And so it begins...

A few things in the "art life" are aligning themselves...

I am finding that they are happening in 

"groups."
Groups of events...
Groups of people...
c o n n e c t i o n s...

A couple of years ago,
I dared myself to 
b e l i e v e 
I dared myself to face
f e a r
and I dared myself to 
s t e p  o u t...

Stepping out sure looks pretty in a group!

there's comfort in a group,
there's beauty in a group,
and there's fearlessness in a group
I love the connection that art brings! 

Here's one group of lovelies...

Rebecca Klier

Kelly Warren

Sandi Volpe

Dani Keith

Cindi Silverstein

Suzanna Leigh

now showing through the end of the month at LEDE Gallery
To see everyone's work up close and personal, take a peek at
LEDE on Facebook. The SHOP button links to everyone's work.

The other "moon & star" alignment 
involves another group of lovelies...
from the original 101010 project. 
A few month's ago, I hosted a series of artist's interviews 
that had to do with a group of creatives, pursuing their artistic dreams. 
The originator of this fabulous project, Robin Norgren,
compiled a book, based on interviews with over 40 creative women
(including me!!!! woo hooo! I am officially published)
sharing their thoughts on running a creative business.
Spark and Inspire is one amazing collaboration, 
and I am humbled and honored to be part of Robin's vision.

I will be posting a GIVEAWAY in December 
for a PDF COPY of Robin's lovely collaboration! 
The book is available now thru amazon, 
and makes for a wonderful gift.


Along with the PDF giveaway... there will be a  little goody from me 
to celebrate fearless women taking flight!

Stay in the loop by checking back!

Starting to feel 

art emerge.

Creating Yourself... and a Grateful Giveaway

"Life isn't about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself."

— George Bernard Shaw

Oh, do I love your inspiration Georgie!

I think I am in a perpetual George Bernard Shaw state of mind.
Exploring~ creating~ exploring~ creating. 


So I've had this burning desire to use the backgrounds I painted. 
Funny, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach them. 
I got to thinking perhaps my watercolors 
would look interesting collaged on top.
(With other interesting things of course...)


I tried laying one of my pears on top...
Wasn't sure if the colors worked, or if  would even look good- 
but after looking at it a while, 
I'm feeling it may have potential. 

I don't know about you, 
but I have this habit of having to look at the steps I am taking,
 for a while, and then continuing on. 
It's a broken up process for sure, but I've never been able to crank out pieces.
I am not really sure if that's a good thing or not. 
There's a rhythm to my process, that is like a dance... 
take some steps~ stop~ observe~ feel~ think... 
take some steps~ stop~ observe~ feel~ think...
hmmm... maybe a visual cha cha cha!
How about you? 


What kind of process do you go through when you create?
We all have one~ 
much like the individuality of our strokes on the canvas,
the medium that we choose to work with,
and the things that "move us to create".

ahhh... but the best part of today's post is 
my  g r a t e f u l  giveaway... 

I've been wanting to do a giveaway 

of one of my more recent birdie houses.

I have been overwhelmed with the encouragement, 

the cheering on of my journey,

and the ever so kind comments that everyone has been leaving.

So it is with much  g r a t i t u d e,  that I am going to offer 

the item below, as a sweet giveaway

for all of that kind support, friends.

To participate, become a follower of my blog 

(and thanks in advance if you already are).

Leave a comment, and tell me what your inspirational words would be...

because, if your name is drawn,

I will personalize this birdie house with those very words.

One lucky winner will be posted Friday September 2nd. 

thank-you friends!

And the winner is...

A short... but very  s w e e t  post to complete Valentines Day for all 

who entered my little blog giveaway. 

I am happy to announce the two recipients of the "heartsie giveaway" are... fellow creatives Sonya & Cindy.

I had a lovely surprise for Valentines Day- a visit from my daughter who came down 

from San Francisco to see us.

So, in all fairness- I asked her to do the honors and pick the winners.

Choosing winner 1... Sonya

 and here's choosing winner 2... Cindy

It was so rewarding to know, that many of you left comments and participated. 

What fun!

  I will have to do this more often.

Happy "heartsie" Day!

Time for Some Giving Back...

 

 A short and sweet post to end of a week of craziness. 

It always get's a little nuts before a show.The kitchen table is full of paper, 

the counter's are full of glass pieces. The dining room table is loaded with more paper, 

glass and the containers used to transport everything.

 The food and wine lovers festival

 that I am showing at this weekend looks like a fabulous way to start Valentines Day.

"Handy Husband" is joining me, and I understand we receive 

2 wine glasses when we check in.
A  "h a p p y   d a y"  it will be-  sales or not!

Above, is the plate that I donated, for the auction to benefit Foodshare.

I always love to give an auction item. I have a "huge soft spot" 

for food programs, so this one is a true "heartfelt" donation.

Since it was my 2 year anniversary on etsy this past week,

I was thinking it was time for a giveaway. The friendships, the support, 

and the kindness of everyone I've been connected with on this artful journey 

is beyond words~ 

so a "grateful giveaway" is in order.

I've decided to offer 2 of my "Heartsie's" as a "thank-you" 

for friendship and support.

That means 2 winners! 

To enter the "grateful giveaway" choose from the list below:

1- leave a comment on this blog page. (1 entry)

2- become a follower of this blog. (1 entry)

3- post one of my blog buttons on your blog. (1 entry)

4- tell me if you are a coffee or tea drinker. (1 entry)

Feel free to enter as many as you like. If you already follow or have a button on your blog,

just let me know in your comments. I'll make sure you have the proper entry's. 

The winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day. 

I'll post the winner's here and get mailing addresses then.

 

Since I don't have any connections with "the accounting firm for the Academy Awards", 

I'll use the pick from the bowl technique~ sound good?

Have fun! Looking forward to giving back!

1 happy winner will receive some love...

1 happy winner will receive some joy...

To see a wonderful group of creatives at work... take a peek and click the link!