Oh You Know… Just Taking Care of the Details

Yep, I’m spending the ‘DAY’ doing things I tend to shy away from and kinda dread... (just a little).  Okay, maybe a LOT. * organizing my photo files * resizing photos and images  * updating my website * creating a new banner * reformatting my blog + finding my way around it again because it seems every time I open it things have changed * etc. * etc. 

Thank heavens for Pandora! I’m listening to the ‘Amy Winehouse' station. It’s the best mix of new and super, groovy-old. Between you/me, I think I’m still mourning her passing. I couldn’t tackle all of these projects without good tunes... and of course having the amp turned to eleven.

unknown artist

So… Check it!
Lots of new improvements to the blog - Lot’s more techy-stuff to do, but for now..  Yay!

In the meantime, this painting is currently on exhibit at Studio 12 Gallery

in Denver, though August 17^th.

'Colors of Abiquiu'

This painting makes me think of the high-desert, New Mexico landscape that was such an inspiration to the lovely Georgia O'Keefe. If you'd like a little refresher, here's a great link that will provide a brief history and insight to this progressive artist and pioneering woman.

:Friday Feature: and Special Promos Are Launched On My Facebook Page

Yep! Go ahead and say it... 

I want THAT!

October 14th launched the first :Friday Feature: on my blog,
CARLENTINI DESIGNS : jewelry & art!


Each week I will feature a different piece of jewelry – and each week there will be a different discount/promotional offer associated with the featured design.


:Friday Feature: 'Durango Sun'  (Oct 14th)


If you LOVE it and you can’t live without it – buy it NOW while it’s on sale!!  The sale only lasts a week.


:Friday Feature: 'Blooming Building'  (Oct 21st)


If you think the design is perfect for your BFF (or other), share the post with them and enourage them to become a fan of CARLENTINI’s FB page. If they love the :Friday Feature: and purchase it, they will not only receive this one of a kind design offered at the promotional price, but YOU will also receive the same discount on your next purchase – just tell them to let me know who referred them to my site and I will email a coupon code and info to you as a thank you. How fun is that?! It’s a WIN-WIN for everyone!

So go ahead and give in to the impulse – I want that! Remember the promo only lasts a week.

Tell your Mom, tell your Man and your Sweetheart, and of course tell your BFF to become a fan of CARLENTINI DESIGNS : jewelry & art.

Some might say it really is the ultimate..

‘Friends with Benefits'

for more information on Carlentini Jewelry, please visit my website

Taking the e-Course, Flying Lessons, and how I met Kelly Rae Roberts !!

Flying Lessons online e-Course

We can all use a tune-up once in a while, and some good girlfriend advice – and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m taking Kelly Rae Robert’s e-Course, Flying Lessons. It’s a 5-week online course that provides tips, solid advice, and inspiration about growing your creative business. It’s day 5 and my head is spinning - - in a good way.

Kelly encourages you to listen to the whispers in your head, the voices that inspire you to be creative. I have been listening to my whispers to live a creative life for some time – as long as I can remember really. In fact, I’m not quite sure if there has ever been a time that I didn’t listen… but there were many times I tried to shush them, stop dreaming, and follow what other people said you were suppose to do - get a responsible J–O–B.

Meeting Kelly Rae Roberts

It seems it was fate that invited me in… keeping me energized and inspired... to push me past the hurdles. This is what led me to learn more about Kelly Rae, her positive outlook, and how she encourages others to accomplish their dreams and to be who they are supposed to be. Or maybe it wasn’t ‘fate’. Maybe it was my mother's quiet presence reassuring me to move forward. She was always my biggest cheerleader. I still feel like she’s a strong force in my creative destiny for sure.


I have been reading creative blogs for a long time and I’m not sure how I didn’t discover Kelly Rae and fall into her allure a while ago. It has only been in the past year. Weird, right? Timing really IS everything. So here’s the low-down on how we met. ;-)


I was working at an art gallery last summer. The whispers in my head to get back to my creative life were getting incredibly loud – suffocating really. I stepped out during my break to pick up chocolate bars for our afternoon snacking. (The girls at the gallery and I loved to indulge in really good chocolate). A new display of greeting cards was set out near the register. While I waited to pay for my items a card jumped out at me... I mean, it asked me to take it home. So I bought it. I had no idea who the artist was... nor did I really care. But I did appreciate the simple, thoughtful, folk-like simplicity of the image of three girls on the front flap.

This is a copy of Kelly Rae's card that I purchased

I’m not a shopper. I don’t own a lot of shoes. I don’t collect things. But, I do treasure images - - of all kinds. I love to be inspired and I have accumulated a ton of artists postcards, fabric and tile samples, photos of who knows what, business cards that are thoughtfully designed, magazine pages w/ classic photos of the life of Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, beehive hairdos, children of the sixties and VW’s. I just love them all. And so it was... I added this charming card to my collection.

Did I mention while working at the gallery my whispers were YELLING at me. It’s time to move on! Take the risk! Do what you love! Make time for your creative dreams!  I loved working at the gallery... but I couldn’t think straight with all this hollering and pressure. I realized I needed to give notice at the gallery and I needed to figure out my game plan for reenergizing my business again. After knee surgery it had literally been put on hold (couldn’t manage the stairs = my studio was collecting dust). I began looking for creative business books on amazon – something to inspire me and put all the yelling in my head into action. A couple books caught my eye, one of which was Kelly Rae’s book, Taking Flight. I bought it and then totally forgot about it.

I am a super happy person… like all the time. On my dad’s side I have a large Italian family, everyone is happy, loves food, they tell great stories, and they laugh a lot so I guess I was just born that way – happy. One of my days off from the gallery I wasn’t feeling happy… just feeling down, overwhelmed, and anxious about rebuilding my creative life. I walked my dog Jetson and then poked my head in the mailbox. Oooo... a package! Still feeling out of sorts and really kind of sad... I made some tea, crawled back into bed an opened my box. OMG... it was THAT book that I ordered! It was the perfect, inspirational gift to receive on such a melancholy day. I opened the first page, read it, got sucked into Kelly Rae’s charming words and devoured the entire book that afternoon. It wasn’t until I finished did I put two and two together… she is the artist that painted that card I bought! Was it a crazy coincidence, a fluke – or was it something MORE?! I believe it was destiny – the stars were aligning because the voices in my head, and in my heart, were too loud to shush. I am happiest when I am in control of my own destiny and dreams; happiest when I put paint to the canvas and when I create my 'small works of art' – my jewelry, Carlentini Jewelry. This is where I am meant to be.

So this is how we met – Kelly Rae and me. And after reading and consuming all of her blog posts late at night we have now become friends. Thank you Kelly Rae – for helping me to have the courage to push past the uncertainty, to stay inspired and excited about what the future holds, and for introducing me to your e-Course, Flying Lessons. I’m thrilled to be a part of a creative community who is pushing past their fears to live a creative life, openly sharing ideas and opinions to find balance in their lives, to create art and to follow their dreams, while inspiring their children, family and friends.

'Pour your heart and all your energy into selling your art

one small step, and one goal at a time.'

AMEN sister! 
(Thanks Kelly Rae)

Flora Bowley, 'Bloom True' Painting at The Makerie Retreat

Pinch me.. pinch me… I’m painting with Flora !!

'There are no mistakes'

'Trust your painting - you're already an artist'

'Paint with wild abandoment'

Following a few morning yoga poses in the sun, under the majestic views of the Flatirons, Flora Bowley began our painting workshop at The Makerie, encouraging us to have an open heart to the experience and to boldly paint with wild abandonment. There are no mistakes.

Flora's painting during the beginning of the day

We dripped, dashed, dotted, layered and washed bold colors of paint on the canvas, intuitively taking each painting through the process and allowing the composition to unfold naturally.

Flora adds more color and layers to her painting

Flora’s workshop was exhilarating and by far one of my most memorable experiences. Her supportive teaching style is both personable and brazen, pushing each of us to courageously paint without fear. We felt free!

My 'Bloom True' painting

Yes, I’d have to say I’m smitten too. Thanks Flora for a terrific afternoon and for reconnecting me to my BFF, Inspiration. As I've mentioned before, she is an awesome force.

Check out Flora's website for more information

and her upcoming teaching schedule !

The Makerie: A creative retreat

Remember the days when you were young and life was all about paint, glitter, glue, s’mores and hanging with your best girlfriends?  Ali Dejohn of Boulder has resurrected those magical, creative moments in The Makerie, a creative weekend retreat hosted in beautiful Chautauqua / Boulder, Colorado.

The view of the FlatIrons from Chautauqua Park, where the event was held

I had the pleasure of volunteering for this fabulous event, which was held in April.  Can I tell you..?!!  I had champagne bubbles inside and couldn’t sleep I was so excited! 

When I found out about The Makerie I contacted Ali and mentioned to her that I would love to get involved – in any way. I was thrilled when she invited me to help out. What a great group of women and what a blast we all had!  This was the first time I met Ali, who is a total doll. As it turns out, she and I know similar circles of amazing women from the area, which just added to the great connection.

Don't you love this pic of Ali?!



: :  Tell me about all the fun!  : :

(photo by Linda Winski)

 

‘The Makerie is a creative retreat weekend in Boulder, CO, designed to lovingly nurture the creative spirit in all of us. It is full of amazing creative/crafting workshops (i.e. knitting, painting, block printing, pattern making, photography etc...) and is for anyone who wants to be creative or try something totally new in a supportive and loving environment. In addition to the classes, we offer wake-up yoga &/or hiking, as well as healthy, organic & local (where possible) yummy foods as part of the weekend so everyone feels cared for all around. Think of it like summer camp for adults (but in April!) & a weekend with no cooking or cleaning or errands, just creating & playing! People have the chance to stay in cozy cottages, eat communal meals together & simply be part of a fun, creative community for a few days.’ (this was taken from an interview with Ali; paper anniversary)

Here a few memories from the weekend festivities!

Pick a pinecone !!

Sweet messages are on the back of these nature souvenirs - an inspirational mantra for your wkend. (ie, get artsy, have an open heart, feel inspired)

Lunch just rolled in!
Literally.. on four wheels - it's our fav, The Comida Truck

It's about making new friends and grabbing some yummy lunch from the Comida truck! Women participated from all over the country, to include Canada! So much fun!!

Can you see me?  It's Amy Krouse Rosenthal..

‘Find the crevasses in your busy life, fill them with what inspires you’
‘Make the most of your time here’

Wow! Amy Krouse Rosenthal kicks off the Opening Ceremony via Skype. We were all SO inspired and touched by her presentation, along with the kind words from Ali, and the instructors who have arrived from all over the country to share their artsy wisdom.

Can you feel the creative enegy?!

Exciting things are happening in Flora Bowley’s ‘Bloom True’ class, as the women paint with ‘wild abandonment’. 

Creative colors bask in the sun

I happened to pass by these fabulous paintings drying.  They’re not finished yet.. This is just the first layer of paint. Love it!

Beep..Beeeep!!

The Cozy Bean greets us first thing Sunday morning for a welcome cup of java before shopping at The Makerie Market, hosted by Firefly Handmade.

Did you miss The Makerie this year?

Don’t miss it next year! Grab your girlfriends and come join the fun!

The Makerie, April 19 - 22, 2012



New Computer, New Blog, New Life

It's May and I'm finally checking in to my blog. What is that all about? It has been on my radar since January...

Where the heck have I been?
Last year Coop and I realized there was no way we could be summer-festivarians. I had knee surgery and the recovery was coming along great, (no more running allowed) but I was still in no shape to coordinate set-up, tear-down, or stand for long lengths of time. Art shows were out!

I accepted a part-time position at a gallery on Pearl St, in Boulder. SOOOO excited! It is my fav gallery here, Art + Soul Gallery.


Art + Soul Gallery

I died and had gone to heaven. I was so thrilled I immediately started painting! Seriously.. it was this crazy/awesome energy - and something I had put off for way too long. I always said... 'After the next art show', I'll start a new illustration or painting, 'After the next boutique order', blah-blah-blah... It's just terrible how life moves past you and you continue to put your passions on the back burner.

Meet Winston!
Our customer service specialist and front door greater!

Anyway, loved the gallery, LOVED the women I worked with.. man, they are awesome ladies for sure, LOVED Winston (and miss him), loved the art and the artists, and all the great experiences.. but my business suffered, and I missed my creative life.

I had been in touch with a friend, and artist, Monica Soeldner.

I love this photo of her

I mentioned to her my creative frustration and that I was literally going to burst if I didn't get back to my creative roots. She said it all and it was perfect - 'One thing I have learned this past year is that it's so huge to build a creative community - - find your tribe of supportive, creative, like-minded people, and get involved'. Funny how we know these things, but actually hearing it, and hearing it at that exact, wonderful moment when you really need to listen is SO huge. That was IT - there was no stopping me.

This was January and things were going to change. I sadly (and gladly) gave notice at the gallery. I got reconnected to the boutiques I had built relationships with (they have been so kind and patient) and I hit the studio hard. I got online and started planning out my summer season of art shows, applied and was thrilled to be juried in. Yay! My creative destiny was already starting to take shape for 2011. I also made a commitment to myself to stay more connected to the online artist community that I love, to blog more (here I AM!), to volunteer in the art community, to 'find my tribe' and to live a creative life.

As Amy Krouse Rosenthal so beautifully reminds us..

'make the most of your time here'

It's time to paint and fire up the torch!

Don't you love the energy that the new year brings.
Just the best.

What change have you committed to?

2009 Photo Review

FFFeeeuuu...
Thank heavens for 2010! It seems I'm terribly behind with everything. Not to worry, I tell myself.. knee surgery is behind me.. I can get up/down the stairs.. and I'm back in the studio.

No time to update the blog just yet..

Here is a 2009 photo review

In memory of our good friend Jeff

LOVE these girls! (Chris & Kristen)

In memory of my sweet Italian Aunt (dad and Aunt Sarah)
Don'tcha just love this pic - they are cracking up!!

Good times for Mel's Birthday! (me, Mel & Jen)
A murder mystery/ghost tour through Boulder
on a crazy hippy bus (w/ just a little sangria..)
Banjo Billy's Bus Tour
http://www.banjobilly.com/

My cousin's Colleen & Steve come to CO for a visit

Dinner party at my place (Marleen, Sandy, Kristen)
Hhhmm.. what gorgeous jewelry they're wearing

Hiking with my boys (Coop & Jetson)

Bob and Mary get MARRIED !!

Sandy (and Flower) on the Arkansas River in Salida, CO

Last art show of the summer season!
Monica and I had booths next to ea other and had such a fun wkend!
She's a mixed media artist from Denver.
(Coop surprised me with her sweet painting)


The silly boy !!

What a way to end the year.
Marleen, Sandy and I celebrate Sandy's birthday at Shoshoni Yoga Retreat in Rollinsville, CO
http://www.shoshoni.org

Here's to having fun in 2010
Happy New Year !!