Oh! Miss Nina! I was temporarily struck dumb at the ethereal beauty of this post. I am so nearly close to tears. You have the power to enrapture us with your words, letting them entwine our beings. Today I told my network group that Words Have Power {I, too, am fond of weaving words and quotes into my work}. And the snippets from Shakespeare tear through my heart like the stars shooting through the midnight sky. But the words that mean the most to me of yours seem so vastly out of reach with my own experience and that is why my eyes brim over at the thought...you most certainly do have the best job in the world, my dear....and although I don't, I can't {oh how I long for it!}...I can but dream {and plot and plan}. You so eloquently bring that dream {for us all} to life. And if one can make it happen perhaps that is the hope perching on my shoulder, goading me on. I am ever so glad that you do what you do and especially that you dare to bare your soul and your art for all of us to witness. Truly uplifting and inspiring.
"I was directed to your blog as I too just lost my beloved dog companion. I echo your words and feelings of loss and in the amazing consolation of strangers in the blog world. We do what we have to do in this life, right or wrong. I was with my dog when he died and watched his life leave his eyes. He was at that moment alone by my side in a natural moment of his life. We are left never really alone although very conscious of the empty spaces that can never be filled with anything but sweet memory."
"Nina,
Someone may have already sent this to you. Last year around this time our Sasha almost 15 left us - the evening skies of the day she left we saw a shooting star - we all knew it was Sasha letting us know all was well & it was her time to be free! Tears come even now as I write this. Someone sent me this poem which helped through the morning so I pass it on to you. Asilomar - a magical place to spend time and heal your soul.
blessings of love,
Robin
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown... "
I have started this note so many times and then for whatever reason, never hit
the "send" but this morning after running your blog - I just sit here feeling
"ah" and just so loving the visit that I just had to let you know what your blog
( you) mean to me.
I start my morning out with coffee mug in hand and head to my little room that I
like to call "my studio" and there I write morning pages, and then do some work
in my art journal - then I'm awake enough to visit with you.
Finding your blog and meeting you has meant so much to me. I always leave filled
to the brim with happiness, inspired and a deep appreciation. I wish I could
find the words, like you do, to express what I feel. I feel in my heart I have
met a kindred spirit and friend.
I just had to let you know what visiting with you means to me, and this morning
I would be happy just walking in your yard...
Enjoy your day, give Aspen a pat for me, and now I will have a much better day,
knowing that I have spoken to you. Thank you for being there.....
"I check in on your lovely blog as often as I can, but did not expect the heartfelt connection I found today. My oldest daughter has not left yet, but as she prepares to go off to college next year, I feel the panic, sadness, gut wrenching turmoil in the pit of my stomach and painful heartache of the thought of her leaving. I am at the same time so proud of her - her accomplishments and the person she is becoming. I am excited and feel anxious with anticipation of who she will become once out there flying with her own wings and navigating her own course. I sobbed and sobbed as I read your words, tears just flowed down my cheeks (at work!) Thank you for sharing so purely. I felt your words penetrate my heart. I am encouraged that you and others have gone through it, are surviving, still have so much beauty and love within, and are sharing that love and beauty with others. Thank you so much."
"I completely agree with you about the allure of words on jewelry. I don't know of anyone who creates more beautiful objects that epitomize this concept. I come back to your blog day after day knowing I will see something amazingly beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing so much beauty into our world."
"I'm wearing these [cloud song] earrings today. I usually don't dress that creatively for work, more prosaically, with simple non-danglies. So I just discovered I can see them in my peripheral vision as I walk. I like that. I should wear more danglies. Life lately has been too much practicality: forms to fill out, official documents to decipher, task lists to update, errands to run, get a Plan B, Plan C, even a Plan D. ... These are challenging times indeed. I'm hoping to carve out a few hours this weekend at my studio table, playing with my collections. I haven't even had many moments lately to peruse your lovely Web site and drink in its charm. But when I do dip in, I always emerge refreshed. So this is just to say thanks ever so much for being there. You have no idea of how many lives you brighten!"
"Dear Nina- Upon seeing your work in Somerset (blog issue), and reading your words (I envy your poetic verbage & expression), I soon went to your blog and became a fan. When time allows (or is stolen by me), I often return there because I passionately admire your artistic style and feel as though I have taken a delightful journey into an enchanting, charming, ethereal world familiar from my childhood after reading your entries which are so beautifully enhanced with your photography. You should know that you are a giver. We come away with gifts from time spent with you. After reading your glowing affirmations about your sister Ellen's eggs, the third time I visited her Etsy shop I decided I must have one of the robin's eggs, I just MUST, so I ordered one - and a good thing too, for it was the last one. They put me in touch with the past when I was a little girl, entering into deep places that the soft, sky-blue beauty of a found robin's egg could draw me to. Nature displays the holy beauty of God if we will just take the time to perceive it and touch it. I, too, am a woman in her 50s who also has two grown sons -- and I also love and live in the "woods" (well, if you can call 2-3 acres of wooded land in the country "The Woods"). I loved reading about your father, your mother, your visit back home with them, and your love for your sister Ellen. I hope that you will share about your sons in future postings. And pleeeeeease don't think we will ever tire of seeing and hearing about the dog! LOVE that dog! After omitting paragraphs for the sake of saving space in this entry, I will close with trying to convince you that your heart, your art, your photography, your words, your openness and all that you share with the world is a worthy gift to us. You are a beautiful person, and I thank you."
"i am not an artist such as you, but i have been a student in one of your classes. you have the abillity to inspire and motivate because you let it be fun; because you make it look easy; because there really is no right or wrong, good or bad; because you allow us to feel and respond based on our own individual experiences... what you're really teaching is how to step outside the box and be comfortable there; how to use the skills you've taught us and apply them to what we want to do. i see it as much the same as when teachers teach writing skills...we teach the skill; the process...but each individual chooses his or her own words. i guess what i'm trying to say is that one of the first lessons i learned from you was that art is based on your own individuality...we begin with a blank canvas, so to speak, and with each experience and personal preference, the art is born. it may change, but the root of it remains the same. it's ok for you to be a part of that, but the bulk of what each person's art is depends on what's inside of them. it's ok for us to use the skills and the process, i think, but we have to put our own words to it...use our own canvas...have our own style of expression. i suppose it is sad when one who calls themself an artist has to rely on the ideas and style of others rather than what's inside of them. that tells me there is fear inside and they haven't yet learned what you teach...that it's ok to step outside the box and let your own art speak for what's inside you. you do that masterfully...you show us, through what you do, an outside expression of what is inside of you...and no one else has what is inside of you."
"I have spent the past two evenings reading your blog. Just felt like I wanted to talk to you for a moment. I so enjoyed my time in your world which you share so sweetly. Although I am not nearly as positive, open, kind and loving as you are, I do feel a definite comradeship in your love of solitude, nature and reflection. Although I get somewhat nauseated by some of the overly sweet, la-la, life is great type blogs, your positivity and sweetness are very endearing - and your frankness about the sad things is touching. I got as far as your October time with your folks and your comment about wondering why you share these things about your daddy...and I just wanted to send you a hug. Virtual hug from a stranger who wants to thank you for that sharing and try to take away some of that pain. And another big virtual hug for your precious puppy.
Also love your art. Have seen your things in some of my magazines and books which is where I found your site a long time ago but never went in to read. I piddle around with altered books, jewelry and other such things - that artistic outlet is the best part of my life. And the only time I am ever REALLY happy and at peace with my life is when I am outside, in nature, talking to trees and birds. My best conversations and relationships are with trees...and dead poets, too."
"quietly she tinkers.
indeed.
but the song of her tinkering ways
is clear and pure
and resonates...loudly,
deeply
and surely it hovers by hope
perching there
in the soul.
beautiful.
your work is, too..."
"oh i do love white camellias
such pure white against those magnificent
shiny leaves
love is pure like that
the love of years
in your fathers hands
such tender photos
you are so lucky to have the presence of
mind to capture these moments as they unfold
and then you share
thank you so much
for the time you take with us out here
i know there is an interconnectedness
between us all
you continually prove it"
"I am proud of you for protecting your integrity. You will find better
venues. People will come to you. You have to always
take care of yourself--your psyche is important. Not to be violated.
I know that you did the right thing. It had to be difficult, but it
was an important forward moving change that will serve you well."
"may all truth and love reside within you and become an invisible blanket of protection when any negativity tries to enter your church of kindness"
"I think you have almost reached the Third Noble Truth of Buddhism; cultivating a mind so spacious that you are going beyond what things seem to be into what you truly see. When you care about things, you see with a responsive and involved eye. Do you know how little you have struggled this week? I can see this in the eye of your camera.
Why is it that people are bored when rain becomes a mirror to see into and words in books shimmer?"
"Nina, I always read your blog as it seems a good way to hear your voice and learn from you. I wanted to tell you that your photos are as stunningly beautiful as your jewelry and your words. You have the true eye of an artist."
"For me visiting your blog is like going to a friend's house for a cup of tea and conversation- I've seen her driveway, house, foyer, kitchen, face so often but in all of that is love, friendship, and inspiration. Its about you! It is a virtual cup of tea with a friend."
"Congratulations on this momentous occasion in your country's history. This change that has occurred in the minds of your people is noted around the world. The greatest men in your history had the qualities that this man has ~ his mysticism, charisma, stillness, and idealisim is what I personally see. He makes me believe in his sincerity. With a positive outlook, unified effort, and shared vision you can do anything as a people. It is these American qualities that allow each of you to do good, to do the right thing, ~ and what makes you a great nation ~ not a win-at-all-costs mentality, not power held over weaker nations, not greed or arrogance, but strength in unity and a common dream."
"You really made me reflect on my life. I don't want to disappear either, and I often wonder why I was put on this earth. Am I just here to take up space for awhile?? There has to be more that this! Of course with my Baptist upbringing....I don't worry about when my life is over, but what about this one chance that I have.......I don't think that I will age gracefully, I am sure that I will fight it to the end. I have too many things that I want to do.... I still have a long list of places that I want to travel to. How I wish I hadn't wasted so many precious moments. Do you think that we ever have enough time during our life......I wanted to see our children grow, get married, and have a family....but now I want to see my grandchildren grow up and I wonder what they will do with their lives....will I ever have enough time ????Thank you for making me rethink what I will do with the rest of my life.....
Nina, I also want to thank you so much for your sharing your teaching talent with me, please don't ever quit teaching. I loved your class, and could hardly wait to get home so that I can start something else. I know that I wasn't very productive in your class, not your fault.....I just get so overstimulated, I need to ponder what to do next. When my husband was driving us home ( it's about 16 hours) I was rethinking my necklace and I found a wonderful piece of sliced jade. I am going to rework this piece, it needs to reflect what I learned from you.....after all this is what I will leave behind so that my children and grandchildren can remember me, I don't want to disappear!!!"
"Most people have a hard time seeing the blessings in what is right next to them, the grass is always greener syndrome. My father grew roses when I was growing up, so we always had bouquets of them in our house. To me they always seemed like a mundane thing--can you imagine, a rose, an everyday flower! Now that I am grown, moved away, now that my dad has died and the rose bushes are all gone do I understand the wonder of them. It is rare the person who appreciates the here, the now. That is why I love your blog so much. You are a constant reminder to me to appreciate what is all around me right now."
I have spent a very long time being professional and efficient, so my writing tends to say that which needs to be said in a very sparse way. I really enjoy that your writing reflects your heart and soul.
I hope it doesn't sound sycophantic to say that whilst some people don't really measure up when you meet them, that's not the case with you. I first did a class with you in Freemantle and then started reading your blog. The blog measures up to you!
I think leaving ourselves open to new ideas, nature and people also leaves us vulnerable and open to self doubt at times. The good thing is that it doesn't take much to give us a shot in the arm, so we can bounce back.
"i'm turning forty in six months, which is kind of a shock to me. i am looking at your poetic, beautiful jewelry and reading your inspiring, thoughtful posts and screwing up my courage to step into my power to do all that i want to do.
this email is to tell you hello, and to let you know that you are 100% right to tell your blog audience what is right and what is wrong regardless of their reaction. there will always be small, mean people who will attack you no matter what. it is hard to callous yourself to them, but please try. know that there are people who appreciate you and your art. you are a very special person and you deserve all the joy and respect in the world."
"I love your blog, your jewelry, and how you write about your reality. Not just fluff. You let us "see" you, and that makes us feel like we live next door. Thank you.. xo"
"you and the way you view the world is what i have felt we have lost...the ritual, the story telling around the fire/at the dinner table/on the front porch, being in the wild, honoring the past (and present)...i think if we all took it to a deeper level than the surface we stay on so often, we would see what attracts us all to you and each other is not your art (although that is precious)...it is our Souls wanting to talk...thanks for listening to me!!"
human beings are members of a whole
in creation of one Essence and Soul -
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain -
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot retain --Saadi
-it would be more helpful if we sat with our reactions when others are speaking their truth in their personal journals and simply listen with compassion...i have learned a lesson from all of this...thank you Nina for being honest with your pain...it serves those of us who want to be better humans...xo
i just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me to be a better person. every day when i read your blog, i think, oh, i am going to be more like that: more observant, more loving, more 'living with my eyes wide open', more crafted in my writing. and while i still feel like i am mostly not achieving that, i know that if i keep reading and being inspired, it will slowly seep into me. so thank you.
from accomplished artist Judy Wise (thank you judy xo): "IMO you and Teesha pioneered
the "look" of the mixed media/journal/collage thing that is strongly
influencing advertising, graphic arts, and fine arts in this country,
providing jobs for many teachers of art and enriching the lives of
housewives and square pegs. I thought of this when Rauchenberg passed;
he was a "real person" just as yourself who had a huge influence on the
culture.
I know you have had your heart broken at times by the copiers but there
is another side to it. Original good ideas will always find their way
into the culture through co-option and adaptation (and stealing). Think
about it."
from Belgium: "While I'm mailing you now, I want to say that I admire your work a lot. I discovered you in "true colors" and through some articles in the magazines of Stampington.
I love the "Nina-knot" and your work is really recognizable and an own style. But I guess I'm not the only one who told you this...."
"Coming here is like going back home and visiting with loved ones-those who take us as we are-vulnerabilites, faults and all. Words leave you effortlessly and enter us for what they are-honest, unpretentious, alive, and vulnerable. The end result is for us like savoring our mother's favorite dish after being sick-we feel comforted, understood, cared for."
"your jewelry is turning into a divine light...."
"It is wonderful to share the ineffable qualities that arise from the experiences of one who has walked from the outer periphery of this beautiful life straight to the center, the pulsing heart of existence."
BEAUTIFUL...just beautiful. This art leaves me breathless. When I first read of an "alchemist", as a child, I was aching to meet one and converse and watch the magic happen. And now I have, Nina. Your work is extraordinary."
be proud of me, folks. stand up and applaud and cheer and stomp your feet and yell out accolades, which i will proudly accept because this - this! - was no small feat. i worked and toiled on both saturday and sunday, cussing and fretting and crawling under spaces, pulling furniture out and in, moving boxes here to there, filling FIVE large plastic bags of garbage to overflowing (don't ask), and standing in the middle of the room for more times than i care to admit and wailing, "where do i begin?!". 
it wasn't pretty. i was a mess, and my body at the end of yesterday, as the light begin to dim outdoors, was an aching lump of muscles that had not been used that way for years. but - and i exaggerate not when i tell you this - when i finished as much as i could for this stage (there is one wall left to conquer, and no, you will not be seeing photographs of it, i do have some smidgens left of pride inside of me), when i finished i stood back like a proud little girl, beaming, and blurted right out loud, "oh, i am just tickled pink!". 
this is not something i tend to say. pink is not a color with which i am enamored - but say it i truly did, and then noticed beyond the dark studio doors a glimmer of the sunset skies draping themselves across my living room windows. how wonderful - o! how wonderful.
i've walked in that room countless times last night, and again this morning, just to stand and stare. it makes me feel good to see my familiar trimmings and trinkets lovingly arranged, as opposed to thrown in piles haphazardly, fabric with paper, sticks with beads, tangled beyond recognition. this vintage desktop calendar organizer now brings me enormous pleasure, holding as it does some of the sticks and dowels that i use in my artwork and jewelry. no longer are half of them on the floor, or mixed up in barkcloth and linen. i use a great deal of vintage ribbon in my work, and if you'll go back and look at the shelves to the left of my table in the previous post, you'll see a great writhing pile of minerva-like strands tumbling out and over and down to the floor. at least now, for this time being (shall we time it?), the ribbons are contained in an old amber glass jar, as well as in a little three drawered chest - that is, until the first time i need the snippet that is assuredly at the bottom of the assortment. you don't want to be here when that happens.
it's daylight now, and a sunny day, so it's hard to imagine the wonderful effect of all those tiny lights on the tree branches and the vines draped across the window and (mighty heavy) antique mirror i've hung to add more light on the wall behind my table. but seeing these lights makes me actually long for the first snowflakes of december, and cups of chai and my favorite classical music floating in through the door. my goodness. a minor miracle has occurred, then. 
i'm actually wanting to be there, in that dark little room, and begin to work my fingers like an elf far up at the north pole, nimbly fashioning magic into ornaments that will bring comfort and cheer to those who carry or wear them. i look around me and see little vignettes of magic - a house here, a gathering of tiny dollies there - and do indeed feel surrounded by stories and comfort and all things sweet and serene. as i should be, in the place where i work and create. 
what's wonderful to imagine is the stories these little dolls may carry from here to there with them, when they leave their world of tree branches and tiny white lights, and go out into the greater world beyond, sent out by someone who has given them the beginning of a story, and urged them to tell the rest to those who will wear them close to their heart.
so. now you have seen the bad, and the good. the mess, and the tidy results of a maddening weekend of cleaning, sorting, throwing away. rearranging, hanging, huffing, cussing, wailing, and finally, standing back in utter amazement and puffing up with pride and thanking myself for taking the time - making the time - to pull off such a monumental feat. remind me, won't you, from time to time, that this nice look is good? and that i need to strive to keep things at least halfway this way? xo
oohh!! i am so impressed and jealous as HELL. my studio is in our bedroom - as a result, the only neat thing in there is the (usually) made-up bed. i so love all my tschotchkes on all my shelves - but you could write your name in the dust (don't tell!).
Posted by: wordybird | November 12, 2007 at 12:32 PM
This is beyond gorgeous. I am really in awe.
Posted by: Marjorie | November 12, 2007 at 12:41 PM
i hope those dollies behaved while you were cleaning, they have a tendency to start a ruckus when they
get moved around to much...
xoxox
Posted by: kim | November 12, 2007 at 12:43 PM
that room is magical! i love those lights.
Posted by: carol | November 12, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Awesome! You should be proud of yourself as it looks beautiful and inviting. I love the twinkly branches and the dolls in the tubs.
great job!!
I can feel the magic beginning to build ;)
ox
Lee
Posted by: Lee | November 12, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Oh Nina, it is AMAZING!
I can't wait to see the inspiration that flows through this room, into your soul and back out again through your hands and into your beautiful creations.
Just lovely!
Posted by: tanaya | November 12, 2007 at 01:18 PM
absolutely gorgeous! what an inspiration, thank you for sharing the process. :)
Posted by: cori | November 12, 2007 at 01:29 PM
OK, now THAT is some studio cleaning inspirational stuff! It looks Amazing, and it looks like the sapce is So ready fro you to come in and create all winter-long.
Posted by: Liz | November 12, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Lovely. You've somehow managed to create peaceful in that space where magic happens.
Posted by: Tina | November 12, 2007 at 01:42 PM
OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH girl , you totally ROCK!!!!!
It must have been those purple tights. Everything looks real nice and I love those elfin lights draped over the twigs. I have matching lights over my mantle. Now, I've got to get my room to match yours, in neatness. Ughgh!
Yes sir, I mean ma'am, you truly pulled it off.
Now...if I beg really nicely , will you come here and do mine??
HA! HA!
xoxoxoxoxoxSassi
Posted by: Shirley | November 12, 2007 at 01:48 PM
HOORAH, HOORAH, HOORAH!!!! Way to go Nina!!! As soon as I saw the first pic I thought it was Christmas with those beautiful lights!
Posted by: Adrienne Berry | November 12, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Good for you, nina...you did a great job and it looks totally magical in your studio...
Also, you have so perfectly described just how I feel when I walk into my studio...the comfort and serenity is so unbelievably precious and i always hope that some of what I feel is present in the things I make in that room.
Posted by: bobbi | November 12, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Wow; what a journey and what a great tale about getting there. Really, I hung on to every word! You are so cool, Nina; your digs look fantastic!
Posted by: Vickie | November 12, 2007 at 03:12 PM
What a magical wonderland you've created Nina, I could see your jewellery hanging from those twinkling branches, the light bouncing off your wonderful silver and gems.
Ro
xo
Posted by: ro bruhn | November 12, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Perfection!!!!!
Posted by: JbaskArts | November 12, 2007 at 03:16 PM
OMG! Frame these pictures and have one tattooed!
Way to go, lady. I know this can be a long time coming and a long time to complete.
Proud, very. Plus, your studio looks wonderful. LOVE those lights. I look at that studio and it fits YOU.
Now get busy and make stuff to mess it up again!
xoxoxoxo
TT
Posted by: T2 | November 12, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Love it all, Nina! Those twinkly lights are just enchanting.....
Posted by: Dawn | November 12, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Bravo Nina - what a satisfying way to spend the weekend. Now, to work with you!
Mx
Posted by: Megan | November 12, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Aahhh, Nina... I'm laughing and stomping my feet and jumping up and down for joy. I know what a feat that was... believe me, I do. From one artist who creates in a minor explosion to another, I understand. Cheers and hugs, Shari
Posted by: Shari Beaubien | November 12, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Can I come over and play?
Posted by: Jen | November 12, 2007 at 04:49 PM
O Nina it is absolutely beuatiful, I want to come and play in your amgical place. It is so inviting..
Well worth the effort
Linda
Posted by: Linda | November 12, 2007 at 04:58 PM
WOW it looks to pretty to make a mess now !!! I bet you feel better now .Hey can I take your rubbish out to the bin/Jens house!!!
Jen
Posted by: Jen Crossley | November 12, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Amazing - you've done it and done it well! I love that feeling you spoke of when you've worked hard and love the results.
Posted by: Kimberley | November 12, 2007 at 05:37 PM
Wow, it looks like a really magic place. I am totally stealing your idea and putting up lights, too. May your working hours be filled with dreams.
Posted by: Loretta | November 12, 2007 at 05:38 PM
Its marvelous!!! You should be proud. I love the idea of the mirror -- an additional point of light. You're going to walk in there and just want to get busy and create, create, create - however I'll bet a lot of us would have loved to have gone through your 'bags of junk' before you threw them out!
Posted by: Penny | November 12, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Nina- I just love how enchanting your dream/work/create/collect room has become this weekend. I do feel your aches.
The table top is so sweet to see and like Loretta I am going to 'imitate' the branch and twinkle light idea here my in my
studio.
You are an inspiration.
I hope you enjoy that wonderful space for days and days.
Posted by: Wendy | November 12, 2007 at 06:06 PM
I can just see you tinkering away in that little twinkling wonderland, like an elf on Christmas Eve! It is beautiful Nina, I am sooo envious. I just got fed up with my mess and only cleaned the desktop, now, after seeing your huge effort, I am terribly ashamed of myself... Maybe next weekend...??
Posted by: Jo Stables | November 12, 2007 at 07:29 PM
How very beautiful dear Nina--radiant just like you. Can't wait to see the enchanted treasures produced 'neath your lovely branches.
Posted by: John | November 12, 2007 at 08:21 PM
nina i am so proud of you. i hate decluttering and i am doing the same thing myself right now. it is hard work. it looks so amazing what you have done. i love the lights on the cork screw willow branches. wonderful. i have lights all over my mirror in the kitchen and i like to put them other places too. looks great. xoxo nita <3
Posted by: nita from red tin heart | November 12, 2007 at 08:40 PM
What a clever girl you are Nina. The branches and faery lights are amazing! I keep faery lights on my windows all year long to brighten up the nights too. My neighbors think I'm nuts but I don't care a bit. And I'm absolutely in love with the crow I see above the mirror. I use their image in my work all the time and I attract them into my backyard so I can photograph them. I hope you spend many cozy days in your studio drinking tea and creating those treasures that you are so good at creating.
~Gina
Posted by: Gina | November 12, 2007 at 08:44 PM
beeeeuuuuutifullll!
okay, i took the first step and acknowledged my very own messy studio after your earlier post, now you've inspired me to tidy it up and so i can ENJOY the space and all my own lovelies again. thank you.
xoxo katie
Posted by: katie | November 12, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Job well done indeed! Your studio now looks as magical as the lovely jewelery you create there. As you spent the weekend carving order out of chaos, I attended a 3 day workshop with Lynne Perrella. Arrived home this afternoon with artwork and shopping - looks like I may need to do a studio overhaul to find room for all!
Would love to hear the delightful stories your little porcelin babies will tell when they emerge transformed by your loving touch to begin a new life yet once more.
Erin in Morro Bay
Posted by: Erin Perry | November 12, 2007 at 08:49 PM
Just lovely....
Posted by: Deb G | November 12, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Oh my! I tidied up a bit in my studio this weekend, but now I see I need to set my sights a bit (make that a mile) higher! I want some pixie lights and branches of my very own!!!
Thanks for the gasp of delight.
-v
Posted by: Vickie Hallmark | November 12, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Those lights! What a wonderful idea. I always mope and sulk around during the winter months because there is just no light in my house. And the lamps don't reach the dim corners of the main room. I think I'll do some after-Christmas shopping. :-)
Rhonda
Posted by: Rhonda | November 12, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Very inspiring! I am loving the lights on the vines. I think you may have started another trend! I did some clearing out myself this weekend. It just feels so good when everything is in it's place! Congrats on a great feat! Believe me, I know what a challenge it can be.
Posted by: Cindy Dean | November 12, 2007 at 09:56 PM
clap clap clap..smiles!
Posted by: andra hepler | November 12, 2007 at 10:24 PM
Oh--my--stars- and-garters...that is what i say, before reading ....now, i must read...
Oh-my-stars....hol, babe
Posted by: hol | November 12, 2007 at 11:40 PM
oh, nina, i am so proud of you! i know the feeling of standing back and just absorbing the room, knowing that it is beckoning to you, waiting for you to create. i have been wanting to add those little lights to my room, was going to wait until i could hit the after christmas sales, but your studio has inspired me to not put it off, and to just do it, just because it will make me happy. thanks for sharing your beautiful studio with me!
Posted by: cd brinkley | November 12, 2007 at 11:45 PM
It looks like 'Welcome to Fairyland' and it looks like where magic happens.......and
it does look like a 'Happy Place'
Well done Nina.
Posted by: Bonnie | November 13, 2007 at 12:04 AM
Oh, the branches and twinkle lights! Brava! I bought them over a year ago after catching a glimpse of them in your room at Ft. Worden over, what, 2 years ago. You had them draped over some netting encasing the window and beyond that was a view of the water - so enchanting and I have never forgotten it. You have the best ideas. (BTW, mine are still in the box. I am such a slob!)
Posted by: Judy Wise | November 13, 2007 at 01:50 AM
Oh--My--Stars -And-Garters..Sista, you've done proud!!!!...There's something in stars & planets, i swear, it's a happening all around....I got the 'juice' last week...you got it this last week-end...POWERFUL! ..YUMMY!!..chew it up so you can put it out ....Space to create, room in void to fill...BRAVO-O-O...OX..hol babe
Posted by: hol | November 13, 2007 at 02:26 AM
I truly know how hard it is to keep an tidy studio, it is impossible for me *grinning*! I always make an promise, that if i will keep the studio tidy after the cleaning, but never can keep it. I am thrilled to see these photos. The faerylights bring always more magic in a any place.
Delila
Posted by: sepia art studio | November 13, 2007 at 03:02 AM
Nina,
it looks wonderful and inviting. I too end up with a small square to work on and then at some point the need for order kicks in. During the process I always find objects or ideas I had forgotten I have. I hope you did too.
Posted by: Sarah | November 13, 2007 at 06:21 AM
This post left me smiling for your childlike glee and Christmas' morning attitude.
And these wonderful wonderful windows into your world just add more to the magic of YOU!
Posted by: Isabel | November 13, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Bravo!
Tidy or untidy, it's all fabulous!
Posted by: Lucy | November 13, 2007 at 07:33 AM
Love your blog. It is my favourite. Use it to jump start myself on my days off.I live in Ottawa, Canada and work part time outside and part time at home as an artist. Loved your studio process. Always feel good when my own wee space gets a little once over but it's impossible to be tidy and be creative I think. It's kind of like dieting though. Once people live their regular life again they sometimes put back on weight so I don't like to gush too much when they are at their slimest lest they feel bad with a pound or two back on. We don't want too much credit for tidy as it has to get messy in order to live and live I can tell you do in your own wonderful way. Very aware of each day. Wonderful to meet you via your blog. Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | November 13, 2007 at 07:41 AM
The purple tights must have done the job because it is BEAUTIFUL ... such an awesome place to work and you muse will surely live there all the time .... great job .... Linda F
Posted by: Linda Manning Findley | November 13, 2007 at 08:32 AM
bravo! i love your new studio. and those lights...what a great idea. my studio is the best room (to me) in the house. you deserve the best place in your house to create. now you'll do your best work ever.
Posted by: karen | November 13, 2007 at 08:49 AM
What a beautiful transformation - enjoy!
Posted by: Jeri | November 13, 2007 at 09:30 AM