The Art Dept

I think it is wise of art and craft show promoters to request a photo of the art in progress. After all, the art is supposed to be made by the artist, not pulled out of a box labeled "made in China", and a pretty sure way to tell if the artist really made the art is a photo. It's also very telling of how organized or unorganized an artist is at the work space to see a snapshot of the work in progress. That being said, welcome to my work table! Each week I work with one color combination, such as black, gold and white, as was the chosen palette last week. This allows me to make several pieces that are similar but not identical. It's kind of an organized chaos in a small space, but it works for me. I usually make several pairs of earrings, one or two necklaces, and a bracelet in that color palette. I piece them together and by Friday morning usually have a fresh crop of Parts of Art. I choose a few representative pieces for my Etsy store, and add them...

Beginning Drawing and Painting Wednesday, January 27- March 3rd. 7-8:30 PM Learn the basics of drawing for the first 3 sessions, then venture into painting for the last 3 sessions. Each session includes a demonstration of drawing or painting by the instructor. Learn simple techniques to help you draw what you see. Learn about achieving tonal values and depth with nothing more than a pencil and paper. Explore color mixing, then do a painting with a limited palette. The cost of the class is $125. Intermediate Drawing and Painting Wednesday, January 27- March 3rd. 11 AM-12:30 Students will develop their individual painting style while working alongside the instructor. Each class will consist of a drawing or painting demonstration by the instructor. Students are free to work on a project of their choice, in the media of their choice. The cost of the class is $125. ...

Peppermint snowballs 1 c butter, softened 1/2 c confectioner’s sugar 1 t vanilla extract 2 1/2 c all-purpose flour 1/2 c ground nuts, optional filling: 2 T cream cheese, softened 1/2 c confectioner’s sugar 1 t. milk 3 T crushed peppermint candy topping: 1/2 c crushed peppermint candy 1/2 c confectioner’s sugar In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour. Stir in nuts if desired. Knead dough until pliable. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, milk, and candy. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a deep indentation in the center of each. Fill with 1/4 t filling. Cover with 1/4 t of dough, seal and reshape into balls. Combine topping ingredients: roll balls in topping. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes or until firm. Roll warm cookies in topping again; cool on wire racks.

One of my customers at a show picked out a necklace but wanted a few changes done to it. The day she picked it and tried it on, I once again got to witness what I call the "perfect marriage", where the piece is perfect for the woman.

Being serious salsa lovers, this past summer we planted a salsa garden in our back yard. We had many tomatoes and several types of peppers that grew in abundance in our sandy Florida soil. We had one habanero pepper plant that went crazy. Out of necessity I found this great recipe for hot sauce so we could use up some of our peppers. It was so good we ate it with everything: fish, chicken, eggs, on sandwiches, with chips and salsa. I wouldn't be surprised if my sons even added it to their breakfast cereal! Please try it and let me know what you think. We still have so many peppers in the freezer I'm thinking of making this sauce and giving it as holiday gifts.! 12 fresh habaneros 1 ripe mango, peeled and finely chopped 1 cup yellow mustard 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 T curry powder 1 T ground cumin 1 T chili powder salt and pepper to taste Wear rubber gloves to cut habaneros. Trust me on this. And don't rub your eyes or touch your face with the ...

Twenty years ago when I started cutting paint off of old palettes there was no such thing as internet. Not too many people were even using computers. It baffles my brain to think how much has changed since then. And now...I am so proud to say I have an online store. And a blog spot. And I can even send an email! I am more computer savvy than I ever dreamed possible.

This is a good question and I am so glad you asked. We are in the business of art, my husband and I. He does sparkling Florida landscape paintings and murals of Italian countryside. When he is done with a painting, he gives me his palette. Sometimes I come to my work table and there is a freshly pulled film of paint sitting there waiting. Heart, be still. Here is an example of David's art. So that's one place the paint comes from.