debvandet designs

Kids in the summer...

2010-07-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

... want to play video games all day! Well at least my kids do! But once I can get them outside they are likely to be out for hours with neighborhood friends, riding bikes, digging (Sorry! not anymore, the dirt pile's closed), or looking for worms and slugs to feed the chickies.

Ethan's cactus is 3 years old now. Isn't that bloom amazing? And the photo ... by Ethan, age 10!

Aeryn's daisy. This flower is quite a diva - hugely dramatic wilting, bring on the water, and then it perks right up. Kind of like Aeryn sometimes, being one of the few girls in the neighborhood is not so easy.

Go play!

Picasso's Doves

2010-07-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hello there...

2010-07-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

long time no blog. A month, really? The garden is progressing nicely.

My sister and I are prepping for another garage sale day. Friday July 2nd only, 9 - 3. If you're local, check out Portland craigslist for the full details.

There is a fabulous giveaway at Bling It On! Beautiful beads in one huge prize or a 6 way split. Go check it out!

Bringing it together...

2010-05-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

The two passions of my life: art and gardening, need to come together. How can I do this in an authentic way? It would be easy to simply focus on garden, floral themed art: lovely necklace inspired by the lavender and purples of the foxglove, with a touch of white, green and pale yellow, maybe with a microscope slide pendant with a transparency, some collage or text.

While that sounds really pretty... does it improve, educate, inspire? Do you notice the wild strawberries, pine needles, and moss in the background, the tiny faded blossom of the red azalea peaking up along the bottom?

I am starting to disagree with the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words," at least in this case. There is so much more around, above, and beyond this simple photo that I want to convey: The seeds this flower grew from, the soil amended with compost, the fairy garden plan in a tattered old magazine that first inspired me to plant foxgloves in my garden in New York, the time and effort my sister and brother-in-law spent designing and building the retaining walls, how each time I see this plant on now think of a tv commercial.

Just like high fructose corn syrup, foxgloves are totally natural! If you're a plant geek, like me, this might make you giggle, because foxgloves - Digitalis are entirely toxic, poisonous to humans and animals. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean you should eat it, and what is "natural" anyway? Off the soapbox now... check out some of the parody videos of the commercial on YouTube - scary funny.

P.S. I've decided to take a break from the Self-Portrait project for a while. Might pick it up later, or think of a new series. What should I do? No, seriously, I am asking. Is there any project/idea that y'all find interesting? (yes, I can occasionally use "y'all" - my dad's from West Virginia. I'm half Southern.)

Self-Portrait Saturday/Sunday #9

2010-05-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

LOVE this time of year! The weather is just so gorgeous... blue skies, no bugs, cool breezes, warm sunshine. Of course I was in the garden all day yesterday - with a short break for soccer - Ethan played really well, and his team won - and a trip to the garden center for grapes!

So today's project is putting up an arbor and planting 2 Golden Muscat grapes, and some spearmint, a hardy kiwi (male- I'll get the female next week), and 2 cherry tomatoes. Yummy!

Have a happy day!

Happy Wednesday...

2010-05-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Louise Nevelson-inspired assemblage I did as a sample for Art Literacy. 4th graders love it, hope you do too! I love that I was able to make this with scraps, my stash, nothing new. I haven't been to a craft store since I took the April Stash Bust pledge. Wow, that is really huge for me!

The next step is color. All-over gold spray paint and then it will go on the family art wall.

Self-Portrait Saturday #8

2010-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Long day... my son's 10 year old birthday party at a laser tag place. Looking forward to relaxing, gardening, and a trip to the library tomorrow.

Self-Portrait Saturday #7

2010-05-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

or is it 6? I'm not sure. Hopefully my connection will last long to finish this post.

Beyond the white curtain is my backyard, where a rainbarrel waits to be hooked up, and a pile of potatoes waits to be planted. If I can finish those two tasks today I will be a very happy girl.

Why aren't I posting?

2010-04-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been sick... sorry friends. You might think I overdid it on the gardening (I usually do – it's great exercise), but most likely I picked up bronchitis. Hope to be back on track next week.

in the garden....

2010-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

is where I have been. I am feeling a sense of urgency this year to start and finish projects. And I really do feel like I am making progress.

Here is the garden related crafting I did last week:

Very old, brown magazine holder, collaged with garden catalog photos. Yay for Mod Podge! Now I have one nice place to keep all my garden catalogs together.

Happy Earth Day!

*8 Things: Learned/Learning/Learn

2010-04-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Learned...

1. To say no.
2. Everything, yes, everything is connected.
3. Composting - my son told me yesterday "Your compost is way better than the one from the store." I can make awesome healthy soil.

Learning...
4. It will be okay.
5. To move my body again, thank you Nia dance!
6. My stuff does not define me (this one is hard, I have issues with letting go of "things")

Learn
7. To eat healthy
8. To say no.

Self-Portrait Saturday #6

2010-04-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Cutting it close today . . .

Photography and typing all in one (super efficient)!

Luckily you can not see how dirty my fingernails are! I've been in the garden for the past few days getting ready to plant some seeds, sifting three wheelbarrows of compost, cleaning out the chicken coop, and looking for free plants, paver bricks, and even more compost on craigslist.

I am reading Gaia's Garden, rereading actually, and finding so many great ideas. I wish I had the time, energy and money to do half of them. Hopefully after implementing more permaculture ideas, spring gardening won't be so much back-achey work.

I'll be back to more crafty stuff later this week.

Where ever you are: enjoy the sun, be grateful for the rain.

Some pretty things...

2010-04-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Nina Bagley's jewelry, this is an older one. Some of her newer designs on Ornamental are more colorful, still so beautiful.

The altered "fancy" knits at Anthropologie. I love all the ruffles, flowers, pintucks and lace. Their catalog is inspiring me to remake some of my plain t-shirts. I am trying to discipline myself to always do some hand sewing when I'm watching tv.

Who and what will inspire you today?

Self-Portrait Saturday #5

2010-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sample for Picasso Art Literacy project. Cubist Collage Self-Portrait. At the moment I do have hot pink streaks in my hair.

Go play!

Something green...

2010-04-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

in honor of Style Shock Cheer!

I'll be in Anaheim for a long weekend cheering for my niece at competition. My largest packing/traveling dilemma seems to be... "What project will I work on?" Idle hands = no more fingernails for me, so fabric roses it will be. (that rhymes, sorry!)

Vintage button sweater

2010-04-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Collections... Sometimes you have a collection that you love that you can't imagine actually using. My grandma's vintage linens are like this for me, I am fine wearing her jewelry, but gorgeous lace tablecloths actually put on the table... I'm not there yet.

Buttons are a collection that can be beautiful in storage and in use. I love my little button jars, all the different colors and patterns, sorting them out to find the perfect little accent for jewelry or a project.

Another sweater from Target (surprise, surprise). Vintage shell buttons

replaced the original plain brown buttons.

Eventually, I figured out these were shoe buttons, like these I found on ArtFire

Maybe they originally were from a pair of boots like these vintage Victorian boots

Problem: The little gap near the waistline always bothered me.

Solution: It just needed MORE buttons!!!!!

I love how doubling the number of the buttons solved the gaping problem

and beautifully refers back to the original source of the buttons.

April Stash Bust

2010-04-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of craft stuff... It sometimes seems like it is taking over my house... oh, wait! It actually is! And living as green as possible is an important part of my daily life.

So when Diane of CraftyPod shared this with me, I knew I had to join in.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, you can make a pledge not to buy any new craft supplies, art materials, tools or fabric for the entire month of April. Go get a badge from Dollar Store Crafts and check out the whole story over there. Then, create a project from your stash using only what you have on hand. Submit your finished project detailing the stash materials you used with a link to your finished project by Earth Day, April 22nd.

I am so in on this one... I actually gave away my craft store coupons for this week, thereby removing temptation. This is a great opportunity to evaluate what you have, organize your stash, reduce (give some stuff away to a school, church or shelter), reuse, recycle. My mind is always full of potential projects, so challenges like this are a great way for me to prioritize and energize myself to create.

Off to eat some chocolate (also good for energizing)... Thank you, Easter Bunny! *bock*bock

Self-Portrait Saturday #4

2010-04-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

So I've had a few people ask me...

"What's up with this self-portrait thing?"

It is not my usual kind of activity, it seems a little vain and self-centered, so it makes me a little uncomfortable every time. Part of my inspiration is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Hmmm, maybe I should change it to one thing every week...

Another reason I started doing the self-portrait project was because it forces me to blog on a more regular basis and be accountable to myself. I really enjoy blogging, researching information and preparing photographs, but sometimes life and responsibilities get in the way.

Like right now, I really need to finish a lesson plan on Picasso for elementary school art classes. The focus is cubism and self-portraiture. Maybe next week, I'll take a break from the photography for my Saturday self-portrait.

This week I spent some time (maybe a little too much) making fabric roses, seen here on the t-shirt I'm holding. Very fun recycling/altering/sewing project... I can't wait to do more... and share!

An easy way to alter clothes...

2010-03-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sew on new buttons!

This vintage-inspired sweater (from Target, a few years ago) had some very pretty pale purple flower buttons, a few popped off and ran away as buttons love to do. Instead of matching the existing buttons, which would have been easy enough, why not switch to some cool vintage shell buttons? And why not choose some brighter colors that coordinate with the pretty yarn embroidery.

From the top: purple, white, yellow, green, blue, brown, magenta and white again. This sweater makes me happy every time I wear it! (and I know - I really should have ironed the sweater first)

Something that doesn't make me happy is something really kind of silly, but...

Yes, I'm a girly girl and I love pink, but aren't there maybe, somewhere out there, some men who might like to learn how to sew a button too! I haven't read this book yet, but it does look pretty good, despite its gender stereotyped cover.

For a manly approach to sewing buttons, check out this video. It is a little corny, but does the job.

Threadbanger also has a great tutorial on How to Sew a Button.

And, in case you were wondering, I do have a few more "button" focused altered clothes to share.

My sister's black and white jacket

2010-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Altering clothing doesn't have to be hard. Sometimes the simplest changes can transform a garment from a bench warmer to a starting player. (A sports metaphor - where in the world did that come from?)

My sister's beautiful jacket from White House/Black Market had a covered hidden snap that was placed right over the beautiful embroidery. It was totally functional but didn't enhance the jacket at all, in fact it kind of messed up the symmetry of the front.

Solution: Sew on a basic frog clasp. The nice black trim accents the embroidery and both jacket edges are clearly visible.

Notice the rough frayed edges - very cool detail!

Self-Portrait Saturday #3

2010-03-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

*New and Improved*

with makeup

... and clean hair!

Moosey says...

"Happy Birthday to my niece!"

have a beautiful day!

Accept the Universe...

2010-03-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

with all its mysteries

and

contradictions.

There is joy

to be found

in the mundane

and the sublime.

This painting hangs in my studio, opposite my desk, always in view. I developed the saying when I moved to Oregon - it was a huge life change - and the painting took almost a whole year for me to complete. The start of the saying was inspired by one of my college textbooks, Accepting the Universe, by John Burroughs. Going back and re-reading it I realized it was even more powerful that I remembered. Burrough's reaffirms my belief that everything is connected. The idea of living holistically, that all your decisions are connected and express your values and your spirit.

What do you want to say to the world today?

Self-Portrait Saturday #2

2010-03-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

This week flew by, mach speed. Wow! This coming week is Spring break... of course, we will be going abroad, lounging on the beach.... NOT! But even though fancy vacations are not in the picture, I love school breaks. I love letting the kids sleep in, I love having somewhat more free days, away from the 8:30/3:05 grind, I love the potential of getting some projects done. (wish me luck!) I hope to work on a lot of photography this week, clean my house (unending), and do some fun activities with the kids, maybe go rollerblading.

Me, Saturday morning. What is that awful thing I'm wearing? That is my "woogie," technical term, you know. It's an ancient fleece hooded cardigan that is my at-home robe/sweater/uniform. It is not at all stylish, but it works for me. I try really, REALLY hard not to ever wear it outside the house, but sometimes I forget.

Anyone else doing the self-portrait "thang"? Leave a link so we can encourage each other to keep it up!

I am not at all used to having my picture taken. I've never felt that I was photogenic, so this is a difficult task for me. But doing what scares you or makes you uncomfortable helps you grow and learn - many other people have said that so much more eloquently, but you get the drift.

have a great weekend everyone.

Self-Portrait Saturday

2010-03-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

Not my original idea, tagging along here with the wonderful Nina Bagley, whose blog Ornamental is a constant source of inspiration. The idea of posting a photo of me, taken at sometime during the week, can't guarantee it will be Friday or Saturday (I'm just not that into schedules), really makes me kind of nausaeous.

So this is me, late afternoon, no makeup, happy.

Making a new pair of earrings to wear to the Stephenson School Auction tonight - tiger eye, jade and pearl maybe.

have a great weekend

Green man Giveaway...

2010-03-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

and the winner is Erin.

Thanks so much for all of your entries and comments.

I hope to do a giveaway every month. Although they say a woman can never have "too much" jewelry, when you start to make your own it can quickly become too much (unless you have one of those super fancy house size closets with huge flat drawers and fabulous cases for storing everything... alas I do not).

I dreamt about closets last night... no jewelry storage though. It had pretty hanging space for all my scarves. Lovely dream.

Another giveaway...now with photos

2010-03-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

OWOH was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again next year, but that is a long, long, long time away. Not really! But let's do a another giveaway anyway... this time just for followers of debvandet designs. There aren't many of you (yet) so your chances of winning are really good!

On Sunday, March 7th, I will give away my Green Man microscope slide necklace and coordinating earrings. Hopefully if the USPS cooperates the lucky winner will receive them in time for St. Patrick's Day. No special reason why St. Patrick's Day, it's just the next holiday, and the Green Man necklace goes with the theme and needs a happy home.

The Green Man necklace has a soldered microscope slide pendant with Dover transparency of Celtic/Medieval man with sword and peacock, the back glass is frosted and embellished with green, gold, and silver alcohol inks. The double strand chain (approx. 20 inches long to top of pendant) and bail- accented with a faceted peridot bead -are made of assorted green seed beads with a silvery box clasp. My husband loves Celtic design, mazes and labyrinths. He always encourages me so I thought I'd create something a little less girly (okay -it really isn't, is it?) in honor of him.

The coordinating earrings have flat green glass beads stacked with 2 green seed beads, a silver bead, and a faceted "peridot" (it might be real peridot - lesson learned on documenting my materials here) on silver french wires.

The rules are so simple:
1. You have to be a follower of debvandet designs
2. You have to leave a comment saying count me in or something to that effect,
3. If you're are selected as the winner you have to send me your mailing address ASAP so I can send out the necklace by Tuesday, March 9th.

have a happy day!

New book that I can't wait to read...

2010-02-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Doesn't it just look inspiring? It has always been important to me to define myself as an artist, and one wonderful thing that shows me I've succeeded is that my children say, "My mom is an artist." It used to be "My mommy makes good art." LOVE THAT!

But one thing that has been difficult for me to do is to incorporate my kids into my creativity. Not to yell "I'm working..." "Just let me finish this: stitch, background, cutting, whatever." "Isn't there a new Ben 10 on the DVR?" (I know I am so bad, TV as babysitter, rotting their brains...) Now that Aeryn is 8 and Ethan will be 10 in May, their patience and skill level have improved enough that some collaboration might be possible.

Hopefully, Shona Cole's The Artistic Mother will point my in that direction. If you've picked it a copy already, let me know what you think. If you'd like turn learn more about the book, and upcoming chances to win your own copy check out her blog An artful Life.

A little more on OWOH...

2010-02-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

I was so happy with my experience during One World One Heart that I wanted to make something extra special to go along with the necklace and earrings. And as with many of my projects I had to use my existing stash (no hoarding). And I wanted it to be functional... so a jewelry folder seemed like a useful, fun project, especially since one of my favorite books A Charming Exchange has a gorgeous example designed by Ruth Rae.

I can post this now 'cause Geni received it... and she liked it. The jewelry holder is made of pink felt embellished with machine stitched fabric scraps of gold, browns, and a touch of red. The buttons, name letters and ribbons were hand-stitched. The jewelry is tied in place with brown lace and ribbon.

I am so happy with how this project turned out. I can't wait to make another one.

Hopefully my giveaway prize will arrive soon!

And the winner is...

2010-02-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Geni

No. 7 on the Magic Carpet ride.
Comment no. 17 selected with the random number generator.

I will give a whole week for Geni to claim her prize. If it's not claimed by Feb. 22, I will select another winner.

This week is busy, busy, busy! My baby girl is turning 8 years old and part of her present is a bedroom makeover. Purple, silver, and rock 'n' roll!

And I have this in my hallway...

My gram's old garment rack with a few things I've altered (a few = 3!) and many more waiting their turn for some special attention.

A mini-update

2010-02-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

I've held off doing a new post until OWOH is over... cause I don't know how to make that post stay on top. Silly! But I have lots of new projects to share... AND... I am actually taking some before photos of clothing to alter. Off to sew now!!!

have a great day

One World One Heart Giveaway

2010-01-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful comments. I hope you're having fun on the Magic Carpet Ride, discovering all of the creative bloggers out there. If I didn't have a deadline and remnants of a cold, I'd be hopping all over, right now! But I had a few minutes so I've added some more photos as promised.

The theme for this year's One World One Heart is Magic Carpet Ride. It is all about getting to know your fellow bloggers. There are over 600 people signed up - Wow! The book I am reading now Hot, Flat and Crowded - wonderful book - environmental stuff, economics and politics -deals with the issue of globalization and OWOH is a beautiful example of the some of the best aspects of global technologically connected communities.

I will be giving away this necklace and earring set.

The pendant is a soldered glass microscope slide with layered transparency images from ARTchix Studio. It is on a long tan silky cord and has a found plastic bead dangle. The matching earrings are brown glass disc beads accented with bicone bead dangles. The image is of a 1950s woman, French script and a Venetian canal scene.

If you'd like a chance to win, leave a comment to this post. And please include some contact info. If you post a comment as anonymous with no email, I won't be able to contact you. I will select the winner by Random Number Generator on February 15th. That's it! Easy-peasy!

You don't need to follow my blog or check out my ArtFire store, but I'd love it if you did both!

Cleaned up a little, then made another mess

2010-01-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

So after posting my craft room/studio pictures I FINALLY moved my rolling cart out of the hallway. Hooray! But I am still left with 3 vintage suitcases that need a spot. The vacuum cleaner is back in its spot in the hallway... maybe it needs one of those silly doll covers, or not.

I just reviewed Ricë Freeman-Zachery's book Creative Time and Space. And one of the important points she makes is that you can make art ANYWHERE - a tiny desk like Theo Ellsworth, an upgrade from his backpack, or a travel suitcase and hotel room like Traci Bautista or a fully appointed studio.

I'm somewhere in between, but my physical space is taking a huge chunk of time away from creating. Admittedly, I should focus on one thing at a time, finish one project and move on to the next, but whether that is a self-sabotage or just the way I am. But I really do find it inspiring to move between house, jewelry, paper, fabric.

Do you have a project list?

Right now, in process, that I want to work on, I have:

A canvas for Aeryn's room...

She's 7, and this is a collaboration. Hopefully I will feel it's finished soon and put it up.

Be more Fabulous canvas - submit to CPS

Fuzzy picture, sorry. This is just the very 1st layout - it needs to be over the top, silly, fun, glittery goodness!

Reupolster wing chair

The blue velvet is only one option (all of which have to be from the fabrics I already own), the arm cushion needs to be re-attached. Oh, and there's a matching footstool.

Select and hang pictures for Art Wall

Freshly painted with my happy blue paint (mixed from Ethan's bedroom - bright blue- and Dylan's office - muted blue, with a touch of the stairwell - soft mint/moss green). Check out the 2010 Pantone colors! I think this is in between Turquoise and Amparo Blue.

Art Bead Scene January challenge

Monet "Magpie" Love this painting! Need to make a necklace inspired by it!

My primary problem is that my Painting table and my Sewing table are one and the same. So instead of shifting everything around again, I sit at my desk - which I am so NOT taking a picture of - and blog/bitch about it all.

Of course this isn't the whole project list, only the top priorities. So I need to pick one to do... first... right now...

Which will it be? Wait and see!

Studio... a work in progress

2010-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

Come on in...

Don't mind the mess...

This is where I work....

Like life, and my house, and me, it's a work in progress.

It is far from perfect, and is so very full.

But it works ...

And everything I need is here...

I think some of it is really beautiful...

"Oh, hi Momo!" Come back and visit soon!

Inspired by the delightful photo-story-blog posts of Sandra Evertson.

Really?

2010-01-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

Do you ever find yourself doing things that are a total waste of time? Like playing "just one more" game of Bejeweled or Spider Solitaire, or "just until you make the scores." How do you snap yourself out of it?

I had to do this! Put a silly Post-It note (that's Curious George's yellow hat at the bottom) on the iPhone. REALLY!

As in...

Is this really how you want to spend your time?

Is this really helping you accomplish anything?

Is this really Being More Fabulous?

as promised here is the very, VERY rough first stage of my cloth paper scissors submission:

Challenge from cloth paper scissors

2010-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

cloth paper scissors magazine is starting up a new online community and to kick it off they are hosting an online challenge. The theme is New Year's Resolutions!!

Deadline is January 25th. Send a low res image (72dpi) and 50 words or less description of your art piece to challenges@interweave.com

I have a 12 x 12 inch canvas with washes of streaky purple (the color of royalty). I am using my "Cricut"
(thanks, Tam!) and the Calligraphy Collection cartridge to do the text - Be More Fabulous. And then I'll just have to see where inspiration takes me!

Photos to come...

My two cents on copyright... and lots of other thoughts

2010-01-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

I'm going back and forth between Margot Potter's and Ricë's blogs and my mind is spinning. If you are an artist/crafter and hope to make a living and not get sued, copyright is important! So thank you both for doing all this and helping to educate everyone.   This post actually started as a comment and it was getting so long that I figured I had some ideas to "process."

I know copyright is important, but I've got to admit that this whole dilemma is very discouraging and so frustrating, but it's making think about all sorts of new things - a very good thing (thank you, Martha).

My personal story: I don't yet consider myself a successful artist (that's a whole 'nother issue), but I've been copied too (maybe). My avatar is a skull/rose - a photo I took of a cheap Halloween plastic skull nestled in a pale pink silk flower. Soon after I found a very similar jewelry piece in polymer clay, I think, on ArtFire, within my own guild group even. My initial reaction was "Hey, not nice!" But then I thought, "Okay, hand sculpted, glazed, totally different medium ... and am I the only person who has ever put a skull inside a rose? Of course not. My daughter has tons of printed shirts with the motif of skulls in flowers. I've seen crafters locally (after I created my avatar) selling barrettes and pins with skulls and roses. There is a point here, really, bear with me.

http://www.detritus.net/vircomm/projects/anticopy/
- reposting this from someone else's comment on Margot's or Rice's blog, so thank you whoever-
          The idea of cultural detritus - there is all of this stuff in the air, on the net, and on the ground, in your grandma's attic... the whole green movement encourages us to reduce, reuse and recycle.

The idea that one page of a $5 fashion magazine(that exists in possibly millions of copies, for which the photographer and publisher already received compensation) should not be used at all - ever - to make a new piece of art seems kind of silly and wasteful to me.

The image was taken by a photographer and is that person's intellectual property... or does it belong to the publisher? What about the model, the fashion designer, the hair/makeup/clothes/prop stylist? What about the digital artist (who makes an already beautifully styled young model into an impossible ideal), the layout designer, the printer, the fashion editor? Do you see the point I'm making here? So many of the images in our culture are already part of a long collaborative process. Current copyright law, and more importantly, common understanding of it doesn't even come close to addressing the complexity of modern image making.

The academic in me totally feels the above paragraph to be incomplete. It is hardly specific enough to make any sort of point. Show me the magazine picture. Who is the photographer, the publisher? Okay, stop pussyfooting around, give me an example of an artist who uses fashion magazine images and almost completely paints over them. But I have the feeling that it would be completely improper within the artistic blogging community that I strive to be a part of to do this. Am I offbase on this? But I do think this lack of specificity is necessary and polite, but it really bogs down a critical discussion.

Then there is the scrapbooking and craft industry (billions of $$, someone else can go look up the facts and figures on that if they wish). This could open up a whole 'nother aspect.... All of these patterned papers, vintage digital image collections, emphemera kits, etc. that are marketed to us, so we can all be artists and explore our creativity.

There is also the craft/art publishing juggernaut of Stampington and Company, which publishes mixed media and collage artists who use found objects/papers/photos/rubber stamps. I subscribe to Somerset Studio and purchase far too many of their magazines, and they published my Provence-inspired ATCs (and I'll be in the next GreenCraft), so I really like them, I really, really do. But there is a "look," a milieu of art using a wide variety of image sources, which also contributes to the muddiness around copyright and what is acceptable and appropriate to use.

For awhile, my inner art historian has been wondering about this, the art/craft environment I've found myself in: creative bloggers, Somerset Studio, Handmade Nation, the growing number of art retreats, DIY, indie art... How is all this relating to traditional fine art, contemporary art, museum art?

Right now in Art Literacy at the elementary school I'm teaching Romare Bearden (1911-1988), Harlem Renaissance, jazz muscian, painter, printmaker, primarily known as a collage artist. In preparing to teach the volunteers I thought about something my art history professor at Hartwick College once said, "Collage is the refuge of the uncreative mind." That stuck with me for many years, and I wish I could remember more of the context or find the source, since I believe it is a quote. Is it something early critics of collage said or an artistic elite enshrined in the disciplines of Painting, Sculpture and Drawing?

I now think that collage is just as creative as painting, sculpture or drawing, but it is less artistically technical by its very nature. Collage is accessible to everyone. The use of collage in art therapy, its ability to tap the subconcious, is such an amazing thing. Please don't let copyright kill the collage! From an art historical perspective, collage and new technologies have led to a democratization of art-making and creative process causing traditional ideas about creative property and copyright to come into question. Which all might be elaborate justification on my part, either way I am enjoying the discussion?

But as a working artist, concerned with the business of art and authencity/originality, copyright is huge and personal:

"Am I ever gonna make any money?"

"Is someone going to steal my ideas?"

"I know I am influenced by this artist - is what I am making different, is it new, is it me, is it any good?"

"Should I use a free blog background that looks like scrapbook paper? Where did those images come from?"

"Is it okay if someone uses my images from Flickr, facebook?"

"Should I go with my gut on a case-by-case basis,

or just not ever use any outside text/image/stamps ever?"

"What about the many artists who do soulful portraits of doe-eyed

women with long necks? Modigliani?"

"Should I get rid of all my Stampin' Up stamps?"

"Should I just go look for a job?"

A Happy New Year

2010-01-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

What does my resolution mean? Maybe it really isn't a resolution at all, but it makes me happy and hopeful, so it works for me. How can I be more fabulous? What changes will I make? Do I need to quantify all this for myself, or should I just live it, day by day?

So many questions that I don't have answers to... yet.

My resolution...

2010-01-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

more

fabulous!

A project finished!

2009-12-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

Finally! Uploaded the photos of my altered sweater. I love wearing this, it makes me feel like a princess. My process of attaching wovens to knits needs a little more work, as stitching in the gathers prevents the bottom edge of the sweater from stretching. Luckily it doesn't need to!

Here in living color (slightly overexposed I think - sorry) ... Do you see my other work in progress, draped on the chair? A denim journal skirt inspired by Ricë Freeman-Zachary. I think it will have a fleur-de-lis theme with lots of stamping, metallics and ribbon, like the O, my Heart! skirt. My daughter wants me to make her one with a black skull. My little Goth princess!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Getting into the Christmas spirit

2009-12-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween is my most favorite holiday, hands down, it's just plain fun for me, and if I don't make it perfect, Who cares? It's Halloween.

Christmas is another matter entirely. Kids love Christmas - the idea of Christmas - and Santa and presents and lights. I know I did. But now I struggle with a sense of crushing obligation and inauthenticity. I could get into the whole religious dilemma of my household here, but honestly I think the "stuff" and commercialism bothers me more. If you've found a way to balance the commercialism of Santa with Christ's humble birth that you find meaningful and do-able, please share.

One of my favorite blogs Voodoo Lounge is doing a series on making room for creativity in your life, and her post on "getting rid of stuff" is really sticking with me. And I'm applying it to my Christmas decorations, too. All of the fake pine wreaths and garlands (some with fake snow, even)... gone. Red bows, Santa figurines, and boxes of floral picks will go in the massive garage sale/Goodwill pile as I come across them. Think of it as garage insulation for the unusually cold season. Already the season seems a little brighter, it certainly will be lighter.

Another great blog I love is Magpie Girl, and she has a great post about the holidays here. You, ME, get to decide what creates our holiday traditions. And it's okay if they change as we change. Language changes, religion changes, life changes.

Are you making any changes to your holiday traditions this year? I hope they are joyful changes that rekindle your spirit and inspire you for the coming year.

So into Sewing right now!

2009-11-29T17:10:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the weather, getting a little chilly here, but I am really excited to be altering, embelishing and remaking my wardrobe.

I love this purple sweater, but it is a little too short and leaves my back cold. It needs a soft, sheer, ruffly skirt thingy (technical terms, ya' know) to fancy it up a bit. I might also embellish the neckline and cuffs, but first I'll finish the bottom and see where that leads me.

I have had this lightweight sweater for ages. The scarf will be fluttery sleeves (I think this scarf was my Gram's). A "new" vintage button and some delicate beading around the neckline will make this plain sweater a little more fabulous.

I recently joined an altered artwear group on yahoo. Check them out! If you love the magazines Altered Couture or Belle Armoire, you will want to join this group.

Happy Sewing!

*8 Things: Your Creative Rhythm

2009-11-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

My creative rhythms... I've actually been thinking about this alot lately. Especially in the mornings when I'm so MIS-focused and the kids need to get to school.

1. I'm a morning-ish person. I don't wake up super early, but after coffee and reading a little of something, I just want to get to work.

2. Clutter distracts me. A quick 5 minute pickup around the house and my focus is greatly improved.

3. Dust... what dust? It's taken me years, but I really am letting go/trying to let go of the need for pristine, shiny clean all through the house. My studio is clean, my kids rooms are war zones. Set your priorities and choose your battles.

4. Establish boundaries. For me, it's my physical space. Anything that is not mine or doesn't have a reason to be here, gets put outside my studio. With kids ages 7 and 9 this is tricky, but asking "Does this belong here?" usually works.

5. Make a plan, and then go with the flow. I make lists (the hourly scheduling thing doesn't appeal to me), but sometimes I find the thing that doesn't make it on the list - a necklace, a painting, whatever - jumps to the front of my brain. If I stick to the list I can putter along, but if I give myself the freedom to skip the list, that other "thing" usually rockets out, gets done and rocks. I've tried explaining this to non-creative types, but they don't get it. Maybe it's a procrastinator/non-conformist thing.

6. Make a plan, and stick to it...contradictions, I know... for the boring stuff. I've started using a whiteboard on my fridge for meal planning. These are not gourmet meals, people, but thinking ahead for a dreaded chore really helps.

7. Accept your creative process may be different than anyone else, find ways to make it work for you. I jump around between many techniques and mediums and work on several projects at once. I have at least 5 necklaces in my head, I have pieces for most, but am still looking for some special accents. So I bought 5 necklace design boards to layout everything, so I can get keep working and spend less time packing/unpacking, moving and sorting the same beads.

8. Ask for help. See number 1. 7:00 to 8:30 am are pure torture for me - getting the kids up, dressed, non-stinkified and to school on time is a battle. Lots of yelling and overall grumpiness because I am conflicted.... I want to get to work, my brain and hands are ready... and they are kids. Any suggestions for making mornings better for all of us. Beyond me getting up earlier and making charts for the kids, those I know, I just need to, and WILL, implement.

A blog post about Blogging

2009-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well, friends, I did something kind of sneaky to you. I installed an invisible "stat counter" on my blog, so I could see if there really was anybody out there... And I found out that there is!!!!! And it was really easy to do! So thank you so much for reading the random tidbits, projects and ramblings of my life.

Every so often I need to refocus and get into something new and this time it's blogging. Of course, for me, starting anything new involves buying books.

First, Diane Gilleland, the creator of CraftyPod, has a great e-book called Making_A_Great_Blog. It covers all the basics, there is a 8 page worksheet pack, and lots of extra links on her site. Definitely worth the $$. After I've implemented more of her suggestions, I will order the e-books on creative marketing and social media.

But I don't think I will ever be a huge fan of the e-book format, because there is nothing that beats the smell and feel of a brand-new book, and this one is Pretty, too... Blogging for Bliss: Crafting your own online journal, by Tara Frey, has lots of great information, plus eye candy - great photos for her blog and others, interviews with other successful creative bloggers, and tons of cool links to check out.

I have some changes in mind for debvandet designs, based on these sources: ideas to improve my photography, new banner, some more interactivity - like give-aways, swaps or some challenges.

What would you like to see here? What do you think makes a great blog?

You Are Beautiful Necklace on White Linen

2009-11-09T12:10:00.001-08:00

YouAreBeautiful on White Linen
Originally uploaded by debvandet

I have been learning so much about photography in the past few days. Honestly, it does not come naturally to me, but I am enjoying exploring some of the free editing features on PicNik. I like how the linen texture shows through the transparency.
The new image, on the left, is much more dramatic. I used autofix, straighten, adjusted color and contrast. A good little experiment for a tummy-ache day.

Some new goals...

2009-11-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about my goals. My fall shows were really disappointing, so I know that I need to refocus my "product" or my attitude. Comes back to that whole art/craft, love/money... grossly simplified into this dichotomy, but I sure many other artist/crafters struggle with this. How do I define artistic and creative success?

Several intense conversations with the hubby ended up with me in tears. I feel I need to make sales to justify my status as an artist and there is so much out there now about marketing that supports the idea that financial compensation validates our creativity. The days of the starving artist are over thanks to the wonders of technology. We can email, blog, facebook, Flickr, Etsy, and Art Fire our way to success. (Those are the only ones I've done - that's my limit :})
Diane Gilleland of Crafty Pod did a great interview with Paul Overton of Dudecraft about crafting for money or passion that really affected me. Go listen! Seriously, go listen... I'll still be here.

So, they inspired me to give myself a break from my previous goal of a show a month (hey - I did 3 in October - that should tide me over and I'll pick up in February if I'm ready). Instead, I am going to focus on making what I want to make, blissing out in my process, maybe playing, not yelling at my kids. And I am going to work on some of my skills, mainly polymer clay, photography, blogging, and soldering (okay, that list could go on FOREVER... there are so many new things I want to learn).

Part of my photography problem is lighting. Setting up everything out on the deck... in Oregon... in the fall equals chilly and very wet, not good for me or my jewelry, so I am making a light box.
Here it is - in process! With the resident cat investigating (my silly iPhone photo) and now sleeping in it. Tissue paper, white or pale gray posterboard, my 2 clamp-on lamps with Ott Lite bulbs and I will be ready to rock!
If you want to make one too, here are the two great links I found:
Inexpensive Light Tent and Strobist $10 Light Box They explain it so well, I don't need to paraphrase for you.

I don't really have an answer to my question: How do I define artistic and creative success? Being artistic and creative are essential to my view of myself and my world, so if I feel artistic and creative, could that in itself be my success?

Halloween "fire goddess" dress

2009-10-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

The theme for this year's Halloween was supposed to be Phantom of the Opera, but then in August I had my hair done with gorgeous red streaks (Thank you, Chica!) and the concept changed to match the hair, which is now faded anyway. In honor of the red streaks, I wanted to do FIRE, so then Dyl needed a costume to coordinate, and what could be more perfect than Fire and Ice, Opposites Attract.It's your basic bridesmaid dress, purchased at Brides Against Breast Cancer charity sale. Starting with a pre-made dress and a red dress saved me so much time from spray painting my old white prom dress or constructing a new bodice from scratch.First step, cut out the lining and crinoline at mid-thigh, pin up drape, remove rhinestone accent, and cut jagged edges to be the flames.Then I added a new crinoline of red sparkle tulle to the remaining lining. And crinolines of orange tulle, part loosely gathered and at the slit, tightly gathered for volume. I sewed the orange tulle on folded (machine gathered long edge, fold edge at bottom) and then hand cut the fold apart into flames. The extra scraps were made into flame poofs along with scrap yellow tulle from Aeryn's 3 year old belle costume.The long side drape was pinned various ways and then finally stitched up with more flame poofs tucked in. And I added a red velvet "strap" and a vintage rhinestone pin. The side is accented with a flame sequin applique.
Look, Momo in my pictures ^~^ as always.

Next up... the accessories, and maybe I'll work on making the Ice man look cool too!

A Charming Exchange Auction

2009-10-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don't obsessively read jewelry making books and magazines and blogs like me, but you should definitely check out A Charming Exchange.

Fabulous book, amazing photos, great techniques, tons of inspiration. Listed right now on eBay are the actual pieces from the book, which are being auctioned for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Several of the creators and collaborators in the book are breast cancer survivors and share their stories.

Jewelry-making, self-image, meditation, process, healing, inspiring, giving ... how often do all of these elements come together so clearly.

Check out the charity auction on eBay. Search for A Charming Exchange or Susan G. Komen and check back, new pieces are put on all the time!

But don't bid on this one! I really want it!!!!

Trick or Trick 2009 Ghouls Guild on ArtFire

2009-10-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

TRICK OR TREAT 2009: Scavenger Hunt

Do you want to win one of the fabulous prizes donated by the Ghouls Guild?! If so, you'll want to participate in our scavenger hunt!!!!

We promise that the scavenger hunt isn't too hard, and it's super fun!

Go here to participate in the scavenger hunt!

You have until the end of Trick or Treat 2009 (Oct 13th) to complete the scavenger hunt.

Psst... To help you out, check out the right side of our blog that lists all the Ghouls Guild members! This list will prove to be a huge help in answering the questions on the scavenger hunt!

Good luck everyone!

Happy Haunting... urr.. I mean Hunting! mouhaha!!

Morning glories, morning person...

2009-09-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

I used to consider myself a night owl, I guess I had childhood insomnia that lasted into my twenties. But now, once dinner is done and the kids to bed (early for them at 8:30), I'm wiped. My desk is covered with jewelry supplies for lovely Halloween pretties and I can only hope that the Momo cat doesn't discover them, because I'm too tired to put them away and afraid I'll lose my inspiration for tomorrow if I do.

Could I really be turning into a morning person? What's the story morning glory?
"That I walk up my stoop, I pause to consider if it really be,
A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics
of books." Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
Here's to hoping for sweet dreams and blue (but slightly overcast between 3-5 pm when I need to take some art photographs) skies.

Show on Sunday

2009-08-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

This Sunday - August 9th - I will be at Crafty Wonderland at the Doug Fir Lounge. Bring the kids for the DIY table. They always have a cool make-and-take project. In the past we've made matchbox shrines, chenille flowers and felt fortune cookies.

A new goal I have set for myself is to do a craft show every month. So check me off for August, friends.

Apparently the universe approves my intention to do more Halloween art, since I recently had a lovely visitor to my studio.
The web was so delicate and lovely, you can hardly see it, but I just had to take a photo and share anyways. I put my spider friend outside on the deck and maybe now she's living in some silk ivy.

On a hot and sunny Saturday...

2009-07-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am checking facebook and blogs and wading through email and doing random searches while the kids are grumping. So while it's still cool I'm going to go outside, walk the dog and water and then when it gets really hot I am going to do a tiny bit of art, maybe an ATC or some little hand sewing.

I am going to enjoy this beautiful hot day...

and be content.

Summer Art Classes

2009-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

This summer I will be teaching several art classes at the Tigard Jo-Ann's store. Mainly for kids, but adults can sign up too.

Jo-Ann’s Kids Papercrafting 101 "Disney Scrapbook," (2 hr) Ages 5 and up. $20. You can do Disney or a different theme for your 8” scrapbook.
Thurs. June 18, 10 am Thurs. July 2, 10 am Sat. August 8, 10 am

Jo-Ann’s Kids Clay Camp 101 "Board Games By-the-Sea," (3 hr) Ages 6 and up. $30. Make two fun games out of polymer clay.
Thurs. June 18, 1 pm Thurs. July 2, 1 pm Sat. August 8, 1 pm Clay Pot Animals

Altered Tote Bag (3 hr) Ages 8 and up. $25. Start with a plain fabric/canvas tote - add fabric, appliqués, beads, buttons, ribbons, trim, fabric paint, pens and more. Use basic hand sewing and express your own style.
Friday June 19, 10 am Thurs. July 23, 1 pm

Treasure Boxes and Creatures (3 hr) Age 6 and up. $25. Make a fabulous (or scary) creature out of polymer clay to live inside your painted and embellished treasure box.
Thurs. June 25, 1 pm Thurs, July 16, 10 am
Sat. July 18, 10 am Fri. August. 7, 10 am

Drawing with Deborah (2 hr) Ages 7 and up. $20/class. Move beyond lollipop trees and stick figures and learn to draw what you see. Sketchbook and basic drawing techniques with pencil. Drawing classes can be taken in any order.
"1 – Still Lifes" Thurs. June 25, 10 am Thurs. July 23, 10 am

"2 - Landscapes" Fri. June 26, 10 am Sat. July 25, 10 am

"3 - People" Sat. June 27, 10 am Thurs. Aug. 13, 10 am

"4 - Perspective" Fri. July 17, 10 am Thurs. August 13, 1 pm

Stuffies (3 hr) Age 8 and up. $25. Stuffies are hand-made, free-form stuffed creatures. They can be soft and cuddly or cool and scary. Basic hand sewing and machine sewing.
Thurs. July 16, 1 pm Sat. August 15, 10 am

ATCs (2 hr) Ages 7 and up. $25. ATCs are Artist Trading Cards. Artists around the world collect and trade ATCs. If you like Pokemon c, Bella Sera c or baseball cards you will love making your own cards (at least 10) to keep or trade and a folder to display them. You’ll use rubber stamps, drawing and collage. Thurs. August 6, 10 am

Polymer Clay Jewelry (3 hr) Ages 8 and up. $25. Make your own beads and learn several techniques for stringing and finishing your necklace and bracelet.
Thurs. August 6, 1 pm Fri. August 14, 10 am

To register call 503-684-5970.
All classes are held at Jo-Ann’s, on the corner of Hall and 99W.

11945 SW Pacific Hwy, Ste 250 Class supply lists will be emailed after registration.
Tigard, OR 97223, Store # 2120 Supplies not included in class cost, purchase at Jo-Ann’s.

Has it really been a month...

2009-05-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I hate how time just seems to speed up every single year of my life. So what have I been up to for the last few weeks? ATCs - love them so much FUN!!! Thanks, Tam! Art Literacy - drawing with the kids and learning about Degas, class samples for summer art classes at Joann's, tearing up the house and putting new floors in the bedroom - Pergo Olivewood - so beautiful.

But what happens when you improve ONE thing? You look around and say "Oh, I guess we need to repaint," "Hey honey, why don't you fix the outlet?" "Oooh, let's move the furniture!" "Ooops, we need new drapes since I'm facing the window now!" A wonderful project to start out a whole year's worth of new projects.

Tomorrow, my goal is to take some photos of my garden. Perfection is so far away, but everyday something rewarding is happening. My tiny butterfly rose has flowers half its size... Adorable. My 75% off lilies from Fred Meyer are going strong. And 2 out of 4 apples have tiny fruits, and I have 2 plums! In truth, the squirrels will probably get them before mid-July, just like the figs. I wish they would just eat the whole fruit though.. oh well. Tiny squirrel brains!

Hope you are finding inspiration in your corner of the world.

Great artists on the CrAzy TRaiN

2009-05-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Busy as a bee lately... but it's time to check out some of my fellow ArtFire friends. What do I like today?

LaDeDaCreations owner Laura is a groovy hippie chick/day spa owner and amazing polymer clay artist. Having just started making my own polymer clay jewelry, I've got to say WOW! This Handmade Groovy Polymer Clay Pendant is $8.50, 2 inches long and super fun.

Carmon of WooleycreekTribal & Ethnic Jewelry creates traditional Native American bead-work jewelry. Her turquoise pieces are also exquisite. This Spirit of the Mountain Earrings are made with delica beads - very tiny- and took 36 hours to make. Priced at $30, here is the perfect argument for supporting our own American artisans; Fair Trade doesn't just mean overseas artisans. Beautiful work, totally fair prices... we create because we must, out of love and desire.

Bijoux Designs For You is not just jewelry. Mother and daughter team April and Glenda also make beaded bookmarks, wine charms, and kitchen linens. This Brown and Gold Spiral Bracelet is a bargain at $18. Notice the elegant gold tone clasp and beautiful colors.

Here in Beaverton, Oregon, the farmer's market opened today. Wouldn't you just be the cutest with this Retro Paisley Print Reusable Market Bag by Catfluff Price: $24.99.

ArtFire goodies

2009-04-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

These amazing buttons are from Handmade Treasures by djstoreroom, another fabulous vendor on ArtFire. Along with vintage buttons, Diana makes adorable zippered pouches and purselets, and she offers tutorials as well.

Silver River Jewelry offers exquisite designs of stone and metal and some vintage styles with modern techniques that totally rock. I love this Crocheted Copper Wire Victorian Style Bracelet. Here is why: it's wire crochet - I can't crochet , just not my thing, it's copper - my favorite metal, it has black ribbon - love that, it has a black and floral cameo. Darling Dylan, if you're reading this, please remember me for Mother's Day.

Creative Cove Jewelry Designs offers elegant and casual jewelry for all occasions. This blue topaz briolette pendant is combined with bali style beads, teal swarovski crystals, and twisted pale aqua quartz beads with silver chain. Love this color, like the sky, robin's eggs, Easter eggs, cotton candy, yummy springtime goodness.

Have a wonderful weekend.

ArtFire Spotlight on ...

2009-04-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

I think I have Spring Fever! But I can get out and garden now thanks to my very helpful allergist, "Take more medicine." Not a solution for hives, but at least it's something.

Accessories by Gottjoy This gorgeous beadwoven spiral necklace by Joyce of Accessories by Gottjoy is a steal at $52.00 (with a sterling clasp!). I imagine wearing this with simple white top and linen pants. The weather is so beautiful here. The turquoise beads are just so perfect for spring and summer. She has other neat beaded objects, including wine stoppers with lampworked beads.

You have got to love Shine Your Hiney Soap - if only for the name alone - if not for her fabulous selection of soap, lotions and .... SUGAR SCRUB. If you have sensitive skin and the generic salt scrubs at the drugstore don't work for you, sugar scrub is a great alternative - no stinging and burning. You can even choose your own scent. 4 oz. of custom scented sugar scrub is only $6:50.Enjoy the amazing spring weather if you're in my part of the world.

Spotlight on ArtFire artists

2009-04-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Check out these fabu shops on ArtFire after your Easter craziness is done.

Picard Creative
She makes really cool retro magnets with great vintage images and all kinds of funky sayings.

Alisun's Exquisite jewelry using Swarovski crystals with sterling and gold-filled findings. I love this jet black briolette set. And Alisuns is having 15% off sale until Mother's Day.

Hope everyone is having a joyous and sweet Easter.

Untitled...

2009-04-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

My heart is in the garden, my hands busy with beads and wire, my head makes lists and notes of all else that is not to be forgotten... and I wonder why my voice forgets to sing.

I miss the moments of utter peace and clarity I remember (or mis-remember) from the past, in childhood, as a student, before "Real Life." There is still joy, but I remember when music just came from inside of me and I wonder how to get it back... Maybe the peace I remember from my youth was just unawareness of the complexity and choices and value of life.

I sometimes (okay, often) criticize myself for a lack of self-awareness or self-knowledge, but maybe that's not accurate or fair. Faceted, fractured, inconstant, twisted... like a braid, maybe...

Deep thoughts for a Saturday morning... the memory of spontaneous singing... the hives keeping me out of my garden... the piles of projects in my studio... the metalwork jewelry class I need to get dressed to go to this morning...

More ArtFire Goodness...

2009-04-07T12:41:00.001-07:00

The Jewelry Shop at ArtFire has gorgeous vintage and hand-crafted jewelry. The pin above "Sisters and a Bird" is vintage resin - looks like cameo, but that pink color is amazing.

2009-04-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

Beautiful spring weather is making me long for flowers. I love calla lilies, they are so majestic... the thick white petals seem almost too perfect to be real. But I don't have a spot for them in my tiny garden. So a needle-felted brooch will have to do. Visit Caterpillar Peacock to see more amazing cuteness.

Cool stuff from ArtFire

2009-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

If I had these last month I'd have better photos up. Seriously! I take my photos on the back deck and it was cold. These are by Pirate Pixie Crew - she's out of England and makes tons of cool hats, leg warmers and my faves - the fingerless gloves. So if anyone wants to get me an early Christmas gift, check her out. Or... I suppose you could buy something for yourself. Enjoy.

Changes, inch by inch, wondering and wandering...

2009-03-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

You might have noticed I changed my avatar. This is the basic image I put together: skull (from the halloween stuff that stays out/in process all year, rose, copper fabric, black velvet, and finally learning the macro function. Then I went into Flickr and added some text.
And then had darling hubby Dylan redo the same in graphic converter to split the text into two text boxes... Because I just had to have "designs" in script. Isn't it funny how sometimes an idea just sticks in your head? Nothing else will do. So now I'm pretty happy with it.It's a little spooky, a little girly, has two of my favorite colors – pink and copper (the copper fabric was from a shirt of mine - loved it but it was so itchy!). Having my photo as my avatar just felt too personal to me. And how I look is not me. I am definitely self-conscious about having my photo taken, my voice recorded... it never looks or sounds like me... to me. Apparently the image I have of myself in my head is quite different than the reality captured by technology. Will my avatar stay as the "Rose Skull"? Knowing me probably not for too long... there are too many sides of my personality that I want to express, already I see something missing in this image... there is no green...nothing growing, twining, looping, swirling... the silk rose is static, man-made, the flower of the rose, though, is its most transitory part. See how the contradictions abound in even the simplest things.

This post started in my head as wanting to be about blogging... why do I want to do this, put myself out there. Deryn Mentock recently posted about Artful Blogging and authenticity. My friend Tam also was raving about this issue so I had to get it at my Tuesday Barnes and Noble/Starbucks coffee stop (I will miss that now that my daughter's cheerleading is over).
I can't wait to sit, read, and absorb more of this fabulous magazine. I am hoping it will help me clarify what my goal is: personal exploration, self-promotion, documentation... all of the above. Someone on ArtFire wrote a nice post about reasons for blogging that I will try to link to here.

As I am working so hard on building a business, I want what I do to feel authentic to me. That means being eclectic – I don't think focusing on one product or even type of thing will work for me. That means not starting Twitter or Plurk- because I don't care what I have for breakfast, I can hardly be bothered to track my Weight Watchers points, why should you? The concept does intrigue me, however "Contradictions, again!" so I might change my mind. There are just so many options, choices, decisions, every minute of every day... Twisting, turning, spinning, hoping, dreaming, yearning... the circle never ends...

Some beautiful people...

2009-03-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

I just have to rave about the ArtFire community. In the month or so I've been working on my shop I've made the acquaintance of so many amazing women - inspiring, supportive, helpful, funny. During the last few days of crazy volunteering at the school - all 500 kids' handmade clay face portrait tiles are up, grouted, jointed, polished... it looks amazing - I have missed following the forums.

3zArt makes decorated switchplates (hey me too!) with cool funky fabrics... they are so bright
and happy.

New items on ArtFire - mini memo books

2009-03-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

I just added memo books to ArtFire this morning.
5 mini memo books with pens... These are altered notebooks, approx 4 by 3 inch composition books - the ones with the black and white covers. Shiny and new to fill with your questions, comments, thoughts, lists, notes, dreams, directions, doodles....

This is what your mini memo book might look like in 6 months to a year, after the kids have drawn pictures in it and on it, you've torn out pages to exchange phone numbers, made innumerable lists, and spilled coffee over it (and in your purse).

Next generation of artists

2009-03-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

My son Ethan -8 years old- loves to make art and all kinds of creations. So since I'm making jewelry 24/7, he wanted to join in. For this necklace he used the tiny metal wire scraps from wire-wrapping, making eye hooks, and my mistakes (oh no!). I knew my little recycling container was a good idea, just didn't know so much good stuff could come out of it. I love the kinetic quality of this necklace. Can you tell Ethan studied Calder in Art Literacy with mom this year?

He selected the props and choose some effects in the first two pictures. Today I learned how to use the macro function on my camera. Yay me! I hope it will make a noticeable difference in the quality of my jewelry photographs.

Cloth Paper Scissors Charm Swap

2009-03-12T12:31:00.001-07:00

charmsprocess1
Originally uploaded by debvandet

My charms for Cloth Paper Scissors are in process. Using Dylan's old green work shirt, cotton fiber fill, vintage thread, copper wire and yellow glass butterfly beads I've made little pillow charms. I love that I used mostly recycled materials for this charm swap. I've actually made quite a few more than I need, okay... to be honest I'm making 12 of each, but I'm going to use some for swap-bot and some for Art & Soul in October.

I am really excited to start swapping. Photos of the finished project will be up soon.

Flickr

2009-03-12T12:21:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

My lovely chickens...

2009-03-11T09:54:00.001-07:00

Jesse, Stripey, Sweetie and Little Red are so happy free ranging in the garden and hunting for bugs and worms. They love to scratch up all my leaf piles for future garden beds. Chickens are happy creatures.And then, it's on to the deck to visit their Chicken Mommy/Rooster... me, the one with the food. "Hi, do you have any treats for us? Can we come in? Corn, please!" What you can't see is the reaction of the resident cats, Toni and Momo, who were sitting right next to me, watching these interlopers very carefully.

Life may be crazy, the car has to go into the shop today, there are dishes multiplying exponentially as I'm typing... FOR REAL... and I have piles of horrendous laundry waiting... to wash... to fold... to ignore... as I try to plan out a day that accomplishes something fulfilling. That is the constant struggle and question, isn't it?

Jewelry for Stephenson Auction

2009-03-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Part of a gift basket for my niece's school auction. My sister is putting together quite a few really cool things (other than what I have here, of course). Enjoy!

Silver and Gold, one for you and one for a girlfriend, or both for you, depending on your mood. The black beads are vintage, quite possibly jet, and not 1970 vintage, but great-grandmother
Eva vintage, so most likely pre-1940. The small crystal disks are from the same era. I will probably cry when I use them all up, but they are just the most perfectly versatile little beads.

Two microscope slide necklaces with vintage image reproductions, "Oui ou No?" above is highlighted with gold and has a reverse image of the Eiffel Tower. Both are on silky black cord with silver magnetic clasps. The necklace below is highlighted with silver and alcohol inks with a transparency image. And the final contribution... a wine charm with an image of a palace (think fairy tales and chick flicks) for a lovely bottle of wine for two friends to share.

Golden eggs in a copper nest... a pin

2009-02-27T16:37:00.001-08:00

I was going to write about the jewelry sets for the Stephenson Elementary School Auction, but the chickens are squawking so loudly at the squirrels, I thought the nest was more appropriate.

Before making my first nest, I researched through all my books- French-Inspired Jewelry especially, and issues of Belle Armoire Jewelry. I found mine took much more wire than recommended. I've also mixed metals - 18 gauge copper and 20 g. gold-tone craft wire. The dyed fresh-water pearls are from Bodacious Beads, wired on with 26 g. copper, and the pinback is wired on with the ends of the nest wire.

I love how the metal nest is all interconnected... its weight... the shine of the copper which will patina over time... the mix of metals - always one of my favorites.

The kids still remember all the real birds' nest we found when we took the Christmas lights out of the huge pine tree near our driveway in New York. Ethan was four and Aeryn was only two. We "rescued" - as in knocked them out with the lights - 4 nests and saved them for the whole summer until we moved, then we returned them into the woods. The circle of life must continue... feed the soil, into the tree, its twigs and branches the materials and support of a new nest.

These metal nests brought this memory back for them so clearly. If I ever doubted the power of jewelry, this would prove its value - of connections, of history, of memories, of families. All of the objects made by our hands are imbued with so much power far beyond their beauty or function.

Dreaming of spring...

2009-02-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

Snow on the ground this morning, winter keeps trying to sneak back in but spring is coming. My viburnum is almost ready to bloom and when that happens I will be outside puttering in the garden: talking to the chickens, moving around piles of leaves, picking up sticks.

I'm waiting for a sunny-ish day to take some new photos, it's no fun taking pics in the rain and cold. I've completed a few new necklaces: tiger-eye and copper is almost done. I love soldering! It sounds silly, but using cools tools and techniques makes me really happy. Not that plain beading or straight stitching aren't fun too, but those tools, those tools, those glorious tools.

Hey, check out ArtFire. Super cool new handmade selling site! Only one item on there by me, but I think I'm going to like it better than etsy.

That's all for now!

Wire-wrapped jewelry

2009-02-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

This is a necklace I made for my sister, Cynthia. The bead idea is from Deryn Mentock's article in Belle Armoire Jewelry. LOVE that magazine. I like the contrast of the the heavy gauge steel wire with the very delicate 32 gauge twisted wire necklace. Delicate and strong together. I've used a variety of faceted gemstone beads, I think they're quartz, and two pearl disks, which must be dyed, because I don't think pearls are naturally deep pink. The lampwork bead was purchased, it has a neat stripe that reminds me of mint candies. Yummy. Hurray for the bench block, my new best friend.

The usual Frustrations

2009-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

I need to take photos for Etsy. I have very little confidence in my photography abilities, so I tend to put this off. I am also stumped on my Somerset Studio submission for "Sisterhood." I love working on the themes but I get discouraged and can't finish on time. And the project I started I now wanted to go in a new direction with - it feels too "scrapbooky" and it would make a fabulous jewelry holder.

here is a project that is complete and feels somewhat finished and successful, especially since it is a reworking of an earlier piece. my own recycling, yay!
This necklace is for my mom. I am going to send it to her this week. I have no idea if she'll like it at all. Hope so.

My constant studio companion, Momo, is bugging me!!!! At this exact moment she is on my bead mat, instead of the keyboard. Off to fight the losing cat battle.

. . . dusty old things and shiny new things

2009-02-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

This is Amanda, say hello to Amanda. She belonged to my Mom and I've had her for many years. At the moment she is living on my nightstand in her "Spooky" bridal gown. It's not really spooky, but that's what I dressed her in for Halloween. Amanda only changes outfits a few times a year. She's easy on the laundry, unlike Ethan, Aeryn, Dylan, me, the cats, the rags from the Art Lit room.This is my old, sad computer. I could post several more photos of its many misfortunes but it's cruel to taunt it. 2 year olds and laptops - NOT perfect together. So now I can type and load pics onto a shiny new-to-me computer. I feel like I have finally got a chance to be part of the blogging world. Woo hoo!

This is my driveway a few afternoons ago. It was warm enough, all the neighborhood kids were playing war, it was so loud "Retreat, retreat!" I was working on some jewelry, not yet having to think about dinner. Life is busy and crazy and purty darn good right now.

Necklaces - old and old in progress

2009-01-18T11:42:00.001-08:00

"Shine Forth Strong" went missing. I think I donated this necklace for a school auction. If so, I hope went to a good home. It had a vellum image of a vintage car, sheer gold flecked ribbon, alcohol inks, vintage text from The Spirit of American Sculpture, and mirror tiles. I love the sparkle of the mirror tiles. This also would have made a nice rearview mirror charm.

This necklace is "untitled" and I really want to rework it. I love the concepts but it doesn't hang as smoothly as I would like. The slide really shows my process of using mistakes - the wire-wrap crown covers damage to the transparency from patina or too much heat or both. I love that. The crystal button at the bottom has gone - structurally unsound. So I'm glad I wore this one and didn't donate it. Now I can add a different charm. Maybe this should be split into 2 necklaces but I really want to work with the multistrands and mixing or maybe it just needs more. So many choices!!

Items on Etsy!! Finally!

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

After, I don't know, maybe a year or more, I have finally added items to my Etsy shop. 4 Necklaces, hopefully with many more to come. Please check them out. This necklace "My Diva Shoes" was a Christmas gift for my sister and I made matching earrings with dangling shoes. She loved them. If you like it too, sorry! No repeats. But I like shoes and they're a fun image to work with so maybe I'll make some more shoe-related jewelry, inspired by Cindy.

I have tons of projects in the works now - magazine submissions, canvases, organizing projects, and lots more to come that I hope to share with you.

Thanks for reading.

3 out of 4

2009-01-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

I took this photo in November or early December. Jesse, Stripey are the big brown ones and then came Sweetie. Now it's January and all four are laying, but I still get an extra special thrill from that beautiful bluish green egg. Now they all are about the same size. Definitely not your grocery store extra large eggs, but they are a respectable size, I think. And definitely yummy.

Crafty cleanup and Sewing projects

2008-11-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I reorganized my craft/fabric closet and used 10 magazine holders from IKEA to consolidate the huge piles taking over my craft room and bedroom. I love these cardboard magazine holders - they work so hard and you can make them so pretty with fabric or collage.

There is still a lack of space to put the magazine holders, but it's a step toward functionality. The fabric is folded, papers are sorted (and now stacked and stashed), Halloween fabric is in a vintage suitcase, scraps are bagged somewhat neatly, did some labeling, some recycling. Overall a very productive day!

The crazy quilt pillow cover is coming along nicely and I've actually made a dent in my mending and alterations pile. Somerset Altered Couture magazine is a dangerous thing. I want to completely transform my wardrobe after looking at all the yummy artistic clothes embellished with fabric and lace and ... So my pink jeans are in process, which might inspire a change in hair color. Intriguing! Or maybe my hair stripe will be dyed to match our upcoming holiday picture outfits - deep blue to go with the midnight blue velvet/satin and beaded black lace dress I'm making.

It must be the chill in the air, maybe the rain, (who knows, who cares?!) that's inspiring me to get so many projects going. Or maybe it's just a manic pre-holiday phase. My creative juices are surging!

Halloween Happenings and Christmas Thoughts

2008-11-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

My most favorite holiday is Halloween. As a child I'm sure it was Christmas, but now that I'm on the parent end of the giving, it's just not as much fun. Stress, consumerism, and lies have taken a lot of my Christmas spirit away and getting it back is a work in progress. I am really struggling to find ways to make Christmas/Yule/Winter Solstice a meaningful holiday for our family and create traditions that speak to our values: creativity and environmentalism, music, food, family and friends.

Halloween doesn't cause me the same existential stress. I am not conflicted by its pagan origins and consumerism, because I have found ways to make them meaningful for me. We try to throw our biggest party of the year, every year is the goal. The house is completely transformed inside and out. On one level, just because it's totally cool. I love the look, and I get to relive my high school wanna-be Goth desires. As an adult, laughing and celebrating in the face of death, fear, monsters, and all the inexplicable horrors of life seems valuable.

Most of the decorations usually stay up until Thanksgiving, and this year is the same. But instead of completely switching gears to Christmas stuff I'm still working on Halloween projects.

Projects include: hemming my homemade linens, making new pillow covers, dressing my white witch doll, black lace lampshades, the"potions" cabinet, finishing the miniature witches' cottage... And that is hardly a complete list.

Is it possible that this could be the crafting niche I've been looking for? Maybe.

First eggs . . .

2008-09-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

September always feels like a new year for me. I guess from so many years of being a student. Things are starting up and there is a sense of fulfillment and anticipation. My chickens have laid their first eggs. It is so cool! Jesse, my lovely big GIRL, laid it right in front of me. "Look at me, I'm a hen, don't send me away or eat me!" The bottom three eggs, the first three, I blew out to save. I made scrambled eggs for lunch. Amazingly delicious! The rest will be made into deviled eggs.

Tomatoes, red and luscious, are waiting to be made into sweet chili sauce. Fall and winter seeds are sprouting, mustard greens and onions. And the roses are still blooming away.

Maybe today is a magical day.

On my mind . . .

2008-06-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Wow! I loved it and found her journey from pain and depression to be so inspiring, but . . . How many of us have the means to make an amazing, transformative physical and spiritual journey? How can I transform my interior life without "a huge effort?" As I write the answer comes, because you can't transform WITHOUT effort. Think of chickens hatching, caterpillars in their cocoons (Aeryn found one the other day) - all transformation requires work of some kind.

So, then the question is what do I need to do and where do I want to be? Art and gardens, chicks and beauty, kids, hubby, money. . . The seeds of a holistic life are there, some scattered and parched, but I think I've made some progress and I have learned so much (facts, info, goals, striving, planning, frustration, small successes). But still, there is a core of anger and discontent, and the occasional lapse into "Oh, I should just suck it up and get a real job!" Depression lurks, waiting for the weak moment to derail my self-esteem.

The outward pieces of a sustainable, artistic life need a stronger core of WHAT? Peace, balance, acceptance (a goal and a problem for me, it seems), God, spirit, selflessness, meditation.

What will work for me?

Projects incomplete...

2008-05-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

With so many projects in the queue, it is hard to imagine adding something else, but serendipity, chance, coincidence and fate sometimes gives you what you ask for before you're ready. Gosh, sounds like I'm talking about something really important. . . a new job (or a job), a baby, adoption, but it is nothing that big. It's .....

CHICKENS!

The local kindergarten usually hatches eggs and I happened to be in the classroom for art stuff when the chicks were almost ready to return to the feed store. After my several questions and obvious interest, Mrs. T asked, "Deborah, would you like to take the chickens home?" And, well, how could I say no? So I am now the proud chicken mama of 2 one and a half month-old Rhode Island Reds, named by the kids, "Jesse" and "Lacey." But Lacey might be a rooster, so I've been calling it "Stripey No Name," so we don't get too attached. Yeah, right.

But, two chickens don't make a flock, so trip to the feed store for supplies ended up with two more chicks: another Rhode Island Red (RIR) with the highly original name of "Little Red" and an Araucana with the most beautiful pale feathers named "Sweetie," however, sweetie she apparently is not.

The new chicks and old are now getting along nicely in their brooder box - a large Rubbermaid bin with my compost screen over top. They occasionally "free range" in my craft room/studio and the big girls have been out on the deck. So, a new project is building the girls a coop and attached run in the backyard.

My end goal is three hens, fresh eggs, bug eaters and high-powered compost. But I really love having the chicks around. They really do have personalities and they are so funny. It is also a miracle to see their amazing instinctive behaviors- grooming, foraging, interacting. There is so much to learn from every living creature. Pictures soon.

Spring is flying in ...

2008-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Spring break is here. Not that it means a vacation for a stay-at-home, work-at-home, procrastinate-at-home mom like me. I have been involved in some big projects - ripping out carpet, painting floors, painting moldings and doors, cutting holes in the ceiling ("Well, honey, I guess I really do need a skylight there now.") All for my craft room, which I am trying to revamp into my studio.

Here are some before pictures:

I am trying to create a space that is inspiring and easy to work in. My main problem is a lack of space so I have had to seriously edit my supplies and collections. I've moved miniatures to the garage, items to alter are boxed and labeled in the garage as well. I added a shelf for tools near my desk to help keep my work surface cleaner.

Light - painting the floor (brown and cream checkerboard diamond), white trim work, adding 2 lights (from my Gram's house) and 2 tube skylights (need to buy these) should make a huge difference. The ceiling is a pale blue and the walls are creamy white.

Fabric- my storage closet definitely needs some softening and coverage, same with my sewing table. As much as I would love to go looking for something totally fabulous and new, I will use what I have. The top contender is a wide pink and white stripe with floral overlay- very girly and Victorian. Second choice is French blue toile, which has been in my bedroom and living room. Third choice is red and cream floral and toile which was in my craft room in New York, so I'm really not too into it. The first has the compelling factor of never being used. Poor lonely fabric.

My time however is split between this project and my garden. Yesterday was spent starting seeds and laying out new beds. In Oregon, you've got to get out while the soil is not too sopping wet, so today, which looks beautiful, will be another garden day.

Let's hop to it.

Craft - making the world a prettier and better place?

2008-01-28T16:52:00.000-08:00

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" Ecclesiastes 9:10

I first discovered this quote on a cross-stitch sampler and it has always stuck with me. I have no great knowledge of the Bible or scripture, so my interpretation is personal. As an artist/crafter and former academic, the quality of "by hand" is extremely important to me. There is just so much more connection to the world and the people around us who make the products that fill our lives. Take this pair of earrings: unique, one-of-a-kind, beautiful (if I do say so myself, and I should since I made them - sorry NFS).

Components: ear wires, headpins, metal spacer beads, amazonite beads, seed beads, plastic beads and glass beads, and plastic backers since I am horrendous about only losing the earrings that I adore. Tools: needlenose pliers, chainnose pliers, wire cutters, metal file, nylon jaw pliers. Sources: garage sales, large chain craft stores-Joann's and Michaels, hardware stores -Home Depot, independent bead shops, my favorite local place is Bodacious Beads in Hillsboro, Oregon. Time: about an hour and a half, not including shopping and percolating of the idea.

As an artisan selling these as one of a kind earrings with gemstone and recycled materials, I might realistically expect $25-45, if I had an established name I might actually make a profit by asking $45-65. Of course, I do have to pay retail for my supplies which does greatly affect my material cost and admittedly I am not doing production work so I work very hard to make each piece an original which greatly increases my time.

Now. . . what if I go to the Fred Meyer, Target or the mall? What would I reasonably expect to pay for a pair of earrings? Given that the materials are wholesale, production items, with the possibility of assembly line work, most likely shipped from overseas, how much is the person who designed the earrings earning and then how much is the person physically creating the earrings earning?

I don't have the answers, seriously, I'm not an economist or whatever. But it makes me think. . . can the artisan who is making the majority of jewelry I've bought in my life be making a living wage in decent working conditions?

Do I now make most of my own jewelry so my conscience is clean or am I really helping by being part of the handmade movement? Or do I make my own jewelry so I can bliss out in the process and then revel in my sense of accomplishment? Doing it with all my might.

Learning curve technology rant

2008-01-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

Wah, Wah, Wah! Woe is me! All this blogging stuff is too hard. Just kidding! Jeesh! But the learning curve is a bitch for someone as technologically lazy as I am. I don't have anything against technology. I used to know how to maintain my PowerBook (I am a dinosaur, I know, give me a break already) but then I got married to a techie and now I am spoiled. The only problem is he works too damn much and I don't know how to do didly squat anymore.

I am waiting for the real deal . . . a super, simple little chip in my head that lets me have it all, absolutely seemlessly integrated into my life. Will I be the first in line for this humanity-altering technology? Hell no! I'll let all the uber-techies work out the bugs first while crossing my fingers and half-assedly preparing for a potential takeover by mental cyborgs. I'm lazy, not crazy.

There was a story about this in Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine, I think, several (ok, at least ten) years ago. This type of technology created a completely new stage of human evolution. Haves, have-nots, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer . . . So, what's my point? We can't put the genie back in the bottle, and we shouldn't. But seriously, how many cell conversations are totally asinine? Our intellect seems to be less important than our ringtones. We need to catch up and use our gadgets and our minds to do the harder, more important stuff.

I could be talking about politics, world peace, hunger or disease here, but my thoughts are smaller, more localized. I am striving for balance between all the contradictory fragments of the technological world. I can converse with strangers around the world if I choose, but I want to pick a tomato from my own garden, walk my children to school. For me, a life completely focused on one thing, although it seems enviable at times, does not feel possible. The world is just too vast, there is so much to learn. . . like how to post images with my text. . .

New Year, new obsessions

2008-01-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am here . . . ready to share my wacky life with the world, whoever would like to join me on this journey - welcome! Since it is a New Year, my resolution is Time Management. I know it sounds horribly vague, but it really is the symptom and cure for many of my persistent problems.

"I don't have enough (or ANY) time to make art, I have too many projects, I can't keep up with the laundry. . . Spelling words? Who has time to cook healthy meals? Exercise!? Spirituality!? Gardening!? Couple time?"

Honestly, life is complicated and we have so many choices facing us everyday. Right now I really should be folding laundry, BUT . . . I need to tell you how addicted I am to my daughter's American Girl doll, Nellie. So cute. . . the clothes, the shoes, the doll doesn't scream when I brush her hair or stick a pin in her (oops!). Damn you, Santa! Of course, being me, short on cash and high on ambition, I have to make Nellie's clothes and since we are going to Bend next week for a winter vacation, Nellie needs a coat- black velvet with faux zebra trim, an ice skating outfit and warm pants, a sweater and a blue velvet hat.
I have already made Nellie a nightgown of white printed cotton and yellow lace trim with matching felt slippers and a funky gray turtleneck dress. She has her main outfit with the accessories and the cheerleading outfit from American Girl. My daughter, A, has told me that Nellie's favorite color is blue. Good to know! And my niece, C, swears that she saw Nellie breathe, "For real."
My poor boy, E! Or maybe he is lucky to miss out on this doll madness.