the wit and "wisdom" of whirleygirl

This friendly bluebird is here to tell you some exciting news!

**** For the rest of November all items in the whirleygirl etsy shop are 15 % off! ****

(Free shipping is still included in all items shipped within the U.S.)

This is the first time i have ever done a sale but i know times are tight right now, so this is my gift to you!

I think more than ever, now is the time to buy handmade - when i do, i know it makes me feel good knowing that i am buying something that that another person has lovingly created with their own imagination, heart, and two hands.

On a personal note, I know i have gotten a bit random in my blogging the last few months, and i appreciate the emails i have gotten with some of you "checking in." - you are the best! My life has literally been turned upside down and i am slowly but surely putting the pieces back together. As i do, i will be back to blogging all the randomness that is in my head as well creative craft ideas for children, links to yummy recipes, etc,etc... Thanks for sticking with me! :)

 

Don't be a chicken- get out and vote today!!

 

So you all know i love myself a good cupcake...so why not a cupcake magic wand?!?!  Deem yourself Queen (or Princess if you so wish) of the Cupcakes!! I love this wand - it's a lively piece  - bright and cheery and loaded with sparkle!! It's available here in my Etsy Shop. Wouldn't it make a fun birthday gift? I think so..

So on the topic of cupcakes...

 - For those of us in the Chicago area, I went to A Taste of Heaven Bakery in Andersonville over the weekend - had a delicious "Almond Joy" cupcake - very tasty...gave me inspiration to make a nice moist chocolate cake and mix flaked coconut in a nice neutral butter cream frosting...sprinkle some slivered almonds on top..mmmm - will report on the outcome of that creation!

 - I've been sooo hankering for pumpkin flavored pastries! Found this recipe from good ol' Martha for pumpkin cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting that i think i'll try - may try mixing in a few chocolate chips.. Also, discovered this recipe for Pumpkin Cookies that look good as well... any favorite pumpkin recipes that you have to share?

 - Here is a fun link to to some fun Halloween cupcake and munchie ideas. I love that picture of a the brain cupcake!

Have a day filled with sweetness!

   What do monkeys and cupcakes have in common? 

   

They are both irresistibly cute.....and make irresistibly cute picture frames!

The monkey is a cute little guy so happy with his banana and the cupcake has a sparkly detail on the cherry and sprinkles for a little extra splash of cuteness..

These two new designs are now available in the Etsy shop - fun,fun,fun!

Meet my new friend Mr. Owl! He is a friendly little guy - a bit quirky- and is perched atop a magic wand, ready to go on an adventure with you!

I have a lot going on in my life right now and just couldn't sleep ...so i went into the studio and this little feathered friend was created! I didn't mean to necessarily create an owl but i did...and the during a random conversation at the post office with a stranger today,  i found out that owls come into your life to make you aware of something - they carry messages. Hmmmm......

Well, this particular owl carries a message of fun! You can get your magic owl wand in the whirleygirl designs etsy shop!

Also - due to popular demand, my robot switch plate cover is now available as a double switch plate as well - also available here in the etsy shop!

I know Halloween and Day of the Dead are a little over a month away but they are my favorite holidays and i'm thrilled to present these two cute holiday wands to you!! They both measure about 14 inches long and each have sparkly details that add to their fantastic-ness. They both are also waterproof so you can take them out trick-or-treating with you and have no worries!

They are only with us for the 2008 Halloween/Day of the Dead season so get them while you can!

Available in the etsy shop here!

Hope everybody had a relaxing and rejuvenating long weekend!

I painted, painted, and painted to get orders filled and prepping for the Evergreen Invitational. I will be participating in the Promenade of Shops - I'm very excited to be part of such a grand event that benefits such a great cause!

I have some fun, new designs in the works that i will be previewing soon - so excited that Halloween is just around the corner - it gives me a great excuse to create some whimsical skeletons and funky pumpkins. Will keep you posted!

Have a great day!

(Starfish door sign above, available here at the main shop - also available in pink!)

Just peeking in to say hello!

This little tortoise friend was part of a countryside mural i completed a few weeks back. Doesn't he appear to be content? Kind of like he knows a little secret or something...I love seeing what personality come out of each animal i paint.

Enjoy the day!

Ack! We have had NO rain here in greater chicagoland (aka the burbs) for what seems like an eternity - seriously - take one look at the lawn and you can tell there has been NO rain! (my thoughts are with your guys in Florida that are getting TOO much rain today- be safe!!!) Not that i don't love the beautiful shades of brown that a lawn and all the lovely container plants can turn but i do much prefer the lushness of the color green. Well, i 'm sure it will rain soon enough...until then, we must craft our own garden-ey beauty! Get the kids ready for these crafts and you will have color-full flowers and greenery all around...

*Button Flowers - Who doesn't think a vase of button flowers is cute? These can be as simple or ornate as you'd like - here is a basic how-to.

* Happy Plant - This project makes me smile - it's kinds like a DIY ChiaPet...  Craftown.com calls it a Happy Plant and it looks like it would be an amusing afternoon project.

*Balloon Plants - this one seems a bit bizarre - radishes growing in a balloon ??- here is the how-to. Let me know how this one goes!! :)

(Asian daisy personalized wall hanging  shown above is available here )

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. - Mark Twain

Isn't that a good quote? It was in an email from someone to me that i opened right after a very discouraging phone call. Perfect timing i would say, SynchroDestiny as Deepak Chopra might say. Any which way, it was a good reminder not to let others get us down ...especially when you are reaching a personal goal. ( and running a small but mighty business ;) )

So get off your booty, go live your dreams and make life happen - no matter what another might think or say - you CAN do it!       You know why?  Because...............................................................................................

YOU ARE FABULOUS!!!

Speaking of fabulous, congratulations to Mary J. for being the July giveaway winner! Your fortune cookie painting will be on it's way shortly.........