My Weblog

4 More Days and Counting. . .

It is hard to believe that just a few months ago I was pulling together all the exciting information to launch An Artistic Affaire and now it is almost here. It has been so gratifying creating all the goodies and special touches for what I feel most certain will be an entire day of pampering for the loveliest of loveliest group of women. We have all been having such fun getting to know each other and exchanging creativity on our little yahoo board. I am so grateful for the excitement and support from so many friends, old and new. Even my dear friend, Mary Smilove, has joined in on the fun and is hosting a pre-festivities reception, Moroccan style, at Sweetpeas for all the Artistic girlies on Friday night. We are talking delicious Indian food, mango dacquiries, henna body art and flea market shopping in only the over the top way that this talented woman could throw a party! I feel honored and blessed to say the least.

So here are all their sweet bags waiting to be filled with all sorts of surprises. . .thus, I must leave you now before I give anything else away.  Can't wait to come back after the event and share all that a wonderful weekend of amazing teachers, fabulous projects and cherished women could provide. . .

I'm a Proud Mama. . .

Last month, Dylan's 7th Grade Science Project, It's Getting Cold, was nominated to go to the Los Angeles County Science Fair. Of course, as parents, we were thrilled that his project was chosen.  However, Dylan himself was a bit uneasy. It just didn't fit in with the rather delusional pre-pubescent "cool and laid back" persona he has been so tirelessly working on (if you have a 12 year old you know exactly what I mean). Well, as luck would have it, not only was his project nominated, but last night it made it into the finals, and not only did it make it into the finals, but he won 2nd Place! I think the experience ultimately was a great one for him -- of course, it didn't hurt that along with the medal he won $50 and a gift certificate to Maria's for dinner. Maybe there are other facets to his talents he hasn't even thought about? Somehow, I think he will be sticking to his wild drumming, loading his iPod with the latest music and his fierce goalkeeper position but just for last night, his mommy and daddy could fantasize that he might solve the black hole mystery someday. . .

Have a great weekend!

About a Girl Named Jessi. . .

Have you heard of a girl named Jessi?  Sure she refers to herself as crazy, crafty and always on an adventure. . . but I have come to find that she is SO much more.  This fabulous women is a treasure who's excitement and generosity is infectious.  You can't help but read her Blog and find that you have an enormous smile on your face.  Thus, I couldn't have been more excited when she was one of the first to sign up for An Artistic Affaire and it wasn't any surprise when I found a HUGE box on my doorstep last night.  Only Jessi could turn this. . .

into this enormous pile of goodies. . .

take a look at that trim and the gorgeous chunk of bling by Natasha Burns. Natasha really knows how to amp up the sparkle. . .

 

Needless to say, I am flying high this morning and have a renewed sense of ambition to make An Artistic Affaire one that all these girlies will remember!  Can't wait to see you Jess - thank you for sending your generous spirit my way.  Two weeks and counting. . .

I'm Just Saying. . .

that those girls at Mystic Paper did it again. Well, let me back up. . . it all started with an innocent comment by this sweet friend on Wednesday -- "Wouldn't it be fun to go on a last minute, whirlwind trip to Arizona to take Tim Holtz's classes at Mystic"? It just so happened to be my darling (who has been outed as "OCD" -- I'm just saying) friend, Kim's birthday that day AND if you know me well, you know NOT to temp me with crazy ideas because somehow I will figure out a way to make it happen!

So after some wild rearranging of schedules, Cheryl and I were off for a SURPRISE and oh so quick weekend in AZ to see one of my most favorite ladies in the world and one of my most favorite inspirations. It was truly a weekend to remember -- although not captured by my camera in any significant way, there were so many moments that I will hold dear. Kim was so surprised (I ADORE you), the "Birthday Crew" rocked -- Sherry, Colleen, Sue and Michelle planned such fun, Tim was amazing (inspiring, uplifting, attentive, encouraging, sense of humor -- what a seriously genuine package. If you have not taken a class from this amazing MUSE, I suggest doing so NOW), and Tim's crew were the icing on the cake (Mario, Sharon and Michelle -- you three are such calm souls amidst all of our creative chaos). Thank you Kim and Jennifer for giving us yet another reason to make that 6 hour drive to AZ!

 

Gotta LOVE a man that can handle a lime green power tool! Mario you are the best! AND believe it or not, we were all still smiling at 10:00 PM after 13 HOURS of classes! Of course, who wouldn't be with such dear friends, old and new. I am so blessed and couldn't enjoy the journey any more. . .

My Turn to "Ode". . .

A month or so ago, I was so inspired when I read this post on Pam Garrison's Blog.  She titled it an "Ode to Alicia" so this is my "Ode to Pam".  I just loved the idea of taking an assortment of patterned papers and using them as some sort of home decor project.  What I ended up with was a fun way to decorate Kate's desktop as well as fix all the non-washable marker stains, peeling paint and juice spills.  It was easy peasy -- I had a large piece of acrylic cut to her desktop dimensions at the local hardware store, found a bunch of lovely patterned papers in my stash that went with her color scheme and went to work cutting and assembling. I didn't even glue down the pieces -- just used a little repositionable tape runner so we can change it up in the future. The Little Miss is digging it and I am thinking between her new desktop and chandelier, I may just have to move in!

 

Gotta love that Pink Hello Kitty television in the background. A girl has to be able throw in a Little Einsteins DVD inspiration every so often!

Happy Monday! 

Art in Ashland

After reading the amazing experiences that Maija and Dede shared on their Blogs about ArtNest, I almost jumped out of my chair when I read that Pam Garrison, Anahata Katkin and Amy Hanna were getting together again to teach in Ashland, Oregon. I called some of my favorite partners in crime, Amy and Rebecca, and registered in a flash. I also hear that Kari, Hope and Michelle will be there as well. I met these lovely ladies at Silver Bella last year. They are each so talented and I suspect we will all have some fun hanging out together. This will definitely be a new experience for me -- out of my box for sure. Isn't it amazing though? I am so thankful for this wonderful craft -- the ability to continue to challenge myself in new ways in a safe setting is such a gift. I hear there are only a few spots left so act quickly. Hope to see you in Ashland!