Treasure Box class in Palm Harbor...

Yesterday I taught a class at Oak Trail Books in Palm Harbor, Florida. The ladies attending learned how to put together a polymer clay tile embellished "Treasure Box." We had so much fun! I took some pictures, but my camera died. Bummer! :( I got a couple though. If you ever visit Palm Harbor located just a few miles north of Clearwater, make sure you visit Oak Trail Books. It's in the Historical district on Florida Ave. The coffee shop next door is called the "Witches Brew," and the decor inside is adorable! Based on the Wizard of Oz decor. I'll take some pictures and post later! You can check out the bookstore at http://www.oaktrailbooks.com/.

Lesley and Stacey picking out tiles to paint...

Gladys also picking through a table full of tiles...

Paula arranging tiles on her box.

It was very interesting to see how everyone's box came out so different even though they had basically the same raw materials.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...

To all of you, Happy Thanksgiving! I'm eating "not turkey" since I'm a vegetarian, and lots of tasty veggies! I've been exploring the raw diet for two years, eating about 2 raw meals a day, ane one cooked. It makes you feel like a MILLION DOLLARS. Yay! If you're interested in more info, check out Alissa Cohen, David Wolfe, Paul Nison, Gabriel Cousens, and many more gurus in the raw food health movement. Lots of invaluable information. They all have websites and classes, and materials to purchase. These people are way ahead of their time.

xoxo

Maria

Do you love sweet things?

Maybe a dumb question to any female readers of this blog... Anyway, people are raving about the sweet goodies in this etsy shop: http://www.redpoppybakery.etsy.com Check it out. The Holidays are coming. Why not wow 'em with sweet decadence....?

xoxo
M

The Sands of Time...

This collage, mixed media piece may or may not be done, but it is for now. :) The sands of time reminds me of generations, and how we women evolve. Our ancestors "bleed through" to the current time as the paper collage in the back suggests. I love doing collages, but I never know where the piece will end up. For the most part I don't have any plans, I just go along as the moment seizes me. Some collages don't work out at all... but hey, you can always gesso over it, and have a fresh canvas with interesting texture. I just LOVE ART!!! Woo-hoo...

Steampunk bracelet...

Mata Hari's Secret is the name of my latest charm bracelet creation. A secret lover is sending her a message in the hidden locket, and the charms remind her of the all too brief times they spent together. Lots of charms, vintage beads, and Swarowski crystal for that element of bling. This bracelet is for sale on etsy, so if you get a hankering, visit my store! :)

Busy, busy, busy making Christmas presents for friends and customers. 'Tis the Season... Ho, ho, ho.

Arabian Nights...

As opulent as any palace mirror comes my purple and pink mosaic mirror. I like over the top colors and mosaics, could you guess? Sorry about the pictures, but the full picture is not good.

I've been busy researching print making of my originals, and it's interesting. I haven't really found any print that has come out just the way I want it, but I keep trying... If you have any great sources for prints let me know.

Got a Morning Glory picture finally!

I've been trying for weeks to get a blue morning glory picture, and I finally got one. I know it's not perfect, but I absolutely love the color! It had started to wilt and the purple color on one edge is fabulous!

Then I took a picture of the ONE red leaf I found in the yard. Here in FL the leaves kind of dry and fall off, no colors to speak of.

I'm waiting for my second crop of tomatoes. They are green now, and I have some cucumbers coming.

Yummy!