Persephone Plays

Battling Varmits!

2009-10-06T18:52:00.003-04:00

Greetings!
I recently found out what steampunk is! I've seen the style many times but never knew what to call it. Anyway, I like it a lot and always have, so when I started thinking about designing a new kit, steampunk seemed liked a good idea. Besides, right now everyone's doing autumn or halloween and I want to do something different. So look for that kit as a freebie here sometime in the near future.

Since we moved down here by the river we've been at war with the wildlife. They get into our garbage every night. And now that we have cornstalks decorating the front of our house they are trashing those too. Now I know they're adorable, and I don't want to hurt them...well sometimes I do, but I really wish he'd move on.
Here's the main culprit:

Don't let his cuteness deceive you, he's a bad boy!

I'm hoping he hibernates pretty soon...

Diane

2009-10-04T14:28:00.004-04:00

Well, since I haven't posted anything for a while, here's somewhat of an update...

Brendan started Kindergarten last month. He's been having a hard time paying attention though. Like father, like son I guess. He also had his first dentist visit...he's getting his 6 year molars. I forgot what teething is like for kids, the fevers and crankiness...hope he gets them in soon!

This was taken his first day of school...

I haven't posted any art or well, anything for a while, but here's some Halloween wallpaper for you. Hope you like it!

Till next time...

August Artwork

2009-08-23T11:35:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I posted that today I'd have art, so here it is...various ATCs that I've done for the swap groups I'm in. I'm especially fond of the belly dancer doll...her hips wiggle! Although you can't tell from the picture, she has a reinstone in her belly button. I like her so much I almost
don't want to trade her!
I also like the sun/moon ATC. I painted it myself and I think it turned out pretty good.

Hope you enjoyed them! Till later,

Diane

My Workspace ... Organized?

2009-08-22T08:03:00.002-04:00

Today I thought I'd show you the place I seem to spend most of my time...my kitchen. Well, part of my kitchen. I organized all of my art stuff here at the counter where we're supposed to be able to eat. The area has great light all day, a nice breeze most of the time and best of all, I can cook dinner and still work on projects. Have a look:

Yeah, that's a shoe...I'm altering it to make a doorstop. I'll post pics when I'm finished.

Hey, artwork will be getting posted soon, either tonight or tomorrow. Till then....

July Art

2009-07-29T07:20:00.011-04:00

Good morning! As promised, here's the artwork, at least most of it, that I've done in July.

First, a couple of APCs for 4x6 Expressions:

These are a few random ATCs I'll probably put up for trade at ATC Connection:

And these are the ATCs for Altered Designs TGIFs:

That's about it for now...

Diane

Catching Up

2009-07-27T16:36:00.003-04:00

The Topic of the Week at Altered Designs is where do you post your artwork and since this is where I do that, I thought I'd better do some catching up :)

So first of all, we moved from a townhouse in the city to a little cottage-like house down by the river. Every morning I go out on the deck and listen to the birds sing their greetings to the sun and watch the fish jump. Every once in a while I spot a beaver or ground hog, and just last night,a raccoon tried to come inside and make himself at home. Here's some pics....

Next post will be all the artwork I haven't posted in the last month...this may take a while...lol!

Diane

moving day

2009-06-23T04:54:00.002-04:00

Well, we're moving again. Finally out of a townhouse and back into a sweet little house by the river. I feel so blessed today that we had the good fortune to find it and wonderful friends who have volunteered to help us. All the stress of moving is making my Parkinson's worse so I'm afraid I'll be pretty useless by tomorrow, but I'll just keep plugging away and it all will eventually get done. Anyway, once we get all moved in I'll post pictures. Please pray for us...we're going to need all the help we can to get through the week. Thanks. Diane

Artfully productive weekend

2009-06-22T06:23:00.002-04:00

Although my house looks like a tornado went through it, this weekend was fairly productive artistically. I finished an ATC for Altered Designs:

and started working on some ATCs for ATC connection:

And I made my first ATC doll. I think she's cute:

As for today, I'll probably need a backhoe to get this place back into shape...wish me luck!

Diane

Busy, busy, busy

2009-06-17T21:07:00.004-04:00

Here's my latest collages, something for my husband and three ATCs for the Altered Designs group. Right now I'm planning something BIG, literally. It will probably measure 20 x 26 inches and will take some time. Till I can do it, I'm working on a large board book to keep my growing collection of ATCs in.

I've been doing some digital collage, my printer is almost out of ink and I have to wait till I can get more. So, till I do, digital will have to do. These all make great wallpaper, so feel free to save them!

Hope you enjoyed! See ya!

Diane

Pretty Wallpaper Gift

2009-06-06T08:54:00.002-04:00

I was killing some time on Photoshop and made this wallpaper. It turned out so nice I thought I'd share it. Hope you enjoy! Here's the link to the download:
http://www.4shared.com/file/110228716/8bfecb8/flowergirls.html
Have a great day!

America

2009-05-31T02:21:00.004-04:00

Inspired by watching the news and having a family meeting regarding our finances, I stayed up with insomnia and created this piece.
What is America coming to?

Goofing off...

2009-05-29T09:45:00.003-04:00

Brendan's mad at me today for "goofing off" on the computer all morning. Playing in photoshop is a great distraction from the pain that happens whenever the weather gets too damp and besides, I'm out of printer ink and I really wanted to use this picture. I won't go into details about what I went through to find it...suffice it to say when you type "vintage nudes" into a search engine you are bound to find porn...and btw, did you know that vintage includes the '70's?
Feeling older than I did yesterday...

Phone book page ATC

2009-05-26T04:22:00.002-04:00

Here's my actual entry in the phone book page TGIF mingle on Altered Designs. I goofed with the other and made it huge, but this one's an actual card. I hope whoever gets it will enjoy it.

Phone Book page challenge

2009-05-23T22:45:00.002-04:00

This is my entry for the phone book page challenge on Altered Designs. What do you think...it's my first challenge!

My first try at ATCs

2009-05-23T08:14:00.004-04:00

I finally got brave and tried my hand at "real" collage. I love it! It's messy and more time consuming but also more stress reducing, at least till it's time to clean up. I can't wait to do more!
Well, here they are...my first shot at ATC's...

New stuff

2009-03-09T04:47:00.005-04:00

Lots of new stuff added to The Witches Cupboard Etsy site! We have bent willow wands with gemstones woven into the branches. They're gorgeous!

We've also added our own incense...the same kind we use ourselves...charged the way we charge our own. Smells wonderful! Great for spellwork too!

Coming soon: Spell kits, homemade soap and lotions...boy you're in for a treat with these!

And more jewelry coming to Persephone Plays soon!

Free shipping offer

2009-02-21T12:48:00.010-05:00

Both Etsy stores are having a special right now. Persephone Plays offers free ground shipping on all orders over $20.00. The Witches Cupboard is offering free ground shipping on all orders over $25.oo.

All items at both stores are handmade by my son or myself. There's something for almost everyone and lots of great gift ideas. Here's the latest additions:

From The Witches Cupboard: Wonderfully scented Dream Pillows, larger than most you'll find anywhere else, will help you drift into sleep.

Also at The Witches Cupboard: Winter's Bane Skin Balm. Emolient oils and healing herbs will protect your skin from the harshness of winter.

From Persephone Plays: Red Wire Wrapped Hematite Necklace. Genuine hematite gemstones, known for their protective qualities, wrapped in shiny red wire...a great gift for the teenage girl or maybe even yourself.

From Persephone Plays: Green Jasper Wrapped in Silver Plated Wire Necklaceand Earrings Set. Beautiful green jasper beads wrapped in silver plated coils of wire into a very elegant set.

Come over to our Etsy stores and check us out. We are very reasonably priced and add new items nearly ever day. And don't forget our free ground shipping offer, it won't go on forever.

My Favorite Cupcake Recipe

2009-02-21T07:41:00.004-05:00

I'm happy to repot that I've turned in my first book review at Dark Divas Reviews. I was a bit nervous at first but I think it turned out just fine.

Come check it out! Here's the link to Dark Divas:

http://www.darkdivasreviews.web.com/

Well, I promised this cupcake recipe to AJ months ago and I'm sorry I haven't got this out already, but here it is...better late than never and worth the wait!

Oh yeah, I'm working on another digiscrap kit...a bedroom kit...wink. You can use it for all those sexy pics you took on Valentine's day! It's coming soon!

Have a great weekend!

Goddess blessed

2009-02-19T05:55:00.004-05:00

I'm really excited this morning because I just checked our new Etsy store The Witches Cupboard and the portable altar I made is getting lots of views.

Also, today I'm starting my first review with Dark Divas...I'm reading Waking The Witch by Lisa Whitefern. It looks like it will be an interesting story.

In other news...

1. Diane still is a huge weirdo magnet...I'd have to move to loose this one.

2. Unemployment runs rampant in the House of Newman

3. Obama: Too good to be true? hmmm....yes!

4. Views on Etsy do not equal sales on Etsy.

5. On March 15, my cigarette prices will go up $23.00 a bag of tobacco for roll your own, or $6 a carton for the rest. A $23 price hike overnight!? That with the beer tax hike will make people start smoking pot. It'll be cheaper. Can you believe that?

Done rambling....lots to do...bbl.

News, news, and more news

2009-02-17T06:38:00.004-05:00

First I want to announce the opening of me and my son Benjamin's new Etsy store "The Witches Cupboard" which is, as he puts it, for practioners of both shield and sword magic. Right now the shelves are pretty empty I'll admit, but more items are being added daily. We hope to have quite a selection within the next month or so ... so keep on stopping by and checking.

Next: I'm really excited to tell you I'm a new book reviewer with Dark Diva Reviews . They are reviewers of erotica/romance books and they can really help you make those tough decisions about which book to buy/read next. Come check out the site, you'll enjoy it very much!

Finally, my own Etsy store, Persephone Plays, has added new items too. Like these wire wrapped earrings, my very favorites...I love them! Come look at everything both store have now, then come back in a week when we'll have even more new, creative items to show you. We're reasonably priced too!

Picture is link to item....I'd also like to thank everyone who left such kind comments about the Toys in the Attic digiscrap kit from a couple of days ago. Your words inspire me to try harder to creat more beautiful kits for you in the future. Thanks again!

Family

2009-02-15T05:22:00.004-05:00

Since yesterday was Valentine's day, I thought I'd share some of the people in my life who make it worth living...my family. They are born to me, married in, and adopted...I love them all.

Some people are missing here: Jim, Gary, Fred...probably more, love ya too!

(Scroll down to yesterday's post for freebie :)

Toys In The Attic Freebie

2009-02-14T08:51:00.005-05:00

Finally! I finished this kit in the wee hours of this morning...I think it turned out pretty good! Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

http://www.4shared.com/file/87630288/13c7e8d7/ToysInTheAttic.html

(Be warned...this is kind of a big file, it took a long time to upload.)

Hear Me Roar

2009-02-12T04:40:00.005-05:00

Ladies, we all know at least one guy that thinks this way, even if he denies it. For me it was a friend I had a few years ago. He would come over and help change light bulbs....stuff like that. He was my hero. Yeah, right. I've heard since then that he would tell stories when I wasn't around about how he had to help me with this or that. All I can say is "What an asshole!"

Now understand, I lived 10 years, yeah, 10 loooong years without a man around for anything. I taught myself to do plumbing, carpentry, and I even replaced a gasket for the transmission on the car. I'm proud of that, and the fact that this pompous ass comes and changes a light bulb and *poof* I'm just a helpless female still pisses me off some 10 years later.

But women have reached equality with men now. They really have...and I know this for a fact when I read with interest a story on Smoking Gun of a woman who was arrested when her date called the police to tell them he was at a BBQ with his girlfriend. He had started feeling queasy and went inside to lie down for awhile. When he woke up, his girlfriend had her hand in his...um...well...use your imagination. That to me is equality...women using date rape drugs so they can fist their boyfriends. Now please read this statement with all the sarcasm intended....it's about time. Women can be just as dispicable as men, yup, and they can change a light bulb and open their own damn ketchup. We don't need a hero.

And on a lighter note, I haven't quite finished the kit I've been working on but here's a cool stamp of greenman. I've used it a lot and really like it...hope you do too.

(click picture to download)

Looking Back at Me

2009-02-10T08:12:00.005-05:00

I've been working on a new kit and plan to have it out next week. It's called Toys in the Attic and is looking to be the cutest one so far. Look for it here soon :)

Just thought I'd post a couple of full size pics of the papers that were in the last freebie...the preview really doesn't do them justice.

http://www.4shared.com/file/84859684/e4d2cde7/LBAM.html

Here's the link again in case you missed it!

Don't forget the Etsy sale...20% off everything RED until Valentine's Day!

Have a great day!

Sale and Freebie

2009-02-07T06:21:00.004-05:00

Good morning all!

I'm up way too early for a Saturday morning but we had company last night and the house is trashed, and I heard little feet running around downstairs at 4dark30 am...so I'm up...YEA!
Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I but a bunch of new stuff in the Etsy store...lots of cool earrings and a couple of necklaces...AND if you buy anything between now and Valentine's Day I'll give you 20% off! Yup, just make sure you convo me before paying so I can give you the discount.
Just my way of um...let's be honest here....drumming up business....hehe.

And now for the freebie, just some papers I made and thought were really cool.

I hope you do too and can use them :)
http://www.4shared.com/file/84859684/e4d2cde7/LBAM.html

Have a great weekend!

What A Day!

2009-02-04T05:07:00.004-05:00

I'm really excitable today...not completely sure why...there's just a little something in the air that says it's going to be a great day!
Maybe it's the fact that we finally have a president that owns up to his mistakes and failings. I mean, did you hear Pres. Obama tell reporters, one at a time in the Oval Office, that he "screwed up"? Amazing...and quite promising. I'm always a day late and a dollar short, I know, but I'm finally starting to pick up on the excitement of Obama, the hope he instills in everyone, even me. And that takes some doing let me tell you, lol.
Anyway, don't forget to check out back posts for freebies, they are all still working. I hope you enjoy my efforts!
Also, check out my Etsy store. I just put in a bunch of new jewelry...earrings and a gorgeous crocheted wire necklace...don't miss 'em!
I hope everyone has a wonderful, exciting day filled with hope for the future!
I've started mine already...

Gift of Spring pt. 2

2009-02-03T07:27:00.005-05:00

Well, I meant to get this out yesterday, but it was so hectic around here that I couldn't get to it until after dinner, then my husband was playing WOW until late....so anyway, I didn't get to it until early this morning.

So here it is...hope you enjoy it!

Click on pic for download link

Hope you have a great day!

Gift of Spring

2009-01-30T06:57:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Hope everyone is safe and well in this nasty weather we've been having. Most of the schools were closed around here yesterday because the roads were so bad and as I've said before, I won't attempt to drive in this stuff.
So I've been hibernating and dreaming of Spring...and creating this gift for you all so you can have a little Spring yourself...enjoy!

(click on pic for link)

Featured for Valentine's Day

2009-01-28T09:57:00.007-05:00

Good morning! Well, unless you live in eastern Ohio. The weather here is switching off between snow, freezing rain and rain. It's nasty out there folks, the roads are too icy for me to be driving and I had to send my husband to the store to stock up.

We're supposed to get 2 inches of snow in one hour...I think we're about half way there. And all this is piling on top of the several inches of snow and ice that has already accumulated in the last month or so. I can't wait for spring!

I've been passing time by crocheting and beading some really cute fairies. I'll post pics of the fairies when I can get some good shots of them.

Here's a pic of one of the items I crocheted. It's a featured item in my Etsy store right now and is a perfect gift for Valentine's Day.

It's my own design and I must say, it turned out gorgeous! It's very light too, you can hardly tell you have it on. Check it out in my Etsy store...Grand Opening Sale...free shipping through January!

Stay safe, warm and dry and have a great day!

(Scroll down to next posts for freebies)

Valentine Elements

2009-01-27T07:04:00.008-05:00

Good morning! As promised, here's the elements that go with the Valentine papers. Boy! I'm really appreciating all those designers who do this all the time!
This is hard work! Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.4shared.com/file/82729019/6f8a2d5e/Vintage_Valentine_PP.html

And here's a page I did using the kit:

Ah....aren't we cute!

Parkinson Disease

2009-01-25T16:34:00.005-05:00

Well, I just shot a bunch of pics of new jewelry to put on Etsy and when I went into Photoshop to crop them they were ALL blurry. Every single one was unusable. So now I'm pissed off and that makes me shake even worse. This sucks! Even as I type this I have to backspace as much as I type because of tapping the letters too many times.

I was just diagnosed about six months ago with Young Onset Parkinsonian Disease and am taking medication for it and it really helps. I know this cause I took myself off it for a while...long enough to find out I don't ever want to do that again...about three days. In that time I went from a functioning, capable person to someone who could barely get out of bed or off the couch. My feet shuffled as I walked, barely coming off the floor, with the speed of a baby snail. I hurt all over from muscles cramping. I couldn't get a damn thing done and that's what pissed me off the most.

Definition of Parkinson from WebMD:
Parkinson's disease affects the way you move. It happens when there is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain.
Normally, these nerve cells make an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the part of your brain that controls movement. It lets your muscles move smoothly and do what you want them to do. When you have Parkinson’s, these nerve cells break down. Then you no longer have enough dopamine, and you have trouble moving the way you want to.
Parkinson’s is progressive, which means it gets worse over time. But usually this happens slowly, over a period of many years. And there are good treatments that can help you live a full life.
.........................................

No one knows what causes this and how fast it will progress...

Until I started having symptoms I didn't know much about this disease. Oh I knew Michael J. Fox had it and Muhammed Ali got it from taking too many punches to the head, and that it made them shake uncontrollably, but that's about it. Apparently I'm not the only one. Parkinson's research doesn't get nearly the funding other diseases get, even with all Michael J. Fox does to enlighten the powers that be.
Anyway....I really don't know where I'm going with all this...it's just frustrating to be so out of control and to know it's only going to get worse, but not knowing how long it will take. Knowing for a fact that you will eventually become a huge burden on your family and not being able to stop it or do anything to make up for it or ease their burden is depressing and makes all the symptoms worse.
Oh well....

Another Valentine's Day Freebie

2009-01-25T06:07:00.004-05:00

As promised, here's another digi-scrap freebie...this time a set of papers. I'll post the elements in a few days. Hope you like!

http://www.4shared.com/file/82390275/a2ab2e10/Val_papers_by_Persephone.html

I just put a bunch of new stuff on my Etsy page, including a gorgeous red crocheted choker...check it out! There's also free shipping through January!

Super Bowl

2009-01-22T12:15:00.002-05:00

Just in case you don't know, I'm a Browns fan. I live in NE Ohio, so the Browns are my team now. When I lived in Seattle I rooted for the Seahawks. Anyway, there are a LOT of Steeler fans around here, especially now that they've made it to the Super Bowl. See, that's the only way you'll see a great majority of those fans wear their colors is if their team is winning. The Browns fans would never get to wear their gear if they waited for them to win.
But now we get to hear all about how great their team is and how much we suck...the gloating has already started...it started Sunday right after the game. It will continue, I imagine until next season the first time the Steelers lose a game. And that's because I can't imagine the Cardinals beating them come Super Bowl Sunday. If it wasn't for the fact that it's the Steelers, I'd put money on it...
But I hope and pray the Arizona Cardinals do beat the Steelers, big time even, if for no other reason than the gloating will end that much sooner. I can dream, can't I?

My First Digi-scrap Kit

2009-01-21T15:52:00.007-05:00

Well, the snow is still deep, and it's very cold here. It was 4 degrees when I got up this morning! I lived in Alaska for 4 years and this weather really reminds me of there...and reminds me of at least one of the reasons I left...lol.
I've just been hibernating and doing some scrapbooking from Christmas and birthdays that happened in December. That and crocheting for Etsy.

I finally went and made a kit all by myself after over a year of using other people's creations. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, but because I really don't know what I'm doing yet, I welcome all feedback. Pretty please....

Anyway, here it is...hope you like it!

Click on the pic for the link

I hope to be offering something here at least once a week so check back soon.

See ya!

Snowing and a Freebie

2009-01-18T16:17:00.007-05:00

Hey, what do you know? It's snowing here in NE Ohio again. We shovel the walks at least 3 time a day, but it really just is exercise in futility. At least it is warming up...that negative 9 degrees the other day was a little too cold.
Here's a pic of my back patio...it's getting deep!

I've been working on crafts and digi stuff today and thought I'd give you something I did. It's a pic I did for an altered art project and I really like the colors and message. I hope you do too.

Here's the artwork I've been working on...use it however you like. I hope you enjoy it!

Click on picture for link

First Posting

2009-01-17T11:13:00.003-05:00

Being my first post I suppose I should tell you a bit about myself and my life...but I'll skip that for now...it'll give me something to write about later...lol!
For now I'll just let you know what to expect when you come here. Well, you could get just about anything, from a description of my husband's latest novel to a digital scrapbooking freebie to a description of a crappy day, I'm pretty unpredictable, but hopefully, it will always be entertaining or useful in some way.
Thanks for visiting....