Finally back to blogging!

Summer is a crazy time around here. I have a camera card full of images to share, but just a few at a time for now...as I have much to do now that summer is almost over and deadlines are looming.

I returned from a wonderful family vacation...you will notice a ton of old faded rusty parts. My card was filled to the brim and most where close ups of items with great patina. Most people I am sure were wondering what on earth is that girl taking pictures of? I was up close and personal with rust. If you are reading this...you probably understand.

There were many local towns with lots of rusty old equipment and memorabilia from years ago. Sad actually how things have changed in some of our farming communities in Eastern Washington. I love apple orchards! Not sure if it is the color or symmetry I am drawn to, but I would love an orchard. Then I could be a really farm girl. I'll have to share my chicken pictures another time for my little chicks are almost full grown now. Just like my girls...all too fast.



Here is one of the old town museums...actual buildings that exist in a practical ghost town.

Dolls Dolls Dolls

I am on Ebay restriction for a while. I wanted to get a couple dolls to use in a couple of art projects and before I knew it I was in over my head. I set my max bid really high thinking no one will bid it up that high, and they did. So now they are keeping me company in the studio, but I will have to sell a few because I can't keep them all.

I have a mix of broken and perfect ones, but I love the ones with the imperfections. Kind of like us don't you think?


I have lots to report from the PMC conference, but that will have to wait until I have more time. Let's just say all the buzz was about the new Bronze Clay available now at Rio Grande. It is far more affodable than PMC and some georgeous patinas. I have already sketched out many new designs...using the two metals and can't wait to get to work.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

PMC Conference

I am leaving tomorrow for the PMC Conference. I am so excited to see new tools and the new Bronze Clay. I'll be sure to report back any new tools when I return.

I am working on updating my blog and my website...both have been on my "to do" list for a long time. So I am writing it...thinking it...believing that I will make time.

Also...I am also considering moving to Typepad. Anyone have any thoughts they would like to share...is it worth it? Would it be easier to find me with my name instead of Sweet Petunia? I would love to hear your thoughts! If you see my profile you can see I am having a mid-blog crisis...LisaCallStudios...Something Silver...or TypePad LisaCall.Typepad.

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.”

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Roman Catholic saint

My new girls...


Summer is here and I often find myself wondering where has all my time gone? I have every intention of posting, but some how these long summer days are packed with projects and small adventures. Aren't my new girls cute...Lilly, Penny, Poppy, and Rosie. Now how I became a new mama chick is something of a mystery.

I think the chicken "craze" began at the Barn House antique sale set in a darling barn. I had both my darling petunia's with me and I told them they each could select an item from the sale. Lauren decided a big sea shell and Lindsey came back to saying. "I would like a chicken mama." Well of course that is not what I meant and we went home. Jeff and Lindsey then decided maybe a chicken would be a great idea...She had to do the research and then we would see. Well now we have chicks and hopefully in 5 months we'll have eggs.


Here is a little frame I purchased from the Farm Chicks event...put in a little fabric and nails to hang some necklaces for my Art & Soul vendor table. I purchased some other goodies, but I'll have to share those another time. And my favorite purchase was this bag from Barij...her stuff is gorgeous.


I'll leave you with some pictures from my garden...summer flowers always make me happy.

My first love was fabric!

Outside of drawing as a child...sewing was my first love. One of my very first jobs was working at House of Fabric, and I guess one could say it was the start of my fabric collection.

I have a closet full of fabric, and unfortunately not enough time to devote to sewing as I would like, but I still keep buying more fabric. I always smile when the sales person so kindly asks..."What are you going to make?" "Hmmm...I don't know, but it sure is pretty"...like a moth to flame. Funny how most people that work at a fabric stores smile and understand. For they too have a closet full of fabric.

This market bag is made from a pattern by the lovely Renee Plains. It is for my sweet petunia and so I used some of her favorite colors. Perfect for carrying her markers, coloring books, paper and books don't you think?






Don't you love this frame...all chippy and worn? I put a cork board in the center and added it to the studio wall. My new inspiration board. I purchased it along with many other goodies at the Barn House sale. I arrived to the event later in the afternoon, but still managed to get some goodies at great prices. So definitely an even to check out.

Monday is studio day for me, and I am off to work at my bench. Have a happy Monday!

Save Your Scrap!


I say this in all my classes, but if you work in silver or gold it is a good idea to save all your scrap. I keep a little jar on my desk and keep filling it up. When I am teaching I put all my little pieces in a baggie. A little over time adds up and I sent mine to Rio Grande last week...and got a phone call saying I was getting over $1,000. Let me just say I was pretty happy. Now results like this are not typical...I just have been saving mine for over 5 years and with the recent studio cleaning I decided to finally send it in.

I met a another artist who sent in scrap silver and old 14K gold jewelry to
Hoover and Strong and she got a nice little check. I haven't used them, but they are another option. Rio only gives you 75% of the value if you take a credit and 65% if you want a check. I am not sure what Hoover and Strong pay, but it is worth looking into.

So that is my advice....save your scrap! Who knows what silver prices will be when you have a little stash.



I'll share some pictures of my little trip to the Barn House opening another time, but here is a little creamer I purchased to hold flowers on my desk, and some of my roses have finally started to bloom...we are a little late with all the snain you know.

Have a lovely weekend!

BALANCE

...this was my fortune cookie on Friday. I couldn't believe it because a couple of hours earlier I had a conversation with Shari about balance while running errands instead of working in my studio. I thought the universe was telling me something.

What does balance feel like...would I recognize it? Sometimes I feel like I don't know I am balanced until I am out of balance. Is this sounding like jibberish to you too?

Do you see that shadow in the photo...the sun was out here in Washington, and we had 3 days of it. I soaked up as much as I could and even managed to get a little too much sun on my nose, but I did not care. It was heaven! Most people here in Washington begin to panic as soon as it gets over 75, but not me. I like it hot.


The garden is starting to bloom and everything is green. This is one of my favorite lilac bushes. It has a double flower and smells amazing...



“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

I'm late I'm late for a very important date....

This has been running through my head for days. I am just going to post a mish mash of what I have been up to. If you can't stand to read typos...read no further. There will be no editing on this post.

Below is a little jewelry box I created in a class with the talented Lisa Kaus. We had a lovely time in her home studio and everyone's creations were fabulous. I am going to put some little hooks or nails on the side and hang bracelets on the bottom tier too.



Here is the one nice day we had in April...it was almost 80 degrees and I got my shorts and sandals out. Little did I know this would be the only nice day for a few weeks.




Then the "snain" began. Snain - snow mixed with rain. My girls came up with this word. As I kept repeating "it is rain mixed with snow" over and over again. We actually had more snow in April and I believe it was the latest it had ever snowed here. Mama was not a happy camper.

We headed off to the tulip festival as it got warmer, but let me tell you it was cold and those little drops on the tulips are not dew drops.






I was not about to let the weather hamper my plans to go to glass beach. Thanks to Nina who gave me tips on finding glass beach in Port Townsend. My daughter and I put on our running shoes and I loaded up on food and water to make the trek. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes to reach what seemed like an endless destination. We also couldn't resist bending over to pick up every little piece of glass and rock on the way. The return trip seemed a lot longer and even my little cross country runner was tuckered. She was carrying a pretty heavy pack(against my instructions), but they have to learn. I ended up carrying it the last hour and honestly I am surprised she lasted that long. It was HEAVY.



On our return we found this little broken egg. The most beautiful shade of blue...we placed it gently back, but now I wish I had kept a little piece.



Trip to the butterfly house at the Seattle Science Center...I got quite a few pictures before my battery died...but here is one for you today.


Now how can I leave you without a shot of shoes? The snaining has stopped and it has been nice enough to wear these once. It was a little cold, but the sun was out and I thought it might be my last chance for a while.



If you have a little sun to spare send it to Washington! Wishing you a peace and joy.

Beading with Pearls

I was thrilled to participate in this publication and it should be available in book stores soon. If you like pearls there are a variety of projects from beginner to advanced.

We have been having crazy weather this week...it actually snowed last night and I think we broke the records here in Washington for the latest snow fall. Last Saturday we were at 80 degrees and then the following Sunday we dropped down to low 40's. So from sandals to boots in one day. I am hoping our typical spring weather will return soon. I'll share some pictures later of our trip to the tulip festival...rain mixed with snow made for a short day, but I did manage to get some lovely pictures.

Wishing you all sunshine!

ArtFest

I often wonder to myself why is ArtFest so special, and one of the consistent feelings is connection. Connecting with people on different levels...as an artist, a friend, a mom, a person. People who can all see the beauty in an old thingamajig. No judging...just a few days immersed in art and fun.

Pictures from the journaling party at the beach cabin. Just a peak outside this window shows the beauty we are surrounded by during the event. Lots of fun and laughter and a new friend Heather who was drawing the most amazing picture in her journal.



A day spent with my friend Renee in Nina's class Gatherings. Oh...she can be so productive even when we are chatting and laughing. Hopefully she will post some pictures of her fabulous project. Nina's class sample was an amazing visual feast for the eyes. The texture and poetry of her work is breathtaking. If you ever get a chance to take a class with Nina, you won't be disappointed.



Candice, Keecia, Nina, and Julie
Do you see our big smiles? Yes, a class that was full to the brim with inspiration. I met these wonderful women at "ArtNest". Such talented women who are kind and open.

I can't wait to finish this journal I created in Nina's class. I opted to make a journal instead of a portfolio and need to find some vintage chocolate brown velevet ribbon to finish this up.





This sweet doll is from the always lovely Katie Kendrick. I just love how Katie's faces have such feeling. She is sitting on my writing desk.



And this lovely strawberry was a gift from my talented friend Renee. Not only is she a great traveling companion, but she makes wonderful patterns and is a very talented artist.



How I wish I could squeeze more hours in the day at ArtFest. So many people who I only got to briefly say hello as we rush about...ah but there is next year and blogland to keep in touch!

The view from the ferry as I head home. It looks a little gray, but the sun was shinning and my mind just full of memories I will cherish.

I love mail and hand written letters and typically my mailbox contains more junk mail than one should receive, but last week I received this lovely box in the mail from a sweet friend. Aren't the colors wonderful?

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin

I am off to clean my closet...sounds exciting I know, but I have been trying to do this for a year. I typically start out with gusto and then after about an hour am completely bored, but today I am gonna make a dent. Wish me luck!

Seems like yesterday, but it was 16 years ago. We were married on an unusually sunny day in Seattle at St. James Cathedral. A few weeks prior to the wedding there was a fire in the church and there were some moments of worry, but the smoke damage was minor and they allowed the scheduled weddings to continue. So things went as they should and all that really mattered was that we were married. I married a keeper.

Here is a little poem I found in an antique book...

Song
by Louise Bogan

Love me because I am lost;
Love me that I am undone.
This is brave, - no man has wished it,
not one.

Be strong to look on my heart
As others look on my face.
Love me - I tell you....

I am finally feeling better...I came down with the crud that was going around and have been sick for over a week. It really made me appreciate feeling healthy. So hopefully I am done for the year.

Mondays and Fridays are my studio days, but lately I have not managed to get much done. A little studio cleaning, a little organizing, a little supply gathering...but not actually getting work done. I did order new moo cards and some supplies for ArtFest so those things are crossed off my "to do" list.

The picture here are my little finds today. Instead of working in the studio I decided to go for some visual stimulation at an antique mall in Snohomish. I was looking in a case at a wire knit purse much bigger than the one pictured and thinking...how perfect the chain would be to hang earrings, but then I saw this little doll (from head to toe she is about two inches). Isn't she cute? Then I saw this little wire knit coin purse that would be great too and a little more up my price range. Oh and the little silver bracelet with Paris scenes just around the corner. It is amazing how much stuff they can pack into those glass cases.

Yep...not much done, but a few good finds so all in all not a bad day.

Tip of the day...


Nesters and friends here is an alternative to a drill for punching holes...
A great pair of punch pliers. They can be used on sheet metal to punch a neat little hole, but recently I tested them on a vintage shoe clip. The rhinestone was easily removed by using an awl on the back side and then punched a hole where the rhinestone was...easy. I got these from Lisa Niven Kelly since I like to support small businesses, but you can get them at Rio too. You could also look at this screw down hole punch. I am a tool girl...so I am always on the look out for tools that can go with me.

I will be teaching at the Portland Art & Soul Retreat October 5th and 6th. Registration opens on 3/11, and they offer a number of wonderful classes. Let me know if you are going to attend...I would love to see you.

Sorry to blog and dash, but the sun is out today and it feels like spring.

The Art Nest Retreat


It was wonderful...I had a great time, but am still trying to catch up on my sleep. Here are a few quick photos and I'll post more later.

Anahata's class was really fun. I decided to work in my journal instead of a large canvas. There was only so much room in my luggage. My project was a little different than the rest of the class since I was working smaller and decided not to incorporate a face as the focus, but I was really pleased with my page and incorporated many techniques. This picture was taking before I added some more smaller details, but it basically looks the same.