Sewing merrily along

I know this is hard to believe, but my beads are just not talking to me anymore.  Well, they ARE but the fabric is getting all my attention.  I've been busy sewing away on new critters that just spring into my head and demand to be crafted.  I wish I could sew better to give them more justice, but I know that the only way to do that is to practice, practice, and practice more.  Chris has been working on the pattern for the Koggies for me.  Now all I have to do is to finish writing the instructions so that I can offer the pattern & instructions for sell so others can populate the world with adorable little critters made all out of fabric.  Throw in a few beads, and that just makes it even more perfect.

Here is a little sampling of what my busy fingers have been working on that past couple of months. 

I bought new fabrics to play with.  Really love the lavender mix so I had to make a wee bunny and an elephant that is a mutation of the Koggie pattern

I had an order for a mermaid doll for a artist to bead on.  I just had to make an extra for myself.  I do love needle sculpting the faces.

Close up of my new elephant pattern

Ooops...someone did a photo bomb with the elephant

And a piggy had to be covered with beads.

I used the fabric craft velor from Doll Maker's Journey.  I could not sew it on my little Janome Jem no matter how hard I tried with new needles, tissue paper as the fabric is slick.  So both these are actually hand sewn.

I love the look of the craft velor fabric, but it is difficult for me to sew on the machine.  Chris heard me complaining so he actually remarked that possibly I need a more powerful machine.  Yep...he said it, not me.

My friend Liz saw one of my elephants and suggested tusk.  I agree...they look great especially in the wild orange fabric scraps I had.

Great profile of the elephant.

A few little critters that followed me to a Guilded Lily meeting

Bead Play with Fringe

I have a question for you bead artist out there creating gorgeous pieces of jewelry regardless if it is bead embroidery or bead weaving.  Do you fringe?  Have you every finished a  project and wondered how to complete it turning it into amazing to stunning?  I have a brand new book out that you are going to want to have to help you with this question no matter if you already feel confident in adding fringe or if you are new and want to learn the basics.

Last week I got the most amazing book in the mail from Jamie Cloud Eakin.  It is her latest book called Bead Play with Fringe:  Techniques, designs, and projects.  I've spent hours pouring over the new books which is filled with detailed illustrations and pictures in each chapter.  She starts with pictures of different types of fringe describing the basics of each technique.  Then each chapter focuses on the type of fringe technique with generous pictures and alternative colorways.  The projects have detailed supply list to help the student know what needs to be in front of them before starting.  Then with graphs and illustrations, Jamie takes the student through the project step by step.  Each chapter then builds on the confidence of the student to more challenging types of bead fringing.  Jamie starts with simple basic fringing then leads on to loop, kinky, branch, and ends with twisted and spiral fringing.  All with photos of Jamie's amazing beaded treasures. 

Bead Play with Fringe can be purchase at Amazon here.  You will want to add it to you book case and use it as a reference book when finishing up designs.  Bead Play with Fringe is a permanent addition to my craft library right next to Jamie's other books.  I'm sure you will be delighted in this book as much as I have been.

I want to thank Jamie so much for sending me a copy of Bead Play with Fringe.   If you would like to see more examples of Jamie's amazing pieces of jewelry, then please click here.


So here are my own examples of the question Shakespeare would ask a Bead Artist:  To Fringe or Not to Fringe?

Meet the Koggies

I am a bi-crafting artist.  I said it, now I guess I need to explain what that means.  I have two areas of crafting that I spend most of my time on.  The number one is beading.  It consumes me and tries to take completely over my life.  But my second craft steps in there and wants an equal share of attention.  I almost feel like I have two Artist residing inside my head each wanting to take over.  I sometimes think if I let one take over more than the other, I might have that break through and master one craft over the other.  But after months beading or months sewing, the other get jealous making me switch. I love beading and making jewelry, but I get just as much satisfaction making dolls.  What really makes me very happy is when both craft personalities get to meld together and create at the same time.  Happily I sew up a new pattern tweaking each shape and stitch, and then out come the beads.  I'm extremely happy when both get together.  I would absolutely love to teach both of these together, but most people are not as crazy as I am nor do they want to obsess completely covering a pain staking hand sewn small doll form.  I know there are a few of you out there, but the majority just can't commit hours, days, or weeks.  If I want to continue teaching my love of doll making in the future, then I need to take a year or two to learn to sew better, construct dolls with actually patterns and then write a legible pattern that others can follow.  Now if I tend to bead those figures when done, then that makes me happy, but for now, I'm going to commit myself to create both new figures AND write patterns for them. So that all said, I would like you to met my second attempt at creating a new figure for artist to embellish or just enjoy constructing on their own.  I'm working on the actual pattern and instructions for later in the year for sales.

 This is a Koggie.  Where did the name Koggie come from?  I have a group of friends that I go to San Francisco with every year.  We like to text and share our day to day lives with each other.  I posted a picture of my first figure.  I asked if it looked more like a Doggie or a Kitty.  Beki wrote and combining both words coined them Koggies.  I liked the name, and it stuck.  The fun thing about constructing these is that there are so many different combinations to create a different face each time.  I also did a small bit of needle sculpting to give each more of an animal's snout.  Using different components for the muzzle makes each Koggie distinct.  The noses are actual vintage glass sew on that I bought years ago in New York City never knowing what I was going to use them for, but they just fit perfect here. 

Of course I had to bead a few.  The orange Koggie uses a bead mix I purchased from Whimbeads called Mamba.  I used my version of a flat peyote to cover the body.  This one was actually purchased as soon as I posted it on Facebook.  I was sad, but he lives in a brand new home in Washington state where he is cherished. 

The pattern still needs a little more tweaking, and I need to find other alternative sources for the noses for those not wanting to purchase the glass sew on from me.  So stitch stitch stitch...draw draw draw...bead bead bead.  I'm a happy girl with each craft personality happily entwined with the other.

Artistic Figures in Cloth and Clay

September first was the day that Artistic Figure in Cloth and Clay opened.  I'm am so honored to be one of the fourteen teachers at this gala event next April in Columbus Ohio.  AFICC is the brain child of my friend Cyndy Sieving.  Cyndy puts on one of the best doll maker's conferences in the country.  Coming into the main hotel doors every two years, you'd think you'd come to a big family reunion, and that is exactly the whole feel of the conference.  I still remember the first time I took one of my beaded bendi dolls to AFIC and was greeted with open arms and such warmth.  Sometimes it is hard to explain the feeling to those who haven't experienced a family where everyone does what you do, is just as excited about new fabrics being displayed by the vendors, and who will wear the most outrageous outfits on the opening night.  And that is just the first hour.

Next year, I'm going to be teaching two days the class Funky Flashy Fish.  The class is designed for anyone who wants to learn bead embroidery on a three dimensional form. Never used seed beads ever in your doll making designs then never worry as this class is for everyone from the very beginner to someone who wants to step back and just have fun with bead embroidery.  Using unique shaped shells, this doll can be covered very quickly and along the way, I'll share some other techniques to make this fish truly your own.  And for those who don't want to sew the fish form, I'll be happy to do that for you as well (just ask). 

And I've been experimenting with the form making a few more fish to add to the school of Funky Flashy Fish.  Join me in Columbus Ohio April 23-26 for lots of laughs, fun and true adventure.

June Bead Journal Project

I haven't done a post for the Bead Journal Project since way back in January, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working on pieces to complete my series of Hoarded Treasures.  So instead of pulling out months of pieces to show, I'll jump in at June 2014 with these two necklaces I completed with cameos I found while looking for clasp to complete my Battle of the Beadsmith piece. 

I had someone at work tell me that I must have been in a "blue" mood since I didn't make it to round two of the BOTB14.  Not really.  I just found these two pieces in a cigar box filled with cameos I'd bought from who know whom who knows when.  I might have gotten these from eBay, or from a bead store, or they might have been gifts from someone.  I just can't remember.  But on the day I found them it was rainy outside and possibly that is what triggered my Muse to pull them out of the box and take them upstairs to put on my Bead tray.  I also tried crystal chain as a component.  It was tricky as I had to actually cut the chain and on one of the necklace I was a tad bit short, but I think I made it work out.   I also used a few of the wooden rondelles I'd gotten from Byantium all those years back.  I've never been able to find these any place else and I do indeed hoard them all.  The light blue pieces of glass I got at 1Stop Bead Shop during a trunk sale.  They'd brought them back from the latest Bead and Button Show.  The Rivoli, I found also in a box of items.  And the silver beads were left overs from the class I took from Amy Katz. 

I have to say that I really am not a fan of blue.  I rarely work with blue.  I don't know why as it is a very popular color, but not actually one of my favorite colors.  My Father loved blue. My Mother loves blue.  And when I use to teach at Byzantium, I'd always make more blue kits than any other color as most people like the color blue.  I wondered what the color blue says about a person's personality and about their experiences.  I did a little search and came across a website about color psychology.  Interesting ideas about the color blue.  So in essences using the color blue doesn't mean you actually are blue in spirit.  It has so many more meanings that are positive and reaffirming.

http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com

The Color Blue

The color blue is the color of trust and responsibility

This color is one of trust, honesty and loyalty. It is sincere, reserved and quiet, and doesn't like to make a fuss or draw attention. It hates confrontation, and likes to do things in its own way.

From a color psychology perspective, blue is reliable and responsible. This color exhibits an inner security and confidence. You can rely on it to take control and do the right thing in difficult times. It has a need for order and direction in its life, including its living and work spaces.

This is a color that seeks peace and tranquility above everything else, promoting both physical and mental relaxation. It reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness, relaxation and order - we certainly feel a sense of calm if we lie on our backs and look into a bright blue cloudless sky. It slows the metabolism. The paler the blue the more freedom we feel.

In the meaning of colors, blue relates to one-to-one communication, especially communication using the voice - speaking the truth through verbal self-expression - it is the teacher, the public speaker.

The color blue is idealistic, enhancing self-expression and our ability to communicate our needs and wants. It inspires higher ideals.

Blue's wisdom comes from its higher level of intelligence, a spiritual perspective.

Blue is the color of the spirit, devotion and religious study. It enhances contemplation and prayer. On the other hand, blue's devotion can be to any cause or concept it believes in, including devotion to family or work.

Blue is the helper, the rescuer, the friend in need. It's success is defined by the quality and quantity of its relationships. It is a giver, not a taker. It likes to build strong trusting relationships and becomes deeply hurt if that trust is betrayed.

Blue is conservative and predictable, a safe and non-threatening color, and the most universally liked color of all, probably because it is safe and non-threatening. At the same time blue is persistent and determined to succeed in whichever endeavors it pursues.

Change is difficult for blue. It is inflexible and when faced with a new or different idea, it considers it, analyzes it, thinks it over slowly and then tries to make it fit its own acceptable version of reality.

Blue is nostalgic. It is a color that lives in the past, relating everything in the present and the future to experiences in the past.

BOTB Reflections

Round two for Steven's Battle of the Beadsmith is starting.  I'm enjoying seeing new photos of each piece that has moved up.  It made me thing more about things I should have/could have done in the competition. First and foremost, I want to emphasis that this was a friendly competition with no prizes.  The biggest prize to all 200+ artist was a chance to have the whole world view their designing and artistic skills.  With that I'm so happy.  And for me one of biggest winning prizes was meeting other designers and adding them to my "friends" list on Facebook.  One night I actually spent hours texting with another designer who didn't make it to round two like myself.  We connected and learned more about each other deciding hey we had more in common than beads and I was delighted when I saw she sent me a friend's request so know I can follow her Timeline and be a part of her life. 

One thing I told her was that her piece was a winner!  It was just luck of the draw that she had been paired with another piece of work just as stunning, just as creative, just as much a winner.  I strongly encouraged her to wear it out into the public and let the world beyond these small windows see what she'd created and admire it in all its glory.  I can't tell you how thrilling it is to have a person come over gushing all over your creation.  I myself wore Cranberry Baroque to Worthington Mall and had five strangers come up to me wanting to see my necklace.  All three asked for my card and one even directed me a gallery that would love to show my jewelry.  In the real world, you don't have to use photographs or words to explain what you have done.  It is right there in three dimension doing all the work for you.  Don't let the word "loser" even work into your mind!  It will destroy confidence and put a big brake on your creativity.  Show your work online, but also wear it and let it blaze a path.

So another things I did learn from BOTB is that I need to really concentrate on WORDS.  I know, above I just wrote that sometime they shouldn't be so crucial, but in competitions where your words can be the door to get people to actually look at what you've so created choosing the right phrases and focusing on your creative process is just as important as having the right camera or backdrops.  One of the things I didn't focus on with Cranberry Baroque was stating that I intentionally left the fabric showing as the pink of the fabric was the backdrop for the other colors making them all pop out.  I also should have used a fabric that was more intricate with patterns that would enhance the bead work.  Once again should have/could have, but I did learn that creativity and words need to ride a competition entry hand and hand when the judges can't see the work in real time. 

BOTB results

Well, I didn't make it to round two.  Am I sad?  A little, but I have met so many new friends through this competition that for me it is a win-win situation.  I thought I'd share a couple pictures of my two nieces modelling the necklace for me.  These were taken BEFORE I realized the neck strap was too long and so they necklace does not lay correctly on the collar bone.  Guess I need to get them to do a little more modeling for me.  Thank you Emily and Mallory Noel. 

Battle of the Beadsmith 2014

I was quiet for about two months when I was working on my BOTB 14 or Battle of the Beadsmith 2014 challenge piece.  Yes, I said TWO MONTHS!  Of course I was doing other things as I was working on this, but it took up a whole lot of my beading and thinking time.  First off, it was a complete challenge as I skated into the months of February and March drawing up ideas for a beaded doll for the challenge.  Then I read the rules (one should always read the rules before starting to design anything) and realized it was for WEARABLE ART!  My heart almost stopped.  I wrote to Steven and asked if it really had to be wearable art...and yes, he said yes. But in Steven's marvelous way he coaxed me on with suggestions.  I decided to put the beaded sculpture ideas and drawings aside and to focus on jewelry, jewelry, and more jewelry.

I wanted something that looked heavy without being heavy.  A beaded collar was out of the question as is would not contour to the body's form, so I started to draw component pieces and play puzzle me out.  Then the fun part began.  I went deep down into Dot's Art Cave and found crystals that I'd hoarded away and probably haven't seen the light of day for years.  I then stopped over at the big wall of seed beads and randomly chose colors that would make me happy.  I forgot that I did need some sort of bead backing so without turning on the lights, I pulled out a piece of Nicole's Bead Backing and rushed upstairs.  To my amazement, I had chosen some colors that I've never worked with before and the color of the backing was PINK!  Really?  PINK?  And I chose brown iris, cranberry, brown, red, and bronzes.  The crystals and Rivolis were brown and pink.  Yikes!  I merrily started to bead and to my amazement the colors liked each other and were purring along.  I got the major component with the large crystals completed and I'm talking about edging and backing and all when I realized I did not like it.  That was a whole week of work and I did not like it at all.  So (oh yes I did it) out came the scissors and the first major rip apart began.  I was pondering why didn't I like it.  Then I realized, there was nothing that actually popped out at me.  I tried adding pearls, but it just wasn't enough.  Then I picked up a bag of sequins and opened it up.  A few spilled out and landed on the focal component.  I could not believe that those green sequins were the answer.  So green joined the party and back to beading I went.  I decided to not totally encrust this piece letting the pink backing show as it added more contrast to the crystal and bead colors.  I liked that a whole lot.

Then I began the edging AGAIN.  I redid the edging twice before I landed on the idea of circles encircling circles using the cranberry and brown.  I sat back and thought about some of the baroque picture frames I'd seen at all the museums I'd been drawn too, so I came up with the name Cranberry Baroque for the piece.  Happily, I began using the circle idea to join the components together.  It was done. Finally, and three weeks before the deadline.  So I took the necklace to my niece Emily's graduation party and had both her and Mallory do a little bit of modeling for me.  Their young innocent beauty worked so well with the beads and crystals.  I was excited.  Then I began looking at the pictures and to my horror realized the length of the necklace strap was too long.  All the components were hanging down past the collar bone instead of hugging it.  What to do? What to do?  So out came the scissors and a shortening and another idea to have two different ways to clasp the piece so that anyone with a smaller or larger neck could wear the necklace so it would caress the collar bone instead hanging.

I was indeed happy.  Then the picture taking. Chris and I tried three different cameras, lighting, and backgrounds before only four suitable pictures were usable.  I definitely have learned that we need a better digital camera if I want to do any more competitions, better lighting, and definitely a tent or background screens.  But finally everything was sent off.  Now, I'm a part of the 2014 Battle of the Beadsmiths.  It was fun, and challenging and educational as well.  But the best part is taking time to look at all the other gorgeous pieces of wearable art completed from 256 global  bead artist.  A special thank you for Stephen in organizing this challenge spending countless hours posting pictures, matching Battle participants, and keeping the tone of the Battle amusing and fun. 

apology

Dear abandoned blog.  Shall I say I am sorry for forgetting about your existence these past six long months?  Shall I say I've been busy beading and creating and didn't have a moment to think about you?  Or should I just tell you that I've spent so much time posting on Facebook that I really have forgotten your existence?  That last one if probably more of the truth of the matter. 

So what have I been doing since my post so very long long ago?  Well, I've been making dolls for proposed classes to Artistic Figures in Cloth and Clay.  I've been making jewelry for competitions and weddings and just for fun.  I traveled out to San Francisco with my beading buddies to take classes at Beading by the Bay and to SHOP, LAUGH, and EAT!  I took two amazing classes with Amy Katz in Farmington Hills Michigan through the Great Lakes Beadworkers' Guild.  And I've been ridiculously addicted to Netflix watching old television series I never had a chance to watch.

I decided to go natural and now my hair is all white and gray.  So all in all, it has been pretty much normal time for me.    I have so many things to share and now that I am back (or shall I say I finally remembered my password) expect some pictures of things in the works and things already done. 

No more snoozing...time to start blogging!

Memory's Forrest

To continue my journey with the Bead Journal Project, I decided to dip into my hoard of beading treasures and create one more piece for January.  I'd completed the pendent before the last week of January, but the actual necklace portion kept eluding me.  Finally, I decided to finish it off with rings connected with rings.  I then began to let my mind take steps backwards discovering why I'd chosen these hoarded objects, and why they had to all be used into making this necklace.  It all reminded me of walking through Shawnee Forrest trying to find my way back onto a familiar trail that would lead me out to a clear path.  If you are unfamiliar with Appalachian forest let me tell you that off a beaten trail there are brambles and stray branches trying to deter you from certain pathways.  You weave around finding a safe road, and along that meandering path you can experience sensory emotions that will stay with you for you life.  The smell of wet leaves, the smell of bogs, the smell of hidden wildflowers are within you.  The sound of the winds blowing the heavy trees to and fro, the slithering of snakes hidden among the leaf covered floor, the screech of birds of prey in the tree canopy, the gentle foot falls of your own feet.  Shawnee Forrest is a part of my family as we were one of the first families in the Ohio River Valley centuries ago.  My Father's dying wish was to step one more time into the forest and walk among the trees and skies. 

I think it is the thought of my Father's last wish that originally made me pick up the ceramic owl that I'd gotten from Marti Conrad, the gemstone donut I'd gotten from Lora Tobias, and the crystal Rivoli that I'd gotten from Byzantium.  Each of these pieces brought back memories of loss.  The rivoli along with so many other items that I hoard are from Byzantium bead store which closed years ago in Columbus.  It was there I first discovered my love of creating with beads.  It was there that I was allowed to teach my first class and learn that I loved to teach and share my ideas.  It is gone, but the items I brought home with me that last day and the people who still are a part of my life keeps Byzantium alive.  The donut I received from Lora was at the Beading on the Beach Retreat my friends on Delfi Forums and I created and keep alive to this very day.  We all became very close that weekend filled with joy, beads, and friendship.  Lora is gone.  She passed away from cancer, but I when I touched that donut the memories of that week came back instantly.  It still centers me. 

I have never seen an owl in Nature.  I believe I've heard them before, but never seen one with my own eyes.  But when I chose the ceramic owl, it wasn't the owl that I thought about, it was the kindness a stranger showed to me on Facebook when Arwen and Frodo died in 2012 less than two weeks apart.  Marti Conrad was that stranger who sent me a heart with pawprints embossed in it to help me with my grief over losing my two Scotties.  She is a stranger no more, and I enjoy seeing her work every single day.  I am also lucky to have gotten some of her original pieces.  I bought a grouping of these ceramic owls just wanting them because they were unique and lovely, but also because they reminded me of her kind heart.  It also gives me a physical object to see how grief can inspire love from others.

Me, Daddy & Jerry

 

As I put all these pieces from my dream state journey through memories wandering from one piece to another it all came fluid to me that we need not feel grief for loss as though corporal bodies are long gone, the memories of those others are still with us.  We reach down inside and they are still there.  Rings of love are inter mingled together creating strength and structure out of chaos.  The beaded rings in my necklace are the image of all the rings of friendship, love, and desire that have found me along my path.  I might think certain distractions are not part of the plan, but it is the distractions that cause me to stop and just BE!  As in my other January Bead Journal Project necklace, it is the times that we are silent that we are the most alive.  Stopping even for a second to look with inner eye at where I am and those who are still with me give me strength and joy.  Each step, each click of a key, each word creates more rings of love, friendship, and loyalty that strengthen and harden my endurance to live on.  Each are with me still and until I breath my last breath.

My Five Scotties who are long gone but still with me:

FalaPink, SkyeBlue, Frodo, Arwen, and Fiona

 

SkyeBlue and FalaPink

SkyeBlue, Fiona, and Frodo

Baby Arwen

January 2014 Bead Journal Project

Bead Journal Project created by Robin Atkins moved over to Facebook which makes it so much easier for people to share ideas and display their Art.  I hadn't participated if over two years so when I saw the jump to FB, I decided that it was time for me to take some time each month and create something special and meaningful for each month of 2014.  Though members don't have to chose a theme or a format for each month, many do chose both or just one.  Some focus on ATC size portraits of their inner self or special journeys of self discovery.

For 2014, originally I wanted to try my hand at painting pictures with beads.  I had taken two classes from Rena at Byzantium years ago and loved the technique.  I've seem some fabulous pieces done by bead embroidery artist out there that just make my fingers itch.  But then I thought that instead of doing twelve individual pieces each month, bead painting needed more commitment and time.  I'm not throwing this idea out for 2014, but I decided to delay this project for later.  I went down to the Art Cave and started opening draws of beads and supplies.  Then I walked over to my wall of seed beads trying to get some inspiration.  I walked back to my work desk, and randomly started opening draws handling some cabochons that I'd hoarded over the years.  As if a spark bit my finger and coursed up my arm, I had the inspiration to take some of my prized cabochons, lampwork beads, seed beads, and other items I'd bought and lovingly put away for that "rainy day".  How many of us have tons of beads or fabrics or fibers hoarded away locked away in drawer, boxes or closets saving them for a day when our skill level was good enough to justify their use?  I know I am guilty of that.  Cyndy Sieving and I talk about this sometimes about why wait!  Why indeed?  Will our skill levels ever be good enough in our own minds?  We are our worse enemies when it comes to doubting we are good enough.  She always encourages people to open up and use those items you had bought and then hoarded away to use another day.  Use them NOW!  So I decided that for 2014, my theme is NO MORE HOARDING.  Each month, I'm going to take a special item from my hoarded stash and create something from it.

Hoarded gemstone cabochons

Hoarded seed beads I bought at Fusion my first trip to Seattle

For January 2014, I made a bracelet and matching earrings using some of the prize stone cabochon's I'd bought at the first Bead and Button show in Milwaukee I attended.  These colors of the stones just pulled me to the booth, and I wasn't satisfied until I left with at least a few of these clutched in my hands.  I hadn't used any of them until last month when I created a special necklace to wear on my birthday.  Plus, I hadn't realized that I had not made a bracelet in over a year, and I can't recall the last time I even attempted to make earrings.  I just love the colors on these stones.  Every time I picked them up, I would be whisked away to our trip to Canyonland in Utah.  We went on a private trip out of Moab with a guide and four other guys in an old VW bus.  Since I was the only woman in the group, I got to sit up front with the tour guide.  We climbed cliffs, we hiked, we talked, we all had a marvelous 8 hours driving the back roads deep in the canyons carved out by the Colorado River.  I can't forget one snapshot of that day, when all the men decided to go out and hunt for dinosaur fossils.  They left me all alone with the VW bus.  I heard their voices diminish as they climbed down the trail.  Then their voices were gone, and I was all alone with all the spectacular colors washing over me.  I turned my head up to the warming Sun and watch as birds circled over head.  Then a big wind roared through the landscape and throwing my arms I felt as is I was flying over the canyon.  The quiet was filling me with such a sense of peace.  I know it was probably less than an hour before the men all came back, but to me it was a eternity of inner peace and contentment.  After that trip, whenever my life would get stressed or insane, I'd picture myself standing there with my wings unfurled flying like a raptor over the canyon thinking of nothing but the joy of being PRESENT. 

I notice that I do use this color palette in many of my works, and now I realize it is because of that moment in Canyonlands when I was focused on the moment.  Perhaps I try to recreate that image constantly so that I can whisk my way back to that time of inner joy.  You?  Do you have any colors that thrill you and take you to a place or a time that is special?  Please share with me if you have.