Dancing with Idol........

Now normally I would not use my blog to talk about something as "trivial" as a TV Show. However, as I have said before I take inspiration from everywhere in the world, and dancing is definitely  inspiration. As awesome and whole as that sounds, I am also plainly a big fan of the show!!!!And this week I feel like typing about it.....

I am not shocked at who went home last night. There was no chemistry and her dance was lead footed. Martina just didn't steal my heart. And while I love Halfpint, Melissa needs to pour some of that cuteness into her dancing! Yet, I am rooting for her. I love watching Jaleel, and I think he is a clear front runner. Yet, this week I am a Gavin DeGraw fan because I Like to root for the underdog!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH, that makes me think about American Idol.. Yes, Jessica will probably win it all, but for now I will be rooting for Colton!!!! 

Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled programming. 

The Tutu Project

 

   I am always looking for inspiration for my paintings and in life.  So I am sure you are wondering why I posted a picture of a man in a pink tutu. The answer is his cause and the reason........

According to the CDC in 2007:

• 202,964 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 40,598 women in the United States died from breast cancer.

Ok, so maybe you are starting to put the pieces together.. But, in the pink tutu wearer's (Bob Carey) own words:

The Tutu Project began in 2003 as a lark. I mean, really, think of it. Me photographing myself in a pink tutu, how crazy is that?

But nine years ago my wife, Linda, and I moved to the East Coast and, as odd as it may sound, the self-portraits proved to be a perfect way of expressing myself. Why? Because even though the move was exciting, exhilarating, and inspiring, it was 180 degrees from what I knew. So I took the old, mixed it in with the new, and the kept the tutu handy.

Six months after the move, Linda, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She beat it, only to have it recur in 2006. During these past nine years, I’ve been in awe of her power, her beauty, and her spirit. Oddly enough, her cancer has taught us that life is good, dealing with it can be hard, and sometimes the very best thing—no, the only thing—we can do to face another day is to laugh at ourselves, and share a laugh with others.

Enter Ballerina, the book. Not only is it a collection of my tutu images, it also shares many humorous stories about the adventures of a guy and his pink tulle. So far, there has been a tremendous response to the series of photos—people are particularly moved by the images. And their interest and enthusiasm have made us want to share that experience with as many people as possible in the form of a book, so that we can raise money to help other women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

This autumn, I will self-publish Ballerina. The net proceeds from the sale of the book will go directly to breast cancer organizations, including Cancercare.org and the Beth Israel Department of Integrative Medicine Fund, that make significant differences in the lives of women with breast cancer and in the people who love them. Our goal is to raise $75,000. But we need your help to seed the project so it will take root and grow—and positively affect these families.

Here’s how sponsorship works. For $500, you will receive a special edition 20-by-24-inch signed tutu print, valued at $1,200—along with a first edition of the book, Ballerina. You will also receive recognition on my Facebook fan page and in all other project materials, including mention in Ballerina. Best of all, there is no limit to the number of sponsorships you can purchase.

Other ways you can contribute are by purchasing a T-shirt, pre-purchasing a signed copy of Ballerina, which will ship once it is published. Of course, you can also contribute any cash amount you choose. All of these options are below.

Thank you for considering sponsorship of the much-anticipated Tutu Project. We want you to know how grateful we are. By joining us in this effort, you are making a real difference for women who have to endure far too much.

After years of talking about the project, it’s really happening—and I’m tickled pink.

He launched his website about a week ago and so far has raised over 8,000 for Breast Cancer Organizations!!! Please check out his website: The Tutu Project and follow him on Facebook.

Bob has inspired me to start a project that gives back, how has he inspired you?

Happy St. Patty's Day

May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles
of the people you love. 

 

St. Patricks Day - Cute Craft. Oh and it uses a re-purposed Zipper!!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Top of the Morning to you! Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I know it's early but I wanted you to have time to make this craft I found on Craftaholics Anonymous!

How To Make a Shamrock from a Zipper

*Please Note: All Craftaholics Anonymous tutorials are for PERSONAL USE only and items made using this tutorial may not be sold. thanks!*

supplies: 14″ green zipper, felt, rhinestone, pin blank, fray check/lighter/clear nail polish

tools: scissors, sewing machine, hot glue

1. Zipper, rhinestone, felt, and pin blank are included in the craft kit.
2. Sew a Gathering Stitch by lengthening your stitch length to the longest and do not back stitch at the beginning or end. And leave the threads long.
3. Pulling one string, gather your zipper.
4. You’ll want to gather the zipper until it circles into a shape like a slinky.

5. Start at one end and curl around putting the end behind. My loop measures about 1″.

6. Put a dot of hot glue behind the loop to hold in place.

7. Continue twisting the zipper around and create 2 more loops and hot glue in place. {your shamrock is starting to take shape}

8. Trim off the excess zipper to create a stem for your shamrock. My stem is about .75″ long.

9. Apply fray check or clear nail polish to the raw edge of the stem. You could also use a candle to lightly singe the ends.

10. Flip the shamrock over and trim off the extra zipper length.

11. Cut a small circle of felt to be about .75″ in diameter and hot glue to the back of the shamrock. Make sure that none of the felt shows from the front. Glue the pin blank on top of the felt.

12. Glue the rhinestone in on the front and you’re done!

A Great Re-purposing Idea

PVC Pipe

     As an artist I love being creative. In my art... In life... in decorating.... I also am really starting to love the idea of re-purposing things and have noticed that others do too!!! So this week I wanted to share this article I found on babble.com by Melanie Blodgett.......

I can't say I've ever visited the plumbing aisle of the hardware store, but these projects using PVC pipe are making me think it's about time to stop on by.Working with PVC may not be for the casual crafter - most projects require cutting the pipe with a saw - but the results are amazing! This round-up ranges from decorations for your home to organization staples. I think you'll be buying this inexpensive material soon, too! 

Fun Frame
1. Fun Frame 
This frame would make quite the statement in your house with little cost. Use differently-sized pieces of pipe and stagger them throughout the frame. Make sure to wear your safety goggles - this craft calls for a miter saw! 
Get the tutorial 



Mirrors
2. Mirrors 
Dress up plain, round mirrors with slices of PVC pipe. You get an interesting and sophisticated look with an open, neutral feel. 
Get the tutorial
Pegboard Storage
3. Pegboard Storage 
This idea would work great for a number of organizational needs: in the garage, the office, or for your craft space. This peg board adds a clean, yet tough, look wherever you decide to hang it. 
Get the tutorial 
Vases
4. Vases 
We love the mix of tough and industrial with soft and feminine here. This looks like a simple project, and I love the paint colors they chose. 
Get the tutorial


Play Tent
5. Play Tent 
This is only the frame for the tent, but add some sheets or a custom-made fabric tent, and you've got an instant fort. We like how you can tweak the dimensions to your liking - and pay way less than if you purchased a similar tent at the store! 
Get the tutorial 

- By Melanie Blodgett 

For 3 more decorative uses for PVC pipe, visit Babble!