My Weblog

Bits and Pieces of Holiday Cheer. . .

It's me! It's me! Can you believe it? Seems that life has been a whirlwind blur since returning from Silver Bella in November. I have dreamed of posts during the night and once even fantasized that I actually wrote one.  However, instead I have been on life's little fast track of ups and downs as we head into the last lovely days of 2009. . .

My days and nights have been filled with holiday preparations, decorating, crafting with friends, holiday concerts and performances, classroom parties, League Cup soccer tournaments, Varsity soccer games, 2010 event planning, cookie baking, ornament making and Santa shopping. I could go on and on. That is the fun stuff ~ on the other hand there has been the flu, colds, boo boo's, year end progress reports, teacher conferences, biology tests, english papers, homework and a nasty case of first grade head lice (yes, I said it. Yuck, right? However, if it ever happens to you, just think of me as your "Go To Girl" for all the answers).

I plan to do some long overdue power posting (love the ring of that ~ say it three times fast) over the next week or so. I have so many pictures and memories to share. . .

Holiday Get Together & Cookie Exchange ~

Some of the girls came over for a little cookie and crafting love at the beginning of December. We traded homemade cookies, delicious food and made a fabulous "Candice" Christmas Album. I even sat down and crafted myself. It had been months since I made something that wasn't repeated 60 times! I have to say if one is needing a scrappy jump-start, one of Candice's creations is the way to go.

We each created a page with our cookie recipe and bound them into a holiday recipe book that Candice made for us. I used all the tags from the cookie packaging to tie onto the binding. So lovely. . .

I love Joy's version of Anthropologie's gift wrapping this year.  

Val brought Sprinkles Cupcakes ~ her trademark share. I always think Val when I dream Sprinkles and now so does Miss Kate.

Of course, if you have ever attended one of my events, you know I am all about the name tags. Some of the girls even have a collection ~ that just makes me giddy. Not to have a get together pass without one, I made each of us a tag that we could hang on the tree after-wards.  Sort of a tag/ornament if you will. . .

And some of the beautiful girls. . .

 

 

 

 

Since I missed Jessi's online cookie exchange, I thought I would leave you with the recipe for my favorite lemon cookies. If you still have baking on your holiday list, these are easy to make and delicious.

 

 

 
 
 
 

Artistic Bliss Friday Sale. . .

It seemed only fitting on this weekend of thankfulness that I have my own little "Bliss" Friday Sale.  I am a big believer that it is important to pay it forward.  Thus, all the goodies in the Boutique will be 15% off through Sunday.  If you have been thinking about investing in a craft tote or possibly a matching shoulder tote or even an apron now is the time to go for it. . .

I also want to introduce you to some new designs. . .

Constance Craft Tote

I am particularly jazzed about these wonderful Moo/Business Card Holders.  Every girl needs a matching fabulous place to store her calling cards, qui? 

 Each sweet wallet holds both your business cards and moo cards. . .

I hope these savings will add a little jolly to your holiday shopping this year!

 
 

So Very Thankful. . .

Waking up early when the rest of the house is quiet is my most favorite thing to do in the mornings, especially during the holidays.  I love the sense of calm, creaks of the house, little dreamy noises from upstairs and the sound of Winston's nails clicking on the staircase the moment he senses I have come downstairs. . .

This morning is just the same, although it is Thanksgiving morning.  Soon there will be more noise than usual as we prepare for family to arrive and our afternoon meal.  I find myself particularly thankful this year.  Thankful for my incredible family, my lovely friends, our home and the health of those around me.  There have been ups and down in our lives and those closest to us this last year ~ challenges with health, aging parents, tricky teenagers and finances, however, I am always thankful for each moment of the journey.  Each hug, each laugh, each smile, each memory make it all worth the rollercoaster ride. . .

Wishing you and yours the warmest of holiday celebrations today and every day throughout the holiday season. . .   

** Check back tomorrow as Artistic Bliss Designs, is having it's own Bliss Friday Sale. . . 
  

Artistic Affaire Les Sirenes

Save~The~Date

Artistic Affaire Les Sirenes

July 16 & 17, 2010

Los Angeles, CA

I am pleased to announce another wonderful Affaire coming next Summer 2010.  We will be joined by three fabulously talented artists, Holly Stinnett, Jennifer Hernandez and Melissa Phillips, who have the most amazing summery projects planned for us.  A little bit of embroidery, a little bit of paper arts and a sweet magical sea pixie await you.  There will be our exciting Friday night Market Soiree, delicious food, goodie bags filled with treats, creative exchanges, give-a-ways, constant chatter and friends too.  If seashells, mermaids and summer breezes are close to your heart, then this is an event you will want to put on your calendar right now.

Registration Begins February 2010!

   

How Do I Love Thee. . .

I have been going a bit wild this week washing all the blankets, linens and towels in the most amazing Lavender Laundry Detergent from French General.  The smell is devine and can even make my teenage son's bed smell heavenly.

 

Of course, burning one of Kaari's delicious soy candles at the same time will help you forget it is even housework!  Now if only shower cleaner could smell so good.  If you are not lucky enough to live in Southern California, both of these goodies are available online. 

Coming Together for a Good Cause. . .

My lovely friends, Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling, have joined together with an amazing group of friends and artists to host a charity auction for Susan G. Komen for The Cure in conjuction with their latest book, A Charming Exchange.  There are still some AMAZING pieces of jewelry left in the Ebay Auction to check out and bid on.  I am personally madly in love with this pretty in particular. . .

It is a collaborative piece made as a replica of a bracelet given to Kelly when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.  Please take a moment in your day to reach out in any way you can.  I recently had a little "c" scare myself and it can effect any of us at any moment.  This is a cause to fight for. . .

A Spooky Day of Glitter. . .

Another whirlwind weekend has passed full to the brim with fabulous friends, shopping, crafting, lunching, and vending with my sweet friend, Jessi.  A visit to California wouldn't be complete without some glitter, so one of the highlights of our non-stop five days together was attending, shopping and selling my goodies at Glitterfest. . .

Here we are at my table that was filled to the brim with glittery and spooky fun.  Jessi was the best assistant ever ~ I mean who wouldn't want to "talk" shopping with that doll.  Thanks so much sweetie!

Of course, there wouldn't be a Glitterfest without these two lovely ladies.  Thank you so much to Sheryl & Dianne, who both put together such a wonderful and successful event.  I KNOW first hand how much work and time they put into such a wonderful display of SPOOKY!
 

Speaking of wonderful, can you believe Silver Bella is only 4 SHORT weeks away?  There are swaps to be completed, totes and aprons to be packed, and outfits to be put together!  Oh my!  Can't wait to see my Omaha girl again then! 

 
  

Another Affaire to Remember. . .

It is always a challenge to begin a post about something that is so dear to my heart, thus every time I sit down to write about another event that has gone by I am filled with gratitude but also a little bit of melancholy that it has ended. . .

Artistic Affaire L'Automne was no exception.  A matter of fact, I do think that there was an even deeper sense of community and friendship at this particular soiree if that is at all possible.  With a full day of socializing and crafting after a festive evening of shopping the night before, all of the lovely ladies were able to expand their level of comradery.  I heard laughter, shared stories, techniques tossed around and just a general sense of frivolity.  The Fall season always feels like a time of renewal for me.  Maybe I was sensing a bit of that too.

As I always say, every event begins with the most fabulous of teachers.  Women whose generosity knows no bounds.  The loveliest of artists came to share their creative spirit with us ~ Julie Haymaker, Lisa Kettell and Ruth Rae.  I was honored to stand by their sides and so grateful to feel their support and friendship.  Their projects were over the top inspiring.  They had the students creating in new ways and giggling at the same time. 

I just love these little sweeties the girls made in Lisa's class. . .

Here is Amy Powers with her gorgeous wall hanging from Julie's class. . .

 

And the beautiful Danielle Muller with her hand sewn cuff from Ruth's class. . .

As always, there were treats and goodies galore from the most amazing of sponsors.  I even went a little crazy myself and made each lovely student a special Fall Journal.  Such fun to have a special place to jot down our creative inspirations. . . 

Kristen made the most delicious of desserts EVER for our afternoon tea (which I didn't get a picture of until they were mostly nibbled on). . .

Another wonderful day together with everything that makes it special -- lovely women, talented artists, amazing projects, ambiance, delicious food, treats, fabulous raffles and goodie bags.  I could go on and on. 

Then there is the TEAM of ladies without whom all this would never be possible.  I dare say we have become a fine oiled machine.  We all "get" each other, know we need to stay on track but want to enjoy the experience too.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be a labor of love.  I can't send enough heartfelt thanks to Alice, Colleen, Jamie, Kim, Kristen and Sherry for all their help.  It just wouldn't be as much fun without you all!  My Mom made the scene once again and as always, incredibly paid attention to each and every detail with amazing composure.  And lastly, my personal hero -- the man that seems to love taking care of all us gals -- finding seats, carrying craft totes, buying more ice in one day than I thought was humanly possible.  I am so blessed in every way. . .          

 

Artistic Affaire L'Automne Market Soiree. . .

Another magical Artistic Affaire has come and gone. I am always amazed at how months of exciting preparations and creating can wisp by in the flutter of a weekend.  SO many wonderful memories and goodness packaged into 72 hours of pleasure. It is a labor of love and I wouldn't change a thing. . .

For this event, I decided to change it up a bit and host a Friday night Market Soiree.  A room full of lovely vendors, fabulous women, delicious appetizers and socializing seemed like a wonderful way to begin the festivities. There is so much to share.  Magical it was. . .

There were the most amazing vendors that spent time putting together magnificent displays and creations.  Each table was a feast for the eyes. I would walk by and have to restrain myself not to plunge in before everyone arrived. Here is a little peek at some of the goodness. . .

I was so thrilled to launch my Fall line of Craft Totes that evening as well.  A HUGE thank you to Alice for running my vendor table with such love and perfection.  I couldn't have made it through the evening without you! 

It was truly inspiring to have these amazing artists share their art:

Laura McCollough of A Kiss on the Chic 

Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss Designs

Christine Rose Elle of Dollybelle Atelier

Holly Stinnett of Holly Loves Art

Amy Powers of Inspire Company

Julie Haymaker Thompson

Kristen Robinson of Kristen's Journey

Kim Hesson of Miss Alayneeah

Lisa Kettell of Moonfaires World

Candice Carpenter of Peacoats & Party Hats

Ruth Rae

Jamie Skolnik of Simply Me Art

Analise Sledd of Sugar*Sugar

 

The talented Holly Stinnett of Holly Loves Art (she really, really does!), not only created beautiful handmade treasures for her vendor table, but also made each of the vendors her own name tag with our baby picture. Holly has the most amazing style ~ each sweet piece she makes tells you it is hers. I am hoping to conspire with you soon!

We were also joined by Laura McCullough from a Kiss on the Chic, who blessed us with an incredible Make N' Take.  The lovely Kim Hesson sponsored the wood pieces and Laura just went wild creating an amazing Marie Antoinette inspired three tiered cake assemblage. I have long been a fan of Laura's art. . .

As if the evening couldn't get more special, the ladies surprised me with a lovely birthday celebration (yes, the word got out that it was my birthday). I can't say enough to Valerie, Cheryl, Jenny Lor, Jenny Morgan, Gina, Cynthia and Joy for taking time to make a moment for me.  There can never be enough thank you's and appreciation. Every morning I awake thinking of one more person that makes these events so special. It is such a wonderful community we are all a part of and I am constantly honored. . .

Part Two ~ a wonderful day of crafting coming tomorrow. The fun never ends. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Artistic Affaire Market Soiree. . .

 

 

When: Friday, September 18th

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $30.00

 

Please join us for our highly anticipated Artistic Affaire Market Soiree as we welcome the traditions and festivities of the Fall season.  If an evening of shopping, sipping sparkling cider and socializing with your friends is on your list for the start of the holidays, then this is the event for you. 

 

Your ticket to this magical event includes:

 

~ Admission to our elegant Artistic Affaire Market Soiree,

~ Shopping at vendor tables of over 12 local and out of state artisans featuring hand-made art, textiles, jewelry, holiday decorations and more,

~ A darling make n' take with Laura McCollough of A Kiss on The Chic,

~ Exclusive book signings with Lisa Kettell, Altered Art Circus and Ruth Rae, A Charming Exchange, and

~ Delicious treats and refreshments. . .

 

Artistic Market Soiree Vendors

 

Laura McCollough of A Kiss on the Chic 

Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss Designs

Christine Rose Elle of Dollybelle Atelier

Holly Stinnett of Holly Loves Art

Amy Powers of Inspire Company

Julie Haymaker Thompson

Kristen Robinson of Kristen's Journey

Kim Hesson of Miss Alayneeah

Lisa Kettell of Moonfaires World

Candice Carpenter of Peacoats & Party Hats

Ruth Rae

Jamie Skolnik of Simply Me Art

Analise Sledd of Sugar*Sugar

 

To register, visit the Artistic Bliss Designs Website.  We hope you can come join in the fun!