Debbie Overton Designs

We've Moved.....

2007-12-04T09:01:00.002-05:00

If you found us via another blog or website link please know we have notified our Internet friends asking them to please update our link to our new blog home.

You will find us here: http://www.debbieoverton.com

Debbie

Modish Prize Package

2007-12-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

What a week....it started with the flu and ended with the prize package I won from Modish in the October Drawing arriving in the mail. It was filled gorgeous earrings, bracelets, necklaces, notecards, handmade journal, pocket mirror, tote, pouch, handknit washcloth, coasters, soap handmade tags and more. Here's a peek at the goodies followed by a list of wonderful contributors. Be sure and check them out, you might just find the perfect gift for someone special.

A Planet 4 Creation- blue fish earrings; Art Created- Set of sterling & pearl earrings + perfume sample; Casto Creations – zipper pull; Chic 36- fluffy floral tote; Feto Soap-yummy roll-on parfum; Glittery Blue- gold star earrings; Greetings from a Planet Named Janet- 3 notecard sets; Handmade Luck- photo coasters; Jewel Alchemy- iolite & labradorite earrings; Kim B Designs- copper sunset earrings; Krista Raak- turquoise ocean cuff; Mau Studio- mau mau message cards; Miranda’s Creations – handmade tags; My Favorite Mirror – pocket mirror; Oblinaknit- handknit washcloth; Paper Lotus Design- card set & flirt cards; Paper Treasure- "the Madeline" necklace; Pixie Potions- pumpkin parade soap; Presents & Law- set of assorted holiday postcards; Rae Beth Designs- Russian amazonite & tiger eye bracelet; Shana Says- mod flapper necklace; Simply Bliss- handmade journal; Third Floor Fibers – 6 yds purple merino wool; Urbanknit- batik zippered pouch

Even though I have been fighting the flu all week I have been able to accomplish several things. I have 13 art pieces in different stages and my newsletter went out Thursday. If you are not on my mailing list you can view it here.

Until next time.....I'm off to work on a few things while you surf some of the links above.

Debbie

Etsy Market, DT Art, & Thanks

2007-11-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

Despite Steve and Seth being sick Thanksgiving we had a good holiday weekend. While the guys laid around watching football and napping, KC and I headed to the beach.....The weather was wonderful, low 70's with a gentle breeze. There were quite a few people out strolling the beach. While we were looking out at this beautiful view we heard some bicycles coming upon us. It was the cutest little couple....looked to be in their early 80's. They were talking and laughing...they parked their bikes and walked up on the deck wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving. We exchanged a few words and then he took her hand and said "Sweetie, lets sit here for a bit"! I thought I was going to have to bury KC in the sand....she got so tickled. I tried to imagine Steve and me in 30+ yrs and I got tickled. We told them bye and continued combing the beach for seashells.

The water was a bit on the COLD side, but that didn't stop KC....she started by just walking along the edge and before we left she was wet up to her thighs....she said she was walking straight, but I could see her slowly moving further out as we walked.

While fighting the flu the past few days, the guys gave it to both of us I have been working on adding a few things to the Etsy Market. The Antique and Vintage Paper Packages.....

and a few Note Cards....images from some of my recent original collage paintings

and this one I did in 2001 following 9/11 in Honor of our Service Men and Women serving our Country......

While you are surfing hope you will take a minute and visit my Etsy Market. I will only be taking orders up until Noon Eastern on December 13th, as we are heading home (Arkansas) for the holidays. All orders placed after the 13th will be processed and shipped starting January 2nd.

If you have not visited the Design Team Samples lately we have added several more and the girls all have sheets they are working. Here are a couple more......

Artwork by Lori Bartel - CS 106 Artwork by Caryl Hoobler - CS 101

Thank you to all for the thoughts and prayers, comments in the recent weeks and emails with words of encouragement for the Design Team, Etsy Market, redesign of the website and blog. As I have said before I have a feeling of peace with the way things have been heading.....now I just need the time to make it all happen.

Until next time.....I am off to finish up the newsletter...If you have joined my mailing list you can look for it within the next day or so.

Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T17:14:00.001-05:00

Here it is Tuesday afternoon and I am still thinking of things I need to pick up at the grocery store even though I did my shopping Sunday afternoon for Thanksgiving. We have planned our traditional dinner with turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, peas, mac & cheese and a few more favorites. We would love to be with all of our family, but distance keeps us from that....we had rather spend our time with all of them during Christmas so it will be Steve, Seth, KC and me again this year. Right now we are just praying that Steve is up to Thanksgiving....he has been sick and finally gave in yesterday when he couldn't walk from one room to another without gasping for air.....it is official he has acute bronchitis/pneumonia. If he would have listened to me last week....okay I want go there as I know many of you have been there and know what I am saying.

KC is on her way home, just called and was in the middle of Atlanta traffic so we expect her around 10:30 or so, but she is worried about our Thanksgiving dinner. When she found out Steve was sick.....her first question was who will cook our dinner! My kids don't think I can cook since Steve loves to do it and I love to let him. I have reassured the kids I can handle that turkey. I just would like for Steve to enjoy the meal and I can tell you he has a long way to go if he plans to do that this Thursday!

The past few days my inbox has been filled with wonderful samples created by the DOD Design Team. Here are a few, but you will want to hop over to my website to see everything that has been sent in thus far.

Artwork by Lori Bartel - CS 107

Artwork by Caryl Hoobler - CS 101

Artwork by Kelly Burton - CS 101, 102, 108

Artwork by Linda Peterson - CS 100, 105, 106, 108

Until next time......Enjoy the artwork, enjoy your family and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Debbie

Etsy Shop Open

2007-11-16T23:45:00.002-05:00

My Etsy Shop has officially opened with 9 Digital Collage Sheets. The Antique & Vintage Paper Packages, Notecards and other items will be added over the next several days. I have many more CS in various stages of completion....will have them up soon.

The Design Team has been busy creating some awesome SAMPLES using the sheets. Here are a few....for more click on the above link.

This adorable piece of artwork was created by Kelly Burton using Collage Sheet 106.

Just love the way Linda Peterson combined all the colors in this awesome piece using Collage Sheet 100 and 106.

This sweet little hanger was created by Sarah Drayton using Collage Sheet 107.

Every time I checked my email today I had new artwork from one of the Design Team members. If was so much fun to see what they had created. Makes me want to print out a few sheets and work on some artwork....but I have got to get a few more things listed in the Etsy shop first, then I can play for a few days.

Until next time.....hope you will visit the samples the DT has been creating and if you are in the market for a collage sheet, hope you will give one of mine a try.

Debbie

Design Team, Collage Sheet & More

2007-11-13T07:58:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning started bright and early.....Steve making us a wonderful breakfast and then us heading to the beach to greet high tide.

It was a little windy and cool but that didn't stop me from heading down with a vintage sand pail.

And this is just a sampling of the shells I collected this weekend. We had already been over Saturday afternoon and I came home with my little pail overflowing with sand dollars and shells.

Came in Sunday afternoon with wind blown hair, sand everywhere, a little pink here and there as I had forgotten to replace the empty sunblock in my beach bag to find my inbox full of interest to my Friday afternoon post for a Design Team.

I scanned a few emails thinking.....oh she would be great.....I am so excited she applied.....oh I have always loved her artwork......the more I read the more excited I became and then it hit me.....I was going to have to turn down some really talented respected artists and friends. I decided it was time to make a post that the call was closed and I would announce later in the week the DOD Design Team. This was very hard as I had some girls I would have loved to included but I had to narrow it down. I started going back and forth reading their email of interest, looking at their artwork.....I began to pace....then I began to dig in the candy bowl for the caramel kisses.....at this point Steve knew I was having a hard time picking team members. He let me eat and pace, eat and read, eat and surf for what seemed like days when it was really only hours. Then he asked if he could make a suggestion......why didn't he do that before I ate all the kisses!

He said you had a few girls in mind when you posted the call....did they respond? Start with those names and the rest will fall into place. If you applied and were not chosen please know it does not reflect your art or you as a person. I simply had to make a decision to start with 6 girls. In time it is my hope that some of you will still have an interest and I can add you to the team.

So it is with great excitement I share with you the DOD Design Team in no particular order.....

Kelly Burton, Linda Peterson, Lori Bartel, Sarah Drayton, and Caryl Hoobler.

I am looking forward to working with each of these talented artists. We plan to give you a treat of eye candy with their artwork and my collage sheets. Here is a peek at one of the sheets that will be available in the Etsy Market in the coming days.

Until next time......I have tons of things to get done so the market came open.

Debbie

Digital Collage Sheets

2007-11-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

You know what they say....everything is going digital and I am not one to be left behind. I have been working 24/7.....okay maybe not 24/7 but it certainly has felt like it some days as I have been scanning images, reworking images and designing collage sheets day and night....even in my sleep I keep the process going. Some of these digital downloads will be available starting next week in my Etsy shop. If you would like to be notified of their release and future updates to Debbie Overton Designs please join my mailing list by clicking on the postcards to the left.

I recently sent a sheet to a few of my art friends at MMCA and here are a few samples they have sent me.

Timeless by Kelly Burton

Discover by Kelly Burton

Naughty Fairy by Lisa Gifford

I am looking for a few talented artists to join the DOD Design Team to create artwork as samples to be posted with the collage sheets as well as showcased here on my blog. Each team member will be given credit for their artwork with a link to their blog or website. In exchange for each digital collage sheet the team member will be asked to create 2 samples, scan their art sending me an image that can be used to showcase the collage sheets plus unlimited printing of the collage sheet to use again and again in their personal artwork.

If you are interested in applying please send me an email to include your name, a link to your personal blog or online artwork, a few sentences telling me why you would like to be a part of the DOD Design Team and include any links to any other DT's you create for. If you have any further questions please contact me via email.

PLEASE email me at debbieoverton@debbieoverton.com with DT in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you.

EDITED 11/11/07

The Call to apply has been closed due to an overwhelming response. I will post within the week the names of those chosen as the DOD Design Team. Thank you to everyone that responded.

Until next time.....I am back to work getting things ready for the Etsy shop to open.

Debbie

Free to Fly

2007-11-05T10:06:00.001-05:00

After my visit to the beach last week I came home and started working on a piece of art and as a result of the freeing and mind clearing the beach gives me I felt as though I was Free to Fly. I have set some personal and business goals and I am working towards them and one by one I am accomplishing them. Some are short term while others are long term.....but I am free to do as I please and I am enjoying the process.

Until next time.....Let go of what you think you should do and do what you want to do.

Debbie

Hurricane Noel and Art

2007-11-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

I have been working non-stop this week and decided to take a break and head over to one of the islands for the afternoon to watch Hurricane Noel grace us during high tide. Though I did enjoy the afternoon I was also very thankful he is heading NE. Here are just a few of my favorite photos.

Although the wind was blowing, the waves were slamming against the dunes, the mist reached me and the camera lens at times and you couldn't see the last 6 or 8 steps there was a feeling of calmness within me. The rushing of the water, the smells and the salty taste always give me the balance I need to continue. It clears my mind, I find answers that I have been looking for, I am recharged and ready to face my many to do lists and I leave with a feeling of strength that I can accomplish the things I have before me and this is why I always return with a few days.

It has been a busy week.....Steve is out of town and I always stay up until the wee hours of the morning and then wonder why when the alarm goes off at 6 I have trouble getting up and then around mid afternoon I have a sinking spell. But I have gotten so much done.....new artwork that will be posted to the website soon, mailed several orders, worked on the next newsletter and hope to get it out within the next week. If you have not joined my mailing list, I would love for you to. Just click on the postcards on the upper left. I have started making several lists for upcoming events, started an online art class with Karyn Gartel a few weeks ago that is awesome and will start a drawing/illustration class next week.

Here's a peek at one of the pieces I recently finished......more to come soon.

Until next time.......Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy your visits and will come again soon.

Debbie

Zoom Zoom

2007-10-29T14:57:00.000-05:00

Quick update with more to come later. The past four days have been exciting, fun and filled with speed. It all started Thursday when Steve and I left to spend the weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. He had surprised me several weeks ago with Nascar tickets for all of the weekend activities. I'll share a picture or two later. While there I found a great antique/flea market and came home with several things....again pictures later. I checked my email this morning to find my name was randomly drawn on Modish for the October Ghoulish Giveaway! Can't wait to see what all comes in my package. And then I find out this morning I have been approved as a Vendor at The Creative Palette......a mixed media convention in St. Mary's Georgia February 21-24!!!! They have not posted the class/workshop and vendors list yet....mid-November, but if your curious as I know some of you are....the link above is to last years activities.

My friend Roxanne surprised me recently as one of her featured designers......hope you will check out her blog Roxi's Independent Designer Friends! Thanks you Roxanne!!!!

Until next time.....I need to finish ironing Steve's clothes....he leaves in the AM for 6 days.....Oh I will miss him, but I am thinking of all the art time I will have!!!!! Promise to share a few pictures later.

Debbie

Happy Dance

2007-10-19T06:33:00.000-05:00

Ever have one of those days when you just want to do the HAPPY DANCE? Come on, you know you have......Yesterday was mine. It all started when I finally completed the redesign of my website after weeks and weeks and hours and hours of work. Hope you will hope over and take a look.

Now that the blog and website are finished I need to upload some goodies for you to purchase in the Etsy shop I opened July 17, 2006....Yes you read that right...2006! All I can say is I had good intentions and so many other things came first. I also need to add the CollageScape PhotoFrames to the website and will try to get that done soon. After hitting that publish website button and making sure everything was working I felt I needed and deserved an afternoon at the beach to clear my head.

Grabbed a bottle of water and my beach bag I have hanging by the door that is already ready to go, slipped on flip flops and off I went. On the way I stopped by the post office as I had not checked the mail in almost a week.

Another HAPPY DANCE as I pulled things from the box....Anthropologie and Brocade Home catalogs, the premiere return issue of Victoria and a hand full of envelopes....bills, you have won, a yellow card that the post office sticks in to let you know you have a package and an envelope very elegantly addressed to me. I run in to pick up the package, see it is from my friend Roxanne in Fresno, CA and head out. I dropped everything in my beach bag except her package and the one envelope. I dig around the console to find my letter opener and slowly pull it across the beautiful envelope from a wonderful artist I recently met during the reception at the art center when she approached me about buy one of my pieces she had seen on display a while back. So I was expecting a check and much to my surprise along with it and the lovely handwritten note was the question.....

Can you use any of these in those wonderful collages?

Each piece is absolutely heaven.....the sweet little girl with the lavender flower background is a beautiful card so delicate it feels almost like tissue paper. The couple is on a piece of gorgeous satin and the card "The Parting of Ruth and Naomi" is one that Mr. Charles E Hires had reproduced with the famous oil painting that he sent to any dealer that purchased Hires Rootbeer Extract in 1904. The hand written note says....How lovingly my wife cherished this and had it for years and would get it and sit and ponder it till the tears rolled down her cheeks.

After just sitting there reading that note over and over and looking at the picture on the opposite side of the card it finally it me I was taking up a parking space and I needed to move on. And I did just that......I opened the box from Roxanne at Roxi Designs!

A while back she had something on her blog about voting for her in a challenge she entered. I am sure she did well, but my name was drawn from those that voted for her and this is what I got.......these beautiful pink drop earrings! Lucky Me!

While visiting Roxanne's Etsy shop I spotted this beautiful bracelet. Steve was working out of town and I thought it would be so nice if he bought it for me.....so I clicked on purchase and look what Steve bought me......A Chunky Pink and Grey Crackled Glass Beads and Pale Pink Freshwater Pearls with a Silver Flower Clasp Bracelet. It is gorgeous!!!!

Not only was Steve surprised with what he had bought, I too was surprised to find this pretty little box handmade by Roxanne included and look what I found inside.....A pair of Pink Crackled Glass Bead Earrings that match my bracelet! Thank you Roxanne!

After all that excitement one would think I was tired of doing the HAPPY DANCE and could just make a left turn and return home, but no I was heading to the beach.

20 minutes later I am walking in the sand and along the waters edge slowly letting the waves get closer and closer enjoying the salty taste, the dampness your skin feels and the wind blowing your hair.

As I start back toward the boardwalk that had led me down to this wonderful spot I often find myself walking backwards trying to soak in as much as I can not knowing when my next visit will be. Sometimes it is the next day and then there are times I actually have to wait for a whole week!

To complete the day I gathered a few seashells and half a sand dollar........

Until next time.....I am back to creating while remembering the wonderful day I had yesterday.

Debbie

Thanks Sara ~ Sadie Olive Design

2007-10-10T08:15:00.001-05:00

I would like to thank Sara at Sadie Olive Design for taking my personal images and my vision......then working her magic in creating my new banner as well as the background and buttons. Sara is wonderful to work with, very patient and super sweet to chat with. After several days of emailing back and forth, I decided to give Sara a call to thank her and she is so soft spoken and friendly, just as you would expect if you are a frequent visitor to her blog and online shop.

It is now my turn to work my magic.....I had Sara make me a template for my website using the banner and background. I have begun a complete redesign of the website starting with the home page. I am working almost around the clock as Sara can confirm. We were exchanging emails last night between 12 and 1 when I ran into a problem with my mailing list link. Thanks to her and Steve this morning during my 6am wake up call, he is out of town, he walked me through one of the steps Sara had sent my way. The new Debbie Overton Designs home page is now up and I will be working on bringing in the other pages as quickly as possible.

Until next time.....send me any extra time and energy you have so that I can finish this project up quickly and move on to the next one.

Debbie

Something to Smile About

2007-10-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

I awoke to find Roxi at Roxi Designs had passed along an award to me!!! What a surprise and an honor....It is because of friends like Roxi that I smile. For receiving this Smile Award I too am to choose 10 people that make me smile. This is not so easy as I have so many more than 10 blogger friends that make me smile. Here's 10 in no particular order......

Sara ~ Sadie Olive
Lori ~ Home Is Where The Art Is
Amber ~ Inventive Soul
Carol ~ Raised In Cotton
Kelly ~ Soul Humming
Suzan ~ Thrifty Collage Artist
Sue ~ Artful Adventures
Kristy ~ Kristy's Musings
Kelly Rae ~ Kelly Rae Roberts
Amy ~ Lone Star Art

If you not listed please know if you are visiting my blog then you make me SMILE!!!!

Until next time.....I hope you enjoy the new site design. I have Sara at Sadie Olive Design to thank. She took my images and my vision and did her thing. More to come on this later.

Debbie

My Beau

2007-09-21T15:02:00.000-05:00

Back in May some of you may remember my sharing some treasures I received from a new friend, Karen I met through our daughters. Among the treasures was a stack of letters.

Dr. John Campbell of South Carolina was practicing medicine in Jacksonville Florida and was corresponding with Miss Eula Long of Georgia. They married October 20th, 1915 in Jacksonville and lived in Georgia. They opened a drug store/soda fountain in Nahunta Georgia. The house they lived in is being lived in by one of Karen’s relatives. Dr. and Mrs. Campbell had two daughters, Dorothy and Christine, both deceased now. Dorothy has a son named Rocky who is about 55 and Christine never had children but was famous for very large cats that lived in the drug store. Christine’s husband, Gordon Wright was a retired teacher and gave this wonderful collection of letters, receipts, photographs and even the Campbell’s Marriage Certificate to Karen’s mother. After Karen came by one day and saw what I did she gathered the things and sent them to me. There are 18 or so letters all dated between June and October 1915.

A few of the letters......

Using a page from one of the letters and the envelope I created this collage around it. The letter was dated July 22, 1915 and tells how disappointed he was that the arrangements they had made to meet did not work out. Dr. Campbell went on to tell Miss Eula how much he cared for her and hoped they could arrange a meeting again soon as he could not stand the thought of not seeing her for any longer.

My Beau.....Here are a few excerpts from some of the letters. Oh how I wish I also had the letters Dr. Campbell received from Miss Eula. He would share his day with her and tell her about a case he was working on. He told her how much he cared and wanted to spend all his time with her. He talked about her writings and the things she had said, but he never really mentioned what she had said. This makes it even more romantic…..you can read between the lines. Reading through the letters their meetings and plans were a secret as you will see below and he refers to her Great Escape several times. Notice how he addresses her and how he signs some of them.

June 22
My Dear Dear Eula,
Striving for our future harbors thoughts of you as a companion brings to mind the thoughts of responsibility and the necessary essentials for your welfare and happiness. Tell Louise that I have not forgotten her and will be over sometime to see you both. Guess she still keeps what she knows of our secrets. Your Friend, John Campbell, MD

July 12
Dear Eula,
If it was possible that I had never loved you it would be impossible now after receiving such a considerate letter. I feel nearer to you than ever before and hope that we will be soon be living as one. I am sure that I really love you and that you would make the future happy. If you think you can get off we will meet and stay over the weekend. Forever, John Campbell

July 15
Eula,
I give you my word as a man and a friend that I will always remember your kind heartfelt statements. Forever, Campbell

August 2
My Dear Eula
I appreciate your affection and desires of being with me and it is almost unexplainable how your letters have appealed to your loved one. My intentions are now for us to become as one sometime in October. Am very sorry that I want be able to meet you this week. I certainly want to see you sometime in the real near future. It is very hard to think of but apparently there is always something to prevent our meeting, but dearest don’t let this worry you for I am the same old kid and love you just as well. Love, Campbell

August 16
Dear Dear Eula,
I feel now that it is almost impossible for me to live satisfied away from you and don’t expect to do so much longer. Forever Yours, John Campbell

August 23
Dearest One,
Am glad that you have decided to meet me on Saturday. I will leave for Savannah on Friday night and meet you in the morning. I am very anxious to see you. Yours, Campbell, MD

September 1
Dearest one,
Received your appreciated letter and am sorry that you are not feeling well, though expected you would be somewhat fatigued from the trip. My friends arrived yesterday and we spent a very pleasant day discussing some of our past also talked of the present and future intentions of our lives. I told them of our plans and was immediately congratulated. They both intend being with us on the day of that occasion providing I state to them the expected date. Want to keep our intentions as a secret if possible in order to prevent any interference with your Escape. Forever Yours, JA Campbell

September 10
Dear Eula
Am still feeling holding you close as I did when we were last together and expect nothing to come between us and for us to be married on the twentieth of October. I do not know whether or not we will remain in this town as I am corresponding with two friends in Texas and should they offer a guarantee that will hold good may take us there. Love Always, John Campbell

September 28
My Dear Eula
Intended writing you today and mail but was called out of town this morning at three thirty and have just arrived, therefore was unable to comply. Am eagerly looking forward to the near approaching day when your positive presence will be our future and perfect happiness. Am making every possible effort to be in readiness for our matrimonial service. Excuse short letter as I am tried and sleepy. Yours Forever, JA Campbell, MD

October 7
Dear Eula,
I have loved you since shortly after our acquaintance and intend keeping my promise. Will expect you on the twentieth unless death or a similar cause prevents. Now dearest I know that I am capable of supporting and protecting you. Don’t fail to make good your Escape. Yours Forever, Campbell

October 13
My Dear Eula,
Will meet on the morning of the 20th. Am working hard but feeling fine, and trust that you have been gaining in health and strength since last heard from. I want you to look to these people as you did to me on first appearance. Should you not hear from me anymore before the 20th govern yourself by this letter write to me and give details of your plan. Yours Forever, JA Campbell

Here's their Marriage Certificate dated October 20, 1915........
I now present to you Dr. and Mrs. J A Campbell....... I hope you have enjoyed the story of Dr. Campbell and Miss Eula as much as I have. I ask these questions to myself.....Why the Secret? Why an Escape? What was the Plan? There are more works of art coming soon revolved around these treasured letters.

Until next time.....keep all those old love letters and cards as some day they too may be treasures by someone just like me.

Debbie

Good Time

2007-09-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Steve's been out of town which means I work until the wee hours of the morning! I do this alot when he is home too, but almost always when he is gone. Good Time is a 5x7 done on Claybord with lots of acrylics, tons of gesso, snippets of original book page, ledger page and old letter from several other pieces I am working on, colored pencils, charcoal pencil and a first for me......hand drawn images! I doodle and draw all the time, I just don't share it. I am one of those that tells myself I can't draw.....well you may be looking at that flower thinking she's right, she can't draw....but you have to start somewhere and what one person calls okay is another's great.

Until next time........I have a piece that needs something and it is just not happening. Maybe I should have a V8!!!!!!!

Debbie

Lucky Me, Lucky Me

2007-09-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

I just received this charming black and white bracelet from one of my online friends, Amber at Inventive Soul. I just love all the charms and doodles and bling. I love the little jingle it makes when I move my hand. Amber thank you for such a wonderful gift.

Note on my art.....I have 13 pieces laid out working on them. I have paints, papers, mediums, inks, tools, and messes everywhere. Delivered a wholesale order Thursday of PhotoFrames and received an order while there. Been working on a few custom pieces, one is for Nascar's very own Jeff Gordan's new baby. Should have it completed within the next few days. Also have two pieces to complete and deliver to an Art Gallery by the 25th.

Until next time......I am off to enjoy the jingle of my new bracelet while we sit down to Red Beans and Rice for dinner.

Debbie

Stepping Outside the Box

2007-08-24T19:43:00.000-05:00

I found a new art shop several months ago and have been eyeing this box of 72 Faber-Castell Soft Pastels. Years ago I started with a small box of half length and would pick up a stick here and there. I finally could not resist this box of eye candy. I kept telling myself I would never use all those bright colors, but this particular day I was having a weak moment and added it to the other supplies I was placing on the counter. On the way home I kept thinking I had lost my mind, I don't use bright. Later that night all excited I shared some of the buys of the day and Steve and the kids go but why did you buy all those bright colors, you don't use them.

That's just it.....I don't use them, but who is to say I can't or won't. I am determined to try them out on a project I am working on. So far I have played it safe with using naples yellow, earth green, cinamon and nougat on this particular piece which are the same ones I have always used.

Why is it so hard to step outside the box? The fear of the unknown?? Rejection??? I have never backed down from anything and these little half length pastels in all their glory have me needing some Xanax!!!!! Can you say panic attack?

Until next time......Since I don't do Xanax I'm thinking a fudge bar might work.

Debbie

Every Moment

2007-08-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

Live Every Moment Like It's Your Last has always been one of my favorite sayings. That little phrase has been around for quite some time although sometimes with a slightly different wording here and there. While picking up a prescription in a local pharmacy/gift shop I came to a complete stop in front of a picture frame. I stood there admiring it while thinking of someone I had met over two and half years ago through the Internet. We hit if off immediately and corresponded with emails, cards, gifts and long phone calls.

Back to the gift shop.....

Sitting on the shelf next to that picture frame was a framed print of a poem about living every moment as if there were no tomorrow, if there are things unsaid then say them now as you may not have another tomorrow, and put the past behind you. As I stood there some wonderful memories came to mind and I picked up the picture frame headed home, wrote a little note, boxed it up and then was afraid to mail it. Almost a year ago we were as close as sisters even though we had never met in person. She gave me some of my most treasured art advice, helped me build a wonderful art group, and I have missed our friendship.

Steve saw the package a few days later and asked about it. After a long talk that night, I decided to mail the thinking of you gift expecting nothing in return.

Several days later I receive a little thank you note for the gift and when I pulled out the card, lo and behold, right there stamped on the front was Live every moment like it's your last. This little card is sitting on my desk next to my monitor so that I see it every time I get online.

I wonder if this is our way of trying to reach out to each other again after so long. She is one of my most frequent visitors to my blog/website even though I have not visited hers in so long. I tried to give her a call earlier today and while I was checking my blog stats tonight, saw she had visited within the hour, so I once again tried to reach her by phone.

Until next time.....I have opened the door and know in my heart I have done the right thing. My hope is that she will come in, but should she decide not to, I wish her all the best.

Debbie

A First for Me

2007-08-20T20:59:00.001-05:00

Today was a first for me. No children in high school. We got KC moved into her dorm this past Saturday, spent the night and then started that long 6 hr drive home Sunday without her. It took us maybe 20 minutes to actually unload our vehicle and it was packed. When we pulled up to her dorm we were met by 4 boys offering to help and Steve started handing them things. With arm loads they followed KC to her room and returned for more. Now it took us 7 hrs to get everything set up.....bed, laptop and printer connections, closet shelving, etc.......3 trips to Wally World......and then a visit to Pet Land. Her best friend, Syd of 17 yrs gave her a fish bowl with "Wish You Were Here" printed on it for graduation along with a note that had something to do with Pink Floyd and they both would get a fish once they were moved into their dorms. After getting the fish settled we headed to the dining hall for BBQ with the school president and then it was time for us to say our goodbyes. She will be calling me if she reads this and sees this pic. Steve shot it as we were pulling off.

We had not even gotten down the hill before Steve's phone rang.....she already had a question about her laptop. We've talked a few times and she seems to be having a ball. Loves her roommate and suite mates.

Here's another shot that was taken without someone knowing I did it.
Seth started his Sophomore classes today here closer to home. Sixteen hours was just a little too far for all of us. KC wants to think he came back home so I wouldn't miss her so much and I will admit it did make getting up this morning a little easier. He seemed to enjoy today. The classes are about half the size he was use to. So I'm not completely an empty nest, but almost.

I was waiting to post until Sara at Sadie Olive had received an order she recently placed with me for a couple of my CollageScape PhotoFrames and she beat me in posting. She received them, loaded some great pics on her blog and website while I was out of town. If you're not a fan of Sara's you will be once you visit.
Sara over at Sadie Olive posted the CollageScape PhotoFrames she is carrying in her online shop. Click on her logo above to visit. I just love her new logo that Hope Wallace at Paper Relics created. Sara has posted some great photos of the frames and given me such a nice shout out. I hope the frames do well for her. While you are there be sure to check out all the cool things Sara has to offer.

Have some new art news I will share with you soon. Just need to get a few of the details worked out first.

Until next time......Grab your favorite drink and give Sara a visit.

Debbie

Fun at the Beach

2007-08-16T15:58:00.001-05:00

Sharing a couple of pics of the kids at the beach from this past weekend. Can't remember if this one was taken at St. Simons or Jekyll Island all I know is it was 99 and felt like 121 according to The Weather Channel.com. They were watching the dolphins which I didn't catch in any of my shots.
This is my favorite.....it has been a long time since I got their footprints. All of these belong to Colby, Seth and Kaycee.....back and forth, back and forth to get drinks or snacks.

On another note.....we almost have Kaycee packed. We leave in the morning for Rome, GA. Move in day is Saturday. She is excited and a wee bit nervous too I think. Our phones have rung off the wall today with friends and family calling, plus many came by to see her one last time before she leaves. You would think she was leaving the country and not coming back anytime soon. Still need to make a run to Bed Bath & Beyond for a shower caddy. How could I have forgotten to add that to her legal pad list!!!

Until next time.....Keep me in your prayers as this is going to be a hard weekend....leaving her 7 hrs away. Be back Monday.

Debbie

Delta Delivered

2007-08-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

That's my baby on that big plan. It is still hard to believe he is old enough to fly by himself. He has reminded me several times today he is 24 and does a lot of things by himself now! Imagine that!!!! It's been a really long day and everyone is winding down or at least they appear to be. It is hard to tell when all 3 are sitting in the family room with their laptop in front of them. But I do know I have played out and heading to bed. We have lots of things to do and see over the next several days so I better get some sleep while I can.

Until next time.....I'm off to the beach tomorrow. See you in a few days.

Debbie

Good News to Share

2007-07-31T16:16:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to share with you the CollageScape PhotoFrames are now available at Viola's Market. If you have visited St. Simons Island, Georgia then you most likely have been to Viola's Market. It is a wonderful little shop in Redfern Village. A must see when visiting the island.

And here are a few of the PhotoFrames delivered to Donna and the girls. Hope you will visit their website to learn more about the "Sister Act" and when on the island drop in to visit. I'm sure you will find many things that you can't live without. Sorry about the glare...I forgot to remove the glass before snapping this shot on my way out the door to visit the island.

More good news......Our oldest son, Colby called yesterday to ask if I would pick him up at the Savannah Airport on the 8th.....he is coming to visit with us for 6 days before Seth and Kaycee head off to college. This is his first trip since our move and we are all excited. This will be the first time all three of our children will be sleeping under the same roof in over 2 years. I am nervous and excited! They have each grown into independent young adults with Colby living on his own for several years, Seth away this past year at college and Kaycee here at home all by herself. Now you know why I am nervous and excited!!

Until next time......working on more wholesale orders for Sara at Sadie Olive and Wendy at Cottonfield and Company. Sara yours should go out this week and I hope to see Wendy next week. Also those of you that have inquired about having custom PhotoFrames done, I will be updating my website soon with all the info. Thanks to those that have already purchased their PhotoFrames.

Debbie

BLT's

2007-07-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love a good homemade Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato sandwich? It takes a lot of bacon here at our home so after frying bacon for well over 45 minutes I am down to the last 3 pieces in the pan when the grease starts popping. As I reach over to get those pieces I get popped on the hand and I mean POPPED on the hand. I have blisters scattered all over the top of my right hand, 1st degree burns on the index and ring finger with severe 2nd degree on the middle finger. Nasty does not even cover how it looks. As for the pain that you have the first 24 hrs well it did improve following the codeine and only hurts now when I try to move or do something with my hand and the tingling that feels as though you have been shocked is still running up my arm but has gotten somewhat better. We had bacon this morning with breakfast but I did it in the oven and everyone was just as happy!

Steve was working on my computers when all this happened so he didn't quite finish up. After he helped take care of my hand he cleaned up the mess, found the fork I threw across the room when the grease hit me and then helped the kids put lunch on the table. Since I have not been up to doing much on the computer and he has been grilling for supper and having to cut up my meat I have not complained about the computer. Hopefully in a few more days I will be doing more and then we will see how the computer problems are going.

Until next time.....watch out for popping grease.
Debbie

Love on Display

2007-07-22T06:51:00.001-05:00

This collage was done several months ago and is now on display at the Okefenokee Heritage Center Membership Exhibition in Waycross GA. The background was created with layers of old letters from 1800 & 1900's on canvas, then embellished with an original photo, vintage buttons and ribbon.

Until next time....still working with two computers....but he is making a little progress....I guess we can call it baby steps!

Debbie

Update to the previous post

2007-07-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

Thought some of you might enjoy this quick update on the computer problems. Since all this started I have been taking photos of my artwork, new shop pics, the kids, July 4th at the beach, new blooms in our yard, etc....I ran out of memory on my camera after shooting over 300 images......SO this past weekend without saying a word while the MAN was trying to catch a few zzzz's I quietly slipped out to his truck and borrowed his camera. He didn't miss it until yesterday when he went to use it at work. Now it has been laying next to the keyboard of the new computer he has been working on since Saturday afternoon when I didn't have it in my hands! He calls to ask if by chance he had left it on his desk, he didn't remember doing it but thought maybe. I very calmly told him I had gotten it Saturday, had been using it and it was laying next to the computer he was working on. He went on to say he needed it for work. After I counted to 10, I told him I had tried to download my camera and didn't want to bother him Saturday.

Silence.....................................................I think he got some of my point.

After hanging up the phone I thought okay just go download both cameras and have his ready when he gets home since he did load the programs needed for both cameras. IT DID NOT WORK and I tried several different things. I will spare you the things I said and did at this point.

A few hours later he makes it home and sits down at the computer asking about my day. Wrong thing to do. Let me just say we had an understanding when I finished. It was one of those "come to Jesus" meetings. You listen while I talk. This is how it is, this is how it will be. This is MY job and I need my camera, my computer, my scanner, my wacom, etc in order to do what I love.

I really am a sweet person, but please don't push my buttons or you will see the other side of me and as Steve and the kids say, the wrath of Debbie is not pretty!

Off to finish the salad and get the bread ready for the oven to go with homemade lasagna I made just for the MAN of the house.

Debbie

MEN!!!!

2007-07-16T20:46:00.000-05:00

MEN!!!! Let me start by saying I opened this can of worms several weeks ago with my wonderful husband and I am now having second thoughts. You see we have been discussing my getting a new desk top computer for sometime, but something always seems to come up. Well a few weeks ago I started noticing little things but didn't think much of it that is until I was working 24/7 trying to catch up and all of a sudden the dreaded blue screen appears.

No problem...I'll just restart it....oh no....now I have this bright red screen with bright yellow lines. Finally I get it to reboot correctly. I continue working but notice it is taking forever for pages to load. After a few hours I give up and head to bed thinking a few hours sleep and all will be well. Next morning I start back at it around 6 AM. The day flies by and I am getting lots accomplished that is until around 11 PM and things are moving so slow I can't work. Thinking it is just me pushing it too hard I shut things off and head to bed. Next morning as I turn on my old trusted computer of several years it starts to make a noise any man would be proud of, then the blue screen, followed by more noise, until finally it just shut itself off. Now I have not mentioned this, but during all of this I continually called Steve with questions. After the third day and the 10th call of the day he ask, "Why don't we go ahead and get you a new computer or do you just want to use your laptop for now?" I have a wonderful laptop, but prefer to use the desktop PC when I'm home. I jump on the new computer and get told we will talk about it when he gets home.

The house is clean, supper on the table and I am ready to talk computers....you know lets go pick one out. OH NO, I want to customise this one just for you, your art, your business, you, you, you!!!!! Your thinking what a wonderful thing Steve wants to do for you and please don't get me wrong it is, it was and it still is.

For the past two weeks I have had TWO desktop computers. One that has all but died and one that is absolutely gorgeous, very clean, no cluttered folders or files. I was asked what programs I wanted and he promptly loaded them. Now I have a disc and the case for each program laying all over the table. Then he has to go back to work, out of town for a few days. He still needs to bring my documents over, load the print drivers, hook up my Wacom, run all the updates, etc. Back home I get some of these things done and for the time being he sets up our wireless network connection so I can print until he has time to finish everything. Did I mention my new monitor and keyboard has had a place at the breakfast table for two weeks?

Sunday night everything is loaded, all we need to do is unplug the old and move the new over but decide to wait until tonight due to a call he gets during supper which leads to him having to go in due to a MAN not doing his job. 1:00 AM and I have called it a night, just as I drift off to sleep Bon Jovi starts singing Make a Memory! It's just the ringer on my cell phone, but the thought of him singing me to sleep was rather nice. The MAN is on his way home.

New day, another night and it is 10:15 PM and we have not seen the MAN that started this project so looks like only 3 of us will be eating breakfast again in the morning.

MEN....I guess they mean well, but why does it take them SO LONG to finish something.

I did this collage several months ago for an art show and thought it was perfect for what I have been going through the past few weeks.

One more thing....I didn't realise just how bad my monitor had gotten until we turned the new one on and I took a look at my websites. The colors are DREADFUL!!! I thought some of you were my friends....why have you not told me just how awful they look. If they don't look dreadful to you, you might want to think about getting a new monitor!!

Until next time....I will be adjusting images and giving my websites a much needed makeover.

Debbie

1902 Ledger and More

2007-06-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know I am back from our wonderful trip back home. I hit the floor running Monday and it has not slowed as of yet....Art has be delivered, working on several wholesale orders to go out next week, had request for custom work waiting on my return, have to deliver a few pieces to OHC for a members exhibition that starts July 3rd....nothing like waiting until the last couple days. Working on my website making a home for the CollageScape PhotoFrames to have a place to direct you to some wonderful shops that are carrying them. They are being spoken for even before they are complete, so not sure if I will actually have them available for sale on my site yet. MMCA had over 10 apps for consideration upon my return that I have processed this week and now I need to update the website. I know I have said this before, but no doubt this group of girls we have now are the best....great talent, willing to share and give a hand when asked and just enough chatter to keep things moving even during our busy summer schedules.

I don't remember sharing with you the Birthday present I bought myself. I spotted this old ledger on ebay and was determined I would win it and I did. It's a general store ledger from 1902 that was located in Alba, Texas. 16 inches tall, 11 inches wide and 2 inches thick with 400 pages completely filled except for the backside of the very last page. All the pages are in excellent condition. The ledger starts with the date of March 14, 1902 and ends on July 24, 1902. There were even checks written to the store included. There is literally thousands of entries in this book, name after name and their purchases. How about a pair of slippers 1.75, straw hat .50, 1 shirt 1.00, 1 dz eggs .20, 1 lb of candy .05, medicine 1.05, 1 lb butter .15, 5 yds calico .25 and thread .05.....can you believe those prices!

Until next time.....I need to get back to tearing out some of those ledger pages and working on orders. Thanks for visiting!

Debbie

Want to Trade

2007-06-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

I have an extra copy of the recent release of Somerset Studio Gallery Summer 2007, still in the shipping envelope. I would be happy to trade it for authentic vintage papers circa 1800 and early 1900's such as letters, envelopes, ledger pages and or other papers.

As there may be more than one that would like to trade, I will draw a name from all replies to this post. Your reply must state that you would like to trade and when you will ship your package. On Wednesday, June 13th, around 9 AM Eastern Time I will draw a name and contact you for a mailing address. Once I have the address I will add it to the envelope and make a run to the Post Office.

Here's a peek at a few of the CollageScape PhotoFrames I mentioned in the last post I have been working on. I have them everywhere in different stages of the process. This small stack is waiting on embellishments. Until next time.....Back to work, would like to get this order out tomorrow.

Debbie

Spring Break AGAIN!!!

2007-05-21T14:39:00.000-05:00

One of KC's Senior photos and why I am on Spring Break again! We made it through graduation last Friday and are now pulling all the final details together for the big 18th Birthday and Graduation Party planned for this coming Friday night. I believe the head count was somewhere around 38 - 40 last night and we all know RSVP does not always get you a Yes, I'll be there....they just show up. We did limit the list to 60....this was suppose to be her best friends....Steve is glad we didn't say just invite all of your friends! The cake is ordered, extra chairs and tables are reserved, the grocery list for grilled burgers with all the works is made, and a list of all the other things we will need is ready. Today we must, yes must go shopping! All party girls must have something new to wear....you can't pick something from the closet even though it has never been worn and most likely still has tags on it!

Can you picture 40-50 teenagers, tons of food, birthday cake, lots of laughs, everyone talking at the same time and lots of dancing to a live band. Yes, we are having a band and we just got new neighbors. This will be their first weekend here....what a welcome to the neighborhood!!!

I have three shops here in Southeast Georgia looking for artwork this week and the first of next, so I have been creating every spare moment I have. Collagescape PhotoFrames will be delievered to Viola's Market on St. Simons Island, Cottonfield & Co in Historic Downtown Brunswick and Sunny Brooks Farm Coffee Shop right here in Waynesville.

As I mentioned on my website sometime back, the very first Collagescape PhotoFrame was created and given to my mom for Mother's Day in 1984 from her first grandchild, our son Colby.

LAUGH ~ is one of my favorites and will be going to a special friend. It was created using original letters and an envelope from the late 1800's.

A few of you that have been with me for many years may remember seeing a few of these Collagescape PhotoFrames in the Gallery on my website a few years ago. I removed them back in 2005 after I decided to once again create and sell them. They were only there for a few months, but long enough that others saw them and have since done their versions. We all know posting anything on the web is an open book and everyday we see originals, reproductions, remakes, and wannabes. That is the risk we have all taken.

Each Collagescape PhotoFrame is created on a chunky 2" wood block approximately 8x10" with many layers of original ephemera. Vintage dimentional elements are added to some, while some let the handwritting of the papers tell the story. All sides get the same treatment as the front and even the backs are covered with an antique book page! Each original one of a kind Collagescape is distressed and aged to give character and a feeling of long ago before it is sealed with several layers of protection. Just replace the cute little vintage photo with your favorite 4x6" photo for your own Collagescape story.

All Collagescape PhotoFrames will be listed on my website as soon as those going to new homes are all delivered.

Share a shop with us you feel would be a perfect home for our Collagescape PhotoFrames and if they meet all of our wholesale requirements AND place an order with us you will be eligible to have your name entered into a monthly drawing where one lucky name will be drawn to receive a Collagescape PhotoFrame. All you have to do is send me an email to include the Business Name, Storefront Address, Contact Name and Phone Number. Don't forget to give me your name and address so I can properly thank you.

Until next time.....we're planning a PARTY!!!!

Debbie

Graduation Week

2007-05-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

Quick update. . . .This is Graduation week and it is full of Senior activities for KC as well as the parents. Between running here and there and making sure everything is ironed I continue to work in spurts on some artwork. I had hoped to have some uploaded to my website or atleast something posted here by now, but have met myself coming and going. I will send out an update to my mailing list once everything is posted.

Until next time.....off to bake cookies for the Tennis Team Party this afternoon.

Debbie

This and That

2007-05-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone that visited during the party, left a comment, sent an email, called me and mailed surprises. I had a blast sharing my day with all of you. Already thinking about what we can do for the big 50 next year!

All the Party Favors have been mailed, that is all but 3 and I do not have a mailing address. Sorry girls but there are lots of Sue's, Lori's and Lizzie's out there and I have tried to narrow it down. If you joined the party and you are one of the names mentioned I would love to send you a Party Favor....please email me your mailing address.

My family honored me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers filled with my favorites, French White Roses and Yellow Daisies. Kaycee gave me the vintage sand pail I had found at Antiques Etc in Brunswick and the boys had Steve get the stacking suitcases from Jekyll Books at The Old Infirmary on Jekyll Island. Steve and I had dinner at Ruby Tuesday....absolutely wonderful as usual. On Saturday while Steve worked on some programming for work, Kaycee and I hit several antique shops, the mall and spent several hours at the beach. We ended the weekend with Kaycee's Baccalaureate on Sunday.

I have been working on several pieces since early morning and finally found a stopping place, so I scrubbed my hands of glues and sealers, came here to do a little catching up. If everything continues to go smooth I hope to share a few new pieces with you in the coming days.

Until next time.....Again thanks for all of the Birthday wishes.

Debbie

Tag Your It

2007-05-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by one of my new found friends Sara of Sadie Olive. I am to list 7 random facts or habits about myself and then tag 7 of you to do the same.

1. The design on a dinner plate must always face me. No eating off an upside down bird or pear for me!

2. Every morning first things, I turn on all the lamps and open all the blinds in our home.

3. I try to keep fresh cut daisies in my Cobolt Fiesta vase unless Steve has surprise me with flowers.

4. I love Nascar. Do not call or drop by during a race!

5. I took tap lessons at the age of 23, tapped my way into our first child. Three kids later I was doing the Two Step with a lot of foot tapping that lead to stomping!!!!!

6. I bake homemade cookies every couple weeks and mail to my boys in Arkansas and Louisiana!

7. I sweep or dustmop our hardwood floors 2 or 3 times a day. I can't stand sandy floors!

Now it's my turn to tag.

Kristy at Kristy's Musings

Kelly at Soul Humming

Lara at Spirited Soul

Sue at Earthtone Studios

Kari at InkyTinker's Splats

Edina at Edina Tien

Kris at Blissful Elements

I am so far behind in reading blogs, I hope some of you have not already been tagged by our mutual friends.

Debbie

Envelope Please

2007-05-05T08:23:00.000-05:00

Inside was this beautiful handcrafted card from Tine. There are so many textures and layers and the warm rich colors and daisies. I love daisies!! It is gorgeous! Thank you Tine!

And thanks to all of you that dropped in for the Birthday Party. Those that left a comment have been emailed requesting your mailing address as your Party Favors are ready to address and be dropped off at the Post Office.

I will share my day with you in another post, as Kaycee and I are headed to a few antique shops and Jeykll Island for the afternoon while Steve works on some programming for work in the peace and quite of our home.

Until next time.....Off to do more birthday celebrating.

Debbie

SMOKE & MORE SMOKE

2007-05-03T11:24:00.000-05:00

I took this photo a little earlier today standing just outside my garage. There is one lot between the Park and our home. This smoke is coming from the wildfires that are about 20-25 miles NW of us. It has been like this on and off going on two weeks with the past few days actually the worse. I went out early morning to water my flowers and came back in smelling like smoke after maybe 5 minutes. Not sure if all the flowers got a drink as I was hurrying, but will try again this afternoon. I keep thinking something is burning and it is smoke I smell in the house. I can't imagine what those that live right in the middle of all this are going through. For the past week, I have had a sore throat, itchy watery eyes and so stopped up that I have been on Benadryl for days. They are calling for a slight chance of scattered showers Friday afternoon and through the weekend. We don't need showers, we need RAIN, RAIN and more RAIN. If you pray please send one up for us here in Southeast Georgia. If you prefer to dance, get those feet moving! And by all means do both if it makes you happy!!

Until next time.....trying to get the nerve up to run a few must do errands!

Debbie

It's a PARTY!!!

2007-05-02T07:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I ran to the Post Office to ship out several recent orders and found an envelope in our box addressed to me from my friend Tine in Germany! I couldn't wait to open it..........

BUT when I turned it over to slip my letter opener in look what I found in BIG BOLD LETTERS! So I am now sitting here looking at this envelope, picking it up, turning it over, sitting it back on my desk, picking it up again, holding it in my hands and looking at that BIG BOLD "DO NOT OPEN BEFORE MAY-O4".

Friday I will celebrate my 49th Birthday and I am having a little party starting today. Everyone that attends will receive a party favor. You can even pick out your favor (a small envelope of snippets from my antique/vintage books, papers, etc. or a package of 2 Debbie Overton Designs notecards/envelopes).

To attend and receive your party favor, leave a comment on this post and let me know if you want snippets or notecards. Those attending will receive an email requesting your mailing address so I can send you your party favor.

Remember if you post anonymous I may not have a way of contacting you. Please leave me a clue as to which Debbie, Sara, Jane or John you are or you could leave your email address. (someone at someplace.com)

Until next time......I am working on a special project and gathering the party favors! Hope you can attend!

Debbie

Senior Fun

2007-05-01T11:14:00.000-05:00

We are enjoying all of the activities that come along with being a Senior so I have had very little time to create. My time will come again, but for now I am enjoying KC's last days of high school.

It was "Hoop and Hollar" at the high school this morning. Cap and Gowns were delivered and at 8:00 the soon to be grads marched through the hallowed halls of BCHS letting the entire school know that the big bad class of 2007 is about to GRADUATE! Do you know how loud 150+ kids can be hooping and hollaring? LOUD!!!! I was there along with a dozen or so other moms clicking their camera as they went from one hall to the other.

KC (middle) with a few of her friends.

This past Friday was "Disney Grad Nite 2007" an all-night party at Walt Disney World for seniors only. From 8 pm to 4 am they had Unlimited access to the Magic Kingdom® attractions including Space Mountain®, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain®, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and more! Live music! The Fray, Cassie, Cartel, and Cheskob. Dance Parties everywhere.

KC and friends after dancing at the All-Suds Foam Dance Zone.

KC - Always ready for the camera and having fun!!!

KC & Zach - Senior Prom.

I did spend some time at the local hardware store this past weekend purchasing several things for a project I am working on as time permits and have been playing with some wonderful old letters, photos and buttons that were recently given to me. One of KC's friends mom came by a few weeks ago and we had a wonderful visit. A few days later KC came home with a package that Janna's mom had sent me.....wonderful old buttons to add to my collection. And then on Prom night we had several of the girls and their dates meet here before heading off to Prom and in comes Janna with not one but two bags of things her mom had sent me.

Some of the buttons came from Karen's mother and her grandmother plus some she had picked up at an antique shop. The photos are all really old from tiny to 11 x 14. There was a huge stack of papers, but the stack of letters you can see in the center of photo was the best. This stack of letters was the correspondence between a Dr. Campbell in South Carolina and Miss Eula of Georgia. They were married October 20, 1915 and opened a drug store/soda fountain in Nahunta just up the highway from me. These letters were found in the house they lived in which Karen's relatives live in now. They gave the collection of letters and photos to Karen's mother. I can't wait for Karen to see what I am working on using some of the treasures she has shared with me.

Until next time.....off to another senior activity, then it's back to work on my project. Please remember us here in Southeast Georgia. The wildfires continue to cause more damage. The smoke has been rather heavy here again today and this morning we actually had ashes on the vehicle.

Debbie

Shorter Bound

2007-04-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

It's official. . . .We are headed to Rome! Rome Georgia that is. KC, Steve and I spent this past weekend on the campus of Shorter College and getting acquainted with the city of Rome. The drive from Southeast to Northwest Georgia is beautiful. Taking I-75 right through the middle of Atlanta can be a little stressing, but the view is wonderful. As you leave Atlanta and start through the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains one can only imagine the foliage during the fall. As you travel through Rome you see history everywhere and right in the middle of town is a beautiful old brick fence surrounded with gorgeous flowers and a water fountain leading you to the campus. After 7 hours of driving we go through the security gates and travel up a little winding road to the hilltop campus founded in 1873 featuring Greek Revival buildings in a beautiful, wooded setting. Shorter is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Originally an all girl school until the early 1950's when it became co-ed.

As some of you know, KC was accepted to 3 colleges with Shorter being her first choice. After many hours of research, visiting, talking and prayers she has decided to start her Mathematics Education career this coming fall at Shorter. Not only was she accepted to Shorter, she was offered an academic scholarship. She hopes to teach trig or calculus to high school in the future.

We have so many things to do over the next few weeks before graduation, but searching for additional scholarships is a priority for her and us. Did you know there are scholarships for people that can answer a quiz about Harry Potter? We have laughed at some of the ones we have found, but we are not going to turn down any that we have a chance at.

If you know of a scholarship that she can apply for, send it our way. If she is awarded the scholarship you will be given a Debbie Overton Designs original piece of artwork for helping us with her college expenses.

Until next time.....I have two college bound children this fall....I need to get busy creating and sell some art!

Debbie

Dancing to 18

2007-04-10T09:07:00.000-05:00

Today is another milestone at our home. KC has danced her way from 3 to 18 and is still dancing her way into college in a few months with those bright blue eyes and sweet smile. From dance lessons, competitions or school dance teams she has excelled and learned many life lessons she will carry with her along the next journey.

Happy 18th Birthday KC!!!

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

This sweet image is my very first vintage postcard I bought 25+ years ago and is still one of my favorite holiday cards.

Until next time.....From my family to yours.....We wish you a wonderful Easter weekend.

Debbie

Fun Favorites for March 23rd

2007-03-24T09:01:00.001-05:00

A few of my fun favorites found yesterday! However I got sidetracked and didn't get them posted until today.

Until next time.....hope you enjoy your weekend, I plan to.

Debbie

Road Trip

2007-03-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

One of my recent collage pieces "Road Trip" got me to thinking of all the places my blog visitors come from. I love receiving my blog stats every morning and seeing all the places some of you have traveled from. In just the past week the United States has been represent well.

Dayton Ohio, Atlanta Georgia, Farmington Michigan, Hickory North Carolina, Reeves Louisiana, Little Rock Arkansas, Tucson, Arizona, Assaria Kansas, Brandon Florida, LaFayette Georgia, Maitland Florida, Oak Brook Illinois, Los Angeles California, Louisville Kentucky, Langley Washington, Sheridan Wyoming, Nahunta Georgia, Boise Idaho, Waycross Georgia, St Louis Missouri,Etna California, Greer South Carolina, Denver Colorado, Virgina Beach Virginia, Eugene Oregon, Del Rey California. Owensboro Kentucky, Snyder Texas, Athens Georgia and on and on. Plus Australia, Thailand, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, China, Portugal and more have all been by to visit.

Yes, these are IP locations along with some actual city and towns. Can you imagine taking a road trip and hitting all these places along the way. We could travel the Atlantic Coast between New York and the tip of Florida, the Pacific Coast between Olympic National Park and San Diego California, or how about Route 66 between Los Angeles and Chicago. Personally I would love to travel old US 80 between San Diego California and Savannah Georgia. These are just a few of the wonderful routes one could take. Do you have one that you love to travel?

I can only imagine all of the antique shops, flea markets and tag sales along the way. All I need is a list of great places to stop, a handful of cash, a credit card or maybe two, a tankful of gas and a nice breezy day.

Until next time.....Enjoy your day!

Debbie

Favorite Fun Finds

2007-03-16T11:26:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked where does your inspiration come from. I have many things that inspire me and here are a few inspirational photos found on flickr.

Until next time....Hope these bring a little happiness and inspiration to you.

Debbie

Weekend at the Beach

2007-03-15T16:12:00.000-05:00

These are just a few of my favorites taken last weekend at Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island and Historic Brunswick. My favorite is KC doing cartwheels....oh to have that much energy.

Until next time....Enjoy the little moments that come your way.

Debbie

It Comes Natural

2007-03-13T07:33:00.000-05:00

I have been saving this postcard postmarked 1918 for a special project. Today is not a project, but it is special. Steve and I celebrate our 8th anniversary today. I had been divorced for several years and was not looking for anyone, plus I had a rather long list that he had to meet to even be considered datable!!

I was looking for someone involved in church, that would accept my 3 children as their own, they couldn't have children from a previous marriage, had to have been divorced atleast 15 - 20 years (I didn't want to deal with an ex or their children), he had to have a long standing supporting job, no alcohol or drugs present or past and the list went on and on. Everyone said, you will never find anyone that meets ALL of that list. My response was always, then I'm not interested in them.

A mutual friend introduced us via the Internet one night while IMing and we talked for 3 hrs. I still had my guard up, but felt Ricky would not lead me down the wrong path. After many nights of IMing we decided to meet. We dated for several months before the kids met him as I didn't want them to get attached. The night they all met it was as if Steve had been around all their life. We started going to baseball games, school activities, church and etc, which was a rather long drive for him. He was living almost 2 hrs away but drove down for everything he possibly could. Christmas Eve 1998 brought snow, freezing rain and Steve to our door. Roads were closed in places....he drove for over 5 hrs to get to us. We all spent Christmas and the next 3 days together with no electricity. That was a real test and we all passed!!!!

He surprised me with a ring a few weeks later and plans began to be married March 13th. We started our honeymoon off in north Arkansas once again snowed in with no electricity! He moved his things into our home as he did not want to uproot the kids from the only home, school and friends they had ever know. Major adjustments had to come....it was our home and now we had to make it OUR home.

Any man that can come into a ready made family with 3 children ages 9, 10 and 14, AND is still around 8 years later deserves a metal. We all know the preteen and teenage years can be trying on an easy day. He told his mother when she asked him if he knew what he was getting into that no he didn't, but did she when she and his dad had the 3 of them!!! He now has 3 children that respect him and ask him for advice daily. There are times they would rather disappoint me than him.

Not only did he have 3 children, he had a wife that was self supporting, very opinionated, did not like to ask for help and could do most anything she set her mind to do. I didn't want to ask for anything and he wanted me to! I loved working outside the home, but an opportunity came 6 months after we were married that gave me the chance to work from home with my art on a full time basis and Steve encouraged it. He has been there through all the ups and down of trying to get an art career off the ground. He has pushed me when I didn't want to be pushed. He has held on lightly when I was heading in a direction he saw trouble. He has listened, he has questioned, he has given advice when asked and when I didn't want it. No matter what he has supported me.

This past weekend was my time to do whatever I wanted and we spent Saturday hitting antique shops, flea markets, yard sales and visiting the beach. We again went to the beach Sunday for the afternoon. He does not mind the shopping, he just does not like it when I am walking along and all of a sudden I come to a complete stop right in front of him because I spotted something!!!

We have no big plans for the day or night....he's at work, I'm home doing my thing and this afternoon we will follow the tennis team to Savannah. Our plan is to visit the beach again this weekend Saturday and/or Sunday for a sunrise or sunset and who knows maybe both.

Thank you Steve for 8 absolutely wonderful years.

Until next time.....I am working through the 300+ photos we took this past weekend and will share with you soon.

Debbie

A Warm Hello

2007-03-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

On our way home from another wonderful day on the beach (I'll share all of that later) we stopped by the Post Office. Tucked between a few bills, MEHC and our Netflix was an envelope with my name printed oh so very nicely with pretty little flowers stamped about. Inside I found this gorgeous handmade note card from my friend Teresa with the nicest handwritten note on black linen embellished with cream and black satin ribbon and a perfect blossom made from the linen cardstock and telephone directory pages.

Thank you Teresa for your thoughts and good wishes.

On another note....we had a great weekend of sun, sand and surf. It was wonderful stepping (mid-calf is as far as I could go) into the Atlantic Ocean even though it was rather chilly. Surely out of 300+ photos I can find a few to share. KC was trigger happy!!

Until next time.....I am back to taking care of paperwork and website/blog updates that are behind.

Debbie

Tattered, Torn & Yellowed

2007-03-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Imagine you are sitting at the tennis courts watching your daughter and her team mates play and someone comes by and says "I have something for you, some old books. I mean really, really old. Let me get them for you." He comes back with this trash bag which holds a really old and worn manila envelope. As he pulls the findings out your eyes widen and dance with delight as he is once again telling you these are really old, torn, yellowed, falling apart, etc. I could not believe it....

There were three "The Literary Digest" dated

October 15, 1910

September 26, 1914

September 11, 1915

Plus a wonderful Remington Centennial Historical Souvenir Book - One Hundred Years of Progress 1860 - 1960 filled with photos and writings.

The Indianapolis News dated May 13, 1932 filled forty-eight pages of photos, ads and writings all for Three Cents.

Last, but certainly not least was another newspaper Celebrating Our Hoosier Heritage dated September 25, 1988 with 50-years of photos, articles, ads and more. On the front page of the Business and Industry section was a photo of the children of the founder of the paper from the late 1800's.

Those of you that know me know the older, the more worn, tattered and yellowed the more I love it.

We have gotten to know Coach Waymire over the past 8 months while KC was taking tennis lessons. He has been a wonderful adult influence to our daughter not only teaching tennis, but life lessons along the way. He is the kind of teacher every child would love to have. Over time he learned of my art, visited my website and most recently my exhibit. It was my respectful simplicity with an occasional humor thrown in that he found of interest. He said the books and papers had been sitting on a bookshelf and he knew I would make good use of them.

Once again I have been blessed with such rich treasures that I will use and cherish.

On another note....look for my "Friday Fun Finds" starting next week. These will be things that inspire and brighten my day.

I am getting ready for Peaches to the Beaches this weekend, a 212-mile yard sale that links peach-growing counties in middle Georgia to the beaches of Georgia's Golden Isles with community sites in 20 cities and towns and individual sales along the way. The sale runs along US Highway 341, the Golden Isles Parkway in Georgia.

Until next time.....My walking shoes, comfortable clothes, stash of cash and my great tote I bought from Debra are ready to go.

Debbie

Can you Imagine?

2007-02-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

Can you imagaine having 5, 6, 7, 8 or more children? I can't....three is more than I can handle at times and they are practially grown at 23, 19 and 18 in 42 days (she is counting). Why do they think 18 is a magic number....that they will be grown, an adult, know everything, can do anything. Atleast the boys turned 18, the day came and went and they didn't notice this huge change.

This is one of the collages on display at the exhibit and it has been a big hit with moms. It read "Please I do not want another child. We could buy a dog."

Do I really want a dog? No, been there, done that! Not that they aren't wonderful companions, I just do not want the responsiblities that come with them. In ways the dog we had for 17 years was easier to take care of than the kids. I put its food and water in bowls on the floor and she didn't make a mess with it. I opened the door and she went outside to take care of her business, no missing the toilet because you were playing with the car you took with you that before you left you dropped in the toilet and while trying to retrieve it splashed water everywhere. I could leave her at home alone to run to the grocery store and when we said it's time for bed, Nissan was the first to take off. I bet you have some stories you could share too.

Now days I get an email, text message or a note stuck to my bathroom mirror to let me know......there is an extra tennis practice after school, need money for this or that, I'm out of cookies, tuition is due tomorrow, etc.

I do miss those days when they were little tots running around but I try to cherish each moment with them. I don't see the boys but every few months since the move, but we talk on the phone every few days. Kaycee and I spend lots of girl time together....watching movies, eating cookie dough, shopping, visiting the beach, and a girls day for hair and nails.

Can you imagine having 5, 6, 7, 8 or more and doing all we do for our children now days?

Until next time.....Enjoy your children, no matter how many you have.

Debbie

Updating Links

2007-02-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

I am finally getting around to adding back some of my favorite links. If you would like to add me to your blog links, I will be happy to add you to mine. Let me know when you have me added and I will do the same.

Until next time.....Back to the html!!!!

Debbie

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

I hope each of you are having a wonderful Valentine's Day with someone special. This little fellow has been a favorite of my vintage postcard collection for many years.

Until next time.....Happy Valentine's Day to my family and friends!!

Debbie

Up and Away

2007-02-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

The Okefenokee Heritage Center artists reception went well last night. It was said to be the biggest turn out they have ever had. I met some of the most wonderful people, heard and overheard lots of compliments and answered many questions. Several were interested in having custom pieces done using their own family memorabilia and I am so happy to share "Up and Away" one of my favorite pieces sold last night during the reception.

Below are a few of the many photos my daughter took of my artwork on display at the Okefenokee Heritage Center.

I hope to have all the pieces uploaded to my website over the weekend if you would like to see more of them.

Thank you for the emails and phone calls from friends and family Wednesday night and Thursday wishing me a great night.

Until next time.....I'm working on website updates.

Debbie

Artist Of The Month

2007-02-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

I have been creating day and night for weeks upon weeks for this day. Today is the start of the February Artists Of The Month at the Okefenokee Heritage Center, an art center and history museum serving eight counties in Southeast Georgia. I was selected as one of two artists to exhibit February 1 - 28, in Waycross Georgia. The OHC quarterly newsletter, four Press Releases and 400+ invitations to attend the "Meet the Artists" Reception Thursday the 8th, have all gone out.....Now I just need to find something to wear!!!

Here's a little snippet of several of the collages that are on exhibit. I will be posting all exhibit art on my website in the next few weeks.

ABC XYZ

Practice Makes Perfect
Fruits and Blossoms

If you are in the Waycross area please join me Thursday, February 8th, 5:30 - 7 PM and introduce yourself.

Until next time......I'll be trying to play catch up, update my website and process recent orders.

Debbie

Patchwork Bag

2007-01-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

I just had to share with you my Patchwork Bag that my friend Debra Cooper of Little Black kitty made for me. I love it....it is so big and roomy....and the shoulder strap is wide and will stay on your shoulder even when you have it filled to overflowing!! I had asked Debra to make me one of her Patchwork Bags and she surprised me and had it ready before Christmas.

What a great gift to give yourself!! It arrived the day before we were to leave for Arkansas and I wanted to take a peek even though she had sent me this photo (hope you don't mind my using the great photo you took Debra). I had told her I was going to wrap it and open Christmas morning. Well I didn't get to peek....she had wrapped it absolutely beautiful in gold tissue and ribbons. It was worth the wait to open. Don't you agree?

I told her to surprise me using pinks and browns, my favorite colors. The patchwork of fabrics is gorgeous and it has a page from the nursery rhyme, I Had a Little Husband.

I had a little husband, no bigger than my thumb;

I put him in a pint-pot, and there I bid him drum.

I gave him some garters, to garter up his hose,

And a little pocket handkerchief to wipe his pretty nose.

Debra, thank you so much for my bag....I use it everyday and love it.

Until next time.....if you are looking for a Great Bag, you really should visit Debra and tell her I sent you.

Debbie

Wooden Shoes

2007-01-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Don't these just make you want to do a Happy Dance?

I spotted these precious little children's wooden shoes, also known as clogs in an Antique shop my first week in Georgia. Each time I would visit the shop I would look to see if they were still there. Yes, they were, usually moved to a different spot. I don't know why I didn't just purchase them. Probably because when I mentioned them to anyone they would just laugh and say what would anyone want with them.

When my parents were here during the Thanksgiving holiday Mom and I went out shopping. When we arrived at Mary's Antiques all I could think about were those wooden shoes. As we browsed and talked I kept my eyes open. There they were sitting on an antique table at the back of the shop. I showed them to Mom. Honestly deep down I was hoping she would get them for me, but all she said was, tell Steve and the kids to get them for you for Christmas!! All I could think about was them laughing once again when I mentioned them.

A few weeks later while Steve and I were waiting on a prescription to be filled I said, lets run over to Mary's, maybe I will see something you and the kids can get me for Christmas. Reluctantly and I might add VERY reluctant he said okay. As we walked around he would ask, Do you see anything you would like? The answer was no each time. I knew what I was looking for and when I found them he would too.

After walking the store at least 3 times I finally asked about the wooden shoes and was told someone had bought them. I left mad at myself for all the times I had been in and left without them and even madder at the person that had bought them. For the next week every chance I got I would say something along the lines of, who would want those shoes, why would anybody actually buy wooden shoes, I can't believe someone actually bought those shoes, etc.

So you are ready along and thinking did she get the shoes, where are the shoes and possibly why would she even want those wooden shoes!! Am I right?

Four weeks later we loaded our vehicle and drove 15 - 16 hours to spend Christmas in Arkansas. A part of me was hoping my Mom mentioned the shoes to Steve and he had gotten them.

Christmas morning Steve, kids and I had our family Christmas. All the presents had been opened and still no shoes. My last hope had just passed.

Fast forward to Christmas afternoon. Lunch is over and all the grandkids are ready to open presents. Not even thinking about the wooden shoes anymore I started opening my presents from my sister and her family and my Mom and Dad. I was thrilled with a new watch, tons of clothes and various other gifts. THEN I opened this package that had been beautifully wrapped from Santa and to my surprise were the little wooden shoes I had shown my Mom.

Later I found out the day I showed them to her she asked Steve and Seth to go get them and hide them in their car. I know the reason Steve was so reluctant to go to Mary's - he was afraid the owner would recognise him as they had talked quiet abit when he and Seth were there.

I was as proud of my Wooden Shoes as I was the year my Daddy had Santa bring me my Red Cowboy Boots!

And Yes everyone laughed at my shoes again!!

Since coming home I have been doing a little research - Wooden shoes or clogs are called Klompen in Dutch are donned for dancing, street scrubbing and a children's race at the Holland Festival. The roomy wooden shoes were originally worn by the Dutch to work in the fields where they protected them from the cold and the moisture.

My little treasure most likely was once worn by a small child in Holland. They are solid wood with a pointed toe, hand carvings and have a Dutch boy and girl painted on them. Can't you just see a sweet dimpled smile running around in them?

I would love to learn more of the history of wooden shoes. If any of you can enlighten me I would love to hear from you.

Until next time.....I'm off to dust my little wooden shoes.

Debbie

Treasure Trove

2007-01-06T12:54:00.000-05:00

Upon returning home from the Christmas holidays I found a most delightful email that had been delivered to my inbox on Christmas Eve. Inside there was a lovely note from Ellen who had been visiting my website/blog and was also from Georgia.

After sharing a little about herself, her family and that she has learned that it is all too true...life is too short not to enjoy what you are doing!

She asked if I would be willing to offer any advice or counsel to someone just starting out. Those of you that know me know that I am more than happy to share with anyone without anything in return. I was honored that she thought enough of my art to ask and was excited to reply.

She went on to share with me that while living in England with her husband almost 20 years ago they purchased an Antique Lap/Writing Desk. Years later they found the desk had a hidden drawer inside with lots of old pictures, letters, journals, etc all dated before 1900. As I read the email, I had to re-read one line over and over...." Maybe you would like to have this to use? Maybe we could help one another."

I was so excited that when I replied to her email I didn't even tell her I would love the treasures. But in her reply back she once again gave me a chance....she would really like to send me the old mementos as she would never use them. Of course I said yes.

Today I received a package in the mail from Ellen. OMG!!! There were letters, notes, photos, 5 little journals and more all dating before 1900. Here is a photo of just some of the things.

As I told Ellen, I look forward to sharing some of it in upcoming artwork and others will be an inspiration and reminder of what I hope to be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

Until next time. . . . Remember Life is too short not to enjoy it.

Debbie

Server Down

2007-01-02T10:10:00.000-05:00

If you have been trying to visit Debbie Overton Designs or MMCA today you have found the sites can't be found. After several attempts to check my email and the activities on both of my sites I have discovered my server is down. I have been with this web host for four years and this is the first time they have ever been down that I can remember.

Hopefully they will have us back up soon. Please check back here for updates.

Thanks,

Debbie

1:50 EST Update: The network is down due to a circuit related issue in Boston. An estimated time of resolution is unknown at this time.

Debbie

5:00 EST Update: DOD and MMCA are finally back on line. Thanks for your patience.

Debbie

New Year Beginnings

2007-01-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

Have the past few days found you reflecting on the past year? I certainly did....there have been some wonderful changes for me as well as our family. We have had some fun surprises along with a few trying times.

One year ago we made the decision to move from Arkansas to Georgia....a major move for us. We had been in the same small town, the same home our two youngest children had ever known, both of our families were a two hour drive away, our oldest son lived a little less than 3 hours from us, our middle son would be starting his first year of collage an hour and a half away, and our daughter would begin our senior year of High School in the fall. After many late night talks and lots of prayers we knew this was what we were to do. Steve left for Georgia in January leaving the kids and I to finish out the school year. It was one of the longest and shortest six months....we bought a home in Georgia, sold our home in Arkansas, had one to graduate High School, said goodbyes to family and friends and after a 16 hour drive met the movers at our new home. There have been many adjustments, some went smooth, some took a little getting use too, but as I type this posting I can honestly say we are beginning to feel at home here.

As for my Art, things were put on hold for most of the year as we prepared for a move and then as we settled in, but since September there have been some wonderful things happening. My art group, MMCA went through some changes and came out better for it. I have been creating for several shops and galleries, and Internet sales have been great. I will be published in some upcoming publications over the next year, will share more later on this.

AND I was hired as an Artist Coordinator and Research Assistant for TweetyJill Publications. I am now paid to surf the Internet and look at art! I even got new PJ's and slippers to wear! Can you think of anything better?

Those of you that receive my Art and More Snippets from Debbie Overton Designs already know I will be sharing new artwork soon. I brought back a few things that actually got my art business started over 10 years ago....Collagescapes and Collage Characters. I will be sharing both with you in the coming weeks.

Until next time....create the future you want to have.

Debbie

Happy Holidays

2006-12-22T00:40:00.000-05:00

I hope this find each of you enjoying this holiday season. We have been busy around here. Those last minute orders have all been shipped, the house is decorated, and the shopping is complete!!! Here it is 12:45 AM....and we are leaving at 4:30 for Arkansas!!!! Everything is ready to go....all we have to do is load the vehicle and hit the highway. I am so excited....I will see both of my boys and spend the next week with ALL of my family. I hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I'll be back next year with lots of new things to share.

Until then....Happy Holidays!!!
Debbie

Art for Charity

2006-12-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

This holiday season would you like to give a gift that could help make a difference in someone's life? I have two Altered Journals and two Vintage Inspired Collages listed on my website as Art for Charity. During the month of December 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Here's one of the Journals.....

To see the other offerings available and additional information, please visit Debbie Overton Designs.

Until next time. . . .Happy Holidays

Debbie

More Christmas Shopping

2006-12-13T17:21:00.000-05:00

If you are like me you are still looking for a few great gifts and I have just the places.

Teri Martin...Our Designer can be found online or at 626 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066 for those of your lucky enough to live in California. Our Designer - Dreaming of weddings and beyond...Distinctive gifts and home accessories that celebrate your lifestyle.

I love the Vintage Santa - Old fashioned Christmas mixed with a pinch of vintage flair best describes this adorable glittered Santa tin filled with Peppermint Bark. Oh how I would love to add this Vintage Santa to my Santa collection.

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Aileen Casillas of Country Bunny Bath & Body - Our bath & body products are for the whole family, made right here in the U.S.A and not tested on animals-AT ALL!!! Our products have the best natural oils and butters derived from vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. They do not contain harsh chemicals or oils. We have a variety of scents including a Naturally Unscented line for those sensitive to dyes/perfumes. There is a fabulous assortment of gift sets for any budget!! With Country Bunny Bath & Body, a little goes a long way!!!

While there be sure to click on "Adopt-A-Bunny" and meet Elisabeth Grace. With every Adopt-A-Bunny purchase, Country Bunny will donate the net proceeds to the American Diabetes Association.

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If you happen to be visiting Savannah don't leave without dropping by Savannah Candy or visit them online.

I love their White Chocolate Gophers - A bed of Fancy Pecan pieces, a dollop of their own delectable caramel, and topped with a thick cap of rich chocolate. Gophers come with your choice of chocolate toppings... classic Milk Chocolate, sophisticated Dark Chocolate and delicate White Chocolate. I would go for the White Chocolate!!!

Everyone, especially the kids will love the Chocolate Reindeer Drops - Melt in your mouth chocolate covered Georgia peanuts. The label on the gift tin reads Reindeer Drops, presumably because they look like... well, you get the idea.

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Bruster's Real Ice Cream - Farm-fresh milk and cream with giant chunks of real fruit, nuts, cookies and candies to make absolutely delicious ice cream. We love to go by Bruster's in Brunswick and then head out to Jekyll Island for the afternoon. If you have not visited a Bruster's you must find one today.

My favorites are the Turtle Sundae - Vanilla ice cream smothered with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream and whole pecans, and their Strawberry Shake - Thick, creamy and real fruit chunks!

Until next time.....Drive through Bruster's for your favorite Ice Cream treat and then log on to the internet and do a little shopping at Our Designer, Country Bunny or Savannah Candy.

Debbie

Christmas ~ This and That

2006-12-08T07:51:00.000-05:00

Only a few more days to get those Christmas gifts ordered to insure delivery. And to help you, here are three more Great Places to Christmas Shop.

"Vintage China for the Shabby Dog & Snappy-Happy Delights for their People, too."

The best smelling little shop in South Georgia! Francie's handcrafted candles will make you think you just walked into your local bakery, plus she has oodles of other wonderful treasures.

Artful jewelry & accessories for all of the special moments in life.

If things are anything like they are at my house then you are one busy elf. I am working on orders, planning a Christmas Party for 30-35 teenagers on the 20th, still have some shopping to do, trying to do a few final touches to the Christmas decorating....we didn't pull everything from the attic, actually we have not found all of our Christmas boxes from the move. I decided not to even think about unboxing the 152 Dickens Village Houses and their accesories. Our 8 ft tree has only half the twinkle lights and ornaments that I normal cover it with....some of those boxes are still missing in action. Kaycee decorated most of the tree this year....just like the kids did when they were little....everything is at eye level and pretty much in one spot....I did move a few things around last night as there were no ornaments above 6 ft!!! And I am okay with all of this....as I am enjoying things just as they are.

We will be celebrating Christmas with our Families back in Arkansas and I will get to spend time with my boys!!!! It has been 24 years since I woke up in my parents home on Christmas morning. Steve, Colby, Seth, Kaycee and I will have our own little Christmas there....so things will be different for us this year but the most important thing is that we will all be together for a few days.

Until next time.....Remember the reason for the season!!!

Debbie

Lessons On Life

2006-12-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

I have received "Lessons on Life" from several internet friends over the past several weeks. I know many of you have received it too, but for those that have not been lucky enough I hope you enjoy it. The following pictures are of the same place but taken under different seasons!! (be sure to scroll on past the last)

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment. The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don't judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy!!!!

Debbie

Etsy ~ Etsy ~ Etsy

2006-11-27T12:32:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you visit you see that tiny little word ~ Etsy, pronouced like Betsy without the B!! Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. When you buy from an Etsy Shop, you are supporting individual creators of unique one of a kind items. If you are still seeking out some Great Places to Christmas Shop, here are a few Etsy Shops run by some very talented Art Friends.

Tracy Webster ~ Artwerx ~ I enjoy creating mixed-media art because it fits with my personality... a little of this and a little of that. My art changes with my mood - it can be soft & quiet or loud & vibrant. No matter what it is, each piece has a little piece of my heart in it.

Crystal Neubauer ~ Other Peoples Flowers ~ Offering mixed media jewelry & assemblage art along with quality found objects and unique treasures for the artist.

Fran Saperstein ~ Artsy Fran ~ Welcome to ArtsyFran Designs, the studio of Fran Saperstein. I love to use texture to tell a story, so you will see deeply textured artwork that expresses feelings.

Elaine Smith ~ Painted Cottage ~ Each piece is an original, one of a kind art work by Elaine Brady Smith. Many of the pieces contain original vintage papers or vintage images, handmade papers, vintage lace and fabrics, buttons, hand tinted photos and more!!!

Beth Robinson ~ Pumpkin 12 PM ~ A fabulous Fabric Artist whose works are rich with color, texture and details.

Carrie Jones ~ Just Jones In Jewelry ~ A very talented artist creating beautiful one of a kind jewelry.

Pilar Pollock ~ Pilar Pollock ~ A wonderful Mixed Media Artist. You will find Pilar’s creations and writing in many art magazines.

Shari Beaubien ~ Artist Unleashed ~ A wonderful Mixed Media Artist, working in all media... especially paint, collage, assemblage, fabric and fiber.

Amy Huff ~ Pop Ink ~ A Mixed Media Artist, that loves to make jewelry, assemblage and altered art especially pieces with a vintage and romantic feel.

Debra Cooper ~ Little Black Kitty Art ~ A stay at home artist mom and crafter focusing on mixed media artwork and also handmade crafts.

Until next time....I have to run, I have more shopping to do.

Debbie

Lost Comments & More

2006-11-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

I have received several emails over the past week to let me know some of you were leaving comments but they are not showing up. Well looks like I may have had my first Beta switch over problem....up until now the switch over has been a breeze.....almost 2 months. All the settings have been checked and I have republished....still they are not there.

Thank you Deborah, Lizzie, Lisa, Sally, Deb, and others that may have left a comment and it is somewhere in cyberspace. I hope some of you will be so inclined to leave me another comment as I do enjoy them.

It has been a busy weekend....Seth is now back in Louisiana, Colby's in Arkansas, Steve's at work, and Kaycee's back to school....and I am just enjoying the quiteness while catching up with emails.

As usual everyone helped to bring the Christmas boxes down from the attic.....and that is it....I have boxes everywhere.....Santas, Snowmen, wreaths, lights and etc scattered all over. I guess they think if they bring it down they have done their part in decorating. Plans for today are to put on some Christmas music and try to bring some order to this mess.

We are having an Arkansas Razorbacks party Saturday.....Arkansas and Florida play in the SEC Championship Saturday at Atlanta's Georgia Dome and we have invited some of our new Georgia friends over for some football, food and fun. Should be fun since many of them will be rooting for Florida....although Kaycee has converted a few at school. In one of her classes the coach calls her Arkansas and the kids like to call the Hogs when she answers a question in class.

Until next time.....It's time to get this house decorated and start thinking about a football party.

Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-20T14:37:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all that have emailed or called thanking me for the time and energy I devote to MMCA in order to make it a great place for Mixed Media Collage Artists to share and learn from each other. Because of you the group has grown and is stronger than ever as we begin our 2nd Year.

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend with my parents. My Dad, Mom and Seth drove over to be with us last Thursday. We had 3 wonderful days and enjoyed a delicious meal Saturday night with Turkey, Dressing and all the trimmings. My parents are back in Arkansas. Seth and I are enjoy some time together for a few days. We will meet my parents Saturday half way....Seth will spend a day with them and then it's back to Louisiana Tech until Christmas break. He is counting the days....as our deal was he could not take his car to LA Tech until after the first quarter or we saw grades. So we are looking for grades any day now or at least I am!!!

Please come back soon as I will be posting more Great Places to Christmas Shop within the next couple days.

Until then. . . .I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and leave you with this adorable photo.

Debbie

More Great Places to Christmas Shop

2006-11-08T04:19:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you go "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas"....

I love that song! Here's a few more wonderful women owned businesses sure to help you complete your Christmas list.

Elizabeth's Flowers ~ Flowers are a gift of nature representing beauty, brightness, celebration…the fingerprint of our Creator.

Elizabeth’s Flowers offers pressed flower cards, framed botanical art, journals, and other creations using real pressed flowers on handmade paper.

Small Meadow Press ~ Beautiful and Useful Papers for Everyday Life. Lesley's life-long affection for books, paper and ink combines words and pictures to bring you cards, letter paper, notebooks, garlands and more.

More Great Places to Christmas Shop coming soon.

Until then....hope you will take a few minutes to browse these wonderful online shops and come back in a few days for more.

Debbie

Ribbons, Ribbons & More Ribbons

2006-11-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love pretty vintage ribbons....sometimes I want them all neat and grouped by color.....sometimes inspiration comes from having them all jumbled up in a pretty crystal bowl. Either way I am happy....Old ribbons can be hard to find at flea markets and antique shops however you can always find them online. Here are a few of my recent ribbon purchases, some very vintage, some vintage inspired.

Light Pink/Chocolate Reversible Matte Satin from The Ribbon Jar. You will find quality ribbons and trims in fabulous colors. Everything from classic to fun and funky in velvet. That is 25 yds of pure heaven!

French style silk embroidered ribbon ~ soft organza in Light Peach ~ Silk embroidered with lovely spider roses in light ivory, antique white and light peach from Threaditions.

Silk embroidered French Victorian ~ twin daisies in Azalea pink and light pink on Azalea pink ribbon ~ Hand-embellished with Aurora Borealis seed beads from Treaditions.

Silk Bias cut ribbon in Pink Marble Splatter and Herb Garden ~ Rayon in Beach Glass, Meadow, Fruit Punch and Tie Dye ~ Cotton Twill in Spring Blush and Old Rose from Carma. A wonderful selection of fabrics and trims all hand dyed.

A wonderful surprise package of beautiful ribbons and trims Carolyn from Carma included with my recent order.

Can you say Vintage? My friend Debra recently shared a wonderful online source for ribbons, Les' Bon Ribbon. I couldn't resist the Vintage Lime Green/Natural Scalloped, Lemonade Swiss Dots, Cream White/Pale Pink Reversible Woven Dots, Vintage Natural/Pink and the Brown/Pink/Lt Pink/Tan/White Woven Jacquard.

I have been busy creating and you will see many of these ribbons in upcoming projects.

Until then....if you know of a fantastic ribbon source I would love to check them out.

Debbie

Great Places to Shop for Christmas

2006-11-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

The Holidays are a time for friends and sharing....so I share with you some of the Best Places to shop for Christmas. Each of these online shops is owned and run by women with a real passion for what they are doing. Sure you can go to a big chain store and find something for everyone....but I think my friends and family deserve things that are as special as they are.

Roxi Designs ~ Vintage Inspired Jewelry & Stationery Designs
Whether you are hanging out poolside or having a night out on the town, Roxi's designs will be sure to compliment you and your own unique style.

Woodruff Designs and Shabby Signs ~ Hand Painted Wood Signs by Heide. The wood has been cut, routered and sanded with care, and all the milling and hand lettering is done by Heidi.

Genuine Bloom Co. ~ Surround yourself with that which inspires and reminds you to follow your dreams. Let everyday objects serve as visual affirmations (much better and prettier than a sticky note stuck to your bathroom mirror). Let the scent of a candle remind you that you are accepting more Love or Bliss into your life. Wear a special handcrafted necklace that speaks to you of the Courage of being True to who you really are. Or as you sleep wear a sleep mask that reminds you that sweet dreams do come true. Whatever you seek find your expression of it at the Genuine Bloom Co.

I'll be back in a few days with more Best Places to Christmas Shop.

Until then....browse these special online shops for someone special or yourself.

Debbie

Plumbago

2006-10-22T13:15:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Kaycee Dillion

Right after we moved to South Georgia I spotted this pretty like shrub covered in clusters of clear blue flowers. We recently hired a landscaper to work with me in getting my new yard covered in blooming flowers and evergreens. As we began talking about designs I mentioned I wanted something planted around my 911 sign. The pretty white post with the little blue signage sporting our house number needed some color and I knew what I wanted. I described the clear blue flowers....they were in clusters covering the shrub.....before I could finish he told me I was talking about a PLUMBAGO. And he had some small ones left over from a job that he would bring down and plant for me. One of them was a tiny little thing.....but we decided to plant it for the time being. Saturday morning as I was pulling out of my driveway.....I spotted a handful of tiny blue flowers....starting to bloom on the little Plumbago. I can not wait until next spring to see what they have in store for me.
Until next time.....Enjoy the Blooms!
Debbie

I'm On A Journey

2006-10-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

Finally....I have found time to create again....I have been on a Journey with my art and am now Traveling in a direction that makes me happy....I have reevaluated my life and my priorities.....I am making time for the people and things that make me happy and it shows in all of my accomplishments. And there is more to come.....in Time.

My latest collages are on 6" x 6" gallery wrap canvas with collage/painted 1.5" depth...ready to hang - no frame needed.

Each mixed media collage goes through 6 to 10 steps from beginning to end. Layer upon layers of acrylics, colored pencils, oil pastels, inks, and embellished with original antique and or vintage papers, photos, snippets of reprinted ephemera, and other elements accumulate to give each piece depth, texture and detail. Each piece is signed and gets a coat of beeswax which adds a soft translucent mellowness.

Journey

Traveling

I have 6 more completed, however I am unable to share them at the moment....they are for a Gallery or publication.

Until next time.....Enjoy the moment, whatever it may be.

Debbie

Thinking of Christmas

2006-10-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

I am working on my Best Places to Shop for Christmas Gifts.....I will be listing these places on my blog over the next few weeks.

Are you an Artisan creating unique handcrafted items and sell them from your Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop?

Do you own a Speciality Shop (Brick & Mortar)?

If your answer is yes and you would like a little free holiday advertising.....

Send me an email (debbieoverton @ debbieoverton.com) with Christmas Shopping in the subject line if you would like for me to consider you as one of the best places to shop for Christmas gifts.

Make sure you include the following information:

Your Name (First & Last)
Name of Shop, Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop
B & M Shop physical address (I must be able to verify) or
Link to Website, Blog and/or Etsy Shop (Must be a working link)
Blurb about your business

Please Note: I may or may not be able to use all of the request for consideration, however all that are verified will be used if at all possible. I will also include a few photos along and will contact you if I need one from you. If you would like to send me your business card, I will be happy to add it with your highlight.

I look forward to hearing from you. Check back often to see if you are one of the featured Best Places to Shop for Christmas.

Don't forget to share my blog link with your friends if they too create unique handcrafted items or own a Speciality Shop.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Debbie

Flea Market Finds

2006-10-10T13:36:00.000-05:00

On our drive to Georgia, I spotted so many flea markets and antique shops and was lucky enough to have one of them about 20 minutes from our new home. Needless to say I have made many stops at that shop since our move. On one of my recent stops I found I few things that had my name on them.

This newspaper is The Boston Daily Globe from Wednesday, July 28, 1897. The pages are so brittle on the outside, but inside it is really not too bad.

Here is a 1893, 100 Ft Metallic Tape Measure from The Lufkin Rule Co in great shape and it works.....Yes! It still works....The little winding mechanism works perfectly.

This wonderful stack of antique sheet music is full of the late 1800 and early 1900's, including The Etude, a music magazine dated September 1913. Many of the sheets are extremely worn and torn, but I am already finding they are perfect for my artwork. Lost among the sheets were even some scores of music that had been done by hand.

This little cigar box was found at another Antique Shop that I just happened upon a few weeks ago. It was sitting in the floor under a bookcase and was filled with old bottles. It is very worn, but once I emptied it and picked it up....The rest was history.

I have sad news.....The shop that is so close to me....The one I stop at everytime I go by if they are open....Is going out of business. I was so sadden to hear this....I think of it as loosing a very special friend. I will miss my little stops and it will be hard to drive by, but I will be on the look out for another one just as special as this one.

Until next time....I'm back to my art! Yes, I am creating again and will share with you very soon.

Debbie

Letting Go

2006-09-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

The time finally came last Sunday to Let Go. . .As many of you know we moved our middle son, Seth to Louisiana Tech this past weekend. He was ready and we thought we were, but quickly found out driving away from the dorm was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. It is hard to believe this sweet little curly head boy is now living 13 hrs away and having a blast while I am here trying to adjust to the quietness in the house everyday without him.

After we got everything unloaded and in his dorm room we all went out to have lunch and make that final trip to Wally World for the things we forgot and soon found we needed. Upon our return to the dorm I offered to make his bed and was quickly told, "Mom I have made my own bed for the past 7 years and I can do it now". Can you believe it? He actually admitted he could do something without my help!! We offered to help him unpack some of his things and again with one of the sweetest smiles, he said "I would really like to put my things up myself so that I know where everything is, if it is okay with you Mom". Of course, Steve took that as a sign he was ready for us to leave and let him begin the next step in his life. We all walked to our vehicle together, said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses. As we drove off he said, "Mom I Love You, too" and waved.

It has been five days and I will admit each day gets a little easier. That is until I make a trip to my bathroom mid-morning....He loved to take his shower in our bathroom and would always close the blinds that I had opened earlier that morning after getting dressed, but he never opened them back. It is the little things like the bathroom blinds never closing after I open them, reaching into the cabinet to get a bowl and the only white Fiesta bowl I have being the next one available, that was his favorite bowl to use, no sounds from the TV or video games coming from his room and his door always closed. When it was just the two of us home, he always kept his door open.

Until next time....I will be keeping myself busy!!!

Debbie

Children Inside

2006-08-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

I just love it when I run to check the mail and someone has sent me a little surprise. Some call it a RAK (Random Act of Kindness), I call it heaven. Yesterday in my little box was an envelope marked Fragile, Do Not Bend, Handle with Care, Children Inside. Yes, Children Inside.....and sure enough I pulled out a little package all wrapped in pink tissue and tied with a tiny ribbon....there inside were Children much to my delight. My friend Lizzie whom I have met through my website had found this photo and thought they would be perfect to add to all of my adopted children I have rescued from Flea Markets, Antique Shops, Estate Sales, Auctions and some places others dare to tread.

Since my move I have been having art withdrawals....so many other things that seem to always take up my time and the fact that I am having to make do with a temporary studio at the moment does not help. Art is a stress relief for me and I have decided that no matter what I will be making time for me and my art. So what if the floors need to be swept again for the 3rd time today, there are clothes in the dryer from 2 days ago, I still have an oversized 2 car garage filled wall to wall, floor to ceiling with boxes, the art site I run is 6 months behind with updates to the gallery and links pages of the website, my personal website is in need of major attention and dinner will be at the Hooterville Diner again tonight. Starting today I will take time to play with my art supplies, atleast those that I have been able to find and all of my other responsibilities will be taken care of in time, but on my time schedule.

So Lizzie, if by chance you are reading this.....THANK YOU for my precious children. They are now safely tucked away in one of my old sewing machine drawers with many siblings waiting their turn to be featured in one of my upcoming pieces of art.

Thank you for reminding me to remove the things that cause stress and unhappiness and to surround myself with friends and family and the things that truly bring a smile.

Until next time....I will be creating a little art.

Debbie

St. Augustine Beach

2006-07-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

We just returned from another 4 day trip down to St. Augustine Beach. Seth, Kaycee and I played in the sand, sun and water; visited the Alligator Farm and shopped, shopped and more shopping. Seth didn't last long on the shopping, he was finished after the first trip with us girls. Steve worked during the day, but was ready to go out for dinner and fun each night. Dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill was wonderful as usual and the kids enjoyed it as much as we do. Ripley's Believe It or Not was followed by shakes at Steak 'n Shake. They have the best Strawberry shake. Each night we went to the beach to enjoy the cool breeze and quietness you don't find during the day. After a few hours of playing in the water as the tide came in we were ready to shower and call it a night.

The laundry is piled half way up the wall in the laundry room, but will have to wait until tomorrow as a little storm that came through the day we left cleared the electronic control panel of my washing machine. Yes that new washer I had to get following the move due to mine being broke during the move. We have sand everywhere in the house and I tried to keep it in the laundry room, but it seems to be following us through out the house. I can't even get it out of my mouth and I have brushed my teeth so many times the toothbrush is trying to hide!!!

Still need to vacuum the vehicle out, no telling how much sand we have in there and we never once had to come from the beach to the vehicle as we were staying right there with an ocean view.

We had a blast and can't wait for the next trip. Only it will probably be a weekend trip as Kaycee starts to school August 7th. Here's a few of the 257 pictures we took.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy the summer, especially the time with your kids as they grow up way too fast.

Debbie

Boxes, Boxes & More Boxes

2006-07-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

I am still lost among boxes as you can see. Yes, I know I have been here almost a month and some of you are thinking what has she been doing all this time. Well I spent the first week here just overwhelmed with boxes and all there was to do. Second week was spent at St. Augustine Beach with me playing in the sand and shopping during the day, while Steve was overseeing a job there. Nights were dinner and sitting on the beach watching the moon come up. Third week I went back to Arkansas to visit with my family, Seth & I had orientation at LA Tech for 3 days and I spend Father's Day weekend with my Dad. The kids and I left Arkansas at 5 AM the Monday afterwards and arrived here at 9:10 PM. The boxes were still here and slowly but surely we are working our way through them.

Breakfast Nook.....I think 2 of those boxes may be empty, but we have run out of room in the garage to put them.

More boxes in the dining room. We actually have a path around the table and it is usually cleared off so we can atleast sit down for a meal every now and then.
Can you believe this is the garage?
Yes, it really is an oversized garage full of boxes and furniture and this and that. The table and chairs you see here belong in the breakfast nook. Hopefully today they will find there way there.
Another view of the boxes in the garage. Once I pull all of the Christmas boxes to the side and we get those in the attic it will help.

Our goal for today is separate the garage boxes into attic, studio and other. Put the attic ones there, studio in my little space while I am waiting on my studio to be built and the OTHER, who knows what they are will be gone through one box at a time.

I also plan to bring out every box in the house that has not been emptied to the garage so that I can arrange furniture and actually place things where I want them. The Great Room, Bathrooms and Kids rooms are very livable, but I need our Bedroom done NOW. We have boxes 2 wide, 3 and 4 stacked running the complete length of one wall. That is 18 feet of boxes!!!!!!!

Until next time.....I am back with the boxes and to think some of you thought I was kidding when I said I had boxes everywhere!!!!!!

Debbie

PS Will post a few pics I took while at the beach soon.

Mother's Day Surprise and More

2006-05-21T17:04:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day weekend was full of activities and surprises. Steve flew home and we attended Kaycee's 13th dance recital Saturday night and Baccalaureate Sunday for Seth. Saturday morning as I was busy doing around the house and asking Steve 101 questions about the new house and upcoming move I received one of the biggest surprises I have ever had. Mid-morning I spotted a pretty pink envelope with my name on it. I looked at it for a minute, then slowly picked it up thinking "was I suppose to find this now?" Those of you that know me, also know that the card didn't lay there long. I could tell there was something in it, but didn't open it until I found Steve and asked if I could open it or did I have to wait.

I opened the card to find keys taped to the most beautiful handwritten note. Steve thought he was going to have to pick me up off the floor when I realized that was the key to my new house. You see we were to close on it Tuesday, but he received a call Friday morning and everything was ready, so they asked if he wanted to come by before he flew home for the weekend. He said trying to keep it a surprise was rather difficult as I was asking so many questions about the house, the upcoming closing and the move.

One week from today I will get to use that key to open the door to our home and a new chapter in our life will begin. The movers will be here Wednesday to start packing and plan to have us loaded no later than Saturday and then we are off to Georgia. I will spend Memorial Day getting things ready for delivery on the 30th.

This past weekend we watched as Seth received his High School diploma. He will soon be leaving home for Louisiana Tech majoring in Engineering.

May has been a busy, but wonderful month full of special memories. . . My Birthday, Kaycee's last dance recital here, Seth graduating, and Mother's Day. I can't wait to see what next May brings!

Until next time. . .keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare to leave our home of 17 years. We have some wonderful memories here and emotions are running on high.

Debbie

Art is good for the Soul

2006-04-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

As I stood in the check out line at our local grocery I was flipping through some of the magazines when a little article caught my attention. After reading it I added "Woman's World" to my basket wanting to share with you what I had just read.

A new Swedish study found that women who viewed and talked about art once a week felt happier--and enjoyed a two-point drop in their blood pressure after four months--while those who talked about their hobbies had no changes!

I have a wonderful art group "Mixed Media Collage Artists" that I have been missing over the past several months. This group is so supportive of each other, sharing their ups and downs, techniques and how to's, but most of all just being there for you when you need them. The artwork in this group is unbelievable.

There are several art magazines published each month and it is such an honor to see my fellow art friends grace so many of the pages. Not only are these girls having their art published, some are writing articles which are just fab. We are not just a group of girls with a little art hobby. We are dedicated to our artwork. Over the past year many have had their first piece of art published, written their first art related article, some had their first gallery showing and some have had their work chosen to travel the world.

With our upcoming move I have not been able to create as most of my art supplies have been packed and ready for the move, and I have had very little time to even visit the forum. However late at night when things are coming to an end, I sometimes find myself visiting our art gallery or scanning some of the member’s art journals. At first I was somewhat jealous that I was not able to create and share. Then as I reflected back on why I started MMCA, I began to have a feeling of calmness because I knew in my heart I did this for all of us to come together and share. There will be times when each of us has other commitments in our life and we won't be able to create and share.

This is my time and I have accepted it for now, but come mid-summer when things are settling some from the move, I plan to let the creative juices flow. I have so many ideas on paper and things I started that I want to finish and share. Until then I will continue to enjoy the artwork my fellow artists are creating while attempting to keep my blood pressure under control.

If you don't have a group of art friends to share with just do a search and you will find 1000's of them. At this time MMCA is not accepting applications for membership. You may however visit our website and enjoy our gallery of artwork and you will find many links to our members websites and blogs.

Until next time enjoy some art this week and be happier!

Debbie

Doors continue to open!!!

2006-04-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

Just when I had my mind set for apartment living and not rushing into a new home, God opened another door and I spent Spring Break week house hunting. GP made arrangements for us to work with a wonderful realtor in Brunswick, GA. After several emails and phone calls Bill knew what I was looking for and started sending me houses via email. The 2nd house was as if I had given the contractor my plans. I continued to look at other homes, but kept coming back to Fox Ridge at Satilla Plantation in a little community called Atkinson, just west of Brunswick. On the 4th day, we went back to take another look and spent almost 2 hours there and decided to make an offer. Two hours later, we had made an offer, excepted their counteroffer to include landscaping prior to closing and the bank had approved everything. Closing date will be May 12th and we will move in May 30th. When I left last Sunday they still had to add hardware to the inside doors, place the entertainment center against the wall, install Closet Maid Shelving in all my closets, a few other little things that I requested and do the landscaping. We are in a new subdivision and the first house to be built. Here's a few pics of our new home.

Taupe Siding with Chocolate Brown Door and Shutters.

Everyone wants to know how big the lot is.....My house sits in the middle of a football field. Yes, it is 100 yds deep and a little over 50 yds wide. The street in front of our house is the end zone.

Plans are to build me a studio out among the trees with tons of flowers and little paths leading to it.

Great Room with butter cream walls, white trim, trayed ceiling, 4" Crown Molding, 6" Baseboards and hardwood floors. Entertainment Center to be placed against wall.

Dining Room flows to the right of the Entry and flows into the Great Room making a L-shape.

Tons of cabinet space and I love my stainless steel appliances. Ceramic tile in the kitchen, breakfast nook, laundry room and bathrooms.

My kitchen and breakfast nook look into our back yard. I can already picture the flowers and paths and my English Swing out there.

In case you want to know more. . . 3 bedrooms with the Master having a trayed ceiling. Creamy carpet in all the bedrooms. Everything is painted a buttery cream with white trim. Master Bath has a Juccuzi and oversized shower. Tons of closet space. Steve said our closet is big enough for my studio until we get the studio built. I don't agree, but it is a huge walk in. Big linen closet in the hall next to the guest bath. Nice laundry room off the kitchen with storage cabinets. Oversized 2 car garage with a storage room off the garage almost half the size of the garage.

I have already started picking out window treatments and making a list of things I want when we get there. Our new living room furniture I ordered 6 weeks ago was delivered Friday and I can't wait to get it in my new Great Room.

Spring Break was not all house hunting. Seth, Kaycee and I had a wonderful week with Steve and spent Saturday at Jeykll Island which is less than 30 minutes from our new home. Within a hours drive you can be in Savannah, Jacksonville or at one of the many beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.

I have a new home and can't wait to move, however I still have a few weeks left here and need to get a few things finished because our home is to be put on the market later this week.

Until next time. . . .Send positive thoughts that I will get through the next couple months.

Debbie

A New Chapter Begins

2006-01-30T12:43:00.000-05:00

Today a new chapter begins here in our home. We are relocating to the Georgia coast. Pretend you are visiting me in Georgia and as we sit on our deck and sip iced tea this is the peaceful view we have. Yes this is what I will be looking out to each and every day come June.

It is so true, when you least expect it, things will happen. Steve has received many job calls over our 7 years asking him if he would be interested in a position here or there, but when he got the most recent call it was a total shock as he had never even completed an application. It was a once in a life time opportunity, not only a job that he has been working towards for 25+ years, but a chance to secure a better future for our children and their future families, and our retirement. The kids think a company truck for business and personal use was pretty good too.

For several months Steve has been talking with Georgia Pacific / Koch Industries after receiving an unexpected phone call inquiring if he would be interested in overseeing the East Coast mills. He was flown out the week after Thanksgiving to interview for a corporate management position to oversee their plants in FL and south GA. He is now the southeast area electronics manager.

Steve started his new job today, and the kids and I have plans to move the first of June. We have an apartment in the Walden Shores area in north Brunswick, GA, around an hours drive south of Savannah. Seth, Kaycee and I will spend Spring Break there. We have made arrangements for Kaycee to shadow one of the students there in the high school while there. Apartment living will be a change for all of us, but we didn't want to rush the house hunting. We want to be able to really check out the area(s) and find the perfect home for us.

I originally planned to stay here until Kaycee graduated next year, but she is ready to move. She has been checking out the school online and it looks like she won't have any problems transferring. She actually has 4 credits more right now than they require, so all she really would have to take next year is English 12, 2nd yr of Spanish, and Georgia history. and would still be able to graduate with honors. She wanted to go with Steve, but that didn't happen, as he will have to travel several nights a week and she is not staying by herself in a new town. She keeps reminding us that she will be 17 in April, going off to college in another year, and we will be living in a gated community with security code entrance!!! Still it did not happen.

Seth has been looking at Louisiana Tech, UA at Fort Smith, Arkansas Tech and GA Tech. He is going into Engineering so any of the schools would be good, but GA would be better, closer to Mom!!!

As most of you know, Colby now lives in Little Rock and seems to be excited about the move also. He said now he has a place to come for vacation, this coming from our oldest workaholic that hates the beach!!! According to Kaycee, she has checked out the distance to everything, we are 6 minutes from the beach, 10 to the mall, 8 to the high school and only 3 hrs to Disney! Tell me she doesn't have her priorities right!!

We have tons of things to do over the next several months including all the Senior activities, dance recital, Beta Club convention, National Honors activities, declutter a house that we have lived in since 1989, do a few things to the house before we put it on the market, and etc, then be ready for the movers the last week of May to load us up.

As for Debbie Overton Designs, I will not be adding anything new or making any major changes to the website for several months. I have many ideas that I want to share, but they will all have to wait until we make the move and I get things settled.

If any of you find that you don't have enough to do, just let me know as my to do list consist of many pages and growing as I type this.

Please keep all of us and our families in your thoughts and prayers as we make this major relocation in our lives.

Debbie, Steve, Seth & Kaycee

Santa delivers from UK

2005-12-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

This is just a sample of what my Secret Santa Kim sent me from the UK. The group of artists that I frequently refer to here in my blog, Mixed Media Collage Artists did a Secret Santa swap and I was lucky to have Kim receive my name. I received this small package in the mail that weighed a ton! I cut the tape and the top literally popped up and little individually wrapped packages starting falling out. I don't know how Kim got all she did in that little box. I took each package and carefully opened it to find something special. There were beautiful hand-dyed silk fibers, One Penny Rubber Sheet from Paper Artsy, watch parts, tags, stamps, a magnet, Christmas ornament, the cutest bendable Santa, soldered art and so much more.

I don't know which I enjoyed the most. . .The anticipation of not knowing who had my name and anxiously awaiting a surprise package to arrive and then to see what cool things I received or receiving and gathering things for my Secret Santa and the anticipation of her package being delivered. All I do know is that I can't wait to do this again next year.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy the last few days of the year with your friends and family.

Debbie

More Surprises Received

2005-12-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say this is the only time of the year that I actually watch for the mailman to come. I just love getting Christmas cards and packages.

Monday I found an envelope among the bills from the one and only Becky Christian. Inside were 3 of Becky's famous ATC's to add to my BC collection, a Vintage photo of a very distinguished gentleman and the cutest handmade holiday card.

Today I was totally surprised when I found a little padded envelope among the Christmas cards. I am now the proud owner of an Deryn Mentock Original Altered Cab Card. I admire Deryn's art so much and had hoped to someday own a piece.

Becky and Deryn, thank you so much for my wonderful surprises.

Today is Wednesday and I know I still have one more surprise coming my way from my Secret Santa, that is unless my surprise is I'm not getting anything because they think I've been naughty!

Until next time. . . .I'm off to get a few last minute things finished up so I can sit and watch for the mailman. Sure wish he looked like the UPS guy, cute as a button.

Happy Holidays
Debbie

More Christmas Surprises

2005-12-21T15:35:00.000-05:00

I just love it when someone surprises me with a little gift in the mail. Over the past week I have received gifts from some very special friends I have made through my art.

First I received a beautiful 2006 Calendar from Reiny Rizzi. Reiny has been creating these wonder calendar girls and sharing them with all of us on MMCA. Little did we know she was creating calendars for some of us. I just love mine! Here is the cover and a few months that are my favorites.

A few days later as Steve and I were working on the MMCA website and forum another package arrived. Cece Grimes had sent me one of her beautiful bottlecap pins which she named "Queen" and a box of Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles for Steve. I felt just like a Queen as I worked that day and have had many compliments on her since. I would love to share with you the chocolates, but I have to confess they were to die for!

Some of the girls in MMCA participated in a Secret Santa exchange and I am anxiously awaiting my surprise. Everyday I listen for my mailman to drop things in my basket and quickly run to see if I have gotten my Secret Santa package. I am sure the mailman is wondering by now why I am practically running over him everyday, but it is just so exciting to see what he has brought.

Reiny and Cece thank you both for your part in making this a wonderful holiday season.

Until next time. . . .Happy Holidays

Debbie

Christmas Surprises

2005-12-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

This could have been me a few days ago.

As I was preparing dinner I heard the UPS truck stop in front of our home as he has done daily for the past two weeks to deliver packages to our neighbors across the street. Only this time I was surprised when I heard him knocking on my carport door. I opened the door as he was running back to his truck waving and there before me was a huge brown box. I yelled, Santa has started delivering. Funny how everyone comes out of their room when they hear "Santa" and "delivering." Here I am trying to carry this huge box in and everyone else is watching asking "who is it for?, who sent it? do you get to open it now?" and the list goes on. Dinner was put on hold and I opened the box to find gifts packed amongest peanuts just as tightly as possible. As I pulled out each gift one by one I would find more.

Do you remember running into the living room on Christmas morning and just standing there looking at all the presents and not knowing which one to open first? That was me!!

I wish I had thought to grab the camera to get a picture of the box before I starting pulling things out, you would not have believed it. Santa delieved this package all the way from Cody, WY!!! Yes my best friend Deb Trotter is an Angel on Earth.

Inside I found a Fold-Out Garland of Children Riding Animals, 6 Candy Striped Jingles Ornaments, A book "All I Want for Christmas" of Antique Dolls and Toys in Vintage Photographs 1890 - 1920, Miniature Porcelain Tea Set, Mini Scrabble Set with Magnetic Tiles, Dick and Jane Magnet, fun Reindeers for Steve to wear when working on the technical side of MMCA, the cutest Snowman Tote Bag for Kaycee, an Original Mixed Media Collage "Buttons and Lace" created by Deb and the most gorgeous Norma DeCamp Original Santa.

Here are several pictures which do not do justice.

Original Mixed Media Collage by Artist Deb Trotter

"Buttons and Lace"

Mini Scrabble Set

Miniature Porcelain Tea Set

More Fun Things

Close up of Santa's face and the things he is holding.

Santa in ALL his glory.

There are no words and THANK YOU seems so small for all the wonderful treasures Deb has shared with me not only this Christmas but all year.

I wish for each of you a wonderful holiday and may you too have such a Friend as I have in Deb.

Until Next Time. . . .Happy Holidays!!!!

Debbie

It's a Journal

2005-12-07T10:40:00.000-05:00

I love journals and have kept one on and off for years. Journals are a place for your special thoughts, your everyday life or anything you want it to be for. Here are a few that I recently made, some were for gifts, some are for sell. Each journal is one of a kind and created by combining my collected vintage ephemera and other elements. These journals are approximately 10" x 7.5" with 200 pages of wide ruled paper. Not only has the front been collaged, but the back and inside covers have been given a special touch.

"Dreams"

"Thoughts" "Questions" "Time Alone" "My Favorite Things"

These make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends, family or yourself. I am happy to create one similar to any one of these if the original is not available, but please remember each journal is a one of a kind therefore no two will ever be alike.

Last day to order for Christmas Delivery is December 11th.

Until next time. . . .Enjoy the holidays!!

Debbie

Creative Day

2005-12-06T23:55:00.000-05:00

What a day!!! I have blisters and cuts on my fingers from all of the wire, hot glue and tinsel I worked with today, but I must say I am very pleased with my accomplishments.

Here are samples of some of the Christmas Ornaments that have kept me busy. Wish I had time to make a few of these for my own tree. I received a call today asking if I could make 24 of these before next Tuesday. She is having a party and would like to send each guest home with an ornament.

A manicure will certainly be needed after the holiday orders are all created, packaged and delivered.

Until next time. . . .Ho Ho Ho

Debbie

RAK: Random Act of Kindness

2005-11-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

If you have ever received a RAK, then you know the excitement you feel when you find a package waiting for you in your mailbox. A couple weeks ago I received a surprise package from Luxembourg. Reiny, a very special friend I met this past year via my art group, Mixed Media Collage Artist had sent me a RAK. I was thrilled to find not one, but two pieces of Reiny's artwork. During some stressful times, Reiny found the time to create not for herself, but for others.

Reiny shared a page from her art journal to our art group and I just loved this image. Now I have it hanging on my inspiration board.

Is this not the sweetest little angel cowgirl you have ever seen? I just love those boots!

If you would like to see more of Reiny's artwork visit her picturetrail and blog.

I have a few RAK's I am working on that will go out this week. If you have never RAK'd someone, you really should try it. It does wonders for the heart.

Until next time. . . .Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

To All my Friends & Family

2005-11-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Weekend Finds

2005-11-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

I love short road trips especially when I can make stops along the way to do a little shopping. I'm not talking about the cute little shop on the corner or the boutique in the mall. I brake for Antique Shops and Flea Markets!!

Saturday Steve had to go just south of Natchez, Mississippi on business and I joined him with the understanding that I would go and even drive as long as when I came upon a place to stop he would either sit in the vehicle or go in with me and not say a word about how long it took. Heading south from Crossett you go through lots of little towns, I mean if you blink you miss it. As we made our drive south I was keeping a mental note of the places I saw that I could stop on our way back. We stopped for a late breakfast in Natchez before his meeting, so I knew once we started towards home I could make several stops before stopping for a bite to eat.

The first little town had two shops if you were brave enough to go into one of them. I parked right in front and got out. Steve just sat there looking at me as though I had lost my mind or I had suddenly grown two heads. Finally after shaking his head he joins me saying "if you don't find anything else in here, I'm sure we will find some fleas!!!!

This Southern girl was not actually dressed for this shop, but in my starched jeans, white shirt and loafers we entered into what turned out to be a lucky spot for me. We made our way through digging in boxes and going through stacks of things. Just as I finally had decided this was a wasted stop, I spotted a book hiding. I pulled it out and you would have thought I had found a diamond. As I flipped though the book, a Scofield Reference Bible there were notes penciled in the margins. In the back someone had made several notations and dated it 12-17-1921. Right there in my hands was a Bible from 1921!!! At this point, Steve had not seen the price on the front and I could see it in his face, he was thinking how much is this book!! I headed to the check out counter and I thought he was going to die when the lady said that will be one twent eight!!! Yes that priceless treasure that no one else had wanted I got for a $1.28

Next stop was not quite as bad and I came away with a Children's Story Book with wonderful line drawings and great text, an old cloth measuring tape and a really old yard stick. $3.25 later I am heading out the door with some more treasures.

We headed to the next town and found a little cafe where we had one of the best hamburgers and onion rings we have ever had. After a nice lunch and lots of talk about the other places I wanted to stop we started north. Thinking the first place was bad I thought it couldn't get any worse.

Well let me tell you. . .Steve set in the vehicle and I went in. I have never in my life seen so much junk in one place. I started digging in boxing and baskets and sacks. Climbing over things sitting in the floor and by this time my allergies had really kicked in. I could not breathe, my skin was itching and my throat had just about closed off, but something kept telling me to tough it out. Steve came in after 45 minutes to check on me and I was reluctantly leaving with nothing. That is until he saw this really old worn velvet photo album. He pulled it out from a stack of books and said you won't believe want I just found. Inside the old album were pages after pages of old cabinet photo cards. Most of them were of children. If you have purchased any cabinet cards lately you know some of them can be rather pricey. In this old worn album there were 28 cab cards with only 2 or 3 that had actually seen better days. Since Steve had found it I said what do you think and he thought I had inhaled way too much dust to think straight if I was asking him. Can you believe $28 and I got 28 cab cards!!!!

Is this baby not precious?

At the end of the day I had spent a grand total of $32.53 and had an armful of wonderful treasures to use in my art. Next time you go through a little town that has nothing but a flea market that you are sure is filled with fleas, roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath and start digging.

Until next time. . . .Create and Have Fun!

Debbie

Ladies In Pink

2005-11-10T23:21:00.000-05:00

This is a little 3.5 x 4.25 mini notebook. Just think how cool you would look pulling this little charmer out of your purse to jot down a quick note. My friend Deb Trotter was telling me about these little books and after seeing hers, I just had to make one for myself. They are just like the potato chips, you can't stop at just one, so I have several more in the works. Will share as soon as I finish them.

Until next time. . . .Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

Recipe Sharing

2005-11-04T16:51:00.000-05:00

Looking for something new or different to carry to your next pot luck? Want your friends and family to rave about the dessert you brought? Me too!!!

Here's a Yummy recipe my sister recently shared with me. Hope you enjoy it.

Pumpkin Gooey Bars

Cake
1 yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling
1-8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1-15 oz can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1-16 oz box powder sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Pre heat oven 350

Combine the cake mix, eggs, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking pan.

Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla and butter and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40-45 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.

Serve with fresh whipped cream!!

Until next time. . .Enjoy your dessert, create and have FUN.

Debbie

Flying into Fall

2005-11-02T00:46:00.000-05:00

To me November 1st is Fall even though I have had my pumpkins out and the leaves have been turning red, orange & golden for weeks. They now fall gracefully to the ground covering our lawn.

As we Fly into Fall I thought this collage I did a while back seemed appropriate. Up and Away. . . . Flying into Fall.

Did you notice I also did a little changing of the seasons here on the blog? I love the richness of fall colors and wanted you to feel warm and cozy while here reading. So put on your jammies, grab a cup of Hot Chocolate and catch up with me.

I will be adding some of my favorite blogs and website links in the next few days, so do check back for some great places to visit. I have a few orders to work on and need to do a little housekeeping to my websites.

Until next time. . . Enjoy the cooler weather, create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

TAGGED Again

2005-10-31T09:29:00.000-05:00

Oh no!!! I was tagged again! There I am taking a little time to read some of my favorite blogs and come across my name, Debbie O. Sharon of Cut-Up-Paper TAGGED me to list 5 women that have inspired me.

As I have thought about this there are so many that I could list, but I tried to stick to the game rules at least this time.

My 5, in no particular order are Sally Jean, Jill Haddaway, Deb Trotter, Karenann Young and my Mom.

Almost 5 years ago when I was new to collage, I had tons of questions and Sally Jean, Jill and Karenann were all so generous with their answers to all of my questions. Thanks to many emails and even art supplies they shared with me I was on my way.

Just this past year Deb T and I crossed paths and it is as though we have known each others all our life.

My Mom has always encouraged me to follow my heart and reach for my dreams. She has given me the tools to move forward each time I wanted to try something new and she is always on the look out for Vintage Books, Photos, Postcards and more.

My turn. . . .TAG you're it. . . Abby, Delila, Jo, Katie & Amy.

Until next time. . . .Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

Vintage Swap

2005-10-26T23:13:00.000-05:00

I recently signed up to participate in a Vintage Swap. Names were drawn two at a time for partners. Each was to buy a regular Manila envelope 8 x 10, or something close to that. Fill it with vintage treasures of all kinds, such as postcards,buttons, tea towels, fabric, ribbon, jewelry, hankies, stationary, small books, and anything else that you could stuff in your envelope.

You and your partner were to email each other sharing a little about yourself and the things you collect or like. It was so much fun putting together my package for my partner, Abby.

The real fun came today when I received a package in the mail filled with the most awesome treasures. There were pink and brown buttons attached to Manila tags, vintage ribbons in green and red strip, some really cool postcards and pictures, two beautiful hand embroidered table runners, a children's story book, a wooden hand-carved stamp of a car, a pink and brown bag, and lace, trims and more buttons.

My biggest surprise was when I unwrapped a little book with yellowed pages, for as I turned the pages I discovered it was Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 1924.

Thank you Abby for making my experience with the Vintage Swap one I will remember for many years.

Until next time. . . .Create and have Fun!

Debbie

Surprise Package

2005-10-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

Is this not the most precious looking little girl?

Don't you just love it when you receive a surprise? I opened my door to find a box from my very dear friend, Deb Trotter. You know the Cowgirl Artist of Cowboy's Sweetheart. Well she is a real Sweetheart. I opened a box full of those little peanuts that go everywhere, then stick to any and everything, and days later you are still finding them! Peanuts going every where didn't slow me down. I pull out a package carefully wrapped in bubble and started unwrapping it. There in my hands was the most precious Bethany Lowe Designs little Halloween girl.

There was still more, further down in all those peanuts Deb had shared some of her duplicate rubber stamps, and sent Kaycee and I, Glow in the Dark Earrings!! I can't wait to use the stamps which will be perfect for some of the projects I am working on. As for the Earrings, I will have to let you know how that goes, but I know Kaycee is going to love them. I probably won't even get to try them out after she sees them.

If you have a Friend like Deb, send them a note or give them a call to let them know how thankful you are to call them your Friend.

Until next time. . . Create and have FUN!!!!

Debbie

Color Of Hope

2005-10-21T07:07:00.000-05:00

As you have heard, there is strength in numbers. Lynn Perrella has emailed her friends asking everyone to help spread the word about this unique collaborative work of art.

Color of Hope

This wall hanging is presently up for Auction on EBAY to benefit the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

Collaberating artists include: Nina Bagley, Keely Barham, Caryn Crimmel, Shirley Ende-Saxe, Sarah Fishburn, Lisa Hoffman, Marylinn Kelly, Karen Michel, Teesha Moore, Lynne Perrella, Lisa Renner, Judi Riesch, Monica Riffe, and Michelle Ward.

Click on image to go directly to the auction for more details.

Debbie

I've Been Tagged!!!

2005-10-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

It finally happened to me. . .I have been tagged by Amy of Inspire Company. If you have never visited Amy, you are missing a wonderful place to shop.

Five random things about me:

1. I love Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough! Sometime we will make a batch and eat it with spoons while watching a movie.

2. My first car was a 1974 Blue Ford Mustang. I got it for my 16th Christmas. I wish I would have kept that car. My dad has a 1965 Red Mustang and I would love to have it someday.

3. I grew up on a cotton farm and could drive a tractor before I drove a vehicle! It even had air conditioning and a radio!

4. I was a Radiologic Technologist in my 20's and early 30's, and gave it up to stay home with my children. Some days I miss it, especially the excitement of the ER and Surgery.

5. Love to read and visit the library often, but I try to check out the Large Print books. I can read them so much faster! It's an embarrassment to my children. Of course it would be they are teenagers!

Now it's my turn to tag some one and I choose Deb T, Deryn, Delila, Dawn and Sonja.

Mixed Media Collage Artists

2005-10-11T23:30:00.000-05:00

For months I have been working day and night on a project that I couldn't tell anyone about as I wanted it to be a surprise and boy was it. Last night I announced to my Yahoo Group Mixed Media Artists that we had a new full featured Website and Forum, Mixed Media Collage Artists. Within minutes I was receiving emails with excitement and one by one members were logging in to look around.

We are a rather small group in number, but we are very active. So much so that Yahoo could not keep up with our uploading of images. When I started the MMA group my dream was to one day have a full featured website and forum and now that dream has been reached.

The talent found in MMCA is extremely high. We have members that are regularly featured in Somerset Studio, Cloth Paper Scissors and many other great art magazines, many are instructors of art, some work full time and create at night or on the weekends and some create all day, but we all have something in common-we all love our art!

The inspiration I have received through these girls is beyond words. The creation of the Website/Forum has been the labor of love for both my artwork and my fellow members.

I have to admit I did have tons of help, Steve known as the technical assistant was right there with me all the way. I designed the website and he did the forum. I had 100's of templates to use for the forum, but not one was what I wanted. So the work began for a custom build forum. He worked countless hours at night and on the weekends until he had everything just like I wanted.

We would love to have you visit us, enjoy the Gallery which is just the beginning of the talent we have and don't miss the Featured Artist. If you are interested, please submit an application for membership. If you have any questions, please email me or contact me through the website.

Until next time. . . .Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

It's Fall in Arkansas

2005-10-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

It is finally here....That is Fall in Arkansas at least today. Who knows what tomorrow will be but today I am enjoying upper 60's with a breeze. I hung my fall wreath on the front door, set out a few pumpkins, changed my flag and planted a pot of Pansy's this morning.

Seth and Kaycee brought home their pictures taken last Friday night at the Homecoming Dance which was decorated for fall, so I knew it was time for a change of seasons here.

My friend, Deb T started something awhile back on her blog! She shared pics of her family and my kids having been asking me if I have shared any of them with all of you. So here you go.

~ Seth & Robbin ~
Homecoming Dance 2005

Seth is 17, a Senior this year and our middle son. He plays the Trumpet in the Concert and Marching Band. He also does a duet during all performances on the Fugel Horn. He's an Honor Roll student taking all Pre-AP or Honors classes, member of the Robotics Team, National Honor society, Beta, Chess and Science Clubs. Loves the History, Discovery and Food Network Channels. He's wonderful in the kitchen, a very caring person and considerate of others. He is very active in church and community activities. He plans to go on to college, not sure where yet and major in Engineering.

~ Kaycee & Ray ~
Homecoming Dance 2005

Kaycee is 16 and a Junior this year. She is our baby! She's an Honor Student taking all Pre-AP or Honors Classes. She is a member of the Beta, Chess and Science Clubs and a member of Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematic Club. She takes dance which includes Jazz, Ballet, Clogging and Tap. This is her 13th year of dancing. She also student teaches dance to 3 & 4 year olds. She loves Elvis and watching all the old shows we grew up with, I Love Lucy, Leave It to Beaver, Andy Griffin, Doris Day, Gidget and I know I am leaving out many. She is also very active in church and community activities and plans to go to collage.

~ Colby & Daniell ~

Our oldest is Colby, 22. He is a computer wiz owning and running his own business "Boot-Up Computer" since graduating from High School. If it can be done, he can do it when it comes to computers. He designs software with his most recent job being a program that is being used in Radiology offices and hospitals in 6 states. He started flying with his Papa at the age of 2 and was hooked. He began taking flying lessons at 13 and on his 16th Birthday I got to watch him solo. So at 16 when most kids were driving everywhere, he was flying any and everyplace he could since Papa owned the aviation school and service. I watched him leave the airport for a 3 hour cross-country by himself and the next day he turned 17 and took his Private Pilot test and passed with flying colors. When he's not flying you will catch him in a little black Crossfire traveling around the state with his business. He recently moved into his own apartment 3 hrs from Mom. He is doing great and Mom & Steve are adjusting!

And to think all of this started here. . . .

Until next time. . . Create, Enjoy your kids and have FUN!!

Debbie

Doodle vs Stress

2005-09-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago during a phone conversation with a friend, she ask how did I keep up with everything I do. It is quite simple, I have a calendar that anything and everything goes into. It is always within reach, so while we were chatting I opened it up and there right in front of me was a month full of activities, reminders, to do's and doodles!!! Yes I doodle when I am on the phone and most of the time it is in my calendar. Looking back through this year, I realized the more stress I am under the more I doodle.

I use my calendar for business, family and church activities. You will find menus, library due dates, birthdays, holidays, get togethers, orders shipped, phone calls to make, kids club meetings, sports, band, dance, orders placed, to do list, grocery list and more. Most things are written in pencil to easily make changes if necesary, but I will often write over past activities in color pencils or markers while doodling. I draw, okay I try to draw things. This reminds me I need to stick to collaging with papers & found objects and leave the drawing to others!

Here's my April calendar. You can see it was not too stressful for me as the doodles are light and only here and there.

September has been another story. . .tons of things going on. Getting kids back into the swing of school, schedules and routines. Maybe it was me that was having to get back in the routine that was stressful, as they seem to have done quite well.

I have had part of this post saved as a draft for several weeks. A couple days ago I had someone request to join my art group and while viewing some of her art work she had included her calendar page while she was on vacation. I was so excited to see someone else was a doodler.

Do you doodle? It is mindlessly done? When do you doodle?

Since today is the last day of September, I am thinking I will try to post my calendar at the end of each month for you to see. Need to go add this to my calendar, so I don't forget!

Until next time. . .Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie

Rolling Pin or Brayer

2005-09-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

When most artists hear the word "Brayer" they think of a roller used to apply color to their art, usually for backgrounds. Some are acrylic, some are foam and some are rubber and come in hard or soft. Here is a typical brayer used by artists.

Brayers are also great for burnishing - to make smooth. Recently I was having problmes with air bubbles after gluing my images to my background. The advice I was given was to use a brayer, well not having one I improvised.

Who needs a rolling pin when Phillsbury Doughboy makes the best Pie Crust already rolled and ready to use! I pulled out my little rolling pin that I have had for over 20 years and honestly I can't think of one time I actually used it. It is no longer kept in my kitchen. It is perfect to run across my artwork and make sure all the air bubbles are out and works great to seal all the edges. Here's my Brayer.

Do you have any tools or supplies that you use that others would consider "Outside the Box?"

Until next time. . . Create and have Fun!!!

Debbie