Monday, December 21, 2009

New on ETSY!

Finally, 4 days before Christmas, I have uploaded new items to my etsy store! I've had these pieces finished for awhile now, but when it comes time to post them, I get nervous. I HATE those ads where the photos are just terrible, it makes me feel sorry for them (the items and the sellers).

I decided to suck it up and get it done though, all managed in about half an hour during my lunch break today.

So if you need a last minute gift (I can send via express/priority/overnight, etc), check out my etsy store!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hturnerpottery

Here's a little preview:





I also have these little fun things (pins or hair barrettes), but I'm not sure if I want to list them or keep them all to myself...hmm.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

29, flirty, and thriving

Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, but hey, I'm not 30 yet!

I had a good birthday week. I contemplated taking my actual birthday off of work (a company I used to work for gave us a paid holiday on our birthdays, awesome!) but decided that taking Friday was a much better plan. Went out for sushi with a few girlfriends on Thursday night and then trekked across the parking lot to the Mule to see Reckless Kelly. It was a great night (free drinks!), made even better by sleeping late the next morning.

My parents drove down on Friday and we spent the weekend looking at houses. I now have just over two weeks to figure out where the heck I'm moving to, and yes, the stress is starting to get to me. There are some very nice homes (from the outside, anyway) here, but many of the ones in my price range have some problems – like cracked foundations, wavy floors, or trashy neighbors. I've narrowed it down to two houses, and *should* be making an offer this week. So…I may need to crash on somebody's couch for a few weeks. If you have the need for a spare roommate for a bit, do let me know.

I am really looking forward to having my own home. No more roommate drama to deal with, free reign in designing each and every room, cleaning up after my own messes, and designing each and every room. Did I say that already? Cause yeah, that's what I'm really looking forward to the mostest (spellcheck just changed 'mostest' to 'moistest' – ha, not quite). Oh, and no more roommate drama. That too.

On a different note, I have a bit of Christmas shopping left to do. Usually I've already made my gift lists and know exactly who is getting what, but with the house hunting this year, I'm entering into present-crisis-mode. It's strange and unfamiliar territory, and I don't like it. Luckily I still have 9 days to figure it all out. 9 days.

9 times? 9 times…

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Lately

It's been quite the busy month around here. A good busy, though.

There's something about the weather changing that makes me want to be crafty. I want to sew stuff, and crochet stuff, and spend lots of time in Hobby Lobby and Michaels (very dangerous stores for me, haha). Jessica and I had a table at this month's Artwalk. She's recently started crocheting and has some super cute stuff! It was quite busy and we sold a few things, and I'm hoping to have some of my items listed on etsy soon. We'll be at the ACU Craft Fair on December 4th and we'll also have a table at the December Artwalk on Dec. 10th. If you're looking for warm and cozy handmade gifts for your friends and family (and yourself!) you should definitely come and see us. We'll have hats, scarves, wristers (fingerless gloves), and more.

I'm also doing a $25 Christmas Photo Special right now: 1 location, 30-45 minutes, and you get 5 retouched digital images that are yours to keep. If anyone is interested in booking, I have time slots available on 11/29, 12/5, and 12/6. Call or email me! Here are a few of my favorites from the shoots this past weekend:


Friday, October 23, 2009

OU/TX 2009

It was an AMAZING weekend, even though we lost. Sigh. The game was a brutal four quarter long defensive struggle, and by halftime, I was already exhausted. I truly hope Texas is able to win out this season and play in the big game (cause we certainly won't be there). But enough about that, let's get to the fun part! Well, first, the stuff before the fun part...

Early last week my car gave me some problems (steering wheel shaking and a lovely burnt-rubber smell) and after taking it to my uncle's shop to get it looked at, it was determined that under no circumstances should I be driving it to Dallas. WHAT?! My whole weekend appeared to be ruined. Mom and I talked it out, going back and forth between go or no-go. Luckily Steve was planning to be in town on Thursday, and would be headed to DFW on Friday. Steve graciously changed up his plans a bit and I was able to ride with he and Cliff to Dallas on Friday. YAY! We met up with my Mom in Fort Worth and agreed to meet at the Cotton Bowl the next morning, a few hours before the game so we could find tickets. Mom and I stayed in Addison Friday night and it only took us about 40 minutes to get to the stadium and park.

We immediately were on the lookout for tickets, and we definitely weren't the only ones. We got extremely lucky and found two tickets together on the 40 yard line, OU side (though it was only one section over from the OU/TX split) upper level, row 8 for $150 each. Mom then found one more ticket for $125, and Steve found his ticket for $150. There were definitely more people looking than selling.

We headed into the stadium about 45 minutes before the game to find our seats and watch the teams warm up. The energy in the stadium was just insane! I've never experienced anything like it. Steve came over and sat with us for the second half, so he and my Mom were able to cheer for TX together. The rest of the game just flew by and before I knew it, it was over. We lost 16-13 (we were a 3 point underdog going in, funny). That makes us 3-3, losing those three games by a combined total of 5 points. Yeah that sucks.

We stuck around for the festivities, well, actually Mom and Steve left me standing by myself while they participated in the revelry, but that's OK. I got some great photos! We met up with my cousins after the game and commiserated a bit (all but two of us being OU fans). After the game, Mom and I wandered around the fair, OK we got kind of lost, but whatever. We finally made our way to Big Tex with tickets in hand, found the guys and got in line for some lunch and much needed beer. We roamed around for awhile, sampled a bit of the fair cuisine (funnel cakes and fried banana pudding) and then made our way to the concert stage for the Miranda Lambert show. I've always liked her music, but after seeing her live I am definitely a fan. She's just amazing!

We parted ways after that and went back to the hotel and crashed. Mom and I met up with Dad at the Stockyards in Ft. Worth on Sunday. We went to Joe T. Garcia's for lunch, great Mexican food, and GORGEOUS place. I mean gorgeous. And it's huge! Courtyard after courtyard, flowers and fountains and trees...all tucked away in the Stockyards. Seriously awesome. We wandered around the Stockyards for a bit, and then I headed back to Abilene in Mom's car.

That had to be one of the best weekends I've ever had. And I'm still not recovered...looking forward to a weekend at home.


Oh, and BOOMER SOONER. I'm a faithful fan to the end.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

scrap flowers*

I'm a blog reader. It fuels my creativity. A lot. And a few weeks ago I rediscovered Heather Bailey (I bought some of her Trash Ties several months ago). She is a fabric designer, among MANY other things, and she posted a little tutorial for scrap fabric flowers. I'd been looking for something cute to put on my crocheted hats, and this was perfect!

Took a trip to Hobby Lobby, bought some cute fabric, felt, and pin backs and went to town. Here are a few of my creations. I'm thinking about putting the little one on a headband.

I'll be posting these (along with my hats) on etsy in the next week or so, stay tuned for that! If you happen to be in Abilene, you can come out to the Solid Groove Festival at Play Faire Park on Saturday, I'll have a booth there! Check out the poster here.

*this is not the fun DIY I promised, that is coming soon!

Monday, October 05, 2009

The weekend...

Friday night I had the privilege of shooting photos at the David Crowder Band show at Beltway Park. I've seen them before when I was in college, and I'd really forgotten how amazing they are. Incredible show! *I promise I will post photos in a few days*

Saturday Roxie and I packed up the car and made our way to Play Faire Park for the annual Bark in the Park, benefitting the Taylor-Jones Humane Society. A few friends (and their four-legged friends) joined us at the Dog Park table. We sold homemade dog treats, had petitions for people to sign, and Roxie was in the costume contest. She was the most adorable bumblebee you've ever seen! :) It was quite busy and we had a great time mingling with fellow dog-lovers. We have a meeting this week with the city council, and hopefully we'll have a lead on some land for our dog park!



After sitting outside in the wind for several hours, my head was pounding and Roxie was exhausted so we went home to veg for a bit (and watch football). I jetted over to Goodwill and bought 10 fun t-shirts for a project I did on Sunday (stay tuned for photos and a DIY!). Saturday night brought sadness, as my Sooners broke my heart again with a 1-point loss. I guess you just can't be awesome every year. Sigh.

Sunday morning service at Beltway, then I embarked on my sewing project! All I can say is, you're going to be scouring through your dressers, local thrift stores, and garage sales for some vintage tees after you see this DIY. I made two more last night...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

7 things

I was tagged by Melissa, so here goes.

7 Random things about me:

1. I'm obsessed with college football. Specifically OU football. Seriously obsessed. January to August are football-less and mostly depressing. :) BOOMER!

2. I'm Artistically ADD (and yes, I coined that term, thank you). I'm a photographer, pottter, DIY-er, I can crochet and sew, and I can use power tools. Fear me.

3. My favorite holidays are Halloween and the 4th of July.

4. I was in Reflections Show Choir in high school. We were red, glittery, and awesome.

5. I love sushi. And I just found out that I have a slight allergy to fish, and I don't care.

6. If I had all the money in the world (after taking care of boring stuff like student loans) I'd travel and then buy front row tickets to see all my favorite bands. I love music. And concerts. A lot.

7. I skipped the first grade. My parents would tell you it's because I was a smart kiddo, but I like to say it's because I could color in the lines better than anyone else.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Here I am!

It's been a few weeks, so here's a quick recap:

Saturday, Sep. 5th: Long weekend in OK, wonderful lunch with family, and then OU lost to BYU. By 1 point. Sam Bradford was hurt just before the first half and is likely out for another few weeks. Jermaine Gresham is also out. Boooo.

Spent the rest of the weekend with my family, and my Mom and Sister taught me how to sew! We made dog beds and I made a lunch bag, and when I got home I made a sleeve for my camera strap. I'm very excited about the many, many things that are possible now that I know how to sew (like perhaps some faux-leather pants of my own, haha!).


Saturday, Sep. 12th: I drove home to Duncan, picked up LT and we headed to Norman for the OU/Idaho State game. We donned rain boots and ponchos and spent most of the day in the rain, but it was a great game, just what we needed after last week's loss.

This week has been pretty mellow, lots of rain - which has only served to make the weeds and stickers in my yard grow at an exponential rate. But I'm thankful for the cooler temperatures.

Tomorrow night I'm doing sushi with the girls, and then going to see Shooter Jennings at the Lucky Mule. I am super excited!!

And THEN on Saturday, I'm heading out early, another trip to OK. This time I'll pick up Mom and we'll head to Norman to see the OU/Tulsa game. The city manager of Albany gave me two tickets to the game AND we'll have wristbands to get into the tailgate. Man. It should be awesome.

My creative side hasn't been fed in about a week, so I'm ready to start a new project. Maybe tonight...

Friday, September 04, 2009

BOOMER SOONER

OU plays BYU tomorrow night at the new Texas Stadium, I wish I was going, but it will be good to watch the game with my family, in the great state of Oklahoma. :) Oh man. The excitement is almost overwhelming!!

The official beginning of college football season for me, though, was last Thursday with ACU's win against Northwest Missouri. It started off a bit breezy when a crazy stormed rolled in about half an hour prior to kickoff, forcing the game to be delayed an hour and sending us all for shelter.

But the sun came out and a gorgeous double rainbow welcomed us back to the stadium.I got to hang out with a friend from work and her sweet little kiddo (below).
Our defense played phenomenally well, and our offense still has some snags to work out. BUt it was a great game, and we won 19-14. ACU is now ranked #3 in D-II. Go CATS!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Where have I been?

Cleaning my room (which is an ongoing process), working on the Dog Park Project, and continuing the living room revamp.

Firstly, I have discovered that a little bit of cleaning every day really adds up, and is far less annoying and taxing than spending an entire day cleaning. And you're FAR less likely to just shove stuff in the closet. And I've finally hung my curtains! I've (shamefully) had them for over a year. Yeah.

Secondly, we have been hard at work with The Park People in an effort to bring a dog park to Abilene. It will be an off-leash area where dogs can run and play, and their owners can hang out too! We're working through a non-profit, Connecting Caring Communities, we aren't asking the City for money, so no raised taxes. Check out our website, and if you're in the Abilene area, come to our informational meeting this Friday, the 28th at 5:30, The Abilene Garden Club @ 300 Westwood.

Thirdly, the living room revamp continues! I spent several hours this weekend painting our very 70s fireplace a lovely pristine white. I've still got a few coats to go on the top 1/3 (above the mantel), but I had to give my arms and hands a break. After 4 1/2 coats on the bottom my right hand was starting to resemble the Claw.

Photos coming soon...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Old friends, good times

This weekend I made a quick trip to San Antonio to see one of my best friends from college. We usually see each other once a year at Homecoming, but last year she was on vacation that weekend and I went to Gruene for their annual pottery festival.

After Saturday's visit, I realized that once a year is not nearly enough. She has the most adorable family: amazing husband and two adorable and awesome kiddos. We had a lazy lunch and then (despite the 135 degree heat) headed out to a park by the San Antonio zoo to do a quick family photo session.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Love you guys!!

Monday, August 03, 2009

Luau!!

Last week was spent trying to get the house in order for the big double birthday bash for Gina and Cassi. They decided on a Luau this year! We transformed our backyard into a tropical paradise, complete with tiki torches, sand, and a fire pit.


The pups were even decked out! Though after a few hours they were pooped!

Lots of yummy food (homemade peach salsa, beer weenies, various chips and dips), jello-shots, and a great luau cake made by Jessica and Aaron (great job guys!).

The party rocked on til the wee hours of the morning, and a good time was had by all. Now who's gonna clean up this mess? :)


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The Weekend

Projects. Lots of projects running around in my head, and I finally got to unleash a few of them this weekend. I have a couple of Wal-Mart bookshelves that have been moved around from house to house since college.
They're nice and all, still in pretty good shape (which is amazing, after half a dozen moves), but they're lacking in prettiness. So I decided to fix that. I started with the little one, took it apart and sanded it down. (btw - plastic does not make for a good drop cloth outside, it kept sticking to my feet!)
I painted it white, it probably took 3 coats to get it even, and then attached some lovely wrapping paper I bought at Hobby Lobby last Christmas to the back panel with some spray adhesive. And here's the final result!

Cute, eh? I love it! My next project was to tackle the living room, which I'll save for another post. :)