Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I set up my tiny space at
Faded Elegance.
Mushrooms
snowmen
jewelery
garland of paper w/ doll or snowman
gift tags
pictures
paper chain
fun stuff
luvin- schroom-fulls
and
jolly happy snowmen

These little wool guys
are called
Mighty fine mice
I drew this picture of my sister and her
grand-babies.
Grady and Marley.
...oh...
and her faithful companion
Bea.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

This is what I have been working on
snowmen.
This is for Hutch.
I am organizing my personal christmas stuff.
Most of this is going to Finders Keepers in
Marysville. A few vintage things to Hutch.
I have stuff here I made 25 years ago. But,
it's not anything I want to keep....I just never
wanted to deal with it. Remember...crossstitch?
Country angels? ooooh,not good.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

This is a great Japanese paper umbrella from
the 40's. It is in HUTCH.
Looking for more.
Something like this.

I love them...old, beat up
torn...

HUTCH
is open.
Whew.
We had an amazing turnout friday night.
It is such a relief to have made it
this far. We are very happy people
found us and support our endeavor.
But...
We will take HUTCH to those who
cannot come to Laconner WA.
Next step is to get our little store on line.
We will bring our wonderful handmade
goodies to you. To shop from your home.
So...
lookout...
we are on our way...

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Hey,
If you aren't to busy hiding out
Please visit
Hutch
this weekend
It is amazingly cooler than cool
friday eve we will have
drinks and such, starting at 4:00
Sat and Sun
11-4 ish.
We can be found at
617 Morris street
Laconner WA
360-466-2303

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween
I picked out this costume,
but could only get it on up to
my ankle. Oh well, maybe
next year I'll have the body
of a 54 yr old
supa-halloween model.
Looks like no one eats
butterfingers in this house!

photo courtesy of

Friday, October 30, 2009

Is there something wrong about getting up
at 3:00 in the morning?
Not only the doing , but enjoying it?
I am
BUSY MAKING STUFF
for
HUTCH
which opens NOVEMBER 6th
Here is a pile of birds to embellish
3 light fixtures.
My artist statement and portrait.
which says
finding my medium
I dabble-jewelry-watercolor
collage. Wishing that the glass
was half full- but occasionally slipping
into the pensive recluse.

A sweet little girl with
snowflakes and snowman.
baby it's cold outside.
I dip the little figures in wax.
Jewelry...black and white sketches
with a touch of red. Coffee stained
aqua cotton cording ...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

My tiny house photo for the day.
thanks to one of my favorite blog sites.
...and I can see furniture like this in there...
thanks to

Saturday, October 24, 2009

VW Van

Do you remember the
1963 Candyapple red
Volkswagon panel van
my better half
recently aquired?
Right now it sits in the garage and
we just admire it.
Maybe we should ...
... turn our little red
Van into a petting zoo
specialty...pigs.

This image, via..
I can look through my entire
reader of blogs and he will still
be engrossed in the Samba website.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

This is the Home of
Chris Theiss.
He is the curator of
HUTCH.
Chris has been an artist at
bunnies for over 16 years.
He and his artist wife
Kristen are amazing.



They will have their artwork
along with other artist here at
bunnies for sale at Hutch.
Check us out.
November 6th.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Ohhhh Gosh
I do not remember where I got these images.
So sorry, not to give credit where credit is due.

I am into Squirrels at the moment.
They are very busy making a mess in the
attic of our shed in laconner right now.

Here are a few
close-ups
of the ditties I have been working on.

Sweet for a little witchie-poo.
A little blond kitty-kat.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

This is what I have been
working on.

A little halloween display
Next up. Snowmen

Friday, October 16, 2009

A thursday night project.
Our art dept is sooooooo busy
so at the last minute
I had to whip this out.

Damn I need photoshop lessons.
So this will do.

HUTCH IS THE COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN

PLEASE COME SEE
NOVEMBER 6-7-8

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Is this
ADORABLE?
I can see this in my tiny house.

I think The most fun I ever
had as a kid was playing in
a cardboard house.
I liked to decorate even then.
This attic bedroom is
Cozy...warm...cuddly.

A make believe world.
That is what kids are great at
just living in the world they want.
I think I'll try that.
Actually....I'm on my way.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wise women
a great visual diary
of women who have aged wisely.

I am working on this.
I wanted to show you a picture
of a woman who when you look
into her face you see years of wisdom...
to pass down to a grandchild.
BECAUSE....
I found out yesterday, I am
going to be a first time Grandma.

We all knew it was on the horizon, but when
it happens, your surprised. It is such
a blessing and a humbling experience.
I want to be a wise, fun, lovely to the
bone granny.

On the other hand,
my daughter-in-law is
miserably puking her guts
out right now. That little
baby, (the size of an olive)
is making quite an entrance
already....ahhhhh a grand child
after
my own
heart.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

My body senses
winter is on it's way.
I am sleeping more, eating more
and wanting cozy clothes and fires.

Tasha tudor collected and wore
18th century clothing.
Now there is someone who
lives their creativity.
I feel like that...when I put
the effort into it. I think we
express ourselves in many ways.

...what we wear....

...where we live...

...And how we choose to
change and grow...

I found these great images through

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Been doin a little drawing
and painting.
squirrel getting ready for fall

smirky little pumpkin

Tuesday, October 6, 2009



Did I mention I have moved?
I am still recovering. Physically and emotionally.
I have heard moving is a very stressful event.
I am here to tell you...it is.

One of the reasons I decided to downsize is...
I am just tired of stuff. As a creative person
I seem to have more than the average amount.
So...I have filled a 10x20 storage space and a 5x15 storage space.
I intend to empty them both! Sell, give away, throw away.

Both of these images I found on...
I have moved into 230 square feet.
And my intention is...8ft. x 20 ft.
160 square feet and to be totally
self-sustaining.

Now I have my understanding partner
of 12 years he gets it, completely.
I am here in our very nice home half the
week. So really, since my fun and rewarding
job is 80 miles away, I just need a little space
to live in.
This is...
an adventure
a change
growth.
To let go of stuff.
Perhaps,
find myself.

Monday, October 5, 2009

This is a beauty.
Isn't it funny lots of water
in all my favorites.
Modern is cool...clean...uncluttered.
I am definitely an island girl at heart.
beach shanty is still my, go to favorite.


I love
funky,
red,
water,
tiny living.
How about this?



But...
I also love this.
A house on the propery of J. Morgan Puett.
She is to cool for words.
This was posted on
I love her site. Beautiful inspiring pictures.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Since we last spoke my world has
a new outlook.
I decided to rent out my home.
I called a property manager on the 17th
of Sept. and she came out that day...I signed
a contract. She showed the house friday the 18th.
It rented.
I have been moving since then. I had to be out
by the 1st of Oct.
I have survived...barely.
So I am living rent free and
saving my money to build my little
home on wheels.
Where I am at....uh no shower
what do you think about this?
I have sat down to my blog
for the first time in 2 weeks
I found this!

I am just so humbled to have been found.
I love her blog and look at it frequently
because I have her in my reader.
I love that the world is getting smaller!
Thank-you geisslein.

Monday, September 21, 2009



I have a transient life.
I work in Anacortes and live here
during the week. My guy lives in
kirkand and I go there for the weekend.
I have been doing this for 12 years.
I feel like I live in my car. I always
forget something...like my power cord for
my computer...
I love my house
but
I think 1400 square feet is to big.
It is also a studio so I feel it is also
a mess.
I love my house...no I really love my location
I am right on the water. I love it.
But....do I need it?
I don't know.
So I am going to rent out my house.
I am going to see how that goes.


A tiny home on wheels sounds like one solution.

They look like this.

But
I want this.
or this
Oh my god yes,
THIS
Yes Yes Yes
this is it.
I am dreaming, fantasizing, wishing,
hoping.
No
I am doing.
I am going to build a tiny home on wheels.
It will be Modern
clean and uncluttered
minimal.
And
It will have
character
A rusty tin roof
One whole side of windows.
A sleeping loft.
Solar panels, composting toilet.

I will be self contained.
I will live with less...stuff.
If I choose to move to a different
location. I will just hitch up my home
to a truck and go.


My favorite sites for inspiration


My Guy has a new toy.

I got a driving lesson sunday.
No problem driving a stick with a clutch that
doesn't enact till your knee is in your chest or learning
to pump brakes and not jerk...jerk...jerk.
....but, see those teeny tiny side mirrors?
Now that will take some getting use to.
It is so cute...t The color is so much better than
the picture. And the popout windows are just like being
in a convertible. It is fun, fun , fun...to be a passenger.

When people see this little
VW..they get a big grin and wave
or throw out the universal peace sign.


Saturday, September 19, 2009


Thank-you Annie.
This is Hysterical.
The last 3 seconds i priceless.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

We have a small garden.
A bounty of tomatoes.
Better than candy.
We share with the snails.


Friday, September 11, 2009

...TIME MARCHES ON...

Fall approaches,
we are witnessing the
tides of change.
So, 2 we must adapt.
This gives pause
to be thankful...
for the last rays of a summer sun
We are having a magnificent
end of summer weekend
80 degrees
in Seattle.
SOAK IT UP!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I saw one of these on a walk today.
I tend to believe it is good luck...
since we are Bunnies By The Bay.
I also feel like I just can't run fast enough right
now. Hurry and Hurry and get the spring line
done. But, it never seems like it is done. Here,
design is the easy part. I would have to say getting
it developed, resourced and marketed is much more
difficult. I guess I have the fun easy job...even though
right now. Uhhhhh, I am tired.



I found this on... I think
one of the 2 blogs I mentioned
previously.
It is a website that turns your photos
into vintage photos.

Unbelievably easy.



This is my house and view.

When my little shack was barged up
the bay and dropped where it is now,
I can imagine that this is what it looked like.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

An another amazing blog.
cool...cool...cool...
beginning to end.



I could do this to my house.
The layout is the same.
Just open up the attic.
Love.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Saw
Julie and Julia
this weekend.

loved

I now want to watch her cooking show and
biography on netflix. Meryl Streep was
amazing. I adore the love story of her and
paul, her husband. To me, this was the highlight.

Monday, September 7, 2009

We had a rainy weekend.
rain...sun...rain...sun
It was kinda cool.
Relaxing.
I don't really mind the rain,
when it is warm.

Discovered this great blog.
I read it beginning to end.
Love it.
Creative-geisslein

Friday, September 4, 2009

A funny little flower arraignment.
The glass is a battery holder found at my
Radishes from the farmers market. Jasmine from my yard.

I took this picture a few weeks ago.
Even though fall is on it's way, I have
no complaints. We have had a wonderful
summer here in Washinton. Sunshine
is just an amazingly healing gift.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Fall is on it's way.
This is the fire pit in my front yard.
That is what I love most about fall.
Building a fire and watching the tide.
I must have passed this on to my kids.
They all have their own fire pits.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

This is the coolest pictures of owls, ever!
I found it in google images.
Girls at work have noticed owls lately.
I have been drawing them and thinking,
owls, fall....snowmen...winter. I don't want
summer to end.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009


I found this paper umbrella in an antique store
about 6 months ago. I love it. It is Japanese
and from the 1940's. The red is faded to a perfect,
faded rouge. Like freshly painted blush that is
6 hours old. I patched a tear with duck tape
and it is highly noticeable. Imperfection and age
seem to go hand in hand.

Friday, August 28, 2009

I really like this blog.
by
Andre Jordan.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Have been working on some new ideas.
Ventured out of the barnyard,
to the jungle. Here is a giraffe.
She has some matching bedding.
This is all hand painted by Julie.
Taken from this watercolor I did.
We had an event at
HUTCH.

It is coming along.
...we have a ways to go.
All flowers are from the yard out front.
All objects
made or found
I like the word, refound.
As in a refound purpose, life,
or purpose of life.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I like this.
I found it here.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

It's one of those days.
Found on a very cute






Wednesday, August 12, 2009



Sunday, August 9, 2009

I have an aqua-brown thing
goin on here. More images
found somewhere on the net.
I wish I could remember where
I got them.
I think here.
...
This is a very pretty photograph.
Queen Anne's Lace is in full bloom
right now.

It grows by the side of the road,
It grew in my walkway. It is very quaint and
old fashion. I really never paid attention
to it before. Why now? Appreciating
what is free and noticing more of what
is around me?

Yes,
this is an inspirational quote.
But
I also like the font...the color
It's just cool.



I Love this building. Everything about it.
The color, windows, shape, awnings on the
back of the attached building.
The sign....what more is there to say,
LOVE

I found more to say...I adore the brown screen
door and the diamond shape on the door.
The light fixture. The stucco. Did I mention
the color?

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Do you ever feel like you have bitten
off more than you can chew? I have
a great life...a wonderful life...
a rich and rewarding and busy life.
So...no complaints.
Gratitude, and a faith that
everything is what it is...
for a reason. I'll take the punches
along with the embraces and know
that each is equal in its gift
to my growth.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

I have Jewelry here.
Anacortes Arts and Crafts this weekend.
My jewelry is a very reasonable price.
Because I think I can be better.
So, until I get better...a good
value for anyone who feels the need
to purchase.

address
New little picture.
Display.
I saw this guy at the sounders
Seattle Sketcher.
Barcelona kicked our bootie.
We had a blast.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Little Miss Cricket
It was quite a sticky wicket when
Little Miss Cricket cried,
"I didn't pick it!"
aprox 8" by 10" Original
watercolor
encaustic
mounted on a wood frame.
Poem by my sister

Little Martha
It's a good thing little Martha
taught Johnny the proper way
to plant an apple seed.
Original watercolor, mounted on an old
book cover. Encaustic wax. A little box on
the back for treasures and her story written
by my sister. Hangs from wire. One of a kind.
$50.00. $10.00 shipping

Little Nobel

Little Nobel wonders if someday
he'll get a prize for
being a good boy.

I've been busy.
This is an original watercolor.
Mounted on a canvas board
covered in vintage book pages.
Painted, stained and covered in
encaustic wax. It hangs from a wire, and
a peace sign. On the back is a little box
to hold a treasure. My sister wrote his
story. $50.00. $10.00 for
shipping






amazing woodwork

This bed was made by an amazing artist.
Discovered him on Design Sponge.
I love his art...
because...it is
Handcrafted,
reclaimed wood.

wonderful aesthetics


The combination of wood and metal.
The rings on the tree show its 80 years of life.
To light that life from behind is genius.
His website is really great.
He is an engaging writer.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

..... the former tea room.
Here are the driftwood planters.
Chris has layed out extra wood
for coolness.

The old porch is painted. We are going to remove
the hutch and opened up the, former
display window. It is so far from the street
it was pretty much ineffective. People really
never looked past the fence.
Here are our birdhouses. I love the
rustic simplicity of them. We might
put in little lights. I think by the
end of August it will be coming
together. Art by BBTB artists. We are
all working away.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Cute little handcrafted driftwood planter
from wood that is on the beach in front
of my house. I have gathered and Chris has
made more. For purchase at Hutch...laconner.
I picked these in my yard. I think one is just
a wild flower that grew in my rockery. a pretty
little flower that grew all on it's own... I let it grow
and was rewarded with simple and meaningful
blossoms. Just like friendship. Sometimes it just
shows up at your doorstep. It is beautiful. I have
a new friend. Out of the blue...that landed on my
doorstep. Isn't life funny? So unpredictable, and
yet...feels like it is destined. I am grateful.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

I have been looking for photos of wise women.
I love the dignity and wisdom that this photo
portrays.
I love to see all the expression of a life fully
lived on the faces of these women.
Creases and lines tell their own story.
Laughter, crying, frowning...
it is all there in a face.
No mask to hide the pain and
joy of living a full and rich life.
May I be as fortunate.
Vanity-Smanity
let me move on from it!
Now comfort...
oooh. Don't go there.


I love the look of the menu at
cafe Adrift, in Anacortes
taken with my iphone.
I love my iphone.
I think this is so cool.
sister
we shared squash and pork tacos.
I love summer.
Did I mention that before?
By the way, Anacortes is hoppin!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009



This is my cat, she is a beach kitty.
She is the color of rocks and sharpens
her claws on driftwood. Great hunter,
foiled the hawks. I wouldn't mess with her.
Name...
Paisley.
Max + green ball + water =
happy dog

Friday, July 24, 2009

Still working.
Don't the girls look lovely. Isn't it
funny how you coordinate your
wardrobe and everyon matches.




brain trust

Here is a peek at the inside workings
of bunnies by the bay. We are going
over design ideas for Spring 2010.
So far it all sounds really great.



Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Laconner update


We have uncovered a few props.

Recycling the old posts from the fence
outside. Primed and ready for paint and new
whirligigs for inside.

There are sunflowers six feet high, outside...
inspiration for the hutch, inside.

This was a very bright blue room...
now a muted aqua with brown wash.

old apothecary bottles waiting
to be used for
...some----thing...

A few gatherings,
like a bird gathers to feather its nest,
we gather and build....?

When I moved into my house 10 years ago,
I found a humble bird house, left behind.
Now a pattern for these...going on the wall.

Chris..."washing the aqua wall with...

this...
next best thing to instant coffee.

...remember this room?

Now...a warm pallet for birdhouses,
little pictures...shelves of old books...

we want to be in harmony with our
little displays of art...not fight with them for
attention.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I think this expresses my summer so far
I am quite content with life and love.

This morning I woke to this...
The sun was hitting this tree,
it was beautiful. We keep our
doors open in the bedroom this is
the view...
I love summer.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Here is my other talented sister...


Jeanne's art is amazing...not just the art
but the stories that inspire them.
Wu Fung Road
jeanne-ming.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Flighty Friends

Flighty friends are busy as can bee.....

this is the beginning of a story my sister
has written...it's all about birds right now
check out her brand new blog.
suzannelknutson.blogspot.com


Sunday, July 12, 2009

This is my bounty from Laconner.
I picked these lovely hydrangeas
to take home and I discovered
raspberries.
I made a little snack.

Laconner re-invention
is comming a long.
Even though we have taken a moment to
stop and re-do our insides.
There is no halt to the progress of mother
nature on the outside.
The gardens of our laconner shop are in
there full picture taking mode.

And the lovely part of all this....
It is a perennial garden...so year after faithful
year...these flowers and berries return to
delight us with their beauty and just
friendliness. Yes...this is a friendly garden.
quaint...a little over the top and lovely.
Wirily gigs are still whirling and bees buzzing.

I've been meaning to take apart the front window.
But geez looooieze you can't even see it.


A pretty pink flower bush sits in a bed
of trailing and vining tiny red strawberries.
Do not know what this is...but it's cool.
Purple clematis is taking over the birdhouse.
Here is the former tea room. The walls are a
cream, and painted over with an umber wash.
The wainscoating is a mustard color with the
same umber painted on as a second coat.
The floor is primed and will be a mustard color
to match the rest of the floors.

Chris left the green on the interior of the window.
It adds character and depth.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

I woke up early.
3:45 a.m. to be exact.
I cleaned,
organized,
purged,
It felt great.

Here is the view from my kitchen window.
an old aqua birdhouse.

I think this would be a great little
item for the new shop.

Where is my jigsaw?
Doll carriers.
The right colors.

These are berry boxes.
They hang in my entry.
Two have birds nests.

I like green and aqua metal tins. Especially
when they have polka dots.

Also in my entry, cream thread.

I made this in Sally Jeans three day workshop
in her studio in Portland. It was a blast.
Notice the theme.
Her studio is amazing.

I am working on new jewlery for shop. This has my
little drawings in them. 1-2 inches
Monday eve...solder time.
A giraffe and a doll. Working on these
for the new shop.
Nice new sewing area set up.
I need to fill the window box with
plants. Project for next week.
Turned my couch around. Now facing the water.
This is pretty much my kitchen, studio and living room.
Grand total of 600 square feet.
Some little flowers I found in my yard.
Driftwood container, gift from my sister.
I think another idea for new shop.
I have a beach full of driftwood.
Mother Nature...may I borrow....
view behind my work desk.
I think I will try a different way to hang
umbrella....next week.
When my doors are open.
My house seems much bigger.
A perfect summer day.

Standing in my kitchen,
not bad, huh? More flowers from my yard.
Don't ya just love summer...sunshine....a clean house?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Here are a few more little ditties.

I have signed up for watercolor classes.
7 sessions
starts tomorrow.


I want to learn to mix color.
how to get it to blend,
layer.....
I gotta get off the ducks and chicks!
but...I like them.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Note: In my last post on Michele's drawing
I spelled coming wrong. I put 2 m's. frustrating
I always spell it wrong!


A drawing inspired by a
photograph of my mom and aunt
when they little girls.

Just another chick.

I had originally put "waif",
on her front. Homeless child
without family and friends was
a little depressing. So I glued
on a new saying. Her nose looks
like she has sunscreen on it.
a little chick with polka dots.

boy in aqua shorts

baby boy

.
It is hard to say goodby to friends.
Michele was the head of our accounting
department. Oh ya michele was our accounting
department. She moved back home to Houston.
I made this for her.
We miss you!
We had a little going away party. The only day
it rained in weeks! (Michele is on far left.)
Summer time
and the livin is easy.
When I walk out the door
I think...perfect
the weather is unbelievable
I am enjoying every moment
I have filled my window boxes with
driftwood and beach, things that do not
need to be watered. Since I am only here
part of the week... window boxes need to
be watered every day.
I discovered cherries on my tree!
I tasted....they are tart
for baking.
Everything I had in this container died
over the freezing cold winter. These
little gems sprouted all by themselves.

I am working on a new vanity for
my bathroom. So I put the mirror
from the bath room to my outside entry.

I hung this the other day. Metal letters
Love red white and blue...
especially when it is aged and faded.

Picked these daisys from flower bed
at bunnies. Love the old bottle.

My 4th decor

Friday, June 5, 2009

to get home, get out my sketch pad...sharp
pencil, eraser and play.
Last sunday I sat outside and painted.
I can't seem to get away from this chick.
I like her.
Off center because of big
coffee stain that was on the right.

It looks kinda messy.
cheep
I am just playing around.
more playing

Thursday, June 4, 2009

My design studio- home 
It is quaint, rustic, imperfect, some issues 
and I love it.
I have wanted this my whole life.
  Here is where I can cook, read, write, draw,
 sew, solder, glue, or just sit and do nothing at all.

The tide coming in from Similk bay. The weather right now is so
perfect.  This is when Washington is the best place on earth to be.


I like solitude and freedom
 that I get during the week. 
Down a flight of stairs and you are on a 
driftwood carpet...maintenance free
I like the cat...the huntress
I like mood lighting.
I like birds.
I like clocks.
I like the serenity of these. 
I like thai red candles.
Ugly necessity...in an attempt to be organized.
I like aqua handmade ceramics.
The sink was free.
The faucet drips.
I like old cream thread.
I like oranges...
Reading on the Bloomsbury group, inspiration
for Laconner workshop.
I like my working area
Heaven with the doors open.
I like red.
I like birds...especially crows.

Monday, June 1, 2009


Here is the journal I kept while in New York.
I have posted it so that the first page is at the 
bottom.  Mistake...oh well.

I originally drew in pencil.
I have gone back and redrawn in ink.
My first attempt at a journal.

Looking at blogs and sketching 
things I liked.  A start.  Doodles.


I like menus....I like red

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Times
are changing.
***
Time
for a change.
***
Our beloved Glad Dreams Workshop is closed.  This is a good thing, because
We are putting forth all of our creative energy to make this a true artist workshop.
 When we reopen it will be like nothing anyone has ever encountered.  Unique
 wonderful, and one of a kind.
We have been in  Laconner Wa. for over 16 years.  It has been through many transitions and we thank-you for your patience if you have followed us on our creative journey.  We are simply, still trying to figure it out.  In 23 years of business...it is still a day by day, sometimes minute by minute, change of events.  We are, " Bunnies by the Day".  Which is very good when you are trying to stay in business.    We have taken on the collectable world, the baby gift industry and published our own art and books.  This has been accomplished by undeterred determination, hard work, a belief in our message and dogged tenacity.  No rich uncle, bank or windfall has ever believed in or attempted to save us.   In fact bunnies was created in an attempt to save ourselves.  In that attempt...more people have walked through our door... at the right time.  We have been saved by them...we saved each other.  We were drawn together by a force greater than ourselves.  I guess the point I am trying to make here is that sometimes help comes from the least likely of sources, never where you expect it to come from.  For us...that help came from thousands of miles away, China.   We owe a great deal of debt, (figuratively and literally), to our brothers in China.  They believe in us and support us.  We are connected by a bond stronger than a balance sheet.  Thank-you brothers Linn. 
We have an enormously talented Art dept.  When we are all sailing in the same direction, we can create some great designs.  And believe me...it is a group effort.  No one person designs a product.  I often times think designing something is easy...We can make a design in a day.  The marketing dialogs and the product development takes months.  I have a room with hundreds of designs that didn't get off the ground because problems with cost, sourcing or how do we sell it?  Oh, I have digressed.....
Back to the Art dept.  Well, now that our baby line is well established...we have a beautiful well made, well price line and wonderful fixtures.  All of this is put together in our newly designed shop next door.  It really looks fabulous with new fixtures and art..... It is a show piece for all of our customers, wholesale and retail.  We are now ready for phase 2.  We would like to show you...there is no end to creativity.  So the idea behind the Laconner workshop is to make it a shop that can be shopped globally.   We are in a very small town that is a tourist destination.  We get people who drive up from Seattle or down from Vancouver.  That is not enough traffic.  I often say it's like opening a lemonade stand and just waiting for people to discover you.  I believe the world is our customer.  I want to take the Laconner workshop experience to the public.


I believe that people are interested in the creative process.  I ran into a friend at the grocery store a couple of days ago...and she made the comment, "I want to make something but I just don't know where to start." Well you can follow us.  Follow the creative process of the workshop.   We will do that thru this blog.  Facebook, twitter, utube all of it.  I don't have that figured out yet...but we will learn.  You can follow that too.  Three years ago I didn't know what I know now....so there is hope for us technically challenged people.( Chris thinks all this technology is just a phase.)
We have our work cut out for us...because... we have, no firm direction, no clear cut ideas, no art yet conceived.  An old house full of stuff we don't want and a lot of  physical as well as emotional and intellectual pain ahead of us.  The workshop will be something new...yet old,I think the concept of " recycled ", is apropos.  I heard a new term the other day...Shabbilism.  I am taking this to mean, used, worn, comfortable and minimal.  Less is more.  One wonderful recycled piece of art, not a shelf of stuff.  A collection can be 2 or 3 things not hundreds!
I don't know what we will present but it will be Art...conceived through our imagination and created with our hands.  It won't be a lot, it will be enough. We don't know when we will open... it will be
 when we are ready, to share.

So, what is the creative process?
What drives a person to get up at 4:00a.m. and 
start sketching or drawing...painting and sculpting?
The journey of self expression as an art form  brings emotions like, anxiety
...frustration, disappointment, exhaustion,and also joy, satisfaction and excitement .  The artist will create, even if no one appreciates the expression.  BUT...when another human being sees the value in your art, it is a validation to the artist...it is honor, acceptance, love.  It connects the artist to the recipient.  It is the, "sally fields effect".

As artists, we will continue to create and share.   It is our way of connecting to the rest of the world. ( I may not be able to verbalize my feelings...here let me show you...) On behalf of my fellow artists we invite you to take this voyage into unchartered waters with us.  For it is not in the docking at the port, (the art), that brings us the joy, wisdom, presence and appreciation...it is the sailing itself. It is the expedition that we wish to share.  For in the sharing we will become shipmates.  From all the artists, and the staff that supports us and makes it possible for us to be creative, we would like to welcome you aboard.


Sunday, May 24, 2009

epistrophy cafe....Mott street


e*pis*tro*phe
"the repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences.
to turn around.
Well I don't know why they named this little
cafe this.  But I felt 
 at home here.

Here is a little of their menu.
I love the mix of fonts.
It was a perfectly warm day.
I sat outside on a little wobbly bench. 
2 guys next to me were italian, new yorkers
in their 30's.  A couple of older gents walked
by...they got the hug...dialogue in Italian...
I felt like I was in the godfather movie.
It was very fun.
Glass of Vino
 little unpretentious flowers
My panini
it was good,
the atmosphere made it 
wonderful
It was around 4:00
locals just hanging out



Doesn't this look cozy.
Better than home.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Knitting on 9th street

I had heard about this...
And literally ran into
on 9th street in New York.
I took just a few pictures
You can see many more.
on gallery ps122 gallery. 
I have attempted to add the link
lets see...
I think this is so inspiring.
To see the art of knitting, which is 
soft...on an iron fence.  It is bringing
the art to the street!

  It is an area with scaffolding,
 (I swear...there is more scaffolding
in New York...I think they forgot that it is
suppose to be temporary...{to fix something}
and they just leave it up.

Friday, May 22, 2009

I am drawn to 
RED
SIGNAGE

I don't know why....

 The older...
the better...

and asian letters....

love this one.
It was a basement restaurant.

hmmmm.
The red thread....

Does every meat market...
have a Moe?

Fabric...bannerish...
cute.
I don't know what it 
says...



I think I went to Pearl Paints
at least 5x.  They have at least
2 other stores, a frame shop,
a craft shop...besides their 5 floor
art supply store.   

I ate here...
fun...busy...cheap.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

love...le...labo

on Elizabeth street.
this caught my eye.
{LE LABO}
It is a 5' perfume atomizer.
You push the lever and a
spray of perfume comes out
onto a strip of paper, that you 
hold under the lever.

That is 
very cool.
Interactive marketing
on the street!
I have been in the very sterile overpriced
overcrowed Soho for a week and a half
When I found this. 
 {Even my inspiring Free People store...
 has gone glitz. 
Silver, rhinestone and sequins
for their display, yuck! I don't get it.}



So...this seemed fresh, organic
natural, an updated yet homey
apothecary store.

Stephanie was very kind to let me
take pictures.  
I love the old metal carts...tin wall
There are just a few scents to pick from
you choose what you like and they mix
it and bottle it for you.  I think this
is all just for show...but I love the show.
She went to her handy Mac...and printed
up my custom label.   
Here is my perfume.
LABDANUM18.
They have a store in LA.
and... are in Barney's
But it is understated
Yet...
Expensive.
This little bottle
was 
$50.00
for 0.05 ounces.


But.. I love it.
It is the only thing I have bought.
I already use the box for something
else and I love the perfume.
I still feel like I discovered them.
Off the beaten path....
in NY.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I Am At The Ace Hotel

To the Newly opened
ACE HOTEL
in New York.

I am so happy...
 because I have...
INTERNET
at the other place...great view
but.
15.00 a day to use internet...
which I refused to do.
Had to use my ATT, which sucked.
my blackberry and internet
did not like the 51st floor.
Remember my view from the Hilton?
This is more of what I am use to.
Welcome to midtown.
Two...frosted windows in the room...
This is why...

Just a reference for you...
my previous view...
But it was in the financial district...
Here is my security system...oh I guess not 
quite finished yet.  Have I mentioned they
have only been open a week?
I had to ask for another light.  I like
black and white...I just needed to be able 
to see.
Murial on the wall....woman sleeping
which was me...
until...
the room across the hall, {3 feet}  
 woke me ... when they brought their
party home...at 4:00a.m. 
They... Got down till 5:30 this morning. 
 Saw all 5 very loud
women leave then...with all the by...by...see ya
by.bybybybybybybyby's in the hallway.
One very happy young and "hip" man was standing in the doorway.

BUT
They were very nice at the front desk. When 
they told me my room wasn't quite ready yet.
I got in at 7:00 p.m.  So I waited in the "bar"
was served a plastic party cup of red wine for 9.00.
Got in trouble for taking pictures.  They have an 
exclusive  blah blah blah.....
BUT
I love the ACE in Portland....I think all the
people have been very nice....and 
I am glad to be here.
It's so nice to have internet.......
I can post and post and post.....


Monday, May 18, 2009

GRAND FINALE


We spent about 3 hours drawing
ourselves.  We did this on the first 
day also.  So we have a comparison.
Pretty good for novices.
Here are a couple of  examples...

the engineering type...

quote, "I will be your 
waterloo. I cannot draw."

I think he did amazing!

A talented lady from
Finland.  
Great style.

Lovely gal... from 
Australia.
Wonderful interpretation.

This is me.
I really didn't think I did to
bad on my original drawing.
When he pulled it out I was
surprised.

We all had our own personal reasons for
taking the class. 
  I think many of us will look at the world
 through different eyes.
See and appreciate the...
"negative spaces". 
And learn more
 about the
  artists that inspire us... to keep drawing.


 I know I came out of the class
thinking....I want to learn more.
Next up.....
photoshop 101



NEW YORK PARADE

I got lost again...
I was looking for NoHo
and found myself in the 
East Village.
...I ran into a...
Parade.

A bunny boy?
I've seen better 
in Anacortes


Unusual
 hood
 ornament

These (gals?...) knew how to use
HULA HOOP
And
Have to say....
this was the body
of the day!

"strike a pose"

Lovely
I have not posted the
not so lovely.
But I did come away not feeling
so bad about...my bod.
Come fly with me....

She was adorable...
The old Highland kick
and I love the shoes!


And
after all that walking
16,000 steps...
 ...to be exact.
I stepped in here...
and had a wonderful
  20 minute foot massage.

HAPPY LAND
 
HAPPY FEET 




Friday, May 15, 2009

day 4 ny

Day 4
Today we drew a fellow student.
It was difficult.
I feel like I need to spend
many many more hours on 
this process.

Here is my sketch of Alex.
This took about 3 hours.
And a little help from teacher.
I moved his ear 3x.

Walking home. I walked thru the 
East Village
Soho 
 Then, at the end of Elizabeth street... 
I found my self in
 China Town
 and then all of a sudden
a sign, welcome to
 little Italy. 
 Then the chinese took over again....and
 ended up in the financial district......
My feet
HURT.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Is this not a beautiful view?
I really like my hotel and my room

But....
I am in no man's land
in other
 words,
there are no restaurants, shopping,
art galleries etc....
  I need to find a new place on sat.
 I am sure...my view will be
 looking at the back end of an air 
conditioning unit...but
there are some things more important.

...So...
Today in class. 
 Day 3.
We are using...scale... proportion...
angles...white space...shadow...sight 
angles...composition...picture plane...
sighting...grid...

...SCARY...

...but...

not as bad as, 

"the Chair",

exercise yesterday.

Here is what I have chosen to draw.

Because, I like old and decrepit and
I can be outside in 73 degree weather.
,
Here ya go sports fans. 
It was,
 fun.

no more said.

(Julie, Chris, Jen and Jeanne...don't laugh!)


A cool New York Sign. 
Not in use, just kinda,
 hangin out,
on a building. 

 I love it.

see,
more...
old...
decrepit

another day in New York

I walked around looking for a restaurant in 
the financial district
found nothing
lots of great sights though
This was a tiny little 
"park"

Here is 2nd day results of art class
(We drew our hand 1st.)
Then, a chair.  This was so
frustrating...I almost cried.
Mine is in the 2nd row, 2nd in from the right.

Really love the sign.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

our Catholic school girl alumni.
When I showed this picture to Anne
I asked her if she would ever do anything
 like this...She said no, she would be 
the girl in the very back, cheering.

Still in the same neighborhood...the financial
district.  The oldest Catholic church in New York.


I will have to go to another area to find
my roots.  Where are all those Irish fishermen
and fisherwives? This is a picture of some
of my dad's crewmen, in the early 60's


Monday, May 11, 2009

This is my 2nd day.
I left the hotel with my 
camera...
Not out the door 2 minutes and
walked right into St. Paul's 
Chapel.
At first, I just thought it was
a historic site of 
 1766.
But when I went inside...
I realized, (because I didn't 
read the plaque) it was also
dedicated to the men of women of 911


Inside it was dark...Most of the
pictures I took, did not turn out.
Here is shows just how old it is.

This is the picture that made me cry.
There were quite a few people inside, 
many of them had tears also.
What made me cry was not as much those
that perished. I felt the goodness of 
compassion.  People helping and caring and
loving each other.
There were pictures of exhausted men who 
would come to the chapel and sleep on 
the wooden pews.  That this little church 
that sits directly across the street from
the twin towers, could offer
 refuge and solace for those that
cared, and gave.


This should really be a separate entry
but, having trouble uploading pictures
so when they uploaded...I went for it!

After I left there....
I mapped out my route 
to my art class.  It is a little 
less than a mile.

My Classes are at 52 Greene street.
But the neighbors door...had a lot
more character.


And...
A few blocks away is
 Pearl Art & Craft.
It is 6 floors of cool
art supplies.  On the 
5th floor were the pencils,
which I needed. And the
erasers were on the 2nd floor.

On my walk back,
 (14,000 steps 
and screamin feet by the way.)
I ran into...yes Snowball.
I take this as a very good 
sign.












Sunday, May 10, 2009

My 1st day in New York
Here is the fantastic view from my room.
Usually I am looking at the back end
of some ones air conditioning unit.

This is the good.
New Jersey across the water
Ellis Island is on the left.

Ying and Yang.

I am across the street of 9-11 site.
I have never seen it.
It is really overwhelming.
The hotel I am in was closed for 18 months.
There is only 1 new building.  So much left
to do.  

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Packed
 and ready to go...
....I am headed off to.....
....To take classes here..
I am

scared
excited
nervous
anxious
worried
happy
thrilled
..............
Finally,
at 53...
I am
ready to 
pursue
drawing.

I attempted classes when
I was 17...first year of 
 college and did
not have the confidence
to stick to it.
Now...excuse my
french.
I don't give a shit,
I am doin it!!!!!

Thank-you,
bunny sisters 
for all the support.



I got ready for my trip.
This is a pile of clothing
I dyed.
A whole new wardrobe!
One load of black...
One load of 
1 part cobalt +navy 
blue
....Here a pile of 
papers to go thru
to take with
Ohhh 
and when I am on a roll....
lets make a carry-on.
I found the coolest backpack
at, "Free People".  But, it 
was 160.00.  I still regret
not getting i though...there
are just some things you 
can't get out of your head.
....well, I made my own.
and it has wheels...is a 
backpack and has hooks for
my computer to hang on the outside.
Really...boy scouts would be proud!! 

And 
I finished up my display 
for Wendy's antique
shop in Anacortes.
How do you take a 
picture of GLASS!