Tangerine

Finally a new blog!

2011-12-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

What ever it is you do or do not celebrate you have to admit there is something special about winter and what it brings.

The earth is gently going to sleep as we are preparing ourselves for her cool afternoons and chilly mornings. We give gifts, make big pots of soup, loaves of bread, sit in cafes with good friends, we celebrate a year that has past and a new one beginning.

We will make promises to ourselves that we may or may not keep, still we will be ourselves, always ourselves. Maybe this year we will share a little more of the very best parts of us, parts we may just be discovering. You are never too old or too wise to learn something new about yourself.

Tangerine started off as a way to honor my daughter and do something she would have loved. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a retail girl, a business woman, or even a very serious person at all butI love this space, the people who come here and the time I have had to do something I would have never thought I could do.

One of my promises to myself this year is to give a little more of myself to this store this year, to make it mine, to make more art and share it, to teach more, and to just enjoy this process, it's a blessing to be able to get up and come here everyday. I am an artist, and this place is about people, making art, laughing, sharing ideas, and just being in the moment.

Thank you to all of you who have taught me how to be a shop owner but not lose who I am, you know who you are.

So if you live not too far away come by, hang out, play, talk, share a cookie (just not my cookie) and take a class or get yourself a little happy.

Upcoming classes will be posted to the website the first of the year the offerings are irresistable, silver clay rings, journal making, paperclay dolls, ceramic bowls, junk jewlery...

May your new year bring you prosperity, great big hugs, moments that leave you breathless with joy and a new friend or two.

Make Art=Be Happy

Gina,Gina,Tangerina

elevenmorningstangerine.com

Michael Demeng Registration OPEN!

2011-06-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again! Michael Demeng will be here at Tangerine teaching three new and wonderful workshops at tangerine. I just opened Registration and the calls are coming in. All the information you need is at the Tangerine website
elevenmorningstangerine.com just click on "workshops" and you will get all the down and dirty including photos of new classes.

For the last three years this workshop weekend has been great fun. It is noisy, dusty, gluey, painty, and a little sweaty. Michael is wonderful instructor he is generous with his time, supplies and knowlege. There is always something new to learn and try and no one leaves disappointed.

So if you have been demengted, have always wanted to get demengted or just want to get your hands dirty give us a call, sign up and prepare to be enchanted.

Darling you look wonderful!

2011-06-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am in a strange mood this morning...

I love me a little craft store, the cheesier the better. When I was young we didn't have them, the closest you could get was a hobby shop and not every town had one. We had a drug store with two long isles full of office supplies and odds and ends that rocked my world. I can still remember neon stickers, that brown glue with the rubber cap, twine, markers, rubber bands and really fat crayons that smelled like heaven.

As a grown up there are the usual suspects in every town, the big box craft stores (you know who they are) where you can find all the made in China shiny-and-pretty you could imagine. I have been sucked in last minute for red glitter, double sticky tape or a tri-fold for my sons school project. It isn't as fun as it was when I was a kid, it is a little bit of an overload for me now,a little too much plastic in one place.

I long for the good old days when there were still down towns full of Mom-and-Pop places; a shop that just fixes watches, a place that only sells fishing tackle and bait, a real bakery where you can find cookies and cakes still finished with whip cream, and a candy shop where the owner knew you just had a filling and wouldn't let you buy sugar-babies.

Tangerine is meant to be one of those places where the owner knows your name and that your daughter lost her first tooth last week. When I order something new I know which customers will love it, I know who to call when I find rhinestone buttons, and I know just who to invite to special gatherings. My customers know a great deal about my personal life and I enjoy listening to all their stories.

Tangerine is a tiny store and things get a little dusty sometimes. You won't find anything practical here but you will always find something to make you smile. I choose my products carefully because I don't have a corporate budget, I look for great deals to please my customers pocket books, and I look for irresistible trinkets to tickle their funny bone.

Today a new box store came to town, I went in with my coupon to buy chip wood boxes for a class I am giving and to check out the competition. Once again I was disappointed, there were rows of colorful product, hundreds of this thing and that, and a loud speaker to announce who was next to be helped by a human to process their order.

How did it come to this? When did people stop caring about who they gave their money too? When did people start thinking that the person who mispronounced your name printed at the bottom of your sales slip cared if you were really happy with your purchases?

In this economy every penny counts, every purchase is important, and every person deserves sincere customer service. It may not be popular or a corporate-success-model to care less about your bottom line and more about the people who you serve who are responsible for the success of your business.

I hang a sign on my door letting my clients know I am picking my son up from school or running down to the hardware store for another paintbrush or home with the flu. I write my cell phone number down, they can call me, I will rush back for them, they get it, they understand.

I don't live in a small town but I operate a small town business, I pretend it's 1953and I own a little hat and glove shop, and my ladies come in after tea to gossip, shop and to be told how pretty they look, "Darling you look wonderful" because they do. It feeds them, it feeds me, and it feels right.

There are stressful days, days I am crabby, days I am worried that the big-boys will take over the world and shops like mine will be instinct, then there are days when a regular customer will come in and tell me that her husband got a new job and they are going to the Grand Canyon for summer vacation, and do I have anymore of those Buddha boards for the road trip. The best part is before she leaves she says "I love this store it feels like it's my store" I tell her it is and I mean it. Then its all worth it all over again.

I will not be a tycoon anytime soon, I may not have a television commercial or really great branding gurus. Instead I will be here, at Tangerine, keeping it real and doing my best to hold onto some old ideas of what business should look like.

First Ladies Craft night...so crafty!

2011-05-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

So we finally did it and it was so much fun.

Last week we gathered at Tangerine for a ladies craft night. Everyone brought a little treat to share and a few ephemera-esque goodies and we simply played, ate, had a little wine (thank you Julee Herrmann) and made junk journals that were pretty snazzy. I on the other hand was sneezy.

Early in the day I came down with a gross cold compliments of my little guy who likes to bring me these things home from school. I didn't want to cancel so I was the hostess with the pocket full of tissue and a big red nose. My apologies to anyone I germed.

The food was suppose to be quick and easy, a bag of chips, a bottle of bubble water but we had some really yummy stuff. Is it just me or do wine, women, food, and art go perfectly together.

So we have to do it again because we just have to. In June there will be another, and we will be making party hats! and I promise journals one more time, you can never make or have enough journals.

If you have not been to Tangerine in a while it is time to come in, check out what classes are cooking and hang out. Where Women Create just came in and it's beautiful, so is the new ADQ. Stampington is going to release it's new children's magazine perfect for little artists, super for summer.

Michael Demeng will be here in September and I am opening Registration June 1st. The projects are amazing, I will post them this week. His workshops fill up fast so make sure you call or come in early.

For mothers day I got a pretty terrific grill and made some killer pizza. Yes you can BBQ pizza and it rocks me upside down. Just use a pizza stone, some applewood chips, your favorite dough recipe, and all the pizza fixins. OMG ladies you will never put pizza in the oven again.

I think I will bring some to our next ladies craft night.

Make Art + Be Happy

Mustachio!

2011-02-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

It is February here in California and once again I am being tricked into thinking winter is over. This is the time of year when we get a few exceptional days that make you think about little sweaters, sandals and pic-nics...

I have fallen for it before but I am older and wiser and know that this is a little teaser, a false spring that will turn back into frosty mornings and much needed rain before the real spring arrives.

Daffodils are up, ah magic. I love when they push through the soil and bloom over night. Daffs are one of my daughters favorite flowers and I planted a big sack full of bulbs for her when we moved into our house about 15 years ago. Every year when they come up I remember her excitement and how much she loved these little tea-cup an fairy dress blossoms.

She outgrew daffs and became a tulip girl, but they still had to be yellow, I planted those too but they come up red! There must have been a labeling mix up at the nursery but I like to think they come up Red because I love her so.

Here at Tangerine things are changing and blooming. The new studio is up and I should begin working in it next week. Hopefully we can work out the live feed soon, stuff that takes technical-know-how boggle me and take a little longer. The store still has some of the construction dust to get rid of but I finally got everything put away, it looks so pretty!

We have some new things, some silly gifts; mustache clings for your bathroom window so you can try on a different face. We have a hot-flash space gun that is actually a fan to cool you off when you pull the trigger. The candy is back, just a few favorites because it just wouldn't be the sweetest place in Dublin without it!

New friends keep arriving and it makes my day to meet someone knew who gets what we are doing here at Tangerine and that is loving the sweet things life has for us, laughing at the things that amuse and confuse us, making art because it is what is inside us, and creating a community of like minded people who remember how to play.

Come play, make art and be happy!

Guess what I just did?

2011-02-08T16:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some before and after photos...pictures sometimes are better than words but coming in and seeing it for yourself is way more awesome!

I took a storage area that has not seen the light of day for 15 years and turned it into a studio at Tangerine. It was hard to be in two places at one time, now I can make art and be at the shop at the same time, twice as much fun.

The space is small, half the size of my regular everyday studio but with a little space engineering and a lot of thinning I was able to fit in just perfectly, it's a happy squeeze.

I have more to move in, a little more organizing to do and I have to make a big mess and make it my own but as of today I feel officially moved in.

Enjoy the photos!

Make Art = Be Happy.

G

Merry Everything...

2010-12-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a terrific year here at Tangerine. I have made some new friends, met some great artists and the customers who show up once seem to show up again and again...I am grateful, blessed and on most days just blown away by how this little store has such a big heart.

I am still in the process of updating the website. I hate doing it and it is always on my list of things to procrastinate, top of the list actually. My goal is to have it all pretty and new by New Year unless something more exciting comes up like a root canal.

New Classes are going up today, this I am seriously excited about, there will be plenty of fun art making here this year so keep checking the website for updates.

In January I am building out a tiny studio here at the store, it is going to take a little muscle a lot of imagination and some magic to make it happen but it will be a sweet workplace to make art and do demos. Many of you know that my home and studio are not too far away from Tangerine and often I can be found there instead of here. Hopefully with a studio space at the store I can be found here more often.

I wish all of you a very Merry Holiday season may you be surrounded by people you love, have plenty of cookies to nibble on and may the new year bring growth, prosperity, discovery, and harmony.

Make Art=Be Happy

2010-11-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

Oh my it has been forever since my last Tangerine post. It has been so incredibly busy. There is a lot going on here is the scoop...

Classes, Classes, Classes

I got a lot of heat when I decided to taper down the workshops, I think what I needed was time to learn how to do it right, it was a little too much work for me last year (I got a little overwhelmed). I have it down now I think, I seem to be feeling a lot groovier about it so we are gearing up again for some regular workshops. I have some great instructors and I have a little bit more time to do some teaching myself, very exciting.

Check out the Tangerine Website elevenmorningstangerine.com for all the details! Here is a little teaser:

This Saturday I am teaching a paper clay doll workshop, we are doing the tiny mermaids you have all seen in the store. They are sweet, have arms that swing, embellished fabric tails, and twisty wool hair decorated with itty bitty shells. It is a long class but we have a lot to cover and everyone should goes home with a finished doll (for those of you that promise you will finish your project when you get home but never do). There might be one or two spaces left.

Julee Hermann is doing a "Get your holiday craft on" class next week. Super special intro class price, to get you all giddy and inspired. The morning class is for beginners the class that follows will be doing a project a little bit more challenging. It really doesn't matter where you are with your solder skills it is always a treat to have some class time with Julee.

This month I will also be teaching an altered jewelry class, smalls shrines-big impact. This is a very popular class, super fun, messy and the end result is almost always breathtaking.

In December Iva Wilcox will be teaching a beeswax collage class. OK so imagine this, lots of vintage imagery, paint, stains, the smell of natural beeswax melting, and going home with a project you are proud to give but might just keep because you love it!

Christmas

Every year I make a couple dozen ornaments for the store tree a wee thing that is a different color every year. This year the tree is a light brown and the ornaments are all made of paper and vintagy things...sweet! The ornaments are leaving as fast as I can get them up so you need to jump on over and grab one or two before they are all gone.

Is it me or does this holiday come earlier every year?

The new Papaya calenders are hear and they are even better than last year!

We have the BEST stocking stuffers; flying monkeys, Jesus bubble bath, unicorn bandaids, snake pens, stationary, mustaches, ginger puppets, colored pencils pony playing cards....

Changes

The store has been moved around a little to make more room for classes, and in January we will be bringing down a wall for some serious art supplies. The paint, adhesives, linen canvas, wax, markers, and a million other yummy art stuff should be arriving soon.

In the spring we will be doing more painting, collage, and some sculpting!!!

The website and blog will be getting a face lift finally, and the dreaded mailing list and promised newsletter should be a reality before we know it (I know, I know I am slacker!)

A video is in the making, I will put the link here just as soon as it's complete.

Gina's Faves

Winter is a great time to make art so put on some soft socks a big sweater, break out a space heater, plug in the glue gun and get makin' mama! Oh don't forget cookies and hot cocoa!!!

My favorite gifts are made by people I love. Here is a list of some of my most favorite gifts I have given and received...

Anything baked with good chocolate, real sugar, and packed in a tin.

Homemade Pesto, salsa, chocolate sauce, and caramel, especially if a little spoon is tied to the jar with a ribbon.

A knit scarf.

A ribbon pin with old stamens in the middle.

Baskets filled with all the makings for a pasta dinner or a cookie making orgy.

A cigar box filled with crafty supplies; glass glitter, a great white pen, Dresden, ribbon, lace, old sheet music, a good paint brush, a squeezy tube of glue, vintage pearls, and felt flowers.

A basket of yarn balls and a crochet hook.

A hand thrown tea mug.

A giant canning jar full of gumballs or Hershey's kisses.

A handmade card with a really long letter about childhood memories, a funky photo of the two of us with missing front teeth and a promise to always be friends.

Have a super November day.

Make Art=Be Happy

2010-09-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow!!! There is so much going on! First I need to shout out a little about Tinsel and Treasures. Iva Wilcox is doing it again! Oh yes ladies you don't want to miss this. Every year there is a line to get in, the art is beautiful and so worth the wait, Iva has the Alamo Women's Club full of talent, these are some quality art making chickadees, they also happen to be amazing nice people too. Iva is pretty picky about who gets in and she puts a great deal of thought into showcasing some terrific artists.

It is a fun way to spend a Saturday, get your Halloween on, start your Christmas shopping, get inspired and meets some fantastic people. There is a small admission ($3) to help with the costs of the event, make and take art sessions with Dede Warren, and a sweetie table sponsored by Tangerine.

Don't miss it, be there or be octagonal.

Here are the details:

Saturday September 18th 9am-3pm (rain or shine)
Almo Women's Club (Cute Venue)
1401 Danville Avenue, Alamo
$3 admission (but there are free cookies inside!)

Micheal Demeng!!!
Has it been a year since his Royal Highness was here with his crusty clown heads, epoxy, metal cars, glass tubes, crazy golden paint? Yesiree it has and he is back to do it again. Classes filled up quick, there is a short waiting list for any last minute-gotta-ge-in'ers.

This is going to be so damn-demengted. Michael is teaching three new classes, signing books, giving out goodies, and the wine label he designed for Sue Bartollucci of Madonna Estates in Napa will be making it's debut, he will be signing labels too!

I love this guy, he is one of the best instructors I have met and a heck on a fun and interesting guy, he makes art like no one else I know. It is an honor to host him again.

He will be here September 26-27-28 and even if you are not taking a class you can stop by after class on Sunday and meet him, and have him sign your stuff.

Call Gina (that would be me) at Tangerine if you want to try your luck and squeeze in to one of the classes (I can be bribed with chocolate cake).

If you are enrolled for the workshops be sure to check the website elevenmorningstangerine.com for your supply list and all the information data.I promise a new class list soon. It has been wild busy but there will be some new classes posted soon to help you fight the winter blues and keep your creative juices flowing.

Make Art = Be Happy

Cupcake Saturday!

2010-07-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

Oh me, Oh my...

Tomorrow is Saturday and it's "Cupcake Time" Kayla made a couple batches of her famous cupcakes for the store (my mouth is watering!) We are having a little summer clearance sale with some artsy-craftsy goodies, a few things in the store are on sale (making room for new stuff) I am planning on doing a little flower-fairy make and take just for fun.

It is summer and I thought it might be fun to gather a few of my favorite customers for a some sweet and silly.

If you are out and about stop by for some great goodies and say hi.

Have a super summer day every one.

Make Art= Be Happy

Gina, Gina, Tangerina...

2010-06-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

Julie comes in on Wednesdays and says the same thing each time "Gina, Gina, Tangerina" I love it, she is like liquid sunshine. Julie is the new Cricut pimp and she has all the swag. She is great at her job and it won't be long before we see her at CHA glamming it up. She is supper fun and enthusiastic abut every endevor.

Not a whole lot going on, everyone seems to be making summer plans as they should but I will post a few summer classes on the website this week for those of us in town. I appreciate all my regulars and the weekly visits, what a job! love it!

The next big date for your calender is July 10th Our first Cupcake Saturday. Come in, bring a friend, load up on some sweets and be happy! We will also be having a little Artist Garage Sale there will be some really well priced goodies for making stuff.

I seem to be the only one around selling Stampington like crazy. This magazine company is awesome. I not only get to sell the magazine but once in a while I get the opportunity to write for them, what fun that is! The magazines feature many local artists, have great ideas for new projects and are just delicious to look at.

Michael Demeng will be here in September, time to get on the list if you want to be in his workshops. Call the store for more details...I am still waiting for the final project list ( I am so excited!!!) three all new workshops so break out your Golden paints, your fun junk and lets make some crazy, crusty art!

Buttons, buttons, buttons. We have all been collecting (hoarding) them it is time to think of some new uses for them. I was watching 9 By Design the other day and they featured artist Ann Carrington who created a rockin portrait by using buttons to create HRH (Queen of England) on huge piece of rich black fabric. I am guessing she used an opaque projector to make the image nice and big, traced it using a white fabric pencil then slowly sewed each button on, she used mother of pearl buttons so there was this shimery quality to creamy buttons. The effect was spectacular, you check out her work at http://www.anncarrington.co.uk/. She is an exciting conceptual artist, all fun, she understands Make Art=Be Happy.

Chocolate and Pretty Blossoms

2010-05-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful spring day here at Tangerine. It was very busy this morning and there is now a little quiet time for tea, emails and blog posts. There were some new faces today and some favorite faces too. Marnie and her husband who I have heard so much about came in to brighten my day with their super great energy. My very good customer and fellow doll maker Marilyn came in with her daughter, they drive all the way from the city so it is always an extra special treat to see them. They brought fancy lace, pretty blossoms and some lovely chocolate all wrapped in bright orange.

I have to be the luckiest girl in the world!

News...well we have some new classes so you have to pop on over to the website and check them out elevenmorningstangerine.com

Traci Bautista will be teaching May 15th!!! ( we were able to grab her up in between her travels) You don't want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to meet and play...she is sweet, creative, and a super instructor.

Michael Demeng is coming back!!! He will be here in September, mark you calander and get on our interest list, these are the people we will be calling first once registration opens in June.

Cupcake Saturdays are coming!!! The sweetest place in Dublin wouldn't be the sweetest if we didn't have some great sweet treats. Starting in June (every Saturday) we will be showcasing some guilty pleasures. Every week something new served on pretty trays and under glass in the store. Just some sweeties to make you want to skip all the way home.

The Yu Du is here. I a won't be selling them I simply purchased one for the store so we can have Printing parties. You bring T's, pillow shams, canvas bags and a design you would like to silkscreen. We will eat treats, print stuff and be happy. I just opened the box and I am burning the first screen today, once I work out the bugs I will announce a party date.

Well I better sign off, it seems we are back to being busy...

Make Art=Be Happy

Spring

2010-03-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Good evening all you Tangerineers...

It was a beautiful day today, the flowering trees on village parkway are dropping petals that look like snowflakes. Spring is here, oh how I love, love, love spring. I hope all of you took your winter shoes off, took in a little sunshine, admired the tulips, and enjoyed the birdsong.

We have a few new things at the store that I am excited about like the happies from Germany; little music boxes, rainbow makers and some delicious mole-skin note books. Ranger is sending over some new glitter, alcohol inks, and more memory glass (it flies out as fast as it arrives).

We have some new pretty bird prints and some yummy-yummy-yummy soaps, perfumes and lip balm from Tokyo Milk and new Catherine Moore stamps.

For those of you who asked the ribbon bags were an amazing deal and they sold too fast, we only have two left (sorry)but I will try to make more for the summer.

The talented and always in demand Connie Govea Stuart will be teaching the sweetest class on March 27th, it was a late add but I know it will fill easily. In her workshop you will be making one of her famous paintboxes. I will have project photos up this week. It is a beautiful piece and everyone in her class will leave with a lovely they will be very pleased with.

(The ceramic button and bowl class will be rescheduled, I will let you know as soon as I can.)

Julee has been hangin-out at the store twice a week and having her there has been wonderful, she brings a lot of positive energy, fun and silly vibes, and brightens everything up just a little more. Come on in and meet her, sit, chat, have tea. She has made it possible for me to work on other projects and I am truly grateful.

Still working on a little free video for all of you...it is a little harder than I thought it would be. Anyone who knows me knows I am anything but shy, I have a billion word quota a day and have no trouble sharing things that make most people move to the edge of their seat a little. I don't know what it is about being filmed that makes me mumble, bumble, and feel like I weigh a thousand pounds...sigh.

Enjoy this transition, this miraculous time of year when hope is renewed as we watch buds form, blossoms fall open, and the hills that surround us turn a green that I have no words to describe. This is a great time to get up early and listen to the birds wake up, a cup of hot tea and a notebook are the only tools you need to fill your creative well.

Mother nature is sharing her pallet and her wonders it is a workshop not to be missed.

Make Art=Be Happy

2010-03-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Oh Happy March!!!

Spring is almost here I can feel it, this silly rain and the cold nights are just the wrapping paper for tulips, warm afternoons, and waking up to noisy birds that make you smile.

All is good at Tangerine, just got a few new happies in and I hung butterflies in the window. It is always to see old friends, new friends, and people who walk in not expecting a happy little niche full of treasures.

I will be posting more classes this week, Connie Govea Stuart will be teaching something wonderful late March, Traci Bautista in April and I will teach another paper clay doll class in May.

Julee Hermann will be doing some soldering classes for those of you who have always wanted to or need some brushing up. Her next class is Scheduled April 1oth.

If there is a class you must have or an instructor you would love to meet and work with let me know. We are also doing private classes for groups of creative people who like to celebrate with paint, glitter, paper, and bits and pieces.

Lady Z who does my T-shirts is working on some new shirts for the store, they should be ready in a couple weeks. This year they are simple and sweet, I know you will love them!

Iva Wilcox is already putting the next annual Tinsel and Treasures show together. Once again she has hand selected a group of artists she loves who do great work. Every year the show gets a little more exciting, the line to get in a little longer...It is a perfect gathering of local women who love to create, who collect, who just love the energy the event generates. Stay tuned I will let you know the dates and give you a sneak peek who will be at the show this year.

FACE LIFT!!! Not me (oh I wish) but the blog and the website. It needs a little freshening up, the site may be down a day or two as we make the changes. The goal is to make the blog a little more like a news letter with some tips, challenges, inspiration and more photos. I am also working on a couple video classes for those of you who live far away, or not so far away.

Have a super terrific day everyone!

Make Art= Be Happy

Good Morning!

2010-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

The rain is here. I am not a fan of cold gloomy weather but you have to admit rainy days do have a certain charm. Who doesn't like sitting by a fire, warm tea, a fat book, and something sinful in the oven like chocolate chip muffins or a loaf of banana bread. I love to eat soup on wet grey days, wear big socks, watch movies from the 80's and laugh at the hair and the clothes that I thought were so wonderful when I was sixteen.

Here at Tangerine it is quiet. The street is full of rain instead of cars and it's a day to catch up on all those things I have been avoiding like tax prep, website updates, sweeping, putting the last of Christmas away...

Last night I made more ephemera jars while I drank hot chocolate and listened to the rain beat down. The jars are a little smaller but packed with better stuff I have been holding onto just for this purpose. I also made some jewelry, my hope is to have it all completed by Friday and put out next week for everyone to enjoy.

New magazines are here and Catherine Moores new line of stamps arrived last week, they are wonderful. I will be hitting the gift shows next month and I am excited to find a few new things for the store.

Julee Herrman is about to become a regular fixture. She will be doing a little creating here at Tangerine and helping me out when she can. I love her energy, enthusiasm and her creativity I believe she will bring a little more magic to the store.

Tracy Bautista may be doing a workshop soon, I will be meeting with her this week to discuss the possibility, she is as sweet and wonderful as everyone says she is and overflows with arty goodness.

I had dinner with my two side-kicks Iva Wilcox and Colleen Moody. I don't know what it is about getting out with girl friends that makes you feel like smiling and being silly. Colleen will be featured in Stampingtons new Primitive Doll magazine and Iva is doing a lot more painting (she is a gifted painter but keeps it a secret) we had drinks, great food, gossip, told dirty jokes and had a great time, they keep me happy.

Ingrid Pomeroy has been a busy bee. I love Ingrid, she is witty, smart, and a hard working artist. It seems like every time I open a Stapington magazine there she is. Her work is lovely. She stopped by with her sweet daughter a week ago, they are always so cheery and full of news. You can see some of Ingrids work at American Harvest in Pleasanton. Tell Sharon I sent you.

Lana Kloch will be doing a Tangerine trunk show, I don't have a date but we are gearing up for spring. It will be in the evening, and will be a lot of fun. Lana is a collector with an eye for the subtle and beautiful she is one of those people everyone knows because she has a certain Lananess that makes you want to giggle and tell secrets. She has put aside some wonderful things to sell to other collectors and art makers (after much begging from me). It will be an event not to be missed.

I have been doing a little studio clean-up myself and it has cleared room not only in my studio but inside me. It is funny how when you get rid of the clutter there is more room for creative energy. I made huge piles of things that I "saved" from old projects mostly stuff I bought too much of or will never use again. I then drove to the recycle depot in Berkeley and donated it. I came back home and felt great I had room to move and breath.

I have a heart full of new projects and I discovered some treasures I had forgotten about.

If you were stranded on an island with enough food and water but you were allowed to bring one shoebox full of art supplies what would you bring? I would bring good pencils and a good eraser, Windsor Newtons traveling watercolor kit, a fine point black pen, cold press paper, Tim Holtz scissors, twine,a small bottle of Aleenes glue (in the gold bottle) a small but fat sketch book, and a few chocolate bars (they are essential to my creativity) and a Penguin copy of Goblins Market by Christina Rossetti.

If you think about it, what ever is on your list is all you really need in your studio if it is a big room, a corner in a small room, a desk or suitcase. I think we get so busy buying, collecting, and thinking of things we will someday make that we forget to just sit and play with what we already have.

Get Rid of a little clutter, explore your playground and Make Art=Be Happy!

Oh Merry Everything!

2009-12-18T16:36:00.001-08:00

Happy Winter Holiday Everyone!

It has been a little bit busy here at Tangerine, so busy in fact that I did not notice that the Tangerine website was down (Thank you Sarah Logan for the heads up!)
The good new is that I was able to get the site back up today. Updates will have to wait until I am back from vacation but there many new classes coming!!!!

Thank you to all the great customers who have come in to bring me treats and visit. This store is all about people, creativity, and friendships. I love it that almost everyday I get to hang-out with customers who have fast become good friends. I love my job...well, maybe I don't love the book keeping, the paperwork and the boring stuff but I sure love having this groovy little hang-out and all the people who hang out with me.

Thank you Lana and Kerri for your generosity, friendship, good advice, silliness, and permission to always be my true self.

I am planning a spring retreat in Corning California where my very good friends have a beautiful Olive farm. It will be rowdy event, just girls, good wine, art making, olive tour and tasting, and gourmet cooking in the field kitchen. If you are interested in the event I am building a list. I will have the dates for you in February.

New classes:

Julee Herrmann will be teaching more soldering, she just did the most amazing orny class, oh they were soooo pretty. She has new projects lined up.

Iva Wilcox will do something fun, she always does, hopefully another bee's wax project.

I am crossing my fingers that Collen Moody will teach another workshop this year, they are always a full house.

We have two wonderful women who will be teaching mosaic, I can't wait.

I will have two more paper clay classes; a doll making workshop and a figurine workshop.

I will also be teaching a basic acrylic class soon. I have a new contract with Golden and I can't wait to get started on some painting projects.

Buttons! Tangerine will host a mini-workshop/play date, everyone brings ten images they would like to turn into little 1 inch buttons. It will be a no cost workshop.

Mini art quilts...ever wanted to try but thought you couldn't sew? We will be working with found objects, fabric, fabric dyes and the dreaded sewing machine. Time to get brave and dust of that machine that has been sitting for years.

I have three beautiful kilns and when the weather warms up a bit I will be giving a ceramic vessel class.

Our second junk jewelry class where we will make some new stuff out of old stuff.

One more journal making day.

and a partridge in a pear tree.

The store will be open while I am gone, My dear friend Sawsan will hold down the fort. I will be back on the 29Th and get class times and dates posted for you.

Have a beautiful holiday season enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Make Art=Be Happy

Oh We got Demengted!

2009-11-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were a part of the three days of Michael Demeng I just want to say thank you! It was wonderful watching you all work, looking at all your buckets of cool stuff and just having all your wonderful art energy here at Tangerine.

It was painty, stinky, gluey, crusty, rusty, naily, junkie, amazing, amazing, amazing...

We had a guest artist and instructor Michael Demeng here for three whole days of art making and it was a blast. He is a sweet and talented man, patient, kind, adorable, funny and he has a great MP3 collection. We had artist that traveled from far and not so far to be here and play and the vibe was buzzy and inspiring.

Tracy Bautista showed up for a visit and we may have talked her into teaching a workshop or two...how exciting!

It is almost time for me to get Christmas ornaments up and I am looking for the right little tree to hang from the ceiling. Next week we should have a little winter in the store.

New Mags just arrived last week and the Where Women Create is beautiful and makes me want to clean and organize my studio.

Ms.Julee Herrman has a list that is getting quite long of people who would like to get their solder on. If you wanna be on it come by or give me a call. I will be posting the dates for her classes soon.

This Saturday we are doing Paper Clay Dolls! We have two spots left.

Hate to make it short and sweet but I have a dozen little snowmen who are all naked and need little hats and scarves.

Make Art=Be Happy!

Economy and art angels...

2009-10-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

It was blue week. I'm not sure why, I just started feeling the weight of things to come. Not real things just possible things, and not good possible things. I turn on the TV, the radio, open my home page and I feel hit with such doom and gloom, i thought I could hear the thunder

Artists are hit hardest by the economy. We rely on our patrons and if they are not doing well, we are not doing well. Lucky for us we are creative souls and we are use to rolling with what ever comes our way, we know how to budget, save, and turn hidden ideas into new opportunities.

I guess I was feeling bummed for my art friends who are once again weathering hard times, worrying about my small business friends who are struggling, and wondering "what ifs" about Tangerine.

In the middle of all this "Blueness" friends arrive, artists friends, it was like I sent out some kind of telepathic SOS and they just came, I am lucky that way.

Yesterday Stephanie Jordan and Julee Herrmann arrived all Thai food and smiles. We had an incredible afternoon and they turned my gloom into laughter, ideas, and renewed hope. If you have had the opportunity to be in the company of creative woman you will know what I am talking about.

We talked about all our woes and issues but mostly we talked about gratitude; lucky that we have the lives we do, happy to know that better times are just around the corner, and honestly seeing that it isn't about light being at the end of a tunnel, it is more about choosing to stand under a cloud when there is light all around you.

This week gave birth to new ideas once I chose to move myself two inches to the left where the sun was always shining.

1. Artist play dates: I have talked about it but I am ready to put it into action.
I will be posting dates on the calender at elevenmorningstangerine.com A great
opportunity to learn some new techniques in a casual setting, not rules, all play.

2. Art Therapy: This is close to my heart and needs a place on the calender.
Once a month we will meet, share some yummy treats, work on "Stuck" projects,
bring art and ideas to share and for critique. We may have guest speakers, swap
art supplies but mostly we will be sharing ourselves, our ideas, our support and
keeping our art community strong.

3. Bring back the workshops. I have had far to many emails and phone calls. I
gotta bring em back! I will be contacting instructors next week, if you are a new
instructor with some great ideas drop me an email.

There is exactly one space left in Micheal Demengs Class next week it will be gone in a blink of an eye, if you want it give me a call. 925-548-8447 or drop an email to elevenmorning@yahoo.com

Thank you art angels (Iva, Lana, Stephanie, Julee)

Make Art= Be Happy

Almost a year!

2009-09-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Holy cow can you believe it! October will be one whole year Tangerine has been open.

It has been a little quiet this month, it is that time of year, a little time to get organized and ready for the holidays. The temperature dropped today from 102 to 68 degrees, it seems fall is really on the way now and it makes me want to make soup, wear knee socks, and start making Christmas decorations for the store!

Michael Demeng will be here on the 18,19, and 29th of October we still have a few more spaces left for one day classes, if you are interested now is the time before get a final head count and close the class.

Iva Wilcox was here today and we talked about a Christmas workshop she would like to teach, keep an eye out for that elevenmorningstangerine.com under workshops.

Paper clay dolls, Jeweled Alters, and a Big Wing class are also coming up, I am very excited about these. Hopefully we can get them scheduled before Christmas so we can make some awesome gifts for people we like!

Ballet shoe project is being extended so no worries for those of you who thought you had to be done by November. I will update you with a new finish date. It seems many of us have Christmas shows that need to our attention.If you are in Berkeley and would love a special treat make your way over to College Avenue and try Ici...the lovliest ice, super-delicious, most wonderful, makes-my-knees-weak place for ice cream and sweet treats. Don't be intimidated by the line, it is worth the wait I promise. I love the malted banana on that long sleek handmade cone... I think I may have drooled on the keyboard.

2009-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Oh it was so tinsely!!!!

Iva Wilcox did an amazing job with this years Tinsel and Treasures. Once again we had visitors from far and wide and a long line waiting to get in. The beauty of this show (and it is the only show I will do) is the women Iva collects, they are talented, fun, exciting, interesting, and professional.

The night before the show the hostess with the mostess Colleen Moody opened up her lovely home to all the artists. She set an amazing table under the stars and fed us until we burst open. The night was all about laughter, unforgettable.

My favorite at the show this year was Sue Bartolucci (The Napa queeen) This woman is a powerhouse. She not only runs a beautiful winery but she makes time to create rockin art. Her work is fun and whimsical but I find that many people miss a whole layer of what it is she is doing.

Each piece she makes tells a story, the images are real people and she tells a story about them using found objects and terrible puns. There is something deep and haunting about her work, her fascination with the past, and human behavior. Sue stands out. She will be doing Napa open studios this year, if you are around her studio and work are worth checking out.

It has been a little quiet at the Tangerine this week. It is a nice break for me but I miss all the visitors. I am always grateful for Stephanie Jordans regular weekly visit, she lights up a room with her laughter and stories. I am prepping for the busy time and scratching my head trying to figure Christmas out. I want to fill a little tree with handmade decorations that can be enjoyed year round. There is nothing more frustrating than having to pack up something you enjoy looking at, and nothing sadder than Christmas hanging around all year.

There are some new goodies coming for art makers, and some really sweet kits for gift giving called Into the Forest. Little pillow packs full of German yummies for making little stuff.

The jewelry making class on the 20Th has been rescheduled. Noah has had a virus and needs his mommy home to love him up. I will get the new date out ASAP. This is going to be a super great class.

Michael Demeng will be here next month and we had a cancellation ( a baby that will be here a little earlier than planned) which leaves a spot open on all three days. If you are interested call soon.

New Stuff!

2009-08-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Oh it has been a busy and warm week at Tangerine...

I went to the San Francisco International Gift Fair last and had a fantastic time. Tangerine is all about real things made by real people and I met some real and wonderful people a whole group of them that traveled to the show from Oregon. Hard working young families determined to live a quality life on their own terms. They care about families, the environment, and products that mean something.

One of the companies I was very impressed with was Woolly Hood Winks. They have a sweet children's book and a line of simple animals that you can imagine a child loving and keeping forever. The company started small, the owners hand sewing each piece one by one.

When they had to meet larger quantities they choose to look here in the United States for an organization that could help support the demand. They found a woman's Co-op that was founded to help low income women with children. The organization takes women with sewing skills, pays them a fair wage and offers on site day care at a very low cost.

This is a great product made by moms for a company that cares. I can't wait for my big brown box to be delivered!

I bought the uberest kids T-shirts from a couple who are funny, smart and pushing through this recession by sticking with great product and awesome customer service. They do all the design and printing themselves and their work is superb.

There are other goodies on a truck someplace making their way here. The store is getting another small nip and tuck to make room for the new products. It is looking even sweeter than before.

Two shows I would like to promote:

Tinsel and Treasures

Iva Wilcox is producing this annual event. Last year was lovely and I had a great time. This year there a few more A-list artists; Sylvia Anderson, Susan Bartolucci, Ceal Bialobrzeski, Sally Case, Anna Corba, Dee Foust, Charlene Geiger, Marcia Harmon.Ulla Millbrath, Colleen Moddy, Donna O'Brien, Melissa Valeriote, Iva Wilcox, and me!

The even will be On Saturday September 12 from 9-2 (doors will close at two so be sure to get there early) This year it is being held at the Alamo Women's Club @ 1401 Danville Blvd in Alamo.

This is a small, intimate show with spectacular goodies. www.TinselandTreasures.com or call 925-451-7805.

Also in September Red Carpet Crafts is putting on the Ritz In Dutch Flat on September 25,26,and 27th. This is an opportunity to take some fun workshops, do a little shopping and be a part of a film being made that weekend. If you want more information or to make a reservation call 530-220-4103.

Summer is wrapping up so quickly and I have hardly had enough Popsicles, sprinklers or mosquito bites. Don't let it slip away easily take these next two weeks to rock your summer; pitch a tent in the backyard and make breakfast on the grill, Make hot cocoa and count stars, make a jello-pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and real berries, got for a long walk under a setting sun.

September is when Fall begins, kids go back to school and summer starts to fade into cold nights, leaves falling and big meals spent with family. It is a beautiful season and I am thinking of some wonderful ways to celebrate it. I know a sweeeet girl who can bake like no ones business and rumor has it that she may be opening her own cupcakery...maybe we can get her to make us a some fall treats for a Cupcake Saturday.

Three spots left in Michael Demengs class Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!

If you are registered for any of the August workshops with me:

18th: Deconstructing the narrative
28th: Getting over the water color hump

You need to call and confirm this week so we can get a head count.

Julie Herrmen will be offering a special beginning solder class on September 26th, this will be a great opportunity for all of you who have always wanted to try but have been putting it off, it is also a good time to start some Christmas charms. Julee is an easy, happy, enthusiastic and good instructor.

First Challenge!!!

2009-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

As promised the first Challenge.

These simple little dance slippers evoke images for me of being a little girl and reading the little mermaid. Anderson's little mermaid dances on glass, an exchange for legs, feet and love. I see her dancing in pink toes shoes that are speckled with blood, as she endures the pain of her choice, tears and first kisses mingle together.

I was a strange and dark little girl, no ballerina dreams for me.

Last week I came across some beautiful toe shoes that came from a dance school that used them for many years before retiring them. They are tattered, well loved, and some have the names of dancers written inside. I also found cotton, sheepskin pockets, and tape meant to protect little toes. They hold the history of hundreds of dances, like the little mermaid the pain endured was a willing exchange for the pleasure of a performance under beautiful lights with loved ones looking on as the performer revealed her soul.

I know we all have a story, a memory or a dream that ballet slippers bring to the surface. My challenge to those of you who wish to participate will be to transform these slippers into a work of art that reveals a little bit of your soul. If you are not a three dimensional artist feel free to paint, collage, sketch, or draw.

I have a limited number of slippers I would love to share with those of you who wish to use them in your art. You can pick them up at Tangerine, just send me an email to reserve a pair.

There are no rules, there are no limitations.

The deadline will be October 1st so you have plenty of time. I will announce the opening date for the show as we near the deadline. All projects will be photographed and displayed on the website and blog with full credit to each artist.

There will be a small 10.00 to participate. Artists will be responsible for dropping artwork off, or having delivered to Tangerine.

Our opening will be for artists, family and friends. Ribbons will be awarded, and refreshments will be available.

Hangin out at the T

2009-07-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a wild and wonderful week at Tangerine. One of the things I love most about this shop is all the visiting. I have the handful of terrific customers (and you know who you are) that I can count on to visit once a week. I love sitting at the table listening to news about art, families, and silly gossip. Nothing brightens a day like good friends.

This week I had a lot more email and a few more visitors than usual. It seems there is some worry about my decision to not host classes like I have in the past. I would like to take the opportunity to alleviate any worries.

A. I will still host some special workshops.
B. Yes, I will still teach the Jewelry Class.
C. Yes, Michael Demeng will still be here in October!
D. Tangerine is doing well, I am not going anywhere, and the decision to stop doing
so many classes was to free up time to bring other events to the shop.
E. The new changes will be about new merchandise and a space that is even more fun.
F. Everything is Great, Promise!!!

I feel blessed to have so many people who love the shop and who are so concerned. Sarah (my SIL) said to me "You don't wait for things to get difficult before you make changes, the best time to make them are when things are going well" I am staying a step ahead and always thinking about how to keep us all inspired. There are many teaching venues and many instructors are teaching home workshops that are actually quite wonderful and can be a fun way to share a day with friends.

If you have not registered for Michael's workshops you need to call or email and get that done. I have a list of people who asked for me to save space and I am happy to do it but as we get closer I will need your deposit to save the space. I want to make sure everyone who has been waiting is able to take a class with him.

There will be some informal play dates at Tangerine if you would like to be on the list drop me an email that includes you phone number.

I am working on a video series if you are an artist that might be interested in being a guest drop me an email.

I promise to do some website updating soon. Thank you to those who have sent studio photos, they are beautiful and I am hoping to get them posted in a month or two.

There is plenty of news out there, plenty of sad stories, plenty of worries. It has historically been times like these that inspire artists. It is our job to lift people up, to help them see the beautiful that still surrounds us, it is the creative soul that knows that there is always more light than there is dark.

Make Art= Be Happy

Changes

2009-07-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

I just informally announced to a few people yesterday that I would not be focusing on classes at Tangerine. I love having the shop full of creative people, laughter, and community but I have found that it takes a lot of work to to keep that big wheel turning; web-site updates, scheduling, blogging, emails, phone calls, prep, registration, paperwork, extra hours at the shop, days off lost. This is a one girl show.

There are also so many shops that surround us that are offering classes. It feels like the need will be met. I will still be teaching a few classes and I will host exclusive workshops taught by traveling artists. I would really like to refocus some energy on finishing the book, keeping the shop fresh and fun, and doing regular art challenges and openings.

Art Challenges and openings you say? Oh yes, it has been on my mind for a while and I would really like to get it started. Here is how it goes...

Every couple months I am going to mass email the challenge to all of you (if I don't have your email address you need to send it to me) I will also post the Challenge to the website and the blog.

I will let you know what I need, when I need it and when we plan to show it to the world.

All work submitted will be shown at Tangerine on opening night. Photos, links and artist information will be available on the website. Art be blogged about, talked about, and available for purchase. Opening night will be at Tangerine will be an exciting event.

There is nothing like a room full of art that you can see and touch. I feel the challenges will help artists reach a little farther, express themselves in new and different ways, and inspire each other.

If you would like more information or bummed about the classes shoot me an email. If you have chocolate cake you better visit!

Michael Demeng will still be here in October, if you haven't registered yet you might want to, we have a few three day spots left and a handful of classes. He will be teaching:

Holy Rolling Hot Wheels. In this class you will be radically modifying this little iconic toy. I have seen some samples and they are mind blowing (The above photos are a few examples). At the end of the workshop there will be a race, yep a race tracks and all. The winner will receive one of Michael's creations. How cool is that?

Island of Demented Toys, one of Michael's more famous workshops. I am not sure how to explain it other than to say your imagination will be pushed to it's limits. Students will learn techniques that will change the way they work forever. Anyone who has ever taken this workshop leaves inspired, a head heavy with new ideas.

What a relief, a three dimensional piece using Michael's techniques again. He will guide you through a post-modern journey where parts and pieces, this and that, rusty and strange, turn into a new breathtaking object of art.

To learn about Michael and to see some of his fabulous pieces check him out at
michaeldemeng.com

Registration is easy. You send a deposit to Tangerine (to be held until class, then applied to your balance) I will send you a confirmation letter, and and information packet. Viola, in October we will meet for three days spraying, gluing, melting, cutting, painting, bending, nailing, assembling and getting messy.

Go to elevenmorningstangerine.com
For dates, times, and where to send the check.

I hope you are all enjoying these long summer days. Be sure to break out of that studio and swim, ride a bike, have a pic-nic. As artists we tend to hide-away, work too hard, and grow pale. Art is about life and life needs to be lived to make art. Get outside, get inspired, let your cheeks turn red, eat ice cream!

Make Art=Be Happy

Magazines!

2009-06-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness do I have a lot of new and wonderful magazines. For those of you who have been waiting they are here (Stuffed, Handcrafted, Studio, Life) For those of you who have been looking you search is over. I carry almost all of Stampingtons magazines and they are all here in one location!

Summer is starting to heat up and it is time for outdoor cooking, swimming pools, and lots of watermelon spitting contests. I love summer. There will be a few days that the shop will be closed so that I can spend some time with Noah the prince of boys. I have promised him some Lake days and a camping trip. This shop has always been about friends, neighbors, family and community. Nothing is more important than spending time with a nine year old.

There are a few small but good changes coming soon that I am excited about, I am going to keep them secret for just a little while longer but they will be worth the wait.

I know I am not alone when I say that there is nothing like a copy of Where Women Create, a bubble bath, and a piece of chocolate cake. I love taking a peek into those beautiful studios I drool and dream of a perfect studio with great lighting and treasures in all the right places. Many of my good friends have been featured so it makes it extra exciting to see what they have created in print.

I also have a few friends who have studios that are just as important and just as beautiful in their own way. Not all of us have lofts, barns, spare rooms, or even garages that can be done over. Many of us have carved out a corner somewhere in the house or simply use the dining room table. One person I know uses her laundry room as a workspace, she has a plywood "Table" she sets up on the washer and dryer when she is working. It is the prettiest laundry room I have ever seen! Another friend uses her guest bathroom as a darkroom. It smells like chemicals and there are clothes lines everywhere with prints hanging to dry (yes some people are still photo purists and I love them).

I want to celebrate the women who may not have color coordinated chase lounge for lounging with a sketch pad or a wall full of windows that face a garden. I want to celebrate women who find a ways to create no matter where they are no matter what they have.

Send me your studio pix, even if that means it's a suitcase full of craft supplies, or a two drawers in the linen closet. Beauty and good ideas can be found in the most unexpected places. Tell me a little bit about your space and what you do and I will post them on a special page on the website elevenmorningstangerine.com

Make some iced-tea, find a drippy ice cream cone and enjoy this wonderful season.

Make Art=Be Happy

Candy...

2009-06-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

The lovely Lisa Guerin stopped by last night. I opened the shop up for her so we could have a little play date. Paper is Lisa's second skin, scissors a fifth appendage. We had a very nice time sitting around making stuff and chatting. I got a sneak peek at her proofs for WWC. Her studio is bright, simple, organized and inviting. I get a little jealous when I see such tidy work spaces!

It has been a little quiet at Tangerine, school is getting out, there are graduations, summer camps to prep for etc. The down time has given me an opportunity to think of some new idea's make some cute birdies and play a little.

I have all these new Stampington magazines to read and I can't wait to dig in.

Michael Demengs classes are starting to fill up, October is too far away! I bought a case of old doll parts that I just finished sorting and will be putting out in the shop. I have all kinds of creepy ideas for the Demented toys class; big heads, small bodies and arms that are different sizes, maybe wheels for legs and eyes that do more than just blink.

I am dieting and that makes me grouchy but many of you understand the middle aged muffin top dilemma most of us face at some point in our life. I have chosen Sparkpeople an online diet plan, support group, one stop everything. I love it. It is a networking sight for people who are trying to take back healthy bodies by eating well and moving around a little more. The tools are free, simple, and eye opening. I am at day three.

I don't need to live to be 100 but I would like the years I have here to be healthy and productive. I don't believe in lose it quick scams, diet drugs, or anything that turns your life upside down. It is easy to make a few better choices, go for a walk a couple days a week, and drink more water.

As artists we do a whole lot of sitting and snacking. Getting outside, walking, and clearing your head improves creativity and helps prevent all that stiffness we get from working hunched over our workbench all day.

I don't need to look like Barbie but I do need a healthy heart and a Strong body.

I may be eliminating the candy in the store. I know, I know, it is wonderful but I could use that space to stock up on some really cute stuff, and great ephemera. I may have a big fat candy sale!

Lisa Guerins motto is "Think good thoughts" How can go wrong doing that! So think good thoughts, Make art, be happy, get outside today and take in the color all around you.

All that Hot Air!

2009-06-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thought I would let you see what Iva's class will be making on June 27th!

These are a few of the lovely hardworking ladies who were in Iva's Private workshop, they rocked the place apart! It was a great day.

This is going to be a terrific workshop, there are a few spaces left.

marbelizing paper and veggie beds...

2009-05-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Poo-on-a-stick I just couldn't wait until next week so I have all my marbleizing supplies out and I am going to do a dozen sheets and see how they look. This is way too much fun to be calling "work"

Lisa Guerin just sent me her class samples and they are beautiful. Little altered journal covers using all the good stuff we hoarders collect. Lisa has a beautiful eye for composition. she will be here on the 15Th, her classes are always fun and productive.

I am putting together a few play dates this summer. These are not workshops and there is no class fee. It is simply a group of creative people getting together sharing ideas, eating treats and re-connecting with real live people outside of their studios.

1.Marbleizing Paper
2.Sewing little stuff
3.Binding and upcycling old the old paper stash.

If you are interested give me a call or shoot me an email.

It isn't too late to put in a little veggie garden. It doesn't have to feed the planet but there is nothing better than a meal prepared with something you grew yourself.

If space is an issue try a small raised bed or containers. I once grew the most obscene tomato's from a ceramic pot on a patio.

A good friend of mine does community gardening. She has a friend in town with a descent space for a garden. They created a small group and they tend the soil, plant, water and harvest together.

Most kids think food comes from the grocery store. Introduce them to seeds and seedlings. When I need an herb or a green I send my little guy out to the back yard, he loves it.

I have three raised beds. They are very small and a big change from the huge gardens I use to have. I don't have as much time and passion for it as I use to but I can not go a whole summer without something edible growing in my yard. Our yard has a little more cement than it use to, a trampoline, a little outbuilding and other stuff that eats up an already small space. Over the years we have planted dwarf fruit trees so that we could have fresh fruit without having acreage. I have fig, cherry, apricot, apple, Asian pear, nectarine, pomegranate and two overgrown walnuts courtesy of our squirrels. They all live in my back yard and don't take up any more space than ornamental shrubs would have.

The cherries are long gone (we ate them as soon as they got a little red) The apricots and pears are firm little nubs waiting for the sun to make them big and sweet.

Don't be afraid to get outside and get dirty, run in the sprinklers or read on a blanket under a tree (even if it isn't your tree) There are a million ways to fill the creative well, explore.

Michael Demeng

2009-05-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes!

Every medium has it's Rock Star and Assemblage has Michael, holy cow this guy makes art that rocks me upside down. The best part of all is he is ours for three whole days!

Senior Demeng will be stopping by Tangerine in October to teach a three day series of classes before he is of to Mexico for his fabulous Day of the Dead art fiesta. If only I could take the time off; art, mojitos, mole, and alters...oh my.

If you want in on all the fun you gotta give me a call or shoot me an email. I am taking early registration and I hope to have the classes all filled by July. I have it on good authority that he will be teaching demented toys...oh yipee!

Don't be shy, you know you wanna.

I am personally giving up my morning Starbucks (iced green tea and blueberry coffee cake) and slipping the money into my secret envelope. It is a painless way to pay for all three days. Hey if you have to tighten up the belt, do it creatively.

Next week I will be marbelizing paper if you want to play come on by.

Iva is teaching the Hot air balloon class, it is going to be a small group so you will want to get in on the action early.

Lisa Guerin is going to be here in June. She is so much fun, a great individual, a creative soul, and a real person, I just love her.

One of my favorite customers is Stephanie Jordan. She comes in at least once a week to buy grapefruit gummies and look for treasures, she's a ray of sunshine. Have you ever met someone who just knew how to make the most out of any situation? Stephanie has exchanged corporate America for a a creative life. She is brave and determined, her positive attitude is infectious. You can watch her YouTube videos for some fun and easy tips on how to use some products you may already own but havn't explored. Ms.Jordans website is Diviacity.com

Stephanie makes art and is happy.

Summer is here! Skinny dipping, otter pops, lawn sprinklers, public pools, cut-off shorts and flip flops...divine.

Barb Saint John, bones, workshops and citrus...

2009-05-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Barb St John Came to Tangerine for a visit. I liked her the second I met her. She is warm, interesting, kind, creative, and just amazing! She brought an old jewel box full of treasures for me to explore.

I can imagine many people cruising by her work sure they know what is on the table but for the few people who take the time to take a second look...well, we are the lucky ones. Barbs work is smart, ironic, naughty and fun. She isn't just throwing it together, each piece is carefully planned and wonderfully joined; text, fragile bones encased in resin, sassy images, vintage rhinestones, chunky metal, clock parts, it all equals beauty.

I asked her to teach a few classes at Tangerine and she agreed to share some of her secrets with us and teach a couple jewelry making workshops. In one of them we will be making pendants with secret perfume compartments, and yes we will be making our own signature perfume to fill them with. I am pretty excited (huge Grin) about this one.

We have quite a few workshops coming up, if you are not finding them on the website elevenmorningstangerine.com then give me a call and I can fill you in. I hit a little web-site hurdle but it is being repaired and is up and running. (Please read the disclaimer about my lack of technical expertise)

It has been a slow week at Tangerine which means the universe gave me an opportunity to do the books. Ahhh numbers, lots of them, rows and rows of them all needing to be crammed into a program that does magical things with them. There aren't many things I like better except a pap smear, getting my teeth cleaned or being run over by a very big truck with mosters painted on it!

I am almost done with this horrific task and I am chomping at the bit to start making Marie dolls. Ladies in waiting: The Soire is just around the corner! I will be throwing a Marie Party/Workshop soon where we will be making Maries out of old dolls parts, wire, wool, ceramic pots and vintage fabric. I even saved some terrible lace from Paris for this party! This is going to be a messy, fun, and long workshop. If you are a doll maker, want to learn a little bit about found object sculpture or just love cake then you need to hang out with us!

New Goodies, even more Catherine Moore Stamps and an even cooler space to make stuff (Played Tetris with the store and viola, more space!)

The weather is so nice, throw on some shorts, find pomogranite blossoms, baby pears, and ripe cherries.

Make Art = Be Happy

Bind It!!!

2009-05-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Zutters are here!

Many of you are familiar with Zutter Bind-it-all but this little chicken had no idea they existed!

I was looking for a binding solution. I love binding by hand it's beautiful but I wanted to make 20 art inspiration journals and the though of sewing all those pages made me dizzy. So I went a hunting for the perfect tool and I found it. Not only did I find it but I ordered a dozen pink ones for Tangerine.

The workshop I will be teaching this summer has a lot to do with deconstructing your story but it will have to be constructed so the binding tool is a must.

Many new workshops check out the website (elevenmorningstangerine.com) for the new stuff.

The word is out, it is official

Michael Demeng will be teaching October 18-19-20

if you would like a space in one of the classes you will need to send me an email and I will put you on the VIP list. His classes are going to fill very quickly.

I will be posting class photos here in the coming week.

Thank you to those of you who attended the ZNE convenzione workshop here at Tangerine. We had so much fun and if I didn't give the queen of ZNE my camera by accident (I think I was looking for an excuse to get together for lunch with her) the event photos would be up. As soon as I can wrangle her I promise to post the pics.

For those of you who have asked the answer is YES! the question is< " are you getting more Catherine Moore stamps?" They are on the way and the lovely Ms. Catherine is packing a big fat box of stamps as I write this post. We are keeping her busy, her stamps fly out of here!

This shop is wonderful because the people who hang out here rock it upside down.

Colleen and Iva...

2009-04-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Colleen Moody taught her Jewel Box Doll class, students traveled far and wide to attend. It was a difficult day for me, an important anniversary. I had to leave the shop for a family gathering and Colleen had Tangerine for the day. A little later Iva Wilcox showed up and took over ringing everyone up.

They did all this so I could be with my family on a very sad day. I can not thank them enough. I would also like to thank all the students in class that day for the kindness they showed me. Special thanks to Tina Marie Capriotti, what a beautiful and fun woman who got the prize for longest distance traveled. She made Colleen and I the sweetest necklaces. They were little pink nests made of wire that encircled a pearl egg. She embellished them with silk leaves and pretty filament. They are as gorgeous as she is.

People who make art "Get it" I have never known such a caring group of people. I think it may be due in part to the fact that we make ourselves vulnerable by turning what is inside of us into something that can be touched. We understand that tender place in ourselves and in others.

Tangerine continues to be a tiny space with a big heart.

Today is a day to make iced green tea and sit outside with colored pencils, water colors and a fat stack of paper. Spring is all around us...

Make art=Be Happy

Show me the Munny

2009-04-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone!

This is a Munny. Kid Robot makes these sweet vinyl toys that you can do amazing things with. They start off life as a canvas and you take them where you want them to go. Rosie O'Donnel is decorating her Munny's and selling them on her website to raise money for the school she founded.

They are an addiction. This little guy use to be white now he is a robot with an eye that lights up. He lives at Tangerine, you can come and play with him anytime you want (insert shameless marketing) You can get your own munny and other Kid Robot Goodies at Tangerine. You can also go to Kidrobot.com and check out some winning designs.

Iva has another private workshop coming up. I have to say this is a great idea and catching on. You invite some of your closest friends (who like to make stuff) give me a call, and I will connect you with an instructor, a project and some studio time. We have a bridal shower private workshop that I will be teaching, we are making paperclay wedding cake toppers. It's fun, and a little bit more entertaining than hangin at Starbucks. Well I don't need enemies so you can get your Starbucks across the street and come over to my shop and play!

Catherine Moore stamps are in again, they went fast last time and I expect they will run out of the store again. I am keeping the sword-fighters for myself!

Velvet flowers are on the way, they should be here next week.

Stampington's Marie arrived last week, there are still about six more copies left. I would also like some feedback about which of their magazines you love best. They have so many and they are not easily found, I would like to keep your faves in stock.

Well enough product placement...

I am glad to be home and I have been rethinking the idea of what a vacation really is...

In the past vacation has meant:

Finding a family friendly destination we can all agree on that isn't expensive.
Packing up the kids and half the house.
Cramming the car and boat full of stuff, food, toys, bikes, dogs, chairs, relatives...
Driving for hours.
Cooking and washing dishes outdoors.
Trying to keep the husband from losing the kids in the ocean or in the wilderness.
Trying to keep the mosquito's from eating the kids.
Trying to keep the kids from eating all the marshmallows on the first day.
Fighting with Steve at the boat ramp.
Getting sunburned through sunscreen
Packing up all the dirty stuff we didn't lose.
Driving back home.
Washing it and Putting it all away.

This is exhausting. Fun, and worth it but a lot of work. I still had to do all the things i did at home but without modern conveniences like a toilet, hot water and a bed.

When I went to France, I packed a bag, I got on a plane, they gave me champagne and orange juice. Went to the hotel, they made the beds. Went where ever I wanted and ate what I wanted, read a book, made some art, packed up my bag and came back home.

Now that is a vacation. I came home well rested, and energized.

Don't get me wrong my favorite moments in life are spent watching my kids explore, set things on fire, swim in the ocean, and sleep under the stars. But that I will have to find another name for like "Relocation" instead of "Vacation"

I think a "vacation" is in order every five years but "relocation" you only get that for a little while you have to do that as many times as you can fit into a childhood. I might come home filthy, itchy and tired but my heart is full and my kids are happy.

Hmmm fluffy duvet, hot bath, mint on my pillow or blow up mattress, sticky little people wrapped around you, and burned toast for breakfast...honestly sticky little people win every time.

This is an inspirational time of year, time to get outside. Watch the sun come up, walk in the park, eat lunch on your front lawn. Imagine you are a well and all that color, sound and imagery is filling you up.

Make art=Be happy

Home

2009-04-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

I just got home, it is about four in the morning but I am still on Paris time so I am up and ready to start the day.

It was surprising to me that I did not have more access by computer. I really wanted to document the trip a little more, and a lot better.

Tonight I will down load the photos and try to scan the postcards.

If you have been trying to call please try again, the business line is open.
I am a little out of the loop but I will find my legs quickly and get new classes up. There will be a few changes regarding registration that will help smooth the process for students and instructors.

Thank you to everyone for being so patient while this last month...and those of you who stopped by to check in.

Tangerine will be open today and tomorrow for limited hours but we will back to our normal schedule on Tuesday the 14th.

Remember that Tangerine is a one woman show, that means I wear many hats. If you arrive during regular store hours and find the door locked simply call the number on the door (925)548-8447. I may simply be in the studio, preparing a class, or out back accepting a delivery. I will be more than happy to hop up front and open the door for you.

Tangerine is proud to be part of CONVENZIONE 2009! Please check it out, there are still opportunities to register and some sweet options if you just want to come to a few of the events. Go to ZNEcon.com for more details.

It is so nice to be back, this is going to be a super creative spring.

Gabriell

2009-04-03T11:25:00.001-07:00

I am crossing my fingers that this works. The connection I have is not very reliable. I am in Paris, in my little apartment on St. Germain Du Pres a very fancy and busy street in the middle of everything.

I am home on a Friday night because my feet are killing me, I walked myself silly all day. Tomorrow the markets open so I will be shopping for things to bring back to Tangerine. The week long markets d0 not open until summer so I only have two days to make purchases.

I did find a small antique store were I bought bit of this and that and paid way too much but I couldn't resist, I needed all that French text and little books. I fell in love with a little basket of class salt shakers that must have been buried at some point.

It isn't easy to post photos from here but I will give it my best shot, apologies up front if it doesn't work.

I would write all about the days here in this magical city but it would go on and on and on...

I have eaten more, cheese, butter, bread, and deserts this week than I have in my entire life. I may need two seats on the airplane home.

As much as I love it here I miss home, Paris has the Paris thing but the East Bay has it's own thing too. I havn't seen much art that comes close to anything we are doing at home, I have talked to a few people who love mixed medium work and who love "Scatchet bookine" We are a very popular nation here. So many people want to talk about Obama...

I said a prayer and lit a candle for Stevie and Brianna at Chartes...it was lovely.

Well I better load up some photos and get myself to bed so I can be an early market-girl and find all of you some fantastic treasures.

I will be back on the 9th and I will do my best to have the store open in the next day or so depending on jet-lag. Thanks for hanging in there everyone!

Bon Nuit

2009-03-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm in France having an enchanting time.

There is so much to see, do, and eat!

This is the first internet connection I have had since arriving and it is terribly expensive so I won't be able to write all that I wanted to. I have been keeping a log in my computer notebook that I will try to download.

Here are some photo's, enjoy!

France Day 2

I am in France! I am in a brassiere in Chignon called Café Des Artes early in the evening writing without an internet connection. The rest of the world isn’t quite as connected as we are in the States yet. There are special places you can go to purchase some on-line time but not in this little town. I will just have to transfer all the data latThis very moment I am sitting at the foot of a large hill in a small medieval town, looming above me is a beautiful fortress where Joan of Arc came to ask king Charles for armies in 1429. I actually stood in the same tower where she lived and prayed while she was here. I climbed the same steps that kings and knights took everyday , I stood over the Loire and gazed out at the forest and the river and tried to imagine what it was like hundreds of years ago…it was breathtaking.

I also made a visit to the chapel of St.Michel at the Abby Fonteveroux where I lit a candle for Stevie under a beautiful statue of Mary. France is interesting but a little sleepy off-season. It is cold and windy but the sun breaks through every now and then and you can get a peak at how beautiful it must be in full spring and summer. The Loire is green and the Chignon sits right in front of it where people must have washed clothes and passed through in small boat.

It's almost dinner time but I had such a late and heavy lunch I can’t imagine eating again, in real life you would never hear me say such a thing. I love to eat and I love food but France has taken me to a whole new gastronomic level; I can’t imagine going back home and eating the same way again. I feel like I have not stopped eating since I boarded the plane and the food has been unlike anything I have ever experienced. What should be fresh is very fresh, the bread is light and crunchy, the soups are hot and creamy, even my little sandwich was simple but divine; a baguette filled with butter and Swiss cheese. Everything I have eaten has been delicious.

I arrived yesterday in the afternoon. I had to take a train to Tours to rent a car. It was a little confusing and the “Fast train” was a little disappointing, it seems they are trying to modernize the rail system so the train is going at regular speed at the moment. So far I have been able to cruise without any French, I am understanding a little more than I thought I would especially if it is in writing . Finding the Hertz rental car was a little difficult, it was hiding on a crooked street about a half mile from the train station.

I spent the night in a small hotel Le Moulin Fleuri in Veigne - Mont Bazon where dinner came with the room. I had no idea what to expect but it turned out to be a feast of many courses each even more wonderful than the next. The first thing that arrived at the table was a creamy carrot soup topped with light whipped butter and chives. Then there was a larger soup that was dark and hearty loaded with sweet onions, a thick slice of toast and cheese. Because I am a vegetatarian the chef made me a special plate that was a work of art; roasted parsnips, broccoli, tomato, carrots and arugula. I was about to burst at this point but they kept bringing more courses. Next was a salad with a cheese assortment. The cheese tray was wheeled to the table where you chose five of your favorites of goat or milk cheese. They were pungent and tasted like heaven mixed with the salad greens. After all of that wonderful dinner came desert which started with a plate full of tiny tarts, cookies, and chocolates and ended with a tall beautiful mint green pistachio soufflé.

I went to bed bursting and blissful. The room was basic, no frills a little stinky because smoking still happens in public places here. Outside my window was a very large pond with a crumbling stone bridge that crossed over to a small forest. The park in front of the property was littered with tiny stone benches and bulbs that were beginning to open.

I can’t seem to call home on my cell even though the phone company promised it wouldn’t be a problem, texting seems to work and receiving calls isn’t a problem which leads me to believe it is operator error, the operator being me. I’ll figure it out.

Noah sent me off with a tearful good--bye and his oldest toy “Max” who happens to be a pretty hunky action figure who has lost his shoes and pants over the years but has kept his muscles and thick hair. I have been taking photos of max in silly locations and sending them to Steve’s Palm for Noah. I miss my little guy already, I am too far away from him.

Tomorrow I will rise early and find a nice breakfast and hopefully have a little more time to write then off to explore more of the Loire Valley and maybe head south to Provance before heading back to Paris for the rest of my stay here.

Oh I almost forgot I met a lovely shop owner who has her own version of Tangerine. She sells art supplies and loves paper from the States. She knows who Tim Holts is! She said that mixed media collage is just making it’s way here and she is very excited. I showed her some photo’s of my shop that were saved on my camera and she loved them. I bought a paint brush and small bottles of ink from her.

It has been a long day but a good one.

France Day 3

Not sure where to go but I think we are going to explore. Sarah would like to go to Burgundy…this is wine country. We will be traveling all day by car but it should be worth it. Our idea was to travel to the southern most part of France but it is over 980 more miles by car and the weather is cold and rainy. The coast will be even colder so we are going to check out the country where wine is made. Sarah loves wine, I love small villages so it should be fine.

I still haven’t made any purchases for the store but I am hoping to stop at shops and maybe find some outdoor markets on the way back to Paris.

am tired this morning, I think my body is still adjusting to the time difference. In real life it would be about three in the morning, here now it is ten am and I have just stuffed myself full of bread and hot chocolate. Sarah went for an early morning run and is in the process of showering and getting pretty.

I am downstairs in the Brassiere, our tiny hotel room is upstairs, it is sherbet colored with low beds covered in brown blankets. The coolest part of the room is the big windows that open up over the shops downstairs. We can see the boucherie and the Arts de la Table. The woman who owns the shop is very cute with cropped salt and pepper hair, and thick black framed glasses. She wears dark blue jeans and sweaters, she is very French, adorable.

There are teenagers in the bar this morning, they got up early to drink beer, smoke and be loud and silly. The girls are dressed in short, short skirts and black tights. They are wearing high shoes, sorry but I think they look silly, a little post 80’s mixed up. The boys have messy vampire hair (twilight). They seem happy, and they are having a good time, ahhhh to be that young and in France.

I have all kinds of wonderful idea’s for the shop. The wonderful thing is that my shop is very close to what is going on here, eclectic and colorful. I think I could use less clutter, the ribbon wall must come down I may wrap all the ribbon on tag shaped chip board and hang them in bunches on the mannequin. I think I need more stationary and a few more art supplies that are a bit unusual. My gut instinct is to phase out some of the children’s art supplies and gift packs to make room for a bit more ephemera and hand made gifts.

Ingrid taught me how to say “Butter, Butter, and more Butter “ before I left to France. I figured I had to find a way to connect, I was so sure they would kick me out for not eating meat, drinking wine or liking goat cheese. So far they seem to appreciate my love of butter, bread, milk cheese and chocolate, not a bad way to live.

Later…

Sarah and I drove to Veselay in Burgundy. It was a four hour drive but beautiful all the way. This is farm country, specifically grapes. It was green for as far as the eye can see, neat planted stands of trees, where ever a tree was cut down a new one was planted and the most organized wood piles stood next to houses waiting to be burned for heat. There are some modern houses but for the most part the houses are old and made from stone. Every house is shuttered no matter what age it is. There are no window or door screens and every window has a box full of flowers, mostly pansies and rosemary this time of year.

The roads are long and winding and when you least expect it a hamlet or small village will pop up on both sides of the road, each has an old church, a patisserie, and the prerequisite old men with red noses who walk slow carrying a bag (with what else?)a baguette poking out from it. I was told that men in France love older women and I have figured out the reason , it is because they are almost hundred themselves. I haven’t seem many young men nor many attractive men. It is off season so only the locals are around and they are pretty friendly but they are mostly older.
We have had to stop many people to ask for directions and so far they have all been helpful. Almost everyone speaks at least a little English which is great because I still don’t speak any French accept for the occasional Bon Jour and Pardon….sigh I am a lousy American oops I mean Canadian...

I am wondering what it ‘s going to be like in Paris away from all these farm houses and ruins…Will it be overwhelming? Oh I hope I love it.. Tonight I feel a little home-sick. I miss Noah so much. I know Aly is glad to have me out of her hair but I miss her too. I miss Stevie the most. I know she is always with me but I am far away from her bed, her clothes, the house that I spent so much of her life with her at. This is probably good for me but it doesn’t feel good, it feels sad.

I am going into a great big cathedral at sunrise tomorrow morning. I’ll bring my journal and some art supplies. I want to sit and be alone with all that history and all my history. I feel a connection to this place, it feels very familiar. I look like many people here even though my heritage is not French. I could live here easily, I bet everyone who visits thinks that…It doesn’t feel foreign to me it feels like I have lived here before, it isn’t an overwhelming feeling just an easy comfort.

Tonight I had dinner in a small restraunt owned by a husband and wife. It was a tiny place nestled in a big stone building. It had cream colored walls, windows with big fat wooden sashes that opened out to the street. The lamps that hung from the ceiling looked like tiffany and gave off the prettiest amber glow. The floors were tile and all the tables were simple and made from dark wood. It was elegant but comfortable.

The meal for me was vegetarian I started with bread and butter, then had the official Onion Soup. They brought me a plate of steamed vegetables that sat on a puddle of sauce that was made with cream and herbs. My cheese selection was milk cheese as usual, just the smell of the goat cheese trolley was sending me over the edge. I nibbled the cheese and felt guilty for wasting artisan cheese but I just can’t seem to appreciate aromatic cheese on it’s own. My desert was the yummiest slice of cake, it was bitter chocolate, dense, and warm. It was topped with a small scoop of freshly made pistachio ice-cream and a delicate chocolate lace. Sprinkled all around the plate was cardamom and candied pistachio. I ate every last itty bitty crumb to make up for the cheese.

Now I am back in my room which is on the very top floor of an old château. This place is hundreds of years old and made of stone and huge wooden beams that must weigh thousands of pounds. My room has one tiny shuttered window that has a view of the village below and the cathedral. The cielings are vaulted and uplit, there is a small loft over the beds where beams intersect. The floors are made of thick wood planks that smell like linseed oil. The wall by the window has been plastered and is painted a pretty aqua. The rest of the walls are exposed stone.

This room feels like a writer once lived here, I can’t explain it but I can see him sitting at an old desk by the window. He has long thin hair tied back, he is wearing a thick white shirt that is hand-sewn. His hands are ink stained and he has his meals up here. He has lived in France his whole life so the beautiful scene outside the window is too familiar to him , he has dreams of other places that he has never seen but can imagine clearly. Maybe he is writing about a woman who sits in a bed in this very room, who comes from far away and is writing about this place.

This trip is almost perfect but I am missing my best person.

Well it is very late and I am getting sleepy, I had a nice hot bath tonight in a great big tub in our room, I am sure that tub wasn’t here a hundred years ago but I am sure glad it is here now. The wind is blowing outside and I can hear the rain coming down…tomorrow another new adventure, we will visit a small town and abbey where they filmed Chocolat.

Bon nuit

Another day in France...

I got up early and spoke to Paul or Host and asked him about our chambre. He told me that a famouse french writer once lived there a very long time ago. Cool.

I spent the morning in the Bascillica in Verasay. I was there until my toes and bottom got cold and numb. The place is an architectual wonder. I wrote in my journal, prayed and lit a candle for Stevie.

Sarah and I headed out to explore more of Burgundy. The green country side, and the winding road are dreamy. We did all the site seeing our book told us to do and we also took some back roads to explore, feed ponies and see things many people don't.

We ended the day in Semur an ancient town. Our room is very modern and very different from the other places we have stayed at so far. There are big fat douvets on the beds, a giant bathtub, class tiles and Ikea-esque reading lamps, very strange because I can see an ancient crumbling keep from my window.

Dinner tonight was a salad made with lettuce, tomato, smoked salmon, and a dijon dressing. we had a huge basket of bread and Crepes with chocolate sauce. We stayed late talking and drinking fruity wine. Our bill was shocking...everything is yummy here but the price tag can be shocking.

Still no goodies for Tangerine, we keep missing the open air market days. I am not leaving here without old paper, trim, and trinkets!

Updates!

2009-03-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

It is a wonderful day, there is a big St.Patricks day parade right outside Tangerine at this very moment. It is an annual event for Dublin and one of the sweetest parades I have ever been to. The whole town is outside sitting in lawn chairs, wrapped in fuzzy blankets while old model T's and fancy convertibles drive slowly by carrying the Mayor and the Citizen of the year. The sound of marching band always makes me cry, it is silly really but it is just so beautiful.

Mike Jennings is giving his Dynamic digital collage workshop today. This is a much anticipated class for those who really want to learn how to rock Photoshop. This is a one day intensive and Mike is a pro. He is the perfect combination of artist and Geek, a Geekist or a Gartist...it is a long class but it is well worth it. There will be Thai lunch break mid-way then back to work.

If you want to check out some really cool and unusual supplies you have to visit Shoshanna Jenning's Hannah-Grey, a superb online shop with a little bit of everything for the Mixed-media artist. Mike and Shoshanna were here with me when Tangerine was just being born, they were a wealth of support and they are idea machines.

Lisa Guerin will be here next week from Southern California. She is honoring us with three whole days of workshops! Gypsy Junk Jewelry and Character Construction Paper dolls. Her classes started filling up the day the news leaked. Lisa has agreed to let me add a few more people to the class so as of today there are two more openings, if you want a space you will need to call soon!

Iva's private workshop was a hit! Lana Kloch arranged for a class with a group of her closest and dearest here at Tangerine and Iva Wilcox taught a beautiful paper theatre inspired by her good friend and fellow instructor Ulla Millbrath. Ulla has been a creative inspiration to so many artists. The ladies enjoyed tea, juice, fresh baked cakes and pastry while the cut, clued, assembled and had a really sweet day.

If you are interested in having a private class please give Tangerine a call or drop me an email. It is a great way to celebrate a special day with people who make you happy. I'd be glad to arrange an instructor and a unique project.

NEW!!!

I have decided to get bloggy-with-it...

That means give-aways! There will be a chance to win here at the blog-site and in the store. I'll post a photo of the give away and what you have to do to get a little Tangerine Happy! Sign up to get blog updates for more information or come on in and drop your digits in the bowl for a chance to win.

OOOOh how much fun is this going to be?!

April will be a paper cake give-away. All you have to do is come by the store or drop me a comment here at the blog and tell me what two art products you could not be without if you were stranded on a desert island (yes there will be electricity for you glue-gun!) At the end of the month I will pull three names out of a magic hat, actually (Noah will pull the names out of his baseball hat).

Ahhh and now the really big NEWS!!!

The details aren't all ironed out yet but it looks like we will be having the King of Assemblage and all things Altered here at Tangerine for three whole days in November! I am over the moon and I will have more details for you in April. I promise this will be a workshop you will not want to miss. I am so sure that I will be opening registration for the class in Late April. I am way too excited about this!

I will be running off to Paris for two weeks so Tangerine will be on auto-pilot from March 24th- April 8th. For regular customers who have a buying emergency Sawsan will be here to ring you up.

I can't wait for the coming months, there are so many surprises, classes, and groovy art supplies.

Make Art=Be Happy!

Copy cats and bad cookies, the long post.

2009-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

I was just told by a little bird that this blog is actually being accessed. Hip-hip-hooray! It has been a month full of computer and computer related woes. The computer is now good as new, the website is finally repaired (they called it bad cookies, is there any such thing?) and the links for the blogs seem to be working. If you are still getting a jumbled Tangerine it is most likely due to your browser not supporting the fonts I originally used. If things are still a little goofy I apologize, there might be a few glitches in the matrix that need sorting.

Tangerine continues to amaze me. It is like a person; it grows, changes and it surprises. I've met so many wonderful people and all that great energy has an effect, a real good and positive one. Classes are filling up easily and in April the new workshop schedule will be full of new opportunities. It will also be full of treasures from France! I have decided to bring back as much as I can cram into my extra suitcase.

Now that the technical issues seem to be solved (oh happy day) I have something I want to address that I feel conflicted about. I would like to share my thoughts because there has been much buzz and some hurt feelings.

Copy Cats...

I come from a fine art background. In art school you learn very quickly to grow a thick skin and find your own voice. Morning critiques can be brutal and it is very easy to be overly influenced by other students and your instructors. Hedi Earnst and Viola Frey convinced me that I wanted to be a large scale ceramic artist not with words but by blowing me away with the power of their work. Arthur Gonzalez made me want to create work from ash and tears. Then there were the "Sad Kitty Ranch" girls who really paved the way for what art you see on Etsy.

It is very hard not to dwell within a community of artist and not absorb them. The challenge is to take the inspiration and use it as a tool for growth rather that a detour from it. How do you do it? Well, in art school you are told not to when you are, and it bites. You are also helped along the way, to see what it is you are trying to capture and bring into your work, or why you feel stuck and using energy that belongs to someone else. It is a process you just have to move through.

When I first started selling art in the 8o's I created a series of small bears made out of polymer clay. This was when Sculpy and Fimo were hard to find and came in one color. I painted my bears with shoe polish because it stained them perfectly and gave them the right amount of gloss without a second step.

These bears were purchased from me by the dozens, by the same person. At that time I was just happy to have the extra money until they showed up in gift shops. There was nothing I could do. They were molded and mass produced in resin by a well know company. It broke my heart. It would have flattered me but I was consumed with my idea being swiped, It felt like a pirate ship came in and cleaned me out.

As artists we have to decide for ourselves how our moral compass will work.

I decided to let go of the bear anger and go to art school. I wanted to know what it is that makes us want to create, and some of us live to create. I needed to feel legitimate and to find out if this was my path.

When I am stuck or bored I seem to absorb what I see and read and it shows up in what I make. When I am focused I am my own person the work flows. I don't feel good when I am not making my own art, and I feel on top of the world when I am.

I never teach anything that I don't willingly want to share and let go. It isn't fair to you or your students to say here are these tools and techniques, let me give you something wonderful but don't go out and use it.

If you look back to the history of art there was one person who filled his mouth with berry juice and used his hand as a stencil. He wanted to let someone know he was there. Many followed, then there were some who started using sticks, juice and soot to create crude drawings to document a history we can never imagine. We are not doing anything different. We are all just humans using what we have to leave a mark of our own.

The mark you leave will tell the story of who you are. You may be a collector, or a person who is inspired by the beauty of another artists work and you want to use their work as a "Start Here" place. Maybe you are one of the people who creates a new tools or techniques. What each of us brings is important. We are all made out of the same matter and we create with the same matter, the combinations we find and what they mean to us are what makes it our own.

Making art has a flow you have to step into it and move with it. We don't make art just for ourselves, we make it to share.

Make Art = Be Happy, that was the education ten years of student loans bought me and it was worth every penny.

If you have the time to worry it to pieces, judge what others are doing, get angry and frustrated by what is being made around you, then you need to be making more art and eating good cookies.

Apologies!

2009-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that last week Tangerines brand-spanking new HP computer silently turned itself off. Theses things happen and I should have had a back-up plan but I didn't. I sent the sad computer off to be repaired by it's maker and purchased a little computer to hold down the fort and process transactions while we waited for fixing to be done.

I bought an Eee PC. You see them everywhere, they look like toys. Mine is pink and fits in my purse. I love it. It does everything a grown up computer can do. The draw back is that it requires an external disc drive to play movies and load programs. You also have to have very tiny hands to type comfortably. I am lucky to own such hands so viola, back-up plan.

This is a very long explanation for why there are no class updates and class descriptions on the website. This is also an apology to those of you waiting for information regarding classes you signed up for. Two more days everyone, two more days and we will be up and groovin!

We have many new classes coming soon that I am so excited about. Ingrid Pomeroy has just been added to our list of instructors and she has the sweetest collage class coming up in April. I have seen the photo's and I promise you will love this class.

Sonnie will be offering some new PMC classes soon. These will be intermediate classes (for those of you who took PMC1 last month). She will be teaching a little bit about setting stones and creating fused glass class cabochons.

Mike Jennings is blessing us with another Photo shop Intensive on March 14Th. This is a class for all of you collage artists. I know you have Photo shop, I know you want to make it do all kind of cool tricks, well Mike is your guru. He works for Adobe and happens to be one of my most favorite Geeks in the world. This guy is a computer genius and artist extraordinaire, a perfect combination. This is a full day class and he is a pro.

Colleen Moody, our local celebrity doll artist will be giving two yes two wonderful workshops (yipee) where you will be making miniature paper clay dolls that sit in vintage jewel boxes...way too sweet to describe. These will be April classes but you might want to sign up soon I know they will fill quickly.

Connie Govea Stuart will also be teaching an exclusive workshop in April. She will be creating a wonderful wearable piece of art using images and textiles. She brought the sample by last week and I drooled. The piece is all Connie and fans of her work will love this class. This is another class I would enroll early for.

I don't mean to leave anyone out I am just running out of time, there are a couple of you in the shop today who have been waiting patiently for my attention.

Two more days and I will be able to update you a little better and have all the details you will need. Thank you all for being so kind and patient.

This is a creative world and I feel so privileged to be a meeting place for creative souls.

Paris

2009-01-26T18:56:00.001-08:00

Tangerine is in full swing; classes are filling up, the shop is full of Valentines and there are bunnies waiting to be unpacked for Easter.

Sonnie is teaching PMC (yipee!) her first class is in February I am very excited, she is such a sweet and talented woman. I have worked with PMC in the past and it hasn't been my favorite medium but I think I am going to give it another adventure bite with Sonnie, sometimes it isn't medium it's the inspiration.

Iva and Julee still have a couple spaces left in their workshops and Colleen Moody came by and gave me a peek at her class sample. It will be a small class that will fill up soon, I will post here just as soon as I have the dates. The project is sweet and I know Colleen fans will love it.

Lisa Guerin will be teaching in March, I know the Tangerine website says April, remind me to fire my web-designer (that would be me) it will be corrected tomorrow morning as soon as I get into the store. To spite my terrible mistake two of the three classes have filled up. Lisa has quite a following, I am very excited to take her Gypsy Junk Jewelry class.

Mike Jennings is going to give a photo shop intensive in February. This is not to be missed. Everything you always wanted to know about Photo Shop but you were too afraid to ask...Mike is amazing.

I promise to get links up on the blogs and the website by the end of March before I leave to Paris. I love writing that... Yes, I am going to Paris with Sarah who will be running the Paris Marathon. Those of you who know me know that I will be doing anything but running, I plan to be at the finish line with a glass of champagne and a big hug for her then it is off to the markets and museums, but not before all the deserts.

I may close the shop for the two weeks I am away, don't worry I am planning to bring back some great stuff for you all to play with and treasure.

Many of you may have noticed the daffs and tulip greens peeking up...the promise of spring, new beginnings. My wish today is that wonderful adventures, great love, and abundance of creativity is on it's way to each of you.

Now go make some art!

Can't Find it?

2008-10-16T06:14:00.001-07:00

It seems I am having a difficult time getting the web-site listing to stick. Yahoo keeps confusing me with other Tangerines. I am working on it but it may take a little time.

If you are searching for the website and directions here is the link

http://elevenmorningstangerine.com/

Two more days until we open and I am excited.

There are two must have shipments that have not made it here yet but are promised by Friday. One of them is a big box of the softest T-shirts by Dead Worry. They are made one at a time by a girl with a silk screen. She uses simple mod designs and puts them on Desert distressed shirts that are so soft it feels like that favorite shirt you have had forever.

The other shippment I am waiting for are the rest of the figurines from Andy's Rascals. Andy makes the sweetest little kids. Say good-bye to your Precious Moments, if you are going to collect something tiny these are it. She uses real kids as models and each figurine can take up to 40 hours to complete. They are then carefully handpainted and signed. My favorite is the Mermaid.

Andy is sending me angels and not just any angels, these angels have panties that are showing, scrunched up boo-boo faces and stolen cookie smudgies.

Today Iva is coming by to drop off some necklaces she made just for the shop, they are going to be vintage beautiful I just know it. Then we are going to buy a case of pink champagne for the opening. My daughter loved it and it is what she would have wanted to serve if she were here. My first toast before I open the doors will be to her, my sweet bunny girl, my favorite one, my inspiration.

Friday Allison and Maread are coming over to have a cupcake bake off, you can't have pink champagne without cupcakes!

Saturday the doors will open and it will be official.

Don't pinch me, I like it this way!

Grand Opening October 18th

2008-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Oh My Goodness can you believe it?

Yep Tangerine will finally be opening, oh I am so excited. October 18Th I will swing my little doors open to the public. It will be a quiet day with friends and family visiting, everyone is welcome. I will be serving pink champagne and cupcakes.

There is still more work to do but I can't wait any longer I want to share so come and visit, play, hang-out, nibble, shop, and be a part of a wonderful day.

The shop is located next to the frame company, it is a little hidden, just look for the paper lanterns and topiary trees.

7038 Village Parkway in Dublin
all day...

2008-09-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Tangerine is real...The lights and fixtures are in, the tables have legs, and the boxes are about to be unpacked. This is way too much fun to be work.

There have been humps and bumps like the glass shattering on one of my thirty-five dollar display cases. I came all the way home from Ikea with legs but no fixtures to attach them, There were the mannequin heads that were suppose to be" beautifully hand painted" and arrived factory spray painted using stencils, yuck! I also grossly over exaggerated in my head how much floor space I actually have so I have been moving things around over and over to get it right.

The best parts so far have been Shoshannah from Hannah Grey showing up with gifts for the shop. She brought trays, and display furniture. She is awesome! The fudge showing up just on time and getting to sample all of it. The glass guy next door (AAA Glass) snuck in early Sunday morning and repaired the display cabinet for me and never left a bill.

Two weeks ago we had an amazing workshop at Tangerine The shop was far from ready but I set up the giant table I bought at a thrift store, had my husband drag over our Thanksgiving chairs and viola a class room.

The class was so much fun. We had eleven women in all (eleven seems to be the magic number lateley) and they worked hard. It was an eight hour class and they drilled holes, sculpted, glued, glittered, painted, embellished and at the end of the day they left with beautiful moving music boxes.

The group was fantastic they brought ribbons, trim and tiny nests, birds, eggs and mushrooms to share. There was enough difference to keep the conversation interesting, and enough in common to bond us easily.

We took a lunch break and walked to the Chinese restaurant at the corner for a pre-ordered lunch and came back to Tangerine for fudge, chocolate cake and more work.

It was unforgettable and a great way to christen the shop.

Ladies You Rock!!!

Sneek Peek and links...

2008-08-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is just getting too exciting. Everyday I get to come home and there is a package on my doorstep. I am like a little kid. I even get excited over the shopping bags and sales books.

I have nine new sisters that will be going to Convenzione on Sunday. Here is a sneek peek.

It is almost Tangerine time!!!

Here are some web addresses to remember:

elevenmorning.com (My studio website, where it all started)

elevenmorningstangerine (Tangerines new website!)

tangerine.blogspot.com (this lovely blog)

elevenmorning.blogspot.com (another lovely blog)

pinkskyproject.com ( the book and a great way to make a difference in someones life)

Have a blue sky day,
Gabriell

The Doors

2008-08-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

These are the doors I picked up at the salvage yard that I am turning into tables for Tangerine. Believe it or not they are freshly painted. It seems that the original, wonderful, old, chipped, groovy paint might not have been safe, who knows. So to be on the safe side I power washed the doors, sanded them and repainted them with several layers of old exterior paint I had here at the studio.

It took all day in the sun but I put the Ipod on and let it shuffle. I danced, sang badly and painted, sanded and painted some more.

Yesterday I ordered a bright pink mannequin for the table that will have the coolest T's. Dead Worry sent the shirts to me this week...I was blissed out when I opened the box, they are too sweet. There is a pink puff sleeve with a big red anatomical heart on it that I am stealing for myself.

I also ordered a vintage hat mannequin, she was just begging to come sit on our counter. I love her because she has a soft oval face that is hand painted and serene. She'll fit right in.

I sent a request to Fat Daddy for Cupcakes. I LOVE these cupcakes and fingers crossed we will get some delivered fresh to our shop.

The new window signs came in and they are really "Orange" traffic cone orange! Once they are up I think they will be perfect.

Tomorrow is a big sewing day. I have a table full of paper clay dollies that need bodies. To all of you who have been waiting patiently, they are coming, they are coming.

Do something to day that makes you feel good...

2008-08-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Everything is moving along...

I just received a case of the most wonderful soap and candles that smell like heaven, earrings that are so cute you could eat them, and funky wallets that are going to fly out of the shop.

Gum balls, Party hats, vintage baby quilts...

This is feels more and more like the best idea ever and I am so glad I am taking a leap and making it happen, it seems a nice big net is appearing.

The big wooden table for classes just arrived, it is about 40 years old and sits on a fat pedestal so we can all sit around it without bumping into table legs. I am bringing the chairs over today and then we are going out to idea to look for comfy chair pads and some fun lighting.

I love that this shop is going to be full of things made by people and not machines, that we are recycling, upcycling, and being as environmentally aware as we know how to be.

The idea of supporting artists, and small business is so exciting. There are so many talented people in the country who make the most amazing products. The attention to detail, design and the use of materials is really refreshing.

The website is still being built, by me, so it is taking some time, but it will be lovely, and very simple. The banner was just created and I can't wait to use them.

Next week is Convenzione and that will require some energy moved in a different direction but I might actually be able to teach the workshop at Tangerine if I work really hard this week.

I hope your day is full of creativity and laughter, I will continue to keep everyone posted on our progress.

Gabriell

What it 's all about...

2008-08-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

I got up very early this morning, I feel like a kid before Christmas, too excited to sleep and wondering what is underneath all that shiny paper.

There are a few orders that are in and the artists are all wonderful and talented. I can't wait to display work. I believe the artists are just as important if not more so than the actual work. I love opening a shop where everything is made by hand by people who love to make art and have creative spirits.

This is going to be a very special place, I can feel it. I also feel some fear and anxiety but those feelings are small compared to how wonderful I know the shop will be.

There are plenty of big stores to shop at in town with shelves full of shiny things in plastic safety packaging. Tangerine will be the only place for many, many miles where you can touch everything, most things being one of a kind, all things made with great care and attention and one at a time.

I can see hand thrown mugs, fat bars of soap and a stack of organic T's on my big antique doors.
The smell of cookies, gum balls and lavender, the sound of old vinyl playing in the background, and color, lot's of color.

There are two old fashioned park benches waiting to be painted, two big topiary waiting to be potted, and an old mint colored sink waiting to be scoured and brought to life.

It feels like there isn't enough time to get it all done and it seems like time can not move fast enough so that we can be in and making it happen.

Some one pinch me.

Pulling it together...

2008-08-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

I went out today to the salvage yard in Berkeley to pick up some old doors, a mint green sink, two windows, and some rusty metal things. It seems this is the beginning of Tangerine. I know it sounds odd but I think it is going to be beautiful.

The space is industrial. I laid a faux wood floor and painted the walls but the rest of the space needs a little character. I could have gone over to Ikea and bought some new things but they just seemed so slick and plastic.

I want texture, color and curiosity. The trick is to not make it look like a yard sale or make it too shabby-chic cute.

The sink is an antique pedestal with original hardware. I am going to clean it up and display handmade soaps and bath salts in it.

The old doors will become tables. I love them they are all different sizes and colors and worn perfectly. Steve will have to build legs for them that I will paint a terrible blue. I will wash and seal them tomorrow.

I can not wait to see beautiful things arranged on these big solid tables. I love the idea of pretty glass and ceramic mixed with chipped paint and rusty hinges.

I have the most beautiful drawings that Stevie did several years ago that I am going to burn into a screen and print onto kids t-shirts, they are called "Pick Me" I know they will fly out of the store.

There are many artists that keep sending me work to look at, I wish I had the budget to buy it all, and there will be a time when I can.

So far we have hand blown glass earrings, the sweetest t-shirts, hand-made soap, vintage baby quilts, vinyl bracelets, toys, paper crowns, big jars of bubble gum, paper clay figurines, pins, buttons, cards and cupcakes.

I love this job, I can't wait to open!!!

G

We are almost there...

2008-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Eleven Morning has a new space!

As of today it is official, Eleven Morning has a new space where we will be selling great art and offering some great workshops.

Gina Gabriell's studio will stay her studio but her classes have out grown her space. Tangerine is the new studio, gallery and art play space. You are going to love it!

Tangerine will be located in Downtown Dublin in a small industrial building. It is a fun space with creamy yellow walls, big tables, fun art, ephemera, unusual art supplies and lots of sweet treats.

We are shooting for September to open our doors. Stay tuned for the big day, and come out and play!!!