Kristen Robinson

Belle Armoire Jewelry Autumn 2008

My yesterdays walk with me. They keep step, they are gray faces that peer over my shoulder.

WILLIAM GOLDING, New York Times, Oct. 7, 1983

I find it to be one of the most amazing experiences when friends join together to create. Last winter my dear friend Judy was visiting from afar. While she was here we had a good amount of adventure and fun mixed with creativity and story telling.

Many of you may know the history of little doll parts unearthed from their slumber in Germany. Darling torsos, arms and legs that have been perfectly preserved amongst the soil of the earth.

Judy avidly seeks these little darlings. Seeking them to insure history is passed on to others, as well as incorporating them into artwork that tells the story of the past; a story that must be passed on to the fragile future.

Gifting Ruth and I each with one of these darlings spurred the creative juices and the wheels began to spin within our minds. Soon the three of us were diligently working to create what would become our angels.

To learn more of the creative journey the three of us embarked on one sunny winter day pick up the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry available now on newsstands!

On the Shelves this August

The annual issue of Somerset Home has emerged from the printing presses and I must say it is delightful. With a creative and colorful cover featuring the artful creation of Jenny Doh to the project filled pages, the issue is a lovely. Editor Amanda Nolan has gathered an amazing feast for the eyes.

I am honored to once again be included in this wonderful publication. My inspiration rack which was born from a paint grid, trinkets and baubles which flooded my desk joins a rack created by Rebecca Sower in a wonderful article written by Morgan McLaughlin.

My Lady's Desk is also included, learn how I took an ordinary desk top organizer and turned into a writing desk reminiscent of writing desks of yesteryear.

And finally my Handkerchief Vignettes dance amongst the pages; hoping to inspire you to pull out your vintage treasures and start displaying them in what ever fashion moves you.

Christmas in August? The new Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection is on the stands. Holiday Crafts offers 93 Holiday projects ranging from Halloween to Christmas. A little something for everyone as everything from fabric and felt to paint and paper is used.

I was honored to be asked to create Christmas Cones for the publication - I love the spray of pine that flows from my creation. The issue is full of amazing photography, wonderful clear instructions and a packet of patterns.

Haute Handbags, Off to Artfest Next Week and a Happy Birthday to Top it All Off

What a pleasure to be included amongst such talent in the latest issue of Haute Handbags. Amongst creations from Sandra Evertson, Lelainia Loyd (who is also a birthday girl this week Happy Birthday), Deb Trotter, and so many others I can not list them all here. Wonderful creations lie upon the pages of this treasure, inspiration surmounts and the desire to create a custom bag will fill you I promise.

The next order of business...next week I leave for Artfest it is hard to believe we are on the cusp of April already (where have the last 4 months go I wonder). So I am packing up my bags and hitting the air, then the road oh, and a ferry too. I expect to have lots of photos and fun stories to share with you all.

                                  

And last but certainly not least it is Ruth Rae's birthday let's all wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, stop by her blog when you can. (Thank you Karen for this perfect photo).

There is so much more to share with you but for now it will have to keep as time is running away from me.

Home - With One Stamp Somerset Studio March April

What fun it is to play with a new stamp. Check out this wonderful stamp from Paperbag Studios...what a joy to work with! Home conjures up so many warm feelings within us. Comfort, solstice, warmth and fun were just a few I chose to focus on. My favorite memories stem from Home, I am constantly warmed by the moments I cherish that are created at home.

Be sure to pick up your copy of Somerset Studio as it is filled with lots of inspiration and great artwork!

XOX

Kristen

A Little Family Heritage

Green is a really hard color for me to embrace in my artwork. However, when I was asked to create pieces for the "With One Palette" feature in Somerset Studio everything fell into place in that ironic kind of way things often do. The issue Jan/Feb (on the shelves now), includes many fabulous pieces that were created around the theme "Green". Amongst the articles and amazing work are my pieces which include actual photos of Irish Ancestors. Here is the ironic part....prior to the call for art a lot of photos were bestowed upon me by my Grandmother. Photos which included those of my Irish Ancestors. As I began working and going through my studio gathering materials and ideas, everything seemed to flow into my hands and the project took life. I feel more than fortunate to be able to share such an important part of my life with the art community. If you have not yet checked out the latest Somerset treat yourself to the issue full of beauty, a wonderful interview with Sally Jean Alexander, amazing artist papers and article by Roben Marie Smith not too mention the must see photos of The Marie Antoinette Collaborative. I wish you a happy day!