Lots to Share!

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

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

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

The underside

Molly's dress

Molly has a pet poodle

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

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

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

Beautiful areas of the shop

Pearls and yellow roses... ahhhh so pretty.

Ribbons ribbons and more ribbons!!!

Glitter glitter and more glitter!

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I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

I'm Miss July!

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

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

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


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

Summer Projects

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

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

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

BEFORE:

AFTER:

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

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

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

Always Busy!

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

Here it is!

She said "Eeeeeek" and she loves it!!

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

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Thank you!

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

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

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

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

All The Best Things

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

Here I am with my pretty mom!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Won a Blog Giveaway & Just One MORE Apron

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

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

More yoyos and handmade flowers...

And it's finished!

Ready to wear on the 4th of July!

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

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

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

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

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

And finally.... some visual journal pages

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

Dollybelle Couture

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

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

Happy Mother's Day

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

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

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

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

Affirmations!

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

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

Happy May!

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

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

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Also playing more in my visual journal....

Spring is in the air!

TRA LA LA!!!!

The Girls!

The apron addiction continues!

It has a cute underskirt.

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

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

Sewing and Beading And The Ideas Are Flowing!

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

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

PLEASE NOTE: ITEM SOLD

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

An Artsy Apron

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

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

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

Wishing everyone a wonderful Passover and/or Easter!

Artwork and Gardens

I finished a couple more pages to include in the book I started last January at the Marie Soiree I wrote about here.

I found some of these darling vintage flowers at a very OLD millinery store in Downtown L.A. It was like a blast from the past! The shop was extremely musty and dusty with a lot of sneezing going on!


Following are photos from my visit to The Huntington Library last week. It's located in San Marino, CA right next door to Pasadena. It's known for its beautiful botanical and Japanese gardens, art collections and manuscripts. It's a lovely place to spend the day.

This is my favorite picture. It really does look like Paradise, doesn't it?

Have a wonderful day!

It's Springtime

Measures 4x8 inches

The birdies are chirping…. VERY early in the morning!

This is my favorite time of year. Although, I say that when the leaves start to change and the weather gets chilly… I love the fall and the winter too. Summer is nice but only if there is shade (and maybe a piña colada!). So for now THIS is my favorite weather at a perfect 70 degrees.

I found an adorable children’s book on Ebay last year entitled, Little Bird. I used my new Epson printer and copied and printed the birdie on fabric. My new printer is a lot of fun but BOY does it go through ink fast! I like how it prints on fabric too – really bright and crisp.

Here is my latest little piece just in time for spring and for Easter. I found a vintage floral painted egg and a vintage rhinestone lady bug in my stash of goodies and thought they made the perfect additions to the wall hanging. It’s for sale on my Etsy now. SOLD ~ THANK YOU ALLISON!

Have a great day!

La petite Maison Blanche était un succès énorme!

Kim did it again! La Petite Maison Blanc was a hit! Kim is absolutely the hostess with the upper-mostess! There was a delightful area where all the teachers were able to set up shop and sell their wares and flea market finds. Here is a shot of Teresa McFayden's adorable lavender filled dollies.

The most personable and lovely teachers were there to provide great techniques and demos of their beautiful class projects. Pam Garrison, Amy Hannah and Teresa McFayden were all just so charming. I met Pam a few years ago at ArtFest in Washington and was thrilled to chat with her some more. She is such a joy and so friendly. Amy and Theresa were very sweet and it was a lot of fun to spend the day with them.

The first class of the morning was Pam Garrison's Blossoming Spring Garland. Here is a picture of one of the garlands Pam had on display.

Natalie holding up her garland!

I got to sit with my adorable and amazingly talented friend, Christine. We dubbed Daisy Girl, which fits her cheery and sweet personality to a "T."

I sat next to Jenny Doh, Editor-in-Chief for Stampington and Co. Magazine. I always enjoy chatting with Jenny. Aside from being very stylish and fashion forward, Jenny is super talented and made some beautiful pieces of art. Next on the agenda was Heirloom House Vignettes taught by Amy Hannah. This was a lot of fun as we got to play with water color (I hadn't pulled out my watercolors in years!). We also used some beeswax too. I finally used an original vintage photo from 1921 that I found at a flea market years ago. It depicts four friends and the handwriting at the bottom of the picture reads "4 of a kind." I've since continued working on my piece and added four flapper girl photos that I thought really looked like the young ladies in the old photo, I antiqued and crackled the images and placed them on vintage velvet and added old buttons and tiny pearls. The quote reads, "Home is where the heart is but happiness is where your friends are."

The last class of the day was taught by Teresa McFayden and was called Milagros Blanc.

Milagros are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings in Mexico and other parts of the world. They are frequently attached onto altars, shrines, and sacred objects found in places of worship, and they are often purchased in churches, cathedrals or from street vendors.

Milagros come in a variety of shapes and dimensions and are fabricated from many different materials, depending on local customs. For example, they might be nearly flat or fully three dimensional; and they can be constructed from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone, or wax. In Spanish, the word milagro literally means miracle or surprise.

One of Kim's event just wouldn't feel complete without Scrappy Jessi, dressed so cute in black and white and flew in all the way from Omaha. I finally got to meet one of my favorite bloggers, the beautiful blue-eyed Heather! Hélas, il était temps de dire l'adieu.

Translation: Alas, it was time to say farewell.

I snapped one last photo of Pam, Jenny and Amy at the end of the day.

I had a marvelous time!

Aprons are Fun to Make!

I've turned into an apron-oholic! I started sewing aprons about two months ago and haven't shared them on-line since I hope to submit them for possible publication. Sometimes it's just nice to hold back and not share everything in Blogland (as difficult as it may be!).

But I decided to design a fabulous one-of-a-kind Blythe couture apron and sell it in my Etsy shop. I know there are a lot of Blythe Doll fans out there who might enjoy this pretty handmade apron!

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~ A sweet handmade flower is stitched at the waist

~ Hand sewn yoyos in a darling patterns with vintage buttons

~ Beautiful ribbon detail

~ Zigzag stitched to add "pop" around Blythe

~ Sassy ruffles for that cute "flouncy" look!

Available in my Etsy shop now! ~ SOLD ~

A page to share from my journal. I used mica over the words and illustration. Such fun stuff!

And finally, I'm going to participate, are you? Go over to Monica's Girl-Gone-Thread-Wild blog and read all about her fantastic idea to bombard Stampington & Company with art dresses FOR A VERY GOOD CAUSE and to bring attention to a VERY serious matter.

HAPPY DAYS!

The Facebook Phenomenon and More Visual Journaling

I guess it was about six weeks ago when I decided to surrender to Facebook and join due to coaxing from friends. It's been a lot of fun and I would guess that most of my "friends" are actually Blogger Girls who I know through Blogland. There have also been old co-workers who have popped up and it's been wonderful to reconnect again.

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The most exciting thing happened when I received a message through Facebook from a friend I knew as a late teen, 25-years ago! His name is John, and we actually shared an house with other friends for a few short months. I always wondered about John and where he was in life; he was sort of an older brother figure and was always so sweet and so much fun, a darling Southern Boy. I was thrilled that he found me as I had actually forgotten his last name (terrible of me, I know). I certainly do not feel like I am the same person that I was at age 19 but after talking to John, he helped me to remember so many great and fun times. It is absolutely true that there is just nothing like being young, to not have a care in the world and just have fun!

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It was so lovely to go back down memory lane with my friend John. We are talking about getting together next time he is in town!

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It's fun to embellish and doodle and create little scenes.

Lots of doodling here!
And lastly, here I am with my darling Albie-Boy. I like the "Western" feel of this and love my faux suede dress (at least that is what it looks like to me!)

Thanks Y'all for the sweet comments for my mom's birthday. She really enjoyed reading all of them.

Have a happy week Everyone!

A Very Happy Birthday to My Mom!

My mom could sew anything. She was so clever with design and such a perfectionist (still is!). She sewed me the most beautiful dresses with ruffles and trim and lace that never got tired of wearing. When I was about 3 or 4, I remember crying over the loss of an adorable brown and white checked gingham dress that I couldn't find in my closet. When my mom explained that I had outgrown it and she gave it away, I was devastated. To this day, I wish I had that dress!

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Here is a card I made for my mom. She loved it!

Here is my stylish mom at age 21. She was so sophisticated in her gorgeous faux leopard coat. She still has this coat in pristine condition displayed in "my" guest room in her house. I remember wearing it a few times in the 80's! Mom... did I ever tell you that?

Happy birthday Mother Dear!!!!

LLLLL

VISUAL JOURNAL PAGES

I'm trying to "do" a journal page-a-day in my visual journal. Here is one utilizing a great copy of a photo of my Grandma Ella and her sister and brother.

And here is a completely different type of page with the feel of a pretty, pink cartoon world!

Cheers Everyone!!!

And The Winner Is....

Before I announce the winner of my 3-year-anniversary-blog-give-a-way I wanted to share my happy thoughts about last night's Oscar winner, Sean Penn. I didn't see a lot of films at the theater last year - I find myself waiting to "Netflix" them and watch them at my leisure. But I did see Milk and I loved it. Oh sure, it is very "Hollywood-ized" and the documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk, shows a much grittier and very real and joyful and painful depiction of his life. I enjoyed seeing both to get a good perspective. So I was very thrilled that Sean won for this incredible tribute to a very important political figure in our lifetime. YAY!

Now... for the winner of a fun collection of my favorite ephemera...

For those of you who read my blog and know a little about me, you might know that Dot in Australia is a dear friend of mine so when she saw that I was having a give-a-way she announced it on her blog (she's just the sweetest!) and sent so many people over to mine. Thanks for that, Dot! It was great to discover blogs I hadn't seen before and "meet" new people. When she left a post on my give-a-way she said not to include her. Here's the funny thing... I printed out all the names and tossed them in a bowl and guess whose name I pulled??? Yep... it was Dot! Dot and I always seem to be in sync.

Dot won't win this time (only because she excluded herself!) so the winner is:

Sandy Michelle from Sandy's Creations

Congrats, Sandy. I hope you enjoy!

Happy NEW WEEK to everyone! (Just a journal-doodling page to share here!)

Happy Blog Birthday ~ 3 Years!

It's been three years since I typed my first blog post. Not knowing that I was ever going to take it seriously, I quickly thought of the Blog name, Holly Loves Art... well, after all, I really, really do love art. I still think it's a silly name but people began to know me this way so I decided to keep it.

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Through the years many nice people have emailed me asking where I find all my vintage images and I've always replied with all my sources, which I am sure many of you are aware of like the Internet, books and magazines.

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To celebrate my 3 years of blogging I am offering a giveaway of some of my favorite images and cards that are perfect for journaling, collaging or any paper crafting. Just leave me a note and I'll draw a name early next week!

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Below are just some of the paper goodies that I'll send to the winner! I'm still going through my personal "stash" for more!

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I celebrated with some pink champagne!

And I worked on canvas, which I haven't done in quite some time. This piece is in my Etsy shop!

Jump for joy!

A Little of This and a Little of That

A conversation about my trip to Italy a few years ago was the impetus for this journal page. After doing a little research I discovered that marionettes were all the rage in Italy before most places caught on and the Italians used them in plays long before "real" actors.

Here is my little marionette girl in her first "Italian Production".

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Here is a photo I took in Venice, Italy that I incorporated into the page above - it ended up getting a little hidden after all the layering.

A fun little wall or door-knob hanging. Gotta love the day-glo!

Some Valentine cards

Just had to share this wonderful scarf kit. My darling grandmother gave this to me in 1977. It is dated 1966. The little package includes a soft piece of fabric with curly fibers and beautiful rose appliqués. I have kept it all these years and still never made it. Maybe one day....

When Life Gives You Lemons Make Art!

I have so much to share since my last post about my fabulous birthday! Since then I've kept very busy making art to feed my soul and keep me grounded and happy. I need to do this because of recent career/job changes. I honestly don't know what I would do without my creative spirit that keeps me energized and moving forward. Thank goodness for art! Here is a journal page I started on Inauguration Day - I felt so uplifted and happy so I chose the words "Feel a New Kind of Freedom". Now these words have more meaning to me than ever... I've been hearing that word so much lately in everyday conversation - F R E E D O M - It's a powerful word!

Isn't this adorable? When I visited my mom's over Christmas she had placed this little photo in my changing area on her little built-in chest of drawers. There it was just sitting there with other little knick knacks that I always love to look at. When I mentioned how cute it was she said, Oh I bought that for you. It sure is great to have a mom who really "gets you". Thanks, Mom.

When my Grandmother passed away a few years ago she left me so many special things. I have most everything she gave me but my mom is keeping Grandmother's sewing machine in cabinet until I have a bigger space someday. I love going through all the little drawers. Last time I visited Mom, I took a bunch of seam binding, lace and old buttons. These are the tiniest buttons that were kept in a little Noludar bottle. On the back of the bottle it reads, for insomnia.

Sneak peek!

Grandmother also gave me some gorgeous hand embroidered flour sack tea towels. I have six of them. Here is one that I am incorporating into an adorable apron. I am incorporating those teeny buttons and other buttons from Grandmother. A little sewing and beading every night is great therapy!

Here is my newest Giant Wooden Marie! She stands about 14 inches high. My friend Kim makes these amazing wooden shapes that can be turned into such fun things!

SOLD ~ THANK YOU JENNIFER!
Look at this precious shrine from Dotee! She sent this along with all kinds of eye-popping goodies for my birthday. Thanks so much Dot.... I love it!

And look at this from darling Maija. The most perfect little Valentine that I adore. Thanks so much Maija!

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the new year and experiencing the same great feeling of hope that I am. It's going to be an interesting year....

Ciao for now!

I Had a Lovely Birthday

When a two-day weekend is not enough for one's birthday, it's very nice to have it fall on a holiday! I am enjoying the Martin Luther King Jr. LONG weekend for my birthday! It's lovely to see friends and receive beautiful cards and goodies and hugs. Last weekend I attended Kim's extravagant Marie Antoinette Soiree (see the below post). All the attendees made beautiful pages for an over-the-top Marie inspired altered book and I was looking forward to working on more pages this weekend. Above is a page that I made to include in my book.
Here is a shot of the unfinished book so far ~ this is such a great project!

A new doll from Nicole - she is the one on the left!

My NEW favorite necklace by the very talented Jamie. A perfect birthday present! Isn't it gorgeous???

A silly indulgence... A Juicy Couture candy neckace... Does anyone ever really eat these?

Doodling, paint and collage and a images of ME on my first birthday.

And more doodling from last week.... a little every night because it's FUN!

The Marie Antoinette Workshop & Soiree

Kim does it again!

A truly spectacular event... a day of pure delight...

Laughing with old friends and new friends

Making beautiful and luxurious art

Eating the most delicious food

Sipping tea

Drinking pink champagne

A day filled to brim with FUN!

A shot of Jamie's stunning table filled with her DELECTIBLE pieces of jewelry, paper goods and EYE CANDY!

So much fun creating and exchanging artwork!
BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thank you so much Kim and thank you Candice for teaching such a delightful class!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2009!

I made this fabric and collaged book for my darling friend Dotee. We both share a love for our beloved fur-children so I wanted to make her a book all about the feline. The cover of the book is the big square in the middle of the mosaic. This was so much fun to make for her!
I must have been in "kitty mode" this year because I have another friend who is a cat lover and made her this necklace. Her cats names are Lexie and Zoe - the other side of the heart charm reads Lexie. My friend loved it!
LOOK at what Dotee made for me! A precious one-of-a-kind Albie ornament. Isn't this the cutest?
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Dot mentions on her blog that this is our 3rd Christmas of exchanging and how much we enjoy making special gifts for each other. It's obvious that Dot put a lot of love into this wonderful little tribute to my favorite boy.

I shrieked when I opened this lovely gift from Dot. I have been a huge admirer of Sweet Pea over at It's a Whimsical Life. Her darling illustrations are amazing and more recently she has started creating these lovely little stuffed creatures. Thank you so much for "Ollie", Dot!

Here is a beautiful Amelia doll from Dot, handstitched and beaded in the most perfect and detailed way. I always tell her I don't know how she has the patience! I guess we are all good at different things.

And lastly, an exquisite stuffed bird and "Dotee Egg" with the most gorgeous aqua ruffled ribbon and beading!! Dot packed my package with so many other wonderful treats and I was overjoyed with everything. Thanks so much again, Dotee.

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And a HUGE thank you to all of my blogger friends out there who pop in and leave me messages and support me with all your words of encouragement. I never make resolutions but I always say I want to have more fun than the previous year. This past year has been such a great one but I'm sure I can top it in 2009!!

I wish Everyone all the best for 2009!

1,000 Handmade Greetings & Happy Holidays!!!

I have been so excited waiting for THE BOOK to arrive from Amazon. It was finally delivered yesterday. It's entitled 1,000 Handmade Greetings by Laura McFadden and Deborah Baskin and I was one of the fortunate artists to be selected to participate! Here is the page my three cards are on. I share the page with the sweet, and super-talented Lisa Kettell (her gorgeous cards are the top two). You can see the cover of the book to the right of this blog. And here are pictures I took of the cards before I sent them off to the publisher last spring.

She comes with a lace boa, rhinestone headdress and pretty feather plumes.

Made with vintage wallpaper, music sheet scraps and lace.

A sweet birdie with all kinds of different papers, skeleton leaves and lace

Having the name Holly is always the most fun around this time of year. People love to comment and say, "Oh, Holly...like Christmas!" I was supposed to be a Christmas baby with a delivery due date of December 25th. But I wasn't ready... I did not arrive until 3 weeks later!

I am continuing to watch my childhood altered book grow. I never seem to stop coming up with new ideas for pages, and the process never stops being fun!

Below is a card I made for a friend at work. She asked me if I would create a card for her to give to her boyfriend on Christmas. Well of course, I said! It was quite a trick to keep the card more on the masculine side so a few rhinestones worked their way into the design! Needless to say, "Muffin" loved the card and is excited to give it to her "Bear".

I am really looking forward to spending time with my family and relaxing during the holidays. Happy Holly~Days to all of you and I hope you're enjoying this joyous holiday season. Take good care, Everyone and ENJOY!!!!!

And by the way.... it is finally COLD in Los Angeles!!! It really feels like Christmas now. :)

Pretty Shop Pictures to Share

I visited a lovely part of Ventura, California last weekend and was thrilled to find some of the most unique shops I've ever been to in the U.S. One after the other (there were so many!).... all unique in their own way and most were decorated for the holidays. It was so much fun and I can't wait to go back. Ventura is only about 60 miles away so it's an easy ride for fun shopping and inspiration! Here are some photos I took...

Isn't this bright aqua tree gorgeous!?! Oh... if only my studio were bigger...

Happy Holidays Everyone!

With Thanksgiving Behind Me...

It's now time to really start buckling down and tackle my holiday lists! For those of you who are like me, you may find it difficult during this time of year to BLOG, especially if you love blogging about art adventures. What projects and artwork can I possibly share that certain "peering eyes" are not supposed to see? So at this point, I don't have much in the way of art undertakings to post about. I've been busy though! I hope all of you are happy and enjoying all your projects too! LOOK at this cute little Caricature of Me and Albie! One of my colleagues asked a very talented artist in his company to make one for me after I had admired his and many others. Isn't it sooo cute? I did have a laugh over the hot-pink, long fingernails though! Oh yes, those hands would have belonged to me about 15 years ago... but alas, I keep my nails trimmed and medium length now! And it's a miracle if I can ever keep them painted (with nail polish that is. They always seem to have acrylic paint or gesso on them!)
Here is a birthday card I made for a friend

This photo was taken lat spring of my friend's daughter and Albie. I was going through pictures and came across it and thought it was so sweet. Just had to share.

And finally, this our darling neighbor dog, Cody who we all became very close to. He and Albie were the best of friends; two little senior guys who liked to walk around and lie around together. Cody left us this weekend to go over the rainbow bridge. We will all miss him very, very much.

Albie Sez Hi & I Finished "Redoing" my Thrift-Find Table!

I was in NYC on business all last week enjoying the glorious fall weather! I was so thrilled to be able to wear my winter coat and boots! How fun to bundle up and enjoy one of my favorite cities! I'm back now and it's been in the high 80's in L.A... A BIG sigh... I shouldn't complain. Most people would love it here. In fact, many people I met in NYC told me they'd trade places with me in a minute to get the beautiful, warm weather. So, okay, I won't complain. I'll continue to let my fall attire hang in the closet until "IT" decides to cool down.

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Yesterday "we" decided to have a doggy photo shoot. "We" do this often. For those of you who know me or who have been following my blog, you may remember my darling girl dog, Chloe. She's gone now but I literally have thousands of photos to remember her by. She was such a ham and would always smile and pose for the camera. I kid you not.

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Then there is my sweet 15-year-old boy, Albie below. He is never too thrilled about our photo sessions. I'm not sure why except I think he just thinks I'm a bit much and take waaaaay too many pictures. I'm thrilled when I am able to really capture him as he tends to look away or get those watery eyes and starts acting tired because he knows I'll give up. He really is such silly guy.

I adore this one and think it really captures how sweet and easy going he is.
Looking at his mama affectionately... going along with my pressuring him to "look... look... look!"

A darling picture that melts my heart. He really was content just relaxing on the glider. A sweet person commented on my flickr account that it looked like he had blush on his cheeks. I thought that was so cute.

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..... Tada.... here it is! I finished it! Something old is NEW again! See what it looked like before just two posts down...
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I added my Grandmother's vintage buttons to the knobs to add sparkle!
And lastly, another page in my childhood journal. I know I keep saying it, but these pages are just so much fun to make!

Have a wonderful week Everyone!!

A Week of Pure Elation

It has been the most exciting week for me. I have felt such joy after watching the exciting news unfold about our NEW President Elect Barack Obama! As many of you know, I keep my blog focused on art and my dog... for the most part. But I feel like shouting from the mountaintops! I am feeling such exultant gladness that I find myself still getting choked up and smiling constantly. The event has been on my mind so much. I even dreamed that I was in Grant Park on election night!

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I think one of the most special parts of last Tuesday evening was watching the ever so familiar footage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his poignant quote:

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"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

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I have not stopped thinking about what he said, so many years ago, before I was born. He certainly did have a dream. And I am so very happy that it has come to fruition.

I look forward to our future with great anticipation! Okay... so back to my art! I have been working more in my childhood-altered book. Here is a page I made today... sort of ala "Alice".
Here I am at age 5 in my beautiful dress sewn by my mom. I wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween. My favorite color was green. :)

Have a wonderful day Everyone!!!!

More Art Studio Stuff

~ A great thrift store find ~

I found this very shabby and chipped-up side table last weekend and found the perfect spot for it (after shifting a lot of things around) in my studio. I do not like the color. Not a big fan of olive green! So I will re-paint it. But I haven't decided where to start or which colors to use. Would love your ideas!! I'm thinking more white and perhaps some of the Tiffany blue that will match my walls. I found a great Ebay seller who sells all those wonderful water slide decals. She had so many to choose from but I finally decided on some adorable little illustrated bluebirds and birdcages. So I'll see if I can incorporate them into the "new design" of the table! Please let me know if you have any ideas, tips or techniques!

I've been been wanting to make my own "French" memory board to put in my office at work. So here it is.... finished! I took a frame, pulled out the cardboard piece then covered it in two pieces of batting, then pink dotted fabric and added criss-cross ribbons and cute satin buttons with prongs to secure the ribbon down. I encourage everyone to make one! It's so easy and fun. Putting the whole piece together took me less than 45 minutes! And it's a great way to showcase all your favorite little bits and bobs!

My mom gave me this fantastic ribbon holder last year for Christmas. I recently redid it with some different colored ribbons and just love how it looks! My mom has already announced that she found a great Christmas present for me at an antique flea market! Oh... the waiting will kill me for sure! I wonder what it could be?!?

And lastly, PLEASE remember to VOTE if you haven't already. I will be going in person on Tuesday with sample ballet in hand - there are so many important initiatives this time and I believe, the most important election ever!

Always Working on a Project... that's ME!

I had an exhausting week at work (the real job) and couldn't wait to get back to my art projects. Here are some of the latest things I've been working on... A birthday card for a friend ~ it can be propped up teepee-style and opens up like a book
Here is my first handmade necklace! I finally did it! I used an old Sarah Coventry necklace that belonged to my grandmother and adhered a copy of one of my favorite paper dolls from when I was young. Her name is Daffy Dill (isn't that silly?) The paper dolls were called Petal People and each doll represented a flower.
I used some charms from a Barbie bracelet and found some great beads and buttons (some old, some new) and added crystals to the cameo.
Voila! Ready to be worn!

I worked on a few more pages in my childhood altered book. I just love using vintage wrapping paper! This is me when I was a baby.

And me reading... Dot said that I was already thinking about how I could alter and collage the book! PERFECT, Dot! I definitely think that is what I was doing!

Happy Days Everyone!

Artistic Affaire Deux

Another perfect day at Kim's house where the BEST events are held!

Kim doesn't miss a detail. She is quite the Super Woman! Decorated in scrumptious fall colors, everything blended and flowed and invited us all into the perfect setting for a fun-filled day of making art!

Here is just a little portion of what our taste buds enjoyed... all so perfect.

Jamie is an amazing and prolific jewelry maker - everything special and unique and of course I had to come home with just a couple little pieces to add to my jewelry collection.

Look at these gorgeous old tins she has adorned in her perfect "Jamie style".
Here is a little area of Beth Quinn's incredible art and jewelry. I found the most beautiful key and owl pendant that I couldn't resist.
The Kim's!Kelly and I proudly holding our cigar boxes. Jessi hosted a fun swap where partners were selected then each person decorated and filled their recipient's box with all kinds of goodies. LOOK at this adorable bracelet that Kelly made just for me. She shrunk down a picture of my darling Albie and also incorporated two of my "Marie" girls into the cameo shapes. I was so thrilled to see my art on a bracelet that I can now wear proudly!There was also a Halloween themed swap that I didn't participate in but I was happy to snap a bunch of pictures of everyone having fun. Here is a favorite of Jenny showing her gift!
And who out there doesn't know Jessi??? This picture represents her personality exactly!

Made in Carol Wingert's class ~ Carol provided us with everything to make this beautiful altered book - I even learned how to make my first signatures (pages) - with real waxed thread - the traditional way! It was a lot of fun - I added some additional ribbons and a small broach.
Made in Beth Quinn's class ~ Beth provided us with everything to make this beautiful wall hanging - I added some additional ribbon, buttons, bobbles and the hangar.

Kim Hesson taught awesome class entitled "It's All Frosting". We made adorable wooden cake pedestals with lace and bobbles. Here is the top of mine - I'm still working on it so it's not finished yet. Be sure and check out Kim's Etsy shop for her wonderful and unique wooden pieces. At the last event, earlier in the year Kim gave me an cool tree shaped piece of wood. I saw it and immediately thought and saw "MARIE!" I finally sat down this weekend and turned my tree into Marie!

Here she is......

She stands about 5.5 inches tall.

Candice Carpenter and An Artistic Affaire will be hostess-ing "A Marie Antoinette Workshop and Soiree", which will be held early January. I am already counting down the days and ready for all the fun! Be sure and check out Kim's blog for details on a second class - there is still availability!