michelle ward

milestone month

Look at that sweet face.  Seems like yesterday that I set up the sheets, and wrangled the boys into the linen coat and saddle shoes, then took photos with real black and white film that I actually had developed. 

Today I will be a photographer again....how many rolls of film would it take to cover this day?  This month?  All the memorable moments will be captured on a small piece of plastic inserted into my camera.  How is that possible?  And how is it possible that this little one will depart in a dapper tux, with a lovely girl, and attend his senior prom?  I am a wreck.  Full of joy but a bag of nerves for this big day.  I was worried the fancy attire would be an issue but Sam tried it on and modeled for me like it was no big deal.  Even the shiny shoes.  I am wagering he might be the first on the dance floor.  Yes, really.  Crossing fingers that the chaperones text me every ten minutes as I sit with Brianna's mom in the hotel bar, anxiously waiting for reports.  It's good to know the insiders.

 

Prom tonight.  Special Olympics track meet next weekend.  Graduation on the 21st.  Milestones that fill us with pride.  And happy tears.  Pass the tissues.

I'll be back tomorrow with photos!

frondly yours

I just learned that Debris Journal is currently full for the event in July.  *dances a jig*  There is still room in Frond Chronicles.  I've been working on another class sample....I am addicted to making and using these shapes, inspired by real plant life, with a little creative license. 

 

 

See, even the wishes have *winks*.  If you want to know more and are thinking of attending the event in New Jersey in July, visit the CREATE site HERE.

 

Thanks for all the birthday wishes.  For me and for Shannon. 

I'm heading home.  See you in a week.  *waves*

 

stop to smell the.....

I'm attempting one more spread with orange.  Thanks for the feedback on the last pages.  I'm observing how little orange has showed up in my life.  Not complaining.  I'll stick with red.  Photos to follow. 

Let's take a walk through my garden.  Here are a few views from the yard.  I've lost count of how many roses have had the courage to open up, even in the rain.  19 bushes.  I think I need one more.  Let's make it an even 20.  Hmmmm, what color?  I have mostly red.  Well, not red like long-stem-rose red, more like rosey-pinkish-red.  I like the color....it's a little Shannon, and a little Michelle.  I have two real pinks.  One yellow.  One pinkish yellow.  Two yellowish pink.  One 'hot cocoa', which is rusty with brown edges and smells delicious...almost cinnamon.  I could use more pink. 

 

EDIT:  for Maryanne, Hot Cocoa Rose from 2009....

 

Yes, I think pink.  Pink is the reason I started growing roses.  But you knew that.

distractions

I'm a sucker for punches. LOVE this one.  It has the new clever option of setting for two different outcomes.  One adds a border to the edge of a page.  The second yields a freestanding border with more detail.  A quatrefoil - swoon!  I was so excited to put it to work that I made some quick tags....the stamped images came straight from one of my new sheets.  You'll see I didn't even cut it out...item number shows up.

I have other things I should be doing but this recent acquisition has me distracted.  Do you do this too - pull out some supplies to test drive your new toys?  No purpose, just play? 

I don't have my copy of the new Somerset Studio (May/June 2012).  If you are visiting here after seeing my article about Why to Carve Your own Stamps, you will find my tutorial on carving by clicking the Tutorial button on the right sidebar, or click HERE.

 

Thanks for all the comments about our Special Olympics event.  It makes it even more fun that you share in the enthusiasm.  If you have a chance to volunteer at an event, or just go as a cheerleader, do it!

special day

Yesterday was beautiful, in every way.  There had been talk of rain but it held off until today and we enjoyed a breezy sunny morning and afternoon at the track to celebrate ability.  Many thanks to our coaches headed by Mr. Buggey, the staff and student volunteers, and the dozens who made the Special Olymics a memorable event.  It was our first time as participants and I was blown away by the number of people who were involved to make it a really special day.  My heart is brimming after witnessing the pure joy felt by everyone who was there - athletes, families, and the community who made it happen.   Here are some highlights from Sam competing in track and field. 

 

it's here

There are dozens of buds, sharing their enthusiasm for the new season.  This was the first to show off yesterday.  She was in full bloom later today.  I think this is a record, roses in April!

And the lilacs are full of fragrance.  They are fleeting so it's fun to share cuttings with neighbors.  The scent reminds me of walking to elementary school...passing by the neighborhood bushes filled with purple messengers of sweetness.  Fallon helped plant it so this one is hers.

How is your garden growing?

growth and growth

The rose bushes are really growing.  They took off so fast this year, before I even had a chance to cut them back.  I love this time of year as we see new growth, whether from the earth, or from ourselves.  I find Spring to be a time for starting new projects, pulling out brighter colors, and seeing everything with a refreshed perspective.

 

The lawn has been mowed once already....not for trimming grass, but to manage the weeds.  I admit, I do not mind weeds.  Afterall, that is where the clovers grow.....and it's where I find inspiration for adding organic shapes to my journal, Frond Chronicles.  I'm started another one, for my class in July.  Love trying to draw a replica of a real plant, but love making fantasy fronds too.  Check out my pussy willow.  The bunch was set in water at the grocery store so I put them in water at home - never did that before.  And look!  They are growing.  HCIT?  I'll be cut a few new stencils and masks inspired by them!

 

Maybe you'll come celebrate fronds with me in Jersey in July?  We will focus on making our own tools (stencils and masks), and we will paint pages and make a fab journal.  See HERE for details.

HAPPY EASTER!!

how to press your luck

This is my favorite time of year for finding four leaf clovers.  The patches are just emerging from the sleepy earth and the friendly green weeds are perfect and unblemished (and not yet mowed).  I've already scored about two dozen this month.  My mission, being so early in the gathering season, is to find a tiny one.  Here's what I know:  if you find one four leaf clover, you are likely to find another in the same patch.   Most people walk away with their luck before taking a second look.  Here's my How-To for Pressing Your Luck, literally.

 

I'm thinking I might be pressing my luck, of another kind, by purchasing a lottery ticket.  Hey, why not?  It's been fun to watch the bounty raised for the MegaMillion drawing tonight.  If I win, Shamrock Shakes are on me.  Our son Peter came home from his convenient store job last night very tired from standing at the lottery till all evening.  The lines were long at the ATM as neighbors collected cash then relined up at the register to wish on a number.  Good luck!

 

And while I'm talking about How-To, let me direct you to a new button in the right sidebar.  TUTORIALS will take you to a page I'm working on.  The cool thing about typepad blogs is you can set up static pages where you can easily re-post visuals and information from previous posts.  I'm culling my blog for useful information that can be organized and easily referenced on the tutorial page.  It's a work-in-progress.  So far I have completed reposting archived data on Carving Stamps to support an upcoming article I will have in Somerset Studio (May/June 2012).  The article will discuss WHY to carve.....didn't want to waste the real estate on HOW, since that information can be found in many places, and now HERE.

So tell me....

1.  Have you found a four leaf clover?

2.  Did you buy a MegaMillions lottery ticket this week?

3.  What tutorials are you interested in seeing?

pulsing along

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be sitting by my computer, listening to Creative Mojo with Mark Lipinski.  His guest co-host will be Seth Apter.  During the show they will have additional guests:  Lisa Hoffman, Julie Prichard, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, and me!  I will be on the schedule just before it ends.  See Mark's post introducing everyone, right HERE.

Click over to toginet.com for a brand new, LIVE, 2-hour show.  Call into the live show with your questions or comments for the guests:  (877) 864-4869   Time zones:  3 pm -5 pm EST, 2 pm – 4 pm CST, 1 pm – 3 pm MST, 12 pm – 2 pm PST.  The show will be archived (on the same site) for your listening pleasure in case you miss it. 

EDIT:  Phew, that was nervewracking.  My PULSE was certainly raised.  It was fun and flew by.  The podcast archive is up.  Visit HERE and see right sidebar, 3-28-12.

Then on Saturday, (3/31) I will be a guest at The Ink Pad, NYC for book signing and an artist's panel, hosted by Seth.  Panel includes:  Julie Prichard, Karen Cole, Danny Gregory, Roxanne Evans-Stout, Jill Zaheer, and me!  If you plan on joining us call the Ink Pad to reserve a free chair: 212-463-9876. 

Seth's doing an amazing job promoting his book, don't you think?  Have you been following along on his blog?  One last thing....Thank you for all the pre-orders!  I'm thrilled with the response!! 

OnWARD

The second installment of the OnWARD & UpWARD Collection is now listed for pre-order at GreenPepperPress.com.  These images coordinate with the new stencils I showed you in the previous post.  I tend to design stamps that I want to have and use.  I love having more than one size of a favorite image or pattern.  Repetition with multiple scales, swoon.  Both stamps and stencils are now offered at a pre-order discount for a limited time.

If you're like me you wonder how the images actually figure into the formats you work with so I have scaled some of the stamp samples digitally. 

Visit GPP if you are interested in pre-ordering the stamps and or stencils.

Thank you for all the kind words about my postcards.  I loved making them and have adapted the design to a larger format....I will show you soon!

lucky day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I had full intention of making and sending cards this year but I didn't get them completed in time so here is a virtual one I can share with everyone.  I have been busy at the studio table making these....but they were for iHanna's annual postcard swap.  I was full messy mode and found a fun format to work in, or is it formula?  Maybe it's neither.  Maybe you could call it a series.  I like to formulate series.....and I LOVED breaking in my new stencils from SGP!

 

So here's the LUCKY part of today....Stencil Girl Products is now encouraging me to sell my designs on my site, Green Pepper Press.  I have uploaded all the stencils, including four new ones released this week, at my site.  Next week I will add the paypal buttons for the shopping cart.  I will also be revealing some new rubber that coordinates with the stencils!!

 

minimalism

Our challenge this month on the Street Team is a exercise of restraint.  Hold back.  Compose cleverly so there is more breathing room, less clutter.  Often we think that untouched space means it's unfinished.  Not true.  Less isn't superior or inferior, just a different approach.  Busy can be good too.  There are no rules, but for this crusade it's been interesting to see how the artists have responded to purposely going minimal.  Like this the page below....because last week I saw my first new patch of clovers!

 

This will be the last crusade for a while as I take a self-imposed hiatus.  Maybe you'll come play? 

Find us HERE.

 

yummy

Have you seen this one?  It's been showing up recently on morning television.  A 3-1/2 minute mini-film for Cartier.  Beautiful.  Reminds me of the Chanel ads from a few years ago.  

 

 

Thanks for all the cookie chatter!  I love that so many of your chimed in.  More to come later this week.  We aren't done with cookies yet!

 

confetti time

First, let me say Thank You to everyone who came by for Seth's book launch celebration.  Loved hearing from so many new readers, and love seeing all the answers to the questions!  It felt like I was in a confetti storm - it's been a festive week. 

 

In case you didn't get the memo, today is Oreo's 100th anniversary.  Can you believe Google didn't jump on that?  Hello, where was the clever variation of their logo?  Two cookies that drop down into milk.  Easy.  Oreo is a treat available worldwide.  Where is the respect?  I wonder if they will pass over Titanic's anniversary next month too?  I didn't forget....I made a page.  Yes, 100 dots.  And a few quickie carvings to help me mimic some Oreo-ness.

 

 

We scored some birthday cake confetti frosting Oreos last week.  We don't usually stray from the original.  Double Stuff probably makes alot of people happy but I think they are too much.  Now these dunkers were cool - did you ever see them?  A few years ago Shannon brought these to the cabin.  I howled at the cleverness.  Never saw them after that but never forgot them either. 

 

I'm off to dunk a few of the standard issue Oreos in my coffee.  But before I go....let's meet in the comment section again.  It was so much fun to see the conversation that was generated by the questions in the last post.  How about another?

1.  Are you a cookie person? 

2.  If so, what is your favorite?

3.  Do Oreos fall in your top 5 of cookies?

 

Check your Pulse

If you haven’t already met him, I’d like to introduce Mr. Seth Apter.  Our first exchange of blog comments dates back to 2007.  Always encouraging and enthusiastic, his remarks were not only appreciated, they became a foundation of a friendship.  In addition to being a mixed media artist, I’ve come to regard him as a curator and collaborator, which you will agree if you’ve frequented his Altered Page.  He regularly presents his own handsome work, as created for himself (like the "making Waves" series above), or as part of a collaborative project.  Some years ago he began presenting The Pulse – an ongoing self-imposed assignment where he surveys artists on a number of topics of interest.  A visit to his blog is always fun and informative and you will find yourself hopping around to the many useful links he provides, to events, exhibits, and sites, while widening your circle of acquaintances.

The online project has now manifested itself in book form.  Seth has once again culled from a community of artists, and invited many to share their art and their perspective by anwering many types of questions.    I am priviledged to be among the spotlighted contributors.  His book will be released this month so he is celebrating by presenting 31 artists in 31 days.  Visit his blog for daily updates, plus a chance to win a copy of his book, HERE. 

Queue the trumpets, sound the drums....

I have observed, both in the book preview available on Amazon, and the posts on his blog, that he doesn’t answer his own questions.  Ok, he did participate in chapter one of the Pulse on his blog a long time ago, but since then we have not heard his opinions.  Don’t you think it’s time we start asking him a few???  Pick up the pen Seth, (or poise your fingers over the keyboard), it’s your turn. 

Later this month I will be one of the guests for the two hour podcast where Seth will be co-host with Mark Lipinski at Creative Mojo.  And then I will join a group of artists for a live panel at The Ink Pad.  Looking forward to celebrating creativity and what it brings to our lives....and finally meeting the man!

March 28: Podcast with Mark Lipinski on Creative Mojo. Seth will be Mark's co-host for the entire 2 hour podcast which airs live from 3-5pm EST (and which will be archived for listening anytime). They will talk all about The Pulse of Mixed Media and be joined by contributors Michelle Ward, Angela Cartwright, Pam Carriker, Julie Prichard, and Lisa Hoffman. Get your questions ready as this radio show has a live call-in feature!

March 31: Live artist panel at The Ink Pad in NYC. Seth will be joined by contributors Leslie Marsh, Karen Cole, Jill Zaheer, Julie Prichard, Roxanne Evans Stout, and Michelle Ward. The panel will be video taped and available for viewing on Create Mixed Media sometime in early April.

EDIT:  HE HAS SPOKEN!  Please continue to join in the conversation taking place in the comment section below.  Seth has been a good sport about taking on the questions above...here are his answers:

1. I have always worked small and enjoy the challenge of having something small make a big impact. By far my largest piece to date was 3 feet x 3 feet and I made it as part of my Graffiti Wall collaboration with Julie Prichard and Lynne Hoppe. My most recent series of paintings, called Interior Angles, was created on 12" x 12" panels - and I have to say that I definitely liked working larger.

2. For my book, I wrote a very, very long list of questions from which I chose the ones that ended up in the book. They were all questions that came to me because I was curious about the answers and I felt that in all cases, the responses would really offer the reader insight into each contributing artist.

3. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in general and the one that is most inspirational too me. It is the combination of the feel of the season, the colors, the weather, the nature, the smells, the food, etc. that really gets me going.

4. One sentence huh? Now I know how my contributors feel when I ask them for only one instance of something. Here goes: Allow what is inside you to be your artistic guide, with a sense of playfulness, a feeling of passion, and not a trace of judgement.

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE!  Thank you Seth.  Hey, while we are clapping, how about the clever title of his sculptures at the top?  "Making Waves"...get it?  Waving hands.  *dies at the geniusness*

happy valentine's day

I spent some time this morning clearing the debris from my work table.  Lots of remnants to scoop up and throw away....or wait, put in my journal! 

 

And because it's Tuesday...one more page.  This took three minutes as I saved the lovely details from a Linda Warlyn package - she always adds the most special embellishments and I treasure them by saving on a page. 

My friends *get* me, don't they?  I have a beautiful stack of cards today...AND A DOZEN RED ROSES.  What a terrific surprise!  Back in college my friend Anne used to give me the same card every year..."hope your Valentine's Day is less pathetic than mine".   It wasn't meant to be serious, just a statement about the unreasonable pressure this day can bring.  Take the pressure off - share your love.  It will come back to you.

Sending my love to you.  Happy Valentine's Day.

lots of love

I first found the scribbler site in 2007 (see post here).  Had alot of fun messing around over there and it revived my interest sketching off screen.  I just learned they have an updated version, equally as fun and addictive.  Visit HERE to give it a go.

Have you made your Valentine's yet?  I'm still finishing mine.  Love the new LOVE stamp, don't you?  Designed by Louise Fili, see site HERE.  Imagine your design on a postage stamp?  Very cool.

 

 

And before today is over.....

 

 

rolling out another bit of news

In addition to my workshop at Valley Ridge, and the two in New Jersey, I am coming to Colorado in April!  My friend Nancy Brill, has made the arrangements for a three day event in Lafayette, just north of Denver.  I love extended workshops - it's a time to devote yourself completely to the process with a community of like-minded artists.  We learn as much from each other as we do from the class agenda because that's what happens when there is a gathering of eager, enthusiastic, curious beings.  To learn more about the workshop, the venue, and the registration details, visit my page HERE.  EDIT:  this class has been cancelled. 

Have a fun Superbowl Sunday.  Graham's Eagles and my Saints aren't in so we have to go with the home town boys.  Go Giants!

 

good news, more news, and nests

Guess what arrived today?  The new rubber!  I am packing with wild energy - so fun to see the new images, love sealing up the envelopes, and checking off the pre-order list.  Thank you for your patience dear customers.  Packages will depart first thing in the morning.

For locals, or those willing to travel, the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in New Jersey site went live today!  Wow - lots of terrific classes and instructors.  There will be a vendor night too.  I'm teaching Friday (7/20)and Saturday (7/21).  There is alot to scroll through on the Create site.  If you want a quick look at my classes you click over HERE. 

Registration begins Thursday, February 16th at 2pm Eastern Time.  Hope to see you there!  For all the details, click HERE.

 

The current Somerset Studio issue is January/February 2012.  My column, Make It Your Own, is about altering items we find in a craft store becuase we can, and because we feel like being creative.  The supply lists and brief project descriptions were omitted so I am posting here. 

If you look at the magazine it appears the red egg nest is larger or the same size as the turquoise egg nest but actually it is way way smaller.  Looks super cool next to my crows and ravens that are set out at Halloween.

The next crusade was going to be posted today but I'm busy packing rubber so I will get it up tomorrow.

CREATE EAST 2012

Next week the Create Mixed Media Retreat will go live, announcing the workshops and instructors that will be in NEW JERSEY in July!  It is very exciting to be in the line-up and teaching less then five miles from home!  I've posted links to my classes in the left sidebar, (Carrie already spied it!) and you can get to my workshop listings on the toolbar just below my banner.

I hope to see some of you at the event.  I don't know who else will be teaching yet, except for my friend Seth Apter.

I meant to post this earlier...

If you click on over to the Street Team blog you'll see I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions but take the turn of the calendar as time to reflect on past accomplishments.  I find it rewarding and motivating.  I have posted a To-Do/Ta-Da list for you to print and use over on the Street Team.  If you've been wanting to get things going in your journal come over and play with us.  Eleven days to go....that means two weekends still left!

 

One of my Ta-Das for 2011 was to propose 42 stencil designs to Stencil Girl Products.  Two more have been released!  I had submitted the borders as 12" but Mary Beth and John launched them as 6" and they are so cute!  Perfect for an edge of a card, or a small journal page.  I've been playing with them - will show you soon.

 

It's 9:00 on a Saturday.....

REMINDER:  Registration for Valley Ridge Art Studio Workshops starts on Saturday, January 14th at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.

We've been watching season three episodes of Castle on dvd, which includes my favorite, "Last Call".  It ends with a fabulous scene, if you missed it click HERE.  Piano Man is one of those songs that you love to sing along to isn't it?  So you can imagine I cracked myself up when preparing this blog post as a reminder that registration for Valley Ridge opens at nine o'clock this Saturday. (FYI: it's 9:00 a.m. CST)

The phrase hasn't left the soundtrack running in my mind and I'm guessing if you take a listen it will stay with you too....and will be a fun reminder to register at 9 or whatever time it is in your zone this Saturday morning.  A live version of Piano Man by Billy Joel HERE, or in tandom with Elton John on the Tonight Show below. 

EDIT:  *smacks head*, it begins at 9:00 Central Standard Time....I revised from previosuly posted PST.

 

 

Hope to see you in Wisconsin in October.  There are many fabulous class offerings by stellar instructors at VRAS this season, visit the site to check it out.  ValleyRidgeArtStudio.com

hey locals!

The last time I taught a public workshop locally was probably 2005.  I am very happy to be telling you I will be teaching two classes in New Jersey in July.  I will offer more details soon, but here is a teaser....

I get alot of requests to teach near home which I would love to do but haven't found a venue until now.  I hope you'll join me - stay tuned for the details :)

here comes the....

After a  day of rain on Wednesday I was so happy to see the sun yesterday.  I was keenly aware that it was the Winter Solstice, and seemed to feel the return of the sun, as we march toward longer days.  It may have only been seconds more than earlier in the week but it felt brighter, cheerier.  Maybe it was simply a case of enjoying a nearly 60 degree day when I was out and about, when it should be much much colder.  All day I was humming "here comes the sun"....and it occured to me...the Son is also coming.  Well, His celebration anyway. 

Solstice.  Christmas.  And it's the middle of Hanukkah.  Whatever it is you celebrate, I wish you the best.  When I say Merry Christmas I always hope the listener hears what I'm saying, which is:  I don't know the particular holiday you are celebrating this year so please take these words as wishes for a glorious season with loved ones.

I have loved buying and using these clever gift tags from Anthropologie.  I scored my last stash on clearance (yay!) but that might mean they are no longer stocking these (drats).  Since I am swifter on the computer than the sewing machine I replicated digitally and printed on ivory cardstock.  A few cuts or punches and I replenished my tag source to go with the re-usable drawstring bags I use for wrapping up Christmas. 

A little gift for you as a thank you for being lovely, smart, sweet, and funny readers.  I'm going to attempt to upload a file here that you can download and print.  It's a pdf @ 300 dpi, 8" X 10.5".  Print on white or ivory cardstock.  Hope this helps with your wrapping and tagging tasks. 

Download MWlinedgifttagsBLOG  Click on this...hope it works.  It opens in Adobe Reader.  Here's a close-up:

 

 

it's time!

I'm excited to announce my new workshop for Valley Ridge!  Their recently revised website officially launched today so I can share details about my workshop PLUS introduce you to my new collection:  OnWARD & UpWARD.  Two sheets are available for pre-order.  Additional sheets will be revealed in February.

Visit Valley Ridge Art Studio site HERE to see all the fine offerings for the 2012 season.

And ta-da!  Here are two of the first sheets from my latest collection.  You can pre-order at GreenPepperPress.com. 

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 5 of 5

Black and white and paper everywhere!  Subtle sneaky details and high-impact-cleverly-crafted objects all fabricated from paper.  Scholarly and scientific in theme, an altered artist had a hand in this one.  Look at the evidence - numerous books have been sliced and manipulated with precision.  The backdrop and inner lining of the display is a library wall reproduction, and the frame is comprised of reference book pages under an architectural detail.  Handsome labels are posted throughout.  Scores of animals are presented in pulp that has been cut, shaped, shredded, feathered, and embossed.  A bespeckled swordfish, a proud peacock, dashing ostrich, and prancing zebra grab your attention at first glance, but stick around to see all the other remarkable creatures emerging from the shadows.  I loved this one!  Mr. Hoey is spied making some adjustments - he sees me taking photos and mouths "don't shoot".  Ha!  He is not only talented, he is funny too.  

 

 

And because this was so amazing....

 

 

Demetrios ~ if you stop by here, *high five* to you!  Spectacular!!

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 4 of 5

This glorious window was difficult to photograph since nearly every surface was reflective.  Bronze, copper, brass and gold birds of every variety, sit on perches and in cages, and some are caught in flight.  A band of animals, some with trumpets, horns, and an upright bass, pose and play.  In the back a large metal set of a moon and sun oversee the performance of the feather and charm clad singers.  Loved the music stands and microphones.  It's a jungle of copper palm fronds and ferns, with a floor of pennies.  And how about that frame assembled with fishing spinners?  Heavy metal meets the Copacabana. 

 

One more to go...I saved my favorite for last.

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 3 of 5

I wish I would have taken a photo of this block of windows from across 5th Avenue.  The underwater scene stood out from the distance with its vibrant shades of blue.  It looked like it was plugged in.  This labor intensive vignette is encrusted with jewels from every angle.  To begin at the bottom - the ocean floor is certainly not sand, but heaps of sea glass from bottle green to cobalt.  Then every surface is mosaic-covered - the waves that frame the window, as well as each finned or clawed specimen found swimming or crawling amongst the pricey gems dripping from the abundant coral.  Scales fabricated from glass, mirror, metal, faux gems, and pearls are applied in inventive and handsome patterns.  Those iridescent shells of every shape and size, plus those starfish would be a treasure to find washed up on shore!  Dress by McQueen, of course.

 

  

 

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 2 of 5

Winter in the mountains, in a lush velvet surrounded oasis, with a very posh dessert caterer with well-mannered monkeys....the thing of dreams, right?  From full size friendly polar bears, and moose, to the smaller creatures who peek out from under the icicles, every inch is beaded or crocheted or tassled or fringed or lace-covered.  The seal serves up the tea or you can have champagne, or both!  Why not?  The decadent treats, fit for a royal wedding, await you in this wonderland.

 

 

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows 1 of 5

I'm not even sure how many windows surround Bergdorf Goodman...there are long ones on the two sides, then some small and some narrow ones on 5th, and there are many at the men's store across the street...but the stars are the five main windows.  I've heard they work more than a year on the props and designs and details, and that it takes two weeks to install.  We actually saw Mr. Hoey in one of the windows...crouched down on his knees...moving things around.  Then we saw him in the store so I was able to bow down in a Wayne's-World-style "I'm not worthy" gesture.  He paused with a questioning face and all I could say was "You are the Master".  He grinned.

This year's theme:  Carnival of Animals.  Here is the first of five...

 

"Artists and Models" ~ You can imagine how amazing this was with layers upon layers of visual interest. Warm and wonderful with articulated figures and animals - frozen in poses in numerous scales.  The frames are slatted shutters and pine cones - so clever.  When you look closely, which you have to do, you spy old carving tools and curls of shaved wood.  I could practically smell it.  Genius.