Tiny Bug Underneath

Thankful...
... to be a tiny bug.
Thankful I can hold the "underneath" on my strong shoulders, and manage to push up to the sunshine.
Thankful... our little house covers us wherever we need to go, or be, whatever the day of the week.
Thankful my bird voice can sing a song, whether it be a sad song, a mad song, or a glad song, and there are others who respond. Ask, and receive.
Thankful, my artistic hands paint sad days away, and allow beautiful sunshine into my heart...
So thankful....

God doesn't give us something he knows we can't handle

... so how come He thinks I'm so strong?? Sheesh, He must think I have the strength of an ox. Perhaps a mega-bodybuilder, a stone mason capable of building the Taj Mahal. Someone who can pinch grass like it was a cheek.... Heck, what?

Each day, a new adventure, some less pretty than others. Some, like those lately, are down and dirty-dog bad... Thank you, dear blog, for being my sounding block. Reader, if you are there, don't take pity on my words of woe. Just send me a silent prayer, in hopes I am capable of summoning the strength of heart, the braveness of soul, to keep plowing through and pulling up the socks of my family's life right now.

If you are wondering (as I would, naturally), here is a one minute recap of events of late. Please note this is within the last two +1/2 months...

1. Move to step father's house in order to help restore order in his Alzheimer's fueled state of disrepair (he hasn't lived here for the past 3 years).
2. Learn that 14 year old has been getting into trouble.
3. Work like mad (successfully, thankfully) to accomplish 4 holiday craft shows in a 2 week period, and a madness of custom holiday orders. (Did I thank you for that, you and the universe? Thank you!!!)
4. Move my studio to our new home right after the holidays. Yea, this is good.
5. Austin's gallery.... s o o o s l o w after the holidays.
6. Teen gets into bigger trouble :o(
7. Husbands business is ....s o o o s l o w :o( Not good.
8. Teen... in trouble at school. Tells the principal we have moved from Coronado. Yikes...
9. Learn (today) that both sons are dismissed from the Coronado school system at the end of the day. Yes, that would be TODAY, end of the day today. OMG.....
10. Get my mom to legally take over as "Caregiver" for my boys in order for them to continue in Coronado school.
11. Realize this means that the boys are supposed to move in over at my mom's house....
12. (Ok, my mom is 76, and is caring for my step father with Alzheimers... I can't ask anything more of her. Really.)
13. Learn that they do "bed checks" in Coronado, where the asst. principal and a Sheriff arrive unannounced at your door at 6am to make sure your child is in the bed at the caregivers house... (Freakshow, sheesh)

So, amongst questions of moving again-back to Coronado, different school solutions for my boys, house swapping with my mom and step father, moving IN with my mom and step father, ways to help my wayward son, sanity of continuing my business in lieu of getting a real job.... I need God to help me handle this. I'm sorta wrung out here. God, are you listening?....

I've Fallen & I Can't Get Up...

Well, that's really just how my spirit is feeling these days... I am getting up, slowly, and putting one foot in front of the other. My spirit is happiest when I can paint, create, work with color... I feel like I can float away on the power of creating. It's such a good feeling, and I love it when I have that. Yes, that!

I have had that this last week. Just here and there... Painting in the "warm up style" of Kelly Rae Roberts is always a good way for me to start. I think what happens is that painting the girls (me) gets me in touch with what I'm going through right now. Once I get that out of my system, I'm ready to move on. I do so love this...

The most powerful painting for me in this group is "Own your Truth". It's so hard sometimes to do it; own your truth... It's the thing that makes me want to bury my head and heart under a rock right now. This truth is busy rearing it's ugly head, and just when we feel like we have a handle on it, it raises it's head in a whole new way. Plus, it keeps coming at us at warp speed. That's why I feel like I can't get up. But, Michelle, my magic elf helper came and worked in my studio today, and she helped me feel a little bit more sane (Thanks Michelle :o) So, on that weepy note (not the part about Michelle), I will leave you with this. Especially because when I later read it back, I will remember this last, and this is what really matters....

Creativity Inspiration 101

Are you feeling like you are in a creative rut? It certainly happens to the best of us from time to time. I know all my "outside obligations" (aka family drama) have recently left me feeling drained, and like a worn out washrag when it comes to finding my creative energy... I decided to sign up for a class taught by Terri Brush and Julie Haymaker Thompson at Paper Tales. Wow, it was the best thing I could have done! And guess who was taking the class too? My good friend Dana, of Tutu Monkey. Yea!

So, Dana and learned all about creating multi-media deep shadow boxes, with fantastic soldered charms inside. Wow, talk about creative rejuvenation... everyone in the class felt like new women after that. It's amazing that a class can have that effect on you. I can't believe I have stayed away from classes for so long. What in the world was I thinking?!

Here are my and Dana's nearly finished projects. I was a little stuck at the end of the evening how to finish my piece, but woke up this morning and knew just what to do with a little turquoise blue paint. The photo at the top of this post shows the finished piece. I just love it and can't wait to create more shadow box glory!

Hey, Terri and Julie are teaching some awesome classes this weekend at the Urban Barn in Escondido. Click on this link here and check it out. I only wish I had the time to go and spend another day with these fantastic and creative women. It's the best 8 hours you will ever spend...

Blogger Love

My dear friend, Marcia, finally has the Transportation backpack in her clutches, which she's been lusting over since it was "under construction". She is such the travel bug that this piece will suit her just fine! She has instructions to refer any interested customers back to me, along with a big stack of cards. She is soon off to NYC, what a perfect place to show off this bag :o) Right, Marcia?! (hee hee, I'm so excited of the places this bag will go, and the things it will "see") Marcia was nice enough to feature the bag on her widely read blog too. Thanks so much, Marcia!

Other exciting blogging news is that I was recently featured on Melody Miller's Ruby Star Rising blog! Well, actually the Transistor Radio purse was featured... and I did get a mention. What a nice wrap up to all the excitement over that bag, and especially that fabric. Love, love, love it...still :o) Thanks ever so much, Melody!

What makes me Happy? Heck, these Curtains do!

Following up my "Ruby Star Rising fabric bliss" has been a big serving of excitement over here- a fabric organization session in my new studio! I have been dreaming of the day when all my fabric swatches and cuttings could come together in one place, showing off their patterns and colors alike. Well, it finally happened this week. They were all released from the cabinets and storage boxes where they'd been hiding and biding their time. They have come to be placed right next to my lovely yarn collection. Just like at the Grove, where Susan's yarns and Judy's fabrics are like one happy marriage, they can be sisters together on one fabulous colorful shelf. Yes, we are all very happy indeed over here in the studio. :o)

Well, the fabric arrangement lasted for no more than 5 minutes. Humm... I'm actually not convinced the arranging was actually finished before fabrics were ripped out of place, and combined together with the Ruby Star Rising Dishes fabric that was awaiting a new purse design. My 1/2 yard of Dishes in turquoise was soon cut apart and sewn into these likenesses of oversized dish towels in my favorite color combinations... turquoise, reds and oranges.

I know many of you don't know me very well, but if you did you would know that I'm very big on using old linens and tea towels for curtains in my old, historic home. Wringing my hands over how to design curtains was quickly solved in our last home when I pulled out a collection of grandma's tea towels and matching table runners. They are simply glorious when pinned into an old window. The light shows off every lovely stitched nuance. This Dishes fabric made me think of old style tea towels every time I looked at it. I suppose it was only a matter of time before this was sure to happen...

Here's the Before:

Now... here's the After:

I am so happy I could scream! When I walk into the room, my whole being cracks into a wide smile when I see these magical curtains. Isn't amazing how, when faced with a myriad of life trials and tribulations, something as simple as curtains can make us want to dance?!

Ok, I know, I'm weird like that. Now, please excuse me so I can sit and feel blissful amongst my evolving studio. More photos coming soon!

x, Val

What's On My Work Desk Right Now

Readying canvases for collages painting is what's happening in my studio today...

I have a new app for my iPhone that I'm all excited about. It's called AutoStitch, and it lets you take several photos and then it stitches them together. Ok, half of what attracted me was the name "stitch", as I'm all about anything stitched up... but I digress... I just love this app, and have been using it like mad. Take a look...

You start by taking a series of overlapping photos, then add them to the app,

and hope to get something that works out. My first attempt looked like this:

So then I tried a different camera angle, and walked down the

length of the desk, instead of taking all the photos from one spot.

Then I cropped it, and it turned out more like what I was hoping for:

Now if I could just figure out how to get the photos to come out larger on my blog (wow, I did it! They are now larger!!), I'll be set! In any case, we visited the SDMCA La Jolla on Sunday, which featured a Retrospective by Kim MacConnel. Collection Applied Design features all kinds of fabric, photos and objects "stitched" together (so appropriate for my stitching state of mind!). We loved the show, and our day in La Jolla, and had way too much fun "stitching up" the photos. Here are a few of my favs from the day:

Kyle on the rocks above the beach, watching the skim boarders.

Drew set the phone to silent mode, and snapped

photos inside the museum. A no-no, I know...

What have you been busy "stitching up" lately?!

x, Val

New Year, New Studio, New Work

It's always a good time for change, don't you think? If things stay the same for too long, I just feel... well, stale after a while. So in an effort to keep on my toes, I have moved my studio, yet again! Good golly, my inner essence must have been directed by Elvis during the last quarter of 2010... I haven't been this shaken, rattled and rolled in a very looong time!

So, the mojo is good here at Camp Chatsworth (the nickname for our new home), because there was a vacant room for my studio to occupy after the dust settled down from moving in. Good energy came along to get the space set up just right (though I still have to work on wall display and organization techniques). And, then, my fabric arrived from Ruby Star Rising. :o) ...Yes, everything is so right with the world when the fabric arrives.

This is one of those projects that "poured" out of me. Really, I am just the hands and fingers over here. Ok, the brain too. This purse was designed, cut out, backed, ironed, lined, sewed, and practically finished in one 6 hour setting.

Yes, it's good, and I really like it. No wait, I love it. The transistor radios help with that too. I can't resist those transistor radios. Now really, can you? They are so deliciously... jammy!

Pics of my new home studio will be posted soon. Just got to clean up the bits of radio fabric scraps first :o) Hope your new year has started off with a bang too.

x, Val

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)