
October 14, 2009 in Events and Holidays, Family and Friends, Life | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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.
September 09, 2009 in Art, Design, Events and Holidays, Life | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
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!!
September 06, 2009 in Events and Holidays, Family and Friends, Life | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
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.
August 31, 2009 in Art, Design, Family and Friends | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
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...
July 31, 2009 in Art, Design, Events and Holidays | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
The Wee One has received the most wonderful invitation!!
Luckily, her wings are right where she left them!
June 27, 2009 in Art, Events and Holidays, Life | Permalink | Comments (60) | TrackBack (0)
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.
June 25, 2009 in Art | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
I have posted before about my uber-talented niece, and her charming artwork.
June 01, 2009 in Art, Family and Friends | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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!
May 29, 2009 in Art, Family and Friends | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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.
May 26, 2009 in Art | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
We have a winner in our beautiful "Necklace Love" giveaway!!
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...
May 19, 2009 in Art | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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!
May 16, 2009 in Art, Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
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.
Tea-dyed tulle trim *swoon*.
So, please join us if you can. We are saving a seat for you!
May 11, 2009 in Art | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
The excitement in our little corner of Dallas is (literally) through the roof!!
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!!
May 04, 2009 in Art | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
March 25, 2009 in Family and Friends, Hearth and Home, Life | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)





