Happy Holidays / Lu Lu Belle

2011-12-24T06:40:00.000-08:00

Have A Great Day! LuLu will now that I have quit trying to photograph her in her finery.

Peace On Earth

2011-12-22T07:43:00.001-08:00

The best 99 cent gift you can give to someone is a Peace On Earth bag from Whole Foods.

Never hurts to quest for Peace along with saving the planet by bringing your own bag to the grocery.

Holidays at the Lodge

2011-12-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

Since we have a cabin in the woods....our home has elements of the cabin.

Fa La La

2011-12-22T07:28:00.001-08:00

This year I have cute packaging for family gifts. No small children ...everyone is at the gift card/cash age. Years ago I hand painted a bunch of jewelry boxes to sell as travel jewelry cases. It is time to let that idea go. Then I had a cool plastic snowman covered place mat that I no longer used. Time to recycle. The snow guys make cute gift tags.

The gift tag can be an ornament. The box can hold jewelry, loose change, trinkets, etc....The packaging that just keeps on giving!

There was a time in my life that the packaging was better than the actual gift. I hope this is not true this year:)

Snowman Collection 2011

2011-12-22T07:17:00.001-08:00

No Man Like A Snowman!!
I love to decorate with snowmen because I can leave up most of the decor after christmas if I want.

Been collecting sleds, mittens, snowmen, for years.

The cool fish above this tree was a trade with folk artist Stephen Meadows. I love his work! I hope his family loves mine so he will want to trade again.

Number One Fan / Paula Burke

2011-12-21T12:43:00.001-08:00

OK Paula is a fan of my jewelry but more important she is the ultimate UofL Fan!!! She stops off at my studio on her way to a game.

Note the attention to detail. Her outfit is carefully planned. She is wearing my Santa Baby jewelry set with her UofL shirt and Santa Hat. Although she owns every UofL item I make she played the holiday card. Wise move!

Next she hops in her sporty "Red Hot" car with the UofL plate on the back.

All I can say is Go Cards!

Montana Mike's W/ Jenny Elkins

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

Often I will meet Jenny Elkins half way between her home of Indianapolis, IN and mine, Louisville, KY. Pickens are slim as to where we dine. Usually Cracker Barell. This time Jenny suggested we get out of our comfort zone and try a new place.

Yes, two female artists did stand out among the hunter/gatherers.

Jenny, was wearing some cool hand crafted christmas tree ear rings. Chain mail technique. I wanted a picture of them to inspire me. Also an excuse to see Jenny's cute smiling face on my blog.

Painted Shoes / Robbie Moriarty

2011-12-18T08:17:00.001-08:00

Love painted shoes! Pat Smith is always wearing a pair of Dansko's painted by Mona. So I planned to send these to Mona to pimp out for me. Then decided to paint myself in my "gypsy graffiti" style to match my Art Show Booth and my work. Now I am painting a purse to match. Because as you know I love Matchy Matchy.

Kentucky Boy / George Clooney

2011-12-16T10:40:00.001-08:00

Just saying....

Me and Santa aka Taco Abbott

2011-12-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

Susan Abbott's new adorable rescue pup Taco came to my Open House in his Santa Suit.

Yes, people did get their photos made with Santa Paws. And yes I did happen to have his favorite doggy treats.

When I posted this pic I realize that we have the same hair color. His is natural while mine.......................

Studio Open House

2011-12-13T17:54:00.001-08:00

My Studio Open House was a big ass success. A good time was had by all!!! I am leaving the studio pimped out like a gallery until the first of the year. Call me if you have a jewelry gift emergency.

Home Studio Goddess

2011-12-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

Jenny Elkins made my studio goddess a decade ago. Most of the time she is wearing a floral dress.

My artist peeps know that I can't help but Robbieize everything that comes into our house. So it was no surprise to Jenny that I came up with the idea to make other outfits for her paper doll style. New outfits just velcro.

So when I should have been cleaning up my studio for it's Big Opening....I was updating a new dress for her. She needed some bling.

Studio Open House

2011-12-06T06:13:00.001-08:00

Winterfair / Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH

2011-11-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

I will also be at the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church Winterfair in Louisville, KY along with Winterfair in Columbus, OH......What am I thinking doing two shows the same weekend!!! Thankfully, I have closed my store or I would have to make stock for 3 venues. Getting too old to keep all the balls in the air!!!!

Winterfair / Northern Kentucky Convention Center

2011-11-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

This show is worth a road trip. Sponsored by the Ohio Designers and Craftsmen. Wonderful quality and selection. Give handmade gifts this holiday season. You will be supporting small businesses as each artisan is one!!!

Sam and Bear

2011-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Bear is a snuggler. The UPS and Mailmen would dispute as he seems like a ferocious guard dog. But given any opportunity or opening... he will find a way for you to pet him. As he did with Sam this morning.

Vacation Memories / Ron Thomas

2011-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Now we know where to get the paddles ... when we are up the creek. Photo by H D Trikes.

The Original Art Car / Gaye Medbury

2011-11-10T06:13:00.001-08:00

In 1968 Gaye's father told her he would buy her a car. So she selected a brand new VW Bug. It came with all the parts in a different color. A convertable no less! Who knew that VW's were the original art cars???? Gaye always the trend setter even in 1968! Awesome!

Suitcase Fetish

2011-11-09T10:13:00.001-08:00

Totally love this and wish I could say it is a wall in my home but alas...I found it online and saved in my pics....and not even sure where I found it.

From now on I will try to be a better blogger who attributes sources.

Just read the etiquette on pinterest.com

Now that I know there is a rule I will try to follow in spite of my tendency to break.

P.S. Gordon the Brit...did some investigating and found the source of this pic. Gail Reike's Studio in Santa Fe, NM. It was fun getting on her site and seeing her home and work. This pic is just a section of a large wall. Thanks Gordon!

Just Sayin.................................................

2011-11-09T10:05:00.001-08:00

Earth Mother / Landscaping Inspiration

2011-11-09T05:35:00.001-08:00

2011-11-08T04:52:00.000-08:00

November 19 & 20, Heritage Hall in Lexington, KY

Excited about this new Holiday Show in Lexington. Our Kentucky Crafted will host the Market in March at Heritage Hall. So I am priming the pump.........

Election Day

2011-11-08T04:48:00.000-08:00

Jewelry by Kelli

2011-11-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Kelli Pope is hard at work making her wonderful Jewelry at our Louisville Artisan's Guild Holiday Showcase. It is always fun to get to visit with my art peeps.

Also while standing there talking to Kelli I saw a necklace that I couldn't get out of my head and had to purchase first thing Sunday morning. Will show pic of it later when I locate in my show stash.

So now I need to get to my studio and "make christmas". I have non stop shows beginning November 19. Ending with my home studio open house. Yikes!!!!

Little Shop of Horrors / Center Stage

2011-11-04T08:11:00.001-07:00

This year we (Kent, Rick, and Me) opted for season tickets at JCC's Center Stage. So far we have enjoyed the performances, sets, costumes.
Little Shop of Horrors is Yummy! Go on and go....go down to Skid Row..... where everyone looks like "plant food" to me!

Louisville Artisan's Guild Holiday Showcase

2011-11-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

Setting up for the Holiday Showcase today. See you this weekend!

Louisville Artisan's Guild

2011-11-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Holiday Showcase is November 5 & 6. 10-4. @ American Legion Post 2919 Bardstown Road 40205

Buy Handmade & Local!

Road Trip to Western Kentucky

2011-11-02T06:55:00.001-07:00

Sally, Sandra, Shirley, Mary and Susanne. Had a fun day visiting relatives in Beaver Dam, KY.

Independence Baptist Church Est. 1896

2011-11-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

Absalom Chapman my great, great, grandfather made the church pews from trees on his land and donated them to Independence Baptist Church, Mc Henry, KY, in 1896. The church ultimately replaces the 1896 pews with new.

Now one of Absalon's originals resides on our front porch. Perfect fit as if it was made just for our porch. A pew with a past.

Aunt Mary and Mom

2011-11-02T06:40:00.001-07:00

This year Aunt Mary celebrated her 90th. B-day. Most women don't want their age known but when you reach 90 and are sharp as a tack and look as good as Mary.....all bets are off!!!!!!

Bear and Sam Wait for Trick or Treaters

2011-11-02T06:21:00.001-07:00

Sam was wearing a witches hat just minding his own business....sitting on the porch swing waiting for Trick or Treaters when Bear decided to jump up and join him. Bear never ever misses an opportunity for a snuggle and a swing. So Cute!!

Bear was also feeling pretty good since his girlfriend, Fiona, came by wearing a Jack O' Lantern costume. They kissed thru the fence. Very Cute!!

Every year we hope for 100's of tricksters. But only about 30 show. So Sad!!

Vintage Jack O' Lanterns

2011-11-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

Used battery operated tea lights in these paper mache pumpkins. Scarry!

The Pirates of Harris Place

2011-11-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Bear's girlfriend Fiona belongs to the Pirate family. They live on the corner and daily when we walk by Bear and Fiona have a moment of love. Often Fiona will stick her head out of the gate and Bear will lick her face. Sometimes he just pees on her fence. It is Love!

Ahoy Matie! Arrrgh!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

A bit of Sam's Halloween Collection.

Zombie Garden Gnomes / Ed and Jenny Angleton

2011-10-30T06:30:00.001-07:00

Dinner Anyone? / Hillcrest Avenue

2011-10-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Louisville Artisan's Guild

2011-10-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

Arthead Studio / Deb Kracht

2011-10-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

While in Deb Kracht's booth at the St.James Art Show I heard a mother tell her 10 year old that he too could make Deb's work.

Well.....I'm all for encouraging the youth of tomorrow....All I could say to the mother is "Artists just love to hear folks say that while standing in their booth" The mother could remain ignorant and think that I meant it or could think I was being sarcastic which I was. Sorry I was so snarky...it was day 2 of the show and I was tired from tending to my own booth.

It would have to be gifted 10 year old who would have the vision to create dogs out of found objects. Deb has soldered the legs, rivited the eyes. Not to mention having the idea in the first place.

She attends countless flea markets and yard sales to aquire all the tin objects that she then cuts with saws, tin snips. I just don't think this is a project for a 10 year old. I don't have the skills to make Deb's work and I have tools and know how to cut metal, solder, and collect everything.

"The less someone knows the more they think they can make the art in front of them"

Hillcrest Avenue / Louisville, KY /Dante's Disco Inferno

2011-10-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

This house is a celebration of the death of Disco. Looks like there is a dance floor in the front yard. I suspect there are some Goohl's who shake shake shake their booties on Halloween.

Sam Burn Baby Burn!

The Eyes Have It / Hillcrest Avenue

2011-10-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Not sure where this homeowner purchased these cool window treatments. Way more interesting in person than these dark pictures convey.

Croquet Balls / Toby

2011-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Love them!!! Purchased at an Antique Mall. Folk Artist is Toby. I have them on display all year but make it a point to blog about them around Halloween.

Mom's Taxi Service / R Mueller

2011-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Purchased this wonderful wood sculpture from Artist Robbie Mueller. This was in honor of Bear the opossum eradicator. Who knew that our backyard was a playground for possums????

So far Bear has sent 7 to another world. It would be sad if they weren't such creepy, icky, creatures however cute art sculpted out of found objects of them can be. Note the rebar tail.

Getting Ready For The Big Day

2011-10-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Found a bunch of small witches hats at the GoodWill this summer. Thought they would be perfect table decor. Also, put on lampshades. Very easy. Very Cute!

Sam's Halloween Collection in the background. I made him collect something so he would want to stop at every yard sale and thrift store we encountered. It worked!

Hillcrest Avenue / Louisville, KY

2011-10-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Let Them Eat Cake

2011-10-26T08:17:00.001-07:00

Caufield's Skullmobile / Caufield's Novelty

2011-10-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

Caufield's Novelty has been a mainstay on Main Street in Louisville since the 1920's. Shop Local for all your Halloween Costume Needs.

Metalic Broze becomes Metalic Eggplant

2011-10-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Loved these metalic bronze shoes when I found them at the Zappos outlet last year. After wearing a lot I discovered there is no way to polish the metalic finish. It was looking worn. The best way to fix is to spray paint the shoes so I just went ahead and gave them another color. A girl can't have enough metalic eggplant colored shoes.

Felted Wool Hat / Mary Kinney

2011-10-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Mary Kinny used to have a flock of sheep. She felted their wool and made cool hats. She ultimately discovered that it was way too much work to felt the wool and feed the flock. Now....she is a painter.

Gave my old Mary Kinny hat a new look with felted flowers I purchased from Dee's Crafts. Put pin backs on the flowers so I can remove when I want the black hat back. And can use the felted flowers on other things.

Painted Shoes / Robbie Moriarty

2011-10-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Been jonesin for a pair of "pewter" and "dark coppery bronze" shoes. They had to be good shoes not just cute. By this I mean great insoles. I no longer look at pretty shoe section but the other side of the store where the comfortable shoes exist. Well having no luck I decided to fall back on what I usually do which is spray paint existing shoes I love but no longer wear due to scuffs etc....

Sorry I didn't take a before pic. Trust me that the shoes on left were black with a grey swirl and on right were kiwi green. Begin by cleaning the shoes with hand santizer using an old t-shirt. Has alcohol in it and removes dirt and I assume santizes. Let the shoes dry overnight. Then use duct tape to tape off the sole. I used painters tape to cover the inside of the shoe.

You are ready to spray shoes. Follow directions on the can. I sprayed two coats. Let the shoes dry 30 minutes between. Removed all the tape the next day. WaLa...new life for old shoes!

The above part goes quick but I went to 3 locations to find the right color spray paint. First Lowes metalic colors too bright. Then Pep Boys for auto body touch up paint and found the "Pewter" color. Then to a hobby store that carries tester spray paints and found "Metalic Root Beer".

Also sprayed some small purses to match. I love being matchy matchy! And recycling things I love so I can continue to use.

LuLu Other Half of UPS and Mail Alert Team

2011-10-25T06:25:00.001-07:00

As you know LuLu doesn't like to be photographed. We suspect she is on the witness protection program and fears that her previous bad owners will find her. Even tho she has been with us for the past 8 years. Some more of Sam's never ending brick project.

Bear / Half of UPS and Mail Alert Team

2011-10-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Bear rests inbetween sightings of UPS Trucks and Mail Men. In the background you can see Sam's brick stone project. Sam is making our yard into a patio.

Bear's New Red Collar

2011-10-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

Bear found a sunny spot in our yard/patio so I decided to snap a pic of him in his new red collar. Well as you can see you'll just have to take my word.

Halloween / Hillcrest Avenue

2011-10-25T05:57:00.001-07:00

The coolest place to live in Louisville the month of October is Hillcrest Avenue. For Years the homes on Hillcrest have been haunted by the spirit of Halloween. Not sure who decided to go over the top with Halloween decor and pimp out their yard but now it is a tradition and the more outlandish the better. The sidewalks were filled with spectators last night. The grim reaper was walking along with everyone else. It's not even Halloween! Who knows what spooky things happen then!!!!!

Kelsey Charron / Robbie Moriarty @ St.James Art Show

2011-10-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Kelsey is one of our brave soldiers. Thanks for your service girl!!

On a side note...I am trying to work a bit more drama into my clothing choices but really think I went overboard with this combo. We were summoned to wear "pink" to raise breast cancer awareness. Not much pink in my wardrobe...Then cooler temps demanded a sweater...and fleece vest.

Ecochicc Kimono / Walleska Teppings

2011-10-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Sisters hanging together at St. James Art Show both wearing adorable art show garments... but...Is that cool jacket made from soda pull tabs. Wow!

The tag said Walleska ecochicc...so I Googled it and found out that Walleska is the artists name. She is from Brazil and merged traditonal craft techniques with recycled materials. She keeps 40 independent artists in Brazil working on her creations which she retails and wholesales everywhere. Her company is based in Texas.

ECOCHICC... stands for Ecologically Conscious Organization Celebrating Honoring Inspiring Creative Communities.

Nothing is wasted, just transformed.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandi

Dare To Demand

2011-10-20T08:54:00.001-07:00

Melissa and Frank at the Alter

2011-10-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Sam just entered the church in his vintage leasure suit. Kidding, Frank's sister is doing a reading.

Melissa and Frank's Wedding Color Scheme

2011-10-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Magic Transformation

2011-10-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Kent, along with his trusty helper Rick made the lighted swag, chandlier, covered poles which were the focal point of the reception hall. All done with out using the white duct tape that was strictly forbidden!!!

Empty Reception Hall

2011-10-16T08:10:00.001-07:00

Lovely Melissa Milburn

2011-10-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

There was simply no way that any person, place, or thing could upstage Melissa Milburn on her big day!

She looked flawless. The hairdresser tamed her wild naturally curly hair. Her dress was pure princess. I think Kate Middleton loaned her ear rings. The look perfection!

Uncle Rick did a perfect job of walking her down the isle. And he had a special dance with the bride so he could strut his stuff on the floor. It was highschool all over again when all my friends stood in line to dance with Rick. Seriously...there was a line.

Once again I got a "dance injury"...The sign of a "rocker" wedding.

Sam Rocks a Leasure Suit

2011-10-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

Sam scored this vintage leasure suit at Unique Thrifts 50% off Columbus Day Sale. He also found white shoes and turtleneck. I had to paint a belt white to complete his look.

OK it is a risk wearing white after Labor Day. And a fashion risk to wear a leasure suit to a wedding. However, Sam managed to pull the entire look off. I feared he would upstage the bride. No chance of that when you see my next post of the lovely Melissa Milburn.

Rumors persisted that perhaps Sam might be European.

Sunset / Returning to Louisville

2011-10-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

The sky opened up. By the time I found my camera and took this picture, I missed the best shot but this one is pretty good. Love the hood of my art truck.

Brianna Rocks This Look for Peace

2011-10-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Quilt Square / Berea, KY

2011-10-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Raining Cats and Dogs / Robbie Moriarty

2011-10-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween Sock Monkeys

2011-10-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

Dream Housing Complex

2011-10-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

Fine Art by Deann Hebert @ The St. James Court Art Show

2011-10-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

I saw the cool old doors that flanked the tent. They worked so well with the paintings. Deann showed me the apron that she wears when painting. The entire look totally charming. Find her at deann@deanndesigns.com

Happy Birthday Marianne Brown

2011-10-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

Marianne in her booth filled with her FAB pottery indulges us while we sing Happy Birthday and she is given a b-day bananna. Marianne uses pottery stamps that she makes to imprint her pottery. She also has developed a ruby red glaze. You Rock Marianne! Hope you had a happy day!

Ghost Dresses / Fairytea

2011-10-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for Halloween.

Dwayne Cobb and Mary Noelker/ KGAC Art Fair

2011-10-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every woman who meets Dwayne Cobb can't help but have a big ole crush on him. A man who is so in touch with his feminine side that he crafts a line of jewelry for women. Mary, no slacker her own self recently won best of show in Glass @ the Summerfair Art Show. Mary also makes jewelry made from the glass she torches into beads. She has developed a "bead" of glass on vintage sewing machine bobbins. Then she makes them into inovative jewelry. You both are on fire with creativity!

Deb's Window Treatments

2011-10-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

When you are living in the woods all you want to see out of your windows is the beauty of the land.

Deb has the coolest window treatments made from all sorts of exotic wood. She saw them in a catalog and tried to order. The company was so backordered that they gave her the source of the materials for a Do it yourself project.

Undaunted, Deb gets the materials and can't believe that a project that looks so simple is very time consuming. She has to drill thru the wood vertically and line up the holes from top to bottom.

The outcome is perfection!