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.

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.

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...

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

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

http://seesawdesigns.blogspot.com/

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 ...

My tiny house photo for the day.

thanks to one of my favorite blog sites.

http://tinyhouseblog.com

...and I can see furniture like this in there...

thanks to

http://www.theselby.com/

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..

http://thesamba.com

I can look through my entire

reader of blogs and he will still

be engrossed in the Samba website.

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.

http://bkids.typepad.com/knockknock/2009/10/it.html

They will have their artwork

along with other artist here at

bunnies for sale at Hutch.

Check us out.

November 6th.

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.

This is what I have been

working on.

A little halloween display

Next up. Snowmen

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

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.

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.

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

http://www.tumbir.com/

Been doin a little drawing

and painting.

squirrel getting ready for fall

smirky little pumpkin

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...

http://tartantutus.blogspot.com/

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.

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?

http://inhabitat.com/2009/08/03 mysterous-floating-campground-pops-up-holland/

But...

I also love this.

A house on the propery of J. Morgan Puett.

She is to cool for words.

This was posted on

http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/

I love her site. Beautiful inspiring pictures.

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!

http://creative-geisslein.blogspot.com

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.

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

http://www.inhabitat.com/

http://thistinyhouse.com/

http://www.fabprefab.com/

http://www.smallhousestyle.com/

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPKYbBBzimg

Thank-you Annie.

This is Hysterical.

The last 3 seconds i priceless.

We have a small garden.

A bounty of tomatoes.

Better than candy.

We share with the snails.

...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!

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.

Bakumatsu Koshashin Generator

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.

An another amazing blog.

cool...cool...cool...

beginning to end.

http://anabundanceof.blogspot.com/

I could do this to my house.

The layout is the same.

Just open up the attic.

Love.

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.

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

http://creative-geisslein.blogspot.com

A funny little flower arraignment.

The glass is a battery holder found at my

favorite antique storeDays Gone By Antique Mall Anacortes, WA

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.

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.

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.

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.

I really like this blog.

by

Andre Jordan.

a beautiful revolution: blog

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.

a beautiful revolution: blog

I like this.

I found it here.

English Muse

It's one of those days.

Found on a very cute

site. the lil bee

http://hudsonpaint.com

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.

fleuravenue.blogspot.com

...

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?

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.

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.

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.

Zeke Leonard.

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.

..... 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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

I have been sketching. I love it...can't wait 

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

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.

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

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.

epistrophy cafe....Mott street

EPISTROPHY 

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.

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.

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.

love...le...labo

I was in the Nolita area

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.

I Am At The Ace Hotel

Well..I made it 

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.....

GRAND FINALE

This is our final day of art class.

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

Well

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

a 

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 

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.

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.

I ate lunch here.

 ...Asian...

...cheap...

...good...

Really love the sign.

I dedicate this next post to

 Anne and Michele

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.

This Cross is erected right outside

the church....from the ruins of the

twin towers. 

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

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.

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.  

Here I Am

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.

Yesterday

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!