June, Me, & Claire -- My Art Buddies

Here we are lounging outside on a big cabanna bed in Las Vegas.
We are sooo royal.

Art & Soul Retreat 2011

I had the best time AGAIN at the Art & Soul retreat this year in Las Vegas with my two buddies June & Claire.

This is what i made this year:
Day One - Fluid Romance with Kari McKnight

I learned some really cool NEW techniques in this class involving molding paster, deli paper and gold foil, which i am excited about. I also thought Kari was a fantastic teacher that gave a lot of energy to the class.










DAY TWO - Soldering for Virgins with Sally Jean Alexander

I was intimidated by this class because, quite frankly, i was a little nervous to use a soldering iron for the first time and really really didn't want to burn myself!  After a tense 20 minutes or so, i started to relax and get into it. It's a lot of fun and really like what i made. Jump rings are tricky getting on and i really need to practice this. I think i need to get a soldering iron for my birthday!


EVENING CLASS: The Art of Steampunk Jewelery with Brenda Mattson

I only took this class because June and Claire wanted to take it and i didn't want to be left alone!  I discovered that steampunk jewerly is interesting to make and has a history. I walked away having made these 2 pieces and i really love them.

DAY 3 - Color My World with Lisa Kaus

We all have taken a different Lisa Kaus class last year so this year was a similar experience. Paint, crayons, collage on wood. I just LOVE this whole medium and want to do more of it. I love the vibrant colors and i think i have a real knack for it! Oh and my baby jack on the carousel for the first time... priceless

My little one found my paints

My little guy is 21 months old and he really likes to get into cabinets and drawers, which we had to put those babysafe latches on..... however, i was holding out on my creative desk since he never noticed the cabinets below or the drawers. There is always too much crap on the desk to distract him. But this past sunday, the honeymoon is over. He discovered the cabinet with all the paints stored inside!....  Uh oh...  Honey?!, we need to put those latches on my desk now...  yes, dear.

Bloom

i think green and brown are my colors -- i am in love with this pendant that i made and have been wearing it. My friend Joyce thinks i should call it Bloom. I think i will.

Red Velvet Series

These are of the first in my Red Velvet Series....  i am obessed with this gorgeous Red Velvet I found and i am having fun embellishing them Swarovski crystals, czech fired glass beads, decorative brads and lace. They look so luxurious to me that i just want to sip champagne while i wear them.

I have also found this one-piece pin back with bail that I am now putting on the back of my pieces because it allows them to be worn as a necklace or a brooch. The bail allows you to string a chain or ribbon thru it so you can wear it as a necklace or a choker. As a brooch, you can wear it on your hat, scarf, jacket or in your hair. Wherever we need a little "je ne sais quoi" ! I am slowly getting them on my etsy shop!

Collage of Antoine & Jack

There is a lovely couple in France that we are good friends with that had son just 10 days after our son was born. The odd thing is that our sons look a like and got along very nicely. I decided to make a collage of some of the photos i took and i really like how it turned out!

Tracey Pezen

I have a very talented friend at work who just whipped up this little painting for me and gave it to me for christmas!  how fun!