check out Suzi Blu

 
I just love love love Suzi---she inspired me years ago when i stumbled on her blog.
I still follow her today- i've taken several of her on-line classes- she's fabulous.
Check her out...

Happy Easter to all!!
~jodi
:)

Superbowl Sunday!!

Steelers!!!!! Are you ready for some Football??? and some #43????
:)
I am!!!!!!!!

I'm back...

Yea! I'm back and I have SOOOO missed not blogging! I've allowed life and all the good and bad to get in my way of MY dreams and what i so love....ART! I have created many items since I've been here and will share photos shortly.
I love February and so here is a little something that involves the heart and LOVE! Such fragile items...I have always loved hearts and use them all the time in my art- i also love "love"- such a complicated word yet...so simple.
Today is Superbowl Sunday!! It's Pitts day!!! Go Black and Yellow!! :)
Hope you all enjoy your day - make it a great day...do something good for you and hey- for someone else too.
much love and peace.
~j

ps- this is a page i created for my lovely mom. used fabric, paint and lots of stitches- used a silk flower too. was so much fun.

Songbird

I hope to sing this to someone someday....someday.... better yet- wished someone special would sing it to ME someday....someday.
Such a hopeless romantic.

Halloween 2010

Hope everyone out there had a wonderful Halloween...I know this was a while ago but i'm real behind schedule here. Not sure where my time is going and not sure sometimes if i'm standing still or i'm spinning (out of control that is). At any rate...here I am...almost a month later. Goodness....time to spell the roses. Halloween is on of my favs and it's gone for the year. I still have my pumpkins chillin outside (my son and i didn't have/make time to carve them- so they are still in good shape- ha!

To all a good afternoon/evening. It's cold out there and it's already getting dark- oh boy. Where is my sunshine?
Peace-
~J

What is Love?

I have a question...What does love really mean- what is it really? I suppose it's different for everyone...or is it? I'm not sure i'll ever know but....i caaaaan paint about it. Tore up some mag pages for my heart (a blue heart...does this mean i have a cold cold heart??? i think i heard that in a country tune). Anyway... added some acrylic paint, glitter ( and more glitter); more paint and painted round the edges with a sponge- can get some real cool effects with sponges- love em.
ok- peace out for now.
have a great night.
~jodi

Sunny Sew Afternoon

Well...today i finally created something. I do more talking than executing these days. I'm proud of myself for staring and finishing something (although...i'm not completely sure it's finished- think i'm gonna add some sparkly paint and a couple shiny beads). anyway...started a bag from fabric and ended up with a bag. Funny though...it really evolved for the first time ever- i had planned to make myself a clutch...dropped it on the floor and when i picked it up- it had folded the other direction. HUM....i think i like it better this way i said out loud. here it is...a lil bag that goes over the body. Way fun... hope you like it. Here's where it all happens (ha!).

I'm lovin the circles!!! a new love.... i dropped the feed dogs and off i go to make a zillion (not really ) circles.
hope you all had a good day.
~Peace...
I'm feeling some karaoke tonight....hum...will i or won't i???
~jodi

What a Day

Meet my grandparents- I've shared their art before and love them both dearly. Grandma celebrated her birthday yesterday. My grandmother could work circles around any younger woman in the kitchen (or anywhere else for that matter). I have never understood how she can have so much energy- wow! I just love this pic (their wedding pic) cause it captures their youth so beautifully. Smiles, love, laughter, sharing, heartache...LOVE...it really does happen- it is REAL... Love you both dearly.

I'm gonna paint today- I would love to make some journals!!! Love yourself (why is that so hard?)
:)
Peace-
~jodi

Cake Time

Happy Birthday to Devin! A dear sweet friend of mine asked me to bake her sons birthday cake...I was honored. Here she is...well "he" is. Devin LOVED his cake. I had more fun with this little guy. It all began watching my mum...years ago in our little trailer (piece of shit trailer- i hate trailers---oops). My mother would bake the most beautiful cakes, decorate them ever so sweetly and we would deliver them together!! I always was amazed and still am- my mom can make anything work- we're talking busted cakes- pieces crumbling- the entire cake sticking- SHE ALWAYS MADE IT WORK!!! and....She STILL DOES! My mum can fix anything- anything. I do love baking cakes and best of all- decorating. I can't wait til my next cake project...gonna be a shark with bloody fangs. Gonna be fun- this weekend- it's Batman time. Hope they like it.
:)
Peace-
~jodi

Flying Free

Freedom...my life belongs to me. Yes- it belongs to me. Your life belongs to you as well. Yes- it's true. Choices...they are mine to make. Good ones maybe some bad ones...none the less- they are mine to make. My life belongs to me.

Flying free..like the eagles...flying free- my thoughts; my spirit; my soul. Freedom...flying free.

My grandmother's quilted eagle...i love it. one my favs. of all her lovely creations.

life

Life is rough- it's beautiful- it's short- it's a journey- can be painful- can be sweet....can be just plain crazy. Thank God I can keep my hands busy and create. This kept me from thinking of things i can't change at the moment. Felt good to play- get paint on my hands, under my finger nails...yes!!!!
Hope you enjoyed your day---Happy 4th!! I love this holiday....one of the most romantic holidays in my book. No romance for me again this year???? maybe...maybe not.
Peace-
~jodi

Grateful and Happy

Things that make me happy:

my son's sweet laughter
my sweet Lucy girl
sweet, icy lemonade in my favorite glass
warmth from the sun
my guitar
music
painting and sewing from sun up to sun down
smiles from the world (man- i wish folks would smile more.....they're free to give AND receive :))
fresh cool air to breathe
the sound pipes rumbling from a Harley (any motorcycle really)
smell of a yummy BBQ
and much much more---I am feeling grateful for my life- all all the wonderful people in it.
Thank you- peace...
~jodi

PS: i forgot the stars and the moon....dang do i love the stars and light from the moon. (love to howl at the moon too-ha!).

What makes you happy? What are you grateful for? hum... wishing you a wonderful and happy day. Smile...

Kitchen love

Yea!! It's done...what a difference a little attention, sweat and running back to Home Depot on several occasions can do. A big thanks to my son and his dad (he's handy from time to time).
Kitchen is often closed- don't want to make mess and really don't want to cook either. :)
~peace to all.
~jodi

before the love...

                                                                              post LOVE...    

Birds are awesome...

Spring is in the air...i and loving the music in the am!! the birds are chirping and it makes me so happy. i love em.

these are birds that were painted by my Grandmother- Bea Mansanarez. She is an amazing quilter and China painter...and has many more talents as well. thought i would share some of her works with you- i love you Grams Bea! (i'll share some of my Grandpa Cam's work later too- he's awesome as well!)
ps- if you are interested in purchasing any items you see here (she has fabulous mugs w/ her birds)- please e-mail me at jlsparklz@comcast.net

enjoy- peace- and listen for those birds!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEDIAH!!!

Happy Birthday to Jediah!!

Today is his first birthday- wish we were there to help em all celebrate!!

 I just love this photo of my lovely sis with her beautiful family. They recently traveled to Disney World had shared a wonderful time together!! Wishing our hito an awesome birthday!! We love you- miss you all too!
~titi Jodi :)

Unburdened Box

Here is my lovely box that Sherri created...I LOVE IT!! thank you Sherri ! I'll post more pics later- ones that include the inside and art surrounding the box. The inside is fabulous as well!
Please visit Sherri's blog.

Have  wonderful day- make it a wonderful day!!
~jodi

Happy Heart

Well- I have to say I have had SOOO much fun with this project. My friend and I have exchanged a little something and have put a whole lot of ourselves into the project. We met today for coffee and re-exchanged our projects. ( i know i didn't do a very good job of explaining our process- hopefully you get the idea and i hope you try it too!)  I had given her an antique cigar box and she gave me a board (Sherri- i can never remember what the name of the board is). Anyway- Sherri and i have meet up every now and then to exchange ideas, thoughts about art and lots of other topics- she is the most peaceful woman i know. Sherri is the kind of woman that makes me feel good about myself and i always walk away feeling so calm. Her energy is filled with kindness; gentleness.  I am so grateful she is my friend and in my life (Thank you Sherri- truly.)
Here is what i created for her (from her board she already had started). I hope she enjoys it. :)

I baked clay and had a blast!! i stamped; glued; painted; added more paint; gesso; glitter; glass tiles and beads. This was way cool to do. Much inspiration came from the book my mom lent to me- it's called Mixed media Mosaics by Laurie Mika. I will post what Sherri made for me tomorrow....it's fabulous! :)

Have an awesome evening.
ps- speaking of "hearts"....i think it's something i know i take for granted...my heart. It's so very fragile (yet so strong). I think nothing of it and have been lately. I love my heart...my heart loves.

~peace~
jodi

Spring is in the air...

Good Morning to all...to the world.

I went for a walk this am (took my Lucy). Matthew (my son) was asleep- we we left him sleeping.  Felt good to get outside and feel the air on my cheeks. Feels good to breathe deeply. I think walking makes me aware of my body- aware of my being.
Today- (this may sound silly) but I am going to treat myself like a queen. This for me means eating healthy (making good food choices for my mind and body); give myself a little foot massage after my warm shower and splash on some of my favorite perfume Miracle (i only use a smidge so it will last me throughout the year). I will say self-afirmations throughout the day (exp.  I am beautiful- I am strong- I am lovable). Long story short...I will treat myself today like I treat my best friends, my mother, my sisters (all the other special ladies in my life)...and that's pretty darn awesome.
I'm gonna do some art today as well. This always makes for an awesome day. It's palm Sunday- one of my favs as well.

Be good to yourself today! Love yourself! Do a little (lots) self-care today!!

~peace~

~jodi

Sibling Love

Sibling Love...it's strong and yet very fragile. If we could go back in time, I would love my siblings with tenderness- embrace them with my heart- my protection.
I love you my siblings...my brother Joel (you make me feel safe with your strong arms around me- i feel strong when you are with me). My younger sis Vanessa- aka Ness (you make me laugh and smile- just hearing your voice makes my heart smile). My youngest sis Amanda -aka Beez (you are so real- your love is raw and so powerful- i so admire you and your strength). I love my siblings with all my heart- mind and soul. I wish i could hug and love them right now...if we could turn back the hands of time- i would. I would love you all a little more.

This is a pic of my niece and nephew (Leilani and her baby brother Jediah- taken several months ago).
The sibling LOVE is so strong and evident at such a young, tender age...

Sibling LOVE- there's nothing quite like it.

Peace-
Jodi

ps- I'm off to get some clay and have some fun today. It's snowing outside and all i need is a little coffee to go with my day of art (that's the plan anyway).

Wishing i could FLY...

I wish i could fly like this sweet little fairy (made by my mother). I have tons of work to do and would rather be painting...just a quick blog entry...wishing i could fly...wishing i could be creating.
~peace-
~jodi
ps- do something you LOVE today!

You and Me

 So...V-Day is behind me and I survived (without a Valentine)!! Although i have to admit i was sort of sad (something inside me really was-me heart????) but i SURVIVED!! Without a piece of chocolate i might add. Better luck next year for me- ha!  I give up on love for now (well- it's been a long time) ...but somewhere- someday- it's gonna happen for me and when it does- it's gonna be awesome and will have been worth the wait- for shizzle!!

Boy- there's bigger and better things out than my lack of Valentine love...check this out. It really touches my soul. WOW!
 Enjoy- Peace.
PS- I painted all WEEKEND!! Was so FUN! :)
~jodi

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY TO ALL!

Flying Pink Guitar

Ok- so here's something that just tickles me "pink".

I am falling in love...all over again!! With guess what??? MY GUITAR! Can i just say that i have a re-newed passion. I have been playing a lot lately and have even taken a lesson to learn "rockin leads"! I learned to play the guitar when i was a little girl (around 13ish) and have always loved music. I played for year's in my mom and dad's band (played the drums back then) and have always plucked my guitar here and there. Mostly in love with acoustic but now i'm falling for the Hard Rock- not heavy or death metal---just the harder rock and i'm loving it!
so here "he" is....he's old but "he" plays like a champ! Someday...a new guitar. It's on my Christmas list.

Enjoy your evening...play some music...it's good for the soul (for mine anyway)!!
:)
~peace~
~jodi

Donna Downey

Donna Downey is having an awesome giveaway (as always). Hope you check out her blog and awesome giveaways!! This lady is awesome...i especially love her video posts- wish she did more of em. Lot's of fun!

Lady Love...noses- not so much.

I truly enjoy playing in my journal. This page is by far complete- but it's a start and that's the hardest part for me...getting started. So yea...having some issues with my lil noses...oh well...they most definately are "my style". Ha!

 

 

Hope you enjoy your evening...I'm really not loving this snow biz. Where's my sunshine???
Peace-
~jodi :)

To my special Valentine...

I LOVE Valentine's Day!!! Finally put together my little pieces of love. I think i like em...it's funny. I had great ideas to paint my hearts (fully inspired by an artist from the most recent Paper Cloth Scissors- love this!) and make them all into mini wall hangings...um...that's not what evolved. I decided to make them into little "mini dream books". I adore little books/journals...so here you have it. Paint, a few stitches,a little fabric, a few pages to write/paint/doodle on (made of Rosin paper) and a whole lot of love. These little morsels of love are headed to the mail box tomorrow. :)

I hope you create some valentines of your own...they are so special- you could make someone's day with just a little love note. Love....i think the world could use a little more of it.

I used some shiny little clips to hold the little book together...hopefully they will hold all the hopes and dreams together.

My neice...little girls have big dreams! I hope she draws and paints in it. She already loves art and LOVES to paint!! Yea!!!

 

Used some of my favorite "shiny fibers" (i can't remember the name of it as i write this).

Love you forever... i used LOTS of glitter on this one and the one below...i just LOVE glitter!!

Mini "LOVE" wall hanging... below is a close up of the stitching...look closely....i have lots of "love" messages stitched into the fabric.

It's Grammy Night!

 

Hum......(i'm thinking Lady GaGa). Who's gonna take the show tonight????? I'm gonna be glued to the TV for this years Grammy's! I have always watched em- I can even remember watching them as a little girl (used a Goody brush back then for my mic-ha!). I always wanted to be a Rockstar! Well...i' won't be quitting my day job anytime soon- but I'm a Rockstar when i'm on my own living room stage- that's for sure!

Peace-

Enjoy your evening.

"Without deviation, progress is not possible"- Frank Zappa

Living

This thing called life...it's lovely and can be stormy too. I've been reading a lot lately- this quote really made me think about myself.

A sobering thought: what if, at every moment, I am living up to my full potential.-Jane Wagner

Humm...

Enjoy your day...make it a great one!
~peace~
jodi

ps- i treated myself to a 10 minute massage at Whole Foods yesterday- WOW! I felt like a brand new woman...it's hard for me to stay balanced- this really helped me get my soul, heart and mind back in alignment. What a difference this short about of paid professional touch can make- yes indeed.

Oh- one more thing. Can't wait to show you my new valentine's :)- coming soon (as soon as i can buy a new memory card for my dang camera).

Happy Birthday to my sisters- Vanessa (Ness) and Amanda (Beez)

Happy Birthday!!

My sweet sisters share their birthday- time to celebrate! Today is their special day- they are exactly TWO years apart. I send love and hugs and big kisses to both of them today- Make a wish...may all your hopes and dreams come true this year!!!! One lives in Miami Florida and one in Monte Vista Colorado (I wished they lived here in Denver!). This is a pic of my little sisters when they were baby girls - seems like yesterday (they are gonna kill me :).

Love you Ness and Beez- who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? Thats CRAP- YES you can!!
Love you my sweeties!
~your big sis~
Peace and God Bless-
Jodi :)