Celebrating Wax, Wool and Metal

Kicked off the holiday season with a great group of artists this past Friday. It was a super fun evening at Laura Tyler Studio as a part of First Friday Holiday Art Fair event, in the NoBO Art District in Boulder, CO. 

First Friday / Holiday Art Fair in NoBo Art District

Friday, December 7, 2012

Thank you to all the lovely friends, art lovers, and new friends that came out to support us – it was a terrific evening and I really enjoyed meeting everyone.

Here we are!
(Laura, Andy, me, Cindy and )

 

Meet The Artists !

Laura Tyler

Artist, Encaustic painter, Documentary film maker

Learn more about her gorgeous paintings, the workshops she offers and get an intimate peak into her busy studio...located in the NoBo Art District.

 



'One-Hundred Flowers' , by Laura Tyler

 

 

Great interactive demos by Laura

 





Christy Nix

Christy Nix is an artist and art lover who specializes in needle felting. Her whimsical ornaments are inspired by woodland dwellers, real and imagined.

Close-up of a cutie



Charming hand felted ornaments by Christy Nix

Andy Schwarz

Andy Schwarz is co-founder of the Boulder based honey company Backyard Bees. His 100% beeswax candles are made with Backyard Bees' locally produced, hand-filtered beeswax.
 

 



Incredible detail in Andy's work...
AND the best part is wax comes from their hives!

Catherine Pistone

Yep, that's ME. I'm a painter, illustrator and jewelry artist.

This little pretty has sold, but thank you for asking.

No paintings; Tonight I featured new jewelry designs. I also hosted a holiday jewelry drawing during the evening for a complimentary necklace. I'm thrilled to announce that Erica F, from Boulder is the winner! (Congrats Erica!) But... The best part about announcing this to her, was receiving an email back from her to let me know that she won her sweet lil prezzie ON her birthday - LOVE that!

Thanks again to all the lovely people who attended - it was a super, fun evening.

Happy Holidays! Much love, Cath.  :)

 

Two NEW Paintings up on the web!

Yep, I’ve been busy in the studio. Not to worry, I haven’t abandoned my jewelry side; I’m just wrapping up a few canvases and a few other arty projects in preparation for the new Etsy shop. Yay!! I’m trying so hard to stay on track and I feel like I’m already a week behind. I caught some silly cold and can’t seem to muster up the energy to work on my Due-Date-List. (Such a bummer –  I don’t like to waste time. I mean, these are my dreams were talking about, right?) So here I am, in bed, coughing up a lung and sipping tea, with my sweet puppy at my feet, worrying that I need to do SOMETHING!

I thought I’d let you in on what’s going on over here. Like I mentioned, it’s been BUSY with lots of great goals on the horizon. My next goal is to get the Etsy shop up in the month of October with a few gifty-gift items – I’m super excited btw. After that I’ll switch gears and work on new jewelry designs for the boutiques and the web in time for the holidays. I know!! I have a lot to do. Plus, remember in between all the fun arty stuff, I’m up late at night designing new marketing materials, ordering more business cards, applying to shows and exhibits, working on admin junk that I avoid (filing receipts, QuickBooks entries, yadda-yadda) + reading blogs, surfing the web and staying excited about the things I love; art history, the current art and design scene, and travel – all good stuff that keeps me inspired. The point being is there is a lot to do – Always! But I love it ALL!

..........................................................................

 

So here are the new paintings:

This one is ‘Roses are...’

 

Roses are...

This painting is one of the smallest paintings I’ve ever done. It’s 14x14. I started it this summer while on vacation, specifically because the canvas is a nice travel size. I won’t lie to you, I struggled with this one. I don’t typically paint small and I have to say I found it challenging. Must do more and get past that. J

This painting is ‘Seasonal Improv’.

 

Seasonal Improv

It’s late September in Colorado now and the change of seasons is on the forefront of our minds. This painting was definitely influenced by this change.  I purposefully draw the viewer’s attention to the right corner. By painting with bright colors I feel I invite you in to look into the past, celebrating the seasons of spring / summer and meadows of bright wildflowers. The warm mountain breeze begins to change to cool winds, symbolized by the circles, bringing in colder temperatures and loss of leaves on the trees, and eventually the snow begins to fall.

Thanks for taking a peak into my world. Hopefully I get over this cold, like today, cause it seems I need to work all weekend to make up for lost-sicky-time.

 

Enjoy your weekend.

xoxo

Getting Outta Town - It does a body good!

I'm not sure if you're aware, but this is the FIRST summer in 6 or 7 years that I have not participated in summer art shows. (well, except for the summer I worked at the gallery)

My hubby, Coop, is the principal of a school in Denver and let me tell you... He has his work cut out for him. It's a struggling school, the kids AND the community NEED him; he works constantly, noon and night on their behalf. Seriously, give some love to your kiddo's teachers and administrators; they work HARDER than you'll know. And while I'm on my soapbox, take a moment to tell them how you appreciate them; let them know you care, etc. Do you know that one of the only times teachers and principlas hear from you, the parents, is when you want to gripe; never realizing how passionate the school is about your kids, their future, the school and community? Your educators sincerely put in grueling hours and really want to make a difference. The way I look at it, if you have a concern, or a problem, (and of course you should, it's your child's education), first, it's important to change your approach and secondly, consider providing positive feedback, ideas and solutions along with it. Just think how much better you'll feel and you'll be amazed at the response you'll receive from your teacher, coach, secretary, or principal.

Coop hosted a motivational event for his teachers.
I made similar inspirational cards like these for The Makerie Creative Retreat
so I decided to duplicated the idea for his event. 

 

Ok, can you tell I'm hurting for my man? He is so kind and so dedicated, but he gets pulled through the wringer - coming from every direction.

So now that I've had a moment to speak'n release...(thanks, I guess I needed that) :)

Because his schedule was SO hectic and he worked so many long hours + barely had a summer break - we made the family decision to forego summer art shows. Yes, this is how I meet most of my new clients, and yes, this is a large part of my biz income... And... Coop and I really enjoy doing them. We love meeting the new artists every season, and we love meeting all the customers and travelers who come from all over to visit Colorado. It is super fun. But ye know... sometimes a girls-gotta-do-what-a-girls-gotta do. Support her man. He needed a break and we needed time together.

The kids were done with school the end of May, but a summer program was placed in Coop's school for the month of June - so he worked until June 29th. During the final week we took care of details, got the car packed, the puppy-dog ready, and we high-tailed it out of town the morning of Sat, June 30th for a sunny road-trip,and some much need R&R. Awesome! Crested Butte, Colorado - here WE come!



I've been known to road-trip with a few Red Vines and Tootsie-Pops.
Some how it makes singing in the car sound that much better.



Crested Butte is one of our fave small towns in Colorado; great restaurants, amazing hiking and fly fishing, good people, LOTS of bikes (mountain, road and especially vintage cruisers), all rolled up into one happy, pretty, little, hippy town.

Just a few townies showed up on their bikes to hear some outdoor music under the mountains and stars.
Did I say they have a few bikes in the Butte? LOVE it!

Mt Crested Butte, right in town.

 

A view of the Maroon Bells, from the other side of Aspen/Snowmass

 

And CB is doggy-friendly. Jetson, our dog, had a BLAST, meeting new buddies over morning coffee, on the trail and during the outdoor concert we attended.

 

*Also, if you ever get the chance to visit... Listen to me now... THIS is important!

You MUST stop by Third Bowl Ice Cream. It is seriously the BEST ice cream you have ever had! We don't typically eat dessert, but we wandered over to this super-friendly, crazy-yummy place ever night just to try all the creative flavors. (The couple who own Third Bowl had just opened it the week we were there - how lucky were we?!)

 

The cute boy; having so much fun!

 

And Coop...??  He finally got to breath.  

 



THAT's my man. Doesn't he look SO happy on the river?

 

 

Here's a few fun pics:

  

My outdoor studio next to the river = FUN!

 

 

 

One morning we hiked Rustler's Gulch Trail - amazing 360 views!!

 

 



Jetson thinks that was just the BEST hike EVER!!

 

I don't know what next summer has in store for me and my normal,

busy schedule of shows - but I do know I'm so glad I took a break THIS year.

 

It was a summer to remember!

Mentoring Small Hands

I recently had the pleasure of mentoring a budding artist, Ella. Can we say… 'enthusiastic', 'happy' and 'confident' ? - - -  and she's 10! Plus, she's a ton of fun to hang out with.

This summer she wanted to learn a few jewelry techniques. Once a week she'd ride her bike over and we would hang out in my studio learning new ways to connect her pretty collection of beads. We’d spend our time together gabbing about her friends, summer pool parties and sleep-overs, (fun girl-stuff), all the while designing and crafting thoughtful gifts for her friends, her mom and her sister. It was a blast.

Along with jewelry making, Ella has a few other crazy, creative tricks up her sleeve – she sews with her mom, she draws, paints, dances and performs - - AND she sells some of her crafty creations at a local artisan boutique, The Design Garage. How cool is THAT?!  What a great way for her to learn about the business side of her passions – plus she is very fortunate to have such a supportive group of friends and family cheering her on.

All I can say is…

Watch out New York art scene – here comes ELLA!

(green & pink are two of her faves)

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)