Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Very Cheesy Gift



One thing I'm finding that is difficult about blogging this time of the year is that I can't share much of what I'm creating because I don't want the recipients to see! I thought I would share this piece because I know it won't be seen by the "cheese girls" anytime soon. They are much too busy! This is a little something I made for my son's bosses, 2 delightful young sisters who own a gourmet cheese shop in the adorable town of Claremont. The Cheese Cave opened just last summer and has been a huge success since. The girls have been written up in the Los Angeles Times as well as Los Angeles Magazine with rave reviews. They sell the most delicious cheeses from all over the world. They know everything there is to know about cheese because it's their passion in life. I used cheese labels from some of their cheeses as well as some washers with a bit of bling for embellishment. The shop is very, I guess I'd call it upcycled, vintage urban in feeling with chalkboard walls, used wood trim and curtains made of hundreds of washers tied with twine. I think this will be a nice addition and can perhaps hang next to the life size silver cow that stands near the front of the store!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Bartering is a Good Thing



A couple of weekends ago, I participated in Chateau de Fleurs which I'm happy to say was featured in Romantic Country magazine as one of the best places to shop. This is no surprise to me  because Christie and Rita are 2 of the most creative, professional and hospitable women to put on a show!
Now, this show being in December, I really had to limit my spending and that's not an easy thing to do with these vendors. I walked thru the show with blinders and I have to admit I was a bit sad that I could't spend. I spotted this apron and matching fabric at one of my favorites; Lil Urchins. I was trying to justify spending the money by telling myself that I was using it for my business. The apron, to wear for change, pen and receipts, and matching tablecloths for the booth. Sounds reasonable, right? But no, I fought hard and won....I couldn't, I wouldn't spend money. I must admit, I was a bit pouty with myself tho because I couldn't have what I wanted. Then.....a most wonderful thing happened! Cynthia of Lil Urchins asked me if I wanted to trade. She wanted some prints for Christmas presents! I can't even tell you how elated I felt. It was like a gift. Aren't these the most amazing yummy fabrics! And then to top it off when I went over to pick them up, the wonderful Nicki from Mermaid Glade gave me this gorgeous felted clamshell ornament with pearl. I came home feeling like I won a million bucks....no more pouty face! Thank you Cynthia and Nicki!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

A Night Filled With Color

It was a night filled with the most spectacular color at Stamp Your Heart Out in Claremont. And what could be more colorful than a basket filled with hand made felted monsters! The little gray guy with green stitching went home with me at the end of the evening.These were made by Atie Holmes who also made these gorgeous coin purses.

Who could resist a bowl full of free love? Artist Laura Palm made the most beautiful block prints that she carved from erasers. Erasers! The lovely green one below will soon be framed and hung in my bathroom.



Lots of color on these little girly-girls! My favorite "Shabby Pink" found a new home that night!

Cutest button necklaces from Renee Buckway. My photo doesn't capture all the color that these cuties had to offer. She had fun bracelets too. Unfortunately, the rest of my pictures didn't turn out because of the lighting, but the art of Ruth Law and Ginny Babineau was amazing!

Thank you to Joan and her staff for so graciously offering to put on this Gathering of Artists! It was and evening of fun, food and color!
                                                             Stamp Your Heart Out

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Come Join Me!

A Gathering of Artists Friday, Dec 10 from 5:00-8:00pm

There will be fabulous art, adorable stuffed creatures, fun toys and jewelry galore. All handmade of course! A night of fun! Have dinner in the village and just hang out!
http://stampyourheart.com/