Journal challange

journal
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

It has been so long since I have really sat a my art table and worked on any type of project. I purchased a beautifl old leather bound book quite some time ago. Every now and then I pick it up and look at it, but yesterday I decided to plunge in and stop thinking and start doing! I spent the majority of the morning working on how I wanted to plan this lovely book out. I am very excited about it. I would love to have others work on it with me, so if anyone is interested in playing along and adding a page, let me know.
Hint ,hint Carol........

Nice people

Reliquary
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I love when we are reminded of how nice people really can be. I recently had someone do something really nice for me, someone who actually didn't even know me, but was kind enough to spend thier own time to do me a favor. I am sending a small gift of thanks, but more importantly I have decided that it is my turn to do something nice for someone else. I won't be able to share with you when I do, because the purpose would be lost. If I am very, very lucky, I won't even know that I have done this nice thing, it will just be something that will come so naturally that I won't even notice.

Flea market finds

Flea market finds
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Another fun Sunday of treasure hunting at the Alameda flea market. I have been waiting to buy another vintage bottle with the cross soldered on for months. I am very happy with the few little treats I bought this month. Each piece will have a place and purpose in some projects I am working. It feels good to have my creative wheels turning again.

New Banner

I have found it so amazing that I have met so many nice people thru Flickr. I do think that when we share our creativity with others to see, it helps us open our hearts. At least that's how I feel.
The other day I was searching Flickr and found some photos, I commented on the beauty of a banner that TiffanyJane made, and the next thing I know she was making me my new blog banner you see above. I love it, the colors are yummy, the birds so sweet she also used two of my own favorite angels.
I feel as if my new banner will give me the new direction that I am looking for for my blog. Thank you TiffanyJane for this inspiration.

Weekend away

Bentley
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

We enjoyed a family weekend at the cabin in Tahoe this past weekend. It has been way too long since we have been to the cabin, almost seven month. I always feel so recharged and regenerated when I am in the mountains. Of course being the first weekend of the summer we expected some fun in the sun. That didn't happen, but a fire and a little snow is always nice too.

Bentley also had a great time. He played with his Tahoe toys, rested by the fire and found the one small patch of snow left on the lawn to play in. There are also wonderful sniffs in the country.

All in all it was nice to be together. Welcome summer......

Reliquaries

Reliquaries
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Reliquary: receptacle containing the relics of saints and other sacred objects of the Christain religion. They are richly decorated with gold, silver,enamel and jewels.

Over the weekend I took a reliquary class at an enchanting place called "Castle in the Air " in Berkeley. Eight delightful women sat down to design, assemble and solder these decorated little treasures. I have been wanting to learn to solder forever! It was great fun and wonderful to make new friends. Enchanting is the only word I can use to describe "Castle in the Air", with their imported papers, dresden filigrees, tiny bottles, waxes and ink, SO much to look at. I spent two days working on my pieces, each day coming home with so many ideas reeling in my head and a bag of goodies.

Friends

Do you have a friend that is someone who truly makes you laugh? This morning I got a call from a high school friend who I am also lucky enough to have as a neighbor. Patti is one of those friends! We laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face and my stomach hurt. Our conversation made me laugh through out the day. What a great way to start your day. I hope everyone has a "Patti" in their life.