Wool Roving and Polymer Clay

Wool and polymer, what an unlikely pair. This proves that polymer can be added to most any medium, and that medium will be enhanced by it. This is one of those projects that came out completely different on it's completion, than it started in my head at the beginning. As artists, we understand that the creative process can take on a mind of it's own. This is a perfect example of that. I started out with the tree trunk. I loved it's aged, weathered appearance. At some point, I realized the tree had gone from majestic to whimsical. Knowing I was at the point of no return, I continued on through Never Never Land, knowing I could never bring this piece back to reality. It reminds me not to take myself or my artful journey to serious. It's  like those moments you want everything to be so proper, then one of your kids burp and the moment is gone, never to be seen again. But that moment turns out to be the one that brings laughter to you every time you think of it. I just hope I'm the one laughing and not the judges, when I submit this piece. Last year I won best of show. This year I just want to bring a smile to someones face.

Ice Cream For Breakfast

NATIONAL ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST DAY

PUT YOUR JAMMIES ON

NOTICE ANNIE'S CUSTOM SLIPPERS

Today was "International Ice Cream for Breakfast Day".  Is this a great country or what? Wait, it gets better. If you show up in your jammies, the maple bacon ice cream in a waffle cone, made for this special day, was free. So Annie and Dad, the ice cream lovers in our family, set off to the village of Arroyo Grande to find this cold treat. On any given day, as you drive through the village, you will probably see a line formed on the sidewalk in front of Doc Burnstein's, a favorite ice cream hangout. But today the line looked a little different, most everyone, adult and child alike were in their PJ's.  Most of the parents there probably thought it was a great memory making event, as my husband did. Besides that, who can turn down free dessert, especially at 9:30 AM. So hats off to the Doc, and all the fun parents of the central coast.

Camp Ocean Pines

Fireplace at Camp Ocean Pines by Passiflora Mosaics.

Last Saturday I had the privilege of being at one of the most beautiful places on earth, Cambria California. My friends and I, along with about eighty other volunteers, showed up on a crisp morning to mosaic the amphitheater at Camp Ocean Pines, a nonprofit camp and convention center. As we were standing around getting our instruction as to how the day was to go, we could hear the waves crashing and the sea lions barking. After gathering up our tools, gardening stools, and knee pads (thank God for Knee pads!), we hiked up the hill to get our first look at the Coliseum, I mean amphitheater. As you can see from the pictures, we had a big job ahead of us. After more instruction, we got to work placing broken plates, shiny glass, and found objects between the flagstones already placed on the benches. It was a lot of fun. Fred and Donnell of Passiflora Mosaics did a great job of overseeing all the volunteers. Passiflora www.passifloramosaics.com is the  place to go if you want to take workshops or just purchase beautiful mosaic artwork. I took a weekend class a few years ago and had a blast. After a great lunch provided by the camp, most people got back to work. Not my group, we headed back to town for some fast shopping, and a long drive to another beautiful place, my friend Teree's ranch. What a great weekend.

My husband and I have had these conversions before on what is better an ocean view or a lake view. To be honest I would take either and be happy about it, most people would. I have always been an ocean girl, and Mitch has always thought a lake was more interesting. After experiencing the beauty and tranquility of my friends lakeside ranch, I'm rethinking my preference. Checkout these pictures.

Pity Party

I found out this morning that "Remnents of the Past" is full. For you that are not familiar with this show. It is a totally vintage really cool show that happens twice a year. It's very hard to get into. I've been working for months making the perfect samples to submit. Those of you that know me understand what a challenge that was to fit into my busy schedule. I have no bad feelings, just a major mountain of disappointment. Today I'm blue, tomorrow I will be fine. Tomorrow I will be shifting gears and setting a new course. Hopefully I can get in next year. I could use some kind words, if any of you are so inclined to leave a comment. Next time you hear from me, I pinkie promise to be in a better mood.

New Year Wonder

Vickie's Garden

It's a new year and I wonder what will be. I feel excitement in the air and anticipate the new adventure that is just waiting to be revealed. This last year was full of challenges, and I know I've never worked harder in my life. But as I look back a lot was accomplished. At the beginning of 2010 my art was featured in the lobby of the Clark Performing Arts Center. I also had a magazine cover  and won best of show at the Beacon Art Show. That one took me completely by surprise. I almost didn't go to the reception. I decided  to go at the last minute, but should have taken more care with my attire. I had to except my award looking like a vagabond. In the spring I was a vendor at the Seven Sisters Quilt Show. I made a lot of new friends at this event. I also rekindled my love for fabric, and found a new love for all things vintage.  Next came the 2010 season of Art in the Park. There's not a more beautiful venue in all the world than the cliffs at Shell Beach. The weather can be a little iffy, we've learned to come prepared for anything, but still expect to be surprised. In July I spent a fabulous week with some friend and attended the Long Beach Quilt Show. Another friend took my polymer buttons and tags and sold them in her booth, but it was all play and fun for me. Truly one of the best times I've ever had. From September on it's all about Open Studio Tour. In October we had our third Studio Tour, and it was the best ever.  Lots of  friends, food, and new people to meet. Holiday shows and workshops finished off the year. I have many new artistic avenues I want to explore this new year. I look forward to teaching more, and bringing our artistic levels to new highs.  Thanks to everyone that encouraged me in my art this past year. Art what a great ,but crazy journey. Let's see what's next.

Winter Workshops

Christmas in California

Always keep learning. It keeps you young. Patty Berg
Here's to being young!

Polymer Clay 101

Foldout Book Workshop

Now that the holiday shows are coming to an end, workshops are going to be in full swing. We are starting off with a Polymer Clay 101 Class and a Foldout Book Class. We've already had a couple of classes this month. Next year I'll be teaching a Tempered Glass Class, and a Polymer Clay Mosaic Class, along with many others. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things this coming year. If you live on the Central Coast and want to join us, let me know.

Tempered Glass Artwork Reflectors of Light

Judy's House

Butterfly Journey

Under the Sea

Joy in the Spirit

Evening Bloom

Sunflower

Modern Cross

Works in Progress

These are a few of the tempered glass and polymer pieces that I have finished this last year. They are all matted and framed. Most of the mosaic sizes are 16x20 inches. I love working with this medium and have many ideas I look forward to trying out next year. I'm also starting to teach workshops. I had my first one today,it was a lot of fun.

Vintage Ornaments

Vintage Paper Ornaments

Polymer Clay Glitter Hearts

Fabric Journals and Polymer Clay Heart

Hearts and Birds

Polymer Clay Rabbit Ornaments

I've been pretty busy getting ready for all the up coming  holiday shows. If you live on the central coast of California, stop by and say hi. I'll be at the Halcyon Holiday Show behind the Halcyon Post Office on Nov. 13th and 14th. The weather should be warm and sunny. Hope to see you there.