michelle ward

it's all good

Wishing you all the best for 2008!  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball.  I've been there for a few - tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching).   Stay safe, and behave!

Found some artists I want to share with you.  The first is a photographer - I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot.  Isn't it fabulous?  You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt. 

I first saw Suzanna's work on Etsy.  Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece.  She also sells on Ebay.  Isn't she a clever one?  The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you're in the world".  You know you want one of these!

This pendant is even more amazing around my neck :)  Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!   

And how about these earrings?  Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from.  My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes. 

And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain.  Thankfully it's over, and we're praying it's gone.  How would you handle illness like this?  Maybe you have, or know someone who has.  If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats.  So that's what I did over my xmas vacation...made Kathy some hats.  I'm not so swift at it....but it made me feel good.   When you are long distance and you can't stop over with a meal.....you pray, and make hats. 

I've seen alot this year.  Some wonderful experiences with my family.  Some new friends, and visits with old friends.  Sadly, a few funerals.  Happily, a few births.  Some discoveries, and rediscoveries.  I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it's only part of the life I have, but it's all good.  I am blessed.  And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007. 

So here's wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with.  xoxo, Michelle

Latest Ink

What?  Did you think I got a new tattoo?  I'll keep you guessing on that.....instead, here are some recent magazine articles.

The Jan/Feb issue of Somerset Studio is terrific!  Cover art by Pam Garrison, (congrats Pam!).  You can get a peek into the Marie Antoinette collaborative zine I told you about HERE, with a terrific close-up of Lisa Kaus's piece.  And that little boy?  It's Peter!  Yep, he rolled his eyes at me for including him in my article.  Also in this issue:  With One Palette by Kristen Robinson,  Artisit Portfolio:  Sally Jean Alexander, and some wonderful journal pages by Roben-Marie Smith. 

Here's another recent publication - Artists' Cafe - revisiting some archived articles for those who are new readers of Somerset.  It was fun to see some gems done by friends over the years.  One of my all-time favorites is Anne Bagby's clown journal.  That girl rocks.   And my sweet friend Judi shows us her classic book arts, and you'll see Lynne and Karen and Nina too.  Even if you aren't a new reader of Somerset, I think you'll find this issue full of visual vitamins.  (There are things in here I don't even remember seeing before and I have every issue ever released!  Maybe it's because as our interests change, we see things differently.  Articles that had no appeal to me 5 or 6 years ago now get my attention.  Good excuse for hoarding magazines, right?)

I may have to pull together all the things I've done I've done with chess imagery over the years.  I didn't realize how far back it started showing up in my work.  No long ago I spray painted a few pieces with some newly cut chess stencils - I'll show you that soon.  I'll leave you with a photo taken some time in 2005 when I was making the letters for the collaborative exemplar with my friend Laurie Mika.  SHE is the master of using clay but it was fun for me to revisit playing with it for a project we ended up selling on ebay for Katrina Relief.  It's always good to change the medium you work in - often you'll gain a new or different perspective that will manifest itself in your default medium.  Next to the tiles is a piece I completed after catching the clay fever.  (Might be time to pull out the pasta machine again.)

Who GETS ya baby?

Remember when I was talking about the {GF}?  Wouldn't you say this one qualifies 100%?  She's a clever one.  I was a lucky girl to be given so many wonderful gifts from my husband, and my family and my friends.  I had to start by showing you this.  Because I know you Get it.

what's Christmas without music???

The classic, BandAid from 1984. (and the "making of").  The LIVEaid version from 1985, and the remake, from 2004.  (Edited to remove embedded videos.  Links open a new window.)

I've got my cds out:  Sarah Mclachlan: Wintersong,  Partridge Family Christmas,  Very Special Christmas several volumes (my fave is vol. 1 - Silent Night by Stevie Nicks),  Now That's What I Call Christmas, Elvis, Frank, Tchaikovsky......

ENJOY!!

tradition

 

We send a photo card every year.  Love this one - great "time capsule" for 2007 as all the kids are wearing rock and roll band hoodies.  This year marks the first time we all attended a concert together.  They are sitting on the new deck.....five years ago it was only a concrete landing.......

Times flies, doesn't it?  Here's a cute thing:  this morning Peter asked me if I was going to make a cake.  It's been our tradition to have birthday cake on Christmas.  We take baby Jesus from his manger and put him on the cake.  The one thing kids understand is birthdays and presents, right?  I thought it would be a good way to remind them of the real meaning behind the celebration.  I love it that our 17 year old wanted to be sure we were doing it again. 

I said this last year and it's worth repeating:  I wish you a Merry Christmas.  And with that I don't mean to be insensitive to the other holidays that are celebrated at this time of year.  I hope that you GET that I'm really wishing you a Happy whatever-it-is-you-celebrate.  The intended message is not necessarily about Christmas, it's wishing you and your family the joys of the season, whatever it is that you honor. 

EDIT:  I meant to give a review of Sweeney Todd.  Saw it last night.  It did not disappoint - VERY fabulous.  Yes, there was blood....but in an almost comic book way.  Cinematography was brilliant, as was Depp.  HBC was funny, in a dry, you-must-be-British kind of way.  Swooning.

all is calm.......

Took a photo of the kids Thursday afternoon.  Got my cards made, finally!  Half of them went out today - the rest will wait until Monday.  I'm starting to feel the "whew!"

I confess to having a wrapping paper crush.  I love collecting rolls and rolls of handsome printed paper.  But at this time of year paper can get me so cranky.  How about when you love the pattern but the quality is dodgey, like too thick, or too thin?  I adore when it comes with a printed grid on the back - perfect for those of us who mathmatically wrap boxes.  And don't you start to feel really wasteful when you see the bags of paper that goes in the garbage? (or the fireplace, if we had one)  I have cheated a bit this year and got myself some of those holiday printed boxes - and simply taped the bottom to prevent peeking and stuck a sticker label on it.  Gone are the days when I would make stashes of tags and delight in finding the perfect ribbon.  Maybe it's because Winston gobbles and gags on curling ribbon.  I'm also enjoying the gift bags....had some leftover from last year.  I cleverly packed them away with the holiday decorations last year so they were easy to find and re-use this year. 

Here's something I finally figured out:  After getting all frustrated that I couldn't find my scissors, or the tape, or a pen, as I dashed from table to table in a wrapping frenzy, I smacked my head in a duh-moment and got out my studio apron.  Pockets are perfect for keeping scissors and tape as you take on the wrapping task.  I should really tie the scissors to my apron!  (is that what apron strings are??!!)

So here's a great gift idea for the women in your life (because we KNOW the women do the wrapping).  Get an apron, with nice big front pockets.  (Maybe you could even spray paint some cool things on it!)  Then fill the pockets with a wrap-assistance-kit.  Scissors, tape, pen, ribbon, labels and tags.  Wouldn't that be a loving gift?  Include a xmas music cd and you have a useful and thoughtful gift.  Maybe even insert a little notebook for list making.  Think about that as you scarf up all the after-christmas-sale stuff.  OH, and send early!

warm hearts...........

It's been a few years since we've written letters to Santa.  Our kids are getting older but the secret magic of Santa will always be alive in our home.   It warms my heart that both Fallon and Peter are cool with going to visit Santa at our mall out of respect for the tradition, and respect that Sam will always Believe. 

We've come a long way from the boys wearing matching corduroy overalls, and Fallon in a velvet dress.  It was such a stress to get them all dressed and perfect for the Santa visit.  I never thought I'd have two wearing skulls in our annual picture.....but I also never thought I'd still be doing this with three teenagers.  Standing in line, with all the other parents who had darling but whining babies in strollers, was a test of patience and a Gesture of Love.  I mist up just thinking about this gift they've given us to be present for Sam.

More news about Sam and the great teachers I've told you about:  This time they've invented a new role for him at school.  He's the basketball team manager!  He's helped out at two games so far.  Check out the cool shirt Mr. Dave made him.  Sam put it on and said "how do I look?"  It was one of those really special moments as it was spontaneous and appropriate.  When you live with a child with Autism you get used to the things they say and the way they say them, and you know what they mean.  THIS was just one of those times where it was unprompted and totally right on.  He's very proud to have this job and we're so proud of him!

Tree is up!  Shopping is done.  Packages mailed.  Wrapping is 90% done.  Cookies will get baked after school ends this week.  Cards?  Not yet.  Yipes! 

This cracked me up.  So what happens when it takes 57 minutes to get through the line?  Kidding aside, I so appreciate the postal service.  They are who I trust with my business shipments.  I count on USPS to bring me the orders I placed online this year to avoid the mall bustle.  They drop off joy everyday - goodies and cards.  Lots of wonderful things have arrived on my doorstep thanks to Faye.  *Don't forget to leave a little something for your mail carrier this year.*

Hope your list of to-do's is coming along swiftly.  More importantly, I hope you are taking all the hustle and bustle in stride.  Aren't we lucky to make Christmas happen for our loved ones?

I've been bad....

I don't have the tree up.  I haven't started my cards (don't even have the photo taken yet).  And everytime I've been out shopping I've gotten MYSELF something.  I could say that I'm doing my husband a favor by doing his shopping for me, right?  I spent the entire day wrapping and labeling, and getting packages ready to ship (so many loved ones who live far away!)  I was totally planning on making the trek to post office today when I got a call that school was let out early - snow and ice storm.  So I ran around picking up kids and pizzas and didn't get the one thing crossed off my list I needed done today.  Drats!

I do have some good things to show you.  I just scored this book on ebay.  I have been trying to get a copy of this book for years.  It's the same one my Mom still has and I swear it is magical.  You know when you see something from your past and the visual tips off powerful and sentimental feelings?  THIS book does that for me.  I love the illustrations.  I could lick them.  I wanted to grow up and have a home like this one with a tree like that one.  I am pleased the book is on it's way to me so that I can tuck it away with the holiday stuff in January and then be delighted all over again every December when I come across it. 

Yesterday I got Sam to sign 20 Chicken Soup books that we are giving as gifts.  He was so cute doing it - such a super star!

Jenny and I came across this dude making some spray art.  It was awesome to see him in action.  I've seen some youtube videos of guys doing this kind of thing but seeing him work the cans on the sidewalk was really cool.  I'm not interested in making this kind of art myself but I did pick up a few tricks and I had to buy a piece.  Yes, I'll tell you about the spray tricks later.

Some of you asked for a close-up of the yarn necklace Jenny made me - here it is, with her permission.  Someday I will show you the felted purse she gifted me with - when you see it you'll know she GETS me.

Recently I had a kindness exchange with two women I have never met.  First is Jolene - what a sneak she was to surprise me with her cool tiles using my own artwork.  I think I made out better in the deal than she did. Jolene, do you honestly think I'll be putting my coffee cup or diet coke on these?  Not.  Thanks for the surprise!

Next is from Marlynn Likens.  She visited Massachusetts and stayed in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast.  I not only scored brick dirt from the house, but this wonderful and thoughtful book too.  You can't see it but my favorite part is under a picture of Lizzie is "What was she thinking?"  Again, I made out better in the exchange than she did.  (Looking forward to meeting you at the workshop in May!)

And now the Not So Good.  Not really bad.  More like bummers.

So you probably already knew House and Garden is over.  Do you also know Blueprint is done?  Done!  Come on!  I loved this one.  It was so refreshing to see edgier layouts and graphics.  I was doubley impressed that a Martha mag was so hip, (not that she's incapable of being hip).  I'm so over every magazine looking like each other.  Aren't you sick of it?  Let's pick on Victoria.  I will admit I raced over to the site when there was an announcement that it was coing back and got in line to have one mailed to me.  I don't know what I was thinking.....I guess I was hoping for a little update.  I was hoping they have been paying attention to what's when going on since they went dormant.  I'm sure the die-hards are thrilled with this issue since it looks like any other Christmas issue they published.  There will be those that are so glad it hasn't changed.....but I'm yawning.  Try Artful Blogging and Somerset Life.  I think they really hit the mark with a fresh approach - visually very appealing.

Another bummer:  So how can I rant about Victoria being stagnant and then turn on my heal and start a new complaint regarding change?  Is change good?  We say change is good.  But not always.  Not when it isn't something we are ready for.  I guess we can convince ourselves of anything depending on how we choose to view it.  In this case I'm not saying that change is bad....it's actually handsome.   But it's not the same.  It left and I didn't get a goodbye visit.  The renovation of the Royalton Hotel was a surprise.  I didn't know it was coming so I was very upset.  The new look pays respect to the original lobby in that it still has a mystique because it's dark and non-traditional.  Some of the views in the re-do make you feel like you are IN a Louise Nevelson sculpture.  That part was cool even though I wanted to hate it.

It certainly is a case of You Had To Be There back when The Royalton opened.  I think it was 1988.  The owners were Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager of Studio 54 fame, and it was designed - down to the very last piece of hardware, by Philippe Starck.  Swoon.   I spent a New Year's Eve there.  I was engaged there.  It was OUR special place.  It's part of my history.  I took Jenny there last weekend.  We had a terrific lunch, tucked away from the hustle of the street.  It is still The Royalton, just not royal blue.  I felt so strongly about it I had to write to Mr. Starck in France.  It won't matter if I never hear from him - at least he'll know he matters to me. 

Gotta end on a good note.

Very often I'll get emails asking how I do things on this blog.  "Slight Of Hand" is my answer.  I'm on post number 202, and it took a while to find my way.  Just look at the archives....proof that it took some time to hit my stride with figuring this out.  All my graphics are done in Photoshop.  I'm self-trained, and still use 5.5 (even though a sweet friend gave me a later version, I haven't been able to make myself install it!)  I was curious about how to make things digitally and stumbled around and found out things through play and practice.  No magic tricks.  Just doing the work.  When I finally discovered custom brushes there was no stopping the fast train I was on. 

I'm currently writing an article about brushes to be in the debut issue of Somerset Digital Studio.  If you bribe me enough I may share a tutorial here.  In the meantime I'll leave you with a link to the font many have requested:

Found at DaFont.com.  Lots of great (free) fonts there. 

I guess I'm not so bad....just procrastinating, and snowed in.  How much is checked off your to-do list?

In another life.....

...I would have liked to have been a Window Dresser.  Back in my interior design days I got to prop out model condos....it was the closest I got to the fleeting fantasticness.  I never got to witness Lisa's store but I can imagine she had killer windows.  Before I show you some of the pictures from the Window Watching last weekend I want to remind you of two cool books on the subject:  Dreams Through the Glass by Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman, and Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan of Barneys.  There are more...but that's a good start. 

It's really hard to get good pictures of windows when your purpose is to show what's inside.  I'll just say that it's worth the trip into the city every Christmas just to see what Bergdorf Goodman will blow us away with.  The other department stores have respectable vignettes, but BG is the master.  I only have a few shots to show you today, but you get the idea. 

Their theme this year was Tony Duquette, famed interior designer who....well, read up on him HERE.  The five main windows were set as Air Water Fire Earth and Light, design directed by David Hoey.  The side windows are always just as interesting.  CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO, showing some behind-the-scenes and commentary about the 2007 windows. 

Details of shells along the window frame and back wall taken just for Lisa.

The windows around one side were based on opposites.  There was Naughty or Nice, Fact or Fiction, and this: Lady or Tiger.

My most favorite thing was a mini display in one of the niche-type windows at the front of the store where they had jewelry or something showcased.  I didn't even notice because I was too star struck with the other details.  The white valance here is cut from PAPER....and as Jenny noted, even the tassles were made from cut and rolled paper.  Like these tassles were about 1/2" long.  And check out the fringe!  Utterly cool.  With all this glamour and fuss, the take-away for me was this one little thing. 

We know they work all year long getting ready for the unveiling late November, and then Poof!  The windows are filled with something else by January.  I can imagine how much fun it must be to gather all this cool stuff, have items fabricated, and then install them.  Don't ya wonder where it all goes after? 

In case you missed the link above, go see this video clip:  HERE  I've seen a few documentaries on the holiday windows over the years.  I think it's Lord & Taylor that have their displays on a hydraulic lift that drops down to the basement level where they can work on them out-of-view until they are ready to be hoisted back into position.  I vote for a t.v. special every year showing us all the windows of all major department stores  around the world and the clever artists who make them happen.  In fact, the product displays within a store are just as fascinating, regardless of the season, so there could be a whole television series showing us something inventive about retail merchandising every week!  Someone call Bravo.  (Or did I miss something and they already have a show about that?)

Fish out of water......

I'm not talking about being in the big city....because she's all hip to that....I'm talking about the temperature.  35 degrees is mild to us out here....and if you're from MN like me it's downright balmy.  But if you're from California, it's COLD!

She's lovingly referred to as My Boss, and in a sense she is because I do write for her.  You know and love her as the Editor-In-Chief of Somerset Studio and Director of Publishing at Stampington - and I know her as very special friend.  Jenny Doh and I spent the day in New York.  Look!  You don't have to lean forward with the bug eyed goon face to eliminate chances of catching the double chin if you're wearing a scarf.  (Pink crotcheted -is that how you spell it? - necklace by Ms. Doh)  More to follow.............

Last class

Does your apron look like this?  I used mine as the tester from my graphics....looks so cool with acrylic and spray paint evidence, and now silkscreen don't you think?  Aprons, like the scratch paper on your work surface, tell alot about us.  (I hope you're saving your scratch paper for your journal - that stuff is priceless!!)

Are you making stuff for the holidays?  Every Tuesday for 9, or was it 10, weeks I've been taking a silk screen printing class.  I finally got good at it and it's over!  At the beginning I made a real mess of the printing.  Might sign up for the next session because I have so much more stuff I wanna make.  I may even get myself one of those desk top screenprinting things so I can keep making these shirts.  We used a photographic process to make the stencils.  Lower left one was made last night.  Before you ask, I'm not going to sell these....but I might be giving some away *wink*.

I took these with my cellphone because I forgot my camera again!  Check out Susanna measuring and making her print all even and perfect.  I was a little less precise.  Bill, our instructor, said he'd never had students (like me and S) who turned out so many shirts.  Hey, we knew how to make the most of our time.

I wish I would have made this one bigger.  I put it on the back of a hoodie and it looks a little small.  Note to self for next session:  GET BIGGER.

still burning........

Wore one of these last night.  The concert rocked!  Fallon and I had a great time.  We caught up with Seppo who confirmed delivery of the GD and thanked us for the chocolates (offered as thank you and bribe).  It was really special to witness both the opening night (10/18) and the closing night (12/2) of this tour.  Ville was very charming and chatty.  We were even treated to an impromtpu very brief Poe poetry reading after a fan passed off a massive book of Poe's work. 

Bracelets shown above were custom ordered from Mindy Kuen @ Etsy.  Maybe there is someone on your gift list who would love one of her pieces?  Or maybe you have just the perfect word to have custom stamped on a charm to show someone you GET them. 

Congrats to Jodi Barone who was the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 14!  We shared the many faces and forms of MUSE.  Tonight I posted Crusade No. 15 ~ Where in the World?  Come over to the Street Team and see the mosh pit we've established. 

I'm a ................

Last night was the best concert ever!  Ever!  It was utterly freezing....ran from Penn Station to Times Square with frozen throats and feet.  Was too cool to get to the famous location in New York where lit up signage must be viewable from the moon.....and in the center of it all is a large flashing "HIM" with a big red "SOLD OUT" across it, followed by video clips on the Nokia Theater marquee.  HCIT?

I thought this would turn out crummy so I didn't record very long, but here is footage of my favorite track, taken with my digital camera of the screen:  Soul On Fire!  I'm off to get ready for tonight!!