Daily Courage

Being a fan of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, I try to take myself on an Artist’s Date from time to time. Because I enjoy scouting for the work of new artists and crafters, I have convinced myself that shopping counts. Not far from my office is delightful Old Towne Orange (CA). The area looks like its out of a small town movie. Actually, it is. The Tom Hanks movie That Thing You Do along with many others. The plaza and intersecting streets are home to many wonderful shops and antique stores. Recently, I discovered Heavenly Hostess, a gem of a store that sells among many wonderful things fabulous aprons and tea towels. THere is an array of gifts, bath products, entertaining accessories, and my favorite–books. 

The best part of meandering the shop was coming upon a display with two of our books: Crowns & Tiaras and Paper Mache Treasures with Teena Flanner. Oh happy day! It was a surprise that made the Artist’s Date just perfect. Heavenly Hostess has been added to my list of favorites.

Every once in awhile a lovely package arrives in our offices and you can tell right away that it is coming from a very special person with an amazing creative gift. Like the day right after we had moved the offices, and the phones weren’t working, and chaos reigned as well as heightened blood pressure. But when the UPS truck delivered an unexpected box from Teena Flanner we were brought back to why we love what we do. Teena had loving packed some of her fabulous paper mache originals along with carefully chosen photos of her studio. By chance would we be interested in a possible book. Would we!? And that is how Paper Mache Treasures by Teena Flanner came to be.

A few weeks ago, the most beautiful large envelope came in the mail. (I still love the real mail) And a carefully hand lettered folder held a  lovely letter  from artist Dee Foust. Dee creates delightful seasonal decor that is carried as a line through puts you in the mood for spring.

Can’t wait to see where this may go. In the meantime, you can find Dee’s work at Bayberry Cove.

It’s sure fun to be in popular company! News of a new quilt book from Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston sparked a great response. Neither of them are wired, so I will print out the nice comments and send them off. It’s sure to make them smile.  Speaking of smiles, here is something to chuckle over from Freddy and Gwen. Someone gave Gwen this fabric, and the two of them used it in one of their new quilts. We giggled trying to come up with captions for the images. (Disclaimer: these were taken with my phone camera. A far cry from the professional work of Gregory Case.)

We decided this must be the Booby Hatch. Have any other funny ideas?

Don’t know about you, but I am battling a little Spring Fever. It’s Good Friday and I am trying to  finish up in the office so I can observe the rest of the day in contemplation of this important day. The work of author Teena Flanner comes to mind just prior to this weekend holiday. Teena’s work has been featured in many magazines, and we have always admired her wonderful paper mache figures. 

Teena uses vintage chocolate molds to form her figures. This bunny is a beauty, and I love this glittered egg.

Teena’s book has many wonderful ideas for other holidays too. If you like these you will love it.

Happy Easter!

Toodles…