Misawa & Me

Some of my most treasured & most terrifying childhood memories were made in Misawa, Japan. The good far out weights the bad. The Japanese people were such kind & gentle people and the experience was so enriching that it somewhat etched me into who I am today. As I say in some of my profiles, it was there that ignited a lifelong quest of crafting and a determined search for the perfect craft. (Those of you that know me, I know are taking a moment to laugh like hell, coz you know, go ahead! lol) It was there that I learned needlework, it there I was baptized, it was there I realized, we are all one, no matter our differences, and it was there I it really sank in that life is fragile, we really aren't in control, and it can be gone in an instant. These are a few photos of the 1968 8.2 earthquake that I went through while I lived there. I know the helplessness & terror that they feel with the earthquakes, however, I know that I can not fully comprehend the horror and uncertainty they are going through with the tsunami and nuclear situation. My heart is bleeding for the Japanese people. I am praying for them all and all of the families of the kind people and their families that touched my life in past.
I have listed these 2 Angels on Ebay and 50% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.

I used the same palette for both pieces. Thalo Blue, Viridian, Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Cad Yellow, Titanium White, and Payne's Gray. I painted the mermaid 1st, using only very little yellow, then painted the sunflower Angel with the same under painting and palette using very little viridian & thalo blue. I think these combinations of colors muted & melded into each other making the pieces moody instead of super bright. About 15 years ago I began making my own perfumes. Most store bought perfumes give me headaches, whether worn by me or someone else. Making my own and removing all the chemicals make it possible for me to wear more scents, there are a few that don't bother me as long as I don't put too much on. So a few years ago, on the weekends, I created a small line of perfumes. Like a little chemist, I was measuring, mixing and smelling, adding, subtracting, reading everything I could find, smelling everything to try & guess what was in it, trying to develop something that was natural, different, yet sophisticated. Not just a combination of a few oils. My guys put up with all "reek-age" leaked in the atmosphere and were generally willing give their opinions which was really sweet. Opening a new shipment of oils were exciting times. Oh what mystery smells that were about to be unleashed into the mix! So exciting! *P.S. Tomato essential oil does not smell like a tomato bush, the scent I was hoping for. I have no clue what it would be good in! P U* I spent innumerable hours in study, learning what makes good top notes, middle notes, bottom notes, mixed endless combinations of oils, designed the packaging, did profit figures and came up with some marketing strategies only to be left to occupy a little corner of my studio. It was impossible to start that business and work at such a stressful job at the same time, but I thought one day.... One day still hasn't arrived, however, I made the most wonderful jojoba lotion bar last night with some of those supplies. I love it so much I may make some to sell in my Shenanagans shop and on this blog just so other people will have to chance to have some. I need to tweek the recipe a little bit but it turned out much better than I expected for first try. We'll see. I'm still trying to find balance with all the other things I have on my plate. Oh but it's so creamy and smells so good. I used a green Irish smelling scent, which is really a unisex scent. I made all the guys put it on their elbows, and I think it made all the wrinkles on my face disappear! hahaha! just kidding. Don't you wish?!
A Big Shout Out & Thank You goes to these fabulous shops for featuring my art in their wonderful collections! Please click on their names to visit their shops. SmallImpressions, BirgittasBridal, AnnaLela, OrangiesAttic, WhatsHerName, AprilCJohnson, MyDreamGarden, and GreyGirlDesigns - Thank you so much!

Too Much Art Too Little Time!

I am tackling a long list of things to get done today. Preparing wood for painting commission, making my own clay plates for cuffs, finishing some card/book/zines. I knitted a new cuff this morning while having my coffee & watching the Today show.

I love perfume, however, most of the commercial perfumes on the market give me a headache, so several years ago I did a great deal of research, got lots of essential oils and like a little chemist (Nutty Professor! ) came up with several wonderful original blends. I gave some as gifts, sold a few bottles, but never really marketed it. Each perfume was a "girl" so to speak and if I say so myself the boxes are very cute! Basically set up an entire business but never took it anywhere. I was working and just wiped out tired when I got home, didn't have the energy for both jobs. I have Mermaid, Garden Girl, Tropical Girl, Bride to Be, Dance Hall Girl, Sweet Baby Girl, Indian Maiden, Queen of Denial, etc... I did the art work for each, made the boxes and made up a poem for each box. Mermaid is my personal favorite, surprise! haha It's a blend of 8 different oils with the top note being pikake an expensive Hawaiian Jasmine. Anyway... The other day I was thinking that these poems and art would make great cards/book/zines! So I am in the process of constructing those. So keep a weathered eye out for those! (love that saying from Pirates!)

The Swell Sister Society meeting was so much fun last night! We now have a website http://www.swellsister.com/ and we plan to make an impact in Sacramento! Our first art show is in December. I'm so blessed to be in this group of lovely women! We made paper wallets last night. It was like a kindergarten project but mine was pathetic - truly! A Swell Sister said I need to learn how to use tape! hahaha Actually that's so true! One thing I am not good at is wrapping presents with tape! I do wrap my art before I mail it and I must admit I could probably do a much better job. I just hope the pretty ribbon makes up for it! hahaha The paper wallet project did inspire me though. I'd love to make some with fabric. I just can't pull out my sewing machines right now or everything will go by the wayside!