Visual Pause....

Because I need one...

In the Studio... Finding Direction

This space has become a place to gather... everything from my thoughts to my finds.

I've had great conversations with my kids, great art days with friends and quite time with myself... in this space. My house is a busy place... a "lived in" kind of house.

This studio is my retreat.

I've done a little rearranging since we visited last year (July 09)... I've moved my work table over to the window - better light and a nice neighborhood view. I moved my favorite piece - the watchmakers cabinet into this area so I can enjoy it more.

I moved some of my storage boxes off of my work table and onto a bookshelf... they are still handy to get to and I like having a "clear table"... well in theory anyway.


I keep adding bits to my Sally Jean Chanderalla.... I didn't notice until I posted this picture that there are still Christmas tags hanging on it! See, anything "blends" on a Chanderella!

A few of my finds from over the last year, the little anvil found in Port Townsend while attending Journalfest. These little velvet boxes keep catching my eye and finding their way home with me. The metal drawers - well you would have shipped that home too!

The watchmakers cabinet... moved to the wall where the bookshelf and tv used to be. I never turned on the tv... so I got rid of it... and wha la... I find it more pleasant to look at than the busy book shelf that used to sit in this spot. It's a more restful piece for this spot.
For me I've found I adore my groupings of eclectic inspiration...
but I need sturdy - calm areas as well.


I enjoy the "organizing" of a studio... creating a workable enviorment. I have small windows of time to treat myself to creating... so I like to be able to put my hand right on whatever it is I'm looking for.
This box is one I found last fall during my trip to the East Coast. It holds small special treasures... waiting to find there way into a book, necklace or assemblage.
these cases are wonderful for storing - I have old handwritten ledger paper in one and vintage fabric in the other... I hope to keep adding to this stack.

This is my painting nook... I set this area up when I took Misty Mawn's Online class last year... and I've kept it... ready for when inspiration hits. I love having the paper down, the messy mat ready to go. Paints, brushes, pens and pencils... all there... no excuses... just get to it.

The board above my table is great for keeping event cards -trades from retreats - bits of this and that ... things that catch my eye... gifts from friends... I love it all jumbled together.

the area above should be titled

"here are a few of my favorite things"

Finding ways to house and enjoy the art I have been gifted in trades.

Spaces to enjoy the art I've created and the wonderful works of others.

Objects that inspire just by being here... waiting for their role in some new project.

Sitting patiently

waiting for direction

me too.

Thank you for stopping by... I look forward to getting over to visit your

neck of the woods.

Farm Chicks Show - Make Good Choices!

I spent the day on Saturday as a "farm chick"... I didn't wear a twirly skirt and boots... but many did. Even though I did have the nicest girls tell me they loved my outfit and would have to "farm chick it up" a bit more next year themselves... I didn't realize I'd "chicked" it up at all...it was sweet all the same. I must say it is as much an experience as it is a sale. You have to remind yourself to blink... there is so much to take in... one trip around just will not cut it. So I stand in line to get in... and mind you I arrived 2 hours after they opened.
"Make Good Choices"
my little pre shopping chant I say to myself... it kinda helps.

The Farm Chicks Show

I went with two things in mind that I was hoping to find... another train case to replace the one that went home with Linda from Objects and Elements at artfest. The second item was a pair of cowboy boots... for me. Hey come on... I live in Montana, have a "ranch" and
"The Marshall Tucker Band" is coming to play at our concert venue... so I'm thinking I have plenty of reasons to buy a pair... and if I keep rambling about it I'll even convince myself!


Two new train cases came home with me... and one pair of amazing cowgirl boots... where are the boots? On my girls feet - they are fantastic - just not my size.


and then I found...

the most beautiful linen at Heather Bullards booth...

big safety pins - unsure of metal - but the Patina is just right

what a title... yes?

and who can pass on a sweet red tin...?

I've always wanted one the vintage swim locker baskets... this came from Heather Bullards booth as well as the spool of ribbon. The chicken feeder... weathered to a wonderful color is going up on the wall in my studio - I thought it could hold paints... or cabinet cards... or...

you can't help but have a "light go off" while your here... I mentioned in my last post that I was going to spend my drive time... giving some thought to "a big dream"... well I made some progress there... and spending the day surrounded by such energy only gave me more to think about on the way home. So come to the Farm Chicks Show

and take home with you what you can...

These sweet lights were a show stopper in the wonderful booth of

{junk girls}

a booth full of wonderful treasures and LOTS OF PEOPLE...


Something about this piece I just loved... it's good

They have a website...

"make good choices"I find when I'm at a show like this I need a sensory "saltine". You know what I mean a calm pool amongst the current of spring run off... a place to rest your eyes.

I looked left and then I looked right... and just followed my gaze into

the sweet - calm - pool that is

Cori Dantini

I was pretty sure it was her blog I've been following since artfest... so I asked her if she had attended - yes she had - so I commented on her pce I had seen during the show and share night. It was a great pce she had done in Carly Sonhiem's class. She asked what I had taken there so I told her, the minute I started describing "a horse with feathers..." we had a connection. I was happy to get one of her originals... her prints are of great quality too... so here is her etsy and blog... good choices everywhere

and then there was this....

the "best of show"

so much so... it deserves it's own post...

till then

"Make Good Choices"

Dream Big... It's The Farm Chicks Show!

So I just decided... I'm goin... I had really hoped to plan a gathering like we had last year. It was so much fun sharing the experience... the finds and arting in our rooms each night. It's hard to pull it all together some days... so I'll make this trek solo and I'll dream big about the things I want to see happen in the future. I'll remain true to my first "impression" on this blog.

Creative bliss is spending time with artful folks... I'll have 6 hours in the car tomorrow to ponder... It's my goal to create art retreats here in the beautiful mountains of Montana... I'm going to put that "under the glass" during my journey and see what I can do about that.

Dream big - Right - Why not?!