Pretty in Pink - Bead Soup Reveal #2

It's time for Bead Soup Reveal #2 and I'm really excited about my humble offerings today.  My exchange partner was the amazingly talented Dot Lewallen.  Dot makes exquisite chokers and dolls out of seed beads, and you can see more of her work here including the two beautiful pieces she made from my ancient seaglass beads for this Bead Soup exchange!

Here are the shots I took of my finished works -- they're photographed on top of one of my big canvas paintings which I hope do not distract from the finished pieces too much.  I tried a variety of backgrounds and lights and finally settled on the almost neutral background of "Autumn Leaves are Falling."

Dot supplied me with an exquisite Raku owl pendant and some
creamy pink jasper beads along with some gold pearls and pink
beads.  The clasp on the bracelet is absolutely beautiful - gold
pearls are inside the silver roses.  I used one of my own lampworked
beads on the bracelet -- it's the free-form pink/black one on the left and
matches the other free-form pink bead on the pendant.

Isn't the silver flower clasp unique?  I wasn't sure how to use it and hope
I did it right......I truly love the combo of the soft pink with the golds and
silver metals.  I had to throw in some crystals for good measure!

Of course I had to add a pair of my asymmetrical
earrings.....these stone beads from Dot are beautiful!

Here's a closeup of the Raku owl pendant.  I used a bronze necklace
that I had lying around and added 4 strands of mixed beads with pinks,
golds, bronze and ivory to go with the pretty little iridized shells.  The
lampworked bead at the top is one of mine and is etched to give
it the creamy look that I love so much.  I couldn't get the camera
to show off the lovely iridized glazing on the owl - but it's there!

I had a lot of little beads left over and wanted to make another pendant with
a bunch of "hangy-dangys" on the end.  I used a sterling pounded metal
circle as a holder and added 4 charms that included 2 of my lampworked beads.

I'm so grateful to Lori Anderson for her continued patience and incredible creativity.  I partake in several exchanges throughout the year, but Bead Soup will always be my #1 favorite.  I am eternally indebted to Dot for opting to be my exchange partner after my first candidate had to back out; and want to thank my very first Bead Soup partner, Karen Williams for surprising me with another set of beads too.  Doing
two Bead Soups this year is truly a treat, and I'm looking forward to learning some more techniques between
now and the next exchange!

Check out the links below to see more eye candy from this week's Bead Soup participants:

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure

Amy Severino, Amy Beads

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry

Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads

Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations

Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Drift Away

"Faraway Land"

9" x 12"

Acrylic on canvas

When I need to think or just get away from the heat, I head to the beach.  There's just something about having my feet in the sand and listening to the waves that brings me back to my center, and feeds my soul.  

As many of you know from previous posts, I've been on a bit of a painting drought since before the studio closed.  For the past couple of months, I've been longing to take a little seaside excursion and it seems every time I get a few days to myself, something comes up that keeps me home.  

So instead of pouting because I'm not able to get away, I decided to bring the beach to me.  Here's the first of several new paintings that I made this week - I can almost hear those seagulls screeching as the waves crash into the sand!

My Bead Soup - Revealed at Last!!

Here are my "soup ingredients" from Karen Williams

Karen gave me some exquisite glass beads along with this beautiful
stone disc (Jasper?) which I embellished with a green hollow circle bead
and added a lampworked bead of my own at the bottom  With all the
wonderful beads, I also made two pairs of matching earrings and a
bracelet that I added some more of my torched beads to.  I love to
make things that don't match and go for the unsymmetrical look!

Here's a closeup of the focal bead with the matching earrings - and below is what I made
with the creamy stone and one of my lampworked bead skeleton keys!

Here are my Bead Soup offerings from my exchange with the wonderful and talented Seattle bead Queen, Karen Williams .  Karen was my first ever Bead Soup partner and we've remained email friends and "bead buddies" ever since.  I was so excited about my first Bead Soup project that I signed up for it again the next year.  When the time came for that particular unveiling, the partner I had been given didn't post and I have to admit, I was disappointed.  I tried to get into the next exchange, but there were so many participants that Lori had to do a lottery, and my name wasn't chosen.  No problem - I had already had my share of fun and I was happy to follow those who were lucky enough to be selected.

This time around, my exchange partner had to back out at the last minute and I felt like I had Cooties!  Not wanting to miss the fun again, I turned to the Bead Soup Board on Facebook and was quickly rescued by Dot Lewallen, an amazing bead artist from Ohio.  Karen had also heard of my plight and surprised me with a fabulous and unexpected package of goodies too!  I went from having no partner to having two fantastic and generous friends who helped assure me that I truly did not have anything contagious or icky.

So it looks like I've got two bowls of soup to serve and I am so excited!  I have already started working with the ingredients from Dot for my second bowl of soup, which will be served on August 11th.  I went from "starving" and having no soup ingredients to having lots of bead candy on the soup menu, thanks to Karen and Dot!  I am truly a lucky girl.


Be sure to check out the rest of the Soup recipes from the talented list of jewelry artists below:

Hostess, Lori Anderson, PrettyThingsBlog.com

Alice Craddick,  Alice's Beads and Baubles

Alicia Marinache,  All The Pretty Things

Amanda Tibbetts,  Amanda Made

Amber Dawn Goldish, Inventive Soul

Annita Wilson,  AW Jewelry

Beti Horvath, Stringing Fool

Birgitta Lejonklou,  Create With Spirit   

Candida Castleberry,    Spinning Spun Sugar

Carolyn Lawson, Carolyn's Creations

Cassie Donlen, Glass Beadle

Cheri Reed,  Creative Designs by Cheri

Cheryl McCloud,  One Thing Leads to Another

Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

Christina Hickman, Vintage Treasures Jewelry

Christine Hendrickson,  Clamworks

Cilla Watkins, Tell Your Girlfriends

Cindy Wilson, Mommy's Dream

Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

Cory Tompkins, Tealwater Designs

Cris Peacock, Cris' Page

Cynthia Deis, Shiny Little Things

Cynthia Machata, Antiquity Travelers

Cynthia Wainscott, Exotic Peru

Dana Hickey, Magpie Approved

Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

Dana Lang, Tumblestone Handmakery

Debbie Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

Denielle Hagerman, Some Beads and Other Things

Diane Valasek, Dragonfly Close

Doris Stumpf, Glaszwerg

Dyanne Everett-Cantrell, Dee-Liteful Jewelry Creations

Elaine Robitaille, Too Aquarius

Eleanor Burian-Mohr, The Charmed Life

Enikö Fabian, Perl-eni

Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

Heather Davis, Blissful Garden Beads

Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto Jewelry

Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

Ilenia Ruzza, Ilenia's Unique Beaded and Painted Jewelry

Inge von Roos, Inge's Blog

Jami Shipp, Celebrating Life

Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

Jean A. Well, Jean A. Wells Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry

Jean Yates, Snap Out of It Jean! There's Beading to Do!

Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

Jennifer Pottner, Rock Candy Beads

Jennifer VanBenschoten,  Jewelry, Art and Life

Jenny Davies-Reazor, Jenny Davies-Reazor

Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

Jessica Dickens, My Jewelry, My Life, Me

Jessica Klaaren, Beadful-Things by Jessica

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Joan Williams, Lilruby Jewelry

Judith Johnston, Judith Johnston

Judy Riggs, Rigglettes

Judy Turner, Silver Rains

Julie Anne Leggett, The Peaceful Bead

K Hutchinson, Jumbled Hutch

Karen Meador, Dreamcatcher Ranch

Karyn Bonfiglio, Plus Size Bangles

Katherine Gale, Terra Beadworks
Kathleen Lange Klik, Modern Nature Studio

Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic, Slovonske Technobe

Kelli Jacobson, Creative Moon

Kelly Ramstack, Adventures with Kelly

Keri Lee Sereika, Pink Lemonade

Kim Ballor, Vitamin C... A Daily Dose of Creativity

Kim Bender-Hora, KimmyKat

Kirsi Luostarinen, Kirsi Luo Korut

Kitty Bozzini, Kitty Lampwork

Laura Demoya, The Bead Therapist

Laurie Hanna, Laurie's Jewelbox

Leah Curtis, Beady Eyed Bunny

Lesley Watt, The Gossiping Goddess

Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings

Lisa Liddy, Metal Me This

Lori Dorrington, Lori's Adventures in Etsy Land

Lori Poppe, Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean

Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

Marion Simmons, Shade Tree Studio

Marla Gibson, Spice Box Design

Marta Weaver, Marta Weaver Jewelry

Marti Conrad, Marti C's Clay Blog

Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens, GlassBeadArt, Lampwork Beads

Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio

Michelle Hardy, Firefly Visions

Mikala Coates, Maybe Just Perhaps

Mowse Doyle, HoCArt

Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles - Spirited Earth

Nancy Boylan, Snazzy Doodle Designs

Nancy Peterson, Beading From the Heart

Nicole Rennell, Nicole Rennell Designs

Niki Meiners, 365 Days of Craft

Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas
Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs
Pamela Gangler, She Always Loved Pink

Patricia Johnson, Patricia L. Johnson Glass Art

Patti Vanderbloemen, My Addictions ... Handcrafted Jewelry by Patti

Perri Jackson, Shaktipaj Designs

Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

Renetha Stanziano, Lamplight Crafts

Shannon Hicks, Falling Into the Sky

Shannon LeVart, Miss Fickle Media

Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Art Werks

Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

Shelley Graham Turner, Fabric of My Life

Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame

Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Skylar Bre'z, Brising Beads

Stacie Florer, Soul to Substance

Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

Stacy Alderson, Iridal's Attic

Stephanie Haussler, Pixybug Designs

Stephanie Stamper, Rainy Day Designs

Sue Hamel, The Bottle Cork and Crystal

Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

Szarka, Magpie Gemstones

Tammy Jones, Jewelry Making Daily

Tania Tebbit, Glass, Craft, & Artful Goodness

Tanty Sri Hartanti, TJewellicious by Tanti

Terry Matuszyk, Pink Chapeau

Tina Bosh, Every Good and Perfect Gift

Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass and Recycled Trash

Vonna Maslanka, Just Vonna

About Living the Dream

"Living the Dream"

Mixed media on canvas

- SOLD -

This morning I rolled out of bed around 6:30 a.m. and hopped on my bike to take a spin around the neighborhood before the heat set in and rendered me a human slug.   After my ride (which included an unexpected brief meeting with one of my RentUps clients) I came home and showered before heading out to take a walk and have coffee with my talented photographer friend and former studio mate, Dianne Poinski.   Enjoying an iced coffee outside of Starbucks, we chatted about our art, Dianne's new computer and our marketing goals and accomplishments.  

As we were walking back I listened as Dianne talked abut how busy she'd been with her recent studio move;  celebrating her birthday and uploading files onto her new Mac (I'm green with envy and want one too!).  She commented how she hadn't been in her new studio much and had a big list of things she wanted/needed to do.  While she talked, I realized her thoughts of "not doing enough" and "must be working on my art at all times" were mirrors of myself and my beliefs, and that perhaps this thinking wasn't as exclusive as I had originally believed.

When I worked in real estate development, I kept regular 8-5 hours and rarely worked nights or weekends unless there was an emergency or I had a big project under a tight deadline.  My off-time was my own and I spent little time thinking about what was on my desk since I knew it could generally wait until the next work day.  

But this mindset isn't what happens with self-employed artists.  We don't keep "normal business hours."  In fact it is nearly impossible to work from 8-5 since we tend to work when the creative moods strike or when a client calls and says "help."

Like Dianne, I feel like a slacker when I'm not actually working away at my art or trying to market it.  But there are only so many hours in the day and just a limited number of wet noodles I can continue to flog myself with.  It's time to give myself permission to "slack off" from time to time.  In fact -- I'm going to encourage it......these early morning bike rides and coffee breaks during the day are manna to my creative soul.  

So, after I hit the "publish" button for this post, I'm heading out to go to the movies with a friend.  Tomorrow I've got a yoga class and later a date for a play and a movie......and who knows what can happen on Saturday?  Who cares -- I'm living my dream!!!

Sunday Painting in Progress

This morning I awoke and decided it was going to be a paint day in the studio.  The fact is I really haven't picked up a paintbrush in weeks and am struggling within my Self trying to decide if I need to force the issue or "just let it ride" until inspiration comes and pinches me in the butt!  But today is Sunday and I had no plans whatsoever and figured I needed to do something creative and fun.

So - I decided to get a blank canvas out and throw some paint around.  When I do this type of work (i.e. no clue what I want to paint but I want to paint something), I force myself to use whatever brush or color paint I pick up and there's no covering up the design.  My rule is "What gets put on the canvas stays on the canvas."  This is intuitive painting -- there are no mistakes!  

I took some photos of my progress and am sharing what it's like to do one of these "fantasy house" paintings and the steps I go through.  This painting is most likely about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way finished.  Here's the evolution of this 48" x 30" painting thus far:

Blank 48" x 30" canvas

Background wash with Caran d'Ache house outlines

Playing with my favorite "circle" brush

Adding some "x's" to go with the "o's"

Trying to establish some balance with the shapes

Painting colors on top of colors and filling in the houses

   

Stop point for tonight - this fantasy house painting
is starting to get too busy for my liking but I've got
to follow my "rules" and cannot start blocking out the
work I've done.  Right now the painting is suggesting a
name of  "Summer Camp."  Do you agree or disagree??

Pick a Pony and Ride!

Making decisions is sometimes very difficult for me - especially when there are so many choices to choose from.  When I was about nine years old, I remember being at Baskin-Robbins, trying to decide which flavor ice cream to choose from the 31 flavors they carried.  I was absolutely dizzy with indecision and couldn't make a choice.  As the line grew longer and I felt the pressure from the crowd behind me, I finally said "vanilla."  The lady behind me laughed out loud and a man behind her said something like "all those flavors and she chooses vanilla!"  I was embarrassed almost to tears.

Since closing the studio in June, I've been concentrating my marketing efforts to on-line venues.  My philosophy is that while the studio was excellent local exposure for my art; kicking my on-line efforts up a few notches would multiply the number of viewers tremendously.

But over the past few years, I've managed to hook into so many different art marketing venues that I found I couldn't keep up with them all.  To give you an idea, here is a list of some of them:

1.  My website
2.  My blog
3.  Facebook
4.  Twitter
5.  LinkedIn
6.  Laguna Art
7.  ETSY
8.  EBay
9.  Wholesale Crafts
10.  Fine Art America
11.  Zazzle
12.  CafePress
13.  Art Slant
14.  Turning Art
15.  HARO
16.  Tumblr
17.  Weebly
18.  Squidoo
19.  Glossom
20.  Zatista
21.  Artfire
22.  The Craftstore
23.  Tophatter

And then there's my newsletter and emails that I send to my clients in addition to keeping my 4 galleries stocked with current inventory plus the Original Art 4 Rent business that I'm working on.  With all of these things to keep up with, when is there time to make art???!!

A few nights ago, I was unable to sleep.  It was 2:00 a.m. and I was anxious and edgy and  filling myself with the old Catholic guilt, telling myself I needed to work harder and not giving myself credit for what I've done.  As I started to write out my thoughts and my "to-do" list for the next day, I decided instead to write out all the things I had accomplished and went a step further and made up the list that you see above.

No wonder I felt overwhelmed!!  Who could possibly maintain a presence on these sites and do any art? I had a bad case of  "paralysis by analysis" and I needed to make some changes.  Quickly.

As my beloved grandfather used to tell me, "pick a pony and ride it."  And he'd follow it up with "and don't ever look back."  He was such a wise man.

Today the list has been whittled down to 8 items and I've put these items on my calendar so I know when to update them.  I finally have some peace of mind, and am actually starting to swirl some designs around in my head again.  I've "forgiven" myself for not keeping up with all the sites and am in the process of deleting and closing my accounts.

What a relief.  With these new ideas in my head and a clear path ahead, I may actually get some art done!  If nothing else, I think I'll definitely sleep better.

Main Course + Dessert

On Thursday last week I got a fabulous Bead Soup package from my exchange partner, Dot Lewallen.  Check out the adorable little "Monster" and the exquisite rose-colored beads that are going to look amazing with the clay owl focal and the silver rose clasp.  My mind is churning with ideas of what to make with these goodies and I have to say the Monster is definitely pushing some of the ideas completely out of the box.  I like it when that happens, so stay tuned.....the reveal date for this bowl of soup is August 11th.

On Friday the 13th I had another wonderful surprise waiting for me in my mailbox.  This time I had a package from my very first Bead Soup partner, Karen Williams, who after reading about my first partner dropping out of the exchange decided to honor me with a lovely gift of beads! What a beautiful and kind gesture.  After reading one of my previous posts in which I alluded to the possibility of my having Cooties (because of my past two partners dropping out of the Exchange), Karen's generous and unexpected present assured me I not only didn't have Cooties, but that I had a very dear and kind friend.  Thank you, Karen -- this set of lovelies will debut on July 28th's reveal.

So it's time for me to show the "ingredients" I sent Dot to work with for her own Bead Soup meal.  I can't wait to see what she makes with the beads, and the ceramic doll heads are an added bonus since I know Dot makes incredible dolls.  Here's a photo of the beads Dot gets to work with for the August 11th reveal:

I am very blessed to have these two talented ladies as partners for this year's Exchange.  I went from having no partner to having two angels who came to my rescue and ensured I'd be able to participate in my favorite bead exchange.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Karen and Dot -- your kindness and generosity touch me beyond words.

It's Bead Soup Time Again!!

Every year I take part in several exchanges for my fused glass and lampworked beads.  There's the annual "Magless Exchange" with the Warm Glass Board that I've participated in for eight years (fused glass); the regular exchanges that are organized by various members of Lampwork, Etc. (most recently a "Beach Charms" and an "Earrings" exchange) and my all-time favorite exchange which was created and expertly organized by the Energizer Bunny herself, Lori Anderson.  

Each participant in the Bead Soup Exchange is given the name of another beader/jewelry artist and the two exchange a small package of beads.  The receiver is free to make whatever they want from their offerings, so long as their final piece incorporates the clasp and main focal bead that the sender included.  Here's a photo of what I received from my first exchange partner, Karen Williams.  Karen is an amazing beader and teacher from Seattle, Washington who makes the most exquisite peyote stitched jewelry I've ever seen.  Click on her name and the link will take you to her blog with lots of eye candy!

And here what I made from Karen's wonderful beads -- a beautiful necklace, two pairs of earrings and a matching bracelet (wish the photo was better, sorry!).

Last year I exchanged with an artist from Canada who unfortunately had to bow out before the exchange was finished due to family obligations.  Above is a photo of what my partner sent and below is what I made from her offerings:

This year the partner Lori assigned me to was also beset with scheduling/family issues and needed to back out at the last minute.  I started to feel like I had Cooties or worse!  Two partners dropping out in a row??  I was bummed but I understood -- it IS a commitment of time and resources to participate in these exchanges and not everyone is able to follow through.  So after I got the news, I posted my situation on Lori's Facebook page and Lady Luck showed up......a generous and talented beader named Dot Lewallen said she'd happily be my partner for this exchange.  I was psyched and relieved that I'd be able to participate after all.  Dot is another amazing seed-beader who makes exquisite beaded necklaces and stunning dolls with faces she makes from plastic clay.  I can't wait to see what she sends me....I've got a feeling I'm going to be stretching my humble beading skills to the limit!

"City Celebration" is in the Top 10!!

"City Celebration"

60" x 36" acrylic on canvas

Last weekend was a quiet and relaxing one for me.  I showed some property; rented out one house and continued the purging of "stuff" around the house.  Once again, I began the ambiguous dance around my paints and brushes, staring at them wistfully but not touching.  It's been over six weeks since I've picked up a paintbrush (an artist's one, that is) and I'm mystified at the creative block I've found myself in.  

Switching on the computer to check my emails, I saw a "Congratulations -- you've won!" in the headlines and almost deleted it as SPAM until I noticed the sender was Abstract Artist Gallery.  Clicking on the link, I was surprised and thrilled to see that my "City Celebration" painting had placed in the Top 10 of their International Abstract Art competition!!  You can see the list of the winners here:

I had not submitted my art to a competition before, but decided to do so because I absolutely love this site and the amazing artists whose works are featured there.  Figuring I had nothing to lose, I submitted two paintings along with my entry fee and am honored to have ranked among their Top 10 winners.  

Winning this award has given me the inspiration and energy to keep pushing through the "sludge" that my Muse is making me wade through.  I have a feeling she has something awesome in store for me, and I can't wait!

A Note from a Mentor

One of my favorite abstract artists and most beloved workshop leaders is the talented and incredible Robert Burridge.  Besides making and teaching inspiring art in places all over the world, Bob's energy and enthusiasm is contagious and I can honestly say he played a significant role in giving me the confidence and marketing skills to make the leap from real estate developer to artist. 

When MORE Magazine printed my interview in April, I shared this fact with them and their readers.  Since the article's publication, I've received over a dozen emails from people who have also taken a "Bob" workshop and they all say the same thing -- "he's amazing!"

Last week I was thrilled to open my emails and see the following letter:

"Dear Judy,

Wow and belated congratulations!

A student of mine brought me a hard copy of the article in More Magazine. I am super proud of you and very grateful to you for mentioning me.

It's always great and satisfying to know that I have inspired others to follow their bliss. Many have inspired me to do what I do -- together we can all keep this ball rolling!

Love, Peace and Happiness.

Bob"

 

I learned how to invite my Inner Child to come out and play at Bob's workshops and I haven't stopped since.  Every once in awhile I need Her help in coaxing our innocent imagination to the forefront of my mind but thanks to Bob, I know She's there, waiting for the tasks and worry from the day to disappear so She can pick up a brush and begin having fun.  Here's one of the paintings I created in a Burridge workshop in Mendocino!

 

 

 "Mendocino Fences"

18" x 24" acrylic on canvas

- SOLD -

I love Craigslist

Temperatures reached 105 degrees in  Sacramento this weekend, and I spent most of the time indoors, running all the fans and occasionally turning on the central air-conditioner.  It was the perfect time to continue the purging mode, and this time I concentrated on my bedroom.

In that room, I had an espresso-colored contemporary sideboard from IKEA that I used for storing my CD's, batteries, household tools, extra keys, etc.   I had used the surface for my unopened mail; books; dirty clothes and whatever else I could throw on there.

On Saturday, I determined this sideboard must go away and I called a couple people I knew to see if I could unload it on them.  No, ummmm......they didn't want anymore furniture and were in the same "simplifying" mode that I've been in.  My neighbor said Goodwill would take it, but that would mean getting this heavy thing moved, which was not high on my To-Do list. 

So--I took a couple of photos and wrote an ad to put on Craigslist.  Since I didn't want any money for it (I just wanted it gone!), I listed it in the FREE Classified section.  Within half an hour, I had 32 emailed responses, and I called the first one who left a phone number to see how soon they could pick it up.

The woman and her husband arrived within 25 minutes, and were thrilled with their new find.  I was excited about having the extra room, and the energy of the bedroom has completely shifted.  It feels lighter and cleaner and last night, I slept like a baby - something I haven't done for ages.

"Night Dreams"

- SOLD -

I know I just said this in my previous post, but seriously I really don't know how I've managed to accumulate so much stuff.  Even though I've gotten rid of SO MUCH, there is more that needs to go. 

Next purging session is my studio/office.  Even though I haven't picked up a paintbrush in weeks, my mind has been mixing colors and patterns as I've been cleaning and I can't wait to start painting again!

Clearing the Mind by Clearing the Stuff

It's been a busy month since I last posted the news about closing my studio.  June 10th was the official end date for Bell'Arte Studios and I'm finally able to relax now that everything has been moved and inventoried.   We had a final closing sale where I sold 25+ paintings and a lot of fused glass items, but even with the sale, I managed to bring home quite a few paintings and supplies.

When I found out we were closing the gallery, I was overwhelmed at the thought of taking everything down and hauling it back to my house.  I live in a small 842 square foot 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with a detached 1-car garage that is my fused glass studio.  To make a long story short -- there simply isn't room to store more stuff!!!

The news prompted me to go through my closets, drawers and rooms to eliminate what I didn't want or need to make room for the things I did want to keep.  I got rid of a complete set of dishes and silverware (when was the last time I had a sit-down dinner for 12?), 2 grocery bags of worn linens and rags that I had saved for cleaning up when making art; 4 bags of books (some that I've never read) and a ton of art supplies that were constantly staring me in the face, challenging me to stop working on my current project to go play with them.

I managed to whittle down my shoe inventory from 42 pairs to 19, and happily donated them and 7 bags of suits and business clothes to charity.  I gave away a complete set of golf clubs to a friend (I rarely play with 1 set--why was I holding onto 2??); shredded files of invoices, taxes, and bank statements from 1995 to 2007 and happily tossed the skinny jeans and clothes that I'm just not going to guilt myself over anymore.

My niece and I had a garage sale with some of the nicer items, and after 2 hours in the heat, we packed it all into the car and dumped it off at the Goodwill.  All of it.  What a good feeling it was to put that chapter behind me!!!

I'm enjoying the cleared-off tabletops and empty spaces on my bookshelves.  I can actually see all of the clothes in my closet and the shoes I have now fit on the shelves.  The energy in my home has become "lighter" and my mind chatter is becoming quieter and more thoughtful.  New ideas are starting to form and instead of feeling overwhelmed at these concepts, I'm feeling excited again.


This morning a friend of mine announced on Facebook that her daughter's school is accepting donations for an upcoming garage sale.  I sent her an email letting her know I'd have least one carload of things to donate - if I look hard enough I'll find more stuff that I don't need/want......and if we're both lucky, I may just have two.

Closing the Gallery Doors

It's official -- we're closing the doors at Bell'Arte this month and while I'm sad to do so, I'm also somewhat relieved.  Having a "retail" outlet is like having a piece of you out there, constantly nagging for you to pay more attention to it while restricting the creative flow (at least for this artist!).   I tried it for 3 years and met a lot of fabulous folks; sold a lot of art I wouldn't have sold locally; and made a lot of friends in the art community.  Now it's time to pursue some other avenues that I've wanted to do but haven't had the time or the extra income to do.  I've got a gallery in Laguna Beach that wants to show some of my work, and before I make the final decision I want to take a trip down there to see if it's truly the right venue for my art.  I have the licensing contract with All My Walls in place and they finally have some of my works featured on their website.  I've been in contact with two art consultants about my glass art and paintings, and I also want to start wholesaling my fused glass Christmas ornaments that I've designed and sold for the past 12 years to other retail outlets.

So there is lots to do and truthfully, I have not taken the time to properly follow up on all of these avenues because of my commitments to the studio.  The extra $400 a month rent that I was spending will allow me to better position my site on the internet and free up some time that I can now spend in my home studio or take workshops with.

They say when a door closes, another one opens and I'm excited to see what will be behind that new door.  Stay tuned -- I have a feeling there's some big news right around the corner!!!