SuzeBlogz

Natures Bounty

So, in part two of our visit to the Grounds for Sculpture we sat in the calming and serene water park...

 

Green, lush, like heaven

and I purposely didn't retouch or adjust any of these photos because some of them came out looking just like paintings.

 

I used a telephoto lens on this little guy...hand held...steady..I was amazed at the detail cause he was pretty far away.

 

 

Just in case you are wondering what camera I used...let me begin by saying....I have always been a huge SONY lover and have used many of their DSLRs with changeable lenses...BUT...I wanted something smaller, with a fixed (telephoto) lens for travel, so I bought The CANON SX50 at B&H Photo in NYC and I'm in LOVE !

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This gorgeous sculpture garden is a 42-acre park and museum so we weren't able to cover the entire thing in our one day. There is still one whole side we have to go back to visit....and we plan to do that soon.

as I mentioned in yesterdays blog....this magnificent place was founded in 1992 by John Seward Johnson II.

His desire was to make contemporary sculpture accessible and offer people from all backgrounds the opportunity to become comfortable with contemporary art. Grounds For Sculpture was conceived as a place where audiences could experience sculpture in a familiar, accessible, and informal setting.

Here is more of his FUN....!

 

you can't help but LOVE the whimsy of these statues and how you can interact with any of them as the spirit moves you...

and so ends our wonderful day...

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Now...I must take another minute to CONGRATULATE our oldest grandchild Michael (18) on his HS graduation and acceptance to U of CONN.

Great party at his dads house (our son Marc)!

We adore Michael..he is funny and bright (and over 6 feet tall !!!) and everyone loves him. We are exceptionally proud of him !

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well...you know me...this wont be the last of some fun adventure...stay tuned !

 

 

Waiting to be Discovered

Isn't it great when there are hidden treasures right near your own home?

30 minutes from us are The Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, NJ.

We don't visit it often enough, but, today we did !

On May 4, 2014, Grounds For Sculpture opened the largest and most significant exhibition in its history—a presentation of work by its founder, Seward Johnson. 

The exhibit features more than 287 works, including 91 of his painted trays.

Here is his much-acclaimed 'Forever Marilyn'

 

and here is a photo showing how this gigantic work was transported

 

and how he prepared some of his other works.

Also on view: The Retrospective are works from his 'Beyond the Frame' series. An homage to the Impressionist painters

 

and outside, The Naked Maja bigger than life !

 

 

again, bigger than life !

 

and it was so much fun to be interactive with them!

The Retrospective will span five decades of Johnson’s exploration into what he refers to as “The Visceral Moment.” He describes this as "the pivotal moment when viewers engage with a piece of artwork and transcend their own place in space and time to experience a heightened connection to their common humanity".

 

of course the Sculpture Garden also has more traditional work

and not so traditional...

 

This sculpture was particularly intriguing....the girl is peeing....yes...she is..look VERY carefully.

 

Peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds

 

I only took a mere 192 pictures and we did NOT even finish the entire gardens...we're saving some for another fine day. We jumped over to the movies in late afternoon to see "Jersey Boys"....certainly loved the music!

But, tomorrow, I'll show you some other snaps I took of the gardens so you can come with us on this lovely journey! 

 

 

Mid Week Highs

Being retired has so many advantages.

You can pick up and schlep into Manhattan whenever you like, by car, bus or train, and catch a Broadway show and some eats.

so, The Lenster and I had tickets to see the new musical If/Then starring the super wonderful Idina Menzell..(or, as John Travolta prefers to call her, Adele Dazeem!). It was fun...was it super great ??..I didn't think so. SHE is great....her cast is great...but I have this gut feeling it isn't gonna last very long on Broadway. You just don't come away humming anything.

It's playing at the famed Richard Rogers Theater. 

The Richard Rodgers Theatre opened in 1924 and, originally called the 46th Street Theatre, it was renamed in 1990 to honor the legendary composer Richard Rodgers, whose shows defined Broadway for over three decades. This theatre has been a house of hits, hosting a long line of famed musicals including Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Nine, Chicago, and Movin' Out.

The theatre was refurbished in 2006 and houses The Richard Rodgers Gallery featuring historic memorabilia from its namesake's storied career.

The Richard Rodgers has 1,319 seats and is one of The Nederlander Organization's nine Broadway theatres.

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BUT...if nothing else....

 

Manhattan is always a kick...and we are fortunate to get in often.

 

 

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Now, today I had my very good friend Eileen over and she brought 2 of her granddaughters and a friend of the family. We had a jewelry day! I must not have gotten the 'pink' message !

We had Easton, aged 8, Madison 11 1/2 and Daniela Ostreicher 22.

They had never played with Memory Wire before so we began with that and they LOVED it !!

and look at what Eastons 8 year old imagination cooked up when we made necklaces!!

 

and earrings !!

The most fun was playing with the cool tools from Vintaj, including the Beadsmiths new 3mm Looper that I just LOVE.

 

and, speaking of jewelry...

I always try to abandon some when I'm on a trip...I have a bunch of these adorable little safety pins all made up, boxed and tagged with the ART ABANDONMENT 'story'

every one is different and I simply leave them in different places.

If you are on FaceBook look to join the Art Abandonment group.

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In the meantime....things are selling so fast on my ETSY site I can hardly keep up with making new things...so..hop on over !

 

There is nothing like a ship....

When the Lenster graduated High School in 1959....he went on to SUNY Maritime College up at Fort Schuyler, Bronx, NY

He was studying to become a Marine Engineer...not the same as a Marine Biologist...nothing even remotely like it!

He had to live on a training ship for 4 years learning all about ships. The ship he lived on was called The Empire State IV

In ALL his time at school he never knew that this exact ship that he was living on was the original USAT HENRY GIBBINS that carried the 982 refugees over from Europe to their SAFE HAVEN to escape the Nazis.

The Henry Gibbins was transferred from MSTS to the United States Maritime Administration December 2, 1959, at Fort Schuyler, New York, for service with the New York Maritime College. The college named her TS Empire State IV and she retained that name until being transferred to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1973. At that time she was renamed USTS Bay State.

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this lovely lady is the wife of William Schum, first president of the Safe Haven Museum

 

Photo taken in 2009 of William Schum (deceased) inside of the Safe Haven Museum

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Below...Eleanor Roosevelt talking with Joseph Smart was a very strong advocate for allowing the refugees to stay in the United States. Mr. Smart effectively lobbyed for that to happen.

 

 

 

The Lenster arranged with his alma mater to have the ship model brought to the Ride To Remember and put on display in the SAFE HAVEN museum...so..in addition to all the photographs of it we also had the real model as well.

Sadly, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration, the ship was scrapped in 1983 after suffering an engine room fire.

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(L) Louise Korn, daughter of the Captain of the Henry Gibbins with some of the refugees.

 

 

Rolf Manfred, who was one of those transported in 1944. His contribution had to do with the Polaris missile project as a rocket scientist.

 

and...did I even bother to mention that our picnic lunch was sponsored by...YES...THE Neil Diamond....who unfortunately couldn't be there to have a sub with us !!!

 

BELOW: This is one of the dedications from the Wall of Remembrance at SAFE HAVEN ...it is VERY special to all of us...it is extremely meaningful....

because Gabrielle, an honors college sophomore & her HS validictorian, was killed by a drunk and crazy driver 2 years ago while she was out running in broad daylight right near her familys summer home in Pennsylvania. He has YET to be convicted.

her family has donated to have a garden built at SAFE HAVEN in her memory so we will all make another trip when it is done to see Gabys Garden.

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and I will end with another "B'shert" (fated) thing...

as the wheels of time tick...

I found this newspaper..it had MY birthday on it..and there it was, just staring at me.

WOW !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoppin & Schmoozin

Our trip to Oswego also included some "me" time with the girls!

We (The girls and I)  took a little side trip (by car!) to 

just to refresh your history lesson of old....The War of 1812 was a two and a half-year military conflict between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, its North American colonies and its Indian allies.

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Sackets Harbor was a lovely tourist area right on Lake Ontario. Sheltered on Black River Bay, the village is one of New York State’s Heritage Areas with exceptional historic attractions and beautifully tree-lined streets. The entire town provides an opportunity to discover a unique history, charming architecture, and a variety of activities.

We had gorgeous weather and willing spirits !

The girls were so much fun...we laughed the entire time..I won't even begin to explain this little adventure!

 

we had lunch in a fabulous restaurant

Tin Pan Alley

their tuna tataki was out of this world and provided me with my sushi fix !

their gardens were just visually yummy

 

Stephanie, Marcia, Jackie, Wendy and I had a fantastic day.

Lots of adorable shops

with lush surroundings

 

 

 

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Meanwhile, back at the Ride to Remember event there was still more wonderful things happening. We also got to tour Fort Ontario

 

see award winning re-creations of quilts from the 1800's

and, back at the hotel, the lighting of the Shabbat candles

everyone watching the extraordinary fireworks display

and the serene night on the harbor

 

 

 

 

the 982

Here's something I'll bet very few of you, (outside of Oswego, NY that is ), actually knew ...

Fort Ontario, was the ONLY place in all of the United States to house refugees from the horrors of the Holocaust. Most of these refugees were Jewish, but not all.

The refugees were housed from August 1944 until February 1946 when they turned the fort into an emergency refugee center.

 

 They came over from Italy, (where they had been assembled). The 982 came from 15 different countries and spoke over 21 different languages.

One requirement to be chosen to come was that you were not a man of 'fighting age' (because otherwise you'd be required to serve)  and you had to be part of a family.

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The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center in Oswego is dedicated to keeping alive the stories of those 982 refugees from World War II who were allowed into the United States as "guests" of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  

 

It has now been 70 years...the anniversary.... and the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance, (of which The Lenster is a part), made their annual "Ride To Remember" to raise funds for the preservation and expansion of the Safe Haven Museum & Education Center.

The Jewish Motorcycle Alliance (The JMA, approx 45 Motorcycle groups from all over Canada, Israel, Australia and the US) came together this past weekend in Oswego, along with several of the surviving refugees, to celebrate this great anniversary.

 

The Lensters local club, The Hillels Angels, was the sponsoring club and, as a whole, all the groups raised over $60,000 with matching funds coming.

It was a spectacular event

 

of curse food is always involved !!

 

Even my cousins from Boston, who had never been on one of these rides before, came to join in.

For fathers day we all got The Lenster a GoPro to attach to his helmet

He LOOOOOVED it....and took a lot of video of the rides.

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The police blocked roads for us as 175 bikes made their way around Oswego for approx 90 minutes while people were out waving us on

 

The host hotel, The Best Western, was beautiful

the event culminated in a wonderful dinner and fireworks

tomorrow I'll fill you in on some of my fun side trips!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suze The Toolz Girl

We had MAGNIFICENT weather today...a perfect day for a trip to Calgo Gardens...one of my super favorite places. A 7 acre heaven of flowers and shrubs and a beautiful gift shop.

They were offering a day of classes OUTDOORS....and we were prepared to make some way cool stuff !

Teacher Janice Sheilds from "Cut it Out" in Stockbridge, MA, designs and builds sculptural furniture for home & garden. She teaches workshops all over the Northeast.She came down for the day to show us how to fill her handmade mirror frames with all natural ingredients ! 

 

Janice highly recommends the glue pictured above as it really holds everything super stong and dries clear.

So, we proceeded to stain our frames, (as above), and add the fishing test on the back for hanging.

Janice provided trays of stones, sea glass, twigs, pea pods, shells, acorns...and everything nature made !

It was fantastic to work in the beautiful outdoor setting

So, we got to work and here are some of the results!

MINE....

and, am I pleased !!

OH YEAH !!!!

and I even used some of the wasp nest (dormant and spray sealed) that the Lenster collected for me months ago!

and some of the other students finished frames

 

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Then, after a wonderful lunch in the garden we proceeded on to class #2.

Building an Obelisk !!

 

This class was designed for all skill levels. Obelisks are wonderful in your garden and can also be decorated in the winter season. The nice thing was that Janice encouraged us to do whatever we liked..it did not have to be the exact form pictured above.

The important part was the drilling...TOOLS involved....

In our house it's The Lenster who understands those power tools...but I decided it was going to be MY project and I tackled it

....Okay...he stopped by and assisted ! 

 

and Janice helped too ! Lining the bottom and top up straight is the most important part.

 

 

as you can see....mine is very 'free form' and I added a few more interesting things to it after this pix was taken. I'll try to get more pix of various angles and post tomorrow !!

 

Meanwhile...Have a very happy Fathers Day everyone !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Bead & Button

 

This will conclude the tour of Bead and Button 2014 cause I'm sure by now we're all maxed out !!

last of the wonderful beads, fibers, tools, metals, books, and glass at the show.

This sign at the Vintaj booth says it all !

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and, speaking of Vintaj..they have this wonderful new program called Bella Vintaj...a home party program that launched nationally on January 1, 2014. 

You can realize your dream of owning a business and enjoying the resources that can help you
build income & independence alongside the freedom to design your own schedule. Click on the above lnk and read all about it.

On my first day there I was sooooooo good...I kept my hands in my pockets and didn't buy a thing...but, heaven help me... by Day 2 ...

Oy Vey....

and by Day 3..I was a pauper !

Did I mention that I'm a very big fan of PJ Tools and their terrific metal stamps

This is a piece I made using their stamping blanks and Newsprint alphabet..my VERY favorite saying.

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now, you have to realize...these beads....almost all of them....the handmade ones.....are sold by the piece.....so..it gets EXPENSIVE !!!

 

But, let me tell you about a booth I had a lot of fun in...a CRAFTY type booth...with a super make it take

a collage image and a piece of REAL glass that appeared beveled

CraftFantastic.com

we were lined up to make them

 

The 'Make it Take' included the image, glass, bezel and a ball chain. A totally finished piece to wear right after you made it....in all of 5 minutes...and a FREE Make it Take at that !!!

If you're a store owner you ought to consider carrying this line!

The show was a fabulous experience...

I'm set for next year !!

Meanwhile....have a visit over to MY ETSY shop..lots of great handmade stuff there too, like these below !!

 

 

Bead & Button 3

Next week I'll be on a new adventure

but, as we continue our final days at The Bead & Button show, Milwaukee, I want to continue sharing some of the exciting things I saw there.

This building, below, was where the show was held.

 

Again...I just snapped away, so I'm very sorry for not crediting anyone whose work I'm picturing below !

Let's start with something I do love and CAN credit... WUBBERS

Wubbers are the premier line of tools that are “Made to Make Jewelry™. If you notice that unusual cone shaped Wubbers...well, check out what you can make with it.. 

In addition to all the unusual shapes, WUBBERS also come in your normal chain nose, flat nose, etc. I pretty much own them all. And, I remember the first person to ever turn me on to them is the super talented jewelry artist Sharilyn Miller.

Next up....One of my best friends...favorite funny lady Cheryl Darrow, owner of TenSecondsStudio, was selling her newest creations....LEATHER

Cheryl didn't have a booth at the show, she was helping in Linda Larsens class

 

In the evening, dinner with Linda, Cheryl and Alec from Jewelry Tools at the famous Capitol Grille (Blue Building)

 

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Lots of wonderful talent at the show...Richard Salley

 

Heather Powers...Humblebeads

Susan Lenart Kazmer..Ice Resin QUEEN !!!

 

Some NOT teaching, just walking to get ideas and SCHMOOZE...Like Fernando DaSilva creative director from John Bead Co.

Jen Cushman (Ice Resin) and John Petersen (Imagine Crafts)

Lisa Pavelka....QUEEN of clay!

and, the grand group of talent

Kellie (Crystal Katana) and Mackie, Jess (due in October !) and Makay, QUEENS of Vintaj

Speaking of Kellie and her Crystal Katana...look at some of the things she jazzed up, on view at the show...like SERIOUSLY !!!

 

 

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Now, to some of the glorious jewelry on display

Hopefully, to inspire you

so...I don't know about you guys, but I think I'm in overload now....

hop on over to MY ETSY site now and shop a bit !!

and tomorrow I'll finish up with Bead & Button

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bead & Button 2

and, the excitement continues in Milwaukee !!

Again, humble apologies when I post a picture and then can't remember where I took it...just know it was because I loved your work!!

I want to begin with a booth I found practically by accident and then couldn't make myself leave......a crane couldn't lift me away !!

CB and Co.

 

 

are you beginning to see why? I mean..OMG...right up my alley and down my block as they say !

 

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and more from the show floor

I've become a big fan of the "horn' type beads...I now own three and am going to make something interesting......I hope !

I did get lots of ideas.

Here was an award winning beaded pin

and bracelets...yes...they are bracelets that I believe are made by Sylvie Elise Lansdowne

 

as well as this adorable piece

 

then I watched a fascinating demo...a gadget that assists in wire weaving. Developed by a lady named Cindy and available on cooltoolchick.com

More of Kim St. Jean

and her amazing wirework

 

  

Kims classes were always full. After all...check out what one of the projects was....and Cheryl is hard at work!

New Orleans designer Thomas Mann was at the show with his most wonderful work plus giving daily demos on the correct way to use a saw.

 

 From Class Act comes hand dyed and hand made silks. They have the best displays and the best silk ribbons ! 

 

From my buddy Jen Cushman come these great earrings and bracelet that she showed as samples in her class using Ice Resin.

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More from one of my absolute favorites, Elemental Ornaments

This confirms my need to learn chain maille...well OK, maybe?!

 

A booth I'd NEVER miss...NUNN Design 

Here was a first time booth...these fellas from Austin, TX selling finished leather cuffs and doing very well...they are called AGG Austin but I cant find them online, yet.

Ice Resin

Booth Displays

 

 

 

Friends

Diane Hawkey

 

Marsha Neal

Kim Geiser

Julez

Patti Bullard

and a wonderful lobby display

Will there be more tomorrow...Oh, you betcha!