My Weblog

A Bling Baby and Soldering Mama. . .

Artistic Gold ~ Amazing artists that love to share their art. 

I have found these days, that some art classes are a lot about spending little time teaching in lieu of that familiar phrase ~ "letting you make it your own". Don't get me wrong, I am a big believer in putting your own style into everything we create. However, when you pay to take a class and learn from an artist that's what you want to do, right? Learn how they make their art ~ their techniques, their fabulous materials, their artistic vision. 

So for me, it is "Artistic Gold" to find artists who share their art and how they create the gorgeous pieces that inspire you to want to learn from them. To find TWO teachers who belong in this category is a jackpot! Joining Lisa and Rita for the day in the Rabbit Hole was a lot about sharing and learning ~ heaven.

We created two projects ~ a lovely bling baby bottle with a sweet crown and a crown votive holder. We played with dollies, bottles, pearls, crystals and learned all sorts of soldering and assemblage techniques. Lisa, the queen of the power tool, helped me through a tricky "marble stuck in the top of my bottle" issue ~

and Rita saved me from my wobbly crystal issues ~ I guess I had a couple issues. Nothing like a high maintenance student to keep you on your toes! They got me though and with a smile too!

Lisa's studio has assemblage and painted beauty everywhere, not to mention her entire home. 

Best of all though, she has a precious family ~ here is her sweet Emily, who is already becoming quite the artist at the young age of 11!

These are some handmade clips that Emily created ~ I suspect there may even be some of her lovely drawings popping up soon too. . .

After a delicious lunch (the best homemade soup and bread ever), we all stayed and crafted until we felt comfortable with our projects ~ I actually almost finished which is unheard of for me. I am SLOW!! 

Here is my bottle after I added a bit of "me" at home. . .

My sweet votive holder that has been burning almost every day. . .

And lastly, classes wouldn't be the same without friends to share them with ~ you know the kind that sort of let you fumble along, encourage you when you need it and love you no matter what. . .

 

So Very Thankful. . .

For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. 

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. 

~Theodore Roosevelt

All Love is Sweet. . .

I have to admit, it's been a LONG time since I've attended a bridal shower much less had the pleasure of hosting one in my home. Sadly, this is one of the celebrations that slows with age. It was such a sweet reminder that new beginnings are well deserved no matter where one is in life's journey. Whether saying "I do" to a long time love, renewing vows or rekindling with someone special, all love is sweet.

Thus it was with such excitement that some friends (with some special ones missing too) of the always darling Christine came together to honor her upcoming marital bliss. True to Christine, there were bits of pink everywhere and a delicious afternoon tea.

There were gifts, flowers, games and prizes ~ a little bit of everyone which made it even more special.

Jamie made these sweet bracelets with hemp. You make a wish and wear them until they come off.

Photo from Holly

Holly designed and sewed this beautiful envelope that held fabulous bridal inspired note cards for us to each write a special sentiment.

Christine, always the giver, brought gifts for everyone as well. These luxurious customized bath products from J. Bella are devine.

I truly can't think of anyone more deserving of a true fairytale beginning and happy ending. Much love to you sweet friend. . .

 

 

Registration Begins. . .

Registration Begins this Sunday, November 6th at 8:00 AM PST (Don't forget Daylight Savings ends in California at 2:00 AM on Sunday so make sure to set your clocks back on Saturday night before you go to sleep). You will find all the details HERE for this exciting art retreat. Come join us ~ there is much fun in store!

Go to the WEBSITE to register!

 

Embracing My Princess Warrior. . .

I suppose all Moms have a certain fantasy when they hear the doctor say "it's a girl". Frilly dresses, tea parties, dress up, hair clips, dolls and everything pink. 

However, what I have learned from having children is you just never really know for certain who they are going to be, girl or boy. No matter what you fall in love instantly. It's a crash course in devotion and commitment at it's ultimate level. You learn to embrace what makes THEM happy even if it's not quite how you pictured that pink or blue bundle they handed you in the delivery room. . . 

And while my pink bundle of joy is not ruffles and lace or pinks and flowers. . .

She is loyal, sensitive, bright, inquisitive, creative, entertaining, charming, funny, affectionate, expressive and   

most importantly who SHE wants to be. She is her own warrior princess, in addition to the love of my life. . .