Glitterfest 2009

I had the pleasure of attending the first "Glitterfest" on May 16 in Old Town Tustin, CA. I enjoyed seeing and meeting many artists that I was familiar with, from magazines and blogs. Everyone was very friendly, and the location was well chosen. The space was large enough, and easy to navigate. Rather than experiencing sensory overload, the organizers clearly put much thought into the placement of the vendor/artists. I appreciated the transition from genres, so that I could enjoy a visual rest.

Featured were jewelry artists, paper crafters, ephemera merchants, illustrators, and painters, to name a few. I purchased a vintage hymnal from 1875 that I will use to make paper crafts with. I introduced myself to Jenny Doh and she was lovely. The whole environment was welcoming and I look forward to purchasing items from the artists via their websites.

Birthday Gift

I put together this ensemble for my friend, Ruth. I purchased the 2 bars of soap, and the crown tag, at "Paris to the Moon" in Costa Mesa, CA. Its definitely in my top 10 favourite stores. The soap is from England and the packaging is beautiful. I also got a heart shaped
jewelry box from Japan, with Lily of the Valley on the lid. I made the tag myself, and included her name on it.

Paper Art

Check out Yulia Brodskaya, a paper/graphic artist from Russia.

Got Glitter?

Can't wait until Saturday! www.Glitterfest.com
Mixed Media Handmade Art & Vintage Jewelry! This is the "First Annual" show.

My Roses

Another from my garden. The first variety is called "Double Delight" and the second, "Perfume"

Before and After

Oh how I love spring! Every January when the rose bushes are pruned in my garden it is so sad. But when the roses come back in such profusion it makes my heart sing. Each year they get a little heartier and larger. These are 6 years old and they are the size of lunch plates. Every morning I go out to smell them. They are a true soft lavender colour and smell light and heavenly. These were taken early morning. This variety is called "Blue Angel"

Anything can blossom and thrive given enough time.

Beautifully Simple

No bow needed here. Modern & strait forward designs from Argentina.

In Honour of My Precious Sister

Here is a new blog I started to deal with my grief:

http://tealshamrock.blogspot.com/

Happy Easter to you and yours!

Martha Stewart's New Craft Encyclopedia

When I taught art, crafts had a bad name. Today they are intertwined with art history and borrow from the fine arts. By now you have probably seen this new book out. It has great exposure everywhere. I am pleasantly surprised at how detailed the book is. I do hope it is the first in a series of encyclopedia's put out by MSLO. She has lots of other books out on various subjects but this format is so easy to follow. Don't we need to see an "Encyclopedia of Parties"..."Encyclopedia of Valentine's Day"? The list could go on and on. Some of the pictures are familiar from her magazine and others are brand new. I look forward to trying out some of these projects.

Vespa

Three things is love...tartans, flowers, and a vespa!

Brand New Vintage Coach

Coach keeps reinventing itself. Everything is a brand new version of its old self. They are on a blitz with the new collection and I love it!

Shepard Fairey

I enjoy his innovative take on collage. You just knew there was amazing talent hiding behind all the street graffiti.

Delicious Spring Colours

For my next cup o'tea...a gorgeous wedding cake from http://www.peggyporschen.com/WeddingCakes.htm







This palette makes me want to daydream and start some art!








I want to live in this celadon-robin's egg-coral-peony-world. I was so inspired by this, that I changed my background colours

Dream Chair... ala Ben Sherman stores

Lovely!

Vintage buttons...artfully arranged

Art Supplies

I put great thought into aesthetics, which includes organizing all my art supplies. I like to have everything out and displayed so that I can be inspired and don't waste time looking for things. This is always a work in progress.

My Studio

This is my workplace for artistic endeavors

Fresh Flowers

Beautifully fresh! This was a gift from my friend Whitney.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!