Something Sublime

Wing Love

In the fall, a perfect dragonfly flew right into my back door and landed on the windowsill.  Wanting to take photos later, I covered him up for safekeeping, but this curious girl...

 

...snatched him up and ran off with him.  Naughty Maggie made short, crunchy work of him and I didn't get a chance to photograph that particular dragonfly.  I was happy to find, not only a replacement, but also this:

 

  

 

It's been a strangely cold winter and a very cool spring but I'm finally hearing the birds twittering outside my door and seeing other winged things flit past.  It's hard to stay in my studio with such gorgeous weather!  Is it spring where you are?

Mixed Media Dollhouses

Have you seen this fab new book by Tally Oliveau and Julie Molina?  If you're a lover of mixed media, or doll houses, or miniatures, or assemblage, or...well...just really terrific, inventive ideas and techniques...take a look at this book:  Mixed Media Dollhouses.  The book is loaded with photographs of various artist's work.  There are several different houses with different themes...all in brilliant, living color with lots of close ups and tons of technique.  Tally was kind enough, a couple of years ago (could it be that long ago?!) to ask me to participate in this project.  Let me give you a peek at my contribution...

"Aviary"

This is my room, separated from the rest of the castle in which it belongs.  I decided to create an aviary, after all, every good castle needs one, right?

And every good aviary needs a bird girl.  I love this girl as she was the original inspiration for my birdcage necklaces. 

The story behind Birdgirl is a little sad:  Birdgirl is sort of stuck in a rut...in fact, she's rooted to her very seat.  She's a bit absorbed with herself and her immediate surroundings, poor thing.

Since her self-imposed confinement makes her prone to a tendency to dwell on the negative, she wears on her forehead a permanent reminder to "show kindness."

Small reminders surface from the wallpaper of her room, as well.

Her creations lie within herself, waiting to emerge if she would only allow it.

She's a very emotional gal.

She keeps company with her adoring, captive minions (their mica enclosed cages hang on a piece of Manzanita given to me by my mother, years ago)...

...and watches jealously as others fly freely, outside her window...wishing she could join them but not wanting to give up her spot as queen of the aviary. 

And that's just the story of one room!  There are many, many rooms in "Mixed Media Dollhouses" to explore and enjoy...and endless inspiration.  My room is just one tiny part, but I'm honored to have been included.  Thank you, Tally and Julie!

Triumphant

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
   "Hosanna to the Son of David!"
   "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
   "Hosanna in the highest!"  Matthew 21:8-9

Hola!

Sometimes, I just can't believe how very blessed I am.  I just returned from a fabulous spring break trip to Mazatlan, Mexico with my guys.  We met my parents there and had such a great time.

 Mazatlan is a beautiful place...

...and the place we stayed was incredible.  We spent some time around the pool (which is where my previous post originated.  There was a lot of aging going on there...not all of it graceful!) and spent some time in town.  Our friends, Pattie and Larry, live in Mazatlan and were kind enough to tour us around town.

The streets are a colorful array of bright houses and shops.

   

 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Even the cathedral is bright!  This is the Catedral Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion.  It's a lovely yellow that pops against a brilliant blue sky on a sunny day.

 

Last time we were in Mazatlan, I got a great photo of the cathedral's statue of Jesus...which is not digital...so I can't locate it at the moment.  But, I did find this atc I made, using the photo.  This cathedral is a perfect photo subject.  I discovered, after my visit, that it's the only Roman Catholic Church, in the world, to display the Star of David in each of its 28 stained glass windows...which, unfortunately, I didn't see but plan to catch on the next visit.

One of the many highlights of our trip was when Pattie and Larry took us to Stone Island.

To get there, we caught a boat off this fisherman's wharf.  It was thick with pelicans and gulls, waiting for a meal.

One of these little boats was our water taxi.

Stone Island is a much more laid back atmosphere than other parts of Mazatlan.  It's covered with long stretches of undeveloped beach, bordered by acres of palm groves.

We did nothing more than sit at one of the palapa restaurants, owned by a friend of Pattie and Larry, talk, eat shrimp and drink cokes...all day.  (Well, my guys did ride the banana boats.)  It was wonderful!  The breeze was cool, the company was lovely and the view was superb:

Previously, I've had the pleasure of meeting up with Pattie only online.  I loved being able to meet her in person.  She and Larry were such gracious hosts...taking us on several car tours and even a walking tour of Stone Island.  Pattie makes the most marvelous clothing...she really should start a her own line.  When I first met her, I drooled over the lovely, cropped top she wore.  I suggested we do a trade and the next thing I knew, she was giving me the shirt off her back!

Here's my talented friend (who also makes beautiful jewelry) wearing the sweet top that now belongs to me.  (love it!)

  She also gifted me with this gorgeous, handmade purse...filled with goodies.  I muled some art stuff to Mazatlan for her but I really think that I got the better end of this deal.  Thank you, Pattie!

Back in Mazatlan proper, we discovered this street artist, one night.  He created beautiful works of art with spray paint.    I was amazed, watching him work.

We watched fire dancers on the beach...

...ate lots of good food...

 

  ...shopped...I was hoping to find a clay cross, like this, to add to my collection.  I was thrilled when I spotted it!  Pattie took me to a few of her favorite haunts where we found some outstanding goodies, including this artisian, barro negro, black clay cross from Oaxaca...

...and this whimsical tin mirror...with nesting love birds...

 

 
...and one more tin cross for the collection.  I took tons of photos...

 

...and, at the end of the day, returned "home" to the most glorious sunsets.

It was wonderfully restful, disconnected from the internet and cell phone, but I've returned home to a plenty long to-do list.  Back in the saddle...but looking forward to next time...

Not Unfinished

During this last week, I was contacted by a lovely woman, Victoria Rayner.  Victoria is an author and also writes a blog called Aesthetic Healing Mindset.   And, while I don't know Victoria at all, I'm really liking her writing...mostly due to this post...because, dang!...she's just so complimentary to me!  In fact, much more so than I deserve.  Victoria is a woman who is enjoying the journey of aging gracefully.  And her husband, well, what woman "of a certain age" couldn't admire a man who considers young women "unfinished?"  In a society where older women are often thrown to the discard pile in favor of a younger version, it's refreshing to hear from someone who sincerely values mature women.

Beyond Victoria's compliments, I love what she says about aging gracefully.  Not that I think I'm the ideal in any way (far from it!), but I do believe that grace is what we, as women, should strive for.  Grace in actions, words and beliefs.  Grace in the way we treat others and the grace and maturity to hold our emotions, and our tongues, in check.  These are things that many a younger woman (and many an older woman, for that matter) has, unfortunately, not mastered.  Victoria and husband have it right when they speak of the mature "female soul who has grown to appreciate the finer things of life" and "the wiles of a woman who has lived and who has been nourished by many of the majestic moments of life."  This is the woman who is mature enough, and secure enough, in herself to nurture, encourage and praise those around her...to celebrate the successes of others rather than see them as a threat...to dwell on "whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, or praiseworthy" Philippians 4:8  So, ladies...here's to finishing well!

An Accidental Quilter

How does one become an accidental quilter?  Jenny emailed me one day, a while back, saying "Hey!  Why don't you use your jewelry skills to make a quiltie thing and maybe throw in a twisty, wiry, leafy thing?"  Ok, she didn't use exactly those words...Jenny is way more sophisticated than that!... but, you get the idea.  Next thing I know, I'm stitching and twisting and...

...my little quiltie thingy is now appearing in Stampington's Spring 2010 issue of Art Quilting Studio.  Yay for the little quiltie that could!   Let me show you around my quiltie...

First of all, I found this incredible embroidered piece of deep blue silk that set the tone for the whole piece.  Of course, I love birds (my name means "bird") so I grabbed this, thinking it would make a great starting point for my piece.

I gathered up some of my favorite things;  mother of pearl buttons, vintage text, tulle...

...sequins, antique trim, cheesecloth...

...a vintage prayer card with a cross.

I had an idea, in my head, of a Victorian/garden/conservatory kind of feeling.  I had this lovely, gray, kid glove in my stash so I created an interesting element by using French knots to add a dyed and rusted yo-yo...

...velvet leaves and a spray of "buds."

I gave the glove a wedding ring...a lovely brass, embossed thing from France.

In this corner, I added a vintage, mother of pearl tie clip with the initial "E"...the first letter of my mother's middle name.

And, oh!...look at this gorgeous teal, rhinestone crown.  I pinned it to the piece so it would be removable, in case I want to wear it on my lapel, later.  Lots, and lots of seed beads and French knots, all around.

And now for my favorite part...  I wanted to add my wire-work leaves to some sort of hanger for the quiltie.  I was having garden-y thoughts during the whole process so I constructed an old fashioned "fence" with twisted wire, twigs, silk and antique lace to run across the top of the piece.

I was looking for a bower effect so, at each end of the fence, I added a bouquet of paper and wire leaves with more flowery buds.  The fence serves as the quilt hanger.

Although, I was a little apprehensive about starting this project, it was really a lot of fun.   If I had more time, I could get addicted to this free-form sewing stuff.  Thank you, Jenny, for prompting me to this amusing and creative diversion!

Oh, Alice

Oh, Alice!  Champion of goodness, defender of the meek, slayer of jabberwocky.  You have not lost your muchness!

Shady Ladies Altered Art Workshops-April 2010

I've been in a whirlwind state of teaching, lately, and loving it.  In April I'll be driving to the quaint town of Salado, Texas to teach at a retreat called Shady Ladies Altered Art Retreat, put on by Jeri Aaron.  Some of you may have heard me talking about it at Adorn Me. 

 
Shady Ladies is going to be a smaller event...much more intimate.  Which means, if you're a student, you'll enjoy tons of personal attention from your instructors and you'll get to know more of your fellow retreat attendees.

Salado sounds like the ideal place for this kind of retreat.  I hear there are all kinds of shops, antique stores and galleries plus...a golf course, just in case Wife Whisperer, or any other stray husbands decide to tag along.  I love it when I get a chance to teach locally!

I'll be teaching two really fun classes that I've developed especially for this venue.  Wrapped in Silk Bangle Bracelet will be held Saturday, April 24th.  This is an awesome bracelet with tons of texture and as many charms and goodies as you want to add.  They're great worn stacked.

My second class is a take-off from my Wingkeeper class...it's called Winged Things and will be held Sunday, April 25th.  In this class, you'll learn how to make several different kinds of whimsical, winged creatures with wings created from antique paper.  These are so much fun to make!

 I hope you'll consider joining us for a fun and relaxing weekend in Salado.  Take a look at the site and class offerings here.  April is right around the corner!

Considering Myself Adorned

Secret Garden Birdcage class

I've vegging on the couch today, recovering from a wonderful time at Adorn Me...right here in my very own back yard.  I taught four classes and had the best time.  This venue had an incredibly positive "vibe" and Chuck and Linda did a phenomenal job.  Everyone was friendly and excited.  It was like being surrounded by family and on my days off I could hardly stand missing out on the fun!

 JouJou Charm Keeper by Sue Trump

My students were all so very enthusiastic and creative...

Secret Garden Birdcage by Zhulia Abrok

 

Secret Garden Birdcage by Debbie Cardwell

There were many treasured moments such as when my student, Debbie, showed me her beautiful "Deryn inspired" necklace.  Click on the photo for a bit bigger view.  Is it not gorgeous?  I am completely honored to know that some of you, out there, love my work enough to try your hand at it.  Debbie told me that she's just started to make jewelry and, from the looks of it, she's well on her way to developing the skills that will lead her into a creative future.  Right now, she's making elements using my tutorials but I have no doubt that Debbie will move beyond that in no time.  That's what teaching is all about...inspiring your students to walk the path you've been down, and encouraging them to go a little further.  Sharing that spirit and artistic energy and enlivening others to create without restriction (see Jen's O&E post on Robert Dancik.)  I strive to be the person that gives freely of whatever gift I might have been given because, for all the energy and work it is developing and preparing for classes...working up new pieces, gathering materials, putting together class kits and hand-outs, traveling and schlepping...I cherish my time in class with my students.  It's my favorite part of any event like this.  Thank you, students!

Riki Schumacher, Diane Cook, Diana Frey, myself, Charlene Gray

And then there's my other favorite thing...socializing!  There were quite a few friends that I've known online and finally got to meet, in person, for the first time...

Amy Hanna and Pam Garrison

 ...love my pretty Cali girls!  It makes me smile just to see them smile.  I've been waiting for a long time to meet these two in person and it was just like meeting up with old friends.

Riki Schumacher and Diane Cook

Look at this photo...this is what the whole event felt like!  The lovely and funny Riki constantly entertained us with one tale or another and kept poor, sweet Diane in stitches all week.

 

Riki, Diana Frey, Diane Cook

The Three Amigas were practically inseparable.  I was so happy to get to spend a little time with these three again.  They all taught wonderful classes and came away with very happy students.  I was almost blinded by bling when I walked into Diane's class to see what was cooking.  When she says Rhinestone Dreams, she really means it.

My friend, Stephanie, stayed with me and we shuttled back and forth to the venue, a few times.  I saw one of Stephanie's students with a pixie pin she'd created in class...just so adorable.

Of course, one of the great pleasures of my week was spending time with Jane and Richard.

I'm seriously considering moving to Santa Fe, just to be closer to these two...at least for a week.  Get that blow dryer outlet ready for me, Jane. 

There were so many others that I didn't get photos of...the very colorful Rice and Ever Gorgeous Earl (see you in Salado--with your new camera!), Melissa Manly, Ruth, Beth Bricker and her whole diva gang, the delightful Keith Lo Bue (no wonder the ladies like him!)  Laurel Steven and the lovely and talented Lorena Angulo who relieved me of some cash during vendor night.

Linda is looking at bringing Adorn Me back to Houston, next year.  So, if you missed it this year...you might have another chance.  I'll be posting to my blog as soon as I hear...

Adorn Me, Please

"Mojave"

The full force of "Adorn Me" is upon us, here in Houston.  What better way to spend a week than surrounded by  jewelry/art lovers, meeting new creative folk and socializing with old friends?  This venue is fantastic.  The hotel is brand new.  The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.  The food is good (even the coffee), and our esteemed organizer, Linda Young, is supremely professional and lovely to work with.  She's made it an outstanding experience, so far.  I'm a happy, happy girl.

I spent my first day in class with the fabulous Richard Salley.  Don't I look happy?  Richard is not only an amazing teacher, but a good friend.  His beautiful wife, Jane (whom I adore, as well) is here too.  I don't have a photo of her yet but intend to, before the week is out.  Jane is one of my very talented design team sisters for Objects and Elements.

My dear friend, Sally, was in class with me.  We sat in the back and tried not to be disruptive.  Here she is, giving me the Vulcan salute.  Or, she might be showing me what she made in class...I'm not sure.

We worked on solder-free bezels and fold forming.  Having just come from Las Vegas and the Mojave, my pieces were desert inspired.

"Moon and Stars" cuff focal  

The results reminded me so much of the weird, red rock formations we'd seen...very organic and sort of grungy.

Fold forming was new to me but, I promise, it won't be the last time you see it in my work.  It's exactly the kind of technique I love.

We're just getting started, here at Adorn Me.  I taught my first class of the week, Thursday night...resin papers using Ice resin (it's ok...Susan knows I'm doing this...she wants me to!)  Just look how much fun my students are having stirring, stirring and stirring some more.

Now, smearing...sticky good fun.  Thank you ladies, for a wonderful class!  I know you ended up with some beautiful papers.  I've got three more classes to teach (like I said, we're just getting started) so, stop by if you're in the area and, if you're not...get here.  Saddle up your horse or donkey or your John Deere tractor (it just so happens to be rodeo time here)...and come play with us.  At the very least, make a plan for next year...we're having a big time, here in Texas!