The Kira Nichols Etsy Shop

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Glittery Monster Horns, Sad things in the Nichols home

For those of you lovelies that are also likers of my page on Facebook, you maybe have already seen this picture of my poor little dog Tink, being a good sport and modeling my monster horns.
 I made these for Halloween this year, but I'm only now getting around to posting them. I made a headband with horns and ears, along with a tail that I pinned to my shirt.
 I formed the basic shape of the horns out of aluminum foil, so they would be nice and light weight and I wouldn't use too much clay, which is relatively expensive, compared to foil.
 Remembering to thread some wire through the foil at the bases of the horns was crucial, otherwise, I have no idea how else I would have attached them to the headband... Maybe it could have been done with a serious amount of glue, but the wire really made it much easier.
 Next, I wrapped the horns with thin strips of fabric attached with hot glue. I thought it would help to smooth out all the crinkliness of the foil, but honestly, I think I would skip this step next time. The clay didn't stick to the fabric as well as I had expected, so it was kind of a pain.
 After that, I smoothed air-dry paperclay onto the outside and let it dry. This picture is before drying. After this step, I sanded the horns down to smooth them out some more, then painted colorful stripes on with craft acrylics. Once those were dry, I used Aleene's tacky glue to do each color of glitter, one at a time, letting them dry in between each glittering, so the glitter colors stayed separate.
 Here's my make-up for Halloween night. I didn't dress up really, except for my tail. I just didn't have time to figure out the rest of the costume. When people asked what I was, I either said cow or monster... But mostly I had people guess. My favorite guess from that night was Pinata.

Anyway, I have not been blogging, because of crazy stuff. I mentioned that Bobby and I were doing assisted fertility treatments because we've been trying to have a baby for several years, with no luck. We did an IUI, and were so happy when we found out it worked, and I was pregnant for the first time ever.

On Wednesday night of this week, I started having abdominal pain, but I went to sleep, hoping it would go away. I woke up early Thursday morning with the same pain, getting worse, and Bobby drove me to my doctor in Dothan, about 45 minutes away. By the time the doctor saw me, the pain was the worst thing I have ever felt in my entire life. I had to have emergency surgery. The pregnancy was ectopic, causing heavy bleeding in my abdominal cavity and the doctor had to remove my right fallopian tube along with the baby. Needless to say, the last few days have been tough. I'm trying to stay busy, putting up Christmas decorations and keeping up with my Etsy shop and stuff. I should probably rest more, but I don't feel like it. I feel fortunate for all the good things in my life, and I'm glad to be alive. God has a plan for Bobby and me, we know it. Anyway, thank you, my friends, for all your love. I'll have more crafts to share with you soon.


22 comments:

Astrid Stulemeijer (AssiCrafts) said...

No words for this :-/ it sounds terrible, but I love your positive thinking. I hope you will give yourself time to heal in and out. Take care of yourself. xoxo

Leslie Andersen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about all that happened to you this week Kira. I was just wondering why you hadn't been blogging recently. Keep up the positive attitude. Things will get better.

theboelemas@aol.com said...

Love these horns and your dog is just too cute! My heart goes out to you and your husband, I have travelled that path. Keep faith and things will work out. x

SandeeNC said...

(((((hugs to you )))), and to end on a happier note, Tink looks fantastic and he is now my wall paper on my PC, personally I think he looks like a whoo-ville reindeer! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Nessa the Procrastinator said...

First of all, your monster costume is adorable. Tink is a very sweet model.

I just hate that you had to go through that. It just isn't fair. I know you will be a mom soon, I just do. You're going to be an amazing mom. I have faith in that. Please rest and heal.

Mallory said...

My sister suffered from an ectopic pregnancy last December--her story is very similar to yours. Last week, she gave birth to my niece! God definitely has a plan for you. You are a smart and strong lady, and good things will happen to you.

Unknown said...

Oh, Sweetie! I am so sorry! I wish I knew the words to take your pain away. You are in my prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
Cissy

Cindy Green said...

Kira, I'm so sorry for your loss - it is a loss and you will need time to heal and grieve. I had a miscarriage right before Christmas (about 17 years ago!) and it was rough - But keep having faith, treat yourself gently, things will work out in the end (I now have 3 daughters) - there is always hope!

jengd said...

Love your ears/horns, particularly on Tink- fabulous picture! Sorry about the rest of your post. Hope you're feeling better with a bit of time and that things work out the way you'd like them to.

Cynthia said...

I'm so sorry about everything you've went through. I lost several babies before I had my little girl. Best wishes and prayers for you.

Basement Stamper said...

Love the horns, they are so colorful. Big hugs to you and your hubby for all that you are enduring. I too, spent several years doing fertility treatments and it's not easy emotionally or physically. Best of luck to you both.

LimeRiot said...

((Kira)). My thoughts are with you and your family. Stay strong and positive. Rest up too!!

custardfairy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kira. You are an amazing person and I'm really glad your faith is strong. A good friend of mine went through a similar thing and it was very painful, emotionally and physically. Keep the faith, as I know you will.

Just me said...

Kira, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep faith, I'm sure there are many wonderful things coming for you.

Unknown said...

Hey Sweetie!
Just checking in to see how you're doing. let me know what I can do to help.
Sending you hugs and sunshine,
Cissy

silentblair said...

Sending you lots of good vibes!
I love the horns... Kind of remind me of an extra awesomely flamboyant Loki (avengers movie) at carnivale!

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry that you are going through such an emotionally/physically challenging event. My prayers are with you. I like your blog and look forward to your posts, that is, when you can get back to it.

Deb R said...

Big hugs to you both, sending you lots of positive thoughts on the wings of a few angels xxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Kira,
Just discovered your blog.
The things you make and colours you use are just awesome!
Love what you create, it gives a happy feeling.
Kind regards,
Letty

Chark said...

so sad...take care and keep hope alive.

Kirsten Corby said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Losing a pregnancy is devastating, especially when you are having trouble conceiving. Then there is the pain and the recovery, plus the further impact on your fertility. It is an awful lot to take in at one time. If working helps you feel better, then work. I wish you good luck in the future.

Also, Tink is a good sport. I would call the costume, "monster cow." Take care.

Kathi said...

Since I'm going back in time with your blog, I just saw this.

My heart goes out to you and Bobby. The search for fertility can be so difficult and fraught with a full range of emotions.

I hope you have an understanding support system in place and of course, you always have your wonderful art as therapy.

{{((hugs))}} to you from someone who has been down that very difficult road too.

P.S. I love your colorful piƱata horns and make up.