What Happens Next

Baby Toes

Can you tell that the pedicure is making her feel pretty? A bridal shower on a Sunday afternoon... a gorgeous Fall day in San Diego.

Baby Girl can rock some accessories...

Swap Sneak-Peek

We are now entering full-blown Silver Bella mode!!

Such an integral part of the art retreat experience are the "swaps" that take place between those attending, and we can never resist getting involved in so many of them. Some would say too many. Some would say that... but not me.

Christmas Ornament Swap?? Sign me up!!

I'll make crowns, of course!! And let us not confuse this with the Crown Swap, or the Apron Swap with a royal theme. Then there is the Recipe Swap, and the Stash Swap, and the Charm Swap. Hmmm, maybe we did get a tad ambitious....

Not to worry. Get out the paper and glue, glitter and velvet... it's time to make 27 sparkly coronets. Be still, my heart!

These are still a long way from finished. But they have come a long way from their beginning as flat sheets of Fabriano paper, so I am taking comfort in that.

Could this extremely labor-intensive undertaking get me over my love affair with crowns once and for all?

It's possible, but I wouldn't count on it. 

How can I be sure? My brother has just gotten his arm twisted offered to burn me my own silkscreens so I can print crown images to my heart's content.

Screen printed crowns with embroidered accents. Beading. Ribbon roses. Crystals!!

My head is spinning. I'll keep you posted.

Bridal Shower Sunday

How cute are these two??

My darling and uber-talented niece Kelli is getting married in November, and today is her bridal shower. I can't be there today, but she is in great hands, with The Daughter, "Party-Planner Extraordinaire", at the helm.

I am so glad she found her soulmate. Sam is just as sweet and decent as he is handsome, and we are all thrilled to welcome him into our family. 

Congrats, lovebirds!!

Something's Missing

It has become obvious that I am missing my family. There's just no denying it any longer.  They left for a three week trip to California, and I elected to stay behind, guarding hearth and home. Not to mention dogs. 400 pounds of canine is hard to farm out, you know?

Those first, blissful, lazy days of solitude have given way, ten days later, to a longing for the sweet smell of Baby Girl, a sweaty hug from The Boy, and the camaraderie of my alter-ego... my partner in crime, The Daughter.

So I find myself gazing at that spot on the wall where she has hung the painting I gifted her with on her Golden Birthday. The year she turned 23, on the 23rd of February.

The painting is an homage to her love of all things Italian. And her love of crowns. And fleur-de-lis. It reads:

"Beloved Daughter"

"God's Miracle, and Mother's Joy"

She has inspired me in so many ways. I love her flair for dramatic design, and her appreciation of beauty in all forms. She reminds me to work with deeper palettes and bolder colors. If given the choice, I will almost always gravitate towards lighter, more ethereal shades. She leans to a more saturated look.

We balance each other out, two angles of the same vision, and that is probably why we work together so well. 

And right now she needs to put those grandbabies back on the plane and COME. HOME. Too bad it will be ten MORE days. Sigh.

I just may have to paint her something new. Something sparkly... dark and dramatic. 

Just so she knows I missed her.

Crown Me

The urge to create has been strong around here of late... 

Even the sleepiest among us had been dreaming of a fabulous Crown Party.

And so, the planning began. Beautiful papers were carefully cut into shapes befitting a Queen. 

We gathered tulle and trims, crystals and pearls. And oh, the glitter..... 

So it came to pass that on a beautiful summer day, a group of friends gathered together to create the magic. 

The work was beyond beautiful. Such a talented group!!! Wow.

Lisa has a flair for the dramatic... smoky blue and grey. Such a beautiful combination...

Susie keeps hers on the lighter side. So pretty!

The Queens of Pink ...

Marie

Christi

Dana

And Susan with a lovely blue/green combo. This lively paper really suits her personality, and it even matches her eyes!! 

It is always wonderful to meet new friends at these art gatherings, and so amazing to welcome back those who have visited with us before. We really are so appreciative of your support!

The Girl would also like to thank you. She had the time of her life! 

It seems that crowns make her very, very happy, too. 

Uh oh...

The Mad Tea Party

The Wee One has received the most wonderful invitation!! 

She seems to have landed on the guest list for the Second Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party, given by the most fabulous of hostesses... Vanessa Valencia of "A Fanciful Twist"! 

Goodness, whatever shall she wear? 

Luckily, her wings are right where she left them! 

Footwear is always of the utmost importance at a party, of course. Will these be the her dancing shoes today?

She decides that this pair is more suitable for a soiree in the woods. They are the ultimate Storybook Slippers... handmade just for her.

And on to choosing the "headwear".... what should it be?? Vanessa is known for her opulent costumed affairs, and a headpiece is a crucial element at a Mad Hatter Tea Party, after all.

There are just too many of these to choose from!!!

This one should be perfect!! Appropriately dressy for the occasion, yet just right for daytime.

It is all beginning to come together now. There seems to be magic in the air today. Can you feel it??

Time for the tiniest little baby catnap before the festivities begin. 

After all, she is The Wee One, and her constitution is still quite delicate. 

Oh nooooo..... someone has spilled the faerie dust, and it seems to be inducing a deeper sleep than she had counted on!!

The party "spell" has been cast.... 

But, not to worry. The tiniest reveler will experience every delicious moment in slumber-time images more vivid than the striped leggings last spotted on the most distinguished Mr. Hatter himself. 

So, thank you, Vanessa, for your most generous invitation. 

Your parties really are the stuff that dreams are made of !! 

Art & Coronation

Anybody who has ever been to our house knows that we take crowns very seriously. There are lots of them around here. Carved and sculpted crowns. Painted ones. Crown pillows. A golden cabinet filled with crystal ones. We love them all.

And most recently, it is paper crowns that have captured our hearts! The creative possibilities are truly endless, and the results are so absolutely enchanting.... every girl must have dozens hundreds at least one!

With this in mind, we are so happy and excited to invite you...

Come and spend the day in a beautiful and inspiring setting, and create a fantasy crown to call your very own.

We promise that you will have the time of your life, and that there will be more food and treats than you could possibly stuff in your purse!! 

We will serve snacks, drinks, a full luncheon, snacks, a yummy dinner, and more snacks. Oh yes, and did we mention treats?? Red velvet cupcakes and crispy coconut cookies were particular favorites last month.

Just sayin'.

 

Of course, the real focus of our day will be fashioning this lovely heirloom crown using many traditional papercrafting techniques, and perhaps some that will be new to you. This project will push your skills to a new level, and give you the confidence to work "in the round".

So, whether you create one for yourself, or as a spectacular gift for someone special, you are sure to experience the thrill of accomplishment on this project. 

All supplies shown will be provided for you in a beautiful kit. We will use paper, wire, several types of adhesive, beads, pearls, crystals, glitter, metallic trim, hand-stamped metal, and our "soon-to-be-world-famous" tulle fringe!!

As ever, as always, you are free to embellish your crown to your own heart's content. Bring any kind of fabulousness you desire to personalize your coronet.  

This day will be too fantastic for words!! When creative friends come together to create these flights of fancy, truly there is magic in the air!!

And as the clock strikes midnight in the Queen's Workshop, and all the pretty crowns are off to their new homes, we will be feeling blessed beyond words that you shared your talents and your time with us.

Space is very limited for this extra-special event.

Won't you join us?

 

Kelli Murray Art Giveaway!

I have posted before about my uber-talented niece, and her charming artwork. 

This week, she is sponsoring a giveaway of one of her canvas prints! This is a large piece, at 24" x 14", and is a wonderful chance to own a compelling piece from an emerging young artist.

 

Go for here for your chance to win. And be sure to check out the site that is hosting the contest. Good stuff there. 

Hurry and enter... the contest only runs until Wednesday!!

Squawk and Swap !!

Ladies, this one will be too fabulous to miss!!

While getting settled in to our new home in Dallas, the Daughter and I have realized just how much extra "stuff" we have accumulated. In trying to decide the best course of action for our barely used treasures, we thought some of you may be having the same "issue". Here is an opportunity to pay your items forward!

Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

•Have you been cleaning out your closets (or needing to), and wondering what to do with all of those still-fabulous, gently used items?? Clothing? Shoes? Handbags? Jewelry? 

•Have your children outgrown clothing that is still in great condition?? What about (larger) toys and "accessories"?

•Are you holding on to home furnishing items that are just not going to fit in to your space or decorating vision?? Lamps, small tables, paintings, prints, great sets of dishes? 

Then let's engage in some guilt-free "retail therapy" and swap those unused/unwanted items for something fresh and new! Let's create the ultimate thrifting experience, with the only currency being the items that we ourselves bring to exchange.

This will be an item for item swap. We will assign categories of value (from 1 to 4), and assign you tickets that correspond to the items you bring. You must contribute a minimum of 5 items. 

Anything that is left at the end of the night will be donated to charity!

Don't be shy. Let's bust out the good stuff!!

So come on Fashionistas, let's prove to ourselves that we can, in fact, be RECESSIONISTAS!

Details will be emailed to you once you have registered. Space is limited, so sign up early!!

•And don't think for one minute that we are not working on the next FABULOUS art project get-together !! Save the date of July 18th. You will want to be here. :) •

Full House

If you ever get the chance to fill your home with creative, caring, fascinating women for a day, here's my advice... just. do. it.

 

This past Saturday, we got that chance, and what an inspirational experience it was! 

We provided a project "muse". A jumping off point for a lovely paper collage.

The class kit. All the supplies needed to complete the project as it was shown, by using a personal photo or vintage focal point.

But we also wanted to provide choices, for what is art without personal expression and individuality?

So we set up an embellishment "bar".

 

Paper, flowers, feathers, ribbons, sequins, crystals, doilies, glitter.... oh, my. 

And everyone got to work. Serious, diligent work. Nothing but hard work.

Pay no attention to that wine bottle in the middle of the table. Ahem.

Women came from near and far. One from Lubbock (Hi, Stacy!), and even one from Kansas City. We are humbled by this.

And I am particularly impressed with how Stacy managed to coordinate her tote bag with her blouse. Very artistic.

The camaraderie was amazing. Scrappers meeting paper artists, and complete neophytes meeting everyone, soaking it all in and each one creating something beautiful. 

Supplies and life stories shared in equal measure.

As is usual at these events, grace and generosity of spirit was the order of the day. 

A beautiful variation on the theme.

This was done as a fiftieth wedding anniversary gift. The blue napkin that is being used to frame the photo is the ultimate in vintage ephemera. It is actually from the wedding half a century ago! We should all be so lucky to have treasures like this to use in our work. *sigh*

I love the damask background paper that she used. So pretty.

This is another vintage photo of the artists parents. She is keeping her journaling tag blank so her father can write her mother a special message.

This is Lisa, and we found out late in the day that it was her birthday. How amazing that she chose to spend her special day with all of us. Thanks, Lisa! 

So many wonderful women came to spend the day together last Saturday. We are so incredibly grateful to have shared the pleasure of their company.

Winner, Winner!!!

We have a winner in our beautiful "Necklace Love" giveaway!!

"Drum roll, please...."

The beautiful Jana, of Brown Eyed Girl Photography in San Antonio!!!

Congratulations, Jana!! Please get in touch via email so that we can send out your new favorite piece of jewelry!!

Thanks, everyone, for participating, and please stay tuned. We love giveaways, and we have a great one planned for the very near future!! Don't miss it...

You guys are the best!!

Necklace Love

Time's Up !!!  

There is so much excitement building in anticipation of the big "Event" happening here next Saturday, and we couldn't resist adding to the delirium with a giveaway!! 

Cause we love you guys like that.

We rescued Daughter's sample boxes from their life of leisure, and quickly found the perfect, most romantic necklace.

We wanted to give it a fabulous life out in the world. Please help.

Genuine faceted amethyst and moonstone have been expertly wire-wrapped with sterling silver wire and findings. There are no crystals on this piece, just semi-precious stones and silver. 

A lovely mother-of-pearl and amethyst locket becomes the finishing touch. It is very deep inside, and can hold a photo as well as other teeny treasures. I believe they have actually been referred to as "poison boxes", but, well.... hmmm... 

How about a baby tooth or a locket of hair instead? Okay, thanks.

The length is adjustable from 19" - 22", including the locket.

Oh, the gorgeousness!! So, so pretty in person.

To enter for a chance to win this amazing necklace, just leave a comment on this post before Monday evening, May 18th at 6pm Pacific Time. One entry per person, please. We will draw a random number and announce the winner on Tuesday.

You will get an extra entry by blogging/tweeting this giveaway, and leaving a comment here with the link. SO easy!

And here's something a little extra-special for those of you who are attending our little soirée: everyone who has signed up by Monday the 18th at 6pm Pacific, and leaves a comment here, will receive THREE EXTRA CHANCES to win! 

So get those comments in, get those links going, and let's get this beauty a brand new home!

Class Notes

There was drama this past week involving a hard-drive that was beyond salvage *sob*. Fortunately, I am back online after less than a three day turnaround, and I would just like to say two things regarding my predicament. First, try to avoid letting a three year old lurk around your workstation with anything resembling liquid, and second, MAC. SUPPORT. RULES.!! I cannot state this emphatically enough. I wish I could say this was my first time around the block with moisture meeting laptop, but alas, I am that irresponsible unlucky. Once again, they saved me.

Bottom line: Buy the extended warranty whenever you get a laptop. And did I mention Mac RULES? If they could only somehow magically backup my files daily... sigh.

So, on with the class project for the May 23rd Gathering!!

We have gathered together an abundance of new and vintage paper, florals and trims, and we are so excited about this class! 

You may complete the project directly from a kit that will be provided, or you may choose from literally dozens and dozens of papers, flowers, ribbons and trims that will be on hand. We will have everything you need, but of course you are welcomed and encouraged to add personal items to enhance and personalize.

We have used a photo of our darling Baby Girl, but please bring a photo of your choice, a cabinet card, a small drawing, or artwork to use as a focal point. We will also have some vintage pieces for you to choose from, if you wish.

 

Tea-dyed tulle trim *swoon*.

So, please join us if you can. We are saving a seat for you!

Art & Communion

The excitement in our little corner of Dallas is (literally) through the roof!!

As we planned for and welcomed our Tiny Bundle of Baby-Pink Joy during these past few months, the church restoration was progressing at a steady pace. As I remained in a state of unabashed baby-induced euphoria, unable to stop holding her for any length of time, the project marched on toward completion. It is hard to fathom from this side of the abyss just how far this building has come in the past two and a half years, but we seem to have reached the point where we can at least see the finish line.

And now we are oh, so very ready for the  Next. Big. Thing... 

Please join us for the inaugural gathering at our newly renovated space, and help us celebrate completing the project of a lifetime. Come alone or come with a friend, meet lots of new friends, and have a wonderfully empowering experience.

We will provide lunch as a casual get-to-know-each-other affair, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a delicious dinner and dessert. In between all that "sustenance", we will commune and create. A kit will be provided for a group project with supplies from My Mind's Eye and Prima, (among others), as well as bits and pieces from our vintage and newly minted stash. Giveaways and special surprises throughout the day!

Feel free to bring your own supplies to work on a project of your choice with the extra time, as well as favorite bits of ephemera and trims to personalize your work. We can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Pictures of our group project will be posted this week. Space is limited, so please respond as soon as possible. We can't wait to see you!!

Please email me with any questions. If you are traveling from out of town and need to stay overnight, please contact me!

Baby Girl

A small distraction arrived in the days before Christmas, wrapped in a pink blanket, and my attention has been well and truly diverted. Could you take your eyes off of this one, even for a moment?

Didn't think so. 

She is an absolute angel, and such an incredible gift.  The "girly factor" around here could go off the charts, so stay tuned for that. Sparkle and glitter are even more rampant than usual, and the sewing machine and crochet hooks are seeing some serious action.  

We are dusting off the crown collection even as we speak.

The Boy has taken to his role as a big brother with surprising grace and equanimity. It remains to been seen how that plays out as time goes on. Meanwhile, I will take the small blessings I am given.

I am thinking that when she realizes what an injustice was done in the eyelash department, there will be trouble. Just sayin'.