Summer Days!

 We are enjoying the summer over here. Nights are mostly spent at the ball field, which has been hot lately...shssh!! Long nights with catching fire flies and dodging water balloons. If I could bottle this age I would. Being bored comes the best creativity. We have made water slides from boogie boards, tents with strings and tying water balloons with spoons, but this the fun of summer and growing up!

 Learning to boogie board, finding seashells, peeling shoulders and endless ice cream cones.  We are enjoying no schedules and have already counted down the summer.....bummer! We have visited some family and have relaxed.  Gardening is a bit challenging, but we are still trying.  We love flowers and it so fun when they actually come back the following year. Can you tell I don't have a green thumb.  This year I have introduced succulents into our space and I love them. Being silly, trying to stay up really really late (this is big when your six), being able to eat two smores because mom says it is ok just this one time :) Summer is about being free, laughing, and having fun.  I know this will not be the case much longer, our almost teenager will not want to be around his boring parents....sniff sniff, but today I am enjoying the summer, family and grateful to see these experiences.   

Tomorrow is not here yet, so I hope your enjoying your summer days and nights. Eating smores and laughter.  It goes by so quickly, but today I think I will be indulging in a scoop of ice cream. How about you? Smiles, Jackie   

Wow...I fell off the planet!

I cant believe its been since January since I last posted. Kids, life....holy smokes the time goes fast.
I have been super busy, teaching, working and doing a bit of designing. I obviously cant balance so well, since I haven't journaled any of it! I hope that will change, I think it will.

The power of blog land, I recently meet so many wonderful ladies. Its been uplifting and inspiring to say the least.  I had the chance to go to Nada Farms. WHAT A TREAT!! The farm was beautiful and all the sweet vendors had lovely wares.  I shopped and even took an art class.

I had a ball and Jeanne was such an amazing teacher!! Here is us with my new mixed media piece~YAY!! You must go check out her clothing line.....simply gorgeous!! I will journal soon...
A special thanks to Traci, your pictures are beautiful, thanks so much for taking them this weekend. The one above picture was taken by Traci. You ladies were a treat and have inspired me in so many ways, thank you!
Chat soon ~ xoxo   

love....make some love and share!

Creative juices are easily distracted with three kids. I try to be creative daily but sometimes our life becomes chaotic and....well, I will be honest.....it doesn't happen! I did happen to get some things done for the love day and my daughters birthday which is tomorrow. Happy Birthday Baby!! I haven't been in clay in so long.....I miss it, but my hands are thankful. I created this french girl holding a heart on a buttoned box. I also made the frame with buttons.  Found the frame in the clearance section, painted and glued buttons which I had on a piece of burlap. This piece will stay out all year, but perfect for Valentines Day. I forgot where I saw this frame idea, so if it was your idea, send me an email and I will add your link.   

I have been painting canvas and making bags which I got the idea from this talented gal. I was fortunate enough to take her class last summer and I have found painting fun, intimidating, but fun! I also made this box and got the idea from her book Canvas Remix, so full of great ideas. This box will be for my daughter for her hair clips, I am trying to keep those things organized....trying....  

It was made from all the scraps from the canvas bags, just cut up and glued to a box. I added a fun wooden knob and some wooden feet.

I made a few bags for Christmas presents and just got carried AWAY! My daughter asked for one for her birthday and I thought it would be fun.  I got the great charm from here. Her shop is so fun and she also had a fun spread on making bags in the magazine Gifts Cloth Paper Scissors. The striped bag was from her pattern and then I made two others with words. The combinations are endless!       

Make some of your own love today and share it with others....xoxo!

Happy New Year

Wishing You and Yours Peace Love & Happiness!!

Christmas is near......

Christmas is near and I hope there is no stress for you, really I do.
I think last month was my stressful time with all the doctor visits.
We are all doing better, thank you for all your kind emails.
They were all so sweet and kind, you warmed my heart.
 
I am busy making handmade gifts....many to do this year.
In our family we have a tradition of helping others.
We have sent shoe boxes filled with toys and necessities for kids across the world.

You can too, there is still time, here is the link.

We also are packing meals for kids on Friday here.

If your local there is still spots available, come on by!  

My kids are counting the days to pack meals......its very rewarding for them, for me too!

With being so cold outside, I have found time to do one home project.

I know right, I cant believe it either....

I have wanted a kid station in our extremely small entry way forever.

With three kids it can get chaotic.....no, it gets MESSY.

So, I found this piece on the side of the road.

Yes, my runner friend and I picked this up and stuck it my van.

My husband rolled his eyes and I had another project in the garage....I confess I have MANY!!

Well this one is checked off my list.

My daughter helped and we had fun.

It looks very anthropologish to me.....fun papers layered....fun patterns and prints. 

The last thing to do was to find some baskets.

My hope is my kids will get there stuff in the baskets instead of the floor, crossing my fingers. 

A friend and I went to the flea market last weekend...yes in December we trucked out in the cold....brrrrr!!

It was well worth it.....I scored two vintage wire milk baskets.

They fit perfectly, what do you think?      

We have played in the snow since we all feeling better.....I had to add this picture, just for fun.

I want you to look closely....we have a new friend in our house.

She is the one looking out the door.....can you see her?

She is a white/mix Siamese cat. She hung around our house all summer. With winter coming I desperately wanted to find her a home because I knew she wouldn't survive the brutal cold here.

Well, we haven't found her a home yet, but thankfully she is warm.  We have named her Molly and if your interested, please email me.  I unfortunately can not have cats, but my heart couldn't see this sweet animal with no home. She is the sweetest and even loves my two shih tzus Huck and Finn. She loves playing and just being by you......

I believe animals that have faced hard times just know and have the best dispositions, don't you think?

Please find it your heart to spread some love this holiday season and all year through.  I wish you all a very merry holiday, chat soon xoxo  

      

  

Whirlwind....

Dec 2......is this true?
How did the time escape me?
Family life has taken me over, over the edge.
Alex had surgery, she is doing better, but for two weeks we were all tired.
Jake dislocated his knee in a soccer game.....
More doctors, an mri and even a surgeon, but thankfully no surgery need...whew~
Thanksgiving was a true day of being thankful....pretty relaxing with no stress, just yummy food!
I am running a lot more, doing less art.
Just taking a break, I had a full fall schedule.
Too many shows this year for my poor family to deal with.
I am making handmade gifts for special friends....pictures soon....shhh,dont tell!

Here is my only winter piece for sale.

She is sculpted from clay, I have added tiny mercury ornies to a rusty wire.
She is dusted with glitter and has a vintage flair.
She is 9 inches tall.
Cost is $58 plus shipping.
Email to purchase.... fatjakoriginals@comcast.net
SOLD, thank you! 

Enjoy this wonderful season,chat soon....xoxo

Dazed and Confused....

Whew....time is flying by.
Few local things are happening which is keeping me busy.
I had a gallery event this weekend at our fall festival, it kept me so busy.
I didn't have my camera to take pictures and I felt as if I wasn't even present.
Talking with some customers, I am sure they thought I didn't have a brain!!

I have a few more shows that I have added to my plate....so hopefully I can get my act together.....and not so confused, like a deer in headlights.

I am doing an event at my church, called Bella Viaggio.
Its a women's event and there will be a holiday boutique.
I was asked to participate and was so honored and thrilled.

There will be over 60 vendors.......get some Christmas shopping done early!!

So, if your local stop on by for some holiday treats!! 

 This guy is sold...thanks for all the emails!

I have a whimsical scarecrow available.

It is a old fashioned crank music box that plays If I Only Had a Brian.....

I know right......its what I need lately.....heee hee!!

Chat Soon