Lisa Mita Artist Blog

Sweet 16 Party Recap the amazing Fun and the last of the DIY

Well Thankfully the party went off wonderfully.

Boy oh boy - the stress

So just going over the details.

We had the event at The Rendezvous

Located: 622 NJ 10 #5 - Whippany, NJ

Website

Phone Number: 973-637-0107

Best Kept Morris County, NJ Secret party location

was such a beautiful space.  I have to admit when your standing in it I was so worried that 100 people wouldn't fit - but it's really a deceptively large space.

The staff is so helpful.  Security is spot on.

We used Hi Def Entertainment for the DJ service

location: 277 Fairfield Road, Suite 1, Fairfield, NJ

Website

Phone: 973-280-7247

I can't say enough about these guys - they were amazing.  From the first meeting - to the paperwork that my daughter filed out - to the meeting the week before the event when they find tuned everything the music was just what she wanted and more.  The kids didn't get off the floor.

Randy Loves his job - and you can see and hear it.

my daughter had a smile on her face all night - and they are still talking about how good the music was at the party.

i can't recommend them enough - Hire Them you won't be sorry.

 

Our Photographer is CD Photography

Located In East Hanover, NJ

Website

Phone: 973-666-6019

Above is a photo of my daughter and her "White" Squad Cheerleaders

I just love this photo of my daughter.

here's a good group photo - all the adults didn't jump in.

above is a photo of my daughter and her court.

Super happy and these are only a few of the amazing photos he took.

I also wanted to just do a shout out to the Beauty Artist Group.

Located in Millburn, NJ

Phone: 973-687-4878

Website

She did my daughters makeup & hair - and mine as well.

she just looked amazing

I wanted to give you all some photo of the DIY photo booth I did and the Hashtag signs.

i had searched Youtube for DIY photo booth - and I found this video Here

I purchased the Makayama Movie Mount for my iPad - I got it on Amazon for $70.00

I also purchased the Neewer 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable ultra High Power Panel Light - also found that on Amazon for $30.00

I did purchase  tripod on Amazon - but you for sure get what you pay for it was $15.00 - and it's not a very good quality - it did work - but I ended having my son work the booth

it was a big hit... The kids loved it.

And my Hashtag were used big time.

I did purchase a adjustable background backdrop system on amazon - but it was a nightmare and let me just say Ducktape to the rescue.

We did a wonderful time.

 

More on the crafting for my daughters Sweet 16 Party

thanks for checking back....

 

Here's more on my preparing for my daughters sweet 16.

I was looking all over etsy and I just couldn't think about spending $300 or more for this... 

So I hit out on Facebook asking for Wine Bottles.

i figured - the 20's... they either used wine bottles for candles - since they couldn't make the wine loL..

So I got a bunch of bottles and started creating.

first I put paint - on the bigger ones I did wine base - and the smaller ones its black.

I mixed in chalk powder into the acrylic paint this helped it attach to the bottles better.

the first batch I soaked off the labels - the smaller ones I didn't even pull it off.

 

once dry I then added Liquid Gold Leafing onto the bottles.  Here's a few things i learned.  #1 - Used a paint brush you don't care about - the gold won't come off with water and I didn't have any tools for oils.

#2 - Open the window it smells - but it's beautiful

i liked showing the white - but my daughter didn't like it.

i also only had to touch up a few spots.

i then did the same as i did on the large vase i added Matte Medium onto the bottles and then added Glitter - in the beginning I used 2 different shades of glitter - but in the end I only used 1 color.

I also added gold leaf onto the the bottles and then dripped wax to make them look old.

 

I also created an entire display - which in the end my daughter also didn't like.

she wanted this in a long line.  So after I did the small bottles (sorry didn't take photo of the progress)

While the name hasn't been put up yet.  Here's what it looks during the glitter process

i purchased the name here on etsy

I found her to be the best price.

The party is on Friday - and boy can't I wait to have my home back i just have boxes of stuff everywhere.

Hope you enjoy

Here's some photos from the party

Crafting like crazy getting ready for my daughters Sweet 16 Party

So sorry for the delay on blog posts - i've just been working like crazy making all the crafts for my daughters Sweet 16 party. 

We are officially in count down mode.... 6 days to go....

with a Great Gatsby Theme - we come Pinterest and Etsy for ideas.

i'll do my best to give credit to the people that created the original idea.... that then we put our own spin on it...  Of course doing it yourself you think will save you money.

My daughter wanted The above saying..

she found it on Etsy - Click here for the buyer.... 

And while it was super cheap - I decided to purchase fonts and make it myself.  I also made all the other signs for the party.  now let me say this was a lot of work.  Because the Glitter Font I purchased are individual letter - so it was a lot of edits/photo shop to get what I wanted.  But I love how it came out.

Another Blog post after the party will have all the photos....   

but here's a little sample.... 

i bought the Glitter Font here

i

The invitation we did something different as well.   

Here is here original want...

You can get them here.     At $2.00 per invite it was just a bit pricy for me.

So this is what we did...  I uploaded the photo to Snapfish and printed it out on 5x7 glossy paper and purchased envelops and shipped.

i bought it from this Etsy Shoppe here

My daughter wanted the feel of lots of flowers and feathers... so one of the things that I created is a very large Candy/Dessert bar.

The centerpiece is a large vase with flower arrangement.  While it's not completely done.. Here's just some photos....

I also decorated the vase...  so below is what i started with.. The colors are gold/White/Black and red...   But didn't really like the Red.

What's great about how I did this - I used Matte Medium and then put the glitter... So while it stays on without any issue - you can also pull it off super easy.  Just using something to get it going and it just peels off.

So here's the next version.  the bottom is black.   Still didn't work for me.

 

So the final which i don't have a photo yet (will post for next blog post) is Bright Gold and light gold and then White.

Once the glitter is all dry go over it with another coat of the Matte Medium and that way the glitter doesn't come off.

i also put foam inside the vase - and then taped the top - like they do in a florist to keep the steps where i want them to stay.

i bought all of the glass vases at home Goods/ TJ Maxx - and while I ended up spending more than if I would have just had the location add it on - they were charging $150 for the candy bar... It's going to look the way i want it to look.  I got all the candy on Amazon for amazing pricing.

it turned out to be over 8 feet.

another item I made are these #hashtag signs.

i saw them on etsy  They were $21 - and i think oh i can do that!!!!

see here

well - I did - and I love it - but let me tell you... LOTS OF WORK for the time - it would have been a better purchased to buy them on etsy.

the cost - was 1 Foam core pieces - a razor and a paint marker and paint.

We are also having just a few balloon centerpieces the style of the room is a NYC lounge feel so their are only a few tables.  i decided to go with large 36" balloons and a few smaller ones.  And what i'm doing on the string is creating paper Tassels

the idea I saw here

They are super easy to make...   I used scissors - but Martha Stewart has a cutter that you can use if you are making a lot of them.  I did 5 per string.

here's instructions

again i'll put photos up after the party on how these looks.

In the next Blog post I'll talk about the Sweet Candlebra

Be sure to check other posts.

Mixed Media Birthday Card - Chipboard, metal findings, flowers and more

new blog post... mixed media fun birthday canvas...

lots of layers - and metal findings, paper flowers and chipboard.

acrylic paints, and lots more... Video tutorial below.

 

 

Playing with new Donna Downey Stencils

i got a yummy box of goodies from Donna Downey Studios

and I have found my new favorite stencils  Blossom #2

here's where you can buy this stencils  click here

and i used blossom #1  Click here

 

 

Mixed Media Birthday Card - Chipboard and ColorLab Sprays

My daughter has been going to Sweet 16 parties pretty much every weekend...

So i've been having fun making Canvas cards for them.

 

Then I did a bit more playing... I didn't like the way the hand written part came out.

 

 

Tutorial Here...

  

Art Journal Mixed Media Be Happy with your Soul

 

I was playing on my laptop - youtube and came across Limor Webbers Video from this week

Click Here

It was very inspiring to me - so here's my take on it.

I have a video at the bottom.

 

The phrase I added is "take time to do what makes your soul happy"

products used:

art Journal

Color Lab Sprays

Acrylic Paints

Stamps

Stencils

Super Heavy Gesso

Whipped Spackle

 

video here:

 

 

Experiencing what it's like to be a Wrestling Mom... I don't think I could do it!!

My daughter is a cheerleader for the Wrestling Team so I got to watch this season's matches.  When they made the finals the girls didn't cheer anymore but I have continue to go to the matches I feel invested at this point.

Watching these kids is just so hard.   Wrestling is a HARD sports...  The highs when they win are so exciting every cheers.  And the lows are really low when they lose.  My heart just breaks with them.

This is not a sport you can just sit by and not participate.  And participate is blood sweat and tears... I've watched them bleed - muscles tear - and thankfully no bones broken - but other have had that...

It's a hard sport and I have a ton of respect for them.

I have tried to capture the moments...

the moment of pure strength

The moments that something changes.  even with a wrestler that it one of those kids that is just amazing on the mat.  no matter what happens gets that moment to pin...  but even they have a bad moment...

It was a pleasure to watch these matches and I appreciate the parents enjoying the photos.

Here's some photos of the girls.

as a cheer mom.. its hard to stand by and watch them throw your kid in the air - but it's a moment of pure pride at the same time.

 

 

It's been a pleasure taking photos as always... so many that I have seen from preschool are seniors and are moving on they have turned into amazing teenagers..

Thank you for looking.... 

Art Journal Fun Times - channeling my Inner Dina Wakley

i just love those days when everything connects together.  when the creative juices are flowing.

When you see something on Youtube or a few things on Youtube and things just snap...

This was in my new handmade journal from the TJI Fridays menu that I have turned into my art journal.

 

More closed up

 

I hope you enjoyed the look at my art journal.

The video of the process is below.

  

Thank you for watching

Here's a peak of what is on my desk

I love Inspiration Wednesday by Donna Downey... Here's this Weeks

Sharing the Art that I have been working on...

This is the on line class I signed up with Donna Downey

Inspiration Wednesday

 

 

 

 

Supplies Used

Donna downey Art Journal

Golden Paints

Joint Tape

Washi Tape

Stamps

Fineline Applicator (Black & White paint)

I highly recommend taking the class you can find it here 

Family.. Fun Day to NYC. Love NYC in the Holidays

We had a fun family day in New York City 

celebrating a delayed Holiday.

We met at American Girl Doll Store so my beautiful niece could price out her christmas Gift..

What 5 year old doesn't want a shopping trip.

We also got to have lunch with the small sandwiches...

Was too much fun.

We had nice fleshing Lunch

You can make on line appointments here 

Once done with Lunch we walked over to Rockefeller Center

We watched the Skaters and got a cup of Hot Chocolate.

we went to the Top of The Rock..  This was so cool I had never done this before

Price for this is $29 for adult..

It has better views then any other building... You can see everything

 

 

we had a wonderful time...  laughing in this room that depending on where you walked the lights on the wall and ceiling moved around...  

 

it was a very fun family day... one that I will treasure always..

12x12 Canvas - Poppy & Butterflies Having fun with Color Labs

Just sharing a video and photos of a canvas I made on Christmas.  I was playing with my Color Lab

I just love them - I can make any color I want...

 

 

 

thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog.

Please follow if you like what you see.

Thank you.

Here's a sneak peak of what's on my desk.

A Lesson in using your supplies - Don't be afraid... Jelli Plate Fun

Having Fun with using my Jelli Plate to make prints..

Wanted to have a mini lesson - but more for the reason that I owned a Jelli Plate for over a year and never used it because I was afraid....   

Thankfully for Dina Wakley I took a class at The Ink Pad in NYC she showed me how easy it is to make prints - and then what to do with them..

I purchased a Box of Deli Paper 500 Sheets size: 12x10 3/4 - for $4.49

Now i can just sit for hours and play with paint and Deli Paper and make prints...

Here's the video

 

I hope you enjoy...

Here's a photo of an art journal page I'm working on that used some of the Jelli Plates

 

Creating the back cover of my new Art Journal - Thank you TJI Fridays

Here's just little video of my Art Journal.

i put this video together because I thought it would be interesting to some... I am having some computer issues - time for a new one and all the photos I took of the process have just disappeared...  But figured the video would still be good.

I hope you enjoy.

 

this is the Art Journal - well the TJI Fridays Menu that I'm creating into the Art Journal.

All the items I used are in the video.

Playing in my Art Journal - Using your Extra Paint Smudge Page to Create

 

 

 This post is just about me taking a page that looks like a big mess.

I have a video below that shows the process.

But here are some close ups

 

 

the basic of this page is made up with just the extra paint of other projects, canvas, art journal just smeared onto this page  it's got a few laters on it...

I then used different things to collage onto the page.. These are all from my stash.

See below for the video.

 

2015 LifeBook Art Journal having fun doodling.

I just love LifeBook 2015 I highly recommend the class.  The teachers are amazing and the lessons you learn so much.

You can do it at your own pace and I just did Joanne Sharpe lesson...

Below are just a few photos of the process.   I didn't draw on this one I used one of Donna Downey's Stencils with acrylic paints Layers of it..

 

I did a bit of doodling..

And then started having fun with Water colors.

 

More water color

And more layers.

I just love how it came out and going to continue practicing the creative lettering...  

sign up... have fun!  super worth the money.

Here's a peak of some other creative art i've been doing.

 

Cancer took my mom almost 4 Years - Happy Birthday Mom

 

Death is not the greatest loss in life.  The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.    

By:  Norman Cousins

1/4/2015

 

Happy Birthday 

 

It’s almost 4 years..  And I’m failing at getting over losing you.  They say it’s suppose to get easier.  That time helps.  But it doesn’t.  The problem with time is it doesn’t erase my need for you.  When I am sitting on the beach watching Nicole surf I want to look over and see the proud look on your face watching her with me.  When Chris’s played his first football game in High School you should be sitting right next to me.  When Ryan needs a ride to work I should be able to call you to help.  

 

Mom I need Hope… I lost it when you left us.  I wake up ever day pushing along trying to get to the end of the day.  Wishing that this would be the day that I don’t want to call you.  To have an argument with you – disagree on how I’m raising the kids.  To ask your advice – I need your advice.  I need you to tell me how to live without my mom.  

 

We have too many missed Holiday’s with you and another missed Birthday and it will only get worse every year.  I still can’t put out Christmas decorations – that was you!!  Your Holiday.  I just want to crawl in bed and forget the day.  But I need to figure it out - I need to be able to give Christmas back to the kids.  I'm failing mom - I need your advice.

 

Last year I had a heart attack and for the first time I realized my kids could be facing the same thing.  So I need you to help me understand for myself how I can move on without you in my life so I could help prepare my kids for the same thing if something should happen.  I know you would say “STOP THIS”… Your not going anywhere.  But some day at some point that would happen and I want to help them be ready.  Because it’s almost 4 years later and I’m still not ready to let you go.  Or to get over it.    

 

My heart is breaking!!  Actually I think that physically my heart caught up to how it’s been feeling with the heart attack.   It’s been breaking since you left.  Mom YOU LEFT ME!!  How could you do that - didn’t you know how much we needed you.  I’m so mad at you!!!  

 

I’m mad at cancer.  In fact I HATE cancer!!!  it’s horrible it takes so much from anyone it touches.  It steals hearts, takes the oxygen out of the room, it deprives people from their loved ones, it steals memories.  It makes people feel helpless.  It make people feel powerless.  No matter how much you fight it!  It steals moments of time – lots of moments.  I HATE Cancer.

 

Mom I want to stop being angry.  I want to let go of the pain.  I want to call you and ask you how to let go of the pain?  How do I let go of this pain???  How?  When the only person that can help me let go is no longer here…

 

You will be happy to learn that I have learned how to hold the tears back.  I even have figured out how to show a Happy Smile.  But when I’m alone in the dark by myself I can’t hold them back.  Or when a stupid Budweiser commercial comes on with a little puppy then I can’t hold the gate up and the tears overflow.  It’s so hard to keep the cork in to keep the tears stopped.

 

How do you over come this??  How do you get over loss – but the loss of a mother and to an illness that is not fair – it’s heartless – it kill and leaves broken hearts in its wake.  I'm sure there's a book that we should have read that says 50 things to do before you die of cancer.  I don't think we did any of them.  I should have asked better questions.  I should have done a road trip with you.  I should have asked you to teach me how to make your chicken fingers & honey mustard dressing - Chris says I don't come close to your version.  I should have ask - how do I get over losing you?  i should have said Thank you for helping me raise Ryan.  I should have said I hope you were happy with how we fixed things with us in the end.

 

My heart is breaking..  How do I fix that?

 

How do I make sure the kids stop feeling the same way?

 

I wish I could talk to you.....  I miss you mom...

 

Love your Daughter

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

To those reading this...    I'm so sorry if you have loss someone to Cancer.  I'm sorry if you have been watching someone fight Cancer.  No one should have to deal with this pain.  The loss..  The fear..  The aftermath.

 

So might ask why put this out into the world.  I will say - only someone that has had their heart ripped out from losing someone to cancer would understand.  And because I love you mom!!!

 

Here's a tribute I did for my mom.

 

 

  

Last concert of 2014 - we went out with a blast... Attila Baby!!!!

A mom's prespective on the Attila Concert.

We hit up Irving Plaza this was the first time I have gone to a concert at this venue.   I have to say I loved it.  It's a smaller one I think the max cap is 380 so no matter where you are you can see the stage good.

The security staff is good and friendly.  (rare in nyc).

It was very organized.

We did the meet and greet with Attila (Would have paid double)  Which was run very well.  Most exciting is that Chris (Fronz) remembered us from meeting him at Warped Tour ... Made my daughters life.

Here's the kids waiting in line to meet them.... nicole was so excited I thought she was going to pass out.

 

 

It was a total blast meeting these guys they are an amazing group of very talented men who love their fans!!!  

I also did the VIP package which was worth ever penny...   The seats were amazing.

I was able to get some great photos of the last 2 bands...  But sharing photos.

Opening Acts.

Sworn In

 

Like Moths to Flames

and

Crown the Empire

And Finally Attitla

 

Working on a Card for a Teenager Birthday Party and Male!

I have a video Tutorial On a Quick Card I made using my Handmade Gelli Plate

Click here

 

Here's the Design Team Post I did on Sin City Stamp on how to make the Gelli Plate

Here's some photos

My Art Journey... 2 years and counting

I've been on this art journey of mine for about 2 years now..

Starting back November, 2012

This was the first photo of my artwork I ever posted.

Though the years starting on Art Journal thanks to Donna Downey Inspiration Wednesday Videos

The progression of my art...  And all the artist I have found along the way - Limor Webber is one

Moving into Abstract Painting this is one of my favorite

Teaching myself to Draw

My biggest supporter 

Developing my Skills

Submitting my artwork for contests

The joy on selling my work and someone just loving it....

Leaving to let myself learn what my heart is trying to tell me but putting it into my artwork.

Learning to express myself in my art

Watching other artwork and just learning to put those skills into my artwork and expanding my art.

And still growing.

Still expanding my drawing skills which I am still shocked..

Just pushing myself and learning more each day

And learning to let how I'm feeling into my art.

 

Creating a Christmas Ornament they will remember - Altered Paint Brush

These are the new things that I just love...

Inspired by Anna Dabroska style...

The rainbow of colors...

here's some photos of the process.

I added gesso to the paint brush - then used gel medium and glued on Book Text.

 

 

 

 

Once this part is done with all the flowers glued on..  I then gesso the altered brush again Using Art Basics - Heavy Gesso White - I love how thick it goes onto the flowers.  Once Dry.

Below is a video of the process.  Please check it out. 

  

Thank you for checking out my blog - I hope you follow it - I love comments.

What I am thankful for in life... - and a look an playing with Encaustics

 

This is an after thought after spending the day with family & friends for Thanksgiving..

Now besides spending the day together - and great food of course Football - what else does this day mean to me.

Well after the year we have had it means alot.

This year after the heartattack it means being thankful every day.

Here's what I am thankful for!

This is the only thing that matters - family.

Tell them you love them every day.

Kiss & Hug them every day - even when they hate it.

Here's the other things in my life I'm thankful for... the love the kisses.

This is my life right here...  

 

Here is a 12x12 Canvas that started out very differently...  I've been learning how to do Encaustic and I have to say I just love it...  I've invested in a few different colors and here's what has happened.

Lots and lots of layers - Acrylic Paints - Modeling Paste and many stencils used to create the beginning...  Then pulled out the Encaustics.

I haven't completely committed to it all - so I actually use the Ranger Melt Art Melting Pot for the clear wax.

Here's the kit I started with I got it at Jerrys Artarama - Its the R&F Handmade Encaustic Paint starter Kit.

Heres some close up photos.

Here's a sneak peak of the next blog post

Mixed Media - Canvas I am Thankful

Using a gift someone gave me after being in the hospital from the heart attack and turned the items in the basket into pieces of my canvas...  This one I used the tissue paper and lot of decorative items.

Here are some close up photos.   Video of the process is below.

 

I hope you enjoyed this quick video... Sorry for no music again - I'm still having issue with my external hard drive which all the music is stored on...  should have it fixed soon.

Here's a sneak peak of my next blog post.

New Art Journal Pages - first in the new journal

I hope you enjoyed the video - This is the new art journal which is really a Menu from TGI Friday's that I am turning into my new art journal.

I LOVE IT!!

 

I used:

• Gesso
• Tissue Paper
• Scraps of paper that I had been playing with my Gelli Plate
• Stamps
• Distress ink
• Embossing Powder
• Washi Tape
• Gel Medium
• Distress Paints
• Book Text
• Paint Sprays
• Acrylic Paints
• Rub ons

 

Reusing & Recycle a TGI Fridays Menu and turning it into an Art Journal

We went to TGI Fridays last night with the kids and saw this new menu.

It is SOOO Cool... It's a very hard cover - and has the menu pages within the cover.

I fell in love - and begged the manager if I could have one.

He said sure as long as I bring it in to show him what I did with it.

I got home and immediately sat down and started working on it.

What is first you ask... HA!!!   Art Basics Heavy Gesso - White - this is the new Finnabair Product.  I just love it - it's so thick and I wanted to be able to covered parts but not the whole thing.

I then attached with Gel Medium strips of scrapbooking paper that I played and created with my Gelli Plate.

 

 

I then pulled out Washi Tape and had some fun.

One I used a coat of Gel medium on that - I then pulled out the paint sprays.

 

I loved how the base came out and then a light went on and I saw this going with some Encaustics.

So I pulled out my melting Pot and Beeswax.

I put a full coat on the cover and did used a heat gun to bond it into the cover.

I then pulled pieces of Book Text and tissue paper and used the wax to get it on the cover.

I had been adding flowers - different brands to the cover as well using either Gel Medium or Beacon 3 and 1 glue.

I added Resins and other Prime junkets numbers and more flowers...

I added color with additional Sprays and Silks to get the colors onto the flowers.

Final touches were added with Inka Metallic Rub and Black Gelotos around the edges.

A coat of Matt Medium sealed it all in.

 Supply List

I'm sorry if I miss a few things but here is what I remember.

Finnabair - Art Basics Heavy Gesso - White

Golden Regular Gel Matt

Lindy Stamp Gang Sprays - Peony Scarlet Red, Summer, Shabby Turbie Teal

Black - Gelatos

Beeswax - Ranger Melt Art

Melting Pot - Ranger

Jenni Bowlin by Ranger - #3 Chili Powder

Jenni Bowlin by Ranger - #5 Chicken Feed

Tim Holtz Distress Paint - Antique Bronze

Prima Sprays - Sunshine, Storm Cloud & Turquoise

Silks - Carmen, Blue Flame, Ginger Peach, Teal Zircon and Emperors Gold

Flowers - Prima and misc others

Moss

Resin Pieces

Wood Numbers

Junkyard Findings - Street Signs

Heat It Craft Tool

Color Lab - DIY Paint Kit by Marion Smith Designs - Delivery & Trying it out

HI All... So I was so excited coming home from work yesterday and I got my box deliveried - here's a video of opening the box and then trying out the new color Lab

I also used these sprays I created with other spray products I own jusst to see how they stand up - and how the colors go together - because i'll all about using different colors.

I wanted to just let the video run - but with Youtube I had to get it under 15 minutes.   So had to cut some things out.

Here are some things I learned...  Now remember this was very early in the morning for me on Thanksgiving Day - I just wanted to get in and play...

So being the blonde that I am - it took me a few minutes to realize that the "X" - mean scoops this part I cut out of the video... LOL...

So when it says 4XR - it means 4 scoops of Red...

Make sure to use something to protect your hands the pigments stain for sure - this just shows the quality of them as far as I am concern.

I learned from Donna Downey to use ArtGuard - afterwards alittle bit of soap and warm water and everything just washed off easy.

Here's Marion blog and where I saw the first Youtube video

Here is where you can purchase the products - I just put my order in for my 2nd deliery.

I have to say I am a FAN!!! I love these - and the possibilities are endless....

I also did some spraying with other products that I own just to see how they held up and how the colors looked together - for sure they blend perfectly. 

 

Here's jusst 1 thing I made with them...  Some Christmas Tags

 

This is just priced to perfection...   What you get in the kit is amazing... I've been playing all day with it.

Highly recommend.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you for looking at my blog.  Please follow.

The Black Mass Tour - Best Buy Theater NYC - Rocked the stage

We hit the Concert 11/23/2014 in NYC - at Best Buy Theater

I love going to concerts at this Theater - it's in a good location - the security staff is good and it's a good venue to see concerts.

They opened with Drama Club

Then Set it Off went on.. They got the crowd moving...  

From Tampa Florida.  The band is made up with lead Singer Cody Carson

Other Members of the band are Maxx Danziger the Drummer

Dan Clermont - Guitar

Zach DeWall - Guitar

And Austin Kerr - Bass

It was amazing to watch - he even walked across the crowd - they loved him.

Next up is my favorite - Falling In Reverse

Made up of Lead Singer Ronnie Radke

Jacky Vincent - Lead Guitar - and who I believe is in the top 3 all top great Guitar players

Derek Jones - Guitarist

And finally Ryan Seaman - Drummer

 

As always they did an amazing show - never fail to entertain... my only regret - they didn't play longer.

The closing band... Black Veil Brides

Never saw this band before my daughter is a huge fan ... I think my biggest thought - Is Andy Biersack as gorgeous as he looks in photos.

The Answer... YES - Let me repeat YES - In my opinion he should always smile - he lights up the room.

Holy Cow - he is just so yummy!!!

 Ashley Purdy - Bass and backup Vocals

Jinxx - Guitarist, Violinist

Jake Pitts Lead Guitar

Finally Christian Coma - Drums - Sorry I couldn't get any photos...

Jack Pitts - Lead Guitar

Hope you enjoy the photos... Feel free to share but please give me credit.

My photo website is

here

Rockstar Energy PTV & SWS World Tour - Pierce The veil & Sleeping with Sirens

 

 

Had a great night at the concert in Toms River at Pine Belt Arena.

We love concerts at this location...  anywhere in their you get a good view

Had a photography job to do for  NJTownGuide - please check them out great website

First up...  This Wild Life - From Long Beach, CA 

Really liked them - very positive lots of fun.

 

Next Up - Beartooth

From Columbus Ohio - They got the crowd rocking...  With an level of energy that Rocked the Jersey Stage.

 

Then Pierce the Veil...  hit the stage.

Well - the crowd Goes Nuts..

From San Diego, California - the band was founded by brothers Vic & Mike Fuentes.

 

The band is made up lead singer Vic Fuentes

A ball of energy is Jaime Preciado

Jumping around the stage and getting the crowd going is for sure his speciality.

And Tony Perry

And Drummer - Mike Fuentes

Closing the night is Sleeping With Sirens

From Orlando, Florida currently residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lead Singer

Kellin Quinn

Justin Hills

 

Jack Fowler

 

Sculpted Poppy - Donna Downey Online Workshop - My Heaven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I signed up to take Donna Downey's Workshop...  Sculpted Poppy

Here's some close ups

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend taking this class.... I've used the skills learned in this workshop on so many other canvases.  I never really jumped into the Rigid Wrap as much... She gave me the courage to just go for it..

Here's a sneak peak at the next blog.  I just started to play with Encaustic

 

 

Mixed Media - Canvas Dimensional Flowers and Sprays

 

It's been such a long time since I made a video so it was fun doing it again...  I don't normally talk at all - just add music - and edit screwed up a bit in the beginning - but I got the video done and that is what matters...   I also realized that my external hard drive that has all of my Itunes music seems to be broken my computer can't see it - so another fun thing I need to get fixed...  So sorry no music.

I'll do my best for a list of supplies... 

6x8 Hard Canvas

Liquitex Light Modeling Paste

Donna downey Stencils

Paper Flowers - any brand works these were a mixed of different companies

Silks - Rich Cobalt, Periwinkle, Carmen, Sunburst, Ocean Wave, Spicy Tomato, Ginger Peach

Deco Art - Media - Mister, Red, Yellow, Orange, Turquoise

Donna Downey Tag

Prima Butterly Resin & Angle Wing

Paper Flower I made with book text

Washi Tape

Stampendous Embossing Enamels

Black Acrylic Paint

Straw & Ribbon

I just love how it came out.. I wasn't sure in the beginning.  but it pulled together at the end.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and I  hope you follow me...  Love comments..

Our Mini Disney World Recap... More Tips - Hints - and Cheats

We went out to Disney world last week - my dad's out in Celebration and we love going out to visit him and my step-mom.  Doesn't matter how many days I would go for a 24 hours period to hang with him...

Of course we hit Disney world while we were out...   We did something very different this trip - I have for YEARS... always finished with the last day at Magic Kingdom - for me it's the best park so I like to finished it last... our plan was to do the other parks on Thursday - and then Magic Kingdom on Friday - but the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party started that night.  We decided we didn't want to do that we have done it in the past and loved it  and will be doing it again - but at the same time the last few days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was going on and we wanted to catch that...

So we landed Wednesday - just had dinner and spent the night with family.

Thursday - we were off to Magic Kingdom

Here's a good tip if your planning a trip to Disney....   

If you like the photographers taking photos all over the place of you and your family - as well as getting the photos from the ride - do yourself a favor - Pre-purchased the Memory Makers - It's $149 if you buy it in advanced - at the park it's $199... so it's worth the savings.  They all add many "stock" photos onto the Account so you end up getting some really good ones of all the character and locations.

Now for this to be worth it even at the $149 - prep your family because you need to get at minimum 199 photos you want each photo to be a value of $0.50...  

When you are taking your photos - I tell the photographers - SNAP AWAY - I want as we walk up to Mickey Mouse - the hugs - the laughs the non-posing photos as well.

Make it worth buying this package - and you will love the photos...

Let the kids get the photos alone with the characters - the more photo the more it's worth it.

 

Here's Tip 2...   Download the my Disney Experience mobile app.

HERE

this was such a great tool I can't even begin to tell you.  our tickets were not linked to the system on line so we used this for ride wait periods - places to eat - something outside of planning that popped up.  get it - you won't not like it...

 

Some more tips:

When you get into the park - walk to where the ticket booth area for Fast Past - you can pick 3 ride/shows etc..  play with time to get the perfect slots.  Once you use all 3 you then can go up for 1 at a time ...  if planned correctly ..you can just smooth up to the ride you want to just go next and next and not hae to wait in any lines but maybe 1... You can use fast past for meeting princesses.. as well.

You Have to use it for meeting Magic Kingdom Mickey Mouse.

 

 

this is the best Mickey Mouse I have ever seen - he talks... eye blink - interact with us.  Not something you could ever explain - it was just amazing.

We pulled all the stops out with the photographers and had them take aton of photos.

With their camera and ours.

Here's some fun shots

 

At magic Kingdom - we had Lunch & Dinner..

Breafkast Started at my Dad's House.

We tried a new place for Lunch We got snacksbecause we were waiting in lines

So we stoped by Gaston's Tavern and grabbed a few snacks - and I had a chance to plug in and charge the cell phones.

I ended up staying so the kids can do a few rides that I was not aloud to do - Doctor's Order.

 

We stopped at the Fast Pass stop and set up our first 3 rides..  My son has the new Disability assistance card which give us 1 more fast pass time.

 

 

 

Here's another tip:   When picking your times for the rids - please make sure that you slot time for lunch in your plan... and pick a place near the next ride you are to go on.

We were able to chat all of the Pre-Setting up and things for the mickey party - so we go to catch the Disney Mickey Wishes Firework.

Sorry for all the talking the people around me didn't stop talking all night.

 

So tips - Get to where you want to watch the fireworks early.  personally I go more onto main street - the Electric Light Parade comes by and about 30 minutes after it's done the fireworks - places to eat around - kids get us snacks and we have great seats for the parade - and then for the fireworks - can hear the music perfect.  

We tried a few new places to eat..

Magic Kingdom:  

Pinocchio Village Haus I had a very yummy Mediterranean Salad - They also had table w/ Plugs near them so we can charge our phones.   You can get a table that overlooks It's a Small World.

Hollywood Studios:

We eat at Hollywood & Vine  it's a character location.  What was so funny is now that I'm hitting disney with teenagers we walked in sat down and didn't know any of the characters.  They had Disney Junior Play n Dine  I still took a selfie with them.  They have an amazing Buffet - was very good!!

Epcot:

We went during the Food & Wine so it was alot of the hitting the different countries that are not normally there.

 

Creating Fall Themed Thank you Cards

So I had a problem last weekend that landed me back into the hospital.  While everything is ok now it was alittle scary. 

So while I was hope doctor's orders resting - my daughters cheerleading team got together and sent me a wondeful basket.  Sorry for the bad photos - but I think you get the idea.

Sent a beautiful flower arrangement

Great candle & a plate of homemade banana muffins that were so tasty.

So what can I do I was so touched.  Tears came to my eyes - so I made them Thank you cards.

I did a fall theme..

Mixed media to the max...  

First used my home made Gelli plate - the size is 5x7 so these cards fit perfect onto it.  Used fall colors - Orange/Yellow first layer - then Blue & Green got the back ground going.

Then pulled out my sprays and stencils and did more layers.

After that pulled out my Dina Wakley stamps and embossing powder and heated some images onto the card.

More stamps to add textures

then started playing with the flowers and Hemp - which came with the basket.

Once it was all in place - pulled out the Heavy Body gesso and got them all the same white color - then used the sprays again to pull the flowers back to the fall colors.

I added the Letter of each of the girls names - and wrote notes onto the back.  Once it was done - I grunged it up with gelotos - and also did some black paint splatter.

 

Also used Prima Flowers Wood Leaves and I also embossed them with the different greens and added them.

It was all so touching to be honest.

I hope they enjoy the cards.

A MUST TAKE On Line Class - Mixed Media Studio - Lesson 1 Donna Downey

 

So I signed up for the Mixed Media Studio Class

Lesson 1 - Donna Downey

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this class.

You can sign up for the class here

I would have paid $59.00 for this lesson alone!!!   And this is just lesson 1.

I'm going to just show my progress - no supplies - I don't want to take anything away from the class.

I used a canvas that I purchased from a flea market - I used Gesso (a thick one) over it. - Added Book Text and Washi tape

 

More photos - Progress

 

More close up

Added some Jute

Encaustic Mixed Media Canvas - Love who you are with

Went down the Jersey Shore with the kids and we had a blast in the photo booth.  I love the black and white strip - kids got the color one... here's what I did with mine.

Below are some photos of the process.  I did alot with Acrylic Paints - Washi Tape - Modeling Paste - Embossing Powder - Stamps.

I added lots of Paper Flowers all brands - prima - etc... ribber metal trinkets - and Prima Resin.

Once I got it all on the piece where I wanted it... I used the Art Design Heavy Gesso White.

The first layer needed more.

So I pulled out my Liquitex Gesso to put another coat onto the flowers.

I used Lindy Spray - and Silks And more to get the colors I wanted.

More photos

After I got the background all done..  I pulled out the encaustics

I put a nice thick layer

Here's some close up of the wax

and more phots now that it's all done.

Here's a sneak peek of another project..

Sampling of my Art Work… Mixed Media Pieces

Here's a sampling of the pieces that I have been working on.

Mixed Media lots of textures...

Art Journal - Calendar Book

Mixed Media - Encaustic Canvas Piece

Fall Wreath

Mixed Media - Profile - Be True to yourself.

My Big girl...  Mixed Media Canvas

Large Canvas Into the Sky Piece

 

Flying Unicorn September Kit Dress Form

I'm for sure in a phase right now with the gesso - and then sprays for the rainbow colors..

 

Altered Paint Brush

Sweet 16 Card

here's anothe peak on the new piece I was working on today.

Reuse & Recycle Creating a Spice Rack from a Pepsi Wooden Crate

So I purchased this Pepsi Wooden Crate about a year ago was going to use it to store my paint but .... my paint supplies got to be too much so I had to move it to something else.... So what to do with this crate - I couldn't get rid of it...  I love it....  I have a coke one also..

So thanks to Pinterest I came across different Spice Rack ideas..   Here's my take on it.

I didn't do anything to the crate it was in good shape and I like the vintage look

For the bottles I tried a few different version - but this one is from Michaels they are the smaller version and $1.00 per bottle.  I cleaned them out - I'm waiting for more to come in to finish all the spices I have...

So I wanted to use chalkboard paint so I can write on them when I change out the spices... which while I was painting them I knew I was going to use a paint pen so wouldn't be changing them.

I firsted tried to use the Faber Castell Chalk Board Paint - but it was too thin.  

I finally tried to use the Paint It up Chalk Powder that I got a the Scrapbooking Expo from the Melissa Frances Booth.

I followed the instructures with the black Heavy Body Paint.   It was perfect!!!  nice and Thick.

 

I then used Double Sided Stick Tape for both around the bottom of the bottles to add Burlap Ribbon to the bottom...   As well as to add a Cork top to the bottles.

 

I found a few different free templates on Pinterest and then used my paint pen if I needed to change the name.

Here's some close ups

Below is a sneak peak of the new project.

New 2015 Art Mixed Media Weekly Calendar Journal

Spent the day creating a new Art Journal that I also use for my weekly calendar

I just love my new desk set up...  the fact that everything is so organized really does help be creative.

I didn't take photos during the process of the cover but i'm doing some explaining below.. and i'll add close up photos.

I started with the Ranger - Dylusions Journal

I was watching Donna Salazar - Grungy Girl Canvas Technique on YouTube

That gave me the idea to do the base... I started with Golden - Titanium White and then added some beige paints

I then started to glue on the Metals - chipboard and flowers etc. using Golden Gel Medium and E-6000

Once it was all glued on I then pulled out the new Art Basics Heavy Gesso White.

Once it all dried I pulled out acrylic paints.

Colors of the rainbow.  Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Green and Blue

Once those were dried... I then pulled out my Lindy Stamp Gangs...   

Was creating so I wasn't writing things down...  

I then added Silks - Acryic Glaze to get the shimmers to pop more..

Once the base got to the point that I was happy - I then pulled out the Shimmerz Paints Spritz... I just love these...

While the paints were wet I pulled out embossing powers.

The texture that is on this cover is amazing...  The photos don't really capture it....

The last step I did was with Gel Medium and added my name and the sticker - Enjoy the Journey.

Once the cover was done and dry I started playing on the pages...

I had created a weekly calendar with excel and printed them out - I used washi tape to hold down the pages.

On the other side i started doing stencils and stamps.  Using the Shimmerz Paints Spritz to create what will be the back ground pages.

more

This is my base that I would doodle and draw and scrap each week...  

This is my version of Documented Life and the other different types of version out...  This is my calendar for weekly events - work and personal events - kids stuff etc..  all at 1 location.

Her's a photo of another craft project.

October's Once Upon a Sketch "New Love"

I was sitting looking around the internet... wasn't feeling creative so I jumped onto the Once Upon A Sketch website

And something moved me....  I jumped up...

My daughter and her new boyfriend.... 1st boyfriend... were carving a pumpkin in the kitchen.

Some background...  about a month ago my daughter asked permission to start to date after meeting a boy...   I didn't want to say yes I wanted to wait until she was 16 - but I did...  This was going on for about a week or so at this point - I then went into panic mode..  Freaking out about everything - OMG is she going to make the right choices.  I made so many bad ones I was so afraid she was going to follow that same path.

Then BANG!!!!   2:30 am after they became officially dating - I had a heart attack.  I believe this was the cherry that broke the sundae.  I'm 48 and we realized that this must run in my family I am adopted so I don't have my family history.  Boy was this a wake up call.  3 kids - 3 dogs - I need to be on this earth.

So life has changed...   During that time I have to say - Jay was amazing.  He was supportive he brought the kids to see me at the hospital I was in for 3 days before being released.  He's been a good addition and im glad he came into her life.

So I wanted to do a page about them.

Pulled out me cute Polaroid Camera and started snapping some photos...

and Creativity Hit.......

Here's photos of the finished process and close up shots.

Here's a list of supplies - it was left on my desk so if I forgot something Sorry.

Tim Holtz Paper

Cheese Cloth

Dina Wakley Stencil

Crafters Workshop Stencil

Heavy Body Paints - Red, Orange & Yellow

Chalk It Up Powder - and Teal Paint - mixed together to get a chalk board paint

Washi Tape

Lindy Stamp Gang - Cowabunga Copper & Rizzo's Rowdy Red

Prima Chalk - Rusty Keys & yellow (cant read label)

Prima Flowers All different Sizes

Mon Ami Gabby Flowers

Leaves from Michaels flowers

Prima Findings & Frame

Flying Unicorn Butterfly

Art Basics Havey Gesso - White

 

Here's a sneak peak of something else I'm working on..

 

New Art Studio Redesign - Scrap Room - and organization

Here's the new Studio Redesign... We found a large wooden desk that someone was throwing out - it was beat up - but I didn't care about that around the edges I'm going to covering it anyway.  The top has Leather inbeaded so it's great for a base.  Below are some photos...

With bad knees and the heart attack a few weeks ago - going up and down the stairs to the basement studio caused me to avoid it... so I took over a corner in the upstairs living room.

Here's some photos.

Here are the drawers.

 

Draw filled with stencils.

here's the shelving area..

 

Here's a sneak peak of a canvas i'm working on for my neice...

Having Fun with Flying Unicorn September Kit

HI all - keeping the blog post short and just sharing photos..   I purchased the flying unicorn monthly kit and it came with a Dress Form.... Oh boy did I have fun.

Mainly used...  Lindy Sprays

 

Just falling in love with Prima Bloom Girls by Jamie Severtson Dougherty

 

Finally opened my new Prima Stencils by Jamie Severtson Dougherty "bloom Girl" Stencils.

Not sure why I waited so long other than I clearly have a shopping problem... I need to get everything and then it sits until I open it.

Just going to show some photos on this one I didn't take photos during the process and cleaned up my desk so I didn't get a chance to write everything down that I used.

All the sprays are by Lindy's Stamp Gang

Below is a sneak peak of the next blog.  I been playing with the Dress Form that came with the Flying Unicorn September Kit.

Flying Unicorn September Kit - My Surfer

Got the kit last week from Flying Unicorn

September Kit

Add I got the add on Mixed Media Set

OMG!!!! I love this kit...  I might have to buy another one just to do another paint palette.

Here's some photos of the process

 

Used Lindy Stamp Gang Sprays

Did some Different Sprays and didn't like it - so I added Cheese Cloth and sitll didn't like it.

 

I added more sprays - and other mixed media products - and also started creating a wave

I also added Golden Natural Sand because I didn't like the cheese cloth

Then had some fun adding the gold leaf product.

Added some acrylic paints to the sand to get it closer looking like sand.

Then pulled out flowers..  the colors that came in the kit didn't really o it for me so I used gesso and lindy Stamp Gang to change the colors.

Also still wasn't in love with the sand so added some burlap ontop of it.

More photos

\

More close ups

 Products Used:

Most came in the September Kit & Mixed Media Add on Kit from Flying Unicorn

Lindy Stamp Gang

TiffanyLou Blue

Tibetan Poppy Teal

Delphinium Turquoise

Steampunk Sepia

Cowabunga Copper

Mission Bells Brown

Prima Marketing - Songbird Vine Pink Item#539054

Prima Stamps - Finnabair - Timbres Transparents

Deep Red Water Droplets Background

Lumiere INdigo & Halo Blue Gold

Inka Gold Metallic Rub Steel Blue

Pinkpaislee - Hope Chest Label Stickers

Heidi Swapp - Stickers 

Krazy Kreations - Shaker Box beads (Blue)

Pigment Izink - Turquoise

Silks - Sky Blue

Silks - Silver Bells

Prima Metal & Lightbowl Supplies

Burlap

Golden - Natural Sand

Acrylic Paints

Cut out photo of my daughter surfing

Mixed Media - Mini Canvas - "Be Something"

HI All hope your summer is going well.

I ended up getting today off and finally got back in the studio to have some creating time...

 

I worked on this 5x7 piece today and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE how it came out.  Below is the process and a list of supplies is on the bottom.

I started with a 5x7 canvas board I had painted blue & green was going to do something a poppy things but totally went a different way.  I used Gloss Super Heavy Gel and then adheared the Tissue Paper

I then used my fingers and added on paints and then used a baby cloth to pull color off so you can still see the tissue paper behind.

I then used the Tacky Glue to make the heart - and then pulled out the cheese cloth and put that onto the canvas.

I then used the different inks to fill into the heart.

Did many layers of the colors to pull the heart together.

I then played with different stamps and washi tape.

I then added Flexible Modeling Paste on a strip.  I used the stazon ink around the edges as well   Grunge is so cool.

I pulled out an old credit card and just dipped in paint and pressed onto the canvas.

And then stamped

Be Something

I also used watered down of the Acrylic Inks the Orange & Red and with my finger just pressed onto the paper to get the color blend I wanted.  I also added this silver stuff I have no idea what it is called I just found it in my stash box... (LOL) yes i'm a hoarder.

 

I pressed the letters into the Modeling Paste and then pulled out the black acrylic inks and watered them down and went around the outsides of the letters...

I'm in love.

List of supplies

5x7 Canvas Board

Liquitex - Gloss Super Heavy Gel

Liquitex - Flexible Modeling Paste

Hazel & Ruby - Pass the Tissue - Quote Collage

Liquitex Ink - Pyroole Rediiqutex Ink - Pyrrole Red

Daler Rowney - Acrylic Artis Ink Scarlet & Flame Orange & Black

Liquitex Acrylic Color - Basics - Brillant Yellow Green

Liquitex Acrylic Artist Heavy Body - Cobalt Turquoise

Gesso

Cheese Cloth

Aleense Tacky Glue

Washi Tape

Misc Stamps

Pink Paislee - Pen Pals & Switch Board

Staz On - Jet Black

Misc Alphabet Stamps

Thanks for looking and I hope you follow my blog.

Below is a sneak peak on what else I am working on today.

SeaWorld - You want my business - Then Change

2006

So I have been going to Seaworld since I was a small child.   It was something that was so exciting to me - I just love Dolphins & Whales - and it touched my heart that I could see them upclose and watch them swim.

2007

The people that works at SeaWorld - and the advertising - and the behind the scence tours that I have taken many time lead me to believe that all of these wonderful marine animals they have in the parks were all rescued and couldn't be released back into the wild.   

2008

Now understand i've been in sales & marketing my entire adult life - so I understand the Marketing spin of things.  I understand that SeaWorld didn't open these parks to only help the whales - they were in it to make money.  And that I can accept.   What I can't accept is the process in getting the whales and what they do with them now.

What i don't understand is why a company doesn't listen to it's customers.  

When i watched BlackFish and then started to read up on what people are saying about how long whales live in capitivity.  

And while I would only talk to my family or friends about how I feel about all this I read this article today on The Dodo (Click here) it's about the fact that they have been tracking a Orca that has lived to 103 and still swims with her family.

Lets recap...  Now since all of this research and reading I have been doing the word has been out for a very long time to let the orca's go...  Blackfish just really brought it into everyone's view..  Thankfully... This past year the stocks has plummeted, artist's have cancelled performances and attendance is at an all time low.  You can hit the seaworld website right now and get an offer for $30.00 - and then the next day free.   2 years ago it was $80.00.. 

2011

 Here's Seaworld Position.

HOW LONG DO KILLER WHALES LIVE?

The data we do have show that killer whales at SeaWorld are living as long as their counterparts in the wild. 

In peer-reviewed studies, scientists estimate that the average, or mean, life expectancy for a female is 30 years and a male is 19 years in the Pacific Northwest.  For whales in Southeastern Alaska, the maximum longevityappears to be in the 50s for females and late 30s for males.   So, in those two areas of the world, female killer whales live around 30 to 50 years and males live around 19 to 30 years.

SeaWorld has several killer whales in their 30s and one that is close to 50.

I read alot that came out from Seaworld some above and below.  And here's a question I have to Seaworld.   - if you care so much for these marine animals  and love them and you claim to know what is best for them..   Why would they ever take 1 single orca away from it's family - even little children in school learn about how Whales stay together for life.  How is this ok?   

I do believe that the people that work for SeaWorld at the parks truely love these animals and want the best for them.  And I believe some even stay to make sure that they are treated the best - the people in charge - Management - Executives care about 1 thing.  The Bottom Line.

Here's something from Seaworld's website:

The men and women of SeaWorld are true animal advocates. We are the 1,500 scientists, researchers, veterinarians, trainers, marine biologists, aquarists, aviculturists, educators and conservationists who have dedicated our lives to the animals in our care as well as those in the wild that are injured, ill or orphaned. Whether it’s a sea lion, manatee, sea turtle or whale, we are on call 24/7.

SeaWorld does not capture killer whales in the wild. Due to the groundbreaking success of our research in marine mammal reproduction, we haven’t collected a killer whale from the wild in 35 years. In fact, only two of the whales in our care were collected by SeaWorld and they continue to be in our care today. In addition, our research has led to a much greater understanding of whales in the wild, giving researchers important scientific insights surrounding marine mammal reproduction.  

This is not true!!   Why would they say this.  How about we haven't capture killer whales since ????

 **** As far as I am concern that is (1) too many!!!

This entire statement on this website is "Marketing" Spin....

Here's marketing spin in - while whales are fighting..   Love this youtube by Tim Zimmermann  It shows the seaworld Performer trying to explain while the whales are not participating - and in the end you can see the fresh cut... I believe the whale was coming over asking for help!!  Of course Seaworld ignores.

They also talk about how they don't rip family members away from each other unless they have too.  Well here's a video I found - boy "The show much go on has a new meaning for me" this fighting within the whales doesn't happen in the wild.  This is on youtube from 4theorcas click here

But all this reading has caused me to put it all together here...   Here's another website I found that was just heartbreaking and doing more research on Dr. Newby is someone that was apart of it then became it's defense to stop.

Here's another website I found this week that profiles each Orcas in captivity. 

This one is a good response to what SeaWorld put out after Blackfish came out.

How about this one.. Fireworks - shooting them off over these animals and a near by sickly Mission Bay  Money again the root of all evil.

Everything I have read about how Seaworld forces the orca to have babies is just so sad I don't even want to put it on this blog - Google it - there are thousands of articles about this...

Here's one Piece of data taken off Voice of the Orcas Blog.  I did some more google searchs and this is so very true.

In the wild, mothers and their offspring share life-long bonds – in several populations, sons live with their mothers for their entire lives. In captivity, offspring are routinely and traumatically taken from their mothers, simply for management purposes. And while sons stay close to their moms in the wild, they do not mate with them, whereas at least one captive son mated with his mother, producing an inbred daughter/sister. This abhorrent incest happened because the social mechanisms that keep inbreeding from occurring in nature break down in the abnormal environment of captivity

I also learned that Seaworld had a Direct financial & consulting role in providing caputred orcas for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.  This upset me more than anything - what Russia was doing to the dogs - these poor dogs that were people's pets and to hear they had something to do with the whales firmed up my decision to not support them.

What surprises me the most is after all the press from BlackFish - and OSHA got involved after the death of their trainer Dawn Brancheau SeaWorld was back in court trying to fight OSHA so they can't limit how much time the trainers are with Orca.  You would think they would want to protect their people - or even the Orca from clearly being stressed out.  What was shocking to me is that a total of 4 trainers have been killed all working for SeaWorld - you think after the 1st person they would have changed the guidelines.   I mean how many times can you say "we are reworking our rules and regulations to make sure our trainers are safe".

Now do I want to go an see whales - YES... But I don't want the treatment they are getting - why can't they make the park off the sea - where they have the sea pens.   AND SERIOUSLY only have marine life that can't be put back into the wild.  I would still go and pay to see that.  I understand the reason for monitoring and research - of course we all want to know about whales and dolphins - but they have to have it where they are healthy.

Now here's the saddest part of all....  They have rescue and release many marine creatures according to SeaWorld Cares.  This part of the company clearly does good.  I hate when 1 part of a company ruins it for the rest.  And Seaworld the Parks is ruining it.

HEre's a website if you are really interested in some more detail and has information that I didn't want to get into too deep.  This is from Voice of the orcas Blog.  Click Here. 

How about how desperate does a dolphin need to be to jump out of the tank.   Listen to your Marine animals..   CHeck this video out on Associated Press.  Here

And another... Show much go on after the whales pull the Entertainer under the water..  Click Here  Really i can do a LONG LONG LONG blog post on just this... Check out youtube.

Well this is my rant...  And I won't be visiting Sea World anytime soon.  Nor will I be going to any associated parks or companies...   

What I wish is SeaWorld to step up - Take Responsibility say your sorry and then FIX the problem - I would start coming back if I saw you were trying to do the right thing.  

Release the whales and dolphins and the rest of the marine life...   Do what you act like you are - a Rescue, Rehabilitation and release company.  Know that you can still run a business with people coming to see all of the animals you rescue.  HEAR ME SeaWorld.

Disney Trip July 2014 Recap - New Parks - New Rules and more Part 3… Magic Kingdom

  

Click Here for Part 1 - and Click Here for Part 2
So I saved the last and wanted to share the day with everyone.  So here's our step by step fun day and all day at Magic Kingdom.

Our dad drove us over - a good place for drop offs is right oin the side by Space Mountain but it is still a bit of a walk and since I was on crutches we decided to drop us off at Disney's Contempoary Resort

We jumped onto the Monorail and took it over to Magic Kingdom.

It's a feeling really.   And excitement that starts from the pit of your tummy... as you are pulling up and it comes into view... The Castle - Space Mountain I turn into a kid.  I'm just so excited to see Mickey Mouse - the Rides the shows.

It is my favorite place on earth.

I love that even my kids get excited.

As your aware we are all very competitive - so what it the first ride we go on...  Buzz Lightyear - and guess who win's it by a long shot - Chris...  Killed me and Nicole.  I love that He looks at Buzz light he's a real.

My favorite right which is conviently next to Buzz Lightyear is

Carousel of Progress - I can't explain it I just love this right.  It's in need of an update - now the "future" is pretty much our present - and I can't wait to see them update it to see what Disney Version of the future is...

We didn't do many Meet & Greets but for those of you who have young kids they have TONS at Magic Kingdom and all over the place so make sure you check the app before you go each day they will toll you where they are - it's a good feature of the app.

Kids his Space Mountain

Of course we did the same thing as in other parks - Take advantage of the Fast Pass Kios and select your times for the rides you get to pick 3 of them.  We did Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear  these are the most widley liked rides so the fast pass on them is important when you want to ride them.

We also jumped into Monster Inc, Laugh Floor - this always makes us laugh - and bonus - it's cool.

Future land is for sure an area we spend alot of time.

We then headed over to Liberty Square we went onto Haunted Mansion.  The scary and funny is always cool here.

We grabbed Lunch in Adventure Land - at Tortuga Tavern - Christopher ran over and got a time for Pirates of the Caribbean while we killed time eating.  

Highly recommend Tortuga - the food is so fresh and healty and tasty - I got the Grilled Chicken Ceaser Salad it was very yummy.  Nicole got the Taco Salad - it was so good and Chris got the grilled chicken nachos.

We then jumped onto Pirates of the Caribbean - another goldy but goody and it has been updated.

I then talked to the kids into my favoriate as well - The Hall of Presidents.

After this we headed over to FantasyLand we were excited to see the new expansion.

Got onto It's a Small World - promising the kids I wouldn't sing.

 

RIght around this time it started looking like it was raining and we can see lightening and they closed the rides.

So we changed our time for Splash Mountain to later - in the day - and we hit Mickey's PhilharMagic - another good one - we love the Apple Pie Smell..

 

While DIsney is our favorite vacation spot the kids have been so many times that we really have figured out what everone's favorite.  And while I can still go on every single ride as I now have teenagers they don't have the same feeling...  so we missed some of the rides I love - winny the Pooh - peter pan's flight etc.

We got lucky and grabbed a dinner reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant the new place in FantasyLand

We did want to try out the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - with the rides closed and fast pass backed up the wait on this ride was over 2 hours.  So instead we used Chris's Disability pass to ride The new Little Mermaid ride. "Under the sea"  It moves pretty fast and I didn't want to ruin anyone's Ride using a flash.  But below are some photos.

 

They did a great job on it... Then you get off and can get on line to meet ARIEL...   Didn't have an argument from the kids at all.

Below are the photos.

And finally - the family Photo...

After this - we went and got our fast pass for Seven Dwarfts Mine Train still a 2 hour wait - but it was perfect timing for us to eat and then jump on the ride.

Be our Guest Restaurant - I was disappointed on a few levels.  I went in not knowing what to expect this part I had not researched at all.

I guess the BIG THING is which room you get to eat in.   they have 3 different themes.  We sat in the Mysterious West Wing.  We liked this room the best you can walk around as well.

The Beast gets announced and walks into each room and waives and then you can go and take your photo with him as you leave.  (A bit cheesy I would think he can walk around the room).

I have never had a bad experience at Disney World with food - I think this is important to say...   In fact I usually rave about it.

I orderd the Chicken Breast Provencal I think I took 3 bites and stopped.   It was just not amazing.   very bland really...  I didn't send it back because it wasn't bad it just wasn't up to normal par..

I don't even remember what the kids ordered.

They move very slow so we killed the 2 hours easy.

And the what is suppose to be AMAZING Desserts - don't bother.   These are different types of cupcakes.   We of course got the with the grey stuff - it's not delicious.  Most were dry.  I'm hoping I just got a wrong day with a chef that was off...

After dinner we hit Splash Mountain...  Wet would be an understatement... LOL

And then got a great seat for the Electric Light Parade

I got a few photos...   The parade was as fun as ever...   The annoying part - all the people that just don't care about anything but themselves.  They ask over and over no Flash photography - NO ONE listens... Those poor people in the parade... flash flash flash...  

Then... Fireworks - the best on the world I think!!!

 

 

Some photos..

 

 

Next morning we flew home...  

 

 

 

Disney Trip July 2014 Recap.. New Parks New Rules and more Part 2

So welcome back to my blog and the continue adventure of our Recent Disney World Trip

You can find Part 1 by clicking here...

Wednesday... I decided to do something different.  Usually we hit Universal Studios and/or Seaworld...   I don't believe I'll ever go back to Sea World.  Now I did watch BlackFish and I've read all of the press releases and interview from SeaWorld.  Here's my issue...   My entire life I have always been under the impression that Sea World is filled with animals that have been rescued and couldn't be put back into the wild.  It doesn't matter if it's 1 or 100 whales or dolphins...   The fact that they have ripped them away from their family for my enjoyment just makes me sick.  And the fact that they take the babies away even now to bring to other parks is just so sad.  I can't give them any money.

This year with the new addition park at Universal Studios the pricing was insane for me.  The cost of a 1 day 2 park ticket was $98 - and then they don't have a fast pass that's free - you have to buy the Express Pass... that was another $79 per person (2 weeks before the trip it was only $49...)   This place is not worth $150 per person.

So i was looking for other things to do and came across ClearWater Marine Aquarium - and then I realized this is where Winter - from Dolphin Tale is....  It was a almost 2 hour drive and outside of the weather we had a very good time.  And the price - we pretty much spent the price for all 3 of us - that would have equaled 1 of the above..

We got General Admission - A great Behind the Scenes Tour - We were suppose to go on the Sea Life Safari - but the rain & lightening got that trip cancelled - so instead we got to feed Rufus - and then we had our photo taken with a Dophin.

 Highly recommend...  plus it's a great cause.

Check out the coming attractions for Dolphin Tale 2 here

We took Thursday off  and boy did I needed that!!!!

My knee's were in very bad shape - and I got a massage below are the details - and I can't say enough - GO GET A MASSAGE if your in the Orlando Area here!!

Indulgences by Mary Ashton

She got knots out of knots out of knots..  I actually walked around Downtown Disney without any pain.  So I'm going to fo sure add massage to my routine i was so tight I couldn't even move my foot.

Friday was our official full day at Hollywood studios.

We checked out Indiana Jones and Toy Story Midway Mania - We did this 3 times in the whole week - and my daughter KILLED ME.  I lost my edge.   See below she's all calm and i'm working hard.

 

I wanted to add a few things about the Disney Photos that are offered.   They have what is called a Photo Pass that when the Disney Photographer's take your photo they give you a card you can use the same card at all parks - and then view them after your trip  in past years I have always used this it was $150 and I would make sure I had hundreds of photos on it to make it worth it.  How long have I done this - they use to have to send you a DVD with the photos on it..  now it's all Digital Downloads.  To even buy 1 photo these days is $14.95 for 1 photo... so you can see how fast the photo pass financially work out.  Now you can give your camera to these photographers and they will take a picture - but of course the quality of their photos is much better.

A new thing they offered this year is the Disney Attractions Photo Pass it's a seperate card and it included "unlimited" photos taken on Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buz Lightyear, Tower of Terror, Roock N Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur and Test Track this was $50.00

They now offer something called Memory Maker Advance purhase $149 pre purchase and it includes everything.

I think it's worth it... so of course I get it.

We caught the final show in The American Idol - and there was a girl who sang that won the Golden Ticket my mouth dropped when she sang - she was so good.  SHOCKED ME and I look forward to seeing her on American Idol.

The kids jumped on Rocking roll Rollercoast again.

We checked out the the new Frozen themed Sing a Long..   I gotta tell you - listening to 1200 people signing at the top of their lungs is pretty amazing... and funny.

 

We then checked out the Firework show which is also Frozen Themed.   I have to say this was the first time ever that I saw something wrong at Disney.   The Mics were not working on Anna and she was the one doing alot of talking.  Even through the breaks they didn't fix it.  It was very disappointing.

Then we got to watch the fireworks... well not really - they shot them off behind the hat and it's not like Magic Kingdom we really didn't get to see much.

I will say the preshow was amazing..  They had a band called The Ice Man and a Little Lady - they were amazing!!!!!!  Below is a video from them - please check it out.

 

after all was said and done we had a fun time - other than the heat - everyone was standing still and sweating no air to be found anywhere...

And I was very happy that I didn't buy the Frozen "Premium package".   Between the heat, the bad sound and the No See Fireworks I would have been pretty upset if I spent an extra $59.95 per person..

Saturday we took the day to relax and we hit Downtown Disney and watched a movie - The Purge and yes I screamed.

 So this finishes out Part 2...   Part 3 will be our full day at Magic Kingdom..  so much was included I wanted it to have it's own blog post.

 

Disney Trip July 2014 Recap.. New Parks New Rules and more Part 1

We just got back from our Disney Vacation... oh boy it's been a very long time since I've gone to Disney/Florida in July - Hot would be an understatement.  But we managed and below is our experience and some helpful hints and suggestions.

The main thing we do in planning the trip is use Disney online when it comes to booking events - they have them out months in advanced and I highly recommend booking your meals if it's a place you really want to hit.  While they hold spaces for people that can walk up that day - it's really not many..

Another thing we do is Magic Kingdom is always the last thing we do - it's our #1 favorite place and I want to leave with that memory.

 

 

Animal Kingdom was our first stop...  We just love it here.

Now for those of you with children that have special needs - Disney changes it's policy this year - the reason - too many people taking advantage of it when they didn't have any needs.  My son falls into the Asperger's catagory and honestly I was very worried about this new policy change.

Previous years they would give him a card to use during our trip and it would allow us to walk up the fast pass lane we would have a brief wait - usually no more than 10 minutes.  This was a wonderful thing that Disney did for children that had needs - but of course people abused the system and they had to make a change.

So you still get a card and you go up to whatever ride you are looking to ride and its like getting a fast pass time to come back but they take 10 minutes off it.

Each park lets everyone get 3 Fast Passes - you walk up to the Kios and there's always cast members to help you.  You swipe your passes and then pick 3 rides.  Once your done using these 3 times you can go back and get 1 at a time.

Between that process and Christophers card at all 4 parks we didn't have any issue with him waiting we could time it all out including shows and meals.

Click here to take you to Disney new disability policy.

We had lunch at Tusker House Restaurant

This is a Character Dining location and it's well worth the money it's not very expensive and you get to meet Mickey and friends.  The food is very good!!!!!  We go every year.

 

We hit all the fun activities

Expedition Everest

Dinosaur

and Kali River Rapids - it's been awhile since we caught this ride due to usually hitting Florida in the winter months  Wet would be an understatement.  But we had fun - and it was a really hot day so it was perfect...

IN the afternoon we headed over to Epcot.

We had dinner at a new place in Italia - Tutto Italia Ristorante

Yummy....  Highly recommend.

We also checked out the Water & Firework show.

The next day was Hollywood Studios

This is for sure one of our favorite who i'm kidding....  All of it is our favorite so I'm going to have to come up with better wording.  but we are all big movie fans.   We did a half day here on Tuesday.

We again took advantage of the Fass Pass planning and hit Star Tours - we love this ride and they just updated it a bit - we are so excited about the new Star Wars movies coming up....

Another ride we have to hit is The Great Movie Ride.   I was sitting on this right watching all the "movies" in the end and wondering.....   As a movie star I wonder do they think they "MADE IT" if they are part of Disney's clips on this ride... Disney is saying these are the movies that formed our nation...  I would think I made it...

The kids hit the Roller Coaster...  Tower of Terror and Rocking Roll Rollercoaster... I watch!!!

We then headed back over to Epcot to have dinner... This reservation I made In February - You have to do this one 6 months out for sure the place is sold out...

Le Cellier Steakhouse - it's located in Canada.  Now let me warn you this place is very expensive...  But I have to say worth every single penny...  I never had food this yummy.   I was so stuffed by the end of the meal but I kept eating because it was so good.

After dinner we walked over to do one of my favorite shows - the American Show at America... and got to catch a band play - in the summer concert series...

And guess who...  A bon Jovi Tribute band Nothing better than Disney and Bon Jovi...

Slippery When Wet

They had a meet and greet afterwards.

 Was very exciting...  

We again caught the fireworks.

Part 2 coming soon...

Please check back - and would love for you to follow my blog.

Thank you

Warped Tour 2014 @ Susquehanna Bank Center Camden NJ - Our Experience - the good - the bad - the ugly and the Amazing

So we got the opportunity to go to another Warped tour.

Susquehanna Bank Center

Camden, NJ

Now I will admit I was very nervous on going to this one I have heard many horrible experiences and just a bad area stories.

I was on the fense the whole time - but after my daughter won ticket from entering a contest on snap chat  - putting our dogs dancing to Fallening in Reverse song - and won...  We had to go.

Here's the Bad:   They are not disability friendly at all!!!!!

They wouldn't let me park close to the front and I was unable to purchase premier parking tickets - no one listed them anywhere... trust me I tried..

I had to walk on crutches a good 3/4 of a mile - I was totally freaking out about my car - which I was told by the police that the parking lot was monitored all day (LIE) we left at 7:30/8 and no one in site watching the car - it was in a gated area - but of course was wide open.  Good new nothing happened to my car.

I had planned to stay in the reversed daycare - but the tent which was suppose to be air conditioned was really just fans pushing hot air around.

I spent most of the day in the Monster Energy Truck - Shout out to those guys they were very nice making sure I had a place to sit.  It was air conditioned - and had an amazing breeze and free Monster energy - they would let me kids come in and out for me.

It was also amazing seats to see the 2 main bands.

Great seats for We The Kings

 

 

 

 

Falling in Reverse

 

Breath Carolina

And many more...

We got a bunch of Autographs

and photos with different band members.

It was a lot of fun.

Hope you enjoyed as well...   You should catch one at minimum in your area..

 

Warped Tour 2014 @ PNC Art Center - Our Experience - the good - the bad - the ugly and the Amazing

 

We went to see The Warped Tour 2014 on July 6, 2014 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Howell, NJ

I wanted to blog about our experiences.

First thing after reading many review on the PNC Art Center it had been years since I went the biggest complaint was the parking.  So I decided to play it safe and I purchased a paid parking ticket.  Cost $29

Now while we got there ealier enough - and since I was on crutches I'm pretty sure they would have let me park in the reserve section we did - it was worth to have the security.

Now... I had purchased the tickets when they first went on sale paid $35.00 per ticket - and then also purchased the VIP portion for an additional $25.00 per ticket.

We then got involved with this Music Saves Lives group that if your coordinate a blood drive you can earn a "Special VIP (Back stage Pass - Special meet and Greets) wrist band.  The kids were so excited this was suppose to be so cool.

So here's my experience.  #1 We were suppose to go to will call and get the tickets that was the email they sent us.   Nope that is not the option.  We had to stand in line with about 100 people waiting for a tent to open that handled us , with Guests and Press People.

They opened this tent 35 minutes late.  So we were standing in line for over a hour & 1/2...   

My VIP tickets I purchased that should have gotten us in first I couldnt used because I had to wait on line for the music saves lives tickets.  (Mine were suppose be higher and include more then the other people that had donated blood) - this was not the case we had what everyone else had.

so after we finally got the tickets we went inside.  We found the VIP section this was going to be our base and me and the kids would meet up here.  This was 100% worth the purchase.  Nice Air Conditioned bathrooms,  3 different bars and our food section - no lines.  Cool air and fans all around. Tv's as well.  I spent alot of time here meeting other moms doing the same thing while waiting for our kids.

Back to the Music Saves Lives wrist Bands - so they told us it was suppose to give us back stage access to all but the main stage.   We tried 3 different stages - we were not able to get on any of them.  The kids were so dissappointed.  No one knew anything about the wrist bands.  

They had a Music Saves Lives tent - but I couldn't find it.  Towards the end of the night the kids found it - but they had no more information.

We were suppose to be part of 2-3 Meet and Greets - but again we couldn't find the tent so we were unable to participate.

OK enough about that - Big waste of my time and got nothing but disappointment.  Email them this morning and they were like - oh sorry..  That's it  I requested ticket to replace the experience for Camden, NJ but they said they would send me a nice care package...   Waste waste waste.

 

UPDATE:  Music Saves Lives sent me another email and were very sorry about our experience and offered replacement tickets for the Camden NJ Show so we are going to be doing it again and looking forward to having a positive experience.

It is very important for everyone to donate blood - I think we just went into this show thinking these were going to be amazing back stage passes meet and greets etc and while it is gives you alot of things we expected too much.

Back to the Vans Warped Tour.  & PNC experince.

We did sign up with Band Happy to have an experience with Chris Fronzak

This was $40.00 per person - I went with my daughter and will admit I went into it thinking "not much fun".  Well I have to say - was Pleasantly surprised.   He was really a big inspriation.  I highly recommend this if your going to one of the concert to sign up with this.  My daughter loved it.

And so did I

I can't say enough how great of an opportunity this is - TAKE THE CLASS.

We also purchased "cut the line" passes to make sure we get autographs with the guys from Falling In Reverse

 

They were very nice - I was on crutches and Ronnie was asking a ton of question on what I did how I was feeling and appreciated that I was being a good mom in support of my kids and he gave me a hug...

The people that worked and/or volunteer for the Van Warped Tour were as helpful as they could be... I don't think they are given enough information - but other than that it was a good experience.

I would make 1 recommentation - the maps they hand out should be much better...  It was really hard to know where to go - or find anything.  That was frustrating.

But overall outside of the Music Saves Lives experience we all had a very good time and I would recomment PNC art center.

here are some photos.

My son playing the guitar

Thanks for reading.

 

Mixed Media Art Journal My first Butterfly…

Used pencil to draw out the butterfly

 

Playing with watercolors.

More playing

Filling out more.

And more..

Used sharpie and then pastels.

And it's done.

 

Here's a photo of a new canvas I just completed.   Sold immediately