Punkin Cat Ghost Gourds for Halloween

The wind wasn't cooperating today but I did get 4 Halloween gourds finished, except for the protective spray coating. But it's definitely too windy out there to spray. But I want to show you anyway, in case you want me to save any for a reserved Etsy listing.

A kitty with blue eyes over a smiling jack-o-lantern.

Kitty with a pink tongue over a smiling Jack-o-lantern.

Mousie on back of cat pumpkin.

I saw the ghost idea on Pinterest, but came up with the cat punkins all on my own.

 I love to make each one different.

Just Focus on the Art

Hello my friends,
I got a pasteboard box at Michael's and I happily went out on my friend's patio and painted it red and black. Next I get to glue on all kinds of charms and cool bits.

My friend also had a wooden box to paint.  Hers will be a medium blue shade with seashells. Funny how we both had a box project to work on.

I also got some stuffing so I can continue on with my jester doll pins inspired by one my daughter has had for years.

I got a few big things I could have brought from home but didn't want to haul on all those train trips. I also got a wee bit of embroidery floss and an embroidery hoop. I have plenty at home but I need it now for this doll project or just for fun. I swear I need a tether to my art supplies to be happy in life. Otherwise I go nuts trying to beg, borrow or steal craft supplies. I almost envy people that don't have that need. I swear I'd be rich today if I nipped the buying craft supplies thing in the bud. My plans to live a normal life by my art earnings has never panned out that way. First an artist needs to earn enough to cover supplies. Then something has to be left over to pay the bills. Then there needs to be enough beyond that to have a good quality of life; you know the weird things like feeding pets and putting kids through college and having something left for retirement.

This wasn't meant to be a rant. I really should do something about that depression slipping through.

Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint

I'm glad I didn't buy any chalkboard paint for the file cabinet yet, because I just lucked onto a tutorial on making your own chalkboard paint in any color you want. Not only that but she has some cool tips on making a pattern from a Chinese take-out food carton that looks like a lot of fun.  I think we might be going to the hardware store today too so I can get the ingredients. Awesome.

Ideas

I caught an episode of Sewing With Nancy and an episode of Donna Dewberry today, and in spite of being motivated to either paint or sew, it was just too darn hot. I did sketch out some projects in my art journal. I needed to rest my hands from knitting anyway. My thumb is one giant blister today. I've never known anyone else that gets blisters from knitting. You'd think I'd just get a callous or something.