Retail Inspiration

With Memorial Day approaching, I finally forced myself to get away from my drawing table today. It's a hard thing to do, but I did it.  

Cracker Barrel always has the neatest gifts, especially when it comes to our patriotic holidays. This is the first time I ever saw red, white, and blue DOTS.

Here's a sassy, patriotic jumper for the little ones. Where was this dress when I was a kid?

Hats off to bright orange and tropical blue. Did someone say beach? I'm thinking of Tybee Island or St. Augustine at the moment.

Speaking of the beach, I'm currently working on a new nautical-themed design collection with lots of seashells. You know summer is right around the corner when the retail stores start showing their beach-inspired home decor and tableware. I love those sea-foam greens and shabby-chic colors.

Blue Daisies

The May 2011 issue of Bead Trends arrived on my doorstep yesterday. My mind drew a blank as to which project was scheduled to appear in this particular issue. It wasn't until I flipped through the pages that I stumbled upon my Blue Daisies project on pages 78 and 79.

This necklace is the companion piece to my earrings that were featured in the Earrings, Earrings, Earrings book (below) by Barb Switzer. The photographer for Bead Trends did a wonderful job photographing my necklace.

I particularly like the story that Tatia Meyer, editor of Bead Trends, tells about a designer who was discouraged by a jewelry instructor. The instructor said that no magazine would want the student's work. Well, it turns out that this student's work is published in this issue of Bead Trends.

I can't believe there are people who would act in such a childish way, especially a teacher.  I had a similar experience when I was seeking to learn metalwork many, many years ago. I approached a metalsmith at a local arts festival, and I asked her where she learned how to design jewelry. In a very nasty tone, she replied, "From the school of hard knocks."

Little did this woman know that her answer drove me even more to find a metalsmith instructor, which I did. A year later I saw that same woman at my very first craft festival. It turns out she couldn't take the competition from a young girl who had the same skills, and she actually picked a fight with me at the festival. Back in the day, there weren't many metalsmiths, and I think she was intimidated. Yes, there are definitely nuts out there.

On Trend with Buttons

While shopping at JoAnn the other day, I was thrilled to see the latest in patriotic home decor.

Do you think this is a cherry tree or an apple tree? Regardless, the buttons work well as either.

The buttons on this painted slate add that extra touch to the primitive-colored background.

It looks like we have more buttons here. Am I seeing a trend in patriotic home decor this year?

Let freedom ring.

The center of this star reminds me of an old, tin ceiling.

It appears that buttons are big in patriotic decor this year. Although they've always been a constant in the country/prim market, it's nice to see more buttons used in patriotic decor for this summer.

Happy Mother's Day

 Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You're the BEST!!!

Five-Minute Card

Perhaps you need a  Mother's Day card or a card for that special person. With minimal supplies, you'll be able to crank this baby out within a few minutes. Here's what you'll need to create this card.

Materials

* A piece of white construction paper
* Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
* Faber-Castell PITT "S" artist pen
* Scraps of decorative paper

Tools

* Fiskars paper edgers (scallop)

* Fiskars scissors

Instructions

1) To create the card, fold your construction paper in half, and then fold it in half again. 

2) Using the scallop paper edgers, cut a stem, leaf, four petals, and a center from your decorative paper.

3) Glue the stem in place with Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®.

4) Glue the leaf, the petals, and the center in place. Let dry completely.

5) Draw light outlines around the flower with the Faber-Castell PITT artist pen.

Blossoms Galore

The sun finally decided to make an appearance today. The sky was a deep blue today, and the trees are full of magnificent colors. Enjoy the photos.

Sharing More of My Students' Artwork

Here's to teaching another group of wonderfully talented students at Crestwood's adult education program. We just wrapped up the spring semester, and I thought I'd share some of the students' artwork with you.

The last three pictures were painted by students who had no prior experience with watercolors. As you can see, they did an amazing job.

Chizzy's In The House!

Since the Gray Baby's left town, Julius and Chiseler are back to their old routines. I washed the cat house that the Gray Baby used to call home, and I washed all the blankets. Now Julius and Chiseler take turns sleeping in the cat house. I guess you can call it a timeshare for kitties.

Hearts On My Mind

Sometimes the neatest things appear on your palette when you least expect it.

Estate Sales

Here's to another fun-filled Saturday spent at several different estate sales in Kingston. Our first stop was at a house on South Dawes Avenue. Since I often jog by this house, I was curious to see what it looked like inside. I'm going to miss saying hello to the woman who lived there with her scruffy, little poodle named Muffin.

From the outside, one would never dream that the house would have so many interesting rooms, such as the one with the fireplace. The ceiling was so high, and there was so much light. This room would make a great studio.

This is the breezeway between the house and the attached garage.

There's nothing like the old sparkle of vintage, glass ornaments. Although they've seen better days, I'm sure they'd still look great on a Christmas tree.

~ Old, aluminum cake trays~

I like how the shelves are accessible via both sides of the wall. As you can see, there's nothing but junk sitting on the shelves.

~ Artwork on the face of an old TV tray ~

If anything, estate sales are great places to pick up good books. I already have the book on the right, but I thought one of my friends would enjoy reading it. I never heard of the other author, but for a quarter, you can't go wrong.

The Gray Baby Update

The Gray Baby is officially in good hands as of this afternoon. After desperately searching for a good home for this adorable, little kitten, a neighbor gave me the name of a contact at the Delaware Valley Second Chance For Animals.

I immediately called the number and was thrilled to learn that they are, in fact, a no-kill shelter that seeks to find good homes for stray cats. I was also happy to hear that there was room for the Gray Baby. Several other no-kill animal shelters in our area never have room for strays when I call.

John was in charge of meeting with our contact, and she was kind enough to stop by our place to pick up the Gray Baby. I'll miss the Gray Baby, but I know he's in good hands, and I'm confident he'll find a good home. 

Watercolor Inspiration

I have the pleasure of teaching some very talented students at Crestwood's Adult Education Program. I'd like to share some of my students' watercolors with you. Mark paints magnificent landscapes (above and below).

For a first-time watercolor student, Renee is doing a great job with her painting (above).

As always, Eleanor does a fantastic job with her landscapes (above and below). Her colors look like pastels.

The following paintings are various murals at Crestwood High School. I've always admired the workmanship of these murals. The students did a fantastic job.

The eyes say it all. This student definitely captured the insanity of Dali.

This is my favorite mural in the school. The artist's name is Rachael Acri, and the mural is dated 1987.