PACKING UP FOR ART IS YOU 2011

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, everyone is so excited that it is finally here!

The maiden voyage of the West Coast Art Is You just finished up this week in Petaluma, Ca. and was a HUGE success, thanks to Sallianne  McClelland and Ellen Purtill-Legare, our fearless leaders.  As always these ladies have a way of weaving their magic and creating an art event that is hands above any other retreats.  They work long, hard hours to bring a host of fabulous teachers together with talented artists and it shows in the friendships that are forged and the excitement of everyone involved.

So most of my art supplies are packed.  Haven't given a thought to clothes yet but that will come this weekend.  I'm taking two fabulous classes and I will have pictures to post when I get back.  I'm teaching three wonderful workshops, The Art of Resin, Crocheting with Wire and Glass Beads, and Twisted Metals.  I'll have lots of pictures to share and I'm sure some great stories.

So if you aren't joining us this year at Art Is You, I'll bring back a little bit of the magic to share.  The art event is held on Columbus Day weekend every year, so plan on joining us next year.  The website is www.Art-Is-You.com .  Next year there will be three retreats, Petaluma, Ca. , Danbury, Ct., and Sydney, Australia !!!

Time to go finish packing!  Take some time to create art today, I guarantee you will feel good!

di

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

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, which includes a West Coast Art Is in September 2011 and (drumroll please.....) Australia in 2012!!!  The talent of those who attend, whether teaching or taking is simply amazing, but the best part is the family atmosphere that Sal and Ellen have created.  We are truly a family, welcoming newcomers with open hearts and arms.

So please think about joining us either on the East Coast, West Coast or Down Under, I guarantee an experience beyond your wildest dreams!
di

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

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 beauty and just had to bring her home with me.  I named her Sara Rose Mannie after my wonderful niece and off she came to upstate NY.

Not one to let any storage opportunity go by, I decided to use her as a jewelry display.  I put my favorite pieces of jewelry that I wear most often on her, and since she is right outside of my bedroom, it is easy to grab a piece as I'm heading out the door to work.

She has more room for earrings, necklaces and bracelets, but I"m careful not to overload her and take away from her nature beauty.

Next to Sara Rose Mannie, is yet another bookcase filled with books, storage boxes, shells and treasures that I love.  You may notice the 3 Clementine Boxes? 

Clementines are the new favorite citrus in our house (Brian will eat 3 or 4 at a time) and they come in these wonderful wood crates.  Now, after recycling dozens of crates, I decided to incorporate them in my storage. They now house my pickled and hand dyed fabrics.

  Beautiful to look at, and it keeps my fabric within arm's reach.

Stay tuned for more "Short on Studio Space" Storage ideas!