Support the community and meet an array of artist at the 1st annual Sierra Madre Art Walk on June 7. Belle’s Nest is so pleased to feature the beautiful work of Lisa Agaran and Daniel Taylor of Paddlewood!

lotus series by Lisa Agaran

Artist interview with Daniel Taylor….

Work by Daniel Taylor

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your craft.

Like my Father, I am a carpenter so wood working came naturally. I have a great 35 year old son. I’ve been in construction for over 35 years, I served in the US Navy Seabee’s for 5 years.

I just started creating the paddles in December of this year after seeing an advertisement about DIY cooking utensils. After making 100 pieces of abstract artistic paddles I decided to make them more functional and that’s what you see now.

2. What inspires you to create?

You guy’s do.

I love the expressions on peoples faces when they see my art, I get a great satisfaction that what I’m doing has purpose.

3. How do you see your craft evolving over the next year or two?

I’m not sure. I’m hoping to have a job soon. I would love to continue this as a hobby.

4. What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?

I’ve never considered myself an artist but I do like to create new things.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating?

Cooking!!

6. Are there any tips you would like to share for someone who is considering turning their “hobby” into a business?

I’m not qualified to answer that.

7. Any tips or suggestions on marketing yourself?

I wish I knew how?

8. Anything you would like to share of interest?

I met two wonder full ladies a few weeks ago and look forward to a lasting friendship

The work of Daniel Taylor and Lisa Agaran is at Belle’s Nest to view and purchase…stroll in and meet them at the ART Walk!

preview the Lotus series by Lisa at http://artbylisaagaran.com/gallery/lotus-series/

For more information on the smArt Walk, visit   Sierra Madre Art Walk 

Sierra Madre ART Walk!

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/

Are you busy this week?

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!

Spring Trees…

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.

Saturday afternoon..

Belle’s Nest in Sierra Madre

Posted By Cindy Arora On March 4, 2013 @ 7:56 am in Hometown Pasadena

Belle’s Nest in Sierra Madre

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!

Our Little Shop with Big Dreams…

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

Calling on an Artist with a Vision!

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

Melissa Mahoney Silk Scarves

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.

Meet the ARTist

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)

Paper Ornament Workshop