Bird Nests & Paper

Up and Down

2011-07-11T07:29:00.001-07:00

When things don't go according to plan, or people don't act the way I think they should, or I have do something uncomfortable . . . I always wonder why - and you know what - there might not be an answer.

Actually, all of the stuff I mentioned above is completely out of my control - aside from my feelings, life goes on around me exactly as it should.

Thank goodness I have a creative life to balance this out . . . or what would I do :)

A Space to Create

2011-06-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

I have had lots of different spots over the years where I have set aside space and time to create. Sometimes it was the living room table, sometimes a space in my bedroom, I have also rented large spaces - now I have the "Studio" which is our small converted garage.

And I do mean small :) We live in a wonderful Craftsman home in San Diego with the original garage just the right size for a Model T! The plus (aside from having a private space to create) is that the original garage doors are so cool! They swing open carriage style and are lovely!

I also use part of this creative space to ship my Etsy orders! Fun and functional! I feel lucky, in so many ways. But I have also worked hard to make sure that I have a life filled with creative time, people and events. I have a wonderful day job, working with excellent people - how cool is that. And when I come home - all this is still here, waiting for me.

If you can - set aside a space just for you. Make it your own with a few sacred objects, and a bowl of fresh flowers. Sing a song of praise each morning that there is another day to create exactly what your heart desires, another day to love.

Creating Through Etsy

2011-06-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

When people contact me on Etsy for advice about their shop, or they ask what has worked for me, it always comes down to good photos! Of course price point, and tagging for SEO are important too! And excellent customer service is key. But, frankly, if a new customer arrives at my Etsy shop there are only a few seconds to get them to look around . . . and I guarantee you that good photos will keep them there longer.

So here are the steps I take with my photos . . .

Natural lighting in a fabric photo booth will eliminate most shadows and allows the item to stand out- my camera is always on auto focus (mainly because I am lazy and don't want to fool around with it). I use a macro lense, so the photos are clear but always a little dark.

I take several angles so that I have a couple to choose from,

And when I find one that I like, I manipulate the image in Iphoto on my mac. Usually I adjust the color levels (to get to the true color of the item), the exposure (helps to drop away the background) and the sharpness will help to bring out the details of the image.

I am careful not to remove all the marvelous vintage aging, and the various dings, cracks or chips in the image. And I describe it as best I can with all the flaws ;)

Varying the size of the images, and the angles really does help to make the experience in the shop interesting and fun! It should be fun, right!! When I am looking around on Etsy, I have fun!!

Also, the clearer your photos are - the more likely they will be found and used in treasuries - and that makes it more likely your item will make it to the Front Page on Etsy - and that is free advertising for your shop!

A Journal - My Connection

2011-06-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have always been creating. I vividly remember coloring books, embroidering with my grandmother, sewing and making collages. I have also been journaling for many years and it is only natural the two should collide at some point! And what a cosmic collision it has been!

Although I had been keeping a visual journal on and off, I didn't open up to all the possibilities until I met, and took a workshop from Orly. Each time she comes to San Diego and I get the opportunity to listen and create . . . well, I am that much closer to the divine aspect of myself that has been buried for a while. Creating isn't only something that I do, it is who I am.

Without it, I wander with a blindfold, my hands out in front of me trying to find my way. If you are stumbling, and know with all your heart you must create - please do it.

What the . . .Time to start posting again!

2011-06-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

I actually love blogging, so I am not sure why it takes me so long to do it ;) So much has been happening - lots of fun on my Etsy site! I joined a new treasury team, the AAG, which totally rocks! Wonderful fun things in my Etsy Shop.

So much fun!! I will be adding some other images, so check back.
xoxo
Elise

At My Happiest

2011-01-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am always at my happiest when I am creating. Well, you might say, now that she knows this she must be creating all the time and happy day-in and day-out. Hmmm. No.

But I am getting closer and closer to honoring that path as much as I can today. And that is what seems to work for me. I have a full-time job, a family, an Etsy shop and still I am driven to create original work as often as possible.

I find myself more and more often home, in my studio, sitting with all the odds and ends I have found and wondering just how I will be able to manifest all the ideas, and desires that my heart holds. Each day there is another 24 hours. Each moment unique and then gone. My choices have to be about creating, or I am cut off from the source of my creativity and it is hard to breath.

So today I show up, just as I am with all my failings, talent, drive and love and see what will happen.

2011

2011-01-06T07:54:00.001-08:00

January 1st is a morning like other mornings - but I put so much emphasis on starting fresh, a clean slate and new beginnings that I forget life has a tendency to flow. Not stop and start.

I don't feel like there is a clean slate this year, for some reason. I am unclear about where one moment begins and ends. Christmas seems like a dream, and as January moves on day-by-day I marvel at the passage of time, and my relationship to it.

The only way I have found to engage in timelessness is to honor the creative part of myself. To write, journal, paint or whatever! Only then am I part of the whole, connected. Otherwise I am only an observer - impatiently waiting for something to happen and wondering why it eludes me.

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. Albert Einstein

Let's Chat About Friendship

2010-12-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

Do you have a best friend? I mean a friend that will stick like glue to you when your world turns upside down, who will stand with you when things are wonderful and heart wrenching! Who calmly navigates when it is raining, you have just taken a wrong turn and now must double-back!

I am blessed to have loving and super funny friends. When I recall moments in 2010, I think of the people in my life. I don't think about money, or things or how many venti americanos I consumed (perhaps because the numbers are so high it is impossible to imagine - thank you Starbucks).

It is always memories about the people that I love. Always.

I want to be the best friend I can be, luckily - I have some great role models.

2010-11-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

This photo is credited to Beca and is one of the new books in her shop, BecaReads.

I have a lovely friend that goes with me to all the local estate sales and rummbage sales! Beca is awesome! Not only does she home school her wonderful children, she is an incredible baker and she also has a very successful Etsy shop, Becaruns.

She has always had a passion for children's books. At one rummage sale this year, I was hunting for goodies and had Beca's daughter with me. I said, "Where do you think your mom is?" and she said - - "Well, there is a room full of books."

And sure enough, that's where we found Beca and her son with their arms FULL of vintage books. And he is only 3 so you can imagine the wonderful image! Both of them with huge smiles on their faces!

She just opened a SECOND Etsy shop - BecaReads - and yes, all the books are vintage children's books and they are so fun! She is the perfect person to do this sort of shop! She has read all these books, appreciates the writing and illustrations, and she has a natural ability to spot the best books!

I don't know how I managed to go to estate sales etc. all by myself for all that time - - it is so much more fun with Beca!

2010-11-28T19:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I have really missed posting! Now that I am here, and I think about how long it has been, it seems silly to make a commitment to write or post more often . . . usually that is something I save for the first of January! Perhaps it is better to say that I will post more often through December, that way in January I will already be ahead of the game!

I have been doing more canvas collage pieces and working in my visual journal. I have taken several workshops in San Diego given by Orly Avineri. She is an incredible teacher, and I feel so lucky to have found her. These workshops have been just what I needed to jumpstart my creative life. Each time I take the time to focus on my art, I end up feeling so much better.

Where Does the Time Go?

2010-09-30T14:16:00.001-07:00

I can not believe that it is the Fall! In fact, today in San Diego there are thunder showers! Large dollops of rain hit my windshield this morning and think I might have laughed out loud.

For some reason, this time of year holds all sorts of mystery for me - I love watching some of the trees as I drive to work to see if these will be the ones that drop their leaves! The lovely golden color set against the dark clouds filled me with a sense of awe that is particular to this time of year!

I suppose I love it because so much seems to be coming to me from outside - weather is larger, the daylight casts longer shadows. The sea changes color to a deeper green - and the moon seems closer.

I love being part of something so much bigger than me.

Photo Day #10 - Lavender

2010-08-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's such a great thing to create something! I have been working on a swap for the last couple of weeks and having a great time finding super fun things to add to the box that will go out today (hopefully!). The theme is A Midsummers Eve. I need to have something thrifted, something hand made and of course goodies along the theme.

The most challenging part for me is creating a one-of-a-kind piece that I think someone else will enjoy! I know that all the swap items that I have received I have treasured! I guess I just go for it and cross my fingers!

So I am still working on the box, and intend to send it out tonight when I get home from work. It is good to have a deadline, and a theme. It makes me think outside what I normally do, and to think about someone else also!

I have a really great swap partner, and our communication is so fun! Nancy, I can't wait to send this off to you, and see what you have created also!

Photo Day #9 - Be Gentle to Yourself

2010-08-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

So much of my time is spent in my head trying to figure things out. Lately, I believe that is not the best place for me to spend time. In fact, I am pretty sure it isn't.

Now, I have plenty of time during the day to intellectually find solutions at my day job. There are certainly tasks, and projects that need my complete attention and all my faculties. That's not really what I mean.

I am talking about the other times of the day when I am running around in my head trying to catch up to the hundreds of things I can worry about. Over and over again. Usually this happens going to bed, waking up, driving in the car, walking, etc. You know the drill, one thing will set the whole whirling tornado in motion.

So for today, when those thoughts invade my headspace, I will say to myself "thoughts" and let them go. Unless it is something that needs my immediate attention, the rest can wait.

Photo Day #8 - Create

2010-08-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

I don't often show the studio space that I work in at home. Not sure why, probably because it is always in a state of flux and creative chaos. I get to work on something and then I leave it, and then I come back to it, and then I move it around - you get the picture! And I have two studios at home! One in the house and one in our sweet little garage (converted several years ago so I could paint).

The more I do creative work, the more clearly I see the need for balance in my life.

Everything you see was found at a thrift store or church rummage sale - the fan, the sweet bird cage music box, the lovely flower garland and you can just see the bottom of a mirror in the background! Got to love treasure hunting!

Photo Day #7 - Have a Great Monday!

2010-08-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

I always wonder why Mondays are so hard! They are just like any other day, except that my expectation must be that the weekend will go on forever! What's that about? So I start every Monday with a gratitude list.
family
health
job
friends
then it gets more to the point
creative core - I love being the person I am meant to be
toes - I love walking
eyes - I love reading
fingers - I love typing and writing
birds outside - I love the sweet chatter

See how it goes! So fun!

Photo Day #6 - The Heart of the Matter

2010-08-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Do you ever meditate? I have been giving it a try lately. It is challenging, for sure! After spending so many years thinking about it - not believing that I could ever do it. And wondering if I would ever be able to slow down the thoughts in my head, I can now meditate for about 20 minutes at a time! Not bad for a start!

Photo Day #5

2010-07-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

I take lots and lots of photos in order to keep my Etsy site stocked. I love finding that next super fun treasure to photograph. Weirdly, the weather in San Diego has been SO cloudy that today was the first day in ages that I was abble to take photos of things to sell on Etsy. I open my shop again tomorrow, August 1st, after a short break to regroup and spend a little vacation time relaxing.

I have been so distracted lately, and have not been able to focus on selling or creating while I am at home. I love my day job, and try to balance that with a creative life and family. So far it doesn't feel like I am doing very well. But I can't know for sure until I actually spend some time in the studio making art. Then, I will feel the balance begin to shift and I will like my life a little more! Sounds simple, doesn't it!

Photo Day 4

2010-07-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am. Does that happen to you? Yesterday I had the joy of going to a huge church rummage sale with my friend Beca! We had so much fun finding goodies and sharing the experience. I really like doing sales with friends, I never feel like I won't find something and I get such a thrill when they unearth a treasure!

After that I went to a memorial service - the mass, the touching eulogy and being there to support my dear friends who have lost their son was so powerful for me . . . it always comes down to people, doesn't it. It always circles back to love. Where would I be without it?

Photo Day #3

2010-07-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing more wonderous!

Photo a Day #2

2010-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

How does your garden grow, with silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row - well, not exactly. The hard work continues, for Mr. Lumberjackman that is! He has been gathering rock from hither and yon and ripping out the dead lawn that is a direct result of the water restrictions in San Diego.

We used to have a lovely green lawn that we seriously had to water every day. Especially in the Summer. But we just couldn't bring ourselves to continue when there was a water shortage etc. It just didn't seem right.

We want the front of our home to be like a Japanese garden - this is a path of flagstone where grass used to be! It is so exciting to have a new aesthetic growing right before my eyes!

A Photo a Day Challenge

2010-07-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

I need to set a goal for myself. That usually works to get the creative juices going during the particularly difficult times. And when I say difficult, I really mean all the times when jobs, family, friends, work, house, car etc take up time and energy. Most of the time it is energy gladly given! Energy that I love to spread around everywhere and to everyone else.

Now I know it sounds selfish, self centered and a little whiny! But to tell you the truth, unless I set concrete goals (like being part of a swap, or taking a workshop) I have a hard time working on the many projects that seem to pour forth! It is different if you have young children at home, which I don't any more. Kids need to be part of the energy vortex and they deserve to have attention and all the good things that we can give them.

For me, no excuses. I have a great day job - a little demanding at times but not hellish! I have a super awesome boss and I work hard when I am there. Cause that is the kind of person I am. And I enjoy so many of the people in this company, really nice and friendly. So you see, no complaints there - sorta glad I have it and that it is challenging in a good way.

There is always Mr. Lumberjackman as well. He is so supportive of my creative life! I really like him so we got married about 6 years ago. Its fun cause he is creative too. And we have good talks about creativiy and what it means for each of us.

So here is the challenge - take one photo each day and post it on your blog. Send me the like to your shop - I think it can be your photo for the day! Remember is can be anything - but the key is that you have to say what that particular photo means for you sort of a visual haiku.

For instance - these stones are the beginning of our front garden transformation.

No longer green lawn
Grey stones settle on dark soil
black cats roll in dirt

Fun! Give it a try! Remember to link back so we can see your photo!

I Hate Goodbyes. . . my Kitties are Gone . . .

2010-07-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

How can it happen just like that - one morning everything is fine everyone is eating their cat biscuit and tuna - - then gone. Two of the three little angels have vanished and my heart is broken.

One of them, Midnight, has been with me for 10 years. Sleeps with me, loves me as much as I love him. . . it is all so sad. Isn't he handsome. He loved to rest on warm days under the lavender bushes in the front garden. He would smell a little of lavender when he walked by. I miss him terribly.

Our little girl, Phoebe was the one with the happy bounding personality! She loved everything and really liked the photo booth that I take my etsy photos in - isn't she lovely. What a face! I can't believe she is gone - - crying really doesn't seem to make me feel better.

Thank you for letting me share these wonderful cats with you.

Around the House - Bird Nests and Buddhas

2010-07-07T23:03:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I notice that certain colors, or groups of color, seem to catch my eye. I know that this happens all the time at the thrift stores and rummage sales. One day it is all pink things I notice, then the next it is yellow or red. One day everything I found was aqua - now I never see anyghtin aqua!

While I was taking some photos around the house recently (when the sun was actually shining - gosh it has been grey and cold) it happened again! A little green here, some lovely shades of soft taupe there! And plenty of bird nests - naturally!

I have no idea where I found this delicate green feather, but once I set it in this nest it felt complete!

I know it's a bit blurry - but I sort of like the way it seems to be in motion swirling. Not all nests swirl like this one - it has lots of energy!

There are actually three teeny nests on this vintage vanity mirror - - one in the ceramic pot, one under the green budha and one on the right. These may be partial nests but they are certainly the softest ones I have!

When you walk in my front door this is what greets you - - hopefully it brings the same peace to each person that stops by for a visit! There are lots more bird nests - too many for one blog post, but I will certainly be showing more over time! Every now and then, someone will leave a new nest on my front porch - a most precious gift from winged architects!

Thrifting Tuesday

2010-07-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

I know, some blogs show thrifts on Monday - I would too if I could just get myself going! As it turned out, I was able to get to some thrift stores this past weekend. Thought it would be fun to share! Are these child's suspenders adorable, or what!

Super cute Vintage Swedish Horse!! A vintage tin, vintage tin plate and super cute bowls with little roses. You can just see the homemade vintage trivet!

Yup, it's a real butterfly, real fern and dirt! Goodness sakes! So darn cool. Just sold it in my Etsy shop to someone in England! I love England. I love green hillsides, copious cups of tea, Liberty of London, and every single museum!! All of which are free (at least the last time I was there they were). But I digress . . .

Flower Power recipe box!

Total Zen vintage bamboo napkin rings!

And these lovely aqua napkins - intimate setting for two . . .

There are few things as fun as discovering that next treasure! What did you find recently?

Visual Journaling - Beginnings with Orly Avineri

2010-06-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

I just had the BEST day here in San Diego. I did a workshop on visual journaling taught by Orly Avineri and it was fantastic! There were 10 people total - so it was an intimate group of eager artists. Everyone was so warm and friendly, I felt right at home as soon as I walked in the door. The event was hosted by Pnina Gold another super talented artist (and she even made lunch for all of us . . . wow)! Thank you, Pnina!!

These are the pages that I completed today. It's a start and a perfect stage for the kind of journal writing that I want to do. Love using the pens after the pages have been varnished - these squiggles were done initially with my eyes closed!!

It was a total "meant-to-be" that I found this workshop and all these lovely people! I was reading some of my favorite blogs - so, first I found Brian's blog and then Orly's blog. I was so impressed by the caliber of the work that Brian did in her workshops and her pages that I thought, gee wonder if she is doing any workshops. And of course she was doing one in San Diego on Sunday!! I took a chance and emailed Orly on Friday, on the off-chance that there was space in the workshop . . . right . . . what are the odds that one person had to cancel - - pretty high, evidently!! Meant to be.

These were a couple pages done quickly with a some scraps and doodle roses - - the theme for the workshop!

One of the most compelling aspects of doing a workshop, is seeing what everyone creates! Even though we were all doing the same process, our journals were all so different, and individual. All of the created spreads were beautiful - - what a joy it is to work with other artists!

Do you love to Thrift?

2010-06-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

Well, I do. and I love reading about someone else's adventures almost as much as I enjoy having them myself. One of my ABSOLUTE favorite blogs is apronthriftgirl - I especially love her frugal lifestyle and business-mixed-with-fun approach to thrifting.

She is celebrating 4 years blogging and is having a HUGE giveaway!! There are 70 items in this box, and all you need to do is leave a comment to participate. But, I guarantee you will be hooked once you see her blog!!

Congratulations on 4 years!!

Vintage Find

2010-05-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I find a wacky treasure at the thrift store. In this case, I had tucked these away at my studio and re-found them when I moved everything to my home studio this last month. I love these wonderful letters and wish I knew what they were for! For now, I get to spell my word for the day!

I Have Missed My Artful Thursdays!!

2010-03-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

So much going on that I have not been in the studio very much . . . but I promise that this weekend I will post about a project I am working on! Still listing goodies in the shop, but I can do that in the evening while I watch action movies!

Nice to be Back!

2010-03-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

Have I been busy or what! And, I know it's not just me, everyone seems busy as Spring blossoms around us! I took a vow with my lovely husband, Mr. Lumberjackman - that I would not go to any more thrift stores or church rummage sales until I listed lots and lots of goodies in the Etsy shop!

Here are some of the adorable things that I will be listing and there are lots and LOTS of things to come this weekend!

Fun, right! Loads of things to put in the shop! Just between you and me. . . there are two great church rummage sales in San Diego in June!

What a weekend!

2010-02-15T21:18:00.000-08:00

I have two words for you Couples' Retreat! And this one was over Valentine's Day! It was so awesome to get away with Mr. Lumberjackman and to be around so many super wonderful couples! The weather was superb, the meals nourishing and the discussions soul searching - plus so much laughter!

We had a suite with a fireplace and stained glass windows - looking off the patio deck is a pond and we were surrounded by lovely pine and oak trees - beautiful!

I will be trying to get back in the groove this week with Artful Thursday, and take a little time to show you some of the fun things I have been finding at thrift stores and church rummage sales. Will be doing a bit of traveling the next two weeks, but must keep posting!!

Tell me what you did for Valentine's Day weekend!

#4 - Anita - You're the Winner!

2010-02-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Anita!! The box of goodies will be on its way to you in a flash! Congratulations! Enjoy all your fun goodies!!

And thank you - everyone - for your sweet birthday wishes! Love to all of you this Valentines Day and every day!

I am blessed and grateful to have all of you in my life!

xoxo Elise

P.S. Stay tuned as I will be doing another giveaway in March to REALLY celebrate Spring!

Happy Birthday to Me GIVEAWAY!

2010-01-31T12:05:00.001-08:00

Well, it isn't my birthday yet! But February is right around the corner - So, to celebrate I am going to send out this box of goodies Priority Mail on February 4th - next Thursday. All you have to do is leave a comment by midnight February 3rd, and tell me what you love about the month of February!

Here is a list of what's in the box - Vintage tin child's tea cup, saucer and plate; vintage shipping labels; vintage Rhode Island hankie; vintage doilies; vintage pack of fabric in pinks and whites; vingage rose notecards; red millinery leaves; vintage french pages; an image like Marie Antoinette; red polkadot ruffle trim; vintage pink millinery roses; valentine reproduction die cuts; and, teeny red velvet daisies! I will add a couple of other fun surprises, of course!

Artful Thursday Project #3

2010-01-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, Valentine's Day - It hasn't always held the appeal for me that other holidays have. Halloween being my fave! But for some reason, this year, I am so in love with love.

I keep buying red, pink and white vintage trims (like these goodies from Pautluck), I just can't get enough of it!

For my Thursday project, I decided to use some crocheted pieces I made from lovely vintage string I found at a church rummage sale, and white cotton string from a local thrift store.

Originally, I was going to make a garland with crocheted little circles and a long crocheted chain for our Christmas tree. But of course that was one project I didn't finish. The pieces have been patiently waiting for me in my sewing box!

So why not a Valentine Garland!

It is basically a bunch of round circles on a crocheted chain, then I ran a lovely pink embroidery thread throughout with small beads. Some vintage pink seam binding bows added a sweet touch.

Making the rounds and putting this together was fun because it didn't matter what they looked like - the more random the better. My hubby, Mr. Lumberjackman, and I will be out of town on February 14th - I will be hanging this garland in our suite to celebrate the day!

Artful Thursday Project #2

2010-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

When I saw Pam Garrison's "Fabric Bits" on her blog last year I knew that I wanted to try and make some myself. So, I have been collecting bits of fun fabric, beads, and embroidery floss for ages. I started my first one last night and finished it tonight - my Artful Thursday project!

I learned to do embroidery before I started sewing. I can remember sitting with my grandmother and working on a tea towel. So it feels like coming home to do this little piece. It measures approx 8 x 8 - just the right size to complete in one or two evenings. Completely unplanned, it is the spontaneity that is SO fun.

Just go for it!

Lucky to Find Pautluck

2010-01-20T07:34:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I find ANOTHER jewel in Etsy's glittering tiara of shops! I am so lucky to have found Miranda's shop Pautluck! Look at the perfect little gems I found as I pulled the pink tissue paper from the box. They were each beautifully wrapped and I felt special as I opened each package.

A pink and red fabric bundle (so many pieces!) perfect for some projects I have in mind.

Vintage Victorian die -cut roses - in perfect condition and absolutely lovely!

Little tatted crosses - oh my gosh! They are awesome! And came tucked inside a teeny muslin pouch.

And my little angel! How cute is this cabinet photo. I can't wait to honor this sweet baby somehow.

She sent extra goodies! I must be the only person in the crafting world that doesn't have red and white baker's twine - well, now I do. And what about all those sweet little hearts!

Miranda, thank you for making my Valentine holiday special. I love your shop - please consider me a loyal shopper and hooked for good!

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your family!

Artful Thursday Project #1

2010-01-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Julie Collings has started the Artful Thursday Project blog and anyone can participate. The object is to use some supplies that you have had around, and create something every Thursday - or Wednesday night for Thursday post (like me). So here is my first!

I have a lot of rubber stamps around but I really don't use them very often and they are really fun - and I have so many of the tags (boxes!). So, I stamped some tags - distressed them and and added some inks, acrylic paint and glitter.

I also have loads of small gift bags from when I was doing craft shows - so I did sets of three, wrapped toile around the bags, and glued a small pin back to a fun rhinestone. These are such sweet little packs!

Ta Da! And then I couldn't stop, of course . . .

Check out Julie's blog and see what you can come up with on Artful Thursdays!!

A Memory and Love

2010-01-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

I was in Thailand in January 2004 after the Tsunami had devastated most of the country. My trip was actually planned in advance, to help my daughter find an apartment and start school in Bangkok. She had been traveling along the coast before settling down for a year to study abroad. On December 25 she had called and was on an island off the coast, near Puket. For 48 hours we didn't know where she was.

Every January I reread my journal entries from that time and remember how traumatic the events were on a supremely gentle people and their country. And how deeply painful it was for me to call the American Consulate trying to find my daughter. I will never forget passing by the police station in Bangkok on my morning walk each day and seeing the postings of the thousands of names of the missing, growing and growing.

Today she can speak and read Thai. She stayed in Thailand in 2004 completing the program along with the requirement that she stay in a remote village with a family speaking only Thai and fully participating in their life. They are now her "grandparents" and she loves them.

I am so proud of her, and what she has done in her life.

Sunday Morning

2010-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

I am up early again. I have a stiff neck from too many pilates crunches yesterday. Actually, it was probably because I was laughing and doing pilates crunches, my focus drifted. So waking up this morning I was moving a bit slower and the morning light got my attention.

So of course I had to see more - our house is north facing so only a couple rooms get morning sun, and I wanted to see it. The living room - - -

The music room where Mr. Lumberjack Man plays the cello.

And of course the front porch - what a glorious day.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Still Loving Winter

2010-01-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I am hanging on to some winter treasures. This beautiful wreath came to me in the Year of Color Wreath Swap. My partner was Lorraine from Paperbird and the wreath is still hanging in my living room even after all the other holiday decorations have been lovingly packed away.

In San Diego, I like to grab a little winter wonder when I can. I'm not sure if you can tell, but this is such glittery glam! I adore it and know that I will enjoy it for lots of years to come. Thank you, Lorraine!!

Holiday Time in San Francisco

2009-12-19T23:07:00.000-08:00

I grew up near San Franciso and have lived in the City at various times in my life. When I go to visit around the holidays I get together with my dad in the City and we always go somewhere fun! I am an avid museumaholic and always find something to explore. Here is the routine - I fly into Oakland, take BART to the Embarcadero and my dad meets me there! This last time, I was a little early and we met at Peets Coffee!

First things first - LOVE their lattes!

Here is dad! Caught him arriving - It was raining and the hat was a must for the day! Although, he always wears a hat!! We had a lovely walk to Union Square then back to the car and on to the Academy of Sciences and Steinhart Aquarium!

Have you heard about the new building and "Green" rooftop! It was pouring so I didn't take my camera out. But that link will show you how awesome the new building is and the fantastic exhibits. I can remember going to the Aquarium when I was a little girl with my grandparents and how magical it was!

I love the colors and textures of sea creatures! I often use sea urchin images in my own collage.

Here is a detail of a collage using the sea urchin images - these are what they look like without the spines and I can remember walking along the beach as a young girl and finding them washed up on the sand.

There were so many beautiful things to see.

It feels good to reconnect with beauty and nature. I adore being wowed by the brilliant colors and fantastic forms of the sea. Don't you?

Much Needed Rain

2009-11-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

I don't usually say much about the weather in San Diego - it certainly isn't very nice to complain about the continual sunshine when it is snowing and raining all over the place. But, it has been so warm and dry here that we all wonder if it really is winter!

On Saturday we got our first rain of the season and it was so LOVELY! Really just a dusting of rain, and only for a brief period but I had to go outside and take a couple of photos!

We also put up our tree, not completely decorated - just with the lovely white lights, but it is so festive to sit with a cup of tea and realize how wonderful the season can be!

Let's deck the halls, Fa la la la!

Thankful

2009-11-25T23:23:00.000-08:00

I feel I have so much to be thankful for. Two lovely daughters, a great husband and great friends and family that I love and cherish. I have a pretty long gratitude list, once I get started. But I wanted to take the time here to thank everyone who has supported me with the creative life that means so much to me. My husband, is numero uno in the support department! He found me a super great camera to take photos for my Etsy shop, and then found a laptop on Ebay that I am using right this minute!

He got so excited when I decided to move my studio to a room in our home! Here are some photos of the home studio. I still have a studio away from the house until the end of the year and I love to be there. It's peaceful and filled with creative energy. There are three of us sharing the space right now and it works out perfectly. I will miss it when it comes time to let it go.

I don't think either of us realized that it would be such a huge job transitioning and the space required to contain all of the necessary equipment and inventory for selling on an Etsy site! Photos are taken in a photo booth in the kitchen - orders are printed and packaged on the dining room table. I like to hand write the addresses. That seems more personal to me. I like getting hand written letters. . . I make trips to the post office every couple of days, sending off packages to all of my wonderful creative Etsy customers !!! You all make my life so fun these days!!I feel very blessed to be part of this fantastic and talented community!

What a thrill it is to search see all the things that people create - my intention by the beginning of the year is to have a new dedicated Etsy site for my own creations. It's always a little scary, but must be done. I long to be creating more and feel inspired by so many of the artists I admire.

I will end with a couple of images that support me in my creative life. First, I have been looking all over to find this wonderful sewing book. I finally found it at one of my favorite thrift stores in Poway. With this, I can create almost anything my heart desires! I have been sewing since I was a young girl and find it very soothing.

Secondly - whenever I find something with lots of color, I am drawn to it My home studio has minty green walls with white trim, hard wood floors and various color groupings spread around like little gems. This wonderful flower garland is so fun next to the calendar with sequins!! It makes me happy when I see it!

I am grateful, so grateful for the fullnes of life and the wonder that fills me each time I uncover another treasure at a thrift store and I can't wait to see where it will find a new home! I love that! I love browsing and buying from the wonderful people on Etsy. And the talent - they totally rock!!!

Yes, there is so much to be thankful for!

I Enjoy Getting Goodies in the Mail

2009-11-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

As much as I love sending out my Etsy goodies, I love getting packages in the mail mysel also! This weekend I received a package from one of my favorite sellers on Etsy. Erika has lots of lovely trims, notions and goodies for creating art. When I was checking out her shop, as I do every now and then, I saw some yummy vintage flocked bows!

This is what the package looked like, I didn't even want to open it! So adorable!

But when I did, look at all these sweet bows!

I knew I would love using these and included a bow in the holiday Goodie Bag that I listed today.

One of the benefits of being part of a creative community is that there are all sorts of opportunities to support each other. I met Erika because she bought some things from me when I first opened my shop. I have sent customers to her shop (because I know what she has in her shop) when they are looking for something specific - that's what we do as artists. Each person's success - is everyone's success.

I truly belive that - Thanks for the lovely package, Erika - you made my weekend!

But It's Not Halloween Yet . . .

2009-10-24T22:35:00.002-07:00

I love to find a listing on Ebay that includes lots of "stuff" - and every now and then I really score. I knew I wanted some interesting things to use in my collage and altars, and when I opened this box, I was pleasantly surprised! The photograph on Ebay did not do them justice. Can't wait to use some and put some of them in my Etsy shop! Not only were there vintage Christmas goodies, but there were other odds and ends that I didn't see in the original photo.

These little plastic snowmen are so darn cute! And I love the Santas also. In the box there was quite a mix of things. Most were Christmas goodies - but these beads are REALLY cool!

There was a huge bag of them and the colors are the best Fall shades, honey brown, soft beige and a dark brown, almost black. They would be a cool addition to a garland for Thanksgiving . . . hmmm.

Then there are these lovely teeny tiny flags - they are sheer and seem to be silk or something like silk. They remind me of flower petals - I have no idea how old they are, but guess the 1950's. Pretty fun find in the Christmas box!

Sweet & Sinister Swapping

2009-10-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my father's birthday, so I usually do some cool decorating and he comes to San Diego from the Bay Area to visit and celebrate. He won't be able to make it this year, and I admit it is a little sad. . . so when I got my goodies from my Sweet & Sinister swap partner Julie from Jane's Apron, I was so HAPPY!

Is there anyone still out there that hasn't read this awesome book? Well, my copy has been lovingly altered - on the cover and inside!

Each and every chapter has a different added touch, what an eye she has! I swear it seems like the book was printed this way. Julie is a true craftsperson - and did you notice the sweet pearl pin on the cover! It is two hearts!

Vampires have always been a favorite Halloween image of mine. I think I have seen every vampire movie ever made. This young maiden is just so darn cool!! She reminds me of Mina in Bram Stoker's Dracula. The little bat necklace is a bit glittery and the pearls were done by hand!

Now here's the sweet part! Three recipe cards - and not only are they beautiful, but the recipes are totally intense. . . Chocolate Chip Pudding Cake, Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies and Fudgy Brownies!!!

Thank you, so much, Julie!

Autumn at the Thrift Store

2009-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

When I go to the thrift stores in San Diego I always expect to find something. I know that there are treasures to be found, and it might mean a little digging - but it will be worth it. And, sure enough, it always works.

Stay tuned for some Halloween sweetness - I will be posting pictures tomorrow of the wonderful goodies that I received from my Sweet & Sinister swap partner, Julie (at Jane's Apron).

Okay, I admit the Summer does seem to be over. . .

2009-09-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

For me here in San Diego the light shifts well before it starts to get darker earlier. I notice my shadow and the way that the sunlight brushes the other side of familiar tree trunks. Birds seem more noticeable. Taking a deep breath as though I might have to spend my winter in a musty cave somewhere, and still love it! Fall colors, barren trees, the smell of pine sap and the soft nap of the pine needles - great sensation.

I caught my cat Midnight, rolling in the dirt on one of the last warm evenings, as the light played around him. Enjoy that buddy, soon it will be dark at 4:30! He doesn't really care about that!

Fall also brings a shift in the projects that I work on - aside from the sweet and sinister swap that I am loving, I have been pulling out a few of my extra shadow boxes and updating. The inspiration in blogland is awesome, have fun creating! Thanks to everyone for sharing their process.

I Love Etsy!

2009-09-13T08:15:00.001-07:00

May I just say how awesome people are in the Etsy community! And how creative! Recently I have purchased a few things because, frankly, I wanted them! I get such a kick out of selling on Etsy, and don't get me wrong, it rocks - but it is still a thrill to get a package in the mail!

I found Cori's illustration work on my friend Deb's website. The lovely delicate lines and sense of humor are so refreshing. And the title was so perfect for me "Fruitful Labor". I do juggle quite a few things, day job, family, creative life, Etsy - I want to be able to do it gracefully, if I can!

One of my absolute FAVORITE shops on Etsy is One Ripe Peach - Every now and then I treat myself to something from Ellen's shop.

These sweet Halloween bits will be used (somehow - don't want to give it away) for the Sweet and Sinister Swap I am participating in through A Year of Color.

Here is the extra 'Bag of Goodies" that Ellen is giving with every purchase through the month of September. Seriously! How did she get so much into this bag she created out of a child's book!! I love it, and I believe that she creates because she loves it too!! Thank you, Ellen!!

It was because of her carefree approach to sewing that I bought another sewing machine and have been creating baby quilts from vintage sheets! And just fooling around! For those of you, like me, who were taught to sew as little girls, you know how fun it can be to get back to it! Don't know about you, but I was the geeky girl who made all of her high school clothes!

I purchased the vintage sheets from a lovely Etsy shop LemonBlooms - two people at work are pregnant and I just hope I can finish these sweet quilts before those babies are in college!

I can't write about Etsy without thanking all the people who take the time to look at my shop, and who have purchased from me for the last 6 months! You all totally rock, and I am so grateful to have had the chance to send something to you. I know how much fun it is to get a package in the mail, and I want to inspire each and every one of you to keep creating! Find a few minutes, EVERY DAY to do something that fills your heart. Don't wait. There is a whole wonderful world filled with goodies that want to be in your next project - have fun hunting for them!!!

My Feminine side is showing again. . .

2009-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me to go to two or three thrift stores and find out which color I am emotionally attracted to this time. And once it starts, look out! Cause it just keeps on coming. It was fun to try to find something besides PINK, but it wasn't meant to be.

Found a super duper vintage metal cake stand that, in its heyday, played the happy birthday tune music-box style. If John has his way there my be a singing cake stand in my future. Also found an adorable powder puff container with a pink rim and, of course, more roses.

More sweet items - how about this clever little heart-shaped pin cushion? And some classy-and-sassy screw-on earrings, a pink roses plastic purse (makeup, or hankies are possible). The roll of satin ribbon is so lovely, and I can use that on more of the hand-sewn projects I am working on.

Score at the Thrift Stores!!!

2009-08-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful friend visiting from Wales. Amy loves shopping at thrift stores as much as I do. If we had the chance, well - we would just go to them all!! So we have been having some fun!

How awesome is this fan? And it works!

Of course, there is always some sweet fabric at one of my favorite shops. The fun print is actually two cotton pillow cases, there is some lovely pink eyelet, a flocked green flower print, and some yellow and pink netting. So fun to sew with!

And then there were all of the vintage stamens and vintage floral supplies!! They were such a fantastic find!

I will be listing some of these black vintage stamens in my Etsy shop for Halloween.

Aren't these so cute!

I Hate Goodbyes. . .

2009-08-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

Here is my Aunt Nancy - a photo taken when she was about 2 or so. She died late last year and for some reason I am having a tough time with that today. I miss her - she had a super contagious laugh! And a wicked sense of humor!

She was an awesome thrifter, and took me to all the best second-hand shops in Chico. I have several of the pieces in my studio, this sweet embroidered picture was from a treasure hunt with her to the Goodwill.

Many of my fondest memories are of this wonderful rambling house. In the Summer we (brothers, cousins and friends) would rush to the OneMile (the river that runs through the city) and swim all day long then play games until we were exhausted. At night everyone watched the latest episode of Star Trek or sat around on cushions talking - it was the 60's afterall!

Every time I see a Japanese Maple, I think of her. It is that glorious tree on the left that is so vibrant!

I didn't get a chance to say good-bye, not properly.

I miss you!
Isn' t she lovely!

It's the Small Stuff

2009-08-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Recently I realized that it is the small stuff that means so much. My husband and I spend a lot of time on our porch. Sitting there chatting about things (big and small). It gives me a sense of peace and I feel connected - listening to birds in the background and looking across at our neighbors lovely garden all fill me with a sense that I am in the right place, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

Serenity is a journey, not a destination, and I do my best to let go and show up in the moment. Of course - that lasts for about a minute and then I am back in my head thinking about the house, the job, the Esty site, the blog, the daughters, the bills - you get my dirft. But loving kindness is not just how I treat others, it needs to be how I treat myself also.

So, deep breath taken. . .

Focus on something outside myself, and begin the practice again. That's why they call it practice, right!

A Little of This, a Little of That

2009-08-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

There seems to be more and more stuff accumulating at the studio! How is that possible? Well, it's not only the constant hunting at thrift stores (how I wish there were more estate sales in San Diego - I am green with envy all you Midwest folks), but people give me things, like cool old books, boxes of sheet music, old magazines and cigar boxes!

I put together some really great pages from books that I have found and that have been donated to me! It's a big pack and I will be posting them in my shop. Great imagination boosters!

I only have enough of these sweet trims to offer two in the shop - I am tempted to keep one and use it in some really cool projects that I saw in the most recent edition of ArtQuiltingStudio by Stampington & Company. There are some lovely projects and easy step-by-step directions. I always find something super special in the various magazines that they publish.

One of my favorite people, Julie Collings, has a particularly touching article in this issue, about how healing hand sewing is in her life - I owe a lot to Julie and Candice Elton! They hosted the Art Nest Retreat I attended last year which changed my life, and how I look at art making. It also introduced me to many creative women artists and expanded my world from the confines of studio time.

Sometimes I do go on. . .

2009-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

When I am looking around a thrift store hunting for the next thing that catches my eye, I rarely think that anything will work together. Then I get them home and realize that perhaps they do. That there is an unconscious method to the madness and all I have to do is to be open to the next event that presents itself. I do that at other times, not just at thrift stores!

I try to do it during the day job also. I am lucky to work at a company that I really believe in, that actually creates products that can help people. Although there are plenty of challenges (not just me, right), I truly feel that if I get out of my own way, I will know what to do.

The beauty of it is. . . I do get things accomplished this way. I have always enjoyed working, it's the people - everything is about relationships, I really like the people!!

Everything Turquoise and Green

2009-08-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why I love thrift store shopping as much as I do. It could be that I have always loved "finding" little treasures. Growing up on the California coast, I would find shells, sea glass and the occasional rusted metal treasure along the shore. Small smooth stones found their way into my pocket also and I would arrange these sweet wonders on my window sill and keep them in old coffee tins. Now I forage in the bins and shelves of my favorite San Diego thrift stores and share the goodies here and in my Etsy shop.

Recently, for whatever reason, I seemed to see everything that was turquoise - or green and turquoise! An old plastic silverware sorter, a round plastic plate and various pieces of vintage trim started the whole thing! And what about this awesome cup with the zodiac!!

This was such a great find! In perfect condition and the perfect size for family dinners!

Not everything was turquoise - these plastic doilies totally rock and there is a jade green plastic table runner that must be from the 50's.
And then there were babies.
And more babies.
And more teeny baby stuff.
Plus, who wouldn't like a plastic stork!
But my favorite finds are always fabric. I come from a long line of seamstresses - and I cannot resist wool, linen flocked fabrics or any vintage piece that catches my eye. This sweet embroidered wool shawl has a few small holes but overall - a very special find. And the dotted swiss already has a creamy beige color. Perfect for some projects I have in mind!!

I am off to the Pasadena Swap Meet this weekend with my treasure hunting pal Bebe. I just know that there are tons of things to find and share.

As The Garden Grows. . .

2009-07-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

A Year of Color 2009 Summer Swap - NARCISSUS by Barbara Bechtel

I am a member of the blog A Year of Color. It is a fabulous year-long tribute to color and hosted by Kari Ramstrom with a guest artist contributing each month. I love it!!

So, I thought I would participate in the Summer Swap, what a great way to create on a deadline (although I admit that mine when out a couple of days late). And it is always really cool to see how each person interprets the theme. My swap partner and I chose summer gardens as a theme and the format was 8x8. Fun, right!? Absolutely!! Even so, I can not even describe how much joy I felt when I opened my package from Barbara and found this beautiful collage, the fun seed packets and lovely pendant.

Barbara Bechtel is a skilled artist and it certainly shows. I love her choice of colors (fabu) and her composition. She is devoted to the details, and the craft involved in her piece is pristine. Plus, what a great sense of humor - the seed packets say " A Hillbilly Favorite" - yup, I can see why they would be! You can see more of her pendants in her Etsy shop Floridity, you can also check out her blog.

Thank you, Barbara!!

Summer Thrift Store Treasures

2009-07-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that over time I will get in the habit of writing more often. I was writing every morning in a journal so I know that I can do it.

I enjoy writing and posting pictures, so what gets in the way? Same old things, really. Time in front of the telly with hubby (we do love our movies from netflix); the day job (even though I love it, it still takes the whole day!) and there is the time that I look forward to working on my Etsy site. Plus, I REALLY love going to thrift stores.
This Bingo game is vintage 1970's - and all the pieces are there. In fact I had to open the original packaging in order to photograph it. I LOVE the colors and how crazy the word BINGO is!!

Some times, as I am combing the shelves at the local haunts, I am blown away by the sheer adventure of finding that next treasure. Do you love this sweet home-made pin cushion!

I wonder if they did the needlepoint also. . .

I am also a sucker for these old Jello molds - so handy for keeping little goodies at hand! By the way. . . thanks to everyone who has left some comments! It is so sweet to read them and it does encourage me to keep writing!

My Etsy Shop is Featured on a Really Cool Blog

2009-06-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Yup, I am really lucky - one of my wonderful buyers on Etsy was sweet enough to nominate me to be on the Etsy OWLS Team Blog as the Stellar Seller - how cute is that!! Thank you Blackcatmima for nominating me! You will have to go to the website to figure out the acronym!

One of the great things about Etsy (and there are so many great things) is that there are teams created for everything under the sun! It's more opportunity to connect and learn from one another, love that!
This is a full image of a cigar box shrine I made and gave to my dad on father's day a year ago, or so. All of those little flowers were from Bangkok, and I covered the doll arms with lovely Japanese paper. So fun to do!!

Recent Thrifting

2009-06-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

I know, it really is a baby sitting in a swan! How adorable is that? I really like finding odds and ends in a big plastic bag - don't you!
Sweet and cheery new home announcements!
I really found some sweet things on a recent trek to local thrift stores! There is something so cool about finding a real treasure, or in this case treasures! Here are a few things that I will be listing soon. These patterns are so fun and I love the big green glasses!

Bird's Nest Studio Annex

2009-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Early morning in the studio. I found these sweet dotted swiss curtains on Ebay. They let in just enough light.

I can't help myself. . .

2009-06-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

When my grandmother taught me how to embroider my first tea towel I was hooked. It took me a long time to get it down, tying the knot and making the stitches even, but it was totally worth it.

Now when I find damaged pieces of embroidery, I have the compulsion to "save" them. I have listed a few pieces on my Etsy site and here are some that I will list soon. Aren't they sweet!