Dede Warren

Home...

2012-01-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

there's no place like it.

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful winter day,
and looking forward to the weekend.

*this piece was designed by my dear friend Connie who will be teaching this fall at Art is... in Petaluma.

No words needed...

2012-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Buy it or make it... the choice is yours!

2012-01-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

After spying this at Restoration Hardware, I set about making my own.

I bought the top years ago at the flea market and though I loved it, I had nowhere to use it... until now!

Out came my soldering iron and an old glass piece.

Off to Etsy for a few more dolls.

Attach floral stems to their tushies, and

Voila!

Looking forward...

2012-01-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm typically not one to make new years resolutions but I do reflect on where I've been and look forward and think about where I want to be. For the past several years I've played more with art then had any real goals in mind concerning it. And that has suited me just fine.

But with the turning of the calendar this year, I've decided to focus more on art; specifically my own art and what I want to do with it. And so to that end I also hope to make better use of my blog which has been neglected for far too long (it's a wonder I have any readers left, and really I think of this more as a personal diary I keep for myself (which is why I turned off comments)). Writing here reminds me of the writing I did when I was younger, when I'd put out into the great big beyond all my thoughts, and inner most secrets I shared with no one. Fear not; this won't become one big TMI blog (who wants to read all that crap?)! Besides that what my journals are for. Ok, here's a secret I'll let you in on...

I don't keep a regular diary or journal that I write in. I love creating and playing in art journals, but I don't write in them... until I'm upset. That's when I unleash all my pent-up frustrations and write with a vengeance! The regretful side is that then I've basically destroy my beloved books. Several years ago I really let loose on my favorite book at the time. Afterwards I was so shocked at my ability to forget myself and just purge my anger into that poor, little, sweet book. I kept it and have learned that it served a purpose. So now though I still only tend to write when I'm working out an issue, I'm more mindful to write in a notebook that I don't mind burning afterwards.

So there you have it. A new year, a new focus. To those of you who continue to stop by... thank you; who knows this might get interesting!

Happy New Year!

*since this is my blog/diary I'll write in it using poor grammer and punctuation as I like. Back away all of you with your red sharpie's intent on correcting the rest of us!

**all images courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Christmas Cheer!

2011-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

I stumbled onto this site featuring creative Christmas trees,
and thought I'd share a few festive,
fun sites to enjoy on these last few days before Christmas!

Check out these synchronized Christmas lights...

Here's a link to a ton of last minute gifts you can make...
for your friends with pets and those without.

and for those of you who find yourself
having to explain The Truth About Santa...
this mother does the best job out there!

From my humble home to yours, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas
filled with laughter, love, and the ones you love!
Make it your best Christmas yet!

One of my favorite ways to celebrate...

2011-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

This past weekend a few friends and I went out to The Mission Inn to celebrate Christmas over lunch and a little shopping. I've only been here once before and I've never had the chance to really explore or take in the beauty of it.

Though our little Christmas exchange, lunch, and shopping were the reason for our get together, I don't think we could have chosen a more beautiful place to meet! The Mission's Christmas decor is beautiful and completely inspired me to spend the following day sprucing my own home for the holidays.

While we were there, one my fearless friends took us on an impromptu tour of the amazing chapel that sits tucked away upstairs in The Mission and is easy to miss.

As darkness fell we were treated not only to a visit with the big guy, but to the spectacular Festival of Lights that The Mission Inn is known for...

Celebrations like this, and outings with friends are one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays. Thanks to each of you for a perfect day!

Decking the Halls....

2011-12-07T20:03:00.001-08:00

Two months... are you serious? I'm so sorry to any of you that still check in on my neglected little blog; I'm sorry for having been absent so long. I have no excuse. BUT I've been having a ton of fun; playing, making art, getting together with friends, working on Christmas projects, and a 12 Days of Christmas ornament swap (pictures to come soon). I promise to try and be better about blogging in 2012. I hope to blog before then and share a little Christmas cheer while I deck the halls. Here are a few snaps of where the last few months have taken me...

My bestie Leslie came out for Thanksgiving, and thankful we were to have her with us!

We made art...

and played MdM style with books, of course. I'll be back soon... promise!

Nesting...

2011-10-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's funny how the need for spring cleaning and fall nesting creep in. Even when the thought is far from mind, nature takes over and and I find myself entangled in these rituals. Five days ago I painted my studio and today I'm filling little corners with all the things I want surrounding me. It's even nice to make trip after trip to the car, letting go of things that have filled this room to overflowing for far too long. Less really is more, at least that's my state of mind today. Thankfully!
And stop laughing... I've had a crush on John since I was 13 years old and saw him in Saturday Night Fever. Now he's like a little slice of happiness every time I look over my shoulder.

Too good not to share...

2011-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

A little something to bring a smile to your face on this gloomy Thursday morning. I love Ross' willingness to get back in the saddle!
PS: Be sure and watch this with your speakers on, the music is perfect!

Autumn Already...

2011-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem quite possible that it's fall already! I have no idea where our summer went, and I'm somewhat reluctant to move on with the seasons just yet. We had a very mild summer and being a California girl I like the bright sunshine and warm, breezy days... but after months of waiting for them to arrive, I guess it wasn't meant to be this year. Sigh...

In other news, I had an amazing time at Tinsel and Treasures earlier this month. Iva and Colleen hosted a great show and I couldn't have been happier to have been a part of it again this year! Unfortunately I don't have pictures to share. I had planned on really loading up on photos so that even when I don't have time for blogging, I might still have something to share with you all. On the drive up Nancy and I stopped at St Patrick's Cemetery outside of Arroyo Grande....

(All photos courtesy of Nancy Jamar)

It's an old, abandoned cemetery we saw off the highway due to a few really stunning religious crosses, headstones, and markers. Some of the statuary stands at least 12 feet tall! To our surprise, we were able to find our way onto the dilapidated grounds... it was beautiful, but hauntingly so. It was a bit unsettling reading headstones from so long ago, and trying to imagine who these people were that could afford such elaborate religious pieces way back when. As I tried to snap one last photo of a rusty old rosary hanging on a headstone, my camera suddenly froze and I have to say it kind of scared me. The whole thing just stopped working at all! That was my cue for us to hightail it out of there, and let these people rest in peace. So, forgive me for not having more to show from our trip. You can see and read more about our ventures if you're interested on Nancy's blog here, here, and here.

That's all I've got for this morning. I do want to say thanks to those of you who continue to stop by this little blog of mine. I have a few kits left over from Tinsel and Treasures for those of you interested. You can find them here.

Happy Saturday everyone!

What's for dinner?

2011-08-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of the "freezer cooking" concept, but it was new to me until I found this on Pinterest last week.

Source: aturtleslifeforme.blogspot.com via Christy on Pinteres

I'm not a cook by nature; I suppose after 25 years of cooking for my family, I'm just not that into it anymore. Well all that changed this weekend. I scoured the internet and found several dishes I thought I'd try. The idea is that you cook several different meals at once and then freeze them. Since not everything freezes well, there are exceptions to that. Even though it's been quite hot the last week, much of what I found was winter food. I don't mind... just knowing that we now have 25 dinners in the freezer makes me happy! I was surprised at how easy it was to cook for several hours straight. If I was cutting onions, garlic, carrots, etc. it was just as easy to prep for several recipes as for one. I had several pots on the stove, the oven going, and my Crock Pot to boot. I made spaghetti sauce, pesto, prepped several crock pot dinners, prepped a couple of containers of taco meat, roasted two chickens, and then shredding the meat and froze that too. Here's a little of what else I made... oh, and the pumpkin bread looked so good, I had to include that as well!

Source: flickr.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

Source: candcmarriagefactory.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: mangiodasola.com via JohnJulie on Pinterest

Source: pinkbites.com via Carly on Pinterest

Source: nancycreative.wordpress.com via Anna on Pinterest

Marbled Paper...

2011-08-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I've been getting together with a fun group of women for a once-a-month art day. This weekend Pearl hosted us and offered to show us how to create marbled paper. She gathered the supplies, we all pitched in by bringing a pot luck lunch, and we spent the day together playing with paint and paper.

Pearl has a huge backyard and it was soon littered with marbled paper laying out to dry. I can't believe how much fun it was to float paints, create patterns, lay our paper on, and then pull it up to see what would be revealed. It was the first time most of us had ever tried this, and I know it won't be our last. There's definitely a learning curve to creating the exactly patterns you want, but I can't wait to try it again soon!
I also can't wait to get together with these happy, fun women next month! Thanks again for a great day Pearl (& Jeff), Connie, Suzanne, Erin and Lisa. We missed you Yvette and Cindy!!

Flea Market Finds...

2011-08-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have no willpower over tattered, faded, glorious trim!

An Altered Journal

2011-08-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

In just a few weeks now Nancy and I will head out on a California road trip as we make our way north to the charming, little town of Danville. We're going for Tinsel and Treasures, Iva's Folk Art Show that's in it's 4th year.
I've been gathering the elements for the three Make and Take projects I'll be teaching while we are there. It's been fun to pull out old papers, dig through boxes of black and white photographs, and rummage through baskets full of lace and trims.
I think in addition to the kits I'll let everyone pick out their favorite elements to work with. It's always fun to get a nice kit (and they will) but it can be even more fun to choose our favorite things and add those to our projects as well.

I'm heading out back now to start recycling the big bag of library books I picked up this weekend. The only way I can help everyone get a book together quickly is to do much of the prep work now. I don't mind... but I'm open for helpers if you'll work for sangria and grilled chicken salad!

Bewitching Halloween Tiara...

2011-07-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to think about Halloween in July however that's just what I'm doing. Actually I'm finishing the last couple of projects for Iva's Tinsel and Treasures event in September. Project two down... two to go. But for now, it's back to enjoying the beautiful weather outside.

Happy Friday!

Turning up the creativity...

2011-07-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else find it hard to keep your creativity going in the summer?

Don't get me wrong, I've got loads of ideas and several times a day the urge to create washes over me. But just as quickly the urge is replaced with calls to friends to come by for an easy summer dinner, or I grab another cold drink and resume my place on the lounge chair out back beside Mr Warren. I can't think of a better way to spend my summer... thought I do feel awful that I've kept others waiting for long promised projects. So Iva, here's the first of my Make & Takes I'll be sharing with everyone at Tinsel and Treasures. Thanks so much for sticking with me through my slow progress Iva, I promised to stay in my studio this week and get the other projects to you ASAP!

The apple doesn't fall far...

2011-06-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Check our what Nancy's cute daughter Nathalie made...

I just love young, talented girls!

CRANKYBUNNY

2011-06-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

I happened onto this Artist and thought I'd share her fresh, funky art with you...
HapPy FrIDay!

I want to paint like her...

2011-06-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you love to have a little fun planned, especially with summer on the way?
Well, I recently started a new Art Group with a group of friends that are
so much fun,
and this Saturday is our next get together.

It's funny how the week before we meet the e-mails start flying fast and furious...
talk about food, what we need & want to bring to share,
what we'll do, etc... fill my mind and trigger my imagination.
This time we're painting at Lisa's...
she's a huge fan of Jesse Reno, I'm loving Flora's work and
I would love
to paint like the unknown artist's who's work is shown above
(I took this last summer while vacationing in Montana with my two other Art Besties)!
So that's what I'm doing... how about you?
I hope you're planning some summer loving of your own!

Linen, lace, and rosaries...

2011-05-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Finally getting a long awaited package off to a friend. I love the process and the outcome, but Oy! do I procrastinate!

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival

2011-05-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Looking for something fun to do this Memorial Day Weekend? Check this out...

Flora Bowley...

2011-04-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Artist Flora Bowley while blog hopping, and what a happy find it's been...
While it's no secret I'm a pretty plain Jane, and our home is one monochromatic, neutral pallet, with one glimpse of Flora's work I was captivated! I find Flora's use of vibrant colors as well as the size of her work so appealing. Maybe it's the onset of spring that has me welcoming the happy colors she uses, maybe it's the gloomy winter weather that seems to drags on.... either way I am loving it!
After visiting Flora's website I e-mailed her to ask about workshops, as everything I'd seen offered in California was booked solid.
I was happy to hear back from Flora that she'll be teaching in Malibu in November. Gina Armfield will be hosting her workshop at Artinfusio; Gina's place overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's a great big venue with loads of natural light, a beautiful setting, and the class is offered for about 25% less than I've seen elsewhere (and who doesn't love that?). So even though it still months away, I'm headed to the Art Supply Warehouse to pick up my supplies this morning. Who knows maybe I'll get a bit of play time in while I'm waiting for November to arrive!

(all photos are from Flora's website)

The Party's Over...

2011-04-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

Oh, and what a party it was! Forgive me for being so long in writing...
and also for the lack of photos. As always I was too busy having fun to even think about taking pictures (except of course the photos I took in our workshop). The tintype below was my second attempt, and though not perfect it's great reminder of the weekend!

I don't know about you but I tend to think we are all more alike than we are different. And so with preparing for Sean's workshop last weekend and my bestie being on vacation with us for a week before that, with all my planning and prepping, I've been a bit slow this week as it's all come to an end. It's such a funny feeling to go from being on cloud 9 one day, to not knowing where to start in picking up the remnants of it all the next?

I can't begin to cover everything here but I can tell you there's nothing like laughing with girlfriends, enjoying a Happy Hour or two, junking at thrift stores, late night conversations, and early morning chats. Add to that all that goes along with hosting one super talented photographer Sean Kochel who was kind enough to fly to California to teach us the art of Wet Plate Photography!

From beginning to end Sean was a complete professional... patient, informative, helpful, and always available to guide any one of the 13 of us that gathered to learn from him. We spent the best two days together... getting to know our cameras, learning the chemical process of Wet Plate, and then bonding over two days as we practiced and adjusted our movements, and worked on our timing so that we might learn this highly sensitive art. We worked in small groups and also as a larger group and it was so nice to see such kind, friendly women (plus Lisa's handsome Adam) working side by side with no motive other than to help each other produce an image (any image at first), and then hearing cheers from the darkroom as someone's photo began developing before our eyes. I can't being to tell you what a wonderful group it was! By the time our weekend was up, we worked together like one big happy family encouraging and celebrating each others achievements.

While I have no interest in creating a business to pursue all the art I love so much, I would host another workshop with this group in a minute! If there's someone you think we should approach about teaching, I'm open to suggestion. Thank you each and everyone for making this a huge success and so much fun! I can't wait to get together with you again. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again... you guys really are the best!

You can read and see more about our the class here, here, and here....

The Art of Crafting Photgraphs...

2011-03-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

The art of photography has always fascinated me. I've owned several film SLR cameras, taken photography classes, read, studied, and loved this art for years.

But mastering the art of photography still escapes me.

I've slowed down in my pursuit of this art over the past few years, especially with with the onset of digital photography. I'm not sure why but it just doesn't hold the same allure for me as taking photographs, then developing and manipulating them in a darkroom.

Though I've struggled with all of this for years, I'm not ready to give up trying!

I'm hoping the with the help of Sean sharing his knowledge and skill in our upcoming workshop, that I too will learn the fine art of crafting beautiful photos. Maybe I'm not a 21st century girl after all. Maybe learning to craft photos the old fashioned way will lend itself to my hands-on way of learning. Maybe the deep, rough, imperfect finish of rich old tintypes better suits my nature. That's what I'm hoping for at least....

Love Letters

2011-03-09T19:15:00.001-08:00

Forgive my absence; I've been busy teaching, playing and prepping for this.
It won't be long now before my home is full of happy people learning, sharing, and enjoying our creative time together.

The Mariposa Ponderosa

2011-02-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

That's where my husband and I celebrated his birthday last weekend.

My cousin Elva and her husband have a great cabin
just outside of Yosemite which is perfect for my outdoor~loving guy.
Another cousin (I have 42 first cousins) and her fiance were
with us, but they were missing in action for the pictures... sorry Suzanne!

We had an easy drive up last Friday morning
and thankfully didn't get rain until we got there...
but we awoke to this beautiful snowfall Saturday.

As soon as the snow stopped
we slipped into our boots and John's warm jackets and headed out for a walk...
with a little hot totty to keep us warm. We are such city slickers,
happy like little kids on Christmas morning.

On Sunday we drove into Yosemite where we
enjoyed lunch in the great room of The Ahwahnee Hotel.
A few coffee drinks later and it was back to my cousins place where we spent
the evening in the Jacuzzi under snowy skies.

We already have plans to go back in June
when my husband and the guys can fish Bass Lake
while the girls soak up a little sun, laugh much, enjoy a cold drink or three
and plan our next long weekend together!

Gone Fishing...

2011-02-20T19:43:00.001-08:00

Wish you were here!

Happy St. Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

May your day be filled with sunshine, happiness, and a whole~lotta~lovin' from your special Valentine!

Releasing the Photographic Soul of Tin

2011-02-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to announce that photographer Seal Kochel will be in southern California teaching his Tintype Workshop for myself and a few friends. The price includes everything you'll need to complete the class with the exception of a few items you can find around the house. I can only imagine where we can go, and what we can create once we learn this amazing art form. To make it easy for those of you who'd like to join us, I've come up with a convenient payment plan. If you'd like to attend or have any questions please e-mail me directly at Dedendwight@msn.com.

New Tintype Workshop ~ Coming Soon

2011-02-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

This past fall I met an amazing Photographer Sean Kochel while vacationing in Montana. Sean was vending at an Artist's Fair, and Keli, Leslie and I were immediately drawn to his Tintype Photography. As a photographer Sean has taken period correct cameras, as now creates his own stunning tintypes. He has happily agreed to travel to California to teach a small group of 12, in April. I'll open up registration this Saturday, February 5, 2011. Stay tuned for an amazing chance to join myself and friends in learning this long forgotten art!

PS: This will be a two day workshop, with vertually everything included, (including a camera you'll keep!), developing supplies, lunch, and it's all under $300. Stay tuned!

Happy Thursday....

2011-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

One little corner of Gilding The Lily. Oh, the goodness of it all!

Naked no more...

2011-01-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

This exasperated little doll is glad to be presentable at last! After a class with Colleen Moody last year I came home and whipped up several little girls with my left over clay; with Colleen's easy instructions they went together in a flash! But like many projects they sat cold and naked for months; doll after doll staring at me and wondering how they wound up in this situation! I finally stuck them in a box to avoid guilt each time I passed them by, only to play with something else in their place. Well, these little one's are finally dressed in something presentable and even have a full head of hair to show off. Although, they still look a bit upset... maybe I should sculpt a hunky man for the two of them to fight over!

tying up loose ends

2011-01-20T11:15:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's been a year since I made this bezel!

Please tell me this happens to you; you want to try something new... say a new art, or working with a new medium. I start off so anxious to play and create, but once I figure out how to do it, I set things aside and move on to the next creative project.

Well, since I'm teaching others my simple techniques to create these bezels, I've pulled them out again and finally put a necklace together. I love the three Fat Daddy's in this photo! It made me think of the term fat cats, and so I turned to big stones to finish this necklace. It's also renewed my interest in these bezels and finding different materials to fill them with.
I have a few more projects to complete that were started long ago. Here's to pulling it all out and tying up loose ends!

I must be having fun...

2011-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

because the past month has flown by!

This weekend I gathered with an amazing group of women and taught a Soldering Basics workshop for Gilding the Lily. We didn't focus on projects but rather on the techniques of soldering, and what can be done with it. We soldered simple metal bezel frames, built our own chain, and then learned to solder applying a rough, chunky texture and patina. The response was so great that I'll repeat the class next weekend. I love sharing art with others and showing them how easy this really can be... an it's got to be said, Gilding has the best students!

I hope everyone's...

2010-12-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

having a very Merry Christmas!

My wish is that you're able to enjoy all the things you love most about Christmas and the holiday season. I hope you forget about the long to do lists that can fill your days, and that you focus on all the little things that make you smile this time of year!
I love the merry making of it all, though it's changed over the years as my kids have gotten older... my husband reminded me today that I don't bake like I use to. Then he said he didn't miss it; we have no willpower over cookies, Rice Krispy treats, peppermint bark, or English toffee! Especially when it's usually just the two of us at home.
And this will be the first Christmas that we won't wake up with Ethyn and Jamie, as they've decided to spend Christmas Eve at their house for the first time since Ethyn's been born. It'll be different waking up without them here, but I understand Jamie's ready to start traditions of her own.
Thankfully there are some things that won't change! I'm looking forward to Christmas morning brunch at our house with the whole family... mimosas, hot cocoa, everyone's favorite foods, the yule log and Christmas music in the air.
So while I have wonderful memories of Christmas' past, I know we'll make new memories that we will cherish as much as we do the old.

(All photos from my White Christmas Ornament Swap)

I guess my point is that this time of year, whether different from days gone by or the same, they can be whatever we want it to be. Even with the sadness of lost loved ones and those we miss, I know I'm only as happy as I make my mind up to be, and I'm choosing to be Merry & Bright! I hope you're doing the same!

Sneak Peek....

2010-12-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

After a slight snafu in our White Christmas Ornament Swap (my husband wrapped one of the boxes of ornaments, and had it under our tree thinking it was something he'd ordered online. It had been there for almost a week!) I finally packed up everyone's Christmas treasures and got them out in the mail today. They're coming Priority so you all should have your ornaments soon! I'll share a few photos so if you want to be surprised, close your eyes. For the rest of you, here's a sample of what you'll be getting...

Sweet Girls made by Sylvia Estrada

Darling snowflakes from Cindy Wood

Debbi Greenlee's soldered snowflakes

Carol Pohl's musical notes

and the sweetest little Christmas throne
I've ever laid eyes on, made by the talented Connie Freedman
look at the 'D-throned' card she sent me... oh, I love it! By the way, go take a peek at
the amazing gingerbread house she just made with her daughter. It's stunning!

Didn't everyone make wonderful ornaments for each other? I'll share more next week... everyone have a fabulous weekend!

Sunday morning finds...

2010-12-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

I took a break from sorting ornaments this morning and headed to my favorite little flea market. It was the perfect morning... shopping with Nancy, running into friends and customers, and finding a few little things. The last photo shows a Christmas project I've had in mind for over a year...a decantler (as Nancy named it) for Mr Warren (my archery loving husband). A friend saw a wonderful soldered bottle with an antler as the topper, that I hope to recreate with her help. I'll share photos soon if it turns out as planned. Happy Sunday!

playing with books

2010-11-29T12:12:00.001-08:00

I'm not quite sure how it's happened, but lately there's been a creative storm brewing around here. I've gotten a ton of playtime in with books, paper and paint.
Years ago I did a lot of scrapbooking, so I have boxes of gorgeous papers that have sat idle for too long. I pulled them out a few weeks ago and I literally sat for a day just adding papers into books as it rained outside. Little pieces here and there that reminded me why I feel in love with books to begin with.
For the next few days I played with pen and ink, and then I dove into some new Luminarte paints. I've always loved Twinkling H20's, but I hadn't ever used Luminarte Color Concentrates. What a fast, clean, easy way to cover a blank page with color! They dry quickly as well, so there isn't a lot of down time waiting for pages to dry. While the glimmer does show well in photos, I'm loving the shine it adds!
I'll continue to add to these books over time whether its with paint and ink, or more scraps of paper. And then one day when I need to clear my head, I'll pull these books out and write up a storm, letting my words fall out onto the opened page. That's when I write the most... when there's a storm brewing inside my head that won't be kept quite any longer!

happily creating....

2010-11-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

On this Thanksgiving weekend I've enjoyed having my White Christmas Ornaments to work on... in between turkey and pie, Christmas music and movies, Black Friday shopping at 3:45 (gasp!), and time spent with family and friends. I hope you're enjoying the long weekend too, and having fun doing the things you love!

Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2010-11-18T05:24:00.001-08:00

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? I know I sure am... and I got to thinking with my last project finished, I'd like to host a White Christmas Ornament Swap!
It's been a while since I've hosted a swap, and I'm ready to get in the holiday spirit. I want this to be fun, and not cause a lot of stress for any of us during this already busy time of year. So I'm thinking we can gather in groups of 12, as a nod to the 12 days of Christmas.

I'm not one for rules, but here a few things to keep in mind...

1. All ornaments should be handmade
2. Please use white as the main color in your ornaments
3. Create 12 similar ornaments
4. Drop in the mail to me NO LATER than December 1st

I love the idea of having a box of beautiful, handmade ornaments as a gift to myself and each of you. If this sounds like fun to you as well, just send me an e-mail at DedenDwight@msn.com so I can include you in the fun!

Finally!

2010-11-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I think it's finished... and I'm glad! While I'm really happy with how the table runner came out, I'm ready to move on to my next project. I will continue to add little bits here and there as I find them, but here it is today...

You may have noticed my beloved cat Rowdy napping in my suitcase; we got home late last and I have to unpack from a quick trip up north. More on our visit to Carmel and Tancredi & Morgen in my next post. Happy Monday!

making progress...

2010-11-05T08:56:00.001-07:00

Looking to Thanksgiving...

2010-11-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I started a new table runner that I'm hoping to finish in time for Thanksgiving. I picked up a long crocheted piece of linen while junking and it fits the table perfectly! So I've gathered a few of my favorite things, in my new favorite color... sepia! At least that's what I'm calling it, as there really is no color other than the natural, faded colors of old lace, tatting, rhinestones, mercury glass, and such. I even want to add photos of family in old tin type frames I picked up at Gilding the Lily. Here it is in progress, I'll try to add photos as I work on it....

Is there anything you're working on lately? If so link up in the comments, I'd love to see it!

This is about as scary as I get...

2010-10-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

I love the sound of the rain as it falls pitter-pat outside... oh, thank you fall weather for showering us with your goodness! The dark grey skies, and the cooler temps have me happily working with a new table runner in hand, and my favorite scary movies on DVD. Well, it's my-kind-of scary...

HaPPY HaLLoweeN!

a few kits left...

2010-10-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

The never ending chore of cleaning my art room is finally at the top of my "to do" list. Oh please let today be the day it's finally done! I'm sure you know how I goes....
Anyways, I came across a few left over kits from Tinsel & Treasures. They're all wrapped up and ready to go, everything you see is included, and they take about an hour to complete with little more than scissors, a bit of glue, and a little tape. You can find them here if you're interested.

welcoming fall...

2010-10-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

It hardly seems possible that we're already deep into October. But we are, and thankfully this year's weather is beginning to feel like fall. It's got me in the mood to cozy up our home, pull out the throw blankets and quilts, and welcome the cooler days ahead.
I was surprised to hear my husband say he wanted to start looking for new furniture for our living room, but I suppose it's time for that as well.
With the exception of our sofa's, our furniture has come from antique shops, thrift stores, and flea markets so I was unsure of where to begin our search for couches.
Until I went to Restoration Hardware's website... theirs is completely the look I'm going for!
I love all the non-color... the linen covered sofas, the wood, and the industrial pieces of the rooms they've designed! Being married to an archer, I've finally decided to go with this look completely; trophy's on the wall, cow hides, and painted wood floor! And the big bonus is that we've got all of this stuff already, so we only need to find the sofa!
So while we haven't settled on which of these we'll order, I had that color scheme in mind when I went junking with a girlfriend last week. It was so easy, and such fun shopping with a color pallet in mind...

These are a few of the things I found, and while these have a feminine touch that R.H. doesn't, I figure if I'm willing to have a full mount bear in my living room, my husband and son can deal with roses on our platters, old silverware, and etched shot glasses to sip from!

Tinsel and Treasures....

2010-09-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful week with girlfriends (and not nearly enough pictures; we are about the art and not taking photos apparently) we enjoyed one last hurrah in Spokane before I hopped a plane and headed to Northern California for Tinsel and Treasures.

Iva Wilcox hosts this amazing one day show of artists and their art in Danville, California. I don't want to sound biased, but honestly this was the best art show I've ever been to. Not the largest, but the BeSt none-the-less. Everyone there specializes in amazing, handmade art or antique and vintage elements.

Iva's trusty side kick and hostess numero uno Colleen Moody
(and half of her wonderfully-sassy husband) who hosted a huge dinner for everyone the night before. She is the most humble, wonderful woman I've ever met!

The lovely and talented Anna Corba who couldn't be nicer!

Happy Marsha who owes a local antique shop, where I spent most of my money! Oh, such goodness!!!

I should have taken a shot of Charlene's table at the end of the day, she literally had 3 small pumpkins left standing alone. I'm telling you Iva really markets this show well; the crowd is made up of women who support artists as opposed to being artists themselves! How wonderful for those selling, right?

The beautiful and talented Christy...

Fellow Fullerton Artist, Judy Mackie with her beautiful shell art!

So Cal Artist Virginia Lewis (who I want to teach at GTL)...

And this artist (who's name I unfortunately didn't get) creates all these guys completely by hand!
I can't possibly share photos of everyone there, but if you want to see more take a peek at all of Sandy Wood's fabulous pictures here...

Little House in the Big Woods....

2010-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I went back in time to a wonderful way of life in Montana. Keli invited Leslie and I to enjoy a late summer gathering in both of her amazing homes deep in the woods (at least to this California girl) of Montana... and so we went. After meeting a few years ago the three of us began traveling to and from each others homes to play and make art, and happily Keli played hostess this time.
Well, make art we did! We even learned to do antique wet plate photography with an amazing artist Sean who we meet at an Art Faire shortly after we arrived... expect more to come with him soon (what a great artist and teacher)!
Here's our beautiful Keli looking out over Georgetown Lake where we spent our creative time

on the edge of the lake
in her little house in the big woods of Montana. I have loads more to share, but am still playing catch up. So I'll leave you with a few photos of some of our playful experiments in nature dying....

I promise to post more soon. Until then everyone have a great weekend!

Make & Takes...

2010-09-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

On September 18th I'm participating in Tinsel and Treasure in Northern California. Hot off the heels of a much needed vacation, Nancy and I will fly into the bay area and head to beautiful Danville. Iva just released the information on the Make & Takes I'll be sharing so hop on over and take a peek. Be sure and check our the Artists page, it's going to be amazing! If you come by, please be sure and say hi!

winner, winner, winner!

2010-08-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who entered the giveaway,
I wish I could make a little something for you all!

The Random Number Generator chose #16, and #22.
Heather and Erica,
if you'll e-mail me your mailing address I'll get these right out to you!

Expedition LA ~ Giveaway

2010-08-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Nancy and I had a great day yesterday as we drove into LA on a buying expedition for her shop. It's the first time I'd visited a few Nancy's amazing contacts and it did not disappoint! Our first stop (which I didn't photograph) was a in Santa Monica, where Nancy did some serious shopping. Let me just say, it filled the back of my Explorer to overflowing! If you like trims, vintage embellishments, and French treasures you'll want to be sure and stop into Gilding the Lily soon and see what she found!
Our next stop wasn't far and here we found Lilia who let us dig through stacks of old boxes holding stunning vintage millinery flowers.

Our little helper... so cute, and very sweet!
I don't think she's ever seen two women so happy with what they saw!

All of these are making their way into GTL as well!

We spent seven hours in just these two hot spots alone, and it was great to discover hidden, vintage treasures in our own backyard.
Nancy was kind enough to share a few favorites with me (thanks girlfriend)! I LOVE vintage German Mercury Glass buttons and she knows it! So I'm paying it forward... I'll put together a few packages of these to share with you. Leave a comment on this post and I'll draw two lucky winners on Friday. Oh, and don't forget to leave your e-mail if you don't blog!
Good Luck everyone, and don't forget to share some of your favorite things with a friend or two.

Do you photograph your art?

2010-08-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

It's always amazed me the ways you can manipulate fabric with a simple needle and thread, and a bit of imagination. Not me personally, but those women who are true fabric artists. I simply don't have the focus to stick with and master just one medium. But being the daughter of a seamstress fabric naturally became my first love, and I've been sewing for over 35 years. I'd gather the bits of fabric that fell to the floor as I sat under our dinning table while my mother sewed for hours above me. My poor Barbi and her wacky wardrobe! Her house wasn't safe from my handy work either, but I can't tell you how much fun I had! Good Memories.

In my 20's I started quilting. Regretfully it never occurred to me to take photos of the quilts I've made, until I made this one last month for my niece's baby Hudson due in September.

I made this quilt a few years ago with fabric Jennifer sent me in a trade. It's from her Mod Girls line, and I can't tell you how much everyone loves this quilt... even Andrew stayed cozy on Christmas behind a sea of funky, fun, fab color!

This is a simple quilt I made a few years ago for my archery lovin, cowboy husband. The pattern has the best old west graphics if you ask me, I mean... who doesn't love a rootin' tootin' cowboy?
These are just a few of the quilts I grabbed from our quilt basket to snap pics of. I'm sewing three quilts now, and this time I'll be sure to take photos before I gift them to others. So tell me, do you take pictures of your art? If not, I hope you'll start for the sake of posterity!

Christmas 2008, Ethyn's Pirate Quilt

It's no wonder...

2010-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making quilts and I know exactly why... after seeing so many beautiful colors and patterns on Flickr recently!

Tinsel & Treasures Artists continued...

2010-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Nancy and I have been busy getting ready for our road trip to Northern California which is just over a month away now. A few weeks back I shared a few of the Artists who are participating in Tinsel & Treasures with us. Iva has done a wonderful job gathering talent for this show, so I'd like to spotlight a few more of these talented women with you.

Ceal Bialobrzeski

Colleen Moody

Charlene Geiger

and Gina Gabriell of Tangerine.

You can follow Tinsel & Treasures on Facebook, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can share the rest of the Artists with you here, as well as the Make & Takes I'm putting together for the event. Happy Thursday!

lovin this right now...

2010-08-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at the ArtFest schedule of classes for next April and I've discovered a few new-to-me artists. After feeling at a loss for blogs I truly love these days, I love discovering new artist. I also love what I'm seeing from Karen Michel and her workshops. Have you found any new-to-you artists lately?

Are you having fun?

2010-07-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Happiness it's said is a state of mind. True enough... I feel happy pretty much everyday.
But who couldn't use a little more fun? I love the message of this video, and completely agree with the principles. I think I'll take the steps suggested and see what happens. If you watch it too, let me know what you think...

kits, kits, kits...

2010-07-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love summer?! Not me, that's for sure. We have been crazy busy with friends, the fair, swimming, and a little work too. Today found me with trashy TV in the background as I prepped kits for Tinsel & Treasures. Thank goodness I'm doing it now, because September will be here before I know it! I'll be back with pictures... or maybe I'll just be back when summers over! Hope you're enjoying it too!

Beautiful!

2010-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've listed anything in my etsy shop... for several reasons. I've never had the interest in selling that so many women today have, but I love making jewelry and the fact that I don't wear it much hasn't slowed my jewelry play.

So I'm going to use what I've collected over that past few years, and continue to create with the bits and pieces I love.

I'll be listing things as I create them... or perhaps simply as the mood strikes me.

Either way, I'm moving forward.

Beautiful!

Honesty is beautiful
Kindness is beautiful
Intelligence is beautiful
Talent is beautiful
Beautiful is a romance with such abundance
Beautiful are the flowers that roam the earth
Beautiful is awaking to the sound of singing birds
Beautiful is a disguise
Playing hide and seek inside and outside
Beautiful is as naked as the rising sun
Beautiful is delightful and truthful
Beautiful is the golden daylight that shines
And the taste of sweet colored red wine
Beautiful was never ever created by mistake
Beautiful is the ingredient we bake life’s cake
When all or nothing is at stake
I am beautiful
You are beautiful
We are beautiful
Beautiful is great
Beautiful is sweet
Beautiful is love
Beautiful is power
Come to me Mr. & Mrs. Beautiful
Let me into your little secret
Of why you are so obedient and dutiful

Copyright 2005 - Sylvia Chidi

a book and a poem for someone special....

2010-07-14T09:23:00.001-07:00

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever the sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

e.e. cummings

creativity

2010-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've had a few projects I've been meaning to put together, but spring and summer have gotten the better of me. Though I'm constantly finding new mediums I want to try, and I spend hours online discovering all sorts of things I've never heard of, and while I often dream up projects I'd like to put together, it can be a bit slow in coming to fruition. And then without warning, my creativity once again begins to pours out. Today was that day... finally.

friends...

2010-07-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't been around much this summer... as it should be I suppose. I've been enjoying days at Disneyland, trips to the pool, backyard bar-b-ques, and more. I even had the pleasure of having Leslie come out from the east coast to hang at our house for a week. With the heat they've had in Phili this summer, she was surprised each day by our wonderful weather as days flowed into night while we create art on our patio under blue skies and endless breezes. The radio played in the background lots of cold drinks were consumed!
I'm happy to share with you a class Leslie will be teaching next month in New Jersey. Leslie is a talented book artist, and if you want to learn to take simple objects and turn them into works of art, this could be the class for you. You can read more about it here.

Okay, now back to my casual summer schedule. I've been busy creating but nothing I've photographed yet. I'll try and be back soon, until then grab a good book (like The Help) and enjoy your summer!

The Art of Disney...

2010-06-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I took this character to Disneyland...
and I wasn't surprised to see that they too have embraced assemblage art.
The art of Disney has always been a favorite of mine.
In keeping with the times I love to see the art of their Imagineers.

And the art of Ethyn kept me laughing all day! It's so fun to watch his personality develop... I have a feeling he is going to be quite the fun guy.

Tinsel and Treasures

2010-06-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

In September I'm going to join some wonderful friends and amazing artists at Tinsel and Treasures, an Artist Show in northern California.
Iva asked me if I'd like to host the Make & Takes this year and I am thrilled to do it! After seeing the work Ulla offered last year I realize I have big shoes to fill for sure. I'm enjoying putting together a few fun projects, and I'll show those as the event nears. For now I thought I share a few of the other artists who be part of this Creative Event. My partner in crime Nancy and I are looking forward to the road trip!

Anna Corba

Arbutus Hunter

Christy Meyers

I am so looking forward to meeting these talented women! Just listening to the music Christy chose for her video shown above has me eager to experience the magic. Each week I'll share a few more of the artists with you. I love having something fun like this to look forward to! Mark your calendars we can't wait to meet you there.

summer's coming....

2010-06-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

Every morning I drive my grandson Ethyn to school.

His mom has to be at work before school starts,
so she drops him off at our house and we start our days together.

This week all that will change, this is the last week of school.
I'll still see him regularly, but it won't be the same.

I'll miss him and he'll miss school. It's been such a happy place for us both.
I've been lucky to be able to spend two days a week in his class.

But time marches on and summer won't wait.
While I won't start my days as I have for the past 9 months,
we have the beach, the pool, Disneyland, museums,
and play dates with friends to look forward to.
So come on summer.. bring your sunny days and warm weather our way.
We're ready for you!

looking forward to the lazy days of summer...

2010-06-02T12:40:00.001-07:00

source

what I've been up to...

2010-05-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

You might remember a few years ago seeing something about a company in London, who creates fabulously, colorful furniture and home accessories, Squint. Well recently I saw them online again and though my home is pretty neutral in color, I just love Squint's style.
I knew I had to try creating something in this bold way, but wasn't sure my home or my family would be as happy as I was over it.
I thought about a mirror we have, and I'd love to do this to it...
I finally decided to work on an old chandelier I picked up a few years ago. I didn't pay much for it, so I wasn't worried about ruining it. And let me say for those of you who may try this, I wasn't so sure how I felt about it halfway through. But I kept going realizing more really would be better in this case.

I didn't prime the lamp, so I just used my good acrylics and started painting in my favorite colors. After that I found coordinating colored ribbons and trims and wrapped each arm. I'm not sure you can see it, but I even glittered one arm completely!

Now I'm loving this! I think I may do that bathroom mirror after all! But first I think I need to paint the top piece of my lamp... I had originally left it as was, but I see from the photos, it feels a little disconnected. Ok, back to the paint... I just thought I'd share!

Looking Forward to This...

2010-05-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

This Friday evening Jenny Doh is hosting her launch party for Crescendoh.com, and I'm thrilled to be going. In case you haven't seen this fabulous video team Jenny has put together, I thought I'd re-post it here. I'm looking forward to Friday evening and hope to see lots of you there! Until then check this out...

Pretty things are everywhere!

2010-05-11T18:24:00.001-07:00

Last week I went to my girlfriend Cindy's house after months of trying to find a day that worked for both of us. I knew she was crazy talented, and she told me that she fills her home to the brim with her art, and religious piece she's collected over the years. I had no idea... I love her colorful, happy home! I had to ask her if I could share pictures with all of you, especially since she doesn't blog. Happily she agreed... I hope her warm, welcoming home makes you smile as much as it does me!

circle of creative women...

2010-05-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

I had a great time in Cindy Gonzales Metal & Mosaic Cuff Class this past weekend. She shared her beautiful cuff with the nicest group of women. We sat outdoors under blue skies out on the back patio and talked and laughed the day away. We cheered each others efforts, and were sad to see the day end as it truly was a unique gathering of kind, friendly women. Nancy has got the best customers, and I'm so happy to be a part of this wonderful circle of creative women! Here's a look at some of the ladies and their cuffs...

Melissa

Helene

Terri

Ginette

Nancy

and last but not least, Marbi.

Thanks for teaching us Cindy, we had a great time and can't wait for your next class. Thanks to all of you talented, kind, happy women for being so much fun and inspiration. I can't wait to see you all again at GTL!

great women, great art!

2010-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Nancy and I hosted two wonderful artists Iva Wilcox & Colleen Moody for two fun filled days of creativity at GTL. Iva and Colleen brought wonderful finished art to share via a trunk show, all of which was gone in a flash!
Both of these generous women gifted me their classes, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to join them. On Saturday Colleen shared her Bellina Bluebirds, teaching step by step...
so that each student went home with a darling little chick of their own. Mine wasn't complete when I left, but I've worked on her this week. Here she is in all her spring glory complete...
with silk hat and painted shoes. It may seem a bit odd, but I am completely wild for these darling dolls! Sweet Nancy even gifted me one of Colleen's dolls, who I've named little Lily.
On Sunday Iva taught a great group of women her Woodland Fairy Boudoir Lamp.
It stands about a foot tall, and Iva even taught us to wire the lamp from scratch!
Iva's attention to detail is stunning and no corner of this theater is left without attention. We loved the class so much that we asked (begged) her to come back again in the fall and teach a Christmas Theater.
If you ever have a chance to take a class with one of these two amazing artists, do it! I can't say how happy Nancy and I were to have them teach with us, or thank them enough for sharing their kind, generous selves with us! We look forward to seeing hem again in September when Nancy and I hit the road and attend Tinsel Treasures with them both!

Lampshades...

2010-04-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

I've had these lampshades for a few years now, something I picked up at the flea market after seeing an altered shade on the pages of a Stampington magazine. Shortly after that, I was part of a swap where we exchanged small pieces to hang from our shades.
While I loved what I received, it's been a few years now and I thought it was time for another change up.
After seeing Keli's post on Sally Jean's chandeliers, I decided to pull of all the old bits and rework these again. This time with a few of my favorite things... old lace and trim, chandelier crystals, vintage buttons, ledger paper, French bullion, millinery, and more.
I never wired these for lighting, but after seeing vintage looking Edison bulbs,
I hope to do that this week.
Everything old is new again, and I love that being able to come up with a fresh now look for these favorite shades hanging in my art room. What have you reworked lately?

Bravo Michael, bravo...

2010-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

If you love art, make art, teach art classes, or are an art student please go read this. As a class coordinator, I've heard every side of this conversation possible with teachers, students and everyone in between! I couldn't have said it better or agree more Michael, thanks for being the voice of reason on this hotly debated issue.

Thanks Jenny...

2010-04-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Jenny Doh for asking me to be a Guest Curator on her website Crescendoh.com. When Jenny made the leap from Editor of Stampington publications to creating Crescendoh.com I had no idea what a wonderful resource she would be hosting. It's quickly become one of my morning stops as I keep up with blogs and other favorite websites. There you'll find various artists sharing their Art Saves experiences, as well as their favorite blogs, artists, tutorials, and more. Be sure and check it out if you haven't done so yet, and if that's what brings you to my blog today, thanks for stopping by. Again thanks to Jenny for asking me to be a part of your wonderful corner of the world wide web!

sometimes you just have to try...

2010-04-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

For the past few years I've wanted to learn to make bezels... from wire, and sterling sheet, old tin types, paper, and gemstones.
I even met and hosted a very talented jewelry artist and brought her across country to teach. Little did I know then, that when you host a class like I had done, there would be no time left for learning myself.
But I listened to Cindy as she explained, and showed each student her techniques for bezel making.
After the classes were over, thoughts if creating bezels stayed on my mind. Perhaps even more so than before our workshop... and so I simply had to try it on my own. Low and behold (and much to my surprise) I had a bezel finished within an hour! With my success with the first bezel made a few years ago now, I recently set out to make a few more. I purchase the supplies while in New York with friends last fall, and when we gathered together again in January I made a few more bezels.

It's odd that though I struggle with the design of finished jewelry, the techniques of putting pieces together is very fulfilling, and very easy to learn. I'm completely inspired to continue creating this beautiful art, and I hope you're inspired to try things you've always wanted to learn as well!

Update: YouTube is a great place to watch free videos on just about anything imaginable!

you can do anything you believe you can...

2010-04-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am completely inspired by Tami Hichman and the wonderful jewelry she creates! After being introduced to her a few years ago, we began running into each other around town; the flea market, Gilding the Lily, etc... So while I know her, it's a funny sort of connection. I guess that's why I am so amazed by her giving, generous spirit. Over the past few years, we have several conversations about my art and Tami's jewelry, which she knows I adore. Unfortunately she's kept so busy selling to retailers like Fred Segal and Juxtoposition that she isn't able to create and sell directly to the public. Well last year Tami told me that there was no reason I couldn't create the same beautiful things she creates, or at least something similar. She even went as far as to give me tips, and tons of encouragement. I finally sat down with my goal in hand of creating a necklace similar to Tami's Original Double Wrap necklace (which is a favorite of mine). I couldn't be happier with the results! Tami was right, I did it when I believed I could... and also because she gave me the inspiration, and cheered me on in my efforts. I still hope to have a piece of Tami's beautiful jewelry one day... I guess that's the next thing I need to believe in!

Happy Easter to you and yours...

2010-04-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what I do tomorrow, I'll be thinking of all the Easter's past and the many family and friends I've been blessed to spend them with.

HaPPy EaSteR!

playing the dessert sun....

2010-03-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

Actually we played in the air conditioned house...

but last week a girlfriend of mine gathered a group of 7 creative friends for a week of sharing and creating art in the desert. We were all basically unknown to one another except through our mutual friend brought us together, and as Lana said, "If we saw each other on the street, we might smile but we would never get to know one another." It's so true! We're all so diverse and come from such different backgrounds, but brought together through our art we almost instantly fell in together like old friends!

For 5 days we came together and shared our respective art with one other teaching around the dinning room table from morning until night, clearing it only to move onto our next project. By the end of the week, Sue's beautiful casita exploded into a sea of color, texture, supplies, and overflowing art!

We enjoyed fabulous homemade meals, a few bottles of wine, shopping trips for art supplies, lots of laughter and a few deep secrets, but mostly we shared our love of art and our creative passion. We did freeform crochet, sculpted, made book covers and background pages, we created Mermaids, and fairy wings, willow chairs and more!

I stayed with Pene, and though we started off as strangers, I now lovingly call her a wonderful, dear friend. I'm so happy to have found this gentle, sweet soul who feels like a long lost friend! Funny and kind she is a true kindred spirit... thank goodness she is only an hour and half away, and I'm so looking forward to getting together with her again soon!

We all said how much we enjoyed our time together as a creative sisterhood, and it makes me realize that I'd love to do this more often. Last year I talked about getting an art group of my own together, and I think after such a wonderful week I may have just the inspiration to do it!

Welcome Spring...

2010-03-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Every morning I pass this house with the most amazing tulip garden! All our rain past few months has surely helped this garden bloom more profusely that in the past few years.

This is the same garden each afternoon... artist parked on the lawns filling blank pages with colorful happiness. Welcome Spring... I've missed you!

Globes de Mariee'

2010-03-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

Like everyone else, I've completely fallen for the French influence that's been around for the past few years. The soft colors, the distressed hues with centuries of age awash over antique pieces that have made the way to us here in the States just waiting to gobble it all up!

One of the things I've been loving are French Globes de Mariee's. Made in France during the 1800s, these globes typically held bridal keepsakes.
Upon tufted seats made of silk or velvet, sat a brides wedding bouquet or headpiece, and photos or memorabilia from her special day.
So even though I'm wild for these Globes, I don't have one... or didn't until now. After seeing one Nancy has had in the shoppe and deciding not to buy it, I've been wanting to making one.
As with everything else, it took months to actually sit down and do it. I guess I need lots of time to contemplate what I want as the end result. Well, I've had such fun with this I've decided to teach this as a class. I can't wait to make more of these, and if you'd like to join me you can find all the class information here.

I love a good library...

2010-02-21T09:20:00.001-08:00

If you've never checked out the Cerritos Library, I highly recommend it as a must see in Orange County... especially if you have children! Actually, you should see it with or without children. They offer some amazing classes and workshops. Be sure and check out the link above for their current offerings. This is the best library I've ever been to and while I didn't take any photos, they have the BEST children's library!

They also have a wonderful collection of Fine Art.

I really should have and could have taken many more photos, but I hope this sneak peek inspires you to take a drive to this beautiful library soon! I think it's a great place to spend some time indoors until spring arrives.

Cut & Paste...

2010-02-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I shared some videos Teesha Moore posted on youtube. While I've adopted her methods of bordering my pages (I also paint mine) that's where the similarity ends. She is an amazing artist and so much more detail oriented than I will ever be!

This is what's going on behind the scenes as I snap photos; Scout ever at my side.

My own personal assistant!

I'd never made a book the way Teesha does, but I can't tell you how easily it went together. If you've ever wanted to make your own journal, do it! I don't know of an easier one that this one. I literally took me 20 minutes to make the book base start to finish. Then I spent the afternoon playing with paper and paint; the fun part!

I'd gone thru a stack of magazines and all the borders and photos are from one old Romantic Homes, and one Glamour magazine. Easy-peasy!

With all the rain and cool weather we've had the past few months, the sun that's been shining pushed me to use these sunny happy colors. I'm so looking forward to spring!

Help for Haiti...

2010-01-13T09:07:00.001-08:00

Many of you may be familiar with artist Rebecca Sower. She is a talented artist, and a wonderfully generous, kind woman. Last year she introduced me to Haiti in a way I'd never known it. I followed Rebecca's as she spoke of her daughters trip to Haiti last year, and Rebecca herself just returned home from her own life changing trip there. With the recent devastation that has befallen Haiti, my thoughts immediately went to the Haitian people, as well as Rebecca.

Rebecca has generously supported the people of Haiti with the proceeds of selling her own art, but she's just set up an Etsy shoppe featuring the art of the Haitian people. Though she was doing this before yesterdays tragedy, the timing is even more perfect now. If you'd like to read more about the people of Haiti please visit Rebecca's blog here. And if you'd like to help support the people of Haiti, please check our their Etsy shoppe here.

God bless the people of Haiti, and God bless Rebecca for introducing us to these wonderful people!

Happy New Year...

2010-01-03T21:38:00.007-08:00

With the welcomed slower pace of the week after Christmas, it was fitting that my husband and I rang in the New Year in Big Bear Lake.
The calm and stillness of the fresh fallen snow, the quite of the mountains, and being surrounded by white was refreshing and peaceful. It the was the perfect way to end last year and begin this one.
It was also nice to spend time alone with my brother and sister-in-law at their cabin, something we never do. My bother-in-law is a wonderful cook, and on New Year's Eve he made us a fabulous dinner. After eating he disappeared outside...
When we went out a bit later to see what he was doing, we found him building us a sledding run! We had talked about sledding all day, and thanks to Craig this group of 40 and 50 something's spend New Year's Eve sledding in the dark, with our laughter echoing into the night!
I haven't had so much fun in a long time! We fell off our sleds, crashed into the house, slid off our track, and had a blast! I haven't laughed so hard in a long time... I hope it's sign of the good things 2010 has in store for us!

I'm a Cover Girl!

2009-12-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

It looks like Ellen's not the only cover girl in town! I hope you'll allow me a minute to share my excitement...

When I got the call letting me know (well, ok... so it was an e-mail) I literally screamed out loud! When I read Jenny's words that I was/am the cover artist for the January/February issue of Somerset Studios, I couldn't believe it. I don't think I've ever even thought about that before... but I can tell you for sure, I like it! A lot!!

Myself and four other artists had put together an altered book for Stampington's aubergine call. These were all women who had asked me to think of them if I ever planned another collaborative piece. A few years ago when I was new to the idea of collaboratives, I had no idea where to start or how to get involved. It seemed like something others did, something out of reach for myself. So now when I hear from those who feel the same way, I can't help but come up with a project for us to do.

We were all thrilled when we learned our piece was picked up by Stampington, but we never imagined our book would end up on the cover of the magazine! Thanks so much to Jenny for this wonderful honor!! (I'll share more about that ambitious Jenny in the coming days, she's up to something awesome! ) Since there isn't room to show the work of everyone in print, please let me share their pages with you here...

I built each book, and started the covers so that everyone could finish theirs off in whatever way they chose.

The artists....

Milli Wagoner's work...

Debbi Greenlee's work...

Judy Bidwell's work...

Sue McPherson's work...

and lastly Ada Pringle's little book on the back of Judy's page... I'm sorry these last two ladies don't have an online presence.

I can't think of a better way to end this year, and kick off the next one. I hope this shows you that sometimes when we think something is beyond our reach, it's really not that far off. And sometimes things we weren't even looking for appear before our eyes!

Happy New Year, may 2010 be wonderful to us all!

2009-12-23T16:53:00.001-08:00

Our stockings are hung

by the chimney with care,

in hopes

that St Nicholas

soon will be here!

MeRRy ChRiStmaS from our home to yours...

and from Scout who recently wandered into our lives.

May your Holidays be everything you're dreaming of!

Christmas joy...

2009-12-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

I was just over on eBay looking for an old silver tinsel Christmas Tree for next year, after seeing this one. The last line in this ad for silver tinsel, made me laugh out loud. I thought it might make you smile too...

10-oz clump of vintage used silver lead metal Christmas Tree Tinsel Icicles ~ clump is approximately 10" diameter and 2 to 3" deep

Vintage People (and you know who you are) will remember how nicely this tinsel icicles drapes on the Christmas Tree and how disappointing it was when they quit making lead icicles! Now it's plastic.

If you use this you should know that lead is toxic and should not be used around small kids & pets & intoxicated adults who might put it in their mouth.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately... but my heart has been elsewhere. I love this time of year and have been busy busy, as I'm sure the rest of you are. The thing is... I love this kind of busy! I love the merry making, the gift creating, the art group parties, cookie parties and everything else December brings! I don't mind any of it. And I especially love it with the rain we've had lately, which we desperately need.

So here's my last month in photos... though I don't have pics of everything. That's one of the reasons I don't blog as much as I use to; I found that instead of fully enjoying what I was doing, in the past I spent a lot of time trying to capture pics to share on my blog. While I have committed to keeping my blog, (and improving it in the New Year) those days are gone. I am more focused on enjoying life, and sharing what I can with all of you. So here goes...

A few weeks ago, Nancy and I hosted a workshop with the very talented Cindy Gonzales at Gilding the Lily. Everyone loves Cindy's classes, and we all made the cutest Christmas ornaments!
Ethyn and I also made ornaments for the family, that he took on his travels over Thanksgiving. I found them online here; they are darling, and easy to make!

I belong to an art group that meets once a month, and last week was our Christmas lunch. I've heard others rave about it, and I have to agree; everything was just spectacular! We had a fabulous lunch at the Cedar Creek Inn, and everyone created and shared the most amazing exchanges for each other. Just look at our table, loaded with about 240 gifts! We opened our gifts, had to really, just so we could clear the table to have lunch. I was one of the first to leave and that was after 3 hours! I have to say this was The BeSt Christmas Party, such a festive fun group! Thanks to everyone for a wonderful time.

So there you have it, just a little of what I've been up to. I'll be sure and share more soon, and more regularly. Now I'm off to create a couple of sock monkeys... happy Sunday!

what I've been up to...

2009-11-10T18:31:00.001-08:00

I've been working on a book that I'll share with a very special group of women who so kindly continue asking me to teach...

They make doing this such fun... to be able to laugh and play in the medium I like best. I will learn as much from my time with them, as I hope to inspire them with these little books I continue to make.

I hope you're all enjoying this wonderful Holiday Season as much as I am... I just can't believe it's snuck up on us so quickly this year!

CraZy gOOdNeSS!!

2009-11-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

If you've ever read my blog you know I am wild for journaling and for Teesha Moore's journaling style in particular! In my opinion she IS the journaling queen! As the organizer and creator of ArtFest, ArtFiberFest, and most recently JournalFest, she is wildly talented and a huge supporter of the Arts. She rarely teaches, but to much to my delight she has spent the weekend creating and uploading videos of her making her signature journals and her process for filling them with art. If you love journaling as much as I do, or just want to learn more about art journals, go grab something to drink, find a comfy spot, and check out all of her videos on YouTube. There are at least 6 of them and I think she is still uploading as I type. Yippee, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning I'm so happy! Enjoy!!

The Big Apple

2009-10-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to the east coast to meet with a couple of girlfriends Leslie and Keli. We had planned our trip last spring in hopes of spending time together creating, with a little side trip into New York for shopping. We've heard great things about wonderful little places, where friends have found hidden treasures, and we had high hopes of finding such goodness for ourselves!

We took the train from Philadelphia to NYC, and Leslie found the perfect hotel just across the street from Penn Station. We hit the ground running for the next two days, in search of unique art supplies. We didn't do one tourist attraction, but indeed found the most amazing stores!!

Here's the view from our room, right on Madison Ave. We got lucky and were able to check into our room at 11 when we got off the train which was so nice!
Leslie mapped out Manhattan and the 6 or 7 places we wanted to see. Along the way we walked through Broadway, Time Square, Madison Avenue and the Fashion District.
I didn't take any photos of the places we visited, as we were completely absorbed by all the great stuff we found, and in some cases had to dig for. After a full day of shopping we needed a little fuel {{wink}}! Here are a few photos of what I brought home....

There's nothing like a vaca with your girlfriends, and though I love Mr Warren dearly, it's just a different trip altogether! Thanks to Keli and Leslie for a great girls getaway! I can't wait until we do it again in the spring, next time in the Great Northwest when we head to ArtFest.

I love Tim Walker's work...

2009-10-21T13:37:00.001-07:00

I just happened onto Tim Walker's work, and love his use of color and imagination! Check out these Flickr photos....

1. Tim Walker en ciclic, 2. Tim Walker, 3. Tim Walker en ciclic, 4. Dress Lamp Tree by Tim Walker, 5. Cinderella with Balloons, 6. tim walker, 7. amazing image by Tim Walker - summer feel, 8. Shona's Tree by TIm Walker, 9. Tim Walker, 10. Tim Walker en ciclic, 11. Tim Walker en ciclic, 12. Tim Walker en ciclic, 13. Tim Walker en ciclic, 14. Tim Walker en ciclic, 15. Dress Lamp Tree by Tim Walker, 16. Tim Walker en ciclic

Leavin' on a jet plane...

2009-10-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

To see these two happy girls, yahoo!

You know how life seems to get crazy right before vacation? Well, the madness has begun! I leave Saturday to catch up with two of my favorite girlfriends in Philadelphia, and I am crazy busy trying to take care of silliness that no one but me cares about. I do this to myself... trying to have the house just so, with a "to do list" a mile long. My son and husband don't care about any of it, and it won't bother them a bit if I simply pack my suitcase and kiss them goodbye come Saturday. I know that really it's my anxiety; I don't like to fly! I'm trying to distract myself so I don't think about calming walking onto the plane and casually sitting there for hours and hours, while we go blasting thru the sky at 900 miles an hour, and at 40,000 feet up! Oy, I make myself nuts over this stuff.... moving on!!

Here's where you come in... the three of us are going into New York for a couple of days and if there is anything SpeCtaCuLaR we should see or do, please let me know. We are going to Tinsel Trading, Metaliforous, M&J Trims, and a couple of other places. We aren't big into frou~frou or glitterama... but prefer instead shabby, old, vintage pieces for altered art embellishments, and perhaps a great, yet casual place for dinner and drinks. I personally would love to find tarnished silver servicing pieces, and white ironstone for my house. Hopefully at the flea market in Pennsylvania. Anyways...

Thanks in advance for your help guys, enjoy your week!

My weekend in photos...

2009-09-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am wiped out today, but it was all for a great cause! This past weekend Nancy and I hosted Iva Wilcox and Colleen Moody for 4 classes over two days, and a Trunk Show on Friday evening. It was a creating marathon and it was a blast! These two women put together wonderful classes and everyone had a great time, while making fabulous projects. I didn't take as many photos as I thought I had, but here's a peek at our fun filled weekend at Gilding the Lily...

Iva taught the first class Saturday morning, The Witching Hour. Iva had created a witch's shoe from a vintage chocolate mold for each of the students. Then they embellished and decorated the sweetest little Halloween Witch's Shoes. As I watched the class, I kicked myself for not having signed up for this! I think Iva felt my regret and she very kindly (and generously) gifted me the class sample. I AdoRe it!!! Thanks so much sweet Iva!

On Sunday Colleen taught her darling sculpted half dolls that we then attached to vintage photo frames and embellished with millinery flowers. Colleen had an extra kit, and asked me to join them in this project. I have always LOVED dolls and was thrilled to create these little treasures!

This is the little witch I made on Saturday with Colleen... how cute is she?! I am wild for these little dolls and have a feeling I will be creating many more for the holidays.
One of our regular students Carole Emmans was unable to attend her classes at the last minute. She had been looking forward to this for quite some time, and is a huge fan of Colleen's. Colleen was so sweet to take a special photo just for Carole. We all missed you greatly Carole, and hope all is well in your corner of the world.

Thanks to Nancy, Colleen and Iva for a wonderful weekend! Thanks also to all the great students who make my job so much fun, you guys are the best!

SpOOky HaLLoWeeN Fun...

2009-09-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

I know it's a little early for Halloween, but when creating for the holidays it's never to early to gather great women and stir up a little creative fun! This weekend I taught my Spooky Halloween altered book class and had the best group of women join me.

Here's Glenda holding her book. She began dressing the cover with old victorian pieces pulled from old clothing. She shared a beautifully tattered jacket that she purchased just for the trims and fabric, what a great way to use these pieces that can't be repaired. Her book is really beautiful, and I can't wait to see it finished!
Jeanette and Jackie created wonderful paper witch's for their books using old photos that were copied. Jeanette embellished a picture of her daughter as a young girl, while Jackie altered a beautiful photo of herself, adding quite the appropriate tiara on top!
Barbara and Mary kept the class laughing and are great friends, and wonderful artists!
Joanne used a printed image for her little witch and then glammed her up! I think this was one of the most fun parts of the class. Seeing everyone with alter old family members into such great characters.
Somehow I missed taking any photos of Lisa and Yvette. They created such great books and I'm sorry I didn't take more to share! If you two are reading this, please e-mail me a few pictures if you will. Lisa brought a fabulous print of her Dad as a little boy, and we talked her into making him a witch with a skirt. It is the cutest thing!

Thanks ladies for a great day, I can't wait to gather with you all again!

fall is just around the corner...

2009-09-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

This past winter during the cooler, shorter days of the season, I gathered four artful friends to work with me on a Spooky Halloween project for Stampington. Mendy, eb, Keli, and Leslie all indulged me in an altered book round robin, and happily the results were picked up by Jenny Doh, and are featured in the latest Somerset Studio. It's fun to see our work next to the work of women I have long admired, including Karen Cole, Iva Wilcox, and my very own, Nancy Jamar.

And speaking of Nancy, I'm also celebrating her article in the October issue of Romantic Homes. Her treasured Gilding the Lily has a beautiful spread with wonderful photos of the shop and its wares. Yeah, Nancy!

Well, my calendar and these magazines say fall is quickly on the way, now I wish someone would tell the weather man! It's suppose to be 94 here today... I hope you all enjoy the long weekend with a cool drink and these yummy magazines!

getting some work done...

2009-08-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Most of who know me, know that I don't work... well, not really. I do have a very part time job as a personal assistant, but I never think of that as work as it's only 3 or 4 days a month (perfect if you ask me!). But earlier this summer, Nancy of Gilding the Lily asked me if I'd like to take over booking classes for her shop. Of course I said yes, as it gives me the opportunity to bring some of my favorite artists to Nancy's wonderful customers, and to get to be involved in the art I love so much. It's a win, win situation and great work if you can get! I just finished putting together our Fall Schedule, and I think we've added some wonderful new teachers to our family, including Iva Wilcox and Colleen Moody both of whom will be in the shop in late September. Here's a sneak peek at some of the class projects coming in the next month or two...

Yep, I guess if I'm going to have a job I'm lucky to have two that I enjoy so much. Hope your summer's been great, and I hope to see you in one of our classes soon!

back in five minutes...

2009-08-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the unexpected blogging break, but there are only a few more weeks of summer left and I'm completely enjoying them. So until I'm back, here are a few beautiful photos of Lisa and Tim's great space at Country Roads in Orange...

a whirlwind summer...

2009-08-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written. I've been coming down off of a very full past few weeks. Having had Judy Wilkenfeld come in to teach our group last weekend was such a treat for us all, and a real honor for me personally. To spend two full days in her workshop was great, but it flew by as good times often do. I'll share with you what I made in her class in my next post.

My girlfriend Nancy hosted a Trunk Show to coincide with Judy's visit and it was an evening of fun and great shopping as always. I love sharing Gilding the Lily with others, and I think everyone found amazing things there. Thanks for opening the shop to us, Nancy.
Friday night kicked off five days together with some amazing women, who are just the most fun. Joanna was able to join us, and make a long weekend of it. It was great to get to know her, and we fell in as though we had all been friends for years! What a kind, gentle, creative soul she is... and what a great addition to our group.
Judy is so talented and her books are full of such amazing detail. That's what drew me to her art and prompted me to ask her to come teach, when I met her last year. I love that she so generously shares her knowledge, tips and techniques for reproducing the effects she is known for, in such an easy~going manner. I couldn't have asked for more from her, or for a more relaxed creative workshop. I encourage any of you to study with Judy if you have the chance. Hopefully we can do this again the next time she comes to the states.

Thanks to all of the women who joined us, I hope you'll share your books as you continue to create in them. Please feel free to add your photos to the Yahoo Group so we can all see the wonderful work you do. And lastly a special thanks to Leslie for all your help and support, I could not have done this without you!

renewed faith...

2009-07-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have had the most unexpected, amazing turn of events happen this weekend. It has left me in awe of, and inspired by the generosity of others. I have renewed faith in the goodness of us all, when we genuinely support each other without expectations. While it would defeat the purpose to share the details, may the blessings I've enjoyed find their way to you...

Photo found here...

I {heart} Thursdays...

2009-07-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday I gather with an art group for Open Studio at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton. We each bring our current project and now with summer, we sit under the stars in the courtyard as we laugh, share, and catch up with one another. It's our own mini girls~night~out each week and something I so look forward to. Though I don't usually bring a project, last night I was able to finish a few journals. It was a perfect summer evening with friendly, happy women... no wonder I love Thursdays!