Shopping and Dropping...like flies

If you're reading this, blogging on your own blog, updating Etsy, and in the middle of a DIY project...STOP! Just kidding, but if you find yourself shopping online more and more these days, maybe you can change one thing. Try spending some of that holiday money at local stores. You know, the ones that you love popping in to once in awhile to see whats new and what little things you can pick-up for yourself, your home, or your friends and family. We have to support each other in these difficult times...and that means trying to support the local businesses.

Little notes and little things can change the world forever.

Happy Saturday!

Alex

And some color for good luck:

Wish I were there...

It's been awhile...

Hi all!

Wow, it's been a long time. I apologize! I hope everyone is getting their holiday shopping done early...AND considering donating to those that are less fortunate (animal shelters, food banks, homeless shelters, etc...)! We've adopted two cats and are giving them a loving home (if slightly spoiled) for the rest of their lives! It's a big commitment, but they love us right back...so it seems worth it to us! Get ready for Thanksgiving if you celebrate it, and if not, call-up the family and have friends over for drinks. It's that time of year again!

I promise I will try to write more. We've just finished cleaning-up our garage and now that a car can fit in to it, we are noticing everything else that is wrong with our house.

What's new in your life?

Mwah,
Alex

Help the Persians!

...Persian Cats, that is!

Click here to click and donate (no money necessary - just click to donate) and after you click to donate, please vote for "Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats" in the $100,000.00 Shelter Challenge! The Shelter just received over 30 Persian cats from a breeder that can no longer afford to care for them...and they are in very bad condition! This shelter provides foster homes and hopes for future adoptions, but they do not have an actual shelter location. If they could win this challenge (by having YOU vote for them), they would be able to provide for this poor, helpless animals. Please click on the links and vote for "Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats" in Cheshire, CT.

Thank you!!!
Alex

We Did it!

Change is in the air...WE DID IT!

Now lets see what he does.

One week to Vote!

Ciao all!

There is one week until we vote here in the tri-state area...I hope you are all planning on getting out there! Take my poll to the left of this post, please!

I'm on holiday in CT...so sorry for the delay in posting...what would you like me to write about next?!

~ Alex

MY ART STORE!

Gap "Vote For ____"

Well, there I am! And all over the country! The shirt I designed for Gap is featured in windows across the nation! GET OUT AND VOTE! (The photo below is what the window looks like!)

Woodgraindock

Silent Post:

Woodgraindock, originally uploaded by Alexandra Whatton.

Want to OWN your favorite song?

You can now own one of your favorite songs. Head to http://www.songvest.com/ to see what is being auctioned now. They have The Monkees theme song with a starting bid of $100,000.00. Yup, then you will get a percentage of the royalties every time it plays.

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If I had $100,000.00 to spare - I know what I'd be doing. It's obvious this economy is affecting every one of us.

DIY - Photography Light Tent

(Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Bail on Digital Photography Forum Blog)

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While looking through the Etsy Forums I found a seller looking for ways to make a lightbox for better photos of jewelry. This article link was posted and I am so excited to have found it. It is perhaps the best lighting box tutorial that I have ever seen on the web - and also a very inexpensive way of increasing revenues in your store (or just taking better photos!). Read the original blog post here.

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Ciao ciao and I hope you find what you're looking for!

DIY Project - Make Your Own Scarf!

I was looking around the DIY network when I found this great project (click me). Hand-paint your own scarf! Perfect for this chilly autumn weather. Enjoy!

Pounce and Yee Shall Find...

I've decided I should be using the Pounce feature more often on Etsy after I found this eco-friendly tanktop at ancientfurniture's (click it!) Etsy Shop! She has some really unique designs and although she is fairly new to Etsy (September 29, 2008), she already has 13 items up that make me want to shop!

Happy Shopping!

Are you Registered?

I'm starting to worry about this Election. After the last one, who wouldn't. If you haven't already registered, please go to http://www.rockthevote.org/ AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! You don't have much time to sign-up, but this Election is SURE to change history right before our eyes. I'm not telling you who to vote for, just that you should. Do you pay taxes? Do your parents pay taxes for you? How do you feel about climate change? How do you feel about the war? Are you embarrassed by the state of the USA? Are you proud to be an American?

I have so many more questions, but this is not a political blog. If your brain starts spewing words or your gut wrenches at any of these questions, you should make sure you are registered to vote here. Exercise your right to vote - it's one of the most important rights that you have and get out there on November 4th.

VOTE BECAUSE YOU CAN!

Finding Hero's

I've been doing a little soul-searching lately, as I try out some new careers through temping and try to make sure I have some strong female role models to lead the way. My list, so far, is short but truly inspiring to me:
1. My mother
2. Jane Goodall
2. Diane von Furstenberg

And although I discovered her work at the beginning of 2008, Unconventionalida's K*Smith has been a wonderful artist to look-up to. Her amazing and unique woodwork always strikes me as fanciful. I wish I could own every piece. For now, I own Blueberry and Lemon originals and they sit directly above my art studio desk. I hope to find my own way of expressing myself that is as fabulous and just as personal as hers.

For now, I also am modeling on the side - how fun?! Some times dreams do come true.

Michael Mione

Mione 4
Originally uploaded by erw117

It always seems funny to me when you come across a photo of yourself that you didn't know was online. Like that one I found of my friend eating a hot dog in the background of someone else's photo...they didn't know him.

Do you ever wonder how many photos of you there are on the web?

Good thing this one is flattering. (It's that beautiful dress and Frederico's Hair and Make-up!)

To learn more about Michael Mione, visit www.MioneDesigns.com

Walk to Work

In a street of painted stone
With pavement scratching heels
Finding movement in the beat
A fleeting moment steals

I'm shaken up and stirring down
There's nothing left to ponder
Music stuck and stuck and stuck
I wonder what's to wonder

Open-up and let me in
There's strangeness in your stare
A morning greet and coffee stains
I'm morbidly aware

WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP
And LET ME LET ME in
I can't get past this question
Of what's to finally win

~ Alexandra Whatton (9-22-08)

COVETING (click it)...I'm a tad obsessed with Project Runway this season. Also, did anyone see the Narciso Rodriguez and DVF Spring 2009 collections? When I make it big...I know where I'm shopping!

Couture Fashion Week

Ciao bella!

Well, it's my favorite time of year. Fashion floods my head and overwhelms my eyes and the strangest, most fantastical things come down the runway...it's FASHION WEEK! Why they call it "week," I will never know - as it is definitely the entire month of September and sometimes beyond. But tonight is truly my first time. My virgin modeling skills will be tested as I wear one of designer Michael Mione's famed pieces out on the town to get Couture Fashion Week started. My nails are painted, my skin is soft, and my hair is ready to be made in to some sort of statement, as well as probably my face. I hope I give this ART it's true justice on the red carpet.

Be sure to click on the links to find out more about this splendid September.

Happy Fashion Week, Dreamers!

EFTE and the Olympics

I found this great article this morning on the Beijing "Water Cube" for the Olympics. It turns out that they are using some very green technology! Might we see it in the US soon?

In other news, we have officially been named owners of our new house...and I cannot wait to move in! I will have to post the photos of our DIY fix-its...just some basic bathroom, carpet rip-ups, and more re-dos. Wish us luck! (I entered us in to an HGTV show for our horribly pink bathroom...vote for it here!)

Ciao ciao & Happy Blogging!
~ Alex

New York City Sip Some Chianti

When I was thinking of what I wanted to write tonight, I suddenly thought of that song...but I don't remember the name. It's probably by Daft Punk or another techno/digital sounding band....New York City!

Well, anyhow, hopefully someone reading this will think of it...

I was in the Big Apple today and let me tell you, The City That Never Sleeps still reigns. My blood is pumping, my energy is high, and I feel like I could paint the Vatican with blood-orange graffiti. I came home and cooked a wonderful Italian spaghetti sauce, a play on a sauce from my Florence cooking class with the beautiful Sette Ragazze (I miss you girls!). Mmm...was it delicious, just ask my husband.

I headed to Parsons and picked-up some information. I could sit and watch the students pouring out of there all day! Everyone is so stylish...and you can't help but wonder where they are headed in life! I went to Art Gotham and picked-up my blank 12"x12" canvas for their upcoming Arts & Politics "Square Foot" exhibition and I am just TOTALLY excited to fill my canvas! Election 2008...hmm...what does it mean to me?

My glass of Chianti is almost out and it feels like the temperature has dropped with the cool breeze tickling my toes. I guess it's off to bed for this antsy shopper and back in to the city for the MOMA Dali member series tomorrow.

Happy surfing!
(And go to bed East Coasters! Good morning to the other side of the world!)

Ramblin' Sunday Mess

I've created a new banner for my Etsy store and adverts. The business cards I created using it on zazzle came out great and I look forward to passing them out. Hopefully I can either make some sales or get a job! What do you think?

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Today is a day for applying, designing, and then headed to the city to see The Dark Knight in Imax. I have already seen it in the theatre and it was fantastic. So tragically dark and disturbing and Heath Ledger was amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing it on an even larger screen. When I was at the All Points West Festival on friday night, there was a guy with the Joker make-up on. It was a little strange...but the festival was amazing. Jack Johnson is the headliner for tonight and if you can even just go to Liberty State Park, you will be able to hear, and even see a little of the art and music from the shoreline pathway. We saw tons of kids doing it on friday! Great idea - but we enjoyed our VIPness. Here's Duffy:

And Underworld:

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I am now officially certified as a belayer at the New Jersey Rock Gym and all I want to do is climb, but my arms keep giving out after two hours...I love working on the strength of it all, though, and my arms are going to look great for my friends wedding in a week.

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Alright, it's Sunday...time for a croissant and the Olympics. Keep me posted on creative jobs throughout Northern New Jersey and New York City. You won't regret it!

Happy blogging...CIAO!

The Path to Heaven...

The Path to Heaven...
Originally uploaded by MarthaHaskins

Hey Camp Carter staff! Can you believe it? This photo came out great! I've ordered some prints to see what it looks like on paper and canvas and I'll let you know how it looks!

I had a great time (as usual) and it kicked my butt in to shape - I've been applying to jobs like crazy and will hopefully get a few interviews lined-up in the next week or so. We'll see!

Love you, MWAH,
Alex

What can you do with embroidery hoops and stiches?

I'm currently working online while keeping HGTV on (to keep the creative juices flowing) and I just got a great idea! A man just showed the entire world how to paint wooden embroidery hoops and using good tape (or glue) stick them to the walls. Very simple. Very modern - looks great. My idea? Why not stick photos in to some of the circles?! You could create an entire wedding themed wall with white, black, silver, gold, and red hoops and just stick three to five photos throughout to have your own custom wall piece for under twenty dollars!

If you have any questions (since I don't have photos to show a "how-to" yet), please email me (Alex) at MarthaHaskins@gmail.com!

Other embroidery related ideas:

Handmade Detroits' Pirate Embroidery "Canvas"

Sweet Jessie's Embroidery Hoop Office Corkboard

AZE Designs' Embroidered Tablecloth (Pictured above!)

ThreadBangers' Embroidery Hoop ScreenPrinting How-To!!!

I canNOT believe the things you can find online now-a-days. If you have any more ideas - please feel free to post them!

Thanks for reading,

Alex

Artist T-Shirts!

Look what I just found!  So excited!

Free Shipping!

Okay, I have been CRAZY BUSY with our move and vacation coming-up...so I apologize for not writing (if anyone even reads this thing).

So I decided to make up for it by changing my shop to FREE SHIPPING to the US, Mexico, and Canada (and everywhere else with the purchase of two+ items). I cannot wait to add more things for people to chose from - just wait and see what happens when I have an actual studio to work in!

And Dana and Luke's wedding was FLAWLESS - wish you were there....it was just beautiful!

Happy blogging!

~Alex

BOGO Half Off SALE on Etsy!

Check out my Etsy Store! And if you want an even better deal - check out my forum post!

Happy shopping - I cannot believe that I am finally moving! And I LOVE sales! YAY!

~ Alex

Sleep Sleep Anti-Freak

Sleep sleep anti-freak
Bedtime stories wait
Wander through dreams and seams
A cushion in your wake

Secrets linger in your mind
As dreary as you feel
Fill your head with misery
A jacket on your wheel

Find a line to bite your teeth
Jumble up the madness
Assume your tongue will follow through
And sleep, sleep . . . sleep.

By Alex Whatton

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Happy Summer Solstice to all!

CHEEEEEEEEEEESE!

Where do you look for inspiration?

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When I'm having a bit of an "art" block, I can easily look through my old photos or look-up local artisan fairs, but one of my favorite things to do is to head to local food markets! This photo is from Borough Market in London, England when I was visiting family in March. I personally love cheese, but the art that I will create from looking at this photo will last longer than any aged cheese ever can. I'm off to create for now, but I hope to post something soon!

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And if you're wondering...the move is going fine! Our furnished apartment is great and I'm just on the lookout for a new job. Shameless plug: my resume is located on the bottom left of this page! Thank you! Also, the Litchfield Hills Road Race was this weekend! (Yup, during that 100 degree heat wave - it was brutal!) I ran the 7+ miles in 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 52 seconds! I cannot believe that I ran over 4.5 miles in that heat...but I am so proud that I finished it and I cannot wait to try a 5K (maybe in 75 degrees on a cloudy day - that would be nice). Yay!

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Of course, if you are feeling hungry now: check out the Organic Consumer Association for local farms and markets and see whats happening in your neck of the woods!

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Happy blogging!

Get Out and Do Something

I challenge you to get out and do something with yourself today. Plan a DIY project, write someone a letter, sit in the sun with some friends. Do something you aren't doing but want to be and write about it.

Smile...it's YOUR life!

Buying a House and Making it Green

So...we might have found a house in New Jersey! But, there's an underground oil tank.

UGH. All we want to do is buy a house and make it green!

Any suggestions?

Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD)

Do you know what GSD is? Did you know that there are close to 10,000 people with this disease, very little research has been done, and there are no real treatments at this time? Thousands of children have already died...and I had absolutely no clue. Not one little idea that this even existed.

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Until I went to a fundings meeting the other night that my mother knew about. (Okay, I'll give you the basics but read all about it here, on the Feldman's non-profit groups' webpage.)

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GSD (Type 1a) is when a person cannot form glucose since they are missing a certain enzyme. Like diabetes, this can affect blood sugar levels to such an extent that thousands have died. Many parents do not realize their children have this disease since their is no test to find it and both parents have to be recessive carriers to pass it on. Parents have found out that their children have had it after sudden seizures and long hospital stays were luckily (sadly, "luckily"), a doctor has been able to recognize what it might be. And once a parent is told what it is, they realize that their lives will be changed drastically. If their child does not receive Agro Corn Starch (yup, straight from the supermarket shelves and proved to be the best therapy at this time) EVERY TWO HOURS, their blood sugar levels will drop to a dangerous level. And when I say every two hours, I mean that the parents have to set alarm clocks for the middle of the night to go put a mixture of water and corn starch through a tube directly to their childs' stomach just to make sure they stay alive. They can never be late by even fifteen minutes or their child could die.

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I cannot believe that I have never heard about this. They not only need donations to help fund the research...they need researchers! I hope that I have explained it well enough and that you will feel compelled to learn more about it...I know it will indirectly affect me for the rest of my life.

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http://www.curegsd.org/

Get CapoFit!

I just realized that some people may think that this "personal trainer" thing is coming out of nowhere! Well, here's a little piece of unknown history that will make some sense out of it all - I was in a fitness video!

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It all started when I was a sophomore in high school and my teacher told me about Capoeira. (For those of you who know absolutely nothing about it but want to, here's more information. Click on history...and there are videos on YouTube of course!) I didn't actually hear much more about it for a year-or-so until I was accepted into the Center for Creative Youth (CCY) summer program at Wesleyan University for violin. (Suzuki trained...learning a lot about me today, huh?!) Well, the program was not just about mastering your instrument or art, but learning about some other cultures and their arts. You guessed it, Capoeira was offered. For two weeks I got my butt kicked (and learned a little Portuguese...and Japanesse, but I digress) and fell in love with Capoeira. I could not wait to get started - but I had no idea where to look. And like many other teenagers, I soon forgot about this extra activity...what with field hockey, ski team, jazz band, orchestra, applying to college, SATs, blah blah blah - you know the story.

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Well, turns out it wasn't over yet! A couple of kids at the University of Connecticut had started a club. (Look! They even have a webpage now!) I had to try my fair share of other clubs before I found it, including a sorority and Army ROTC, but hey, I got there eventually. In fact, I started getting a little obsessed with Capoeira and stopped nearly everything else I was supposed to be at college for (like English class, apparently). On Thursday and Friday nights a group of us would drive to New Haven, CT to attend Mestre Efraims' school and I even met my husband there!

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Capoeira got me in the best shape of my life, introduced me to my husband, and even landed me in a fitness video with Professor Fabiano Lucas...so you will probably think I am crazy when I tell you that I have not played in about two years! (Yeah, I think I am out of my mind.) But I miss it, so as I move to New Jersey and James and I start our lives together - I am getting back in to it. I just found a few schools to try out and might even see a few friendly faces. I am RE-finding myself and proud of it. Now if I could just find those tight, white pants of mine!

Litchfield Hills Road Race & Featurette!

Woohoo! My best friend and I are off to check out the Litchfield Hills Road Race Trail. This will be our first year running it (7.1 miles) and we want to get a feel for it. Wish me luck! (Thank gosh I still have a few more weeks to train - the womens' record is something like 38 minutes!) HA!
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I've also been featured on Bigib Designs Blog. Read about it here. And check out her store here. It truly is a history!
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Well, that's it for now. Life is crazy busy and I'm off to check out Litchfield!!! Ciao Ciao!

House AND Job Hunting

Sorry for the delay - my husband and I have been HOUSE HUNTING in New Jersey! Very exciting. The not so exciting part? I am also job hunting. I have no idea where to look?! Monster.com and Yahoojobs.com don't seem to be "big helps" in the creative/art world and http://www.nyfa.org/ seems to have all NYC creative arts jobs...and I truly have no idea what I want to be doing! I'm willing to try anything new and I am definitely good with statistics, data handling, research, anything artistic and creative, spontaneity, weird hours, hard manual labor, dirty work, scheduling, organizing, working out, cooking...blah blah blah. If I could find a job hand-painting sports equipment, I think I would be set.
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I'm just so unsure of myself right now and I've never been in this position before. I do not know where I want to go and I am working on who I want to be! I'm thinking personal trainer, freelance writer/photographer, and/or sticking with fine art. There are a couple of contests coming-up, like the Diesel Wall (it's almost due). Maybe I should concentrate on those?
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Gosh, I wish I knew.

Bridal Shower Invitations and Juicy!

I've been a busy, busy girl (those are my bridal shower invitation envelopes - all lovingly handstamped...one by one).

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My husband and I found quite a few houses we like in New Jersey and well, lets just say that I am so excited to move! I have no idea what I will be doing (job-wise) in the next few months, but I am so thrilled that I don't really care! And not only are we trying to sell our place and move to NJ, but I am planning a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, helping with plans for two weddings, marketing my Etsy shop, trying to blog, keeping our house clean, cooking, getting fit, and trying to get more art from my head on to paper or canvas! Oh yeah, and I'm working on being a much better friend by calling and writing more (so far - slow)...I am really poor at calling and writing to people and I cannot figure out why?! But, I promised more photos, and at least I can keep my promises...so here they are, starting with my workspace/dining table for the bridal shower invitations (the theme is "Glamour - Walk the Pink Carpet:"

The actual invitation:

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And I'll end by showing you my newest creation:"Juicy" by Alex Whatton (2008).

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Elevated Motivation

I have been so worried with our big move to New Jersey, that I haven't been living my life.

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So I have to elevate my motivation and be ME. For example, I love that American Express commercial where the fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, says "I never knew what I wanted to do with my life - just the type of woman I wanted to be." I know it is just a commercial, but I was starting to live my life based on what other people wanted from me...completely losing myself. The "what the heck am I going to do with my life" question has been an ongoing scream in my mind. This commercial (and a few other things - don't worry), have made me realize that I need to rephrase the question to ask "who do I want to be?"

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Okay. So far, so good. I am feeling positive. I love to travel, paint, create, draw, organize, analyze statistics (I know, I know - I am weird...), be spontaneous, write, (blog), work with animals, get a little dirty, try new things, play violin, live in music (yes, you know what I mean), play capoeira, cycle, spin, dance, attempt pilates and yoga (both pretty funny to watch - I definitely need to work on my flexibility), run, and read. I know there is so much more - but that's what I truly LOVE. [Got a job for me?]

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Next step. Wow, this is scary. Exact measurements. Online. For all to see. Which makes me wonder; why am I so affraid? Why are most women so affraid of what are basically random numbers? Our clothing system doesn't even contain "REAL" numbers like the mens' department does. Would it not be easier for my jeans to all say 28 with a 33-35" inseam (depending on heels, of course). I do not understand our 0-2-4-6-8-10-12-14-16 system! (Or even S-M-L!) It is so arbitrary! And every clothing line is different! But I digress...here they are: bust: 34", waist: 27-1/2", hips: 36-1/2", and inseam: 33"...oh yeah, and 5'9" and (gulp)...133 pounds.

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There, I did it. Now I can get over it and move on with my life. Why it was holding me back...well, I doubt that I will ever know. So what do I do now? Where do I go from here?

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Outside Magazines May 2008 is a good start. It says "The 50 Best Jobs" on the cover and was handed to me by my husband at a bookstore Monday night. Companies I have always wanted to work for and jobs that I would kill for are listed...along with real people who work for some of them. Like the article says, a lot of work now-a-days comes from who you know rather than what you know, but I think you have to take a chance for love - and just apply. Anyhow, I have been researching all day and applied for a few jobs just to get the ball rolling. (I have found that the best way to apply to work for a company if you really want the job is by contacting their hiring/temp agencies. That's how I got my last job, anyhow.

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If you need a little background on me; I started off at the University of Connecticuts' fantastic School of Business and to the horror of my parents, dropped out of the school of business and in to the college of liberal arts and sciences to study ethology (animal behaivor) or specifically; primatology (basically...monkeys). Since I was at UConn, I couldn't be so specific, so my degree reads "Psychology." I have held jobs ranging from mucking stalls at a horse ranch, to being a photo technician at a pharmacy, to an administrative assistant (and dog-sitter) for an electrical company, to a research associate at a biotech, to an art teacher, blah blah blah...and now I am working for myself (though I'm earning pennies) by selling my art, photography, and surface design on Etsy. Crazy crazy crazy. What's even crazier is thinking that someone is actually reading this.

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Well, that's where I am for now. Where to go? Who to become? I seem to be at a loss for words...but if you have the job for me, please let me know.

Happy Earth Day!

It's that day again - time to revamp and rethink your life...oh, and save the planet.

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Most people don't realize how they are messing-up our Earth or that our planet can survive like this for much longer. Can you believe that? Walk outside and look around. How much garbage is on the ground, is there smog in the air, is anyone lying on the ground dead? Well, hopefully the last one isn't true (actually, I hope NONE of them are), but it probably got your attention. Yeah, you. You are killing our planet. Relax. You still have time to change your habits.

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Here are a few easy fixes that don't cost anything and can possibly save you money:

1. Turn off the lights when you leave an empty room.

2. Skim a few minutes off of your shower time. On average, a shower-head uses five gallons of water per minute (wpm). Even if you just shut it off while you lather, you could save 10-30 gallons! Even better, share your shower and lather each other...trust me, you're saving the planet!

3. Recycle! Take a chance to think about what you are throwing away. If you can recycle any part of it (paper, plastic, metal, glass?), think twice...and recycle it! "In 2006, US residents, businesses, and institutions produced more than 251 million tons of MSW, which is approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day" (the United States Environmental Protection Agency's data on Municipal Solid Waste, view full article here.) 4.6 pounds!!!

4. Walk or ride your bike when you run one errand today. Here is an article from the National Safety Council called "What You Can Do About Car Emissions." Better yet, try not to use your car at all today.

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They seem simple, but integrating "green" habits into your life will not only help our planet but they will help you! Positive thinking and altruistic acts actually make people feel proud about themselves which helps your mind to relax and can actually boost your daily productivity! So go ahead, be selfish...AND save the Earth! But who am I to tell you what to do...I'm just a blogger.

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Happy Earth Day!

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PS: I will post those photos I promised this afternoon! :) Oh, and I changed some colors to make it easier ready...how's it look?

M.I.A.

Wow - sorry everyone...have I been M.I.A. or what?!

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My only excuse is that I have been making my best friends' bridal shower invitations (I will post photos soon!) and getting my house perfectly clean for the realtor photos...yup, as of last night, my house is officially on the market - byebye Connecticut!

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Anyhow, I just got an email from Photojojo - check out these FREE PRINTABLE PINHOLE CAMERAS! Oh yeah, life just got a bit more exciting! Go out in to the great outdoors (with beautiful sunny weather) and take a few photos on your new cameras!

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Speaking of camera's, here is my latest birthday purchase:

Hine's Camera CD Case!

I have been craving her camera cases for awhile, but this is just the second cd case that she has listed AND IN MY FAVORITE COLOR! I was so excited that I bought it immediately. I have found that with Hine's shop, you have to purchase an item the second you realize that you like it because otherwise, YOU WILL MISS YOUR CHANCE! So I did...my birthday is tomorrow...and I bought it for myself! (Now if she would just make me a matching camera case...hint hint!

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Happy hunting!

Martha Stewart and Timothy Adam Designs

TimothyAdamDesigns "Product Test 2008 Necklace"

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Soooooooo, here's the story from A-Z, you wanna get with me, you gotta listen carefully...

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Just kidding. Anywho, I am in a great mood - the sun is out and it feels like Spring and I was just "SUPER-FEATURED" on Timothy Adam Designs' Blog (as well as his Etsian Critiques and Reviews Blog in an Etsy Mini Ad)...my photo is up and everything! Feeling totally exposed.

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Okay, so this is what happened: I have been admiring his stuff for some time now (really coveting the camera earrings), so I decided to product test his newest necklace design. When it arrived, I loved it so much, that I decided to wear it the next day to the Martha Stewart show on Wednesday, April 9th! It was such a hit that I am suprised Martha herself did not come over and ask me about it! Well, I was shown on television quite a bit during the episode and Timothy decided to do a feature about it on his website! He is so talented, it really was his necklace that did it all - check out his Etsy store!

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Enjoy! I love karma...what goes around comes back around. (Sorry, song mode today.) Have a great weekend!

I dedicate this to you, Dave Delmonico

"Mourner" by Elizagauger.

To all my friends and family and those who knew Dave Delmonico - here is a little tribute to him, in a way I know how. The funeral is on Monday at 10am, please leave a comment if you are friends (or family) and would like the details emailed to you. Thank you.

Fans of Gnarls Barkley

Enter to win one of these prints!

Martha Stewart and Ieri

"Ieri" ("Yesterday" in Italian) taken in Capri, Italy by me; Alex Whatton!

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Sorry for the delay in posting lately - I pulled my back and I am trying to clean my house to get it ready to sell...not a good combination. In the mean time, check out all the busy, creative people that make handmade stuff at Etsy.com! I have added a new photograph to sell today and I am feeling inspired thanks to a visit to the taping of Martha Stewart in NYC yesterday. She amazes me - I must get to work!

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Ciao ciao and happy blogging!

A Color Explosion!

I snagged another treasury on Etsy today...it's called "A Color Explosion" and features the following: an original and graphic flower painting from mtjoyschool, a monkey/businessman t-shirt from clothmothclothing, an original abstract painting from billoneil, a headphone music print from perhaps, an original bull terrier painting from donnadidit, a bright rust photograph from wanderingemini, a handpainted silk peacock fan from gilbea, an Italian (Florentine paper) necklace from littleputbooks, an ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) bright green abstract from JeanHood, a handmade and colorful (crochet) bag from boutiquepinkdesigns, an original girl with flowing hair and sunglasses watercolor from hillarietasche, and a handmade recycled leather cuff bracelet from nicaelli! Check them all out and tell me what you think! Have a treasury you want me to see or something you think I would like? Let me know! I love to find new things!

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Off to create - Ciao Ciao Bloggers and Etsians!

Okay - PUSH!

Here is the stamp I was dying to use!Here is the Ikea Portofolio that I wanted to try it out on (you can see the middle pinneapple probably should have been pushed down harder). And here is my work area! Crazy, I know...but ever since I got Lotta Jansdotters' new printmaking book, I have been dying to try some of her techniques. In the top left is the sports bra that I am planning on doing next creative push chance I get...off to run for now - SO MUCH TO DO!

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Happy Crafting!

Running Behind Today!

Okay, I am COMPLETELY running behind - but I made another treasury today (I cannot believe my luck) and THEN I realized that I was in one as well! So here they are:

My first Treasury:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37287

My first Treasury West:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=6115

First Treasury inclusion (!):

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37523

Please let me know what you think!!!

Ciao - will post creative push photos soon!

~ Alex

A Ride Through the Park

My very FIRST treasury!

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I am so ecstatic; I just snagged my first ever treasury! I was in a spring cycling mood and had to post my favorites (the only thing I am worried about now is what if everyone buys all my favorites and I have none left?!). Hmm...should have thought about that before I posted them! Here is another new favorite:

It's a stereo purse/checkbook cover, by QuietDoing.

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On another note, two more Etsians have been brave enough to join in Lusters' and my Creative Push Crusade! CKillaDesigns; who's blog is here (she's already started to blog about it) and Skully; who's blog is here! Are you up for it? If so, let me know in the Etsy forums! Not an Etsian? (You should consider joining!) Just leave me a comment and I will check out your blog for sure!

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One more thing: I added a page on my facebook account! (I hadn't realized how easy it was to do it, so here it is!) MarthaHaskins Designs.

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Happy crafting (and blogging) and ciao ciao for now!

Creative Push - DUE FRIDAY!

"Hammered Sterling Silver Circle and Copper Coil" Necklace by Luster.

Luster and I have a little "Creative Push" going on. While posting in a thread on Etsy today titled "Tell us some secrets about your shop," Luster and I discovered that we have something troubling in common...we buy all the supplies we might need for a certain craft project and then we leave said supplies untouched and clogging-up rooms all over our house. (Maybe that last part is just me.) So our "Creative Push" is that we each have to make one of those craft projects by friday and blog about it. Here's Lusters' blog. I think this could be the start of something big (and probably EXTREMELY necessary for Luster and me)! By the way - you really have to check out her stuff - her hammered hearts are amazing! Ciao ciao and happy blogging!

Addicted to Lotta

For regular visitors; you will realize that I've added a new book to my "Great Books" list at right; "Lotta Prints - How to Print With Anything, From Potatoes to Linoleum." It arrived in the mail this morning and I am proud to say that I have already finished it, I am planning a trip to my local craft store for supplies, and it is an instant pick-it-up-everyday resource book. I am so pleased with it. If you are looking for a print-making book using a range of supplies (ranging from cheap try-it-once, like potatoes, to expensive professional supplies like high grade linoleum and inks) - this book is for you. Purchase it at your favorite local book store (or online at Amazon now). Sorry for "plugging it" - but I think you will truly enjoy it!

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Happy Saturday!

Bleached Bugs and Casting Calls

"Torn Wing Dragonfly" by mothtoflame.

Continuing with the bleach theme - yes, the Dragonfly painting above was made using bleach - I just had to put a photograph of this amazing work up here. Personally, I do not know how she does it, but artist Deborah Gwinn's catch phrase says it all: "I'm an artist and a clean freak . . . painting with bleach was a natural progression." (I just love that!) This particular piece is a print, but she also has originals as well as amazing necklaces. I'm coveting this one. (And of course, a link to her blog.)

On another note: I have been reading through everything on Crafting a Green World since I found it yesterday, and I came across this casting call. You must be under the age of 28 to apply - read the full rules here. Imagine having your own DIY show? I know that a ton of you, especially my fellow Etsyians, are up to the challenge! I know that I might try my hand at it!

Good luck!

When Green and Crafting Collide

I was wondering when this day would come...

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I found a great website and I do not know which section to put it in, "Truly Inspring (and Useful) Blogs" or "Green Living Links." (I know, not the end of the world - but I don't want to confuse my readers!) Anyhow, I am so happy to see artists and crafters working to save our planet. If we make the greener decision every chance we get - can you imagine how much better the world will be? I can. And I know it will take a long time to see any change, but in the meantime I have a new website to check out: Crafting a Green World: DIY for Environmentalists.

Bleach Stenciling!

I'm really excited about this. An old friend of mine posted a link to this website on Facebook - it's a tutorial about making bleach stencils....and the great news is that you could do it on nearly any fabric. Check it out! Furthermore, the Resources tab offers some great links as well as font downloads. Definitely worthy of keeping on my blog for the longhaul! Also, I'm up for some spring cleaning today - I need to make this blog more Me and stop doing things for commercial purposes - HERE GOES!

Ciao.

NO WAY!

LOOK WHAT I JUST FOUND!

How could I not realize that there was an Etsy team that loves the show Firefly and the movie Serenity (called Big Damn Crafters)...I am so happy right now! (It's the simple things in life, is it not?)

Oh, and an NYC Ideal Bite today: The Nau Women's Succint Trench Coat. Sustainable, recycleable, waterproof, long - it is my dream come true!

More later - I truly need a shower after that gym spinning session!

Some Light Surfing

So I have been browsing this morning...really just wanted to see some new and inspiring things and as luck would have it - here they are!

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Today I am coveting this WONDERFUL painting entitled "Green with Envy" by Donnadidit. Which of course was found on my addiction, excuse me, Etsy.

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On Flickr, I keep seeing these "double" photos where two photos are set side-by-side and can create quite a stunning gallery feel...well, I found a link to a site that helps you with it today! It is called FD's Flickr Toys.

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Through Team Etsy New Jersey and their wonderful member messages, I found a link to a craft fair called Artists and Fleas. They have an Etsy specific craft fair on May 17th and 18th, but it looks like they have a fair EVERY weekend! Here's the Etsy publication. (Oh, and I almost forgot to mention: the Etsy NJ Street Team featured me yesterday on their blog, which I have to note is extremely colorful and catchy! THANK YOU!)

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I guess I'm a little stuck on photography today, but I also found The Ones We Love this morning. It is an online photo exhibition that features people that the photographer truly cares about. I think they are trying to show you what happens when you photograph those that you love - it comes across in the pictures! I keep clicking on the names to see their photos - I just want to do a photoshoot now!!!

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I do not want to overload on a blog post, so that is just a taste for now. Keep blogging and support handmade! (I will be putting-up some of yesterdays' paintings for sale at my Etsy store in the next few hours!) Enjoy!

Spring is in the Air

I spent the last week visiting family and friends in England and it was just WONDERFUL! My sister-in-law taught me how to knit (garter and pearl), I created some new ACEOs to post on my Etsy site (like the one at left), and I worked on the Thank You Card Nature Set for my blog contest winner. All in all, a very creative trip!

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I will spend the rest of today painting and organizing as I unpack - as well as checking out what else is on the web! If you have something you would like me to research and discuss, please let me know in the comments section. I would love to do some dirty work today!

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Happy blogging!

Congratulations Ablemabel!

Congratulations to Ablemabel - she was the lucky name I pulled from my hat tonight and will be receiving a set of five custom greeting cards handmade by me!

Visit her blog or etsy shop to see what she creates as well!

Thank you to all of you who participated and gave me advice for both my blog and my Etsy site - I will continue to have contests (because who doesn't love to win something?!) so check back often!

Thanks again!
Alex

PS: I also added my first PIF listing tonight! (Please join in on the fun if you haven't already!)

CONTEST ENDS TONIGHT!

My contest ends tonight - so don't forget to comment here or on the post below!

THANKS!

Win a set of Greeting Cards!

Post a comment here by 10pm on Sunday March 16th and you could win a set of five greeting cards with your choice of them and my graphics! Check out my cards here and I will try any design!!! (I'll email you a photo before sending to make sure it is what you want.) It's like getting a custom order for free!!!

Thanks!

Cibo Cibo Cipolle!

Above I have been taking photographs of my progress thus far with my oil onions. I am not thrilled with my painting, but I am planning a few changes that will hopefully make it much better. The first image is the still life that we are painting from (I placed the photo on my 8x10" canvas). The second image is my pencil sketch of the angle I want (I used a view-finder). The third image is the acrylic underpainting (we used complimentary colors). And the last image has the oil values for the pitcher, onions, and partial tablecloth...it needs a lot of work, but I love seeing how a painting progresses! (You should see everyone elses, below!)

<-- Here are their acrylic underpaintings. And here are their oil values. -->

(Click the photo for a larger view. The top shelf has acrylic paintings from other Artsplace classes.)

I just love everyones' work - we all have such different styles! I hope to post a better photo of my own onions tomorrow, in the meantime - get creative!

PAZ Fashion Peace

Ideal Bite - New York City alerted me to these wonderful creations. Believe it or not, this hat is made from canvas recycled from the covers of Brazilian cargo trucks along with a faux leather made from plant matter! (If that's not both green and vegetarian, I don't know what is!) It's beautiful and each one is handmade (which means they aren't exactly cheap - but hey, saving the planet AND looking good is worth it, no?). Check them out!

I start a three-day oil still-life workshop today with Mally DeSomma (she has some STUNNING paintings - I'll post when she has an art show). Trust me, you'll want one of her pieces on your wall. Anyhow, that's what I'll be doing for the next three days, so if I do not get a chance to post - do not fret - I'll be back soon! (And with paintings to sell on Etsy!)

Thanks for reading!

"Portrait of a Cow" by Judith Secco

This photo is by Judith Secco and is available for sale at the Fine Line Art Gallery in Woodbury, CT.

Please click on the title for a link to the gallery.

Freshly Squeezed

I just added these wonderful originals to my Etsy site today and they are all framed and ready to go. They include "Sally Robot" - a series of two, "Frank Snowboarder," and "The Kealia Surfer." I think I will do a whole silhouette and robot series - they are so childlike and fun. I hope you enjoy them!

Stolen Coat

Well, my coat was stolen from the New Britain Museum of American Art last night and I am so bummed.

But, in keeping this blog and my life POSITIVE, I started researching dress forms so that I could make my own (and a life lesson learned: do not check your coat when there isn't someone there to watch it). Etsy to the rescue again! They tell you how to make your very own dress form using things like a t-shirt, duck-tape and polyfil! CHECK IT OUT!

Not to mention - sorry Etsy, I'll always be loyal, I promise - I found another cool website for a place called the Make Workshop! They have classes for crafters like me (and possibly you) in Manhattan and it is DEFINITELY worth a look! So now that I am in a good mood again, I think I'll be off for some crafting and "arting(?)!"

Hopefully my coat mishap was just that; a mistake, and it is returned soon so that I can have my Italian love back! But in the meantime, I'll be adding a list of the most useful websites for crafters (that I visit often), a list of recommended art books, and links to my wishlists for my own use (I can't figure out where to keep them so that I remember them all!) Sorry for any product names (I hate to commercialize), but they are my favorites and hey, I've got to clean my face, too!

Joyous world - thank-you for backfiring me in to my smiling place.

Champagne Chair

I have been feeling quite creative lately and after some champagne I made this little chair! Isn’t it fun?! (Sorry for the dust!)

Zazzle has gotten my creative juices flowing as well with their new products (skinny business “profile” cards) - I just wish that they used more recycled and sustainable blanks...but to be fair, their magnets use recycled paper and they do offer edun-live organic cotton, sustainable t-shirts. Oh! And I will be posting my Flickr photos up for sale on Etsy today...exciting!

My last Beginner Drawing art class at Artsplace is tomorrow and I’m really going to miss my kids. They just cannot believe the art that they can create!

I am also headed to the New Britain Museum of American Art tonight for a show and skiing on Sunday – so it is another jam-packed weekend in the Whatton household.

An old friend messaged me on facebook and it has sparked a long "pen-pal-esque" conversation about traveling in Spain, Israel, and Italy were we have both studied abroad (her at the first two, and myself in Florence) – the intense memories that smells and touch spark both amazes and amuses me. I can remember the cool feel of the marble on my feet in our apartment and the uneven cobblestone in the streets. I mastered ordering gelato from Antonio in Italian and I went to YAB to dance every night. (I admit, I was in the best shape of my life!) Oh the smell of the San Lorenzo Market; leather, bell peppers, prosciutto, sweat – it brings me right back just thinking about it. I wish the dollar wasn’t so pathetic!

Thanks for reading!

Fluoride Video

Fluoride and Soop's Squirrels

Hi again!

I couldn't believe this video from YouTube. I get regular emails for the Organic Consumers Association (watch out - it will change your life) and the reference to flouride caught my eye. So, I followed the white rabbit and I was HORRIFIED! Back to bottled water I go!

My husband doesn't drink tap water because of it's Fluoride content here in the lovely US. Well, that and the fact that he is allergic to it. He even buys specific toothpaste (without fluoride) and now I'm begining to think that I should, as well. You know, this makes me worry about the high cancer numbers in my hometown; Cheshire, CT - it is truly scary. But I digress.

On a happier note (which I would like to keep this blog on), look what I found on Etsy. This red Squirrel ring is designed by Soop and you can buy sets so that she sits in front of a tree, or next to mushrooms, or even with other animals (like a fox, cow, or pig to name a few). It's a ring that definitely makes a statement - I wonder if he came make them out of recycled plastic?

I also made my first sale on Etsy!!! (Probably more exciting for me than you - but still noteworthy!) My somewhat abstract pepper and a bunch of carrots sold to an old friend of mine from high school who works for Edible Arrangements, now. She said she is inspired by fruits and veggies everyday and would I be willing to make some for the store (and more for her kitchen). I am overwhelmed with excitement, to say the least! It's so amazing when someone you know buys your work - it is almost more rewarding. In fact, I will go there - it is MORE rewarding. I am so completely flattered. And it is almost too easy, because I love to paint produce! The colors are always vibrant, they have great shapes for strong values in paintings (think highlights and shadows), and it actually makes me eat healthier that day...I cannot wait to get started!

Another new addiction? Looking online for new crafts to try - like MarthaStewart.com, crafting goddess. Check out this leather belt how-to...how awesome is that?! I'm always looking for new belts, why not make my own!

Anyhow, I feel like I should work for Etsy; I tell everyone about them. It's a little ridiculous! I have even started dropping ".com's" into conversations and I sound like a spokesperson or even worse, a commercial. I do apologize for my chronic linking - I think I am truly addicted! Maybe I need an intervention.

Thanks for reading!

MarthaHaskins Blogs!

Hello!

It seems funny to me to write a diary that everyone can read - but since I value other artists and creators' opinions, it just makes sense to start one!

I have to admit, it was Circular Accessories who inspired me to start this blog. She has some amazing things on her Etsy site and I am totally coveting her scissors hoody! (I'm not really sure how to add photos yet, or what I am allowed to add, so sorry for so many links - I promise that I learn quickly, so I'll have photos up soon!)

Well, I guess for now, I'll leave it at that - I have been inspired...now I have some thinking and creating to do!

Thanks for reading!