Kristen Robinson

Journaling the Journey

 "I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship" Louisa May Alcott

There are moments that we go through in life that perhaps seem as though they might be the lowest points we will ever face. In every tough situation I believe allowing words to flow gives us the ability to stay  true to our feelings,as well as providing an opportunity to document these waves that carry us in rough waters. 

Last winter I was honored to appear in the premier issue of Art Journaling by Stampington. While I was beyond thrilled to share my wee journals with the readers I felt unable to speak about the contents of my catalog of words, emotions and feelings until now.

What I was unable to share at the time was the immense emotion and at times turbulence that fills the pages of this journal. This journal was kept during my service as a juror on a murder trial. While I was unable to write about my experience until the closure I did find great solstice in creating my pages, including images and words that would later allow me to pull those feelings forward once again.

I share with you now a bit more of my journal. It is time for me know to offer closure to this experience that occurred in my life 15 months ago.

"His Mother, I watched and wondered how she must feel to know she will never again hold him in her arms, cook him a meal, wash his clothing, feel him near. My heart breaks, her nest will never be the same."

While I felt broken hearted watching as family members from both sides of the courtroom sobbed daily I could not help but ponder the feelings the defendant's Mother was experiencing. 

"Stoically not a tear fell. Me feeling broken and afraid. Full of sadness, jumpy, jittery looking over my shoulder. I feel a bit lost in the process of condemning even where it is deserved and earned by one who made this choice."

There really are no words for this journal entry my heart truly needed mending at this point in the process, I felt the verdict in my soul and knew I would forever me changed by this process.

"I need beauty to enter my days, to erase this sadness created by my experience as a jury foreman, executor of statements. 1st degree needs a beauty mark."

I was so in need of beauty I was looking for it at every corner while literally looking over my shoulder at every turn. I was fearful, and sad. I was mad and I was full of bitterness regarding the process. 

"Hope is trying to get in. I am trying to lock away the experience until I can truly face it again and understand."

Locking away my feelings I spoke of this for the last time in July of 208 choosing to move forward in life while waiting for a time to come where I could let the rest of it all go. This is that time. 

" DREAM BIG. Dreams are the most precious gifts especially when they greet us in the light of day."

For reading my words thank you. I hope you too will journal your journey no matter what it might be. 

The Nostalgia of Halloween

You may not be aware that I love Halloween. I have always had a great fondest for any holiday that allows for dressing up and using one's imagination to the extreme while playing amongst the light of the moon. Of course I do find great pleasure in the nostalgia and tradition that comes with October 31st.  

Imagine my delight upon opening a package of amazing Dresden Cuts from Castle in the Air. Karima has stocked the shelves with the most delightful little tokens of fun. From witches and wings to crowns and keys the plethora of available shapes is never ending. 

Cones and ribbons created with crepe paper, trim and vintage sheet music dance to together creating the perfect place for this wee witch to land after a jaunt across the night sky. For now I am in full Halloween mode, the house is decorated and the studio is chock full of goodies for Glitterfest. 

For now I bid you good day..create something fun today!

Committing to Change

For the last seven years my husband has traveled months at a time as his job requires it. While I have learned to cope with this it is never easy and often times it can become a bit lonely. The hardest part however is watching the Little Man struggle to understand why Daddy is gone for such long stretches of time. 

After a lot of talking, brainstorming and pondering Travis and I have decided I will pursue my career on a new level; a level which will require extreme commitment, marketing and constant brainstorming. While it might not be ideal for me to be gone for long stretches of time from the home, it will allow Travis to be home more as well as create new opportunities for the three of us to be together more than we are now. 

So with a whole lot of believing, strong commitment, a divine  passion for art and the love I have for what I do I am returning to teaching on a national level, pursuing licensing and art fairs as well as formatting ideas for a book proposal. While this may seem like a lot to take on at one time I am filled with excitement and so very fortunate to have the support and encouragement of my family. 

So I go forward believing all things are possible; moving with passion for the family I love  and the love for what I do and cherishing each moment that is given to me. 

Queen Charlotte

Every group of wee Frozen Charlotte's deserves a queen. This sweet treasure was a gift from darling Lisa who makes me laugh and long for all things New Jersey (how I miss NJ at times). I do believe Queen Charlotte will be right at home with her new subjects.

French General

It is official French General has completed their move and is open for business. Imagine my immense glee when Ruth and I were greeted by darling Maija who announced we would be the first customers in the new location. 

I tried very hard to contain myself as I looked through each nook and cranny finding one amazing bauble and bit after another. Perhaps my greatest indulgence of the day a hand sewn shift complete with monogram procured from a French nunnery. 

Amazing flowers in the assembly process for the upcoming Quilt Show. I was so taken by the patterns and prints.

Confections for the creator in all of us. Much like a candy store each color palette is displayed in darling glass of all shapes and sizes.

The first item I went to was this lovely Madonna and child in pastels. I could not help but feel this needed to come home with me, and so it did.

A visit to the French General is much like that of visiting a good friend's home. The flow of tea and scent of scones filled the air while linens and trinkets of all kinds surrounded me.

New Location

2009 Riverside Drive

Los Angeles CA 90039

323.68-0488

Open Mondays 11-4

Beauty and Inspiration

Sadly we have lost one of the greats of our time, Janice Lowry.  Janice will be incredibly missed. She will forever remain a mentor to me. It is through her courage, artwork and everlasting legacy that we will all remember her and be grateful for the beautiful light she was while here with us. May she now rest in peace.

Be True – Take Flight

"A whisper in the air speaking the words be true sweet one, take flight. Soar through your dreams, the dreams close to your heart." 

In the course of our lives there are those that move us and inspire us. However I believe there is a rare splendor in those that move our soul, those who speak to us. There is one who has not known she has been a mentor to me in so many ways. One who recognizes the beauty of the journey and has stayed true to it. One who has enjoyed the process of life and shared it with many through artwork and words. One who is slipping away. One who will always influence me and leave me wishing I'd had one moment with her.

A Charming Video and Giveaway for a GREAT Cause

Check out this video that Johanna shot of Ruth and I in my studio. The project we created was based on one of many amazing collaborations from A Charming Exchange written by Kelly Snelling and Ruth Rae. Stay tuned for more information on the wonderful auction which will take place in October benefiting breast cancer. 

The necklace created by Ruth and I (seen in the above video) will be a special give away; to enter the give away post about the Charming Exchange Breast Cancer Auction on your blog making sure to add a link that takes readers to www.acharmingexchange.com. Leave your link in the comment section on A Charming Exchange and good luck. The drawing will take place on October 30th. 

Thank you so much for your support and feel free to copy and paste this post directly to your blog.

Etching 101 or E3 If You Please

Etching may seem a bit mystical to some of us however I have found it to be so straightforward and user friendly when using my E3 Etching System. I have always been quite fond of the look of etching upon metal especially when done so in a manner that is somewhat ghostlike in appearance. 

One of the most exciting things about using new products is removing myself from the realm of comfort I so often reside in. A brass cuff would not be a normal component for me to be drawn to. However, while perusing the Objects and Elements Shop I came across these delightful cuffs which come in an array of sizes. 

Once in my hands I knew immediately etching would be just the thing. While looking through my favorite elements an idea struck me....adding a resin filled filigree bezel would bring the look full circle. Viola a basic cuff that was once very non Victorian became an ode to one of my favorite eras. I hope you will seek an exit from your comfort zone if only for a brief time. For more information on etching visit my post on the Objects and Elements blog which delves a little deeper into the etching process. For now I wish you all delight and happiness.

Fun in the Studio

Tuesday I had the great pleasure of spending the day with the ever talented Johanna Love, Director of Photography for Stampington & Co. What a wonderful treat it was to watch Johanna work not to mention the lovely time we had visiting and chatting; Johanna is a true delight.

Sharing in this delight was my dear Ruth, who agrees with me when I say we are becoming much like an older couple who dresses alike without even trying. Stay tuned for a big surprise on Tuesday September 8th! For now my lips are sealed. Off to create, enjoy the beauty of your day my friends.