Life on a Different Coast - New Jersey

Cape May, New Jersey - crowds gone,
autumn winds and blowing sands.

Cemetery Saturday

My sister sent these wonderful shots of Iron City Cemetery near Collegiate Peaks in Colorado.



She said that maybe people were getting tired of all the mossy, foggy atmospheric graveyards

and would like to see one under "the clear blue Colorado skies."

So for the next couple of weeks we'll wander through Iron City.

From the Bookshelf

My father was a wonderful chef, and when he sat to down to relax he loved to read cookbooks. While I didn't inherit his cooking abilities, I do love to peruse cookbooks - especially when they have marvelous illustrations. Susan Branch has been drawing beautiful books for decades, and while they are full of delicious recipes and lovely holiday ideas, they are also fun to just sit down and read. This one is the latest in my collection of Susan's books which I started back in the 1980's. She divides her time between Martha's Vineyard and San Luis Obispo county where she grew up (which makes her a home-town girl for those of us here on the central coast). Beautiful drawings, delightfully handwritten text, yummy recipes, and heart-warming stories of happy homey traditions - what could be a better read for a cozy autumn evening in front of the fire?

A Brilliant Workshop in Engalnd

Lynne Perrella spent a three day weekend in England a couple of weeks ago and has been e-mailing all of us and raving about the work her students produced. Go to this link and see why.



Lots of lovely pictures like these and a beautiful video that makes you want to quit whatever you're doing and get thyself into the studio NOW!



I know that every time I've studied with Lynne I've gone so far beyond what I thought I was capable of and my art takes gigantic leaps. Sounds like her English students feel the same way.

Cigar Box Wednesday

Another tiny cigar tin, this one home to piano key ivory. These are the ivory tops and sides of old piano keys. Margot found these for me on Etsy and I find them fascinating.


I've used them in some of my steampunk assemblages and check here to see some lovely Nina Bagley creations including piano ivory.

Getting Ready

Just a week away - getting ready for Dia de Bloglandia's celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Gathering flowers and skulls to put into a shrine. And have to dig out my sugar skull earrings and tee-shirt!

Take a Breath and Relax

I've been on the hop - art-wise - since April of 2010 when I started preparing for last year's Open Studio Tour. When that was over I jumped right in and began working on all the pieces for my solo show The Pity of War. And then, when that went up last spring, I began working on pieces for this year's Open Studios which wound up yesterday.


And now, I'm going sit back, take a long breath and maybe even spend a weekend or two away from the studio and relax. But, in reality, I'll probably get a fantastic idea and won't be able to wait to get started!

Life on the Coast - Open Studios

Here are a few shots from our first day of
Open Studios yesterday.

Lots of people, lots of art, lots of fun.

Some of Debra's gorgeous jewelry creations.

A few of my collage pieces.

One more day, come join us, 10-5
Altered by the Sea Studios in Morro Bay.

Cemetery Saturday

A last visit to Oakland's Mountain View Cemetery.

This area was in hounour of those who had
served in the American Civil War.

A cannon stands guard,

And rows of cannon balls provide a border for the plot.

Open Studios Tour 2011

San Luis Obispo County's 13th annual Open Studios Tour continues this weekend with the North County, including Morro Bay. Saturday and Sunday 10-5. Catalogs are available on line here.
My colleague, jeweler-extraordinaire Debra Jurey, will be joining me for two days of art, fun and friendship here at the Altered by the Sea Studio in Morro Bay.

Come and see what we've been up to!