Vintage Bling

Bye Bye Bling

2010-09-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have decided to close out the business "Vintage Bling".

Several friends have said they think of me as "Lisa Loria",

not Vintage Bling. As I am shifting gears out of re-purposing

Vintage jewelry and returning to my roots in painting and sculpting,

it is logical that I start a new blog.

So, if you want current updates on what I am doing...visit me here...

http://lisaloria.blogspot.com/.

Going Carnie!!!

2010-09-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

It has been re-do, re-do, re-do around here.

Learning new techniques, turned my studio inside out,

Gave my cottage which was basically overflow...

(you know, out of sight, out of mind???)

Well, no more. This weekend at the Chateau de Fleurs I am selling LOTS
of baggies of STUFF, LOADS of jewelry components, Vintage Pearls and other necklaces,

fabric, Garden elements, old Linens,

Studio organization pieces, chandeliers, etc, etc.

On top of that, My entire Line of current jewelry,

over 100 pieces are being reduced in price to MOVE.

Time for me to move into my new art forms...

OVER it!!!

Sold my pretty Canopy and decided to use up some super cool fabric, embroidery and linens that

I have been hoarding. Since Moulin Rouge is one of my Favorite all time movies, my canopy is very reflective of the style of that era, mixed with a little Carnie and Gypsy...

On top of this, I wanted a trunk...an OLD steamer trunk...It is my JUNK Trunk,

where at each show, I will bring you super duper deals on STUFF!

This trunk screamed at me from where it was up on a shelf in an Antique store...

"Buy me, buy me it taunted"

Can you believe that color??? It is actually not quite this orange...

It is my newest LOVE!!!

Swear I was a Gypsy in a former life.

Also coming for the ride to this show are some SUPER funky new display pieces I picked up...Oh My.

I LOVE CHANGE...come on down to the Sale and shop from all of the wonderful vendors there,

Always friendly, amazing treasures and fabulous prices as well!!!!

Sneak peak of what I am painting tonight...new signs for my NEW style

and new business name...

Vintage Bling is going Bye Bye...

XOXO,

Lisa

FINALLY Done...almost!!!!

2010-09-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have been frighfully blogfully remiss or is it

woefully remiss at my bloggingness?

At any rate, my world has been full of changes of late, personally, living space wise

as well as professionally.

I am one of those weird creatures that LOVES change...Can't stand still.

Is that grass growing beneath my creative feet?? Gotta move.

So, had wild ideas for a new work surface in my Studio, then maybe I won't take over the kitchen counters and the dining room table when in creative High Gear...(my family hopes at least)

The space is BIG, my ceilings are vaulted from 8 ft on one side of the room up to about an 18-20 foot ceiling, this was the side that my work area was being modified.

I sold my bookcase and armoire and set upon the task of creating a workbench from old doors and sawhorses. The sawhorses were from harbor freight, ya know...great prices, LOTS of nuts and bolts.

After a few hour of assembling I set up my doors on the saw horses.

NOPE, hated it!

That idea crashed and burned spectacularly.

Onto plan "B".

Found this really cool table that in it's previous life had a steel ironing board bolted to the top, complete with a hot plate for an iron and an arm to keep the cord well out of reach.

I could only envision some poor sweating woman in a work apron chained to this torture device, ironing hours a day for a living. I dismantled the beast and thought it perfect for a sewing table, especially with the measuring tape conveniently painted on the front.

The bookcase came from inside the cottage and it has been a very functional storage unit.

Well, that idea crashed and burned also.

Scratching my head...

"Maybe it is just stress, what is wrong with me? Typically my ideas pan out pretty well."

My BFF said to me, "Wow, you are having a Brain Fart...you were overdue"

She agreed my Plans A & B sucked.

As I was whining to my friends Lori and Jamie http://twowildrosesantiques.blogspot.com/, they suggested I come over to their house and check out some of their treasures that I might be able to work into my space.

Thank GOD for feathered friends.

The Base is a, I don't know what the heck in a previous life.

A Buffet/Counter/Desk, with a locking cabinets and a metal lined file drawer.

Loved that it was 36 inches tall like my other two pieces in the Studio.

Purchased from Jamie.

Antique door painted with chalkboard paint.

Victorian Corbels from Lori.

The backsplash became the peak above the shelf.

The Antique porcelain doorknob is still attached to the wood from the door it came from,

cut out and so perfectly acts as tiny support for the shelf above. It also covers the hole in the

chalkboard door from the previous doorknob.

Thank goodness Rob helped me execute this plan as it is a really large piece and cumbersome to assemble and hang.

Then, the icing on the cake.

My friend Rita made this fabulous little table of vintage card file drawers from an old library.

Remember kiddies, back in the days before computers and the internet, we had to spend hours at the library looking in the card files. When Rita http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/ posted a pic of this piece on her blog a few weeks back, I knew I had to have it. It was to be my coffee table.

Today I trekked to Fallbrook to deliver some goodies to Christie's house for our Chateau de Fleurs http://chateaudefleurs.blogspot.com/ show next weekend. I arrive and am greeted by Rita, Lori and Christie...three of my Four feathered friends.

Driving home, I realize that the piece from Rita might very well fit under my new work station...

and it did!!!

With the help of my Feathered Friends, my new workstation is a DREAM!!!

Still need something from Christie to complete it...

Love you ladies!!!

Studios Re-Do

2010-08-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

As many of you know and as is the same for many of you, my Studio is part of my home.

For me, my studio is broken into three locations...

my family room, one side of the garage and a tiny cottage in the back yard.

While I really need the garage space for the dirtier part of my job, metal working, re-wiring, cutting baby dolls in half...and my inside studio which is suppose to be the Family Room is also super vital and my most favorite space with high a high ceiling, view of the garden and where sounds of my fountain and pond waterfall come flowing in.

The tiny cottage however darling, is the least efficient and basically serves as overflow.

This girl is tired of overflow and is streamlining operations...so the Cottage

is being emptied and it's contents sold or blended into my current Studio.

So here is a pic of one corner of my Studio...

The armoire and GORGEOUS bookshelf are going Bye-bye...

Also for sale will be a couple really cute vintage end tables, a Italian tole chandelier, antique hand painted mirror and various bric-brack that I think will accompany me to the Chateau de Fleurs sale in 17 days...or you can come shop at my home if you like!

Seriously...I need to contain my space...look at my dining room table and couch right now...Sheesh!

The armoire and bookcase are up for sale on Craigslist and I also posted them on Face Book.

$250 for the armoire and $150 for the bookcase which is solid walnut underneath,

(yea, I should never have painted that one)

Reasonable offers will not be ruled out either.

Any takers, email me.

Killer pieces, just not working for me any more.

I have something better suited to my current needs in mind and as soon as these pieces are gone, I will post pics of the new area...wait until you see it!!!

Happy Creative Tuesday Y'all!

Hugs,

Lisa

PMC Certification

2010-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

I had an amazingly fulfilling past three days.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday was spent in San Juan Capistrano at http://dynastyartstudio.com/.

There I participated with 6 other artists in a

PMC Level One Certification Program administered through http://www.riorewards.com/about.asp.

Our wonderful instructor was Patrik Kusek.

http://www.patriksstudio.com/

Patrik is a Senior Level Instructor with Rio Grande and a very accomplished artist.

He was a joy to learn from.

I'll share with you some pics of my projects.

I think I love my Pen the best, but really each project was very thoughtful in its teaching us the multiple applications of this very versatile medium.

This little beastie is called a Tetrahedon...or as otherwise referred to as the Tetra-Heathen.

Mine was nicknamed Tetra-MONSTER. Seriously, I almost failed Geometry in High School and had to have a tutor to be able to pass...need I say more???

It truly tested multiple skills and was in the end invaluable.

Remember folks...made out of 99.9% pure silver CLAY, mitered corners and bevels, fired in a kiln...then polished and polished and polished. It is one of those projects that you question, why the heck am I torturing myself, only to finish it and have the deepest sense of pride that you were able to do it.

I have very little experience with Metal Clay, so was a bit fearful that I was ill prepared for this level of instruction. I did pretty well though, thanks to growing up sculpting ridiculously small things for my dolls and creating jewelry and figurines out of polymer clay almost 20 years ago.

The below link takes you to my other blog and a story about these figurines.

http://thewingedmuse.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-08T08%3A56%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

I am on my way and totally motivated to continue my education in this medium, reach new levels and teach it as well as sell finished pieces.

Thank you Patrik for your tutelage and for sharing your art and craft with us!

Thank you Cindy for an amazing studio to work in, for the yummy lattes and snacks, your fabulous stamps and now I am adding pen plater to my list of tools needed for my studio!

Hugs All!!!

Art is meant to be shared

2010-08-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first official Bling Baby class at Gilding the Lily

in Fullerton. This is a Vintage Jewelry/Millinery/Trim Girls Candy Store.

If you haven't ever been there, GO! Nancy is the owner and is super nice and resourceful.

Dede runs the class schedule and is a doll to work with and quite the talented artist too!

I was so excited and a little nervous too, wanting to be sure I taught my class

proficiently and that my students would come away happy with some new "tools" to add to their

creative work boxes. Having taught Children art, teaching my peers did seem a little ominous.

Fortunately, I knew almost everyone in the class already and they were all so gracious and warm, any nervousness I had melted away the minute we started.

Each lady was given a pair or Blinged out Safety glasses, I mean, why not?

This is Tara's daughter IVY with her pair on...

The ladies were given two trays of vintage Bling and baubles to choose from to decorate their babies with, as well as three pages of written instructions to refer to at home.

Here are the ladies at various stages of production.

Stacey brought the most amazing vintage Italian lamp and her own blue velvet to match

her Baby's eyes. Darling!

Pearl cleverly used a large glass lamp part that was originally from a swag lamp,

she also used pale pink velvet ribbon and patiently wound it around the post.

Mother/Daughter duo Tara and Ivy...

They brought LOTS of their own Bling as Tara is a jewelry designer

and crazy vintage girl like all of us.

Cutting up Dolls. I think a few of the ladies were not so sure about this part, like it was wrong,

but gotta do it...

After cutting the dolls, we used a bench grinder to even things out.

Poor Marbi and Tara...they had matching dolls that they purchased from me and those babies were like LEAD...super thick and a bit more trying to cut through!

Stacey's doll was darling she used vintage bone china flowers from England

which complimented the porcelain flowers in that KILLER lamp base she had.

Very Nice!

Marbi wound lavender velvet ribbon around the base of her dolls waist, it was really pretty!

She is going to cover her post at home with vintage sheet music...Brilliant!

Mary brought several of the most beautiful Victorian porcelain doll heads, her

design is for her and hubby's 19th wedding anniversary next weekend. There will be two

love birds at the base of her cage...Cute!

Barb was the Birthday Girl today, her friends Mary and Lisa surprised her with a beautiful cake that was just as yummy as it was pretty. Barb's doll head is just a Cutie!

She wasn't so sure of the verdigris green cage she brought, but it matched her baby's eye perfectly and came together ever so well!

Can you say BLING??? Tara LOVES vintage sparkly rhinestones and her Baby had plenty.

She also repainted her dolly as she was pretty cracked up before.

Beautiful!

Tara's girl was ever so Pink and it was fun to have a 17 year old in the group!

Their young perspective and twist on things is refreshing!

She did a little vignette at the base of the cage too!

The every so pretty Lisa, made this little GEM. Love the butterfly in her hair and the very thoughtful placement of things. She is going to bling her out some more at home...can't wait to see the pics, Lisa!

My friend Pearl. She is a Gem. No really, not just because of the name either.

Pearl's baby was sweet and soft, just like her. The "Wisdom Dispenser" was a custom order Pearl placed with me several months ago. Timing was right as one of my earlier "Wisdom Dispensers"

is photographed in the back of this Month's Sommerset Home magazine under my good Friend

Claire Brocato's Photography section.

What a treat is was to spend the afternoon sharing my techniques with 8 wonderful ladies.

Art is meant to be shared and I really LOVE sharing it.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me and thank you Nancy and Dede for having me teach at your Wonderful Store!

Happy Sunday everyone!

xo,

Lisa

Happy Find

2010-08-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

At the last show I sold at, I found this very cool and FuNkY HUGE floral tHiNgY~
It was all gold and I just LOVED it!!

Originally wall art, I believe...

So, what to do? Well, in classic Lisa Style we add some color of course...

It originally had color underneath the gold that was peeking out at me, but despite, paint thinner and acetone (used separately of course), the gold was not going anywhere.

So, out came the paints.

Very happy with the outcome.
Have more plans for it that I will share at a later date,

it might even accompany me to Glitterfest as part

of my display.

It now resides at the back of the workbench in my main workplace.

Happy Saturday!

xo,

Lisa

Lita's Little Mermaid "Bling Baby"

2010-08-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

A good customer of mine who LOVES mermaids and owns on of my Mermaid Necklaces

custom ordered a Bling Baby. She gave me complete artistic freedom, only

asking that I make her in pinks/aquas and mermaid-y!

This darling little lass will be shipped to her in the next few days.

When I emailed her pics of her, she was tickled "Mermaid Pink"

and can't wait for her arrival.

If you are interested in learning how to make one of your very own Bling Babies, I will be doing a class in Rainbow, Ca on August 22nd and some time in September at The Garden of Beaden

in Upland, Ca.

Email me for info or to sign up!

Hugs,

Lisa

Have a Beautiful Day!!!

Altered Couture

2010-07-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

In my mailbox yesterday I was so happy to find copies of Altered Couture and Home,

both of which I am honored to be published in.

Of the three article I wrote for Altered Couture, my FAVORITE is

"Ode To Eliza"

They are my fingerless gloves I devised, some using knee socks.

Happily in the Audrey Hepburn section of the magazine.

Who doesn't LOVE Audrey?

I grew up addicted to Old Movies. Particularly Musicals.

LOVING musical theatre, 6 years were spent in choir/drama between church and Junior &

High school.

My dream was to be a singer.

Much to the chagrin of my brother, I sang ALL of the time growing up.

But, I am am an Artist/Mother who listens to music all of the time and is a Singer to my Kids, dogs, Honey and bird...I'm sure my neighbors hear me sometimes too.

I know every line and all the music by heart in too many musicals to list, but

"My Fair Lady" is probably my Fave...along with Moulin Rouge.

Also published were some shoes I altered...

The flats are sold, but the black and white still reside in my closet!

At any rate, thank you Beth Livesay http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/

and Stampington for publishing me.

Also published are many of friends, Deb, Debi, Laina and Rachel.

Good Job Ladies!!

Shoes and Chandeliers

2010-07-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have always adored shoes and have owned some pretty wild ones over the course of my life.

My love of shoes found it's way onto a Chandelier...yes, a Chandelier...or more likely a

"Shoedelier" as I like to call it.

Photography done by my great friend Claire Brocato.
http://www.clairebrocatophotography.com/

I am incredibly honored to have my "Shoedelier" featured in this Month's Stampington Issue of

Somerset Home. Thank you Beth for being the most wonderful Editor to work with!!!

Available online from Stampington...

http://www.stampington.com/html/somerset_home.html

Enjoy!

The Winged Muse

2010-07-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Visit my other Blog...

http://thewingedmuse.blogspot.com/

To see a post on these Killer lockers I got from Country Roads...

Happy Wednesday!

xo,

Lisa

Urban Barn

2010-07-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Finally posting about my weekend.

Well, it was over 100 degrees in Escondido at The Urban Barn's Grand Opening.

Despite the heat, we had customers and many of my treasures found new homes.

Thank you to all of my loyal customers who braved the heat to come visit all of us!!

This fair skinned little angel was shopping with her Mommy, who had the foresight

to be sure her parasol shaded her from the sun AND matched her Tu-Tu!

Jamie and Lori Martin of "Two Wild Roses".

LOVE these women!!!http://twowildrosesantiques.blogspot.com/

Lori's Fabulous Mannequin, bedecked in Victorian.

I finally remembered to bring my 4 lanterns that accent my canopy so well...

Miss Eliza Doolittle before she became My Fair Lady...

Bought this display stand from Jamie when I first met her...Nope, not for sale!!

"Bella" the mannequin belongs to my Regina,

Rita Reade of http://www.mammabellarte.blogspot.com/

Rita did this fabulous bottle display under her canopy...genius!

Even Linda Carpenter's Trailer was bedecked for tours...

This amazing lady is Deb Kennedy of http://www.retreatstyle.com/.

Her and her hubby Bob traveled all the way from Washington State to be her.

Their work is amazing and I made a new friend...Lovely people who I felt so sorry for.

They aren't use to the kind of heat we were having.

The space below belongs to Sandra Finn

http://sandralfinn.blogspot.com/

Sandra Bought the little white hand from me.

All though We are polar opposites in terms of style....

I LOVE color and she Hates it...we both respect

each others work.

Super Handsome Rockabilly band played in the bed of Mary's pickup truck...

The young girls were swooning...too cute!

The Barn was Beautiful. The ladies really did a great job pulling it all together.

Happy Tuesday all!

xo,

Lisa

Ebay Babey!!!

2010-07-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am back on ebay selling LOTS of Jewelry supplies.

And I mean a lot as well as "LOTS".

If you are wanting or needing some funky Vintage jewelry makings supplies, check them out.

I will be listing many items over the next weeks, cleaning out my studio for my new work.

http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Bling-4U?_rdc=1

Also, come to the Urban Barn this weekend for BLOWOUT prices on my current Jewelry.

Hugs,

Lisa

Re-grouping

2010-07-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need a break to re-group and that is exacly what I have been doing.

Life had been a little stressful lately and I am kind of burnt out right now.

I recently made the decisions to give up Coffee, Wine, Meat and Dairy. It's one of those things I have contemplated for years. I was having some stomach issues, and have been reading loads of information on health, nutrition and the food industry.

One week ago I cold turkeyed all of those items, started working out again and aside from needing a pro-biotic (if you shift your diet drastically, get some) I feel amazing.

No cravings, sluggishness or headaches I have heard so many complain about when giving up coffee. Skin is cleared and I feel more "balanced" if that makes sense. Even lost 3 lbs...woohoo!

I have made absolutely nothing new for my business and have a show this weekend,

The Urban Barn...have enough to take, so it is all good.

I did manage to spend one day in the kitchen preserving fruit.

My neighbors gave me bags of plums, apples and apricots.

So, plum preserves, apricot preserves and apple butter.

I have LOADS. All organic, no added sugar. Delish!

It is very interesting to watch the apple break down when you are cooking it.

Here is a pic of a hibiscus flower in my garden...

It is a plant that struggles to live & barely hangs on.

My garden is very English, maybe it feels like it doesn't belong.

Pretty colors.

Turtle was gazing up at me from the pond as I took a picture of the flower.

He probably was hoping I was making move to feed him again...

the little fatty.

Much Love, blog friends.

Lots on my workbench and lists in my planner of wonderful new things to make.

Next week.

Taking August off from shows to teach two Bling Baby classes and work on new bling for

September's Chateau de Fleurs.

Just wait until you see what I have in store...

XO, Lisa

Dreaming while driving

2010-07-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago after I left The Urban Barn sale,

I was dreaming about this mannequin...

I have had her a few years.

She is a shorter form, cuts off right at the top of the hip.

Covered in tons of victorian through the 40's lace. Insets, collars, cuffs.

Great lace!

Here is a small shot of her backside...

(lower right corner of the photo)

Now, while I like her, I was never crazy about her.

Especially the bow,

what was I thinking with that bow and skirt?????

Think it was during my Moulin Rouge can-can dancer phase...

So at the Urban Barn sale, I tried to blow her out for $75.

Got that? Seventy Five bucks!!!

Two ladies hemmed and hawed but hedged, so she came home with me.

Like virtually any project of mine, if I am not quite happy with it and it sits long enough or doesn't sell, to the wrecking pile it goes.

(envision mad scientist Cartoon throwing parts from behind her, dust, saw sounds)

think you get the picture.

So as I drove, her new vision came to me.

Taking old fencing...THANK YOU LINDA from The Urban Barn

for gifting me 6 feet of fencing.

I fashioned a bell shaped skirt for her.

Let's just say Bolt Cutters can be a girls best friend.

At the sale from one of the vendors, I scored a killer vintage floor lamp base...

Which is now her new stand.

Stripped her of the black and white and now just have to decide if she is getting a vintage corsette or more lace.

What d'ya think???

Plan to use her to clip my hair flowers to at shows.

A little makeover is all a girl needs sometimes to feel fresh and new!

Now I am loving her, she came out exactly as pictured in my tiny brain.

Hugs,

Lisa

It takes a Village...

2010-07-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Art is about community.

It should be after all, that all though we are all unique,

each of us is trying to ink out a living doing what we love.

I have been fortunate enough to meet some really gracious and giving people on this journey.

At the end of the last Urban Barn Sale, I didn't have enough room in my car to take everything home. My friend Rita offered to store my stuff at their house until the next show.

As I needed my goodies to rework something before the next show,

Rita and I decided to make it a play day!

I can't say enough about Rita, she is warm gracious and her and Dean are the best hosts in the world. They are like family and Em and I feel like their home is a home away from home for us.

Rita bought this aqua crinoline at the Barn and decided to model it!

Emily and I hit the road at 8:30 and headed to Fullerton to meet Nancy at Giding the Lily to drop off two Bling Babies for the class I am instructing there on Saturday, August 7th.

Thank you Nancy for graciously meeting me early.

Gilding the Lily is an AMAZING source for vintage millinery, lace, trim, buttons, lots of jewelry components and lots of cool vintage finds. Their class list is always impressive and I am honored to be teaching there. To sign up for the Bling Baby class, contact Dede...

http://gildingthelilyclasses.blogspot.com/

Then it was off to Rainbow to The Reade Home.

Rita kindly drove the rest of the day. First stop was The Urban Barn.

http://urbanbarn155.blogspot.com/

If you have not been to the Barn, GO!!!

Linda Carpenter is one of the most generous people I know.

Her vision for the Barn is coming along wonderfully!

Linda GAVE me some antique fencing I was needing for a mannequin project I am working on.

I offered her money and she refused.

THANK YOU LINDA!!!

Enjoy these cool shots of the Barn...

Beautiful Dress form all gussied up!

Mary Smilove's vignettes...LOVE her use of color!

http://sweetpeasandsnapshots.typepad.com/

BABIES!!!!

Hooray!!!

Cutest Geisha painting!!!!

Chandeliers are all over the place!

The back of the Urban Barn houses tons of architectural salvage and metal...

Darla's area.

Beautiful Vignettes are everywhere!

One of Sandra's cool setups!

More to come tomorrow about the rest of my adventure with Rita
and to meet some more women that I appreciate!!!

Urban Barn this weekend...

2010-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Join myself and 20 other vendors at The Urban Barn in Escondido
For their Street Faire.

Friday and Saturday.

Not only will I be bringing the standard Bling...

There will be LOTS of super cool Vintage Finds that will be for sale...

Art Nouveau Busts

A very beautiful Holy Family Shrine I created...

Vintage wooden jewelry boxes with hand painted roses...
Art Nouveau trays...display mirrors...
Cloches...

The YUMMIEST Tattered Vintage Flying Cherub...He is to Die for cool!!!

Industrial Jules Verne coolness...New but great display head and hands...

Working out of the home, while it is a blessing, dedicated space is always an issue.
The Tiny cottage gets HOT in the summer.

So many of my own prized pieces are coming to the sale so I can temporarily transform my living room into a space to design and sew my Vintage Altered Couture,
MORE Painted Cowboy Boots,
Painted tooled Belts...

oh and wait until I unveil the my latest leather work Next Month
at the July Urban Barn Blog Party Gala Grand Opening Party.

Not like anything you have seen before....

Hugs,
Lisa

Chateau de Fleurs...so much FUN!!!!

2010-06-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Emily and I had a wonderful time at The Chateau de fleurs sale.

It is my favorite show.

Christie and Rita put on a wonderful event and are like family.

All of the ladies there are.

It is a comfy event with beautiful merchandise.

You can even eat lunch here!!

Lots of my wonderful customers and friends came by to shop and say hello.

Thank you all for a beautiful weekend. I can't wait until the September show!

Here are some pics of the wonderful vendors booths!

Trisha of Vintage Bliss...http://vintagebliss.typepad.com

Tricia has the coolest stuff every time I see her, and something of hers always comes home with me.

The hostes with Mostess, Rita Reade.

http://www.mammabellarte.blogspot.com/

Rita is a wonderful Friend. She always opens her home for Emily and I to stay when we are out that way. Her husband Dean cooks for all of us ladies so we never have to worry about leaving the show to procure lunch. This fact in itself makes this show even more enjoyable.

Rita and Dean's Handsome sons deliver our food and beverages.

Dyanna Cooley and her lovelies.

http://broke-jewels.blogspot.com/

Debbie sells at the Urban Barn

She has beautiful stuff!!!

(she is getting a blog soon...I hope)

My beautiful friend Sandra Lee is like a ray of sunshine!

I adore this woman! Her garden creations are full of Whimsy and we are both

bird crazy!

http://underthesunwithme.typepad.com/

Sara and Abby, Mother and daughter duo of Sweet Magnolia Farm

http://sweetmagnoliasfarm.blogspot.com/

Always have a beautiful space and blended it with Sheila of Tattered Goods.

http://tatteredgoods.blogspot.com/

Great blend ladies.

As a painter, the big bin of brushes caught my eye!

Shirley makes the most beautiful clothes out of vintage linens. Her booth is like a dream.

When you see her, she makes you feel warm and fuzzy and I agree with Trisha, you have never seen Ice blue eyes like hers.

This Vintage Pink Mixer with the matching bowl was so cute!!!

Erin, Eloise and Evon have the greatest stuff and the best prices!!!

I was out taking pictures of their booth at the wrong time though...LOVE the "Junk Fairy" name!!!

I didnt get as many pictures as I wanted or should have.

You have to come to the next event!!!

Lastly and by no means least...
Christie, don't get mad at me. (I only posted one pic!!!)

This is Christie Repasy. (she asked me to not post it)

I wanted a pic of the jacket so I could make myself one!

We all wanted to steal this little cover up off of her back yesterday...

Without Christie, this event wouldn't be.

She doesn't get flustered, is always calm and is a joy to be around.

As a painter, for so many years I always admired her work and wondered what she was like.

She is every bit as beautiful a person as her paintings are.

Thanks to Christie, Rita, Dean and all of you beautiful ladies at the show, for such wonderful event.

Your work and spirits inspire me. Emily loved it too and we look forward to September!

Oh, and Happy Father's Day to all you Hubbies and Dads out there!!!!

xo,

Lisa

Chateau here we come!

2010-06-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Emily and I are heading to the Chateau De Fleurs Marketplace in Fallbrook.

It is work, but it is also a few days spent with some of my closest friends who I adore.

Been busy making new jewelry as my May shows nearly wiped out my stock.

I spread earything on my dining table so I can do counts, see if I have "hole's" wih a color or a texture.

I like to always offer something new and like to have variety.

I have made my enamel flower bracelets for about 5 years. I seriously can't get enough

of or "out of" enamel flowers. They are my Favorite thing!

A client recently called them "A party on your wrist".

Did some fun new things this week, cupcake rings, bird nest rings.

Did I take a photo of them??? NO.

But I am loving my red/pink coral combos.

I can never get enough Pink and aqua either. Always popular with my customers.

I always offer simpler pieces for the ladies who are not into color, here are a few simple bracelts

adorned with vintage rhinestones and an inspirational word.

Hope to see you this weekend in Fallbrook or next weekend at The Urban Barn in Escondido!

XO,

Lisa

Ahhh Familia!!!

2010-06-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

Family...Love em?

Hate em?

We are stuck with them.

Okay, I jest. Family is where it is at in my world. They come before anything else. My Nana has always said "blood is thicker than water." and she is right.

(Most Nana's are)

I stopped my insane production schedule for 24 hours to co-host a 40th Surprise party

for my Brother David here in my home.

He is one of those rare one of a kind dudes.

Smooshy, big hearted and crass/crude wrapped up into a big Bald Man.
(the One in the middle, like you couldn't tell)

I am 4 years older than David. It is just us two siblings.

We have had our disagreements...still do...always will.

He no more wants to hear me sing old show tunes,
garden, be into my art or listen to my music

any more than

I want to play Bocce, watch soccer, fly planes or listen to bands like
Napalm Death or Cattle Decapitation.

And that is OK.

(don't we all have a family member who jacks up the photo on purpose???)

David has had it hard in his lifetime. He has cheated death, more than once.

The worst being when he was 5 years old and we were at our Nana's. He went through a sliding plate glass door, severed his femoral artery and for all intensive purposes bled to death.

By the grace of God a very special physician was in the right place at the right time and saved his life. He went into cardiac arrest and had to be re-succitated.
It was a gruesome day and I will never forget it.

He has battled other demons, but is a good guy, loves his family and works hard.

He is taking flying lessons and is close to getting his various certifications so he can one day pursue being a commercial pilot.

It was a fun day, filled with fun, home cooked food and the people I love most.

My Family. About 30 of us.

Despite our differences, I Love my Little Brother and will always stop my work
so I can spend time with those who love me most too.

Happy Sunday my Wonderful Blog Friends!!!

Always take time for Family and realize, they love us for who we are...

so should we in return accept them for who they are.

xo,

Lisa

Fresh New "Bling"

2010-06-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

One More week until The Chateau de Fleurs sale in Fallbrook and my studio is a creative disaster.

Just keep trudging onward and...

But, my trays are filling up with Fresh Bling, ready to be served...

Some really exciting new designs...

waiting to be assembled...

I am playing with some new color combos...

Believe it or not, I DO know where everything is!!!

YIKES...see, this is what "CrAzY" looks like!

Hope to see you all next Friday or Saturday in Fallbrook!

xo,

Lisa

Being Switzerland...

2010-06-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have long admired Switzerland for their ability to maintain neutrality in an industrialized world that constantly commands we take sides.

Whether those sides are religious, political, over oil or economic in nature.

Did you know Switzerland has not participated in an international battle since 1815?

They have the strongest government body in the history of the world,
a high GDP and very low unemployment...

and also a high literacy rate.

In the past year I have happily participated in several of art/craft/vintage shows.

Making friends, gathering loyal customers and participating in a community of

Women Artists who should love and support each other.

Instead I have too often found pettiness and resentments.

I will not take sides.

I am Switzerland.

Men just duke it out, slap each other on the ass and say, "Good Game."

Having three sons, I know this first hand.

So I have decided to form the

"See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil Campaign"

Aptly shortened into the "SHE Campaign"

Did you know that "See no evil, Speak no evil and hear no evil"

started in Japan?

The philosophy probably originally came to Japan with a Tendai-Buddhist legend, from China in the 8th century (Nara Period). In Chinese, a similar phrase exists in the Analects of Confucius:

"Look not at what is contrary to propriety;

listen not to what is contrary to propriety;

speak not what is contrary to propriety;

make no movement which is contrary to propriety"

Isn't it about Artistic Community?

We are all trying to make a living doing what we love in what are rather stressful economic times.

About lifting our Sisters up?

They did it for Suffrage. What happened?

My campaign seeks to build artistic community through mutual support, blogging, referring business, sharing information about shows, non competition and not copying other artists ideas.

I Choose to "BE Switzerland and if you choose to do so also...

join "SHE" today.

If you want to join, leave me a post and feel free to copy my sidebar pic and post it to your own blog, forward it to your friends. It is time Women support Women and lay down the baggage they carry.

Fun with Friends!

2010-06-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I met my friend Christie Repasy in Redlands at the home of friends,

Lori & Jamie Martin. Lori is a lifelong antiques dealer who has passed the passion for Vintage onto her daughter Jamie. Lori has a space in Old Glory Antiques in Redlands and Jamie co-owns a shop named Shabby Chateau in Crestline. Both gals were at Glitterfest across from me and next to Christie.

Driving through the amazing Victorian, Crafstman, Bungalow and Spanish style house lined streets of Old Redlands is worth the trip alone. Amazing homes!

This is the Martin's Home. It sits way back from the street.

The carved details and architectural elements we were drooling over!

The drivway and detached garage was full of antiques for us to shop from.

We even made our way into the attic...up, up, up the old wood stairs we go.

Watch out for ghosts!

Here they are...not the Ghosts...LOL!

I found the girls digging through old petticoats and linens...

Lori has Dreamy stuff EVERYWHERE!

Just Loved the Raspberry color in the dining room.

The kitchen is wide open, Dreamy pale pink with Architectural elements everywhere. The table in the middle is sold and Lori is installing a vintage store counter as the center Island. She is also planning on doing the floor in black and white to compliment the Candy Store Theme!

Big antique Bunny Candy Molds, art from Debbie Thibeault and Christie Repasy.

She said, please make sure you say, my home is still a work in progress.

Please, Christie and I were just in Vintage Heaven!

Christie's Booty she scored...all very pretty and oh so "Christie"

On it's way back to her studio to prepare for Chateau de Fleurs on June 18th/19th.

Okay, so why does my pile look like a pile of "poo" compared to Christie's????

Box of baubles...YUM! Old Lamp parts, Victorian Black Parasols...to be recovered.

A victorian lace dress in perfect condition and Cupcake bags...to go with my new

line of Confection themed Jewels!!!

Seriously, it will look better when I am done with it all.

We spent all day Antiquing...More on that tomorrow!

A beautiful day spent with Three Beautiful friends, "Junktiqueing" together.

Does it get much better than that?

Happy Sunday everyone!

Lessons Learned

2010-06-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

We have all seen the lovely jewelry and altered art pieces which incorporate vintage typewriter keys.
Having had the good luck of coming across two old typewriters cheaply, I thought...

"What the heck, might as well get them. How hard can it be to get the keys off anyway."

(besides, I live with a He-man, surely HE will help me disassemble them)

and being the wonderfully supportive and very handy guy that he is, he did.

HOWEVER...after he cut them all off and it came time level them so I could have a flush bottom, well that is where the challenge came in. The white set was a different configuration than the black.

First he tried to disassemble the white ones until he gave up and started grinding the ridges off of the bottoms. Great idea, until two of the three last large keys burst into flames.

He gave up on the Shift key.

The black set was easier as they had these little tabs to take them off of the arm bases.

Still, these are OLD and he acquired 3 blood blisters and one cut in the process.

I kept telling him what a hero he is and I will NEVER buy an old typewriter again.

Being the MOST PATIENT MAN I HAVE EVER KNOWN...he was losing patience.

After all of this...ALL of his frustration.

I walk into the kitchen and what is laying on the counter????

Lessons learned.

One, if you want to see how much your Man really loves you, hand him an old typewriter.

Two, I will pass up old typewriters from now on.

My Hero!

Blissful Birthday

2010-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Birthdays to me are ususally, like whatever, no big deal.

But I had the nicest most low key b-day yesterday, I thought I'd share.

While being served coffee in bed by my Honey, I was greeted to birthday hugs and kisses from my daughter Emily. She made me a treasure!

I wonder who inspired this creation in her?

A tiny teacup is filled with aqua crystals.

Then we headed out to breakfast at a local Mom & Pop eatery called Corkys.

There is always a line there, especially on a Sunday morning.

I asked the manager how many eggs they go through in one week and she said between two restaurants, her last count was 69,000 eggs in one week.

Can you believe that?

Then we were off to the Nursery and Pond store.

I got this beautiful water lily and two new fish for my pond.

There is one of them, the spotted guy!

Emily helped me garden, until she got bored and went to play with friends.

My sweet Dusty Dog helped though. He is my shadow.

So, I cranked up the tunes and gardened all afternoon.

Isn't this the coolest Zinnia?

Rob bought me a Fuschia. I LOVE fuschias and do have a pretty good green thumb, but always seem to kill these. I hope this one lives. Such a whimsical flower!

I made this sign forever ago, like 15 years ago.

Still love it as Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of my favorite poets.

They had such pretty pots at the nursery for sale, full of mixes of flowers. So, I made my own mixed flower pots and added little statues, birds, etc.

These are the neighbor girl Pixies, oh except for the guy in the middle...LOL.

They came and brought me some hand made gifts...so sweet.

As my kids have always said, "Mom, you are everyone's Mom."

and I am.

As tiring as parenting can be, I adore my kids and overall like kids

and animals more than many adults.

Sweet art by three of my favorite little girls!

What a better way to end a b-day than to be sitting enjoying a glass of wine,

while watching your Man cook you dinner.

After all, isn't that a Man's place, in the kitchen???

Thank you everyone that called, emailed or Facebooked me Happy b-day wishes.

It was a lovely day!

Thrill of the Hunt!

2010-05-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last Memorial my Man and I on a whim and a promising Pennysaver ad, headed up into the local mountains to Crestline to hit a Garage sale that had oodles of vintage treasures.

Unbeknownst to us, the entire mountain range pulls out all the stops Memorial and Labor Day weekends, with Yard Sales, Flea markets set up in parking lots, every antique store has sales.

It is GOOD!

So, yesterday, up the hill we went again, in search of not so buried treasures.

I am amazed at my blogger friends who take gazillions of pictures, I however am a dork and forget, but I did shoot a few yesterday...here they are!

Steve was the nicest guy, he has an Antique store adjoining his Nursery.

Hello??? Can you say Dreamy???

On Consignment and Collectibles

23762 Manzanita Dr.

Crestline/Lake Gregory

His number is 909 338-7766

Beautiful stuff and what a gem!

Then you have to cross the street to

Lake Gregory Coffee.

An old Gas station turned into coffee house and bakery.

Everything is baked there daily.

The owner is (darn, I can't find his card)

Everything is so yummy there, we stopped twice.

Once in the morning and once in the afternoon before we headed down the mountain.

The one thing Emily, Rob and I all noticed yesterday was the wonderful sense of community everyone had. Each business refers you to other businesses, everyone waves and everyone smiles.

Must be the mountain air and it is so beautiful, how could you not be happy in a world devoid of pollution, pretention and traffic????

Becky of The Shabby Chateau is a ANGEL and so talented.

I bought a ton from her last year and did again this year.

She mentioned wanting to sell at the Urban Barn or Chateau De Fleurs, so I gave her their numbers.

Her stuff rocks ladies and if she comes to one of those shows, bring your wallet and truck!

Or head up the mountain and pay her a visit!

So, the rest of the day, I dropped the ball on pics, but the following are treasures I scored at Yard sales and mostly antique stores.

We have been needing a patio seating set...4 pieces for $141. Not bad, eh?

When you can get a chandelier like this for $45, is it a bad thing?

Baubles, books, some clothes...Yummy.

Old floor lamps that will be used for any number of uses...

at least a dozen vintage glass lamps for me to use for my upcoming Bling Baby classes to be held at Guilding the Lily in Fullerton and The Urban Barn in Escondido.

Also, planning a road trip to Arizona to hang with my gal pal Tricia http://vintagebliss.typepad.com/vintagebliss/ and new friend Maija http://www.maigirlz.typepad.com/

to teach some classes to the AZ gals!

More info to come on class schedules!

Happy Sunny Memorial weekend to you all!

What a Weekend!

2010-05-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally recouperated from one of the most amazing weekends ever!

First my Bling Babies and I headed out to Glitterfest in Santa Ana...

http://glitterfest.com/

The Babies were a hit and many found new homes that day...

One of my favorites is the sweet one in the middle with the mask...

I was sad to see him leave!

The Pink baby went home with a lovely lady also named Lisa!

Bling Babies, for your Bling...Babey!

This sweet girl went home with my good friend Sharon Benson who sells at Country Roads and Tea Leaf Cottage in Orange.

I got so busy after this last shot that I had to put my camera away, only I left it on by accident and the batteries died, so no more pictures until Monday.

Then Sunday I headed to The Mermaid's Mercantile in Solan Beach and my good friend Debi Beard's store...http://themermaidsmercantile.blogspot.com/

It was a beautiful day at the Mercantile too!

On Monday I headed to Stampington to meet up with Editor Extraordinaire

Beth Livesay...http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/

We had lunch, she picked through my trays of jewelry for possible submission to Jewelry Affaire.

I also left a few Bling Babies and Helping Hands with another editor for possible publication in Somerset Studio.

Beth is a wonderful young lady who at her tender age has and does an amazing job.

Her freshness and youth are inspiring and refreshing! I truly appreciate her perspective.

She has been a source of encouragement for me

and I just adore working with her.

I created the below piece just for her.

It is a compilation of all the things I know she loves.

A beautiful weekend, filled with fun and beautiful friends!

Love all of you AMAZING ladies!!!

Almost ready...

2010-05-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Helping Hands are packaged and ready...

Set of three for $12...What d'ya think???

My Gaggle of Bling Babies are almost ready too...

Time to Tag and Price them (my least favorite part is pricing)

2 more days until Glitterfest!!!

Helping Hands

2010-05-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I took a soldering class from a VERY talented lady named Robin Dudley-Howes....

http://robindudleyhowes.blogspot.com/

Included in her kit was a little clothes pin all grunged up with the word "Paris" stamped on it.
she recommended using it to hold things you were soldering, like another hand.

I use clothes Pins NON stop when E6000-ing brooches, bling and metal do-dads to bracelet and ring blanks, etc.

So, in my continuing quest to find creative ways to use every spare doll part, I came up with

"Helping Hands"

Coming to a GLITTERFEST http://glitterfest.com/ near you...

in packages of "Two"...(both will have tiny hands, of course)

Tiny "Helping Hands" for soooo many purposes!!!

See you Saturday!!

Bling Babies for Glitterfest

2010-05-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Any of you that really know me, know that I LOVE PARTS!!!

Doll parts, mannequin parts, jewelry part, yes, even car parts.

One might think my favorite store is Michael's, the local thrift or Antique store, bin in reality...

I LOVE HARDWARE STORES!

The smell of the wood at Home Depot. Axle Grease...Old cars at the Antique Car Swap meet....

weird, I know.

So here is mt current Gliitterfest Madness...

BLING BABIES!!!!

Other than taking my 4 legged children to the Vet today for shots...I have been BliSsFuLlY...ALONE.

My 2 legged kids are off with

a) Grandma

b)Fiance,

c)Father

and

d)an air show

My Man has been in his Man Cave all day working on his Jeep....

While I have been in my home studio...making a Creative MESS!!!!

Bling Babies...to hold you BLING....B-A-B-E-Y!!!!

Coming to GLITTERFEST next Saturday...see you all there!!!

Hugs,

Lisa

Don't Blink

2010-05-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Every Day is Mother's Day.

Seems like yesterday, now my sons are 24, 19 and 17.

This was Mother's Day 16 Years ago.

Emily is 9...this pic was Easter 7 years ago...

My Family Tree I have in my Home Studio...reminds me of why I do what I do.

Wish I could go back to my children being small, but I guess that is what my new Grandchild will give me the chance to do this coming October.

Like the Song by Kenny Chesney..."Don't Bllink"

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster then you think
So Don't blink

Naw, don't blink
Life Goes Faster Than You Think

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!!

Countdown to GLITTERFEST...

2010-05-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sheryl and Diane, sisters extraordinaire and Brain Mothers of Glitterfest LOVE

my doll art. So, in honor of them and because there are so many darn women out there making jewelry, I am back at making Doll art...

This was my table at Glitterfest Fall.

Boo baby was a hit...as were my hand sculpted Eyeball spiders...

"Eye see you."

Witch Pumpkin Fairy Diorama.

A piece of my Mannequin art...

For Glitterfest Spring, you will see FunKtional Doll pieces.

(Diane has already ordered 2)

and My newest Jewelry creations which will incorporate my painting...

Stay tuned for more!!!

Remember....Be inspired to CREATE!!!!

May 22nd...http://glitterfest.com/

Vintage Bling giveaway!

2010-05-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with "The Mermaid's Mercantile" which is a once a month flea market and art event I participate in, each artist is having a giveaway.

The above necklace will be my giveaway item. She is a tiny bronze dancer with enamel fairy wings dancing under stars and glitter. Encased in resin with her are the tiniest vintage flowers and her backdrop is sheet music. She dangles from an aqua blue glass beaded chain with a tiny bird and the word "create".

In order to win this lovely, you have to leave a comment on my blog and another comment under my bio here...http://themermaidsmercantile.blogspot.com/

The winner will be announced and you can pick up your prize at the Next Mercantile on May 23rd in Solana Beach.

Since we are limiting this only to people who can make it to the mercantile, I have decided to give away two of these darlings. They might be a tad different, but very similar. This way, any one who is out of state can have a chance too!

Good luck...24 days and counting...

Mother's Day Lockets

2010-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Lockets for Mom. Each with a tiny poem inside...

My Mother kept a Garden,

a Garden of the heart.

She planted all the good things

that gave my life

it's start.

It is only a portion of a poem I found in a poetry book of mine. Author unknown, I felt it went it goes well with the Heart locket embellished with Vintage Garden delights...

Each Locket is one of a kind and available for purchase.

$65. each

Happy Mother's Day

Shows, shows, shows

2010-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

So, I am busily getting ready for some shows the next three weekends...

This Friday, April 23rd at the Urban Barn in Escondido, 9-5

http://urbanbarn155.blogspot.com/

Saturday at The Point Loma Garden Walk which is a Charity Event for the

9-4 pm

Craniofacial Services at Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego

and on Sunday in Solana Beach at Out of the Blue for The Mermaid's Mercantile

Going to be a Busy weekend.

Come Join me if you can...here is a sneak peak of some goodies I have been making...

Lots of new necklaces...mermaids and crosses and cameos, oh my...

Rosary Locket necklaces are a Fave!

Loving the 1970's Owl and Sterling Seahorse...too cute!

Rustic Copper crosses...

I ADORE the peace Buckle!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Orphans

2010-04-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

The recent story in the headlines about the Mother who put her 7 year old adopted Russian son on a plane back to Russia has really disturbed me.

What a horribly story.

I judge not except that the lives that orphans lead is so sad and ridiculously unfair.

I found this poem today while doing research for some Mother's Day Jewelery...it made me think of all of the children that never feel the love of a mother.

It made me think of my own children and how much I Love each of them.

My Mother

Jane Taylor

1783-1824

Who fed me from her gentle breast

And hushed me in her arms to rest,

and on my cheek sweet kisses prest?

My mother

When sleep forsook my open eye,

who was it sung sweet lullaby

and rocked me that I should not cry?

My mother

Who sat and watched my infant head

When sleeping in my cradle bed,

and tears of sweet affection shed?

My mother

When pain and sickness made me cry,

Who gazed upon my heavy eye

and wept, for fear that I should die?

My mother

Who ran to help me when I fell

And would some pretty story tell,

or kiss the part to make me well?

My mother

Who taught my infant lips to pray,

to love God's hold word and day,

And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?

My mother

And I can ever cease to be

Affectionate and kind to thee

Who wast so very kind to me,-

My mother

Oh no, the thought I cannot bear:

And if so God please my life to spare

I hope I shall reward thy care,

My mother

When thou art feeble, old an gray,

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away,

My mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head,

'twill be my turn to watch thy bed,

and tears of sweet affection shed,-

My mother

Birth of a painting

2010-04-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

A few months ago at my friend Beth's office, one of the graphic artists that works in her office had this super cute ad for Nordie's pinned above her desk. I asked for a copy.

I have been really wanting to maker her my own.

Today it was just so pretty as I sat in my garden, the air fragrant with blossoms from my grapefruit and lemon trees...roses, poppies, salvia, lavender, snapdragons, daisies, mallow and more blooming everywhere.

I had to start her...

I was completely mesmerized by this image...check back to see my version, maybe next week.

Serving up Spring

2010-04-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

The year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in His heaven -
All's right with the world!
~Robert Browning

May Each of your hearts Be filled with Love and the colors of Spring this Easter.

XO,

Lisa

Beautiful Sunset...

2010-03-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

While in Solana Beach this past Saturday I took Emily to the beach at sunset so she could run in the surf and hang loose for a while.

When I realized the sunset was reflecting so beautufully on the sand as the tide receded, I took severl shots...this one was the best.

Not bad for a Blackberry Storm2 Camera...

Happy Hump-Day everyone!

Escondido to Solana Beach

2010-03-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Emily and I hit the road to peddle my Gypsy Wares...

First stop, Friday and Saturday was the new home of Linda Carpenter's

Le Maison Rustique, "Urban Barn"

What a cool Venue! The store was amazing and will be really rockin in a month or so when the dust of the move settles.

A few pics of my display...

On Saturday at the close of business, Emily and I packed the jeep and Headed to Solana Beach for Sunday's show at Out of the Blue.

Another fabulous day, but after three days of travel and hours on the road, it has taken me 2 days to recouperate.

Fabulous Weekend, meeting wonderful new friends, spending time with old friends

and selling my work with my Daughter,

Doesn't get much better than that!

XOXO

My weekend shows...come join me!!!

2010-03-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I will be at two fabulous shows this weekend!

Le maison Rustique in Temecula is Now

Le Maison Rustique Urban Barn on Escondido!!!

Friday and Saturday 10-5.

Can't wait to see Linda's New space!

Click here...

http://lamaisonrustique.typepad.com/

Also, Solana Beach at Out of the Blue

Click Here...

http://themermaidsmercantile.blogspot.com/

A three day weekend of fun and shopping with some of the most talented peeps on the planet!

Come visit and shop!

MUAH!

Lisa

Chateau De Fleurs...What a weekend!!!

2010-03-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing sale weekend at Christie Repasy and Rita Reade's Chateau De Fleurs Sale in Fallbrook this past Friday and Saturday.

It was wonderful to spend time with old friends and meet some new ones as well.

Here are some shots from the weekend!

Debi Beard and I shared a booth...here are her fabulous new belts!!

My painted tooled leather belts and over the top buckles...

A Lovely vignette in Sheila's space...

Shirley's Dreamy booth, she sold out of her amazing Pantaloons...

next time I am getting a pair!!!

I really LOVED Sweet Magnolia Farms Cottage Garden Chandelier...

or should I say Flower-de-lier?

Kerri's Jewelry is so organic and lovely...dig the color on her framed display too!

Tricia Samsal always has the most darling goodies! I bought a dress from her that I adore!

Thank you Tricia!

So, on Saturday I didn't buy a thing. I was so proud of myself...jealous as I watched some of the dealers scoop up some pretty cool stuff before the shoe officially opened...so

when we arrived on Saturday, a Mother/Daughter, Eloise and Erin.

Before Deb and I even set up and before the other dealers swooped in, we got some great finds

from this talented pair!!

The Tattered House had a great Display and drove all the way from Roseville to join the sale.

Erika, Sandy, Colette and Katy had beautiful treasures. Thinking I need a road trip just to go see them and visit my gal pal Kasey who lives in Auburn!

Rita's beautiful Birdhouse...boy can she woodwork!

Victoria and Sabrina's booth.

Chandelier cookies too pretty to eat and just as yummy as they look!

I wanted to try to do a grab and run with this dress form because I NEEEEED

another dress form, really I DO!

But thought they might be able to I.D. me too easily.

Dang!

Gina's beautiful jewelry and I adore these silver mirrors!

Gail and Pam's Booth...I am going to get this really cool piece from Gail...she doesn't know it yet though!!!

Last but certainly no least, the Hostess with the Mostess,

a shot of Christie's work.

Christie and Rita hosted an amazing event. Rita's husband Dean cooked for us.

He is an awesome chef!

Their hospitality is overhwelming and you can't help but feel like you are part of their family.

Join us again in June for another lovely event!

Cottage Cute!

2010-03-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I posted about the tiny Cottage Studio in my back yard.

Well, I finally got it cleaned!

Now I can get busy and mess it up again...

Because that is what we artists do...

Have a Beautiful and creative weekend my friends...

And as the sign above my Cottage work table says...

Live with PASSION!!!!

BIG SALE

2010-03-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Vintage Bling is having sale!!!!

As many of my nearest and dearest friends have harangued me for some time now...I am ever so Slightly moving away from making jewelry and doing more painting.

I will never completely leave it as I ADORE jewlery, but I am scaling back.

The goal is to paint more and paint some more and take my original images,

incorporating them into wearable art.

So, back to the sale!

Ebay Babey...

http://stores.ebay.com/VINTAGE-BLING-BOUTIQUE?_rdc=1

Visit my store to see what is for sale and if you know someone who loves to make jewelry and needs some supplies...refer them pretty please.

I have some killer deals!

XOXO

Glitterfest Interview

2010-03-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share my Glitterfest Blog Interview with you...

Thank you Sheryl for posting it!

Thrilling Thursday!

2010-03-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful day with my friends Rita & Christie!

They came out to my house and we went Treasure Hunting in Ontario/Pomona.

Antique and girlfriends and Thrift stores, oh My!!!!

Then back to my house for home made Quiche!

Here is a shot of my goods I scored today...

Two pairs of killer cowboy boots, a crazy cool oval frame with flowers that will be repainted...maybe a mirror inside, shabby YUMMY Birdcage...a pillow for my couch, a tapestry carpet bag coat that was only $22...(can you believe it?) a jar full of jewels, a silver footed bowl and lastly a vintage jewelry box.

Too see what I transform these treasures into, join me in a couple weeks at Christie's Sale.

Wonderful day with truly the best treasures of all...

My girlfriends.

These boots are made for walkin'...

2010-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

My newest creations...

I wanted to wear these boots badly on Sunday, but decided they needed to be on the table to be sold.

A very lovely lady named Kathy just fell in love with these Yummy Boots and away they went.

I am making a custom ring for her, so hopefully when I see her at next months Mermaid Mercantile to pick up her ring she wears them that day for me to see!

Well, y'all know I just LOOOOVE birds, so this pair I just adored.

The Belt sold Sunday too.

So much time and love goes into each one of a kind creation, that sometimes it is like letting go of a child...okay, not so dramamtic here. I just Love what I do and am blessed to be able to do it!

Until tomorrow...

I need to go find more boots!!!!

Hugs,

Lisa

Published...sort of.

2010-02-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to receive the latest issue of Porch Magazine in the mail today and see my belt buckle on the back cover and also on the inside of the magazine. As this is only the second time my work has appeared in a magazine, it completely thrills me.

The first time I was published as part of a photo shoot of a client's home in Romantic Homes.

I had done mural work in her home and they had my name and contact info wrong.

This time my name is nowhere and the credit is given to my good friend Debi Beard of Out of the Blue.

Needless to say, I am very happy for my good friends, Debi, Rita, Christie and Deb who were published, but did feel a little deflated that my name was not there next to my work.

Oh well, they say third time is a charm, right???

Man, I looooove that belt buckle and at least the photo made it in!!!

Mannequin Madness

2010-02-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I have made many a mannequin/dress form.

I adore them and they are all over my home studio in various forms.

Thought I'd share a few with you...

I have turned dozens into chandlier floor lamps and sold them to shops and private clients.

Mosaic tiles, decoupage, seashells...trying every medium I can.

The above are from my private collection.

These are but a sampling...more to share with you in the upcoming days.

Enjoy and be Be FeArLeSs...with your creativity!

Mermaid's Mercantile!

2010-02-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

Join myself and some fabulous artists at this monthly event in the Cedros District of Solana Beach.

Sunday, February 28th 10 am to 5 pm.

See you there!

Only a Smile

2010-02-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have long adored/collected books am an avid reader.

When in college it was my plan to double major,

in Art and English, with a minor in Music.

While cleaning up my Cottage yesterday I ran across this little book and thought I'd share it with you...

Simple in both form and sentiment, copyrighted in 1907.

If Humanity today could heed these simple words,

wouldn't the world be just a little sweeter?

Have a beautiful weekend and remember to share a Smile!

The REAL studio Madness

2010-02-18T11:03:00.000-08:00

Each of my Artist friends and I can agree that when you open wonderful Magazines such as Somerset, Where Women Create or the old Mary Englebreit Mags, the Artist's studios

are always so beautiful and pristine.

Pisha, I say!

As many of my friends and I have commiserated, most of us LIVE within our respective studios...

with our families.

So when creativity is full force or you have a show coming up, the mess migrates to every horizontal surface in the house.

Glitter in the kitchen...YES!

Sewing on the Dining room table...YES!

I have two studios, one is the Family room and my second is a tiny cottage in my back yard...

Cute...huh?

Just wait until you see the inside...

Yikes....think I need to clean up!

So, there you are ladies...the Real studios, before stylists show up and make everything look pristine.

For me, creativity is always cyclonic!

See you tomorrow after my stylist shows up...oh, wait.

That's me.

Happy Thursday!

Cottage Antiques

2010-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I spent the day at Cottage Antiques in Ocean Beach participating in a Trunk Show with some fellow artists.

Here are a few pics of my work, theirs and Cordelia's Beautiful Store!

My little corner of the show...

One of my Kewpie necklaces. I was happy with this shot!

My Lovely Friend Rita Reade of http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/

Some of Rita's Beautiful soldered Charms.

My other Friend Christie Repasy with her beautiful Paintings.

One can't help but feel a deep sense of calm when looking at Christie's work.

They are so peaceful.

http://www.christierepasy.com/defaultNet.asp

Oh, and we had this to snack on...like all day!

Can you say, WHAT diet???

Cordelia has a beautiful store and creates so many wonderful vignettes that it is hard to choose a favorite.

I have to admit, the massive architectural pieces had me swooning...

I could keep posting, but I really need to get into the studio...

Okay, one more pic!

Bye for now and have a blissful Tuesday!

xo,

Lisa

Valentine's Breakfast

2010-02-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's breakfast for my sweethearts,

I made homemade waffles with Strawberries and whipped cream.

The strawberries were sweetened with my homemade mixed berry preserves, lemon juice and almond extract.

My honey and I being the non traditionalists, after breakfast parted ways to spend Valentines Day apart,

He with his son and myself with my daughter Emily.

Emily and I headed to Rainbow to meet up with Gal Pals, Rita from http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/

and Christie of

http://www.christierepasy.com/defaultNet.asp.

The four of us hit the coolest Antique haunts...OMG.

Then came home to Dean, Rita's husband (a phenomenal cook),

who had prepared lunch for us....Enchiladas and salad.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the fabulouso Cappucino the Reade's make.

If you ever are invited to the Reade B&B...don't pass it up.

I arrived home early evening to my Beau with a glass of wine in hand.

We watched the movie Motherhood with Uma Thurman with the kiddos and climbed into bed.

I recommend this movie for any Mother...boy can we all relate to that character!!!

It was a lovely Valentine's Day spent with many people that I LOVE!!!

Hope yours was as Lovely!

The tradition of St. Valentine

2010-02-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

There are a couple hypothesis to the origination of St. Valentine's Day.

As I adore my sweetheart and we celebrate our love every day, not just Valentine's Day, I wanted to know more about the Holiday.

This was a few years ago at the Ranuculus fields in Carlsbad, Ca.

This was my favorite Story...

The Story of St. Valentine

In 270 A.D., marriage had been outlawed by the emperor of Rome, Claudius II. Claudius issued this decree because he thought that married men made bad soldiers since they were reluctant to be torn away from their families in the case of war. Claudius had also outlawed Christianity in this time period because he wished to be praised as the one supreme god, the Emperor of Rome. Valentine was the bishop of Interamna during this period of oppression. Valentine thought that the decrees of Rome were wrong. He believed that people should be free to love God and to marry. Valentine invited the young couples of the area to come to him. When they came, Valentine secretly performed services of matrimony and united the couples.

Valentine was eventually caught and was brought before the emperor. The emperor saw that Valentine had conviction and drive that was unsurpassed among his men. Claudius tried and tried to persuade Valentine to leave Christianity, serve the Roman empire and the Roman gods. In exchange, Claudius would pardon him and make him one of his allies. St. Valentine held to his faith and did not renounce Christ. Because of this, the emperor sentenced him to a three-part execution. First, Valentine would be beaten, then stoned, and then finally, decapitated. Valentine died on February 14th, 270 A.D.

While in prison, waiting for his sentence to be carried out, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter, the blind Asterius. During the course of Valentine's prison stay, a miracle occurred and Asterius regained her sight. Valentine sent her a final farewell note. He signed his last note, "From Your Valentine." Even today, this message remains as the motto for our Valentine's Day celebrations.

May you each have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

XO, Lisa

My Mountains

2010-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

The recent rain has brought even more snow to the mountains and foothills behind my home.

As you can see, the mountains are still cloaked in clouds this morning, but much

of what you are seeing is snow on the foothills in front of the mountain.

I LOVE living in the shadow of Cucamonga Peak and Mt Baldy.

(well not really in the shadow as I am on the south face)

It is so pretty to see each day. It was 40 degrees at 7:30 this morning

when I drove my son to the High School.

I Love the mountains.

Will get some clearer pics later today.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

When Life hands you Lemons

2010-02-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Last week was a toughie for me.

I was barely able to work on my business.

Emily had a huge project due for school.

As smart as that child is, she is a challenge.

Then my 24 year old...top center, came to pay me a visit on Tuesday.

He has lived at with his Dad, my ex husband for the past 5 years.

Seems he and his girlfriend of 4 years are expecting a baby.

Now, one would think this is a happy momentous occasion.

I want to be happy, but their lives are honestly a mess.

Timing is everything they say.

You see, I had Brandon when I was 19 and unmarried.

It was HARD. I dropped out of college and worked full time to support him.

I have worked so hard with my kids to educate them, in hopes that they would not make the same mistakes as I have. But, they each have to find their own way and this is just the hardest

part of parenting...Letting go and letting them find their way.

My emotions were a bit frozen last week...as was my work.

Their baby is due the same date my youngest daughter Emily was due. October 4th...which is St. Francis of Assisi's birthday...a good sign I say.

As I said to my son after he told me...
"you can't cry over spilled milk and when life hands you lemons make lemonade."

Life is good, I love my family...and soon there will be one more member to LoVe!

CrAcK-Berry

2010-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well, sadly...my son dropped my Crackberry...ooops

I mean Blackberry last week. I find it amusing that I really can call it a "Crackberry" now!

Pictures of CHA are trapped inside, so I can't post them.

SOO...I did however create something that was inspired by CHA.

It should actually be on my other Blog, but what the heck.

It is a Framed sign for me to use at shows. As well, I want to use it at CHA

next year when I rent a booth to try to license my artwork.

Unless work takes a different course, that is my new goal.

FABULOUS old Aqua Rhinestone bird Brooch...YUMMY!!!

CHA

2010-01-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

CHA was wonderful yesterday. I attended with 10 other amazing artists/friends.

We had lunch with Beth Livesay from Stampington Publications.

She is an absolute doll!

http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/

I also got to meet Jenny Doh, the previous Editor in Chief for Stampington who has gone out on her own to start Creschendoh.com

http://jennydoh.typepad.com/

Another lovely lady, full of energy, inspiration and great heART and soul!

The displays were amazing as were the products.

One of my favorite little things I brought home was a tidbit of inspiration.

There was a fishbowl in one booth that had these little sayings printed on pink paper.

You were to just randomly grab one.

Mine read as follows...

This will now be posted on in my workspace to remind me that it does take courage to create art that reflects who we really are.

I am simply an artist, showing you the world through my eyes.

Be FeArLeSs in your creativity!!!

Ode to the rain!

2010-01-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the rain. Being a So Cal girl my entire life.

I relish in real weather!

It does bring out the cook in me, though I do cook every night pretty much anyway.

This is my son Dylan video taping me singing in the kitchen while cooking dinner. I too a pic of him, video taping me...

I have baked cookies twice this week.
Chocolate chip and peanut butter.

Night before last we had homemade Italian Wedding soup.

A family Fave!

Tonight it will be Cheddar Cauliflower soup and Broccoli Quiche.

YUM!

I need to start a food blog, since cooking is my second past time.

A place where I can post all of my recipes.

Stay warm, safe and Love your Family!

New Blog!

2010-01-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new blog. Vintage Bling will remain for updates about Vintage Bling, my shows and classes I am teaching. Vintage Bling is about my jewelry, accessories and altered/upcycled clothing.
My decision to start another blog is simply for Inspiration. I am often told that I inspire people.
It seems funny to me, but it is something I hear regularly from strangers as well as friends who
visit my home, my studio, view my work. As a multi-faceted artist I dabble constantly in other mediums.
Whenever the fancy strikes, I try something new. This blog is where I will post these flights of fancy.

So, if it is inspiration you are looking for, let me be your Muse and please visit me at
"The Winged Muse"
http://thewingedmuse.blogspot.com/

Classes I am teaching

2010-01-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching two classes at out of the Blue at the end of the month along with some other amazingly talented ladies!
First, I will be teaching the Peace sign earrings or a necklace if you are so inclined.
This is a Great class for teens as well as adults. Having been a Girl Scout leader for
3 years, I love teaching young people as well as adults!
The second class is for the fingerless gloves. These are HOT and the cost is about the same as buying them already finished, only I will be giving you my secrets so you can make as many as you want on your own after you take the class!
Come join the fun!!!!
I promise, these are both easy to learn and don't require huge skills!
If you are interested in signing up, give me a call (909) 481-6682 or drop me an email.
Daydreampainter@aol.com

Friday 1/29/10 | 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Seashell Letters with Debi Beard
Cost: $50
Includes everything to embellish a 9-inch letter
Students can bring special shells, sea glass, vintage jewels or buttons
(cost remains the same)

Contact Debi Beard at Out of the Blue to reserve your spot!
858-755-7630
www.themermaidsmercantile.blogspot.com

Saturday 1/30/10 | 9-11:00 a.m.
Soldered Flying Heart with Rita Reade
Cost: $75
Includes materials to create a beautiful soldered bubble heart charm just in time for Valentine's Day! You'll learn the basics of soldering from this talented artist who is a seasoned teacher. Class size is small for optimal attention! A second afternoon class may be offered as this one is bound to fill up quickly!

Contact Rita Reade to purchase your class (Paypal or check)

from her Etsy shop! www.siciliared.etsy.com

Visit Rita's fun blog at:http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com

Saturday 1/30/10 | 12-1:30 p.m.
Peace Sign Earrings with Lisa Loria
Cost: $45
Cost includes everything you'll need to make these fun earrings
with this multi-talented, whimsical artist. This is a great class for teens!

Contact Lisa Loria to reserve your spot!

909-481-6682

www.vintagebling4U.blogspot.com

Sunday 1/31/10 | 12-1:30 p.m.

Altered Fingerless Gloves with Lisa Loria
Cost: $45 one pair of gloves or
$80 two pairs of gloves (1 short, 1 long
Cost includes everything you'll need to make these beautiful, funky &fun gloves with our resident artist-of-all-mediums, the talented Lisa!

Contact Lisa Loria to reserve your spot!

909-481-6682

www.vintagebling4U.blogspot.com

The Siren's Closet

2010-01-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Spent Most of Friday with my Pal Debi at her shop, Out of the Blue, in Solana Beach. She is re-inventing part of the store and Em and I went to help her merchandise the store and get it ready for Saturday, when Beth Livesay from Somerset Mag was coming to visit.

Deb has transformed two rooms of her store. One into a classroom, were you can learn everything from Soldering by Rita Reade of http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/ , Shell letters by Debi Beard, http://debisdesigndiary.blogspot.com/ and also jewlery making, altered art and fingerless gloves by myself. Classes will also be done by Lots of other talented ladies as well.

"The Siren's Closet" is one room that will house altered and custom made clothing, shoes, belts, gloves, handbags, jeans, hats, jewelry, you name it. If you you can wear it, you will be able to find some beautiful garments and accessories here.

On Saturday we met Beth Livesay who took with her lots of Altered Couture items that we all created back to her office for review and possible publishing in one of the many magazines she is Managing Editor for. Beth was a sweetheart. We had a lovely lunch with her at a yummy eatery named Claire's. It was a great time. My daughter Emily was a trooper and helped just as well as any adult.

What a lovely two days spent with Debi, Emily and my dear friends Rita, Deb, Rachel, Erin and of course Beth who I hope to get to know better.

My favorite Christmas gift...

2009-12-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

A few months back my cousin Kim found a Red Eared Slider Turtle wandering around her neighborhood, which she adopted and has since decided it was a boring pet. So she offered it to me as she knows we have a small pond with Japanese Goldfish and a resident bullfrog. I LOOVE animals! My yard has lots of critters!

As a small child my Dolly (paternal Grandmother) had a turtle in a big fishbowl on her kitchen counter. My Aunt Janet had won the turtle at a Church Carnival when she was a kid. The turtle was the size of a silver dollar when it came home. Aunt Janet named him "winky" because she said the turtle "winked" at her. He grew quite large and lived for many years in my Grandmother's Kitchen. When I was 6, I had two tiny turtles. I adored them, but sadly one day when we set them out to sun in the yard, some darn birds stole them and I found their empty shells in the yard. We have found Box turtles over the years and my eldest had a water turtle that grew so large for his tank that we set him free at a local pond at a park. One of my favorite books as a child, which still is to this day, is named "The Aminal" which in the end is about a little turtle.

Needless to say, my heart is fond of turtles, any critters for that matter. I am a county girl at heart and long to live on a small farm somewhere.

So, despite the Wonderful gifts my Beau and children gave me, Winky, my new turtle is my Favorite Gift this year. Thanks Kim, he seems to like his new home quite well!!

The aftermath.

2009-12-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

No matter how much I plan, prepare and try to find my Zen each year as preparing for Christmas, I some how feel like I have run a marathon the day after. This year, I seem to have reached the Nirvana of peace a little bit more. But in my typical fashion, by 11 am this morning, the decorations were down, boxed up and placed back up in the attic. My house is cleaned up and order has been restored.
I'd say, that my sanity has been restored too, but anyone who knows me...well... let's suffice it to say that sane might not be described as one of my prominent traits.

We do not live in the snow, but Mt Baldy and the Cucamonga Wilderness are basically in my back yard. The pics are from a trip we took last winter up to play in the snow. So pretty, thought I's share.

Peace & Love,
Lisa

Christmas tree of Life

2009-12-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, I scored this vintage hoop skirt at my favorite antique haunt. I KNEW it would come in handy, just for what, I did not know, but had to have it.

Little is conventional in my home and Life. It just is what it is. In my effort to go greener, I refuse to buy a cut down tree or a fake one to take up precious attic space for that matter. This year was no exception to push the design marker. I collect dress forms. Having over 20 in all shapes and sizes through my house, why not use one of them as a tree? I have had all kinds of crazy trees over the years. Some with Glittered High heel shoes and faces carved into concrete trunks, yes...everything is animated in my world. I live in Wonderland.

This year s no exception. I illuminated the hoop skirt and Chandelier head, then hung all of the precious ornaments my children, Nana and Mom have made me over the years.

She is kind of symbolic, this tree of mine. She is my tree of life. I am the base and my children are the fruit which decorate me. The work of my Mom and Nana are what have nourished me.

My Mom thought this years tree idea was crazy, offering 3 different times to buy me a tree. Insisting that my kids wouldn't like it. On the contrary, they loved it, their friends love it.

Who wrote the Christmas tree rules anyway?

My Mom walked in the other day, looked at the tree, chuckled and said...

"Okay, okay, you were right, that is really cute and clever."

Merry Christmas to all and may the Holiday bring you much love!

COOKIES!

2009-12-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

Every year my Mom and I spend the day baking Christmas cookies that we pass out to Family and Friends. This year we wanted Nana to join us, but she is having Heart problems and had to be at the hospital for a special test. She is almost 11 years out of a triple bypass. We were bummed, but had to bake. Mom had to leave early to go get Nana. As she was leaving, Casey, my son Christian's long time friend came over to bake with me. Casey is like a daughter, no she is my daughter. She is a beautiful girl and has been kind of sad and lost I think.

I have this propensity to adopt kids. I don't mean really adopt them, but would if I could. Just bring them under my wing, give them someone to confide in and love them. Neighbor kids seeking shelter from arguing parents, children of alcoholics, absentee parents. There have been many a kid who has come into my home over the years and felt safe here. My son Christian's friends nicknamed me "Super Mom", not because I am super, but because none of them can lie to me and I have them "pegged" as soon as I meet them, knowing if they drink, smoke pot, etc. It unsettles them, but makes me laugh! I am just "tuned-in" to them is all.

I love being a Mom. My kids tell me, "Mom, you are everyone's Mom." and I am. Every time I help some kid be able to cross the street safely on his/her bike, stop to keep kids from bullying another kid, be a Girl Scout leader, etc, etc. I have told my kids that I am only doing for the absentee Mom, what I hope another would do for my kids in my absence.

Baking was wonderful, despite my Nana not being able to be there and we are still waiting to hear about her test results.

The white snowball cookie is my Paternal Grandmother's Recipe. She was "Dolly" to me, not "grandma" and she died of lung cancer when I was 17. I miss her still. I have baked that cookie for 28 years and am sure she baked it for at least 30 herself. It is the requested favorite and no they are NOT Russian teacakes...they are Pecan Balls. Like a delicate shortbread, no egg in that recipe. You see, my sons each have a favorite, that is requested each year. The trees are for my son Dylan, the Fudge for my eldest son Brandon and Christian/Em LOVE the Pecan balls. So everyone is happy and I manage to gain a few lbs with those darn things in the house...but what the heck. Tis the season, right?

Merry Christmas to all and don't forget the spread the LOVE, because that is really all that matters in Life!!!

My new Baby

2009-12-06T20:31:00.001-08:00

Last week I was feeling VERY tired, overwhelmed and a little, no A LOT burnt out.
Having spent the past 2 months doing virtually 12 shows. I am wiped.
I needed to work, but felt like running around to antique stores and thrift haunts instead. Should have been Christmas shopping or decorating my house for the said holiday, but what the heck, I still have a a few weeks, Right???? I am hardly the big Broo-ha-ha Christmas person anyway. Like the meaning, could skip the commercialism.
Anyway.
At one of my FAVORITE haunts, I spied the piece of studio furniture that dreams are made of. Yes, I have DREAMED about a piece of furniture like this. An Antique Store counter with lots of drawers with built in sorters, a nice work area on top...OMG!!!

It had a SOLD sign on it. WAH!!!! I almost cried. How could I have missed a piece like this????

I know you all can relate. You see the most amazing item in an Antique Store with a sold or layaway sign on it. Or you are at the Flea Market and you see some infidel walking away with YOUR treasure. I KNOW you know what I mean!

As I have sold at this particular antique store, know all of the dealers and owners very well, I asked, "who bought this and How MUCH?"
I never found out how much, but did find out that mother/daughter dealer friends of mine bought it. Wahoo! I thought to myself. Might have a chance at getting it after all, as I was sure they were heading to Orange County to sell it at their shop there.

On the phone I hop to see if I can still nab this wonderful piece of the past.

I am in luck. They will sell it to me. I can put it on layaway for two months AND I get to take it home now. Seems there is a riot going on at the shop over this piece , so they want it to go away fast...not to mention that they know where I live...

After a bottle of Murphys Oil soap and elbow grease for 2 hrs it is cleaning up nicely.
Tomorrow it is time for Howards to spiff up the finish a bit more.

Check out the old racks for paper, twine and who knows what? This store counter has to be a hundred years old. The opposite side where the customers would stand there is a shelf and there once was sliding glass to keep the goodies away from small hands I am sure. I added some vintage sheet music to the bottom of one of the drawers at it needed it.

As I took the drawers out (many with cubbies for sorting) Pinch me, please. I hoped to find a snippet of the past....something. I found the piece of a bill or sale. A hand written receipt. All I can make out is "Br", 1/2 do", "Spin" and "Kilo". That's it. There is a red "25 at the bottom right indicating part of the numeral to identify the ticket order. I Long for more. I wish it could talk. If I find out more, I will post it.

Needless to say, my Studio is singing as is my heart. Just the rejuvenating I need right now.

Hugs,
Lisa

Remiss

2009-12-01T22:16:00.001-08:00

Life has been hectic and I have been remiss at my responsibility and commitment to blogging. I have been so busy making things to sell and attending shows that I really have not had time. Thanksgiving was Fabulous. I had 20 family members at my home and it was really lovely. Then I got sick for a couple days and got crazy with herbal remedies but am all better now. Go Oregano Oil, garlic, lemon water and Organic Juice drinks. Yes, I smelled like a mediterranean salad, but it worked and took only two days to kick it out of my system.

Since I have been AWFUL at taking pictures of the lovely shows I have been attending, thought I'd share some recent pics from my garden. It is my haven, I have to be in it everyday and I have a view of it from both of my studios...not to mention the sound of water from the fountain and pond.

Sorry for not posting more, may you enjoy my garden, forgive me and feel a sense of peace during this very hectic time of year.

Hugs,
Lisa

I LOVE to CrEaTe!

2009-11-18T11:03:00.001-08:00

Jungle Mural. Commercial Client

Close up painting of Zebra face...One of my Faves!

Indiana Jones.

Chandelier Mannequin and re-habilitated painted ladies.

Over my artistic years, I have endeavored to try many mediums. I adore mannequins and dress forms and have dozens throughout my house that I have done some pretty crazy stuff on. The pics here are those that I have made and sold. Also are some murals pictures that I have done recently as I am a muralist by trade.

Cherubs in a bathroom.

A Client's Dogs painted on the wall of their Daughter's room.

Ahhh...Le Maison Rustique

2009-11-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

A glorious Friday and Saturday at La Maison Rustique. One of my new "besties" Debi Beard of Out of Blue in Solana Beach and I both headed 1 hour 15 minutes from our homes to meet in the middle at the Barn Sale in Temecula. What Fun and what talented and wonderful ladies we met. Rita Reade or Mammabellarte.blogspot and her sweet husband Dean put us up for the night at their darling Casa. No B & B could compare to their hospitality. My altered Mary Shrine now graces their home or Rita's Studio as a thank you for Rita GIVING me the coolest ottoman that matches my living room perfectly. Que Bella Rita, Grazie!!

A few if my belt buckles and hand painted tooled leather belts. All vintage jewels are used to make these buckles and they are one of a kind!

Mine and Debi's Booth at the sale. LOVE my canopy made by our friend Pam Small!

The Queen's jewels. This necklace is a work of art by itself and one feels like a princess wearing it.

One of my displays.

Fairy kewpie is a hit as ususal!

Debi decided she was cold and needed a little Bling for her skirt, so she shimmied this cute little petticoat up and under to have the flourish of lace peeking from her skirt. It did keep her warm too!!! Love, love, love you Debi!!

A beautiful weekend with beautiful new friends. Thank you all for your warmth and grace!

xo,
Lisa