Be Warm!

Young Dubliners at Downtown Brew

2010-03-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Young Dubliners return to town at the SLO Downtown Brew with their Celtic Rock on Saturday! Criticnue will open.

Downtown Brew, 1119 Garden Street
March 20, 2010
7:00pm
All ages
$15 presale

Tomorrow's Bad Seeds at Downtown Brew

2010-03-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Reggae music at Downtown Brew! Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, along with Bare Feet will perform Friday night.

Downtown Brew, 1119 Garden Street
March 19, 2010
7:30 pm
All ages
$10-12

Keola and Moana Beamer at Spanos Theatre

2010-03-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hawaiian arts will be presented at Cal Poly's Spanos Theatre on Friday. Keola Beamer will play slack-key guitar, and his wife Moanalani Beamer, renowned hula performer will be with him. Raiatea Helm, vocalist, will join them.

This will be an evening of song, dance, and chant with native instrumentation and traditional folklore.

Cal Poly Spanos Theatre
Friday, March 19, 2010
8:00 pm
$30-36
(805) 756-2787

Kim Wilson's Blues All-Stars at SLO Vets Hall

2010-03-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Cinders will open for Kim Wilson's Blues All Stars at the SLO Vets Hall on Saturday, March 20. This concert will be presented by the SLO Blues Society.

SLO Vets Hall
March 20, 2010
Free Dance Lessons 7:30
Concert 8:00pm
$20 at the door
21-and-over

Congratulations to SLOLT How To Succeed!

2009-11-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

San Luis Obispo Little Theatre just opened a show that is very near and dear to my heart, my very favorite musical, called How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. The script is a fantastic parody of corporate life. It won a Pulitzer back in the 60's. The stinging commentary is still true today.

The music is light and fun. The lyrics are incredibly clever. Here are some of my favorites, from a song called Coffee Break:

"If I can't make three daily trips

Where shining shrine beningly drips

And taste cardboard between my lips

Something within me dies."

The Little Theaters production (directed by Natalia Berryman) is youthful and jubilant, making a charicature of the familiar office personalities: The one who gets promoted because of his personal connections, the one who stays in an entry level position for decades simply because it's safe, the secretary who is waiting to be discovered by an eligible exectuive, and of course, the bosses girlfriend.

I'm happy to be subsituting on the tech crew for a couple of shows, and that is enough for me to meet the group and feel involved in this production. It's a joyful place to be, and I hope you'll join us soon!

Atascadero Holiday Boutique

2009-11-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Boutique has become an annual tradition at the Lake Pavilion in Atascadero. Dozens of artists and craftspeople will be there to help you get your gift shopping started off right!

I'll be there too, with my sample hats on clearance sale and my one-of-a kind shawls available for you to see in-person! So drop by and say hello!

The MouseTrap at Pewter Plough Playhouse

2009-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Official Press Release, more information to follow!!

The Pewter Plough is presenting the legendary comedic mystery, "The Mousetrap", by the Grand Dame of mystery writers, Agatha Christie. One of the most renowned mysteries ever, it is about a group of eccentric strangers stranded in a British country inn, all of whom turn out to be suspects in a murder, each of whom has something to hide and all seem potentially guilty -- like mice trapped in a labyrinth! -- fertile ground for a puzzling story full of intrigue, plot twists and double-twists and fun!

"The Mousetrap" holds the record as the longest running play in history, having become an institution in London for having played there for the past 57 years -- over 23,000 performances! The play is known for its especially surprising ending, which audiences are cautioned not to reveal -- so come to see the show but don't tell anyone who did it!

The cast features Donn Clarius, Lori Cunningham, Jaime Lopez-Balbontin, Tyler Lopez, Tracy Mayfield, Anita Schwaber, Blake Spiller and Sharyn Young. The Director is Sandy Bosworth.

Preview night is Friday, October 9, at 7:30 pm, $12.

Gala Champagne Opening is Saturday, October 10, at 7:30 pm, including a special Champagne and Dessert Buffet after the show, with pianist/vocalist David Manion performing live at the Baldwin, all tickets $25.

Performances continue on Friday and Saturday nights, at 7:30 pm, through November 15.

Newly scheduled Thursday night shows on October 29 and November 5, at 7:30 pm.

Sunday Matinees on October 18, 25 and November 15, at 3 pm.

Tickets for Saturday nights and Sunday Matinees are Regular $19, Seniors/students $16.

Special Thursday and Friday night price is $15 for everyone.

For reservations or more information, please phone the Box Office at 927-3877 or visit www.pewterploughplayhouse.org

The Pewter Plough Lounge is open for wine, beer and refreshments before the show, during intermission and afterwards. Most Saturday nights the Lounge features the outstanding pianist/vocalist David Manion at the Baldwin.

The Pewter Plough Playhouse, the "Jewel Box of Community Theatres", presents plays year-round and is located on Main Street at Sheffield in Cambria's West Village. The Pewter Plough Playhouse is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.

Foundry to Finish at the Getty

2009-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

"Get a rare look at how bronze sculpture is born in Foundry to Finish. Visitors explore a process called direct lost-wax casting-- a method that yeilds a single, unique bronze cast of an artist's original clay-and-wax model. Thirteen step-by-step models illustrate the sculpting and casting process. Through X-radiographs, visitors can even get a glimpse inside an original sculpture to see firsthand evidence of how the bronze was cast."

Available at the Getty Museum through October 18.
An example collection of images is available here

Walls of Algiers at the Getty

2009-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

I recently visited the Getty Museum in Los Angeles for the first time. It will not be the last! I was astounded by the peace and tranquility of the gardens, and watching people stroll outside with beige umbrellas shading thier faces. I was only inside briefly, but I was impressed with the quality of the exhibit I saw, and the helpful attitude of the staff.

So, even though it's not a central coast art location, I am definitely adding the Getty to my lineup. There is a lot going on there, and since there is no admission other than a parking fee, it's worth visiting frequently.

Right now, one exhibit is titled "Walls of Algiers: Narratives of the Colonial City." It's on display through October 18.

"The city of Algiers, legendary for its white walls cascading to the azure sea below, reflects the turbulent history of colonial occupation. Walls of Algiers: Narratives of a Colonial City," an exhibition featuring the city's urban fabric, is drawn form the diverse 19th- and 20th-century visual sources collected over the last two decades by the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute. The exhibition will map, for example, an itinerary of the Casbah and the European quarters through vintage postcards, as well as juxtapose the long-tradition of staged Orientalist representations of "indigenous" people with photojournalist coverage from the Algerian War. More than a colonial capital, Algiers served as a testing ground for urban renewal with its walls extending metaphorically across the Mediterranean to take part in the search for modernity."

There is a lot more to say about this exhibit, of course! Go here for a full write-up. And here for more images!

Readers Theater: The Man From Nebraska

2009-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

I've talked about the merits of Reader's Theater before, the ability to hear important works without the risk to theater companies. I really am glad that the SLO Little Theater continues to dot their season schedule with these complex pieces. I'm not personally familiar with "The Man From Nebraska," so here is what the Little Theater says about it:

A luxury sedan, a church pew and visits to a nursing home form the comfortable round of Ken Carpenter's daily life. And then one night, he awakens to find that he no longer believes in God. This crisis of faith propels an ordinary middle-aged man into an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. This wickedly funny and spiritually complex play examines the effects of one man's awakening on himself and his family.

I'll still be stage managing for Humble Boy on the 25th, so I hope you will attend the reading and tell me all about it!

Wake the Dead at Castoro Cellars!

2009-09-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

"As an expression of cultural joy, you can’t top an Irish wake. And what is a wake but a celebration—a toast of appreciation—an expression of love—and a damn good party?

So when eight top Bay Area musicians realized they shared as deep a love for the songs of the Grateful Dead as they did for traditional Celtic tunes, some brand-new music sprang up and started partying."

Wake the Dead is performing at Castoro Cellars September 26 at 7pm. Check out both websites to learn more- there is so much to say about the band, the venue, and the event!

SLO Symphony Free Dress Rehearsals

2009-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know this? I knew it in the back of my mind, but I didn't KNOW that I knew.....

Anyway. SLO Symphony performs wonderful works to packed crowds at the Performing Arts Center. I worked with them as a clerical temp one summer, getting the season subscriptions ironed out. The competition was fierce- everyone who is anyone wants to be a member of the symphony!

But don't despair. The Symphony is there for the rest of us! They offer free dress rehearsals- come in whenever you like and stay as long as you like. Bring your children (they encourage this) to learn about great music. But most of all, enjoy that an incredible group of musicians wants to be available for everyone. Saturday afternoons before the official performance.

Central Coast Woodcarvers show in Cayucos

2009-09-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

September 19th & 20th Central Coast Woodcarvers 31st Annual Show

More than 30 local and statewide carvers display their craft. Demonstrations, contest and raffles; tools and carvings for sale.

Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 10am-4pm

Cayucos Vet’s Hall--- Adults $2, under 12, free

http://www.cayucoschamber.com/events08.php

Garden Art at the Circle of Friends Gallery

2009-09-17T16:37:00.001-07:00

"Humble Boy" is a play set in a garden. So the Brickyard Theater in Atascadero has installed an amazing English garden in their courtyard.

The Circle of Friends Art Gallery accompanies the play beautifully, with the watercolors of Maggie Macro (above) and the photographs of Monique Snow (below).

Theater patrons wander into the gallery and just get mesmorized. It's delightful to see!

These pieces will be on display through Sept 27. Check out the website and contact the gallery for specific availability.

The Fantastics- Free in Paso!

2009-09-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

I love talking about free art!

At the Centennital Park Ampetheater in Paso Robles, Gailee Walker (director) and Stephen Tosh (musical director) are bringing us "The Fantasticks." Friday and Saturday, Sept 18 and 19 at 6pm.

What a great idea, and I hope this becomes a long-running tradition!

Notable names involved (other than Gailee and Stephen Tosh) include Tabatha Skanes who recently directed "The Secret Garden" at Pioneer Players, and Joe Eister, who heroically stepped in as a substitute George in "Humble Boy." The man is phenomenal!

Here is the link for information and a promo video.

Cayucos Peddler's Faire

2009-09-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

September 4, 5 & 6 Peddler’s Faire 7am-4pm - Cayucos Creek Lot Sept 5. (between Hardie Park and Ocean Ave.)

Take a stroll along the many vendors selling antiques, homemade products, flea market items, clothing, jewelry, and more. Bring an appetite too, whether you choose to satisfy it with delectables from visiting vendors or some of Cayucos’ great eateries.

http://www.cayucoschamber.com/index.php

Humble Boy at the Brickyard Theater in Atascadero

2009-09-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

HUMBLE BOY by Charlotte Jones is a thorny comedy, rich in metaphor that takes the audience on a turbulent ride to a satisfying ending. It is the story of a mother and son who live in England. Imaginatively, the playwright has set a comedy against a parallel of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The parallels with Hamlet are not too heavily leaned on, and the play has wonderfully whimsical and pointed dialogue, sometimes deliberately wounding, more often ironically oblique. The humor is airily offbeat, the science not over insistent, and the nomenclatural symbolism adds cheeky spice.

Other themes covered include dysfunctional families, bee keeping, theoretical physics and the gap between reality and our perception of it. If this sounds like heavy material, the opposite is in fact true as there is much to laugh about and enjoy in the witty dialogue and the splendid performances from the ensemble cast. Rating: PG 13 for adult material and language.

Please go to www.brickyardtheatre.com to book tickets. The play runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout September.

For a delightful peek, follow this link to a YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alcvwWY0bCA

See you on the Bricks!

Atascadero Art & Wine Tour

2009-08-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

This just in!

There will be an Atascadero Art & Wine Tour tonight! 5:30-8:30, where businesses open their doors so that artists and wineries can show off their stuff!

Here is the link to the map.

Pops By the Sea

2009-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

The SLO Symphony has had a place in my heart for quite a while. And the Pops By the Sea annual labor day concert is so pleasant and accessible, it's truly worth making a tradition out of this show. The theme this year is "Pops Goes Hollywood!" and the official blurb sounds like lots of fun! Here it is:

"The incredible DAMON CASTILLO BAND will join the Symphony onstage at this year's best end-of-summer beach party: Pops by the Sea! Performing their own great style of Calilfornia rock 'n soul and backed up an incredible orchestra, this is the one Pops you don't want to miss!

PLUS...we'll be goin' Hollywood with some great movie music, led by Maestro Michael Nowak, who'll be feeling right at home conducting such incredible classic cinema film scores as: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Gone with the Wind, The Pink Panther, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and much more."

So here is the link about what you can bring (picnic!), what you can't (your own alcohol) and what your seating options are. Hope to see you by the sea on September 6!

The Clean House at SLO Little Theater

2009-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Opening this weekend!

When all you want is a clean house, beware! Someone may just air your dirty laundry. Lane and her husband Charles, a pair of busy, high-powered doctors, hire Matilda, a young Brazilian woman, to clean their home. The problem is that Matilda hates to clean. She would much rather spend her time thinking up the funniest joke in the world. Matilda makes a secret arrangement with Lane's sister, Virginia, who loves to clean, but the pact is too good to last. Soon, the pair begins to unearth the personal mess behind Lane's pristine life in this irreverently funny and heartfelt Pulitzer-prize nominated play.

Brought to us by SLO Little Theater, directed by Adrian Balbontin (who directed Gypsy in June).

Morro Bay Art Walk

2009-08-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

The second Friday of every month (check my post labels, I figured it out for you!) Those lovely art galleries by the water in Morro Bay will open their doors, give you some food or wine, and let you talk to their artists.

I definitely suggest this for an easy, inexpensive date night, or just a way to experience amazing art and relaxation.

Morro Bay Art Walk At the Embarcadero, 5:00-8:00 pm. And it's free.

Sunday Summer Concerts with SLO County Band!

2009-08-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

There is something just.... wholesome about spending an afternoon in the park listening to a band play. I remember doing that as a child, racing around on the lawn, then coming back to sit with mom and dad for a while while dad explained why that particular song or technique was really special. Happily, this experience is still available locally!

The SLO County Band is doing old fashioned concerts this summer, August 6 and September 20,
Sunday afternoons at 1pm in Mitchell Park. This group has been very active in the community for well over 100 years, so lets go enjoy some icecream and show our gratitude!

Paul Sprawl at Steynberg Gallery

2009-08-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

Blues and Folk musician Paul Sprawl will be performing at the Steynberg Gallery Saturday 8/15 at 8:00 pm.

This goes along side a Barry Goyette photography exhibition of his new photographs. A collection called Dark/Phase. It looks powerful. Goyette's work will be there till 8/31.

Readers Theater at SLO Little Theater

2009-08-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

SLO Little Theater is about to begin their new season. They start with a Reader's Theater called The Year of Magical Thinking, a one-woman play.

Reader's Theater is a fantastic way for theater companies to walk the line between "important theater" and "profitable theater." There is so much good art that is being created, so many plays that really deserve to be heard, but that are relatively unknown. Readers Theater is a one-night (in this case Friday 8/14) reading of the play, with minimal staging, props or costumes. In fact, it's most commonly done with all the actors wearing black, and with nothing on stage but music stands to set the scripts on.

The pieces chosen for SLO Little Theater's Readers Theater series are plays that give you something to think about, something to feel, and something to talk about-- even if you don't agree with the writer. I'm sure The Year of Magical Thinking will be the same way!

Inga Swearingen at Castoro Cellars

2009-08-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled onto an artist that's new to me, and I wanted to share. Inga Swearingen is a Central Coast local who is really making a splash in the jazz scene! She has sung many times on Prarie Home Companion, and what Garrison Keiler likes, I like too!

She is giving a free concert at the Castoro Cellars this Sunday at 1:00- the kind of thing where you can bring your picnic and be oh-so glad you're there!

I learned about Inga about a week ago, from her equally wonderful sister Britta. Britta is acting in a play that's currently in rehearsals, and it gives me the first opportunity to plug this show, too! Every weekend in September Humble Boy will be performed at the Brickyard Theater in Atascadero. Reserve your seats early, these dinner shows WILL sell out!

Hope to see you in both places!

High School Musical Jr at Pismo Beath Youth Theater

2009-08-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

I just had the pleasure of reconnection with an old theater buddy (gotta love Facebook!) who has taken her passion for the stage to a new level and started a theater company.

This weekend, the Pismo Beath Youth Theater will perform High School Musical Jr. This is part of a summer program for first-through eigth graders (older kids just did Little Shop of Horrors).

I love that arts education continues, even when schools are cutting programs. And Olivia is one person who can really inspire children to thrive on stage. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Crochet Patterns Now Available!

2009-08-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

You know those friends who never listen to your advice? You tell them again and again what they should do, but they brush you off and wander on their merry way? Then they finally stumble onto a better plan.... and it was exactly what you told them all along?

Sorry for ranting. It's the preface to an apology. Here is the real thing. Ahem.

To all my friends who suggested that I write up my crochet patterns and sell them on Etsy and Ravelry: Thanks. I'm sorry I ignored the suggestion for so long, and I'm really glad that I finally followed your advice.

Because I now have four patterns listed, and one more in the testing process, and I am so delighted with the feedback I'm receiving!

All these items are now available in Do-It-Yourself form, PDF files that you can download on Ravelry.com or that I will email to you if you order them at http://CelesteCraft.etsy.com

And there will be many more to come, I'm loving this new side to my business!

Thanks again

Celeste

Handling a home business with Karina

2009-07-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Karina is able to handle her business from home! I asked her how she maintains a "balance" and what else consumes her time! Thanks, Karina, for letting me invade your life for a few days!

"I am very, very fortunate to be able to delve into my soap full time. It allows me to stay at home with our daughter, while contributing to the household and mantaining my passion at the same time. It's a huge committment, and I work pretty much 24 hours a day---my morning starts around 5am and the day doesn't end till about 11pm. I work much harder than I did when I had a job outside. There's no such thing as "sick days", "vacation time", "weekends off" (or pay!) when you work from home. "

"I have a passion for cooking...or I should say, more of a passion for reading cookbooks. Soap making is like cooking inthat you have to follow a recipie to get it right. Many times I'll browse through a book, or window shop at a bakery and think to myself "How can I make that dessert into a soap?"

How to make lovely soap with Karina

2009-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have never had a soaper on this blog before, so I asked Karina about the process. Enjoy!

"Lots of people think you need fancy equipment to make soap. You don't. If you have a double boiler (or even a glass heat-safe bowl set atop a pan of simmering water) some molds specifically made to withstand high-temperatures, and skin-safe fragrance or essential oils and colorants, then you're good to go. High quality soap bases can be ordered online, but I recommend starting off with the cheaper craft bases found at your local Michael's or AC Moore's when making your first few batches. Once the base is cut and melted down slowly over medium heat, you can add your color---and then remove from heat and let the base cool down before adding your oils. If you add it while the base is super hot, most of it will just burn off. The cooled base can also be enhanced with additives, swirls of color, soap embeds, skin-safe glitter, etc. Once you've poured it into your molds, then you just wait until they are completely dry before popping out, and wrapping up. I like to pop them out of the molds while they are still a bit warm as I find I get a cleaner knife cut when using large slab molds."

Beginnings with Karina

2009-07-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm please to introduce Karina of Soap That Makes Scents. As I try to do with all my featured artists, I asked her how she got started in her particular work. Please enjoy the pretty pictures, and visit her Etsy shop for more flavors of soaps and body products!

"In 2001, my then-boyfriend went on a business trip to England. The company paid for the spouses/significant others to go along as a show of support and myself and the other women just got plain tired of hanging around the hotel inbetween conferences and banquets. We found out that there was a local soap-making class not to far away from where we were staying and headed on over. At the end of that first class, I realized that I'd found my dream and haven't looked back since. While living in Toronto I worked fulltime for a security company and sold my soap on the side to friends and family mostly. After we were married and I relocated to New York City, I soon after had a daughter and desparatly wanted to stay at home and raise her myself. My husband was supportive of this idea, and I launched Soap That Makes Scents fulltime."

More from TDNCreations

2009-07-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

I asked TDNCreations about whether she recommends educational programs like the one she attended, and what she predicts for her future creations.

" I have learned so much at jewelry school. I had great teachers, all specialized in a different jewelry field, who were very willing to show me not only the techniques, but also share their tips and give good advices. I have made great progress with them, going from bending and wrapping wire to designing complex pieces of metalwork. I would definitely recommend similar programs to other people who are willing to invest 1 ½ year in bringing their passion to the next level. "

"I want to experiment with mixed media pieces, starting with polymer clay and enamel. I also want to incorporate more gemstones in my pieces. Last but not least, I’d like to start using gold in my designs. "
Thanks so much to TDNCreations, and I wish her great success in the future!

The creative process with TDNCreations

2009-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Personally, I've never done metal work. So I asked TDNCreations to explain her process.

"I carry around a notepad in which I write and draw all my ideas. When I have a specific idea but can’t put it in words, I would look into books and browse the internet for inspiration. Then, I would make several sketches and drawings and would choose the one that I like best. After that I would write down the manufacturing process and gather all the material before I start making the piece. That’s actually what we learned in school and I must say it’s a good way to keep everything in file. For easy and simple designs (like a hammered band), I would start without drawings. But I would still write down the manufacturing process and material needed, after I make the piece to keep it in my records."

"Montreal is a great cultural city, with hundreds of festivals in the summer and many museums to visit all year round. There are a lot of talented jewellers too, but I also like to look at what other people make in other countries too. I love filigree designs from Africa and want to learn how to make that someday. I’m also very inspired by older civilizations: Celtic, Greek, Egyptian... Whenever I travel, I would write down anything that inspires me and save it for later consideration."

Creative beginnings with TDNCreations

2009-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've featured a new artist, and I'm proud to introduce TDNCreations. I let her describe her artistic beginnings and how she got into metal work. I hope you'll love looking at her pieces as much as I do!

"Several years ago, I bought a box of polymer clay in a craft store and started making whimsical creatures with the clay. When I brought them to my workplace, some people asked me if I would sell them. I thought about it and started selling them to be able to buy more supplies. Then, I became an active member of several polymer clay forums and started experimenting with many techniques that I learned from more experienced polymer artists. Many of them were making beads and jewelry, so I tried that too.

"One day, a fellow PC artist showed me a wonderful website that was teaching how to make wire jewelry. All the projects were beautiful and I just couldn’t resist trying all of them. Friends and colleagues started to buy my wire and crystal jewelry and that’s when I seriously considered starting a business. After several months, I was looking at some beautiful pieces of jewelry on the internet and was thinking to myself “if only I could make something like that!”. But I couldn’t do that with wire only.

"So I starting looking for a school, because I didn’t believe that I could learn metalwork all by myself, readings books and looking at videos on the internet. I needed a real teacher! Fortunately for me, I found 2 schools in Montreal that would teach jewelry making and metalwork. I chose the one that concentrated mainly on techniques and was very happy with my choice."

More to come from TDNCreations, so visit again soon!

Project Update

2009-06-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

To give some personal information, this is a VERY busy time for me and my loved ones. My dear sweet boyfriend just graduated with a Masters Degree. My parents are celebrating a high school class reunion and an impressively large-number anniversary today. My brother's birthday was yesterday and me.... I'm not special today. So I'm writing to you!

Now lets talk business. Summer is always a little slow for the warm-garment industry, so I'm coming up with new designs and focusing on other aspects of crafting. Here are some new things I've posted recently:

This is a new design that I'm very excited about. I call it a Lily Hat. It looks like a lily when it's upside down, but on your head its a funky cloche. This one is made out of soysilk/wool yarn.

After making a daffodil hat for babies, I decided the grown-ups need one, too!

Mostly what I've been working on is writing my designs down for publication. Soon you'll be able to download .pdf files of some favorite pieces, and make them yourself!

The Tulip Hat (one of my best sellers) will be available any time now.

The pattern for how to make your own stole with zig-zag ribs is coming soon, and I will post the link as soon as I have it!

Right now I'm toiling to get a variation of this lacey circle shawl written down. It's a lot of stitches, but it will be well worth it! Incidentally, the shawl pictured here was shipped in May to be part of a wedding, and I was delighted!

Looking forward to telling you more!

Celeste

Chanticleer by the Bay

2009-06-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

In my ongoing quest to tell you about wonderful art, I have to describe my experience this past Sunday night.

Mission Delores Basilica in San Francisco, a room with traditional artwork and amazing acoustics. I'm there to see a performance by a troupe that I've been a fan of for nearly 15 years, but who I'd never seen live. I sit in a pew with a good friend (who was game to come along even though he had never heard of Chanticleer) and when the audience goes silent 12 men in tuxedos walk in, bow, open their books, and begin to sing. I glance at my friend during the opening bars, and his eyes are wide. I had talked up the group during our drive North, but he didn't expect the calm beauty that flowed through the building from the first moments. About half way through the Missa "Tous Les Regrets" by Orlando di Lasso, I whispered to my friend "Can you imagine having this as part of church? He answered "I'm not religious, but I'd show up every Sunday." And the whole room sat in stillness, rocking peacefully, until the 12 men in tuxedos bowed again and walked out, having never spoken a word.

I was introduced to Chanticleer when I was in a chamber choir that sang the piece "Vita de la Mia Vita" by William Hawley, which was an arrangement for Chanticleer. The director got the album "With a Poet's Eye" for us, and we were all spellbound. I became a CD collector right away! So seeing the group live was especially pleasant for me.

They will be performing The Divine Orlando program, up and down the Bay area over the next week. I really recommend taking an evening for serenity.

Misodaglass and Mom's Birthday

2009-05-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

You know how much I love plugging other Etsy artists, and today it's my joy to introduce Misodaglass. I purchased a hummingbird feeder for my mother's birthday. My mom loves blown glass, and would like to learn the art herself someday. When the box arrived, she and I were both stunned by the work! We immediately hung the feeder under the eaves of the house (next to the existing plastic feeder) and watched the birds evaluate the new furniture. They are already happily eating, and my mom is very happy with the decoration!

Project update

2009-05-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

Ah, friends! It always seems so long between spare moments! Here is a project update of things I've listed recently and what I'm working on. Enjoy!

First of all, I worked up this little yellow hat. I was shooting for a daffodil-like look, something floppy and precious. I think I got the precious and the floppy, but the daffodil wasn't quite there. But I did an adult sized daffodil, coming soon, that just about captures the look I want.

At long last, I got a rose! This is made from a varigated pink wool, and it has three layers of petals that curl. I hope to develop this design more in the future!

I made this tulip from a bit of denim blue acrylic yarn that was left over when I made a capelet for myself.
I opened a new "housewares" section of my shop to house this blanket. It's made of LionBrand Homespun, and so very warm!

This little poncho will wrap a baby like a blanket!

Items completed but not photographed yet include: Yellow daffodil hat, yellow tulip hat, sky blue lily hat (new design, can't wait to show you!) Bits and ends blue diamond scarf.

Items in progress include: blue and green Bits&Ends triangle shawl, blue cotton lacey juliet cap, sage green organic cotton poncho, black homespun circle shawl, blue soy/wool strangely shaped hat.

Items percolating but not really begun yet: White very soft wedding capelet, My Little Bell Pepper baby hat, Cranberry turtleneck capelet.

Choosing Materials with Octopedal Arts

2009-05-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

I asked my featured artists, Octopedal Arts, how they choose their materials. I'm glad that they make responsible choices for the buyers and the environment!

"From the beginning, we knew that we wanted non-toxic, eco-friendly products. That means water-based inks, no solvents, nothing with plastic or petroleum.

As far as t-shirts, it has got to be something that we would want to wear. That means, relaxed, comfortable, stylish, and a little off beat. Our basic t-shirt is 100% cotton from Alternative Apparel. We did a lot of research before making the choice. It is an incredibly soft, relaxed shirt that looks good and wears well. You will also find lots of other choices in our shop, too. Currently we have some really high end tanks that we were able to get at cost."

You can learn the story behind the design of the Liberty Bell Hawk at their blog!

To Help Turn Off the Lights

2009-05-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

The location of many happy memories for me is closing on Sunday. I don't tell you this to raise a battle cry, not to collect a protest group, and not even to generate a tear. I'm telling this story because it makes me happy.

When I went to Cuesta College I spent a year learning from their Drama Department. It was a truly happy, busy time for me. I spent hours upon hours at the Interact Theater, a funky little building that had once been a WWII military chapel. Even way back then, the building wasn't "up to code," since there was no way to get inside without using stairs, and the construction and electrical were scary at times!

But having a building that was discarded decades ago allowed a great deal of freedom. During the year I was there I danced on the painted records of a giant jukebox, other students built three-quarters of a stone and plaster Irish cottage on the stage, and (a personal favorite) one show covered the entire stage about 8 inches deep in sand. The floor got scratched up-- so we painted it again. If there is a wall in the way of the necessary wiring-- drill through.

Under the direction of some amazing pros I became... if not completely fearless, then much closer to it. I sang and danced on the stage. I focused lights a-straddle a big ladder sitting on risers, and I vaulted over the back wall to get into the tech booth. I learned how to operate a screw gun and skill saw, and I crawled under platforms to drill bolts. I was covered in saw dust and grinning.

On Sunday, the final performance will occur on the stage. In some ways it's heart breaking to know that the future students won't share my experiences in my place. But part of theater is the fact that no moment comes again-- I can't hold onto my 19-year-old life for anyone else! So instead I'm excited about the new beautiful theater that will open in the fall, and I'm so happy that I will be at the Interact Theater on closing night- the true closing night- to help turn off the lights.

Juggling with Octopedal Arts

2009-05-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with my Featured Artists, I asked about how Jennifer and Peter of Octopedal Arts manage multiple jobs as well as their Etsy business. They are even busier than I thought!

"Peter does marketing and graphic design for a non-profit here in Santa Fe. We are both writers although that’s not something we’re getting paid for yet. I (Jenn) also work as a landscaper and teach ESL (English as A Second Language) in the evenings at the Santa Fe Community College.

Finding balance? Well, that’s the crux. As decidedly right-brained, B-type personalities, neither of us are particularly disposed to strict discipline and singularity of focus. Sure, you need a certain degree of that to be an effective, productive person, but to force it can be counter-productive.

The best mindset is to not get stuck thinking of life in terms of work and not-work. Thinking of Octopedal Arts as another “job” would be just as deadly as thinking of it as a “hobby”. Respect your inspiration, pay attention to it, follow through on it. Have fun and do it all with love and a sense of play."

These birdie shirts are available in the Octopedal Arts shop on Etsy, of course, and I also recommend checking out the "Behind the Design" series on their blog! I love to see work that tells a story about the artists!

Home Away From Home with Octopedal Arts

2009-05-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

My featured artists, Jennifer and Peter of Octopedal Arts, find a lot of their inspiration from their surroundings. I have heard wonderful things about Greece and Santa Fe as being wonderful places for artists. I asked if they consider both places to be home. Here is their answer, along with the pomegranite design.

"Santa Fe is definitely home and always will be. It is a beautiful, inspiring, artist-filled town, but it is also a difficult place to make a living. I (Jenn) was born here and Peter has been here 10 years. Sometimes, it is tough to make everything work out financially, but the payoff of living in this idyllic, high-altitude, mountain town is worth the hard work.

Sifnos, Greece is home in our hearts where we pursue the romantic and adventurous parts of ourselves. Making both places our actual, physical home is dream unfulfilled."

You can learn more about Octopedal Arts by checking out the shop, and more about the design by checking out their blog!

Working Together with Octopedal Arts

2009-05-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

I asked Jennifer of Octopedal Arts how she and Peter handle working as an artistic pair.

"Peter works full time and I have two jobs so we have to be mutually supportive when we have deadlines. We both work on designs, printing, and the paperwork. We also know and have learned even more how to give each other not only creative encouragement, but also space to be creative individually."

Introducing Octopedal Arts

2009-05-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to introduce a new featured artist, or actually artists. Jennifer and Peter of Octopedal Arts. These two juggle many tasks and manage to be business partners and artists together. I started by asking them about the name of their shop.

"Our signature octopus print, our logo, was our first design. The inspiration for it came from our travels in Greece, a passion for ancient art and culture, one singular extraordinary, lung-splitting undersea encounter with a live octopus and, well, our geekdom. Because that’s the print we started with, it was on the table when we were throwing around names. The eight-legged analogy works because we’re pursuing so many things at once. Octopedal Arts is our Etsy shop, but it also represents ceramics, travel writing, graphic design, photography, gardening, beekeeping… all of our varied passions that keep us dreaming and growing as artists and adventurers."

I'm excited to show you more nifty designs over the coming week. If you can't wait, visit the shop!

Brizelhandcrafts Twilight Story Part III

2009-04-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is the last installment from Hazel at Brizelsupplies and Brizelhandcrafts. I want to thank her for sharing so much of her life and work.

"One of the primary goals and purpose of Twilight was to create a beautiful natural environment as a viable space for small gatherings. Wonderful events have taken place here over the years... spiritual gatherings and classes; drumming circles; egg hunts in the Spiral garden; ceremonies in both the Winter and Spring circles; a woman’s weekend retreat to celebrate St. Brigit’s day; crafting extravaganzas; neighborhood potlucks; family reunions; camp outs.

In retrospect, what is ironic about the development of Twilight is that I did not go into this project alone. Although I was the only financial source feeding the project, and the driving force behind organizing its manifestation... I began this endeavor with the help of an intimate partner as well as individuals that were part of my spiritual community... all of them have moved on ‘to greener pastures’ today but Twilight would not be what it is now without their help. I wish to thank all of those who were of assistance- in one way or another.

Right now... Twilight is in a dormant stage... it awaits the right opportunity to move forward in the its secondary goal- of providing a permanent home for myself and my family. At the moment, most of all my creative juices are going towards building a stable foundation in self-employment... and the creation of seven different product lines which are now visible in my Etsy handcrafts store: brizelhandcrafts.etsy.com. I also share some of my crafting supplies with the public through my supplies store: brizelsupplies.etsy.com. And of course, still dabble a little on Ebay (goldenhr).

Life is a circle and Twilight, as well as myself, await rebirth !

Spring 2009

Brizelhandcrafts Twilight Story Part II

2009-04-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Many many challenges presented themselves but none as harsh as the reality of the lab results on the well water. They showed that although the water was quite potable and acceptable for human consumption... it was not useable for agricultural purposes. The imbalances in magnesium, sodium, boron and bicarbonate would create fundamental immune system issues in the trees that would in short time bring on their own symptoms and problems.

At that time, water purification systems were cost prohibitive and also required large amounts of power, neither of which were available so I began to buy city water which was trucked in and used to create an irrigation mix with the well water. knew that this would be a short lived solution but it would buy me some time to figure something out.

Spiritually speaking this entire water crisis was a big blow for me personally...

Twilight was being created as a sanctuary honoring my ancestors and the Gods whom had inspired me and given me the strength to begin such an endeavor. I wanted to create a place of beauty, serenity, stillness- a place where small gatherings would take place- a place where healing could manifest through personal growth & spiritual workings- a place where artists could come and be inspired to create... and it was difficult for me to face the overwhelming odds and challenges.

For better or for worse, I am not the ‘giving up’ type person so I continued in trust that solutions would present themselves. I did encounter many other agricultural challenges- such as beetle borers which infest a tree from the inside out and kill it but... I continued to inquire and look at the water issues from a variety of viewpoints- both physical & energetic. I built a well house over the well and created an altar to Brigit there... I wrapped copper wire around the central pipe and installed an energetic water purification system that was supposed to alter the water at a molecular level but neither of those things did anything noteworthy. I followed any bread crumbs that came to me and did all i could to keep things going.

Then one fine day several years later... a personal friend was helping me out with research and he fell upon a reverse osmosis system that GE had just released to the public at a very affordable price. The membranes would prove to be most effective in removing the boron out of my well water... and although it isn't a: “and they lived happily ever after” story... i still continue today to work towards fine tuning a viable water system. On-grid electricity was installed a year and half ago and I have devised a series of preventative measures to keep borer beetles from killing the trees. "

Brizelhandcraft Twilight story Part I

2009-04-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

My featured artist, Nicole of Brizelsupplies and Brizelhandcrafts, has a huge assortment of buttons in her shop. Here are a few of my favorites, while she tells the story of her property, a place she calls Twilight.

"Twilight is the name of a very special place that is located up in the mountains near Upper North Fork Cache Creek in northern California. Part of an old cattle ranch that was subdivided in the early seventies into some one hundred 20 acre parcels... it provided an affordable opportunity for those who wished to ‘go back to the land’. Very few answered that call and so today the 2000 acre ranch is mostly ‘vacant’ allowing the land to stay in its natural wilderness format. The terrain is not an easy one- steep elevations & topography, heavy clay soil, volcanic or sulfuric water, high heat & an enormous wildfire hazard.

Twilight encompasses a mountain top and a platform-like area at the foot of its saddle which has a breathtaking view of beyond. It is in fact, a natural breeding ground for the dragonflies which arrive late spring & grace the skies with their beauty. When I first arrived here in 2001- the six acres which was to be fenced in to create a safety zone from mountain lion, bobcat, lynx, bear, rabbit, wild turkey and pig, deer, elk, rattle snakes... was almost completely covered with Chaparral.

The first job was to clear the area of brush and get ready to drill a well... there are many stories to tell and the one about the well was to become a life changing experience. The dowser had said that there would be good water at 250’ and after two days of drilling we were at 400’ with no results... we moved the rig and drilled 300’ at another location with no good news. Suddenly 9/11 took place and we took a break to manage our personal affairs. I sat and meditated about the water and then decided to do my own dowsing work.... what i got was that either sites would bear water around 450’. The following day, we moved the big rig and went back to the first site and hit water at 440’. It came out cool, clear and we drank to all our health's in great merriment !

Huge tree holes were dug in preparation for the several orchards: 18 holes for the apple circle; 14 holes for the upper orchard: nectarines, pears, mulberries, cherries, quinces; then another 6 holes for figs and olives. The spiral garden was dug up like a lifesaver so that hardware cloth could be laid two feet below soil level... the premise being ‘if you build it they will come’ (they being the gophers. lol). The enchanted forest was created and holes for the Pawlonia trees were dug as well. The platform for the geodesic dome was prepared, & then the very tricky endeavor of digging a 17 faceted trench for its kick wall foundation was accomplished.

This completed phase 1 in the heavy equipment work... and life continued in the pursuit of manifesting those projects during the course of that first year... developing the well; amending 45 enormous tree holes and planting each tree; filling the massive spiral garden with soil and creating amended beds for planting; creating the dome and an entry for it; setting up a solar power system; fencing the 6 acre compound with a combination of buried hard cloth and fencing.

The list was endless and in retrospective- its a good thing that i kept focused on those ‘few’ things and not looking at how much there would still be left to do in the future. Needless to say that it takes a great deal of optimism to persevere through this kind of project !"

Silk Crochet with Brizelhandcrafts

2009-04-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Among her many MANY other arts, Nicole/Hazel of Brizelhandcrafts and Brizelsupplies crochets using reclaimed silk yarn. Here are a few of her pieces, just a beginning! I asked about how she learned to crochet and how she learned of the silk yarns. Enjoy!

"As I recall, I started to crochet as a pre-teen... dabbled at it a little at that point but since I had no role model, or teacher, or access to supplies I didn’t go too far with it. My crochet needle got lost amidst my color pencils and slept there for decades.

In 2005, I discovered silk sari yarn at an ecological fair and my eyes practically popped out of their sockets. I thought “WOW, look at these FAB COLORS... (lol) OMG !” I had been a vegan for some years at that point and I was not a big silk advocate... BUT when i heard the story behind the yarn... that it was made from reclaimed silk sari threads and cloth- I immediately gave myself permission to buy two balls of the stuff !!!

I quickly searched for my childhood crochet hook and began to crochet in spiral formation... only to realize then that I wanted to make a hat. I have a black hat that was crocheted by my maternal grandmother and it became the source of my inspiration.

It was a big hat with a rim so two balls of yarn wasn’t enough to complete the project so i went hunting for more... The next thing I knew i was buying silk sari yarn by the pound and the Silk Tapestry Hip Pouch extravaganza began right after the completion of ‘the’ hat.

I am and continue to be completely self taught... all of my crochet work is absolutely intuitiv... I really know nothing about different crochet stitches, nor do i know how to read crochet pattern books. lol. For me the crochet hook is a portable three dimensional loom."

You can find more of these items in the shop sections Silk boxes , Silk Hip Pouches, and Silk Table Pouches.

Tagua Nut Jewelry with Brizelhandcrafts

2009-04-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Brizelhandcrafts has a very wide selection of Tagua Nut jewelry, both charming bracelets and colorful necklaces. I don't know much about the Tagua Nut, so here is what I learned from reading in her store!

"A little about Tagua Nut:

Tagua, a nut of many names, grows in the rainforest & Amazon Jungle on a palm type tree that reaches between twenty & thirty feet tall.

Its botanical name is “Phytelephas Macrocarpa Palmae”.“Phyton” is the Greek word for plant and “elephas” means elephant because of the nut's relative large size.

The nut itself grows in a cluster formation called ‘cabeza’ (head) and when ripe falls to the ground where they are easily harvested.

The native farmers continue to plant these palm trees today, instead of logging them, because they rightfully recognize how precious its renewable resource is.

Vegetable "ivory", a generic name for this gorgeous wood, is dried over a period of three months at which point it is considered petrified.

In the olden days, many buttons were made from vegetable "ivory" because this wood can be easily dyed, carved and engraved. The wood was also sought out for miniature carvingsand today, modern jewelry such as this beautiful necklaceis created for our day to day pleasure.

Tagua - Vegetable "ivory"- & also known as Corrozzo,is renewable, sustainable, eco-friendly, andquite simply: a gorgeous natural material."

"There was a huge tagua nut / vegetable ivory button industry in the early 1900s. These buttons are awesome and i imediately fell in love with these antiques. Many of them have subtle incised motifs and designs and i just think they are wonderful. The colors tend to be more subtle, predominently black and natural tones, as most of them were created originally for menswear.

I was still in the early stages of the Brizel product development process when i discovered tagua but I wanted to get out there and do craft fairs... so I started to look for items made from tagua and fell upon several websites selling beads. When I saw the bright colors... the rest became herstory !"

This little selection is only a few of a huge collection of jewelry. I encourage you to look for yourself!

Noises Off!!!

2009-04-08T20:54:00.001-07:00

"Noises Off!" Is coming to the Clark Center! Now, for those of you who aren't immediately excited, please let me explain.

I first heard of this play when I was 18 from a dear stage manager who told me "You MUST do Noises Off when and if you are given the opportunity." I assumed that she was just being dramatic (we drama folks do that sometimes) so later that year when I volunteered doing hospitality for a performance of the play, and I got to sneak in for act two, I went Oh my gosh! Ruth E was right!" She usually was, now that I think about it!

So I went out and rented the movie- Carol Burnett, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Michael Caine, cousin Balky, that lady from Taxi.... as good a cast as it could possibly be, but it was funnier live.

I saw the whole performance beginning to end about 6 years later, and I realized why it's funnier live. It's a backstage comedy- in my opinion the best backstage comedy yet written- and it thrives in it's natural habitat. Live theater done about live theater.

But I digress. Noises Off is a comedy about a theater troupe that is preparing a production. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong, and as bad becomes disaterous the mean-spirited pranks among the characters bleed from the back stage onto the set....

Why did Ruth E advise me to involved with this show if I ever could? For the same reason that I decided NOT to audition. It's a precision piece. Full energy, no down time, and no room for mistakes. Those of us who love doing theater love plays like this. I knew I didn't have the energy to commit to the project this time.

But next time.... oh yes, I will be weilding sardines with the best of them! Hope to see you at the Clark Center in the next few weeks.

Reservations: 489-9444 or http://www.clarkcenter.org/

Thur/Fri/Sat performances at 8pm

Sunday matinees at 2pm

The Process with Brizelhandcrafts

2009-04-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

The artist and curator at Brizelhandcrafts and Brizelsupplies was very kind to explain her process in developing her Hip Button Belts. It's a spiritual experience that takes ideas from all over the world, and I hope you'll enjoy the story!

"The Hip Button Belts were created out of a complex evolutionary product process.

I had amassed a good sized collection of different colored rattail cord, because at one time i used to make protective amulets that were completed with a cord which color corresponded to astrological signs and phases of the moon. I had done an independent study of color and in this process had acquired different reference books on the topic. I was immersed in the significance of color.

I had begun to make the Silk Tapestry Hip Pouches and needed to create belts for them. The Guatemalan sashes had not arrived on the scene yet so i got the idea of crocheting the rattail cord into belts for them. I was in the process of getting ready for a craft show and was running high on inspirational juices. I put together twenty or so hip pouches and embellished them with vintage buttons I had just begun to collect vintage buttons. Turns out crocheting the rattail cord became addictive and so was collecting vintage buttons !

It took a couple of years and probably that much in thousands of dollars to figure out what kinds of buttons worked best for the rattail cord belts as well as to develop the overall conceptual design for the hip belts. I was amazed at how many shades of any color could exist and it became clear to me that i needed to acquire a lot of buttons before a Hip Button Belt could be created. Each button brings harmony to the overall balance of the motif and this can only be achieved with the correct color tone, texture, shape & size button so Hunting for buttons became a daily consideration :)

During this time period, I began to make my Silk Tapestry Boxes embellishing them with a purple floral button and i came to realize that i was using buttons as a call and prayer to the divine. Everything fell in place at that moment as I began to understand how my crafts were reflecting my spiritual journey and personal mythology.

In the mundane world, both belts and buttons connect individual layers together...

In ancient weaving traditions, Guatemala for example, warp strings represented the umbilical cord between the divine and the individual. Back strap looms were tied to trees and the weaver would sit to create their beautiful sashes... out in nature under the tree of life.

In witchcraft and some shamanic traditions, the cord, or belt, is the ‘tool’ associated with Ether... that which brings Conscientiousness to the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. It is that Divine spark that brings soul & presence into those elements which we are intrinsically a part of.

Generally speaking, buttons are round in shape... The circle is regarded to be one of the most powerful religious symbols... as there is no end nor beginning to it. Jung says that by contemplating this great primordial image... we are analyzing and reflecting on the self.

Buttons, in a variety of cultures, have a great many interesting spiritual and magical meanings... one example is with four hole buttons, for when sewn in place with a cross can represent the Crossroads, a noteworthy place to be ! The Nanai, an ancient Siberian shaman tribe, used buttons on their ceremonial robes to ward off evil spirits.

In my own personal mythic imagination... a button is the pre-verbial coin that fuels a call to the ‘other world’. A button becomes a symbol of a prayer and a belt the pathway to connecting with Spirit.

Brizel Hip Button Belts are a manifestation of a desire to connect and celebrate life with the Divine !"

There are many more stories from this artist, so come back soon to read more!

Play Paper Dolls with FDL!

2009-04-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team plays a game called Paper Dolls. You can play too!

Here is what you do. Go to their blog, and check out the VERY nifty base piece. Then seach the world for a garment or accessory that you think would look good with the base piece. Then report back by leaving a comment on the blog. Once the game is over, the best possible outfit will be constructed from the suggestions!

Get creative! Go play!
Celeste

BrizelHandcrafts Gardens

2009-04-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

When I create, the whole focus is on the product- a warm shawl or a unique hat.

For Nicole/Hazel of Brizelhandcrafts, the process of creation is a major part of the artistry. For instance, her Brigit Crosses involve more than a year of preparation. Here is part of the description of how she makes the crosses:

"Every year come January, I prune my apple trees. This is a special grouping of trees, eighteen in total and each one bearing a different variety of fruit. The apple orchard is planted in a huge spiral, with lavender bushes between each, and with a large path that winds around them and into a ceremonial space.When the small budding branches are pruned, they are cut to size and allowed to dry for one year. The following year, during the Imbolc season, the apple wood Brigit Crosses are sewn together using colored hemp: purple for the center and elemental colors for each arm. " For the rest of the description, and an explanation of the signifigance of Brigit Crosses, please visit her shop!

This orchard sounded very special, so Hazel told me more about her orchard and her garden, and even shared pictures!

"In 2001, I bought some acreage in the mountains of Upper North Fork Cache Creek in Northern California and began pioneering there. The first task was to drill a well and then clear Chaparral brush from a large area. As this took place, I began to sense an awakening of the space that was being created... then one morning, i picked up pencil and paper and began to sketch.

Two large scale spirals were born from that visionary ‘episode’.The apple orchard became the seasonal wheel for Autumn and Winter; and the spiral garden became the seasonal wheel for Spring and Summer. Both of these spirals are 80’ in diameter on the outside with a spiral path(s) that leads into a 30’ diameter central space.As these spirals were birthed i felt myself becoming some sort of spiritual landscape artist creating wheels of beauty in the midst of the mountains ! Spirals are symbolic of our life journey- winding towards a destination and then... an epic return to our starting point. My intention was to create large scale altars dedicated to the Gods & seasons and meditation tools to explore our connection with the divine.

I’ve already talked a little about the apple orchard and winter/autumn spiral... so i’ll talk a little about the spring/summer spiral. The spiral garden has a side by side path and flower bed that winds three times around until it reaches its central space. As one walks the spiral, one brushes by all sorts of ornamental shrubs and florals. These were laid out in a directional/elemental color theme... so in the east: whites, paler yellows and pinks; in the south: fiery yellows, pinks, reds and oranges; in the west: blues; purples, lavenders; and in the north: deep reds and whites.

The center is in the process of being paved into a heart shape.... red bricks create an exterior contour line, then flatstone which blends into square gray bricks that form an internal heart shaped center. A wisteria has been planted at the top of the heart and bulb flowers all the way around. It is still a work in progress. On the outside of the spiral garden- italian blue cypresses and Rosemarie's have been planted on the southern half with butterfly bushes and iris bulbs on the northern side. "

Introducing Brizelhandcrafts!

2009-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've Featured an artist, so I'm very proud to introduce Nicole/Hazel who runs two Etsy shops- Brizelhandcrafts and Brizelsupplies. For today, we'll talk about her chosen names and these amazing sashes that she inherited from a closing Fair Trade company.

I saw in her profile information that the shop names are a combination of Brigit (a goddess with many spellings and beautiful cultures attached) and Hazel, her chosen name. Here is what she told me about that:

"Changing my name was a way of rebirthing myself. I was going through some deep personal changes at the time and it was appropriate for me to project a new image of myself as a guiding light of who I wanted to become.

The name Hazel came to me through the subconscious and then was validated at the concious level in a variety of ways. As it turns out, I have very intense hazel brown/green eyes and it has been an aspect of myself that i have always loved unconditionally. I felt that building a new personal foundation from this core self-love was a powerful beginning. After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul !

Altough i was born in France, I also lived in Switzerland and in the UK. Apart from my French and Italian heritages, I also have strong Scottish ancestry. I felt a special affinity to England as i was growing up and a strong bond to it’s mythology.

In Celtic lore, the Hazel tree is one of the sacred trees and it is attributed to the month of August, which is my birth month. The nuts it produces are said to carry wisdom and the salmon, which fed upon them in the rivers and streams, were held sacred. In the olden days, only druids and kings were allowed to feast on their flesh and poachers were put to death if caught fishing them. The salmon is the animal attributed to the month of August and its mythology is linked into cycles of birth & death, and self-sacrifice.

Becoming Hazel was the beginning of my spiritual quest and its path led me to become more fully myself and in its process, I found that my artwork grew in depth evolving into what it is today, Brizel Handcrafts. Essentially Hazel has become my spiritual name as well as my Artist name. In the mundane world, I am known as Nicole, which means 'victory', a name I honor as well !"

I also asked Hazel about these lovely sashes that are in her Brizelsupplies shop.

"When I discovered Las Manos, they were going out of business so I did not get the opportunity to get involved with them. I simply arrived at the right place and time and became the custodian to 80 different rolls of handwoven sashes.

I had no idea at the time what I would do with them. I just knew that they needed to ‘come live with me’ until i could figure it out. I fell deeply in love with them and began immediately to share them with the world.

I personally became fascinated with their color, motif and started buying books about Guatemalan textiles. I came across an article in one of the books that addressed the spiritual aspects of weaving and everything clicked into place for me. Once I had finished cataloging the sashes, i realized soon after that the sashes needed to be synthesized with my Silk Tapestry Hip Pouches."

And of course, you will see the Silk Tapestry Hip Pouches in this blog in the very near future. To see more sashes (there are dozens in the shop!) just click, and let your eyes be delighted by the colors!

Project Update

2009-04-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I've been busy again! Though I haven't competed all the projects that I said were "in process" in my last update, there is still much to show you!

I listed My Little Corncob Hat as part of the Fashion Design and Lifestyle Team's "Sprouts" challenge, which I've been talking about a lot lately.

I finished a capelet that I've decided to keep for myself. It has a turtle neck clooar with wide ribbing, fitted shoulders and a ruffled edge. I will put on a white frog clasp and a ribbon near the ruffle to dress it up, and then I'll take more pictures. I've listed this as a made-to-order item, since it was so fun to make!

My family gets concerned whenever I do anything crazy.... like make a series of baby vegetable hats.... so I made this little pink tulip in newborn size to calm them down. I think it turned out cute!

I was playing with beads, trying to make something ornate and elegant. This red hat turned out very different than I expected, but it's a festive wreath of beads. I've decided to call the style "Dionysus Hat."

And last, but definitely not least, I made this light lacy felted shawl, took mediocre pictures of it, and it sold almost immediately! (I did an exuberant happy dance, of course!) So it's available now as a custom order- I really enjoy making this lace pattern and I hope to play with the design in the near future. So expect to see more felty lace in the near-ish future.

Items completed but not photographed yet include: Yellow ruffled baby hat, pink and green wool tulip hat.

Items in progress include: pink and green daisy lace hat, purple ribbed shawl (recreating the pattern on my wandering spring stole), blue and green Bits&Ends triangle shawl, blue cotton lacey juliet cap, red rose-shaped hat.

Items percolating but not really begun yet: Green organic cotton shawl for FDL team's Earth Day challenge, White very soft wedding capelet, My Little Bell Pepper baby hat, Cranberry turtleneck capelet.

Sprouts II

2009-04-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the FDLTeam Challenge, I have to give praise to Happy Knits, who made wristwarmers that work for three challenges! The green for Sprouts, lace for the Young Victoria challenge, and upcycled materials for Earth Day! Now that's efficient! And they're cute, too.

My Little Aura stiched and felted this awesome choker for the challenge.

Dainty Crochet by Aly amazes me with her detail, such as for this hairclip/pin

All Things Pretty takes us through a spring fantasy with this piece!

And Capitola Girl brightened the day with these sparklies!

I'm loving sharing these Sprouts items with you, and there are more to come! Use Etsy search tags "fdlMarch" for the Sprouts challenge, and "fdlteam" to find all the artists.

Sprouts!

2009-04-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

OK, the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Team's challenge for the month of March was titled "Sprouts" and what fun we had with that theme! Now it's time to show off some springy good stuff!

I've already displayed two of my new baby hats, but here is my third Sprouts hat. I call it "My Little Corncob."

Barbara Lou's Boutique contributed this adorbale tiny dress- I love the details!

ThirdFloor has these lovely earrings, and the kimono silk capelet below is DEFINITELY worth scrolling down for!

Check back soon for more spring items from other lovely artists! And if you just can't wait, use Etsy search tags "fdlMarch" for the Sprouts items, and "fdlteam" for all the Fashion, Design, and Lifestyle artists!

Spirit Jumping!

2009-04-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

I (and members of my Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Team) are getting involved with Spirit Jump! I think that you should, too! http://spiritjump.blogspot.com/

This is a great idea that is just beginning. They pair cancer fighters who could use a lift in their spirits with people who are willing to send a card or small gift- anything that lets them know that they are not alone in this battle!

I think I've found a good match for me-someone who I would like to give some joy to- and I know what I would like to send. I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

If you or someone you know is going through the journey of cancer and who could use a jump in spirits, please go to this website and register. And if the cause of cancer and lonliness speaks to you, then also please sign up as a jumper.

Thanks to Susan of CapitolaGirl for bringing Spirit Jump to my attention!

Virtual Lab Trunk Show- Colors of Spring!

2009-03-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Etsy's Fashion Design and Lifestyle team is hosting a Spring fasion trunk show. If you've never been to the virtual labs, I highly recommend dropping in- any ol' time- and looking around. But I DEFINITELY recommend showing up at 7pm EST (thats 4pm here in California!) to see what this great group of artists are showing off.

Some folks will offer promotions and sales during the events. Everyone will have magnificent work for you to see. And all these artists (including me!) are really nice, so come on down and say hello!

http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Getting back into the theater

2009-03-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is what's going on at the theater.

I haven't worked on a production in several years. I volunteered with the SLO Little Theater in order to keep in contact with a creative group of people, but I was working hospitality, not the creative side.

One day, the volunteer coordinator sent out a request- they needed people to train for technical work. I have done lights and sound and set construction in other theaters, but it had been years. So I wrote to the coordinator saying just that. I got a response from a production assistant saying that if I had experience, would I like to be lighting operator for a production that was soming up? After restating that I would need training, I agreed and I went to the theater that day.

I met the technical crew, all friendly and welcoming. I had to wait for the director to arrive, and when she did I was confronted with a face I hadn't seen in 10 years- a woman I had worked with in community college. She told me that the old theater where I learned stagecraft was closing, and would I like to be there to help turn off the lights? Of course I would, though I will be sad to see the doors close.

Anyway, I did lights and sound for a readers theater production, and we just closed Intimate Apparel, the show that I was the lighting operator for. And I'm scheduled to act in another readers theater soon- I haven't acted in 6 years! And I will attend a reading to help choose a play to perform in August- whether I will be onstage or backstage, I will be happy to be involved! It's amazing how the doors opened up to me when I knocked, one after another, to invite me back into the mysterious world of theater.

CelesteCraft project update

2009-03-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ah, it has been a very busy few weeks! I will tell you all about my theater projects that have kept me away from writing this blog, but first I want to give an update on what I have released and what I'm working on.

First, I have added a section "For your feet" to my Etsy shop. I gave slippers to lots of people for Christmas, and have gotten great feedback. Some people sleep in them because they breathe better than socks. Some people use them as I expected, kicking off their shoes when they get home and keeping their feet warm and their carpet clean. And some people do what I do- slide around on the kitchen floor in them! I have a few pairs in "ladies size" listed currently, and I will add some "mens size" soon.

In celebration of spring and the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle's "Sprouts" challenge, I'm designing a new line of baby hats.

My Little Tomato, and My Little Eggplant. I have completed My Little Corncob, but don't have photos of it yet. I was amazed at how many people approached me at coffee shops and told me how "cool" they are. I never expected them to be cool, but I have terrible taste when it comes to that!

So coming soon is the My Little Corncob, a new pink lacey wool shawl, a blue turtle neck cape, a beaded Dionysus-style cap (I was going for something different, but it's a wreath of beads!) and I'm right now working up a design for a blooming rose hat- lots of petals. I'm also slowly working on a blue and green striped "Bits and Ends" triangle shawl, I've been working on all these things backstage, but haven't had time to get a camera and a computer!

2009-02-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

My featured artist talked with me about how she maintains her craftwork with the rest of her life.

"I worked for the US Postal Service for 15 years and just retired.Crafting help me stay active, I love to go to craft shows. I enjoymeeting and talking to my "craft friends" in person and on line.I find it hard to balance time between family and crafting."

She also gave some advice for beginning sellers.

"Keep doing what you love to do. Be creative, if you put your heart,your mind, your energy in to what you create, it will shine trough.Make time for family and friend. Don't sweat small stuffs!"

Leaving Viet Nam

2009-02-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

My featured artist told me a bit about how she came to the US.

"I was 22 years old, freshly out of college and 2 months pregnant whenI left Viet Nam. My late ex-husband and I were among the last Vietnamese airlifted out of Saigon on April-30-1975.

The last time Ivisit Viet Nam was in 1994. We're planning a trip to visit my brotherand my sister in late March this year. My husband Mitch and mydaughter Helen have never been there. I'm very excited for them tomeet my family and to see Viet Nam again though their eyes!"

I hope you are loving this collection of women's kimonos (available in cotton or polyester fabric) as much as I'm enjoying showing you! You can see more at http://asianexpressions.etsy.com

Early Artistry of AsianExpressions

2009-02-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

I find that every artist has an interesting life story. I hope to have one too, someday! This weeks featured artist has an astounding story to tell. And while I tell you about the early part of her life, I want to show you some of her fabric cranes.

This is directly from her profile at http://asianexpressions.etsy.com/

"My ancestors migrated from China and settled at Sa Pa, Lao Kay; a northern highland region in Viet Nam close to China's border. All handcrafts and custom were handed down from my people through generations. My mother taught me how to make hand sewn fabric butterflies, cranes, flowers and other ornaments to decorate our home during the Holidays just as she was taught by my grandmother.

"When I was 12 years old, my father bought me a sewing machine and 9 yards of fabric and sent me to a sewing class. I managed to ruin all the fabric! Back then, I didn't know about "measure twice, cut once." Lesson learned!"

I asked her some more about how she learned her artistry.

"It was a tradition in VN to prep girls with all the hand crafts, womencrafts, cooking, cleaning e.t.c for marriage; as if! I learn these handcraft from my mother just as she was taught by my grand mother. Little I knew that I'd be selling them now."

Introducing AsianExpressions!

2009-02-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to introduce a new Featured Artist, AsianExpressions. http://asianexpressions.etsy.com/ I look forward to telling you about the life and work of this interesting person!

Art, Poetry, Music in SLO

2009-01-30T20:14:00.000-08:00

I had never heard of this place until this week. A co-worker mentioned that she was going to a concert at the Steynberg Gallery, and she gave me a quick description of what it is. She said it is an art gallery where they hold special events. I took a quick look at their website http://www.steynberggallery.com/ and I found thought, "Hey, that would be worth checking out! Maybe go to a tea tasting!"

Well, then I saw this in the SLO New Times http://www.newtimesslo.com/art/1846/now-auden-now-wordsworth-now-coleridge-and-larkin-on-ginsberg-on-browning-on-whitman-and-williams-/ And I am beside myself with joy! Poetry readings at the art gallery, favorite poem project. Yay!

Now I have to find a smashing scarf and see if I can locate one of my 5 favorite love poems! Hope to see everyone there!

ClearLakeCreations Talks About Beginning

2009-01-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

I talked to my featured artist about her business beginnings.

"Etsy was introduced to me by a friend that carried my products in her craft shop. She encouraged me to check it out. After about 2 years I bit the bullet and started my first store.We have two store fronts on Etsy. http://www.clearlakecreations.etsy.com/ and http://www.havendawndesigns.etsy.com/We also have our own website at http://www.clearlakecreations.com/ . I was recently introduced to Artfire where I have listed a few pendants and Shophandmade as well."

She and I are in a team together, the Etsy Artist Lounge. I asked about her experience with teams on Etsy.

"I love my team members at Etsy Artist Lounge. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. We all share ideas and thoughts to promote each other. We create treasuries for our team members to promote.I am also a part of the UWIB team. We are a large group of individual crafters that chat in the yahoo groups and support each other each month by buying from each other. We are not a team per say, but I have to mention What’s in the Box. We are like one big family that supports each other in this thread on the forums. We meet each day to see what each other made and in return we also get the chance to win 20.00 gift certificates to the stores that are featured. There is no requirement to sign up just drop by and say hello, promote your products and chat with us. We would love for you to visit us at http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5994217&page=1 "

And since everyone has to start somewhere:

"The best advise for anyone starting out is to understand sales will not happen overnight. The key is to create a wonderful product and promote. Promoting is the key to success. Get your name out there everywhere you can."

My grandma's Christmas present

2009-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

My featured artist, ClearLakeCreations, provided my grandmother's Christmas present this year. The feedback from grandma was excellent! Let me tell you what I got:

First, I got her Soy Whip body lotion. I have a bottle of this myself, and it's marvelous! Take a look at this fluffy stuff!

And a little bit stretches a long way across the skin, so a little 4oz bottle goes a long way! Next I got some packets of bath soak.

I ended up keeping one bath soak for myself- please don't tell grandma! And last I got a bottle of body wash, which I hear is very much appreciated.

I got all these in the scent "Butterfly Kisses." It's light, floral and perfumy. Really nice!

Thanks for putting those together for me, ClearLakeCreations! http://clearlakecreations.etsy.com

Treasury featuring HavenDawnDesigns

2009-01-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

I just created this Treasury, with a Pink Martini theme, because I thought a pendant by HavenDawnDesigns is just adorable!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=41260

ClearlakeCreations on Balancing Crafts and Family

2009-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

This weeks featured artist, ClearlakeCreations/HavenDawnDesigns is a busy lady! She has a "day job," three children, and two shops!

I asked her how she fits her artistic work into that family life.

"I am fortunate to have three beautiful teenage girls that like to help me design pendants and create labels for our products. There is nothing more enjoyable than 4 young ladies sitting around gabbing about what we want to make next. "

We also talked a little about how much her craft work contributes financially to the family- and she wasn't offended!

"I would say that our craft is supplemental income, but most of all the friendships I have developed over the years whether it be on the message boards or Etsy far outweigh the income. I love my friends and would give up my craft to continue the friendships I’ve created. My goal(when I grow up)LOL is to own my own business. For now, I am satisfied with the different venues online."

And how does she balance the combination of ClearlakeCreations and HavenDawn Designs?

"Both stores have different personalities. I usually spend one day creating pendants and the next making candles/bath and body products. "

Thanks for letting me intrude!

CelesteCraft Clearance!

2009-01-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've been working away on new ideas and new creations, which I hope to show you very very soon! In the meantime, I'm working on creating some space. I just created a new section in my shop- "2008 Clearance." I'm offering everything in the section as a Buy One Get One (of equal or less value) Free sale.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5238564&section_id=5885972 Now is your chance to get a great shawl and a matching hat for free. Or a gift for a friend, and a free gift for yourself at the same time!

Romantic Beauties at HavenDawnDesigns

2009-01-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

My featured artist this week has some beautiful pendants that are just right for Valentines Day!

Check out these beauties!

These and more at http://havendawndesigns.etsy.com/

And be sure to read the shop announcement for a Buy 2 get 1 free sale!

Travel Meetings III

2009-01-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

I was one of the last people onto my plane. I found row 10, and looked at the window seat. There was someone in it. I sat next to the man, thinking that maybe he felt strongly about the window seat, and I would be perfectly happy to trade. I was buuilding my courage to interrupt him from the novel he was reading, when a woman came down the aisle and told me I was in her seat. I gave her a helpless look and I said softly to the man "Sir, 10C is my seat, what seat is yours?" He didn't look up but said in a no-nonsense tone "This isn't row 10." There was no room to dispute this with him. I got up, moved so the woman could sit down, and looked at the label. It was indeed row 10.

I went to the flight attendant and asked her if anyone else was getting on board. She said that everyone had boarded, so I should sit in any empty chair.

I found an aisle seat very near my assigned seat, and as soon as I sat down a young woman in the center seat confided to me "I don't see why people are so rude!" I smiled my thanks and asked about her travel plans. She was visiting friends, same as me. Our window seatmate was flying for business, she was training for a customer service job in the airline. The other two of us were amazed that the airline industry was hiring new people, we had only heard about cutbacks! The center woman worked in banking-specifically in mortgage financing. That was an area that had seen recent cutbacks! She talked about how the economy had hit her industry, but that there were still some banks that had made wise decisions that were still thriving. My day job is in commercial insurance, so I was able to discuss how the economy was damaging my industry as well, but that we were pulling through by spreaing our risks as much as possible. It was great to be able to sit with two very intelligent lovely women and discuss what we saw in the future for our personal and professional lives.

During this conversation I was working on two special order Poppy Hats. The women were excited for me and my tiny business. They both asked for my card and brainstormed fashion ideas with me.

I always find that when I open up to people around me, I learn so much. These women were wonderfully positive, even though their professional careers were under stress. They looked towards the future with hope. And they had lots of hope for me and my little hats!

Introducing ClearLakeCreations!

2009-01-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

This week I'm going to spend some time talking with and about a great Etsy craftsperson. She runs two stores with different personalities. ClearLakeCreations http://clearlakecreations.etsy.com carries lovely scented products and Haven Dawn Designs HavenDawnDesigns.etsy.com carries nifty jewelry!

To start with, I asked how she got started learning about lotions and fragrances.

"I love telling this story. My husband and I used to drive 45 minutes away to a wonderful candle factory and buy enough candles to last two months. I would even try to burn them within a month so we would have to go back sooner. The day before Valentines Day in 1999 we took a little trip to the factory and found that it was her last day in business. In casual conversation about hating that she was leaving, she started sharing her secrets with us and encouraged us to start a business of our own. Within a month we contacted her wholesaler and from that day forward we never looked back. "

I very much recommend the soy whip!

Thank You Nyblaque

2009-01-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

I just want to take a moment to thank Nyblaque for being my first Featured Artist of the Week. She was very helpful in answering all my weird questions, and I know she has great creations ahead. I encourage Nyblaque to alert me when she has something special going on, and I will alert you, too!

Here is that shop address one more time: http://nyblaque.etsy.com

Later today I will be introducing someone new!
Celeste

Valentines Day Ideas at Nyblaque

2009-01-17T09:05:00.001-08:00

I want to take a minute and shine some attention on these beautiful pieces in the Valentines Day section at http://nyblaque.etsy.com/ I'm officially putting these on my wish list!

Nyblaque on Getting Started

2009-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

My featured artist Nyblaque is self taught, like me! She told me a little about her beginnings:

“I starting out with gifts to friends and family, word of mouth spread and custom orders became more frequent. I also got lots of encouragement from some more experienced friends of mine. I saved some money for supplies, applied for my state tax id, and started vending with a friend of mine who is also self employed. Then after a while I found my own street location, a year later, I researched Etsy and signed up. I also started a blog to help promote: http://nyblaque.blogspot.com/”

And she has some friendly advice for beginning sellers.

“Love what you do. It will show in your work and you'll enjoy doing it. and pace yourself..keep yourself active doing other things not craft related so if the sales don't come right away/you won't get discouraged. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help..trust me, you'll need lots of support along the way.Promote whenever you can, and never, ever give more than what you are willing to lose..it will keep you from burning yourself out and your sanity;). “

Travel Meetings II

2009-01-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

After talking with the nice woman in Travel Meetings I, I was elated. I had an over two-hour layover, and I was determined to enjoy it. My gate was apparently at the other end of the airport, so I slung on my backpack and I power walked the whole way. No moving sidewalks for me, I was stretching my legs and enjoying watching the bustle!

I located my gate, bought myself a snack, returned a couple phone calls, and then looked for a place to charge my cell phone and to do some stitching. The best place I found was around the corner from my gate, near a youngish-man who was working very seriously on his laptop. I asked if I could share his outlet, and I plunked myself in a chair to get some work done. He asked about my stitching, of course, and I asked about his layover. It was four hours for him, because he had missed his connection. Bad, yes, but no where near as long as it was for those poor people trying to fly to Miami- their plane was going in for repairs and it was currently “scheduled” to be 10-hours late.

Funny travel mishap stories turned into more serious talk as he explained to me why he was flying that day. His father had cancer that had gone into remission twice, but it was back a third time. He was on his way to say goodbye. He told me about his family, how supportive the dad’s girlfriend was, and how he had just discovered that his dad didn’t have a Will yet, but they were seeing a lawyer shortly after his arrival to make sure everything was taken care of. I worked in a law office at one time, and specifically worked in estate planning and after-death administration. He wanted me to tell him how the paperwork would go, especially if the Will wasn’t completed in time, and I couldn’t do that. But as I listened to him talk about the family, I was able to tell him that his family wasn’t likely to fight over assets. I had seen many people fight over huge estates, and some fight over nothing at all, but it sounded like everyone really respected each other in this case. I advised him to look out for the girlfriend, and to make sure that while she took care of everyone else (because that is the sort of person she is) that she also took good care of herself. He seemed to understand this idea; and it gave him someone to care for, too.

Then his cell phone rang, and I looked at the clock on mine. I realized that the time-zone hadn’t changed on my phone, I was late! He was talking to his brother, explaining that their father had maybe ten days to live. By the time he looked up I was gone, I ran directly onto my plane. I hope that fellow benefited from my listening. I was never qualified to give legal advice, but I believe that I gave him what he needed then- an opportunity to talk, and some peace of mind.

Nyblaque Clearance Sale!

2009-01-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, readers! I just want to take a moment and direct your attention to the "End of 2008 Sale" in Nyblaque's shop. http://nyblaque.etsy.com/ Tomorrow is the last day, so HURRY! Here is the deal, straight from the shop home page:

"End of 2008 Clearance sale * Dec.30th 2008 - Jan.16th 2009 *Buy 2 items in clearance section, get 3rd item free. Convo me with free choice before payment to adjust price."

And I absolutely have favorites!

There is something about dark rich blues and a bit of sparkle that just makes me happy!

This creative idea is available in various wafer designs! Too cute!

And, of course, I keep getting drawn towards the typewriter key pieces. I just love that slightly-vintage-but-very-personal-anyway look. Pick up one for yourself, and one for your Valentine, OK?

Introducing Artist of the Week Nyblaque

2009-01-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

A new feature on this blog will be the featured artist of the week!

I’m going to begin with Etsy artist Nyblaque (http://nyblaque.etsy.com/), who does her creating in the Bronx, and who has a spot as a sidewalk vendor, which I think is fantastic!

“I like it because of the freedom it gives me to be myself, to make the money I want to make and express my creativity as an artist without judgment. For ex,I can do all the things you can't do in most office settings. I can talk to people anytime, grab a snack, wear any clothing I am comfortable in and still work, if I get tired, sick, too cold or if my babies need me I just pack up and go home and not worry about having a job in the morning. The freedom to be there for my family is the BEST PERK! I still vend in NYC, though I have cut down from 6day a week to four during the winter months.”

She has made her jewelry into her main income. Here is what she has to say about that:

“I do sometimes miss the consistency that a "day job" offers. Since I had my son 2yrs ago, I haven't been hired for a job on a permanent basis, I am still looking for P/T work since the downside of vending is sometimes you don't make any money at all, sometimes for days at a time. Living in NY, all the ciaos of Wall Street, the bailout and now the "official" announcement of the recession, being a self employed artisan has been working against me, corporate NY looks at me as a credit risk( rolling eyes) and companies in the jewelry field prefer a college grad in Fine Arts with gazillion years of experience. It's very frustrating right now.”

No doubt! I have such respect for people who take the risk and focus on their art. It seems like a tough life, but I’m terribly jealous! Maybe someday!

More on Nyblaque throughout the week, so keep checking in!

Travel Meetings I

2008-12-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of traveling recently, and one of the joys of travel (for me) is meeting people along the way. Some people are stressed and grouchy, some excited, but I find that almost everyone who is open enough to talk with me has something important to share.

My first flight was relatively short, and I was seated next to a woman who is in her mid-70's. I was already crocheting by the time she sat down, and the first thing she said was "Look at how fast you're going! I never was able to knit, though my mother tried and tried to teach me!" From that moment we never stopped talking. She was a lovely, warm woman who shared so much about her life, her husband, her family and her beliefs.

The first important thing that she had for me was that the first five years of her retirement was spent traveling the United States in a motor home with her husband. This is a lifestyle that my father is seriously considering, though my mother is very skeptical about the idea. My seatmate willingly shared the logistical solutions (how to have your mail forwarded to your next campsite) as well as the upsides (seeing the North East in autumn, but being South before the snow hits) and the downsides (after five years they were ready for a permanent home). This was great! I got all this information to share with my parents!

When she asked the purpose of my travels, I had told her that I was going to see a good friend. Later on she asked what we intended to do, and I gave her a list of possible activities that my friend had suggested. She was impressed "These are his ideas?" And I said yes, that they were all things he thought I would enjoy. With an I'm-telling-you-a-secret-so-listen-closely smile she said "He's wooing you." I found myself grinning as I replied "I hope so."

Weekend's Work

2008-12-29T05:47:00.001-08:00

Here is an update on the projects I've been up to lately.

First, yesterday I listed three new hats, which always makes me happy!

This first one is in a soysilk/wool blend.

These next two hats are of my favorite kettle-dyed merino wool. I really look forward to getting this yarn when I've ordered it, it feels just lovely on the hands!

The spiral lace pattern is one that I'm trying to popularize, I think it looks neat, but it's hard to catch the flow of the style with a camera.

The daisy lace is a classic look in CelesteCraft land, of course!

These hats were made of the same matching yarn that I used in my Winter Crush Shawl, which is a traditional snapdragon lace pattern, and so lovely!
I didn't make this shawl over the weekend, I wish I was that productive!

Also over the weekend I started my 2008 scrapghan.

I collected all the small leftovers from the projects I did over the past year in a big box. Then I made my "baby" brother help me arrange the yarn into a sensible stripe sequence. There was a strip of yarn balls down the center of my living room! So I knit one row of each color and put each ball back in the box. Now I'm making thick rows of each color, following the pattern that I had laid out before. Giant needles help a lot, but this one will take some time! I'll keep you updated on the progress.

With the leftovers of the leftovers, I made a funky scarf. This is one of those projects where someone says "Let me tell you about my friend, and then you go ahead and make whatever you think would be good." I enjoyed making this, so I'll probably make a few more in coming days, as soon as I get some more rows done on that blanket!

Once Upon a Mattress!

2008-12-28T07:06:00.001-08:00

Don't let the title fool you, this is a family friendly comedy! The SLO Little Theater is performing Once Upon A Mattress beginning January 16, performed by children. I truly think it's great that the Little Theater brings opportunities for young actors to give big parts a try! So often kids are competing for the one age appropriate role, and there is simply not enough room in a show to cast all the talent. Of course, I'm a big fan of Once Upon a Mattress and so I'm very jealous of the children that get to be part of the show. Maybe someday soon a thoughtful company will do the traditional adult casting, and I'll get to be part of it!

http://www.slolittletheatre.org/pages/season/?season_id=&event_id=26

Holiday sale season begins!

2008-11-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

My friends over at the Fashion Design and Lifestyle team are getting ready for their post-thanksgiving sales. I'm offering 20% off all purchases of $20 or more (shipping excluded), and many are offering even deeper discounts!

Beth compiled a fantastic list. Thanks for doing that, Beth!
http://fashiondesignandlifestyle.blogspot.com/

Play Paper Dolls!

2008-11-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

The FDL team periodically plays paper dolls. Such fun! Here's the link. http://fashiondesignandlifestyle.blogspot.com/2008/11/paper-dolls-fourth-edition.html

You look at the selected item (a lovely red skirt this time) and then scan the web for pieces that would make a great outfit, and suggest them to the blog. I can't wait for a spare moment to go collect wish list items!

Giveaway!

2008-10-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

Not me, not today. But the Domestic Diva is giving away a camcorder, and you should go take a look!

The Domestic Diva’s Ultimate Flippin’ Giveaway

Sitting with Walter

2008-10-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend I house-sat in a beautiful home with a young bassett hound named Walter.

Walter was rescued from a shelter and still working on his training, but it really shows that he has found a great family. He was pretty slow and lazy most of the day, but had so much joy when we walked around the gardens and when he got up to play. He tested me frequently, just like a child with a substitute teacher. I knew the rules- he wasn't supposed to be on the dining room carpet or on any of the furniture, and he had to go sleep in his dog house at night.

Everytime he came into the house he woul take a toy from his basket and head straight for the dining room, wagging his tail and inviting me to play. As soon as I told him to get back on the kitchen floor where he belongs, he came, tail still wagging, with his routine still in place. Every night he played dead on his inside bed, trying to convince me that he sleeps there- why would I send him outside? Once I got him onto his feet (which is awfully difficult to do with a floppy dog) he went out to his dog house without protest.

So while he was usually a sleepy companion rather than engaging company, I think I learned a bit from Walter. Primarily I learned the power of belly rubs. Deep scratching to calm the anxious spirit, that is what bound Walter to me in the end. That and ear care. Floppy ears get into everything! I learned to enjoy the quiet moments with a dog head in my lap cleaning mud off the tips of his ears. Walter turned out to be a great friend for the weekend.

Small Town Upbringing

2008-10-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I hauled a friend down to Atacadero Colony Days http://www.colonydays.org/ and gave him a taste of what it's like to live in a small town.

We were there specifically to help my friend Heather, who is a photographer (she did the shawl pictures with the white backgrounds for me- thanks VERY much, Heather!) who had a booth at the festival but was also running around taking pictures for the city and who wasn't feeling very well. Oh, before I forget, here is Heather's website http://www.youngcurryphotography.com/index.html

So my friend and I sat in her booth and talked to people. He was amazed at how many "old friends of the family" stopped by for a hug and to catch up. Many had already heard rumor that I was staffing Heather's table, though I had only signed up the day before. Some folks were friends from High School, some from Elementary School, but most went to High School with my parents. What a community!

When Heather was back in her booth my friend and I wandered the festival, over to the replica of the old tent city, and I tried to explain the founding of the town. Happily, there were many historical people and members of the Historical Society available to clarify details. My friend was amazed at how many people put effort into celebrating the existence of a really tiny community. But he noticed the warmth in the way the townsfolk treated each other, and I think he understood. Home is such a warm place!

I also finished this shawl while working in Heather's booth (haven't had time to get Heather to photograph it yet, but I need to schedule another session with her soon!) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16379151 And I met several local stitchers! I love that having yarn in my hands invites creative people to talk with me!

Have a great day!
Celeste

Recent happenings

2008-10-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so here is the beginning of an update.

What a summer! I visited Seattle for the first time, designed some new hats, and had my best season ever for sales! I've been delighted, and I'm looking forward to a (hopefully) bustling autumn and winter.

I saw a great play recently, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. It was a tour of the ups and downs and beginnings and endings of romantic relationships. I was amazed that most of the crowd was in the 70+ demograpic, I hadn't expected such an edgy piece of theater to attract retired folks. But I realized that the people older than me could identify with more of the play than I could, and so was directly connected more of the time. It was truly enjoyable to see. Congratulations to the cast and crew at SLO Little Theater for an excellent production! http://www.slolittletheatre.org/pages/season/?season_id=&event_id=23

I'm lucky to have a long standing relationship with the Little Theater, so of course I need to plug the current show too- a short play festival! Go see it if you're local this weekend! http://www.slolittletheatre.org/pages/season/?season_id=&event_id=24

So many more things to tell about, I'll have to write more often!
Be Warm!
Celeste

A Tad Bit Prudish Giveaway!

2008-10-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, Friends!
There is a giveaway going on at A Tad Bit Prudish- I suggest you head over there and take a look!
http://atadbitprudish.blogspot.com/2008/10/want-to-win-gorgeous-hand-knit-shawl.html

Best of luck!
Celeste

Hard Times in the Holidays

2008-10-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, friends! I just saw this great article on Etsy's Storque and wanted to share my views, too. http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/700-billion-bail-out-cramping-your-style-2667/

It looks like all of us (individuals and corporations alike) went WAY over budget these past few years. And now we all have to deal with the consequences of that. Naturally, the gifting holidays are going to be less extravagant than we would like. I know my little business will be affected, and I'm OK with that, I'm very aware that one of my items is the cost of a meal. I know your family will be picking and choosing this year, too. So I also encourage you to make every little gift matter. Give thoughtgully, respectfully, lovingly, warmly.

Isn't that what a gift is supposed to be about, anyway?

Happy holidays, in advance
Celeste

Fourth of July Beauty

2008-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Until July 4, I was one of the unlucky people who have never been to Seattle, WA. I celebrated my Independence from that group in a wonderful way.

The idea was to fly into Seattle in the afternoon and view the fireworks from Gasworks park. 5 minutes late to the airport translated to 1 hour late taking off, and 4 hours late landing. Making it to the park simply wasn't going to happen. My traveling companion and I were disappointed, but we agreed that there was much more to see on a long weekend than one fireworks display.

Here is what we missed.-- Thanks for sharing, B.

As we flew North and the sun set, I noticed an unusual amount of light along the coast. I commented to my friend that I was concerned that I was seeing fires, as the lights were yellow/orange and very plentiful. He said no, that I was looking at cities. But... the lights are flickering and changing. Fireworks! The last hour of our flight I had my face pressed to the window, giggling like a child as I saw tiny burst of colored light popping up randomly along the coastline.

As we began to descend into Seattle, our airplane took us in a large circle. The lights of the city were beautiful, of course, and each little community had it's own show going. And we saw all of them from above. It was like the entire area was strung with blinking Christmas lights, illuminating the edges of the islands and the communities, and giving us an amazing show. The closer we got to the ground the larger the fireworks became, and as we climbed off the plane we saw the colored bursts full-size finally.... and one at a time. While some expressed disappointment that we had missed the show from the ground, I told my companion confidentially that I don't think I've ever enjoyed a fireworks display so much.

Now I wonder how I can use that joy creatively. What fibers could inspire that sense of light and color and silence all at once? Things to ponder. I think my visit to Seattle will inspire more posts, and lots of colorful ideas for the future.

Oh my

2008-07-14T20:18:00.001-07:00

I was the weird person at the beach. You know that person, the one that doesn't seem malicious, but that you don't approach? Now I know what it feels like to be that person.

I thought my task was wholesome enough. I needed some pictures of my hats, so I packed my trusty styrofoam wig-head (Lucy), a bin of hats, and my camera. I happen to work near a really beautiful coast, so why not take use my lunch break? There was a picnic table available, so I set up Lucy to enjoy the ocean.

I had taken some pictures and changed Lucy's hat a few times, when I noticed a group of teens pretending not to notice me. I gave them a smile, but they didn't return it. Strange.

Next, a dad carrying toddler and walking with a (perhaps) 4-year old boy came up the beach. The dad specifically didn't look at me while I clicked away. The boy didn't take his eyes off me. Finally the boy asked "Dad, what's she doing?"

The dad, still not looking at me, said "I..... have no idea." And he took the boys hand and they walked around me in a big circle.

How funny, I thought! To act afraid or concerned by a young woman in business attire sitting at a picnic table with no company but a well-dressed styrofoam head..... Oh.

I'm so used to my crafty stuff bringing people to me, that I was surprised by the negative reaction that my actions at the beach created. I suppose the actual crafting is a welcoming task, and people are comfortable with it. Taking pictures of a wig head is not yet comforting.

What will I tell Lucy?

Warm people congregate

2008-07-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was at one of our local landmarks, the Madonna Inn, a while back, and I had a really wonderful experience. I was early for dancing, so I found a quiet spot to stitch in front of the big fireplace. I’m almost always rewarded when I stitch in public, and that day was no exception. So many people wandered by and asked about my project. Quite a few plopped down next to me and told me about their own projects. I heard about a 1930’s style prom dress made by a proud grandmother, and about a struggle turning knitting. I suggested parts of the building that should not be missed, and most of the people came back to talk some more. I invited some to watch the dancing, and a few did.

It reminds me that crafting is a social activity. A project and a smile is all someone needs to see to feel confident starting a conversation. People who craft are warm people. Warm people find each other. I love that.

A blog beginning

2008-06-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hello there! I'm creating this blog primarily to go along with my Etsy site http://celestecraft.etsy.com . I realized that there is a lot going on in my creative life that I would like to be able to share. Random brainstorms that may lead to actual creation, and (hopefully) enjoyable stories should follow soon. The big thing I want to tell you tonight, though, is that crafting is a Warm activity, done by Warm people, and our creations warm the hearts and bodies of others. How lucky we all are to Be Warm!

Celeste