Here's a few little things I just had to put together with my new finds. Check out the beautiful art glass below as well. I had purchased some just like it a long long time ago at a show I was in and hadn't been able to find it since. A few months ago I discovered some art pins on the cover of an old Expressions craft magazine and there it was the beautiful glass I'd been searching for! I contacted Alicia G. Glass (who was a doll on the phone!) and low and behold she sent me a stash! I'm now back to making some fun Halloween pins and will be incorporating the glass into my steampunk line as well. Ciao for now!

My Addiction...

I recently found myself outside a small motel room, waiting for a guy to come out of the room. He had called me earlier in the week and told me he was going to be in town and asked if I needed anything? Of course I didn’t, I never “need” it, I just want it. So I said “sure I could probably use a little.” He gave me the address of the motel where he was staying. We scheduled to meet a few days later. When I found the place and his room, I was thankful the door was open. I was afraid I’d have to knock. He poked his head out of the door and I recognized his familiar face. He asked what I was looking for, I told him that I might as well just see it all. We carefully unloaded each little tray of treasures stacked high in the back of his pick-up. When I finally decided how much I wanted, he took out the tiny scale…after weighing it all I realized that once again here I was, doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t. I was really going to try and be good this summer, not fall back into my old habits. At least it was under a kilo this time. But of course I’d still bought way more than I should. I had to. He showed me things I’d never seen before, beautiful things. My mind and my heart raced with ideas. I knew I’d enjoy it so much…how could I not? Isn’t it pretty?

By the shore...

My last post dealt with the space beneath my feet, as does this one.
We’ve recently taken a few camping trips to some fairly local state beaches; such beautiful places. I love all that the ocean is and am continually thankful I live relatively close to it. I’m astounded by the sounds, smell and feel of water. It’s inspiration at it purest for me. I love it all and I can always find a sense of peace there.

The Wishing Tree

A few weeks ago I read a Post on the Crafty Chica’s blog about a tree she had encountered on a recent trip. Upon this tree hung all sorts knitted pouches tied on with various colored ribbon and fabric. Inside the pouches were tags with quotes and thoughts of visitors who had stopped by. It sounded magical. One of the quotes she was especially taken with was “Let your fiction grow out of the land beneath your feet” by Willa Cather. Lovely isn’t it?

When I read this quote it got me thinking of the space beneath my own feet and the story we write in our own lives. How a tree like this tree could be part of our own family story.
In a remote corner of my yard is a fig tree that I’ve never liked. I didn’t really like where it was planted in the first place, the figs always seemed to be dry and bitter, and all around its base was an overgrown disaster of weeds and out of control Aloe Vera plants. About two weeks before I read this post, I had found a couple of rusted metal lanterns with pink fabric laying in one the vast mystery piles collected in my garage. I almost through out them both out, but for some reason thought of the fig tree, and how these lanterns couldn’t possibly make it look any worse. That evening when we sat outside to dinner, I could see their soft faded pink way up there and I liked it. The next day I wandered up the stairs inspired to pull a few weeds and attempt to tame the aloe. One weed led to another, and as I worked I began to see and a feel a transformation take place as I recognized our wishing tree.

Here are some “before” shots of what the area looked like and a few “after” shots of what it looks like now. I’m not sure if you can tell, but I added some stepping stones up to the tree, a good deal more lanterns, a new more lounge-like chair and few other little things to help draw us to visit what was once an all but abandoned part of our yard.
I thought it might be fun if friends contributed a quote, a wish or prayer for our tree. I’m not sure if I will laminate the tags or not. I like the idea of the tags hanging open to the elements like Tibetan Prayer flags that over the course of time disintegrate letting their prayers be carried along the wind. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this: how do we manage this tension of wanting to preserve things in a beautiful way or appreciating each moment and letting it go. We’ll see. It’s still a work in progress.

Pink Frosting!

Before too much time passes, I wanted to sneak in a little post about Glitterfest! What a wonderful show to be part of! Diane and Sheryl of Whimzy did a fantastic job organizing this glitterfully fun affair and I can’t wait to see what they do for the Fall fest & Halloween! Stay posted at www.vintagewhimzy.com .

As usual I met some fantastic new people; Susie Scott was a neighbor across the way whose art is so sweet and inspiring. Oh those faces, those sweet little faces of hers...you know I’ve got a thing for the cool little faces…and she’s got them! Check out her site if you get a chance. www.susiescottstudios.com so very cute! Sherry Goodloe was a new found friend as well. What a cool lady. I didn’t get a picture, but she’s got amazing stuff at www.gotart4u.blogspot.com I can already tell she’s one of those special people that just seem to get it. She teaches, creates and inspires, you can see it in her writing and in her eyes.

This was a day was filled with glitter, and laughter and pink, and you know I love pink, but what really makes these days, the best days are the people, the pink is just the frosting.

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