Frivolitea

Circle of Friends

2012-01-27T11:21:00.001-05:00

Having a circle of friends is important. Unarguably, the concrete and the invisible support that friends provide is essential to a good quality of life. Being a visual person, I think it is nice to have concrete reminders of this metaphorical circle by which most of us are surrounded. I surround myself daily with reminders of my friends by displaying small gifts that various ones have given me over the years. I have a figurine sitting here, a slab of geode over there. They are tangible reminders of the friends who have been a part of my life.

I have long wanted one of these circle of friends candle holders as another reminder of my circle of loving friends. This is the one I have wanted:

And this morning at a thrift store, this is the one I found:

Close. But purple??? I believe I can rehabilitate it to my liking, so I bought it in spite of the color. And I am thinking that maybe the work that I put into this circle of friends candle holder will make it all the more special to me.

In closing, I will share with you a poem by the 14th century Persian poet, Hafiz, that was introduced to me by a friend.

Circles
The moon is most happy

When it is full.

And the sun always looks

Like a perfectly minted gold coin

That was just Polished

And placed in flight

By God’s playful Kiss.

And so many varieties of fruit

Hang plump and round
From branches that seem like a Sculptor’s hands.
I see the beautiful curve of a pregnant belly

Shaped by a soul within,

And the Earth itself,

And the planets and the Spheres –

I have gotten the hint:

There is something about circles

The Beloved likes.
Hafiz,

Within the Circle of a Perfect One

There is an Infinite Community Of Light.

(“I Heard God Laughing” – versions of Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)

PS: If you like this poem, you might also want to take a look at this video.

Artist Carne Griffiths: A Talk About Tea

2012-01-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

I was recently introduced to the artwork of Carne Griffiths by a fellow blogger, Shelley of The Victorian Garden Tea Room. As you will see in the few examples I picture here, his work in intriguing. The figures pictured seem to emerge from a depth - entangled by drips and streaks on the surface of the paper. I have seen ink drawings before, but nothing like this. And his work is all the more fascinating to me because Carne uses tea as one of his drawing media.

I was so taken by the work I saw on his website at www.carnegriffiths.com that I wrote and asked Carne if I might send a few questions related to his artwork and use of tea. He graciously agreed to answer my questions. So I would like to share this mini-interview with you here.

1) How did you discover tea for use as an ink?
I started experimenting with tea as a medium after working with plain water washes for some time. My usual practice involves drawing in blue and brown fountain pen ink and then disturbing the line. I started using alcohol instead of water,with brandy having a slight yellowing effect. This intrigued me as it had a very specific affect on the composition of the ink, but also brought a new colour into the palette. I decided to intensify the colour and tea was the obvious choice - it enables me to control the strength of colour easily and brought about painting with hot liquids which have a distinct effect on drawing.

2) Do you brew it with water or do you infuse it into an alcohol based concoction?
I usually brew it in water, sometimes very little water to create an intense colour, especially with red teas such as rose hip. I have been recently experimenting with alcohol and tea in separate applications and like the way they fight on the paper, they have very different effects on both the paper surface and the ink.

3) Do you use various different teas to render different colors, or do you stick with a black tea which, I would imagine, renders a sepia tone.
I use a lot of different teas. Some loose leaf but mostly bagged teas. Herbal, chai, massala chai, rooibos, white tea, green tea, yorkshire hard water, ginseng.

4) Is there anything else you could tell us about the use of tea in your work?
Controlling the liquids on the page and chance play a large part in the work. A spill of tea or the accidental destruction of drawn line can often send a piece of work into a different direction and allowing this to happen within the work and not becoming to precious about the created drawn line is essential to the way I work. There is an element of playfulness too, I often blow the tea around the page and regularly work with a hairdryer to steer the colour where I want on the page.

Thank you!

Note for those of you living or traveling to London: Carne Griffiths' artwork will be on view at the London Art Fair - stall G35 until the 22nd January.

Seeking Craft Ideas for Tweens!

2012-01-13T11:28:00.001-05:00

There are fabulous home and art and craft blog resources for parents of children younger than tweens, but I have not found any that address the years between 10 and 13, or any for the teen years either. If you know of any, please let me know! For families with children younger than 10, I recommend these as being just a few of the many fabulous blogs out there:

The Artful Parent
Soule Mama
Maya Made

Pictured above, I feature two books that I think are just great for tweens. The first, Mothers and Daughters at Home (2000) by Charlotte Lyons is an oldie but goodie. It features an abundance of ideas divided into chapters by how long the project would take. Alter This: Radical Ideas for Transforming Books into Art (2007) by Alena Hennessy would appeal to the tween reader, himself or herself. I found it in the juvenile section at my local library. However I think this book would be great for tweens or teens.

Some art and craft media that I think works well with tweens are: shrink plastic, bottle caps, match boxes, and glass marbles. All of these can be used for projects such as jewelry or magnets or personalized sit-arounds. So I do have some ideas for working with this age group. But I would love to hear about any idea resources (blogs, books...) with which you are familiar.

Easy Taco Soup

2012-01-12T19:26:00.000-05:00

Tonight for dinner I made my mother's taco soup recipe. She has been making this soup for her grandchildren for years. And she made up this recipe herself, as far as I know. I was eager to give it a try as it is easy and I know my children like it. Here's the recipe:

1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 large bell pepper, finely chopped
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained (Beans can be pureed before adding to the soup.)
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn (optional)
1 1 oz. taco seasoning mix (I use low the sodium one.)

In a large boiler brown meat with onion and bell pepper. Add the remaining ingredients. If you would like for it to be thick and stew-like, leave it like this. If you prefer a thinner, soup-like consistency add 2 cups of water before boiling. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 40 minutes.

Makes about 12 generous servings.

Tea Trade in China by George Chinnery

2012-01-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

Today while browsing through my copy of, The Horizon Cookbook and Illustrated History of Eating and Drinking through the Ages (1968) I ran across this picture. In my book it is identified as "A British painter in Canton c. 1835 traces the progress of tea from its growth in the highlands, upper left, to its packing, sale, and shipment on the wharves, below. I googled things a bit and discovered that this painting of the tea trade in China was done by artist George Chinnery (1774-1852). I find these documentary style paintings of the tea trade to be interesting.

Grey Day with Tea

2012-01-11T09:45:00.002-05:00

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axison which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward thefuture. "
~Thich Nat Hahn

Today is a grey day here in my town. I sit inside with my dogs, unwalked thismorning, because rain pours from a grey sky and thunder rumbles. This is a perfect day for practicing - what? Living slowly. Appreciating. Contemplating. Things that I seemto find so difficult. I will embracethis grey day as a gift; learn from it as a teacher. And sip tea all the while.

Mandala Art Workshops

2012-01-07T18:25:00.002-05:00

I have taught two mandala workshops so far. Pictured here is the beautiful and meaningful work created by the workshop participants.

History Books about Dining

2012-01-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

I have asmall collection of what I will call history books about dining. They are not all history books, really. Some are guides that verge on being books ofetiquette. But somehow, for me, they allfall together under this category that I call “history books about dining.”

The mostrecent addition to this small collection of mine is the new book by my friendand fellow blogger, Angela McRae of Tea With Friends. Angela’s book, Dainty Dining (2011), provides a fun and informative overview ofAmerica’s department store tea rooms – many of years past. In DaintyDining you will find history, vintage recipes, memorabilia and shared storiesfrom numerous flagship stores. For thoseof you interested in American history, tea, or food, this book is amust!

The nextbook in my collection is one that I recently acquired from the local Habitatfor Humanity Restore. (See previous blogpost.) This book, entitled The New Book of Table Settings: CreativeIdeas for the Way We Gather Today (2001) is a good guide to all theelements needed for dining in style: dinnerware, glassware, flatware, napkins& table coverings, candles, flowers, and centerpieces. This wonderfully illustrated book alsoincludes fun ideas for table settings on special occasions.

Other booksin my small but special collection include TheArt of the Table: A Complete Guide to Table Setting, Table Manners, andTableware (2000); Forks, Knives, andSpoons (1994); and The HorizonCookbook and Illustrated History of Eating and Drinking through the Ages(1968). Each of these books includeswhat I find to be interesting information and useful and/or beautiful illustrations.
Do you havean interest in this topic? If so, whatbooks do you favor?

Bonanza!!!

2012-01-03T16:20:00.001-05:00

(This post will be of especial interest to those living in Asheville.)

Today I stopped by the Asheville Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I went there hoping to find a bookshelf. Instead I found a bonanza of books! It appears that Lark books has cleared out its inventory of old craft books and given them to the Habitat Store. Woo Hoo!!! I came home with the foot-high stack of books that you see above and a stronger resolve to find a new bookshelf -- or maybe two. (FYI, the books I selected cost $4-$5 each.)

New Years Resolution

2012-01-02T08:15:00.001-05:00

Once you take a look at the photos I have posted, it will become clear that my resolution for the new year is to cook. My husband is a great cook and tends to prepare all of our good/fancy/tasty meals. My intention this year is to contribute more of my own cooking to our family meals.

Here I have posted photos of a few of the cookbooks I am going to explore in the new year. First is this small spiral bound cookbook entitled Sacred Food for Soulful Living: Recipes from the House of Prayer Kitchen. As noted in the book, "The House of Prayer is an independent, interfaith ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota." I was introduced to the cookbook by a friend and ordered it from the House of Prayer website.

Next are the Greek cookbooks. Those of you who know me know that my married last name is Greek in origin. I plan to delve into my husband's Greek heritage through working with these two cookbooks.

Finally is a small cookbook that was a gift to my husband last Christmas. I chose to include this cookbook just because it looks interesting to me and I want to use it.

So in addition to my usual New Year's resolution to get more exercise, I am resolving to cook. I plan to feature more cooking under the "Home" heading of this blog. But do not worry, there will be plenty of posts that fall under the "Studio" heading, as this blog originated with sharing my love of arts and crafts.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:52:00.002-05:00

Bookplates and Marginalia

2011-12-29T19:53:00.001-05:00

I think the topic of bookplates and marginalia would makeexcellent dinner party conversation. This topic can arouse opinion, lively conversation, and even debatewithout arousing the touchiness and anger that accompanies the commonly known-to-be-taboodinner party topics. I throw bookplatesand marginalia together as a topic because they are both marks signifying aninteraction that has taken place with a book. The interaction could have been ownership ofthe physical book – noted by a bookplate. Or the interaction could have been a thoughtful engagement with materialprinted within the book. This latterwould be traced in marginalia.

In my household, myhusband and I hold differing opinions on this topic. He believes that bookplates and marginaliadeface a physical book and decrease its value – unless added to the book by aperson of “note.” I, on the other hand,feel that these signs of previous ownership (within reason, and especially whenold) add to the charm of a book. In thename of full disclosure, I will say that I do not place bookplates in mybooks. However, I do read most bookswith a pencil in hand. My occasionalunderlining or star helps me to interact with the text more fully. It also helps me to remember important pointswhen I pull the book off the shelf months or even years after the initialreading.

What do YOU think, dear reader? Your comments will serve, in a sense, asmarginalia for this blog post.

For a lovely essay on marginalia, see this article that wasprinted in the New York Times Magazine back on March 4, 2011.

Books, Books, Books!!!

2011-12-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

My books are a major source of inspiration for me. My craft books and tea books have been spread throughout the house, so yesterday, in a fit of organizing, I gathered them all together. The tea books are now together in one box and the craft books are now spread over several boxes. I plan to organize the craft books by technique. For example, some categories I will use are: collage, jewelry-making, stamping, assemblage..... I have not done this yet so I am not sure what all the categories will be, but you get the picture. Tomorrow I will shop for a new bookshelf to help me in this book organizing endeavor. Wish me luck!

Inspiration for the Coming Year

2011-12-27T12:57:00.003-05:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

I know that many bloggers are in the habit of choosing a word that will guide their thinking for a coming year. I have decided to join the crowd, as I think this is lovely idea. I have chosen the word "inspiration" to guide me in the new year, as this word, cut from a large piece of wood, overlooks my studio space from its perch by the window. In the coming year I will share with you the artists, poets, writers, photographs, crafts and of course, teas, that inspire me. And in doing so I hope that this blog will, in turn, serve as an inspiration to you. I am really looking forward to sharing the coming year with you!
With fondest regards,
Frivolitea

A Hint of Sadness

2011-12-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

I am thinking that a hint of sadness always comes with theclosing of a seasonal door, the end of a cycle. What does this sadness mean and why does it come to us at thesethresholds? Even if you have tried yourhardest to celebrate a simple, joyful Christmas, you are probably experiencinga letdown in this post-Christmas period of time. It seems to me that this feeling of sadness (thesepost-holiday blues) is an invitation toreflection, an invitation to quiet meditation. This sadness signals the openingof a period in which we can review what has been and plan for what will come,quietly and gently.

Some people experience more than a hint of sadness at thistime of year. For these folks Irecommend reading the advice posted by reputable online sources as this one: http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health7.htm

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:38:00.002-05:00

Christmas Season Volunteering

2011-12-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

Peace to all creatures great and small

We love our pets. They happen to be dogs. But I imagine we would love any other sort of pet equally well. And in honor of our dear dogs, the kids and I will be volunteering today at the Asheville Humane Society.

Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas

2011-12-22T07:54:00.000-05:00

Well, it is a bit late in the season to be drawing your attention to this book. But maybe you will find a copy in the new year and refer to it next December. Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas by author Bill McKibben was published in 1998. I found a copy in a used book store. It is a lovely reflection on the season which gives what seems to me to be sound advice for creating a more joyful experience of this special time of year. This small format book, clad in a kraft paper cover and beautifully illustrated with line drawings is a joy to hold in the hand. My advice to you is to search for a copy.

Easy Inspiration Stones

2011-12-21T16:02:00.001-05:00

This is an easy, last-minute gift idea for that poetic friend of yours who has everything. Give her a bowl full of inspiration stones. The engraved inspiration stones that you find in the stores retail for around $2.50 each. By making your own inspiration stones with things that you probably already have around the house, you can save money and avoid a trip out into the shopping madness. This is what you will need: glass pebbles like those you use as vase filler (you can find these at the dollar store); modge podge & a brush; a hole punch the diameter of your glass pebbles; a sheet of words printed out on your laser or ink jet printer at home.

Step 1: Punch out the inspirational words.

Step 2: Brush modge podge onto the flat side of the glass pebble.

Step 3: Place the punched word(s) face down on the glass pebble and brush more Modge Podge over the back of the paper.

Step 4: Put the stones on a pan to dry.

Step 5: Coat them with a couple more coats of Modge Podge.

Step 6: Once the stones are dry, place them all together in an attractive bowl.

This year we gave a bowl of these stones to my childrens' school guidance counselor and she loved them. We used words such as: joy, smile, laugh, grow and peace.

Christmas Around the House

2011-12-20T17:10:00.000-05:00

My dear husband gave me a camera for our anniversary which falls in December. Here I have used it to share Christmas scenes from around our home. Merry Christmas!

Paper Mache Teacups

2011-10-30T08:19:00.001-04:00

photo from annwood.net

This is a project I would like to try. Take a look at these adorable paper mache tea cups! I found them on Pinterest. But go to the original source, this post at annwood.net for more photos and instructions.

Tablemates for Once Upon a Dream

2011-10-24T07:05:00.003-04:00

Once Upon a Dream - Day 2

2011-10-16T18:16:00.000-04:00

Claxton Farms

I took my little point and shoot camera to the event - big mistake. Everything was so beautiful that I would like to have captured it in nice photographs. Oh well. When I walked into the venue at Claxton Farms I was blown away. Not one detail had been overlooked. The decor was spectacular.

Here is the nametag I was given the first night.

Here is the "thank you" gift that Jenn gave each attendee.

And here is the lovely necklace that I made in Andrea Singarella's workshop called Trinkett Trio-ette. The necklace can be converted into a choker or bracelet. Clever!

The other two workshops were A Midsummer's Mobile with Natasha Burns and Glass Cloche Dream Fairy with Dee Foust. I did not complete those two projects so I will show those pictures later after I have had a chance to work on them.

Once Upon a Dream, More Vendor Night

2011-10-16T11:20:00.003-04:00

Here's my loot from vendor night. I bought this gorgeous belt, nest brooches, and frozen charlotte dolls.

The first workshopette was this Woodland Fairy Garland taught by Lori Oles.

The next workshopette was this Prize Ribbon Sprite taught by Karla Nathan.

It was such fun to sit at the beautifully decorated table and craft with a wonderful group of ladies. What a wonderful event this was!

Once Upon a Dream - Vendor Night

2011-10-14T08:04:00.002-04:00

My snapshots do not do justice to the beautiful decor. But I just wanted to show you a few images from vendor night.

My place at the table.

Table at the entrance.

Vendor table.

Once Upon a Dream, Ready to Go

2011-10-13T16:45:00.000-04:00

Hello! I am about to head out the door to Once Upon a Dream! Here is a little giveaway I made: a calling card with a brass fairy pin attached. I'm so excited! More soon.

Once Upon a Dream - Asheville!

2011-10-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

I am sooo excited! Only 3 days left until the event, Once Upon a Dream, A Prairie Fairytale begins. This event will be held here in Asheville. For years I have dreamt of an event like this being held in Asheville and now - it is almost here. The event is the creation of Jennifer Hayslip of Eye Candy Creations. I have followed her previous events on blogs, but now I can tell you about one of her events myself - in first person. WooHoo!

The first evening event will be held at Asheville's beautiful Crest Pavillion. I cannot wait for the vendor fair to be held that night. The following day is an all-day selection of art workshops to be held at the charming Claxton Farms. This day will be followed by a day of exploring the magnificent Biltmore Estate.

Can't wait to see and meet those of you who will be there!

Until Thursday. See you, gals!

Mounted Scrap Collage ATCs

2011-08-31T10:05:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of the ATCs from below. I made the collages from scraps of paper left over from other projects. I then mounted a couple of these ATC-sized collages onto embellished foamboard.

Tea Themed Book Sculpture

2011-08-31T09:30:00.000-04:00

Isn't this wonderful!? Three of my favorites in one package: art, books, and tea! The photo was stolen from here: http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/_Mysterious-paper-sculptures/blog/4991767/126249.html

Scrap Collage ATCs

2011-08-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

I was playing around with collage last night and this morning. Each of these mini-scrap collages is 2.5" x 3.5", which is ATC (artist trading card) size.

Mandalas

2011-08-07T11:32:00.002-04:00

I have resumed my study of mandalas with Susanne Fincher. Here are a few that I have recently created. I like this multi-layered technique that I have been working with. The third mandala, which pictures a tree, was inspired by a brilliant book that I recently read: The Hoop and the Tree by Chris Hoffman.

Through this study of mandalas, I have become aware of the artwork of a couple of fabulous artists here in Asheville. The first is Jane Weaver, a quilter. Her quilted mandalas are powerful, complex expressions of the mandala. The next is Karen Noel, a painter. Her work strikes me as being gentle and ethereal. If you are at all interested in mandalas, be sure to check out the websites of these two Asheville artists.

Hatching New Projects

2011-06-26T21:44:00.000-04:00

I will be away from this blog for a while because I am tending to some new projects. Good-bye for now.

Birthday Treasury Shadowbox Swap

2011-06-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here's my box for Inspire Co.'s Birthday Treasury Swap. I hope my swap partner likes it!

Wild Edibles Hike Sponsored by SAHC

2011-06-05T10:04:00.000-04:00

view from the private land we hiked

Yesterday Hubby and I went on a "Wild Edibles Hike" sponsored by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. It was a unique experience that I will remember for a long time. We learned about numerous plants from the forests in this area that are edible. We picked greens, roots, flowers, and twigs and then returned to our hosts' cabin to prepare a meal.

the wild edibles gang

one of the group participants foraging in the underbrush

one of our hosts for the day

preparing the meal in our hosts' cabin

For dinner we drank birch tea made from sweet birch twigs and leaves. We ate hoe cakes adorned with clover flowers along with three different dishes that used wild greens and roots as the base. The wild greens we foraged were dock, polk, wild lettuce, and so-cha-ni. The roots we dug were solomon's seal and turk's cap lily. The whole gang chipped in in the preparation of this feast. What an unforgetable experience this was.

Inspire Co.'s Birthday Treasury Swap

2011-06-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

I am participating in Inspire Co.'s Birthday Treasury Swap. We each make a shadowbox with a birthday theme and send it to our swap partner. Mine is going in the mail soon - but I wanted to share a couple of details before I send it. I will share a photo of the whole shadowbox once my swap partner has received it. This was lot's of fun!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-01T17:40:00.000-04:00

And the winner of the Nick Bantock stamp pads is Annie. I appreciate all of you who left a comment. Stay tuned for more giveaways.

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T07:18:00.000-04:00

I hope you all have a good day today. We plan to go on a hike. I love these free days when all the family is at home and we can spend time together. How will you spend your Memorial Day?

Revision to Marbled Paper with Kids

2011-05-28T19:33:00.000-04:00

See the brighter colors I have in these examples? I ran out and bought a different paint, which is pictured here. It is a kid's tempera paint and it worked great. In the examples below I was using various different paints that did not work very well. In her instructions, The Artful Parent said to use either tempera paint or liquid watercolor. Well, she was right!

Marbled Paper with Kids

2011-05-28T14:24:00.000-04:00

I found this idea when reading a newspaper article by the Asheville blogger whose blog is called "The Artful Parent."

As you see in the above photo, we coated the bottom of a dish pan with shaving cream (both of which I purchased at the dollar store). Next, my daughter squirts some washable tempera paint (purchased a the craft store) onto the shaving cream. We used squirt bottles that I purchased from a kitchen supply store. I wanted the translucent ones, but all they had was red. No problem, I just labeled each color with a piece of masking tape.

More squirts of paint.

Draw squiggles in the paint with a plastic knife, which is just what we happened to have on hand. A bamboo skewer or popscicle stick would work just as well.

Press a sheet of paper onto the painted surface of the shaving cream. You can use inexpensive watercolor paper or cardstock.

Lift the paper out of the pan.

You see that some shaving cream sticks to the paper. We let the paper sit flat for a few minutes and then scraped the shaving cream off of the paper with an old gift card.

The kids could not resist playing with the squishy shaving cream.

The results of our work.

Voila! A piece of marbled paper.

Giveaway! Nick Bantock Stamp Pads

2011-05-27T18:47:00.000-04:00

For those of you who use stamp pads, you will enjoy these colors by artist Nick Bantock: vermillion lacquer, deep turquoise, lamp black, rose madder, sapmoss green, and van dyke brown. To enter to win these 6 stamppads, just leave a comment on this post. I will draw a name on Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. Eastern time.

Shadow Box Art

2011-05-20T06:00:00.070-04:00

Hotel Eden by Joseph Cornell

Cockatoo by Joseph Cornell

When I was young, I thought shadow boxes were for displaying collections of figurines, or thimbles, or spoons. It was not until I went to college and began studying art history that I saw the boxes of Joseph Cornell and knew that shadow boxes could be more. Shadow boxes could be art. And they seem to have become a very popular art form these days.

shadow box by Michael DeMeng

Journey by Carol Owen

I really like the new forms of shadow box art such as those by Michael DeMeng or the shadow-box-like shrines of Carol Owen. The various little pieces that are framed by the little compartments dialogue with one another. Sometimes the relationships of the pieces are literal. At other times they seem surreal. In any case, the whole is framed and unified by a box.

In the past, artists often had to construct their own shadow boxes. They measured and placed all of the little interior walls and floors into the box frame. Today, other options are available. I recently found two mini drawer-shaped shadow boxes in the clearance section of a big box craft store. I snapped them up. I have also recently learned of the Configuations boxes and affiliated products designed by Tim Holtz and produced by Ranger. These sorts of products make the creation of shadow box art an easier task.

However, being a great lover of the serendipitous find at a thrift store, I still prefer the idea of working together pieces found secondhand as Joseph Cornell did in the last century.

Artist Heather Brush

2011-05-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

I recently discovered the charming assemblages of artist Heather Brush. After exploring as much of her work online as I could find, I decided to write to her and ask a few questions. See our interview below.

Green Tea by Heather Brush

Earl Greyish Blue by Heather Brush

Frivolitea: Why do you use tea as a subject in some of your works?

Heather: Tea is a classic thought and ancient practice. It seems to be somewhere in most people's minds. Reaching out to art viewers through the common thought is a way connect with them and get them hooked on a piece, and thus, myself as an artist. So it is with many of my works. I use many common objects and thoughts, such as my fairy tale series in which I address many commonly known fairy tales and fables. These stories are imprinted in many of our minds. Trees are another image that I love to use, because of this same commonality in capturing attention of viewers, but also because I simply love the form and natural beauty of them.

Frivolitea: Do you drink tea?
Heather: I do, though my breakfast drink is coffee. Afternoon tea is my thing, but funnily enough I like English and Irish Breakfast Tea at that time! Attending an afternoon tea is a true delight and something I wish I could do more of. The lovely snacks and sandwiches at such events are a temptation that you have permission to eat! The romance of a tea event is simply too much for me to resist. Instigating that thought in people through my art is part of the goal.

Frivolitea: I notice you use many re-purposed, found items. Where to you find these humble objects that you turn into treasures?

Anywhere, everywhere, and in my dreams I find bunches of objects to use, nightly. Goodwill, thrift stores, antique shops, yard sales, friends homes - no place is safe from my creative mind! I frequent a number of places often. An antique mall just down the road from my home is a favorite, and the Goodwill in my town is as well.

Frivolitea: Do you have any special philosophy about using found objects?
Heather: I love to use things that will evoke an emotional reaction in viewers. It makes art more meaningful when I address this goal. I also like to have a theme to a piece, no matter how small. Using old items willynilly with no reason behind them makes for a bland piece in my mind. If it doesn't make some sort of sense to couple objects, I don't do it.

Frivolitea: Where should we go online for further information about you as an artist?
Heather: http://heathersbrushstrokes.wordpress.com/about/

Frivolitea: Heather, thanks so much for taking the time to "talk" with me. Your artwork is charming and I would like to share it with my readers.

Rattlesnake Lodge Hiking Trail

2011-05-15T15:15:00.001-04:00

This afternoon we took a short hike not far from our home. This trail is called the Rattlesnake Lodge Trail because it runs up to the remains of what was once a vacation home, Rattlesnake Lodge.

The weather is cool and breezy today. It was a perfect afternoon to get out into these woods with their canopy of green.

These are a few details along the way.

Other things I am doing today are:

Reading the Summer issue of Flea Market Style Magazine.
Drinking Tazo's "Awake" tea, a strong & rich hot brew.
Listening to the wind blowing and birds chirping outside my window.
Enjoying some down time with the hubby, kids, and dogs.

Resiliency

2011-05-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

In recent years I have felt that resiliency is one of the most important qualities a person can have. Not only does resiliency get you through life with all the knocks and kicks thrown at you, but resiliency enables you to thrive. According to Daryl R. Conner , reslient people exhibit five characteristics. Resilient people are positive, focused, flexible, organized, and proactive. (Yes, I am currently doing a personality scan to see how many of these I have and how many I need to develop!) According to Marilyn Schlitz, who brought Conner's work to my attention through an article in Spirituality & Health, the following time-tested "tools" can help us to become more resilient. These tools include personal reflection, meditation, contemplative prayer, journaling, language of possibility, positive social support, self-love, altruism, and collective visioning. So pull out that meditation cushion that may (like mine) be sitting unused on your closet shelf. Let's get resilient.

Textured Deli Paper for Collage

2011-05-09T06:00:00.022-04:00

I learned this technique from a video that Jane Davies recently posted to her blog. These are translucent papers that I will use for collaging. After watching her video, I just had to try this technique. The only problem: I could not find deli paper. I called a few local restaurant supply shops, no luck. I checked Wal-Mart, no luck there either. Then I started calling friends to see if anyone had a Sam's Club membership because I felt sure I could find it there. Well, sure enough one friend had a membership and had even purchased (actually, hubby had accidentally purchased) a couple of boxes of deli paper. She does not use the deli paper very often, so she gave me one box and I was able to rush home and try out this technique. It is really fun to do, so run over and take a look at Jane's blog if this looks appealing to you.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:13:00.000-04:00

Adventures in Mixed Media by Jane Davies

2011-05-06T15:42:00.000-04:00

One thing I like about artist and author Jane Davies is that she gives generous credit to others who have influenced her techniques or her artwork in general. And another thing I like about her is her style. Her artwork is cheerful and charming and in this new book she takes it to a new level: that of three dimensions. Just a look at the Table of Contents showed me that I would like this book. The chapters that interest me most are entitled: paper constructions, books and boxes, shrines and ornaments, and mixed media dolls. I do not work with fabric, so I only skimmed chapters 4 and 5 which cover fabric techniques. But the other chapters are full of fun mixed-media techniques and project ideas. I recommend this book to accompany her previous two books on collage techniques.

Stamp Set Winner

2011-05-05T19:42:00.001-04:00

Joannie from Newnan, GA has won the lavender-themed stamp set. Joannie, please contact me with your snail mail address and I will send it to you. Congratulations and thanks for participating!

Margaret Couch Cogswell's Tiny Mailbox Project

2011-05-03T13:01:00.011-04:00

Here is my contribution to Margaret Couch Cogswell's Tiny Mailbox Project. With her project, she is promoting the joys of snail mail. Well, I thought that I would promote the pleasures of another facet of the slow life: tea! The drinking of tea is, by its very nature a slow process as you must wait for the water to boil, wait for the tea to steep, and wait for the hot beverage to cool down to a drinkable temperature.

OK all of you snail mail lovers, let's drink tea!

Thistle Farms & Lavender Stamp Set Giveaway

2011-05-02T12:58:00.001-04:00

Last week on National Public Radio, I heard a story about Thistle Farms, a Nashville-based business and organization. I was so touched by the story that I ordered a number of products from their website, intending to save them for gifts. Spoiler alert: I will be giving a number of the things I bought to family and friends as the occasions arise. But I must say that I will be keeping some of the products for myself. When I opened the shipping box from Thistle Farms, the delicious fragrance of lavender filled the room. So that very night I used some of the lavender-scented bath products that I had ordered. Mmmm. Boy did my skin feel soft after that shower. So in honor of the strong women of Thistle Farms and their lavender scented products, I am going to give away the following stamp set. To enter this drawing, just leave a comment on this post. I will draw a winner on Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m.

Botanical Gardens at Asheville

2011-04-24T17:13:00.000-04:00

We spent Sunday afternoon at the Botanical Gardens. What a pleasure it was to be out in the sunshine on that beautiful day. We enjoyed the plants, the stream, the rockwork and the paths. If you find yourself in Asheville, be sure to visit this charming place.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T07:33:00.000-04:00

I hope you all have a beautiful Easter Sunday!

With Another Book on the Way

2011-04-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

Today I purchased and read Jane Davies' book, Collage Journeys (2008). I relaxed beside a sunny window and read it from cover to cover, salivating all the while. Really, I cannot wait to try out the ideas that she presents in this book. It is as good as, if not better than her previous book, Collage With Color (2005), which I reviewed in an earlier post. Jane Davies has a wonderful way of explaining collage techniques that makes them accessible. I love the multi-layered look that she an other artists produce, and now I have an idea of how to recreate that look for myself, with my own unique twists and iconography.

This book was terrific, but even more exciting is the news that Jane has another book coming out - to be released this very week! If these two earlier books are any indication, this new book entitled Adventures in Mixed Media should be an excellent instructional and inspirational book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

In Honor of National Poetry Month

2011-04-16T13:49:00.001-04:00

The Lightest Touch

Good poetry begins with
the lightest touch,
a breeze arriving from nowhere,
a whispered healing arrival,
a word in your ear,
a settling into things,
then like a hand in the dark
it arrests the whole body,
steeling you for revelation.

In the silence that follows
a great line
you can feel Lazarus
deep inside
even the laziest, most deathly afraid
part of you,
lift up his hands and walk toward the light.

-- David Whyte

from Everything is Waiting for You
©2003 Many Rivers Press

More Stamp Carving with Friends

2011-04-13T14:58:00.000-04:00

I do not know what it was like to have participated in a quilting bee, that old-time activity when a group of women would sit around a quilt frame and help one another stitch their quilts. But today's session of stamp carving with friends was no doubt reminiscent of that old form of feminine cameraderie. This morning, four of us gathered together to create unique hand-carved stamps - inspiring and encouraging one another as we drew images and realized them in stamp form. Here are a few photos from our time together.

Here above is a portrait of a sweet kitty that Maria is fostering. If anyone in the Asheville area would like to adopt a friendly adolescent kitty who is up to date with all medical treatments, let me know.

And here above are lovely stamps by Mary and Lee. What talented friends I have! Stamp Carving is a good art/craft activity to do with a group as each person can work in her own style and at her own speed. And unlike the quilting bee, you don't need to worry about one another's skill or speed. You each do your own thing.

Graham Cracker Bird House

2011-04-11T06:00:00.010-04:00

On Sunday we attended my niece's 5th birthday party. It was a bird-themed party par excellence. While there, my daughter decorated this graham cracker bird house. How cute! She was so excited to share it with you here.

Fairy Garden Workshop

2011-04-10T06:00:00.021-04:00

My daughter and I took a workshop on Saturday to learn to make adorable little fairy gardens like these. The workshop was held at Thyme in the Garden, a lovely local garden and gift shop.

Below is our teacher, Laura.

Below is my daughter hard at work on her fairy garden.

And here below is the little fairy garden that I created.

This was such a fun springtime activity. We would like to do it again!

Developing a Personal Vision Statement

2011-04-09T06:00:00.084-04:00

I often feel like I am pulled in many different directions at the same time - which causes me to spin in circles rather than to move forward and make progress towards a goal. But what is this goal that I want to move towards? How does one identify and articulate a goal? How does one know what one wants to make of ones life? Hard questions, I think.

Some say that you should create quiet time in your life so that you can hear that quiet voice which will guide you in the right direction. That seems like good advice to me. But it is hard. Discerning what that quiet voice is telling me is a slow process, and I am not that patient. So I am searching out a catalyst to propel me forward a bit in this process.

As I so often do, I have started by seeking advice from a book. Recently, in re-reading Shona Cole's book entitled The Artistic Mother, I was reminded of the importance she places on having goals, of having a vision of where you want your life to end up. So, using this book as a catalyst, step one will be to figure out how to develop a vision statement for myself.

Next, I sought out advice online. I searched around a bit and turned up what appears to be a helpful worksheet for developing a personal vision statement. This multi-page worksheet reminds me of the exercises that a career counselor had me do many years ago in an attempt to determine what career would best suit me. So, using this worksheet as a resource or tool, step two will be to complete this lengthy worksheet in hopes of shining light on what I feel to be my purpose and values.

I will leave you with these ideas for today, as I do some hard inner work in hopes of preparing myself to create a personal vision statement.

Bird Nest Charm Tutorial

2011-04-08T06:00:00.047-04:00

I have been showing you so many bird nest charms that I decided I needed to provide a tutorial. I have looked at numerous tutorials online and found that everyone creates their nests a little differently from everyone else. True to form, I created my own method of putting together the little nests.

1. First, I cut 1 foot of 20 gauge wire and 3 feet of 24 gauge wire.

2. Next, using my round nose pliers I create a loop at the end of the 20 gauge wire. (See below.) I wrap this a couple of times so that I have a couple of loops.

3. Next I take my flat nose pliers and hold the loops flat so that I can wrap around them several more times.
4. Then I continue making these circles by holding the central loop between my fingers. Below is what I end up with.

5. I then take 3 pearls or crystals and string them onto the 24 gauge wire. I leave about an inch of wire at the end which I twist together with the longer wire from the other end. This way the pearls are securely attached to the wire.

6. I feed the 24 gauge wire through the central circle of the 20 gauge wire. (See below.)

7. I then wrap the 24 gauge wire numerous times over the outside of the circle into the central hole of the circle. I do this until I have used up almost all of the 3 feet of 24 gauge wire.

8. I then take my round nose pliers and create little bends in all of the wires so they look more natural.

9. This (above) is what I end up with. To string the charm onto a chain or ribbon, I just pull a single wire away from the nest to form a loop.

I hope this tutorial will be helpful to you as you come up with your own method of creating these charming wire nests.

Tea Themed Stamp

2011-04-07T06:00:00.025-04:00

You may ask yourself, what do I do with all of these stamps I have been carving? Well, one idea is to use them to make gift cards.

To make this card I used block printing ink rather than an ink pad because I wanted the print to be clear and dark. After spreading ink on a piece of acrylic (saved from an inexpensive picture frame,) I rolled the ink over the stamp surface with a brayer. Once the stamp was well-inked, I printed it onto a dry tea bag paper that I had saved. I let the ink dry and then glued the paper onto a blank folded card. I next glued the green paper onto the card and then finally glued down the white piece of card stock on which I had written "tea" in freehand.

That's it. And the fun thing is that I can use this stamp again and again to create many different cards or other craft creations.

Doggie Love

2011-04-06T14:17:00.001-04:00

Our dogs enjoying the springtime sun.

Max out for a walk.

Turning Max into a stamp:

Step 1: Print out photo in b&w on laster printer.

Step 2: Heat iron on low.

Step 3: Turn laser print face down onto block and iron back of paper. (low heat)

Step 4: Carve around picture.

Step 5: Add details with sharpie marker.

Step 6: Take a rest.

Stamp Carving Workshop

2011-04-05T13:05:00.000-04:00

Here is our workshop teacher, Kim.

And here, above is Kim's beautiful work. She has a real knack for carving stamps.

Here is Lee at work.

Here are some of my stamps in progress. I call my style, "primitive art."

We had such fun getting together to carve stamps that we plan to do it again soon!

Meditations With Tea: Paths to Inner Peace

2011-04-03T16:30:00.001-04:00

This is a lovely little book for anyone interested in tea or meditation. I happen to be interested in both, so it really hits home with me. The author, Diana Rosen, presents many ideas on how to find that inner quiet that will end up, in time, being fruitful. She also includes a multitude of wonderful quotes. Some I particularly like are:

All beginnings require that you unlock new doors.

~Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810)

This morning's tea

Makes yesterday

Distant.

~Japanese Tanko poem

Visions come to prepared spirits.

~Friedrich Kekule (1829-1896)

This book left me curious about Diana Rosen, the author. The bookflap describes her as a "prolific journalist of articles and books." And she certainly knows tea, as this is her sixth book on that topic. I find her writing to be thoughtful and well-informed and thus highly recommend this book.

Mug of Tea

2011-04-02T12:23:00.002-04:00

I found this cute mug at the Pottery Barn outlet in Gaffney, SC. I think I've got a theme going with all these bird nests I have been working on, so much so that I decided to use a variation of this photo as my spring header.

The Colors of Spring are Here!

2011-04-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

K.T. Jong Quote

2011-03-31T17:01:00.000-04:00

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence

that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us,

as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts.

~ K.T. Jong

I like this quote very much, but I have a question. Forgive my ignorance, but who is K.T. Jong? I have searched the Internet and have not found an answer. Anyone who can tell me about K.T. Jong, please do so in the comments. Thank you!

Artist Armen Rotch

2011-03-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

image from this French website

Artist Armen Rotch uses tea bags - lots of them. He creates what I think are wonderfully nuanced images. Colors range from a fully steeped black tea to white in what appear to me to be nature-inspired collages. For more images of Rotch's work, and to see him at work in his studio, visit this French website.

one more

2011-03-25T14:24:00.002-04:00

N.E.S.T.

2011-03-24T09:19:00.000-04:00

Nest of Copper

2011-03-23T17:52:00.000-04:00

And More Nests!

2011-03-20T10:37:00.003-04:00

A Few More Bird Nest Charms: Spring is Coming!

2011-03-19T11:37:00.002-04:00

Sterling Wire Bird Nest

2011-03-18T21:05:00.000-04:00

I made my first sterling wire bird nest today. I purchased the dead soft wire and it seemed easier to work with than the copper that I have been working with. The sterling wire is expensive, but this nest only took 1 foot of 20 gauge wire plus 3 feet of 24 gauge wire. So it came out to be reasonable in price.

On Being (or Becoming) an Artist

2011-03-18T06:00:00.036-04:00

I love art workshops. Sure, I do not do my best work with those time, space, and material constraints. But they are fun. Just as I once collected degrees and certificates, I have in more recent years amassed a list of art workshops taken. I have so wanted to identify myself as an artist. And taking workshops has seemed the way to do that.

However, the other day I had a realization. Art workshops are not going to turn me into an artist. It is just long hours of my own hard work in my own basement studio that is going to do that. It is just my own experimentation, successes and failures, that is going to enable me to find my unique voice, to express my unique vision. Once I have that, then I can call myself an artist, and feel proud in doing so.

Workshops have their place. They can rekindle flagging enthusiasm. They can provide instruction in new techniques. But it is only that hard work that one does on ones own that can truly make one an artist.

Spring: New Beginnings!

2011-03-17T13:22:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since I have made a post. But a couple of things have inspired me to get "back in the saddle" as some say. A few days ago I pulled out my copy of Jane Davies' book, Collage With Color (2005). I had forgotten what a great book that is. It provides fun, attractive images along with an abundance of useful technical information regarding making collages. I found her "Materials" section to be especially useful as it covers papers, acrylic paints, acrylic mediums (which can be confusing to the novice), adhesives, and brushes. He section entitled "Making Patterned Papers" is not only useful, but fun! And the rest of the book is equally valuable. So, as a result of my exploration of this book, I created the background and textured pages that you see above.

I have purchased several mixed media craft books lately and have been disappointed in them. The projects all look the same in a messy sort of fashion. And the instructions are not very helpful. Collage With Color, which I discussed above, was a refreshing change from the mixed media sameness that I have seen so much of lately. I plan to search out the two more recent books by Jane Davies and anticipate finding the same quality of workmanship and instruction apparent in Collage With Color.

Studio Before and After Shots

2011-03-05T08:31:00.000-05:00

I have been busy and now you see why! I have been working to set up my studio space in the basement. Here is how it looks today. I still have a good bit of organizing and aranging work to so, but I wanted to share my progress with you!

Easy Valentine Party Craft Idea

2011-02-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

This is an idea for an easy Valentine craft. I plan to have the kids do this for a 5th grade class Valentine party. First, you need a Sizzix Texture Boutique machine. These are available at big box craft stores or you can find them online. Next, you need bookmark blanks. I found these packages of bookmark blanks at Michael's Arts & Crafts Store. Finally, you need texture plates. I found these at Michael's also. The kids will run the blanks through the texture machine using the Valentine texture plates. They can then embellish the bookmarks with marker. I plan to offer them small red, pink, and purple markers. This is a very easy project that is not messy at all. I think it is a good project idea because the bookmarks will be used and not thrown in the landfill after a few weeks. Who doesn't need a bookmark?

Artist Kelcey Loomer

2011-01-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Bells on Her Toes by Kelcey Loomer, 2010

I love Kelcey Loomer's mixed media collages. I have had the good fortune of meeting her here in Asheville on a number of occasions. She was kind enough to recently grant me an interview which I will share with you here.

Me: I am intrigued by the layered quality of your work, where each layer seems to contain traces of pencil marks or printing from an older time. It almost seems as if your collage work could be excavated, and studied element by element, as in archaeology.

Where do you find the images and papers that you use? It is hard for me to tell where the printed image ends and your painting begins, as you intertwine them so well.

Kelcey: Your description of my work is perfect! I am fascinated by history and sense of place, and I am always striving to capture the essence of these. I love to use antique papers and/or anything that appears to have been loved or marked by living.

I also am always on the lookout for any transparent papers to incorporate in my paintings. I love the layered look of wax, but my studio isn't big enough to paint with wax, so I use lots of layers of inks, and glue, and papers instead. A lot of the images from my collages come from vintage bird books, dictionaries, and ledgers. In my larger paintings the focal images are done in my own hand and I look everywhere from books to the web when I am coming up with references and ideas. I get some of my papers from our fabulous local art store True Blue (http://trueblueartsupply.com). Another drool-worthy place to find great papers is Hollanders (http://www.hollanders.com) which is based in Ann Arbor Michigan.

Me: Does the multi-petalled, flower-like image that you paint so often have a special meaning for you?

Kelcey: I love the symbolism of it. Roof tiles, scales, and so many objects in nature also have this similar and basic feature. Depending on the direction and openness it could either be an armor with one layer protecting the next, or if open it can be a catchment of sorts.

Me: Do any artists or writers influence your artwork?

Kelcey: It is hard to pinpoint even a few! I was finally able to acquire Internet access a few years ago and my world of inspiration has exploded since then. Music is always a huge influence on my artwork as well. Sometimes I will listen to one particular song or album on repeat while I am painting if it matches the mood.

Me: Do you have certain favorite artists or writers?

Kelcey: I love to watch my three year old paint~ so she is a current favorite. I have always loved Gauguin, Hundertwasser, Kahlo and poetry by Mary Oliver and David Whyte. But to be honest, I think some of my artist friends are my true favorites.

Me: On a more prosaic note, I am wondering what path brought you to where you are today. Where did you study art? How long have you lived in Asheville? Where is your studio?

Kelcey: I came to Western NC from NH in 1996 to study at Warren Wilson College. While there I mainly focused on printmaking, writing, and book arts. I graduated with a BA in Integrative Studies in 2001. Warren Wilson is a unique school, and I feel so much gratitude for all my amazing teachers and life lessons I picked up while attending school there. I met my husband shortly after graduating and we bought land in Black Mountain a few years after that. We have been building enough to have a little 8' x 8' studio building right in the middle of it all.

Me: Thanks Kelcey! I have enjoyed learning more about you and your artwork.

Ahhhhh, Organization!

2011-01-21T16:55:00.000-05:00

A Picture is worth 1,000 words!

Any locals (Ashevillians) who want the contact info for my home organizer, just send me an email. She is a miracle worker.

Interview With Asheville Artist, Nicole McConville

2011-01-16T18:52:00.002-05:00

Submerge by Nicole McConville, 2009

I recently had the good fortune of interviewing Asheville artist, Nicole McConville. She is well known for her work with assemblage, collage, and encaustic. Here is our exchange.

Me: I am intrigued by the haunting, dream-like quality of your assemblages. These pieces enshrine disparate objects, giving the objects connections which seem to resonate with unconscious meaning. Where do you find the objects that you use? These objects seem so encrusted with time, bearing the imprint of previous owners or worn by nature.

Nicole: I consider myself to be a selective seeker and packrat. Whether it’s pulled from the gutter debris of an unkempt street or discovered in the corner of an antique shop or on the shelves of a used bookstore, there are fantastic objects absolutely everywhere.

An old medical text, a box of rusty machine parts, a haunting photo of an unknown face: they’re all asking to be seen with new eyes. And I see my role as the architect of a new environment, taking what is discarded or forgotten and giving it new life to recreate their stories. And once people become familiar with my work, it’s not rare to be handed a small bone discovered in a back yard or a handful of family photographs dusted off from storage.

All of these things will find their way into my studio, tucked into drawers and scattered on shelves to sit for as long as is necessary until they find the right home. But I’ve had to practice much more discipline over recent years as to what I choose to keep, both in creative discernment and the simple need to keep my studio from overflowing.

Me: Do any artists or writers influence your artwork? Do you have certain favorite artists or writers?

Nicole: As an artist it’s important to give respect to those who paved the way. As an assemblage artist, that honor should be bestowed upon the father of box art himself, the enigmatic and innovative Joseph Cornell. His ability to create visual poetry through the skilled placement of salvaged objects, his clever use of composition and negative space, and mix of playfulness and control never ceases to inspire in me a sense of childlike wonder.

The collage and correspondence art of trickster Ray Johnson not only possessed a unique sense of visual play, humor and cleverness, but it also helped turn the definition of art on its head. I find his enjoyment of process and the juxtaposition of images and words to be delightful and inspired.

I am also inspired by the work of Stephen and Timothy Quay (better known as The Brothers Quay). Known primarily for their astonishing stop-motion-animation films, these identical twins have an aesthetic that celebrates decay, cast-off items, dream-like states and inner workings of the mind. Their impeccable use of light and shadow, camera focus and movement, melds with puppetry and ethereal sets to create entirely unique visual worlds. The narratives are not always straightforward, the symbols and meanings not always clear; the viewer is left to explore the terrain with curiosity, wonder, and sometimes, unanswered questions.

Thank you, Nicole, for your time and thoughtful answers to my questions. For more information about Nicole McConville and to see an inspiring gallery of images of her artwork, visit her website at http://www.sigilation.com/.

Crafting by the Fire

2011-01-10T15:03:00.001-05:00

Outside: snow, snow snow!

Inside: carving snowflake rubber stamps

I generally enjoy snowy, homebound days like this. The children and I are at home. Dad ventured out to work this morning, so he, unfortunately, is not here. The dogs have been sleeping all day. The children playing on their new Wii. And I have been doing this and that. The house is a little chilly, so I decided work by the fireplace while carving some rubber stamps.

It has been a while since I have carved rubber stamps, so I reviewed some of my favorite sources of information before beginning. First I looked at the online resources that Brown Robin of Asheville pointed me to. Next I consulted my favorite two books about rubber stamp carving: Art Stamping Workshop by Gloria Page and Rubber Stamp Carving by Luann Udell. I have had both of these books for a while, and always pull them out for review before starting a new stamp carving project.

I hope you all are having an enjoyable, homebound snowy day as we are here in Asheville, North Carolina.

Terrier Dog Figurine

2011-01-10T06:00:00.017-05:00

This is my favorite find from a recent thrifting excursion. The little terrier dog figurine has a broken paw, but I don't mind that one bit. He only cost $1 and his cuteness makes up for that tiny flaw. The bottom of the cart is marked "Goldcastle Made in Japan." If anyone out there can tell me anything about this little guy I would love to hear it. Thanks!

Luscious Book Alert!

2011-01-09T12:12:00.000-05:00

When my daughter and I attended the Tea by the Trees at the North Carolina Arboretum, we arrived early and took a few minutes to visit the gift shop. Well, I spied this book, and after turning a few pages I could hardly put it down. I did not buy it for myself as Christmas was coming soon. But My sweet daughter remembered the book when we returned home and shortly thereafter gave it to me as a special Christmas gift from daughter to mother.

The book, Woodland Style: Ideas and Projects for Bringing Foraged and Found Elements Into Your Home can be summed up in one word: luscious! The text by writer and artist Marlene Hurley Marshall is informative and inspiring. In this book, I have learned how to forage for decorative natural elements, clean them, decorate with them, and even eat them! And the photography by Sabine Vollmer von Falken is breathtaking. I am ready to put on my hiking shoes and head out the door into my woodsy backyard right this very moment. For those interested in crafting with natural elements, this book is a must!

Excellence

2011-01-03T06:00:00.006-05:00

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

-Aristotle (as quoted in Unstuff Your Life by Andrew J. Mellen)

News: India's Farmer's Say Climate Changing Brew

2011-01-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

It looks like our cuppas may be losing their heartiness.

For the full text of this news article, see:

http://www.charter.net/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CD9KF1BFO0%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1019

The New Year Ahead

2011-01-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

In the new year I plan to get my home in order. This is one of the two or maybe three major things I plan to accomplish this year. I am armed with (1) a gift certificate to work with a home organizer here in town, and (2) this book, Unstuff your Life: Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life for Good. I also resolve to set aside the time for this endeavor. I plan to begin this afternoon by picking up some large boxes that I will use for organizing books. Books I want to keep will stay on the bookshelf or will move off the floor by my bed onto a bookshelf. Others will be assigned to one of two categories: "Going to Goodwill" or "Going to Sell at the Used Bookstore." Now that I am accountable to you, dear readers, stay tuned to see my home transformation. I won't show you "Before" pictures until I have "After" pictures to share as well. But you can be sure that there is much progress to be made! What are the major projects that you have planned for the new year? I would love to hear about them!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T09:12:00.000-05:00

Tea by the Trees

2010-12-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Exhibit Center at the North Carolina Arboretum

Beautiful sign outside the Exhibit Center

Inside the foyer of the Exhibit Center

My daughter and I attended a lovely event yesterday at the North Carolina Arboretum. Called tea by the trees, it consisted of tea and traditional tea food treats with live guitar music beside a roaring fire. This charming event was held in the foyer of the arboretum's exhibit center.

The History of Christmas Customs in America

2010-12-10T16:25:00.001-05:00

I am always curious about how customs have come to be the way there are. The holiday of Christmas and the customs that accompany it are no exception. They provide ample food for thought for someone interested in such things. My two favorite books about the history of Christmas customs in America are pictured here. They are: Christmas in America: A History by Penne L. Restad (published in 1995) and The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday by Stephen Nissenbaum. (published in 1996). I know that a number of other books on this topic have been published in more recent years, but these are the only two I own. If you would like to recommend one or a few of these others to me I would gladly welcome the tips. But for now I will rely on these two favorites that have been in my posession for a number of years.

Among other things, they discuss: Observances and celebrations honoring the birth of Christ over the ages; the history of Christmas trees and greens; why in America we give gifts during this season; the origins of Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, and Santa Claus.....

If you wonder how we came to celebrate Christmas as we do in America today, then these two books will be of interest. They will give you a historical context for your reflections and much food for thought.

Goethe

2010-12-03T22:30:00.002-05:00

This little piece of artwork hangs on the wall beside my computer. I selected it for this place of honor because I like the leafy arbor that is pictured as well as the sentiment that is expressed. Well, the artwork has just increased in importance to me as I have just run across another Goethe quote that I like very much:

"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”

I want to learn more about this Goethe. Wikipedia states: "Goethe is considered by many to be the most important writer in the German language and one of the most important thinkers in Western culture." I am off to learn more...

Gratitude

2010-11-25T07:50:00.000-05:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

33 Things to Know About Raising Creative Kids

2010-11-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

This charming, small format book is big on ideas. 33 Things to Know About Raising Creative Kids by Whitney Ferre provides an endless supply of suggestions and activities to help you nurture your children's creativity. Highly recommended.

I relish the idea that creativity is a skill that can be developed, like any other skill. In this book, Ferre provides some tools for developing your children's natural creativity and, I would imagine, your creativity as a parent as well.

Title: 33 Things to Know About Raising Creative Kids

Author: Whitney Ferré

Publisher: Trade Paper Press

ISBN-10: 1596525622

ISBN-13: 978-1596525627

Price: $9.99

Thanksgiving, I Have Not Forgotten You!

2010-11-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have been posting Christmas pictures lately because I am preparing for a holiday craft fair. But I have not forgotten Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to a multi-day, family-filled Thanksgiving. Here you see the adorable lit pumpkin that my sister-in-law gave me. Don't you just love it?! It makes perfect decor for the Thanksgiving sideboard.

And Another Matchbox Christmas Ornament

2010-11-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas Ornament with Milagro

2010-11-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

I am still working on Christmas ornaments. I have a small supply of milagros on hand, so I have been experimenting with ornaments that would befit a milagro. This is what I cam up with.

Matchbox Christmas Ornament

2010-11-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

Ladies Luncheon Table Decor

2010-11-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

table scene

centerpiece

favor bag

decorative details

I am hosting a ladies luncheon and have had such fun planning the table decor. Here you see it.

Scenes from a Recent Matchbox Shrine Workshop

2010-11-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

Metal Tape Ornament

2010-11-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

The most recent issue of Cloth Paper Scissors (November/December 2010) has a wonderful article about making holiday ornaments with metal tape from the hardware store. I was inspired by the examples show on pages 42-45, so I decided to try my hand at it. I have a great deal of foam board on hand, so I decided to use foam board as the ornament base rather than the mat board that was discussed in the article. Also, rather than using the metal tape to just frame the edges of the ornament, I covered the whole piece of foam board with metal tape. The color on the metal tape comes from alcohol inks that I applied with the Ranger alcohol ink applicator. For full directions, take a look at the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. But as you see, the project can be modified to suit the materials that you have on hand.

Silhouette ornaments

2010-10-31T10:34:00.000-04:00

I love the vintage map ornaments that I made (see below) so I have been experimenting with other types of ornaments in a similar format. Inspired by the fabulous sihouette jewelry on the Foundling blog, I decided to try some silhouette ornaments. What do you think? Here is my first try at a silhouette ornament. I added the crackle background to try to add visual interest. What do you think? Better with or without a crackle background? Do you think people will buy ornaments featuring vintage silhouette images? I would love feedback.