First time published

I am so very pleased to be published.  So many with the love to write go unread.  We all hear stories about people who went through tremendous hardships to finally make it.  I always wondered about those who tried and tried and never did.  Was that the end?  Or did all that fulfill a purpose?  Rebecca's Weary is one such story.  I am overjoyed that it just might get read.  Perhaps it will even help someone on their own journey.  My story is on page 8. 

Rebecca's Weary

Happy Spring Everyone.

Marelle

Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind

It has been a very busy few weeks.  I want to let everyone know about two fabulous giveaways going on.  The first is a bracelet perfect for spring.  It is made with all vintage jewelry and a one of a kind work of art.  Here is the link to that one.  Bracelet giveaway

The second giveaway is coming soon.  This one is being done by Channel 13 and I will post all the info when it is available. 

For those that may not know I founded the Hopscotch Hands on Exhibit for the Blind.  Believe me when I told people about my idea, I got funny looks, laughed at, even had a comment that I must not be a very good artist if I paint for the blind.  I have never really cared what other people think.  Saying I can't do something only pushes me even more.  When I first started promoting this exhibit, I went to radio stations.  Again, crazy, who can see the art.  What people didn't know was, I was looking for the reaction of the DJ to say it all.  It did.  I have had many great shows.  One with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and one with the Blind Boys of Alabama. 

When an artist creates a piece, they finish when it just looks done to them.  You just know when you have finished When you paint for the blind, that one image looks different to each person touching it.  That is what amazes me.  What I put on canvas we can see what it is and all generally get the same image.  One blind persons interpretation is totally different from another.  So, that painting in fact keeps on evolving with every touch.  I like that.   

Constructive Criticism

We have all been there, hours of work, finally happy about the finished product or result only to hit a a wall by someone who wanted to offer (constructive) criticism.   The knot in the stomach and then the self doubt.  Was it really constructive?  Was it asked for?  Would it make a difference in that person's life in a positive way?  One should ask themselves that before offering what was not asked for.  We all love the dear friend's attempt to stop us from making an ass out of ourselves.  After all they know us best.  That is not the issue here.  I am talking about the not so close, sometimes a stranger, taking it upon themselves to force their view on one's work.  As if that person is the sole source of what is right and wrong.  I have found that people who shove their view on another to be quite dull, in fact, most have not accomplished anything other than to pick people apart.  Don't get me wrong, I have received and appreciated helpful suggestions, that is constructive.  On the other hand I have also received ridiculous ideas.  I was once told I should scrap the name Marelle and Hopscotch.  It is holding you back I was told.  Hmmm, that is my name.  Marelle in French means Hopscotch.  A name in fact, that I have been working for years to shape into a funky, one of a kind brand.  That person probably didn't take into account that some people do silly things, like, get business cards, letterhead, business license, packaging, websites, I could go on and on.  Was I to listen and scrap all this for one persons opinion or was I to trust my judgment and faith in myself.  Well, the name of this blog answers that one.  What drives a person to scan and find the faults?  I guess they are the glass is half empty people. 

To sum it all up, it is up to the recipient to decide if the criticism is warranted or simply warped.  Again, was it asked for and did it assist you in a positive way?  Ask yourself these questions and decide for yourself.  The person dishing it our certainly won't. 

Have faith in your work and yourself and accept the helpful hints and step over the not so helpful digs and you will do just fine. 

Interview

I am so happy to share this interview with you.  Started my day on a high note. 

http://insideetsy.blogspot.com/2011/04/hopscotch-couture.html

Today is a good day. 

An artist's Monday

All weekend I worked and worked.  It didn't feel like work, in fact, the hours flew by.  It was only the random request for food or to go out from my dogs that marked the days passing.  That is why I love Monday's.  To me, Monday is the start of a new venture, a new painting, new couture accessory, who knows.  It isn't dreary and it isn't dreaded.

It is so true, if you do what you love you never work a day in your life.  To a point, I know I am working but it is more like an obsession.  If you were born to do something, that, is what your here to do.  I am not an artist, I am merely a paint brush for God.   There is no ego, no I am better than you attitude, just grateful to be here and to be chosen to be a brush.  If you don't know what I mean, go to the nearest hair salon and note the attitude of the stylist.  It is so funny, they are waiting on you, servants, if you will.  Yet, some, (not all), act as though they high society, looking down on you.  Go figure, I wonder how they maintain that while waxing a huha.  Oh well,  thank God it's Monday.

Marelle

Easter Hats

I can remember the coming of Easter, new shoes, new dress, white gloves and the all time favorite Easter Hat, (bonnet).  What happened to that wonderful trend?  I may be old fashioned but I miss the hat and glove days.  It wasn't all the long ago.  I have made a few in my shop and have given way to a modern/vintage Easter purse.  They are hippy hoppity fabulous, couture purses.   http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotch22?ref=si_shop  lets hope some trends come back.  Dressing up is just one of the joys of being a girl and one I miss.  So, cheers to our moms and the uncomfortable seams of the white gloves.  Happy Easter all.

You can read this post and many other new and old ones on my new blog at...  La Marelle Couture / Hopscotch Couture

Flea Market Fabulous

I love the local year round flea market.  It is like going to visit family.  Most of the people I buy from are seniors just trying to make ends meet, afford their meds, etc..


My latest find, a little lady with hand crochet flowers her mother made.  So gorgeous these little pansies are.  After I purchased them she felt a little bad she didn't keep any, after all her mom made them.   I went back with a few framed for her.  She wanted to pay me, she gave me a hug, and said, they are free and one size fits all.  Then she gave me 3 immaculate vintage hats.  I can't wait to fab them up and put them in the shop. 

My little family at he flea market are so good to me.  Some just give me items they know I will like.  There are some that I tell them what I am looking for and the next week they have it.  You just can't beat that kind of service.

So not only does my shop on etsy fund the hands on exhibit for the blind, it also brings much needed income to these wonderful seniors.  A win win if you ask me. 

You can see all these wonderful finds at http://www.etsy.com/shop/hopscotch22?ref=si_shop

Today is a good day.

First Blog Ever..........

Hello all, Marelle here, silly, in a good way, artist and designer, mom, and owner of personal pet a zoo.  I am the one with the long hair.  I know we all look very similar.  There are two cats also, I just misplaced them at the moment. 

Now here is a little bit of art.

I look forward to chatting about art, funny moments and new words, example: sweater nutter, schmere, and triskett.