Sorting, Packing and Creating

After a jewelry collection is completed there are trays of unused goodies lying around. I have been sorting through the piles of treasure selecting items for the next season of jewelry. It is always a fun task and inspires a sketch or two in my line book. This time around I have been packing up a few little goodies to sell. I have loads of bits and pieces that will be appearing in lovely packets at my next event. I am in a Roaring '20's frame of as I prepare for Kim Caldwell's next amazing art retreat. Her Artistic Bliss events are wonderful. Visit www.artisticblissdesigns.com to see her magical creations.

This is one of my very first collage pieces. I had to pack up my studio to paint last week and it was fun to see some of the earlier pieces I created again. So many memories were hidden away in that tiny room. Each tiny treasure has a story, each piece of jewelry shows where I have been creatively and the boxes of beads and brass make me wonder what I will create next. I love just being open to playing with the materials in my studio and letting it lead me to what is next.

I have also been setting aside some of my favorite things to create molds of them. I have been playing with making bezels from scratch and want to do some casting with Ice Resin (c) and other materials. I always do something outside of my box to grow my skill set after each collection is completed. So you might see some Ice Resin creations this fall

Classes, Projects and Vacations! Spring 2015

We are just days away from Glitterfest and I am prepping for a very busy and fun filled spring!First up are some teaching dates I am really excited about. There has been such demand for my bunny girl necklaces I decided to teach a class so you can create your own altered bunny, mouse, or kitty frozen Charlotte necklace!

I had so much fun diving into my personal stash collecting bits of treasure for each student to create their own one of a kind piece. I included watches, rhinestones, tokens, charms, Miriam Haskell pearls and lovely vintage chain. The kits are really special and I know the girls will be thrilled. There will be plenty of left over goodies to use in other projects! So, you are invited to join us at whimzy in Tustin March 14th for a day of altered fun! Everything included $115 vintagewhimzy.com for all the details and registration!

MOLD MAKING!!!

One of my very favorite things to do is creating cabochons from little objects and pieces I love. Think of that great pressed glass button you just can't part with or a lovely old cameo. now you can recreate these items and use them over an over. We will make many molds for you to take home and use to your hearts content. I will share all my tips and techniques and resources. 

Each student will leave with a ring and a pendant made with their new cabochons!!

So many possibilities! What will you make? May16th at Whimzy in Tustin. Cost $65 includes everything. 

Then I head to North Carolina for a nice long rest at the beach!

xxoo

Tara

The Ultimate Guide to Glitterfest

So what exactly is Glitterfest you ask? Two artsy sisters had a brilliant idea to hand pick a group of artists and vendors with unique wares to fill a venue with beautiful creations and over the top displays. Each artist submits details of what they will bring so there is the perfect mix of goodies to choose from whether you love funky jewelry or shabby chic décor.

Upon your arrival you notice there is a group of folks lined up at the door eagerly awaiting them to open. They have their shopping totes at the ready! As the doors open the ladies excitedly head to their favorite vendors. Many are collectors and want to insure they have first pick of the wares. It is easy to spot the first timers. They stop just inside the room and survey the beautiful decorations and displays before choosing where to start. The energy in the room is palpable and the excitement contagious. The vendors are hugging there returning customer and catching up.  Everyone is trying to take in all the eye candy and there is something for everyone.

More than 50 artists have spent the last few months preparing for this show. The displays are just as beautiful as the items they have created and gathered. The show is attended by serious art collectors, crafty types, art lovers, girly girls, decorators, makers, publishers, shop owners and designers as well.  There are amazing supplies for makers of all kinds, gift items, home décor, vintage finds, mosaics, handmade art dolls, paper mache characters and sculptures, paper whimsies, one of a kind handmade jewelry, handbags, journals, tea towels, knit ware, sweets, scarves, handmade and altered clothing, furniture, collectibles, silver trays, and so many other beautiful goodies! It is a perfect girls day out event, mother daughter shopping or family friendly outing. There are always gourmet food trucks and an area of outdoor seating for a little nourishment break.

Want more details or pictures to look at? Visit glitterfest.com or search #glitterfest on facebook or instagram for all the details and pretties.  Now that you know what Glitterfest is all about, I hope you can join us Feb 28th from 10am until 4pm for a day of shopping and girly fun!

Held at the Business Expo in Anaheim. 1960 Anaheim Way, Anaheim CA 92805

A Creative Time of Year

Christmas and holiday decor is the perfect opportunity to get crafty.  This time of year I just want to play in my studio creating decor items. I love the ornaments (vintage and mercury please), snowmen, tinsel, bottle brush trees and pointsettias. I love recreating snow globes and Christmas scenes. German glass glitter lends its sparkle to so many projects. Feeling inspired? Don't hold Bach-grab the glue and go for it! Decorate to your hearts content. More is more this time of year.  

Wishing you all a happy holiday season, merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah ! May 2015 be filled with joy and possibility. Until next year,

cheers! 

Xo,

Tara

Box Full of Crafty Cards

A while back I was out hunting for treasure at my local thrifty store when I discovered a large index file box. At first I thought a box of recipes but upon further inspection it was filled with artsy crafty how to cards! Score. 

Theses are the cards from the how to make flowers section. Some are hideous and others show promise. 

The red rose is made from a solid red handkerchief.  Hmmmmm would any vintage hanky work?

 Here are the instructions. Might have to give this one a shot. 

I will share more from the box each week. Maybe I will even try some out. 

Xo

Tara

Patina Day!

After days of soldering work I always love patina day! This is when your designs come alive with color and shading. 

The silver pops against the rusty verdigris patina. 

Bunny house. 

Cupid's arrow. 

Love these sweet Victorian hands. Ready for their jewels.  These pieces are all in progress and will get another layer or two of color. Such fun. Next batch of shabby cream finish pieces are on deck. 

Valentine Heart Swap

This is the heart I created for a swap. I hand stamped fabric with music notes, added bling, lace, flowers, ribbons, tulle, mother of pearl heart button, flowers and lovely fabric from French General. I made 12 for the gals and I came home with 12 beautiful hearts. I will make a banner to hang in my studio. They are too pretty to just see once a year!  

Of course the packaging is just as important as the creation so I bagged my hearts up with a packet of flower seeds and some conversation hearts. 

Then I popped these in craft bags decorated with a heart doily, lace, a paper flower and a few vintage charms from my stash. 

Then off to swap!

One heart banner coming right up. More on that later. 

XO

Dreaming of Spring

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The supplies have been gathered and work is in full swing for Spring!! My favorite season to design wearable treasures and art.  I love the colors and motifs. Bunnies and flowers. What could be better?  

What are you working on???

Xo,

Tara

Crying In My Fries

Disclaimer: The author of this blog post is heavily medicated, teary and scared out of her wits!

After my husband got called in to work again this week I decided dinner would be In N Out. Yum! As I sat there in my car, all quiet with time to think, I began to cry. Not just tears for my hurting back but a release of fear and worry that has plagued me for weeks zapping my energy and my creativity. As the tears streamed down my face I realized I had not cried when I got the news that I need my entire lower back fused in a horrific surgery.

As is my usual response I began "getting ready" for the surgery. I bought two old lady snap front nightgowns,  figured out what items on my calendar I had to cancel, bought birthday presents for friends with upcoming birthdays, cleaned off my desk, organized my studio, did laundry, arranged help for my upcoming east coast buying help, made a ridiculous honey do list for my hubby, scheduled our annual termite inspection and the list goes on. I did not want to think about how terrified I was.

They are going to cut me in half front and back and insert a huge metal cage, plates and screws. No reason to be scared. I will not be able to drive, craft, cook, sit, travel, shop, clean, go to concerts at the fair, hit the beach, paint, make jewelry or any of the things that make my life rich. No reason to be scared. I will have one to three months of considerable pain that will be only partially taken care of with the narcotics that will make me a zombie. No reason to be scared.  The rehab portion where I learn to walk and do everything else safely will last an excruciating six months. No reason to be scared.

As I sat there cramming french fries in my mouth and crying I realized I am not scared I am TERRIFIED! I have been scared before- no big. I have never been terrified. I cannot avoid it, nor can I wallow in it. I am acknowledging my fear and moving forward. I have given myself permission to miss things, cancel things, change things and ask for things and do whatever helps. This is about getting through something really awful.

My friends have all rallied around me and offered help. I will need it. I have never had to ask for help like this. I am known for being fiercely independent and self reliant.  Accepting and asking for help with grace will be a new challenge. So here I sit- scared and that is alright. I will fight through the pain to rehab in record time. I will regain my independence one day at a time. With a ton of love, friendship, medical miracle workers, and a ridiculous amount of help from my friends I will get through this.

This is Addy. The best pain medicine ever. She delivers puppy kisses and snuggles in large doses. I have not forgotten my sweet Max or Lulu, they are helping with snuggles and kisses too. There is just something special about a puppy. They have magic healing powers for your worries or ailments.

I am not sure I had a point in sharing this- maybe I just did it for myself to acknowledge the fright and get back to being creative instead of avoiding the feeling.  At the end of this journey I will have a journal filled with bad, drug induced, emotional sketches. I am not sure they will translate into new jewelry designs but it should be pretty amusing! I cannot wait to get back to creating! I am going to rock Spring 2014!!!

Vintage Inspiration at Whimzy!

Today was a perfect California spring day! I decided to hit my favorite flea market in Tustin to do a little treasure hunting! For me, looking at all the little treasures gets my wheels churning. Imagining all the possibilities for giving these little treasures a new life.  When I am creatively stuck I often head over to my favorite antique stores. Today I was just going to enjoy a little sunshine and browse. I have been keeping a little mental list of things I would like to find when out treasure hunting and today was the day! I found everything on my list. I had been wanting a little 1950 bluebird and there she sat in a darling little stall just calling my name. I also found a little pocket shrine statue, two casket style jewelry boxes, four vintage hankies in pink, a hand carved wooden duck body, a composition doll with it's original outfit, vintage eyelet trim and of course my sweet little bird.  Well, the duck body was not on my list but it is really cool and only one dollar! I think she might need a doll head and some wheels. Because everything is more fun with doll parts and wheels!

Then all of the sudden appeared on of my other desires! Vintage hat stands like the type that would have been used in a store. I scored four of them. I was giddy to say the least. In my excitement I rushed over to show my hubby. His response was "those are really dirty". Ok maybe he does not always see what I see but,  I am so lucky that he supports my vision even when he does not get it! He loves vintage but he really only speaks Vespa!

Art and Insecurities

I have been working on some pieces for Art Walk February 2nd in Santa Ana.  Last night I woke up with my heart pounding. The nagging voice in my head was growing louder. The voice of insecurity. All artists know this voice. Usually it is a whisper at the back of our mind saying - Is that your best? _ Hasn't that been done? -Will anyone like this? Last night my inner voice of insecurity was screaming at me. Very rude! " Your bird sucks! - You are rusty!"

So what do you do? I was laying there wide awake and it occurred to me that nothing bad would happen if my bird sucked. No one would be harmed, no one would starve, the world would not be knocked off its axis. I am not defined by a bird I painted. This is the year of no fear! I will paint. I will exhibit my work. I am certain that if I allow myself to give it a go after not painting for almost 25 years, something amazing will happen. Or maybe,  I will simply not be afraid to paint any more.

I walked away from the fine arts when I graduated from college and never looked back. During my last few weeks as an undergrad all of my work from the previous four years was on exhibit. The majority of the exhibit was stolen. I did not shed a tear or get mad. I just walked away and accepted that the universe had told me it was time to put away my toys and get on with my career. It has taken me this long to realize I could have been enjoying creating all this time. So this is a new beginning- a do over if you will.  I will re-learn the techniques I so enjoyed and I will paint.  It may suck but I will enjoy myself.

You will have to come to art walk to see the entire painting but here is the bird I lost sleep over. I started by sketching on paper in colored pencil and when I liked what I had I decided to actually use that image. ( I was afraid to try drawing it again.) I collaged it onto the canvas and added many layers of paint. In fact I had trouble stopping. I could just not get it quite right. So here is my imperfect bird!

Be fearless!! It wil free your creativity.

xoxo
Tara

A Fresh Start- The Big Purge

After installing new flooring and painting all the rest, I have a blank canvas. I am taking this opportunity to begin anew. While I rebuild my studio and work spaces I am sorting and purging. Each object lucky enough to find a home in the new space is either completely functional and needed or a true thing of beauty and a treasure. The rest will have to go live elsewhere.

I will be listing destash lots on etsy so stay tuned.  I have far too many vintage cameos, brass stampings,  costume jewelry both pristine and for repair, vintage chatons and the like.  My purge may result in an amazing bargain for someone else.

In 2012 I began the purge and committed to design the life I envisioned for myself. Not all of the process has been easy.  I had to say goodbye to people in my life that were toxic. I spent too much time trying to rescue those that really just wanted to wallow in their misery. Walking away is really tough.  I paid the price for allowing myself to be taken advantage of both financially and emotionally.

I realized that I can be of service to others only when I am my best self.  In 2013 I will focus on healthy habits in all areas of my life so I am able to continue teaching and mentoring in addition to running Lulu Max.  I have always found great joy in being a positive force in my community so I will continue a long standing tradition of volunteering. It is also my honor to be a speaker at Sharon Hughes Launch Your Creativity event this spring where we come together to help you reach your creative goals.

I really just have one rule for 2013: Do not let fear get between you and your goals. What are your fears? What do you need to purge?

Together we can do anything!!

xo,
Tara

Welcoming 2013 And Adventure

This is the beginning of a wonderful new adventure! For me 2013 will be filed with new experiences and artistic ventures. Above is one of the photos I recently took on our travels. I found this wonderful statue in an old cemetery and her delicate hand intrigued me.

 I will be adding elements of my photography to my work this year. I am circling back to my fine art roots in most of my work. Beginning in February I will once again be exhibiting in fine art galleries and studios with mixed media pieces. I have really enjoyed painting again and creating collages. My first large pieces of art created in 1980 were mixed media collages. I still have one of them hanging in my studio. Who knew that 30 years later that would be a popular medium to work in.

No worries there will still be plenty of jewelry and rhinestones! I just wanted to spend 2013 experiencing new things without fear so I am getting out of my comfort zone and forgetting all the rules for creating art. What will you try in 2013??

I have put away all the winter supplies for creating and today begins spring design!! The winter jewelry line for Lulu Max is officially sold out!! The last few pieces found a home on Christmas eve. Thank you to all of my loyal and new customers. I adore creating and your thoughtful purchases allow me the honor of creating for another season.

This spring promises to be exciting. I will be vending at some of my favorite venues and a few new ones. For my Orange County crowd I will of course be at Glitterfest with jewelry and mixed media creations and I will be selling supplies for all of your creations at Create in the Spring.

So what is on my workbench for spring? Loads of rhinestones of course! Plus some beautiful laces and fibers, mother of pearl buttons, bakelite, lucite, trinkets and treasures of all kinds and some really unusual ephemera. Most of you know that there is usually a theme loosely woven into each season. This spring will be no different. Stay tuned for some hints and a preview!

This week I will be preparing the kits for my Enchanted necklace class at Whimzy in Tustin on January 19th. (Pictured above) Last I checked, there were a couple of spots available so come play with us. We will me exploring my new favorite medium for mixed media art and jewelry. A great way to start the new year with a new skill for your persona tool bag.  Join me and I will share my inspiration with you to jump start a dazzling and creative 2013.

I hope all of your holiday celebrations were filed with joy and love. May 2013 find you happy, healthy and inspired!

xo,
Tara

An Enchanted Necklace

Kim Caldwell will be working her magic again this spring creating another memorable event- The Enchanted Affair! I am already signed up to attend. Kim got me thinking about Snow White and all the other princesses of fairy tale lore. So of course, my new necklace is influenced by Snow white and the Huntsman. If you have not seen the movie the jewelry and costumes were amazing.

My workbench has been filled with new products and mediums this year. A particular favorite is a two part epoxy that is unlike anything I have ever encountered. So much fun playing with this new product! Now I am ready to introduce you- guaranteed to be your new go to product in all your creations. This necklace class will teach you everything you need to know about working with this magic clay!

Then we will transform the material using color washes and metallic finishing products to recreate the look of leather, metal or anything your heart desires. Your finished necklace will be wire wrapped together but no jewelry experience is necessary! So, will you create a good potion bottle or something for the evil queen? Everything is included for this class. Just bring your apron and I will bring the good messy fun! January 19th at Whimzy in Tustin 11 until 4.

Whimzy Classes

Check out Kim Caldwells's spring event!

Enchanted Affaire

Back to the studio!

Tara

Art is You Fundraiser

There is a great need for donations to help the many victims of hurricane Sandy.  So many lost everything. We can all help. We are a community and we either thrive or fail as one. Each of us has something to contribute- a kind word, a smile, a warm blanket, a slice of pizza or your talents! I am donating a necklace to the cause. I hope each f you will visit "Art is You" on Facebook or on the web.

No matter your personal situation I am wiling to bet you can do something to help. It takes more than money to rebuild lives. Maybe you could lend an ear to someone having a tough time. Don't get me wrong, your hard earned cash has the ability to change lives. Please give generously.

Here is the link:

Art is You

Here is a sneak peek at the necklace I am donating.

Creating Synergy and Conquering Fear!

W.H.O.A.

Women Helping One Another

This is a shot of part of the group that came together Sunday. (Sorry to those I cropped out- I have to learn photoshop.) What a room full of beautiful artists! Jenny Doh came and inspired all of us to be authentic and live in gratitude. We talked about regrets we might have in our lives. We all have them- so what do we do with them? I have a new perspective on regret. I will use my personal regrets as information for future decision making and as a personal motivation to make different choices. 

The past few months I have been looking for ways to grow artistically. I have been working in new mediums and taking more risks. It is just art- so why am I afraid? So my commitment for 2013 is to jump in with both feet and do what is scary. I will take the risks. I am sure the fear I have imagined is much scarier that the reality.  

First scary thing to give a shot? Photoshop!!

Shadows in the Studio

As the shadows grow on the walls of my studio I am aware the days are growing shorter. This can only mean one thing, Glitterfest fall is almost here! I am at my happiest creating for this amazing mixed media art show held twice a year. I love spending long days in my studio, or more likely the kitchen table, creating something sparkly and new. I also love hearing about what my fellow artists and friends will be brings to the show.

A few of us Glitterfest girls had breakfast last week and it was reinvigorating hearing everyone talk about the treasures they are creating! Crystal Basica will be bringing more of her amazing art pieces with her usual nod to the dark side but she has added a bit of intrigue with a Houdini inspired twist and secret trick or compartment in many of her pieces! Arrive early as I am sure these pieces will disappear!

Julie Nutting was full of amazing news! Her book, Collage Couture, is a beautiful and inspiring book filled with great instructions to recreate some of her signature styles.  She will of course have some original pieces at the show. She has a few tricks up her sleeve too! She has partnered with Leaky Shed Studios to create some amazing and hard to describe paper dolls ready to embellish. Trust me - when you see them yo will have to have some!

See what I mean!! They are just too cute! Speaking of dolls- Lisa Loria is bringing some handcrafted dolls that will make you swoon! Lisa has been busy as a bee in her studio and, as always, will have a diverse table of beautiful things. I got a sneak peek at one of her series of necklaces and, while I have been sworn to secrecy, I can guarantee you will just have to have one!

Today I stopped by the Garden of Beaden to say hello to Robin Dudley Howes! She had some of her treasures with her and they were all drool inducing. I purchased a lovely little charm of a hand holding a heart. Each one of her jewelry pieces incorporates something quite special and unusual. Her distinct style speaks to the gypsy is each of us. She will have gorgeous kits and treasures with her at Glitterfest so make sure you stop by her booth too!

I have a trick or two up my sleeve too! I was lucky enough to find many bakelite and vintage lucite beads to incorporate (which is fun as I die over bakelite). I also found some Miriam Haskell pearls and loads of art deco vintage brass. It is so amazing finding stashes of never used old stock from the 1940's and 1950's. I cannot wait to share my sparkly little pieces of history with you October 13th at Glitterfest!!

Please stop by and say hello!

xo,
Tara

Craft For A Cure!

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This is a little make and take I will be donating to the Craft for a Cure event. Many of you know that I am a cancer survivor and this is a cause near and dear to me. In fact, I am willing to bet each of you has had a friend or loved one with cancer or you are a survivor! My friend and fellow artist has found a fun and meaningful way to raise money for breast cancer research. This one day event brings together many artists who donate their time, profits, and supplies to raise money. The event is held at a private home and each guest is pampered with a delicious lunch and amazing projects. This year the event will be held In Rancho Cucamonga  on Sunday October 14th.

Two of my favorite ladies will be joining us this year and sharing really special projects. Jenny Hernandez will be helping us create one of her darling birds! I just love all her characters, plus she is one of my favorite people!  Jenny puts a bit of herself in every whimsical piece. You will fall in love with her art and begin collecting her pieces as so many of us have.

The delightful and devilishly funny Karen Aguirre will be helping us create on of her paper cake decorations. She is an amazing artist and such a smart and funny gal. You will love her guaranteed! Her blog- Creative Chaos is also one of my favorites.

Seating is limited so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. Denise Hahn is the creator and curator of this event so please visit her blog, In My Blue Room, and look at the other beautiful projects and sign up.

Here is the link:

Craft for a Cure Registration

Thank you in advance,

Tara

Out of Chaos Comes Clarity

The past 8 months have been a roller coaster in so many ways. Despite a few health woes in the recent month, the chaos has been banished. I have reclaimed my studio and created a nice workspace for making jewelry. After six months of Murphy's law ruling the day I was really ready for change. It is interesting to look back and see that emotional clutter turned into actual clutter. My stash of treasures became unorganized and seemed to take over my work space. 

As I have moved through all life could throw at me I have grown in so many ways. I have been nesting for the last two months. Organizing my treasures and supplies, getting rid of clutter, creating a beautiful and inspiring studio, redecorating all of my living spaces. I have learned to let go. I am a control freak by nature and admitting that there are things I cannot control is hard. Letting go is also freeing. I feel a sense of calm in our home now. The spaces reflect my husband and I and the things that are important to us. 

The change has definitely freed me creatively as well. For the moment, in the shine of the zen, I am not feeling the need to add grunge and patina to everything. For the moment I just want everything to shine. We cannot control the bad things that happen in our lives but we can control our response. We turn to many things for comfort in our lives, food, wine, mementos, objects from the past that have no place in our now, weight and clutter. All of these things just get in the way.  Love yourself, live healthy, create a space that is calming and free of clutter and enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer. You deserve it!

Next step, making more time for friendships. It is the people that we surround ourselves with that make life so rich. I am treating myself to the Winter Wonderland Affair. A long weekend of  amazing and inspiring women, art, swaps and laughter. I cannot think of a better Christmas present! If you have not been to a Kim Caldwell event perhaps this spring you can treat yourself and begin your journey!