2.22.2011

Handmade Sentiments

Who doesn't love going to the mailbox and finding that little token of affection that let's one know that they are in someone's thoughts?

We open that little door on a daily basis expecting junk mail and bills but always in the back of the mind, hoping for something special. Everyone does it on some level, even if only once or twice a year.

In this modern age of emails and texts, it is almost a rarity to find that handwritten letter or even a card that which gives the receiving party a sense of being cared about, thus making the receiving of such a treat all the more precious.

Can you imagine the thrill of receiving not just a store bought card but something that the sender sat down to create specifically for the recipient? One might think that they don't have the talent or even the time to do such a thing but it's easy and creates the most beautiful of sentiments!

I was introduced to Stampin' Up at a Craft Social event in downtown Chattanooga. We were off to make Valentines and did not realize that it would create a bit of an addiction. Not only were we able to walk away with a gorgeous treat, we were able to visit freely while creating it. The concentration levels are not so intense allowing one to socialize throughout the process. It's a great "Girl's Night Out" as well as nice "Mother & Daughter Time".

No pressure and all the fun!

us how to create a pretty card using punches, stamps, ribbon, a bit of sticky stuff, and written sentiments then allowed us a little creative freedom which gave us the opportunity to make the card our own.

Some of us got a little wild, while others stuck to the format but everyone was pleased in the end. I immediately found some postage and mailed my little creations out to friends and family while others decided to build a little box set for rainy days or gifts. Sending creative letters of love and adoration was considered an art form, "once upon a time" and it well should be still. Engage yourself in the art of expression with a little card making session. I promise, you will love it and so will the person that receives a pretty little sentiment from you!

What a wonderful way to show someone you care.
Give them a gift with your handiwork all over it!


2.12.2011

The Good - The Bad - The Ugly

Inspiration from Undesirable Circumstances

Art can come from many places, the admiration of nature, a detail that stands out in the mind of the artist, and the desire to capture the joy of an event. Sometimes the inspiration to create art comes from areas that are not as pleasant but need to be created none the less for the voice of the artist to be heard.

The inspiration for this piece is a direct result of being privy to GOOD people in Chattanooga











who are organizing against a BAD situation












involving an UGLY company that is trying to leave the area without doing the right thing.










The candlelight vigil in the neighborhood church of Alton Park was what inspired this bit of "ugly" art. It is not the kind of art one generally wants to frame and hang over their sofa or display near their decorative vase. This is the kind of art that is meant to send a message. A bit messy like the thought process, scratched out in angry frustration at the mega-company that wants to leave behind their toxic chemical mess. It is a sort of pen and ink therapy for this artist who hopes that this piece, as ugly as it is, lends to the voiced protest making it all the louder and hopefully a bit more effective to the cause.

So do I see activism art as a part of my future? Not all days are peaches and cream. Some are evidently coal tar and benzoic acid, which make for a whole different kind of inspiration.


2.02.2011

Appealing Color

...and the Delights of Booth #245.

I have my routine "shoppe" stops and one of which is the Knitting Mill on the Northshore of Chattanooga. I wandered in many years ago thinking that I was going to find some yarn for a project but to my disappointment and delight, I found this wonderfully quaint antique shop! The floors creak and the building stays a bit on the cool side, like most converted factories do but the walk through the booths occupies just enough "me time" to soothe the soul. Not too long to feel selfish but just long enough to feel refreshed. I have found a beautiful assortment of items, many which have made thoughtful gifts and with the combination of old and new there is something for everyone.

The store is made up of a myriad of booths, each featuring a theme or particular interest of the owner. Each has it's own flavor and I am like a kid in a candy shop. However, one booth keeps me mesmerized for quite some time and I am convinced it is because of the way the owner of booth #245 shows her love of color by her beautiful displays.

It takes a bit of time and a thoughtful nature to arrange each item
artfully by color.

She draws me in to take a closer look every time.




The whites are clustered in a corner with a combination of milk-glass and traditional china. All
very delicate looking...










The turquoise seems to be ready to move into a bright & fun kitchen with kitschy items that would bring joy to household chores...






The sage is a naturalistic look that seems almost
timeless with an easy transition into any style of home...






The pink is playful and girly, no doubt, suitable for teas and brunches with the ladies...







The lime and cobalt seem to have stepped right back into vogue with the electricity of the hues. The past could move easily into the present, feeling right at home in the room of a teen girl....







The cranberry hue is deeply saturated with an almost regal persona, even the casual demitasse cups seem to have an air about them...







If you find yourself wanting to indulge for the afternoon, why not stop into the
and wander around, you are sure to find a colorful treasure around every corner.