When I was in seventh grade (middle school), we had to take a survey to find out which kids in your class you most trusted and valued as a friend. So out of 30 or so 7th and 8th graders, I was chosen to attend the Natural Helpers retreat, because I was deemed a good friend and listener by my peers.

I guess the intention of this group was to create kids who were mentors to their peers and to learn valuable communication skills in helping others solve their own problems. At the time I thought it was a pretty cool concept and I guess I still find it to be a good concept. The idea was that we weren't supposed to give advice, rather help our friends come to their own conclusion/solution to a problem they were facing. We did this by learning a series of 5 steps/questions...one of which I really can't remember. They were:

1) I see you are looking a little down/seem mad/look stressed, what's going on?
2) What do you think you can do about it?
3) What would happen if you did that?
4) What are you going to do?
5) Let me know the outcome and how things go.

I don't recall using this tactic a lot afterwards, but I did go to it from time to time. I always felt insincere when I spouted them off. I know now that you have to ask them the questions in your own way and be genuinely concerned.

Anyway, back to the retreat...it was held one county over from ours in Muhlenberg County at the Lake Malone Inn (which was owned at the time by the Everly Brothers of Cathy's Clown and Wake Up little Suzie fame...they were from there). This was one of my few trips away from home with other school members and I really thought it was a big deal. We got all the candy we could eat and got meal stipends to eat in the dining hall (it seemed fancy, but I think that's just because I was a kid).

We had to do little challenges and communication exercises, which were awkward cause they made you pair up with the cute 8th grade boy you never ever talked to. Also, we had to bring an item to share with the group that meant something to us. Geez, when it comes to sentimental stuff I still struggle with that one. I brought sheet music from my sister's wedding that I played piano for (lame, I know). I think I said it that it meant a lot to me to share in that time with my sister or family. We went around the circle sharing items...trophies, championship net pieces, etc. When it got to this one girl named Tabby Renfrow (I'm pretty sure that was her name), everyone started boo-hooing cause she shared a picture of her brother who had recently died in a car crash. I'm sure for an 8th grader to show that much emotion practically in front of a bunch of peers who were actually strangers would be hard to do. I don't think I would ever or would ever want to put my emotions out there like that.

Anyway, I guess I felt special at the time, cause we were the inaugural group that got to go. Every year after that other kids got to go. We still had school meetings and what not (I don't know really what those entailed other than brushing up on our learned skills).

Oh, and this was an incredibly awkward time in my life as evident by this picture. I was all hair, glasses, and braces. You barely even notice my face. I remember I would put tie ribbons on those plain Goody brand barettes and I basically wore my hair like this every day, cause I didn't know how to fix it any other way. Geez. 7th grade was a hard time in the world of swell, y'all.

So if you have a conversation with me and have a problem, don't be surprised if I pull one of these tactics out of my sleeve. You'll know where it came from. That's just the little therapist in me.

Until tomorrow Swellions!

Alexa

This month's theme for Ornament Thursday is Red Hot. I racked my brain to figure out something that screamed "Red Hot" to me. I immediately thought of a heated burner and the cool spiral it creates when it's hot. I thought I would use that as a visual statement for the pendant for a necklace. Here's how I did it:

Supplies
– necklace memory wire
– black 3mm ab faceted glass beads
– orange 4mm ab faceted glass beads
– long red coil beads
– small jump ring
– pendant blank (Beadalicious by Horizon)
– cardstock
– inkjet printer
– xyron runner or bonding glue
– pliers
– pendant image
Visit my flickr page for thependant design (Thanks Chris for taking this photo for me).

Instructions
1. Cut necklace wire with wire cutters to desired length. Use pliers to make loop at end of one end of necklace.

2. String beads according to photo. At end of necklace, make loop.

3. Open up image in Photoshop or related imaging program and print out pendant image onto cardstock. Use a xyron runner or bonding glue to adhere image to metal pendant.

4. Poke a hole with safety pin on back side of pendant through paper. Open up jump ring and poke jump ring through hole. Add jump ring to center of necklace image and close jump ring.

That's it!

On a side note, I photographed this on a piece of dyed marble effect material that I made in college. It was the colors of fire so it worked out perfectly!

Tomorrow I will post more ornamentalicious links of the other OT Gals.

Until then, Swellions, have a great day!

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

I decided to make some sweet tea tonight and I pulled out my tried and true orange/red Tupperware pitcher. Somewhere through the years, this pitcher was passed down to me, probably switched out for a nicer, newer version. This pitcher is probably as old as me and has always been used for sweet tea and kool-aid. I vaguely recall a couple of tupperware parties as a child and I still love opening up my grandmother's cabinet to reveal tupperware lids in graduated sizes hanging from a special tupperware lid holder (they matched her colorful assortment of nested plastic Tupperware). Nothing really much beats this. The only thing I can possibly think that would come close would be this. I can't ever see myself giving this pitcher away.



I started to look in my kitchen for other items I remember from childhood that were passed down. Most of those items are long gone, but I do have a few. One of my favorite kitchen sets is my silverware. My mom gave me her old set and told me that she was given it as a wedding present in the late 60's. I love how classic and modern it still looks and I still get compliments and questions on where I got it. I also have a lot of it. She must have gotten like 20 sets, so I guess I will never run out!



This was a piece of a pot and pan set from the 80's that I still have 3 pieces of. I can't really say that I love it or find it pretty. It's more campy to me now, but it is something I remember making hot dogs and chili in a log (I can thank my dad for making me that one and yes it was that bad!) back in the day.



These blue sundae glasses belonged to my biological mom who passed away when I was little. Several people have told me how much she loved them and I'm glad that it is something I still have. I have yet to use them for anything, though, and I feel like I really should at some point. They would be so sweet to use for a summer sundae bar. And if I had one of those, you better believe I would bring out the works...whip cream, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, all kinds of sauces. Just like the way I used to love to make them at Ponderosa! If that is the case, then I better add in gummy bears for good measure.

The only other kitchen dinnerware that I wish I had a few pieces of (I'm pretty sure my mom would give me some if I asked) were these Corelle avocado green lined floral plates...



Actually, I ripped this image from Apartment Therapy and they had a great post on them that you should check out! Check it out here. I'm pretty confident if you are a 70's or 80's child like me you dined on these at one point or another.

Until next time Swellions. Have a happy, happy hump day!

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

FIRST OFF: I haven't been posting on this blog as much. 1. I'm kinda tired of managing this myspace blog thing, but I will try to post every so often and 2. I have been regularly updating on my actual blog. So, if you are one of the few people that really dig my blog, please check it out over there. Sometimes i can't post certain things like my google reader lists on this blog, so it makes things just a little bit more difficult...anyway....

Thought I would do a fun list of sorts today of 5 sites you really need to check out!

Craft Critique
I've been visiting this great blog called Craft Critique. They seem to really be on top of stuff on there...new products and whatnot. They also do thorough research on all types of craft products, not just scrapbooking stuff. It's a great resourceful site.

Betsey Johnson
OK, so I perused around on Betsey Johnson's site today. I love her jewelry so much. I remember first hearing about her back in middle school, when she had a "Get a cool look for under $50 at K-mart" featured in Seventeen. I always loved what she did with that (I remember her teenage daughter Lulu was always the model). Anyway, I don't know why I haven't been visiting this site more often, in fact. If you know of any other quirky designers that is in this vain, please let me know. I'm not the most fashionable of people (I mean I keep up on some stuff, but it's hard not being immersed in that world. Must.sign.up.for.more.fashion.feeds.

Your Face Blog
I love this fun illustration site called Your Face. Artist Damien Weighill does some really original and fun drawings with basic photographs that people send in. I actually sent him mine, but I doubt he will ever get to it. I'm sure he gets hundreds of requests daily and has to weed through them to find just the right one to draw. He has the craziest, most off the wall ideas. I love the randomness.

Culture Soak Blog
I found this great Bluegrass region blog called Culture Soak. It's really nicely designed and doesn't fixate itself totally on Lexington, but it also deals with cool design, photography, and art all over the world. I love posts like this lego photo reenactment, Polaroid Mirror, and one that led me to this bad design police link Hilarious!

Marketplace article..."Knit 1, Pearl 2, Point & Click"
Heard today on Marketplace this story about the decline knitting shops that were booming just 2-3 years ago. Considering that I don't knit and haven't visited a shop or talked to a knitter in depth, I had no clue as to what was going on with this industry and the downturn of the popularity of local knitting shops. Looks like more people are going online or turning to other venues for their supplies. If you are a crafty pro, you should def. check out this article. Very insightful.

I hope you guys have a chance to check out atleast one of them to be inspired and possibly learn something new! Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Yesterday I went into our local Half Price Bookstore. I really can spend hours in that place. Unlike other bookstores, there is always some treasure to be found. I am always amazed by their varied selection and at how gosh darn cheap their books really are...some aren't just half priced, they are 75% off or more of the original price. I totally recommend stopping by there instead of buying retail price elsewhere. I have seen so many books that I have seen in craft stores and big box bookstores for twice as much. Just an FYI for ya!

My particularly favorite sections are the art/photography, crafts, and home décor. I guess that would be only natural, right? While I was perusing their selection, I came upon several books that I loved, but it's really truly hard for me to make a purchase right now for a coffee table book, for example. My coffee table is off to the side of my living room not being utilized at all. I really have too many books as it is (I actually took some last week to the 1/2 priced books to sell and made $18 bucks - hey,it beats gettin' nothing out of 'em). So, my solution was to rather casually snap a few photos of the ones that intrigued me and maybe you might want to give them a peek as well if you are looking for some good/cool books.


This Pageant book was actually on clearance and discussed pagaents from kid's to miss Queen world to Miss Americana.



The pic that stood out to me; however, was this one for a "Miss Figure" contest. The contestants had to wear paper bags, so they would be judged just for their figure. Wowee. At first I thought it was a KKK pageant, but I'm glad that's not the case...



The next book I found of interest was the book Readymades: American Roadside Artifacts. It had all kinds of rusted signage, trucks, campers, and classic Americana stuff.



I was so fascinated by the colors of these houses...I kinda want one!



This book was also really cool. It was about mantlepiece art and featured everything from doe eyed girls and boys to mexican hotties (think felt portraits). The cover was also flocked, so that always catches my eye.



These paintings remind me of one my sister Angela had in her room in the 80's. Her picture had a red head girl with a hat painted in this style. I always swore it was Molly Ringwald.

While we are there, Jeremy came upon this red book and more importantly, by the author Jack Hofer. Hmm, doesn't this kinda make you wonder what kind of massage book this is exactly?



Left with a couple books, mainly for friends, but I was quite satisfied with my purchases. I'm sure I'll be making my way back there in a couple of weeks. Anyone want to go with?

Until tomorrow Swellions. Hope all is good in your world!

Alexa

So my cat is acting totally weird today (well, she's normally weird, but this is unusually weird). I've seen her act like this before and it doesn't totally concern me (maybe it should?) Anyway, for anyone who doesn't know her peculiarities, she is normally the biggest scaredy cat in the whole world, a hider for sure (not around me when it's just me, though). Jeremy was the one to first notice. She was walking by without a care in the world, being very brave, playing, being curious and rolling around with her legs spraweld out and eyeing us like she wanted t be pet. It was like she had eaten a whole big handful of catnip or something! The most peculiar thing, though, was that she really let Jeremy pet her as she walked by for a pretty long time, and she's never done that! It's an accomplishment of hers, but it kinda makes me think she's in some phantom heat or something. Has anyone else seen their cat act in this way? My co-worker said her dog acted weird like this once and whimpered and cried and acted really depressed. Turns out she was having phantom heat. Isn't that the bizarrest thing?

Anyway, I'm sure she'll be back to her nomal self tomorrow. She's just so sweet right now and generally unphased by commotion or movement like she usually is. I kinda wish she had a little more of this in her on a normal basis.

I guess it could be worse...she could be a cat that jumps up on tables and counters and pees all over that place. She does none of that. Her worst habits are puking up hairballs and missing the litter box, but those aren't that big of deals. She's never once knocked something over and ruined it or annoyed me while I tried reading or walking around. She's an overall good girl :)

Well, pooped as usual. Until tomorrow Swellions.

Alexa

I wanted to share today some of the many materials I work with in my crafts. I have so much stuff that I have yet to use on an inspired project!! Atleast it can take center stage in my photo, even if it doesn't turn in my next best project.

Colorful Beads


Ribbon


I'm one messy painter!


A couple quick things about today....

1. My friends Retta and possibly Chris are going to the Renegade Craft Fair in a couple months in Chicago. I have never been to one and have been dying to go. Retta and I share a lot of the same sensibilities, so she is super psyched as well. Yippee!

2. Bought some stuff tonight at Old Navy...a pair of black pants for work, a green top with smocking detail (I noticed all the styles are so dainty and girly pretty right now), 2 pairs of flip flops and get this - a red denim skirt for only 99¢! I love deals like that!

3. Wal-mart has nothing copper-colored in their craft section other than one roll of wide organza ribbon. Boo! I did notice that they were putting up the new planograms and Martha Stewart has a huge new section in there. It looks different than the look for Michaels...must be an exclusive Wal-mart deal. I bet some people aren't too happy with her being in there. I also noticed a lot of really unique new cutting tools including markers that also cut while you use them. Yeah, it was weird, but I was intrigued enough to see how it worked...it's like an exacto blade is in the marker!

4. I heard on NPR's Marketplace that Flickr is partnering up with Getty images and offering some of the photographers licensing deals to use their images. I need to read up more on it, actually...found an article This a link to an article from the Seattle PI News on it.

Yeah, this post is short and sweet. I'm super tired and have to clean up that paint mess. Ick! I hate doing that!

Until we meet again Swellions!

Alexa

All content/photos copyright, © Alexa L. Westerfield, 2008

Every now and then I think back on some of the things that used to be a part of my life. I think in general, it's actually quite sad how easily we forget the things in our life that brought us so much joy. It's funny how a picture or seeing a random image on a web site during a routine google search can bring back so many great memories. Today, I wanted to really do some searching and think back to my childhood and the things that brought be happiness. I didn't have a lot of toys compared to what we see with kid's these days (I always yearned for a Snoopy Slushie maker, Barbie dream house, Teddy Ruxspin, and actual "real" Cabbage patch kid...mine was homemade without the Xavier Roberts on the butt), but I wanted to share my thoughts on a few of my childhood treasures...

Peaches and Cream Barbie

I thought this Barbie was so beautiful. I loved her chiffon peach dress and the iridescent sparkle of her bustier. I think I actually ended up dying the hair on the doll pink with Kool-Aid (she suffered far less than the pretty brunette barbie I gave a mohawk to). I think she's still in an old musty suitcase at my parent's house and the dress tossed in there somewhere too. I should rescue her before anything might happen to her.

The Barbie Hair Twirler

I was in constant awe of this thing. I'd twirl Barbie's hair, then my own, and back and forth. I think you could even add in ribbon to add a ribbon twirl. I do remember; however that the little clips would never stay shut and midway through a twirl, the hair would pop out and you'd have to start over.

The Popples

So technically, I never had an actual plush Popple, but I really wanted one. The closest thing I got to it was this lunchbox. Sad to say, it's prob. rust in a landfill somewhere. This makes me sad.

Pop Beads

I guess this was my early foray into beading. These were always so much fun and I remember giving these to Jessica Wong and Korey Gray for their birthday (they were cheap too - my mom made me pick out the least inexpensive gift for the both of them) when we were in 3rd grade. It was a sleepover and I remember all the girls played with these things into the night as we watched the Goonies.

Rose Petal Place Daffodil and Rose Dolls


I had both of these dolls. They were very petite little plastic dolls and they actually smell like their respective flowers. I love the little sweet details in this yellow one's dress and the rose on top of the other one's head.

Other toys I remember having:

– Jem (her earrings never lit up and I lost a the plastic part that held the battery in place on her back so she had a huge hole in her back...also, she had the BIGGEST feet)

– My Little Pony Castle and Stable

– A purple cute bug that lit up that also smelled good. I would use it as a flashlight at night, though it didn't emit that much light.

– A mini plastic care bear (I never had the plush kind)

– A ballerina Barbie knockoff on a pedestal that would spin around and do different moves. My cousin Bethany wore it out the first night that I got it and it never worked again.

There are a whole lot more toys out there that I had, but they elude me and even the best google search proved fruitless! Maybe one of these days I'll stumble upon one of them and it will bring back another long lost memory!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

I wanted to share a couple the fun things I've scoped out on the net over the past day or so...beware, these are all very random sides of me. I go from whimsy to kitsch to ultra fab. Can you handle it??


Starting off, found a fun and whimsical painting/life site called French Toast Girl. French Toast Girl is made up of the the art and illustration of élena nazzaro and man is she ever talented...I love her little thoughts and lists like this. Her beautiful and simple html design brightens my spirits...she even tells you how to get started on making your own web site. The first thing, though that drew me to her site was this awesome stripey goodness partfait illustration I found on Craftzine's blog. Everything is just so.much.fun.


Check out The Uncool Hunter. OMG! I can't believe the crazy&wacky&tacky&completely absurd stuff on this site. I totally love it! Just to give you a little taste, here's some topics I came across while perusing this site...

A miniature horse in shoes dubbed "Reebucks"


Macho Man Randy Savage just might be my new style icon! Look how glam and gawdy in all his neon glory!


Oh, and how can you not like a site that features literacy campaigns featuring Mr. T?


Just a quick FYI, some of the stuff on that uncool site is NSFW, so might be best viewed at home on your own time!


And finally, totally diggin' the looks I'm seeing on Pottery Barn Teen. I love the fresh, bright colors and patterns, especially this zigzag one mixed in with the flowers...



And how cute are these mod dot mirrors?


Oh, and these jewelry stands make my mouth water!


I don't care that I'm 29. I'd rather shop at Pottery Barn Teen over the regular Pottery Barn anyday!

Hope you enjoyed exploring these fun finds with me. Until tomorrow, Swellions!

Alexa

Still alive. Just didn't feel like blogging on the holiday and tonight my neice is here so turning in earlier than usual. We crafted, swam, and went to Chuckie Cheese. Took a lotta great pics and will share tomorrow, promise.

Oh, two crap things happened today that I will quickly share. I let my neice dive for my glasses when I left them on in the pool and she wanted to. Bad.Idea. They ended up getting scratched on the lens. Then I forgot my password at the ATM, didn't get to make a huge deposit I've been needing to make, and didn't get moolah out. Then, it ate my card, so now I have to deal with that. ACK! Such is life!

Hope everyone is having an awesome holiday weekend.

Until tomorrow, Swellions.

Alexa