New in February

As we are heading into February, I can't help but think I'm missing the boat! So many great tidbits of advice, so many great resources and an abundance of talented people we can all benefit from...this is the year of sharing! An intention for the New Year...pass along all the great ideas and inspirations I'm lucky enough to be a recipient of!
Since 2011 began...

We attended the gift show in downtown LA...we took my mom ~what a great experience for her, she's never attended anything quite like it. With the hopes of finding new artist, walking aisles and aisles to do so ~ I believe we accomplished our mission. I can't wait for the new arrivals!

We had a wonderful artist reception featuring the jewelry of Gloria Prins and Lynne Carmody...the selection is awesome, they left their pieces for us to enjoy! In addition to the reception, we celebrated our 1 year anniversary!!!

Artist/Musician Jean Sudbury played her Mandolin then transitioned over to her Violin ~ she was the opening....her music was beautiful and peaceful!

Following was Michelle Beauchesne playing her Cello along with her friend Jeff playing his Violin...they were a wonderful duo. The setting was perfect in the back patio...we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day and evening! Visit www.michellebeauchesne.com to learn more about Michelle and contact Mary's Market in Sierra Madre to listen to Jean play...

Please come in and check out our featured artist...Karen Walker Chamberlin. Her paintings of Milagros are so beautiful and just flat out cool. You can read about her on our artist page.

Lots of new merchandise as well has come in...come visit the nest if you haven't been in a while. We should be on line soon!

Peace and Blessings!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

Artist Reception

Artist Reception

James Faulkner

Friday, June 25
6-8pm

Belle's Nest
55 N. Baldwin Ave

Wine and light appetizers will be served

Artist Reception

Artist Reception featuring the works of Moira Love.
She is a local artisan specializing in watercolor and acrylics.
Join us for a preview on Friday, April 16
5pm-8pm
Wine and appetizers will be served