May
17
2010
I’ve been heading out to the garden every Monday morning for the past six weeks to take pictures. It not only serves to sharpen my photography skills (practice makes perfect), but also allows me to look for the beauty on my property rather than just seeing the undone chores. Since I’m a very undisciplined blogger I thought that posting the pictures here as well would get me here at least once a week!
Today is an overcast, drizzly day…perfect for garden photography. We are in a “Mediterranean” climate and are fortunate to be able to grow many Mediterranean plants as well as plants from Australia and New Zealand. There are many beautiful natives to the Sierra Nevadas as well. As in gardens everywhere, there is always something blooming in the springtime…
Maureen
1 comment | tags: bottlebrush, california, coral bells, daisy, flannel bush, flowers, garden, hummingbird, maureen thomas, plants | posted in Color, Gardening, Inspiration, Photography, The Blog Itself
May
14
2010

Polymer pendants
My local polymer clay guild,
Clayville California, issued a challenge to create something “stackable” from polymer clay for our May meeting. After several ideas failed to pan out I decided to make some pendants from polymer beads that ended up looking like a cross between stones and sea glass. I love playing with color and this provided the perfect opportunity to mix and match and come up with some unusual combinations. I had so much fun that it resulted in the
Stakt Series.
I likely wouldn’t have made these pendants had it not been for the challenge (and the deadline). Lesson learned: if feeling creatively stuck, bored, or stifled try challenging yourself or your guild. The challenge can be very specific or as broad as a shape or color. Hopefully, you’ll strain your brain a bit and explore a technique you’ve been meaning to try or perhaps you’ll come up with something totally new!
Thanks, Clayville!!!
no comments | tags: Art Challenge, Clayville California, Inspiration, jewelry, maureen thomas designs, Polymer Clay, wearable art | posted in Art Challenge, Inspiration, New Work, Polymer Clay, jewelry
May
7
2010
It’s supposed to be a lovely Mother’s Day weekend in the Sacramento area. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend (May 8-9, 2010), check out the El Dorado Hills Art & Wine Affaire at the El Dorado Hills Town Center. A chance to check out the creations of 200 local artists, listen to some live music, and taste wine from 20+ El Dorado County wineries!
I’ll be at booth 81 so stop by and say hello!
no comments | tags: art event, el dorado hills, maureen thomas, maureen thomas designs, mother's day, wine tasting | posted in Art Exhibit, Events, Polymer Clay, jewelry