Vittoria Bella

More studio shots

2011-10-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

More shots of the jewelry area - the metals bench is directly to the left of this shot above.

the studio tour

2011-09-28T17:32:00.000-04:00

So here's the metals table in my studio. It's about 3 feet away from my beading table. I love the set up - I can work with my torch & then move right over to the beading table. And yes, it is unapologetically, messy. Well, messy in an organized way, I suppose. More studio tour in a few days.

2011-09-27T18:16:00.001-04:00

Painting done a while ago, just needed to see some of my older work today to inspire me to get at it again!

weekend

2011-09-25T17:46:00.000-04:00

We went to Dayton, OH to see a fly-in of World War I replica airplanes - yes, they were flying! Yes, that's a BIG smile on hubbie's face!

I finished a necklace right before we left - posted it on Etsy today. Yes, you can't see it, but there's a big smile on my face!

Weekends - Priceless!!

What's been on my jewelry table lately

2011-09-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

I only get to work in little bits here and there once the school year starts. I have to find things that I can do in those little snippets of time. I don't ever think of it as "have to" but "get to." Here's just a little peek at what I've been doing in those quiet, blissful moments!

2011-09-09T20:39:00.000-04:00

A little sunshine from my sketchbook. Just seemed like the sort of day to put a little sunshiny something on the blog. Happy weekend, everyone.

sparkles in your ear

2011-09-08T17:55:00.002-04:00

Just some fun sparkles!

New earrings made

2011-09-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

Sterling silver earwires, blue chalcedony stones, wrapped with black wire from the hardware store.

trip to Door County, Wisconsin

2011-09-05T12:37:00.000-04:00

The seniors of the Class of 2011 gifted me with a cruise on the ferry boat, the Badger - it goes from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It's a wonderful old railcar ferry boat that has been converted for passenger car (and truck, and semi-truck, etc) ferrying. Hubbie & I went this past weekend & then stayed in Door County - a delightful part of the world. We explored and dined. What a fun little vacation!

Thank you SO much - Class of 2011!!

Doodles

2011-09-04T07:19:00.000-04:00

I had the chance to take a class at Art Unraveled with the wonderful Alisa Burke a couple of years ago. I was hooked. I'm a regular on her blog now, and have taken a couple of her online classes. She's classically, formally trained in art, and it's fun to hear her vast knowledge & then hear her suggest that we spend time doodling! Well, I've doodled all my life.

So, here's a combination - a pic of a couple of doodles of sorts (the leaves of the other day became rays of the sun), and how I turned them into something else. I don't think this is done yet, either, as I think it needs some "more" in the sun itself, or maybe around the outside. That's the good thing about my sketch book - when I'm ready, I'll just open to that page & add it!

here's more of my sketch book

2011-09-03T07:16:00.001-04:00

This little guy isn't "finished" in my book - no stem painting, no background color, no color on the page outside the box - but, I thought I'd share with you. This little flower was one I saw when we stopped for gas in Southern Michigan on the way south to Georgia a couple of weeks ago. First attempt at drawing in the car, while Hubbie was driving. Pretty much, it seemed to work!

More Drawing A Day

2011-09-02T07:13:00.001-04:00

Hope none of you gentle readers are tired of my little drawings. Here's another drawing a day - this was done in the car (Hubbie WAS driving......LOL!) while we were on I-75 coming north Through Tennessee.

drawings, drawings, drawings

2011-09-01T07:13:00.000-04:00

I won't show them all to you! LOL! But, here's another "Drawing a Day..." This one based upon a painting by Stephanie Lee (that I won in the silent auction at Art Unraveled!)

Another drawing

2011-08-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Just having fun with a leaf shape.

Isn't she sweet?

2011-08-29T12:32:00.001-04:00

My cat, Riley - using the Pencil Camera app for Blackberry. Little Sweetie!

Resolution

2011-08-28T19:25:00.000-04:00

I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions. The best time to begin anything is 10 years ago. The second best time to begin anything is now. Why wait? No fear of failure, either. Just start.

So, about a week and a half ago, maybe more, I started trying to draw or paint daily. Something, anything. The "drawing" thing kept me from doing this for quite some time. My friend Kim pushed me to take a drawing class with the wonderful Jane LaFazio. It was terrifying for me - I'll admit it.

And what was worse? I liked it.

Fast forward a full year. Have I done any more drawing? Nope. Had I thought about that experience? Almost every day. And what was worse, was that I would often talk to my own students about the importance of practice. "If you want to get good at something, you have to dedicate a little time on a very regular basis, to the practice of that thing."

Geesh. Was I listening?

Well, yes, and so I began. Here's a peek into my sketchbook:

So far, I'm liking this drawing, painting daily thing - some days I won't get to do both, and some days I'll be able to gloriously enjoy time spent with great intention on my sketchbook. But for now, just setting aside time to practice seems enough.

Have a great week!

still recalling Art Unraveled

2011-08-27T18:51:00.000-04:00

I'm still fondly recalling the fun so many of us had while at Art Unraveled this year. Here's a book I made in a wonderful class taught by the talented Stephanie Lee. The covers are a combination of old book covers, plaster cloth, paint and imagination. The binding is a wonderful binding technique that allows the book to lay flat. I chose to cover the binding area with some vintage crochet & some old buttons. The pages are fabric, stiffened through her "magic process" to become much more like paper book pages, and able to accept writing.

I think my book came out looking very much like it should contain a mystery story, or a tale of Halloween.

Have a great rest of your weekend - whatever you choose to do!

The summer of the tomato

2011-08-25T09:55:00.008-04:00

The tomatoes on this plant look just like bunches of grapes!!

Tomato vines everywhere - YUMM!

quick trip - back now

2011-08-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

Pinecone from Georgia - this is on our property on the side of the mountain!

Tree some place in Tennessee - just couldn't resist this picture opportunity.

Minis Today

2011-08-17T07:32:00.000-04:00

These little canvases (and I know you can't tell they're little by the picture - but they are 5 x 5 inch squares) are so adorable! Gail Russakov's class at Art Unraveled, "Mini Magical Memories," was a blast, and we made these in that class. Wonderful technique for making texture, and then placing that texture on a canvas and adorning. Cute & fun!

Happy Wednesday!

More art made

2011-08-16T10:02:00.000-04:00

My next two paintings I show you today were made in a class with Stephanie Lee - she's a wonderful many-media artist whose work I admire. Her class was entitled "Painting Mindscapes," and the idea of this class was that we would be working mainly in acrylics, but she would work with us on creating images that have an almost "dreamy" quality. Many wonderful techniques later, I emerged with several pieces, two of which are below.

I like this piece because it really has a truly dreamy quality - and a rustic charm.

This piece has a look of a weathered landscape, perhaps remnants of something that once was.

Enjoy!

Show and Tell, Day 2

2011-08-15T09:03:00.000-04:00

Today, it's all about encaustics. I had a wonderful class with Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch - we played with encaustic mediums, paints & then played with different burning techniques - I loved the amber shellac technique, and used it on these three paintings. Yes, these are made with wax! I know it's hard to see, but the finish has a subtle sheen that only wax can give. Yes, I'm hooked! I took a class with Patricia last year, too, and loved it so much, I had to play again this year! Enjoy!

Art Unraveled 2011 - what a great time!

2011-08-14T15:50:00.000-04:00

To my Art Unraveled friends, this will seem like old news. To my friends who didn't get to go to Art Unraveled, well, it's "show and tell" time.

Took a wonderful class with Richard Salley - here are two pairs of earrings I made. Just put the earwires on them today - made the earwires this afternoon, because I didn't take any sterling wire with me - every square inch of space was precious in my suitcase! Can't wait to work on more of these - I have several designs swirling around in my head! These are mixed metals pieces with lovely stones set into them - I think they're going to be fun to wear. More tomorrow!

New Class Taken - New Opportunities!

2011-07-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

I love learning. Of late, I love learning about all things metal, although I still LOVE painting and journaling (when I have time). So, I'm currently taking a class with Deryn Mentock called "Boho Bliss." It's one of her two classes that I've really wanted to take since I saw the class examples (the other is "Balance Bronze Bangles," hint, hint, Deryn - offer it online!)

I am now proud to show my latest creations - straight from my studio! In fact, I paddled over there this morning in my bathrobe to redo one little aspect (it shall remain known only to me, gentle reader) before I posted here and on the class flickr group. I always hope, while I am in the midst of a cockamaymie idea like that, that none of my students, current or past, have a video camera going. LOL!!! But, sometimes, a girl's gotta create!

So here are my earrings:

Earrings #2 - made with baby blue faceted amazonite & dark blue apatite and bronze & copper wire.

Earrings #1 were made with sterling silver wire, and watermelon tourmaline chunks - decided to start with the expensive wire and just see what happens.

I like both pair - I made the bronze pair to wear when I'm teaching at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp - I think they'll look pretty cool with my camp uniform!

Have a great day!

July 4th Up North

2011-07-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Northern Michigan loves a good reason to celebrate. July 4th is one of the best reasons of all. Yes, we have a wonderful parade - yes, I have 2 bands that march in it - yes, I actually go through the parade twice!! (and it's not a short parade!)

We have carnival rides, fireworks, caramel corn wagons, and craft shows. This year, my work colleague and I decided to have a craft show of our own, in living room and dining room of my "craft house." (That's the house that has my studio in the basement - yes, I'm a lucky gal!) We held it on July 2 & 3, and we had a lot of visitors, even though we did little to advertise it.

My colleague does stained glass work and tatting. I showed mixed media work and jewelry. We both declared it a success when we finished on the third! Then.... off to band practice we both went. It was funny, as we packed up my colleague's car, we said, "Hey, fun show - see you in a couple of hours!" It's so fun to work with someone who has common interests outside of work - sometimes we find ourselves chattering on and on about our "other" world, while we're at work!

Here's some pics from our crafty open house - hope your July 4th celebrations were wonderfully fun.

Blogging Blight

2011-06-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

I try, I try. But, I am a blogger who has ambitions of regular, beautiful posts, complete with wonderful pictures. The reality - I am a some times (very, very sometimes) blogger with blogger remorse. I wish I could post more often and have wonderful, beautiful pictures to include. Maybe someday. Maybe not. Right now, with a full time job (I guess many would say more than full time), and more interests than I know what to do with, I'll have to suffice with a little blogger remorse from time to time.

Here's what's new around the compound:

We visited Dayton and the US Air Force Museum - really an awe inspiring place, especially for a flier. We went to Huffman Prairie - the place outside of Dayton where the Wright brothers practiced and perfected their flying. Another place of reverence for the flier in my family.

We spent the weekend in Chicago - one of us (not me) had meetings on Saturday. One of us (yes, that was me) went to Stamp Thyme in Lockport and went shopping, then came back and found some great little stores in Forest Park (just outside Oak Park). What fun.

And now, to prepare for the 4th of July! An open house with friend and work colleague, two parade practices and a parade, and then collapse in exhaustion in the back yard. Have a great week!

Full mode summer

2011-06-15T08:33:00.000-04:00

Well, it's summer here, finally - the weather's gotten warm and sunny & I think everyone's finally feeling like we might actually have summer. (If you're not from my neck of the woods, suffice it to say it's been cold and rainy here for most of the spring - really good because we will have more water in the lakes, rivers, etc - not really good because we've also had lots of water in our basements, yards, etc.)

It would seem that I've done lots and lots of work on school-type stuff and very little work on "me" stuff. That's wearing thin, but I'm hanging in there.

Yesterday we went to the garden store, bought our garden and our flowers and started planting. Today, my muscles are reminding me "um...what were you thinking..." but it's all good. I look out the windows and see the pretty, neat rows and the pretty, neat, cleaned flower beds. Only a little more to do today to make it sharp.

Then, we decided to take the little yellow car out for a spin to our favorite fish place for an early dinner - late lunch. Yummo!!

So, the day seemed too good to just end with a drive back home - so, we went to several little towns, and ended at the car ferry dock in Ludington. This is an old coal-fired ferry boat, originally meant for rail cars to be shipped across Lake Michigan. Now it carries passenger cars, trucks, and passengers back and forth. It is a wonderful ride, especially on a nice day. We were there at about the time the boat would arrive from Wisconsin, so we decided to sit and wait. It was wonderful!

Sidebar - why I love teaching

2011-05-19T17:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this isn't a blog about my "day job," but I have to insert something here about my day job, because well, I love it. (most of the time, anyway)

I'm a school band director - that means I do a lot of concerts in a year. The "famous" one around town is the big spring concert that has all the kids play in all the grades. The seniors always take a moment, and do a presentation to me (I've been their teacher for 8 years by then). Sometimes it's touching, sometimes it's funny. It's always memorable.

This year, my seniors latched onto something that I had done years ago. I don't like the movie "Titanic." There was a medley of Broadway show tunes that they wanted to play, and I said sure, but "we're not playing any music from Titanic..." When pressed, I had to admit that I don't like the movie, because, no matter what anyone does, in the end, the ship always sinks. I like happy endings.

So, my presentation was all about "Titanic" and they even made this amazing Titanic replica out of wood - you should see the detail! It had lights, and even smoke coming out of the smoke stacks. Gotta love it.

There was more, very touching, and very memorable. My eyes fill a little just thinking about it.

My very first bead show

2011-05-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday, by some miracle of miracles, there was no school related anything going on that I needed to be involved with - all the State Festivals were over (that I involved me or dear husband), and there was a bead show at a town about 3 hours from here (where we own a condo....!)

And so, in a very un-me like turn of events, we got in the car on Saturday morning (after determining that while driving down the night before and staying in the condo was indeed the better idea, we were just too tired on Friday night to do so), we drove to the bead show. I had never been to one. I had an idea, after being at the Art Unraveled vendor show, and craft shows around, what it might be like, but needed to see for myself.

Voila! What a wonderful thing - all kinds of beads, at all kinds of price ranges. Some beautiful things way outside of my price range, and some great things that were in my price range.

And so, now I've got to get them organized, put away, and start creating. And...well, if the truth be told, there are already a few things laid on the mat, awaiting time to put them together. Who knew how fun this would be?

Today is our big end of the year spring band concert - it's a 2-hour marathon, but we have every ensemble, grades 5 - 12 play, give out awards, hand all the graduating seniors (who survived 8 years with me! LOL!) a plaque, and then do a finale with every student musician (this year it's John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever") - it's a fun day - albeit a long haul - filled with memories and music. I always look forward to today, although it does in some ways mean "the end," as some of my students will be graduating, and next year's groups won't be the same as this year's groups. Guess that's just the way it is.

Have a great week until I write again!

Studio Weekend

2011-05-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

Well, I've spent a lot of time in the studio over the past two days - it was wonderfully relaxing. This next week is going to be uber-busy, with State Band & Orchestra Evaluations at my school on Thursday and Friday, plus taking my three groups throught the festival during that time. (not to mention the literally hundreds of students who will be coming with their ensembles, to perform as well...)

So....these past two days, I've lived in denial and did some fun things in the studio. I did some stamping, some drawing, some journaling and some jewelry making. All of it fun.

Here are some pieces I made over the past two days - found this stuff in my stash and had to figure out how it might go together. Ohhhh, did I have fun. I didn't take pics of the cards I made while stamping - I forget how much fun that is, until I pick up a stamp.

Have a great week - I'm powering up for my week!!

Two Weeks Ago

2011-04-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

I know it was a tease that I wrote in the last post - April 20th was a snow day here in Northern Michigan. I think pretty much every school from here north to the Mackinac Bridge was closed. The weather truly was frightful - we got about 4 inches of wet, wet, heavy snow here, and to the north, they received much more.

Two weeks ago today, April 10th, hubby & I had to go to a meeting about 2 hours away from here. (I know, I know - a meeting on a Sunday - I had another one last week - geesh!) Anyway, the last remnants (we thought) of winter were still in the woods between here and there, and the fog rising off the snow in the woods made a rather eerie sight - it was soooo cool!

I had hubby pull the car over so I could get these shots - I want to use these in a journal some place - don't they just look like something out of an English mystery novel?

The irony of that day however, was not the fog. We arrived at the meeting site and there was still a little chill in the air, and it was a little overcast. Three hours later, when we exited the building - bright blue skies and 72 degrees outside. We walked outside & it was summer!!! (or so we thought at the time)

And then, Wednesday, April 20th, we had a snow day!

Here's to a great week, everyone!

Studio Days

2011-04-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

I'm recovering from big time oral surgery, and once I felt good enough to do something, I still didn't feel like getting out and about. So... what's to do? Studio time!! Made some jewelry, made some cards, and I even spent time (quite a bit) in a new journal. I love making time to do journaling, but just have not done this in a long, long time. It was bliss. I have a busy several weeks now as we near the end of the school year, so will be adding pictures sporatically to the blog, but it's getting closer to actually being spring here.

Did I mention that I had a snowday on Wednesday!!!!

Have a great week!

Shapes and Angles

2011-04-05T21:17:00.000-04:00

All seen on our recent trip to the Chicago Cultural Museum - it's a great place!

reflections

2011-04-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

I saw this wonderful reflection from my hotel room window in Chicago. How cool.

My kind of town

2011-04-03T11:07:00.000-04:00

We went to Chicago for a couple of days last week. Yes, I got my nails done (if you know me, you know that's something that I adore as one of life's little pleasures), and did a little bit of shopping. (No, really, only a little bit). We also went to the Art Institute and the Chicago Cultural Museum.

If you read a post I did back in November, you know we went to the CCM at that time, and I saw my first Art-O-Mat. Joy! Neither of us could remember why we couldn't stay and look around at that time, but we couldn't. So, this time, we devoted several hours to poking around in there. Joy of joys, this was a place where I just simply can't wait to go back.

We saw an exhibit on Louis Sullivan, Chicago architect. Wonderful stuff & so many opportunitites to get shapes and texture ideas.

We saw the stunning architecture of the building

Tiffany dome

Inlaid walls

Beauty at every turn.

And then, we went down this hallway and there was an exhibit of the photographs of Vivien Meier (I hope I've spelled her name correctly). They are stunning street scene photographs from the 40's, 50's, 60's. Viven's story is a very great and interesting story, and I stumbled upon her work while reading another blog. Much to my surprise to turn a corner at the CCM and see her actual photographs. Bliss.

Well, off to prepare to go back to work. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

New Techniques

2011-04-02T17:19:00.000-04:00

I love trying new techniques, and lately the ones I have especially enjoyed have included fire!! I've purchased a new torch, and this new, hotter torch has allowed me to try some new metals techniques, including my current favorite, fusing metals. I read about this in an article by the wonderful Ruth Rae, and had to try it. Here's a couple of earrings that I've posted on etsy, that I think came out pretty nicely.

I also made myself a pair with green pearls and I made a pair with some pretty tiny, red facedted beads. I think both came out nicely, too. I'll try to get some pics of them as well.

Studio Views - works in progress

2011-03-29T17:59:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it's been forever since I posted. Sorry. The life of a busy band director gets in the way - February & March - more performances than I can even count here. Three big events, just last week, all that I hosted, coordinated, etc, etc. And that's just last week. I won't even get into the entire past two months.

That having been said, finding time in the studio has been hard, but very needed. Each time I spend a little time there, it's been calming & wonderful. Many new things to tell you about & to post here and on etsy, but for now, here's some views of my work tables. (yes, tables.... )

I promise I won't take quite so long between posts again. More in a few days! Enjoy this wonderful spring weather - it's finally sunny here! Yipee!

Melty Sunday

2011-02-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

For all my friends in other parts of the world (read this to mean "warmer than here"), this is not a big deal. But here, it's a HUGE deal! We're above freezing today! In fact, we're at 40 degrees!!

So, what do I do on a day like today?? Go hide out in my studio, of course!! Well, this is one of the weekends when I CAN hide out in my studio, and so I did. So many others are filled with job requirements that it becomes precious when I can just sit and make stuff.

Lots of jewelry made, and posted to etsy. Walked by the paintings in progress - I'm feeling an itch to get after some of them, and there's a long weekend coming up. Perhaps I'll be able to complete that long-awaited painting that was the sister to the one I donated to the ASBDA auction this summer. And perhaps I'll see where the new ones sitting on my drying racks take me - they've been sitting there waiting to accept paint for quite some time.

Well, I guess I'd better go tackle my list of 'real world' things to do, like go buy laundry detergent and drop off the bills at the post office. Wouldn't it be great if that didn't take priority?? Until next time - take care!

SNOW DAY!!

2011-02-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

It's a snow day here, and then some! Actually at this very moment, as I am typing, the sun is shining. But... the temperature has dropped due to the storm that rolled through, and the wind is just howling - my guess is that the wind chill is in the minus something degrees out there. A true snow day, just like I remember them from my childhood.

I remember bundling all up and going outside on a snow day - that was just wonderful! Do you remember the smell of wet wool? Coming inside after rolling around out in the snow and having the time of your life? I do - happy happy memories!

I always have a "snow day" list of things to do, but today, I'm thinking tops on my list is reading, napping, and maybe writing a couple of letters.

I've put a sale on my Etsy shop - 12% off if you use the code "SNOWDAY" - just for today.

I hope you have a great day today, whatever you are doing!

Time well spent

2011-01-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

I kept thinking about yesterday's post - 88 blogs. But how much time do I really spend "following" the blogs? Not that much.

If you "follow" blogs, you know what I mean. I have a viewing pane where I can see the title of any posts made on any of the blogs I follow. The pane shows the newest posts first. So, I can quickly scan and see new posts from anyone I follow, and decide if I'm going to open the blog and really read the post. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

I decided to watch the clock and see just how much time I really spend. Today, 10 minutes. But, today there weren't many new posts when I looked. Tomorrow there might be more. That's the excitement and fun - I never know what I'm going to get!!

Anyway, I think it was 10 minutes well spent!

Until next time - stay warm. (I'm typing this as it's a blustery, cold, grey northern Michigan winter late afternoon....brrrr.....)

Following

2011-01-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm following 88 blogs. 88. Eighty-eight.

That means that I have this desire to see what 88 other people around the world are doing at any given moment. And, it's not more blogs, only because I haven't met these other people who will be my 89th, 90th, and 91st to follow.

Huh. I find that ironic. But I also think it's amazing - I can tell you what I'm up to today, include a photo if I want. You can read at your leisure. Comment if you wish, or not. We all get a peek into each other's worlds, and get to "connect" if only as if looking through a window, but still connect. What a world!

We (patient husband & I) judged at a solo & ensemble festival in a Detroit suburb yesterday. The students were wonderful and playing some great literature. It's always fun to listen to young talent. One of the teachers of several of the students came in to introduce herself to me during a break. She looked SO familiar. She finally stopped and said, "have you been judging here for a while?" I smiled. "By a while, do you mean a L O N G time? (said with a twinkle)" Turns out I had been her judge when she was in school. She's just received her Master's Degree in Performance from U of M. I was happy to be able to judge her students now - what a happy moment. Well, after I stopped feeling old...

Still can't get over that I'm following 88 blogs. Well, on to find #89! Happy Sunday.

The days are getting longer!

2011-01-10T19:18:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited the days are getting longer, and while I'm not reading a book outside (brrr - way too cold for that, anyway) at 9:30 p.m. yet, I noticed at 5:30 p.m. today, that it wasn't pitch dark outside. Yipee!! But, it's cold and snowy, still. After all, it's January in Northern Michigan!

jewelry making adventures

2011-01-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

I know that I've added a sidebar to my blog, where you can take a look at the items I have put into my etsy shop. And yes, it's all been jewelry to date. I've got other things to post, and the goal is to post at least 6 things a week this year, as there are things available to post. This weekend, I've been busy with band meetings (and will be again later today - yes, on a Sunday - I know, I know....) I haven't posted anything new until today, but I'm kind of getting into the habit, and it feels good to have a regular routine to my posting.

And the creating, wow, has that been fun. But, it's all so small! Like these - tiny little green kyanite squares, and even smaller red beads. What a challenge it has been to learn to work so small.

I am proud of these, especially, however, as they are made with sterling wire, and the beads. I had to learn to make the headpins (with a torch...fire!!! yipee!!), made the earwires (again with the torch !!), and then put them together. Learning to work with metals has been fun & ongoing. I've taken the Stephanie Lee "Homesteader's Metalsmithing" Online class - what a great class! Still working to perfect some of the other skills learned in the class, and those will show up in later blog post and etsy posts!

Now on to the next (and final) meeting of the weekend. Then, to catch up on business emails & phone messages, and THEN I can play in the studio....

Living Purposefully

2011-01-04T17:15:00.000-05:00

I know this blog is about my artful endeavors, but before I entered into the world of visual art, I was, and always will be, a musician. But before that, I wanted to be a teacher.

I remember "playing teacher" when I was a little girl - I'd have my stuffed animals all lined up and would teach lessons to them on all manner of subjects - writing, reading, math. I remember loving to spend time at that endeavor. Then, one day a piano was unloaded at our front door - **BLISS** - I'd only been able to 'play' the piano at my aunt's house. Every time we visited, I'd slip away and sit at the bench literally for hours. Then my piano arrived. It changed my life.

That and the clarinet that arrived. Year by year, by skills grew, and the instrument collection grew. Then someone needed a lesson on bassoon. I'll do it. I was hooked. I was actually good at this! They got better at the bassoon when I helped them. Wow!

To college, where it was cemented - this was a path that I didn't just want to go on, I had to go down this path. I'd had time to let this path mature enough to know that it was destiny. But more importantly, to feel complete, it was what I had to do.

Fast forward a couple of years, when I started my second job here at the school system where I am now. I met a young man, who, at that time was in the 7th grade. A bright trumpet player, who was in a class full of aspiring musicians - all of whom have gone on to make a career of music. This trumpet player, too, followed that path, and has been an inspiring musician in the L.A. area.

I got the chance to talk to him in late August - a fund raiser for our local historical museum. He was there. It was the first time, I believe, I've had a chance to talk to him, perhaps since he graduated from high school. I've kept up with his career through his mother & sister, them telling me occasionally of his latest gigs. We had a wonderful conversation - long, funny, no holes barred. I really loved the conversation we had. I didn't want it to end, but I knew he was getting tired. He had cancer.

Today, I got the phone call I dreaded. His sister told me he had died. I'll always treasure that conversation - the time he spent with me that day. I don't think either of us wanted to stop talking, but we knew we had to. We laughed, we talked frankly, we didn't cry - I didn't want to spend my time with him that way.

I've spoken to many students about him over the years - told them that he had followed his dreams of being a professional musician. Told them that he had set his course and then followed it. I got the chance to tell him that during our conversation - I knew he needed to hear it. I told him I was proud of him. I meant it. I think I'll tell his story to my high school class tomorrow. And remind my students of the value of living every day, fully, purposefully.

I don't know where the road leads - Mike & I talk often about "this crazy life we lead," and how when we get up in the morning, often we don't know quite what will happen, who we will meet, or what the day will bring. I don't know a lot of things, but I do know that our interactions with one another are more important than anything else. I'll continue on this path, this destiny, this purpose, because it seems like the right thing to do. But today, I take a moment and remember another man of purpose whose life ended far too soon.

Art-O-Mat visit

2011-01-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

While we were in Chicago over Thanksgiving, Mike took me to the Art-O-Mat in the Chicago Cultural Center. It was the old downtown library, and it's a neat building - I can't wait to visit there again and go through the building more thoroughly.

And yes, you read that correctly, Mike took me to the Art-O-Mat. He had seen it first. Yup. He stumbled across it about 2 years ago, while exploring the building, and was describing it to me. I shouted - "You found an Art-O-Mat???? REALLY???" Of course, he told me this when we were at home, with no chance to get there. Last couple of visits to Chicago, I forgot to have him show me where it was located, or he was busy with meetings. This time - we headed over there! It was fiendishly cold that day, so I'm bundled to the hilt, but found it, and even bought two pieces. WHAT FUN!! My purchases turned out to be a charm and a wood block modern piece. I love them both, and can't wait to put the charm on a bracelet or necklace. I have the block sitting on my art desk in the studio.

Holiday pictures

2011-01-02T12:02:00.000-05:00

The holidays around our house were hectic - how about yours? Like I said in a previous post, we had lots of family here for several days. It was fun to get to play in the snow, as they are from the Atlanta, Georgia area, and so skiing, sledding, snowman making, snow angels, and even an occasional snowball fight were all in the works. Lots of tromping in boots and mittens, and it was all good.

We had our wonderful retro-hip aluminum Christmas tree up, and it included a display of 50's and 60's era stuff, all gathered from around our house. Yes, a little like a history lesson... It was fun!

There was even the obligatory "dress the cat up in the Santa suit" - she took the indignity well.

And of course, cat naps throughout the vacation.

Wonderful Holidays - Happy 2011

2010-12-31T16:00:00.000-05:00

We've had a wonderful Holiday Season around here, even though it's been hectic beyond hectic. Family, friends, carolers, cookies, did I mention family & friends? It's been snowy and promise, yes I do, to post more often in 2011. I'll have some news as we begin 2011. Right now I'm putting together pictures, cleaning the house from the visits, and smiling at the wonderful time. As the sun sets on 2010, all in all, it's been a great year!

MaryBeth Shaw is having a giveaway - go there and sign up!

2010-12-06T17:45:00.001-05:00

MaryBeth Shaw, the great teacher & mixed media artist, is having a giveaway on her blog. She has great stencils & sells wood icing on her "Stencil Girl Products" web page. I've used 'em, and they're great. So, go sign up! (and check out her new smaller size stencils - I know I'm going to ask Santa to bring me some!)

The Common Denominator: Holidaze are here!! Hip Hip Hooray for a Give Away!

I have some other news, but it will have to wait a day or two. Tonight it's snowing ever so much around here - it's lake effect snow at it's very best (???). Hope it's warm where you are!

http://mbshaw.blogspot.com/2010/12/holidaze-are-here-hip-hip-hooray-for.html

In the newest Gallery Show

2010-10-31T17:07:00.000-04:00

My two pieces have been placed in the "Healing Arts Gallery" at our local hospital. It's a wonderful hallway in the main area of the hospital, that people pass on their way to routine tests or to visit those in the hospital. I feel very honored to have pieces hanging there. It's a wonderful show, with all different kinds of media displayed. Our show will stay hanging for the next two months. Yes, I'm excited!!

Happy Halloween to everyone!

Juried Show & more news!!

2010-10-24T10:27:00.000-04:00

Well, the Juried Show here in Manistee at our Manistee Art Institute is closing today. I can't tell you how much fun it has been to be a part of the 36 amazing artists at the show. As you can see, the space is beautiful in this over 100 year old hall - beautiful woodwork all around - and the art, well, there was art in almost every media. There were some wonderful pieces that won prize money. And although I didn't win any prize money (and would have been very shocked if I had), I had my two submissions chosen to be a part of the show (you could submit up to two pieces), and was very honored when I saw the quality of the work, and the artists whose work was chosen. So many working, professional artists. What an honor to be included in a group like this.

The show ends today, which means, of course, that I must go pick up my pieces. But wait -- I received a call yesterday from one of the wonderful ladies on the MAI Board. She asked if I would consider having my pieces taken to the local hospital to be put on display in their "Healing Arts Gallery." And, they'd like to take both of my pieces!

The local hospital has a hallway which everyone must go down who is receiving treatment, having tests, or visiting someone staying in the hospital. The MAI has for a number of years, filled the hallway with delicious art - bright, cheery, and always original art, often done by local artists. Any time I'm in there for those routine tests that everyone must take from time to time, I always budget an extra 15 minutes or so, just to take in all the new art. Each new exhibit hangs in the gallery hallway for two months before it is rotated with the next exhibit!!

Needless to say, I said that I was honored, and yes, they could take my pieces! Imagine this, I'm in a gallery for two months! Wow!! They said they would display a price, if I'd like to offer the pieces for sale while on display. For sale! Well, since that was never a part of this experiment, I declined. Mike likes these two pieces too much, and he complains that I don't hang much of my work in the house, I give it away to charity auctions and the like. I'm so excited to show my in-laws when they are here from Georgia in December. The only problem will be pulling in the hospital to show them, and saying all right, everyone, let's get out and go look at art!!.... LOL!!

More soon - hope every is well in your neck of the woods and enjoying fall.

Getting to #101

2010-10-14T20:41:00.000-04:00

So, it's been almost two months since I posted. Perhaps I'll just be a "sometimes" blogger for a while longer. I'm sure you, gentle readers, will understand. Those duties associated with a full time job call me often.

But... I have news, and will soon have pictures. Our town has a non-profit art group - the Manistee Art Institute. They have a yearly juried art show, which is a fund-raiser for the organization, and a way to bring local artists in & local art lovers in. The show is held in a 100+ year old beautiful hall, which is just made for an art exhibit.

I saw the "call for exhibitors," for this year's show about a week and a half ago, and the submission dates were last Friday & Saturday. This is a juried show, and while there is an entry fee, the fee is nominal - but it was clear, not everyone's submissions would be taken - in fact, there are specific times listed for the non-selected pieces to be picked up.

Yes, I went ahead and selected two of my pieces (one made at Art Unraveled, one made at home), and took them & submitted them last Friday. I awaited my mail to see if, just maybe, something might be selected by the juror, a professional artist, for the show.

When the form came back, earlier this week, yes, BOTH had been accepted. **Grins** I will be going tomorrow night to the "meet the Artists" reception for the show opening, where I will be one of "the artists!" I'm very excited, and while a small step, I can't tell you how exciting this is to me.

The show runs this weekend and next, and I'll take pictures and post them. I'll be going tomorrow night for the "Meet the Artists" and then back again on Saturday to take Mike - he can't go with me tomorrow, as he has a home football game (the life of a band director - I'm just glad I do NOT have a home football game tomorrow night!) and will need to see me pieces hanging in the show. Or more like, I'll have to show him my pieces hanging in the show!!!

That's my news!

Post #100

2010-08-17T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'll be honest, when I saw that I was getting close to post #100 a few weeks ago, I was a little intimidated. I follow several bloggers, and it seems that in blog-land, when you reach a milestone post, it's like a milestone birthday.... Well, I now know I'm not particularly good with either! (LOL!)

So, in 100 posts, what have I learned? Here's 10 things:

10: It's all about making time for what's important, even just at that moment.
9. Once you get started, the task at hand doesn't take nearly as long as you thought it would. (Or else it takes two or three times as long, but never, NEVER what you thought! LOL!)
8. Computers take a toll on our eyesight - be careful & take lots of breaks! I mean, keep reading the blogs, but set a timer.
7. The world is a lot smaller than I ever imagined.
6. The inspiration I receive from others is amazing - it's so fun to see what everyone else is up to, and hear about their lives and what inspires them.
5. Art, like music, is a wonderful creative place to be! And it is a place, as well as an activity, to me. A state of mind, as it were.
4. Friends build you up & keep you going. (Knew that already, just it's so fun to have blog friendships over such long distances - how cool is this??)
3. I love looking at blog pictures & need to remember to take lots and post them!
2. There's so much out there in the world that I want to explore.

And the number one thing I've learned since becoming a blogger is....... wait for it..... wait for it....

1. It's fun!

I know, I know, nothing profound. But, in the end, taking time for ourselves to do something that enriches us or helps us grow is indeed profound.

And to that end, I wish you a day of fun, wherever and whatever that may be! As for me, I'm going to do a little in the "craft house" and maybe go explore a new place for lunch.

Til next time!

Summer adventures

2010-08-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

So many things to tell about! What a jam-packed summer it's been.

Art Unraveled was a truly inspiring experience. I spent time with my art-buddy Kim from Phoenix who I met on the very first day of the very first Art Unraveled we both attended, five years ago. (We were in line to register together & started talking - we haven't stopped since!! LOL!! ) We sure had fun & I look forward to when we can "play" again - she's such a lucky gal to get to go to Journalfest & Artfest this year - I'm going to want to hear all about it!

To my teachers at Art Unraveled, I just want to thank each of you - what an inspirational week we all had, and I can't wait to get busy practicing what I learned from each of you. Although eleven classes in eight days is LOT to digest, I just can't believe what we were all able to do in those eight days.

Linda & Chuck are the organizers for Art Unraveled, and they do a whale of a job! Thanks to them!

My first class of the week was "Hard Candy" a wonderful class on copper enameling by Melissa Manley. Melissa did a great job in helping us transform sheets of copper into baubles that we could transform into other things. Just look at what I brought home from this class. I'll post pictures of what I make with these little gems, and the additional copper enameling I plan on doing. Love it!

I also took two classes by husband and wife team Thomas & Jane Wynn. In Jane's class, called "Science Under Glass," we worked on floating solder over a brass or copper sheet, and then adding a bezel, which then housed a beautiful butterfly wing. It is to be a pendant, and I have yet to finish it, because I also made a round bezel, and added some pearls to the bottom, and a connector to the top. I'm going to add something fun with a little Ice Resin into the bezel - I think it's going to be stunning!! I LOVED soldering!

C. R. Radding did a wonderful class on making a heart pin from wire and beads. Here's my pin, which I just couldn't finish that evening - too much close work for one day. My eyes just gave out mid attachment - that's why you see a piece of wire sticking out from both sides of the round thing (button) on the right side of the heart - I just had to stop. When I finish it, I'll post again.

Carrie Imai did a GREAT workshop for five of us gals, titled "Art for the Non-Artist." Too many cool things to show from the class, but I will show two things (I came home with a pile of papers almost an inch thick from that class!): First, we worked on using watercolors to make clouds -

Then, we worked on a water color painting of grasses or weeds. I just LOVED this technique!

Speaking of watercolor, I took Jane LaFazio's workshop on watercolors journal style. Her style is so wonderful, and she is such a good and patient teacher - I went into this class on Kim's suggestion, even though I kept saying, "But Kim, I can't draw.... I CAN'T draw."

Kim very nicely told me that Jane could teach me to draw. See what happened when I listened to Kim!!:

Okay, so maybe I CAN draw - a little!! (**snort!**)

I have followed Mary Beth Shaw's work for quite a while now, and last summer went to see her booth at the Nashville Art Fair while we were there for the ASBDA convention. It was hotter there than I can ever remember being (or at least for a LONG time), and we didn't stay nearly long enough. THEN, the Art Unraveled class list came out, and guess who was on it? Well, Mary Beth's class became one of my "non-negotiables" for this AU, and look what I did in her class, "Moving in the Right Circles":

I had so much fun in that class, and look forward to working with her again in the future.

Serena Barton is another artist whose blog and work I follow - she taught her "Wabi Sabi" process at AU, and again, that was just another "non-negotiable" for me. Kim and I got to take the class together, and it was so much fun! Here's two pieces that I did in Serena's class:

As I mentioned, I took eleven classes, so I have more to show you, and will do so in an upcoming post. In addition, I have more pictures and stories to share from other summer events & travels. I look forward to sharing.

To those friends that I made connections with again while at AU - it was fun to see you and see how you're doing. It seems like the few days that we are there just fly by! To my new friends that I made, from both near and far, I enjoyed meeting all of you, and look forward to "arting" with you again in the near future.

And for now, I have to get thinking about my next post - I can't believe it, but my next post is Number One-Hundred!! See you soon!

Summertime beauty

2010-07-23T08:15:00.003-04:00

This beautiful sunset brought to you from the top of the John Hancock Building in Chicago. Lovely.

One Month Later - So Many Stories, So Many Memories

2010-07-22T17:15:00.004-04:00

So, I was noticing that my last post was exactly one month ago today. Wow, has time flown. I've done so many wonderful things in the past month, I am very blessed.

Since I last wrote, I have:

Had my students perform in a wonderful parade (I got to march through twice!!)
Ate caramel corn from the caramel corn lady that comes to town only once a year - what a treat!
Driven to Orlando to preside over a marvelous and energizing convention of wonderful educators - again I feel blessed to be part of such a tremendous group of people.
Driven back to Michigan to do laundry and...
Drive to the summer camp I have now worked at for 22 years, and work with some wonderful students and tremendous professionals. We'll put on a concert in a few days, and it's going to be outstanding (if I do say so myself!)

Whew.

And today... I learned how to "cast off" in knitting. This, after of course, learning how to knit just before we went to Orlando. Now, mind you, I don't know purl. No, I know "knit." That's it. Today I expanded my knitting knowledge by 100%, as I now know "casting off." You may ask, but you must have "cast on." Yes, yes, I did. I didn't retain a thing. I am going to "cast on" with my new yummy yarn, and hopefully this time it will stick. I am also going to learn "purl." I have a great teacher - a woman who taught needle arts in a high school for 33 years. She assures me that she can teach "even me...." We'll see, but so far, so good!

See my new scarf - the object of my "casting off" lesson today!

And see my yummy new yarn that will be the next scarf. I am not sure, but what I will only do "knit" on this scarf, as well, as I like the idea of the textured yarn and the nubbie quality of the use of only "knit." Rats - my teacher told me what that is called (there's a name for it), and I have forgotten that. Back to class!!

The whirlwind continues

2010-06-22T17:23:00.003-04:00

In the midst of some of the busiest times of my life come these amazing flowers. I smile each time I walk by them. And...I try to remember to stop and enjoy them! The business & hurry hurry of today will not last, and eventually things will slow down enough to get back to enjoying art and friends, but for now, I just have to remember to breathe deeply & take enjoyment in all things.

Oh, and journals

2010-05-02T20:19:00.002-04:00

Okay, so there are a pile of unfinished journals on my work table. Some **spoken for**, some to just make. Okay, so they're going to get made some time within the next couple of weeks.

It's always interesting to me to watch how the creative process goes - there is a time that I walk by the pile of unfinished journals and say "Ugh, I can't even imagine doing that..." That's been going on for at least 2 years, in my case..... I'm admitting it. And yesterday, after I finished my assignment for my class, and I had no more time for 'creating' I said "oh, that looks like so much FUN...' Yes, it's a mysterious thing, the creative process.

But, Journals will be produced. Journals will be sent - Laura email me your address. I owe you a pink and black journal, and I'm thinking maybe a little more! :-)

I am so excited

2010-05-02T20:10:00.002-04:00

Well, it's May, State Festivals are over, I've been to a Michigan Music Conference meeting, the ASBDA Convention appears to be pretty well in hand, and now I can focus on the things I like to do. I spent the day yesterday catching up on things I like to do: 1) I did my assignments for my Juliana Coles class - I'm completely caught up. It was fun, I am doing this class about an "Extreme Art Journal" - pics to come. 2) I did some work on the yard. Yup, yard work. Me. Don't like the work, LOVE the result. 3) Got to dream of when I don't have to work on someone else's clock.

Then today, I spent the better part of a day working at a Michigan Music Conference meeting. Love working on coming up with ideas, and implementing those ideas. Don't like a lot of the rest. I guess that's why I want to be in business for myself some time in the future. Maybe sooner rather than later - who knows.

I am so excited, however, with possibilities. I love the possibilities of new ideas. I think that's what I've always loved about being a band conductor - the possibilities of new ideas, new things - new problems to solve.

Perhaps it's time to have new problems to solve. Perhaps. Time will tell.

Juliana Coles online class

2010-04-25T21:56:00.002-04:00

Hey, Kim - I see we're both in the Julianna Coles online class - I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm gong to have to hurry to finish before June 10th! HA! Just joined today, so now I have to pick out a book. I've missed taking classes from Julianna, and this is JUST what I remember. It will be a good time!

Don't forget to enjoy the moment.

2010-04-25T21:50:00.004-04:00

My friend Lucy, the secretary at one of the schools where I teach, sent me an email last week to tell me that she had the list of kids who would be helping me on Thursday and Friday as we hosted our last evaluations of the year (with literally thousands of people coming - 24 groups, each group made up of between 30 - 80 kids and the additional parents/grandparents/well-wishers who follow each group - stress levels were high) with words that I've really thought about since then - she said "do great things, but don't forget to enjoy the moment."

Thanks, Lucy - I did enjoy the moment - it was sublime! One of the best concerts I can remember conducting.

And now, it's spring - don't forget to enjoy the moment!

Where the Heck Have You Been?

2010-03-11T16:03:00.002-05:00

you might be asking? Well, band directors get really busy in February & March - especially if you're also a judge (like me...)

So, I've been judging solo & ensemble festivals and band & orchestra festivals, hosting a day of festival here at my school, taking my own bands to festival, getting kids ready for solo & ensemble, and on and on and on. I promise I'll get posting more often. But, probably not yet for a while - it's now State Festival season, plus I'm working on stuff for ASBDA.

Thanks for being patient with me - I promise I'll post soon.

Remains of the Day

2010-02-15T17:17:00.004-05:00

Kim - I'm posting this so you can see my "Remains of the Day" journal. This is a wonderful on-line class by Mary Ann Moss - she does beautiful mixed media work, and has these wonderful journals that she makes. She just did an on-line class, and thankfully it was a "take it when you can" kind of class - during the school year, I'm not very good with a "this week to this week" kind of class with a definite beginning and ending and work that you have to keep up with. Well, like take this week, for example. Right now I'm home for about an hour and a half, then I have to go to the elementary school to have our 5th grade band beginner parent night.

(Wait, you might ask, why are you doing beginning band starting in FEBRUARY - don't most people usually do that in September or October??? Yes, that's true, but that's another entire post, and and I suppose I shall just leave it all unsaid -- but yes, I'm just now - in February - going to start beginning band ..........)

Then, tomorrow night is the Pre-Evaluations Concert in the evening, but first it's jazz band morning - so that means getting to school an entire hour early for jazz band. Plus it's Tuesday, which means it's Study Hall day, which means I get 20 minutes to end one class, pack up, lock up the room, drive to another building, unpack, eat lunch, and then start another class.

Then, it's Wednesday, and the first day of beginning band, in a classroom, with what appears to be 57 kids. Yup. Fifty-seven. (almost 50% of the entire grade) No chairs, no stands, but desks, and another teacher (did I mention that the classroom is, er, occupied?????)

Then, it's Thursday, just go back to tuesday, lather rinse & repeat, but this time without jazz band.

Now, some place in there, this week, I get a haircut, teach two lessons, maybe 3, and just do all the normal things of life.

That is why a normal online class doesn't work for me.

But, this one did. So, below, feast your eyes on the pictures of my Remains of the Day Journal, so far.

And now I'm off to the rest of my week! Have a great one!

Summer Dreamin'

2010-02-14T15:10:00.001-05:00

Enjoy!

Swap stuff done

2010-02-07T15:49:00.003-05:00

I just finished my chunky book pages for the swap for Art Unraveled's Technique book this year. I'm excited about the fact that I made little bitty "trashy clutches" like we made in Alissa Burke's class this past August at AU. 29 little clutches, stuffed with a business card & a "how I did it" information sheet. I think they should bind into a book pretty well. And imagine, all that from a grocery bag! Pretty cool, eh?

Solo & Ensemble Day

2010-01-29T18:27:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is high school solo & ensemble day, and we're off to Cadillac High School. The students are ready, and now it's time to go and play for the judges. I'll try to get some pictures of some of my students playing tomorrow and post. Needless to say, there's been little in the arena of art making.

I have a swap due soon, and I knew I would need to have gotten the swap mainly done over the holidays, but that just didn't happen, so I guess Sunday will be a big art making day for me. I have lots of things to do for school, for band, and for ASBDA, but I'll get some art making in there, too. I think I need to splash a little paint around, it will be good for the soul.

See you again soon!

Michigan All-State

2010-01-24T20:29:00.002-05:00

Congrats and kudos to all the kids in the Michigan All-State Bands and Orchestras - this past three days was wonderful & I was impressed by the performances on Saturday morning. What wonderful musicians we have here in Michigan, both band and orchestra! Thanks also to our outstanding directors - Dr. Andrea Strauss from Shorter University in Georgia, Dr. Robert Hasty from Northwestern University, Gerardo Edelstein from Penn State, and John Whitwell, Professor Emeritus from Michigan State University. I'm 'plum tuckered out' from the weekend, and also smiling from ear to ear. What a great time!

Did I Show You?

2010-01-03T18:48:00.003-05:00

Did I show you all the cool stuff I made at Art Unraveled? Did I show you some of the other cool stuff I've been working on lately? Well, if I did, I'll chalk this up to forgetfulness. If I didn't - here's some new things to gaze upon!

This is the clutch purse & coin purse that I made in Alissa Burke's class at Art Unraveled - oh my she is a sweetie! If you like the idea of shabby chic (she calls it trashy chic, because yes, these items were made out of what others might call trash - brown paper bag and insert from junk mail) then hop on over to Alissa's website/blog & take one of her classes. I've taken a couple online classes with her so far, and have learned something new on each one. I understand she has a video out, as well, and I might have to put that on my wish list!

This is the book I made in Leighanna Light's class at Art Unraveled - I love it! The thing I like best about it is the cover, on which we used amber shellac. I'd never used amber shellac, and kept reading other artists (look at me, saying "other artists..." like I'm one, too.... *grin*) talk about using amber shellac on their projects and I finally got a chance to use it. And yes, when I got home, I went right to Wahr Hardware (the local hardware store) and bought a can. Sadly, it's sitting unopened, but I feel a snow day coming on some time soon (maybe even tomorrow, because it's absolutely frightful outside right now and not supposed to get any better) and will launch into some serious project work using amber shellac - I have several things just sitting there waiting.

Which leads me to my next story - the class I'm taking right now. My friend Kim emailed me last evening saying that I needed to take this online class with Mary Ann Moss - that I'd just love it. She was taking it and knew that I'd love it. (she was right!) Anyway, the funny thing is that I had been waiting until the drive home from Georgia to visit the in-laws to sign up for the class - I had signed up for the class on Thursday!!! LOL - Kim, great minds think alike!

So, I'm working on my "Remains of the Day Journal" today - this is the class that I'm taking online from Mary Ann Moss (no, Laura, it's not the pink and black journal I promised you - yours is sitting on my work bench, almost done.... I PROMISE....) when I run out of brown thread. So.... now I need brown thread AND a snow day....

Have a great day!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010 everyone! I wish you blessings in this new year!

Holiday Fun

2009-12-28T08:51:00.004-05:00

We have had lots of fun so far this Holiday season. I made a painting for my mother in law, and I am very proud of it. It's on a 8 x 10 canvas, and has collage, and acrylics and charcoal, and layers and layers and layers. I made a couple of 4 x 5 at the same time, working first on one and then on the other.

Sometimes I just LOVE the patterns on my work table - this one's been "gaining character" for quite some time - read that as "she hasn't changed the paper for a LONG time..."

These are a pair of the earrings that I made for the craft show. I actually made these following the craft show, put them in my "earring box" and they sold almost immediately. I had several people who wanted to look through "the box" and bought pairs for gifts (and a few for themselves, I believe!). I'm going to make more of these, as I had some requests for the same design - I got the materials in just before Christmas break, so I will be working on several more pairs like this, and a few other designs that I like, pretty soon now. It's rather fun coming up with new designs that I like, and hopefully that others will like, as well.

Well, enough from holiday land - hope all is well at your house!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:14:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonderful day with family & friends!
Cindy

Big Day!

2009-12-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

Today is a big day for our friend Jim - best wishes to you Jim for a speedy recovery & a happy holiday season!

It's Christmas, let the mad dash begin

2009-12-22T23:51:00.002-05:00

So, the last day of school before holiday break is over, and I've got a cold, Mike's got a cold. The cards are sitting on the dining room table (along with lots of other stuff) unsent. The presents are all bought, but none wrapped. Oh well. It will be a wonderful Christmas, and a wonderful family time whether any of this gets done or not, won't it? Here's to a blessed Christmas to everyone - enjoy your family - enjoy your time together!

Manistee Craft Show 2009

2009-12-06T08:37:00.004-05:00

What a fun day & what a fun time to get to see and speak with so many people I just don't get a chance to see very often - I think I like the social aspect as much as the opportunity to show off my other side! Everyone was so kind with their comments, and it was fun to see folks respond to the fact that it was "my stuff" -- thanks so much to all of you!

I have a necklace that I promised I would post here for one nice gal - hope this picture helps you out. If you are interested in this necklace, please contact me - I love this one - it shimmers with little glints of gold on the glass beads. the total length is 19 inches (I know, not actually a standard length, but I liked where it hung at that length), and the price is $110.00. If you are interested, just contact me and I'll be happy to arrange delivery!

I've added a few pictures here, and will add some more on some other posts. Another nice gal encouraged me to put some things on etsy, and so this morning, I'm actually going to post a few items to my etsy shop - http://www.vittoriabella.etsy.com/ - come and visit me there! I'll try to keep a few things there, but if you need or want something, please feel free to email.

Well, after a day of craft show, Community Band Concert, Sleigh Bell Parade - I think I need to do a little catching up - hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Art Unraveled 2010 site is working!

2009-11-23T10:57:00.001-05:00

Hi All! Just a quick note that the Art Unraveled site is now operational - check out the offerings and maybe we'll be in a class or two together!!??!!

What life brings

2009-11-11T12:22:00.000-05:00

Well, nothing bad has been going on, just a LOT has been going on. Mostly great stuff, just a lot of it. Seems like that's what life is - balancing all the "stuff" and still finding time to enjoy the little things.

We DID go on our adventure with little yellow a few weekends ago - it was fun, and I didn't take any pictures, so I can't post them. What I really enjoyed about the day was the freedom NOT to do things - not to feel obligated to take pictures to post, not to feel obligated to do anything for someone else, not to feel obligated to do something productive.

I think that in the midst of all the "must do's" of what life brings, we must find time to have a couple of moments of "don't need to do's" along the way.

Balance - I think it's all balance. Now, where did I leave my balance??? LOL - truly, does anyone else struggle with keeping balance?

crisp fall days

2009-10-18T09:15:00.003-04:00

These last few days have been the very definition of fall in northern Michigan - crisp and cold, with the sounds of raking leaves off in the distance. (I mean, really, they're great mulch - why would I need to rake them???)

Today is supposed to be a sunny one, albeit cold, and I believe we're getting out "little yellow" and seeing where it takes us. I'll post pics of our adventure.

I've been working in the studio quite a bit - Kendra, my latest passion is earrings because of you. Yes, I have several more journals to make before the craft show, and LOTS of cards to get done. But... I have been making some fun earrings in that "shabby chic" style I seem to like so much. Each and every one of them is one I think I would like to wear, so I won't cry too much if they don't sell. LOL.

I also made a killer necklace, bracelet and earrings based on bracelet kits sold by Kaari Meng at French General. I saw the little glass beads that looked like pearls, and well, that was it. Just had to get them, and then I did my own "take" on her idea. OOOHHH, that set is not going anywhere. I wore them to my cousins wedding a few weeks ago, and must admit I looked smashing!! (LOL) Well, at least I thought I did.

Kendra gave me some wonderful earrings - if you're coming to the Manistee craft show, her booth will be right next to mine, and you'd better stop and check it out. She does these fun and funky earrings that are great, well made, and really affordable. I think she's going to do really well at the craft show, so come on out and support her - her booth is "Forced to Create." I'll post pics here shortly. Next I'm going to see if she'll get an etsy store up and running, for those of you who live away from Michigan. If she will, I will - it's actually one of my goals after this year, to open my etsy store again.

Well, enough ramblings - have an artsy day, everyone!

Okay, I'm back, I promise

2009-10-11T20:18:00.003-04:00

One of my goals this school year, was to post regularly here and at the ASBDA Blog. (For those of you who are my art friends, you probably don't know that I'm the National President of a Band Director's organization this year - we have a blog - I need to post regularly, quite frankly) I haven't so far, mainly because my mind has been totally consumed here with stuff from work. Hopefully I'll be able to write a little about this some day. For now, no. Suffice it to say, however, that I feel very humbled by the feeling of support I have had. Nonetheless, I have found my thoughts totally consumed by this dark fog, and now, ever so slowly, I feel that I am coming out of it. So, I plan on beginning now and posting regularly. What is it that I say to my students constantly???? "START WHERE YOU ARE." You can't go back, you can only go forward, so Start Where You Are.

Today, I start again. Where I am.

It was a horribly wet, rainy day yesterday, and we had Homecoming - which meant a parade (it was sunny for that, albeit cold. COLD.) And then the football game. Started sunny. (and cold. COLD) and got colder, and darker, and colder and darker, until it began to rain. AND THEN TO SNOW.

Not fair.

Today, however, was pretty sunny throughout, and was while cold, bearable. I put on my hoodie sweatshirt & was just fine. It was nice to get a lot of things done. I got to cross a lot off my list today. That always feels good.

And it felt good to start. It felt good to smile. It felt good to feel lightness again.

To all my friends out there - I hope you have a light, sunny, bright, warm day!! I'll have more to say in a few days. Until then - start where you are! (it felt good to take my own advice!)

Note to Hardy Family

2009-09-10T18:47:00.002-04:00

Video of the students will be posted tomorrow, (Friday) and I will be trying to post on the MHS Band Website, as we had spoken about. Sorry for the inconvenience.

More stuff

2009-08-20T09:05:00.004-04:00

One of my classes that I just "had" to take at AU this year was Richard Salley's Copper Enameled Bracelet. While anyone who knows me well, knows I adore bracelets, it wasn't about the bracelet that I went ga-ga, it was the chance to learn copper enameling. If I did only one class at AU this year, it was going to be this one. **And was I petrified ~ after all, this involves fire!!** LOL!! (Thanks, Kim, for talking me through my momentary panic just before class began!!)

I did a necklace, too, and fired some other pieces for someone else, because I was all done and had no more copper read to fire. This seemed just as natural to me as walking -- in fact a couple of the ladies watched what I was doing, because they said that I made it look easy. HA!

Kim said before I went in, that I would probably love the class, and then want to do it more. And it's funny, it was so very easy, almost natural to me, but I think I need more practice before I want to do a lot more of it. Right now, I'm thinking I may take the same class from him again next year, try it some more, and then see if I want to continue. For now, no more new stuff. (Well, that's not true ~ I bought a new sewing machine yesterday. I'd drooled over it for a while, and finally just went down & purchased. Ooh, it will be fun & and I'll post pics when I've got it up and running.)

Anyway, here's the bracelet - and the necklace I made from the bracelet scraps - complete with a toggle that I created out of some of the leftover wire from someone else's project. Geesh - once a scavenger, always a scavenger, I guess!

And, here's one of the panels from my class with Jane LaFazio, called "Paper on Cloth Collage." It will be interesting to see what it looks like once I add the stitching (with my new machine), as that will outline the flower, create the stem, and give some other little accents. When it's done, I will post.

Until next time ~ have a great day!

More Art Unraveled Projects

2009-08-18T07:40:00.002-04:00

One of the evening classes (a 3 hour class) that I took at Art Unraveled was with Kelly Kilmer - her "Little Book of Faux Monoprints." A great class where we painted and made little monoprints and then bound the pages into little books. Look at the cool pages, and the two neat little books I made that evening.

Another cool class was with Katie Kendrick, and okay, so my finished picture is laying on it's side in this post -- LOL, I'm going to try scanning it & inputting it again, anyway - I'm finding I'm not liking the posts with pictures of my projects as much as the very few that I've done with scans - so, here's a sideways "glimpse" of my finished project, along with a pic of Kim, Katie and myself -- isn't Kim's picture GREAT?

That's all for now - more later! Be artistic today!

What a time it was!

2009-08-16T18:43:00.003-04:00

I've returned home from Art Unraveled in Phoenix. What a wonderful time it was. I think this year's classes were some of the best I've taken. I have so many cool projects to show - I finished EVERY project!!! (Now, to be fair, not every class was a project class - and to be fair, by Sunday evening I was pretty "full" of art stuff, but I still finished something in every class!!)

It was fun to reconnect with friends - Kim, it was great to spend time laughing and giggling with you, and making art. It was fun to make some new friends & getting better acquainted with people that I had met in previous years.

Over the next few days, I'll show you some of the work I did, and the people I spent time with - here's a start!

First stop, Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale - I regularly watch the blog of this amazing Rubber Stamp store, and owner Debbie Bick has an amazing selection - it's like I'm making a pilgrimage when I walk in the doors!! Debbie is so fun, too - we laughed a lot the entire time I was there - turned out she was signed up for one of the same classes later in the week. To give you an idea of how great her store is, and filled with so much inspiration, take a look at the shelf behind her head - here's a close up of the books with the beautiful bindings that she has made - such eye candy I could stand and look at them for quite a long time!!

Kim & I took "Watercolor Transfer" from the gracious and kind Carla Sonheim. This is a wonderful technique and the results were astounding - although the picture below doesn't do it justice, the colors are muted, soft, flowing and dreamy - it's cool.

BTW - Kim & I met 4 years ago at Art Unraveled - she now lives in the Phoenix area, after having moved from Southern California. She was the first person I met at Art Unraveled, standing in line to register - we've been friends ever since. It was SO fun to get to share classes with her, and to spend time together -- this evening was the first time we'd seen each other in 2 years - yes, there was a lot of happy chatter from both of us during this class!!

L to R - me, Carla, Kim

aren't the colors dreamy?

Okay, I have to admit, when Carla saw this, she politely asked me, "so, are you a graphic designer or an accountant? Everything is so very orderly, I just assume you are a very orderly person." Hence, I tried to loosen up a little bit more on the others.... LOL!!!

Well, that's it for today - until next time!

To Camp We Go!

2009-08-02T19:03:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm off to camp again! This time, it's art camp - Art Unraveled. I plan on posting pics to the blog as often as I can, to let you know about the classes I'm taking. It's going to be a fun trip, and one I've looked forward to since signing up for classes in February - it seems a little mean to make us sign up for classes in February and then wait.....wait......wait.....6 full months to get to take them.
Alas. Perhaps I should just be happy that I get all the time of blissful anticipation!

Until next time - from Art Unraveled! (or maybe someplace between here and there!)

A little look at camp

2009-07-30T07:28:00.004-04:00

Here's a little look at camp - where Mike & I lived for 12 days, and worked with some great kids. Some shots of our cabin & the surroundings.

Some shots of the tops of various rehearsal sheds - since they had kids in them, I didn't take pics of any rehearsals.

Another interesting project I found myself in, was to find letters in and around camp - I'll post about the "letters" I found another day.

Until then!

Where have you been?

2009-07-27T22:46:00.002-04:00

So for the past two weeks (12 days to be exact) Mike and I were teaching at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a summer school of the arts about an hour and 15 minutes south of where we live. It's a wonerful gathering of artistic types, and for two weeks each summer, for the past many years (this was year 21 for me!) we converge on the camp, along with lots (this year nearly 1500) of high school age students to study music, art, drama, and dance. Mike & I each teach a concert band, this year they were 125 kids strong! Yesterday we presented our final concert for families before they picked up the kids and took them home. Come Wednesday morning, the camp will start all over again, with 1500 more kids - this time middle school aged! They do 4 different 2 week sessions.
During final Sunday, I took a walk through the art exhibit, and it was wonderful! There were linoleum block prints, pottery, painting, sketching, fiber arts, textile design, and even some mixed media! I had a student of mine from home who was in the art studio during this past session, so I looked for her art work ~ it was very good! Artistic kids!
I have lots of pictures of camp, and now that I'm back where there is internet availability - I'll share with you some pictures from around camp. For those of you who follow this blog, I know several of you went there as students ~ hope this brings back memories. For those of you who don't know anything about the place, well, imagine a place where creativity flows freely, in an idyllic setting in the northern Michigan woods. (and sand, LOTS and LOTS of sand.....and a few bugs, but hey, it's camp!).
More later!

My new pink binding machine

2009-07-12T04:11:00.004-04:00

Isn't it pretty?

Yes, I have the *blue* binding machine. And yes, the coil binder, too. What's a girl to do? I mean, it's PINK!!!! (Reminder to anyone who knows me that I bought my *pink* camera case a full year before I had a camera that would fit it. It was so darned cute & I knew my old digital camera would give out soon....)

Okay, really, it's not for the color (not completely, anyway), it's because I've got this box of cool vintage Reader's Digest Condensed books - the ones with the cool patterned covers -- that someone was throwing out and I protested - "Give them to ME!" and they did.

Well, turns out the old blue binder's opening was too small to fit the book covers, so I would have had to have used my screw punch to punch holes, which would then only fit the coil binder. Not a biggie, but I wanted to use the O-Wires of the Zutter. (insert whine here)

So.... I finally got on ebay and found one at a price I would pay. Now, it's here, along with the bag and tool kit (yes, I got all three) and now I'm going to start playing. I'm figuring on taking it to camp & binding several of a new style journal that I'm going to start making. Plus, I have a BUNCH of journals whose signatures & covers are all ready to be bound together (finally) just waiting for me to haul them down to camp. (Yup, could have done this here, and wouldn't be dragging them an hour down the road to do a simple binding job one each one of them. But, hey, why not drag more STUFF with me, eh?)

As for the brick courtyard, as Mike puts it, One Thousand, Six Hundred, Sixty Two Bricks and counting. Yup, once again, out of hand. But.... I think it's going to make for some magnificent gatherings! Anyone in?

Swaps are sent

2009-07-11T07:16:00.003-04:00

(FYI - there are pictures in the post, pictures of artwork I did! But... you have to earn your way to them, by reading through my entire diatribe!! Pictures at the bottom. Don't cheat! Read it all!)

"It sounded like a good idea at the time." What a mouthful.

Anyway, right now that could describe many things in my life, how about yours? Okay, we'll start with the courtyard. Mike keeps reminding me that "I'd be done right now, if the courtyard was the size I envisioned (Mike envisioned, not Cindy). But nooooooo, it has to be the biggest courtyard outside of New Orleans." Umm, what's wrong with that, I ask?

Well, what's wrong with that, is that it requires much more in the way of alignment (I wanted the little bricks that look like cobblestones, so there are many, many more lines to keep straight), and much, much more sand. Mike's already made one trip back to the brick place to buy more sand. It came, on the big truck with the hoist, etc, etc. You guessed it, we're almost out of sand. No grouting has been done - need more sand.

The size of the courtyard seemed like a good idea at the time. (It still does.)

Then there was the whole swap thingy for Art Unraveled. It'll be summer, I said. It'll be easier to fit into my schedule, I said. I have lots of ideas, I said.

It was a good idea at the time.

But...finally, the inchies and the fatbook pages are done, and both are sent. See below.

The inchies are done on my milking machine filters, giving them a gauzy appearance and texture that's hard to capture on a camera. Lots of layers of paint and spray & whatever I grabbed. I liked them just like that, but then I went on line and looked up "inchies" and saw that most inchies also have a focal image. Argghhh.... It seemed like a good idea at the time.

So, what to do? I looked and looked and looked, and finally came up with the idea of a dragonfly brad in the same color as the main "swoosh" of color (copper) in the inchies. And with that, I said "voila." And promptly stuck 'em in an envelope & mailed them. Too late now if I come up with another idea.

Then there are the fatbook pages. Went to Mike & Rita Duvall's on the Art Snake, and Rita does these amazing abstracts that are very linear and geometric, so you know I loved 'em. That got me going on the fatbook pages I had done - they already had the background and the words on them. (This year's Art Unraveled theme is: Moments).

Many hours later, many thoughts on how to integrate everything I had hoped to integrate, and voila, yesterday, I put them together and mailed 'em off. Too late now if I come up with another idea.

And there you have it. 21 inchies, 28 fatbook pages, all done individually. Geesshh. It seemed like a good idea at the time!

Have a great day!

The bottom of the bag

2009-07-10T11:51:00.003-04:00

Arrgghh... it's always so sad when I get to the bottom of the bag of caramel corn from the "Caramel Corn Wagon" in Manistee -- it's only here from about June 25 until about July 5. It's funny how many people you see at the wagon each summer - the stuff is outrageous good, and we all come & indulge once a year.

As a side note, the wagon parks on the parade route. For 28 years, I have marched by the caramel corn wagon, many years two times, thinking - I really would like to just stop and buy a bag to eat for the rest of the parade. Sometimes, during the parade, as I've marched by, they've been making the stuff.... oh my, the smell is deeeelicious. Makes me nearly come unglued.

I think my plans are made for the final 4th of July parade in which I march with a Manistee band!! LOL!! So, I guess if you read this, be warned, if you're near the end of the parade, and you see me a munchin' away on my bag of caramel corn, you probably know that my plans for the following September have been made!! LOL!!!

Pictures from the project!

2009-07-08T18:54:00.003-04:00

My courtyard in progress. First the paver bricks arrived.

The work on leveling the ground, and placing and leveling the sand.

The side yard. Complete with neighborhood teenage help (aka. The Cavalry!!)

Chain Saw Cindy - I have now learned a new marketable skill!

Have a great day!

What a great project!

2009-07-08T18:37:00.002-04:00

I love New Orleans. I live about as far away from New Orleans in every sense of the word, as is humanly possible. However, that doesn't dampen my feelings for that wonderful place.

One of the things that I adore about New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter, but all over the areas that I have visited, is the way that they have found a good use for every single space. I *adore* the courtyards, often hidden behind a wall or a fence or a gate. The hotel we've stayed at each time we've gone to New Orleans has a wonderful courtyard to just sit and relax. I love the courtyard lifestyle.

Well, when we remodeled our garage, a few years back (and by remodeling, I mean tearing down everything except 1 small section of 1 wall.....), the idea that I'd floated a few years ago, about putting a courtyard between the house & the garage came back with a vengeance. So..... last weekend, right after the 4th festivities, I started whining (yes, I was whining) about the fact that this entire summer was going to go by and I wouldn't be able to sit on my courtyard and sip iced tea (or anything else).

You see, we were going to go to Chicago, eat at a restaurant we found when we were there at Thanksgiving, and take our Neighborhood Tour that we won in the VanderCook Silent Auction. That, and not a lot else - maybe do a bicycle tour or a Segway tour like we've talked about doing for years.

Mike, ever the wise one, said when my whining ensued anew last weekend, "well, we can go to
Chicago, and no, you won't have your courtyard this summer, either. Or, we could stay here, and I could put in the courtyard."

Chicago or Courtyard became the question. And while I *love* Chicago, I *LOVE* New Orleans, and the idea of finally having my courtyard won out. So, we are here in Manistee, and Mike is busily working on the courtyard, putting in 10 - 12 hour work days. He's happy as a clam, even if he is a little achey.

And me? Well, I got up this morning and noticed that the weather prediction was for it to only get up to about 67 degrees today (that is an entirely different blog post, I fear...) and so it would be a good day for me to clean out the old, overgrown flower beds in our yard, and clear out some of the brush between out house and the house next door (where my art studio is located).

Geesh, what a good idea that was (tongue squarely in my cheek...), and now I'm wondering if my 50 year old body was up to the task. I called a couple of the neighbor kids who are in the band, and asked if they'd like a little spending money in exchange for hauling, bagging, and pulling to the curb.

But... I got to learn how to use a chain saw (and there's more that Chain Saw Cindy will be cuttin' down in the future, now that I know how to tame that machine!), and I must admit, I'm on a roll here, and I think the backyard will look pretty good by the end of August!!

I'll post pictures of the progress soon - Hope everything is well with you, where ever you are!

July 4th in Small Town America

2009-07-05T08:50:00.003-04:00

It's been a wonderful National Forest Festival here in Manistee - lots going on, like the 4th of July Parade, the fireworks, the carnival, the food vendors, lots of music, and today it's the Arts & Crafts Show, the Onekama Art Snake (artists around the Onekama area open their studios- our friends, the Duvalls have their studio open, along with several others who we know & some who we don't!), the Plein Air Exhibit at the Ramsdell Theatre's Exhibit Hall (it's a Victorian Era Opera House with attached ballrooms, where the exhibits are held), the WWII Bomber on exhibit at the airport, the car show & cruise night last night, oh I could go on and on. Community festivals like this are one of the very, very best reasons to live in a small town, and especially a small town in the Midwest (yes, I'm biased!).

So, I took my yellow car to cruise night last night - it was fun. Look at me with my cruise car!

I've also put in a couple of pictures of the bands in the parade - since this is what I "do," I figured that everyone might like to see me workin' on the holiday!

Today it's off to the Arts & Crafts Show, the Art Snake, and if there's time, the Plein Air exhibit. What fun - I hope your 4th of July holiday has been wonderful, where ever you are!

Windows and Doors and Barrels, Oh my!

2009-06-28T22:36:00.003-04:00

I've always loved windows and doors - don't know why, and I didn't know others liked them, too, until I started on this art "journey." But, I've got old photos that I took of windows and doors many, many years ago - long before ever even thinking I might one day call myself, among other things, an artist.

In a few years ago, we went to south easern Illinois to try a Moonshine Burger from the Moonshine store. (I'll blog about that some time, but suffice it to say, Mike & I agree - we're going back!) On the way back to the main road, we came across a dilapidated home, with the most amazing doors and windows, and well, I just had to stop and take some pics.

We also stopped at a historic site with more wonderful picture opportunities - I hope you enjoy!

Amazing tomato

2009-06-27T09:53:00.004-04:00

Mike always laughs about the fact that he grew up in the suburbs, and "has farming in his blood." (said with that southern accent!) So.... of course, we've started corn and green beans indoors (yes, you read that correctly, that means transplanting corn and green beans - anyone who is a farmer knows you don't do that...) to great, overwhelming success, and last year, Mike broke off a piece of one of his tomato plants at the end of the summer and said "I'm going to plant it and see what happens."

Yup, you guessed it, it is still thriving, and we've eaten several tomatoes from it. In fact, there are more blooms right now. Yes, grown in a window, indoors, in northern Michigan during the winter. Can you say, low sun angle, and grey days?

So, as evidence, here is the plant. Still looking good, still providing tomatoes for us, as if to say, "I'm really thankful you didn't leave me out side in the winter, so I'll just keep producing for you!" Go figure!

Donation

2009-06-25T06:33:00.004-04:00

Since I don't work on art pieces beyond cards and an occasional journal page much during the school year, to say that since April I've been working in series seems a little presumptuous, but that's the truth. I've been working "in series," and only now have the time to spend really working this series of pieces to it's natural conclusion. I have two new pieces, one of which I just donated to the ASBDA Foundation Auction. I also donated 4 packages of cards. I'm happy to say the donations brought the foundation lots of money, and I can't help but say it was kind of fun to sit there and watch my art being bid on furiously by several people. I had one person say to me, once the auction was over, "one of these years, I'm going to get one of your pieces - I love them all!" Ooh, have to tell you, that made me feel pretty good!

I have a couple of other "series" pieces in a different series that I am also working on right now, that I am very pleased with. I have also been working on about 4 pieces that have sat in the studio for 1 - 3 years, just waiting. I haven't ever felt bad about them, you know, I start something, and then set it aside. I have several canvases like that - try something out, see what happens, and then set it aside. Well, I had one of those Archimedes moments on Tuesday, and worked on three of them - so far, they are very pleasing. I have high hopes.

While in Nashville, we went to an art/craft fair at the Parthenon. Now, the Parthenon itself is cool, and if in Nashville, you should go see it - it's a full size replica of the actual Parthenon, and it was built during the time of Nashville's Centennial Exposition. It's the only remaining building on site from that exposition, and it's cool. The upstairs (main floor) houses the world's largest indoor sculpture, and although I didn't get to see that, because the exhibit was closed (they were filming the opening scenes for NBC Monday Night Football...... football follows me through my life, doesn't it?......) the bottom floor is really cool - a mix of art museum and historical museum about the Nashville Centennial Exposition.

Anyway, it was 96 degrees outside, and about 98 % humidity. I think I've only been truly hotter once in my life (in New Orleans in August), and so the art show was a quick once over for me. BUT.... Mary Beth Shaw was there exhibiting, and so I got to meet her, and looked at her work. I LOVED it, but it was SO hot, that I just didn't want to make a decision, and since her works were not inexpensive, I picked up a business card, rather than a piece. Perhaps I'll be able to pick something out via website/email & have her ship it. She was delightful and perky, and it was wonderful to see her work, which I have admired for quite some time, in person!

Been to Nashville, Ya'll

2009-06-24T13:19:00.004-04:00

Mike & I went to the ASBDA National Convention last week - this year it was held in Nashville! So, we did several really fun outings, as well as having several business meetings for the association. Some of the things we did:

We went to the Jack Daniel's Distillery - a really fun trip. It was sure interesting to see all the steps in the process, and to hear about the history.

We got to tour the Ryman Auditorium & visit downtown Nashville. It's a fun city, and there's lots and lots of live music going on downtown. That was fun!

We went to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and took a tour of RCA's Studio B - that's the studio where Elvis made all of his recordings, along with many other famous people. We even made a recording of the group singing "You Ain't Nothing But a Hounddog." Let's just say that it's a good thing that we're band directors! LOL!

We got to catch up, if just for a minute, with composer (and our composition teacher), Jay Dawson - great concert from the Hendersonville High School Band with Jay playing bagpipes!

We got to go see "Cooter's," a museum all about 'The Dukes of Hazzard," which is one of Mike Larsen's favorite old t.v. shows -- we got to see the General Lee, and look at everything imaginable about the Dukes. Hey, I even got my picture made with Daisy's jeep!

We went to the Grand Ole Opry - got to see Vince Gill & Alison Kraus, along with several other wonderful acts. The real treat was getting to go backstage during the Opry, and watch from the "behind the scenes" perspective.

It was a good time, and lots was accomplished during the business meetings, so all in all, it was a week well spent. Now it's back to the real world, and the yard, the kitchen, the laundry, etc. I've already made some new art since returning, that I'll post a picture of soon!

Moderate Success

2009-06-12T17:06:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I went ahead and left the posts the way they came out - just to prove that indeed, everything is not as easy as it might seem. No, I didn't intend to break up the cell phone post mid-sentence, but I DID find the exclamation point on my phone!!! A major breakthrough for me! I can now use both the exclamation point and the question mark. (Oh, don't ask, they were there all along, but thanks, Kathy, for being kind in pointing that out to me.... and yes, I actually snorted during the laughter that happened once she showed me where they were located....) Well, it's off to enjoy the sunny day!

Til next time!

2009-06-12T17:05:00.003-04:00

the exclamation point on the phone !!!! Long story, but suffice it to say that it was a blonde moment - LOL!!!

2009-06-12T17:05:00.001-04:00

Here's another remote post - this time from my cell phone. Since I was able to achieve remote post via email now I want to try texting! Ohhh, and I even used

Posting Remotely

2009-06-12T16:50:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I'm trying an email post here, and we'll see what this is like -
gotta love technology when it works. When it doesn't, well, that's
another story.

It's a bright sunny day here in Michigan, and it's finally warm enough to
call summer. If it's sunny, bright & nice where you are - I challenge you
to go outside & enjoy a bit of the day! That's where I'm headed!

Til next time!

Summer begins, sort of

2009-06-10T07:17:00.003-04:00

Well, the high temp here in Northern Michigan has been around 60 degrees. Yipee.... Makes you really think summer! (said tongue in cheek).

No worries, however, because I have several projects I wanted to get to. Here are some, and my progress on them:
1. Clean out my armoire, drawers, hanging clothes rod, and the several closets - now I'm doing well on that, I've sent several bags of old stuff to the Goodwill, and things are looking good. You might be thinking "closetSSS???" But, you have to remember that I live in a 100+ year old house. Each closet is the size of a very, very small coat closet in a modern house. In fact, the coat closet in our condo in Lansing is MUCH larger than any closet in this house. So.....I have clothes spread out in different spots throughout the house. That's one thing I hope to change in the next few years, but for now, I have gone through most things and decided "stay or go." Took a lot of things to the cleaners,and organized, and spiffy.
2. Get my stuff ready for the ASBDA convention - not there yet, but today's the day.
3. Finish a piece or two for the ASBDA Foundation Auction -- working on it. In fact, working on several pieces. I'll post pics in a day or so.
4. Clean out the spare rooms. Ugh. Not there yet, but working on it. Kind of went along with the #1 thing, because it's just to easy to "drop" stuff (including clothing, etc) into the spare rooms - so they need serious attention every once in a while.
5. Clean out the garden - an ongoing thing every spring. I've done some of this, but then it started to rain, rain, rain, rain and be cold. So, probably will finish after ASBDA Convention.
6. Start the bathroom, kitchen, office & porch projects. Okay, these are HUGE projects, and I won't finish in a day, week or month, but I've got to start somewhere - so once decisions are made, I can take them to a builder, designer, or at least the home improvement store!

Whew! I feel tired just looking at my list, and I haven't told you everything I've done - some fun, some not, but all necessary.

One of my former students saw me last week, and said "I hope you're going to take some time for you and to just RELAX." Whew, is he good, or what? Yup, that's necessary, too, but these things, while being *busy* stuff, are still so different than the day to day for Mike & I, that well, they're relaxing!

Well, enough for today, I've got a list!!

My Sanctuary

2009-06-02T20:14:00.003-04:00

I'm so hapy about the way my studio is setting up - I got my paper storage cabinet set up a few weeks ago, and I just *love* it so much!! I also got a drying rack that I just love & am looking forward to putting to great use.

Look at how the drawers look with my paper in them!!

And I've put quite a few of my pieces all on display on the workbench. I like walking in and seeing this colorful splash.

The last official day of school is tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to having some time around the house. Looking forward to a relaxing summer, at least at times!

Again soon!