Why I chose Etsy

I must confess... I resisted Etsy. I really wanted to do it on my own. I wanted to set up the look, style, feel, and environment in which I sold my art. So, I created my own website, stocked it with art and waited for the curious crowds to come knocking down my virtual door. Well, that didn't happen. So, I started looking at other options. At first, I thought I'd add just a few items to a site like Artfire because some of my cooler artsy fiends like and realized that it just didn't have the name recognition. I opened the account but didn't get much further than that. 

A turning point came for me hen I ordered a bag from a facebook friend, she requested I go through her Etsy site. She sells bags in her shop BrookVanGoryDesigns. She explained that Etsy helped her keep track of things and stay organized. This really hit home for me. I'm not that into organization. I'd much rather make art! 

When I seriously revisited Etsy, I found that they had lots of support and suggestions for people who genuinely want to make a go of it on their site. There is also a great deal of support from other artists. 

If you're doing research into what kind of success is possible on Etsy, check out this independent site that tracks Etsy sales: Craftcount. According to Alexa.com, Etsy is one of the top 1,000 websites in the world. Now, I understand not wanting to go with the crowd, and desiring to do things your own way. But, sometime we have to prioritize our time and choose what tasks are going to bring the greatest rewards.

What it comes down to is answering the question, "What is my goal?" Do you want to create a selling environment, or do you want to let someone else create the environment and you customize your own shop to sell your art?

I've had work on Etsy for a little over a month. I've had a couple of sales and I'm really happy with my shop. One thing I found very encouraging is other sellers who've included my products in Treasuries thereby exposing my work to a whole new audience. I'm following all the recommendations I've read on Etsy, Sharing my posting on social media like facebook and Pinterest, Blogging, adding a few items at a time, taking the very best photos I can... I'm giving this my best shot. You can follow along here to see how things go. I just wanted to take a minute to share my investigation and findings.

Blessings!

Creative exploration

Three ceramic butterfly necklaces by Laura Pallatin 

I've been accused of having ART ADD. That is, I don't just pick one art medium and stick with it. I really believe that my various interests inform one another and make me a better artist. I'm sharing this because I know I'm not alone in this desire to experience and explore lots of ways of creating art. 

To that end, I am pleased to share my latest art adventure! Ceramics!!! Ok, new for me. I've been painting canvases and want to experience my art in a more 3 dimensional way. So, I started with sculpting and painting butterflies and today I've created some cute little critters. This is so super fun! I hope you enjoy it. And, when you feel an itch to try something new... go for it! 

Blessings,
Laura P.

Handmade ceramic butterfly necklace

freshly sculpted itty bitty kitty

Fresh sculptures that will be jewelry! So cute!!!

Why you should buy original art

A pretty landscape over my blue cupboard

As an artist, I find great pleasure in purchasing and enjoying art that comes right from the hand of a real live person. I can “feel” the work, love, and inspiration that went into that piece of art which is inherently different from any other piece on earth. An artist may produce more than one piece in a theme or collection, but just like flowers on a plant each one is unique. When I refer to “art,” by the way, I’m talking about an originally conceived handmade object. (including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, quilts, art to wear, jewelry, wood sculpture, pottery, fiber art...)

This brings me to the topic I’d like to talk about today which is why YOU should buy original art.

two paintings in my landscape collection

1. Your home is the environment you create to nurture yourself, your family, and friends. Home is your sanctuary. Every item in your home is there either to comfort, inspire, or facilitate the lifestyle you are choosing to live. Original art brings an organic “alive” quality to your home that no print can ever communicate. It’s right from the artist’s easel. Whether you buy it while the paint is still drying, or hundreds of years after it’s painted, you are getting the one and only original with dimension no print can every really copy. 

original art with milkglass collection

2. Your art collection is a reflection of your personal taste. Hanging original art in your home can show your love of the local art scene, your travels, or your simply your own preferences for collecting. Many artists paint the scenes of their homes and travels. I like to collect paintings of pastoral scenes. One room in my home is dedicated to this collection. It is a very soothing place for all who visit. 

Gratuitous cute doggie poses with pretty landscape picture

3. Finally, when you purchase original art, you are supporting people who make art. This may seem like a no-brainer, but let’s explore it a bit. Most of us admire those who create. We listen to music, enjoy dance, watch talented people perform on television. But, original art is the only creative product we can purchase, take home, and enjoy for the rest of our lives (and even pass on to our heirs.) You can personally encourage and support local artists with your purchases in a very personal way that you cannot really connect with other creative folks. 

I am not saying that no one should ever buy a print. That’s just silly. This is simply a plea to expand your mind to the idea that owning original art has its own special value. 
If you don’t put perfectly reproduced silk plants in your garden, why on earth would you hang nothing but reproduced pictures on your walls?

Gladys the Art Car gets some new paint!

Gladys, my 1999 Lincoln Town Car, is transforming day by day as I add art work to inspire joy and happiness on our road-ways. Yes, I get some strange looks, many people ask if I put a bunch of stickers on my car, and just today a man shook his head and told me that I must be eccentric.  But, all of this reaction is worth the smiles, thumbs ups, and "I LOVE your car!" comments. 

I use one-shot paints that I get from TCP Global because I've found the best price and they get my order to me pretty quickly! I purchase regular brushes from art supplies stores because I haven't learned how to use the quills and I'm getting the results I want with regular brushes. I use LOTS of turpenoid for my brushes, to remove smudges I get all over myself and the car, etc. To get the fun swirly butterfly on the hood I thinned the paint with thinner that is available from TCP as well. When I'm finished working I clean my brushes with The Master's Brush Cleaner  which has done wonders to help my brushes look brand new after each use. You can find that at Michaels. I'd recommend buying the big tub and using a discount coupon. You can use the very same tub for your acrylic brushes and it saves them, too.

Since I've been working on her more lately, I thought I'd share some pictures here. In many ways, I feel that painting on my car is sorta like adding tattoos to her body. If you are interested in knowing how to paint your own car, feel free to leave questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them all!

Inspirational Words on Gladys the Art Car!

More words to uplift and inspire

A long shot of the cherry blossom tree with birds

Detail picture of little blue bird and California Poppies

More detail of the cherry blossom tree with two cute birdies (LOVE these!

my two frogs, Trevor & Yolanda

a pretty monarch on the hood

Embellishment surrounding the passenger front door

Inspirational words and a peek at the hood butterfly

The passenger side California poppies

The trunk with the license plate

Just the tree and LaBelle Mariposa

Another view of the cherry blossom tree

A Raven on the roof

A large swirly butterfly on the hood

the Raven and driver's side California poppies

Collecting beautiful things for ART!

Enamel, plastic, and other brightly colored pins

I have the most wonderful excuse for collecting beautiful (little) things for my "Altared Books." Since my work encompasses so many themes, I am always on the lookout for fun items to bring my imagined scenes to life. Sometimes, I imagine a theme in my mind and then add it to my list. Then, when I'm out cruising for goodies, I check my list to keep that new idea in mind. Often times, though, I find an unusual piece and am moved to create a whole book around that item. I wonder if a viewer even knows what the inspiration was when viewing my work. I hope that everyone brings their own interpretation to the piece. In this way, each person makes the art their own experience. I love it when people tell me a story that they come up with for a book. I feel it gives the art a whole other life. 

Springy collection for an upcoming Easter "Altared Book"

Today, I'm working on a spooky Fall themed book. I'm using a stamp I made, punched birds and leaves, various fabrics, paint, inks, broken pottery bits, as well as many jewelry pieces. 

Sparkly pin collection for books (or maybe a bouquet?)

While I'm in love with this book, I am already looking forward to rounding out the collection of Springy thingies to make a happy little Easter book. I so enjoy bringing home, and sorting through my treasure, that I thought I'd share some of my pretties with you here. 

I hope you enjoy the eye candy as much as I do! 

Blessings,

Laura P.

sharing "Altared Books" in 2014

It's almost mid-December and I have to admit, I'm getting excited about the new year already! I know I should slow down and enjoy Christmas, but gosh! I'm just so fired up about 2014! I followed my heart artistically and expanded my art to include something I'm calling "Altared Books." I was first inspired by the art of Dia De Los Muertos imagery and wanted to make a tiny world that held an altar tucked within a book. My first few pieces were exclusively "Day of the Dead" related. Then, I created books dedicated to people that I wrote stories about. These darling little worlds can be created to honor anything! Imagination is the only limit. 

It is my intent to offer workshops so that I can share the making of these pieces of assemblage art with others. Each gathering will be very fun! We'll dress up in frilly aprons, don sparkly tiaras, and create completely unique art! Wow, I can't wait! I'll be sharing more information about these plans as I begin to set dates. I've been asked to offer a workshop at "The Old Mortuary Inn" in Dunsmuir, CA.

an "Altared Book" by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa dedicated to Frida Khalo

A view of an "Altared Book" featureing hand-painted & sculpted "sugar skulls," many jewelry and religious artifacts, flowers, birds, ribbon, sand dollar doves and many other little bits. 

The cover of an "Altared Book" by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Inside cover of an "Altared Book" by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

a tiny Christmas scene inside and "Altared Book"

Christmas in an Altared Book

A praying mouse is inside a book dedicated to a fictional cat lover. 

The cover of an Altared Book with a cute locket and secret butterflies inside. 

The inside of the Altared Book dedicated to fictional "Auntie Bella"

Waiting for the phone to ring

Today I’m waiting for a phone call. A phone call that could change everything… or not. I’ve done the footwork and the results are out of my control. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this position, of course. Following job interviews, first dates, and other life events, I’ve waited for a phone call. Carrying the phone around, afraid to get in the shower, or worse!

If the answer is “yes,” it could fund a dream that I’ve had for a long time and help me fulfill what I believe to be my life’s mission; founding the healing place. If not, do I abandon the dream as if some unseen force is telling me to let it go? Or, do I double my efforts and come up with another way to make it happen?

Since my attention, and energy, is so fragmented today, I’ll probably limit my creative activities to those that don’t require much focus. Trying to work on an ambitious painting or sculpture will just frustrate me and I don’t need that right now. But, I do feel that staying in positive motion is important.

Being in the “waiting place” is a weird sort of painful. Accepting my powerlessness over an outcome and still doing everything I can to live my best life.

Blessings

A healing place...

Pretty dishes for the healing place. 

My dream for LaBelle Mariposa is to share the principles I wrote about in my book, “Walk In Your Own Footsteps;” helping people to discover their own way in this life and encourage them to have the courage to follow their path. The idea started out as pretty abstract, so I’ve been working to solidify it.

To that end, I am working hard to bring into being a healing place where people can come and learn to apply the principles to their lives, spend some time with like-minded people through small retreats, as well as have one-on-one sessions with me. I’ve found a location, now it’s just a matter of everything else falling in to place.

LaBelle Mariposa will help gentle people seeing balance, fulfillment, growth, and transformation. Through writing (books, articles, blogging…), art, classes, retreats, cards, cd’s, one-on-one sessions, creating vision boards, YouTube videos, community projects, and yet to be created gatherings, products, and materials, LaBelle Mariposa will help facilitate personal internal revolutions!

Another function of this place will be to provide comfort and a healing place for those who suffer from all sorts of pain. A place to rest and rejuvenate. In warm surroundings, guests will work through feelings and return to their world better for the experience. I’m gathering beautiful things to furnish our home so that everyone who enters will feel welcome and invited.

This sounds like a big order, doesn’t it? Or, does it sound like a wonderful thing in this crazy world? I hope to hear from friends, and friends of friends who could use such a respite and sanctuary from the world.

Holding the vision!

Laura P.

Creativity, Rituals, and Spirituality

Today I'd like to take a little departure from the usual, here. I've been thinking a lot about how rituals and spirituality play a role in my creative process. I don't know if others feel this way, or not. I would like to share some thoughts on this topic. I hope you get something out of it! 

Part of our nature is to embrace rituals. We look forward to rituals great and small. Holidays, Graduations, and seasonal chores are all externally taught rituals. Other rituals are ones we create for ourselves. They bring us comfort, give us something to look forward to, and help us define our social circles. From decorating the Christmas tree to brewing a cup of tea, rituals are comforting and familiar. I am a big fan of rituals. I embrace them and use them to bring comfort and structure to my life. I bet you do the same. In this post, I am asking you to think about your rituals.

Most of what we think of as rituals are taught to us, handed down from our ancestors. Having had another person created the ritual, then pass it on, gives it value and legitimacy. Consider for a moment the fact of this. Someone developed the sequence of events and passed it on. Some have meaning, some don’t. In many instances, it is more the repeating of a familiar pattern that brings comfort than a firm belief, or commitment to, the act. This doesn’t make the actions good or bad. I’m just saying that we should really think about how we spend our time, what we devote our energies to.

So far, I’ve only talked about the positive rituals that we embrace. Think for a moment about any rituals you have devised, or capitulated to, that are negative and harmful for you. Do you beat yourself up emotionally? Condemn your motivations? Or, maybe you’ve fallen into a pattern like drinking to excess or smoking? Simply using negative language on yourself by way of self-talk can be a very destructive habit. Oddly, these bring comfort similar to positive rituals, but they tear down and destroy.  “Living life on purpose” includes rejecting what doesn’t serve us as well as developing what is uplifting. Beginning to recognize those negative habits, and starting to eliminate them, will help you feel better about yourself in so many ways.

Rituals can help us set our intention for just about any activity we choose to engage in. Getting ready to go on a trip, going to work, headed out to school… each activity has a list of behaviors we engage in before we begin. These help us transition from one activity to another.When I create art, I have a little set of rituals I usually go through. I get a beverage, put on some music, sometimes I light incense… That’s just me. I’m sure you have a ritual of your own. It helps to define the space and time as “creative.” Taking the time to define our intention, through thought and action, helps us to focus our energies on a specific intended purpose.

I don’t believe that we are stuck with just our own taught rituals, or making up our own. I love to learn about other cultural rituals and adopt those that feel right for me. For instance, I have adopted the custom of smudging to bring a positive vibe to my space. What can I say? It makes me feel clean and light filled. It’s a form of prayer to me. Another ritual handed down by my ancestors, and probably yours. J

To wrap this up, I just want to say that I, like most every person, embrace rituals for their ability to bring comfort, celebration, and help me to define my intent. My message here is simple.. Become aware of your rituals, embrace those that empower, let go of any that don’t. Feel free to invent rituals for yourself, too. They can be fun! As long as you’re choosing your behavior for the value that it brings into your life, you’re on the right track.

Blessings!

Laura P.

A few thoughts on Fibromyalgia

Another factor that has shaped 2013 has been that my fibromyalgia symptoms have become more of a challenge. Since the death of my kid's daddy (and my former hubby of 20 years) in December 2011, I've definitely noticed a intensifying of the symptoms overall. What I've worked on in 2013 is using the time and energy I have each day very wisely because it is brief. I need to sleep about 12 hours a night and take about naps every day. Sounds yummy, right? Unfortunately, the price I pay for pushing myself past these limits is body aches, migraine headaches, and ultimately something called a "fibro flair" which feels a lot like having the flu. 

Every person's experience with fibro is different, this is just mine. I have have noticed that the other people I know with this "condition" were kind of driven "type A" folks. This makes the limitations it places on us so hard to handle. Because we are always looking around at all the things we "should" do on the way to take a nap! 

The reason I'm sharing this is because I want to say that, while it is super frustrating, I have learned some lessons from fibro that I don't know I would have learned otherwise. Mostly I've learned about managing my time and energy. I look at it like a budget every day. I can't get overly ambitious because that will push me into a state of complete rest, so I must take my time and evaluate my choices carefully. I must set priorities and stick to them if I'm to get my goals accomplished. :) Sound familiar? 

So, I make lists. Then I prioritize them. My family is always at the top of my list. I try to do some art every day. House work is important to me, too, because if the house looks too crazy, it affects my self-esteem. Exercise makes the list every day, too. Even if I just walk around the block with my puppy dog, doing something every day is important to me. I've had to back completely burner several things I like to do including teaching for now. 

I've applied for disability through social security because I simply cannot work a full day and support my family any more. I cannot commit to anyone that I'll be at any place on a given day or time. I never know when one of my symptoms will make keeping that commitment impossible. It is my sincere hope that, when my financial issue is less acute  my symptoms will be, too.

Until that time comes, I'll just keep making my lists, using my time wisely, and maintaining a minds-set of gratitude for all the blessings I enjoy in this wonderful life. 

Blessings,
Laura P.

pretty dish collection

This is the beginnings of my pretty plate collection. It is my intention to use mismatched dishes, serving pieces, and silverware in my little house up in Dunsmuir, CA. Since I'm still working on getting the house, it is fun to collect the things I'll use when I do. It's also an excuse to bring home these pretties, clean them up, stack them and take photos. :) Always a fun activity for me!

The Dunsmuir home will house my art collection, studio, magic stuff, and so much more! I just can't wait to be a part of the art community, there. I'm also looking forward to sharing the house, as well as the wonderful community, with my many friends. 

I hope your dreams are coming true, too!

Blessings, Laura P.

2013 - So Far (my cool experience with a vision board)

Well, blogosphere! I guess it's been too long if I had to look up my password for this site! I'm writing now because I want to share the exciting year I've had so far! It all started last December when my boys were happily playing with their Christmas toys and Jim was enjoying a football game. I decided that this was the perfect time to sneak out an create a vision board for 2013. 

I left my happy home and went alone to a diner that I really like called the Diamond Springs Hotel. I took up residence in my favorite booth. (it's supposed to be haunted!) and I took out the supplies I would need to create my vision board including a sketch book, set of colored pencils, and an eraser. I chatted with the owner and let her know that I would be camping for a bit, to make sure that was okay. She was fine with it. :) 

I began making a list of all the activities and goals I wanted for 2013 on a paper napkin. Once I was happy with my list, I began drawing pictures on my vision board to represent all the things I was dreaming of for 2013. I didn't want this to become about making perfect pictures, so I did it quickly and only allowed myself the pencils to finish the project. 

When I got home, I placed my vision board in my art studio area (our family dining room) so that I could see it every day. The result of this project has been such a powerful experience that I'm excited to share it with you. Many, many things have come to pass that I first put down on that vision board. Some, like belly dancing and making more art were within my control and I feel that having a visual reminder of those things helped me bring them into my life. However, other things on my board have come which were entirely out of my control, and long waited for. This isn't a magic project, it's just a tool which helps us keep our priorities in mind. Much like a company has a mission statement and a five year plan, it makes sense for us to put thought into what we WANT in our lives. 

There are still a few things to look forward to and I'm really excited to see how the rest of the year turns out. I bet Jim will be tagging along this year when I make my new board to make sure he gets his priorities on there, too! 

I've helped a couple of other people to do boards of their own, and they've had amazing results as well. I would like to encourage you to give this a try. If you have any questions, please drop me a note, and I'll be happy to help you with yours, too.

Blessings!
Laura P.

Living a LaBelle Mariposa life

Cypress Sunset painting created for a original art pendant.

I came up with the name of my business, LaBelle Mariposa, because it brings together two languages to say the beautiful butterfly. Butterflies represent transformation, flight, beauty, living for the moment, and so many other things. Monarchs pass their knowledge on to generations who complete a journey that their ancestors have made for countless generations. This communicates tradition. In so many ways, the monarch, and butterflies in general, are a special symbol of rebirth, transformation, and grace. So, living a LaBelle Mariposa life is embracing personal transformation, finding our purpose, and living each day to the fullest. 

Lately, I've been so blessed to have so many of my dreams coming into reality. Today, Jim and I will travel to Monetery to visit Cheryl Watt Pottery & Gallery on Cannery Row so that I can drop off more art. Then, tomorrow, we'll attend an opening at the gallery! Also, today, I will get to spend time working with a dear friend on her own personal journey before I purchase the vehicle that will be my art car to promote LaBelle Mariposa!

So, today, I am feeling very blessed and happy to be living my transformed LaBelle Mariposa life!

Fanciful Gnomes for the Garden

Because I was not willing to risk my precious gnome, Gerome, being kidnapped from my front yard, I created a motley crew of gnomes to keep an eye on things out there. My friend, Kim Mayhew, made Gerome for me. He's wonderfully spooky-cool! Here's a pic of Gerome in my living room:

 

 My little collection of gnomes came from Harbor Freight. They were super cheap and started out pretty plain looking: 

There's nothing wrong with them... they're just not that fun. And the one on the right looks... okay... strange! 

So I painted them and added some glitter and bling from the thrift store, and I think they are WAY more fun!!!

Introducing the garden crew: 

Henry DeGnome by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

 Lupe DeGnome Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

Pierre DeGnome by Laura Pallatin of LaBelle Mariposa

From art to pendant

Recently, while my mom (Maralee Lowder) and I had a booth at the Butterfly Festival in Mariposa, Calilfornia, I met a lovely photographer/jewelry maker named Joelle Leder. We immediately formed a mutual admiration society as I love her photography and handmade jewelry, and Joelle loved my art and pendants. Joelle has been successfully selling her work at art and craft fairs for over ten years and, thankfully, she was more than willing to share tips and tricks for being successful at shows. Soon after the show, Joelle asked me to consider creating a line of pendants that complimented her "beachy" jewelry. I love the ocean and jumped at the idea to create art that brings to mind the casual and laid-back feeling of the beach.

I started with this sea start painting...

Sea Star Painting for LaBelle Mariposa pendant

Once I'd completed the painting which is 12 by 12 in size, I photographed it and re-sized it using Photoshop. Painting something bigger and shrinking it down for a pendant is such a fun process. All of the details are so cute and crisp when shrunk down from a large size to an itty bitty piece of art. :)

There are several factors that influence the final product when printing the images. Therefore, I usually have to do a few test-prints before I get the final image that I want for the pendant.



I'm very happy with the final result of this image...

I love the dimension and the shading. In real life, it looks like you could run your finger along the side and feel the starfish. :) Now I'm working on a sand dollar, and next will come a painting that represents Manhattan Beach, CA. I'll share photos of those paintings as they come along.

Sea Star Pendant

Blessings,
Laura P.

Back in the swing of things

detail from vintage post card

Hello, again! It's been a long time since I was able to  share with you. Following my successful class at Trezher's Gift Shop in Sacramento, I found myself feeling sick. Well, I went to bed with a fever before I could even unpack my car and have been fighting what we are now calling, "The Malaria" for 4 weeks! The good news is that no one else in my family has gotten sick, so we figure it's not airborne. Oh, and I've lost a solid 5 pounds, but other than that, it's been a trial! Today I'm feeling pretty darn good. I'll probably poop out and need a nap this afternoon, but I'll take that any day over what I've been through.

While laying there with plenty of time to think, artsy projects flooded my mind. Now that I'm better the question is prioritizing all this creative energy. I'm getting ready for my next classes at Trezher's starting on September 15th which will be a soldered glass pendant class. Then I'll be creating samples for the November 20th class where we'll make larger pieces to preserve pictures, collages, or postcards and the December 10th class when we'll make ornaments. I'm excited about the ornament class! Here are a couple of images I'll be using for my samples. 

I'm also painting new images for my pendant line, working on a new deck of Inspirational Cards, have a stained glass project I've been excited about creating, and a quilt idea is brewing in my mind. I'm so glad to be me today.

I hope you find your creative muse and giver her/him a kiss for me. :)

My friend Lisa's baby Zoie. So cute!!!

detail from a vintage Easter postacard

Darling Chloe in her halloween costume from 2010

My baby Rachel, when she was a baby. :)

Detail from vintage postcard