Did You Know That...

No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times. Oh go ahead...I'll wait!

Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.

The King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.

Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise. (Since Venus is normally associated with women, what does this tell you? That women are going the 'right' direction...?)

Walt Disney was afraid of mice!

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but, not downstairs.

I got several more of these by e-mail and I thought they were quite fascinating. A few I already knew, but the majority was new to me.

The most surprising one was to learn that Walt Disney was afraid of mice. Considering that he was the father of Mickey Mouse, I would have thought he had taken a likings to these critters. Well, there you have it: if art scares you, try it anyway. It could make you world famous!

Creative With Technology

Just when I think technology has reached its limits, SharePoint Hosting pops up which prods my jaw to drop to the floor. The creativity displayed using the latest in technology and applications is once more shown by this service.

Since Hosted SharePoint also provides blogs, it made me wonder if it would be suitable for arts and artists as well. It sure seems like it and it would keep everyone updated with the latest information, file and document sharing and other 'business' related topics. No computer needed; a mobile phone would do just fine.

It sounds like Hosted SharePoint is the route to go for any business wanting to stay up to date by taking advantage of the state of the art in technology which has become available. I can see more applications and possibilities for it then just for business!

The Fine Art Of Web Host Listing

As you may know I have several blogs all on a different topic. Several of them are hosted by Blogger, but for one I decided, after ample consideration, to get my own domain name. That was due to the following reason and occurrence:

I had two blogs which were both hosted on another free blog host; something similar to this one. All went well and I was pretty happy with it until out of the blue the entire web host disappeared from the face of the Internet and took both my blogs with it.

You probably can imagine my frustration and aggravation, but there was nothing I could do. Nothing, except for one thing: find a good webhosting service and start all over again. That is easier said then done with so many web hosts around.

I did know for sure though: in order to prevent my blog from vanishing again, I would get my own domain name. Since the choice is enormous, you would assume that is not simple to find that particular web host who has transformed their services in to a fine art. Not so!

It is very easy to find the web host that meets every criteria of your requirements. Whether it is for personal, business, forums or any other use, webhostinggeeks.com has creatively listed them all. Check it out and remember: for all you seek, ask the geek!

Soap Art - Materials and Equipment

It does not seem to be too difficult to make your own soap, it does take patience though. What you need is lye. This used to be derived from ashes which was left over, but we don't have to go through all that trouble. Nowadays it is a lot easier to buy it in the stores or online.

Another thing that was used was animal fat, but all types of oils will do just as well: olive oil, coconut oil, etc. for instance. Instead of using water, you can replace it by milk. Fragrances are usually added and it is up to you which one you prefer. Those too are easily to come by as well.

The choice in molds is great; I found this one for only $7.79 online, which I consider to be rather cheap since it is reusable. Of course you are free to try and shape, cut, or mold it in any fashion or form your imagination can come up with.

There are several methods for make soap:
Melt and Pour:
This means that you melt pre-made blocks of soap to which you add your own fragrance.
Cold Process:
You make your own soap using oils and lye
Hot Process:
This is the same as the cold process method, only you really cook the soap.
Re-batching:
Re-blending left over soaps which you grind up and add milk or water to.

There are lots of instructions for each of these methods online, but in case you rather by a book and have it handy, you will have no problem finding those either.

Should you want to try this hobby, you know you will always start out with a squeaky clean slate. :-)

Soap Art II

There is a myth around the origin of soap: The temple of the Roman goddess Sapo sat on a hill and overlooked the Tibet River. Sapo is the Latin name for soap.

Offerings were burnt at her temple and the rain washed ashes and fat down the hill in to the river, making soap. Since the women used to wash their clothes in the river, they ended up with cleaner clothes, which they contributed to the goddess as a gift to them.

Soap was already used and produced around 2800 BC in Babylon. Records show that there was evidence found of this production and a formula was found on a Babylonian clay tablet, dating back as far as 2200 BC, describing the production of a substance resembling soap.

In Europe, during the 16th century, the animal fats used to manufacture soap were replaced by vegetable oil and resulted in the finer soaps which we still are using at present. The bar of soap made its entry in the late 19th century, when the connection between health and cleanliness was made and people became more aware of that fact.

Soap comes in lots of forms these days, but seeing all these lovely soap creations then I royally admit that I am a great fan of this bubbling art.

Fascinating Art

I have been to a museum a few times and even though I am an art lover, I was looking for the well lit exit signs pretty quick. What good does it do to see a famous painting from at least 9 feet away, while I would have loved to see it up close?

Pictures on the Internet of the particular painting would have suited me better. I would have been able to look at those up close, as long as I wanted without being restricted by ropes and it would not have cost me a thing.

One of the museums that really held my interest was a toy museum. The stories behind these toys held a great fascination to me. Some of the toys were a century old and still in very good condition. Every now and then there was a small explanation of the item and a little background on its previous owners, where it was manufactured, or by whom it was donated.

I could have spend days in that exciting place and was very disappointed, when the EXIT SIGNS indicated the end of the tour. As far as I was concerned it was way too short.

I suppose that is another thing why TV shows like the Antiques Roadshow are so appealing to me. The things people bring by all have their own story to tell and if there is no information on it, the experts will give it in detail.

It is truly amazing what trouble people go through to have their possessions appraised. Some even bring large furniture, just to find out it was not even worth their time, trouble and gas. It is sad to think you own something of value and are being told: "It's hardly worth anything. Here is your Exit Sign!"

At least they know for sure and don't have to keep wondering anymore. For the same token it could have been priceless.

Soap Art

Who would have thought that something we use several times a day and is so common among the entire world population, would be used to express some one's craftsmanship? Not me!

I actually did not even consider looking for soap in the form of art, when buying a bar of soap. In most cases I go by fragrance, cleanliness and how mild it is to the skin. The only time I would get something different shaped would be when it was intended a gift.

Well, I know better now; I found these wonderful bubbling works of art online and was astonished by so much creativity. These products are not only functional, but a delight to look at as well. The next time I need a present for someone, I will get them one of these unique toiletries.

I did have one concern though when I saw the soap cookies: even though you have to bust their bubble, make sure everyone knows they are soaps. You would not want anyone to wash their mouth with soap for no good reason. Grin.

See also:
Soap Art II
Soap Art - Materials and Equipment
Funny Soap Art

Divine Art - Materials and Equipment

As far as materials go, you don't need anything: it has already been created for you. All you got to do is lean back, take it in and enjoy the beauty of it.

As far as equipment goes, you already have it: your senses. Watch, hear, smell and when possible touch all these different works of art. Taste and take in the atmosphere around you.

It always humbles me when I notice God's creations and realize how mighty His works are. It tends to 'bring me back down to earth' so to speak. It makes it clear that life is not all about work, problems and hardship.

Take a minute to look around and enjoy! :-)

Entertainment Galore

As I just found out, the best entertainment can be found and watched online. Spreety TV Online : Watch TV Shows Online Free offers a wide variety of sports, news, movies and many different shows.

Art:21 for instance is just one out of the long list of programs on the art page. With this legal form of amusement, we never have to be bored again!

Divine Art II

Looking at myself, I know I take too much for granted. This causes me to overlook all the beauty and blessings that surround me. I take great delight in flowers, but when I allow myself the time to stop and 'smell the roses', the intricate details of each species keep amazing me.


Next time you see a butterfly, don't just pass it up. When you get a chance examine the mix of its colors, the design and patterns and ask yourself if you would have been able to come up with something so perfect.

Even the most hideous looking creatures are designed by paying attention to the greatest details. What's more, everything serves a purpose in the circle of life.

Any form of life is a work of art.

Divine Art

While in search of a new art or craft to post on my blog, it occurred to me how many gorgeous art there was to be found all around me. I did not have to look much further then our yard. Nature is full of some amazing creations.

People create fantastic works of art, but let us not forget that we have been led by a wonderful example.

Just take a look around and imagine how much creativity it must have taken to come up with all these different shapes, forms, colors, fragrances and life forms.

Yup, God is the most perfect artist!

See also:
Divine Art II
Divine Art - Materials and Equipment

Bean Art - Materials

Like I mentioned before; this art and craft does not require much: just some beans, jelly, coffee or dried. You may already have those in your kitchen cabinets.

Depending on what you would like to use for a background, you would need either construction paper, cardboard, wood or dough and glue.

There is no limit to your or your children's fantasy, so have at it and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. In case you would rather have directions or an example to follow, how about drawing a rough outline or sketch on the background.

In case it is dough you are working with, you may want to use cookie cutters to make imprints which can function as guidelines. Another idea I can think of is to use pages of coloring books and have the kids fill in the forms with beans instead of markers.

These are just thoughts which pop up in my mind, but I am sure you can come up with some good ones yourself. Even the clean up is simple: Brew yourself a nice cup of coffee, munch on some jelly beans and have chili for supper. :-)

See Clearly!

I would like to give a High Five to Zenni Optical for offering such great glasses for such a low price. That takes away a lot of worries in case the kids or I for that matter, loose or break their glasses.

I can not recall how many pair of glasses we bought over the years for our youngest daughter. She kept loosing them and each time we had to buy new ones, it put a huge dent in our budget. I wish we had known about the $ 8 Rx eyeglasses back then.

Since it is the best quality you can get for your buck, no wonder the news broadcasts Zenni Optical on TV!!!

Bean Art II

One of the advantages of crafting with dried beans is that it is a cheap hobby. Dried beans come in so many different sizes, shapes and colors, don't cost an arm and a leg and can be stored for a long time.

The beans can be glued on to paper or a wooden background, but I found a fun and safe way online for children to live out their imagination with dried beans: dough. The dough is used to push the beans in and can be put out in the sun or just be air dried. A coat of Polyurethane will protect the work of art for a long time.

This dough is easily made with ingredients we probably all have in our kitchen:
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup salt
1/3 cup water

Mix it all together until you have a smooth ball of dough and mold it in to the shape you would like function as the foundation. This in itself is already fun and can make for some very creative backgrounds. Simply push the beans in the dough and let it dry. Before drying, punch a few holes in the corners of the dough; that makes it easier to hang later.

The best part of this activity and creativity is that you can do it anytime and are not dependant on the weather: the last amounts to a hill of beans!

Car Art

About a week ago, another driver ran in to the back of our van, while my husband was waiting for the traffic light to turn green. It was just a nudge and there was neither physical nor any material damage.

This is a very rare occurrence though and the least one will end up with is a damaged car. When repairs are needed then you would like to have it done with the knowledge that your car will come back as good as new. Collision repair has to be done by experts, like the body shop irvine offers.

When it comes to safety and quality, you would not have to look any further. Their services are the state of the art.

Bean Art

Bean art includes any type of art and crafts made by the different varieties of beans available. This includes coffee beans, all types of dried beans and jelly beans, or jelly bellies as they are also referred to.

Yes, you read that right. Take a look at this work of art which is entirely created with those sweet, oval, colored treats.


Isn't that gorgeous? How about the one on the left? The world constructed out of coffee beans. My compliments to the person who brewed this; it woke me up to see what more can be done with coffee beans, besides giving me my oh so needed fix in the mornings.

Dried beans can be used for the same purpose. Maybe even more so, because not only do they come in different colors, but also in all kinds of sizes and shapes.

You can find much more of this type of art. As a matter of fact, there is a Bean Art Gallery online which exhibits only jelly bean art like the picture shown on top of my post. You ought to take a look at it. It is a treat.

So, next time you get yourself a caffeine or sugar fix, think about what fun it would be to create your own unique piece of art with them.

You may find yourself being full of beans!

See also:
Bean Art II
Bean Art - Materials

Art Galore

I don't know about you, but I am constantly pleasantly surprised by all those different arts and crafts which I come across. There is art galore out there and if you would like to try all of them, I think it would keep you busy for the rest of your life.

My experience is that by trying different arts and crafts, you develop skills and learn tips and tricks which may come in handy with another one. The main thing is though: don't give up after the first couple of tries, unless of course you really don't like the creative subject you have chosen.

Remember; practice makes perfect!

Pen and Ink Art - Materials

I remember when I went to elementary school, I learned to write by having to use one of these old ink pens. We did not really have a good bond together. I wasted lots of ink trying to come up with the ultimate ink blot, unwillingly, I have to add.

After several years fighting to master the art of writing without messing up, we were finally allowed to use fountain pens and in my last year of elementary even ball points!

Where in times past letters and drawings were done with a sharpened goose feather and ink, nowadays we have more sophisticated materials to our disposal.

Of course my old fiend is still around and used many times to create some wonderful art, but there are different widths available as well. They range from small to broad and you can change the tips out as you need.

Even the colors of ink have expanded over the years. Where it used to be just black or blue, now a wide array of colors can be chosen from.

Most of the materials can be bought in craft and art stores, as well as online. There are several books available teaching the basics of this art, but if you rather follow a class, there are lots of pen and ink art lessons you can follow. I even encountered free lessons being offered online.

I hope you are better at it then I was and are able to skip the ink blot test. Have fun!

Pen and Ink Art II

I could not find any historical facts on pen and ink art, although I suspect it must have been around for several ages. What I did find was that the art does not necessarily has to be done by the regular pen strokes, as we are used to.

Take a good look at the picture on the right. Maybe you should zoom in to take a very close look at it. You will see that the entire drawing is made out of small dots. More or less dots close together define the difference between light and dark.

This form is also known as dotted pen and ink art. Somehow it seems easier to do then to try and draw the image you want. Although it may turn out to be a lot more time consuming though. I have to admit that it is a very interesting concept!

How is that for dotting your i's and crossing your t's?!