Oh So French Frames

I scored on these old frames the other day. My intent was to paint them but then as I fooked at the richness of the dark brown wood, I decided to keep them this color and create my art accordingly. Not a fan of the linen around the edges of frames, I thought I would stamp them for fun. Loved the way it turned out. I used the same frame for these pictures but plan on stamping each differently to go with the art.



Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Dorothy, using all Graphic 45 papers

Follow the yellow brick road. It all sounds so easy, until you hit the sign that says this way, no that way. This art journey that so many of us are on is not unlike the little road to Oz.
For some, art is a hobby, a kind of sanctuary. A place to go after a grueling day on the job or where one can go to get away from the demands of kids, husbands and life in general. For others it's a job, and for some it's both.
For me, it's both. Before it was a job, it was my place to escape. I could get in my zone and get lost for hours doing whatever I want. For the last 2 years though it has been a business. A very serious business, replacing a not so bad paycheck. With that comes a lot of decisions. I wish my yellow brick road had more concise signs. But like Dorothy, I run into the same signs, pointing in every direction.
Which way? Publishing, licensing, teaching, selling. Do we go in all four directions? Do we try a little of each? Which first? Can it all be done?
I ponder it all, I make lists, I make game plans, I set goals. As I sit here and decide to take the next leap, I find that I am not unlike Dorothy trying to find her way. I come across people who help, people who need, and challenges to be met. I do feel like my land of oz is not far off. I have a feeling though when I arrive, there will be yet another road to follow. Or maybe the yellow one doesn't end. Perhaps Oz is just meant to be experienced at a distance. I know one thing for sure. The yellow brick road has been a most interesting journey, full of many characters and places to stop along the way. I will keep happily skipping on until I find the end.

Meet my new friends!



Georgia's table from Modern Crush



Is her table not yummy? Love the colors!

Dodie's booth, Bags From Britches

Yours truly!

I just did a show in Oceanside, Ca last weekend. It took place on the beautiful grounds of the Del Rey Mission, yes one of those located on California's famous mission trail. We couldn't ask for better weather and we were surrounded by giant old pepper trees which so kindly provided shade for us the entire weekend. 

I spent time with a couple of ladies I'd like to share with you. The first, Dodie, who I shared my booth with, repurposed old skirts and made the most gorgeous umbrellas. She has a big spread on them coming up in the August issue of Somerset Home. These sold so well, she was making new ones the entire time we were there. I lost track of how many she sold. She also makes bags of all sizes out of old clothes. She will also have an article in the next Haute Handbags showing off one of her little bagged treasures. Her stuff is truly unique so if you're in So. Ca. come by and see her at The Vintage Market Place in Rainbow, Sept 9 and 10. By the way this was named in the new issue of Romantic Homes as #10 in the top 50 flea markets. Another reason to come out to Rainbow!

Georgia from Modern Crush was the other one I spent some time with. I couldn't stay away from her table! The colors were like that of an old-fashioned candy store! It truly was delicious to look at! From fairy rings, crowns and wands to the most yummy paper flower goodies, her table was a treat to feast your eyes on.

Loved being around these two and getting to know them better. All in all it was a good show. The highlight of my weekend was when a woman came and let her 3 daughters each pick out one of my originals for their rooms. The girls ranged in age from about 9 - 15 and they were so appreciative towards their mom and to me also. You can imagine how I felt when their mom told them they now have their first "real" art! It was such a pleasure watching them choose!

My Happy House

Isn't this just adorable? My last post was about my wonderful hosts on my trip up north. Sylvia makes these sweet little houses that I think she should do some classes on, don't you? Hers had more painting but of course I didn't want to copy them exactly, so I depended mostly on the paper for mine. I just couldn't get these houses out of my mind, when yesterday, I was supposed to be packing up for a major big 2 day show and I came across a blank 5x7 canvas. A blank canvas! The little houses in my mind, I set about creating my own. I just had to get it out of my system! So out came the papers, punches, buttons and Mod Podge. I bought these wonderful metal numbers from the Tim Holtz collection a while back and thought they would be the perfect house numbers! Happy with my little canvas, I continued my packing. Hope to see some of you at the mission in Oceanside this weekend!