The Polka Dot Pixie

This amazing little mermaid was a gift from the Polka Dot Pixie! Jenny Hernandez is an amazing artist and friend and this siren of the sea is one of her creations. Jenny and I had a quick visit last night before she headed down to Whimzy in old town Tustin to teach a class. She is a paper mache sculptor and painter extraordinaire. If you have not seen her work you must hop on over to her web site at www.thepolkadotpixie.com.  She is also an artist at Glitterfest and will be back October 15th for that show at the Elks Lodge in Santa Ana.

Jenny's work is whimsical and charming. I have a favorite Christmas piece and I hate to put it away after the holidays. Her creations put a smile on your face. A great dose of inspiration. Thank you Jenny for my gift- I love her!

Ready set go!

This Saturday is the first trunk show of the new business! Please join Crystal Basica and I as we launch Serendipity Salvage. We are a vintage mixed media art supply company. Come see all the treasure we have collected June 4th at Garden of Beaden in Upland CA ( 10am until 5pm). Maybe I will bring a sneak peek of what fall holds for Lulu Max!

 I enjoyed  a few weeks off from the designing and making side of Lulu Max. I have been doing a little restocking and shopping. I enjoy hitting flea markets and garage sales looking for that special something to include in a piece. I also spend some time at a scrap book store looking at paper for inspiration. I might use the images or the colors as a starting point to my designs. I usually have something like a sheet of scrapbook paper that provides an over arching theme to the season I am working on.

While shopping I have been picking up so many cool items I decided to share them with you. My friend, artist and business partner Crystal Basica was in the same boat so we have joined forces and Serendipity Salvage was born. We carry vintage mixed media supplies for your every need. You will find us on Etsy and doing trunk shows. So much fun I can hardly stand it! Please follow our blog to see what new items we have and where we will be. We hunt for the deals and pass them on to you. We love a bargain and hope you will too. Come see us June 4th at Garden of Beaden in Upland for our next trunk show.

A little organization never hurt anyone!

I spent the better part of the last week organizing my workspace and studio. While sorting and organizing I quickly came to the realization that it was not all going to fit. I also wanted to be able to see many of my supplies like paper, glitter, trim and jewelry supplies. I purchased a section of slat wall and the fixtures. Trays for glue and glitter and paper trays for my paper. Now I can see everything. My sweet husband had to agree to let me expand my space to the other side of a studio wall and into the bedroom. It looks great! I love being able to see it all and find what I am looking for.

The store I purchased the fixtures from has closed and has a ton of really great fixtures left. Send me an e-mail or comment and I will supply the details so you can get your own slat wall or fixture. The total cost of the slat was and all the plexiglass shelves etc was $160. A great investment in organization. Now I am inspired to create. I began laying out items for my fall line today. A few are in the picture- so there is your hint at what is next. Now go get crafty!!

XOXO

Tara

New Class at Garden of Beaden

Join me at the Garden of Beaden in Upland this Saturday, May 7th at 10 am until 2pm. All materials are included to make one floral cuff. Class price $45.  We will add patina and color using 5 different techniques. Each student will explore each technique before deciding how to design their cuff. You will also learn the basics of punching holes in metal and riveting. Materials to make additional cuffs will be available for purchase. There are three spots left in the class so call to reserve yours now. 

                                                     313 N 2nd Ave # J
                                                     Upland, CA 91786-6076
                                                     (909) 949-7107


You do not need to bring a thing but if you wish, bring your bench block and a small hammer. Everything will be provided for you so come join the fun!  

Instant Inspiration Available at Urban Barn!

Please join Lulu Max and My friend and fellow Gypsy Hoarder, Crystal Basica at Urban Barn April 15 through the 17 for their anniversary flea market. We have a huge assortment of all things vintage for your jewelry and mixed media creations. We will also have our jewelry and art for sale. 

We are bringing something for everyone and bargains galore. I know you will find some little trinket to spark your creative soul. The Urban Barn is an amazing vintage lifestyle store located in Escondido at 155 Cress Street. I hope you can join us to help celebrate a year of amazing vintage finds!!

xoxo,

Tara

Glitterfest

Such an amazing show today! Thank you all for coming out today. I enjoyed meeting so many amazing, art loving people. The room was filled with so many beautiful things. Robin Dudley Howes had a beautiful display filled with such whimsical lovely jewelry and tid bits. I had to bring home a pair of earrings!

 The small bottle with the beaded top and the beaded key are my finds from the Magpie! Melanie is a seed beader and mixed media artist extraordinaire. I cannot wait to make a necklace for this very special bottle to go with my new earrings.

Next, I ventured onto the patio where I fell in love with a painting. She will live in my studio.  On my way back in I decided I had to have this sweet shadowbox. I will post more about these artists when I can think straight. The show was a blast but I am beat! ore pictures of the show to come.  My Mom purchased a necklace from Lisa Loria  and a soldered tree from Crystal Basica that are both to die for and I will post pictures of those too. Enjoy your Sunday!

Creative Chaos

Spring is coming!

Deep in preparation for Moulin Rouge and Glitterfest the house is alive with spring blooms. 

I adore the pinks and greens of spring and have been inspired by the spring color pallet. 

Color can evoke so many emotions and can give such a pick me up. 

So, I am ready to move away from black and cream and step into some color! 

What color speaks to you??

Please join me at the Elks Lodge in Santa Ana March 19th for Glitterfest where more than 50 artists will share their mixed media creations. The show is open from 10 am until 4pm. 

I promise you will be inspired!