Friday, February 26, 2010

FRIDAY FLOWERS! :)

Hi All :)


I am very excited with the Flowers blooming in my Garden right now. Every Day a new cluster pops up :)


Although, I am a little sad that all the purple Crocus got smashed to the ground with all the rain we have been having, oh well, at least I have photos to preserve their former glory :)


This week I would like to share with you my Helleborus plants. These are pretty hardy plants and mine start flowering about the beginning of February which is always a great burst of hope and things to come.


ENJOY! :)












I found this amazingly informative website about Helleborus plants if anyone is interested in learning more :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

February Giveaway!

Well, I know I am a little slow getting around to posting a February Giveaway but there is a reason :)

I wanted this Giveaway to coincide with my B.Day (well close to anyway) You know I LOVE Giveaways and when better to do it than when you have something to celebrate :)

So, here it is! February's Giveaway! Two lucky people will receive an 8 x 10 Photograph of their choice from my new Esty Shop. It is very simple to enter :)

1). Go to my new Etsy Shop http://www.PhotosByChipperfield.etsy.com and Heart it :)

Don't forget to check out the photos, decide which one you would like if you win and come back here to my blog and leave a comment telling me which photo you would hope to win and why :)

2). Follow my blog and leave another comment and you get the chance to be entered again!

HERE ARE JUST A SAMPLE OF THE PHOTOS YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM :)













You can enter until Midnight (West Coast time) on Sunday March 7th. Winners will be announced on Monday March 8th.
SO, HAVE FUN!
Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, February 22, 2010

ZAP - Zimbabwe Artists Project.

Last Weekend the Hubby and I went to the opening of an Art Show here in Portland in a beautifully renovated old warehouse Olympic Mills on the East side of the Willamette River to Downtown. There are various businesses in the building and one of them caught my eye as I wondered the halls admiring the "LOVE" show artwork.

ZAP - Zimbabwe Artists Project is one of those grass roots organisations that is very exciting and one I feel excited to support.

ZAP's Mission is to, "celebrate the artistry and accomplishments of Women from rural Weya in Eastern Zimbabwe. Through education, sales of their art in the U.S., and special projects, ZAP helps the Artists become economically self sufficient".

"Women’s income from agriculture is unpredictable and limited. Sales of their art helps women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer. Since the market for Weya art in Zimbabwe is extremely limited, sales in the U.S. are critical. ZAP pays much more than any other buyer, delivering cash at the time of purchase, and we provide health care to the artists".

I really love the concept behind this enterprise and I feel as a fellow Female Artist, even though I am not supposed to be buying any artwork at the moment, that I should support my sister artists :)

Here is the beautiful piece of Artwork I purchased :)

Artwork by Charity Manema.

Check out ZAP here and see all the amazing things they are doing, see the artists and more of their beautiful work. :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, February 19, 2010

FRIDAY FLOWERS! :)



Last Week I posted the first burst of colour in my garden, Yellow Crocus. Then, I started thinking, after I had read the comments from other people (Thanks Guys :) That it would be great fun to post a burst of colour every Friday to brighten everyone's day :)


So, here is another beautiful bunch of flowers from my garden for Victoria at The Moss Garden (who's favourite colour crocus is Purple :) and for everyone else to enjoy too :)


To see more Crocus check out my new photos at PhotosByChipperfield



Also in the comments, last week, Anna from A Beader's Blog mentioned she missed the California wildflowers, California Poppies and Lupins, so this one is for you :)


I purchased this photo while in Napa a few years ago, so I took a photo of the photo :) It is by the photographer Bo Svensson



Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


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Monday, February 15, 2010

Good Morning Monday!

Well, first let me wish you all a Happy Monday and for those of you celebrating President's Day, a happy one of those too:)

I was very excited this morning after I switched on my computer to see I was one of the winners in the giveaway over at the blog of Green Leaf Reviewer Thanks Jenn :)

Oh and I woke up to a little watery sunshine, so another awesome, I'll take it :)

One of my New Years' resolutions, hopes, expectations was to give myself more time to read books. I have always been an avid reader and read every morning for 20 mins. or so with my morning cup of Tea.

I had hoped to read 2 books a month that were over 300 pages but that was a tad too ambition for the time I have available to read and so I backed off to one book a month, what is the point of sitting down with a good book if you feel pressured to read because of a silly expectation.


So, in January I read "Open" by Andre Agassi, it was a very interesting insight to a man I have watched grow up playing tennis on TV. We are huge tennis fans in our house and have followed his career, just taking him as he comes and not making judgement on him personally (but perhaps his game, occasionally) I have never thought of him as a Prima Donna but after reading this book, not so sure. It is a great read and full of details about his life.


I am on track to finish "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson by the end of February (no pressure though :)

If any of you are unfamiliar with Bryson he is a writer who travels with a twist. He has a great sense of humour, is an American who lived in Britain for 20 years and then moved back to America, he has written many books about his life experiences and always brings amazing details and random facts that inform and enlighten. Well worth the read.

On a random note, I realised as I was typing this, that I started the year with Author double "A" and moved on to Author double "B". Not on purpose, must be subliminal OCD. (He! He!)

Well, hope your week has gotten off to a great start :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, February 12, 2010

First Flowers of the season in my Garden.

When it has been raining for days it is hard for me to remember the last time it wasn't raining :(

So, I am glad I was able to get this shot of the first spring bulbs blooming in my Garden :) In between rain showers.

These beautiful crocus having been coming back year after year, multiplying and needing very little care from me. Oh I love hardy plants! :)

So, if we can just keep the snake away from them things will be fine. Oh yeah, we have a snake, poss. more than one living in our garden. He (well, of course it has to be a male, HE! HE!) has already destroyed the roots on my favourite Rose bush with his tunneling and he seems as busy as ever with his snake holes. On the bright side we don't seem to have much of a mole problem anymore :)

I think it is time to get some polyanthus for the pots around the front door. Oh, Spring is in the air..........................now I have that song stuck in my head.........................

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

New Etsy Shop :)

I am really excited (here she goes again :) to show you our new Esty Shop. It was opened a few weeks ago and already has had a couple of orders.

http://www.photosbychipperfield.etsy.com/

There are at least 40 images there at present and more are being added daily :)

The premise behind this shop is to share some of the amazing and interesting images our Family, who are all keen Photographers, have taken on their many travels. :)
There are and will be many more shots of the pretty Flowers and Butterflies that inhabit our beautiful garden every year :)


I love this shot of the Blue Moon, it was a joy that the rain clouds parted just long enough to grab a few shots :)

Who doesn't love a sunset and in the Northwest in November an amazing sight.

I just love this shot of the San Fran Sea Lions, they look sooo cute and cuddly when they are a sleep :)

Sail Boats in the San Fran Bay :)


Sellwood Bridge in Portland Oregon, yes that building is directly underneath part of the bridge.


This cute little Finch came to join my Daughter and I while we eat outside in Tiburon, California in November. Such a joy to be sitting outside dining in NOVEMBER!!!! (esp. for a Northwesterner)


And here is our glorious Mountain, Mt. Hood. Again, I was very excited to capture this shot on an on and off rainy day just as the sun was going down :)

Pop on over and check out more images at http://www.photosbychipperfield.etsy.com/

So what do you think so far?!?! Let me know I LOVE to hear from you all :)

BTW, check out Green Leaf Reviewer she has a great giveaway going on and is an interesting blog about green products and going green :) Thanks to Anna at A Beader's Blog for the heads up :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sand Art Video.

Opening my emails this morning I came across this video link from a member of the Art Guild I belong to.

I really couldn't resist forwarding this, it is absolutely amazing :)

Click the link to see this talented Artist create amazing pictures with sand over a light box

Sand Art

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, February 5, 2010

A Walk In The Park.

I go for a walk in the local park by the Tualatin River several times a week. It is beautiful, peaceful and usually, for 6 months of the year, I have it entirely to myself; I think this could be because of the rainy weather in the NW. It is such a cute park in a NW. rugged kind of way big fir trees, hillside slopes and bubbling river.

Well, the other day, just to the side of the pathway I saw the first daisy of the year, YAY! Of course it was raining that day, like so many others but I was able to get a shot of it half open :)

As I strolled along in my own little world I realised there are a few things I can't do at the park anymore without little people around (my words for children :) Well, I guess I could do them but then I would most probably be locked up for being a little crazy (poss!).

Sad really!

So here is the list of things I can't do by myself at the park and still pretend I am sane :)

1). Sit and make daisy chains. (Add a kid doesn't seem weird at all :) Middle aged woman by herself, poss. a little crazy.

2). Talk to the Ducks. (Ditto! :)

3). Watch kids at play. (Ditto! :)

4). Skip along and sing. (Still a little crazy!)

5). Swing around the trees. (Not from them :)

6). Play on the play equipment. (OK, if absolutely, nobody is around :)

7). Walk the bases on the baseball field.

8). Chase the squirrels. (Could pretend I am running :)

9). Shoot hoops on the Basketball court.

10). Play in the leaves.

11). Run and jump in the puddles.

12). No Laughing out loud.

13). Absolutely no smiling at kids let alone talk to them. (Too Stalkerish!)

14). Run in the Fountain.

15). Watch teenage boys playing B.B., don't even look in their direction (Add a young kid.......!)

Get my drift!

But as I was leaving the park I did have a quick word with one of the ducks :)

OK, what else changes when there are no little People in the home anymore??? Let me know your thoughts :)

Have a Wonderful Weekend,

I'm just off for a walk in the park, I might pick some daisies for later :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Sharing "Giant Blog List " :)

Red Button Heart - 10 x 8 Photo :)

So, I was wondering around the forums last week and found this amazing thread in Biz Topics.

There posted for all to see was the "Giant list of Blog Topics" by Carzoo Critters and on her blog: CarzooCritters.blogspot.com She is sharing it with everyone so we will never run out of blog topics ever :)

So, for everyone who missed it here it is :)

GIANT list of blogging topics

etsy tips
how tos
demos
tips and tricks
tutorials
tip of the day
give aways
your latest creation
a custom order you made
a craft show you participated in
a craft show you went to
a link to a treasury you love
a link to a treasury you made
something you loved that was on the front page
something you loved that you found when pouncing etsy
sketches to new ideas
teach your readers how to draw something
recipes
healthy eating
healthier versions on otherwise unhealthy food
talk about your favorite food
favorite restaurant
money tips
how to save
how to be frugal
links to good deals online
links to sales
a funny lighthearted story about your kids
a story about your pet(s)
a story about your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/best friend
pictures of your child's artwork
exercise
work out videos you love and hate
a diet you are on
articles you read
current news
favorite tv show
books that are your favorite
books you read to your kids
you tube videos you have watched
your favorite song
a movie you watched that you LOVE
a movie you watched that you HATE
a movie you watched with your kids that made you laugh
a movie quote
a quote from a book
a website you love
blog for a cause
picture blog
of your workspace
something funny when you went out
what you had for dinner
your pets
your kids
a new creation
inspiration pictures of nature
inspiration pictures of architecture
inspiration photos of animals
inspiration photos from the news
inspiration photos when just looking at google images
inspiration scents and smells
feature a seller on your blog
feature something you recently bought from an etsy seller
feature something from your favorites on etsy, explain why you had to heart it!
top 5 finds
feature something unusual you saw on etsy but you love it
feature something you love by color
something you have always wanted to do
something you are looking forward to
what you are thankful for today (thankful thursdays!)
things that make you happy
amusing pet peeves
something funny you saw today while running errands
things that distract you when you are trying to get something done
get your readers involved
suggestions on a name for a new product
polls about favorite colors, favorite food, favorite type of jewelry, favorite movies, favorite games
polls about a favorite new product
critiques and suggestions
ask how everyone else gets motivated or creative
blog about someone else's blog post you thought was interesting
blog about someone's new creation they posted on their blog
if you don't have time to blog for yourself, post a link to another great blog article of a follower of yours

Is there anything to add to this? :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

BLOG LOVE FEST :)

OH MY!!!!!! :)

I am soooooo excited and I know you guys hear that a lot around here but this truly blew me away with humility.

Last week I was honoured to be awarded 3, yep, you read that right, 3 different blog awards from fellow bloggers :)

This means so much to me because these came from people that I have enjoyed greatly over the past months and feel a wonderful friendship thru our blogs.

Not only do I get to enjoy these but I get to pass them along to others :)

The First one came from Teddy Started it, if you haven’t been over to visit you should, absolutely has me giggling to myself all the time reading her blog.

As a recipient I have to share 7 things about me that you might not already know, uh, oh.

So, here goes;

1). I do not like surprises. No, not at all! My poor Hubby and children know not to throw surprise parties, buy surprise gifts or have someone jump out of a cake (well, you get my drift)

2). I have lived in 7 Big Cities (and a few smaller ones) in 3 different countries.

3). As a young woman I vowed (To myself and anyone who would listen) I would never live anywhere other than London, England, note above, lived a few other places, thankfully no one was really listening but just be careful what you vow.

4). I am truly grateful every morning to be alive and kicking :)

5). I have wanted to own an Hotel forever! Perhaps, so I could stay in a place that I felt truly comfy in and I'd know the service would be how I wanted it.

6). I believe in Karma.

7). I have an obsession when it comes to hanging artwork. It has to be straight! Even when I go to other people’s homes, the Doc’s office, Hotels, even stores, I will straighten the artwork. (Scary?!?! :)

Now, as a recipient, I need to honour 7 other bloggers, (wow, that is tough, there are so many wonderful one’s out there :)

1). A Beader’s Blog – If you haven’t met Anna yet, you don’t know what you are missing. She is a great writer and a joyful blogger with amazing insight and the world’s best commenter.

2). Dutch Touch Beads – Jenni, is a busy, busy lady but always has a min. to pop over and comment on my blog. She is a wonderful caring person and a great jewelry maker.

3). Cabin + Cub – Valerie is another busy person but always has time for others, is so positive, enlightening and funny.

4). Acrylic and Steel – Erica, is a young vibrant powerhouse. I think she could take over the world; she has so much talent in so many areas and is a loving Mom too :)

5). So Many Memories – Annette writes from the heart, she has so many interesting things to share and I love reading her blog everyday :)

6). Alicia Istanbul’s Designs – Alicia is a very talented jewelry maker and a busy Mom and super runner – check out her blog this week she has one of the best giveaways EVER :)

7). MAB’s Notes on Jewelry – Laura, wow, this girl is so creative in her jewelry making and blogs like no other, funny, always entertaining and often thought provoking.

Here are the Rules to Pay it Forward (If you want to participate):

1. Copy/paste the Kreativ Blogger Award picture onto your blog

2. Thank the person who awarded it to you and post a link to her/his blog

3. Write 7 things about yourself we might not know

4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award

5. Link to them

6. Notify your 7 bloggers of their awards



NEXT :)

This next award came from my buddy Annette at so many memories, thank you so very much, go check out her blog and see the wonder :)

With this award I'm to list 10 things that make me happy and try to do at least one today.
Tag 10 bloggers that brighten my day and they are to link back to my blog and make their own 'Makes Me Happy' list.

Here is my “Happy” List :)

1). Of course my Family. :)

2). Good Food and Wine (I think most of you know that one already).

3). Music from Gilbert and Sullivan to Motown to Snow Patrol.

4). Good Books – Jane Austin, Dickens………

5). My Flower Garden.

6). Harleys and Fast cars (I guess Poppy was a give away).

7). Love the Ocean, could never Live very far from it.

8). Being Creative.

9). Older Movies esp. Chariots of Fire, The Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind.

10). Tea Parties. (I am a Brit. after all :)

Are you bored of hearing about me yet?!?!?!

Now 10 Bloggers that brighten my day - it goes without saying that everyone listed above does that and more but I thought I would share the love with a few others as well:

1). The Moss Garden.
2). Teddy Started it.
3). 31 Everything.
4). Dirksen dabbles.
5). All Things Tangled.
6). The Lost Earring.
7). French Revelation.
8). Raspberry Kidz.
9). Studio M.M.E.
10). Navigating Crazy Town.

And last but not least I received the Sunshine Award from Created and Felted, Thank you!


The rules for accepting this award are:
Put the logo on your blog or within your post,
Pass the award onto 12 bloggers,
Link the nominees within your post,
Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog,
Link to the person from whom you received this award.

I am Happy to pass this award onto these great bloggers!

1). Aly Gatr’s Everywhere.
2). Andrea Creates.
3). From My Female Perspective.
4). ArtSnark’s Artifacts.
5). Artsy Fartsy Me.
6). Christie Cottage.
7). Crazyg Photography.
8). Going Green in 2010.
9). Official Jewelry by Tara.
10). The Little Fox.
11). The Wine Key.
12). Trapped in the 80’s Moms.

I really hope you guys enjoy checking out each others’ blogs. I certainly do love reading them all.
But, I need a cup of Tea now :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Giveaway Day is Here Again!!!!!!

We Have 4 Winners!!!!!!



I am so excited to announce the winners in the January Giveaway on PoppyPlacePdx!!!!!..........................................(silent drum roll) .................................................

The winners are ****

**** YAY!!!!!!

Congrats to you all :)

I would like to thank everyone who participated, commented on my blog, went to my Etsy shops, hearted them and everyone who is now following my blogs :)

This is such a great way to make connections with fellow Etsians and I love reading other people's blogs! There is so much great talent out there.

Watch out for next month's giveaway I really think you will like it :)

Happy Monday :)

Happy New Month :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.