A Victorian German Doll Head Pendant...

One of my latest projects has been a Victorian German doll head pendant on a pearl necklace.  I love ruffly, feminine, artsy clothes... oh, if I could have lived in Downton Abbey times... I swoon every time I see the gorgeous clothes worn by the women of that day.  One of the boutiques where I love to look had a "very pricey" piece that I immediately fell in love with.  It was a German doll head pendant on a very long strand of pearls... simply stunning.  I wasn't quite ready to spring for the price on the boutique display, so I went on a hunt for the parts to do my own version...  Here is my girl... love her!

Her head is an authentic German doll head dug up from the German doll factories around the turn of the last century.  I adore these sweet old babies... and this one has a hat made from an antique mother of pearl salt and pepper shaker... some lace and glitter...

One thing I love so much about mixed media art is putting together pieces with embellishments pulled from everywhere... anyone who knows me knows I can "embellish" with the best!!!  This girl has some vintage rhinestones, bouillon, tea-stained scrim and seam binding.  Of course she had to hang from a blingy multiple strand of pearls... fun, fun, fun...

Besides my jewelry fun, I love working in my visual journal.  This has been a very late spring, but as we are almost to the half-way point in May... things are finally beginning to feel a bit more seasonal.  This is a favorite time of the year for me... as I thrive off of all the blooming beauties that abound.

With all the ups and downs in life, I love this sentiment..."Stand tall and be brave and strong".

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today"... another inspiring thought...

"Be a creative thinker... elevating the awesomeness of everyday"... I try to remember this always...

Every step I take... every day of my life... I KNOW there is an ever-abiding FORCE that guides me...

After celebrating a blessed Mother's Day yesterday with my parents... anticipating Father's Day, too in a few weeks... I know where my "true north" is... I hope you have found yours...

Spring journal pages and a studio "fluff"

On this chilly Monday in late April, spring journal pages help warm my spirit and studio.

This "TWEET" page was inspired from a parcel received from Pam Garrison, a favorite artist of mine.

My true love and fascination with COLOR were the impetus for this page.

Keeping on the "sunny side of life" grounds me and gives me peace.  It isn't always an easy proposition, but an important goal of mine.

Whatever my circumstances are, I always try to focus on the abundance in my life.  Gratitude chases away most negative thoughts... it really works.

Songs and lyrics are another point of inspiration in the studio.  I love the verses in "Fields of Gold".  

What could be more important than LOVE??? I cannot think of anything...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this boy Buttons... what a perfect pal he is!

I was away with some art pals a few days ago.  Packing art goodies to go away always puts me in a tailspin as to what to take... what to leave behind.  What was left behind this time was a MESS!!!  So today was spent "fluffing" my little art studio... so that I could at least see my art table again...

I thought I'd better snap a picture before I get buried again!  

Buttons likes to hop up here and sit while  I work, especially at night.

 I now have it clear for him!

Why is staying orderly so hard???

Vintage suitcases are always a fav of mine....a great storage for all kinds of things, too.

Here's hoping for a wonderful week... 

take a little time to  D  R  E  A  M ...

Although a bit later than usual here in my neighborhood, spring has arrived in all its glory!  My hot pink azaleas have never been more beautiful.

 I was away for a few days last weekend, and when I returned my yard was ablaze with color.

The bird feeders have been jammed with some new and old visitors, even though the worms are more plentiful in the yard.  

They all flew away when I went out to snap some shots, but I was able to catch a few sweet birdies from inside my bay window.

I haven't had the "heart" to blog in past weeks due to the passing of my beloved cockapoo, Gabe. 

At 14 1/2, Gabe had been the dearest companion and friend... a true furry "soul-mate".

We've  been the best of pals, through thick and thin... always my sweet, sweet boy.  He had a wonderful life, and was among the greatest of gifts ever.  There truly is no greater friend.

My baby Buttons and I both miss Gabe terribly, but we are gradually moving toward a "new normal".  

B has gotten some brand new squeaky toys, and extra chewy treats!  He looks sad, but I think he is pretty happy with this new toy... just a little sleepy after playing so hard.

After a bath, he decided he was quite ready for a tummy rub from his mom. Maybe a nap would be even better...  So sorry for the lack of modesty. Ha!

Words cannot express my gratitude for all the notes, calls and messages of encouragement sent to me at this most difficult time.  The new birth of spring is an ever-encouraging reminder that there is always hope and joy to come.  My heart has broken, but I will have the sweetest memories to sustain me always.  Family, friends, faith... even art are such a comfort.  Watching the birds soothes my soul.  I got an email from one of my favorite boutiques the other day with this beautiful logo on it.  I just loved it!  I just adore birds and all they represent.  Happy spring!  

Happy Easter Weekend

I am SO HAPPY that winter is over and spring is here (even if it doesn't feel like it yet).

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Getting ready for Easter

Oh, how I love the Easter holiday and all that it means to me.  I'm getting out a few favorite spring touches to lighten the heart.  This little guy is a "fav", as he adorns my table each Easter season.  The bunny placemats make my little glass breakfast table a happy, happy space.

Early this morning, while making my coffee, I stopped to look out my garden window... sooooooo thankful for the sun, after such a gloomy and cool Palm Sunday weekend.  What a blessing to see the sun peeking up on the horizon.

I'm still finding time to fill my Ponderings visual journal... it's getting fatter, even though I'm not even into the final signature yet!

I'm hoping to get outside as soon as it warms a bit... to pinch the pansies and fluff the flower bed.

This season has given me a lighter step, with renewed joy in my heart.  I love this darling artwork from  Susan Branch.  Have a wonderful week!

First Day of Spring-Eve

Just finished making a hand-made birthday card for a dear friend.  I am still loving some of the new dies I recently acquired.  I have a real love for anything relating to "home".

The billowy clouds are tiny, gathered puffs of tulle.

After a cold, rainy, raw day yesterday... the sun is out in all its glory... still a bit nippy, but a balm for my soul.  My "happy street" is basking in "First day of spring-eve".  Enjoy your last day of winter!

Springing forward...

"Springing forward" on this early March weekend sent me to my journal to mark the event in pastel shades of my favorite colors.  I adore using molding paste through stencils and masks... the look makes my heart sing...  The fabulous new Ranger Tim Holtz distress paints were used to give the look I wanted.  I can tell I will need to get a few more colors in these, as they blend so well and are permanent when dry.  

I have been working some this week in my aforementioned PONDERINGS 1 journal.  My first page is a simple layout with a "library card" theme.

Last Monday was  my day to go have my 2012 taxes completed by my accountant.  After lots of looking at all the figures, the final verdict was... I have to pay a little to the federal government, but will receive a refund from the state... so I came out "almost even"... but a little to my good... whew....  So I came home and made a page to commemorate the day... with a little "tax monkey" and some clear pockets holding the plusses and minuses. 

Birds are always a theme in my work. so I loved sketching and writing about the darling birds that live in my yard and eat from my feeders.  I had a piece of bird-themed wrapping paper as the inspiration here.

This page even included a tiny packet of the seed I give to my bird friends.  I love the analogy of the seed... so much abundance begins with the tiniest seed.

I find adventure comes my way when I open my heart.   Adventure can take many forms, but is a large part of what makes life worth living.  May you open your heart and have a week full of adventure.