Laura Ludwig Hamor

Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators Part 2 (finally)

2011-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

So as I mentioned in Part 1, the first scbwi conference I did not meet any new friends.

Now, if I attend a conference I am blessed with being greeted by my wonderful and growing tribe! How did that happen?

PART 2 / FINDING A FRIEND / MAKING CONNECTIONS

It was not something that I forced. I didn't walk up to a group of people and push myself into the center. I didn't stand on the sidelines and melt into the wallpaper either. So how?

It happened naturally.

I met some local authors and illustrators, I went to another conference, I sat with one person I recognized from a local group and who I really got along well with. That person knew a few others. We kept in touch.

We went to a conference together.

We met more people we liked, and so on and so on.

Why am I bringing this up?

Because you go to a conference with hopes of publication, hopes of discovery, signing up for critiques, hopes of meeting editors, hopes of finding new friends, and I can tell you all those things can happen, but not at one conference.

Not at the first conference.

YOU invest in a meaningful friendship.

YOU focus on what you have to GIVE, not get.

YOU treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

YOU share your story. No, not that story. The story of YOU. (not in a creepy- "let me tell you all about myself" way) but in a genuinely interest of sharing way.

Then maybe you will find a friend.

This is how you find a friend.

This is how you find a spouse, wait, we aren't talking about that. But lets. This IS how you find a spouse, isn't it?

YOu be you. YOu be open. YOu share your interests, and your time. YOu don't look at people as though they have something for you.

Let me repeat... DO NOT LOOK AT PEOPLE AS THOUGH THEY HAVE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO TAKE FROM THEM.

You are not a creepy predator.

If you want a relationship, personal or professional, you have to be genuine.

Be patient.

Meeting one friend. One good friend can mean the world.

So now you went to one conference and soaked up the advice, and you went to another and met one friend.

Now you may also want to submit a story for a manuscript critique, or a portfolio for review.

That is going to be Part 3 ! : )

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators / part 1

2011-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Do you want to write or illustrate a children's book? Then you may want to belong to
the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, scbwi.org.

I can't say enough for this organization. I was so glad I had the opportunity to thank one of the founders, Lin Oliver, this weekend at the New England conference. Her encouraging energy has a wonderful trickle down affect!

This group is based on mentorship. The current members openly share their experiences with newbies. The website is packed with information including a blog page that keeps you up to date with the latest information. Oh, and the conferences I must tell you about the conferences!

Years and years and years ago, I signed up for my first regional conference. If you are a newbie, I think the regional conferences are definitely the way to go. Obviously they are smaller than the national conferences (which are awesome) but I think a huge benefit to that small size makes connections with other writers and authors easier.

There are agents, editors and art directors at all of these events. Many a writer or illustrator goes with first pages or portfolio in hand hoping to be discovered. Which is fine and quite normal. But more often than not, something more magical happens, or can happen if you pay attention. You might find your tribe. Which for an artist or writer is no small thing. It is HUGE. Finding your tribe, can change your life in the best possible ways.

Now, I did not find anyone at that first conference. I was alone.
Being alone is not the worse thing to happen to you.
I left inspired by all the wonderful work, but I didn't make any new friends. Not one. Which was fine. I wasn't really looking for them either. I was in awe of the process.
That first conference, was the first time I went away alone, without my husband or kids. It was new, it was liberating and I needed that time to think about the work and what I wanted to do.
I think if you go into a new situation without an agenda you will find magic or morsels of inspiration.

~end of part 1, more to come..

ducks # 3

2011-05-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Working out my painting style for this illustration.

Retreats so Sweet!

2011-05-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Last fall I was invited to my friend's house for our annual writing retreat. But I couldn't go. So, we planned to get together in the spring and this weekend was finally our chance to re-connect!
She lives almost 6 hours away in the country, on the water, outside a beautiful little New England village. The setting is perfect for connecting with nature, and really regrouping after a long snow-filled winter. The only thing she didn't tell me, is that the foot bridge is out.

Normally, it looks like this..........

But, instead we had to cross like this........(and we had to carry luggage and food across too!)

That is our cabin the back ground, I was crossing to get back to the car. The logs would shake up and down as I stepped. I said I would wade through the water, rather than fall in the muddy water.. But, my John (my husband) and Robin (writer friend) said I could do it.

I am not an adrenaline junky by any stretch. I am not a fan of heights or falling into rivers!

but, they kept me going, and

I looked up, and step by step I made it across!

I think I crossed over these tree logs 6 times during the weekend.

Each time a tiny bit braver.

I was a little less terrified.

I stopped thinking about falling in the muddy river.

I stopped thinking about what I didn't want to do.

I stopped doubting.

I just kept moving.

and

finally, on the last rip across, I looked up!

Nothing about the logs changed from the first walk to the last.

Nothing about the logs changed.

I wanted them to change.

I wanted the logs to be a bridge.

But they stayed logs.

I changed.

I looked up

and

I thought about where I was going.

I thought about the other side,

the destination.

I can't say I was ever thrilled to face those logs.

But in the end, I have to admit, it felt good to do something I didn't think I could.

NIghtstand re-do......

2011-04-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

This is the nightstand BEFORE. It belonged to my grandmother. See those tacky silk flowers? Those were a gift from my 4 boys with this sweet sentiment,"These flowers won't die, so we never have to buy you flowers again." they are so practical! : )

The nightstand got primed, painted, and polyurethaned. I tried to replace the drawer handle but it is small, and I will have to order one. I can't part with my "forever flowers" so I cut them down and put them in a small lenox vase, much better.

It looks fresh, and now I am anxious to repaint those green walls. Why oh why did I paint the walls green?

It's spring and house projects are blooooming!!

2011-04-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

I would love to have two bathroom renovations.
But, for now we are working with facelifts! (not my face, the house's face!)

BEFORE old bathroom cupboards....

and the bathroom cupboards AFTER.

Giving old furniture a new lift!

2011-04-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to take a BEFORE picture, so I stopped priming and took a quick shot.

This trunk belonged to my grandmother, the veneer top is all chipped and dry.

So, I decided to paint it white (linen white) and see if I could freshen it up.

This is the scary middle. It is when the whole thing seems like a huge mistake. I use Zinsser primer, because you do not have to sand it first! Which is awesome!!! But doesn't it look horrible, all primed.

There is Gibbs, my furry assistant. He didn't lick the paint, which amazed me! He likes to taste just about everything!

I let the primer dry and set all day. Then, I painted thin coats of linen white, softer than a bright white.

I love it! Fresh-clean and less of a giant blob in the middle of the room.

Next is the night stand in the far corner!

new processes...

2011-04-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

My order of lusciously beautiful acrylics arrived!!

I am planning to add new painted art to my portfolio--at long last.

I am enjoying the process of sketching it all out between other projects!

Enough with the rain already

2011-04-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

My studio ceiling is leaking! Last week, I moved all the paintings and watercolors off table 1 and put them on table 3. And the leak is over table 1!!! How lucky was that!

Moved everything out of the way. covered the tables with plastic to catch any more water so I can dry the carpet, and called the landlord. Hopefully roofer comes tomorrow!
So we are not having a repeat of the roof leaking-flood of 2008--where so much was lost......

flood of 2008 picture.

We interrupt this artist blog to announce our little winner..........

2011-04-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

We cannot say enough about our molly mutt doggie beds.
They are durable, washable and beautiful!
They are lovely duvets that contain our old clean pillows, t-shirts, and sleep bags! Go Recycling!

here is the blog, and you should click around and check out the patterns and sizes!

http://mollymutterings.blogspot.com/2011/04/foto-friday-winner.html

GIBBS LOVES HIS MOLLY MUTT BEDS!

Acrylic ink vs. clay illo

2011-04-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am playing around with acrylic inks for my new portfolio pieces. Below is a lion I doodled in ink and below that is the lion illustration from my portfolio -- what do you think?

a. stick with clay

b. keep doodling, and work in acrylics

Much thanks for your input!

Congratulations ......

2011-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

............... to the Cincinnati Zoo and the new baby Giraffe!

YIPEEEEEE

2011-04-03T14:35:00.001-07:00

It is with great relief that I hit SEND and emailed my revised story to my mentor.
Now, I wait for her to read it , make lots and lots of notes and send it back!
Whewwww
if feels good to get passed this step. Even though I think it will take at least 3 more rewrites to get it to a place where I can call it .... a novel.

My studio story is featured in SUNDAY SPACES

2011-03-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you Sonya! Check out Sunday Spaces:

http://sonyamacdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/03/sunday-spaces-artist-laura-ludwig-hamor.html

THE RED WALL is now...........

2011-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

THE BLUE WALL!!

you can see the studio RED wall in the previous posts.

I also painted the table legs aqua.

How my studio found me! part 2

2011-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

................ So, we left off from yesterday with an appointment to go see a warehouse space.
Now since I was sick for almost a year! I did not have a healthy art bank account, and my idea was to just rent something for 2 months in the summer.

I was surprised when the nice preschool teacher called back to say that her husband owned a row of warehouse buildings and that they wanted to show me a space.
What could I say? I had to check it out and I figured I would just say it wouldn't work out, since I really had no money.

The next day I met Mark the building manager who was a really nice guy.
He opened the door to this long narrow room with only a small path to walk through it. It was filled with old, crumbly, smelled like mildew boxes from floor to ceiling.
The space was being rented by the local movie theatre and they were using it for storage. It looked like long abandoned storage. Boxes were old and falling all over each other.
I couldn't even tell if the space had windows, it was like walking through box-hoarders!

We walked through the first long room, down the hall into a small second room, still filled with boxes. Mark turned to me and said, "Which room would you want?"
I said, "Um. Well, I guess the first room so I wouldn't have to walk through that mess to get to the second room," knowing I was probably not taking it anyway.
"Um, so how much is it?"
This is the question that was going to lead me to say I couldn't take it, or so I thought. Mark turned around and made a phone call.
"My Uncle must like you, he said I should empty the whole space, and give it to you."
I didn't know what to say.
"Um, well, how much is the rent?"
"Well since the space needs cleaning and painting, nothing for the first months, then 100 a month after that."
WHAT? 100 a month? I could do that. I could figure out 25. per week!
It was too good not to do it.

I sent the landlord/preschool teacher's husband a heartfelt thank you letter. I went from recovering on the couch to scrubbing that space. My whole focus changed. I was looking to my future.

Turns out my landlord wanted to help someone else who was starting a new business!
He is one of my angels.

For the next months, after the boxes were removed, we cleaned and scrubbed and primed the walls. We pulled the smelly carpet off the floors and scrubbed them over and over.
When they were finally clean, I primed them and painted them with floor paint in a soft grey.
And then I painted that block wall red. Million Dollar Red was the paint name.
(that's the wall that is getting painted today!)
This is the studio after a good long scrubbing............

This is the first picture I took after I finished cleaning and moving into my studio.

LOVE!

That is how my studio found me.

I still cannot believe that I made ONE phone call and ended up in this wonderful space.

I feel very very blessed.

Doesn't that make you wonder what you should ask for?

How did my studio find me? (sorry this is long) let's call it part 1

2011-03-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

My studio is tied in to my cancer. Good things and not so good things seem to go together.

In 2003 I was finally diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I say finally because I was sick for 10 months, constant choking and coughing all night long before I found my cancer.
~ okay, side-bar for a quick cancer story.... I was sick, and first we thought it was a virus, then maybe bronchitis, then maybe an allergy, I coughed and coughed, I couldn't sleep, I was exhausted.
I had just starting seeing a therapist, my mother had died and I was struggling with my grief and my family's grief. It was Dr. M. who first noticed how long I had been coughing. "You have had a cough since you first started coming here." oh, I thought, true it has been long.
"I have been feeling exhausted like I am trying to run through water, so tired."
"Have you thought of listening to your body?"
No. I had not. I had not thought of listening to my body, I was too busy pushing myself.
Two days later, I woke up and felt a tiny pressure in my neck. I was listening.
I opened my medical book (that I first had for taking care of the kids) and found an article about thyroids.
Take a drink of water.
lean your head back and swallow it while looking in the mirror. Is your neck symmetrical?
No, it was not. I had nodules on my thyroid.
Most nodules are NOT cancer.
But, I was sick. I fractured 2 ribs coughing! I was sick. I knew.

Okay, that is it. I found the nodules, called my doctor, had an ultrasound, had a biopsy, had surgery.

Now, back to the studio.

I was recovering from surgery. I was tired and they had to find my balance of synthroid (thyroid hormone replacement) and that took some time to get right (actually I am still tired!).
So I had a lot of time to think.
What do I want to do? Really do with this life, with this one life that I have been given?
Of course my first priority was my family and our sons. I hoped to be able to raise them.
But what about me? What do I want?

My studio was in our spare bedroom. It had actually moved around the house. First in a larger room off the playroom, then we moved the older boys into that room, so I moved into the kitchen, then the smaller bedroom.
So what do I want? Asking myself this over and over.

I had an idea.
What if I called my son's preschool teacher and asked if I could rent the preschool space for the summer when they are closed. Then I could work more in the summer--away from the boys and their friends and I could leave projects set up instead of cleaning it up every day.

I called her and asked if I could rent her space. She owned the little building and said she would talk to her husband and call me back. When she did, "Here is an address, you can meet our property manager and he will show you a space."
I did not know this, but they owned a series of buildings on a warehouse street.
I did not have a lot of money, since I had barely worked in months. But I asked, so I decided to meet him and just turn down the space.

maybe this is too long.... I will post the rest tomorrow!

The Studio Tour!

2011-03-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, my studio is on a warehouse road about 10 minutes from our house.

My studio is the door on the far left by the white car.

You can see my studio is long and narrow-ish. There are my windows up the side of the building.

When you open the door... you are can see my first room, ending with my red glass block wall.

(That wall is getting painted on thursday! YAY)

When I first moved in the place was a gross wreck. I cleaned and painted everything including the floor.

My landlord- angel, gave me the first months free because it needed so much work! Totally awesome!

Below is the shelves that are on the left when I open the door.
I painted the whole thing white and added the shelves. The glass doors were found in the back of the warehouse, so we guess they were from that space, but not sure why it was never painted or shelved and why the doors were in the warehouse--and so glad to find them!

At one time there was a doorway between my space and the office warehouse space, they closed in the door, but left the door there with a 5 inch space.

Just last year, I painted the interior space black and shelved it, so now it is a paint cupboard..and I love it!

Two years ago the studio ceiling leaked over my drawing table and desk, it flooded while I was away and I came back to a lot of ruin. I am a little afraid to put my desk back int he same spot, so I left it blank and brought in this chair and coffee table. This is where I sit and write with my feet up and my laptop on my lap. I love this cozy corner.

There is a second room that I use for storage and I have a table with a small frig and my keurig coffee maker, behind the glass block wall. I have a lot of supplies for arts in education school visits there and storage of completed artwork.

I used this long hall as an experiment with blackboard-magnetic paint. It is great as a blackboard, but needs another coat to be more magnetic. I want to use this wall to hang picture book sketches.

This is the small bathroom. I was experimenting with a band of design in the center of the wall. I like it, except I think I would like it more with a white glaze over the whole thing...

Thank you for touring my studio! I will post the re-painted red wall on Thursday!

What I've been doing........

2011-03-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Bogged down by art that I need to get finished, with a book that needs revising, with licensing artwork that needs creating... and school visits that need organizing.

Sometimes I wonder what have I been doing? Where have the years gone?

First we have a busy family life with four sons.....

...things changed when I moved my studio out of our house and into a warehouse space, that needed work......................

this was a huge transition. I was so used to working in the middle of the night, that working during the day seemed.. odd.

It is great beyond words to be able to leave work in progress out all over to come back to later! I love that.

... and I have used my school and teacher development programs to support the studio, which has been an amazing blessing. I work with 500 students-whole school programs, huge projects that I love!

... and I have been neglecting my wonderful jewelry kiln--Lola! Isn't she lovely?

As soon as this revision is finished, and my art deadline is met, I am going to make some pieces, I have some exciting sketches that need to become lovely silver pendants!

and plans, I have been making plans... for opening the studio, for licensing artwork, for my book projects! Thanks for all your support and encouragement as I work toward my goals!

Goodbye RED WALL!!

2011-03-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Five years ago when I moved into my studio I had to do a huge--HUGE renovation of it. Mostly cleaning, ripping out carpet and painting.. but it was a HUGE GROSS mess!

I have a glass block wall that separates the art area and a storage room. I painted it red (see below)

I used to love opening the door to all my white walls and my bug shiny red wall. But now I don't really see it anymore. It has become part of the landscape I guess. So I think the solution to breathing new life into this space is to paint that wall!!

This is the palette I am choosing from. It is the old Ralph Lauren Sport collection.

I saved this old one because I knew I love these bright hues and find them so inspiring......

So the question I have thrown out into the world is....

what color would YOU choose to paint the red wall?????????????????

The 100 days program!

2011-02-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I started the 100 days program. I invented this program for myself and for you, if you need it.
I read blogs of many artists who are just having their first babies. Just starting their families. They feel stretched and vulnerable.
I can say it is that way at both ends. I have been an artist while raising our four sons and now that they are older, we have bigger issues than dirty diapers and teething. Real, big life with real big problems. Problems with employment, car troubles, relationship challenges, college loans, master's programs, friends in trouble..... these years have stretched us out and there is no more vulnerable feeling then having your child, drive away in your car. Or get on a plane for a semester abroad.

As some artists are trying to learn how to work around, revolve around a baby or small children.
I am spinning the other way! It is challenging to put me first. I am so used to revolving my schedule around everyone else.
Believe me, I don't regret that one bit. But that is over....
And so,
the 100 day program.
I need to get into the pace of putting me first.
This is about getting happy, healthy habits!

100 days of working out
100 days of revising my novel
100 days of artwork

Creative happy healthy habits for the new year!

we added a bouquet of flowers to the table to combat the dreary winter!

This one is for you!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2011-02-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

Studio interns.... what do you think?

2011-02-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am thinking of bringing an intern into my studio. I might even know who she may be.

Have you ever interned?

Does anyone have an intern?

Advice?

I would love advice.

What tasks does your intern do for you? I am not exactly sure how/if I can delegate!

So, what do you think?

Paintings are getting posted at SilverFreckles.com

2011-02-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

Isn't this is cutest widget ever? !!!!

www.SilverFreckles.com !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

4 paintings up on my etsy page so far!

I am posting a few each day this week.

Thank you everyone for your support that has made this possible.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFreckles

on the easel...........

2011-01-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is another painting heading to etsy next week!

Twenty two paintings!

2011-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

I write a lot.

I do not submit much. I have to be very sure that I think what I have is ready to go.

I paint a lot.

I do not sell my work much. I don't spend a lot of time marketing them. (actually zero!)

There is a confidence that it takes to say something is ready. That work is what it is and that it needs to move on.

I sold some paintings to people who were at my art show a while ago. Mostly, the paintings were put in black frames and hung in my studio.

They represent a time, a mood, a place in my life. They are like photographs of me on the inside. It was hard to let them go.

At first I liked being surrounded by my artwork. But lately, I think I need to make space for new work.

I need the open space.

I hope they all find new homes soon. I don't like long goodbyes!

So today I took the first step. I unframed and photographed 22 paintings.

It is time to let them go.

I hope you will help me spread the word, when I post them on etsy next week!

The lesson on Sylvester

2011-01-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

See this shirt? This is an old pink shirt I had in 7th grade. I drew that picture of Sylvester the cat on the shirt and then embroidered it. Cool, right? Wrong.

This shirt didn't really fit me well when I drew on it. I wouldn't have tried this on a 'good' shirt.

I wouldn't want to ruin it. But this was a safe shirt. I could throw it away if I messed up.

What I didn't think of was....

SUCCESS!

I was planning for failure.

When I finished it. I loved it. I did a great job on it. I have never worn it. It didn't fit well and is old and faded.

Isn't that a lesson we need to learn.

Don't be afraid of ruin.

Don't be afraid of a mistake.

Don't be afraid to try something you have never tried and risk it being imperfect.

What if you try and it is great!

What if you try and it is perfect!

Don't be afraid to try and fail.

But certainly don't plan to fail.

Don't be afraid to try and SUCCEED!

LK Madigan

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

photo by Lisa Madigan

One of my fabulous writer friends Lisa Madigan delivered some hard news last week that broke my heart.
http://lkmadigan.livejournal.com/185246.html
Lisa is the author of award winning FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR

I love Lisa. I love Lisa's books
You can show your support for Lisa and her family by buying her books.. buy them for you, buy them for your library, for your friends, for teens that you know and love.

And while you are buying Lisa's books, maybe you can send a prayer her way.

with love, Laura

I need your feedback.............

2011-01-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

I am gaging interest in a 4 MONTH mentorship program.
February-March-April-May

Weeks are fine for giving you a plethora of information, but
to make it a REAL MENTORSHIP I think if you are developing a program you would like a longer time to create it, to create a marketing plan and get your word out. And to build your program step by step.

I am thinking of including a phone chat for support too.
Do you want to visit schools?
Do you want to be hired for community events?
What do you think?
Would you be interested?
Do you want more information?

Comment below or........

Would you rather email me?

SILVERFRECKLES@GMAIL.COM

My 2010 discovery

2010-12-31T09:08:00.001-08:00

I am writing a middle grade novel that is hilariously funny.
Well, that is the idea.
Right now it is a draft of a middle grade novel that has a quirky, snarky main character and is funny.

I am blessed with a writing mentor who believes in me even when I don't quite believe in myself.

My mentor told me to keep a journal about writing this story, so I could discover my process for the next book.
Yes... you read that right. My brilliant mentor believes I can be a writer, and there will be more than one book.

I didn't see the real value to this journal since I didn't think I had a writing process.
I am not sure I have an art process either.
"Process" seems like my own personal system for getting from here to there. A system? Someone who has a process is more organized than I am. How could I have a process?

I wrote the journal anyway because I have a brilliant mentor and what she says, I do.
Last night, I was thinking about 2010, about my goals. About the goals I didn't quite achieve.
Then I thought about that journal.

I decided to read it.
I made a most important discovery.

EVERY time I make any progress or when I have a good idea, I follow it up with a beating.
Yes, you read that right. A BEATING. I beat myself up. I taser myself. I tell myself that my ideas are not good enough that I am not good enough, that I don't exercise enough (I always add a body-jab during the beating).
Reading this "process" was startling.
It felt like my eight year old self having an idea and every time I raised my hand.. slap!
and I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS TO MY SELF!

I end 2010 with a new awareness,
and great freedom!
Freedom to end that cycle, today. I am letting it go because that is not going to be my process.
MY PROCESS.

I am so glad I kept that journal. Seeing those words, the mean doubty words, made me own this unproductive behavior. It also made me realize I have actually gotten a lot done even as these demons
keep showing up to stop me.
BE GONE!

Now I have a new start,
a new year
and
a new process!!
This process is about acceptance. This new process is about trusting my ideas are leading me deeper into the story. This process is about being thankful for all these ideas. I am deeply thankful for the ideas and for the creativity and for the space and place to nurture them.
Happy Thankful 2011!!!

Happy 1st Dogiversary!

2010-12-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

We brought Gibbs home 1 year ago today!

I didn't sleep well last night, and this morning I was moving slower than my usual slow. Gibbs was up and ready to roll! He raced around the house, raced around the yard. Did his business, ate a little breakfast and ran around the house barking some more.

He ran barking at the college boys rooms and I heard mumbled, "Gibbsshutup."

He ran over to the tree that is tied to the wall and started pulling the branches with his teeth!!!

I said,"NO! Gibbs NO!!

He rang his bell to go out.

He scratched the door to come in. Out, in, out, in he kept this up over and over.

I finally decided to get showered and dressed and tried to find some energy.

By the time I came out of the room....

Gibbs was asleep in his bed!!!

Happy Dogiversary!!

I do not know what we would do without you!!!

Simple holiday pleasures!

2010-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am never shy about the terrible way I handle stress. It pushes down on my head and cuts off my oxygen supply and the only thing that saves me is something creative.

Getting the tree up and decorated was not just a creative project, but it tested our patience, my patience and since it fell down over and over and over, we had to recut the trunk, and in the end I tied it to the wall. It was a 3 hour project just to get it to stand up! In the end, I think I won, so far.

... and outside, we have just a bit of snow. I usually put wreaths in the windows, but the boys complain that they shake at night in the cold wind (and they are not willing to suffer sleep for decor-wierd).

anyway, this year I put greens, pinecones and ribbon together... I think it turned out okay and it doesn't rattle the windows! So we can all sleep.

Happy Holidays and Sweet Dreams to all!

Etsy!

2010-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

I still have some bracelets in my etsy shop!

Hello out there!!

2010-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

December already!
It has been a busy fall.
I finally was able to spend an entire day in my studio yesterday. On one hand my studio is a refuge. No phone, no internet, all my wonderful art treasures, but on the other hand I have been thinking of giving classes there. Or creating a gallery space.
I think making a community space could work also.

hmmmmm something to ponder. What do you think?

I hope you are feeling creative, because it is time to spread your wings!

Where is November rushing off to??

2010-11-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Where is the time going? Wasn't halloween just a minute ago?
I have been busy with the Artist E-pprenticeship. I had more information than I thought, so I have gone past the Nov. 15 end, and now I have to get the download ready.
http://artist-e-pprenticeship.blogspot.com/

I spent Thursday and Friday at my sister's house. I had the JOY JOY JOY of picking up a 6 month old puppy and delivering it to their house!
We surprised the three kids and it was just great!
He is a shetland sheepdog. Doesn't he look a lot like Lassie?
He has a wonderful sweet personality.

Now I am back home and seeing that a colony of dust bunnies have moved in. I think they want to play on the laundry mountain!
I have a nice quiet day today. Perfect for cleaning up... or writing!

LET'S CELEBRATE!!!!

2010-11-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

FINAL BLOOD RESULTS ARE IN.......... ZERO ZERO ZERO
The number is 0 tg and that means ZERO thyroid cancer!
YES!!!!!!!

After 6 months waiting for testing, and ultrasound, rai 131 testing and blood, blood, and more blood.... ZERO.

I cannot believe it.

Now I can finish this cry of relief.... and make plans to move on!!!

THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
FOR ALL YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!!!!!

(dear facebook friends, I am sorry for the cross posting! XOXO!!!_

Watercolor and pastel approx. 22 x 30

2010-09-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Working on Artist E-pprenticeship! My clay art illustrations have been published in Scholastic uk, but not here in the US. You do not need a published picture book to put together school visits.

What you do need to do is to take a step back and look at your artwork and how it translates to children's art. And you need some knowledge of school curriculum and how you can apply your art to that.

I am going to help you.

I am going to give you what I know, what I have done, and the steps you can take to build your own programs. It is all up to you!

It looks like the information, format, and instructions for sign up should be ready for Friday October 1!

Thank goodness for uber-smart web-people!

Until then, make some art!

http://artist-e-pprenticeship.blogspot.com/

You are so worth it!

2010-09-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on the ARTIST E-PPRENITICESHIP today.

Fees!

If you want to be a professional artist, you have to act professionally.

To me that means I show up early, I have prepared a thoughtful, fun, lesson plan that exceeds the expectations of the venue, my paperwork is in order and I get paid for my work.

Isn't it so difficult to feel comfortable about setting your fees, pricing your work, valuing yourself!

It is hard enough to declare yourself an artist! To see your art as REAL, to see yourself as REAL and then just when you get all those ducks in a row... you have to get the swans in a row too!

The swan is the fees, the value, the beauty of getting paid so you can continue on... getting paid makes art possible! More art! More programs!

After all, if we the artists do not value ourselves how will anyone else?

this bill is for illustration purposes only! do not attempt to print! ; )

TGIF write!

2010-09-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Busy writing weekend! Polishing up the Artist E-pprenticeship class info. and

working on my middle grade novel.

Because I write in the kitchen window seat, and my hub works from home, and one college son is in and out to work and classes, and another other college son is home recovering from wisdom teeth removal, they talk to me when they come and go from the kitchen so I started wearing ear buds. They think I can't hear them and it has cut down the interruptions!

One of my writer friends gave me this cute door knob sign. But without a door knob, or a door, I decided this morning to wear it! ; )

I hope you have a happy writing/creating weekend!

I almost forgot. My assistant sits in the window seat too!

professor gibbs dreaming of plot points and character development!

Home from the Writing retreat!

2010-09-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Home from the Writing Retreat weekend in beautiful Maine!

One of our fabulous children's book writers is also the owner of a lovely campground in Poland, Maine... yes, near Poland Spring!

Since Tam can't wander far during the camp season, which doesn't end until October, she invites a group of us to come twice a year and write, share and relax!

Doesn't this look relaxing?!!

I have no problem writing, and I am very good at relaxing, but then there is the SHARING. OY.

I wish I could say I just pick something and read it without any angst at all. And even though I am in this lovely setting with these smart, talented, thoughtful, writers, I still get nervous when it come time to share.

It actually starts the week before, when I start freaking out that I am not worthy. That my writing is not good enough, that nothing is new enough, that I need more time. Knowing of course that there is not enough time in the world. That I will always have this last minute feeling.

So, I ignore it. I hear it, I wallow in it, then I ignore it and I pack. I make copies, I pack the car and I start driving.

By the time I finish the 6 hour drive, I am tired and happy to see my friends. Then I really remember that I am safe with them. My words are safe here.

We meet Saturday, sit in a circle of chairs and each read. We spend 20 minutes on each person's work. It is a long day, and when it is finished, we walk to the lake, we have a big dinner and too much wine.

I am thankful for all of them. They heard my story (I read a picture book) and encouraged me to submit it.

Here are some of us, hanging out after a long day of reading... and successful sharing!

What do I do when I get home from a long, creative weekend? I sign up for Mondo Beyondo DreamLab!

Will you be there too?

I thought I could handle doing that, while I finish the E-pprenticeship plans!

Registration will open October 1!

Writing retreat weekend!

2010-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to go to make Maine for an annual writing retreat.

Friday, I leave for my long drive to Maine. A fun get together on Friday night, then Saturday we share some writing. Zoinks.

I have the next few days to figure out what I am reading.

A chapter from my middle grade? A new picture book?

I read a picture book last time and everyone's insight was so valuable I was able to polish it up! There is nothing like the kind eyes and ears of this group of talented writers to see where I want to go and how I can get there!

I hope you have a creative week to polish up some of your works in progress too!

Sunday night!

2010-09-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Poodle Parade, double page spread

Where did the weekend go? One more day would be nice. Very nice.

Tomorrow, full day at the studio! sweet!

Did you see the Artist E-pprenticeship page? I am so excited about doing this. I am working to get the right internet data base. Wondering if I should create a social networking page, or post on a blog site.

I have taken classes both ways and liked them both.

If you have a feeling either way, shoot me an email through my website

http://www.LauraLudwigHamor.com

a very important week

2010-09-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

It was a really wonderful week....

Total Baby Bliss!!

This weekend is full of studio time, working on paintings, and my Artist E-pprenticeship
which will be October 25 - November 15!

Translating your art into other mediums!

2010-09-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched Ace of Cakes? or Cake Boss?
I am not a great cook or a great baker. But I did have a friend who had a custom bakery.

She had an order for a large cake and asked if I could help her. The birthday lady had 24 dogs, mostly chihuahuas I think. Well V. called and wanted me to create dogs out of white chocolate.

Have you seen my portfolio... http://www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator-details/LauraHamor/id=477/
so you can see it could translate to cake!

I gave it a try:

I wasn't the one to airbrush the dogs, but I was happy with their gestures and poses.

The cake was a huge success (and sold for a HUGE price)

(ps. ears were attached after the white chocolate dried.)

The Artist E-pprenticeship is about this too.. about taking what you know here.. and applying it over here and over there.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!

And if the ACE OF CAKES gives me a call.... I will say YES and be there asap!!

Thanks for the questions!

2010-09-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the emailed questions. I will be answering them all in the E-pprenticeship.

My goal is that you all have enough info that you can begin scheduling visits for THIS school year!

ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP QUESTIONS???

2010-08-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

If you think you are interested in the ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP feel free to send me a question in the comments or a topic you want to be sure I cover. I think I have it together, but there is always a viewpoint that I could miss!
I am covering the original opportunity,
the types of situations presented in schools,
qualifications in some areas (ie, insurance, fingerprinting),
planning a creative experience that meets the learning standards,
marketing your program,
contracts, payment,
corporate sponsorship,
pacing your class,
organizing,
and pre and post lesson plans.

if you rather not leave a comment here you can also DM me on Twitter 'LauraHamor' or email me through my website LauraLudwigHamor.com or contact me through facebook (link on this sidebar).

HAPPY SUNNY SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

School is just around the corner.... and that means school visit opportunities are coming too!

ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP from Oct 25 to Nov 15

this is so you can create their own program and have it ready to roll for this school year!

Balancing projects!

2010-08-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Balancing writing my middle grade story,
my artwork and the E-PPRENTICESHIP!!

I was so excited today while working on the
ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP ~ from Studio to Students~
creating your arts-in-education programs.

There is so much information that I have saved....
contracts, lesson plans, ideas, projects, marketing
all in binders and folders that I am so anxious to share.

More details next week!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

Artist E-pprenticeship

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am so excited the more I work on the Artist E-pprenticeship!

It will be OCTOBER 25 to NOVEMBER 15

Which means by November 15 you will have enough info if you want to put a program together and have it ready for this 2010-2011 winter!

If you have always wanted to move your art in a teaching artist direction, this is going to be for you!

Welcome our new nephew ~~~ GAVIN!

2010-08-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute! 9 lbs and 3 oz of adorable!

Not much work done this week, too much time spent swooning over this little guy.

So hard to live 3 hours away, but I am so glad we were able to be there for his big debut!

Tomorrow: working on the Artist E-pprenticeship!

announcing ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP!!!

2010-08-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

My first arts in education school visits were as an apprentice.

I think being an apprentice is a great way to learn something new.

The first step was taking a business/ art/ curriculum look at creating a program, then I followed my mentor for his school visits. And finally, I wrote a program that he observed.

I love being an Artist in Residence, I create programs that address the learning standards and contain meaningful curriculum content while boosting the students creativity, build school community and

are so much FUN!!

I have always LOVED it.

I once stood in front of a cafeteria of 1st graders, to begin a program, and when I took my artwork out and showed it to them .......... they gave me a standing ovation!

A STANDING OVATION from 6 year olds!!!

It was so loving and sweet I could have fainted.

I soaked it up.

Pure love.

If you want to visit schools, libraries and museums as

an artist in residence, I have good news! I am offering an

apprenticeship... an E-pprenticeship!

ARTIST E-PPRENTICESHIP

October 25 - November 15!!!

details coming soon!!!!

THIS is how excited I am! Isn't she cute!

2010-08-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

This has been one hot summer in the Northeast!! See the heat coming through the shades...........

Yesterday, I went to the studio with the intention of getting some painting finished. But I just fixed my printer problems, so I decided to move the printer, then I cleaned off the cart the printer used to be on, and thought it would be perfect for my kiln... suddenly I was rearranging and clearing up studio stuff. Not really the plan, but it looks great and things are in better, more convenient locations.
But there is a table that is quite wobbly, I looked underneath and realized I need an allen wrench to fix it.

So this morning I went searching for allen wrenches in the garage. I think we have a key chain of them, and then.... ahha! An actual AHHA moment!! I had to run into the house, before it disappeared....
My next middle grade book idea was born! He is a fun character, quirky, smart and a great personality. AND I know his story. I know what he wants. I know how bumpy his road is going to be.....

we interrupt the painting list to insert.... a rough draft! Have a great day painting, creating and WRITING!

The business of art........

2010-08-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

The BUSINESS of ART has been weighing me down... but today I went to the studio and thought only about the creating of ART..
and
it
was
great!

I made a wonderful juicy mess ~~~~~~~~~~~

and even did a celebration dance!!!

I almost forgot your Saturday message ...........

2010-08-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is a message for YOU.... in case you forgot!

We interrupt the 95 degree Hottest summer ever temps......

2010-08-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hard to remember the snowy winter when we are drenched in this 95 degree summer heat.

Now doesn't that make you feel cooler??? : )

I love bright rich paint colors!

2010-08-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am starting on the prepped canvas' that are all lined up in my studio!
Can't wait to start some new flower art. Bright, sunny, and cheerful like this one:

this Bright pitcher of flowers is 20" x 20" acrylic on paper.

or maybe something more like this one:

This blue dianthus is saturated watercolor and pastel on paper, it measures approx. 24"x18"

Today's message, for you ~~~~~~~~

2010-07-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

DREAM BIG
and
COLOR
OuTSIDE ThE LiNeS!!!!!

The Studio!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

My studio is in a warehouse about 5 miles from my house.
Along the right wall are a few doorways that are boarded up. They used to lead to the rest of the warehouse, but now my space is separate. In the main room, there is a glass door, that leads to nowhere. The space is only 5 inches deep, and only as wide as the door. Perfect for art shelves.

So it used to be like this:

the door to nowhere........................

and now it looks like this.........

and like this...........

putting shelves in that space and my paints having a real home (instead of in a box next to the easel) makes me giddy with happiness! I am so weird!

In Illustrator News ~~~~~~

2010-07-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

I was chosen as ILLUSTRATOR OF THE WEEK on Childrensillustrators.com!

It was a great way to start the day ~~ a feel good Monday! With no humidity it is a beautiful summer day.

THANK YOU to ............. http://www.childrensillustrators.com/

Living room redo

2010-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is the living room BEFORE... we didn't hate it, but even with all the windows, it felt dark.

... and this is After! Funny that the furniture looks greener. I love the room lighter and brighter!

Is it weird for an artist to have a wall of blank frames??

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

2010-07-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

The house is quiet. Just Professor Gibbs and me... we are celebrating our independence by working on the middle grade story and playing fetch.
Hope you are celebrating your independence!

Time to CREATE!!

2010-06-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Creating isn't always writing. It isn't always paintings or illustrations or portfolio pieces either.
It is not even always about jewelry ~~~~

sometimes it is about helping friends, creating meaningful friendships.
sometimes it is about spending down time with our sons and family.
sometimes it is about painting the living room and creating a comfortable home.
lately, the creating has been of the house kind;

But we went over and got the air conditioner working in the studio, so I get back there.... I am excited to get back to painting!
I have 6 clean new 10 x 10 canvas's!

I am ready to CREATE!

JEWELRY WEEK!!!

2010-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with this revision of a picture book manuscript!! That means that I can FINALLY create some new jewelry pieces for my site!!

www.SilverFreckles.com

Focus

2010-06-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have had some very positive feedback, and great support for the story I am writing. It is going to be a funny middle grade novel, but for now I can only call it a story, because it doesn't feel like a "novel" to me.
For some reason when I get a lot of encouragement it can freeze me up. I am afraid of disappointing the people who believe in me. Failure. oyks!
But, then today a lightbulb goes on.... we have a puppy. I never thought I couldn't train him.
Isn't he cute?

He is 7 months old. He is house trained, and crate trained. He knows "sit", and "stay" and "treats" and "hurry up go potty" and he comes when I call him. I never thought of failure. I took it one day, one plan, one treat at a time. If he had a success I built on that. A mistake, a day that was a "failure" I just ignored it and went back to the beginning. We stayed on course. OH! HELLO!!! LIGHTBULB MOMENT...
I will get this story finished, because I will. That is it. No fear, no freezing, just writing...........

This is a picture of me at Robin's cabin, writing. Writing without fear. Just doing it. So, the same as puppy training... I am moving forward, building on success, one day at a time!! : )

2010-06-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy spring. We have been rethinking space in our house. We had a too big tv cabinet, and decided to change it to something more suited to the way we really live. So we spent a few days building the long shelf bench. We love it. It works with the space and gives us more places for books! We have book in every room, so I am trying to create different kinds of storage for all these very loved books!

In art-news I am taking an e-course by Kelly Rae Roberts, . It is always fun to start a new adventure!!!! As a matter of fact, I think you could probably still sign up if you are interested. I am pretty sure this is the only time Kelly will offer the class this year.

Today's favorite quote:

LIFE IS NOT ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF. IT IS ABOUT CREATING YOURSELF!

Old stuff from the attic!

2010-04-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

I finally got back to some sketching picture book stuff yesterday. I was away on Long Island, NY at the Nassau BOCES arts in education showcase! It was great to meet the representatives from so many school districts! I look forward to lots of fun trips next school year!!

That trip was followed by SPRING! The house needs a redo boost. I am starting it off with the living room. I pulled out a bunch of frames I had in the attic. They are from my grandmother and John's mom and grandmother.
Here is the before ~~~

AND now they look like this ~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think the white frames on a newly painted cream wall will be graphic and not too distracting!
Today-- off to paint frames and work on the middle grade novel!

FREE JOY PROJECT

2010-03-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

It's spring! It is wet and muddy outside. But our puppy, Mr. Gibbs knows how to jump in and make the most of it!

In the spirit of SPRINGTIME ~~ and Mr. Gibbs, I am jumping in too ~~~~~~~~~

I am in Rachel Maddox' FREE JOY PROJECT...
you can read about it here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://rachmadlove.blogspot.com/
scroll down and you can read the first posts all the way to the present ones.

and you can play too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SHOULD!!!
QUANTITY OVER QUALITY!!! Let's pump out some joyful art!!

JUMP IN!!! Meet me there!!

Spring is peeking through.. well at least there is melt!

2010-03-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

The sun made an appearance this week! It was a warm, sunny 52 degrees!
This winter has been a blur of puppy training and our son's fun basketball games. I have been writing a new picture book and also working on revisions of my middle grade story. And now I need to get back to ART!! I miss spending days and days in my studio.
I picked up three art magazines that look just delish!...
SOMERSET STUDIO The Art of Paper and Mixed-Media
and CLOTH-PAPER SCISSORS STUDIO inspiration & ideas for your art and craft space...
AND.... ARTIST'S CAFE Best of Somerset Studio Art & Design !!!!!!!!
What a treat! I am taking them with us this weekend.. while we watch some hoops!

I am here!!!

2010-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Hello Artists!
I disappeared for a while. Lost in holidays, family days, and my brother's wedding day! And most of all puppy days!
Yes, we have a puppy. His name is Mr. Gibbs. If he learns how to ring the bell to go out, he will be Professor Gibbs!
He is mad-cute! We are deep into housebreaking. I am not sure he is more trained, but I think we certainly are!

I am sketching some pendant designs for SilverFreckles.com and I hope to have them uploaded next week. Although I am having wicked computer problems... I need to sell 50 bracelets for a new laptop! Let's keep hopes high!
See you soon!
XO
Laura

ps... any mondo beyondo-ers still out there?? how is it going dudes?

Lola the kiln is hot, hot, hot!!

2009-12-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today is a jewelry morning!
The kiln is 1548 degrees. And when it cools down, I will brass brush those little silver pieces, and then sand them, and then patina them, and polish them... and link them up! I am so happy that Lola and I get to work together today! : )

www.SilverFreckles.com

Black Friday in the Studio!

2009-11-27T17:20:00.001-08:00

I can't imagine shopping today, but painting, YES!

SILVER!!

2009-11-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

My order of Silver Clay has arrived! Yahooo!!!

If you are interested in a bracelet for the holidays~~ check out www.SilverFreckles.com and let me know!

(I plan on having holiday orders completed by Dec 5.!)

2009

2009-11-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

It is hard not to focus on all the "goals of 2009" that are still not fulfilled.
But taking a little space, I think I can appreciate all that I have accomplished this year.
2009~~~
~~~ I got my etsy page up and linked it to www.silverfreckles.com
~~~ I have two picture book manuscripts that I think I can shop. (when I am ready to send to an agent).
~~~ I have made a huge amount of progress on my middle grade since June.
~~~ I have a wonderful mentor, who has kept me focused.
~~~ I met LJ friend, Kevin! and I was at the NEscbwi conference to enjoy Cindy's key note speech.
~~~ I stood up for myself, more than once when someone minimized my work. Thank you Natalie Goldberg for the quote over my studio desk, "Do Not be tossed away."
~~~ we celebrated our 29th anniversary. Which is so weird because I feel 29!
~~~ our youngest son went to college.
~~~ another son is moving out.
~~~ we traveled to North Carolina and visited family and spent 5 days reading on the beach. Ahhh
~~~ we spent time on Cape Cod, enjoying the beach.
~~~ I practiced Dreaming big! which is indeed a daily practice.

and I am going to celebrate all of that!

And of course, after a day off---- there is sooo much to do... back to work!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

and I shook it up~~~~~~~~~

and picked the winner~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One of my sons bought me art supplies for my birthday! I know! and so I put the names in the paper bag with the tubes of paint!

CONGRATULATIONS TRACYWORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My most sincere thanks to everyone who played the GIFTaway!!! I LOVED doing this and I am planning a FACEBOOK contest in December!! You can friend me there--Laura Ludwig Hamor or SilverFreckles! : )

Silver Freckles PROMO- and giftaway!

2009-11-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. I have heard that this link www.SilverFreckles.com is not redirecting you to my etsy page.. that is annoying.

If you haven't already, you still have time to enter my contest!! Drawing on Thursday night--- MY BIRTHDAY!

Scroll to the last post for details!

I am all day at my studio tomorrow, so I hope to have some new art to post!

Have a great day! --- and don't forget to enter!!

SILVER FRECKLES PROMO- and giftaway!

2009-11-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

I am in love with my silver kiln!

My new silver website is over at etsy. You can find it by going to www.SilverFreckles.com.

I love the process of creating silver pieces, and most of all I love the result. As a clay artist with a love of jewelry it is the best of both worlds.

For my birthday, November 12, I am going to pick a winner of the SILVER FRECKLES-NEW BLOG contest.

Between NOVEMBER 4, 2009 and THURSDAY November 12, 2009, write a wonderful blog post including a link to www.SilverFreckles.com. (feel free to pull a picture of a bracelet from the site).

Then come back here and put your blog address in these comments, so I know where it is mentioned, then on NOVEMBER 12--my birthday! we will draw a name and that person will win a bracelet from Silver Freckles! (winner's choice!)

****you do not need to have freckles to enter this contest! : )

*** BONUS!! If someone pulls the contest from your blog and gives YOUR BLOG credits I will enter your name a second time!

***DOUBLE BONUS if you have previously purchased a bracelet from ME! Your name is entered again and again for each purchase!

you can follow me on facebook at SILVERFRECKLES! : )

I will have a FACEBOOK contest in December!

Welcome to my studio!

2009-10-31T10:24:00.001-07:00

I love seeing art spaces. After working on a kitchen table in our second apartment, to a kitchen counter in our second house, I am now working in a studio about ten minutes from our house in a warehouse space. It is bright and quiet! Well, quiet unless I am playing music and having a dance break!

Today is this beginning.

2009-10-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

I have a blog page on my website that I started to post news about my teachers and a bit about my studio work. I have a journal that I share with my writing/illustration friends that is filled with struggles and encouragement. I have a facebook page, a Twitter page, and more little bits and pieces spread around the web. Even with all those spots, there is still a missing piece.

I realize that I would like a soul- art space, for my art, for my dream-work and to share all that with you. And that space is here.