Weekend Getaway

We had a chance to drive up to our cottage this past weekend. It had been two whole months since we were last there. The photo shown above is not our cottage, but the "art cottage" of Pipka, an artist who has long been a resident of the area. Pipka began her career by making gorgeous hand-painted Santas. She continues to create them, but has also delved into the world of mixed media collage. The pieces she had on display and for sale were full of wonderful texture and dimension. Someday I hope to take a class here at Pipka's beautifully landscaped studio.

Her gardens are truly amazing! What glorious surroundings to create art in.

Such meticulously manicured planting beds.

The blossoms on this Horse Chestnut tree were HUGE!

The Siberian Iris blooms made quite a statement. I forgot to take my camera along, so all these photos were taken with my cell phone. Everything was even more awesome in person!

Two different types of Lilac bushes - my favorite scent of all the flowers!

Next time I'll share some of my vintage finds from the trip.

Off To Portland

This will be my last post until I return from ArtFiberfest in Portland. I've been running around like crazy making sure I have everything I need to bring for the workshops. I'm taking classes from Charlotte Lyons, Ruth Rae and Roxanne Padgett. Charlotte will be also teaching a mini workshop along with Pam Garrison, and Reenie Hanlin. I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures to share with you when I get back.

How Cool Is This?

For those who are fans of Stampington Publications, the new issue of Somerset Studio (Nov/Dec) is on the news stands now. As usual it is filled with wonderful artwork and inspiration of the likes of Beth Quinn, Amy Hanna, Misty Mawn, and Tricia Scott and others. A while back I can remember reading an entry on Tricia's blog about finally getting up the nerve to send a box of her artwork into Stampington. That post really resonated with me and was the impetus which gave me the courage to answer a call-for-art and send in a few pieces of my own artwork. And lo and behold much to my delight, I opened the magazine yesterday and found two of my own ornaments featured in this highly regarded publication. (pages 105 & 108) It is truly an honor to have my art alongside the work of so many talented artists in this magazine which I have treasured for so many years.
Many thanks to Jenny Doh, Jennifer Jackson and the others at Somerset Studio magazine for taking the time to consider my humble submissions for publication.

Monday Mosaic

Just a little lovely inspiration for your eyes on a Monday morning......enjoy!!!

1. Untitled, 2. Vintage Linen Tote Bags, 3. vintage wedding toppers, 4. Pink Rose Birthday Cake, 5. new etsy listings, 6. For The Birds Swap, 7. Creamy Buttons, 8. Mothers Day Seedling Cake, 9. maj, 10. Pink Snow, 11. Untitled, 12. Pay It Forward ATC Swap, 13. Pay It Forward ATC Swap, 14. 1800s Dress!, 15. Handmade Card, 16. Demure Fairy

And if all that wasn't enough inspiration for you, just feast your eyes on this little beauty. . .

It's a brand new self-published book, chock-full of all my favorite artist's creations and ideas, called "Postmark:LA." It sounds divine, doesn't it? My copy is already ordered, but you can get one of your very own right here!