Friday, March 30, 2012

Time to Eat Outside!

It was such a beautiful day! I planted, added gravel to walkways, added bark to the beds, washed clothes, and helped add shelves to the kitchen (marginally). I finished this fabulous day by having dinner outside on the metal/mosaic table I finished last spring.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Light Sensitive Fabric Pillow

Now that the sun is out, it may be time to think about a project like this. This is sun sensitive velvet, but there are other fabrics as well. Personally, I don't think I care for the shiny aspect and I'd prefer cotton which is also more economical. If given a choice, I always choose a matte finish.

www.blueprintsonfabric.com

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Mosaic Tray

Just don't drop this or you'll crush your foot. I hadn't intended for it to weigh so much, but between the wood tray, the tile and then the grout, it got a little heavier than I wanted. Substantial is good.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Colorful Seat Covers

I had an entire day of shuttle bus training and so I was unable to participate in any creative endeavors. My friends, however, carried the torch. This amazing first-time sewing project by Bekky is remarkable. I love the color, the ambitious designs AND the staging for the photo. Great job, Bekky!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Rock Sculptures

Study in ephemeral sculpture
There are three of these in the yard, measuring approximately four feet by four and a half feet. Each has a different finish on the top with a rounded base all inspired by Andy Goldsworthy in his book, STONE.

My partner, Randy has rock left over from various building projects and I used the piles of small cut stone to make the sculptures. The original was nine feet tall and I used a ladder to put the finishing touches on. It was beautiful and it all came crashing down in a rainstorm when one of the foundation rocks was crushed under pressure and the structure lost its integrity. It is sandstone and it happens naturally around us all the time.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Final Relief Prints


Well, today was about experimenting with color and how it sits on the paper and how they mix and what to avoid.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Relief Printing

Great class! I'm really challenged and enjoying the break from painting. I have a few gauges in my hands, but I really like working with them in a different way.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Aberrant March

Isn't this amazing weather? There was a brief snow shower and the final burst of low angle light through the clouds.

I will be in a relief print workshop for three days. Too tired today to post my initial efforts, but tomorrow...

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Labradorite Necklace

Thanks Bekky for bringing these handsome Labradorite stones home for me from the Gem Show in Tucson! It took a little time to do something with them. The silver came from a trip to San Francisco, a fabulous little shop the size of a closet called Yone SF on Union Street.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Spring Again!

Spring again! I decided to take a break from interior concerns and plant some of the pots outside. Portulaca, Petunia and a Marguerite Daisy in addition to the succulent project. At some later date, I will cover how to make the hypertufa pot.
Succulents in a Hypertufa Pot




Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Bad Hair Day Turns Good

There's nothing like improving a bad day by seeing the hair stylist! It's true, sometimes you look good and it makes you feel better.

I judged a poster competition for Arbor Day at the Springdale Elementary School. Good job guys and best of luck!

The latest in my guest bedroom design...

Antique Santa Fe Gate doors used as a headboard.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Rainy Day Design

Guest Room Makeover
I practiced Yoga and felt good energy for the Vernal Equinox (a little early). Thank you, ladies!

I'm working on assemblage project and rainy day design ideas...I'll spend the next few days going through the guest room and projects that have been done in it. This mirrored buffet/chest was a dark mahogany. I painted it, changed the knobs and Randy helped my cut the two doors below and I added painted tin to the interior brightening the small room considerably.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Rusted Art

Midden Maiden by Michelle Larsen-Bonner
For anyone in the Springdale area for the next few weeks, be sure to stop by the Canyon Community Center on Lion Blvd. and walk around the very fun exhibit now showing in the gallery space. Michelle Larsen-Bonner, Steve Masefield, Greg Istock and Valerie Wenz-Istock have curated a great show.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Iris and Tulips

Can creativity blocks be lifted with color and flowers? I think in my case...it doesn't hurt that my wonder boy returned home for a weekend.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Painting Block and Climbing

Tess having a run at Jacob Lake. The North Rim is still closed.
Gorgeous day, almost hot. I am back on the rock...rock climbing that is! My shoulder has been grounding me for weeks and I was fit and able today. Painting wasn't nearly as satisfying. I've hit a wall and I'm confusing two different styles. It's overworked and I'm temporarily lost. I hope it's temporary...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Ari's First Tea Party

Everyone had a hat and dressed fab!

Fantastic food, as always...
Can't think of a better way to spend the day than with my fabulous girlfriends. I truly hope everyone is so lucky. It was a great 1st tea party for Teresa's first grandchild, Ari. I love you girls!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Cacti and Seeds


I may have jumped the gun a bit as the weather is taking another turn toward winter this weekend, but I planted two barrel cactus saved from a highway project in Nevada.

I also planted seeds for the garden, but I intend to keep those indoors while they germinate and seek the sun.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Dahlias and Arm Warmers


It's just like the day, not quite sure if it's still winter or if it's spring. I made a dahlia from leftover velvet and I used the arms from a felted sweater to make arm warmers. I love the color. Thanks Bekky for spending a crafting day with me in the studio!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

UPPERCASE magazine

This magazine is really great. They had copies at Anthropologie store and I looked it up online. There's a little bit of sticker shock (subscription for 1 year is $80), but the information was fun and of course, the design was fantastic.

http://shop.uppercasegallery.ca/

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Arizona Wildflowers

I wanted to stop on the way home and photograph all the abundant blooms on the side of the road, but there was literally a wind advisory and they are awfully hard to photograph when they are blowing horizontal.

These beauties, Gaillardia and Five Spot were growing along the road near Mom's subdivision. There were also Desert Marigold, Lupine and Mexican Poppies. Things are definitely popping. Mom had Bluebells all over her yard. Tucson had a great winter with some precipitation.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

White Russian

Strictly speaking, this item is not part of my current meal restrictions in order to clean up a toxicity issue in my body, but the house (read:Mom and Joe) was serving and I didn't want to turn them down. It was delicious.

This is Mom's favorite drink and she's in good company, as this is also what THE DUDE drinks in THE BIG LEBOWSKI.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Bon Boutique

Adorable store with a very lovely design aesthetic
I went downtown today to find a store I had read about in Martha Stewart a few months back. Bon Boutique is on Broadway. The building has nice curb appeal and the other stores in the little complex are lovely. Bon is independently owned and operated by two wonderful women, who happen to be mother and daughter team.

I would buy everything in the store. The products are beautiful and the way they've been arranged around the store is inspiring. An eclectic mix of items is available.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

My Favorite Thrift Store

Although very busy, this place has the best stuff. I love coming to Tucson!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Tucson Bound

My cactus best friend...I stop and see him every time I head this way. Pleasant drive except for the speeding ticket. He was a hard-line Type A so forget talking...

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Art Supply Swap

Today was the art supply swap party. Many thanks...really...to those who came. I was able to downsize and there were some wonderful items to trade. Bern, Barbara, Eva, Allison, Ruth, Jodi, Becca, Donna, Marie and Angie...especially thank you.

HINT, Hint: Someone else should host the next one and there were so many who couldn't come today who said they had stuff to trade.

There are a lot of school children who will benefit from their savvy teachers in the coming weeks.

If I do say so myself the three layer Georgia pecan cake was very good! Has there ever been an event at Barbara's where we didn't leave in a good, fulfilled food state of being?

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Gates

I watched the movie, THE GATES, last night about the artists, Christo and Jean-Claude which was a temporary installation in Central Park in 2005. I just missed the exhibit by a week! There were some interesting perspectives in the movie as it was very controversial, but I guess what I noticed the most is just how hard it is to please. It looks as though people will oppose you no matter what you do and on the flip side you are likely to find supporters now matter how outrageous your idea. It's given me something to think about.

The Gates Installation in Central Park, New York

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Watercolor Prints of Zion

West Temple / Zion National Park
I've been in the studio matting prints of my original watercolors with a brand new Epson printer purchased in part because of end-of-the-year small business incentives. The small prints are $39 and the larger prints are $45. I will be delivering these to DeZion Gallery in Springdale as Tim seems to do well with having these purchase and carry items ready for the millions who visit Zion National Park each year.