Here I Be Me...

BFFs...then and now

2011-06-24T00:17:00.001-04:00

The Boy's of Summer...

2011-06-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

School's out!

4th grade field trip

2011-06-02T00:00:00.001-04:00

Idina Menzel

2011-05-07T17:08:00.001-04:00

you take all of this with

a wee bottle of wine,

a concert bag…

put it all together and you have a fabu evening

with a phenom…

Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-07T00:06:00.002-04:00

Kerin Gale

2011-05-01T20:28:00.001-04:00

Kerin Gale's online tour to promote her new book about epoxy clay

starts today! I for one love this book, an amazed at Kerin’s art, enjoy her spirit,

and a fan of all those participating.

For all the exciting details about the book and the tour, online classes,

and lots of giveaways tune in to her blog.

Sixteen blogs will be participating in the tour over the next

few weeks with lots of exciting giveaways!

Enjoy the ride! The Blog schedule is:

May 1

Kerin Gale

Remnants of Olde: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 2

Alicia Caudle

Altered Bits: http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

May 3

Lesley Venable

Flatwoods Folk Art: http://www.flatwoodsfolkart.typepad.com/

May 4

Christine Lehto

Lilly Bug Studio: http://lillybugstudio.com/blog/

May 5

Seth Apter

The Altered Page: http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/

May 6

Nancy Perennec

Little Bit Wired: http://littlebitwired.blogspot.com/

May 7

Jen Cushman

ICE Queen Zine: http://www.iceresin.com/category/inspired-remnants-blog-tour/

May 8

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 9

Beth Robinson

Strange Dolls: http://strangedolls.wordpress.com/

May 10

Brenda Schweder

Brenda Schweder Jewelry: http://www.brendaschweder.com/

May 11

Esther Verschoor

Vanessie Art Dolls: http://vanessies.blogspot.com

May 12

Kecia Deveny

Lemoncholy’s Flight of Fancy: http://www.lemoncholys.blogspot.com/

May 13

Rachel Whetzel

A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal: http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com/

May 14

Shannon LeVart

MissFickleMedia.com: http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/

May 15

Marlaine Verhelst

Marlaine Verhelst Art Dolls: http://marlaineverhelst.com/blog/

May 16

Lisa Jurist

Mud Hound Studio: http://mudhoundprimitives.blogspot.com/

May 17

Michelle Bernard

Yesterday’s Trash: http://michellereneebernard.blogspot.com/

May 18

Kerin Gale

Remnants of Olde – Alan Rogerson feature: http://RemnantsOfOlde.com/posts

May 19

Facebook Party!

Apoxie Clay & Epoxy Clays Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_158159677562761

Easter

2011-04-24T23:03:00.004-04:00

Easter is a time for reflection, resurrection, love…

As I was grilling vegies for the antipasto;

I cut into the large red onion to find this…

With the forecast calling for a gloomy day, we woke to the warm

sunshine. As my dear friend, Marlene, says…it was a honey of a day!

It was a day of bubbles, Easter egg hunts, and PEEPS…

Magnolia cuttings, Hyacinth, and Tulips galore…

Squirt guns became hoses; hoses became soapy tarps to slide on.

The most decadent of the water fun? The washed out recycle bin

became the “hot tub” of the moment…”bring me hot water, please”!

A surprise!

Although I will not be attending the Royal Wedding;

I did get Royal mail...

Tucked inside…a beautifully wrapped piece of art was gifted to me…from my friend across the Big Pond…

Before the company was to go; we were blessed with Max’s show.

Max and his Mouse pals brought Disney to us live, on stage, in the living room!

We cheered, we clapped and we laughed. Oh! what a special little boy he is.

There no longer exists; the piles of dishes, the platters, the pots the pans…

If you weren’t here, you’d never know the muddy clothes and the muddy floors were part of the day.

The Legos, the toys; all in their places.

The Easter grass, jelly beans, and what~nots on the floor have been vacuumed away.

Last, but not least…I hear quiet, only the sounds of the house can be heard.

Everyone, but me, is tucked into bed fast asleep…

Another Easter has come and gone; another day of family, friends who have become family, and love.

Works and in progress...

2011-04-08T20:39:00.001-04:00

Grandparent’s Day

2011-03-22T10:32:00.001-04:00

It’s hard to drive 2 days or fly to the middle of nowhere to attend,

so I am doing the next best thing…sending “us”…

We’ll be sitting on her desk!

Connecticut town on the sea.

2011-03-21T08:22:00.001-04:00

Stonington, November 1940.

Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

We are the world…

2011-03-19T18:35:00.003-04:00

Art Is...Giving

East-West Coast Art Retreats

‎Joanna Pierotti, Sallianne McClelland, and Ellen Legare encourage you to GIVE TO WORLD VISION'S JAPAN QUAKE AND TSUNAMI RELIEF
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A 3 DAY REGISTRATION AT ONE OF OUR 2011 ART RETREATS.

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK.

IN THE COMMUNITY - Art Is...You - The East and West Coast Art Retreats

http://www.mysitecaddy.com/

On March 11, Japan was hit by the largest earthquake in its history.

The 9.0-magnitude quake and ensuing tsunami swept away entire villages with walls of water more than 30 feet high.
"We are now facing the most tragic [natural] disaster in our country's history," said Kenjiro Ban, World Vision's humanitarian and emergency affairs manager in Japan. As a child-focused organization, we will focus our efforts on responding to the emotional needs of children.
Many evacuation sites do not have enough food for the populations using them, and there are not enough blankets to cope with the cold winter season. Priority needs also include non-food relief items, supplies for babies and small children, support for women, and interventions for children who are separated from their parents, including safe locations they can use, known as Child-Friendly Spaces.

DONATE TODAY .... AND WIN YOUR SPOT AT AN
ART IS...YOU 2011 RETREAT
(Valued: $470.00)

In keeping with our Art Is...You Family's tradition of giving back - we are donating two opportunities to win a registration to Art Is...You.
Each ticket is valued at $10.00. One Ticket = one chance at winning a Retreat of choice - Petaluma or Danbury. This will include:
* Three x 6 hour workshops
* Lunch on workshop days
* Access to special events on workshop days
* Event Bag, Tag, Treats
How to participate:

1. CLICK THIS LINK - DONATE TO WORLD VISION
2. EMAIL US YOUR RECEIPT

As long as you donate at least $10.00, you will receive a ticket into the Registration Draw
This offer does not include transportation, accommodation or meals outside the ones offered within the registration package.
Draw will take place on April 2nd, 2011

Spring has sprung!

2011-03-17T15:55:00.001-04:00

With the temp at 60 and snow piles almost gone…

Boys will be boys!

Uncreative…

2011-03-09T08:42:00.002-05:00

I’m not sure what causes it or why it happens,

but I knew something had to give.

With one tiny little canvas, 3 bottles of paint and

some very large bubble wrap, I began to play.

There was no rhyme nor reason, just paint, to

experiment, to just simply create.

It was like a wild fire…

The canvas became a Princess, who called her friends.

Some hid behind the door as others thought of Spring.

Yes, that one little canvas made me very happy to have a day of play.

2011-02-04T22:32:00.002-05:00

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.

What have I been creating?

2011-01-22T09:59:00.005-05:00

The travelling ginger letter…that’s what…

My granddaughter’s

kindergarten teacher has organized for each child to receive 2 letters from the Ginger.

I wish I could see the surprised looks on their faces when they get them.

Ginger sent this from our house…

Dear Madison,

I hope you, your classmates and Mrs. Wengard are having a very good day.

I went to Connecticut to visit my friends. We had a lot of fun and I want to tell you all about it.

My first visit was to the Grandmother’s house.

Look at the beautiful Christmas tree she had.

This decoration made me giggle.

Do you see me? Do you know who’s inside the bucket?

The next morning, after breakfast, we went to New York City.

I was very excited because I never went to New York before.

Here I am at the American Girl Doll store.

Your cousin is showing me her favorite Girl, Felicity.

There are a lot of dolls in that store and it is very hard to choose a favorite.

We did a lot of walking. I got tired so I sat on your cousin’s shoulder.

Have you ever been to New York City?

There is a place called Chelsea Market and it has lots of food stores and restaurants.

They have a candy store, a brownie baker, fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of food.

The Food Channel is taped upstairs in Chelsea Market.

My favorite thing was walking through the tunnel of lights

and all the yummy smells.

We were so tired; we slept all the way home.

Surprise! Look at all the snow we had while we were sleeping.

I helped Boompa and Annie (the dog) shovel the driveway.

I helped build snowmen with Chelsea, Jake and 3 new friends.

I’m glad I got to play in the snow on my last day.

When everyone was busy, I went to the Grandmother’s art room.

Look at all the beautiful crayon colors. She has a lot of glitter, too!

I had a lot of fun in Connecticut and New York City.

Connecticut is very cold, but I liked playing in the snow.

I am leaving now. I am going to my Grandma’s house before I go back to Mississippi.

See you soon, Madi. Bye!

Your friend,

Ginger

P.S- This is my Grandma’s house. Do you like it?

That’s what I’ve been doing…

Just Silly…

2011-01-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

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The calls from the shower made me think…

Are there clean towels?

Is there soap or shampoo?

I know there are…what could it be?

Why…it’s silliness of course!

Look what I can do with my hair!

Every time I turn around…

2011-01-10T10:43:00.003-05:00

With the holidays over, the un~decorating begins…

the magic of Christmas gets packed away,

to be replaced with the newly treasured pieces…

…

A Pam Carriker orignal! A gift from Karenne Crow…

A Mrs.Pom original given to me by Mrs.Pom herself!…

my mother gave me the gift of “HOPE”

Something happens in this process…every time I turn around,

I find something I forgot to pack, something I’ve overlooked…

the window garland!

the Madi Elf and Santa pail…

Today is the day! With the snow and ice on the outside…

I will find each and every piece of Christmas and pack it away until next year…

A week of…

2010-12-31T00:12:00.003-05:00

It started on Christmas…

that very first mess…

We saw children that are growing up so fast,

we hardly recognized them at all…

We cleaned out children’s bedrooms to make room for the new…

The kitchen junk drawer has been purged…

We have gone from one house to another, delivering and picking up various kids of all ages.

Girls built snowwomen to be brought down by boys…

The man at the paint store looked at me in disbelief as I ordered 5 tester quarts of

red, yellow, lime green, blue and orange…

Today…whilst picking up that paint, the gorgeous deep red room was primed

and painted…white…

Tonight…step inside the plastic covered door…

ignore the floor…

THIS is art!

This is the new bedroom… and YES!…that is the bed under all that paint!

What will tomorrow bring?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T01:35:00.001-05:00

“This is my wish for you:

peace of mind,

prosperity through the year,

happiness that multiplies,

health for you and yours,

fun around every corner,

energy to chase your dreams,

joy to fill your holidays! ”

D.M. Dellinger -

The sights of Christmas

2010-12-24T23:50:00.001-05:00

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All at one house!

2010-12-24T01:09:00.000-05:00

Friends, Food, Festivities

2010-12-23T23:06:00.000-05:00

Chelsea Market, friends and Jo Packham…

2010-12-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

While I was away…

2010-12-22T23:18:00.000-05:00

Chief Elf gathered the troops…

They cooked and filled the freezer…

They cleaned, left wonderful staples, and decorated.

Left wonderful presents...

and enjoyed it as much as I did when I unlocked the door to the house…

Thank you, Chief Elf, Colleen,

Kecia, Dillon, Jane, Marlene, Pam,

Patty, Elizabeth, Lesley, BZ, Tracy

and all who kept the secret…

I treasure each and every one of you…

You’re the best!

A somewhat catch-up…

2010-12-22T12:40:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving brought us to Mississippi.

The drive turned into flight, as the kids had

never flown before. No troubles were encountered.

We always love visiting family…

the MSU vs Ole Miss game…

the glitzy headbands…

breakfast before gingerbread houses and decorating…

It was a most wonderful time…

2010-09-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

LAST CALL!!!

2010-09-06T06:16:00.001-04:00

ART IS, THE EAST COAST ART RETREAT, CLOSES REGISTRATION FOR OCTOBER WORKSHOPS TONIGHT

at 11:59 EST!!! HURRY!!!

In the words of Loretta Marvel ~ “If you haven't already registered for the coolest mixed media art

retreat this side of the Mississippi, then scurry over to Art Is and sign up before the close of day!”…

Art Is...Wickedly Good

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE SEPTEMBER 7

In 2010, Art Is...You will celebrate its 4th anniversary under the theme of ART IS....WICKEDLY GOOD.
October 7-12, 2010

We have some wickedly good plans in place. The Land Of Oz can be found at the Danbury Plaza Hotel.

OZ is right down the yellow brick road from Metro North, allowing for day attendees. It is a 40 minute

drive from Westchester and the airport, or an hour from NYC and Hartford.

Head on over and take a look at the teachers and their workshops. The faculty includes Keith LoBue,

Diana Trout, Pamela Huntington, Laurie Meseroll, Jane Davila, Taryn Reece, Angela Huggins, Elin Waterston,

Lesley Venable, Michael de Meng, Kecia Deveney, KC Willis, Diane Russell-Horn, Pamela Hastings, Kimberly

Moore, Michael Albert, Judy Gula, and Jenny Heid & Aaron Nieradka.

A special event is held each night, and on Sunday evening, you can dine with Jo Packham, the founder of

Where Women Create!

In addition, I will be leading early morning journal workshops, Heart and Soul, that are included in the

retreat package.

Please do not miss out on this great event - it grows bigger every year, but always retains its uniquely feel

of an intimate party with a handful of friends gathered together to create, talk, laugh, and find a place for their

spiritual heartwork in a turbulent world.

Wickedly Good Schedule

Thursday, October 7

9:00am - Registration Opens
10:00am - 5:00pm Workshops
7:00pm - Wickedly Good Art Crawl

Friday, October 8

8:30am - Heart and Soul with Mrs Pom
10:00am - 5:00pm Workshops
1:00pm - Luncheon
5:30pm - Show n Tell
7:00pm Cereal Art with Michael Albert (Pj's optional)

Saturday, October 9

8:30am - Heart and Soul with Mrs Pom
10:00am - 5:00pm Workshops
1:00pm - Luncheon
5:30pm - Show n Tell
7:00 - 11:00pm East Coast Art Trunk plus

Believe in Miracles Auction

Sunday, October 10

6:00am - Elephant Trunk Flea Market

9:30am - Heart and Soul with Mrs Pom
10:30am - 5:30pm Workshops
1:30pm - Luncheon
5:30pm - Show n Tell
7:00pm - Wickedly Good Banquet with Jo Packham (seating limited)

Silly Girls!

2010-08-04T14:39:00.001-04:00

the Birthday…

2010-07-29T01:22:00.002-04:00

We pick the cake, the ice cream, too; we then, sat in wait of you!

We started with mini golf…

this came next!

We stopped for raspberry coolattas to give us the strength.

The company I had was the best there could be!

With a white tarp strung between the trees, Boompa brought out the projector, DVD

player, surround sound and all. Transformers was the choice…

It’s been a very long day and J-Man’s room is now full of sleeping bags and tired kids.

The Many Faces of You...

2010-07-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

Happy #11, JMan!

Hooray! Hooray!

2010-07-25T18:58:00.002-04:00

My sister went to camp today!

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BYE! BYE!

It's Sunday and I am in New York

2010-07-24T23:31:00.001-04:00

Life, family, friendships and art…

So, I open Sal’s blog and what do I find…

Weepy before coffee!

Thank you, dearest friend…right back at you.

It is I, who is blessed, to have you in my life.

Cause you are you - The way you share
You are you - How you wear your hair
You are you - With the words you speak
You are you - You're so unique

At the Seaside

2010-07-23T01:31:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite all time childhood memories is

A Child’s Garden of Verses.

When I saw this picture, At the Seaside is all I could think of…

When I was down beside the sea
A wooden spade they gave to me
To dig the sandy shore.
My holes were empty like a cup,
In every hole the sea came up,
Till it could come no more.

Robert Louis Stevenson

They feed my soul!

2010-07-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sallianne ME Pamela Terri

Courtesy of Grace Palazzolo

From the Art Is blog…

2010-07-21T11:44:00.003-04:00

Written to perfection by the one and only Sallianne (the information)

When the glass is full of pink lemonade

Ellen and I recently had the opportunity to host the first of what we hope will be many, small art party’s at The Homestead. It seemed fitting that our first party teacher should be Pamela Huntington who we did not know four years ago and now can’t imagine our Art Is… life without her.

When so many doubted us and our plans to create the unique East Coast Art Retreat that is now enjoyed by so many, Pamela stepped up, supported us, had faith in us and in turn we benefited from her friendship and her extraordinary talent.

So Saturday was no different. The tables were set with the wonderful kits that Pamela has become known for. The fridge was full with a lovely lunch and the air conditioners were on…

The sisterhood began to arrive and with hugs, kisses and screams of delight, we found our coffee, our cake and our place at the table for the next few hours.

A collective sigh of relief could be heard from many of us, as we started to unwind, forget (albeit) briefly about our world outside and we started to focus on a little world within our hands.

Why does it take so long for us to realize that we need to do this? That we need to come together to laugh, to tell stories, to cry, to congratulate successes and to support concerns.

It is an over the counter tonic that is free to us all without prescription and without strings attached.

A feeling of peace flowed through my body and out into my fingers and I do not doubt my sisterhood were experiencing the same simple joys as I.

I felt grounded. I felt a harmony that I had been missing.

I belong to this Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints. A sisterhood that is open to anyone who comes knocking on the door. A sisterhood that accepts those who can use a heat gun without burning their fingers as well as those who glue their embellishments upside down.

Art in the Garden with Pamela was a glimpse into the world that Ellen and I have created (with the help of our wonderful faculty) here on the East Coast. Where friendships are formed even before classes begin. I encourage you to join us, even if it is for a day, in October and experience this world that we have come to know and to love.

Love Sallianne

P.S. If you can’t wait until October, then join us in August when Judy Wilkenfeld will be in New York to run her two day workshop Charlotte O Charlotte.

Weddings are a good thing…

2010-07-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

As pictures come in from various places; one has to realize:

A) you’re not as young looking as you feel

B) Yes! you really are a bit chubby

C) your grandchildren make you look much older than your children do, so hang with your own mother…

There are so many little details…

the place cards, favors and flowers…

The walk down the aisle…the I DO…

The grandchildren, gathered together…

A Party! A Celebration!

The love of a friend…The love of the Parents…

of Father and Son… of Mother and son

But most importantly…we must not forget a very special

and integral part of the wedding!

THE HAIRDRESSER!!!

ALWAYS bring her along…

Bits'n Pieces

2010-07-18T23:48:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderful 3 days of family and friends…

We stayed at the Saybrook Point Inn for 2 nights to celebrate the youngest child’s (our son) wedding.

We didn’t have the traditional rehearsal dinner. We celebrated with family who flew in from all over the country for a family reunion. This would be the only time they would get to see the Man Child as they weren’t coming to the wedding and he would be flying out the day after. We wish the bride and her family could have joined us, but they had plans of their own. It was a wonderful night…

The wedding…

cocktail hour

The day after the wedding and checking out we spent the day at the daughter’s hotel with the kids and old friends.

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The sand was so hot, you could feel it through your sandals and the pool was crowed, but everyone managed to have a grande time.

We said our good-byes and ventured on to the All-Star game an hour away.

The heat was revolting. Yes, the heat didn’t stop the team! They won…

From the shore to the northeast corner of CT for the game, to home, an hour’s drive from the game, we dropped by the house to leave luggage and the teen off. From there we drove another 30 miles to pick up the Man Child’s dog.

Yes, while honeymooning in Mexico, the dog is ours.

Do you think he’s comfortable with us? JMan has decided the air conditioner wasn’t cool enough…

That was our Saturday, Sunday and Monday…

11 July 2010 (aka 7-11) or the son's wedding

2010-07-17T22:54:00.004-04:00

When you hand the camera to a pair of 15 year old boys to record the setting and the wedding of their Uncle, this is what you get...there are pictures of the camera men taking pictures and oh so many more I decided not to include. I am so glad my friends took pictures and there were the photographers, they promised to erase 50 lbs and 20 years!

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this is a keeper...

Remembering the many lives…

2010-05-30T07:41:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday, T!

2010-05-26T14:13:00.001-04:00

Missing you!

Wish I could be there to share in your day!

Where Women Create - Quote of the Week

2010-05-23T07:35:00.001-04:00

What are yours?

Step Up To The Plate

2010-05-21T22:28:00.002-04:00

24 Hours of Baseball

Friday, May 28 7pm - Saturday, May 29 7pm
Riverfront Field, Glastonbury, CT

100% of net proceeds are used by the Connecticut Baseball Charitable Foundation, Inc. to benefit:

Cystic Fibrosis research, Prostate Cancer research, and Juvenile Diabetes.

Pledge today…

View Player Profile Shane Legare

Make a Donation on Behalf of Shane Legare

What a weekend!

2010-05-18T20:25:00.001-04:00

You missed it! Now you need to visit the web site…

Jen has scheduled a LIVE web show with exclusive offerings

and special shopping opportunities...

TUNE in to her BLOG on SUNDAY, MAY 23rd

at 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

This event will be LIVE with postings/creations shown on this BLOG at promptly 8PM and items being marked as sold as the event proceeds.
Almost 20 Earth Angels artists will participate. EXCLUSIVE items for sale from each of the artists from the Spring Soiree event...as well as a few more surprises from artists who will be sending along work just for this special web show!

Here's a list of those artists who have agreed to participate:

NICOL SAYRE NICOLE BOWEN DIANA CARD

DEIRDRE FRIEBELEY HEIDI STEINER

DARA DiMAGNO CHERYL KUHN

JENNIFER LANNE MAGDA TRZASKI

CART BEFORE THE HORSE

DEBRINA PRATT LAURIE MESEROLL

LELSIE McCABE LETTY WORLEY

MELODY ELIZABETH VALERIE WEBERPAL

JILL WIENER DEBBIE THIBAULT PAT MURPHY

WEBSHOW at 8pm on Sunday, MAY 23rd...

5th Grade Excursion…

2010-05-17T12:46:00.003-04:00

Off to Sturbridge Village…

Through the camera lens of a 10 year old boy!

Boys…

what did you like the best about your field trip?

There was no rain…

2010-05-10T01:26:00.000-04:00

I met my dear friend, Pamela at Starbucks. We were once again on our way to the SisBoom Open House. Twice a year, Jennifer Paganelli, opens her house and her heart to one and all.

Sallianne and Joyce were already there.

Their arms full goodies, while women with shopping bags passed us on the porch with treasures of their own.

Fun…

Glam…

Glitz…

surrounded us at every turn.

The forecast called for rain and for us, that’s the norm.

We were blessed with the gorgeous sunshine…

Maybe this will be the new norm for our little day trips…

It was a good day!

For those of you who are…

2010-05-09T06:50:00.001-04:00

Art-Is…Mrs. Pom

2010-05-09T00:05:00.000-04:00

Friday…October 8, 2010 and Saturday…October 9, 2010

Sister Illustrata's Book of Alluring Enchantments and Artistic Miracles

Loretta Benedetto Marvel is a mixed media artist and writer whose narrative art and writing reflects a strong connection to home, family, faith, and sense of place. She writes a regular feature column with artwork for the magazine Cloth, Paper, Scissors on creativity and the artist's journey. She has been published in Somerset Studio, Legacy, and in the anthology, The Circle Continues, ed. by Judith Duerk.

Loretta's work combines family photographs, drawings, paintings, fabric collage elements, beading, and other ephemera she has inherited from her large family of Italian American women, who kept every letter, corsage, hair bow, rosary, bobby pin, and receipt they ever had. She has lived in many parts of the country with her patient husband, three children, and assorted pets and her goal in life is to create as much art and writing as it takes to tell all the stories in her head and use up all the stuff that she herself has accumulated through the years. Loretta has been a part of Art Is…You since its first year. http://artjournaler.typepad.com/

Art-Is…Kecia Deveney

2010-05-07T00:19:00.000-04:00

Kecia Deveney

Originally from California, I am a mixed media/jewelry artist /amateur photographer, who now resides at the Jersey Shore. Drawing inspiration form my life experiences as the mother of a severely disabled child, I channel that energy into learning and creating art. Experimenting with “reclaimed discardia” results in many unique pieces of storytelling art. I’ve recently been published in Belle Amoire Jewelry and Altered Couture. My goal as a teacher is to support, motivate and inspire others. I’ve taught at Art n Soul in Portland, Art is, in Connecticut and will be teaching several classes at “Gilding the lily” in California and Art Opera in New Jersey Spring 2010.

Thursday…October 7, 2010

Inspirational Emissary (afternoon)

Friday…October 8, 2010

Glinda's Reliquary

Saturday…October 9, 2010

Souvenirs de ma Vie

Art-Is in the garden with Judy Wilkenfeld…

2010-05-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Art Is...East Coast Art Retreats...and in the Summer of 2010 we present the first of our Summer Series of Art in the Garden.
Workshops will be held at The Homestead. Unless otherwise advised workshops will commence at 9:00am and finish at 4:30pm. Attendees are welcome to arrive a little earlier to get setup, grab their coffee/tea and morning scone before starting class. Sit amongst the azeleas during a lunch that is included in the workshop fee. Tea, Tim Tams and lamingtons will be served during the afternoon session.

73 Homestead Road
Scarsdale, New York
646-251-4849
Metro North to Scarsdale Station
Travel South down the Hutch to Exit 19
Travel North up the Hutch to Exit 17
Google Map

Traveling from interstate?
We would be happy to assist with accommodation, collection & drop off.

Judy Wilkenfeld

Saturday, 17 July
Saturday, 28 and Sunday 29 August

Charlotte O' Charlotte

Preserving our precious memories, photo’s and memorabilia in a book form is the theme for our workshop.
We will spend 2 days creating a book starting from 2 antique book covers. It will be very dimensional. The inner book will be made accordion style especially good for newbie’s to mixed media books.
We all have our favorite photos and memorabilia of/from family and or those closest to us. My experience with documenting people’s life stories reveals that we only need a few photos and or items to preserve the memories.
You will learn how to use symbolism, color, texture, found objects and your memorabilia to tell the story of those nearest and dearest to you – WITHOUT WORDS.

Techniques you will learn to apply:

Binding a book from cover boards

The aging of fabrics, papers, images and metals

The adhering of dimensional mixed media items

The use and application of mica and acrylics

The use of symbolism

Working with wire

The creation of a shadow box within a book

Layering of mixed media objects

Art-Is in the garden with Pamela Huntington…

2010-05-03T11:38:00.001-04:00

Art Is...East Coast Art Retreats...and in the Summer of 2010 we present the first of our Summer Series of Art in the Garden.
Workshops will be held at The Homestead. Unless otherwise advised workshops will commence at 9:00am and finish at 4:30pm. Attendees are welcome to arrive a little earlier to get setup, grab their coffee/tea and morning scone before starting class. Sit amongst the azaleas during a lunch that is included in the workshop fee. Tea, Tim Tams and lamingtons will be served during the afternoon session.

73 Homestead Road
Scarsdale, New York
646-251-4849
Metro North to Scarsdale Station
Travel South down the Hutch to Exit 19
Travel North up the Hutch to Exit 17
Google Map
Traveling from interstate?
We would be happy to assist with accommodation, collection & drop off.

Pamela Huntington

Saturday, 17 July

Victorian Parlour Bird & Jardin de Fleurs Collier

Jardin de Fleurs Collier

Ranunculus, one of my favorite flowers with their layers of soft multicolored petals was the inspiration for this Garden Flower Necklace and now I would like to share my technique for making this necklace, with you. The colors of the necklaces will vary depending on the colors you choose for your piece.

Victorian Parlor Bird

I have always been fascinated by the lovely old Victorian Parlor pieces filled with birds, butterflies and other fauna. Come join me in a class where you will learn to make your own faux Victorian Parlor piece. We will learn to make a tree branch using wire, wrapping and adding glitter to make it look old and weathered. We will add moss, a nest and a glass bird before covering it with a charming glass globe.

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-28T23:52:00.002-04:00

I didn't do it!

2010-04-11T00:34:00.000-04:00

During Lent, meat on Friday is a no no...

When Ichecked on the mac'n cheese, there off to the side was a perfect heart!

April brings…

2010-04-10T00:34:00.001-04:00

With the madness of March left behind, we spent Easter with family and friends.

The day was glorious!

The sun was shining, the windows were opened and kids were outside looking for the eggs the teens had hidden.

Little did they know, the teens had dug the eggs into the ground throughout the yard and would only find a few.

The MENU was scrumptious!

Ham, glazed with a maple syrup/apricot preserve/Dijon sauce, was succulent

Easter kielbasa, so juicy, it squirted when the fork was stuck into it

Garlic Yukon Gold smashed potatoes with fresh chives from the garden, yum

al dente green and white asparagus

sautéed green beans with garlic

field green salad with brie and strawberries and the last of my special balsamic vinegar

Cottage cheese bread with dill and shallots

Irish butter

Lemon Meringue pie

Key Lime pie

Red Velvet cupcakes

Various Chocolate

It was good for the soul, to see everyone having such a good time.

Brothers embracing the words of each other, laughing. sharing, the difficulties of some seemed a million miles away.

Soon to be daughter-in-laws getting to know each other a little better.

Cousins and soon to be cousins to hang out with.

It was a VERY good day!

It was a VERY good weekend.

March Madness…

2010-04-09T00:34:00.004-04:00

With the world crashing around us outside,

the world of art was exploding on the inside!

The list, the gifts, the tags.

LoBue and Mann.

the class…

the results…

One can only imagine what October will bring!

Stuff!

2010-04-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

Sports and Culture…

2010-03-20T10:42:00.002-04:00

Boompa won tickets to the Jorgensen by answering a hockey question on the radio. The Jorgensen has *a relaxing and cozy nightclub setting with candlelit tables on the floor,* which we looked down on from the mezzanine. The seats were to the right of the stage so the view was wonderfully close.

taken from the mezzanine

Donnell Leahy, eldest member of the Canadian sibling powerhouse Leahy, joins Cape Breton Island native Natalie MacMaster for a fiddle-driven whirlwind of Celtic music and dance. They push the pedal to the floor as they roar across the musical map with jigs, reels and strathspeys. Their fiery, foot-tapping energy brakes only occasionally for a delicate air or a keening ballad, making a timeless tradition fresh and new.

Unfortunately, there was no babysitter to be had, so we “surprised” JMan and Red by taking them with. Did we tell them? No, we didn’t.

What I did tell them…it will be another memory of the unusual things you do with us (me).

the JMan watching from the mezzanine…

No iPod (only at intermission), no X Box, no tv…there were moments when they clapped to the music, clapped at the end of the songs, really watched the jigs…

When all was done and dusted…JMan told us he would “never remember such a boring time”…Red was tired and needed to sleep but “let’s come back for Frog and Toad! “

I chuckle to myself, for it’s those boring times spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. that will be a treasured memory and talked about in years to come.

OH Happy Day!

2010-03-20T09:47:00.001-04:00

SPRING!

Red’s 9

2010-02-23T16:53:00.002-05:00

It started on Friday…

Make a wish…

Saturday brought Em to the house for pizza before our overnight to NY…

We’re off!

Two hours of excitement, giggles, stories and singing.

We’re here!

We walked to get our nails done…

and have gelato next to the nail salon… We played…met new friends…

had dinner and attended Rosie’s musical. The girls were awestruck with

the talent each performer possessed and then came Rosie…she brought tears to my eyes.

After the show…

they were thrilled to try on Elphaba’s cape and hat.

They each came away with their own prop, a hat, that you’ll see in Sunday’s adventure…

March Madness

2010-02-19T15:59:00.001-05:00

Art Is...

A high-energy fusion of two unique creative journeys that is sure to educate and inspire.

For the first time…International found-object pioneers; Thomas Mann and Keith Lo Bue

combine forces to bring students deep into the nuts-and-bolts of selection, design and

connection of their own multi-media creations.

Four days of individual teaching culminates into a dynamic 2-day workshop.

Art Doll Workshop

The Cobbler's Daughter lives in an old ramshackle house in a small seaside village.

She lives with her father, the Cobbler, who she helps helps him each day repair the shoes of the villagers...

The Cobbler's Daughter was created by me and exhibited at the International Quilt Festival in the first year

that they had a doll exhibition, curated by vibrant doll maker elinor peace bailey. The doll was also published

in the first edition of Stampington and Company's Art Doll Quarterly.

In 2003 she reinvented herself and discovered her Inner Goddess.

Regally standing at approximately 23 inches, it matters not whether you wish to create a daughter of

a cobbler or indeed strip her bare...there is a goddess in us all, so let me help you find the magical way to yours.

NY Metro ArtGirls

2010-02-07T21:34:00.001-05:00

met at the library to re-create hats for the Aussie...she’s in charge of costumes for Flossie’s school musical…

BIG names were creating!

Loretta Bendetto Marvel…you thought law and journaling were her forte?

Kathleen Nesi…gorgeous art and teaching isn’t all she does?

Melissa McCobb Hubbell had all of us fooled!

Mary Hurlburt, Gwen Jackson and Doris Sutton… does your talent ever end?

What talent you all possess!!!

I am very glad I travelled my 2 hrs to contribute, it was such a good day!

Hawk came to visit today...

2010-02-01T11:38:00.001-05:00

She was a bit camera shy...

Gather you girlfriends…

2010-01-28T11:59:00.000-05:00

Jen O'Connor presents a Show of Original Art

The Warwick Antique Barn, Inc.

293 State Route 94 S / Warwick, NY 10990-3331

A day of inspiration…

2010-01-26T08:59:00.002-05:00

I had the opportunity and pleasure to attend a workshop by Charlotte Lyons. The workshop was held in Irvington, NY at the home of Charlotte’s friend, Jane.

Each place was adorned with goodies, too many to mention! A lovely table of door prizes awaited us in another room and I was thrilled to chose the one that first spoke to me.

Charlotte had many projects for us to choose from; totes, slippers, snowmen, mobile, hats, jewelry and mug cozies to name a few. In the end I made a hat and a creature, which were claimed by Lil Red and the Jman as soon as I walked in the door.

At 12:30 we broke for lunch. We were treated to a lovely lunch by Charlotte’s friend, Suzanne, just 3 blocks away. Little did we know how jaw dropping the setting would be…Suzanne’s home was breathtaking, to say the least. We all oooed and aahed at both the food she prepared and the setting…we were like children in a candy shop.

Thank you to my friends, both old and new for making it the day so lovely…

Thank you,Charlotte, Jane and Suzanne for making it possible…

Check out the blogs of…

One Sweater

2010-01-25T11:23:00.003-05:00

I spent the day with Charlotte Lyons and a group of wonderfully talented women. We cut up old wool sweaters which had been felted in order to be given a new life...I made this adorable hat, which Lil Red has claimed for herself and a creature, which JMan has taken possession of...

With the exceptions of a leaf on the hat and some embellishments on the creature...it's all one sweater and all sewn by hand!

Charlotte had found this adorable white sweater with hearts just in time for Valentine's Day but couldn't bear to felt it if there was a girl who could possibly wear it...Red was very excited for her new gifts...

Art-Is…

2010-01-24T00:58:00.002-05:00

Haiti By Hand

2010-01-22T15:41:00.002-05:00

Haiti By Hand is a shop showcasing handcrafted pieces created by a group of artisans in Despinos and Croix de Bouquet, Haiti.

HOWEVER, in light of the earthquakes on January 12, 2010, this site will host a wide community of artisans who have donated their work to be sold with all sales going directly to Haiti By Hand.

If you are an artist or crafter and would like to donate items to be featured, please contact - haitibyhand@att.net

My colleage Sallianne and I, along with the famly of artists from Art Is... hope you join them in supporting this wonderful store

--Bundle up some art/crafting supplies in pretty packaging and donate to their etsy shop

--Create an art/craft item from that big stash of materials you have in your craft room and donate to their shop

--Talk about them! on Facebook, Twitter, your own blog...wherever. You have no idea how much this helps spread the word. Awareness is our biggest need!

--Recruit art and crafting friends. Get together this weekend and make items to donate to our shop.

Where are you? They need you!

WickedDeck Round Robin

2010-01-05T01:44:00.002-05:00

the wicked box...

the deck sleeve...

the card...front and back...

the communal cards...

I had a great time playing with this and can’t wait to see the other players’ decks…Of course, you know, these photos are not true to color, but I do so like them this way!

The New Year brings…

2010-01-03T09:07:00.001-05:00

inside clean ups…

and outside beauty…

Good bye 2009…

2009-12-31T21:33:00.002-05:00

Welcome 2010…

the beginning of a new year,

a new decade...

The theme…

2009-12-31T21:06:00.000-05:00

ArtHouse

Project overview: After you sign up to participate in the project, we'll mail you a package containing a Moleskine sketchbook with a barcode on it, a randomly picked theme to create your book around, and detailed instructions about the project. Themes are assigned at random upon signing up and are pulled out of a list of 30 different themes.

The Exhibitions and Permanent Collection: When we receive everyone's sketchboo ks back, we will be taking the collection on a tour around the United States to select galleries and venues. Everyone who sends their book back to us will be included in the collection and taken on tour. In addition to the touring exhibitions, the ultimate goal of the project is to create a permanent library for which the sketchbook collection can be on display. We are anticipating the opening of the permanent sketchbook library location in 2010.

Purple Madonna

2009-12-29T09:26:00.001-05:00

by StoryPeople

One time on Hollywood Boulevard I saw a young girl with a baby. It was a crisp winter morning & her hair shone dark purple in the sun. She was panhandling outside the Holiday Inn & the door clerk came out & told her to be on her way & I wondered if anyone would recognize the Christ child if they happened to meet. I remember thinking it's not like there are any published pictures & purple seemed like a good color for a Madonna so I gave her a dollar just in case.

And more Christmas!

2009-12-28T23:00:00.002-05:00

The Bitty Baby arrival...

The 'over rated tinsel' was put on the tree!

The spiritual gifts

and the musical gifts...

were most welcomed...

Christmas reality...

2009-12-26T08:25:00.001-05:00

Where are Santa's elves when you need them?

What do you get when the teen is in charge of the Christmas lights?

2009-12-15T07:57:00.001-05:00

A human tree...

A wise woman once said...

2009-12-14T20:21:00.001-05:00

Red’s 1st Game …

2009-12-10T00:05:00.001-05:00

When we arrived for the pre game practice I had my doubts…the giggles, girl talk, and the lack of warming up made me wonder, how does one coach a group of 3-4 grade girls?

The coaches and referees have the patience of Saints…they stop, they explain and go beyond. Red got her first basket and even though the loss was 32-6, it didn’t matter…she had fun!

MadiMoo

2009-12-08T04:03:00.000-05:00

How could I ever forget you?

In the DogHouse

2009-12-07T03:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday night’s snow…

2009-12-06T08:26:00.004-05:00

brought Sunday morning beauty…

with the sun on the left,
the moon on the right,

and the poor flamingo forgot his hat and scarf

I've come a loooong way!

2009-11-27T00:20:00.001-05:00

On this Thanksgiving...

2009-11-26T00:15:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for

and so much more...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

2009-11-25T00:51:00.000-05:00

The events of Plymouth in autumn 1621 relates to the first thanksgiving, there are 2 primary sources for them. However, research conducted by Center for World Thanksgiving at Thanks-Giving Square throws a good deal of light on the subject. Given below are the citations from the two original writings followed by an analysis of the roots of Thanksgiving. Enjoy the history of Thanksgiving and forward it to your friends.

Winslow, Mourt's Relation :
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation :
"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their house and dwelling against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides, they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned by true reports."

The story of Thanksgiving is basically the story of the Pilgrims and their thankful community feast at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The Pilgrims, who set sail from Plymouth, England on a ship called the Mayflower on September 6, 1620, were fortune hunters, bound for the resourceful 'New World'. The Mayflower was a small ship crowded with men, women and children, besides the sailors on board. Aboard were passengers comprising the 'separatists', who called themselves the "Saints", and others, whom the separatists called the "Strangers".
After land was sighted in November following 66 days of a lethal voyage, a meeting was held and an agreement of truce was worked out. It was called the Mayflower Compact. The agreement guaranteed equality among the members of the two groups. They merged together to be recognized as the "Pilgrims." They elected John Carver as their first governor.
Although Pilgrims had first sighted the land off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, they did not settle until they arrived at a place called Plymouth. It was Captain John Smith who named the place after the English port-city in 1614 and had already settled there for over five years. And it was there that the Pilgrims finally decided to settle. Plymouth offered an excellent harbor and plenty of resources. The local Indians were also non-hostile.
But their happiness was short-lived. Ill-equipped to face the winter on this estranged place they were ravaged thoroughly.

Somehow they were saved by a group of local Native Americans who befriended them and helped them with food. Soon the natives taught the settlers the technique to cultivate corns and grow native vegetables, and store them for hard days. By the next winter they had raised enough crops to keep them alive. The winter came and passed by without much harm. The settlers knew they had beaten the odds and it was time to celebrate.
They celebrated it with a grand community feast wherein the friendly native Americans were also invited. It was kind of a harvest feast, the Pilgrims used to have in England. The recipes entail "corn" (wheat, by the Pilgrims usage of the word), Indian corn, barley, pumpkins and peas, "fowl" (specially "waterfowl"), deer, fish. And yes, of course the yummy wild turkey.
However, the third year was real bad when the corns got damaged. Pilgrim Governor William Bradford ordered a day of fasting and prayer, and rain happened to follow soon. To celebrate - November 29th of that year was proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. This date is believed to be the real beginning of the present Thanksgiving Day.
Though the Thanksgiving Day is presently celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November. This date was set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941). Earlier it was the last Thursday in November as was designated by the former President Abraham Lincoln. But sometimes the last Thursday would turn out to be the fifth Thursday of the month. This falls too close to the Christmas, leaving the businesses even less than a month's time to cope up with the two big festivals. Hence the change.

Jennifer Paganelli’s Annual

2009-11-23T00:36:00.000-05:00

Holiday Show

December 3rd, 4th and 5th
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
40 East Meadow Road
Wilton, Connecticut 06897
(203) 761-0442

IF

2009-11-21T00:51:00.000-05:00

the

only

prayer

you

said

your

whole

life

was,

"thank you,"

that

would

suffice.

~Meister Eckhart

Family Holiday

2009-11-18T14:55:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning, the car will be fully packed with kids (14, 10, 8), clothes, snacks, DVDs, iPods, DSIs, books and more.

The Navi will set it’s sights on getting us all to our destination,

some 20 plus hours away to celebrate the week of thanks.

The last Thanksgiving spent with our daughter was celebrated in Ohio, with her oldest (now 7) being 5mos old.

The man child was 17 and the only one left at home, the trip was easy. Since Ohio, she’s been in…

and now here…

When we were 20 plus years younger, we took our 5 kids on a road trip to Florida, for a family reunion.

Those were the days before everyone had a cell phone, DVDs, iPods and such.

Those were the days of reading, counting license plates, etc.

Those were the days before modern technology as we know it today.

So, as I write this, the laundry is piling, the clean house of yesterday is no more, and the packing needs to be done.

I wonder…

WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING!!!

Delicious Differences

2009-11-16T00:01:00.002-05:00

Among the mind’s powers is one that comes of itself to many children and artists. It need not be lost, to the end of his days, by anyone who has ever had it. This is the power of taking delight in a thing, or rather in anything, everything, not as a means to some other end, but just because it is what it is, and the lover dotes on whatever may be the traits of the beloved object. A child in the full health of his mind will put his hand flat on the summer turf, feel it, and give a little shiver of private glee at the elastic firmness of the globe. He is not thinking how well it will do for some game or to feed sheep upon. That would be the way of the wooer whose mind runs on his mistress’s money. The child’s is sheer affection, the true ecstatic sense of the thing’s inherent characteristics. No matter what the things may be, no matter what they are good or no good for, there they are, each with a thrilling unique look and feel of its own, like a face; the iron astringently cool under its paint, the painted wood familiarly warmer, the clod crumbling enchantingly down in the hands, with its little dry smell of the sun and of hot nettles; each common thing a personality marked by delicious differences.

by Charles Montague and kindly recited by Keith Lo Bue to his lucky class at Art is…You 2009

KC Willis…Marketing Mindset

2009-11-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

KC Willis- a brilliant artist and practical business woman is now offering an online seminar for us working mixed media artists!!!

KC is offering this amazing opportunity through on-going videos and/or, personal phone consultations.

KC is really easy to talk to (warm and nice) and offers all she has. She is a very generous and giving soul, my kind of people.

Join now and get ready for the NEW YEAR!!!

What a gift you can give yourself and your family.

Or maybe as Christmas approaches, and folk ask you what you want - instead of MORE STUFF - ask for this workshop seminar.

It would be a gift that will pay you rather than hide in some draw, if ya know what I mean.

It is an INVESTMENT!!!

KC's price is really inexpensive, considering what others charge - or having to pay travel expenses to attend something like this in person.

Check it out…KC's Marketing Mindset

Are you going?

2009-11-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Taryn and Scott Reece are at it again! I can’t wait to join the Aussie , old friends and new for a fun filled weekend of camping with art!

August 13 - 16, 2010

Intimate Gathering ~ Artistic Journey ~ Natural Surroundings

Dino Park

2009-11-11T12:00:00.001-05:00

Wow!!! they were big...

some were herbivores...

the juggle rope walk was pretty cool and scary...

but all in all...

IT WAS FUN! I SAY!! FUN!!!

29 on 11-10-09…

2009-11-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday…

Part 2

2009-11-09T00:15:00.000-05:00

Tiaras!!!

It saddened me ~~to see~~ not to see the adults participating in the making of a tiara. These women should honor themselves even more so! They are the caregivers, the foster care, the guardians and adoptive parent. Me, being a ‘relative caregiver’ am in awe at these special women who are there for emergency calls to take a child(ren) in at all hours of the night, to nurture for a few days, weeks, months, years and to give the child(ren) back or move them to a new home. Theirs is not an easy life, rewarding, perhaps, but not easy. They exude warmth, love and a soothing calmness; that in itself deserves the regale of a tiara…

Queen of Pumkin Pie (wearing one of my tiaras)

came alone (with a pumpkin pie like no other, yummmmy) to observe, to give support and to cheer everyone on! She is honored not only for her pie, but her beautiful soul.

These are some of the tiaras in progress…I didn’t photograph the girls to protect them, unless I was told it was an okay thing to do, so use your imagination a little. One had a purple feather sticking straight up in the center when she was done.

Saving the best for last…

Princess of the Stenciled Shirt!

My one regret? I didn’t think the Dept. of Children and Families were ready to have their conference room filled with glitter, so, with the exception of the little glitter from my things, the girls went glitterless…

November is National Adoption Month

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Part 1…Ts

To honor the Mothers, Daughters, Aunts and other special woman in the world of Foster Care, Guardianship and Adoption; I held a class called T’s and Tiaras…

I filled my suitcases full with everything they would need (except the shirts, of course).

The top 4 belong to three sisters who are blessed with their gorgeous Auntie, who organized the event.

We used freezer paper stencils…

Once the paper was removed, this Adoptive Mom only needed to fill in the details.

Mom brought her adopted daughter (on the left) and Mom/Grandma (on the right) who thought Turkey Day!

There was 3 1/2 yr old Madison and her mom…

to honor her day with Madison and one to honor all the daughters…

There was free hand painting…

splattering of paint…

and a little stamping was a fun thing for Mom and daughter…

As Bon Jovi sings… You want to make a memory…

Good-Bye Fricassee!

2009-11-08T05:55:00.006-05:00

We prayed, both inside

and

out.

We needed a home for ‘our’ chicken (the one who mysteriously appeared).

Little did we know, this would be the last walk to the bus, for in a matter of hours, Fricassee would have a nice new home.

After scouring the neighborhood for someone with chickens; we called a classmate of Red’s and we were elated! We had a taker!

After establishing he did indeed have chickens, the conversation went like this…

Me: So Mr. W, do you think you’d want our chicken?

Him: Do you think they’ll get along?

Me: I don’t know, I don’t raise chickens, you do.

Him: How will we get him here? I have a box! Is it friendly?

Me: Very friendly. Bring the box and my husband will help.

Within the hour and the lure of goldfish crackers… POOF! Fricassee had a new home, complete with 7 new friends.

Making Jack O Lanterns

2009-10-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

Just take a golden pumpkin of quite the largest size,

Cut all 'round the stem, just so,

Scrape out the inside below,

And cut two holes for eyes.

And now fix a nose beneath,

And such a great big mouth with teeth,

And you've a jack-o'-lantern!

Then fix a tallow candle, Just big enough to light,

And when it flickers, see him blink,

And when it flares up, see him wink

And smile so broad and bright.

This is the jolliest sort of a fellow,

With cheery face so round and yellow,

This funny jack-o'-lantern.

Is your chicken missing?

2009-10-29T12:27:00.003-04:00

Two days ago we found a chicken perusing the yard.
Today, as I pulled into the driveway, it was back.
Today, it was up on the front steps picking at the mums, asters and impatients...
I'm use to the turkey, the fox , the horse and an occasional deer...
but a chicken !?!
Where oh where does the chicken come from?

Dedication? Insanity?

2009-10-22T15:42:00.000-04:00

Eileen Grobeck

2009-10-20T00:30:00.003-04:00

Cheesecloth Moon

A place for poetry, art, photography and some occasional ranting.

Delightfully, talented and modest soul...Eileen began retirement writing about Art-Is-You on her blog,

http://CheeseclothMoon.Wordpress.com/ , attended our event and came home to share her adventures,

her talent and to leave us in awe of her talent, not only in the art of her hands and eyes but the art of the written word.

Go visit this marvelous blog...

BZ...writes!!!

2009-10-19T12:30:00.005-04:00

Many Thanks To All!

To Sal & Ellen, the gals who are swell!

& all who attended, ring that Tea Bell,

Here are some Jabberwocky of memories for you!

Art-Is-You 2009

Sue L's quotes written, started, on line

The Rabbit hole to jump into was at the beginning of your stay

The Queen of Hearts playing cards, Ellen & Sal ushering the way

No Husbands

No children

No cooking to do.

Old friends with free hugs, lines deep

New friends with free hugs by the heap

Do you have a trade I can keep?

Beautifully crafted,

outrageously conceived,

Having Tea with Alice, ID tags

Ferric chloride solution

etching on metal, wiping with rags

Taryn the Mad Hatter

Muffy's Chapeau

The Many Hat's of Keith "Le Beau"

Zippered earrings

Hot Tub soaks

7 am wake-up calls

Autumn Leaves crunching, beneath my feet

Hot steaming coffee

Journaling with Mrs. Pom

Photo journalist for the day

setting up The Market Place, it did bustle

Was all happening on that first day, hustle

"Who is she anyway?"

no popcorn in site

To Market, To Market ( Oh what a night)

To shop?......well just a bit!

Then off to Sweet Dreams

The pillow we hit.

New ideas dancing in our minds, still alit!

My Cupi is off to a new land & home

a Vineyard in Australia, she is to roam

Tea Cup Challenge,

A chance at Somerset Mag,

A basket of sewn kittens,

Flamingo's with a heart

T'was all included in this weekend of Art.

Soldering my inheritance, I did lot's of dribble

Kecia, a new teacher, so cool, collected, did not quibble

Rebecca & Jane gave me moral support

so I was able to show off my work at night court

The Night ending in Nicole's felting class

with good ol'e Ann being naturally crass!

MY FABULOUS ROOMIE MISS ELIZABETH D

the two of us together were busy as a bee

Lot's of new trinkets where Parade that night

ATC'S,

Coptic Pens,

Prince Charming was Lois's delight!

Pamela's Wonderland Journal was the next class I tried

Can it be near the end?.........Oh no I cried!

But Colleen, Laura & Traci their sewing, ever so grand

BZ, Elizabeth,& Jane sprang to the machines to give it a hand

Violet Crumbles still awaited

Doris, Mimmi,the doll girls, stated

An explosion of things to do & see, still awaited

visits with:

The Art Girlz, Linda & Tracey

Dime store Dayz, Terri

Domino necklace by Diane RH

Icons with Janette

Book Signing Lisa Kettell

Lillian Albertti, Kimberly too

This list is way too short & naming just a precious few

We Miss you Mr. Lesley, and your De lish scones too!

OMG! Tim Tams!

Huge Hugs to the Mum!

Fragrant MIGHTY LEAF TEA

Making rebar wire into rivets

Look Ma, I can use a drill!

but who can sit still?

smiles galore!

synergy

energy,

The magic continued!

carrot cake,

chocolate cake,

heavenly pies,

packing,

unpacking,

saying good byes!

I ended my lessons with my new BF, Keith Le Bue

The New Yorker in me, Paper Paraphernalia,

A new knowledge of glue

Eileen Retiring?

Mc Tea Pot inspiring!

Car trip to Harbour Freight

Missing lunch so we wouldn't be late

& Dick Blick was not my fate!

Xcited! Xhilarated! Xhausted!

but grinning like a Cheshire Cat

I strolled into the car for a long ride I sat

So this is the end of my "cute" little ditty

I hope you have smiled, and enjoyed every bitty

On the Horizon, New Adventures are Beckoning

Sparkling Ruby Slippers, Wicked Witches Reckoning

Rainbows of magic & new inspirations await,

2010's Yellow Brick Road, It's what's held in our fate.

So I bid you adieu, as I hear the call of my mate

Family of the Traveling Paints...

2009-10-18T21:12:00.003-04:00

Ours is a homemade vision.

Like the community quilts that are stitched by guilds across America,

Art Is…You has come together in small stitches sewn by many hands who seek not the accolades but rather the opportunity to simply live whole.

This weekend proves you have found the courage to discover a way to create and carve out a time for yourself.

But like a little child who is unsteady on their feet..

(or a quilter who is trying assemblage art for the first time)

I know there are people here tonight who still need a hand outstretched to catch them if they fall.

Believe me when I say, there are over 200 hands here who will do just that for you.

Welcome everyone to the 3rd Anniversary of Art Is…You.

What a thrill to see all your shining faces tonight.

The philosophy of Art Is…You is to create a moment in time where artists, whether they be faculty or students, can come together to share in their passion for creativity.

To create…

to self nourish…

to replenish personal creative resources

and to nurture not only individual souls

to replenish personal creative resources,

but the souls of those around them.

Is…You is a family of abundance.

There is no limit to our gifts,

our associations,

and our hospitality.

The giving of gifts…

…the gifts of the artists are boundless.

Our community calls forth those gifts.

In association we join these gifts together and they become amplified,

magnified,

productive,

and celebrated.

We welcome strangers because we value their gifts and need to share our own.

Our doors are open.

There are no strangers here.

Just friends we haven't met.

We have a calling.

We are the people who know what we need.

What we need surrounds us.

What we need is each other.

And when we act together,

we will find Our Way.

We are called to nothing less.

And it is not so wild a dream.

Tonight we celebrate this.

Welcome Sisters of the Traveling Paints to Art Is…You 2009

A Whirlwind Visit

2009-10-16T12:43:00.001-04:00

As Sal sits in Starbucks with her Venti coffee on this cold (32f), snowy/rainy Friday, I marvel how quickly time flies. As she writes, Karenne (Mum) sleeps and is getting ready to have a night on the town with Sal’s beautiful niece. They have tickets for Andre Rieu and are very very excited.

“Mum” as she was affectionately called throughout the weekend of Art Is…You, was welcomed with open arms by those who met her last year and those who didn’t know her at all.

She ran around for me, for Sal and for anyone else who asked. She flogged aprons – even to the in house Engineer who took one home to his wife.

She made sure everyone was looked after.

(With the talented CT born, Sydney residing Keith LoBue)

She made sure everyone was registered and everyone bought a raffle ticket …

she can sell anything!

She looked after me and Sal - this is one of 54 photos she took of us in the space of 3 minutes…she finally settled for just the face because (apparently) our bums and stomachs were too big.

What I loved the most is that she created and her creativity was celebrated.

Karenne’s Quilt – Pamela Huntington’s Class

Karenne’s Wonderland Hat – Taryn Reece’s Class

Karenne’s journals – Kecia Deveney’s Class

I have favorite memories of Karenne spending time with me at Art Is…You and of course I can only share with you the written version because no photos could do justice.

Picture Karenne – it is 6pm. She has been walking around selling raffles for the last few hours. In one hand raffle tickets, in another hand a tumbler with wine. She worked out that by putting it in the tumbler, the hotel would think it was apple juice and not scold her for walking around public areas with alcohol. Over her arm she had her pink shopping bag. Up to the registration table she wandered where my beautiful friends Gwen and Doris were. When asked what was in the bag….she produced the bladder of the wine box! Poor Doris and Gwen…the looks on their faces! They truly thought she must have a catheter somewhere and this was her wee bag! It was almost too much for them when she topped up her glass, popped the bladder back into the bag and skipped off to sell more tickets…I laugh out loud just writing this.

She created 100 Nanny (her mum/Sal’s Granny) Magnets for Nanny’s 90th birthday under the guidance of Sal.

The phone call to say she was taking the large altered suitcase I had given to Sal and offered to pay me for one to replace it.

Yes, Dearest Karenne…your visit was a whirlwind and I cannot wait til the next. Until then, I will drink tea from the beautiful floral mug that you left for me and think of the laughter, the friendship and all we share.

Oh…and the 54 photos of Sal and ME?

Taken on the same night as the wine bladder discovery…

Here I Be Me...

BFFs...then and now

The Boy's of Summer...

4th grade field trip

Idina Menzel

Cinco de Mayo

Kerin Gale

Easter

Works and in progress...

Grandparent’s Day

Connecticut town on the sea.

We are the world…

Art Is...Giving

East-West Coast Art Retreats‎Joanna Pierotti, Sallianne McClelland, and Ellen Legare encourage you to GIVE TO WORLD VISION'S JAPAN QUAKE AND TSUNAMI RELIEFAND YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A 3 DAY REGISTRATION AT ONE OF OUR 2011 ART RETREATS.PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK.

Spring has sprung!

Uncreative…

What have I been creating?

Just Silly…

Every time I turn around…

A week of…

Merry Christmas

The sights of Christmas

All at one house!

Friends, Food, Festivities

Chelsea Market, friends and Jo Packham…

While I was away…

Chief Elf gathered the troops…

A somewhat catch-up…

LAST CALL!!!

ART IS, THE EAST COAST ART RETREAT, CLOSES REGISTRATION FOR OCTOBER WORKSHOPS TONIGHT

at 11:59 EST!!! HURRY!!!

Art Is...Wickedly Good

Wickedly Good Schedule

Silly Girls!

the Birthday…

The Many Faces of You...

Hooray! Hooray!

It's Sunday and I am in New York

At the Seaside

They feed my soul!

Courtesy of Grace Palazzolo

From the Art Is blog…

Written to perfection by the one and only Sallianne (the information)

Weddings are a good thing…

Bits'n Pieces

11 July 2010 (aka 7-11) or the son's wedding

Remembering the many lives…

Happy Birthday, T!

Where Women Create - Quote of the Week

Step Up To The Plate

What a weekend!

5th Grade Excursion…

There was no rain…

For those of you who are…

Art-Is…Mrs. Pom

Art-Is…Kecia Deveney

Art-Is in the garden with Judy Wilkenfeld…

Art-Is in the garden with Pamela Huntington…

Happy Birthday!

I didn't do it!

April brings…

March Madness…

Stuff!

Sports and Culture…

OH Happy Day!

Red’s 9

March Madness

NY Metro ArtGirls

Hawk came to visit today...

Gather you girlfriends…

A day of inspiration…

Each place was adorned with goodies, too many to mention! A lovely table of door prizes awaited us in another room and I was thrilled to chose the one that first spoke to me.

Charlotte had many projects for us to choose from; totes, slippers, snowmen, mobile, hats, jewelry and mug cozies to name a few. In the end I made a hat and a creature, which were claimed by Lil Red and the Jman as soon as I walked in the door.

One Sweater

Art-Is…

Haiti By Hand

HOWEVER, in light of the earthquakes on January 12, 2010, this site will host a wide community of artisans who have donated their work to be sold with all sales going directly to Haiti By Hand.

If you are an artist or crafter and would like to donate items to be featured, please contact - haitibyhand@att.net

My colleage Sallianne and I, along with the famly of artists from Art Is... hope you join them in supporting this wonderful store

--Bundle up some art/crafting supplies in pretty packaging and donate to their etsy shop

East-West Coast Art Retreats

‎Joanna Pierotti, Sallianne McClelland, and Ellen Legare encourage you to GIVE TO WORLD VISION'S JAPAN QUAKE AND TSUNAMI RELIEF
AND YOU WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A 3 DAY REGISTRATION AT ONE OF OUR 2011 ART RETREATS.

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK.