Try Again: The Kreativ Blogger Award

Thank You, Tamerie!

... for that nice award. I do try to be creative with my blogging, and sometimes I think I'm successful. It's nice to hear that others think I succeed :o) I am truly happy to be recognized for this, especially with such a pretty award!

Part of the award is listing 7 things that I like/enjoy/love. So, here goes:

1. I love my family; 1 husband + 2 sons + a grammy (close by) + Tex, and including my pets, Missie Lola, and even a crotchety Birdita. There are others too, just more than I can name here!
2. I love creative people, all sorts.
3. I am blessed to be able to work out of my home, on my creative endeavors
4. I love my girls (you know who you are :o)
5. I love living in Coronado, and reconnecting with my "roots"
6. I am happiest on a bright sun-shiny-day, working my creative fingers to the bone
7. My garden makes my heart sing

The second part is to bequeath the Kreativ Blogger Award to 7 blogs I think are creative. My, it will be tough to stop at 7!

1. The most fabulous blog: Little Brown Pen
2. I love all the creativity in Marcia's studio
   
3. I don't know her, but I think I love her... blog! Stitch Poet
4. A place for some great street fashion: The Sartorialist
   
5. Always inspired by a bag maker/rocker: U Handbag
6. I am smitten by Bairbre Aine's creativity.
7. Not a blog, but my favorite shop :o) The Grove  Visit the Grove this Saturday night for the Walkabout. You won't be disappointed!

Thanks again, Tamerie. I couldn't have done it without you and all your inspiration. See you tomorrow at Miguels!

Oh my, An Award!

(Ok, this is why I need your help Tamerie!) I DID take the Handmade Pledge, and have wanted to post this as a sidebar on my blog. Somehow I just couldn't figure that one out. So, now, here it is here... just not exactly where I want it to be... Back to the drawing board on the award...

Coronado Eagle & Journal Features Val's Art Studio

Thank you, Elizabeth!

For that wonderfully informative article in this week's Eagle & Journal. I tried to post a link to the article here, but apparently, they update the website the week following the current paper. Well, next week you might be able to go online and view the article then. 

So many people are very curious about needle felting, and how it's done. Though I most often do flat or 2-D needle felting onto a surface like a sweater or purse pocket, there is a very different art to 3-D needle felting. Tricky; you are not only designing a dimensional shape while trying to get the proportions correct, but you are trying to make something presentable as well. I have been asked to teach a class on needle felting at Paper Tales, and the Grove, and will let you know as soon as the dates are finalized. If you are loving this art form, please plan to bring a lot of patience with you to the class. The little Harriet QT took me 3 hours to needle felt (not including the dress!), and she's very tiny, standing only about 3" tall. Also, these needle felts are somewhat fragile, so they are not meant for children's toys. They prefer sitting pretty on a shelf, and being adored with loving eyes.

Of course, there are many other options

beyond flat felting and needle felting QT-pies like Harriet. There are the needle felted purse bobs (which can double as a pendant). Not yet introduced to my repertoire, here's  a peek: These have a different set of challenges, namely: beading. Are you ready for this? Best put your best set of eyes forward if you want to try a bit of beading. The biggest challenge is getting that beading needle threaded!

Leave me a message if you are interested in any of these needle felting options. I will take any feedback into account when figuring out the best sort of needle felting class for offer.

Stay tuned for (hopefully) a link to the Eagle article next week. And, again, Elizabeth: thank you very much for your thoughtful and well written article!

Cuteness In My Studio

Cute, Cute, Cute

Just can't help this post, but I'm all about cute today...

Maybe it's because I've been thinking about one of my favorite studios, Boy Girl Party. I just love the level of cute that happens over there. I can't get enough of looking at those cute characters, their expressions, the whimsy of it all...

Perhaps I'm busy looking over at my lovely Glitter House. Cute! I was so excited to take this class at Paper Tales. It's a box, lovely, glittering in the sunbeam where I have it perched, with a sparkling message: Shine.

Maybe it's because the birdies are all about me today, and don't we know; they are very cute. We've had the oriole pair in the yard, flitting about slyly with their lovely yellow-iness. We've had the green twitter-tots (love that,

Susan :o) out there too. Don't know their names, but they fly about in a noisy chattering pack, with their grey green bodies all a-twitter with liveliness. We've had the black phoebie's too, flitting and twirling about, catching one bug after another. I guess Spring must be in the air. I'm noticing lots of birdies gathering sticks and such

... love is in the air too!

Maybe it's my newest needle felted friend, who I named 'Harriet QT'. Can't help it...cute's got a hold of me. Do you notice she's all dressed up... in orange no less... :o)

And, finally, the cutes have spread themselves wide and far upon my studio table. Cutes today are colored in oranges, pinks, reds and purples. See them over there? They are pincushions just waiting for me to finish this post so they can get stitched up properly. Best get going now,

cutes keep calling...

One last thing about the Pay-It-Forward challenge. If you are one of my "3", make sure you email me your address. Never telling when something extra cute might end up in your mailbox...

vgheebee@aol.com

Now, go have yourself an extra cute day :o)

The Pay-It-Forward Post

What's It All About?

When I read Bairbre Aine's post about her Pay It Forward Challenge, it just seemed like the right thing to do by getting involved. Plus, I was one of her 6 people :o) - she's doing two pay it forward challenges. (I am number 6! Just squeaked in) I love this concept, that you can be a blog reader who reads a beloved blog, or even stumbles upon a blog, decide you like it, and by (quickly) commenting on the post, can be selected to receive a lovely handmade item for absolutely free. How great is that?

Here's how it works: The first three (3) people who leave a comment here on my post will receive a handmade item from me, sometime in the next three months. Just one day, out of the blue, at no cost to you, a special something will arrive in your mailbox. I'm sure it will brighten your day :o)

The turnabout is that you must choose to participate in the round robin of giving yourself, by posting the 'pay it forward challenge' on your blog, and partaking in it. It's going to be so much fun, I just know it :o) I can't wait to see who responds...!

Mr Cabernet...

Tweeting "Hello"

Here is the finished Mr. Cabernet purse, flitting by for a quick visit before he flies off to travel to Colorado. He is being shown to "gallery people" in Telluride to see if he is "most acceptable" to join their flock of gallery related items. He is traveling with a felted children's sweater called "Bambi in a Wooded Glen", which does seem rather appropriate for the wooded areas in the Colorado Rockies, don't you think? I hope they will be deemed relevant and admissible, or perhaps even fabulous and unforgettable... but we will wait patiently, gather up some lint, will not fidget or cause mayhem, whilst the verdict is out... sigh.

BTW, I made Mr. Cabernet 1 of 2, and 2 of 2. Let me know if you are in love, and I will give you first notice when Mr Cabernet #2 is landing in Austin's Gallery. My last purse, Mustard Rose "Magnificent Maggie" sold the instant it made it's spring debut at Austin's. Go by quick, or check my etsy shop to preorder...

Did I say "thank you" for supporting all things handmade? No, not today? Well, thank you very much! I appreciate all your good will more than you will ever know.

Also, stay tuned... I am taking part in the "Pay It Forward" challenge. More on this in my next post...

Inspiration

Where Does It Come From?

Today I was inspired by a tiny puff of wool. The piece of wool just appeared out of nowhere on a scrap of sweater fabric. I had been struggling with combinations of colors and patterns, and all the sudden here's this piece of cabernet colored wool, floating out of the air to give me guidance... Overall, I think it was the color. Finally, the creation is allowed to come into focus. The first thing was that the colors and patterns of the sweater fabrics gelled together. The cremes and grays, and patterns, all the sudden they were perfect together. Then, there's a need for

a little bird ... so evident now on the face of the purse

pocket. And now, voila!, the arrival of a little cabernet birdy comes into being. He is wonderful :o) Next, the trim. Thanks to Mr. Cabernet, I now know what I should do... relief and happiness abound. It's all going well. Next will come the sewing together of Mr. Cabernet's purse. Stay tuned... photos to follow!

Thanks for checking in with me, and for supporting all things handmade. Come back soon to see the finished purse. It won't be here long, Mr. Cabernet will be flying off to Colorado soon!

Me, A Teacher?

Yes, it's true!

Ask, and I will teach. Yes, I will venture into a new world. I promise I will be prepared, and will try to be an interesting and informative teacher. Now, let's just hope people sign up :o) No pressure, or anything....

I am offering a Felted Scarf class at my very favorite shop in the world, The Grove at 30th and Juniper in North Park. In my opinion,there is nothing better than spending some 

time at The Grove, being creative and making friends. It's such a wonderful place, and I always seem to run out of time when I'm there. Or, I should say that I walk through the door, and then it seems a whole hour or day flies away, filled with fun, laughter, and people who talk the language you talk. Getting to know Anne and especially Susan has been a main highlight of my life over the past five years. Susan taught me to knit, and I actually worked for Susan for a few months when she started getting really busy in the yarn shop during her first year in business. Now, to be teaching classes there is such a gift for me. I can't 

wait. Here are pictures of the lovely silk felted scarf. It's an easy scarf to create, and a great introduction to needle felting. Plus, you will take home a gorgeous and unique piece of art that works equally well adorning a table top as it does your neck!  The bottom photo is Gail's scarf. While others in the class made simple designs, Susan and Gail made these beautiful freeform patterned scarves that were so artistic, they took your breath away!

When I'm not at the Grove (which is rare), I have taken to visiting my newest other favorite shop, Paper Tales in Point Loma. Paper Tales is a scrapbook store, and much more. In my past life (when my boys were babies), I was quite the scrapbook queen. I have beautiful scrapbooks depicting every moment of my young son's lives. Well, up until about when Kyle was born, when everything pretty much came to a screeching halt. (How does baby #2 do that?) When Kyle turned about 6, and I realized I was still working on his first year of life, I decided to stop pressuring myself, and pretty much threw in the scrapbooking towel. At least I have those 3 beautiful albums to pore over and appreciate. The boys appreciate them too, and I hope they won't hold it against me that I only documented their very young lives...

Michelle at Paper Tales has invited me to teach a pincushion class. I am 

thrilled at the prospect of teaching at Paper Tales too! I will teach those who are interested to make an Itty Bitty Bouquet of Roses Pincushion. These pincushion have been so popular, and if you desire, you can learn to make these for yourself. The class date hasn't been announced yet on the Paper Tales website, but I will give you a hint; April 4th from 3-5pm. Visit Paper Tales fun blog, and soon you will find the listing for the Itty Bitty Bouquet of Roses Pincushion class. They also have samples at the store that you can buy if you think you aren't quite up to making one yourself.

I hope to see you soon at The Grove or at Paper Tales, and will be thrilled to meet you if you are in a class I teach :o) ...It's all very exciting!

Thank you, Friends!

What would we do without our friends? First off, probably die, or go into some comatose state, or a deep depression perhaps. I know that's what I did when one of my best friends ever left and moved away... but that's a story for another day. For today, I want to say that I love all my friends, near and far, close to my heart, and those coming a little closer every day, as I get to know them (you :o) better. Hopefully, you know who you are. I'm sending a little happy thought your way... poof!

I'm finding the power of blogging and staying in touch with friends, clients, and those who just want to know more about you to be a powerful tool. So, today, I want to thank my blog friends. In case you don't know who you are, I will try to link to you so anyone who stumbles upon my blog can find out about you too. I hope I can link. Marcia told me how to link, so here goes: Marcia .... Hmmm, didn't work. Marcia Yes! It worked! So, now you can find out about Marcia, and her incredible world of beading. Marcia is an amazing bead artist, writer, teacher, and she is teaching us (Grove Girls) beading. I am just about finished with my Right Angle Weave Cuff. Will post picture soon...

The other thank you for today goes to: Tamerie of A Little Bit of This, That, and The Other. I met Tamerie last fall when I was working out my ideas for making purses from recycled sweaters. Tamerie came to the rescue when my fabrics got too fat to fit through my sewing

machine. Since Tamerie has industrial sewing machines in her workshop, she would surely be able to solve my dilemma. Low and behold, Tamerie's machine was no match for my thick group of sweater fabrics, and I had to resort to hand sewing. About broke my fingers, but I finally finished that purse! In the meantime, I've had the chance to get to know Tamerie, lucky 

me. Also, lucky for me, I have figured out the right recipe for thickening up the felted wool without adding bulk so my sweater fabric can fit through the sewing machine. I couldn't have done it without you, Tamerie! Here's that first purse in all it's thick glory.

Here's a picture of my current purse-in-progress. It's made out of a combination of a gorgeous Japanese sweater, (thanks to Jean, my Sweater Queen), handpainted wool, and an antique sweater donated lovingly by Pete Holmes' mom. Happily, it slips seamlessly through my

sewing  machine without a hitch (yea, Tamerie!) Jean is a dear, old friend, who recently relocated to the West coast. I am thrilled to have her amongst my easily visit-able California people. Jean is a wonderful artist

who explores the quirky side of life in her lush 

paintings. Jean also sweater shops for me, meaning she is a lover of thrift stores, and happily takes breaks from painting by sweater shopping for me. My, oh my, Jean finds the most fabulous sweaters. This recent Japanese sweater takes the cake, and I couldn't resist making it up into a new purse tout suite!

 

Okay, enough for tonight. More thank-yous coming soon. Please don't think I don't love you because I didn't mention you. I just didn't mention you YET!

A Bird In My Hand

Today, a hummingbird

flew right in my door, passed me in the kitchen, and into the living room. Oops, big problem when that happens. The top of the ceiling in the living room is about 25 feet high, and once a hummingbird starts flying around up at that hight, it's nearly impossible to get him down. About 30 minutes later and me chasing around with a broom and a step ladder, and we are both utterly exhausted. Well, I think this hummingbird was a baby, because he just kept flitting around in the window. I went over and actually got him to sit on my finger! Then, I cupped my hands around his tiny body, took him outside, opened my hands and away he flew. So sweet, that made my day. :o)

Happy Birthday Jeff!

February 16

Today marks the first birthday within our group of friends, the Pigs, or those born in the Year of the Pig; 1959. There are 5 of us turning 50 this year. Jeff, whose birthday is today (Happy Birthday Jeff! All the way to you in London), then Shawna is next on March 20th, followed by Greg on March 23rd. Then Nalini on August 23rd, and last will be me, on August 31st. Oops! I left out Barbie! Also turning 50 this year, though she really doesn't look it, damn her!! 

Waving a sad good bye to the decade of 40's ... Filled with fun, yet behaving responsibly. Laughter, though we've shed a few tears. Living to the fullest, though there have been a few losses. And prayers, there's been a few more of those. Our kids are growing up faster than we can comprehend (thus the reason for the extra praying... that we'll survive the next few years that is!) But all in all, a thankfulness for the time we've had together, the fun we've shared, and the good times on the horizon. Here's a toast to you Jeff! Have a wonderful day!

The Two Cutest Girls

Meet Anna and Emma

Establishing new clients and making them into new friends are some of my favorite things about having my own art studio. I had so much fun working with Barbara at Christmas time, and designing a pair of Candyland sweaters, with matching skirts and purses, for her beautiful granddaughters. She was so kind to send me a picture, and I can't resist sharing it with you. Sadly, Barbara and her husband will be moving away to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Who can blame them? Barbara, keep in touch. I can't thank you enough for the pleasure of getting to know you, and providing happiness amongst your beloved family. Happy move, and best of luck!

Kitting at Marcia's

Knitting or Kitting?

Did I tell you that my Knitting Girls have turned into Kitting Girls this week? We spent Tuesday at Marcia's (http://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com/) helping her prepare beading kits for her upcoming beading shows and classes. Man, that woman has talent, and beads! She just returned from Tucson and the big bead show there. So, amongst the kitting preparation, Gail, Susan and I learned how to Right Angle Weave, and are in progress with our first bracelet in the sparkliest combination of fire polish, and glass polish, and finished off by a big giant Swarovski crystal. Believe me, you will see me coming when I have this puppy finished and wrapped around my wrist! Here's a picture of mine "in progress":

Marcia has decided to take up all under her wing, along with Judy, and teach us the fine art of beading. We have declared this year the "Year of the Bead", and are starting things off in fine fashion with this lovely project. It's all very exciting, and hard to do anything but get back to those sparkly jewels that keep calling oneself away from any other imaginable task... Must - get - back - to - beading - - - - 

Take a Class and Make Your Own Mrs Beetons

Mrs. Beeton Class Offering At The Grove

Hooray! Now you can learn to make your very own pair of Mrs Beeton wristwarmers by signing up for a class at the Grove. Find out all the necessary information by visiting this link:

http://www.thegrovesandiego.com/classes/knit/hebert/msbeeton.html. I am excited  to teach this class, and hope to see you there!

Oh Oh, Lampwork Beads

Here We Go...

Off into the world of beads, that is. 

Marcia said we shouldn't miss the opportunity to see the lampbead work by Heather Trimlett, and Kristina Logan. She said that it's nearly impossible to see these two fantastic bead artists together. So, Gail and I, being the dutiful minders we are to any Marcia DeCoster suggestions, happily trot off to handle beads. Handle, mind you, HANDLE. Susan was the

sensible one. She knows her weaknesses, and thought the temptation might just be too great, so she; Miss Sensible, stayed away. 

The top picture is the AMAZING glass fusion art by Kristina Logan. I will just say that soon Gail and I will each have a custom piece by Kristina. We only have our egg-each-other-on selves to blame for that. Plus, we can blame Kristina, and all her incredible fabulous-artistic-ness that is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Needless to say, our pieces will each match our Taboo rings. Everyone else will just have to drool when we are sporting these extra special jeweled treasures. That's all I can say about it, except for this. Yes, Gail, I did tell my husband...

Then, the bottom photo are beads by both Kristina and Heather. Soon, they will become some fabulous items which will adorn some part of my anatomy. Not sure yet, but thinking ears... All blame will be placed on Marcia's shoulders, though I'm sure she will say that she warned us.

A Special Evening With Louisa Harding

A Very Big Treat

Louisa Harding came to the Grove last night, and knitters turned out left and right to hear how Louisa got to where she is now. Her stories were delightful and inspiring. She brought a trunkful of her knitted sweater beauties, and we even got a sneak peek of her Spring line (shhhh, I'm sworn to secrecy). It was a special evening, and made even more so by Susan and Anne, and helpers Judy and Gail, among many others. What a fabulous time! 

Note to self; next time, knit up a Louisa Harding sweater, and wear THAT. Though my special Fair Isle sweater from Vogue Knitting does look rather nice, as a second choice...

"Fakes" Renamed as Ms. Val's

No More "Fake" Mrs. Beetons

The thing is that "fake" just cheapens them, and they are sooo great, they need a special category all their own. So, now the Mrs. Beeton knock offs (man, that sounds even worse) are now an entity of their

 own, and they are now called Ms.Val's. Yes, "Ms. Val's Wristwarmers". It does sound nice, don't you think? Thanks to Gail for that. She really set me straight!

This pair are the special Valentine's Day pair. They are made from recycled cashmere sweaters, and are as soft and as light as a feather.  A little heart button on the backside, for a sweet message of love. Just so you know, they pull on over the hands, I don't expect chilly people to take the time for the buttons, when you are so cold and all. For you people who get a tad chilly, these are just the ticket. Fashionable too, don't you know...

Mrs. Beeton, All You Want to Know, and More

All About the Mrs. Beeton Wristwarmers

Well, ask and you shall find out more than you ever really wanted to know about these wonderful wristwarmers...

First, the real Mrs. Beetons. These lovely orange pair are so special that I will not take them off in public for fear they will be swiped! (Read the next post for specifics on knitting your own pair of Mrs. Beetons) These Mrs Bs command so much attention when worn, I have to remember about their special-ness when they are on my wrists. The close up photo shows the 

beaded loveliness, which is something that

makes these very wonderful.

Now, for the "Fakes"

Okay, I know they aren't the real thing, but you have to admit they are still pretty great. They are made from recycled sweater "fabric" and beautiful cotton crocheted trims.  These fakes are pretty good, and I am excited to wear them out on the town to see if they will get the same reaction as the Mrs Bs. The main problem is that I only want to wear the real Mrs Bs.... sigh.

A note about the Purses

Happily, my purses have been a hit with the ladies. I was looking for a way to bring recycled sweater goods to the ladies market, and the purses seemed like a great way to do this. My beautiful Japanese Blossom purse has sold several times over, and has a newly designed Bird back. Please view the photos of this beautiful bag in my etsy shop: www.valsartstudio.etsy.com. 

This lovely grey purse is a custom evening bag created for a client who found me

through Austin's Gallery. Perfect with the Fake Mrs Bs, don't you agree?!

Wristwarmers

A Note About The Mrs. Beetons

The wristwarmers that you may have seen me wearing are called Mrs. Beetons Wristwarmers (a photo of my newest orange Mrs. Beetons will soon grace this post, once I take the photo, that is, and once I figure out how to use the iPhoto on my new macBook...) Apparently, Mrs. Beeton is the English version of Martha Stewart. Well, the wristwarmers are fabulous, and I am the first to admit it. Actually, it's really Gail, Marcia, Susan and Judy who had to twist my arm (wrist) about the Mrs. Beetons on our knit retreat up to Julian. Though they actually were the first to enlighten me about the Mrs.Bs, I have taken the cause full force, and now have knitted up 3 sets of these Mrs. Bs. (More than anyone in my knit group, I might add, however they are catching up) Two pair have gone to new homes, and I only have my lovely newest orange pair to give me the grace and polish I deserve once donned. (donned; is that an actual word?!)

The Mrs.Bs come straight from knitty.com, and are a free download I might add. So, all you knitters out there, just get yourself busy learning this pattern. And, I might warn you, get the pattern straight, because you will be knitting these things up like they are going out of style. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE will want their own Mrs. Beetons. And, believe me, they will request them in every color combo imaginable. So, choose the finest and most yummy yarn you can (like yarn from The Grove), and love them to death, because you will not have them for long once you start wearing these oh-so-something Mrs. Beetons... (sigh)

A note to the non-knitters: Okay, I will start out by saying that I am so very sorry. Sorry about my knitting skills. My knitting skills, like my crafting skills, are very polished, but oh-so-very s-l-o-w... So these Mrs. Beetons take me about 20 hours to knit up. Yes, I know this for a fact. I'm on my 4th pair. Yes, I've speeded up a little bit with repetition, and I've modified the pattern so they are oh-so-perfect (the fit), but s-l-o-w with the creation. I will say that I do pick out a fine yarn combination (thanks to the little help from my friends ;o), and the beading selection is wonderful with a little help from Marcia, the bead queen. So, if you want me to make you up a pair of these fine wristwarmers, they will not be cheap, oh-so-sorry!

Photo op coming soon, I promise.... though I missed my iPhoto session at the Apple store today. Too rainy for my brand new laptop without a case...

Lastly, a PS; Okay, due to the fact that these Mrs Bs are in such demand, and due to the fact that I have many recycled wool sweater cuffs at my disposal, I am going to mock up a fake pair of Mrs Bs and I will post a picture of them here so you can tell me if they "work". So check back soon, perhaps by the end of the week, and tell me what you think...

A Very Big Thank You!

Thank you so very much!

I am so touched by you and all your positive comments about my handcrafted art. My confidence is absolutely soaring right now after such a successful day at Artisans' Alley, and the big sales at Austin's over the past several weeks. I wouldn't be where I am today without all your love and support. I am absolutely honored...

Been busy, busy, busy

Along with that, I am nicely recovering after the positively busiest month of my life! Sleep would elude me at the slightest bump, snore (GREG), or anything. Just the slightest noise would kick my mind in gear, so there I was, 3 am, mentally planning my next year of design. And what a year I have in store. I am so energized, I can hardly wait! I plan on introducing (finally) a line of women's sweater vests and art scarves. I do hope you will stay with me on my journey, and join my loving quest in revitalizing discarded wool clothing into fabulous new designs.

My Sleepy Poem

This poem was on my mind as I woke up the other sleepy morning. I hope you can see where I was at during the planning and preparation of Artisans' Alley. I do put my heart and soul into my work...

Sleepy tired me

Feet won't comply

Stumble as I walk

Rest eludes me now.

Just the other night

Slept for eight whole hours!

Accomplished everything

My imagination sings.

So creative now

Bright, fruitful visions

Conjured by my brain

Hands will deftly make.

Excited for the path

That leads towards tomorrow

What will happen then

I can only dream of now...