Chel in the Land of ZNE

The last two days were spent creating this slide show promo for ZNE.

I had 50 frames to work with, and I still couldn't get it all in.  And to think, we have even more stuff happening in 2008.   Yikes.

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Have a great weekend everyone!

I Thank You All.

It should go without saying, that by far the best gift I receive, every minute of every day ~ is the love and inspiration of my family, my friends, and the extraordinary membership of ZNE/PCM.

This year, I was also spoiled in the material sense.  I am pinching myself with glee over the fabulous lot of lovelies that I received from family and friends during the past couple of months.  Check out how much richer my art, bling, and cherry collection has become - following this holiday season!  It would be impossible to put this stuff in any kind of "order" by favorites - everything is so special.  It is also impossible to list everything and everyone that has so richly blessed me this past year and this holiday in particular.  For the purposes of this post, here is just a random sampling.

The incredible Laurie Blau-Marshall made the fabulous pendent and chain shown here - just for me.  She incorporated just about every favorite I have in this wonderful piece.  Polka dots, red and black, a pin up girl, gingham, a cherry, and even glitter.  Lucky lucky me!

And here are some fun cherry jammies that my husband gave me.  I am wearing them right now.  Too cute, and perfectly comfy!  And speaking of cherries...

My wonderful friend and founding ZNE Member Tiffany Jane Marshall sent me the cutest cherry journal, a cherry keychain, and a rhinestone cherry patch.  Hard to see in the picture, but near and dear to my heart - a gorgeous pair of cherry earrings created by another ZNE Founding Member, and another wonderful friend - Kris Hubick.  (The earings are sitting in the round clear tray).   I also got some embossed cherry tags and tiny cherry buttons from PCMer Joanna Crawshaw.  And another favorite gift this season, the adorable Annie in her cherry dress.  She was a gift from my husband, and created by the talented Nicole Ellison of Raggedy Old Annies.  Cherrylicious, every single thing!

I have to say, I received so much fun jewelry this year, I was starting to think I really was royalty!

The lovely Kat Tarra sent me these fun fun fun earrings.  She created them on the backs of dominoes!  I am already coordinating outfits around them, just so that I can show them off!

And look at all this!  We have moon earrings, a moon necklace, and a star necklace - all created by PCMer Adrienne Lee of Frolick Jewelry Design.  At top is a gorgeous red glitter swallow necklace, by the wonderful ZNE Founding Member Barbe Saint John. There's another shot of those adorable cherry earrings created by Kris Hubick,  Also by ZNE Members, a gorgeous pair of glass bead earrings on the phonograph stamped card - created by Laurie Blau-Marshall. PCM Members Roni Seabury created the tiny red and black glass bead earrings, and Polly Conway made the kitsch-fun-derful fruit charm bracelet.  Also of note, a fun pair of whimsical purple and red earrings created by PCMer Jeannine Komush of Designs by a Hummingbird, purchased by my husband to benefit Hope Sees a Star.

But wait ~ can you believe, there's more!  I also got a fabulous pair of yellow cowboy boot earrings - also by Polly Conway.  The two kitschy hair bows, red gun earrings, black cowboy boot earrings, and the motorcycle charm bracelet were all created by PCM Member Sarah Lyons of Wicked Smileys, and Barbe Saint John sent me that adorable swallow pin in the corner.  It's on a poker chip!

My keychain is looking fantabulous, with the cherry keychain in the picture up near the top from Tiffany, and the fabulous microbeaded vintage image keychain made by ZNEer Michele Aiello-Zendejas.  The yellow bow barette and the mossy green flower hair band were created by PCM member Karla Allen of Lillliana's.

Those of you who might be worried that my beloved doll collection suffered this gift giving season (ha!) -fear not!  Not only did my DH give me that Annie in one of the pics above, but I received the most wonderful little cookie platter full of cookies for my Blythe Girls, from Debby of Spoiled Plastic.  I'll feature a picture of the girls enjoying their yummies, on my doll blog, sometime in the next few days.

And look at this fabulousness!  Carla Naron sent me one of these absolutely fabulous little art doll ornaments!  This one will definitely be kept out year round.  I just love it!

And, another gift from my  husband, benefitting Hope Sees a Star - the very talented Judy Keefe donated the lovely little ZNE artist doll on the right of the picture below to the HSAS auction in October.  When she found out my husband bought it for me, she made the little crown just for the doll.  Have I mentioned yet what a lucky lucky gal I am?

Finally, last, but not least - ensuring that all my art dolls are in good company, my Claudine Hellmuth original art collection got a little larger this holiday season.  I am now the proud owner of the wonderful shelf sitter on the left.   I adore her vintage face and polka dotted dress.  She just screams Claudine, and I love it.

Material things, of course - can only carry so much (and in truth, very little) real joy within them.  But these things are filled with the creative inspiration and good wishes of the senders and the givers.  The blessings I receive from that knowledge warms my heart in a way that words can not adequately relay.

Again, It isn't possible for me to recount every gift I received this past year, from members and loved ones near and far.  Some friends I have been lucky enough to spend time with in person, and others have shared their hearts, lives, and good wishes with me via email, through the mail, and on the phone.

No matter, all of you, even the ones who do not know me, but are peeking in and spending a moment visiting with me through my blog - warm my heart and soul.

And, for that ~  I thank you all. 

And the stockings were hung...

The night before Santa visited the kids - we realized that we couldn't find our usual stockings.  My husband and I didn't need them (we were just as happy to have our candy poured in a bowl, thank you very  much!) - but the kids wanted their stockings to be hung out for Santa to fill.

Out came my trusty blue sewing machine, and we drew patterns on wrapping paper.  RJ wasn't home yet, but Abbey was home, so - under the helpful eye of my husband (yes, he can sew even better than me.  Whodathunkit?) we spent our "Christmas Eve" pinning, cutting and sewing.  I had fun designing a decorative trim for the top of the stockings.  Abbey made her stocking nice and wide, and I gave RJ's stocking a pointy toe.

When RJ came home, he was quite pleased with his new stocking, and Abbey's turned out even better than the one I made!

(And here are the stockings, later that night, at the foot of the tree by the teddy bears.  After Santa had snuck in, and out!)

I hope you all have had a fabulous, fun, and creative holiday, as well!

xo - Chel

No rest for Santa!

Yesterday, Abigail and RJ celebrated Christmas with their mother, and father - respectively.  When the kids arrived at our house in the evening, they were tired, happy, and excited.

So, this morning, we extend the holiday, and they will wake up to a second visit from Santa.  I can honestly say that divorce is a miserable lot of aches and pains to lay on your children - no matter how proactive and supportive you try and be.  That being said - the holidays are the only time their friends envy their "divorced parents" status.  Every year, for the past six years - the children have celebrated a double visit from Santa. 

So, as we unwrap some silly gifts, and wrap our family in lots of love - I'll be off the computer.  In the meantime - I thought I'd share the fun kitschy project that I worked on while at the in-laws house this past weekend.  I had fun playing with all kinds of little bits of this and that, to create this series of 18 pairs of earrings.  I call them:

Nibble on My Earrings

If you want to see 'em up close, check out the slide show, below:

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Sweet and Silly!

Merry Christmas to everyone out there who celebrates this holiday! 

One thing that brings me great joy during the holidays, is the happiness expressed by the kids in the family.  They even wake up happy!

Here's RJ, full of early morning glee!

Abigail has a smile on her face even before she has finished breakfast!

And here are my neice and nephew, Isabelle and Adam, equally ready to see what the morning will bring them.

Here is to hoping that all your mornings begin with joy and smiles, as well!

A wish and a prayer.

I will be off visiting the in-laws today through Christmas eve, and then of course, busy with Santa duties through the day after the holiday.

I am feeling very blessed.  I will be surrounded by family and my loved ones, not the least of which are my amazing husband and two children whom I adore - this holiday.

And of course, my entire ZNE family of incredible artists and creative souls is with me always. 

Blessed indeed.

I wish the same for all of you.

I'll check in if I can, otherwise - after the holiday, but before the New Year.

xoxo - Chel

Ooh La La!

I made these altered pin up fairy bottles about a year ago, during an art play date over at Julee Herrmann's house.

At the time, I whipped out about a dozen.  They were so fun.  I just love playing with those pin up girls!

Now, we are down to these last four.  I am getting rather attached to them.  I think my favorite from these that are left is the one second from the right, the sitting girl with blue wings.  Maybe I better tuck her away for safe keeping!

Do you have art you have created that you like to keep for yourself?  I have altered art covering the walls of my house, but only a couple pieces are mine.  Sometimes I feel sort of sheepish keeping pieces for myself.  Sometimes, I'm just not quite ready to let go...

Even the Queen...

Must clean the bathroom floor, on occasion!

Don't you love my expression.  My husband took this picture because ~

"Whoa!  You are cleaning something!  Let's save this moment for all perpetuity!"

Forget him.  One big rasberry to him!

Plus, I have a plan.  I am going to get one of those life size cardboard replications of this shot of me, and just place it in different rooms of the house every few hours.

Why YES honey.  I've been cleaning all day long!!

Muwhahahaha!

Here's to wishing you all have a sparkling clean day, yourselves!

xo - Chel

Freedom

A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.

- Charlie Daniels

Mixed media, acryllic on canvas board with collage, and other three dimensional elements.  This piece evolved, I began the work in 2002, finished her this month - 2007.

Fly on all you proud birds out there!

xo - Chel

And all your acts are queens.

   

"Each your doing,

So singular in each particular,

Crowns what you are doing in the present deed,

That all your acts are queens."

-Shakespeare

What if...every word you said, every hand you extend, every thought you allow yourself - spoke through in all eternity - to whom you are?

Would you watch your words more closely?  Extend your hands more often?  Turn your thoughts to that which is lovely, beautiful, and worthy?  Would you?  What if?  What if your universe was your king/queendom, and all your acts were queens?

"And All Your Acts are Queens" Mixed Media, Chelise Stroud Hery, 2007

It was a little hard to get a good picture of this one.  Mixed Media incorporating fibers, papers, ribbon, vintage buttons, pom poms, lace, all on a glass center cuboard door.  She was fun to create and play with.

May you be thoughtful of, and proud of - all your own acts, today!

xo - Chel

A Crafty Doll and Her Dog Bingo

This one was fun.  I got to play with all kinds of vintage goodies. The whole thing is assembled on a chalk board.

 

Are her shoes too cool for school, or what!

Happy Friday everyone!  Hoping to see  those of you in Northern California at the Holidaze Craft Craze over the weekend!

xo - Chel

The Secret...

Oh, I am back to pulling a few all nighters, getting ready for our big weekend event.

I am moving furniture around and making phone calls and finalizing last minute details.  Not to mention, picking up kids and helping with homework and making dinner.  (Chicken soup from a can tonight!  Poor souls.)  Oh, and- of  course - making art!

I really enjoyed creating the piece above - "She Prays" (for some sleep, is my guess. Ha!)

I got to play again, with my vintage lace, buttons, paper lace, and also two great eBay finds - this lovely patchwork cloth (it really is patched together, not a print) - as well as these lovely little lucite birds, who sit on a ribbon "wire" above that dear angel's head.  What is the secret to her serenity?  I wish I knew.

As for me - the secret to my late hours?

Why, homemade caramel mocha, of course.

That's right - with whip cream.

Yummmm.

Now, you all run and take a nap.  For me, won't you?

Someone needs to get some rest!

xoxo - Chel

HAIR!

"Long, beautiful, gleaming, steaming, flaxen, waxen... I adore hair!"  ~James Rado and Gerome Ragni, Hair

Ah, another salon day.  Lucky me.  Just love this racy red stuff.

Hope you have a racy day, too!

xo - Chel

Every time I leave the house...

People ask me if I am Kate Bosworth.

NOT!

Here's to living out your own version os superstardom.  Happy Monday everyone!

xo - Chel

I needed to take a quiz to find this out?

You Are a Fruitcake

People pretend you're sweet and precious, but they know how weird you really are!

What Holiday Food Are You?

Um, really, I could asked anyone I knew to get the same answer.  Ha!

Betty C. Rocker ~ Revisited!

In honor of the upcoming show, I decided to revisit my Better C. Rocker collage from a couple of years ago.  She's in the middle here.

I added a frame.  It's hard to see dimension here, but these frames are fun because they are shallow shadow boxes.  Originally, Betty ended where you see the red board background.  So, I added a yellow background to fit the frame, then finished the frame with a red/pink stain, and some fun ribbon and vintage ribbons.  I love this girl!

Hope you all are having a rockin' crafty day, yourselves!

xo - Chel

The perfect man...

My husband has been away for the past two days, on business.  He comes home tonight, and as far as I am concerned, it won't be soon enough.  Lately he's really been putting on a show to prove that indeed, he is the perfect man! 

Here is in our backyard last weekend.  He's building us a new redwood deck.  (We won't talk about the fact that he ripped out our existing deck on a whim.  Let's just focus on the positive!

He's so cute out there, sledge hammering away.

But not as cute as he was this past Tuesday, when we were watching Adin, our nephew, together.

Now, look closely.  Not only is he hanging out with Adin, but he is making brownies at the same time.  Yes, yes, from a box mix. But who's complaining?

Ok, ok - I admit.  Most mothers have been baking brownies and watching kids at the same time for millions of years.  Why should he get all this credit for one night of cute multi-tasking?

Because all those mothers should get credit too.  Bravo to them, bravo to him, and for all the multi-tasking YOU have accomplished - bravo to you!

May you have a perfect partner by your side, too.

xoxo - Chel

Forever Dolls ~ A KitsCheliscious Creation!

This completed piece is huge.  I haven't measured it yet, but from head to toes (yes, that's right, head to toes!) I think it is about three feet tall.

I had SO much fun playing with toys and dolls for this one.

Another slide show, because I am having so much fun with them too!  Check out the bits and pieces of my Forever Dolls assemblage as well as the finished product - here:

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Get out there and play everyone!  And have a great day!

xo - Chel

Amongst a Great Flock...

"I am only a sparrow amongst a great flock of sparrows."

- Evita Peron

Here is today's art offering.  "Amongst a Great Flock" - the title taken from the above quote from Evita Peron.

For this piece I used a vintage embroidered towel, vintage lace and quilted fabric, vintage buttons, and the little girl and wing images are taken from B-Muse collage sheets.

It has been so so nice to have an excuse to create, daily!

(Come see all my art and creations, along with those of dozens of other artists at the upcoming Holidaze Craft Craze in Pleasanton!)

Marie Buttionette

"Let them have buttons."

               - Marie Buttionette

My latest creation, using paperlace from Altered Abbey, more of my vintage button collection, and finally - this wonderful vintage doll ( (circa, 1920s-1930s).

I really love the way she turned out.  Her face is exquisite (well, that part was not my doing) and her vintage dress is tattered on the bottom, but still quite lovely.  I also adore the vintage bouquet of floral milinary.

Marie and I hope you all are having a craftabulous day, yourselves. 

xo - Chel

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work we go!

More sleepless nights spent happily crafting, have resulted in this most recent and extremely silly creation!

Another slide show to show off the fun I am having!

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Ok, ok ~ my husband says I need to point out that while my nights may be sleepless, my days certainly are not.  To prove it - he took a picture of me snuggled on the couch napping.  Using Butter as a pillow no less!

Here's to hoping you are all experiencing crafty goodness, and have such a wonderful napping partner - too!

xo - Chel

Can you tell I am having fun?

I have third degree burns all over my fingers from playing with the hot glue gun, but it was worth it!

Check out my latest crafting adventure, on todays show -

Knots ~n~ Nuttons!

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