Another Birthday

What happens when you turn 34, when time passes a little faster, when you feel a bit older, tired and little flabby????   YOU GO TO DISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!

Another birthday has come and gone this weekend and while I really don't care too much about growing old, this HAS been one of those years when I did feel a little older (achy, tired and a little slower) and while I am fine with the process, (I even welcome it) a little childlike fun was much needed and FUN we had!!! Me, my husband and brother headed out bright and early for Disneyland and spent the day running around to our favorite rides having a light hearted day that ended with sleeping through the whole car ride home- just like when I was kid.

Another Preview!

Another little preview of for this next week's lesson on stencils for my online class- Graffiti Chic! 

Bright Day!

There is nothing like a box FULL of handmade buttons to brighten my day!  Not sure if everyone out there knows- but my parents are ceramic artists (see this post for more info) and every few months they have been supplying me with buttons made from scrap clay that I use in many of my purses.  I have a HUGE button obsession and honestly they are not cheap so getting a bunch of homemade, one of a kind, lovely clay buttons makes for some excitement in my day!! 

In more bright news, I am THRILLED at how great my online class is going so far.  I have a class full of super talented people that are enthusiastic about making a mess!! Who knew there were so many out there eager to drip, splatter and swipe!  I will sharing some of their work in the weeks to come.   The class has been SO successful that I have decided to continue to offer more classes in the months to come and I am open to suggestions!

I am a blog sponsor on Emily Falconbridge's blog this month and she will be having some FUN giveaways (my book being one) so definitely go check it out.  And while you are there check out this precious video she posted- My hubby and I go back and forth about having a family....well this video makes brought tears to my eyes and made lean a little closer to having a little one!

I just saw a preview of my article in the summer edition of Where Women Create and I am so excited and cannot to wait to share my CRAZY studio with the world.

Saturday is my birthday and what better way to celebrate getting older than by going to Disneyland!! So my husband and brother and I are heading north for a little innocent fun!  I'm sure I will have lots of fun pictures to share!!

My Hair=Metaphor For My Life!

Is it any wonder that when my hair is in an awkward stage so is my life?!?!? Well, that is my current situation-I have been growing my hair out from a SUPER short pixie cut and this time I am not going to cut it. For the last 13 years I have had my hair short (except when I grew it out to my chin for my wedding 5 year ago and then chopped it off myself during our honeymoon). 

My hair is how I express myself, it has been a variety of colors, different lengths of short and numerous styles for the last decade and thank goodness is has been short otherwise going back and forth with color would have been a tragedy with long hair! 

But I decided months ago that I want to grow it out and this time I WOULD NOT GIVE IN TO CUTTING IT, not even in the awkward stage!!! Now I have arrived at the the awkward stage and that seems to be the theme in my life right now- I feel like I am waiting- not only waiting for my stupid hair to grow (I know kinda shallow!!) but waiting for what happens next, waiting for hard work to pay off, waiting for the outcome of decisions, waiting to get to the next chapter, waiting for the restlessness to go away, trying to be patient through setbacks and challenges. But I have decided to stick it out with my hair and just embrace the way it looks today- just like I have decided to stick it out with the current stage in my life- I have grand plans and big dreams that require patience and sticking it through - even during the awkward times.

Preview!

I just wanted to share a little DVD preview of content for my online Class- Graffiti Chic which starts tomorrow!! This video is one of a handful for this week's dvd and photo lessons in creating messy backgrounds. I really don't paint this fast even though sometimes it feels like it!!!

You can still register to take Graffiti Chic- up until the last day of class on April 5th- click here for more information!

More Before and After

Polyvore Love

Five years ago, when I first started making purses (made from canvas paintings)- I had this vision of creating one-of-a-kind funky purses paired that could be paired with cool fashion.  My dreams have come true, thanks to Polyvore where you can mix and match your favorite fashion. I have loved Polyvore for while (hours spent creating dream outfits) but recently stumbled upon lots of Polyvore outfits paired with my graffiti clutch handbags! I picked a few of my favorites (look closely for my purses!)



Retro Street Chic. - by vanessavilla on Polyvore.com


my cup of coffee,my smoke/. - by _liebeloula_ on Polyvore.com


unique - by pika911 on Polyvore.com

almost time - by KeeKi on Polyvore.com



Remembering Sunday. - by darry! TASTES LIKE VIOLENCE. on Polyvore.com

More Canvas

before

after

Coming Down-Jumping In!

I am still coming down off of my jet lag and adrenaline high from my trip to Cleveland. The weekend was a little weird due to my body being run down and my time clock being a little off- but boy was is beautiful here in San Diego the vitamin D did me some good! I slowly began jumping back into my studio and work on some new projects. Made a whole bunch of new canvas and started making some more purses! This evening I am trying to savor my last hours of the weekend and getting myself ready to jump into a new week tomorrow!!

Just a reminder that you can still register for my 1st online class- Graffiti Chic- and if graffiti is not your cup of tea there will be more online workshops coming very soon!

Whirlwind Trip Highlights and Lowlights

I am back from my whirlwind 3 day trip to Cleveland (side note- jumping 3 time zones is not great for a whirlwind trip!) But I had an amazing time taping both a Quilting Arts Episode and a Quilting Arts Workshop DVD and wanted to share some highlights and lowlights!

Highlights

Finally getting to check into my hotel after a LONG red eye-the best shower ever!

Getting to hang out for two days in the Beachwood Studios Green Room with Pokey Bolton and Helen Gregory from QA and CPS - This was not the first time I have worked with them on projects and certainly not the last! I seriously love these gals and if I lived near them I would insist on hanging out all the time!

Getting to meet and spend two days in the green room with Project Runway winner (which I am pretty sure he probably is OVER being refered to!)- Jay McCarroll and his sister Janet- OMG- two days with this guy was a HOOT- he is crazy...but in a really good way! He is super creative, entertaining and an all around rockin' guy! Jay has all kinds of irons in the fire like

 

promoting his new fabric line for Free Spirit Fabric, his own clothing line and a documentry called 11 Minutes that was just released- it looks like a pretty cool movie- documenting a year preparing his first runway show at NCY's fashion week.

 

Jay with grommets on his eyes and Jamie's heavy metal mouse this  was out green room experience!

Getting to use a Bernina sewing machine for the first time- OH MY GOODNESS- it was wonderful!! For non sewers you will have idea what I am talking about but it is a little like driving a high performance car for the first time- I sewed on the simplest model on set (too nervous to try anything else) I think it was called the Aurora 440 Quilters addition- it was like butter- REALLY!!  I have been experimenting on my own simple machines at home with free motion sewing but on the Bernina I was able to use the machine as a drawing tool-

a little something that I created

Having dinner with the two "J's"- Jeannie Sumrall-Ajero of Kaleidoscope Collections

and Jeanne Cook-Delpit from Bernina.  Not only was the food great but we had the best time sharing creative ideas and experiences!

Hanging with the rockin' Jamie Fingal in the green room (the green room was really "the"place to be!) She demoed her aprons as personal armor (that were featured in CPS this month) a little like punk rock meets artist apron- SUPER COOL! Jamie is also a riot and so much fun to be around!!

Of course getting to film an episode for Quilting Arts tv was truly THE highlight of my trip- Pokey is such a wonderful host and the whole crew, Kathie Stull and Katherine Lamancusa-EVERYONE was SUPER easy to work with!  It was also great getting to film my QA Workshop DVD but really challenging to teach on camera for 1 hour by myself! (see low light below!)

Lowlights

Taking the red- it was difficult but thankfully I was able to sleep but it never felt like it helped!

7 degree weather

Not getting to check into my hotel until 3pm after arriving at 9am- But I did get to hang at the studios all day instead of checking into the hotel

Non smoking hotel rooms that still smell like smoke!

Taping the introduction of my workshop DVD- all of a sudden I went blank and totally freaked and had to do couple of takes.

Fake talking with Pokey as the segment starts was also really difficult- its hard to fake talk when there is a camera on you!

Being on east coast time- uggghh- challenging for 3 days!

Travel with lots of layovers. 

I had an AWESOME 3 days and am so inspired and excited to get to work on some new ideas AND incredibly thankful to have so many wonderful opportunities to connect with amazing people!!

Graffiti Chic Online Class- Now Open for Registration!

GRAFFITI CHIC IS NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

GRAFFITI CHIC

Learn the art of graffiti!!  This class will introduce you to the concept of graffiti and tons of techniques- layering, messy color, how to make handmade stencils, handwriting, different kinds of spray painting techniques, non toxic substitutes for spray paint, using household materials and tools, paint pens, free writing, and all sorts of other techniques and materials to create your very own graffiti compositions on paper, fabric and canvas that can be used in scrapbooks, journals, collage sewing and all sorts of mixed media projects. 

WORKSHOP FACTS:

• Class starts on March 9th and runs for 5 weeks (until April 5th)
• Class costs $50 (thats only $10 a week!!)
• Class will be held on a private blog that only registered students are able to access. 
• Basic computer skills are needed (be able to login, access a blog, etc)
• There will be TONS of photos, step by step visuals, video lessons (of yours truly teaching and demoing in my studio but not in my pj's), pdf class workbook, class outline, lessons, tips and lots and lots of inspiration to download.
• A high speed connection if definitely recommended (because of the above!)  
• New lessons will be posted each Monday and throughout the week there will be additionalposts full of inspiration, you will have the opportunity to work on projects at your own pace. 
• Supplies needed are very simple, inexpensive craft items- (I strongly believe creating art should not cost a lot of money!!)  
• Each week will also include live and private chats AND as much email support and contactas needed. 

REGISTRATION:

• Payment is accepted via PayPal (if you need an exception to this please email me and let me know).  
• Feel free to register anytime before the last day of class which is April 5th 
• Refunds will be made until the first day of class March 9th.  After March 9th refund will not be given.
• Once you register and pay, you will receive and email confirmation with a supply list and details and login information about the site where the the class is held

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR GRAFFITI CHIC

Before and After

I live a double life and I must admit I have my moments when it REALLY gets to me.  As more and more creative opportunities come my way I have been finding myself relating to comic book super heros who live two very different lives. Characters who by day are buttoned up, ordinary and passing for normal - by night are jumping off buildings and doing extraordinary things! By day I work in marketing and do my best to tone down my messy, wild style- I fit in, I wash the paint off my hands and go work.  By night I take the makeup off, put on my jeans covered in paint and get down to the business of creating (which always involves a mess.) Today, after about 10 hours working in my studio I walked by the mirror and almost didn't recognize myself- no makeup, strange looking hair, paint all over me and I can honestly say it felt good- it feels good to see the real me. 

BEFORE: By Day

AFTER: By Night

Online Classes-Its About Time!

I am SUPER excited to announce that I will be offering online classes starting in March!  I have been playing with the idea - it just kinda makes sense right now- teaching and sharing my TRUE LOVE for art is one of my passions and while I will continue to travel and teach as much as I can, deciding to offer classes online seems like a great approach (especially during a recession) to reach those who cannot travel, students who would rather work at home in the comfort of their pjs or are looking for classes on a budget!

Here is the information for the first class- 

GRAFFITI CHIC

Learn the art of graffiti!!  This class will introduce you to the concept of graffiti and tons of techniques- layering, messy color, how to make handmade stencils, handwriting, different kinds of spray painting techniques, non toxic substitutes for spray paint, using household materials and tools, paint pens, free writing, and all sorts of other techniques and materials to create your very own graffiti compositions on paper, fabric and canvas that can be used in scrapbooks, journals, collage sewing and all sorts of mixed media projects. 

Class starts on Monday, March 9th 

and will run for five weeks 

$50.00 (thats $10 a week!!)

  

Class will be held on a private blog that only registered students are able to access.  There will be TONS of photos, step by step visuals, video lessons (of yours truly teaching and demoing in my studio but not in my pj's), pdf class workbook, class outline, lessons, tips and lots and lots of inspiration to download.  New lessons will be posted each Monday and throughout the week you will have the opportunity to work on projects at your own pace. Each week will also include live and private chats AND as much email support and contact as needed. 

Payment is accepted via PayPal (but I am willing to make exceptions if needed)

Registration will open this ***SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd ***stay tuned for more information

No Time to Blog- Peace Out!

And the Winner is......

Lynette, I will get in touch about your custom clutch!!

Sunday (A Productive Day) In Photos

I Love LOVE

It's no mystery for those who know me that I don't like Valentines Day and never have- I'm not sure why- I love LOVE, I love hearts, I love romance, I love going out to dinner, I love giving gifts, I love my husband, I love celebrating my love for my husband but only on my terms!! I believe that everyday spent with those you love and care about should be celebrated as if it were a holiday! So we are are not doing much celebrating today, in fact as I blog we are watching a horror flick (and its freaking me out!) and working on our laptops!  Maybe tomorrow will be more romantic!

My Saturday was spent like any other- working in my studio on the million things that I have to do and despite feeling under the weather, I actually got quite a bit done. I will be drawing names tomorrow for the custom clutch (see below).  And since I have a busy couple of weeks ahead of me, I am limiting my blog to just visual entires - time to try someting different.

Custom Clutch Give Away!

Another Custom Clutch Give Away!!

Its only Tuesday and I am already dragging- 

So I am having a another custom clutch give away!

 

Leave me a comment telling me something that you do for a pick me up when you are dragging, worn out or just plain ol' weary! 

(perhaps I can find some inspiration to recharge my battery!!!) 

You have until tomorrow night (wed) when I will draw a name and the winner will get to pick their colors, words and images for their very own custom clutch!

Shop Update!

More Shop Updates- lots of new purse- and still more to come!!

Tomorrow = another custom clutch GIVEAWAY!!

Black, White and Red All Over

Despite the fact the my arms feel like jello due to an extreme amount of playing my new Wii (it was an early birthday gift- like a month and a half early- from my husband!) I have been sewing and painting away and creating lots and lots of new purses for my shop. I will be posting some really fun black and white clutches with lots of texture this weekend! I have also been preparing to film a techniques DVD for Quilting Arts and an episode for Quilting Arts TV at the end of February. I am SUPER excited to actually have to opportunity to SHOW my techniques rather than write about them- being messy and creative translates so much better when you see it!  

In the meantime I am enjoying the sound of rain on the roof and getting ready to get into the boxing ring with my husband on the Wii- I think I am addicted!!

25 Random Things About Me

I keep getting tagged on Facebook for 25 Random Things About Me so here goes it (don't worry I won't tag anyone else!)

I wanted to be a professional artist since I was a little kid but went through a short stage of wanting to be a marine biologist. 

I hate to shave my legs (but I do it anyway)
I LOVE CHEESE DIP
I never believed in love at first site until the first time I met my hubby and I knew right away I would marry him
I worked at a surf shop all through high school and college
I don’t know how to load a dishwasher
I cut my own hair
I love reality tv shows
I can sing opera pretty well (but only when I am by myself)
I am really good at arguing (when I need to)
I am a tom boy at heart
I wish I were taller
Growing up I was teased terribly for having fair skin, freckles and dark hair
I used to go fake tanning (because of the above) but never again!!
My favorite places to shop are Forever 21 and JC Penny and Goodwill- I like my clothes CHEAP!
Once I ate a whole cheesecake (and have never heard the end of it from my husband)
I typically consume lots of food- I like to eat!
I was homecoming queen my senior year of high school
I got mugged when I was traveling in Spain
Two years ago I badly dislocated my knee and put it back into place- how tough is that?
I ALWAYS HAVE to sit on the left side of the movie theater
My favorite thing to wear is a pair of my husbands old lifeguard sweat pants- they are very cozy!!
The sound of a violin always makes me cry
I love places that make me feel small- ocean, mountains, big cities

I am really messy and clumsy- a dangerous combo!!