Sketchbook No. 1

I have always kept a sketchbook. Back in art school, it was a requirement but I did not mind. I loved keeping a sketchbook because it was a place to explore ideas and capture notes without any judgement. Well, that is until I let my inner critic out of the closet….
Now, I have black coil bound sketchbooks where I collect images of everything that inspires me. And I realize that A LOT inspires me. Everything from fashion and home décor accessories to handmade crafts and beautiful packaging. My tastes and the range of stuff that I find inspiring is endless. How can I love so much? Oh, but I do….
And to be honest, I clip images of what I love out of magazines faster than I can glue-stick them into my sketchbooks. I am so far behind that if I was to stack up all of the pages I have clipped out already, it would come up to my knees. And I am not kidding!!! Is there group therapy for this?
Happy clipping….snip, snip, snip….

 
 

Restocked in Anthropologie

To my pleasant surprise, more ring holders have been restocked at Anthropologie in Calgary. I am happy to see that they have been positioned on the vintage artist table/easel with all of the sparkly jewelry.
Thank you to Melissa and Jaime at Anthropologie for giving a small artist like myself the opportunity to fulfill my dream (more like Fantasy!) of seeing my ring holders sold in my favorite store of all time. I wish that all of the orphaned saucers ring holders find many happy homes.
 
 

Crochet Snowflakes

A few weeks ago, trees outside my condo building were being trimmed. I instantly ran over and asked the workers if I could have a branch or two. Yes, they looked at me like I was some crazy woman getting excited over broken tree branches. I did not really have a chance to pick what I wanted so I had to take what they threw into my arms. And I walked away quickly before they changed their minds!

Around christmas time at the flea market, I found these lovely crocheted snowflakes that have already been perfectly starched. And I added a few stray strands of glass beads for some sparkle. I never did have a christmas tree this past year, so now I have a winter tree (there is still lots of snow here!) that greets me in my hallway as I come through my front door.

 
 

Vintage Display Case

I must admit that I have not been in a writing mood yet this year. I think I have lost my voice. Hopefully it is only temporary and I will find my way back. Or maybe I feel like there is a black void and I am not sure who is out there reading this, if at all.

For those of you who do visit my blog, I am so very grateful for your interest. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! If you can leave me a comment letting me know that you are out there, I would so gratefully appreciate it!

For now, I am sharing with you a composition I created in a vintage glass display case many months ago. I am really loving the earthy tones from nature as well as the patina of old objects. I usually don’t like brass but the binoculars have aged wonderfully. Until next time…

 
 

Everything Toile

Last weekend, I had the greatest time with my friend Barb and the girls from Everything Toile. Kelly has converted her detached garage into a haven of prettiness with French shabby vintage finds and handmade paper ornaments. It is a little piece of heaven where the girls — Kelly, Carolyn and Jenny — get crafty and surround themselves with everything that is beautiful and wonderful. Thank you for inviting me over for your ‘Christmas in France’ show and sale that took me away from my normal day for just a few precious hours. I can’t wait to go back!

 
 

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