I live to Dye

Lost Customer

2011-10-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

To the young lady I dyed the 30a tshirt for, my family threw out your contact info while cleaning the house. please contact me through my website http://www.wilddyes.com/ so I can get your tshirt to you dear.

Reasons I am glad I never became a Rock Star

2011-08-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

People who have known me for a long time, know that for the longest time growing up and as a young adult, my dearest dream was to become a rich and famous entertainer. I was given a fair amount of vocal talent, and enjoyed performing even for large audiences. My first taste of the thrill of performance happened in 4th grade as I performed a solo for the entire pta in our christmas program Amal and the Night Visitors. I recieved my first standing ovation. I was HOOKED. Subsequent musical endevours included guitar, piano, and cello. I had just been invited to begin playing cello with the pacific youth orchestra in Newport Beach when we were forced to move, a new cello instructer was not to be found in Evergreen Colorado. My dreams were dashed again. I found my way back into the lime light though, performing with local community theatre, and soloing with the choir at school. It was a redeeming grace for an otherwise awkward socially misfit Jr. High Student. Even the popular kids would come up to me afterwards and comment on my ability. The principal himself told me I had a Bright future once after singing Bali-High in front of the entire student assembly. High school found me hitch-hicking to Denver to practice with a Blues band. I loved the adrenaline of singing through a mike with a full band playing behind me. They only reluctantly had to replace me when it became apparant that performing in clubs would bring too many legal difficulties with a minor in the band. After moving to Florida at 17 I continued trying to break into a music career, playing with 2 bands before trying to form my own band, which led me to the band my future Husband Dave was in. We were an immediate fit, my powerful voice fit right in with hard rock/heavy metal, And I looked good with 'big' hair. Every time we practiced, in my mind we were performing in a stadium to a packed house. Every performance we did play, in my mind we were LIVE at BudoKan!
Eventually after a long line of drummers, and other players coming and going, a number of disappointments, including my voice giving out to laryngitis before a Key gig, and the mishap of jumping off the stage in thigh high boots thus damaging ALL the soft tissue in both feet; I decided to hang up my microphone. I felt like the donkey who had the carrot dangleing before him just out of reach. Forever pulling the cart but never tasting that sweet juicy carrot. I shut down, musically, focused on my nursing career, and gained a ton of weight. Now days, I am happy creating tie dyes and living a different kind of creative life. I can find a lot of reasons to be greatful I never made it as a rock star:
1. I can still go to the grocery store in relative annonymity.
2. I dont have to sign autographs when I am dead tired, and have to smile when I just want to scream.
3. I have never had suffer the indignities of washed up rock star reality tv shows.
4. I have never had to spend time in rehab.
5. I have never lost an arm wrapping my sports car around a phone pole.
6. I have never had my entire stage blow down in a severe thunderstorm injuring and killing my fans.
7. and while we are on that vein, I have never had fans die trying to escape a burning night club.
8. I have never had to perform at my 'reunion' tour fat, bloated wrinkled and half the performer that I once was.
9. No weird Stalker Fans camped out on my front Lawn.
10. I havent died in a plane crash or been found in a pool of my own vomit od'd on pain killers.
I feel so much better now........

Smart Phones

2011-07-16T06:21:00.001-07:00

Call me old Fasioned, but I might just be the last 40 something in America without a smart phone. Maybe I am just unsusual, or the tightwad in me wont come off the 80 plus dollar a month plan fees, but I am still squeaking by with my old nokia pre paid, no bells and whistles phone. It is so old I can no longer text on it, I never really got into texting to begin with. I only pay about 200.00 a year for this phone. I still have a land line, and that suits me fine. The strange thing is, in fifth grade back in 1978 I wrote a science fiction story about a time when we would all watch tv on our wristwatches, and be able to see people we talked to on the phone. I diddn't realize at the time that I was so on the mark with this. So you would think I would be the first in line for one of these wonder phones right? but frankly all the new technology scares me a little. It took me long enough to learn about my computer, and keep up with all the updates, and security software ect....I was one of the last of my friends to hop on the facebook bandwagon, and I phones? I guess I havent been able to reconcile the need want vs expense equation with that one yet. Maybe I don't know what I am missing, Maybe my business would improve and life would become easier, but would it equal out to more than 60.00 a month worth of improvements? Maybe if I hold out long enough someone will come out with a plan that I can afford and feel good about.
Until then you can leave a message on my voice mail which I check several times a week......or email me that I check every day.

Happines Is.....

2010-12-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happiness is Ac Moore Coupons!
Ac Moore is one of our local arts and crafts retail stores. A mecca for art junkies like myself. Unlike JO-ANNES around the corner, another great store that focuses more on fabric, Ac Moore has all the things that make a paper crafter,Painter happy, and the jewelry dept is not too shabby either. Now mind you this is NOT a commercial and I am not being rewarded in any way, I Just write here on my blog about what ever is floating my boat at the moment.
As An Ac Moore Rewards member I get an extra sense of satisfaction that I get Rewards certificates that are as good as cash!
Nothing sends me flying to my local store faster than recieving a 60% off coupon in my inbox, and having a rewards certificate arrive in the mail on the Same day, since I know from experience they can be combined! So I am happy happy happy with so much to choose from, jelly Stamps? Embossing powder? freshwater pearls? Watercolor paper? Gel Pens? Specialty yarns? Bamboo knitting needles? Holiday decor? Cake Decorating supplies? art kits for the kids? ahhhh I love wandering up and down the aisles, putting togeather all the possibilities in my head!

My Youtube Channel

2010-11-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/tiedyekris?feature=mhum

Here's the Link to my Youtube channel. Since I have figured out how to work the windows movie feature, I have been having fun editing and creating Vidios for Youtube.. I know Geeky Right? But it's me. hehe
I made myself a tiera and created a vidio of the process, I will probably do more of these type of craft vidios in the future. Also you can see vidio of my trip to cape cod last summer, kind of boring in spots, but the last vidio features some fantastic views of martha's vinyard sound and the nobska lighthouse. who knows what I will put up next? More vidio of my playing my guitar and singing? My next vacation or day trip excursion? or just something plain artsy.
If you friend me on facebook i will post notices when the new vidios go up. go to facebook and search kirsten ogden shouldn't be too hard to find me.....
sorry no button do-hickeys I have to feel you are motivated to be your friend on facebook.

shopping

2010-10-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

well, the yearly shopping season is upon us, and many of us are already starting to shop by catalog and on line to make our christmas purchases. I want to share a few great websites with you:
https://www.saveourcountryfirst.com/Default.aspx
Made in America Store
Features only products that have been manufactured in the USA. So Important that we support Local Businesses and Companies that bring JOBS to US citizens, I urge you all to Loot at these sources FIRST when making decisions for this holiday season.
Second is:
http://www.etsy.com/ here you will find many great gifts made by Crafters all around the USA. Many are work at home moms creating wonderful gifts for Kids and adults alike. Great place for Girlfriend and Sister,Mother in Law gifts.....
Thrirdly I Urge you to visit your local crafts festivals this fall with your shopping list in hand, This is one of the last great frontiers of the American Dream.

And Lastly Keep your Business Local, shop at Locally Owned Mom and Pop Shops and Galleries, like this store pictured above in Falmouth Mass, many of which feature superior goods and services to the big box stores. The money you spend local goes back into the Local economy and the American Wallet.
Consider shopping at Flea Markets and Antique Malls to keep from sending MORE of your hard earned money over seas. Dont forget Gift Certificates for Salons and Spas, or a Favorite Locally Owned Restaurant. Perfect Gift for a SPOUSE.
I think you will feel better about your Holiday Gift List if you take time NOW to plan to Shop in Ways that bennifit your local economy and our National Economy. Lets collectively support the brave souls who say YES America is STILL a great Manufactureing Nation!

The New new Boat

2010-09-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

So As you've probably ascertained by now the big boat is gone, no more sail boat, it went to a lovely man who has been sailing and finishing sailboats his entire life. The Temptress is in good hands. Which brings me to the next Boat in question. Yes, you know, Dave can't just sit with NOT having a boat for very long. After all we have made so many wonderful memories enjoying our local waters on boats of the past. So after weeks of ferverent searching he came up with a mid70-S Dixie Craft, 15.5 foot ski boat. The Motor needed work and he picked up the whole shebang for 400.00 an incredible deal. The motor has been fixed, and he is slowly working on the rest. Its good therapy for him, gives him something to focus on other than his parkinsons. Its good to see a little spring in his step again as he works to make it sea worthy. He can't wait to take the kids out to crab island, and troll for mackeral again in the bay. I think its more fun to watch the fireworks from the boat as well on the 4th, so I am not complaining. I decided the boat needs to be named the Dixie Chicken due to the 'dixie craft' reference and that it came to us Kentucky Fried RED. So that's what's up THIS Week in TiedyeKris's World.

Long time no BLOG

2010-09-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah it's been awhile since I blogged. I know. I finally got my house rearranged, and the kids have their own rooms now, I have their old room as my office/studio space, and this side of the house is much much quieter. I enjoy spending time in my room contemplating my creative life. I have decided to try to be creative at SOMETHING every single day. Or at least on the days when i don't have to work a 12 hour shift.....In that spirit I made some bookmarks, see pic. I am also planning on doing some scrapbooking soon of My Cape Cod pics. I have to get them printed out still. I am looking forward to the big estate sale in Crestview this weekend, Gonna go up there and pick up some craft supplies, apparantly the lady was a black belt crafter. Lots of goodies from what I can see in the photos.

I'll try to come back and post pics of whatever I score.

No bucks no boom?

2010-07-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

   I read an article on Yahoo this morning about municipalities that are strapped for cash around the country who are having to forgo their annual fireworks presentations due to budget shortfalls. While this is certainly disheartening to many who look forward to these shows every year, it also presents an opportunity.
We have gotten so used to having our way in this society, I think some of us have forgotton how to use our creative resources. Why does it have to be about fireworks on a grand scale? I remember when fireworks were a rare and special treat, but now they're everywhere, our local 'emerald grand' condo in Destin sets them off every thursday night during the summer and on weekends! Our Billy Bo-legs festival every year in June, The Navarre Fun Fest in May, so many displays!
   I hope that the folks that live in communities that can not afford fireworks find other satisfying ways to celebrate the 4th. Good ol' fashioned picnic or bbq comes to mind; a trip to the local swimming hole, some smaller bottle rocket celebrations with sparklers for the kids,lawn darts, badmitton,watermelon, red Jello and cakes with Strawberries and Blueberries on top.
   One of my favorite 4th of july memories was with my parents in North Georgia Mountains. It rained it was muddy the fireworks were of the bottle rocket variety. We went hiking. The men played horseshoes. We ate watermelon. I don't remember 'why' we were there, or who we were visiting, but it sticks out in my mind. The point is celebrations don't have to be fancy to be memorable to your kids. Simple family time spent togeather, haveing fun, being LAZY and remembering our freedom and those who died for it.
Have a Happy 4th!

Back to my Roots

2010-06-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

......This seems to be the theme lately...I have managed to successfully reprioritize my life, and I am feeling so much more balanced now as a result! JOY JOY, my soul is crying out with happiness for having me 'listen' to it. I have cut back on nursing job-needed to happen.
I am focusing more on my art and passions and boy is the universe responding! In SUCH a BIG way I can not tell you all about it here. Since I got off my crazy work schedule I have LOST 5 lbs!! YES! This is what my body wants, so I am happy happy happy all the way around this morning. Back to my Roots is happening with an upcoming top secret trip. And Also, I am getting back to Dying the 'goddess' dresses that I started out with years ago, but now with a new level of skill, and understanding of the dyes! I am so excited! Thankyou to all my Guardian Angels, Spirit Guides and Relatives on the other side and on this one who have helped me get back to being my authentic self!

Fairhope and the Windmill Market

2010-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

I went to Fairhope Alabama with my Tie Dyes this weekend, and set up at the Windmill Market in Down Town Historic Fairhope. See http://www.windmillmarket.org/
I had a lovely time, the market is a 'green' building, attractively landscaped with edible garden planters which makes it extra cool to me. They have employed many other eco friendly practices in their building and are serving as an example to the broader community. While set up inside under the spacious covered porch I enjoyed talking to the other vendors, and listening to the live guitar music from the outdoor patio. Moe's Barbeque is a permanent fixture at the market, I had a pulled pork sandwich for lunch with a most delicious pickled slaw, and the best banana cream pudding I have ever tasted. I Can't wait till my next visit to Fairhope. I will be showing there every last Saturday all summer long. Next time I am bringing Dave with. We plan to spend a romantic weekend in Fairhope, which is a Very Romantic little town on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Flowers in attractive Beds Line the streets, the large oak and magnolias are sprinkled everwhere throughout the area, and many well manicured attractive parks welcome the visitor the relax. The downtown area is FILLED with attractive little shops and Galleries! Not to mention the ambience of the restaurants and cafes that can be found as well. We plan to come a day early so we can enjoy strolling the merchant section. If you need some visual candy to go with this post check out: http://www.beautifulfairhope.com/
and look at the photo gallery! what a wonderful spot and only 1/2 tank of gas away from me here in equally beautiful and fun Fort Walton Beach Florida.

Make Love Not War!

2010-05-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

Peace. It comes From Within, as the saying goes....Begin Within.
Lately, I have had to work hard to find my inner peace, You see two sides of me are at war with each other. I work full time as a pediatric home health nurse, taking care of special needs kids. I love the kids I care for. each one in their own special way have worked into my heart. I always look at them for their potential and what they have going on in the inside not the outside. Lately my services have been in high demand, Not enough of me to go around to the families that want me. That is well and good, but I wish Sometimes I could be there for Everyone! Then There is the Other side of me, The Artist. The passionate creator of funky and colorful art. My SOUL Sings when doing art, or playing my music. I thrive on creativity. I love to sit for hours and quilt, spin, do polymer clay, batik, dye, bead up jewelry. And I have been wanting to learn to weave next. SIGH. So my two sides are at war. Each one Demanding more of me. And then there is family life.....Peshi, D, and Dave. All wanting more of my attention. What Am I to do?
I want so badly to be able to do it all. If only I diddn't need to sleep.
So I will continue on, trying to make peace with the two sides of myself. And find time for the other facets, spirituality, Family, Education, Activism, Charity, Friendships.

The Boat

2010-03-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is Our Boat, I have blogged about before, Dave has slowly been trying to get it fixed up, but his parkinsons has slowed his progress, and he is needing more help getting it finished now. My Brother Richie is Moving Down here in a few weeks, after the end of a long relationship so he can get a fresh start. He is a man of many talents and can fix anything! Togeather Dave and Rich plan to finish the boat so Rich can live aboard it. Won't that be fun for him? He loves the water and it feeds his soul to be near it. Our father Loved to Sail, and This boat is very similar to the one we owned in the 70's. It would make my father happy to see Us both enjoying it. I am glad Rich is moving down. He is so helpful and has helped me many times in the past with home repairs. If anyone reading this locally needs a good handyman h-vac guy, give me a call. Rich will be looking for a job when he gets here.

Tagged at Art Walk

2010-03-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with all of you who are not my facebook friends. I was tagged in this photo from 'Downtown Fort Walton Beach' on facebook, taken at last friday night's art walk. I went downtown with a table of goodies, and my Girlfriend Tina. We got to Reconnect with gifted and expanding band: Destiny Reggae. I enjoyed meeting Chris the New Sax Player, and Drew the New Bass Player. And seeing the Other Drew and RJ again. Maybe someday I will sit in with them again on bass. For now I am happy to be able to share my art with others Down Town. Also I have started selling at Shangrila Boutique in Down town Fort walton. Denise is carrying a rack of my items, and I am looking forward to a mutually benneficial business relationship with her. So check out her great vintage boutiqe on the west end of Down Town Fort Walton Beach!~ Here's Tina And I am in the Smaller Picture Below, sorry I couldt get it any bigger. Isn't Tina Beautiful in my Tie Dyes? I love her such an Earth Angel!

cobia time!

2010-03-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

We Had a visit from our dear friend Jon Floeming This week, He is on his way through to pick up his mom in Winterhaven And move out west to California. So Jon treated us to a Grilled Fish Dinner here at Casa Ghetto Fabulous. He couldn't take the left overs with him, so we have grilled Jerk Cobia salad sandwiches for lunch today on Pumpernickel. YuM.

Thanks Jon! I am in the Throes of yearly and quarterly taxes. See the to do list on my white board: Part of my FUN with taxes is counting the inventory by hand and coming up with a dollar amount for its value. All the things in the totes and on my racks had to be counted. I am about done with that phase now. Our friend Jon is Pictured on Dave's Bike Below. Tommorow will be just as busy as today and most of Thursday. I hope to be done with all the preperations and able to make an appointment with my accountant on Friday. I hate tax time.

Been Busy at Work

2010-03-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have worked the last ten days in a row, and this morning the kids are gone and I am trying to get some things done. My Girlfriend Tina gave me some carpets, Dave and Cousin Jim Helped her move, So today I am shampooing them in the driveway. I think I will put the big one in our home gym...see pictures.

I also have to Work on the Taxes today but First I Am going to eat this bruschetta I cooked up for lunch!

I ordered some tomato 'trees' on the internet, and some Hanging strawberry planters so the adventures in urban gardening continue. We love fresh tomatos for bruschetta and salsa, pasta and pizza. My Last Strawberry plant produced 3 berries. Delicious, perfect Berries, I called them 8 dollar berries. since thats about what It cost me to grow. I am not giving up, Back to the drawing board with Berry Planting and produciton. The thing i love about Strawberries is that they are Perrenial. A good set up will produce for years. I am also planting basil, other herbs and peppers, which always seem to do well here. More Garden News later.

I found another one!

2010-02-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Yet another beautiful private island escape, this one 5 star and much closer to home than tahiti. are you sensing a theme here? does tie dye kris need some R&R? But man I gotta say I'd have to sell about 1,000 tie dyes to make enough money for this one. I love that you get your own private butler, and Dave would go nuts for the included 1/2 day fishing charter. nuff said, check it out. http://www.aprivateisland.com/

This Is the One I choose

2010-02-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

ok I watched that movie couples retreat the other night and it stirred up in me an old familiar fantasy of a trip to bora bora. The place I would have chosen to honemoon had I come from a rich family.
so this is the resort i chose. Sigh.
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0564-sofitel-bora-bora-marara-beach-and-private-island/index.shtml

kudzu who knew?

2010-01-30T00:53:00.000-08:00

ok so it's 2am and I am on line researching herbal remedies for a problem I am having with hypertension, and I come across this artical about KUDZU. Kudzu a medicinal cure? really? I lived in Georgia as a Kid and I have to say That this particular invasive plant frankly Creeped me out. I diddn't like how it engulfed anything in it's path. Yeah Creepy invasion of the body snatchers type plant. So Imagine my suprise at reading this article: http://geography.about.com/library/misc/uckudzu.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/misc/uckudzu.htm
Which states that among other things Kudzu Shows MUCH promise in helping to control the craving for alcohol and is being studied as a remedy for alcoholism. Who knew the plant we drove by and had such disdain for in Atlanta c1976 could have potentially done so much to help my father who lost two families and his life to alcoholism. huh.
Maybe people need to stop looking at this plant as such a curse and embrace the blessings that it has to bestow.

I'm a labrador!

2010-01-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

Ok So this is no suprise to my friends....And yeah I love those labs. I got this quiz off Holly's Blog.
http://www.hollyeqq.com/

Finally Back to the Dye Table

2010-01-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sigh-I finally made it back into the dye studio. I had some special orders to fulfill, and I have a porch full of colorful tie dyes waiting to be rinsed. The weather today was gorgeous! Sunny T-shirt weather, natural air conditioning. The perfectest day you could order. I got a lot done. I regret that I diddn't make it out to the beach to sit and enjoy the view, but I am happy with the things I did get accomplished.

More News from Haiti Via Wendy

2010-01-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Aaron said I could share the following emails....

These are emails to and from John, Aaron's Haitian Planting Peace partner. Aaron was unable to make contact with him in the days after the earthquake.

Aaron and John are the same age. Many of you may remember him from the CNN Hero documentary. He is the same age as Aaron and newly married to Ruth.

My throat almost closed completely as I read this... bless his heart and the people of Haiti.

Aaron and John have a lot of work ahead of them.... physically and emotionally.

Please continue to pray for them and to share their work with friends, family, etc. They are desperately in need of money to secure housing and supplies for the many left homeless and to provide food and water for their own children.

Donations can be made to www.plantingpeace.org

Thank you for all of your support, love, prayers and the generous donations.

Please spread the word.

Love and peace....

Wendy

PS... Aaron is now in Haiti.

--- On Thu, 1/14/10, plantingpeace369@aol.com wrote:

From: plantingpeace369@aol.com

Subject: JOHN please contact me brother

To: cmichickgrantf@yahoo.com

Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 1:53 AM

john,

you are in my prayers buddy. people told me there seeing you on cnn. i ahve araised lots of money to bring help to the people brother. please contact me on my cell 352 321 0564

love you

LETTER BACK FROM JOHN.....

Helo brother,

heartbroken my brother,

I am hurt to see how people died in my heand and in the ambulance, so crazy my brother.

I am so sorry . all the kids workers and Ruth and her family are safe and so hurt. all the homes are okay except wall damage, we all move to one home, it is very unsafe now, robers are robbing people and causing more death. Prisoners are free and became so dangerous.

No bank, no Western Union, no store open, everything got paralized maybe be unti next week. We hope. I am glad I was here if I was away I don't know how I would do.

I have been so busy helping with the desater evacuated dead people and sick people in my area and delmas comunity. working day and nights my brother. unbelivable my brother.

Thank God all the kids are safe and noone hurt.

I love you and we will stay in touch.

Love from John !

EMERGENCY AID FOR HAITI

2010-01-13T10:25:00.000-08:00

Please take a moment out of your time today if you have not already done so and make an emergency donation for Hatian EarthQuake Relief. You can donate through the White House, or I am sure a dozen other reputable sources Doctors Without Borders, American Red Cross, or My Friend Wendy Prentice Son's Charity Planting Peace.
http://www.plantingpeace.org/ Who I Wholey and thoroughly trust as I have heard first hand accounts from his own mother's mouth about His Commitment to helping those less fortunate and his work in haiti. Please Everyone Do what you can and send light and prayer to haiti. They has suffered so much for so long now. God bless the beautiful people of Haiti.
God Speed the Rescue Workers.

The Blue Nikes

2010-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ok here is my Christmas Miracle, I know a little late to relate here, but I want to share. As I mentioned earlier I diddnt feel much like christmas this year with all the hell that 2009 bought my way. On the day after Christmas My friend Tina called and prompted me to go out shopping with her, as she had some purchases to return and of course shopping is always more fun in pairs right ladies? So we went to several shops, and eneded up at Ross. I needed a new pair of tennies, and ross has good prices. So after parousing the selection I settled on a very reasonable pair of AVIAs. Happy with my selection I went to rejoin Tina in the store, and noticed a huge rack of NEW inventory being wheeled to the shoe departent. I looked at jeans and shirts and dresses for new years, ect. and decided what the heck I should go look back at the shoes again. There on the rack of 10 1/2 shoes, loe and behold were this pair of white leather nikes with the blue swoosh. Now its not like a grown woman to grab a pair of shoes off the store shelf and start hugging them and crying hysterically, even with these low prices....but thats what I did. My christmas miracle had just happened. I found Tina and explained to her the amazing event. My friend Lisa who Passed in October had an almost identical pair of Nikes on when we first met in 1982. The Nikes I picked up were the ONLY pair and happened to be in my size. They were retro styled to resemble the ones that were popular in the early 80's. A Lot of my friends have heard me describe the first day I met Lisa with her 'Blue Swoosh Nikes' on the first day of high school. Lisa must have been listening, because I believe with all my heart she sent these shoes to me. What made me turn back to look at the rack again that day? What coincidence that the only pair happened to be in my exact size?

Now I wear them like they have super powers and that just by putting them on I can be a super hero like Lisa was! Her message to me was like a warm hug telling me to enjoy my day shopping with my great new friend.

Music I am tripping on

2010-01-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

This is music I am tripping on right now. I love the bright harmonies, the completely digital/synthesized palate of sounds, and the clever lyrics. This is the type of music I dreamed about creating when I was a teenager. I was just a little before my time, but Its good to know that a cleverness for music and lyrics exists in this young man today.
http://www.owlcitymusic.com/

Helluva Year

2009-12-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

As I look back on the last year, I can say that part of my disdain for the holidays this year results from the fact that I had a hell of a year. Normally I am not so Negative, but this year bought me a lot of suprises, and ugliness. Things seemed like they started out allright with me and dave both working and Had me settling back into my career in home health, My art business was chugging along nicely, and Dave was working at least part time. Then in April the bottom Fell out. Dave Lost his Job, and was Diagnosed with Parkinsons in the span of a couple of weeks, My Best Friend and I had a horrible fight that has left us both in a rift ever since. I struggled to make sense of it all, and since I was only working part time, we struggled financially as well. The summer Bought more bad news with the news that my oldest and dearest friend Lisa was Back on Chemo, and that her Cancer had spread to her brain and liver. It seemed my world was crashing down around me as few people in the world know JUST how much my dear friends Mean to me. I managed a trip in September to Be by My friend's Side. She had become Frail in a lot of pain, but still her indominatble spirit was All I could really see. We enjoyed a great girlfriend's day out, but the day took it's toll on her as she was very tired afterwards. I Was determined not to give up hope, and we spent that evening togeather making pink ribbon jewelry to hand out to all the people who had made her journey with breast cancer less painful. It is my hope that the folks who recieved this jewelry remember Lisa when they wear it, and all the incredible women who are battling this dreadful disease. In October as many who read my blog know, Lisa Passed Away. So for the last several Months I have found myself depressed and often tearing up trying to cope with this loss. She was like a sister to me, I diddnt' talk about her all the time, but our history was our bond. In September Dave and I opened a shop downtown, I wanted have a place to sell all the art and unique things we both like to create. Dave needed something to keep him busy in his year of transition, I wanted him to feel productive, and knew that the store would help him feel like he was making a contribution to the future security of our family. It all looked so good on paper, but we made the difficult decision before christmas to close up shop. See previous Blog Entry. There were a number of other smaller calamities that left me feeling just a little bit shell shocked this year.
So yeah I have been a little blue this christmas, not feeling like putting on a fake smile to celebrate and honoring the fact that my feelings about this past year are not so rosy. I diddnt want to send out cards, I diddn't even want to put up the tree, and I made a half hearted attempt at making christmas cookies with the kids. I Sometimes I wonder why we are expected to white wash our feelings around the holidays? It is what it is, I honor the fact that I am not really happy right now. I know that this too will pass, and I hope that all my real friends know that I will soon be back to my old happy self. Here's hoping that 2010 is better, that the sun shines a little more, that work and family life move along a little more smoothly. Good Bye 2009 and All your Drama. This year I am hoping for a perfect 10.

end of an era

2009-12-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Due to lagging sales and lack of a nest egg, Dave and I Have decided to close wilddyes indeffinately. we appologize for any inconvenience this may have caused any of you. We will honor any special orders that have been placed already. We intend to liquidate our inventory so if you are interested in wholesale wild dyes drop us a line.
I will probably also drop the web site, but maintain this blog as a means of sharing my creative persuits.
Thanks to all of you who have purchased wilddyes and given us your continued patronage.
God Bless
Kris and Dave

Raffle Update

2009-12-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

Ok here's an update, I have decided to pospone the first raffle. I may decide to offer the basket at auction, currently it is on sale at the store for 200.00. The proceeds will still go to Lisa's family. We haven't sold any tickets since first announcing it, and I will not see a 240.00 basket go for just one or two tickets sold. So it's back to the drawing board. Foot traffic has been slow this month downtown maybe things will pick up as Christmas approaches. We may Close the store for the Month of January. There are lots of cool things in stock at wilddyes so come down for last minuite gifts. All Tie Dyes are 50% off till the end of the month. That's 50% off my already low prices. Ridiculous! I KNOW!
So take advantage. Also the Store will be open every day for the rest of the month except Christmas Day. We open Noon-6pm, and will stay open late if people are downtown shopping.
Peace Love, Health And Happiness-
Kris

Raffle Basket is Ready!

2009-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Ok guys It's Official, The raffle Basket is Ready, I have Tickets Printed out and ready to add your name to the basket drawing. So Come on everyone lets rally and do something to help someone who really needs it right now. Lets show our love and support for Mike and the Boys, Ken and Joyce and let them Know how much we care and understand the loss of our Precious Lisa.
Tickets are only 3.00 each the basket has a value of 230.00, I can Mail the contents minus the basket if you wish, anywhere.
go check out the raffle page on my website to see the pictures. Lets do this thing!
website address: http://www.wilddyes.com/ Check out the Raffle Page.

Frommers top 10!

2009-12-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wow I just read that we made Frommer's Top Ten Travel Destinations for 2010. We were the only ones in the USA besides the Big Island of Hawaii to make it this year! How exciting. Like I always said our gulf coast beaches are a best kept secret, I guess the rest of the world is starting to figure out that we are a world class destination. (sigh)
This is very good news for small funky boutique/gallery Owners.
Bring it on!
http://www.frommers.com/trip_ideas/arts_and_culture/article.cfm?ideaID=ARTCULTURE&articleID=6469&t=Frommer%27s%20Top%20Destinations%202010

I LOVE BUMBO

2009-12-06T09:09:00.001-08:00

I love Bumbo, Just sayin' I watch em over and over!
http://www.ready-set-bumbo.com/

If I had my Own Cruise Ship

2009-12-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

I was checking out the new Royal Carribean 'oasis of the seas' Ship on line today wistfully dreaming of a vacation on this floating theme park. It has everything that a person could want......well just about anything....And then I thought what it would be like if there was a Cruise Ship designed by me? and here's what I came up with.
all the cabins would have beds with tie dye sheets and curtains and they would smell like patchouli.
The bathrooms would feature hand made artisan soap and lotions, like the kind we sell at wilddyes.
The gym would have Yoga and Bellydancing classes, and Tai Chi, and hip hop, and interpretive dance lessons.
There would be an ice rink.(because I like to ice skate)
Instead of a huge brodway production there would be Rock Concerts with Known and Unknown bands to include Reggae, Jazz, Folk,Trip,Indie and Blues. A recording studio would be available to passengers who just wanted to jam and get creative with the numerous talented musicians on board, who would offer lessons and workshops when they werent giving live performances.
Entertainment would also inclue intereactive dinner theatre, a planetarium with lazer light shows, an Imax, Independent and Forign Film Festivals, and a nightly drum circle on the lido deck..
Activities would include arts, crafts, pottery, jewelry making, a fully stocked and complete huge art studio would replace the casino.
Special guests would be, speakers, healers, shamens, psychics,
and workshops would be offered on meditation, rebirthing, Dolphins (with cyndi lepori) chakras, yoga, organic gardening, sustainable living, and general enlightenment.
the spa would offer mind blowing world class pampering and I would be sure it included real reiki practicioners, and holistic nutrition experts.
The Food would be mostly organic, with a complete selection of vegan foods, Cuisine from around the world, and of course Sushi, Sushi bar on every deck!
The bars would be stocked with the best micro brewery beers, from around the world, and focus on wines from small vinyard operations.
Instead of a basketball court and skee shooting, we would have an earth ball court, and a giant fire pit for the nightly bonfire/ marshmellow roast. There would be optional on deck camping for those that diddn't want to fork over the big bucks for a cabin.
Instead of one big pool, I would have Hot tubs up and down the deck so we could just trip out on the stars.
All the crew members would have dreadlocks.
(I don't have dreadlocks, but I love to see them on others remember this is my fantasy right?)
A giant Peace sign would adorn the smoke stack. And prayer Flags would hang happily flapping in the wind.
I would name the ship Nirvana.
want to book a reservation?

I'll be at the shop today

2009-12-03T08:43:00.001-08:00

Hi Folks, I am heading down to the Gallery today and Boy am I in a festive mood. I am offering TODAY and TODAY only a 25% discount to anyone who buys anything in person at wilddyes in fountain square! So here's your chance, If you have been eyeing one of Dave's fabulous Desks, Or the Choctawhatchee bay bag, or one of Dave's paintings.....come in today and mention that you read it in my blog. Don't miss this chance ladies and gentlemen, It's a rare once in blue moon opportunity!

Ok Here's a quote I thought I'd share with you my Friend Palma Cooper gave this to me and I LOVE this quote from Nelson Mandella:
Our Deepest Fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
YOU are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightenend about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us: It's in everyone.
As we let our own light shine, we conciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

I invite you all to Let your own light shine, Shine to your fullest Capacity! Take a huge bite out of life and savor the flavor. What have you been holding back on? What talent have you been repressing? What Gift have you been afraid to Give?
Let this be your time to unleash all the brightness you have to give to the world.
Love Kris

Piper's Birthday Party Pictures

2009-11-27T07:12:00.001-08:00

Angela Poked by on her way to the Salty Duck to say Hi.......

Piper Opens her gifts! She got a movie projector so we can have movies in the square...There is talk of a Monty Python-athon, and Rocky Horror Picture Show....

There were so many people, The Gallery Couldn't Hold them all, and they spilled out into the square where A Jazz Trio Entertained us all. Fabulous!

Steve Waves at me from his 'Kitchen' Which is what we have nicknamed his live demonstration Studio at Stellas. And Billy Stopped in to Wild Dyes and gave us an Impressive Sale! She picked Up Lisas psychedelic Mushroom painting, and Lisa was so excited to hear the the Illustrious Billy took it home.....There are more pictures of the event on Piper Gaffrey's Facebook Page. Even a few Pictures of me, Although not flattering ones as I am not photogenic......Like Billy ;)

some lovely Medium TieDyes

2009-11-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some lovely things that would Fit Someone who wears a size Medium.....;) There are many Lovelies down at wilddyes. see http://www.wilddyes.com/ for directions.

Marie Carter!

2009-11-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am excited to Share with you that we are carrying a limited line of greeting cards in our store wilddyes created by local artist. Marie Carter! Marie's pen, ink and water color style is whimiscal and unique. Dave has Commisioned her to create the art on his motorcycle dash board. I can't wait to see how it turns out. She is down at St. Simons today with Dr. Meow for their annual craft fair. She also creates fabulous art dolls, sorry no picture available. I hope to talk her into showing them at our store, or at least have her come display her work at art walk. The cards are 6.00 a piece.

They are printed on acid free card stock and are suitable for framing. Marie is available via e-mail

flspilledpaint@yahoo.com

Breast Thermography!

2009-11-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

I spoke with Lisa's Mom by Phone this morning. One ot the things she wants everyone to know is that there is a test that can detect breast cancer up to 10 years earlier. It is called Breast Thermography. I started reading about it on line this morning after talking to Joyce.
It uses thermal imaging to detect increased vascularity that would feed a tumor in the breast. Had our Dear Lisa had this test when she was younger, she would still be with us today. This is an emerging technology and not available in all areas yet, but with public demand, this could save a staggering amount of lives and suffering.
Please check out www.iact-org.org
And google breast thermography and find out for yourselves!

A very Special Bag

2009-11-03T20:05:00.001-08:00

As promised here are the pictures of my Pink Passion Bag, aka the bag of a thousand tears. My Dear Friend Lisa was alive when I started it, and succumbed to her year and half long battle with breast cancer before it was complete. The yarn is a fabulously soft hand spun art yarn, with lots of flash. It is a combination of pink yarns with high and low lights. The wool was hand dyed by Holly of http://www.hollyeqq.com/ Then Spun by me and hand knit. The bag is Lined with Hand Dyed Kona Cotton. The loop and button closure features a large gold toned Lion. Lisa told me in her last few months, that she had visions of Lord Jesus Coming to her in the form of a lion and Carrying her on his back. She took Great comfort in this. This bag would Retail in my shop for 170.00. I will be offering it soon as a raffle Item to raise money for Lisa's Family she leaves behind three wonderful boys, a Husband, Her Loving Parents and Sister. Lisa was the main Breadwinner for her family and They are struggleing now to cover expenses. We will also be putting togeather some fabulous gift baskets to be raffled off. Stay tuned for More info as I get the raffle items togeather. I can ship out of state, and will diligently add all internet raffle tickets to the drawings.

any special requests?

2009-11-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is a friendly shout out and '3 minuite warning' to wilddyes fans. I will be placing an order for blanks this week sometime. Are there any special requests? Does anyone need something special dyed up for winter, or for christmas presents?
Do you have a hard to buy for teen that needs a tie dye on your list?
Remember all you out of staters, I accept paypal, and can process your credit card over the phone.
If you need some ideas for outfits I buy blanks often times through Dharma Trading. www.dharmatrading.com
Going once...Going Twice....

Thrift Shop Finds!

2009-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I scored these two books at the goodwill in niceville this afternoon! I had gone up there to have lunch with my friend Tina. we stopped at the chinese buffet next to Kelly's and man all I can say is the sushi in there is sooo good and for the pirce? seriously we both ate for 14.00 and change. And the food is clean and attractivily presented. Great spot! So I went by the Bargain Box behind Bank of America and scored some white stuff to dye including two linnen table cloths, and some nice pants for myself. I also went by the Good will and Found these great craft books for a mere pittance. I picked up Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic treasure Hunting and decorating guide. There is a beautiful quote on one of the pages although it doesnt say who originally penned it, but it seemed so apropriate as I have been contemplating the Subject of humility lately a lot and how it pertains to my life. This quote says it all for me......words to aspire to:

Humility

Humility is perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. IT is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised it is to have a blessed home in myself where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my father in secret and be at peace, as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and about is trouble.

ZOMBIE walk!

2009-10-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last Night was Zombie Walk in Down Town Fort Walton Beach Sponsored by the Jaycees. We had a good 1000 people or so in a very festive and undead mood in front of our store. The whole event kicked off in our courtyard next to Fokkers Pizza. The jaycees were on hand doing zombie makup and collecting canned food. This was my Zombie Look, Which was fitting since after 3 hours of sleep from the night before partying with the cool art girls, I looked about like I felt!

The View from above as people start to arrive to have their faces painted, the kids were doing a down town trick or treat.

The whole family got in on the act. My little Mad Scientist Zombie. And his Candy ;-)

Even Dave donned a little face makeup but alice cooper eyes were as far as he'd Go............

Unfortunately my camera crapped out before the real action started but I Have to say we had a much larger turn out than I anticipated. The store diddn't have a lot of sales, but zombies don't typically walk around with their pocket books. So we had a LOT of people who saw the store and said they would Be Back! Hopefully before the Next Zombie Walk!

More Shrimp Fest Fun

2009-10-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Check it out, I traded some tie dyes for these COOL coin Jewelry pieces. The earrings are mercury dimes, I picked them out and diddn't even realize it was mercury, (my ruling zodiacal Planet) also the cool 100 years of quarters bracelet! isn't it awesome? I just LOVE IT. It will be a premanent piece of my wardrobe. Check their website out at www.getcoinjewelry.com

Also I have to mention this friday night is ART walk in Down Town Fort Walton. we are still looking for artists to come and set up, contact piper gaffrey at www.stellala.com Don't miss out on your chance to sell art to this enthusiastic clientelle. It's free for artists. Merchants will be hosting artists and serving free refreshments to the public.

I have a whole slew of long sleeved shirts and hoodies that I have just hung out, in the store.

See you Friday Night!

Shrimp Fest Peeps!

2009-10-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

This is a shout out to all the shrimp festival people who have taken the time to look me up on line. Thankyou all so very much for seeking me out again this year. If there is anything I can custom dye for you please do not hesitate to contact me. I dye first, and collect payment later, that has always been my policy. You only pay me if you are happy with the results.
I hope to see you all at shrimp fest next year!
Kris

Mom and Dave Collaborate

2009-09-17T08:55:00.001-07:00

Mom, aka Smila Stopped by this morning on her way to bingo. She has some of her paintings in our store wilddyes. Dave was working on one of his paintings, and asked mom to step in and help with the backround. Her Fine art backround and Keen colorsense were hard at work. I snuck in and captured the moment. Dave the diligent student sitting at his mother's side. Talent deffinately runs in the family. On both sides!

Peshi Paintings!

2009-09-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Peshi has decided to Join our Artistic Efforts At Wilddyes. Her paintings join Her Sister Lisa's on our kids rack at the store. She has already been commisioned to paint two more! I like her use of color and creative sense of humor. It will be fun watching her artist style unfold over the years to come. She is a sweet and funny little girl. We love her very much!

Makong Thai

2009-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hey I am sitting down here at the store right now, we have had a few people come in and register to win a 30.00 gift certificate from wilddyes in celebration of our grand opening. So about half way through the day I get hungry and man I have to tell you i have been craving some Tom-kha-gai coconut thai soup like you wouldn't believe. So I went upstairs to makong thai and ordered a bowl. Words can not describe how good it is! for my peeps that are out of state, next time you come down you will have to eat at makong thai. See the picture included here of one of their signature dishes. This is a real problem since the restaurant is right across from my store. HEHEHE

I could be spending a small fortune in thai food in the months to come. Check them out at www.makongthai.com

Store Pictures

2009-08-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

OOPs these diddn't upload with the last post for some reason.

More in Store!

2009-08-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I suppose it's part store part gallery, but so far we are off to a good start. OUr Grand Opening is September 12th. We have New incense, New Soaps and body care products, New Candles, and of course lots of great art, Jewelry, and TIE DYE! See Pics of how the store is coming along! I am encouraged by all the positive comments people have been making when seeing our store for the first time! I am extremely optomistic at this point. David is learning to be a shop guy. It's cute and a little annoying at the same time. I love him, but yes David the Lights do need to be turned on inside the store when we are open! LOL

I'm Opening A Store!

2009-08-16T19:04:00.001-07:00

I Love it when a plan comes togeather. This photo is a sneak preview of the store I am opening at 196 Miracle Strip Pkwy Behind Tattoo Zoo, and Next to Fokkers Pizza.

The store needed a lot of work and Dave, the Kids and I have been working hard to get it clean and presentable.

Our 'soft' opening is Friday the 21st. Just in Time for Art Walk. We will be hosting a local artist along with other merchants down town and serving refreshments. Yea!

The store features the art of 3 generations. David's Mom, David, and I, and our children. Its a team effort but Offically the store is mine. I will have my tie dyes, and my fabulous polymer clay jewelry, we will have an assortment of incense, candles and soap, and Of course David's great paintings and furniture. WE are all so excited we can hardly wait. Such good fortune! Just plain ol' Good Karma I guess. We have Piper Gaffrey to thank for getting us motivated. Thanks Piper!

I know Dave and I belong Down Town, and I am excited about all the cool things that are happening there. coincidentally, the store I am renting is the SAME property that housed Mother Earths, my VERY first Job in Fort Walton beach c. 1984! Hows that for poetic justice?

BATIKS!

2009-08-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am batiking again! These are pillows for my friend Lisa in Venice Fl. I am hand delivering them this weekend. Lisa and I have been friends since the 10th grade. We are family, she is like a sister to me. The godmother of my kids, and she doesn't have a mean bone in her body.
If it werent for Lisa, I wouldnt have gone into nursing. She helped me to see when I was growing up that my problems were small in comarison to what a lot of other people were suffering. Sadly, Lisa has been suffering with cancer. She is fighting a tough battle, but I am certain she will win.

David is Painting!

2009-07-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Check out David's New Paintings! He has used every available canvas I have in the house! Today he is building wood frames that will have his distinctive distressed finish. These Paintings will debut at the Thrird Friday Art Walk in August! I am so excited for him! He is ferverently working on an entire collection and plans to show them at local festivals this fall.

Yea David! He is a man of many talents and I am so happy to be his wife.

My Watercolors

2009-06-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple watercolors I recently completed. The first one is called Windward Dream I am not 100% happy with it, but it is a good exercise in helping me find my style as a watercolorist. Albeit a novice watercolorist. The second is called Stepping Stones. And once again show my love for geometric form and bright color. I can't wait to paint more, Water color is like tie dyeing on paper. Funny how one art media can relate to another. I like experimenting and finding those connections in my art.

I find Watercolor supremely satisfying since the results are almost instantanious, not like Tie Dye which takes days to complete. With the water color you can draw it in a morning and by evening have a dry painting to admire.

Hot off the press

2009-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! I am having such fun with my crafts these days, some may wonder if i will ever return to the dye table.....soon I say Soon. So first off check out the two new sexy yarns I just spun up. The blue and green yarn is my Choctawhatchee Bay yarn inspired by the colors of our beautiful bay. The second is a yarn I call 'Mama Mia' I was watching the movie while I spun it up and it totally reminds me of the happy disco colors in the movie. esp the part during the credits. Pierce Brosnan in 70's disco spandex....I was laughing so hard...that one part alone makes the movie worth seeing. I imagined while watching the film that all the actors must have had a GREAT time filming this flick. And man I love Meryl Streep's singing voice. Happy Place! The First Picture above are of some cute bobby pins I have been having fun making. Inspired by my Girlfriend Holly's fun sense of style. She complaied to me that her favorite hair pin broke. That was about two years ago. I promised I would try to make her some. I have never attempted these before but the cute buttons at the store reminded me of Holly, Bright and Cheerful. So she will be getting a suprise in the mail soon. Unless she reads my blog first!

Diva-rrefic Wine Glasses

2008-11-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Check out these Diva-rrefic wine glasses I have been making! These are just for my own use, I needed a way to tie my collection of yard-sale and thrift shop wine glasses togeather. So I have painted up a dozen or so. Here is the latest batch. I used delta perm enamel paints. They are designed for use on Glass and ceramic, you paint them on just like acrylics the brushes rinse clean with water. once the paint dries you cure the glasses in the oven to make the paint adhere permanently. Then it's ok to wash the glasses. I put mine on the top rack in the dish washer. As you can see you don't have to have any real talent to paint these, I chose random wild brush strokes. I do recommend allowing the glass to dry between colors though. Paint the orange, let dry, the pink let cry ext. This keeps you from smearing the paint colors togeather. Wine goblets can be found at the local dollar store they have nice big ones at mine! These make great holiday gifts too. I might decide to teach these as a workshop. Fun stuff!

Upcoming Excitement

2008-09-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Do you see the Loveliness?
These two fabulous dresses were snapped up by my friend Diane in California.
She loves the browns. And the one on top I call my pond dress, I was thinking of pond colors when I dyed it. I have been busy getting ready for the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores Alabama the Second weekend in October. It's going to be HUGE. People come from all over to attend this event. Lots of arts and crafts people. See
www.nationalshrimpfestival.com
Hubbie Dave is getting into the act, Creating old school 70's style Tie Dyes. Its been a learning process for him but we have some nice David Dyes to show for it. He will be accompanying me to Gulf Shores and the kids are staying with Grandma. Yea Grandma!
I have been enjoying my work with Brookdale Senior Living, and on my days off It's all about the DYE.
I pretty much am doing some sort of dye activity every day now, either folding, soaking, mixing or dying or rinsing. I'll try to get some pictures of the David Dyes up soon.
Till then back to the porch.

Progress

2008-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well I am proud to say I have made some progress for the first time in a long time dye wise. The kids started back to school today and I was blessed with half a day off. Thanks to Hurricane Fay I had to go to work for an emergency hurricane preparedness meeting. Productive? yes but not the type of productive I hoped for.
This morning I did manage to get a bunch of tie dyes folded soaked and dehydrating for dyeing later.
And I got the tie dye porch somewhat cleaned off. We have been having to shower out there due to plumbing fiascos inside that have lead my husband to jackhammer up the floor of the only working bathroom in our home.
Good Times....
I did decide this week to go get my tonails done at Wal mart. You all know it don't deny it, the regal nail salon at wal mart. A working class girl's guilty pleasure. I even had the pretty little flower painted on my big toe.
Boy those girls know what they're doing.
I really do feel like a princess when I have a pedicure.
A perhaps underated side of me that many people don't know about............the girlie girl in me.
Well I cant wait to see what treasures the tie dye porch yields this fall after I get all motivated and organized out there.
Hopefully more new pictures for the web site soon.
Oh Yeah, Hubbie Dave will be accompanying me to Gulf Shores this year. Just the two of us all weekend long.
YUM!
TDK

I've gone to the Dark Side

2008-07-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

It's sad but true. I have gone over to the dark side. That terrible place where artists fear to tread....the working world.
alas, the price of food and gas has risen so high that I have had to take a (gasp) full time job! Yes I get the perks, like insureance and retirement savings, but the down side is the sheer amount of time between full time, overtime, and commuting. I wondered would I be able to return to work as a NURSE, and still make time for my art? I see my stack of unfolded white t-shirts staring at me..."when are you going to Dye us?" and my bag of beadwork and quilts that need finishing "when are you going to finish me?" I tell myself little white lies, I will find time I will strike a balance, Just as soon as I get used to doing more with less time and energy. Just as soon as my body gets used to less sleep and more time on my feet. I am hoping that it all falls into place soon.

Why Tie Dye makes good CENTS!

2008-05-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

I have been reading my Friend Angela's Blog...Penny Pinscher see the link to your left. It is packed full of great money saving ideas and just general humor about the times we are in. It got me thinking about What a value Tie Dye is. I do our local Earth Day Festival every year. One of the things i bring up to people is that tie dye done with modern fiber reactive dyes is a long lasting product. This makes sense from an economic standpoint as well. Start with a quality garment and then apply quality dyes, and you have a piece of clothing that your child will wear till he outgrows it, and can then pass down to younger brother or sister. As an adult wouldn't you rather get 100 wearings out of a t-shirt than 50? Secondly Tie Dye can be used to refurbish clothing that you may be tempted to throw out or donate. That favorite Blouse with a spaghetti stain? can be dyed orange or brown for a snappy new look. Don't throw out those faded khaki's Even colored items will dye nicely if turned into a darker color than they were origionally. The only stipulation is that items have to be a natural fiber to use fiber reactive dyes. If you have an item you'd like refurbished contact me I will be happy to dye for you. Or locate a tie dye artist in your area. Go to www.dharmatrading.com for do it yourself info and supplies.

BOLEGS BOUND

2008-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ok it's been awhile since I blogged here. I know. It has been a busy spring. Things hoppin' out at Gulf Place, we had the Sea Breeze Jazz Festival, Which was great. I tossed a tie dye to young jazz sensation Brian Culbertson. He has taken the Jazz world by storm and is bringing back the FUNK! With members of Grand Funk Railroad backing him up. I picked out a smokin' orange black and yellow T for this Smokin' hot young performer. Then Early May was Arts Quest at Sandestin. The Cultural Arts Association Got a couple of my tie dye sheets to decorate their booth at Arts Quest with. They are the organization that produces Arts Quest every year. I was flattered. The Artist's at Gulf Place also hosted the Champaign Tour for Arts Quest. All this has lead me with little time to Dye but I have managed to get a few things done. Coming right UP is the Billy BoLegs Festival in Downtown FWB. I will be set up at the landing on Friday June 6th through Sat June 7th. Gail Waller is Coordinating the Crafts vendors and Has personally Placed an 'order' for a Rayon SunDress. So I will Oblige. Placing an Order Tommorow Am with Dharma for more goodies to DYE. And Lastly, I am feeling the Calling to Return to my Nursing Career. Yes, My absence these last few years has been nagging at me, and I refuse to let go of my hard won Nursing. I am confident, more so now than ever before in my life, that I will be able to Balance it all out. My ART will not suffer but be better for my return to nursing. Wish me luck as I Negotiate my RE-entry! Love TIEDYEKRIS

Invasion!

2008-04-10T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I am afraid my tie dye porch has been invaded! First by the mama sparrow who now has 3 live chicks, and then the carpenter bees. They are boring holes in the trusses. They support a plastic roof, I know I should 'invite' them to leave, but, I have a hard time being cruel to living things. Even the pesty ones. I went outside this morning to get some new stock soaking in the soada ash, and noticed the chikies have left the nest? It seems so soon for them to be flying they are only a few weeks old, I hope mama bird diddn't freak out on the giant tie dye person who occasiounally invades her nice little sheltered spot. I try to be mellow and not make sudden movements but Ihave to tell you , between the birds and the bees, (no pun intended) It has really discouraged me from wanting to be in my studio. Any Advice for me???
I have always felt that the energy of the little nature spirits that surround my porch adds something special to my work..... HMMMM

Painting Not Dying

2008-03-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather was perfect, and by all accounts I should have been out on the TieDye Porch mixing up dyes, and dying up a storm. But it was, after all, the last day I would have peace and quiet for two weeks as the kids are getting out for spring break tommorow. So I spent the day formulating my plan for keeping them from driving me crazy and soaking up the last peaceful day alone for awhile. I did get some painting done, I love to paint, it's soothing to me and not as hard as doing tie dye. So I painted some funky hippy signs for upcoming jazz festival, and started on a kid's jacket for a friend. But mostly that was it. Oh Yeah and The fact that a sparrow is nesting on my tie dye porch has made me want to avoid that area as much as possible, so as not to disturb her. She is always in her nest, which makes me think she has laid eggs. See Photo above. I haven't named her yet though, like two years ago when I had a big yellow garden spider named 'GUS' who kept me company out there for several months. He helped to keep the nasty mosquito population at bay.

Dianes Spring Collection!

2008-03-20T12:14:00.001-07:00

So Finally I have had a chance to finish Diane's Dresses and Take Pictures for all of you who have been patiently waiting!
Diane is my Dear Friend who also started out as a customer, in California. She probably has like 20 wilddyes dresses. Now she has 8 more! The thing I love about Diane is that she's so open to my creativity and design ideas. I try to dye things for her that will go with her beautiful long auburn hair. She is a real sweet lady, and I love that my dresses make her so happy. If you see one here and you would like for me do do a similar dress for you let me know. These dresses retail for 50.00
I love the dress below, I call it the Mojave Sunset Dress, oranges, browns, aquas and greens, like a desert sunset!

Dang I wanted a better Bed!

2008-03-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

So I have been needing a new mattress on my bed for quite some time now...and browsing the freecycle ads on yahoo I found a king size mattress with just a little wear in Crestview up for grabs. So after I drop the kids off at school i rush up to Crestview to avoid the line of storms rolling in to pick up this mattress that would surely make my life worth living again right? EHHH well not so much. All seemed ok when we loaded it on my truck but it diddnt' seem to be a whole lot better than the one i already own and was deffinately OLD. So I bungee it in thinkin ok we'll compare later, and get going back down hwy 85 to south okaloosa county, and that's when the trouble starts. The wind is vicious with the front rolling in, i found out later 37mph gusts and here i am with this mattress in the bed, and I am in a skirt to boot. Bam off it flies, at least it diddn't land in the middle of the highway, I back up pick up the bungie that just couldn't take it anymore and try to re-load the mattress-a king size pillowtop which now has skid marks and a bent wire frame- back into the truck by MYSELF. I was wondering about the time I gave up on that idea how many of the hundreds of passing cars got a good laugh at my expense. The thought of how pathetic I must have looked 250lb woman in a skirt wresteling a mattress on the side of the road! Just as I was about the call the Highway patrol for help, a sweet lady and her daughter pulled up behind me and helped me load it back in and insisted on staying behind me all the way to Fort Walton at 40mph. God Bless Her! Thankyou For saving The Day Angels! I limped back home with the thing and pulled in the driveway right when the rain unleashed. At that point i just sort of fell into an exhausted heap on the bed and drowned my sorrow in chips and homemade salsa. I am gonna have a hard time explaining this one to DAVE...

Limelight

2008-03-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

How fitting that on the weekend of Saint Patties Day I should be in the limelight again!
Truely it is with all humility and gratitude that I share this article in the Walton Sun with you, heralding the welcoming of Brownie, John and Myself into the fold of artists that make up the afore mentioned Artists at Gulf Place. http://www.waltonsun.com/entertainment/artists_996___article.html/gulf_join.html
Also, today marked my return to the Way Of Life Unity Center in Fort Walton Beach after a prolonged absence. I returned home like the prodigal daughter that I am.....Rv George Schmidt pointed a finger at me with that wry smile of his as I walked in the sanctuary and said tounge in cheek "I Know you don't I???" I replied " yeah you look kind of familair too"
It was nice to be back in the front row for some quiet reflection and reminder of who I really am.
And seeing all my great brothers and sisters there always rocks my world!
Love You Guys!

Painting The Van

2008-03-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Artist's at gulf Place got togeather to paint Brownie's Work van. We put a proper art car style paint job on it....it was a great creative project! Everyone Brought their paints and brushes, and went to town. I had my Kids with me, so I was keeping one eye on the paint brush and one eye on them. High-Energy my two little ones are, and they are a handful even at 6 and 8.

But we survived the day with only one potty accident and a splinter in the foot. When I got home I decided to Jam a little see pics. Tommorow I will try to update with pictures of Diane's Dresses.

2008-03-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Happiness Is....Freshly Mixed Up Dye!!!!

A shelf Full of Dyed Items all wrapped up and Chillin'

So Much Tie Dye So Little Time.....

2008-03-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day to Dye. The weather has been rainy but not hard rain, and the temps are mild. A good day to be rinsing out tie dyes. I dyed about 40 items yesterday and so today i am rinsing out. Some cute little junior dresses with spaghetti straps to put in my kiosk at Gulf Place, and a series of Dresses for my Friend Diane in California. She probably owns more wilddyes than anyone on the planet! Including me....
I will post pictures when they are done and the weather clears up.....In the mean time have a look at my work in progress: