Showing posts with label Lulu Max. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lulu Max. Show all posts

Monday, February 23, 2015

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

Sunday, February 8, 2015

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

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

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Another One In The Bag


Glitterfest was over the top fabulous.  Such a fun show.  Beautiful, art, fun and friendly artists and the best customers around!!  It was great to see so many familiar faces and meet so many new people! Thank you all for supporting me in all my creative endeavors.  

Still recovering from the complications that came with m back surgery, the show wiped me out. Super excited to get back to physical therapy and the gym. Finally got permission to exercise last Thursday!! So fitness will be my first priority every day.  My health remains fragile and I will be doing everything in my power to change that.  Move more, eat clean and make art. That is what I will be doing. There will of course be the occasional cupcake. 



Be in good health my friends!! 

Xo,
Tara


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Creative Flow


These 
I am a list maker.  I keep lists of what to buy and what to make. Recently I started taking pictures as reminders. A shot of something that inspires or a design I need to remember. I am enjoying this visual to do list. Perhaps I am on to something. 



This is a shot of a pile of goodies that will become a necklace. The parts are in a bag in my studio in my box of projects. 

Found these shopping. I will go back and purchase some if I figure out what to do with them. 


These vintage ornaments got my wheels churning.  Stay tuned to see how these little snippets become items for sale at the next Glitterfest on March 15th!!! 





Xo
Tara

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Creative Habit in 15 Minutes a Day!






All too frequently life gets in the way of our creative flow. I have had some serious down time lately with no ability to create, yet I have filled a sketch book with ideas for the moment I am back in my studio. So what has kept my juices flowing? 







I realized I developed a 15 minute habit. After surgery I could only sit and do anything for a few minutes. Out of sheer boredom I started doing some simple pen and ink drawings. That led to adding a touch of color using watercolor pencils. I enjoyed it too! 

As soon as I could manage I was back in my studio. It began as a little straightening up but turned into a real creative gold mine! 


As I sorted the bits and pieces ideas popped into my head. Because I had no to do list, my mind was allowed to wander and explore the possibilities of each little metal scrap. I was in the moment and connected to the pieces that make up my inventory. 15 minutes at a time. 


Soon I found myself creating little piles to create with.  Then, by playing with all the pretties it had transformed into actual designing. 


Take inventory, play, explore and let your mind wander through the possibilities! Just 15 minutes a day escape life and enjoy your creative brain. Soon it is a habit that will serve you well. Right now that tiny 15 minute segment is the best part of my day.  It is a habit I will keep long after my bones have mended. 

Xo
Tara



Wednesday, July 10, 2013

My Latest Obsession


This is a picture our guest room. Recently, I redecorated so I could feature my collection of baby gowns. Some are little cotton shifts and some are actual christening gowns. I love the sweet cotton that has taken on that golden hue that comes with age. Most of my collection is pre 1930. 

I have always loved items that play with scale and these are no exception. Tiny buttons and diminutive ruffles and lace make me smile. Maybe I just want to dress Lulu and Max in them. Face it, I love all things tiny.  Dogs, perfume bottles, buttons, figurines and frozen Charlottes. 

Today I found more at a fave store and it was all I could do to muster the self control to not buy them all. I started collecting them with a project in mind. Now I cannot bare to sacrifice one to be altered. This means I just need more to choose from right?  Well that is my story and I am sticking to it!!!


  

Friday, May 17, 2013

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!!!

Friday, April 5, 2013

Cancer Makes Me Angry



In the war on cancer we can all play a part. One of the nicest people I know received the news today that she has breast cancer. I hope she knows there is an army behind her ready for this fight. She is strong and a woman of faith and I know she will kick the crap out of cancer.  I know from my personal experience she will need help. 

In 2004, I was diagnosed with a very deadly form of cancer. I had a 5% chance of making it 5 more years. I was scared. Really scared. I told people and they acted like oh cancer- no big deal. The cancer was in my cervix and no one dies from that right? I did not want to explain that I did not have the ordinary cervical cancer but rather a very deadly adenocarcinoma. I could not utter the reality. I felt so isolated. I had my surgery in San Diego and had no friends in the area.  I spent 8 weeks in intensive care after surgery. My right lung collapsed and I had a terrible pneumonia. I ended up with a chest tube and nearly died.  No one came to visit. No flowers, no cards no calls. No one knew I was still in the hospital. Everyone assumed I had a quick surgery and had resumed my life as normal.  I share this because when we hear someone has cancer we do not know what to say. They are sick- we think we should not bother them. Everyone assumes they have had tons of calls and visitors. 

I was so lucky. It took a team of amazing doctors to find a cocktail of antibiotics to save my life. After about 8 months I had my strength back. I needed no further treatment. No chemo or radiation. Whew!! Since my experience in the hospital I have been quietly delivering care packages to those I know will have a hospital stays or have to undergo chemo. It is one way I know that I can provide just a tiny bit of comfort. I know all too well the things you need in the hospital. A throw blanket, baby wipes, chap stick, face cleaning towelettes, good hand cream, a headband, magazines, bottled water and slipper sox make a stay a tiny more pleasant. 

I share this so you know that your friend or family member needs you after they hear the word cancer. Call, text, visit and keep offering to help. The journey is a long one and help and encouragement is needed at every step. If you live far away send a crazy funny card every couple of weeks. Offer to pick up/drop off the kids. Take charge and arrange a few weeks of meals for the family. Every little action is helpful. Know that your call or visit is appreciated. If you arrive at the hospital and they are not up for a visitor just say hello and just know that the fact you came meant everything.    

Everyone assumed I was strong and had everything taken care of- I did not. So call often, visit when you can and find a way to help. Cancer wages war so lets fight back together!

To my friend- I have an endless supply of cupcakes to see you through this!!! XXOO

Sunday, March 24, 2013

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!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Keeping it Creative

I am a terrible blogger. Ok, I was a terrible blogger. I have found my creative voice. Now I have something to say and ideas to share so you might actually hear from me far more than you wanted . So what was the big revelation? Ironically it was the fact that I do not need a big dramatic revelation to share my creative bliss with you. So here goes!


Keeping the creative juices flowing means knowing what I have. I spend a little time each day sorting things into their proper place. It is an ongoing battle but one that pays. As I spend my 15 minutes sorting the piles that have accumulated, or a box of goodies that were in overflow storage, I always find a little nugget of inspiration. The seed of an idea that I will nurture over the next days, weeks or months. So take a break from the creating every once and a while and look through your supplies. You might just get hit with a brilliant idea!!

Friday, January 18, 2013

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

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

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

Wednesday, December 26, 2012


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

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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

Monday, November 12, 2012

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.






Monday, November 5, 2012

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!!


Saturday, September 22, 2012

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

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Craft For A Cure!

1
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:


Thank you in advance,
Tara





Thursday, August 16, 2012

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!