Merry Wishes and Vintage Dreams

Saying Goodbye....

2011-12-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

It's never easy is it?

And yet we somehow manage to do it and go on our merry way, getting wrapped up in the crazy bizzy-ness that life is.

Today I had to say goodbye.

It wasn't easy.

It's not going to be easy.

This one will be tough because I have been left with a little hole in my heart. Saying good bye to someone that is such a big part of my life.

Gina, myself and Iva the deserter!

Yes...there is the phone/chat/text/email and even Skype. But it's not the same. There isn't any more....hey what are you doing at noon...wanna go to lunch? shopping? come over and help me on this project???

sigh....

No, that's not a simple sigh.

That is a big 'ol dramatic, sad, over the top, blow the wind out of your sails... sigh.

I said goodbye with a smile on my face. I gave a big hug and took a mental picture as I drove away...and I told her I was taking that picture...and we laughed about it...like only we can.

Then I cried quiet alligator tears the whole way home.

Tomorrow...I'm staying in bed.

I'm going to refuse to get up.

I'm going to be cranky and hard to get along with.

I'm going to make the kids make their own lunch (that won't go over well).

Shoot....they can make their own breakfast too (sounds like I won't be the only cranky in the house)!!

I'm going to lay there and feel sorry for myself....that a little piece of me is gone....

TO FLORIDA !!

OH heck...

Who am I kidding? I'm going to bury myself in Bizzy-ness and try to be happy and move on with life....because I have to plan a trip to Florida !!

Holiday Craziness....

2011-12-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

Won't y'all stop running around like crazy and give me some lovin'?

Pop on in...

2011-12-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

for a visit

My Winter blog sale is today at 5pm PST.

Hope to see you there!

A bit of a tangled mess.....

2011-12-01T13:31:00.000-08:00

and isn't it purdy !

Busy getting ready for my web sale. This Sunday, December 4th at 5pm pst.

Find it here.

Back in the studio!

2011-11-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

After my wonderful trip to Gilding the Lily in Southern California I took a couple of days off to get caught up with the laundry and such. Man does that pile up!! I am finally back in the studio, getting ready for my December web sale. I can't believe December is in less than two weeks. Crazy!!

Thought I would show you some tree topper girls I made for my sweet friend Marcia at Cottage Jewel. These girls are making their appearance tonight at the Spirit of Danville event held in our lovely little downtown. Marcia asked me to make these for her store and I was thrilled to do it for her. They have a cone base which slips right onto the top of the tree and they are wearing the most gorgeous vintage lace skirts.

I wish I could make it downtown tonight. It's so much fun to see it all lit up and to watch the fun little trolley that rolls around giving shoppers rides from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately....but fortunately...I have a soccer meeting to be at. That is a good thing as it means my boy made the team! Yay!

Road trip!!

2011-10-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

The girls and I are packing our bags and heading to Santa Ana, CA.

Hope to see you this Saturday at Glitterfest from 10-4.

These girls were troopers!

2011-10-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the 21 sweetest, hardest working gals around came to my home to create. They came from as far away as Texas and Montana and as close as just a few miles away.

They had their heads down and their creativity ON as we sculpted, painted and sewed.

They came armed with fabulous fabrics, ribbon and trims...

and a plan of action.

We munched and sipped on all kinds of goodies...

and chit chatted the weekend away...

I am so honored to have been able to spend the weekend with these wonderfully creative women.

What a treat!

A special thanks to Sally and Carol for their yummy baked goodies. They were incredible!

Here are some snaps of some of the nearly completed pieces. I love how they are all so different...

When it was all said and done....it was a fantastic weekend with some old friends and lots of new ones.

It felt like a mini vacation...little umbrellas and all!

I was sad to see it end....

But Albert and Lola hope y'all will come back again real soon!

I do too!

a few more peeks...

2011-09-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

Of the Tinsel and Treasures show.

I have to say that I think this was my favorite piece of the day. So magical...

Arbutus

Charlene Geiger

Debby Anderson

Iva Wilcox

Natalie Hansen

A little glimpse....

2011-09-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

into the 2011 Tinsel and Treasures show!

creamy and dreamy....

um...hello....swoooooon!

charming...

always some fun...

Tick tock ....

2011-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'm counting down the days, hours and minutes until Saturday!

Tinsel and Treasures is just about here.

The girls are piling up...

and the bling is looking especially sparkley!

And even though my new little helper has thrown a bit of a wrench into my daily routine....

It's all good!

Hope to see you Saturday!!

Happiness...

2011-08-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

A bundle of energy. Don't let this calm sweet face fool yah!

Consuming all my time at the moment...

2011-08-22T10:10:00.000-07:00


Lola

12 weeks old and as sassy as can be!

Hovering....

2011-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Goodness Gracious!

I certainly did not plan on being gone from this blog for so long! The last time I posted I felt that I was soon to be on a blog post roll! There was going to be so much going on and so much to post about. Then the husband and I had to put on REALLY big catcher's mitts for the curve ball(s) that life has thrown us!!

We celebrated our first high school graduation and an 18th birthday soon after that. Such good times.

Somewhere in between we had an emergency, middle of the night, surgery on the 15 year old. A four day hospital stay and 6 week recovery of not lifting more than 5 pounds, no physical activity....not so easy for a teenager in the summer!! The flu hit our house...twice...and my momma took a spill and ended up in the E.R. with dislocated fingers and a huge gash above her eye.

We also have been through the tragic death of a 4 year old nephew. No words for that.

On the happy ~ happy front...the surgery patient is doing great and we are excitedly looking forward to the birth of my great nephew, Liam, and my sisters wedding to the love of her life. It just goes to show that life does go on and happy times are to be cherished.

During my "hovering" days I had a chance to clean up the studio and organize a bit.

I've been using up some of my blingy collection to work on some fun jewelry pieces.

It's hard to part with some of these jewels but they aren't being enjoyed just sitting in a drawer!!

I'm loving my plastic rhinestone lovelies...

Along with the creamy white goodness of these.

I've been doing some sewing, getting ready for both Tinsel and Treasures and Glitterfest.

I've also been working on getting ready for my Studio Workshop (2 spots still available) and LOVE that my students have not given up on the hunt for the seemingly elusive "perfect frame" for their project.

I'm meeting a sweet friend tomorrow for lunch and some antique shopping as one can never have too many old linens...

and trims!

Having to cancel our summer vacation and weekend trips due to Shane's recovery has allowed me to catch up on my favorite show...

(Do you watch this one?)

And spend a day in the kitchen canning apricots and making jam with one of my favorite people.

I've also done some hovering in the garden....but unless Mother Nature wants to smile on us with a little more heat...I don't know how many of these babies I'm going to see this summer.

I hope you are having a wonderful, warm, creative and safe summer.

~~~~~~~

On a side note....please remember not to use your cell phone while driving. No phone call or text is so important that it can't wait until you arrive at your destination or pull to the side of the road.

Tinsel and Treasures 2011

2011-06-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's back! The Tinsel and Treasures show for 2011. I'm so very excited to be participating again this year. There are some GREAT new additions to the show along with some artists who are returning after taking a break last year.

I am finally back in the studio after end of school activities and graduation!! I was away from the studio for what seemed like forever so it feels good to be creating again.

Hope you can make it to the show. It's always such a special day.

Busy times...

2011-05-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have been buried, as usual, with tons of kids activities and getting ready for my first born to graduate from High School. I really can't believe it. Where does the time go. In the blink of an eye they are grown. I miss his sweet little hugs when his arms were short and his hands had chubby little fingers.

He is a man now....soon to be 18 and looking forward to what the world has to offer.

This is his passion. I am so glad he discovered it and has devoted so much to it. He swims on a year round, National swim team. Out the door at 4:30 in the morning, in the pool by 5, back home by 7:15 for breakfast...off to school...then out at 3:10 and straight back to the pool. Some days he has dry land after practice so he's not home until 8pm. Time for homework and some much needed sleep. This schedule would kill most kids. He has definitely had some tough days to work through but somehow manages to do it.

I told myself I wouldn't cry at his upcoming Graduation ceremony. But sunglasses will definitely be in order. I always cry at kid events. Not because I'm sad....just so darn proud!

Fall Workshop Registration

2011-05-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Fall workshop information is up and available for registration.

Pop on over to the Workshop page for more information.

Inspiration by Kecia....

2011-05-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Kecia has been keeping us posted on Facebook about a nest that a little birdie was building on her front porch. The bird had been working hard, building...building...building. Once the nest was built Kecia took a picture of what was inside and...you guessed it...a sweet, beautiful...gorgeous actually...blue egg. She waited some time and then took another snap, and there was a second egg. As I was admiring them from my computer I started to wonder if birds ever use the same nest more than once. Think about it. If the nest is intact and they have had successful use of it in a prior year...would they return and use it again? If you read Prim's magazine and happened to read my article in the last issue you know that the inspiration from my bird dolls comes from a sweet little couple that had been building their nest (on top of one of my outdoor speakers that is up under the eaves) in my backyard. They have returned for a number of years now. Each year, after the little ones fly away, I take the nest down and use it on my front porch in a little display I put together. Last year I didn't take the nest down. After Kecia's second photo of the two sweet eggs I started to wonder if maybe my little friends had returned and I just didn't know it because 1. there has been so much rain I haven't been spending time in the yard and 2. because they just flew in, did their business laying eggs and they are now incognito...hangin' with the other neighborhood birds.

Now let me tell you that my backyard nest is not easy to get to. I had to get out the big ladder...climb way way up....use my cell phone camera so I could stick my arm way up there and squeeze my phone in. Of course, for the first 4 snaps I just caught the upside of the speaker with lots of bird...uh hum...stuff...but my 4th snap...

I struck gold!!!

They returned!!

Cleanliness and Organization is Overrated!

2011-04-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

I normally overhaul my studio each January. Dust the cobwebs out of the corners, tidy everything up so I am ready for the new year. January 2011 came and went and I was too busy to get to it. I finally have had a bit of a break in the craziness of life and I have been working to get my studio nice and...mmm...I dunno...organized maybe?

I shuffled things...

and moved things...

I organized...

I reorganized...

I took stock of what I have...

And what I have too much of...

(no picture to insert as a girl can never have too much stuff)

and I tidied it all up...

found a place for everything...

and everything in its place...

AND NOW I CAN'T FIND A THING !!!

Spring Web Sale

2011-04-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

A few feathered friends will be leaving the nest. From the pages of Prim's magazine....to my Sunday web sale.

Sunday, April 10

5 pm, PST

Here

Button Button....

2011-04-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

who has the button?

I do!! Lisa and Val too!

gorgeous glass

beautiful black

yummy ~ yummy creams and whites. just look at that big flower....

perfect plastic... (and bling)

gaw-geous gold...and can I just say...the pearls in these buttons are incredible.

bling bling and more bling! Lovin' these rhinestones.

sweet smalls....

Thanks Lisa...for letting me tag along to the button ladies house.

The sweet button lady...she has the most wonderful collection of buttons and is always willing to share.

hhhmmmm....sounds like it might be a good field trip for the September/October workshop!!

~~~~

And can I just give a big shout out ?!?

Lisa Super...on the cover...Somerset Life.

And can I just tell you...she is the newest Bonne Vivant !!

Big Congratulations!

Couldn't have happened to a nicer person.

Recycle, Repurpose, ReUse

2011-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, my sweet friend Marcia had a newspaper article written about her and her store on recycling. Ah yes, the beauty of collecting (hoarding) and recycling (creating art with hoarded goods) "stuff". Marcia decided that in March she would play hostess to "green" art classes. She asked if I would like to play....and of course I said yes! So last night we got together and had the most wonderful time making flea market bags ~ re-cycled style. Five lovely ladies came out to join me. They designed and mostly hand stitched their bags.

We used old hankies and laces...

buttons and ribbon...

and even pockets off of shorts that my neighbor girls had outgrown!!

I loved the creativity and the intensity that these gals had, even in the heat. And I'm not complaining about the heat...at all!!

Spring Prims !

2011-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

On April 1 the Spring edition of Prim's will be arriving. Check your local bookstore or you can order from the Stampington website. I do believe it to be my favorite issue so far.

Laurie Hardin's rascal-ly rabbits.

Susan Pilotto's delightful creatures. Just love this little mouse.

Karen Brady Hammontree's happy animals. They make me smile.

And then there are a few feathered friends in the mix.

Make sure to pick this one up. It's a good one!

A petite gathering of girls

2011-03-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Available today at 5pm PST

Here

Can Can Happiness

2011-03-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Moulin Rouge event went off without a hitch. It's not a shock or surprise, really. Kim Caldwell has a very ~ very special talent. Kim can organize and design....anything and everything...I am convinced. She has an amazing attention to detail and she leaves each and every one of her participants feeling special and loved. There are far too many lovely details to mention...so I will just touch on a few things that I have photos of. There are lots of other photos and memories on many other blogs so do search around and enjoy the loveliness.

The Swaps...

Oh the swaps....they were incredible. Here are a few of the Bijoux Jewelry Box Swap. Each participant was to find a vintage jewelry box and fill it with all kinds of goodness based on their swap partners loves.

You could also decorate the outside if you wanted....I like!!

Garter Swap

Look at how pretty the boxes were....and oh my...you should have seen the garters themselves!

During some down time that I had, I ventured over to Bountiful with Karla and Kerry Lynn. The eye candy was lovely. We were a bit confused because they had cake platters EVERYWHERE. I mean...every~where. Hundreds of them stacked so high. We were thinking since Bountiful means "large in quantity" maybe this store will carry large amounts of a certain "something" at a time. In looking at their website, that doesn't seem to be the case. I'm not sure why they had so many cake platters but the displays were very striking. Pink, blue, purple, clear, black, red, green and more. Vintage and new....there was something for everyone.

I would be happy to take these bookcases...any day!!

Here is some of the GAH GAH GORGEOUS decor at the event.
Look at this centerpiece. It sings to me.

The back of each chair was adorned with beauty.

Christine's lovely make and take project. She is such a sweet ~ sweet and talented lady.

Girls hard at work...

The girls...Natalie, Karla and Lonnie

I love this snap....such a special moment. I love these gals too. Natalie, holding the bird doll, was somehow chosen to take on the challenge of Cancer. She was going through Chemo when I taught the bird class at Shea and Debbie's place in Dallas. Natalie was so disappointed she wasn't able to join in on the fun so we decided to make her her own little tweet. I sculpted the piece, Stacy (in the bright jacket) dressed her. Lonnie, standing on Nat's right, made a sweet little jewelry piece that hangs off her dress. Debbie and Shea made the gorgeous crown that is the crowning glory of the piece. Of course there were lots of tears....all happy.
We were finally all together, in the same place, so we could give it to her and this event couldn't have been more perfect. The room was filled with such warm, wonderful, supportive, funny and creative women.

A few of my favorite people

Sweet Pamela

Tina Marie....always a smile on her face and dressed fabulously.

Silly Stacy

Some favorite moments

And one more swap...

This was the pillow swap. Well...these are the packagings for a couple of pillows that were in the pillow swap. The packaging was just as yummy as what was inside (which I took pics of and I'm not sure what happened to them). I'm sorry I missed out on participating in this swap. Just saying.

Our beautiful and talented hostess of the weekend. Thank you Kim....for giving so many fortunate women the opportunity to be surrounded by beauty, friendship and art.

You are the best!

Moulin Rouge Ready!!

2011-03-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

The time has finally arrived and I am so
excited to be heading out of here before dawn tomorrow morning!!

See all these boxes? They are all the kits for the class I will be teaching at the event. The boxes on the right are finished dolly's I am taking for vendor night but all those boxes on the left are kits. There is going to be some fun artsy fartsy stuff going on!!

My sweet traveling companion is wondering where her stuff will fit in the car. I'm not so worried about her "stuff"... more about where I will fit her!! I might have to duct tape her to the roof of the car. The weather calls for rain all morning tomorrow so I sure hope she wears something plastic!

I decided to join a couple of the swaps that are taking place at the event. One is the bijoux jewelry box swap. We were to find an old jewelry box and embellish it as we see fit. Then we filled it with all things lovely and vintage.

I can't show you the stash of goodies on the inside but here is a peek at what I did to the outside of the box. Think my swap friend will know who made it?

This box was such a find. It came with the original key so the lock can be used. Love it!!

A little something different I've been playing with. Sweet little girls made in to lovely little necklaces. I had so much fun creating these.

I found myself heading back to my roots for this event. Since it is Spring time...or at least I am hoping for it to be soon... I made some wonderful bunnies for vendor night. I haven't made bunnies in ages...but that is where my doll making began many ~ many years ago. It was a nice change of pace and I am tickled with how they turned out.

Have a great rest of the week...I'll be back next week with photos!!

A lovely gift...

2011-03-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

When I went to New Jersey in January...in between the East Coast storms, thank goodness...Kecia gifted me this beautiful and unique necklace. I absolutely adore it. She sewed some wonderful lace and fabrics with the photo of a young girl. The chain is constructed from old pieces of chain and beads, re-purposed for this piece. I love the little Osh Kosh style metal clasp. It's finished off with the tiny~ tiny petit point stitched roses. Oooh la la. Just fabulous. If you have never seen Kecia's jewelry...it's a must. Hop on over to her blog for some viewing. Wait until I show you the other piece I brought home...you will want it.......Next Post!!

Well Ooops!

2011-02-27T20:35:00.001-08:00

Please pardon my error on the Doll Town celebration giveaway. I guess you need to be a "member" to be able to leave a comment. Darn. So I will come up with another way to celebrate. Details to follow....

2011 Happenings....

2011-02-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

I finally ~ almost ~ somewhat ~ kinda ~ closely there...have my schedule set for 2011. I'm so looking forward to everything I have planned. I hope to see you somewhere along the way!

Sunday, February 27
7pm EST

A brand new site, dedicated to dolls.
How exciting is this?

Pop on over...you can read more about it. There are amazing artists that will be part of this. There will be works for sale...all the time. You don't want to miss it. Look for my page and leave me a comment that you stopped by. I will be having a little giveaway during my next web sale on March 27. You won't be able to leave a comment until the site is live on February 27.

~

March 17-20

An Artistic Affaire presents

"Moulin Rouge"

Manhattan Beach CA

We will be Can Can - ing our way onto the big stage as we create a tiny little dancer, costume her and create the fancy stage for her "One Last Number".

This event is sold out but please visit Kim Caldwell's site and sign up on her mailing list for mailings on future events. They are one of a kind !

~

March 27, 2011
Sunday, 5pm PST
Spring Web Sale

~

September 10, 2011
4th Annual Tinsel and Treasures Show
Alamo Women's Club
Alamo, CA
Exciting new Artists have been added!! It's going to be the best show yet!!

~
September 30 and October 1
"In The Studio Workshop"
Step into my studio and come create some magic with me.
There is limited space for this workshop.
Danville, California
Details to follow

~

October 15, 2011
Glitterfest!
Santa Ana, CA

~

October 16, 2011
Gilding the Lily Workshop
I am so excited to be returning to Gilding the Lily this Fall. I will be co-teaching a class with Iva Wilcox.
Details and information to follow but think jingle bells and ho-ho-ho's.

~

Dates and times of Fall Web Sales to be announced at a later date.

Next Web Sale

2011-02-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

All things Spring!

Sunday, March 27

5pm PST

JANUARY !!!!

2011-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

Where did you go????

I can't believe it is February...and the 9th at that! Now a days it seems like you blink...and bam...you've lost a week! At least that is how I feel. I'm working hard to keep my eyes wide open!!

In January I took a trip to New Jersey to visit some East Coast gals. I taught a class and we had a great time playing with clay, paint, fabric and trims. Each of the students had their game on and it was so great to see their individual styles emerge as they completed their dollie.

Kecia Deveney organized the class. She did a fantastic job and she was so incredible to work with. No stone unturned and nothing forgotten...which made my job incredibly easy. I stayed with Kecia for the 6 days I was there and she was a fantastic hostess. Her home is whimsical and lovely. It was so inspiring to be able to spend time there and to play in her ~over~the~top~ studio. It surely should grace the pages of Where Women Create.

Each morning I awoke to breakfast on the table and after class on Sunday we were treated to TWO men cooking for us. I mean come on! It doesn't get much better than that. I didn't want to come home (but don't tell my husband I said that).

Here are some photos as you walk out of Kecia's home. Love ~ Love ~ Love the scenery. I think I could be quite happy living amongst this loveliness. Until, of course, my car was buried in the snow.

I woke up the first morning of class not feeling so great. I had a cold coming on. I was definitely not my usually uber chatty self...but we still got the job done.

Rita and Evelyn

Linda, Pam and Betty.

Beth and Sandi.

The troublemaker table. These gals are a hoot.

Lesley, Jane, Kecia and Kim.

Colleen, Kelly and Mary.

Sallianne, Marlene and Mz. Carlson got away before I got their picture snapped....darn! I'm going to have to peruse the girls blogs and see if I can find some.

I had a great time with these ladies...cold and all. I was so happy to be in there after the December snowstorms and outta there before the wild ones hit. My timing was most excellent!

On the agenda for February...

This handsome young man of mine is headed off to Colorado Springs tomorrow. He is a swimmer and is going to be training at the Olympic Training Center...a great opportunity.

But he's grown up a bit since this picture...I just love this picture...face smashed against the glass.

Such a great kid. I couldn't be more proud of him.

And this kid...will be keeping me on my toes. He had knee surgery back in October and ripped the repair to pieces last week. He is going back to the Operating Room in a couple of weeks and hopefully....this procedure will work !! So I have lots of time set aside to worry. A momma has got to have her worry time.

And I cannot forget....I've got lots more work to do to get ready for Moulin Rouge in March !! I can't wait to head down south and see old friends and make new ones.

I will post pics of my progress as I have some. I'm so excited!!

Oh my....

2011-01-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

What a time we had!!

More pictures to follow....I'm just swamped trying to catch up with "life" !!

Me and the girls....

2011-01-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

We are packing up and heading out!

We are flying off to play with clay and make some New Jersey friends.

I'll take lots of pictures to share with you when I get back.

Have a great week!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

Wow! I hadn't planned on being gone this long. Really I didn't. I'm not sure where the time went but I know I probably left it somewhere between the mall and the pumpkin pie! I hope you had the most excellent holiday season. I certainly did.

So let me tell you about the gift I received from my 12 year old son, Trey. It is certainly the BEST GIFT EVAH !! So inexpensive and so thoughtful....and so easy to do. It's a family book that he made on the Apple website. It only cost 30 bucks...and it is so wonderfully thoughtful and lovely. I adore it!

This is the cover.

He made a page for each of the kids. This is his page. He put photos of when they were younger and older on their pages.

Shane's page.

Love the hair-do.

Tyler's page. Love that baby picture. He was on the inside of the sliding glass door just rubbing his face all over the glass. So silly. I sure miss those days. Oh and that is him now. A senior in High School. I can barely believe it.

Then Trey put lots of other snaps of the family in.

I must say I was SO totally surprised and blown away. I usually know all my presents because if I say I want something....that is what I get. It never waivers. It is just easier on the boys, doing it that way. And I certainly don't mind.

And yes...I did shed a tear or two.

So sweet. I told you...the best gift EVAH!

This would be so great to put together after a memorable vacation too!

~~~

So I'm finally back in the studio, getting some work done! Yay! It's been way too long. It feels so great to be amongst the fabrics and trim and being able to be creative again.

Guess what?

We have a new addition to our family. Yup...here she is (click on the photo to enlarge). The husband brought her home from the local liquor store where he buys his lottery tickets. Since the season is over they were kicking her out of the store. Well of course the husband couldn't resist! He brought her home right away. All 3 boys fought over her and we decided that she could visit each of them, one at a time, starting with the oldest. She lasted about 15 minutes in Tyler's room. "She's creepy. Everywhere I go in my room, it's like she's looking at me." So into Shane's room she went. She only lasted about 5 minutes in there and Trey said "no way" and put her in the Dining Room window. She now greets the mailman and anyone else who comes for a visit. Luckily we don't live on a street where people passing by can see our house!!

Anyone interested in a Raiderette?

One spot available!

2010-12-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

We had a cancellation in New Jersey....so if you were thinking about it...and missed the opportunity to sign up...it's your lucky day!!

The class dates are January 15 and 16 and we will be constructing this gal from top to bottom!

Contact Kecia for all the detail

or

Visit her blog for more information.

Warm Winter Web Sale

2010-11-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

Santas, Winter Ladies, Snow ladies and more....

Come visit here

Sunday, December 5

5pm PST

Just what the doctor ordered !

2010-11-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

I must say that the last couple of months have been a bit of a blur for me. Between dolly making commitments and family goings ons ... well it was time for a much needed getaway. I spent the last 5+ days in Omaha, Nebraska at the warm and wonderful Silver Bella event.

Karla Nathan, Valita Baxley, Natalie Hansen, Shannon Johnson, Cheryl Stoneham, Stacy McGinnis, Lonnie Jenck, Carol Spinksi, myself, Michelle Gellar, Cherie Wilson

(Photo lifted from Lori Oles facebook page)

I took one photo during those days. That's it. One. This one isn't it. I don't even remember what photo I took. I just remember I pulled my camera out at one point and took a snap. Instead of clicking my camera here and there I spent each and every moment soaking in everything and everyone that surrounded me. Deep, old friendships, new friendships forming, tired eyes, surprised eyes, happy and amazed faces, incredible artwork, more incredible teachers. I could go on and on.

These days in Omaha were not about mementos on paper or photos in my iphoto library. They have become special memories in my head and heart.

So now I am back.

Recharged artistically, mentally, spiritually and filled with deep appreciation, love and admiration of my funny, sweet, talented, beautiful, warm...and did I mention funny... art~soul mates.

Sweet little tweets....

2010-11-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Flying off on a new adventure !

In the studio this week...

2010-10-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to sneak out to the studio in bits and pieces to try to finish up some of the projects I have been working on. I was pleased to finish the class sample for Kim's event in March and now I just needed to finish this lady for the upcoming workshop in New Jersey! I am so excited about this 2 day workshop which will consist of a little bit of everything and will take place in the Lemoncholy Studio. Kecia Deveney was so sweet to invite me to her studio to teach 14 wonderful women. We thought it would be fun to give the workshop a theme and because Phantom of the Opera is near and dear...we went with that. It's funny though...as much as I love Phantom, when it came time to choose fabrics for the costuming of our Phantom piece I really struggled.

I didn't know whether to do "dark and dangerous" or "sweet and innocent". I took to the internet and YouTube. There are some wonderful clips from the movie there. My favorite is the Masquerade number. I could watch it over and over. I thought I might make her costuming "Masqueradish" but then thought not as it is really just a small piece of the puzzle. So I studied and watched and dug deep into my memory of the times I have been fortunate to see the show on stage....

I decided to go with the sweet and beautiful side of the movie. The innocence of Christine and the beauty of her costuming, always gorgeous pale colors with lush trims, ribbons and flowers.

And she had to have a cape!

Now I am just going to count down the days until January...

SPECTACULAR !!

2010-10-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

This event is
SURE to be....

Click on over to An Artistic Affaire to read about the details.

Registration is THIS Sunday, October 17....I would love to see you there!

When you have a moment...

2010-10-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

The new Prims publication is on the news stands. It is another beautiful magazine put together by Jenn Jackson and the staff at Stampington. There are art work and articles by Debbee Thibault, Nancy Malay, Jennifer Murphy and more!! Most importantly, there is a wonderful story about our sweet Southern friend, Penny McAllister, who lost her battle to Leukemia. Penny was such a spunky, funny, lovely soul. We miss her terribly. Thank you Lori, for organizing the wonderful Penny Feather Tree Auction and for keeping Penny's memory alive. I am so honored to have been a part of it.

In the studio this week...

2010-10-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sadly saying goodbye to the last bits of summer weather....unless of course Mother Nature chooses to throw another heat wave our way!

Finishing up the last of the Halloween special orders...

Crossing my T's and dotting my I's on a special project coming up...

Working on finishing up these girls....

In a Christmas kinda way....

Hope your week is a productive one filled with beauty...and a little sunshine.

Photo time!

2010-09-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Tinsel and Treasures was so fortunate to have the VERY talented Sandy Wood in attendance to photograph the Friday evening artist dinner and the show.

Tinsel and Treasures Photos by Sandy Wood

Sandy also has a nice little slide show on her blog. Nancy Jamar has some fun photos also!

Enjoy !

Photos coming soon!

2010-09-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'm working to get some photos up of the Tinsel and Treasures show. It was a vision of loveliness. So much talent in one room. It just took my breath away. So ... the photos are coming!!

A great variety...

2010-09-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is a crazy time of year for Halloween lovers. There are some ah-mazing Halloween art shows out there...not to be missed for sure. I always find after Halloween I have little time to create for Christmas. That is one of the wonderful things about the Tinsel and Treasures show. Not only is there Halloween art but there is also Christmas art and loads of EveryDay art !!! It sure makes it fun getting ready for this show.

For more information on the Tinsel and Treasures show you can go to their website or their blog.

The time is upon us....

2010-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ruffles...

Gathers...

and pleats.

Fancy hats...

fancier crowns...

Pumpkins, witches, santa's, snowmen....

Need I say more?

The Tinsel and Treasures

3rd Annual Art Show and Sale

One day, One of a kind

Don't miss it!

Saturday, September 18

9 - 3

Alamo Women's Club

Alamo, CA

The Sunday class

2010-08-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday at the Church was all about jewelry

...yes girls...

JEWELRY!!

I was extremely excited and had great anticipation for this class as I am NOT a jewelry maker...but would love to have that talent. Shea was going to be teaching her wire wrapping method and I had heard she was a master at it!

These little jars, so wonderfully embellished, contained our class supplies for making 2 bracelets. One would be a practice bracelet and one would be "the real thing"!

Sterling wire, beautiful beads, jump rings, etc. I poured the kit out and oohed and aahed over the beauty of each item and then wondered what in the heck I was supposed to do with all of it.

Shea guided us through each step of wire wrapping, and putting the bracelet all together.

This was our "practice" bracelet.

Now let me tell you...this bracelet is GORGEOUS and I would have been very very happy just making this. But Shea had other ideas....

THIS was "the real thing"!!!

I know....too die for, right?

We punched letters into metal...yes, I put the husbands name...I know...corny...then we added blingy rhinestones around it. We wire wrapped each bead and made a few mistakes (well I did anyway). Shea was there, peeking over our shoulders, just waiting to see if we needed help. She was the most excellent teacher.

I am thrilled that I learned this technique and plan on playing with it more...soon. I don't want to forget how to do it.

Cutie pie Mz. Stella


Nico and sweet Debbie

BIG HUGE THANKS to Shea, Debbie, Robert, Stella and Nico for letting myself and all the other women take over their beautiful home for a few days. These gals really know how to show a good time!!!

You gals are the best!! I wish I could hang out with you every day!

The Saturday Class

2010-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was met with these beautiful, happy, smiling ladies coming to the Church for their first class.

Shea and Debbie pulled out all the stops. The goodie bags alone were fantastic and filled with so many sweet and wonderful surprises.

I brought a collection of girls for inspiration.

Heather and Stacy helped me assemble my supply kits and get the table set up the night before.

Thanks ladies!

I made a variety of styles of these bags to hold the supplies for the class. Black and gold, cream, gold on gold, etc. They were all made with vintage flocked wallpaper, dresden trim and old ribbon.

Shea and Debbie had 4 sewing machines set up and they whirred continuously throughout the day.

The ladies worked diligently all day long.

And at the end of the day....it all paid off!

Thanks for such a warm, wonderful and inspiring day ladies. You are all

THE BEST!!

A big THANK YOU to Creative Paperclay for sponsoring this class.

Pure Gorgeousness...

2010-08-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Gilded Nest Art Even t was held at Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray's strikingly beautiful home. The mother/daughter duo (with an itty bitty bit of help from Shea's husband ; - }) turned a very old Church into their private residence. You really have to see it to believe it. I had seen pictures but never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what it truly looked like in real life. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to spend 4 wonderful days surrounded by the beauty of this place. From the gorgeous stained glass windows, restored by Debbie herself, to the unbelievably fantastic kitchen....words cannot tell you.

A view from the far end of the massive living room, looking towards the kitchen.

This shot was taken from their studio that overlooks the living room.

The living room (or a small portion of it anyway)

Heather in the kitchen.


A peek at the kitchen, once the altar of the Church.

If you have the opportunity to attend one of their events (and a little gilded bird told me there was one coming in October)....you should do so. No detail forgotten, surroundings that will knock your socks off and wonderful wonderful women to bond with.

Watch for the their studio to be featured in Where Women Create...the winter edition, I believe. It is TO DIE FOR....but I'm not going to post any pictures as I don't want to spoil the fun. Also, watch for their kitchen in the new, upcoming publication Where Women Cook.

To Die for

...I'm telling you...

you won't be disappointed.

They rocked the nest!

2010-08-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!

Canton in the heat, workshops in the Church, ah-mazing food (and tons of it), making new friends, visiting with old ones and 2 tiny smiling faces ready to greet you in the morning.

Our long weekend started with a few of the gals getting together for dinner. There were fancy cocktails and some interesting desserts all around.

Friday morning was our trip to Canton. Shea and Debbie had everything all planned out and the day went off without a hitch.

They greeted each attendee with a handmade bag made by Jamelia, filled with the necessities of the day. First and foremost a pen and pad of paper so you could write down where you left your treasures....to be picked up later in the day. ;--) There was lip balm, hand wipes and minty fresh gum. There were homemade scones, fresh Starbucks coffee and a huge basket full of snacks that you could take with you to have when you needed a burst of energy. There were also band aids, tylenol and some, ah hem, other necessities that might be needed. No detail was missed.

Once everyone was greeted and on the beautiful, air conditioned bus there was lots of chatter. There was so much excitement about the weekend ahead. When we were about half way to Canton we had a flea market bag swap! This was a great swap and so perfect for the day. Those that signed up got to share with the person making their bag what style they preferred along with colors. Each bag was so unique and perfect.

Valita's bag made by Debbie

Kim's bag

Heather's bag made by Alisa

Cheryl's bag

Debbie's bag made by Cheryl

Alisa's bag made by Kim

my bag made by Valita

Shea's bag made by me

Once we all oohed and aaahed over all the bags....and they really were quite amazing....we arrived in Canton.

We all unloaded....

Took some quick pics...

Sweet Stacy and myself.

And headed straight to an air conditioned building!


Valerie, Stacy, Debbie and Cheryl digging in the bins.

This was one of the great booths inside the first building. This gal had bins and bins and bins (did I mention all the bins) of linens. There were tablecloths, doilies, hand towels and on and on. Old quilts too! Her prices were incredible and we all had a great time looking for bits and pieces to use in the workshop the next day.

After my stop at the linen lady I came around the corner to find this cutie digging in piles of cards. It's funny how when one person gets excited about something....others catch on. By the time we moved on from this booth there were about 4 other ladies sitting on the floor digging through the tubs of goods.

We had lunch at the Gypsy Pearl booth. These gals were so great. They catered a lunch for our entire group AND gave us a hefty discount on our purchases. Don't miss them when you visit Canton.

The day ended with an air-conditioned bus ride back to Dallas, a relaxing shower and a cold one. A perfect end to a fantastic day.

Next up....the Church and workshops....

Their petticoats are fluffed...

2010-07-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Slippers are adorned with jewels and pearls ...

and they are showing off their most gorgeous crowns and tiaras....

All in honor of The Gilded Nest Art Event.

A most wonderful time we will have !

Looking to do a little shopping in Texas???

2010-06-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

If so

pop on over and visit the Gilded Girls for the Canton bus trip.

I'm a little concerned that I won't have my "shopping cart"

How will I carry all my treasures????

I must...come up...with a plan!!

Excited and Honored...

2010-06-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have been chosen as part of Early American Life's Directory of Traditional American Crafts.

I have been in awe of many of the artists that are named in this directory. To now have my name there beside them is such a treat.

You can learn more about the directory and their processes and also purchase a copy of the magazine here.

Can...NOT....be...lieve...

2010-06-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

He is going to High School. Where does the time go?

Check it out....

2010-06-07T21:46:00.000-07:00

The life of a cat.....we should all have it this rough!!

Aye Yie Yie !!

2010-06-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

YES!!

I know I have been a bad blogger....but I have an excuse...it's called Life! I know that you know all about it so there is no need to dwell. Let's move forward and get up to speed here.

A few Saturdays ago I had the honor of having some lovely ladies come into my studio for a day of sewing, sculpting, sewing, eating, sewing, painting and well....more sewing. I loved the intimacy of having just a few gals and it is something I look forward to doing again very soon. Carol, Eleanor, Natalie and Melissa worked their fingers to the bone creating wonderfully sweet little birds.

Eleanor chose to make her bird a bluebird....top hat and all!

Carol just kept pulling out vintage fabric after vintage fabric to create her costuming....I was salivating over her goods !!

Mz. Halloween Holiday Queen chose to think outside the box and go with a cream bird and black costuming....so dramatic and wonderful.

LOVE IT !!

I was quite proud of these ladies for working so hard to finish their little ladies.

Who is the gal on the far right, you ask??? Well that is sweet Natalie who arrived a tad bit late (ok she had a good excuse so we didn't hang her by her toes) and she worked very hard to get as far as she did!! Proud of you Nat....

Okee doke...I have a few more things to share with you...check back tomorrow...well maybe the next day....ok...next week FOR SURE!!

p.s. I know....my pictures are STILL huge. I have photo shop loaded (a different version than I had before) and just haven't had a moment to play. I'm working on it...I promise!!

Art and Communion Workshop

2010-05-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I finally had a bit of time to finish the sample for The Gilded Nest workshop that will be here in the blink of an eye. She's quite fancy like those Gilded Life ladies in Texas.

To find out more about the fantastic weekend that Shea and Debbie have lined up....visit their blog.

Texas Y'all !!

2010-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am so very excited to announce that I will be traveling to Texas at the end of July. Come join myself, Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murray on a magical weekend of shopping, creating art, making new friends and seeing old ones. Shea and Debbie have planned the most wonderful weekend for us to enjoy.

Please pop over to their blog to see what these talented ladies have coming. I hear that there are only 5 spots remaining so don't wait!

Please check back as we will be posting photos of Shea's gorgeous bracelet that we will be creating along with a little something from me.

Just playin....

2010-05-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

I got a new computer.

I didn't want a new computer.

I thought my old computer was just fiiiiine.

But then it started doing stuff. Bad stuff. The husband would just look....tsk tsk tsk....and shake his head. But no....it was "ok" I told him....my computer was just having a bad day. But then it happened. The obvious, the inevitable, all the signs were there.

I needed a new computer.

I am not a techno gadget girl. I could use the same phone for years, the same computer for forever and if it weren't for the husband I would probably still be listening to cassette and eight track tapes. I will say however....I couldn't live without my GPS. But back to the computer. I decided if I had to get a new one I was going for a MAC. Hmmmm....so far it's like it/love it/hate it. You know how that is. I have had fun putting names on faces in Iphoto....I think that is so super cool. And I finally took the plunge and signed up for Skype. It's just like hanging out with your girlfriend except you are in two different places. Chatty ~ chatty ~ chatty ~ giggle ~ giggle. I haven't installed photo shop yet so I still can't figure out how to re-size a snap in Iphoto and just trying to find the darn pics to upload here....Aye Yie Yie....that was 3 days work!! But I'm getting there...

I've got some fun news to announce....soon. But I've got some work to get done first. Back to it.

Happy Thursday!

You make me smile...

2010-05-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Myself, Grammy and Jessica (Marie was taking the photo)

These wild and crazy gals came for a visit at Gilding. I fell in love with them instantly. They were full of energy, super funny and I wanted to hang with them. Unfortunately...the timing didn't allow it to happen.

NEXT TIME GIRLS!!

Thanks for visiting and bringing your energy and laughter!!

Upcoming Web Sale

2010-04-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 2

5 PM pst

Hope to see you there!

A big thank you....

2010-04-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Just a note of appreciation to all those who came out to see us for the trunk show and to get your magazines signed last weekend. Iva and I were overwhelmed by your sweet comments and wonderful enthusiasm about our work. I loved hearing your stories about your own doll making experiences and how it brings you such happiness. I especially loved the mother/daughters that came to visit....you know who you are...and if you could email me a copy of that picture I would love it!

Saturday evening after the trunk show we were treated to a gourmet feast at Nancy's warm and charming home. Her husband...a real gem (and they are the cutest couple)...cooked for us and WOW!! can he cook! I'm still dreaming of his creamy polenta and his cheesecake with biscotti crust and sweet basil sauce. YUM! Thanks Nancy...it is an evening I won't forget...just magical.

Nancy, Iva, Dede and Linda Lou!

A big thank you to Nancy and Dede, for all their hard work and long hours to make last weekend so wonderful. Love you guys...

Bluebird Making

2010-04-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday a lovely group of women met me at Gilding the Lily to learn how to make a sweet...not so little... bluebird.

They arrived...at the very early hour of 9:30. They had smiling faces and an eagerness to play and learn. We started the day by creating clay sculptures...went on to paint...and then got right to the sewing.

These gals didn't mess around. They brought loads of wonderful fabrics, vintage trims and fantastic imaginations.

I didn't provide any patterns. We laid out different combinations of fabrics and trims until they got the look they wanted. Then they would stitch away.

There were all levels of sewing skills....from somewhat of beginners to quite advanced (much more talented with the machine than I) and they all turned out beautiful little birds.

Kim's bird in the making

Kim's bird all dressed to the 9's!

Cheryl's bird in progress...

Cheryl's finished piece...Stella is her name!

Valerie....working on her top hat.

This little tweet tweet...I have to say....her momma had me a bit concerned when she started to paint. She was much darker than I would have thought would be nice. But Momma Terrie, knew EXACTLY what she was doing. She pulled out some gorgeously rich Moda fabrics that we all oohed and aah ed over. Smashing!! Her coloring was perfection for those fabrics.

Grandma Nancy....I want her to be MY Grandma. So special and sweet. She decided to make a chick and she had some lovely fabrics to help make that happen...

And brave Ada....she brought this fantastic fabric covered in pearls. Have you ever sewn with fabric covered in pearls? Let me tell you....it ain't easy!!! She stuck with it and ended up with quite the "uptown" bluebird.

I missed snapping the pictures of the three little birds of quiet Cynthia, funny Dede and studious Sylvia.

All in all....a gorgeous Spring day with 10 gorgeously talented women. What could be better?

Can I just tell you....

2010-04-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

I love Old Towne Orange. It is so quaint...tons of antique stores and restaurants with a great little circle in the middle of it all. But spending time in Old Towne just got a little sweeter....

when we discovered The Perfect Circle Cupcakery!!

Ah-Mazing Cupcakes!

Banana, Snickerdoodle, Red Velvet, Tuxedo, Vanilla (my personal favorite), The King and more!!

And check out their shop....

Does it get any better??

Breakfast at Tiffany's playing in the background there....and Iva urging me to "hurry up and snap the picture so we can eat"!!

Stop in for a little cake when you are in the area...you won't be sorry.

Thanks Cheryl...for the tip on this place. I am dreaming of my next trip there.

Heaven on Earth

2010-04-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yes...believe it.

There is such a place.

A little slice of ART heaven that is here on earth. It is known as the Stampington headquarters in Laguna Hills, California. Day one of our Southern California adventure included a trip to Stampington to retrieve my girls that were in the Prim's magazine. Jenn Jackson gave us a tour of their headquarters and all I can say is that it is ART HEAVEN! Everywhere you look...everywhere you turn...every breath you take is filled with amazing art. It was so fun to walk the offices and see artwork from people I know and artists I so admire. We were able to see how they lay the art out to make decisions on which pieces will require an article, color schemes that they are working on and so on. It all is really quite a process and these ladies have it down to a science.

Iva Wilcox, Jenn Jackson, Christen Olivarez and myself.

Thank you to all the Stampington staff for showing us your incredible little world.

Celebrating Spring

2010-04-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Spring Trunk Show

April 24 and 25th

Gilding the Lily
305 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 101
Fullerton, CA 92832

714.349.2069

Saturday 11:00~6:00
Sunday ~ 10:00~3:00

A Springtime collection of Bluebirds, Chicks, Spring girls dressed in old milllinery and vintage trims. There will also be some of the pieces from the Prim's magazine offered.

Come visit!!

It has arrived....

2010-04-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

and it is WONDERFUL.

Wonderfully Gorgeous!

Stampington has done it again. A lovely new publication...gorgeous photography, fantastic artwork and articles.

One of the things I love about this publication is the variety of styles of work in it. From very~very primitive to fancy work...and just about everything in between. You will find work from Jane DesRosier, Sharon Stevens, Kathy Hunka, Daryle Cook and more. Plus a wonderful story written by Nicol Sayre.

Sweet little creatures by Susan Pilotto.

A unique painting by Heather Sleightholm.

(love her work)

Even some of my girls!

I don't want to give too much away. So just hop on down to your local bookstore or you can find it on the Stampington website. You won't want to miss this one.

Hats off to Jennifer Jackson and her crew at Stampington.

In Memory....

2010-03-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Penny Lamont McAllister

We will miss your sweet southern voice, your love of life... ladybugs... and Pimento cheese dip.

It's almost time...

2010-03-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

The girls are donning their hats....

and fluffing their dresses...

in anticipation of their arrival here...

Sunday, March 28, 6pm PST

They won't be late !!

Wonderland Wonderment

2010-03-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I had the pleasure of traveling South to meet up with some sweet friends of mine. We attended Kim Caldwell's An Affaire in Wonderland event at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Let me tell you....the Wonderland was Wonderful!! Take a peek at a few of the photos of the room on day 1.

Upon entering we were just amazed at the attention to detail that surrounded you. Kim truly is the master at event planning.

Each chair had a delightful slipcover on it to cover up the bland design of the typical hotel chair. A pocket was sewn on the back and there were goodies tucked into the pocket.

Each place setting was perfectly laid out. The napkin ring was a handmade ring that we all wore the rest of the afternoon. If you look closely you can see a little paper top hat that opened up to reveal more goodies for us.

The first thing we participated in was a lovely Mad Hatter Tea Party. These were the desserts !! Yum!

An incredible cake wrapped up the event on the last day. Yes....it tasted as good as it looked.

One of my sweet roomies (Stacy) along with Valerie who is Kim's partner in crime. Valerie sewed all the chair covers and worked on many other aspects of the event. A real friend indeed! She also was the brains behind that amazing teapot cake.

Two more of my wonderful roomies. Natalie and Lonnie had a vendor table at the event. They were showing their handmade jewelry.

Cutie pie Jessi....she has lots of photos over on her blog. Stop by for a visit. She is doing a fantastic job chronicling the weekend with her camera.

And here we are at the bookstore...LATE on Sunday eve....holding up the wall...not wanting to go back to the hotel and pack because we didn't want to go home the next day.

As usual, I did a rather lousy job in the photo taking department. So I will just have to tell you instead of show you...

If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of Kim's events....DO IT. Spoil yourself and take the plunge. She will spend the weekend spoiling you!! Great classes, great teachers, great food, great fun. Her next event is in April but is sold out. The following event is in July and is a sea themed event at the Beach!!!!

You can read all about it on her blog.

Spring Workshops

2010-03-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce I will be teaching two workshops this Spring. Bellina the Bluebird has flown down to Gilding the Lily. You can make your own Bellina on Saturday, April 24 from 9:30-5. All the information for this Southern California workshop can be found on the Gilding the Lily site.

I will also be teaching the Bluebird workshop in my studio on Saturday, ~~May 8~~ May 22 from 9:30-5. Information for this Northern California workshop can be found on my Workshops page.

The Auction has begun...

2010-02-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

Please stop by and visit it here

February 14th at 9 pm...

2010-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

will be the beginning of The Penny Feather Tree Auction. I will post the link as soon as it becomes available so please check back.

Over 30 handmade ornaments from over 30 wonderfully talented artists.
100% of the proceeds will go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

If you pop on over the the Pfatt Blog you can view a slide show that has a photo of each and every ornament. They are fantastic!!
(scroll down to the second slide show on the main page)

To learn more about sweet Penny's fight go to her blog, Penny vs. Cancer.

This is SERIOUS business people.....

2010-02-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

When it comes to food....the Moody's don't mess around.

Seriously.

I first fell in love with food after we remodeled our kitchen about 4 years ago. We did what the experts tell you to do.

We bought the worst house on the best street.

But it was bad.

I mean BAD.

The kitchen, and especially the oven and stove, were bad enough for me to wave a big white flag and say...I GIVE UP....I'm not going to try to "cook".

We lived on pasta, bagel bites (which I still love), and those fantastic Costco pot stickers that you find in the freezer section.

There isn't anything wrong with any of those things. I still serve them up from time to time...and we enjoy them. But feeding 4 hungry guys...I needed more... and when your stove takes FOREVER to heat up and even longer to cool down and never quite gets to boiling...or just burns.

Forget about it.

Cookies that stay raw in the middle, cakes that don't rise.

Why bother?

When I was planning my kitchen I chose to splurge on my oven and stove and scrimp a little on my floors and cabinets.

I have no regrets.

Once the kitchen was done I jumped into cooking, full force, and loved it.

I still love it.

It's relaxing and enjoyable...and it doesn't hurt when you have 3 young men....and an old man....who love to eat.

So tonight....we go with grilled cheese and short rib sandwiches with pickled caramelized onions and arugula.

I love bon appetit magazine.

I love their photographs (who knew their was such a thing as a food stylist), their readers' favorite restaurant recipes and their Quick Everyday Foods section.

Would you like to come for dinner?

We would love to have you. But you aren't allowed to do the dishes.

Thems the house rules!!

Bon Appetit !!

p.s. The recipe for the ah-mazing short rib sandwich is here...YUM!!!

Mark your calendars....

2010-02-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

February 14 will be the start date for The Feather Tree Auction in honor of our Sweet Home Alabama Girl...Penny McAllister.

You can read all about it here...and stay tuned for more details.
Please note...all proceeds will go to the Acute Leukemia Chapter.

To read about Penny's fight you can visit her here.

Cubbies, drawers, boxes and more....

2010-01-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for organization. Well...maybe not organization in general... but more like....those things that can help you be organized.

Like this piece. Tons of little shelves for all your little doo dads....

Oh...(insert squeal of delight here ) Look at those sweet little drawers that pull out...and check out those drawer pulls... LOVE LOVE LOVE....SWEET LOVE IT IS

Check it out ... cubbies AND hooks...HELLLLOOOOOOO...you can't go wrong!!!
( all pieces available at Ballards.com)

Even though I have "Organizational Love" for those pieces above....here are few shots of some of my own organizational loves....from my studio....

I showed this piece once before but I love it so much...I'll show it again.

MMMM....yummy....old suitcases and doll trunks all filled with treasures.

I haven't quite figured out if I love these or not. The two middle boxes are quilted hanky boxes. They are frou frou and lovely....yet they work well with my darker, more primitive pieces. So yes, I think I love them.

The top box is from my dear sweet and lovely friend. I know I love this....wish I had more...hint hint.

This is a great piece...you can't quite tell because of all my mess in it but HEY....cut me some slack...I've been working and digging in here to find treasures.

Last but not least...I had to show this. It's a "re-do" on the vintage laundry basket. I have the real deal....a vintage one and I LOVE it. I scoot it all around my laundry room.
Well let's be serious for a moment.
My laundry room isn't really a room but more like a "space". But I still scoot it and it's great. So if you can't find a vintage one you can snag one here.
They call it a French Wire Hamper.
Just a little fyi though. You can get a vintage one for a tad bit less than this one at your local antique market. What a great excuse to go shopping!!

Speaking of cubbies, drawers, boxes and more...

I just updated my "available" page with some Valentine goodies. There are a couple of pieces in fabulous old boxes.

Check them out.

Love is in the air...

2010-01-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Sweetheart dollies coming soon....

Hhmmmph....

2010-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, I feel like I just pretty much disappeared out of blog land. Where are the days going? The cold (yes, 40 degrees is cold to this California girl) weather seems to have me in a bit of a funk. I've been spending my days in the kitchen (and grocery store) cooking up a storm for the starving boys in my life. They are all deep into their sports and are feeling the calorie burn. For those of you that like hearty stews, slow cooking, sauces and gravies...check this cookbook out. Williams Sonoma always gets it right!!

I just ordered this one off of Amazon. It's a real "meat and potatoes" type of cookbook. I have cooked a number of things off of her blog and it makes the boys really happy.

Speaking of her blog...grab a big cup of tea and spend some time perusing. It's delightful.

It really is...

2009-12-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year !!

Just like everyone else...I have been crazy busy shopping, baking, wrapping, cleaning and all that goes with the Holiday Season. The Moody family took a few days off of the craziness to head to Las Vegas to see this guy and the Beatles Cirque Show. Both shows were "off the hook" fantastic. Spent a couple of days with my Sis and then back home to enjoy the holidays with all the family.

I hope you are also having the Most Wonderful Time...and have a happy, healthy and safe New Year celebration.

I'll be back in 2010 with a clean studio (hopefully) and lots of new creations coming out of it...

xoxo

Colleen

A Winter Wonderland...

2009-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

will be arriving on my "available" blog on Sunday, December 6 at 6pm West Coast Time. Come by and visit with Santa's, Snowgirls and wee little Winter girls.

Pop on over....

2009-11-30T13:22:00.000-08:00

to the Pfatt blog. Starting tomorrow you can leave a comment which will sign you up for an opportunity to win a piece of handmade Christmas art. Don't miss it!

Mad Hungry

2009-11-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

A new cookbook by Lucinda Scala Quinn.

Lucinda was formerly the food editor of Martha Stewart Living Television and she is now a co-host of the "Everyday Food" cooking series on PBS. She's also host of "EatDrink" on Martha Stewart Living Radio....and let me tell you...SHE ROCKS.

Today I canceled all of my responsibilities and commitments (I know...bad bad bad) and hopped on the Bart train to San Francisco...with my "oh so ready for an adventure" friend, Iva.

Why?

Because Lucinda was in town.

promoting her new book!

Lucinda has written a down-to-earth cookbook full of recipes, techniques, hints and humor about how she feeds her husband and "Mad Hungry" 3 boys. Let me tell you...I can totally relate. My boys are now 16, 13 and 11. The older two are bigger than me with the 11 year old almost as tall and I am. They eat...and eat...and eat. (good thing I like to cook) This cookbook has tremendous tips on how to feed a house full of of growing people...successfully.

It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco...

The Ferry Building (where she did her demo and book signing) was alive with activity...

Sweet little shops with sweet treats....

A fantastic farmers market (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings) surrounded the building. Organic, locally grown seasonal fruits and veggies were in abundance.

And Lucinda was there doing a demonstration on one of the recipes from her book. I'm kinda thinking...this gal is my hero. How she can successfully feed her family is amazing. Now you must understand that feeding 3 growing boys is a bit of a challenge...for example...my middle guy is a soccer player. Serious soccer player. He gets home from practice around 9pm and he's famished. He sits down to eat. I present to him his dinner plate with a bit of this and that from our family dinner earlier. I put the plate in front of him, removed the foil covering and waited for his reaction...thinking he would be so excited because I made one of his favorites. What came out of his mouth but....IS THERE MORE??? He hadn't taken a bite, hadn't smelled it, hadn't even picked up his fork yet.

OK, back to My Hero...

So we sat in the warm sun, watched Lucinda cook and listened to her humor. She really is adorable.

After she was done we stood in line so we could meet The Great Lucinda and get her to sign our books. She was so sweet to sign a little note to my curly haired 11 year old. He gets out her book...often....to decide what I should create for breakfast...and lunch...and dinner.

She also wrote me a sweet note with a heart making me a member of the "3 boys club".

Then we each took a quick snapshot with her....

And headed home...

A funny note...I put the cookbook on the counter...open to the page where she had written the note for my little guy. He walked in from school, stopped, read the note, looked up at me with his freckles and dimply smile and said "What's for dinner?"

To follow Lucinda's book tour, you can read her blog at www.MadHungry.com.

p.s. now I am anxiously awaiting the publication of the hopeful book on how to manage the 12,000 weekly loads of laundry that boys create.

Seriously....

2009-11-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

Is this not to die for???

Well I guess it's either your thing or it's not. It is definitely my thing. I am giddy over the fact that I am the proud new owner. But.....it signals the beginning !! The beginning of the dreaded bathroom remodel. Something I have put off and procrastinated on since we moved in 8+ years ago. Funny thing is that when we were looking at this house I remember standing in the master bath with the husband and the real estate man and we all agreed that if we decided to buy this house (the worst house on the best street) that the master bath would be the first thing to be overhauled. Here we are over 8 years later and pretty much everything BUT the master bath has been overhauled.

But now I am excited about the project and inspired by this sweet thing. It's going to look fantastic over the claw foot tub (yet to be discovered, purchased and delivered).

I'm contemplating this piece for the guest bath...which was "cleaned up" when we first moved in but really needs an overhaul also. Sssshhh....don't tell the husband. I don't think he will go for the 2 for 1 special on this one.

These were found at Sweet Magnolia in Danville, Ca. A gorgeous store not to be missed if you can make it here.

Dolly Love...

2009-11-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yes...I have a thing for dolls...have you figured that out yet? One of my most favorite cloth doll artists is Kaf Grimm of Olde Cape Primitives. Her work is fantastic. Each and every dolly has their own personality and seems to want to be your very best friend. Stop by her blog and see her boys, girls, cats, witches, pumpkins, devils, raggedies and so on. She has a wonderful assortment of her work on the right side running down her blog.

Tell her I sent yah!!

p.s. not only is her work special and sweet...she is too!!

photo courtesy of Olde Cape Primitives

Loading up the sleigh...

2009-11-07T10:49:00.001-08:00

These guys are heading to Texas to celebrate the season.

You will be able to find them at

Two Friends Folk Art
3701 West Alabama
Suite 120
Houston, TX
(713) 523-8889

I will also have more holiday goodies to offer on my next blog sale

Sunday, December 6
6pm PST

Breakfast Conversations....

2009-11-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been cooking breakfast for the boys. It used to be fend for yourself...have some cereal... but I have come to realize that if I cook then they will all sit down at the same time, eat and have some great conversations with me. Here is one from this morning that I will treasure...

Curly haired 11 year old munching on waffles ~ "Hey Mom...Dad and I were talking last night about Christmas."

Mom ~ "mmm hmmm"

Curly ~ "Dad asked what I wanted for Christmas."

Mom ~ "mmm hmmmm"

Curly ~ "Well I thought about it and I realized that I don't really want anything. I mean I have everything I need. Maybe a new video game or two would be nice."

Mom ~ "You have a good point...none of you really "need" anything."

Curly ~ "So let's have a low key Christmas...each get one or two things and then we don't have to spend lots of time Christmas morning opening presents. We could play a board game together and we could walk down to Starbuck's together for a mint hot chocolate."

Mom ~ "I think that is a great idea."

Curly...big smile on his face.

Two big brothers....lots of grumbles.

It's love....

2009-10-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Seriously....is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen? Besides a newborn baby...or that pair of Prada shoes you just HAVE to have....this has to be the cutest~!

I first fell in love with Karen O'Brien's "Quiet Companions" a number of years ago. When I first saw Karen's work it stopped me in my tracks. So much personality in these faces. So much sweetness. I was participating in the same show as Karen and I thought I would stop by her table "later" and claim a bear. I couldn't decide which one I wanted so I thought I would wait until there were less choices.

BAD DECISION.

BAD ~ BAD DECISION.

The show started, the doors swung open and WHOOOOSH....bears gone. I don't mean that there just weren't enough to choose from...or that the ones that were left weren't to my liking. I mean they were GONE.

Nadda, zip, zero....none left.

This time, at the Tinsel and Treasures show, I wasn't going to allow that to happen. I ended up bonding with this guy and I absolutely, postively ADORE him.

Wait...is there a bigger better word than adore? I mean just look at his face....he's about to tell you a secret, a little story...

And he tells me ~ every ~ single ~ day. He sits on his shelf...looking out at me...sending love with his eyes.

I am over the moon that I am the proud owner of this fella. I absolutely adore him...did I tell you that yet?

adore: to pay divine honor to; worship

Adore and Worship....I think those are the correct words. I adore him and worship Karen's talent...

I think he needs a friend.

p.s. click on the pictures to enlarge them...but beware...if you do...you will want a companion too!!

The Fall Welcomes in...

2009-10-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Many Merry Hallowe'en Wishes will be brought to you at

The Fall Blog Sale

Sunday, October 4
6 pm PST

What a weekend...Part 2

2009-10-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

After our shopping expedition we headed over to Gilding the Lily for their Friday night trunk show. The store was full of giddy artists perusing the beautiful items Nancy had to offer. Please make sure to pop over to her blog to see some of the sites. Holy cards, gorgeous rosaries, reliquaries and much more. There was a definite buzz in the air as customers greeted each other with hugs and shared what treasures they had found.

Here are a few photos I snapped of some of my favorite things at the Lily.

The ribbon wall...

A peek inside the glass cabinet...

Truly wonderful treasures surround you from the moment you walk in to the store. The longer you look the more you uncover. I could spend days just enjoying it all.

Saturday and Sunday Iva and I taught back to back classes with wonderful new friends. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

My Sunday Vintage Cabinet Card class. I was thrilled with the way that everyones art work turned out so different. From purple to pink to Pearl's ah-mazing creamy dreamy doll dress. Absolutely wonderful.

Marilyn (right) and Sharon. Marilyn took all 4 classes that Iva and I offered. Saturday she left early to go to a baseball game. What a trooper...she must have been exhausted by the end of the weekend!!

Some snaps from Sunday's class. The ladies all worked so hard...
Where are my Saturday ladies??? I didn't take any pictures. ;--{

I love Ancee Grandma's face in this snap...

These are the ladies from Saturday's class...sunning themselves in the front window of Gilding. Didn't they do a fantastic job sculpting?

Sweet Carol signed up for both of my classes and then her transmission died and she couldn't make it. We missed you Carol...we named her teacher's pet for the weekend (even though she wasn't there) !!

And this is the gal that made it all happen. She kept me laughing all weekend. She has never ending energy and a permanent smile on her face. She is the best! Thanks for everything Mz. Dede... p.s. I adore your pink witch !

As Iva and I headed home on Sunday night, reliving the wonderful weekend we had, I summed up the Lily as this. Gilding the Lily is a female version of Cheers!...without the bar. A place Where Everybody Knows Your Name. A place where you become a part of the Lily family as soon as you walk in the door. A place where you are met with a smile, a hug and greetings of Sisterhood. Nancy has built a real gem...I only wish it where closer.

Thanks Dede and Nancy for allowing us to be part of the Sisterhood even if only for a weekend.

To learn more about Gilding the Lily you can pick up Romantic Homes. The October issue has a wonderful 8 page article on Nancy and the store.

Note to self...take more pictures next time!

What a weekend...Part 1 !!

2009-09-28T14:14:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was our road trip to Southern California. I have been itching all summer long to head out in the car and see some sites... aka... do some shopping. So on Thursday morning, at about 10 am, Iva and I hit the road. Our 6 hour journey was to take us to Southern California for food, fun, art...and shopping.

After our arrival in Fullerton, we dumped our bags into our hotel room and went to check out Old Town Fullerton. We peeked inside shop windows, found our way around town and enjoyed some live music on the brick patio outside of Gilding the Lily. We feasted on deep fried mushrooms, Greek tacos and salad at Stadium Tavern. Yum!

The next day was to be shopping, shopping and more shopping. We got up and went for a quick workout to take care of those deep fried mushrooms from the night before. Isn't fried good? Anything fried is good in my book. After our workout we headed to Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. All I can say is "wow". This place was worth the drive. We spent much time checking out the Halloween shop. So much to see...

The Secret Lab

This display was freaky and my pictures don't do it justice. There was a tall doll looking into a large mirror and the mirror was surrounded by smaller dolls. All the dolls were sprayed gray. It was a fantastic effect...

There were displays of pumpkins all around outside. Every kind of pumpkin imaginable.

And lastly....my favorite thing there. I spotted this fresh flower arrangement on one of their counters. It was absolutely gorgeous.

If you ever have a chance to get to Roger's Gardens make sure you allow yourself enough time. It's a large place with tons to see.

After we left Roger's we headed to Paris to the Moon in Costa Mesa. It was a fun little shop. I found this wonderful marble statue to add to my collection of girls.

As we were headed out the door I asked the gal there where we could have lunch. She recommended Taste Buds. If you are ever in Costa Mesa this restaurant is a must. Lovely interior and the food was fantastic.

After we left Taste Buds we headed to Old Towne Orange and the Country Roads Antique store. This store is all we had time for but that was fine. Look what I found !!! It is a wonderful old apothecary cabinet. I was thanking my lucky stars that we didn't fly to L.A. because this would fit just fine in my car. I was/am one happy girl!!

Now to find a place for it....one minor detail.

Decisions...decisions....

2009-09-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have found myself in a bit of a pickle. I am running out of time for my blog sale. I have many pieces in process and won't be able to finish them before Sunday. So...I have decided to postpone the event until Sunday, October 4 at 6pm PST. Thanks for understanding.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27 I will teaching classes at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton, CA. Nancy has announced that Friday night she will be hosting the

Tresors de Temp . . . Treasures of Time

trunk show. I am so excited to be able to see and shop the treasures that Nancy is bringing in. Pop over to her blog and see what she will have. Pure gorgeousness...

It was certain magic...

2009-09-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you combine 15 wonderful women, amazing art, gorgeous weather and yummy food?

Magic for certain.

The Tinsel and Treasures pre-show day started off with unloading cars and setting up displays in 100 degree weather ! We continued on by gathering together for dinner at the big table under the stars. As we finished dinner Mother Nature gave us a little reminder that we had to head off to bed for a good nights rest. Little drops of rain had begun to fall.

In the middle of the night there was thunder and lightning. A fun and cozy atmosphere it gave us. We arrived back at the hall the next morning, fresh and ready for a fantastic day.

And what a day it was.

Here are a few tidbits...for more photos please visit the Tinsel and Treasures blog.

By the end of the day we were all exhausted. I headed to bed right after my nutritious dinner.

A perfect end to a perfect day!!
(I know....gross huh? But it was good!)

Dead Dog Tired...

2009-09-12T16:59:00.001-07:00

And it's aaaaall good! Tinsel and Treasures went off without a hitch. I have lots of pictures and stories to share but it's time to put the tootsies up, relax, get a good night's sleep...and then ...sharing. Check back....it was fan-tab-u-lous !!

Also...I have let my website go for good. My old email address of Colleen@aseasonalmood.com is no longer valid. If you want to reach me, please use my email address of Colleen.Moody@yahoo.com.

It's time...

2009-09-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

The witches brew is simmering...the girls have donned their tallest hats and are ready for your arrival...

See you Saturday at the
Tinsel and Treasures Enchanting Art Event