What goes around....

comes around in such delightful ways.
A few weeks ago I was scheduled to appear on Great Day St. Louis; if you've been around my blog for awhile, you have undoubtedly heard about my TV gigs, you can find one of my classic stories here (yeah, it's a funny one).
But I digress. Anyhoo, I was trying to figure out what to make, seeing as I was going to be on the show right before Easter. I wanted something cute and spring-like. I knew I would be appearing right after returning home from Artfest meaning my brain would be fried! and also meaning I should not try to reinvent the wheel as I am want to do but should make something tried and true.
I pulled my 'ideas' file.
nada
Perused a folder of 'techniques' that I had saved online.
nada
Then while surfing the web I came across the cutest wreath ever. Made of burlap, which I happened to have on hand. It involved a hot glue gun which could be trouble for me, remember that time I glued part of the project to the tablecloth - on live tv naturally. But I felt up to the challenge.
Here is the original blog post that caught my interest, by Maria - it is a project she did for Donna Downey. I contacted Donna Downey and got the a-ok from her assistant. Also contacted Maria and she said it was fine. I sent everyone stencils as a 'thank you.'
Now here is a link to the actual TV segment if anyone is interested - no mishaps this time, whew, and I think it went fine. BUT! As a point of interest, Virginia, the adorable hostess (so-so sweet!!) was wearing 6 inch heels. Ahem. Her heels beat my heels by, well, by six inches, hahahaha.

This is my version of Maria's wreath. I gave it to my Mom for Easter.
This past Monday, Maria, posted on her blog the art she had made with the stencils I gave her - isn't that sweet? And since she gave me a little shout out, I thought I would do the same for her. She writes a super duper blog by the way.

Being nice never goes out of style, does it?

Out of my Cave

We traveled to Cincinnati over the Easter weekend to spend the holiday with my Mom and Dad.
One of the highlights of the visit was the Nick Cave show at the Cincinnati Art Museum. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to take any pictures (in my cave till the guard snapped me right out of it!) and got this shot which gives you an idea of his work.


I love this guy. I mean seriously.
His Soundsuits were displayed around the museum and we followed marks on the floor to locate each one of them. So inventive, they were constructed of all sorts of fun things from potholders to fisherman sweater to buttons. There was video showing a group of people dancing while wearing the Soundsuits and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing them 'in action'. It must be sooooo cool to observe them live, especially a large group of people wearing the suits - I mean they just make me smile, I can't help myself.
If you are Cincinnati, head to the art museum before this exhibit is over, you have a few more weeks!!

Artfest Recap

Look at this great blog post by Regina Lord! She was a student of mine at Artfest, so sweet!! And I really enjoyed seeing the work she made in class. Please don't laugh at me in her photos; I look like I need about a week's worth of sleep, ahem.....what can I say.

Here is more student art. I completely forgot to take pictures the first two days and I have really been kicking myself for such an oversight. The diversity of student work blew my mind and I am thrilled they were able to find their own voice while also learning new things. That is often hard to accomplish.

In other news, there is only ONE opening left in my Wax on Wax off workshop at Valley Ridge. This event is being co-taught with Julie Snidle, (my bff and studio partner) so it is going to be a blast.
Create Chicago is now OPEN for business, yay and Art Unraveled and Art Is....(east & west coast) continue to take signups. But sadly, the Ultimate Mixed Media Cruise has been cancelled. I am completely bummed by this but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Perhaps another time....
As always, my teaching gigs are indicated in the lefthand sidebar.

The Pre-Artfest soirée

 

For the last couple of years, I have joined up with friends at the lovely 

Chevy Chase Beach Cabins.

An amazing spot

where bald eagles frolic, sounding their call to anyone who will listen

where souls interact and relationships flourish

and where my spirit gathers strength 

Magic.

stay tuned for photos of student work......