Art and More Awards

Finally, I have finished some more art and am working on another piece. My temporary creative ebb seems to be over. I am entering this piece into Illustration Friday for this week's theme of modify.

You won't believe how many times I had to modify this little painting before it worked for me. Not the young woman - her I liked right away, but the color scheme of the background and then the dog. First is was brown, then blue, then big and cuddly, then skinny. Finally, now, I like it ... a lot! She is now available in my Etsy shop...so make sure and check if you like her!

In other news...today I made my own homemade concentrated laundry powder, which was incredibly easy and so inexpensive compared to the brand name detergents you can buy at the store. I found the "recipe" for it here. I intend to make some of the other cleaners as well. Also, hopefully soon, I'll try making some soap, which seems to be a little more complicated undertaking, but looks like so much fun and would make for great gifts! Have any of you ever tried it?

And, finally, I would like to thank the fabulous Shelly, the BlueRidgeLady, for giving me these two much appreciated awards. I am so very touched, Shelly!!

Make sure you visit Shelly's blog - she makes the most incredible collages and her posts are simply inspiring! Plus, she lives in a part of Georgia that intrigues me...

I know I am supposed to make a list and pick out blogs I'd like to give these to, but you don't know how hard that is for me. I am an includer, so I am going to pass this on to all of you who so regularly visit my blog and leave me such encouraging comments! I consider you my friends and you all make me smile. If you feel so inspired take these awards and pass them on to make someone else smile...