Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Welcome to Where (and how) I create...

Welcome to my 'Little House in the Big Woods'! 
(Yes, I grew up loving all things Laura Ingalls Wilder!)
Have a cup of coffee/tea and join me as I show you where (and what and how) I create!
Hopefull, you'll be inspired, and maybe you'll be interested in a few of the links I've shared.
I share my little cottage/cabin in the Santa Cruz Coastal Redwoods (we have 25 redwoods on our property) with my wonderful husband, and these two helpers. This is Molly and her little Buddy.
We really are in the deep woods! Here you can see the lovely lake 
Loch Lomond, just 1/2 mile from our cabin.


So, come on in, follow the path. My angel welcomes you as you meander past our little  Zen pond.
Just a bit further.... (soak in the prayers from the Tibetan Prayer Flags)
You're almost there.... You can see my little pink studio.
So, come on in. At the door you'll see my creative corner.
Looks nice and neat... but rarely is!
And here is the work table just to my right hand side... 
This table often is so over-flowing, that my actual work space is only about 15x12 inches! Usually piled high with laces, fabrics, and trims!
Like A LOT more of this!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage laces! 
I try to keep them organized in these see-through plastic containers. I know! Plastic, ugh!  I used to be inspired by crafters who use beautiful vintage boxes, dressers, and sweet containers. After many frustrating years of trying to remember where I stored what, I tried out a couple of see-through containers. Tadaa! Now I'm (almost) organized and I've cut my search time by 80%!! The hanging thingy on the left is an antique towel rack. Ok, next to it is a hat box. But I know that it holds all my gimp trims.
There are many more clear containers here... these include my feathers, stones, and Spirit Doll supplies. The larger containers came from the dollar store! They work too!
Here is just one project. I made a Memory Bag for my niece. My sister passed away way too early in life. This pouch is about 14x8", just the right size to store little momentos. All the laces are vintage, heirloom pieces. My sister was very Catholic, so you can see the vintage Mother Mary medal in the bottom right corner.  Sis loved a little bling, so the heart will remind her daughter of all the fun they had, especially dressing for my niece's wedding! The roses on the upper left corner are Mulberry paper flowers I buy from Wild Orchid Crafts. (Look at their catalog here!) Sometimes I change the flower colors, either with some watercolor or spray inks.

Here is another project underway... I created a Wedding Book for my cousin when she retired as Captain of a local Sheriffs department. The couple is her grandma and grandpa. Here, I'm just auditioning layers and layers of vintage laces. The process for the photo is interesting...
 Well, if you really want to know... First I print the photo on fine linen paper. Then I use an ordinary glue stick to adhere the photo to a piece of cereal box! yes... After cutting to size, I ink the edges to give the photo an aged look. In the mean time, my little crock pot is heating up some bees wax, fresh from my girlfriends bee hives.
 I brush on the encaustic (hot, molten wax), using a cheap $2 natural fiber paint brush. I learned the hard way, not to use a synthetic brush, it melts! Photo looks messy, but interesting, right?
In this closeup you can see the inked edges and the fine linen quality paper. To get this smooth, velvety finish, I burnish the encaustic layered photo, until the layer is smooth and shiny. I just love the look this give my vintage-like lace books. (Oh, I just have to mention, aren't they a beautiful couple? This is circa 1938ish. My aunt was 5'11" and my uncle was 6'5"!!)
I'm kinda on a roll here, showing off a bit. Hopefully, you'll be inspired...
So, here's the cover of the lace album... the little pink roses are over 100 years old!
 Here's part of the process to make the sweet doily flowers...
And, here is one of the inside pages. I always include pockets to stash sweet memories.
 Just one last show-and-tell... this picture is of my cousin's wedding in the late 1950's. The laces on this page came from her wedding dress! Believe me, it caught my breath, when she blithely cut off the lacy sleeve! Said sleeve became the pocket on this spread. I later tucked in a photocopy of their wedding certificate.

More show and tell....
Here are two more lace books. This one is titled 'My Dolly'. I loved cleaning up and restoring the little Frozen Charlotte doll, plus making her dress and blankie. 
 And a few of the inside pages....
 This book, 'Wise Women,' is all about our ancestors who paved the way for the world we live in today.
 On each page, I try to emulate the clothing style of that woman. It's hard to see, but the foundation for Anne Frank's page is vintage wool, much like the coat she's wearing.
I created one of these books to give Ellen DeGeneres when I attended her filming last March. Sadly, she never acknowledged receiving the book. I even created a page with Ellen's quote:' just be kind to one another' with her photo facing Mother Teresa. Here you can also see the representation of Ellen's style, shirt sleeve cuff, a scrap from a memory quilt I made my friend when she lost her husband.

For a diversion... I sometimes make prayer flags. 
And, for a number of years, I've also been creating Spirit Dolls.
This one is 'Baba Yaga, Young Crone of Too-Muchness.'

Smaller dolls I call 'Zen Dolls'...

 Was selling these on Etsy for quite a while, so I finally pulled together a how-to book. Create Space is a fabulous resource for actually getting your ideas in print. (Find them here.)  I encourage you to get your ideas and photos organized and create your own book! It's also a fun passive money resource. This is available on Amazon and my Etsy Site.  I'm hoping to pull together another how-to book on what to do with heirloom laces.
  
 Well now... this has been a lot more about what and how I create in my studio. I just wanted to share a few resources with you. Oh, and please check out my muse Suzy Quaife! Here is her blog. Suzy has inspired me for years. Check out her class on making lace books! HERE Tell her Chris says hi!

So thank you for sharing this time and space with me. It's been a pleasure!
Please, if you would like any info or encouragement, feel free to email me, or leave a comment.
Namaste and Sweet Blessings to you...


 PS, one more thing. While I use primarily vintage laces and fabrics, I find MANY amazing Designer Fabric Samples at FABMO, in Mountain View California. If you're in the area, check them out! Such a wonderful way to rescue FABULOUS fabric samples that would otherwise end up in a landfill! Check out FABMO HERE!
















46 comments:

  1. Hello Chris!
    Thank you so much for welcoming us into your studio to view your materials and your gorgeous artwork of lace books, spirit dolls etc. etc. You have one of the most beautiful vintage lace collections I have seen as evidenced in your beautiful books such as the Wedding book, Wise Women book and the sweet memory bag.
    Thanks for the shout out also about my on-line class teaching fabric and lace books.
    I do hope you will be linking to "Where Bloggers Create" with Karen Valentine so that all bloggers may be inspired by everything you show and share here. Beautiful work!
    Bless your heart Chris,
    Suzy xox

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    1. Thank you so much dear Suzy! Isn't it a delicious, fun, crafting world we live in! So glad to have 'met' you years ago. You continue to be an inspiration. I think on of the first things I noticed in your blog, was the amazingly beautiful rose quilt you made. Quite a few years ago? You continue to be an inspiration! Have I said that before? Have a fabulous weekend,
      xoxo Chris

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  2. Wow, what a wonderful place to live and create in. So much inspiration all around you. Your lace books are oh so lovely.

    Thanks for sharing ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and your lovely comments! Looking forward to visiting your blog too! Sweet blessings, Chris

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  3. What an incredible studio space! I'm envious of your little pink cottage! It's beautiful.

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    1. Hi Rhonda! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  4. Hi Chris!
    Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog. I love your space! I love your work! My daughter is getting married next summer, and you have inspired me to get out my wedding gown and see what can be done with it --- creating with it, of course. I love the photo album you made using a piece of your cousin's wedding dress. Hmmm...

    With gratitude,
    Terry

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    1. Hi Terry... yes, it was fun looking at your blog. Creative bunch, aren't we! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  5. Your private oasis is lovely. Filled bunches of goodies I would love to create with. Thanks for allowing me plunder through your creating.

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    1. Hi Michelle... you're welcome to visit anytime! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  6. Your Surroundings for Creating are indeed Natural Splendor and a most Idyllic setting to Live in Tranquility! And your Creations are Gorgeous, I too have an absolute Obsession with Vintage Lace and various Fabrics from the Past and Confess I Hoard them up like a Pack Rat! Thank You for the Tour of your Creative Sanctuary, The Spirit Dolls are so Imaginative, Love it! Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. Ah, my new 'Bohemian' friend... certainly a distant relative to 'My Irish Gypsy' -my Etsy shop name! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  7. Very nice space and full of drool worthy pieces!!! Hugs!

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    1. Hi Cindy! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  8. Boy I sure enjoyed your tour. Where you live and where you creat. I love it. ther forest seems perfect for you and your creations, which I really love!

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    1. Hello Something Special! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  9. I so enjoyed your garden tour and home and studio! Love Love Love the atmosphere! I enjoy my garden area too with prayer flags and blue bottles everywhere!

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    1. Hi Marlynne! You're welcome in my garden and studio any time! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  10. Hi Chris! What a wonderful tour. I must admit I am a tad envious of WHERE you create. In amongst the redwoods... how lovely. I am a desert dweller but love the peaceful feeling I get when in the woods. I really enjoyed seeing all your beautiful creations. Thank you so much for sharing it all with us!
    xo,
    Karen

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    1. Hi Karen... thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for the creative genius that created this amazing blog hop!! You've started many a friendship through the years! You are such a blessing!
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  11. Such fun to peep inside your studio and to see your surroundings (and the magnificent Molly too!). Also fun to see some more of your creations. Too bad about Ellen not even acknowledging your gift - there's no excuse for that, even though I know she probably gets lots of things given to her.

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    1. Hello dear friend.... It's always fun to bump into you here and there in blog land! I had to let go of my disappointment about Ellen. I so enjoy your postings too! Love getting the email notice!
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  12. What an interesting blog you have.What a great space you work in and your Spirit dolls are fab.I am a doll maker too, but haven't done so many lately as I have Retired from teaching.I'm a new follower.I am in the middle of bathroom renovations so no time/energy for participating this year.Would love you to pop over and see my place!!
    Judy x

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    1. Hi Judy! We must be lace-loving cousins! Runs in the family, right? Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  13. Chris, ooh all of that vintage lace....swoon! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creative work space!

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    1. Hello! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  14. It is amazing how we are all so very different in our style and design, both regarding our spaces and our creations. God Is Wise! Happy Creating, Cindy

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    1. Hi Cindy... couldn't agree with you more! God IS WISE! I love creating spiritually inspired books, prayer flags, etc. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  15. I love your beautiful lace and your fun creative space.

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    1. Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  16. Your home and the area you live in are positively breathtaking! I love your lace books and enjoyed hearing the stories behind the ones you shared with us. I wish I had that talent, and those beautiful laces and appliqués to make such things, but luckily I can come to your blog and see them. Thank you for sharing your space and interests with us.

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    1. Hi Maureen... you're so generous with your compliments. Thank you.... Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  17. I love your lace filled crafts. I remember my mother used to make books like yours for special folks and their special days. She used a lot of organza rather than lace, though. I think she would love to have the vintage lace available to also use. Thanks for sharing your studio with us.

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    1. Hi Gretchen... think I'd love to meet your mother! Kindred spirits! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  18. wonderful area to live in-and create! love your work, thanks for sharing (and for sharing your photo technique. may have to try that :) and fabmo sounds dangerous :)

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    1. Hi Donna Joy... YES!! FABMO is quite dangerous! but oh such a blessing! We'd never get a chance to play with fabrics costing over $200 a yard! So fortunate are we in the Bay Area!
      Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  19. a question about your wax on photo's-do you heat it after applying-or are you just burnishing with a rag? I'm a fan of Suzy Q also~about to take her online class. LOVE your lace collection too!

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    1. Hi again Donna Joy... Yes, I heat it after applying the wax, then while it's still hot/wet, I burnish the photos with a rag. It was accidental that I discovered how lovely the finish is. Sometimes though, I leave a buildup of wax around the edges...gives a mysterious, aged finish. Enjoy Suzy's tutorial/class! She is such a beautiful person, inside and out!
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  20. O MY!! Love your lace creations!! Being a Victorian Soul, they definitely pulled at my heart strings. What a great space in which to create!! Love it!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Hi Debbie-Dabble.... I LOVE your name! From one Victorian Soul to another, yes, our heart strings get stretched and stretched, with beautiful, old, antique laces. There is nothing better! (In the fiber world that is!) Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  21. Your work is beautiful. Loved seeing your creative place. Thanks for sharing!
    Cathy

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    1. Hi Cathy... Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  22. I always love visiting your blog and seeing your beautiful work. You live in such a nature inspiring environment. Your work is truly wonderful

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    1. Hi CatieAn! What a pleasure to see what you've done to your porch! AMAZING idea! Those designs will be there for years to come, and each time your grandkids visit... they'll remember the heart-warming, good time, they had with you! Just a great, great idea!
      Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Hope to see you around! I'm looking forward to visiting more with your blog too. I like to encourage bloggers to utilize the 'Sign up for email notifications' function. That way we know when something new has been posted.
      Sweet blessings, Chris

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  23. Hi Chris-- I'm in love with your cute little cottage!! What a view you have to gaze down at that lake!! Your craft space is wonderful- it's just perfect for your cottage. You lace books are beautiful- such gorgeous laces you use. I'm fascinated by your spirit dolls- you have an incredible talent..
    It must be wonderful to live in the woods...
    Vicki

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Thanks for your comments!
Sweet Blessings and Big Love to you