Irene

Meet Irene...my latest eyeball mosaic. She currently sits atop my mantel awaiting adoption. To learn more about her visit my Etsy shop!

It's a Beautiful Weekend to Spend in Dana Point Harbor!

Rita and Kathleen at the Festival of the Whales
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

The weather forecast looks great, and what better way to enjoy your weekend than getting outside and strolling through the Dana Point Harbor. It's the last weekend of the Festival of the Whales and there is tons going on! Bring the kids, bring you dog and enjoy the weekend listening to music and eating some great food.
While you're there don't miss the Dana Point Fine Arts booths!
I'll be there with all of my mosaic art alongside my best friend Rita, a jewelry designer. Stop by and say Hi! Enjoy your weekend!
You'll find our booths on the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way. (on the grassy area before Baby Beach).
Click on link for the schedule of events!
Dana Point Festival of the Whales Schedule

I Have a Stalker!

I was so excited to find out I'm being stalked! Not by a creepy, obsessive stalker...an Etsy Stalker named Violet. She's harmless, so not to worry my friends. Her posting today is called, "Mosaics: Picking up the Pieces". I feel honored to be included in her beautiful, eclectic collection of mosaics made by Etsy arists. You can see my "Bali Bowl" in all it's glory at www.etsystalker.com.

Be sure to check out all the various mosaic methods showcased in her blog article. The materials to make mosaics vary from plates(like mine) to fabric and pretty much anything you can think of. Feel free to stalk my shop anytime!

Smashgirl goes to Sarah's Smash Shack

I just spent the day in San Diego celebrating my birthday with my friends. We took the Amtrak down from the OC and had a fun day eating lunch and shopping together. A couple of my friends had to catch an earlier train home so Debbie and I went on the hunt for Sarah's Smash Shack. I had heard about this place from one of my mosaic friends and thought it would be a perfect ending to my day of celebration. Smashing things? Right up my alley! When you first arrive you're given a menu of plates and dishes. After picking your items to smash, Sarah gets you suited up in protective gear...a really cute red jumpsuit, work gloves and the best part the menacing looking full face shield! We didn't have our ipods with us so Sarah picked some smashing music for us and we entered our room. Bold black and white checkered walls, us in our red suits and helmets, and rocking music playing...we were giddy! We had picked these pretty little ceramic heart dishes and were given sharpies to write on them...very fun! This would be a perfect place to come after a bad breakup!
Sarah and Ed, owner's of Sarah's Smash Shack

Debbie bought the souvenior box for our broken hearts and Sarah and Ed kindly donated a box of broken shards to me which I proudly carried home. I can't wait to make something with them! So if you're ever in the San Diego area don't miss Sarah's Smash Shack, and don't forget to tell her smashgirl sent you! Will there be more smash shacks in the future? I hope so...and Sarah if you decide to open one in the OC and need an experienced "smasher" to work there I think I'd be perfect for the job!

Spreading my wings

Spring has a certain energy about it...time for new life in the animal kingdom, new blossoms in the garden and a new shop for me! I've been eyeing 1000 markets for awhile and have been thinking about putting my art in another handmade venue. I adore Etsy and love being a part of it but sometimes I feel that my shop gets lost in the crowd. 1000 markets has a different feel to it, like a small town vs. a large city. Each individual market is unique and original. The photo layout is nice on the eyes, and the people are welcoming. One of my favorite features is "the wall" where you can post comments. I also have a blog in my shop where I'll be posting, so take a stroll on over and say hello!

On a scale of 1-20...

Riverbed
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

What would you rate this?
You can tell me on plaincraft.com anonymously, just click on the little row of boxes beneath each picture...I have 3 items that you can rate.
Riverbed, Bali Bowl, and Our Love is Not Black or White are on plaincraft for 2 weeks and the top rated items make the gallery page each day. I really like this site because it gives me some feedback on what people like or dislike. As an artist that is helpful when you're creating new things. Click here!

Deal Alert! You can get free shipping on my small heart mosaics until Feb. 2 and pop over to smashgirl cards to pick up your Valentine's Day card to go with it!

Hearts!

I'm usually a last minute person but this year I've decided to be a bit more organized so I'm making fun new things for Valentine's Day! I'm so proud of myself!

Here's my latest heart titled, "Our Love is Not Black and White".

Here's just one of the many heart cards I've added to my new shop, smashgirl cards. I love finding interesting and pretty colors in old magazines.

Now, I must try to be organized in all aspects of my life!

1000 Handmade Greetings!

It's here and it's sitting on my coffee table looking gorgeous and beautiful...and it's sooo surreal...each time I walk by and glance at the cover I can't believe that I'm looking at MY card on the cover! Wow, all I can say is thanks Laura McFadden (the creator of this book), I feel honored!

When I read about the call for submissions months ago on Etsy, I decided to submit two of my cards...and I was pleasantly surprised to receive my letter of acceptance into the book.

I packaged my cards and sent them off for their photo shoot and then kind of forgot about it.

As soon as I found out it was published I quickly placed my order on Amazon.com and waited. Then it arrived...I ripped open the box and started flipping through the pages. The quality of the book and the composition of the pages is wonderful. Bright bold colors, amazing creative cards, sooo many cards to savor! Congratulations to all of the Etsy artists that are now in print, and thanks to Etsy for their Storque article about this book!

What's new in the smashgirl studio?

My Bahama Bowl sold as I was listing my new Bali Bowl. The bowl was a garage sale find, I just added a touch of drama to it using these beautiful floral plates and finished it off with black grout.

Mega Rock Star is the plus-size version of my little rock star. I love working with rocks and pebbles! Sea Star is a mini-star embellished with sea glass, some pieces gathered this summer from the beaches of San Clemente!

Bubblegum is a fun wavy vase covered in clear and colored glass gems.

What's next? A few new things for Valentine's Day!

I think I hear the Ice Cream Man!

One of my fondest childhood memories of summer is that magical tinny sound of "Pop Goes the Weasel" coming around the corner. My brother and I would dash through the screen door at lightening speed to shake out some change from my Mom. Our biggest fear was that no kids on our street would flag him down and we'd run outside only to see the back of his truck turning the corner. It seemed like the end of the world as kids!

These days my neighborhood has no stickered singing trucks driving through and I feel a little sad for my kids that they don't get to enjoy the thrill of the Ice Cream Man. Where did he go? Did he trade in his truck and start working at Cold Stone? Maybe the price of gas shut down his business? Does he still come to your neighborhood?

Surf Shack Birdhouse EMA Challenge

Surf Shack Birdhouse EMA Challenge
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

I belong to a great group of mosaic artists on Etsy! Together we share tips, ideas, and stories...some make me laugh until I cry! I just participated in the EMA "For the Birds" Mosaic Birdhouse Challenge. There were 24 amazing entries submitted. My birdhouse was inspired by the many surfboards that hang over my head in my garage studio!

You can view all of the entries and vote at etsymosaics.blogspot.com until July 16th at 11:59PM EST.

My Upcycled Studio Space

My studio
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

When I first started making mosaics I used to use my kitchen table. As my supplies multiplied I really needed a space of my own. Tucked away in my garage I've managed to carve out a niche for myself. In California garage space is at a premium, we have no basements and outdoor toys such as surfboards( 7 or so), sports equipment, (two active boys), bikes, and the laundry area are all crammed into one spot!
I'm very proud to say that everything in my studio has been made from recycled materials. The main storage unit with the drawers started out as an old hand-me-down dresser that my husband had in his apartment when he was single. When I had our first son, he painted it to match the baby's room and we used it for both of the boys. It now houses plates, nippers, glue, and many other things I use all in one spot.
The drop down work area was once a desk top in my son's room. We used door hinges from our old front door so it can be pushed up and out of the way when I'm not using it.
That big comfy black office chair belonged to someone in the neighborhood and was sitting out on the curb calling out my name!
Look closely and you'll see my "The End of the Day" mosaic while it was a work in progress. Some day when my kids go off to college I'll move my studio into the house, but for now this is a great spot!
Click here for a more detailed picture!

Perfect for a Mermaid

The Mermaid Mirror
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Living in California near the beach certainly inspires me. Seashells are so beautiful so I thought that I'd use them for my first mosaic mirror. I used a layered style and set the shells on top of one another. I really love the feminity that the shells create. The Mermaid Mirror is currently for sale in my Etsy shop. More shell creations coming soon!

Don't miss the "Yart Sale" going on now until Friday June 20th. Selected mosaics are 20% off and I have a special "10 Dollar Sale" section also. Search "Yart Sale" on Etsy for all participating shops!

Stella is a dummy!

See, she really is a dummy. A dummy that belongs to Julia and Marie the mother- daughter team from TheJulReeBox shop on Etsy. I stumbled across their forum post the other day titled, "Name That Dummy". I just had to go check it out! Here's what it said:

Enter to win beautiful Double Jasper Earrings!! Name our display girl. She has been called: Hortense, Mindless Chick, Sha-Goon-Da-La, Hey You, Brainless Dummy, Face-Less Wonder, Invisible Man, Not Another Pretty Face, Etc., Etc., .... but we want to do her proud. We will choose her new name from the first hundred applicants. Come join the fun! Convo us your entry or go through the forum/promotions under NAME THAT DUMMY!!

She looked like a Stella to me, so I entered my pick and I won! I just love their sense of humor! Stella looks like a million bucks, don't you think?
Here are my two favorite picks from their shop:

I love the bright bold colors of the "Ole" necklace! So spicy!

The "Blue-Green Sea" bracelet is perfect for a beachy girl like me. I love bracelets that have lots of movement and the colors are so pretty! Both are available for sale in their Etsy shop, The JulReeBox.
Thanks ladies and have fun with Stella!

The Story of Stella

You'd think it would be easy being "The Lady in Red". You're beautiful, people stare at you, and someone even wrote a song about you. What could be wrong? Why is "The Lady in Red" so depressed and drinking alone in a bar? Stella(her real name)can never get away with wearing any other colors. The paparazzi would have a field day if she was seen in the grocery store wearing blue! Men are afraid to even approach her and ask her out for a date. Life can be pretty lonely when you are a legend...will Stella ever meet her man?

Will Stella go home with Stan and live happily ever after, or will Stan and Stella both go home alone? Well it's up to the buyers in my Etsy shop...will they buy one or both???

To be continued...

The Story of Stan

The End of the Day
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

The End of the Day

Stan seems to have it all. He's a successful business man living the good life, or so it seems. He lives in a beautiful penthouse full of only the best things. He's charming and a snappy dresser. At the end of the day, he ends up here drinking alone. Then he goes home each night to an empty place. Something's missing from his seemingly perfect life. Stan needs love. Will Stan find the right woman to fill the empty void?

To be continued...

Why did I name this Why?

The name simply comes from the shop in Paris where it was bought! A funky little gift shop in Les Forums De Halles. A must visit shop if you go there!

Another Tie for Father's Day?

Recycled Tie Art
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

Sometimes all I need to do is look in my closet for inspiration! With Father's Day around the corner my shop was lacking any masculinity. I needed to make something manly! Several years back, my husband had to wear a tie to work each day. Then his company adopted Friday Casual Day. He was thrilled! A few years after that, it turned into casual week. So I've had this frame that I've wanted to do something with and I asked him if I could have a few of his ties for my next art project. He generously said, " Sure, take what you want"! I picked my 4 favorite ones and started cutting away. What will I get my husband for Father's Day? Well, it won't be a tie!

Work in Progress

Wip of the parisian clock
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

This is turning out even better than I had envisioned! I'm bringing out the funky side of me. I've finished adhering all of the pieces and now it's time to grout! Stay tuned for the finished pictures!

Headed to the trash?

Headed to the trash?
Originally uploaded by smashgirl

No way!!! My son bought this clock in a Paris gift shop a few years back. The hands have fallen out and the clock no longer works. This is now my next mosaic project. I love the modern design and shape! I'll be posting wip pictures soon!