Inside the Bubble

What an exciting Bday gift!

Last week on the anniversary of my birth (aka, My Birthday), I made the daily trek to the mailbox (which is actually just one house away), and, what a surprise!!  There was an advance copy of Somerset Life Fall 09 issue waiting for me.  Now, anyone that has been published in any of the Stampington magazines knows that an advance copy means......you have something published in there.  Now, this is a first for me and it is just a little wrapping item I did, but I was SO excited to see it in print AND it has its own page!  So, when you pickup your issue that comes out on October 1st, check out page 32  for little 'ol me!  Not only was that exciting, but my dear friend Kim has a full article on her Artistic Affaire event AND another page dedicated to one of her adorable burlap projects.  Thank you so much for putting up with this shamelous self promotion, but you have no idea how thrilling this was for me.  :)

Artistic Affaire L'Automne - Thankfulness Fabric Collage swap

Sweet Sherry was the hostess for the Thankfulness Fabric Collage swap in which I participated.  She made each of the swap participants this gorgeous canvas book, so that we could put the book together with the 4x4 squares that we all made.  I've started my book and I'll share photos, but keep in mind that I will be finishing embellishing the pages at a later date....

Above (on the right) is the square Sherry made.

Michelle Geller's square (again on the right).

My square  (all squares on the right)

Maija Lepore's

Sandy Camarda's

Colleen Jew's sweet grandbaby, Ella.

Marsi Bennett's

Arlene Schwab's

and last, but certainly NOT least, Earleen Coburn's.

Thank you Sherry for hosting this wonderful swap and thank you to all the ladies that participated. I will cherish this book!

She did it again.......

Just when I thought that she could not possibly "outdo" the last event, I have to say that this one was my favorite!  The weekend started out Friday night with a vendor fair, to top ALL vendor fairs!  Let me share pictures of some of the tables overflowing with gorgeous creations just waiting to find their way into your heart (and home).

This was Holly and Amy's table.

Next we have Candice's fun table.

Then, there is Jamie's table overflowing with sparkly baubles.

The adorable Kristen Robinson was there with her halloween jewelry, laces, etc.  Other vendors included Christine Rose Elle (Dollybelle's Peepshow), Julie Haymaker Thompson, Ruth Rae, Analiese of Sugar, Sugar and Kim Hesson of Miss Alaneya.  It was Kim Caldwell's birthday, so a few ladies got together and brought adorable cupcakes and beverages to celebrate!

It was so relaxing to shop, chat and relax with everyone the evening before the "big event"!

Saturday morning we all arrived, tool kits in hand, ready to spend a full day creating under the direction of these three talented artists...

Julie Haymaker Thompson, Kim Allistair Caldwell, Lisa Kettel and Ruth Rae.  We started the day with Lisa Kettel.  She is a hoot!  I just adore her and her sense of humor.  Not only does she crack me up, but she is SO talented.  Here is a picture of her sample project and my doll.  I still have to finish up my stage/box.

After a delicious lunch, Julie Haymker Thompson taught her class, which was a floral picture made with buttons, felt, flowers, baubles, etc. on a vintage metal tile, place in a foam core frame.  Here is my completed project....

Last, but certainly NOT least, Ruth Rae taught us how to make one of her fabulous fabric/lace cuffs.  I am so excited about these and can't wait to make more of them - maybe for holiday gifts!  Here is my cuff...

Of course, every last detail was attended to by Kim and her "staff".  Let me share a few shots of the room, our tables, the decor, etc.

The day would not have been complete without the chatting, laughter, sharing, creating and friendship of the incredible women that share in this day.  It is so refreshing to spend the day with other women (both young and old) who "get you"!!  Let me share a picture of my tablemates...

Susan, Bre, Cheryl, Denise and Michelle Geller, who came all the way from Oregon to join us.  I was blessed to have Michelle stay with me at my home and we had such a wonderful weekend together!

Kim -You are such a dear friend, but I would also like to thank you for that special gift you have for planning these events, attending to every last detail and making everyone feel special!

I will save for my next post, photos of some the fabulous swaps and candid photos, but let me leave you with a group pic.

Kim's next event will be in the Summer of 2010, so, be sure to "stalk" her blog, because, even though I don't know the lineup of teachers, if you haven't attended one of her events (or even if you have), you won't want to miss it!

What a gorgeous day......

 

I know, I am a "bad" blogger, but time just seems to be slippin' by!  Today was one of those gorgeous Southern CA days.  Sunny, slight breeze, warm, but not too hot!  I had planned on spending the day working on swaps that I need to get completed, but it was just too pretty outside, not to spend a good share of the day enjoying our new fountain in the backyard.  I just LOVE sitting outside, hearing the sound of water trickling down....and of course, I had to carefully listen to each and every fountain before choosing this one.  The water sound reminds me of rain, which we don't get enough of lately!

 

Anyway, thank you for allowing to share my new water feature.  I'll try to get a picture later at nightime, as it is breathtaking at night with the lights coming from inside the bowl!  Well, I did manage to finish up and package two swaps.  One for Kim Caldwell's event this next weekend and the Winter Banner for Silver Bella.  I can't show you the complete projects, but here are a couple of sneak peeks!

 

 

For those of you Design Star fans, I was a little disappointed that Dan didn't win tonight, but Antonio is definitely "one of a kind" and will probably be very successful with his new show.  He kind of reminds me of Guy Fierre of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. 

I'm very much looking forward to Michelle's visit this coming weekend....she will be staying with me at Chateau Stoneham while we both attend the upcoming Artistic Affaire L'Automne.  Stay tuned next week for pictures from the weekend!