I used “The Nightingale” stamp (“Birds of a Feather” set from Tweety Jill, which contains 15 different stamps) to create this canvas…

…as well as this necklace (collage on bamboo tile).

With birds on the brain (which often happens, especially during this time of year), I used some wire (left over from a jewelry project that I recently goofed up) to create this cute, little nest.

Taking a tangled mess…

and turning it into a little nest feels satisfying.  And it’s an added bonus that this nest comes in handy for housing my beach finds of sand-tumbled stones.

The addition of a single feather (also from my collection of beach finds) seems to add a good measure of balance.

With the weather getting warmer I’ve been feeling especially energetic, with a strong urge to do some feathering of our nest.  So I’ll be stepping away for a couple of weeks while I gather the bits and pieces that I hope will make our home feel fresh and comfy…more modern yet still homey.  Our family has lived in our current home for about 8 years now, and I haven’t done much to it since we moved in…so it’s time.  And I’m excited!  How about you…have you been feeling an itch to do a home makeover also?

…towards the sand and the shadows…

…and the particularly large clams.  Unfortunately, this poor guy didn’t make it safely back to sea…I think a seagull got lucky instead.

As we kept walking further along the shore, Bill spotted these strange and beautiful rippled marks in the sand.  There were dozens of small patches of these modern-looking designs, all clustered within the same area.  I can’t quite figure out what they look like, can you?  And can you believe how the sea seems to have painted these?

I suspect that these designs in the sand were created by both the ocean waves as well as the swirling winds…remarkable beauty (especially the kind created by nature) usually happens when multiple elements mix and mingle. Nature creates some truly amazing masterpieces.

On our way home I took a quick snapshot of me standing in the midst of marshland (just on the other side of our favorite beach).  Because of the cold and energetic wind, I’m all bundled up…I can’t wait til later in the season when the weather will be warm and calm enough to take off the hoodie and scarf.  It’s the simple pleasures like letting your skin breathe…really breathe, that bring me deep comfort and joy.

After getting home from this inspiring beach outing, I dug out some sea glass (a gift from lovely Doreen) to play around with…

…which I used to make this necklace.  I finished off the piece with a strand of sand-colored silk ribbon…

…and attached it to a tiny, tulle pocket, perfect for my glistening glass beauties.

I also added some pearls (rescued from a broken vintage necklace) for texture and subtle shine…again in shades of sand.

I’ve been thinking a lot these last two days about the relationship between what happens in nature (like how sand and sea will slowly wear down glass, shaping it into something smooth and pleasing) and how similar it is with people and our interactions with each other.  Thinking about this makes me want to be more kind and giving…so as to possibly bring out the softer side of others.  To help others shine more perhaps, both inside and out.  And in turn there would be more beauty and joy in this world…I hope.

Observing nature sometimes helps me to better see what’s in my heart…the things that matter to me most and the things that I aspire to be.  Does nature speak to you this way also?  I have a feeling I’m not alone.

And we stopped by Rockefeller Center to watch people skating (it was so warm out that some skated in shorts).

On one semi-quiet evening all three of us walked through nearby Bryant Park.  I couldn’t believe that there were empty chairs available.

And there were even some stretches of empty benches over at Central Park.

The beauty and romance of Central Park always takes my breath away.

While aimlessly roaming around the park it was also such a treat to catch a glimpse of this bride and groom.

There’s something about these scenes that is so picture-perfect…like a painting you might find in a story book.

I just adore the amazing large and small architectural details (bridges, arches, fountains, etc.) that punctuate the park.

And it looks like someone found his own private shaded spot to take it all in.

On one afternoon there was some rain so Brook and I walked over to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art -  two blocks from our hotel).

While there we saw the iconic artwork of Andy Warhol.

And a dizzying masterpiece from Jackson Pollack.  This painting is so intricate and magnificent that my camera had trouble capturing the details.

We also saw original works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, etc…the artwork in this museum blew our minds!

Once the rain cleared I took Brook over to the hustle and bustle of Times Square to meet up with her friend from our home town of Hopkinton (coincidentally her friend was there with her family on vacation).  Brook and I did some shopping together at the American Eagle, and when you do this, you can have your photo taken and posted on their massive digital billboard.  Of course we had to take advantage of this opportunity. It was fun and strange to see a beyond life-sized photo of ourselves in lights at Times Square. Does this count as our fifteen minutes of fame?

On our last evening in the city, our family went back to Times Square for one last time to see the musical, Wicked.  This story is very thought-provoking as it has to do with the basic nature of people (good vs. evil), how much of us is inherent in us when we’re born vs. learned behavior (nature vs. nurture) and how perceptions of reality can be distorted.  It’s about friendship, opening up to compassion and understanding, love and trust…all ensconced in comedy and musical magic.  This show fully entertained us, and also got me thinking much deeper…something that I really appreciate about great art.

After these action-filled days in the city, we decided to finish off the week at our peaceful place in Maine.  I was ready for the tranquil, calm of the sea.

Although it was cold and windy at the beach, it was good to sit on the surprisingly sun-warmed sand.

And to do nothing but watch the rolling waves…

…and to experience the sun setting beyond the still naked branches…

…before heading back to our home in Massachusetts where the blooming pink blossoms were ready to greet us.

I love the city and I love the sea.  I love traveling and I love being at home.  There is a time for everything…and I am grateful for it all.  But most of all, I’m grateful for my little family…and for the time that we get to spend together.

Wishing you joyful family fun no matter where you are.

Inside this issue you’ll see an article of mine about making mini booklet necklaces using recycled dryer sheets, fabric scraps and such.

Inside this same issue you’ll see another project of mine (“Teeny, Tiny Boxes”).

Here are some close-ups of the altered matchboxes with some surprises tucked inside.

The how-to instructions are included in both articles.  However, if you have any specific questions, just let me know (simply leave your questions in the comments section and I’ll be happy to post the answer(s) on a daily basis).

Happy Spring and happy creating!

Speaking of pioneering women, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the first time women were officially allowed to run the Boston Marathon (which starts here in my hometown of Hopkinton). Here’s a picture of this spirited group, before that historic run.

Friday night (April 13th) several of the women who ran in 1972, plus the first woman to ever run Boston (in 1966) will be in town at an event to celebrate their achievement.  If you’re in the area come by and mingle with these trendsetters and hear their stories in a round table discussion hosted by WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes.  You can get tickets for $5 (supporting a great cause)…hope to see you there.

And now I’m starting to feel better, and I can see some glimmer of hope.  I can see the light again…

…and my heart is ready to take it in.

With a light heart I can move forward.  And I can begin to make joyful, little things again as well…such as this shiny tinfoil heart.  To dull down the tinfoil a bit, try pouncing on Staz On ink pad (Timber Brown) with a stencil brush.

Then add some scraps such as a piece of paper torn from an old greeting card, leftover square of cotton batting, some silver silk ribbon, all held together with a vintage post earring (with a dab of glue).

Then if you like, sew a pocket style gift pouch (shown under the heart) out of sheets of tea-dyed recycled dryer sheets.

May the light of hope burn brightly within you…and inspire you.

The winner for this giveaway is Donna.  Please contact me with your mailing address and I’ll send things your way after the weekend.

With St. Patrick’s Day in mind I created this green inspired canvas.  And I’m pretty sure you’ve noticed that I like to use bird images…a lot!   This happens naturally when you live in an area that’s popular with birds (I live near the edge of a forest and our home is surrounded by a border of towering trees).  Recently, there’s been a constant chorus of chirping going on outside…I think these little guys are as excited as I am that the harshness of winter is behind us.  And now, as I sit here at my kitchen counter on my computer, I’m being treated to the most beautiful symphonies of Spring…I love this front row seat, no ticket required.  No getting dressed up and no need to get in the car and drive.  And how about you…are the birdie packs back in your yard too?

As usual, I began the making process by digging into my stash of  recycled supplies…using “green” materials for my green canvas makes sense to me.

I used a piece of paper scrap with text, painted in a light wash of green (watercolor paint) to make the bird, which I settled into a cozy nest made from brown paper shreds…

…accented with a fluffy white feather.

A single drop of golden green catches the light just right.  This bead was courtesy of lovely Ann Marie (while reorganizing her jewelry bits she sent some extras my way)…she’s a fan of recycling too!

Thinking green is good…creating green is good.

Happy green day to those who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  And happy green creating to everyone who enjoys using recycled materials in your artwork – may this “making the most of” mindset inspire you every day of the year!

This month also brings many colorful things, like the beautiful artwork that’s featured on the cover of the new issue of Somerset Studio.

Inside this issue you’ll see my article and artwork on the Last Page.

Here are some close-ups of the details.

I found this feather at a beach in Maine last Summer and it happened to be the perfect element for enhancing a wing.  Also, like usual, I incorporated many other recycled materials, found objects and such.  I know that many of you like to do this too…it’s wonderful to have this in common.

I plan to do more open exploring going forward…with my art as well as in everyday life.  And you…what things are you looking forward to exploring?

And speaking of exploring, after my marvelous visit to Puerto Rico I created a couple of island-inspired jewelry pieces, which I’m offering as a giveaway.

A bright and bold bracelet echoes the colorful buildings that line the streets of Old San Juan…

…while these earrings whisper a soothing tune.

If you’d like to enter a chance to win (both pieces to one winner) please leave a comment (simply say hi, or share what things have been inspiring you lately) to this post by next Friday, March 16th, and I’ll announce the random winner the next morning.

Thanks very much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts…happy creative week ahead!

For instance, a couple of days ago I made these altered bamboo tile necklace charms using clear stamps by 7 gypsies (Conservatory set).  This stamp set is available at Stampington.  It comes with 24 pieces (includes images of bees, butterflies, birds, birdcages, eggs and more) so you’ll have plenty to choose from.  Anyway, I started off using a bee image.

And then I moved on to using a birdcage image.

If you like birdcages, here’s a mini canvas (3″ x 3″) that I created using a slightly different birdcage image (also included in the 24 piece stamp set).  This canvas was previously published in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Somerset Studio in the “With One Stamp” section, and the specific how-to instructions are available inside.

I can’t seem to get enough of using clothespins in my artwork.

And I’m naturally inclined to want to tuck a feather into the mix as well.  Luckily, feathers are so readily available…I find them very often during my strolls along the beach.  And sometimes I spot feathers right under foot during my routine runnings around – this always stops me in my tracks, amusing me…with a mild amazement.  I love it when this happens.  What about you…what amusing little things have crossed your path?  And do you see feathers everywhere you go also?

We began our vacation in the friendly city of San Juan.  Here’s a bird’s eye view of historic Old San Juan, taken from Fort San Cristóbal, which dates back to 1634.

Many of the cobblestone streets are lined with vibrantly colored buildings…

…basking under bright blue skies with punctuations of big, billowy clouds…

…and a giant, undulating blanket of blue waters as far as the eye can see.

Here’s a view from our hotel, which is located in a newer part of the city (Condado -  a couple of miles from Old San Juan.)

It’s rare to find a hotel that is right on the ocean yet also in the middle of a bustling city.  This unusual contrast really perked up my senses…I think in a good way.  While I was there I was hypersensitive to all the new surroundings and completely absorbed in the moment…it was delightful taking it all in.  It was a surprise to discover that I liked this frenetic environment (sometimes I get overwhelmed with too much activity happening all around).  At home, I usually spend most of my time within a womb of total silence (for me, the creative process requires many hours of stillness and quiet).  However, I guess it’s good to switch things up every now and then – doing this has an awakening potential which can make you feel really alive.

After a couple days of busy stimulation I needed a dose of tranquility to get things back in balance.  So we headed over to El Yunque Rainforest (the only tropical rain forest in the National Park system – about an hour’s car ride from our hotel).  Getting around the island in these more remote areas by car involved taking many sharp twists and turns in the road, which was both exciting and a bit scary.

Another exciting highlight for me at the rainforest was hiking up the mountain with Bill and Brook to reach this scenic tower jutting straight up and into the clouds.  Venturing so far up by foot, especially when you aren’t sure what the path has in store is another good way to spike the senses.

It took us a while to get to the top.  And in fact, had I known at the start how long it was going to take, there’s a good chance that I might’ve opted to skip the hike (I know I need to work on being less cautious.)  Anyway, I’m so glad that I didn’t miss the opportunity to feel what it’s like to literally have my “head in the clouds.” BTW, we hiked through the last part of the trail in the rain.  So here we are still damp but smiling.  Smiling because we’re surrounded by clouds.  Smiling because we hiked through our comfort zone (I’m afraid of heights and of slipping on rocky terrain, Brook had a terrible headache and we’re both afraid of creepy crawly, slithery things that live in the forest.)  Poor Bill…we’re lucky he’s so patient with us.

Moving on…to something that’s easy and relaxed.  Such as a scenic drive to enjoy a sunset dinner at water’s edge (in the fishing village of Joyunda).

With birds dining right at our side (such a treat to watch them pluck fish from out of the water).  They ate fish, and we ate fish…everybody was happy.

And all the while we listened to the gentle lapping of the water.  I LOVE the water, don’t you?  The sight, the touch, the swirling, rhythmic sounds, the rich nourishment it provides…I am so very grateful for these abundant gifts.

And every inch of me was filled with gratitude as we drove back to our hotel (below is the view from the car).  Somehow the peacefulness from the outside world swept into me, and my heart grabbed onto it all, bringing it in…all the way in, so that it could settle down…deep.  The calm, quiet glow of pure happiness…it lingered as it hummed.

And continued throughout the plane ride home…

…as we flew along the sunset.

Wherever in the world we may be, there is sky. There are clouds and if we’re lucky there is ocean.  There might be sandy shores, and there are probably trees…perhaps on mountains and perhaps with birds…chirping and singing sweet melodies…streaming along with the wind.  Rays of sunshine, beaming through crystal droplets of rain…from above…from the clouds.  A reminder to paint this picture with golden gladness and shower this joy all over…wherever in the world we may be.

Beneath the sky we are one…with nature, with each other.  See good, be good, be grateful, be kind.