I choose truth

Ugh, I had to make a very hard choice today. I am still reeling with the decision, and how I'm going to tell  about this decision I made? Actually, both of them. I think they will hate me for what I'm going to tell them...

I think that when we choose from a place of truth, the choice might be easy because our heart guides us to the truth. Whether we like it or not, our heart knows the right choice, and our gut confirms what our heart is telling us. The choice might be clear, and the path to take seems evident. But then... in living our truth... well, that seems to be where the going gets rough. 

So, now, I must explain the reason to them for my choice. And I cringe, and hope that they will understand, and not hate me. I have forged this path before, and the "hate me" part is where I get stuck. In the past, they have either, 1) not understood, and gotten mad at me  2) not liked it, 3) not liked ME for what I have to say, 4) just plain hated me, or 5) just ignored me from that moment on....  :o(

It doesn't bode well for me. No wonder we struggle with living our most honest, heartfelt Truth.

I just hope they can see my side of things, and respect me for my decision. In choosing Truth, at least I know the choice is right for me. In making this decision, my heart is lighter, and I know it is right. At least I have that to hold on to. 

Let's hope they don't take it too hard.

In Truth,
Val

Messenger Magic

Image from Facebook via my dear friend, Sara

What does one do when a prayer is answered? Laugh, giggle, dance ...and sing? Yes, I think so. How about... If all your prayers - ALL of them...  are answered ... ALL at once?

I have been numb for two weeks now, just trying to soak it all in. I pinch myself, and can't believe it is so. I think it is okay to smile, and feel free, but still the oppression of the "Before" is sitting upon my shoulders. I don't want to ever forget "the Before," because I know the Before like the back of my hand now. I guess I'm going to need to keep that Before with me, right in my back pocket. That Before will keep me humble. Yes, very very humble.

You know this too, don't you? Maybe your prayers were answered last month or last year, or maybe everything you were working for came together many years ago, but today you can remember it like it was yesterday. The relief... the lightness it brings to your heart. The feeling that makes you cry hot tears of relief, and at the same time, run and twirl with joy....

Calling to my angels... how can ever I thank you? The trying, the hoping, the hurting, the not being sure how to do it, the messages, the messengers... The Messengers. Oh, how important to be open to the messengers!

How did it all come together ALL at once? Like a magic firestorm...

Still so numb in the looking back, and seeing the messengers at work, and how they pulled me towards the place I needed to be. I am ... floored....

Thank you. 

To the Universe... how can I ever thank you enough???

For now, I think I am going to take a very small, a very tiny b-r-e-a-k. Maybe just for a day. I think I will knit. Something I haven't done in quite a while. I will read a book too. I know just the one. I will walk in nature and marvel at the birds and the leaves on the trees. They are really, so, so SO healing to my heart. 

And, I will prepare for the future. It's going to be a different future for me, from this day forward. Very different. As for me, today, I am crying a lot, and I am more thankful than I have ever been in my life. Ever. In my life. 

Yes, God. I know you are there, and you know me, and somehow, my words here in this world, even this bloggie world, are being placed at your feet. And I am numb with relief, and so, so SO thankful....

Your forever gal, 
Val

Sugar Skull Portraits- Eek!!!

I guess the impending fall season has gotten a hold of me. What's new in the studio this week are a mess of Sugar Skull pillows. I just couldn't resist photographing them in portrait format. They are too cute!

Of course, after the first dozen or two photos, I had to enlist my son, Kyle. I think he captured the images very nicely, Lol!

I'm working on these crazy pillows for next weekend's Coronado Art Walk. Mark your calendar! We'll be set up in beautiful Coronado by the Ferry Landing. My booth is right down by the bay. I hope you'll stop by!

x, Skele-Val

Love and thankfulness

L ike a faithful pup, you offer me a cozy space and a listening ear, and a willingness to be there when I need you the most. In my efforts to shut the door on fretfulness and anxieties, you welcome my (sometimes) rambling thoughts, and are patient with me as we mull over life's most thought-provoking complexities. You welcome me, and allow me to speak my truth, and for that I am supremely grateful.

As trouble and hardship and disappointments roll over us, as accolades and congratulations and a job well done cheer us on, and as friends high-five us, may we hold tight to peace.


Old chapters end, and new ones begin. What seemed impossible may now seem probable. We embrace giving thanks in the small things.

Let patience be our new companion while we struggle with the traffic jam that bring us back to the place we find restoration and acceptance. Feel a release as we watch them make choices seven steps away from crazy and realize there’s nothing we can do. Remember love, receive joy, relish miracles, and be stubborn in the important things.

Have a wonderful week, friends!

x, Val

PS. My new chapter is starting now. I am over the moon happy, and beyond thankful with the miracles that have recently happened in my life. Thank you, universe!

* ramblings inspired by sweet Emily over at Chatting At The Sky. 

Just seeking answers is all...

Lately, I've been involved with a bit of name calling, but it hasn't bothered me. No, I'm actually ok with it. In fact, the name calling has been directed towards me, and I've rather enjoyed it. In the last week alone, I've been called the following:

• bear
• a fighter
• epic
• (someone with) spidey-sense
• awesome
• and, one woman who works in a doctors office asked me if I am a Nurse!

You may or may not know that I have been involved in the fight of my life for the past nearly 17 years. I got pregnant with my first son, and went into preterm labor with him at week 21. At week 21, day 2, my Ob/Gyn and Perinatologist stood at the foot of my bed, and told me they couldn't stop my labor, and I should just go home. I would deliver a stillborn baby, and then I could just start over again. Well, two weeks later still in the hospital, heavily medicated, find me still pregnant. Fast forward to 15 weeks later, and, though I am still medicated, I am also still pregnant. The day they turn off my medication is the day my labor resumes. Drew is born 12 hours later at day 1 of week 36. He is a true gift, and amazingly healthy, he is my miracle.

This last month has been a whirlwind of questions answered, "i"s dotted, and "t"s crossed. We have finally learned that Drew is having microscopic brain seizures, has ADHD, and can be treated for this with medication. We have also learned that the therapy I received while in preterm labor is supposed to be used for no longer than 72 hours, and I was on it for 6 straight WEEKS. I wouldn't have gotten to this place, this island of learning located deep in my heart, without doing some leaning, and some trusting...

Even though I don't want my son to have anything wrong with him, I am so, so thankful to finally have answers. I am thankful that he can finally receive the help he so desperately needs. I am so, SO happy that HE now understands what is going on inside his brain, and will be able to look at life through new glasses, so to speak. My prayers have been answered big time, and in that, I am grateful, and a bit speechless.

You see, I struggle with running my life through discipline, and perfection. Loosening my grip on the powerful control hold wrought by (ahem) me is difficult, and sobering. Though I have always known about letting God be in charge of my life, I keep trying to put my own spin on things. My old patterns beg me to cling to them, and I talk back. At first, gradually. But as I am witness to the letting go, and letting God be in charge, I am finding that my surefire grip on things wasn't really taking me where I need to go. 

In the trusting, I am finding truth. 
In the letting go, I am being led down the right path. 
In the release, I am finding the answers.

Once, that was terrifying. Now, it brings me great comfort. Now, that gives me a foothold on which to start anew. Now, I have a solid place on which I can lean.

And, in all of that, a true blessing for my son. I couldn't ask for more. I am humbled beyond words.

x, Val

Sketch magic

I am standing in the store, and here I am again... in front of the sketch books. Now really... I have enough. I do not need another sketch book, I have sketch books I haven't even sketched in yet. I have diaries and plain paper sketch books. Ones with covers I can paint, and ones that are too cute that I-don't-dare-touch-them for fear of diminishing them in some ridiculous way. Walk -a w a y- from the sketch books, I say to myself sternly, as I gently place this adorable one in my shopping basket. Oh well, just one more surely won't hurt, right??

I love the sketch, the simplicity of pencil on paper. The magic of the mark. Transforming of the book with a mark I make, and with my mark, I make it mine. I love that my sketch can be bold and colorful, or it can be a line that only my trained eye can see. The sketch and I are one.

If the book is deemed cute, or it's paper is modest but of good quality, then it passes my test. If the paper can be easily torn out with that small vertical perforation, then it is good! Most likely, it will be coming home with me. Sometimes it has lovely inside art, or, like the one above, it's cute cover causes me to open it up, and I find irresistible-ness inside. I am weak with resistance. I have them big, and I have them small. They are tucked into the pocket of my handbag. They are thin and they are thick. Would you look at THAT ONE! Home it comes.

The mark is simple, and it can become complex and extremely cute once I pair it with some wool fluff and my delicate barbed needles. The needles work the wool into the sweater, and turn my simple sketch into something worth loving. 

... with all my heart. I love the sketch, the wool, the life they take on. And it all begins with one simple mark, on a piece of paper. Um, out of a cute book.

So, yes, I will keep sketching. And I will probably have a dozen sketchbooks on the shelf waiting patiently for a magic line or two. 

What about you? What can't you resist? I know there must be something!

x, Val 

Aftermath

I don't really like that word "aftermath" because it implies something like a Holocaust, or a tornado, or a thing that is big and horrible, and somehow you survived. Perhaps I need to take myself just a little more seriously BEFORE the event so the after part isn't such a big, freaking deal. Ugh... note to self, Val.

I won't say I didn't enjoy the Renegade LA show, but I will say it was a TON of work. I am used to attending shows close to home, AND I admit, I am a natural control freak. Close to home means I have something to hold in my back pocket like a security blanket.... Home. hOmE... H O M E. 

I liked meeting new people and the exposure LA brought me. It was all very good. I made some great new friends, had a few fantastic offers, an invitation to debut my Robot Friendlys in the Stuffed magazine (one of my favs!), and more. I know I will continue to venture out past my beloved Home, just have to go into it knowing exactly what to expect next time...

I loved seeing friends who cannot always come so far south to see me in my hometown. Here is gorgeous Mira with her friend. And who can resist a pirate face painted boy, Really?!!!

Finally, I cannot resist taking pictures of things people bring INTO my booth. This woman let me photograph her darling motif on her shirt. Now, really, how cute is THAT?!

Thanks to all who came out for the Renegade LA show. It was fun, it was HOT, it was an adventure and it was a thrill to be involved. I loved every moment!

x, Val

Renegade LA Fun!

If you're close, come by and get in on all the fun!

Last minute details

Ugh, there are always those dang last minute details right before a show, including some crazy figuring out. Tonight, it's along the lines of attaching "legs" to a robot plushie. Sometimes I shake my head at myself. Really... Do we really need a last minute robot?

Why, yes, I think we do!

Come visit me this coming weekend at the Renegade LA show. I will be in booth 85, along with my booth share mate, Emmie Bean. It's sure to be a weekend full of fun. The show runs from 11-7 both Sat and Sunday. Hope to see you!


x, Val

Quirky Cute

Lately, I've been all about the Quirky, and all about the Cutes... well, my work is, as least! I go through phases of letting my artistic painterly side shine, to my crazy whimsy side, to my tailored-artistic side. Right now, it's Quirky-cute.

How about these girls dresses? Holy-moly, I literally am going crazy in my fabric stash department! I could put these fabric mixes together 'til the cows come home, I swear!

And, how about the back sides? As fun as the fronts! Check out those spotted zippers! Who thought of that? I love them!

Renegade LA is creeping closer... just 5 more days. I will save my story about the hawk and my sewing machine for another day (it's a doozy!) but will leave you with this picture of me and Kyle. At 14, he has just passed me in height! And he doesn't mind posing and being with his mom, even though she likes dressing like a 6 year old. LOL!

Have yourself a good week!
x, Val

Readying for Renegade LA

At this point, a week and a half before an upcoming new show, things start to get a little bit frantic in my art and craft life. I start sleeping only about 6 hours a night. I make about 15 mental lists a day. And my work desk takes on the appearance of a tornado touching down. It's not exactly pretty...

I thought I'd just take some "snippet" photos so you can get a glimpse of what's in store for the Renegade LA show. I am getting SO excited! I am making clothing like mad (more photos of clothing coming soon) Today, Toshi learned how to make the birdy brooches. I've changed up the design a bit so they are more lively in color... Aren't they adorable?!

These big XO Lovie Friendly's are such a piece of work to make. But, they are so irresistible, and all the ones I made last fall have sold. So, I am making 4 more, and only 4. I swear, I've worked on them for at least 4 days now... Here they are before stuffing, and final stitching. Plus, they are still armless :o[

And, all finished up...

And, of course, the Friendlys. I have made stitched Friendlys, Tattooed Friendlys and overall Happy Friendlys. All too cute, if I do say so myself :o)

I ask myself, why the heck didn't I name my business "Studio Val: Crazy For Cutes"... humm.


Renegade LA... July 28 +29. Look on the left sidebar for the banner, and click for directions, etc. It is going to be SO MUCH FUN!!! I hope to see you there.


x, Val

Caddie

Every time I do a pet portrait, I have to brace myself, for I know I will fall in love. By the time the portrait is finished, my heart strings will have been tugged on, and hard. Even though we have never met, and, in most cases, I have never laid eyes on the pet, my connection runs deep. Such was the case with this sweet pet... Miss Caddie.

This pillow was ordered by a close friend of Caddie's owner. Meant as a gift, I didn't know much about Caddie, just that she is especially cute, AND photogenic. I fell in love with this adorable photo...

The woman who ordered the pillow said there was "no rush", and waited patiently as I attended to many other things life is currently throwing at me. Finally, as I knew she was coming back to Coronado for July 4th, I made an effort to finish Caddie's pillow. 

I told Gail (modeling fashionably with the Caddie pillow. Thanks Gail!) this is (again) my favorite dog pillow. sigh... Each one is my favorite once I finish...

When she picked up the pillow late yesterday afternoon, Caddie's "aunt" told us that Caddie had passed away that morning. Awwww, heck. No one is prepared for that news.... Sweet Caddie off to heaven on the day her pillow is delivered. Well, all I can say is that I am so glad she will have a beautiful and warm remembrance of her sweetest lovie, Caddie. And, to be a part of that makes me feel extremely blessed and grateful. 

Rest in peace, beautiful Caddie.

Caddie's mom, I feel your loss, and hope this gift from your sweet friend brings you a measure of relief from your grief.

x, Val

Vintage Geekery

Fabric fun + Vintage style + Geekery = A Very Winning Combination in my book!

I have an ongoing love affair with Melody Miller's fabric, and sadly, it's taken me some time to get in gear with fabrics I bought from last year's collection. Oh well, better late than never is my motto, along with the fact that I made myself promise to NOT buy any more fabric until I use what's in my stock... sheesh, girl.

These fabrics are on printed on beautiful Japanese linen, and the weight and quality are like nothing else. Melody's patterns inspire my quirky side, and I cannot help myself with delving into the inner vintage goddess that resides in my soul. I pair it us with some yummy upcycled wooly goodness, add the quirk with the needle felting, and things just feel so right! Can you see it?

These are pieces I would be proud to wear for myself, and hopefully I will get a chance to do so. I am making these and many more for my upcoming shows, the first one coming in a few short weeks... Renegade LA.  I am pulling out the stops on my creativity, and hoping to make a mark when I bring my work to LA. I hope it pans out. 

Perhaps you will come by and check things out if you are anywhere close to LA during the weekend of July 28+29. You are sure to see lots of original and exceptional work by all sorts of artists, and have a great deal of fun too!

x, Val

So Past Perfect

"Past Perfect" Oil on collaged base by Valerie Hebert, 2012

Abigail was about the most interesting grandmother a girl could have. To you, and everyone else, she was Dr. Dickson, Ph.D. To me, she was a wealth of really interesting information, sporting a fashionable black beehive hairdo, wearing cat eye glasses, and usually dressed to the nines. 

She always spoke of somewhat morbidly fascinating topics of conversation due to her interesting line of work. She lived alone, never owned a TV set, instead preferring conversation with an old tabby cat named Peter Bierce, and for a time, an affectionate and over-exuberant brown labrador retriever named Ping. She was a forensic psychologist before there were such things as women forensic psychologists, and especially before grandmother versions! I have missed her dearly since her passing nearly 10 years ago. She was a rock in my life.

detail, Abigail's house

Abby, or GG, as we referred to her once her great-grandchildren were born, had a secret side. Sure, she was the respected and revered Doctor Dickson, but rarely did she invite others to her home or office. I can count on one hand the number of times I was invited over to her home as an adult. Too many secrets swimming around in there.... Indeed, upon arrival at her gracious and historic home, instructions were given to "Turn sideways and walk like a crab!" Grandma, aka Dr. Dickson, was a hoarder. Long before it was a spectacular obsession via the A&E TV network, we had a true life obsession at our fingertips. Let me tell you, it was interesting, but it wasn't pretty.

Once, shortly before her passing when GG was in hospital (she'd always had lung problems, and eventually succumbed to COPD) my mom got her house key and took me over to have a look at things. Boy, was that an adventure! We had shared many a tea party at GG's house when I was growing up, and after so many years, I could see the same bedrooms, unused and untouched, and sealed off my a mountain of "treasures." Eye candy vs. trash? I was torn. Looking back after cleaning it all up, it was such a mixed bag. But, I know one thing for sure; it was from Abigail I received my vintage appreciation, and affliction towards historic homes. Poring through a lifetime of possessions and collections allows one to get to know another like nothing else. Pity we can't do this during their life, before they've left us. So many more stories they'd be able to tell...

Teabag as part of the collaged base!

I painted this work as a gift to myself and my husband, who have spent the last 10 years lovingly restoring and caring for this glorious home... a final remembrance of Abigail, and the great lady she once was. We are finally moving on now. Our work here is done. Though we'd love to be able to keep this home, it is beyond our means, so we are selling, and move off in a new life's adventure. Hopefully one that is historic and vintage challenged. Then, I know our hearts will feel at home!

x, Val

Creative slave

Today, I came upon this great post by Austin Kleon about creativity in writing and drawing. (You can read more about this here.) This really resonates with me. A lot of people ask me where I come up with my ideas, and I have my stock answers... "My mind just overflows with new projects, and I am the creative slave," etc. Heck, that's the something smart and sassy that wants to come out of my mouth. Thank goodness I can put a lid on it :o)

What IF I said I steal my ideas? Well, that is a big no-no in our creative world, isn't it? With the advances in Pinterest, and in the interests in protecting all the valuable ideas floating around in the universe, how can we keep things straight? I mean, really... can I help it if I see something especially mind-blowing (like a sweetly stitched doll eye) (yes, those are the sorts of things that thrill me!), then I go to sleep and dream about the doll eye. Two months later, after that doll eye has been percolating around in my sub-consciousness, I make a doll with what I think is a doll eye like the one I remembered seeing. Is that "stealing?" Often, if I come upon the original doll eye, it looks nothing like the one I created. 

So, as artists, we have a path we must continue on. Because our inspirations are all our own, and each affects us uniquely, and comes out of the path we have walked up until this point. It doesn't matter if you are making a little coin purse, and there are simply hundreds of thousands of little coin purses out there. There is a little bit of you in your sweet coin purse, and your essence will speak out to someone who wants it. And they will buy your sweet coin purse, and take a little of your essence home with them.

The world needs you and me awake and alive, and creating some of our essence in every little thing we make. Whether it is the sweetest coin purse, or the wackiest drawing on the planet. It's you and it's me. And all the inspirational stuff life has to offer is what makes us come alive, and remake it, and put it back out there as something new, original and lovable. Now that's what I call being creative!

x, Val

Read All About It!

Have you heard about the new "About" page on Etsy? The creative masters in charge of the Etsy online world have instituted a fantastic new feature. The new About pages are a fantastic addition to each sellers online presence, allowing for several rotating photos, and an impressive new format. I love how it looks, it kind of feels like you are entering into a special storefront ...all about me (you)!

I hope you will head over to my shop by clicking here and take a look. And, if you have your own etsy shop, make sure you take some time to set up your own About page. I think you will be glad you did!

As a quick reminder, the Birdy Box 2 part class begins tomorrow, and there are a few spots left. Call over to Paper Tales 619-222-2510 to sign up!

x, Val

A Matryoshka Bloghop + eBook Giveaway!

Sailor Nesting Dolls by Val's Art Studio

Can you resist those delightful Russian Nesting Dolls? I, for one, can NOT!

A couple months ago, I was approached by a couple of indie publishers, otherwise known as   FabPub, who are venturing into the world of craft ebook publishing. They invited my sweet needle felted Russian Dolls to join their Matryoshka party. I couldn't resist, and made not one, but TWO sets of nesting dolls.

The book offers fun and fabulous Matryoshka doll projects, everything from a fantastic wearable costume, to tea towels you can print yourself.

And, my two projects are included, with full directions that you can make at home, in your spare time! 

Russian Dolls by Val's Art Studio

Following is a list of all the artists who are participating in a celebration of the book's completion, and we are doing a Fun Bloghop to set all the excitement in motion! I hope you will hop around to other Matroyoshka makers, and learn a little about their craft as well.

May 28	Margot Potter
May 29	Joanna at That Thing I Made
May 30	Vikram at Craft Gossip
May 31	Kathleen Dames
June 1	Samantha at Geeky Sweetheart
June 2	Redd at Dame Named Redd Designs
June 3	Renee at My Ugly Kitty
June 4	Val at Val’s Art Studio
June 5	Jessica at Ballston Arts & Crafts Market
June 6	Shayne at Trans-Craft-Inental
June 7	Jean at Pretty Kitty Dog Moon Jewelry
June 8	Leesandra at The Sweet Spot
June 9	Jo at Feeling Stitchy
June 10	Lori at Pretty Things
June 11	Paul at G33kopolis
June 12	Alexis at What The Craft
June 13	Anna at The Weekly Enthusiast
June 14	Chrissy at Muse of the Morning
June 15	Susan at West Coast Crafty
June 16	Tonya at The Trouble With Crafting
June 17	Sherezada at Hand / Eye / Mind / Mouth
June 18	Shayne at Geek Crafts

photo courtesy of fabpub.com. 

YOU can win an eBook version of the book simply by "liking" FabPub's Facebook page (click here), then make sure to leave me a comment at the end of this post. That's all you have to do to enter. So simple! I will be selecting a winner on June 15, so make sure to check back and see if you have won! Your eBook will be emailed directly into your inbox, and you will enjoy a summer ahead filled with every Matryoshka project imaginable :o) 

Good luck!

x, Val

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to you all. I hope you are spending time with your nearest and dearest today, and will share a few moments of quiet contemplation for those who have fought for our country... 

And ... Hello Summer! Wow, can you believe it's right around the bend??? 


I can't resist posting Stephanie Ackerman's beautiful flag project from her inspirational blog. I just love this, and know I will have to try this patriotic project very soon! So, maybe you have a few uninterrupted hours for doing a bit of creating today, and can whip this project out. hint, hint :o)


Have a lovely day,
x, Val

PS. Check back soon, for I will be offering a GIVEAWAY of a newly released book featuring a few of my needlefelted projects. Yay!

Hello, My name is ...

ADD Val


Yesterday, my husband called me that. 


I slightly rolled my eyes at him, but then I looked around at what I had going on. Ok, I noticed I had about 5 projects going, all in a 1/4 - 2/3 finished state. I took a deep breath, and moved on. 


Then, this morning, as I look around at the start of my day, I can count exactly 9 projects that I have begun in the last hour, all by 10:19am.


Of the 9, I have finished 3! I think that counts for something, right?!


So, in trying to figure out if this name is truly indicative of me, which now,  I believe it is... I will leave you, and get back to my other 6 things that are in pending mode. At least, now I can cross one more thing off my list... blog post, Done!


Hope you have a productive day too!


Signing off,
ADD Val
(sigh)