HeArt Collective

100 Ways to Live the Uncomplicated LIfe

2012-01-20T14:19:00.000-08:00

I STUMBLED UPON THIS POST AT BellaMumma

AND I LOVED IT SO MUCH, I JUST HAD TO SHARE IT...

It begins...

You see, when we’re born we see the world in an uncomplicated way. We know what we need, and we ask for it. We like nice people, and we don’t like mean people. We sleep when we’re tired, we eat when we’re hungry, and we stop eating when we’re full.

As we grow older, we eat and drink to console ourselves, rather than addressing what’s bothering us. We overwork to avoid close relationships, rather than finding people we can trust to form strong bonds with. We hold grudges, play games, spend more than we make, want things we don’t need, and we get too far away from our basic human needs. In other words, we complicate things.

Here are 100 ways to uncomplicate it...

{perfect inspiration for a rainy day!}

1. Don’t try to read other people’s minds

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so that you don’t rush/get a ticket while driving too fast/have to explain why you’re late/get fired

3. Get 8 hours of sleep per night so that you think more clearly

4. Stick to your budget

5. Start saving and investing every week, no matter how little you can spare

6. Balance your checkbook

7. Don’t try to be friends with everyone. Cultivate closer relationships with fewer people.

8. Don’t try to do business with everyone. Identify your target client and take very good care of them.

9. Before getting angry, ask yourself if it will really matter in 20 years

10. Focus on being a good person, not on pleasing others

11. Stay home this Saturday, and finish off that nagging chore that you need to finish

12. Kiss and make up

13. Make a weekly menu, and shop for only those items at the market

14. Ask your grandparents the best way to uncomplicate life, and try it for a month

15. Fill up your gas tank when it’s half full

16. Don’t drink alcohol when you’re tired, sad or mad

17. Pay your bills on time

18. Get an annual physical examination

19. Say “I love you” to your significant other and to your children. Studies show that more marriages last, and fewer kids use drugs, when these words are spoken every day.

20. For just one day, imagine everyone’s intentions are good because most people’s are

21. Give away clothes that haven’t been worn in two years

22. Throw out clothes that are in disrepair, and can’t be mended

23. When you have a conflict with someone, talk it out. Don’t let it turn into more than it is.

24. Know what your priorities are in life, and act as if they are your priorities

25. Tell the truth

26. Don’t cheat

27. Don’t steal

28. If you’re holding on to a ridiculous grudge, let it go

29. Clean your house weekly, so that it doesn’t become too large a chore

30. Do your best at work, or at school

31. Don’t eat when you aren’t hungry

32. Eat when you are hungry

33. Be yourself

34. Say no unapologetically

35. Cook simple meals

36. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses

37. Pay off your car before buying a new one

38. Don't explain yourself unnecessarily

39. Change your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks spring forward, and again when they fall back

40. Organise your important paperwork

41. Take only half the clothes that you planned to take with you on holiday

42. Help your children with their homework every night, and have an open dialogue with their teachers

43. Have white sheets and white towels in children’s rooms/bathrooms, because they’re easily bleached

44. Spend your time with nice people

45. Avoid drama

46. Don’t text while driving

47. Turn off the television/video games/computer; they’re time consumers

48. Don’t engage in office politics

49. Refuse to gossip, or talk behind other people’s backs

50. Do the dishes right after dinner

51. Never go to sleep angry

52. Ask nicely for what you need and want

53. Walk 10,000 steps per day to help your heart

54. Do 20 push-ups before speaking in anger

55. Leave work at work

56. Don’t befriend anyone that isn’t trustworthy

57. Don’t envy others

58. Have your oil changed

59. Take vitamin C BEFORE you catch a cold

60. Don’t work more than 8 hours per day

61. Weed your garden weekly

62. Wash your car weekly

63. Have a spring cleaning month every year, and do one room at a time

64. You don’t need to be best friends with work colleagues, but build respectful partnerships

65. Don’t drink and drive

66. Don’t look for reasons to be angry or sad, look for reasons to be happy. You’ll always be able to find plenty of each.

67. Be friendly with your neighbours

68. Return emails and phone messages promptly

69. Schedule in free time

70. Don’t procrastinate

71. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it

72. Be more flexible when you’re able to be

73. Forgive and forget. End of story.

74. Break the consumerism habit…put a three month moratorium in place on buying anything not deemed a necessity

75. Start your diet on September 1, rather than January 1, so that you won’t also have holiday pounds to lose

76. Take care of any health issues or concerns

77. Have your tires rotated

78. Have your brakes checked

79. Have your eyes checked

80. Don’t let your imagination run away with you

81. Let go of perfection in others

82. Let go of perfection in yourself

83. Don’t try to help those that refuse to help themselves

84. Find a way to reduce your commute to work

85. Have an alloted amount of worry time per day/week, that you strictly abide by

86. Drink more water

87. Eat more salmon

88. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill

89. Wear your hair in a classic, easy to care for style

90. Finish what you start

91. Wear classic clothes and shoes that never go out of style

92. Create a daily routine

93. Have a 1, 5, 10 and 20 year plan for your financial and life goals

94. Slow down

95. Eat out less often

96. When you ask your husband which outfit looks best, thank him for his answer and wear the one he liked rather than focusing on why he didn’t like the other one

97. Allow your children to grow up

98. Clean out your garage, and donate anything that hasn’t been used in the past year

99. Stretch every day

100. If a relationship is over, let it go

{Source: Live The Charmed Life}

Rosette Ornament Tutorial

2011-12-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

We have been having so much fun with these little rosettes that I thought I would share the love... I'm good like that ;)

I first just made a simple rosette to put in the center of my awesome book page wreath and when I saw how cute they were I thought, hey, that's a perfect little project for a handmade ornament.

The little Herrmann girl and I made a few and then I took the goodies to a girlfriends house and we had a whole girls night in with wine and half a dozen of us gluing, giggling and glittering into the night.

I posted pictures below with short descriptions... if you have any questions let me know and I can clarify!

Here it goes:

Accordion fold your favorite paper

You'll need 3 of these.

I'm addicted to glitter so...

paint glue on the edges and dip in the good stuff

dig out your fun embellishments

Find something special for the center

Hot glue them all together

Layer 'em up

Voila!

If you're anything like me you'll be covering your tree with this delightful little things.

I'm also thinking that they would be great package toppers in lieu of bows!

No book is SAFE!!!

Have fun

and

Go get your CRAFT ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Danville's Angel Warrior LCPL Joshua Corral

2011-11-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our small town in the East Bay here in the San Francisco Bay Area has lost one of its own. It hit hard. A young man who just graduated from our local high school in 2010 lost his life in Afghanistan. There was a memorial today with a procession from one end of our little downtown to the mortuary.

We didn't know this young man, we didn't know his family or any of his friends. We only met his face on Friday during the lighting of Danville's Old Oak Tree when the people who knew him asked for our support. I still don't know how I can possibly support them except to hold space for their grief. I do understand the pain of losing a child, its the least I can do.

Beyond that, to teach my daughter about the gravity of war, the seriousness and expense of duty to country we walked down from our house to the mortuary. To show our support we just held the space for their son's passing from across the street and I let Lex just ask me questions and start to get the slightest realization of what it all meant.

Afterwards, the owner of this car came over to give Lexee a picture and to pet the little dog. It turns out that Ray & Jeanette come out to support families of the military, police and fire. He himself is a POW and together they feel passionately about taking care of those who serve.

Both he and his wife said that our town was the best they've seen when it comes to supporting their military veterans. They gave us a photo of the Angel Warrior, LCPL Joshua "Chachi" Corral. They said he was 5'6" 135lbs and worth his weight in gold. I'm sharing that photo here:

On our walk home Alexia mused, if our soldiers are going to give their lives for our country the least we can do is take care of it while they're gone. I think she's right.

Rest in Peace, Josh. Information on the memorial service and further services is here.

Conversation of the Day: What is on the bathroom floooooorrrrr???

2011-11-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Me:(at the top of my lungs) WHAT IS THIS ON THE FLOOR IN MY BATHROOM???

Little:(scurrying in from the other room) Mom, you're holding that upside down.

Me: WHAT? (ahem, attempts to regain composure) *breaths in deeply* What is it? And WHY is it on the floor of my bathroom.

Little: (Totally annoyed with me) Its a petrie dish, mom, and its filled with shrimp eggs that you're going to kill if you keep holding it upside down

Me: (disgusted, curious and somewhat amused, but still irritated) Why is it on the floor of my bathroom and how long has it been here?

Little: (still not answering the WHY is it in the bathroom) Like two seconds, Mom (giggles and RUNS!)

Me: (shouting after her) I could have killed myself y'know! (Nothing like a little of the good old guilt to make your point... what was my point?)

I have NO idea what that was, but it kinda cracked me up... a petrie dish? in the bathroom? filled with shrimp eggs? oooookayyy good thing she's so darn cute!

Holiday Boot Camp to Whip those gifts into SHAPE...

2011-11-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, crafters and non crafters alike... Thinking of making your gifts this year, but haven't started yet? Or maybe you're short on time and space to get things going...

The holidays are upon us. There are exactly 43 sleeps, 11 hours, 25 minutes, PST of crafting time to get all of your gifts made, wrapped and delivered. If we get started RIGHT away you'll get it all done if you're ON IT!

I'm on it... Are you? If not, we've got the answer...

HOLIDAY GIFT BOOT CAMP!

Come learn how to make your gifts with your friends at Tangerine! Alison and Julee will be hosting a fun weeknight class each Thursday starting next week! Yes, NEXT Thursday November 17th. We'll be there with our first project all set out. All you have to do is show up.

We'll keep you going, help you get things done AND have a fabulous time doing it! We're doing it in the evening on a weeknight so that you still have plenty of time to shop and craft on the weekends.

Thursdays through the holiday season we will be Gettin' Our Craft ON!!!

Check it out: (If you click the images you can right click and save the flier so that you can hand them out to your friends... everyone is going to want to do this!)

1. Have you seen those *swoon worthy* book page wreaths? We'll make one in class and then you can go home and make them for gifts!

2. Winter weather means candles. We'll make a fun and easy ice candle in class and then you can go home and make them for gifts!

3. Paper clay Peace Dove ornaments. We'll make a few in class and you'll go home and make them for gifts!

4. Darling paper garlands. We'll make some that have the ease of those childhood garlands with the sophistication to please any "grown up". We'll make 'em in class annnnnddddd.... you'll go home and make them for gifts!

BONUS Week Wrap Up In our final week will be all about making tags for your packages and showing some fun alternative wrapping ideas.

Sounds awesome, right?! YEAH!!!

Pricing is just $200 for all 4 of these FUN, Gifty, crafty classes! Plus the COOL BONUS class

If you would like to choose any 1 class the price is $65

If you would like to choose any 3 classes the price is $175

Dates:

November 17th, December 1, 8, 15 and BONUS week to WRAP it all up on December 22.

Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm

Kids welcome! We will have some things set out for the kids to create ornaments and cards or you can sign them up for the class.

You can leave me a message here and I'll email you to make arrangements to sign you up. Or you can email me julee@heartcollective.com and we'll get you all signed up OR you can go to Tangerine and get all signed up OR you can call Gina 925.548.8447 to get all signed up.

Tangerine is at 7038 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA 94568 Their hours are approximately 10 - 5ish most days. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

One Ghoulish Gown

2011-11-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

One Ghoulish Gown, a set on Flickr.

Here are my process photos of making Alexia's "Victorian Ghost Girl" costume. To see the rest of the pictures - particularly of my ghoulish girl - click that One Ghoulish Gown link and head over to flickr.

We had such a fun time plotting and planning this costume. Way more fun than the trip to the Spirit Store where we mostly had to talk about how she was NOT going to dress up as the Baby Hoochie Mama! LOL

The end results were a creep-tastic gown that she won't soon forget!

Go get your CRAFT ON!
xoxo
jul

Sandra Milan's Birthday

2011-10-26T20:13:00.001-07:00

Sandra Milan's Birthday Sept 2011, a set on Flickr.

This classy lady knows how to have a birthday and I was honored to be invited to my walking buddy's low key, but class act birthday bash!

Thanks Sandra for a good time.
Lots of Love,
Julee

Moving, Recovering and Moving On

2011-10-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I have been mostly feeling like the above photo of Bratty McBratterson ever since we left Disney land last May. Why? Well once you've been to the happiest place on Earth its a little difficult to come back to the Nittiest Grittiest Place on Earth and begin to package it neatly into properly labeled boxes for moving and long term storage. Seriously. Challenging.

We moved. Big deal, right? Everyone moves. Its true everyone does move and for me moving hits that place in my unfinished self that one might call my "Pout and Cry Button". So, it has taken all the way from May and our beginning stages of decision making and packing all the way until this weekend to get my crafting toys unpacked and stashed onto shelves where I can access them. 5 long months. Should I add in somewhat miserable months... there was a lot of this

and this

with a dash of

wishing

laughing

and contemplating

supportive friends

first day of school field trip.

Before we got to

brave and bold moves

and big smiles.

The one thing that kept me creative through all of the time of missing my messy friends was taking pictures.

The things that I took pictures of besides my family was mostly of commercial buildings... trying to find their soul to share with future investors. Definitely outside of my box... and its got me thinking in a whole new way.

Bold new things are on the horizons for HeArt Collective.

As I move forward I will share some of my leaps and bounds here...

Now, go Get Your Craft ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Summer is really on its way NOW!

2011-06-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've sort of been in denial about the end of the school year being on its way... so much is happening in our little corner of paradise that its been fairly easy.

We had a visit from the man with the red sneakers which ended up to be a cool (in fact down right chilly!) fundraiser for our school!

Jon Troast rockin' the Moraga redwood grove!

We hit Disneyland for an early birthday for our very own princess

Alexia's impression of Tink is pretty good!!

Celebrations come in every shape and size around here these days!

We had a birthday party for Lexee's favorite pet, Sweetee Pie

I taught an art class or two

Lovely mandala by a lovely student!

Kinder pinch pots at Sankofa Academy

Open House was awesome! We love seeing everything that Alexia and her classmates have been achieving!

Lex during her Spanish class presentation

Class field trips are my favorite way of staying in tune with the kids

The girl are discussing surrealism at Bedford Gallery

All sorts of Spring time characters have paid us visits

Silk Moth just out of its cocoon

Spotty and Dotty the deer twins

Our normally tame Spring has been quite different this year, this gorgeous sunset was captured at a rained out pool party

View to San Pablo Reservoir

But there is no denying it... school is out this Friday, my little girl is turning 8 this Sunday, Summertime is definitely on its way now!!!

Time to bust out the sunscreen and dust off the boogie boards and head for the beach!

Now go get your craft ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Next up: Mixed Media Mandala Workshop

2011-04-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

I originally confessed my obsession about these items of meditation last month when I was talking about Zen'd out by the Zendala

I haven't gotten over them, in fact, I'm more jazzed about them than ever. People have been asking for more information, so I'll share... mostly by citing Wikipedia :) Yes, I'm like that...

Inspiration ~ Mandala: Sanskrit for Circle

In the Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions, their sacred art often takes a mandala form. The basic form of most Hindu and Buddhist mandalas is a square with four gates containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the shape of a T.

These mandalas, concentric diagrams, have spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. The term is of Hindu origin and appears in the Rig Veda as the name of the sections of the work, but is also used in other Indian religions, particularly Buddhism. In the Tibetan branch of Vajrayana Buddhism, mandalas have been developed into sandpainting. They are also a key part of anuttarayoga tantra meditation practices.

In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

Using these designs as our inspiration we'll build our own Mandalas

Method ~ Mixed media:

in visual art, refers to an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed.

There is an important distinction between "mixed-media" artworks and "multimedia art". Mixed media tends to refer to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a "mixed media" work - but not a work of "multimedia art." The term multimedia art implies a broader scope than mixed media, combining visual art with non-visual elements (such as recorded sound, for example) or with elements of the other arts (such as literature, drama, dance, motion graphics, music, or interactivity).

I will supply all of the materials I've been using wood, paper, ink, paint, pencil, glue and buttons. Plus little tricks to help you get your design down easily.

You should bring anything you love to work with...

Scissors, water colors, Twinkling H20s, glitter, glue, special inks, colored pencils, symbols or talismans that strike you.

Workshop ~ Lesson:

a short period of time during which learners are taught about a particular subject or taught how to perform a particular activity. Lessons are generally taught in a classroom but may instead take place in a situated learning environment.

Hip Chick Designs

946 Tyler Street

Benicia, CA

http://youtu.be/y9jFZnCEMk4

May 21st

11a - 3pm

Let's get our CrAfT ON!!!
xoxo
jul

CALL Carrie to make your reservation:707-747-5543

Charmed, I'm SURE!

2011-04-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

The little's initials

This weekend at Tangerine "The Sweetest Place in Dublin" we'll be having a sweet time making charm bracelets... lots of laughs, gluing and a little soldering action, too! You know I can't let a class go by with out at least a little soldering surprise!

Mama's Dream

There are still a few spots available so if you're not already getting your craft on elsewhere come play!

Saturday April 16th

11am - 3pm

Tangerine

7038 Village Parkway

Dublin

925.548.8447 for reservations.

Let's GET our CRAFT ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Just in time... what a GIFT!

2011-04-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how things come in 3s? Hints... Clues... Inspirations...

Have you ever noticed how things show up just when they're supposed and not a moment too soon?

Have you ever noticed how what we need is always there for us if we slow down to take it in?

I do.

Sometimes.

When I'm slow enough... quiet enough and READY... right now I'm slowing down for a little R&R that's Restoration and Reclamation. Cleaning house, taking inventory and restocking... figuratively speaking AND literally speaking, as well. I'm taking Melody Ross's Brave Girl's Club Soul Restoration online course.

Just when I was ready and able a workshop that I've been aware of (that I even recommended to several friends) came back into my awareness on the very last day of sign ups... so of course I had to take the leap and so far I've been savoring each little piece as I take it in... like cool water on a hot day... that deep sigh of relief and gratitude washing over you that just makes you have to say Ahhhhhh right out loud... yeah... that's me right now. Deeply grateful and so relieved.

Have a peek at the treat we were given today... anyone that knows Melody Ross knows that there is theme of birds and cages and well... I just thought this was an interesting parallel. Check it out...

This is not the gift :)
This is a gift we gave my Mom
on her birthday a few years ago...
please note the little bump
in the bottom of the cage

This is the underside of the bump

This is a close up of the underside
of the bump...any guesses?

Here's a weird picture of the side of the bump

Is that not the tiniest nest
you have ever seen?

Seriously so cool! What magnificent craftsmanship!!!

Absolutely inspiring...

It turns out that over the last few days the humming birds that my Mom has been watching through her bedroom window have been hard at work

At first she saw one come a look at the cage... and then inspect the clothes pin dolls... and then bring a friend... apparently more than a friend *wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge* I hope they keep coming back... its bound to be a beautiful Spring watching this pair show us how to make a cozy home... feathering our nests and getting things just the way we like.

P.S. Who ever heard of a wild bird putting herself INTO a decorative cage? Especially when there are several protected areas around the yard...

What a treasure.

Now... go get your craft ON!

xoxo

jul

Happy Luscious Hearted Monday

2011-03-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

As I hope for a peaceful week for myself, my family, my friends and my readers I find my self overreaching, setting goals, making lists, but sometimes, not listening. This little list is a good reminder for me that the best things in life are the simple things... dream big, but take all of the little steps to get from here to --------------------------> there.

I'm reposting this from the blog of Gretchen Rubin author of The Happiness Project.

Secrets of Adulthood

The best reading is re-reading.
Outer order contributes to inner calm.
The opposite of a great truth is also true.
You manage what you measure.
By doing a little bit each day, you can get a lot accomplished.
People don’t notice your mistakes and flaws as much as you think.
It's nice to have plenty of money.
Most decisions don't require extensive research.
Try not to let yourself get too hungry.
Even if you think they're fake, it's nice to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day.
If you can't find something, clean up.
The days are long, but the years are short.
Someplace, keep an empty shelf.
Turning the computer on and off a few times often fixes a glitch.
It's okay to ask for help.
You can choose what you do; you can't choose what you LIKE to do.
Happiness doesn't always make you feel happy.
What you do EVERY DAY matters more than what you do ONCE IN A WHILE.
You don't have to be good at everything.
Soap and water removes most stains.
It's important to be nice to EVERYONE.
You know as much as most people.
Over-the-counter medicines are very effective.
Eat better, eat less, exercise more.
What's fun for other people may not be fun for you--and vice versa.
People actually prefer that you buy wedding gifts off their registry.
Houseplants and photo albums are a lot of trouble.
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.
No deposit, no return.

One more little thing *I'm wishing for the speedy recovery of my friend who is in the hospital healing with ease*

Now, go get your craft *ON*

xoxo

jul

friday family fun freaktasticly fabulous FIOLI!

2011-03-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Since we're always always into a fun naturey adventure I thought I'd share this with you...

Explore: Filoli

The forecast for Sunday promises sunshine and we’re itching for an outdoor adventure. Celebrate the return of spring by exploring the beautiful gardens at Filoli, a lovingly-preserved country estate in Woodside with some very special family-friendly events you won’t want to miss. Their annualSpring Fling is coming up in April, followed by theirMother’s Day Celebrationin May.

When to go: March thru June are the most colorful months, but the gardens are lovely at any time. Check out the ‘What’s blooming’ year-round calendar on their website to find out when your favorite flowers will be at their best.

Where is it? Filoli is located 30 miles south of San Francisco.

What to see and do: Walk through sixteen acres of gardens of all different kinds, visit the house itself, drop by the garden shop, and take a docent-led nature hike to the greenhouse where the little ones can pot a plant, decorate it, and bring it home.

Where to have lunch: The Filoli Café serves delicious house-made paninis, fresh salads, quiches, desserts, and more. They also have a children’s menu.

How to dress: Take jackets in case you want to eat outdoors on the patio.

Cost of trip: Moderate. Children 4 and under are free.

Bonus: For all you movie buffs out there, scenes from The Wedding Planner and The Joy Luck Club were filmed at Filoli.

Online: www.filoli.org

—Annie Sheldon
"This story is reprinted with permission by Red Tricycle. For more family-friendly Bay Area activities, please visit http:///www.redtri.com."

On the slate for some *OTHER* girls will be this shin-dig! Sounds pretty fancy

American Girl Fashion Show hosted by Golden View Elementary School
Category:

Kids & Family
When:
Sunday, March 27, 2011 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Add to Calendar
Where:

Blackhawk Museum
based on 42 reviews
3750 Blackhawk Plaza Cir Danville, CA 94506 (925) 736-2277
How:

Official Website
Cost:

$40.00

What/Why:
Ticket Sales Begin 2/5/2011 ($40) This fundraiser benefits the student of Golden View Elementary. Each ticket entitles you to the Fashion Show, Museum access, a sit down meal, access to $1000+ in Raffle Prizes, Door Prizes, a Hair Salon, A Professional Photographer and much more.

Walk on the Wildside Wednesday - We're in the PINK and GREEN and Black and White and stuff

2011-03-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you go to Napa for your buddy's birthday you may be the one who is surprised!

I never ever imagined that we would end up at a monastery... or that it would be the COOLEST place I ever seen in Napa... talk about inspiring, check these out!

I also wouldn't have guessed that Ali and I would end up taking the SAME pictures!

JC by Jul

JC by Ali

Ok, so they're not eXaCtLy the same, but darn close!

Frogs that chirp!

I also would not have anticipated hearing frogs that sound like a bird!

I have no idea what that was, but the frogs were leaping out of the water and I SWEAR they were chirping!

Such a trip!

Monastery - Hillside view

The Lady is definitely in the Pink

Lovely light

Back in our East Bay dream land The People and I enjoyed a gorgeous walk in the misty clouds

Delicate and Fragile omen of the future

My field fairy, Queen Protector

Those Eyes mean business

And off to another monastery...

This time the Buddhist Temple and in the rain its just that much more of a gift

Quan Yin and all that's GREEN

Fu Dog a keeper of the gate

There is definitely something that stirs in the soul this time of year... rebirth, renewing, growth and the cycle of life its all happening and its all happening, now. With everything that's happening in the world right now, our Spirits are absolutely on notice. Its a challenge to keep focused, stay positive and be BRAVE, but we are prepared to do what it takes. As one of my girlfriends would say "Its ON"

Happy Spring!

Now go CRAFT something!

xoxo

jul

Tutorial Tuesday: Zen'd out Zendala

2011-03-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

I am currently a bit mandala obsessed.... what, you ask, is a mandala? Well, a mandala is a design inside a circle so lots of things, it turns out, are mandalas... now that I'm obsessed by them I am seeing them EVERY where! My child is even pointing them out in rugs, greeting cards, patterns on fabric and definitely in nature.

Here is a scan of one of my recent creations while it was still flat:

I happen to be enamored with this lotus blossoming type of mandala, but they can be as symmetrical as you like or as funky as you can imagine

This piece was my first attempt at making a mixed media collage type mandala

I enjoyed it immensely.

The process is entirely intuitive and meditative and just relaxing.

Have a go at your own mandala, if you'd like

If you want to play along make one or two and share what you've done

If you're local and you want to play along come make one in class. I've decided to offer a lesson making mixed media mandalas - Julee Style... of course that means there will be something sparkly and a lot of fun.

Hip Chick Designs

Benicia, CA

May 21st 11am - 3pm

$45.00

Contact Carrie "Hip Chick" Clayden

707.747.5543

Family Friday: Down time with The People

2011-03-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

Alexia "brave girl" NO DOUBT!

A lot of people like to take off for Spring Break with big plans of tropical destinations and far flung flights, but we Herrmanns... well... we march to the beat of a different drummer...

We head for the hills when everyone else is at school or toiling away at work. We love to take advantage of less traffic, smaller crowds and better service.

Proud Daddy with his buddy

This past week was no exception. We hit Squaw Creek Resort, put the little one in Ski School, sent the mister on a few runs while The Queen of the Leos luxuriated in the fabulous spa.

It was good for the soul of each Herrmann to have this experience

How fun is THIS?!?

Now, while all of you are going to be showing us your tan lines and sunsets we'll be here in town also enjoying less traffic, smaller crowds and better service...

Swimming in the pool outdoors in the snow at night!

Family time just brings us closer to what we love!

Now, Go GET your CRAFT on!!!

xoxo

jul

Lucky YOU! New Workshop... LIVE and in Dublin! 20% off Today only!

2011-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to teaching a fun and no doubt CHARMING workshop at Tangerine next month...

Think Charms

Think bracelet

Then think... outside the box

Think sparkle and whimsy!

We'll be making darling soldered charms from vintage watch crystals

and then adding them to a vintagey silk ribbon that you can wear as a bracelet, add to an existing collection or give as a gift!

We'll be gathering at the Sweetest Place in Dublin and my favorite hang out

Tangerine!

Call to make a reservation

925.548.8447 (Gina)

925.864.9708 (Julee)

Saturday, April 16th

11:00am - 3:00pm

$65.00

All materials included

Please bring your favorite crafting items and your soldering tools if you have them.

I will have a few set up for you to use, but many students like to practice with their own tools and I can help you overcome an obstacles you may be having with your equipment!

Call to reserve your spot... TODAY St. Patrick's day in honor of my Irish heritage and that of the town where the workshop is held and receive a 20% discount!

Your class will be just $52.00 if you book your class March 17th, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's DAY!!!

Éirinn go brách

The spots are going quick and this class will be on the intimate side with just 6 students!

Now go get YOUR craft ON!

xoxo

jul

Family Friday:Narnia in Berkeley!

2011-03-11T04:44:00.000-08:00

One of my childhood favorites

I do enjoy the parental opportunity to relive parts of my childhood by experiencing them again with my child... The Chronicles of Narnia's The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is one of those "things". I've been wanting to share this story with my little one, but have hesitated... I know there is material in the story that I don't want to just toss her way without some context to understand the way some fairy tales happen... *BUT* given the opportunity to see this story come to life in a local theater in a show for children is just the right setting to share this story... I know there will be some "scary" parts that are filled with anxious moments, I also know those lead to nuggets of goodness like bravery and generosity of spirit... Do you remember all of these little pieces?

The White Witch and poor Edmund

A walk in the woods with Tumnus

Falling back out of the wardrobe

My very favorite characters are of course, Lucy the Valiant and Dear Aslan... I've always been drawn to those beautiful lions...

Here is what Red Tricycle has to say:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Where:	Berkeley Playhouse 2640 College Avenue Berkeley, Ca
When:	Mar 13–Apr 3, 2011
Cost:	$15-33
Ages:	All
More Info:	Event Website

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the first and most famous story of the Chronicles of Narnia, is brought to the stage in an unique musical with all the fantasy and enchantment of a world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable – both good and evil, demonic and transcendent. Ordinary children learn extraordinary lessons in courage unselfishness and wisdom.

Here is what the Berkeley Playhouse has to say:

ABOUT THE PLAY: Based on the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis, Narnia is a musical recreation of an enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil, demonic and transcendent. Narnia has been held in a state of perpetual winter for over a hundred years by the evil White Witch. The majestic King Aslan, a talking Lion, struggles to take back possession of the land but is so often absent that his very existence is doubted by some. Entering Narnia at a moment of its greatest need are the four Pevensie children who discover that entering a wardrobe in the home of Professor Digory Kirke will lead to this magical land. The children join the quest to save Narnia from the White Witch and over the course of their journey filled with chases, duels and narrow escapes they learn valuable lessons in courage, generosity and wisdom. Narnia features a soaring, inspirational musical score with music by Thomas Tierney and lyrics by Ted Drachman. Narnia runs two hours with an intermission. Enjoyed by children and adults.

To get your tickets click here

Enjoy! and don't forget to GET your CrAfT on!!!

xoxo

jul

One spot Left

2011-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

The Soldering With Heart workshop launched this week, but the cool thing about the format of these classes - besides the projects, silliness and fun - is that its an ongoing course. You can start any time and be right on time! All of the classes are there waiting for you to choose when to begin. There are little rooms set up for each step of the way so that you can ask any questions or discuss any part of the techniques..

Come play at Creative Workshops... click here for the details!

To take the class live be sure to contact Carrie Clayden over at Hip Chick Designs... click the flier for all of the details on the class and sign up information... there are 9 people signed up and we can only fit 10!

One Spot Left!

Comic book collector and face sketcher, Alan Angeles

2011-02-28T04:20:00.000-08:00

Artist Alan Angles

Facebook is good for reconnecting with people from your past and people from your family, but for me its also great for connecting with people who are as obsessed by art as I am! This week's artist is just one example of another soul out there in the Universe who sketches faces in his spare time... have a peek at Alan Angeles a freelance artist from Mexico City currently living in Los Angeles.

When you think about your first inkling of being an artist is there a story that comes to mind?
I think it has to be with cartoons and video games back when I was a kid. We never had money for those types of things so I would go to my friend (neighbor) to play with his Super Nintendo. I remember playing this game called "Street fighter" and I was amazed of how I can control the character. I would pause the game and try tho draw the pose of the characters. Till this day I remember my horrible scribles and countless hours on that old T.V my friend had.

Spike

How/ where do you work best and when? Any stories connected with how that works for you?
I think I'm at my best alone. I would always draw alone when I was a kid or sometimes with my older brother. I never got used to the fact that someone is looking at an unfinished work. Lot's of coffee!!

For Bernice

Will you share with our readers about how you get the juices flowing, where you draw your daily inspirations from and or overcoming the inner critic?
I think I get my inspiration from either other artists or just life. I like to better myself and always try to think of how I can try to better myself. I tend to go to my favorite local cafe and just look around for the common everyday lives we are surrounded with. It sounds pretty poetic, but I try to simplify my life by analyzing my skills as well as my life. I think I'm my worst critic!! I am never satisfied with what I see. Some people say it's a problem, but I see it as a healthy thing because it makes you improve all the time.

Art on a PostIt Note

Are there any artful challenges that you overcame that inspired you to move in a new direction?
I think the biggest challenge for me as art goes would be comparing myself with amazing talented artists. I think it's a good and a bad thing at the same time. Bad becausee I over stress my self. Good because I get competitive and thats always a great thing. Not only you better yourself but you make friendly rivals like me and my friend (he is amazing). That gets me a big push! I feel amazing seeing how far I have come to be head to head with other amazing artists. I always keep that in mind!

Colorful

How do you market yourself? Do you have a marketing or press package? If you have an "elevator spiel" or "cocktail party" response to "So, what do you do?" that inspires people to want to know more, will you share it with our readers?
I feel like my art is not well develop yet so I think it's a bit premature to start marketing myself. I'll work hard to get to that point where I know I'm ready.

pen and ink female

What's up for you in 2011 - anything you'd like to share? Photos? Videos? Promos?
Lot's of work and school I'll try to make a blog or try to be more active in the internet. I just haven't had the chance to be active in that perspective.

pen and ink male

Is there anything you collect?
I feel like a hoarder!!! I collect comic books! vintage nicknacks. I'm trying to collect vinyl's of my favorite jazz bands and song writers.

Wow...I am definitely feeling inspired by this interview. Thanks Alan for sharing your history and portfolio with us and PLEASE keep going!

Now, go get your CRAFT on!!!
xoxo
jul

A tribute to the tiny white doggy...

2011-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

The life you save may be your best friend's...

We rescued this little dog almost two years ago now... she came to us just as my best girl left us. It felt too soon, but we had to do it. She was being mistreated by some neighbor children and we intervened... with compassion. The family ended up seeing how we loved her and would take care of her when she was covered with nasty stickers and mats and eventually they realized that they were not being fair or kind to her and they were ready to let her go to the pound. They let us take her off of their hands.

She wasn't in a shelter, but she is the product of a puppy mill and a very sad beginning. The previous owners had had her spayed, but never had the stainless steels stitches removed so we had a trip to the vet where he also found a sticker that was making its way towards her heart and lungs. We had her shaved down to get the constricting mats off of her and then had a few little surgeries done to get her cleaned up. She was terrified of her own shadow for months and she had some bad habits in the beginning and we've helped her to mostly overcome those.

I have what some people would call Mama Bear type instincts and I have to protect when I see injustice. I can't even look at those neighbors knowing what they put her through, but Jazzmine is our little buddy now... she comes with us everywhere... she's tiny and easy enough to tuck into the car and she's a great traveller! She has gone camping with us, made a road trip to Idaho and Montana and LOVES to get in the car. She loves the kids and has helped some children to overcome their fear of dogs. She barks WAY too much, but you gotta take the good with the bad right?

What am I on about today? Well here we are on Family Friday, I just wanted to say... if you're thinking of adding a family member consider adoption of a shelter animal... maybe an older dog... take a chance on them and they will love you unconditionally... forever! I'm sharing the link of A Place to Bark because I would like to support my fellow mixed media artist, Bernie Berlin in her quest to help these animals. Suzi Blu and Claudine Hellmuth are among other mixed media artists that are working to protect our fur babies by creating workshops whose proceeds go to support different shelters. But I'd also like to say that if you really want to adopt from a shelter do a little research via the internet and find a shelter/pound in your area and give those animals a chance to make their way into your heart... you'll be glad you did... we are. :)

Now, go Get YOUR craft ON!!!
xoxo
jul

Sharing my Passion is a Dream Come True!

2011-02-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Making things brings me peace in the moment

Start Where You Are... is my motto...
you're not behind...
you're just where you are meant to be

Finding new outlets for creativity brings me joy!

Sharing that passion for creating is a thrill

The little details come into focus with a little help

Making your own dreams come to light

Brings sparkle and delight!

Online course which starts March 1st will be ongoing
so you'll have plenty of time to take the lessons and
receive help along the way.

Make your own pretties

This is my little one soldering when she was 5

Here are some ladies having soldering lessons

Finished piece by Ali

Pretty details

Come play at Creative Workhops! More information click here

Walk on the WildSide Wednesday

2011-02-23T04:10:00.000-08:00

true story... i have so many fabulous photos from our recent outing that after going through and only choosing my very very faves... i have 63 flagged... i think i'll just be sending those on over to the flickr click here so that people can see how beautiful berkeley and san francisco are... even if you already know... you forget quickly... i know i do... and my people's people's people are from here and still i forget...

you know i have to share SOME inspiration though...

Berkeley Goddess

Rainy day walk in the park

City by the Bay

Mark Hopkins

China Town

Wind in my Hair

Things are lookin' up!

Way up!

No words... only bliss

Focal point

Beach party

You left your heart in San Francisco

Come back soon!

Tutorial Tuesday: Mori Girl skirt for a Fairy

2011-02-22T04:10:00.000-08:00

Ok... if you have a kiddo like I have a kiddo then you have a few outgrown party dresses that were worn once and then relegated to the back of the closet... we have more than a few, I must confess... my Mom *LOVES* to buy her granddaughter darling dresses and we just don't get around to wearing them all that often... but they are SOOOO CUTE! and made with such lovely fabrics and notions how could I just let them hang there?

Well, a woman I know who has a talent for inspiring me to do stuff *you know who you are* said... why don't you just make those into skirts? Fantastic IDEA! I can do that... right??? Sure... well, that was last Summer and we're now rapidly approaching skirt weather again so I finally got to it! At first I thought it would be a breeze and then I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew, but ultimately I had a BLAST and can't wait to do this AGAIN, but for me! ;)

Here's how I got started... first... sign up for a Mori Girl workshop and get completely entranced by the Mori fashion craze that is ALL over Japan... Mori is Japanese for Forest... what's not to love? Fairy Fantasy meets fun and creative... pretty much has my name written all over it... oh wait, this was a project for Alexia... hmmmm

Where was I... ahhhh yes, old Christmas Party Frock

Make sure the area that you are going to use as the waist still fits your sunshiney daydream girl... in my case I'm pretty sure that Alexia has only grown taller in the last two and a half years so we're good in that way, but also make sure that the skirt will still be a length that she'll like...

check~
check~

snip away top, preserving notions and fabric for future use

My original plan was to use the button to fasten the skirt onto the child, but that didn't work... I still kept the button because it was cute, but this is something to consider... do you have a zipper to deal with? How does your child feel about elastic waistbands? I decided to avoid the zipper for my first project and did end up going with the elastic (thanks mom!) If you do that make sure you measure an extra inch of elastic to allow for overlap in stitching and so that it won't be too tight.

We also opted to save the sash for a bow.

Roll the top down and pin and fit it to your child... this is when we knew the button wasn't going to work and allowed us to add a sleeve for elastic (see, this is where I was like... uhhh... yeah... MOM! but I persevered!) I also knew that I liked the way it looked to have a higher waist and that I would use some of the lovely decorative stitches my machine offers to embellish that area.

This is what the backside of the waist looks like finished. I used a soft pink felt to encase the elastic and it gives the piece a finished look. Now... with all of the technical challenges met I got to play...

I ironed some Mori Girl inspired illustrations from my friend Natalie Neumann onto some unbleached muslin and stitched them onto the underskirt... patchwork style... this deer is on the back of the skirt and I stitched a button that I made with the excess fabric in place to hold the over skirt up a bit to reveal our little forest friend....

I continued embellishing with our other little cute critters AND Little Red Ridinghood...

here's mister bunny all stitched on

mister fox auditioning embellishments

and miss doe showing a little layered embellishing... keep going with it until you've run out of supplies or you're pretty sure the skirt will fall off if you add one more thing! :)

The whole thing came out darn cute... If I do say so myself

Truth be told... I loved this project mostly because Little ~~Red~~ Pink Riding hood and I got to hang out and make something cool together... she's got fantastic ideas, a quick whit and a ton of charm and a sizable dose of silly! Love that girl!

Little Red Riding hood, a cameo and a rusty key

Tip toe through the tulips - or narcissus...

Mom, I have a blackberry thorn in my finger... get Daddy.

Tea time

Don't forget Mister Fox, Mommy... he's my favorite!

So... the moral of the story is... just play... have fun and if your kid wants to stick crazy stuff on their clothes, go for it! AND if your Mom says use the elastic... use the elastic!

A big thank you to Natalie for getting me inspired to play with my clothing, putting the Mori Girl fashion craze on my radar and for being brave enough to go into the forest on your own... its a big world out there! ;)

Now, go get your CrAfT ON!!!

xoxo

jul

Artist Spotlight: Julie Bergmann

2011-02-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

After an exciting few weeks finalizing the videos for the upcoming Soldering With Heart series I'm back to giving you some insightful details on the artists who inspire most! This week I am oh so lucky to have the lovely and talented, thoughtful and open Julie Bergmann sharing her life and loves with us. She has so much going on, but was willing to take a few minutes to share with us!

I was lucky enough to meet Julie in person and actually sit down and take a jewelry making class with her from none other than Ruth Rae! Its so nice to connect with people in person as you get to know their spirit as well as their work. Julie is a talented sculptor and doll maker. I have seen many many of her creations in and on the Somerset magazines over the last several years, but recently I've started falling in love with these dreamy portraits and artful photographic vistas that she's been sharing with us. They are so soulful and it just matches her essence.

Julie has a beautiful photography blog now where you can see some of her gorgeous work and learn more about this talented woman's history! Wait until you feast your eyes on her work, I'm pretty sure you'll be fascinated just as I was...

Julie, when you think about your first inkling of being an artist is there a story that comes to mind?

As far back as I can remember, I have always been an artist. Since the first time a box of crayons was dumped in front of me in kindergarten I have been consumed with creating art. All through my school years I was always happiest in art class. Whether I was drawing, painting or sculpting I was content and I loved the process of turning raw materials into something beautiful.

Tell us how and where do you work best and when? Any stories connected with how that works for you?

These past three years have been a real struggle for our family as my husband was laid-off from his job in November 2007. In the recent past I would retreat to my studio where I kept all of my materials and wonderful things I have collected, but we were forced to give up our home about a year ago and moved in with my mother. We are thankful for this, however it doesn’t make for the most creative environment as most of my supplies and treasures are in storage. I do try to keep up with my art and have learned to adapt to my surroundings, but it can be difficult to find inspiration and motivation.

I can imagine that challenge, in fact I can relate - as you know, will you share with our readers about how you get the juices flowing, where you draw your daily inspirations from and or overcoming the inner critic?

Most recently, I seem to be focusing on work that is for workshops, articles and publishing. Where I have found it difficult to get “my juices flowing” knowing that I am required to complete a project within a prescribed deadline or for a class forces me to stay on top of things.

As for overcoming my inner critic, I don’t think that is something that I will ever be able to do. What I have found

makes it easier to deal with is the encouragement I receive from my art family. These are the talented people I have been drawn to through their beautiful works. When I started sharing my work with others, I was blown away when someone who’s work I admired, loved mine as well. This

gives me encouragement and the confidence to create more.

I wonder, are there any artful challenges that you overcame that inspired you to move in a new direction?

Yes there is. In this past year I have teamed up with an incredible acrylic paint company. Tri-Art Acrylics has provided me some amazing opportunities. At the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show in Los Angeles, I will be teaching a workshop titled Bridging the Gap Between

Craft and Fine Art. With the support Tri-Art’s distributor, Jack Richeson Fine Art Materials, I will be introducing a variety of mediums and paints that most craft and hobby artists might be afraid to attempt on their own. I hope to provide the encouragement for others to experiment with new

techniques and materials. For me, learning new methods and using new mediums has always been a personal challenge and one of my greatest inspirations.

How do you market yourself? Do you have a marketing or press package? If you have an “elevator spiel” or “cocktail party” response to “So, what do you do?” that inspires people to want to know more, will you share it with our readers?

As I am sure it is the same for most artist out there, tooting your own horn is not easy to do. When I started getting involved heavily into mixed media and papier mache, I would buy issues of Stampington’s Somerset Studio magazine and their other various titles. I would turn each page with anticipation of what I would see next. All of the art was so beautiful and inspirational. I would say to myself “I would die to be on the pages of any of their magazines”. Of course they knew nothing about me as I had never submitted anything to them for publication. One day, I was talking with my dear friend Robyn, and expressing my dream of being published along with all of the other artists I had grown to admire. When she found out I was too scared to submit my work, she

called Stampington’s office and told them about me and that should see my art. Next thing I knew, I was being contacted by them and was invited to bring some pieces to their office for review. I was completely blown away by the response I got from several of their editors. I ended up leaving nearly 2 dozen pieces with them and soon found out I was going to be featured in Somerset Holiday & Celebrations. When the issue came out, I was shocked to see my art on the cover as well.

This pretty much started the ball rolling for me as I was soon getting messages from the very same artists I had been admiring for so long. The one thing I learned from this is you will never know if you don’t try. Thanks to my friend, I have submitted my work dozens of times and have been on

the cover 4 times and have had several feature articles. Of course this all ends up on my blogs and I get to promote through Facebook. Its no secret that artists of today have a powerful networking tool with all of the social network and blog websites available.

What’s up for you in 2011 - anything you’d like to share? Photos? Videos? Promos?

So far 2011 looks like it is going to busy. Besides my workshops at CHA and others, I will

be preparing some video classes for online courses.

I am a contributing artist in Pam Carriker’s

new book Art at the Speed of Life, [that just came out this] February.

Living Art at the Speed of Life

I have a feature article being published in the

upcoming Spring issue of Somerset Digital Studio, due out March 1st.

Stampington's Digital Studio Spring 2011

Julie's photography blog

I am also in the process of

preparing my first book and hope to have it to the publisher by this fall.

Wow, wow, wow! Girl you are ON FIRE! Congratulations on all of the wonderful energy swirling your way!

Last question and its a new question: Is there anything you collect?

I have always been a collector of things I see beauty and potential in. My list of collections is so long that my husband finally said he thinks I collect collections. Currently most of my treasures are in storage. I look forward to the day when we can be back in a home of our own and I can once

again surround myself with my favorite things.

For today I'm going to guess that piling up that long list of successes - from family and friends, to work that is inspiring people around the globe - is a pretty cool collection! With your feet firmly planted on Tera Firma you'll be bringing yourself to any destination you choose, Julie!

THANK YOU so MUCH for the interview!

If you'd like to learn more about Julie have a peek at her art blog:

http://juliebergmann.typepad.com/

her photography blog: http://juliebergmann.typepad.com/juliebphotography/

Now, go GET your CrAfT on!

xoxo

jul

What's coming up? Workshops, that's what!

2011-02-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

Workshop time is upon us!

I'm thrilled to be able to offer 3 of my popular workshops in an online format for just $55!

What do you get? Fun, silliness and inspiration for beginning soldering instruction, that's what!

5 videos...

First off is Tool Talk! This is where I compare several different products and tools giving pros and cons and show you my "basic kit" and my "deluxe kit". I share my resources with you so that you can have a tool kit custom built for you!

Next is the Jump ring video... those pesky jump rings get their own lesson!

Projects include The Row Houses course...

Student Sample

They are extra special if you use your own family, this is my Great Grandmother

A pendant bauble - its a bauble you can wear!

This piece has a little depth so that you can add a button or bead to your collage

One of my student's favorite projects is the Bauble workshop. This project features larger domed glass providing plenty of space for your whimsies to take up residence! I'll be personally purchasing and shipping these to you if you don't have a resource. Sizes vary based on availability.

student sample

Build your own dreamy bauble!

Plus! As a bonus I'm throwing in a SHAMWOW! No, just kidding. Its my 1x3 video... it was the first one I filmed and edited... watch the history of silliness taking place! Wait, that's 6 videos!!! for only $55?!? I'm practically GIVIN' the stuff away :)

Head on over to Gail's site for all of the details! The fun begins on March 1st so get your self all signed up and get ready to get crafty! Let either Gail or I know if you've got any questions!

Now, if you are still with me AND you're relatively local then get your calendars out! You can click on the flier and save it if you'd like to print it out.

Saturday, April 9th Hip Chick Designs will be hosting me for a workshop in her "happy place". Carrie's studio/shop is in Benicia's Port district and is filled with tutus, modern creations and vintage finds! This girl has an eye... you should definitely check it out! We've barely told anyone about this until now and Carrie just texted me that are only 3 spots left in the class! Call Carrie to reserve your spot for the beginning soldering course 707.747.5543 Hip Chick Designs is located at 946 Tyler Street, Benicia. It has art galleries, studios and consignment shops nearby... come play!

The Row Houses a beginners soldering course. April 9th 11am - 3pm $65 All supplies included.

If you're still still with me... I am currently offering 3 children's workshops which are all sold out, but super inspiring to me and fun for the kiddos! This summer I will be offering a mixed media clothing and jewelry workshop at two different times to accommodate vacation schedules... so far I'm just waiting for a date on another engagement before I post the information about Summer CAMP!!! Can you believe it?

Good grief! Get off the computer and GO GET your CrAfT on!!!
xoxojul

Walk on the Wild Side Wednesday

2011-02-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

Last week was all about my inner word geek... that one got some people talking. It was interesting to me to use my brain in that way. This week, after finalizing my videos for my online course and getting them all transferred over to my lovely hostess with the mostess, Gail Schmidt all I want to do is play! I wanna look at bright colors and twirl around like a goof ball and laugh loud and hard and long!

This week's prescription was filled by a fellow Creative Workshops member who happens to be local! We hooked up on Gail's site and decided that we MUST get together! I brought along my side kick and fellow adventurer, Steph Jordan and headed for California's original capitol... Benicia!

Check out the fun we had!

Port of Benicia

No sooner had we arrived when Carrie shop owner of Hip Chick Deisgns was pulling down a tutu for Steph to slip into...

Inside Hip Chick herself is using her special tutu retrieving tool!

You can see why we call this Lady "Diva" she's so shy!

That's me hiding behind the flash!

Give Steph a tutu and some sunshine and she'll sing for you and skip, too!

Carrie knows how and where to rock a tutu!

Besides being a shop owner, Carrie is an artist, too! Photography and Acrylic Paintings often have a tutu!

Pet Portraits by Carrie!

How about this one Carrie? Its got it all tutu and beloved pet!

This is Delilah Ann Josephine!

Its a pleasure to have an adventure, its double fun when you bring a friend along... TRIPLE fun when you make a new friend along the way!

So... Tutorial Tuesday... better late than never!

2011-02-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

Let's talk for a moment about this gorgeous thing - I'm callin' it a reliquary. Its got a little photo of a Buddha statue that I photographed while in South East Asia a few years ago and its special to me... so a relic? Not officially...A reliquary? Why not... OH! and mine is little enough that I attached a pin back to this baby and wear it on my coat! LOVE LOVE LOVEEEE LOVE

If you're building a reliquary it might start with a box as mine did... one I hand made, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I really started with a collage... a tiny 2" collage if image, paint, glitter (duh!) and a little watch gizmo or two.

Here's where it gets fairly technical... ok, not really, but you'll see... good times ahead!

Once your piece begins to come together you will want to decide when to add the sides to your box. Once the sides are in place it becomes slightly more challenging to arrange the little tid bits, but some items will be supported by the side walls or floor.

You'll want to measure the overall depth of your piece. If you are using something fairly flat you can make it basically whatever depth you like... I don't like to make them too much deeper than ½ - ¾ of an inch otherwise your piece starts to get a bit like a tunnel and is quite a bit harder to solder. On the other hand, if you're using a 3D object you'll want to use its depth plush a “skosch”.

Measure around piece to figure overall linear length and cut a piece of mat board that is a bit too long... trust me on this one... you'll want a little extra... there is very likely some algebra that would allow me to figure that out exactly, but Algebra and I parted ways yeeeeears ago and I never really measure in inches or centimeters... I typically use a piece of string to get my measurement. And then call it a sckotchy bit...

If your piece has curves (and who doesn't love curves!) you'll want to score the mat board about 1/3 of the way through the thickness from the top of the strip all the way to the bottom. Make the scores pretty close together and be sure not to go through too far. IF your piece has only square sides measure and cut a piece of mat board for each side.

Now, if you started with a precut piece of glass (like the opticians lens I used in the above example) follow the same steps, but when it comes time to glue the sides in place you'll be placing your sides on top of the base where you collaged your background.

On the other hand...

If you're using mica to enclose your piece your sides will be glued around your base. This is the exciting part!

When gluing my sides on I use Aleen's Tacky Glue and I typically start an arched piece by putting the arch around first leaving longer legs on each side of the piece and then measuring a “floor” that slides into place once the side is secured. For the square pieces I find that starting at the top and building around one piece at a time works best. For circles and ovals I just score all the entire length and start gluing it into place at the top.

Once you have measured, cut and scored the side piece(s) you will go ahead and glue it into place. I put an even amount of glue all the way around the base of the reliquary and then I set it on my non-stick craft surface and begin to push the sides into place. Once I have it in place I will put a rubber band around the sides as close to the bottom as possible. This allows the piece to be held together while you work it into just the right place. During workshops this is always where someone says “ooooh, I was wondering what those are for”... Taaaaah Daaaah! If the rubber band is up too high on your sides it will collapse your box. Careful!

Now, check the back to see if its level. Place your piece back on your craft surface. From the inside you can press down to flatten your base to make it perpendicular to the sides. If the ends of your sides over lap a little its fine. (I will HAVE to make a video for this process!) That can be easily trimmed – if your reliquary is a circle or oval you'll want to trim a little at a time until your two ends meet up and then put a little glue there - once the piece is cured using either a box cutter or really sharp, sturdy scissors you can trim away any excess. Keep in mind all of the sides and a little of the front and back will be covered with the copper tape later.

Finish your reliquary scene I like to add embellishments of the sparkley kind to the seams and sides it brings light and dimension and texture to the whole piece. Smooth glue all along the inside of the sides and sprinkle Vintage Glass Glitter or Ultra Fine Glitter from Art Institute. ( LOVE LOVE LOVE their glitters!)

Ok... the stage is set, you have everything just where you LOVE it and its as sparkley as you can stand take a deep breath... ahhh isn't that better? Meee tooo... (: We are right about to get to the GOOD STUFF...

I use Mica Sheets to enclose most of my reliquaries – its a really Victorian vibe and shrouds your piece in a bit of mystery and really draws people in. Ooooh what's in there? Place a piece of mica on top of your box and trace the box with a pencil (or pen or scribe) you want the mica to come all the way to the outer edge so that it neither exceeds the edge fore falls in – that would just make you cry and we don't want any tears on our art! (=

Cut the shape out with ordinary scissors and glue into place. The glue is just to hold the mica in place while you work with the copper tape.

What's that, Julee, did you say COPPER TAPE?

Well... let's chat about the copper tape next week... mmmmmk???

Go get your boxes built and let me know how it goes! Shoot me some questions and have fun!!!

Go Get YOUR CrAfT on!!!

xoxo

jul

Celebrating Love in ALL its Forms

2011-02-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day dear ones!

I have a new favorite song and I've been singing it for like two months now

How cute is she??? I love the line where she says I know some say this day is arbitrary, but its a good excuse to put our love to use! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

For me Valentine's Day is a special day... my mom even made a quilt for Simon and I that says "May your Love always be a Valentine". Simon and I had our very first date on Valentine's Day 2000. He was two hours late to pick me up, but he brought me a Pearl Jam mix CD and two bottles of my favorite Wente Cabernet so I let him take me to my favorite restaurant. Our Valentine's have always been pretty small, sweet and home made...

Here's my Valentine to you :)

Flower love

Silly Love

Best Friend love

Craftsman Love

Ratty Love

Old things Love

Mother Nature Love

You Love

Happy Love

Qewt things Love

Doin' stuff with Daddy Love

Crafty Love

Romantic MisterMann Love

Work Shop Love

Details Love

See it in her eyes Love

Shoppee Shoppe Love

Playin' with Mom love

What this day is all about! Puppy LOVE

Happy Love day to you!

xoxo

jul

NOW go get YouR cRaFt ON!!!