Gifts Of The Season

I thought It would be fun to share some of the gifts I received during this Merry Christmas Season. Not only do I get to celebrate the birthday of our Savior, I also celebrate my own birthday! Here are a few of the special gifts I received. Italian lace and a handmade charm from my sweet sister-n-law Rita, a lovely lady porcelain duster from my dear friend Lori, and a few treasures I found during my holiday travels, vintage chocolate boxes, an old silver champagne holder and a wonderful antique french chair and ottoman which I had re-upholstered . I can't wait until each item finds it's special place in my home.

Back to Decorating!

In between my art projects and keeping busy with all the shows I do, I have been managing to move along an inch at a time with my decorating. Last time I showed you my home I was contemplating upholstering a chair and hanging a chandelier that was sitting in a box. Well I managed to get the chair done a couple months ago, but the chandelier was still sitting in the box begging me to display it each time I passed by it. So, I finally decided to have it hung as a birthday present to me, so here it is in all it's glory!!!

What an Honor!

It's so exciting to be featured in "Romantic Country Magazine Spring 2011" as a "favorite" vintage event to visit. We are listed along side of 5 other wonderful places to go around the country. Thank you Fifi O'Neill and Sunday Hendrickson we are certainly honored you chose us to be in this category. The featured artesian in the photo on top is the muti-talented Lisa Loria , check her out at lisaloria.blogspot.com. And the photo's below are the fabulous "Two Wild Roses" at twowildrosesantiques.blogspot.com

Drawing With Paint

 
I'm starting to unwind from our last "Vintage Marketplace" and am thinking of doing a new oil painting.While scanning my photo's in my computer file for an image that has been on my mind, I found myself thinking about my under paintings or (the drawing under the painting) they at times can be very pretty in themselves.One of my Laguna Beach art teachers said that "drawing is the backbone to painting" a good drawing can make for a good painting. Using a neutral color  trains you to see and paint in different values of dark to light. I remember 10 years ago when Rachel Ashwell came to visit me in my art studio and how she was drawn to an under painting I had just done, and asked to purchase it for her L.A. Shabby Chic store.I think she loved seeing the thought and design behind the finished painting. Anyway, here are a few examples of drawing with paint.

A Big "Chateau" Thank You As We Close Our First Year Of Shows!

I would like to thank all our talented and sweet vendors for making our shows "Fabulous" this year ! And this last show of the year was certainly a very special one! I sensed a real camaraderie and growth in friendships among the women this time. Also a special thanks to all the customers who come out to shop and experience our "Vintage Marketplace". We are so looking forward to planning another year of shows for all of you!