Sunday, February 28, 2010

Furniture Huntin' with Mom

My mom is moving. After 9 years in her current condo, she's decided its time to leave the island and come to the main land. Why? To be closer she says...this bothers me for the wrong reasons. Where am I suppose to beach?! Honestly...

Well the only fun thing about this is furniture shopping. She's looking for a wall unit for her "library". We went to a great place in Coral Gables called, Victoria's Armoire. I love it. We actually own two pieces from here, and I could easily refurnish my home at this store. Here are some of the pieces I loved. This small table was labeled a "Beer Table" can you see it in a beer garden? ...or my backyard (if I had one, alll front yard in this home). Anyhow-- I loved it, and it's Bank Street College colors.

This is the wall unit my mom is considering. I fell in love with it. I love the glass doors, and the hardware is really pretty. There's enough space for a TV and all your books. At $1200, this is definitely worth investing in.
I want a wall of books in my home one day. Not only do I want a wall of books, I want a laddered wall of books. Viola! Here you we go! LOVE this!!
I have these great orange chairs in my living room, and I have been hurtin' for a white one of these ceramic garden stools...the orange is to die for. $120.


The other thing I am hurtin' for...a table for 8! I can only seat 6 at my current dinning room table. This is not my favorite table they had at V.A. but I love the feel of it with this couch instead of chairs.
And how's this for a great bar on the go-go-go!

Finally there is this coffee table. I loved it. Yes, it is a wee low...but in the right room, it could be stunning.
So, next time you are in the hunt for great furniture...head over to Victoria's Armoire in Coral Gables.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Green with Envy

Green with Envy...

I love clothes as you know. I also like the funny things in life...

so here is a play on words.

Now I have to get back to watching Olympics and American Idol...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Martes, Tuesday, Mardi...



So as I said, I hadn't been sketching. Here are a few more I did last night and tonight.


I am quite the fan of this look I went with. All from Target with a few key pieces from my jewelry collection.





Today I was at it again, mixes a great Target find with pieces from other favorite haunts.
I hope you are having a great week!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Nautical Flags

It's been a heavy few days.

Tonight I sketched for the first time since last Wednesday.

I hope you enjoy my nautical flags. I want to start doing nautical initial/monogram paintings for people...what do you think?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Ash Wednesday--the deprivation begins...

Lent Day 1: No Diet Coke (no soda at all)...no red meat...no shopping for myself. Yes, I said it...no shopping for myself. OMG! How will I go without shopping for myself? This is going to be hard!

So far so good---I have had cravings for my fave soda---but have stayed strong. I think the wine over dinner helped with that.

Anyhow, here's my ensemble for the day. Wearing my fun new jewels from the St. Stephen's Arts Festival this weekend. Love it.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mardi Gras


I've never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. ...but every year I do wear some purple, green and yellow.
Here is my ensemble for this year.
The day was busy with work, and then after that I went with the family to St. Philip's for the annual Pancake Dinner and Jazz service. It was a lot of fun and so many more people went this year compared to last year.
I was serving pancakes...so I was definitely busy.
Tomorrow marks the start of lent...so I guess I should have eaten a burger with a diet coke for dinner instead of pancakes...oh, well.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Art Festivals in the Grove

This weekend was the big Arts Festival weekend in Coconut Grove.
I thought I would take you on a mini-tour of my favorite booths starting at the St. Stephen's Arts Festival and then moving into the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

This blue framed beauty (exceptionally priced) is from, Bailey Jack . Bailey was such a nice woman and a pleasure to talk to. Her work is all made on reclaimed wood, so not only is her work pretty--but it's green!



This cat, I just thought was fun. You open up the cat belly and there's a burger inside. Fun! The artist, Jeffrey Kennedy
has a great sense of humor.
















This booth was another great find! Dianne and Chuck, of The New Homestead, are unique artists. They take old silverware and turn it into, cuffs, rings, barrettes, hooks, vases, pens...etc. They are so pretty (and affordable) that I bought a ring and a bracelet.
I told Chuck about my love for spoons, and he told me I can send him any spoon I want and they'll make it into whatever I want! Love it!






Then there was this booth which made me wish for money to spend.
Joe DeCamillis takes books, and paints miniature oil paintings and well...as you can see to the left, makes these treasures. This wall reminded me of D and our organist friend CH. I knew they would enjoy these. Take a look on Joe's website
for a look at his other imaginative pieces.

This was the last booth I really liked at St. Stephen's....after this we walked over to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. This was the 47th year of this nationally acclaimed show. This year the show had a special place in my heart since I was on the jury for the 3-D pieces, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, furniture...etc. It was really neat seeing booths I had previewed of a few months ago.














If you have lived in Miami for sometime you know this artist. Federico Carosio

Federico has an incredible way of capturing the manner in which light dances on some of our streets in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and the Keys.
D loves his work, and this was definitely one of those booths we BOTH wish has money to spend! I would love to own one of his paintings looking down Columbus Avenue, as the street is near our first house "together".



I am normally not one for "art" jewelry---everything starts to look like silver art teacher jewelry...but now and then something comes around that is really unique.

That's what I thought about Melissa Schmidt's jewelry when I first saw it. I love the glass balls with treasures inside. This red one was my absolute favorite! I really wish I'd gotten it. Here is her shop on etsy for you to visit and fall in love with.



This was another booth that caught my eye. Again, I am not one for "art" clothing. Not to sound like a broken record here, but I am not one for the "art teacher" look---this is why you will never see me in a Chico's unless I am with my mom.
Anyhow, this booth as you can see breaks that mold-- Shu Juan Lu . I fell in love with these pieces. Each one was stunning and they are works of art as this, the Circle Collection will be in a museum exhibit soon.



Here was a booth that all three of us (D and our music man friend CH) wanted to have money to spend in. Kreg Yingst loves music, and his work is a demonstration of that. First of all, he has great music playing in his booth...secondly he is witty...and what is better than witty art to a great soundtrack?

Kreg plays with some of your favorite albums, artists and songs. Don't like Rock? Well, no worries, his work ranges from rock to country, blues and jazz. His work is also affordable!


This booth was vibrant, witty, affordable and all in all splendid. The Paulsons
Their art work looks like postcards from your favorite spots. All three of us found pieces we wanted here. I took a look on their website and it is really easy to fall in love with more pieces. If you need one of these gems in your life, it's as easy as picking up your phone and ordering. Definitely worth it!





So, you may have noticed by now that my taste in art is rather whimsical. I love the mood that art can set in a home. Over the past 9 years we have been building our collection, but before that, I started picking up pieces here and there. This booth was a little out of my price range, but delicious! Artists, Jim and Tori Mullan create gems! I really would love one of these little birds one day. My favorite was the bird on the binoculars. I encourage you to take a look for yourself, because they jewels were affordable as well as some of their other pieces.


My mom lives on Key Biscayne, and I use to before getting engaged. Growing up spending my weekends on "the Key" I fell in love with the beach. There is nothing like sitting under and umbrella and feeling the sand in between your toes.
Local artist, Lynne Libby, captures the essence of our beaches. She normally does just sea and sky, but did a few with my favorite tree, the Sea Grape tree. This one I fell in love with and would buy in a heart beat!



I also fell in love with this guy. Then I learned that the artist, Robin Anne Cooper takes commissions! Robin just brings out the joy in her subjects without trying at all.
She was busy when I got the her booth, and after looking on her site, I realize it's because her work is really affordable. I would love to have a big Ms. Maggie like this. Take a look on her site and take a look at her humorous pieces.




My music man friend CH was drawn by this booth shortly after I was. Signe uses colors in such a pretty way. Her figures have no faces, which is cool...because I automatically put people I know in them. Definitely worth taking a look at her work.








I am going to sound like a broken record. I'm not one for glass, BUT...Susan Knecht had this fun jellyfish lamp. Fun eh? She also had beautifully blown chandeliers.













I really liked this horse...it's saddle literally comes off the canvas. The artist, Lyons, says he tries to bring our the power and beauty from his subjects. To learn more, email him, clyons@clbphotos.com









These were amazing! Made from glass, these gems were each fascinating and intricate. Peter Muller and Joe Peters work as a team, and what incredible work comes from this collaboration.
You should really take a look at their websites and see what they are working on.





Last but not least, is the art of Lynn Whipple. I have been a fan of her work for at least 6 years.
It is just plain, whimsical. I wish I had money to spend in her booth, every year! Her work just keeps getting better! Take a look for yourself.

So those were my favorites. I could have easily spent a lot of money! I hope you will find some pieces of your own to fall in love with and perhaps even bring into your home.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Lovely Weekend

I adore Valentine's Day. I think it's all the pink, red, hearts and chocolate.

However, I've never done anything cliche on Valentine's Day (ok, one thing but I can't write about it here)...the dinners out, the flowers...never done that.


What I have done...wear lots of red and pink, get chocolate for friends...and those great little elementary school valentine cards...all for friends.


This valentines day weekend seems abnormally busy...

1. Valentine's Day

2. President's Day Weekend (3-day)

3. Mardi Gras Weekend


In Miami we also have the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Boat Show this weekend.
I'll definitely be hitting the Grove Arts Festival tomorrow (I was a judge this year).
Anyhow---here is a snap shot of my "What I Wore" sketches for this weekend thus far. I told you...I like to wear the red and pink this weekend.
So Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you get everything you want from family, friends...or that special someone.

Friday, February 12, 2010

OLYMPICS!!



I love the Olympics. There's nothing like them...and every 2 years for 14 days, I am a happy girl!



Tonight I stayed home (since I'm not feeling 100%) and watched the opening ceremonies. It was great, we ordered food and had a comical play by play.

I have to say I wasn't that impressed with the opening ceremonies, Beijing are still stunning compared to these. I enjoyed Sarah, KD and the whales...but I feel jipped...where was CELINE!? Mike Meyers? Alanis? Micheal J. Fox?
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to staying home and watching the games.


Here are illustrations of the mascots (3 of the 4) and the logo.
I also went ahead and sketched my ensemble from today.
It was warmer than its been today, but I bundled up a bit since I'm still sniffly, tired and a bit hoarse. I'm VERY much hoping to feel better tomorrow since I have a fun weekend planned...farmer's market tomorrow, girls valentine's tomorrow night, and nothing planned on Sunday...but it's a triple holida weekend...President's Day Weekend, Valentine's Day Weekend AND ...wait for it...MARDI GRAS! Que fun! But...I have to get better, this cold already took my planned fun away tonight.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Subha's Pie



So a few months ago-- I did a give-away. The holidays and life got in the way of my finishing it. I started it up a couple of days ago---and here is the progress on Subha's Pie.


It should be done before the weekend is over.


Subha, by the way, has been a friend since 1st grade I want to say. She's brilliant and has a lovely little family of her own now. She is also a talented doctor, photographer and has a great shop on etsy called, Labelit which you should check out.


In keeping with my other daily sketches...here are the glasses I've been wearing all day.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The germs got me...

The germs finally got me. First they hit D, then my mom, then the entire archival department at the museum...and then someone in my department...and now me. I thought it was allergies, but then I got clammy at my desk...then head achy...then I was really hot.

Needless to say I'm not wearing my sketch anymore..no I'm in sweats and glasses now. I'm tired...but Idol is coming on and that will make me feel better I just know it!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

What I Wore on 9.02.10


So did you notice today's date? Well, if you write your dates "a la euro" then today's date was 9.02.10! 90210! Ja Ja!
Anyhow--it was a busy day at work and after work at the annual voting meeting at Junior League. It was nice to see friends and even family. My sister-in-law in particular which allowed me to deliver baby Julia's painting! I am so glad it has finally found its way home. I can't wait to see it in place---I will photo and share with you at that point.
...so there you go, another happy mommy!!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Monday Monday

Monday, Monday. I thought that I would post a painting I did of my wish bracelet. I wear it everyday...because it can't come off. If it does---then my 3 wishes won't come true...and they are REALLY good wishes...so guess what...this baby is not coming off til it falls off.

Here is also my look for the day. It was a cooler day in Miami again today---high was about 70--- so here is my look. Seems like tomorrow is going to be warmer, but the rest of the week will be much like today.

Thanks for the comments and making this latest installment of the art blog
both fun and interactive.
...maybe you can even start telling me what to
wear.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Geaux Saints

This is the last ensemble of the day...ok before PJ's.

Thursday, Friday and Sunday Ensembles

Thursday I wore one of my favorite dresses from Anthropologie with the only heels I can wear and some great jewels from Kristin Pearce. The best part about this dress is...pockets! Nothing beats a dress with pockets!



Casual Friday ALWAYS calls for jeans in my book. So, this Friday called for cropped turquoise jeans with a white eyelet top. I finished up the look with gold flats, my favorite necklace from J.Crew and some cute bobby pins from Anthro which I got for my birthday.



Friday night I had to go to 2 events. One at St. Philip's for the vestry and school board...and the other a going away for my friend and sorority sister, Sarah. I put on this mini dress with the same flats but all gold tone jewels.




This morning--its nice and crisp in Miami. The high is suppose to get to 68, so I went with a warmer look for church. I am going to have to change into some black and gold for the Superbowl.





Saturday, February 6, 2010

What I Wore Today



Today I decided that it would be fun to maybe start showing you all what I wear each day, via a watercolor by yours truly!

Think Fifi Lapin meets human. :)
So this is a little painting of what I wore today.


...today was a nice day all in all. I went to the farmer's market and saw friends there...went to Key Biscayne to the Island Shop where I ordered invitations for my friend Melissa's baby shower,visited my flu infested mom (pobresita) and delivered Adi's painting.
That was fun---Katie loved the painting, and I can't tell you how great it looks in there. I did a damn good job of color matching from memory...here is a picture. I think it's going to be something that easily grows with Adi and she can take from room to room for the rest of her life (that's how I see it at least...ja ja).
I also finished Julia's "J" today...and started another small little painting.
Soon I'll get started on Carlos' painting---and then I'm going to get to some things I've been wanting to paint, like my owl and cock (a.k.a. rooster) (gees get your mind out of the gutter!).