Halloween Swap

I have been accepted into Four Sisters in a Cottage Halloween swap. I am very excited! I already know what I would like to make. But, SHHH! I can't tell yet, I wouldn't want my partner to see.

Field Trip

Tail of the Yak, Berkeley
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Today Rick and I set out on a field trip across the SF Bay Bridge to Berkeley. Mt new favorite shop Castle in the Air is located on Fourth Street filled with beautiful paper and trinkets from Italy and Germany. A short distance from Castle is The Tail of the Yak an unbelievable shop with so many fabulous thing from France, Guatamala, Italy. The santons where beautifully adorned with silk flowers, imported embroidered ribbons ( had to have several) , with every turn there is some interesting thing you won't see just anywhere. These are the small pleasures that make your heart beat a little faster.

Ulla's Studio

Ulla's Studio
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

A visit to Ulla's home and studio is a field trip of it's own. She has so many lovely and interesting pieces. Her collection of floral wedding crowns are exquisit, delicate antique wreath head pieces each mounted on a plaque against a soft green wall.
Her studio is out back thru the garden. There is one whole wall filled with beautiful art books, journals she has collected with her favorite magazine pictures and a delightful collection of childrens books.
Above her work space is a long shelf with wonderful clocks, dolls heads and a collection of vintage wedding shoes. So many treats your eyes want to drink them all in at once.
In a different work station around the room there is a table set up with porcelain doll head she is china painting scenes on, jars of buttons waiting to be used in her jewelry and collaging projects and a fench love seat where her little dog Saddie watches her work.
I will save the details of the jewelry class itself for tomorrow. What a delightful day. If I had brought my jammies, I would probably still be there!

Flea Market Treasures

Flea Market Treasures
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

These are my treasures from the August flea market in Alameda. I am taking a jewelry class this Friday with Ulla from Castles in the Air, and I am very excited. I will be soldering, learning wire wrap, glass cutting. I know I have said this many times, but these are the small pleasures that bring enjoyment. The inspiration is endless! Hopefully I will be sharing wonderful creations by the end of the week.