Glittergandizing

Now if that isn't the best verb ever! And I used to think Jeannette's 'verandizing' was good.

Are you coming to the Glitterganza? The imagination of Kate McKinnon, the attendance of Kyle Cassidy and Dustin Wedekind and Joyce Rooks and all manner of exciting people....at Balboa park, in the gardens of the Mingei, how could you not? Well maybe if you don't live in some proximity to San Diego, it might seem like a stretch, but I'm pretty sure this is going to be an event to attend. Saturday, April 16th, San Diego, 10 am – 3 pm, starting out with a talk by Kate for the Bead Society of San Diego.

Even my Mark is planning his wardrobe, and there will be a hat involved, he's got a significant hat collection and he wears them well.

I've plans for some ostrich feathers and some jewelry and I have an amazing hat myself.



Go check out Kate's link. I love the photo that Kyle took of us last year (be sure not to miss the levitating dog). I wouldn't want to ever miss the opportunity to take part in Kyle's thoughtful orchestration of a photo.

Cruising to Alaska

Wanna Come?



Time, it's a bit of a funny commodity in this business. On the one hand I plan a year to a year and half out (actually I have one commitment in 2014 already)I prepare a project, write a supply list, take photos and then.....I turn around and focus on what is right in front of me.

This week that would be Beading by the Bay, next week it will be my talk at the Northern California Bead Society and then the Bead Cruise.

But, I mustn't forget to share with you one of those plans I made way back when. I'm going to Alaska! And you can come, we're cruising.

I had never traveled to Alaska prior to 2009 when I was invited by the Alaska Bead Company to come teach. It was beyond gorgeous, a natural beauty that had never been in my experience before. Snow capped mountains, crystal clear waters, blue blue skies, and crisp air. I spent a week, but one of my magical days was a trip to Seward which I describe here.

So when Carole of Creative Castle asked me if I would like to cruise there, I didn't hesitate for a minute. Now I love a nice tropical destination as well, but I think there will be something wonderful about cruising in the cool, pure air of Alaska, surrounded by all that amazing scenery. I like the idea of trading in a bathing suit for a fleece vest and drinking tea while my cheeks get properly pinked.

I tell you all this now because although we set sail in September, there is a bit of a price incentive to sign up by May 1st.

Did I mention that I love the project I designed exclusively for this cruise. It's called 'Dancing Light' and it's quite glittery and very elegant. Like many of my projects it is component based, so it can be changed up and as always I'll share options. September is the perfect month to be creating a show stopping piece with the wintry holidays providing lot's of occasions to enjoy such a stunning necklace.



For details click here, I'd love for you to join in the fun!

Color

Paint is so transformational. I've had the idea forever to paint this wall in the dining room the same shade of green that can be seen in the carpet. The wall has the double doors which lead out onto the veranda and the new yard (still in progress). But somehow I just never got around to it.

A couple of weeks back Marlene Blessing posted how she had finally gotten around to painting an accent wall, and I just knew it was time to make it happen.

Funny how in the midst of huge amounts to do, it is still possible to get more done. I got up this morning, ready to paint. We assembled the necessary stuff, laid down tarp, prepped the walls with tape and got to it.

Mark did the edges, he's more exacting then I am, and I rollered the rest.

Here the formerly dull white wall




Maya supervised, always right in the middle of things.



Admittedly it's a small wall, what with those big double doors in the middle of it. In under two hours we prepped, painted and cleaned up.

Thanks Marlene, for the push....The wall looks great.





I used table runners to add a whimsical and colorful touch to the somewhat sedate and boring dining room chairs.



Mark declared the accent akin to toilet seat covers, I think he's wrong.

It occurs to me when looking at this photo, that the style of the fabric on the chairs and my touch of whimsy are decidely at odds with one another, but...in my defense, when the chairs are neatly tucked into the table, it doesn't show. So I'm sticking with it.

Dinner

I love that I live in every room in this house including the outdoor room we are creating. We eat in the intimate dining room many evenings, but occasionally we choose the kitchen as we did tonight.



We collaborated on an ahi tuna nicoise, with Mark prepping the potatoes, green beans, and hardboiled eggs. I arranged the above with the Kalmata olives and olive oil while he grilled the tuna.

The meal was lovely. After days of kitting and writing instructions, it was nice to relax into the evening.

I have such a sense of well being and peace these days. A new grandbaby, a man I'm in love with, a home I am at home in, travel, weather, new books on the horizon, it's all really wonderful.

I have a few days of work to get ready for Beading by the Bay. Mark and I created new postcards announcing next years teachers, stay posted.....We'll visit with our children and new grandbaby and we'll visit San Francisco, one of my all time favorite cities.

It's going to be a grand week!

The Road to Opulence

My Journey with Beads....That is the name of the talk I will be giving Tuesday March 15th at the Northern California Bead Society.

I hope to do it justice! Although I was never a member since the trip from Santa Cruz to Emeryville at night seemed daunting, I consider the San Francicso Bay Area home so I am honored to be asked to be a part of the meeting.

It has been interesting contemplating my journey.....I think of it as my second accidental career. My first in information technology was good timing and an affinity for systems and project management that was natural, not planned or learned.

I did leave that career to explore being an artist at my husbands urging, so I guess in that respect it was not that accidental, but arriving at a place where I've enjoyed the ability to earn a living working with beads, I don't think I planned that part. But it's working out and I'm grateful.

So the next three weeks are huge for me, first Beading by the Bay, our second annual, with full enrollment! So many friends from last year to visit with, so many new ones to meet, and my co-teachers Maggie and Jean!

And then.....there is a baby to visit. I can barely stand waiting to hold little Malayna in my arms again. You see daughter Lucia remained in the Bay Area so any visit there is going to be special. Did I show you this picture already, I might have, but it touches my heart so, her little fingers with her Grandpa's hand.



Through the miracle of Skype I just got to see her!

We'll be taking the good camera, portrait lens and tripod and take some family pictures.

After my talk we'll drive back to San Diego and get ready for our Bead Cruise, where more friends await.

Life is good.

Spring Color Report

Margie Deeb creates an excellent publication, twice a year bringing us the Pantone color report, complete with inspiration,projects, and a lot of color theory. Her graphic art background is apparent, as the layout of this publication is always compelling.



I was once again honored to be in her gallery, showcasing two of this years colors in this 'original' My Secret Garden.



It was later re-designed to overcome some design flaws as well as availability of supplies, but I always loved this combination of colors!

Finkelhoo Fashions

Fabulously Funky! That's her byline.....along with Peace Love and Patches I met Betsy of Finkelhoo at Sunday's Talmadge art show at Liberty Station. She herself was fabulously funky and had a design aesthetic I totally enjoyed. She has created a line of up-cycled accessories and clothing.



This is the detail from a belt I bought. It has two fabulous pockets, and lots of funky detailing. It will be excellent at shows for keeping money close at hand and making a fashion statement at the same time.

The feathers were a separate little clip on accent with chain, charm and more feathers. A great piece to put in one's hair, use for a shawl clip or as here, add a touch more detail to my amazing belt.

I wish you much success Betsy!