New Bill Up For Vote Would Affect ALL Artists and Their Artwork.

Mind Your Business: You Will Lose All The Rights to Your Own Art

Mark Simon is mad as hell and, in this month's "Mind Your Business," he tells you why you should be too.

Animation World Magazine

I found this article talking a potentially new law that would take an artist's copyrights away to their so-called orphaned artwork.  This affects all artist, musicians, writers, etc... virtually anyone with creative work.   Please take time to read this article and interview.  Then send letters to your local and state representatives. 

(This is a lengthy article about 3 pages and best read on the publishers site.   The author does a better job writing about this new bill up for vote than. Animation World Magazine)

Technorati Tags: orphaned artwork legislation,vote,congress,protect yourselves,artist,musician,writer,copyright laws

Tax rebate schemers active -- baltimoresun.com

Like most people, I am heavy into doing my taxes for this past year; trying to save money where I can and get back what is owed to me.  Unfortunately,  their are those that would like to rip me and others off from what we have worked hard to earn and save.  I found this article about some of the schemers out their trying to rip people off like you and me; thought I would share info with others.  Hopefully this will help prevent you from being taken.  

Tax rebate schemers active -- baltimoresun.com

Technorati Tags: scheme,rip-off,tax rebate,false claims,protect yourselves

The IRS did not send you that e-mail about an audit - Smart Spending

 

I found this great article warning people about the latest scam out there concerning theives pretending to be from the IRS asking for your personally information through emails and over the phone.  Hope this information might help you protest yourselves.    I 

The IRS did not send you that e-mail about an audit - Smart Spending

Wishing for Spring

Last couple weeks, in this area, we have had low temperatures of 6 degrees, heavy winds and 11 inches of snow. Today, the sun is up, temperature is 38 degrees and heavy winds but this time no snow. I am sitting here, hoping I seen the last of the snow for the season. I am so ready for spring, I can smell the flowers and feel the pull to start attending outdoor festivals again.



I know, for me, winter months are my production times for my jewelry and needle felting. A time to check out what I would like to add into my sales booths, new designs and a time to make new contacts with show promotors for the next years season of outdoor festivals. I know this, and I try to stay on track but after a month or two, I find my mind wondering and my fingers slowing down. Almost, as if I need warmer spring weather to jump start my creative side.



The show applications are starting to pile on one side of my design desk and notes of new designs on the other side of the desk. In between, one incomplete project that I started two days ago. And all I can do today is look at the sunshine gleaming through the window; even though I know there is a few left over piles of snow from the last storm just under the window sill.



In hopes of spring, coming sooner than later, my new projects have been copper flower charms and pendants. Think it will help??? 100% copper and copper enameled flowers, earthy, bright and cheery to wear or gift.

Adding Chain Maille To My Jewelry Line.

I have been busy working up some chain maille necklaces and bracelets for this season. I am going to be using bright aluminuim and recycled copper. Sterling silver will be available by special order only, due to the high increases in silver costs in the past few months.

For anyone who is not familiar with Bright Aluminuim; this metal looks and shines just like sterling silver. Also, bright aluminuim is more tarnish resistant than sterling silver.

Along with the Bright Aluminuim, I will be adding Copper. The designs with copper are made from recycled metals and the rings themselves are made/cut by myself.

I believe that visually the combination of these two metals looks stunning together. Plus, the facts that these metals are from recycled materials makes the jewelry even more appealing as well. To me, an eco-friendly jewelry design sends a statement that we can still look beautiful while working to keep our planet healthy.

Add-ons To Chain Maille Designs:

In addition to the chain maille designs, I will be wire wrapping pendants to add on. Pendants will be of high quality stones with copper or sterling wire wraps. These pendants will be available as add ons and will be individually priced In theory, a person can change out pendants for different looks throughout the week while using one chain.

Hope to get some photos posted soon.

Attitude is Everything

I found this little inspirational funny story and shared it with my teenage daughter. Maybe, you know of someone that would also enjoy this story and find inspiration to keep going, also.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said,
"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.......

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain

My Upcoming Christmas Shows 2007

Oct 27-28 Sportsman Gun, Antique and Fleamarket; Benton Franklin County Fairgrounds

Nov 3 Crossroads Bible Church Christmas Bazaar Kennewick, WA off Union Street at Kennewick Grange Bldg 9 am - 4 pm

Nov 10 Pasco First Methodist Church Bazaar off Clark Street Pasco, WA

Nov 17-18 Kennewick Valley Grange Christmas Bazaar, Washington and 27th Av. Kennewick

Nov 24 Columbia Valley Grange Christmas Bazaar, off Court Street, Pasco WA

Nov 30-Dec 1 Badger Mt Christmas Bazaar at Badger Mt Elementary School Kennewick WA
Fri 5 pm-9 pm and Sat 9 am - 4 pm

Dec 8 Benton City Winterfest at Benton City Elementary School 9 am - 5 pm

Just in the Black

This grouping of necklaces was a special order for dad, mom and son.
Necklaces contain lava stone, black bone beads, jasper. Center necklace contains black onyx, garnet and citrine. Sold

Couple of Friends sitting around watching the world go by.
Sold

Mom and son getting ready for a night of sqare dancing. Both are needle felted from alpaca fiber. Mom's shawl is made from codsworth wool and is also needle felted into place. The son holds onto his hat just in case of a wind gust. Sold

This little alpaca stands about 5 inches tall from ears to toe and is approximately 4 inches long; made from 100 % alpaca fiber with blue stone bead eyes. His little friend is also, made from alpaca fiber and stands approximately 3 inches tall.

A Group Photo Of My Needle Felt Bears

This is a group photo of some of my bears. There is one alpaca I made standing partially behind the bowl.
Also, included are a bowl of polished tumble stones that I additionally sell with other crystals and minerals while at festivals.

Needle Felt Coin Purses

These are examples of some of my needle felted smaller coin purses. Made from 100% unspun wool fibers. Price $4.00 -$7.00 ea.

Examples Of Wire Wrapped Polished Tumble Stones

These are a few simple examples of my sterling silver wrapped polished tumble stones.
They are on a black rubber cord with a sliding double knot for adjusting lengths. Price $8.00 ea.

I really wished that this photo had turned out better. This little boy is wearing a baseball hat and matching shorts. The face is shaded with warm brown colors especially around the nose and eyes to give it depth and dimension. This bear is a poseable on a wire form.
Approximately 3 inches tall.

This little purple and pink girl is made from alpaca fiber, 4 way string jointed and is about 3 inches tall.

Alpaca Fiber Bear

My camara isn't behaving properly and there is glare back from the wood finish. Sorry This little guy is made from pure alpaca fiber and is approximately 2 1/2 inches tall. Sold

A Few Examples Of My Needle Felt