Art birds

My studio has them flocking all over the place!

Contemplating silly drawn folk art style birds, and working them over with fiber and color, fabric bits and bobs. I like how they are turning out...

Somehow this one put on a few lbs between concept and completion. Lol. He will need a bit more work!

I think the finished pieces are magical :o) They can be found in my etsy shop in the felted pillow section by clicking here.

x, Val

My love affair with Historic Homes

"Let History Matter", 2010, Mixed media and oil on collage base by Valerie Hebert

I am so in love with old homes. I love their character, the stories they hold within their quiet walls, and the beauty they bring to a neighborhood, especially when they are dearly loved and cared for.

"History Speaks" 2010, mixed media and oil on collage base by Valerie Hebert. 

For the past many years, I have been invited to "Plein Air Paint" at our town's Historic Home Tour, which always takes place on Mother's Day. It is a wildly popular event, and a wonderful way to spend the day with your mom. 

"Hughes Home" 2011, mixed media and oil on collage base by Valerie Hebert

My paintings are well received, and many Coronado historic home owners now have my original paintings - of their homes! - hanging inside their beautiful homes. People will often commission me to paint their homes when they see my work during the tour. This touches my heart deeply. 

"Past Perfect", 2012, mixed media and oil on collage base by Valerie Hebert. This is my home! 

Last year, my beloved Coronado home (in the painting above) was on the tour. Of course, this painting is very special to me. It is near and dear to my heart, and I will treasure this painting always. We thought last year we would need to sell our home, but we didn't have to after all. What a gift this is, to know we will once again be able to return to our beloved home, and reside there, a place where my heart finds peace and care. (thank you, God)

If you would like to know more about the Historic Home Tour in Coronado, please visit this link. Look for me outside one of the homes. I will be the one in the garden with the easel and the paint, and doing what makes my heart so happy... painting those beloved historic homes :o)

x, Val

Butter and Eggs Parade and a Birthday Today!

We are wishing a very Big Happy Birthday to my sweet son, Drew, who is 17 years old today!!! He is still up in beautiful Petaluma, where we will travel this weekend to see him and celebrate this momentous day, his 17th anniversary. Wow... 

In 2 weeks, my son Kyle will turn 15... he was my Mother's Day gift the year he was born, and has been each year since. I love the men in my life, but these three are the most special, and make my heart so happy. We are all doing so amazingly well. God is so good to us. (For a recent update on Drew, please click here, and Kyle, here)

"Begin" by me, Valerie Hebert. Also called "Cheeky Chickens in a White Fenced Farm" :o)

And, in an extra exciting celebration, this weekend is the Butter and Egg Days and Parade and Festival in Petaluma, CA! All the men in my family are actually O.K. with going to this parade! I understand there will be lots and lots of chickens, lamas, cows, sheep. It is right up my alley! I promise LOTS of pictures!

Happiness to you and yours...
x, Val

Swim, Walk, Grow...

My new paintings all have words <suggesting action> incorporated into the body of the work...

Swimming to find our way through the murky places in life...

Walking the path that God calls us to...

Growing even though we may resist, and realizing it's the right and true choice...

I love what I'm seeing in my work now, and the renewed energy that Flora Bowley's Bloom True class has brought to my paintings. I highly recommend this class. It's a way to approach your art and your life with new vitality, and energy. I think it has truly changed me...

x, Val

Simplifying 101

Back in January, I told myself and the world that I would be simplifying my life after the first of the year, and after what always seems to be the busiest holiday season yet. Even though it's been difficult to do so, I have said "no" to several shows and events. I have allowed all the Mother's Day show deadlines to come and go... I didn't bat an eye at saying "not this time", though did feel a wee pang in my heart.

This is kinda how I feel right now... and, indeed, little quiet bunnies are all I have been able to make as of late. I am a quiet bunny right now as I wait the fate of something big, and celebrate many workings of things great, yet small. Life is funny that way, isn't it?

This sweet quiet bunny will be offered as a class at Paper Tales on May 18 from 2-5 pm. I hope you will hop on over and join me as we enjoy the quiet, meditative task of needle felting, sewing and stuffing full of fiber. It will be worth every quiet minute. :o)

And, a needle felted bear class is on the schedule for May 5th too... you can find info on that right here.

x, Val

A Springtime Class at Paper Tales!

I sent this photo to Michelle at Paper Tales, and she called me right away, "Oh MY God!!! This has got to be the cutest thing you have EVER made!" Oh my golly, how I do agree! Yep... most people send their kids to school with a lunch box. Mine? I send them with a 4 page court order to "Stay Put". Ummm, it's a long story, but the message is clear: the more difficult my life, the cuter the needle felted creations become...

So, the class date is St. Patties Day, March 17, from 12-5 pm. I promise I will serve green cookies, and will allow a break for lunch... That is if you really want to take a break, Lol! Most times, those 5 hours fly by in a flash, and we are left wondering where the time went. It is all together too much fun! And if you need a break from fun, sweet springtime bunnies, and magic, then I will bring you back down to real life, and explain just what a "Stay Put" order is all about. Wow, I'm learning more than I ever thought I would about the undercurrent of the school system, and how things are really done there...

So, give Paper Tales a call to sign up. And remember to bring your needle felting tools! This class only requires the foam mat, a set of Fine needle felting needles by Clover, a pair of sharp scissors, and the "pink pen" style needle holder (optional). And just one more thing... The roving I used on the bunny is all used up, so we will be using something different. Have no fear, your bunny will be every bit as adorable as this one... I promise!

See you on St. Patties Day!
xx, Val

One Hot Mess

Rather, I should say 5 of them... Five big hot messy canvases staring me down whenever I walk into my studio. I just thought I'd take a moment to document the ones I am actually comfortable sharing with you. The others are even crazier and zanier than these are!

The canvases above and below are the same. The photo below shows the image, whatever the heck it is - some sort of floral and leaf arrangement- after adding white and black, and some electric translucent colors...

And then this one. Words just escape me at this point....

I should mention I am a very good direction-follower, and am trying to go through Flora's prompts as she takes us. Um, so that's what it is all about over here...

Ok, back to the hot mess. Wish me luck.
Val

It's all topsy turvy in my artist brain right now

Do you ever get that way too? The organized side of my brain is all about sewing things professionally, then needle felting them with perfection, and paying attention to getting things "just so". Then, when I get myself in front of the painting easel with a brush in hand and paint on the palette, things just go all haywire... 

For me, painting is about the Not Knowing, it's "venturing out" and all 'going-with-the-flow'. It works me over, and even though I struggle with it, I crave the process like a dog craves a bone....

An under painting by Val Hebert, from Flora Bowley's Bloom True class

My art journey began when I was young. My first teacher was my mom. My mom's schedule in my earliest memory was like this:

Go into the woods with friends and gather pods. Return home and make pod art ensemblages. Go to fabric store and get enough supplies to make curtains or a dress. Go home and sew. Try painting classes. Give up and declare "I have no painting talent!" Instead, paint the room a different color. Sew up new curtains, and give the room a whole new look. Move the furniture around. Then take up wallpapering. Go into business wallpapering friends homes. Drink lots of beer. (Wallpapering works up a thirst!) Lol! Remember I said this is an early memory, like before I was 5!

So, this week, here I am sewing. Then cleaning everything up to paint. Then cleaning everything up to sew... I don't sense a good trend here. I find myself falling back to sewing and needle felting because its predictable, safe, and easy for me to do. When I paint, I am groveling at the painting easel, and asking for divine intervention... Just let my inspiration flow... please... flow.... Ugh! These colors are killing me. Things seem muddy, bland, too predictable. I can certainly see its time for me to paint, and if I'm smart, I will just pack the sewing away for now. 

Perhaps divine intervention will find a way to take over my bleak hesitation. Yes, this is what I've missed. This is what I need. This is why I paint...

I'm taking Flora Bowley's Bloom True online class, and even though it may sound like I'm not enjoying it, I'm actually loving it, along with all the frustrations and unease the paint puts in my way... 

Grrrr... Paint, I will warn you: I will win!!!

x, Val

A Heartfelt Art Show + a Visit with the Wild Art Sisters!

It's always good to have things to look forward to, don't you agree? I love the excitement of trying something new, even if it's just a variation of something I did before.

Tonight is the art opening of the Heartfelt show at Sophie's Gallery, from 5-8pm. If you are in the NTC Liberty Station area, I hope you will stop by to see some of my new creations, including some special needle felted Hoop art, and a few new adorable sweaters, and some special new Valentine Toast... extra cute + more :o)

Then, next Tuesday, Feb 5, we are having a Wild Art Sisters art meet up with Ms. Junelle Jacobsen, of Yes and Amen! We are all heading to Laguna Beach, CA and showing up at Zinc Cafe for a fun, artsy meet up! I cannot wait, and it will be such a treat to meet Missy Lamb photographer, and "Wild Artsy Fun" Junelle in person. You are more than welcome to join us, but please RSVP so we can count you in. Leave me a comment and I will make sure to get you added to the list!

Hope to see you!
x, Val

Heartfelt Hoops

It's been a while since I put together art for an art opening. Though I guess the craft shows that I do are kind of like that... But in that arena, I try to have a large variety of very different styles and a large selection of items people can buy. Whereas an art show seems to need several pieces that relate to each other, so it feels like there's a strong connection to all the work I do. 

What began as a variety of quirky and cute art in hoop frames quickly spiraled to what I love to needle felt the most... birds. Hmmm, well, I think it's ok. I especially love them, and enjoy how cute they are coming out. Each one inspires me onto doing the next. And another thing I like about these is they are much quicker to complete than needle felted bird pillows.

Let's hope they go over well for the opening at Sophie's Gallery Heartfelt Show, coming up next Friday, Feb 1 :o)

x, Val

Collected Hearts

My hands stay busy while my mind wanders. In the wandering, my problems are pondered, and solutions found. Then, I can look and see what wonders my hands have created while my mind's been busy. It's a win-win!

Stay tuned, for I will be a Featured Guest Artist at the upcoming Heartfelt Show, put on by Sophie's Gallery and Gift Shops. There are 2 openings, and the first is at NTC Liberty Station on Feb 1. The second is at the El Cajon location on Feb 8. Both openings are from 5-8pm.

x, Val

Taking a Cuppa

After the busy holidays, I just need time to veg... and regroup... sit and ponder a bit over a cuppa tea... It does me so much good!

Source: duduadudua.blogspot.com via V a l on Pinterest

Plus, I have been spending quite some time over in the Arena, as Moms of Teens are bound to do. I have learned that Time in the Arena requires my full and undivided attention, and though I sometimes begrudge my time there, it is always time well spent. I always get a lot done when I apply my energies, especially after a cuppa tea... and that is certainly a good thing!

As we venture into the second week of 2013, I am very excited to have signed up for Flora Bowley's ecourse called Bloom True (more info here). I have wanted to take this course ever since I first learned of it. Happy to leave the struggles of 2012 behind, I find I am looking to reenergize my art and creativity. Never one happy to sit and keep creating the same ol' thing, I look towards finding a new lease on my creativity, and am thrilled to do it through my painting. I can't wait to see what will emerge, and feel the time is right to open this door and forge forward with a surge of expectations. Can't wait + so excited!

Happy Sunday to you and yours :o)

x, Val

Welcome New Year!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

I, for one, will be glad to welcome in the New Year... Welcome new Possibilities, new Loves, new ways of Thinking, new ways of Seeing. Today the new year is a bright and shining oyster, and I can't wait to greet with joy what's ahead of all of us on this day... The first!

Happy New Year to you, and yours!

xx, Val

Welcome to The Mom in the Arena!

I'd like to introduce you to a new kid in the blogworld... The Mom in the Arena. Well, it's actually Me! But Me in a different form... which you can find over here. 

I am not completely sure how I can deal with writing two blogs, but one thing I know is that I have been dealing with both sides of my crazy life over the past several years, and I've managed to keep on top of that, not an easy feat! I often feel conflicted about writing about my teen boys and my home life on this blog, so I decided to devote this blog solely to my crafting life, and my other blog to my otherworld antics delving into the world of vulnerability, hope and the return from despair. I hope you will check me out over In The Arena. I also hope you might share a bit of what I do over there should you know of another family who might be dealing with out of control teens, and the mayhem that goes along with that.

x, Val

Merry Happy Christmas!

     To one and all!

12 Tidbits

Today is 12-12-12, and don't we like the simplicity of dates like these?! Ok, I'm not implying we are simple minded or anything (Lol!), just that our busy days enjoy the simplicity of an easy date like this to remember. It's just effortless, right?! My brother was married on 10-20-90, and my mom on 5-5-05. I can always remember their anniversaries!

I thought I would take a moment out of this noted day to post 12 things I am thankful for. Just a moment in the middle of the hectic for.... 

12 Little Thankful Tidbits....

1. That the birdies in my garden that I love so much love me too, and come to visit me each day for food, sustenance, and care. In turn, they care for me too, for their beauty and sassiness carry me happily through my day.
2. That my creative being seems to chug along through times of happy and hard, good and bad, and rough and smooth.
3. For those that are getting snow in their parts of the country, and post photos on Facebook, so I get a chance to peek in on their stark loveliness. Thank you!
4. For friends who care deeply for me, and I for them, as we help each other manage our life's ups and downs, and carry each other on days when our own burden is too great to bear.
5. For the way God provides for me when I don't know which way to turn, and He helps me to navigate the journey ahead.
6. For those people I don't know well, but trudge ahead blindly as they show me a way to find forgiveness from those by whom I feel wronged.
7. For the opportunity to share my love of craft with others.
8. For being able to live in a beautiful part of the world, where the sun shines down on me and warms my spirit.
9. To share time with my 26 year old cockatiel - my old man birdie - who has many quiet days now, and every so often a day when he's like his old self, whistling and chattering... he is just so sweet and I love him so much!
10. For family who may not always see eye to eye with my bossy self, but who support me wholeheartedly. I love them dearly!
11. For tears that fall freely, even when I don't want them to (!), letting me know I am in touch with my heart... so, so good to be in touch with my heart!
12. And, the most important: I am SO thankful for the rerouting that has happened in my immediate family over the past year. When I look back to where we were one year ago, I see a world filled with despair and pain, and unsure of what to do, or how to manage. Today, we are a renewed family, with two boys who are living life in a whole new, healthy way. We have learned so much over the past year, and have grown greatly!

Oh, and even though I have already listed 12 things, I certainly cannot leave out my sweet Lola-girl! She stands by my side through thick and thin, comforts me when I am down, and knows when I need a break so we can do a run and romp in the yard. I love my Missy Lola!

I hope you will find a moment to be thankful today, and during this season of wonder...

Love to you today, and always!

x, Val

Just Added: Wooly Ornament Class!

Whew, we are in the thick of things now that the first week of December has spun by! I don't know about you, but I can hardly keep track of what date it actually is... I think I am constantly about 1 week behind! What? it's Dec 8th already? I thought it was the 1st!!!

So, in an effort to do more during the busy holiday season, not less by any means (Lol!) I have added a fun new class for next weekend, Dec 15... a Wooly Ornaments Class. Using scraps from my felted woolies pile, we will cut and paste wool, and stitch them up into the sweetest handmade ornaments you've ever seen! 

Suitable for hanging on the tree, or fashioning into a darling garland, or even adorning a package for a special someone, these sweet ornaments will delight the recipient (even if it's you!) Bring your daughter, or a friend, and spend a few hours in the company of like minded crafting souls, as we stitch and laugh our cares away.... so much fun!

 Call over to Paper Tales to sign up.. 619-222-2510. 

See you next weekend!

x, Val

dang. cute. holiday!

Please, Rain, do not rain on me this Saturday! It's hard to do a dang cute show in the rain... Saturday is Artisans' Alley, which is a super fun outdoor holiday craft show... See, Rain, it's outdoors, and it just won't be a good day for you, Rain. (I'm sorry) It would be really great if you could just take your rainy business away from Coronado for the day. Yep, just go somewhere else to play for the day, and you can come back anytime after 4 pm on Saturday. Ok?  Then we'll be good, Rain, and I promise we can play together very soon!

Rain or no rain, I invite you to come on over to Coronado this Saturday from 9-3 for Artisans' Alley. Maybe, bring your umbrella... just in case Rain decides to show up. (He and I have been talking, you know, and I'm working on him, hard!) And, I have been working like a non-stop fiend to get as ready as I can be. Lots of new... dang. cute. product. ... which would make fantastic holiday gifts!

See you on Saturday :o)
x, Val

Shop Small This Saturday

 

Psst! Did you know this coming Saturday, Nov 24th is "Shop Small Saturday"? The idea is that you support your local merchants and small shops instead of doing all your holiday shopping at the big box stores, or at the mall. Then, your favorite local small retailers can get a piece of the financial windfall pie, and that helps to sustain them, and keep them in business. It's win-win!

It's so important to shop at those sweet mom-and-pop shops you love to frequent, or pretty soon, they will close up without our much needed support. Last holiday season, I did ALL my holiday shopping at small retailers, and golly, they were SO appreciative! Plus, the gift recipients were touched by such a personal and "out of the ordinary" gift.

Etsy shops are also a great way to "Shop Small", and many are offering special deals this weekend, Black Friday through Cyber Monday. So, I  decided to get in gear with this too, and so...

I am offering a 25% discount in my Etsy shop this long weekend ONLY! 

Just head over to my Etsy shop by clicking here**, and select any ready-to-ship item (NOTE: SALE Pricing is NOT valid on custom orders!) Enter this coupon code at check out to receive 25% off your entire order! Shipping is one low rate to US states! (Please note: All orders will ship beginning 11-28-12)

HOLIDAY12

Happy Holidays, Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy "Shop Small" shopping :o)

x, Val

**PS. A secret for you: Blog readers get an early entrance to the sale. Coupon code is actually valid now!

Willing ... and so Thankful

We ask a lot of ourselves on a daily basis, don't we? We start by getting ourselves out of bed, and into the day, and it just goes on from there, doesn't it?! Heck, yep, it's all downhill from there!

As I watch the transformation of my very brave son(s) right before my eyes, but particularly Drew, who is away from us right now, ... I am awed by both of their spirits, and willingness to change, to accept our love and help, and to understand the whys and the hows and the reasons behind our will that put Drew into treatment, and living away from us during the time he gets the help he needs. I am knocked to my knees with love and respect, and wowed by the path God has sent us on. I still find myself challenged by my will to remain hopeful, which I do, yes I do. I will myself to trust anew. I can now embrace and better understand our fierce love for him, and our willingness to go to the ends of the earth to help and support the very fine young man we have always know him to be. To help our younger son, Kyle, gain the understanding to best help his brother on the path towards recovery. And we are getting there, God willing, Drew is doing so well, so fine, and he is getting to where he needs to be .... one day at a time.

We are getting ready to move Drew to a "step down program" next week, and we are all so excited by this development. Drew is a little nervous, because he will have more freedoms, but he is ready for this now. The medicine he is taking for his brain trauma allows him to plan ahead, and think before he acts, something he wasn't able to do before. This next placement is the step before he comes home, which will still take some time. To date, he has been in treatment for nine long months (!), but in the past 4 months since he's been at Meridell Achievement Center, he's grown by leaps and bounds. We are beyond thankful.

So, as we move towards the day of Thanksgiving, I cannot be more thankful that we have our son back, and he is more beautiful than ever before. His brain is functioning so that he is whole now. We are beyond grateful as a family that we are "whole in spirit" once again. It feels beyond fantastic.

I wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving, and hopeful that you too may take time to reflect on what is important and good in life. To be willing to hope and dream, plan and enjoy the fruits of your dreams.... God is willing if you are.

x, Val

PS. Still heavily involved in my busy SHOW SEASON with two shows this weekend... Local Color on Saturday, and Talmadge on Sunday... Please see the links on the left sidebar for more information, and directions to both these events. I hope to see you there!!!!

PPS. New works are being created like mad, and I promise to post photos very soon!