Tuesday, December 22, 2009

December - Time for Family and Being Grateful

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU.... I just love this photo - I took it on a trip down to Los Angeles - Lundy Canyon, near Mono Lake, at the peak of prime autumn colors this past October!!!! I was going to use it as a "humorous, cynical greeting holiday card" with the tag line..."2009 - The Great Change Year...at least we have a roof over our heads, beautiful scenery, mountain fresh air, low energy bills, and prime water-front property!" Yes, a little bit of sarcasm from me...but, in reality, I think a lot of people that we all know, have been faced with a lot of difficult CHANGES this year. From losing special loved ones, to being let go or fired from a long-term job, to watching their whole life savings and retirement go out the door, to being a part of this, unforseen "FORECLOSURE" market. It certainly makes us think what is important in life - doesn't it? But all that aside, with every little sadness or disappointment we face - there is still some sort of poetic beauty that Mother Nature and God provides- like in this picture, the bountiful colors of Fall. We just have to keep our faith that things will get better.

Okay...I know...here's Daylene's soap box for the day...but, I do feel a little "voice" needs to shout out inside of me. I guess that is why I tend to turn to ART for the sake of keeping me in a false sense of reality. A happier place to be indeed!!!!

So back to "December and Being Grateful"...I have to say that moving to Reno has been a wonderful experience. I have met so many people who support the arts and more importantly, support my efforts, and what I do for kids with the "arts". So thanks to everyone who has contributed various supplies to my program, or signed their kids up to attend one of my classes or camps, or came to the craft fairs and purchased from me, or just was there to keep encouraging me to do what I love...despite the adversity or claim that I need to be focusing my energy in a more profitable way!!! God bless you all.

We should all be GRATEFUL for what we have at the moment...I know I am!!! I also know that we need to always try to make someone else's day better...step outside of our life...there is always someone who could use a hug, a few kind words, or a few extra dollars. PAY IT FORWARD....

Thank you all ...my family, my old and new friends and to all the future people I may encounter...Blessings....

THE TREE OF LIFE - Metal Art









OTHER ABSTRACT METAL ART -

Just some fun with metal, paint, and dichroic glass!!!

Mixed media - so fun!!!








MOST IMPORTANTLY....Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and Blessings to a better and more healthy and happier 2010.

Enjoy each given day you have and spread your wings!!!!

D :)

Monday, November 23, 2009

Here are some more jewelry designs
















Favorite Jewelry and Baubles















So about a year ago - as a diversion to moving to Reno...my girls and I decided to make some "sparkly stuff" using some old, costume jewelry from Grandma Val's wonderful trunk collection...We wanted to honor her, as well as dedicate our craftsmanship to our beloved Grandma/Mom who passed away in November 2006.
We thought our designs were spectacular so we called this collection, "Under Grandma's Rainbow Designs" . Needless to say, we are learning the craft fair circuit and also trying to sell anything in this economically-challenged market right now. One thing we have learned from our fair experience is that People love history, stories, and unique-quality art at a GREAT price. So I think we are finding our place in the art world.
So here is a sampling of our collection - I hope you enjoy seeing some of our new and reinvented designs - all done by angels of the night...i.e... Myself and loving grandkids!!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

More Creations - November 11, 2009

The Sky Knows - Oriental Metal Art



When Two Hearts Collide - Abstract Acrylic


The Deep Blue - Abstract Metal Circle Art



Abstract Roses - Photograph



California Poppy - Photograph with Watercolor





Artistic Frenzy - November 11, 2009




So, people are always asking what I do all day while the kids are in school. Did I spend the day cleaning, finishing the laundry, marketing, making dinner, taking kids to their sporting classes, etc.






Well...I have to say...once I get all those chores done then ...I CREATE!!!!



There is always time (or not) for the above tasks...but when the artistic spirit is calling...I have to abide...:)



Here are a few of my recent soulful creations...materials I use are acrylic paint, watercolor, metal, and digitally altered photography. I also have been designing jewelry which I will put in another post later.



Tell me what you think??? Am I crazy???? Probably!!!!
ZEN COLLAGE - Photography













THE DIVINE DANCING GODDESSES

SPIRAL OF LIFE - Watercolor


Mixed Acrylic and Metal Abstract