Resolving to give in to the New Year, LOL

Ok, I've been fighting it off with swords and daggers, but the New Year has struck!
I'm giving in, letting it take over, and deciding that it is the winner; After all, this year has to be improved- doesn't it?!
  It's been rocky and rolly but it has had some amazing twists and turns. My guess is that this year we are going to see terrific changes, in the coming months; changes that will improve our lives, loves, and checkbooks.
   I hope you'll hang with me, spend time enjoying the things you love, people you love, and discover good things.
 Happy New Year everybody!

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Christmas Winner

Congratulations! Cr8z4P8nts is the winner of my Christmas drawing! Please contact me so that you can claim your prize.

 Merry Christmas, everyone!

Art Sisters "OMG It's Almost Christmas" Show & Sale

  Good evening! (Or morning, whichever it is for you).
I've been getting ready for the Art Sisters "OMG It's Almost  Christmas" Show & Sale, this weekend. While I've been fighting some lovely virus in both body and my computer, I am so very excited to do this sale and meet all the new faces.
  I hope you'll join us and make one-stop shopping for the loved ones in your life.
The address is 1102 W. 11th St. Pueblo, CO. It is on the corner of 11th & Conley. 10-4 Saturday & Sunday. We will have workshop(s) and plenty of eye-candy. Call 542-2125 if you need more info.
I'm going to buy some Hershey's Kisses, too! B')

I'm still here, but there are Internet Issues to deal with

Have you ever dealt with internet issues? They can be quite frustrating, especially when you have WildBlue and the internet is shaky, at best.
I've been dealing with this company, with no other choice, for two + years now and am so wishing we had other options.
Although it stems from a daughter's overuse of Skype and other similar programs, which result in our speed being shut down by WB, it seems ridiculous to pay twice what we were for unlimited usage, with Rural-com. If you have a chance to go with that company, I strongly suggest them, they completely ROCK!
Anyhoo- enough of my soapbox, I just wanted to let you know that this message is taking the better part of an hour to create, I will be back online as soon as they speed the connection back up.
My apologies, my loyal followers, for the pain in de rearende.
With heart,
Cas

Painting Tip "Keeping your eye on the horizon"

  Have you ever noticed that, when you're walking down the sidewalk and start rummaging through something in your hand, your legs suddenly start going in circles- eventhough you haven't told them to stop walking in a straight line?
  Play with me a moment and take a short walk down the hallway, (before reading the next paragraph); Look down at the floor and walk to your destination. Ok, now come back with your head held high and keep your eyes on where you plan to go.
  Which was easier? Unless your equilibrium is off kilter, I'm betting that your head high was easier.
Walking with your eyes on the ground gives your body the instant mode of traversing something; when you're on flat areas, this mode throws your balance off. Keeping your eyes on the horizon of your destination is something that I learned in trucking: The farther you look in the distance, the better your body and brain work together in seeing and maneuvering obstacles much faster, and more accurately, than someone who keeps their eye close in front of them.
  Painting is like this, so is drawing. Instead of really focusing in on a small detail, back off and try to eyeball it from a distance. Your body will naturally adjust to the overview, even picking up those details that you are afraid you'll lose if you don't hover your chin an inch from the canvas. Your painting will improve, as a result.
 I challenge you to get a pencil, or paintbrush, put your face close to the substrate, draw a circle the size of a baseball, then back off and, with a separate paper, do it with your arm extended.
  Have fun!

Kindred Spirits &Traversing the Snows

  For very lucky/fortunate people, there is a special experience that simply cannot be explained, it is finding a true and lifelong connection with someone that just happens naturally and without a lot of work.
 I have that very fortunate experience, in my life, and couldn't even begin to tell you how grounding it feels and how connected.
  We all travel through this life, on this funky planet, all by ourselves and are continually; searching, finding, withdrawing from, grasping onto, losing, gaining and even refurbishing relationships- not to mention the day to day life experience.. So how is it that you have a crash-quick response to someone and accomplish a lifelong connection? For some people this relationship results in a marriage thing, for others it is a sex thing, for some it is just a play thing, but for me it is just a damn good friend and someone who inspires me, among a thousand other adjectives.
  I used to really fascinate on the work of Donald Vann, a Cherokee watercolor artist, and have one of his paintings, called "Kindred Spirits". It is a depiction of the Native Peoples traversing through a cold, snowy winter landscape, tents and families in tow, with a lone wolf howling on an escarpment.  The intertwining of these two species is obvious yet surreal, and isn't hard to imagine, but impossible to really describe.
  It is such a blessing to be able to have someone on this planet that, no matter how long it is between communications, will always be someone you would traverse the snows for.
Merry Christmas Gin, I love you and am so proud of the person you are.

Make your own Christmas Cards, it's fun and easy!

  Every moment in the studio is a pleasure and brings my spirit back into alignment with my body, just like good exercise.
 So; Why should Christmas cards be a store bought hustle to get them in the mail?
An article, about Love and Logic Parenting (it does work, if you use it, I would give it to every parent I see having issues with their kids, if I could), hit my inbox yesterday; It said that it is okay to spend money and time and energy hunting those perfect gifts, but what is most important is spending time, good eye-to-eye time, with your kids and loved ones.
  I believe that the cards you send should really mean something to you, and I implore you to add more than just your signature to the inside. You really enjoy staying in touch with that person, so go ahead- write a little something, even if it's a quick "I would really love a visit, soon." or "It is a blessing to have you in my life."
To make your own cards;
Gather up some card stock and cut it in half, lengthwise (if your printer can print that size, or just make 2 cards on 1 sheet).
They sell envelopes at most any store, but you can make your own with a simple fold or two, out of regular printer paper.
Getcha some decorative rubber or clear stamps, maybe a bit of glitter and/or peel off- metallic stickers.
*Type and print up a personalized message for the inside of the card first.
*Smack that ink pad with the stamp and plop it on the card.
*Add your embellishments, maybe add your own handwritten sentiment, and away you go.
Fun, eh? I'll get you pics of my Christmas cards, but not until they've had a chance to reach their destinations (wouldn't want to ruin the gift of the card opening).
Merry Christmas, Friends.

Mother Nature/hand sculpted

Good afternoon to you! This Colorado weather is about goofy, but it allowed me to take a few pics, for you, of the sculpture we've been talking about..
Whatcha think?

You can check her out, in better detail, on my Etsy Page... Just click and go! :-)

Sending out gifts to my collectors

Good morning! Are you just so happy that you have to sit on your hands to keep from waving at everybody? I am!
  Yesterday was spent creating, ALL DAY, and that really makes my mood terrific.
Today, I have a ton of errands to run, including taking the kid to the dentist; She just had her braces removed and now it is time for the permanent retainer. Fun stuff.
  I'm going to be sending out packages, to my art collectors, that include some nice freebies. If you're interested in receiving one of these packages, just let me know and we'll get one out to you. Hurry, supplies are limited. :)
  My current projects are the sculpture that I've been telling you about, and a personal, for-me project that involves fluorescent paint. I cannot wait to show you! Pics coming soon, promise.

saw the movie 'Faster', it was amaziNg!

After Thanksgiving Stuffing

Howdy! Did you have a great Thanksgiving? I know that we did; we had a small crowd for dinner and it was amazing.
Which, is the reason I am in big trouble for not posting the pics that I told you about, in my last post. Sorry peeps, but it was a lot of work getting ready for the feast- I know you know what I mean. :)
  Remember to checkout the drawing for a free painting.
I also have a really cool pendant that I just put on Etsy... Go see! :)

Here are a couple of pics, just to give you a sneak peek. I'm still working on the sculpture and don't want to give away too much, before it's done. Whaddaya think??

Also-- Have you had issues subscribing? If so, email me here..

What... No Pictures?! Issues with Subscribing or contacting me??

  Good morning all you happy campers!
I admit it, I didn't get the pictures of my clay project online... But I WILL, I promise. Give me a little while to work out a subscribe button issue.
  Are you having issues with the subscribe button? If so, contact me.
For now, until I can figure out a secure way of doing this, go to my website (www.cassieraynel.com or www.wildartist.net) and there are plenty of ways to contact me there.

Concepts in Clay

Do you ever get bored doing one thing, over and over? Monotony.. Yep, it's everywhere. We time our meals, sleep, and even waking time to a point where it is monotonous. Ok, maybe that's a bit pessimistic, but I mean we really do revolve around the same circles.
  Which brings me to today's subject- I've been creating many objects, in many media, and really just piddling about the studio with a hectic fervor, but without accomplishing one task, in it's entirety (which, for those of you who don't know, means that it makes me CraAZzYy to leave things unfinished). I've been so ridiculously inspired that I'm finding that my supplies are left for wanting (need doll heads, among other things) and I must stretch that almighty dollar, and my gut instinct for instant gratification, and simply wait out the fervor with organizing my studio. GAG! Patience is easy for me, but not in this case; Especially when I feel guilty for waylaying my painting.
  So, what has happened is that I found a box of Sculpey clay, and begun forming the figures for the project I needed. It is turning out AMAZING!!!!!! I've always wanted to sculpt, especially on a grand scale, but never picked it up because I waited for the perfect opportunity to get lessons.
 HA! I am having such a great time and the figures are turning out so good, on my first tries, that I am going nuts trying to get this idea to fruition.
  I'll post pics this weekend- you gotta see this!

Coupons, supposedly low prices, and HUGE discounts LOL

Ok, so you're shopping for that one list that has accumulated over, let's say a year, and you need everything in the header line of this blog; coupons, low prices, huge discounts, free money, etc., etc., etc....
Give yourself a break and don't think you have to do it all in one day.
This has been my dilemma, recently, and I hope that you can benefit from my work:
I shopped the internet and made sure to add all my items, if not available in each store, than I added similar-priced items to the cart, and cross checked them all (including shipping charges). I found ONE site that beat them all, and it is Mister Art @ misterart.com.. I cross checked it with Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn F & C, and some piddly no-names that I hadn't heard of before.
 This new-to-me company beat all but one price, which was a price for Sculpey doll making clay. I shopped for approximately 13 products, that I HAVE to have.
Hope this helps! I will let you know when I receive my order and how I rate them.
I will say that their site is horrible and it took me several days, several frustrations, to complete my order- but I figure that I saved at least $34, without shipping.

Sewing paper

I'm curious about sewing paper... We were shopping at the Citadel Mall, in Colorado Springs, last week and found this awesome little store that was full of handmade items. There were these delicious books, of various uses, that were all made of sewn paper and other ephemera... It was REALLY cool!! I would like to find out how to do such a thing. The search continues.  Got ideas?

Thought for the day

Acceptance, revival, illumination, reflection, and finding solace in the gift of being able to create & commune with natures lovely creatures. 

Posted on Facebook... I almost always Facebook, at least a few times a week; I would love it if you friend me.

My friend told me that my profile pic looks mean, but I assure you it was only that stitch in time where taking my photo was a strategic event that took loads of concentration. ;)

Stitched Tin Tiles

Today I'm creating with these fun metal tiles; They are called, "Stitched Tin Tiles", and they are made by the Making Memories Company.
My goal is to find some terrific pictures or illustrations and find a suitable means of adhering them to the tiles, as well as creating  some form of homemade embossing powder or metal coloration.
I have heard that there is an egg mixture that patinas metal with a great color, but I'll have to do some investigating. If you have ideas, let me know! :)

Organizing can be FUN!!

  Yesterday I put up this fantastic organizer; It is an extra large art frame that we converted into a wall organizer. Cool, eh?
  It's pretty simple, really.. Just take some heavy gauge livestock wire and staple or screw it into the back of the frame. Make sure to adhere it inside the frame where it is meant to house the art, or you won't have enough distance between the wall and your hangers. It is also a good idea to keep your eye on the wire so that it stays flat while you attach it, otherwise it will be wobbly looking.
  Drill some decent screws into the studs of the wall so they can hang the weight it will have.
  You can use your favorite magnets to attach things, like notes, or use peg-board hangers to place your items on it. I also used a sewing-thread spool to hang stuff (my goggles are on it).
  Yes, I know my drill press is hanging in the way of the picture, but I didn't like the idea of moving it just for the picture. enjoy! If you need help with it, just ask. :)

My Etsy on the Treasury Page!

I've been working up a storm, getting some of my art on Etsy. All of a sudden, I get this message that tells me that my gift tags have made it on the Holiday Treasury page!! That is so AwESoMe!!
Check it out... http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ccf1032e83f6d91b74956e6/holiday-shopping-is-almost-upon-us

Tagalicious

  I woke up this morning, (no help from my new cat, Angel, of course) ready to start preparing for Halloween evening.
Not happening.
  Today, the creative juices just kept flowing and they're spilling over onto some fun tags.
I'll be posting them on Etsy, hopefully before day's end.
Here's a special preview. just for my blogsters...

Whirlwind

Yesterday was a whirlwind! I had visited PetSmart, the night before, and was chosen by a kitty-cat. Yes, I do mean that I was chosen. She didn't seem to give a hoot about anyone else, including my daughter, but she reached through the cage & wouldn't let me go. So CUTE! I really dug her outgoing personality, but it seems that no one else did; When I asked the store person about her, she called the person who arranges the adoptions (for more info) and found out that they would reduce her ten dollars just to get her adopted, she had been there over a month and was about to go back to the shelter. Not to stay, if you know what I mean. We need another animal like a hole in the head, but all is well in rescuing.

So, that was yesterday's whirlwind; First thing in the morning, teacher conferences to go over my high schooler's grades and attitude (stellar attitude, as usual- seriously, she is awesome), then go directly to the tire shop to burn off an hour and a half and get a screw removed (remember when this used to take 10 minutes?!), then to the pet store to pre-pay for kitty, then shopping for daughter's shoes, Halloween costume junk, groceries, and finally pick up dinner and kitty.

Whew. It was 6 before I drove into the driveway. 12 hours and still ticking.

Today? Pay bills, remove kitty claws from everything in site (she has never been outside of a cage and sharpening claws seems to be what she was thinking about, since kittenhood), try to get some horse riding and training done, and hopefully go see Secretariat with someone.

Shameless plug- visit my Etsy shop, we have some new goodies posted for you (including steampunk, jewelry, art, cards, etc.)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FOSSILZhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/FOSSILZ

Hello World! Welcome to my blog!

Hi there! I've missed you- How have you been?
Here it is, my BloG! I've tried to fight off the blog thing as long as possible; alas, I've been assimilated.
With snail-mail newsletters becoming a thing of the past, this is a fun and paperless way of providing tons of info in a fraction of the time! YeA!!
I'll be posting current projects, many of which I have never put online or in public before, photos, freebies, special dates, info on my Fosillz/Etsy site, and much more.
Did you know that I create 3d sculpture, jewelry, and collage, as well as paint?