My Weblog

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

All Love is Sweet. . .

I have to admit, it's been a LONG time since I've attended a bridal shower much less had the pleasure of hosting one in my home. Sadly, this is one of the celebrations that slows with age. It was such a sweet reminder that new beginnings are well deserved no matter where one is in life's journey. Whether saying "I do" to a long time love, renewing vows or rekindling with someone special, all love is sweet.

Thus it was with such excitement that some friends (with some special ones missing too) of the always darling Christine came together to honor her upcoming marital bliss. True to Christine, there were bits of pink everywhere and a delicious afternoon tea.

There were gifts, flowers, games and prizes ~ a little bit of everyone which made it even more special.

Jamie made these sweet bracelets with hemp. You make a wish and wear them until they come off.

Photo from Holly

Holly designed and sewed this beautiful envelope that held fabulous bridal inspired note cards for us to each write a special sentiment.

Christine, always the giver, brought gifts for everyone as well. These luxurious customized bath products from J. Bella are devine.

I truly can't think of anyone more deserving of a true fairytale beginning and happy ending. Much love to you sweet friend. . .

 

 

Registration Begins. . .

Registration Begins this Sunday, November 6th at 8:00 AM PST (Don't forget Daylight Savings ends in California at 2:00 AM on Sunday so make sure to set your clocks back on Saturday night before you go to sleep). You will find all the details HERE for this exciting art retreat. Come join us ~ there is much fun in store!

Go to the WEBSITE to register!

 

Embracing My Princess Warrior. . .

I suppose all Moms have a certain fantasy when they hear the doctor say "it's a girl". Frilly dresses, tea parties, dress up, hair clips, dolls and everything pink. 

However, what I have learned from having children is you just never really know for certain who they are going to be, girl or boy. No matter what you fall in love instantly. It's a crash course in devotion and commitment at it's ultimate level. You learn to embrace what makes THEM happy even if it's not quite how you pictured that pink or blue bundle they handed you in the delivery room. . . 

And while my pink bundle of joy is not ruffles and lace or pinks and flowers. . .

She is loyal, sensitive, bright, inquisitive, creative, entertaining, charming, funny, affectionate, expressive and   

most importantly who SHE wants to be. She is her own warrior princess, in addition to the love of my life. . .

An Affaire At Tiffany's

Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss Designs commemorates her 5th year of hosting exciting themed art events on the gorgeous Southern California West Coast with another blissful retreat, An Affaire at Tiffany's. The famed Hollywood film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, just on the heels of its 50th Anniversary couldn't be a more fabulous way to celebrate. Experience the epitome of Tiffany's class and Audrey's iconic style with the creative artistry of Jeanne Oliver, Kecia Deveney, Laura McCollough and Lonnie Jenck; the musings and wisdom of Carol Spinski of Raised in Cotton; the photographic splendor of Tiffany Kirchner Dixon of The Fancy Farmgirl; an exclusive book signing with Jenny Doh of Crescendoh; and a mini-project with Amy Tangerine and American Crafts. Grab your favorite black dress, pearls and sunglasses and prepare to luxuriate in everything Audrey!

Our creative retreat begins with a festive Welcome Night and Vendor Soiree on Thursday Evening. Wear your favorite black dress and take window shopping to the next level. Sip a delicious libation, nibble on an appetizer and step inside our own Tiffany's store with over 14 local and regional artists who will share their creations for purchase.

Indulge your inner Audrey and Strike a Pose with Tiffany!  Tiffany Kirchner Dixon of  The Fancy Farmgirl will join us to photograph you and your friends doing it up Audrey Style in our fabulous Tiffany's photo booth. After our weekend is over, relive all the moments and enjoy free downloads of hundreds of exclusive Tiffany's pictures taken by our talented photographer. Hold a little blue box, tip your Manhattan sunglasses, flare out your hips and say "Oh golly gee damn!"

Tiffany Kirchner Dixon is a commercial editorial photographer who has worked with several national publications. She is a self proclaimed "fancy farmgirl" and loves everything about country life and all it has to offer. Her farmgirl style comes across in her whimsical lifestyle photography, each click of the shutter tells a fanciful story. You can visit her to see more of her work at www.thefancyfarmgirl.com and www.thefancyfarmgirlphotography.com.

As if the evening couldn't be more exciting, Jenny Doh of Crescendoh will join us for an exclusive book signing of her latest publication, Creative Pilgrimage. A true style icon, Jenny shares a love for fashion and cultivating gratitude that Audrey herself would admire. 

Jenny Doh is Founder of www.crescendoh.com ~ like a magazine but daily like a newspaper, featuring fresh and creative content from artists within all genres, coupled with their stories that highlight the power of art in our lives. Jenny serves regularly as keynote speaker across the nation to deliver messages related to creative passion, leadership, communication, and compassion. Jenny and her husband raise their two children, Monica and Andrew, in Santa Ana, California. She loves to knit, stay fit, and volunteer for her alma mater, UC Irvine. To learn more, visit www.crescendoh.com. 

 

Our creative journey will continue on Friday and Saturday with two full days of art classes and lovely luncheons.  Swoon in our Tiffany designed classroom, wear your comfy clothes, learn new artistic techniques and create four Audrey inspired treasures. Enjoy Affaire style reserved seating with your friends and the option of continuing your crafting after hours.

Jeanne Oliver grew up watching old movies and was inspired by the styles and femininity of the past. Nothing seemed more glamorous to her than Vivien Leigh sweeping down a staircase, Grace Kelly wearing white gloves with a black cocktail dress or Audrey Hepburn outside of Tiffany's. Hours were spent designing her own creations and dreaming of wearing all the apparel her fingers could sketch. Today Jeanne has the honor of offering collections of her clothing, bags, art, jewelry and vintage pieces that tell a story. It is such a privilege to be a stay at home mom and also have the opportunities to create, teach and sell her creations.  She is just a girl that finally started listening to the creative whispers that had been there all along.  Won't you join her!

Originally from California, Kecia Deveney is a mixed media, jewelry artist and instructor who now resides at the Jersey Shore. Drawing inspiration form her life experiences as the mother of a severely disabled child, she channels that energy into learning and creating art. Her love for experimenting with “reclaimed discardia” results in many unique pieces of storytelling art. She has been teaching at art retreats all around the country and also in her studio for about 5 years now. Her goal as a teacher is to support, motivate and inspire others.

Laura McCollough lives in Southern California with her wonderful husband, three beautiful daughters, and an adorable but deaf dog “Lady Scarlet Syrah of Glenwood”.  She has been scrapbooking since she was a little girl and truly has a passion for this art form!  Laura loves to create, design and teach others about this wonderful craft! Laura went to college for Interior Design and also spent some time planning weddings so she loves how scrapbooking has blended together perfectly with mixed mediums and home decor. Making projects for her home is really where she loves to play and experiment.   Laura has taught classes for the last six years and also owns a kit club, A Kiss on the Chic, where she sells project based kits.  Laura loves to travel, sing, cook, play tennis and spend time with her family and friends.  She feels so blessed to be doing what she loves for a living and tries to enjoy every moment the Lord has given her!  Laura is continually inspired by so much that life has to offer and can't wait to see where the journey will lead next!

Lonnie Jenck was born and raised in a small farming community on the Oregon Coast. Since a very young age, she has been creating artwork to share with others.  As a mother of six and an ever growing extended family, she is blessed to enjoy her love and passion of creating art with all things old, tattered and worn. Lonnie talents are as both a jewelry and mixed media artist, but she has found her true passion to be jewelry making. She loves to share her creations teaching at inspiring art events and at home in her studio and has been published in many jewelry publications and local magazines.

After a dinner break on your own, we will be gathering once again on Friday evening for what is often the most favorite part of the retreats ~ the art exchanges.  Enjoy delicious desserts while we support each other's artistic talents which are sure to take your breath away.  Whether you decide to jump in and create a treasure or be a spectator, this evening of artistic bonding is certain to inspire.

Join Amy Tangerine and American Crafts this evening as well for a special mini-project featuring her new scrapbooking release coming in January 2012 at CHA in Anaheim! Amy's art of "truly living" and collaborating with other creative people will surely shine in this charming project.

Born and raised in Chicago, Amy spent much of her childhood wallpapering her bedroom walls with the colorful and glamorous pages of fashion magazines. She learned how to sew her senior year of high school and what developed was her first passion: designing. Within five years, she had become an award-winning designer and founder of the popular handcrafted t-shirt line Amy Tangerine. Her collections were featured in hundreds of retail outlets, including Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York, and yielded impressive worldwide sales. In 2007, her business expanded to include scrapbooking, with her fashion design work now being produced on a custom basis. Her love for sharing her clothing and now also paper crafts has taken her all over the globe and given her the opportunity to teach creative classes from Hawaii to Tennessee. 


 

 Our Saturday luncheon will be a sit down affaire as we join editorial stylist and photographer, Carol Spinski of Raised In Cotton, for an intimate and interactive forum discussing her latest venture, Good Stella.  Learn firsthand what this wonderful virtual sisterhood of caring, inspiration and support is doing for anyone with a Dream, Desire or Passion.

 Growing up on her family's farm in Arkansas, Carol Spinski learned the beautiful art of arranging every day elements to enhance her surroundings. A talent for design assembly was forged from those early childhood experiences on the family farm which echoes in the work she does today. Carol’s career path as a Photographer and Editorial Stylist has been a natural progression that has allowed her to share her inspiration with others. She is the Co-owner of Raised In Cotton, a business featuring vintage prop rentals, event production and decor in a century old farmhouse just outside of Kansas City, Missouri. Carol’s signature style is romantically atmospheric, multilayered and textural, flavored with the vintage aesthetic she adores. She and her work have been featured in Artful Blogging, Somerset Life, Romantic Country Magazine, Romantic Homes Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and 2010 Somerset Life Calendars. Most recently the circa 1865 farmhouse that she and her husband decorated and renovated was featured in the book Romantic Prairie Style. Carol is especially devoted to helping mentor Women that aspire to achieve their own creative dreams. In 2011 she established GoodStella.com a website that is a gathering of kindred spirited creatives who use their collective voices to inspire each other. Her hope for the Good Stella community is that everyone will forever Dream * Create * Shine and in doing so will reach for the stars!

Prepare to say our goodbye's and gather once again on Saturday evening for a festive pajama party and screening of our theme film, Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Come dressed in your favorite pajama's, fuzzy slippers, participate in an altered sleep mask swap and munch on a box of Cracker Jacks. Let's cuddle girl style for this last magical evening together!

 

Your Tiffany Retreat will include:

~ Two full days of classes featuring 4 Audrey inspired 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, and an exclusive book signing with Jenny Doh,

 ~ Our Friday Evening Dessert Soiree, Art Exchanges and mini-project with Amy Tangerine and American Crafts,

 ~ Delicious buffet luncheon on Friday,

 ~ Special 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. . .

 ~ Priority registration for our Tiffany's Sunday Flea Market Tour (An optional excursion which must be purchased separately ~ see below)

 

We return to the famed boutique hot spot, The Belamar Hotel, located in the hip enclave of Manhattan Beach, California for our Tiffany's Affaire.  The Belamar Hotel embodies LA's glam decor, funky vibe and unique style. Located just minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, it is the perfect intimate location for our all girl get-away. Tiffany's attendees will have the benefit of a discounted room rate of $135.00 per night which includes complimentary wireless Internet access, the Adrenaline fitness center, outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, free beachcruiser rentals, a DVD movie library and sundry shop. The Belamar is an 100% smoke-free environment. We encourage you to make your reservations right away. You will receive a discount code and information upon registration.

Join us for a lovely day of antiquing along the Southern California coastline and visit some of the best shopping spots from Orange County to San Diego. Travel by luxury motor coach complete with leather seats, air-conditioning and wireless internet. Enjoy exclusive receptions, goodies and bargains planned just for our Tiffany's bus excursion at these famed locales ~ The Groves Antique Market, home to over 200 vendors and named Orange County's 2010 Best Flea Market, Linda Carpenter & Linda Curry's over 10,000 Sq Ft antique warehouse, Urban Barn in Escondido, and Lori Chandler's ode to the alluring grandeur of Old Paris, Vignette's Antiques located in the San Diego's largest antique district, Ocean Beach Antique District. You won't want to miss this incredible day of touring!

Registration for this tour is optional and must be purchased on the Website once registration begins on November 6th.

Registration for this Affaire is $595.00. A Full and Partial Payment Plan are being offered.  Please make your selection when registering on the website. If you select the Partial Payment Plan, a one time payment of $350.00 is due at the time of registration and the remaining balance plus service fees in the amount of $270.00 is due on or before March 3, 2012. Balance Payments can be made on the website at any time by selecting that option.  If balances are not paid in full by the due date, registrations will be put back into inventory and your first payment is sadly non-refundable.  Registration for the Sunday Flea Market Tour must be purchased separately on the website. Registration will begin on November 6, 2011

Click here to register: Artistic Bliss Designs 

Registration payments, deposits and fees for this event are pre-paid and non-refundable. 

 

Crafty Girls Now Available. . .

Beyond excited to present my new Blissful Craft Tote designs now available in the Shop!

Adele Craft Tote

Veronique Craft Tote

Sabine Craft Tote

Monique Craft Tote

Zoe Craft Tote

A Beautiful Fairytale. . .

All of my hopes and expectations were met at Jenn Hayslip's Once Upon a Dream Event ~ it was a visual fest for the eyes, complete with crafty moments and friendship. There was "Fall" everywhere just as I had envisioned, however, when you have been raised on the West Coast your entire life, you don't really quite get it until you see the countryside in person. We were off and running from the moment we landed until we arrived home again. First stop ~ we hit downtown Asheville like a pack of blinged out banshees.

I have to say that the local folks left something to be desired as far as their delight at seeing a lot of girls that like frills and lacy tops, however, we didn't let that stop us from doing some fabulous shopping and enjoying a couple meals.

Virtue was the most charming clothing shop. AMAZING prices! I could have used one of these tanks in every color! Tops was also a spot not to be missed. Every shoe, boot and sock you could ever dream about.

Beautiful Maija and Cynthia

Michelle Duke was kind enough to turn us all on to some wonderful local antique spots. Michelle attended with a group of gals she met at Moulin Rouge earlier this year ~ I can't tell you how happy it makes me that friendships are made and sustained. Nothing could give me a bigger smile.

Earleen and Me catching a moment in front of a huge gorgeous mirror ~ if only I had a bigger suitcase!

I found this surrey in one of the booths ~ identical to the one I had as a little girl. It was on sale for $1600! Can you imagine? I still remember riding mine in our backyard in Illinois when I was probably 7 years old. I can even remember when the paint started to peel on the steering wheel and I got a piece of it wedged under my skin. Oh how I cried.

The Welcome Night was our first introduction to Jenn's vision ~ a lovely hilltop pavilion.

We were treated to amazing vendor booths and fabulous mini-projects with Lori Oles and Karla Nathan.

Lori and me

I wore one of Roselani and Jasmine's beautiful dresses. If only we could play dress up every day.

Andrea wearing one of Karla's beautiful laurels. . .

Cheryl and our new sweet friend, Molly

Early Friday morning, we were transported to the breathtaking Claxton Farms where Jenn and her dream team had created a gorgeous fairyland.

Our beautiful hostess. . .

It was a wonderful day of classes, meals, and stunning panoramic views. . .

 

Our necklace class with Andrea in progress ~ one of the best artists I've learned from. . .

Darling Dee Foust. . .

There's Karla in the distance playing with the animals. . .

Cheryl, Cynthia and Me

Truth be told, I spent most of our day on the farm staying behind the camera instead of in front of it. As you can tell from my squinty eyes and all around facial puffiness, this city girl does not a country girl make. I seriously transformed over night into an allergy disaster. While I adored the gorgeous scenary and blowing breezes, farm living might not be up my alley in the long run. Allergies set in like wild fire and I could hardly keep my face intact. It was worth every moment though. . .

Jessi and the ponies. . .

Can you imagine getting ready for your wedding in this darling dressing room? Photo opportunities were everywhere.

The last day we headed to the Biltmore Estates (can you see me welcoming you to my new home). 

A bus full of lovelies and our charming tour guide Ken. . .

And of course, no event would be truly magical without the swaps. I participated in two swaps.  One was a Fairy Keepsake Journal with a few good friends ~

I made the covers and each of the girls contributed a page for the inside. It will be a wonderful dreamy place for all of our pictures from the weekend together. . .

Cynthia's Page

Cheryl's Page

Maija's Packaging (I wasn't on top of my photography that evening and missed her actual page)

Jessi's Page

Earleen's Packaging only (I was on a roll)

Andrea's Packaging without even Andrea!

Annette's Page (Phew!) Clearly, I will need to re post about this one once all the pages are assembled in my journal. . .

I also participated in Karen France's Romantic Prairie Apron Swap and was blessed to be paired up with the most lovely partner, Elaine.

At a mere 5'0", this sweet firecracker of a lady is a whirlwind of spunk, charm and creative talent. Not only is she a bisque doll maker but she is an amazing seamstress as well. If you know me and my love of dolls, a better pairing couldn't have been possible. Here we are with our aprons ~ and see that amazing handmade fairy in my hand? Yes she did!

My darling fairy is refined to every last detail from her sweet pointed toes to the vintage appliques in her hair. Exquisite to say the least (not to mention the apron overlay that was FULL to the brim with dollies from every walk of life) ~ there were tears shed and many appreciative hugs shared. This is what it is all about! 

SO many thanks to Jenn, Andrea, Dee, Karla, Lori, Natasha, Tiffany and a wonderful group of friends and ladies for an amazing event. The fairytale may be over but the memories will last a lifetime. . .

 

 

 


 



 
  

In Search of a Fairytale. . .

My bags are packed to the brim with lace up booties and prairie pretties as I will be flying tomorrow in the wee morning hours to attend Jenn Hayslip's Once Upon a Dream event in Asheville, North Carolina. I know first hand how hard Jenn has worked to create this magical art retreat and we have been teased for weeks with images such as these ~

 

(Photograph by Tiffany)

Being a native Southern California girl, the idea that I will be experiencing firsthand the "Fall" season makes my heart pitter patter. The vibrant colors, crisp air and that fabulous feeling of a true season is something that is sorely missed here on the West Coast.

Truth be told, I am typically HORRIBLE when it comes to leaving home. There are many reasons, all of which I am aware of, but it would take a lifetime to share my story with you. This time though I am really peaceful and excited about this mini vacation. Instead of feeling apprehension, I am filled with gratefulness that I am married to a man who is willing to take over all the responsibilities of making our family work in my absense. Of course, it would be fun to delude myself into pretending that the world will crumble while I am gone, however, children will get to school, everyone will eat, everyone will sleep at night ~ everyone will carry on. What I do know though is that we will all miss each other and that our family is not the same without me. There will be lots of sweet conversations over the phone, some funny photographs to be shared via texts and lots of catching up to be done in just the short time I will be gone.

Enough with the sentimental, here are a couple sneaks of what's getting me close to the 50 lb baggage limit. . .

Altered covers for a fairyland album swap I am in with a few sweet girlfriends. . .

and an altered apron with the pockets fulled with goodies waiting to be presented to a lovely swap partner. . .

 

Flea Market Bella Soiree. . .

It was so lovely gathering together at the house for Robin's class last weekend. I had forgotten how much I love hosting intimate parties here. It reminded me of how I began and it is always good to revisit the beginning ~ it's where our journeys start and that is often what initially brought us much happiness. It still does for me ~ I am grateful. 

Sweet Kris of Retro Cafe Art had the perfect images for our caged dollies so I crafted a little place card for each lady perched on a tiny flower stand with bling, of course. What I love about her clip art pages is that if you get creative you can cut and paste from here and there. This placecard is a compliation from three completely different sheets ~ the cage is actually from a Marie Antoinette set.

Decor was kept at a minimum since this was a "workshop" but you know I always love some goodies and beautiful surroundings to craft in. . .

I brought back a bit of inspiration from our trip to Chicago last summer (it is the Fall, yes?) and made yogurt parfaits for breakfast in small jam jars. The hotel's restaurant was all about the mason jar and served almost everything in some sort of jar display. It was so inspiring.

Love these drinking jars and cannister from Pottery Barn. . .

This was Robin's first time teaching and you would have thought she was a seasoned veteran. From her kits to her instructions, she was creative, patient and kind. She shared lots of tips too. I think sometimes when we look at a finished product, we have no idea what it really takes to make something. There was much wire twisting and finger contortions in order to create the beautiful cages but she never missed a beat.

Robin's kits were darling ~ we even used the same Charlotte head image from Kris without even coordinating. . .

Priscilla hard at work. . .

I actually took the class myself this time ~ such a treat! Between hosting and cooking, I was able to get off to a great start (with a lot of help from Robin that is).

She still needs a load of goodies to look fabulous like these finished girls by Priscilla, Mariasela, Olga and Jackie (who, by the way, just make smile and laugh everytime I am around them).

Here is Mariasela's version ~ you can see she strayed a bit from a Charlotte head. It is incredible!

I have to leave you with a few smiling faces too.  Check out the random wires sticking up in the pictures ~ it was something out of Edward Scissorhands but SO worth it. Thank you Robin for sharing your talent with us. 

Erin and Cheryl

Cynthia and Terry

Annette and Andrea