My Weblog

Friends and Valentines. . .

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? To be honest, it's not one of my favorites. Not that I don't appreciate an opportunity to celebrate love but sometimes it just means more when it's not expected, you know? This year though, there was lots of frivolity around this heart shaped holiday in the form of swaps ~

The ever lovely Carrie hosted another one-on-one swap, heart themed this time. I had Carrie as a partner and she asked for supplies, supplies, supplies. All girly and pinks (and a little side note that her favorite color is blue). I found this beautiful vintage satin quilted hankie box. I am a die hard for these ~ collect them all the time in fabulous shapes and tones of pink. They are the perfect on the go organizer to slip sweet embellishments in for classes.

Inside I placed sweet laces and ribbons in cupcake wrappers and added some of my favorite vintage Valentine postcards.

and packed up appliques, buttons, bling and candies in pink polka dot bags. I think a polka dot makes the world a beautiful place.

I found this charming vintage planter on Ebay.  Think she is calling her sweetie? 

I made Carrie this sweet necklace with the techniques I learned in Lonnie's class with a torch. I'm getting pretty good at it. Funny how I'd rather torch some solder than a creme brulee! Love the necklace idea from Lonnie too using vintage buttons and rosary chain.

and a sweet banner. I can't celebrate a holiday it seems without one!

In return, I received the most over the top incredible box of goodness from Earleen Coburn (who doesn't have a Blog, ahem). Each gift was wrapped in kraft paper and decorated to the hilt with hearts and twine.

Packed full of the most amazing goodies I do believe I have ever received. As I opened each piece, I texted Earleen my gasps and gulps. Needless to say I was a weepy mess by the end. . .

and as if all that wasn't enough, there was this gorgeous necklace that Earleen created with me in mind. All that pink and bling ~ it is truly one of my most favorite pieces from a friend ever. Look at that display too ~ it's all just mind blowing. 

There was more ~ a Jar of Hearts Swap too but I will save pictures until next week.  I guess I may as well make this not so favorite holiday of mine last all month. .

A Few Spots Left. . .

If you haven't attended an Affaire before prepare yourself for a lovely retreat with an amazing group of friends and like minded artists.  Staged in full Audrey Hepburn glory, you will be met by a fabulous setting that Audrey herself would "sigh" over.  Settle down in this lovely atmosphere with your favorite friends and prepare to spend three inspiring days of learning, laughing, gifts and comradery.  No running from class to class, no worrying about a seat, no dragging your supplies from place to place, no searching for food, no looking for that one gal you've always wanted to meet.  What sets us apart?  We are all together, all weekend.  Cause that is what we all deserve ~ intimacy, rest, creativity and a moment that is all about YOU! 

A few spots are left ~ It's true, It's true!  I hear there is a rumbling that Tiffany's is sold out BUT there are spots still left to come join the fun.  How many you ask?  Less than what you could count on one hand ~ pinky swear.  Registration will be closing soon so don't delay. 

There is so much fun in store ~ 

 

~ Two full days of three hour plus classes featuring amazing projects taught by Jeanne Oliver, Kecia Deveney, Laura McCullough and Lonnie Jenck,

~ Admission to our Welcome Night & Vendor Soiree featuring over 14 local and regional artists,

~ Strike a Pose with Tiffany Kirchner Dixon, a custom photo opt with copies of your gorgeous pictures included,

~ An exclusive book signing with Jenny Doh,

~ A Friday Evening Dessert Soiree, Art Exchanges and mini-project taught by Amy Tangerine and American Crafts,

~ Delicious buffet luncheon on Friday,

~ Special Sit Down Luncheon and Interactive Forum with Keynote Speaker Carol Spinski on Saturday,

~ Exclusive “Affaire” style group classes including reserved seating with your favorite friends,

~ Private use of our Tiffany's Ballroom for late night crafting,

~ Access to free downloads of hundreds of photographs by our event photographer,

~ Discount room accommodations at The Belamar Hotel,

~ Fabulous goodie bags filled to the brim, atmosphere galore, friendship, laughter and so much more. . .

Come sign up at Artistic Bliss Designs before registration closes. . .

 

A Favorite Smelly Share. . .

I must admit that I love a good Swap or Art Exchange. It is often the highlight of many an Affaire or workshop that I host. What girl doesn't love to share her art and creativity with others?  However, sometimes its fun to share something a little more simple and easy about ourselves. Thus, Have Yourself a Smelly Little Christmas was born. A fabulous Swap where girls found the perfect bottle, decorated it all pretty (yes, there does always have to be a crafty component) and then filled it with their favorite scented lotion, perfume, spray or scrub.  There were no limitations ~ sachets, soaps, bath bombs and fizzies were all accepted. . .

 

Photograph by Karla Nathan

Of course, as always, our group took it simplicity to the highest level of gorgeosity! Take a look at what currently adorns my once empty bathroom shelves. . .

Denise's Fairy Crystals

Erin's Body Creme

Cheryl's Body Lotion

Andrea's Room Spray

Sylvia's Bath Oil

Susan's Bath Scrub

Terry's Bath Bomb & Scrub

Cynthia's Lavender Sachet

Lulu's Handmade Lavender Soap

Jessi's Car Scent & Hand Soap

Tashia's Body Lotion

Can't you imagine all the possibilities ~ favorite makeup product? favorite book? favorite magazine? Isn't it lovely to share a bit of yourself in a different way? 

 

And the winner is. . .

Valarie from Glittery Daze and Nights! Send me your details Valarie and I will get your lovely book into the mail. . .  Congrats!

 

A Lovely Party & Giveaway. . .

I had the honor of attending Jenny Doh's launch party for the release of her latest publication, Creative Pilgrimage. Within it's pages is a beautiful spread all about my Affaire's that is in true Jenny style ~ crisp pictures, lovely words and lots of inspiration.

(Photograph by Cynthia Shaffer)

Jenny, Stephanie Rubiano and I were there signing books (me? really?). . .

(Photograph by Cheryl Stoneham)

and I was thrilled to bring a little Affaire at Tiffany's excitement by way of a lovely seam binding bracelet project taught to me by my darling friend, Jamie Skolnik.  Anything and everything that is gorgeous jewelry starts and stops with Jamie. 

(Photograph by Cynthia)

Our Artistic Bliss table was filled with Tiffany blue, pinks, pearls and sparkle as we made bracelets into the evening. So many sweet friends came to be supportive and all left sporting a pretty wraps around their wrists. . .

Rita and Christine

(Photograph by Cheryl)

Christy and her darling daughter. . .

Jenny's sweet Monica. . .

Cheryl and Denise

My lovely friend, Terry, took care of showing all the girls how to make the bracelets and talked up the events (as we all know, I've never been good at tooting my own horn). . .

Of course, I can't forget the fun part! I'll be giving away a copy of this sweet book here on my Blog.  Just leave a comment under this post and you will be automatically entered. No liking me on Facebook (although I always appreciate a new "like") or telling me your favorite childhood story (although I love those too)!  I will keep the comments open until Sunday afternoon and then pick a winner.

I am so grateful for this wonderful art community! I know there are always bumps along the road but supporting each other is the most important thing we can do together!

Last Post of 2011. . .

It is hard to believe that 2012 is a mere 12 hours away! As I get older these years seem to fly by much too quickly, especially the last few months of the year. Once the kids start a new school year in September, the holidays are here in the blink of my eye.

Tonight at dinner, just as in year's past, we will sit around the table reminiscing about our favorite moments over the last year. And, just as in year's past there will be good ones and ones that we will be glad to leave behind. And, just as in year's past there will be renewal and hope for fresh starts where they are needed and continued persistence where dreams have yet to be met. And, just as in year's past, I am grateful for the wonderful friends and family that surround me, blessings that light my life and the silver lining that always shows itself no matter how hard the lesson.

In hopes of NOT beginning 2012 with a holiday post, I wanted to share how my last creative days of 2011 ended for me with those very friends I mentioned above (with way too many, many missing this year) celebrating the holidays. . .

Allowing me to create just one more centerpiece . . .

Make one more set of place cards and goodies. . .

Host one more amazing artist and friend, Karla Nathan. . .

Learn many more artistic techniques (twisted by me and decorated by Karla). . .

Beginning to transform my 36 year old childhood bedroom furniture in a private class with Karla learning her infamous painting techniques. . .

And participate in the last three swaps of 2011, officially throwing my tree of handmade ornaments over the top. I could go on and on but suffice to say, I couldn't be more grateful. . .

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.

                                                        ~ John Lennon

 

Creative Pilgrimage Launch Party. . .

I couldn't be more honored to be featured as one of the "Behind-The-Scenes' Gatherings in Jenny Doh's latest artful publication, Creative Pilgrimage. It is a wonderful book of creative inspiration and projects by too many artists to count on TWO hands. Some of my favorite events and moments are displayed in it's pages and show what bringing a group of amazing women together can do to create joy in our lives. I am hoping it will inspire you to spread your wings and come play with other like minded souls if you haven't already.

Since all exciting news deserves a celebration, there will be a special Launch Party on January 7th in Jenny's studio. I will be there with a sweet make n' take that you will love. It also just happens to be the perfect accessory for my upcoming Affaire at Tiffany's Event in May 2012. It will be a lovely evening with other artists from the book demonstrating their art techniques and we will all be available, along with Jenny, to sign a page as well.  

Jenny has put together a wonderful video about the book that you can view Here. It is available on Amazon for pre-order and will be shipping on January 1st. There will be copies to purchase at the Launch Party as well.

I hope you will come join us for this celebratory evening. Thank you Jenny for letting me share in such a special moment!

 

Holiday Stocking Swap. . .

Between all the decorating madness and holiday preparations, I was pleasantly surprised when the always lovely, Carrie, invited some of her crafty friends to join in a holiday stocking swap. As you know, I am not much of a "sewer" so when Carrie said we could embellish an already made stocking, I was in! I LOVE to embellish!

Once our lists of favorite things were completed, Carrie randomly matched us up. My partner was Deirdre, who just happened to be my wonderful ride all around Dallas last year. It's great being partnered with someone you know, if only a bit. Turns out that Deirdre likes creams, taupe's, vintage, lace and is not a huge fan of jewel tones. I couldn't have gotten a better match.

I used all my best bits and pieces of lace and had the best time turning this sweet velvet stocking from Pottery Barn into a vintage lovely. We filled the stockings with pretties as well ~ of course, right?

I jumped on the "sleigh" of Mason Jar craze this year and made Deirdre my version of a shaker inspired by Anthropologie's darling snow globes. With a few tree dying tips from my friend, Karla, I was a bleaching maniac. I actually dyed this little pink tree using packets of Crystal Light Pink Lemonade. I had so much fun that I made them to use as place cards for an upcoming holiday party.

I wanted to include a piece of handmade jewelry for Deirdre as well. I made her a bracelet using my talented friend, Jamie's, wonderful layered bracelet technique that she taught us at a recent get together.

add some tins of goodies. . .

and a collection of treasures is ready to go with some holiday cheer. Thank you Carrie for including me in such a great idea! Crossing my fingers she likes it!

 

A Bling Baby and Soldering Mama. . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

So Very Thankful. . .

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

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

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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

~Theodore Roosevelt