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...

Here's What's New For Artisan's Alley

A Few New Friends Will Join Us

Yes, it's true. I plan to introduce a few new items to Artisan's Alley shoppers who visit Val's Art Studio booth, # 63 (across from the entrance to the food court area). The first will be the pillows mentioned in my last post. Please meet the new friends:

Felted Jewelry

Sweet Beaded Candy Rose Choker necklaces are made from felted wool and cashmere sweater scraps, and area charming gift for a favorite sister, niece, daughter, or YOU! The charm hangs on a suede cord, and the clasp is adorned with a charm that might be a leaf, a dragonfly, a bee, or even a beautiful message like "Be Yourself". I really like that message. If we are true to ourselves, then everything seems to work out in a magical way.

Felted Purses

(I am really most excited about the felt purses)

These felted purses are made from recycled wool sweaters. Each one is completely unique and is a one-of-a-kind art piece. I might be able to find a 

similar sweater, or color, but there is no way two 

purses will ever come together the same way. 

Okay, granted, several purses will be adorned 

with needle felted birds, that is a guarantee.... But there are always pups, kitties, leaves, patterns... the possibilities are endless.

The other truly exciting addition to the Val's Art Studio line is the LINING of the purses. I am completely undone over the incredible selection of fabrics available to me, and especially love the selections from Amy Butler, Michael Miller, among many fashionable others. I get as big a kick from designing the linings as I do the purses. Now, does anyone have the name of a good seamstress they can send my way?!

Please leave me a comment and let me know 

what you think. After all, YOU are the first to 

meet the new friends!

What's New With You?

For me, it's Pillows.

Now Debuting Pillows

Pillows are the newest item "taking over my life". Okay, I'll admit it; either I am fickle or I have ADD. Or, maybe I just have too many sweater scraps. Who really knows? First the sweaters and the purses (more later on the purses), now the pillows. What I love about the pillows is how they shine like a beacon of light in my living room :o) Also, if you want a change of pace, you can switch to the back of the pillow, which has that great animal print on the back. Too fun. I just love the giraffe print. It's what I'm all about. At least for right now. Today, that is..

The Real Deal

What about the dog?, you may ask. Well, that is actually a likeness of our sweetie missie, Lola. I just need to have her around me. She's my lovie. So, since many people have lovie pets, I thought it might be nice to add customized pet pillows to my repertoire. One only needs to email me a photo of their beloved, and I can turn it into a reasonable needle felted likeness. I might add the needle felting goes onto a recycled sweater fabric background, framed with decorative trims and ribbons, and stuffed with eco-friendly, non allergic cotton/bamboo batting. I'm trying to stay as natural and green as we all need to be... Please check out the listing in my etsy shop, or email me for more information on PILLOWS!

I've Just Been Busy...

I know it's been a while since my last post, and I do apologize...it's just that I've been a wee bit busy. Last Friday night was my solo artist show at Austin's Gallery. I told myself I wouldn't get myself all undone and try to do too much in preparation, but that's exactly what I did! I ended up coming up with new jewelry pieces. I am very happy with the outcome, but am unsure how much effort I will put into jewelry. Some of the pieces took too darn long to get them pulled together! Plus, I've decided that beading is the one art form that takes the most patience of all! I thought I was going to pull my hair out (sigh)... Here's what I made. Let me know what you think of them.

The knit bracelets were the most time consuming. The felt necklaces and felt pins are ones I will continue with, providing they sell at Austin's, or in my etsy shop. I did sell a couple of pieces on Friday night, which makes me feel pleased :o) Thank you to all you who support me, which in turn supports my effort at being a working artist!

Other News

The boys are going back to school on Tuesday. They aren't very excited, but I am! No more time spend trying to get MY turn on the computer, or battling about doing summer math sheets or summer reading, or just worrying if they're having enough fun over the summer...It was nice while it lasted, but I am ready to move on into the fall. Which means....

Time To Start Preparing For Artisan's Alley!

I put this in bold so as to remind myself that I cannot sit back, eat bon-bons and relax (I did a bit of this today, and now I have a stomach ache!) So, back to school for the boys, and back to the grind for me!

A Note About Greg

We are very excited to announce that Greg won the top honor for 2008 Garden of the Year in San Diego Home and Garden Magazine (Sept 2008 issue). He also won a second award for a beautiful garden he worked on for client's in the Rancho Santa Fe area. The top honor garden is a small but beautifully designed garden which belongs to our neighbors. It is spectacular. Greg hates when I brag about him, so that's enough of that...(sorry Greg...however, I doubt that you will read this... I'm just very proud of you!)

Not To Spoil The Surprise...

Latest Pug Pin Inspires Magical Dog House Pincushion 

Well, actually, Lulu is the one really responsible for all this inspiration. She's the one who organized the Pincushion swap on Ravelry. (Did I mention that I'm finally a Ravelry member?!) So, Lulu loves her sweet 14 year old pug, called Grampa. (Lulu's name on Ravelry is Gramma. I guess she feels about married to that pup, after 14 years!) I tried several new pincushion designs, knowing all the while that I would definitely be sending Lulu one of my Pug Pins due to her love interest. But then it dawned on me... how about a pincushion that goes WITH the pug. What better design than the doghouse? 

I suppose this dog house is a bit of a girlie 

design, for a male dog and all. But, hey, 

at 14, one just has to go with the flow, right?! Anyhow, please don't spoil the surprise by showing Lulu my latest post. I want her to open the package and be so surprised that her eyes pop out, just like a pugs eyes do. If someone's there to take a picture, Gramma and Grampa will be look-alikes, just like an old married couple. How sweeeeet! I hope you love it, Lulu. I did so love making it for you. :o) 

-I didn't post the photo of the back of the 

dog house. The back has a little peek hole, 

with writing around it that says "Peek Thru 2CU". It's a bit hard to read, but you can make it out if you try. 

The next one I'm going to make will be a bird house for a sassy birdy. Then I'm going to list it on my etsy site, and I bet it won't sell because I'm going to make it about $125.00! I swear, this one took me 3 DAYS to make. But, really, doesn't everyone need a glorious house pincushion with a removable sassy pin that says everything about how avant-garde you are when you wear it?!!!

Birthday Boys

Time To Get A Year Older!

Yes, it's that time of the year for Drew and Kyle. Their birthdays are only two weeks apart, so it seems like we are in birthday mode for at least half a month around here! Then comes Lola, who turns 2 on June 9th. I wonder what sort of birthday party we should plan for her?! How many doggie friends shall she invite? And, most importantly, will they play nice?!

Our Award Winning Garden :o)

Who Would Have Thought?

One top award winning garden right here at our house! Our little drought tolerant garden takes a Top Ten Garden in Coronado Award. And we have the ribbon to prove it! Seriously, Coronado is generally all about the garden built on annuals, and more bang for the buck. Most people go and buy hordes of flowering plants to spiff up their gardens right before judging. Our sweet little garden just hums along it's merry way, and flowers year round. All the succulents and drought tolerant plants are happiest after a good rainy winter, and are full of color and happiness right now. There are no annuals to add to this garden to make it more special than it already is. So, thanks to the garden judging committee to recognize our charming spot, and for honoring drought tolerant plantings with this award!

Last But Not Least of Hawaii

One more look

Just a couple more pictures from our trip, and then I am finished! I think Kyle really liked seeing the hula girls in action. Both boys thought the fire dancing at the luau was one of the best things they saw during our trip. Of course, the 3-4" spider was another exciting site, one you just couldn't miss, even if you tried. The boys kept asking why so many houses were built on stilts. After seeing that spider, I'm convinced it's to keep the bugs out!

I included the picture of the pretty hula dancers so you 

don't think I only had eyes for the guys (you'll see what I 

mean when you read down further). The beautiful wahines (sp?!) were just a spellbinding as the men!

Enjoy our pictures. That's it, for now!

A Few More Hawaii Pics

Kauai, The Garden Island
A color not found in nature-? What?
Who? My HAIR, how dare you! 

...I think the color ADDS to the natural beauty of the surroundings. Why, nature almost pales in comparison to the lovely shade of my coloring! (sigh- He really doesn't know what he's talking about, does he??!) Oh, go sit on a rock!! Well, I still love you anyway, Honey. Even if you do find the color of my hair a bit shocking and outlandish. I just have to keep up with these modern times. That, and, well, I LIKE the wonderful shade of mahogany red, and how it glows beautifully out in nature. (So there!)

The photo at the top left is of Drew and Greg when they were directed to the stage to perform the Hula up in front of a crowd of about 500. Notice how Greg managed to get to the back edge of the stage! Greg and I are posing at the entrance to the wet cave, which is located at the North end of the island by Hanalei, just before the end of the paved road. Drew and Kyle were finished with our tour guide efforts, and they refused to get out of the car to see the caves. We had fun on our own! Aloha from the Heberts!