Liquidambar Studio of Art

July Featured Artists at Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts

2011-06-29T17:03:00.000-04:00

It has been so busy in the shop that I haven't had time to write a blog lately. But, I did want to invite everyone to the opening reception for Warner Hyde and John Mecham. It is on July 3rd, from 2-4pm, at Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts, 80 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC.

Warner was my very first featured artist back in October when we first opened the shop. This time will be a new body of work. He will be showing his traditional wood-fired ceramic pieces that he created at a workshop a few weeks ago. I don't have any pictures yet, but will post some as soon as I get some.

(And for you that do not know, John is my husband) John has been working hard at creating 13 different hand-tinted photographs. This one is called, "McLeod's Dream". He starts will a black and white photograph that he process the "old-fashioned" way and then he takes oils and hand tints the color. None of it is computerized. It is a very tedious process.

At the reception John Kincheloe will be playing the Native American Flute. He has a variety of flutes that he plays. He will also have CDs for sale.

Come listen to some great music, see some wonderful art, have a glass of wine and visit with the great people!

In addition to the opening it is First Sunday in Pittsboro. That means there will be art vendors set up along the street, a band, and food vendors. It starts at Noon and lasts till 4pm.

Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts

MARCH Featured Artists at Liquidambar Gallery

2011-02-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that we will be having an artist’s reception at Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts on March 6th, 2-4pm. Everyone is welcome to come and meet this month’s artists.

The two-dimensional artist is Erik Dahlager. His photographs are printed using the gum-oil transfer method. These are incredibly beautiful and a little haunting. www.erikd.com

An excerpt from his website on the Gumoil Process, "In the early 1990's the gumoil printing process was developed by Karl P Koenig and is not to be comfused with similar pre-modern processes such as gum bichromate, gum color, oil and bromoil printing. The gumoil process consists of several steps: first a positive transparency is contact printed onto gum-coated watercolor paper. Black oil paint is then worked into the paper. followed by etching the print in a bleach bath. Colored oils can now be worked into the paper followed by a final etching to remove any gum and reveal the white highlights. The process is crude and far removed from modern technology, and although the same image may be printed many times again, the results are different with each print."

I am unable to post one of his photos here, but please visit his website to see them - www.erikd.com

The three-dimensional featured artist is Douglas Trimble. "It's all in the curves." He creates lovely pieces of fine furniture.

His Artist Statement:

"Wood is alive and has a spirit and I strive to bring that spirit into a form that is meaningful.

In my early years the wood forms took shape into functional pieces. As I evolved as a creator with wood then came the evolution into curves and artistic depth. Experimenting with woods from around the world, I bring together the functional, the playful and the sensual into unique pieces."

A look back at 2010 in pictures

2011-01-04T16:48:00.000-05:00

January 2010 - My mommy came down to visit us!

February was Clint's 16th birthday!

March -we spent time at the river.

April - we spent more time at the river.

May - Clint gets creative

June- we went out (sorry the pic is sideways)

July - was Nancy's 19th birthday, but don't have any pictures.

August - We start work on the new store.

September - Broken Cat (or Mercy) shows up and moves in.

October - Pittsboro by Gaslight

November - we do lots of shows.

December - Best two kids in the world! (even if they are sideways)

This past weekend

2010-11-24T17:17:00.000-05:00

We had a huge pottery festival in Seagrove, NC. Thank you to everyone that came out!!! I was going to take a picture of my booth, but I got side-tracked. This is what I ended up with.....

Some of my favorite t-shirts

2010-11-12T11:05:00.000-05:00

I just got a new catalog in the mail that has tons of t-shirts in it. Personally, I don't wear t-shirts with stuff written on them, but they are always fun to read. So, I thought that I would pass along some of my favorites. These are in no particular order (but #5 fits so many people in my family).

1. Empty Promises, Calculated Betrayal, Sociopathic Greed. Just another Monday.

2. I'm sure you mean well. But, I'm not sure you are well.

3. Just another Poo Flingin' day in the jungle.

4. If you met my family, you'd understand!

5. I like poetry, long walks on the beach and poking dead things with a stick.

6. Some people are like Slinkies, not really good for much, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.

7. I hate it when my cat thinks outside the box.

8. Buckle up, It makes it harder for the aliens to snatch you from your car.

9. Destined for Greatness - just pacing myself.

10. Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup.

But the one that probably suits me the best:

My life is loosely based on a true story.

FInally OPEN!!!!!!

2010-10-22T14:43:00.000-04:00

Today we decided to unofficially open Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts! Here are a couple of pictures to show you a little of the store. We still have a lot to do, such as finish the pedestals for all of the featured artist's work (Warner Hyde), and still need to hang some artwork on the walls. But, I am finally open for business! Thank you to everyone who has helped, particularly my husband - I couldn't have done it without him!!!!!!!

Our Newest Family Member

2010-09-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

When we moved out to Pittsboro John promised that we could get a cat. Since Nancy and I are terribly allergic to cats it would have to be a completely outdoor cat. We said after Clint builds a cat-house then we could go to a shelter and find one.

Clint worked hard at creating a plan, buying materials and then building a custom cat-house. One side is the front entry that leads to a hall-way and then to a separate bedroom. It has a cover area for the food bowls and a hinged roof for easy access. He even put shingles on it.

About a week ago, John and I were driving down the road and there was a cat laying in the middle. At first we thought that it was dead because it didn't try to get out of our way. (we have since discovered that it is deaf and probably just didn't hear us) We stopped, got out of the car and the poor cat limped over to us. Nothing but skin and bones, meowing very loudly. We went back down the drive and got it some tuna and milk, which it ate every bite. She has stayed with us ever since.

She such a sweet lovable kitty and she doesn't seem to mind Biscuit at all. We are not sure Biscuit thinks to highly of the new family member, but Biscuit already makes sure the kitty keeps up on walks and makes it safely back.

Here is Biscuit moaning at the cat.

Big BIG NEWS!!!!

2010-08-08T18:31:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to share this with everyone, but I didn't think that I should until it was a "done deal". Now it is...
John and I have bought a little building in downtown Pittsboro, NC. We will be opening up a shop called "Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts" Since John and I are artists we will be selling our work that we make. We will also be bringing in other artist's work. We hope to have a new 2D and 3D artist featured each month with a reception.

There is so much work to be done. The grand opening probably won't be until November 1st. Here are a few pictures of the building before we start work on it. It was a coffee and book shop before. The hardest part is will be trying to remove the center bar area. It is made with 2" concrete top. Cute for what it was, but it takes up way too much room. Plus, for an art gallery the walls need to be rather plain, so I will need about a hundred coats of paint to cover up these walls!!!

Behind the yellow wall to the right is an office. I am going to use that for my glass and jewelry studio! There is a skinny storage area across the back of the building which will help.

This is a link to google earth that shows the front of the building. I forgot to take a photo of it yesterday. Our building is the one with the purple shutters. (The address is 80 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=80+hillsboro+st+pittsboro+nc&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=80+Hillsboro+St,+Pittsboro,+Chatham,+North+Carolina+27312&gl=us&ei=LihfTISXI4SglAfL5J2rCA&ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA&ll=35.721409,-79.177115&spn=0.000466,0.000862&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=35.721314,-79.177126&panoid=prDERewHlgOrGBGPgk2iIg&cbp=12,85.11,,0,4.3

Although it may be slow, I am sure that I will keep you posted on the progress. We are very excited!!!!

Wednesday Window

2010-08-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

She looks so happy just resting in the cool greens. (I took this on Sunday morning.)

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

2010-07-28T09:13:00.002-04:00

I am a terrible mother, I couldn't find any baby pictures of Nancy (they are all packed away). This one is when she was about two years old. Today, July 28th she turns 19 years old!!!!! I can't believe how my little baby girl has grown up into such a young lady. I am very proud of her and everything that she has accomplished so far in life.

Wednesday Window

2010-07-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

Put another quarter in, please!

Mom, I am bored...

2010-07-16T17:49:00.000-04:00

Today both husband and son didn't have any place to go. My husband napped and my son slept till after 3:00pm. The van was in the shop for repairs so there was no place to go. Finally, my son got up and decided to take a shower. This is what he did first...

It is amazing how one can become creative when they are bored. He used a dry-erase marker to draw the Mustang on the shower wall. I love it!

Nature at the Studio

2010-07-11T12:31:00.000-04:00

We were finally able to take off on Saturday and spend a little bit of time at the studio. We really didn't do any work, but was able to enjoy the peace and quiet and a little bit of nature.

One of the mommas came up with her two babies. It seems that all the deer there have two at a time.

Then John had to stake the sunflower up some more, because it had grown a bit just from Thursday.

Clint caught a skink. Not sure how he did, because they are so fast! Then he caught a toad.

It was so relaxing. We grilled fish and then played Scrabble. Finally, we decided to spend the night, even though we hadn't packed.

And this morning we found this beautiful moth.

I can't wait to go back!

Wednesday Window on Thursday

2010-07-08T18:02:00.000-04:00

Clint took this picture today of our sunflower. We hope that it will make it to the sunflower contest judging which is at the end of the month. (and no, miracle grow has not been added =)

Wednesday Window

2010-06-30T13:46:00.000-04:00

John was out working in the yard on Monday and came across this lovely dragonfly. It is amazing how the center colors look like a butterfly. There is even a second set of "eyes" half way down the back. Two for the price of one!

Wednesday Window

2010-06-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

Just a few casings from when Clint and I went out shooting last week. Clint built the cool sculpture - thought that it should be about 30 feet high!

Dear Grandmom

2010-06-20T19:02:00.000-04:00

This past week I helped my Mom by going through some old boxes of stuff. I came across this letter and thought that I would share it with you. It was a letter that I wrote to my Grandmom - "Gran" as I called her.

Dear Grandmom 2/23/76

Hi how are you doing? This is a lettle asking you some queshtons. A lot of them. I sher do love you you no that? Can you fish and get a lot of them? I can!

I was sick on Fed. 23, 1976 it was not fun this is the day I rote this letter to you.

I Love you I Love you I Love you I Love you I no I said that four times I jost Love you.

Here is a story a made up. A mouse was making a mud pie in the annual slowpoke race when he was picked up by an elephant in a yellow canoe who gave him a lift to a haunted house where a goat was chewing bubble gum.

Love casey

Ok, it was the 70's.... I went by the name "Casey" (after my step-father decided that I should be named after him.) I was seven years old at the time. Now what do you do when you come across something like this? It wouldn't mean a thing to anyone, but me. But, I just can't seem to throw it away just yet. Maybe I will save it and let my kids decide when they have to help me clean out all of my clutter that I have been collecting over the years. Good idea!

Bribery

2010-06-07T17:15:00.000-04:00

I have to use bribery on my son quite often, if I ever want to get a picture of him. He has never wanted his picture taken and I have thousands of pictures where all you see is his hands in front of his face.

Well, he has been begging us to take him to Ginza Japanese restaurant. So, on Sunday we told him that we would go. Just before getting into the car I told him that I wanted a picture of him or else we weren't going. A mother has to seize every opportunity she can!

Wednesday Window (a little late)

2010-06-02T22:48:00.001-04:00

I love my house so much, it will be hard to picture us living somewhere else. But, I am starting to dream about what my new house will look like. I heard back from one of the contractors today, and it didn't sound good. I was really hoping for some lower figures. Maybe one of the others will be able to do it in our price range.

But in the mean time I can dream. This is what I would like my kitchen and bath to look like....

nothing too fancy, but clean lines and natural wood. I want to make ceramic tiles for the backsplashes.

Wednesday Window

2010-05-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

One of the very first things that John ever bought for me was two needlepoint kits. I had told him that I do counted-cross stitch and he thought I would like these. One was an eyeglass case kit and the other was this change purse kit. I made the eyeglass case right away. But, last month while I was packing I came across the change purse kit. I had completely forgotten about it. It is a "Stitch & Zip" kit, where all you do is the needlepoint on it and I was able to finish it last night.

My goal is to try and complete any projects that I have before starting something else. I now can mark another project off of my to-do list! It feels good to complete something, even if it is little. Plus, it only took 9 years to get around to it, but at least it is finished!!!!

New Dresses

2010-05-22T17:29:00.000-04:00

I love the smocked top dress that they sell at Victoria Secrets, but I do not like the $60 price tag. A few months ago, Nancy and I went to JoAnns and we bought a bunch of material. I was able to make six dresses for $90 - that is $15 each! I really like the black and white print of the one I have on. I wore it with black and silver flip-flops while John and I were running around shopping and doing some errands. But, it looks good with my white high heels and white shrug for a little bit dressier look. I made a few short dresses and a couple of the maxi dresses, too. I made a long version of the bright yellow and orange dress for Nancy (which had pinks and purple, too).

Camcist

2010-05-20T09:30:00.002-04:00

What? What is a Camcist?

Yesterday we had our carpets in our house cleaned by John Hurst (919) 795-9032. He did a great job. You do not realize just how dirty your carpets are getting when you live with them every day. But, since we are trying to sell the house we figured we better get them professionally cleaned. Like I said, he did a great job and I was also impressed with the cost.

But, carpet is not what I wanted to talk about - it is the Camcist. John Hurst is also the inventor of the Camcist. I had to ask what this thing was.

(The following is taken from: http://www.ideabuyer.com/ipavail/camcist-camcorder-aiming-device)

The "Camcist" is an aiming device (frame) that attaches to the tripod assembly of any hand-held camcorder.
Invented in North Carolina by a father (John Hurst) who realized while videoing his children's activities, that he was unable to enjoy the game and capture video footage simultaneously.

The Camcist has five advantages to the camcorder user:

Benefits of Using the Camcist:

1) allows the user to watch an event and video at the same time
2) eliminates the need for the LCD screen and subsequently while saving battery power

3) stabilizes the video
4) eliminates eye strain related to LCD screen
5) eliminates LCD glare from any light source

Sometimes the simple ideas end up being the best. The product is also made from laser cut steel so it is made to last. John did not ask me to promote his product, but I believe that it is a great idea and deserves to be mentioned.

If you want to purchase one, contact John Hurst at hlmobile@aol.com or write to him at P.O. Box 272, Rolesville, NC 27571

They cost $24.95 from B&H (+shipping and handling) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Other-Camcorder-Accessories/ci/1873/N/4294548329, but if you buy it directly from John and tell him that you saw this on my blog, he will give you a little discount.

Wednesday Window

2010-05-19T07:29:00.000-04:00

The house went up for sale on Sunday and we already have had two showings. How many does it take to sell? I wish I knew the answer. I think that is going to be the hardest part, just not knowing "When". I will miss my house. I have always loved it, but I know that being out next to our studio will be so much better. And a "house" is just a structure - I know that we will have a wonderful "home" no matter where we are and what we are living in.

Wednesday Window - Auction

2010-05-12T07:54:00.000-04:00

Instead of my typical Wednesday Window I wanted to put up a link to an auction. It is to help a family in need during a very difficult time. Please check it out at http://fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com/2010/05/hailey-angel-silent-auction-rules.html

To see all of the items you need to scroll down after reading the auction rules and all the items will be shown. This auction is for May 12 and 13 only, so hurry over to the site and place a bid!!!!

Wednesday Window

2010-05-05T10:02:00.000-04:00

I just want to thank everyone who came out to the Sanford Pottery Festival!!!!! It was a great show. And a THANK YOU to Don, for letting us be a part of it!

This is a picture from our booth in Greensboro two weekends ago. I forgot to take the camera to the Sanford show. But, it was set up pretty much the same.

Sanford Pottery Festival

2010-04-30T09:15:00.000-04:00

Please come by and see us at the SANFORD POTTERY Festival

May 1 & 2, 2010

At the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, 1801 Nash Street, Sanford, NC

visit www.sanfordpottery.org for more information.

There will also be a wine tasting and chocolate event!!!

Wednesday Window

2010-04-28T09:15:00.001-04:00

John planted some new "deer resistant" plants in our garden. The top is Silver Swan Euphorbia and the second is Blackbird Euphorbia. The way it puts out its flowers is really incredible. Keep your fingers crossed that the deer don't like them. (the pics are not mine - but I wanted you to see what kind they were).

Wednesday Window

2010-04-21T10:47:00.001-04:00

Please join us at the 2nd Annual SEAGROVE POTTERY FESTIVAL, being held at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex,

Greensboro, NC

Friday, April 23- 12pm - 6pm

Saturday, April 24 - 9am - 6pm

Sunday, April 25 - 12pm - 5pm

We are booth #62. Come by and mention that you read this on my blog or FaceBook and we will give you 20% off!!!!

check out www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com for more information on other potters.

www.liquidambarstudio.com

Wednesday Window

2010-04-14T13:40:00.000-04:00

This is one of John's pieces that came out of the kiln yesterday. I just love the texture that he has added to it. The piece is slab built and has a Blue Rutile glaze.

Father of Nations

2010-04-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Father of Nations is finally finished! I was able to cast Barbie heads in different colored glass. They have copper wire fired into them and then I glued them into his head. I hope the image isn't too obvious, but I did want a literal meaning. He has a strong square jaw, but such caring eyes. He is the mate to Birth of Nations that sold back in December. She had cast GI Joe heads. I think they make a great couple.

Hike down to the river

2010-04-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Since my studio is near the Haw River, we usually walk down there everytime we are at the studio. But, today we had a visitor, which was nice. Check out his blog at http://mygameitsyourmove.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-about-haw-river.html He got some good pictures while we were there today. I will have to steel some pictures from him.

Gluten Free Monkey Bread

2010-04-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package dry yeast
3 1/2 cups All Purpose Gluten Free Flour (Bob's Red Mill)

topping:
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans (I didn't add these because my son does not like nuts.)

icing:
1 1/2 powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Combine first 4 ingredients in a saucepan; heat until butter melts. Cool to 110 degrees. Add yeast; stir until dissolved. Let stand 5 minutes. Combine flour and milk mixture in a large bowl; stir until blended. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Note: gluten-free flour will not rise the same as regular flour. Therefore, it will be more dense than regular flour.

Shape into 1 1/2" balls. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Dip each in melted butter and then roll in brown sugar mixture. Place in a 10" non-stick bundt pan. Mix any left over butter with the sugar mixture and spoon over the top of dough. Cover for 45 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and then dump out. They will not stay in a nice ring, but will be more like donut holes.

Mix three ingediants for icing and spoon over top. If you like the icing thicker add more sugar. Keep the icing in the refrigerator after making.

ENJOY!

Wednesday Window

2010-03-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

How do I let Wednesday sneek up on me? I guess it is that I am so busy trying to get ready for some huge ceramic shows... This piece just came out of the kiln last night. It was inspired from a picture of an adult penguin and the little baby keeping warm.

And yes, the baby is seperate.

One Night of Queen

2010-03-29T10:05:00.000-04:00

We went to see One Night of Queen last night at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, it was amazing!!!! My son and daughter are both huge Queen fans and this was a late birthday present for my son. We had great seats, too. If you like Queen you will love this show. I am not sure where the tour is headed after Raleigh, but it was definitely worth seeing. It was a great tribute to Freddie and the rest of the group.

Here we are before the show. I wish you could see the Queen shirt Nancy is wearing - she silk screened it!

Clint getting an autograph after the show!

(all photos by Nancy.)

Gluten Free Bagels???

2010-03-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

Today I was becoming overwelmed with packing and decided to take a break and try to make some bagels. I am allergic to gluten, but I found a recipe from www.recipezaar.com for Gluten Free Bagels (it is #255600 if you want to try it out.)

Well, mine do not resemble bagels, except for the little shinny crust. I had a very difficult time shaping them without them crumbling all apart. So, mine are just big balls of dough. I was very surprized at how good they taste. They do have a strong egg flavor and kind of a weird smell (all gluten free bread smells weird). But, I put butter and some strawberry jam on them and they were good!

I will have to practice on presentation, but if I am just going to eat them myself, I really don't care what they look like. I will probably make them a bit smaller, because one was way too much. Plus they are very high in carbs like most bread, but these are made with potato starch and corn starch - so plenty of starch... But, when you go months without eating bread, these were heavenly!

Wednesday Window

2010-03-24T09:25:00.000-04:00

I can't believe another week has already passed us by....

This is our dog Satan... I mean Biscuit. She is a rescue dog that we got through Petsmart about six years ago. She is very smart, but she is also very protective - almost too protective. She loves the family (well, she tolerates Nancy), but she would eat any sales man that came to the door - like I said she is smart. I love my Biscuit.

Wednesday Window - Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T09:45:00.005-04:00

Not exactely Irish, but...
I just wanted to introduce you to the newest member of our family - Jackson. My son and I were heading out to the river and there was a van parked on the side of the road with a man selling Bonsai trees. So, Clint bought one and named him Jackson - not sure why. But, it is a beautiful Juniper that is three years old. Hope he will stay with us for a while.

Wednesday Window

2010-03-10T11:14:00.000-05:00

Spring is in the air! I love this time of year. After being cooped up inside all winter, it feels good to be able to just walk outside with out putting tons of layers on (ok, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to the cold). I can't wait to see the first bees of Spring. This was taken last year at my studio.

My 100th Post!!!

2010-03-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

Ok, for a lot of you out there, 100 posts may not be very much. But, to me it is amazing. I have always been a poor writer and I struggle with things to say. So, I cannot believe that I made it to 100. For my 100th post I wanted to have something "special" to write about, but I couldn't come up with one big thing - just a bunch of little things. I guess pretty much just a regular post...

I do want to thank all of my followers! I started this blog just as an outlet for Liquidambar and I really didn't think that people would ever read it. I don't have a massive following like some of my friends (i.e. Blase') but each one is important and it always makes me smile when someone leaves me a comment. The computer is an amazing thing to be able to bring so many people from around the world together. Thank you followers!!!!!

We have been very busy in the studio. John and I have two big shows coming up and since we don't work at the studio full-time, we have been trying to squeeze a lot of work in the short period of time that we do spend there. John finished about twelve thrown pieces over the weekend. Here he is trimming the last one.

And I made several coil-built pieces. I like inscribing different designs into the clay. I just love how the clay feels at that point.

This will be finished with the green glaze we use on most things.

Same with this pot that has a lotus on it. You can see that it is starting to dry. I actually made this one on Thursday.

The lotus pot is sitting in front of a piece that I made on Tuesday. Both pieces are made with the same brown clay, but the one is the back is almost bone-dry (ready to go into the kiln).

I also made two little people pots. It is amazing how each one can take on its own personality. They look like they are just waiting to say something.

While we were at the studio, John and I spotted out the location were we want to build a house. This won't happen for several years. My son still needs to finish high school, plus we would need to sell the house we are in to be able to build, but it is fun to dream. This is the house that we picked out.

It goes with the existing structure, even though you wouldn't be able to see the two, since the new one would go down deep in the woods.

Instead of the garage underneath, we would put french doors across the bottom and use that area as our game room. (We have a huge pool table, a ping-pong table and dart board, which we want to keep.) The only other thing we would change or add to the plan is a fire place. Both John and I love to keep warm by a fire, plus when you are in the middle of the woods - it just seams logical.

Well, it is the prettiest day of the year so far, so I better get out and work in the yard! Happy Monday and thank you all again!!!!!

We have a winner!!!!

2010-03-03T09:09:00.007-05:00

We have a winner for the $30 Gift Certificate to Liquidambar Studio!!!!
The number is 61....

sabrita said...: I made Liquidamber Jewelry on etsy an etsy favorite. Thank you.; February 12, 2010 6:49 AM; Thank you Sabrita and everyone who entered. Now I can't wait to see what she picks out!

ENDING FEBRUARY 28th!!!!

2010-02-26T09:30:00.002-05:00

I thought that I would re-post this to give some more of you a chance to enter. The last day to enter is February 28th!!!!

I have won so many wonderful things off of other people's blogs, so I thought that I should return the favor. This is my first giveaway!

This giveaway is for a $30 gift certificate that can be used on any of my sites!

Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away.
Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each Entry!

***** For the first entry - Go to: Kittysartandstuff and Liquidambar Jewelry on Etsy, and Liquidambar on Artfire.
Pick something from one of these shops that you like. Come back with the name or link. If you do not do this than you will not get any of the extra entries!

* 1 extra entry Pick a different item from one of the other two shops and leave me the name or link. (you can do this as many times as you like - but make sure you leave a separate comment for each one.)

* 3 extra entries (leave 3 separate comments) - blog about the give away, and leave a link.

* 1 extra entry - Heart my shop on Etsy (and let me know what your Etsy name is.)

*1 extra entry - become a friend via google connect on the right. If you already are just tell me.

* 1 extra entry - grab my button with a link on the sidebar and add it to your blog or put my blog in your blog roll, let me know where I can find it.

* 1 extra entry - mention the give away on Facebook with a link, let me know where it was posted.

* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where I can find it.
You can twitter this:

@babybear777 Win a $30 Gift Certificate from Liquidambar Studio
http://www.liquidambarstudio.blogspot.com

*1 extra entry leave a comment on one of my other posts and then come back here and let me know which one.

*1 extra entry Go to my website: Liquidambar Studio of Art
Pick an item that you like and come back here and let me know what it is.

* 1 extra entry Become a fan of Liquidambar Studio on Facebook.

Ok, that is about a billion different ways you can enter. You have until February 28th to enter. I will notify the winner by March 3rd. You must include your email in your comment, so I can contact you!

(Please note that any comments added to this blog post will be added to the end of the post from February 11th for the drawing.)

Wednesday Windows

2010-02-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Can you believe this cutie is going to be 16 years old tomorrow? See the date of this? 1999... time goes by way too fast!!!! (Clint's kindergarten teacher would make a poster like this for each one of the kids in the class.)

A Couple More

2010-02-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

I was able to finish up two more pieces that are now just waiting to dry and then head to the kiln.

The first one is actually a mate to the piece, Birth of Nations, that sold back in December. I plan on casting some glass pieces using Barbie heads and put them on copper wire coming out of the top of his head (I put holes there already). The female has G.I. Joe heads that I had cast from different types of glass. Since her name is Birth of Nations, I am not sure what his name should be. Any suggestions???

The second piece is actually a redo. The first one ended up with a crack in the ladies shoulder, but I loved how it turned out. Of course, I can never make two the same. I didn't actually look at the other one, so that it would be slightly different. I will glaze it with the same glaze, too. But, looking at the two - I wish I had made this one where they were looking at each other, like the finished one. I guess I will just have to make another one!

Some of my glass work

2010-02-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted very much of my glass work, because it is soooo hard to take a good picture of it. Plus, I really need a better macro lens for my camera. So, please excuse the poor photography.

These first two were the very first two pieces that I ever made. I took an afternoon workshop at the local art center.

I have done a whole series of pieces called "Glass Walls", some with colored glass and some with float glass.

I have also done a number of kiln "carved" pieces. This isn't carving at all, but rather slumping over a refractory material. Not sure why they call it carving...

These are a couple of other pieces that I have made - nothing special, but I had fun making them.

I have also done a few pieces where I am painting with the glass frit (crushed up glass). I really like how these turn out, but it is very time consuming. This piece is actually five layers of glass and had to be fired three times.

And of course, I love casting with glass. It is very difficult to do, but I still love how it turns out (most of the time).

And I can't forget all of my glass jewelry, which is so much fun to make!

I have also done a wee bit of flameworking. It was so much fun, but I ended up with a terrible "sun" burn. I wish I had the set up in my studio to do more! I guess I will just have to take some more classes.

Hear John's Talk

2010-02-18T09:30:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago I posted about John giving his distinguished lecture at Meredith College (http://liquidambarstudio.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-mecham-faculty-distinguished-lecture.html). I was so excited to find out that Meredith has posted the entire video of his lecture on their web site. Please take some time and listen to it. Believe me, it will change the way you look at science! I am very proud of him.

Just click on the link below and sit back and enjoy the show...
http://www.librarydigitalmediaroom.com/johnmecham.html

Wednesday Window

2010-02-17T11:31:00.003-05:00

We just don't get snow here very often, so I have to post a few pictures from this past weekend. The first is down at the Haw river that runs along our property. I do not want to find out how cold that water is!

Since this was Valentine's weekend, I thought that this heart-shaped tree stump was very appropriate.

And I couldn't resist playing with the colors again...

Oh, and John took these pictures. I stayed inside where it was warm and took a nap while he went out to take pictures.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2010-02-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to wish my husband a Happy Valentine's Day! He is truly the love of my life!!!! This picture is from our wedding. It was just the two of us and the minister. And the minister cried when we kissed (it was a woman). I will have to say that we had been up for around 72 hours and were getting ready to fall down. We had flown from Jamaica to New York and then to San Jose - then drove an hour to the chapel in Monteray and then had to drive back to San Jose. Of course in Jamaica we didn't sleep, in New York there was a fire in the hotel and then John had to be at a meeting the next day in San Jose, so our only chance to get married was that night. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

I love you John!

Kreative Blogger Award!

2010-02-13T09:30:00.001-05:00

Thank you for the Kreative Blogger Award!

A huge thanks to Julie from Creations with Heart for giving me this awesome award!!

The recipient of this award is challenged to list 7 things about them that readers may not know and then pass the Kreative Blogger award on to 7 other blogs the person enjoys reading.

1. I love the water! I must have been a fish in a previous life.

2. I have a B.S. in Organizational Management - which is a joke, because I am very unorganized

3. I have always been a computer geek. I would build them and write programs for the fun of it.

4. I never cook. My husband does all of the cooking, well except for baking.

5. I have always wanted to write a book.

6. I have always wanted to study Art History in Italy.

7. And my favorite fairy tale is The Little Match Girl.

A very strange combination of stuff. Sorry I couldn't come up with anything very exciting (at least that I could blog about.)

Now, I'd like to pass this award on to 7 "kreativ" and lovely bloggers ~

Rachelles Writing Spot

~Enjoy your beautiful award!~

Working in the studio - 2 new pieces

2010-02-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

I have been busy working in the clay studio. I have two pieces that are now waiting to go into the kiln. The first one is a "jug". Or a canopic jar - like a two person funeral urn. It has two stoppers. It is open from one side to the next on the inside - so a fluid can be poured in one side and flow to the next. I haven't come up with a name yet. Sometimes I have to live with them for a while before I find a name that I like. I am afraid to put it into the kiln just yet, even though it looks bone dry. The heads are solid, so I can't really tell if they are dry all of the way through. I hate to take a chance of them exploding, but I am also impatient when it comes to things waiting to be fired.

The second piece - is actually two pieces. As you can see from the picture, the little guy in the front is dry, but I just finished the larger piece yesterday. It will take about a week for it to dry completely. I got the idea from a picture I saw about penguins and the baby being protected by its mother. At first I thought that the little guy looked like he was in a religious nitch, like in an idol in a church. Again, I have not come up with an idea for a name. If any one has suggestions I would love to hear them.

My 1st Giveaway!!!!

2010-02-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

I have won so many wonderful things off of other people's blogs, so I thought that I should return the favor. This is my first giveaway!

This giveaway is for a $30 gift certificate that can be used on any of my sites!

Wednesday Window

2010-02-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

Yikes! This boy (16 in a couple weeks) starts drivers education tomorrow. Too bad he won't have such a sharp looking car to drive.

Snow again?

2010-02-08T12:45:00.000-05:00

This fall and winter has been a very wet one. It seems to rain or snow every few days. And I know that there have been so many posts about the snow that we all have been getting, but I have to add a few of my own (for my friends that aren't lucky (haha) enough to get any snow.)

This is the driveway to my studio. As you can see we had to walk it for a few days. I do not like the cold, but at least the sun is shinning.

My dog Biscuit hates to get her paws wet! She will not go out in the rain, but for some reason she loves to run in the snow. Why are paw prints so darn cute?

This a picture that I took along the driveway. And yes, I did alter the color- they were a light tan. Can you tell I am ready for Spring?

Wednesday Window

2010-02-03T01:00:00.001-05:00

This is my mommy! She came down for a visit last week and we spent one afternoon out at the river. I miss her so much, already! Love you Mom.

Celiac Disease and my bagel guy

2010-01-24T17:44:00.000-05:00

I know that so much has been written about Celiac Disease, but some of you may not be familiar with it. Yes, I have Celiacs and it is a pain to deal with. Celiacs is not really a disease at all.
"It is an immunological (allergic) reaction within the inner lining of the small intestine to proteins (gluten) that are present in wheat, rye, barley and, to a lesser extent, in oats. The immunological reaction causes inflammation that destroys the lining of the small intestine. This reduces the absorption of dietary nutrients and can lead to symptoms and signs of nutritional, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies."
http://www.medicinenet.com/celiac_disease/article.htm#tocb

Most people do not realize what people with Celiacs has to go through just to get a good meal. I have found so many products that contain wheat and had to take off of my diet. Ok, we all know that bread, most cereals, cakes, cookies and all of that stuff contains wheat. But, did you know that most grilled chicken from restaurants are injected with gluten to plump them up? And of course, companies love to bulk up any pre-packaged food with wheat because it is a cheap filler. But one item I didn't know about was Twizzlers candy - Yes, candy. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way. I had gotten very sick one night and my husband drilled me on all of the things that I had eaten during the day. Then he saw the bag of Twizzlers and yes, it was listed on the label, but I didn't even think to look at it.

Luckily, people are becoming more aware of it. A few restaurants are even providing gluten-free menus. There are also more products in the grocery store that are labeled "gluten free". I just made a batch of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are not like "real" chocolate chip cookies, but they are very good.

I do think it is funny how some products say, "Now Gluten-Free", but they have been gluten free all along - like plain rice or milk, or plain chocolate. I know it is all another gimmick, but I am still glad that the companies are realizing there is an actual need for gluten-free products (even if they are trying to make a buck off of it).

Well, my husband found a local baker than makes gluten-free bagels and bread. I have ordered from him a few times and my husband even likes them better than regular bagels. But, this week his company made the front page of the local newspaper. Some people have filed a suit against him saying they found gluten in the products and it made them sick. Friday there was a ruling to stop his business for 10 days, and then they will decide if they are going to close him down permanently. It doesn't look good. I just hope that it was all a mistake - because I love his bagels! I had even placed a huge order a few days ago - but I guess I won't be getting them. Now I will have to start working on my own bagel making. So, if there is anyone out there that has made gluten-free bagels and they are good, please send me a recipe.

There is one cook book that I really like: The Best-Ever Wheat and Gluten-Free Baking Book, written by Mary Ann and Mace Wenniger. (But, they don't have a bagel recipe.)

Lovlies that I won from City of Dionne!!!!

2010-01-21T21:14:00.006-05:00

I seem to be having some luck lately.... I won all of these wonderful gifts from City of Dionne!

The first is the earrings on the right side of the picture. These are by Tinglow. These are so light and look great on. I wear a lot of earthy colors, so these will go with many of my outfits!

The second is a little girl's headband by XOXO Cupcake. Well, my "little" girl is now 18 years old, so this will go to one of my great-nieces.

The third is a cute little cardholder also from XOXO Cupcake. This will be great to carry just my business cards, so I don't get them messed up shoved down in my wallet.

The forth is the delicate cuff on the left side of the picture from Awkward. I love the Victorian look of this cuff. Plus, it is so light it can be worn year round.

The fifth item is a pretty blue fused glass heart necklace from Sweet and Sassy Studio. What a great Valentine's Day gift (to me)!

The sixth is the lovely clutch from Aylla. This is the perfect size to just grab and go. (Plus, it matches the earrings and lace cuff - I may get a whole new outfit.)

The seventh is a set of magnets by Zarou. These are already up on my fridge at my studio!

The eighth is the petite owl necklace (shown on the left) from Freshy Fig. Wow, it brings back a lot of good memories from the 70's.

The ninth is this original art pendant (shown on the left) from Primoriginals. I love collecting other peoples art work and this one I can even wear.

The tenth is a wonderful hand-made book (shown on the left of the picture), "Passport to Paris", from Lou Lou Loves Books. My grandma was named Lou Lou, plus I love the imagination that went into this!

And I won a cute little cupcake necklace, but I do not have a picture.

Please take some time and visit these shops! They have some amazing things that I know you will love. Thanks again (I know it was just luck picking my name, but thanks for putting it all together) Dionne!!!!!

Dr. Mecham - Faculty Distinguished Lecture

2010-01-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

DR. JOHN MECHAM

- The Faculty Distinguished Lecture -

"The Waikiki Delicatessen:

the Beginnings of Big Ideas"

January 26, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

An Exploration in Words and Music!

Each year one Meredith faculty member is honored by the Faculty Development Committee and the Vice President for Academic Programs by being chosen to deliver the FACULTY DISTINGUISHED LECTURE. The speaker is chosen for the excellence of her/his scholarship or research, and it is always fascinating to hear these presentations. This year rumors have it that we are in for some surprises. So who is John Mecham? (click to go to Meredith College's page)

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW IN JOHNSON HALL.

Wednesday Window

2010-01-20T08:18:00.001-05:00

This week we had the main water line break. The plumbers had to dig a ($4000) trench all through my flower bed. They went right through the Peony, Iris, and Gerbera Daisies. I cried when I saw what they had done. But, I guess now I will have nice soft soil to plant some new ones!

Commission: Oyster Platters

2010-01-19T11:37:00.001-05:00

During the North Carolina Pottery Fair, this past December, John and I were asked to make some oyster platters. I have to admit that I really did not know what an oyster platter was (ok, I could guess what it was), but wasn't quite sure what one looked like. This man said that he collects them from all over the world and has a huge collection, but he cannot find them anymore. Plus, he wanted some more modern pieces of handmade artwork. John and I decided that we would make a few of them and let him take his pick. And if he doesn't like any of them, that is alright, too. But I love the challenge!

Before I started I made a few sketches and went from there. I didn't want to look at any online because I didn't want them to influence my designs. The first one I came up with is like a branch and each "leaf" will hold the oyster.

I am going to glaze that in the green that we often use on our pieces.

The second is a true mix of oriental style combined with a Victorian flair (weird combo, but that is what it looks like to me.) This, piece will be glazed in a creamy white and then I will melt blue green glass in the circle in the middle of the plate.

I am very excited about these two. I just hope they make it through the firing process!

Here are a few examples of ones that I found on-line.

So mine are very different from the others I have seen. Plus, the man told me that they usually held 10-12 oysters, where most of these hold 5-6. John has not started on making any yet (because he has been working on another commission for someone.) I am not sure what he is going to do, but I am sure that it will also be very different.

Wednesday Window

2010-01-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

For some reason I am feeling like this guy - paddling along, but not getting anywhere. Maybe someone needs to give us a push.

(I took this at the NC Zoo, Oct 31, 2009)

Gumi-Gumi Island Giveaway

2010-01-08T11:35:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post about this cute giveaway. It is from Gumi-Gumi Island: Rainbow Project http://amigurumiandpizza.blogspot.com/2010/01/rainbow-giveaway.html#ixzz0brKLiQDS

FIRST PRIZE:
a personalized amigurumi from one of these patterns to choose from.
SECOND PRIZE:
10 dollars discount in her Etsy shop to use for purchase of pattern or completed amigurumi.
THIRD PRIZE:
a pattern to choose from.

These are sooo cute! I would love the baby hedgehog. I don't think I could make one from a pattern, but I would sure give it a try. Make sure you visit her site and pick which one you would like and visit her Etsy shop while you are at it. http://rainbowproject.etsy.com

Reading everyone's resolutions.

2010-01-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

I will have to be honest and say that I have really enjoyed reading everyone's blogs about their New Year's resolutions. I am one of those that always set resolutions every year. I am not very serious about them. I never write them down and I never tell anyone what they are. I guess I am afraid that if I do tell someone then it would be too much pressure trying to keep them and I would really feel like a failure if I didn't keep them. I look at New Year's resolutions as just a way to re-evaluate myself. A week has past and I probably have made ten resolutions and probably have already broke most of them. But that is ok, I am aloud to make up my own rules. Maybe this year February 1st will be the start of my resolutions.

Probably the big one is always to save money. By the 4th that one was out the window. My son wanted me to take him to Walmart (which I hate - I hate shopping period!), but we went and I ended up picking up a couple items that I really didn't need. One was a file box for my studio (that one is a little ok, but a cardboard box could have served the same purpose. The second was a new Stephen King book, Under the Dome. And then the next day I had to exchange a couple of Christmas presents at the mall. I go there about four times a year (did I say I hate shopping?) But, once I was there I thought I should go in a couple of the stores and look around, since everyone was having sales. I ended up buying a couple new tops and a dress. Because I work at the studio, I never dress up, but I have a closet full of dresses. I justified this one, because it was a summer dress and it was only $5. I couldn't pass that up!

My shopping added a new resolution and that is to read the Stephen King book. That one shouldn't be too hard, since I love reading. It is 1074 pages, so it may take a while.

Of course, I always say that I am going to eat better. I am allergic to a lot of food, so it is hard to make good food choices when I am out. We stop at fast food restaurants almost every week when we are traveling. My weakness is a caramel sundae from McDonalds. You can't beat it for a buck. I thought that I should try cutting back on those. But yesterday I had to stop for gas and the McDonalds was right there. I justified it by getting my husband a hot fudge sundae because he had been home all day working and needed a little reward. Maybe I will switch gas stations....

My other big resolution is to "just do it!" I blame my grandparents and my mother for putting off projects. My desk gets filled up with little things that need to be taken care of. Then when I want to work on something I have to make my way through the pile. I also have a habit of setting something down when I should just take care of it right then. I have been working for the past several days at making my way though the "To Do" pile.

As a artist, I want to save everything because I may need it for a project. My husband had done some wine tasting and had a couple of plastic cups. I took them thinking that they must be good for something. So last night I made some Christmas ornaments out of them. Ok, these aren't designer ornaments, but they are like the ones my Gram made when I was little. I actually have a snowman one that she made, which I just wrapped up with the Christmas decorations. It was fun making them and remembering my time with Gram. But, from now on I am going to ask myself is the "thing" really worth keeping or is it just one more thing to take up space.

I just keep telling myself that I am happy with who I am. I could use a little work, but what fun is that?

Wednesday Window

2010-01-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

These are the best two kids in the world! I know that I have said that before - but I just can't get over how lucky I am to have these two in my life.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I took some time off to enjoy my family. Wish it didn't have to end so soon.

Wednesday Window

2009-12-23T01:00:00.001-05:00

This is what John and I spend all of our free time on.

This Weekend!!!! (Dec 18-20)

2009-12-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

(I know that most of you saw this last time, but I just wanted to re-post for anyone that may have missed it.)

The Sanford Pottery Festival Presents
The North Carolina Pottery Fair

Great Christmas gifts * A Holiday Tradition Begins

The largest pottery festival in North Carolina creating a major event to bring the flavor of the Seagrove and Sanford pottery to Raleigh.

North Carolina State Fair Grounds Holshouser Building ("Village of Yesteryear" building)

December 18-20

Fridays - 1pm - 6pm

Saturdays - 10am - 6pm

Sundays - Noon - 5pm

The largest pottery festival in North Carolina creating a major event to bring the flavor of the Seagrove and Sanford pottery to Raleigh.

50 Booths!!!

Children under 10 admitted Free. Because you love them, and they are the future pottery collectors of North Carolina and some could become potters or art teachers.

Complimentary wine tasting

2 North Carolina wineries each weekend
Saturdays Noon - 6pm
Sundays Noon - 5pm

Non-pottery Traditional Arts and Crafts:

leather, glass, soap, woodworking, orchids and more

Liquidambar Studio will be there! Please stop by and say hello. If you mention the blog I will give you 20% off the sale!!!

Wednesday Window Late on Thursday

2009-12-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

Ok - he is going to kill me when he sees this. It was Christmas morning 2003. He knows how to make us smile!

Santa Swap!

2009-12-17T13:02:00.001-05:00

I was so excited to get my package from Brie (briehernandez.blogspot.com)!!!! It was all packaged in a cute snowman box, since I love snowmen. There were a bunch of mint choclate candy canes (a few are missing from the picture) and a police badge from where she works. There were also a cute pair of bow earrings and a beautiful pair of earrings that she made! Oh, a Texas Christmas card, too!

Thanks Brie!!!! Merry Christmas.
and thank you to The Mommy Files for doing this!
http://www.themommy-files.com/2009/12/link-your-santa-swap-goodies/

Wednesday Window

2009-12-09T01:00:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my sister and I around 1971. I am the one on the left if you haven't guessed. I miss taking my children to see Santa (now they are 18 and 15). Buying for Christmas gets harder and harder as they get older. Before my daughter wanted a Barbie and my son wanted a toy truck - now my son wants a real "Barbie" and my daughter wants a real truck!

Sanford Pottery Fair

2009-12-07T21:31:00.005-05:00

The Sanford Pottery Festival Presents
The North Carolina Pottery Fair

Great Christmas gifts * A Holiday Tradition Begins

The largest pottery festival in North Carolina creating a major event to bring the flavor of the Seagrove and Sanford pottery to Raleigh.

North Carolina State Fair Grounds Holshouser Building ("Village of Yesteryear" building)

Two Extended Weekends

December 11 - 13

December 18-20

Fridays - 1pm - 6pm

Saturdays - 10am - 6pm

Sundays - Noon - 5pm

Complimentary wine tasting

2 North Carolina wineries each weekend
Saturdays Noon - 6pm
Sundays Noon - 5pm

Non-pottery Traditional Arts and Crafts:

leather, glass, soap, woodworking, orchids and more

Liquidambar Studio will be there BOTH weekends! Please stop by and say hello. If you mention the blog I will give you 20% off the sale!!!

And I have to say a special Thank you to Blase' He helped John and I at the Cary show. Don't know how we could have done it without him! Please visit his blog if you want some good reading. http://blaseimho.blogspot.com

The Original Workbox Giveaway - EZ View Desk Top

2009-12-04T15:33:00.011-05:00

Cary Ole Time Winter Festival

2009-12-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

7th Ole Time Winter Festival in the Heart of Cary

December 5th, 10am - 5pm

West Chatham Street (between Harrison and Academy)

(parking is in the community parking deck at the intersection of Academy and Chapel Hill Road)

There will be 45 art and craft vendors!!! Please come shop and support local artists! Liquidambar Studio is Booth #27.

There will also be:

Letters to Santa: Santa's Mailbox at Town Hall.

Santa's Workshop: Herbert C. Young Community Center, 10am.- 1pm

The Artist Within: Town of Cary Employees Artist's Reception: Town Hall, 3-5pm

Page-Walker Arts & History Open House: Page-Walker, 4-6pm.

Town of Cary Tree Lighting Ceremony and presentation of the Community Tree: Town Hall, 6pm

Cary Players presents: It's a Wonderful Life: Town Hall Council Chamber, 8pm

Wednesday Window

2009-12-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, it is December - my studio is decorated! (All I do is put up a wreath - the lights on the railings stay up year round, because it is so dark out there and I have fallen down the steps one too many times.) But it is hard to believe that we have had our studio for 1 year now. Time goes by so quickly!!!!

Fantabulously Frugal HUGE Giveaway!!!!

2009-11-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

I just had to write a post about Fantabulously Frugal's Giveaway -

You Deserve The Best Giveaway

She is giving away three amazing prizes -

1st - Value $675

2nd- Value $550

3rd- Value $125

Go to Fantabulously Frugal site and see all of the great items!!!!

This ends December 14th so don't miss it.

Steampunk Giveaway

2009-11-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

Catherinette Rings is having a

Steampunk Jewelry and sculpture Giveaway

Get a chance to win Steampunk Jewelry or a Sculpture.

1st prize : Steampunk Sculpture
2nd prize : 100$ Shopping Spree .

go to

http://steampunkrings.blogspot.com/2009/11/steampunk-jewelry-christmas-bogo-deal.html

and her Etsy shop

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

Today's Mama Wish List Meme and Giveaway!

2009-11-25T18:26:00.001-05:00

Today's Mama Wish List Meme and Giveaway!

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleigh full of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

Some new jewelry tools.
Plasma torch - doesn't every women need one of these?
A Kitchenaid Mixer in Cobalt blue (mine got stolen and I miss it!)
Hardwood flooring for the first floor.
new slippers - I live in them and go through so many pairs.

What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

My favorite handmade gift was a drawing that my daughter did - it was the two of us.

What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

I would love to make some fine silver rings for all the women in my family.

What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

I think it was a Lionel train set. It had smoke that came out of the engine. (Wish I still had it.)

What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

Both my son and daughter (15 and 18) want a car - but they are dreaming!

What is your favorite holiday food?

I love all kinds of pies - but I am allergic to wheat, so that knocks out most everything. But I am going to make a pumpkin pie tonight!

What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

I have been sewing a lot for the holidays - purses and reusable lunch bags.

What is your favorite holiday movie?

A Christmas Memory

Favorite holiday song?

Little Drummer Boy

Favorite holiday pastime?

Visiting with family from out of state.

To enter and win all these fabulous gifts just fill out the same Meme I did above and post links back to Today's Mama and Provo Craft. Be sure to send an email with a link to your Meme to info@todaysmama.com with "Wish List Meme" in the subject line. What are you waiting for-hop to it folks! :)

Wednesday Window

2009-11-25T12:43:00.000-05:00

Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought that this picture was appropriate. I know these indians are from the South West, but indians everywhere were effected by what we now celebrate as Thanksgiving.

(I did not take this photo - and I do not know the person's name)

I am most thankful for my family. I know most people would say that, but I really mean it! I love them all very dearly and appreciate everything they do. Each one is special to me.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

OK THIS IS IT! 28th Seagrove Pottery Festival

2009-11-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

This is the big weekend for the

28th Annual

Seagrove Pottery Festival!!!!

It is Saturday and Sunday - November 21st and 22nd. 10:00am - 6:00pm

528 Old Plank Road, Seagrove, NC

The Featured Potter is Rockhouse Pottery

http://www.rockhousepottery.com/

There will be a Limited Edition Pottery Auction on Sunday at 4:00pm! All pieces will be signed and dated for this special event by the potters.

Come see the work of the largest pottery community in the U.S.!

There will be live demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Admission: One Day $6.00

Two Day tickets $10.00

Seniors 55+ & Military Family $5.00

Active Military FREE (Military ID Required)

Sponsored by the

Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery

P.O. Box 500 - Seagrove, NC 27341

(336) 873-7887

www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com

Please come by and see our booth! 20% off if you mention you read the blog!

Deal Finding Chick Giveaway

2009-11-19T17:36:00.000-05:00

OK Ladies (sorry guys this one is probably not for you),

Please go take a look at the Deal Finding Chick Giveaway! Stuffed Full Christmas Stocking You would not believe everything she is giving away. And if you win, you would really be able to pamper yourself - all you would need is a hot bath (ok, maybe a glass of wine). But you need to hurry - it ends Wednesday, November 24th.

In the Studio

2009-11-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

I didn't know that I was going to be the feature on Cafe Handmade till late last night. But, I wanted to share it with everyone. Please take a look and leave me a comment at the bottom of the article on Cafe Handmade. I would love to hear what you think. But it would be nice if you could vote for me also (please).

http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/2009/11/in-the-studio-with-kitty-mecham-liquidambar-studio/

Thank you and I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!!!

Wednesday Windows

2009-11-18T00:01:00.005-05:00

This shot is from when we were living in Kenya (I am sure there will be a lot of photos from there). This is our friend Benson's mother and my daughter, Nancy. Benson's mother lives in this tiny place with no water or electricity, but she was so full of energy! The red wallpaper is sheets of labels from a factory that haven't been cut. She makes the coiled bags, like the bright striped one in the back of the picture. They are absolutely beautiful and she sells them for only a couple of dollars. She is an amazing lady!

Wonderful Weekend and a beautiful Monday!

2009-11-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

After such a rainy week it was 75 degrees and sunny this past weekend! Of course we were at the studio working (playing), but we did take time to walk down to the river and see the after effects from the tropical depression that came through. The river was down a couple feet, but it was amazing to see how much water was rushing by us. For those that have been down to the river - these pictures were taken at the spot where there is a little "swimming hole" surrounded by rocks that we climb out on. (I don't think I would try swimming in that right now.) The tree in the center of the picture is usually on a little island.

I have to add a couple others that I took along the way.

and the beast worn out from her run...

Today is also sunny and warm, so I better take advantage of it. You never know when we will get another day like this!

For the Love of Art

2009-11-13T14:26:00.000-05:00

Sunday is the last day that you can drop off your art piece for the Visual Art Exchange 26th Annual Art Auction & Gala, in Raleigh, NC. Every year I say I am going to donate something and every year I let it slip by. The VAE (www.visualartexchange.org) is great about sending out postcards and email reminders, but my mind is thinking February - not November. I forget that there is so much preperation that goes into the Auction and Gala that they need plenty of time to get it together (excpecially over the holidays). Since I will be working in the studio all weekend, I finally took my piece in today. The majority of work that gets donated it 2d work - paintings mostly, so I am always glad to see when other 3d artist contribute. I donated my ceramic piece "Generation". It is a coil built ceramic piece that I stained with Iron oxide. I then added a fish bone (that my daughter actually gave me for Christmas one year) and an old stamp that has our last name on it. The wax flowing out of the piece is... well hopefully you can make the conection on your own.

Wednesday Windows

2009-11-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know that it is now Fall, and we are having a tropical depression that is dumping tons of rain on us, but I thought that this would brighten up the day a little. This was taken out by our front door. John says he doesn't like gardening and yard work - but I think he is a natural at it.

A doe a deer

2009-11-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

Another watercolor that I did last night. I put it on the computer and cut it out, then added the solid background. Not sure why I am doing these, just a change of pace.

A couple of Watercolors

2009-11-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

In my blog on Monday I mentioned that I had started on a watercolor. I actually finished two of them last night. They still need to be scanned in (these I just took with the camera). For some reason I have been influenced by this whole "retro" style, but since I am a late 60's girl, I guess it fits. Plus, I just like the hard lines and simplistic shapes. Let me know what you think of them. I always like feedback - good or bad.

Wednesday Window #3

2009-11-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today was so sunny and the leaves were showing off. It reminded me of this picture. This picture was taken after a wedding in Rhode Island a few years ago. The path we choose...

I have a problem.

2009-11-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am the first to admit that I have a serious problem - I have AADD. Everyone knows what ADD is, but I have ARTIST-ADD.

I was trying to think of what I should work on next. I envy the artists that can do the same thing over and over again. I have tried pretty much every form of artwork out there. If you look at my website www.liquidambarstudio.com you will see just a small part of the things that I am into, not to mention the stuff on Etsy and Artfire.

This past week I worked on:
1) fabric bowls

2) jewelry - both clay and beaded

3) Setting up a new site http://liquidambarjewelry.bigcartel.com I am starting a site for the jewelry that I have collected from other countries, plus some of my silver jewelry that I make. It is still a work in progress. (My collections are taking over my house!)

4) recycling Christmas cards - got the edges all cut
5) clay Christmas ornaments

6) fused glass - pieces cut and grinded
7) started on a watercolor
8) photgraphed work and vintage stuff to sell

9) started a crochet scarf

That is not to mention all the stuff that goes on being a mother and a wife... oh and the zoo.

(He looks like me screaming.)

I have found that I can waste soooo much time trying to figure out what the next thing I should work on. I am lucky enough to have places to work on all of these things, so it is not a matter of cleaning up and pulling stuff out. The only problem is that the clay and glass are at my studio and the rest I do at home. That means that the days I don't go to the studio I am into everything. I need to focus! I need help! Is there some sort of 12 step program for people like me?

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

2009-10-31T10:24:00.001-04:00

Auction Piece Finished!

2009-10-30T15:02:00.000-04:00

I have mentioned that John and I were invite to participate this year in the 28th Annual Seagrove Pottery Festival this year. The festival will take place November 21st and 22nd at the Seagrove School, 528 Old Plank Road, Seagrove, NC. (visit www.seagrovepotteryheritage.com) This is the largest pottery show in North Carolina! There is an amazingly long list of potters that will be there, so if you ever wanted a piece of North Carolina pottery than this is the place to be.

My piece is soneware with iron oxide and Rutile Blue glaze. It measures 10" high and 6 1/2" in diameter at the top.

There will be an auction on Sunday, where all of the potters have donated a piece. All the pieces will be marked with 1) the name of the shop, 2) signature of maker, 3) November 22, 2009, 4) 28th Seagrove Pottery Festival on the bottom. They are due to the museum by November 1st. So, being the last minute kind of person that I am, I finally finished my piece, took pictures and filled out the form. Tomorrow we are going to deliver it! (And since we have to go by the North Carolina Zoo, we are going to make a day of it.
http://www.nczoo.org/)

Wednesday Window #3

2009-10-28T17:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I am a Spring/Summer kind of girl. And last night it was cold and rainy - blah. So, I decided to post a picture of where I would rather be for the next several months....

This picture was taken in Belize. It is of the Caye (or as we say "key") where the Smithsonian Institute has their research center. What you see is about 3/4 of the island. Not sure I would want to be there during a hurricane - but any other time, would be wonderful!

Fall is all around us (and mushrooms, too)!

2009-10-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

I will have to say that I am a Spring/Summer person and not a Fall/Winter person. But, on Sunday I took a little walk at the studio and found several surprises. If you have read my past blogs, you know that mushrooms are very fascinating to me. There are so many kinds and they seem to pop up all of the time. I was out for about 10 minutes and these are a few that I found. I can't imagine if I was able to spend the whole day!

Spread the Love

2009-10-26T19:21:00.004-04:00

We like to spread the love on the Handmade Artist Forum. So a shop is picked for each day of the week and then we try to promote them and their stores everyday. I was picked for Thursday!!!

I have picked an item out of each store that I like...

Monday, October 26 http://makinthebestofit.etsy.com/
Cobalt Blue Cafe Mugs with White on White Rose Design http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6419850
Tuesday, October 27 http://coffeebreakdesigns.etsy.com/
Autumn Leaves in Spice Handwoven Scarf http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31313747

Wednesday, October 28 http://annmadestuff.etsy.com/

Stuffie Monster http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25352527

Thursday, October 29 http://kittysartandstuff.etsy.com/

Reversable Multicolored Cats and Yellow Cloth Bowl http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32623795

Friday, October 30 http://taogem.etsy.com/
Picture Jasper Gemstone Cabochon D http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33219128

Saturday, October 31 http://sedgeworks.etsy.com/
Prairie Bracelet of Turquoise and Citrine Gemstone Beads in Blue and Yellow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18150477

Sunday, November 1 http://cyberfiber.etsy.com/
Vintage Silverware Bracelet Diamonds http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31742711

Please, stop by each one of these stores and SPREAD THE LOVE!!!! You can help us out be sending some tweets, posting to Facebook or just spread the word!

Fortune Cookie Friday #2

2009-10-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

Today is Fortune Cookie Friday!!!

To start with you need a little background... In our family there is only one way to read a fortune cookie. After you read your fortune you have to add "IN BED" to the end of the sentence. Ok?

Here is today's:

"You always bring others happiness" ...

"Daily Numbers - 7, 3, 0" and "Lotto Six #s - 11, 88, 36, 52, 16, 28" I don't play the lottery (or "pay my taxes" as my husband says), so maybe you will get lucky!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Wednesday Window #2

2009-10-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

Today's picture:

While living in Kenya, we visited Lake Nakuru with a friend. We had a visitor help himself to a morning snack of figs and crackers!

I am so happy today!!!!

2009-10-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

My husband, John, comes home today. He has been in Kenya for 10 days. I know that doesn't sound very long , but to me it is forever! We have only been apart like that once before and that was this past summer when I went to help out my Mom after her surgery.

Our family lived in Kenya for six months. John was doing research and teach medical students, while I taught art at Kenya University.

John took this trip to help on a research project that he has been doing for several years now. He is trying to find a drug that will help/cure/prevent AIDS. He and his team have written numerious grants and set up many tests and studies so far.

When we were there in 2006, we tested a number of women with AIDS and John has been following their progress. So far, things are looking pretty good.

On this trip he also had the opportunity to meet with Wangari Maathai. She had just been to Meredith College (where John works) to lecture about her memoir. "Unbowed,” a memoir by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, who has been a trailblazer on behalf of women and the environment. And then from Meredith she went to meet with President Obama. And then she headed back to Kenya where John was able to meet with her again.

So now I am off to the airport and I can't wait to see him!

Fortune Cookie Friday #1

2009-10-16T08:43:00.000-04:00

Today is Fortune Cookie Friday!!!

I love oriental food and I eat a lot of takeout!! I am allergic to wheat so I cannot eat my fortune cookies, so I have decided that you should have them.

To start with you need a little background... In our family there is only one way to read a fortune cookie. After you read your fortune you have to add "IN BED" to the end of the sentence. Ok?

Here is today's:

"You will be fortunate in the opportunities presented to you" ...

This fortune says, "Daily Numbers - 4, 5, 8" and "Lotto Six #s - 11, 43, 14, 41, 3, 35" I don't play the lottery (or "pay my taxes" as my husband says), so maybe you will get lucky!

Also: Islandlife808.com does "Aloha-Friday". They ask a question and then you answer it. Then you leave a question on your blog and link it back to theirs. It is a great way for bloggers to get to know other bloggers out there!

my question:

The State Fair is here, so I want to know how much money would you plan on spending per child to take them?

leave your answer in my comments, and if you want visit islandlife808.com to see more, click on the link: http://islandlife808.com/memes/aloha-friday-104/

Have a great Friday!!!!!

Keeping up with the blogs and Today's Wednesday Windows

2009-10-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

I was looking at some of the blogs that I follow this evening and realized how seldom several blogs are actually updated. I have a huge blog list, some 125 or so, and yes, I read them all. It really doesn't take that much time since only a quarter or less write new blogs each day.

I started thinking that maybe I should do a little better with the blog writting myself. I decided to add a couple items during the week:

Wednesday Windows - A photograph or series of photographs that one of us has taken on our travels or around the studio.
and
Fortune Cookie Friday - I love reading what my fortune cookies have to say and want to share them with you.

So, since it is Wednesday, I will leave you with the photo of the day.

This is from a trip to Rhode Island, 2003. (I love architecture!)

Maquerade Ball and Birthday

2009-10-10T13:36:00.001-04:00

I wanted to invite everyone to the Masquerade Ball that the ClayFire Artists and the Polymer Clay Smooshers are having online. It is a promotion, sale, and giveaway! Please visit http://polymerclaysmooshers.blogspot.com/
All of the artist that are participating are listed on the left hand of the their blog. So please take some time and visit their shops. You can also go to Artfire.com and type in MASK to search and you will find many of the shops there also.

Now for the Birthday - John had his 65th birthday this week!!! - yes, you heard me 65! It took the three to light the candles and they did it at the table because I was afraid they would all be melted into the cake if we didn't. I even opened the door because I thought the smoke alarm would go off. Nancy decorated the cake and for some reason she wasn't thinking and put 64 on the cake, so that is why there is the plus 1, but that just makes it special.

Now I hope he will think about retiring so we can play in the studio more!

Sunday Show

2009-10-05T18:33:00.001-04:00

I wanted to thank everyone that came out to see John and me in Chapel Hill at the Festifall this past Sunday. It was nice to meet some new folks and it was a great day - the weather couldn't have been better! But, the best news is that this show was juried and we won 1st Place!!!! This was our first outdoor show (and only our second show ever) so it was a real honor to be picked.

My friend Mayshanna Pandora was the People's Choice winner! Please take a look at her site and see some of her new work. http://www.mpandoraart.com

This is a picture of our booth (and yes, I know the banner isn't straight - but I wasn't about to try and fix it with all of those pots there). We had purchased a new tent which was great. It made it look more professional and it kept the sun from melting us.

As you can see John got his workout packing and unpacking and packing up again all of these pots. Yes, we sold a number of them, but we had tons of them!

Now, it is back to the studio to make some more for our show coming up in November!!! (maybe I will take a couple of days off...)

The weekend (but no time for rest)

2009-10-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give you a sneak peek at what John and I have been up to. These pieces and more will be at the Festifall on West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC on Sunday (1-6pm). We are booth #35. Please come by, we will take 20% off if you tell me that you read me blog. Plus, we would love for you to vote for us for the Peoples Choice Award.

Hope to see you there!

#1 - Handbuilt slab by John
#2 - Handbuilt coiled by Kitty, "Seeing Eye to Eye"
#3 - Handbuilt coiled by Kitty
#4 - Handbuilt coiled by Kitty

Fired the kiln (again)!!!

2009-09-28T17:37:00.005-04:00

John and I have been so busy preparing for the upcoming shows that we are in. We were able to fire two glaze loads and one bisque load over the past week. Last night I started a third glaze load and this morning I started another bisque load. With our new kiln we are having to learn a little as we go. There were some great pieces that came out and some not so great pieces. Hopefully, they will get better every time.

One piece that didn't make it was one of my people pots. I small crack opened up around the lady's neck. I was really disappointed because this is a double people pot (very time consuming) and it was glazed with the Saturated Metallic, which I never use on my people pots. But, they now have a happy home in my flower bed at the studio!

I know these aren't for everyone, but they are all very personal to me. It is weird how one can become emotionally attached to the work they are doing. But, I have been asked to have five pieces in a show at the Royal Bean in Raleigh for the month of October. They are doing a "Dark Art" theme and I guess some would view my work as dark art, especially my funeral urns (not sure why...).

There is a positive side to these kiln firings and that is that John and I have finally mastered our favorite glaze: Pennell Strontium Matt Glaze. I mix the glaze from the raw materials, which is kinda like baking a cake. But it is very finicky and has to be fired to an exact temperature so that we get the effects we want, but it is not running off the pots onto the shelves.

I have also made a ton of jewelry pieces and will be posting these to my website : www.liquidambar.artfire.com a little at a time.

The first show is this coming Sunday, October 4th, in Chapel Hill from 1-6pm. I am just hoping for some weather like today - perfect!

And since my blog wouldn't be complete without a picture of "nature" - here is a picture from Sunday morning by the front deck. Thought it would put us in the October mood.

Liquidambar Studio of Art

July Featured Artists at Liquidambar Gallery and Gifts

MARCH Featured Artists at Liquidambar Gallery

A look back at 2010 in pictures

This past weekend

Some of my favorite t-shirts

FInally OPEN!!!!!!

Our Newest Family Member

Big BIG NEWS!!!!

Wednesday Window

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

Wednesday Window

Mom, I am bored...

Nature at the Studio

Wednesday Window on Thursday

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window

Dear Grandmom

Bribery

Wednesday Window (a little late)

Wednesday Window

New Dresses

Camcist

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window - Auction

Wednesday Window

Sanford Pottery Festival

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window

Father of Nations

Hike down to the river

Gluten Free Monkey Bread

Wednesday Window

One Night of Queen

Gluten Free Bagels???

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window - Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wednesday Window

My 100th Post!!!

We have a winner!!!!

ENDING FEBRUARY 28th!!!!

Wednesday Windows

A Couple More

Some of my glass work

Hear John's Talk

Wednesday Window

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Kreative Blogger Award!

Thank you for the Kreative Blogger Award!tweetmeme_url = 'http://creationswithheart.blogspot.com/2010/02/thank-you-for-kreative-blogger-award.html';tweetmeme_source = 'CreationsWHeart';

Working in the studio - 2 new pieces

My 1st Giveaway!!!!

Wednesday Window

Snow again?

Wednesday Window

Celiac Disease and my bagel guy

Lovlies that I won from City of Dionne!!!!

Dr. Mecham - Faculty Distinguished Lecture

Wednesday Window

Commission: Oyster Platters

Wednesday Window

Gumi-Gumi Island Giveaway

Reading everyone's resolutions.

Wednesday Window

Wednesday Window

This Weekend!!!! (Dec 18-20)

Wednesday Window Late on Thursday

Santa Swap!

Wednesday Window

Sanford Pottery Fair

The Original Workbox Giveaway - EZ View Desk Top

Cary Ole Time Winter Festival

Wednesday Window

Fantabulously Frugal HUGE Giveaway!!!!

You Deserve The Best Giveaway

She is giving away three amazing prizes -

1st - Value $675

2nd- Value $550

3rd- Value $125

Go to Fantabulously Frugal site and see all of the great items!!!!

Thank you for the Kreative Blogger Award!