Viktoria Slutsky - Claying Mama

Happy New 2012 Year ! ! !

2012-01-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of my readers, new great beginnings, and fun crafts. Be A W E S O M E!!!

Great Miracle Was Here - it's Hanukkah!!!!

2011-12-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's the 7th day of Hanukkah, I had some time to make traditional donuts and we lighted a Menorah, great evening.

Nature in the Winter

2011-12-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

In Israel we have no snow, almost, but we have rains, lot of them some times. After those rains, nature that was sleeping through all summer is waking up. Just a couple of month ago, it was all yellow and dry, and now it's succulent, green, vivacious, it's alive! So we went to Jerusalem's forests to be witness of that miracle.

Trying to blow of the dandelion, I guess it was the wrong type of a dandelion, because it didn't worked.

Kids found this stick that was eaten bu worms I think, and they left some interesting paths, looks like artistic wood carving.

So beautiful and so gentle Narcissus.

Absolutely stunning Autumn crocus

Kids looking for more interesting sticks, they all left in the care on our way back home, it was a pile of little sticks. have to think what to do with them now.

Don't know why, but I love this pick.
I loved that walk in the woods, kids loved it too, it was great Saturday morning activity, after that it was a dinner and a homework...

Fashionable Scarf From Scratch

2011-09-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

My cousin birthday was so unexpected, and with no present in my hands I started to look around for some ideas for handmade gifts.
Some time ago I sow a great tutorial in YouTube, about scarf making from scratch, I had a few yards of cotton jersey in ocean blue and olive green shades, I love those colors. I had to try that, it wasn't very hard, in fact it wasn't hard at all!
So I cut my fabric to thin stripes added some knitting yarn in matching colors... and voila!!!
My cousin now have very cool scarf

Today was 1st day of school, but before that we made some crafts...

2011-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

There is no pictures of the "event", I c\got hem new t shirts in red and turquoise, new books and new notebooks and that is it.

But we made that "all over Pinterest" project of bottle coloring, it took us about 3 days (waiting for every level to be dry) Kids loved to color the bottles and decoupage them, it was very easy frugal and very green craft.

Color the bottles with white acrylic and let it dry

Decoupage bottles with some images of your choice, we went to the nature theme and picked some napkins from my craft collection.

Then fill the gaps with more acrylic paint and that's it! Now we have some green and frugal gifts for the holidays.

White Night event in our town

2011-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Celebration of summer, we had a great time, it was funny, colorful and loud, kids loved it, here some pics

Daniel

2011-07-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

He love science Hi is so big, when he had time to get so big? Very grown up my little boy. So smart, funny, kind, hansom, generous human been. I love you and you are 9 this month, and I get older

Hi's fave food ever! Could you imagine, kid loves sushi?

And he LOOOOVES sweets, if you can't see, it is a cupcake under all that candy :)

He loves science especially if it's about water, hove loves water experiments.

He and his dad are truly buddies, he love to spend time with dad

Hi's best friend of all times, youngest brother Lior, together for ever.

I love you my sweet little boy

To The North!!!

2011-06-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

We spend this weekend at Upper Galilea, one of the most beautiful places in Israel. For three days we were surrounded by flowers, birds, fresh smells, crispy air at the morning and cool wind during the day.

And the Giveaway winner of $25 gift certificate is....

2011-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Late Spring Giveaway is Karen F
Congrats Karen!!!

Our Grapevine !!!!

2011-05-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

We have grapevine! Two years ago me and my hubby bought little grapevine at nursery and now we have that fabulous, rich, gorgeous plant!I am so proud of us! I just love how the sunlight is coming through it fresh green leaves.

The Independence Day

2011-05-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

In May 10 we were celebrating the Independence Day of Israel. Some military bases were open, so we visited our harbor, kids saw military cutters in all size and shapes.

at the evening we had great fireworks

Giveaway closed - Thank you!

2011-05-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

Easy entry to win this great gift.
Enter today! If you are the winner you will receive that $25 gift certificate to spend on 2 of my shops (you can combine).

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment ♥ 1 Entry

2. Visit one of my 2 shops on the right side bar (or click → 1 or 2 ) and tell me what your favorite item is ♥♥ 2 Entries

3. Mention my Giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter and let me know ♥♥♥ Entries

4. Like me on Facebook ♥ 1 Entry

5. Follow me on Twitter ♥ 1 Entry

Just make sure you leave me your email address or Etsy shop link in your posts so I can find you if you are the winner!!!

Here are some samples of what you could find on my shops

The draw will take place on: May 31 @ 8pm Central

This is open to Worldwide!

Good Luck Everyone!!!

*I have submitted this giveaway on several blogs, such as www.giveawayscout.com and free!grechen

Free Sweepstakes and Contests

The Old City

2011-05-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

This was very romantic trip, to the old Tel Aviv and old Jaffa. Those narrow streets, full of surprises, colorful walls, unique architecture. Kids were fascinated by it's beauty and weirdness.

Our Passover Adventures

2011-04-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

Some how, despite all my work days, we managed to get out that Passover even more then usual, we were at old train station in Tel Aviv, visiting old Jaffa, and beautiful vintage Neve Tzedek.

Old wagon at old train station

Coca Cola recycled collection store, bright flowers from old bottles

Huge wall from Coca Cola empty cans

Pretty flowers from corks

Merlin Monro mosaic from screwing corks

Cute Coca Cola bags...

Brain games store, kids favorite place

Lunch at Vicki Cristina Tapas bar

Kids menu: Chips and Chicken breast. Not bad at all. Kids asked for ketchup and they didn't had one, so they brought some tomato chili sauce, that was a hit!

More photos in my next post...

That Perfect Spot

2011-04-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

I got my new Canon powershot SX20, I absolutely LOVE it! And I've found new photo editing free software, Picnic, it works with Picasa.

This is my sis, isn't she gorgeous? LOVE you sis!

It That Time Of Year Again!

2011-04-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love spring! I love April, cause my birthday is on April! I am 35 now, a big girl (what ever that means)

So we decided to not celebrate at home, but enjoy the great weather and blooming everything.

mom and uncle making some BBQ

My love is a great cook!

This is looks so delicious!

Please smile for mom

In the woods :)

What? no football?!?!?!

Love me - Love me not...

Hearts for Mommy

And it's so yellow!

My father in law, he toked the picture

So many Poppies!

Kodak moment!

I love that photo!

Huge Dog, not ours

Poppies...Poppies...Poppies...Poppies

Poppies...Poppies...Poppies...Poppies...Poppies...Poppies

Kids That NOT Eat The Marshmallow

2011-03-03T08:48:00.001-08:00

The cutest behavior test ever!

Oh, The Temptation from Steve V on Vimeo.

And the winner of the &25 gift certificate is...

2011-02-25T05:12:00.000-08:00

Amber is a comment #65. Congrats Amber!

Hang it On...

2011-02-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

My neighbor asked me if I could make her a key chain so she could find keys faster in her loaded bag, so I've made 4 different choices, they came out pretty nice.

Very romantic feminine heart

Dramatic deep red and gold marbled heart

Retro turquoise brown and gold - my favorite combo

Wonder Around - Random Picks

2011-02-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Took some pics around the house.

Vintage China, from my mother in low, was saved by me (she wanted to throw it away), isn't it pretty?

Ravioli with washrooms and very spicy fish, yummy...

Milk mustache

"What do you want from me?" look

February GiveAway $25 Gift Certificate to Spend in My Shops

2011-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

Easy entry to win this great gift.
Enter today! If you are the winner you will receive that $25 gift certificate to spend on 3 of my shops (you can combine).

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment ♥ 1 Entry

2. Visit one of my 3 shops on the right side bar (or click → 1 or 2 or 3) and tell me what your favorite item is ♥♥ 2 Entries

3. Mention my Giveaway on your blog, facebook or twitter and let me know ♥♥♥ Entries

4. Like me on Facebook ♥ 1 Entry

5. Follow me on Twitter ♥ 1 Entry

Just make sure you leave me your email address or Etsy shop link in your posts so I can find you if you are the winner!!!

Here are some samples of what you could find on my shops

The draw will take place on: February 17 @ 8pm Central
This is open to Worldwide!

Good Luck Everyone!!!

*I have submitted this giveaway on several blogs, such as www.giveawayscout.com and free!grechen

Birthday Party Activities

2011-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Lior turned 7 this month, so we invited some friends over for some BD activities, one of those was cupcake decoration. This was very successful idea, everybody had so much fun.

Each kid got 2 cupcakes which he had to decorate, one he ate and one took home. and I made some pics on the way.

You may use any recipe for cupcakes or even buy some, also you could weep some heavy cream with sugar or you could buy some too. You will need some candy with rich colors, better tiny ones, you could cut bigger ones like liquorice. Place each candy in it's container and let the kids do the dirty work:)

Lior, the BD boy, so grown up!

Daniel, hate taking pictures

It is All About Framing

2011-01-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

Got this new ring bases for polymer clay or crystals embellishments, it gives a unique framing for your work.

Krav Maga

2011-01-27T01:02:00.000-08:00

For two years now my boys are participating in Krav Maga class, it is great way to learn how to protect themselves and it is very developing physically and mentally. They are more confident now and healthy (winter and not even a sneeze, tfu tfu tfu...)
So couple of days ago they have participated in Judo competition, Pavel (my Hubby) took them, I asked him to take some pictures for me, and boy oh boy did he! Well I've managed to find couple that are not completely unfocused or smudged.

The youngest kiddo on the right

and the oldest on the top

The youngest got the 1st place in his weight category

And the oldest got the 3rd, but it was a fair fight, so everyone was happy

Their class with their teacher.

At the end of the day, they were tired and hungry, so I've made a quick pizza with tuna and black olives.

My Sweet Lollipops

2011-01-26T05:21:00.000-08:00

Made those today, they are remind me of cute sweet bonbons, so bright and cheery. Orange, lime, purple, and turquoise blue and lime so vivid combination.

Vivid Valentine

2011-01-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

Bring some laughter to your love. Here a some vivid valentine hearts that will spark any romance. They are great for kids and young ladies. Made form polymer clay using millefiori technique, hanging on silky thread.

The Reinvention of Candelabrum

2011-01-19T02:34:00.000-08:00

This word is much better then candlestick, for that thing at least...

This huge thing was given to me by a friend, what can I say, ones man garbage, other man's treasure. She wanted to throw it away and I saw it's potential. Hopefully she wouldn't want it back:)
I've used white and turquoise Folkart acrylic paint.

Valentine Special

2011-01-19T02:10:00.000-08:00

Made those for my Etsy shop, but some of them are gone already. Love that holiday, it helps to reinvent my romanticism and think pink and hearts. I love making chocolate hedgehog like I did last year, I will be definitely making them - the most easy tasty and impressive desert EVER!

Today's Snapshots - Soup

2011-01-17T00:44:00.000-08:00

It was really cold outside so I made this reach veggie soup, it's great with toasted garlic bread sticks. Colorful dish and kids LOVED it!

Solveig's song

2011-01-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Awesome performance by my dearest friend great Soprano, Victoria Gershkovich

Romantic and Shabby ECO Friendly

2010-12-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Love those new tags, they are adorable, featuring an old love letter and some flowers on a side. Beautiful shades of old linen and vintage pink.

Those vintage design paper tags, are made 100% of leftover paper from the printing houses.
Great for gifts, price tags, thank you notes, scrapbooking, favor gift tags and etc.

Window Cookie, Tree Decoration

2010-12-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Yammy cookies with lots of butter, little bit sower and very crunchy. Stained glass windows add so much color to them, they will look stunning on a tree.

Crush some lollipops

200 grams of soft butter, 1 cup of sugar

2 1/2 cups of flower.

1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

Lemon juice from 1 lemon

Work a dough with your hands for about 5 minutes.

Dough ready for rolling out.

Cut shapes, cut windows in the shapes and add crushed lollipops.

Bake on parchment paper on 170C for 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

More time in bed?

2010-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today is the shortest day in the year, so supposedly we are going to bed at 8pm? It should be a total lunar eclips What I found on the net about that day
"... eclipse on December 21st is going to be a total lunar eclipse at 29 degrees Gemini. It will occur at 3:17 AM eastern time, just a few hours before the Winter Solstice. It should be viewable from Europe, west Africa, the Americas, eastern Australia, the Philippines, and eastern and northern Asia. An eclipse at the 29th degree will bring out the heroes! Some of us are going to need rescued, and some of us are going to be doing the rescuing. Needless to say, its going to be a day of crises and triumph..."
Interesting if we could see it from here? I sure will be looking.

Saturday Trip Pics

2010-12-21T01:33:00.000-08:00

This Saturday we went to the Lakhish River, it was dry all summer and now with the first rains, it starts to fill with water.

I am standing on the rocks and water running between them.

Tossing rocks and watching the circles on the water.

Daniel's hand were dirty, so he sought it would a good idea to clean them here.

Jumping from one rock to another, like a tiny islands, careful no to wet your feet.

Finally on the other side of the "river", kids have blast, they plaid the game who is faster on crossing the river. Me an hubby had fun too, great day for family quality time.

Ones in a 50 Years

2010-12-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

So I was told, that kind of weather was here 50 years ago. The storm was terrifying, the sky the beach and the sea were like in sepia world, all brown yellow. The air is full of sand, high speed everything is flying in the air. My hair is full of stuff that shouldn't be there. So we went to the beach to take some pictures and to stare, it was beautiful and scary at the same time.

It is All About Lace

2010-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

I Love lace, I love all about that fabric, It could be warn as a dress, be a part of a luxurious lingerie, very chic purse, lace will look stunning on your windows or even b ed covering. Ether way that is very romantic and delicate material. Today I will present you a polymer clay lace, beautiful buttons for any purpose and stunning earrings, all those coffee shade.

Random During this Week

2010-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Made some picks during those couple of days.

Never saw so white pigeon, they look very happy couple in spite some obvious differences...

Happy Hanukkah! Kids lightening Menorah candles, so very exited, wearing their yarmulke, holding the candle and saying prayers. The are so grown up, I have to get used to it.

Hanukkah party at school, day before holiday, why is he so sad?

We Need Your Prayers - Carmel is on Fire

2010-12-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

We are terrifying, my mother in law is living in Haifa, few kilometers from the fire. This is horrifying, so beautiful places are no longer exist. 41 people are dead, may their soul rest in peace. Fire is approaching in horrendous speed of 600 meters in hour.

Nature reserve Hai Bar was vanished, there was a lot of animals and there was no chance for them to survive. I am sitting in front of the TV wiping my tears, my heart is broken. So beautiful places, forests, gardens, people dreams.

From the Jerusalem post:

"...The Carmel fire was spreading late Friday night from the direction of Haifa University towards the neighborhood of Denya in the city. Over 8,600 acres (35,000 dunams) had burned as of Friday evening. Firefighters said that it could take a week before they are able to extinguish the blaze, Channel 10 reported. Winds showed no sign of dying down overnight.

Firefighters managed to contain fires that were raging in the villages of Usfiya and Nir Etzion, however several smaller fires broke out throughout the North. Most recently, a forest fire broke out in the early night-time hours near Tal-El in the lower Galilee.
Sometime after 6 p.m. Friday, a fire was reported near the Galilee village of Adi. Police said that there was no risk to life at the time, but some residents voluntarily evacuated their homes. The fire was under control an hour later.
In a forest adjacent to Kfar Mashad in the Nazereth area, another fire broke out in the evening. Firefighters were investigating the possibility of arson.
Earlier in the evening, a wildfire started near Route 70, south of Haifa in the southern Carmel mountains near Bat Shlomo. Routes 70 and 672 were closed to traffic for several hours. Firefighters successfully put out that fire some time after 6 p.m.
At around 5 p.m., the fire-fighting planes were forced to halt their operations fighting the Carmel fire for the night. The aircraft will continue their operations at first light in the morning.
Earlier, Police Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told the Post that there are 3 fire centers - Tzur Shalom, the Atlit - Tirat Hacarmel area, and the Carmel hillsides.
A Fire Department spokesman Friday morning told The Jerusalem Post on Friday that Haifa is no longer in danger from the brush fires.
The fire is now focused on the Carmel hillsides and the Atlit region of Route 4, the spokesman stated.
"We won't put this out by today but we are aiming to significantly weaken the fire by sunset," he added.
The spokeman's statement came as northern Israel was in a state of emergency as the worst ever fire in the country's history incinerated a bus carrying dozens of members of the Israel Prisons Service, killing everyone on board, destroying thousands upon thousands of dunams of forests on the Carmel Mountain ridge and injuring dozens.

Ode to the Summer

2010-11-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

Few weeks ago made those beads, I will miss the early Summer days, when everything is awakening, flowers are open up, birds start singing and not very hot son beams are starting to show through the green of the threes.
I love that time of day, you still full of hope that something magical could happened to you today and you just smile.

Beads are drying out on the son, after I glazed them

Dry and shiny, love the lat set, pink and purple, who would have sought?

Hanukkah Chanukah The Holiday of Lights

2010-11-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

The story of Chanukah:

The story of Chanukah began several years before the actual miracle of the oil.

For many, many years leading up to that fateful time, Alexander the Great, one of the world’s most famous conquerors, was a friend to his Jewish citizens, allowing them to live their lives and worship freely.

However, upon his death, the Empire was divided up among several of his generals. Eventually, Eretz Israel/Judea, found itself under the rule of Antiochus III (Antiochus Epiphanes). Unlike Alexander, he wasn’t a benevolent leader, and insisted that the Jews abandon their faith and adopt the Greek culture along with all its idols/gods and customs. He did this with great cruelty, resulting in the nickname “Antiochus the Madman”.

An altar to the god Zeus was built in the Great Temple and, as was the normal practice of the Hellenic religion, pigs (forbidden under Jewish law) were sacrificed on this altar. Antiochus also passed laws forbidding circumcision, the celebration of Shabbat, and other important tenets of Judaism. People who opposed him were tortured and murdered and had their property confiscated.

Just as it seemed all hope was lost, a hero arose. Mattisyahu (Matthew) roused the Jewish people to rebellion – a small number at first, growing in size over his lifetime. Upon his death, he asked that his sons continue the rebellion against Antiochus and his government. Of his sons, the one who came to be recognized as the greatest leader was Judah Maccabee (Judah, the hammer).

Under Judah great miracles occurred. Though greatly outnumbered, the Jews won one battle after another. With each victory, more Jews joined in the struggle to regain their right to religious freedom.

Finally, in 165 BC, victory was theirs. On the 25^th of Kislev, Judah and his followers marched into Jerusalem and entered the temple to liberate it and rededicate it. Judah ordered the Temple to be cleansed, a new altar to be built in place of the polluted one and new holy vessels to be made. They searched for at least one flask of pure olive oil to light their makeshift menorah. But every flask of olive oil they found had been defiled in one way or another. Miraculously, they were able to find one small jug of oil just enough oil for one day. They realized it would be eight days before they could manufacture more oil for the next lighting. But they made do with the little they had.

In spite of the small quantity of oil and the improvised quality of their menorah, the flame burned without stop for eight days. This was chosen to remember the series of miracles leading up to this moment. And so we celebrate Chanukah today, symbolically rekindling this miracle each night as we light the candles of the menorah.

Hurray!!!!!!! I finally got my computer back!!!!!! And new Kids bedroom / study room

2010-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Finally, I have access to my photos! I have made lot of things lately, one of them was upgrading kids room, so they could do homework in there and not at the kitchen. I loved how it turned out, we bought everything in IKEA, love that place too. So no further words, drums pleas.....

I liked the massive look of the shelves, and long table has enough space for two kids and a computer. Turned pretty neat, boys loved it - mission accomplished

Dreaming New Kitchen!

2010-09-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

I would love to get new kitchen, I am dreaming about it for quite long time. But due to the economical situation, it will stay as a dream.
So I looked for ways to upgrade what I have.

A false wall behind pantry cabinets nudges the units forward, making a freestanding refrigerator look like an expensive built-in. Beside the fridge, built-in shelves provide easily accessible storage in an almost-hidden niche. I WOULD LOVE THAT!

This is so cute! Top a passageway between rooms with a wide ledge for display. This long shelf puts a colorful pottery collection on view and draws the eye upward, and I do have colorful pottery. I LOVE that!

I have just a right spot for that little white shelf, so very cute, and I could put my colorful glasses inside.

Just need to show it to my hubby and wait for "yes I do", I hope he will...

Finds from the attic

2010-09-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Found those treasures on my mom's old closet, I suppose it 20-25 years old, maybe she brought it from Russia, when we have emigrated to Israel. There was so many unused and long forgotten items that I had my head spin! My sis took all the closes (they were her Barby size) and I took the jewelry - not gold not silver, just some pieces of old days fashion. There was a LOT of old brooches, some were broken and some were pretty OK.
Especially I loved this one, not sure how to wear it, HUGE brooch in black silver with black plastic rhinestones, very impressive.

Important facts about Macro Shooting for more clear and focused pics

2010-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Learn to control your camera don't let it control you!

Before

After

I've recently learned that reading manuals is very helpful.
I have an old camera 5 year old Canon, I have tried so hard to take great photos with it, but it always was a case of luck. I was thinking every time I had to take a pic, would it be in focus and crisp? But it wasn't, and I had to take about 10-15 shoots and maybe couple would be OK - huge time consuming!

So I sought why not to read the camera's manual (I have lost the original from the box) and I've googled it! I have typed "Canon PowerShoPowerShot A510", and what a surprise - a PDF file! 163 pages!

I have red them all (well almost, you will know what you need). I've looked for macro shooting and focus for macro shooting, it was all there, all the options.
I did it all and the photos become much much more crisp and focused, you can compare with my old ones - huge difference!

So what I did (for Canon users)
I have found that AiAF option on your camera should be off, it will guarantee that the focus will be in one point, in the center, no meter what.
You have to work in Program AE mode (it's letter P on dialing weal) I am positive you have worked always on Auto mode, well P is much better.
So, you've shut the AiAF function off (you can find it on the menu), turned to P mode, now you have to choose mattering mode, go to Func. menu, select metering mode and choose spot (setting exposure on the subject in the center of the monitor).

That's it! Now go shoot your wonderful creations (better on the daylight), then you can fix the pics on your favorite program - mine is Picasa.
And here is manual I was using PowerShot A510

Thank you for reading and have a great pics!

Mystical Number and Protective Gem

2010-09-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

7 beads on that sterling silver necklace. Number seven is the number of
perfection, security, safety and rest.
Jasper on that necklace, legend says that Jasper would drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites.
Jasper is protective. It can align all the chakras and balance yin yang energies, it is stabilizing and healing.

Grapes and Mushrooms

2010-09-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

I've started my magnet collection, those two sets were inspired by Jewish New Year and American Halloween.
This is form my new mold collection, I've made recently, love this mushroom, so cute!
Those magnet could be grate as pendants or rings too.

The grapes I think come create as napkins holders.

The New Year's Eve - Rosh Hashanah

2010-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was the new 5771 year. The Rosh Hashanah (New Year in Hebrew) has strict rules regarding food that has to be in the holiday feast. No bitter or very spicy food, because the new year has to be sweet. It has to have apples, honey, pomegranate and dates, very important to have a some sort of fish dish (we make gefilte fish), and of course wine, lots of it...

We were celebrating at our friend home. It was great feast , everyone brought he's own dish. I cooked sweet potato and garlic ships and baby leaves salad with pomegranate seeds.

New Hopes New Expectations, The First Day Of School

2010-09-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

The day has come, I'm weeping my face off, he is happy little boy... well, not so little any more. My little boy is a first grader. It was really hard lo leave him there, not for him, but for me! Some kids were crying, some didn't let go of their moms and dads, some were happy, looking forward to learn, to discover the world.

Romantic Buttons Lavender and Navy

2010-08-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

Made those today, I feel so romantic lately, so I had to do some thing with my mood. I like the outcome reminds me of spring...
Buttons are made of polymer clay and stressed with acrylic paint , they pretty thick (5-6 mm) and measures 3cm in diameter.

New Molded Necklaces

2010-08-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have tried this new technique for mold making, and made some pretty cool charms, I love them all, soon to be in my Etsy shop

A 5 Minute Bag!!! What a Great and Colorful Way to Avoid Plastic Bags

2010-08-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

I found this video on YouTube. It's a Japanese traditional way to carry things, I should try it too, it's very easy, and cheap. You can always match it to your outfit, whether it's a day or night out.

New Designs Are Coming - Mold Making!!!!

2010-08-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Soon, soon, maybe tomorrow or Sunday I will show you my new designs. I am working on my new ideas of mold making, using new media, it's turned out pretty cool... I think. The image is very detailed and I'm using water as a release agent that working perfectly for me no distortion on the clay.
And new HUGE buttons, with Gothic lace texture. Coming Soon...

Back to School and I Have a Hole in My Pocket

2010-08-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

Friday morning me and the kids were crushing our office supply store, they hated it, me too but we had different reasons, to them it was a remind of getting back to school, for me no credit on my card! This year my youngest Lior is going to the 1st grade, so it double shopping from now on, very confusing.

Colorful Bead Mosaic And Recycling Project In One

2010-08-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Boys loved this project, it kept them busy for almost an hour, this is a record for us! The oldest even made 2 pieces!
I've copied this lovely idea from Creative Jewish Mom She has lots of great ideas.

Amazing Artizan Silver Jewelry

2010-08-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Lana Hefets Shaya is the artist behind Papalupa Design.
Lana began to study silversmith about 5 years ago and her passion to this craft is still growing. Her desire is to create unique, yet wearable pieces of jewelry, the one you see and can't stay indifferent to.
Working in her studio Lana feels like in a playground, where there is no such a thing as mistake only a new turn in the design.

Finally new haircuts!

2010-07-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

This Sunday me and the boys check in my hair saloon, they got the VIP treatment there and check out with much shorter haircut, perfect for our so very hot summer...

And the winner is......

2010-07-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Christmas in July Give Away is #85, congrats Simagi!!!!

New Favors Great Parties Memorable Gifts

2010-07-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new series of party favor tags, new sizes, new shapes. All tags are made from recycled card stock with high quality prints on them.

Some strange earrings reassembled from very old necklace

2010-07-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

They do look strange but I like the any way, and the seat very comfy on the years, what do you think?

The last day at school

2010-07-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Finally downloaded it form my camera, it was last day activity at school, it was a LONG time ago (1/2 month)
And now we have almost 2 month of total, unconditional craziness!!!!!
Am I happy? I think so...
Do I know what to do with all that spare time? I DON KNOW!!!!!!

21 Key of The Door 22

2010-07-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just liked that phrase, it from the bingo lottery, co cute and vintage just like my new old keys form Jaffa flea market.

Give Away closed

2010-07-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! I am happy to announce my Christmas in July Giveaway - $50 value!
The winner will get an awesome Rock Crystal pendant bead, accented with lucite cute little flowers, on silver tone necklace. And pair of stunning tiny earrings with delicate moss green seashell bead, enhanced with white fresh water pearl, lucite flowers, silver tone beads and crystals.

How To Enter

Please leave a SEPARATE Comment For Each Entry.

Make sure to live your email with every comment you make.(You don't have to be a blog owner, I need only your email address!).

For your first entry - Go to one of my shops* and come back with your favorite item!

My Shops:

www.ViSart.etsy.com - hand made unique accessories, beads and buttons.

www.KAPARA.etsy.com - recycled scrap paper and carton for your projects.

www.VIKUKA.etsy.com - reassembled jewelry and vintage.

EXTRA Entries (optional):

Please leave a new comment, with links if applicable, for each extra entry to be counted.

Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (if you are already, just mention it and it will count as an entry).

Follow me on Twitter (left side bar) and tweet this giveaway.

Follow me on Facebook (left side bar) and write about the giveaway on your wall.

Subscribe (& confirm) to ViSart-DaLi blog via rss/email(top left corner).

Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.

The Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will run until July 27 2010.

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted here as well as receive an email! Winner must contact me with their mailing address within 48 hours to claim prize or I will redraw.

Good Luck!!!

New hand made beads and earrings

2010-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

New Collection Of Tags

2010-07-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

Summer Winter Bulbs

2010-06-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Found those awesome huge beads at my moms treasury box and decided to took them to my self...
This beauty is a Rock Crystal (Quartz), I've added some lucite flowers to it to make it more rustle, I am pretty happy with a result!

And this one is a Coral HUGE bead, enhanced with a little sea star and pearl, so everything is connected to it's roots...

Some New From Old

2010-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Did some reassembling of my old jewelry yesterday, and that's what came up. So cute so ramantic, I think it's my first ping jewelry, some how I always drown to the blues or greens.

Romantically Shabby Hanging From The Neck

2010-06-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

New old jewelry, those shabby chick items I have found hiding in the old chest. Love this stile, back than they new what makes women smile.

Green And Copper

2010-05-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

New lentil beads, green shades embedded with copper leaf make an interesting combination, they look like some kind of gems maybe "Eilat Stone"

New Designs of the Shipping Tags

2010-05-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Recently got those lovely designs for my KAPARA shop at Etsy.

The "Sportiada" and Golden Medals!!!

2010-05-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

This Friday my youngest had a preschool activity which included parent participation. It was an Olympic kind of activity, where all preschoolers from all over the town were gathered in a public park for the challenge, it was very great and kids had a lot of fun and laughs.

Hurray!!!! for the golden medals and the 1st place!!!!! Cute little happy faces!

Visit to The Flea Market Today...

2010-05-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have found this very awesome, old brass skeleton key on Haifa flea market this morning. It's so old that even has a green patina on it, so very romantic and mistier, I bat this key has lot of secret to reveal.
Well... actually I have bought 2 of those keys, but one of them I ma gonna keep to my self, I just love it so much!
(now it on Kapara shop, if you interested)

So Cute And Tiny

2010-05-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have Stumbled Bijoutiful on Etsy forums, her name is Amber and her jewelry are delightful and delicate, I love it!
A little bit about her in her own words:
"...Amber is just a girl from Barbados with a torch & an ever-growing arsenal of tools & equipment. She is completely self-taught, too (so far)! To date, she's extremely comfortable with several jewelry-making techniques, such as:

soldering
sawing/piercing
setting stones
filigree
wire-wrapping & stringing
texturing--hammers, roll printing, abrasives,
a mild form of etching (never any acid)
forming
stamping
aging/antiquing
finishing
torch-firing enamels..."
"...While others like to use vintage brass & copper as is, Amber prefers to change it up & give it new life--a sort of restoration, if you will. She never uses any harsh chemicals during the fabrication process, and uses liver of sulfur to oxidize & darken the metal when the design calls for such treatment..."

And the winner is........

2010-05-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

The lucky winner of the gemstone knitted necklace is Samy (#81 in the comments)
Congrats Samy!

New Additions to My Uneven Circles Series

2010-05-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

This time I've used a metal base for cabochons, looks lovely, very "Boho Chic"...

May Give Away - Give Away Closed

2010-05-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Enter to win this gorgeous giveaway.
Hand knitted, luxurious gemstone necklace and earring set
$35 value.

The winner will choose one of these 2 gorgeous delicate sets.

************

The Shimmering Chic set
Gold silk thread, hand knitted with turquoise lovely chips and mint green jade chips.

**********

The Champagne Rain set
Silver silk thread, hand knitted with smoky quartz chips and fresh water pearls.

(Click to see the larger view)

How To Enter

Please leave a SEPARATE Comment For Each Entry.

Make sure to live your email with every comment you make.(You don't have to be a blog owner, I need only your email address!).

For your first entry - Go to one of my shops* and come back with your favorite item!

My Shops:

www.ViSart.etsy.com - hand made unique accessories, beads and buttons.

www.KAPARA.etsy.com - recycled scrap paper and carton for your projects.

www.VIKUKA.etsy.com - reassembled jewelry and vintage.

EXTRA Entries (optional):

Please leave a new comment, with links if applicable, for each extra entry to be counted.

Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (if you are already, just mention it and it will count as an entry).

Make a purchase from

ViSart, ViKuka or KAPARA (8 extra entries!) ✿ Follow me on Twitter (left side bar) and tweet this giveaway (use an icon on top of this post). Or you can use this one :
Enter To Winn This hand made luxurious bracelet Give Away http://www.visart-dali.com/2010/04/mothers-day-giveaway.html

Follow me on Facebook (left side bar) and write about the giveaway on your wall.

Subscribe (& confirm) to ViSart-DaLi blog via rss/email(top left corner).

Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.

The Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will run until May 25 2010.

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted here as well as receive an email! Winner must contact me with their mailing address within 48 hours to claim prize or I will redraw.

Good Luck!!!

Free Sweepstakes and Contests

New Addition to My Collection

2010-05-08T06:17:00.000-07:00

This time tried something new, uneven square shape as a base and leaf impression on the green piece. Love it

New leather hippie bracelet

2010-05-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

My sis asked me to make here a thin leather bracelet with turquoise stone (her favorite stone)
I think it's OK for the first time)))

Mothers Day Giveaway Winer

2010-05-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

And the winer is....
#118

C O N G R A T S ! ! !

My Uneven Circles were spotted by Polymer Clay Daily!!!!!!!

2010-04-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hurray!!!!! this is a dream coming true!!!! I was spotted by one of the biggest Polymer Clay websites on the NET!!!! I am so exited, that I've called all my friends and family telling them about this great event.

Fabulous Chocolate Workshop!:)

2010-04-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Oh wait, you thought it was a real chocolate workshop, with truffles and melting chocolate in "bain marie"?
Well... almost. It was a preschool workshop for kids and their moms and dads.
I have to admit it was as much fun as the real thing! My youngest son's preschool teacher baked 37 chocolate cakes for the kids, so they could use it as a blank canvas for their chocolate and candy (and there was a LOT of candy) art.

MMM... sweet... My kids private art, huge talent hiding there!

Lillac Circles

2010-04-24T02:55:00.000-07:00

Uneven Circles Collection!!!!

2010-04-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Working on my new collection of uneven circles, materials that were used are: polymer clay (my fave media), color wheel, textures and pigment powders, I really love the result of it

Mothers Day Giveaway!!!! - Giveaway closed

2010-04-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Enter to win this gorgeous giveaway.
Hand made luxurious bracelet $29 value, just in time for Mother's Day!!!

This piece of jewelry is totally hand made by me. Hand sculptured, faux turquoise beads, enhanced with champagne swarovski bicones and chunky brass clasp.

Bracelet measures 8.27 inches form clasp to clasp.

How To Enter

❧Please leave a SEPARATE Comment For Each Entry.

❧Make sure to live your email with every comment you make.(You don't have to be a blog owner, I need only your email address!).

✿ For your first entry - Go to one of my shops* and come back with your favorite item!

❧ My Shops:
www.ViSart.etsy.com - hand made unique accessories, beads and buttons.

www.KAPARA.etsy.com - recycled scrap paper and carton for your projects.

www.VIKUKA.etsy.com - reassembled jewelry and vintage.

❧ EXTRA Entries (optional):
Please leave a new comment, with links if applicable, for each extra entry to be counted.
✿ Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (if you are already, just mention it and it will count as an entry).
✿ Make a purchase from
ViSart, ViKuka or KAPARA (8 extra entries!) ✿ Follow me on Twitter (left side bar) and tweet this giveaway (use an icon on top of this post). Or you can use this one :
Enter To Winn This hand made luxurious bracelet Give Away http://www.visart-dali.com/2010/04/mothers-day-giveaway.html
✿ Follow me on Facebook (left side bar) and write about the giveaway on your wall.
✿ Subscribe (& confirm) to ViSart-DaLi blog via rss/email(top left corner).
✿ Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.

The Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will run until April 30 2010.

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted here as well as receive an email! Winner must contact me with their mailing address within 48 hours to claim prize or I will redraw.

Good Luck!!!

Free Sweepstakes and Contests

Eating Outside in American Restaurant

2010-04-14T23:36:00.000-07:00

This our first time in Moses, we only have two of them in Israel. Great place for family dinners, a lot place to run, great food adn even some creativity time.

Beach Walking this Saturday

2010-04-11T00:32:00.000-07:00

This Saturday me and my hubby were walking down the beach and enjoying the view, everything was juxt perfect, the sun, the sea and even this cute little airplane

New Treasuries I'm In

2010-04-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

1001 Cool Gift Ideas for the Spring Holidays

2010-03-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't promise you it will be 1001 gifts, but it will be a lot. The Passover and Easter is coming and I needed some ideas what to give to my friends and family, so I've started searching the www for some inspiration. I'd love to share with you some of the most brilliant ones!
Just click on the picture to fing out more...

My Favorite Color Combination Swirls and Fresh Leafs

2010-03-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

More Spring Beads...

2010-03-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Cranberries and Blueberries, Waiting for the Summer

2010-03-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

I've made those with anticipations for Summer
Just LOVE Summer!!!

And the Winner Is...

2010-03-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

The moment you all have been waiting for is here

The winner of the Marrakesh - antique bronze filigree pendant featuring hand made polymer clay element, fresh water pearl, lucite flowers and glass beads is # 132

CONGRATS BACHUCHAY WORLD!!!

Purim 2010

2010-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday we had a Purim party, love this holiday when kids can dress up like they favorite heroes.

An old joke goes something like this:

Child: “What holiday are we celebrating today, Ima (Mother)?”
Mother: “The one where they tried to kill us and failed. Now, let’s eat!”

Of course, the very thing that makes most jokes funny is the kernel of truth at their foundation. Purim is one of the holidays containing that very kernel of truth.

Purim celebrates the escape from annihilation of the Jewish people under the Persian king Ahasuerus. As told in the biblical Book of Esther, the king banished his wife Vashti for refusing to appear naked before his guests. He then held a beauty contest during which he picked a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther as his new queen. Meanwhile, one of his courtiers, a man named Haman, was plotting to kill the Jews in the kingdom. Esther and her uncle, Mordecai, successfully conspire to foil the plot by wining and dining the king and then begging him to spare her people, which he does. (For the full version of the story)

Purim itself is a joyful holiday filled with costumes, noisemakers, gifts of food, charitable giving and, of course, feasting. The representative food for Purim is a triangular shaped pastry with fruit, poppyseed, or nut fillings called Hamantaschen, named for Haman and representing the three-cornered hat he wore as Prime Minister.

Pink life through pink colored glasses, and SAD

2010-02-24T23:40:00.000-08:00

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
(Gilbert K. Chesterton)
I don't like winter (I could say I hate it, but I hate that word), when the sky is grey and not even a tiny sunshine throughout all week, I became melancholic and blue, you know what I mean?
I've heard about that condition, it even has a name - it's cold SAD which means
"Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression or winter blues".
Well, you know what? I cant live like that, it's bad for my business!
I know how to fix that melancholic mood.
All you have to do is to think of a Winter as is of a price we're paying for the beautiful and merry Spring. Everyone love Spring, wright? I know I do.
So to help me with that, I've found those heart stopping pics, and I am on my way of healing and becoming more cheerful and optimistic every day (no pills were taken).

GiveAway is Closed

2010-02-22T04:03:00.000-08:00

Enter To Winn This Gorgeous SHABBY CHICK Style Give Away

I'm Proud To Announce My FIRST GIVEAWAY Event!!!!!

The winner of this GIVEAWAY will get this stunning, heart-stopping, unique $25 value necklace from MY SHOP

Marrakesh - antique bronze filigree pendant featuring hand made polymer clay element, fresh water pearl, lucite flowers and glass beads

How to enter:
Please leave a SEPARATE Comment For Each Entry

* For the first entry - Go to one of my shops* and come back with your favorite item! Make sure to live your email with your comment. You don't have to be a blog owner, we need only your email address!)

*My Shops:
www.ViSart.etsy.com - hand made unique accessories, beads and buttons.
www.KAPARA.etsy.com - recycled scrap paper and carton for your projects.
www.VIKUKA.etsy.com - reassembled jewelry and vintage.

EXTRA Entries (optional):
Please leave a new comment, with links if applicable, for each extra entry to be counted.

♥ Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect
♥ Make a purchase from ViSart, ViKuka or KAPARA (8 extra entries!)
♥ Follow me on Twitter (left side bar) and tweet this giveaway (use an icon on top of this post). Or you can use this one :

Enter To Winn This SHABBY CHICK Style Give Away http://www.visart-dali.com/2010/02/im-proud-to-announce-my-first-giveaway.html

♥ Follow me on Facebook (left side bar) and write about the giveaway on your wall.
♥ Subscribe (& confirm) to A ViSart-DaLi blog via rss/email(top left corner).
♥ Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.

The Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will run until March 3 2010.
Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted here as well as receive an email! Winner must contact me with their mailing address within 48 hours to claim prize or I will redraw.

Google Map Envelope - How COOL is That?

2010-02-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

Found this new cool feature at Teevio.blog, you can create an envelope with a map and destination on it, the imag will be on the inner side of paper, you can print it then and fold it, and you have the coolest envelope.
Here you can addit the destination address.

Cut And Keep - So I Won't Forget - Tutorials And More...

2010-02-16T02:42:00.000-08:00

I am starting this new topic for some awesome tutorials I've found here and there, so I won't forget where I put them)))))

And the first exciting tutorial I've found at Bella Dia blog, those lovely recycled cardboard boxes:

Fused plastic bags!!!! How cool is that!!! found them on FreckledNest blog

New Beads and Chinese New Year 2010

2010-02-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

Recently made those, love the color comb in turquoise and brown. The tiger ones are the 2010 Chinese New Year inspired.

High Tech and Early Morning Sky

2010-02-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

Today I've waked up at 05:30 AM to these awesome view, it looks like taken from some magical painting.
I can say it made the awakening process much easier.
And again made this photo with my new Sony Ericsson phone, love it

Most brilliant and easiest chocolate treat ever!!!! And the taste is pure Heaven

2010-02-06T02:11:00.000-08:00

You can make them for St. Valentine for your love ones. I think it's the most easiest, fastest and tastiest chocolate treat I have aver tasted at my whole life, and I am a chocoholic, believe me.
So, all you need is:
200 grams of chocolate (dark or milk or both)
50 grams of butter
100 grams of roasted crushed nuts (almonds or walnuts or any other nuts you like, you cam mix different types of nuts).
Full hand of crushed cornflakes (I used one that kids didn't liked), you can put more.
10 prunes cutted into little pieces

Melt your chocolate, add butter, stir till melting.

Add rest of the ingredients and mix all together

With two teaspoons place the mixture in to the paper cupcakes and to the fridge for at list two hours.

B o n a p p e t i t ! ! !

New at KAPARA - hand made ECO Friendly envelopes!!!!!

2010-01-31T01:54:00.000-08:00

I have a bunch of magazines, mostly about fashion, so if I make recycled tags, why not envelopes?
They are great to hold all kind of little things, such as stickers, buttons, notes, cutouts for scrapbookers etc.
You can find them at my Kapara shop.