Pretty Little Things

I'm here to profess my love for Sally Jean Alexander.  After seeing her work in the back of a Mary Engelbreit Home Companion years ago, I bought a whimsy stick and a monogram .   I've worn them proudy for years (and had a ton of compliments on them!).  Now that I've finally met her, I'm just bowled over by how simply amazing she is.  She's a brilliant artist and an generous teacher to boot.  I want to be Sally Jean when I grow up. 

This past Christmas, my hubby bought me a spot in Sally Jean's House of Style class at Art & Soul.  The retreat was last weekend and I was beyond excited to run away from home.  I was able to drive down to Hampton, VA (without the typical Elmo/Wiggles soundtrack that my daughter requires) BY MYSELF and check into a hotel BY MYSELF and enjoy plenty of creative time BY MYSELF.  No diapers.  No whining.  No Sesame Street. 

Sally Jean was a wonderful teacher.  She was so open about how she creates her whimsical collage pieces and her charms.  She took us step by step through the whole process, giving us little tips on achieving that "Sally Jean" look.  She didn't try to hide any trade secrets.  She gave us the names of her glass, solder and ephemera resources.  I couldn't believe how willing she was to teach us how to duplicate her look. 

The class project is to die for.  A simple one story house made from thirteen collaged pieces which are placed between glass panes before being soldered together.  This is my little cottage (I apologize for the blurriness - trying to take a non-flash photo of a glass project is a bit more difficult than I thought):

The picture above the fireplace actually hangs in my real bedroom.  The hands belong to me & my hubby.  The picture was taken on our wedding day and it is one of my all time favorites.

I ran out of time to make the furniture, but as soon as I have a spare moment...

I'm desperately trying to get Sally Jean out to our area to teach a weekend retreat.  Interested??

Comments

[CarrieB]

Wow! Fantastic job and what a great project. I don't know if I'm more impressed with your artistic abilities or that your husband figured out this gift to you all on his own. You better keep him!

Well done!

[Amy S]

Definitely interested if you can get her out this way for a retreat.

Thanks for sharing.

[Pat Sloan]

i will go if you get her here!

[Pat Sloan]

i will.. i will!

[Janet M.]

Definitely interested....just say the word! =)

[Jeanette]

Incredible. I love your house and I love the idea of inviting SJ to our area to inspire us. Wow.

In the meantime, are you gonna teach something similar to tide us over?

[Erin Earls]

How Very very cool. I wish I could go. She will be at the Portland Art & Soul, but the way things are looking I won't get to go. You did a wonderful Job!

[Nerissa]

Your project turned out beautifully. I'm going to try my hardest to get to Art & Soul next year. I live in DE and it's not too long a drive. Like you said, a drive without kids and with your own music... heaven.
I LOVE Sally Jean. I can only imagine how taking a class from her was. So envious!! I would drive to the DC/MD/VA area for a workshop with her. Just tell me the time and place. :) I'll drop the kids and my husband off at the in-laws ;)
Thanks for sharing.
Nerissa

[Cheryl Sullivan]

If you can get SJ count me in! I would LOVE to take a class from her!

[Kitty]

I love your house, Korie & I would love to do a project with Sally Jean!

[karen]

love, love, love it! All that work really paid off--I love the use of your wedding pictures as well.

Must see pics when all the furniture is done.

[Jennifer Sizemore]

If you get here here - I would totally sign up!!!!! Your project is GREAT!!!

[Denise]

Wow like Sally Jean is my alter ego. I can't wait to turn my fabulous antique photos into charms. When can we get her here?
See you Sunday at the flea!