Favorite places

Ever since I designed an Idyllwild tile a couple of years ago, images have been lurking at the edges of my mind for other beautiful local places. Everybody wants to celebrate their turf, you know?

A few months ago when a client ordered architectural tiles for her kitchen remodel, she asked if in addition to the Idyllwild tile, I had a design for Pine Cove. Umm, no, not actually, it's still in my mind, sort of...umm developing...

Fast forward to last weekend, when Spring Break gave me ample head space and studio time (thank you whoever had this original brilliant idea for Spring Break). I was finally able to get those Pine Cove ideas out into the visual world where everyone can see them. Here's the finished design!

Pine Cove. 4.25" Decorative tile or Architectural tile.

Both tiles are now available to be purchased at Acorn Gallery in Idyllwild. The original collage pieces are also available, just let me know if you're interested.

Tell me about your about your favorite places. I'd be happy to make a commissioned art piece that reflects your happy place!

Idyllwild. 4.25" Decorative tile or Architectural tile.

Sharing what I've learned

Imagine. Mixed media assemblage. 2013.

I'm pretty dang excited to be teaching a mixed media workshop for adults this weekend here in Idyllwild.

I'm calling this little art exploration More Than Words because increasingly over the past 5 years words and text have been creeping into my art in both subtle and obvious ways. I'm an inspiration junkie, it's true. It's like making art with text "joy" or "create today" or "freedom" helps me to infuse that energy into my life. I always, always, feel so inspired and renewed when I make art with words.

Would you like to come play with us on Saturday, February 22? Eight wonderful women will be joining in this fun day of creating. We have room for 2 more intrepid souls. Is one of them you?

Treasures

I just spent a wonderful, laughter filled afternoon celebrating the birthday of a woman friend, with a circle of smart, funny, kind, lovely, creative women. What more could I ask for?

I receive so much from all of them. And I hope I give back equally most of the time.

Laugh word tag.

One of many topics today was a dissection of my computer dating life (mostly dismal and yet hilarious). To dissect it with women who love and care for me made it bearable, and ludicrously entertaining.

Women friends are the treasures of my life - each an amazing jewel. Thanks you all!!

Swell

That's an underused word in my vocabulary.
It feels round and humble and smiling. It feels simple and fabulous.
Frankly, I want more of it.

My feeling is this "I want more life in my life".
For me that means more freedom, more love, more creation, more travel, more laughing, more bliss.
That's where I'm headed in 2014.

What does it mean for you, I wonder?

Green Mint. Feels like more to me.

This is it

The fire's lit. The wood bin stocked.
There's plenty of chocolate and Christmas cookies.
And now, to top it off, it's snowing!
Now there's some mountain Christmas out of Hollywood.

Oh, and I also vacuumed the house and parked the car at the end of the driveway so I don't have to shovel all that way. Now there's some Christmas out of my reality.

Today is also the last day to get all the goodies at Joann Tomsche Studio at 15% off.
So take a peek, and I'd appreciate it if you'd share it with some friends.
If you order it today, I'll ship it off to you tomorrow.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your holidays are bright.

For the next 6 days

Here it is, almost Christmas. Cliche, I know, but seriously, where did 2013 go?

So, here's the scoop: starting today, until Thursday, December 19 I'm giving a 

15% discount on everything on my Etsy shop Joann Tomsche Studio. 

That makes it a great time to get your holiday gifting completed, stock up on some art tiles for 2014 gifting, and treat yourself to some goodies too.

Hope. Peace. Art Tiles.

Joy. Love. Art Tiles.

(here's where you insert the voice of that guy who sold things on late night TV in the 70's)

And that's not all! For a limited time you'll also receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more. 


(okay, I'm back)
I ship via USPS Priority Mail which takes 2-5 days depending on where it's going.

After December 19, I figure I won't want to do a lot more shipping, so order your stuff now. My last shipping day will be Dec 20. 

After that, I plan to mostly sit by the fireplace, eat dark chocolate and Christmas cookies, drink wine or spiked hot cocoa, and read a book while I enjoy the fresh smell of pine and sparkling lights on my tree. Hope you'll be doing the same.

Feeling the love...

now go get your shopping done.

A new place to love

Finding a new someone to have fun with is always exciting. Sort of like on match.com, only better.

Merry Merry. Original collage design. Available as an art tile.

I'm so happy heirloom in Claremont Village and I have found each other.

This little store first turned up on one of the legendary Art Bitches Day Trips. We left with great greeting cards and other fun stuff.

Enter a new artist friend, Nancy Mannon, whose unique jewelry sells there, and... Voila! A new home for JTStudio art tiles and holiday ornaments.




heirloom is owned by Rob Lewbel and Becky Morgan. Their focus is on simple goods for modern living. A good fit with my aesthetic, yes?
heirloom is right next to the movie theater on Indian Hill Blvd. You can't miss it and you're sure to find some treasures for yourself or for gifts.

If you have not been to Claremont Village, stop in there for some wonderful shops with eclectic merchandise, and a pleasant, walkable, charming shopping environment. Make a day of it. Have lunch. Whenever I go I want more time!

Please send this on to friends in the area and share the love!