What Happens Next

Squawk and Swap !!

Ladies, this one will be too fabulous to miss!!

While getting settled in to our new home in Dallas, the Daughter and I have realized just how much extra "stuff" we have accumulated. In trying to decide the best course of action for our barely used treasures, we thought some of you may be having the same "issue". Here is an opportunity to pay your items forward!

Take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

•Have you been cleaning out your closets (or needing to), and wondering what to do with all of those still-fabulous, gently used items?? Clothing? Shoes? Handbags? Jewelry? 

•Have your children outgrown clothing that is still in great condition?? What about (larger) toys and "accessories"?

•Are you holding on to home furnishing items that are just not going to fit in to your space or decorating vision?? Lamps, small tables, paintings, prints, great sets of dishes? 

Then let's engage in some guilt-free "retail therapy" and swap those unused/unwanted items for something fresh and new! Let's create the ultimate thrifting experience, with the only currency being the items that we ourselves bring to exchange.

This will be an item for item swap. We will assign categories of value (from 1 to 4), and assign you tickets that correspond to the items you bring. You must contribute a minimum of 5 items. 

Anything that is left at the end of the night will be donated to charity!

Don't be shy. Let's bust out the good stuff!!

So come on Fashionistas, let's prove to ourselves that we can, in fact, be RECESSIONISTAS!

Details will be emailed to you once you have registered. Space is limited, so sign up early!!

•And don't think for one minute that we are not working on the next FABULOUS art project get-together !! Save the date of July 18th. You will want to be here. :) •

Full House

If you ever get the chance to fill your home with creative, caring, fascinating women for a day, here's my advice... just. do. it.

 

This past Saturday, we got that chance, and what an inspirational experience it was! 

We provided a project "muse". A jumping off point for a lovely paper collage.

The class kit. All the supplies needed to complete the project as it was shown, by using a personal photo or vintage focal point.

But we also wanted to provide choices, for what is art without personal expression and individuality?

So we set up an embellishment "bar".

 

Paper, flowers, feathers, ribbons, sequins, crystals, doilies, glitter.... oh, my. 

And everyone got to work. Serious, diligent work. Nothing but hard work.

Pay no attention to that wine bottle in the middle of the table. Ahem.

Women came from near and far. One from Lubbock (Hi, Stacy!), and even one from Kansas City. We are humbled by this.

And I am particularly impressed with how Stacy managed to coordinate her tote bag with her blouse. Very artistic.

The camaraderie was amazing. Scrappers meeting paper artists, and complete neophytes meeting everyone, soaking it all in and each one creating something beautiful. 

Supplies and life stories shared in equal measure.

As is usual at these events, grace and generosity of spirit was the order of the day. 

A beautiful variation on the theme.

This was done as a fiftieth wedding anniversary gift. The blue napkin that is being used to frame the photo is the ultimate in vintage ephemera. It is actually from the wedding half a century ago! We should all be so lucky to have treasures like this to use in our work. *sigh*

I love the damask background paper that she used. So pretty.

This is another vintage photo of the artists parents. She is keeping her journaling tag blank so her father can write her mother a special message.

This is Lisa, and we found out late in the day that it was her birthday. How amazing that she chose to spend her special day with all of us. Thanks, Lisa! 

So many wonderful women came to spend the day together last Saturday. We are so incredibly grateful to have shared the pleasure of their company.

Winner, Winner!!!

We have a winner in our beautiful "Necklace Love" giveaway!!

"Drum roll, please...."

The beautiful Jana, of Brown Eyed Girl Photography in San Antonio!!!

Congratulations, Jana!! Please get in touch via email so that we can send out your new favorite piece of jewelry!!

Thanks, everyone, for participating, and please stay tuned. We love giveaways, and we have a great one planned for the very near future!! Don't miss it...

You guys are the best!!

Necklace Love

Time's Up !!!  

There is so much excitement building in anticipation of the big "Event" happening here next Saturday, and we couldn't resist adding to the delirium with a giveaway!! 

Cause we love you guys like that.

We rescued Daughter's sample boxes from their life of leisure, and quickly found the perfect, most romantic necklace.

We wanted to give it a fabulous life out in the world. Please help.

Genuine faceted amethyst and moonstone have been expertly wire-wrapped with sterling silver wire and findings. There are no crystals on this piece, just semi-precious stones and silver. 

A lovely mother-of-pearl and amethyst locket becomes the finishing touch. It is very deep inside, and can hold a photo as well as other teeny treasures. I believe they have actually been referred to as "poison boxes", but, well.... hmmm... 

How about a baby tooth or a locket of hair instead? Okay, thanks.

The length is adjustable from 19" - 22", including the locket.

Oh, the gorgeousness!! So, so pretty in person.

To enter for a chance to win this amazing necklace, just leave a comment on this post before Monday evening, May 18th at 6pm Pacific Time. One entry per person, please. We will draw a random number and announce the winner on Tuesday.

You will get an extra entry by blogging/tweeting this giveaway, and leaving a comment here with the link. SO easy!

And here's something a little extra-special for those of you who are attending our little soirée: everyone who has signed up by Monday the 18th at 6pm Pacific, and leaves a comment here, will receive THREE EXTRA CHANCES to win! 

So get those comments in, get those links going, and let's get this beauty a brand new home!

Class Notes

There was drama this past week involving a hard-drive that was beyond salvage *sob*. Fortunately, I am back online after less than a three day turnaround, and I would just like to say two things regarding my predicament. First, try to avoid letting a three year old lurk around your workstation with anything resembling liquid, and second, MAC. SUPPORT. RULES.!! I cannot state this emphatically enough. I wish I could say this was my first time around the block with moisture meeting laptop, but alas, I am that irresponsible unlucky. Once again, they saved me.

Bottom line: Buy the extended warranty whenever you get a laptop. And did I mention Mac RULES? If they could only somehow magically backup my files daily... sigh.

So, on with the class project for the May 23rd Gathering!!

We have gathered together an abundance of new and vintage paper, florals and trims, and we are so excited about this class! 

You may complete the project directly from a kit that will be provided, or you may choose from literally dozens and dozens of papers, flowers, ribbons and trims that will be on hand. We will have everything you need, but of course you are welcomed and encouraged to add personal items to enhance and personalize.

We have used a photo of our darling Baby Girl, but please bring a photo of your choice, a cabinet card, a small drawing, or artwork to use as a focal point. We will also have some vintage pieces for you to choose from, if you wish.

 

Tea-dyed tulle trim *swoon*.

So, please join us if you can. We are saving a seat for you!

Art & Communion

The excitement in our little corner of Dallas is (literally) through the roof!!

As we planned for and welcomed our Tiny Bundle of Baby-Pink Joy during these past few months, the church restoration was progressing at a steady pace. As I remained in a state of unabashed baby-induced euphoria, unable to stop holding her for any length of time, the project marched on toward completion. It is hard to fathom from this side of the abyss just how far this building has come in the past two and a half years, but we seem to have reached the point where we can at least see the finish line.

And now we are oh, so very ready for the  Next. Big. Thing... 

Please join us for the inaugural gathering at our newly renovated space, and help us celebrate completing the project of a lifetime. Come alone or come with a friend, meet lots of new friends, and have a wonderfully empowering experience.

We will provide lunch as a casual get-to-know-each-other affair, snacks and drinks throughout the day, and a delicious dinner and dessert. In between all that "sustenance", we will commune and create. A kit will be provided for a group project with supplies from My Mind's Eye and Prima, (among others), as well as bits and pieces from our vintage and newly minted stash. Giveaways and special surprises throughout the day!

Feel free to bring your own supplies to work on a project of your choice with the extra time, as well as favorite bits of ephemera and trims to personalize your work. We can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Pictures of our group project will be posted this week. Space is limited, so please respond as soon as possible. We can't wait to see you!!

Please email me with any questions. If you are traveling from out of town and need to stay overnight, please contact me!