appears no different from a galloping horse

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

my sister took this sweet picture from the studio window up at the cabin.... come visit

I had sweet older man once explain to me why time goes by faster as we get older... and it was the first explanation that rang true to me...

He said "when you are ten - a year is one tenth of your life experience.... when you are forty - a year is then only one fortieth of your life experience... and when you are my age 80 - a year is one eightieth of your life experience... or a blink.

Rings true...yes?

So 2011 was "elevate".

I had a gal come into talc just before the Christmas break. She said to me .... "so tell me about this" and I asked her what she would like to know. She said she had been told "You help artist make art or be better at being an artist". I don't know if I have done this... but I feel happy if someone walked on thinking so. I didn't know what to say, it was the sweetest thing to hear.

Elevate... good.
Ah 2012... what will I do with you?

Happy New Year!

Wrap Up!

2011-12-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Tis the season... to think back over this year. I met some wonderful people this year. I didn't take enough pictures... and there in lies my new years resolution... capture more moments.
Moa... and her sweet creations

India Flint... a cowboy poet at heart

Leslie... keeper of so many lights

Kim... sassy, supportive, giving girl!

Jane... a smile that warms a room

Pam... seriously always up for fun... always!

kecia... she believes we all can do "it" whatever that "it" is...

Coach Hansen.... my girl Lauren
The biggest change this year was Lauren moving to ND!

She is the High School Head Girls Varsity Hockey Coach.

So... here come the holidays. We will have lots of company this year.

So perhaps I'll get a jump start on the resolution!

Merry Christmas!

ps.... the wreath and the bottle light display are from kecia's house... mind you I was there

in September! Gotta love that!

The Made Fair is Coming!

2011-11-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Bigger than ever this year! Have lots of art in the works for this... back to the bench...

See you there!

Plaster Swatch Book - Preparing for India Flint Class!

2011-08-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

List of supplies.... "a bag full of fabric pieces" a "notebook".

I have been slow at finishing my studies in the Plaster Workshop Online class with Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise... so in my preparation for the upcoming India Flint Workshop... I decided I could make my "notebook" and cross two "to do's" off my class assignment list!

The book was so much fun to make... I'll be making more of these for sure! When I get back from class I'll post pictures of the inside... pages inside with swatches attached, fibre content

listed... ( thanks to sweet Mary at Selvedge Studio ) I have room to track our dying

process ... room to doodle... room to add "after" swatches.

this stack would be my "bag full"... well ok... maybe two bags full. I will be sharing with Leslie so see... it's a reasonable stack. All these were gathered at Selvedge Studio or are vintage finds.

So if you are "preparing" and need to gather a "bag full"

give these girls a call!

India Flint Class Opportunity!

2011-07-29T12:53:00.001-07:00

This will be my next adventure... and if you hurry you can join me! Leslie is hosting a 5 day workshop with India Flint... click on the picture above to go to the class listing. Click here if you want a wonderful peek at class outcomes of others - Sentimental Pentimento has several posts about an India Flint Workshop... amazing work. See don't you want to go? Hurry there are just a few spots left... let me know if you are coming and I'll save you a seat!

A Good Read - I'd recommend them all!

2011-07-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Burnt Mountain - Anne River Siddons

Folly Beach - Dorothea Benton Frank

The Writing Circle - Corinne Demas

Olive Kitteridge - Elizabeth Strout

Sisterhood Everlasting - Ann Brashares

Selvedge Edge

Unfurling - Misty Mawn

Plaster Workshop - Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise

Eco Colour - India Flint

So my New Years resolution... read at least one book a month... and I'm happy to report I'm a bit ahead of my goal! I would recommend all of them... wonderful reads that have brought me here to mid summer... my good friend Barb is a great source for a good book... I'm thinking this stack may represent what she reads in a month. But I'm always open to suggestions.

What are you reading?

The Paris Wife - Paula McLain

Those Who Safe Us - Jenna Blum

The Glassblower of Murano - Marina Fiorato

Summer Rental - Mary Kay Andrews

now I know you have a wonderful local bookstore that could use a little love.

so go visit them & start your stack

Plaster Workshop with Stephanie Lee & Judy Wise

2011-07-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise put together an amazing online class. I followed along as often as I could... and am trying to catch up! Luckily they are offering an ebook! So I jumped at the chance to get one because the amount of info they gave over 4 weeks could be a residency of study... really an abundance of goodness! So if you missed the class - you haven't missed the boat... you can still get the book or the ebook... or if you can both - because they complement each other perfectly. Just like plaster and wax.

Hum... you don't say

2011-07-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

via lynne hoppe

Missoula Made Fair - This SUNDAY!!!

2011-06-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is the Made Fair in Missoula... and I'm excited to be participating! The energetic gals that put on this show comprise great creativity and spunk! I had such fun at the holiday show and am really looking forward to seeing all the work displayed there... it is a juried show and they work really hard to put together a good mix of mediums.... so come if you can!

Made Fair Caras Park Missoula, Montana

The Made Fair is Coming! Rusty Truck is Getting Ready!

2011-06-11T13:30:00.001-07:00

Bezels... Bezels...Everywhere!

Nothing like a "date on the calendar" to get me moving... you would have

thought opening 'Talc" would have done the same thing... but it

didn't... I needed the Made Fair Event to get me back at the bench... it worked.
Making great progress and should have lots to show come June 26TH!

So... pencil in The Made Fair on your calendar!

When You Grow Up... what do you want to be?

2011-05-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's that graduation time of year... a time when this question will be placed at the footsteps of young minds... ready to step out into the world and make their mark. When asked this question I think many of us who reside stateside... ponder what do I want to "be" as it refers to work, career and job description.

How did "do" become "be"? It's a tough job market right now... and kids are scrambling to figure out how to fill in that blank. When visiting with those who are conflicted and discouraged over what that is looking like, you know... a masters degree and a job prospect as a waiter... I always pass along... "a job is what you do... it's not who you are". Be proud of what you do, do well at what you do... achieve great things... and free yourself up to "be" all the things that make up you.

If you can... blend the two in... and that might just be bliss...

Much like a mixed media painting... things emerge, unplanned....( hang with me - really I'm going to get to the point soon... ) and if you just have a little trust at your core... that you can give this a shot, play out the sketch in your mind, overcome obstacles and see past a mistake here and there. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

If you've known me for awhile... you know I've tried my hand at a few... things (lets not list them because that would just be embarrassing)... lets just say that when posed the question on the family reunion sheet .... occupation? I wrote ... undecided.

Well... I've gone and done it again. I've played out this sketch in my mind and created a job for myself. It's currently what I'm doing - blended with who I am - allowing a "be" that is bliss. Unless I'm moping the floors and then that's just a "DO".

Ta Da! Talc - artist friendly coffee house and shared gallery space. Passions can become what you do and that is a really cool thing. We are open, we are meeting wonderful neighbors, we are excited for all the art to arrive, we are happy. Oh and a little exhausted... but recovering.

A bit of my studio has moved with me.... into an amazing new piece I found... a mail sorting cabinet. This little item is a "do" and "be" marvel... what it is and what it does is bliss!
All set up and ready for me to get crackin at "being the artist I want to be". Curious... is an artist a job? A do? or is an artist a "be"?

Hum... maybe someone with a Master's could shed a bit of light on that thought...

Studio at the back of Talc.... and here's a peek at the rest. Artwork arriving! Coffee that I love, space for classes and conversation... So come on over and we can work in our art journals together and make great plans!

You can find Talc at ...

http://talcgallery.blogspot.com or if you're phone does that "scan thing" then there you go.... from the blog you can connect to fb too.

Thank goodness for all the minds that "do" this work....

that is beyond anything I would ever venture to "be"... or "do" ... caught myself!

Alameda Flea Market

2011-02-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Everything you have ever heard about the Alameda Market... true... true... true! We did not arrive as the gate opened... I'm thinking if you do this - plan on bringing a flashlight! Easy to find, lots of parking. I think it was about 8:30ish when we arrived...it was perfect! My Sister is not a big shopper, (that may have changed by the end of the day!) But she knew what I was looking for and it was great to have two sets of eyes looking. She is the one who found the wonderful metal rings above...once used to adorn the netting above a bed or crib. I'm planning on putting them to work displaying earrings...

The Linen was EVERYWHERE! I found one I really liked just inside the front entrance... and taking the advice of Stephanie Thiel... "if you love it.. get it or it will be gone"... I did... and did not find "better or less expensive" further in... So if you go...even if it is in the first booth you go into... and you love it ... get it!

Then there were all the wonderful temptations of items created and re purposed... with the LINEN... There were two of these... and if my house didn't function like a frat house... and I wasn't flying ... or cared it the lights stay on.... I would be sitting on one right now. Show stoppers they were.

Lots of these as well... ACTION! How cool... we had just visited a Restoration Hardware Outlet (dangerous as well) up in my Sisters area near Sac. They had reproductions... just not the same.

I think many of you know Stephanie Thiel... amazing talent and a giving heart. I had put an SOS out on facebook... looking for any tips for my first trip to ALAMEDA. She graciously sent an entire list of goodness! She was also planning on attending with a friend Cindy OLeary (hello) and here's my cell... call and we will meet up! I just about flipped. I love getting to meet the folks we "follow" online. Isn't she just beautiful! So kind and open about her quest to find her fit with art. We aren't alone... in so many of the things we struggle with... it's nice to find folks who just open up with honest conversation. It was great.

Yeah... you can tell they don't have any fun at all! Oh.. such kind women. Talented and down to earth folks. Cindy hosts the amazing Artful Journey series of retreats. Attending there is on my wish list for certain. You get three days with one teacher... which is always my preference. I just get so much more out this class structure...

My City by the Bay... this is as close as I got this trip... But this is your view (on a clear day). At times I'm sure folks were wondering why I would just stand in one spot and stare.... how could you not. I'm a mountain girl now... but this city will always be "home" to me.

I made it all the way to the end... the Z aisle... you start at A... Comfortable shoes a must, hat a good idea, sunscreen, a rolling cart or a great Sherpa man (you know who you are) is handy, cash, cash , cash, water, camera, layers of clothing (cool in the morning...but and toasty as the day went on)... and cash. I think it was 5ish when we left... with these

insert here a picture of the amazing scissors... that I somehow deleted... hum... well I'll pop them into a little post. ugh!

Can you believe these scissors (of course you can't... because I deleted the picture)... ah I adore them (and you would too if you could see them)... sorry my other treasures are on the "editing floor" as I was so focused on the scissors!
If you're in the bay area the first Sunday of the month... go take a peek.

Alameda Flea Market - true. true. true...

Handles first... scissors on there way!

update... keep going... I was able to tuck in the scissors post in before this one....

The Scissors

2011-02-22T18:01:00.001-08:00

see... I told you they were great... and a view of my other "good choices"

Sun always comes out before I leave...

2011-01-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

file folders by amy butler and thomas paul

Yes... sun shining here in Missoula. And trust me... it does not go unnoticed here as our winters tend to be many varied shades of grey. But I'm headed to California tomorrow, (so of course the sun comes out today)....to help my Sister... Organize! Truly one of my favorite things to do... love it. The sorting, purging, prioritizing.... then the development of a "system"... oh yeah there is a system for everyone! Then the goods... because to me... if you have to look and handle this stuff everyday... it's got to look good!

binders and file boxes available at target - the file boxes are only $9.99 and have hanging files in them

I think every system needs the little files above.... divided monthly... I put every receipt in there and check stubs (for business checks). I have one for each business... so easy to go back and find what you need.

The timing of this trip will allow a side excursion to the Alameda flea market... which I could just about flip over! I've heard stories... and simply cannot wait. My sister, knowing my high shopping endurance... has invited along a friend... so they can take breaks while I go about my hunt! So if you want to come meet me I could use a shopping partner! Any takers? Dede?

Some other projects have been occupying my attention... and making me tardy to Misty's Class Stretching Within. Other are on to paint and collage... and I'm still playing with pencils.

Hopefully the Sun will come out tomorrow... here and there...

Stretching Within - Misty Mawn - Face Study

2011-01-22T15:27:00.001-08:00

Drawing the face... yikes. I am trying to carve out time to soak up all that Misty is offering in her online class Stretching Within. It is a large group and the work being posted on the flicker group site could take hours to properly appreciate. I have seen what committing to a drawing a day will do for ones skill set... ah I would like to shoot for that... someday soon
My first attempt was the image below. I am lucky to have three in house art critics... who are honest and give great advice. Bryce had lots of points for me to consider. So I made a copy of the face and he drew over top... the image above... bone structure... so that I could see where I was off. Eyes... Jaw... a little tweak here and there and she began to look a little more "of this world".

Back to the drawing board I go.

Apple for the teacher - Misty Mawn

2011-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Misty Mawn knows how to start out the year right

and is offering "Stretching Within" online course

the class is full... just checked... but take a peek for next time

It spurred a partial... redo of my studio. A couple of additions... blending sticks (yikes I like these) and a table easel... It is a completely different experience working at this angle...

"Push the dark" was Carissa's advice (my son's girlfriend)

off to finish my apple for the teacher...

Light up a Winter Day

2011-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

The resolution... to light candles everyday.

When you live in the North... Winter days are short, cold and often grey.

...side note... I'm fond of grey lately... so that also helps

I've always enjoyed the glow of candle light, the nice scent it adds to a room. I've just been lazy about lighting them... well this year I'm resolved to enjoy a little candle light everyday.

I found this sweet gathering of "light" and wanted to pass along the goodness.

A FREE download calendar of the sweetest watercolors.

available here...

Creature Comforts

such a generous gift of art!
I also suggest you strike a match and give yourself
a little light on this Winter Day.

Elevate.... 1.1.11

2011-01-01T22:52:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure "this is my word"... for 2011... but I think it's time to start building each other up.

Elevate whenever you can... it will serve us all.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

To you and yours....

Cheers! 25 Years Today!

2010-12-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

December 21, 1985.... 25 Years ago today... I married my high school sweetheart. It was a crisp and frosty first day of Winter... much like this year.

Sweet friends flew through all kinds of weather to join us.
this has never gotten old...

Cheers to us!

Love You, Toby!

Made Fair... Hip Hip Hurrah!

2010-12-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I participated in the Made Fair. A wonderful event put on by beautiful and creative women... with more energy than I can comprehend! It opened at 11 and I honestly didn't notice the time until 3:30! It is a juried show - and the ladies do an amazing job of selecting a balanced assortment of art - I'm honored to be included with this group... Including these two wonderfully bald guys... oh yeah.. they are beyond talented to boot!

Joel Edward and Marc Moss

I thought I also captured a shot of Sean... I don't know what my camera did to it...

he played the guitars he makes... you should have been there... well ... maybe you were. These events for me are as much to spend a full day in a room that just "buzzes" with creativity as they are to sell my goods. ( but squeal.... sell they did! I didn't even realize I had made that much stuff! YAY!).

Lots of ideas brewing here... Thank you to my art friends who cheered me on... I adore you!

Hip Hip Hurrah!

Standing Ovation...

2010-12-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

As I've been painting, soldering, etching, wire wrapping, image transferring, assembling... playing, pondering and planning - the teachers that have gifted me with so many

tools - sit close to me in this process.

Thank you for sharing your talent - your enthusiasm - your support!

Stephanie Lee... currently offering a WONDERFUL online class

Misty Mawn... currently offering a WONDERFUL online class

Michael deMeng... currently offering a WONDERFUL online class

LK Ludwig... has WONDERFUL online classes

The creative spirit of my art friends is a "buzz" all it's own. Lots of folks write about "finding your community"... well this is mine.

This Sunday I'm off to the Made Fair... with bits of me... my teachers and my friends.

I think we are all really good for each other!

- standing ovation-

Spirit Cloth... off the rack

2010-10-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

I've been following Jude Hills blog... spirit cloth for awhile now. My break from textiles ended this fall when Leslie and Dede came to visit... we experimented in the dye pot. From the drying rack these bits are finding themselves "over and under" in the cloth I'm learning to made - in an online class offered by Jude! Such a great diversion from all the things I should be doing...

She's found her "Thing"

2010-10-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for indulging me in a little "family promotion"...

She absolutly loves it...

click on image to enlarge

Before & After... My Hometown Art Retreat

2010-09-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Before... they came I daydreamed about all we would do... and now in the after... I daydream of a time when we can do it all again... Leslie & Dede... how do you describe a new friendship that has shifted everything that came before and gives to great plans for the after?

We drank... ate... and made art... lots of it!

We rolled - wrapped - and bundled

to make the fabric bits hanging on the rack above

looked good in the pot and the results were amazing... now we are set with bits to create a "cloth"... something we all want to try

The week gave way to finding such goodness

We tried to list all the things we did... hand dyed fabric, twisted wire and bead into a necklace, etched metal, made a "teesha" book, painted - scraped - and such page after page, image transfers, embossed metal, stitched wool applique pin cushions, took photos and had photoshop 101. We slept... walked... shopped... we took in farmers market & peoples market... my favorite bead, yarn and fabric shop...the sweet palace in Philipsburg and spent 15 mins in front of the fire... we found lots of treasures and treats along the way....

Sean Kochel... being one of the treasures

We stopped into Sean's booth at the people's market... and all of us were drawn in at the sight of tin types... wet plate photography... done today... by Sean

"Do you teach?" - Sean "I've been thinking about it" - "Yay! how about to us... this week?"

He is amazing! Such a great teacher... so passionate about the history and so willing to share. We are all going to do whatever we can to help him find his way to a teaching venue... and then you should do all you can to get in his class!

I soaked it up... all of it

these next two photos would be symbolic of me... before and after

thanks to Leslie's PS 101... and a work over of my camera my pictures are looking better

thanks to a week with Leslie and Dede... My view of things is much better too!

My Before

My After

The studio will up there... waiting for you all to arrive

Indeed

Three Girls.. Three Hometowns... Three Trips...

2010-09-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Three girls - from three time zones - found one another at an art retreat a couple years ago. As the months have passed we have taken classes together... we have shared in each others "halloween" books...last fall we traveled to Leslie's house in Pennsylvania and last winter we headed to "sunny" California to hang out with Dede... and tomorrow I get to play host... in Montana! I cannot wait to share with them this place I call home. I've gathered a little "welcome" pack to give them a taste of whats to come while they are here... the art work of Courtney Blazon... copies of old post cards of Georgetown Lake... old book cover... because we always make a book. My favorite bead shop - Bathing Beauties - just gave me $5 coupons to give them - because folks are just like that here... My head is just a buzz with all the fun places I want to take them...all the art supplies that will get a workout after a summer sitting dormant.

I know we will go from dawn to dusk...

and it will be the most restful - wonderful time I've had all summer.

I'll be back to tell you all about it.

Hometown visits... Trip 3

Visual Pause....

2010-06-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Because I need one...

In the Studio... Finding Direction

2010-06-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-08T20:05:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

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?!

Etcetera...Etcetera

2010-05-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

I was just going to take home a few.... but they just all looked so good together. The old card with the wonderful tattered crepe paper and the way someone took such care to display them in just this way.
I figured if ever I started an etsy shop... I could part with a few... if you come to visit someday
for certain I'll share some with you

so where does one find such wonderfuls?

In this cute little corner shop in Folsom, California

Katrina's

She is considering both a web site and an etsy shop... I'm thinking both would be a

REALLY GOOD IDEA!

Oh yeah... serious "danger zone"!

delicate bits of wonderful

I don't know... I think you might find a thing or three in here...

the softest vintage velvet ribbon I have ever found

Sweet blue berries

Sweet Katrina

lots of this and that... and these...

Stop in when you can... or give her a ring and let her know that you would love to see an etsy shop & web site...

Etcetera...Etcetera

Encaustic Workshop - Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch - In Missoula!

2010-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that Trish has decided to come to Missoula to teach a two day class!

October 8TH and 9TH.

9:30 - 3:30 each day

pack a lunch because we know we won't want to stop!

$245.00 for two days includes supply fee
50% down and the remainder the day of the class.

Join us in this extravaganza in beeswax! Experience the joy and versatility of this rich, organic medium as Patricia teaches you the basics then builds on these to excite you with numerous techniques that will get you doing everything encaustic. The diversity of this medium offers the artist opportunity to include all mediums and build on skills related to other creative outlets like no other medium can. Demonstration and hands on painting and experimenting is what this workshop is all about. With amply time to play in the wax, ask questions and develop a strong sense on what is possible in the medium, no one will go away without a fever for encaustic!

I had an amazing time in her class at artfest & I'm just thrilled to have the chance to spend two full days exploring all the techniques she shares... so join us!

Registration is open - NOW!

Send me an email that you want to take the class - I will connect with you about where to send your down payment and I'll get the supply list to you... she provides all the wax + more!

So grab a spot today!

feel free to contact her directly if you have any questions

Email questions or clarifications: pbsartist@aol.com

http://www.pbsartist.com/

artfest - it's in the book

2010-04-28T21:58:00.001-07:00

I really enjoy visiting blogs where folks post pages of their art journals, like this one and here. I hope someday to establish a rhythm that simply needs a page to capture thoughts... currently I'm letting most of it float away... but new days are coming and there will be new themes - thoughts - beginnings I will want to make a mark for - to be remembered.

I'm enjoying working in a book I created with the guidance of this fine friend... who will be teaching book making at this fine friends studio... can you go? Give yourself a treat and spend the day with Leslie... and then you can come back and tell me all about it.

For now I'm documenting my art travels - the cover was from an old postcard book - so it works. These pages mark my time at artfest... my travel, travel companions, my gatherings and my art and the art of classmates.

On this page I cut out a frame that was on one of the welcome packet pages and inserted mica to create a window to the back pages... I like have things to peer through, lift and such.

oh geeze... here they are... Leslie on the left and Kecia in the middle... and i believe Pam - on the right will also be attending the class... so you'll get to meet them all. Really that little introduction wasn't planned ... but nice when it just happens.

So I believe that's a wrap on artfest... it's now in "the book"

a little more... artfest

2010-04-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

Susan Lenart-Kazmer
Hollow Forms in Color... I loved this class... packed full of techniques and use of Susan's massive collection of tools... I came home with a big wish list of tools to add to my studio. I really enjoyed the shaping the metal with a hammer. There were wonderful pieces that came out of this class.

My next day was spent with Patricia Seggebruch - Trish - the author of this amazing book

Encaustic Workshop. Throughout the day she would give demo's on this and that technique. She had centralized tables set up with the wax - so we each would go back and forth from our work spaces - I really liked this as you got to see the work of different students in the process...

layers mixed with a surprise here and there. I love the texture, the depth and the warmth of encaustic...

image transfers onto wax - some of the best results I have ever had in transferring an image. the center image on the piece above and the team of horses on the piece below are both image transfers.

layering - revealing - discovering

many of the gals in this class had taken multiple classes with Trish before... and their work was a great endorsement to studying with Trish... I'm hoping to do just that... and a little closer to home...so stay posted.

My last day at artfest... day 3. I have purchased plaster pieces that Stephanie Lee has made - but this was first time playing with plaster. I went into class with the horse in mind. However that didn't translate to having enough base material to create what was in my head... luckily my sweet table mate Denise helped me out there as did Stephanie. And like my kind classmate said at the end of class "honestly he is my favorite ... because really for awhile there I wasn't sure what it was going to be" .... I know exactly what she meant. Everyone headed to lunch and I stayed in... stuck with it... and i just adore him.

Stephanie has a new book coming out in 2011 with Judy Wise... oh to have an artstudy with these two... hum... maybe I should work on that too?

Few

Treasures

I scooped up along the way

A girl returns home from artfest.... simply wanting

a little more....

artfest - in good company

2010-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ah horsefeathers... so named by Stephanie... and it fits. Sits in good company in my studio at home...with two "Stephanie Lee" works of art. Yeah I like her and her work... and each class I take with her. I learn new things - every time. Will I sign up for more? Oh yeah.

Back to the beginning... I drove to artfest. It is an 8 hour trek for me - so a pit stop here and there are required. Ellensburg, WA. - Dick and Jane's. I cannot imagine a better inhale of art on your way to artfest. If you are ever in the area... GO SEE THIS PLACE! Just ask anyone - they'll tell you how to get there.

I arrived in Seattle early and the sweet gal at the Edgewater Hotel moved me from the city side to the water side... needless to say... I ordered room service and never left the veranda. The next morning I headed out to the airport to pick up my traveling partners Leslie & Kecia. I was in good company!

Am I a coffee snob... yes, I am. Why? Don't ask because I'll explain all of the hints of a great cup and bore you to tears... but... I happily recommend this quaint little spot - right on the water - as a great pour. yummy!

In VERY good company

Leslie, Kecia & Pam

Photo taken with the one cool camera app on my droid... that I was very proud of - till i spent 6 days with 3 iphone owners.... for cryin in a bucket.

We gathered stones, laughs, praise and memories together.

Artfest - Show & Share

on the last night at artfest everyone is invited to display their "hurrahs" from class. Here is my gathering of bits... It is so cool to see the work of so many wonderful folks. It is also a great way to check out classes/teachers you want to add to your wish list for the future. When I get home from a retreat I always google... the retreat name in blogs to see what folks have posted about their time - classes and outcomes... it has been fun to see ole horsefeathers and Kecia's jackalope showing up... here, here, here.... and here. The space these retreats give us to explore - has just been amazing for me. I come home so charged... topped off with ideas and energy... and somehow reassurance that this is a path I should be on... I so glad for the friendships I have made along the way... truly I'm in such good company!

Here's a little peek... of horsefeathers up close...

swing back by... so I can share with you the other bits I made and collected along the way

I'll keep my eye out for ya!

As luck would have it... you can find yourself in the good company of Stephanie Lee - as she will be offering two online classes - I have had wonderful experiences with online classes and I cannot imagine all that this talented girl will put into hers... so go on now and sign up!

Will Wonders Ever Cease

2010-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

just back from artfest and i've been unpacking and uploading pictures... so excited to show you what i've been up to... and when i get to my blog i realize i never posted about my last adventure to Dede's house. Truly... will wonders ever cease?
Leslie and I being Northern girls thought a trip to "Sunny Southern California" in January would be a perfect way to get through winter. Sunny it wasn't - but perfect it was! Flea markets - yummy tacos - and Gilding the Lily!

JoAnnA joined us on Monday, and Sweet Nancy of Gilding The Lily opened up for us for a private shopping extravaganza... Dede books the classes there... so we had an "in"!

we came together to share art... we painted, soldered, bound books, made bezels, poured resin ... and played with wax... we told stories, laughed and ate great food.

how lucky am i to have found such great girls...

will wonders ever cease...

ok... NOW... i can talk artfest

art case... to go

2010-01-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to figure out my "art case". You know the grab and go... has just what you might need regardless of the activity... ugh... i need a three pce set to fit in what i think might be necessary! But that is silly. I go on these art treks loaded down like I'm going to recreate Rome... it's nuts. So... in my prep for my next adventure ( gathering at Dede's in LA... insert squeel!) I'm working on my "case".

I think it would be fun to compare the "must have lists" .... what's in your case?

Packed in mine...

needle
hand dyed floss
"good" scissors and pins
wire... two sizes
hammer and block
wire cutters, round nose, bent nose and flat pliers
scissors
little tool kit
markers - pens - and Stabilo pencils
4 paint brushes & watercolors
adirondack inkers - pesto and mushroom
walnut ink
metal sheers
pencil sharpener
eraser
box of assorted beads and pearls... a little chain thrown in
tin of metal stampings and bits
tin of ribbons and fabric bits

So what have i missed?
Yeah I'm an "art case" alright!

Here's to a New Year... lets "make" it into something wonderful!

a gift to me... online class with Misty Mawn

2009-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

if you have a fear of that white page sitting there... then this is the teacher/class for you! and it has been just what i needed... free - messy - fast.... without thought or courage... just get your hands in the paint and gesso and gel medium and let what happens.... happen...

backgrounds... of which i just couldn't stop making them... so i have a yummy stack awaiting their own discovery into what they want to become... i just love flipping through them... and i even replicated one into a larger format for a collage pce pictured down below.

I've never been this captured by a class... time to listen... see... enjoy the work of other students... share in questions... frustrations... hurrahs! so much so, that i "changed my mind" about being in an upcoming art show... i wasn't ready and i wasn't willing to step out of this class to get ready... so... i gave myself a "hall pass" and I'm just pleased that i honored what i felt down in my center... no guilt... because i owed this to myself... and realizing this might be the greatest gift of all.

the pictures above and below came from a trip i took to South Carolina and Savannah a few years back. traveling to the south is heavy on me - i don't know how else to put it - the history that still lives in some places and some people... and i by all means do not group everyone living in or from the area into this box... it's just that some difficult conversations always seem to find me there...my sweet man puts a gentle hand on my shoulder and says in a calm voice... just let it go keli... and so i try...

the pce below however is a perfect example... of how what needs to happen in a work... finds it's way out... i started with a collage of a birdhouse - taken on a plantation - and of my neighbors tree - she is also from the south, but has lived in montana for years now. then i added birds... blah blah blah... i wasn't feelin it at all. then this past weeks lesson came on and it moved us into painting faces... misty's signature. so for me i just have to give it a go with faces and see where it leads... and here sat this unhappy collage... i looked down along the edge of the tree... and those lips were there... so i grabbed a pencil... and working within the outline of that tree... i found her. now my painting technique has miles to go... but i love this pce now... i have thoughts to place on the left hand side... just have to work through the words.

i will never forget moments after i took that picture of the birdhouse, a man working at the plantation said to me " well it couldn't have been too bad for the slaves here... because when the northern aggression came through they (the slaves) all fled... but they (the slaves) all came back" it was at this point that hand laid gently on my shoulder.... and it was all i could do to "let it go"... somehow this pce helps me understand why i went there... listened and stood witness.

"facing south"

in remembrance and honor

a gift to me

now I'll let it go... maybe

Journalfest - a day with Stephanie Lee

2009-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

pictured is my mothers grandparents, her mother (little girl standing next to her dad sitting). the sweet metal pce was gifted by my table mate kecia...

delicious chain from gilding the lily

If you asked me... "what do you think of Stephanie Lee"... i would only pause to consider where to begin. The gift she gave freely... without knowing it was received on a birthday... and then when the news traveled to her that is was the girls day of celebration... how she gathered her family to "sing their family birthday song" to this girl who happened upon her table at vendor night. this is not my story, but the emotion still stirs in me to this day as a remember the girl telling her story to us... how completely touched by this kind gesture... all of us who stood witness to that evening she told us her story... will never forget how Stephanie connected with this girl and in turn connected with us all.

- So yes, take a class or three with Stephanie... the lessons you will learn and the gifts you will receive will go beyond great design, technique and skill... but trust you will get all those as well.

I loved these books from the moment i saw the first one she listed on etsy... yeah I couldn't resist... it's now part of my "Stephanie Collection"
- This class is why I signed up for Journalfest -

they feel so good in your hands... you know what i mean... yummy

bits from my gatherings in new york adorn the covers

hope you can make you way to Journalfest 2010... and spend a day with Stephanie Lee

so now I've traveled home... and have begun an online class with Misty Mawn (another wonderful story... that is mine to tell... i'll save for another post)... nice transition don't you think?... Stephanie and Misty... forrest gump would say "they go together like peas and carrots" .... yes they do...

this is my first "background" ... I'll be back with more

hope you're enjoying fall and spending a little time each day doing something

that makes you happy

Journalfest 2009

2009-11-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

On to Journalfest. As you might imagine at this point in a long trip... you think you might just be ready to stare into space. ( why the pictures are showing up in this weird configuration... i have no idea... but i'm just going to go with it). I flew in on Tuesday night and tip toed into the hotel room while roomies slumbered. Kecia and I have shared classes before... it would be my first time to meet Jen. Great spirits these two... simply fun - energetic - and busting with talent. So we grabbed coffee in the only cafe in Seattle without espresso ran an errand and found our way to the ferry. Beautiful ride across the sound and a picturesque journey into Port Townsend. We checked into the Journalfest office and headed into town straight to the antique store - a little walk - and lunch. And here will be the only sad note to my entire trip... I knocked my camera off the chair and the sound it made when it hit the beautiful hand tinted concrete told me in an instant that the news would not be good. I tried to take some photos... but it was just a struggle... you can peek at Kecia's blog... she took tons! It's the lens, not the camera that is having issues... so I guess that is a positive. I took it into the local shop yesterday where I purchased it... they work on them right there and it was as if I was taking a sick puppy to the vet. He placed a gentle hand on my forearm and said with complete sincerity..."Keli, we will do everything we can"... I will never buy another lens cap or any camera thing from anyone else. They get it... how you get to know a tool and it works for you and you don't know how you'll get through the day without it... he knew that and was gentle with how bummed out I was... Thank you "Dark Room" in Missoula... your the best.. and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The beautiful fountain in Port Townsend... that has drawn many a "festival virgin"...

The door to my room. This being my first time to a "fest" I wasn't sure what to choose for housing... now that i've been there I think you have a find time regardless of where you sleep. Teesha placed me in the house and was sweet to connect me with my roomie prior to the event. We were to share a room with two twin beds. Well my cough was still awful when I arrived, so I was glad to see a couch in the living room... well luck have it.. there was a roll away on the back porch...an adorable back porch... so I just set up house there. It was perfect for me, a little cooler than upstairs - which I like - and my coughing didn't keep everyone awake. I must say if your traveling to Journalfest or Artfest alone and your worried about being matched up with unknown housemates - give it a go - I feel so lucky to have met Tanya, Jenny and Maggie. It was fun to share what we had gained in each class - to get to know them a bit and hear about their amazing lives. Good women are out there doing amazing things... and to share in each others stories - I simply love it.

Day 1 - Anahata Katkin - Impulse Collage

above is a small snap of my first pce... life lives behind the dots... apparently for me that is true

this was a perfect class to start out with... free, fast and completely fun. the less mind the better and that worked out well for me! Kecia and I shared a table... and what I forgot to bring she had and vice verse... that is another thing about an art retreat... don't fuss over not having everything...folks just share and trade and give

layers and layers and if you start to ponder... change the technique you are working with - that lesson alone was worth the price of admission.

I'm sure for many of you this has happened in your work before... tear text to fill in an area... and then discover what it says once it's already in place

and so often it is just the message you needed to receive... words from two sentences... cropped in a way that speaks more to you than the entire paragraph.

this next picture is out of order... but it's fine...yes? so on the last night of Journalfest they hosted an open journaling event with music and wine. Tables sprinkled with treats of art and food. Just a great atmosphere... I carted a couple of the journals I had been working in over the past three days. Tracey came to the mike to introduce the band. He explained how much he appreciated the local music and coffee houses and the energy he derived in his journals doing artwork while listening the the local sound. He encouraged us to let the music into our art... and so i did... and the doodle bug caught big with me. Theo Ellsworth sat at the table next to us... I appreciate his work so much.. and he used to live in Missoula. I was happy to bring home his prints to my son Bryce (the true artist in our house). It's my hope that someday I will share a "fest' experience with Bryce... he would love it! Ok back to the work... so I allowed a little "Theoismish" inspiration and let go...it was a little wierd how much the music influenced what i was doing... and when the music paused... so did I.

now under the flaps are sweet bits of art gifted to me... one was not for public consumption...so i just had to cover them all...

well i get to this point and realize my day 2 pictures have vanished... and no... I did not have a rum and coke before I started this... might have been a good idea... well day 2 is a class with Stephanie Lee... and I will have to assume that it deserved it's own post... and that's reasonable.

Day 3 - Alex Shur - Journaling into Painting

What an amazing class... I have always wanted to take a watercolor class and this one was just perfect for me. I wasn't looking for classic technique... rules and guidelines... class. I wanted a get right to it, see what happens... explore and don't think too much.

put down color and see

see what appears

oh... there it is ... a horse, a small woman in a door way... a chick... a duck on a body... an eagle person... vano ( yeah... I'm not the only one who looked at my page and saw Anahata's sweet man) ... and then sweet alex came by and saw the wonderful girl with the big hat and coat. " Do you see it" she asked... I didn't... but I can't tell you how thrilled I was to have her mark her vision on my page. yeepie!

little caterpillar girl guided by a winged heart

eagle boy and vano - with a fur viking hat

my galloping horse

the smallest of faces taking a peek

alex helped me see this

as time went on I began to see more whimsical figures

it was an exhale kind of day... a perfect day 3

well here is a little glimpse of the "stephane lee day 2" post to come... it will be worth a trip back

I signed up for this event having never kept or created a journal... now i won't be without one.

It is a wonderful event put on by amazingly creative and kind people.

Come if you can... to Journalfest...

next years event may fall on Halloween weekend... I cannot imagine a better group to spend the holiday with. I'll hope to see you there too!

Love, a fall in New England

2009-11-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Do you have someone out there... somewhere... that you just lost touch with. For no reason... no excuse... just didn't make the proper effort to stay connected? Well give yourself a gift and see if you can find them... connect, reminisce... remember. When my trip plans started falling into place I knew this was my chance to reconnect with a friend - Barb. Would her email still work... would i find her? Would she care that I'd been absent for ages? Barb met my news with the same big smile in her voice as had always greeted me at her door. Full of enthusiasm for our reunion. It was as though i had just stepped off her porch... it was wonderful!

The color is ... it just is

Part of my journey was witnessing the beautiful - thoughtful - and completely personal exchange of life promises between my nephew Walsh and his sweet bride Kim

a blushing bride she was... wearing the dress Walsh made her... yeah i was a puddle the entire ceremony...

and at moments... so were they

special words... thoughts... hopes and dreams - shared with such care

well the hands do say it all...

bliss... young and happy and so in love

it was an honor to witness such trust and genuine devotion

congratulations

Walsh & Kim

you're beautiful

the day following we headed to the shore... right in the middle of a "nor Easter"sp?

Barb was bummed the weather wasn't better so we could get out more. Glenn, her sweet husband stopped for every photo op - every great antique store (!!!) and yummy fish & chips. I loved the day of weather... the light is different and to experience it just added to my trip...

can you see the little light in the window... so sweet

and it goes without saying... you gotta have lobster... and ours were made fresh at home...

thanks Barb & Glenn... the best I ever had!

a perfect New England steeple... yes?

so this was a fabric mill... it was massive... i think of all the hands that worked a thread here.

If you and i traveled much together... you would find me dragging you into these... yes... cemetery's.... i love them. For whatever reason when I was young and traveling with my parents - a cemetery was always in the mix when we visited a new place... why, i have no idea... but it caught on with me.

this family

to live to be over a 100... in these times.

to weather all these years

swirls and glimmer

so much to explore... Barb... I'll be back!

Love, a fall in New England... love it!

so now we go WEST... to Port Townsend, Washington... and Journalfest!

Tricks & Treats

2009-10-31T21:12:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a little break in my travel log to share the pages of my book from the halloween round robin. Dede gathered together a great group of artists to participate... we each constructed our book and then sent them on their way... two pages upon which amazing talents would be shared and gifted... months and months these books traveled from my mountains to the east, south, west . Once back in Dede's hands she chaperoned them to Somerset... were they found a home in the "Studio" Sep/Oct addition... It was a thrill to be asked... scary and intimidating at times to work in the treasure of others...

but what a treat to have the original work of such talent.

each book had it's own theme... mine... without much planning... became a book of games... halloween tricks and the art that came back.... treats!

my front and back cover included a punch game with fortunes or tasks on the front and

a punchneedle rattle i had made years ago worked out great on the back. the edge is soldered and that little project was not a treat... at all.

my pages extend with a little banner so that each artist could leave a signature...

below is the sign in page... little coffins... they all climbed in without protest.

now i'll turn each page and show you the work of these amazing women...

these pages are by Leslie Marsh... I first met Leslie through her blog and if you have not treated yourself to a visit ... go now... it's tops. I was lucky to overhear her talking in line (yeah to the bar) at art & soul in Hampton. Being the shy girl I am, I went right over and introduced myself... as "the fan" because I am. She happened to be sitting with Dede at a table and they invited me over and that is the beginning of what I know will be a life long friendship with both of these sweet girls. Leslie's work is so her own.... layers of wonder... what is around the corner for such talent is only to unfold... and i'll be there cheering her on... as i am "the fan"!

EB... a visit to her blog is a walk through the pages of her life... amazing - changing - playing. my first memory of EB... well was of her fantastic stack of little suitcases - also at art & soul hampton... and as i think about it now... i'm sure her stack inspired my need to create a stack of my own! She lives a life of art and it shows in the work she produces. I look forward to our paths crossing again someday... the witches broom in the box is yummy!

my book then left the north east and traveled south to texas... for a visit with Mendy. Mendy is the only gal in this project I haven't met face to face... but i'm hopeful we'll meet up one day. Mendy has great pictures of when she was young and shared them in her artwork along with playful bits that i just love in my book... and the sweet soldered domino she added to her banner.

then onto LA... to my dear friend Dede who put this entire project together... who was reassuring to those of use who had never done anything like this before... who gives praise and encouragement freely. If ever i feel like i'm slipping... even a little... dede lets me know i'm doin ok... she's like the guard on the edge of the road... keeps you on track and doesn't let you go over the edge and will tell it as she sees it... and i love that about her.

I was able to see her page in my book in the magazine...before i got to see it in my hands. The picture was wonderful... but i couldn't wait to see it. I love all the elements she used... it's good.

this is the last page i did in my book... and thanks to dede's installation it made it in there... it was what i wanted to do in the beginning but ran out of time. i had a little stitched page... but knew this little theater was what i really wanted in the book. I made it from a photograph of an art pce my daughter Lauren had done in school years before... i layered the pictures and added some elements... i liked that it came out as i hoped it would... because that doesn't always happen

the size of this book is an element all it's own

I want to thank all these women... leslie, eb, mendy and dede - for trusting my hand in your books and for gifting me with the art from your hand. this book will live in my family for generations and you are now a part of my history and i love that.

it's a big grand book

it's a treasure... full of tricks and treats

happy halloween

Makings of an amazing trip

2009-10-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

pages and papers and book covers... stitches and twine.... leather, metal, rhinestones...a little usuahg...sp? shells and bottles and solder and stone. leslie was a great guide through book making and it was perfect timing as i needed "journals" to bring with me to journalfest. the large journal above is huge and i just loved working in it later in my travels... another post. we copied to our best... the wonderful work of Karen Cole... a dear friend of Leslie's... and amazing artist on our covers... it was so fun to use some of the treasures we had found in NYC!

dede showed me how to soldered treasures onto bottles... ok with a little help of E6000 on my part. i'm certain i have written somewhere here on my blog... that creative bliss is spending time with artful folks... it is... for me the best of times... creating together and treasure hunting! oh my did i find some amazing things. now the following pictures are a mix of my Philadelphia, NYC, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine finds... yeah the girl covered a little territory this trip!

ledger books - marbled pages and covers - music sheets - and letters of lives long past

silver stamp case - silver pencil case - and a yummy wood spencerian metal pen nip case!!! yummy!

and all these little ancestors... the sign said "buy an ancestor" so i did

wonderful metal findings and a great box for all my pens

and my wonderful "porch" find... worked great as a shipping box... i can't resist old paint and such a great blue - it just had to come home with me - agree?

oh and the ribbon to tie it all up with... tinsel trading in nyc... trading ooh's and ahh's with the costume designer for the NYC Opera was a bit of a kick as well...

so where next? north... we will head north... see you soon.

if you can... gather up your art friends and meet up somewhere... and soak up all you can!

it's hard to express what a difference these two ladies have made in my life... truly.

the makings of an amazing trip can to lead to the makings of an amazing life.

girls about town

2009-10-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

that was us... leslie, dede and i. we spent a couple days in Manhattan during our trip to leslie's house... filling our bags with treasures. but most of all i treasure the time we spent together... talking, supporting, encouraging... simply "getting" each other.
days spent creating in the "house of leslie" - let me tell you - a complete dream
every supply imaginable and endless inspiration...

we shared with each other our passions... i am proud to say

miss dede is a hooker (rug hooking) now.... and a very good one!

the lady of the studio watched over us...

i can't wait to host these girls in my neck of the woods

and once again we will be

girls about town

next stop....Portland Maine and Dover New Hampshire...and my finds!

all clowning around aside....

2009-09-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

i met up with an old friend a bit ago and she said to me, " so keli tell us all about your perfect life". well it isn't. i don't bring it up here... for a few reason's... the biggest of those being... i come here for a little break and i think you do too. but is that authentic?

my "stuff" isn't life and death, i try not to invest emotion into it... because it doesn't deserve that. i save that energy for the "stuff" that calls for it - these things don't. but if i don't share them with you... what message am i sending... without meaning to?

i feel a bit like this bull rider... you climb on... completely aware that you can end up flat on your ass... but you still choose to ride... to reach that bell... 8 seconds... not so much to invest

the last few years have been like an outstretched rodeo... with similar outcomes to the picture above... not great not perfect... but no one has been injured... bruises sure... but they fade with time. and cows do fly...

you just need to remember to move out of the way... before they land....

so... all clowning around aside... it's far from perfect... but it's in my nature to climb back on...just is....

On the Stands

2009-09-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

i decided to walk past the magazines... to see if "it"was there.. the new Somerset Studio... the one the girls and i are in... our "spooky halloween altered books"... and there it was. i have to admit it's a bit of a thrill to see yourself...

on the stand...

more pictures to come... big thanks to dede for thinking of me for this! i adore you, but you already know that.

a girl needs....art journaling

2009-08-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

try it you'll like it....

this is a page in my first art journal. a few posts back i sent out a call for folks to join me in the "soul journaling prompts" from sarah whitmire. this is a page from my book. i love to doodle. i had forgotten how much i love to doodle.

a girl needs... to doodle
a girl needs... time
a girl needs... sight
a girl needs... vision
a girl needs... truth
a girl needs... trust

well this list could go on and on... what might you add to the list?
apparently this girl needs "dot, dot, dots" to express herself!

and i guess i also needed art journaling... and didn't even know it til now.

Studio Tour... glad you could come on over!

2009-07-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

welcome! what a great excuse to dust! i just love seeing how other creative folks organize and sort to create inspiring and functional spaces... here is mine... located on the second story of our home -this room for years was the teenage hang out - movie room. not to say they don't still hang out here... it's become a great gathering place in our home... for four legged family members as well... let me introduce - stug - our "hunting dog" that would prefer a banjo and moonshine on the front porch...say hello stug not overly impressed... is he... but he is a lover... thinks he is a lap dog ... he's a little big for that. i'm gonna walk past him and start our tour at the end of the room. I keep my laptop and printer here. i store gel mediums and nasty chemicals in the chest - soldering stuff on the left - oh and yummy beads. it's handy to set up my soldering on the table with the window close for ventilation. good light.

a tray of all kinds of wonderful

this is my favorite place to work - good light from the windows and enough space for friends to join me...

journal in progress... well started at least

collecting cups of color....

turn to your left now.... the picture cuts out tv - but you know what those look like. these shelves have been great.... deeper and taller on the bottom and then they get smaller towards the top - and it holds a ton of stuff! an old wire shopping cart holds my larger papers...

books by color... inspired by sally jean alexander's studio

velvet boxes i found on my last day in portland at the wonderful Madison Park Antiques... run there when you can.... trims and bundles of unopened letters... yummy

i was thrilled to find one of pottery barns discontinued post card racks.... it is great for storing bits of paper and ephemera... easy to access and see... old cabinet card also a purchase from Madison Park Antiques

glove boxes - tie boxes - i've seem them called different things... i just call them wonderful!
take a peek at the old image on the lid of the bottom one....

do you want to see inside?

silly question....

bits of bling

vintage bubbles anyone? not sure if that was it's purpose... but i like the idea of it

the next picture is then looking back to where i was standing to take the first picture... little nooks that never really functioned before... are now perfect little "stations" for different activities. in the beginning... i was just down on this end... but as i'm sure you can relate to... i just needed more room.

i love sitting in this spot... my place to ponder... surrounded by inspiration and things i really enjoy... bits that inspire me... pictures of friends... small art works and event cards are kept on the magnetic chalkboard... the wire basket is like a staging area for my next project - currently it holds the pages for kecia's marie antoinette round robin... cannot wait to get working on them.

an old crock is a great way to keep your tools handy... i keep grips and sand paper in the crock and then my various jewelry pliers around the edge... easy to see which you need to grab. the frogs are great for holding paint brushes, and the old book press is a new find... isn't it cute!

these are a few of my favorite things

window nook... a little organized and a little mess... it happens

well... every creative girl needs a little patron on hand.... wink wink

i have a hard time not giving a home to these sweet cases when i see them... they are so sturdy and a great size to travel with and good lookin to boot. right now i'm gathering stuff for journalfest in the top one... marie antoinette page stuff in the second... and "fall trip to east coast" in the bottom - that trip will probably require one or two more before i'm ready...

an old laundry cart holds my rug hooking... the bulk of my wool now stays at the cabin studio... i'll show you that someday. the watchmakers cabinet has been a life saver... 52 drawers of varying sizes... with the original hardware... gotta love it...

a little peek inside - sorry - i didn't get a very good picture of this... it is by far my favorite "organizer"

I mentioned i have a hard time not giving these little wonderfuls a home...

i did get my chandelier up - a nice little hint of light

ok we have almost gone full circle - i have a little sitting area - a great place to stitch - visit - read or watch a movie

so set your compass north and come pay me a visit anytime!

where bloggers create...

2009-07-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

i love getting to peek at the studio's of creative folks... so here is our chance to share... Karen Valentine from MY DESERT COTTAGE is having a party and is inviting bloggers to join in and show off their creative spaces. I'm going to join in and am hoping you might as well.

The party begins this Friday July 24TH!

Soldering Queens... Sally Jean & Chandelier-Ella!

2009-07-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

treated like queens we were... three days in the twinkle and inspiration of sally jean's studio

i just had to sit for a bit and take it all in... every nook

my stack of bits to be added to my Chandelier-Ella!

here is my hurrah... lots of room to add bits later

helping hands

created all this wonder

lucy has a new friend... a birthday gift for our hostess!

a happy birthday girl

sally organizes her books by color... i came right home and reorganized mine (denise is laughing i know she is)... Speaking of Denise.... big thanks miss for letting me stay with you! Denise and i had a wonderful time... shopping til we dropped... the beach... yummy spa massage... good food and drink... good coffee and then better coffee! Thanks Denise!

my new discovery... these sweet little albums... these are Sally's

i can't wait to find some of my own.

chasing summer...

2009-07-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

along with the longest day of the year... these have come and gone already... i'm chasing summer

the following drum roll of pictures are little snaps from the "made show" .... it was a great day

for all ages... and artistic tastes... really a nice assortment of items...

this one went home with this sweet girl... hopefully a new friend... with an artful heart...

rusty trucks where is your next stop? that is the question i struggle with... so we'll see....

chasing summer i am... would love to see you in that rear view mirror!

who's game? 22 days of soul journaling...

2009-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

oh i hope you'll give it a go... i have signed up for journalfest in the fall... and similarly to when i opened a coffee house/restaurant... i am getting the ..."but you don't journal"... like i used to get..."but you don't cook"... well i had a blast in the coffee house... and i plan to have a grand time at journalfest. you could come along to that too... go here to check it out.

so this is my jouralfest prep... and i was hoping you may be game also. sweet sarah and i had a class together at art & soul in hampton a bit over a year ago... and kecia had a post on her blog about sarah and i went to explore her blog... you know how it goes...

well sarah has put together a very generous gift... a FREE 22 day journal prompt... that you work your way through. i asked if it would be ok to post a link here and see if i could gather a few art friends to join me... and she said to go for it... so who's game?

Farm Chick Finds

2009-06-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

a great gathering of girls was the best find of all! 6 of us arrived from different points... to meet in Spokane for the Farm Chicks Show... sweet denise carted her kiln for the trip and we all tried our hand at making pmc charms. she is so patient and giving... would love to take a class with her someday... wink wink

I keep trying to find old bits - medals... for jewelry making... so i decided to try to craft a few...very happy with the results... oh my... this could become - a healthy habit...

fun finds at the show.... shoes for marie? or a spot in my Marie Antoinette book - i found one shoe and then denise went and found another... there you have it

yeah... i found a few treasures... the holster was my first purchase... destined to a "judy" inspired book someday... for certain

maybe you can meet us there next year... and take a close look for yourself!

Come see me... June 14TH... Made Fair

2009-05-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

check out the link to the right... this event is bursting with fun talent... i will be offering two DIYODS... they should be up on the web site soon... and i'll post pictures here in the next few days... great folks working hard to put this together... so we hope you'll come on over and enjoy the day with us.

i'll have a booth as well... looking forward to hanging out with all these creative folks... it's bliss! see you there!

morning at the lake... georgetown lake montana

2009-05-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

the water really is that clear... the shore line in front of our cabin is closed this time of year to fishing... so on a calm morning... like today... you can just sit on a rock and enjoy the view. the ice finally left the lake this morning... just a little berg left floating in the middle... and all the while i enjoyed these fish... i watched three bald eagles sit upon that ice... if only i had had along my big lens...then i could have shared that with you too.

luckily... another threesome of eagles... one may be an osprey... came to visit the treetops just above our cabin... again... wishing for the other lens... can you see them? hint two in the tree on the right... the bald eagle is higher and near the trunk.

i am moved each time i see these larger that life birds... giants yet graceful... powerful and yet gentle... proud and humble... a perfect reminder on this memorial day... that we honor who we are in every moment... as Americans.

good day...

saturday morning finds

2009-05-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

good morning... a sweet little treasure pile... all from one sale... "oh my, you really want those (books) they are just falling apart"... i smile...."perfect condition for me"! I found my first book cover with marbled paper... and she told me " i can't believe we didn't just through that away"... i said it must have been waiting for me and she was very interested in hearing about what we all do with this "stuff".

there were lots of music books and sheet music, so i asked if her parents had been music teachers - they were not - but her mother was a organ player and her father played the accordion. she said one of the grandsons had been given his accordion... i had noticed a beautiful old accordion book out in the box where i found the marbled paper book cover... so i went and got it and brought it to her... "he should have this too."

i think after taking the class with judy i just want to see the connecting points... stay together... the book with the accordion... somehow has more of a story than the accordion on it's own.

it was a good morning... what did you find today?

day after demeng - michael demeng - what a relief class

2009-05-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

i spent yesterday at bear canyon school of art and craft with my dear friend libbi - in michael demeng's "what a relief class" ... my man was so cute when i told him libbi was going to give it a try... he really enjoys michaels work - by far he thinks it's the coolest stuff i've done ... but was wondering if my rug hooking friend knew what i was getting her into. she loved it... and i just love her for always be up for something new...

i still have some highlight... touches... i want to make but overall i am happy with my outcome. everyone was lovin the little leather bag i purchased from denise...go here to her etsy site... keep checking i'm sure she'll get more... and the little birdcage charm i purchased from judy... go here to her etsy site

class is in... so many different techniques... this is my second class with michael... and it really takes me more than one class for everything to usughh... the demeng alumni know what i'm talking about... find yourself in a demeng class someday... your outcomes will travel to all the areas of your artwork

layers and layers... planned happenings and unsuspected surprises... great class

good day.... happy m day

Spring Anyone?

2009-05-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

snow...yeah...thrilling

charming solution

2009-04-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

charms... sweet little bits of art... treasures... but what to do with them?? i joined a group last fall and jumped right in... four swaps right in a row... so fun making them and then getting back an amazing assortment of art... i finally came up with a way to enjoy them...

the packaging is often as wonderful as the charms... so now i'm able to enjoy both!

a charming solution...

it's a treat

2009-03-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

a little peek at what i've been up to... a new book arrives on my doorstep every couple weeks from a new artist... two pages waiting for me...

i've found i just have to sit with it for days before i know where to go with my addition. to work in amongst the vision of another artist... you want it to fit and still speak your name... you hope they will open each new page with a sigh and a smile... we trust each other's vision to compliment our own and how cool is that?

we all have so many things on that "to do list"... the things that pull us in all the directions that we need to go... well i'm not so sure we always need to "go there" we just find ourselves in those obligations... it's refreshing to find yourself in a place of choice... doing something because in centers you, puts you at ease and is so enjoyable... i am not going to add this to any list... i'm just going to choose to place myself here as often as i can.

sweet connie... always up for trying something new asked if i would show her and a friend how to solder... i have a feeling there will be a missoula convoy to portland for art and soul next fall...

stacy took right to it... she is my "jump ring princess"... i think i teach better than i "do".. -hum odd... we had a great time, a little wine, a little flux... yes connie flux is your friend... good laughs and friendship.... girls hanging out together... it is creative bliss... spending time with artful folks.

first charm... ever... bravo girls bravo... it was a treat that time together!

boo!

2009-01-21T22:55:00.000-08:00

i've been locked away...
chains and all...

setting about a trick or two and playing games...

it has been

treat...

side by side

2009-01-08T22:54:00.000-08:00

it would be so grand to place ourselves side by side... juxtaposition...

that would be good for the coming year

the sharing of these journal pages with each other has felt like that...

thank you misty for bringing us all

together

side by side

day 6 - art journaling

2009-01-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

well Jan 6... sorry folks... the girl had a hockey game last night... just had to go... so misty said "join me " in self portraits... yikes... but the girl just walked past and said "oh it's you"... so go figure... it's a start... i'm working in a book i had created for the made show... and i'm just using the pages as they come... funny that the portrait day arrived at the old photo album page... it tickles me when things like that... appear...

day 4 - art journaling

2009-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

i don't know why... i just wanted to learn how to make silly little crochet flowers... i made a few today... i think i would like to make a bunch in various colors of wool and put them together in a scarf... i wish there were wooden crochet needles... a little light just went off... i could use my rug hooking hooks... they all have wooden handles... i just don't like the "hand" of metal. well... thank you for helping me come around to that discovery... it was also fun to discover the "4" that showed up in the center of the flower...

day 3 - art journaling

2009-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

find your wings
let them take you
up... over... around & through
all the places... faces... and finds

day 2 - art journaling

2009-01-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

i have never been here before... art journaling... and i have no plan... just arrive at the page and what shows up... shows up

i am loving the comments and i think i will figure a way to attach your thoughts to the edges of each page... each day

i will listen and hear

i will look and see

day 1 - art journaling

2009-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

misty invited folks to join her in a month of art ... a journal for january... a page a day or whatever moves you... no rules... perfect... visit her blog as she has listed each artist who decided to take the first step into an artful new year... thanks for the nudge misty

one thing i realize about myself... is that i'm very good at the gathering up all the "stuff" the paints the pens... pencils... papers and such... but i walk around the artful setting and struggle at getting to the artful making... so this is good

welcome day 1 2009

rusty truck designs...a new hurrah!

2008-12-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

the made fair and zacc spectacular was last sunday... -11 degrees outside...each artist carted in our wares... between shivers and set up we pondered who would brave the cold to

come out and see our gatherings... well... missoula is just that kind of place where folks will brave most anything to support their local peeps... and support us they did... we had sweet thoughtful visitors all day... thank you neighbors for supporting this hip little event... i had a grand time!

i really enjoyed working on my "stuff"... i soldered... painted... wrapped wire... a bit of a tribute to my year of art & soul... it was fun to tell folks to take a class with nina to learn this... misty for this... stephanie for these... and sally jean for this technique.... i put together my "merchandising"... tags, signs, display and really... that is the fun part for me... pulling together the package... so much so that i am hoping to lend a hand to my table mate and her candle company... so that will be good.ta da...here i am... rusty truck designs... the name... well on the application is asked for the business name... so i had to come up with something... and over the last few years... rusty trucks have been appearing in pictures i have taken... and i thought oh then i can find some old metal toy trucks... cute display... well old rusty toy trucks not so easy to find... a trip to the montana antique mall and a collective "seek and find" with the sweet gals that work there and i found the two in this picture... i won a sweet
old blue tonka on ebay... so now i have 3... the perfect collection.

these are the folders i made to package the necklaces. denise had housed her portland art & soul charm swap in a similar design and i just loved it... p.s. she has a great new etsy site... go peek.

so hip hip hurrah!

now i'm off to finish up my christmas gatherings... we have days and days
no need to rush... right...

gathering gifts

2008-12-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

this was one of my favorite events last year... great handmade gifts... and i like that it is closer to christmas... i'm more in the mood now for gathering my gifts... to occupy my thoughts and hands i decided to apply for a spot and i'm in... so stop by and see me... i will be in the ZACC bldg... should be a special gathering! for my blog buddies... this is where i've been with brush and wire, torch and textiles in hand... it's been a good time.... and i'll be back with some pictures of my gathered offerings...

enjoy your gathering of gifts
take care
keli

Thank You America

2008-11-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

because you are free to do so....

2008-11-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

Vote Today!

hurrah - art and soul - portland

2008-10-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

here is a little... or not so little... snapshot of my art and soul - portland - wandering.

gatherings with nina bagley... i came to this class with a bit of a plan... and a rotten cold... i had told myself that i was going to sit put and finish a hurrah... i suppose having the cold assisted me as i just wasn't so up to visiting and didn't want to share my yuck. this class called for one big book that would then house our smaller book pages... i contact nina to ask if i could use this paint box i had found as my "big book"... the paint box gave me the idea of creating a gathering of my art retreat experiences... so the book attached to the paint box has blank boards to place future memories on... i created two books i tucked inside - a book to remember my three day class with misty mawn and one for my art and soul hampton retreat... i think it will be fun to create a new "page" with each retreat...

paint box with book cover. leslie and dede both have wonderful pictures on their blogs so be sure to take a peek... i met leslie through her wonderful blog... and then met dede through leslie at the hampton retreat... great new memories with these girls... can't wait to meet up again!
then i gathered memories from art and soul hampton into a book - classes with sally jean, sheri haab, dan essing & stephanie lee

this picture of nina is just perfect... you can see how much fun she is... great lady... yes she is...

step into the story... jewelry... two days with nina... and nina knots... wire wrapping... hook making... stories... laughter... and lots of smiles... multiple days with one teacher is wonderful... and three days with nina... well... i can only hope it happens again...
my table mate loni (above)... created amazing necklaces... yeah that is plural... two completely finished... hip hip hurrah loni! a new friend... she and her family have a dairy and produce milk for tillamook cheese... how cool is that
miss denise... creates amazing work with all her wonderful finds in addition to the beautiful pmc art she does... check out her blog... something wonderful is just around the bend for her... you can just feel it...

so here is my hip hip hurrah.... i found this match holder just before i went to portland.... it worked out just as i had hoped... the image is the same "beach" picture i have used before... it's calm and reassuring to me... my wanderings these past seven months have taken me down many paths... have given me endless resources and have gifted me with new friendships...

all of this has spoken to me... and now i plan to sit awhile with it and listen...

this community of art is home... i feel comfort - support and enthusiasm. again... creative bliss is surrounding yourself with artful folks...

saturday and sunday were left open to explore portland
good friends
good food
great days!

lk ludwig and a nature journal

i could not list everything i learned in this class... completely fun... free... finished! although you could just keep adding to it... and she is as sweet as can be... and giving in every way...
i did go back to my room and continue to play
pages & pages of fun... i look forward to another class with her someday...
miss kecia... in just in case...
just in case with judy wikenfeld... judy's work is over the top... the heart and thought she puts into each page is beyond inspiring... take a peek here at her work... lots to learn in this two day class and i appreciated here teaching style... amble time to explore each technique... but she kept things moving and gave us heads up tips so that we could avoid mishaps... i was really pleased with my outcome.... i was able to finish the book structure and one page... it will house up to 8 full pages.

the construction of the book is very sturdy... it feels so good in your hands
my first page is of my mom and her cousin... there were many happy surprises as i worked on this page... hidden meaning in elements that would appear seemingly out of nowhere... i'm going to take my time on this... as i hope it will be around for a long time.

-

judy and i... mind you... this was day 8 for me... so yeah...
listen
i plan to.

hurrah... art and soul - portland... you were fabulous!

i'll be back to share pictures of friends and finds.... see you soon

sea - art - sea

2008-09-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

off to art and soul portland... to "sea"art and be art "sea".... "by the sea" has been the theme for this year at art and soul... so a little play on words. the charms above are some of the trades i've made... the trading is a kick at these events... it is amazing to see the work folks do...

i'm not sure why i want to share the picture below... maybe this way i'll have to remember next time to consider the required packing that will follow signing up for a class - for each class. yikes it is a good thing i am driving to portland! this is my mini studio at home... and it is a complete disaster... but it is coming together

i'll be back soon... to share the art i sea

here's lookin at you

2008-09-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

we looked at each other for some time... he seemed to be asking me... "what are you doing?" and i seemed to answer with... "good question?" he would turn his head as if to give me a little alone time to figure it out... but then would stare back... still waiting for a better answer. he even took a flight as if to say... "like this, move"... came back to the same branch and looked to me for confirmation that i got the message... i get it... it's just the path on which to move has not presented itself... so for now i will continue to wander... until in appears. i appreciate the saying... "all who wander are not lost" - cannot recall right now who should get credit for it - but it's good, yes?

i am disappointed to say our "gathering" at Swan Lake is not going to happen. i had such a nice time visiting with folks that were thinking about coming... or were coming and then had things come up... in the end... it just didn't work out... so we will see... Stephanie was so gracious and kind. take a class from her if the opportunity presents itself... she is dear.

here's lookin at you ... hoping your on your path... or are wandering towards it

Stephanie Lee...what if it was all junkdrawer metalsmithing?...

2008-08-06T21:54:00.001-07:00

a new update on artful gathering camp... as we are signing up folks and visiting with others...we were getting the question...what if all the classes were jewelry? well being the spontaneous girls that we are...we've made a little change...we said yes...lets do it!
Go here to read more about it!

stephanie lee - junk drawer and all - coming to Montana!

2008-07-21T19:22:00.001-07:00

she'll be coming around the mountain when she comes! yee ha!

ok... i am a bit over the top with this news.... it is the little something

i mentioned about a month ago... and it is really going to happen...

stephanie lee will be teaching here... September 14 - 17th, 2008.

we are revamping what was to be a yearly rug hooking camp...

our plan will be to invite a different visiting artist each year.

this has been such a year of discovery for me...

and i am just thrilled to be a part of this new adventure.

and look at these classes!!!

Junk Drawer Metalsmithing: Extended Version

you got it!!! one full day + one evening

and this will be our home... six mile estate on swan lake... a wonderful historic estate

paths, creeks, hikes, and a view of the water from most every window - inspiration everywhere
Plaster Vessels - just for us...

i had purchased this wing vessel from Stephanie in Hampton during vendor night at Art & Soul... so when we started talking classes... i mentioned the reaction i had received over this special bowl.... and so... stephanie agreed...lets get together and create our own... perfect!

artful gathering
go here to the camp blog for more class descriptions, pictures and contact information
the girls continue to play... so pack up your junk drawer and join us!

farm chick finds

2008-06-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

this new art journey has sent my eye in new directions...new colors...things that shine & twinkle

it feels girlie...and it tickles me that i am drawn to it

ribbons and bits...letters in print and in form

great finds...at the farm chick show ...and we didn't arrive until sunday ...it was a last minute trip - love when that happens. i appreciate a good display - merchandising degree - and the vendors at this show do a wonderful job - artfully done and inspiring.

the search is on for this and that to use in my fall art and soul classes ...the gathering is so fun. the yummy bracelet was made by stephanie lee, i can't get enough of her work & i can't spill the beans yet...but hope to have some news to share soon... doesn't that make you nuts...tell me now is how i always feel....real soon i promise. rhinestones...me? i guess so...

show and tell sunday - flea market finds

2008-06-15T13:38:00.001-07:00

thanks to heidi for hosting

standing along the fence waiting for the gate to open ....

and i spot this wonderful collage ...you know how you have a chat with yourself that you will go only $this high ...so for 45 mins i debated with myself what "this" was going to be .

..there were many things to ooh and ahh over while we waited.

it hangs year round just as i found it ...its a christmas message from a grandmother to her family. the gal who purchased the wonderful house that had the sale told me she had found it in the attic when they remodeled the house. i can't imagine leaving it behind.
"so I hope that as you sit round the open fire your mother will have time to help you read this letter"
i consider it my best find ever! now i'm off to see your treasures!

art and soul - hampton - a hurrah

2008-05-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

hip
hip
hip
hurrah!
i wish i had a recording of mr. h's reaction when i emerged from my studio...all proud & excited that i had a...hurrah...from my bits created in sally jean alexanders class.
"wow...that's...wow...i didn't see you putting all of it in one piece...huh..."
ok...it's funny now...and in a way i get what he means...but ugh

with soldering...the more you do the better it goes. the box below was one of the first ones i tried...and it shows...i just wanted to gather it all together in a class study...

i have only seen a couple of the large necklaces sally does...

now i have one of my own...of my own.
hip...hip...hurrah!

art and soul - hampton - girls at play

2008-05-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

that's what we were...girls at play. so my last two days in hampton were spent with stephanie lee. i was really looking forward to these classes...and it was quite simply the best. chain gang and junk drawer - torch and all. loved it...this speaks to me...it's organic and earthy...primitive and every imperfection just adds to it...yep...i could get into this! again my pictures show the bits and pieces i created...but determined folks left the class with chains down to their waists....so you can leave with a finished item...i just can't seem to...not yet anyway. these items i made day one - chain gang - i knew i wanted to use the image in the lower piece - it's an old fence along the "beach" in wisconsin. so i started there and worked on. i was able to solder with a torch, stamp metal, pour resin, burn my finger and have a blast! i really like stephanie...she's just as human as i expected...i've followed her blog and have been lucky to purchase some of her work... and honestly if she and her sweet family showed up i'd just give them the keys to the cabin and a welcome to stay as long as they'd like....they are good people...you can just tell.
the second day was junk drawer...and it was a great review of the day before - plus more...so i was able to take notes...and i absorbed tips i know i just missed the day before...many little ah ha moments...now i get it...multi days with one teacher is the way to go for me...it just is. i tried casting with the solder into clay...um...can't really tell what the things are supposed to be...even in person...but others in the class had great results...i just need to find items with better detail and then give it another go. i made a...perfect to me bezel...which i wanted to turn into a ring...when i went to attach the "ring" part... my perfect bezel warmed up and well took on a life of it's own. stephanie had warned me it might happen and she said i could fix it...but the outcome was kind of funky...i decided to leave it...she got that...i just adore that about her...no outcome is wrong. that's the ring at the top of the picture above...i was able to slip a stone into it...that moves around...i am fairly certain you could knock someone out with it if need be... so it may become a paperweight. so i have lots of bits to work with from this class...can't wait to get back to them and i'll be sure to post my hurrah. i know that stephanie's classes fill up quickly....but keep trying... there is so much instruction to soak up and spending a day with this gal is a treat. etched into me ... is art and soul ... thanks for all you have given me...i hope the journey that began at asilomar will continue for a long while... as i like this girl at play

art and soul - hampton - what a catch

2008-05-18T18:33:00.001-07:00

the wild world of trades ... i first learned of this tradition when i signed up for the art and soul yahoo group... all these things to take part in ... charm trade ... fat book ... and just trades in general. so i'm a give it a try type of girl ... granted i was headed to art and soul to learn how to make a charm and i had no idea what a fat book was ... i gave it a go anyway ... oh what fun ... and oh my what talent.

most of the charms you see came from the charm swap ... i was thrilled to receive some in trade ... i think they had 28 artist participate ... i strung them about a wire basket so i can see them all.

a wonderful assortment of techniques and items ... i received charms, atc's, books, ribbons and ledgers and more...oh my!

i cast my net into this sea of art ... what a catch

i tried my hand at pmc...the item with the byzantine chain and the little bee are from day one. this class was taught by sherri haab and scott david plumlee. i'll be honest ... this class was on day 3 of my trip ... and i'm just not at my best on day 3 .... i looked at that bit of clay and really could not visualize what i could make with it .... but once i got over myself i was on my way. in some classes it seems i have to remind myself that the item i'm working on is a class study... it isn't as though i'll never get to try this again ...so get on with it ... experience it ... and i did. you can go here to try your hand at the byzantine chain. i also learned that i really like to have the same teacher for multiple days in a row... and i was able to add a second class with sherri... once again - a great group at your table makes for a great class. go here to meet dede & leslie ... we had a such a good time and it just got better when frankie turned her chair around and joined us.

what a catch is right...all you learn...all you experience...but most of all...is all the folks you meet and get to know...and look forward to seeing again...that is the best catch of all.

i hope to...i hope the same for you

art and soul - hampton - doors open

2008-05-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

my plan was to finally sit down and tell you about art and soul in hampton...so i start out with a door i came upon in williamsburg...and i feel this pull to dig into my thoughts on inner doors and hallways and the little rooms i keep for myself...within myself...and how this new art journey has me turning in directions i never expected...granted i'm still seeing closed doors...a little like a big old house where entire sections...unused...just became closed off. that's what i seem to be finding. but it's there...it's in me...i just need to give it some light.

need a cute apron...sure you do...hop on over to this gal...cute blog and adorable finds...ok...back to art and soul...i had just returned home from three days with one teacher...and now i was on my way to three teachers within the same number of days + a few...so i knew i was going to have to take it up a notch...stay focused....la la la....well...i still need to spend a little less time chit chatting and bit more time...working. i cannot believe what folks accomplish in class. and i really want to go home with some finished projects too!

day one i spent with wonderful table mates in sally jean alexander -soldering for virgins. i had great intentions of practicing before i went to this class - my honey had given me all the stuff for christmas....we'll it made it out of the box just in time to be packed into my suitcase. so a soldering virgin i was....well no more...i had a great time in this class...great instruction...sally and "mr. sally" are so helpful and they do great demo's. she draws a big crowd and a full class, but she really knows how to divide the group and teach to everyone.

i was thrilled with the results...i was able to use artwork from my class with misty in the charms. i have several pieces just waiting for more supplies to arrive...then i'll finish it up...i'll post my big hurrah...when it's done.

i'm so glad i discovered art and soul. i cannot imagine how i would have begun this journey without you, without this wonderful new community i am getting to know and be a part of. i have met amazing folks with inspiring talent and gracious and open hearts. it feels like we will travel along together...making new discovery's - sharing - and opening new doors with joy and wonder.

more art and soul hampton to come...

a special treasure...a special girl

2008-04-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

a treasure...this girl of mine. you have beautiful babies and they grow...in all the ways they do...and when they remain...that same gift...it is such a treasure. she is smart and witty, is compassionate...so honest...athletic...couragious...kind. she very well may be the most centered being i know. i adore her and love her to my core

so...tonight is prom...her senior prom. off she went sporting the $1.50 earrings i found at vendor night at art & soul...how perfect! i had my portland class with nina on the mind when i purchased them...not prom...but how much more special they will now be in that new treasure.

love you lauren...mom

art & soul ... a wonderful journey

2008-04-18T19:32:00.001-07:00

this is the path into asilomar... the path to new friendships... the path to new art... the path to seeing in a new way... this is the path i took and oh what a wonderful journey it was.

the journey begins - with misty mawn - art & soul

misty... in her groove...

misty works so fast...amazing things to be learned from this gifted and giving teacher

class is in... we gathered around for wonderful demos... three days of techniques... three days to stretch... three days... three wonderful days

i went to art & soul, i made art, i am an artist....

why is that last part so hard to say?

there are a few of us out there still working on the word...

and the works...

we created pages... we explored amazing techniques... we played

there were so many gifts in this class... an amazing group of artist from all over... it is special to get to witness people finding there artistic voice... and misty is so encouraging and you can see how she helps students find the path to their work... we all used the same techniques... and the array of results speaks to her ability to teach to each person...

my pages are started... i just hope i "know" when they are finished...

on my way

2008-04-11T08:21:00.001-07:00

that is me....open & ready...for fresh and new ideas, new ways of seeing, being. my sweet daughter gave me a squeeze goodbye and told me to have fun meeting new friends..."cause i know you will mom". she chuckles at how i seem to meet folks, a street fair or just out...i don't know why i just do. i love the line in the song..."live your life with arms wide open"...i try... so i am on my way to art and soul in asilomar this week and hampton in a couple weeks...with arms, mind and soul...wide open! ready, like the page in my studio, to soak up some inspiration! the blank page is before me and the ending is unwritten...i really do like that song!

the mountain greets me

2008-04-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

this heart greets me each time i head up "to our mountains". each season is a new hello...a sweet welcome always. my studio lives in these mountains. snow is still a part of spring...up this high. my home is in montana and the gift of living here is not lost on this girl...

gratitude...for this special artist. i feel like i have discovered a new world through her words. she without knowing it...told me to have courage...let me see the possibilities...and led me to the community...she had found herself. so my journey begins with a big thank you. thank you kelly rae roberts.