A Call for a New Home with Studio Space

An artist friend once told me when growing your business, try to work out of your home as long as you can possibly stand it. That was back in the 90s. I followed that advise until I couldn’t anymore, then rented a warehouse. It seemed to be perfect timing and everything fell into place. I had a separate work place with room to grow. I had employees, a production area, a shipping department. Do I want all that again? Not really. Fast forward to today….business strategies have changed and I have been able to work out of my tiny townhome…

Outdoor Decor

As we are discovering this year, folks are relocating in large numbers to Arizona, many are choosing Tucson to settle. I say to all the newbies, Welcome to Tucson. There are 10 good months of pleasant weather here and outdoor living is what we have become accustom to. So, it’s no surprise that folks want to find art that suits their home but also their courtyard, patios, and pool sides. I’m your gal and happy to oblige. Here are two new mosaic panels that are suited for outdoor decor. They are 3-d sculpted tile features mixed with flat piece handmade…

The Color of Grout

Grouting is my least favorite task when making a mosaic piece. It’s labor intensive, it’s messy and there is a lot of clean up afterwards. I especially hate not being able to take a break and come back to it when I feel like it. Grout has a life of it’s own….

The Season of Bloom

April is such a welcoming month. The smells of earth, orange blossoms and flowering Palo Verde trees is bursting the senses here in the Sonoran Desert. It inspires us all to open the door, look out the window, dust off the patio, buy some new plants and outdoor decor. Time to invite some friends over for a glorious evening for backyard fun. Ahhh, it’s so lovely. I am dusting off the old man winter, inspired by Holy week, Passover and Resurrection day. Seeing friends I haven’t seen at church in a over a year…. was so warm and hopeful for…

March is Make Something Beautiful Month.

There is nothing like spring weather to inspire you to get out in nature, put out the patio furniture, plant a garden and make something beautiful….

Adjust, Flow and Grow

I am so excited about new things happening this year.  I’m still adjusting to how business practices are changing….many are shopping on line.   My beloved Stein Mart is no more.  Gosh, I just loved that store.  Such cute things for ladies my age.   But Alas… no more.   I am old school. I like to shop in person, I like to talk on the phone.  I prefer meeting in person. With the exception of a doctor appt.  I love video chat for dr. appointments.  But I’m not crazy about zoom.   I’m still making art the way I have always been making…

Mosaic garden arch

2021… Here We Come!

I’ve decided to be more amazing this year! In this season I look forward to starting new projects, creating new opportunities for students and my followers. I’m not sure when the art festivals will be coming back so I am aiming for more of an online presence….

Taking The Edge Off.

Front side of 2020! Many of us are just trying to cope with what is being thrown at us day by day. There seems to be shocking news everyday.  3 weeks ago it was like “Ground Hog Day” everyday. Then to the “Truman Show” and currently we are in “Twilight Zone”! We are in the thick of it and trying to get to the other side. The other side of the Corona, the other side of civil unrest, many stressors being thrown at us. It’s wise to turn the news off and focus on what brings joy. Of coarse be…

Peace (be still)

Strange are these days.  I have been self quarantining but that is normal for me because I am an introvert by nature.  No big deal.  But I actually feel bad for those whose lives are abruptly edited.  I do not like that at all because it’s not fair.  But fair or not,  it’s not forever.  It’s difficult to stay put when someone tells you to stay put.  I want to do the opposite,  (It’s the rebel in me). Now it feels weird when I go out,  like I’m going to be questioned at the grocery store or the post office. …

A Glimmer of Light

I wanted to savor this moment and reflect on the past few months…that all began in late fall.  A project.  A custom order that is finally being sent off this week. The project between two very busy parties, me and the client. Honestly, I have never had a small custom order last as long as this did.  Through my busiest time of the year, we worked together bit by bit to see it completed.  (Remind me never to take a mural order again in October). So I wanted to document and share the process from beginning to (my) end. It…