Today I'm smiling..

Today I smile each time I notice the ring on my finger.

Yes, I know that it may not be the most practical ring; but I love it! This whimsical fish bead was made by my friend, and fellow artist, Debbie Keen. I've included him in my new line of copper rings. I know that I'm prejudiced; but they're absolutely fabulous, and some type of movement is incorporated into each one.

Kinetic wearable art and little purple fishies...of course I'm smiling!

Auction for Carol

Through the magic of the Internet, I've become involved with an auction to benefit an amazing woman named Carol. Carol's is a courageous woman with a story that will touch your heart. The flyer above will provide you a bit of her story. (Click on it for a super-sized view.)

Also be sure to visit the site for yourself...and bid too! You'll be helping someone who could use a hand-up, and you'll enjoy some amazing artwork as well. An image of my donation for the auction follows:

Meet "The Art"

Most days you'll find Art greeting you here at Artist Alley. And while we do have an amazing variety of Art that's been created by more than 50 North Carolina Artisans, today I'm referring to "Art" our official mascot and doorman.

Art followed me home this spring from a show in Asheboro, NC. He was created by Asheboro artist, Mike Durham. (Mr. Durham, if you're reading this, please contact me!!! Art is getting tons of attention, and we'd love to have more of your work here at Artist Alley. Art would enjoy the company too.)

My Studio Companions

When I create, I'm extremely grateful for the company of my studio companions. Coco, Gracie and Cody are regulars by my side. Coco, our Chocolate Lab, makes her presence known by occasionally nudging her head into my arm. (This photo of Coco is not the greatest; but then of course she prefers not to have her photo taken.)

Gracie is less subtle. She tends to use my lap as a springboard to make a grand entrance from the formica table in the center of the room into the middle of my work area. Then she settles in wherever she pleases...ON whatever she pleases. In most cases this puts her directly in the middle of the project at hand, and generally my view is one of her tail.

And finally, there's Cody. Cody can usually be found inside one of my vintage train cases or playing with whatever shiny parts, pieces and treasures catch his eye. Ahhh...a boy after my own heart!

My Favorite Things...My Special Place to Create

After only a day or two, this list is transforming from one of "My Favorite Things" ( I MUST get this song out of my head!!) to one of the things for which I'm grateful.

Today I'll share images of my organized studio space. My dear husband and son built my workbench and affixed all of my tools and toys as a Mothers Day gift this year, and I've been having a ball every since. Yes to the untrained eye it may still look like a lot of clutter; but trust me, this is nothing compared to what it looked like before I organized! lol

Here for the first time are a few photos of the place in which I create...

A Few of My Favorite Things

I caught a snippet of The Sound of Music this weekend...just a minute or two of Maria fondling her curtains and singing about her favorite things. This moment, combined with an abundance of photos and a lack of time, has inspired me to share a few of my own favorites with you.

Please let me know what you think, and feel free to share a few of your own too.

My first favorite thing is this table in Debbie Keen's mountain hideaway. No...no...not the table itself; but the manner in which four artistic women have managed to transform it from its previously pristine state to THIS in a mere matter of minutes. Ahhhh....such fun!! Wait until you see the results of all of this creativity!