Shadowboxer/ Queen Without a Crown

I consider myself very blessed to have made such good friends in the art community. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to receive the ultimate birthday gift from my friend Rita Reade (www.mammabellarte.blogspot.com). Anyone who celebrates my December birthday in February is automatically a good friend, and Rita knows how to keep a party going. She wired me full with DELICIOUS cappucinos! So good! And cupcakes of course.

We made shadowboxes and crowns. My box is of Countess de Provence. I have to say I was most excited about making the crown. I love these as displays. Right now mine is in my office, but I will be taking it home and hanging jewelry from it. Lisa Loria (www.lisaloria.blogspot.com) recommends putting a candle inside and allowing the light to shine outward. I really dont think you can go wrong with this beauty, if I say so myself. My favorite part of the artistic process? Patinaing everything! The patina made the crown and shadow box look old, dark, and rich. These pieces would have been almost too shiny and bright without it.

My favorite part of the day? Eating Rita's delicious food! The best French onion soup, olive bread, mozarella, tomatoes, and homegrown and seasoned olives. Olives just might be my favorite food. I think I ate a whole tree!

Oh and check out Rita's refrigerator: it's full of aprons, fabrics, magazines, and art supplies. Literally, very cool! My sincerest thanks to my friends Rita and Lisa (and my new friend Jeanine) for helping me continue to celebrate my birthday and more importantly, the art of friendship. It was a perfect day : )

You too can indulge and walk away with some beauties of your own. Visit www.ritareadeclasses.blogspot.com to learn more.

Chantal, Colette & Coffee

Some little pieces that have come in lately that brought me great joy: this necklace from Chantal (www.chantaljohnson.blogspot.com), reminding me to spread my wings and Soar; then there's this stitched card from the lovely Colette (www.a-bird-in-the-hand.blogspot.com) depicting a French press. If you've ever had coffee from a French press you know how much better it tastes. These gifts really woke me up and stirred my senses. Thank you Colette and Chantal, for your excellent taste : )

Walk This Way

If you get a chance, you should really spend the first Friday of the month wandering down the Fullerton Art Walk. It's a great opportunity to see art, enjoy food and drink, and not drive.

February's show was particularly important to me, since my good friend Virginia (www.stuckonheads.blogspot.com) had her work in the Fullerton Museum, premiering on the Friday of Art Walk. Head down there if you get a chance!

The other pictures are from some additional stops along the Art Walk. As you can see, it's all completely different. Something for everyone : )