Come With Me!

Traveling abroad and experiencing art and life from an entirely different country is something that I have longed to do for many years.

I remember sitting in the dark lecture hall of Art History class watching slide after slide of famous works, as my professor talked about the great artists that shaped the Renaissance era. All the while, I was daydreaming, between the few seconds until the next image appeared on the giant overhead, about traveling to these lands.

I wondered what it would be like to experience their culture, and view the same landscapes that they lived among, daily.

Would I be as inspired by my journey as the Renaissance artist was?

Thoughts of such a trip seemed like a fairy tale.... and now, I find myself having the chance to make these daydreams a reality. And one of the best parts of taking such an inspired journey is the opportunity to share my adventures with a whole group of like minds and hearts... other fellow artists.

I am SO EXCITED To Invite You, Dear Friends... to come...
Come with me on an AMAZING Sojourn of Italy!!!!
Fabulous artist, Kristin Steiner, and her husband, Bill, and their company, Adventures in Italy, have organized an INCREDIBLE Trip to Orvieto. A town situated in the heart of the Italian countryside just outside Rome.

Marylin and I are so very honored to be asked by Adventures in Italy to conduct a week long artist workshop in this breath-taking location.

Not only will we be immersing ourselves in all things artistic, we will also revel in the WONDROUS Italian culture and all its traditions, by exploring Orvieto through a walking tour, seeing famous Etruscan Caves, visiting their market day and many local shops, as well as sampling the foods, shopping for lunches in the open market, wine tasting from a local vineyard, preparing our own meal during a real Italian cooking class, and, of course, spending ample time relaxing, enjoying the slow pace like the natives, plus soaking up the general splendor.

Orvieto sits upon a plateau, which offers PERFECT vista views of lush landscapes. We will be capturing some of our fabled days by creating cherished mementos to help keep Italy in our heart, long after we return. Constructing pages in an accordion journal, and learning invaluable techniques for painting and distressing fabrics with the colors of this land that envelopes our senses.

We will also be collecting bits of flora and fauna along the paths we travel and incorporate these natural elements in our beautiful pages. Our journals will be priceless souvenirs from exquisite moments, and the nice thing is that with this particular binding technique you will be able to add even more memories to your book after you have returned home.

Kristin and Bill have been traveling to Italy now for over five years on a regular basis, and have coordinated a truly sublime trip with BEAUTIFUL accommodations, and IDEAL locations for our group to visit.

They even encourage perspective attendees to bring a spouse or friend along, no need to leave that special someone at home. There will be plenty of activities to do for those members of the group that may not be participating in the art workshop portion of this adventure.

Our journey is scheduled for mid May of 2009, which gives a whole year to plan and dream with us about this FABULOUS trip. You can find out all the details by following the link, here.

Marylin and I have even started a Yahoo Group for the trip. Once participants register, we encourage them to join this Yahoo Group, Inspired Sojourn to Italy, so that we can all get to know one another, discuss details about travel, and all the FUN we are going to have!

And if you have any questions, Bill, Kristin, Marylin, or myself are always available to answer them.
Join Us, Won't You...

Winter to Spring, falling stars

There have been many gray days in the plains where you can hardly distinguish the sky from the ground. Then the snow comes, falling ever so gently, until the chilling north wind steps in, changing the tempo of the snowflake's slow waltz.

Today the sun has returned, but only makes fools of us for thinking it is as warm as it looks. The temperatures instead are the coldest they have been all season. I wandered outside despite the bitter cold, enjoying the beauty of the landscape from my own garden. The flowers that remain are so perfectly preserved with almost translucent petals.


These first days of another year have seemed so rich and full, following a new direction for my life. This declared path of exploring a cherished dream of being devoted to my own art full time, keeps my mind flooded with ideas and possibilities that are constantly fluttering about like moths to a flame.

And at night... I reward myself from a day of hardwork with meandering moments spent in my Winter's Journal. I adore looking at the cover of this little book with all its pages neatly tucked inside, and flecks of gold stardust sprinkled on top, here and there.

Although I may find myself painting nearly all day long, I can never get enough of the creative process... the hours and minutes while away so quickly.

Soon, I find that I have a new page to share and a bit of poetry as well.

"finding delight in a winter's tale
as white stars fall...
covering the canvas of my errors,
a beginning, another start given,
as I stand idle between this peace,
and anxious to find my box of paints"

Creative Sparks and Making Art!

With January quickly coming to a close, there are a few exciting events that are on the horizon. Marylin and I have begun collecting, and organizing all the goodies we have for each and every one of our students at Art and Soul, Virginia.

We are both SO EXCITED to share these workshops, and doubly excited to be in Virginia for the first time.

These two classes have some SUPER techniques that HONESTLY, will spark TONS! of ideas for creating art.

The first class is making its debut!!!

Students will be constructing a BEAUTIFUL journal to preserve treasures found in nature. Check out all the details, here and take a peek below at this unique working piece of art.


Not only will we be constructing this INCREDIBLE book, but we will also explore techniques to transform live botanicals into cherished keepsakes, traditional methods for pressing flowers and plants, along with discussing ways to use natural elements in other mixed media artworks.


Our second offering is a workshop that is SO MUCH FUN!

Students will be building an ADORABLE 3-dimensional fiber abode with pages tucked inside to display cherished photos. Check out all the details, here.
We will be showing participants this FABULOUS technique for using up all those little pieces of fabric, ribbon, paper, metal, misc ephemera... whatever, to transform a plain piece of muslin into a work of art. This is DEFINITELY a technique that can be used in so many different ways. Just take a peek, here, at only some of the TERRIFIC work created by past participants. We hope you will join us for class on Sunday, May 4th and Monday, May 5. We would LOVE to spend the day with you!

You are Cordially Invited

Dear friends... if you have not heard... Bernie Berlin, founder of A Place to Bark needs our help! She is currently taking donations to build a shelter for her animal rescue and has the opportunity to possibly win the Parade Magazine Charity Contest. You have a unique opportunity to help this noble cause by donating as little as $10 to this effort. I will be giving away an original artwork, winner's choice, from my little shop, if you leave a comment to let me know you have donated. On February 1st, I will pick one name from all the comments left, and announce the winner of this piece of art. Thank you so much for your support!!!!


I would like to Cordially Invite You to The Red Door Studio's New Year Etsy Open House.

My little shop is filled with new items to delight! Just take a peek at some of the wonderful treasures you will find.



Over the past year, I have had requests for images from my 2007 fiber journal artworks. Now, I am excited to tell you there are 6 Limited Edition 8" x 10" Fine Art Prints available to purchase.

All Prints come on a satin finish, professional grade paper, printed with fade-resistant, archival ink. Each one is mounted on a piece of acid free white matte board, and sealed in a clear protective sleeve, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

I will be adding to this selection of Print images throughout the year so keep watching for new arrivals.

Have ever wanted to own an original painting? Well, I am thrilled to be offering hand painted nature fabrics.

A small number of new works will be available on the 1st of every month. Each piece is no larger than 5"x7" and will come mounted on a piece of acid free matte board sealed in a clear protective sleeve. Because of the petite size of these artworks, I am able to offer them at a very affordable price, giving you a great opportunity to actually own an original.

I have added several copies of my small poetry book, "Small Glimpses". And I am thrilled to tell you that I am working on a second book of original poetry and art that should be available sometime this fall.

Also, returning to the shop are the Songbirds and Songbirds in Flight Stencils , as well as a new Barn Swallows Design. The Barn Swallows Stencil is fast becoming one of my favorites with two different sizes of birds on one sheet, so be sure to check it out.

I sincerely want to THANK YOU dear friends, for visiting my shop!

I made a promise to myself this year to follow my heart by living the artful life I have always imagined. I could not do this without the support from such wonderful patrons, and the kind words of encouragement from the readers of this blog.

2008 has started out to be a terrific year, and these new offerings on Etsy are a small step towards this most cherished dream.

Magazine and Book Link Pic

Winter to Spring, these reminders

The weather has been teasing us with a few warm sunny days, but the grayness returns. And, I am grateful for this reverberation, as I am not ready for spring.

I relish the company of winter in all of its splendor. I love chilly days that cause me to dress in my favorite sweaters, and have me wearing the vintage coats that I discovered while browsing flea markets and antique stores.

I could stare endlessly at snowflakes drifting from the heavens turning the landscape into a clean white canvas ready for painting. Winter hours make for a good excuse to stay inside, all cozy.

I especially love the wintry view from my front windows that gaze out upon crowning branches of the large trees peeking over the rooftops of neighbor's houses. Bare limbs, that bend and sway with the winds, stretching and reaching for the heavens, hold the stories of seasons past.

My eyes are always drawn to a number of now abandon bird's nests so carefully tucked amidst a maze of twigs. These are the sweet recollections of life and its beginnings, a once safe haven for young fledglings, the home where they grew strong so as to spread their wings, and fly...
I am inspired by this season and its offerings. These moments, maybe small and insignificant to some, urge me on to create and explore. Each finding sparks ideas and dreams along this path of artful living, affording me fodder for doing what I love.

Soon, the first days of spring will actually arrive and these glimpses will be gone, lost or hidden for another year behind the new sprouts of green.

Winter to Spring, a beginning

The crisp Winter landscape offers so much inspiration. In my own front yard, gorgeous dark green hollies with their contrasting bright red berries burst forth just begging to be noticed against the muted colors of the other foliage.

Even with the cold temperatures and abundant snowfall over the last several weeks, a small flock of swallows decorate the sky every afternoon. I have enjoyed watching them glide upon the updrafts, catching the breezes of a gusting north wind. They speak to one another in the most harmonious tones that fill the air with delightful sounds.



Across the road is a hedgerow that borders a now harvested crop field. The trees along this edge are tall and majestic with age. I love staring at the bare limbs in winter. Each branch twisting, curling, and intertwined among the others, a reminder of how our days intertwine and cross the paths of so many.




"These first days with new moments are our January
leaving behind the weary memories of what was.

There is a quiet repose, a stillness to this landscape
as the heart beholds a threshold of earnest hours ahead."

Images of LIFE

We have all heard the cliche', "A Picture Says a Thousand Words". Well this cliche' is definitely understated when it comes to the photographs found in the Premier Issue of Life Images.

These beautiful moments captured are only enhanced with the stories or poetry shared by each artist. And, I am BEYOND THRILLED to tell you that a few of my own stories are tucked in among these elegant pages.

I invite you to pick up your copy. This publication is definitely a GREAT way to be inspired for the new year.