The last few months I've really been allowing myself to putter creatively.

Taking more time to play around in the studio, making things for my own enjoyment,

instead of focusing on "what will sell".  

I've been seeing a shift in my artwork toward the preservation of heritage.

I'm very much interested in hearing old stories of the ladies in my family that came before me.

I always wonder, did she have a sense of humor?  

Was she creative?  What did she do for fun?

Did she like clothes and jewelry?   What was her marriage like?

Was she happy?

I loved talking to my mom about her grandma Louise.

   

My Great-Grandma Louise Custis

It warms my heart to recognize that even though many years have passed and our lives seem worlds apart,

it's undeniable that some personality traits have carried on through the generations.

I treasured my time in the studio while assembling this collage for my great-grandma Louise. 

I will make more of them, even make custom pieces for others.  

I feel some responsibility to sustain the legacy of those who came before me. 

I fear their stories will be lost because we didn't take the time to listen.

I worry that we don't sit down and talk to each other enough.

I wonder if my ancestors worried about that stuff too.

I've been getting ready for my first sale of the new year, next Sunday in Illinois.

My nephews' school is having a St. Patrick festival, and they've asked me to be a vendor.  

It should be quite a shindig...Irish dancers, kids' games, and apparently an obscene amount of corned beef.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend.

I'll stay with my sister and the boys and will see lots of old and new friends from my former stomping grounds.

My inventory is slim from the holiday rush, 

so there's been LOTS of activity in the studio!

Well, SOME of us have been busy in the studio...

My sweet Pompeii

Lucky the Studio Cat

It's My Birthday!

I plan on getting my hands dirty in the studio today.

I've always loved this picture of my sister and me when we were little.

I'm the one standing in the dress, the dirtier one.

My kind of town, Chicago is…

For quite a few years now, and even back when we were kids, my family has spent a weekend in downtown Chicago at least once a year.  It’s such a great place to be...a big bustling city full of nice Midwestern people.  I always look forward to visiting there, to be a part of the pace that's much faster than our part of Wisconsin!  I spend idle time sitting in front of the hotel window, imagining myself living in one of those tiny apartments.  Where would I put all my stuff??  


My favorite time of day is just before dark when the lights from the skyscrapers begin to twinkle, the smell of pizza and grilled meat wafts out of restaurants, a beggar plays the saxophone outside a department store, and car horns are a constant reminder to hurry along.  For me, going to Chicago is like meeting up with an old friend...you know each other's history and you look forward to discovering what's new and exciting since you were last together.
.

My Mom & Sister

Chicago Blackhawks game at the United Center

Until we meet again, old friend ...

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 This month's mission card is a valentine.

I told about our card mission program on this post.

The inside of the card reads:

And we know that in all things

God works for the good

of those who love him,

who have been called

according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28

I've been wanting to give these mini Champagne bottles a make-over,

ever since we toasted the New Year.

Wasn't quite sure what to do with them,

but just couldn't throw them out.

Know what I mean?

Here's what I've been working on in the studio, using the mini Champagne bottles

and other vintage bottles I just couldn't throw out.

See a pattern here?

*Mixed-Media Vase*

 Featuring Vintage & Modern

Bits & Baubles

Add your own photo and message! 

Fill with a bit of water and a flower!

Be Like The Bird

Be like the bird, who

Halting in his flight

On limb too slight

Feels it give way beneath him,

Yet sings

Knowing he hath wings.

-Victor Hugo