Sixth Floor Designs

On This Day of Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:37:00.001-05:00

Today is Thanksgiving! As always, I wake up early when I really could sleep in so I decide to do the responsible thing and get up to work on homework. I put on the coffee, opened all the blinds and put on the fireplace. The sun is rising before me and it is glorious. I have so much to be thankful for that I am overwhelmed with emotion and a deep peaceful contentment that all is well in my

PACKING UP FOR ART IS YOU 2011

2011-09-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

Well it's almost here!! Art Is You...2011 in Danbury Ct starts next Thursday October 6, 2011. As you can see I'm in the midst of packing for the retreat. I'm teaching three workshops and taking two. The bins are all lined up in the living room and I'm pretty much packed up for each class. The excitement level is just growing and growing. Through emails, our Yahoo Group and Facebook,

EXCITING NEWS !!! ART IS...2012 IN DANBURY CT

2011-06-27T23:11:00.001-04:00

I am beyond excited!! I just got word that I have been accepted to teach in 2012 at Art Is ...You (http://www.art-is-you.com/). I have been blessed to have taught there in 2009, 2010, and now in Oct of 2011. We have so many INCREDIBLE TEACHERS from all over the world (yes I did say world) that I was truly surprised and delighted to be asked to teach in 2012. Please check out our website,

Part 3 Storage for "Short on Studio Space", Incorporating art supplies into your home decor

2011-05-10T17:34:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Part 3 of incorporating art supplies into your home decor, or as I like to think of it, storage ideas for people that are "Short on Studio Space". First off let me tell you, I am the queen of thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales and dumpster diving. Nothing (not even a trip to Tiffany's ) could get me more excited than finding an old used up item and repurposing it.When we were

Part 2 Storage for "Short on Studio Space", Incorporating art supplies into your home decor

2011-04-27T12:46:00.003-04:00

I simply fell in LOVE with this wrought iron mannequin, finished in a shabby chic soft green, while I was at Art Is...2010 (http://www.art-is-you.com/) for info on this years FABULOUS Retreat) in Danbury Ct. Sunday mornings there is The Elephant Trunk Flea Market nearby and what a host of treasures there are to be found! I was on the last row of the flea market, when I happened upon this

"Short on Studio Space" Storage or Incorporating Art Supplies in Your Home

2011-04-21T23:25:00.002-04:00

A little less than a year ago I downsized from a 2800 sq ft house to a 1100 sq ft apartment. Having come from a huge house, not to mention a full basement, 2 1/2 car garage and 1/2 acre of land, it was quite an adjustment to move to a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 small balconies and a one car (well, one after I fit all my "stuff" in the other parking space) garage. I would not be having the

I'm in Quilting Heaven

2011-03-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

About 21 years ago a friend introduced me to quilting. I worked in a travel agency with mostly women and we decided to hold a monthly "Art & Craft Night" at the office. Each one of us would teach a new type of craft. My girlfriend decided to teach quilting, using the traditional log cabin pattern. I remember going to JoAnn Fabrics and the excitement of buying blue and

A Perfect Day to Play

2011-02-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

It's a perfect day to play!17degrees outside, it's a beautiful day with nosnow in the forecast, but lots on the ground.I went into my hardware supplies andfound washers in various sizesand decided to see what I could do to make them into earrings.I grabbed my "sticky" glue, gold leaf foiling flakes and set out to make foiled earrings.I "painted" the sticky glue on one side of the washers,Let it

2011 A New Year, A New Beginning

2011-01-16T14:21:00.003-05:00

I always love the beginning of a new year. Everything is fresh, a time to reflect on the past, make plans for the future and reevaluate your life. I am not one for making New Year's resolutions, I think they are a waste of my time and energy. I prefer to live everyday to it's fullest in it's ever changing way. This year is especially a fresh start for me. My divorce was finalized on the 29th

What Will Be, Will Be

2011-01-16T14:09:00.001-05:00

My mother always used to tell me "What will be, will be". I always hated when she said that because I never could figure out what it meant. It's taken me 30 years, multiple heartaches, times of great joy and downright depression and grief, but I have finally figured it out. I'm sure my mom is sitting by the ocean in heaven (That's where I get my passion for water) and smiling, thinking, "She's

Farewell Art Is...2010, Looking Forward to Art Is...2011

2010-10-13T11:07:00.003-04:00

Art Is...2010The East Coast Retreat for all Artists I just got back from Art Is...2010, held this past weekend in Danbury Ct. As always it was a huge success. Days spent teaching or taking classes in every art medium from painting to doll making to jewelry design. Nights spent with various events, the BabyFace Silent Auction, a fabulous banquet with inspiring guest speaker Jo Peckham,

VACATION, VACATION, VACATION

2010-07-14T19:06:00.003-04:00

VACATION VACATION, VACATION, VACATION Vacation. Something so wonderful and exciting. It is filled with anticipation prior to leaving counting down the days, making lists and checking them twice. Then, relaxation and happiness on your trip basking in the late nights, early mornings and delicious naps. Then it's back home and the beautiful memories that follow, long after everyday life absorbs

2010-06-10T22:33:00.002-04:00

La Famiglia There is nothing quite as wonderful as family. They are always there for us, for better or worse, in sickness and in health and until death parts us. BTW, the above picture was painted by my incredible nephew Chris in his scenic painting class. He has graduated with a BS in Theate and is a gifted actor, as well as a talented set designer.

Heaven on Earth

2010-03-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

Here I sit in my favorite resort in Canada, The Glen House Resort in Gananaque, Ontario. I'm usually here during the summer when everything is green and lush, surrounded by beautiful flowers and landscaping.This year Brian and I made a quick winter weekend getaway up here and it is so different, yet so soothing to be here.The sun is just rising and there is a tiny patch of blue sky trying to

2010-03-07T02:21:00.002-05:00

Creative WeekendThis is my creative weekend and I'm loving it. My girlfriend Lin and I are embarking on new techniquesincluding making fabric out of paper and ribbons. I'll post pictures when we are done. I always look forward to learning new techniquesBecause then it is my time to fly and say "What if?"So wish me luck and away I gointo my inner muse

2010-02-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

I miss our snow!While most people are hunkering down for the winter and creating art and snuggling at night with a cup of cocoa (or Irish coffee), I am in a constant state of flux and can't seem to settle down. Part of it was the lack of snow we have not been getting.My niece lives in Baltimore and kept me total amused last week with a ton of pictures of the huge snowstorm that dropped in on

Seize the day, Live like you've been giving a second chance to do EVERYTHING you've always wanted to do

2010-01-03T23:01:00.001-05:00

i'[[[[[[[[[]You always hear how we should live everydaylike it's our last but how oftendo we really think about it,much less do something about it?My life has changed so much in the last year andcontinues to change, that it is hard for me tokeep up with it all.I was laid off due to the economy inFebruary 2009,and it took 7 monthsto find a job that I now loveI lost my dad to cancer 16 weeks

Come back Muse, I miss you

2009-11-15T19:40:00.002-05:00

Artist block??? I always thought that if I had the time, I would have the creativity. This year has been a real challenge in my day to day life and little did I realize what an impact it would have on my art. There are days where I have an endless bounty of ideas, that I can't seem to get them in my sketchbook fast enough. Oddly enough, now that I have the time, I have the dreaded "block".

What a retreat!

2009-11-03T21:32:00.002-05:00

The best weekend of my year was over Columbus Day Weekend at Art Is.....2009 in Cromwell, CT. It was the most inviting, loving, welcoming event that I have ever attended, and I've been to a lot of retreats. There was a comaradery that I have never experienced before. It didn't matter where you were or if you were alone or with someone, you made friends as you went. And what fun friends I met

The Sun will rise on a new day

2009-08-09T21:22:00.004-04:00

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in the bottom of a holeand no matter how hard you tried to get up and outYou couldn't?That is what life is like sometimes and it is probably the hardest thingyou will ever have to go throughI know that it is supposed to build character and strengthen your faithand for the most part is does.But when you fall again and again trying to grab a foothold tolift

Nothing better than Flea Markets!

2009-08-04T06:00:00.003-04:00

I love new adventures and I've been lucky enough to have a few in the last few weeks. While we are busy painting our new home and trying to sell our old home, I have managed to sneak in a few flea markets and estate sales. Nothing makes me more excited than finding new spots to go to and searching under tables for that precious jewel that no one wants and I can buy for a dollar or too.Last week I

Sunday Morning Ritual

2009-07-12T08:29:00.003-04:00

I LOVE,LOVE, LOVE Sunday mornings. Getting up early, coffee and newspaper and laptop in hand. Sitting quietly by the pool and making my ritual TO DO LIST for the week. I have a notebook and divide a page into 3 columns, Monday, Tues, Wed, etc is the first column, followed by the largest column which holds all that I have to do that week, then the little itty bitty third column of meals for

Blank Canvas's are so Intimidating

2009-06-21T00:17:00.002-04:00

I've got a blank canvas sitting in front of me and it's so intimidating because I want to do it right the first time. I'm referring to a new home that we will be moving to as soon as our house sells. It's a beautiful home that we are renting with hardwood floors, gumwood trim and so much character that I just can't stand it.Part of me wants the house to be a beachy retreat. I love the ocean

Tribute to my Dad

2009-06-08T19:30:00.003-04:00

Last Monday June 1, 2009 my father passed away, leaving a world full of pain, cancer and broken hearts. He is pictured above with his pride and joy, my son Brian taken last June at Bri's graduation party. My father left a legacy in his children and grandchildren and took much pride in his family. He taught me so much and although the pain is so fresh and the wound so open I feel compelled to

2009-06-07T19:41:00.001-04:00

The Superman of all Roller Coasters

2009-05-13T22:35:00.003-04:00

Life can be such a roller coaster, and one that sometimes,I would personally like to get off of.If only for a short while, enough time to take a deep breatheand live in peace and harmony.If only for a moment, an hour, a day.....So where do I go when I need a break?Either outside to sit by my pool and reflect (no pun intended)or to Paradise, my studio.At either place I am able to clear my head,

Art in the Heart

2009-05-04T07:59:00.003-04:00

Do you have those days or weeks where you long to be in your studio creatingBut life gets in the way and you cannot possibly fit in art?Well that is my life right nowAnd I miss my art!I'm still getting the house ready to sellThe To Do list is like a rabbit,it just keeps multiplying.But what can I do to sooth my creative soul?Well, I keep a journal with colored pencils handy atall times for those

My greatest accomplishment

2009-04-30T14:14:00.002-04:00

Like most mothers, I'm a wee bit prejiduce when it comes to my sonHe is my greatest joy, love and accomplishmentHis name is Brian and he is a "first year" student in collegeHis hopes, dreams and aspirationsare amazing for someone so youngAnd he is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me.Being an only child (and not by choice) it wasvery hard to let him go when it was time for

Not enough hours in the day for art.....

2009-04-30T04:19:00.003-04:00

I wish I could spend all my time in my studio andfocus on the kind of art and jewelry that I really want to make.I get sidetracked so easily (ADD or old age?) and I find myself not makingthe type of jewelry that I sketch in my journal.I really feel the need to be true to myselfand my passion lies in unusual pieces withfound objects.So today, I will carve out some time to make Art or Jewelrythat

What a wonderful day!

2009-04-30T03:58:00.001-04:00

Today was one of those perfect, but busy days. I started out spending the morning at Rochester Works, taking seminars and lining up appointments for further help and education on my search for a new career. I feel like God is taking my hand and guiding me, but I'm so dense that I practically have to behit over the head with help!

Today, I play

2009-04-27T05:50:00.007-04:00

It's 5;00am and I awake to the sounds of birds singing, is spring finally here? The trees are starting to bud and the whole world is opening up to create lush leaves and flowers budding.I feel a sense of awakening. Spring has always been my favorite season, it's when the earth wakes up after a cold snowy winter (at least in upstate NY where I live) and comes alive with sights and sounds that I

You can pick your friends but you cannot pick your family

2009-04-23T23:54:00.003-04:00

I learned a very important lesson tonight. There is nothing quite as special as family. No matter how much we argueor disagree with each otherWhen push comes to shoveWe always have each others backWhen we are hurting, with no one to lean onWe always have our familyWe may not have that special of arelationship with everyone in our familybut sometimes no matter how muchwe try, it just is not meant

Release your inner child, if only for a few moments

2009-04-23T09:24:00.007-04:00

There is nothing like playing with new materials to brighten your day.Or materials that have been sitting in your studiofor so long that you had forgotten you had them.This morning I took spray paint (the kind for fabric and paper) and various textured sheets of wallpaper samples (the embossed kind), along with cardboard.I laid out the wallpaper and weighed down the corners so it laid flat, then

All roads lead to "Paradise"

2009-04-23T07:46:00.007-04:00