Monday, June 28, 2010

Fun in the sun...and a few other things

We are heading to Sunny Florida for a great vacation. No oil where we are going (thankfully) --Ponte Vedra is on the Atlantic just 40 minutes south of Jacksonville. It is a family tradition that started when I was just a little girl. My grandparents lived in Jacksonville Beach and every summer we would travel there- where the ocean breeze blows and the sun shines. Now for the past 10 years or so we have gone and felt the same breeze, basked in the sun, have gone deep sea fishing, shell hunting, sandcastle building, shopping, swimming, resting and renewing. My parents join us and it is a treasured time that we spend.

So I wanted to let everyone know that when I return, I will Cowgirl Up and share pics and memories of a great Art Retreat Weekend!! I met some of the most talented and fun women that kept me laughing, learning and creating!! Thank you to all who took my class - you were truly a blessing! Can't wait to see everyone next time!!

Also, Registration is still going on for Tidbits and Tassel 2 - read more on my blog (older post). Space is limited so I hope you will join my mom and me for a great weekend of art, friendship and fun!!

Have a great 4th and I will see you around the 10th!! Until then,

Blessings

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Where I create.....



I am honored to be part of this blog party....About a year ago we began renovations to our backyard. We dug up the grass, my herb garden of 9 years, peach trees, climbing roses...yes I cried. But the vision my husband and I shared was to enrich our lives, the lives of our children, and to use what we have as a blessing for others...So here is the finished backyard with pool, outdoor living/kitchen areas and of course, my husband wanted to build an Art Studio for me....I am forever grateful to him for all he has done for me. I love being in there, I love that my girls and my mom love being in there, I love when friends gather and they love being in there...So enjoy the pictures, some are courtesy of my friend Jodie, some are from last year and some are from today....Don't blog "party" too long - for your creative space is calling....





This is really what my creative space looks like when I am creating...I only tidy up for necessity. So I can find that which is hidden...
No matter the size of your space, create! For some it is the dining room table, part of the bedroom or even in a closet ( I have been in all of those places). I have been blessed to be able to have a supportive husband and family in my creative endeavors. I hope that you have found kindred spirits on this blog party. We all love the creative process more than our space. We love to share in the experience more than the finished product. In our creative pursuit, it isn't always about finishing, it is about discovery. I will always be thankful to God for the gifts he has bestowed to me in my life. I pray that I use them for his glory and not mine. I will always be thankful to my family who encourage me in all that I do. I will always be thankful for you - for our paths crossing. Enjoy the journey!! Come visit sometime and we will create!

Blessings - Chantal

Thursday, June 10, 2010




It has been said that children become chatterboxes at night…I prefer to call it the dreamer’s lullaby. I was reminded again of the age of innocence and imagination. All too often when I lay my head on the pillow, my body and mind are so tired from the day’s daily living that I close my eyes without a an imaginative thought. Rather it is the “to do” list that is running through my mind. Last night, I was lying down with my youngest daughter, as is our goodnight ritual. We say prayers, and then usually she says “I love you, goodnight” which is her signal “No talking.”

Earlier that evening, Presleigh had begun to write a story as she often does. It is almost a daily occurrence. She has written stories about girls who become spies, girls who become animal trainers, and girls who settle a town and of course, girls are the heroes of the stories. As our bedtime conversation turned to her stories, she asked me which one was my favorite. It was so hard to pick just one, so I named a few. She asked if it was good to write stories and have imagination. I emphatically said “Absolutely.” Then she asked if I still have imagination but before I could answer she answered her own question. Her answer was a resounding “Yes.”

Where did she see my imagination? Where did I see my imagination? I get caught up in the “to do’s “of the day, of the running here and there, doing this and that.

She then explained “ In your art. Mommy you have to imagination to do what you do. “ I smiled and thought – We can still be children at heart with imagination and creativity. In our homes, in our careers, in our relationships, imagination helps us see beyond today. Creativity helps what we imagine come to be.

Some of us have imagination and never do anything with it. Yes, as children we became superheroes, kings, and queens, we could sore the heights, which gave us the ability to think beyond our limitations. As adults, our imagination can be used to create avenues to help others, to better the world in which we live, to move beyond our limitations. I love that our God, the Creator, has the most awesome imaginative mind but that his creative spirit did not remain only in thought. By his words, he created the heavens and the earth. He created our very being and the beauty that surrounds us. Our God is truly awesome!! For who could imagine that we, though sinners, are saved by grace, redeemed by love and called to be his children.

The next time you lay down on that pillow, instead of the “to do’s”’ running through your head, why not talk to your heavenly Father about his favorite story- The cross, the greatest love story ever told. And then imagine how you could share that story with your children…It will become the all time favorite!!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

PaperCowgirl goodies....

Paper Cowgirl goodies are coming together...These are for all the Cowgirls in their "Goody Bag"...It's like going to a party. Everyone receives a goody bag!!! This is my little contribution. Now on to finishing my class kits and little delights for Vendor Night...It's just 2 weeks away. There is still time to register (until Sunday)!! Come on and be a Paper Cowgirl with me!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Le petit sac - Workshop at Tidbits and Tassels 2

Tidbits and Tassels 2 presents....

"Le petit sac" taught by Maryse Henry.







After our Friday evening of stitching and swapping, Saturday we will begin with morning delights (coffee, pastries,...) and our first workshop for the day. My incredibly talented mom, Maryse Henry, will be teaching us how to transform a blank mini tote into a work of art. Using bits of this and that and special techniques and fabric, we will learn the art of collage. All you need is your creativity and a basic class kit..the rest is provided.

Here is a little bio on Maryse ( I call her Mom)...She was born and raised near Paris, France. Although she has lived in the states for more than 40 years (12 of those in this great state, Texas), her approach to all things creative is definitely grounded in her French background. Her art work spans many different genres..from Wall Murals to miniatures to her art work gracing the White House during the Reagan administration. She loves all creative arts from needlework, sewing, knitting, crocheting, paper arts, jewelry making, to even some from way back...candle making, tole painting, doll making...get the idea:) As a child, I remember her always making something beautiful and then she with her generous heart, gave so many of her creations to family and friends. She is a delight and a wonderful wife, awesome mother, incredible grandmother and a friend to all.

Registration is on going...leave a comment with your email and then click the paypal button to compete registration. Also the small picture on the right side should be a button that you may post on your blog. See y'all in August....