Ma Vie en rose

2010-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Due to circumstances beyond my control my blog has moved here

Remains of the Day

2010-01-04T12:35:00.001-08:00

If you haven't checked out Mary Ann Moss' class....what are you waiting for? It is the most fun to be had online! We are making Remains of the Day journals jammed with all those bits of flotsam and jetsam you have just laying around making you feel guilty. Here is my cover almost finished-

I say almost finished as my toy sewing machine exploded (not really) so I ordered a new 'real' one. Yes, that how much I LOVE this class....I bought a new sewing machine!!! Here it is open

Chenille, velvet and linen...yum.

Here is some (and I mean just a little) of the scarps waiting to be sewn-

I am officially stalking my mailman.

Prezzie Tags

2009-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

I'm lucky enough to have five little girls in my life. Of course I have to jazz up their prezzies with personal gift tags!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

Wishing you lots of treats~

2009-08-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

I am staying with friends while I transition back to Cali from Santa Fe. Often one of the little girls will come into my room and sit at my desk carefully examining the things arranged there. The tableau changes often with new treasures picked up at local garage sales. Here I have my treasured antique Ganesha that was a gift from a jeweler I met in India, a card designed by the beautiful Anahata Katkin, a little bronze bird bud vase I picked up at an estate sale, and a lotus votive candle holder I got while on location in Vancouver. It's important for me to have a little corner of my own while I search for my new home.

Mandalas

2009-08-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

I love making Mandalas! This one is for my friend, Sarah's birthday next month. Hope she likes it!

Gift With Purchase

2009-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you buy something online and when it arrives at your doorstep you discover an added bonus. This is what happened when this goodie arrived from Magpie Mary

That sewing pattern wrapping paper and the little button really made me smile. It was an unexpected "Gift with purchase". After admiring it and then photographing it I carefully tore into it...

Two vintage ledgers begging to be gutted and turned into something else!
With oodles of pages like these.....

To cut, glue, and play with!

Isabel

2009-07-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Little Isabel turned 8 years old! To celebrate, her Mom got her this painting which she refuses to part with for even a second. She hung it on the wall of her top bunk so she can see it first thing every morning and last thing every night. Too cute!

Hippie Love

2009-07-08T09:10:00.001-07:00

Ever since I designed the movie Dick, I've loved the hippie style. Apparently, so do teen and pre teen girls! Every girl over 10 years old that saw this painting wanted it. That said...the painting was purchased by a middle aged.... MAN!

Home

2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

After a long self exile I'm re-emerging. I moved back to California after two long, lonely years in Santa Fe. It feels so good to be home! While I waited out the various actual and de facto strikes in my industry I started doing painting commissions for children. So much fun! Here is one I just finished up for a baseball loving boy.

Color!

2008-07-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

The light here in Santa Fe makes me want to add more color to my bits and bobs. The bright, clear light here seems to wash out my normal pallet so I tried something new. I'm not all that comfortable with it...but it was sure fun trying!

The various 'strikes' in my business has led to a depressing spring and early summer...how I hate pinching every.single.penny!
But things are starting to look up and once again I have a few irons in the fire. HUGE relief! for me and my savings account!

Silver Bella!

2008-07-04T07:55:00.001-07:00

How excited am I??!!

Don't Forget Her!

2008-05-02T18:45:00.001-07:00

In The Dog House

2008-05-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

I bought a few of Pam Garrison's adorable Paris kits ...and made a "dog House". I love her color choices and crafty details.....

I made little crowns for Daisy and Dexter (not in the kit). The stamp reads "Outside of a dog, books are a woman's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read". Nuf said.

I still have stuff to do...add notes, quotes, and pictures...but here is little Daisy peeking out of a corner pocket.

Isn't that little scalloped roof cute? The little "love" door opens and will hol a photo of the three of us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Spring!

2008-04-16T17:14:00.001-07:00

Any day now I can start filling this little (5x5) book with pics of my spring plantings....I hope.

Weather Update

2008-04-13T11:22:00.001-07:00

Yes...that would be snow. In April. And here I thought Spring had finally sprung.

Journey

2008-04-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this mini book "Journey"

This is the first page...

The text reads; "As you travel through life..
Choose your destination well"

and the second...

Do not hurry
You will arrive soon enough

Long Time...No Post

2008-04-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well...what a winter! I caught the flu in December and didn't recover until March. No kidding. Oh, I still went to work almost every day...dragging my behind all the way...but I was miserable. But now (after 4 rounds of antibiotics), I'm down to just a sinus infection...so it's all good!

And I did something remarkable....I went to Artfest!!! I almost didn't go. I was exhausted, uninspired, and defiantly not feeling creative. All I wanted to do was crawl into my bed and sleep for 100 years.

But somehow I found myself loading up my car and hitting the road for a two day drive to Port Townsend. All along I kept telling myself, "Turn around. Go home. You have way too many things to do. This is a waste of time".

I ignored myself and kept on driving.

And how happy I am that I did! I know you've all heard (or experienced), how wonderful Artfest is...and it is. It's not just (and all of) the friends I made, the fantastic teachers, the comfort of being with 600 like minded persons, the beautiful landscape, the 'happy-tired' after a long day. It's re-connecting with a part of myself I thought I had lost.

Here is the Mandala I made in Anahata's amazing class

I wish I had photos of her class...she had roses on each table!!

Christmas Swaps

2007-12-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

I sent these Tussie Mussies to Melissa for her annual Holiday Danglie swap. I was surprised (and flattered) to discover that she had written about them on her blog! As I had forgotten to take a picture before I sent them out...I "borrowed" Melissa's photo. I hope that's OK!!

Snow Day

2007-11-23T16:22:00.001-08:00

It snowed last night and all day today! My two California dogs, Daisy and Dexter, can't quite figure it out. While Dexter refused to dip his dainty paws into the white stuff ( he stoodd at the door barking at it), Daisy, always up for an adventure, went for a tiny exploration.

But, I guess, enough was enough. As soon as I turned around to throw the ball for her...she was headed back to the cozy sofa!

My Muse...Theda

2007-11-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

This was such a fun topic! What or Whom isn't my Muse?? All I have to do is look around to be inspired!

But I do love Theda Bera's style. She was a midwestern girl who somehow created the "Vamp", while remaining a quiet little bookworm in her private life. Her creation has spanned decades ...and I’ve drawn on her ‘look’ many times in my film designs!

Haunted House

2007-10-07T19:45:00.001-07:00

I've started to spooky up the house. This is one of two hurricane lamps I made into 'mummys'.

A corner of my kiva fireplace

And my shopping list!

I'll add more as I 'decorate'!

Santa Fe Color

2007-10-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning I finally went to my local farmer's market. I haven't seen such vibrant colors since I was in India!

Can you believe that table load of carrots?

These sunflower heads were the size of serving platters

And these dahlias the size of soccar balls!

The sun hitting shese flowers made them practally neon

And these really are the colors of India!

Brown Bag Journal

2007-10-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ok..have you guys seen the post Michelle Ward did about suziblu ?? As Michelle says..."She rocks the pages"!

Soo...Suzi is doing an art journal class over on youtube and on her "vlog" . This week we're doing a "self portrait" in our journals.

OK...so I took a photo of myself (for refrence), then kinda drew myself...then "crayoned" (caran d'ache) it into my journal....don't laugh...

I made my journal pages from those brown bags you get at the market (give them a swpe of gesso first) .

So there is NO...zero..(gulp)... EXCUSE for not journeling!!

I Dunno....

2007-09-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

I worked on this for a few days.... then I thought it needed a leettle somethin'. So I added the white curly-cues....not at all sure I like them. What do you think....should I paint them out? it's big (for me ), 24x26... so painting out the white will be super easy...

Bloglandia Ball!

2007-09-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Oh dear....I'm so very late for the ball! My pumpkin resfued to change into a coach and my footmen remained mice. I had to run all the way! But....what's that I see? I think it's twinkling lights! And, yes, I hear the music ever so faintly....I'm almost there!

Ahhh....Sunday

2007-09-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

As a "freelancer", I work super hard for bursts of time (18/7 usually). But I still feel guilty when between bursts, I play in my studio (AKA the spare bedroom) on weekdays. So I'm all over "TGIF". OK..so this is what I did with my weekend....played with some of the tecniques I learned in Anahata's workshop!

Too bad you can't see the pretty glitter....((le sigh))..

BOOKS!

2007-09-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Michelle Ward's 12th crusade is "Crush". What do you have a crush on? Mine is on books!

The quote reads;

"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library"

Jorge Luis Borges.

Ready for Fall!!!

2007-09-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah...this is my time of year. I'm soo not a 'summer girl'. I dislike heat, burn easily (followed by freckels), get heat stroke, and generally just look ugly in summer. I've never had a tan (and believe me, I really tried when I was a teenager), and all the 'tan-in-a-tube products I've tried look just awful on my skin.

In anticapation of chilly days I've jumped into two swaps hosted by Melissa. Here is my offering for her "Dia de los Muetos" swap

I know...it's not at all Hispanic...but I just moved to Santa Fe and I'm really overdosed on the style right now.

Next up is Melissa's Holloween ATC swap

I just love this crabby little witch in her "happy hat'!

Gothica

2007-09-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a project for the Gothica swap. Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew? Well I did this time! I thought I would make and entire "Gothic" book...telling a story!! I must have been crazy to think I could do all that on schedule!!!

As the cut of date loomed...I relized I was in over my head and made one of the covers into a "dangle" (I can't say 'dangelie' becaues it's too big for that).

So...here is the front...which will some day be the inside of either the front or back cover.....

And here is the back...which will one day be the front...or back of the book. Are you confused yet?

And here is the reason I can't finish the book....

I spent so much time figuring out how to sew this....I ran out of time to make all the inside pages!

Anahata'sWorkshop pt. Deux!

2007-08-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

Here is the second collage I made on day 1. Anahata had us working quickly, which was a challenge!! If you ever get a chance to join one of Anahata's classes...JUMP at it! I can' believe how much I learned and what a great time I had.

On the second day she had us work BIG! Here I am working away on my jumbo piece...yet to be finished!

Other than meeting and learning from Anahatha....just meeting all the fantasticlly talented and FUN women was worth the price of admission!!

Oh...and the "pizza wheel"!

anahata's class

2007-08-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

i've never been to artfest so i leaped at the chance to take anahata's class in beautiful ashland oregon. we made two collage pieces today...this is my first....

The Fullness of Summer

2007-07-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

I feel I'm in the summer of my life. While maybe the 'blush is off the rose'... I'm in my full glory.

I wish I could stay 'here' forever and a day...

Charms

2007-07-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

Little charmes almost ready to ship for Melissa's "Summer Camp" charm swap.

Dexter says..."What the Heck Was She Thinking?"

2007-07-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Little Dexter came back "bald" from the groomer today and....I dunno...I just HAD to put a Pom-Pom creation on him!

Notice the startled look on his face.

I guess it's not easy being the Papillion of a costume designer...

Everyday Notions

2007-06-25T20:16:00.001-07:00

I'm still struggling with being creative for myself while designing TWO movies at the same time! When I get home after 16 hours of 'designing'... all I want to do is watch TV for a while just to turn OFF the "design switch" in my brain.

Tonight, however, I had a nanosecond to peruse my favorite blogs and came across Artsy Mama's fun challenge to find the art in the everyday stuff that passes through our lives. Her first challenge is to compose those things in a box.

As it happens, I've just returned from a whirlwind (2 day) fabric shopping trip to LA to buy fabric for my circa 1879 Western movie.... and picked up a few things for Melissa's latest "inchie" swap (http://thegardenofpinkshadows.typepad.com/my_weblog/) while I was waiting for my *gia-normous* order to be cut.

I couldn't wait to unpack and take this pix! Notice the vintage buttons (circa 1920), the amazing silk trim from France, and the organza from Inda!! There is also some pretty moss green Swaroviski crystals there that I found in my mailbox when I got home!

Baby Love

2007-05-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling very uncreative these days...so I bought a "kit" from PoppyInk (http//www.poppyink.com), hoping to get that happy feeling back! I decided to make a little book about my "babies", Daisy and Dexter.

It was great to sit down and not 'think about it' for an hour...yet still have a little something I can add to as the mood strikes me.
The kit came with so many fun goodies to play with... I bought a coordinating kit so I could keep the theme going throughout the book! If you haven't checked out any scrapbook kits...do! Mine was way fun! I plan on using the beautiful papers as insparation in my ongoing, frustrating Photoshop learning curve.

Yay Kits!

Birdie Goodness

2007-05-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get the very last wallpaper package from Pam garrison....but just look at this!!!

OMG!!! Such proshness....and on an envelope! I want to frame it....it made me smile that much!

Menewhile...my new neighbor, (Olivia), hatched her babies last Saturday.

I've named them Mary-Kate and Ashley. They don't look very cute here (just hatched and all mouth), but they are looking better every day! Just to give you an idea of how eeny-beeny they are....those bread crumbs next to their nest are smaller than a dime! Mama Oliva is maybe the size a chicken egg when she's all 'fluffed up'!

I'll try to get a "glamour shot" this weekend. Olivia and her babies are quite symbolic for me. Having made a big, scary move....having little Olivia choose my eaves to nest in feels like a good sign!

A Girl Needs a Sign!

2007-05-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Every movie has it's down time. For me, it's the first week...interviewing potential costumers and getting to know the office staff. It's a given that my 'office' will be a dreary space (often without windows), so the least I can do is brighten up my door with a little "Wecome" sign!

Photoshop Phun (grrr...ackk)

2007-04-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Learning new stuff...and subjecting you to it!

I made this little thing for my best'est girlfriend ever.. SARAH... for her wedding!!

Say YAY for an "over 40" first time Bride!!!

The Saint of Lofty Thoughts

2007-04-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

Well....I've been drooling over Anahata's pictures of her workshop at Artfest. Since I couldn't be there...I tried to figure out how the heck she gets..well... "there" (hint-hint Ana...write a book)!! I only had and hour to do this irl...but I'm thinking I'll do some Photoshop on it later....

I Can't Not Look!

2007-04-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

This..~THIS~... is what I get to see every day in my backyard!!! No Photoshop magic here...this is the image from my "happy snap" digi camera. But wait....there's more!!!

This is a shot of my neighbor's house! OK...not the spring colors one would expect this time of year...but...how lucky am I to see this show every day??

~My new Neighbor~

2007-04-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

While I wasn't looking, someone moved in to the eves of my house!

Learning Photoshop...*@%#!

2007-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to teach myself Photoshop. It's fun...but frustrating !!

This is the image i started with... it only took nine kabillion layers, brushes, and effects!!

This is how I'm feeling... It's lonely here in Santa Fe!! The only people I meet are in the check out line at Trader Joes or Target...and at this point, I know they think I'm nuts! Nobody should be as interested as I seem to be by their shopping habits. "Oh look"!, I enthuse pointing to an item in their cart. "I'm buying those dehydrated pineapple rounds too"!!

I'm hoping my future friend will see how much we have in common and suggest we retire to Starbucks to bond. Unfortunately, all they do is move an ever-so-tiny bit away and get involved with the counter display.

Le sigh....

1" Squares

2007-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

16 1" squares...Done!

No Camera..so a doodle

2007-04-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm without my camera (in the shop), or my scanner (refuses to work since the move) ..but I've still managed to upload a tiny bit 'o art!...just a peek at what I'm doing those so called'creative' meetings at work!

xoxo!

2007-03-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate it when you finally figure out how one system works... you get lured into a "NEW", "BETTER", system?

Behold this post. I'm trying to change my "header", but the "All NEW" blogger is thwarting me.

So...picture this image up there for now....

Hope

2007-03-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

I took this shot one evening last week. It is how I feel right now. Are the dark clouds encroaching on the blue sky...or is the blue sky pushing away the dark clouds?

I took possession of my new rental house in Santa Fe...and it's nice. It's all new, modern (granite counters/stainless steel kitchen), and fab Bosch appliances. I was really excited when I wrote the Gianormous check to secure it...but now I'm all weepy as I move in.

What the heck have I done???? I don't know a single soul here!!!! Can I go back home now?

Maybe I'll feel better when my art supplies get unpacked (I packed an emergancy art kit that I sent ahead...gotta have your priorities) and when all the rest of my "stuff" gets here in a few weeks. For now I'm camping out with just a few things I bought at Target ( how I LOVE that store), a "memory foam" bed that will go into the guest room, and a new little plasma TV (wowser!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of a snow storm here in New Mexico. Coming from California, I think it's a wonderland! Driving to work this morning I stopped several times to admire and snap the scenery. It feels like a Valentine from Mother Nature.....

Hugs and Valentine kisses to you!

Just Another Day at the Office

2007-02-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing. At least I think it's snow. Maybe its hail. Coming from California I'm not always sure! It's white...but it's small and hard and hurts when it smacks you in the face. Occasionally it switches to big soft flakes that float gently down and frost our cars...but it's usually the hard, painful stuff. This is 'base camp' where all the working trucks and the actors dressing rooms are parked. You can't see my truck as it's tucked behind the first row you can see here. It's only about 3:30 in the afternoon and already getting dark! The brown spots in the foreground are big holes of mud that we fell into once they were disguised by the snow/hail! Glamorous...no?

After I took that shot I waded across the field to take this picture of the gaffers lighting the set. It looked so mysterious in the gloaming, I thought I'd share it with you. We filmed until about 11PM than I had a truly terrifying hour long drive back to my hotel. I'm not used to driving through pelting ice and snow and was freaked out that I could barley see the hood of my car!

A New Town?

2007-01-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

I went shopping for 'the movie' today in Santa Fe (where I'm thinking of landing) with my assistant, Jen. I've been here many times on various films... and it's charming. We got several leads for a year rental....but I'm still terrified to make the leap!

Jen kept pointing out all the "hot men" at every turn....which makes me wonder.....when did stop seeing ...or caring about "hot men" ??!!

Clearly...I've been working way too hard!

A New Year!

2007-01-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to YOU!

So far, my new year has found me in three "homes"! Yes, since arriving in Albuquerque on Jan. 1, I've moved three times. The first place (OK and clean), didn't allow dogs. The second place (a motel room with a hot plate), smelled like a bar and every time anybody in the "residence"" (ha), flushed a toilet it sounded like a bomb went off in my room. Finally...after much haggeling...I'm back in the townhouse I spent time in earlier this year while filming "The Flock".

It's funny...when I was first "here", I thought it was kinda dumpy and couldn't wait to leave. Now ...I'm so excited to be back! It's not glamorous like the Vancouver loft was...but it has a fireplace, a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and the all important washer and dryer.

Somehow..in the move, I lost my digi camera...and my scanner is in my office...so all I can manage is what I can do with my (limited) photoshop skills and the images I have on hand. How great is photoshop!! Maybe I can inprove on it if I get a full night of sleep!

Moving Isn't Pretty

2006-12-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not...this is the cutest image I have of my moving experience. The rest of the house is a mess and I'm not sure how I'll pull it together by Sunday when the movers arrive (yes, I'm moving on New Year's Eve)! It seems...the more I sort and pack...the bigger the mess!

Plus...Daisy isn't feeling well....

And Dexter is dirty and stinky

Both are not happy with all the packing..which suprises me. Usually, when the suitcases come out, they are very busy "packing" their toys!

We "hit the road" Monday morning and start the new movie Tuesday.

I think I need more boxes....

Not a Totaly Grinch Christmas!

2006-12-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

This has to be the most Grinch like Christmas I ever hope to have. Not only is my bank fraud problem yet to be resolved...I'm making a big life move to boot! I'm moving from LA to Santa Fe on the 31st and starting a new job Jan2. My entire life is being packed, donated, or thrown away. Ouch.

However, I can't help but have a tiny Bit 'O Cheer...so this is my (danglie) holiday card this year.
The back (which refuses to be photographed) has the four Metta Phrases;

May you be free from danger
May you be happy
May you be healthy
May you live with ease

And so may you all!

Merry Christmas!
Cindy-Loo Who

The Best Birthday Present!

2006-12-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

I've seen my name splashed 35' wide across movie screens more times I've ever cared to count...but this is the biggest thrill I've ever had! When I look at the gorgeous artwork in the rest of the book ....I can't help but think they made a mistake by including mine.

I feel such gratitude to be included in such a beautiful book about what I hold so dearly.

Here is my eeny attempt in full...

The funny thing is...all my friends and family can't understand why I'm so excited. They all say, "That's nice, but it's not like when your costumes were in (fill in the blank) or when you won (fill in the blank).

Only you, my friends, will understand my excitement!

Beautiful Danglies

2006-12-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

Look what arrived in the mail today! Beautiful danglie ornaments from Melissa's "Winter Solstice" swap. I've draped them over my fireplace where they glitter in the firelight. Thank you all for such beautiful ornaments. I'll be enjoying them for years to come!

Wow!

2006-12-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Feast your eyes on this my friends. All this arrived for ME today from the fantastic Michelle Ward! I can't even believe how generous this goodie box was. All I did was enter her Crusades and get my name pulled out of the Top Hat...and you can too!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Michelle!!! I'm just so thrilled!!!

She's Published!

2006-12-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

This piece was chosen to be included in a book published in the UK called "Your Planet Needs You". This is a first for me and I'm uber excited!!! I guess you could say... I'm sitting on thop of the World (ok...bad pun)!

La Muse

2006-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Oh gosh...how I've struggled with this. I thought I knew what I wanted to do (happy music)...but it fought me every step of the way. I finally gave in and just let it be how it wanted to be. At least I got a "mixed" CD in there!

Woo-Hoo!!!

2006-12-01T07:51:00.001-08:00

I've never won anything before so I'm super excited!

Thankx Michelle for drawing my name out of the Top Hat!!!

November Favorites

2006-11-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

Beautiful images from my Flicker Favorites. Isn't all that talent inspiring?

1. Heather Pink Stocking, 2. my aunt's new fantastic (plastic !) chandelier, 3. Our garden during the storm, 4. amsterdam - flowered bike, 5. Marie Antoinette Optical pendant, 6. the girl and the raven, 7. Closet Door, 8. autumnal warmth, 9. friendly spirits..., 10. Dream Ship clouds, 11. Winter cushions, 12. Art Experiment, 13. Going North 1/2, 14. Scent, 15. Beauty, 16. yasmen, 17. Collage card, 18. My Trip To Heaven, 19. applecherries, 20. Pigeon 2, 21. Feathered Nest, 22. I love writing..., 23. how i got my stutter, 24. A Tribute to Love - little book 3, 25. A Tribute to Love - little book 1

Happy T-Day!

2006-11-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thank You World

2006-11-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

The second of Michelle Ward's Crusades asks us to create something inspired by music. In honor of Thanksgiving, I selected an old World Party tune, "Thank You World"

Lyrics;

Colors, scents and symphony
Fall on me like tears.
And time around me stretches back
And forth across the years.
Was I sent to see your beauty
Just to please my aching heart...
Well I want to say good morning
But I don't know where to start.
Thank you World

Thank you World

Well, I'm lying in the dew
And I'm staring at the stars.
Yeah, he laid me down this blanket
Now I call this blanket grass
And the sun is my alarm
And the Moon, she makes me dream.
And my food is wild honey pie
And water from the stream.
Thank you World.......

Thank you world.

Ready To Go!

2006-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Normally I wouldn't write a post about mailing things...but getting this one out was a HUGH deal for me (see below). I'm going through so much stress right now, art has been a double edged sword. On the one hand, it's kept me sane. On the other...getting things out has added a little bit to the stress.

But overall, it been good. At least there is one thing in my life I can control!

I can't believe how excited I am to mail these out!

Danglies

2006-11-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

I make myself nuts. Really. Nuts. I signed up for a holiday Danglie swap which is 10 for 10. No problem. Or so I thought. First I made 10 of these....

Than I read on somebody's blog that glass slide danglies are sooo passe. So I made this.....

But the colors were all wrong and I realized, as they are three sided, they would be difficult to mail. So I made 10 of these...

At this point I'm not even sure I like them.... but the deadline is arriving fast and I'm out of ideas. Maybe it's because I still haven't resolved the whole stolen identity mess and therefore am totally stressed out....or are swaps always this hard?

Bird Journal/Owls

2006-11-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

I forgot to add this little boy and his owls to the stuff I was doing while waiting for my computer to get fixed. I love how serious he is with his two birds in the hands.

Here is the left side of the page. I'll bind them together with chunky copper wire and turquoise beads in the journal.

Finally!

2006-11-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Three looong weeks later...She's back! I can't tell you how hard it was living without her. Generally, the last three weeks have been awful...and not just because my computer was sick. I also lost my ipod (a tragedy), got stiffed by my last employer (there's thousands of $$ I'll never see), AND got my identity stolen! Bank accounts emptied, credit cards maxed out...the whole thing. I'm assured I'll recover everything in time....but what to do in the meantime?

OK... enough whining. Here's what I've been doing while I waited...

I finished the two remaining gift boxes....

and made this for a friend who's trying to get preggers...

It didn't photograph well...but it's really cute and she was thrilled with it.

I also made 10 "dangelies" for the Art Erratica holiday danglie swap. I'm not sure what the etiquitte is for posting photos of swaps before they've been mailed so I'll hold off posting the photo.

So...here's hoping November treats me kinder than October did!

Missing You!

2006-10-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

My computer is in the Hospital and I really miss her! You don't realize how dependent you've become until you have to live without... I hope to be back online next week (fingers crossed)!

Until then...((le sigh))

I Heart Romeo!

2006-10-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

I was so curious about these stamps (from Michelle Ward's new line "Wayward") I cut out two images and stamped them before I cut out the rest. Wowser...talk about "bang for your buck"! My mind is reeling with ideas! I love that you can do something simple and "modern" with them. Now...back to the foam to cut out the rest...

First Crusade/Ghosts

2006-10-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Michelle's first crusade asked us to do something using her new (incredible) line of stamps. I had a harder time with the foam paddingI mounted them on then I expected... so I kept it simple! I'm progressing though the learning curve and already show an improvement...but I've still got a way to go.

I've been looking at these scary kids for years. They are in one of my costume books "Children's Fashions of the Past", and really creep me out!. I can hear that "Deliverance" banjo playing now ...

Bird Journal/Parrot Page

2006-10-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

I bound the first signature into the little journal and already it won't close! I guess I'm going to have to rethink having three signatures....

The Rubber Has Arrived... and it's Beautiful!

2006-10-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago those words would have meant nothing to me and this image would have meant less....

But that was "then" and all that's changed. My new rubber arrived from Michelle Ward today and I'm over the moon! Gotta got mount 5 rubber more pages on garden kneepads so I can get to playtime!

Bird Journal/ The Key

2006-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

The quote reads "The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it".

Join the Crusades!

2006-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

That uber talent, Michelle Ward, has started a Street Team over on her newest blog! Click on the icon over on the right sidebar to join the first Crusade....this is gonna be sooo cool!

Thanks Michelle!

Bird Journal/ Poulet Page

2006-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've started adding to the pages in my little journal

The huffy-fluffy chicken pulls out to give a French lesson!

Bird Journal

2006-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I took Celine Navarro's "Bird Journal" class today....what FUN!! This was only the second class I've ever taken and I can't even believe how enlightening classes are! Just looking at Celenie's "easy breezy" example was a big leap forward for me. Celeine is soo nice, encouraging, and *tres groovy*!

Even though the class was 6 hours...it was FAST! I think this alone was a huge help as I tend to "over fuss" and end up losing the very effect I was going for. Having to move so fast without thinking about it was HARD!!! I have tons of crazy-fun pages to work on....can't wait!

Merci, Celeine!!!

Sunday Play

2006-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

I bought this papier mache trunk box (one of three) a couple of years ago and it's been sitting around, taking up space ever since. My little studio space is tiny ...so every box HAS to stack. So, what to do with these big dome shaped boxes? I decided to make gift boxes to stuff presents into! This one is gianormous...I could pack a sweater (with room to spare) in there!

New Banner

2006-09-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

I've really got the autumnal thing going on these days. This is my favorite time of year... and even in Los Angeles, things are changing. I sit, looking ot the windows in my little upstairs loft studio, watchingh the afternoon sky turn smudgy grey as night creeps ever-so-slowly closer each evening. It's "light the fire and and get cozy" season at last.

Birthday Girl

2006-09-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's my friend, Sarah's birthday today!

I've got one of those presents that defy wrapping, so it's the handy-dandy gift bag option. But I had to do *something* cute...so I quickly whipped up a little hanger for her. I love the wary look on the little Birthday Clown's face....it's kinda like Sarah and I are starting to feel about our birthdays.. EEEK....again?

Boo I Say...Boo!

2006-09-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's still early for spooky Halloween stuff...but I was going through my books (trying to organize...Ha) and found this cranky little witch. I just had to share her with you!

BOO!!

Peace

2006-09-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

In honor of 9/11/2001

They walk with Angels now

Little Bookworm

2006-09-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Once-Upon-a-Time, originally uploaded by Ma Vie en Rose.

Dulci asked that we remember something we loved about our childhoods and incorporate a picture of ourselves for her journal. So here I am asking to read a story. I'm still a bookworm!

Nature Girl

2006-08-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

"Nature Girl" is for Heather's Journal. She's so much cuter "in person"! All the butterflys are '3-D' (only thier little spines are glued down) and seem to flutter across the page.

Silly

2006-08-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm soo happy to be back home after nearly four months away! Greeting me as soon as I got back were three journals awaiting my marks. The first one I tackled was Amie's beautiful "Magikal Women" journal. No matter how hard I tried to be "serious", things just kept turning out silly. I finally gave up and just went with the flow!

Blue

2006-07-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

The movie is winding down and Sara's mommy has "wrapped". It's lonley without Baby Sarah and we miss her!

In fact, it's so quiet...Daisy and Dexter got into BIG trouble when they decided to "go exploring" and got captured in the parking lot. They arrived back to the workroom with suspicious doughnut looking powerded suger around their mouths.
humm

The Power of Puppy Love

2006-07-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough week so far. My car got broken into for the second time in three weeks. This time they only got my down "set" coat, but it still costs $300 to replace the window. Then, our fantastic production designer left the show as it was waay too stressful for his taste.

But look who arrived in my little costume department!

Her name is Sarah, and she's only 5" tall! Her Mommy is my illustrator, Izea, who wanted a little dog sooo badly! Of course, I had to make baby Sarah a "little something", and as I've been drooling over Pamela Garrison's banners....I whipped up this for her with Pam's yummy vintage wallpapers.

I wish I knew how Pam does it...and I can't wait to get my hands on the new Somerset Studio magazine to see!

But I think I know why I preserver ....it'she power of ....PUPPIES!

When the Going Gets Tough....

2006-06-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Tough Journal....

I brought (to Vancouver) well over 200 art books from my library to glean inspiration from. I carefully selected each one for it's relevance to the project at hand. So... Imagine my surprise when I unpacked the many boxes to discover Julia Cameron's book "The Artist's Way", in the midst of them! I've owned this book for, what....10 years?...and never got past the first few pages. Once I discovered I would have to...yikes..."journal", I put it well aside.

How did it sneak inside one of the boxes?

I've managed to ignore it for the past month...waaay to busy for such stuff. However... last night, I had a dream about it....

I'm a firm believer in that "When the student is ready, the Teacher arrives", so I guess I'm ready! Today...I bought one of those little black composition books and made a simple cover for it (harder to ignore).

So far, I'm aghast at my poor spelling...let alone my petty thoughts....

Book of Dreams

2006-06-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

Pocket insert for the Book of Dreams project. Things are so K-RAZY just now, all I can do is work on bits and bobs. I found some peacock feathers this week and wanted to add one to this little "Princling"!

I Got Mail!

2006-05-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

How happy was I to find this on my desk this afternoon! Inside were two fantastic packs of vintage wallpaper and other goodies from Pam Garrison. So much proshness...thanks Pam!

Remembering India

2006-05-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

When the stress of my job gets to be too much, I look back at what I was doing a year or so ago. This is a photo of a beautiful Bride I was lucky enough to meet during my time in India last year. I was invited to her (four day) wedding and treated like a member of her family.

Here she is waiting for her "Prince" to arrive on a white horse! She was achingly beautiful, calm, charming and gracious...

Meanwhile, all of Albert Brooks' costumes had been rendered to ash when the dry cleaner shop exploded the day before he arrived in India .

Puts things into perspective.... Lucky Me!!

Tell me where you were a year or so ago!

((((Pressure))))

2006-05-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel right now. Stuck between budgets and deadlines, looking inward for creativity and inspiration.

Art Garage Project/Glo

2006-05-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

It feels soo good to finally have a little time for artsy play! It's frustrating not to have all my "stuff" on hand, but it makes me think creatively with what I brought.

Glo's theme is "Glimmer of Hope". I took inspiration from her "butterfly" spread and added butterfly wings to the "Contessa" tag. When you pull the tag out, my message of hope for Glo is reveled!

The tag reads;
Hope springs exaulting on triumphant wings

Getting Cozy

2006-05-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of confusing weeks for the Nip-Nops. They've had to endure two long days of driving, a stay in a funky roadside motel, followed by two weeks of constantly changing digs and offices.

Now, two "home" moves and three office moves later....it's finally time to relax!

Dexter seems to feel right at home in our "Guy" space...

But Daisy prefers to snuggle in pillows brought from home

Vancouver Digs

2006-05-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

Will I grow whiskers living in such a masculine space?

The living room

Looking the other way

The kitchen

Stairs to the deck

Big City

2006-05-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

I'm on the 16th floor of one of those buildings. Actually, the view looking the other way (from my "suite") is way better! The bay, the snow capped mountains, the sea planes landing...It's breathtaking. I'd show you pictures...but I can't find the connector thingie for my camera. No matter, I'm only here until I find an apartment for the duration.

On the Road...again

2006-04-28T23:39:00.000-07:00

Heading up to beautiful Vancouver BC until September for work. How many art supplies can I fit into my car?

Princess Serendipity

2006-04-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

This is for the Book of Dreams project hosted by Artsymama.
The little Princess (Gayatri Devi of Jaipor) is from a book I hunted/gathered while working in India last year. I copied her onto canvas to simulate the original painting. The little heart pulls down to reveal her secret (see below)!

All that we see or seem,
Is but a dream within a dream

Studio Friday/Sparkle

2006-04-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have several crystals hanging from the windows in my art space. I love how they sparkle and shine on even the grayest days. Sometimes, it's like being in the center of a rainbow with all the pretty colors swirling around me.

Inspire Me Thursday/Vernal Equinox

2006-04-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Blossoming, opening, yearning. Spring has no shame.

Studio Friday/My Hand

2006-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

My left hand. Both are always covered in paint and Gesso!