Mixing Whimsy Journals

Happy 2011!

2010-12-27T15:46:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that 2010 is almost over! Where on earth did the time go? 2010 was a good year but I have to tell you I'm hoping for a bit more balance in 2011. A girl can wish, yes? I hope that 2011 brings you all peace, abundance, and love.

I've been working on the product line over the last few months but aside from my website, haven't really shared those new items. Here's a peek at what's been going on in the studio:

This is one of a dozen new hanging magnet boards.

Glass magnets that coordinate with some of the magnet boards. LOVE the graphics on these!

Another hanging magnet board.

Coordinating glass magnets.

This is one of my hanging charms. I'm one of those people that love to hang inspirational items around my house and these charms fit the bill.

A tin framed mirror that has had some of the backing removed and original artwork applied to give the look of antiquity. Love these!

This is a one-of-a-kind shadowbox filled with all sorts of vintage goodies! So is the photo at the beginning of my blog. I've spent alot of time lately working on these and I'm having soooo much fun!

Another shadowbox, of sorts, only this one is done inside an old window.

I'm off now to tend to a house full of teenage boys who claim to be starving! Pizza anyone? Happy New Year and may all your dreams grow wings! XO

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving tomorrow for the L.A. Gift Show and wanted to take a second to post a little pretty! A small sampling of Mixing Whimsy must-haves! I've been working/playing all winter long creating new products and am off to share the love. Because really, isn't that what it's all about? The love....

It isn't about the product. Not really. It isn't about your store and whether or not my product will work in your store. Not really. It isn't even about the bottom line. (Of course these things are important but they aren't what it's all about.)

It's about the inspiration. Pure and simple. It's about seeing the "pretty" in my booth, or the booth next door,and feeling the pull way down deep in your belly. You know what I'm talking about. It's that tug in your heart that inspires you to go out into the world to make your own "pretty" - a gourmet meal, a love song, or a watercolor of those beautiful pink roses in your garden. Whatever it is that makes you sing, that makes you smile, that makes you say YES! That's what it's all about.

So, I ask you....what is it that makes you smile? XO

We're Not in Kansas Anymore!

2010-07-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we didn't really move to the country but compared to where I used to live this is definitely country. And we have the critters to prove it! Our house backs up to a creek and is surrounded by beautiful oak trees so we get a fair amount of "traffic" from the neighbors.

This little guy got caught in the strawberry net. Good for him but not so good for the berries!

These little pups hang out quite a bit in our backyard and think nothing of the paparrazi showing up for photo shoots! They're really fun to watch and are not to dissimilar to "human pups" - what with chasing, biting, wrestling, and even crying out when things get too rough!

We have our fair share of deer too but I never seem to have my camera when they come to visit. Give me a little time and I'm sure they'll be eating out of my hand in no time!

This is a partial view from my studio. Works for me!

And this is a peek from my master bathroom. Also works for me!

Just a little snapshot into our piece of paradise. I'm off next week to the L.A. Gift Show so I have lots of new products to show you. For now, I need to step away from this computer and enjoy the view for a while. XO

I'm Still Here....

2010-04-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

Just a brief post to let you all know that I'm still here but had to put blogging on the back burner for awhile. What with trade shows, renovations on a new house and relocating my studio, my plate spinning routine is tenuous, at best! Something had to give girls! I soooo appreciate all of the inquiries and well wishes. It means more to me than you know.

I will return soon with plenty of stories and photos,just as soon as I find the box with my camera!

Big, big hugs!
Molly

Calendar Surprise!

2009-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy over the last month that I haven't paused long enough to acknowledge this wonderful bit of news. Somerset Life has come out with its series of 2010 wall calendars and they are now available for purchase. I encourage you all to snatch up your favorite issue for there is no doubt these gorgeous calendars will disappear quickly! My copies were wrapped neatly in a cardboard box awaiting my return from vacation. Imagine my surprise when I opened the box to find my artwork on the cover! I had no idea I was on the cover. I knew I was IN the calendar but not ON the front cover! Wow! I don't know, can you ever say thank you enough? Are there other words that even come close to conveying my gratitude? Here's the image that keeps playing in my head right now: a large pair of hands, lovingly holding my dreams, my hopes, my deepest joy, and gently tossing them up into the air for sweet release. That's what it feels like. Thank you, again and again and again, Somerset Life for holding me in your hands!

Anyhow, the photo is borrowed from Becky Shander, another talented contributor to Somerset Life. I was perusing the pages of her blog - please stop by and visit for she is truly amazing! - and stumbled upon the shot and borrowed it. I have been shooting photos for daaaaays trying to put together a new catalog and, so help me, if I had to take one more photo I was going to scream!! So thank you Becky for helping me out!

I'm off to enjoy a little zydeco music and fabulous Cajun cooking! Happy Saturday!
XOXXO

Headin South

2009-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

3 good words to contemplate, don't you think? They are also 3 new hearts I'm introducing at the gift show this weekend.

This is going to be a quick post because by tomorrow morning I'll be knee deep in boxes and booth set up for the California Gift Show and after that who knows how long it will be before I can get back here! Not to mention the fact that I leave for the east coast within a week upon my return from L.A. And then I'll be busy, busy, busy, filling those orders and busy, busy, busy getting the kids in school and...OMG! Did somebody turn the clocks ahead? Where the #@%! has summer gone?!

Anyhow, here's a peek at a few new items that I'm introducing this weekend.

If you remember, my other party pots are made with vintage jewelry and I thought it might be a nice idea to introduce a similar concept but at a slightly lower price point. Jewel free and just as cute!

These little cuties are party flags! Use them as a cake topper, tuck inside a floral arrangement, or tie them to a gift. The possibilities are endless...! I just think they are so fun and whimsical!

And these are the latest additions to my "Spools of Thought" cards. (4 other versions available on my website) One spool is dedicated to friendship and reads: "Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." (author unknown) And the other spool is dedicated to anniversaries and reads: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." (Mignon McLaughlin) I'm really happy with how these spools turned out and think they offer a unique way of sending a message to someone you love.

So that's it for now. I'm bone weary tired and off to bed in the hopes that I'll be well rested and full of creative energy tomorrow! XOXXO

No Words

2009-06-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not feeling it these days. I know I should, but I just don't feel like writing. It's been an entire month since my last post and lots of potential blog material to write about but....I don't know. I've even started 2 or 3 different posts but none of them have made it to publish. I know I'm not the only one to feel this way, am I? I can't be the only one that has struggled with the desire/pressure to fill a page but no words to fill it? It's not a bad place that I find myself in, not at all. More like a place of waiting, of holding back, until the momentum shifts and the words once again take center stage. But for now my life takes a different path...

During the last month, I've registered my baby girl for kindergarten and my "baby" boy for junior high. I've watched my emotions run the gamut from elation to heartbreak as my children spread their wings to fly and I resist the urge to @#&*! it all up! I've gone to Portland, Oregon and fallen in love with my husband, again, and attended a soldering workshop with Sally Jean Alexander. I've been at the gym, in the garden, and in the studio more than ever and this truly makes my heart happy. So as you can see it's not like I don't have a few things to write about. I just haven't felt like sitting down and putting the words out there.

So for today, I leave you with the only visuals that I have captured (and uploaded) over the last few weeks. Simply put, it is what keeps me centered and grounded and oftentimes at a loss for words.

Have a wonderful week! XOXXO

Happy Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Big hugs to all of you Mom's. Have a fabulous weekend!

Great News!

2009-05-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've been gone so long. Really I am. I've been traveling ALOT. Too much frankly. I don't like to travel that much - something I hadn't realized until now. I do much better with some breathing room between trips but sometimes you just don't get that luxury. Anyhoo, I'm so behind that I haven't even been able to thank the good people at Somerset Life for including my photo in the latest issue. It's an honor to be included in the pages of such an amazing magazine. I don't care if it's a 3 page spread or a single photo, to be in any of Stampington's publications is just simply YUMMY! Oh, but wait, there's more... Last week I got an email from Jenny letting me know that Stampington & Company has decided to publish 5 different 2010 wall calendars. The calendars will show "outstanding artwork" (their words, not mine) previously published in one of their numerous magazines. Drum roll please...the image of my artwork from the winter 2009 Somerset Life issue has been selected to be in one of the calendars! Yipeeeee! You can't see me right now, but I'm doing my happy dance. I cannot wait to see the end results. Can you imagine how inspiring 2010 will be with all of those amazing photos?

I'm home for a couple of months now and will blog again soon. I promise! In the meantime, I breath and catch up and play with my kids and cook good food and.....!

XOXXOO

What I Wouldn't Give

2009-04-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I really want to be here, wandering the lovely path above. I want to plant brilliant shades of pink and purple with a dash of white. I want to smell roses and lavender wafting through my open windows.

I want to put these in a vase and place them on my coffee table for all to enjoy.

Or spend a few hours here reading my favorite book with a huge mug of Starbucks.

But, alas, the only gardening I'm doing these days is in perusing the pages of magazines.

Instead, I'm working on these.

And these.

Then there's a little custom work for a lovely client.

And another client.

And still one more client.

It's good to be busy. It really is. Oh, but my garden. My poor neglected and lonely garden. For now I will just have to dream through the glossy pages of my favorite magazines and wait...

Gone in a Blink

2009-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Did anybody see where February went? I know it was here just a minute ago but all I can find is March! Starting with the gift show at the beginning of the month, followed by studio time, filling orders, Fed Ex runs, the general demands of running a household and business, and ending with a much needed but ill timed trip to Florida, February was one big blur!

The gift show was hard work but well worth it. I came in with slightly lowered expectations due to the struggling economy but ended up being pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I met my goals, and in some cases, exceeded them, so in my mind it was MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Unfortunately the few photos I managed to take of my booth and fellow exhibitors turned out bad, really, really bad. I will not bore you with the proof!

For my sons 12th birthday, we decided to take a few days and do Disney. In reality, Disney did us! After 3 days of "It's a Small World", Flying Dumbo, lines that lasted faaaarrrr beyond my level of patience, and really bad for you food, I was ready for part 2 of our trip.

Aaaaaahhhhh......Naples, Florida. White sandy beaches, turquoise water, sunsets, flip flops and 80 degree weather. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Did you know that the good people of Naples have a tradition of going out to the beach to watch the sunset and then they clap when it's all over? Not a bad way to end your day is it?!

We also took long walks and collected sea shells...

And avoided too many of these...

But mainly we just played!

I'll be doing the Las Vegas Gift Show in a couple of weeks so I'm not sure if I'll get another entry in before that. If not, I'll be back on the other side of Vegas!

A Quick Peek

2009-01-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

I'm in the final stretch of production and getting ready to start packing up boxes tomorrow. I'm looking forward to switching gears here. I've been bent over a table, or two, or three, for weeks. I haven't worn makeup in I don't know how long and my kids think an alien has come in and snatched up their mother! Yep, I'm looking forward to switching gears and getting down to the business of "doing" the gift show. In the meantime, I thought I would leave a quick post and show you a few of the things I'm bringing with me. Above and below are soldered charms that I made. I especially love the pink glittered hearts - just in time for Valentine's Day.

I've added 3 new coaster styles to my gift line. These were all inspired by vintage wallpaper. What coffee table wouldn't look fabulous with one of these?!

And check out these little beauties. I love, love, love the way they turned out! I've been wanting to do monogramed bottles for a while but it wasn't until the Gift Show that I decided to push myself and get them done. I hope everyone else loves them as much as I do!

This will probably be my last post for a little while. I'll be back with fabulous photos and lots of stories and hopefully an empty truck! XOXXOO

A Lovely Bit of Bliss

2009-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

In the midst of chaos came this lovely bit of bliss - my Somerset Life article! It came over a week ago but I've been so swamped getting ready for the S.F. Gift Show that I am only now uploading the photos. To say that I am thrilled and honored to be included in the pages of this wonderful publication is an understatement. Thank you so much Jenny for inviting me to play!

This also came in the mail today - a beautiful little charm made by the extremely talented Mary. I love, love, love it and have the perfect bracelet just waiting for more bling! Thank you so much Mary. It's gorgeous!

As for the Gift Show, I've been in full production mode for weeks trying to get ready. My house looks like a bomb went off and I've been wandering around in sweats and a baseball hat for what feels like an eternity. It's a huge undertaking but so worth it in the long run. In any event, I shot a few photos of these "party pots" fresh out of the studio. I love the way they turned out and can't wait to debut them at the show. Fill them with candy, party favors, or a special gift, and voila, the perfect vessel for any number of occasions.

Right now my daughter is sleeping quietly next to me and it is all I can do to keep my eyes open. It has been a long day. Here's hoping for a productive day tomorrow.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T09:17:00.001-08:00

From my family to yours, wishing you love and blessings for the Holiday.

My beloved grandparents.

With much love,
Molly

Just in Time for 2009

2008-12-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Generally I'm not the type of person who likes to wait til the last minute to do things but apparently this Christmas I've decided to do just that. (I do have good reasons but that's another Oprah show!) I confess I have not bought one present yet. Not one. I have made a few presents but my body and credit cards have not stepped foot into the mall. But, what I have been doing is shopping like crazy for the store. Really crazy! So much so that I'm having to add four new categories - Millinery, Trims & Embellishment, Soaps, and Paper Goods. I'm soooo excited to bring all of this yummy merchandise in for the New Year. It's a fabulous way to usher in 2009 don't you think? I haven't listed any of these on the website yet (come on, I have to go Christmas shopping tomorrow!) but give me a couple of days and I'll have it all finished for you. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of things to come.....

Beautiful blue posies.

Handmade roses crafted out of silk ribbons.

Pale turquoise pom-pom garland.

Vintage pharmacy labels.

Exquisite French soaps.

Affordable little pick-me-ups for every season.

This is only a sample of the many new items arriving daily. Please check back soon for the complete listing at the shoppe. If you don't hear from me in a couple of days you may have to send in the rescue squad. I'll be the lunatic Mom in the corner of Target banging my head on the wall while mumbling some gibberish about pink Barbie cars and PS3's!! What the hell was I thinking? Have a wonderful day! XOXXOO

A Pretty Little Christmas

2008-12-16T07:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know these photos were supposed to be posted yesterday but I just couldn't get to it until today. So, in honor of Heather and her Pretty Little Christmas blog party, here are a few pictures of my home for the holidays.

Hard to capture all the sparkly little lights in the middle of the day, but, oh well!

May your Holidays be filled with peace, joy, and abundance. Hugs to all of you!

Christmas Came Early

2008-12-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I asked a good friend of mine to keep her eyes open for pearls. I use them in many of my projects and go through them pretty fast. I was expecting Gail to find a few strands here and there or maybe a loose lot or two but oh no, no, no, she scored! When I opened the box there were HUNDREDS of the little lovelies. White ones, creamy ones, big and small ones. It was like Christmas! Gail was even sweet enough to separate the pearls into categories for me! Thank you sooooo much for taking time out of your schedule to help me with my endless pursuit of the pearl.

In my last post I mentioned the empty pocket watches I found that I had an idea for. Well here they are in their new incarnation - mini shadowboxes encased in a wonderful old pocket watch! Wear them as a necklace or hang them in a favorite spot in your home. They'd even make a great holiday ornament. I think they're really lovely and wish I would've have bought more of them! I simply ADORE the glittered encrusted shells that house the shadowboxes and think the whole package was just too much fun! Don't you just love it when creativity makes you soar! I'm trying to think of other uses for the glittered shells. Maybe a place card holder on a festive table? Any ideas?

Have a happy weekend! XOXXOO

Trinkets and Treasures

2008-12-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

After a whirlwind trip back East and a Thanksgiving filled with laughter and tears I made it back home feeling a bit exhausted but very grateful. Death will do that to you. It makes you cherish the small things, like the soft, sweet breath of a sleeping child. Or the sound of a full house on Thanksgiving day. Death reminds you to cherish the tiny little moments and to be more present in life, something I have to constantly work on. Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes and prayers. I am grateful for the support.

Last weekend I spent the day with a friend of mine scouring the aisles of an enormous flea market. I was on a mission to find some Christmas items and more bling, and of course, anything else that I simply had to have! Mission accomplished!

Unfortunately, these photos didn't capture the beautiful color or patina of the tinsel but trust me it's gorgeous. I found gold, silver, blue and pink in both the tinsel and garland, all of which will make it into a special project I have in mind. I'll post that later.

I scored a fairly large box of coral bits for only $20! I'm thinking beach collages, soldered bottles, apothecary jars filled with memories of summer....Oh lord, is it summer yet?! I also filled one of my grandmother's silver dishes with the coral and have it sitting on a side table in my living room. I think of her every time I see it.

I found a whole bunch of lace, perfect for all sorts of embellishing, and brass tags that I use for packaging my coasters. I bought an assortment of pocket watches that will debut next week after I toss a little whimsy on 'em!

Although not pictured (sorry I ran out of steam and good light) I found the most amazing pink cabinet to use for display when I do the SF Gift Show in February. It's glass fronted with 3 shelves and when I get through with it will be perfect for displaying my bottles. I'll post photos of that later too!

Again, I thank everyone for their heartfelt love and support during this difficult time. I appreciate it more than words can say. I wish you all peace, abundance, and TONS of joy and laughter during this holiday season. XXOXOO

Beloved Mimi

2008-11-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well, when I said I was going to try and post more often this was not the kind of a post I was thinking about. I had in mind pretty photos of completed Christmas projects, news about the shoppe, or maybe even some favorite holiday recipes. It never occurred to me, at least not consciously, that I would be writing about the passing of my beloved grandmother. Although let's face it, at 92 years of age I knew full well this day was coming. Of course I'm devastated by the loss. This was the matriarch of our family and her presence will be missed beyond words. But my grandmother, Mimi, as we affectionately called her, lived a long and healthy 92 years. In the end, it was Alzheimer's and a tired body that claimed her. She died in her sleep surrounded by love on Thursday morning. I take great comfort in knowing that death is not the end and that love knows no bounds. She is in my heart. She is in my memories.

On Saturday I leave for Virginia where all the family will be gathered to celebrate the life of Mimi. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a lifetime of love that bind us all.

Note: I drafted this on Sunday morning and then put it aside so that I could gather some photos of my grandmother. I am sad to say that I have very few and the ones I do have are profiles that don't show her face. I'm sure I'll come home with a collection of wonderful photos after the services that I can share with you later. In the meantime, these heartfelt words will have to do.

On a lighter note, and while I'm on the subject of love, I'd like to thank my husband for being such a rock during this difficult time. You are my best friend, my anchor in the storm, and I am grateful for your enormous shoulders and endless supply of hugs! Happy anniversary Clement. I love you BIG!

Princess Rylie

2008-11-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

The month of October was such a busy one for me that many things, like my blog, and my house, my garden, and my studio....okay, okay, you get the idea, had to take a back burner. And despite the fact that we're officially into the Holiday season, a time when the To-Do list grows exponentially, I am bound and determined to post something every week. I have lots of new items for the store waiting to make their debut and special promotions to announce. There are just too many things coming up that now more than ever I need to stay connected to all of y'all!

That being said, let me jump right in to some long overdue photos of my daughter Rylie's 4th birthday party. Like many girls at this age, it's all about the princess. As long as it is pink, purple and sparkly then Rylie is happy! So, in honor of all that is sparkly here is Princess Rylie and crew!

And here are a couple of class pix for Halloween. Unfortunately, my batteries went dead and I only got a couple of Rylie in princess mode.

It's hard to believe that my little girl is already 4 years old. I know it's a cliche but it really does go by sooooo fast. Happy Birthday Princess Rylie!

History Made

2008-11-05T06:56:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a night! Walls were torn down, barriers erased, and fears disappeared as the American people cast their vote. Turnout was the highest in 100 years. 100 YEARS!Young people stepped up like never before. My 11 year old son watched the entire evening unfold and I'm quite certain that would not have happened under any other circumstances. People of all ages voted for the very first time because they knew their voice mattered. For me, the most important issue was that apathy was replaced by hope. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of optimism and pride that we so desperately need right now. When 90% of the population feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction, we need a new direction. Regardless of your political affiliation, this was a night that America made history and for that I am so proud.

A Little of This & A Little of That

2008-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how long I've had the urge to sit down at the computer and catch up. It feels like months. But I must admit my desire to stay sane these days has overridden my desire to write. Sure there are times when juggling all the balls is doable. The kids get to school on time. I get in a good workout. I run my errands, make phone calls, ship orders, and on a good day, spend a few hours in the studio. But then there are those times when the schedule gets hectic and balls start dropping. Throw in a few extra soccer games, birthday parties, out of town guests - surprise! - and that balancing act is a distant memory. The last few weeks have been crazy. Not a bad crazy. Just busy and something had to give. Sadly, blogging has been one of the things I've had to put on the back burner. Unfortunately, things don't look any quieter over the next few weeks so this post will have to be short and to the point. I promise I'll have more to say and more time to say it in soon but for now here are a few photos of recent projects.

The bottles above and below are for an upcoming Holiday Soiree at Blissful Home. I just love the way they look en masse.

A difficult bottle to photograph but one of my favorites. The beautiful blue color of the glass coupled with the bleach white starfish makes me yearn for my beloved beach.

These 2 are already sold but I thought I'd share them anyhow. Don't worry - there's plenty more where that came from!

Switching gears a bit now. Here are a couple of windows that I've repurposed. The window titled "Foundation" was done last year but was recently uncovered in storage. I'll get it in the shop soon. No really, I will. And the window titled "Bloom" is a custom piece for an avid gardener. I hope she approves! And by the way, can I just tell you how hard it is to get a good shot of windows. Jeez, the reflections are enough to make me nuts!

That's it for now. Tomorrow it's a soccer game. A lunch date. A princess party for my birthday girl Rylie. Happy birthday princess! And then a private party with family. I just dropped a few more balls!

Have a great weekend. XXOXOO

Lots of Love

2008-09-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

My goodness, there seems to be a whole lotta love out there these days! This week I have been tagged not once, but twice, with this lovely little award. Thank you NJ Tomboy and Divadeb - you girls made my week...no, my month. I am honored. XOXXO

Now for the rules.

1. The receiver can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other bloggers.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you mentioned.

And now for the fun part. These are the places I go on most mornings while I sip my coffee in solitude, to inspire, refuel, and connect. Of course, there are soooo many side trips along the way, but I always come back to these wonderful, creative, and talented women. Thank you girls for the many, many hours of inspiration and smiles! Keep it coming.

1. Kasey of Lola B Boutique
2. Donna of The Ribboned Crown
3. Heather of Pretty Petals
4. Analise of Sugar Sugar
5. Andrea of Vintage Bella Studio
6. Holly of Holly Doodle Designs
7. Karla of Karla's Cottage

I must now go and visit these girls to let them know they've all been bestowed with this happy gift. I have so many posts waiting in the wings but no time to sit and tend. I've been preparing for an event and it requires all of my time so the posts will have to wait a few more days. Hugs in the meantime.

Inspirational Day

2008-09-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days that leave you so inspired that you kind of float for a day or two afterwords? I had one last weekend when I attended the Tinsel and Treasures folk art show in Danville. It was an intimate gathering of some very talented artists, each offering their own unique treasures. The photo above is from the amazing Donna O'Brien. I've blogged about her before, and have no doubt that I will blog about her again. Fortunately for my wallet (but unfortunately for my heart) Donna had practically sold out when we arrived. I did manage to snag this beautiful crown, however, and it makes me smile every time I look at it. Thank you Donna.

Another featured artist is my friend Ulla Milbrath. She's another one that continues to pop up on my blog and for good reason! Just when I think Ulla has outdone herself she does it again. And again. And again. Ulla my dear, you are scary good!

And then there's Connie Govea Stuart. Such an amazing talent and NO BLOG OR WEBSITE! You're killing me Connie. She teaches workshops, is connected to Somerset Life and Studio, has been published 45 times and did I say this already, NO BLOG OR WEBSITE! I don't mean to be selfish but come on....! Love her stuff.

My friend Sara told me about this store months ago and it defies description. The name of the store is Gardenseed and if you ever find yourself in downtown Danville, it is well worth the visit. Upon entering, the first thing that came to mind (after OMG! x@#*!) was Willy Wonka. It's one of my all time favorite movies so I mean that in the best possible way. My eyes didn't know where to look first. In every conceivable direction there was color and texture and merchandising marvels! It's one of those places that seeps into your pores and fills you up completely. Thank you Gardenseed for the magical experience. You have a fan for life!

And last but not least there is this little number I spotted driving around town. Need I say more?

May your week be just as magical as mine has been! XOXXO

Shop Update

2008-09-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Before my day gets going I thought I would do a quick post on some of the new items in my shop. The next few days are packed (OK, really, when aren't they packed?)so I knew it would be now or days from now. There are more new items waiting in the wings but I can only do so much in a day! Stay tuned girls, they're coming.....! Here's a really quick peek for now.

A beach themed kit....

Bingo cards with seam binding and millinery flower...

A whimsical collaged fairy....

A view from behind....

Have a wonderful day! XOXXOO

Sweet Six Projects

2008-09-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some of the projects from Sweet Six Studios and thought I'd share them with you. I've also posted the photos on Flickr if you want to check them out there as well. It's been alot of fun, not only creating the projects, but seeing all the different interpretations that all of you girls have come up with.

This is the decorated bath bottle by Natasha Burns. Finding the jar proved to be a bit of a challenge. I ended up going to one of those places that SCREAMS of mental health issues. You know what I'm talking about - a junk store that is sooooo packed with stuff that there are no discernible aisles, or you can't maneuver through them, or they end suddenly, or if you do find something you like it's buried so deep you don't dare try to retrieve it, etc. I'm sure they are in constant violation by the Fire Marshall. Anyhow, I found my jar without breaking anything or getting lost in a maze, but could not get out of there fast enough!

I tea stained the label that Natasha made for us, added some bling and voila - a bath jar is born! The bath salts are a lovely blend of vanilla, jasmine, and gardenia and smell like summertime in a bottle. (You can find these bath salts at my store if you're interested)

Heather Kowalski showed us how to make beautiful ribbon lanterns. Mine is made out of an oatmeal can - very easy and readily available. I would love to make a version of this and actually hard wire it for light. How gorgeous would that be in a romantic little nook?

I'm working on the adorable flower broach by Analise Sledd but haven't quite finished that one. Seriously, I could make dozens of these and stick them all over the place. Too fun!

I have orders to finish up tomorrow but will try and post some more Sweet Six photos soon. I'm also adding some more yummy items to the store so of course I'll give you guys a sneak peek of those too! Thanks for visiting and remember to say I love you ALOT today. Hugs to you all.

New Treasures

2008-08-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

As anyone pursuing a creative path knows, there are many twists and turns in the journey. With nothing more than a gut hunch and a heap of faith as our guide, the heart pulls us in directions unknown, unfamiliar, and often unexpected. There are times along the way when not knowing is scary, when not knowing makes us yearn for the safety of specifics and guarantees. At those times we want to know what the end results look like BEFORE we leap. We want assurances that our choices are right. But the creative process doesn't always work that way. It requires faith in the unknown and, most importantly, faith in ourselves. It demands a willingness to let go of our expectations of how things "should" be and to trust in what lies ahead, despite our inability to see around the very next corner.

And why all this talk of faith and crazy twists and turns? Because my heart has been tugging and nudging, again, or for a while, and it's time I share with all of you the "what" of my creative pull. I'm not one for grand entrances, bright lights, or massive billboards. By nature I prefer quiet introductions, soft lights, and background stuff. However, what I've been doing over the last few months IS visual and does require an unveiling of sorts. Plus, I'm excited. Pure and simple. My "stuff", my leap of faith, roll up my sleeves, get in the studio and create stuff is also my business. The end result of all this heart tugging is my very own vintage-inspired gift line. So, it is with great pride that I offer to you a sampling of Mixing Whimsy's gift line. I hope you enjoy my creations as much as I have enjoyed making them. There are a few more pieces of the "collection" still in the works but this is a good representation to start. And let's be honest, if I waited until everything was finished before I officially launched the line, I'd be in a perpetual state of waiting. At some point, I just have to take the leap! I invite you to drop by the store and take a peak at Tinsel and Treasures to see what little gems await. Enjoy!

Embellished vintage glass bottles

Jewel encrusted starfish

Matchbox covered in vintage sheet music and buttons

Clothespin magnets covered in nautical charts and shells

Coasters covered in nautical charts

Beach Girl at Heart

2008-08-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm back from vacation but not quite back in my body - certainly not after sorting through these photos. I'm a beach girl at heart and at my happiest when I can throw on a pair of flip flops and head on out to the beach. I love these annual trips to the coast. It's a tradition that's been in my family since my Mother was a young girl and now I get to pass it on to my own children. The only negative? Ten days feels more like ten minutes and all too soon flip flops will be replaced by boots. As I sit on the beach watching the sunrise for the last time before heading home, I am accutely aware of the discrepancy between where I am and where I want to be. It's not that I don't appreciate the place I call home. Northern California wine country is world famous for good reason. It is absolutely stunning here. But, and for me this is a big but, it is not warm and balmy beach. It is not year-round flip flop weather and, like I said, that is when I am at my happiest. In a week or two I'll be back in my body and back in the groove of my life (a really, really good life) In the meantime, while I wait for reality and fantasy to land somewhere in the middle, I share with you the place and people that make my life a really, really good one!

Gone Fishing

2008-07-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

I'm knee deep in to-do lists trying to get ready for our annual trip back East. Seriously, this is my 2nd list in 4 days and both lists cover the entire page. How does life get this complicated? Anyhow, despite the fact that 10 days on a beach takes Hurculean effort to prepare, it's DEFINITELY worth it! The house sleeps a small village comfortably, something like 9 bedrooms and 7 full baths and is right on the beach ~a mere 30 steps or so and it's surf time! My entire family goes ~ that's Mom, Dad, stepmom, (oh yes, they really do get along) my family of 4, my brother and sister-in-law and their 4 boys, and my sister-in-laws mother. Now that's a party at the beach!! I'll take photos for a future post but in the meantime I found these jars in my studio. I thought they'd be appropriately timed. For all of you longing for the beach but stuck in dry-dock mode, here's a little beach to-go! I can almost taste the blue point crabs and ice-cold beer!

Life is Golden

2008-07-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I read Sara's post about gratitude. It was a lovely reminder about how just a slight shift in your perspective can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary day. Even the mundane events of daily life take on new meaning. Like my beautiful 3 year old daughter Rylie eating a still warm from the oven brownie. Completely and utterly blissed out by a 3" piece of chocolate. I watch her from a distance and smile. Her brownie bliss is a lesson for me. It's a reminder to notice the things that make me happy ~ quiet time with my family, the perfect score at a flea market, a really good cup of coffee, warm sand between my toes. The list is endless and for that I am grateful. I am lucky. I feel it and try as often as I can to acknowledge that fact. Thank you, Sara, for reminding me to stop and smell the chocolate brownies! And thank you for the very fitting color of the week ~ gold. Life really is golden even when it ain't.

Oh yes, did I forget to mention that today I got an email from Somerset Life asking me if they could do a piece on my bottles? Well, they did! Am I flattered that somehow they stumbled onto my blog? You bet. Am I grateful for the wonderful world of blogging and all the people I meet? Absolutley. XXOOXXO!

Some Friends

2008-07-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

In my last post I mentioned Ulla and her amazing talent. If only you could see her studio.....I was in such a hurry that day that I didn't get a chance to go through all the pictures from my day with her. Here are a few more.

This one was a gift from her friend, Donna O'Brien, an incredibly talented artist. I'm so captivated by this woman's art. Visit her blog and see for yourself. WOW!

Another well known friend gave Ulla this bird in a basket. Does anybody recognize the work? It's the one and only Nicol Sayre. I swear it took me 20 minutes just to work my way through Ulla's house because of all the "gifts from friends"!

And this little wee one is a sample of Ulla's imagination. Amazing, and no detail left uncovered. Like this little wee one, though, it's time for bed. Sweet dreams!

Play date with Ulla

2008-07-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. I wish I had some fabulous excursion to a remote tropical island to blame it on but the reality is my life has been warp speed lately and, oh yeah, my computer crashed. It took 2 weeks to diagnose and fix. Not that long in the grand scheme of things but in my little world of computer addiction, it was an eternity!
During that time of feeling as if I had lost an appendage I worked on boring, but neccesary, administrative issues and catching up on my summer to-do list. I also took a day to play with a friend of mine, Ulla. She's an INCREDIBLE artist and teacher, and I'm honored to know her. I went to Ulla's studio with the intention of learning how to solder but what I ended up with was soooo much more! Within minutes of arriving, creative sparks were flying and all bets were off! Here's a peak at the end result. I'm really happy with the way these vintage bottles turned out and can't wait to make some more. These will definitely become part of my gift line. Stay tuned for the official launch! Anyhow, let me know what you think. I welcome the feedback.

For all of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Ulla and some of her incredible dolls (a small sampling of her numerous talents) here's a peak into her fabulous world....

Shades of Blue

2008-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

It's a new week and a new color. This one was definitely harder than white, but I managed to pull out a few things in blue. Let's see how they do....

Even though the color blue is not one I have around my home, it is one of my favorites. Blue conjurs up images of the beach, warm sand between my toes, and the smell of salty air. It's a color that stirs my senses and brings up childhood memories. This is a shade that definitely inspires....Have a great week.

I Saw White

2008-06-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Since white is one of my favorite colors, I decided to jump on board the photography challenge hosted by Sadie Olive. It's called "Shades of Inspiration" and every week there is a new color to capture however you'd like. To learn more details about Sara's challenge please click the link on the sidebar. I'm a little embarrassed, however, as I'm fairly sure that the cut off for white is now over but I couldn't find the date. I ran across it once and then couldn't find it again! Oh well. I'm posting the photos anyway just because I love the many shades of white.

See you for the next color!

French Finds

2008-06-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

I went to the Alameda Flea Market last weekend to look for some specific items for my wholesale line. I found tons and I'll share those with you later. But of course, I can't go to a flea market of that scale and not come home with more than I had on my list, pleeeease! My first stop is always Grenouille, which specializes in French antiques. The owners, Fred and Coco, hand-pick all their items and ship them home for our viewing pleasure. And what a pleasure it is! If you love garden antiques, wrought iron beds, vintage linens, and ephemera, then this is the place for you. I wish they had a website for those of you out of the area. Here's a small taste of some of Grenouille's offerings:

Medicinal Jars

Rusty Locks with Keys

Antique Clocks

Change Is Good

2008-06-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that my blog has disappeared and I apologize for the confusion. I've tried on numerous occasions to reactivate the blog but wound up frustrated and unsuccessful. Have you ever tried to get technical help without a live human being? I assure you it is a maddening experience. But then it occurred to me: change is good! It keeps us on our toes and forces us to pay attention. It brings new opportunities. It shakes things up. Change clears out the old and ushers in the new. And so today is the day that I bring you my new blog, with it's new name, and new posts, and new opportunities to share in the creative experience. I hope you all enjoy the changes too!