Places to Go, Things to See (and Buy)

LaGrange Art League Gallery at 122 Calendar Court, LaGrange, IL 60525 has turned into a winter wonderland of Christmas and Holiday treasures. Rich's bowls, pots and vases are scattered among the displays, and Marilyn's jewelry is tucked in a basket. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find them on a shopping adventure in LaGrange this November and December.

But that's not all. Sunday, November 24, 12 noon - 4pm is the annual Christmas Art Show at The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park, IL 60464. If you visit, you will find Marilyn's display in a new place. No longer in the back room looking over the woods, instead turn left when you enter the front door. You'll find art to enrich your soul and gifts for the holidays. Be there or be square.

Beverly Art Walk

Beverly Art Walk is Saturday, October 13, 12-7 pm. A trolley will deliver you to the 50 venues of art at area businesses. Our show is up at Beverly Bakery, 10528 S. Western, Chicago, IL.
Rich has beautiful ceramic pieces, some prints, and even a tissue paper painting. My display of handmade papers includes cards, jewelry, pulp paintings, and botanical pieces suitable for framing.
What a great opportunity to see what's going on in town.

Jewelry with Handmade Paper Beads

Bracelets and earrings are also available at Hazel, 1902 W. Montrose, Chicago, IL. Check them out at www.hazelchicago.com.

LaGrange Art League Gallery

I recently developed packaging for my jewelry. I make bracelets and earrings including sealed beads made from my handmade papers. One place you can find them is LaGrange Art League in LaGrange, IL. Check out their website at www.lagrangeartleague.org.

Celebrating Grounghog Day

"Twenty-one Ground Hog Salute" MV

In one of those post-midnight conversations famous to college dorm rooms, I announced that I was going to adopt Groundhog Day as my personal holiday to celebrate. I didn't even know when it was, so I had to look it up on a calendar. Since then, I have made editions of prints for Ground Hog Day cards, sent Ground Hog Day presents when Christmas got too busy, and even did a pencil drawing of "Twenty-one Ground Hog Salute." This was not my original vision of the picture, but my 1970s upstairs neighbor NellaJean inspired me with the military accoutrement. It's fun to know that old friends around the country are thinking of me today, and I am thinking good thoughts of them too. 

I've not yet found the orginial short story that inspired Harold Ramis to make Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, but it's time to start searching again. Of course I've watched the movie on my CD, updated from my former VCR tape. We've had hopes of visiting Woodstock, IL, for the occasion, but weather has not been favorable in February. But we have made several pilgrimages to Woodstock at other times of the year.

So have a happy Groundhog Day. I'm having a snowed-in celebration day today.

The Art of Restocking

When I make beads out of my handmade paper, each one is unique. So it just makes sense that my bracelets and earrings are also one of a kind. Some may be similar, but that's as close as they get.
Most of the jewelry I had in stock has sold, so it's time to make more. Not a time to make the donuts kind of chore, but a fun, creative challenge. This is what I accomplished this weekend.