My Birdsong

A Traveling South We Will Go

In just a few days, my friend and doll artist Colleen Moody and I will be taking a road trip to Southern  California. We've got a weekend of activities planned, with stops at shops along the way.

We kick-off Friday night with the fabulous trunk show of Gilding the Lily in Fullerton, and then Saturday and Sunday we each teach a class at the store. We're both very excited to share our art with our Southern Cali artisans!  Then we head back north for the six-hour drive home.

If you're in Orange County and have a hot tip about a gift shop, antique store or great thrift store, please let me know! We've got our list, but I'm sure we can add to it. I'd love to hear what special places you've found that we should visit for an artistic journey. And if you're ever heading up to Northern California, please don't hesitate to ask me for my favorite stops for finding great supplies and vintage goodies!

Happy Travels!

Find the Wandering Witch

Several times a year my fellow EHAG (Eclectic Halloween Artist Group) members and me gather to have a blog giveaway. To win, you must find the wandering witch, hidden on one of our blogs. Join the hunt on the EHAG Art Blog September 21st as the Search begins! Who has the wandering witch captured on their blog? If you find her, and leave a comment on the artist's blog, you will become eligible to win a prize. Hurry and fly across the moon to the EHAG blog for all the details and have fun with it!!

When it all comes together

...it is like magic!

That is how I would describe Tinsel and Treasures Art Show last Saturday and our artist dinner the day before. It was a whirlwind of activity building up to it, and then poof...it was here and gone!

But oh, what an amazing time with new and old friends! And then a wonderful day of meeting with collectors and fans. The room buzzed with excitement and splendor as we 15 artists shared the fruits of our labors these past several months. I should have known that it would be a day unlike any other when a rare thunderstorm rumbled its way through Alamo, CA, that morning. The cool breezes and light showers added to the high spirits that filled the room throughout the day.

I will refer you to the Tinsel and Treasures blog for all the pictures of the event, but I had to share the one above. It is a photo I will cherish for many years to come. It was a night made perfect by our gracious host Colleen Moody (whose husband Mike barbecued a delicious salmon and chicken assortment), by Susan Bartolucci and the family winery Madonna Estate (who supplied the best complement of spirits), by Mother Nature (who made our evening so comfortable), and by the smiling faces surrounding the table who shared their time and their hearts to be a part of an upstart art show in Northern California.

I was delighted to see many of my customers and hear from those far away. I thank you for supporting my hand made art. It is you who make this all possible. I can't wait for next year's show, Saturday, Sept. 18!

~ Iva

Trick or Treat Pastels

 
I wish I could still trick or treat! Wouldn't it wonderful on a night like tonight, when the moon will be full. Not too long and the air will be filled with the magic of Halloween! This little mixed media gem will be among my "treasures" offered Sept. 12, at Tinsel and Treasures, in Alamo, Calif. Now where's my treat bag? Oh, those are coming soon!