Miss P Productions!

Four-legged kids

2012-02-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

Adopting Emilio was the best thing ever for Sophia! Thank you, Brigid's Crossing!

New addition!

2012-01-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

Emilio joined our family this week!

This was on his first night. After investigating the entire house, he stuck pretty close to me, which included hanging out under the bed all night.

By the second night, he was in my lap, purring and pawing, as I Skyped with my friend on the computer. Sophia did an excellent job of making me feel like a horrible mom with her pitiful, dejected face.

The third night brought them closer, although still not comfortable. As Sophia hung her head, literally, Emilio explored her soft, warm blankie. You could almost hear her say, "Hey, that's MY blanket!"

This morning, they are all over the house, playing, taunting, wrinkling the rugs. I, of course, have the happy end of the deal - big, wet kisses from my beloved girl, and purring in my ear from my soft boy. Happy!

Postcard from Paradise

2011-12-31T15:55:00.000-05:00

2011 - many sad and difficult times through the year, but a bright and hopeful ending, the last day being spent at the beach with my daughter Stephanie.

I wish all of you a very happy, healthy, love-filled 2012!

Fort Myers Beach, Bowditch Point

Side trips.....

2011-12-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful treat my side trip to Long Island was! A beautiful location, beautiful home, and one of the most beautiful, wonderful people to share it with.

Looking up at the home I visited.

Brrrr.....there's a cold wind blowing down here!

Lunch in a lovely old town.

Having good food, good wine, and fun with my sweet.

Returning from the lost....

2011-12-19T05:53:00.000-05:00

Having been gone far too long, I will ease back into the fold by sharing my new favorite place (besides the beach) to take Sophia. It's just a few miles from the house, so we visit several times a week.

The pond's bank has receded due to our lack of rain. Sophia loves to explore here. There are trails in the scrub and a fenced, off-leash dog park as well. If no other dogs are on this trail, however, I cheat and let her off leash, because she is usually quite good about coming to me to get her leash put on if necessary. Where would I be without my best friend?

"Sunset" inchie

2011-08-01T19:59:00.000-04:00

Oops....I lost a couple of weeks to stress - but it's time to catch up. Using vintage ads from 1930's National Geographics, I tried to recreate a romantic evening at a lounge on the beach.

Shell gardens

2011-07-22T17:28:00.000-04:00

My muse kicked in, so I've been playing with my stash of shells. Would you like to see my little shell gardens? Here are a few.....click on the photo to see it closer up, if you like.

Simply create your arrangement, and resin them down! The more shallow the container shell, the easier it is.

Where Women Create....

2011-07-19T13:47:00.001-04:00

Actually, where I create! Several years ago my husband and I decided to add on to our home to establish two master bedrooms, one being for my mother during the winter months. Since then her health and vision have declined, and she no longer stays with us for the winter, but the room above the new master bedroom is still my get-away, my bliss, my studio!

I am a very lucky person to have this room, so I'd like to share it with you! Come on, let's go upstairs....

As we walk up, you'll see some of my photography on either side of the steps. These pictures are of one of my favorite gardens, the Fenway Victory Gardens in Boston. I can change the photos at any time with other themes I love to shoot - the beach, birds, Florida wildlife, or my pets.

Historically, photography is my newest creative passion. I'm exploring how to incorporate it into my collages, create collages by cutting and regrouping my photos, and collage by using only bits and pieces left over from these cuttings.

Isn't it fun to think back on how this creative journey began? As a little girl, there was always Barbie and the crude clothing I would cut from Mom's leftover fabrics....furniture and rooms I would create from anything I could find in the house, and dead frogs I would dissect with sticks when I found them.

By 12, I was sewing my own clothing (with help from Mom), at 16 I began quilting, and somewhere in my 30s I discovered stamping. Then the floodgates opened! To this day, I have to force myself not to learn something new, to learn more about what I am most interested in. Do you have this problem? Oops, I digress, back to the tour....

Oh, what's that big canvas at the top of the stairs, you asked? The largest collage I've ever created, and one that is near and dear to my heart. The circle of small pieces is made of inchies collected in a year long inchie trade with artists from all over the world! At the center I began with January's inchies, and wound my way out to December. The flowers are napkins!

To the left, as you stand on the landing, you will see two lovely girls painted by my friend (and one of my favorite artists, Christy Sobolewski, aka Gulfsprite). I own several of her pieces, and have my next order in for one of her cut-out journals.

"Red Balloon", the top painting, reminds me of my youngest daughter, and the bottom one reminds me of my oldest daughter.

We're about to turn to the right to see my large, open space, which is about 17' X 23'. See what I mean by lucky? When we met with the architect I asked for lots of windows for natural light to work by, a bathroom with a utility sink, and a closet. The rest was up to me!

As we turn to the right at the top of the stairs we see my study nook. I love to curl my legs up in that cozy chair to browse books and magazines, or simply sip something delicious, thinking of ideas for future creations. This wonderful rug was an estate sale buy for a bargain! Not fully shown is my very messy sewing table on the left. That funky sewing seat is a refinished and recovered garage sale find and even has a compartment under the lift-up seat! The bookcase against the wall holds smaller art treasures and gifts, magazines and books, office supplies, and an old garage sale find manual typewriter. The bookcase to the right holds more books and magazines, vintage laces and textiles, and other fiber art materials.

favorite things sewing/office supplies Sophia, my Dane

This stash of lovelies rests in the bookcase that walls off my small nook from the largest workspace. Before I continue, I'll add that I have three of these bookcases, which were purchased for only $30 each from a fascinating little shop that, unfortunately, went out of business several years ago. Everyone loves a bargain, right? Had I not been forced to give up my faux finishing business at this time, I'd feel guilty about capitalizing on their loss, but others were enjoying my materials at a bargain as well. So here's another "stack" of bargains, my old suitcases and baskets, all of which were purchased at - you guessed it - garage sales!

My fabric stash is stored in the suitcases, more trims and larger vintage pieces in the picnic basket (trash picked with pride), and messsages from the heart which I made from them all proudly displayed.

Onto the area that NEVER, I repeat NEVER looks this clean, because when I work on a project it, and everything I think I might want to incorporate when creating it, is spread out and left out!

One of my favorite investments is the paper cabinets holding this old (yep, garage sale find) art deco glass door which serves as my painting table. The paper cabinet on the left holds mostly stamps, on the right, paper. Parallel to this is another table where I cut, paste, stamp, ink, sort, etc...although, I must confess, it sometimes spreads over onto my paint table....

Lovely little paints, pearl ex, alcohol inks, etc.,
are stored in this
vintage treasure.

The door.....

And the majority of my paints and tools
are stored here.

Oh, my, this is a long tour - I'll hurry it up a bit....we'll jump sides and see where I store my overflowing ephemera, ink, ribbon, etc. collection...

Drawers full of
yummies!

Vintage text - want
some?

More vintage text
sources - I have
far more than I need!

Where I store my
current inchies,
images and
backgrounds for
inchies.

Fun stuff!

The far wall on the
right of the studio - storage.
The decoupaged suitcase was
proudly trash-picked
and made new!

A chandelier to re-create,
display torsos, collections
of art, mine and others', on
the closet door.

There is still another table to show you, where I work with encaustics, but it is a mess, so I'll leave you with these images....

Art I have created, traded, purchased, or won,
here and in the photos that follow.

And I have detained you long enough..it's time to go downstairs.

Thanks for visiting!

Where Bloggers Create Blog Party

2011-07-14T17:55:00.002-04:00

I had so wanted to participate this year! However, my husband has been in and out of the hospital this week with heart problems, and I just haven't taken the photos and written the story yet. I'm so sorry. My studio is relatively clean, however - been working on that for weeks! Maybe I can get this done this weekend....until then, please accept my sincere apologies!

A few days late, but....

2011-07-13T06:55:00.000-04:00

what can you expect? I am having the summer from hell. :) This week's inchie theme is love......I can only imagine a love like this.....

Today's inchie - "Sweet"

2011-07-04T13:14:00.000-04:00

Nothing is sweeter than a baby.

Birds of Paradise

2011-07-04T08:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's bike ride and beach visit to Sanibel offered opportunities to watch birds in their habitats. Pelicans, of course, are abundant here. Click on each picture to see it larger.

Lift off...

Landing - beak first for a fish!

Delicious! See it in the lower portion of his pouch?

The small blue heron is not rare, but not seen as often as he does not usually hang out in public places. This one was in a wetland in the Bailey Tract.

And the yellow crowned night heron is quite rare and was an exciting spotting for me.....I had to move quickly to get off my bike and take these two pictures before he flew away.

Checking me out!

Doesn't he look frightened?

All in love is fair...

2011-06-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

"All is fair in love......but all is changed with time, the future none can see.....ahead lies mystery.....
but all is fair in love.....
   All of fate's a chance, it's either good or bad; I tossed my coin to say, in love with me you'd stay....
   you either win or lose - when all is put away, the losing side I'll play.
   A writer takes his pen to write the words again, that all in love is fair."

Stevie knows his stuff.

Every Inchie Monday - harmony

2011-06-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

When one's heart, hands, and mouth are in harmony, there is peace within.

So much to do....

2011-06-26T07:05:00.001-04:00

so many distractions! Including my new zoom lens! Playing around very quickly, this little man decided to pose for me. He actually moved closer to me as I shot, tilting his head to listen to the shutter. Such fun! Now to take pictures without a dog on a leash attached to my arm - should work a bit better. :)

Don't forget to click on the individual images to see an enlargement!

Home again

2011-06-24T07:33:00.000-04:00

Home again after a week away, visiting my youngest daughter, then off to Ohio to visit Mom and Pam. In Ohio I connected with old friends and new and brought back some wonderful memories, photos, and gifts.

Tim, a dear high school friend whom I had not seen in 36 years!

We can't grow peonies here.

Vic, Susan's "stud", definitely flirting!

Charleston Falls

Beauties in the gardens on Oakwood Ave. and more to follow.

The path ahead....

Inchies for the next two weeks....

2011-06-12T12:09:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow's inchie theme is "sisters". I found this old photo of my two girls, who are about as opposite as two sisters can be, and, low and behold, there are my sister and I, also two opposites.

Next Monday's inchie theme is "woman". Sorry, I sort of cheated on this one, it's a trilogy. The image was too beautiful to use only a portion. You know what? I believe each part could stand alone and live up to the theme!

Lovely day

2011-06-11T20:28:00.000-04:00

Today I spent several hours shelling at Blind Pass, then drove through Ding Darling Wildlife Sanctuary. What a beautiful day it has been!

Favorites

2011-06-06T05:57:00.001-04:00

No inchie yet, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos. I am considering creating a photo calendar, perhaps two - one of Florida and one of the Fenway Victory Gardens. Any opinions?

*Click on the photo (right click for PC) to see it larger.

Six Mile Cypress Slough

Fort Myers Beach at sunset

Fort Myers Beach at sunrise

Blue heron catch, Fort Myers Beach, sunrise

Sunset at turtle camp


Hawk at Algiers beach, Sanibel

Fort Myers Beach at sunrise

Fort Myers Beach at sunset

Today's inchie....

2011-05-30T11:02:00.001-04:00

The theme is "home". I've had many homes, and I realize that I could live almost anywhere if I had a friend or two, could be myself, and could explore with my camera. So I took a piece of grunge board, inked it up, and stamped an image of the world on it.

Now I'd better get back to my real home - I've been painting, and it is torn apart! Time to put it back together!

Above it all.....

2011-05-23T05:52:00.000-04:00

As a child, I was quite shy and insecure around people.....but there was a special place that only I knew about where I could be above it all, hidden in a secret watchtower, where I viewed the world from a different perspective - and I got there by climbing a tree. At 53, I still climb trees whenever I can; in fact, these memories were brought back this weekend as I climbed into our front trees to trim them. The delight of leaning back against a branch, seeing the bright sunlight filtered through the softly fluttering leaves, filled me with satisfaction. This week's inchie theme, solitude, had no other image for me.....

My personal world is stable, but the lives of many who are important to me are filled with serious medical decisions. As I contemplate the peace and solitude climbing a tree has given me, I can't help but think metaphorically about "looking up". And I pray.

"Fancy" inchie

2011-05-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

Today I put together a few things that remind me of going out on a fancy date - which hasn't happened to me in a long, long time.....

diamonds, sweet-talk, and flowers.

One thing...then another....

2011-05-17T22:07:00.000-04:00

What a blessed, wonderful, cold and rainy weekend I had!
Before I left, I made my inchie "combo" for the past two weeks (heart and pink).....

Then off to Boston to Stephanie's graduation from The Boston Conservatory with a Master's Degree in Opera Performance....and Natalie was there, too!

To make it all the more lovely, things were in bloom like lilacs, which I have not had the privilege to smell in over 10 years, and baby birds were stumbled upon in the sweetest places. Here are some pictures from my favorite garden in Boston, the Fenway Victory Gardens at Bolyston between Fenway and Park.....

New beginnings all around!

Gorgeous clutch!

2011-05-11T06:06:00.000-04:00

Oooh, a gorgeous clutch is being given away here
http://momof40toes.blogspot.com/2011/05/gardenhouse-boutique-giveaway.html - check it out!
Hurry! The give-away ends Friday!

New look, new inchie

2011-04-25T21:16:00.000-04:00

This weekend, with the help of a friend, I pushed everything to the middle of my 17' x 22' studio and began to prepare to paint. So today, when I realized it was time to make the inchie for the week, you can see why I wondered if it were possible.

The result is my idea of joy - barefeet 80 percent of the time!

I can't get to my brushes easily, so the torn paper portion is not glued, and I would like to edge it, but here is this week's inchie!

Today's inchie - "Friends"

2011-04-18T20:49:00.000-04:00

Four legged friends at the dog beach!

"Peace"

2011-04-11T05:50:00.000-04:00

Today's inchie came easily to me. Peace fills my soul when I bike along the packed sand at the edge of the Gulf, enjoying the sun, breeze, birds, marine life, and physical exertion.
And this one will show you why I don't draw very often! But I love it anyway!

"Tourist" Saturday

2011-04-10T08:34:00.000-04:00

After a trip to visit the oratory and town of Ave Maria (which I promise to blog about later), I was on an alligator hunt. I needed my critter fix! It was a great opportunity for me to try to learn to use my 300x lens, also. Because I wear one contact for distance, my right eye contact, it was a challenge to try to use that eye to look through the viewfinder. Usually I look through my left. Try that sometime - it's trickier than it sounds! Of course, there is no "auto focus" when using this lense! Therefore, I apologize for any blurriness in the images, but they are worth sharing, nonetheless.

At Ave Maria, the magnolia were beginning to bloom, so I couldn't resist a close-up. See the bee tucked under the petals on the left?

Our second stop was Billy's Swamp Safari, where this guy stood at the fence questioning my motives.

And when making a very wide loop through our sun-kissed peninsula, we finally spotted gators in the wild. Here's a small guy taking advantage of the rays.

And a bigger guy floating along, keeping an eye on the crazy lady at the side of the road.

Don't forget - you can click on any picture to see it larger!

This week's inchie - Sing!

2011-04-08T21:24:00.000-04:00

This is my daughter, Stephanie Scarcella, mezzo-soprano, singing at her debut with the Boston Opera Collaberative - New Voices Concert. Next month she will graduate from The Boston Conservatory with a Master's Degree in Opera Studies. When she sings, beauty surrounds you! Hence, the sparkly stars!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Cadenza--the-Boston-Opera-Collaborative-newsletter--April-2011.html?soid=1102424019816&aid=RBXouxWOBMk

Favorite places

2011-04-04T06:02:00.000-04:00

Suze Weinberg inspired this post today.....thanks, Suze!

What a wonderful weekend - art walk on Friday, shelling, biking and sunning on the beach (with brunch and a treat squeezed in), creating, and shopping on Saturday, brunch and a game of dominos on Sunday with the in-laws. How wonderful to play!

Our bikes parked in the Bailey Tract on Sanibel - wonderful, wild place - an alligator habitat. No alligators were seen, though, which only warrants a trip back during mating season (which begins in May), at which time they are more actively moving around. :) Can't wait!

Monday's inchie!

2011-03-27T20:19:00.000-04:00

"Winged" is this weeks theme, and although I must admit that there is absolutely NO artistic talent in this one, I still like it. I have had this image on vellum for a long time, and since I rarely create with fairies, when I stumbled upon it I knew it would be perfect. So I added a little fairy dust, and called it good!

The ticking clock....

2011-03-21T06:09:00.000-04:00

It's not what you think! That clock has long since stopped ticking! But the clock in my studio keeps a steady rhythm, tic-tock, tic-tock, while I work, which served as inspiration for this week's inchie!

Endless

2011-03-14T16:47:00.000-04:00

....today's inchie word! And immediately I thought of the sand, sea, and sky......so here it is!

Finished!

2011-03-13T16:04:00.000-04:00

The final finishing touches are on my Tribute to Great Danes mixed media piece. My last post described my feelings about Danes, and told you a little about the illustration I used in the image transfer. I added some final bling and rusty things to make it just right.....so here it is, along with my third and current Dane, the big baby, Sophia! Remember to click on an image to show it larger.

Sophia!

The total mixed media piece.

The upper portion showing detail of some of the doodling and stamping.

Brass charms with patina layered over some tin pieces I found in the garage,

wired and beaded. The eye screws were silver, but the blue patina instantly turned them black.

Happy accident!

How much is that doggy?

2011-03-11T18:20:00.000-05:00

About a year ago I picked up a wonderful book filled with dog stories and illustrations at a garage sale for - wait for it - fifty cents! The Dog Book was illustrated by Diana Thorne, whom, I found upon research, led a very interesting life. The image transfer collage above is my tribute to the three Great Danes I have owned and loved. Here it is almost done, but there are several small mixed media elements left to add.

Teak was my first Great Dane. He was up for "adoption" from a previous owner who couldn't keep him, and he was a two year old brindle, quite tall, about 150 pounds. We instantly bonded, and he served as a dear companion and great guard dog. Although he would never actually attack anyone, he would place himself between a stranger and me until I shook their hand or assured him it was okay. How amazing that a dog would so readily do this for a new owner.

Bella, my second Dane, was the most gentle, people-loving, devoted friend one could imagine. She was a shorter, stockier merle. One weekend when she was in her fourth year, she began acting as though she didn't feel well, and by Monday we had to let her go......one of the lobes of her lung twisted and burst before the doctor was even sure of what had happened. A heart wrenching experience, I lay on the floor of the vet's office, spooning her until she stopped breathing. My husband and daughter sat crying on the bench in that room, as the vet knelt, in tears as well. A piece of my heart died that day, too.

Yet the presence of such a large pet, one who is so human-like, was sorely missed, and two weeks later I began looking for another. Her birth owner named her Princess - she was one of a litter of 15 "oops" babies. We changed her name to Sophia. Sophia came home with us at the sweet age of 5 weeks. I remember that she could walk underneath Wags' (part boxer) belly then. HA! She is now a tall, beautifully sculpted Great Dane, with shiny black fir and long legs. Sophia is the biggest scaredy-cat you've ever met, and still has so much puppy in her at two and a half years old. She's also the biggest baby, and will sit right up in your lap.

I have owned and do own other breeds of dogs, but have found none like a Great Dane. When I have added a few small embellishments to the canvas, I will hang 3 charms naming my pets from the bottom, and repost the finished product. If you enjoyed this, I hope you will come back to visit.

Great giveaway!

2011-03-05T07:41:00.000-05:00

Sonya's having a 100th blog post give-away! Her button (Counting My Blessings) is on my sidebar - check it out! Or not - I'll have more of a chance of winning, and her gifts are very much to my liking! Now I need to post MY 100th blog post give-away!

Frolic inchie

2011-02-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

I love this image from an old children's textbook, but the inchie is a little plain. Oh, well....

Signs of spring.....

2011-02-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

About two years ago I took a cutting of a friend's ground orchid...and it is finally blooming for the first time! The picture above shows the entire plant, and the close up shows the elegant little flower. Each flower is only about 3/4 of an inch in diameter!

Click on the picture to see them full sized.

I don't know the name of these, but they have a succulent looking leaf, and their bright flowers are so cheerful!

Today was a gorgeous beach day. Unfortunately, I had uploaded pictures to my computer last night and failed to put the memory card back into my good camera, so this was taken with my phone....and heavily adjusted on IPhoto!

Next weekend we'll head back to the beach with the good camera - there were two baby (only a few days old) osprey in a nest right next to the sidewalk and quite low. I spent a lot of time watching mom feed them. I also noticed the mockingbirds chasing other birds around - obviously protecting their nests, which they do with a fierceness that is frightening. They will fly right at you if you get too close! If I'm lucky, the three pelicans perched on the "No wake" sign will be there for church services again.....as will the red heron (rare to see), the snowy egrets, and the fishing osprey.

Image transfer fun!

2011-02-21T21:06:00.001-05:00

I've been playing again....and love image transfers, although they don't always work out. I suppose I could research and find out how different papers respond to the technique, but experimentation always teaches me more.

A combination of printed paper, antique (late 1800s) title page from a German Hymnal, image, satin ribbon, beaded ribbon trim, and vintage ribbon banner. Inks, gesso, and matte medium, and Modge Podge also used.

Changed 'em up! More cosmic now, I'd say!

2011-02-21T12:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I just wasn't satisified with those inchies, so I tried to sparkle them up a bit. After all, they simply didn't convey the beauty of a shooting star!

"Cosmic" inchies

2011-02-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

A bit simplistic, but here are my shooting stars, sealed with Amazing Glaze.

And pictures of the marvelous sunset tonight.....

Here are the winners!

2011-02-17T18:52:00.000-05:00

Using the random number generator, these are the winners of my One World One Heart Offerings:

Micki wins the pendant, http://thedote.blogspot.com, Rian wins the market bag, http://freubel-art.blogspot.com/, and jblanton wins the stocking, http://mynotsohurriedlife.blogspot.com/!

Congratulations! I'll be in touch with each of you soon! I had a blast visiting blogs, but didn't get anywhere near finished with the list, so I will save it and work on it as I have time. Catch you later!

Here's the OWOH post!

2011-02-16T05:54:00.003-05:00

If you're looking for my OWOH offer, click this link! http://misspproductions.blogspot.com/2011/01/one-world-one-heart-2011.html

Valentine and new inchies!

2011-02-13T20:01:00.000-05:00

Of course, I am putting up last Monday's inchie with tomorrows.....I hope it's better late than never!

"Electrifying" was the topic for this inchie.

I remembered a funny stamp I had, which made

me think of an espresso buzz, so I stamped it

very simply, highlighted the eyes, and added

gold to the edges.

Fishy is tomorrow's topic. My background is

painted with Lumiere paints, and this little guy

looks like he's guilty of something, doesn't he?

Very fishy.......

And this is a collage I made using a video tutorial by Christy Tomlinson.

I love how it turned out, and decided to make a 5 X 8 Valentine's card for my hubby. Doing a smaller version (smaller than the suggested canvas version) was a good way to get started, and to find out what I really needed to have on-hand for the next attempt.

This involved collage, painting, texturing, doodling, rub-ons, and stamping. I don't consider myself a doodler, but I am happy with this!

Thanks for stopping by!

Last weekend....

2011-02-13T00:30:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I was in Boston, experiencing deep snow and a wonderful opera (starring my daughter) at The Boston Conservatory. It was a lovely, relaxing time, and I came back to hurry-hurry, rush-rush at work - catching up is always that way, isn't it? Finally, I uploaded pictures to share today.

Click on any picture to enlarge it. Drinks on the patio, anyone?

Shovel
This!

No, thanks!

But isn't it lovely on a sunny Sunday morning?

This little beauty was enjoying the snow.....because the nice people in the blue house were feeding him!

I was lucky enough to spot my favorite bird, the hawk (I believe this is a red-tail hawk) taking twigs to its nest! Next thing you know, there's another flying to the nest to warn its mate of my loitering, after which they flew off to another tree to distract me.

After this picture, be sure to click on the two of these guys in flight - I am amazed that I caught them, and if you don't look carefully (and at the original image) you might miss them!

Isn't this cool?
So aero-
dynamic!

And of course, pictures of the reason I went to Boston in the first place......

Stephanie as Hansel at curtain call!

What a beautiful, spiritual opera this was - with funny parts, sad parts, and a bit of scary parts, too - and so much singing for Hansel and Gretel! Jackie has been at the Conservatory the entire time Stephanie has - 5 years now - so watching the two of them together was quite special.

Thanks for sharing my trip!

Art lovers' inspiration!

2011-02-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, you MUST check Suze's blog post out for inspiration.....Christy, I'm talking to you! I'm in snowy Boston for Stephanie's Hansel and Gretel performance tonight, and very excited about it! So nice to relax and peruse blogs all morning in my pjs! Now, hit this link! http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/suzeblogz/2011/02/cowabunga.html

One World, One Heart 2011!

2011-01-30T09:35:00.001-05:00

OOOh, fun! I will be participating in One World, One Heart again this year. Participants in this event offer up something they have created to bloggers who wish to enter a drawing on the creators blog. Bloggers from all over the world join in, and it's a great way to meet new people, get inspired by the art of others, and have your eyes, heart, and mind opened wide. It officially begins tomorrow, and you can find it via the link on my right sidebar!
Here are my offerings:

This is an example of a soldered charm you might win if you enter by responding to this post in the comments area. You must be a blogger to enter, and you must leave a way for me to contact you in your comment. This is very important! Since hundreds of people might comment (thousands participate), I won't be able to take the time to search for a way to get in touch with you!

Or.....you could win one of my market bags, of which this is an example......I can offer some choice of size and color to the the winner.
Or....you could win this burlap stocking with vintage lace trim, and two more coordinating burlap stockings!

Be sure to leave a comment, and include your email address or blog address! It all ends February 17!
Good luck, safe travels!

New inchies!

2011-01-29T12:58:00.000-05:00

I'm playing catch-up again, this time because I spent the week sick with the flu. My maudlin inchie, which was a tough one for me, says a combination of things about my relationship with music - it certainly can make me feel emotional extremes! These tears are for the fact that the instruments lie unplayed while the ear of a needy listener is close by.

Next weeks inchie is Mirthful - and this delightful,
grinning, flower-in-her-ear puppy looks just that!

I'm loving these inchie challenges!

100th post!

2011-01-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my daughter, Natalie! She is no longer a teenager. Sigh. We had a lovely day of pampering yesterday in Tampa, getting our nails and toes done, doing a little shopping (I got a STEAL of stamps at Michaels for only $23), and getting a couples massage with two extremely awesome massage therapists with fantastic sense of humors! What a blast!

It's hard to believe that this is my 100th post! And what an excellent reason to create it - I won Christine's (Change of Heart) blog give-away, the package of goodies you can see on my right sidebar! Thank you so much, Christine! I have a few ideas for many of the items she's sending along, including something special for my sister, who is undergoing radiation and chemo for cancer.
Hmmm, looks like I will need to create something special for three causes - One World, One Heart, my blog anniversary of 100 posts, and Pam!

No pictures today, since I do not have my own computer at home, but soon......:) I tried to do my own data transfer from my ancient G4 to the new 27" IMac, but messed it up, so I hauled that puppy down to the Apple store, where those wonderful pros will take care of doing it for me. The speed and clarity I have gained is absolutely incredible. Can't wait to make slideshows of my favorite photos!

Keep your eyes open, fun stuff to come!

Indecision....

2011-01-20T06:13:00.000-05:00

Browsing this morning I came across a wonderful blog, sprinkled with gorgeous photos, design links, and messages.....here is one that struck a chord with me:

in Elizabeth Gilbert's Committed when she wrote about indecision:

"The problem, simply put, is that we cannot choose everything simultaneously. So we live in danger of becoming paralyzed by indecision, terrified that every choice might be the wrong choice. Equally disquieting are the times when we do make a choice, only to later feel as though we have murdered some aspect of our being by settling on one single concrete decision. By choosing door number three, we fear that we have killed off a different -- but equally critical -- piece of our soul that could only have been made manifest by walking through door number one or door number two. In a world of such abundant possibility, many of us simply go limp from indecision. Or we derail our life's journey again and again, backing up to try the doors we neglected on the first round, desperate to get it right this time. Or we become compulsive comparers -- always measuring our lives against some other person's life, secretly wondering if we should have taken her path instead. All these choices and all this longing can create a weird kind of haunting in our lives -- as though the ghosts of all our other, unchosen, possibilities linger forever in a shadow world around us, continuously asking, are you certain that this is what you really wanted?"

http://unstitchme.blogspot.com/

Catch up!

2011-01-17T08:07:00.001-05:00

Here are last week's inchie and today's inchie! The red one is my take on power - I would have added many more words, but couldn't fit them all in. Maybe I should have printed them in a spiral....hmmm.....

The one on the left is today's submission, "caring". After our experience last week, I felt it only fitting to dedicate this one to the cardiologist!

Curve ball!

2011-01-12T05:47:00.000-05:00

Life threw me a curve ball - my husband had a heart attack yesterday. Doctors and personnel at the hospital were wonderful, and had him transported from his work site, through the ER, and into and OUT of the cath lab with stint in place in under 2 hours. I arrived within 20 minutes of being notified (I had to get my 4th graders situated) and by then he had already been taken to the cath lab. I waited 45 minutes to talk to the doctor who did the procedure, which was done successfully.
To those of you who are in the inchie challenge with me, I can pretty much assure you the powerful inchie won't be done this week. But I have high hopes for the weekend, and plan to get it and the caring inchie done....which will probably have something to do with medical personnel!

Off-task

2011-01-10T05:57:00.001-05:00

I don't like the inchie I made for today's challenge, "power". Not one of my favorite words, and my interpretation of it is complicated, therefore very challenging to put into a one inch piece of art. But I'm not giving up, it will just be late. :)
In the meantime, I got sidetracked to this site, http://changeofheart56.blogspot.com/, where I entered this fanatastic give-away. Gotta love it!

One World One Heart

2011-01-06T05:59:00.000-05:00

For the third year, I will be participating in One World, One Heart. All bloggers are welcome to join! It is so much fun to visit blogs of others around the world, see what their interests are, what we have in common, how we live and think alike and differently. Check it out! Join us! http://awhimsicalbohemian.typepad.com/a_whimsical_bohemian/2010/12/annoucning-the-fifth-and-final-one-world-one-heart-event-.htm

My inchie for this week.....

2011-01-02T20:40:00.000-05:00

The theme is eclectic......

A Day at the Zoo

2010-12-30T13:29:00.001-05:00

Hear me roar! We were lucky to be viewing the lion and lioness for this wonderful display! She had just jumped up onto the platform with him, they had circled, he smelling her, and she had plopped herself down. This was him announcing his dominance to those of us outside the fence, and he did it several times! Too cool!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the photos! Remember to click on them to see them individually.

From snow to palm trees....

2010-12-23T10:37:00.001-05:00

With the doors flung open, sun shining, and flip-flops on, it doesn't seem as though just days ago I was in Casper! Although the usual Casper sun did not shine, it was a magical visit in many ways. I was moved by the support and love of old friends, my daughter's vocal performance and maturity, and gift of nature I was able to see. Here are a few photos from my visit.

Merry Christmas to all!

Seasonal spirit

2010-12-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

On my right sidebar you see a link to Where Women Create. Since the first of December their daily posts have been stories about artists by artists, references to their sites, and give-aways they generously offer. All have been inspirational and a boost of seasonal love, but today's really struck me. Treat yourself to a visit! http://www.wherewomencreateblog.com/blog/2010/12/the-fourth-day-of-holiday-traditions-.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00d8341d829653ef0147e05ecd2a970b

Light the way....

2010-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'd love to light the way with the gorgeous candlesticks being given away here http://janettemalloryinteriordesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/aidan-gray-holiday-giveaway.html#comments. Just lovely!

"Falling in love with earth....

2010-11-29T06:12:00.000-05:00

is one of life's great adventures" was a quote simply placed along the trail at the Six Mile Cypress Slough. I'd been feeling the need to get back there. Although not many creatures were stirring, not even many birds, the sunlight was casting beautiful beams through spider webs, onto fern fronds, and into my heart. Enjoy.

Home at last....

2010-11-12T17:21:00.001-05:00

ValieJo, who bought my large chandelier at the Mount Dora show, sent me pictures of it in her dining room. It is quite exciting to see it in its new home! I am grateful for her patronage and thrilled that she is happy with it!

The view from the top....

2010-10-28T06:07:00.000-04:00

Mount Dora has come and gone, and I am better in many ways for having had the experience. Three of us were assigned spaces just outside of the parameters of the main show area, which was a disadvantage. The shuttle dropped off up the hill a block so it would seem that traffic would go by us, but, unfortunately, many people walked down the sidewalk behind us.
That being said, Saturday was frighteningly slow at the top of the hill. Sunday brought more sales. And on both days, people were complimentary and friendly. I enjoyed myself immensely.
The highlight of my Sunday was when my large chandelier found a home! Its new owner has promised to send me a photo once she has it installed, so check back to see it!

Looking ahead......

2010-10-20T18:34:00.000-04:00

Perhaps it's my love of vintage, perhaps it's missing my years in the west, or perhaps it's my connection to fabric, fiber, and friends, but I am looking forward to making enough money at the Mount Dora show to attend a class in Ocala given by the wonderful K.C. Willis, www.studioretreats.ning.com. This link will take you to another class she is offering at her studio, and her delightful tease about the give-away she is offering! For those of you who would love to attend here in Florida, see Laura Venosa DellaPorta's site, http://www.verbenanestedtreasures.blogspot.com/. Maybe I can get doubly lucky!

Almost there!

2010-10-10T21:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we did a mock set-up of the booth for the Mount Dora Arts and Crafts show to be held on October 23 and 24. It is my first big show.

This is the basic set-up with my banner. I'm pleased with it. I still need to add my mannequin and a dress form I hope to borrow from a friend, as well as a rug, but basically, it's set. Tom did a lot of work to get the chandeliers hung, and we spent the entire day setting it up and tearing it down. Since I am on the last scheduled set-up time Friday night, I sure hope we can do it in 3 or 4 hours.
Here are more pictures....

Tie it up!

2010-09-25T18:32:00.001-04:00

Cinch your waist with one of these funky, yet beautiful belts! I'll be making a slew of these to take to Mount Dora!

I received notification of my spot - I'm right by City Hall on 5th Ave., at the edge of the show near the main stage and Sun Trust Bank. Only one month to go!

Name found!

2010-09-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Tara, with a little twist of my own, my chandelier has been named Facets of an Artful Life. That pretty much sums up what I want it to say!

I'm getting excited for Mount Dora!

Help name my new chandelier!

2010-09-15T06:07:00.000-04:00

Here it is - well, in part! Although it is finished, I was not able to get a good photo of the entire fixture. It is over 30" long and 10" wide, with 5 bulb sockets along the length in the center of the two curved rods. All charms and forks are wired and beaded, and wire is wrapped around each rod.

When I originally began this chandelier, my thought was that the title would somehow reflect the tie between art and life, the richness that art gives one's life. But for some reason I just can't find the right combination of words. Maybe you can help! Just leave a comment here for me to ponder.

Thanks!

Caviar and pearls

2010-09-06T14:29:00.000-04:00

Caviar and pearls.....the good life.....easy street.....all of that implied in my first chandelier for the Mount Dora show. I ordered a chandelier with much simpler crystals, then adorned the lampshade with vintage laces and pearls. The large crystals above were picked up in Ohio at a flea market, and the silverplate was from a lovely garage sale. From a pearl necklace which was woven into a thick strand, I unstrung and restrung the draped beads, and individually sewed each separate pearl at the bottom. As I was working I realized it needed more pearls, and the wire-wrapping idea came to me as well as the spoon fulls. And I believe that turned out to be my favorite part. If it doesn't sell, I want it!

vintage trim jacket

2010-08-28T16:01:00.000-04:00

I've been slowly working on trimming out an inexpensive jacket to model what can be done as a custom order. Any type of jacket would work, but this one is neutral and would look super with anything! Natalie's madras skirt and a blue t-shirt was adorable.
These photos may not be the best, and I see that I need to tack a few curvy places down, but here it is....

KC Willis: Bye Bye Box...Hello Giveaway!

2010-08-18T07:15:00.000-04:00

http://misspproductions.blogspot.com/

K.C.'s cool stuff.....

2010-08-18T07:11:00.000-04:00

K.C. Willis is at it again! She's changing out her "collage in a box" offer to "Workshops in a bag"! It is a great way to have her as a teacher right in your own home, via her DVD's! You can get the box for a short time longer by going to http://kcwillis.blogspot.com/2010/08/bye-bye-boxhello-giveaway.html. Of course, you can take a Collage Camp class on-line, www.collagecamp.ning.com, or even get the real thing, K.C. in person! www.studioretreats.ning.com The former cowgirl in me loves K.C.!

New design

2010-08-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

Here are photos of a new top I created using a vintage lace curtain panel, doilies, and laces. Don't you love the way it flows? In this photograph I have a brown cami under it, but I think it would look great with any cami, t, or turtleneck and jeans, leggings, or long skirt. I'm working on one made of muslin just to see how it looks, too.

Across the pond....

2010-08-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

Lovely morning! Stephanie is on her way, and I just chatted with the lovely Bonzie Crotty in Ireland! She is my inspiration, creating a fabulous line of truly edgy, designer clothing. Check out her website - http://www.bonziedesigns.com/.

Getting Ready!

2010-08-07T18:07:00.000-04:00

Today I photographed all 69 of my shirts for Mount Dora. The first picture is a close-up of one of my favorites, made with my mother's bridal veil, French silk pleated trim, and hand crocheted circles. The other two photos show two different styles I will sell. Some of them have more elaborate detail on the back than on the front. I fear that I need twice that many (if I'm lucky), considering the number of people who usually attend the fair. However, I haven't worked on a lampshade since the beautiful blue accent one, so I have ordered chandeliers to alter! This summer I picked up some silverplate, and plan to use that and crystals I found at a flea market to make two very unusual pieces....and I may add laces, tulle, and beading - maybe even some of my soldered charms! Also, it would be fun to put together some "embellishments" that stand alone and can be pinned to coats, blazers, belts, and the like. Too many ideas!

New art! Sherry's, Christy's, and mine!

2010-07-13T07:31:00.000-04:00

Is it Christmas? Oh, no, I just indulged myself....by obtaining new pieces of art created by my friends, Sherry Goodloe (http://www.gotart4u.blogspot.com/) and Christy Sobolewski (http://www.gulfsprite.com/)! Someday I am going to set up a "gallery" area in my studio, but for now, here is my "mini gallery", with works from these two, myself, Shosh Jennings , and Dawn Gold!
I also completed one of my favorite lampshades so far....it is called Romantic Blues. I just got the antique laces, old pearls, and gorgeous appliques from Katy Raine's (http://www.bellallusions.com/mainmenu.html) mom in Ohio. The appliques are to die for - all hand formed and stitched. The dangly parts are a reconstructed broken necklace of mine. :) Don't you just love reusing things?

I love reading your comments here on my blog - please feel free to leave me a note!

Great friends in times of need....

2010-07-07T17:28:00.001-04:00

Carrie modeled some of my camis & ts, and created a flyer for me that has all of these photos on it. Isn't she a doll? Now that I have been accepted into the Mount Dora craft fair, I'd better get to work making more! Thanks, Carrie!

Vintage pins

2010-06-24T12:49:00.000-04:00

Hmmmm....what to do with all the scraps from the vintage trims I've been using on my camis and ts? Pins, of course! Here are some I've put together so far - let me know what you think.

I'm thinking they would look great pinned to torn muslin or raffia tied around bath towels or table linens, string wrapped around a bottle, or the smaller ones on a headband. What ideas do you have?

Peace by Piece

2010-06-21T08:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday night's art show was wonderful! I made new friends, reconnected with old ones, shared my work with hundreds, and made sales! How could it be anything but awesome?

I don't have a good shot of my camis, but I've posted plenty of those along the journey. The necklaces were a hit! Stephanie has taken some great photos in Italy so I will ask if I may use portions of those for other pendants - mixed with the old photos my dear friend Ray is sharing with me, I should be able to create some cool ones!

tomorrow....

2010-06-18T17:54:00.000-04:00

is the show! Here's the cami I have on my table display. I'm excited! Sunday or Monday I will share some photos from the actual show.

New favorite

2010-06-10T06:33:00.000-04:00

As I work on the upcoming show, I fall in love with what I'm making. As of today, this is my current favorite altered cami.

Of course, I'm really loving the one I have on the dress form now, so call me fickle.

My first art show!

2010-06-07T18:56:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, June 19, I will be a part of a wonderful art show in Fort Myers - my first! Here's the link for the blog! http://peacebypieceinftmyers.blogspot.com/

Staging a booth

2010-05-23T21:50:00.000-04:00

That's what I did today. Unfortunately, as hard as I've been working to create things, I don't think I had enough to make a decent presentation. But I'm going for it anyway! Here are photos of the things I want to try to sell.

Gorgeous give-away!

2010-05-19T06:17:00.000-04:00

Linda, beautiful, talented, quirky artist and on-line friend, has a terrific give-away! Check it out!
http://networkedblogs.com/3Zn9N

In my garden

2010-05-16T21:53:00.001-04:00

camis and ts

2010-05-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just can't stop embellishing! Soon I'll add to my trims and laces stash - look out! Waiting for just the right pin or flower for the left front.....

Mama went gator huntin'!

2010-05-09T18:27:00.000-04:00

Two cups of coffee....the bikes loaded on the back of the Trailblazer, beach gear packed, cooler loaded, and off to Sanibel we go! Since the beach is one of my favorite places to go, we couldn't go wrong, but the day just kept getting better and better! On our bike ride we stumbled upon a path through a preserve, the Bailey Tract, that we had never been into......and it was heavenly! Absolute silence except for the birds and the sound of lizards jumping from leaf to leaf. Mama didn't get to see her gator, but the flowers and insects were wonderful.

Afterwards we hit the gulf to cool off, and soaked up some more sun. See? Keeps getting better! But that's not the end......Dairy Queen sucked us in on the way off-island....ummm, another favorite, ice cream. Tom wanted to stop at the outlet mall to check on some golf shorts, so of course I had to explore there, too....and found little dresses at The Gap for $15! It's not done yet! I came home and proceeded to solder, dye cheesecloth (soon to be a new addiction), and love on the dogs. Yep, the only thing that would make this day even MORE perfect is being with my girls.
I'll leave you with this incredible image....she was perched in a low tree near the path to the beach, and took flight as I was taking pictures of her - right over my head.

Tropical blooms in paradise

2010-05-05T19:34:00.000-04:00

In my garden.....

Repurposed - pretty and practical

2010-05-02T18:38:00.000-04:00

I have been collecting vintage laces, fabrics, etc. and garage sale lampshades for some time, with the intention of doing something like this:

The fabric is muslin - torn pieces. The lace and netting is vintage (1940s) bridal veil, and the knives are vintage silver plate.
More to come - I have the forks and spoons, too!

Repurposed! A giveaway

2010-04-23T06:25:00.000-04:00

Through Sherry's blog I discovered Laurie's, and want to share it all with you! Most of you know that I love to repurpose things, so I will repost my "green" shopping bags, made from decorator samples I scored at a garage sale.

This is one I made previously, but I am working on more, including "mother/daughter" bags. I will keep you posted! In the meantime, be sure to visit LaurieAnna's Vintage Home!

A day for the birds....

2010-04-17T18:17:00.000-04:00

On the way back from class, I couldn't help but notice this big honkin' bird on top of the light pole at the entrance to I-75....

So as we got closer, I was able to see that it was our American Bald Eagle. Although a close-up shot is not clear, it's worth posting anyway.....

Later, I spotted these guinea hens on the side of the road.....

I wonder what tomorrow will bring....

New book, new look

2010-04-14T06:03:00.000-04:00

Here I am with my winnings! Jo http://www.wherewomencreate.typepad.com/and Jennyhttp://blog.crescendoh.com/crescendoh/, the book is marvelous! I love the snippets of ideas for inspiration and organization sprinkled throughout each interview, I love the interviews, and of course, I love the opportunity to peek inside the studios of so many wonderful artists! Bonziehttp://www.bonziedesigns.com/, your cuff has brought many rave remarks! Thank you all so much!

More treasures!

2010-04-12T06:44:00.000-04:00

Saturday brought more treasures from local yard and garage sales....

These three suitcases, in excellent condition, hold my fabrics and create and end table in my studio....

And here is an embroidered quilt top, which I will quilt....someday.....probably during a hot summer when we stay inside down here in southern Florida.

Spontaneity Rules!

2010-04-08T11:34:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful, spontaneous morning! Usually I am at work on a Thursday morning, so I forget about the farmer's market downtown - but today I just happened to be driving by. I whipped my car right into the parking lot and bought three bags of beautiful, fresh produce and two bunches of flowers.

Of course, when I saw the "garage sale" sign pointing down Rio Vista, one of my favorite old Fort Myers streets, the car took a whipping again.....and I struck pay dirt! My students will love the new goodies in the treasure box as well as the many games, puzzles, and art supplies I got for them. And I love the bag of laces and trims, the books of quotes (for which I have a marvelous idea), and the suitcase I fell in love with.

So guess what I'm going to do now? PLAY!

2010-03-22T18:12:00.002-04:00

I won! How cool it was to see my name and blog comment on Jenny's blog as winner of a signed copy of a terrific book, lovely crocheted flower and tag, and incredibly beautiful handmade cuff! Here's what I won!

Wonderful! http://blog.crescendoh.com

thought for today....

2010-03-18T06:15:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Suze, for this one!

TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Apache told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."The other is The Spirit - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:"Which wolf wins?"

The old Apache simply replied, "The one you feed.."

solder love

2010-03-07T17:17:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday I soldered with a friend, using her wonderful butane tool which I greatly envy....and these are what I created.....

This one using Angela Cartwright transparencies, patterned paper, and a piece of twine.

These two back-to-back; the window is a photo I took of an exquisite window in Boston, the other images are Angela's, the female collaged over the archway.

These two again collaged with varying elements - words, ribbons, papers - using Angela Cartwright transparencies. Other images may be included from other sources.

This is one of my favorite things to do!

10 things I love...

2010-02-28T09:16:00.001-05:00

My daughters, Natalie and Stephanie.
Music.
My Great Dane, Sophia, and her "brothers" of different breeds, Wags and Sammy.
My family.
My friends.
Natures many gifts, especially sunshine, creatures, flora and fauna, mountains and waters, and fresh air.
Art, and the freedom to create it.
Old things, even broken, rusted, stained, and used.
Massage.
And my dear mother, who has sacrificed much in her life, and who has been recently diagnosed as having a meningioma (brain tumor) at 86 years old.

ATCs for "wild romance" trade...

2010-02-21T13:44:00.000-05:00

And a mixed up bunch of ATCs they are! Some romantic in the normal perspective, some quirky with my twisted sense of humor. Several of these images I have saved for years, some of the old ephemera was just waiting for this opportunity, and some of my techniques, i.e. image transfer, are not the best, but I am very happy with them, anyway.

And the winners are.....

2010-02-15T08:21:00.000-05:00

The randon list generator with the help of the random number generator spit out these One World, One Heart winners: Judee wins the praying child, Ragamuffin wins the piece I call "Innocence", and tracey glitterbug wins the necklace! I will be in touch with each of these ladies today via email. And I am thrilled to know that I have one, also - a piece of Dawn Gold's art work! What a wild magic carpet ride!

vintage love!

2010-02-13T13:58:00.001-05:00

Sherry turned me on to a great vintage giveaway at Patina Soul (patinasoul.blogspot.com) - as part of the deal I am required to tell you about it, but I really don't want any more competition because I wanna win the jackpot! Truly, though, if you have a love for vintage, check it out - it's awesome.
Speaking of vintage, I have begun some vintage charms using illustrations from an old miniature grammar instruction book I picked up. I'm getting excited about how it's coming along, and will be sure to post pictures when done!