goodness (recycled and otherwise)

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T10:26:00.001-06:00

We copied them from Amy and Alfredo, who saw them on Danyelle's blog. Kyle's a bit older, so he designed his own. He drew the jar and wrote his message and then I photocopied his valentine on kraft cardstock.

He cut out the jars and added his classmates' names in red. Then we worked together to tie the bugs to the jars. This was harder than I thought it would be, but since there were only 15, it was manageable. He picked out a different color embroidery floss for each friend - sweeter than sweet. See that roach down there? So gross, and it was carefully selected for Kyle's best friend, who he assured me would use it, "for jokes for years and years..."

A perfect handwork activity for an almost-eight-year-old. He was very proud of them which is so wonderful to see.

Joey woke up early to bake banana bread for his class. Again, sweeter than sweet. Faith didn't want to do anything specific for Valentines day although it's spirit week at her school so she's doing all kinds of fun extras all week. And for our middle school daughter to not be too focused on this holiday of love? Fine by me. Fine by David. Fine, just fine. (wink wink)

Hope you have a lovely day! xo

wah wah wah [and I'm in a show]

2012-02-10T12:56:00.000-06:00

See this lovely journal? It's not posed...it won't close. This has been the past three days of my studio time. Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh.

I'm in a little home show this weekend and really want to include these next four journals - they've taken a funny turn if I do say so myself. I usually don't show faces on my books, but these water ballerinas were irresistible. (I know we don't call them water ballerinas.)

Anywho - if you're looking for a valentine for your sweet, please stop by! There will be ceramics, and handmade cards and jewelry and scarves and journals and much much sweeter moods than the one I'm showing here. (wink!)

Carla Mash Duncan - Duncan Designs

Jewelry Designer

6170 McPherson

(off of Skinker, close to Wash U.)

Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

100 journals

2012-02-08T11:22:00.002-06:00

One of my goals for 2012 is to make 100 ephemera journals - or whatever you wanna call them. I'm trying to think of a new name for them, because trust me, the word "ephemera" does nothing for people. I'm leaning towards calling them fortune cookie journals. Here's why: You know when you open a fortune cookie and even though you don't really expect it to reflect your life, you secretly hope that it does and that it is going to give you some optimistic insight that you'll say was just a coincidence and "fun" to see, but deep down, you get to believe a little bit that the hope, dream, issue, challenge that you're thinking of might indeed be about to make a turn or get even better...all because of this little slip of mass produced paper? Well, I think my journals have a little speck of that magic in them too - between the collages all being one-of-a-kind and the beautiful mess of vintage and recycled papers that are on the inside, not to mention the writing, sketching, doodling, journaling that each owner will complete...well, I'm leaning toward "Fortune Cookie Journals".

What do you think? I'm not totally sold on the name yet, very open to suggestions.

Anyways, they're not my big money maker, but they are my work through and through going out into the world. I sold every one I made in 2011, so I'm going to try to make 100 and see how they do. They will cost $42 each. I'm also going to wholesale a group of them. Do you own a little shop? Would you like to carry them? Wish me luck! And if you need a journal, please stay tuned...

I am in a little Valentines show this weekend - details tomorrow. xo

Here Comes the Sun {mixed media class}

2012-02-06T12:28:00.002-06:00

Here Comes the Sun

Sunday, February 26th

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Art Room

$50 + $12 supply fee**

10 spaces available

The sun will be our muse in this introductory mixed-media class. No previous painting or art experience necessary. In our four hours together, we will learn to prepare a canvas, determine a composition, integrate various art supplies into our work, and make "mistakes" that will be beautifully included in our work. Class fee includes everything you need to create one 12" square wood canvas. Very light refreshments will be served. Please contact me with any questions: corinne@goodnessrecycled.com

**We will be using 12x12 wood canvasses from Dick Blick - $12 is my cost. If you would like to purchase your canvas on your own, just let me know!

The Art Room is located in my home in South St. Louis - close to Grand and Hwy. 44.

Hope you'll join us! xo

Twelve

2012-02-05T13:49:00.000-06:00

There was bowling, there were doughnuts. There was tuna noodle casserole and peach cobbler. There were gifts - so many gift card gifts (can't believe we've crossed over to that!) and eggs benedict the next morning. A quiet-ish birthday - food and family. Happy birthday Joey - you are hilarious, you are smart as they come, you are kind, you are our delight. We love you so. xo

February is the new January

2012-02-01T10:46:00.001-06:00

Curly Girl said it first and I couldn't agree more! Hi! How are you? Are you still with me? THANK YOU for checking in! We had a great month over here - lots to share.

First though, I wanted to share my sale. I spent A LOT of January thinking about my business and my art. When you're new to this, what do you do with the stuff you make? My skills are not so honed that I can just stop when I have inventory and not practice/make more. But I also want my work out in the world. Is selling it for less to get it into homes and hands "selling out" by artists' standards? At this point - for me - I just don't think so. I will be asking artists this throughout the year (yes, I'm working on my studio tour thursday lineup). But in the meantime, I know that I want my books and my paintings out there. Out. There.

So from now until they're sold, all of my 2011 journals and paintings are 50 percent off in my etsy shop. They are in perfect condition.

I'm so happy (and thankful) to be back here! xo

Make Your Own Journal/Notebook Class!

2012-01-11T11:26:00.002-06:00

There was this great line in Sex and the City years ago. David Duchovny's character tells Cary, after she confides that she doesn't know how to hike: "I've got a secret for you. Hiking is walking..." The word "journaling" also seems to produce intimidation in many of us. Well, I have a secret for you. Journaling is keeping lists, scribbling notes, doodling when you're on the phone, brainstorming. It's not all works of art and pre-works of literature. Trust me. So if you're a person with a concrete journaling routine, or a person who just loves to jot things down (even when we all know our phones can do it for us), this class is for you! Hope you'll join us!

One-Word Intention - Make Your Own Journal/Notebook

One Session - 10 spaces per session

$20/session

(includes all supplies to complete one book, light refreshments)

Thursday, January 19th 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, January 25th 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, January 31st 10 a.m. to noon

Location: My Art Room, Compton Heights, St. Louis City (44 and Grand)

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. From my own personal experience, it can be a catalyst for enriching your life." Ali Edwards, artist

Have you heard about setting a "one-word intention" for the new year? This is not a resolution. it is simply a reminder of an essence or idea that you would like to cling to/reach for/honor in the coming months. In this class we will talk about one-word intentions and create one-of-a-kind journals/notebooks to hold your to do lists, your goals, your recipes, your secrets, your dreams.

We will collage our word onto the cover of an upcycled Readers Digest book. Next we'll find a source of inspiration (an image, a quote perhaps?) for the back. Then we will collage the inside covers to reflect each of our personal styles and loves. Nature, fashion, art, exercise, food...trust me, I'll have the supplies you need to make a book that feels just like "you"!

Collage is simple and fun - demonstrations will be given. No artistic experience or ability necessary! Books will be filled with recycled, top quality writing papers and bound. This is a 2-hour class to give you plenty of time to explore, try a few things and get your book completely finished.

The journals measure approximately 7.5 inches by 5.25 inches - small enough to tuck into most purses.

To reserve your space, please email me at corinne@goodnessrecycled.com. Please let me know how to contact you and which session you'd like to attend. Payment is due three days before class. I can invoice you (cash, Paypal or credit - just let me know). I'm sorry, but refunds for cancellations will not be given unless I can fill your space.

Hope to see you!!!

Want to read more about one-word intentions? Click here or here or here! xo

Hiatus - see you here on February 1!

2012-01-05T10:32:00.000-06:00

I'm taking the month of January "off" from blogging. Not really "off" from working, but "off" from my routine certainly, which is exciting. I have so much to get done but I hope you will join me back here on February 1st when I'll start posting my own new year's intentions, new projects and more (to be determined this month actually)! While I'm not here, I will be:

* Cleaning my basement/organizing my family (long overdue)
* making our play-room-turned-art-room, an art-room/family-room (almost there)
* going out for lunch and coffee and lunch and coffee with girlfriends, girlfriends, girlfriends!
* buying jeans and new tennis shoes (I won't bore you with what a difficult task this is for me)

* making myself a journal!
* doing at least one artsy thing just for the hellovit (very excited)
* paying my taxes and beating the January 31st deadline (yes, yes, yes)
* completing a long list of "real business" tasks that I avoided completely in 2011
* taking a deep breath and evaluating my last year's, mistakes, delights, lessons
* taking a deep breath and setting my goals for 2012

* making peace with our family's eating habits. While this is not a health/cooking/nutrition blog, I will be writing more about this in February. I just have oodles of health questions that are connected to nutrition (vegetarianism, gluten-free living, the pros and cons of vitamins, allergy prevention, adolescence and diet and on and on and on). I don't think three weeks of work will put much of a dent in my list but by February 1st, I will have a list and a plan to get to the bottom of some things. More later - hope you'll stick with me while I'm learning.

I hope January is just lovely for you! And I hope you'll pop back in next month - I'm so very thankful to be blogging and to have you visiting here! xo

P.S. Artwork above is by Kristen Powers - if I had a nursery to decorate, I would fill it with Kristen's beautiful spirit angel paintings! This painting will have a prominent place in my art room!

Puttering along...

2012-01-03T10:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I have one child home, sickish, sleeping. This throws a major wrench in my "hit the ground running" plans for today, but oh well. There are lessons here, I know.

To those of you who have resolutions about cleaning, sorting and organizing, I have a book recommendation for you. If you are looking for something to just keep you motivated and help you with your thinking as you sort, organize and clean, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is a perfect companion. A friend put this book in my hands years and years ago and I was skeptical. But I leafed through it one night trying to fall asleep and it inspired, energized, motivated and educated me in what I needed to do. Honestly. I revisit it every couple of years and it always helps me get my act together.

I have given this book to countless friends. I used to get the book back, but only because my friends would go out immediately and buy their own copy. Now, when I give one away, I simply tell my friends to pass it on when they're done with it. It's just such a lovely, positive, helpful, non-judgemental book.

I'm going to take a little blog break this month. I need to clean my basement, literally and figuratively. Details tomorrow. Thanks for checking in! xo

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:07:00.000-06:00

We welcomed in the new year at our favorite cabin in the woods, where there is always a fire. Always. The rule seems to be, "Do whatever you want, as long as you're close to the fire..." And everyone is happy. We had dreamy warm weather (my kids dunked in the river - couldn't believe it) and by far the highlight was finding a dead beaver on the rock bank. Joey took a pliers from his Swiss Army knife and pulled out the beaver's front tooth - it looked like it was about a half inch long, but when he pulled it, it was really about three inches long and almost a full circle in shape. Fascinating (and gross)!

My biggest lesson is that from now on we have to travel with two cameras. I need to start taking photos of our kids taking photos. Especially of nature. Priceless.

Wishing you health and happiness and a bit of time to do what makes you click in 2012. Happy New Year from our family to yours. xo

Thinking of the lofty variety...

2011-12-28T14:07:00.001-06:00

Like so many, I am evaluating my year quite a bit and making some goals for 2012. I'm not a big resolution person (I am a huge resolution quitter), but I do like to make lists and goals and lists and goals and then a list or two about my lists of goals.

This year I've thought so much about my place in the creative world. Should I be "out there" trying to get into shows and meeting people, trying to network? Should I be trying to just sell my product, open to wholesaling, visiting independently-owned shops? Should I be nestled at home since I very clearly have not come even close to defining myself as a creative? Hmmmm...

I know that I need to get back to the "try it" stage of making things. I want to learn how to use paper clay, and sculpey. I definitely want to try paper cutting. I would love to design a poster. I'm also completely infatuated with doll-making. Obscure, people-would-say, "You call that a doll?" making. My kids will still wear clothes that I freezer paper stencil for them, and it is so. much. fun. Need to definitely do more of that. I will paint.

I'm extremely interested in printmaking, but I don't think 2012 will find me doing it. It also won't find me in a much-needed photography class or taking sewing - both things would be good, but alas, hours are limited. I want to write more - don't know exactly what I mean by this, but when it happens, I'll recognize it. I also want to journal - I make 'em, and I make samples of how to use them, but my own journals are collecting dust. Not in 2012.

Are you making creative goals for your life these days? xo

Note: ceramic heart made by the uber talented ceramic artist, Jo Hart. When she has an online presence, I will post it here immediately. The bowls were lovely treasures I found with a friend at an art fair in Easton, Connecticut years ago.

2011 Christmas Roundup

2011-12-26T11:54:00.000-06:00

Happy Solstice!

2011-12-21T21:21:00.000-06:00

Wishing you days of joy and light. See you next week. xo

T'is

2011-12-19T08:59:00.000-06:00

Our family is always a tad bit behind, last minute, late. But the holidays are here (all three of my children are asleep right now at 8:35 a.m. I have no memory of this happening ever before), and we are finally getting started...cookies to decorate, fudge to make, solstice to plan for, presents to create, wrapping - so much wrapping to do. All good. Wishing you a lovely week! xo

Random Monday (and lotsa link love)

2011-12-12T11:17:00.002-06:00

1. I'm sorry I can't figure out how to show it here, but please check out our favorite Advent calendar ever. This fun (hilarious) site gets my kids to jump out of bed in the morning - glorious!

2. It's possible that I had three cups of coffee and a spoonful of Nutella for breakfast this morning.

3. If you are a mom, please take three minutes to watch this: it is affirming, and cleansing and beautiful.

4. I'm jumping on the tie-yarn-around-a-wreath-form bandwagon and I can't wait. These wreaths are all over the internet, but here's a tutorial, and here's another. This is how far I am right now (below) - but stay tuned!

5. We have not put up one holiday decoration yet. Both boys have projects due this week (by Wednesday though) and it would have been too tempting to ignore the work in favor of decorating. Again, stay tuned!

6. We will make these this year. I'm always about three years behind on projects that sweep the internet it seems. I can't wait to see what my kids come up with.

7. My 40 percent off journal sale is this week - until Thursday! (had to throw that in)

8. Holy knitted bells Batman! I haven't planned for these, but oh how I would love to fit time in to make them.

9. One more day to buy-one-get-one-free on Heather's Whole Foods class.

10. Even though I have nothing to show for it here, I am feeling an out-of-character optimism and calm-ness about this holiday season. Hope you are too!

Happy Monday! xo

HUGE journal sale {coupon code below}

2011-12-11T16:58:00.001-06:00

HUGE journal sale

goodnessrecycled.etsy.com

40 percent off all journals

now until Thursday

enter coupon code "journal40" to redeem discount

And please feel free to forward this to all of your

journal-loving, notebook-loving, list-loving, doodle-loving friends! xo

Buy Local this weekend (and not from me!)

2011-12-09T09:43:00.000-06:00

The Contemporary Show was so terrific! The community was great, the atmosphere divine (literally divine), the music totally fun, the crowd enthusiastic and appreciative. A great evening. More later, but I wanted to give locals a heads up to three studio shows happening this weekend - three great opportunities to buy local and handmade for your holiday gifting!

Duncan Designs and friends

Carla Mash Duncan

DeBaliviere neighborhood (by Wash U.)

amazing jewelry, art, felted soaps, scarves and more

Saturday 10:30 to 4:30

6170 McPherson, 63112

Annie's Studio

Annie Scheumbauer

beautiful paintings, silk scarves, cards and more

Saturday 10 to 5 p.m.

1109 South Taylor, 63110

Cash and Carry Christmas

Carol Carter and Kristen Powers

paintings, stationery, rubber stamps and more

Saturday noon to 5 p.m.

3156 Shenandoah Avenue, 63104

Happy Weekend! I have a whole lot of holiday work to do! xo

Oh what fun it is to say...

2011-12-08T10:04:00.000-06:00

"I have a little show coming up at the Contemporary!" Oh, how I will miss dropping that into conversations!

Show Me Etsy

Contemporary Art Museum

TONIGHT

6 to 9 p.m.

free admission

cash bar (bring canned goods for a drink ticket)

click here for more details!

Hope to see you!!!

And to my out-of-town readers...it's all holiday all the time over here after tonight! Thanks for checking in even with all the self-promotion going on! xo

Coincidence and rambling...

2011-12-07T05:30:00.004-06:00

Do you believe in coincidence? Here are two that have happened to me this very week:

1. The above photo is of an ephemera journal that I need to finish for my last show (this Thursday - details below). I love this cover and I've been thinking that I should keep it (but I often think that). It's far more simple and plain than my "usual." Well, I cannot find the back cover anywhere. I'm thinking that I will find it first thing Friday morning, and since I'll have no other shows, it will be my next personal journal - so I can't find it to finish it and might not be able to sell it when I love it - coincidence?

2. True story (you may not believe this one). I was talking to someone yesterday about perspective and our children - how some things feel very very big, but in the grand scheme of life, they are nothing. But in the moment, we have to honor the big while being the safe place that teaches about the nothing part too - gently. Anyways, in our talking I said, "It's like when (name) didn't like me in 5th grade. All the girls loved him and he never ever ever liked me back..." It felt very big way back then (his name was for sure on my notebook for goodness sakes) but you know, whatev. So I also said, "How funny that I can't even remember his last name when we all were so crazy about him (blah blah blah)." I go to my Facebook page last night and there he is - recommended to me as a possible friend - sitting there in a suit and tie with his last name right there! Oh yeah!!!! That was his last name. So I haven't seen him or possibly thought about him in 25+ years - is this a coincidence?

That's all - only two. Although some people believe things happen in threes, so if something else happens I'll let you know.

My last show of the season is this Thursday (tomorrow) at the Contemporary Art Museum, 6 to 9 p.m. Free admission, free drink ticket if you bring canned goods to donate to Food Outreach, 30 etsy vendors from Missouri and a pizza Food Truck outside. It's going to be good! xo

A delicious nut-free snack - Pepitas!

2011-12-06T05:30:00.002-06:00

David is the cook in our family. Seriously. The guy is talented. I am the utilitarian, the-kids-can't-go-to-bed-unless-they've-eaten cook and while I can follow a recipe, I have very little intuition in the kitchen (unfortunately). So if you are a cook like David, you may not actually even consider this a recipe. But if you are a cook like me...well, here you go!

Here is one of our family's favorite snacks. Easy and delish:

Roasted Pepitas
Pepitas are also called Mexican pumpkin seeds and they can be found in most bulk food sections in grocery stores. They are inexpensive - even when organic. And if your kids love salty, but you have to stay away from tree-nuts at school, this is a great snack. (And yes, you can buy them already roasted, but they do not compare in taste...not even close.)

You will need raw pepitas, some salt that you like and Pam Cooking spray or something like it.

Dump a bunch of pepitas in a pan and turn your burner to a medium setting - you do not want to cook the pepitas too quickly. Spray the seeds one time with Pam and sprinkle on a small pinch of salt.

Shake the pepitas to get the bottom ones to the top, spray lightly one more time and sprinkle with salt. Stir or shake frequently to keep the pepitas moving while they roast.

It will take less than 5 minutes to roast a big batch. Pepitas actually pop like popcorn, so you'll know you're on the right track when you hear them popping. Finally, when about half of them are browned, I spray one more time lightly and add one more small pinch of salt.

They are delicious warm or at room temperature. They'll keep for quite a while in a sealed container although they never last here long enough for me to know exactly how long you can store them. Here is a photo to show you how the color will change raw to roasted.

David built us these beautiful shelves for our nuts and grains because our old house has no storage. We copied them pretty much exactly from Heather. I kind of want to be Heather.

Anyways, she's introducing a new class today, so check it out if you're interested in infusing more whole food goodness into your days.

Do you have mixed feelings about cooking spray? Maybe reading this will help. And here is more than you need to know about the nutritional benefits of pepitas. xo!

Learning lessons...

2011-12-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

The artful blogging community is usually very positive and negatives are usually about personal things, not professional (it seems) so I hesitated to write this post. But then I decided that this experience is an important step in whatever direction this creative life of mine will take me. So here it is.

I had my first devastating show this weekend. I won't tell you where, but the photo above is only 1/4 of the room - filled with vendors. In my "square" I was the only vendor who made my things myself. Everyone else was connected to a home-party-sale system or a mass produced system. I think for the hosts, the sale was a wonderful community builder and this was great. But for me, well, I'm going to tell you what mistakes I made (and realized in hindsight).

1. I didn't call/email the hosts and ask specifically who else might be in the show. If I wasn't comfortable asking for a list of vendors, I could have most certainly asked what percentage of the vendors sold handmade items.

2. I made assumptions from the application. Since the letter and application read as if the show was juried, I assumed that the show was competitive. The application questions lead me to believe that this was a handmade vendor sale so I assumed that everything there would be handmade. Next time, I will email before submitting my payment. Another hint should have been that there was no wording, "Artist must be onsite to sell his/her own items..." This is a common expectation of shows that fit my work, and I should have noticed that this wording wasn't there.

3. I didn't question the table fee. The table fee was $100 which is quite high for handmade - maybe not for other kinds of sales, or larger booth sizes, but for an 8' space in gym for a 3-hour sale, this fee was high. I should have wondered who was able to pay this fee.

I don't have anything against the "host a party - earn free things" world. That model has provided thousands with financial freedom, flexibility in scheduling, independence. Yeah! But for me to walk into a show, compliment a volunteer on her sweater and have her point and say, "It was just $29 from that woman over there....". Well, that was how my day started and how it continued. I can't compete with $29 factory made.

The good thing that came of it all was that I stood there next to my creations and looked people in the eyes, said hello, answered questions when asked (I did receive some lovely compliments). Just over a year ago, I had never done this, and honestly I don't know if I could have done it. So yin and yang - lessons learned, lessons learning...

Back to the grind!

Happy December!

2011-12-01T21:04:00.000-06:00

I know you don't need to be reminded that it is now December. And I'm guessing you also know that winter holidays are right around the corner. But I would like to remind you to try to buy handmade and local when you can. That's all.

Wishing you all a peace-filled, gratitude-filled December. xo

Black Friday recap

2011-11-29T11:56:00.000-06:00

Last year I didn't take pictures of our Black Friday sale because I was trying to be "in the present." This year, I didn't take pictures because we were busy every single minute! We shortened the show by one hour and closed at 4 p.m. and we had people shopping literally from 9:59 a.m. until after 4. We had 10 artists this year and everyone was really pleased with how they sold. The guest feedback was terrific.

At one point, two police officers came in and the air changed (can you imagine it?). But they were in the neighborhood and just wanted to shop. All was well!

Every year I want to post holiday stuff (favorite crafts and recipes, lovely blog posts, etc.) and every year we're too busy. So I think in 2012, I will have a week of "Christmas in July" where I post these things as well as my pointers for hosting a Black Friday sale. I think we're onto something special here - encouraging the holiday tradition of Black Friday while supporting local artists.

To those of you who were able to come - thank you!!!! xo

Riverfront Times photo!

2011-11-27T20:15:00.004-06:00

Love to buy local? Handmade? Come on over!!

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:30:00.002-06:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

Thornton Wilder

crunch time

2011-11-22T13:27:00.000-06:00

The art room...right now! Hope you're enjoying (embracing) your own chaos this week?! xo

Love to Alicia

2011-11-21T13:25:00.000-06:00

Do you read Alicia Paulson's blog? Of course you do!* Alicia's was the first blog I ever followed - don't remember how I stumbled upon her site, but it was life changing for me. Three years ago when I turned 40, I went to Portland on a bit of a solo retreat and I didn't drive by her house. But I wanted to. And I googled her address. And I thought about it.

She and her husband had an adoption fall through this month. Thanksgiving week is always a time when I focus on mother love and how thankful I am for all of it in our life. Alicia embodies the quintessential community mother and her generous spirit and warm heart have brought many a person - in cyperspace and otherwise - comfort, perspective, laughter and kindness. Please send a little blessing/energy/karma Alicia's way this week. xo

*I copied this from Matsutake. I wasn't sure if I should acknowledge Alicia's story in blogland, but Katie did and it was lovely.

kit-schy

2011-11-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

I love the word "kitschy" so I thought my post title was pretty clever until I googled the spelling and learned that it can mean, "tasteless"....

I disagree and I'm leaving my title. One week to our Black Friday Sale! If you're local, I hope that you'll come.

Last year, my artist trading card (ATC) kits sold out before lunch time. I couldn't believe it. So this year I'm selling ATC kits and Design Your Own Journal kits. We'll see how they do.

If you're not local, please be forewarned that posts next week will primarily be shameless self-promotion for our sale! Hope you have a great weekend! xo

Big Dig {take 2}

2011-11-15T22:29:00.000-06:00

Just like last year, we loved excavating our sweets from our garden this past weekend.

It's just truly fun. I highly recommend that if you have a patch of land and no goals for it, just throw some sweet potatoes in there next Spring.

Kyle actually unearthed the first one - we found a bunch of these little nothing shoots. I'm thinking there's probably a very gourmet word for them?

It's like fishing - the bigger the better as far as the game of it all goes.

Here's our black gold. The soil is so healthy, I'm thinking about putting it in my raised beds and putting new soil here so I can grow potatoes in the same space next year (for year three). Has anyone out there ever done this?

They're not much to look at, but yum-yum.

You may have noticed my new gluten-free links in my blogroll to the right? I'm trying to eat gluten free and this is one of my kids' favorite sweet potato recipes. Hmmmm...I think we'll have it tomorrow! xo

Two weeks until Black Friday!

2011-11-11T11:19:00.001-06:00

Those of you who know me know I do NOT promote mindless materialism in anyway. So it would make sense that I encourage a no shopping day on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). And I do - I do. But last year I started a new tradition and invited some amazing women to my home to sell handmade gift items. And the show was a great success for the artists and the shoppers both.

So we're doing it again. And if you love shopping on Black Friday, we hope you'll pop in. My house, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll have holiday treats, wine, cider.

The artists' wares are going to be fantastic: ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, apparel, holiday gifts, photography, journals and more! Hope you'll join us. And of course you can bring a friend! xo

Collage houses

2011-11-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

Just a glimpse at one of the projects I teach in my Life Is A Collage class. I'm going to add this house project to my art party selection too because they are so so so fun to make! xo

Meet the roommates!

2011-11-09T10:23:00.000-06:00

Art shows are funny, because as an artist, you're clearly there to share your work and (honestly) to make money. So it's not uncommon for a show to come and go, and for artists to not meet their colleagues or neighbors, even if they stood within feet of each other for two days in a row. That did not happen at Craft Out Loud! We were plenty busy, but we also had time to chat and it is my pleasure to introduce you to my neighbors from the show. I was very disappointed in my photographs from the weekend, so please do visit the website links - these three women are uber-talented:

Taylor Saleem

Taylor's business is called The Rare Bird and her jewelry is soul-ful. I'm not kidding (remember, my photos are mediocre). Birds are so trendy right now, right? Yes, but Taylor's are extra special. She has items ranging from $25 to $500+ and it is all a joy to behold. Her work is the kind where you see it and immediately someone you love comes to mind - I witnessed people connecting with her work for the whole show. (If you go to her etsy shop, check out the ring in her mast head....breathtaking!)

Laura Miquelon
Laura hand sews wool into beautiful figures, ornaments and dolls. She uses upcycled materials whenever possible and her holiday table is a feast for the eyes. I know that St. Louis already has a Queen of Cute, but Laura, seriously, could give her a run for her money. Keep an eye on her etsy shop as she hasn't added her winter holiday items yet. People would stop by her booth and start talking about what they wanted their winters or holidays to look like - her work makes you think of home, and cozy, and family and time. Beautiful.

Julie Donaldson

Finally, our last roommate was Jenny Donaldson and I don't have a decent picture to share. Please go check out her website. Jenny makes these oh-so-whimsical animals with clay, fires them and then collages them with various papers. They are so fun! The best part about being across from Jenny at the show was watching people interact with her figurines. People would walk into our room, look at her stuff and squint oh-so-slightly, not fully understanding what her artwork was. Then, they would walk closer (I think the color pulled them right in), pick one up and their eyes would light up. LIGHT UP I tell you (!) when they realized that there, underneath the art paper and the color, was their favorite animal, or a creature whose mouth could hold paperclips on a desk, or whose eyeballs were staring right at you. She only had a few turkeys (tis the season) and they sold immediately with people coming in for the rest of the day, "Are you the turkey woman?" So fun!

Thank you Taylor, Laura and Julie for a wonderful weekend! (And yes, I do plan to check out their studios in the future and share them with you here!) xo

wellnowthatwasjustatonoffun!

2011-11-07T21:57:00.000-06:00

Craft Out Loud! could not have been more fun! I sold one painting and 22 journals. I cannot believe I didn't take more photos - I've never had so many books together all in one place. I was in the Spanish room (filled with its own artwork obviously...making the photos a little chaotic I believe) with three other artists who I'll introduce you to here in a day or so.

Thank you New City School for this wonderful event! xo

Sherwood Linders: : Upcycled Metals

2011-11-03T13:43:00.004-05:00

Today we are visiting the home studio space of Sherwood Linders, a self proclaimed tinkerer who transforms everyday cans from this:

Into this:

Luminaries! Just a few years ago, Sherwood bought a friend's welding tank and rig with the intention of "playing around" and learning the equipment. This is his workshop:

He started working with cans - they came in all sizes and were readily available. So he tinkered and experimented and eventually started making luminaries.

Sherwood's equipment provided all the support he needed to make his luminaries except for the fine detail work, so eventually he purchased a jewelers torch.

Sherwood marks his cans using patterns he found at Zen Alcohol Stoves.

His designs are all done freehand.

This wire brush on Sherwood's drill press helps with cleaning and buffing the cans.

When Sherwood's ready to design his luminaries, he heads to his garage so there is plenty of ventilation.

He uses a very small space to make a lot of art!

Schools, friends and a local pizza parlor all pass along their various sized cans. Sherwood can make virtually any can into a luminary.

His luminaries cost between $10 and $35. Sherwood also designed a high-intensity light kit so you can get the 360-degree effect you see in the second photo above. They also work beautifully with candles.

To finish his luminaries, Sherwood paints them all with clear lacquer.

In 2009, Sherwood started selling his luminaries alongside his wife, photographer Jane Linders. Then, in October, he had his first solo booth at Art Outside and his luminaries sold out. One more before and after:

To inquire about a luminary:

Sherwood's Website

Thank you Sherwood!

Getting there...

2011-11-02T11:31:00.001-05:00

Just a little sneak peek of some of the paintings I'll have for sale this weekend at Craft Out Loud! I'm painting all day today and making journals all day tomorrow. Great fun, but I have to be honest - I'm looking forward to slowing down just a bit next week! xo

Craft Out Loud! {next weekend}

2011-10-30T22:49:00.002-05:00

If you live in the St. Louis region, I would love to see you next week at this new art venue: Craft Out Loud! The event is sponsored by our elementary school and was designed by a group of very cool people who wanted to give the Central West End an eclectic, one-of-a-kind, locally-harvested art extravaganza. The artists are so terrific - several of them have been featured here: Chris, Cbabi, Charity to name a few. There also is a great representation of accessible craftspeople too - me for one, and plenty of potters, bowl makers, jewelers, textile artists...I cannot get over the diversity of skills that will be represented.

November 5 & 6

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New City School

5309 Waterman Blvd., Central West End
{$5 entry fee}

It's going to be great event! And did I mention the locavore food?!

Please pop in (and do come say hello)! xo

Charity Fedde: : Jewelry

2011-10-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

Today we are visiting the studio of Charity Fedde, jewelry designer. Charity creates necklaces, earrings and bracelets with a specialty in metal box collage.

Each of her pieces is one-of-a-kind. Each is titled and has its own story.

Two years ago, Charity and her husband moved to the country. Her studio is in her basement, in a retreat-like setting. When she sits here...

...these friends come to call at her door.

Or sometimes these friends come calling.

Here is Charity's studio. When her family moved in, she remodeled the entire space: new flooring, new lighting, counter space galore, fresh paint and wall treatments, lots of storage, electricity. And plenty of natural light thanks to her walk out (shown above).

Since she is a mixed media artist, her work happens in many different steps.

Charity started making jewelry about 10 years ago when she couldn't find pieces that she really liked.

She and her daughter started pounding metal outside on the cement, she made a few things, her husband encouraged her and a business was born!

She began using her husband's tools and it was soon obvious that she was going to need more specialized tools (drills, a grinder) that allowed her to work on her intricate, sometimes delicate pieces.

When Charity started selling at art shows, colleagues would tell her not to take metal smithing classes. "If you study under the masters, you learn their streamlined techniques," she said.

"I've reinvented the wheel in an off beat way and now I make my boxes in a really unconventional way."

She most recently has started carving into cuttle fish bone, using this as her mold.

Fascinating!

Charity creates with recycled and upcycled materials whenever possible. Most of her metals are recycled.

She loves to shop the basement clearance at Shapiro Supply. She finds elements for her collages at antique and thrift stores and estate sales.

I even think her tools look like art.

Her organizational skills are impressive, and necessary to produce as she does!

Spring and summer are Charity's busiest seasons. She creates all winter to prepare.

She is also updating her website. I'll post it here when it's ready.

Charity participates in several shows a year. Her next show is Craft Out Loud, November 5 and 6 in the Central West End.

Charity says that she loves to meet customers at art shows and tell them the story that accompanies their piece. She has several collectors.

She has also started selling her work - as a featured artist and the sole jewelry designer - at Wood Icing in Chesterfield.

Charity says many of her pieces are designed as part of a series. Her three newest series include: hands in fine silver, boxes and lockets, and branches and birds.

Thank you Charity!

pssst.....

2011-10-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

{I can't believe it's over} The Big Surprise

2011-10-19T11:22:00.005-05:00

I believe we pulled off a lifetime memory last week.

We picked three unsuspecting kids up from school on Wednesday, theme music playing in the car and drove straight to the airport.

We landed late in Orlando, home of many things, but for us, Harry Potter Land (as I'm still calling it).

The kids were completely shocked, speechless, overwhelmed to a degree. {Yes, it was awesome.}

Kyle rode his first roller coaster.

Success!

The kids loved the butterbeer. David and I might tell you it was syrup in a cup.

There were no fewer than 4 million places to hold and buy wands. We stopped at all of them.

Joey read all the books and saw the movies multiple times. Peace has been restored, however, all of his wand pictures make him look like he's trying to...ummmm..."eliminate" someone. Have to talk to him about this.

Do you recognize this wand?

Family photo...

Salad in a cauldron? Awesome! Being about an inch-and-a-half too short for the big roller coaster? Not so great.

My hams in front of the Three Broomsticks - the food was really good!

More wand discerning.

Kyle getting his postcards sent by Owl.

Stamped officially don't 'cha know.

Joey - again with the look.

Now I don't think Universal Studios is for everyone (it's actually not-so-much for me really), but I would like to highly recommend implementing a total surprise in your life - for a friend, a partner, a child, a co-worker. Go camping, see a movie, invite someone secret over for pancakes...whatever. We did not tell our friends, our family, our teachers about our plans (I felt kind of bad for not telling our teachers) and we pulled off a surprise that will go down in our family's proverbial history book.

And for me, that made the weekend magical! xo

Magical indeed...

2011-10-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

Our family went on a magical adventure this past week...details tomorrow. xo

Food Truck Friday - that's tomorrow friends!

2011-10-13T06:30:00.002-05:00

The last Food Truck Friday for this season is tomorrow! Tower Grove Park, closer to Kingshighway than Grand, although I recommend driving into the park on Tower Grove and then parking as close as you can get. You have to search a wee bit for vegetarian options, but they're there and they're delish! DE.LISH. {I highly recommend Cha Cha Chow's curried sweet potato taco.}

Do the Groark Blanks recommend Food Truck Friday?

Umhmuhgh...

(That's yes! We do!)

Other city news: Peridot is closing its doors this Saturday. Mia is moving to Florida with her family to follow a great opportunity for her partner. Bittersweet. But the store will be open until Saturday - I was there today and there is still lots of homemade goodness, artwork, gift ideas... Happy Weekend! xo

gorgeous

2011-10-12T06:30:00.001-05:00

Faith is now a teenager and we couldn't be happier or more thankful for who she is. xo

busy, busy, busy...

2011-10-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

I'm so very thankful that our garden continues to do its thing! More soon... xo

Applesauce days...

2011-10-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

OMgoodness, I am the proverbial dog chasing her tail these days. Lots to tell, behind on so many things, thankful for so many more, but giving in to the "behind" more than the "thankful." The kids and I did make it to an orchard and applesauce has been made. I feel like I make gallons each year, but once it's in the house, the kids are asking for it, so it never lasts a winter...or an October really. But we'll see.

Hope you're snuggling in too - happy Fall. xo

Painterly:: Day 3

2011-09-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

At this point in my week of painting, I'm wondering if I should tell you that the lighting in my art room stinks? Or that I do know the purple up there looks just awful! Or that these are just backgrounds. I still have to collage and then paint in the details (the fun part). But I won't tell you those things because this week I'm just posting photos - real photos of my process for all to see. xo

Painterly:: Day 2

2011-09-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

Painterly:: Day 1

2011-09-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-09-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

1. I have a new color option in my love cocoons that will be added to my etsy shop today! I love this color so much - it is delicate and classic. I'm going to call it "dune blue."

2. I'm honored and delighted to tell you that I will be part of this year's Show Me Etsy at the Contemporary Art Museum. Thirty etsy sellers are selected each year to participate. More details as we get closer to the December 8th date!

3. Have you heard of Heartsy? It is like a groupon for Etsy. You do have to register, but the deals are great and the gift idea goodness (the holidays are approaching) almost overwhelming! (almost)

4. I start a new 8-week collage class at this school today. If any new parents are here checking out my blog, welcome!

5. In art news, I'm also in a fine art (juried! hooray!) show in November so next week I will be painting everyday. I'm thinking about just showing segments of what I'm doing with no text. If you check in and have an opinion - about my work or the new posting style - please leave a comment!

Super Model Visits St. Louis

2011-09-16T11:38:00.001-05:00

Well, super model in some circles. Some very important Groark-Blank circles...

My niece arrives today from Hawaii. To those of you who have purchased or received love cocoons, she is the "model" on all of my wrapping! I'm selling about a cocoon a week (more when I have a show obviously) and I'm still enjoying knitting them up so much! I also have a new color - a very pale dusty blue - that I'll show you next week.

Happy Weekends! xo

Headbands in the shop!

2011-09-14T06:00:00.011-05:00

I have a whole bouquet of headbands available for sale in my etsy shop!

I would like to thank this funny face, Miss E for modeling for me.

She chose the photo below to go on the blog...

...and I chose this one.

Awwwwww....go buy a headband! xo

Yes, of course you could make your own!

Here are my tutorials (1 and 2) for making felt headbands.

Fall Felt Flower Headband {tutorial}

2011-09-13T10:37:00.004-05:00

Here is a simple tutorial for making a fun fall headband!

You will need: felt or material in graduating colors, scissors, pinking shears, needle and floss, a fun button and a headband of your choosing.

Using your pinking shears, cut out circles in your graduating colors.

Select a button to be the center of your flower/circle and sew it into place. You will also be sewing all of the felt circles together.

When you're done, leave the thread. Don't cut it, because you will use it later to sew your flower to your headband.

Take your regular scissors and cut little triangles out of your smallest circle. Then go to your next circle and cut triangles out from the same space. Continue until you have cut triangles out of each circle.

Now your flower is done. Select a headband to use. I linked to the headbands we use on my Valentines tutorial. My daughter loves these and thinks they're the most comfortable. They also provide a lot of give when sewing your flowers to the band.

If you like your work to look neat, you can cut out a small piece of complementary fabric and glue it to the back of your flower to hide your stitches. This is just an extra - not necessary.

You can experiment. I didn't cut petals from the blue circles and on the purple/grey headband, I made the circles askew (love this one!).

Ta da! If you like this idea, but don't have time to make one, I'll have a whole new headband selection in my shop tomorrow! xo

A Few Notes:
If you make a really large flower, I would not cut the petals from the outer two circles until after the flower was sewn to the headband. This will just ensure that the petals are cut as evenly as possible in case they pull a little when being sewn to the band.

It would be really fun to mix fabrics and felts - and maybe even some paper. I'm going to try that next.

Try embroidering something on your smallest circle - an initial, peace sign, leaf, snowflake?

To new bloggers, I thought the wrinkled fabric background in my photos here would look kind of vintage/old school/cool. Nope...it just looks wrinkled. Lesson learned. Backgrounds should be plain and simple (and neat).

The Upcycle Exchange

2011-09-12T06:26:00.002-05:00

Hello locals!

Have you visited the Upcycle Exchange? Do you know about this amazing resource in South St. Louis?

The Upcycle Exchange is a pay-as-you-wish resource for post-consumer (donated) art and craft supplies.

Autumn Wiggins is the founder of the Upcycle Exchange (and the Strange Folk Festival, coming up in two weeks).

Located in historic Dutchtown, The Upcycle Exchange is part of a professional collective that also includes a therapist and a graphic artist.

And "pay-as-you-wish" is not a typo. Each customer is welcome to dig through the impeccably organized Ikea-fied space, fill a bin and pay what s/he believes is fair.

Each month, 10 percent of sales is donated to a local charity.

The selection is incredible: rubber stamps, glitter, fabric, yarn, jewelry components, paper, frames, watercolors, oils, crayons, glue, ribbon, tools...

If you are making a quilt, helping a child with a diorama or looking for that perfect piece to finish your next assemblage, chances are you'll find more than you need right here.

My daughter made a great purse by sewing together two complementary upholstery samples (with grommets already in place looking very cool), an old belt from one of the bins (for the strap) and a vintage pin (bling). She finished it in a day and it is darling.

The vintage jewelry always seems to be stocked with something new.

And there's humor too. Yes, that bin reads, "A Hot Mess of Lace." I have not yet found high-end yarn (which, honestly, is a relative term), but I have been so impressed at the quantity of supplies for beginners and artists who may consider their needs a bit more "seasoned."

Here's my favorite table of course - paper. The old books are so special, as well as the vintage sheet music, wall paper samples, old stationery, craft magazines and more. I seek out the old, but we have found plenty of brand-new-never-opened supplies too.

It's a good idea to visit their website to check their hours. While you're there, check out their wish list for things they're hoping to have donated.

Upcycle Exchange

3309 Meramec

St. L, 63118

314.282.7042

What a lovely, community-building, good-for-the-earth idea. Let me know if you go! xo

welcome change

2011-09-08T14:29:00.000-05:00

To those of you still checking in, thank you! THANK YOU!!! I have had all kinds of "aha" moments in the past few weeks and will share the good ones here eventually. For now, I just wanted to check in and say that blogging will resume and I am delighted. I love blogging! To those of you on the fence about it, just begin. Embrace the challenge, don't set your sights too high right off, and enjoy it.

My kids are back in school, my house is now quiet in the day and I'm rediscovering my proverbial path over here. More soon. xo

Goodbye Summer...

2011-09-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

I'm still having technical difficulties...please hang in there (here) with me. Blogging will resume this week for sure. xo

C'mon...you've seen kids pose with weirder...

2011-09-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Thought I'd let you know that my website is still down (very disappointing), but my elusive cucumber plant is producing! We're getting about two cucumbers a day - normal-sized cucumbers. And we've had one giant that needed to be photographed! They look weird, but they are delish!

Have wonderful weekends and remember to take a moment or two and send healthy wishes/prayers/karma/energy to all our neighbors still dealing with the work of Irene. xo

technical difficulties

2011-08-31T12:38:00.000-05:00

Well shoot. I'm having some trouble with my Goodness Recycled website and email. If you need to get in touch with me, please email me at groarkblankfamily[at]hotmail[dot]com.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

painting freehand

2011-08-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

We're getting Faith's junior high room ready complete with some brighter accessories/linens, a new-to-us desk and more. Faith has been away camping with her new class these past three days - teambuilding -(isn't that awesome?) so today I painted this one wall in her room.

I just dry brushed the designs and then filled in space as I went along. The white paint was just cheapo craft paint and it seems to be fading, so we'll see if I have to add another coat. I computer-enhanced the peacock feather in the corner in one photo above because it's not photographing well, even though it's easy to see in person. I hope she likes it!

Upcycled discarded stool

2011-08-24T06:15:00.001-05:00

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 is a new section in my blog where I show a "before and after" with four photos and little to no text. If you have a project you'd like to share, please leave a link in the comments! xo

All talk

2011-08-23T11:05:00.000-05:00

We have no fewer than 3 million cucumber flowers waiting to grow into cucumbers and then become Greek salad. We've watched these flowers every day for at least a month. And sadly, we're used to watching our cukes get eaten by beetles, but this year, we haven't seen beetles and there have been more flowers every day.

I don't think my photography skills are capturing what a monster these three cucumber plants have become. They've grown into our tomatoes, and all over our strawberries.

Weeks ago when the flowers began appearing we talked about how cucumbers and squash are like nature's magic show. One day you have no fruit, the next day you have a small fruit-let and sometimes the very next day (or at least it seems that way) you have a full grown fruit ready for the eating.

The next week we talked about what we would do with all these cucumbers. Should we give them to our neighbors? There will be so many [we thought], maybe we should just leave them out in our front yard for drivers by. How many meals can we make with cucumbers? Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. And no fruit - no magic show.

Now it's almost September and everyone is talking about/blogging about Fall, slowing down, finding a rhythm, harvest. Us? Well, we're certainly not talking about harvest....at least, not until last night.

One cucumber! ONE! We'll take it, but we are very curious what the Fall will bring. Maybe we'll be the only family with home grown cucumbers in November. We'll see... xo

Upcycled junk box

2011-08-17T11:51:00.003-05:00

I love before and after photos! Of anything really...gardens, cleaning jobs, decorating, hair cuts, crafts. But they don't always require a tutorial, or an explanation. So I'm starting a new "subject" in my blog called 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 for those of you who love before and after shots like I do. I'll have little to no text and four photos showing what I found/bought and what I did with it. Hope you enjoy it and if you have a before and after project to share, please leave a comment and a link! xo

the good and the so-bad-I-don't-know-that-I-should-blog-about-it

2011-08-16T08:45:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm...I'm not sure how to begin this post, so I think this first draft will just be chronologically accurate. David took the kids on our family's four-day escape to our favorite cabin in the woods last week. I didn't go and the decision was spontaneous...but glorious! I don't know if you remember in November when I posted that I spent my first night alone in my own home, but now I have had three nights alone, in a row, in my own house.

What did I do? I did what I'm always blogging about - I worked in my art room. Two days of work and then a night out and sleepover with a friend who I never get to see. Glorious. Really. If you are a mom and you haven't shoved your family out of your home so you could have it all to yourself, um, do it now. Today. Schedule this time for yourself. Today. Did I already say TODAY?

So then the kids, the dogs and the husband came home happy, sun kissed, filthy and my shift began on Camp Mama. We learned to blow bubble gum bubbles, we took walks, we learned Backgammon. Nothing flashy, but good days.

And then came the bad. Last Friday while we had two friends here and my 3-year-old niece, our dog got into Faith's rat's cage, chased him in a very dramatic and traumatic way down our stairs and killed him in front of everyone - six kids in my house. Five kids screaming in total fear and powerlessness. I'm not being a drama queen when I write that in hindsight I feel like I got a taste of what hell must be like in those three seconds of hearing the screams, racing downstairs and shoving everyone outside because our pet's death was inevitable. I've never heard my children scream in fear and powerlessness.

To those of you who don't "get" this because he was just a rat, I know. I know. But could you just stop reading and come back tomorrow because we loved this rat, we took responsibility for him and his life and even though this was an accident in the purest form...this death was preventable. And devastating. We only had him for five months and we didn't keep him safe. So we're mourning over here, over a rat no less and we're healing and walking gently with each other in this sadness. And Faith is working hard to forgive our dog for being exactly who he is - he's the least to blame really.

The comic relief in all of this was that my niece didn't really understand what was happening and she was absolutely fine - no fear, no screaming, no "processing" it when all was done. I got a very sweet email from my sister-in-law saying that my niece probably won't need to talk about what happened until she is sitting in class on her first day of school. This is still making me smile as my house heals.

Ugh. So I know I've written that this blog is meant to record the happy days, but it felt weird to come back to blogging without making note of our whereabouts. And this failure and death and sadness and bleh....

Bleh....

So there you have it. xo

Note: The photo is my fam's first attempt at light drawing. They loved it!

Camp Mama-ish

2011-08-05T11:53:00.000-05:00

Every year, the first week of summer is reserved for just our family. We call it "Camp Mama" and we are altogether all week. No matter what. Sometimes Camp Mama is completely organized with an agenda and activities and sometimes it is really loosey-goosey. This year, it didn't happen because I threw my back out.

Camp Mama is next week and it's going to start out weirder than ever. But it will be our family week and that will be great. So I'll be away from this space for a bit. Enjoy these final days/weeks of summer! xo

Missing the ocean...

2011-08-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

I just noticed today that lavender flowers, when they die, leave the most amazing shells (shells? pods? skeletons?) behind.

They're totally geometric and perfect - kind of like a coral of sorts, no?

Or maybe a barnacle is a better comparison. Have you seen Geninne's barnacle post by the way? She's amazing.

I couldn't stop looking at them in their minuscule gorgeousness.

I also don't know what to do with them? I want to clip them all and save them in a vase, but fear they may crumble. And if I leave them outside, they just may blow away...

I'm working on a big etsy shop update and filling some custom orders (way fun). My journal-making photos are all starting to look the same to me, so it's garden photos for now. xo

Welcome August...

2011-08-01T12:26:00.001-05:00

Have an iced tea, put your feet up, start a nice, long book. There is no hurry for you to go...

xo!

psssst....

2011-07-29T07:57:00.004-05:00

There is a very small shop update over at my etsy shop, in my upcycled journals section. These are old books destined to be landfill that I simple repurpose into journals. They're not collaged, but they are unique and very fun and sometimes very beautiful (see Mona Lisa journal).

If you're looking for a hand-made gift for under $20, please take a peek! xo

...the way a river went.

2011-07-28T19:44:00.000-05:00

It is pleasant to have been to a place the way the river went.

Henry David Thoreau

Wishing you wonderful weekends! xo

Upcycled Journals

2011-07-27T07:32:00.001-05:00

I'm making upcycled journals this week. I started making these when I realized that some of the old books I found were too beautiful (or funny) to cover with collage. I clean the covers, repair the inside covers if necessary, add a label for the new owner and fill with writing paper that's at least 30 percent recycled.

It will be all I can do to not keep the "Strange Woman" journal - it is old and stained, but so fun, isn't it? And the doctors and nurses book - whoooooeeeeeee - possibly the most sexist children's book I have ever read, but I love the cover. We'll see if it sells - maybe to a nursing or medical student?

These journals will be in my etsy shop on Friday - there are others too, so please check in! And I also have a small selection of these at Peridot. Enjoy your days! xo

Be my guest?

2011-07-26T08:53:00.003-05:00

I am signing up for Heather's 30-Day Vegan Workshop (all online) today and she is generously offering to let all participants invite a guest for free. All she asks is that the guest be genuinely interested and motivated to participate.

Would you like to join me? Leave me a comment and your contact info and I'll be in touch.

Click here to read more about the workshop. xo

Note: space has been filled - thanks!

book baking

2011-07-25T06:14:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share that if you have an old book that you love, and it's a bit musty, you can always set it outside in the (not quite direct) sunlight and let it sit for a spell. The heat and the sun will work miracles! xo

brick + mortar

2011-07-22T05:56:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to tell you that my journals are now being sold at Peridot! This shop sells only locally- and hand-made goods. More than 100 artisans and something for everyone. Hope you'll pop in and tell Mia (the lovely owner) that I sent you! xo

Peridot

3159 Cherokee Street, St. Louis 63118

314.771.3571

T - S 11a to 5 p

Sun noon to 4 p

birthday p.s.

2011-07-21T07:15:00.001-05:00

Painting done - it's a little "cutesy-er" than I would choose, but it felt great to start and finish something all in one day! I decided to post this photo for two reasons. The obvious is that I do intend to paint more and more, so it will be fun to see my work evolve and (hopefully) improve.

The second is because of what happened on Tuesday. I caught my two oldest children in a very conspiratorial look as they, without words, totally made fun of my singing. Making fun! Of me! Their mother!!!! So I'm watching as the days of them thinking I'm the best singer in the world slip through my fingers. Then, it occurred to me yesterday as they were loving my painting progression, that soon they will also stop believing that I'm the best artist in the world too. Rats.

So I'm posting it as a memory that this birthday was a day when, in the eyes of my children, I couldn't sing, but I could still paint! Amidst all the sleep deprivation and laundry and lunch making and soccer games, it's been nice to be highly regarded in these very small ways for all these years. We had a good run - and maybe, just maybe, Kyle's still on board. Just a wee bit?

Enjoy your Thursdays! xo

Growing and older...

2011-07-20T16:52:00.001-05:00

Today I am forty-three. I woke up to coffee served bedside, then a lovely breakfast with handmade treats and this lovely gift. Idiot proof I was told. Cheap (for experimenting with tutorials) and idiot proof. Well, not quite - I did make a little video of the kids, but I can't seem to upload it. Hmmmmm...so is this not idiot proof or am I...

Anywho, I've had a perfect day! Worked a little, gardened a little, thrifted a little. Joey put together a still life for me and I'm trying to paint it. Painting is so renewing - even if you're (I'm) horrible at it. If you want to try painting, but feel intimidated, browse through Alisa's videos - she is so inspiring and so empowering about just trying it! You (I) can't become a painter if you (I) never paint!

Off to dinner...then hopefully a quiet night at home. xo

[GARO11] July 14

2011-07-14T08:17:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Great Art Room Overhaul of 2011!

My art room progress has come to a screeching halt, but in the interest of being honest and authentic, I thought I would show you some (obviously untouched) photos of what it looks like this morning. The next step will be to hang my shelving to hold my paints, etc. And then I'll begin to organize the room - half classroom/public space, half studio space for me.

What do you think of the green? I never intended to have a green that deep. I do this all the time - pick something muted and subtle and then change my mind at the paint store. A friend said, "I need that exact shade of green in my life in the middle of winter," which I think it is a great point. I'm not going to make time to repaint it, so we'll see how it looks when the room is done. I love the grey - love love love it!

And, I could not be happier with the lighting and new ceiling fans. Third floors get hot and these are working great!

So there is a classroom area, a space for my work and supplies and a seating area. I still need to find a comfy rug (trying to design a room where my kids want to hang out too), but overall, big purchases are done. Phew!

Happy Thursday! xo

journals journals everywhere!

2011-07-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

I'm back to journal making over here and it feels fantastic!

My journals (all three styles!) are going to be for sale in a local shop starting (hopefully) next week. I'll tell you more once they're displayed - so excited!!!

So it's back to gluey fingers and scissor time, scissor time, scissor time!

Also, I found 38 books for my Simple Words journals at my local Goodwill! Thirty-eight!! Whooo hooo!!! I'm going to make 20 and then save the last 18 for a make-your-own-journal class this Fall. Would you come?

Welcome to all the Whip Up readers who are popping in and thanks to Kathreen for linking to my wedding fan program tutorial! xo

My annual mushy gushy

2011-07-12T12:53:00.002-05:00

Dear David,

It's moments like this that make me think these two opposing thoughts at exactly the same time:

1. I wish I could support our family so that you could have some time during this season in our children's lives to just be home "be"ing with them, and 2. I am the luckiest person alive to have this time with our kids.

Today Kyle safely transported this garden friend from a very obvious, a-dog-will-surely-dismember-you-at-best location to a more natural, safe place in our yard. Mr. Mantis made it immediately clear that traveling on Kyle's hand was a no-go!

Just another small moment to teach our kids to help, but to help with the needs of the "other" in mind. (Look at that smile...I'm melting...oh wait, that's just the 100 degree temps outside.)

This not-so-little bug made me think of so many things - how to keep our kids connected to nature as they grow (Joey ran right outside too btw and took most of these photos), how to teach our kids to be strong and gentle at the same time, how to grow our little urban yard into a place where nature's creatures want to be...

But mostly I was thinking what I think this praying mantis might have been thinking...

"Dude [my dearest David]...thanks so much for the ride!" xo

P.S. Photos by Joey.
P.P.S. Here's last year's mushy gushy...overshares end again today for another year! ;)

weekending...

2011-07-08T12:19:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, hopefully with time to do a bit of art (photo 1) or map out where you might hide a magical key (barely seen in photo 2) or carve a magic wand (photo 3). Photo 3's wish is especially for you if, like our family, you have kids who most definitely will be seeing Harry Potter VII Part Two next week, and kids who most definitely will not be seeing Harry Potter VII Part Two next week! xo

Wedding Program Fans - tutorial

2011-07-07T12:22:00.001-05:00

One of the handmade details from my cousin Erin's wedding was the programs. Since the ceremony took place outside, in the desert, we decided to make the programs fans. Here's how we did it:

Step 1: Design the program. (We did this on the computer, but it would also look great handwritten and copied). Our programs measured 6 inches wide by 7.5 inches tall. For easy assembly, we very lightly printed out cut lines (for the program itself) and sewing lines (for the stitching). When you're done with the typesetting, print out your programs on cardstock and cut them out - straight sides only - leaving the corners to be cut later.

Step 2: Choose your paper. These fans could be printed on both sides - in which case you would print on cardstock. We decided to keep the text simple (the ceremony was short) and use art paper for the backs. Erin wanted every fan to feel different, so we bought three different scrapbook paper packs from Michaels and she pulled out her favorite sheets. We could fit two fans to one sheet of paper.

Step 3: Cut art paper into 6 x 7.5 inch rectangles and set aside. For best results, use paper that is heavier than computer paper. Thick card stock is not necessary, but a heavier weight paper will stand up better as a fan. You'll cut the fan corners later.

Step 4: Prepare the handles. We found these in the moulding section at Home Depot, and these long strips of wood were perfect. My photo is not clear, but look carefully and you can see how one side of this wood is rounded and one side is squared. This made a perfect handle - it felt great and made the fans look more "custom". Cut the handles to size - we cut ours to 9" a piece. The wood was $4 for an 8-foot-strip, so approximately 36 cents per handle.

Step 5: Gently sand the edges. Again, this just makes the fans feel/look a bit more custom. David took a piece of scrap wood, wrapped it in sandpaper and rubbed the edges. This step took seconds per handle.

Step 6: Sew the front and back of the fans together. The photo above is horrible, but I wanted to show you our "cheat" lines. The dark line was the outline, so we cut those along the straight edge first and left the corners uncut. Now, look closely and you'll see that very very faint line? That was the guide for our sewing. It had about an inch of blank space at the bottom (where you'll eventually insert the handle) and so we started to sew at the bottom right, sewed around the whole program and then stopped when we reached the blank space on the bottom left. (If you look below "Andy" and a bit to the left, you can kind of see how the line ends.)

Step 7: Relax. Our lines weren't perfectly straight. Sometimes we missed the corner altogether and there was a very faint line to be seen. No one noticed this but us, and the detail of the stitching was just gorgeous!

Step 8: Assemble and finish. We put 2" of double-sided tape at the top of the flat side of our wood handles, inserted the handle into the fan flat side facing the text side and pressed firmly into place. Trust me, they won't move. Finally, take a scissors and round your corners so that everything lines up.

Done.

Additional Details:

Erin chose gold thread and I was totally skeptical (worried it would be slippery, unravel, etc.). It worked beautifully and was the perfect choice!

This project is not a timesaver in anyway, but once you're in the groove of it, progress moves along quickly.

When all was said and done, these fans cost less than $1 each - totally worth the time investment required.

The handles could be painted or stained.

If you use a "cheat" line for your sewing, choose the lightest shade possible in the same color family as your thread. We used gold thread so our line was a light light brown.

Other ideas to try would be text on both side with simple, gorgeous cardstock and a crazy color of thread - purple or peacock with cream cardstock for instance. The possiblities are endless!

Finally, the fan/program combo could be used for many other events: murder mystery parties, garden parties, any outdoor fundraiser...

Please let me know if you make your own! xo

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T08:26:00.000-05:00

Peace in the world begins at home...

Early Summer Salsa

2011-06-29T07:06:00.001-05:00

I am not a natural cook in any way. I have to follow a recipe to the word, and if I'm out of something, I have little to no instinct for substitutions. Salsa, however, I can just make (and so can you). Aside from making it too salty, you just can't mess it up. And it is so delish! I've put more exact measurements in parentheses, but this really is a garden recipe where you just use what you have!

Early Summer Salsa

tomatoes, chopped (8 large)

onions, to taste, finely chopped (2)

cilantro, huge handful, finely chopped
garlic, chopped (3 cloves)

jalapeno, finely chopped (1)

splash of red wine vinegar

juice of 1 lemon

cumin (1T)

red pepper flakes, a couple shakes

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, stirring with each addition. Chop ingredients to the size you like - my kids will eat this as long as the flavorful elements are chopped small. Remember, salsa will be more tangy/salty/spicy on day two. Serve with chips and enjoy! xo

Summer starts Monday!!

2011-06-24T08:51:00.001-05:00

I decided earlier this week to just claim that our summer would officially begin again on Monday! We just haven't been ourselves over here as I've already explained over and over (and over...yowsa...). So please check in Monday when Goodness Recycled is back as a business, creative and family blog. I have a great tutorial and some fun news about my journals!

For you locals, sad news. Paste is closing its doors. But they're having a sale - everything 50 percent off, so stop in, give some well wishes and stock up!

Just being careful not to "under-do"

2011-06-23T06:00:00.006-05:00

1. This is the last post where I will mention throwing my back out and all the pain and inconvenience this has caused me and my fam in these past two weeks. Yeah! However, I do want to mention that after this experience (not the first time it's happened, but definitely the worst), my grandchildren will be thankful that I went through it. I learned that I am a horrible horrible person when I am not "all in". My physical limitations took a toll and (while I was laying flat not able to do anything else) I had a big think about what kind of older person I want to be (someday), how many people I know who have persevered through so much more (so so so so so much more), and how it was time to hang up the medical martyr hat and try something new.

2. So while my loved ones have encouraged me not to overdo it, I'm realizing the advice I really need to follow is to not under-do it. I can do plenty and today the kids and I had a big powwow about doing a little bit each day - fun and work. So today we cleaned the deck - planted small plants for color, shop-vac'ed the deck and furniture, fluffed all the very-ugly-but-still-comfortable cushions and wiped down everything.

3. Did I mention that grapes grow no matter what? So now we can sit on our deck as our grapes grow and watch our kids play.

4. And the kids love to be out here too. Daily. Reading always. Glorious.

5. It's not perfect, but it's a project off our list. Just one step closer to the summer we imagined. Yeah...

Studio Tour Thursdays resumes next week! xo

e+k

2011-06-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

My beautiful cousin Erin married my now-cousin-in-law Keith this past weekend in Santa Fe. It was a wonderful celebration of so many things: about Erin and Keith, their marriage, their (our) families. The weekend was very touching and so so so fun!

I'm still not comfortable posting pics of other people without their permission, so I'm only attaching this one, somewhat blurry (artsy?) photo. The weather, as you can see, was perfect.

This post though is to let you know that in addition to a wonderful weekend, Erin included lots of DIY goodness in her day and I will have some tutorials for you very soon. We're still getting settled over here. I know, I know...

Oh, did I mention the wedding?

2011-06-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Details soon! xo

Kids, like beans...

2011-06-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

...will continue to grow, even if you neglect them.

Ok, I'm exaggerating a tad, but while I'm worlds better, I'm not all better over here.

My family and my garden are paying the price. And without being too much of a drama queen, I just need to tell you that I have to be away from blogging for a bit longer. If I made blogging a priority right now, with our summer starting the way it is, it would be the wrong choice. A bad choice actually.

So I'm off for a bit. Sorry for the unexpected hiatus - I'll be back here as soon as possible. Rejuvenated. Healed. And happy (always) to be blogging. xo

P.S. That last pic is our very new and already neglected peach tree...the lawn actually looks pretty there, huh? Trust me...it's an illusion. ;)

I'm baaaccckkk....(no pun intended)

2011-06-13T08:01:00.002-05:00

My back is significantly better - not all better, but significantly better and I'm not complaining.

I feel like we totally lost our first week of summer and are thrashing around a bit trying to find some balance in our days. We'll get there.

I'm still not lifting much, but here is a little sneak peek of my magnetic chalkboard wall. The kids love it! And the green on my accent wall - it's beautiful as a color, but I'm a little worried it's too much for this space. We'll see.

Faith asked last night if she could sleep in today. This is the first time she's done this..ever! And she wrote the quote above - this quote was on the tshirt she received from her new middle school. Isn't it lovely? In all my years of working with teens but never parenting them (I'm oh-so-humbled, believe me) may we walk the walk as we welcome you (adolescence) with open arms.

Happy Monday! xo

Trouble in Paradise...

2011-06-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry to report that I threw my back out on Saturday and have been almost helpless ever since. Yesterday I did run some errands and attend a picnic that we've been looking forward to...but I overdid it and will be taking it easy yet again today. Our air conditioner is also broken on the first floor. And our road trip to Oklahoma and Texas was cancelled - which is now working out for the best because I don't think I'll be ready to drive long distance by Friday. Our youngest is struggling with all the Harry Potter talk over here and acting out because of it (see photo). Plants are dead in my yard because they haven't been watered enough and I've learned that I haven't actually taught my kids the gardening basics they need. My garden isn't planted - I don't think I've waited this long (and it will be even longer) to plant tomatoes in our whole marriage (when gardening started). We're still thankful over here, but certainly not starting the summer as planned.

Sigh. Just wanted you to know why I wasn't here. I'm hopeful I'll be back by Monday. Thanks always for checking in! xo

P.S. My art room looks great - I was moving furniture on Friday night to make room for the painter. Lesson learned, but the painting does look so terrific - can't wait to show you!

A little poster plug

2011-06-03T20:47:00.008-05:00

A very generous group of very talented artists is selling posters to raise money for the people of Joplin.Click here to see! It's supposed to be dangerously hot in the midwest this weekend. Please take good care - of yourself and a neighbor! xo

Best Banana Bread Recipe Ever. Ever!

2011-05-31T12:10:00.002-05:00

My art room overhaul is progressing, but I just can't show you any more photos of the ceiling in here. The electricity is done for now and the painter will come tomorrow. Then there will be improvements to show. In the meantime, I'm trolling craigslist and enjoying this final week of school and all its festivities.

Thought I'd post a favorite recipe - banana bread seems perfect since we're in the season of fruit ripening much too quickly. Joey's friend submitted this - his grandmother's recipe - for our school's fundraising cookbook a few years ago and it never disappoints. "Where is the cinnamon...and the nuts?" you may ask. I know! But trust me. It's so moist, so delicious...I'm not a natural cook and this is a sure thing every single time. Hope you enjoy it! xo

Grammy Sue's Banana Bread

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar (I use raw sugar)

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour (I use 1 cup white flour, 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour)

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

3 ripe bananas, mashed

chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Bake in a greased loaf pan for one hour.

Heidi Sever: :Jewelry

2011-05-26T23:07:00.003-05:00

Today we are visiting the studio of Heidi Sever, jewelry designer.

Heidi's studio is perfectly perched on the 3rd floor of her North City home.

She's up here most days with her dogs Minnie and Harry.

The space is bright and airy and inspirational. Heidi has three work stations - one for creating with glass,

one for beading,

and one for precious metal clay and metal work.

These cabinets house Heidi's beading station. She found these cabinets at the ReStore. In addition to her beading, the cabinet on the left houses her business paperwork and the top cabinet above her work space houses all of her shipping supplies. (The table to the left is where she creates with precious metal clay.)

Heidi began making jewelry about six year ago. She started with stringing beads and eventually her husband gave her a starter kit for glass blowing as a birthday present. Heidi said, "I told my husband, 'If you think beading is expensive, do not give me a glass blowing kit."

Birthday. Kit. Class at Glasshopper. Sold. Heidi was hooked. She then took classes in precious metal clay and seed weaving and began selling her work. You can find her lampwork beads at Lady Bug Beads in Webster.

Heidi has one closet in her studio, and it is packed full (and organized) with her light box, her inventory and her tools. She uses the organizer below to hold her instruments and takes drawers to her work space as she needs them.

Heidi's husband Ben built this light box.

Heidi's glass work station is just beautiful.

She keeps her small blue kiln right where she works.

Her work has evolved in her six years, and right now she is really enjoying creating with "droplets" of colored glass on wire.

She can string them, weave them and coil them into all kinds of organic shapes.

With a background in sales and finance, Heidi also teaches a business class to new jewelry artists. "I see a lot of new artists pricing themselves so low that they price themselves out of business," Heidi said. "I tell new artists, 'If you're not uncomfortable, your price is too low."

Heidi participates in approximately 20 art shows each year. This year she'll be traveling for the first time to venues in Illinois, Oklahoma and Indiana.

Heidi's website

Heidi's next few shows:

Paseo Arts Festival in Oklahoma City, May 28-30

Art & Air in Webster Groves, June 3-5

Wells Street Arts Festival in Chicago, June 11 & 12

Thank you Heidi!

Treasury List!

2011-05-26T09:13:00.011-05:00

Jessica

"Oprah 25 Years!" treasury list

1 Oprah Print on High Qua...
ArtByMarilyn
$40.00 USD
Aha moment greeting card. ...
squarepaisle...
$4.00 USD
Oprah Decoupage Bracelet C...
cuffscouture
$38.00 USD
1000 Things That Make Me H...
Fourand44
$11.50 USD
Gratitude Text Word Birds ...
Graphique
$1.00 USD
25th Twenty-Fifth Annivers...
ProchaskaGal...
$75.00 USD
Oprah - bracelet pattern f...
garbanke
$3.00 USD
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Vinyl ...
decorexpress...
$30.00 USD
What Would Oprah Do - gree...
craftyfanny
$3.50 USD
Handpainted Watercolor Por...
Marart
$75.00 USD
Be Kind Porcelain Brooch
MrsPeterso...
$38.04 USD
Simple Words Journal: Give...
goodnessrecy...
$25.00 USD
Ask Believe Receive - The ...
colorbee
$15.00 USD
follow your dreams - Messa...
sjengraving
$15.00 USD
Original inspirational pai...
PersistentGr...
$30.00 USD
8x10 - The Color Purple - ...
aswegoArts
$10.00 USD

Nature in the City

2011-05-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

Look who popped in on us yesterday.

The smaller birds went crazy - chirping all over the place and sitting closer than I ever would. I love this photo because it actually shows three yards - my neighbor's garage (below the bird), the circus tent thing is yard 2 and the house behind is yard 3. City living!

We were so careful for the first 20 minutes or so, being so quiet, not letting the dogs outside, calling neighbors to tell them to come see. Then we realized this bird could care less about us and what we were doing.

Then he up and flew...

...to the back of our carriage house. (See the small bird again just lingering a bit too closely?) I met a new neighbor out in the alley because of this bird - love that.

Then up again...

...to the top of our carriage house. And there he sat for a very long time - close to an hour.

He was large and in charge man. There was not a squirrel to be found anywhere - how can I get this bird to come back daily and protect my garden?

I could not believe all the birds hovering around and chirping (squawking really). They almost sounded hysterical.

And then they began playing chicken almost, trying to fly by his head and see who could get the closest.

I was thinking about the book Big Al. And bullying - who was the bully here? The big bird or the teasers?

And finally, after more than an hour, dinner not made, my arms tired from trying to hold my little point-and-shoot as still as possible, he fluffed up...

...turned...

...and was gone.

Fascinating. I found it fascinating. xo

[GARO11] May 23

2011-05-24T06:13:00.001-05:00

Welcome to The Great Artroom Overhaul of 2011!

Well, the ~~bossy bossy~~ delegating continues over here. My lovely husband painted the ceiling - it looks so much better. Crisper. Cleaner.

Hopefully the electrician will finish up today. I'm going to see a flokati rug that I saw on craigslist. Does anyone out there have experience with these? Am I just an idiot to have three kids and two dogs with a fuzzy, white rug? We'll see.

Can you see above how angled my walls are up here? That's where my grey paint concerns come in, but I'm going for it as I said yesterday.

I think Jenny posted the greatest Ikea hack ever yesterday. Ever. I already took her ceiling fan advice for this space, but if she had posted this lighting idea earlier, I definitely would have tried it! xo

[GARO11] May 22

2011-05-23T05:15:00.002-05:00

Welcome to The Great Art Room Overhaul of 2011!

I'm working - or rather, I'm coordinating other people working over here. The electrician is mid-job and while it's very dark and very dusty up here at the moment, we are thrilled with how things are shaping up. Everything is covered in plastic and while I can stop working to a degree - I still have a few deadlines that need to be met.

So I'm working on the floor - luckily, this work is mock-up work, otherwise I would be concerned about all the dust. Sheesh - tons of dust. I also had a friend here all day on Thursday and we cleaned, cleaned, cleaned, cleaned, cleaned, sorted, sorted, sorted, and then cleaned some more.

And I've made peace with my paint color. I want grey - I know I do, but I'm going for cozy-industrial (is there such a thing?) not cold-industrial, so the contrast shown below threw me off for a bit (that's one color - looking almost white on the brown, and very dark on the white. You can see in the photo above how very angled my walls are, so I want to avoid making the space feel cave like. That same wall above will not have the mirror, but we'll paint that wall last and if necessary, paint it a bright bright color.

Have you seen Anna Maria's new studio. It is amazing!!! White is very tempting - I read all the time about how "real" artists always have white walls in their studios so their colors are true in their work. Alas, can't do it.

More soon. Hope you have wonderful weeks! xo