GUESS WHAT!! We got a new car for the gallery :D Mom is in town this week, and I surprised her with a new (old) 1971 Original VW Superbeetle. A green machine, with original paint, a sunroof, and tons of swagger. In honor of mama (Jan Burguieres), whose first car was a yellow '72 bug. She and my dad have five daughters, and all seven of us would squeeze in for family car rides — lots of family memories. ♥
 
 
I found out yesterday that this Bead Dog will be displayed in Coliseum Square Park in the Lower Garden District. It's a beautiful park in a fabulous location, and I know from personal visits and countless drive-bys that people are always out with their canine friends enjoying the huge oaks and the sprawling walkways. 

In the spirit of the beauty of the park's floral and faunal inhabitants, I'm working to imbue this dog with the serenity, complexity, and grace of the natural world. Oh, and also the party-hard vibe of New Orleans. It still needs work, but here's a sneak preview: 
 
 
My "Night and Day in NOLA" Bead Dog got sponsored!! That means I got to pick one up to paint, and it will be on display at Trinity Episcopal School & Church in the Garden District. I'm very honored and excited, especially because the students apparently voted on designs and they chose mine! Nothing like being chosen by a discerning group on the merit of your art alone. I'm putting in my hours to make this the best Bead Dog I can make, as a thank you for their support and sponsorship.
 
 
The LSPCA is one of my favorite organizations. They never fail to impress, and this season they are hosting a city-wide Mardi Gras Bead Dog art installation!!! Artists from around the community are contributing, and I'm hoping to join in the ranks. I've submitted my designs, and now I need a sponsor!! Please see my three posted designs: 
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"Bead Tree Dog"
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"Night & Day in NOLA Dog"
Click on any of the dogs for information on sponsoring (or visit here). Check out the LSPCA Bead Dog Flickr stream for these designs and others by talented and clever New Orleans artists!! :D
 
 
Today we sold our lovely Turquoise Chandelier (a reclaimed Katrina fixture) to a beautiful couple living in CHICAGO!! I am so happy to have it find a home with them. They claimed to be smitten by its color and glamorous yet sophisticated lines, and I knew they were the ones by the horrified looks on their faces when I told them it originally had lampshades. "We're so glad you got rid of those," they said, and we all agreed it was for the best.
Will this signal the beginning of a jaunt into the fabulous world of home decor? Who knows. Though I am planning a scouting trip for furniture treasures this weekend, and have recently taken up a new hobby: voraciously devouring the content of Decor Demon, a lifestyle and design blog written and produced by Brian Patrick Flynn. Grab a cup of tea and head over to the site!!!