Dolls on Exhibit... a Torche' Galerie Opening Nite! Saturday, July 12th...

After the great success at their Anniversary Show, I am thrilled to announce that 9 of my newest Folk Art Dolls have been selected for exhibition at Torche' Galerie in Belmar, NJ. In fact... I'm squealing with delight!

Their Summer Exhibition features a whole host of talented artists in all genres including sculpture, photography, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, collage, mosaic, mixed-media and so many more categories of intriguing contemporary art. Torche' Galerie is like a little slice of an upscale New York City gallery with a friendly and inviting atmosphere... right here in NJ! And the opening night reception will knock your socks off. Good thing it's Summer!

Torche' Galerie Summer Exhibition

Opening Reception 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

7pm - 10pm

500 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719

So come join me at the opening reception and view my latest selection of whimsical Art Dolls as well as the work of more than 50 artists! If you can't make it to the Opening Reception, the show is up for two months, and you can also get a sneak peek of my dolls in the Artist section of the Torche Galerie website.

Hope to see you there!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Sometimes It's Years!

Inspiration doesn't always hit right away... that's for sure. But sometimes you see something and you just have to have it... even though you're not sure what the heck you're going to do with it!

Well that's exactly what happened when I picked up these cute little houses from Maya Road. They sat and sat and sat and sat in my stash of stuff for several years.

At one point, I'm sure I attempted to make something of them, but was overthinking it too much... so I put them back. And then, just a few weeks ago... I had an idea!

I'd make them into little beach cabana-style tents... and use them as beach badge holders! I painted them with summery shades of pastel and made cute little striped roofs. I decorated each one with a coordinating window and door.

And added dimensional metal numbers to them using extra-long brads.

I even added funky fuzzy ribbon around the bottoms to give the illusion of sand. Now they're all ready for summer. It only took 3 years!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Can't Complain!

Okay... well, let me set the record straight... I really can complain... 

...but I wont!

You see... it's been hot as heck this week here in New Jersey. And that's actually typical for this time of year. We get a few weeks every Summer where you kind of have to hide inside... in an air conditioned room... and not move around too much.

But after the 9 insane snowstorms, and otherwise chilly weather that we had this Winter... I promised myself I wouldn't complain when it got too hot!

And so... I'm going to take inspiration from my little Tillie snowman here... and I'm going to put on a big giant smile... and deal! Wait one moment, while I pretend I'm made of snow...

Brrrrr! Hey... it worked!

So, how's the weather in your area?

It's A Summer Thing...

I only have this three months out of the year, but it's one of my favorite things about summer. A peep of a sandal under a comfy pair of flaired jeans... tan toes... and pretty pink polish. Ahhh, the little joys of Summer...

A Whirlwind Show...

Whew! Back from the Craft & Hobby Association's Summer Trade Show... and what a trip. Pictured above are "Rangerettes" Debbie, Teresa, Jackie, me and Patti (Bonnie is taking the photo). We looked so pretty and neat before we entered the Convention Center Hall to build our booth for two days in 90 degree temps with about 95% humidity! Whew...
Lots of work goes into building the booth, but when it's all done, we stand back, admire our work, and have a few well-deserved adult beverages...
I got to help out in Claudine Hellmuth's workshop... which is always fun. It's great to spend time with people who really want to learn about Ranger's products and teach others...
We stayed at the Peabody hotel... named after the distinctive Mallard. There are actually a few ducks that hang out in the hotel foyer, in the fountain. Too cool...
The hotel was very nice and I got to swim in this amazing pool! Doesn't this just look like a postcard...
The hotel had tasty restaurants with an eclectic array of foods. But the sweets were really a treat. I would like one of each, please...
The show was 3 days long and I help out as a salesperson. And although it was a smaller show due to the economy, Ranger did really well. We always seem to be a destination on everyone's list. A great turnout, considering... see you all in Anaheim in January!

©photos by Patti Behan and Bonnie Egenton

Almost time for CHA Summer...

I've been busy, busy busy the past few weeks getting ready for the Summer Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show. I'm the Art Director at Ranger, so we've been working hard on creating packaging, sellsheets, press releases and more for the products we'll be introducing at the show next week. I have to work the booth, but the real fun part of CHA is... Girls Nite Out!
Looking forward to that and seeing what's new in the craft industry this summer. Should be an interesting time...

Here Comes The Sun... And I Say It's Alright...

Wow! We are finally getting the summer weather I've expected since the beginning of June, and I'm very pleased. It's so much easier to be happy and light when the sun is shining... that's for sure. And I think everything is going to be alright...

It's Still Summer Today!

One more day at the beach! Yay! 80 degrees, light northerly wind. Waves crashing. Seagulls cawing... ahh, it's still Summer today!