greenpepperpressblog

Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

  • angels gather here

    When our brother-in-law arrived for Thanksgiving he had gifts for the kids.  Fallon received these two angels and Andy shared that Shannon requested her collection be given to her four nieces.  It was very special to get Angel of Prayer, and Angel of the Heart.

    MWnativity2 

    Sunday seemed the perfect time to bring out the Nativity set which matches the angels.  A special friend started me on the collection, adding to it every year.  I found the stable in an unfinished furniture shop – need to add some straw and pine boughs this week.  I painted the stable and added the star, then I found the ceiling tile tree.  I wish I could find more like this one!

    MWnativity1 

    The Shannon Angels are surrounded by a host of gifted angels, from Mom and Judi:  Hope, Wonder, Warmth, and Remembrance.  They are Willow Tree by Sue Lordi for Demdaco.

    MWnativity3  

    Oh, and a score from a McDonald's Happy Meal.  *wink*

    MWnativity4

  • angels gather here

    When our brother-in-law arrived for Thanksgiving he had gifts for the kids.  Fallon received these two angels and Andy shared that Shannon requested her collection be given to her four nieces.  It was very special to get Angel of Prayer, and Angel of the Heart.

    MWnativity2 

    Sunday seemed the perfect time to bring out the Nativity set which matches the angels.  A special friend started me on the collection, adding to it every year.  I found the stable in an unfinished furniture shop – need to add some straw and pine boughs this week.  I painted the stable and added the star, then I found the ceiling tile tree.  I wish I could find more like this one!

    MWnativity1 

    The Shannon Angels are surrounded by a host of gifted angels, from Mom and Judi:  Hope, Wonder, Warmth, and Remembrance.  They are Willow Tree by Sue Lordi for Demdaco.

    MWnativity3  

    Oh, and a score from a McDonald's Happy Meal.  *wink*

    MWnativity4

  • behind window no. 1

    MWadvent1 

    I love anything with little windows and doors, especially when there are secrets behind them.  Today I got out my collection of Advent Calendars.  Here are a few, collected over the years from BasBleu.  Can you stand it?  Russian and Italian architecture with WINDOWS AND DOORS! 

    MWadvent2 

    Here's one I made a few years ago – behind each window is my collection of Madonna & Child Christmas postage stamps – looks kinda lame now so I'm about to start a new one.  Not a real advent calendar, but still a countdown of sorts.  I'm determined to make a little something each day before Christmas as inspired by my friend Kathryn who has prompted her posse of Soul Journalers on her blog.  Kathryn challenges you to chronicle gifts of gratitude….on the heels of Thanksgiving, it's perfect.  Two inches a day on a journal page seems do-able, and it will keep me plugged in to good vibes taking me right up to Christmas.  The day is almost over….gotta get Day One made. 

    MWadvent3 

  • behind window no. 1

    MWadvent1 

    I love anything with little windows and doors, especially when there are secrets behind them.  Today I got out my collection of Advent Calendars.  Here are a few, collected over the years from BasBleu.  Can you stand it?  Russian and Italian architecture with WINDOWS AND DOORS! 

    MWadvent2 

    Here's one I made a few years ago – behind each window is my collection of Madonna & Child Christmas postage stamps – looks kinda lame now so I'm about to start a new one.  Not a real advent calendar, but still a countdown of sorts.  I'm determined to make a little something each day before Christmas as inspired by my friend Kathryn who has prompted her posse of Soul Journalers on her blog.  Kathryn challenges you to chronicle gifts of gratitude….on the heels of Thanksgiving, it's perfect.  Two inches a day on a journal page seems do-able, and it will keep me plugged in to good vibes taking me right up to Christmas.  The day is almost over….gotta get Day One made. 

    MWadvent3 

  • happy thanksgiving

    The meal is over, dishes are done.  My parents and brother-in-law are tucked into their hotel rooms.  We had a great day.  Hope you did too.  It's been a tough year, but there is much to be thankful for.  To be with loved ones today was very special.  We lit a candle in the center of the table, to remember my sister.  How perfect is that centerpiece?  Maureen gave it to me this week.  Looks like there may even be 65 roses there.

    MWcandlequote 

    MWtday08 

    I am grateful for YOU.  You ran to the rescue when I needed comfort - with your good thoughts, your kind words, your lovely gifts, your beautiful messages, and of course – your *winks*.  This year of sorrow will always be remembered hand-in-hand with the outpouring of love you expressed.  Thank you.

  • happy thanksgiving

    The meal is over, dishes are done.  My parents and brother-in-law are tucked into their hotel rooms.  We had a great day.  Hope you did too.  It's been a tough year, but there is much to be thankful for.  To be with loved ones today was very special.  We lit a candle in the center of the table, to remember my sister.  How perfect is that centerpiece?  Maureen gave it to me this week.  Looks like there may even be 65 roses there.

    MWcandlequote 

    MWtday08 

    I am grateful for YOU.  You ran to the rescue when I needed comfort - with your good thoughts, your kind words, your lovely gifts, your beautiful messages, and of course – your *winks*.  This year of sorrow will always be remembered hand-in-hand with the outpouring of love you expressed.  Thank you.

  • scoop

    Etsyshopholidays  

    It's been a while since I've posted about some cool finds from ETSY.  Here are a few things I've gathered as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Shop now and scoop up some terrific artsy items for your loved ones.  Maybe you'll find something (like lists of somethings) you can suggest to Santa for yourself.

    Etsy palomasnest 

    LOVE these little plates.  They are 3-1/2" inches and Caroline packs them so beautifully.  Visit PalomasNest to find a message that speaks to you or have one custom made.  And look at these lovelies from DGordon.  She has a clever thing going on – I can't wait to send!

    Etsy dgordon 

    My wish list from DownToTheWireDesigns is long.  Santa, are you listening? 

    Etsy downtothewiredesigns

    Etsy smilingsoul2 

    And check out these earrings from SmilingSoul2 and Gingeroni1.  Pretty earrings make you feel pretty don't you think?  Such yummy beads.  Browse both of their shops.

    Etsy gingeroni1 

    Someday I may learn to knit and felt, but for now I appreciate being able to buy handmades from others.  How about these roses!  I bought a red one to pin to my beret.  I think I need to go back for a pink one too.  Check out GoldiesKnits.

    Etsy goldiesknits 

    SCOOP of another kind…. Judi discovered this Depp photo which was leaked earlier this week.  A few sites have removed the image so I may be in trouble for posting this.  I was hoping Burton's Mad Hatter might look like V.V.  I'm just relieved it isn't Wonka-like, as in the Burton-Depp-Wonka.  It almost looks Wilder-Wonka-like.

    Whosmad 

    Anyone see Twilight at midnight?  Me neither, but it's on the agenda for the weekend.  A quick look at the soundtrack:  no HIM.  What were they thinking?  Come on, at least use Vampire Heart.

    Vampirevalo 

    Mad Hatter, yes.  Vampire, yes.  Hippo, what?  I have been watching this trailer with great amusement.  Check out Moto Moto, the large male hippo.  You HIM fans have probably already seen it. 

    Motovalo 

    Ever the chameleon, tomorrow he's a birthday boy (32).

    Vvbday08 

    And congrats to Ingrid Dijkers for being the Top Hat pick for Crusade No. 24.  We're playing with gesso now.  Lots of cool stuff being shared by the teamers.  Come see. 

    GPPSTC25bannersm

  • scoop

    Etsyshopholidays  

    It's been a while since I've posted about some cool finds from ETSY.  Here are a few things I've gathered as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Shop now and scoop up some terrific artsy items for your loved ones.  Maybe you'll find something (like lists of somethings) you can suggest to Santa for yourself.

    Etsy palomasnest 

    LOVE these little plates.  They are 3-1/2" inches and Caroline packs them so beautifully.  Visit PalomasNest to find a message that speaks to you or have one custom made.  And look at these lovelies from DGordon.  She has a clever thing going on – I can't wait to send!

    Etsy dgordon 

    My wish list from DownToTheWireDesigns is long.  Santa, are you listening? 

    Etsy downtothewiredesigns

    Etsy smilingsoul2 

    And check out these earrings from SmilingSoul2 and Gingeroni1.  Pretty earrings make you feel pretty don't you think?  Such yummy beads.  Browse both of their shops.

    Etsy gingeroni1 

    Someday I may learn to knit and felt, but for now I appreciate being able to buy handmades from others.  How about these roses!  I bought a red one to pin to my beret.  I think I need to go back for a pink one too.  Check out GoldiesKnits.

    Etsy goldiesknits 

    SCOOP of another kind…. Judi discovered this Depp photo which was leaked earlier this week.  A few sites have removed the image so I may be in trouble for posting this.  I was hoping Burton's Mad Hatter might look like V.V.  I'm just relieved it isn't Wonka-like, as in the Burton-Depp-Wonka.  It almost looks Wilder-Wonka-like.

    Whosmad 

    Anyone see Twilight at midnight?  Me neither, but it's on the agenda for the weekend.  A quick look at the soundtrack:  no HIM.  What were they thinking?  Come on, at least use Vampire Heart.

    Vampirevalo 

    Mad Hatter, yes.  Vampire, yes.  Hippo, what?  I have been watching this trailer with great amusement.  Check out Moto Moto, the large male hippo.  You HIM fans have probably already seen it. 

    Motovalo 

    Ever the chameleon, tomorrow he's a birthday boy (32).

    Vvbday08 

    And congrats to Ingrid Dijkers for being the Top Hat pick for Crusade No. 24.  We're playing with gesso now.  Lots of cool stuff being shared by the teamers.  Come see. 

    GPPSTC25bannersm

  • special announcement

    MWlady3 

    EDIT:  I've just been told the schedule won't go LIVE until Tuesday, Nov.18. 

    Today, the Valley Ridge Art Studio site goes live with the schedule of classes for 2009.  Lots of terrific offerings for the year ahead.  I have spoken about this venue before (May '08, Oct '07 and Aug '05) – it really is the most magical place.   VRAS is in rural Wisconsin, near Madison.  The studio is fab – you get your own table, it is filled with light (and supplies!) …the lunches are delicious, and the students that gather totally rock!  Kathy and Bill are the enthusiastic hosts who make the magic.  You will love them, you will love the place, you will count the days until you get to go back.  Go take a look at all the instructors and their workshops.  Treat yourself to a weekend of creativity.  Classes fill fast, as does the limited space to stay on the compound.  

    Registration begins on December 15th, 9:00 A.M. Central Standard Time.

    STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN:  A fascination with architecture and a love of pattern spawned Michelle's interest in Byzantine imagery — with the deep, rich colors found in the religious icons, shrines, and cathedrals and the recurring use of arches and domes. With a nod toward Byzantium, learn to paint papers using layers of repetitive motifs, then the use the papers to build a triptych book.

    The structure will have its own architectural appeal and with a few simple steps (pun intended), we will add a pull-down stairway. When propped open, your book doubles as a shrine. We will manipulate the pages with cutouts and dimensional elements to create visual pathways across the pages, in addition to any content you want to incorporate. Using tools we make in class, each book will have its own personality.

    Your book structure will be completed in the workshop, but you may find yourself continuing to add details in the following days at home with this program's provided kit including paper, templates, binding, embellishments, and tricks for making patterns. The color palette you work with will be your choice. Use a tapestry of jewel tones or work in the subtleties of neutrals like white and gold.

    For more information, supply list, and registration fees, see www.valleyridgeartstudio.com

    MWstairwaypics  

    I know, it's still eleven months away….I'm counting….but the sign-up is only a month away.  Hope to see you there!  

    Is the song playing in your head?  *grin*

  • special announcement

    MWlady3 

    EDIT:  I've just been told the schedule won't go LIVE until Tuesday, Nov.18. 

    Today, the Valley Ridge Art Studio site goes live with the schedule of classes for 2009.  Lots of terrific offerings for the year ahead.  I have spoken about this venue before (May '08, Oct '07 and Aug '05) – it really is the most magical place.   VRAS is in rural Wisconsin, near Madison.  The studio is fab – you get your own table, it is filled with light (and supplies!) …the lunches are delicious, and the students that gather totally rock!  Kathy and Bill are the enthusiastic hosts who make the magic.  You will love them, you will love the place, you will count the days until you get to go back.  Go take a look at all the instructors and their workshops.  Treat yourself to a weekend of creativity.  Classes fill fast, as does the limited space to stay on the compound.  

    Registration begins on December 15th, 9:00 A.M. Central Standard Time.

    STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN:  A fascination with architecture and a love of pattern spawned Michelle's interest in Byzantine imagery — with the deep, rich colors found in the religious icons, shrines, and cathedrals and the recurring use of arches and domes. With a nod toward Byzantium, learn to paint papers using layers of repetitive motifs, then the use the papers to build a triptych book.

    The structure will have its own architectural appeal and with a few simple steps (pun intended), we will add a pull-down stairway. When propped open, your book doubles as a shrine. We will manipulate the pages with cutouts and dimensional elements to create visual pathways across the pages, in addition to any content you want to incorporate. Using tools we make in class, each book will have its own personality.

    Your book structure will be completed in the workshop, but you may find yourself continuing to add details in the following days at home with this program's provided kit including paper, templates, binding, embellishments, and tricks for making patterns. The color palette you work with will be your choice. Use a tapestry of jewel tones or work in the subtleties of neutrals like white and gold.

    For more information, supply list, and registration fees, see www.valleyridgeartstudio.com

    MWstairwaypics  

    I know, it's still eleven months away….I'm counting….but the sign-up is only a month away.  Hope to see you there!  

    Is the song playing in your head?  *grin*