Happy Turkey Day!

Gobble! Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are all able to rest, relax, fill up on loads of turkey, and spend time with those you care about most today. This morning I took three minutes to make a list of what I'm most thankful for this year. It's amazing what a long list you can make in 180 seconds - and how many things can flow into your mind. Things that seemingly had no connection at all fluttered into my mind. I wrote quickly, only focusing on my hand scribbling down the words as fast as I could. At the end, the list was only legible to me (or someone experienced in reading hieroglyphics!), but it's a precious list. I'm going to keep mine next to my desk to serve as a daily reminder of everything I'm blessed enough to have in my life. This quick exercise brought me a rush of joy and gratitude - and I encourage you to take three minutes out of your turkey time today, and make a list of everything you have to be grateful for. You just might be surprised at the length of the list you come up with!

Since my studio is currently, umm, shall we say "under construction" (you can see the pathetic state here), I am going to start a new adventure on my blog until I'm able to get back to creating art. I hope you find it as exciting as I do!

I am going to begin reviewing books and products of interest to artists. I am interested in giving you an in-depth, honest, royal review of art-related books and products. My plan is to include photos, a review of the contents (or item), notes from the author (when appropriate), links to see further work by/contact information for the author, and a project I complete based on the book. The intention of these reviews is to inform you of "must have" books - and artifacts that will make your life easier, your art more interesting. These can include newly published books, magazines, and ebooks - or publications you may not have considered - or heard of - before. I will also include new, not-so-new, and all sorts of wonderful products you will want to know about. And last - but definitely not least - I will introduce you to incredible artists brimming with talent. You will want to keep an eye on these fantastic artists! Plus, when I can get in the studio (literally lol), I will begin showing my own artwork and sharing techniques with you once again.

You're probably asking, "What do I have to do to get all this fantastic information, Queen??" - well, the answer is simple. One, bookmark my blog - and subscribe to my feed - so you're sure not to miss any of the great upcoming events. Two, leave me a comment telling me what book or product you would like to see reviewed. In return, I promise to provide you with can't-live-without information that is in-depth and honest. I will let you know about the products you really need - and those you don't. We'll talk about the publications you must order now - which are best checked out from your local library or borrowed from a friend - and which aren't worth adding to your valuable shelf space. You and I will also take a trip to other artist's studios and creative spaces, gain unique organizational tips, and learn the tricks other artists use to break out of the dreaded "creative rut". Plus, you'll get an opportunity to see the fabulous art created in my own studio, The Queen's Castle. You will discover more than you can imagine - and all you have to do is let me know what has caught your creative eye, and what you are drooling over to learn more about. It couldn't be any easier!

So leave me a comment - and I will begin the Royal Reviews with the next post. Can't you feel the excitement?!

And if YOU have written a book - or created a product or invented a technique - you want reviewed, contact me. You can email me at queenkatherine at gmail.com.

I can't wait to jump into this fun process with all of you!

A Fantastic Store

Happy Monday!

I was extremely busy over the weekend - between moving and organizing my studio (or trying to), I was also very busy on the web. I was looking for a neat project to do for a Fat Book swap I'm involved in for the Yahoo group, Art Techniques.

During my search, I spent quite a bit of time at Joli Paquet - which has the most fantastically fun holiday ideas. If you are looking for holiday ideas to create - crafts, recipes, gift boxes - your first stop should definitely be Joli Paquet. (Just a note: The site does have holiday music playing.)

It was at that super site where I first came across the most incredible little store I've seen in a long time. A very long time.
Little Pink Studio, owned by Cerri Campbell, is totally adorable. I don't know how else to describe it. Entering the store is like stepping into a different world. Sublimely vintage - and quite girlie - it's just the place you want to visit to indulge your artistic ways. From beautiful rubber stamps to obsecure vintage findings, this is a place you MUST visit. Now. Look at just a few of the offerings...

Click on the picture to be transported to the page carrying each item

An example of one of the kits

Just one of the wire forms
(With a terrific tutorial at Joli Paquet for Glittery Girl Ornaments by Beth Quinn)

These sweet pink posies are one of several just-as-sweet embellishments

Although I've showcased some of my favorites, Little Pink Studio has many other fabulous finds just awaiting your discovery. I would find it impossible to believe anyone could visit and not find at least several things they want. I will leave the rest of Cerri's magnificent items as a surprise for you to discover for yourself, just as I did. However, I must mention the glorious crown at the top of this post.

Of course, the crown is my favorite, hands down. I have featured one here - but there are other designs available. With the description:

"These paper crowns have been hand embellished with glitter, and have yards of seam binding for assuring a proper fit. An elegant commemorative certificate is printed on the back for inscribing your special date."

Who wouldn't yearn to be the recipient of one of these amazingly royal headresses?

Do yourself a favor and start your week off right...go discover this fun site for yourself!

A special thank you to Cerri for allowing me to use her pictures for this post! :)

It's No Wonder!

After spending many hours cleaning up and clearing out the so-called studio, I've come to one conclusion. It will never come together! I cannot believe how much stuff I have - and the more I move it and try to organize it, the more it seems to multiply! It's no wonder I can't get creative...could you??

(Excuse the picture quality in some of these - I'm still learning how to work my camera.)

The first staircase. (Yep...I actually have another like this.)

The aforementioned second staircase

Um, yeah...No one can sit in the studio yet!

On the left side is my bead storage, the rest is...well...A MESS!

It's blurry, but you get the idea...

Underneath the white table in the picture before this one

A pile that's semi-organized - but where do I put it??

The other side of staircase 2...another homeless pile of supplies

Believe it or not, my desk really is here

The landing at the bottom of staircase 1...

Books, books, books...Where did they come from??

That's it. I need a professional organizer. Or a wrecking ball.

If you don't hear from me for a few days, will someone please call...well, I don't know who you would call. All I know is that if I disappear, it's because I've gotten lost while trying to figure out how to "re-home" all my supplies!

Heeeeeeeelllllppppp!