Catching up again...almost feeling like we can take a breath before we get on the plane to go Chicago for the International Quilt Festival next Wednesday morning...Check out the Blog at Cloth Paper Scissors...We will be doing two Make and Takes on the show floor...

Thursday night 7-8 Artgirlz Bracelet

Saturday 3:30-4:30 Rubber Stamps

We will be teaching at Carolina Moon next Wed night, 1952 River Road in Des Plaines...you can call 847.297.9622 for information. We will be making little Artgirlz rubber stamp girlzzz. We are both looking forward to seeing this well known art spot!



Just a couple of things left From our trip to England...One of the participants had made and was wearing this lovely little don't panic pin...I am on the look out for her name! She was as wonderful as this little character!




Based on a memory of a beautiful piece done by designer Erikia Ghumm we did this project with 83 folks in England at the Card Fairy...


4.3
Meanwhile back at the ranch, a Mallard duck pair that landed in our pond on Tuesday morning, seemingly looking for a place to build a nice nest, feasted on all of the fish that had made it thru the winter...

We have all been sick around here, and I am happy to say that it seems like the germ population is finally heading out of here! We are checking off tasks that have been hanging around for far too long. Just have to tackle the last phase of my email list. Looking forward to our trip to Chicago where we will see lots of old friends and will no doubt meet new creative types! There was ice on the pond this morning...looking forward to above freezing!

Well, we are alive and well and it is 9 degrees and sunny in Rhode Island this morning. I am beginning to feel like I am catching up a little bit after being away for so many weeks. I am still behind on my emails, but one can only do so many things in one day!!


We had a great trip to England! At the beginning of the trip, Al and I did the International Craft Hobby and Stitch show in Birmingham. We shared a house with the PA's in Kennilworth. It was a perfect village complete with large castle ruins, hedge rows, little gardens and a great pub. Daffies and crocuses were up everywhere and it was sooo green! We had the smallest booth on the planet, but it worked out just fine. We met lots of great people and were lucky to spend time with show buddies. Good food, lots of laughs and stories!

Before and after the show we got to stay with Mark and Leandra Franich, the very funny and smart people behind PaperArtsy and their four charming children! This is the east view from the studio that is set in the middle of a huge farm. Young Hugo is studying beads for his macrame project. Which he did with great focus and skill!

The girlz, Sue and Midge (known as Smidge by the PaperArtsy kiddies) flew into London and joined us at the farm. We all spent time putting rubber stamps in bags, adding stickers and header cards, learning new swear words (that I tried not to say in public), drinking lots of tea, doing crafts with the kids, and preparing for the weekend in Oxford. We managed to slip into London for a day before we headed to Oxfor to check on hairdo's and fashion trends! Skinny skinny jeans and boots... We managed to find our way "home" in time to enjoy yet another evening with the traveling duo from Ranger...Tim and Alain. The train trip back to the suburbs was a bit tricky when we all got off at the wrong station, realized it as the doors were closing and proptly dove for the doors that were closing. Sue and Al were back on train as Midge and I attempted to pry the doors and prayed that the train wouldn't take off with us stuck between the doors. We didn't know about the "open the door" button...

Mark and Leandra wanted to prepare the children for the suprise arrival of Tim and Alain, so as a family, we watched Tim's CD Bloopers which brought all of us many laughs...so beans on toast took on a whole new glow as the kiddies chowed, joined by Mr. Holtz.


Late start to Oxford on a busy Friday...trying to get everybodies stuff together...We made it to the hotel where 90 women were set for a week end of classes with paints, glues, charms,
stamps, wire...a constant supply of cookies and tea, more snacks...a lovely dinner on Saturday night for everyone in the ballroom. Three class rooms were set up. "Students" stayed in their spots and the teachers moved around to the class rooms...and of course there was shopping...

We were very lucky to have had a private tour of around Oxford on Saturday afternoon with Janie. We saw real live Harry Potter's, a beautiful college campus, botanical gardens, churches and tea with scones, cream and strawberry jam at Janies club.

Back at the hotel, women were madly making books, altering tins, shopping for inks and stamps and preparing for dinner...where we found our seats by our names "Artgirl 1", "Artgirl 2", "Artgirl 3", "Artgirl 4"...I was, according to my food choices, #4...

For our class, we adapted an idea that was brought to us by Erikia Ghumm at CHA...she had created a beautiful necklace made with a spool and our wing charms. It had a lovely picture of her grandmother, buttons, and made us drool. The week before we left for England, we were still trying to figure out what to do for our class, having gone thru many project options...so we went to the vision of Erikia's necklace and made one up. Here is our first group of happy students!

Followed by the next group...all of whom did very well twisting wire, wrapping cloth, and using a needle and thread!

We didn't have to teach until Sunday afternoon, so after checking out we walked to a little organic market that had a mix of hand made crafts, cheeses, honey, meat, and bread. Took a little walk around the town and headed back to headquarters. Our last class went well despite the fact that all were very tired!


Mark, Midge and Al headed back to the farm to collect the children while Sue and I helped Leandra count and get paid for sold stamps, had dinner at McDonalds in Oxford...does that make any sense?? We were very tired and still had to drive back to Essex...

Back at PaperArtsy World Headquarters, it was back to getting the unpacking, getting orders out, organizing the children who were missing Mom and Dad madly and, had been sleeping on camp cots so we could have their beds...We had one more trip into London on the train. Took a walk through and around Westminster and saw this guy making his statement across the street. It was very cold and windy, so we took a very quick, brisk walk by Buckingham Palace and back to the Neal's Yard section of town. I was cooked! Back onto the train to pack up and prepare for our long journey back to Artgirlz World Headquarters.

It was hard leaving the beautiful green farm and our buddies. I miss them as I plow thru our piles of projects, knowing that they are digging thru their own piles with an additional 4 children!! All of us trying to figure out the smart things to do! We are very greatful for everything that they did for us while we were there, and look forward to more adventures together.

I think that I can say that we were all exhausted as we made our way home, and it took a few days to feel have way normal. We are still catching up. I am hoping to get thru the rest of the emails this week. Below are lovely images of #4 flying home from England last year and the day before flying home this year!!!

Happy Valentines Day to everyone. Allison and I are hoping to get out of town today and head for London in spite of the weather that is here in the great Northeast! We have been plowing thru piles, making up projects and stuffing goodies into our bags. We can only hope that we have all of the stuff we need to be international business mavens!!

I've posted a picture of my "National Security Advisor Necklace"...so know that you are safe and well in the world. I will have it with me on our trip, so we will also be safe and able access the answers to perplexing questions!

I am taking my new video camera and operating guide to start our video viral marketing campaign...I have a long way to go, but a few hours in airports and airplanes might help...

The weather seems to be deteriorating! Cheerio!!

Whew, I know that it has been some time since I wrote a little update on the adventures of Artgirlz! A couple of people let me know that they have been watching!! That is the good news!
We worked until we went out the door to head to the airport for our trip to California and the Craft and Hobby Show...we had a little time before the show to get the booth up and organized and our class kits together! We were in Anahiem...Disney territory...palm trees and a strawberry field and fruit stand right across the street from our lovely hotel. We enjoyed fresh fruit, excellent Mexican food right down the street!!

Once the show started, it was nonstop talking, explaining, make it and taking it, showing, laughing, meeting new people, seeing friends and supporters, wheeling and dealing, teaching, drinking coffee, cleaning up areas, and making messes...It was a very good show for us and we have so much work to do, it is hard to take it all in. I am practicing staying in the moment and trusting that we will handle all of the goodies heading our way! We are grateful for all of the folks that took the time to come by!


After the show we headed to Laguna Beach for a couple of days to rest and relax...well, kind of...On the way we stopped to check out The ARTBar...in Santa Ana...many people had mentioned it to us at the show. It was a great source of interesting art "stuff", and a beautiful studio space that can be used to make wonderful things from their great stuff....Above is the sun setting behind Catalina on our first night in Laguna taken from the huge front window of our lovely rented beach house. A short walk to the right on the beach would take us right into town.

The next few mornings, we watched the full moon set out that same window...

Now, it is Thursday evening in freezing Rhode Island and we are heading to England (also freezing I understand) next Wednesday evening. Just a few large projects to finish before we get on the plane...off to have some dinner and another Artgirlz regroup meeting! Dreaming of Taco Loco!

We sent samples of our first rubber stamps to Patti Euler of Queen's Ink! If you live around Baltimore, you must check out her store!! She has been one of our first and most enthusiastic fans, and we are very grateful for all of her input and support. She graced us with a beautiful gang of girlz that were created by Patty and some of her loyal fans! We were very excited to receive them and to see how they used the stamps. The royal creators of the pieces are: above...Patti and below...Terry Quinn (did the first two), Margie Spirer, and at the end of this post, Lea Hiers!!! Thanks! To see the stamps check out the Artgirlz website.




We were also filled with smiles when we checked out Patricia Bolton's Blog. Her New Years Message included a collage that included a combo of her cute self and Artgirlz Stamps! She is the leader of the amazing group that publishes the magazines Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts. If you are not familiar with them, you won't be dissapointed!! They are beautiful, informative and inspiring! She is another woman who has supported us in ways that we never would have imagined! We are very grateful!!


Enjoying the unseasonable weather that we've been having in the great Northeast! Got the catalogs to the printer! and onto letting people know that we have put together a group of goodies for Valentines Day. Some of them are ready made for easy sharing, and some are set up with everything you need to make beautiful gifts for all of the sweeties in your life!! Here is a little sample...

Birthdays and Christmas came and went quickly and in a fairly smooth manner. The girlz hosted a lovely Christmas Eve gathering with a mix of our kids, a former husband, grandchildren, parents enjoying each other and tasty treats!
Don surprised Sue and I with the gift of Victor! Victor, sculpted from marble, is keeping everything in order in the winter garden. We will be preparing a proper place for him this spring! There was a slight snag on Christmas Day when one of the parental units went flying down the cellar stairs. It was one of those things that made your stomach flip flop and sink! Three hours later, we were all sitting with the family, including the patient (bruised and stitched above the eye) a bit subdued, but enjoying good food and gifts.

I did receive a video camera for my birthday, and we are dreaming about Artgirlz mini movies...I haven't had the time to look at the instruction booklet yet, so it might be a while before our first masterpiece is released...



Above, are images of our second group of rubber stamps. They are being produced right now, and should be here next week. We have samples in the house so I hope to stamp a bit this weekend!

Al and I are trying to stay somewhat calm with the huge piles of work that are sitting in front and around us. CHA is just around the corner followed by some work and play in England right after our return from California...Looking forward to seeing London and Mr. and Mrs. PaperArtsy and children!

Better go to work!!!

It is sunny and 25 degrees...eekkk...so much for our fake spring here in New England! Had a very nice Artgirlz Holiday Party! Relaxing and delicious! Now it is preparing for the festive weekend. We are having an Artgirlz Play Day tomorrow with our loyal workers...looking forward to having some fun myself...

Wanted to share the image of Lady Chatelaine • Scissors Holder • Pincushion...made and sent to us by Doll Makers Journey...She is seeing the world thru an Artgirlz Girl Face...Thanks Mary Ann!

We would like to thank everyone that has supported us this year...those of you that have shopped, sent wonderful pictures and encouraging messages. We are looking forward to an exciting '07 ...building Artgirlz Nation...

Stay calm and enjoy the next couple of weeks!

I have to say that we have been so excited seeing the things that our Artgirl sisters are making around the world!! Since we can't seem to find the time to make much these days, it is gratifying and inspiring to see the creativity flowing all over the place. With heart, humor and skill we have seen paper, metal, wood, paint, stamps, found objects put together in wildly different shapes and styles!!

The mini beads have been ordered! We had so many orders, that we are out of them already. Hope to have them back up right after Christmas!!

Just sent our second set of rubber stamps to be produced! Just sent class proposals off for the 2007 Houston Quilt Festival. Artgirlz Holiday Party on Saturday! Got to go and get to work on the new catalog.

Greetings from Artgirlz Nation. It is very cold and windy, but it is Fun Friday again...last night as we drove home from the Foundry opening, we were going over the long list of "little" things we need to do today before we get to the fun portion of the program. The goal for today prior to the real fun is to get our newsletter out. Many details to get in order before getting it out, but I think we are there. I am about to do the deed!

We want to introduce Artgirlz Rubber Stamps and the Doll Backs that were created to make little dolls. We will have directions, but in the mean time, here are some pictures to guide you along the way.

The image above is the end product of the visual steps that follow. I worked up five different combos of stamped dresses and the doll backs. Depending on the shape of the dress, the backs will need to be trimmed a bit.

Once you have your dress and back decorated, make two holes at the bottom of the back for the legs. We are very lucky to have a Japanese Screw Punch that makes quick work of hole making. Attach the legs with brads...also refered to as paper fasteners..
Place dress on top of doll back, line them up and trim as needed. Make sure that you have "shoulder" space on both pieces, for this is where they will be held together with the arms and brads.

With the two layers together, make holes at the shoulder for the arms. Attach the arms with the brads...put brad through the arm and the two layers of paper. Open the brads in the back to secure. Glue the head onto the "neck" section of the back! Enjoy! Make another one. Send one to a friend. Put them on your tree...

Well, it is the Monday morning after Thanksgiving weekend. We had a lovely time with family, food, garden, football...I am happy to say that the weather has been beautiful and that we haven't been able to make a real snowman. My sis made this little cutie with our felt beads!
Now it's back to work. Going thru my list...


These beauties were made by Jenny Crossley an artist from Australia...She got in touch with us a couple of weeks ago to see if she could buy charms from us. Needless to say, we were thrilled to see her work! Check out her new blog...I believe that she is making kits combining her goodies with our pewter charms! It is very exciting for us to see what other artists are doing with our charms. We received another beauty the other day. Thanks Cat.

Back to work...

We have been home from Houston Quilt Festival, since Monday night recovering. It was exhausting and exciting. We met so many new people. Saw some old buddies...sold a pile of Artgirlz goodies and continued to spread the word. At the top of this page is Annaliza Benner all decked out in her new Artgirlz hat and I am guessing in her new butterfly shirt! We had great classes and students. Make and Takes organized by Cloth Paper Scissors, were a busy and successful spot right behind our booth.


We were very busy and could not have done it without JoAnn, Janet and Sue. My sis was her usual competent retail self (a job that makes me so nervous) and I did my first demo gig. Famous visitors showed up every now and then. Lesley Riley, Christine Adams and Traci Bautisita (check out her new book) were all on the scene at the same time. We were showing how to use our new rubber stamps, doll backs and charms to make these lovely little creatures. Our instructors and comrads from Ranger U would have been proud!


The International Quilt Festival was a very huge, well organized, inspiring event. It was constant over stimulation of the senses...color and texture...hairdo's and outfits...creativity and excitment was was bouncing off of the walls! The quilts were beyond words. We were planning next year before the show was over. My sis had a lovely interaction with the charming young woman pictured below. She was shopping with her mother and aggreed to have her picture taken. Al and I were both ready to head to Japan for some fashion lessons after last years show! This year was not dissapointing! We, like many people, spent months preparing for the show...we learned alot, were very inspiried, exhausted and ready to head back next year. Thanks to all of those who supported our efforts! When the party is over, it is always a relief to get the boxes packed up!


SCARY BABY ALERT!

On another very interesting note, I received the following photo's that confirm the fact that the first gathering of the very secrect, underground "Scary Baby Gathering" took place recently at an undisclosed location. It has come to my attention that there will be a Second Annual Scary Baby Gathering next year...details to be shared thru secret codes. There is a strong feeling that the gathering will grow now that the word is out. The excitement is growing!!

Well one hour to go before we take off. The work table is actually cleaned up. Well, actually it just got shoved into a couple of suitcases. If there is something we've forgotten, we will have to be very creative... So Happy Halloween...

and on another note, we won't be home until the day before voting day...
vote...