The Time To Follow Your Dreams

Fantastic letter blocks by Ditto

Is now... right NOW!

As 2010 draws to a close, I find I am pondering many things, but mostly how lucky I am that I found my calling, and that it is true and right for me. For the longest time before I started my business, I wasn't sure exactly what my calling was. Oh, I had many promising interests and loves, but they seemed to walk hand in hand with my doubts and misgivings. Fortunately, something changed all that.

It was about 5 years ago, a friend came to visit us, who had been experiencing some major health problems. Through one situation after another, our friend had an encounter with angels, which guided his full recovery and changed his life forever. Of course, I had to share my angel story with him. I also told him that I didn't know what the angels message was for me, as I was so petrified the night the angels came to visit me that I was unable to hear their message. He encouraged me to set a date, and to call my angels back and ask them to share their message with me. So, nervously and shakily, I promised, I set the date and put it on my calendar.

The night came, I recreated my necessary environment as best I could. I kicked the boys out of their bunkbed (lovingly!), and went to sleep up top. Certainly, I was called awake in the middle of the night. And I received the message I'd been waiting for: Do what I know best, listen to my heart, and follow it forever... Wow. Is that it?? Could it really be as simple as that??!

Well, then and there is when I began. I stopped living for what I thought others wanted of me, and began living for what I know is best for me. The very next year is when I put myself out there with Val's Art Studio, and the rest is (I guess) history. Or, at least it's history in the making!

The reason I'm sharing this with you is because I am so glad I finally did it, I finally began following my dream. True, I was in my mid-40s... but heck! Better late than never! I am meeting so many fine people in this fantastic handcrafted world, and I am kinda' jealous of those people who are so much younger, and they are already following their dream. Just look at how much longer they get to enjoy doing what they truly love to do!

So, that's my message for you as this last light of 2010 draws to a close. If you are on the fence about what your heart is telling you, I hope you will take a leap - do it now. I think we are happiest when we truly listen to the wisdom of our heart, and follow what it tells us to do. Get ready to live your best and most fulfilling life ever, with your heart in the drivers seat!

Happy New Year, Happy New You! Happy 2011 too! (Please be safe tonight!)

I-Am-So-Excited...

... about this Fabric!!!

Well, the truth of the matter is that you can't hardly see the picture to the left. It's too dang small. But you can head on over to Hawthorne Threads to see their introduction of the entire line by Ruby Star Rising, aka Melody Miller, fabric designer extraordinaire (I love her).

Okay, I will warn you, the fabric pretty much sold out from Hawthorne Threads in a day. I know.... sheesh! It's just certainly that good. I only managed to buy a few 1/2 yard-1 yard pieces before it was all gone. But, I will have a bit of my very favs... the Transistor Radios, and (eek!) the Viewfinder Reels. Oh my, I am excited! I did manage to get Vintage Dishes as well. Oh, I'm a lucky girl indeed :o) My sewing will be going into overdrive... I am planning a big ol' Hole-Up in my studio... I will be sharing some serious one on one with these fabrics, um-humm!

So, just a quick update on 'what's the haps' over here... I am moving my studio-AGAIN. This time to our new home. I loved having my studio at my mom's house, but would invariably bring things home to work on. Then, certain things (a needle felting machine or something of that sort) would get left behind, and I'd find myself doing the constant shlep back and forth between Coronado and Pt Loma, muttering under my breath all the while... Ok, I'm striving for zen.... and peaceful, happy thoughts, etc. The madness of the schlep was bringing me down. So, move again, and once I'm settled, I just know my new fabrics will arrive! I cannot wait, and goodness will resume, once again, from Val's (soon-to-be very fashion forward and fabulous) Art Studio.

Happiest of the Season to you, and yours. I promise a heartfelt look back at our diminishing 2010, with thoughts, plans and hopes towards a fruitful 2011. Are you doing the same???

"Modded" Christmas Card From Me To You :o)

"Modded"... is it an everyday word in your home, like it is in ours? Somehow, everything needs to be "modded" in a household with two teen boys (means Modified, if you aren't in the know!) So, they modded my Christmas card image. Even my husband scolded me for not sending this image out on our cards. Well, too late, plus the program I used wouldn't accept a Picnik modded photo. Go figure. So, I am sharing it with you here, in case you need a chuckle. Even though I already posted a Happy holiday greeting, here's another one from me!

Merry Christmas from our modded house to yours!

A Bit of Christmas Cheer

... from me to you!

Ahhh, some frost and snowy cheer over here! It's holiday happiness in action :o)

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season, enjoying all that Christmas brings your way. Cups of holiday cheer, friends and family near... enjoying sounds (and songs) of the season. Taking time to enjoy each little small miracle that Christmas magically brings into our hearts. These are the things I wish and hope that Christmas brings your way, and to those that are dear to you.

I am looking forward to finishing up my custom holiday orders very, very soon (just 2 more left to do!!). Soon I will be relaxing with my family... sipping eggnog, knitting, just sitting... with my feet up and nothing to do... bliss! It's been a magical holiday season here at Val's Art Studio. I feel so blessed with all that's come my way. All the goodness... I have been offered a wonderful opportunity, that I can't wait to share with you... and I hope to tell you about it very soon. So, so thankful... that's me!

I hope you can enjoy every fresh moment of the season. If stress creeps into your day, turn on that Christmas music, and think and remember what this special time is all about.

The happiest holidays to you and yours!!!

x, Val

Austin's Gallery Open House this Sunday, Dec.19, from 2-4!

Austin's Gallery... Just two blocks from the world famous Hotel Del Coronado...

All photos in this post courtesy of eCoronado.com

Come on by this Sunday, December 19th! Austin's Gallery is having a Holiday Open House from 2-4 pm. Treat yourself to a cup of Christmas cheer, a bite of holiday fair, and meet all the artists!

Coronado is the happenin' spot, did you know?! Restaurants, shopping, walking, historic homes, charm galore, Coronado is a day tripper's paradise. Just two blocks away from Austin's Gallery is the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Decked out to the nines for Christmas, it even sports an Ice Rink! Right next to the beach, no less! Take a closer look by clicking here. Spending a day in this picturesque town is like having a vacation spot in your own backyard. It's paradise.

So, come to Coronado for the art and artists, and stay all day for the fun. Bring your family and friends. What a glorious way to spend the last weekend day before Christmas! See you this Sunday :o)

Handmade... The New Chic

Felted + Beaded Brooch by Jeanette Cook, Beady Eyed Woman

It's time. Yep, it really is. It's time for Handmade to shine. Enough with the "made in China", and all the money spent on imported goods. Why would any person in their right mind buy these sorts of products when there are completely incredible goods made right here, "Made in the USA", most likely by one of your neighbors? If you are guilty of that, then it might be time to rethink how to go about buying "Handmade"!

Lovely Nuno Felted Vessel by Amy Morris

As we are currently in the thick of "Handmade Season", and what I mean by this is that there's practically a craft show on every corner, during every weekend, and around every bend!

When you see one of these, I suggest running as fast as you can t-o-w-a-r-d-s the craft show, not away from it!

It used to be these shows were filled with mediocre "granny style" art... what you'd buy to give your granny for Christmas! But not any more! These shows are a delight for the eyes, showcasing the most imaginative, creative, fantastic finds. You can't possibly find this sort of artsy finery at the mall. Really.

Gorgeous hemotite and silver pendant (left) by the fabulous and lovely Jane Tipton Designs. Jane makes jewelry for the everyday goddess.... will wonders never cease :o)

If you stumble upon a good craft show, bookmark it. Get on the mailing list, sign up with the artists, take business cards! Most importantly, let everyone there know how much you like what they are doing. Then, go back next time, and buy the artists work you like. Support your local artists! Their prices are totally affordable (more than fair), their products exceptional, and something you will love for years to come. I know this, because I have been shopping craft shows for years. These handmade works are the ones I truly treasure. Those mass produced items from China are the ones that get tossed first into my give-away bin. And believe me, in our current time of reduce, reuse, etc... when I do spend money, I am all about buying the things that really send me to the moon. Things I really can't seem to live without (uh, yeah! When it comes to jewelry and felted goods. Duh!)

The other spot to find Handmade goods is in your local artist co-op. Practically every town has one. I am involved with three awesome shops... one in Coronado, Austin's Gallery. No.2 is in South Park called Make Good. The third is the fabulous Hello Bluebird in West Reading, PA. I'm so sure there is one in your neighborhood too.

Today, I am most excited about the 100% honest products I bought from Skinfolk at last weekend's Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Show. Tisha boasts "natural skincare, at it's best". Just days into using several of her magical products, I am giving up purchasing skin care products at the beauty counter at the mall, and ordering nature's best remedies lovingly blended by none other than Tisha herself. And she lives right here, in San Diego. Heck. Really, what could be better?

Handcrafted... you rock! (You too Tisha, and all the handcrafted artisans I've supported this season!) Now, go find yourself a craft fair, and a co-op gallery. Support your local artists. You'll be so glad you did.

Grateful... Thank You For A Wonderful Saturday

Photo 1. Organizers extraordinaire Dane and Susie, 2. Henri Hopper , 3. Kyle models a fantastic

shirt by neopolitan ecowear, 4. Our small shopping room was filled to the brim for almost the entire show.

Yes...

Very Grateful. Thank you for the most wonderful day, the beautiful compliments, friends and supporters, new and old. Thank you for the energizing and amazing day!

(As always, my camera was seemingly on vacation during Artisans' Alley. I think I managed to take 1 photo at the start of the day... but now my connector is missing... I can't win...) at least my iPhone came to the rescue at the Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Show :o)

Artisans' Alley is a gift to me, as it's been each year since I began showing there. New vendors, well organized, tremendous crowds, and showcasing band and choir from Coronado's Elementary, Middle and High Schools. I love it! Wow, 4 years of your fantastic support since I began my business. What a gift!

The Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Show was everything I expected and more. Susie and Dane did an amazing job of organizing a tremendously successful event as part of Space 4 Art's December opening and show. Hopefully the first event of many more to come, the location is exceptional. Two artists hosting openings filled with incredible multi-faceted and edgy art. 35 open artist studios featuring an array of sculpture, painting, mixed media, even puppetry! An amazing, AMAZING outdoor space with a stage, and plenty of space to host bands, show art, installation, food offerings, and more. AND, the Pop-Up Shop, with 14 handmade artisans selling great stuff. (I know, I bought something from nearly every vendor!) Great crowds of artsy folks. Loved - every- minute! So, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it all!

I seem to be recovering slowly from Saturday. It's life in the post-crafting-fog lane... If you see me, it probably looks like I'm sleep walking. Yep, I am. But, I'll be back to normal soon, I promise. Got to finish up those custom orders. Don't worry, I will!!!

Holiday Happenings This Saturday!

Yes, this coming Saturday, Dec 4th, is my big 2-show-day,

and it's fast approaching!

Artisans' Alley is from 9-3

in the Coronado Elementary School Playground lot on 7th and H Street

Click here for more info

Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop! is from 6-10p

at Space 4 Art classroom, 325 15th Street, East Village, San Diego

Click here for more info, and a map to the event.

I have been a bit less frantic with my preparations than usual, but I think that's because I'm a wee bit dog-tired from doing all these shows. Our recent home move didn't have a thing to do with it either... A derailment from production due to a nasty head cold, plus Michelle being out for 2 whole weeks due to wisdom teeth removal + complications also put a crimp into my works. By now the cold is gone, and Michelle is back. Life has returned to being good! I'm sure I will have enough inventory to show, and hopefully a few new items for those folks who only come out to see me during Artisans' Alley.

I was really on the fence about doing Artisans' Alley this year. In fact, I didn't sign up for it until only 3 weeks ago! I was so lucky that I caught them just as booth assignments were going out, so I could muscle my way back in to my regular space, booth 66. What swayed me were the sheer number of people who told me they were looking forward to seeing me at Artisans' Alley this year. So, thank all of you for the push!

The Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop! will feature so many handmade artisans, 35 open artist studios, and an art opening for Judit Hersko and Lea Dennis. It's bound to be a real happening, and it's in it's very first year. It's created and curated by Susie Ghahremani of Boy Girl Party, and Dain Bornstein of Dainty, two women are really have the power to make art happen, if you know what I mean. I'm thrilled to be invited to attend this inaugural show and event. Please don't be swayed by the location, for Space 4 Art is in the hippest, coolest block in the East Village. You will want to check this out for sure!

I will forewarn you though, that many of my best pieces have been bought up at previous shows. Such is the nature of handmade... really, I can only create so much, and my creations are few if many people want to buy something so special and artfully created. I'm only putting this out there in case you have your heart set on something special. Best to get a jump on these shows, and show up to the first one of the season (too late for that, but keep it in mind for next year!), or... be an early bird shopper! Artisans' Alley begins at 9am!!! See you bright and early this coming Saturday Or, nice and late for the HH Pop-Up Shop! :o)

The Littlest Shopper Was the Biggest Hit

Little Miss Meila came to my booth and was instantly captivated with Coin Purse Monsters. Well, those and the nearby Childrens Museum's cash register station. That girl is going to be quite the shopper one day! While she was madly punching away on the buttons, her dad was shopping my lovely selection of needle felted recycled wool children's sweaters. After a perusal, and trying on a couple of sweaters, Meila was happily ensconced in the "Fly Me South For The Winter" sweater, with "Zoom!" needle felted on the backside. Of course, that's after she delighted everyone within eyesight with her cutiepie modeling ability!

Thank you, Meila (and her parents), for coming out to visit the Make Good group at the Handmade Trunkshow at the Children's Museum. What a great group of artisans, and I'm thrilled to report that Make Good will soon be carrying more of my needle felted goodness in their South Park shop. Yea!

Well, no rest for the weary over here. I have just signed on to do a 4th holiday show, called the Handmade Holiday Pop-Up Shop, on the evening of Artisans' Alley, no less! That would be NEXT Saturday, Dec. 4th... Artisans' Alley is from 9-3, and HH Pop-Up Shop from 6-10. (I will be drinking some serious caffeine that day!) I am sooo excited about this new show. I was invited to attend by Susie Ghahremani of Boy Girl Party If you aren't familiar with Susie, or her fantastic illustrations, well, you should be! I know I will be totally shopping in her booth at next weekend's show, um-hummm! So, plan to come out next Saturday for a rockin' holiday the Val's Art Studio way. :o)

Next Up: Holiday Trunk Show at The New Children's Museum!

Yep, the next show for Val's Art Studio is the Holiday Trunk Show with the Make Good group. That's THIS SATURDAY November 27th from 10-4, at the New San Diego Children's Museum.

I'm so excited to be a part of all this kiddie related fun! Plus, there will be LIVE music, and Hands-On crafts. You do not need to pay for Museum entrance in order to come to this event, but heading into to the Museum will create an extra special fun addition to your day!

So, plan to come on out and see what all the Make Good hoopla is about... did you hear that Make Good was recently voted one of the top three places in San Diego for gift shopping this holiday season?! Wow, Make Good rocks!

Big Huge Talmadge Hooray

Yes, and THANK YOU for such a successful day! Once again, I did not take any pictures... just too dang busy, but I have some great mental imagery to share with you. Now, use your imagination here!...

1. Greg sitting in my booth at the start of the day while I ran a quick errand, stating to the first customers, "Noooo, I didn't make all of this..." (picture: eyes rolling!)
2. My two booth neighbors staring in awe at the flocks of people coming and laughing at the rows of cutie Friendly stuffs. Neighbor comments, "Thanks for bringing so many people to this corner of the show, I love all the action!"
3. Actual customer states, "How can this be recycled wool? It looks too Fresh!" (Uh-huh, I work my wool into submission, girl!!!)
4. Number of people who wanted the Transportation Backpack on hold for Marcia: 6! I sold all the other backpacks. Note to self: Quit making the backpacks. They take me a full THREE days... (eyes rolling: mine)
5. Appreciation purchases (by me) for some of the lovely work at the Talmadge show: 3. I would have shopped more if I had the time to get around and look. Will post pics of these very soon :o)

So nice to meet many new friends, and greet returnees, and see quite a few wonderful friends. What a joy, and for this I thank you!

A Jolly Holiday Sort of Day

... To get you in the holiday spirit, I thought I'd share a Wee Snowman with you!

Don't forget about the Talmadge Art Show, it's Today! If you live in the San Diego area, you might have seen the Talmadge feature on KUSI yesterday, along with a nice mention of me! Come out and see me today, and check out my best offerings for this upcoming holiday :o)

Theme #1 Revealed for Talmadge Art Show This Sunday!

Only managing to fulfill a portion of my handmade desires, I am still working diligently towards my goal list for these 3 upcoming shows over the next 2 weeks. Moving households really put a wrench into my works (have I mentioned this before...?) Then, Michelle had to have her wisdom teeth removed... (heck, Michelle, now?? Really? -just kidding, hope you're feeling better very soon :o)

Each show seems to have a specific theme, or at least it does in my minds eye. I was invited to the Talmadge Art Show as a Fiber artist, so I am trying to show my best Fiber work for Talmadge (heck, everything I do is fiber art!)

Well, for Talmadge, I am planning to show a new line of more affordable Audubon inspired scarves. My original intent was to feature not only birds, but butterflies and dragon flies too. Those are currently sitting in the backseat of my creative endeavors... not too sure

they will be able to be created by Sunday... but I will do my best to include a couple.

I am in love with each and every bird I create, but I'm especially fond of this beautiful owl. It was a challenge to figure out what bird might be able to go on this festive red silk scarf, but a perusal through my Audubon book brought forth the wonderful Snowy Owl, and it was a done deal!

These scarves are incredible to wear, but they are equally lovely dressing an entry table, or draped over a chair, even hug as a wall hanging. They are created with wool and mohair locks infused with glittering accents sparkling in the light. They are glorious. Given as a gift, they look like they cost a million bucks, but I will be selling them at the Talmadge show for a mere $68.00! I don't have too many, so show up early for the best selection.

See you on Sunday!!

Holiday Happenings!

Happy Holidays... (does that sound right?) Wasn't it just summer? Was Halloween yesterday? Where has the time gone, and just HOW does it fly by so dang fast???

Ok, I know things are busy, ('tis the season-?) and hey-- I'll be the first to admit that life has driven me a l i t t l e bit crazy of late. One can only cram just so much into the course of a day/week/month, and I think I've been in overdrive. I'm not making excuses. I just know it's been so.

Well, enough of that, because we have THE HOLIDAYS to celebrate, and WE are going to do it in STYLE! WE (that would be me) WE are celebrating until the CoWs come HoMe, and there are LoTs of opportunities for you to come and CeLeBrAtE with ME!!! Check it out....

• Sunday, November 21st at the Talmadge Art Show in Hillcrest. This one day craft and art fair is filled with exceptional art and wearable pieces, it takes place at the San Diego Women's Club. This will be my first year as an exhibitor, and I am very much looking forward to showing my handmade loveables at this impressive show. You won't be disappointed if you plan a visit to the Talmadge Art Show!
• Saturday, November 27th at The New San Diego Children's Museum I'm so excited about being able to attend this one day show and sales event with Make Good of South Park, in San Diego! The New Children's Museum is a large, amazing facility, located in the heart of downtown. Only two years old, it's the only combination children + contemporary art museum in existence. This unique arts/crafts/handmade event takes place on this ONE day only, inside the museum. No admission to the museum is necessary to attend this special arts event!
• Saturday, December 4th at Artisans' Alley in Coronado. Come help me celebrate my 4th year Anniversary of beginning my business, where it started right here in this very venue! **Please note: this will be my 3rd event in a 2 week period, and I will not be creating any new inventory for Artisans' Alley. I will probably plan to have a champagne party to celebrate the growth of Val's Art Studio in these past 4 years! (just kidding, I don't think they will allow me to do that!) But, I might have cookies and punch to distribute along with hopefully very little inventory... providing my sales are good at events # 1+2. At least that's the plan...

Enjoy the merry making, the turkey preparations, the readying to tinsel, and mark your calendars for a Val's Art Studio visit... I can't wait to see you, and toast (wink) to the Holidays. Let it be merry and bright!

x, Val

Work It

Work it good!

Here's where I work it by day.... Mmm, humm, I work it good! (Do you remember that Devo song? Whip It Good. It's always been one of my favorites!) Ok, so I thought I'd show you the new work space at Lizzy Lou's (my mom's house) where I work by day. It's a great room, with lots of windows and light, and an outdoor porch where Lola can hang and look down on the neighborhood happenings. We have room for Michelle to come and help me when she can. We are a happy group here, we get lots accomplished, and our new routine seems to be humming right along. (btw, that lion mosaic collage hanging on the wall is something I created in high school. Amazing how parents never throw anything away...)

Michelle works at the desk in front (the cleared off one). It normally doesn't look so neat and tidy :o) -NOT to say Michelle's messy. She's just between projects!

All the furniture is from my husband's office. He's been downsizing too, so I received a lot of his cast offs. For this, I'm really grateful. I love all this old medical furniture that's been reconditioned and restored. He has loads of these pieces.

Working on Friendly Stuffs sure brings out the wooly scraps. Here is how they begin. A big happy pile of felted wool sweater scraps. Usually, Lola lays on one pile or the other. Have no fear, she doesn't shed, and she's hypo-allergenic. (I know, I am highly allergic to cats and most dogs). Soon, the scraps take one form or another, looking something like this...

After a few more zigs and zags, and a stuff with fluff, they take their proper Friendly form. Just sitting and waiting to be taken to a new home, and properly loved. Not to say we don't love them! Each one gets the royal lovey-dovey treatment during construction. How can you not love them?!

Many Friendlys are being made for our big one day show and sale at the New San Diego Children's Museum, on Saturday, November 27th. I will be there with the Make Good Group. The Friendly Stuffs and I will be there with bells on, with lots of other friendly items from Val's Art Studio! Mark your calendar and come down to see us and say HI!

Sew Thankful

Wee Christmas Village is part of Needle Felted Charm

I'm preparing for the Talmadge Art Show. Isn't it cute?!

My crafts are keeping me sane... keeping me from unraveling at the seems... keeping me grounded during this period of flux and change. So (oops) sew thankful sewing's my "drug" of choice, and needle felting calms my nerves. Helps so I can vacillate between Drew's braking his arm on our moving day, to Kyle's needing me to "cut his hair RIGHT NOW, please", to Greg's throwing out his BACK, to Bryan's need for me to go pick up Schleg door locks at 8pm, to the painters not showing up! Arrrgh!!! Now there are 2 trenches in our back patio, so we can't access the back door (just a main thoroughfare!), and they need to be filled (did I mention Greg threw out his back???) Who will be filling in and packing trenches? Who? ME? Who will be touching up paint in the kitchen before the flooring guy comes on Monday to lay the floor? ME! WHO has 3 shows coming up in 2 weeks? ME, that's who..... ARRGGGGH!

Deep ... calming ... breath.... yes...

The sewing is so fine, so perfect, sooo what I need right now. I am finally finished with a sweater I began for a customer last Spring (before my life became this complicated!) I just needed to finish it. It's lovely. It will be needle felted with a mermaid and beach motif. I will show it to you as soon as it's done.

So, so, SEW happy to finish up this irresistible vest. I made a similar one to wear at ArtWalk, and sold it off my back the very first day. It's so special...

I will post about my 3 upcoming shows very soon, so stay tuned. I work best under pressure, so I have no doubt my upcoming work will be my best yet. Man, just wait to see what I'll dream up while shoveling those trenches!!

Bird Watching Habitat

I'm already missing our bird watching habitat at our Coronado home. Finches, hummingbirds, orioles, and Black Phoebes were just some of the birds that frequented our garden. Our trees were a constant buzz of birdy activity, much to my bird watching delight. Birds even frequented our huge tall pine trees in the back yard. Take a look...

Here's the tree from my vantage point in the back yard:

A clack and a call causes me to run out and look up, to find this lodger:

A Blue Heron spends his days perched in a high lookout up over the bay.

He sits in the tree by day, and flies to the water to hunt in the late afternoon.

He stands about 3' tall. He's the largest bird that visits our garden.

Lola is so bored by it all. It's as if she says, "Lordy, here she goes again..."

We've relocated to Pt. Loma, and are ready to explore attracting birds to our new garden. We have quite some work to do over here... I put out some peanuts, hoping to bring the Blue Jays, but only succeeding in attracting a flock of crows.... sigh...