Artist's Retreat in Durfort, France

I've been home for a week from France and I keep thinking about what a wonderful time we all had.the group of ladies that joined me were the best!!! I taught metal stamping and jewelry-making, paper dress and paper gift bag making from French newspaper, and pocket watch collage. I loved making the kits for these projects!

February 15, 2015 French Cardboard Mannequins

I had bought the maroon French cardboard mannequin at the Portes de Vannes Flea market in France in 2012.  My friends thought I was crazy!!! My suitcase was already ridiculously full. But I couldn't leave "her" behind, and I brought "her" home to live in my living room of all places!
Whenever I have friends over, they always comment when they see her.  I knew if I just took the time I would be able to replicate her!
So in February I had a class.

 I'm so happy with the results, and I think everyone was!

Caron and Anna's French Newspaper Dress-Making Class

Anna and I found these adorable little dresses in Paris in October, 2013. Since I have a background in sewing, I was able to fashion a pattern for them. I shared this with Anna, and we had a wonderful time teaching this class together on March1, 2014.

January 25--Heirlooms Memories Necklace Class

We all had a great time making necklaces from "found pieces". One lady brought her pieces from a recent trip to France; a couple of the other ladies found their pieces from the "treasures" I had provided!

When I first visualized this class, I had intended it for ladies who had old pieces--maybe their grandmother's watch or perhaps a beautiful, single clippy earring that they could not bear to throw away--that might be re-designed into a necklace. But then I had several ladies contact me who were interested in the class but really didn't have anything they thought they could use and they wondered did I perhaps have enough for them to use??? WELL!! What fun! That inspired me to go through my supplies.

I had so much fun with everyone and was especially pleased with their finished products. They said they were, too! Hurray! Everyone was happy which is always the main goal.

 

Besides the necklaces, I had a two other little projects for them to work on--a pretty little dresser jar for them to embellish and a vintage labelmaker to adorn as a year-round ornament.

 

 

 

 

Jeanne D'Arc Living Magazine December 2013 issue

I am extremely honored to have my jewelry designs featured in the December 2013 issue of Jeanne D'Arc Living magazine. The lovely ladies who own and run the magazine were a dream to work with, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their interest in me and my jewelry.  The magazine is an international magazine and is published in Denmark. If you haven't seen this magazine, you MUST!  Each time I receive a new issue, I sit, relax, and lose myself in the gentle pages of soft, beautiful photography. For me it is like a 45 minute mini vacation--maybe even better than a spa treatment!!
I'm afraid my photos of the pages do not truly reflect the beauty of this magazine, so...

If you are interested in receiving a recent issue, I get my copies online from www.littlecottageshoppe.com. If you like a copy of this December 2013 issue, I'd try ebay.

Remnants of the Past

Remnants of the Past Vintage show was Nov. 9th and 10th, 2013. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. I loved everything about it. The customers were delightful. All the vendors were amazing. Thank-you, Judy Watkins for producing such a lovely show!!! It is definitely my new favorite antique/vintage show. Loved it and loved participating in it!!  I look forward to the next wonderful Remnants of the Past Vintage show which will be in the San Jose area on the weekend of June 28th and 29th, 2014. (When I have more specific details, I will let you know!)

Fall 2013

I'm looking forward to several shows coming up this Fall. I hope to see you at these.

In September, I will be at the Petaluma Antique Faire - Sunday September 29, 2013 in Downtown Petaluma.

In November, I'll be at Remnants of the Past for the first time (November 9-10) at the Madonna Inn Conference Center in San Luis Obispo.

Photo courtesy of ROTP.

And in November, please join me at my favorite Holiday Boutique in Napa, Gifts in Tyme, (November 22, 23 and 24) at the Napa Fairgrounds.