Tuesday, September 07, 2010

the mascara effect


My mother believes that a little mascara can cure anything.

Stomach flu? "Put on a little mascara honey, you'll feel a lot better."

Broken heart? "Oh go fix up a little with some mascara and things will seem better."

Nine months pregnant with three chins and cankles? "If you put on a little mascara and run a brush through your hair you'd feel more like going out."

My mother truly thinks that mascara is the cure-all. And I have come to love that about her. It's one of the little idiosyncrasies that makes her my mom.

I'm telling you this to make a point. And the point is this: a little cuteness never hurt anybody.

Spark is happening. This weekend.  I've been working like a mad dog. My eyes are boggled and my fingers are sore.  I think I'm ready.

It's been a long haul, but I'm lucky in that I get to work in my studio which is filled with everything I love.  Cuteness abounds.

Not too long ago I bought a little needle holder from My Friend Amy to keep track of all the wicked sharp needles that have made my fingers so very sore.  I named her Lucy. She has red hair and green eyes and she likes peter pan collars. She's a mini me and she makes my sore fingers feel just a little bit better looking at her.

The Amy behind My Friend Amy is a girl who left a corporate job to spend more time with her family. My kind of gal. She makes all sorts of fun little do-dads but needle keepers and tinker spool dolls are her specialty. The fun thing about these little dolls is that you can use them for so many things. They can hold needles, pencil lead, pills, beads, toothpicks or just about any tiny thing you need to keep track of in your purse.


Amy is giving away one of her needle keeper dolls right here on Suaviloquy. See the photo above? That's the cutie up for grabs. If you would like to enter to win you must leave a comment. I want to hear what you do to make life just a little easier to take when the chips are down.

And please click on over to Amy's shop. It's a charming little place to visit, and you might just find your mini me.

P.S. Did you notice that Lucy is yet again, another wooden doll? I just. can't. help. myself.

P.P.S. I'm going off the grid for the rest of the week. I'll miss you all like mad, but this girl's taking her show on the road. I will return and report next Monday with all the Spark details and the lucky, lucky winner of the needle keeper.

36 comments:

Elizabeth said...

My mother believes that lipstick cures just about everything, and as I get older I'm inclined to agree as well!

I'd love a chance to win one of those adorable little needle dolls -- count me in!

Rebecka said...

I'm filled with Spark envy! Maybe next year...

Wash your face and brush your hair and you'll feel much more able to face the day. (Umm... maybe I shouldn't fess up to the fact that sometimes I have to remind myself to brush my hair.)
After that I put on my cute bunny socks and all is more right with the world.

Shane, Meg, CJ, RJ, and AL said...

I have to echo Rebecka...I am so filled with Spark envy! Even had plans to attend until we found out about little one coming in Nov.

To feel better? Sadly, I usually use food. Sugar/chocolate to be specific! ;) But lately, I have been using old Gilmore Girls episodes to help, too.

Katrina Southern California said...

Have a wonderful time at Spark! We will miss you :(

My MOm was just like Rebeka's Mom go in and wash your face and brush your hair and all will be much better.

Don't work your fingers to the bone too much...those beautiful babes need your tender touch.

Until next week....

Traci said...

candles, lemon water in a fancy glass, Seriously Sinatra on my Sirius satellite radio and creating makes everything right with the world when the chips are down.....

can't wait to meet you at Spark.....only a few more hours to go!

Stef said...

Oh, those dolls are the cutest little treasure keepers I've ever seen. I think I need one really bad.

For a quick pick me up, I always go for caffeine - and on a bad day, I opt for whole milk and whipped cream, guilt-free.

A little online shopping helps, too, and looking through my fabric. :)

Totally bummed that I can't make Spark this year, last year was so awesome. I'm really looking forward to seeing some pictures from you!!!

Mermaid said...

I eat lots chocolate and drink a Caffè Latte.

jane mckinlay cluff said...

I think like your mom. It's amazing what that little tube of mascara can do for ones mood.
I would just love the needle holder my needles are in some plastic thing I picked up at a quilting fair.... no where near the cutie doll.

Jessica Munk said...

I love the doll! And I always loose stuff in my purse! When I am feeling bad I need an escape, and it all depends on whats going on in my life, for which I choose. But I think mostly, talking to people I love brings me up :)

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

hahhaha! That really is cute about the mascara, but the funny thing is, is that I really do look and feel better when I put it on! MY husband always says (in a funny voice with a weird accent) "It is better to look good than to feel good". Those Dolls are beautiful! Thanks for sharing. When I am down, I journal. It's good therapy!

Anonymous said...

Chocolate. Every things is better with a little chocolate (especially since I keep it from the kids). My favorite right now is Chocolove from Whole Foods. Yum.

Karemom said...

Bubble bath cures everything!
If you have the time, night is best, the longer the better. Also, on my list is talk to a friend; good listeners help you feel better.
Robin and I are going to Spark!! Can't wait!!

xo
Karen

Krista O' said...

Looking forward to seeing you at spark. I hope you are bringing the canvas that you started last year with the sea life to sell!
Oh, and my dad's favorite line is if dont feel good you better look good. Oddly enough I do try to put in some extra effort when I'm not feeling well, so ha!

janis m said...

my cure all is good old fashioned chocolate- the better the chocolate for the bigger ailment, I say. so cool of you to do a fun give away!

Wish I was going to spark! Have a blast and we can't wait to see what you shared. :-)

Jessa said...

My Mom feels about Bag Balm the way the father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" feels about windex, and your Mom feels about mascara.

She thinks it cures all.

It's ointment for cows udders. It may cure all except perhaps ridicule from your middleschool classmates.

But that sweet needle holder would draw no ridicule. I'd love to have it!

Lesley said...

Turning up the radio always does the trick for me.

That little needler keeper is adorable!

Good luck and have a ton of fun at Spark :-)

Molly said...

I wish Spark would come to the east coast!!! I am green with envy!!! When the world makes my chips fall down and everything is crashing around me, I get in my old pickup truck head into town to my favorite bead shop and go and sit for a few hours at the treasure bead box. You can fill a small bag full of beads for $4 and the best part of it is getting to comb through a box full of unique glass beads. I go there every Friday and always feel better after I have found my treasures!
~Molly P

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a magically wonderful time at Spark! My sure fire cure for when things get rough--a Diet Cherry Limeade from Sonic--a big one! Works every time! : ) And that sweet, sweet needle keeper...well that's certainly the cutest thing I've seen today!

Anonymous said...

What I do for to make staying in bed for 16 weeks happy: read Dora & Cinderella books 5 times in a row, shop online, watch food network and dream of all the gourmet meals I'll make in November with a newborn tied to my hip and pray!!!!!!!

Bonnie said...

I wished mascara solved everything..wouldn't that be lovely :)For me... a cup of coffee, a good book and sitting in my favorite chair in my room by the french doors, with the sun streaming in and looking out at my garden. It's therapeutic.

Casey said...

Your art is simply amazing April! I feel like I am "at home" when I read your blog. I am so excited for a chance to win the adorable doll!

I live overseas in a sensitive country where my husband, daughter, and I live and minister. Life is hard at times, and I am always needing a "pick me up" so to speak :) When that happens, I turn on an uplifting song that focuses my heart on Father, then dance with my toddler until we are dizzy!

Modern Cottage Living said...

Starbucks Mint Mocha or Pumpkin Spice is a terrific go to for a pick me up and my favorite CD blarin' on the way there helps too!


"my friend amy" is such a cute shop!

WillowBean said...

Let's see... my mom's cure for everything is a little lipgloss... EVERYTHING. And I don't wear lipgloss. So, naturally every time I see my mom- after the hugs and 'hellos' - I hear "LIPgloss. LIPgloss. You'd feel so much better with lipgloss, honey." Yeah- so I still don't wear lipgloss.
I prefer a nice cold Coca-Cola (in a can- or even a glass bottle if I can find it) left in the freezer for about, oh, 10 minutes or so to cure my 'life-sucks-at-the-moment' moments. It helps.

... and I really want a needle holder. Sometimes, there are so many pins and needles on the floor of my studio I'm afraid to walk in.

... oh yeah, and have a blasty-blast at Spark. I'm so bummed I'm not going to be there with Katie this year. Next year. Next year for sure :)

Unknown said...

Hm...on a bummer of a day, I drive the extra 10 miles for the Starbucks drive thru instead of walk in. On a REALLY crappy day I take a nap when small child does. Sometimes with him snuggled close to remind me of how truly remarkable he is.

MerryWA said...

On a bad day, I find my favourite blogs & someone always manages to put a smile on my face!

The mum cure-all is a childhood memory of my Primary school nurse who would give you a "fizzy drink" despite the ailment - which even include appenicitis!

Thanks for the chance to win this awesome prize, otherwise I might just have to cheer myself up & buy one.

Unknown said...

thanks for this chance... I adore those little keeper dolls.

mascara .... I never thought of that. so true!

Kim Hartmann said...

singing really loud to upbeat music helps me when i am feeling down. and reading some of the Psalms too.

Maren said...

My mom taught me "get to work, it will keep your mind off it"!

I teach,"grab your purse and your BFF - get some dessert for lunch and shop for some crafting 'needs'"!

Still a 40 something rebel at heart!

Anne Thompson said...

When my bestie and I were teenages we used to tell each other go to take a nice, long, hot bath to make everything better...she lives in another province now and we are grown with our own families now, but she called me the other day while i was sick and reminded me to take a nice, long, hot bath : )

mamakraus said...

Loved your collage class, had a SPARK of time in your class!
Sandra Kraus

Denise Bryant said...

Spark sounds heavenly! Maybe someday....
Love the needle keepers! Very Sweet! Thanks for a chance to win one.
I enjoy looking at new stamping and creating treasures on a day when I'm feeling low. It's energizing just wandering through my favorite craft supply store and looking at all the new goodies.
DeniseB

Terri Fisher said...

So very cute...and practical, too! Can't wait to read how Spark went!

Marianna said...

my mother thinks lipstick is the cureall, I on the other hand think coffee might be...and maybe some chocolate and shoe shopping :)

Can't wait to hear all about Spark!! So exciting!

Marlene said...

Making love! With our without my husband. Totally inappropriate but it toottaally works for me every time. Cotton candy is good too but I never have any handy.

Jen Fox said...

most of the time, I just stop whatever it is I'm doing that is stressing me out, grab the boy (he's 3), grab a huge cardboard box from the stockroom, then we go outside and play "racecar"

I guess it doesn't make feel pretty, necessariliy, but it ALWAYS makes me feel better.

Unknown said...

Comments are closed and the winner is announced in the next post.