Charming Trinkets

Video Experiment: Studio Re-Do

2012-01-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

Okay...my Fly Tribe has inspired me to give this a try. I stole a few minutes and took a short video of my organizing mess to share with you.

Mess Tour!

I've drank about 4 pots of coffee, watched (or listened to) maybe 8 movies in the past 3 days, and this is where I'm at!

Let me know what you think!

Susan

Flying

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mosaic totem by Niki St. Phalle.

In tribute to all my Fly Girl tribe.

Check out our new blog: http://www.fly-tribe.blogspot.com

Weekend Whatever's

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

This edition of Weekend Whatever is dedicated to all of us who can't help but hoard magazines. Yes, you know who you are...magazine whores, paper addicts, idea hoarders!

We have stacks of them.

We have bookcases full of them.

Rows of them hidden.

You know who you are...admit it!

This Weeks Work

2012-01-08T19:44:00.001-08:00

Can you say "complete studio overhaul?" I can.

A couple of weeks ago I began a journey of re-organization, a long, long journey. My inside studio has become, well, shall we say intrusive to my family. So, since we don't park our cars into the garage I have re- appropriated it for my studio. The only thing is, it was already mostly full and needed to be hauled out. Thankfully my friend and very organized second in command, Jeanne, offered to help me drag all my junk out and keep me on the straight and narrow to get rid of what was necessary.

Jeanne and I being goofy!

Thank goodness...because it was a task and a half! After two days of cleaning, hauling, dusting, vacuuming, decisions, throw aways, packing, and other means of junking we found the floor! Which in the above photo is primed for painting.

See? The beginnings of checkers! Isn't this exciting?

With any luck I'll be done before 2012 is over...!

Until next time,

Susan

Words to live by...2012

2012-01-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

There's been an upheaval in thought around here. A research of the mind, a look inside. It's 2012 and things need to start anew. And be reflected upon.

I'm not a resolution kind of gal. Seems like all of those things get lost pretty quickly. But words are powerful. 2010 was tumultuous for me, satisfying business wise, busy, profitable, but big things were missing. So, for 2011 I chose a word, a little saying actually, to focus on and live by. It was "be present", take notice of the moment, live for the now, enjoy the here, don't miss any one thing! It worked and 2011 was much better, much more even, and I was able to concentrate on each day that went by.

For 2012 I want to take it further and have been contemplating three words. Each resonates with me on an emotional level or "speaks" to me in some way. About a week ago I wrote them down so I could read and look at them everyday to make sure those were the words. Here goes, I'm sending them out into the world....

Cognizant...

a hold over from 2011. I still need the focus of being aware, conscious, and attentive in the moment.

Intent...

(loosely translated from the dictionary) a sustained, unbroken commitment, to my business, myself, and my family. (not necessarily in that order)

Authentic....

no more skirting my intuition, no more lessening what I think, no more worrying about how my art manifests...just my authentic self. Written, painted, spoken, and acted!

Thanks for joining me to send my words into the universe. I'll keep you updated as to how I do!

Creatively Yours,

Susan

Goodbye 2011...

2011-12-31T22:29:00.001-08:00

Does it seem possible? We are close to the finest day of 2012. Strange. Well here's to the new year, in all it's glory, hopes,and dreams. See you next year. May all your dreams and hopes come true in this new year.

Falling Off The AEDM Wagon...

2011-12-01T15:19:00.001-08:00

Well, you know what they say about the best intentions. I really must forgive myself for not posting something creative everyday. There is just too much life going on around here!

Like this for instance...

Aren't they adorable?

My son received an honor roll certificate today! There he is with his teacher.

She's the absolute bomb! He has done so well under her guidance this year it's amazing.

My daughter had her also so we already knew how wonderful she was. The teaching talent she has is apparent on each and every face in her classroom. They just glow if you visit the room. All of the 35 or so are always smiling and happy. It's a joy to see them all. Plus she's a fine artist in her own right.

We are so lucky!

Grandma and Grandpa were there this morning also.

All the way from New York!

Then we also had some sad news about a week ago as a friend of ours passed away far too soon. She was part of our couples Bunco group which, sadly, we haven't participated in too much this year. I just rsvp'd to an afternoon celebration of her life and wasn't really asked but there was a spot to commit to bring something to eat. Funny how you remember things when someone passes. Well, I promised to bring potato salad because each and any time she was able to have my special recipe it was her favorite. She would graciously beg at the end of the evening to "please can I have a doggy bag of your potato salad?" Then as we made her bowl and put whatever was left into a smaller container she'd run her finger through the bowl and lick them clean! I smile everytime I picture this in my head. She was funny, warm, and seemed to love everyone. Sad...

On a bit lighter note my daughter had a belated birthday party with a few friends.

Adorable pic #2!

Again we're lucky and blessed. My daughter, all the way to the right, has a great group of polite yet goofy friends. They are all high achievers, always say thank you, they tell hysterical jokes, and they aren't annoying! which for teenagers is a big thing! (especially for me to say!) The big thing that day? Riding the escalator for no apparent reason...

...except to ride it! They are a crack up!

On more of a creative note, I taught my last couple of classes for 2011.

A shrink plastic addiction class, because it is. And also a resin class that focused on using photographs.

But alas, we were having so much fun in both classes that I didn't take any pictures of the wonderful students that I had....duh!

So, these are some of the things that go on as you find yourself falling off the blogging wagon. There are many more in between but for now I must move on! Signed up today for a class with Flora Bowley (linked to her blog so you can see why this class is a must have) and it's all the fault of my fellow flygirls! Oh, not really! It's a good thing to reach outside your comfort zone and try new things. My inner voice has been yelling at me to pursue some new creative things so I'm on it!

Until next time!

Creatively Yours,

Susan

Does this help?

2011-11-22T16:44:00.001-08:00

It's working for me!

???

2011-11-22T14:07:00.001-08:00

I bet this doesn't help.

More...

2011-11-22T13:33:00.001-08:00

Is this easier?

Oh Where Oh Where Did I Go?

2011-11-22T10:15:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's the busiest time of the year and I go off for a bit of a break...! No better time than the present, right?

So just for a little holiday fun I thought I'd post a few pictures, today through thursday, and see if you guys can figure out where I am. (maybe a clue or two also!) Leave me a comment here and on Friday I post a winner. If more than one player guesses correctly I'll put everyone's name in a hat and draw. The winner can choose a piece of jewelry from my collection and I'll mail it out next week.
Here's the first teaser pic...

Reviewing or AEDM #14

2011-11-14T18:38:00.001-08:00

Today was another day of running around and my poor studio chair is gathering dust. I drove to San Diego today and tried to re-do my display at Art N Soul on 101.You know how if you stare at something long enough you don't really see it anymore? Well, that's how i felt about the display. So if it weren't for the help of Miss Paige and Cindy, the owners of the shop, I'm not sure it would have changed much. Thanks gals!!

My new display!

It looks much better! If you are in the area go check them out! The shop is full of fabulous art that could help with your Christmas list!

Other than display review I've been doing alot of thinking about designs and what to do next. Sometimes the best way to figure out how to move forward is to look back.

Frogs!

These were frogs I made back in 2009. Very fun brass stampings that say "rib bit!"

Fairies!

Also in 2009 I made a limited edition of 25 "Re-Affirmation Fairies"

Each one was hand stamped or drawn, cut out by hand, individually colored, and had something positive written on the back. They were great fun and sold out over the period of about six months or as fast as I could get them made.

I also made a bunch of these sort of paper doll like pins. Each one was named and I wrote a short story about their lives and likes.

Later that year I started doing various caricatures of famous faces.

Some word jewelry.

And for Christmas that year I did a bunch of crowned faces.

Early 2010 I discovered these. I LOVE these!

I also got hooked on these Mother and child images as well as...

the Virgin de Guadalupe.

Since then I've made rings and experimented in lots of resin.

Turned my doodling into wearable art.

Made LOTS of fairytale stuff.

My first time at Glitterfest!

And I've set up many displays.

But I am still pondering the next thing...the next design...the next creative piece of the puzzle.

Stay tuned...I"ll figure it out! (at some point!)

Until next time,

Susan

P.S. Check out the others involved in the Art Everyday Challenge!

How To Keep 10 Year Old Boys Busy or AEDM Day 11

2011-11-11T17:06:00.001-08:00

Sun in the back makes for a tough photo.

During yesterdays post I thought I would do some creative re-organizing of the swamp I now call my studio...well...it seems that I'm too lazy to attempt that today so I'm turning over the creativity to my son, Paul.

He got into the polymer clay today and decided to experiment. Taking charge of a couple of blocks of neon orange and some denim blue, he ran them through the pasta machine at very thin layers.

Rolling the sheets together as a snake.

Pressing and rolling he pushed the two colors together as he rolled.

Action shot.

Snake anyone?!

The colors had swirled in no real pattern throughout the snake so we cut the ends off then began to cut slices to use. Paul just made his first cane!

Two of many...

He made a couple beads then halfway through decided they should all be creatures. No pictures yet as he's not finished. But he's raiding my trash bead stash to make eyes, robot hands and various other things. It may be too scary to photograph once he's done!

Until next time,

Susan

Something From Nothing - AEDM Day 10

2011-11-10T15:34:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I promised to make something out of nothing...so here goes!
(AEDM #10)

Nothing on the sheet.

Ooh, now there's something!

Cut them out...

...a little color (can you see the lavender?)

Voila! There's really something!

These are part of my Steampunk collection.

The studio after a show! Ugh!

This last picture is my angst for the day. This is the other side of my studio from where I normally work. It's the side where everything gets piled while I try to put together show goodies. Now it's at a level where I feel like there is someone behind me...like the ever growing blob....ready to swallow me up at any time!

Tomorrow we will attempt to "creatively" fix this (without a backhoe)

Until then,

Susan

Playing Catch Up - Days 4 thru 9 of AEDM

2011-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then! Seems I dropped off the wagon...so, let's see. That leaves me off at last Friday. The day before my show at the Irvine Fine Arts Center was full of prep work. My lovely second in command, Jeanne, was called off to Chicago for a family emergency and I was left to figure out how to do all these things alone!

Worked on new images for cards and display. Yes, this is me
about age 2, but I added the hat digitally.

I loaded the car which is always a puzzle and work.

The beginning...

...the middle...

...the end! (literally)

Then when my alarm went off at 4:05 am Saturday morning I was ready to go! In the dark!

The show was good. Lots of shoppers and about 150 booths. I only really took a couple pictures.

Some ladies fondling their way thru my booth.

The view from the side of my booth to the others on the patio area.

Home again Saturday night and I think I passed out once I got comfortable.

Sunday we gathered some friends and headed out for brunch and to check out another show but here locally. Sorry, no pictures, I completely forgot!

Day 7 would have been Monday and I hate to say that I'm not sure what I did during the day. It must have been somewhat creative but I haven't a clue. (the first thing to go...memory)

Monday night we got creative about dinner and went out! No cooking, too tired!

A little Yardhouse action...one goofy son + one husband partially
catatonic + one quizzical Grandpa =
general gender confusion!

Tuesday was my trip out to Orange County to see about selling some jewelry at the Owl's Lantern.

Box #1

Box #2

Then it was home to take my son to his Judo class.

The dojo.

Today I was off again to San Diego this time.

Art N Soul in Encinitas, California

Great stuff all the way around.

My Mother chatting up the owner, Cindy.

Then there is my spot.

Looks better on camera but not sure if I like it.

Feel free to suggest some options here. I'm going in again next week to re-do this.

I need to change this up and make it look different. Hmmm...ideas!?

My last effort of creativity today was to sequester myself in the kitchen and cook!

All alone with my organic garlic and a knife.

Add olive oil. (and several Jamie Oliver cookbooks)

My cooking corner.

I whipped up pork loin chops with a soy, garlic, apple glaze, baked Butternut Squash, salad with all kinds of raw goodies and fresh arugula, some crusty French bread with roasted garlic hot from the oven....yum, yum!

Now I'm full and ready to sleep!

Not sure any of this fits the art every day bill but tomorrow I promise to create something out of nothing and blog about it!

Until then, Susan

P.S. Check out all the others doing the everyday challenge!

A QR What? (Day #3 AEDM)

2011-11-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

Should take you to my latest newsletter.

Unbeknownst to me as I was putting together a notice for the show this weekend Mail Chimp produced this QR code for me! How cool is that?

After you download the app that reads these, you hold your smart phone to it and it will (should) take you to the newsletter.

Who knew!

More creativity tomorrow!

Susan

A Creative Qwickie...

2011-11-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today required many things that aren't necessarily creative. Inventory of my jewelry, a run to the post office, kids back and forth to school, and an afternoon of grocery shopping. But I did manage to squeak out some of these guys...

Hooty Who!

Retro colored Owls ready to greet me tomorrow when I get into the studio!

28 posts to go! See you tomorrow,

Susan

Art Everyday For The Month of November Post #1 or Where The Bodies Are Buried

2011-11-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

(Blog hop gals the post is down one!)

Well this is going to really be achallenge so I may as well dive right in head first! Yes, I'm going to show youwhere the bodies are buried....right now....right here...

I have about 30 linear feet of studio counter work space, I work in 4 square inches.

Look! There they are now!

My creative endeavor today includes allthe lovely little digi ladies shown above. I created a bunch, even a couple ofguys, and am working up a new line of crazy people. Not being one to doanything easy or that can be done fast, I printed all my gals on paper then cutthem out in DETAIL.

That lets me play with them, stand themnext to backgrounds, place then in smaller areas, cut their heads off, it alldepends on my mood. The mood today definitely had some heads rolling.

Here's a sneak peek of a few of the thingsthat will be in my booth Saturday for the IrvineFine Arts Show.

Before...

See? Many body-less images!

Still before...

Only one kept herself intact.

Today's creative task complete!(almost...stay tuned, more tomorrow!)

Until next time,

Susan

Inspiration and Blog Hop 101

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

This post is a part of our first blog hop including quite afew of the artists that connected during the class ”Flying Lessons” presentedby the fabulous Kelly Rae Roberts. The theme is “Spreading Our Wings” or how wewere inspired by our experience. It could involve some of our artwork orwhatever creative element we desired to write about. At the end you’ll find thelist of amazing participants in the blog hop.

A few months ago I decided to participate in Kelly RaeRoberts course for creative’s called “Flying Lessons.” Little did I know at thetime just how much of an impact it would make on me.

My thought was that the class would let me figure out how totake my little business to the next level. Honestly I’ve been feeling verystuck, like I’m only going through the creative “motions” and not gettinganywhere. Loving Kelly Rae, her blog, and her art I signed up excitedly andwaited for the first days post to come. Guess what the subject matter was?Fear…..!

Goofy daughter!

To say that I’ve been afraid over the past year would be anunderstatement. As the course continued the subject matter continued with astrong under tone of emotional churning. Each post dug deeper even though itwas sprinkled with business tips and suggestions. My brain was in turmoil. Howwas I going to sift through all of this information?

Have fun with your own face!

Although I talk to my other half about everything and thiswas subject matter that he gets, but doesn’t truly “get” it. My friend circleis a myriad of different personalities and backgrounds but only one that I cantruly say understands the angst of the creative. And she lives an hour away.Just about weekly someone will ask me what I do and when I reply artist I’mconfronted with an, “oh you’re a stay at home Mom.” One gal I’ve known foralmost 25 years refers to my creative work as, “that crafty stuff you dosometimes.” And I can’t tell you how many people drop off your radar whenyou’re in seclusion trying to work towards the holiday season. It’s one of mybiggest frustrations.

Hmmm...

The course ran for five weeks. Five weeks of franticthoughts, updates to all things internet, and dreading the end of the class. Itwas so enjoyable, and yet un-nerving, I wanted it to continue for as long aspossible. From the start we all knew there would be a private Facebook group wecould join if we wanted to. Open to all that took the course. I requestedentry, not knowing what to expect.

Well, the group is 378 strong! The conversation runs thegamut from teasing to serious money questions, to art shows to tradingtechniques and much, much more. I commented and tried to jump in. Mostly I readand tried to take it all in. It was (and is) art talk that is going on everydayand into the night. It’s a group that “gets it” whatever that may be. It’s asafe spot that you can come to and chat about the things that are on your mind.A spot to try out new ideas. A place to get or give help. An area to share aheartbreak or physical condition that you can’t even say out loud to yourself. Agroup that takes you for who you are and lets you know you’re not as alone asyou thought you were.

It was said somewhere in our comments that, “who knew thebest resource we’d get from taking the class would be ourselves!” So true. Myinspiration is ongoing. Everyday I get to interact with all of the fabulousmembers of our group. Everyday there is something new to ponder and chat about.I am inspired to do more, be true to myself, and go forward to fulfill dreams Ithought might not be possible a few months ago. And if I take a day and don’tquite get where I’d like to? Well, I can turn to anyone in our group forsupport or a laugh. For that, and so much more, I want to say thank you! Thankyou to all of you who “get” it, it truly means the world to me. ( and so do allof you!)

Free to fly the universe!

Now go forth and visit ALL of the following blogs for greatart, great people, and tons of inspiration!!!

Until Next Time,

(which will be tomorrow with the start of Creative Every Day

for November!)

Susan

If you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe, like and follow us!!!

Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/

Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com

Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/

Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/

Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/

Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com

Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/

Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org

Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/

Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com

Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com

Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com

Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com

Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/

Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com

Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/

Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/

Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/

Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com

Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/

Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com

Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/

Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html

Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org

Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/

Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/

Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/

Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/

Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Michele Products:

http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/

Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/

Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com

Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com

Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com

Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/

Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com

Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/

Melanie Douthit: www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com

Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/

Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/

Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/

Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/

Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com

Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com

Sherry Richert Belul:

http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup

Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/

Stacey Chadwick

Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/

Susan M. Walls-Beverly:

http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com

Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/

Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/

Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/

Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog

Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/

Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com

A New Class!

2011-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a couple days late introducing you to a couple of the lovely ladies that took my new Resin + Polymer Transfer class this past Sunday.

Here's one of the sample pieces.

We gathered at Stamping Details in Poway, California and had a ball! In the process of warming up the clay (Donna sat on hers the entire time) rolling it out, cutting paper, watering it down, baking, learning resin and everything else we shared, a five hour class turned into almost 6 1/2! And we were having so much fun I only took a few pictures but here they are...

Ashley, Alicia, & Darlene with a box of their new favorite product!
And aren't we lovely in our safety glasses!

Carla with her hair on fire! Lit with too many ideas and
tips given to her from me...

these are Carla's creations. She took the time before class to make some of
her own bezels from the polymer and they were spectacular!

Dear Carla a bit less overloaded...

...and I didn't get her picture but Paige made this fabulous creation with all her parts! How clever is she!

I have to thank the over the top creatrix Marsha Jorgenson of Tumble Fish Studios for giving me permission to use her art for this class. Her digital images are truly one of a kind and we loved each and every one!

Thanks to all my great students! I hope you had a fun day and went home with your head full of new ideas.

Until next time!

Susan

Fun With Photos...

2011-10-18T17:31:00.001-07:00

Here's what we do for fun...

So now you know what we do with our time!

Be creative!
Susan
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What's Up This Week...?

2011-10-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I 'm in the midst of day two where there is silence in the house and I can pretty much run naked all day if I want to! But since I don't have time for that I have been taking tons of photos trying to get everything new documented. I had to take a break for a minute so I thought I would share my photo set up with you and maybe it's something you might want in your studio.

Photo area in my studio

Here it is! On top of a set of wire drawers I keep a home made photo box, which basically is a cardboard box with white fabric. I didn't take any photos while I built the box but let me see if I can break it down.

Find an appropriate sized, sturdy, cardboard box. For me this meant medium in size since I photograph mostly small items. For you gals that do larger paintings and collage you could definitely go bigger.
Gather some supplies: white cotton cloth, fairly sheer & inexpensive, white duct tape (cheapest at Home Depot), sharp box cutter or exacto knife, ruler

I chose to leave the bottom of the box uncut for stability then measured about 1 1/2" frames at the edges of the other 5 sides of the box. These will be your cutting lines. Once I got all the pieces cut out I loosely measured the fabric to fit in the holes, then just taped the fabric around the edges and to the box. Do this for 4 of your 5 sides leaving one side open for your picture taking (I almost did them all!) Also make sure you use the white tape to cover up any exposed corners inside the box and cover the inside base with your fabric. This insures a totally white background that is easily manipulated in your photo editing software. I also put two small circles of Velcro inside the back at both the right and left corners. This allows you to have whatever background you choose stay standing tall in the back and not falling down all the time driving you crazy!

Voila! You have a photo box!

I am currently hoarding regular lightbulbs that mimic daylight. In the above picture you can see that I have the window open towards the back of the box and also a light to each side as well as one on a tripod pointed down over the top. You really have to play with these to get the effect you want.

Inside the box

Here's what the light looks like from inside the box.

Photo without cropping or adjustment, shot from the front

One more, a little closer...

Shot more from the top of the piece and closer

And just so that I can share what it is I am trying to photograph as a whole, here's my table full of stuff!

Stuff to photograph

Wish me luck! I may need it to get through everything on the table!

Until next time,
Susan

The Anatomy of a Package

2011-09-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today I find myself putting together two, not just one, but two packages to mail from sales on my Etsy supply shop. How exciting! What I had forgotten was that I haven't really concentrated on my packaging for this particular shop so I had to go back through and re-design some of my media. Firstly, I believe everything you receive should be like getting a gift, wrapped and tied, and always accompanied by a handwritten note.

Wrapped twice, light bubble wrap & tissue.

Folded...

just so!

Now the sticker fits!

And voila! Wrapped, bowed, stickered, and sent with a note plus card with my little button on it as a present. The secret additive is a coupon for free shipping on the next order! Both orders today were for some of my vast charm collection. Thanks to both of you!

Finished package.

Until next time,

Susan

Technorati

2011-09-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

goofy dog photos

Just to be clear, here are all the different places you can find me on the web:

My website

My Facebook business page

My main blog happens to be where you're at!

Blog #2 (why? I'm not sure yet)

My Etsy shop

Twitter

Flickr

Good Lord...! Do you think that's enough already!?

Three Years in the Making...

2011-09-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today was day two of the never ending tile project at my son's elementary school. (sigh) This is the third year that we've tried to finish one wall of hand tiles for the kids. The first year the school had hired an outside shop to do the project. Unfortunately after many a day when the gal that ran the ceramic place showed up late, she closed her business. That left us with unfinished tiles. Then we hired a guy to install the ones we had, he charged us a pretty penny then when asked about coming back he no showed...! Later the following year our school PTA came apart so from December to June we had no group at all! Some where in there the school acquired a kiln.

starting to load

In collaboration with one of our fabulous fifth grade teachers, who offered to teach me how to use it, I offered to fire all the tiles myself. Early this year we sold 102 hand tiles to finish the wall and printed up red, orange, black, and grey hands! What I didn't realize at the time was that my involvement with another group, our site council, would mess up the time I had to fire the tiles! This year was my second year on our council and, low and behold, there was extra money to be had! (unheard of at schools) As a group we voted to use it to further our art program and elected two of our artsy teachers to do a ceramics class with the entire school! Well, guess what went in the kiln? (this was starting to feel like a Shakespearean comedy of errors at this point) The week after school let out in June I finally got a load of the tiles into the kiln. But only 60 of the 102. The other 42 waited until the first week of this year, or so I thought. Happily I loaded the kiln once we went back to school and it didn't fire correctly. What now you ask? (you can't make this stuff up) There were black widow spiders in the 220 outlet disrupting the electricity! When and how does this happen? And to add insult to injury the room we use for storing all our ceramic supplies was completely infested with the spiders too! Yuck! It took several days but after the electrician came out to clean the outlet, the exterminator sprayed our storage room (a lovely pesticide mint scent) we tried again! And it worked! Yay!

it's really a giant jigsaw puzzle

So, if you're still with me you're thinking, finally, she's about finished. Oh no, no so fast! One more turn as the weather here went into the triple digits. With no real "man" (is there such a thing?) for the install my bevy of women helpers weren't keen on climbing ladders and making mud pies in the heat. So, once more we put it off another week. That week was up day before yesterday! We did it, well, most of it. Once we installed everything we had fired we realized that we (read I) counted incorrectly or we were punch drunk or who knows...but we needed more tiles! This afternoon I fired another 28 of those buggers and next Tuesday it will be finished or I'll be jumping from the top of the 16 foot ladder! Please wish me no kiln explosions, no more spiders or other wildlife and no injuries until after next Tuesday!!

The moral of the story is never volunteer for anything unless you are sure you can be flexible no matter what the situation, keep a sense of humor because there is truly something comical about everything, and make sure you can stay the course! (no matter how long it takes!)

Stay tuned for pictures of the "completed" project!

Until next time,

Susan

Houston, We Have A Problem...

2011-09-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

In the midst of everything I finally managed to do some actual creative work. It only took a couple weeks, two frantic phone calls to tell me I had class samples due two weeks ago (!!!), and a fellow flyer who's kind words of "JUST DO IT!" have been resonating with me for several days. (her advice was actually to get me to write a blog post so I'm multi-tasking...Thanks Lori!)

So, yesterday, all day, I played in my resin.

It's a myriad of things from some wholesale ideas (Parisian Eiffel's), to family photo's (class samples), and a new class I'm working on. That's the most fun (and a little stressful)! See the girlies on the left...?! I'm going to teach you how to make them! Yes, yes! All of you in San Diego county need to swing by Stamping Details in Poway later in the week. I will be dropping off all the details and samples sometime during the day on Wednesday for an October 23rd class. Since it's new and the first time I'll be teaching it I've limited students to a maximum of 8. That's gives me an opportunity to have time to work with everyone one on one. and that's what taking a class is all about...one on one interaction!

Wouldn't this be fun as a self portrait?! I think we need to bring some photos of ourselves for the class! I should also shout out a thank you to Marsha of Tumble Fish Studios for giving me permission to use her extraordinary digital images for this class! Thanks Marsha!

Okay, so the not so hot but fixable thing that happened was I got carried away with some of the resin and over poured some of my pieces. It's a teaching moment and not anything reaching critical mass. Resin is more forgivable than one might think. Here's what happened...

Yes, they are stuck to the cardboard.

Very stuck, I had to cut the cardboard around the trays to get it loose. But alas! It can be fixed!

Rubbing alcohol is your friend, so are Q-tips. Remove as much of the cardboard as you can. I cut a slight slit along the side to get at the paper but be careful NOT to scratch up your lovely metal!

Try not to carve the metal!

Saturate the Q-tip with the alcohol and soak the cardboard.

You can see I have completely soaked the paper and after that it's really a waiting game. Just give it enough time to weaken the resin. Careful not to let the alcohol drip over the the front of your piece.
See! The alcohol will let you get an edge of the paper up...

then all you have to do is peel, slowly and maybe re-apply the alcohol under neath if necessary.

Voila! Good as new!

Aren't they cute! They're mine. He's ten and she's twelve (counting the days to thirteen!)

Until next time I'll be in my studio mainlining coffee...

Be creative!
Always,
Susan

Almost Forgot Something Important!!

2011-07-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Good thing my head is attached...I almost forgot to add that you can find my jewelry at a fabulous shop in Encinitas. (I may have mentioned it before) But I wanted to introduce you to the owners and give everyone a tour....

They are wonderful! If you're nearby stop in and peek at all the goodies!!

My Favorite Things...

2011-07-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. Doctors appointments, unwell people in our lives, running around, and now working towards my show in Phoenix. Phew!

I wanted to start sharing some of my favorite things and items that I find myself using almost everyday. Sometimes during teaching folks will ask me about certain things that they've never heard about or seen or have no clue how to use...! So here goes...

If you don't own one of these you need to get in the car and go get one, right now!! (just kidding) But these craft sheets, sometimes also referred to as silicone mats, are the best invention in awhile. In the background you can see my desk is covered with one...okay, maybe more than one! I have them all over. My kids scribble on them with permanent markers, all types of paint, glues, and I use them under all my resin projects. After the sheet gets dirty you wipe it down with a damp cloth or baby wipe. When I feel lazy I put it in the top of my dishwasher. You can also bake on it. It works for shrink plastic or polymer clay and, if you designate one for food only, you can also use it for your edible projects! A great investment that you'll use over and over again for years to come. (go get one or two!)

Item #2 are these Tonic scissors designed by Tim Holtz. I have a pair in every room! (just about) Not only are the blades teflon coated but they're serrated! That means you can cut through tough stuff like foils and thick cardboard or trim your rubber stamps or just threads hanging from your kids clothes. Also those large red handles are squishy, soft for your hands when you're working on lots of things for long periods of time. Love them!

Okay one more, I take these whenever I have a class or to school or anywhere, including my studio, another great product!

These fold flat for travel!

You can use it as a water busket for painting or gluing, sometimes it becomes a trash container at the table, it's a great thing! (you'll see my logo on a couple pictures because I do sell some of these items too!)

Last but not least here's what my desk looks like today...Yikes!

I am trying to work out some new class ideas for the fall but maybe all I'm doing is making a huge mess! What else is new!

What have you been up to?

Until next time!

Create, create, create!!

Susan

On The 10 Year Plan...

2011-07-01T19:53:00.001-07:00

Well, the first week of kid class was cancelled, we needed a minimum of 5 kids to join us and we missed by a couple :(

Some things are blessings in disguise and I was able to cross off a few things on my "long" list, otherwise known as the 10 year plan. First my daughter and I spent a couple of days doing a mosaic on our enormously heavy umbrella stand. Which now will be heavier with all our tile, glass, and concrete!

Next I've had these little aluminum chairs forever. My neighbor had them slotted for the garbage and I couldn't let them go. That was probably 8 years ago.

Four cans of spray paint later we now have 4 different colored, fun pool deck chairs. Yay!

And a nosy dog...the others are 2 shades of turquoise.
The other big project sanding and re-varnishing our patio table and chairs. That's so one of those things that's on the bottom of the to do list. But it feels good to get through it. Plus it might last another few years and that would save me a few dollars that I don't need to spend on new furniture. (can't find any I like that's less than $2000 anyway, that's not going to happen!)
Happy 4th of July weekend! Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday!
Until next time,
Susan
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Goings On...

2011-06-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

We are diving right into summer! AdaLee and I will at Bead Island in our town of Murrieta (26145 Jefferson Avenue) for three weeks of kid classes. Open to ages 8 through 14 from 9 am to 11:30 am. and if you don't mind some cleaning up around you, bring your lunch to nibble on after class! Moms you can stay and play if you would like to but you don't have to. (We'll keep everyone busy until you get back!)

Next week, Tuesday 6/28 through Thursday 6/30, that gal up there and I will be creating tons of different things with paper! Origami, paper beads and all things floral.

For Tuesday July 12 through Thursday July 14 we are getting out the polymer clay! For those who haven't played with this clay before it is a plastic, non-toxic, bake in your own oven clay! That means you can make all kinds of goodies with it! Beads, mini-sculptures, game pieces (think personalized checkers or creature chess pieces!), use your imagination freely!

Our last week, Tuesday July 19 through Thursday July 21, must include my personal favorites! Magnetic bottlecaps, as decoration and jewelry, and all kinds of shrink plastic! Yay!

Please contact the shop at 951.461.1071 to reserve a spot or take a trip over there to see all our samples. (bottlecap samples are hiding for another week or so!)

In addition to our kid class schedule I do have one day of "big" kid class this weekend. Saturday June 25th we will play together in my "Addiction to Shrink Plastic" class in the morning then more good stuff with "Intro to Resin" in the afternoon. Also held at Bead Island right here in town!

One last thing...I want to share what's on my desk this week and it's all things Alice.

Currently I am working to have as much inventory as I can for a mixed media show in Phoenix, Arizona (yes, I'm travelling out of state!!!) With any luck (and a strong wind) my table will have a ton of Alice, Oz, and various other fairytale characters. Keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time,

Susan

Getting Un-Stuck

2011-06-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a busy, busy spring that was preceded by a nutty fall/winter season. Wow...

Since being here last January I've done alot of introspective soul searching about his business of mine. Christmas was too busy and I lost track of several things I shouldn't have, let alone try and enjoy the holidays with my family. It's been that way for, hmmm, maybe five years now. But last season was the worst. And it continued right into the first part of this year.

It's better now. I've weeded through my schedule and rearranged what it is I want to be priorities. Boy does that help! It took some time, thinking, and a few things had to go by the wayside but I fell tons better. Less stress and better focus.

That's going to be my phrase (or one of them) for this year...focus!

Did you miss me?

Always,
Susan

P.S. I shook up how this thing looks with a background from one of my favorite artists, Itkupilli. Please peruse her blog and click on the upper left hand corner link. You won't be disappointed!

Sneak Peek & A Creative Jaunt

2011-01-29T21:28:00.001-08:00

The last week has been a blur. Committed to too many things and there aren't enough hours in the day. But somehow, someway things manage to get done. Maybe just working better under pressure.
Tomorrow morning two of my favorite people will be on my doorstep to take off for the biggest craft, hobby, artistic venture perhaps in the country or in several countries. CHA is at the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend and I am super excited to be able to go. It's a magic wonderland for all of us who are creative. I plan to set my hair on fire with new ideas and inspiration. If I can find wi-fi I w I'll blog a bit from the site tomorrow or Sunday. There is always such fun stuff to share.
Plus I am dropping off a bunch of my jewelry pieces to the Irvine Fine Art Center on Monday and will be featured in their gift shop for february, yay! I've got a sneak peek of some of the things you will find if you go take a peek, ready, set, go!

I love Salvador Dali...

Mona in hearts.

Alice dressed up for Valentines day.

And some Frida, all my favorites!

So I'm off..to bed, to CHA, and to spend a few hours with great friends!
See ya soon,
Susan

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Swallowed Up...Part Two

2011-01-14T23:49:00.001-08:00

Okay, let's start again. That last post was crazy long! Let's start again where we left off...Thanksgiving.

These two took us out for dinner since we had just driven in from Las Vegas. Don't they look happy about it?

This young man had two orders of mini corn dogs and a complete quarter of a pumpkin pie. Ate it all then around 2 in the morning tossed his stomach all over his room, the bathroom, and the hall. Yay!

Another couple of classes on 12/5 with yet another great group. Aren't they fabulous to look at?

My 12/11 group! It's truly amazing what everyone comes up with in class and how different everything is. And the enthusiasm for learning something new is overwhelming.

Working hard...

We had a bit of time to be goofy and play with our "dog".

My daughter is a dragon fanatic so we made Dragon cookies for all her friends for Christmas.

Most of the time they actually like each other.

Christmas day...

Christmas night...

This gang chaperoned the adults until the wee hours of the morning on New Years Eve.

That pretty much where we are today. These two are relaxing while the humans run around like crazy people. We're back in school, volunteering, planning events, writing class ideas, updating websites, and everything else that goes with it.
I hope that your holiday time was as wonderful and nutty as ours.
Until next time,
Susan
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Swallowed Up By The Holidays...

2011-01-13T23:23:00.001-08:00

My first resolution of the new year is to try not to apologize about not blogging more often. But I still feel bad. I haven't been here since October and there just hasn't been time for me to figure it all out. I need a secretary or an assistant or to win the lottery...well, in lieu of that I thought I might show you what I've been up to, in pictures and one liners...!

Two weeks after the fabulous Glitterfest I ended up at the Bernardo Winery, one of my favorite spots for shows.

My good friend Lori was right across from me for the weekend.

And my goofy pal Jeanne helped me out on Saturday.

Then it was this gals birthday.

We had a spiderweb cookie the size of a Volkswagen!

I made several sets of these for a great client to resell in her own shop.

Halloween came and it's just irresistible to dress up the dogs, doesn't he look irresistible...?

Then there were these hooligans.

As the holidays approach I start to feel a little strange.

I put together a lot of rings...

11/6 found me at the Irvine Fine Arts Center surrounded by super talented vendors of all media.

11/7 was the Carlsbad Fair and look whats on her ears!?!! Yes, she bought them the day before with me in Irvine...!

My first class at Bead Island in Murrieta, don't they look great?

Class samples for my Christmas Marie Antoinette in Paris resin class.

The Stamping Details show in Poway.

Holidays are coming closer and we start to get stranger and stranger...

Another class, this time with all the staff at Bead Island. It was a blast.

Tons of creative resin was poured.

Many kits were put together.

My daughter made honor roll!

My husband forced me into the car the week of Thanksgiving and MADE me go to Las Vegas for a few days.

...did some of this...

...stared at the view...

...made a new friend...

...did ALOT of eating, this was some of the unbelievable food from Emerils Delmonico Restaurant.

My idea of the perfect Santa (he was wearing fishnets!)
Okay, this is a crazy long post. Moving on to another...

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More Glitterfest...

2010-10-06T21:44:00.001-07:00

There was much more to see than just my last post. Much more! It was a fabulous day and the next one is set for March 19, 2011 so mark your calendar!

Here's my lovely friend Bridgette and her fantastic line of mixed media jewelry called Bella Luna.

Bridgette, who are you pointing at? Me?

Here is the Polka Dot Pixie. Are those sculptures cute or what? By the end of the day there wasn't much left on her table. The collector group of clientele ran around the room first thing and scooped up all the one of a kind goodies!

Here are some action shots of my booth during the fray!

Thanks to Sheryl and Diane for a great day!

Til next time,
Susan

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Glitterfest!!! Were you there?

2010-10-03T22:00:00.001-07:00

I have to admit that I did feel better once this picture was taken. Whew, what a few weeks. Let's just say that I was busy trying to make sure that everything went smoothly and spot on. Okay, I was nervous. My display space was in my living room for almost five weeks...yes, I put my table space in the living rom and played with it for the better part of five weeks! Hopefully it looked more effortless than it was. But once we arrived and the space was great, set up was smooth, I felt much more calm.

My friend Jeanne was a Godsend for the day (more days than just Saturday but...) and jumped in to help in every area. It's a huge luxury for me to have help that does whatever needs to be done, doesn't need direction, has a genuine sense of urgency, and is enjoyable to be around. And I hate to say she took all the pictures and I don't have any of her...!

But she took some fun photos...

The front entry. Can you guess what those are? Come on, look closer. Okay here's a close up.

Figure it out...leave a comment and let me know!

More pictures to come...Bridgett where are you? I'm going to show you off to the world!

Until then,
Susan
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Sneak Peek

2010-09-28T17:52:00.001-07:00

So I am once again remiss in updating my blog and have left everyone hanging since July...! Well, I have no good excuse so I won't give you one. Let's just say that my poor blog drops on the priority list when life gets hectic.

Anyway, there is important news on the horizon...Glitterfest! Yes, I said Glitterfest! This coming Saturday October 2, myself and a fabulous bunch of artists will be at the Santa Ana Elks Club from 10 to 4 with the best selection of mixed media you will see all season! Cards, vintage, paintings, felting, jewelry, and tons more.

What are doing on Saturday?

Here's a peek at what my booth will look like for the "fest"...

Yes, that's in my living room (and has been for almost a month) but you get the idea.

I've been working like a crazy person to have all new things for this event and everything is art wear. I still have simpler charm pieces but not for this event.

Birds in bird cage...

New rings and display pieces...

Lockets, cameos, and more than I could ever show you.

Here's to seeing everyone at the show!

Always,
Susan

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Today's Project

2010-07-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

Let's just call this, not enough hours in the day!

More necklaces. Some with Mother and child, also a beautiful rendition of a Victorian beauty. At the far end you can see some pet paws and a nose or two. Those became a fun set, bracelet and earrings for my per lover clients. Towards the right there are lips. You may see a new "to find your prince charming you have to kiss a lot of frogs" piece somewhere amongst my things soon.

Then we have the stuff curing upstairs. My second batch of resin in the same amount of days warming under lights awaiting my return. The translucent trays are some commercial molds that I'm trying out. You need mold release and a bit of power in your hands after it cures but so far it seems to work well. But I still like my own silicone molds best. They're soft and easy to use, even work for simple bracelets or rings. (want to learn how? I'll be teaching an introduction to resin on August 28th in Poway at one of my favorite spots, Stamping Details.)

Then there is the mess on my desk. Another pile waiting to be made into a class sample board. Make yourself a home? Houses that look great as jewelry and are a blast to make.(want to learn how? This class will also be at Stamping Details in Poway on August 28th in the morning before the resin class. Maybe you need to take both?)

So that's what I'm up to, what are you doing?

LMK,
Susan

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Tonights Project

2010-07-01T22:30:00.001-07:00

I can never seem to just sit around. So, tonight there are sugar skulls on my plate!

Hand cut from my own patterns, now decorated with glass flowers. Woo hoo!

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So Easy...

2010-06-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

This app for iPhone and iPad is great! So much easier than from their site online. If you haven't tried I highly recommend it.

I may never blog from the computer again!

(my table at the Artist Boutique last weekend)

Until next time,
Susan

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My Days In Pictures

2010-06-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Sewing an IPad case...

Trying to finish the backyard, we're on the 10 year plan!

A boy and his dog.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Custom piece for the cutest couple.

The dog is still sleeping.

I love Alice!

New rings.

Marie.

My good friends April and Lori at our Artist Boutique hosted by Stamping Details in Poway, California.

Tonights project is Oz!

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Don't Be Afraid...

2010-04-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

This is what my desk looks like this morning. If I didn't know better I'd think a small grenede was launched to create this mess. Hmmmm....

The scarier part is that I know exactly where everything lives...!

Here's a quick overview of what I've been working on over the last few weeks...

I finally unearthed this piece to list in my new Etsy vintage shop, My Mother's Closet.

My Mother joined me for a show at the Brea Community Center March 20th.

And there are MANY other things that have been going on!

Please see my website blog at Susans' Charming Trinkets for lots more!

Thanks and see you soon!

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

2009-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

As an artisan and creative person I believe that the only way to truly allow yourself to create is to immerse yourself in experiences. Learn to step outside your normal routine, do something new, something you wouldn't normally find yourself attempting. We also need time to share with other like minded people and get out of the, sometimes, isolating studio. So for the holiday weekend I decided to take a couple of "De-Mented" sculpting classes. (woo hoo!!!)

If you're not familiar with the assemblage artist Michael DeMeng you should take a peek at his art and world. He creates all manner of mixed media shrines, wall pieces, mobile toys and sculptures, small, large, medium, all through the art of assemblage (repeat after me, "ahhh-sahm-blajjjj). Or as Michael himself defines it, "we're gonna stick crap together!" He's fabulously talented and it was a pleasure to be able to spend two full days soaking up his details and tips.

Saturday myself and eight others made Pez shrines. We were all tasked to bring a myriad of found objects. Everything from old nails, watch crystals, rebar, wire, and everything in between was on the table. The largest type of common object were all of the outcast dolls and various plastic doll parts. Everyone had some. As you can see by the first couple of pictures I also had a stash of dolls...! I think I maimed at least a dozen Kelly dolls on Saturday. Many arms were cut loose plus the front of my creation is someones face (was). And yes, we all had Pez dispensers and mine was that cute pink little Easter bunny. Bye, bye bunny! After all the pieces are arranged, glued, wired or otherwise combined we moved into paint techniques. Washes of Golden art paints in rust shades, gorgeous blues and purples, even "serial killer red" which really looks like blood! Michael is a master of paint finishes that make new items transform into seemingly old, antiqued treasures. This was great fun. (I have to add that the Pez dispenser still works...! You tip back the head to get at the candy.)

Sunday there were 18 participants for a Monster Mobile or "De-Mented" toy class. Now things really get interesting! The size of your piece is completely up to you. Work huge, work tiny...you decide. All the found objects from the day before showed up again (but the dolls were noticably larger) plus everyone had to bring something with wheels to use as your base object. Wow! My base pieces...? On a whim I grabbed a wheeled tray that used to contain baby blocks, two old wooden coaster thingeys in different sizes, and an old round box from a bottle of bourbon. (and of course I had more baby dolls...) As you can see my creation evolve in the pictures I stuck the coasters inside the wheeled tray with E6000 and screwed them down so they'd stay in place. Then I started to play with the liquor box and thought, "how fun would it be to hide the focal point inside the box...?!" So the box was mounted onto the coaster and out came the tin snips...! Yes, I cut the head off the doll. And the arms...and the legs...also the Kelly dolls I de-armed the day before...? Well, they lost their legs too. It's obvious in pics three and four that the outcrop of growth between the baby blocks is, well...feet! A few nails in it's head, a crown of staples for embellishment. Top it off with a finial, more fantastic paint treatments and washes... and Voila'! You have a monster toy sculpture that you can wheel through the house!

Here we all are! (Saturdays Pez class)

It's difficult to express just how much fun this is to create. It is soooo not something that I do daily in my studio and not even close to how my thought processes flow. But something happens to you in the presence of Michael DeMeng. His art is in the room, he starts to reveal his processes to you along with a primer on power tools, and all of a sudden you just feel...different! Each person interpreted what they heard or felt during the class in completely different ways and yet everyone created an art sculpture that was unique and truly "art".

What did I take away from my weekend with Michael? (besides toys that scare my children?) Well, that anything you believe in and create from your passions can be art! That the exchange of ideas, meeting new people, and jumping outside your norm can re-vitalize your outlook inside (and outside) your own studio. Add that to great assemblage and paint techniques, some laughs, and two whole days to play! It's a great way to spend a weekend!

A quick note: If you live in the San Diego area and you think about taking a class of some kind please check out Stamping Details on Midland Road in Poway. DiAnn, the owner, has a list of classes the length of my arm (and longer) on her website for you to peruse and there's always a famous name artist in there somewhere. This is, of course, where Michael taught over Labor Day weekend. Do yourself a favor and GO! Run, don't walk, and check it out!

A Sneak Peek Each Week...Planning The Last Few Days...

2009-05-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

I still have a lot to do before this Friday . But it feels less weighty than it did a week ago. (or does it???)

Let’s see what I’ve been able to do:

Made about 35 new jewelry pieces
Took pictures of everything! (wow) /posted about a dozen to 1KM shop
Checked of biz cards NEED/new show list NEED/bags & wrapping NEED
All my social networking is in place, even have NEW Facebook group for Susan’s Charming Trinkets! (Please come join!)
DONE:Volunteer this week for the kids bookfair
DONE:Co-lead Wednesday’s Girl Scout meeting
DONE:Put together my sons Bday dinner for next Wednesday
DONE:Put together something to take to school for son’s Bday
DONE:Attend school open house Thursday
DONE:Teach afterschool class this Thursday and next/organize supplies/buy anything/happening again this week
CANCELLED:Go to son’s Judo competition Sunday
CANCELLED:Pick up breakfast for teacher’s on Sunday for Monday delivery
CANCELLED:Volunteer Monday morning for teacher breakfast
ONGOING:Help collect items for fifth grade raffle
NEXT WEEK:Sell raffle tickets one morning
TOMORROW:Attend daughter’s Bronze Award ceremony next Tuesday
ONGOING:Do errant planning for several other events
Try to make sure that my family doesn’t starve while I’m running around
Do some laundry so family isn’t forced to run naked thru streets
(except I think they like to be nude...?!)
Let the dust bunnies live until further notice (they have a nice life here)
Tag/card/price/log into database each item
Re-organize current stock/check for clean display cards/re-arrange into categories
Clean & dust old/make a couple new display pieces (may not actually happen)
Put up tent/make sure everything works the way you want it to
Send off e-mail notice to clients/mail any postcards necessary
This list changes with time, must be flexible!
(keep repeating the word flexible to self over and over!)

Just never seems to get any shorter!

I’m sure I could add to this but what’s the point! For every one item crossed off another takes it place. That’s just life right now!

Packing the car will have to wait until later in the week. I’m not ready to even attempt that today. I need to put together a tray of pieces to put together in front of the TV for later tonight and maybe make my “to do” list for tomorrow early so I know exactly what I’m up against!

So for next visit maybe a few show pictures, some car packing tips, and how to sleep while standing up making sure no one notices…!

We've officially lost our minds!

Until next time!

My Studio...

2009-05-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

A quick update and a link to peek into my studio:

http://www.glassaddictions.blogspot.com/

Jennifer of Glass Addictions wonderfully took the time to feature me for her Open Studio Friday!

Please take a look and don't forget to peruse her beads as well, they're gorgeous!

Happy Friday everyone!

Susan

A Sneak Peek Each Week...“How will I Ever Get Through It All?”

2009-04-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my mess!

I figured for week #1 of my Sneak Peek I would start where I am currently, buried under a thousand things to do before I go to my next show…!

Here’s the list of business related things to do or accomplish before May 8th :
(you may want to sit down)

Make minimum of 48 new jewelry pieces (in progress)
Take pictures of everything/post a couple to shop
Tag/card/price/log into database each item
Re-organize current stock/check for clean display cards/re-arrange into categories
Clean & dust old/make a couple new display pieces
Check for supply of biz cards/promo material/bags & wrapping/tools/etc
Put up tent/make sure everything works the way you want it to
Send off e-mail notice to clients/mail any postcards necessary
Keep up with all your social networking!
This list changes with time, must be flexible!

In my personal life I have to:

Volunteer this week for the kids bookfair
Teach afterschool class this Thursday and next/organize supplies/buy anything needed
Co-lead Wednesday’s Girl Scout meeting
Go to son’s Judo competition Sunday
Pick up breakfast for teacher’s on Sunday for Monday delivery
Volunteer Monday morning for teacher breakfast
Help collect items for fifth grade raffle
Sell raffle tickets one morning
Attend daughter’s Bronze Award ceremony next Tuesday
Put together my sons Bday dinner for next Wednesday
Put together something to take to school for son’s Bday
Attend school open house Thursday
Do errant planning for several other events
Try to make sure that my family doesn’t starve while I’m running around
Do some laundry so family isn’t forced to run naked thru streets
Let the dust bunnies live until further notice

Where to start?

At the top, of course! Some tips to help make it to the end:

Let’s just say I multi-task a lot.

Each morning, or the evening before, I make a list of what I need to accomplish. Review it before starting then try to knock out everything I can. There is always something that comes up that will force you off your list. Try, try, to factor in some time in every list for the unknown…!

At the end of the day and before dinner hour (since I make jewelry) I put together a tray of things that I can do while I spend time with my family. Sometimes it’s cutting out promo cards, or making notes on the day’s project. Other times it’s a tray of beads that I can put together and watch TV at the same time (who can just sit in front of the TV, not me!) Most of my busy work is done just like that.

I’m a planner! With all my volunteer hours I try to get the details at least 2 weeks beforehand (doesn’t always happen). When I can plan those events then my business time can be planned around them. It’s becomes hard when you are called upon at the last minute. If you don’t prioritize you can easily see your creative time vaporize right before your eyes. Make your creative/business hours a priority!

Learn how to say no! Very important and very difficult to do. Especially when your children are involved. For me I have to ask myself some questions:
Will my kids benefit from my participation? If it’s an activity where other parents are involved and I may not even interact with my own child I may have to say no. Will I be an integral part for my child and their class as a whole? Yes, I can run off. Am I being asked because I always say yes and no one else will volunteer? Sometimes…but I’m getting better!

Do I leave things until the last minute? Absolutely! Are there things still on my list at the end of the day? Yes! But I start over the next day and try not to have the same thing left the second time around.

Being a one women business is a challenge but isn’t that part of why we love it so much?

Next time: a to do list update, packing the car for a show, and how not to rip your hair out when your husband tries to help you!

A Sneak Peek Each Week...

2009-04-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

After too much deliberation over all (3) my blogs I've decided to try something different. In order to try and keep a better schedule to chat with all of you I will be posting "A Sneak Peek Each Week" on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Maybe I'll be sneakiing into my studio for a tour or perhaps we should all learn something new and try a technique or new craft item. Maybe we could all just get together and solve the world's problems (somebody needs to work on it!). Whatever it turns out to be I hope you'll find it fun (that leaves out the world"s problems) and a reason to come back to visit me more often.

Okay, well it's only Sunday but here goes...

Here's the view from my chair...

...and this... My current focus is furiously making new things for the upcoming show season as well as keeping my shop at 1KM full.( http://www.charmingtrinkets.1000markets.com)

What do you do when you're under the gun for time? Do you work better under pressure? Or maybe you prefer the laid back atmosphere when things are calmer?

There are 2 weeks left in my schedule to try and have the following accomplished:

fill out my inventory, make 4 to 6 dozen new items (in progress)
take pics, price, add to database, & card or ticket
make several new display pieces
set up booth & make sure it all works the way I want it to
plan & design an e-mail notice for the show; send
design a snail mail postcard for show; send
re-print promotional material, cards, show list, stickers, bag stickers, etc.
keep up with all the regular stuff, family, kids, school stuff, twitter, volunteer...

Actually I work better under a deadline. Makes everything you're doing more real and tangible. Over the next week I will try and blog about the different aspects of each of the items on my list.

I'll get it all done. My desk may never get clear but...

The Tale of My Ten Year Old

2009-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

For about the past 5 years my daughter has been involved with Girl Scouts. These days she's a Junior (or little Green Meanie) about to bridge to Cadet. This past Monday she and 11 of her troop mates delivered their Bronze Award project after working on it since the middle of last year.

AdaLee has become exceptionally fond of any living creature that has fur, fins, or feathers. Big, small, it doesn't matter as long as it likes to be chatted with and petted.

Once the girls decided on their project her troop baked pet treats, tied lovey blankets, ran donation booths in the rain, designed and sewed pet toys, decorated bags to put all this in, and topped it all off by saving some of their famous cookies so the new owners could also be treated. About 180 collective hours were in these bags!

The shelters education director toured the girls around the shelter then brought some of the animals out for them to pet. These fuzzy, wuzzy puppies had only been at the shelter for a day. This guy was super shy!

We did make a friend that didn't want us to leave.

My daughter is going to spend half of her vacation from school next week at the shelter. She had mixed feelings about all the cats and dogs she saw, knowing that more needs to be done. So, we're digging out her play clothes so she can get dirty, fuzzy or furry and help take care of a few of them. She tells me, ever so dearly, that at the end of the week she is entitled to her pick...!
We'll see.

(more pics at: www.hardwearbysusan.com/MAINblog.htm)

Too long...

2009-04-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I keep forgetting that this blog is here! I haven't had this space for very long and I have 2 other blogs...oooh yes, I said 2. That makes 3 total. How does that work you may ask...? Well, I'm not sure since one of them falls through the cracks on a regular basis!

Let's try an update on all our goings on.

Last Saturday Wendell, Paul, and myself went on an art trip to San Diego. There was a mosaic exhibition and sale in town that I wanted to check out. AdaLee would've have joined us but she went off camping with her Junior troop to Julian, California. (it was about 35 degrees the first night and 12 ten year olds girls slept in tents, on the ground!)

Here are the boys with a beautiful backdrop of the Museum of Man.

Aren't they cute?

Paul (and I) thought that these sculptures were the coolest. I believe they are Niki St. Phalle sculptures and there were a bunch all over Balboa Park. I want one for the front yard!

Funny how Paul easily channels the sculpture.

One last picture. We also treated ourselves to a fabulous lunch at the Fish Market, downtown on the wharf. It was really great!

You can also see some of our pictures at my new Flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/charmingtrinkets/

Drop us a note from time to time and let us know what you're up to!

Until next time,

Susan

2009-01-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

Here she is little Miss Thing!

I was working the other day, trying some new techniques and playing with a bunch of different materials when she appeared!

Huh!? Funny how things happen!

2009-01-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, is this a riot or what? I thought my 7 year old would probably faint if he thought Mom spent the day with Darth and the rest of the intergalactic crowd!

For those of you who also saw Darth, you know that his was a picture from the CHA convention in Anaheim. I had the pleasure of attending with a couple of art pals of mine, April Avery, and her pal Ginger. It's seems like such a luxury to spend the day with people that you love and to laugh, chat, lament, and bounce around ideas. It just doesn't happen that often. We walked the show , treated ourselves to some make-n-takes, and generally soaked up the creative atmosphere. It was great!

Now we're in the midst of a regular week but I did take the time to read through a few of my favorite blogs. One of my favorites is Deryn Mentock's blog and her January 22nd post really hit home with me. Not being horribly biblical you sometimes miss the underlying importance of faith. Deryn talks about the story of Esther from the bible and how she meets the mean guy Haman that wants to exterminate all the Jews. She goes on to say that the world really hasn't changed much since that early time in that we still have the propensity to harshly judge, heckle, sneer, gossip, use, (insert your own describer word) and act like high school never ended in a myriad of different situations. It's extremely hard to have any faith in people these days. Or when you do have faith the other person makes some action towards you that makes you realize that your faith was blind. Please read through her thoughts, it in turn will give you something to think about.

That brings me back to my art friends. When we first met up on Sunday we all did a group exhale then started in on how each of us had something emotional happen the week prior. Funny how things are sometimes universal. One of us had mishaps with a group they'd known for an extended length of time but was now treating them poorly. Another had family issues going on that were affecting their emotional base, and another had thought someone they'd known for several years knew them enough to know how they work in different situations but came to be accused of some trivial happening. Each of us had some emotional tale to tell over someone that they thought they knew or knew them and all of us had found out differently.

Being creative can be an isolating vocation. When you begin a friend relationship how do you determine when to have faith to move forward or the distrust to step away...? Do you keep exploring until that person proves their true intention? It's impossible to know without faith...

More later...

2009-01-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

Is this cute or what? My kids attend an arts magnate school so lots of their regular work is taught with a flair for the creative. During a "Say No To Drugs" program each of the class wrote down their reasons why they would never do drugs to make all the holes of Sponge Bob's sponge.

Hurray for Mrs. Eskridge's 5th grade class!!!

A View From the Day...

2009-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

How the day went...

It rained and sprinkled through the day. A big deal here in SoCal. If you look at the right side you can see the rainbow we were driving towards. (it's kind of small)

In this pic it's right over the road and the car in the distance.

Hasn't living near electrical areas like this been linked to illnesses...? Seems kind of scary. It makes a humming noise as you drive by.

I forgot to say that this is the trip we take to pick up our kids from school.

My pics for the day...

Until next time!

Todays projects

2009-01-21T12:44:00.001-08:00

This morning was a fact finding mission. Our school PTA has asked me to chair their yearly tile project and we met to come up with ideas for the space. The school is an arts magnate with the belief of H.E.A.R.T. H = harmony , E = empathy, A = achievement, R = reflection, T = transformation. With that in mind the project is a tile mural to be composed of the handprints (on flat tiles) of any and all students who wish to participate. Last years was a representation of the school mascot, a Monarch butterfly. This year it needs to include a heart. A few days of sketching and an idea should present itself.

The other project on my very messy desk is a soldered shadowbox. A few days ago I put together a prototype.

This went together fairly well and I soldered it. Took some time as condensation forms inside the box as you solder and you need to wait until it clears. I was also concerned that the beads inside might melt but that didn't happen (yeah!). It's not perfect but it turned out well enough to try it again. (will try to remember to post a finished pic)

Now I'm off to do some ever present cleaning. You know, the straightening and re-organizing so you can actually find your desk cleaning...!

Where did the time go...?

2009-01-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

September...? Where did the days go? I just looked at my first post here stating I'd post pictures the same week. Guess what? Didn't do it!

Well, what did I do? Let's see, I had my parents visit for three months. My company (of one) ran around the countryside and participated in about 10 artisan shows. We had Christmas and actually were able to get the tree up with time to spare. My kids had numerous school activities, get togethers, and play dates. We stayed awake to see the ball drop New year's Eve but only by a few minutes. What else...I'm not sure I know. But the time flew by and now it's January. Wow!

The best place for me to start is probably with a little bit about myself so we can all get to know each other here in the blogosphere. Hmmm...I have been creative ever since I can remember. Paint, pencils, crayons were all a part of my toddler years and I had my first sewing lesson by the time I was six. Being an only child I spent hours drawing or just chalking sentences on a chalk board. Through high school I learned the ins and outs of photography, weaving, printmaking, basic metals, and life drawing, just to name a few. At the beginning of college I fell into the restaurant business and somehow got lost. Seemed like all the adults I looked up to thought an art career of any kind was a frivolous endeavor. It only took about a year of that chatter to look for something else to do.

So, life never seems to run a straight line, does it? Only after 18 years in the restaurant business, a divorce, moving over 3000 miles (twice), and getting married again (but this time to my best friend) did I allow myself to look up. It's so easy to let a big piece of yourself go ignored and let life carry you along. My now husband looked at me and very calmly said, "honey, why don't you quit your job and do something you enjoy?" Once I recovered from shock I did just that.

Today I participate in about 20 artisan shows a year with my charm jewelry company Charming Trinkets. I also have a huge vintage accessory collection and am working on a new mixed media venture. Creative is a daily endeavor, for myself, my family, and with my two great kids.

My hope within this blog is to meet other like minded people and to perhaps blow off some creative steam from time to time. Staying true to your artistic self can be somewhat isolating and many people you meet just don't quite understand.

Until next time!

P.S. Last years blog and some of my creative work can be found at:
http://www.hardwearbysusan.com

Finally, I made it...

2008-09-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

I should have done this a long time ago. My ongoing and original blog is located on my website but I'm am so excited to be here as well. Later this week I will post some of my creative photos and maybe some other tidbits.

Hello blog world!