FUN at ART & SOUL - VIRGINIA

Tracie Lyn and I went to Virginia to teach at Art & Soul. What FUN we had and What a GREAT group- students and faculty!

This is an experience all its own. Having been to the east coast only a couple of times and never being in Virginia this was especially exciting. The hospitality of Art & Soul faculty and all participants was truly FABULOUS!
Tracie and I were humbled by the overwhelming FRIENDLINESS and GRATEFUL that several of the participants chose to spend a couple of days with us so we could share our projects with them. Each day we taught we had a TERRIFIC group where all were eager to learn and the room filled with FUN and LAUGHTER as they created BEAUTIFUL pieces of work.

As always Glenny and her staff were WONDERFUL! They met us with smiles and warm hugs! It was exciting to see everyone again! Jan Harris greeted us with a big smile and gave us the cutest bird pins. I immediately placed it on my name tag.

The night we arrived was vendor night and WOW what great creations! After being in total AWE of all the creative energy surrounding me I took a walk around the room to see everyone. There was so many BEAUTIFUL things that I was TOTALLY overwhelmed! Although I was exhausted from the flight and my office move that was completed the day before I left, I wanted to see everything there was to see. Since I wasn't vending Tracie told me I could go take a nap but it was WAY TOO EXCITING to do that! Instead, I stayed to help Tracie since she was vending.

Next to us was LK Ludwig and Bee Shay. Talk about two KIND and FRIENDLY ladies! Behind us was Sally Jean Alexander and her husband. Sally is also very SWEET and FRIENDLY. Keely Barham and her mom were there - Now I know where Keely gets her smile!


Isn't this bird ABSOLUTELY the CUTEST little thing. Keely made it and it's big eyes captured my heart! It begged me to take it home so, of course, I DID!

He now is nesting in my studio.








Lisa Engelbrecht was there and was all smiles as always. I so envy her and her talent! Isn't this piece of her work BEAUTIFUL!!!.


I LOVE it!!

After the vendor fair ended Tracie and I headed to our room to prepare for the class the next day.

The class was our Journal House. Here are some pics of the fabric the students made and a couple of houses.

















Aren't these BEAUTIFUL!!! We had a BLAST teaching and our students were simply the best!

The next morning we taught our "Nature Preserved Journal" This is a really fun class for us as we love showing the students how to use dried flowers in their work and also how to use fresh flowers right away in their creations. Again, another FABULOUS group of students!















After we finished the journals we showed them how to make bookmarks, tissue paper and stationery with the florals.



Everyone's creations were FANTASTIC!!!






Tracie and I were THRILLED when they each told us how happy they were that they took our class. They each especially LOVED all the different techniques we taught them and how they can use these techniques in most of their artwork - from fabric to papers to scrapbooks and albums.

























After a FUN FILLED evening with Lisa and Jan, Tracie and I packed our suitcases. The next morning we began our flights home and once again laughed and reminisced about our experience at Art & Soul!


THANKS to our students for spending their days with us! Thanks to Glenny and Staff for a EXCITING experience AND Thanks to all our friends for their FRIENDSHIPS !

Dreaming of Italy

This tag that Kirstin made me has goes with me everywhere. I use it as a book mark but its message has a deep meaning for an adventure yet to come.

Kirstin and Bill sent me a WONDERFUL brochure about Orvieto. As I looked through the brochure and read about this most ROMANTIC and ARTISTIC adventure I began to ponder the experience that lay ahead.







DEPOSTION is a beautiful marble sculpture created by Ippolito Acalza and dates to 1579. What details and OH, how it has survived the passage of time. I can hardly believe I will stand close to it and observe it's beauty first hand.









The Renaissance cloister of S. Glovanni church founded in the year 900 then was rebuilt at the turn of the 17th century. WOW! I have only dreamed of seeing this timeless beauty close up.











The senic view of the this BEAUTIFUL and CAPTIVATING village where art abounds and creativity is felt in every breath. I can hardly wait to watch the sunrise and sunset surround each structure with a colorful glow.




Tracie Lyn and I are planning a nonconventional journal class for our students. We want them to capture the surroundings in a way that will continue to remind them of the fun and excitement of walking the enchanting streets of Orvieto. We plan to show how to incorporate the botanicals and other elements available into a journal filled with memories of a time with friends whose talents and creativity come together in a place where the greatest of past artists also gathered and created.

We would LOVE to have you join us on the FANTASTIC journey! It will be time to go before we know it so if you are thinking about going please contact Kirstin and Bill for the details. You will be traveling and creating with friends so this is a GREAT opportunity to see Italy in a way you would not see it on an ordinary trip. This experience is planned with the creative soul in mind.

PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN US!!!

I just wanted to share and remind all of you to "Imagine Your Dreams!"

REMEMBERING CHILDHOOD DAYS

I received a beautiful bouquet of mums for Easter and will be planting them in the garden as soon as the threat of frost has past. Today I wanted to something special with them so I decided to take the real flowers and create a collage. As I created this piece I remembered the wonderful spring days of my childhood.

How happy I was when the days began to get longer and the flowers began to bloom.

I lay in the grass staring at the stars
Wondering how many were in the sky,
Wishing upon each one as it fell...
Watching the sparkles upon the dew
And dreaming of angel fairies
That would fly around the flower garden
Kissing each flower goodnight.

What fun the days would bring
As I would help grandmother remove the weeds
That hid among the floral carpet.
Each tiny flower's bud held a beauty within
And would open with a smile as the sun
Rose high in the sky.

The tiny angel fairies would fly happily about
As each bud's smile would reveal a deep and pure color.
I would dream that each fairy had a special
Way of helping the flowers look as beautiful as possible.
These tiny and lovely creatures were everywhere...
And always seemed to be happily going about their work.

Butterflies would kiss the flowers....
One by One....
They would open their wings and float gently
On the summer breeze.
Each flower smiled as the butterflies moved
Happily from one to another.
I would sit silently in the midst and...
Sometimes the butterflies would light upon my cheek
And I could feel is soft and gentle kiss.

When nighttime came I would watch from the window
And see the sparkle of the fairies
As they folded the flower petals.
The lovely botanicals would bow their heads
And sleep throughout the night.

WELCOME FIRST DAY OF SPRING

Today is the first day of spring. I finished my picture of the dandelions and added my favorite butterfly the Monarch!

HAPPY EASTER, MY FRIENDS!

Waiting Anxiously

Today was a beautiful day with the sun shining brightly and a pure spring breeze. With tomorrow being the first day of spring I began to think about nature's awakening and the blossoms that will soon grace our countryside. This put me in the mood to paint some flowers. So I decided to begin a painting of the most common flower on our landscape.......the DANDELION!





While sometimes a gardner's annoying botanical it is a beautiful little floral kiss to the green carpet of the yard. It is very sweet and attracts bees and butterflies in abundance. And you can even make a very sweet jelly from it's blooms. When I was a child I loved to blow the white seeds from it stems and watch the tiny seeds float through the air.

As soon as I arrived home from work I grabbed a piece of fabric, brushes and paints and began painting these small and colorful florals. I wanted to share the start of this painting and to wish all of you a Happy Welcome Spring Day!!!

Artistic Fun with Friends

As Tracie Lyn and I boarded the plane last Friday we were giggling with anticipation. We could hardly wait for the 4 hour flight to begin, then end so we could begin our creative adventure. We talked of our plans to incorporate fabric distress techniques in with the bird painting. We wanted this class to be fun for everyone.

Nearing our destination we looked out the window of the plane where we could see the majestic Mt. Rainer on one side and Mt. St. Helen on the other! What a view! AND this was ONLY the beginning!!! We are arriving in Portland, Oregon.

Once we had gathered our baggage we hurried out of the airport terminal and there was our dear friend, Ruth. She had patiently awaited our arrival and was ready to take us to the BEAUTIFUL retreat where we would spend two fabulous days with a TERRIFIC group of artists. We were in AWE as we arrived to the MOST scenic country home one could only imagine. It seemed a dream that we would be staying here among nature’s BEAUTIFUL landscape lined with trees that touched the sky and a pond for ducks and other wildlife.

Many new friendships would be formed here and artistic talents shared.

Our room was right next to our hostess, Glenny’s, art studio. I was so envious of this spacious and well organized studio. It was going to be a real treat to have our class in this lovely room.

Once we settled in we took a tour of the breathe taking landscape surrounding Glenny’s home. Just look at this view out the back windows and from the deck!





Saturday we arose early to get the studio ready for the class. As each student arrived we introduced ourselves and the atmosphere was strong with friendships already forming. Here are some pics of the fun-filled and creative day!! Everyone there WOW-ed us with their talents.













Abby, our youngest student, was very devoted to her artworks and couldn’t lay her brush down. Can you believe this TALENT!!!!









This was the most relaxing and exciting day! These FABULOUS ladies have talents that are pouring from their veins and talk about kind and generous! They made food and treats that were the BEST gourmet!



















Sunday came and it was time to leave. As we gave Glenny, Tammy, Lorna, Connie, Jan, Maria, Suki, Abby, and Ruth a hug goodbye we knew that these past two days we had made lifetime friends.





Dear Ruth drove us to the airport and we boarded the plane for Missouri. We felt a bit sadden to be leaving majestic Portland but giggled with anticipation of our future return in October. We are anxious to return and see our PRECIOUS new friends!

FRIENDSHIP AT ITS BEST!!!

Sunday I returned home from a FANTASTIC weekend with a TERRIFIC group of ladies! We spent the weekend creating and sharing artistic ideas. It was a MOST fun filled weekend of "girls just having fun!"



This is the beautiful "backyard" where we stayed!

We giggled and talked until late in the evening, created art all day and shared stories and experiences. I felt like a teenager hanging out with friends with laughter ringing through the air where joy and fun surrounded everything we shared.

I have so many pictures to share so I am only going to give a sneak peak today and over this weekend I will post the WONDERFUL stills of our experiences.



Look at this beautiful pond that was right outside the backdoor!







This is moss that I gathered to include in my artwork! I am so envious that this grows right there in the backyard and is abundant everywhere!

I can hardly wait to include this beautiful natural moss in my fiber fusion and collage!

Time with Friends

Last year I met an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS group of ladies at Art & Soul! They invited me to come and teach a private class and have a slumber party! Can you imagine a weekend of girls just having fun?

I am ANXIOUSLY anticipating a fun filled weekend of creating, laughing, sharing stories and doing all the things I used to do with my friends when I was young. I hear they have been planning a wonderful menu of goodies. So this weekend I am off to beautiful Portland to spend time with these new friends!

I will share the stories of our weekend upon my return!

The picture above was created with them in mind and the time spent with friends "gossiping and over plumcake and tea."

AN INVITATION TO FULFILL YOUR DREAMS!!!!

Have you ever DREAMED of walking in the same place as many great artists?

Have you ever WONDERED what it would be like to visit one of the MOST romantic areas on earth?

Have you ever THOUGHT about the experience of creating art in a place you haven't been before?

Have you ever WISHED for a week in paradise?

Have you ever TASTED wine and VISUALIZED what it must be like to taste the wine made in Italy where the grapes have ripened on the vine?

Have you EXPERIENCED shopping at an AUTHENTIC Italian Market?

Have you ever WATCHED a romantic movie where the leading man takes his heroine to the MOST romantic restaurant in Italy and ......

THOUGHT - WOW -.....

if ONLY I could sit and SAVOR that WONDERFULLY, FABULOUS experience?

If ANY or ALL of these thoughts have ever been in your dreams then you simply MUST join Tracie Lyn and I on our Adventure in Italy with Kristin and Bill Steiner.

We will be spending a week in Italy experiencing ALL these romantic dreams.

We would LOVE to have you join us!

Our class will be different than any you have experienced in the past. We are going to teach you how to create from your surroundings so that ANYWHERE you visit you will be able to look around and create from authentic items available to you.

We are going to show you ways to capture the landscape when you forget your art supplies and must be creative with whatever is available.





The INDESCRIBABLY BEAUTIFUL Orvieta sets on a plateau and the scenery is BEYOND the imagination. We will be staying in the MOST QUAINT setting where you will be able to feel the creative genius of the artisans from long ago.

Please visit Kristin and Bill's website for the details. Or you may write to Tracie Lyn or me and will answer your questions.

This will be a small group so please don't hesitate as you REALLY DON'T want to miss this experience!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, DEAR FRIENDS!!

I wanted to wish all my WONDERFUL friends a VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!! I love this day as it is in a beautiful color - RED - for passion and it is a day to let all the people in your life know how very special they are! You, all my DEAR FRIENDS, are MOST SPECIAL to me!!!

This a day that YOU need to give all the persons you love an extra hug and tell them how much you appreciate them and love them! So following my own advise I want to tell all of you how much I appreciate the friendships we share and I love my friends. I remember when I was about eleven, a special teacher in my life told me that to find one true friend is a VERY special gift to CHERISH! As years have past I have made many friends and thought of her words often. I realize that I am TRULY BLESSED as I have a special family that I love dearly and they love me in return and I have so MANY friends that I love and cherish their gift of friendship.

I belong to many swaps and groups but there are a couple of recent swaps I wanted to mention and share the BEAUTIFUL Valentine creations these talented artists recently sent to me.


This is a wonderful ATC that Sammy sent me. Just look at the detail and the beading! She also sent me some delicious chocolates that I have been enjoying. I admire Sammy's work as she creates the MOST BEAUTIFUL dolls! Dolls have a special place in my heart so when Sammy and I met it was in a class where we made tassels with porcelain faces.

Her's was FANTASTIC!







Just look at the FANTASTIC ATC from Laura! Laura and I have been in several swaps together and I am always mesmerized by her creations! What a TALENT!!











Isn't this BEAUTIFUL? Lori slipped this into her INchie packet that she sent for our Valentine INchie swap! What a WONDERFUL surprise!! Lori is a VERY special person!






Just look at these INchies from all the artists in our Valentine INchie swap!!! I had so MUCH fun putting together a fabric Valentine for displaying these FANTASTIC creations! Somehow it didn't seem right to just slip them into an envelope and mail them - I SIMPLY had to come up with a Valentine for the INchies to send to each of these artists!! I am hoping they all arrive on time!






Enjoy the day! Spend it with those you LOVE! And remember those who are lonely and missing their loved ones. A couple of cookies or a small bag of chocolates delivered with a message that you are thinking of them can bring joy and happiness long remembered.

HUGS, My Friends, to ALL of you!!!!

FUN FISHING!!

Wanted to share my fish I just finished with all of you.
I seem to not be able to part with silk flowers so I decided to use the petals to make fish fins.





The fish are fiber fusion fabric that I have sewn onto cardstock paper. Used the petals for fins, large sequins for eyes with gems glued for the centers, marker for the dark area of the mouth and puffy paint for the lips.






They are placed on some dyed fabrics.





FUN, SIMPLE, CUT, RECYCLED FIBERS!! What a way to use my treasured trash!!!

The fish could also be hung for a mobile or write on the back for a card.

COME TRAVEL WITH ME .......

Tracie Lyn and I will be traveling to Italy in May 2009 and would love to have YOU join us on this a most fabulous ARTISTIC adventure. Traveling to Italy and viewing first hand the famous works of many great artists is an experience that I am anxiously awaiting. And NOTHING could be better than to be traveling with my darling daughter-in-law, Tracie Lyn, as well as Kristin and Bill Steiner.......

YOU, my friends, are cordially invited to join us.

Bill and Kristin are very experienced in where to go and what to see while there. They have been traveling there regularly for 5 years and have planned WONDERFUL days full of fun and cultural experiences.



To walk where the Renaissance artists walked and to see the views that took their breathes away is a fantasy come true. If you love art, creating, seeing first hand what the great masters created then you simply can’t miss going on the FABULOUS adventure.

We will be traveling on a most INCREDIBLE JOURNEY TO ORVIETO. It is located a short distance north of Rome - right in the heart of the Italian countryside - on top of a plateau. The view goes for miles with color and splendor beyond words. We will be learning and having fun all at the same time.



As we walk to the market and experience the local culture we will be gathering items to incorporate into our WONDERFUL SOJOURN piece of art that we will create to remind us always of this magical place.







We will show you how to create the colors your eyes see through the use of items from the trip. I don’t want to give away any secrets so I can ONLY say that we will be showing you how to capture Italy in a way you have NEVER thought possible.



Tracie and I feel very honored that we were invited to share a week long artist workshop in this the HEART of the ARTISTIC MASTERS’ country.



The ADVENTURE will introduce us to the culture in a way no other trip can offer. We will go to the market and visit many local shops and artisans, taste wine from the local vineyards, prepare authentic Italian food ourselves, and tour the Etruscan Caves.

Please visit ADVENTURES IN ITALY for detailed information. Or you may contact Tracie Lyn, Kristin and Bill Steiner, or me.

You are INVITED to join us for this week of WONDER and SPLENDER.....You may want to bring a friend or that VERY SPECIAL SOMEONE...this is the TRIP for YOU!!!!!

A GET WELL WISH

Well, I think I am finally on the mend. Trust me Breathing is Great!

I didn't realize how ill I was until the doctor sent me from the office to the Emergency Room. Please, dear friends, don't hesitate to get help when you need it.

I want to say thank you to all my WONDERFUL friends that sent me emails and well wishes! You are the GREATEST!

I simply had to share this darling Get Well Wish from Dear Sweet Mary Stanley! Isn’t is just the cutest little house? I LOVE Mary’s work and this has already found a very special spot in my art studio!

HUGS TO YOU, MARY!!!

FIBRE & STITCH ISSUE 2 - ON LINE!!!

I am so far behind in posting as I have been ill for a couple of weeks and time to do the fun stuff has been very limited. I do want to let all of you know that the current issue of Fibre & Stitch is currently on line and if you haven't checked it out you simply MUST! There are so many FABULOUS artists' work in the issue! Of course, Sue Bleiweiss and her staff love to share creations and this issue is no exception. In this issue are works by Carol Clasper,Margaret Roberts, Marie Z. Johansen,Carol McFee, Sara Lechner, Terri Stegmiller,Gina Ferrari, Terry White, Linda Feldman and Sue, herself.

I couldn't wait to browse through the pages so my husband ran out to get me a new print cartridge so I could download and print all the beautiful works. I love keeping a notebook with all the issues then I can refer to them as I begin a new project. It is filled with fun ideas and some really creative techniques.

If you haven't subscribed to Fibre & Stitch, well, you are truly missing out! Every issue is different; has fun, easy projects; and features several guest artists. In fact, I am feeling TOTALLY honored as I will be a guest artist in Issue 3 which will be on line in February!!!

Yes!!

What an honor to know my work will be published along with other artists like; Linda Stokes, Debra Jo Hardman, Jill Dian Izzard, Denise Taylor, Helen Susan Alexander, and Virginia Spiegel.

To get a sneak peak at some of these artists works please click on their names and you will go to their websites and blogs. You will be amazed at this WORLD wide line up!!! Yes! The artists are from all over the globe!!! What better way to share, huh?

HAVE FUN BROWSING! And do get signed up for this WONDERFUL, CREATIVE ZINE!!!

Animal Lovers Help Your Best Friends

Please visit Bernie Berlin at her blog. She has a shelter in Tennessee and recues dogs and cats. Once you see the love she has for our little friends you will fall in love with her cause and YOU CAN HELP! Please donate!