Home from Ojai, Santa Ana and a GREAT weekend!!!!!

Before I talk about the weekend, here's a picture from David's birthday...guess what famous writer Tristan is portraying...
I taught Fri & Sat at Artful Living in Ojai. I had a BLAST!! Tristan went with me. It was our first time there. Unfortunately, in the mad rush out of the house, I forgot the camera (Grrrr!). I will be back in September and take photos then ;) The place is *awesome*!!! I loved the whole atmosphere (extremely welcoming and inviting). Not only is the place an awesome classroom and an amazing store!! Woo hoo!!! Tristan and I stayed there and LOVED it. Huge thanks to Barbara & her family, to Angela (who drove all the way from Nevada) and to all of my wonderful students-THANK YOU for a GREAT first time in Ojai!!! I can't wait til I go back!

Artful Living
310 E Matilija St
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-0800

On Sunday, I taught at The Art Bar in Santa Ana. Y'all know how much I Love The Art Bar!!! It was a great day with Connie, Jane, Jeane and Pat in the class!!! Connie drove from No CA for her birthday weekend (Happy Birthday Connie!!) and Jane & Jeane flew in from Arizona (a.k.a. Home of Frenzy Stamper). It was FUN!!!! Jane, Jeane & I had breakfast at the Gypsy Den (two thumbs up as always!!) before class started. You want good food when you're in Santa Ana-go there!

I spent today hanging out taking Connie, Jane and Jeane on a frenzied shopping spree. OMG! It was SO much fun!! We started off with breakfast at Lulu's on Beverly (LOVE that place!)

Next stop was Kino-Buy-It-All a.k.a. Kinokuniya where we spent 90 minutes oogling pens, books and stickers. I bought 3 books (Taylor, they are probably 3 books you have-London Kitchens, Stockholm's Kitchens and Paris Kitchens 2) from Paumes-they have NEVER had these books in their store!! I was SO happy!!! I think Connie, Jane and Jeane walked out with nine million pens (possibly literally)... :) and big smiles on their faces!!!

In the car and off we went to Zinnia-Tamara & Joe opened the store for us. (HUGE HUGE Thank yous, you guys!! HUGE!) Wait til you SEE what they have in store for everyone! I am extremely excited and can't wait!!!! Here are some shots from inside the store:

Connie, Jeane & Jane oogling pins...

See the painting below the 3 flowers? That's one of Joe Carrion's AMAZING creations. I WANT IT!! I'm hoping to have the $ for it some time soon. I LOVE Joe's work and I just totally fell in love with this one. Connie, Jane and Jeane were floored to meet Joe and to discover that they had his stamps! (Note, visit Joe & Paul's etsy site here.)
We also hit Folk Tree (didn't buy anything), Dick Blick (where I bought more canvas and awls for some upcoming classes...), Mimio's (didn't buy anything), Paper Source (ditto) and finally, last stop (bought a candy bar):

The World Famous Infamous Soap Plant/Wacko in Hollywood:


HOW MUCH FUN WAS TODAY?!?!? It ROCKED!!!! Huge HUGE thank yous to Connie, Jane, Jeane and everyone (ESPECIALLY the folks at ZINNIA) for making today such a FABULOUS day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane & Jeane, I'll see you both soon at Art Unraveled! Connie, hope to see you in October at Stampers Warehouse ;)

I'm a wee bit behind in my email! If I haven't answered your email, please give me a couple of days to play catch up!!!

Finally, I have TWO classes (one is brand spankin' new) lined up for this weekend. More info here.