In spite of the rain and the crazy hail,(yep hail) I really wanted to get this beautiful piece out on the tree. I just couldn't bare it, thinking that it would get so thrashed with the torrents we've seen these past days. Soooo I decided to put it out, but with a bit of protection :) pretty tricky aren't I?Thank you Lisa, it's just wonderful!

More Rain

The rain was back today, all day. And while I'm not at all opposed, in fact I really love the rain. It did thwart my plans for a few new additions to the Wishing Tree... one thing I can't wait to place is this absolutely gorgeous ornament from Lisa at Pearl Avenue Studios in Maryland. She does some really amazing work. I love the little personalities that come through her sculpted faces.(Great blog too :) If you get a chance check them out, they're precious. So tomorrow rain or shine, mud or sludge, this beautiful little work of art is going on the tree. The picture doesn't really do it justice at all, but I'll take one in the morning out on the tree for all of you to see. Thank you, thank you Lisa. I'm honored.

The Little Dress Shop

I spent the afternoon at The Little Dress Shop in Claremont Village. It's a kind of magical place...where customers and friends drift in and out all day. They come to shop or maybe stop by in search of something more, a blessing, a hug or even a song from the deeply spiritual owner Marsha Valencia. Today was no different except that it was me that received the three things. The blessing came in a different way this time. I went to bring in a few new pieces and rework my case. While I tinkered and fussed over my jewelry, a sick friend of Marsha's walked in with her Mom. As they talked, Marsha began the ritual I'd seen before. She lit a small twine wrapped bunch of sage and cleansed the air surrounding her friend. Gently she brushed her friends body with feathers and sang a melodic and beautiful Native American chant. The strength of her voice filled the shop. As she sang I thought of something another friend had generously offered me. For most of time I wasn't even watching what Marsha was doing but only listening and it was her song that so touched me as I worked and thought. While this blessing was not specifically for me this time, I could feel the peace of it as the song permeated the little shop and me. It's funny sometimes to see strangers walk in and wonder what's going on. I first notice their nose. They just barely lift their head to sniff the air trying to figure out exactly what it is they smell. Since my case is pretty close to the front of the store, whenever I'm there I assure them it's not what they might think... and tell them it's just "sage." Some people are intrigued, and bravely wander deeper in, others seem perplexed, while some just drift out like the sage. When Marsha finished with her friend we had a chance to talk while I finished my display. I told her about something I'd been struggling with and I decided tonight, after a good deal of introspection that really love was often about just deciding to do it, even when you think you can't. I remember reading this way back in high school and being so awed by this idea. I must have forgotten...it sounds so simple in a way and I know it's really not, but tonight I'll will allow it to be. I've decided it must be. I had made a choice for it to be. And it will. I apologize if this sounds scattered but I'm still working it through. Thank you Annie.

Here's a few pictures of how my little case turned out you know I can never resist the sweets! Oh! and to top it off,when I got home, there was another beautiful little box waiting to be opened for the Wishing Tree. I'm so excited and have a bit of unwrapping to do now! :) Peace and blessings, Bridgette

Mary's Wish

With the rain gone for a while, at least until this afternoon when the next storm comes in, I just had to get this beautiful little tag out on the tree! A warm Thank You to Mary from Isabellas Closet for believing and participating, and for making my day with your sweet mail. May all your wishes comes true. Peace and blessings, love Bridgette

Meeting the Crafty Chica!

While I'm usually not a "starstruck" type gal, (minus that one time at El Floradita in Hollywood when Mr. McConaughey sang Happy Birthday to me :) today was a quite an exception... On a bit of a whim I decided to head out with a friend to the CHA show in Anaheim. We were supposed to go last night, but between the lightening and hail, decided to postpone till today. I'm sooo glad we did. It was a fun show with lots of great stuff to check out, and many glorious finds, but the best part of all was seeing and then meeting in person, The Crafty Chica herself!!! As I approached her crowded booth I couldn't believe it was her. Over the years I've encountered some really talented artists who's work I admire for various reasons on all sorts of different levels. Some have become friends, and others pure inspiration for a season. It's all good. There's something a little different about Kathy Cano-Murillo. It's not just the crafting stuff, I think it's more about living that "artful life" I keep hearing so much about. And maybe because she seems to live that life with a Latina flair, it resonates with me. After all, it was she who ignited my whole Wishing Tree flame, not to mention the countless other fun and funky crafting tips I've gleaned from her blog and website. What a delightful soul to meet so warm, friendly and gracious, so down to earth. I just hope I didn't scare her too much with my blubbering non-stop chatter and questions. Sorry Ms.Chica, it was just lovely to meet you! Oh! and did I forget to mention I even got to see the original Queen of craft TV?... yes it was Carol Duvall!!! Now I haven't seen her in person since, well you know... Episode CDS-1146! I reminded her I'd been on waaaay back when, but she didn't remember, she was so sweet. Guess there's no Emmy in my future for that 12 1/2 min. but feel free to click on the link to get my step by step instructions for creating a mini gourd necklace if you'd like :)

Anyhow it was a very fun little day not to mention on my return there was a small envelope waiting for me from someone I'd never met! More about that later! Adios for now,

Love Bridgette
P.S. I think the link to the Carol Duvall show is too old... acn't seem to get it to work, so if you'd like the instructions feel free to email me, sorry bout that.

Thanks to the Three Kings

Right before Christmas I wanted so much to write a post…a post about Christmas, about the fun, the family, the friends and the great food shared during this very special season. I was bummed because Christmas came and went and I never really finished the post I had started. A few nights ago at mass, I was reminded that the Christmas season really continues up until Jan. 6th for the arrival of the three kings. Thank goodness for those three guys or this post may have gone the way of my many other “drafts.” Therefore feeling like I still had time, I thought I’d go ahead and write a little something of Christmas. Really, of my Christmas Tree…

My very first Christmas tree after I got married was not a tree at all, it was an Aloe Vera plant. I know it’s weird, but we didn’t have a lot of money and my husband was allergic to live trees. We had planned to get a really nice “fake” one after Christmas. Anyhow, we’d only been married four months and one of the things my Grandma made sure I had “packed” when I left the Valley was a good sized terra cotta potted Aloe plant. There are a number of reasons it just had to make the trek with us, mostly surrounding it’s powerful healing capabilities, and sharp thorns able to deter any would be burglar from hopping over my apartment balcony, but really it was just one of those things I did because she told me to. We brought it in, draped a few strands of red beads I’d bought at Pier One and dangled the three or four “ornaments” I found around the apartment. It was actually pretty cute.

What ever happened to that aloe plant? Well it traveled with us to each new place we moved and eventually got transplanted in the ground out in the backyard under the fig tree. Yes, right under what it now my “Wishing tree, a Christmas tree of sorts. I think there is something special about what lies beneath that tree and the healing powers of that plant I believe to be so deeply rooted in its soil.

I’m not sure how but I know it was no mistake that these two pieces of nature have collided here in my yard. There are many baby aloes that have volunteered surrounding the base of nearly the entire tree. I’ve kept a little square freed of the volunteers directly beneath it, as well as the path that leads up to it, but to its left the ground is completely covered with them. So as a little homage to that first Christmas, tree and to our Wishing Tree of today as well, I decided to decorate a few it’s “branches” again with some of those same red beads I used that first Christmas so long ago.

As we enter this New Year…I invite any of you out there who might have something they would like us pray or wish for, to feel free to send me something to hang in our tree. It can be anything, a tag, a little ornament, a ribbon, or banner. I guess really anything you’d like. Just keep in mind that it will be out in the weather and will be open to the elements. I have a few wishes that have been laminated that are doing fine and lots of other little things that are weathering nicely as well. I’m not sure why I’m so taken with this tree thing, but I think there’s a reason, so I’m doing it and I invite any of you out there who’d like to be a part of it to do so to. I know it’s kind of crazy, but it’s a good crazy I think.

And just as what lies beneath our feet can be holy and healing so can that which we choose to let dangle in the wind, like the ancient Tibetan prayer flags. While I can make no promises and hope you won’t yourself expect too much from me or my tree, what I can offer is this small space where many thoughts can come together for the power of good. I guess it’s that simple. It’s probably not for everyone but if you’re reading this hopefully it speaks to you. Just email me and let me know you have something and I’ll email you back with the address and a photo of what your special addition looks like in our tree. I’ll try to do better with posting to keep up on its overall progress as well. Here’s a few pics of what it looks like now in winter. So much sparser without its giant velvety leaves, but I still think
it's cool.

Rescued Charlottes

Well as many of you already know, I've recently been quite compelled to create with my new found stash of Frozen Charlottes. I wrote up a little something to give people when they buy one of my Rescued Charlotte pieces, but it's probably a bit too long, so I've decided to post it here!

Mis Queridos or “My Beloveds”
It’s no wonder with my love for tiny objects, dioramas, lockets and little things to put things in that I should be so attracted to these little dolls. After all, one does need little things to place in the little spaces she creates doesn’t she?
Manufactured in Germany from about 1850 to the early 1900s, these intriguing bisque/china/porcelain dolls were originally produced as Victorian Bathing Dolls called “Frozen Charlottes”; so named from an early American folk song by William Carter. Carter tells a sad story of a piercingly cold night, with the lovely Charlotte being picked up in a sleigh by her beau ready to attend the village ball. Looking lovely, young Charlotte dressed in her finery, vainly wanted to be seen and admired along the way, and did not heed her mother’s good advice to cover herself with a blanket, refusing to wear even her wrap. By the time she and her beau arrived at the ball, Charlotte had frozen to death. ( I know it's a wee bit dark but that's the story) :)
On a lighter note, in early Victorian days these sweet little dolls were also baked into children’s birthday cakes, or Christmas pudding to be found by the young guest as they bit into their piece of cake. Nothing like pies and cakes to lighten the mood!And...Quite a little party favor!

Today these rare little collectables are used in all sorts of mixed media art, but the tiny ones are among the most coveted. Remember they’re over 100 years old! Here I have assembled some of my smallest most treasured Charlottes into a series of collage pendants, charms and pins called Mis Queridos or “My Beloveds”. Each small vignette tells a story of her own for the holder to discover. Using vintage findings and found objects gives each piece an innate sense of history. Some pieces contain words or symbols, but all carry with her a unique charism. My hope is that you enjoy your rescued Charlotte creation as much as I enjoyed making it for you
Enjoy!

Update on the Wishing Tree...

While I certainly don't go out there and just "sit" nearly as much as I dreamed of, our "Wishing Tree" remains a relaxing and beautiful destination in the yard for myself and my family. Each member has added a little something of their own and I've even received a few things from far,far away. My Mom found this wonderful beaded mobile this summer in a fantastic little gallery in Big Sur. The one with the people nests lined with sari-like quilts and colorful pillows.I meant to write a post just about these nests but didn't, so here's a couple of photos so you know what I mean. I loved these things!Another wish was sent in a jar with sand and seashells from my sweet Annie's, Atlantic coast.
This past weekend I did the Irvine Fine Arts Holiday Faire and met some of the coolest ladies. As I spoke to them about my work and my current obsession with my tiny frozen Charlotte's (which I will write about next) I found myself going back to our tree.I described how it's become a sort of wishing/prayer/reflection/art spot for us and of my desire to make this a sort of visual symbol that reminds us of things to pray or wish for. I only wish I would have asked them to send a wish...anyhow, it's late and I'm not completely sure I'm making sense, I just wanted to say a little something so you know I didn't forget...

Oh! And for those of you I haven't told, myself and a few other gals are doing a little Holiday Boutique this Friday the 13th right in my neighborhood. I posted it as an event on my Bella Luna Arts Facebook page but here's a few particulars as well. It's at 539 S. Orange Ave. Brea from 6:00-9:00pm.We'll have wine,hors d'oeuvres LOTs of festive twinkling lights and shopping what could be better! Stop by if you get a chance, it should be fun. Ciao for now!

Glitterfest was Grand!!!

As usual the Glitterfest Girls of Whimzy!did a bang up job with their fantastic show this past Sat. It’s always such an honor to be in the company of such wildly creative people. They made us these adorable pins and artists tags, had a yummy lunch ready for us and helpers posted at the start and finish to get us back and forth with all our goods and display paraphernalia! Those gals sure know how to put on a show!

I was tickled to be stationed right across Susie Scott from SusieScottStudios and couldn't help but snag a few of her sweet faced goodies. She adorns each piece with such a sweet face! They're all so unique and filled with personality.You've got to check out her stuff !



Another beautifully artful soul I was lucky enough to connect with, was Lisa Loria of vintagebling.She had some very, very cool work, but her beautiful Dia De Los Muertos Cross just had to come home with me. Doesn’t it look like it’s always been there? It’s just perfect in my little sacred space. I just love it! Thank you Lisa for parting with it…

Glitterfest is nearly here!!!

In addition to my new Steampunk creations, I've started scuplting these little skulls for my next Milagra gourd doll phase, just in time for Glitterfest Fall and Dia de Los Muertos ! They're a lot of fun and now I want to do more faces. However I can't deny how intimidating sculpting little faces are...

Here's a few pictures of new goodies I've been making for Glitterfest this Saturday Oct. 10th. I've been going a bit crazy with kids school stuff, some home stuff , our new pooch Oliver, and even some creative stuff like my newest aquistition of the tiny frozen Charlottes.

I just love these little dolls and have been so very inspired by them! I certainly have more than I should I suppose, so I might bring a few to share at Glitterfest.

What do you think?