found gold

We are still renovating our house and had to go into what I would call the "mystery" part of our house, to reposition the dryer vent. Thrilling, huh? It is a crawl space with a window and plants growing in it. I have always wanted to know what was in there. Besides finding old boards, curtain rods, one corn cob and scraps of old linoleum. I found a old paper from 1948 (built that year) in great condition and this old wash basin. I was so excited, clean it up and tried to figure out what to do with it. Most people would toss it, not me! But I envision a round painting/collage that I could mount into the middle of the basin. Perhaps the theme has to do with hand washing clothes. I am open to other ideas, anyone?

hens and chicks

This summer we are adding a back porch to our house, and these sweet hens and chicks needed to be moved. I've been collecting odd cups and containers, who knows why... but then it hit me. Why not use them for a new home for the succulents. I had so many plants that I gave many away to a new home. I love the way they look in the funky cups. You could even use old muffin tins, bread pans, pie plates, etc. Tip: If you have a ceramic drill bit, make a small hole in the bottom for drainage. The hens and chicks don't need much but sun!

the creative mind

Recently I received a challenge from my local food coop to create some hair / pin clips. This is my desk after about two hours. I looked up from the pin I was working on and saw such a lovely mess! I had to take a photo. The creative mind when revved up, is messy, out of control, or perhaps like a honey bee... on to the next beautiful flower, gathering and humming.

spools of history

I have a large apple box full of wooden spools that my grandma gave me. The last issue of Ready Made challenged anyone to come up with a new use for wooden spools. I am working on something that could be considered yard art. When I get it done, and if it looks half way decent, I'll post a photo. For now I love looking at these spools that once carried brightly colored thread. I make believe the stories, quilts and a time long ago when these spools were a necessity of life.

Click on this photo to view the details...

creative retreat

 The first creative retreat was a success! 

Two of my highly creative friends joined me at my 

house to spend a long weekend of fun and art. Cindy came from Fort Collins, CO and Pam from Port Townsend, WA.

We gathered our art supplies and stared at our blank canvases. Inspiration struck after a cup of Mexican mocha and then a glass of wine. 

Cindy and Pam went nuts over my ugly beads! A basket of treasures to be found. I love to share resources and supplies.

 Riley, the only male left in the house and me. Let the fun begin!

 Pam working on an idea of the Palouse... this idea changed to....

... an abstract African figure that is full of energy. 

We had fun posing in all kinds of yoga positions.

Cindy created a soothing beautiful three panel painting that included metal wire with beads.  

And I used collage and mixed media to create a woman reaching for the moon. I repainted her face, which is shown in the photo. Faces are HARD!

We took time out to sit and come up with a name for our little group, JuPaCi (jew-puca!)

Which means Joy - Passion - Create, also our initials, sneaky. We plan to meet every year at a different location. Perhaps we'll open it up to other creative friends. We discussed goals and each of us will help, inspire and push one another to achieve them. 

We cooked wonderful meals and you can see here that we enjoyed a chocolately-marshmellowy smore... divine! Cindy taught us a butt kicking NIA class. Pam shared her cheese from her husbands business. We walked and talked and soaked up each others energy.

 Lounge wear at it best!

The retreat so was wonderful. I wish to savor each moment, put in a magic bottle and open it when I need a little boost. Being creative can be hard and knowing, that I am not alone, in my quest for creating art. These strong women have made a difference in my life. Thanks from my soul!

Mrs. Robin

Every spring we have Mr. and Mrs. Robin take residence in our red maple tree. Last year they moved out early. But this year Mrs. Robin is working hard in her nest. We patiently await the sounds of small chirps and tiny pieces of blue shell beneath the nest that tell us we have fledglings. It's quite remarkable that she weathers the constant rain, random squirrels and us, her nosey neighbors.

flying lessons

Have you ever wondered how to make money from your art? And still love it? For all of those want-to-be artists that need a little push. Sign up for this class! I have watched Kelly Rae from the beginning and she is now a flourishing artist and soon-to-be mom.
http://kellyraeroberts.com/ecourses/

purl of wisdom

They say it's hard to teach a old dog a new trick. I have taught myself to knit. I use the term "knit" loosely! I challenged my son, Ian to learn to tie his shoes and me to knit. I checked out many, many how-to-books from the library and had three open at once. I spent days, just trying to cast on. When I finally figured out that I was doing it backwards. What a thrill to finally see something that looks like knitting. Yes, this old dog learned something new. Difficult, yep. But it feels good to keep going and succeed! Now if only I can get Ian to tie his shoes.

fly away

A new card design that features butterflies in a wreath. My dad will love this one! The white butterflies are punched out with a Martha Stewart die. She would approve. Then I put thin gold wire through the white beads to make the antennas and bodies. This card is off to the National Stationery Show in New York City. Let's hope it will fly right into some ones store!

trend setters

We have been found in print again! In the spring issue of Gift Shop Magazine. We love that they found our Clothes pin Magnet adorable. It also shows that we are on the right track with our products. I love building on a timeless classic, put a little twist on it and that make it enduring for all.

glowing

Can't stop myself. I have wrapped tea candles with Japanese papers. They look stunning when the candle is lit. Below are a few bracelet I have made out of glass half marbles with of course paper. The one on the end is made out of vintage all-white buttons. All in good fun.

trunk show

Thank you all for coming to a fun trunk show! It was wonderful to see many of you, that I haven't seen in so long. I loved sitting and chatting and sharing a moment of your day. I really should have taken a photo when there was a great buzz... next time!