Funky Art Queen

My sister and I are going to St. Louis, MO to see the touring Broadway show of Mamma Mia in Feb (next month) I'm so excited! We discovered the movie last summer and I can't tell you how many times we have watched it.  Well, we only watched it one time together.  That was a fun night.  No boys, lots of wine and lots of bling and feathered boas.  Good times.    Since that movie seemed to strike us both at such a level, it seemed only natural to go and see the Broadway version.  After all, that is where the movie started out....in theater.  The history of this production is quite interesting.  If you don't know already, the entire production is embellished (or perhaps born from music by Abba) with music by Abba.  You young thangs may not even know about Abba, but us 70's and 80's girls will totally know them and appreciate them.   According to Wikepedia: Mamma Mia! , promoted as  Mamma Mia! The Movie , is a  2008 ...

I love love love Valentines Day! I think it must have something to do with all the red, pink, and romance. There are so many wonderful handmade Valentines gifts available on Etsy! If you have not already, you really should take a minute and go and check out all of the possibilities. You might even get some ideas to make some things! I made several of these little heart magnets and I have some listed in my shop.  I plan to add a few more that I finished today so be on the look out for that.  I would love to know what you doing for Valentines crafts or decorating.  Please Share your thoughts and ideas.  Meanwhile, hugs and kisses! (the chocolate kind) XOXO-Lesley

  I have spent a considerable amount of time on the web tonight just searching for cool web generators.  I am so thankful that their are computer smarties out there that are willing to create code and programs that make it easy for the rest of us to do cool stuff on the web.  I suppose I am a bit of a nerd to have actually searched for this stuff, but.....I enjoy being able to use these tools in my creative journey.  I also like to use them to make my blog interesting.  So, I have decided to share some cool tools with you.  You may or may not be interested in one or none.  Just take a look... Click on the links below to go the generator listed.  Please let me know if any of these links do not work. Create a Cool Seal like the one above.    Add a Post-It Note to Your Blog Add a Faux Written Signature to Your Blog Post Make a Faux License Plate Write a Special Message in Alphabet Soup So, this should get you started with...

fly black with dots Originally uploaded by Funky Art Queen This morning I had to get something from my completed art work stash and I saw all my little clay heart magnets and was so inspired by them. I pulled them out so I could look at them this evening. Sure enough, during a break from work, I went to MIchaels (craft store) and bought some clay so I could make some more of these fun and funky magnets. I have several of these on my fridge and they always make me smile. PLUS: They inspire me creatively. I hand sculpted the clay hearts and painted them in a number of ways. Then after they were completely dry, I added sculpey finish (glossy). When that was dry, I glued the sculpted hearts to some wings I had cut out from old tins that I had in my storage room. Oh, the tins were so happy to finally be used for something. I really felt the urge to make more of these and after selling several on etsy tonight, I am really encouraged. So, tonight, I hand sculpted several clay hearts...

I was surfing blogs and I found this really fabulous blog....and I discovered " Jamie's Wishcasting Wednesdays" .  Today is Wednesday! Wow, I actually arrived on time to something......Today's Wishcast is ..... What Do you Wish For Your Family?  I will answer this challenge in a list format. Peace in their hearts Safety and Security A Passion for Life Someone to love Someone to love them Something to be passionate about-a hobby The knowledge that I, Lesley Chandler loved them more than they will ever know.  What do you wish for your family?

We get so caught up in our lives and then suddenly it hits us, we have not heard from so and so for some time.  That happened to me this weekend.  I suddenly wondered what in the world had happened to my blog friend Deb from "Deb Did It" .  She is ever so faithful in responding to my blogs and Facebook notes.....something was obviously not right as I had not heard from her for some time.   So, I went to her blog and discovered the dismal news. Apparently, while they were traveling away ( I believe Florida-correct me if I'm wrong) the pipes in their beautiful, historical home (I believe it was originally built in 1915) decided that since they were frozen, they would take this time to bust and flood the entire house.  Deb and her husband came home to a flood and a house that was almost destroyed.  It looks as though all they have left is a skeleton of a house. So, now they are dealing with the fact that their home and their livelihood has been all bu...

   T onight I find myself thinking about my relationship with my sisters; "Ronetta" and "Rhea".  I suppose these thoughts are brought about by the combination of my stage in life (kinda mid-life....not telling you my age) and the recent death of our father due to emphysema.  Truly, if I could write decently, I would have the best material for a tragic comedy.  The movie that comes to mind for comparison is "Hanging Up" with Diane Keaton.  Did you see it?  Here is a link to the trailer. ...if you have not watched this movie, I highly recommend it:  Three sisters who were once very close as children have grown up and moved on in their lives.  Though they maintain an attempt at maintaining a sense of "family", it is their elderly and terminally ill father who unwittingly forces them to realize and appreciate their need for each other.  Anyway, I'm the "oldest", Ronetta is the "middle child" and Rhea is the ...

  OK, I have something exciting to share!  Raise your hand if you have ever heard of the "Sweet Potato Queen" herself, Jill Conner Browne? Did you ever read any of her eight books?...the first one being, "The Book of Love" ? Just nod yes or no. ....  Well, I have to admit, I heard of her (way back) and I never read any of her books.  I was much to serious and intellectual for that.....REALLY! How could I have overlooked her and her queenly insights about life as a woman?  Because of Jill, I am truly (no tongue in cheek here) a better and happier woman! I rediscovered Ms. Sweet Potato Queen (Jill Conner Browne) at the Junior League Luncheon at the Merry Market in Odessa, Texas 2009.  She was the speaker for this event and boy did she speak?!  She spoke to my heart.  Before she completed her queenly speech, she had me... crown, feather boa, and bling to boot! For whatever reason, I wanted to attend the Queens' Parade in March of 2010, ...

Today, I have nothing but the message above.  I was reminded of this old message while reading "The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love by Jill Conner Browne.  LoVe It!!!

How to Make Mud Pies | eHow.com

When I was young, I was fortunate enough to have a mother that allowed me to participate in the making of mud pies.  Or, perhaps she did not know I was creating gritty gourmet pastries.  I'm sure she was enlightened the moment I walked in the house though.  At any rate, I  have wonderful memories of mixing just the right amount of water with dirt in order to create the right consistency to create my pies.  I loved the feeling of the mud squishing through my fingers.  I added dirt until the mud was ready for patting into my lovely pies.  I think this might have been the beginning of my adoration for pottery artists. I'm always looking at the pottery and ceramics on Etsy.  I bought my sister a wonderful piece from JM Pottery.   (See Above) for Christmas.  This is not the actual piece but it is much like the one I bought her.  It reminded me of our photo of her striped socks in the black shoes that you see on my sidebar! ...