Out of the Blue

I had one of the most fantastic weekends ever. I was invited to and warmly received at Out of the Blue (http://themermaidsmercantile.blogspot.com/) in Solana Beach, California. If you are ever interested in meeting the most inpiring women and picking up truly one of a kind accessories, clothes, or decor, you will want to visit.

Luckily for me Debi Beard (http://debisdesigndiary.blogspot.com/), who owns and runs this dream come true is a fan of Altered Couture and newly converted altered addict. When I arrived there was an entire room (though it looked more like a museum) of altered artwear. I loaded up boxes and boxes of treasures to take back to Stampington to be considered for the fall issue. I have some sneak peeks here. But what I was most mesmerized with was how everything was arranged and dsiplayed. Lots of ideas came to mind for Somerset Home and personal decorating and antiquing as well. Classes and flea markets also take place at this gem of a venue. You definitely need to stop by, take this place in and enjoy the other shops along the beach, then grab a coffee and pastry at Claire's (http://clairesoncedros.com/).

It would be hard for me to pick a clear favorite when it comes to everything I saw. But I still cant get over the pink bathtub full of pillows. And of course the lovely Marie Antoinette painting.

I have to say thank you to the other divine women who hosted me and shared their art and stories. Lisa Loria (http://vintagebling4u.blogspot.com/), Deb Hodge (www.breathingbesideus.blogspot.com), Rita Reade ( http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/), Erin, Rachel, and future Altered Couture artist Emily. I am so lucky to have met all of these beautiful, enchanting women, and look forward to showing off more of their work in months to come.