As a Design Team member for Crescendoh, I regularly get to try out their wonderful stamps…I LOVE this perk!    Most recently I spent some time  playing around with Everyday Expressions stamps created by Christine Mason Miller.   These stamps spoke to me right away since they are in line with what I already love to do, which is to include positive messages in my work.  I think that the simple act of using a few well-chosen and uplifting words can help spread light and happiness all around.

I happily created a “dream jar” using a recycled glass jar and a piece of a paper grocery bag along with one of Christine’s stamps and a few other odds ‘n ends.   This embellished jar is meant to be a keeper of dreams.  Simply jot down specific dreams or goals onto small strips of paper and then place them into the jar for safe (and pretty) keeping.  And then whenever you wish, you can revisit your dreams.  Having little reminders like this around helps me to continue reaching for all that my heart desires.

And speaking of heart, here are some fun heart-shaped projects that I created using Christine’s stamps.  This mini-pocket with a simple ribbon handle was also made with a paper grocery bag – it’s perfect for tucking in a love note or two.

These easy to display hanging hearts are made from the inner plastic bags from boxed cereal.

And do you remember my wax paper flower project?  The centers of these were created using Stitches & Dots stamps by Cynthia Shaffer.   BTW, I just found out that Cynthia has a new quilt book coming out in 2011…I can’t wait to see it!

If you’re interested in learning how to make my wax paper flowers, the directions can be found at Studio Crescendoh.   In this gallery you’ll also find many more project ideas from other members of the Design Team.   And while you’re at Crescendoh, please poke around and browse the wonderful stamp selections as well as all the other goodies.

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Lately I’ve been doing some baking, which isn’t at all like me since I’m not a fan of the precise measuring and timing required for producing baked goods (really, I just don’t like following directions.)  Plus it’s been crazy hot outside.  But when the sweet tooth comes calling, I have practically no resistance.  To keep our kitchen from getting too overheated during my temporary baking binge, I’ve been sticking to simple recipes.  No complicated ingredients or fancy gadgets, minimum time in the oven (30 minutes or less) and no frosting either.  Oh, and there’s another big bonus…only one pan to wash!

Here’s a look at my first attempt at baking Hello Dolly Bars, straight out of the oven.

Close-up view of the layered, sweet-gooey goodness. 

Here’s the recipe just in case you’d like to bake something sweet, chewy, chocolately, buttery, crunchy and totally delectable…and quick too.

Hello Dolly Bars

1 stick butter

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (I add an extra 1/4 cup for a more substantial bottom crust)

1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)

1 cup coconut (lightly packed)

1 cup nuts (I use pecans, chopped roughly into half pieces)

1 can condensed milk

Melt butter in bottom of 13×9 cake pan (you can do this part by placing the butter in the pan and into the oven while it’s preheating.)  In order given, spread each ingredient.  Do not stir.  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.  Mark squares while warm.  Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

After baking a double batch (always like to make one to keep and one to share) I had two mini-tin cans leftover from the condensed milk used in the recipe.   And it just so happens that I needed a couple of small containers for some feathers that I had floating around in my studio, so I recycled these tins into handy mini-storage buckets.   My collage tin buckets were inspired by a project (Tinnies) created by the amazing artist, Lisa Kaus. 

For one of my cans I used a rusty binder clip to attach a wire handle instead of punching holes through the tin.   Coming up with different options is all part of the fun for me.  

It’ s good to get new ideas from other artists and it’s even better to take this inspiration and give it your own spin and style.   Learning and sharing ideas, inspiration, techniques – this exchange can often spark more creativity and good energy to flow.

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I just received the new issue of Somerset Life in the mail.  Inside you’ll see several projects of mine, all of which are fairly quick and easy to create.  If you’re like me and you have a kid (or kids) home from school, finding big chunks of time to create doesn’t happen very often.  So lately, in order to scratch this “I gotta make something” itch, I’ve been  doing simple projects that can be done in roughly 30 minutes or less (not counting drying time.)  This way I get to do it all – keep creating AND spend more time with Brook.

Here’s a look at my projects that are featured in the current summer issue of Somerset Life.   I’ve included the how-to instructions within the articles, but please feel free to let me know if you have any specific questions…thanks.

Pincushions using vintage tart tins and recycled wool as well as other scraps.

Coordinating aprons for Brook and myself – I made these from scratch, but if you’re feeling pinched for time you could easily alter store bought ones.

Creative living ideas like repurposing antique door knobs into pencil holders.

And an altered lamp shade frame (sorry this photo got cut-off.) 

I hope that you’ve all been enjoying your summer so far.  Whether this means sleeping in and lounging around or rushing out to greet the sun, have fun and drink it all in…ahh, summer life. 

I’m thinking about taking some time off to hit the amusement park, spruce up our home (looks like spring cleaning is happening late this year), maybe take some side trips, etc.   If I get too caught up in these activities my blog will most likely be on the quiet side.  We’ll see…I’m planning to wing it these next few weeks.  Summer is calling and I’m unable to resist!

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We just returned from another wonderful weekend in Maine.  While we were away we experienced a spectacular July 4th fireworks display while lounging around barefoot at the beach.  Watching the fireworks explode against the hazy dark sky, above the incoming ocean waves was an exhilarating experience…one that will stay with me for quite awhile, I’m sure.  Prior to this amazing evening, we attended Bill’s uncle’s wedding which was actually the highlight of our trip.  This wedding was lovely in every way with lots of family, friends, good food, music, etc.  Unfortunately, I left my camera at home so I wasn’t able to capture any of these special moments.  I’m hoping that the other wedding guests were better prepared so that I can beg some photos from them. 

Although I don’t have photos to share from our holiday weekend, I thought you might like to see some other photos of our Maine place.  For our getaway place, I wanted to create a more fun vibe by filling it with bright graphic colors and vintage pieces such as these:

I found this sunny yellow chair at a local flea market for 10 bucks.

This is my home away from home studio chair.  And it also doubles as my vanity table chair until I find just the right table for our bedroom.

The vintage colors of these mini-chairs grabbed my attention right away when I came across them at a yard sale. 

I found these two pitchers way back when I was single in my 20’s.   I think I paid just a buck or two for each…crazy cheap!

More yard sale finds with a punch of color.

I like how a little blue can go a long way.  This is especially appealing when you’re trying to decorate on a modest budget.  For instance, I found this vintage iron crib for $12 at a yard sale (I used the head and foot board side-by-side to create a headboard big enough to suit our king-sized bed.)

I made this baby-sized bathing suit that hangs in our hallway in Maine using a bit of imagination along with some vintage red trim.  This piece was published a while ago in Somerset Home (volume 4), but the issue is still currently available.  If you’re interested in how to make my mini-bathing suit, I’ve included the directions in the article.   This is a quick and easy project that can be whipped-up in no time, plus the materials don’t cost much – quick and inexpensive…I love this combination!

Our home in Massachusetts is very different from our place in Maine.   The colors are quieter, the furniture is a bit more formal, but it’s still very cozy and comfortable.    I guess that overall, Bill, Brook and I are casual people with casual tastes.  We like things simple, easy and relaxed.  What about you…how do you like to create a fun and/or relaxed environment?

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Lately I’ve been craving the simple softness of white, cream and tan.  These gentle colors allow texture to take center stage by complimenting, rather than competing for your eyes’ attention.     Here’s a look at some recent photos that I took that showcase this quiet yet stunning color combination.

Slinky silky gowns in a Soho shop

Luscious layers from inside my closet

Vintage lace covered eggs from a previous project

Stack of tea-dyed used dryer sheets, waiting to be transformed into something sweet or sassy

A handful of beach pebbles from the Nantucket shoreline – of course I couldn’t resist bringing home a pinch of sand as well

Necklace that I created using Nantucket beach finds

I love the word, “be” –  it can be interpreted in so many ways…such as “be” in the moment, “be” relaxed,  “be” kind, but most of all…”be” YOU.  And let’s not forget “be” in love.   I created this necklace with Bill in mind – he is my best moments, my total relaxation, my kind and caring sweetheart.  As our thirteenth wedding anniversary approaches (July 19th), I feel as though I am knee-deep, wading in a sea full of gratitude, I feel immensely blessed to be married to someone who lets me ”be” me, and loves me just as I am.

A few years ago, to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary I created this mixed-media collage for Bill – this happens to have been the very first article I wrote that was published by Stampington and Company.   Isn’t it grand how love inspires art?

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A few days ago, on our back deck railing, I noticed something going on behind these leaves.

A bird kept zipping back and forth all day long, to and from this four inch wide railing.  And when I figured out that this bird was building a nest, I couldn’t believe my luck – I was so excited that I was going to get to witness this part of nature taking place right on our deck, just steps away from our family room windows.  BTW, these windows are very large (practically cover an entire wall), perfect for prime viewing.  And I couldn’t help wondering if the little birdie on the other side of this window, looking in, would see Bill, Brook and me like fish in a bowl.  This brought up other thoughts, but I’ll tuck these away for another time. 

Here’s a closer view of what the bird has built.  Can you imagine how many trips it must’ve taken for this bird to gather all of these twigs and grass clippings, one tiny beakful at a time?  And on top of these dry pieces, it appears that the bird used something else that looks like mud to keep everything packed together.  As far as I could tell, this bird worked alone building the nest.  This kind of diligence and commitment is awe-inspiring.

Besides the fact that this bird was able to build this sturdy home all by its lonesome, if you take a closer look you’ll see the amazing sculptural artistry.  The cascading tendrils of twigs absolutely swept my breath away.   And it looks like the bird used a lighter, more whispy-like plant material around the bottom, outer edge.

Here’s a view of the nest’s  interior.   Doesn’t it look so cozy and cocoon-like?  And at the same time it has a light, airy-feel – the open top lets in plenty of sunshine and allows the fresh air to circulate.

And speaking of breathing space, I didn’t want to disturb the bird too much so I tried my best to stay away.  This lasted a whole 4 or 5 hours before I gave in.  After making sure that the bird had gone out  (I saw this from our family room window)  I went back for one more quick visit.  And look at what was nestled inside…a bright, blue, beautiful, teeny-tiny egg!

What an awesome sight to witness.  I wasn’t expecting this at all (can you tell I grew up around the city?)  What else would the nest be for, right?  Anyway, because I spent most of my years as a city girl, I’m really quite behind on my knowledge of nature, but I’m getting there.  Perhaps my inexperience with nature makes me that much more curious and fascinated by it, since I’m literally seeing things for the very first time.  Getting a closer look at the many wonders of nature often inspires me to create tangible objects and art pieces - it’s my way of  showing appreciation.    I’m in such awe of this little, hardworking birdie – I can hardly believe that it accomplished this mighty task by creating this masterpiece all through instinct…now that’s following your gut to the max!

For the past few years I’ve been obsessed with these winged-creatures, and they’ve often been the inspiration behind my various art projects.    For instance, here are some bird figures that I created using Das clay (air-drying clay.)  These pieces were published in a previous issue of Somerset Life.  Within my article, Blissful Adornments, you’ll find the how-to instructions to make these charms.

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I love going to the beach on the day after a big storm.  I’ve noticed that after strong weather, there are often magical surprises to discover such as shimmery shells, driftwood nuggets, and sand-worn rocks and pebbles.  However, what I found on our last trip to the beach really blew me away.

Below are some unexpected masterpieces that I discovered in the sand. I loved them so much that I wanted to carve out each scene and cart it home, but of course I couldn’t, so I took these photos instead.  I think that these trees in the sand are nothing short of miraculous…thank you mother nature!

Here’s a look at the first tree that I spotted.  The branch details are so incredible.

And look at these little trees, all standing in a row like a forest meeting the edge of a field.

Notice how the trunks and limbs of these trees appear to be so strong – they just kept on growing despite the rock obstacles.   Looking at these trees, thoughts of resilience and the human experience occupied my mind.  We all know that life can be difficult and that there will always be obstacles.  And since it’s impossible to completely avoid these obstacles, we must learn to deal with them.  Like these trees in the sand, when things get in our way we need to figure out how to keep going…how to keep growing.  We must grow stronger no matter what, reaching determinantly towards the sky with roots planted deeply into the soil.

The image below looks less like a tree and more like a burning flame.   This robust flame conjures thoughts of passion and the intense desire to create.  I believe that a flame burns inside of each of us and in order for it to keep burning brightly and powerfully, we must allow it some air…to breathe.  And at the same time this fire needs fuel.   It needs to be stoked and constantly tended to.  This is similar to my need to nurture the artist in me.  Because if I slack off, the flame will inevitably die down, become weak and less vibrant…less full of life. 

To keep the flame burning strong I need to create things, anything, many things…all of the time.  What about you, what makes you feel most alive?

This week I’ll be sharing my personal Art Saves story at Crescendoh.   While writing this story I had a chance to dig underneath the surface, uncover some roots and for the first time recognized exactly how art helped me get through an especially challenging period earlier in my life.

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These past few months I’ve been working on creating a jewelry line that would reflect my interest in spreading good messages.   I think that wearing jewelry, specifically necklaces with positive words, can help one maintain an optimistic mindset.  Here’s a look at some of the pieces I’ve come up with recently.

Remember this piece?

 This one has become my favorite everyday necklace.

Come August I’m planning to offer eighteen different necklace styles which will be available through my website.   And just in case you’re wondering, the price for each necklace will range between $32 – $46, with complimentary shipping for domestic orders. 

Before I get this all set up on my website I’d love some feedback.  Please share whatever comments or suggestions you may have.  For instance, which particular word (s) speak to you, which stones or bead colors make you the happiest or do you favor a certain chain style or length?   Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated…thank you!!

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With the many distractions of everyday life sometimes it’s difficult trying to stay in the moment.  Sometimes, and more frequently than I would like, my mind wanders off.  And when this happens I’ll feel disconnected from the present.  Knowing that this obviously isn’t a good way to live, I’m always trying to re-focus my mind. 

Have you noticed that when you’re away from home, perhaps on vacation or travelling for work purposes, the eyes and mind are more tuned into your environment?  You tend to notice more details in general, and the imagination gets revved-up.   I think that when you live in the moment, life can be more fun and interesting. 

For instance, Bill’s convinced that there’s an old man following him everywhere he goes.  He spotted this old man while having a snack in a local eatery in Abu Dhabi. 

Later that year, he saw this guy while in Laguna Beach, CA…check out the spiky hair!

The old man made another appearance last month while he was away in Sydney, Australia. 

I think it’s funny how Bill keeps running into this old man.  It makes me wonder if he’s looking for this particular silhouette and if so, why this strange attraction?  This might be a stretch, but a few years back Bill took a charcoal drawing class.  And after a few classes we noticed that he was mostly sketching faces, male ones in particular.  Do you suppose that maybe in real life, we see what we’re most naturally drawn to?  What about you…do you have someone or something that follows you around? 

Here’s a cuff that I knitted using a pair of extra chopsticks that I had lying around.  It’s a little reminder to myself to “Be in the moment.”  I can easily keep this message more private by wearing it turned inside-out, or I can leave it in the open.  And the paper sleeve that I created for the chopsticks is a nod to my past – growing up I spent countless hours at Chinese restaurants with my family.   

The removing of the chopsticks from its paper sleeve signifies the beginning of a meal (at least for me it did.)  And in Chinese tradition, the meal (especially in a restaurant) would be more like a feast since there are usually course after course after course of delectable dishes.  Yum!  You bet I was always in the moment during those special mealtimes…some things never change.

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In the new issue of Somerset Studio Gallery (Summer 2010), you’ll see a few projects of mine using regular supplies.

Here are a few mixed-media collages (on canvas or wood) using string.  The string lends itself perfectly to the straight lines of a star. 

And here’s another mixed-media collage that uses string to create a curvy bird silhouette…I love how versatile string can be.

If you enjoy using recycled materials like I do, here’s a dress form that I created from an empty dish soap bottle.  Whenever I look at the shape of these bottles I always see and think about dress forms.   I think that one of the reasons why I see a dress form in a dish soap bottle is because when you turn it to the side, the top 2/3rds of the bottle potrudes ever so slightly, hinting to the shape of a bustline.

The directions for making any of the above projects are available in Somerset Studio Gallery.   And BTW, if at any time you come across a published project of mine and have a specific question regarding technique, where to buy, product details, etc., please feel free to send me an email or leave a comment on my blog…I’m always happy to help.

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