I Shall Always Hold You Dear

I am back. I had what felt like a 3 day birthday celebration! What fun. Do I feel another year older? I never let it get to me, but this year was a bit different. Walking with a cane is really not my style..lol. Having to ask people to help me is also not my style!
So in a way, I did feel this birthday for once. But I had a great time and thank you everyone!
On to this piece. That's my mom in her 20's. I just love that pic of her. She just looks so glamorous to me there. That's the cover of a small book I did. It's filled with pics of my childhood and before. I think one of my kids will like it someday. I've written little quotes next to each photo about each one. We have so few family photos, I cherish each and every one! fondly, Nancy
Now Playing:Il Divo/Feelings

Don't Forget To Play Today...

Play? Do artists ever really grow up? Is what we do something more than play? Sometimes I feel so lucky to be able to do what I do full time. I wonder where I'd be if I had not taken this path. I have been thinking alot about this because of a new student I have. Without saying too much, I will say she made some wrong choices in life and had to pay for them big time. She's 33 and I am trying to make a difference in her world. She's like a sponge soaking up all that I have to give her. Some of my family (not my husband) are giving me grief about spending so much time with her. They say they are afraid for me. That she will turn on me, hurt me. Blah, blah, blah.
My mother, my whole life called me a people collector. My second grade teacher wrote on my report card " Nancy is the class peacemaker"
How can I not give what I have to her now when she needs me most?
fondly, Nancy
Now Playing: Corinne Bailey Rae/Breathless

"Maxx" He Thinks He's A Dog

He's my studio friend, my faithful companion. Usually curled up next to me in a box. Listens like a dog to commands. He never ceases to amaze me with the things he does. I really do think he thinks he's a dog!

I Am A Woman Above All Else....

It's cold here today. The warm days we've had here seem to be gone again for now. It's ok with me as I dread the summer coming on, it gets so hot here. I live in a beautifully scenic place (Paradise, CA) yes, that's it's real name, and I love it here, but it just gets too hot in the summers here.

My only complaint about living in such a lovely place. I am blessed and try never to forget how lucky I am. (L.A. transplant, can you tell?)

My studio is a mess, I just plain have too many projects going. When I bring out the sewing machine, that's when the trouble begins. I love mixing paper and fabric in my collages but I seem to get lost in the frenzy of it all. Add all the trims to the mix and I've created what looks like a funky second hand store. (I will post pics someday, I promise) I love my studio though, I have to say. Having a place of my own like it, where students, friends and other artists come. Even family assemble there. Maxx (my smart as a dog, cat)even finds a box or a spot to keep me company (next pic of Maxx, he's huge and he loves cornbread) I am today just feeling incredibly blessed for having it all and wanted to talk about it. Now, if only my health would cooperate!

fondly, Nancy

Now Playing: Train/Get to Me

No Holidays For Artists...Ever...

Happy Easter everyone! Here is a small collage to celebrate the day. I hope everyone will have a great day of celebration with your family and friends. I so far, have been in the studio for 2 hours already! We won't be eating til 5 pm so I have plenty of time to create today. All preparations for the day are already done! (yeah) To all of you that have left me messages and are reading this now "Thank You" I am still learning!
fondly, Nancy (creating even on holidays)
Now Playing: The Bee Gees/How Deep Is Your Love

Only From The Heart You Can Touch The Sky...

I got a little caught up shopping in JoAnn's today. Well, I should say, limping around JoAnn's today. I went there before a visit to my Orthopedic Surgeon. I got this cool ruffled trim because I had this angel idea in my head. I pretty much had everything else at home to make her. She's a magnet. I'm going to make a series of them. Something about the color and her sweet face I really love.
Oh, my knee? I got a shot of cortisone in it and I am going for an MRI. Surgery? Yeah, a possibility the man says. For now it's a cane and I am moving slow. Yikes! I am not used to this!
fondly, Nancy
Now Playing: Matchbox Twenty/Long Day

Loved...

Here I hand painted a tag and added an image of a little fairy girl. She has golden German scrap wings. She also has a sparkly halo and the words "loved" and "dream" can be seen. A button and a rhinestone further embellish this piece and tulle, silk ribbon and fibers finish it off. You can see more of these at www.collageartist.etsy.com

fondly, Nancy

Now Playing: Regina Spektor/Somedays