I've been busy in the studio again! LOTS of rain here in the state of Maine lately. What's a girl to do but hole up in her studio and make pretty things!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For all of you that may be looking for me in the Autumn issue of Belle Amoire Jewelry, I wont be in it this quarter. Both articles that I wrote will be in the winter issue instead! SUCH a long wait. 
~But they do say that patience is a virtue. Whoever said that doesn't know me very well now do they?
xoxox
Well, well, well! What a long couple of weeks it's been! My computer had been down and out for over a week, and when we finally got it up and running again. I had a lot of catching up to do. Matter of fact, I'm still catching up!
I am still having trouble doing things over on my side of the computer. It seems as though I have some default settings to mess around with, (which I am hopelessly CLUELESS!) I can't seem to post here on Sweetpeas, open my hotmail, get Flash Player to work, and comment in Blogger websites. I can do all of that here on my husband's side of the computer though. HUH? ANY IDEAS??????
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While I was "away", two super sweet bloggers passed on blogging awards to me! Ellen granted me with the Art Y Pico award. I just love Ellen's blog, it's chock full of artsyy goodness!
And this award from Fanciful Expressions, yet another artistic blog with lots of pretty jewelry to behold!
I am supposed to pay these forward, and I hope I will be forgiven if I don't play along just this once. I am in a mindless mess trying to get caught up here, and it's seriously cutting in on my studio time!! THANKS girls so much!! It's nice to make new friends!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Charming Exchange seems to be taking off and is the talk of the town! I didn't take photos of the book, but I see that lots of folks have! If you want to see some inside photos of the book visit these girls: Maija, Deryn, and Sally. The book is just loaded with fabulous jewelry and projects!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BEFORE my computer decided to go to the dark side, I had done a little shopping from some of my Etsy Maine Team members. How Gorgeous is this little bud vase from Dirtgirlpottery. She also sells these bud vases in sets. The perfect gift for your favorite gardener!
And a little treat for my baby! Rudy just loves these "Sea Veg & Chamomile Buckwheat Dog Biscuits", by Barkwheats, handmade right here in Maine!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm not sure if this the best way to end a post, but I know some of you who have visited here at The Plenty To Do Farm would like to know. It's sad news for Jon and I. We had to lay to rest our sweet Dakota a couple of weeks ago. She was old, had arthritis, and then caught lime disease, which no amount of meds. could save her. I spent about 10 days trying to get her to eat and to take her meds, but in the end, it just wouldn't take. We have come to terms with this, and we are ALLRIGHT!! She had a good life here, and was terribly spoiled. We got her the day we were married from my sister in Georgia. We had to put her to sleep on our nine year wedding anniversary. I tried to look at that day as a celebration of a dogs good life.
We called her our "Georgian Peach". I remember my sister calling me from Georgia, upset because her baby was allergic to Dakota. She was three at the time. (Dakota that is). It took me about 5 seconds to tell her since they were driving here to Maine for the wedding, why not bring Dakota to us. She gave us many happy memories and we will miss her always.
xoxoxox
I have just finished my second article for Wishstudio Blogzine called "Studio Spaces; part 1". It should be out in the next week or two, I'll fill you in when it is. The "part 1" came about due to the many responses I received. I can't bare to leave anyone out, so every once in a while I'll write another post about your fabulously artistic spaces! If you'd like to tell me about your studio space, please leave a comment here.
The next article I am compiling research for is called "The Confident Artist". I'd like to know a little about your confidence as an artist! Here are some questions to ponder, but as always, feel free to write what you want on this subject!
Please leave your comments here. If you would like to share a piece of work that you feel is a milestone piece for you, then please leave me a link to your photo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SPEAKING OF CONFIDENCE.........
Just a few years back I would have felt uncomfortable answering these questions to this interview from the Etsy Maine Team Blog. I always believed in the pieces that I created, but was not very good at selling myself to folks. I wanted other people to believe in my craft as much as I did! My Mom was always my "sales" person. Hope you enjoy this interview....and while you're at it, you may want to visit some of Maine's other talented artsists!
This is a totally off-the-cuff post, and not at all on my list.
BUT about 15 minutes ago I just opened my copy of "A Charming Exchange" by Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling.
Yes I am in it, and yes that is exciting. BUT I am just filled with joy and happiness at the sheer beauty of this book as a whole. The writing is interesting, the "how-tos" are fun and easy to follow, the photography is gorgeous, the jewelry is ALL just stunning, and if I'm rambling, so sorry but I really can't help it!
Not only was this a fun and new experience, but being part of this project at the time for me was crucial. I was fairly new to jewelry design, and I thought Ruth was just so sweet to include me. She was encouraging and thoughtful, so I just kept trying my best, hoping it would be good enough. Well it just so happens that EVERY ONE of us that participated were good enough. Kelly and Ruth lovingly combined all of our charms to make these truly artistic pieces of jewelry. And there is so much more to the book then charms on a charm bracelets folks!
You'll be INSPIRED. trust me on this one.
Thank you Kelly and Ruth, you'll always be in my heart.
xoxoxox
Another fun Fourth of July vacation aboord the Aurora!
We started the vacation out in a wall of fog.
But thankfully that was just the first day, the rest of the week was lovely!
Jon and I brought our own little boat as the tender. That way we could go exploring and leave the big boat anchored.
We had yummy dinners and happy hour at night. Also gorgeous views, peace and quiet!
Every year, Jonesport holds their Lobster boat races. This year was exceptionally fun! I love the folks getting a racey-ride on the back of this boat!
These two boats put on quite a show.
What did you do for the fourth?
BRAND SPANKIN' NEW!
Tommorow night is my last night of slinging beers at our local pub for 11 days. Say it with me slowly now, "VACAAAAAAAAAAAATION".
We plan on dubbing around until the middle of the week, then we are off on our favorite journey wth Jon's Dad and his girlfriend Jen.
I am so ready for this!
Rainy today.....
view from the studio deck
But seriously I don't mind. It's been like this for two days, and it keeps me in the studio working away. I still have my door wide open and the music flowing.
In the summer my studio gets moved from the upstairs to the downstairs into the sunroom. I still work upstairs, but I do all of the messy stuff up there like cutting and drilling metal.
The sunroom is a bigger space with lots of windows, couches, the deck & some of my favorite collections. Even the washer and dryer, kitchen etc. is just a few steps away, so I feel like I accomplish more on the housework front.
The only problem I encountered last summer was storage. So Big Daddy brought this little bureau down from the spare bedroom. (ummm...I now have nothing to store my extra linens upstairs, but I'll get to that problem at some point!!) The thing about this sunroom, is that we actually use it all summer long for entertaining, sleep-overs, naps & our nightly dinner. So this bureau just made my world so easy! In minutes I can sweep my mess right into it!
I was having trouble making this little corner work as it was, so I'm happy with the result!
So this brings me to a topic I'd like to get your opinions on!
I am writing a monthly column for Mindy's new blog "Wishstudio Blogzine" called "She Dreams of Art". Myfirst column, "Artful Goals" is up now. The main objective of my column is to collect art, info, quotes and certain data on a particular subject. I mention a few of you bloggy gals, show off your art & promote your site!
My next column will be about our studio spaces. Here are some questions I have for you! Answer them all or just pick one or two!
Just leave me a comment here in this post! AND THANKS!!!
xoxoxxo
Growing up in Maine and living in New Hampshire as a kid has for me been a life-long lesson in nature. We were lucky to have parents and grandparents who liked to camp, boat, garden, rent cottages on the ocean and lakes. As I've often written about here, nature is my muse. The water, the woods, wildlife & even my garden has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
I have the fondest memories of weekend treks spent under tall pine trees and floating over crystal clear lakes. To this day, I'll rake the pine needles from under my own trees and have an instant sense of nostalgia. All it takes is a wiff, and I am instantly brought back to hunting for pine cones and needles. I can head to the ocean, smell the salt air and I'll remember two little sunbathed girls collecting shells, toting barbies and art supplies in their little bags along the ocean's edge. It's almost like a 70's movie reel playing in my mind. That's the only way I can explain it.
So I want to tell you a little of what I know about SQUAM. For those of you that haven't heard of this down~to ~earth, back to nature art retreat, all I can ask is where have you been?
I am ever-so dissapointed that I will not be able to attend this year! We are going to a wedding that just can't be missed. I do not plan on missing it next year as it looks like I might be teaching a workshop or two in 2009. I do however want to hear EVERY little detail from those of you who will be able to make it this fall!
SQUAM starts Weds. Sept. 10th and goes until Sun. the 14th.
The Rockywold-Deephaven Camps are on Squam Lake, located in central New Hampshire, just south of the White Mountains.
If I was able to make it these are the classes I would attend:
PRINTMAKING WITHOUT A PRESS by Susan Schwake
EXPRESSIVE FACES IN MIXED MEDIA by Judy Wise
KEEPSAKE BOOK by Misty Mawn
I have my own personal reasons for being drawn to each of these classes. Years ago, Misty and I blogged back and forth, and though we have lost touch, I still try to view her art when I can. I've always felt her work was true to who she was, and well, she just seems so down to earth. Susan actually came up in converstaion when Leah, myself and Tammy got together last weekend. We all just LOVE her! I think she is someone to look up to in the art community, and she's got to be one of the nicest bloggers out there! There is something about Judy that makes me smile. I don't know her well, just her name and art, but again she feels very real to me. And knowledgable. I tend to seek out people who are grounded with their craft and that's what I love about SQUAM! Wait till you see the other teachers participating this year!
The opening ceremony promises to be a blast! To kick off the event, Gracey Bonney of design*sponge will be there. Then there will be live music with Jonatha Brooke around the campfire.
The long weekend just gets better from there.
I am just so jealous. I really, really want to go.
So if you are a reader of this blog, and do attend SQUAM .... please give me a shout and let me know how it went! I can try and live vicariously through your experience, at least for this year.
xoxoxo
So I spent a very lovely day in Kennebunkport, Maine with dear friends Leah and Tammy yesterday. The day was filled with antiquing, shopping, art galleries, photography a fabulous dinner and CONSTANT art chatter. My idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon with art-felt friends!!
I missed you girls this morning while sipping my coffee and looking at my photos....
In the morning getting ready for the day
Inspired by this table of bottles, Leah has started a new collection!
we all have a bit of an addiction to old paper...
CUTIES!
pretty views
GORGEOUS mermaid sculpture at one of the art galleries
Leah and myself
My favorite of the girls. I was across the street on the other side of the bridge.
*tee~hee* "I'm just so inspired"
I don't need to go on and on about the day and how wonderful it all was. I think the proof is in the photos!
xoxoxox
This past week I wrote my first "How To" article for Belle Amoire Jewelry. It was an eye opening experience for me, as I learned a few things, and discovered that I loved doing this. (well I always new I would!!) I'm all ready planning "how to" projects for the future......
Here is a sneak peak....
I believe this will be in the Autumn issue, I'll let you know for sure. If you love to create jewelry, this is the magazine for you! It is always so inspiring for me as a mixed-media jewelry artist.
Some of you might remember that I worked on two different book projects last year. The first was a book by Ruth Rae and Kelly Snelling called a "Charming Exchange". It's now up at Amazon for pre-order!
Then, the fabulus Susan Tuttle contacted me and asked me to send in a few jewelry pieces for her soon-to-be book that is also available for pre-order at Amazon! It's called "Exhibition 36: A Gallery of Mixed-Media Inspiration".
These are the type of things I had always aspired to do since childhood. When I get frustrated with my job (slinging beers three shifts a week), or other things that can stress me out, I just remember that I have to keep moving towards my goal. Sometimes the move feels like I am creeping along like a little snail, and other times I feel like I am racing to the finish line (ahem, don't really relish that feeling for some reason) .... but I know I do have to keep moving.
Do you feel that you are moving steadily towards your goals? What are your goals and what special steps are you taking to travel there?
I would love to hear from you! I am compiling a little research for a post I am writing for a friends new blog. Leave me a comment or send me an email!
xoxox
Name: Jessica Moreau~Berry
Mo'nonymous on when it rains...CREA...
Mo'nonymous on PEACE out little FRE...
Mo'nonymous on when it rains...CREA...
Mo'nonymous on when it rains...CREA...
Mo'nonymous on Well, well, well! Wh...
Mo'nonymous on when it rains...CREA...
Mo'nonymous on Well, well, well! Wh...
Mo'nonymous on Well, well, well! Wh...
Mo'nonymous on Well, well, well! Wh...
Mo'nonymous on Well, well, well! Wh...
today
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
antiques
artsy fartsy
bloggy presents
bloggy projects n such
collections
collective souls
decorating it s a passion
etsy maine team blog
fabulous finds
family & friends
friends successes
green thumb
inspiration for you
jewelry
junque revival news
justbe connected
kayaking adventures
knitting away the time
maine girl recipes
nothing much
she dreams of art
studio works
travelin
travelin in maine
where to find me & my junk
wishstudio blogzine
visited *loading* times
