Dear Form

I'm back at Art and wondering how long I could actually stay away from projects even if I am consumed with family matters. I find the greatest comforts waiting for me when I finally am scootched back along into my artful realm. It fits so well. I feel at home. I feel embraced and in my own skin. Like a deer in it's own fur wrap on a winter day.

Filing on a whimsy

Oh the filing, the filing. Actually, I just came across these and had to buy them knowing they would make some scrapbookers very happy. Aren't they the very coolest thing?!?! LOVE LOVE LOVE these! A big fat scrap book, ala Donna Downey HOW CUTE! And, Look at Donna's work above, isn't THAT the cutest! She was exhibiting at CHA in LA a few weeks ago and this is some of what she did. NO worries, I asked if I could take pictures and they happily said YES!! So, take a look at how cute her things are and tell me, wouldn't these file books work in absolutely beautifully? I have a limited number so if you'd like to buy one give me a shout. They measure 13"Long x 9"Tall x 5" Wide. 15. each, available now. You can call 541-580-3364 or email cgeorgedesigns@gmail.com.

Lost and Found

"There are things that can knock you down you don't even see coming, they'll send you cryin like a baby back home." -from Bruce Springsteen's Darkness on the Edge of Town. This has been true for me. Our family has been in the middle of a personal crisis/transformation.

During moments of personal or familial crisis it seems as if life becomes like a shaken snowglobe. All the things you know, and things you think you know, get stirred up, all searching for it's own spot to claim. Some thoughts and concepts you used to cleave too are cast aside no longer of use, some you hold dear and those become stronger by building on them. This all takes time, to suddenly identify different layers of thought, process new stimuli, and to begin the practise of a more evolved and loving faith style.

I'm very happy to report faith and joy are still possible, and even more deeply. At a certain point I found myself throwing my hands up into the air-and making a decision to just go with the flow. There was nothing else I could do anyway. What precipitated this "letting go" during the height of my anguish? A kind word of encouragement from a new friend "Be good to yourself". & The love of someone else very close to me telling me "This is enough. . . you've had enough."

I'm often inspired by this simple truth emblazoned on a plaque at my in-laws home. I wish I knew who the author was.

I sought my soul,
my soul I could not see
I sought my God
but God eluded me
I sought my brother
and found all three

by William Black circa 1700's.
(thanks to my friend, Dori Barrett, for letting me know who the author is.)

CRECENDOh is born!

Recently I was contacted by Jenny Doh, Editor in Chief of Somerset Studios, to participate as an art curator in her new online multimedia concern called CRESCENDOh. Art Saves. This new venture of Jenny's follows along the journey of affirmation she began many years ago. What heart in this woman. If you don't know her, I suggest you become acquainted with her work. She is simply amazing.

from Jenny's site: "What will happen on CRESCENDOh.com? Every week, four Guest Curators will join me in presenting their latest creations, and pointing to the best of what the online world has to offer. Fresh content provide by four curators and myself (Jenny) EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. And four new ART SAVES stories EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK."

"In addition to having artists and readers share their ART SAVES stories through CRESCENDOh.com as explained here, we will also be launching a special ART SAVES product line, where 100% of proceeds will be given to CRESCENDOh's Charities of Choice."

Decor as Mythology

A few thoughts of Decor as Mythology- using form as language.

There are often events in my decorating, if given enough time and freedom, that the display becomes transcendant art. Soul, through materials and context, enters the room and everyone feels it. Talent, Skill, Heart, Imagination and Desire converge. This artful space now becomes a place of reflection, nurturance and instuction speaking directly to the heart and soul of the viewer through the language of the eyes and spirit.

These are pictures from a home I decorate each year. This client is also someone I've known for many years- I went to school with her son. Usually older music will play as I decorate and I will head right down the lane of nostalgia taking me back to the old school days. It makes the loss of my own mother's presence a little easier and I relish my time spent here. She is also the same person that has 3 storage places for her stuff. She has an amazing eye for beauty and is quite creative herself. The beautiful things she aquires at after Christmas sales etc. is what I work with along with the many years of aquired beauties. This year I didn't want to leave her home when it was done.

(I've posted videos of this home on facebook.)

Merry Christmas- although much belated!

I invite all who follow here on my blog to join me as friends on Facebook. I don't turn anyone down- why would I?! (Although I did have to let one person, with very questionable motives, go.)

My attempts to post videos of homes I've been decorating for Christmas from my computer very difficult. I've uploaded a few videos and plan to do so in the future but I'm finding that posting videos on facebook quite simple. (Even if they do take about a half an hour to transfer.)Consider becoming a facebook friend for the latest informations.

Christmas In the Clouds

Thank You

This toast seen here in the second picture is made by impressing a metal cross (the same as used in the sand above) into the soft white bread and then toasting the bread. It then becomes dressing and is baked. Consciously infusing a physical act of creating into this meal of Thanksgiving completes the process for me.

Exterior Video Laurie's Antiques Christmas Decor 2009

This is the exterior street side video of Laurie's wonderful antique store that I decorate lsat week. Laurie has so many one of a kind beautiful things she gathers from Paris and brings back for her customers and those lucky enough to know about them. Call her for more information regarding her Parisian jewelry, wonderful things of Channel and the incredible other Parisian things too numerous to mention. Trust me- Exquisite, gorgeous, you won't be disappointed. I find many great things for for clients here and really exciting things for my own home. You will fall in love with this store and Laurie. A finer spirit you will not find on this planet. She is an absolute gem, faithful and true.

Laurie's Antiques on Rose Christmas 2009

This video is the interior of Laurie's Antiques in Roseburg, Oregon. A wonderful store I was happy to decorate last week. This truly great store has so many really delightful things to fascinate and inspire. I'll take those candlesticks in the window thank you very much ;)

Not shown here, but call Laurie and ask her about the new bracelets with the gorgeous saintly medals she gathered while in Paris and crafted upon her return. They are stunning!!!! 541-673-7912

Decor as Metaphor

There is a point during the decorating process that the display has the potential to take on a transcendence beyond the typical flight of style of taste. The soulful piece becomes infused by way of talent, skill, heart and imagination. When this milestone approaches within each project, it becomes more easily recognizable as a possibility impelling me on with excitement and renewed fervor toward a completion. Many years of honing skills, finding the right balance of adornment and craft creates an understanding of the power of good design but also the power of truly artful design.
Generally this point comes well into the decor process. All materials have been gathered. (with the exception of those still remaining as organically inspired along the way) A general outline of the space to decorated is determined. A general theme/point/ purpose/statement has been decided upon.

Parisian inspired vignette

Here is a picture of a Parisian inspired vignette for Treasures of the Heart, a sweet sweet shop in our area- a little town called Myrtle Creek. But, don't be fooled- this store has plenty of heart and so much beauty and whimsy, truly enchanting things to decorate your home with. We all consider it a real privilege to have a shop like this in our area. People come from far and near to shop here.

Halos in progress

Just because we're wearing halos doesn't mean we think we're perfect, we're just happy to have a purpose and hope! Happy Halos to you!

A little Elf Help

Have you ever read the little Elf Help books? These are miraculous and wonderful little gems written for children. And adults! These little books are profoundly simple in their grace and wisdom. I've given them as gifts and kept many to be passed along when others may need them. There are numerous Elf Help books written specifically geared toward scenarios, such as how to handle grief, loneliness, depression etc.

Some titles are:
When your Grandparent Dies
Sad isn't Bad- A good grief guidebook for kids dealing with loss
When Mom and Dad Divorce
Help is Here for Facing Fear
Saying Goodbye Saying Hello - When your family is moving
Be the Star That You Are- a book for Kids who feel different
When Bad Things Happen- a guide to help kids cope.
and many many more.

When I visit the Abbey near Mt. Angel I'll pick some up. Check them out. They are very inexpensive and available at Amazon. I love having them around reminding me of the incredibly wise truths each of them embody.

Yours Traditional and Updated

Red and white mixed with primitives make a comfy, welcoming tree. Visitors coming into your home for the first time, when using this look will instantly feel like old friends such is the power of traditional and country casual mixed together. (And, is that mirror gorgeous?!)

bending but never breaking

Our space is limited but I wanted to create a little bit of an entrance feel using the tree as an arch of sorts. This tree isn't quite finished in this shot, there is more ribbon creating more of a drapey effect and a few other additions that have been done. I'll capture updated pictures for you soon and post this and other trees remaining.

Awash in Color

Christmas is such a bright spot in most of our lives. The vibrant colors against the white flocking make this a tree with some energy. Glittered Crowns, Shoes, Chairs and Grand Pianos are on this tree as well as many other fun things like opulent Lime, Fuchsia and Orange matte metallic swirly ornaments. Click on picture to see closeup of just one color example of each of the Chair, Piano and Crown. For those of you planning to be in our area (So. Oregon; Roseburg/Myrtle Creek) Nov. 6 & 7 is the highly anticipated Christmas Open House hosted by Belinda Legg/store owner. (I will almost certainly be there too! Come by and say HI!! It would be so fun to see all our friends that can make it! If you'd like to buy anything you see here call Belinda- she ships out all the time. Store number is 541-863-4466

For those that can't make it- I'll be sharing more about the store here so you can be there in spirit! It's great to share common passions with you all.
Take care all. I'm elfing again today and will be back with lots more photos of the trees in their entirety soon.

A little Vintage, a little Deconstructed

I love deconstructionism design although this only has a small touch of that apect. Lately, when decorating trees I've been simply streaming cool old ribbons down the tree in a very haphazard way. Communicating to the customers that applying ribbon or streaming beading cords is effortless. Trust your own instinct and feel it. This is about your joy, bringing Christmas into your home your way.

Joy to the World, Joy to Me!

Peace on Earth
Goodwill to Men
Merry Christmas everybody
it's that time of year again.

For me anyway!! This is the time of year I begin decorating for a wonderful little shop called Treasures of the Heart. This little store will soon begin it's winter wonderland visual transformation. As always, there are several trees being decorated, (there would be more if the shop were any bigger.) It's amazing how many trees we can actually squeeze in but we remain undaunted in our delight and desire to add "just one more tree." for the sheer love of it all. That's just how it is- always pushing the space!

One of the themes of the trees is a Vintage Christmas- a personal favorite (if there is such a thing!) I'll post pictures of displays of some of the vignettes a little later on. The rush is on to be ready for the annual Treasures of the Heart Christmas Open House Nov. 6 & 7.

For the first time, I'll be decorating trees off-site. Decorating trees in the store itself has become an enormous logistical challenge while working around customers and furniture etc. Each decorated trees will be brought in as completed. Final decorating of the entire shop will commence when all trees are set into their final destinations within the shop.

Belinda is a great buyer and working with the wonderful things she gathers makes my decorating work just that much easier. Always a collaborative process, but a very real part of my work for Treasures is to edit and make style direction decisions for the trees, spaces & vignettes in the store. I love the work. Still, Christmas is my favorite time of year. And, I'm very happy it starts in Oct.!

When this shop is done, there is another shop to do (you will not believe your eyes with this one either- altogether totally different styles than Treasures of the Heart!) After that, local in-home Christmas decor commences. Typically a few "regular" decor jobs will pop up and, usually Krylon will place a big order with a due date of end of January...so you can see- starting now works really well. Oh yeah, almost forgot, teaching a few classes will be in the mix too.

Christmas comes but once a year, make it last! Merry Christmas everyone!!