DYeING FOR MORE TAGS

Just a couple quick pics of what I worked on LAST weekend... I hand-dyed another big batch of tags... It was a lovely temporary addition to our poor, bald, fig tree in the back yard. Now they're tucked safely in my studio...just waitng to be made into special little cards for special friends...

xoxo, amy

THE ARTISTs OF THE ISLAND

During our recent visit to the City of Avalon (on Catalina Island), we were lucky enough to discover 'the Artists of the Island'. ..Will Richards and his wife Cindy.

We were zipping around town on our rented golf cart and, by chance, turned off on a little side street to check out what used to be 'Bird Park'. As we exited the cart, we heard music coming from the hill immediately behind us and looked up to discover WILL RICHARDS' STUDIO... What a fantastic treat.

Will graciously invited us in for a tour...and it was like nothing we'd ever seen... A hillside mansion constructed of recycled materials, sea glass, bones, shells...you name it. It was dreamlike...walking from room to room...peeking into each and every tiny space to reveal the treasures they contained. The most fab-U-lous windchimes made from driftwood, abalone, and old chandelier crystals.

Tilework, assemblage, mosaics, mobiles, paintings, soapstone carvings, and more... Truly a sight to behold...and such an inspiration to create.

My favorite room, by far, was the open air bathroom with seashell encrusted counters and a fully functioning 'conch shell faucet'...

xoxo, amy

AMY OF THE MERFOLK

Woohooo! She's finally here! For anyone that doesn't know, my mega-artistic sister (Heather) makes and sells fairy figurines (you can check them out at http://www.notchroadfairies.com/). She sent us one as an x-mas gift and I liked it so much I asked if I could commission her to make a special 'mermaid' for George for x-mas. She graciously did so...and 'Amy of the Merfolk' arrived two nights ago. She's absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't wait, so I gave her to George last night. Wanted to post a few pics of the various stages of her construction.

Here, also, is a picture of another one of Heather's fairies. Again, GOR-GEOUS!

Heather, you are soooo talented...and I am sooooo proud of you. Thank you soooo much for allowing me to give George such a unique and special gift this x-mas.

xoxo, amy

I WITH STUID....(ME TWO)

Here are some pics from an art day with the 'Blobitz Girls' back in September. We were working on scrapbooks from our recent trip to Catalina. Avery thought she was soooooo cute when she typed out 'I'M WITH STUPID' using the label maker (to wear as she stood next to me)...only she typed 'I WITH STUID' instead. We made her a new label...then I reciprocated with a 'ME TWO' label for my own forehead... Who's the STUID one now?

The other pic is from a late night 'poolside party' with the Blobitzes and Wilhelms. Addy and I tried to see how much water we could displace from the pool...we didn't get very far. George, Scott, and Karl challenged each other in a riveting dart tournament. Addy and I cheered from the sidelines (and the phrase 'good job Goge' was born). It was that night that Addy finally taught me how to use my fart machine from Spencers....I never realized you actually had to make physical contact with the behind for it to work. Thanks for the info Addy.....

UNRAVELED!

Just a quick post to tell all my old friends how wonderful it was to see you at Art Unraveled this past week...it's been far too long. And, of course, a cheery hello to all the NEW friends I made...it was great fun meeting you. As usual, I absolutely LOVED the classes I took with Susan Lenart Kazmer...(will try to post pics of the pieces I made soon). Until later! xoxo, me

PAJAMA PALOOZA

Here are some pics of the houses I made at PAJAMA PALOOZA (aka my pajama party) in July. Thanks to all the Pearly Girls for attending...it was so much fun! Good food, great friends, x-rated Mad Libs, classic scary movies, and staying up WAY too late...all followed by a relaxing day of art. We'll have to do it again next summer.

Deeeee-LISH!

Just thought I'd post a pic of the delicious tags that I've been making...and we may as well just assume that any gift I give over the next few months will most likely have one of these babies attached.... xoxo, me

A SHRINE FOR BLEU

This is an altoid tin shrine that I made for my husband in honor of our beloved BLEU. It was the first workshop that I took from Michael deMeng (a phenomenal artist and fabulous teacher). George and I took a workshop from him together last year...it was a blast.

AN ALTERED STATED OF MIND (photographically speaking)

George and I took my sister (Vicki) to Puerto Vallarta two summers ago. We walked around town one afternoon and took some beautiful pictures at a church that was hundreds of years old. I altered this photo and have it hanging in my studio. I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoyed this process...note to self - do more of this.