My New 2013 Calendar & Craft Totes

This week I was at a small gift shop in San Francisco and found these adorable Cavallani 2013 pocket calendars.

I bought the one below with the bird on it. They measure just 4" x 6". Of course I couldn't just leave it as is...so I added a bit of embellishment/doodle - just to add my own touch.

Below is a picture of the back inside cover (opened up)...I love the collage work already in it.

I just added a few items, back of doll head, black/white label, black and white strip and round dictionary circle. I think I'm also going to apply some beeswax to the cover. I can't wait to start using this new calendar!

At the same gift shop, I also picked up some shea butter lotion - just loved the packaging...

It smells wonderful ;-).

Tomorrow, the girls and I are heading up to Anna Corba's house in Santa Rosa for a Holiday Adornments workshop. I've really been looking forward to it, and I've got my supplies already packed. I went to Target this afternoon and found this adorable small cosmetic bag - in my favorite colors too! 

It measures about 8"x6"x6", and I just love it!

It actually works perfect for carrying craft tools and such. I also found this smaller flat case I couldn't pass up.

So, don't forget to look in the Health and Beauty section for great craft bags.

Have a great weekend!

November Alameda Pt Flea Market

What a perfect day it was for going to Alameda Pt Flea Market today. It was so warm, who would have thought it was November.

I went with my sister Lana. Pictured below is her in the morning, just getting warmed up...see, her cart is pretty empty.

These guys below just came back from France and had lots of great items.

I was on the hunt for yard sticks again. Yes, I found 5 in just one booth!

Another picture of my sister, with another great find - white cabinet.

I then found this old LP shelf...which makes for a great holder of 12"x12" scrapbook paper.

We ran into my sister Maryl and her husband Rocky. Love that pink Santa. They sure filled up their basket.

Last picture of Lana...she filled up her basket and then some. We found many great finds! We also ran into so many friends today: Shawn, Lisa, Niley & Laura.

Below are my findings for the day...

Pictured at the top of this photo is a white ruffled apron - I only captured the bottom portion. On the left is a vintage long skirt.

Here's a close up of some small rusted metal pieces that will be great for embellishments.

Close up shot of my two-tiered long skirt...how fun this will be to wear.

Love my new scrapbook paper holder - what a deal for only $15!

 

 Pictured below is my collection of yard sticks. I picked up 8 of them just today.

I think I need another 10 more to have enough to make this picture...which is my goal!

Eclectic Dining Room design by Montreal Interior Designer catlin stothers design

I also did a quick trip to Joann's and picked up new embellishments from Basic Grey called Fact & Fiction. They're bright colors - something fun to use.

I also went to Japan Town this weekend and picked up some adorable stationary paper from Mai Do...

 This will make great background paper for some paper dolls.

 Each package was $8.95 and it comes with 16 envelopes, 32 pieces of stationary paper and 4 stickers!

Hope you had a great weekend, too!

Published in Somerset Studio

My altered book that I made this summer is published in the Nov/Dec issue of Somerset Studio. I just received my complimentary issue in the mail this week.

This is my article...

A big thanks to my friend Connie Freedman for bringing this project to the attention of Stampington & Co. It was a project that I made from a vintage book cover. I was inspired to make this piece after going to the Altered Book Exhibit in Marin this summer...there were some wonderful pieces on display. I'm also honored to have been asked to participate in the 2013 show next summer.

Other good news to share...the same day I received my complimentary issue, I also got an email from Stampington & Co. that they want to published two of my altered china dolls in the Art Doll Quarterly magazine, to be released in Feb. 2013! I'm so excited to be published in a new publication of Stampington. I really love their magazines and the quality of the photos and articles they publish...so inspiring for me. 

I just finished sending off my Catherine Moore tag swap today. My first official "swap". The theme was autumn and we had to send in 10 tags to swap. I can't wait to see what I get back in return. Thanks Cathy for organizing.

I used three Catherine Moore stamps to create this paper doll. Then I added some ribbon, tulle and a paper leaf garland. 

I'm also working on the 2013 Catherine Moore Collaborate Calendar. These are the months I've received already from Nancy Gene Armstrong (April) and Chris Capista (July). Nancy was nice enough to also make the cover page for us. All beautiful pieces!

I also want to share with you some Halloween items...my daughter and I carved a Hello Kitty pumpkin...

And you have to see my daughter's nails...

I can't believe it's November already. Holidays, here we come!

My B-day Celebration With The Girls

This past Saturday we celebrated my birthday with my sisters and good friend Ruby.  It was a fabulous day and one that I'll remember forever (warning, this is a long post with lots of pictures)! My good friend Lois taught us a wonderful class on Hand Sculptures.

The picture above is our finished project. I just love how they turned out...each with its own personality. The pictures below show how we started. Lois was gracious enough to sew, stuff and stain the hands for us - that saved us so much time.

By the way, the theme of the party was black and white. Below is a picture of Lois, myself and my sister Pat.

Here we are hard at work on our hand sculptures. 

Lois also pre-sewed the hearts and made many face transfers for us...it was great to have all of this ready for us to use. We got to focus on the fun stuff - embellishing! The picture below is the one I was working on.

Below is a picture of all of us and our hand sculptures. It was such a fun project to make. Lois was a fantastic teacher, so patient, organized and generous!

Next, I have to show you pictures of how my sisters decorated the house...it was great, I just loved it all!

My sister Pat made the banner.

My sister Diana made these cups.

My sister Frances made this 5 tier paper box cake.

Maryl brought these beautiful white roses.

 Below, is how great the room looked all decorated.

Diana made these black bottom cup cakes.

The food was all my favorites and all so delicious and love that black candelabra.

My daughter even dressed in theme with us.

My sister Diana & Frances and friend Ruby.

I just love the polka dot plates.

Our dessert buffet - YUM!

I received some wonderful gifts from everyone.

Beautiful hand made cards, Kelly Rae luggage, Kate Spade purses, jar of goodies, vintage items, lots of black and white supplies and accessories and hand made heart.

I also made goodie bags for my guest - of course black and white themed.

It was a great birthday celebration. Unfortunately, my sister Lana is in France and was unable to attend...but I'm sure she's having a great time as well.

The day wasn't over after the party. Nate Burkus was on a book signing tour and was just a few blocks away, so several of us went to see him.

I really enjoy watching his show, he has such great ideas, he's entertaining and so adorable.

Here's his book that he was promoting that night...this is his second book.

We came back to the house and caught the 9th inning of the Giants winning. What a way to end a perfect day...I didn't want the day to end! 

Thank you to Lois, my sisters and Ruby for making this one special birthday for me - everything was perfect! I love you all and feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!