this can happen

Hit this area with a little shredded ribbon at chandelier top (watch for flames from candles if you do this!!) I may switch out the vintage paper that's inserted only into the cabinet again but decided to make a speedy change for now. (Was leafy print before) Note the terra pot I sprayed holding bath products on the tubs right side. Keep the colors moving around the space...I replaced the Astillbe at the tub end, it grows pretty fast so I thought this size was good.

Needed some blue so I hit it with some Ocean Blue again around the cab edges....super duper fast

Started out with the cabinet a soft green only. Hit it with some gold around the edges. Inserted vintage wall paper panel all speedy like. Now, I'm back to the canvases!

paper on, lightening quick golden edges

learning brushes, going horizontal

This picture as a base for photoshop wasn't chosen for it's composition or styling. It was taken as a test shot for my previous camera at the time. But i wanted to work with something horizontal since I've been wanting to create a new blog banner since first setting up this site. This is a fun little playground that I chose randomly from my gallery. The space in the window longs for something special. The darkness in the window worked against me as I tried to add an ornamental cross there. This figure is the one of my moms and I look at it as a touch stone for my love for her. The cross would be symbolic of her faith and something I use a lot in my studio for the iconic beauty and my own personal inspiration.

But enough of this- it's time to get back to real work again.

Remnant Craft

The little box on the left is a simple little box that had been used to spray glue and add glitter to something...bread cubes (the "host". sortof. well it's kindof hard to explain) I've added gold trim cording around the little diorama and placed a little deer inside along with a beautiful little card by Papaya! The cream areas in the box are simply folded and twisted remnant pieces of tracing paper. Gold accents are tossed in. Simple beauty in and of itself. Photoshop embellishments kindof take over but I couldn't resist playing.The frame is the only one I seem to be able to find. It leaves a little to be desired but I do like having finished edges here.

Filling in some blanks

Things continue to get crazier all the time around here. I've been swamped with work and now that little baby Hazel is here we're all off & running! (And, did I mention that our little Gabe is turning one soon?) It's going to be so special too. Gabe's so funny and fun now. He kept staring at me in the rearview mirror yesterday. Each time I looked he'd laugh and smile and say HI! It's the first real communication we've been having...so I'm thrilled. He's awesome and such a nice little boy with a sweet disposition. Happy all the time.

I've got several projects in the pipeline and have been waiting for the sun to come out longer than a few minutes so I can get some serious painting done. Most things are gathered for this latest job from Krylon with things rougly halfway done. There are many pieces, 30ish+.
Packing will be a big job with all the glass & terra cotta going out.

In the meantime, trying to tie up loose ends as they develop on out of town classes for 2010. RIght now I'm set to be teaching in San Diego in April in a few different places. One is the Escondido Arts Gallery. The other place is very cool store called the Stamp Addict. My friend and super super talented artist Lisa Bebi (see the sidebar- pimp my spleen blog- which is a riot!) She extended an invitation and has really facilitated my teaching in her area. I appreciate that! Many of you know Lisa Bebi from Somerset Studios and their many publications. She is an artist on call for them. Check her out.

And, with Lisa there is really big news on the horizon- of her own and jointly! We're having fun working on some things together. More on that later!!! It should be a lot of fun and I'm really looking forward to it!

Also writing and taking more jpgs of my office space...can't wait to share more with you here about all that!!

I hope to find a blog calendar gadget for an efficient read of events for those interested.

Slightly different Original Canvas

Can be enlarged by clicking on this picture, not on sidebar.

Winning the Harmony Sweepstakes! (there's a story there)

This is little Hazel Marie George, my son Austin and Diana's pretty little baby girl only a few moments old.

She was born on June 5th, weighed in at 7 lbs and .02 oz. A true sweetheart! & Healthy and peaceful, what a great combo.

Interview is up- check it

http://www.indiepublic.com/forum/topics/the-very-green-artist

Here is the link for the indie public interview. Some of my secrets for designing with recycles for magazines and clients is shared. Be sure to share this with other green minds! (& Be sure to scroll to the bottom and hit the link!)

mid point in painting process pictures

This is the BEFORE:

Below: here I'm at mid-point in painting process - painting in the stone line suggestions. At this point the base coat has been painted, (Alexandria Biege Pottery Barn) another ligher layer has been added in, back and forth, random random with the roller. . .

Above: Still in process at this point but getting closer. (don't need no stinkin' ladder)

Note: the blocked and filled doorway.

Part of the process TIP
On newspaper roller off the pan marks- the marks will transfer (but the marks a great for effect used sparingly on other projects)

I wanted to show you the before of this little problem. The finished picture of this area will be taken when I head over there to install the ornamental burlap photo wall insert. It will be inserted into the blocked off doorway shown in the first picture above. You'll see later on how this second unslightly issue has been solved. Sooo cute!

But the first- this switch box presents a fun little place for a picture. Picked up just the right one at Ross. The back of the picture itself will be glued to a flat wooden spacer for projection, to "connect" the door on the switches (seen above) She'll simply have to swing open the frame from the wall to access her switches.

above: this is the second step in creating the stone wall look. Laying some dimension in (and heck, maybe that's what Johannah is doing below too- who knows???)




This is a pretty good color rendition of the wall. We're still looking for a nice little shelf unit to place over the little corner cabinet and removing the long shelf there but a working girl has got to have a place for her products! The last phase will be painting the work counter cabinets and it will be a significant change when that is done. And, if there is someone that deserves this and more- it's Johannah. She has worked so hard in her business and does all the right things to make her business a success. She's talented, stays current, is hardworking, accommodating, and just plain fun to be around. Her mom is awesome too and she's so lucky (well we both were) to have her help! I know where Johannah gets her work ethic.

More pics of these walls in process are in previous posts.

Retreat retreat- when I can!

Process pictures- now that the big plants bit it from the freeze. Am replacing the canvas top with the cutest fabric, breezy and gorgeous- can't wait to get them up- unfortunately I'll be waiting until July for that. Also replacing the fabric insert in the little cabinet- but other really fun unexpected changes are going to be made- as always....always get inspired during the process. But for now am up to my neck in Krylon projects, photo shoot of my office space (it's so beyond the beyond right now!) and working on a really fun adventure that I just can't wait to share with you all!

Old Prune dryer panels in the openings. The fabric on the gazebo is getting trashed and because we don't have a garage and my studio is only so big -we just didn't have the room to store the canvas. I've got other plans for that though and been collecting for replacement.
(check back.)

It's time to replace the huge plant that didn't make it through the freeze. It used to grow at the end of the tub softening the tubs hard line.

The Chandelier was hanging on a shephards hook, moved to here and now the shepherds hook is moved back here but not shown in this picture. I liked the chandy closer & lower to tub. The shepherds hook actually has 2 hooks- one for chandelier and one for my robe. The cabinet with the fall leaves is awaiting retro fabric insert. At one point this area was very naturey; leaves, branches, mossy etc. etc. etc. A girls' got to keep her interest up.

How much is that doggy in the mirror? No, what she's really wanting is that angel back in her possession. She worked her over pretty good a few years ago. This and the other angel were gifts from Ted's mom (my angel) and I coudn't ever part with them. Meanwhile, Pearl loves them as much as I do but for other reasons.

Above: Bedroom/south side entry into tub area. Normally the poles are getting covered with vines but so far I haven't gotten anything planted here yet. I love morning glory and moon flower so maybe I'll do that again. Both grows super fast and creates so much mood. There is a hops vine around the back of the house that has been in my sites for here too. . .

Candles and such in here for the winter and summer- keeps things nice and dry and unmelted.

Per-el-za-bub

Close up of Pearl's handiwork- the wing tip

"Pearl's angel make-over"

- now you know why we call her Per-el-za-bub. This is one reason anyway. Our little Poopsickle.

Peace Rose Canvas

Canvas Peace Rose with a little photoshop. Liking the additional scrolly embellishments so I'm thinking we'll be doing it in class!

Chippylicious

My little potting area inside the gazebo. Isn't this a great old pot? Painted it a few years ago and love how the paint is chip chip chipping away. I'm posting my Turquoise outdoor tub area - check back tomorrow. You'll be apprised of changes as we go through the summer. I've knocked the grime off of things and even managed to get a nice bubble bath in! My favorite!! Anxious to get plants replaced that didn't make it through the winter- especially my big spiky Astillbe at the end of the tub!!

Rough Riders? ut not these folks

Now that's ridin in style! But the 3 speed cruiser bikes below - that's more our speed

Ted's pretty proud of his little cruiser with flames and dice for air stem covers. But the main thing we enjoy are the little bells on the handle bars. You can't imagine how much other people enjoy hearing that old school sounding bell just before you 'bout run them over. "screw loose behind the wheel" comes to mind

Loaded for Bear. With our cruisers we don't ever feel like we have to get anywhere in a hurry. We got them for cruisin around little spots we visit when we head out of town for a night or two. And, they're low maintenance which is becoming my biggest goal.

Ted also lets Pearl pull him to town and back with her leash looped over the bars. They've had some wild rides together and guarenteed- when they get back we hear nary a peep out of Pearl the rest of the night.

The darkest dark, the brightest light

I will be posting more pictures of the finished stone walls when they get emailed to me very soon, I hope. When I got to the shop to take pictures my camera was dead - O my favorite thing. A lady there offered so kindly to take pictures as she happened to have a camera in her car! Bless her heart! And, wasn't that sweet of her! I needed help and there she was. And, you know I've had more troubles with the whole camera thing. . .

Thank you to all the folks that tell me they read my blog and those that visit regularly. It's really ok to leave comments here but I know people can be shy when thinking that the world my see. Anyway I thank you, it means a lot.

and now, time for Bruce (and, isn't it always?) lol

Lord I love good lyrics.

Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free?
If you've ever seen a one trick pony then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-legged dog making its way down the street?
If you've ever seen a one-legged dog then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor

Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

Have you ever seen a scarecrow filled with nothing but dust and wheat?
If you've ever seen that scarecrow then you've seen me
Have you ever seen a one-armed man punching at nothing but the breeze?
If you've ever seen a one-armed man then you've seen me

Then you've seen me, I come and stand at every door
Then you've seen me, I always leave with less than I had before
Then you've seen me, bet I can make you smile when the blood, it hits the floor

Tell me, friend, can you ask for anything more?
Tell me can you ask for anything more?

These things that have comforted me, I drive away
This place that is my home I cannot stay
My only faith's in the broken bones and bruises I display
Have you ever seen a one-legged man trying to dance his way free?
If you've ever seen a one-legged man then you've seen me

-Bruce Springsteen for "The Wrestler"

a glimpse

. . . and, now what you don't know about me is that I can be very irreverant, and pretty sarcastic. Really all I need is an invitation. Like when I call my husband a "star-tard" (And you would have too.) Or when we call Pearl "Pesticle". I really don't know why there is this strange holy and irreverant dichotomy within me (well, I could venture a guess) I just know that sometimes it's a damn hard balance to strike.

Publication dates

http://www.indiepublic.com/ - Indie public Interview coming early June
http://www.totally-creative.com/ Totally Creative Current Issue (online publication) That's the little lit house on the cover and a 6 square wall grid decor design project inside.
BHG 100 ideas under $100 Winter issue
http://www.todayshomearts.com/ Home Arts July/Aug (online magazine)

Crafts & Things July/Aug
Create & Decorate August
Apron*ology (Somerset Studios) next issue- still trying to find out when this is. . . perhaps Feb 2010?

Stone walls in progress

Above: A sample spot of the nearly completed wall

What's left is to add a suggestion of block stones and trimming out the narrow framed wall insert. (to the right of this wall and shown better in the 4th picture from the top) Thinking hemp covered at first but believe we'll go with a contemporary, perhaps french-inspired, fabric to tie colors together.
Above: Another paint adjustment. Adding more of the beige this time creating a slightly darker mixture. Building depth. Roller again, and also now using a brush randomly.

Above: This is using a roller dipped in "whitened down" paint. I poured white into a plastic bag covered tray, rollered the paint partially off, then hit the walls randomly.

Above, 2nd Shot: Base Color. Johannah gets to work doing some trim.

I'm kindof everywhere including taking pictures and painting the mocha-ish alcove area. The color of the alcove is now Alexandria Beige/ Pottery Barn. Johannah (pronounced Yo-hawna") owns this shop and does such inspired, creative things with hair. Really and truly, I kid you not. This gal makes my hair look so good. I always get compliments and believe me it's nothing I do that makes it look great- she's fabulous. She'll probably kill me for posting a picture of her here so get a good look. I may have to crop the picture once I tell her it's on here. But, for now she stays.

Note in above picture the little wood area on the right previously housed thin shelving. A fabric covered bulletin board will be installed instead.

First shot: Before

Victorian wallpapered walls in a little beauty shop.Tired and from the 80's. The major transformation calls for the simple use of interior housepaint, a roller and bristle brush. I'll get more pictures when I finish up and post them right away.

Another great fun thing: Johannah and I barter- she cuts and does "whatever" in the way of hair, and I decorate for her. Isn't that groovy?

Class Note

I'll be back on and posting some new things later on today if I get back home in time from Medford. Otherwise, I'll be posting tomorrow the promised picture of Pam's project (you don't want to miss it) and the last class pictures.

Have a great day everyone and see you soon. I've been swamped with work from Krylon and baby stuff. The baby isn't here yet, but any day/minute!!

Class Note: I will resume classes in the month of July but will be taking June off to help with baby and get a couple of really big projects done- you'll hear more about both of those "projects" soon! - gulp!

For fun my Hollywood Glam CHA

This is another job I did for Krylon for a CHA show. Been meaning to get this converted and posted for too long. A few weeks ago I was asked by another designer how in the world this all was prepared for shipping to the photographer to be then taken apart and then shipped to the show. In particular, the mirrored cabinet. Believe me, I spent plenty of time thinking about it. In the end, the mirrored panels on the cabinet were shipped flat and separate from the cabinet. This cabinet is old and heavy to begin with. I sent diagramed instructions for attaching the mirrored panels in a particular order so that strapping tape attachments wouldn't show. The need to reship after shooting made temporary attachment a necessity. I'm proud of this set but the mirrored cabinet is probably the most favorite thing I've ever done. Maybe. I will say this. It was my favorite one to have done. :0