Her Wings

Transition

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Sorry I've been out of commission for a while. I'm in the process of moving, I'm dealing with some minor health issues, and my father in-law passed away last month. Once I'm settled in my new home, I will be back blogging again. I have been checking in and enjoying everyone's postings. In the meantime I send you all my best. I hope everyone is doing well.

Lots of Love,

Diana

Announcement 2

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:01:00 +0000

My folks and I just bought a house! She is so beautiful!!! She's my first!! I'm so in love with her! Closing is Oct.16th. I'll post lots of pictures when I move in. I'm calling her "Serendipity".

Announcment

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0000

I'm very excited to announce that one of my favorite local shops, DGB, is now carrying some of my jewelry. The owner Sharon Day of Dayzee Designs is a talented jewelry designer herself, and is advising me on pricing and some further creations. It was rather serendipitous really. I'd thought about approaching her in the past, but wasn't sure about wholesale pricing. My boss and friend Cathryn went into the shop last week wearing one of the pendants I'd given her for xmas and... well you can figure out the rest. Yah!!! I love the way things work out sometimes.

Wedding

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:43:00 +0000

There was a wedding at the B&B I work at. It was so lovely, I had to take pictures of the decor and some of the food Cathryn made.
The official photographer was Peg McCarthy.

Someone had a real sweet tooth. This was all candy for the guests.

And there were plenty of deserts.

It was small and so very charming. Those are the best kind to me.

Montreal

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:19:00 +0000

We stayed at my brother Jason's in the West Island where I grew up. He was working days but we got to spend some evenings with him and my nephew Eli. My sister in-law was in Israel and my niece was at camp. Isn't my brother good looking?!

Their foster dog Daisey. She was a real sweetheart.

The food in Montreal is awesome. Rob and I did a lot of eating. We both appreciate fine food.
The first night we got there Jason took us out for dinner to a lovely restaurant Portovino's. You bring the wine, they supply the food.

Jason

Eli

Myself

My wonderful meal.

The next day Rob and I drove all along the lakeshore through the various small villages I loved so much.

We stopped to eat in Saint Anne du Bellevue where there's a row of outdoor patios next to the water. We had a Potabello mushroom and goats cheese dish that was to die for.

There were so many charming houses we passed on our drive.

The next day we spent with my long time friend Sue. In the evening we went to an outdoor concert at Stewart Hall, a cultural centre in Point Claire.

Rob, myself, and Sue.

The day after, we went down town Montreal and walked from one end to the other. We went through China Town, Saint Cathrine's St., Cresent, Saint Denis, and Old Montreal, all my old haunts.

This was a very interesting building. I assume it was some kind of dinner-theatre.

I love the architecture in the city. There are so many beautiful buildings and architectural elements.

This was a funky little store with very friendly staff. I wished I'd had more money. I would have shopped, shopped, shopped.

We went into Thursday's for a coffee on Cresent St. My pictures do not do this restaurant justice. It's a magnificent place. Great art deco decor with tin ceiling tiles, stained glass, etched glass, and ceramic tiling everywhere. There were also some stunning light fixtures. This is definitely a must see if you visit Montreal. If you check out the web site, the restaurant section is Les Beaux Jeudis.

More great architectural elements.

A local busker.

There are many stunning gothic churches.

Place des Art

This was a very unusual club.

L'Absynthe on Saint Denis. I'm assuming they served absynthe. We never did go in.

The green fairy herself.

Don't ask, don't know.

Ofcourse we had to check out Steve's music!

Then it was into Old Montreal.

We ate at Jardin Nelson. My favorite place in Old Montreal. We had maple smoked salmon, swordfish, and tuna. Yum!!!

Live jazz in the court yard.

This was a wonderful little artist's coop.

The famous artist's alley.

Horse and buggey rides will take you on the tour.

At the pier there was a sail boat with a woman and a man doing choreographed acrobatics in suspended fabric. I know there's a proper name for it but I haven't got a clue what it is. It was lovely.

I couldn't resist.

This was a charming open-air boutique down in the artist's alley. I bought two music boxes to use in my art. One plays "La Vie En Rose" and the other "Moon River".

A snack of Onion Soup for Rob. There were two young men playing mandalin and cello for our entertainment.

The next day we took it easy. We went over to the farmer's market, Marche de L'Ouest, to check out all the goodies. It goes without saying, we had bagels everyday.

This whole wall is balsamic vineger.

How much would you have to LOVE aged balsamic?!

We had a tastey breakfast at this little nook, Cafe de Luxe, and then were entertained by the owner.

My niece, Noam got back from camp while we were still there. Our last night we ordered in Chinese vegetarian food and chilled together with a couple of Eli's friends.

I had to get a picture of the "Boys" cleaning up.

It was a very enjoyable trip for both Rob and I. I think we'll be heading down there more often. You should definately go there someday if you haven't already been. It's like a mini Paris. I hope you enjoyed it vicariously through my post.

My Gypsy Retreat

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:08:00 +0000

If you have a gypsy spirit such as myself, you must check out this amazing site. I am dreaming of owning one of these beauties some day. Better yet, I would like to have about five in the back yard of my future Straw bale, adobe home, and run a B&B. I'd have wonderful art retreats as well. Wouldn't that be heaven on earth?

Mabon

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Mabon by Dianafc featuring Giles & Brother necklaces

In a Garden

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Here is the post for the "In a Garden" artisan show I did.
Well you'll have to admit after this, that what I lack in regularity of posts, I make up for in length. I have to add, my photos could never do this wonderful atmosphere or the artist's works justice. But enjoy at any rate.

This is Kathryn McHolm, the owner of this lovely property and host of the show. She is a multimedia artist who works with, and educates about, the natural world.

Welcome one and all!

Here's Kathryn now making up some wonderful eats at her adobe oven. Mmmmm, it smells so good.

Let me lead you down the garden path to the many wonders that await.

There are of course plants for sale.

I love these garden path stones molded from large leaves with cement.

There's so much to take in as we go along. It's all so whimsical!

In this area of the garden we find Amy Quinn of "Lake Effects Arts". Aren't these old church organ pipes which she made into garden ornaments fantastic?

Right down from her is Martin Everist of "Rustic Woodworking". He creates this gorgious furniture and home accessories from fallen trees. He'll custom build things for you. He'll even use the raw wood taken from your own property. Now that's a "one-of-a-kind" piece of art!

Across to the other side we find Karen Franzen who creates fun and functional ceramics.

All throughout we can enjoy the various plant,trees,flowers, and sculptures in this enchanting garden.

Shall we stop for some refreshments? How about this lovely herbal iced tea?

Right past here is Jill Williams of "Foxglove Botanicals". We can pick up some fragrant herbal soaps. They are scrumptous!

If you'd like to take a siesta we can sit and drink our tea at one of these charming viniettes which are placed throughout the gardens.

Come and check out the shed with me.

She even has this great old player piano in here.

This is Carrie Osborne. She does all kinds of eco-friendly crafts, including these colorful ornaments.

Maia's mother is a well known local artist and Maia is following close in her footsteps.

She also makes these adorable felted animals.

Look there's my friend Veronica's tent. It's always so soft, light, and airy feeling.

How could we resist buying something from her.

And right across from her is the oh so talented Karen Elmquist. We have to pick up a few of her incredible hand blown glass beads. I think she'll be putting on a demonstration soon.

Come on in the barn. There's more artists and discoveries inside.

Here are some of Kathryn's water colors.

This is Susan MacDonalds wearable art. She uses vintage fabrics. Aren't they lovely?

And lastly we're at my tent. Take your time and brouse.

Well we made it through. Did you enjoy yourself? I'll leave you now to linger with the lovely roses.

Say goodbye to my friend Rose in the rose on your way out.

It was great of you to come by. Perhaps I'll see you again here next year.

Polyvore2

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:09:00 +0000

Her Wings by Dianafc on Polyvore.com

I sure am loving this Polyvore. Here's my blog name sake.

Polyvore

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Sorry I haven't blogged about the garden show or my trip yet. I got lost in this new and wonderful site. It's another incredible creative outlet. It's just too much fun. If your an artist, you have to check it out. Enjoy!!!!

Once Upon a Time by Dianafc featuring Miss Selfridge brooches

Back Home

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:56:00 +0000

After the art show last week, my Hubby and I went to Montreal, and stayed at my brother's for the week . We got back last night. Everything was so great. I'm trying to get my studio back to normal today. I will be blogging all about the show and Montreal as soon as I get a chance.My awesome brother and his wonderful family.

Magic Evening

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:07:00 +0000

I have three wonderful friends that I get together with once a month. We encourage eachother to develope as women and artists. We usually set goals for ourselves at the end of each meeting and then discuss our successes or lessons learned at the following one.
This time we decided to just get together and enjoy eachothers company. Sally invited us up to the farmhouse adjacent to the Oak Hieghts Winery that she runs. Her fiance, who owns the property and the winery, was gracious enough to let us take over the house for a night. It was a most delightful evening.
Apon our arrival we popped into the winery where we started our evening with some wine tasting.
This is the beautiful Sally. She's been an awsome friend to me and I adore her.

Troy was there when we first arrived. He is Sally's right hand man. He was, as always, a wonderful host, and joined us for a glass of wine before leaving us to our night of the sisterhood.

This is Sielagh. She's always great fun to be with. She's so genuine, kind, and funny. She was instrumental in helping me discover myself as an artist.

This is Veronica, who I've mentioned breifly in a previous post. She is such a talented and inspiring artist. I've been very influenced by her throughout my self exploration. I'm going to be helping her set up a blog after the summer. I've been pushing her to have one because she takes great photographs and surrounds her life with such beauty. I know everyone will fall in love with her.

After our wine, we headed over to the farm house to prepare dinner with all the goodies we brought. This is me at the counter creating a salad with lettuces, avacado, herbs, rose petals and calendula.

We had a fantatic feast. Fresh water fish, cheezes and dips, pasta, fruit, and veggie salads. I thought I was going to explode.

After dinner and sunset, we ventured out to the hot tub. We enjoyed the water and our wine immensly. Sally said she felt like we were the Witches of Eastwick. We then dubbed ourselves the Witches of Warkworth.

There really did seem to be some magic flowing that evening as we sat in our cauldrin.

Bubble, bubble, toil, and trouble.

I took this picture the morning after.

I hadn't even realized there was a birds nest in the gazibo. It's a good thing no one sat on it in the dark.

Some Delphinium in the gardens.

The pool. If I had known how delightfully warm the water was, I would have gone swimming the night before as well.

Views of the property,

The vinyards.

The winery and restaurant.

Saying goodbye was hard.

Coming Show

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:26:00 +0000

I have a show coming up in July so much to my families shergrin my studio is taking over the whole livingroom at the moment as I cram every working hour in I can. They are actually being quite tolerant of the situation. I have to be thankful. Would you want to live with this mess?

These are some dolls that I've been working on.

I call them "Sassy Girl" and they each have thier own name sewn on the back, with a ribbon to hang them.

Some of them are made with vintage nude photos. I plan to place these ones behind a screen that will have a sign saying naughty dolls. They have an X on thier name tags, as in x rated. This one is not stuffed yet. I love this particular photo of Louise Brooks, as you will see further on. I name the dolls as I see them if I don't know who they were. Funny thing is, I named her Lou Lou before I found out who she'd been.

More dolls waiting to be turned right side out and stuffed.

I started designing some pillows with vintage fabrics. I was greatly inspired by the wonderful pillows, I fell in love with, featured at "Dream in Cream" by artist Felicia Blair. You must check them out!

The back.

I put my name on everything I make now.

This is a photo of my Mom when she was just a wee girl. wasn't she adorable?

The hankie is left open at the top to create a pocket to slip some vintage goodies in.

Previously I made a bunch of little fabric collages that I will either add to pillows or totes. This one is "The Earth Laughs in Flowers".

"Dreams of Flight"

"Have Dress, will Party."
"Flights of Fancy"

"French Kiss is Bliss"

Another "Flights of Fancy"

"Sing, Dance, Play, be Naughty."

Another "Dreams of Flight"

Lots more work to do, gotta go.
xo

Peonies and Other Garden Beauties

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:48:00 +0000

I kept forgetting to get pictures of these beautiful Peonies at work. Unfortuneately they were droopy by the time I remembered. I wish I could have caught them for you when they were still fresh and perky. They were soooo gorgious!!! They are actually the size of a dinner plate. The next door neighbors, who are both artists, have them in their garden.

Mine aren't quite as big but I love them still. I cut some for a vase and left it on the poarch. I don't want to have to kill the ants inorder to bring them in.

It was such a gorgious day here, finally, I spent the afternoon taking pictures of my garden for everyone. I planted some Calendula in my garden this year. I want to add them to my summer salads.

Here's some Chamomile I just planted as well. It smells scrumptous!

I've had these Egyption onions for years. My artist friend Veronica gave them to me when she was thinning hers out. I love how ornate they become.

My apple and orange mint are doing well. I also have Bergamot whicn I'll catch when in bloom.

There's only a few Poppies left. Most have started going to seed now.

This Comfrey was here when I arrived. It's quite lovely and it's great in a poltice for cuts and bone problems.

Watering the garden and admiring the drops on the leaves.

My Roses are starting to bloom in the front yard.

This is the first year my Clamatis bloomed, yah!!!

My wonderful Lavender. Can't get enough of the stuff. I'm very excited about a friend out near Rice Lake who is Bee keeping now and planting rows of Lavender so the Bees can make Lavender honey. I'd like to get out there and blog all about it for you.

My heart of stone. My actual heart is a little softer.

My smoke plant which is looking vibrant this year!!

That's all for now. Hope you enjoy.
Spell check won't work for me tonight so I hope you'll all forgive my plethera of spelling errors.

Magic

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:21:00 +0000

I caught a Rainbow Fairy in my room this morning! She was very lovely!

She came to light on my hand.

After a while of playing with me, she disappeared into a piece of Labradorite that sits on my night stand. She made the stone glow. I think she's still in there.

Have a Magical day!

More Great Finds for My Art

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:19:00 +0000

This was my husband's old photo developer. He doesn't often let me have his old things for my art so I was thrilled when he offered this one.

I've already started deconstructing this mirror frame I got at a yard sale.

The urn and candle stick holders belonged to the owner of Mackechnie House B&B where I work. I intercepted them on their way to her yard sale.

Some more "Beyond the Blue Box" finds.

I'm thinking of a mini May-Pole scene for inside this once pepper grinder.

My aunt found these wonderful tiny dice at a church rummage sale and grabbed them up for me. Aren't they GREAT?

She also found some great little dolls for me. This one's already being prepared for an assemblage to be named "Survivor". It will be a tribute to all the women who have survived breast cancer.

Some of My Art

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:57:00 +0000

dollsI wanted to share some of my more recent art work with everyone. I do so many differant things and have so many projects going at the same time. Here are a few things that are finished, and some that are not as yet.

This is the lid of an Altoid tin.

One of my many mint tin pendants.

My somewhat naughty miniature dolls.

A not so naughty doll face. Although the expression on her face says otherwise, don't you think?

Here's the start of one of the Marie Antoinette books I'm working on. It's still waiting for much more embellishing.

Here's a peek at some other projects on the go.

There's the bottom of that Altoid tin.

A patinaed copper book cover.

This book page is kind of like those old pop-up books. Don't peek!

Hope you enjoyed.

Family Heirlooms

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:41:00 +0000

My husband Rob, and his family have some great vintage things. I do covet them for my art, but I at least get to enjoy them on display in our living room now. They used to be stored away for no one to see.

His Dad and Grandfather were both avid woodworkers. These are a couple of well worn wood planers.

I would like to get this lovely clock back together and working again.

His Dad used to fix time pieces but he's got Parkinson's now and it's too far progressed. All the things he loved to do (paint, sketch, play piano and guitar, fix and build things) all require too many fine motor skills. He built the house that Rob grew up in, that we live in now. Here's some of his clock and watch tools. I particularly love the bottles, of course.

His Grandfather was also artistically inclined. He carved these whimsical folk art figures, and also made these great bookends. A man after my own heart. I unfortunately never got the chance to meet him.

I adore this old set of playing cards that he used as a tarot deck.

What will your fortune be????

Thrift Shop Goodies

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:39:00 +0000

I live to shop at trift stores, yard sales, and flea markets. Another man's garbage is my treasure, or future art assemblage. I'm so green!

I found this retro canister set in someones garbage (I have no shame) and I use it in my bathroom to hold cosmetics and hair products.

I found this retro kitchen cabinet in the garbage as well. I just gave it a good wash and voila!

I love this old cookie tin. What beautiful Magnolias.

This is supposed to be for fresh flower arrangements but I thought it would be great for home made potpourri.

I've been hoping to find one of these antique photo folders ever since I saw one on "Spark Your Imagination". I was thrilled when I came across this one in a place called "Beyond the Blue Box".

Tiny bottles for my endless collection. They are destined to become pendants.

Who can't use a toast holder?

This etched mirror is now on my vanity.

When I bought this mirror my daughter said I reminded her of the "Little Mermaid".

I use this pink bucket for compost.

My silver tea pot -

and lovely tea cups -

and finally the spoons.

Kitty here holds toothpicks for the snack plate. How whimsical!

These are wonderful glass coasters with crocheted covers.

I love this cup and saucer with room for cookies, a cupcake, or a cucumber sandwich with the crust cut off.

Tree

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Just for Nina.

Art Therapy

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:06:00 +0000

I must make a confession. I have a borderline obsessive passion for vintage nudes. I think my quirky attraction boils down to an admiration and awe for the gutsiness of these rebel women. In an era when the female form was well concealed by the fashions of the day, these Venuses pushed past the taboos to bare themselves body and soul. I envision the courage it must have taken for these mavericks to deify the prevailing moral code and proudly proclaim,
"Here I am, every inch of me and I'm beautiful!"
To not let the judgements of the social norm dictate who they were, or decide what appropriate behavior was for them as individuals, is a bravery which speaks directly to my heart. These lovely ladies symbolize, for me, my own struggle to break free from my social and self imposed restraints, and express my true essence in this life. This is my continual inner battle and these art images of the past are my metaphorical expression, my totem.

Inspiration

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:14:00 +0000

As you'll see in the following pictures, my studio does not look the same when I'm working on projects.

At the moment I'm working on various ideas at once.

I started working on a miniature book today. I had parts of it started earlier, inspired by a tiny frame I recently purchased from a thrift shop. Today I was focusing on a theme or color palette. I have plenty of leftover blue paint that I had used to paint our bathroom. I love the color so I decided to start by painting the cover blue. Then I thought from there I would add some silver leaf. Once I picked those colors as my jump off point the whole "Marie Antoinette" theme just naturally came to mind. I know I'm a little behind the eight ball on this theme but I've never tried my hand at it and I do so love the whole color scheme. Everything is so rich, opulent, and feminine. I also very much enjoyed the movie.

"Artful Blogging" by Sommerset Studios.

So from there, I went hunting and gathering through my many treasures to pull anything and everything that had a M.A. feel to it. I found so many inspiring fabrics, bobbles, and jewels that I've decided to do two books, a large one from an old vinyl record holder, and the little one I'd already started. Here are some of the materials I will pick from to build my books.

Wish me luck.

Arts Council of Northumberland

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:54:00 +0000

This was the meet and greet for the Arts Council of Northumberland up at Oak Heights Winery. I'm a new member.

The food and wine were wonderful as usual.

My good friend Veronica on the right. She's a very talented textile artist.

All in all it was a lovely time.

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:47:00 +0000

I've had a wonderful response to the pictures of my studio so I've decided to post more. I am an avid collector. These pictures reveal just how much stuff can fit in a small space. Hope you enjoy.

This is an old blanket box I collaged.

My inspiration board.

I found this wonderful doll house at a trift shop.

A small box I collaged.

I love Sark! This is one of her inspirational cards.

My beloved dress form.

I love collecting things from nature,

and bottles large and small.

My tray for projects on the go.

This spice cabinet was my Great Grandmother's.

Great storage under my work table, all hidden by vintage curtains.

Sharing

treehugger402002@yahoo.ca (Diana Cohen) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:07:00 +0000

I've been reorganizing my studio space and I keep coming across great little tid-bits. These are just a few things I wanted to share.

Love this post card from 1925.

Also love these quotes.

And lastly, at least for now, I couldn't resist posting this one.