So, I Love Use and Versatility!

Besides versatility, I prefer something that's cool or cute rather than plain. So, here come my Wristlets/Soap Sacks. They are great for holding business cards (especially during craft fairs and such), iPods, cell phones, tissues, soap (and soap scraps) and more. I haven't forgotten the guys this time either. Guy/unisex wristlets are also available!

On another note, I've added a couple more brooches to the store. They're great for adding flair to purses, backpacks, jackets, hats, scarves and anywhere else you'd like to add a pretty flower.

Welcome Gigit the Frog!

It's time to welcome Gidgit the Frog and her water lily to the animal granny square family. I had fun creating the rows of various stitches and the 3D water lily turned out quite cool. I can't wait to add another to my repetoire in the quest for a

blanket full of animals!



As for new items, I added this brooch and more will be photographed and uploaded over the weekend. These are a lovely addition to jeans, suits, jackets, scarves, purses, backpacks, hats and more. Always strive for that little bit of flair :o)

Los Angeles Zoo

Well, of course flamingos are always in zoos and usually toward the front. They started bickering and my mom especially wanted me to take pics.

I will say we made the best of our trip although the L.A. zoo leaves something to be desired. I hadn't been there in years and they're still under major construction of a lot of the same things that are still blocked and not open. I look forward to seeing large cats and reptiles. The reptile house was closed and there were only a few through the park. Also, many animals are in fenced in cages (terrible for pics) and deep in shadow and plants. Many were hiding too. It seemed like the antelope/gazelle types were the most visible.

My mom's absolute favorite animals are giraffes and I encourage any love of animals. Not so usually seen at zoos are these Masaii giraffes :o)
I've gotten my mom pins, clothing, whatever I can think of with giraffes on them.

And last but not least are some of my favorites. I'd say my top

faves are wild cats and reptiles, also unusual animals. These two came out particularly nice :o)

Back to You

Well, I started off my day in L.A., CA by going to my annual painting spot at Color Me Mine (a paint on ceramics place). I always decide what I want to do before so I can print out a lot of reference photos. This year, I decided to paint and squirrel monkey and baby on a plate. I'll upload a pic when I get home though it needs to be fired first at this point. I was rushing because I can easily spend 7-10 hrs there. It opened at 11am. My mom came along too and it was a bit after 12 by the time we sat down to paint. She painted a surprise for my sister and couldn't stay too long since she was meeting someone. I was rushing to finish by 4pm and went a little over on time but all worked out well.

The whole time issue was to make it to see a taping of Back To You, the tv show with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton. It is a really well written show. Other than the studio being freezing and the random lines seeming inefficient, you could tell that the actual production was filled to the brim with seasoned professionals. There were only 2 or 3 takes per scene with a couple exceptions. Sometimes it runs to 10pm but it refreshingly let out around 8pm. Not that I wouldn't have been happy to see more but I don't like being cold ;o)

Some scenes were recorded ahead of time which is why things didn't take as long. The majority of the scenes were with Grammer, Heaton and the young girl who plays Grace. Other than seeing a game show when I was quite young, this was the first sitcom I've seen on set. The girl who plays Grace was exceptionally professional. I don't think I could ever keep a straight face through the majority of those scenes. This is the episode when she find out that Chuck, played by Grammer, is her father. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but the director, writers and actors are really great and a lot of fun. I'm not exactly sure when the episode will air, we were told 4-5 weeks.

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Sea World for the day, will update when I can :o)
~Rachel