Mother's Nest Event

In celebration of Mother's, we are having a special day to honor them at Belle's Nest. Hosted by "The Four Graces" along with Belle's Nest... bring someone special and enjoy a morning of relaxation!
click on image to enlarge...

Gifts for Mom

Here at the NEST we have so much to be grateful for!!! We are lucky enough to have our space be used for a film shoot this weekend to air on a web series which is in it's second season...As the details come in, we will pass them on!

As we are getting ready to celebrate the wonderful gift of a Mother...come in and browse the unique one of kind merchandise from artisan's to give to your one of a kind mom!

Greeting Cards

Sunday, April 25th, Noon-2pm
Class title: Design 3D "GREEN/sustainable"
greeting cards & ornaments
Description: Learn how to turn everyday
recyclables into something truly
beautiful
Fee: $55
Instructor:
Sylvia Schiada of 3 Good Things

scroll down for Sylvia's interview!

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

Garden Workshop!

Lunch served prior by Kelly Mace: 11:30am-12:30pm $10 per person
Please email or call today to reserve your space... workshop will be held in the patio

info@bellesnest.com or 626-355-0200

Spring Flowers!

How blessed we are to have these amazing flowers...the colors, fragrance and textures are spectacular...I wish you could all experience them close up! Our "nest gardener" Brenda brought these gorgeous flowers to share and to brighten an already beautiful window display done by Tyn Atol and Kari Atol. The "April Showers" window already has received such great feedback...now these flowers just add the excitement for spring. Truly, our thanks and appreciation for all the work others do to make the store look great.

New Things

We are so lucky to have received some great merchandise from some very cool vendors.
Aprons for mom and daughter, very sweet bookmarks, pottery by LoRiKooP...her new birdhouses, are just wonderful and some vintage dishes that compliment the pewter by Vagabond. So much more has come in...look forward to seeing you!

The Beauty of Spring!

Grow your own vegetables…this past year I started a vegetable garden…it has been long in coming. I’ve been wanting to do this for the past 12 years and finally got to it over spring of 2009(that sounds so long ago!)

For so many years, I would imagine this glorious setting ~ my yard would become this lush area giving me the feeling I was in the county somewhere growing my vegetables and picking my flowers….
On the contrary, it was nothing like that! I do love where I live, but my yard does not come even close to a country setting….i’m still waiting for grass!

Needless to say, I did plant my garden…with the help of my wonderful DAD. My kids did not partake in the process as I had once invisioned but atleast they do know it exists!
I need to share of photo of my dad gardening as he has been a HUGE inspiration for us in all aspects of our lives!

Since doing this, the excitement to go outside, take care of my garden, water my plants and harvest my vegetables…(some good, some not so good) has been the biggest treat for me!

I know my kids notice and see the change…when we eat, they’ll ask at times, “is this from our garden”….Oh JOY!

I am certainly not a garden expert, or a Martha Stewart…but the wonderful news is...Loni Brown, Horticulturist will be teaching a couple garden classes beginning mid April in our charming patio to all us gardener's in the making. She will share great information and also touch on composting. LOOK OUT FOR A POSTING OF HER CLASSES IN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS.
My only suggestion would be to start small to not overwhelm yourself, try to get your kids involved with some part of the process….even if it’s just the watering! They will never forget!!!

I can't wait to tackle my garden this year...If you have any tips to share, any planting ideas...we'd love to hear about it!

About the Artist!

Something new for our blog....aside from our monthly featured artist, we are interviewing an artisan from our shop every month so you can really get to know who you are buying from. One of a kind and hand made is such a treat...these items usually become your keepsakes and most cherished treasures; it's nice to know something about the creator!

Artist...Sylvia of 3 Good Things
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a Graphic Design alumna from the Art Center College of Design. I worked for Wipf & Stock Publishers in Eugene, Oregon, designing high-end book covers and taught typography to the Design Team. Since moving back to South Pasadena, I freelance at my studio, designing bespoke fine stationery, logos, invitations, and announcements. I teach private classes, parties, and retreats (complete w/spa treatments, champagne, and cheesecake!) and hold seasonal Open Houses. If you’d like more info and to book a reservation, please contact: goodthings.3@gmail.com

What do you make and what is the process?
Whether it’s graphic design or greeting cards, my process is to LISTEN (to the client), THINK, and then DESIGN. I am uber-organized in all my work (a professional organizer on the side). I enjoy making “Green” greeting cards using recyclable materials such as cereal boxes, foraged materials like twigs & leaves, and quality card stock. This process involves tons of drawing, cutting, & pasting!

What inspires you to create?
Nature & music provide the beauty and that challenges me to interpret something new. The world is every creative’s oyster.

How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two?
Through the evolution of my craft, I hope to get published and interviewed.

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?
Observing. Analyzing. Instructing others how to make beautiful things. Seeing their amazement. I like demystifying techniques and making something out of nothing.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating?
Being with family and friends, enjoying great food. NEVER compromising quantity over quality. EVER. Going on retreats, photography, reading, interior decorating, gardening, organizing. Yep, organizing.

Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who wants to turn their "hobby" into a business?
Don’t do it at the expense of your family. Be judicious about how your hobby could “fit in” to your lives.
Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself?
Put yourself into social situations (volunteering or working out at a gym) where you can meet people and develop friendships. Friends tell other friends, and word-of-mouth will help you move forward. Discipline yourself by tracking your time and expenses. Consult someone with marketing savvy. Use Etsy, Twitter, and establish a blog.

Anything you would like to share of interest?
Someday soon, I’d like to retire my husband for investing in my art school education (smile). My greeting cards are sold here at Belle’s Nest, at Lula Mae (Old Town Pasadena), Holy Family Church Bookstore, and soon in South Pasadena at Marz and Fair Oaks Pharmacy. I will be teaching a class here at Belle’s Nest on Sunday, April 25th from noon-2pm!

Ways to reach me or see my work and studio:
Goodthings.3@gmail.com
Twitter.com/GoodThingsx3
Flickr.com/photos/november23
Etsy.com/sho/3goodthings
[310] 251-9817