3-5-15

It's a conundrum sometimes, as a working artist.
Yes, I have a studio.... but it's really cold down there at the moment; being in the midst of winter here... and all.
So... I've resorted to "taking over" the kitchen table. Which, a lot of working artists do... yes.
But... my inner "organizer" is freaking out a bit.

When we moved, we packed up the studio in a bit of a hurry; as we were rushing into construction and into selling the house as quickly as possible. To this end; a lot of my studio (beads, tools, findings, etc)... simply got boxed or put into tubs.... with no sense of organization.

Since moving here, it's been one-thing-after-another... what with flooding in the basement on several occasions...
and with working temp jobs and such.... that I've never gone through it completely.
... well, I still haven't... completely... but I did bring up one of the tubs that is just a jumble of things;
and the daughter and I have been going through it.
Sorting.... glass beads from gemstones..... from vintage... to buttons... to findings..... to cabachons.... to all sorts of goodies. It's like Christmas here. Lots of... "when did I get this?".... "where did I get this?".... and wow! That is awesome! ....rings out through the house.

... to this end, I was reading an article the other day... that was talking about ways to get inspired.
Right now, I am thinking... that dumping all your goodies onto the kitchen table...
is surely a great way to jump start your inspiration meter...

See you all tomorrow.

3-4-15

I have a couple "rules" that I try to follow in my work.
One, is that I try to use things in a recycle/upcycle fashion... which is to say,  re-purposing things that would otherwise not be used... and to use things I already have as much as possible; but in new, creative ways.
The other.... is to be as compassionate and giving as possible.
Sometimes, the two go hand-in-hand.

Lately, I've been making scarves from remnants of yarns; most of which were gifted to me by a friend. Inspired by my hubby's LOVE of all things "Dr. Who" ... (he's been a fan since the 70s)... I've made a scarf reminiscent of Tom Baker's scarf when he played the 4th doctor. Obviously, not the same, exact colors... and obviously not 14 feet in length; like the original (mine is 5 feet 8 inches long).

And to the second credo...  This week I am working on putting together 5 packages to 5 random folks who commented on a Facebook post I did a few weeks ago. Each package will contain a few little bits and bobs of things I have made in the past year. Just a little prezzie of sorts.
And I made this necklace .... as a "cheer me up" present for a family member.
She plays MahJong, and this is a vintage game piece I found and drilled into a pendant for her.... embellished with complimentary beads, and on a simple chain.

And... this "Lady Who" scarf is going to be making it's way to an unsuspecting friend.

3-3-15

Hard to believe with the freezing rain going on out there today... but the first day of spring is just a few weeks away.
But for now, today is a good day to work on some projects, watch some tv (or read a book)... and peruse some of the blogs I have saved.
Here are some links from my reading list:

*cheapmeats -- artwork
*Carmen Alt -- photography
*Cas Holmes -- found art
*Jean-Pierre Gilson -- photography
*Carla Sonheim -- artwork

3-2-15

Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone.

Try something you normally wouldn't...

go somewhere you normally wouldn't...

put yourself ...out there.

The risks can be great... but so can the rewards.

Today, I found out that the design my daughter and I submitted for a logo contest for the PA Route6 Artisan Trail ---WON! 

 ...And it's exciting.

I also got the news that I have been named as a Team Leader for the PA Wilds  Street Team on Etsy,

and an admin on their Facebook page. ...All cool beans :)

And... I saw that 2 of my photos were featured on a promo card for the local Potter County Artisan Center; along with photos by Tim Walck and Curt Weinhold. And although I am no longer a part of the artisan center; it's always fun to see your work in print.

So... keep plugging away you creative types!!

And what's next? The sky's the limit...

see you all tomorrow.

for the weekend

It's the weekend!
Which for a lot of folks in America, is a day of rest and enjoyment.
Being self-employed; I have "re-named" my weekend to be Sunday and Monday... when my daughter has her days off from work. It provides me time to spend with her (and the hubby); and to potentially do day trips, etc.
That's one of the beauties of being your own boss.
It also  means though... that if I am behind on things... that day off goes out the window... but such is life.
And so... today; being a "work day" for me... I am working on things.
Making things, taking photos of things, listing things... and so it goes.

With moon coming full in the next week (March 5th)... things are coming to fruition.
It is the full "Worm" moon... signalling the softening of the earth, and the coming back of birds, such as the robin. In some native cultures, it is also referred to as the full CROW moon... with the crow calling the earth back to spring. (I love that visual).
In pagan circles, the full moon is a time for banishing the old, getting rid of that which no longer serves your best interests or has unwanted influences upon you.
It is a time for releasing and letting go.
To this end; I've been going through some of my excess "stuff" and unloading.
Time to make fresh... to make new.... to shed light on your little corner of the world...

Here are some links I've gathered to share with you this weekend:

*new ways to design your home
*how reading is life support
*understanding creatives
*beehive design
*artisan Tierre Taylor. I saw a photo of her by HONY; and had to see what she made.
*Hayao Miyazaki's films... broken down by their color palette. Wow.
*be a clutter buster
*be fearless
*be ageless
*a cool garden idea
*an awesome vintage kitchen
*frozen beauty

... and some blogs from my reading list:
-Danny Mansmith
-Daisy Jars
-Design Squish

************************************

The photo for today's blog; is a watercolor painting done by my daughter, Kristin Russell.

2-27-15

Hard to believe that the month is almost done.

Soon, winter will be but a memory... but in the meantime... we've got snow. And wind. And chill.

And birds... which makes me happy.

Today was spent; much like yesterday.

Running errands, cleaning and organizing the house...

going through the mail (I went through and deleted over 500 emails and a pile of physical mail), 

editing photos, gifting some art pieces to folks, going through things to get rid of... the list goes on. 

It seems to be a time of unloading.

This month, has shown an increase in my artisan business sales... which is awesome! 

(and thank you all).... and leads me to feel like I am heading in the right direction.

It's a hard haul sometimes, to try to make a living doing things that you love to do.

And (like my husband, who is writing an book and doing some substitute teaching), 

you just have to believe that heading down this road, even though it's scary and completely unpredictable.... it is the way to go.

And we're not there yet, but we're getting there.

2-26-15

I was reading a posting by a friend on her website; talking about the art of creating.
How, for her, she is "simply in the business of making friends"... how she and her SIL create these soft dolls/ toys out of their imagination...  as a way of sort of bringing their imagination, into reality.

If you are an artist, or know one.... know doubt you've been in on this conversation before.
What constitutes art?
What makes one an artist? How is that different from a crafter? or an artisan?

So many distinctions.... and I think, we all define it differently.
And isn't that the beauty of it? That we can make our own definitions. Make our own rules... or no rules! If that suits you.
I believe being an artist is actually an entire way of life.

The way you dress, the way you make your food, the way you create things... dance, sing.... communicate.
Right down to the atmosphere you create in your own home... and the way you approach life.
It's all an art really.

Perhaps it's time for you to think about living your life more creatively.

Here are some links I've decided to include in today's post that I think you might enjoy:
*Apartment Therapy -- all about design
*this guy... who paints on thrift store paintings
*blog- Elizabeth Milligan
*blog- Enchanted Living Arts
*blog- Dispatch from LA

2-25-15

A friend gifted my daughter this stunning, early 1900s Holy Water bottle.
I love it.

Just some cool photos to give you a little inspiration on your "hump day"...
see you all tomorrow.

2-24-15

As I look out my kitchen window... there are snow drifts...
Sparkling in gorgeous, brief rays of sunshine.... clouds moving swiftly overhead...
Balls of yarn gathered in African baskets... tunes playing softly in the background...
French songs being crooned by young waifs in tight sweaters... and tea in my cup.

Winter is a good time to sit back and sort of take stock of things.
What all do I have... what all can I sell.... what all can I make with the things that I have leftover?
Much of what I make, is made with recycled/ upcycled materials... and I love that I can repurpose things into something new and potentially useful.

This week, because I've been sick... I've been crocheting.
After all, it's something relatively mindless I can do; and sort of rest at the same time.
I've been making scarves that are comprised of leftovers.... remnants of other projects...
snippets and bits of old skeins... gifted to me by a friend.
They speak volumes, hopefully, of my aesthetic... and will keep someone warm on chilly days.
(you can see one of them listed here)

Stay warm, my friends... and I'll see you all tomorrow.

2-23-15

Some days... you can't get rid of your monday...

I suppose, in the whole scheme of things... if I was going to go into a lupus flare, the dead of February is probably as good a time as any. After all, at least I get to stay inside and enjoy fires in the fireplace, curl up with some CSI episodes...  drink lots of hot tea.... and not feel bad about missing some of the weather outside. And it's pretty from the windows... and in the case of today... a brief stepping out onto the back patio. I got to watch the sun begin to set... and the gorgeous crescent moon begin to rise..... and all is well out there.

Unfortunately, it means I have't been working in the studio this past couple of weeks...
but I am bringing smaller projects upstairs to work on when I feel up to it.
One of my recent purchases, was a slightly different guitar pick punch.
As you can see in the photo here, it is slightly smaller than the original shape; but I love the curve of the edges... and think they will make some awesome pieces of recycled jewelry.

So.... enjoy your monday... get some rest.... and I'll see you all tomorrow.

for the weekend

One of our other stops on the trip to Tuscon, was to the Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park.

Just down the road from the Old Tuscon Studios, which I talked about yesterday... the museum is actually more like a mini-zoo and educational center. They have 230 desert animals represented there (like the coyote, bobcat, and javelina)... as well as over 1200 plant species and a significant mineral and rock section. 

The park is simply gorgeous.... and the photos for today's blog were all taken there.

And because it's the weekend.... I have a few more links for you:

*50 spots to see (from every state)
*25 incredible tent views (go camping!)
*ancient trees
*the frozen falls of Niagara
*and THIS is just too cute.

---- see you all on Monday

2-20-15

Yesterday, I was talking about the Old Tuscon Studios... and so I thought I would continue today with a few more photos.
I've always been a movie buff... and growing up with my dad; who was a BIG John Wayne fan.... visiting the studios felt sort of like going home. I could just imagine, that at any moment, the Duke himself would come sauntering up a pathway, spurs jangling... gun safely holstered... but ready at a moment's notice. How he would tip his hat, just so... and head on up to the saloon.

The other big "draw" for me here, was the train.
I adore trains.
One of my big dreams in life, is to take a train cross country... but alas, I don't think they do that anymore. When I was little, we had a train that went through town here, The C & PA Railroad, and the station was right near my grandmother's house. I used to walk a trestle train across the Allegheny river and come to the backside of my great-Uncle's house... then cut through gardens to my grandmother's. I loved it when the train came into town... and I know it was a "treat" for lots of folks in the area.
The station has been lovingly restored, and is now home to the local Police station.
I still have dreams that they will bring the trains back.

These past few days of not feeling well, I have been resting as much as possible...
and tonight I hope to watch a few good movies.
Maybe we'll even do a western... see you all tomorrow for my weekend post.

2-19-15

A few years ago (almost to the day), Jim and I went to Tuscon for a mini-vacation.
One of the places we went to, was the Tuscon Studios.
The Old Tuscon Studios was an actual movie studio (now entertainment place) just outside of Tuscon. Lots of movies were filmed there, such as Rio Lobo, Rio Bravo and McLintock (all excellent John Wayne movies). It was also the primary location for the filming of several TV Series; such as Little House on the Prairie, Father Murphy, and High Chaparral.
You can also see more on it HERE

I was thinking about that trip these past few days.... probably because it's been so cold; and I am longing (just a little) for the desert. Or at least, the desert in February. (I still got sunburned on this trip).
So, as the snow is slowly falling outside, I thought I would share a few pictures from that trip.

See you all tomorrow.

2-18-15

Today will never come again.
Do what you love.

See you all tomorrow.

(I've been making these ... which are combos of quotes, and my photos.
Hope you like them... they make me smile.)

2-17-15

“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” 

― Steve Martin

“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” 

― Groucho Marx

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” 

― Charles M. Schulz

Sometimes, your brain just is mush... and your body aches so....
...today is one of those days.
And so... I've left you with some funny quotes, and a couple nice photos to soothe your weary soul
 ... and I'll see you all tomorrow.

2-16-15

It's cold. Probably normal for this area, and this time of year... but last night was super cold (-22degrees here at 2am).
And so, I've started coffee... vacuumed and dusted, cleaned the old ash out the fireplace, swept the floors, put out the last of our bird food... took some photos, and am going to start a fire in the fireplace.
Mondays are my designated day off... but I've already been working on some things for the Etsy shop as well ... and so it goes.

It's all about being flexible.
You plan on doing X, and it doesn't happen because you're busy doing Y and Z...
You start a project ... but can't find an essential piece.
You are busy working... and the phone/ doorbell just won't keep quiet.
It's OK. I think it all works out in the end.

One of the things illness has taught me... is that you work when you can....
when you have the energy and the inclination.
And you rest when you can.... and try not to feel guilty about it.
Sometimes the best thing you can do; is to take care of you.

And sometimes, you work when you have the energy to work... even if it's your day off.
Keep strong! And I'll see you all tomorrow.

for the weekend

It is really snowing out there... it's sorta crazy.
But hey,... it's Valentine's Day...
So I hope that you are all warm, and safe... and feeling loved.

I know that a lot of advertising and popular thought puts so much emphasis on "finding your soul mate and such"... after all, there is great business in that. But so many of my friends and loved ones are single... either through choice or circumstance... and even by the death of loved ones. .. so I understand how this can be a rough time for many folks.
Sometimes it's hard to realize, but it's not all about romantic love.
Yes, it's wonderful... (and I am happily married)... but don't discount how very important friendships are. How very important relationships are with older people, with younger people... and with folks that have nothing to do with a sexual or romantic inclination. And don't forget relationships with our four-footed and furry friends either. The unconditional love of a critter friend can mean all the difference in the world... it's love at it's most perfect form.

So this weekend... take some time to indulge in YOU.
Take some time to appreciate the wonderful being that is you... and your friends... and your furry friends too.
We are all deserving of love and appreciation.

And .. because it's the weekend; here are some links to look at:

*on dealing with Valentine's Day if you are heart-broken
*8 steps to a more blissful life
*fairy tale gardens
*travel... 4 romantic Northeast Attractions
*and idea for a cool chicken coop
*Natives and long hair
*chalk art in Michigan!
*a great blog on books and an art inspiration blog... and this blog by Vivienne McMaster
*14 things only OverThinkers will understand
*some interesting psychology
*when good things happen to other people
*20 signs you are doing better than you think you are
*photos of an abandoned mall (after winter snows)
*poems by Mary Oliver

2-13-15

I hope you are all having a great Friday (the 13th)...

and will have an awesome Valentine's Day tomorrow.

It's been a busy week... and a busy day today...

so I thought I would just share some of the earrings that I've made this week...

and I hope you like them.

See you all tomorrow for my weekend post.

2-12-15

"We are made out of stardust. The iron in the hemoglobin molecules in the blood in your right hand came from a star that blew up 8 billion years ago. The iron in your left hand came from another star".--Jill Tartar

"We are stardust, We are golden. And we've got to get ourselves... back to the garden."
--Joni Mitchell, from the song Woodstock

"We ourselves, are made of stardust."  -- Carl Sagan

"Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at the stars because we are human?
--Neil Gaiman, from his book Stardust

The other day on Facebook, I had put a quote (the first one above) about stardust...
and it sparked a gathering of quotes that I wanted to share here on today's blog post.

Living here in Potter County, I think folks get so used to the idea of being able to see the stars.. that they really don't think about it. But it's really quite remarkable. Having lived in several more urban areas, the light pollution can be so great, that it's almost impossible to see the stars. But here, we are actually on one of the nation's "dark skies" areas. Folks come from all across the nation... and even from other countries... to simply gaze at the stars here.
One of the local state parks, Cherry Springs... is only a few short miles from my house... and yet.... it is a destination spot for so many folks hoping to stargaze and explore the cosmos by way of telescope. And so I've compiled a list of sorts for you to look at:

*best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (we're number 11)
*We're number 2 here!
*visiting Potter County
*and the Visit Potter County website
*videos on Cherry Springs Dark Skies events
*article in USA Today
*and in the New York Times
*the International Dark Sky Association... and their Dark Sky Finder page
*and a couple links on Cherry Springs HERE and HERE

--- and tonight (weather permitting of course)... I'm encouraging you to step outside... and look at the stars.
See you all tomorrow  -- and a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our son, Michael... who is definitely a shining star in our life.

2-11-15

These past few weeks I've been trying to get in a groove of sorts...

Check the mail (physical and email), do some housework, do a blog post, list things for sale (Etsy/Ebay/yard sale page), take photos of things, pack up/mail things, run errands as needed, and work in the studio. I know several folks who work from home; and the issues are always the same... how to stay focused on your work; and let people know that you ARE indeed, working... to minimize distractions. and interruptions. It's a fine line. After all, work from home can be great! and do-able... as long as you are somewhat disciplined and aren't easily swayed away from tasks at hand.

One of the things I absolutely love about working from home, is getting time to spend with my constant companion; Sabrina. 

She is wonderful. And at 16yrs old (at least... she is a rescue so we're not sure)... I know my time with her is probably limited.

I also get to spend more time with my daughter and hubby... In fact, we all sort of work from home.

Jim is writing a book; and substitute teaches at area schools on occasion. 

The daughter is a fabulous artist, and also works at a local restaurant part-time

...so we all struggle at times with time management issues common to the work-from-home set.

So... I just wanted to give a "shout-out" to all my friends and family who work from home.

You are valued. 

What you do is important. 

Keep on ... keeping on... 

(and here is my daughter at work, and one of her recent art pieces)

See you all tomorrow!