My Birdsong

California Dreamin'

I have always been in love with the lost art of spun cotton. It has such a Victorianesque look to it. The cherished ornaments were lovingly placed on the tree, and I can imagine the "oooh's" and "aaah's" that followed. I've been working on perfecting my technique, once I began this cotton journey more than a year ago. So I've been working in my studio preparing for my September travels. 

I'll be jetting my way to California Thursday to join some 24 other artists at Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show. The event is sure to be a crowd pleaser with so many different talented artisans in one place! And...all in beautiful, quaint downtown Danville!

Shops, restaurants, farmer's market...all within steps of the Danville Veterans Memorial Building, which is where I'll be Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 am to 4 pm with an assortment of my vintage inspired spun cotton Christmas ornaments and figures and Halloween goodies! I can't wait to spend time with my dear friends and see my wonderful customers. Soon my California Dreamin' will be a reality! See you all soon!

The Dawning of a New Year

The year 2011 is here and I can't believe another year has gone. Many of you know our family's story and the sadness we have in our hearts always. As each year passes, our broken hearts scar over. The wound becomes a part of us, shaping us into who we are now. Sometimes, our life before seems like a dream. Maybe that is what happens to all of us at one point or another.

But it is a time for rebirth and new beginnings too. I take extra care to enjoy my family and friends and "be in the moment." Recently, my love of cooking has been reawakened and I'm enjoying my time in the kitchen preparing fresh, healthy meals for my husband and son and on special occasions, creating adventurous delights for family and friends.

I find myself also getting back to basics in my art, sketching in my art book to hone my skills and enrolling in a local drawing exploration class to further my abilities. It also means a fresh start for my studio.

After years of collecting vintage finds and art supplies, I've realized that I've supplied myself out of a work space! My studio was too full for me! So I am shedding the extras. Thankfully, I am participating in a local Craft Tent Sale, in which several local artists will gather at our downtown antique shop and sell our overflows to other eager artists looking for embellishements for their work. The sidewalk and tent sale will be Saturday, January 29, 9 am - 3 pm, at Cottage Jewel Antiques, 100 East Prospect, Danville, CA. I will, however, have to control my temptation to buy from my fellow participating artisans!

  So it is with regret and eagerness that I welcome the new year. My wish for you all is that it is filled with peace, understanding and gratitude.

"This moment is unique in all my life and I will appreciate it fo itself." ~ Martha Whitmore Hickman

Off and Running

 

I am in high production mode for my  upcoming Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Sept. 18, in Alamo, Ca and Glitterfest Fall, Oct. 2, in Santa Ana, Ca. But...I managed to paint an original Halloween watercolor postcard and list it on eBay. I was inspired by a vintage postcard with similar Halloween elves hurrying scurrying, and thought I'd put a different spin on the little creatures.

If you like my watercolors, I will have originals for sale at both shows and many of my prints. Please stop by to say hello! Happy Haunting...Iva

Preparing for an Underwater Party

 

I hope you will join me Saturday, as I prepare for a Mad Tea Party! I've invited many guests from the deep including some lovely mermaid friends of mine. There will be many others participating, thanks to our hostess Vanessa Valencia. See you in the cool blue ocean right here on Saturday!

Watch for Fairies and Glitter in the Coming Weeks

I have been working on a variety of projects in the recent weeks. One of these is my class kit for my Woodland Fairy Boudoir Lamp I will be teaching at Gilding the Lily, Sunday, April 25, 10:30 am - 4 pm. You can learn more about the workshop and sign up for the class on their workshops blog. The talented dollmaker Colleen Moody and I will be there for the weekend teaching (her sweet bluebird workshop is on Saturday),  and we will be having a trunk show, Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25. Come by and say hello!

I'm also happy to announce that I will be joining the talented pool of artists at the mixed media art show Glitterfest, May 22, in Santa Ana, California. There will be so much talent selling art under one roof you won't want to miss this one! And I will be joining the fun! Stop by my booth and say hello!