Hello, Brian

Brian,
It was GREAT to hear from you -- please email brendastarstudios@yahoo.com and send me your email -- would love to catch up with you
Brenda

Lovely Lettering

Oh so many years ago I took some calligraphy classes and have enjoyed lettering envelopes for brides and fancy parties ever since.   But my love of beautiful handwriting is much older than that.  My friend, Becky, and I have been styling our lettering since way back in high school, where we'd meet  in between classes and marvel at each other's newest designs.  And, guess what ....?  She does calligraphy, too - and beautifully.  My latest project is lettering envelopes for a dear friend's 50th wedding anniversary party.  There's a lot more that goes into such a project than just writing.   First, I set up my 'light box' -- which is my glass top dining room table.   I cover it in white tissue paper, clamp my light to shine from below, and wash my hands to make sure I dont smudge anything.   I practice at least half an hour and then I start writing.   I like morning light because there are less shadows and I work for about an hour and half at a time.  I like a quiet room - no music, tv or people.  My husband finds some place to go so I can concentrate.  The finished product is always worth the effort - and the best part is seeing the smile it brings to my customers and friends. 

I'm Not Gonna Lie, I'm Crafty

"I'm Not Gonna Lie -- I'm Crafty"  --   that's the name of the radio contest I won last week!!  The requirement was to use 50 words or less to describe your 'crafty' self.   I said "Here goes"  and  wrote ....

I LOVE crafts! …... I love to do it all --- from Jewel Jeans to stencils, sewing, painted furniture, paper crafts to calligraphy and  Baltimore Screens.  How fun to find new uses for discarded items,  and ---everything goes better with a little sparkle, glitter  jewels!! Even me! 

So today I had a fun afternoon in Baltimore with a group of women who love all kinds of crafts.   We were invited to lunch at Phillips, Inner Harbor by DJ Laurie DeYoung where we had  wonderful Maryland Crab Soup, Crabcake Sandwich and cheesecake and coffee.   Afterwards we walked the skywalk to the convention center led by WPOC Promotions Manager, Sheila Silverstein.   We were greeted by Melanie Bender Little, Show Director of the American Craft Council.  She gave us an overview of the show, VIP tickets, and great magazines.  There we spent the next several hours browsing an amazing gathering of artisans and crafters.  Each one was a wonder of creative talent ... beautiful works of art in wood, glass, fabric - each one breathtaking.  We were encouraged to chat with the artists and learn their stories - that was wonderful too.   It was an all around great day --- thank you Laurie DeYoung, and WPOC!

The Crafty Winners!

Love to Dance!

I love to dance -- and there's nothing better than line dancing at the Senior Center.   I had the pleasure of being 'guest teacher' this week at the Senior Center in my hometown.  These lovely women - and Arthur - are full of life and make for a fun-filled morning.  We had a good time dancing and laughing -- one woman likes to dance to "drinking songs"  - her favorite dance is Drinking Champagne.   The woman in her 90's loves to play tennis, and does so regularly.  One woman likes dances with a little wiggle - probably because she has the best wiggle of us all!   And Arthur loves all the women - and we love him.    It's been a while since I taught dance - so I said we all stumbled through it together.   Actually, we did pretty well - learned a new cha-cha - and danced to our old favorites.  Thank you, ladies (and Arthur:) for inviting me to lead the group this week.

Hurry Up, Spring!!!

One of the few times we welcome rain is when it could have been snow instead.  So the temperatures hovering about 40 last night and today have brought us a much welcomed rain.  The bonus of which is watching our snow steadily disappear!  This morning in town it was very clear which side of the street gets the sun - because the other side had 3 times more snow!!  We are starting to see patches of ground peek through the snow, and the geese are taking advantage of a new supply of food to get them ready for their long trek home.   Although its still about 70% snow, 30% ground - we feel the promise of spring around the corner.   The weather man warns us that more winter weather will visit us before Spring makes a permanent landing -- but ........ daylight savings times comes in two weeks   --- Spring cant be far behind.

Small Town USA

I REALLY do live in a small town ..... while at the gym this morning I was approached by no less than 3 people congratulating me on winning the trip to Singapore. I was surprised they had seen the show yesterday, because it was pre-empted by the Olympics in this area. NO...... they didnt see the show. One heard the news in the grocery store, one found out at the shoe store (where the whole town buys their newspapers) and the other got the good news at the coffee shop!! Now, THAT is small town America - LOVE IT!!

BIG NEWS REVEALED!!

OK -- so now we can shout it to the world!!

My BIG news was revealed on the Martha Show today - February 19 --- I won a trip to SINGAPORE --- WOW, It's still hard to believe. Here's our group giving a toast to Martha - and a great big Thank You! And another big thank you to my daughter for hosting brunch today, for taking care of the 'techno' part that allowed us to view without commercials - and thank you to all my friends for coming to share this fun moment with me.

I'm currently working with the travel agent from Singapore Board of Tourism to plan the trip. My friend, Eileen, will be joining me - and we think we'll travel in August or September. I'll be sure to let you know!!