What at treat! The CHA Craft SuperShow was here!

It was hard to believe the sign outside said "The Happiest Place on Earth"... but it did... and it was! (At least for me.) Actually, the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) SuperShow was located at the Anaheim Convention Center last weekend, which was literally next door to Disneyland. And for most... it was the Disneyland of art & crafting supplies, inspiration, talent. Even, "husband extraordinaire" was willing to give up his one day of sleeping in and catching up, to brave the buttons, beads, papers, and estrogen to see what new inspirations were on the horizon. I must say it was quite the day!!

A couple of highlights... I got to meet, and see in person, a few of my most favorite suppliers and artists. ( Objects & Elements- Jen Susan &Linda, Nunn Designs- Becky, and fabric/mixed media/ jewelry designer- Ruth Rae). To actually meet, and see everyone that I worship from afar, was the icing on the cake.                                                                            Speaking of cake-- Cricut outdid themselves with the introduction of a new use for their die cut machines-- die cutting fondant icing for cakes. They actually had a bakery booth that enabled us to decorate a cupcake with their products all ready to go. What a lovely way to promote-- and yummy too.                        

And there was another fave of the day-- Vintage. We were able to play with their new metal products, charms & findings, and create a make and take. I, of course, gravitated to a leaf charm and made a little token. Can't wait to get to the store to buy a few Vintag pieces to create with. The ideas are spinning!! Keep an eye on my etsy store to see what's new in the next couple of months.

And of course, the husband managed to find a booth with sandpaper.... I think he liked the show too!

Inspirational links...                                                             http://objectsandelements.typepad.com

http://somethingsublime.typepad.com

www.vintaj.com

www.cricut.co

http://ruthrae.blogspot.com

Getting There...

The first week of the new year has come and gone--- the dust is settling, and I'm trying to see the horizon. This year brings the hope of "newness" and "change" and of course clean up from the holidays! 

All the best to everyone and my heartfelt thanks for following along and keeping up with the etsy store!

NEW listing... t u r q u o i s e  lantern keychain

It Seems To Be OVER... once again.

It came and it went, as I knew it would.  

The decorations made it up afterall (although less than usual). 

The tree, (although a process) made it's way to the towering place of honor. 

And the mantle got a simpler style than it's predecessors. 

(I had to convince my son that the stockings --

(now 4" mittens from last years Starbucks cards) were cool.

I tried this year to balance, (with intention) simplicity, 

while still providing joy to those around me. 

What a lovely Christmas it was... homemade and thoughtful gifts, 

less under the tree,  time together, and lots and lots of food. 

Even with simplicity, came a bit of exhaustion...

 Albeit, with simplicity~~ came more meaning.

s i m p l i c i t y can be rather chic! 

  ... even the decor can get  e x h a u s t e d! 

Too Much to Do!!!

... C H R I S T M A S  Branch Decoupage Ornament... 

Oh my...oh my... I say it every year-- "I am cutting back... I am not going to do as much work... 

I will simplify... I'm starting early..." NOT!! I don't know quite how it happens every year, 

but I do know that the process repeats itself. And I do know, I HAVE cut back!!

I've been doing more Boutiques this year. Although I know that it has cut into my Christmas prep time, it has given me an opportunity to meet many new people and share artistic chatter with others. 

The Red Rabbit Arts & Crafts Market, was by far, the warmest group of people I have worked alongside, which set the tone for a beautiful holiday season. 

Thanks to Carmen for always running an elegant venue 

with the continual warmth of a tall, non-fat, extra hot, light whip, mocha!!!

Back to the holiday prep... almond roca to make today-- finish tree decorating-- 

create 3 custom items to be sent out by Wednesday-- 

post office to ship orders--yikes!!!! Sounds worse when you write it down.

Tweet...Tweet...

This is my newest fave...maybe because it's different, maybe because it's random or maybe because the little bird just came to me by tearing different paper bits. (Almost like it flittered right onto my plate when I was thinking about my next paper adventure.)
This little bird is so sweet, but I think it needs a flock. Back to paper tearing to see what appears.

...take a peek at "a  l i t t l e  b i r d i e"  on my etsy site... twig2neststudio.etsy.com

Paper Obsession

                                       just some of the obsession... the P A P E R collection

I am asked often "h o w"  I create my designs...  it starts with an affinity to collect beautiful papers. I have been collecting art papers, tissue papers, gift wrap papers, handmade unryu, banana leaf, rice, japanese, india, batik, gift wrap, printed papers and the like, for years. It becomes a visual paint palette when you see your paper before you.

My inspiration usually comes from the graphic of one sheet, mixed with textures and colors of the others. I start by making file folders of groupings that eventually become the palette for plate design. Much like the process of painting; always thinking in terms of your colors and how you will apply them.

I equate it to painting with paper. The principles of good design, composition, and color all apply.

Seeing the simplicity and the beauty of paper and making it into something new can be exhilarating ...this is no longer your mother's decoupage.

... make sure to take a peek at the  N O V E M B E R   S P E C I A L  on my etsy site... twig2neststudio.etsy.com   We're offering FREE shipping (saves you $5)  on our T H A N K F U L  plate...  what a wonderful hostess gift for the provider 
of the holiday feast!

Little French Flea Market

As predicted, the sun came out again. Not only was there a freshness in the air, but a clearness in the skies, evoking a return of inspiration. I got busy making more plates for the upcoming  French Flea Market. This venue would be a little different than most that I have attended. It wasn't so much a Boutique or Craft showing, as it was a Vintage, French Market venue. I brought some fun display items and a few vintage pieces that I wanted to sell to  complete my table. Participating in these shows is always a learning experience. Each time I do one, I learn something new about marketing myself, the buyers, the types of vendors and the creativity that abounds every where. I love it!! You meet some really fun people and although, it is a long day of hard work, there is such a joy in the response. I especially appreciate the support I get from family and friends whenever I do one of these days. Husband extraordinaire is always willing to shlep and friends come to support and bring coffee. Life is good!

a few I M A G E S of 

the vendor displays 

at the H I D D E N  

C H A T E A U 

in West Hills.

very F R E N C H...oui?

 more  T W I G 2 N E S T  designs...