Peg's Getting a "Wild Hair" ... Studio

There's a Fire Burning in my Crystals

2011-07-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I have been enjoying Adele's 21, her newest release? Love it love it love it.
Meanwhile back to my life.. and my precious vintage crystals.

I have loved the sparkle of crystal since I was a wee child snooping in my Mother's jewelry box. I love the glamour of old Hollywood Jean Harlow, Mae West, Cary Grant (He was great as an arm ornament without sparkle) Well you get the idea. I loved black and white movies with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and many more I adore.

The crystals I have been collecting for the last dozen years or so started out with just a few beauties I found at different antique fairs. I would hold them in my hand and drool slightly without damaging my outer worldly cool exterior and just manage to say " How much?" Then one or two were not enough. Soon I had to have the whole box, and then the box they were in became a set of drawers. The drawers became 2 sets of drawers. Crystals were spilling out into all the rooms of my house. I suspect they were having wild parties in the night while I was sleeping and perhaps reproducing. Of course I have no proof of this. No teeny tiny liquor bottles flung about, or other signs of orgies. But they keep increasing in volume.

At last I made the decision that I could part with them and needed to find good creative folks to adopt their wee points and death defing sparkling color. And so they can now become a complete new design in this century.

I spent some time combinding colors to create some unique crystal collections. And I am shameless plugging my new Etsy Store open right now!!! http://etsy.com/shop/wildhairstudio If you see my ad on facebook there is a code for a 20% discount for a limited time.

When you purchase a collection if you comment you saw my this blog post I will add another 10% off (please reference the title of this post "There's a Fire Burning in my Crystals"). After you submit your order on Etsy and send your paypal payment, I will adjust your invoice and send you a revised PayPal invoice with the new lower price.

But you best get to gettin, because this offer only lasts until August 12th and only as long as supplies last.

Cheers Peg

http://etsy.com/shop/wildhairstudio

And the winners are

2011-07-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

The winners are drumroll please..............
Cynthia Bicker
Esse Lyle,
Julz Either,
Kathy Jansen-Bellamy
Lavinia Kaleleiki,
Heidi Schuler

Thanks so much for your participation in my glass pin giveaway.
I hope you have as much fun wearing them as I did creating them.
And thanks for taking the time to be a part of my social media group. I appreciate your friendship. It is so cool to connect with people from all over through the magic of the internet.
Cheers

Cyn Bicker

Esse Lyle

Lavinia Kaleleiki

Julz Either

Heidi Schuler

Kathy Jensen-Bellamy

Happy Glass

2011-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

there's no place like mine

Here is my
"Help me celebrate I turned 60 and want to thank my fans and friends"
social media giveaway.
Created in my studio with glass, cutters, resins and kilns.
One of my favorite mediums to work with is glass. I love all processes involved. Color plays such an important role in my daily life.
and the qualities of glass really bring me such joy.
I like to cut ,clean and assemble in the afternoon Fire then anneal so I can pop out to the studio in a early morning with a mug of coffee and my robe and slippers to crack open the kiln and see the wonders that fire and basic elements have created along with a wee bit of my imagination.

Oh the possibilities.

There are still a few more days left in June to add your name to my give away list.
And a big Thank you to those of you who left such nice responses.

winter garden

over here

ruby forest

my sunny day

green days

Only a Few More Days

2011-06-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is a repeat of my earlier blog to encourage new readers and fans. There are only a few more days left in June 7 to be exact as of today 6/23/11 for you to be a part of my glass pin giveaway. I am really grateful for your friendship and encouragement in my artful journey.
This has been a busy and interesting six months in 2011. I have been arting allover the place and have had the privilege to meet and spend time with some delightful folks in many different art areas including metal,paint,beads,glass and more. I just started my 60th decade as well and I intend to create my way thru humor and joy and "what would happen if I ...?" into a one woman show of Peg's possibilities cause I am the ****ing Queen.
So please

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

I've been elbow deep in my kiln lately creating some delightful fused glass pieces. Some of these pieces I made for the SNAG conference this last weekend and traded with other artists (You should see the amazing art I got in exchange). While the rest of the fused pieces I'm creating as part of my 2011 collection.

I'm in the process of building my art business and expanding my on-line presence. You can find me on Facebook, Etsy, Blogger, and Wildhairstudio.com. In celebration of turning the big six-oh this year and in an effort to better connect with you (well, and...really to shamelessly plug myself ), I'm having a contest during the whole month of June. For every one of the following things you do to engage with me online, you will be entered into the drawing.

leave a comment on my blog

subscribe to my blog

"like" my facebook page

leave a comment on my facebook page

favorite one of my items on etsy

Then, at the end of June 2011, I will select 6 winners. "What will I win?" you ask. The 6 winners will receive an original fused glass pendant by peg. To entice you, I will be posting photos of these pendants as they pop their heads out of the kiln.

here's my heart in my hand

I love to glass..

mermaid's treasures

In Song: "Oh won't you please .... be ....my neighbor?" -- Mr. Rogers

Leaving a comment

2011-06-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have received several emails about being unable to leave a comment for my giveaway this month. So I went to my guru of social media Gwen and pleaded for help . IN bold are instructions for leaving comments. I had open comments when I first began blogging but a group of evil spammer toads decided to use the comment to leave nasty remarks and spam out from this blog so I closed it to the way it is now.

Thanks for being a reader and joining in my contest. I am waiting anxiously for my kilns to heat up to fire my Spring kimono for the second firing adding enamel to the flower blooming at the hemline.

I am adding my prayers to the fire goddess for a perfect firing between the silver and the enamel.

Meanwhile, here are some pics of my mystical mosaics I have been working on since last summer. They passed the endless rain of last winter and I will be adding to them as the weather warms up. I have yet to post the pics of the dragon who is in the middle of my creation. Coming soon...

Mermaid with child

undersea garden

King Merman off to greet the dragon

Leaving a comment:

Click the "... comments" to leave comment from blog post. Note, this will show a number based on the # of comments already made. If none, the number will be zero. ex: "0 comments". You'll find this next to the envelope icon.
At bottom of comment field, select “comment as" and choose the best option for you.

Also note that you can share any post via email, facebook, twitter, blog in reply, google buzz, etc.

Out of my dreams

2011-06-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

Fall Kimono

Success at last. I have had the idea for creating these wee silver kimonos for over 5 years I created a small book several years ago with kimonos on the covers and used moss and twigs and leaves from my garden to create texture plates allowing me to transfer my beloved garden into the silver and carry the feel of peacefulness my garden offers me. But I was not finished and have mulled around many different ideas in the last few years....never quite coming up to that jump for joy feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I get a wild hair idea. Well the wild hair hit hard a few weeks ago and after sketching out my designs I stayed up into the wee hours working on one after an other till my eyes refused to stay open. So I relented slept for a while and continued. Here are 3 of the 4 kimonos

Spring is taking her time and is not quite ready for prime time but stay tuned she will arrive soon.

ENJOY

Summer Kimono

Winter Kimono

Put a bird on it!!

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

2011-06-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

I've been elbow deep in my kiln lately creating some delightful fused glass pieces. Some of these pieces I made for the SNAG conference this last weekend and traded with other artists (You should see the amazing art I got in exchange). While the rest of the fused pieces I'm creating as part of my 2011 collection.

I'm in the process of building my art business and expanding my on-line presence. You can find me on Facebook, Etsy, Blogger, and Wildhairstudio.com. In celebration of turning the big six-oh this year and in an effort to better connect with you (well, and...really to shamelessly plug myself ), I'm having a contest during the whole month of June. For every one of the following things you do to engage with me online, you will be entered into the drawing.

Then, at the end of June 2011, I will select 6 winners. "What will I win?" you ask. The 6 winners will receive an original fused glass pendant by peg. To entice you, I will be posting photos of these pendants as they pop their heads out of the kiln.

In Song: "Oh won't you please .... be ....my neighbor?" -- Mr. Rogers

Luminous leaves from my garden

2011-05-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to have created an enchanted place filled with very old plants who return each year to stun me with their beauty and scents.
This has been quite a year so far.We have had a long and I do mean long bout of rain so many things have been delayed in their normal growth cycle. The weather has been the biggest influence in my usual garden duties. One of my duties was to get blogging about my class offerings

I am so excited to announce I will be teaching 3 classes at Art & Soul in Portland this September.

As you can see I love leaves and my first class offering is Luminous Leaves. This is a unique way to make an organic casting of leaves, after we create and fire them in Fine silver, day 2 will be adding enamel to envelope the leaves with rich color. I have been enameling for around 15 years and I love the magic that happens when you add fire and powdered enamel on precious metal.

stay tuned for more pictures and news and check out the classes at Art & Soul it is an experience not to be missed and welcome to my garden

Leaf collage gingko, sage fused glass,sapahire

blackberry

clematis

ginkgo leaves

New Classes at Art & Soul

2011-05-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

4 Seasons Kimono Book

Hi all

Just a note to let you know if you are considering going to Portlands Art and Soul, you should sign up quickly!!! I will be teaching 3 classes there:

P1235 Luminous Leaves - Mon Eve & Tues (Enamling on Fine Silver Leaves)
P1236 4 Seasons Kimono Book Amulet - Wed Sept 28 (making organic texture plates and organic mono prints for book pages)
P1237 Under the Sea - Sun Oct 2 (or here fishey fishey, bezel setting stones)

Sep t26th thru October 2nd. There is a chance to get a 5 night free stay info below. In just 20 days Glenny will be announcing the winner of the free 5 nights at the Embassy Suites Portland for our Sept. 2011 retreat!

Is your name in the hat?

It is if you have signed up for 4 or more day time classes and it's not too late to register now to get your name in too!

Ready ......set ....... SIGN UP !

http://www.artandsoulretreat.com

Organic leaf casting Flutterby

On Display at Maloney's Florist: Flowers, Gifts, and Tribal Bits

2011-03-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

Just this week Peg & I stopped into Maloney's Florist, located on Meridian in Puyallup between the car dealerships, to inject some Tribal Bits among the flowers, lovely glass vases, teddy bears, cards, gorgeous silk arrangements, and potted spring beauties. In days gone by, Peg had dressed and adorned many a shop windows in the Puget Sound area. So, this task was a delight and brought back memories to us both. Oh what fun we had!

As you walk into the shop, you'll immediately see the lovely front counter and cooler filled with delicious spring flowers. Then, if you turn to your left, you'll see the long wall of windows which draws your eye right to the new tribal display. We brought a wide spread of items to show you how much variety Peg has available from trivets to coats and wall hangings to helmets. Every piece is unique and has been created from what ever materials were available to the artist.

Several years ago, because of her interest in Belly Dancing, Peg was introduced to some people who were selling vintage dance pieces that had been passed down through their families. Their reason to sell these treasures was to help their own families and fellow countrymen survive as they were fleeing their homes to escape the Taliban. Despite all of what they have gone through, these people maintain a happy disposition and are just grateful to be alive.

If you find yourself venturing through Puyallup to buy flowers, look at purchasing a new car (cars cost less in Puyallup, you know...), or sift through the aisles and booths of all the wonderful antiques stores, please take a moment to pop into Maloney's show room and admire the special pieces in the tribal display. Nearly everything that's in the display is for sale (look for the tags!). Pick up your own piece and maybe you'll just find that inspiration to dance that you've been looking for. If you cannot be present in Puyallup , never fear, just watch the Etsy store because we will be posting more tribal goodies.

4 Arts Desire on Etsy

2011-03-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Wild Hair Studio readers! My name is Gwen and I'm working with Peg now to build up her brand as an artist, expand her online presence and allow her more time in the studio to create. Today, I'm writing to you about what she's been doing in the 4 Arts Desire shop on Etsy.

Did you know that you can find Wild Hair Studio creations and findings for sale on Etsy? Peg, Randy, Beth, and Lisa have been hosting small shows in the Puget Sound area for many years now. After seeing what I had done on Etsy with my former Dread Extensions (for costume wear and belly dancers) business, they decided that they'd expand their team existance into the online sales world. They now share the store 4 Arts Desire. Peg, Randy, and Lisa have some beautiful wearable art made from PMC, crystals, fused glass, pearls, and much more.

The other fun items Peg has posted are Vintage Tribal adornments, costume pieces, wall hangings, and purses. She and I have been belly dancing for 15 years. About 6 or 7 years ago we discovered the world of Tribal Belly Dance. Wow. What fun we've had dancing. And then, we discovered the vintage pieces from tribes in India, Afganistan, and other places. While it must have been a difficult choice to sell for the owner of piece, knowing that the money spent is helping someone else survive is uplifting and inspring. In addition to the joys of technology, it's amazing to see throug the power of personal connections and subjects of interest just how small and connected our world is.I will be posting more tribal pieces for Peg over the next week. So keep your eye on the store (or sign up for the RSS feed).

I will also be posting some of her gorgeous, goes-with-every-outfit earrings. I've been fortunate enough to be the tester for many of her new designs. I give her feedback on the look, feel, and impact that each item holds for me and the people who observe me wearing things. Today, I find that 75 - 90% of my jewelry box is made up of wearable art that I've purchased from her over the years. They are first and foremost gorgeous and the perfect augmentation to practically all my outfits from the subtle, corporate types to wild and crazy ones. Her creations are also classy, funky, very comfortable, and extremely well designed (i.e. durable, which to me is very important because I'm rough on things I wear).

And now, without further ado - here is a taste of what you'll find in the 4 Arts Desire store today.

Etsy
4ArtsDesire

Mining for Silver

2011-02-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

I took a wee rest after the frenzy of the Art & Soul auction spend some much needed time reducing,reusing and recycling many of those forgotten spots in my home where bits and pieces manage to find their way into the black hole of house keeping. It has been a great feeling to pass on many items we have outgrown, for what ever reason, and find some breathing room and a sense of order.

I hauled away many loads to the local thrift shop, senior center and passed items on to my offspring and several friends starting new lives. At last I could gather my thoughts and head into my studio, or perhaps I should say one of my studios: my "beads-silver-vintage-fabric-pieces-metal-clay-tools-hammers-wire-tools-buttons-vintage-crystals-bronze-copper-findings-finished-work" studio. As opposed to studio number 2, the "heavy-duty-studio-in-the-garage-for-kilns-chemicals-torches-resin-and-glass" studio, for which I am planning an update soon.

In studio 1 I am sorting and organizing all similar objects together. What a wonderful experience. Not only am I organizing, but I'm also taking a trip down memory lane. I'm finding things purchased and discovering lost items which I was unaware were lost ( which makes them all the sweeter of a find). This is now keeping me from repeatedly buying the same items. Do you do that?

Well at last I reached my stash of metal clay creations, joyfully created in the past 12 years. Wow, I was overwhelmed. As I discovered each piece and gathered them together, all at once they began to babble "Remember me?! Remember you were going to... wouldn't I look cool with...." So that is where I am at the moment getting ready to blast off into my creation mode and add some forgotten dreams to my immediate future.

Thanks to one and all

2011-02-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

Today I had the pleasure of sending off a check to the Lawyers who are handling the Kiss my Fanny Mr Banker Fund.

Our final total was $1276.91.

I would like to send a big flappentine hug to each of you who helped make this happen. Thanks to each artist who created and shipped each beautiful item. Some of you were so generous to send several items.

Then there were the buyers you guys were fantastic. It was very fun to see all those wonderful things go flying out the door and into the boxes to begin their journeys to their new homes. We also had several donations and a private collector come by after the Ebay auctions and pick up a few items.

So dear Glenny Happy Valentines Day from all of us. May this small token give you a glimpse of the many wonderful people who thank you for the wonderful experience of Art & Soul and are cheering you on in this most difficult economic times for all

Watch for me in Portland this September as we have some more Fat Books we will be auctioning off to keep moving forward.

Cheers Peg

More Auction info Extra Auctions added

2011-02-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

the Key by Denise Peterson

Here is the auction link

http://shop.ebay.com/wildhairstudio/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

The Journey Denise Peterson

The auctions have been extended
I relisted 11 items and 2 new ones that just arrived in the mail.

The first auction will end 2/4 starting at 12:12 pm Pacific standard time

The next one ends Monday Feb 6th about 9 am Pacific standard time This is your last chance to bid on these delightful items, remember the purpose of these auctions and all of the time and energy each artist spent being part of the Kiss my Fanny Mr Banker Fund.

Thanks to all who donated and joined in the bidding fun on eBay I salute you. You have made a big difference in the world and added much needed sun beam of hope to a delightful woman Glenny Moir.
Cheers
Peg

Auction INFO

2011-01-31T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hello all

Here is a report on The KMFMB FUND

Here is how much money we have raised so far.

Bracelet Sales income $523.48

Ebay Auction Income as of 1/31/11 $378.03

There are 2 auctions left

The first one finishes in 1 day at about 9 pm west coast time and has 6 items

The second finishes in 4 days and has 11 items

These are some very cool things and as you can see we could sure use some enthusiastic bidders and help get these totals up higher.

I wanted to raise this money so the teachers could get paid sooner and perhaps there will be more to invest in all of the things required to keep art and soul Moving forward. Please take the time to contribute to this event.

I have donated 2 months of my time putting it all together and each artist has put in hours of time to create the cool artwork offered to you on EBay

Each artist took the time ,money and effort to help donate the KMFMB Fund. Now we are leaving in your hands
http://shop.ebay.com/wildhairstudio/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1
Please participate
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Peg

Auction Items Art & Soul

2011-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry to announce I will be unable to auction the 5 nights at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Ebay . Legal requirements require I handle this in a different manner. Please go to Ebay and continue to bid on the wonderful items still up and continuing to be posted. There are some beautiful things and you will be sorry you missed this once in a lifetime opportunity to bid on the 4 Fat books. I have spent hours looking and enjoying each page. I am truly amazed at the time, effort and scope of each artist.
Keep tuned this is merely a speed bump in moving forward

Thanks Peg

Auction Items Final Art & Soul

2011-01-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

http://shop.ebay.com/wildhairstudio/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

Get your bidding fingers warmed up and ready to go. The final auction will be posted Tomorrow 1/27/11 and ends Tuesday 2/1 /2011

along with the final 7 items including 2 more Fat books & a cheerful cupcake painting this auction includes the big bounty bidding blast of bodacious donations... Drumroll please

Auction for the 5 nights at the Portland Airport Embassy Suites

VALUE 900.00 2 room suite, cooked to order breakfast and managers reception daily

expires 10/3/2011

Sandy Lupton

Autumn Beauty by Cyn Bicker

A Big THANK YOU to Portland Airport Embassy Suites for this grand gift and a huge round of applause to thank all of the excellent staff who always make our Art and Soul Experience superior! And provide us with excellent classrooms,Store Space and wonderful food not to mention the cozy rooms ( which are often hard to see because of all of the art supplies piled high on every availble surface.)

Up Close & Personal: Art & Soul Auction Items

2011-01-25T23:34:00.000-08:00

Having fun introducing our auction items up close and personal with a bit of fun just like the shopping channel.

I wanted you to see them with more than just a few photos. I love being able to spend time with these little gems of art. It has been a great honor getting to know themlike they were family with out the painful parts.

Speaking of Family my daughter has been keeping me current on all aspects of social media and now dragging me into making a video. It was fun and I hope I did not screw up your names too badly

Please enjoy our late night adventures and PLEASE GET OUT THERE AND BID THIS STUFF UP

You will not only support Art and Soul and keep it moving forward but get to have a delightful piece of art from a very special group of artists who are working to support art education and retreats

Day 5 Auction items

2011-01-24T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hello

Just wanted to let you know I just posted your items on the Ebay auction site. Tonight I added a wee beaded pouch,cat earrings a delightful fiber handbag and 2 Fat Books as well as a mixed media picture and a upcycled doll made from fish tins and the keys used to open them. Check it out on eBay. Go to Ebay.com then to search and click on advanced. On your left click on seller then search for wildhairstudio.

Just a reminder The auction for 5 nights at the Portland Embassy suites is coming up in the next 2 days

Thank you so much for your donations

Day 2 Auction items

2011-01-20T18:04:00.000-08:00

http://shop.ebay.com/wildhairstudio/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

live link to the Kiss my Fanny Mr Banker Fund auctions

If the link doesn't work go to ebay
find search then advanced search
on the left click on seller and type in wildhairstudio then search. you will find us there
Today I added
Lips Necklace by Kathy Gould
Labyrinth Spiral Cuff Bracelet by Terri-Nickleson-Williams
Spiral Sun by Dona L Jones
Toucan Tom Earrings by Queen of Possibilities
Midnight Blues by Randy Drobny

Remember to BID BID BID BID

Live Auction Info

2011-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

http://shop.ebay.com/wildhairstudio/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1

Here is the link to the ebay auction items, we just went live 2 hours ago. The first 5 items are up and each auction will last 5 days.
I will be putting up 5 new items each day for the next 6 days.

Thanks so much to Esse Lyle for photographing for 9 hours on Monday to get all items showing off their best assets. Also Thanks to Cyn Bicker who patiently walked me thru the ebay set up process and guided me through the Forrest of the unknown landscape of on site auctions.
Oh my goodness I am turning into a super geek 3 computers going and I could have used one more!

Happy Bidding

BIDDING ON Auction Items

2011-01-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader

.The auctions are not live yet I am hoping to start them today and will put up the information on this blog, on facebook and on the Art and Soul groups on yahoo to begin the bidding after they are ready.
Items are still coming in and I am writting descriptions an taking measurments to assure you know what you are bidding on

I put items on my blog so folks have the time to get a preview of all of the lovely items before the auction begins

Please understand
I am working a full time job as well as trying to keep the rest of the world moving smoothly and doing this in my spare time.

So if you can help promote this auction I would really appreciate it. Send your friends to this blog to preview all of the wonderful donated items

Monday 1/17/2011 a Photographer ( Esse Lyle) donated 9 hours of time getting the photographing all the items. This was a big undertaking and Esse is a wonderful photographer. Great photographs will let you see the fab items in their full glory and help you decide what you would like to bid on.

Today I have another person coming to get the auctions listed and ready to go live. I am running as fast as I can and my goal is to get everything ready to go live today. I may space items out so everyday 5 items go up for auction but I am waiting for the results of today to make those decisions.

THANK YOU THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who has helped make this happen
Peg

Midnight Blues by Randy Drobny

Auction Items 11 Art & Soul

2011-01-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

Bottlecap Beauties Peg Gyldenege

Sexy bits headbands Peg Gyldenege

Spiral Sun Pin

Kindred Spirit Designs

Dona L Jones

Oley PA

Cat earrings

Cat Pin

Auction Items 10 Art & Soul

2011-01-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for the grand prize of auction items!!!!!!!

The Embassy Suites just gave me 5 nights lodging for Portland for the auction!! This includes a deluxe two-room suite, tax, managers reception and cooked to order breakfast. It expires Oct 3, 2011 and is only good at the Portland Airport Embassy. The value is approx $900.

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/PDXESES-Embassy-Suites-Portland-AirportOregon/index.do

Auction Items 9 Art & Soul

2011-01-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

ARTFUL FRIENDS

created by THE QUEEN OF POSSIBILITIES AND THE DIRTY HOE

Wall Art Assemblage pieces created with handstitiched pieces from Pakistan, charms, matchbox,feathers and more

Join in the Dance of life celebrating our connections

Auction Items 8 Art & Soul

2011-01-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Delightful Diva

Assemblage Doll by Merrelle Kirkland

I am a life long artist

Currently my main intrests are in assemblage, collage, and unique dolls.

I studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University Of Illinois

Doll measures 12” high by 5” wide

Donna Fay Allen "She sells Sea Shells"

I sell my work through a co-op gallery in Florence, Oregon called "Backstreet Gallery" I have 2 Etsy shops: "donnafayallen" http://www.etsy.com/shop/donnafayallen is my photography shop, and "artstuffandjunk" http://www.etsy.com/shop/artstuffandjunk is a shop I very recently opened for jewelry and altered art.

Auction Items 7 Art & Soul

2011-01-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

The quuen of possibilities inspired by "alice in wonderland" created

Wild Hare Straw Hat

Handspun wool knitted into a Hat of jaunty splendor

Created by Gwen Gyldenege

Matching cowl to keep you warm and cozy in shades of amythest can be worn as a set or singly

Auction Items 5 Art & Soul

2011-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

WOW WOW WOW FAT BOOKS

Art & Soul Fatbooks:

Portland 2007
Portland 2008

Asilomar 2008

Pocket Skirt Fat Book – Hampton, VA 2010

Art and Soul
Pocket Skirt Fat Book
Hampton 2010

Auction Items 6 Art & Soul

2011-01-14T17:09:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Bead work from Terri Nickelson-Williams from St Helens Or

She has been beading since she was 13 There are 2 necklaces (one the spiral heart is a choker tied with ribbons) 2 beautiful cuff bracelets beaded on a felt base with uhttp://fairysmasher.blogspot.com/nusual cabochons surrounded by seed bead bezels and a wee pouch necklace with tiny hematite stars You can see more of her work at http://fairysmasher.blogspot.com/

Auction items Art and Soul

2011-01-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Our first offering is from deep in the heart of the Cambridge woods. Judith Gott from Gilded Lily Design. sent us a delightful set created with beads made of hand dyed papers,wrapped in fiber and tiny seed beads. The necklace is a collection of of these hand crafted gems on a neck ring. The earring with add that bit of sparkle needed on an ordinary Wednesday or brighten up a evening out, The colors are cheerful and will accent any outfit with a bit of whimsy

Judith Gott has attended

Art and Soul retreats for 5 years She lives in Salem Oregon has a website where you can reach her for more of her art. She creates art with hand dyed papers,glass gems,rocks,fibers,and remnants of discarded fabrics. She also creates teeny tiny books as well as jackets and sweaters You can reach her at http://www.gildedlilydesign.com/ or visit her etsy store gildedlilydesign@etsy.com

Auction Items 4 Art & Soul

2011-01-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

Felted Bag by Belinda Schneider

Wall art "Dare to be" Beth Drobny and Peg Gyldenege
Hand stitched TeaPot cozy from Iraq, silver wings,red feathers, matchbox,face,wings and many giggles

Auction Items 3 Art and Soul

2011-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

Kathy Gould sent us these delightful pieces for our upcoming ebay auction

First Guns'n' Money Earrings created from spent bullet casings embellished with brass filigree and fringe made of shredded money from the US mint

From her artist statement

"I enjoy creating jewelry that has an elemnet of whimsy, or the bizarre, and sometimes requires a double take. Instead of explaining the inspiration or meaning of the pieces I prefer to let the viewers decide that for themselves. Or not. Jewelry can jsut be something fun that you like to wear"

Kathy Gould

Aragon

See more of Kathy's work at http://www.aragonjewelry.com/

Lips Necklace

antique doll eye encased in lips of polymer clay. haung on a 16" Brass Ox Chain.

This wee sweetie can sit on a penny and you can still see a bit of edge. Trying to give you an idea of size

Puzzle pendant brass frame is embellished with charms,chain,drops,and has a clear acrylic front. the image inside has 3 holes and 3 brass balls reminiscent of old children's dexterity puzzles. Pendant is hung on 2 strands of Brass Ox chain with filigree beads

Auction Items 2

2011-01-13T12:24:00.001-08:00

Bluejay Dance from the queen of possibilities Hand stitched bracelet created with unusual lentil beads in aqua blue a mix of clear blue,frosted blue and ab finish with black striped beads as an accent. A sterling silver toggle clasp and as a final touch of whimsy teal,black and soft pink silk ribbons

bluejay dance

Art and Income

2010-12-01T12:54:00.000-08:00

I don’t know about you but in this wacky economy of the last few years all of my ideas of how business operates and how money is used and managed has been tossed like a waldorf salad.

I own 2 businesses one as an artist and one with my husband in crane repairs in heavy industry. I have many years of experience in banking and having to rely on the bank’s money to get thru times when my people really like getting a weekly paycheck and rent and all other incidentals of a business require payment. Then when customers pay me I pay the bank back and the circle continues.

Glenny Densem-Moir is an amazing woman who has been putting together a wonder art retreat for many years. It is a wild and wacky adventure held every year in Portland Oregon on the west coast and in Hampton Virgina on the east coast. As well as many other places.

She too has had the credit line with a bank and counted on it to cover costs while waiting for payments and such. This year with out warning the line of credit was pulled (the new rules of banking@#$%%$$#@) And she has been left holding the bag so to speak

I have been a vendor at Art & Soul for the past 5 years as well as a student .

I have enjoyed many wonderful classes and met some terrific people. In addition I am a teacher and have put together several retreats and events for artists to come together and create. I have experience in the challenge of juggling money to prepay event costs while hoping your careful planning will produce a wonderful and rewarding experience for your students.

I cannot stand by and let this financial crisis ruin Glenny’s reputation and momentum with the grand experience we all have shared both Teachers and Students alike.

You can help and get a great bracelet kit in return

Starting December 1, 2010 and running thru January 30,2011 all bracelet kits purchased on my website 100% of the kit price will go directly into a fund for Art and Soul called “Kiss my fanny MR.Banker.” or in polite company the KMFMB FUND

This account is set up by a team of lawyers to help build up funds lost by the line of credit being denied . www.wildhairstudio.com This will help all teachers to get paid sooner and perpetuate success at future Art & Soul events

I offer 3 different styles of kits and they are rated for experience levels. All materials are included in each kits. limited to stock on hand.

In these times everyone who owns and runs a small business walks a thin line of success or failure. Many ways of cycling money have been cut off and we need to be creative and give each other a helping hand.

I also am putting out the call for all artists who feel the call to donate an hand crafted item inspired by Art & Soul and I am putting together a team to set up an ebay auction site so we can auction off these things to Keep Art and Soul moving forward.

Please join me in supporting Art & Soul so that it may continue enrich our lives with art and the friends and experiences that feed our souls with love laughter and making art. Please contact me off line at peg@wildhairstudio.com

Please forward this to anyone who has loved art and soul and may like to help

Finding More

2010-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

I started out this year to find inspiration and in passing on some of my stashed art supplies I have found peace. I am sitting gazing at the new growth pushing up through the fallen debris of last fall. My hellebore plants are stirring and making their presence known.

I am so blessed to live in a climate where new life is allowed to grow in the dead of winter when other parts of the country, the ground is covered either with ice and snow or a slippery slushy layer of mud sucks you into it’s gooey depths each step taken off of the cement sidewalk.

Seattle may be a grey and rain soaked place. But this last week has been a bit of peace and wonder. I paused for a bit after packing off some supplies to pass on and wandered into the garden.

The deep freeze in December had left a slimy trail of destruction in the veggie garden with parsley and sweet pea vines nearly unrecognizable. The raspberry vines were radiating life hidden and the promise of succulent ruby fruit in the heat of July.

Then I wandered to the front garden and spotted the emerging hellebore blossoms. Dainty pale pink edges poked out from tiny green caps and bits of creamy white merged with the pink. A few feet away the deep chocolate color of another hellebore was making its way to greet the watery sunlight.

Out came my clippers and I removed the old growth leaves, my hardy soldiers’ of last summer. I left the fallen leaves and other bits beginning the dance of return to the soil, just removing the leaves and tall sticks of the other plants that share this garden space.

The plants responded by popping up seeming to shake off the deep sleep of creation. Refreshing me with delight at witnessing this small moment of the turning of the seasons.

Filling up my soul with nature's small moments causes it to blossom into creative designs, I must remember to wait for the right moment for things to emerge. And I must remember this process can not be rushed, pushed or pulled for to do so distorts and ruins the simple beauty of my idea.

How about you??? What filles up your soul with peace and quiet beauty? I would love it if you would take a moment to share

Looking for Inspiration

2009-12-18T09:51:00.000-08:00

Well it’s been a while since I last blogged. Life has taken me on quite a ride and I am finally able to catch my breath and focus.
Do you find yourself inspired with the most glorious ideas when you don’t have a fig’s worth of time to pursue your idea? I have been heaped in the mire of overlapping businesses and sorting out the past possessions which have lost their pull by date in my world of art.
I am sorting, cleaning and putting together my studio in between work, gardens, shows, guilds, life, obligations and family.

I became inspired to write after I ran across these pictures I took this August in Downtown Seattle on an Architectural Tour of Lions, Griffins, and creatures OH MY.
It was a beautiful Sunny day in Seattle,[not a term used to describe this town very often.] our PMC guild arrived early to gather for the tour we were treated to a delightful look at the stunning details of buildings which have graced the skyline for many decades. Driving thru the city streets would never revel the beauty we encountered that day. We learned many of the buildings looking like marble or stone walls were actually terra cotta cleverly created to resemble other materials.
I got lost in the details and could have spent hours gazing at the vintage delights just hanging out waiting to be discovered.
I wonder do they come alive at night. What would a gargoyle say to an Indian chief? Do the faces wiggle to relieve the stiffness of the solemn look they were given at creation? Do the walruses wiggle their tusks?

All I know is they send my artsy-fartsy side off on a delightful daydream that has the possibility of becoming a wee bit of my art

We enjoyed the very modern to the art deco details. The walruses are from the Artic Club a gentlemens club of days gone by which is now a hotel.I am so very happy to see these buildings survive the wear and tear of everyday life as well as the nincomepoops who want to tear down and replace with more roads or parking garages. Take your own tour with the Seattle Architechtural Society or look up a simular group in your own area

Part two building a new office

2009-08-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Then at last we were granted our occupation permit and The big fellow was expecting a fight and had tensed himself ready to do battle. The last inspector arrived and simply signed off with out a whimper. He left and my dearest gladiator deflated and had to wobble home to rest.

The big move began the next day and now we are as snug as a bug in a rug. The office staff is sighing and fondly gazing out our windows at the ever changing sky.
Our first office weekly meeting happened in Ben’s office and after wards he crowed “ “WOW They all fit into my office” . It is lovely having a real kitchen complete with plenty of drawers.
We kept as much of the landscaping as possible. Of the seven apple trees we were able to save my favorite one. It stands about two and a half feet tall it survived all earth moving equipment dry weather and rabbit relocation. It stands proudly at the back of the property reminding us of the past as well as the future in this prime location.

We have been blessed by the land and the folks who lived here before us. As well as our terrific staff and families who depend on us now for work and support. It has been quite an adventure and we had a terrific group of young people who worked for us just to complete this project. This is our future and I am proud to say we are in great hands.
SO now you now the rest of the story. …..Where has the Wild Hair Queen been?

Where is the WIld Hair Queen

2009-08-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile back at the office

At last at last after many months of blood sweat and lack of sleep we were able to begin the move into our new office. It was nearly a year ago on Labor day weekend when The big guy spotted a delightful piece of property for sale. He had been searching for about 3 years for just the right location. One of those places that must have space for both office and tools and tools and more tools for all our repair work for the cranes in our state as well as surrounding areas.
On a whim we decided to go see this place. Fell hard for it as it fit all of the requirements or would fit after some of that hard work I mentioned before. It was a charming place and had been a family home and small farm like yard. The folks renting it had been delightful care takers.

There were 7 apple trees and a bountiful garden in the rich abundance of harvest. Old time varieties of flowers and shrubs surrounded the ground, chickens clucked and apples shine. Here sat this jewel in the middle of warehouses the last bit of the old valley . The house is built of deep burgundy bricks. And the inside was in perfect condition just needed a fresh coat of paint and ADA requirements. We now have a kitchen, plenty of built in storage and room for each office employee as well as windows.. What a treat after being in a large metal building when you did not know if it was day or night.

The outside was a rather daunting challenge. First we had to work out all purchasing requirements unending blah, blah, blah and then the economy went sideways.. Fun, NOT. At last at the end of February papers were finally signed. City permits were required and that is an entirely other blog. I must wait until I can find the humor in the process.

Then we began the heavy duty work. We gave most of the plants away and uprooted those we wanted to save and replanted in a holding area. Big boy machines arrived and earth moving began. Large piles taller than the house surrounded us. Out went the Free Dirt sign. We were swarmed by folks. The dirt is terrific fine as silk and delightful to grow anything in. Three solid days of filling the beds of strangers pickups and trailers ensued till at last our dirt plies were reduced to the amounts needed for our project. Trenches were dug and all wiring needed was placed underground. Water hookups, new electrical panels and a large storm water drainage pond were created. Sounds like a simple thing but it was very complex and complicated. Then the parking lot was created a new sign and the landscaping surrounded our new home. AND

THEN>>>>>>
the inspections and inspectors to please all of the city requirements.
Throughout all of this I was providing lunch everyday to our crews and sometimes dinner as we would work into the evening until there was no more light, as well as keeping our business running at the old location and juggling all different duties required. Our Staff was excellent and have proved themselves to be winners in my book. I really appreciate all of the things they did to carry on in difficult circumstances. As well as work has been down for us but we have been able to retain everyone and they were able to learn some new skills in office building. One said to me he would be happy when our regular work picked up as his fanny was dragging after working at the new office.

Part 2 Fire Glass and Metal

2009-06-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hi It has been a crazy few weeks since I wrote. We are converting an acre with a beautiful brick house into our new offices for our Crane Company and we have a deadline 14 hour days need I say more. Anyway here is part 2

My Kiln and glass are happiest when they have a good long soak in temps around 800 to 900 degrees. I leave the dial on low and say good night and leave the glass at this soak overnight. At the crack of morning a sniggle starts in my head and the wild call of the glass enters my dreams.
Time to wake up----- time to play in the kiln “Hellllllllloooooooo Peg, It’s me your glass here I am warm and happy sitting here basking in this glorious heat relaxed and happy waiting come on out and play.”

So groggy from my dreams and desiring a cup of coffee I get up pull on jeans and my fuzzy robe I wander downstairs to make coffee and start my bath water.
The smell of coffee hits my nose and I toddle off to the cupboard for a mug. Cup in hand I open the back door greet the morning and sniggle out to the studio. The kiln temp is in the perfect place at 850, I don my leather gloves and take a peek. Everybody looks happy and no one has gone dancing during the night. I then add the plug and crank the dial to high.
Off the bath, dressed and ready for public appearances 1 hour later I return to the studio.
Peek again the temp is now at 1400. I know it will not be much longer so I stay put and turn on the radio and work on a idea to take up some time. I check every 10 minutes

First check I can see the heat in the glass there is a slight shimmer

Check #2 the edges have begun to soften but not yet

Check #3 the forming has begun the glass looks soft and honey like all hard edges have transformed to rounded edges there is a grace to the glass each piece has emerged into it’s new form gone are the layers now a fusion of color and metal.

The glass that went it a bit wobbly emerges a graceful swan. The metal transforms differently in each piece. Some the metal reacts with the glass and changes the color of the glass. In others wee bubbles form in a pleasing manner at the edges of the metal. The dichroic glass gleams and captures you imagination letting you feel as if you could fall into the glass and find your self in a whole new world.

Meanwhile I keep to the task at hand and back to the kiln we go One last check and that shimmer and softness I have been waiting for is there and singing to me . Final checking the entire shelf for the same look and making sure the glass looks just right.

Part 3 finishes

Happily Getting Lost in Glass

2009-05-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Fairy Light2001

Angles 2002

Welcome to my 3 part series of working with PMC and Fused glass
I have been making and selling glass buttons and glass cabachons for the last 14 years.

I adore glass and color and working with a kiln . I can spend hours cutting, assembling and dreaming my way into glass bliss.

PART 1

Sunday was a day of perfect weather, much needed after our seemingly endless winter. The guild was meeting at my studio and we were walking on the wild side.
Glass and metal a seductive combination in my world. I had cleaned and straightened the studio preparing room for those attending to cut glass.

We began this adventure a year ago with PMC Paper and paper punches. Beginning with clever shapes of all sorts placed in the kiln and fired at 1650 for 10 minutes.
The paper punches available are amazing and we have several members who are also card makers and work with all sorts of art supplies to create some amazing cards and ATC’s
I have been very lucky to have been given some of the fore a mentioned items and I have them tucked away in a special box so I can pull them out when I need a bit of cheering up.

Anyway the PMC Paper after firing becomes pure silver and armed with these shapes we created some small pieces to create jewelry with or just admire.

For some this was the first time they had cut glass. It is rather intimidating to see a sheet of glass and the rather small tool you are given to cut with. But after a few lessons… a good surface and a ruler they were cutting like pros.

· cut
· clean
· assemble
Just like making a glass sandwich.
Placing glass - PMC Paper- clear glass top
. A weee drop of white school glue if necessary and then off to the kiln.

I have discovered through many, many, many firings in the last 10 years the very best method for me. Every kiln is a bit different and you must use what works for you but here is my journey.

Late afternoon I head out to the studio to begin the firing of the exuberant piles of glass sandwiches created on Sunday.
I needed to prepare my Kiln shelf.
I mixed equal amounts of kiln wash and water stirring to the consistency of pancake batter. Applied with a hake brush painting first in a up and down direction , dry then painting side to side.
When that dried I hand sand the surface( meaning I just use the palm of my hand ) to smooth of any lines or ridges.
I placed the shelf in the kiln turned it on low, left the kiln door open and dried the kiln wash. After about an hour I turned off the kiln and loaded the first load.

There were 4 trays filled with goodies I searched each and picked out all pieces that were only 2 layers thick not including the silver or copper pieces added.

Evenly placing the items on the shelf about ¾ of an inch apart
I then photographed the load.
(It is always a surprise what changes occur during firing. )
Turn on the kiln dial to low

Partially closed the kiln door leaving a 2 inch gap and left out the vent plug noted the time and returned to my house. This heating time releases all gases from glue,glass cleaners ect and keeps your glass clear.
After 1 hour back to the studio If the kiln has reached 500 then I close the kiln door put in the vent plug leaving the kiln on low and turned out the lights.

Nighty Night

Good Night Irene

2009-05-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

Mother’s Day took on a different tone this year.
Last year the two woman who figured prominently in our family both passed away in the latter part of 2008. My Mother lived several States away and Dear Ruthie was our dear Friend adopted Grandmother and all around loving sweetheart whom we shared holidays with for 25 years.
There have been many changes but the thing that struck deepest in my heart is not having anyone to find just the right gift for. One of my greatest joys in life is playing the part of Fairy Godmother and granting wishes to people who are dear to my heart.

Holidays have never been very traditional around our house. We follow a different pace and usually fit the day around the current chaos of owning your own service business being on 24 hour call.
Not to say we didn’t try to be sort of traditional
This year new events took place to help me fill the void from the absence of these 2 women in my life.

My dear Friend Kathy invited us up to the 11th annual Camano Island Studio Tour, which she and her husband Peter were helping with. The drive was about 2 hours from our house and we were very excited about meeting all the local artists and seeing all of the incredible work they produce as well as how they set up their studios.
There were about 35 Artists and the whole Island was involved. We were able to see about 5 different places in the short amount of time we allotted. (Next year I plan on staying the entire weekend.)
We started out at a Gallery By The Bay .
There was a fun collection of paintings and Cheeky ceramics’ including some great crows.
As well as some engaging paintings of Belly Dancers by Dianna Shyne.
( You know how I feel about belly dance) She told us the painting were from the perspective of a three year old who wandered into a group of dancers and got caught up in the swirl ,color and tinkle of belly dance movement at the annual solstice parade in Fremont.
Let me tell you they are delightful!!!
Then off we went to see marvelous watercolors by Juanita Hagberg.
Next Stanwood House Gallery & Art Center
Chaim Bezalel’s porcelain bowls as mixed media with photography of interesting things. They had some beautiful paintings as well as Native American bead work.
Then…. oh be still my heart.. up a winding road to John Ebner’s garden and ok his studio too.
This was a magnificent garden planted with hundreds and hundreds of tulip bulbs as well as lilies still in the teenage time of their lives. The entire garden was a work of art by its self.

His studio and had beautiful water colors of NW places displayed everywhere
I purchased a giclee of “Sunrise at Deception Pass”. (One of my favorite places)
Next Kathy Hutchinson Weaving Studio and our eyes were treated to magnificent color combinations of beautifully woven articles of clothing. I wanted to take home an armful and it was all I could do not to rub my face in the softness.
Alas time was slipping away and we had to wave bye-bye and head back to the City for our next appointment but on the way off the Island we popped by
Marc Boutte’ Glass yummy hand-blown and sculptured glass and as a final treat
Lance Carlton Recycled Metal Sculpture set out on the grass among the flowering Fruit Trees.
It was a great way to spend Mothers day it helped add juice to my creative self and meet new artists as well as spend time with lovely friends who also managed to give as a bathroom break as well as lunch on the run. Thanks For a great Day

If you are interested in any of the fore mentioned Artists check my links to find them

Please leave a comment!?!

You can help me reach one of my goals which is to to network and connect with you dear reader

JUICY & RIPE

2009-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

JUCIY & RIPE

.
What do those words bring to mind? Fresh strawberries warm from the sun. A tomato picked out of your backyard garden. Blackberries picked on a hike while resting in the shade on a warm September afternoon.

Those moments hold great promise I notice the fragrance wafting off the object of my desire, the pure color enhancing the moment and then the time of truth the taste. Did all of the triggers in my mind prepare me for the moment of bliss or did I get a shock of sour, stale or unripe.

For me creating my art has the same path. Often I find myself struggling to create or even thing creative thoughts. I need to get juiced up. I need the interaction with other artists who understand some projects are merely juice to get the creative mind in gear and making the place ready for a creative juicy ripe bite of my own artistic ideas.

Which leads me to my blog You will be noticing the new look and more information about me, while I am taking the class and the changes that are occurring from the Blog Triage Drs. Alyson and Cynthia. Each class session sets out new ways to look at what is there and how to make it better and better. Some things have been very simple while I feel like I am moving thru molasses for others. But what is most important is that I am excited to write and share things with you.

The following pictures are of my juicing up project to get in motivated for other things. My goal this year is to spend more time in my studio creating, using all of the lovely tools and products I have been collecting and stashing for too many years to count, with the promise I will get back to that and create something wonderful. Well the time has come and here I go…
I found these wooden shoes at an estate sale and I am currently in the mosaic phase. I have several large out projects to complete and the shoes are paving the way so to speak. I will keep you posted on the progress of my other projects

Future blog posts

2009-04-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

More homework for Blog Triage Class. 20 subjects for blog posts really set my mind to tilt a whirl time but here goes

Favorite new Art supplies

a. Resin

b. Bronzclay

c. patinas with paint

d.Rusting

e .silkcreens and fabric

f. molding objects

g. pmc paper

h pmc and enamel

i texture plates

Current projects that keep me creative

j. knitting

k. crochet

l. fused glass

m. PMC

n. Wire working

o. felting

p. bead embroidery

q. beads stringing

r. Resinss.vintage collage

Techniques

Paper pods and weaving,

resin collage

mosaic with vintage pieces

resin molds

Reviews of my favorite new books and music

Beads swaps

Challenges

I supply some ingredients you supply your design and we vote for our favorite

Collaborative work ..projects I have completed with other artist

FAQ's from Shows

FAQs from classes

Vintage Delights

Interesting places to visit off the beaten trail

Dear Reader that is just the beginning of my list,

This was a daunting task before I began it but it has gathered speed as I start to write down ideas and now it is beginning to have a life of it's own. can't wait to see where this road will led me down.. Hang on it going to be a fun ride

Luscious Vintage Crystals

2009-04-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

From the moment I first can remember my life I was enchanted by the sparkle of crystal. I loved the old black & white movies with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dressed for a night out.

He in Tails and she in a filmy gown complete with sparkling jewelry.

The sparkle and gleam has caused me to surrender more money over the past 15 years that I every dare admit.

I began collecting vintage crystals about 12 years ago and had stashed them away for future projects or for petting and drooling, not necessarily in that order.

When one day I began to notice the crystals had taken over an entire corner of the room ,then they slowly began to creep out and to take up more and more space. In a attempt at order and placing them in containers.

First I began to place them on an excel spread sheet. Unfortunately after 3 weeks I realized I was lost in simply gazing at them playing with colors and getting lost in the glitter. I called my daughter (the engineer) in a moment of sanity and pleaded for some assistance.

On a quiet weekend we managed to alphabetize them by color then each color by size, type, shape and cost, From there I created sample boards and photographed each piece. The first photo is one of my sample boards

This was a labor of love as the crystals are very hard to phototgraph. The lens does not know where to focus (Ha ha so it isn't just me) They look the best when captured at just before dusk outside. I found out there is a window of about 45 minutes where the light is perfect. It was a race and took many nights.

Then I put them up for sale.

Turns out I had 96 different kinds of crystals!!!!!!

These are Swarovski crystals dating from the late 1890s to 1950's. They are in sizes, colors and shapes which are retired. I found them all over the world. They will be out at my next show at Art & Soul in Portland this October.

Here are several pairs of earrings I created from my collection. If you would like to see more you can check them out on my website http://www.wildhairstudio.com.

Creative Spirits Weekend

2009-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Remarkable is the only way to describe our weekend retreat. Fourteen of us gathered at Kathy’s home on the island. Large quantities of food was carried in by each guest as well as bottle after bottle of wine. The mound was sumptuous and yummy odors wafted enticingly throughout the spacious kitchen.

Peter was the most delightful host moving among each gathering offering more wine or a snappy bit of conversation, building a cheery fire in a small pit so we could enjoy a sea and stars and a sip of our favorite beverage

Sleeping bags and fat foam mats were stowed away along with our clothing for the next day. Kathy opened up her studio for us to work in. Many tables were lined up while a handy wheelbarrow ferried the project supplies. Kiln and accouterments made an appearance and were place ready for action.
Oh you should have seen the collections of storage boxes, tiny to large filled with each artists ideas of what they could not do with out to create this weekend. There were clay supplies, beautiful papers, clever paper punches, knitting projects, gems and jewels, copper, silver and a new bronze wire.

Each place at each table had a clever paper bag filled with treats to welcome us. Kim brought her wire coiling machine and shared her bracelet design, Kathy taught us Viking knit wire weaving. I shared tips on Mold making as Kathy’s home had the most unique cabinet knobs. We made a mold of our shell findings at the beach, which translated beautifully into PMC silver.

We combed the beach for inspiration, then drove around drinking in the atmosphere of island life. Then returned refreshed to work and learn from each other.
I wish you could have been there it was so much fun.

Sunday morning
we were greeted by the fresh aroma of baking sweet rolls and coffee.
What a special group of artists who are also clever and excellent cooks. A yummy breakfast and loads of conversation readied us for a shot of creative fervor. You should have seen the ideas and possibilities flying through that room. Out of the chaos, beautiful work was revealed by each artist.

We even had a weekend visit from Flat Stanley who is traveling through our fair state and being photographed in all the hot spots before being returned to his creator
Then a yummy lunch and we finished firing our creations and then … (sniff sniff tears and sadness) it was time to return to our own lives and close this magical island weekend
I wish you could have been there.

Home work

2009-04-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am engaged in a new 4 week class called Blog Triage Maintaining a Healthy Artist Blog.

This class is taught by Alyson B Stanfield http://artbizblog.com/

and Cynthia Morris http://journeyjuju.com/. These two are masters at the art of blogging and maintaining momentum to keep things interesting.

We are to describe the types of folks who we would like to visit and read our blogs.

I pondered for several hours making lists and here is what I came up with

Artists or Artistically inclined,

Computer savvy all ages,

loves hand crafted art,

empowered,

has a unique style,

innovative,

collector of beautiful things

loves stories and a glimpse into a fellow life traveler,

curious,

playful,

professional

enjoys making new friends

Patron

Earthy and warm

generous

I am sure I will be adding to this list as my brain kicks in with more ideas but for now the second half of the assignment is what I want from blogging

I want to express my self thru writing for the journey of art to me is as much about daily events as well as the finished art piece. I enjoy telling stories and think that we all learn from each others experiences. I am an observer of life and the every miracles that occur under our very noses are often passed by in our haste to tackle the new todo on our endless lists of daily life.

I also feel that writing keeps my brain exercised and at peak performance. I do not intend to move into the rest of my life complaining that I am too old to learn something new, I have other friends who have simply refused to step up to new technology and are letting the world simply pass them by. I am going to fill my brain with every new idea I can and call on my children to help me make the step up when things are a bit out of reach.

I want a connect to other people in the world and to share my point of view and hear their comments. This helps all of us to grow and learn. I want my art to find homes in kindred spirits. I want to sell my art so I continue to produce my art. I am in love with my life and the wondrous experiences art has lured me into. I hope to lure you into my experiences and you will enjoy my blog as much I enjoy writing it

TTFN

Making Changes

2009-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Many changes have occured for me in the past year and one of them i moving from having a business partner to just being in business with myself. I want the website to reflect who I am today and what I am all about so I am Sharing my new opening page and logo with you all for a sneak peek

Welcome to Peg’s getting another Wild Hair Studio,

Her new Logo is her comic self drawn by her talented daughter Gwen.
She choose Poppies to represent her artistic life. To her they bring a giggle of delight at the wonder of the garden’s lovely gift, you know… that lovely pop of color that is intense and fragile while it warms you from the inside out an unexpected surprise on a regular day in your life.
Wild Hair Studio is a lovely place full of sparkle and treasures to create with or to find that perfect piece of wearable art to complete an outfit or symbolize a special occasion.

Peg is curious about how things work and spends many hours creating, testing and finally completing unique and endearing art. Each piece has a story and fills her head with dreams and characters that help form the ideas for her wearable art.

She is influenced by Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Architecture, great books, her garden, fairies, and faces, lovely faces, old faces, young faces, did I mention faces???
Music of all sorts such as the Blues, Rock & Roll , Belly dance and her darling delightful husband and their children,

Art supplies have always held a place of honor in her home. Hours have spun by unnoticed when she is in creation mode . The ideas come as dreams or as visions during her favorite time of morning in the bath.
Some ideas have to be captured as quickly as they arrive less they escape.

Other ideas grow from the materials speaking loudly to Peg and demanding to be obeyed. Some ideas arrive accidently by the chance meeting of several beads and silver ending up in a pleasing manner which sets off a whole new chain of events.

She is surrounded by a plethora of supplies collected and lovingly stashed from all over the world. Imagine rich bronze pearls, kiln worked glass, luscious crystals in a rainbow of colors precious metals sterling silver, gold, copper, fine silver in wire and charms and hand wrought pendants, semi precious beads, ruby, lapis, amber, & coral, to name just a few, from which she creates her one of a kind wearable art.

Her pieces are for the person who wants to stand out in a crowd and not look like one of the herd. They are for the bold confidant woman who dances to her own beat.
For the woman who hears the art speak to her so she can to tell her own story

Her bracelet kits are for those who wish to create themselves. The designs are from herself and a collective group of artists . The kits are complete and ready to party. Order up several and invite your favorite girlfriends to a bead gathering.

So take some time and wander through Peg’s getting another wild hair experience.

For it’s not about having wild hair but getting one….wink wink

Wearing too many hats

2009-03-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love hats straw,felt,woolen,and fabric. I love the look of myself dressed up complete with a hat. I have worn them since childhood where having an Easter bonnet was part of the outfit. I love then so much i even took classes and learned how to construct them. My Teacher was Wayne Wichern a master hat maker and all around delightful human being. He and his partner moved to California and now I only hear from it occasionally. But hats remain a passion in my life. But today's subject is on a different matter.

Professional hats. These are not the hats anyone sees but in my mind I place one one my head before each place I must be during the day. I have the CFO hat for our office. I have the Cheerful hat I wear when things are sliding sideways and personalities clash at the office. I have the Stern hat I wear when having to ask someone I employ to do the job they were hired to do.

I wear the supply clerk hat when I am keeping things supplied for all concerned at the office. Every job has it's paper work and tissue plays a vital role.......

I wear the calming hat when having to bring peace to the CEO after a day of battling with the giants of the government or city office rules or employees who think they are pulling the wool over your eyes or employees who are in distress and struggling and you can not do anything but listen and offer a moment of peace and a Kleenex.

Then I wear the battle hat meant for doing battle with those who would treat my staff badly or try to raise havoc with our system. This is my fiercest hat for I take no prisoners. My staff like my family is under the protection umbrella I carry at all time. I discovered i had this fierceness when my first child was born and inside me open a strength ad absolute power of protection, and when I don this hat just get out of my way.

Then I have the art hat which takes me on adventures and to meet people and visit places which inspire and feed my well creation. from that I wear the treasure hunting hat finding treasures both vintage and modern, who knows what will spark my interest. Then the Designer hat creating designs and classes from material I have discovered and co mingled. From there the why & how hat. That is one of my favorite hats. Why does this work and what happens if you do this or add that or fire it at this temp and pound it with that hammer. You get the picture. Then I add the teaching hat, I have learned so much teaching and i hope I have inspired and helped other move thru fear of the unknown into creative adventure. Then I move into the entrepreneur Hat. Selling supplies and treasurers as well as kits and my own wearable art. This is an important hat for if I am unsuccessful at this I can no longer wear the other hats.

Today I am overwhelmed my all the hats I wear in just 1 day. Today I am taking the time to renew my personal self and fill up the creative well and take some time to just create. I am going to take the time to send a sweet word of encouragement to other artists. Thanks you for taking time out of your busy crazy life's to create and inspire the rest of us.

Take off your hat and stay awhile

Computers

2009-02-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

As you may notice from my last blog I had a glitch and was unable to finish my last posting. I was madly typing away giggling as I typed with a particular turn of a phrase( one of those which pops out and is a small gem of a thought) When I glanced up and realized nothing was going on the screen. I fiddled with every button and saved my current work several times but nothing would change. I even opened up word to see if perhaps I had moved into a black hole on my blog screen???

I have always felt there is a small army of teeny tiny people who make the magic happen when I am using my computer. and when things fail or simply don't work I figure it must be time for a coffee break for the fore mentioned army.

I know at the office there is a wee fellow who lives in the server and decides every odd now and then..."HUMMMMM I think I will erase everything and make folks start over. What fun to see them swear, and sweat pushing and poking to no avail. Perhaps if they said nice things to me instead of making naughty remarks about my mother I might behave"

This makes more sense to me than geek speak. But I bow to the experts so I call my children. SOS my computer is not working...So after a series of questions and hopefully the right answers my daughter the engineer asked" did you check the batteries in the keyboard?"

Well good golly miss molly she was right. Of course it took a bit to race down stairs find several kinds of batteries for I failed to inquire of my key board which batteries it required. then of course while I was in the kitchen a cuppa tea sounds oh so nice then while searching for the tea the cat wanted in, so I stepped out side for the air was soft and sweet and begged to be ingested,which led me to some small sprigs pushing up thru the dark wet soil reaching for the sun as a glimpse of yellow caught my eye and I wandered over to see the tiny crocus heralding the return of spring.

Then a shrill sound reached my ears as my brain registered the shriek of the tea kettle. Off I galloped to rescue the boiling water and pour it over my tea leaves to calm and sooth my soul. Finally with tea in hand and batteries in pocket I returned to my computer and luck of all luck got the right size on the first try. Replaced then and my keyboard began to sing again. But then time reared it's insistent head and I had to head off to other appointments.

So At last I freed up a bit of time and am leaving you with my short tale of stolen spring is coming moments Ta ta for now

Peg

Winter Break

2009-02-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely 4 days in Tucson at the end of a very dreary month of January. Very kind friends of ours invited us to come and stay for a wee bit and catch some mild winter sun. I grew up in The northern parts of the southwest and had experienced the desert and was not eager to spend a lot of time there. But never had I been to Tucson or in that kind of desert scenery. But I was delightfully enchanted by the cactus and the mountains. Birds were everywhere bursting out in song . The air was clear and cool , then rising up to shirt sleeve weather during midday.

Our hosts were so fun and they showed us around to many wonderful sights and events and a couple of very good resturants. SIGH................It was great.

Then came the icing on the cake The Tucson Gem show. I was actually there at the very begining before the main shows even opened. We went to 2 different shows and I nearly lost my mind with the plethora of goodies laid out in inviting ways on the tables at each booth.

Bucket after bucket of raw precious stones were there waiting for the lapidary minded to seek out new stock. Pearls in every shape and color making me wonder if there wern't a lot of tired oysters taking a well deserved nap. Cut stone strand, beads, cabs, beads and more and this was only the first day in just a few booths.

The main show wasn't even set to open till the following Thursday.

Soon it became hard to carry on a conversation because my eyes whould not remain in one place. They darted back and forth as my mind streamed out idea after idea of designs. I had a block in my mind of the many things I already own and the list I had put together for "just a few things" HA!!!! No such luck.

The bags I carried became heavier and heavier and my bank account became more and more empty.

but what bliss

and

i had the best time.

i needed to borrow another suitcase to get all the loot home. But again my friend came to the rescue and lent me a well tra

Double whammy

2008-12-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

Fall had just begun to settle into the tips of the treetops, filtering in a bit of red and gold in the warm green leaves. Ahh my favorite time of the year nights cooling off and crisp air and blue sky. For some reason the sky color in October is always my favorite. Perhaps it is the contrast of the brillant yellows of ginko leaves or the coppery reds of my sweet gum trees against the brillant blue sky. Or it is a time of reflection and renewal in my personal passage of time that I repeat each year. This year was no different than the last few. Summer had been a very buzy time and I was looking forward to evenings with early darkness and a chance to light a few candles and dream of future projects. I lead a very full life and juggle both sides of my brain. I am a CFO for my husband and I's Crane business and am at the computer using the logical math brain most days. Also handling HR and creating a family enviroment workplace. I am very humbled by the fact that we are supporting 9 families in a less than desirerable ecomony. But things are going well and we are very busy. This year we have employees with new babies joining the throng and it adds a new layer to our group.

Then I teach and create with PMC and resin and beads,yarn,fabric and metal smithing and........... So my creative brain kicks in or should I say takes over for this part of me will not be denied it invades my dreams interrups my conversations and fills my every waking moment. I must create I am driven by it and often lose days in the process of creation ( which is lovely, unless I have other commitments which demand all my attention)

The Fall had just begun dates were planned classes scheduled and even studio time penciled in. Jane and I were at Art and Soul in Portland & I had the chance to take a couple of classes before our part in vendor night. And in the evening we explored Portland and our favorite stores as well as several new ones.Then Saturday morning just as I finished dressing after my shower my cell phone rang. I hurried to answer it so it would not disturb Jane. Hello? Then the whammy my brother hardly able to speak cried out our mother had died just minutes ago.

Now my mum had a good life she was 89 would have been 90 in January, her last few years were not great she had dementia and did not know anyone anymore. The last conversation with her and her granddaughter had been the day before. The nurse need help because mum had put both legs in one pant leg and had gotten jammed in. So sweet Cheri had offered to help as she had spend the previous year coming everyday to help grandma shower and dress and get ready for each day. She had just had her first child and it was a bonding experience for each of them. Well with the 2 ladies tugging and pulling they managed to free mum from the pant leg and get her pants on right with the fore amentioned legs in the right place. Cheri turned to her and asked Grandma do you remember me?" Yes" my Mum replied "you are the lady who tried to steal my pants."

So like a mini bomb my life plans exploded and time as I knew it is gone. We traveled to the funeral several states away. I renewed my relationship with several Aunties and cousins shook endless hands collected life affirming hugs and traveled back home. my internal calender has been temporairely misplaced and I have been in a fog of sorts which I am happy to report is begining to lift. My relationship with my mum was not a hallmark card and there have been many scars through out our years but I am a better person because of her and it is time to bury the past and move into the future with my eyes open to the beauty each day offers. I managed to get thru appointments and classes and I am very grateful for all of the prayers and hugs I received. I am also more understanding now of the need for solitude and how healing it can be.

So I am off to create and perhaps nap

tata for now

Crystals Silver & Cake

2008-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am a teacher of metal clay* epoxy resins* fused glass* and beading. I have been exploring art and form and color all of my life. I remember being stopped in my tracks at a very young age by the shape of a cloud. I see unique possibilities in ordinary things and simply love color and sparkle. And funny thing crows have been showing up in my life, some quietly appearing in cards or in a sweet teapot for one with a persimmon for a lid. I am watching this trend to see what else it brings.And in the tradition of crows and their attraction to treasures I am treating you to the fab creations from our local chapter of the PMC Guild. to end our 4th year we had a crystal challenge. What is PMC? and what kind of crystals you may ask???

Well first off the crystals I have been collecting and selling vintage swarovski rivolis and Margarita style crystals for about 4 years I have been collecting for much longer and have been finally convinced and prepared to share them with other crows(Artists) I have 96 colors and the crystals were created from the late 1890's to the 1960s. It has been a crazy journey and many were purchased merely by description sight unseen. But what a droolfest when the boxes arrive and they were carefully unboxed and catching and send light swirling thru the room. Some days just to cheer my self up I would open up the boxes and just pet each little juicy bit of color. I live in the NW and it really helps brighten up a dark day.

The tricky part with these beauties are that they are created like faceted semi-precious stones and are meant to be set in traditional settings They were meant to replace rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires in times where only the very wealthy could afford such luxuries. And of course WWII caused many of these to be hidden away and then forgotten. I love things with a history and stories to pass along and creating jewelry with vintage pieces is very satisfying to me blending the past with the present.... And so our Challenge PMC or Precious Metal Clay is the newest and most intriguing way to work with fine silver. It begins in a clay form then worked in different techniques fired in a kiln at 1650 the clay portion burns away and pure silver takes on what ever form it was given in the clay stage and you have a very interesting and new way to work in metal.

Here are the delightful results
Created by Esse Lyle

Created by JoAnn Harlan

Created By Lisa Lee

Created by Lynn Hranac

Created by Kimberly Kostel

JoAnn Harlan was our grand champion with her leaf and flower collage. But I was really overwhelms by every one's thoughtful entry and original designs, Lynn's trumpet flower has the crystal hidden as a surprise at the opening of the flower so you see subtle flashes of color and need to peer closer to see more. Esse combined paper clay and paste to create a many petaled flower with a jeweled center and this has led her on a journey to create more of the wee beauties for a stunning necklace coming soon. Kimberley's whimsical spider and web in a delightful look at mother nature and web spinning which is not as easy as it looks. Lisa inspired by the sea and spirals took the form and explored and created in both silver and wool embellished with gems.

I was so pleased to see each entry and the joyful expression each person achieved. We also had a great party and wore mad hatter tea party hats . Thanks to all of you who participated and joined us in our celebration

Forces of nature the final 4

2008-09-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

At last I am getting back to finishing up the journey of the Stools. The last time I blogged about them I was trying to be orderly and speak about each stool and the journey int my life, then I came upon CindyBowers and was stopped in my tracks. Cindy had the great idea to begin this artistic endeavor on a grand scale and gathered us all together in January '03 Not everyone invited stayed to go on but it was a stellar group and I often wonder what I was doing with such a fab group. But I stumbled along and grew in confidence as well as in creating on the edge.

Cindy died very suddenly during the first few months of the project. It was decided her stool would continue thru the project and bring a special energy to us all. When it was your turn to work on Cindy's stool you would have 2 stools together. And I found when it was my turn the energy was quite insistant to get going and not put off creating until tomorrow.

Share your Dream is the title of Cindy's Stool and it was created on a old piano stool complete with claw feet on glass balls. This stool was loving embellished and caresses with feathers a tiny merry go round,wee faces and crowned with a delightful fairy created by Tracy Stanley. I am very sorry I did not get the time to know Cindy but very glad to be a part of her final project.

Next came The Mad Tea Party Janice Berkebile

This was the wee stool in our project. It can from the Pottery Barn made out of wrought iron and just right to set on a counter top and perhaps hold a small cookbook or recipe card. It was the smallest stool in the project and Janice stared it off with a WONDERFUL BEADED VINE. But the fun part actually came from the journal she choose to accompany her stool during the project. In this black book a small boy had signed his name or perhaps a lovelorn teen. Any way He be came the hero of the story surrounding the Stool. William was a Dragonfly wrangler, rounds them up and polishes their wings and sends them on their way. He is a 4th generation Dragonfly wrangler and has very long legs. included for the stool was a beautiful cushion beaded with a dragonfly. A small leather bag with his bib & tucker for long nights around a campfire. complete with silver dinner plate a acorn silver cup for special occasions with the fairy folk, spoon & fork fresh napkin and daily cup for hot soup. He has a special companion to travel with and a table lamp for those cozy winter nights when he is tucked in waiting for the summer herds. This was a favorite of mine and I was so fun to see how it had grown and developed during the journey of creation.

Sandy,s Secret Garden

Began as a soft pastel wooden stool with a soft green seat and a vine curling up the sky blue leg. Please turn your head side ways to see vines and flowers progressing in this garden. You can see a bit of the foofoolaDo

vine just beginning to open. A bird house wreathed in vines crowned the top while dragonflies frolicked between the rungs, dancing in and out of exotic beaded flowers. The book the secret garden was Sandy,s favorite as a child and now she has a peaceful and exotic world to view each day Joey created the most wonderful bird feeder from coiled wire and seed beads that looked so much like food it fooled the birds at her home when she was creating it. Sigh... a lovely place to linger.

And finally My stool Sea Dreams the Mermaid Spot. My stool began with a low back of wrought iron curved legs and a soft green color. I happened to have some soft textured yarns which reminded me of seaweed which I added to the stool back flowing off like seawater. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the direction my stool traveled in. I began wondering how it it look then completely forgot about it until the reveal. I was surprised to learn I was more concerned how excited the rest of the group would be when they saw their stools. I was amazed at the confidence that grew with each stool as I caught the essence of creation surrounding each project and set aside my inner critic and simply created. I struggle with inner demons of "not good enough " "who do you think you are " and more. But I was able to banish them for the current of inspiration was so strong and loud there was not room for doubt.
I was totally humbled by the beauty of the mermaid created by Sandra Jaechs, and the netted base created by Nancy Strahle, the treasure chest spilling out pearls and lovely glittering gem created by Kathy Dannerbeck, the beaded shells and Jelly fish by Tracy Stanley & Janice Berkebile. Lovely vines winding in and out and fabric fish and sensuous seaweed floating from the Mermaids perch by Joey Meyer and Sandy Avenell.

A Big Thank you goes out to each of these lovely ladies for their contribution to my stoll and the wonderful time I had in being part of the project . I am ending with group shots of all thestools and a few candid shots of the artists

ta ta for now

2008-08-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

More Changes

2008-08-07T11:16:00.001-07:00

Kathy in ruin door outside Rome.

Sorry to end the last post but tech requirements commanded and I obeyed........ I hate it tech things nag.

Back to my friend Kathy. This year makes the end of an era in the aforementioned community called Beads & Beyond the doors closed for the last time on July 31,2008, leaving many of us feeling glad and sad at the same time glad for so many reasons,heart stopping beads of all sorts, an artistic link with the feeling of family created with Kathy her sweetheart husband Peter, and a fabulous staff unparalleled in the beading community, not only could they help you fine just the right thing to complete a project but the always were professional friendly and characters in their own right.

Life has a way of reminding me to take each moment and enjoy it now, for tomorrow brings something different. Bellevue is going through growing pains and becoming a skyscraper city removing many of the small business in town for a wider use for hundreds of people in a small land mass. So it was in this way the building which housed Beads & Beyond is being torn down and replaced with a massive condo/retail complex..SIGH.........................................................

Kathy & Peter have worked endlessly in the last 14 or 16 (I can't remember accurately)years 24/7 on bring you the best of the best.Brought in the best teachers who taught all sorts of interesting artistic pursutes thru the years, they have lead tours to see the orgin of where these fab little objects of glass,bone,precious stones,shells,ceramic silver,gold were created. Travel to the Czech Republic,Africa,Italy,Turkey to name a few. going to fab museums an seeing how life and family was maintained in each place,how different we are yet how alike.

Meeting the small companies who created these wonders, meeting individual artists in different places around the world supporting each other and creating connections that were life changing.

But now life moves on The bead store is com binding with a wonderful Quilt store who has had the same building issues and a new beginning rises out of the detritus of demolished places.

My post is to Thank Kathy for all of the wonderful things she added to my life in the past 15 years. I began as a an excited newbie overwhelmed by the riot of color and shapes which clambered for attention in my mind.

I began taking classes and my dreams were haunted by beads 7 silver. I was also at the time taking metal smithing classes at a local college and changing my career. I had the pleasure of knowing 3 women who nurtured my budding artist's flame and helped fan it into a bonfire which menopause added more fuel and I was forged into who I am today.

Always on trips into the store I was greeted as an old and valued friend with these 3 ladies in tow and we would make a day of it buying beads sharing purchases and a great lunch.

Alice was 87 Tony mid 70's and Ruth early 70's. we started outwith watercolors and met every Tuesday. One day I showed up with hanks of seed beads pinned on black velvet and with great flair unrolled this eyecandy.

That was the end of watercolor and the begining of my love affair with beads.

Over the years I gathered up enough courage to submit my work and then moved on to a masterclass taught by NanC Meinheart. Who was a great mentor and bead artist from Chicago. She gave me the tools to creat and move on from a student into an artist & teachers life.

I then got involved with a new concept for metal work with a clay created in Japan which contained tiny particles of pure silver,gold, & platium. Life again took me into a new place and through many trails and dissapointments as well as many lovely things I became a teacher.

Kathy welcomed me and helped to promote this strange stuff and out of it I met and encouraged many to carry on their own artistic pursuits, during past 12 years.I am lightyears away from those begining days and have learned many things and changed my teaching methods and contuined to grow and explore.

But this all funnels back to my dear friend Kathy and her help,humor,encouragement,laughter,a few tears and the honor of having her as a friend.

So here's to You and all of the folks who's life you enchanced during the life and times of Beads & Beyond. Cheers, Hugs & blessings to you

Changes in the wind

2008-08-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Long time since I blogged but I am in the process of coming thru many changes and passing milestones in the last 9 months. I have had the extreme pleasure of traveling to China and Italy. Taking in a whirlwind of sights,sounds cultures and more in a brief period of time. To see and experience the earth and peoples who shaped my life many centuries years ago was a humbling experience. To see the magnificent hand wrought art which survived all leaders and egos and artists, took my breath away and has induced many lovely daydreams ever since.

Life is full of changes and nothing remains the same and to my way of thinking we must continue to change learn and grow along with the rest of life. It doesn't mean that we cannot feel sad or perhaps even a bit scared with what the future holds for us. But carry on we must and create new and even better experiences.
With that in mind I wish to thank a very special friend, mentor and delightful business woman
Kathy Dannerbeck Creator and owner of BEADS & BEYOND Bellevue WA. For the past 14 or so years her vision of a place to buy,create with fab teachers, celebrate creativity,travel , meet and develop new friendships and artistic collaboration, promote other business that blend and enhance each other.

The Adventures of Isabella Martine Sawyer

2007-05-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

All of the stools presented a challenge to each artist and each of them was as different as the stools themselves. Isabella can into the project complete with a name and her history. She was created by a blacksmith for a California wine tasting room but her roots are in Argentina. She was the largest of the stools and rested gracefully at our beginning meeting. Her story became one of the adventures that happen to a piece of furniture through out it's life time and what it would tell you if it could talk.

The back and seat are leather and were painted a lovely deep wine color, a grapevine crept across the back and unfurled lovely copper leavesOnce a beautiful lady rested on Isabella enjoying a glass a wine and met an interesting gentleman. They left for a sunlight stroll thru the vineyard leaving behind her sunhat slippers and his incredible beaded walking stick. So besotted with each other the items left behind where never thought of again until years later when they were sitting in the sun warming their old bones and remembering the glorious beginning of their chance meeting so many years ago.

The slippers just knocked my socks off when the stools were reveled at the end of the project. Our Miss Joey created them from egg cartons,wire and tin . Miss Janice created the famous Cabernet Dragonfly who winged it's way to the state of Washington carrying our Miss Isabella and all of her treasures A regal wine glass clustered with beautiful faux grapes reminds you to take time to relax and enjoy those moments we are each given each day to reflect the beauty and joy of living. This message was brought home vividly to all of us in the project.

Cindy Bower was the spark that started the creative fire for this project. We met agreed on guidelines and began. I was so looking forward to getting to know her I had observed her bead work for several years at shows and was excited to finally get to know her. But life had other plans and she unexpectedly passed away several months into our project.

So take those moments watch the birds, smell that flower, tell someone you admire hello share a cup of something with a friend. Each day is precious and so are you. More later....

Just Ducky

2007-05-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

No modeling is complete until you have a head shot and a great rear shot.

Our Duck became a cross between The Queen Mum and rock star meets glam queen.

Please notice the fine sprouting of a collection of Kitty whiskers sprouting from the seed beaded beak. One must keep up appearances and plump-up to movie star style bill. Thin bills are so passe' and with the addition of the punk style whiskers this duck is Iggie. ( Note to you ((the whiskers are from a collection of our dear Joey who never throws out anything that can perhaps be turned into art)) the whiskers are from the cats in the home of this fowl stool and sort of coming together of the species and of course to ward off evil imps lurking about hiding one's house keys or bus pass.)

The high plumes of brightly colored feathers add a saucy touch and complete the rear shot with a resounding TA_DA this Duck has arrived. On the red carpet ready to walk the strutting gait required of such a long legged and may i add 4 legged as well beauty. And at the same time a zen pool of calm resides right smack dab in the middle of this timeless beauty allowing her to remain confidante and cool.

Rock on Ducky

Duck Pond

2007-04-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here is Joey Meyers entry in to the stool parade. This stool began life as a series of found objects that had been living in Joey's basement for some time. It had a very humble begining with raw wood 4 legs and a wooden duck head. Joey presented her piece to us with an amazing minature pond on it's surface. There were hundreds of tiny copper cattails and leaves surrounding the blue water complete with small water fowl swimming on it.

The pond began a minature ecology all of it's own complete with beaded moss surrounding stones and completeing the landscape with a gemstone tree. This wee landscape draws you into take a closer look and be come mesmerized by the details. and then....

The rather delightful duck feet come into view complete with spurs and toenails. What a great view.............. imagine all the ducks we see every day having a secret life below the water line. ducky shoes in fab colors high heels,rubber boots, cowboy boots, sandles, and perhaps even flip-flops.
Not to mention ducky manicures.. This really quacks me up...

I had such a great time working on this stool. I got it near the end of the project and some one had beaded Miss Quacker a great beak. And the Queen in me begged to come out and play and so we did. This plain wooden face took on the royal purple hues befitting her station She was already wearing a fabulous necklace made of feathers and beaded leaves. So the Queen Mum's hat in beaded splendor topped her head and 4 very now feathers appeared in the crown of her hat. More later
Peg

Basking in the Sun 2

2007-04-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

This stool had some very whimsical critters who have moved into to their own desert condo to bask in the sun complete with a Prickly Pear Cactus to sustain all for they are used for food, medicine & fiber for weaving and dyes. The argyle rattle snake adds a new endangered species to the land of laundry rooms where one sock always seems to disappear perhaps that's where they all go slithering away to the land of warm desert nights to begin a new life and slide into some one else's laundry room turning up as the extra sock by day and fearsome serpent by night.

I really loved this wee katchina dancer. He reminds me of Pow Wow's I have attended and be mesmerized by the color, beauty and sacred manner of each of the native dancers. There is such power in each step aligning with the drummers and the personal rhythm of each dancer. It is ancient and brand new at the same time. I always feel the connection between the earth and sky all of us connected and part of each other sharing of moment of the sacred.

I haven't blogged for a bit computer problems plagued me. But luckily dear Lance came to the rescue and replaced our old computer it was quite a task and he was able to back up all of my stuff. Whew! 2 years ago we had the same problem but lost a great deal of stuff including most of out photos of our trip to Poland and the Czech Republic. That my dears was painful. Well off we go onto the next stool...TTFN

Basking in the Warmth of the Sun

2007-03-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

The next stool in our group was Kathy's. She had recently added to her real estate collection a home in the desert complete with cactus warm dry air low maintenance in the yard work department and time and space to create and dream and explore mama earth and all of her wonders. So the theme was set and it was my first project. Keep in mind it was January cold and dreary and here came this brightly painted stool warm red and brilliant blue. and a copper circle etched to read basking in the warmth of the sun.

Well I had recently been teaching mosaic classes to small kids and discovered recycled glass as a material. And Kathy had mentioned snakes and that she liked them so........ One thing lead to another and I decided to create a snake winding it's way up the stool. I found a yummy piece of glass which looked like a desert sunset and I had some red Glass which matched the red of the stool leg. them began the cutting process tiny triangles formed my diamond back snake ans of course I picked one of the coldest weeks to get creative also I had waited until there was no more time to fiddle around and when the clock was ticking down the final few daylight hours I was working at breakneck speed. It was so cold my fingers would refuse to bend until I returned to the house for hot coffee and warmth. It is dangerous to loose the feeling in your hands when working with the sharp edges of freshly cut glass. But triangle by triangle the snake inched it's way up the leg of the stool. then I applied the red glass and finally the grout. I was doing the happy dance when at last the snake glowed to life.

Another snake was added and created whimsically out of an argyle sock complete with stone fangs Janice created a cactus garden in copper complete with thorns ouch!!!!

and signed them with her signature dragonfly. Sandra added a delightful little kachina and studied to make him as authentic as possible. His detail is world class and invites you in to wonder if perhaps he will dance a bit for you??? The desert is a mysterious place with hidden delights which must be discovered with patience and observation. Things are not always what they appear to be. Soft earth tones are a backdrop to jewel tone skies and rainstorms are events complete with the drama of thunder and lighting. And at night the stars appear so close you can begin to understand thoughts of other worlds and the connection between us all.

Suga the Adorned

2007-03-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some close and personal photos of Miss Suga and the creative ways her hide was adorned. Kathy spent many hours covering each of her spots with seed beads. This was a unique stool in the fact it was made of a resin and so unable to pierce or sew upon her every one got very creative in their approach to her. Janice made a delightful basket which sat at her feet and looked as if she was collecting dates to eat on the long hot road home. Here is a close up of her spots. Delicious rich brown beads add warmth and texture, while she bends down to admire her anklets wire wrapped and looking very festive yet tribal . On her back adding subtle color and texture in rich silks Sandra created her saddle blankets and these are indeed fit for a queen. Not only Silk but a special beaded topper and reversible to celebrate her quicksilver moods. She is a mysterious tribal dancer with grace and beauty traveling along the African savanna. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of her in the twilight striding off to dance just for the joy of it. You have indeed been privileged to see a bit of magic.

You know once adorned there is no going back to the mundane. A girl has to have a sparkle to please her soul and bring joy to an ordinary day.

Here is a close up of her lavish covering and her mane or ruff. and a final photo of her. This was indeed a scaling down of ideas and working to fit a smaller object. and Suga spoke to me when I had my turn with her. There are many projects that once the idea is worked out from the dream into actual design and form things go as planned and ta-da you have a finished object. But I found over and over that this project let me know in no uncertain terms what it wanted or more importantly what it would not accept. When the beads talk to you they really pack a wallop. there is no pussy footing around. things will not work together. beads have uneven holes, fall off the table while stringing Kiln has melt down.... you get the picture. But when all is in the right place at the right time or in the flow. Then magic happens and creation is a joy and time flies. I cannot get my fingers to work fast enough for the creative energy that is moving thru me. I love it and that is one of my favorite places to be. The only problem is when that strikes me as I am teaching and then all thoughts of speech disappear and I am lost in the creation. Not a good place to be when I need to answer questions and provide help. So I try to limit those times when I have a moment alone. But I must admit it is not a controllable shift and like any artist who experiences this there is always a bit of fear that they may never come again. So if I happen to be creating and in the flow please bear with me and I will return to the measured world of everyday time.

Sugreeva Sujata (Suga)

2007-02-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Meet Suga
Suga means "well born, noble, fine, with a beautiful neck Nancy Strahle

Suga was a delight from every angle, she arrived at the beginning of the project and was received with an childlike sigh issuing many lips. Not only had Nancy brought a unique idea for her stool but she had researched a name and it's meaning She created a small delta with it's own palm tree for her to reside under and a wooden platform created by Nancy's talented husband who creates beautiful cabinets for a living. I was stunned by this piece to begin with there was a spirit of quiet playfulness and dignity already wrapped around this wee piece.

We begin with the back view or the tail end as Joey Meyer created Suga's tail in her words.....

I think this was destined for me because amoung my numerous piles of collected "stuff'," I have the tippy-tip of a squirral tailtha I had hope to incorparate into one of the stools. Fortunately, when I found this portion of the tail in the street, I never saw the rest of the squirrel.
It makes me think that the poor guy had a close call with a car tire, but hopefully survived with a slightly shorter tail........

Postscript... A little time after finishing with Suga's tail, Joey met a squirrel on her street with the tip of it's tail missing. They both stopped and looked at each other! Do you think he knew?

Control was a word banned about the room at our first meeting and the very important reminder that their would be no controlling the path your stool took after leaving your hands at our first exchange. I thought my stool would worry me and nag at me what was happening to it and where it was going next. But that did not every occur. My thoughts so released my stool that I completely forgot about it and it never crossed my mind again until the reveal. I was surprised at how each stool became a puzzle piece and clicked into place when my part was complete.

Many times a new stool would begin it's turn at my house and I would spend days gazing at the gorgeous work the last artist had completed. It was like being at an bead show but being able to touch the art,caress the supple bead work marvel at the ideas that burst forth for each person.

Inside I feel so lucky to spend time with each artist to wonder at the craftsmanship executed, the attention to detail, the subtle wash of color or the brilliant splash of color brought forth in such exquisite detail.

Many a time I wept at the beauty sitting in my little corner of the world. I felt so lucky to be included in this astounding group of women. My hat is off to each and everyone of them and the friendship they each offered. I was looking forward to getting to know each of them better and here was a fabulous way through the path of their creative ideas.

Close up Tracy Stanley's Stool

2007-02-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

The snail proved true to it's nature as a pest by tangling my thread in it's antennae to many times to count So that the snail won't munch on those lovely flowers and fruits, it is nestled in a bed of leaves. No fair putting out snail/slug bait... Sandra Jaech

So how does your garden grow? with wisteria, grape vines and

strawberries.....Kathy Dannerbeck

Garden sign by Tracy

Grow with spirit became my mantra. Spirit of joy, spirit of beauty spirit of friendship. My garden addition is of the small almost missed spirits... those small quick glances we encounter which are magical. My Nature Spirit guards this peaceful place and adds a bit of magic for all who visit .....Peg Gyldenege

These are some excerpts and close ups of several artists work in Tracy's journal.

After I add a new stool I will then add details at the next posting.

I feel like I have fallen back into the time warp of working on this projects. I can still feel the anticipation and dread of what am I going to do for this stool to the bang of the idea exploding into the grey matter between my ears and pushing me to begin to create. I can not imagine my life if I was unable to make things from the time I could hold a pencil in my hand I have been fascinated in the act of creation. I began to embroider simple cross stitch tablecloths at the age of 5. My mother believed busy hands are happy hands especially if I was making something for her. I always looked at the world with a different viewpoint than anyone in my family,church or neighborhood.

I was called weird, goofy and strange so often that I began to embrace it. My mind is always at work seeing color and design where my family only saw weeds or the pleasing combination of salad greens and fresh tomatoes with that wee bit of carrot to make the red color pop off your plate. Mixing colors in paint and seeing what mixed together to create new exciting colors.

At my house pink was the color that ruled the universe. My mother wore only 3 colors red, pink and more pink. The entire house was decorated in on shade of pink or another. Except my room and my brothers rooms. They received the traditional blue and I chose Lavender I wanted deep dark purple the Royal deep dark blue purple of twilight. My favorite at the time. But alas I had to settle for lavender. I thought I would choke on pink and I hated the color with a passion and still refuse to wear it. Perhaps it is that which placed me firmly on the path of color exploration In my work I always push my self to explore different colors many of which I am uncomfortable working until I become entranced with the possibilities of combinations and the way color seems to lead me down a wonderful path of seeing the world in a new way.

Enjoy your color experiences peek out at the world through the new brilliant green which is slowly merging forth at the beginning of our spring season and the enchanting blooms of our snowdrops,daffodils & tulips.

Forces of Natures

2007-02-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

"So, How does your garden grow?" Tracy Stanley

Here in not particular order I will begin to show you our work of 2 years from Jan 03 to Dec 04. This was our collaborative Beaded art project. It began with a dream from Cindy Bowers. and off we flew into the great unknown. The Following Artists beaded,painted,sewed,wired, cut glass,fired in kilns,and created their fannies off for this delightful, insane, joyful, sorrowful, exciting project.

Roll Call please Sandy Avenell, Cindy Bowers, Janice Berebile, Kathy Dannerbeck,

Peg Gyldenege, Sandra Jaech, Joey Meyer Tracy Stanley Nancy Strahle

Each artist was asked to bring a stool to the next gathering and begin a theme of sorts to launch our project. It became know as the stool project and a plethora of jokes and smirks and giggles soon followed by the rest of the world. Husbands especially found the title fodder for many ongoing puns and grade school humor.

As the pictures go up I will add the artists titles and show several photos more as time permits.

Our rules were few and as Sandra often remarked getting us to some kind of order was like herding cats.

Stools were to remain secret you did not see your stool till the end of the project, all arrived at each meeting covered up in a box or garbage bags turned upside down or in a box.

You could use any art technique we chose. We all had a journal which traveled with the stool and each artist wrote a bit about their experience and creative ideas as well as photos. We kept each stool for 2 months to live with it and get a sense of where it was going. For my experience I found that in preplanned idea, it never worked out.

I found by living with the stool putting in place where I could observe it daily it always told me what it wanted and where to place it. Although I must admit sometimes it do not speak until down to the wire for time. I burned the midnight hour to get some projects finished on time.

Another rule was no talking about the project except with an artist who had already worked on the stool. For me that was agony but I found it built up an greater creative force for the project.

More later

Journey

2007-02-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

I love color. I have tried for many years to curb this often overwhelming part of my personality. I have tried to be neutral and live with gray and beige but even on the grayest of days Some where a bit of color will catch my eye and send me off on a journey thru color. ai happen to live in a special place when often in the deepest part of winter we have a sweet but brief time of false spring. the buds of the snow drops burst open winter pansy wink at me in splendid vibrant color while green takes on so many varieties as to stagger the mind.

Just for the moment the air feels like velvet and deep breaths almost make me dizzy being filled with so many soothing promises of spring on the way. But do nit be fooled Winter is far from over and we will feel the lash of winter again.

this picture is a beaded evening I created called Journey. It represents a journey I encountered with my collection of vintage beads and a 1920's purse frame.

Rose queen & Bead Brain masks by Peg

2007-02-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Masks

2007-02-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

Creating masks are one of my favorite ways to try out new ideas I have always loved Halloween because of the ability to transform oneself into some thing else. Over the years I have collected masked and in the last 10 years began to create my own. The picture is of my Rose Queen mask. I will be adding more pictures as time permits.
Masks let us tell the world to see us in a new light and wonder at the workings of our minds and how thoughts are translated into art.

This is also to introduce The Stool Project or as we came to call it FORCES OF NATURE a collective group of North West Artists began a shared art experience and created delightful pieces with 2 years of time and many different materials. It all began when we met on cold cloudy winter day and began the challenge.

Snow day

2007-01-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

What a surprise to wake up at the wee hours of the morning and see a winter wonderland. The night takes on a pearly glow and a special quiet descends. The trees are full and lush with their sparkling coat of crystal snow. All of the ugly parts of winter are smoothed out and replaced with the secret joys of childhood. Snow day ...a bit of a sigh in a high speed world. A moment to reflect and simply enjoy the moment. It also seems to add a bit of magic to a dreary grey week of wind rain and cold.
Yes yes I know there are a million things to do extra work in removing the snow from my car and the sidewalks taking extra time to drive and watching out for all of those other drivers. But just for now I will take this precious time to breath deep and dream.

2007-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

New Year New Ideas

2007 started out in a flurry of slanting rain and grey morning turning into a grey afternoon. A day to make you glad in be inside and warm curled up with the aftermath of Christmas clutter.

Everyone had returned home after a busy Holiday and a renewing of family relationships glad to be back in their own beds and not having to share a bathroom.
Cats were happy to have undisturbed naps again and the hum of everyday life return,
this year begins a new program of self care and returning to better health. Sleep has become a requirement of a happy me. The pain of RA has taken a big toll on my general life and experiencing several months of meltdown is an experience I do not care to repeat. I have been tracking the progress of meds, food and sleep and can see a pattern emerge I am writing these down so when in the mist of a melt down begining I can get a handle on it and get back to taking better care of my health. For Many years I have placed all others wants needs and desires before my own and have taken the road to make do with what was left over for my self. It have circled down to less and less time for me until I could no longer carry the load.

The body has very definate ways to stop you in your tracks and cause a detour. When one is younger the thoughts of you not being strong enough to handle things is a joke. But as you gain experience and travel thru the years many things become glaringly apparent that were hidden to younger eyes. And it turns out sometimes the joke is on you. Though not nearly as funny from the other side.

So this year is a year of caring for me and recreating my studio and losing myself in time to create and discover what ideas are ready to emerge and wild hairs.

Already wool pods are forming around vinatge crystals baling wires are wrapped in flowing colors of muted jewel tones. The box project is winding down only three more exchanges until the final gathering at the beach in July. Can't wait to see them all gleaming and glowing emerging from the secret travels of the past 2 years

Feb Organizing

2006-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

At last the clutter is beginning to be a thing of the past. For the last few weeks this queen has been pulling apart the rat's nest of glitch ,boxes,journals, bags from various shopping trips, special mementoes pretty bits of glass, paper to nice to throw away ( perhaps I will find a use for it!) Bills, receipts bobbie pins, beads,silver,beads,pearls, art supplies.......................... Anyway you get the idea. It has been such a freeing experience.
Being raised by depression era parents with phobias of never enough I am being hit with the cold slap of reality of a different nature. It is possible to have too many choices and materials causing the inability to make any decisions about using things. The clutter causes a sort of brain freeze. Had a great idea going in the studio to pull need supplies, instead seeing the mountain of clutter and turning around and leaving.
Finally I snapped and have been rearranging,giving way,throwing away,putting away and generally cleansing my studio of things that no longer reflect who I am now.
It has been a long and sometime scary project but I do see light at the end of the tunnel
Hurrah.... It has also been wonderful seeing my supplies in a new way.
I was lucky enough to find an old metal map cabinet painted it black lined the drawers in that new mesh rubber drawer liner so everything stays in place. I discovered those lovely tins with glass tops to put all of the wee bits and pieces in and I can view all of the goodies in each drawer. Still have a ways to go to finish but things are progressing. Any one else have ideas for organizing supplies?
Of course it would be much easier if I only had one or two interests. HA

I work in warm glass, mettlesome, metalclay artist & teacher, seed bead weaver, enamel artist.
whew also love knitting, sewing and fabric painter. The world is full of so many interesting things how can I choose just one.

tata more to come later

Welcome to wild hair studio

2006-02-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hello this is my first blog. What you may ask is Wild Hair Studio? It is a creative space one I feel free to design and create my art. It 's name comes from a stream of ideas which flow thru my brain. In dreams and in often the worst times when a pencil and paper are no where to be found some of my best ideas occur. But they are like Wild Hair tickling and poking my spirit until I surrender and write them down or draw the dream. Often they niggle and remind me time is short and time to create is now. Dinner will wait just a few moments more. I happen to be blessed with a wonderful family and sisters by choice. One of whom is my business partner. We have a small company of delightful goodies for the creative beaders,doll makers and quilters as well as metalsmiths.
She and I have traveled around collecting vintage beads,sequins,buttons,rosemontee`s and my favorite mmmmmmm vintage swarovski crystals. Our newest collection are the rhinestones that actually need to be set. The colors are so vibrant you could almost fall into them and spend the afternoon's I have seen them beaded and was delighted with the wonderful effect. My friends and fellow artists have created some beautiful pieces. When I get this blog figured out I will post photos of them .
So the point of Wild Hair Studio is not about having wild hair but from getting some.
Then taking your dreams to creation Some times the wildest ideas have turned into my favorite things.
Let's save How I became the Queen of Possibilities for another post
Keep dreaming
Peg