With The Grey Comes The Beauty

I often say you can take the best photos on a grey day.

The colors are at their brightest, without having to compete with the sun!

Our grey, misty, weather is caused by hot inland temps, which draw in the gloomy coastal clouds to obscure sunny days at the beach. Once the ocean warms up, the cloud cover is finished. But we have to endure this "June gloom" for several weeks every year. Many days the clouds burn off by mid morning, but sometimes they stick around all day... :o(

In the misty air, Lola and I walk with our heads down, and our scenery is the sidewalk. Often we find a treasure or two. Today I remembered to bring my camera. Lola sat patiently and waited while I photographed "sidewalk art".

Join me as I look for the beauty that surrounds us,

even on a grey day, or when the sun doesn't shine.

I Love What's Happening Over Here!

Photo courtesy of Impress on me

It's been busy, and we are extra tired, but it's all really good. Check it out with me...

- Change Drew and Kyle's room from little boys to teen boys room, check!

- New bedding for Drew and Kyle's room, check!

- New rug for master bedroom, check!

- Paint kitchen, check!

- Paint hall, check!

- Paint guest room, check!

- Touch up all interior woodwork, check!

- Paint exterior trim, check!

- Paint front gate and garage door, check!

- Wash down all interior walls, check!

- Buy new bed sheets at TJ Maxx (what a deal!), check!

- Revamp gardens, check!

- Power wash back patio, check!

- Have builders build exterior front wall, check!

- Design water feature for exterior wall, check!

And last but not least...

- Fall into bed every night utterly exhausted, but loving what you've accomplished for the day. Oh yes... check!

Blue Blue, So Much Work To Do!

Image via flickr

Yes, it's true.. I'm blue because I can't sit, knit, play, design and refine the way I normally like to do with my days. I am so busy with getting our house ready for our July vacation renter. It's not a terrible amount of work, but then again, it is! I clean out our closets and drawers, and I put away anything in our house that's important, or that would make us sad if something happened to it. The vacation renters who come and rent our home take fantastic care of it, so I'm not worried about the house or furnishings. The real work is in all the painting, repairing, touch up, and fixing up that goes along with the preparations. Of course, it's nice to be able to come back to our home after the renter leaves, as it's fresh as a daisy! So, you won't hear from me much over the next couple of weeks, and I am sorry about that. But when I get back to work, I'll certainly be refreshed and ready for the design bug that will be working on me during my days of house painting and repair...

So, enjoy your June, and I'll see you very soon :o)

A Summer Shopportunity Event Today!

Photo courtesy of Lisa at curiousgirl Thanks, Lisa!

Yes, today's the day! The Summer Shopportunity Event is happening at Marie Bean's house here in Coronado, from 3-6 pm. This is the first event of this sort that Marie is hosting, so we are working hard to make it a successful happening! Marie's house is at 810 Balboa Ave, in the Countryclub area of Coronado. Take the bridge to Coronado, left on Orange Ave, right on 8th Street. go about 3/4 mile and turn left on Balboa. All the Austin's Gallery artists will be there, plus some special guests of Marie's. There will even be a Wine Tasting going on! It will be fun in the sun, with a bit of wine- so fine!! Come and say hi, and join us for a time!

Look For Me in an Upcoming Issue of Belle Armoire... In The Salon!

I am blessed once again with the news that my work has been accepted for publication in another fantastic Stampington magazine. This time it's Belle Armoire, and I will be featured in the Salon section. I take this news with a feeling of immense pride in my accomplishments. It's been less than 4 years since I tipped my toe into the deep waters of starting my own business. Funny, 4-5 years ago, just before making that decision, I found myself in the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, poring through the many Stampington magazines. The one I bought was Belle Armoire, which seemed to feature projects that were the best of the best. To this day, I still take that magazine out and look at the pieces featured in the Salon section. There are only about 5 or 6 projects in Salon, but each is more exceptional than the last. As I often tell myself, 'Be careful what you wish for'... I certainly must have planted a wish in the back of my mind when I bought that beautiful magazine! So, yes, look for my lovely needle felted necklace in the very next issue of Belle Armoire. Um hum, that would be in the Salon section, no less :o)

Craft Hope Project 8- Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Today, I'm spreading the word about Craft Hope for the Gulf Coast Oil Spill.

Do you remember Craft Hope for Haiti? What an amazing success that was! Even in my own little shop. I didn't raise a ton of money, but was able to raise approximately $300 to contribute to the relief efforts in Haiti. Heck, every little bit helps, right?

Now the Craft Hope girls have regrouped and are putting together efforts to help with that huge toxic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to know more about it, click here, and you can read all the details, plus you can find out what you can do to help out. Now, your donation does have to be handmade. Even though I can knit and crochet, I am DEFINITELY NOT sending washcloths that I knit. Instead, I am going to get out all our old towels, and I'm going to put the boys to work this weekend. We are going to cut and rip them apart, and resew them into manageable sizes, just right for washing off sea turtles and wiping down dolphins. They will be handmade, of the sewing sort. Yep, that works for me.

Golly, so much to do around here! Better get busy so I can clear a spot for setting up the boys for ripping up towels. I do think they'll get into it, don't you?!

Celebrating Signs From The Great Beyond

Photo courtesy of MadeByGirl

Do you get them? Signs from above? Well, I do. Yep, I get them every single day. They come in many shapes and forms. I find it adds some real interest to life. Though I don't look for them, I recognize them when they come. It's sort of like an "ah-ha moment", when I least expect it. Today I'm celebrating the signs (thus the cupcake photo :o) Especially the sun sign, my horoscope. Here's what mine says today;

"You'd be a fool to stop now. You know that, but nagging doubts keep you from fully committing yourself. Accept those doubts without succumbing to them. You have a good idea, so see it through."

Um humm, nagging doubts (that's me). Humm, 'a fool to stop now' (that's been my mantra for the past 6 months). Accept without succumbing (I'm sure trying, dang it!) See it through (Yes, I WILL!)

So, for the past month, I've been doing some focused GOAL SETTING, and it's been working out pretty well. I have always battled procrastination, but this time, I'm really focusing on a few really important goals, and I'm putting all my eggs in that goal basket. Instead of making a full page To-Do list (my normal modus operandi), I'm only looking at one or two items. So far, I like the results.

One of these goals is to really put my heart and soul into my creations (which I generally always do), but to really focus on bringing the best all together. I've been really happy with the results of my sweet summer outfits, like the So, So Sweet dress and purse here. The outfits have been doing really well at Austin's Gallery. They are selling as fast as I can make them. Well, really, who can

resist? I mean, that owl outfit... Heck, totally something I would wear! Never mind the looks of strangers...

So, So Sweet is another combination of the most colorful, irresistible fabrics ever, with a recycled wool panel for a needle felted design. This one is a swirly ice cream cone, beaded and embroidered. The matching purse is often the deal sealer for a potential buyer, and "Ice Cream Conie" is no exception!

Okay, I'm off to get on with my day. I'm going to keep my eyes and ears open for more signs coming my way! Give it a try, and pay attention to what you learn about yourself. All it takes is an open mind and heart. Now let's go celebrate the day!

Been Beading... Been thinking...

Yes, it's true, I've been beading. Beading, and thinking... (- a natural outcome of the beading). I was prodded by Beth, of Somerset Publication's Jewelry Affaire, to keep with the jewelry making. Truthfully, I loved being in the first issue of JA, so it was a no-brainer to try for issue #2, and come up with a new design that hopefully will be accepted...

My felt earrings with the beaded bezel are SO scrumptious, if I say so myself! I'm really sad that I finished them at the zero hour, with not even a moment to spare to wear them to even the post office, with all their dangle and sparkle glory! They are two sided, with different colors on each side. Wearing them means they shift and swirl into a riot of fantastic sparkling color. They are big in scale for me, but nice and light (that fantastic WOOL!), so you can shake your BOOTY and not feel like your ear lobes are going to crack off your body and die!

Of course, the beaded elegance is, in part, due to none other than my fabulous beading guru inspiration, Marcia DeCoster, friend and bead supplier, and, when I want it; bead critique-er! I swear, being- should say BEADING with Marcia is like being with a crack cocaine dealer. All you need to do is mention over lunch that you might be wanting these particular beads. Soon, (likely that afternoon) you will find yourself driving all the way to Marcia's in order to fulfill your most decadent bead wishes. When you pay the bill, and cart away your tiny stash, you will truly feel like you have just made THE drug deal! (Ok, Marcia, sorry! Your prices are more than fair) Just kidding, really. Marcia has a bead shop better than the local store, and can get you about anything your heart desires. Even if you're not sure whether or not you need it, you will buy it, the beads are just THAT GOOD!

So, anyway, about the thinking... for now, I think I've made my decision to stay the course with Val's Art Studio. Things are just going so well right now... (knock wood) We are going to focus on renting out our house until things turn around with the economy. Believe me, I am SO HAPPY with this decision! Besides, I doubt anyone would hire me for the kind of money that our house could make in a month *LOL*

I Don't Want To Say "Have A Nice Day" Like A Robot

... I don't ever want that to be my style. I want to appreciate every day for what it is, to be able to "be" in each moment I can, to reach out to people with my whole heart. I want to look forward to tomorrow, I want to see the brightest light in the darkest day. Most importantly, I want to feel like each day matters as the days of my life pass me by. I want to die one day, knowing that I tried to make a difference each and every day that I've been graced with life on this beautiful earth. (sorry, I'm weepie today. I think it's nearly my time of the month... :*o\

Well, today I'm inspired by Mary Chapin Carpenter, and her story of The Learning Curve of Gratitude, which she wrote as an essay for NPR. Recovering from a life threatening pulmonary embolism, she found it challenging to deal with the fear and depression that followed during her recovery. If you are interested, I highly recommend you listen to the podcast, which you can access by clicking here. I also highly recommend her beautiful music. It always touches the inner quiet spaces in my heart, the places that need gentle touching, and I find it so satisfying. If you click here, you can listen to a live recording of "I Have A Need For Solitude". It's just lovely. I'm downloading her album right now. I just can't help myself. Must be my need for solitude... just needing a moment of peace after a busy day filled with kids, work, noise. Just needing a little quiet touch in the inner place in my heart.

Whoo Loves You?!

Me! That's whoo!

Here's the finally-finished version of the sweetie-pie Owlie dress, skirt and purse. As always, photos don't do the outfit justice. It's so, so cute.

I think it's neat how I am so much in love with any just finished creation. Does that happen to you too? It used to be that I wanted to have it, hold it, and keep it close forever. But, now I can take a photo and then let them go. Fly away Owlies, to make another one happy. Lord knows, I've had many happy moments with you so far :o)

Speaking of the flying away... golly, it's hard for me to even say this! No, I'm not flying away, but I did just actually apply for a job . It was a job posted on Craig's List, so those are jobs you can just apply to by email. A quick introduction letter, attach the resume, hit send, and off it goes. I did this with a heavy heart, because there's nothing I want to do more in this world than create my cuteness over here and make other's happy with it. But, the economy has been so rough lately, and my husband's company has no work. So, the decision is to rent out our house , or for me to get a job , or for Greg to do something else. He's as bad as me as far as wanting to stick with his chosen profession (he's a designer too, like me). So, I'm trying to do my part for my family, and if that means trying to find a job to supplement my income, well then, that's what I will need to do. I'll keep you posted...

Welcome Spring + Summer!

Our warmer temperatures have turned my studio into a garden of summer flowers around here! Glorious colors and whimsy abound. As my husband has been whipping our garden into shape, I find myself turning everything in the studio into a garden of delights too. Take a look...

This needle felted scarf is a riot of flowers and delicious color. Isn't it lovely?!

Here are a few of the summer dresses I've been working on. I'm trying to integrate wool into summer wear. In case you don't know, I live on the Southern California coast, where we always enjoy a cool breeze, and sometimes overcast days in the 60s feel like the dead of winter! So, wool is always a welcome addition to my clothing line, and I do sell woolie lovelies in my Coronado shop all year round.

Lastly, here is (in my opinion) the possibly cutest item I've ever made! It's Owlie! A sweet little purse for a girl, or a cell phone holder for girls like me! The top on the right is nearly finished. It still needs it's needle felting finish, and I haven't yet photographed the owlie skirt that goes with it. The skirt fabric was my inspiration for the little purse. I have decided to list the purse in my etsy shop so I can see if I should go into production on this sweet accessory. I know it's going to sell the minute I put it at Austin's. It will head there tomorrow.

Thanks for the visit. Now go have yourself a happy Spring sort of day!

Kick Yourself In The Pants

Are you an artist wanna-be, or a Frustrated Artist who knows there can be more, oh-so-much-more to an artful life? It might be worthwhile for you to head over to Amy's Pikaland blog to check out her brand new Pika Bootcamp. There are two course offerings, the first is called Making Your Mark, and is about helping the reluctant artist (you?) to express yourself through art. The second course is called How to Survive and Thrive as an Artist Online. (That pretty much says it all!)

I think Amy is pretty awesome when it comes to helping artists get where they want to be. If you need further proof, check out her Pika Good To Know Project, with her series of Good To Know zines. (I'm a featured artist in Issue #6). She put together an offering of advice and inspiration on several topics important to artists and designers. It's very timely to any artsy fool (like me!) making their way through this sometimes-less-than-art-loving world. In other words, helps to get that darn negativity out of your head... something that all artists struggle with. So, give Pika Land a visit, and check things out over there. You'll be glad you did!

Do You Know About...

Cookus Interruptus? Well, if not, you should! Not only are the videos fun and entertaining, but the recipes are wonderful, and healthy. Here's my favorite video of all time... (The Mango Salsa video is another memorable one :o) Enjoy!

Winner of the Miss Popularity Contest

Well, I am always having a secret contest in my shop to see which handmade lovely wins the prize for "Miss Popularity". Hands down, this beautiful handpainted silk needle felted scarf is the big winner. Of course, it helps that it all about ... yep, the birdies. :o)

I have created about 6 or 8 of these scarves so far, and they don't stay in my shop for even a few days. They sell right away. Hmmm, perhaps I've priced them too low-?

This one is extra special because of the bird house! How cute is that?!

These scarves are what I refer to as "Wearable Art". Drape it around your shoulders when you are heading out, and you've transformed the plainest nothing outfit into the most exquisite, glorious ensemble ever! Plus, NO ONE will be wearing anything like it, and EVERYONE will admire your beautiful Wearable Art creation! When you see them in real life, they take your breath away. They are so amazingly beautiful.

They are glorious around the neckline. I use my new needle felting machine to get the exquisite felt pattern, which helps to give the scarf that special billowy quilted look.

These scarves take me 4 hours to create, followed by a trip to my chiropractor... I can only create one every week or so. They really take a lot out of me.

They make a beautiful table runner when not in use as a scarf!

Let me know if you'd like to be notified when I make the next Birdie scarf. I'll email you a few photos so you can get first dibs before I place them in my shop. Shucks, they don't last there for more than a few minutes!

Art Star Craft Bazaar this Weekend in PA!

If I were in PA, I'd be heading to Penn's Landing this weekend, May 15 +16, where the Art Star Craft Bazaar will be happening. Val's Art Studio will be there, represented by Hello Bluebird. Just to tempt you, I thought I'd share a few of the friendly items that are currently winging their way to PA right now as I speak (write)...

Plenty of Toast plush friends, with a couple of newbies... Sushi!

I couldn't resist sharing this new crop of Woolie Friendlies. Most are cashmere and are oh- sooo-soft and especially huggable!

A few new clothing items, including this adorable recycled wool vest. The Friendlies have taken over the vest, too, as you can see. Just so there's no confusion, the back of the vest says it all...

So, if you're near Philly, go check out Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend, and look for all the Friendly karma at the Hello Bluebird booth! If not, well... Have yourself a Friendly sort of day :o)

Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome Moms!

Whether you are a Mom of babies, kids or adults, dogs, cats or birds, or chickens, or bunnies, or even snakes, I wish you the happiest Mother's Day today. I hope you get the chance to sit for a bit, and eat some cake (or whatever your heart desires!)

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Hey! I'm in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine!

Well, heck, I'm so excited about this! The May 2010 issue, out now! I know, I'm not Home, and I'm not Garden, so how does this angle work out?

The good thing is, the magazine has a "Fashion" section, thanks to Senior Editor, Phyllis Van Doren, and her love for color and fashion. I have been doing many fashion events lately, and met Phyllis at a recent show. Phyllis was kind enough to invite me to submit photos, and now look. I have a whole page in the Fashion section. Wow...

Thank you, Phyllis!

So, go out and buy your May issue, on newstands now, and have a look for me. I'm all over page 91! :o) By the way, look for Jeffrey on page 90. He's a friend of mine via The Grove Girls (my knitting friends). We were in The Style Awards Fashion show together. I guess we are just meant to be together! He has a great shop, called Junq in North Park, just south of Juniper on 30th Street. Go check him out. Oh, and Junq too. You'll be glad you did...

Thank you Lisa

... for blogging this, and to Kelly Rae for posting it, and to Kelly for saying it. Something this important needs to be said time and time again....

Happy weekend!

From Lola to Jake; A Message of Love

Dear Jake,

Woof!!

You are one of my best dog buddies, and I *Ruff!* love you very much. When we play at the park, my favorite thing to do with you is jump in the air with you, (grrowll!) and tumble on the ground. I love to chase you, but even more, I love it when you chase me! Jake, when my mom took this picture of the pillow with you in it, I couldn't help myself, I had to be in the picture with you too. 'Cause Jake, ^sniff sniff^ wherever you are is where I want to be too.

Your #1 buddy,

Lola

A Magical Morning

Lola and I walked by the beach and the bay this morning. Even though it was a grey, grey start to the day, we didn't mind. It's our favorite walk in Coronado.

We are entering a funky weather period of the year for me (can you tell I don't like it?!), where it heats up inland, and pulls the foggy, low grey clouds onto the coast. Many days, Coronado clears up mid morning, but sometimes the grey clouds can linger all day long. This morning, the grey sky was the same color as the water, one shade blending imperceptibly into the other. The white breaking waves were the only other color, that and the sandy beach. I do love walking this beach walk on a weekday morning. The still and quiet go as far as the eye can see. Despite the grey, it's absolutely lovely.

We got to the area where the surfers sit and wait for the best waves. Two surfers were there, wearing black wetsuits, so I didn't see the dolphins initially. Sometimes the Seal Team is there, swimming the new recruits and practicing their "water work". I guess that's what I thought I was seeing. Finally, I noticed the fins and sleek black bodies sliding along the water in the calm between the waves. A closer look saw they were dolphins! A pod of about 10 or 15 or more. They were magical and perfect.

A calm, sweet start to a grey day... the dolphins made everything very much okay!

Hope you had a magical day too :o)