Staging Art

I'm in the final days before my hanging and this piece has been staring me down - in the nicest way possible. One of the reasons though are these coronation stamps are the 'Real Deal Holyfield.'

They were a total find in our basement and luckily there are two sets, so I don't feel entirely guilty using them in a piece. So until I am completely sure, or close to it, of where I want them, I am remain in what I call the staging process. Essentially, I play around with them, move them, introduce new elements, remove elements, stare at it all and then repeat -- again and again. 

It's a fun process that's happens over the course of days and sometimes weeks. I'll pop into my studio, play for a few, leave and come back. It's especially fun when designing a piece where I adore the concept. And this concept - recycle, British, lace and mail - well, what's not to love?! 

Water & Wood

It was our first warm weekend here and it was glorious. It meant lots and lots of labor intensive yard work that has left me feeling muscles I had forgotten about, but that's okay. When I needed a break from stacking brick and shoveling top soil, I'd sneak into my studio and work on a few pieces that are in one stage or another. 

This piece was created using birch tree bark [say that one ten times in a row], paper flowers, a felted acorn, watercolor paints in addition to acrylic and some other little bits I found along the way. 

The birch tree bark was something new I hadn't worked with before and I quickly found out that it needed a ton of glue, but it was well worth it. Only a couple more pieces to finish up and I'll be ready for both hangings on Thursday night and Friday morning. 

Friday's Quote

Happy Friday lovelies. The sun is shining and plants are blooming. It's been a cold week, but I'm optimistic that we're going to see warmer days in the weeks to come. There are two things I always look forward to this time of year: spring cleaning and thrifting, especially at garage sales and flea markets.

For as long as I can remember, I have always admired trays like these. They are sophisticated, yet quite feminine. Oh, and I should mention, expensive. Not this one though. All that patience over the years paid off and I was able to score it for five dollars. Unbelievable, right?! I did a double take [no joke].

As I was flipping through the most recent Country Living magazine, I saw this quote and knew I had to share it here with you. 'Thrift is not an affair of the pocket, but an affair of character.' S.W. Straus

And in case you haven't read the most recent CL magazine, it's all about thrifty living and their upcoming Country Living show, which is going to be practically in my backyard. Oh how fun it's going to be.

Giveaway

Do you like free, lovely things? I like free, lovely things too. That's exactly why I'm super excited to be a part of Lucky Star's instructor giveaway. With an incredible lineup of instructors and classes this fall, we're doing everything we can to get the word out and get all you hard working ladies to the gorgeous hills of Texas. Feed your soul with like-minded spirits, serene surroundings and the workshops you crave. This is truly the stuff daydreams are made of. 

Trying to come up with a giveaway for Lucky Star was harder than I thought and I couldn't pick just one thing to make. Instead there are three things from the past year that have come out of my studio that I love and my customers do as well. 

1. Restorative Lavender Lemon Hand Scrub: Whether it's a long day in the studio, washing too many dishes or changing too many diapers, this is just the stuff those hands that do it all need. It's all natural and a delight for the senses.  

2. Felt Acorns: These sweeties are perfect for that little bowl that you never know what to do with. Anytime of year, they will add a natural and whimsical touch to your decor. 

3. Wet Felted Table Runner: This one of a kind 11''x 10'' table runner will sure to brighten any side table or dresser. Durable enough to tolerate those little hands in the family too that just love to touch everything. 

Well, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Lucky Star today for your chance to win. 

On the Wings of Love

 Despite having a monster of head cold [for over a week now], the show must go on. With a little over a week to go, I'm going to be in not one, but two art shows. The one has been planned and on the calendar for quite some time, but the second was a last minute ask, and a last minute YES!

Show number one is at a private company for their employees [how fun right?!] and the second show is a recycled theme for the general public. These angel wings have been hanging around in my head for a while, but when I heard about this show I knew the old, and vintage items I had been stashing away for it had to come out and play. 

The background is made out of gold, bronze, copper and pearl colored paints [the non-recycled part] and the wings themselves are comprised of old letter paper, sheet music, lace and doilies. 

After a week of so much sadness in the news, it was comforting to work on something as symbolic as angel wings, knowing they are meant bring love and healing to those around them.  

Friday's Quote

If you have ever been to Boston, you know what a great city it is. Over the past five plus years, I've visited friends countless times and have had some truly wonderful and memorable weekends there. To hear what is happening to this city, is heartbreaking and down right frightening. It makes me question the type of world we are living in and where things are headed.

It's then, that I try to pull myself back and remember that there are more good people in the world than there are bad. And that in times like these, we must, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." - Mr. Rogers

Moms

Moms are beautiful aren't they. Mine sure is. Over the past year I've watched her give a lot of herself, more than I thought was possible, while she cares and continues to care for my grandmother. In addition to her tea party last week, I wanted to do something special for her birthday. Well, more than special really. It had to be meaningful, memorable and a family keepsake.  

I couldn't think of anything more meaningful than a generational photo of the women in our family. Since my great grandmother is no longer with us and my grandmother is not in a state she wants documented, a local artist was commissioned to paint a portrait of the four of us against a well known family backdrop - the family grape vine arbor. 

Women are the fabric that holds a family together. Through thick and thin, they care, tend and mend whatever needs attention and love. As my mom celebrates another year, I hope she feels the love of her family.  

Friday's Quote

'Pets are like family.' I'm not sure who said this first, but it could not be more true and Jax couldn't be more mine if I had given birth to him. Am I making you laugh? I sure hope so because I could use a good laugh today. He is hysterically funny, a bit stubborn from time to time, very loving and stomps his foot when I am not getting him what he wants -- just like me I tell ya.

Back to that laugh I could use. I'm recovering from a case of frazzled nerves. This morning I brought him into get his nails trimmed, which is always an event. Each time he happily gets in the car, but when we get there he sings a different tune. And by different tune, I mean he gets feisty. This morning was no different.

The shop owner brought him in the back [where I couldn't see him] to do the trim and I heard a scream, much like a human, that instantly made my blood run cold. Without a doubt I knew it was my little guy. It's not a sound I has ever heard him make. He was brought back out with blood on his face and I nearly lost it.

This protective mama was far from happy and the conversation that followed wasn't comforting. They cut his nail too short and were having a tough time getting it to stop bleeding [and some wound up on his chin]. I'll spare you any more of the details. In the end he was fine, but seeing his paw dripping with blood, sent me into a state of I'll do anything to make him happy and healthy. Isn't that what one wants for family?

Afterwards, a long cuddle, two cups of tea and a couple episodes of Call the Midwife were in order. What's that you say? Oh yes, mother and son are doing much better now, thank you for asking. If you have any nail trimming advice, please send it my way. There has to be an easier, less traumatic way, for all parties involved.

Tea Party

My mom is celebrating a special birthday this month [which one, well, she'd have my head if I shared]. As her only girl, I wanted to make it as special as I could for her without focusing on the number. It really is only a number after all. Next weekend we'll celebrate as a family, but yesterday it was just a couple of us girls and a lot of tea. 

I had way too much fun creating the menu of tea sandwiches, scones, biscuits, selecting teas and decorating. The morning of I started to get nervous that there was too much on the menu and I wasn't going to be able to make it all. And although there were a couple of last minute omissions, it was still a proper tea party. 

Decorating really was the best part for me. Fussing over the details and making things warm and welcoming was what made this tea party extra special, at least in my eyes. 

This no sew bunting hung from each window and was incredibly easy to make. It required not one stitch. Oh how I love hot glue.

More importantly the day was filled with lots of laughter and great company. Each guest was sent home with my special lavender lemon shortbread cookies [shaped like, what other than, tea bags] and I was honored when I asked if they could take home the menu as a keepsake. 

Friday's Quote

One of the things I adore about spring is the sense of rebirth and renewal. The days are brighter and longer and with them comes an energy that can be soaked right up by walking outside and breathing in the spring air. 

As I ready myself for this new season and all the changes I hope it will inspire me to make, this quote comes to mind: 

"She is clothed with strength and dignity 

&

laughs without fear of the future." 

Proverbs 31:25

Artistic Ability

Oh lovelies, it's been a while since I have been on here and I've missed you. Where have you been you may ask? And what a very good question that is. I've been to some far away places and back, but I sadly have no pictures since they were all in my head [wink]. The past few days I've been spending some time up there doing a bit thinking and daydreaming. It took me a while to come back down and figure out how to function again. The floors still have not figured out how to clean themselves. 

Besides having lots of conversations with myself, I've also had some wonderful chats with friends, old and new about what I do with my art, how I go about creating and how they can become more creative even though they don't consider themselves to be an artist. 

I'm a firm believer that everyone, and I mean everyone, has some sort of artistic ability. For the longest time I thought I could not be an artist because I couldn't paint people. Silly, right? A new world opened up when I was able to think outside of that box -- the very one that I alone had created. 

Our creative abilities come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Whether it's re-doing furniture, creating Feng Shui environments,  food styling, painting, etc. it's ALL art. All of it. Right down to the fun ways you can package all those lunches over the course of a week. We create art all the time. If you're not sure how you want to be creative, there are so many ways to get started from local classes, online tutorials and to less formal and simple what I call 'DIY play time' at home. 

One of the most important things for me has been learning from what I love to do when making something and what I don't love and why. And know, when it comes to being creative, there is no box in which you have to fit into. Make it work for you.