Events

~This Saturday~
December 18
noon-2pm

Veronica Leroy will be at Belle's Nest representing these beautifully made items:

Yarn Lab
Small Trades

Appetizers and beverages will be served.

~This Sunday~
December 19
8am-10am

A special morning just for our customers, meaning you:)

Receive $5 off any purchase of $25 or more.
Receive a $10 coupon good to use anytime next year!

Enter your name to win one of the following:
(no purchase necessary)

*Belle's box of assorted goodies valued at $100

* 1 Box of (8) soy candles every month for 2011 (2 winners will be chosen)
valued at @ $20 per box/12 months = $240

* Private Precious Metal Clay Class (you and a friend).
Instructor: Gloria Prins
Date to be determined (February).
Each of you will receive a 16 gram packet of Sterling Silver clay, enough to make
a few special custom pieces of your own!
Value = big money:)
Class will either take place at home studio or at the shop.

Breakfast delights, coffee and tea will be served.

Almost Christmas

Christmas is almost here...
A few days left before we celebrate! There is so much to write about...I can't wait to recap the year we have had, reflect on the positives and post pictures of how we evolved. Our tenth month in business...thank goodness, it's been great! I wish I could stay to write, but it's busy at the store...so I'm off to work. I'll write soon!

Happy shopping this weekend! Stop by if you can for a cup of coffee and cheer!

STORE HOURS...
SUN 10am-5pm
MON-SAT 10am-6pm

December 20-23 9am-7pm
December 24 9am-Noon

Jewelry

Join us on
Sunday, December 5th, 1-3pm

******************

Reception featuring:

Tess Nelson ~ Simply Tess
Emily Horn
Lisa Teagardner ~ Little Gems

All local talented woman sharing a large selection of their beautiful jewelry with us!

Refreshments and light appetizers will be served

Wish List

It's that time of year...The holidays have quickly approached. This year feels so different from the years past...
The idea of giving and giving thanks has so much meaning. Not losing sight, appreciating the beautiful country we live in, the friends and family that surround us and the freedoms we have to have this awesome communication with one another to share ideas and thoughts ...it truly can be overwhelming. For us at Belle's Nest, we are always hoping to inspire, share ideas, help artists and give you the best service possible...so thank you!

If you visit the shop, you know we are always changing things around, Christmas is no exception... we are receiving new merchandise weekly!

On the weekends, we'll be serving coffee or hot cider...wish lists can be made, gift certificates can be purchased and custom wrapping is available.

We look forward to your visit!

Artist Reception

Please join us...

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

2-4PM
Catering by A Moveable Feast

Featuring:

Zazu Faure ~ One of a kind animals made from reclaimed materials. "Humankind is made up of hunters and gatherers. I am a gatherer".


Denise Young/Out of Necessity ~ Pillows, baby items and cards
"I started noticing fabrics and would think "that would make a great pillow".


Lisa Heidel ~ Textiles, quilted gifts.

Tyn Atol ~ Mixed Media, felted monsters and other goodies.
"Tyn is always seeking to learn new things, and believes that it's the cornerstone to being a creative person".



Read more about the artist on our "about the artist" page

Something New from Zazu!

Zazu, one of our favorite artist just brought in her new repurposed stuffies. Zazu's color combination's and textures make the animals so charming and adorable, they bring me back to when I was a kid...I want to take one home! My daughter enjoys them just as much as I do ~ selfishly, I'm purchasing them for the both of us to share... how many can we possibly own???
Zazu is working on making the "Nutcracker" dolls, some gorgeous advent calendars and so much more...please come check out her work on November 20 for our artist trunk show or visit her animals daily at the Nest!

Closet Sale

First Annual Artists Closet Sale

Monday, November 8, 4-6:30 pm
Belle's Nest

A most unusual garage sale where a few artists are emptying out their storage cupboards of art and craft supplies, knick-knacks and art pieces with unexpected results. You can be sure that it will be a treasure hunt of goodies, waiting to find their new home. Bring an interested friend or 2 to find a certain special something. Follow the walkway on the north side of shop and use the secret knock....

special note: Belle's Nest will not be open during this shopping adventure. Only cash and checks will be accepted for this secret sale, made payable to each artist.

Halloween

Halloween in Sierra Madre is a pretty big deal! I've lived here for 7 years and never quite realized the "event" it's become and probably always has been. My kids nor I have ever appreciated the extent of activities our town has to offer until now...it's never too late:) Our first Halloween at the shop...what an experience! The week began with the painting of our front window for a window contest, lots of business' participated...my daughter and her best friends created our window! The week ended with a Friday afternoon of trick or treating and a parade. Gloria had a marvelous idea of making a haunted house on the side of the shop...the concept was great but didn't turn out quite as we expected...actually, it was somewhat chaotic... so busy, we didn't have time to take photos (ugh!) Hundreds of kids come through trick or treating, they had a blast! It was really cool to see such a community atmosphere and everyone just having plain ole FUN. We'll be ready for the crowds next year!

New Artists and Merchandise

We are so fortunate to be receiving new merchandise from our principal artisans. The art of hand made, one of a kind never gets old or monotonous. I want to share with you some of the cool items the Nest has to offer...enjoy!

Banners by... La Naranja Dulce
Journals by... Krispix
Soaps and Body Care by... Di Palermo Body
Ceramic Owls by... The Spotted Owl
Book Marks by...Lynne Carmody

Customer Appreciation!

The other day at the shop, one of our wonderful customers came in and purchased some terrific bird napkin rings...I casually commented,
"I would love to see how you display them" she so willingly sent us photos of them along with photos of some other goodies she's purchased from us. Thank you Susanne for the beautiful photos!

photos by susanne hayek
www.susannehayekphotography.com

Almost November!

Wow, how this year has flown by....Belle's Nest has survived several amazing events! The tragedy is we don't have photos! We were so busy, somewhat overwhelmed and having such a good time, nobody took pictures...ugh!
We've been through a taste of Sierra Madre, what a great event and wonderful cause... The Wine and Jazz walk...WOW! It was a beautiful night, we served Bodega Wine from San Antonio Winery, our food was catered by A&B Catering (delicious!) and the amount of people and supporters was amazing. It was a great time, we are so looking forward to it again next year. If you didn't get to participate, I highly recommend it...there was music in the streets, most of the business' served great wines, and were paired with wonderful restaurants...just a really lovely evening.

Our Dia de los Muertos trunk show was great...you still have time to view the work of Rachel Adams...so eclectic and fun! I just love this holiday and form of art!

Today we had a kids craft class...truly a craft. The class was taught by Elyse Paek. She made Paper Mache pumpkin bowls with the kids...I forgot how much fun paper mache is...we suggested an adult class. The weather outside lent itself to a great fall day putting us in the Halloween spirit. Scroll down as Elyse will continue with fun, hands on craft projects for the kids.
If that wasn't enough...please join us for our very first annual "Belle's Nest Artist Closet Sale" A few of us are getting together to sell our fabrics, notions, clay tools, paper, jewelry supplies, beads, etc...you name it, we may have it! We are cleaning house and hopefully our trash will become your treasure...look out for further details! Date of event is November 8th!

Kids Class...Spider Web

Spooky Halloween Webs!!!
Instructor: Elyse Paek

Make these spooky webs just in time for Halloween.
All materials included in this fun class.

Friday October 22, 3:30-4:30pm
Bean Town Ice cream included after class is over.
$20 fee

sign up early...classes are limited

Seat Makeover

Upholstery Class
Instructor: Carolyn Ingram
Wednesday, October 20th
10-12:30pm
$40 Space is limited...please call to reserve
626-355-0200 / info@bellesnest.com

In this class you will learn to remove your chair seat along with the fabric and padding.
You will add fresh foam, cotton and a new layer of fabric and reattach it to your chair.
A simple procedure that seems daunting at first but once you get started, you will feel
like a pro!
You will need:

1 chair - simple w/a seat pad is best.
1 yard fabric (fabric will also be available for sale)
**this will cover at least 4 chairs even though you will cover only one in this class
Decorative trim if you wish
Screwdriver (regular and Phillips)
Hammer
Needle Nose Pliers
Scissors
Tape Measure

*Carolyn will help you with ideas regarding stripping, faux finishing and painting also.

Instructor will provide:
Foam
Staples
Compressor (staple gun)
Fabric and trim available for sale

Paper Mache

Paper Mache Candy Bowl...

pumpkin candy bowl

Involves blowing up a balloon, orange crepe paper (pumpkin skin), glue and lots of fun! Jack-o-lantern features can be scary or funny!!! Once they are done, we wait for a week for them to dry, be sealed then picked up. You will be left with a lovely candy bowl to reuse for years to come.


Class available on two separate days:
Friday, October 15th 4-5:30pm
Monday, October 18th 1-2:30pm
$25 fee

materials included
aprons provided/wear play clothes

Dia De Los Muertos

Trunk Show Featuring...

Rachel Adams and Rosie Guajardo
Saturday, October 16th
2-4pm
Celebrating Dia De Los Muertos


Rachel Adams





Rosie Guajardo

The work of Rachel Adams is available to preview throughout the month of October...come view her work now.

The work of Rose Guajardo will be available to preview Oct 16th and will be at Belles Nest through Oct. 22nd.

Halloween on the Horizon!

Witches of Clay

Halloween is on the horizon...
Treat your kids to a fun class of clay making witches you will always treasure!

Instructor: Moira Love
Cost: $25

Class Dates...

Friday, October 8 4-6pm
Tuesday, October 12 4-6pm
Space is limited...please call or email to reserve
626-355-0200 / info@bellesnest.com

Happy Fall!

With a new season comes a time for re-evaluation, rejuvenation and feeding of the soul. So many wonderful signs of new beginnings and good energy have settled upon the nest. Upon our "tree of life" made by Melissa Castillo was perched the most amazing insect, a beautiful dragon fly. The timing of his appearance was perfect, when and how he got in is unknown, but his visit was soooo welcomed!

Reception for Clay Artist

RECEPTION
FEATURING LOCAL CLAY ARTISTS
Friday, September 17th

6-8:30pm

LoRi KooP

"I continue to explore, to experiment and to observe every day. We live honestly and unafraid.
This beautiful, imperfectly perfect life we share with you. Ceramics to
awaken, encourage and inspire your bliss."

lorikoop.com

Cynthia Gonzales of CG Ceramics

"I have been seduced by the sensualtiy and spontaneity of working with clay. I am inspired by art, different cultures, architecture, nature and fashion."



Soozee Van Dyke Woods and Tracy Chamberlin of Ramona Paloma
"Hand-making ceramic tile combines so many of my interests--the possibilities seem infinite, as I constantly find inspiration in the color and activity of the world around me."
Soozee Van Dyke Woods
www.ramonapalomatile.wordpress.com

"After decades of exploring all sorts of media in art using skills gained through formal training and trial and error I now find myself captivated by ceramics. In particular, hand pressed tile."
Tracy Chamberlin
www.ramonapalomatile.wordpress.com


..........go to our page About the Artist for complete interviews, and bios........

Getting to Know the Artist

ARtiSt Interview with LoRi KooP...

Tell me a little bit about yourself? Hmmmm. I'm 48, live in Sierra Madre, love creating and living fully. I spend a LOT of time in the intangible and imaginative space of my mind. It's definitely "home".

What do you make and what is the process? I am a fine artist using clay/ceramics to explore living and myself.

What inspires you to create? The endless possibilities... the "what if?s" and the happy accidents.

How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two? Ceramics has been very much the same for centuries. That's the beauty of the medium. To push it tho, I and a handful of peers manipulate the surface by pressing into it with various interesting, texture making objects. (hint: everything pressed into clay leaves a mark. discovery is the next best thing...no, the BEST thing!)

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist? I love the play. The opportunity to be a curious kid and the process of questioning, searching and uncovering the conversation. Could be the shape. Could be the little pattern that formed "right there". It's random, and it's beautiful! Yes, like a little surprise, a present, in each experience. It's also a spiritual lifeline.

What do you enjoy doing when your not creating? I LOVE learning. So, if I'm not with clay, I search the internet, take classes, visit with friends. People fascinate me.

Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who wants to turn their "hobby" into a business? DO IT! If you have the urge, follow it. And whether "it works" or it doesn't, you have succeeded in giving it life. And it will always lead to the next step. Frankly I'm learning it's about the path, the journey of standing up to the fear. And becoming your whole, authentic self.

Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself? Be yourself. Put yourself before the people who love your work. Teach them something they can apply to their life...a lesson learned, a process discovered, a trip taken. Everyone loves a good story and tell it in your voice. It's possible to have terrific and lose internet friends and buyers.

Anything you would like to share of interest? My latest lesson...when you think "oh, that's the way it's always been", and you desperately want it to be different. It CAN be. You just may need to get help to accomplish it. Hire a professional or enlist a friend. There is a never ending supply of hope.

Also, I want to invite you to subscribe to UPWoRD. It's a weekly writing I do that explores a word each week, designed to inspire the artist / dreamer within. Go to: ww.moveUPWoRD.com

www.LoRiKooP.com

Fun at the Flea Market!

Last week we had the chance to check out the new flea market at Dodger Stadium. The kids came along hoping to find their own treasures...
It was such a cool feeling driving into the enormous parking lot of Dodger Stadium without the intention of going to a game.
Freely driving around, we found the tents!
Parking was free, $7 to get in, our kids passed without paying so all was good!
For some reason hunger sets in when you arrive at a flea market or amusement park...so after a couple aisles, we looked for food.
A great selection of food trucks...they are so popular now! These trucks are gourmet restaurants on wheels...nothing like the old roach coach...the view from up top was spectacular.

We had a great time:) It was not very crowded, vendor selection was somewhat slim and the vintage section was only a couple of aisles wide...but overall, we found some cool stuff, ate good food and really enjoyed ourselves.
Hopefully the flea market will catch on...we will continue to support!

We love mixing old with new!!!

Artist Reception
Friday, September 10, 6-8:30pm

Fifi Flowers
Painter of Whimsy and Fun with a Parisian flair

Fifi says life should be full of WHIMSY and FUN... beautiful things that surround her daily life are what inspire her to paint! Setting a mood...playing with colour...experimenting with patterns and textures... painting on canvas, paper or working on an interior design... Art is an experience that transcends all cultural boundaries... it makes us feel! Fifi has a bachelor's degree in Art and a minor in Art History from
California Polytechnic University and attended UCLA Film School for Production Design.
See more paintings by Fifi Flowers via her official website.
www.AtelierdeFifi.com

Six Month Anniversary!

It is so hard to believe Belles Nest is in it's sixth month of business! We just had Chris' art exhibit...we think his work is very cool. A good time was had by all and what a wonderful response he received. It was a beautiful night and the back patio was the perfect setting. At the conception of Belle's Nest, featuring an artist and having the receptions every month was something we really wanted to do. This was merely to give an aspiring artist or seasoned artist exposure and at the same time make for a nice evening to relax, socialize and as always...inspire, be inspired and talk "art."

As we continue to settle in, our minds never sleep! With the holidays quickly approaching, new merchandise is slowly coming in from many of our marvelous crafter's. New cards from Erin Sloan just arrived, beautiful pottery from Lori Koop... her signature words of inspiration! Great new tiles from Ramona Paloma and cool prints by Anna See are just a few items to come look at.
If there is something you want us to carry, please let us know ~ we will do our best to find it for you.
Furniture pieces are finally for sale...they will be posted on flicker soon if you can't make it in.
Custom work is also being offered by us and many vendors! If you are looking for gifts for your clients, corporate gifts, party favors, bridal party gifts, etc....please consider us ~ we can create something very special for you.
We appreciate all feedback and love your suggestions....so for now, THANK YOU for following us, shopping with us and supporting "hand made"!!

Artist Reception

CHRIS DODGE
ARTIST RECEPTION
AUGUST 20
6-8PM
join us for some wine, and light appetizers!

Artist Chris Dodge writes...

Painting is highly therapeutic for me. My subjects gravitate towards things I enjoy, interesting compositions, or things that I think are amusing. I have a tendency to lean towards food and animal portraits. I'm not trying to paint subjects that will necessarily sell or help me gain popularity. I've found that by painting with an honest agenda, my artwork has a way of organically finding its own audience.

New Products

Beautiful bowls, mugs and planters just arrived from CG Ceramics...









Come see and feel the new Pillows from Out of Necessity. Denise always combines the nicest patterns and picks just beautiful fabrics...you can never have too many pillows!!

Gleena

New porcelain dishes from "gleena" have worked there way from Rhode Island all the way to our shop...and they are beautiful! The patterns are lovely and the dishes are so one of a kind, any kitchen counter or cabinet would scream for joy.