The Ribboned Crown

~ Working On and Getting Inspired........... ~

~ Lemon into Lemonade ~

When you aren't paying attention and offset your corset, which should have been centered, what do you do? Just add another one. The balancing act of creativity!

~ APPLE VERSUS SAMSUNG ~

Big or small, always fight for your integrity. Artistic or otherwise!!!

 

 

Oh, and I'm on Pinterest now! Click my name- Donna O'Brien

 

~ And So It Begins.....~

 

~The Best Colors of the Year ~

Here today........ : )

 

 

Gone tomorrow : (

~ Showtime! ~

Almost! The Tinsel and Treasures 4th Annual Folk Art Show, September 10th!

 

 

 

 

It promises to be fabulous!!

 

~ If You've Got Shade.....~

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steal the spotlight with Limelight Hydrangeas!

~ Ladies in Waiting ~

 Waiting.....

Pieces I'm working on for the Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, September 10th!!  I'm looking forward to completing a few of my "mannequin keepers".  It's been a while!!!I remember making the first one two years ago and thinking, "Wow- I think I came up with a winner here!" I was so proud of the uniqueness. Using the dress form as a way to display treasures tucked inside was perfect, and really gave me a feeling of  imaginative, artistic accomplishment.  You know, that old validation thing and following your own creative path. Liking the potential of the glittered one. It looks like an old metal chest plate. And then with a coat of arms maybe? Yes!

Love the ballet shoes, too. Really fun to work on these!  All a work-in-progress : )

 

So make sure to put an "x' on your calendar for September 10th!! Red toe shoes not required but these half-completed ones will be finished and waiting  for you!!

 

~ If I Put it in Writing, Then Maybe it Will be True!! ~

Tinsel and Treasures.....or bust!

  

More details later : )

~ Because of These Two ~

Because of these two, my dad and mom...

I have these two....

And these two....

These three....

 

And we are these two....

These three....

These four...

Because of those two amazing people, I have my amazing family.

Celebrating COLLEGE GRADUATION!!!. Blessed!!

And remembering my dad on this Memorial Day weekend.

~ The Emerald Garden ~

    

Hmm...still on that Irish theme, I guess. Just enjoying my garden and what it has blossomed into over the past 15 or so years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is definately holding its own this year!

*Birdcage with crown photo by Mark Loman from Romantic Country photo shoot of my garden 2009*

~ Tulle-ing Around Ireland ~

 

 

Photos from archived posts here , here , and here : )

~ Bumped~

Hey, it's hard to replace/improve upon the photo of Usher in my previous post, sigh... but I tried! Here's another pretty face!

~ O. M.G. ~

Guess who's assisting Usher's stylist for the Grammy's? Nineteen and living in LA. Wow, my girl!!  All I can say is OMG

~ Love Nest ~

Three red Valentine eggs. A Ménage à tweet.

~ Calming Distractions ~

~ Fringe Benefits ~

 

I guess a chip on your shoulder isn't always a bad thing!

 

~ Out of Africa ~

....and into my sister's bedroom.

 

One of my sisters and I drove the three hour trip to see another of our sisters. Three out of four together at the same time is special. Shooting for four out of four in the spring!

 

 

 

 

 

Isn't it so Out of Africa?

 

 

 

 

Only she would have the coolest pair of antique child-sized chaps hanging in her bedroom. I should have looked in the closet to see if there was a pony in there. Or Robert Redford, sans Meryl Streep.

 

Not only is she a collector of all things fabulous, she is the most incredible china painter. I love this young girl she painted.

 

Custom goblets.

 

Truffle Box

 

Above, some of my treasures she has painted for me over the years. To visit her website go to celeeevansporcelain.com/index.html .

She travels the world teaching as well as teaching at home in her studio (amongst the deer, creek, wild turkeys, so beautiful!)

 

Such a great visit with my sisters.

 

And who knew Africa was only three hours away.... by car no less!!

~ Prosperity Be Yours... ~

  

...in the upcoming year.

Welcoming 2011!

~ Hark, the Herald Heritage ~

This time of year is when one's Scottish heritage comes in very handy and you have zero time to decorate for the holidays.

Red walls and a bit o' the tartan.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 JUST ADD ONE TREE... AND SHAKE!! INSTANT CHRISTMAS!

 

 

Merry Holidays!!

My scottish rooms designed by my amazingly talented sister/designer- Kristine Wahlberg. By the way, she is having a fantastic on-line estate sale early in the new year (Jan or Feb) featuring antiques, one-of-kind items, furniture, accessories, etc. I will keep you posted. If you love "I have to have it" treasures, it will be a must. Her taste is exquisite!!

Photo Credit of my home on many of these photos- Ryan Willis Photography- Los Gatos and  Kate Sears- Victoria Magazine

~ White Russian ~

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of Russian around this time of year. Creating Zhivago-inspired boots, ballet shoes, crowns and hats, bringing into play faux fur! Hoping to find some time to make what I envision. (Oh, yeah- that is such a bunch of bolshevic!)

~ "Surely, You JEST!!" ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"And quit calling me Shirley."

 

~ Petit Bal Costumé ~

*

 

*

*

 

*

*

 

*

*

I would have taken ballet if it meant wearing something like these petite shoes. Instead, I was captain of the safety patrol.....yeah, I know.......

At least I got to wear a uniform.

(Oh, and don't forget about the Tinsel and Treasures Third Annual Folk Art Show on Saturday, September 18th. I'm not participating this year due to various outside conflicts  but I'm going to be there to shop. Lots of wonderful returning artists and fantastic new ones , too. See you there!)

~ Horizons ~

Hauntingly cagey.

~ Regrouping ~

~ The Forest For the Trees ~

Sometimes the most beautiful things are happening right in your own backyard.

*

 

 

 

They are staking out a little spot all of their own and before you know it, it is wonderment. And you had no idea it was taking place!

 

 

 

 

    All I can say is, "Well done, Mother Nature, you magical set designer!"

 

~ In Your Words ~

'In Your Words'.

Well, actually, that would be, 'In My Words'.

But technically, it is, 'In Your Words'.

What? Am I confusing you? I thought so. You took the words right out of my mouth!

.

Okay, in other words, I am happy to be a featured artist on the Creative Connection Blog's, 'In Your Words' column. (I'm sure you all know about the Creative Connection Event- if not, check it out!)

.

.

 Sandra- My word! This post was harder than penning the article!!  : ) Ha.

Seriously- (me, serious?)-Thank you for the invitation. In a word, you are....I don't know. I guess I'm at a loss for words. Okay, that's it. I'm done. No more play on words. Well, maybe one more.

Above is "the teeniest of tartans" from 1889 that Sandra sent me a while back. Love the offbeat pink!

And this fabulous highland fling print. A picture's worth a thousand words. And thank you's. (Okay, puns are done)

P.S. ~Pop Over to the Creative Connection Blog, 'IN YOUR WORDS' if you have a chance. There is a crown GIVEAWAY involved. Pass the word.

Damn it. I was so close, too. I just had to throw in one more word cliche. Now I have to eat my own words.

P.P.S. Thank you, Paige, for 'putting it together'.

~ Cascading Ideas ~

Mind full..... and ideas a bloomin'!

 

~ Awaiting ~

An empty nest.

: (

In Four Days

: (

Sad Face.

: (

 

I'm going to miss you.

~ Capturing the Pomp ~

Everyone deserves a little pomp in their life.

*

 

*

 

 

Capturing and celebrating our Pomp (and Circumstance!)

~ With the Greatest of Ease ~

She flies through the air.

While always remembering to keep one foot planted on the ground.

Because it IS a circus out there.

And she keeps in mind that the flight is always better with the help of others.

They can hold you down, when needed, and hold your hand.

Or... they can  be your springboard. 

A circus glass theater coming to a town near you. Or arriving inside my mannequin keepers, we'll see! Maybe pirates, next. Or fairy tales. I think the circus is an equal opportunity fantasy employer, right?

~ Ready for Battle~

A favorite of mine from last year  (and February, too).One can never be too ready for a ruffled scuffle. Some things are just worth fighting for. En Garde!!

~ I Love a Man in a Uniform ~

I love a man in a uniform.

   

 

 

 

 

 

Especially the ones who are brave enough enough to wear pink !

~ So Who's Wearing the Pants Around Here Anyway? ~

 
That's a good question. I guess I can't skirt the issue anymore. Here are some of the men in my life who have decided to forgo the trouser.

So who doesn't wear the pants in your family? Ah, there's always that one crazy, mad uncle.

I wish.

"Would you like a side of Sauerkraut with that?"

Serendipitous. My great-grandfather was born in Dresden, Germany.

And my love affair with Dresden trims is no secret.

Do you believe in fate?

Is it just a coincidence that I use so many Dresden trims in much of my artwork?

What if he was born in a different city?

 

Like, say... Frankfurt....Perhaps the coincidence  would be different....

 

Maybe I'd be serving you hot dogs instead of crowns!!

 

I can see it now. My little deli on the corner...

The Ribboned Crown- "Where Bratwurst Reigns"!

~ Neverland Looks Extraordinary!!~

If you live in the Bay Area, this is going to be a must-see!! Making its US debut in San Francisco, April 27th, a new stage production of Peter Pan!!  Scoot over Alice, Peter's coming to Wonderland. *** Watch the fantastic video.(I think Johnny would approve, don't you?)

"Direct from London, a spectacular new stage production of J.M. Barrie’s classic story performed in a state-of-the-art 1350-seat theatre pavilion.

Conceived by an award-winning creative team and featuring twenty-two actors, stunning puppets, epic music, and dazzling flying sequences surrounded by breathtaking video, Peter Pan was a smash hit when it launched in London in 2009. The world's first 360-degree video projection for live theater flies both cast and audience over Edwardian London."

(One of my older, silly posts about Johnny in Finding Neverland from November 2007 here)

~ The Duke and The Duchess ~

Every picture tells a story and the photo above surely must mean a great story is about to unfold. The Duke and The Duchess. Mmmm....just the the name alone had me at  "Once upon a time...". So who is this storyteller? Well, she has a fantastic shop in Soquel, CA. She is an interior designer extraordinaire. And an architectural designer. And European garden designer. She has started a blog to share her tales. AND she is having a GIVEAWAY!

Oh, yes. Did I mention that she is my sister??? Kristine Wahlberg Designs. If you have a moment, pop over for a visit and the giveaway. It is ALL  SO gorgeous and magical. Oh, how I love a good story!
 

~ Lucky Stars ~

"The Luck of the Draw."

 

"As Luck Would Have It."

"Dumb Luck."

"Don't Push Your Luck."

 

"Down on His Luck."

"Lucky Duck."

"That's the Way Lady Luck Dances."

"Some People Have All  of the Luck."

The Luck of the Irish."

"Happy- Go-Lucky."

The Art of Making your Own Luck.

About a year ago I decided to close by blog for a variety of reasons. When I started my blog nearly three years back my life was different. I didn't work full time, my back issues were manageable and my responsibilities were less. I had more free time. So I jumped into the blogging world with time to spare and loved the people and art I discovered. I met some wonderful spirits, many now friends. But slowly things changed.

I started working a lot more, pretty much full time, and my back became increasingly weak and was 'giving out'. I soon realized that there was a correlation between my back and sitting at the computer. I struggled to keep up with work and blogging. I had this terrible pressure (brought on by myself) to still try to visit all of the blogs that were visiting me, answering all of the comments, commenting back, etc. I wouldn't post a new entry until I had commented on all of the blogs who had commented on mine. All the while my back was killing me. To the point where an MRI was done and surgery (fusion) was directly in front of me which I rejected hands down. But I knew things had to change.

Cutting back at work wasn't an option (we own a construction company and I do love what I do there) so I decided I had to close my blog. I missed it immediately as it was a huge source of artistic fulfillment for me. Creativity with photography, writing, art, humor, wit, ego, all of it. I received many emails sharing that they would miss my blog. That meant the world to me. So, so, kind. But I had to give it up. It was a necessary decision.  I had started physical therapy and really dedicated myself to it. I progressed to where I was able to walk 3 miles a day at a quick pace and do core strengthening exercises, as well. After a few months my back pain was all but gone but I knew I would have to continue with the exercises to maintain the quality of life I was and am so lucky to have regained. I am so, so, grateful that I have mostly good days now! But adding up the hours of exercising has cut into my time for other things which is, of course, worth it. Eleven hours a week as I calculate it now. Time that use to be spent blogging and blog hopping. I really missed blogging and sharing my art but I knew I wasn't going to be able to blog like I had before.

I slowly have come back and I am enjoying it so much. With one pretty big difference. I decided to have the comments option closed on nearly every entry. I knew I wouldn't be able to consistently visit those who were kind enough to visit me and leave a comment on mine. I knew the guilt would make me crazy and I hated the thought that I might come off as rude or indifferent for not reciprocating. So that's what I decided to do, close the comment section. Ironically, I did receive an email from an anonymous person saying that I came off as someone who 'thinks they're all that' and 'too good for everyone' - the exact opposite of why I closed my comments. That made me really sad. Perhaps others think that, too. I guess you can't please everyone. Hopefully, I have explained it a bit. Maybe blogging is supposed to be interactive. I did love that aspect of it but it just doesn't work for me anymore. I have readers/ followers (okay, now that sounds like 'I'm all that' but you know what I mean) who just want to read my silly blog and move on to the next one. That's who I post for. And I post for me, of course. I get a great satisfaction out of it.

You might have noticed, my posts are mostly photographs, not much text at all. That's because my back doesn't hurt when I'm taking pictures. I'm standing up! The issue is sitting. (I didn't do this post in one sitting- keyboard disdain!) I upload the photos and then I think about what I will do with them during the day. After I have the idea and flow in my head, I sit down and about 5 minutes later the entry is done and my back is grateful. Once in a while I open the comments because I do miss the connection, this being one of them. And some of you are so damned funny. I miss your witty remarks, opinions, views. I guess it will always be a struggle of sorts. So.......I feel very fortunate......lucky, to be able to express myself here.

I know it's one-sided most of the time but to those of you who continue to read my blog, I do thank my lucky stars. You guys are 'magically delicious'! Oh, wait. That's Lucky Charms. Mixing metaphors with cereal!

 

~ Luck Be a Lady ~

Clovers and horseshoes........

to be continued.....

if I'm lucky....

~ Up to My Elbows ~

Getting inspiration from of one of my all-time favorite original engravings that I was lucky enough to purchase a few years ago.

Dreamy.....

Creating with antiqued silver tulle with painted glass flowers.

Those shoes!

And 'oh so subtle' attitude....

And subtle colors.........

 

And subtly ending my post. Nothing else up my sleeve.....

~ Fragmentary Projects ~

 

.........hanging over my head. And in my head. And on my table. And in my sketch book. And in emails sent to me from me with an idea. Oh my God. I have my own Ponzi scheme going on- with myself!

Original photo and post here.

~ Keepsake ~

Some people just can't be pleased.

They want a little bit more from you.

Like this chick. Remember her? The Keeper?

I thought she'd be happy with the whole uniform heraldic thing going on.

But nooooooo........

Had to have a crown!

So now.... I hope she's happy.

Keeper. Uh- huh. Right.

 

  I told her, "This is what's going to happen if you KEEP it up!"

~ Giving Her the Boot! ~

Yep. Giving her the boot, or boots, so to speak. And I don't even know her! A bit ill-mannered without a proper introduction, don't you think?

All I know about her is her first name. Ann.

And she lives in Wales.    

So...without further ado, "Ann, from Wales?  It's nice to meet you. And now, 'I'm givin' ya the boot!!' ". Hmmm....I hope this doesn't cause an international incident. * Update! Ann has a blog!! It's called Love Making Things.

As I was making the boots Saturday and Sunday morning (last minute- big surprise there) I thought I would  try to make two more things for the giveaway.

 

This crown will be parading off to Pearl Avenue. Pearl Avenue Studios, that is. Miss Lisa Bivona!!

And this little hanging porcelain doll and crossed arrows will joyfully be making her way to Joy, of Joy to the Blog!! 

A  sincere thank you to everyone who participated this year in the One World One Heart Event  and entered my giveaway. I barely made it to anyone's giveaway. Bummer. But, I know there will be a chance next year.

And speaking of next year. Lisa, how will you top this affair??

You must be exhausted. I am, and I didn't even do anything except for having a fun day creating!

Thank you Lisa, for again making this the blog occasion of the year!

Now I'm off to make amends with the country of Wales.

~One World, One Heart~ Giveaway!!

One World, One Heart!! THE connecting blog event created by Lisa Swifka of A Whimsical Bohemian. I joined the event last year and am happy to continue on this year. There are literally over 1,000 participants this year. 1,000 giveaways!!

But, it will take a leap of faith on your end to leave your name for the Giveaway. You see, I haven't made anything yet for the giveaway!

I've pulled a few things aside that I want to use.

 

A little this.

A little that. 

Just leave your name or link in the comment section below to be entered to win something I haven't made. Now there's an invitation! What? You're not sure? Oh, c'mon, have a heart!!

There's only One Heart. One World.And One Lisa Swifka who thought up this amazing event! Thank you, Lisa!!

Leave a comment up until February 14th, 9:00 PST for a chance to win.....something!!

Thank you for entering!!

~ King of Spring ~

Looking ahead....

.....to the days of Spring.

Fresh ideas and unique creations (and more obsessions- creating gold and silver flowers!)

A favorite spring quote...'A little Madness in the Spring is wholesome, even for the King.'

- Emily Dickinson

The King of Spring. One month from today. The Madness.

Right on, Emily.

~ Blueprint Lineage ~

Thrilling and overwhelming. That's the only way to describe it.

My mom, my three sisters and I carefully unfolded the fragile paper. My grandfather's papers. My dad's dad. I never knew my grandfather. He passed away many years before my sisters and I were born.

He immigrated from Germany when he was a young boy. (His father was a painter and we have a few of his original pieces).

My grandfather grew up to become an architect in San Francisco in the 1920's.

We recently found out that some of his original drawings and blueprints had been stored away. We never knew of their existence. 

We took in every detail, nervous that they would fall apart in our hands.

 

Aren't they just beautiful?  The detail is amazing......my favorite might be the one below with the figures in the windows.

  It was incredible to look at them, to see the connection to him. You see, all of my sisters are creative and artists. My sister Celee, is a porcelain artist. My sister Kriss, is an interior designer (who hand-draws all of her designs). And my sister Noree teaches and composes music. And me, well I do what I do. My dad always said, "It's in the genes." I think he was right.

So wonderfully special to see that the path we all have chosen was undoubtedly the right one.

But not really chosen at all. It's just who we were. Who we are.

 

My mom said, "You girls come by it honestly."

I loved that.

~ Direction ~

I have a thing for arrows. Quivers, too. There's just something about them.

They can represent direction.

And strength.

And romance.

And conviction.

And hopefulness.

And determination.

 

I love using them in my artwork.

 

 

 You'd think with all of these arrows I'd know which end was up, right? 

Yeah...you'd think.
     

~ Breakthroughs ~

Loving the idea of a New Year.

The potential for all of us to discover or create a  'golden' opportunity and run with it.

"Duck, duck, goose!"

~ A Bit of Frivolity for Purchase! ~

*All items have been spoken for- thank you so much!!*

So, here we go! If you see anything you would like to purchase just send me an email (email link in the upper left hand corner of my blog). Please include the item number in the email subject line so I'm sure which item you are interested in. I will respond as soon as possible to let you know if your choice is available. All prices include tax. Shipping will be $5.00. I accept checks and Paypal. Thanks for stopping by!!

Item #100 Antique Doll Head Box - SOLD (thank you!)

Item #200  Crown with Porcelain Doll - SOLD (thank you!)

Item #300 Pink Quiver with 3 Arrows - SOLD (thank you!)

Item #400 Mustard Quiver with 3 Arrows -SOLD (thank you!)

    

Item #500 French Napoleonic Hat (approx 15inches wide) SOLD (thank you!)

Item #600 Green Crown - SOLD (thank you!)

Item #700 Mustard Crown -SOLD (thank you!)

Item #800.00 Pink Crown - SOLD (thank you!)

 
Item #900 Antique Top Hat - SOLD (thank you!)

Thanks again for stopping by!

   

~ SERIOUSLY?! ~

A Paris New Year.....Oh sure, I wish.

But how about a blog sale? I know! I'm shocked, too! I'll update this entry as soon as I know the exact  time. I'm thinking Saturday, Jan 2nd at 5:00 PM (pacific time) right back here but I'll confirm it here in a day or two. CONFIRMED! Okay, now I'm freaking out about it. The drama!!