Delightful!

Delightful!
The Frozen Charlotte class I took with Robin Dudley Howes this past Saturday was “delightful” indeed!
What a talented, wonderful soul she is! While I don’t get a chance to take many classes, I’m so glad I made time for this one! From the moment I sat down in front of my sweet little kit to the unveiling of the coveted Charlottes all lined up in their vials, the class was wonderful. For me Madame Robin was inspiring, spiritual, and oh so patient. I can’t remember how many times I asked the same questions over & over but she never made me feel like a dork. It was also a pleasure to create in such a cool venue with such an eclectic group of creative women. We chatted, shared yummy snacks, and enjoyed the hours as they slipped quietly, too quickly away. I left the day with that dizzy feeling of having too much, too good and wanting to go right home, to keep it going, working with the fresh techniques I couldn’t wait to incorporate into my own designs and ideas. What a gift. Thanks Robin for giving me some great new tools to use in my artistic toolbox! And if any of you ever get a chance, I certainly recommend a class with this talented professor of cool! Check out my “delightful” little lady under glass…

Viva THe GReeN ScenE!

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Although it started out a bit frantic, since we had just returned from a few days in the awe-inspiring Sequoias, (which really deserves a post in itself!) and traffic was that typical Friday night California kind we all love… once I actually got there with my stuff, the Fullerton Green Scene was lovely!

The folks that come out for this show are so down to earth, so friendly so fun! I met tons of really cool new customers I hope to see again and of course was inspired by the limitless possibilities of what I could do in my own yard and ODLS. Thank goodness I worked the show alone, so I didn’t get too much time to shop. I did of course frequent my neighbors across the way and discovered some great new herbs, and two gorgeous sweet pea vines for up along the second tier fence(I’m always trying to hide that lovely chain link).While it was a toasty 97+ degrees the people still came, bought some Hawaiian shaved ice and trucked along.

I had a number of Milagra Gourd dolls and came home with only one who I brought back to The Little Dress Shop yesterday along with my other creations. She must be lonely there now, so I’m encouraged to make more for the store and for my next show in Old Town Tustin. I was also excited to be commissioned to create two new Milagras for a couple of cool gals out of town.

So the next show I’m doing is in Tustin on May 16th and it’s called Glitterfest. I’m really excited and honored to be part of this show and one among a large group of very talented artists. I start to freak out and think “what I am doing in this show with all these real artists?” and then I say “hey I was on TV, I did 12 ½ minutes with Carol Duvall ! I’ve been published, I’m ok…right?” The show is sponsored by a very cool store in Old Towne Tustin called Whimzy!. Check it out if you a get a chance. Here’s a few pics of some more new things.

Mary Watches Over Me...

Here are a few more things I've been doing with watch parts...

I love these tiny vintage miraculous medals and how perfectly they fit in the small space....more to come.
What do you think?

Green Wings!

This Friday I was able to sneak away to the Santa Monica Gem show...overwhelmed once again, but inspired by everything... thankfully I was able to carve out a good chunk of my Saturday out in the yard with the kids and a tray of some new found goodies from the show. Made lots of new stuff and a new friend...check out those beautiful green wings!

What's all this about Watch parts?

While I'm still working on my Milagra Gourd Girls for the Green Scene in April...I'm adding another genre to my little collection of creations. Officially titled "steampunk" this style of jewelry, accessories and clothing is inspired by two very different time periods: the Victorian and industrial age. Usually elements like tiny gears, cogs & clock faces don't seem to go with winged things, nouveau design or crystals, but here they do! There can be elements of fantasy, science or in my mind anything that visually brings interest and beauty to a piece, inspired by a sort of DaVinci meets Mucha feeling, where you would not usually associate flying machinery with sensuous floral curves.

Like most creative journeys these pieces tell a story, some stories evolve from the designer and some from those who interpret the piece. Personally I love all that a deconstructed watch case evokes. The idea of taking time “apart” and putting it back together in a whole new way is powerfully inspiring symbolism. An empty watch case itself provides such a wonderful space for a little story. My love for dioramas and miniatures is perfect for this! Over the years I’ve collected lots of cool little vintage components from everywhere and this is one more way for me to finally use some of my most treasured and often hoarded finds!

So here are a few images of my new creations. Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think by leaving a comment if you get a chance. Peace! Bridgette

Upcoming shows

Tomorrow, Saturday March 21st is the Spring Craft Boutique in Brea! I'm in the Community Hall space #166 right behind my sweet friend Lisa of Vintage joy Button Designs! A "good time" is sure to be had by all... at least certainly for us since we both think we're pretty funny...but seriously, we'd really like it if you could join us too!

If you can't make it to Brea, I'll also be at the Fullerton Arboretum's Green Scene on April 18th & 19th from 10:00am -4:00pm. This is a really beautiful outdoor show with unique plants and tons of great garden goodies. More on this later, but save the date if you can! See ya!

Dream Locket

This is a picture of my new dream locket, more to come! I'm also working on some whimsical steampunk stuff... watch parts and wings galore!

Milagras & Muses

While I imagine my posts will eventually focus on my artistic endeavors, before I "dive in" I'd like to establish a framework for where these endeavors have come. I'm inspired by color, texture and emotion, by places I've been and those I dream about enjoying. I'm inspired by those I love in my life, my madly creative husband, my rock star kids and my muses, those miracle muses that have always had my back no matter what, my real-life Milagra girls.These are the women of my past and present. These are my tireless cheerleaders, my strongholds of faith and my greatest source of selfish indulgence for which I know, I am so not worthy. So if it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words then I suppose these pictures will tell a little story of their own...