the art of living

Enjoying the Little Things

2011-06-18T10:40:00.004-07:00

Sometimes the little things make me the happiest. My new measuring cups made me smile this morning as I used them for the first time while making a new apple French toast recipe. I spotted these Russian nesting doll measuring cups somewhere online last year, and thought they were adorable. When I spotted them at SuperTarget yesterday, I was so excited.

Graduation was a few weeks ago, and I've been slowly adjusting to normal life. It kind of feels like maybe I'm just on my 2-week break in between quarters, except I'm not pre-ordering books from Amazon and trying to read the first 3 chapters on my so-called break, which makes me want to do a happy dance. One of the unintended consequences of going back to school is that it made me have an appreciation for my free time. The past few weeks I've had time to try new recipes, I've been experimenting a little with some new jewelry designs, and we just got a new couch and have been brainstorming about redecorating to make our apartment feel more cozy, more us.

Life is good.

Coming Soon: Life After Grad School

2011-04-24T18:40:00.003-07:00

Since January I've been working on my capstone project, my final mission to accomplish before graduating in June. The capstone project is a big research study and accompanying paper applying what I've learned over the past few years as I've been working toward a master's degree in web design and development. Even though the last few weeks have been especially busy, there is this underlying excitement brimming as I think about life after grad school.

Before going back to school, the three creative activities I enjoyed the most were making jewelry, blogging, and taking pictures. At the time, I was actively selling my jewelry at art and craft fairs, through a few shops and boutiques, and was swimming along in this wonderful creative current- a place where new ideas came easily, and I saw inspiration everywhere. It seems like the more you practice being creative, the more easily that creative energy swirls around you. Well, once school started, all that energy was used for writing, researching, coding, or creating a website for class, and I the things I enjoyed- sewing, taking pictures, and making jewelry- kind of felt like work, so I cut back on those wonderful, messy, hands-on creative projects.

I'm currently working on my final project, a wonderful dive into web usability for small businesses. I'm currently redesigning a website for a family and wedding portrait photographer, and just completed a 20-person usability assessment study testing about perceptions of value, credibility, and web usability of the photographer's website. This project is definitely one of those challenging and equally amazing experiences. At one point I never imagined how I'd be able to write 50 pages on anything, and now I'm worried that I will have way too many things to say about my topic.

Once I've graduated, I'm looking forward to summertime scooter riding, art-making, and just being, but part of me is trying slow down and savor the experience just a little. Even though I know I will always enjoy learning new things and developing new skills on my own, there is something I appreciate about being in school where I'm often obligated to push myself beyond what I think I have in me. My husband gave me an art desk this Christmas in anticipation of my graduation, so I'm getting excited about dusting off my art supplies soon.

Pinterest Love

2011-02-19T09:10:00.006-07:00

Today's favorite find on Pinterest, Words of Wisdom print by Francesca Ramos

My dear friend Sarah encouraged me to sign up for Pinterest a few weeks ago, and I'm in love. If you've never heard of Pinterest, it's a website that allows you to bookmark and save catalogs of photos. I'm constantly perusing blogs and websites, and discover so many inspiring things, so I love that Pinterest allows me to save lovely photos into one giant collection. I've always kept a bulletin board on my wall full of inspiring stuff- pictures and cards and magazine cutouts- so this is like having an inspiration board online. So far, my favorite collection is "lovely words," a grouping of images of posters or graphics or other products with beautiful words and quotes.

One of my favorite things about Pinterest is that it's got a social aspect where you can follow collections of photos of like-minded pinners. If you discover a photo you love, you can click on images that others have posted, and you end up on the web page of the original source. I've found it's a great way to discover new artists and interesting websites.

sunshine

2010-07-05T19:20:00.008-07:00

I spent some time today making jewelry, and it felt wonderful. I brought all my supplies out onto our patio, and spent the afternoon creating while basking in the sunshine with a glass of pink lemonade by my side. Although I love photography and collage and experimenting with fabric, jewelry is my one true creative love- the thing I could do for hours and days and years and never get bored.

good things

2010-06-26T20:26:00.006-07:00

Coffee + flea market shopping + pedicure + wine + BBQ = best day ever. I took a mini road trip and spent the day with my good friend to celebrate her 30th birthday, which is today, and my birthday, which is this upcoming week. I think summertime birthdays are the best.

Do you ever find yourself falling so much in love with the decor in a certain place that you vow to run home and decorate your living space the very same way? The little spa where we got our pedicures today had such a whimsical feel- I loved it. It made me want to run home and cut paper butterflies out of bright green, magenta, and royal purple paper and string them up across a corner of my living room.

happiness

2010-05-31T15:17:00.008-07:00

Such a lovely weekend.

Ventured all around downtown on my scooter, went on a morning jog with my husband and dogs, and spent some time with some of my favorite people. I enjoyed coffee and mimosas and Arnold Palmers, basked in the sunshine, sat on the side of a grassy hill overlooking downtown Denver, took some pictures, and in general appreciated every minute of this long weekend.

la vita è bella

2010-05-30T16:17:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, I brought home a pink Vespa. I've been daydreaming about crusing on my vintage-style scooter to a coffee shop on a lazy Sunday afternoon for years now. Today, I found out that riding a scooter to a coffee shop on a warm, sunny afternoon really is every bit as fun as I imagined- maybe even better. My dream didn't include the exhilaration of feeling the wind on my face or looking straight up and seeing clouds in a bright blue sky.

At some point in early 2010, I declared this the year to finally start replacing daydreaming with doing. It's so easy to think circumstances will be just right not now but someday, using logic to guide us through life. Rather than analyzing every decision from 20 different angles, I'm finally doing all these wonderful things I've always dreamed about- like getting my dream scooter.

still missing seattle

2010-04-29T21:54:00.008-07:00

I took this photo in Pike Place Market last year when Brandon and I were in Seattle on our honeymoon. We stayed at a hotel within walking distance, and visited the market multiple times that week- mainly to swoon over the beautiful buckets of flowers.

true living

2010-04-26T22:50:00.004-07:00

This past weekend, I attended an amazing Sabrina Ward Harrison True Living Project art journaling workshop in Seattle, hosted by Angela Ritchie Ace Camps. I've wanted to do something like this for many years, and my first art workshop certainly exceeded my expectations (and trust me when I say I knew in advance I'd have a wonderful time traveling to Seattle to spend a weekend creating).

It was amazing being surrounded with a group of kind, genuine, and interesting women who seem to share a love for so many of the things I appreciate: seeing beauty everywhere, having large and random collections of art supplies, thrift store shopping, Polaroid cameras. This has done so much to renew my spirit, in ways I can't even put into words right now.

Tomorrow, I head back to class where I'll be learning more about the nature of JavaScript code- but tonight, I will continue savoring the memory of poetry, pink blossoms, and paint on my hands.

happy.

2010-04-22T16:13:00.005-07:00

I love how my sweet dog looks so content in this picture. A perfect picture for a day like today.

As soon as I finish typing up this week's paper (I'm about 40% finished and my ability to concentrate is quickly dwindling...), I'm packing my new purple plaid suitcase and getting ready to leave for a weekend trip to Seattle. I'll be participating in a workshop with one of my favorite artists, Sabrina Ward Harrison.

So excited.

new york city weekend

2010-03-24T11:40:00.004-07:00

I just returned from spending a long weekend in New York City with my husband. There is so much to see in this city! Our dear friends from college let us stay with them at their sweet little place in Brooklyn. They were amazing hosts, suggesting perfect itineraries and sending us on our way with a Not For Tourists guidebook, which ended up being an amazing resource. The guidebook helped us navigate the subway system, successfully explore different neighborhoods, and made it easy for us to find our way back to their place each night.

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Ate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery. ♥

Rented a rowboat in Central Park.

Viewed the city from the top of Rockefeller Center.

create a life of beauty & joy

2010-03-14T14:40:00.021-07:00

Earlier this year, I had this realization that I was neglecting the thing I love the most: Art. It was such a huge part of my life when I was doing art shows. Art was my life. Then I started working on my master's degree, and it completely got pushed down on my priority list. There are few things in this world that make me more happy than creating something new. This past year, paint and paper have been replaced by pixels. Although I'm taking some great classes as I work on my degree in web development, computer-based design just doesn't replace the part of me that loves getting out my supplies and browsing through my paper stash and making big art messes.

Over the past month, I've started focusing on on small projects. At this point in my life, I can't manage 4 hours of my Sunday spent making things but do have are small pockets of time. This past month, I started writing in my journal again, and I've dusted off my camera. I'm traveling to Seattle in April to take part in a weekend art retreat. This is something I've always wanted to do, so to say I'm excited is a huge understatement!

I'm so glad to be welcoming art back into my life.

wine + design

2008-03-16T19:51:00.007-07:00

Just recently, a small group of women and I started gathering for a monthly art night. We've held art night just a few times, experimenting with a different medium every month. This month, we worked with stencils- painting t-shirts, baby onesies, tote bags, fabric swatches, and even a pair of blue jeans!

We usually create while partaking in snacks, listening to inspiring music, and sharing a bottle of wine. We're all busy with school, work, and keeping up with life in general, but have discussed how absolutely refreshing it is to get together for art night.

2008-01-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Love as if this is all there is.”
– Mary Anne Radmacher

today's finds

2008-01-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

I found this milk crate from Fulton Milk Company while shopping at a newly-discovered antique mall today. I've wanted one of these for a while now and was lucky to stumble upon this beauty. I'm thinking of using it as a wine rack if I can find a good spot in our tiny kitchen.

I love collecting old glass jars and tea cups and saucers, so the photo below are some of the most recent additions to my collection, found at the Salvation Army. My total for all six pieces was $3.18.

photos from home

2007-12-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

New pendants added to the Moonwater Designs shop

2007-11-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

I just added three new mixed media art collage charms to the Moonwater Designs Shop. Click any of the images below to check them out.

2007-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest creation, a sun catcher made from a vintage key and an old dog tag from New York State, circa 1932.

Moonwater Designs art auction

2007-09-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at some of the charms I'll be placing on eBay for the auction to raise money for the local Easter Seals Stroke Day Program. My sister and I have been planning on running the Denver Half Marathon to benefit the Easter Seals since early this year- and now the race date is only around 3 weeks away. I'm starting to get excited! We'll be running 13.1 miles, a half-marathon. Before this year, I had never run more than 5 miles- and the last time I had run that distance was when I was 16.

The program we're raising money for provides rehabilitation services, fitness, and cameraderie to stroke survivors. They've got a pool they use for therapy, have brought in therapy dogs, and provide other great activities to help participants grow and become more independent. It's a wonderful program, so I hope you'll consider bidding on some new Moonwater Designs creations! 100% of proceeds from the auction will be donated to Easter Seals.

2007-09-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

I decided this morning that it's been far too long since I updated my blog. Where have I been? Much of my time these days is being spent training for a half-marathon taking place in October. I've always thought of artist and athlete as two separate entities, but I'm learning that there's room for both creativity and activity in my life. I've never been a strong runner, so I've always wanted to challenge myself with an organized race of some sort. My sister and I have been talking about running a 5k together for years now, and this talk somehow found us signing up in January to run 13.1 miles in the Denver Half Marathon on October 14.

The course should be spectacular. It starts in front of the beautiful Denver capitol building with the gold dome roof, winds throughout the Denver city skyline you see in photos, goes past a number of major sports venues downtown like Coors Field, and through a handful of parks. In addition to my Ipod- which has been essential to training this summer- one of the things that helps me get through long training runs is taking in the scenery. On the rare occasion that I run inside on a treadmill, I go crazy because I'm lacking visual variety. When I run outside, I distract myself by taking in all the sights- everything from the mix of colors in a beautiful flower bed or the start of a sunset to the unique curve of a tree branch.

Speaking of the half marathon- my sister and I are running to raise money for her workplace, the Easter Seals Day Stroke Program, which provides therapy and cameraderie for stroke survivors. In addition to my regular fundraising, I'm having an online auction starting next week, selling some of my latest jewelry designs to raise money for the program. 100% of proceeds from the auction will go to the Day Stroke Program. More details coming soon!

2007-08-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

I would have thought I would have indulged in my cupcake fix a few weeks ago at the Alice in Wonderland trunk show, but apparently not...

I made some cupcakes tonight with vanilla buttercream frosting tinted a very pale shade of blue-green. I decorated the cupcakes with turquoise swirls similar to the signature silver swirls I use in a lot of my colored glass charms. I started out trying polka-dots, but the thin, round frosting tip I had just didn't do the trick, so I started swirling away.

I decided tonight that decorative swirls make cupcakes taste better. I think I'm going to bring some to work tomorrow, because I made around 30 cupcakes, and I promise you they'll all be gone within days- and there are only two of us in the house! We love cupcakes.

2007-08-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick shot from downtown Denver on a rainy summer evening. We went out for dinner, and this was the scene as we walked back to our car. These lights over the sidewalk never fail to enchant!

2007-08-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

Stacie at Archival Elements has a new blog which includes pictures of pillows she sews then stitches using yarn, embroidery, recycled materials. Her photos are great, but you should see these things in person! So lovely.

2007-07-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my boyfriend and I got in the car to embark upon our road trip from Denver to my hometown, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As I blogged about earlier this week, I'm doing a jewelry trunk show at a shop in downtown Sioux Falls called Archival Elements. In addition to Moonwater Designs, I work a full-time day job at a nonprofit in Denver. I'm also training for a half-marathon in October, so this past year, I've learned that there's a fine art to achieving balance. It seems like there are never enough hours in the day, so I thought I would bring some show projects with me, figuring it would be the perfect way to get some last-minute things done for the show and that keeping my hands busy would make the trip through Nebraska go by quickly.

The photo above is one project I accomplished... stringing these letters on pale yellow ribbon to create Merry Unbirthday sign. The letters were a template I downloaded from Martha Stewart's website. I just had white cardstock on hand, which I strung on colored ribbon, but her multi-colored version is amazing! I'll definitely be printing more of these letters when I get home. Perhaps I'll make a "You can do it!" banner for times I find myself questioning the whole running 13 miles thing.

It's a tea party!

2007-07-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm heading back to my home town next week for a jewelry trunk show at Archival Elements in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year's trunk show event features an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party, so come join us for a cup of tea and some sweet desserts that will be whispering, "Eat Me."

You are cordially invited to join us at Archival Elements in downtown Sioux Falls Friday, July 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. or Saturday, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a trunk show featuring Moonwater Designs stained glass and mixed media pendants.

Enjoy a cup of tea as you check out my new line of jewelry inspired by Alice's adventures in Wonderland, featured in addition to my regular collection of stained glass and mixed media pendants created using colorful images, vintage paper fragments, and found objects.

Click below for more details:

lovely art

2007-07-05T21:36:00.001-07:00

There are tons of creatives out there I admire, as evidenced by my web browser folder titled "Inspirational Artists." The internet makes it easy to go on a virtual artwalk of both well-known and undiscovered artists all in the same sitting. With that said, it's been a while since I've been head-over-heels smitten by artist's work. I just came across the most amazing paintings by artist Jill Mayberg. Click the photo above to visit her website.

She's going to be in Denver at the big Cherry Creeks Arts Festival this weekend. This festival is one of the most competitive juried outdoor festivals inthe United States, attracting artists from all over the world. I've been in Colorado over 4 years now, and have never gone to this event! I am looking forward to a real-life art walk this weekend.

2007-06-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

A sincere thanks to everyone who came to the First Friday art opening at the Artists' Nook in Fort Collins this past Friday! Just a quick reminder- if you didn't make it on Friday, my entire collection of 75+ charms will be at the Artists' Nook throughout the month of June.

If you've never been there, run- don't walk - to the Artists' Nook Art Boutique, where you'll find a variety of creations by Northern Colorado mixed media artists such as Bev Perina, Hollyn Stegall, Kat Midland-Peters, Kelley Jones, Laurie Zuckerman, Leslie Smith, Lynn Henry, Sandy Vanderpool, Tiffini Elektra X, Tana Mitchell, Tracey Kazimir-Cree, Venita Hawkins-Bird, Lisa Hoffman, Linda Folkerts, Maggie Kunze, Whitney Clifton, Tara Parr & Peggy Houchin.

iPods and Puppies

2007-06-03T19:13:00.001-07:00

:denver skyline:

:view from our porch:

Within the past year, I've been walking and/or jogging on a regular basis. It's been such a nice addition to my routine! At first, it was strictly for the sake of our dog, since we live downtown in a one-bedroom apartment. After a while, I started realizing that getting fresh air and exercise was not only good for Koda, but it's beneficial to my well-being, too. I often come back from a walk with a clear head, and if I'm burned out or in a rut, I'll return feeling creatively inspired. I can leave in a bad mood and return with a fresh perspective on things. It's a good thing.

Having grown up in South Dakota, surrounded with the plains and the tallest skyscraper in the state measuring in at 11 stories high, I am fascinated with the fact that our apartment is in the midst of downtown Denver. There is lots of interesting eye-candy on our walks. We have a neat view of the 52-story Wells Fargo Center out our back window. I think part of the reason I dig our walks is that we're winding through that which makes up the lovely Denver skyline you see in the photo above. Even though we've been here over a year now, it's still surreal to me sometimes. I never imagined myself living somewhere like this, and sometimes I feel like I'm in a movie! I spotted a reality TV star the other day, and was so excited I had to call my boyfriend to tell him who I saw at Home Depot. I knew it was entirely silly that I called about this insignificant sighting, but I've always been a big pop-culture junkie and, frankly- we just don't have things like that happen in South Dakota.

:on a walk through downtown:

:dog's eye view of the apartment complex next door from our porch:

The awe-inspiring tall buildings and historic architecture around here certainly help give us interesting visuals while we're on our walks- however, there are two other things that have helped me maintain my motivation this past year. I highly recommend investing in one or both. Although the IPod doesn't show me much love when I get home from work every day, it does come with a handy user's guide.

Fort Collins friends!

2007-05-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Please join Moonwater Designs for an art opening at the Artists’ Nook in Fort Collins, Colorado this Friday, June 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Artists’ Nook is located at 402 N. College Avenue in Fort Collins, just about 4 blocks north of Mountain Avenue.

Can't make it on Friday? Moonwater Designs jewelry will be on display at The Artists’ Nook through June 30.

2007-05-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

The weather this weekend has been amazing- warm and sunny. I have an art opening this upcoming Friday at the Artists' Nook in Fort Collins, so I've been doing lots of jewelry making this weekend- but have made it a point to get out there and enjoy the lovely days we've been having!

As you can see, my art desk includes jump rings. Lots of them. And permanent splashes of paint that- now that I think about it- I've never tried to wash off. The table I use is this dull GRAY of all colors, so I welcome the addition of color in the form of spilled paint.

Our dog Koda joined us on our adventures today. First, we walked into downtown Denver and went to an art fair. I love outdoor fairs and festivals, and am so glad that season is upon us! Denver's a great place to be if you enjoy attending or participating in outdoor fairs. Farmer's markets, outdoor antique flea markets, art fairs, and cultural celebrations abound.

The art fair was great. There were quite a few stained glass artists and lots of jewelry artists, both things I really enjoy. I fell in love with a necklace created by a male jewelry artist. Male jewelry artists are rare, and seeing one at an art fair is even more rare. He had unique designs, and I like to support local artists as much as my pocketbook will allow. Unfortunately, my pocketbook didn't allow me to bring home the 5-foot tall painting I loved. Someday.

After the art fair, we stopped and had tacos at a restaurant near our apartment. It has a dog-friendly patio, so Koda hung out and vacuumed up all the food that made its way to the cement floor. So polite.

Stop and Smell the Roses

2007-05-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

We have a few plants in our apartment, but most are up high- outside sniffing range- so our dog Koda was curious when I brought home a bunch of flowers after work today. I sat out on our porch and quizzical Koda joined me. I looked away for a split second and he had stuffed his face in one of the pots and came up with a nose full of dirt and a giant grin on his face.

A few years ago, I thought it was time to learn how to take care of something other than myself, so I bought a few plants. Some died, but there are several that have been with me for multiple years now. Next, I got a dog. He's almost two years old now, and he passed with flying colors at our last vet visit. Since I've been successful at nurturing various things these past few years, I decided I'd plant a bed of flowers this summer using the gigantic flowerpot that the prior apartment dwellers left behind on our porch.

My parents have always had big, beautiful flower gardens in our yard, and the itch suddenly hit me this year to create a mini flower garden of my own. Living in downtown Denver surrounded by silver skyscrapers and gray concrete, bright colors and growth are especially refreshing.

2007-05-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today I drank orange soda...

found some lovely vintage keys at Studio Bead ...

worked on some new jewelry designs...

and found some broken glass which I will eventually encase in mini necklace shadowbox type pieces. I spotted these sparkling on the sidewalk during my jog today and couldn't resist picking them up on my way back home. I think I jogged about a half mile with a small bunch of these clutched in my hand. Having worked with glass for so many years, I've become pretty good at avoiding injury. The first few years were challenging as I learned how not to handle glass the hard way. Let's just say I sported Band-Aids frequently.

2007-05-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

The photo on the top left features a package of jewelry which will soon be making its way from Colorado to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It's always exciting knowing that some of my creations will be making their journey from my studio out into the world! It makes me happy. Makes my dog smile, too.

If you're in the Sioux Falls area, you can stop by Archival Elements new location downtown at 330 S. Phillips Avenue to check out their new space and the new Moonwater Designs shipment.

2007-05-09T21:08:00.001-07:00

2007-04-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

vintage key necklace

dream - before

dream - after

sea glass

2007-04-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

There's just something about broken pieces of glass being tumbled and smoothed by water and sand that is so enchanting. Growing up in South Dakota, we went to the lake or river quite often, but instead of glass bits my sisters and I would collect river rocks along the shore of the river. I've only been to the ocean a few times in 30 years, so while I've never been lucky enough to find sea glass on my own, I've had friends send me sea glass and there's always eBay. I love eBay!

I just bought these earrings from DKC Designs on Etsy. I love that beautiful imperfection in that the shape of each earring is just a little different from the other.

2007-03-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my latest creations! I've been buying up vintage keys on eBay like crazy, and now have gathered quite the collection of various shapes and sizes which I'll be incorporating into necklace designs. The other two charms are limited edition Moonwater Designs mixed media pieces created using various papers, paints, inks, and rubber stamps.

2007-03-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Click the photo below to see the most recent addition to the Moonwater Designs shop. I'm slowly trying to add charms to my shop. I work a full-time day job at a non-profit organization, which includes a 45-minute commute each way, so between working, eating, sleeping, walking the dog, driving, and occasionally working out, I sometimes have to be creative in finding time to create new jewelry designs and update my website!

Like tonight, for example- it's about an hour past my bedtime. I leave you with this update- small, but progress. It's all about the baby steps sometimes.

2007-03-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

This piece by Kendra Binney is amazing. Actually, all her work is amazing- I want them all!

Check out more of her work by visiting her Etsy shop.

2007-03-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend and I went out to brunch today to a quaint little restaurant on our block. We had been there a few times for dinner before, and the place is recently under new ownership, so thought we'd try out their new brunch selection. First off, they painted all the vintage metal chandeliers turquoise, so I was immediately enjoying the new look of the place. There are now featuring all sorts of huge canvas paintings on the walls- a new addition. Within minutes of walking through the door, I find myself liking the new owners.

We both enjoyed the Vienna French Toast with brown sugar cinnamon butter. Add a few cups of coffee to the whole mix (chandeliers in my favorite color! huge pieces of art on almost every wall! brown butcher paper lining each table!) and suddenly I'm pinching myself and wondering if I've died gone to a cafe in heaven.

Our bill arrived in a turquoise envelope- how cute is that? Similar to when I find myself in awe of handmade tags on handcrafted things in shops, I sometimes get such a small thrill from unique little touches.

2007-02-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Our new chair was delivered today and I am so thrilled! Excuse me while I run up 4 flights of stairs to the apartment rooftop and sing of my happiness to anyone in downtown Denver who doesn't mind listening to me belt showtunes off-key.

I will be turning 31 in July, and up until this point in my life- thanks to many kind friends and family members and various thrift stores- I've had nothing but hand-me-down furniture. We went shopping for a couch this weekend and ended up with not only a couch, but also a chair which just happens to incorporate my two favorite colors- blue and green.

2007-02-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some new charms and hope to get a chance to add some to my shop this weekend. Here's a sneak peek- a real vintage key from Terryville, Connecticut embedded into an antique bronze metal heart. This is the first necklace of its kind, and it was so much fun to make that I've been bidding on vintage keys on eBay like a crazywoman!

2007-02-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Happiness is... sipping coffee while making art and listening to your favorite tunes from your favorite musicals with your sweet dog by your side.

Today is a work holiday, so me and our dog are hanging out and I'm trying to come up with some new necklace designs. I just cleared out the area under my art desk, so there's suddenly this exciting new spot for Koda to check out!

I have an obsession with boxes so this area was formerly the home of my vintage suitcase and my box collection. We live in a 1-bedroom apartment near downtown Denver, so we don't have a whole lot of storage. We finally decided to rent a storage space from our apartment this weeked so we've got a much less cluttered apartment. And Koda keeps my feet much warmer than that old suitcase, anyway...

Inspiration Bubble Bath

2007-02-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning on the right side of the bed. Love when that happens! Not having been a morning person- ever- I admit this is truly a rare occurance. It typically takes a cup of coffee to snap me out of my morning funk.

I decided that rather than my regular morning brushing the teeth and taking a shower routine, I'd take a bubble bath instead- so I grabbed a cup of coffee, some of my most inspiring books and drew a bath. I sipped coffee from my custom mug featuring collage artwork from True Colors artist Sarah Fishburn and perused the colorful pages of True Colors, Pretty Little Things by Sally Jean Alexander and Messy Thrilling Life by Sabrina Ward Harrison. These are all at the top of my list of books to gaze at when seeking creative inspiration. You know it's been a successful Inspiration Bubble Bath when you find yourself suddenly making a giant mental list of art supplies you must have- must buy charcoal, must get more paint, need more little square wooden artist panels... must finish bubble bath and get dressed so I can get my to the art supply store-- STAT!

Just to give you an idea of where the heck I've been... I haven't updated my website with new things in a while because my work has been changing a bit. I've been making things but just not putting them out into the world. It's been sort of a slow and unintentional transformation this past year. Almost one year ago- right after the new year- I was so burned out! Moonwater Designs experienced the busiest holiday season ever, and all my creativity vanished without a trace. It quickly fizzled out and I tried a bunch of things but just couldn't make it come back. I moved to Denver last May and have personally experienced a lot of change within myself, sort of embraced the retreat from art and started focusing on taking care of myself better all last summer, and just know that who I am inside has grown and changed in good ways. I used to LOVE bright colors, so much of my jewelry created back when I started in 2001 was a wild array of strong hues- blues and greens, bright oranges and purples. I've been fascinated with dusty turquoise lately and muted shades aree singing to my heart. It will be fun to see how my style transitions even more. I now live near the heart of downtown Denver, next to the sky scrapers, so there are lots of people always around, buses and sirens and graffiti and old brick buildings that were built in the late 1800's. Such a change of scenery from cities I've lived in before- Sioux Falls, South Dakota... Fort Collins, Colorado... Iowa City, Iowa. All these places were pretty similar in size and had the same sort of feel and look about them.

In any case, I've been working on quite a few little pieces with paper and sometimes paint that I'm putting behind glass. Some themes I've been fascinated with recently are houses and cowboys. Even though the necklaces are tiny and really simple, my love for working in collage is back. I want to venture out to my favorite art store today to pick up some more canvases. I bought one several weeks ago and can't get myself to use it because I don't want to "ruin it." I do the same thing with certain journals- they rest on my shelf, full of promise (but no writings or collage messes) because I am saving it for something really special. That's just silly and honestly goes against my artistic philosophy. I would tell anyone else just to dive in and make a mess and here I am with blank journals and canvases in my art cabinet.

2007-01-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a charm I made this weekend using an image of a cowboy and a scrap of vintage paper. The color in the background of this charm is the color I would like to paint my dream art studio one day. Blues and greens have always been my favorite colors, so this mixture of both (more green than blue) makes my heart sing. I love even more that it's kind of a dirty turquoise. My description sounds glamorous, no? No- I didn't think so. :) Can anyone out there think of a better name for this color? Maybe it's simply a version of turquoise.

2006-12-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

It snowed around 2 feet here in Denver, so I had some unexpected time off this week. I think there may be only a few things better than snow days. And a snow day only 5 days before Christmas? I think life really does not get much better than this!

I spent the time in my cozy apartment making necklaces, baking cookies and trying out my new french press which makes a great cup of coffee. I even dusted off my sewing machine and did some sewing. I made a cozy bed for my dog using 2 old pillows we no longer use. While I had the project still in the works- I was making sure the pillows would fit inside the fabric I had sewed- he walked up and settled right on top of my work-in-progress. Apparently he somehow knew I was creating it just for him. It's been a while since I used my sewing machine and I have to admit it was great getting some time to sew a few things yesterday.

I am heading back to South Dakota to visit family next week, so the Moonwater Designs shop will be unofficially closed. You can still place orders, we just won't be shipping anything next week. All orders placed from now until December 31 will be shipped the first week of January.

Wishing you a very happy holiday!

2006-11-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

wholehearted

2006-07-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, hearts- how I've missed you! Here is a photo of my latest creation- a necklace featuring handcrafted silver hearts and turquoise beads on a sterling silver necklace. Click the photo for a closer view.

vintage tie handbags

2006-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Stacie from Archival Elements in Sioux Falls just opened an online version of her shop. You must visit her website and check out her vintage tie handbags. I've been carrying my large lime green with brown vintage necktie handbag since last fall, and have never received as many compliments on a handbag as I've received on this thing!

Everyone from the white-haired woman at the bookstore to the teenager behind the counter at the local sandwhich shop seems to appreciate the tie bag. And the best part is that the handbag is stylish enough to accompany me on a night out on the town yet roomy enough to carry around things like my journal and a magazine.

New Bracelet Design

2006-06-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

beautiful synchronicity

2006-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready to move to Denver in two days. One of my friends from work, Leane- knowing of my obsession with finding neat old treasures to use in creating- gave me a couple of vintage books she found at her church book sale the other day. As I was packing the books today something fell out of one of the books. I pick it up, and realize it is a beautiful old envelope with a graphic in one corner, a fancy little logo from The Daniels and Fisher Stores Co-- Denver, CO! It turns out that the Daniels and Fisher Store was the most prestigious department store in Denver for the first half of the century.

The envelope has an address on the front typed on an old typewriter- Mrs. M.W. Ball, 2277 Bellaire St., Denver, Colo. I looked this name up online, and it appears as though M.W. Ball is Max Waite Ball (the address matches up on a geneology site), a petroleum engineer who appeared to live in Colorado in the 1920's.

It turns out the clock tower in Denver is still standing in LoDo, now housing offices, so I will have to keep my eye out for it.

2006-05-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am writing this on my laptop as I sit on the floor surrounded by cardboard boxes. We're moving to Denver this weekend, so I am putting the finishing touches on a few charms then packing away all my artsy belongings.

I have mixed feelings about packing up my art studio. On one hand, I get to go through an informally inventory my supplies, giving away things I no longer use. It's great knowing that when I unpack, I will put things away very deliberately and for a few brief moments I will see everything stacked so neatly, in it's place, exactly where it should be. On the other hand, having everything in boxes means that I am no longer surrounded with things like old coffee tins full of paint brushes and colorful scraps of glass- these are the types of things that make me feel at home.

I look forward to the new adventures I'm bound to find in the big city, but I will definitely miss everyone and everything that has made Fort Collins my true 'home' for the last 3 1/2 years.

2006-04-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. GEORGE CARLIN

Although there are those recognizable big moments in our lives- the momentous types of things that are almost impossible to forget- it is more often the small things that take my breath away.
... The perfect coffee buzz.
... Finding a treasure at a thrift store and discovering that it's priced way lower than I would expect it to be.
... Pet quirkiness. I love the fact that they can make you laugh without really knowing they're doing so- sometimes at the perfect time when you most needed it.

2006-04-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.
(Unknown)

Custom Charms

2006-04-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have visited my site in the past, you may have noticed that Moonwater Designs is no longer offering custom charms. While it's fun working with customers to create designs from their favorite images, custom work can be sometimes stressful and very time intensive!

I realized over the past few months that custom work was taking up the time and energy I would normally use to come up with new jewelry designs. Therefore, I am planning on spending this summer both "refilling the well," so to speak, and experimenting, and will hopefully come back with some exciting new creations.

:new shop: Matter Bookstore, Fort Collins, CO

2006-02-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that Moonwater Designs jewelry can now be found at the Matter Bookstore (inside the Bean Cycle coffee shop) in Old Town, Fort Collins, Colorado. If you live in Fort Collins and haven't visited the bookstore yet, I highly encourage you to grab an iced white mocha and peruse the bookstore, which includes several cozy chairs and a great collection of books!

I am thrilled to finally have my things available somewhere in Fort Collins.

2006-02-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
Pablo Picasso

2006-01-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

This charm was created by placing a vintage paper fragment cut from an old catalog between two pieces of clear stained glass.

2006-01-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of The Heart Experiment.

(click on the heart to see all three Heart Experiment charms... )

2006-01-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

Visit my new Flickr account to see photos of all the Heart Experiment pieces.

Heart Experiment Day # 1

2006-01-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today is day 1 of the Heart Experiment! I will be creating one heart-themed piece of art per day for the next 30 days and posting my results on my webpage. The creations will be available via eBay, so if you're interested in checking them out, visit www.eBay.com and do an Advanced Search for seller moonwaterdesigns, or do a general eBay search on keywords Art Collage Charm Heart Series.

2005-12-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Whew! It was a busy holiday season, with lots of custom charm orders created from people's favorite photos. I saw lots of pictures of pets and kids this year, with vintage family photos running a close third in terms of popularity. The very last holiday order was fulfilled yesterday so today I'm relaxing- sipping coffee, venturing to the dog park, baking and listening to holiday music.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this the busiest Moonwater Designs holiday season yet! Here's to a wonderful 2006.

Cheers,
Nicole

Today's Art Desk Photos

2005-11-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

Art desk

2005-11-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

new border-free glass necklaces

2005-11-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

I worked on some new necklace charms this weekend, created from vintage paper fragments and pieces of clear glass.

2005-10-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

The latest Moonwater Designs art mess! Included are some vintage greeting card charms, vintage ticket charms and there's a stack of old playing cards just waiting in line to become charms.

new necklace designs

2005-10-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

An Evening of Sweet Indulgence

2005-10-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Those of you living in the lovely Fort Collins area can bid on any of 3 Moonwater Designs necklaces donated to the November 4 NCAP silent art auction. The Evening of Sweet Indulgence, a fund raiser for the Northern Colorado Aids Project, will feature great local artwork and business services offered through a silent auction, in addition to music, champagne and desserts!

Visit the Northern Colorado Aids Project website for more details and to find out how to purchase tickets for this event.

2005-10-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

"You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don’t have that kind of feeling for what it is you’re doing, you’ll stop at the first giant hurdle."

George Lucas, Director

2005-09-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I work on special request projects. The following are some picture frames I am creating for a dear friend in Arizona.

2005-09-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I've updated! I'm tired (but happy) from spending today outside at Denver's Ballpark Market, so instead of words will update with a few photos from today's event.

The lovely cityscape behind the back of the Moonwater Designs booth:

Necklace display made using vintage books.

The handsome man hiding behind the jewelry trunk is my boyfriend. He keeps me company throughout the day, and is fabulous at creatively fitting way more into a Ford Escort than any normal person would think possible. He also gives me leads on great flea market finds. What a guy.

2005-07-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Charms galore!

2005-07-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

Some more trunk show sneak peeks for you- vintage stamps, iridescent stained glass, trees and art behind clear textured stained glass, and lovely French words.

2005-07-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my latest charm designs. I've been very busy getting ready for the upcoming trunk shows! I went to my favorite stained glass shop yesterday, and found this fabulous pale green stained glass and a great iridescent stained glass, in addition to a bunch of other fabulous glass treasures.

2005-07-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

It's been such a busy month! I've been working on a number of custom orders and getting ready for two upcoming trunk shows. If you're in the Denver, CO or Sioux Falls, SD areas, you will not want to miss these exclusive trunk show events! I'm planning on bringing the best of my charm creations, and I promise that you will not be disappointed.

I'm going to try to take some photos of my progress in preparing for trunk shows, because I'm really excited about some of the new images from my collection that will be made into necklace charms. I've got a bag of vintage stamps- they're such a lovely rainbow of bright colors, and I especially like the ones that have been postmarked. I've always been obsessed with text and numbers and snail mail is the greatest- so the black ink with the postmarked text and numbers adding a layer on top of the text and numbers on the stamp itself is just word and number perfection in my eyes.

I recently found a few GREAT vintage French textbooks and dictionaries that I've also been incorporating into necklace charms. I also have some copies of charming vintage labels and old black and white photos that I've collected over the past few years. I'll try to get some pictures up soon! And I hope to have some new designs for sale on my website soon.

It's been a whole (busy!) month since my last update. So true that time flies when you're having fun.

2005-06-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth at this Saturday's Denver Ballpark Market. It was a perfect sunny day... check out the color of the sky in the second photo- beautiful!

The following is a view from behind our display tables.

2005-06-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

I just updated the necklaces on my site. I was busy getting ready for my first trunk show last month, and have been making things like crazy for the upcoming Denver Ballpark Market this past week, so finally had time this evening to add some of my latest designs to my website!

I created a charm using sheet copper tonight, and hope to create more within the next week. So much fun using my letter stamps to add my favorite words to the charms! If anyone has any favorite words or short sayings, leave a comment- I'd love to hear from you.

My ever-sweet boyfriend took me to the large chain home improvement store last night- admittedly probably only to get me to stop answering every other question with "sheet copper." Sometimes when an idea hits or something inspires me, I pretty much am unable to sleep well until I take a moment to listen to whatever that voice is trying to tell me. Not always an easy task to pay attention when balancing a full-time job, spending 10-20 hours per week preparing for shows, and living on a starving artist budget... but I'm learning more and more these days that I must thrive on the challenge. I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and I'm not sure when I ever turned into this person!! Maybe it's in my blood- seems that art and various forms of entrepreneurialism are both strong themes that run throughout my family.

trunk show sneak peeks

2005-05-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just some of the things I've been working on lately...

2005-05-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

MOONWATER DESIGNS
Springtime Open House & Trunk Show
Friday, may 20, 2005 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
at 522 S. College Avenue # 1 Fort Collins, CO 80524

Please join us for the Moonwater Designs Springtime Open House & Trunk Show!

View the latest Moonwater Designs creations such as new stained glass necklace and earring designs, colorful sun catchers and copper-stained glass items while enjoying music, snacks and beverages in a casual atmosphere.

** Sign up for a drawing to win one of two Moonwater Designs gift certificates! **

** Check out the clearance items- low-priced necklace charms & stained glass treasures! **

This casual open house event is taking place between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., so please stop by anytime throughout the evening. Your friends, family members, or co-workers are welcome, too!

If you are unable to attend the very first Moonwater Designs Springtime Open House Trunk Show, and would still like to view the latest designs, please contact Nicole to arrange for an individual showing. Moonwater Designs is also available if you are interested in hosting your own trunk show- either in my studio or at your place. A minimum of 5 guests is required- and the hostess receives great perks, including discounts and a free gift!

2005-05-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Mother Nature comes up with the best color combinations. Yesterday, on the way home from a day trip to Estes Park with my boyfriend, I snapped these two photos out of the car window.

2005-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

This past year, I've created a few copper, silver and glass necklace hangers to use as display pieces at shops and art fairs. Recently I had a few people inquire about them, so I made some this week. The following are on their way to Sweet Rosie's, Too in Loveland, Colorado.

And check out the tags- I am so happy that I have a printer now! I went for a year+ without one.

News: Colorado Trunk Show Announced

2005-05-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am planning on having an open house/trunk show in Colorado toward the end of May. If you live anywhere near Fort Collins, CO, and are interested in attending, please either comment here or email, and I will be sure to send you an invite!

I am tentatively planning on the open house from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20, but will update here with the confirmed date very soon.

2005-05-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

I spent the majority of today getting a bunch of new charms added to the Shop. My boyfriend stopped by mid-day and suprised me with a much-needed cafe mocha. That caffeine boost is just what I needed! What a sweet guy. I actually have more charms to either add to the shop or put on eBay this week, but alas, it is nearly midnight and I have to be up early for work tomorrow. I should have some more things up within the next day or two.

2005-04-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

My computer crashed last weekend, so I am thrilled that my new computer has arrived and I finally have regular internet access once again. Unfortunately, I lost the photos that I had taken of a bunch of new necklace charms last weekend, so I hope to spend some time this weekend re-shooting the photos. I will have some new necklaces posted on my website either this weekend or early next week.

I'm also thrilled to finally have a printer. My old printer died quite some time ago, and I missed it so!

2005-04-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

New necklace charms for sale on eBay!

That exclamation point feels a bit out of place tonight. Even though I am always excited when I put a new batch of necklaces out there, I've been feeling very quiet and contemplative these days. I think this range of moods is just all part of the creative process and I guess just a part of being human in general.

Sometimes I feel like sitting back, being introspective, and just spending time thinking and observing and being. Other times, I'm full of energy and new ideas are swirling about and I just can't seem to write them down fast enough. I am most definitely going through an introspective phase right now.

2005-04-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

The little purple flowers that are growing outside my apartment door.

Another photo of the purple flowers.

My neighbor kitty likes to hang out in the windowsill.

Here's my door- if you look closely, you can see the kitty.

more stained glass pendants!

2005-03-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

I just received a nice comment from fellow stained glass jewelry-maker Chu Ling. She currently has some amazing charms on eBay. They are so detailed and intricate, and I admire her style very much! You have to check them out.

We both share an obsession for buckets of stained glass scraps, and you just don't find someone like that every day, right? She mentioned seeing my things on eBay, which is funny because I have long admired her pieces she has on eBay- so it's great to finally cross paths.

Thanks again, Chu Ling, for stopping by my website!

2005-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

I've been making lots of silver charms with decorative silver solder these days. The raindrop-shaped charms are my new favorites- they're tall and shiny and so fun to wear with scoop-neck shirts.

Here is a peek at some of the charms I currently have for sale on eBay. If you're interested in viewing the auctions, please click any of the photos below.

2005-03-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I started making jewelry in 2001. On a quest to somehow turn these magical and colorful round glass pieces into necklaces, I asked everyone I knew to please spill anything they knew about jewelry-making.

At some point within my impassioned quest, which included asking my parents, friends, siblings and co-workers a million questions, I bought a soldering iron. Then my dad mentioned that his boss worked with stained glass, and he arranged for us to visit his stained glass studio one day. After a brief tutorial, I found myself leaving with the answer I'd been searching for and a big bucket of colorful stained glass scraps. At the time, I was working a full-time job at a newspaper and working a part-time job at an after school daycare. Some days I'd work from 8:00 am-5:00 pm at the newspaper, head straight to my other job, where I'd work from 5:00 pm-10:30 pm, then would rush home to practice what I'd learned- often staying up until 1:00 am or later practicing.

I had experimented with lots of art forms, having taken quite a few art classes in college, but never found my niche. I kind of enjoyed photography, had fun playing around with paints, and experimented with drawing. When I started working with stained glass, it was felt kind of like you feel when you're first falling head-over-heels in love. If I wasn't actually making something out of glass, I was thinking about my next creation.

Have you ever started something that seems promising, hit a snag, then find yourself taking the easy road rather than persisting? I was thinking today about all the people who have helped me persist throughout my mini journey. Although I have far to go, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate every little step. If not for my dad introducing me to his boss, I may have grown too frustrated trying to learn on my own. If not for the gift of tools that first Christmas, I may never have been had the money to buy the tools that make cutting glass more easy and therefore more enjoyable to work with. After my bucket o' glass scraps grew smaller, my dad bought me scraps from a stained glass shop. He has also used his magical woodworking skills to make me display pieces, and my favorite belonging in the entire world- my tall red art cabinet. If my place was burning down, and I could bring one thing with me, the red cabinet would be it.

I did my first art fair in the summer of 2002. I can't imagine what I would have done if not for my mom, who loaned me $100 for my "cash register" during a time when I was lucky to have $10 in my checking account. She also hung out with me the majority of the day (not only that day, but during subsequent art fairs in the past few years), in spite of me usually insisting that I would be okay spending a few hours by myself. Secretly, I was so happy for the company during my first art fair experience, and during any art fair for that matter. You just can't imagine what it's going to be like being on the other side of the table until you've gone through it, and although my first event was rather uneventful due to small crowds, it was an awesome learning experience and I'm glad for having gone through it.

My sweet sisters have also spent hours out in the sun and wind, helping me with the busier art fairs in the following years. Outdoor events can be challenging, and I appreciate that they take time out of their busy schedules to help, and still love me in spite of the fact that I get really nervous as I'm generally running on 3 hours sleep and am all out of sorts on those days. They were my walking billboards, my encouragement, and my creative advisors.

And speaking of those who have been here throughout my mini journey, my boyfriend has experienced everything from the complete elation after my first big sale, where I was literally doing the happy dance in the living room, to the moments where I'm frustrated, super exhausted, or in the messy midst of art fair season where my things are covering literally every table and surface in our apartment. You know you've got a keeper with a capital K when your twenty-something boyfriend visits you at an art fair, and tells you and your sister to take a break and wander the art fair while he mans the booth full of stained glass jewelry. When my sister and I came back to the booth, he was standing right in the middle of the booth happily chatting with several customers.

Many other friends and family members have been so supportive! I still have a very long way to travel on my journey, of course, but still appreciate the great people I am surrounded with.

2005-03-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the lovely Earthenwood Studio, which features handmade porcelain beads and charms. I stumbled upon this site by accident today- such great stuff! I especially love the ice cream cone, and the vegetable charms are great.

Off to grab a cup of afternoon coffee. I woke up especially early for a Saturday morning, and reached a point today where I decided that I needed either a good cup of coffee or a good power nap.

I choose coffee. And Easter candy. And Jack Johnson.

sunshine through the trees

2005-03-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

This was the view outside my apartment door right before tonight's sunset. I was taking advantage of the last minutes of today's natural sunlight, snapping some photos of some necklaces outside, and saw the sunlight streaming through the trees and fence in front of my apartment building.

I am obsessed these days with the tree silhouette- I love tree branches and tree branches that are just starting to bloom- so sweet!

2005-03-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

I finished some wine bottle glass necklace pendants! I didn't get done with them until after the sun had gone down, so didn't get an opportunity to photograph them today. Will try to get some photos taken sometime this week, though, and hope to put some in the shop sometime within the upcoming week.

I went out for breakfast with my sweet boyfriend this morning. I had a coffee and a breakfast burrito, and I think this is my new favorite breakfast. I wanted to take photos of our view from our table, and was carefully planning on waiting until after our server took our order to sneak a photo of the lovely ornate cream-colored ceiling tiles and exposed brick walls, but they ended up seating a party at the table across from us.

I did manage to snap this photo. There's a train that runs through the middle of downtown Fort Collins. My boyfriend and I were driving in the lane right next to the train, so I snapped this picture from his car. I live on a street about a block away from the train tracks, so have grown used to hearing the train whistles blowing as the train comes through town many times per day.

Coming Soon: Wine Bottle Pendants

2005-03-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some wine bottle glass charms today, hoping to have some finished and up on my website sometime this week.

love for my old, worn Levi's

2005-03-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

About 8 years ago, I bought a pair of old worn Levi's at a thrift store. I really did like them at the time, even though they were dark and sans holes and didn't quite have that truly worn look and feel you sometimes find in an old pair of Levi's. Anyway, after 8 years of washing and wearing, they are finally getting that faded look. A few months ago I actually spilled a few drops of white paint on the left knee, so they have transitioned from pants I can get away with wearing to work to my art pants. I love grabbing my old Levi's every Saturday morning, and the little bit of paint makes them suddenly feel like they were just waiting all these years to become my art-making jeans. I love thee, old worn paint-splotched Levi's.

I went shopping today, and got some fruit and veggies and coffee and lipgloss, and for some reason all this makes me happy.

I am off to make some art now. Happy Saturday to you all!

great quote

2005-03-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to the store to pick up some art supplies shortly, but just wanted to post this great quote my sister sent me:

"If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all." Ann Quindlen

Love it! Thanks for passing along the inspiring words, sis.

To Infinity and Solder Sculpting and Beyond

2005-03-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Oh, Kay Weiner. How I love thee.

Kay is the author of a fabulous book called Solder Sculpting and Beyond. As I do not have room in my starving artist budget for another stained glass book, but do have lots of stained glass supplies on hand, I will make a custom photo necklace charm in exchange for this book.

Kind of a strange thing to put out in the universe, indeed, but I am in love with this book. If anyone is interested in a trade, please leave a comment and we'll chat via email.

skipping stone box

2005-03-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

I made this skipping stone box yesterday. It reminds me of when I was a little girl. In the summertime, my family would take weekend trips to the river quite often. Sometimes we would go camping, and sometimes we'd just go for the day. Some of my favorite childhood memories include swimming, sitting around a campfire making s'mores, fishing with my dad and brothers, and skipping river stones.

The box has a clear bottom, front, and sides. I am currently obsessed with this clear chartreuse-colored stained glass with a slight texture that makes up the back wall of the box!

I had lots of fun making this, and am trying to determine if these items translate well in photographs and if I should try making more to sell at art fairs and on my webpage. Any feedback is appreciated.

Ooh, and speaking of art fairs- I just got my application for the Sioux Falls Sidewalk Arts Festival today. Receiving that envelope in the mail every year makes my day. It's become such a lovely tradition for me- road-tripping back to my home town every Fall to participate in the Sidewalk Arts Fest.

Thanks for Signing My Guestbook!

2005-03-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all my friends who have left kinds words on my new guestbook. It's so much fun knowing you all have stopped by!

Cheri- although I didn't make it back home in February as planned, I am working on your necklace featuring this sweet photo! Cheri is my mom's sister, by the way- and this is actually a photo of my grandma and grandpa.

And Sonnet- great to hear from you! And thanks for sending people my way. I have noticed some hits from Florida when looking at my website statistics. I'm always curious to know how people are finding their way here.

Tennis Shoes & Telephone Lines

2005-02-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has seen the movie Big Fish will appreciate this photo. There are multiple pairs of tennis shoes hanging from the telephone wire in the alley behind my apartment building!

They've been there as long as I've lived here.

(my apartment is the rusty orange building in the background)

Sampler Contribution

2005-02-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

A sneak peek at my contribution to the April Sampler.