Enjoy some time for yourself or come with friends for a workshop.
Wednesday, April 17, 10am-1:30pm Furniture Painting with Krissy Arora…it’s such a fun class!
Thursday, April 18, 3:30-6:30pm Assemblage Retablo with Rosie…
Create a special keepsake in this mixed media class.
Check out our workshop page for more information and photos! http://www.bellesnest.com/workshop/
Just love the colors of these trees that have made their way to Belle’s Nest. Artist Marolyn Cook can custom make one just for you, pick your color!
The best part of any class for me is the end result which may explain why I didn’t take the before photos..oops:) Krissy from Bohoupcycle has added a few more classes in April, check it out here, workshops.
Posted By Cindy Arora On March 4, 2013 @ 7:56 am in Hometown Pasadena
Belle’s Nest is an ode to the arts; an indoor vintage flea market that takes the American Dream and gives it creative whimsy.
Owners Gloria Prins and Elena Alonzo opened the shop in 2010 with the mission to create a store that could be what the global website Etsy is to artists and entrepreneurs—a place to make their dreams come true.
The end result is a charming and warm storefront that’s a hodgepodge of vintage furniture, pottery, letter press, clothing, handmade jewelry, delicate linens, and a shabby chic garden studio and an art gallery. The well-loved Sierra Madre store has a slew of regulars who come in search of something extra special but also come in because Belle’s Nest inspires their own creativity.
“We think that part of our appeal is that we are always changing,” said Prins. “We feel we have created a place of peace, inspiration, and enjoyable shopping. A customer said to us once ‘your shop fills my soul creatively.’ It was the nicest compliment we could have ever received.”
The shop carries an array of handmade items from local artists from the surrounding areas and neighboring states. Alonzo and Prins are continually in search of new artists who will fit the mission of the shop, but they also nurture their artists as part of the Belle’s Nest family.
“What’s better than to give an outlet to an artist, especially a local artist, and to sell their wares and create more business within the community? We are trying to get back to manufacturing in America, supporting our own community, which in turn does create more jobs. Going back to simplicity is a good thing. There is something wonderful about receiving a handmade item. For some reason, those items never make it to your yard sale.”
The shop is gearing up for the spring season and has a line of new artist workshops that will be held in their outdoor garden studio. They will host a furniture painting class by Boho Upcycle [5] on March 16th, noon to 3 p.m. for $75. They also have workshops on mixed media collage, creating your own cartoon, creating personalized banners, and one called “For the Love of Jewelry.” For complete information, visit BellesNest.com [6].
Belle’s Nest
55 N. Baldwin Ave.
Sierra Madre 91024
626.355.0200
BellesNest.com
Some new changes to Belle’s Nest are underway! One of our dreams has been to incorporate our working studio within the shop. In order to bring these changes about and to freshen up with new merchandise, we will be closing this coming week, January 28th – February 1 .
Please join us in celebrating the rejuvenation of Belle’s Nest as we begin our 4th year in business. We invite you to our Private Open House event featuring Dana Miller from Herban Body Care, Lynne Carmody Jewelry and Watercolor Artist Laura Love.
Bring a friend!
Saturday, February 2, 4-8pm
Tasty treats and beverages will be provided.
A complimentary “Design Your Own Heart” craft at our work tables with Zazu Faure will be provided!
We are putting out a challenge…we normally keep our vision on artist from within the shop, but this time we thought it would be great to help promote an artist/merchandiser with a vision looking out. Soooo….
Are you looking for an opportunity for growth and exposure; a chance to apply your skills and emerge?
We are looking for an aspiring merchandiser who is looking to further their experience, to be creative, and to add to their portfolio.
With a budget of $50, create our front window display depicting Valentine’s at Belle’s Nest. Most items in the shop will be at your disposal.
Please submit general ideas and drawings, and we will pick a winner. Please do a bit of research or visit the shop to find out what we are all about. WE will not copy, use or take ideas from drawings not used.
You will receive recognition on our social media sites including our website, and our front window. You will also receive a $50 Belle’s Nest gift certificate!
Our window is large looking out to the east on Baldwin Ave.
Deadline is January 28,
We will pick a winner on January 29
Display dates January 30-Feb 1.
Submit ideas to bellesnest@yahoo.com
Or mail to:
Belles Nest
55 N. Baldwin Ave
Sierra Madre, Ca 91024
Elegance and beauty come to mind when you touch these beautiful scarves, hand painted by artist Melissa Mahoney. As our newest addition to Belle’s Nest, we love the attention to detail that each individual piece receives.
Made of 100% Silk, edges are carefully hand rolled and sewn with silk thread. Size 14″ x 72″. Scarves are now available for purchase at Belle’s Nest.
Read more about Melissa here: http://www.mahoneyartwork.com/mahoneyartwork.comscarves.html
A while back we interviewed different artists that sell their wares at Belle’s Nest. Each individual has a story to tell and a journey traveled to get to where they are today…we thought it would be nice to bring back the “artist interview” in hopes to inspire and learn a bit more about our local artisans.
Meet Lisa A. Riley from Sierra Madre
Hanging Pieces of art by Lisa A. Riley
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your craft?
I’m a mixed media collage artist. I first started out as an oil painter, painting realistic floral paintings. I also have years of experience as a graphic designer, which heavily influences the pieces I’ve created. However, I most enjoy working as a mixed media artist, because it allows me the freedom to pull together different materials and experiment with the process.
2. What inspires you to create?
The thing that inspires me the most to create is wanting to see what unfolds from the process it self. I love surrendering to exploration without a plan or a map and watch it evolve on it’s own. I also enjoy the sense of presence that the creative process provides causing me to lose track of time. It also cultivates what seems to be an endless amount of mental and spiritual energy to create. I love exploring color combinations that are vibrant and exciting to look at as well as interesting textures. Also my love for inspiring quotes is also the motivation and inspiration for my pieces
3. How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two?
I’m hoping to create more stand alone one-of-a-kind pieces and really having a substantial body of work completed.
4. What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?
I think creating and making things is in my blood. It’s a part of who I am. When I’m creating art, I feel aligned with my true and authentic self doing what I was meant to do. I feel as if I’m fully utilizing not only my skills, but my full potential. I could never imagine not creating art.
5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating?
Looking at other art and exploring the world for inspiration. I’m also a Creative Career Coach, so I enjoy helping other creative professionals and artists take their creativity to the next level and help them reach their creative potential in their careers.
6. Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who is considering turning their “hobby” into a business?
There is a lot of resources out there where you can learn the essentials to running a creative business, so it is very important to learn that aspect. I also recommend mastering those skills needed to get through times when you feel discouraged in order to keep staying true to your vision and keeping the creative momentum going. Don’t give up!
7. Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself?
There are a million ways to market yourself now days and they all promise to be the magic bullet. The challenging part is knowing which ones works for you and the type of work you do. I recommend finding a few strategies that really work and stick with them consistently versus trying everything.
Paper Ornament Workshop
Kids will learn to make ornaments adorned with glitter and pretty paper!
Instructors: Gloria Prins/Elena Alonzo
Friday, November 23rd
10-noon or 2:30-4:30pm
6 kids per class
ages 10 & up
fee $25 (materials & supplies included)
As much as we love Christmas and this time of year…we can’t forget Thanksgiving! There is so much to be thankful for…
Thank you to our wonderful customers and new friendships we’ve made …your support and kind words keep us going:)
Thank you to our incredibly talented artist who share their work and give us the opportunity to represent them.
Thank you to our family and friends who care about us, the shop and it’s success.
Meanwhile, Christmas is quickly approaching… Come see what’s new and start thinking about your holiday buys, hostess gifts and house warming ideas…
Soft Leather Wallets…$30
