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Somerset Studio May/June 2011 |
While we still haven’t seen any real snow, it is bitter cold here in Maryland. Too cold for little old me to venture out into the garden, so I think I will pull out the newly arrived garden catalogs and start dreaming (er, I mean planning) for spring.
A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to put in the bones for my dream garden, roughly based on a combination of the garden from the movie practical magic, and one featured in the book Down to Earth Gardener by Suzy Bales. It is surrounded by a picket fence and divided in half by a pergola. There are three entrances to the garden – one on the west side which currently features a vintage gate painted a wonderful shade of lavender, another on the south side that will hopefully sport a vintage gate this spring, and finally a utility entrance on the east side with a double picket gate, big enough to get my garden cart through. The northern half features a large circular bed divided into quarters plus beds surrounding the circle. There is an arbor on the east side of this garden, where I have placed a lovely white metal bench given to me as a birthday gift from my mom. It’s a lovely spot to sit and watch the sun set, surrounded by antique climbing roses in the spring followed by huge butterfly bushes behind it in the summer.  In this garden I grow perennials, many herbs, and a whole bunch of antique roses. The quarters of the circle bed are edged in lavender, providing an intoxicating aroma when in bloom. The north edge features several lilac bushes, which add to the heady scent in May.
The other half of the garden is considered to be the kitchen garden, and features 8 raised beds. Veggies are rotated through the beds each year, however I reserve one entire bed for peonies that I use for cutting and drying.  Another bed tries to contain my raspberry patch, which my family enjoys feasting on all summer long. I also have 2 more antique roses planted other raised beds – they provide a nice contrast to the veggies, and, basically just make me smile!
The entire garden is surrounded by a border, still waiting for proper planting. For right now, daisies, iris, rogue sunflowers from the bird feeder, ladies mantle and day lilies cheer the area up.
I am making a list of plants that need moving, plants that need replacing, plus a “wish list” of plants that simply must find a home in my garden. Topping the list are several more antique roses – I can’t seem to get enough of these beauties. Many only bloom once, unlike their modern cousins, however what they lack in length of bloom time is more than made up in gorgeous blowsy blooms and heavenly scent. I greet them as dear friends as they come into bloom, and am always eager to see who will be the first (yes, I know – I am referring to them as people – but some of these shrubs have been with me for 15 or more years – I brought many of them with me when I moved to this house!)
I long for a warm day (not unheard of in this part of the country), so that I can go out and play with my “girls”. Chat and check on how they are fairing, watch the birds at the feeders, and dream, dream, dream of the promise of spring.
 Bee Warm! It’s hard to believe that 2011 is officially old news – I guess it’s time to look back, take stock and reflect on the past year.
I started off the year with a commitment to become more healthy, and thanks to dear friend Robin R.who provided constant encouragement, and the support and enthusiasm of my family, I can proudly say that I am 20 lbs lighter than I was on 1/1/11. We replaced our old treadmill with a fancy new one in January – complete with IFIT Live, and yes, you really can walk down the streets of Paris or hike the National Parks. I LOVE this machine! I also started doing some strength training with weights, and was so excited to get the weight bench I asked for this Christmas. I still have quite a journey ahead, but I feel healthier, am eating healthier and plan on doing even better during 2012!
 photo courtesy of Graphics Fairy I know I don’t talk much about my “day” job (I’m a special education teacher). I continue to find that work very rewarding and really enjoy that part of my life right now. Recently I have been able to incorporate more art activities into my teaching, which make myself, my teaching assistant, and most of all my students – very happy indeed!
I had hoped to attend Silver Bella again this year – participating in that event has truly changed my life. Needless to say, I was SO disappointed when it was cancelled for this year (I have high hopes for next year, though, Teresa!) The friendships I have made through Silver Bella, the experiences, instructors and yes, even the glitter just can not be beat. Check out Jenny Doh’s new book, Creative Pilgrimage, to get a taste of what the Silver Bella experience is like. (and yes, my arm is in the photo with the circle of blingy bracelets on page 123. I’m the one with the aqua sweater with the ruffled cuff!)
 photo courtesy of Cheryl Stoneham Since Silver Bella was no longer an option, I decided to head out to California for a workshop with Amy Hanna, hostessed by the incredibly versatile Jenny Doh. In addition to the amazing class, I was able to fit in some beach time, and also hang out with one of my Silver Bella friends, Robin S. We hit the Urban Barn monthly street fair, and then had fun at several local thrift stores – there’s nothing like “thrifting” with buddies who understand!!
 Urban Barn Street Fair in August 2011 Last but not least – I had my first piece published in Somerset Studio!! An embellished bra inspired by one I made for Silver Bella (see how this event keeps cropping up?). The magazine not only published the piece, but did a 3 page article on it.
 photo curtesy of Somerset Studio Magazine I was overwhelmed and so humbled to be a part of the publication. Thanks so much to the magazine for choosing to include my work, and especially to Cynthia Levens for the lovely article!. To make things even better, another piece of mine was recently accepted for publication in Jewelry Affaire – it should be in the Spring Issue which comes out April 1st.
Looking back on the past year I realize that I have so much to be thankful for. I am blessed with a wonderful family, fabulous and creative friends, a job that I enjoy, and opportunities to learn and grow creatively. I realize that I am very lucky. I appreciate all that I have, and boy am I looking forward to whatever adventures come my way in 2012!
 Last year at Silver Bella I was lucky enough to take a class with the tremendously talented Sally Jean Alexander, where I learned the (very) basics of soldering to make jewelry. My sweet hubby gifted me with all sort of supplies, and so all I needed was some time (and courage!) to try some soldering on my own. Over Thanksgiving Break I gave myself a day just for that – better late than never, right? I decided to finish some pendants I had started a while back and also try an ornament/pendant with a winter theme. While not perfect – I have to say I am quite please with the results!
The long rectangular pendants feature vintage photos of girlfriends. Don’t you just love the wild floral outfits of the 40′s and the daring short(er) skirts and cloche hats of the 20′s?
The square pendants/ornaments feature one of my favorite vintage photos – a pinup kind of gal building a snowman. I added a faceted red glass bead to the bottom for a holiday feel.
Needless to say, I’ve been going through my collection of vintage photos – I’m totally hooked on making these beauties now!
 Creative inspiration abound this month on-line and I am taking advantage of it all! I’ve been perusing the holiday issue of Heather Bullard’s “Souvenir” – an online lifestyle gazette. Contributors for this issue include Pam Garrison, Hope Wallace and Amy Hanna featuring wonderful holiday decorative and gift ideas.
Next up – Amy Power’s Christmas 2011 Inspired Ideas – yep its the holiday issue! I have to give a shout out to my Silver Bella roomie, Pamela Keravuori, for her wonderful photography in this (and every other issue). So many special projects including contributions by Mary Engelbriet and Matthew Mead.
I can’t wait to get started! I’m so excited to have signed up for the latest online workshop – 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas – from the talented Christy Tomlinson. The sneak peak of the sparkly winterland cloche by none other than the queens of The Gilded Life- Shea Fragoso and Debbie Murry just leave me giddy.
And finally, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without holiday e-workshop, 12 Days of Comfort and Joy – 2011 edition, presented by the amazing Teresa McFayden. Her friendly teaching style and adorable holiday projects have been one of the highlights of the season for me for several years now, and I am really looking forward to this year’s offerings.
Let the creative rumpus begin!!
 This past weekend hubby and I attended the most wonderful wedding of a very dear friend. He and his bride chose a Scottish theme for their special day, and while there are no ancient castles here in Maryland, The Cloisters, a house built in 1932 in the style of a medieval castle, proved to be the perfect setting.
The ceremony was outdoors and featured bagpipes,
presentation of swords,
and a hawk flying in with the rings!
The bride and groom were outfitted in custom made garments,
and even the groomsmen looked very elegant in their formal kilt attire.
A truly wonderful afternoon and evening filled with love, joy, close family and friends. 
A perfect start to a perfect couple. Many blessings to them both!
“My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!”
Aunt Frances Owens, from the movie Practical Magic
I hope that everyone has a wonderful and spooky Halloween!
Blessed Be!
(and for the record – yes, I will be wearing these lovelies to work on the 31st!)
 After my amazing trip to CA in August I jumped in feet first to teaching a new program at work with some pretty amazing kids. I had worked out the most of the logistics during the summer, and was really excited to get this program off the ground. Happy to say that it seems to be working out very well, however devoting every ounce of energy and every spare moment to it has taken its toll. I have ended up less than healthy, which has cost me having to cancel participation in two highly anticipated events – helping at the Michael Weiss Foundation annual figure skating fundraiser, and attending my 30th high school reunion.
So now what, says I? I desperately need to come up with something beyond the typical work day to jump start my creative spirit, keep myself motivated and just generally reinvigorate my soul. Suggestions greatly appreciated, dear friends. In the meantime, I think I will wander up to my studio and see how things are there. The sun is shining and it looks to be a glorious fall day – that should be reason enough to celebrate, right?
 photograph by Jenny Doh The purpose behind this wonderful West Coast adventure was to attend a jewelry workshop by my hero, Amy Hanna, hostessed at the amazing home of the incredibly talented Jenny Doh. I was too involved in the fun to take many photos, but here are a few.
 Amy Hanna's work - up close and beautiful!!
 These are from Amy's personal collection - treasures she has created for herself - breathtaking!!!
 My creation - The Grand Tour Thank Goodness Jenny had her camera out and snapped some lovely pics of the group and our creations! This was such an amazing experience on so very many levels.
 photograph by Jenny Doh
 photograph by Jenny Doh Thank you to Jenny and Amy, as well as the other workshop participants for the most remarkable day!
 While in CA I was lucky enough to meet up with my Silver Bella pal, Robin for a day of treasure hunting. We met up at the Urban Barn for their monthly street faire, which conveniently fell on the weekend I was in CA! Here’s just a bit of eye candy from that event. Quite a few creative vendors with some really breathtaking displays.
After lunch, Robin took me to some of her favorite thrift stores, and wouldn’t you know it, the local car club was hosting a cruise right in town. I really wanted to bring this baby home…..
but sadly, it just wouldn’t fit into my suitcase! Thanks, Robin for an amazing and memorable day! (and thanks for that to-die-for Victorian jacket and skirt!!!!!)
Still to come – making jewelry with Jenny Doh and Amy Hanna!
 In mid August I was lucky enough to squeeze in a quick trip to California to take a class taught by the amazing Amy Hanna. I also planned in a couple of days of sight seeing, since it’s been ages since I have been out west. First stop – Laguna Beach! Lovely to check out the amazing shops, walk along the beach and dip my toes into the Pacific ocean. 
The local wildlife was out in full force (these babies were huge!!)
A fabulous morning in a beautiful place. Let the rejuvenation begin!
Still to come – Antiquing, Urban Barn and of course, Amy’s class!
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email: mymotherspearls@gmail.com
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In this garden I grow perennials, many herbs, and a whole bunch of antique roses. The quarters of the circle bed are edged in lavender, providing an intoxicating aroma when in bloom. The north edge features several lilac bushes, which add to the heady scent in May.
Another bed tries to contain my raspberry patch, which my family enjoys feasting on all summer long. I also have 2 more antique roses planted other raised beds – they provide a nice contrast to the veggies, and, basically just make me smile!
