Sylvia Anderson

Tinsel & Treasures Update!

2009-07-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Show of Friends
I can't wait for the Second Annual Tinsel and Treasures Show , Sept. 12, in our new location in Alamo, CA. I call many of these talented women friends and can't wait to meet the new faces who have been added this year! But the big news is that a new blog for the show was unveiled today!

TinselandTreasures.typepad.com features two of the show artists, Susan Bartolucci of Tinsel and Whimsy and Sally Case . You'll learn more about them and even find a few pictures of the talented craftsmanship that goes into their unique art. After you read a little about them, visit their blogs to see the latest news coming from their studios.

You'll also find the show line up on the new Tinsel and Treasures blog. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for the blog e-newsletter in the left column. Every week until the show, two more artists will be featured, complete with photos and interesting tidbits. Plus, you may even get a sneak peek at some of the art that will be available for purchase that day. Plan to be there early too to get the best selection!

Look forward to seeing you Sept. 12, 9 am - 2 pm, at the Alamo Women's Club in Alamo, CA!

Dreaming....

2009-06-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

Of a time when imagination sparks, and wings give you flight....to go on a journey to magical lands! Oh what fun we will have! This is a beeswax collage project that I have the pleasure of teaching to a small group this coming Saturday afternoon. I will share photo's of their finished collages so you can see the journey that their imaginations lead them on. Working with old papers, photo's and tidbit's is always so enjoyable for me, and as I work, I sit and wonder who might have held these old items, and I ponder about the lives those children might have led.

I have always loved the original H.G. Wells The Time Machine movie, and how I dreamed of being able to go back in time someday! Another of my favorites was Somewhere in Time, with Christopher Reeve...what an amazing love story. Mostly, I just thought it would be very cool to have my own personal time machine so that I could visit the past, and the future too. And the design they came up with for the original time machine pictured above is pretty neat!

Of course we can't forget about the magic of the Back to the Future movies...and that DeLorean is a really sweet ride too! The problem I think lies in the fact that both of these times machines had some mechanical failures and flaws, so maybe it's time for someone to invent the perfect time machine....one that is stylin' and works like clockwork, with no breakdowns or goof up's with the time travel part. I know that I'd buy one for sure! :)

A Friend's Fabulous Giveaway!

2009-05-29T19:56:00.001-07:00

Hurry, and run over to my friend Johanna Parker's blog to enter her giveaway for this fabulous piece of Halloween folk art! What a generous gesture to host this giveaway, and I can tell you from personal experience that her creations are truly unique and amazing! The attention to detail, and her wonderful faces make each piece special, and a joy to own. :) Good luck to you!

Etsy Item of the Day!

2009-05-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

I am proud to have one of my items selected as the "Etsy item of the day" on this fabulous website! They chose my tea spoon curio necklace "Nostalgie" available in my Etsy shop for purchase. This necklace features an antique tintype of a sweet girl mounted in an old spoon and I have added vintage watch parts to hang from the bottom. A very unique piece! Check out this wonderful site, as they feature something new each day!

It's Been a Busy Spring!

2009-05-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

I realized today that it's been far too long since my last blog post...more than a month! Where does the time go? It seems that ever since I turned 40 this year, time is flying by faster than I would like. I have taken on the opinion that I am not going to let it bother me, but I have to admit, that some days it does, and I wish I could slow the world down and enjoy it a bit more. My spring has been filled with spending a lot of quality time with my family...birthday parties, outdoor activities, school functions, and sneaking in a bit of time to produce new jewelry designs...my newest creative interest! Scroll down for pictures. :)

A year has gone by since my grandpa Joe left this world for someplace better, and I know he is always smiling down at us...but I still miss him terribly, and wish he were here.Simon is almost finished with Kindergarten, and just turned 6 a few weeks ago! My little guy is getting to be almost as tall as me!I hope your Spring has been as lovely as mine and even though it's officially not Summer yet, it sure feels like it here in California where we've had 100 degree plus days for the last three days. Swimsuits and back yard BBQ's, here we come! :) Here are some new pieces that have been listed in my Etsy shop.

New Etsy Shop Open

2009-04-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

I have decided it is time to separate my jewelry from my other artistic endeavors, so I have opened a new Etsy shop that will house my one of a kind paper mache items, vintage goodies, collage, mixed media, and anything else that I create! You can still find my jewelry creations in my original Etsy shop, and I will be adding more interesting items to my new Etsy shop later this week. Stop by and take a peek! :)

Hop into Spring Sale!

2009-03-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am welcoming in the beginning of Spring by having a 20% off sale in my Etsy shop this Saturday and Sunday March 21st and 22nd. Plus, every purchase will get your name entered into a drawing for a surprise gift worth $15! The drawing will be held on Monday morning, and the gift will be shipped at no extra charge with the winner's purchase. Stop on by this weekend and Happy Spring to you! :)

Local Fundraising Auction

2009-02-24T11:15:00.001-08:00

I am participating in a fundraiser for our local co-op preschool, and there are some great items being offered! Some of the items are local for those living in Sacramento, and others are goods that can be shipped to you. I have donated the necklace pictured above, as well as, a $25 gift certificate for my Etsy shop, or any special order item. Here is the link where you can see and bid on some great things, and help out the kids at a wonderful school! The auction runs through March 30th and they are accepting cash donations too. :) Thanks for looking!

Saturday Night Special Sale in my Etsy Shop Tonight!

2009-02-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

Stop by my Etsy shop tonight from 5pm EST through tomorrow morning February 22 at 6am EST. Everything is on sale! :)

New Items On Etsy and Upcoming Class

2009-02-15T17:40:00.001-08:00

I have added a few new items to my Etsy shop....a Magical Man in the Moon.....
Stormy Seas in Blue and Grey~ wire wrapped labradorite earrings....
And April showers bring May Flowers~ A sweet little field mouse under a pretty flower! In addition to these new items, I have been doing some "spring cleaning" in my shop, and marked down most of last years pieces to make way for new in 2009 items. I am working on several new designs, most of which will be in sterling silver....my new passion. I will still have sculpted pieces in paper mache and clay, as well as collage and mixed media works, but I have recently taken a silversmithing class, and am enjoying working with metal these days.

I am please to have been accepted to teach at the 2009 Art & Soul Retreat in Portland OR.! You can get all of the details on my class here. If you have never been to an A&S retreat you are missing out! This is an incredible experience for all who attend...bonding with fellow artists, laughing, learning, shopping, eating, and just an all around great time. I am happy to answer any questions about my Tea Spoon Curio Pendant class that you may have, and I encourage to check out the line up of all the amazing instructors that will be teaching at this event. I hope to see you there! :)

Coraline: First Look

2009-02-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this movie yet, but after watching these two behind the scene's making of Coraline, I sure want to!! Take a few minutes to watch these...they are so interesting, and the steps they go through are amazing!

Coraline First Look Part 1

Coraline First Look Part 2

Saturday Night Special Sale in my Etsy Shop Tonight!

2009-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Please stop by to save 20% off of any item in my Etsy shop today February 7th through tomorrow morning February 8th at 6am EST. Just enter SNS in the comments section when checking out, and I will send you an updated invoice with the correct total showing the 20% savings. I am doing some spring cleaning in my shop to make room for new items being added later this month. You can visit my Etsy shop here.

I have been absent from my blog for too long, spending time with family, and taking a much need break. :) I hope to be back into the swing of things now, and will be posting updates more regularly, including news of upcoming events, and previews of my new line of sterling silver jewelry designs. Thanks to the nagging of many friends, I decided to come out of hiding today, and wish you all a happy and prosperous 2009!

Holiday Santa on Etsy

2008-11-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....and this jolly fellow is available in my Etsy shop today! Click here to see more pictures and to purchase. Happy Holidays! :)

Winter Snowgirl with Vintage Trimmings in my Etsy shop

2008-11-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

This piece is available today in my Etsy shop. She is part of Etsy's Co-Op AD in the new issue of Home Companion magazine on sale now. She is all bundled up for winter and would make a wonderful addition to your Holiday decor!
Winter is just around the corner, and we are just feeling the first signs of it here in Sacramento California....it has been raining since yesterday, and I just love the rain! I hope you are all enjoying the weather in your neck of the woods, as I am here today. :)

Winter is in the air....

2008-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

If you receive Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine, you will see a full page AD showcasing many of the wonderful things that you can buy on Etsy.com! I was lucky enough to secure a spot in this Co-Op AD, and featured the piece above to represent my work. This feminine snowgal will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop this Saturday November 1st by noon Pacific time. So please check back then if you are interested!

If you live in Northern California you mustn't miss American Harvest's open house this Saturday and Sunday November 1st and 2nd! This will be a wonderful kick off to the holiday season where you will find fabulous artwork by many local artists including myself, and my good friend's Iva Wilcox, and Donna O'Brien. The open house runs from 10a to 5p on Saturday and 11a to 5p on Sunday, and people always line up early in anticipation for all of the new one of a kind delights that will be there. Below are just a few of the pieces that I have made especially for their open house, and if you are not able to attend in person, you can always contact the store by phone as they are able to ship items directly to their customers!

In addition to whipping some new holiday goodies, I was able to sneak in some fun family time at the Exploratorium. This is a fabulous learning museum with tons of hands on activities for children and adults of all ages. It was one of my favorite places to go when I was young, and so it was a joy to take my son Simon there for his first visit. Here he is making large bubbles....

And with dad watching gravity pull the metal marbles down into the funnel.
I also had the one of the most amazing experiences attending the Art & Soul retreat in Portland at the beginning of October with my good friend Teresa. Here we are out shopping after a day of classes...gotta get my shopping fix in! :)
I was only able to take pictures during one of my classes, and that was a class I took from Michael DeMeng. He is an amazing teacher, and I learned a tremendous amount of tips and techniques in his class! Here are a few pictures of his work...he was kind enough to let me shoot them. If you are not familiar with his work, please take some time to check out his book...it's fabulous!

Teresa and I stopped into a fun little shop called Paperdoll in Portland one night after class. This shop is filled to the brim with rubber stamps and supplies...I was in heaven!! If you are ever in the Portland area, take some time to visit this shop...the owner is a sweetie, and you won't be disappointed in their unique selection! Here are a few pics I shot of her shop....

I love this front window display!!
During my time in Portland, I spied a rainbow as Teresa and I were headed out to lunch. I shot this picture through the window, so it's hard to tell, but it was a vibrant and amazing rainbow! A treat for the eyes, and that was how my entire trip was...a creative treat for my soul. I am already looking forward to next year! I have more pictures to post from trip and will be back soon to share those with you. :)

New Fall Folk Art & Jewelry!

2008-09-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Please take a peek at my Etsy shop today to see new one of a kind fall Folk Art creations in paper mache, and fun new jewelry pieces including vintage charm bracelets, two sided old postcard image necklaces, and the unique Steampunk necklace pictured above. Happy Fall!

A Fabulous Show filled with Fantabulous Folk Art & Friends!

2008-09-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

It was an amazing day for all that participated and came to enjoy it! I met several new friends, and was able to visit and catch up with old friends too. We laughed and had a wonderful time, and the best part was being able to see all of the incredible art by my fellow artists! Please enjoy the pictures, and accept my apologizes in advance....my camera was giving me some problems shooting indoors yesterday, and many of my pictures did not come out good. Also, I was not able to take a picture of Connie's wonderful table of treasures, but I encourage you to pop over to Donna's blog where you can see much better pictures of the show, including one of Connie's table. Above is Iva's table....she outdid herself putting this show together, and still found time to make some amazing works of art! Below is a smaller table that Iva set up showcasing the latest issue of Somerset Studio magazine where she has a featured piece! Thank you Iva for all of the hard work and effort you put into Tinsel and Treasures....it was a huge success! :) Please click on these pictures....they all enlarge!

Here are some of Colleen's festive Holiday dolls and decorations! I just love her pumpkin gal in white with vintage orange trim!

Here is Colleen's other table....breathtaking!

More of Colleen's pumpkin head shakers and this amazing doll on top of a vintage pumpkin lantern! Too cool!!

These lovelies were jaw dropping...vintage trims, the tiniest details, and hand work all make these one of a kind dolls a must have work of art! My picture just does not do them justice.

Here is a shot of Donna's table...these pictures speak for themselves...delightful! It was hard to pick a favorite piece on her table...they were all amazing!

Her incredible crowns fit for a queen....they were all sold out as quick as you could blink an eye! I know all of the ladies out there will enjoy them.... :)

One of Donna's theaters....love the tiny details and trims on this one!

Some more beautiful pieces.....the wee silver boots are charming!

I love this piece too....wonderful colors and trims!

Here is sweet Ulla's display....I love her pumpkin headed mannequin, and the skeleton gal all dressed up was a creative touch!

Here are some of Ulla's reliquaries....each a lovely and unique work of art! Stop by Ulla's blog to see more of her one of a kind jewelry creations!

Here is Gina's table, and I am so sorry that I wasn't able to get better pictures of her work! Her girls are so fun and each has it's own personality....just lovely! Stop by her website to see more pictures of her art.

And last but not least, is my table display below. :) I still have a few new one of a kind pieces available for purchase and will be showcasing them for sale next Saturday September 20th at noon pacific time, in my Etsy shop, so please stop in and see what's new for Fall!

Thank you again to Iva, and to Colleen for helping to make this a special day for all of us! :) I am already looking forward to next year's show!

My New Friends Are Getting All Dressed Up...

2008-09-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

And bringing all of their goodies along too...Tinsel and Treasures is almost here! I hope you can join us for the big event! :)

6 Days and Counting.....

2008-09-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Before my new Fall Friends make their debut at the Tinsel & Treasures Show in Danville Ca. on Saturday September 13, 2008. Magic and mystery await you!

Tinsel and Treasures!

2008-08-26T20:09:00.001-07:00

I am taking a short hiatus as I finish new items for the upcoming Tinsel and Treasures show on Saturday September 13th. For those of you in California, this show will be a fabulous kick off for fall, with wonderful sculpted folk art, one of a kind jewelry creations, mixed-media collage, whimsical crowns, and beautifully dressed dolls! There will be a mix of both Fall/Halloween and Christmas, as well as items that can be enjoyed year round. Please check out the website for all of the details by clicking the link above. This is a "must see" show so mark your calendars! :)

Spooky Sparkle & Wax.....

2008-08-09T22:04:00.001-07:00

Stop by PFATT Marketplace tonight and see what's new for August....I am getting a jump start on fall...and things are a little spooky! :)

Summertime....

2008-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute...snowman in summertime!??? Is something wrong with this picture? Nope...it's Holly Jolly July over at PFATT Marketplace right now, and the snowman guy above is a new collage piece I created just for this event! I was also lucky enough to be chosen as the featured artist for the month of July, so you can read all about how I got started on my artistic journey, and what inspires me. You can check it out here.
This looks a little more like summer! I only had one chance to snap this pic of a pretty butterfly feeding in my front yard before it flew away....
Here are some of my recent summertime flea market finds....love the vintage ballet slippers!!
Part of our fourth of July celebration included a stop in Santa Cruz for some fun in the sun at the beach.....
And at the boardwalk! It felt great to dip our toes in the ocean, and we had a blast on all of the rides!

Here's a recent steampunk necklace I created using antique glass beads, watch parts, and a tintype photograph. I just love how this one turned out!

Try to stay cool this summer, and I hope you are able to have a lot of summertime fun of your own!

New Antique Optical Mini Collage Charm Pendants

2008-06-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

I finished up a few last minute Americana pendants and I just had to throw in a fun little piggy and a frog prince! These are all one of a kind new original designs for 2008. If you are interested in any of these you can find them in my Etsy Shop. I can ship them out to you so that you will have them in time for your 4th of July festivities! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. :)

Pfreaky PFATT Pfright in June.....BOO!

2008-06-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

The piece above is available this month on PFATT Marketplace. I designed it especially for the annual Halloween in June celebration that we have...it's always a lot of fun! Be sure to stop by and throw your name in the hat for the wonderful door prizes that we are giving away too.

My very talented friend Colleen Moody created the lovely doll pictured above....isn't she stunning! Colleen has tagged me to list 6 Unimportant Things about myself. Thanks Colleen! ;) OK here goes....I hope this doesn't bore you all....

1. I love the ocean. Someday I hope that I'll be able to retire there with my husband...buy a little house on or near the beach and be able to enjoy it every day.

2. I have a HUGE sweet tooth! I especially love ice cream, and cheesecake..anything chocolate..YUM!

3. I only get my hair cut about twice a year. My hair grows pretty fast, but I hate having to go and get it cut, so I always put it off until I just can't stand it anymore.

4. I secretly enjoy playing video games with my son Simon. We have fun playing together, but sometimes I find myself enjoying it more than him, LOL!

5. I sleep in whenever I can, which isn't very often, but I try just the same. I love not having to wake up to an alarm clock, and usually only set one if I absolutely have to.

6. My favorite vegetables are green...artichokes, zucchini, broccoli, and green beans. In fact, I like the color green a lot I guess, as it shows up a lot in my house, and my art!

Here are the rules of the Tag;

1.Link back to the person that tagged you.
2.Post these rules on your blog.
3.Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4.Tag six people at the end of your entry.

So Tag "You're It!".....here are my six participants;

Jamie of Peach Street's Blog
Lorraine PieCake Primitive's
Elaine of Artful Spirit
Sue of Tinsell and Whimsy
Michelle of The Blackberry Briar
Lone Pierett~ Dollmaker Extraordinaire!

Below are new pictures of the mural...still in progress. We had hoped to have it finished up by the end of May, but things were very busy for everyone in May, so we are still working on it.

I am almost finished with Thomas and Sir Topham Hat!
Doo, doo, doo, da, doo...Inspector Gadget......

And here's how it looks so far.....
This is a picture that I snapped on one of my recent trips to the flea market. I just love these vintage finds mounted under the domes...so interesting!
Thank you again to all that wrote and left comments after my grandfather passed away last month. It has been a slow healing process for myself and my family, and I appreciate so much all of the kindness that you shared from your hearts. :) Thank you.

In Loving Memory of my Grandpa Joe

2008-05-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

Joseph Henry Matthews was born on June 9th, 1929 and lived a long and full life. He was a loving husband of almost 60 years to my grandmother Karen.....

A wonderful father of 4, grandfather of 9, and great-grandfather of 11. Here he is holding me when I was about three or four in this fun family portrait I call "The Matthews Bunch"
He was blessed with the gift of musical talent.....
And shared that gift through the teaching of many students for over 37 years.....
Including myself, although I must admit I wasn't a very good student, as I never did learn to play that clarinet....
He had an adventurous spirit, and loved the outdoors....
And he had a great sense of humor! :)He aways made time to share the important moments of my life, and the lives of all that he cared for....
And I will always remember the good times and special moments that we shared together....
Thank you for all that you were, and all that you did.....I love you Grandpa Joe, and I miss you.

June 9th, 1929 - May 15th, 2008