Chaos Créatif

Blog posts without photos are boring...

2010-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

... but they will do in a pinch.
Yesterday, I actually waited in line for one and a half hours to shop at a Art/scrapbook flea market. I made several fun new friends while waiting in line and had lot's of laughs. I scored in the mini-mini book department and found some great tools for working with metal. The best finds were all kinds of paints (Crafty Chica $1), inks, dyes, watercolors and pencils. I also found a few unusual stamps. It was fun and worth the wait!

I also joined the Sweet and Sinister Halloween swap and blog sponsored by Artsymama aka Kari Ramstrom. She has put together another great blog promising fun Halloween projects, photos ,spooky inspiration and a sinister swap. I did this swap last year and it was fun to put together a Halloween bag and fill it with treats for a fellow swap participant.

I just ordered the Matthew Mead holiday magazine online. Part magazine, part book with 144 pages filled with holiday inspiration, projects and photos. They will be featuring a home selected from a reader/blog home photo contest they had this summer. Participants mailed in photos of their homes to be considered for a holiday make-over and photo shoot. The winner is a lovely 100 year old New England style farmhouse in R.I. with high ceilings and period architecture. If you are interested you can find info at Holidaywithmatthewmead.com.

Mermaids Headed Home

2010-07-17T00:29:00.001-07:00

I have sent the final packages out to all participants in this years Mermaid ATC Swap. I was so happy to meet many new swap participants as well as alumni of past years. As usual the collection is amazing with all artists putting in 100%. I will try to post some of the cards in the next couple of days.

Silver Bella 2010

2010-07-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

I know it is still a few months away but I am already feeling the excitement of this upcoming event. Everyday my e-mailbox has messages from other "Bellas" as they like to call themselves. Some are regarding swaps, other asking to be e-mail buddies and some offering tips for first time attendees. I am especially looking forward to the "Bella Market" which is one of the highlights of the event. Artisians gather to sell, buy and trade their collected bits, handmade items and crafting supplies.

In addition to a wonderful line-up of classes with noted artists/teachers there are several student sponsored swaps. I joined several: paper dolls, millinery flowers, holiday ornaments and a vintage trim swap. I thought about hosting an ATC swap to mark the occasion but decided to wait until next year.

I will keep you posted!

More Creative Space Pictures :)

2010-06-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a few more photos of my work space. I like to use small glasses of all sizes to hold tiny baubles and gems. The tiniest of these glasses is just an inch tall. I keep them next to this wonderful inspiration box given to me by my BFF, Lisa Super.

I keep these fun pieces on my "Art Buffet", all the drawers are filled with stamps, beads, ephemera and vintage costume jewelry. The larger cupboards on each side house my china and vintage silver pieces, which I also collect. I love to find old pieces at the Flea Market and polish them back to their original splendor. I especially love the pieces with flowers carved into the handles. Thanks for visiting.

Where Bloggers Create Deux (II)

2010-06-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Where I Create!

I usually work in our breakfast room. I can work at our dining table and still be accessible to my children. They often create along with me afterschool and on week-ends or they just pull up a chair to visit.

I keep most of my items in our buffet and two small rolling carts which I can push back in the corner when not in use. My collection of bits and sweetness are stored in a built in glass cupboard. I also put small vignettes in my Pottery Barn mail sorter. I can enjoy looking into the little cubes or find the perfect piece for a project I may be working on.

What I especially love about this space is all the windows.I was lucky enough to design this room myself when we rebuilt our house. Along with the three walls of windows, the warm yellow paint and the sun, this cheery room always inspires me. Thanks for visiting!

Time in the Garden: A grieving tree hugger at heart

2010-06-03T17:49:00.001-07:00

Last week, in my absence, my gardener's new crew took the bottom 6 feet off my beloved 40year+ Blue Atlas Cedar.He knows to never cut or prune any of my evergreens but his new guy did not. He cut a conical evergreen into an umbrella shape. I was devastated, I sent them all packing for the last time . I love that tree, it is the anchor of my backyard. She and I together survived babies, toddlers climbing branches, toy saws and teen parties. Her huge branches shaded us while the children played in their blow up pools and on their swings. I was so sad I just could not get over it. Finally, a poem from my littlest one helped me heal.

There is a tree
It's a wonderful sight
The most marvelous green
at the most perfect height
It's appearance has changed
but not too extreme
We will fix it
and make it what it used to be
maybe even better,
we'll see...
-Nina Myers

So this week with a trip to the nursery, Navlet's, we did indeed transform my tree's loss limbs. We filled in beneath the tree with plants of all kinds, creating a forest floor bursting with all shades of green. The plantings helped to close the distance between the ground and the lost limbs. Now, once again when I walk out into my yard, I can smile!

3rd Annual Mermaid Swap

2010-05-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is that time of year again! When from all over the world artists carve out time to create their Mermaid ATC cards to swap and share with others who love the ocean sirens. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will forward the information to you: valerielmyers@yahoo.com. This year there will be two mermaid inspired prize drawing. Good Luck!

The Alice in Wonderland swap was great! So many lovely cards and very unique designs. Some used the more traditional art work from John Tenniel, several used images from the new movie released this spring. A few folks created their own images with personal artwork. Great work everyone!

Here is a week-end wish for a Happy Mothers Day to you and yours! Enjoy...

Another Year and Silver Bella 2010

2010-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted but family health issues kept me busy. I am happy to report everyone is home and well now.

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a wonderful day. It started with hugs and cards from my husband and the kidlings. Then off to a local flea market with many fun finds including a large rabbit cookie cutter from 1928 and a large collection of vintage flower catalogs also from the 1920's. Each of the pictures in the catalogs were hand drawn and painted, a real deal for $5!

A beautiful basket of flowers arrived in the afternoon from my mother in Los Angeles. I have never seen an arrangement with so many varieties. I think I counted 25 different types of flowers.

Next was an art date with my friend Lisa . She surprised me with a beautiful inspiration box filled with ephemera. All the lovely bits and pieces put together in that SUPER way that only Lisa can . We created the day away and had a great time trying out different ideas for our projects.

The day ended with a spicy dinner out with the family at P.F. Changs. My favorite has always been Chang's Spicy Chicken but now I have discovered their Ginger Chicken and their is no going back! Delicious!

My latest spluge, I am going to Silver Bella next fall. Crazy that sign ups start so early but I am thrilled to have a place at their next extravaganza. This will be my first time and the 5th anniversary of the artistic soiriee. Anyone want to join me in Omaha, Nebraska next November?

Catching Up On My Sampler

2010-03-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up on the sampler I'm doing with Amy. Check it out here. Here is Day 1...

Day 2...

Day 3...

Day 4...

Day 5 & 6...

and Day 7.

A Fun Stitch-along with Friends!

2010-03-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

This week-end I joined up with other bloggers to do Amy Power's Stitch-along. To celebrate her upcoming birthday we will be creating a stitched square a day for 39 days. I need to get started, will post my first squares later this week.

A Wonderful new swap through the looking glass

2010-02-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

To commemorate the new movie coming out, I am hosting an Alice in Wonderland atc card swap. I opened my new Somerset Studio magazine which arrived today and was so inspired! So many wonderful Alice, Wonderland and friends themed projects. How could I resist... so any takers out there? Leave me a post if you are interested, I already have 9 folks signed up. Due date April 1st. In addition, my friend Michelle is hosting an Alice in Wonderland charm swap. Just click on the white rabbit image on the sidebar to get more info. I have been in the last four charm swaps Michelle has hosted and have always been delighted. I have already signed up! With the first swap I was a bit intimidated, I had never made a charm before. However, Michelle had many resources listed on her blog . You can see charms from past swaps, books and tutorials to visit on-line.

Happy Heart's Day!

2010-02-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

This Valentine week-end was full of surprises. On Friday a dozen long stemmed roses arrived at my door. This morning pancakes that spelled I heart mom were made by my youngest daughter.My older daughter took me out for lunch and my youngest found the cutest little vintage scotty dog pin for me. She was so cute, she said she tried to clean it (she found it at the flea market yesterday) but was afraid to wash off all the vintage. A friend surprised me with a box of vintage French flashcards for my altered art and atcs. I also went to see "The Tooth Fairy" with my daughter and her friends while my other daughter went to see the new Percy Jackson movie. My Valentine has been ill all week but tomorrow we will celebrate by going to see "Avatar", he has been asking me to go for weeks, so tomorrow I will be at the IMAX in Dublin, CA. I hope you had a great week-end too! Check out the little "Hearts" mini-book I made, it is only 2"x2" and about 2 inches chunky too!

A collaborative winter mini-book...

2010-02-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

Last month I took a great class at A Work of Heart, a great little artist studio in Willow Glen. The artist/owner Andrea has a wonderful space full of every tool, medium and embellishment you can imagine. For a small hourly fee you can use any and all products, tools, paints, glue, beads, ribbon or even pick through her wonderful boxes of vintage and handmade papers. In addition, she knows how to use everything and will gladly share her many talents, techniques and time. Best part, you don't even have to clean up!
Back to my story. So there were seven of us and we each designed two 4x4 pages with the theme of winter. Andrea then made seven copies on sturdy gloss photopaper. Then we each embellished the copied pages we designed with ribbons, glitter, beads, charms and I even found some vintage lace. She then assembeled them for us into a chunky book with the Bind-it-All. The finished project was more than I had hoped for. Each entry so different, yet with the winter theme tying them all together. Many blue and white pages with a few red ones mixed in for variety. Andrea said she was going for an Artchix type of project and the group did deliver.
Every time I walk pass this little book I smile and often have to pick it up to flip through the pages. Remembering the fun, rainey Sunday we were all laughing and working together. Warmed and amazed by the talent so joyfully shared inside this small treasure.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a wonderful and Happy New Year in 2010!

Fun From Pottery Barn

2009-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

This new postal cupboard just arrived from Pottery Barn. It has 25 numbered slots so I decided to use it as an advent shadow box for now and add holiday scenes each day. Check back to see more.

Swap Abundance in December!

2009-12-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

I love to host and join swaps. It never fails that I over extend myself on the holiday swaps. Everything always sounds so fun and festive that I am afraid to miss out. I hosted three: Holiday songs, Nesting dolls and Christmas house atcs. I participated in Christmas Carols, Christmas inchies, Vintage ornaments, Handmade ornaments, A Year of Color RED atc s and Angel atcs. Sometimes I work all day to get them completed and in the mail. It is all so worth it when all the returned swap packages start to arrive!
My Favorite Holiday songs was a great success with so many gifted artists participating, 24 in all! As the cards stated coming in I was inspired to assemble my new 7 Gypsies atc holder. It gives my cards the perfect home don't you think?

This year I think I participated in every holiday workshop put on by my local and semi-local scrapbook stores. This year the projects were all wonderfully designed and fun to make. What have you been up to this holiday season?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the day with your family, friends and loved ones. Let us all be thankful for our many blessings. Let us give thanks and blessings to our soldiers far from home protecting our Freedom, Family and Country. God Bless!

The Holidays are upon us!

2009-11-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

I overextended myself a bit this season as swaps go, I know, so what's new!I am hosting four and participating in four. I am especially looking forward to a Vintage Ornament Swap I signed up to do. I mailed them off last week and am excited to see the other participant's creations. Basically I made vintage Christmas imaged inchies, rolled them in star glitter (fun) and mounted them on silver snowflakes. They were very simple in materials and design but elegant, if I do say so myself! My friend Beth spied the atc holder for me, Thanks Again Beth!

New Swap: Christmas atc Houses 2009

2009-10-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have hosted a Christmas House swap for the last two years and have always been pleased with the results. The houses are the usual atc size 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 cut in the shape of a house. Some are decorated with a snow capped roof, others hold a holiday image or view into the decorated living room of a tiny family. Last year I designed a Victorian house with tiny wreaths and lights. I then put my collection of atc houses on scrabble tile holders on my mantle to decorate my home for the holidays. If you are interested leave a comment or email me at valerieLmyers@yahoo.com. Let's have each participant make 10 houses to start.

Projects, Purchases and Eye Candy!

2009-09-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

I am so looking forward to fall. The cooler weather, leaves falling, warm sweaters and cozy fires. Fall signals the beginning of the holiday season.

My daughter has jumped right into it, she is planning for a Halloween party for her belated birthday, long story but #10 must not be forgotten!

I ordered seasonal ephemera and embellies from Flea Market Studio for several of my upcoming Halloween swaps. She has a unique style in her packaging and creation of artistic items. I thought I would share the lovelies with you today. Every time I walk by them on the table I have to stop and rearrange them. I will post her blog address under friends who inspire me in case you are interested.

I also ordered these cute doll tags from the same vendor. Each has a doll image that is covered with tulle and then machine stitched. Every detail was tended to as even the cellophane packaging was stitched closed. It is such a joy to open an item when an artist has paid so much attention to the details of packaging. However, sometimes it makes it so difficult to open because you don't want to disturb the lovely package.

I have also posted a little closet shadow box I made in a class offered by my friend Lisa Super. I am very pleased with the way it came together. I love the way she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary by changing the way you look at and use an object.

A Bunny Book Goes Full Circle!

2009-08-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last year I was invited to join a collaborative book project on Beatrix Potter. The theme was her art and of course, Peter Rabbit. Everyone knows my fondness for bunnies so this was a definite yes.We could use a purchased book or bind our own. We had several months to put our books together, design the cover and our first page with an atc. There had to be a pocket to hold a removable atc and a second page, layout style. Originally there were 10 of us in the round robin and we had one month to complete each entry then pass it to the next person on the list. I really enjoyed seeing all the different books and how each artist customized their design for each entry. I especially loved the atc component, some were held in with little picket fences, vines, library pockets, ribbon and even flowers! The project took over a year and we had two artists drop out, one became terribly ill and a mother/daughter team that kept the books for too long. At one point one artist had five of the ten books! Well, we were able to get it back on track and the finished projects were a true delight.

A Blog Makeover and A farmer's Market Find

2009-08-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, after visiting Karen Valentine's Where Artists Create blog party I decided it was time for a makeover of my studio and of my blog. The studio will have to wait but with the help of my daughter Kaitlyn, my friend Lisa, and her husband, today was the day. I love the cleaner color palette and three column format!

In addition, I changed the name of my blog, well sort of...I translated Creative Chaos to French. I know it all sounds very continental but fact is there is another artist with the same name for her blog. ..So what do you think?

This week at the Farmers Market where I shop on Sunday I found this wonderful basket. It is amazingly light and holds everything, The leather handle makes carrying even the heaviest load comfortable. I bought it from a man who told me he imported them from Madagascar, how cool is that. It is round but he demonstrated that by soaking it with water it could be reshaped into any shape. He made all types of shapes from the basket, even a heart. I was sold and had to have one! As I was carrying it to my car filled with my edible bounty, I visualized filling it with vintage treasure at my next visit to the Alameda Flea Market September 6th. I can't wait!

A Fun Family Vacation times two!

2009-08-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

We spent a wonderful week in San Diego and had the most perfect weather! My husband had a conference so we all hitched a ride with him to Southern California. We walked all over town and had a suite overlooking the bay. All day long ships of all sorts cruised passed our window, battleships, freighters, cruise ships and even a paddle boat in the evening.
The day we arrived home we had family visiting from Southern California and where did they want to go: San Francisco, of course. So we packed everyone up and went to the city, tourist style. I had not done so in many, many years so we worked down my sister-in-laws list: Drive down Lombard St, check, ride a trolley, check, harbor cruise, check, Pier 39, check, Chocolate sundae at Giradelli, double check...and the list went on. It was a blast and for the kids a real treat to do everything all in one day! Did you know that Angel Island was the Ellis Island of the Pacific for immigrants of long ago. Or that the Golden Gate Bridge is called such not because of it's color but because it was thought to be the golden gates to paradise by early visitors arriving by sea.

A Year of Color...

2009-07-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

http://kari-ayearofcolor2.blogspot.com
I love this blog, I told several of my friends about it and they imediately joined, so I thought I would share it with you too. It is not free like most blogs but is very low cost. It is $1 a month paid for all at one time through Paypal.If you join you get all the prior entries for the year so you don't miss anyting joining late. It is just filled with great photos, tutorials from top designers, project swaps and my favorite: a monthly atc swap! Many of the entries remind me of on-line classes I have taken, stressing composition, color theory, design elements and technique. This month the theme is stripes and our guest designer is Cassondra Walters, she is a found object assemblage artist.Her 3-D collages are amazing. I am always pleased with each segment of A Year of Color and usually return to it several times a day for inspiration and just to enjoy the beautiful imagery. If you are interested please contact Kari at the above blogspot.

Journaling and The One Minute Muse!

2009-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

This site offers some fun, quick ideas for getting started with Art Journaling. It seems to be the current rage. Everyone is making art journals but many, like me are coming up short on what to fill the pages with once the journal is complete. My journal is a 20" by 14" leger my friend Beth gave me. Not to be outdone, it has a mere 340 pages, however, I have only completed a mere 10 pages. Those of you who know me, know I like to work small, very small like in inchie and atc sized art so this is quite a strech for me. I am actually finding the large size gives me permission to be less percise and more free in my entries. Now my daughter's are asking if they can do a page in my "Big Book" journal...I don't know, I am still thinking about it!

Scrapbook Stores and Kindred Spirits

2009-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

I lived in Fremont for close to 15 years before I met another artist. I met plenty of mom's with children the same age as mine, mom's at soccer, baseball, gymnastics, the list goes on and on. Then one day I walked into a small scrapbook store, one of the few remaining at this particular time in history. I signed up for a journal making class with a teacher named Traci Bautista, then a little known local artist. Wow,I couldn't believe it, a class full of women painting, drawing, stamping and coloring paper. I was home! From then on I took more classes and met more people, some crafters, some scrapbookers and some artists. Many became friends, some created art groups, some taught but most importantly, all loved to create!
And now as I reflect on the closing of another local scrapbook store. I am saddened by the closing of the store but mostly by the loss of yet another place where the creative gather to inspire, laugh and yes, create. Fortunatly for me I have a rather large collection of names, numbers and emails that I can call to propose an artist's gatering, get a list of upcoming workshops, borrow paint or paper and most importantly: be inspired! Although I was never much of a scrapbooker in the literal sense, I started this inchie, atc, Moo card, book altering, vintage collecting journey... in a scrapbook store. I will always be grateful to the store owners who made this possible. Special thanks to Monica, Sherri, Laurie and Suzy for being the source of such inspiration and the meeting place of so many kindred spirits!

Grads, Dads and Charms!

2009-06-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the day finally arrived with my son graduating high school and as expected I was in tears several times during the ceremony. It was a lovely graduation and a true milestone in our family. Much of my family made the trip from various Southern California cities to watch the first child, grand-child and great grandchild accept his diploma!
The next day my middle child graduated from 8th grade. She sang the star spangled banner and received honor roll, mathematical excellence and voted most likely to succeed by her class. Another memorable evening indeed!
For Father's Day the girl's served their dad breakfast in bed and looked the other way while he played 'World of War Craft' for much of the day. I compared it to my taking back to back art classes which is one way I have celebrated special days ( birthdays, Mother's Day) in the past.
I sent in my "Things with Wings" charms to my friend Michelle in Southern California. This is her fourth such swap. I always enjoy designing the charms and it is always fun to see how each person interprets the theme. I made a fairy charm with shrink art that I attached to a shell charm and also an owl on a button with a glittery foam base.

Crazy Computers and ATCs!

2009-06-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

It just died on me Thursday so there it sat until my husband came home. He is a super tech guy and although he was tired took on the challenge with gusto. I was away that evening at an ATC meet-up in Pleasant Hill with many friends from My Daughter's Wish. An amazing mixed media and paper store that closed it's doors early this year. We meet at Michael's the first Thursday of each month and bring our cards to trade. My friend Daniela, a teacher and design team member from MDW, has kept the group together. Challenging us each month with interesting themes and fun projects.One of my favorites was an atc card made from a thick (1 1/2 inch thick) block of wood.

This month's theme was Mythological Creatures! We had a 3D Medusa card, a dancing mermaid, a siren, a gargoyle and a collection of othermythical creatures. Everyone puts so much effort into their creations every month and I feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful group of artists.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Memorial Day with our family, a family reunion with folks traveling from all over: Hawaii, South Dakota, Oregon and Las Vegas. What made it especially wonderful is we were able to spend it with a real hero, my father in law, Daniel J Myers Jr. A man who dedicated a great deal of his life to serving this country. After graduating from West Point he entered the military as an officer. He fought in two wars, The Korean War and The Vietnam War and earned many distinctions for bravery and valor. Earning for himself the high military rank of Colonel . I am thankful for his service and that of all who have served in the past and present. Thank you for keeping our country safe and our people free. God Bless You!

Please Vote!

2009-05-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

In was fun today because at the polls I ran into so many of my son's friends voting for the very first time. The young men, that I remember crying at the gates as we left them at school for the very first time, casting their votes for this democracy we call America. My son went with me but is still a few months shy of eighteen. He said he was looking forward to the next election when he would be able to vote. It is hopeful to see youth out to vote trying to make a difference in their futures and that of their country. It is one of the great privileges of being an American citizen and also one of our best efforts to keep us a free nation for generations to come. So please go out and vote!!!

Mermaid ATC's Postal!!!

2009-05-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all the participants in this wonderful swap! The artistry and attention to detail was fabulous! I mailed a group out yesterday , one today and I will send the last out tomorrow. I try to mix and match them the best I can so everyone gets a bit of variety. I hope you enjoy your cards and thanks again for your participation!

Mermaid ATCS Due This Week!

2009-04-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that all mermaid atcs should be to me by this week-end. I have received some really amazing cards this year. All are wonderful, some whimsical and others artsy! Even one singing mermaid in a box! Thank you all for the amazing effort and creativity you put into your beautiful cards to share.

A Family Trip to the Coast!

2009-04-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a family stay on the California coast. We went to spend Spring break at Seascape Resort in Aptos, California. Only 1 hour and ten minutes from our house but a world away from are usual routine. The weather was beautiful and I was able to really relax. We had a beautiful 3 bedroom villa with a "deluxe" ocean view. I don't really know the difference but they assured us it was even better than a "full" ocean view when we booked it. I guess, as well as seeing the ocean from our balcony, we were able to view it from every room this time. The best part was sharing time with the kids and also being able to relax while they ran around the resort. To the pool, the restaurants, the health club they freely roamed while hubby and I just sat on the deck reading, sleeping, sunning and/or making atc cards ,lol!. Then we all went down to the beach to read, play in the sand and relax. One our last night we enjoyed a campfire down on the beach with all the S'more fixings. A great time was had by all and now we are ready for the final 8 weeks of school before summer and two graduations!!!

Mermaid Swap Due Date Changed!

2009-04-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

I have pushed out the due date for the Mermaid swap to April 30th. There are over 35 participants so far. It has been a while since I blogged so let me update you on what I have been up to.

Last month I took several classes from two amazing artists: Kelly Kilmer and Lisa Guerin. Kelly is a collage artist who likes to create and re-purpose books. She takes collage layering to a new level and is quite inspirational in her classes. One of the classes I took with her ( I took two) was called the swatch book. We assembeled stacks of paper from old childrens books then bound them together with a simple pamplet stich. We then collaged on each page with scraps and bits from her wonderful collection. In the same week-end ( you know feast or famine) I was lucky enough to take two classes with paper artist; Lisa Guerin. The first was a gypsy necklace class where we took shrink art to the next level. With clear and white shrink plastic we stamped the afternoon away. It was the second class that rocked my world. I never would never have guessed how much fun I would have making paper dolls. For three hours we created from various stamps. It was great and I learned many new stamping techniques.

Character is What You Do When No One is Watching!

2009-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

These words have always resonated with me and I have tried to instill them in my children. Always wondering if they get it, well my question was answered by my 9 year old daughter.
She came home upset from school yesterday. She had the second highest grade on the class spelling test. Now she has had top scores and less than top scores but usually has no issues as she believes she studied and did her best. So I asked her to tell me more about it, a possible teachable moment, I wondered? She said that the person who got the highest grade cheated. I told her those were strong words but she said she was angry! Not by the persons score as much as by said person telling others that she cheated and reveling in it to others, who like my daughter, had studied. Yes indeed, a teachable moment! One of the reasons I love being a stay at home mom, lot's of teachable moments before and after school!

I knew the whole (mom) speech of as long as you do your best just wasn't going to cut it this time. So I said that there is a lot of pride to be taken by doing the right thing. So I asked her,"What if you found a bag of money and no one saw you pick it up? What would you do?" She quickly said of course she would take it to the police. Why, if no one saw that you had it or would know you had it? She said because it belongs to someone else, it is not my money to spend. I told her she could buy toys and candy, even things for friends and family. So what did she say (I was so proud) in response?
She said, " She would know in her heart that it would be wrong and anything she bought with the money would not make her heart feel good. She wouldn't be able to enjoy the toys and candy, if she had not earned it or bought it with her own money. So then she turned to me, soft brown eyes looking up, and asked me what I would do? Then she stopped and said, "Mom, I know what you would do, you would give the money to the police too because what you do when no one is watching, is who you really are, in your heart, right?

I had tears in my eyes, motherly mission accomplished. "Yes, sweet child of mine, what you do in any given situation when you can't be caught or seen is called character ( and it counts)! You have to take satisfaction in the fact that sometimes, the only people who will ever know your greatness or good deeds, is you and God!"

Sign ups continue for 2nd annual Mermaid swap!

2009-03-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

I already have over 25 artists signed up for this swap! Don't miss out , many different art mediums will be represented. I have scrapbookers, quilters, watercolorists, needle crafters and mixed media artists all gathering for this swap, this group will certainly create an amazing collection.

New Swap Announcement: Mermaid ATCS!

2009-03-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last April I hosted a Mermaid atc swap with over 50 participants! I received the most amazing cards and it continues to be one of my favorite collections. Here are the details:
each participant makes 8 cards
number 1/8...8/8 make an extra for yourself as you will not get one of your own back
use chipboard or double cardstock
include at least one embellishment (brad,ribbon,fiber,jewel...)
size 2 1/2 by 3 1/2
sign and date each card
Please email me for my address
include a return address label and $2 for postage
mail in a padded envelope which I will use to return to you
I hope you will join me for this swap!
email: valerieLmyers@yahoo.com
Due date 4/17

A New Do, Inchie Paper dolls, and a Few Good Eggs!

2009-03-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

OK, so today a new stylist and a new do for spring! She said I looked 5 years younger, I'll take it! I also finished my inchie paper dolls for a swap I joined on Split Coast Stampers.

Fun Finds at My Friends and I

2009-03-02T16:27:00.001-08:00

When the flea market is rained out it is always a good day to visit My Friends and , a small antique shop in the Niles area of Fremont! They always have fun found objects and flea market type finds. Last time I was out Junque shopping I found these fun items. A cute doll leg became a vase for some lovely Millinery Flowers. The aqua tool box is a antique find that I toted back from my fall visit to Portland for a class with Sally Jean. The other photo is of some fun vintage Easter postcard finds from the Paper show in San Francisco. I plan to use some of the images on the Easter egg atcs for my swap.

Full Art Week-End approaching!

2009-02-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

I love when these come along, where everyday of the week-end holds classes and art with friends. First on Friday is a crop at Picture Me Perfect with friends, Saturday is a class with Carol Wingert and Sunday, if the weather permits, the Alameda Antique Flea market!
At the crop I plan to catch up with my many ATC swap projects. I am also doing several inchie swaps, I just love looking at so much detail within an inch by inch canvas! Always amazing! Inchies were a real show stopper at the Ranger booth at CHA. I saw the photo posted on so many websites after the show, I know everyone loved those tiny treasures. This month I am hosting two swaps: Vintage Easter Egg ATC and The Luck of the Irish ATC! If you are interested email me.

Lot's of Rain and a New Swap!

2009-02-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Seems like a spent the whole day in the rain. Delivering cupcakes and Valentines for the children's school parties. Dropping of swapped atcs at the post-office. Taking my older daughter's formal dress to school so she could get ready for the dance with a friend after school. Then the usual driving for school drop off and pick-ups. It felt good to finally get home and dry out for a bit! I love the rain when I am at home working on a project by the fireplace, nice and cozy. Not so much at rush hour on the freeway.
I have mailed out the templates for my Vintage Easter Egg ATC swap, I currently have 30 participants. This should be a fun one as I have asked everyone to try to age the paper with various techniques such as tea staining, inking or using vintage paper or tissue. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this swap. I even have a few swappers from New Zealand! If you are interested it is not to late, just leave me a comment or drop me an email!

Back from CHA!

2009-02-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

I had such an amazing time! There was so much inspiration at the show beginning with all the new papers and product coming in 2009. So many samples of art work and projects by artists and designers from all over the country. The best part was that everyone was so nice and friendly. I fell in love with the 7 Gypsy mega booth and all the wonderful products and projects. I even signed up for a wonderful class with them to make a folding gypsy house. I will get a picture up in the next few days. It was exciting to see so much product in one place, I saw many of the folks from our LSS ordering away for the upcoming year. I have a new respect for this daunting task of trying to decide which designs and products will appeal to which customers. Here is a hint from me: 7 Gypsy rules!

Getting Ready for CHA!

2009-01-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

This will be my first time to CHA, I am so excited. I am going to be meeting up with some Yahoo group friends that I have never met in person! I will also be meeting up with some Bay area friends and local store owners down there too.
I have been taking several on-line classes withScrap and Style, SIS TV. I really enjoy the option to check in and out of the class as needed. I am also taking Lisa Pace's Cupid's Workshop where everyday she posts a fun and interesting project for us to complete. Some are simple, others more complicated. She sprinkles in fun ideas to keep your home festive too. Many artists are starting to do on-line classes and I must say I was very skeptical at first but am now totally hooked. An added advantage is you can take a class from an industry leader without ever having to change out of your pajamas!

New Swaps!

2009-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

I have two new swaps for the New Year. The first is an ATC Vintage Valentine card and the second is a Heart page deco swap. Do 6 of each and join in. With the page swap you will have a collection of hearts designed front and back to ring or bind together to make a festive little book for the upcoming holiday.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

I have my list of resolutions started:
1. Organize my art room
2. Submit for publication once every two months.
3. Walk everyday
4. Read more!
5. Schedule more ME time
6. Blog every week
7. Lose 40 lbs
8. Attend Silver Bella 2009

I also joined my friend Lisa's 52 weeks of art, check it out on her blog listed on the side bar!
I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, friends and fun. Also filled with so much great food, especially those desserts! I spent too many days at the mall trying to find the perfect shoes for my 13 year olds Christmas dress. All the shoes seemed to have 4 inch heels! If you find yourself in this position, take it from me: Nordstroms first then Macy's!
This holiday season I really overcommited to swaps and holiday projects. I signed up for 13 swaps, mostly atcs , a few inchie swaps and two holiday deco page swaps. I just could not say no, but the wonderful packages and envelopes the mailman brought made it all worth the extra effort and stress! I gave him a little extra Christmas bonus as he was always kind enough to ring the bell and deliver my large packages instead of folding them to fit in the mailbox, great guy! Who says Santa always has to be in a red suit! OK, I am starting to think about my New Years Resolution. I will fill you in later, how about you? What is your New Years resolution?

What I've been up to

2008-11-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy with Halloween,Thanksgiving and Christmas classes swaps and projects. Above is a 2 inch by 2 inch mini-mini book/ornament class I will be teaching at Scrapbook U as part of their children's program. Next to it is a collection of inchies I made for an inchie club I belong to for Christmas. I love the vintage images off a sheet I ordered from Ten-Two Studios. I am also hosting two swaps this month: The 12 Days of Christmas and A Collection of Christmas Row Houses!

Inchies Rule!

2008-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

This past week-end I participated in the Spooktacular Halloween event at My Daughter's Wish, a local scrapbook and paper arts studio. As a member of their design team I had a booth where I introduced folks to inchies by way of an ATC! We made six inchies and then attached them to an inked 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 card. In addition, participants moved from table to table making different Halloween decor and art.
I also have a picture of an inchie quilt made by one of my on-line art friends. We each made 9 inchies and then sent them to her to swap . She then arranged them on a paper covered foam board to resemble a quilt. Isn't she clever!

So Many Things to Share!

2008-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

I was so lucky last week to attend a workshop up in Portland. Oregon with Sally Jean: Soldering Queen. I made so many lovelies and finally mastered soldering jump rings! We shopped, we dined, we had the most amazing cupcakes at Cupcake Jones and ended the trip with the Soldering for Virgins Workshop. I will share more later but first a glimpse into the wonderful workshop of Sally Jean!

Haunted House News!

2008-09-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the tall haunted house book I just finished. I used creative Imaginations paper with Melissa Francis arrow book. It has lots of fun embellies inside along with creepy and fun imagery. I will be teaching this class as well as offering a kit, let me know if you are interested.
My Haunted House ATC swap is underway with ten sign-ups. Let me know if you want to join in the spooky fun. And I just finished my set of Halloween inchies. I used a spider web stamp, a black confetti spider and some doodles, way cool. If you would like one just leave me a comment with the word inches in it and email your snail mail addy to me at:valerieLmyers@yahoo.com

A new ATC Swap coming up!

2008-09-10T17:48:00.001-07:00

I will be hosting a fun Haunted House swap to set the mood for Halloween! An ATC will be trimmed into the shape of a house and then decorated with fun Halloween spirits and such. Each participant will make a set of six houses and mail to me by October 3rd! It promises to be spooky good fun! Email me at valerieLmyers@yahoo if you want to join in!

An Amazing Day: September 3, 1910

2008-09-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today is an amazing day in my family's history! My maternal grandmother turned 98! This truly amazing and inspiring woman has been through so many pivotal events in history. I always wonder to what she owes her longevity , is it diet, exercise or genes? I know that we always walked or took the bus as she never wanted to drive. She walked to and from work and then to pick me up from school. In her free time she grew beautiful flowers and in later years added fruits and vegetables. She ate and grew organic food before they were in vogue.

She still lives in her home, cooks her meals and gardens when she can. She reads four novels a week and enjoys her monthly gardening club. Several years ago while at a doctors visit at UCLA, her doctor brought in a group of doctors, actually interns. He introduced her to them and asked if she could spend some time with these young doctors. He said it is rare to meet a person of her age with such vigor and intact intellect and so these budding doctors asked her questions, listened to her recollections and enjoyed her wisdom and sharp wit!

It is from her that I believe much of my creativity stemmed, as she quilted, did needlepoint and sewed beautiful clothing throughout my life. She always encouraged my artistic nature. She bought me my first drawing pencils and sketch pads. She sat me in the garden to draw what I saw: plants, flowers and animals. She was always there, for the triumphs and the tears. Today is your day Grandma, Happy Birthday, I love you!

I Love Hambly!

2008-08-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

I heard Hambly was having an open house and tour at their facility in San Jose today and tomorrow. I called my friend Lisa and we were off to see the birthplace of some of our favorite silk screen designs. Allison, one of the lead designers, gave us a lovely tour of the facility. We were able to watch the master silk screeners create our beloved transparencies with the most beautiful and brilliant colors. Wow! At the end of the tour we met Mr. Hambly himself, what a nice person. I love meeting the people who design and manufacture the products I love, that they are nice people too, is just icing on the cake! If you have the time, it is truly worth the trip! If not, check out their brand new designs at your local scrapbooking/art store.

Vacation on the California Coast

2008-08-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

We packed up the family and headed to Santa Cruz, California. It is less than an hours drive from our house but is worlds away in terms of peace and serenity. We spent time at the beach, around the pool, at the Boardwalk, the wharf and a wee bit of time at the local craft stores! So relaxing to not have to cook or clean, just needed to keep thoses swim suits sand-free.
I spent some time making inchies from a bag of scraps I took with me. It was challenging in that I brought so little product. I found some corregated cardboard and made several inchies and came up with a great idea for a cupcake ATC swap I am doing. I know, sounds a little corny but I wanted the challenge of doing something a little edgy with a cupcake for inspiration.
My transparency and house atcs are arriving daily and they are awesome. I will be posting my next swap, haunted houses, soon so KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR IT ( no creepy Halloween pun intended)! If you are curious about my swaps or would like sign up info email me at : valerieLmyers@yahoo.com!

Whirlwind Art Week-end

2008-08-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another fun and art filled week-end! Friday tarted with an altered/distressed assemblage class at My Daughter's Wish with Tim Holtz. We made three amazing pendants with collage, glass and Tim Holtz metals and found objects. That evening, I joined my friend Florence for her birthday crop at a local scrapbooking store, Scrapbook U. Early Saturday, another great class with Tim Holtz. Did you know that you can paint on acrylic and transparencies with alcohol ink and a water brush filled with blending solution (Ranger). It is much like painting with water colors except you get the brilliance of the alcohol inks and you can paint on virtually any surface. I have always enjoyed using alcohol inks but it was kind of a hit or miss on where the color went. With this techniques you get precise control of the color. On Sunday, another great day of fun and unique finds at the Alameda Antique Flea market with my friends Lisa and Daniela!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-19T12:43:00.001-07:00

JONAS!!!!!<3

2008-07-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we went to the Jonas brothers concert at the Concord sleep train pavilion ,it was soo cool there were great pyrotechnics and the 3 brothers all gave a great show there were lots of flips,jumps, spins and Kevin's SOS dance !the stage really added to the show with rising platforms and an extra long catwalk.When Kevin asked for his bird house he got 4 of them and they played all their new song from their soon to be released album and a few song that are so new they didn't get on the new album.Nick even played "A little Bit Longer " a song about his diabetes .
Joe did his love bug dance which looks like tap dancing but was still cool. And as always the Jonas brothers were all ridiculously cute!! then after the show my mom was the best and bought Nina and I Jonas Brothers Concert tees

Any-who lol,
Kaitlyn

Altered Shrine Class

2008-07-19T11:34:00.001-07:00

I will be teaching this Altered Shrine class at Scrapbook U in Fremont, Ca on Saturday, August 23 1-4:30pm.
We will collage with surreal or vintage images and then build a shrine shelf for those special items that hold meaning for you. If you are free, please join us.

Memories of Beloved Recipies

2008-07-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

My 97 year old grandmother, who is the most amazing cook ever and always cooked from memory has lost/misplaced her handwritten recipes. I am the only one who has the entire collection of these wonderful recipes. I had to sit by her side years ago to watch and measure her handful of this and pinch of that to get the true recipes, as she made these dishes.

So now I am returning the favor and mailing them to her. At first, I just put them in an envelope but then decided to make it into a folder deserving to hold such masterpieces. It came out lovely and I only wish I could see her face when she opens it and perhaps sit by her side as she cooks one of these delicious delights.

Her most amazing dish you ask? In my opinion: the hand tossed salad she made from her home grown vegetables with the vinaigrette she made in the bowl. A hand tossed dressing I could never duplicate. My brother's favorite, her turkey stuffing, my other brother loves her enchilada's and my husband and my sister, her red Chile pork. My children love her meatballs with spaghetti and my mom, her beef soup. Valerie

I Love to Swap

2008-06-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Veronica commented on all the swaps I was in, so I decided to tally then up. Big mistake,I think I over did it this month with swaps! I think the grand total was about eleven different swaps. I was in a moo card swap, three deco books, three atc swaps, a tag swap,a matchbox shrine swap, a charm swap and last but not least,an inchie swap.! I love to create and i love getting packages in the mail, a vicious cycle, LOL!. Next month will be a slower month artwise. With all the kids home for summer I have less time to create but will be teaching a bit more. I have a class at Scrapbook U, A Fairy House book and I will be co-teaching an ATC class at My Daughter's Wish with my friend Lisa.

ATCs and beyond!

2008-06-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

First question was, what is an ATC, ok I got it, then came row houses, moo cards, inchies, deco books, gothic arches, arches, triangles ,Zentagles. The list seems to go on and on in the ATC arena. I always figured, the best way to learn something, is to just jump right in. So I sign up, I research and I create. I now know what all these things are and how to make them. I thought it might be an interesting idea for a class, we could make one of each and everyone would leave with a finished portfolio of the listed items plus templates to make more! What do you think?

Memories for Sale: $3.00

2008-05-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

It never fails, weeks will go by and nothing much going on. Then, POW! stamp Convention, classes to teach, two flea markets and of course: quality time with the children!

I think my friend Lisa and I are hooked on the Alameda Flea Market monthly event. So much to see and buy, not to many bargins but unique items abound. We have so much fun pointing out things our parents use to have when we were growing up. Sometimes an item will invoke a memory long forgotten, something simple. For example, last time I spent $3 for a set of repelling magnet scottie dogs, less than an inch tall!

A toy my dad use to buy me at the bowling alley, I had several sets. It went like this, he was usually bowling in a tournament while my brother and I watched, for about 10 minutes, then boredom set in He would give us change to keep busy.As I recall, it was a cigarette machine that also sold small toys, Scottie dogs, curling fish, magic tricks and dice. All for about 25 cents. A candy bar and a toy, we were happy for another 30 minutes. Did I really have to have the Scottie dogs, no, but the fun memories they brought up were worth more than the 3 bucks...for sure.

ATC Mania!

2008-05-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok I have to admit that I have gone a little crazy for ATC's. This week-end I attended two wonderful crop for a cure events and worked non-stop on ATC cards. I think I made a total of 40 something cards. For swaps, one on one trades, a challenge and just for fun. I have a new file of images that almost automatically turn into ATC cards all by themselves! Too fun. Check back tomorrow for some pictures of what I have been creating. I have to finish off the mailers of my current swap, "The Color Purple" ASAP! Because my next swap, "Things with Wings" starts tomorrow.

Scrap for a Cure

2008-05-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the day with my friends at a crop for the HERS Breast Cancer foundation. Hers is a local group which supports all women and their families recovering from this dreaded disease. A friend ,I met through scrapbooking, has put on several events for this worthy cause. In addition to cropping, we enjoyed contests,lunch and a very informative discussion regarding statistics and current research.
I took full advantage of this opportunity to work on ATC cards for several of the current swaps I am participating in as well as hosting. The list includes: The color purple, Vintage Babes at the beach, Vintage Sea Shells, Owls, A funny one named Robots, and an arched atc called Villages. I will try to post a few examples this week. Stay tuned for details of my next swap: Things with Wings!

Cigar Assemblage Class 5/31 1-4pm

2008-05-15T20:33:00.001-07:00

Cigar Assemblage Class 5/31
Originally uploaded by valerielmyers

Learn the basics of putting together a cigar box assemblage. The cigar box and papers will be provided as well as supplies to build a shelf. Several small items will be included with the class fee to incorporate into your assemblage. Please bring special memory items, photos,postcards and vintage ephemera for your personal use. In addition, a box of vintage items individually priced will be on hand for purchase ( Fifty cents to $3. for most depending on item) . Please bring a jar of Modge Podge, Distress Inks, basic kit, hot glue gun (if you have one) wet and dry adhesives and glue dots.
Items you may want to bring:
Old photos
old keys
broken old toy/doll parts
small bottles
vintage buttons
vintage papers/receipts
game pieces
scrabble tiles
old book pages
costume jewelry
used stamps, old letters
metal thimbles, tags, pins, badges

2008-04-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today was a very productive ART day. My friend Lisa and I spent the day creating projects for upcoming classes we are teaching. It is so wonderful to have another artist to critique and give suggestions when you are struggling with a creative element on a project! The best part was we did it all with children running around, eating, playing games and sometimes crying. I finished two circle journal layouts and cut about 100 ATC cards from watercolor paper. I made a collage with just one sheet of paper, a piece of thread and sandy brown glimmer mist! I love how simple yet elegant it turned out.

ATC Mermaid Cards!

2008-04-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

They have been arriving daily from all over the world. So many different images, textures, color and techniques, all are lovely. Each mailer I open amazes me with the bounty inside. Mermaids, ocean waves, under the sea snippets and even an adorable mermouse holding a glttering ring. This has come about from an ATC swap I sponsored with ATC World, Fiskateers and my LSS group.

With all groups combined there are close to 25 different mermaid images and close to 200 cards that will be sorted and mailed out in the next week. After I made my first ATC card at an artists fair at a LSS, My Daughter Wish, I was hooked. Every image, every creation lent itself to becoming a ATC. I quickly signed up for my first swap in November 2007, a Christmas ATC card swap. I quickly made my cards and sent them off to Australia. Unfortunately, for a variety of reason, the hostess help up the swap for four months. Eventually, I got my cards and decided to try one more time.

I posted my swap and about two weeks later a bevy of beauties began to arrive at my doorstep. I have enjoyed opening each and every package. Marveling at the creativity of my fellow artists and the many techniques used. The work has far exceeded my expectations and I look forward to sharing them with you on-line in the very near future!

Making It So...

2007-12-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy creating, that I have neglected blogging. Once I can get some technical support from my children I will post some of my creations. I have moved to a new realm where I am in creative overdrive, just want to play with my art stuff all the time. Great for me but not so great for my house and family. With Winterbreak everyone is home, feeling a little bored. Not a great time to be busy creating. My newest loves:

Beeswax Collage: I just love layering the melted wax onto canvas with various images lost in the wax. Only to be revealed once the canvas is heated.

ATC Cards: You know this is right up my ally, tiny art production on baseball card size paper and canvas. Made my first set and sent them off to Australia for an international swap.

Altered paper and tags: Just can not stop once I start, then putting all the pages together on a ring to make a book.

Ok, my little one is standing by, time to go create breakfast for the children. I think I will alter some eggs and collage the potatoes with pepper and onion with a light coat of pepper, lol!

A Pretty Package

2007-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

I hear the door bell and run down the stairs. The mailman greets me with a packages, it is small. That means it is probably not computer components for my husband, Hmm... perhaps, lovelies for me! I make quick of thanking my welcome messenger and scoop up my package and run to the table. What could it be, I wonder, as I am expecting several items. Is it a bevy of fantastic florals from Prima ebay, no too heavy. Is it fun scrapbooking embellies from one of my favorite on-line stores, no to big. Books from Amazon, no too light. I refuse to read the label because half the fun is guessing, and of course the element of surprise! Ok, ok I tear it open like a child on Christmas morning! Oh.... I see white every where, glitter, crystals, pearl beads, snow angels and creamy lace paper. It is a kit I ordered from mixed media artist Carol Wingert. Oh, such a divine assembly of beautiful goodies to send any artist to nirvana! I take out each piece and feel the texture, the softness and admire the beauty of the raw materials. I take a small bag of baubles, perhaps from France these little treasures prism the sunlight. Lace and tulle, with a color that can only develop over the years: antique I am sure.

I imagine a shopper, perhaps an artist walking through the streets of France. She stops at the bakery and selects a baggette with Brie and a cup of tea. She continues down the street until she arrives... The weekly flea market! Here she shops for herself and friends, looking over the lace promised to be fifty years old from a French maidens wedding dress, he says. Yards of tulle and yarn across the way. She carefully selects buttons, shiny ones and of course the small pearls catch her eye. Old postcards always delight and she silently celebrates as she comes upon a collection of old photographs. Parents, children and grandchildren of eras long past look out at her, she must have them all! She bargins until the price feels right.

She feels lucky. It has been a good day, she thinks, as she juggles her bags of treasure home. It starts to rain lightly, she feels a chill, no worries. She knows the best is ahead. Her afternoon spent sorting through the beautiful bounty in front of the fire ...
The doorbell rings again, it is my neighbor. I am back... at home. I wonder what tomorrow will bring...

A Creative Hour

2007-10-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

A daily practice is the core of all successful artists. Jerry Lebo

Last night, I read an article on creativity, artists and time. Jerry Lebo, the Sixty Minute Artist, stated that he had read there are three essential qualities that lead to a successful artist:

1. Curiosity

2.Commitment

3.Good Work Habits

Of these three he believes good work habits are the most important. Now you might ask, Why are good work habits so important for an artist? Well,One key work habit is organizing/scheduling your day. If you don't plan your day with time to create scheduled in, then it may not happen. This idea hit me as being so relevant and profound to the way I live my life.
As a mother of three very busy children, I am always very aware of their schedules for art, dance, friends, sports and homework. I make sure they are on time and ready to participate. Then, I start to wonder, what about me? When is it my time to play and recreate? It is so easy to put my desired activities at the bottom of the list when something comes up in their lives. I realize, I have not given my time the value I have given their time . Yet, it is all related, here is the difference it can make. If I am able to carve a moment to create or play if you will, I am a happier person and a happier chauffeur, cook, laundress, confidant and friend. Therefore, a better mom! I feel satisfied and the endless drop offs and pick-ups go so much smoother. In addition, I also have a different identity for that short moment each day: scrapbooker, paper artist or creator! It is both liberating and therapeutic. So if I want to create every day, then I must schedule it in EVERYDAY!

So to the stamped mantra of my friend Michelle," Do something creative every day"
I will add, "by making it a priority in your schedule!"

A Creative Journey @ the Dollar Store

2007-10-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Now I am sure like me, you have been to the dollar store a million times, maybe not. Ok, ok maybe 30 times, but always with my children or because it was the quickest way to grab some laundry detergent. Now, have you ever been to the $1-$1.50 store with a group of artists? I had my first such experience yesterday and it was truly awe inspiring.
In the mind of an artist, nothing is what it seems. Every day items have the potential for many altered personalities. As I peered into their baskets and asked about the items inside, I was delighted by the many options they presented. These somewhat dreary household items would have the opportunity to be transformed, unlike their siblings left on the shelf. They would become beautiful items others would ooh and ah over. Perhaps a small cardboard box to throw paper clips into or a beautiful memory box. That once opened, presented a delightful cornicopia of beautiful charms and keepsakes from another time! The creative process is amazing!