Made the goal... funded to go!

I am closing in on finishing my seven trees to take to ArtPrize next week thanks to the generosity of so many of you through your Kickstarter donations. I will be at the Calder Building Plaza working in the shadow of a giant Calder sculpture one street over and am thrilled to be able to make such a strong statement having increased my original proposal of three trees to a forest of seven!  I have printed 10,000 cards to hand out and plan on having an on-site mini-workshop to teach my recycled plastic method. ( I'm hoping that will garner some votes at the event!) I have two schools working on making some pieces for me to incorporate when I arrive.  It's unnerving having the ultimate installation in flux with the added community input but I thrive on the unexpected. There is a spiritual letting go for me, leaving breathing room for what might happen in the moment. The attached video is my work in progress....

When I return I will jump right into The Festival of Trees showcase tree I have been commissioned to do. I will be holding workshops at Central Florida school groups to create this year's 'community collaborative.' If you know of a teacher or school who would like to be involved please feel free to contact me.

Dale's brush with the law, I love our Police Department, and as the song goes "God moves in a mysterious way....

.... His wonders to perform." 

I awakened this morning in an excited happy happy mood which makes me nervous because I always think someone is going to throw a stick into my bicycle wheel or crabapples into my rollerskates.  As of today I have lost THIRTY POUNDS on the rice diet.  I dared to try on an old pair of my favorite pants, straight-leg mustard yellow corduroys, and they fit!  My project is coming together beautifully and the sun is shining. It is Friday, which means in our neck of the woods it is also Recycle Day with bins overpouring with treasure out on the curb for trash-pickers like me.

And it was a glorious day, bountiful with 2 liter soda bottles and green Mountain Dew's despite the tobacco chewing household where I had to leave behind 2 makeshift spitoons, a large (2liter) and a small. I rounded a curve and stopped at a house that sorts! I lofted the white garbage bag full of water bottles into my van and clucked to myself as I stopped two doors down when I noticed in my rearview mirror a gentleman in a fancy black sedan talking with a woman in the bottle sorter driveway. "Should I turn around and thank them? Maybe I should bring them one of my bottle stoppers as a gift and tell them how much I appreciate their meticulous recycling." But when the black sedan started following me I became just a tad concerned. Was I going to be busted for trash stealing?

He passed by me at my next bin stop, rolled down his window, and mafia style said "You know you're not supposed to be doing this?" I replied cheerily "Oh, I'm and artist and I ..."  "I don't care. You are not supposed to be doing this and I am going to report you." I thought to myself "No, I don't know that I am not supposed to be doing this and until I do you can eat my dust" and drove on to my next loop of houses in the neighborhood several streets away. I had a hunch there were some 2 liters just waiting to be rescued.

To my surprise, Black Fancy Sedan had followed me. I was undaunted and continued to pick and find several 2 liter bottles including a green one. The black car pulled in across from me and he again rolled down his window: "I am going to report you to the police."  I shrugged and didn't react when he pulled out a weapon: his digital camera. If I had had my wits about me I would have striked a pose, but I hate having my picture taken so I just carried on picking the trash at that stop. He took second picture, of my license plate, got into his car and repeated: "I am going to report you to the police!"  I shrugged, which must have gotten under his skin because he added :"Don't let me see you in my neighborhood again!" to which I calmly replied:"It's my neighborhood too."

OK, so now I was rattled but I started thinking about the forces in the universe and how the forces for good sometimes invite confrontation from the forces for evil. Not that the man is evil, but after all, he could be feeding the homeless or something instead of stalking an art teacher and mother of four who has been in his neighborhood for over 30 years. I called my sunny friend with whom I had had the most cheerful, hope-filled, glorious conversation just before leaving for my crime spree. She reassured me and reminded me to be kind and a force of love and peace. I was a bit disappointed with the love and peace part. I wanted to post my rage on facebook and call the authorities. I'll call the Press. Heck, I could take a picture of his house! I slowed down, took a deep breath, and called John slobbering with tears. (I was the on slobbering in case there is any abiguity in that sentence.)

We decided I should call the police and explain that I am just an artist trying to serve the community, find out if what I did is in fact forbidden, and let them know that a man had followed me quite a distance, had threatened me, and had taken my picture. I figured it would be good to call while I was still sniffling and taking those weird short weepy breaths you take when you're upset. The nicest woman answered the non-emergency line, listened to my tale of woe, asked if I knew the address of Big Black Sedan and said she would send an officer to my home. I paced. I plotted. Maybe the will warn him. Ha! Then, my Bible started calling my name even though I was pretending not to hear, like you do when you are a kid and your mom is hollering for you to come in from playing.

I read my devotional and paused where it reads : "When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in you little world, relax and remember that circumstance cannot touch My Peace." So I prayed. I prayed knowing that God turns evil to good, just like my bottles turn trash into art. I prayed for the man and for peace between neighbors. I prayed that God would turn this evil into good in a not too painful way. I am wont to say "God only gives what He knows you can handle," and then quickly add "and I told Him from the get-go I can't handle much."

When the police car pulled into my driveway I went out to greet the officer. I was a little concerned that this might prompt him to draw his weapon. Once, when I got pulled over for running a red light (when I had a flat tire and was trying to get home before we were stranded) I started to get out of my van. In my day it was a show of respect. My kids were screaming at me "Mom, Mom, DON'T GET OUT OF THE CAR!" which didn't sink in until the officer started saying the same thing from his bullhorn. Not the "Mom, Mom" part. There was no relation. I digress.

I walked down my driveway as officer was just getting out of his vehicle. I thought about offering my wrists in surrender and saying "cuff me" but I was afraid it would be like joking that you have a bomb in an airport. He was on his cell phone saying reassuringly to the party on the other line :" That's OK. Don't let it ruin your day. I have to go. I'm at a house. But , seriously, don't let it ruin your day."  He hung up and I blathered "someone just told me the same thing!" boo hoo hoo. Actually, I didn't tear up until I started recounting to him my altercation with Big Black Sedan man. He admired my garden sculpture as I explained that I am supported by my community, that they sponsor me to do the work I do. That as I passed the elementary school this morning I thought to myself "They would have a lot of bottles. I need to contact the art teacher so her students can learn this thing that I do and participate in The Festival of Trees." I invited the officer in to see my trees for Grand Rapids and my upcoming installation at ArtPrize. It was worth every "upsetment' (a friend's coined word that I frequently invoke) to see the look on his face. It was a look of sheer wonder.

As I was explaining the black sedan incident,interspersed with my gushing excitement over my trees, his partner arrived. His look was more one of puzzled astonishment, the kind of face someone has when they open the door and people yell "surprise!"  I scrambled to turn the light on in my front studio so they could see the two completed trees in their full glory. " I am so excited to get to show it to you!"  I gushed to the officers. I wasn't kidding. Oh, I am so proud of this work.

In the end I found out that if someone puts something out at the street to be picked up it is free game. I confessed that I was not altogether sure that what I was doing was on the up and up, but that I have no criminal record.  They asked if I knew the address of Mr. Black Sedan but I did not, and John had warned about letting this escalate. We can't afford new tires if they get slashed. I offered to ride with them to talk to the residents of the house and try to clear the air, but they didn't think that would be a good idea. I guess showing up with two burly armed policemen doesn't evoke 'neighborly visit.'   While I didn't know the address, I was able to give them directions with street names which, for any of you who know me and my deft navigating skills, proves I have lived here for thirty years.  Then, my new found friends left to see if they could find Black Sedan and explain me and my not so unlawful ways.

As the first police officer, the 'don't let it ruin your day' officer, stepped of of my front porch a light when on in my head. I pointed to my sparkling garden sculpture and said "What I do is for the good,"  and added passionately "They are a symbol of hope, that something that was trash can be transformed into art." His face melted a little, like someone when they let out a sigh, and he said "do you have a business card?"  I went back inside and grabbed my card and a half-finished bottle stopper, offering it to him with the half-joking stipulationg that it  wouldn't be considered a bribe. I was in enough trouble already. "My wife will love it" he replied with a gentle smile, " and you have a good day. Call us if you need anything." I promised to 'like' the Altamonte Police Department on my facebook and waved good-bye as they rolled down my driveway and quietly out of our neighborhood.

Bonkers for Bentos...

As most of you know I have an obsessive personality and am easily excited, but for almost 2 years I have been researching adorable Japanese Bento boxes.  There is a great site Bentos.com that ships direct from Japan a wide range of bento products. Since I am on the rice diet (down 30 pounds thank you very much) I want to get a really cute lunchbox bento so I can create cute little lunches for myself the night before. I start Christmas shopping VERY early and want to get my four adult children and future SON-IN-LAW! boxes as gifts. I spent hours last night perusing the offerings and have narrowed it down to these two styles. Which do you like the best? I think I have to have BOTH!

My daughters and I have a tradition of Matroyshka dolls and these boxes hold more but...apparently these tiny ones are fun for snacks or taking hummus on picnics. Good grief, I don't even GO on picnics. If I get one of these I think I'll have to start. And how about these convertible chopsticks? Don't get me going....

13 days and $395 to go.... we're at the finish line!

Here's a link to the latest: Dale Wayne news... Almost to my goal! Yeee ha. If you can help I would so appreciate it. You can pledge on my Kickstarter Page.  I am so excited but a little nervous too. Kickstarter is an all or nothing deal so I need your help so I can make it to Grand Rapids with all my trees! Thanks in advance!

I'm working on using all the leftover caps to make mosaic bases for the trees, trailing up the trunks. I call it 'Candyland-chic.'

Two trees finished! Matching grant opportunity... doubles your donation up to $1000!

I love looking up through tree branches so I tried it out with my two completed pieces. It didn't disappoint.  The trees range in a spectrum from yellow to blue and orange to cool red. I am even more motivated because they are turning out so dreamy. I have them in my front studio/boutique and when I go in there I feel like I am in Candyland.

I still need sponsors for my journey to ArtPrize.  If you can help please visit my Kickstarter page. I only have 20 MORE DAYS TO GO! Every dollar you give will be matched by my secret admirer ( and it's not John... he makes no secret of his admiration.)

What's a lanyard and how do you spell it?

I have been so busy working on my ArtPrize recycled plastic installation that I haven't had much time to play in my studio.  My god-daughter just started teaching at a school that requires her to wear a nametag at all times so she asked if I could make her something.  I love what I came up with. It's so assymetrical and has just the slightest edgy vibe. I made a mold of a vintage cameo, cast it in copper, then incorporated it into the chain. The key is for knowledge of course, and the bird for free flying children. I am imagining students taking a tour of the lanyard, making up their own meanings to the charms.

Update on tree installation!

Only 26 days left to pledge on Kickstarter!

Thanks so much for helping fund my art installation at ArtPrize.  So far I have raised $490 but won't collect anything unless I get pledges for the full amount of $2,650. If you would like to participate in my environmentally happy escapade Click Here.

Everyone here is enjoying all glitter in the living room, or I should say 'tolerating' it. But it will all be worth it when I get all the trees finished.  In a little over a month I'll be loading up the van and heading to Grand Rapids. I am most excited by the hopeful message woven into the concept for this piece:

African American slaves brought with them a tradition of bottle trees. To capture evil spirits they hung colorful glass bottles from trees. Mesmerized by the colors, the spirits would get trapped, unable to escape the bottle. My tree is made of recycled plastic bottles, painted with color, and cut open. It represents a day when there are no evil spirits and when all spirits are free. I use trash as a medium in order to communicate the transforming power of creativity. What was discarded, worthless, is redeemed, becoming something not only tolerated, but treasured.


Save Caps and Bottles
A big hug to Pine Ridge Church for hosting a bottle cutting party.  I needed the man-power and the morale boost. Thanks also to all of you who have chased me down to hand me your recycled bottles! Please keep saving them for me. I have a NEW request. I am hoping to use  plastic caps of all sizes and colors for the bases. You can drop your contributions off at my home or at John's office: First Southern Bank at Lee Road and 17-92 next to Fleming's.
I am thrilled that people in Michigan are saving bottles for me and I have several teachers whose students are going to paint, cut, and deliver transformed bottles at the event and I plan for the  folks attending to get involved in the collaborative too!

Trees of Life Recycled: Plastic Installation, Grand Rapids Michigan

I am getting ready for my biggest installation to date!  John and I will be taking a road trip to his home state to participate September 21-October 9th along with 1700 other artists at ArtPrize, a huge art event where 250,000 visitors cast votes for favorite pieces. I am so excited about my entry based on the ancient tradition of 'bottle trees' and plan for the public to participate during the event by making recycled floral elements on-site to add to my trees. I am honored that The Calder Plaza Building chose my entry for their venue. I will be working practically in the shadow of a giant Calder sculpture!

I need your help!  Please pledge to Kickstarter, a fund-raising site where I am offering fun gifts based on my recycled plastic for your participation. On Kickstarter you can see a slide show of my plans for Grand Rapids.

The latest:

 My glitter samples that arrived the other day. I am trying them out sparingly.  I love glitter so much it is REALLY hard not buying all the colors. The iridescents are my favorites.They fueled my inspiration to drive through the neighborhood on recycle day and pick through the bins set out on the streets of Altamonte Springs. I wore a dress so as not to look too suspicious. It was early but I figured I would draw attention to myself if I stayed in my pajamas.  In the hot and muggy 90 degree heat my glasses kept fogging up as I hopped in and out of my mini-van stopping when I spied a good stash of 2 liter bottles. I had to make a quick get-away when the garbage truck caught up with me, but I was ready with my over-used excuse that works every time: "Don't mind me. I am an artist." 

Fallow time... a place of inspiration.

Years ago I read that people need fallow time to rejuvenate just like soil needs it. I rotate between writing, gardening, glass work, and design with some vegging in-between.  Ironically, lately my 'fallow' time has been planting time. Dale Chihuly was inspired by his mother's flower garden and I (who like to call myself 'the other Dale') love digging in the dirt. Just the smell of the first handful of soil when I get started could inspire a design series, with its layers of  scents reminiscent of tobacco, mushroom, and  moss, almost like a wine. If you would like to tour my garden, I invite you to my facebook garden tour!

Leather and Rhinestone Wrap Bracelet!

Obstacles always inspires creativity.  With silver prices out the roof I decided to play with leather strips and rhinestone chain that I treated with patina. Tough bling, right?  If you look closely at the mirror effects glass you can see my camera. Now THAT'S shiny!

Wedding Bracelet

I was invited to a bridal shower and asked to bring something I find indispensable.  I made this pearl and sterling bracelet with love bird charm.  I think glass is a must, don't you?

How to make floral arrangements out of plastic bottles!

Here is my latest article on plastic bottles if you are inspired to DIY floral arrangements!

Here are two that I did for my brother's upscale Asian fusion restaurant.

To come: Photos of my chandelier installation at the Orlando Museum of Science where I was a visiting artist for Earth Day.

Table for One Necklace

I got the sillies when I found this miniature flatware.  I might just have to wear this puppy out to dinner tonight!

Make your own earrings out of recycled plastic!

My friends at Cool Tools just posted my tutorial on how to make recycled earrings like these. Give it a try. It's easy and great fun!

It's Not Easy Being Green...or is it?

I love this vintage carved glass cameo I found and set in a thin band of sterling silver.  She is set among delicate ivory and absynth greens that are reminiscent of the first signs of spring. I incorporated green freshwater pearls and a vintage rose, along with strands of freshwater pearls and peridot. There is something hopeful, happy, and calm in the expression of the cameo's face that fits the feel of the rest of this piece.

$325

Vintage Bling Makes My Heart Sing

Including vintage pins and clips in my newest pieces brings an unexpected depth. In this piece I coupled the old world richness with the traditional touch of pearls and tiny semi-precious stones. I think my glass looks so happy dancing from the sterling silver chain!

$325

Spring Show April 9th, Personalize for Mother's Day

Spring Show April 9th
From 10-1 before out Tree of Life Workshop begins I will have an open house for you to come and shop, shop, shop! Consider personalizing an item Mother's Day with an initial ($15) or your child's fingerprints made into a silver charm($20). Simply choose your embellishment or let me take a mold of your child's fingerprint and come back at the end of the day for the addition. (Or Contact me for a custom order. Consider birthstone color, favorite color, children's prints, or monograms.)

25% Off, Now until April 1st, No foolin'

Spring Sale No Foolin'
Simply enter code APRIL25 to your on line order and receive 25 % off of your entire jewelry order from now until April Fool's Day!  With Mother's Day around the corner and spring in the air I thought it was a good time to test out my computer skills and by George I think I've got it. Simply enter the code at check out to get the discount. (Does not apply to workshops or recycled wine stoppers and floral... but it does apply to ALL THE JEWELRY!)  If an item is sold, please allow two weeks for me to make a comparable though not identical (thank goodness no two are alike) item. Happy spring and happy shopping!
 
Still a few spots open in Tree of Life Workshop

Next Workshop: April 9th
1-4pm
In celebration of arbor day we will be making Tree of Life pendants and/or earrings.  We'll use 9 grams of Precious Metal Clay to make either a large pendant, or a smaller one with matching earrings using a collage technique I developed using Precious Metal Paper. While our pieces are firing we will enjoy a lovely 'spot of tea!'  Then we will patina and polish, and thread your pendant on a sterling silver chain and add sterling ear wires to your earrings. $85 Register on line!

Teacher, Mother's Day, or any day gift idea!

Last year's second-grade class commissioned this necklace for their teacher.  I am so tickled with how well the little fingerprint with student initial charms came out.  The teacher's daughter made the silver rose button charm, and we added amethyst chain, the recipient's birth stone.  I love customizing for special occasions and am so honored to be called upon to commemorate anniversaries and birthdays.  I am going to write a tutorial on this project. In fact, with Mother's Day approaching, I think my mom needs a necklace her grand children's fingerprints all over it.

Plum Delicious!

I am so glad a friend asked for more purple! I love the little vintage cameo peeking out from under the chain. The amethyst chain frames is the perfect backdrop for all the playful dangles. Hope you like it as much as I do. 

$325