My New Summer Classes At The Castle

Decoupage Glass Plate

Learn the fascinating technique of glass decoupage using a six-inch round plate as the object for embellishment. As part of the class, you’ll learn how to use an Epson printer/scanner as a fabulous tool for collaging. The printer/scanner enables you to preserve your originals, convert them into waterproof images, and easily manipulate the size. Elisabeth will bring hers in for you to experiment with. You’ll learn about the right glue, the preferred paper, and the inks to successfully collage on glass. Fee: $75; includes materials, but feel free to bring in some images of your own (no larger than 8½” x 11” inches). Tuesday, June 22, 6pm–9:30pm Sign up here Printing On Fabric Learn the essential skills for successfully printing on fabric in this one-day intensive class. In the morning, Elisabeth will cover design and the use of transfer techniques that don’t require drawing skills. You’ll use these skills to design and carve your own simple stamp from buttery soft rubber. In the afternoon, Elisabeth will discuss the differences in designing stamps and stencils, then teach you techniques for cutting your own stencils. She’ll also describe how to use both your stamps and stencils on other surfaces, including paper and even walls. There will be plenty of extra fabric for you to practice on and a set of two tea towels for you to take home. Feel free to bring any pre-washed, light colored cotton or linen fabric, such as a set of napkins or a tee-shirt, to stamp. Fee: $95; includes materials.Limit: 10 students. Sunday, August 22, 11am–5pm Sign up here

Valentina's music performance

My daughter had her music performance yesterday. She sang the R'n"B classic "Sitting on the dock of the bay", as well as played the instrumental version of "Hoppipolla" by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. Sound quality could be better, but I filmed this with my iPhone.


"Sitting on the dock of the bay" by Otis Redding


"Hoppipola" by Sigur Ros

Lovely textures: ruffles and lace

I came across this new Bristish designer Erdem Moralioglu, simply known as 'Erdem'. He is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and won the prestigious Fashion Fringe Award in 2005. I love his use of lace and ruffle to create texture. He also does awesome prints.
On a visit to Bloomingdale's Valentina and I fell in love with this gorgeous ruffly/feathery skirted Diane Von Furstenberg dress, that I included as the last image, because it also plays successfully with texture. Now reading up on Erdem I find out that he worked with Diane Von Furstenberg for a year. They obviously share some design principles.

Valentina would look beautiful in this Diane Von Furstenberg dress. I love the juxtaposition of a simple tee-shirt dress with the ruffly-feathery skirt. On closer inspections we saw that this skirt was created out of many, many narrow leaf shaped , frayed organza pieces - just amazing!

Crafty Inspirations

Paper Quiling Mosaic


Lacy Cupcake Liners



Paper Rosette

Happy Mother's Day

I spent a lovely Mother's Day. My mother had sent me a yummy sounding recipe from Dr. Andrew Weil a couple of days ago. I knew that this is what I had to cook for her on Mother's Day. So for lunch I cooked today Dr. Weil's orange glazed salmon fillets, asparagus risotto, roasted beets, feta and spinach salad and for dessert crepes Suzette with strawberries.
Like every year I also made a card for my mom, which you can see above. It was interesting to try and bring some more dimension to my cards. It took me a while to figure out how to construct it and reminds me a bit of a pop-up book construction.
In the morning my daughter presented an amazing drawing to me, that you can see underneath. True to her beautiful pen and ink style she created another mysterious picture that reminds me of situations in a dream.
We also had a wonderful time in the kitchen together. She helped me cook the Mother's Day lunch and entertained me with cool music from her iPod. I wish all Sundays could be Mother's Day... days filled with the creativity and sensuality of making art, cooking food and enjoying each others company.