LadyZephyr

****RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS****** My family and I are currently going through some very difficult financial and emotional stresses. I am unable to send out any of my swap commitments at this time. I have finished all but two re-sends. I have also received back an undeliverable swap to France for the Zentangle ATC swap. I cannot afford to ship anything out at this time. I will fulfill my commtments as soon as my family gets through the current situation. Until then, I shall not be around. Thank you.

I am a happily married woman who found the man of my dreams. We have two children, a son and a daughter, one just coming into his teens and the otheris counting down to flying from the nest. The last few years I have had the pleasure of bringing my children home in order to homeschool them. We just recently moved form North Carolina back to my home state of California, where we now reside in the an amazingly beautiful mountain community of 3500; most of whom are all artisans of one kind or another. My children are now returned to the public school system, leaving me lots of free time on my hands to embark on my creative endeavors, where ever my heart may wander. I am looking forward to belonging to this swap group, as I have never been a part of anything like this before (....unless you want to count Girl Scouts and SWAPS).

I do many different things. I sew,quilt, crochet, lapbooking(similar to scrabooking but with a learning twist), draw, write poetry, try not to smother my children as they grow older and more independent, and make all sorts of crafty things as I discover them. Currently, I am fascinated by ATCs, and amigurumi. And I am still carrying a torch for Altered books and creative journaling. I want to try them all! My biggest pet peeve is people who do not understand that the term crafting does not refer to kindergarteners and paste. Crafting is such an expansive word and does not even begin to delve into the amazing skills that "crafters" possess. I like to use natural things from time to time within my artwork. For example, a feather to illuminate the frivolity of the masqurade mask. Where do I get this precious little feather? Why from my chickens of course!!! I do not pluck them, I simply gather any feathers that I see when I go out to feed them and check for eggs. (they are young and just now coming up on the egg laying part of their lives). If this is going to be a problem for anyone, please let me know. I do understand aobut the need to make sure that animals are not harmed, and the idea of harming an animal for our own pleasure. However, I also believe in collecitng and gathering and using what we find. I am a big tree hugger, and beleive in the Spirit within the tree. However, I use paper. Doe shtis make me a hypocrite? I sure hope not. THe most extensive way to show my love to my fellow earth bound friends, is by using my creativity to show them that I appreciate them. I visit and hug a tree at least once a day and in return, they protect me and my home. Aho.

Things I like....soooo many things I could list. So I will name a few..Victorian, medival/renaissance themes, Camelot, Grimm's fairy tales. Sinister themes. I absolutely love Steampunk!!!! And I am a zombie freak...don't judge me!! Mythical and fantasy realms are also a biggie for me.
I love fairy tales! I love twisted versions of classics as well as the originals. I especially love how Gregory Macguire renditions of the old classics and add such a unique depth and the adulthood he gives to the tales. Favorite tales include Alice in Wonderland , of course. It can be interpreted in so many different directions, they seem endless! Then comes Hansel and Gretel, followed closely by Rose Red. I am a big fan of Pin-up art, and Vargas is amazing. And I love Olivia's work as well. She combines the erotic with the exotic, transforming women into creaturs of complex art. Actually, there are so many wonderful pin-up artists, that trying to name them all is ridiculous!

Really, there is not much I do not like or can have fun with. I am very open, and can usually see the funny side of it all. Obscenities to do not bother me, nor do sexual or religious themes. I studied comparative religions in college, and have continued to endeavor to learn more as I travel through life. I am Spiritual, but not affiliated with any religion..they all have a piece of the puzzle, imho. So, really, that is all I can say....if you have any doubt, ask me, but most likely you will find it's okay.