The "Lady Lamp" already got a revamp!

I only thought I was done with my lady lamp my last blog about her... The longer I looked at her in my studio, the more the "black and whiteness" bothered me... Problem fixed, and now the lamp is so textural you may not be able to contain your self. So hold on to your seats and computers ladies and gents- I proudly present the Lilly Lady Lamp;)

 The final product screams Lillian.
Sloany Pony loves it too. Today, he was looking at it and saying
"I just love it. Gosh I just love that lamp. It looks so us now." He is precious...

 Ta- da!!!!!!!!!!!

 Another angle.

 Up Close

Texture x 20!

Hope you love the final product as much as I do !!!


I also mailed off a little gift today to a wonderful lady that took beautiful pictures of my wedding ;);)... Better late than never... but I have finally mailed it! Here is the box that she will be getting in a few days :)  I can't show what's inside!!!

I've done a few things in the house... I'll blog about it sometime. Gonna go make some dinner, and work out while watching What Not To Wear. I highly advise everyone turns it on!!!

Lilly Grace

A run that was worthy of a blog.

On my run today, I decided to do something different.  I decided I would have no headphones, no music. Just me, myself, and the nature at the park.  I normally listen to some jams to block out people talking, cars, give me a beat to run to etc.

 As I started this run, the park was peaceful. Hardly anyone was there. I could tell there was a set up for some camp or something, but compared to the usual it was empty.  It was hot- humid, but there was a breeze from the trees. I liked it. As I ran on the side of the park closest to my house I had the breeze, smelt lightening bugs, cedar tree, and a storm/ocean. It was so nice! It really was lovely!!! As I went around there were three... men... sitting at a table. No big deal. With my headphones out I can hear them making noises though. So that put me on the edge and this peaceful run changed. The further I got from the side nearest my home, the more the nature sounds and smells went away.  It got less shaded (hot), smelled of hot dogs, gasoline, and car engines. The sounds of horns and reeving cars were dominate. I was ready for the other side again.  It was more pleasant on the other side.

It was so funny the different dynamics I was feeling. All because I wanted no headphones this run. There was a man in a white shirt and haha (I am laughing at myself right now) who disappeared all of the sudden. Being on the edge from the other men, I was freaked out. We were near bushes so I was cautious since he was literally gone in seconds. Then there were white flowers in one of the bushes, and I jumped because I thought it was him in his white shirt. Just flowers. He had crossed the street.  As I kept running another lap around, I pretended that Hedi Klum or Jennifer Aniston were beside me (they wouldn't get tired and stop running duh haha.) I began to feel the breeze and smell the pleasant smells. 

As I turned the corner I heard the men mumbling AGAIN. Smelt the hot dogs heard the cars. It was amazing how quickly my feelings changed from side to side.  I would have normally done a cool down lap. In my silly head I was thinking, "Those men are waiting and thinking third times a charm." Sloany laughed really hard when I told him this.  So instead of a cool down lap,  I was satisfied with my small 3 miles today, and I walked home another way.

As I waited to cross the street I heard a teen boy (acting like a one year old) making noises leaning out of his car.  There were a few chances I could have darted across the street to make it, but I was being safe and just waiting where I could do it at ease.  The more I listened, this little punk was making chicken noises at me?! What the heck? Because I was being safe and not running. Oh well. You stay classy Savannah;)

After walking and cooling down, I am back safe and alive.  I have vacuumed the house down like an insane OCD person, and can't wait for friends to come over for project runway!!! I just had to write about this interesting run! I didn't want to forget the two sides of the park. All because I decided no headphones!

This one's for the birds.

This birdy girl laid in her bed last night and tossed and turned from 1:30 til 2:00 am. 

(Not that this is unusual :/ !!!)

I should have just gone and gotten my computer and started writing this. Since I couldn't sleep that's what I was doing in my head.  I am sure there there are many left brained people out there who don't understand how one could lay in their bed, not fall asleep, and start writing a blog in their head.  I honestly felt like Carrie Bradshaw, from Sex and the City, hearing my own voice in my head and writing. I didn't go get my computer. I hopelessly laid there, writing(in my head), hoping I would eventually fall to a slumber. After a bit, I did. I know it wasn't a great sleep because I woke up remembering all my horrible dreams, but it was sleep, and I was awakened by a cute man and a cup of coffee;) Which always means it's a pretty great day!

For the birds.

-"If you're a bird, I am a bird."

Those famous lines from The Notebook. They are so true to me. I am sure Sloan thinks that all the time.

-Or there are the Owl City Lyrics: 

"You're the bird and I'm the worm and it's plan to see that we were meant to be."

-There is also this t-shirt I got in the eighth grade that states,

"Love doesn't grow on trees a little birdy told me so."

- Then there is the funny one, 

"You eat like a bird." 

-Lastly, there is, 

"Two birds of a feather flock together," 

or as Train sings it, 

"If it's love and we're two birds of a feather, then the rest is just whenever. And if I'm addicted to loving you, and you're addicted to my love too. We can be them two birds of a feather that flock together."

  So these are just a few of my birdy quotes stashed in my brain;)

Do you have any good ones?

Why do I love birds so? I don't want to overkill and become, "The bird lady," but some of my friends call me a bird, birdy girl, bird lady. So, I guess I am out of that category. What can I say? I get it honest. I get a double dose, my mom who LOVES them, and my dad who goes to the farm from time to time to bird watch.

I love their nests, their colors, their textures, their feathers, their singing, how motherly they are.  I seriously could go on and on... I know I like birds, but I try not to over do it in my house.  I think my decorations are at their max now, and I know I could not handle a pet bird. I like them in nature. They're just inspirational to me. Boy oh boy, birds are so "in" right now. But I didn't start liking them when this fad cam about.

Let me be first to tell you that I loved them before they became cool.  Here is a great point made by the lovely Kate:) 

This is me as a child. I am a bird.  I had a feather pillow. One of the corners had a tiny hole, and at night as I fell asleep I would pull the feathers out and drop them behind my bed. Mom would complain because there was such a mess of feathers behind my bed, but it soothed me, and I didn't stop;)  

The hole in my pillow got bigger and bigger. Finally, one day before or after church in my slip and panty hose, I got the feather duster, hid behind my bed (where I wouldn't get in trouble,) and poured the entire pillow on myself. Haha. My poor parents were calling my name, and I didn't answer because I thought I would get in trouble. They found me, laughed their heads off, and took this classic picture of, "Diva feather-queen Lilly." What a loon! Case in point, I have always been a bird. 

I no longer have a feather pillow but to this day, I still pick a feathers in couches.  There are a few feathers on our floor now! 

It's the right brain in me, having to touch, feel, and see. Thanks to my sweet Mommy and Daddy for putting up with this crazy curly headed SO right brain kid! And thanks sweet Sloan for marrying it!  I love you all so much. 

Just think if I wasn't tactile as a kid, I wouldn't be making things with my hands today!
I wouldn't be me!
I don't even like thinking about a non tactile Lilly;)

I guess once a bird always a bird! 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Lilly Grace

I see London. I see France. I see Lilly's lady LAMP!

This blog is dedicated to the process of my new lady LAMP!!! 

I spy happy textures :)

To show you what she looked like before! (Yes she is a she! I think you'll understand why when you see the end result!)

 It was a lamp that Sloan had and was not using or going to use. So instead of selling it, I made something of it! (I had planned on buying one of those paper ball lamps anyways to make this. Instead, I just used what we had!) I did end up buying a ball- that's because my mom wants me to make one for her! I can post pictures of that when I finish! I might take a break for a few days from the glue guns.

 Some process/ progress shots.

 Warning: If you are like my friend Eny, I am sorry ahead of time if my injury pictures gross you out;)

Above: At first, I was using a small glue gun I had that was just horrible. You had to squeeze it til'- well until you got two blisters ripped to the flesh.  After this I decided to take a break and get bigger glue sticks for my bigger glue gun. 

Below: Little did I know that my big glue gun got SO SO SO hot and literally, steamy. It slipped out of my hand and took some flesh off. Live and learn. Hurt so good in my lamps case.

Though this bad baby gave my 3 injuries on the fingers I am well pleased with it's final outcome! 

Above and below: My pretty little lamp with it's light off. It is beautiful with lights on AND off!

Up close and on!

 Illuminated!

 Look at her glow. Isn't it so obvious why she is a she?!?

 So feminine, frilly, and a perfect texture to add to the studio! Who would have thunk it? COFFEE FILTERS! Yes,  452  of them. It was just another way to glorify my addiction of coffee in the Dokken home;)  As always, I'm willing to make for commission! (Just contact me at lillygraceray@gmail.com)

 xo

Lilly Grace

Crafts and new decor.

I fully intended on working out as soon as I got home from class today, but my stomach is KILLING ME. So I am sitting down to see if this "pinging pain" goes away where I can work out- if not, this will be my day of rest.

So before I went home for two weeks I had started some crafts and making a lot of jewelry- to sale (So keep your eyes open. I am trying to get a good camera to post pictures of the jewelry!!!) I am finally getting around to putting up my new crafts as well as some new decor that has been given to us or found at thrift stores etc.

The girl with white hands! Haha! For years now, I have wanted white fruit- hold on- I just heard an Ice cream truck. Those things scare me after watching chitty chitty bang bang as a child (Lynds made us watch it in the car every vacation.) Ugh, scary. Okay sorry, back on track. I have always wanted white fruit. My mom has some, my aunt has some, I see them in magazines, and I am just so infatuated with them. Granted, the ones I have made are not as nice as my mom's clay ones, or my aunt Bettie's, but they definitively get the look that I want accomplished:) They were cheaper, and they are handmade! Below are two images of the finished pieces!

 So there you have it! White fruit I have wanted for years! Check! Off my list;)

When my mom and the Roche's were in town at the beginning of the Summer we tore some thrift shops up! I am just now posting a picture of a couple of my pleased purchases!

The barnacles and the cute little box I put them in! I bought more things, but I have not hung them yet (next on my mile long list) or not photographed them yet. My box and barnacles just made me happy:)

I will never forget people saying to me at my wedding showers (after feeling so blessed to get such great things,) "And you will still receive gifts a year later." It's true! I won't complain- I love it! These two precious plates a gift we got from Kate Page. The sweetest lady;), my mom's dear friend, and the woman who did the calligraphy for my BEAUTIFUL invitations. I just think a lot of her and love sweet Kate! As if she did not do enough already! I had to replace my birds plates for a while with these tender "just married" plates! I love the vintage feel they have! Thank you Kate!

 So I am a crazy person that see potential in random things in life. I guess that is why I am at art school! I was working on a painting that had a font on it (picture to show in a few.) After many trail and error with the lettering, I was getting so tired of it and not liking it at all.  I finally found just what I needed, and ripped off the letters I had made at first.  While peeling the letters off, the trash it was making was just so pretty to me.  As it laid there, and I kept picking it off I was trying to come up with something I could do with it. I decided to make a mini sculpture with it. I am insane.  Above and below are the images of my mini "installation" of peeled, painted letters, and coffee filters. Sometimes the crazy thoughts my head has scares me. Turned out right cute, if I do say so myself;) Also another new gift in the photo above from Kelsi! A bird jar- it is so sweet and fits perfectly with our decor!

BIRDS, BIRDS, AND MORE BIRDS.

I may turn into one if I am not careful. I did two "crafts" that involved the little guys I love.  It feels great to be knocking off some of my brain overload.  I have had both of these ideas in my head for quite some time now.

 This is my bird mobile. One of my mom's trips down here, she found this piece of wood with holes in it. I knew from the get go it would one day be a bird mobile.

 It is hanging in my studio above my jewelry area. It casts beautiful shadows. It is just a log with natural holes, organic yarn, and fabric birds shapes.

 This is my little paper mache bird.

We went on vacation to a place called Reynolds Plantation   years ago, and since that trip I have yearned to make one of these! (Check) Yay I have! I would love to make and sell one to anyone who may be interested! (Just contact me at lillygraceray@gmail.com)

Here is the painting with font that I spoke of earlier!

 So I saw something similar to this on pinterest and wanted it. Sloan said buy it! Because he loved the saying (It said: "This home runs on love, laughter, and cups of strong coffee.") I said buy it?! Let me try and make it! So I did and tweaked the words for us to make it more personal! "This home runs on the Lord, love, laughter, and cups of coffee" I am so thrilled to be done and love it hanging in our kitchen!

(Again, I would be willing to make one and sell for anyone who was interested!)

Lastly, a sneak peak/ phone picture of some of the pieces of jewelry I have been making!

 

And this is not even ALL of it! Oh brother I need a good camera (Santa?!)

What do you know! I just needed to sit for a hot second. My stomach feels better! Time to work out until my man gets off work! Have I mentioned that I LOVE being married!? 

xoxo

Lilly Grace

One week turned into 2 GLORIOUS weeks.

Well, well, well... Sloan I and I got to go home for what we thought would be a week. Instead, my family, friends, and Sloan talked me into skipping my class to make it two weeks.  (Sloan just finished summer school and had no classes for 2 weeks) Also, Granny Jo, (Sloany's granny) was sick so I am glad we stayed we got to see her a few times! So, we stayed, and it was beautiful! (Images above: Sloan and I got ice pops and ate them on the road like little kiddos! I must admit they are refreshing in such HOT Savannah weather!)

I just love my family! I hope one day my kids will enjoy being around me as much as I do my parents and siblings (I do MISS Landon)! We may have stayed, but I was heavily involved in writing a five page draft of my research paper, but I can't complain because I had 2 cute pups beside me as I typed. I also had the help of my brilliant cousin Elliott. My teacher was confusing with his comments, and he helped me understand what he thought he meant.  He also read over it when I finished- what a sweetie;) We watched home videos at the Roche's. Elliott had the CUTEST voice ever! Hayden was so funny- and still is one of the funniest guys I know. Allie was a little princess, and I discovered on this trip home that she won't stay little anymore. Reality check- she is almost a teenager! Don't read this and think teenager like most people think of that word. She is not your typical one- she is still VERY sweet and loving :) Allie and I had a fun arts and crafts day and mocked a painting she loved and saw at an antique store in Savannah! Love you all!

When home, I love my morning coffee with mom- and dad if he is not running around like a busy bee before he leaves for work! I went to pilates with mom one day and got to see the beautiful Aimme! It was nice to catch up, see the babies and new house, and get a good work out in! Loved it!

 Mom got her BELATED mothers day gifts- (Necklace and earrings by yours truly.) I had made her a leafy necklace and didn't like it. I think it was worth the wait - sorry again mom ;) I am thinking of making more pea pods. Would anyone be interested in purchasing- Let me know what you think!!!

 Mom was craving spaghetti squash for dinner one night.  We were going to go buy some and a miracle happened.  Daddy called us and said "Hey Karen had extra spaghetti squash from her garden, I'm bringing some home!" Thank Karen- You must read minds! It was FANTASTIC!

I got to have coffee with my sister at her favorite coffee shop- Fido's, in Nashville.  We both agreed that me being home can be unfair becuase it makes us miss each other more than when I am gone.  Becasue when I am gone we can't do cute little things like get coffee so when we do it makes us miss each other more. haha. Does that make sense? I love you Lynds! 

I got my hair "did" by the great Nikki :) Then that night I got to go to Nikki's baby shower for baby Wyatt!!! I know she can't wait for him to be here! I painted a picture for Nikki to have in Wyatt's room.  He has a camouflage themed room and I knew she was having trouble with accessories so I wanted to help her out a little and give her a painting. Two birds for her and Dustin. Two eggs for Emma and the soon to be newest family member Wyatt:)

While home I ate a ton of sugar snap peas. HA. Turns out I am now known to a grocery bagging guy at Lebanon Publix as, "the girl who eats snap peas as a snack." Literally he said that.  He was amused that one day when I went and got them I asked if I could have the bag (I was hungry) and started eating them in the store and gave some to Emily and my cousin Allie. So the next time I went in, he said the the cashier that I eat them as a snack and gave them to my friends. Weird, but also funny. The puppies Ellie May and Rascal were IN LOVE with them as well.  I would get them out and they would run in and sit at my feet and just stare until I gave them one. Munch, munch, munch- they stinking loved them. haha.

Ellie and Rascal also were very excited when Emily was here eating dinner one night. They would not leave her alone. She blocked herself with a chair but they set very patiently hoping to get something- anything.

Look at them. They even traded places to see if that would work! Pitiful things! You would think we never fed them!  

Ellie May was a crack up. She is becoming more "snuggly" as she ages, but still on her terms (unlike Rascal who sits in your lap every chance he gets!!!) One night she was sitting by my stuffed bunny bun bun and would not move when we said her name. I swear, she was triyng to act like a stuffed animal! SO funny!

Rascal was acting odd at the beginning, but that is because he was on new medicine. Sounds crazy but trust me, if you have met him you would understand.  We call him nervous pervous.  I asked mommy to take him off of them while I was there because they made him sluggish. He is such a sweet puppy but is getting so old:( Rascal and I danced together a lot this week. Everyone said it was freaking him out, but he liked loved it. I am trying to keep him youthful. Emily snapped a silly video of it...

One thing I love about going home is when I people I haven't seen in a while.  In Lebanon, this happens every single time. They ask where are you, what are you studying. I reply, SCAD, Savannah-metals and jewelry. When I say this I either get a lot of conversation and people who think it's so neat or the total opposite- these baffled looks on their faces that are = priceless.  I guess it is soo hard for people to understand that there is a degree for that.  I reply, yes! Metals and jewelry. I love it! I have never enjoyed school so much! They still often have priceless faces.  It's so funny... I want to say- Yes, the earrings and necklace you have on, someone made that or designed it.  It doesn't just magically get here.  Someone had to learn how to do it. I don't, I just smile because I LOVE what I do!!! :) 

Anyways, I would have taken all 5 dogs back with me if I could have! I am sure I left so much out, but look how long this blog has gotten!!! Two weeks of pure happiness crammed into one blog is a joke! This is just a blimp of my great memories and a grand trip home. Sloan and I are so blessed with great family and friends!

I/ WE LOVE YOU ALL! 

Lilly Grace