Chel in the Land of ZNE

Demystifying the Big Bad Business End of Things!

Hey everyone!  Just a heads up that I am teaching several art-business classes at Nova Studio in Point Richmond, at the end of May and end of June.

The most common questions I receive that are business related have to do with internet selling and marketing, and breaking into the local arts and crafts show scene.  I am more than happy to provide a whole whopping bunch of info on all those topics during the following classes:

The Art & Craft Show Circuit - May 24, 2008, Sat., 3-6pm
Social Networking for the Artist - June 21, 2008, Sat., 11am-2pm
Online Selling & Marketing - June 21, 2008, Sat., 3-6pm

And that's not all:

LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE UP TO $20:
When you enroll in at least 2 of Nova Studio's 4 business classes scheduled in April, May or June, you will save $5 off each class! So, if you sign up for 2 classes, you'll save $10, if you sign-up for 3 classes you'll save $15, and if you sign up for all 4 business classes you'll save $20. A great way to start your business off right - by saving money!

So don't miss out!  Hurry on over and register today, and add "business smarts" to your personal list of great qualities!

   

We're having a concert in our living room!

IN CONCERT in OUR LIVING ROOM!

Friday May 23, 2008

6:00 p.m.

We'll be feasting on a fiesta buffet, and dancing around as Jon Troast plays a live concert.  He's coming to us all the way from Wisconsin!  If you haven't heard Jon Troast's fabulous folksy rock, check out his website, and give him a listen, today!

www.JonTroast.com

Too fun, and wonderful.  Or here!  Check out this video:

(Now, before you ask - the answer is - no - I will not be tap dancing through his performance.  Ok, ok, at least, not as well as she does.)

I should note that I have the incredible Izabella to thank for mentioning on her blog, months ago, that Jon Troast was scheduling mini concerts all over the country, and because of that, I oh-so-optimistically threw my hat in ring. 

This year, it just seems everything is coming up roses.  Or, Troast-es.  : D

Thanks Bella!  When I say YOU ROCK, I'm totally serious.  Tee hee!

Have a great day everyone.

xo - Chel

Claudine Hellmuth Joins me on Circa Arte Tonight!

www.CLAUDINEHELLMUTH.com

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

Chel's Final Say -

www.ZNEcon.com

Beyond Extraordinary is an understatement!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR THE 2008 EVENT IS NOW OPEN ~ AND WE ARE ALREADY PLANNING 2009 - CHECK OUT OUR INSTRUCTOR LINE UP!

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

Chel's Final Say -

www.ZNEcon.com

Beyond Extraordinary is an understatement!

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR THE 2008 EVENT IS NOW OPEN ~ AND WE ARE ALREADY PLANNING 2009 - CHECK OUT OUR INSTRUCTOR LINE UP!

Have I mentioned I am excited!

We have finally closed out our 2008 ZNE ConvenZioNE Instructor Roster - with one last extraordinary addition! ZNE IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE that Bernie Berlin will be joining us for our event, and teaching a workshop on Saturday 8/23!

Early Bird Registration is now open!

http://www.ZNEConvenZioNe.com

Cowgirl Round~up

Well, cowgal Chelise set off for the ranch yesterday, all dudded up in her denim and gingham dress!

(a lot of these pics are really blurry, but you get the idea.)  Isn't it fun to have an excuse to wear red RED red lipstick!

At Diablo Ranch where the wedding took place, I arrived early to help set the tables and get all the favors I made distributed.

I made 100 western cones filled with kisses:

And I decorated 100 little bubble bottles with these shabby tags:

I also made six pairs of western themed earrings which my soon-to-be sister in law gave to her bridesmaids as gifts:

(I even decorated the earring cards with toy cowboys, and the gift bags that she put the earrings in, with little toy horses.  So fun!)

At the wedding, the kids found the stable with the pool table, straight away:

 

Here is to hoping that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that you are all ready for a fabulous week. 

Keep your heart lifted, and your spirit ready for what may come.  You just never know what doors may open for you...

Fun, fun, fun

On Friday morning my husband's family from out of town came over for a snack/brunchie thing.  They were here for my brother in laws wedding.

I put out mimosas, and ice water.  Toffee, and crackers.  I made a cheese ball, and carrott cupcakes, and brownies too.

It was fun.

Maybe not quite as fun as the rehearsal dinner though. I love my family.  Look how beautiful Abs is:

(isn't that funny how it looks like she has the world's largest glass of wine next to her!? No, no, that was Nanny's wine.  Not Abs'!)

And, in what other family, can you get away with doing THIS at the stuffy 'ol rehearsal dinner!?

(My my!  I wonder where he gets such terrible manners from?  Tee Hee!)

Today's the wedding.  I am a bit sleep deprived, and, well, silly.  But things could be worse!

Here is to hoping you are all having a great time this weekend - wherever your corner of the world may be.

xo - Chel 

Prim but not Proper

Today's Illustration Friday theme was PRIMITIVE.

Made me think of all those wonderful Raggedy Anne dolls made by prim style artists.  Which made me think in turn, of this doodle I made, in February.  (I love me some Annies!)

Hope you all have a great weekend!  I'll be doing wedding stuff all weekend... will have fun pics and likely some stories to tell, in the coming days.

xo - Chel

What a Night...

Our Opening Night Program for the ZNE ConvenZioNE is going to be absolutely extraordinary.  (Just like pretty  much everything else about the event!) - AND it will be open to the public!  All ConvenZioNE attendees will receive free admission as a part of their registration benefits and all others can purchase tickets online for $20 each, or at the box office, day of event, for $25 each.  WOW!

Learn More Here:

www.ZNEConvenZioNE.com

We added two more instructors!

To our ZNE ConvenZioNE line up.  How cool is this!

Pamela Garrison

and

Kari Ramstrom

That makes our current line up:

Learn more here:

http://www.ZNEConvenZioNE.com

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR THE $200 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION RATE. TOMORROW IT GOES UP TO $225!

I'm Broadcasting Live Tonight!

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

 

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

 

Yee Haw! C'mon in!

A few weeks ago I mentioned that my brother in law and his fiance were having a western themed wedding.  Today we held a bridal shower for my soon to be sister in law Sarah.  Here's some fun pics:

Here's Sarah trying on a very silly paper crown that I made for her while demoing crowns at an Altered Everything workshop a few weeks ago.

We hung up streamers and tissue bells, all ready to go for a shower full of fun!

I made this silly little cowgirl hanging, to decorate the front entry.

Then I set out western themed party favors - in "bowls" that were actually little cowboy hats turned upside down!

And a good time was had by all!

More pics coming soon, of wedding favors and more.  Inthe meantime, one wedding event "down" - a few more to go, and then next Saturday - the big day!

Hooray!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

xo - Chel

Not a FAILure in my book... ~ IF

Today's Illustration Friday theme is FAIL.

So, here's my doodle of a girl who failed to conform to traditional beauty.  That's not really a failure though, at least not in my book.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xo - Chel

For Lil' Ol' Me!

Heidi Eberle gave me this lovely blog award.  How cool is that?  This is one of thefirst times I actually wish the award was the kind you could hold in your hand or display on a shelf.  Isn't she pretty?  Definitely appeals to the doll lover in me.

Thank you Heidi!

I am supposed to pass the award on to 5 other bloggers.  I always hate that part.  My blog side bar has well over 300 names on it.  I'd much prefer to just pass it on to all of them ~ : )  That being said - here's my 5 for the day - all of these people are ZNE members who have been particularly close to my heart as of late:

Jessica Neaves - who is helping with a huge aspect of the ZNE ConvenZioNE, and helping me to breathe easy over the next several months.

Donna Cook ~ who is coming all the way from Missouri to both Michigan and California this summer, for both Castle in the Meadow and ConvenZioNE.  Hooray for being able to hang out with you not once, but twice, Donna!

Sarah Huckman - who hosted the wonderful Hanging Up Springtime swap.  I have yet to post my final pics, but I have the most wonderful papercraft clothes line hanging in my front entrance, thanks to her efforts!

LaDonna Welter - because she posts the most extraordinary graphics and inspirational sayings on her ZNE Network blog, nearly every day - brightening up the place (as if it could be brighter!) for absolutely everyone!

And, Kat Tarra - just for being her. A wonderful artist, out-of-the-blue gift giver, constant ZNE supporter, goody bag filler, blog commenter, radio show caller, resident humorist, and ZNE welcoming committee all in one.  : D

And with that... here are the rules of the game:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her/him the award itself. (**Umm, I can't garantee what other people are gonna do. But, uh, I'll do my best!)

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico' blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. (http://www.arteypico.blogspot.com/ )

5. To show these rules

And, that's all folks.  At least, for today.  Have a great Wednesday!

The Tracey Buxton Interview!

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

(California Time)

CALL IN LIVE:

(347) 324-5359

www.ZNERadio.com

Our Pause for a Cause Project this month is:

International Child Art Foundation

The prize giveaway on tonight's show is sponsored by:

Laying Down and Hanging Up

My snuggle bunny Butter was worried about his mom, this past week - as I the side effects from the meds for the asthma attack had me flat on my back a lot of the time.

My husband snapped this picture of him, protectively cuddling me, one afternoon.  Despite my unprecedented bed head (all right, all right. Its precedented around my house!) I thought the picture was too cute not to share.

Speaking of cute, and of days when I was up and around - the Altered Hanger Altered Everything workshop I held week before last was SO fun.  It was made all that much better of course, because the fantabulous PerpetualPlum (Sue Clark) was visiting from Oregon, and so I spent a lovely afternoon Downtown Pleasanton hoppin' with her, prior to the workshop.  She stayed for the workshop as well, she's the gorgeous blond in these pictures.

In this shot, we are gathered around my infamous "basket-o-fibers."  That's Kathryn Virello on the left.  We were also joined by Patti Schuldheisz - but I forgot to snap her picture before she scotted out the door.

Sue took this picture of me, demonstrating how to unscrew the cap from a jar of gesso.  This is an important skill to have. 

Here is some of our work:

Sue Clark:

Here's the one that Patti  Patti Schuldheisz created:

   And I had fun making another one as well.

I don't have a close up shot of Kathryn's - as she took hers home to finish.  But she returned it to me for a special project we are working on (more on that at a later date) so I'll get a good snapshot of it later.  In the meantime, here's another group shot of us, with our finished hangers:

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

xo - Chel

SAVE ~ IF

I created this funky Sending Help doodle in January.  It seemed like a good submission for the IF theme today:  SAVE.

Been battling a terrible asthma attack triggered by my yucky bug from last week, but I am finally on the mend.  Breathing is nice.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

xo - Chel

I told you this was going to be AMAZING!

Friday August 22 ~ Sunday August 24

Pleasanton, California

Please click here to read our FAQs in relation to ZNE ConvenZioNE, 2008!

Early Registration Discount!

APRIL 1 - APRIL 15

for the first 50 registrants ONLY

$200! 

       Event Registration includes:

• Friday Group BBQ Dinner
• Gift Certicate and Other Discounts During Bella Galleria
• Priority Registration for Workshops
• Group Dinner on Saturday Night
• Early entrance to the Sunday Vendor Faire
• 10% Discount on all items in Vendor Faire during Early Entrance Hour

There will be an optional chunky book page swap for anyone interested!

Registration Fee does not include workshop fees (which are discounted for registrants and range from $50  ~ $100).  Lunch on Saturday is on own.   Lodging if required is not included in the Registration fee.                  

Click below to register!

Special Note!  If you register during the first early registration period, you will have a one day period where you will have the first chance to register for workshops - on April 15 only.  Half the spaces in each workshop will be made available to early registrants during this one day only.  The remainder of the spaces available will be made available to all registrants on April 23.

REGISTRATION:

April 16 ~ May 14 ~ $225

May 15 - August 15 - $250

Friday 8/22 ~ Registration, Group Dinner, Bella Galleria Event including the ConvenZioNE Gallery Show!  All instructors will be present!

(Click on the image to learn more about Bella Galleria!)

(Click on the image above to learn more about the gallery show at Worthington Gallery West.)

Saturday 8/23 ~ Full Day of Workshops, Group Dinner at Blue Agave Club in Downtown Pleasanton.  All instructors will be present!

We are proud to present our workshop instructors:

JoAnnA Pierotti	Sally Jean Alexander
DJ Pettit	Susan Tuttle
Lisa Kaus	Chrysti Hydeck
Barbe Saint John	Deb Trotter
Gina Gabriell	Missy Balance

Learn more about all the instructors, here.

~ Complete Workshop Descriptions and early workshop   

registration will be posted on or before 4/15/2008 ~ HERE. ~

Sunday 8/24 ~ Art~Paper & Pleasures ~ The Vendor Faire!

                                    First hour exclusive to Convenzione Registrants!

Art Paper & Pleasures ~ The ConvenZioNE Vendor Fair ~ will Benefit the Pink Sky Project:

All registrants will have access to discussion boards which will include all logistical information, and threads for those who are interested in room sharing, or carpooling.

JOIN US NOW!