Class at Castle in the Air

.

I just came back from a wonderful trip to sunny California where I had the priviledge to take a class at a fabulous little shop called Castle in the Air. It's located on a quiet, shop filled street in Berkeley; just over the bridge from San Francisco. The store is filled with new and vintage treasures and samples from classes to purchase. It has a wide selection of pretty papers, notecards, stamps and dresden. In the rear is an under sea backdrop with a huge clam shell big enough to seat an adult.

The classes are held in the "balcony"space upstairs across from some manequins who are ready to party at a maquerade ball.


John B. McRae, the instructor from the Mermaid Castle Lamp class was very helpful and super creative. Samples of his work and class offerings are throughout the store for you to be in awe at. Here is a picture of John with a fellow classmate and their mermaid castles.



John's mermaid castle looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale and it's also on display at the shop. You must visit the Castle in the Air if you are in the San Francisco area!

.

Monkey JITB and Another Class Announcement!

Ten little monkeys jumping on the bed
One fell off and bumped his head
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Well this little monkey won't be jumping on any beds but he will be jumping from his box with his big grin, fancy hat and jingling cymbals in tow!


Materials used include: vintage musical movement that plays Masquerade, a cardboard box, wooden balls (box feet), vintage sheet music, beeswax, ribbon, metal hinges, shredded paper (for filling), papermache, cardboard, acrylic paints, mulberry paper, a spring, pipe cleaners and embellished with vintage gold rick-rack ribbon and thread. The cymbals are made using paper with bells hidden inside for a little jingle.
Box measures 5 3/4" x 6 1/2". - $180 SOLD









Expressive Paper Dolls Class Announcement!
If you were unable to register for the class on April 5th, I have been scheduled again for the 3rd of May. Mark your calendars! More details will be posted.

Monkey JITB and Paper Doll Class

There's still time to sign up for my Expressive Paper Doll class this Saturday, April 5 at Tinsel Trading Company. You can register on their website at http://www.tinseltrading.com/ or by giving them a call. These classes are always so much fun with a friend, so spread the word!


I've finished my Masquerade Monkey Jack-in-the-box and he'll be there to greet you at the class. He's a little shy now but he just wanted to sneak in a quiet 'Hello' before he's introduced at the class.







I hope you can make it!

Expressive Paper Dolls Class

There are so many great art classes coming up this month and next at Tinsel Trading Company. And one of them will be my "Expressive Paper Dolls" class! Join the class and you'll learn how to make a charming paper doll using different collage techniques. You'll leave this class with your own unique version based on my pattern for a poseable paper doll. We'll use various scrapbook papers, 3-Dimensional paints, fibers, glitter, stamps and other fun Tinsel Trading embellishments. The class is on Saturday April 5th 12pm-3pm and the fee is $65.00 plus a $5.00 materials fee (to cover a prepared instruction sheet with template to bring home, paper, glue, paint, etc.) If you have a Crop-a-dile or other eyelet tool, please bring them otherwise they will be provided.

The class schedule for April should be posted at Tinsel Trading soon and when it is, you'll be able to sign up and pay through their website. Or you can send me an email to let me know you'd like to attend. But hurry as class sizes are kept small!

If you can't make it to my class be sure to look into the other classes offered by some of the best artists found on the East Coast. Below is a picture with some of the pieces I made at Tinsel Trading classes including a Cigar Box class, an Altered Book class and the Vintage Style Bracelet class all with Terri Ventura and then an Oatmeal Box House class with Charlotte Lyons. So much fun!

Green Polka Dot Hot Air Balloon

This will look so cute hanging in the corner of a baby's room!

Made using paper mache, acrylic paints, ribbon, mulberry paper, buttons and it hangs from an adjustable heavy duty clear line (not the chain as pictured). Measures 13"h x 8"w. - $110

The little chick in the basket is made using one of Jennifer Murphy's patterns. I added some of my own touches (gloves, a scarf and an aviators hat) to keep him warm from the chilly air while he floats above the rolling hills in his hot-air-balloon ride. The chick is not for sale but if you are interested in similar creatures, please check out Jennifer Murphy's website. She makes the most cutest soft sculpture "bears and other silly things". Her licensed pieces are inexpensive and are available through her website and other stores. However, for excellent quality and craftmanship, I suggest getting an orginal piece to add to your collection; or to start one!

Check back tomorrow for my Paper Doll class announcement!

Fun Work in Progress

Here's a sketch in my journal of the next JITB I'm working on. It's going to be a Monkey with cymbals much like the one's you see in old pictures with an organ grinder. This piece is also inspired by the music box in the Phantom of the Opera. It will have a music mechanism that plays "Masquerade".

I'm also working on a few baby room themed Hot Air Balloons. (You can get a glimpse of the beginnings of them on the upper corners of this picture). These will be super cute, both with a vintage flair!

Add yourself to my mailing list to be notified of upcoming classes in New York and the East Coast area starting in April 2008!

Pink Flower Jack-in-the-box

Bright pink petals naturally faded with age surround the serene face of this JITB. She has a wind up mechanism that plays the tune, "English Country Garden". Materials used include vintage sheet music, pink canvas flower petals and bells. Adorned with a velvet leaf with golden glitter, a bronze metal charm and a crystal chandelier drop. Measures 5"h x 4"w. $115 Sold