Treats From Shanghai

The cutest packaging ever...

Isn't this adorable? A darling little pink tin... so girly!

It comes with a bright pink powder puff!

Smells like roses

All their packaging is in English AND Chinese

I just love it!

A gorgeous fashion magazine called Madame Figaro

With dreamy fashion ads

And fabulous fashion spreads!

A present for Albie too. Even though he never smells like a "real" dog. It's so cute.

The most beautiful match box I've ever seen! Lots more too like a make-up kit, Chinese tea set and flowering tea. Thanks so much Mindi! I love everything!

More art aprons....

"Bella"

"Mornin' Sunshine"

"Paris Dreams"

"Lavender and Lilacs"

Have a great week Everyone!

Necklaces and Pillows

I hope everyone had a fun Halloween! I'm always happy to have Halloween come and go because now we get to enjoy the really great holidays! I've been busy starting to make homemade holiday gifts. I'm really trying to go "handmade" as much as possible this year and am doing my best to come up with unique ideas. Here is a fabric and lace necklace I designed for my brother's sweetheart and long-term girlfriend.
Here is a necklace I made from a kit that I bought from French General last year. My hands were a little sore after finishing but it was worth it. I added some of my own special bits including a favorite red candy-like button from my mom's vintage buttons. I think it turned out so cool. The little kit is called 3 Ring Circus. Such a clever name!

"Dreamy Girl" pillow ~ Available in my Etsy Shop

I also sewed up a new cushion for my studio chair. Here is Albie testing it out for me; he thought it was very comfortable.

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Happy November everyone! I'm so thrilled that fall has arrived. Cheers!

Happy Halloween & Doggy Fashions

Happy Halloween! I've been visiting your blogs and I have really enjoyed seeing all that you do for Halloween. All your decorations, creative projects and costumes are amazing! Here is my Halloween decoration for 2009...

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I really went "all out" and put up my googly-eyed skeleton on the front door like I always do. This year I glued daisies on his head for a new look! I just love the expression on Albie's face in this picture. He looks like he is grinning, doesn't he?

Here I am at age 3. This was my first and LAST "scary" costume. I do love the pink pants and matching pink tennis shoes!

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And now it's time for a the doggy fashion show...

Here is Albie modeling his new tartan jacket in shades of maroon and blue. I decided Albie needed a couple new little winter coats for the holiday season. I don't use patterns. I just took another coat which was store bought and used it to cut around. The rest I just figured out. This cute little coat is even lined in matching maroon satin! Thanks for the fabric, Jamie! I told you I would put it to good use!

Albie is just about "over" me taking his pictures at this point.

Here he is sporting his darling new paisley fleece jacket... oh but the eyes are starting to water. He has really had enough of the photo shoot now.

I apologized and gave him a big hug. NO more photos for today, I promise.
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A blast from the past...

I thought it would be fun to share these darling pictures of my first Bichon Frise, Chloe Valentine. I sewed this little dress for her for her first birthday on February 14, 1992. I had so much fun making it for her. As you can see, she was quite a ham and didn't mind being photographed at all. As a matter of fact, when she saw the camera, she would literally pose or tilt her head. She loved the attention.

I designed this costume for Chloe for an event in 1994 called Bichon Day in the Park. Chloe came in first runner up as Carmen Miranda... fruit hat and all!

Luckily, Chloe and Albie had a couple years together as doggy siblings before Chloe passed away in early 2007. She sure was a bright light and such a character in our lives.

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Happy Halloween Everyone! I can't wait to see all your costumes and read your blog posts!

Regency Era Inspired

My sweet friends Kim Caldwell and Ruth Rahe were part of a lovely birthday celebration for the darling Kristen Robinson today! They asked me to be part of their surprise for her and teach a class during her tea party. I was thrilled and knowing that Kristen is a HUGE fan of Jane Austen and lover of all things from the era, I knew immediately what to teach (with a little help and brainstorming with Kim!).

All the little cameo girls are ready to be packaged up with all their little beads and bits to make these...
A sweet and soft "Regency Necklace" - option ONE

And option TWO

Here are just a few fun shots of the girls wearing their necklaces!

Picture collage includes: Kristen, Jenny, Kim and Joy (me too!)

It was such a delightful party! Thanks so much Kim and Ruth for asking me to be a part of it.

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Kim also asked me to design a Jane Austen themed art apron for Kristen. I have to say, I think this is one of my favorite ones yet! Each Regency Era girl has been printed on silk and hand-beaded with vintage lace and pretty champagne colored sparkle crystal delicas. Ruffles, satin bows, appliques.... it all came together and was just perfect for Kristen.

...And I thought it was time to share a new picture of my mom's darling little four-legged, Romeo... he's growing up! (But he is still in that "adorable" puppy stage.... right Mom?)

Doesn't he have the cutest little smile? Awwwwww.....

Attention San Diego Girls!

I am going to be teaching a class at Paper Tales on Saturday, November 21st! San Diego is one of my favorite cities and I am so thrilled to be returning. It's been a whole year since I was there last and it's only a short two hours away! The class title: Beloved Necklace

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Imagine wearing your sweet pet close to your heart. I'll be asking each student to provide me with their favorite image of their beloved pet or favorite character such as Marie Antoinette or Jane Austen or even Grandmother as a young girl. The ideas are endless!

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We'll be making this soft and elegant fabric and lace necklace to keep for oneself or give as a gift. Click here to read more about the class at Paper Tales.

Albie wearing his little Halloween scarf.

Here is a little snippet from a journal page in The Royal Confections Round Robin Group I've been participating in. This book belongs to my friend Sandy with the theme being "Tea." It's a very pretty book filled with so many talented artist's gorgeous pages.

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Have a splendid day Everyone!

Glitterfest Highlights and My Blog Giveaway Winner!

Glitterfest was a lot of fun! Huge thank yous to Sheryl & Dianne of Whimzy who were over-the-top accomodating and so wonderful. Here are some shots of the event throughout the day. I wish I would had taken more photos!

Photos include: Christine from Dollybelle's Peepshow and Tina from Je Ne Sais Quoi along with Kim from Artistic Bliss and Jessi of Scrappy Jessi (a couple of silly girls!).

Photos include: Susie from Pink Paris Studio along with her adorable daughter Vanessa.

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The event lasted from 10am to 3pm but it felt like it was only a couple hours long. I wish it could had been longer because I didn't want it to end. I met so many talented vendors and so many lovely shoppers. It was a great (tiring) day!

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And the winner of my blog giveaway is....

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June from Laughing with Angels.

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Yay JUNE! We have already emailed one another and she is so excited to be the winner.

Please check back as I plan on having another giveaway soon!

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Happy days!

Jewelry, Pillows and Aprons... Oh My!

Earlier this week my friend Kelly Snelling listed ten gorgeous pieces of jewerly on Ebay. These one-of-a-kind works of art were part of A Charming Exchange, a jewelry project book written by Kelly and Ruth Rahe. I was one of the fortunate contributors and my collaboration bracelet along with several other beauties are listed NOW, but not for much longer so go over and take a look and place a bid! 100% of the proceeds are going directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

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Also, it's not too late to leave me a comment and have your name added to my brooch giveaway drawing that will be taking place this Sunday. See the below post for more details.

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Introducing Opalescent Dream...

My friends Kim and Jessi asked me to design a pillow for our friend Cheryl. Happy birthday Cheryl!

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This pillow is over 22 inches square and is just dreamy. Notice the little bird sitting in his nest of organza? Another thrilling project! I had so much fun making it with Cheryl in mind.

I am taking requests for custom brooches. Here is a brooch featuring my darling Albie, but couldn't you just see your grandma's Yorkie or your best friend's cat on one of these?

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See my Etsy for more details!

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Apron love...

Here is an art apron I designed for Michelle at Vintage Girl. It's quite sweet with lots of vintage bits!

Tomorrow is Glitterfest! Getting up at the crack of dawn (for me) at 5:30am to get ready and out the door for set up! I can't wait. Hope to see you there!

Some Favorite Artists & A Blog Giveaway

I love my new tote! The ever-so-talented Kim Caldwell of Artistic Bliss is the mastermind behind these gorgeous craft totes! Gone are the days of lugging your arting essentials in cumbersome or inappropriate containers or bags... these totes are all the rage and they come in a array of various designs and colors. An absolute must-have! LOOK at this adorable "mini me" that Sandy of Sandy's Creations made for me! She gave it to me when we met for the first time at Artistic Affaire L'Automne a couple weekends ago. Sandy and I have known one another through Blogland for a long time but it was so fantastic to finally meet in person! She found a picture of me as a baby on my blog and turned it into this adorable little piece of art. Thanks very much, Sandy! I love it!

Monica is one of my favorite artists! Her artwork is incredible and I am a lucky girl to have my very own rag doll designed by Monica. She is a woman of many talents and can make anything! Out of the blue I received this precious artist trading card. It made my day!

Be sure to visit Monica's blog, Girl Gone Thread Wild; she is promoting and raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a big way!

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Giveaway info.....

Leave me a comment and next weekend I'll randomly choose a winner out of a "hat!" YOU could win a brooch like one of these and I'll also include some of my favorite goodies!

I continue to be a busy bee designing unique items like the brooches above and these Good Witch pillows for Glitterfest, which is taking place next weekend on Oct. 10th! If you're in the Southern California area, I hope you can make it!

A Mini Vacation to New Orleans and More Art Aprons

New Orleans… “Naaawlins.” A very special city. The French Quarter. So much to do… only four days. Walking walking walking…. So hot and humid. Bourbon Street: over-the-top-crazy with “dancing girls” summonsing the passerby.

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People walking in the streets cocktails in hand… everyone having a good time. Voodoo, mardi gras beads, masks, love potion #9 (that we never did find because the two stores that carried it were “sold out” – must be good stuff!)

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Incredible dinners. The friendliest people. All with smiling faces saying, Y’all. Oysters on the half shell at every possible meal. Bourbon milkshakes … interesting… good actually. Shopping but mostly looking and window shopping. Kitties in the window. Friendly people. Café Du Monde with powdered sugar scattered all over the floor from the beignets.

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Preservation Hall. Old Jazz. Some sweet old guys in their' 90's playing in extreme heat. Bars with music pouring out. Rock, Creole, Jazz, Blues, Reggae. Drag queens performing Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift. A girl band playing Led Zeppelin.

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Humid. A little rain…. SUN… lots of sun. People smiling. People drinking. Tourists. Locals. Cemetery with tombstones above ground. A city tour with the nicest driver, a tour guide for 30 years; during Hurricane Katrina, he was a volunteer and helped get people to shelter. Devastated houses, new pretty brightly colored houses. Thank you Brad Pitt. Brad Pitt for Mayor. Harry Connick Jr. well loved there too.

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More delicious oysters on the half shell. Chardonnay. Humid. Anne Rice’s former house. Everyone calls you “Baby.” Haunted hotels. The feeling of Europe. Old streets, beautiful old storefronts and signs. Did I say friendly people and humid? So much fun!

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Here are some of my favorites shots taken around the French Quarter...

Click to view larger

And moving on.... some more exclusive aprons!

" The Pin Up"

Sweet Sandy of Sandy's Creations asked me to design a pin up style apron for Tamerie.

"Pinky the Pin Up"

And Maija who is ever-so-thoughtful, asked me to create a pin up themed art apron for Sandy. It's always fun to see how karma works. It was even more fun to see how excited Sandy was to receive an apron after she was so generous to order one for Tamerie.

And this "No Nonsense Nurse" was created for a new friend, Cat. She is a nurse and asked for a nurse-themed art apron.

As always, I strive to use as much vintage fabrics and lace, etc as possible to keep my aprons unique and special. I really enjoyed creating all of these for these three special women.

I am also thrilled to announce that I will be a vendor at Glitterfest in Santa Ana, CA on October 10th. I hope you can make it!

Artistic Affaire L'Automne

As my mother used to say, I feel like a broken record! But it's true.... Kim Caldwell is the most amazing hostess and event planner extraordinaire EVER!

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We all had so much fun at the Artistic Affaire L'Automne. I have been so fortunate to be an attendee of so many of her events but I think this was one of my favorites. I was overjoyed to meet some dear blogging-girlfriends whom I've only known through Blogland or email. It was such a thrill!

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Here are just a couple shots of two of my completed projects:

(Also, I wanted to say how much I LOVED Lisa Kettell's class but I have not finished my shadowbox and doll to share quite yet. I was so happy to meet her. I think I've known her longer than anyone in this wonderful artist's community!)

The darling Julie taught this sweet vintage/retro-feel felted collage class that was just so much fun! She really went overboard with all the details and extras and was a great instructor.

And Ruth shared her beautiful techniques on stitching lovely cuffs. Here is my completed piece. I just love it!
Photos taken throughout the day of all my friends. They are all so special.

Some more photos. I love the one at the bottom/middle of Kim and Jenn. So sweet.
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The following day we all met at The Vintage Emporium in Long Beach, CA. Julie, the owner is just a doll. I told her I will definitely come back and visit from time to time. If you are ever in the area, you should stop in and visit her lovely shop.

Here are some fun shots of us girls in the shop trying on hats, chatting and shopping.

Look at this gorgeous vintage Lucite box I found at the Julie's Vintage Emporium. Perfect for holding my favorite buttons!

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Have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping by!

Artistic Affaire Market Soiree

After days of waiting and excitement... Kim's lovely market soiree finally arrived! It was a spectacular event and I do believe that no one walked away empty handed. Here is a little collection of some of the gorgeous tables throughout the space.

Amy Powers from Inspire Company had the sweetest and most sugary table. We actually shared a table and we had so much fun.

Christine of Dollybelle's Peepshow's table was so lovely and filled with the girliest must-haves.

Here are some snaps of portions of my table filled with handmade brooches, pillows, book protectors and all sorts of fun little vintage supplies.

I have a few of these lovely "Good Witches" left and have added them to my Etsy shop.

I designed these cute little name badges for all the vendors to wear. Kim and I surprised the girls right before the big event began. I think everyone loved showing how cute they all were as toddlers.

My favorite Southern Belle, Jenn from Sweet Eye Candy Creations chatting with Christine.

Maija and Amy looking adorable.

Jenny, Me and Amy

Jamie, Me and Christine

Me and Cynthia

The evening really was spectacular. It was so fun being a vendor and seeing friends and meeting new ones!

Stayed tuned for more on the whole weekend. This is just part ONE!

Have a lovely day.

Oh Boy... Here I Go...

Well.... I wasn't going to share this little video but after a shrug of the shoulders and a "why not?" I decided to go for it! You know how it is when we see ourselves on film.... YIKES! And then we start analyzing and wishing we would had said xyz instead of bla bla bla.... but in the end I am grateful for a fun opportunity!

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So here we are, my sweet friend Christine Rose Elle from DollyBelle's Peepshow and myself with Jenny Doh the smart and savvy , Editor-in-Chief of the Stampington Publications located in Laguna Beach, CA.

We did a little visit and dropped off some artwork submissions last Thursday. I have visited the Stampington headquarters a couple times before through the years but this time received a little tour of their much larger building. Jenny introduced us to her team and we oooohed and ahhhhhhed over all the artwork throughout the space either on display, waiting for review or waiting to be photographed. It was very enjoyable!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxAXhH1U1ZA

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And.....

This will be my last post until my much anticipated Artistic Affaire Market Soiree in Los Angeles (Hollywood) this Friday night!

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Here is just one more sneak peek of another little goodie I will have in my "Holly Loves Art" area.

I am ready!

And just a couple pictures of Albie sporting his latest trim. I take him in to get groomed about every 3 to 4 weeks. Look at his sweet little pink skin. They trimmed him a little bit too short on the body this time. But that's okay. It is still very warm here in L.A.

Always with a little smile.... even though he is never too thrilled when I pull the camera out.

Thank you for all his warm birthday wishes last week!

Have a creative and fun-filled week EVERYONE!!!!

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Albie

I just love it when I meet fellow blog-HERS or people who read my blog and they'll say, "You're Albie's mom!" or "You're the one with the Bichon!"

It's fun having a "famous" dog. I think he likes it too. So many of you know that we rescued Albie at age 11, from a local Bichon rescue just five years ago. Albie was a show dog and even the number seven champion in the country in 1996. He's quite a special boy. But the best thing is that he has been enjoying his senior years living the life of a pampered pooch and being showered with love 24/7. He is so affectionate and sometimes he'll look at me in such a way that I know he is thanking me for giving him such a great life.

Happy Birthday to my sweet fur-child. I pray for many more. Bichons can live up to 20 years of age, but for us we just treasure every day we have with Albie.

Albie will get lots of extra hugs and kisses today on his 16th birthday! AKA Mr. Albie Paws, Mr. B., Mr. Biscuit, Handsome, Ransom for Handsome, Albatross, George Washington (he sort of looks like him) and so many more!

I am still very busy with all sorts of projects and making little lovelies for the BIG event coming up on the 18th: Artistic Affaire Market Soiree in Los Angeles (Hollywood). You can still buy tickets here.

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I'm calling them broches françaises.... they are pretty little French style brooches. I've been sewing up more decorative pillows too! Having so much fun!

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I've also been busy designing more art aprons but can't share them quite yet.

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Thank you to all of you who have been leaving such sweet comments. It means so much! Have a great weekend Everyone.

Ever so Happy in Apronland!

The darling Kecia over at Lemoncholy's Flight of Fancy is going to a very special event in the fall and she wanted the perfect "sweet" apron to wear. I knew this art apron was going to be so much fun to create because we both love all the same yummy pastel colors and of course that wonderful vintage-shabby and whimsical look!

Here it is....

My friend Sandy said it is her favorite so far and it's like cupcake frosting!

I hand embroidered the name of the art apron "Flight of Fancy" in a special hidden spot. I think naming my aprons is a huge part of the fun!

Aside from living happily in Apronland I am also preparing for Kim Caldwell's incredible 3-day event later this month. I will be a vendor at the first night's event, Artistic Affaire Market Soiree on Sept. 18th. Click here to find out more. I hope you can make it!

Here is my latest 18x18 inch pillow that I will be selling on vendor night. The silk oval girl image has been adorned with ribbon and beads and lies on a gorgeous sheer vintage hanky (that I found during our little shopping trip to the antique store in Big Bear)... the pillow is all hand sewn by me (and some sewing machine work too!)

Thank you for all your lovely comments. They all mean so much and make my happy days even happier!

Introducing Sanguine Siren

I designed this for my sweet friend Val who does not have a blog but she attends all of Kim's lovely events. So many of you out there may know her.

I gave this Sanguine Siren Art Apron to Val the other night and she looked adorable in it. She was even wearing a black dress... not just any dress... a maternity dress. She is due in March and is expecting twins! Val wanted an apron to wear to Silver Bella... she only asked that I utilize a "vampy" type of vintage girl. I thought this lovely little temptress was just perfect as the focal point and I had so much fun working with these beautiful, rich colors.

I am elated! My name has been mentioned along with several other artists in the latest issue of Romantic Homes Magazine! Nancy of Gilding the Lily was so kind and included my name as an instructor in a lovely article about her shop in Fullerton, CA. The article is in the aesthetics section and is entitled, Detail Work. I was absolutely tickled to see my name in one of my favorite magazines - I even subscribe to it! It's quite a thrill! (See magazine cover in my side bar to the right.)


I love Nancy's quote on the opposite page. It reads: Don't look at what something is; look at what it can be.


I just love that and I am constantly picking something up and looking at it and thinking, hummm what could I turn this into? That's how one feels when they visit Nancy's shop. Everything in there is so inspiring!

I am also thrilled that my artwork is in a brand new book called Good Mail Day. I submitted my "giant postcard" last summer... and here it is! It is very 3D but it is difficult to see in the photo. Mine is the one at the top left.

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(See book cover in my sidebar to the right.)


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This book is so cool and is all about the old-fashioned art of sending cards and letters through the mail. There are fun little topics such as, Mail art etiquette, how to make a traveling mail art kit, creating decorated and illustrated envelopes, making faux postage and artistamps, finding pen pals and more!

And here is Albie posing with his dolls (just kidding... they are my dolls). Can you believe he is giong to turn 16 next month? He's just the most handsome doggy ever.

More Stitching...

My Soiree de Jardin art apron class at Gilding the Lily was so much fun! Everyone relaxed and worked at their own pace and it was just such a good time.

Here are a couple of cuties: Bryanna and Christine modeling their aprons... each unique... just like them.
It was my darling friend Dot's birthday last week. I sent her a goodie package and this was one of the little pieces I made for her, a sweet little wall hanging of her two kitties, Essie and Ronnie Boy. Dot just recently moved to a new place and is sill getting settled but she told me that she found the perfect spot for these Kitties.

My sweet and sophisticated friend Cheryl wanted an art apron for the Silver Bella event coming up in the fall. I was so pleased to make this "Tablier Français de Champagne" for her. The sash and the pretty toile hankies are in the prettiest cornflower blue color. I thought the shade of blue went so well with pewter, cream and black. She said she loves it!

And last up is a decorative pillow I made for my gal pal, Maryalena who lives a few miles away from me and who is a fabulous photographer. She loves interesting photography, black and white and nudes... so what a perfect pillow for her!

Have a creative week, Everyone!

A Busy Bee

Albie loves following me around the house from room to room. When he is not acting as my shadow, this is what he does all day. He always seems to have a little smile on his face.

These days I seem to have all my projects spread out around the house. The dining room is now the sewing room. The little kitchen nook houses my finished projects and my studio is covered with everything else. I do my best to pick up as I go but as soon as I do, it seems that clutter quickly get scattered again. However, every night I try to tidy up; my mom always taught me to pick up my toys!

I am so excited about my art apron class that I will be teaching at Gilding the Lily, coming up on August 22nd. My kits have been ready to go since early last month (I'm a proactive kind of girl!) but I decided it would be fun to make some cute little "insignes Français" for the girls to wear.

A few weeks ago I went back to an old passion... painting and collage! I don't seem to do too much of that these days as I've become so excited about fabric projects! However, I wanted to give a little gift to a friend for her birthday so decided to create this piece.

And lastly, I am also really thrilled because I have signed up to be a vendor at my sweet friend Kim's event in September. I believe she still has spots available so check out her fantastic line-up of teachers here and sign up if you can! This will no doubt be one of her best events yet. I don't know how she does it but she always seems to top herself!

I have been a busy-busy worker bee and have come up with great new ideas and items to sell at my vendor table. I will be sharing a table with the lovely Amy of Inspire Company.

Here is just a sneak peak of some pillows I am producing. I am also creating some very unique items that will have to wait until after the event to share... I love surprises... don't you?

Thanks to Everyone who emailed and left such sweet messages about my latest apron for Jenn. I have just completed another custome order and have two more to go!

Have a fabulous day!

The Girliest Apron Ever!

In case you didn't know, there is a huge event coming up at the end of this year in Omaha called Silver Bella. Many of the artsy/craftsy girls really look forward to this event every year and they look forward to the theme night even more! This year the theme is aprons. I've been so fortunate in that several of the attendees have asked me to design custom art aprons for them. My sweet Southern Belle friend Jenn asked me to make her an apron too! She just had a few special requests... which I loved getting! Let's use this cute Nancy Ann doll and favorite bunny as the focal point of the art apron!

And let's make it a full size apron! Wow... I'd never done that before but I was up for the challenge. Especially since I don't use patterns... but it all worked out!

Little special touches here and there...
Some hand beading

of course there had to be some bling!

Vintage hankies too lots of ruffles and lace

Ribbons and prettiness

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And here she is.... modeling it so well and looking adorable! She is now ready for the fantastic Silver Bella event!

Thanks again so much Jenn for asking me to create your custom art apron. It was so much fun!

More Fun!

A doll lover's dream come true!

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I used to really be into collecting dolls, especially Barbie Dolls. But there came a time when I wanted to stop collecting because my interests turned to other things, like collecting handmade items and art. However, I still love interesting dolls and watching the doll trends from afar.

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I am absolutely fascinated with these (mostly) young women who dress in Lolita and Gothic fashions. They carry their beloved dolls in their arms like babies to show off and share with their friends. It's a trip to watch! But there is something so innocent and sweet about it and it is a community not too unlike our little artsy/craftsy blogging/event community where the likeminded girls get together and giggle and have fun. I have been exposed to this collection of live dolls if you will, for many years and attended other events due to working at a really cool anime (Japanese animation) company back in 2007. It's all just so much fun to observe!

Here are three typical Lolita girls.

Just a mile away from where I live, tucked in Culver City, CA is this fantastic art gallery/doll shop/cafe where they held The Valley of the Dolls event yesterday.

Some pictures I snapped while walking through the event. A visual Candyland adventure with cotton candy and sweet tarts for the sweet tooth.

Check out this adorable girl and her cupcake apron! How cute!

And now back to our regular programming....

Okay... as much as I loved the doll event.... this is much more my speed. Getting together with my friends and going to pretty stores filled pretty things. This store is called Le Potager and it is located in Fullerton, CA. It is actually a house and it feels like you are walking into a lovely little hideaway in Tuscany. Beautiful decorative furnishings, garden items and lovely European florals and treasures abound! A very sweet place to visit if you are in the Fullerton area.

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We all went to a trunk show held at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton right after our stop at Le Potager. I didn't get any photos this time, but there are photos below in a previous blog post of a prior visit. Cheryl, Cynthia, Kim, Michelle and I had such a fun time!

~ CLOSED ~

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It's as easy as 1 2 3...

~ OPEN ~
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Just take a cameo pendant and type up a sweet sentiment, cover in Diamond Glaze water-based dimensional adhesive. Print a photo on fabric and cut a little larger than the oval shape, add a little batting or cotton behind the image and voila! A cute little keepsake to wear around your neck.

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Happy days....

Life: It's Really, Really FUN!

LOOK at this gorgeous journal book cover made by my talented friend Jenny who lives in San Diego, CA. We all (The Big Bear Girls Club) had an ongoing poke at Jenny to start her blog so I will say it again here - Jennyeeee... c'mon already! We are pushing her because she is so talented and we're all positive that she will no doubt have a lot of great supporters out in Blogland.

The book is filled with pretty handmade pages from all the girls where we could write notes and add all the pretty cards and sweet things we received - the book is filled with great, bright color and amazing designs!

A sweet gift from Jessi for me, the teacher (if I would had known that I'd get so many treats I would had started teaching a long time ago!)

While in Big Bear I found this absolutely amazing framed photo of one of mine and my mom's favorite actresses from the 20's, Mary Pickford! It's even signed! But the first thing that called out to me what that she was holding 4 adorable pups (which Jessi informed me were Beagle babies). I go crazy for any vintage photo of people or children posing with the beloved canine!

After our Big Bear getaway, some of us met in downtown L.A. for a little shopping. I do believe it was the hottest day of the week! It was a complete scorcher but we still managed to find some great goodies for our art projects!

Me, Kim, Christine & Jessi

Kim & Jessi

..... Now... onto projects for the week!

~ The adorable Cynthia pictured here from Kim's Marie Antoinette event earlier this year ~

Cynthia asked me to create a custom apron for her to wear at Silver Bella in November. I was thrilled because I love Cynthia's style, not to mention she is such a sweet person. When we were all together in Big Bear she looked through my visual journal and spotted a page that she really loved and said that it was the focal point she wanted for the apron. WOW! My actual collage art on an apron. Fantastic! So I worked on the apron non-stop this week until it was finished, then sent it off to Cynthia. She loves it (and she said her hubby did too!).

A fabric collage explosion!

Hand beading too!

A colorful artsy apron just for Cynthia. I couldn't come up with a name as I like to name all of my aprons so I just called it The Cynthia. I like that.

Mama's little helper, Albie Boy. Look at him! Isn't he handsome? For those of you have white dogs and want to know my easy secret of getting his face so white, send me an email and I'll be happy to share.

..... I have always wanted to sew a belt. I've been talking about it for years.

I finally did it! I found some lovely silk fabric, lace and beaded ribbon when I was shopping with my mom last month and put it all together to come up with this really cool belt.

It can be worn like this.

Or like this.

Either way... I love it!

Happy creating to Everyone!

Big Bear was a Blast!

Big Bear Girls Club: Jamie, Holly, Joy, Cheryl, Kim H., Jenny, Sherry, Jessi, Kim C., Cynthia, Gina, Alice and Christine

The long awaited artsy craftsy weekend finally arrived! We had amazing thunder and rain the first night we were there, which cooled things off a bit but most of the weekend was very hot. However, the heat did not stop us from creating beautiful pieces of art!

Our event planner extraordinaire Kim Caldwell generously arranged a three-day weekend filled with fun and crafting in a beautiful cottage at Big Bear Lake, CA. The art teachers were myself, Christine Rose Elle and Kim Hesson.

Packed and ready to go... I worked on this journal page before I left for the long weekend.

My class sample: Big Bear Beautiful Nature Wall Hanging

I made this to wear for my class.

And I made these badges for the girls to wear during my class!Me with my wall hanging. All the girls really enjoyed the class and I had such a good time watching everyone's creative juices flow. Holly & ChristineThe Big Bear Girls Club!
Talented jewelry designer, Jamie commissioned me to make an apron for Kim Caldwell. Here it is looking so perfect just for Kim (for those of you who know Kim personally, this apron screams her name... it is everything sweet and lovely, just like Kim). The little girl is from Kim's blog banner and I found out over the weekend that it is actually a picture of Kim when she was young. She loved her apron and will be wearing it to the Silver Bella event later this year! I gave Kim a matching pillow for her art studio too. Cynthia and Christine before our extravagant "Favorite Supply" swap! We all gifted each other with our favorite supplies like glitter glass, fabric, laces, buttons, crepe paper... you name it and someone probably thought of it! My art supply is now stocked for a very long time!Most of the girls participated in an beautiful vintage bottle swap. Look at these decorative bottles!Jamie gave me this extraordinary antique album in the most pretty peacock blue color. She overheard me saying several months ago that I wanted one! So she took this from her own stash to share with me. Isn't that the sweetest thing to do? I will treasure it forever - it's very, very special and it is so pristine. * A surprise on my pillow *

Cute little details like this occurred all weekend long. Jessi & Jenny (Jenny - who has committed to starting a blog this summer!)

All the girls took different shifts and prepared lovely meals and always made everything look so pretty.Christine's class was fantastic! Entitled, Woodland Faerie Hideaway. The name alone is so adorable! Christine is a natural teacher and shared so much and provided us with explicit demonstrations. We all "feel in love" with making French beaded flowers!Here is my finished piece delightfully rusted and ever so magical! Resting after some antiquing.
Kim Hesson's class in action! Wood, glue, fabric, lace, bobbles... heaven! I didn't get to finish my trio-triptych project but I plan to soon! Kim is the queen of projects that involve wood. She really kept everyone excited and going even though it was so hot, our last day there, and most of us were quite worn out from all the fun.

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The weekend was incredible and we all had the best time! Special thanks to all the girls for making it so wonderful! And extra special thanks to Kim for her generosity and organizing this unforgettable weekend!

Lots to Share!

Pretty.... My mom is the best! I got a nice little surprise package filled with trinkets in the mail yesterday! Her friend owns and antique store and look at what she found for me! I can't wait to play!

Next up: A custom apron for my darling friend Maija!

Maija wanted an apron to wear to Silver Bella. She provided me with a picture of her Blythe doll, Molly. She said she wasn't "crazy" about the dress that Molly was wearing in the picture... so I decided to make her a new one! Now Molly is wearing a darling shabby chic vintage cotton dress. I think she looks so cute! Maija really loved the apron by the way!
I also made a mini apron for Maija's Molly to wear. Here is my Holly Go Lightly Pullip doll modeling it over her evening wear! I ordered printer fabrics on-line and the seller inadvertently sent me silk habotai fabric instead of poplin cotton. I most likely would had never tried to work with silk but decided to give it a go and it worked beautifully and Molly looks so pretty printed on silk! It's easier to work with than one would think!

The underside

Molly's dress

Molly has a pet poodle

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Today I drove out to Fullerton, CA to visit the lovely Dede and lovely Nancy at Gilding the Lily and drop off my class art apron sample. I still cannot believe that I have never been to Fullerton and never been to this beautiful vintage shop. I loved it there! Fullerton is a very sweet little town and one I hope to visit more often in the future. And Gilding the Lily is a real jewel... for those of you who live close enough to go - it is an absolute must see!

Here is my apron on display in the area where all the class samples are arranged for all the shoppers to see. I can't wait to teach this class. I am very excited about it.

LOOK at this gorgeous lampshade doll. Isn't she stunning?

Beautiful areas of the shop

Pearls and yellow roses... ahhhh so pretty.

Ribbons ribbons and more ribbons!!!

Glitter glitter and more glitter!

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I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

I'm Miss July!

My sweet and ever-so-talented friend Christine of Dollybelle's Peepshow is announcing a DIY Glamour Girl at the beginning of every month! I'm MISS JULY! Thanks so much Christine! I'm going to be teaching an apron class at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton, CA on August 22nd.
Here is the apron I will be teaching. Oooh la la... it's called Soiree de Jardin!
I love this mermaid image. It's from a cover of La Vie Parisienne magzine.

See if you can find the "real" mermaid shoe... not the one in the fabric image... it's someplace else!My friend Sandy and I went shopping to find supplies for my classes in Downtown L.A. last week. I had the most fun with her. I always thought I was one of those people who did better alone so I could go at my own pace, but we had such a good time picking through things and finding some amazing things... even old vintage stock! We can't wait to go back! I just love this beautiful beaded soft peachy-pink button that I found in some old stash. The young girl who was helping us said she thought it looked like candy. I think so too!

When you're tired of your old jeans that just means it's time to spruce them up! I made my own couture ballerina jeans. I love how they turned out! It's so fun to recycle! The fabric behind the ballerina images is from an old skirt!
A-dressing the heart ~ here is my contribution ~ see Monica's blog for more information.
And finally, I designed another one-of-a-kind apron! I love the color combo and think the vintage black and white dotted Swiss fabric makes it look so sweet!


Happy 4th of July weekend to all my U.S. friends and happy weekend to everyone else!

Summer Projects

It seems that making aprons has become part of my regular routine. Just like painting or journaling, I am finding that working with a needle and thread is so enjoyable! My Grandmother would be so proud of me! Creating fabric collages and putting bits and pieces together to make my "couture" aprons gives me so much satisfaction. So what I thought would just be sewing a few aprons has turned into a great new hobby! New aprons in my Etsy shop now!

This little birdie is very happy in his garden of tulips!

Why not wear your favorite singer on an apron instead of a t-shirt?

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I flipped the basket around since it will not be holding a baby... it works perfect to hold all of my special linens. It's nice to know that they weigh 4.8 pounds.

It's gorgeous and in the 70's. Now I must "think" about getting ready. We are going to see Etta James and Adele at the Hollywood Bowl tonight! I love L.A.

UPDATE: Etta James was sick and could not perform so Chaka Khan stepped in and took her place. She was fantastic! Also, Adele was incredible! She is really funny and so engaging with the audience... and she has the most adorable Welsh accent and jokes and talks a lot in between each song. My friend Maryalena said to me, "Adele is like a little piece of candy, the really special kind that you only get at Christmas." I thought that was perfectly stated.

Always Busy!

A custom vintage Barbie Couture Art Apron for Scrappy Jessi....

Here it is!

She said "Eeeeeek" and she loves it!!

I just found out that Jessi's father is very ill and in the hospital so she left home to go be with him. Please keep Jessi and her family in your thoughts, prayers, meditations, chanting... whatever you do.

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Thank you!

Albie sez "hi"
Albie is the best little helper! Actually, this photo is completely staged because Albie is very independent and doesn't get too cuddly for very long. He is very good at following me from room to room though!

Here is some pretty fabric I found at my favorite local fabric store. They've been around for decades and they sell discontinued and vintage fabrics by the pound! It's quite the fun place to visit!

And lastly, I decided to redo the back of my shabby desk chair. Previously, I had adhered some millinery flowers and ribbons but after almost two years, they started getting a little smashed. So I pulled them off and started over. I think it turned out really sweet.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week. Our June Gloom has finally subsided and we are enjoying the lovely Los Angeles weather. It was 77 degrees today!

All The Best Things

I had a fantastic time up at my parent's house last week. I got to meet ROMEO, their new four-legged baby! We bonded immediately and had so much fun. I hadn't been around a puppy since my beloved Chloe back in the early 90's. I had forgotten how energetic and funny they can be. Romeo is going through the biting stage and loves to pull on pant legs, lick toes, tackle feet, dance on two hind legs, roll around.... oh he was just the cutest little guy! My parents are smitten! I'm doing my best to talk them into taking a trip someplace and dropping him off (just 8 little hours away) at my house first! I would love to doggy-sit him and I'm sure sweet Albie would enjoy having a youngin' around!

Here I am with my pretty mom!

A visit through Roseville, CA would not be complete without stopping by The Tattered House and saying hello to sweet Sandy. I sure love that place! Her prices are so fair!! It's difficult to resist buying everything! I found a gorgeous VERY large oval shaped shabby wooden frame that I just had to have. Now I am on the hunt for robin's egg blue velvet... I have an idea!

NOW.... for some very special vintage and antique lovelies...

My Aunt Ernie sent me this ahhhh-mazing collection of linens that she has kept all these years. The beautiful "B" pillowcases were handmade by my Great Grandmother. My aunt believed that a couple of the other pillowcases were hand tatted by my Great Grandmother's mother... so that makes them antiques for sure! They are absolutely exquisite and I am one lucky girl to have them in my collection.

My mom and I went to a really nice flea market with several sellers and I found some great items! I always say that I just don't find the goods in L.A. like I do when I'm up there! Aren't these music sheets pretty? I also found some other jump-for-joy finds but I can't share them yet... I will be using them for a class I am teaching next month and for swaps so don't want to spoil any surprises (oooh... it's so difficult!)

My mom has been passing down her lovely collections of tea towels and vintage goodies to me for a long time so when she gave me these I was thrilled! Thank goodness she saved them. I remember using them on my bed when I was a little girl. The pink and aqua Southern Belle in the middle is just stunning (I have two of each!)

I'm happy to be back home! Albie missed me!!!

I Won a Blog Giveaway & Just One MORE Apron

I am the lucky winner of this beautiful assemblage piece created by Suze of Junque Drawer Chick. Isn't is adorable? I found the perfect spot to hang it in my studio but I thought it would photograph well against our flourishing backyard Bougainvillea. Be sure to take a look at Suze's lovely blog. Thanks again, Suze! I love it. It's just the sweetest! Over Memorial Day weekend I got into a patriotic mood and started working on yet ANOTHER apron. They are just so much fun and my ideas seem to be endless. Here was my initial concept for a patriotic themed design. I loved this t-shirt but it was one those ones that were really short and barely met the waistline so I have been saving it for a few years unable to wear it and hoping I'd be able to recycle it. Bingo! It worked perfectly for an apron!

Add a hanky and some scraps, beads and vintage buttons....

More yoyos and handmade flowers...

And it's finished!

Ready to wear on the 4th of July!

Mom's New Pup and a Little of This and That

Oh Romeo, Romeo... Mom an Dad have a new fur baby! Let the puppy fun begin! Sleepless nights, chewing, whimpering, playing, training, cleaning up.... PRICELESS! They are both thrilled with their new doggie-boy. His name is Romeo and he is a Shitese, which is a cross between Shih Tzu and Maltese. An adorable little fellow that I am getting to know through the cute stories and photos and will soon meet him in person in just a couple weeks! I am so excited!

A pretty necklace made with my grandmother's chains that I took apart and rearranged. The heart belonged to her and the rest are pieces I found at one of my favorite stores, French General.

A lovely new book with pages and pages of inspiration and beautiful art. So many of my blog friends are in here!

I collaborated on a paper bag book back in 2007 and was thrilled to get the news that my page would have a spot in this wonderful book. Here is a photograph of my actual book set against the page with my artwork.

And finally.... some visual journal pages

Thanks Everyone for all your great comments on my last apron post. I'm starting another one today! Happy days!

Dollybelle Couture

When my sweet friend Christine of Dollybelle's Peepshow asked me if I'd make her an apron utilizing her favorite "Dollybelle" flapper-girl image I couldn't resist!
This vintage gal has the sweetest face and was so inspiring to me!

Here is Christine's new apron! I know she'll look adorable in it!

Happy Mother's Day

Here are some wall hangings I made for some very special mothers... For Molly: Bill and Molly on their honeymoon in 1955

For my mom: My pretty mom dressed as a flapper on Halloween in the late sixties

For Evelyn: Made for my sweet, elderly neighbor who's daughter was a ballerina (still is!)

And LOOK! Have you heard of Boopsiedaisy? I have been an admirer of her sweet and funky dolls and photography for a long time. I am now the proud owner of one of her original dollies. This one is called Cream Puff and she is part cotton candy girl/part bunny. She is scented with the yummiest cotton candy scent too!!! My whole studio smells soooo good. Check out the website here! Thank you so much Mindi, I love her!!!

Affirmations!

Ingredients: Decorative paper, whimsical stationery, vintage pattern illustration, vintage Hong Kong magazine cover, favorite pens and perfect, tiny scissors...It all starts to come together to make a pretty affirmation page
1. Our first and last love is Self-love
2. You are heading in the right direction
3. You stand in your own light, make it shine

Doodling, affirmations and knowing... it's all good!

Happy May!

I emailed this to my friend Sandy to show her how cute it was. She replied and asked, "What party is he going to and who is he going to Interview"? I thought that was very funny!

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You can make these badges and much more at Big Huge Labs for free.

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Also playing more in my visual journal....

Spring is in the air!

TRA LA LA!!!!

The Girls!

The apron addiction continues!

It has a cute underskirt.

For those of you who have been following my blog you might remember my mom’s precious paper dolls that she gave me a few years ago. When I was a little girl I would sneak into the cedar chest where my mom kept her keepsakes. I would gently take the paper dolls out and admire them and wonder what it was like back in the 1940’s, the era which the paper dolls represented. These pretty paper dolls are probably one of my strongest memories of fashion and art and my childhood.

I’ve utilized my precious paper girls in so much of my art so many times. This week they have been copied onto fabric and have a new home on a fashion apron! What fun I’m still having with these lovelies so many years later!

Sewing and Beading And The Ideas Are Flowing!

Albie loves to follow me from room to room.... from my art studio out to where the sewing machine is located in another room... back and forth, back and forth. He gets great exercise!
A new project that took a really-really-really long time to put together. I tend to like projects that move quickly. This one took me easily six or seven hours to make over the course of a few days because of all the beading and hand stitching. It's a very large, dense pillow measuring at about 18x18 inches. I've utilized gorgeous fabric that I found at French General along with some vintage remnants. I printed pretty images of birds and of course the girl's head and her body out on fabric and created a pretty floral world for the girl to live in. Available on my Etsy now!

Next up! Here is my favorite sweet little vintage bird. I found the greatest vintage cuckoo clock from a Sears ad and used that for the backdrop. Darling and fragrant dried rosebuds are stitched in a pocket of tulle at the bottom of the bird's nest with pretty vintage lace. The 5x12 inch piece is ready to hang by beautiful silk ribbon. Also available on my Etsy.

PLEASE NOTE: ITEM SOLD

I've been busy with other art projects as well but when my mother reads my blog so I can only post so much!! Mother's Day will be here before we know it so I wanted to start early on my mom's gift! I love being ahead of the game for once!

An Artsy Apron

I do not have any plans to paint or cook in this apron!
I was laying the apron out to photograph and of course Albie was positive that it was being meticulously spread out just for him. He quickly took position and got comfortable blocking my shots!

It's so fun to keep adding special little treatments and additions! Just like with collage, it's hard to stop!

My grandmother's embroidery work from her vintage tea towel was the inspiration!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Passover and/or Easter!