Something Sublime

Confessions of an Accidental Collector

This week, I received a lovely, thoughtful gift in the mail.  This red, velvet rosary case was given to me by a woman who saw my blog and thought it would be a nice way to display my jewelry.  It's a vintage box, worn around the edges, with crushed velvet on the outside and white satin inside.  Just my thing!  Thank you Lorraine...

I seem to be gathering a small collection of vintage pincushions as well as jewelry boxes, and now, old glass pins.  It's funny how these things start.  I had an idea for jewelry display using my Chinese pincushions...

...went searching for vintage, glass pins...

...and ended up with yet another vintage pincushion!

But, in my view, less is more when it comes to nifty, old stuff.  I'm sure this cushion will come in handy somehow...

Scenes From the Studio

Ok...so I thought I would give you a little studio tour so you can see my workplace.  I'll tell you right now, things are a bit cramped in there so I've got lots of close ups.  Wouldn't want you to see that dang cleaning lady hasn't come lately!

In preparation for the trunk show DJ and I will be having June 20th before our class in Arizona, I've been picking up props here and there for my jewelry display.  I'm afraid I got somewhat carried away but I just couldn't resist these vintage jewelry boxes...leather lined with velvet.  They're the most delicious, vintage colors!

This pink one is teal inside...perfect.  I'm sure someone thought it was high time to get rid of these old things but, their loss is my gain.

Love this little velvet Italian number!

And this old, flowery, paper covered box.  When you see the inside of this one, you'll see that this is where I probably went overboard a bit:

Yes...she's a blue ballerina.  Well, I never had one as a kid so here she is now.  Besides, the inside of her box is lined with velvet and shirred fabric.  Who could resist?  She twirls around in the most wonderful way.  This particular item got some really comical, puzzled looks from my three guys.

Various fabrics to be artfully placed under the boxes...  The crochet on the right is handiwork from France.

These vintage, silk pincushions are another find I'm powerless to resist.  I just adore those little Chinese kids holding hands...and their tiny pigtails!

See how endearing they are?  I actually have a plan to use these in my display at the trunk show.  I'll be posting photos of the whole thing later.

You can't see much of it in this photo but I snagged this wonderful, old, wire greeting card display rack.  there are three wire sections and a heavy base.  The whole thing comes apart so I can easily pack it around with me. 

I got this lovely, small, china dish to hold my business cards.  Right now my collection of baby spoons resides there.  Back to some studio scenes and a few things I've been working on...or, will be working on.

"Babies in a pouch" Number 2 mini man stated rather facetiously when he saw them.  Funny boy!

Vintage stamps and carousel...I use these a lot.

A cool piece of crusty "junque" I have laying around.  This is one of those things that I have no idea what I'll do with but, there will be a moment when it will be the perfect thing for a project.  I love when that happens.  It just happened to me with these large, gaudy, copper rosebuds.  I didn't think I'd ever use them but...voila!...they ended up being the perfect element for a project I just finished...

The moral of the story:  never throw anything out no matter how useless it seems at the time and no matter how many times Wife Whisperer tells you you should.

This is part of my vintage globe collection.  The whole lot has narrowly escaped the trash bin on more than one occasion.  But hey...everyone needs a globe or two...right?

And, of course, some lovely baubles to work with.  Last, but not least, what I should be doing right now instead of giving a studio tour.  But, touring is so much fun!

Sprung

Part of Life It Photos group

I couldn't resist snapping some quick photos of my neighbor's beautiful Bradford pear tree.  The last couple of weeks we've had quite a few gorgeous, spring days...one of the advantages of this glorious, humid sub-tropical climate I live in (the other day it was 87 degrees!).  I felt a bit foolish when neighbor man came out his door and there I was crouching on the ground with my telephoto in hand.  Hopefully, he thinks I'm a real cool, quirky artist type but most likely he just thinks I'm strange! 

Life It

"Gate Latch" uploaded to Life It Photos group

Slacking Off

   

Wow...I've been really busy working on lots of stuff besides jewelry lately!  I do have a few pieces of jewelry to show for my time and effort but not much that I can offer in my etsy shop at the moment.  This, and the fact that my etsy widget developed issues, probably have you wondering if I've just deserted etsy altogether and, the answer is no!  But, when you're busy camping in the woods, it's hard to come back to the harsh reality of the studio and take care of business.

Don't you love the length of these earrings?  They're called "shoulder sweeps".  What a romantic name!

I do have this great pair of earrings listed in my shop and, I know it sounds selfish, but, I've bonded with them and I'm kind of hoping they don't sell so I can keep them for myself.  I feel like a princess with them swinging from my earlobes!  They're made from long, slender stick pearls and faceted, citrine drops...so pretty.

I've also listed these lovely earrings but, I haven't bonded with them yet so you won't have to pry them out of my ears if you want them. (sold)

So, what exactly have I been doing around here lately?  Let's see...working on a few projects that popped up, finishing up some writing (no, I'm not a writer!), making various and sundry items for gift giving and polishing off that big box of bon bons Wife Whisperer gave me for Valentine's day.

Ok, so I fibbed a little.  Wife Whisperer really gave me some new backpacking duds for V-day.  It's almost the same thing as bon bons...right?  I'll be the best dressed hiker on the trail.  The red roses were a nice touch too.

Life It Photos

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

I don't know Becky New but she started a great flickr group called Life It Photos.  My friend, Roben Marie Smith joined and has been having so much fun, I thought I'd give it a try.  Becky's vision is for each of us to "capture the moments of life's everyday happenings".  Little flashes of our individual lives...what a great motivation to get that lens cap off!

Angel Toes and Onion Rings

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

Last weekend, Wife Whisperer woke me up with a terrific idea..."let's go to La Grange!"  (Yes, it's the same La Grange as in the ZZ Top song.)  It was a cool, cloudy morning, threatening rain; a perfect day for a cemetery photo shoot.  We packed up some coffee and the camera gear and took off.  He's a smart man, that one.  He knows what I like!

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

La Grange has a very interesting, old cemetery dating back to at least 1840, called Old City Cemetery.  The cemetery has a lot of interesting statuary and wrought iron and a fascinating history.  In 1867, an epidemic of yellow fever struck La Grange.  About 200 people, a fifth of the population, perished.  There were mass burials in the cemetery and many grave markers from that year can be seen.

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

By the year 1872, just five short years later, Old City Cemetery was apparently forgotten, overrun with weeds, hogs and cattle.  The next year, in 1873, fourteen local ladies formed the Ladies Cemetery Association to restore the cemetery and attend to it's upkeep...bless their hearts!  Over the years, the cemetery has suffered it's share of acts of vandalism...as you can see in the photo above.

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

  You may be wondering...why toes?  Why angel toes?  Well, I'm not sure except that, as I wandered through, I found myself drawn to the bare feet and exposed toes.  They really are lovely and, oh, so much more interesting than photos of my own feet!

We ventured into La Grange proper, about a block away, for lunch...Texas style.  I'm sure the locals were amused by the city gal with the camera.

   

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

 

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas

After leaving La Grange, I spotted a small sign, pointing down a side road, for Rutersville Cemetery.  Wherever you travel in Texas, you see signs like these for small cemeteries or even family plots.  I've captured some great photos in these little cemeteries.

 

Rutersville Cemetery, Rutersville, Texas

 

Rutersville Cemetery, Rutersville, Texas

In a successful effort to score extra points, Wife Whisperer also stopped at, not just one antique place, but two!  Outside Brenham is a place called "Leftovers".  They have the most fabulous stuff you've ever seen.  I picked up some incredible, Victorian silhouettes.

But back to the real reason for traipsing across Texas...

 

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas

It's always a good day when I can wander peacefully in a cemetery taking photos.  It was extra special because Wife Whisperer offered to accompany me.  He even shot a few pictures of his own...

Old City Cemetery, La Grange, Texas--The biggest stink bug in Texas

The Passionate Blogger

"Crowned"

Melanie at Le Petit Cabinet De Curiosites has kindly tagged me to give my top tips for successful blogging.  I'm no professional blogger but, for my dozen or so readers (you know who you are!) I'll give it a shot:

1.  Love your blog.  You have to love blogging to have a successful blog!  If you'd rather clean the toilets than post, you probably don't have the blogging passion you need to keep readers coming back.  Michelle Ward

2.  Post often, post often, post often.  Readers like to come to your spot to see what's new.  The more often you post, the more frequently they'll visit.  Did I say...?  Post often!  Soul Humming

3.  Post lots of fabulous pictures and not so many words.  Visitors may find descriptions of your latest nature walk riveting but a picture's worth a thousand words!  Sandra Evertson

4.  Give your readers interesting and relevant information;  a tutorial, book review, contest, blog links, etc.  The Altered Page

5.  Make it easy and fun for your visitors with a well designed site.  Make sure your blog is easy to navigate and not too cluttered.  Tongue in Cheek

There you have it...my plan for the perfect blog.  I've tagged only five but there are tons of talented bloggers out there.  What are your best blogging tips?

Faded

"Faded" photo by Deryn Mentock

The special occasion is past.  They're just as beautiful faded as fresh.  More beautiful, actually, with more character, more lovely, muted tones and more interesting shapes.  Does beauty have to be "fresh" to be beautiful?

Something to do with Beads

Something shiny that glows when the light hits it.  Something from the sea...something colored robin's egg blue.

Something made from ox bone...ancient bartering tools.

Something in the shape of a cross.

Something old and crackled...something rough and textured...something sublime.

I traipsed across town to the International Gem and Jewelry Show yesterday, braving the traffic, wind and low temperature (It only got up to 53 degrees here yesterday. Compared to a record high of 81 degrees in the year 2000...that's downright chilly!).  It was well worth the trip to come back with some unique treasure.  If anyone can tell me what the crackled beads pictured above are made of, I'd love to hear!  The bead dealer knew they came from Ethiopia but she couldn't tell me what they were made of.  Aren't they great?

Defining 2008

"Hope"

Yesterday was the day my goals for 2008 were defined.  I rarely make new year's resolutions or too many goals for the upcoming year, preferring instead, to let the new year bring what it will.  But, yesterday, I was contacted by a blog reader and customer of mine...a woman I'd never met.  She took the time and trouble out of her day to call me and tell me that my work and blog have touched her.  Amidst a year of turmoil and death in her life, my words, images and artwork helped her in some way.  She struck me speechless in the first few moments of our conversation...I was close to tears!  After all, this means that my dreams for my work and this blog are actually being fulfilled.  This woman is a spark of light for me, an encouragement, and I'm very grateful to her for that!

"Our Lady of the Garden"

My friend, Lelainia Lloyd has forced me to define my goals for the upcoming year as well.  She's written a fabulous post on her Artpub blog called "Seasons of Light".  In it, she writes about "Luminaries"-people whose light and vision help to strengthen and improve the lives of those around them.  A worthy goal, certainly!  Lelainia  writes, "Sometimes the way to be the light is simply to reflect back to someone the good that is in them, until they can see if for themselves."  Although, she may not realize it, Lelania has been that light for me on more than one occasion.

"Light"

Make sure you read Lelainia's post in full, it's insightful and inspiring.  This is how she finishes...and it couldn't be said better:

"In this, the season of light, I challenge you to think about how you are in the world and to remember we are all fragile human beings, striving.  Let's look for more opportunities to celebrate, support and encourage one another and spread the light.  And may all the goodness you bring to the world come back to you tenfold."

And so, my direction for 2008 is defined...

A Gifting We Will Go

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

Sir Winston Churchill

I've been out antique hunting this weekend and came across something I'd like to gift my readers with.  There's a little peek above.  To see more, visit my blog at Artpub.  Make sure you visit the other artist's blogs while you're there.  Several are offering great tutorials and other freebies.

I got a fabulous, surprise boxful of goodies this weekend from my sweet friend Mija, my fellow Oregonian...for no other reason than simply to encourage me and thank me.  This crucifix was one of the treasures in the box, along with a length of vintage ribbon in my favorite color.  (As you can see, I'm still doing the macro love dance with the new lens!)

The thing I love about what Mija sent is that each object in the box is perfect for me.  Even though we've only met in person once, Mija knows exactly what I like!  She's very intuitive and you can see that sensitivity in her artwork.  (Make sure you check it out.)  Or, maybe she's just really generous and really smart.  I think she's all of the above!

prayer cards...

vintage religious medals...

an antique key...

old books, filigree metal thingies and...how does she know I collect vintage butter knives?!

Oh, and look at this awesome, old, serving spoon my friend Colleen gave me.  It's a Christmas pattern...maybe from Germany?

And, from my sweet friend Katie Kendrick, this gorgeous, vintage, silk kimono!  I've been overly blessed with material gifts this year but the best part is the care, love and support behind the gifting.  For that, I am very thankful!

Gifted

Well, Christmas day has come and gone but, I swear, I'm still feeling the love.  At my house, it was a wonderful Holiday.  Of course, Christmas vacation means the mini men are home from school and that always makes things interesting and fun.  Son Number One passed an important milestone...popping his first champagne cork.

Into the neighbor's yard...naturally!  He's not old enough for mimosas but learning life skills is important to us.

There were other exciting activities afoot...

Wife Whisperer is a great shot...

Number One is even better!  I searched far and wide for those red replacement bulbs.  Hmm...

Targets that spew foaming liquid into the air are even more fun.  But seriously...I was truly gifted this year not only with presents under the tree but with time, well spent, with my guys.  They were extremely thoughtful in their Holiday gift giving and a few special items brought tears to my eyes (and I'm not one for crying!)...

The mini men gave me this beautiful Tower of David to go with my "Little Town of Bethlehem" village.  They were so excited to watch me open it!

Oh yeah...squishy bowls and backpacking flatware.  Yes, this definitely brought a tear just thinking of the pain that  backpacking trip down the Lone Star Trail is going to cost me.  I've managed to put it off for most of the year but, I think my couch potato days are almost over.

Ok now, this one really did make me cry!  Not only that, I skipped around the Christmas tree doing the happy dance and looking foolish for the better part of the morning.  I've wanted a macro lens for oh...about 12 years or so!  Yippee!

Another serious tear jerker.  This one was from my mom.  Her class ring.  Very cool because we graduated from the same high school (not the same year, of course!).  When I called to thank her, there was another round of blubbering...  Thanks mom, I adore it!  (Wow, that macro lens really works!)

These didn't produce the Niagra of tears that the class ring did but still, very touching!  My great-grandmother used to make this type of knitted slippers and I love them.  Mom knows that about me and gifted me with this ultra-cool, blue and green pair.

This has nothing to do with Christmas gifts except to say that the new macro is incredible!

Another non-Christmasy shot but, dang!...this lens is awesome!  Anything is fair game now...

Ummm...my pink poinsettia...

Ok, enough with the macro shots for now.  I hope you all don't mind joining in on my macro adventures.  I think I'm addicted!

Deck the Halls

The Christmas rush is almost over...it's practically here!  Welcome to my holiday home!  Come on in, have a mimosa or a cup of cider and I'll show you around.  Last week it was 82 degrees here but early this morning everything was covered with a silvery layer of frost.  The fire is roaring, the Christmas carols are softly playing on the stereo...so, let's get started!

Decorations on the tree...

The most gorgeous pink poinsettias I've ever seen...  This particular variety has small, round, pink and cream flowers that look like someone crunched them up in their fist then turned them loose.

Vintage bottle brush trees, of course!  Believe it or not, one year I found a box of these at a garage sale for three bucks.  The vintage ones are getting more scarce every year.

Jingle bells...

Handpainted Christmas village (bet you didn't know, I have a past life as a decorative painter!) And, a forest of bottle brush trees.

Cherubim and Seraphim...complete with lamb...

Vintage ornaments adorn my fabulously chic, vintage, tinsel tree.

About half the ornaments on my splendid tinsel tree belonged to my beloved Grandma.

White porcelain ornaments...a big part of Christmas at my house.  My mother has been gifting me with these every Christmas since I've been married.  Over 22 years...count 'em...22!

 

A very special, lighted Santa.  I found him last year at an antique mall.  He's exactly like the one that spent every Christmas on the front porch of the home where I grew up.  I was so excited to welcome him to my own home now!

Angels we have heard on high...this one from Mexico.

What would Christmas be without packages, boxes and bows?

Part of my collection of sugar Santas.

Jeweled Christmas birds nesting on my front porch.  This fabulous nest blew down one windy autumn day.

 

More of the Jolly Old Elf...a giftbox-turned-ornament that was made by a friend.

Twinkling Christmas lights...

Yuletide by the fireside...  As much as we enjoy the fire, my little dog is who you'll find here.  She loves to lay on the hearth.  She gets so close to the flames, and so hot, it seems she might spontaneously combust!

 

And, the reason for the season, the Holy Child.  The real meaning behind the giving of gifts, the shining lights and glorious tree...the King of Kings, come to earth in the form of a tiny baby!

For my family and friends who are far away, for friends who are near and for my kind readers, I hope you enjoyed my little tour.  Happy Christmas!  I hope your holiday season is blessed and your new year bright!

Return From Art & Soul

Wow!  I'm busy but am finally getting settled back in after an extended stay in Portland for A&S and to visit my family.  It's always great to be back in my hometown!

I can't even describe what a fabulous time I had at Art & Soul in Portland this year!  A huge thank you goes to Glenny who organized a multitude of terrific art classes for some 400-500 of us this year.  The weather was less than spectacular, as you can see from my pics, but everything else was wonderful, including my teachers and all the friends, old and new, I got to see.

I was lucky enough to get into all three of  Robert Dancik's classes.  His specialty is a versatile product called "faux bone".  It seemed like he tried to teach us everything he knows...and more!  He was extremely generous and free with techniques, tools, materials, sources...anything and everything we could think to ask him about.  My favorite kind of teacher!

I also had a terrific metal clay class with Sharri Haab and Wendy Manilow and a fun book class with LK Ludwig.  One of my faves was a jewelry/mixed media class with the lovely and talented Jane Wynn.  She was also very generous with her knowledge and I immediately felt connected.  I love the way her brain works! 

I got a chance to return to my first love: glass.  Lorna Lovell and Carmen Reynolds taught a class in kiln forming glass.  One of my first art interests was stained glass and I really thought it would be my career but, I was sidetracked by life.  I had so much fun, in this class, being near the glass world again.  The zip of the metal cutting wheel on the glass was like a familiar, old friend.  But, the best part was composing bits of dichroic glass, stringers, noodles and punches to form beautiful, tiny bits of melted glass art.  Lorna is the owner of Uroboros glass which I remember from my old stained glass days so I was thrilled to meet her and even more so to take a class from her and Carmen.  Besides...look what cool stuff we made!

Of course, the best thing about A&S is meeting up with people.  As you can see, I chanced upon the wonderful Judy Wise.  Aren't her earrings lovely?? 

I was overjoyed to see my old friend DJ Pettitt.  DJ is one of the kindest people I know and also, extremely talented.  Her talent and spirit flow over into her classes as you can see from the pictures she's posted to her blog of her student's work.

I lunched one day with sweet Katie Kendrick and Michael DeMeng, who is such a charismatic guy.  I can't believe we haven't run into each other before.

I had the pleasure of sitting with my friend Stephanie Rubiano in the metal clay class.  Stephanie and I have known each other a long time and we both live in Texas but it takes traveling out of state for us to see each other.  (Congrats to you Stephanie on your recent successes!)  I also sat with Catherine Witherell who, let me tell you, is super talented and full of ideas!  Catherine and I have known each other for awhile online so it was great to finally meet in person.

I fused glass with Rhonda Scott and Kathy Read, swapped charms with Michelle Geller -who is the sweetest thing.  I sat next to Diana Frey in one of my classes, got to meet  Tonia Davenport (terrific plexi jewelry) and reunited briefly with my good friend Ronnie Grundset.  And finally, finally got to meet someone I've been hearing about for well over a year and corresponding with; Mija Andrade.  What a joy it was to meet her!  You are a kind, gentle soul Mija! 

I'm sure I've left someone out here and, sadly, there were a few folks I just didn't get to see.  It was a whirlwind but a good one!  It was bittersweet leaving my home and the view of Mt. Hood and the two mountains behind it (Adams and Rainier) brought tears to my eyes...very unexpectedly!  But, my parents are here visiting now to soften the blow.  Needless to say, I'm super busy trying to get caught up and meet deadlines as well as fighting a nasty, Oregon head cold.  Off to work...

Treasure Hunt

   

I got the urge to treasure hunt yesterday and popped into my local antique store.  I can usually dig up something there and found a bag of hand crocheted lace that I couldn't live without.  I can't even imagine the time it must have taken someone's grandma to make these laces.  My own great-grandmother tried to teach me to crochet when I was  young and impatient.  Needless to say, I never even finished one doily.  Bless her heart for trying!

I couldn't possibly leave the place without this copy of Steeles text.  Apparently, zoology was a topic to be taught, back in the day.  This little book is an absolute treasure trove of illustrations.  Take a look:

I was going to cut up this book for collage but, as often happens, I just don't have the heart.  It's chock full of images of every kind of animal, fish, bird and bug...and it's in excellent condition.  Guess I'll be making a trip to Kinko's!

The Emerald City

I returned this weekend from a trip to the beautiful, Emerald City of Seattle.  My friend Sally and I were blessed to be able to attend a weeklong workshop with the super-talented Susan Lenart Kazmer.  Susan is one of the most generous and energetic teachers I've ever met.  Every time her laughter wafted through our workroom, it brought a smile to my face.  Just being around her puts you in a different, more creative, state of mind.  Susan always encourages outside-the-box thinking and troubleshooting was one of my favorite parts of the workshop. 

I put a few of the terrific projects I completed in class into the slide show above.  "Secrets Revealed" is a fabricated/found object ring that can also be worn as a pendant.  The secret is that, when you wear it as a pendant, you have to lift it up to see the faceted stone inside.  Also, some of the "secret" found objects I used were old coins, a bottle cap and found brass.  "Filigree Prayer Ring" is also made with found brass.  I tucked a Bible page through the center along with some ribbon and a feather which has a special meaning to me.  The "Chinaman" piece os one that I had a lot of fun troubleshooting.  A sweet lady in class, Riki, gave us all an antique shoe button to use and it fit perfectly for his feet.  I love the way he turned out!

Scenes from Seattle:

Things I learned in Seattle:

The seafood guys get crabby when you only want to take a picture.

So does the pepper lady.

Don't squeeze the fruit.

Pretty things get thrown in the trash and ugly things get put on the wall.

Don't pack a 50 lb. bag when you have to schlep it up the Staircase of Doom.

Socialized kitties are the wave of the future.

When they say "Left Bank" they really mean it.

Seattle is a gorgeous city!

Mean People Part 2--Nibbled Half to Death

I've just returned from the fabulous city of Seattle and have some terrific photos to post but, for now, I'll provide this link to part two of Luann Udell's insightful post on professional jealousy.  As I mentioned before, I don't know Luann personally at all but anyone can see from her blog that this woman has it all together! 

If you've ever felt like life is getting you down, one nibble at a time, Luann has a great book recommendation for you called "The Nibble Theory and the Kernel of Power:  A Book About Leadership, Self-Empowerment, and Personal Growth" by Kaleel Jamison.  You can find more of Luann's thoughts on the book here.  Happy reading!

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

"Hoya"

A generous friend of mine gave me this cutting from the plant on her front porch (click on the pics for a really close view).  It happened to be connected to the only bloom on the plant.  I'd never seen one of these before...the flower is very strange but just beautiful.  It has a waxy look, almost like plastic.  By chance, I ran across someone's flickr photo and found out that my new plant is a hoya.  Hopefully, this won't turn into another mutant that tries to take over the neighbor's yard!

Just in case it's raining almost every day at your house like it is here at mine, I have a few more flowery, nature type pics to cheer you up.  Or, maybe they're to cheer me up!

"Frond"