Eye Candy

Because I'm happier taking pics then cleaning, today's post is mostly photo's of eyecandy.  I am being making a few things and cleaning up a bit, but its more fun to look at pretty, shiny things than sort and organize!

First is a pretty and not so dainty Amethyst Cluster ring in sterling I made last year. I need to list it for sale sometime soon!

Cast Resin Frozen Charlotte dolls waiting to be cleaned up and used in jewelry. 

A statement necklace - PARIS  I made this 2 or so yrs ago for the ICE design team, I need to list it too. 

Gorgeous vintage rivoli crystals.  I love them so much I can't bear to use them in any creations.  

A mixed media necklace going off to Kati Koos boutique sometime soon. "Unlock My Heart"

 A plethora of jewelry I've made this month, most going off to Kati Koos in SF.  

These aren't photoing as pretty as they are in life, but a group of resin confetti cabs. They also need cleaned up before I can use them.  

Hope your day is full of pretty things!

True Confessions: I need a Super Organizer

Warning-items are more cluttered than they appear
My new studio needs work. A LOT of work and organizing all these little things I want to click my heels 3 times and have my fairy organizing godmother to come and clean up all my stuff!! A girl can dream can't she?

This is my primary jewelry making table. It's functional but not the best set up.



I have a lot space here and I am very grateful!!! Now I need furniture to organize it all and make an efficient work space




And while the pine paneling is gorgeous wood it's way too dark in my basement work rooms so I am going to have to paint it. Breaks my heart to do it but I need light.

I've always loved 50's melted crayon looking floor tiles but not these colors


My floor is terra cotta and beige-UGH!!!! Two colors I like the least of all colors, so I need to get rid of it. I don't want to pull them up because they ate asbestos so I have two choices-paint over them or cover them. I haven't decided yet which way to go.

So today I'm going to attempt to put away some more things and create a pile of stuff to list on etsy. Wish me luck!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Lansing Dr,Westlake,United States

Whiling the hours away on Pinterest, while blaming The Silence

I laughed when I found this image on tumblr, if only it was creepy space aliens making me forget things! (Dr Who reference for those who don't get it)

I've been in bed since Thursday evening due to really bad CF/Fibro flare up the likes of which I haven't had to deal with in YEARS!! (I couldn't even sit upright). Not the life I had hoped for in 2012.  I was wishing I had a day to sit and journal about my goals for 2012 and pick 3 words for the year, but THIS wasn't the way I wanted to make the time to do that LOL.   I did think about those things a little over the past 4 days but not in the depth I want.  Also along with this flare up another what I thought was dormant problem rose up, and let's just say it's a whopper....  I don't like to 'tell the story' of t these illnesses because whatever you focus on you receive more of, and I don't want anymore of this! I had hoped to have a superproductive weekend but instead had 4 totally unproductive days of not being able to do ANYTHING than lay, look at a tv or computer and sleep.

Because I was in a fog and unable to concentrate on reading or following a movie, I spent a lot of time trying to focus on nice things and dawdling on Pinterest. I love Pinterest in general but especially when I need easy entertainment and to take my mind off my pain.   I love seeing what other people find, what kinds of things they like, all the eye candy but also because I use it as a personal visual book mark center.  I have boards for recipes I want to try, craft and trade show display and stuff for the house I want to look into later. It's wonderful to get to know people through the images they put up as well as discovering so many wonderful things.

If you haven't checked it out yet, you should.  If you need an invite to join, let me know and I'll send you one!

This Year I am GOING To Finally DO IT!!!

Ancient Futuristic Art Doll Class-Art and Soul Virginia Beach 2012

Talk talk talk-but this year is about ACTION.  I've been talking about doing it, 4 or 5 yrs now? but this year it will happen.   What am I finally going to do you are wondering?? Online classes of course!

I've been telling people for years that online classes are the way to go, especially in today's economy. Airfare and gas prices keep going up and up, hotels are expensive and people just don't have the disposable income they use to.  But I've always put doing online classes on the back burner but I can't avoid it any longer. My friend Kristen Robinson has been very successful doing online classes and is my role model!  She's been so generous with me regarding her experience that it has really motivated me to JUST DO IT.   I'd love to hear what kinds of things you'd like to see or feedback on classes you've done online-what you like or don't like. Here are a few of things I'm debating doing and would love your thoughts.

Fascinating Fascinators  ©2009-2012 Barbe Saint John

"Fascinating Fascinators" was a class proposal that didn't make the retreat cut a few yrs ago.  I have sold a ton of these and everyone wanted to know how to make them, I was surprised it wasn't accepted.

Heart Full of Soul 2010-2012© Barbe Saint John

"Heart Full of Soul" is another class that wasn't accepted.  Its a 3D heart assemblage shrine to something you hold near and dear (or deer!).  Perhaps assemblage art isn't popular now?

"It's Good to Be Queen" is a mixed media necklace that was too ambitious for a 6 hour class.  There is mold making, resin casting, resin pouring, wire working, and cold connections.  

I have loads of other class ideas, mostly jewelry of course! Let me know what you think!

One door closes...............

2012 is NOT getting off to a good start.  Today something totally unexpected happened and came out of left field.  I am now looking at the back end of a situation I didn't think would end so soon.  A door has been shut, but it feels more like it was slammed right on my toes.  I am hurt and pissed off at the rudeness of it but what can you do? Shit happens and life goes on.  I'm very unhappy that I won't be going to CHA this year and I won't be able to see friends I only see once a year, but that's just how it is.  Sigh.....................  

I hope with all my heart that another door or window will open for me soon. I don't want 2012 to be a replay of 2011, I really really don't.

Happy New Year!

I am very grateful to say GOOD BYE to 2011 and welcome in 2012.  The past year has been difficult for almost everyone I know, in one way or the other and often in more ways than one!  I had some really huge changes, hit some really awful emotional lows, found out who my 'real' friends and family were and cut out those who weren't.. Towards the end of the year, I got an amazing job with women I love like sisters, I fell in love and I bought a home.  So while 2011 was truly one of the worst years in my life and I NEVER want to repeat the neverending crap I went through, it also allowed me to learn from all the pain and hurt, to grow spiritually and become a bigger person. 

My wish for all of us is that 2012 is full of joy, love, peace, opportunities  and may all your wishes come true. 

xoxoxo

Who's going to Art and Soul?

photo ©Glenny Moir/ Art & Soul

Come make Art at Art & Soul Virginia Beach

March 1-6

What’s in store for Art & Soul in Virginia 2012 - To sum it up- LOTS!!!! If you haven't seen the lineup of workshops, just click HERE. Whether you are wondering about the ethereal allure of beeswax, the looming appeal of weaving or the savvy art of soldering there's a class for you.  Or if you're getting geeky over Steam Punk, interested in rocking and rolling with freestyle quilting or the opportunity to untangle the mysteries of Zentagle-there are classes for you too! If you've been pondering over whether to go or not-just do it.  Art Retreats are such amazing bonding experiences, you won't be sorry!

I'm teaching four resin classes and here's a sneak peak.  You can just click the photo to go directly to the class listing.  Everyone who signs up for my classes will get a special "grab bag" with extra mixed media items to use in class or at home. 

Industrial Geek Necklace

Steampunk Charms

Ancient Futuristic Art Dolls

Immortalized: Resin Filled Bezels

Hope to see you there!