Ancient Queen designs

Love Letters from The Queens of Art...

2012-02-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

I must share a few of the heart felt love letters received from some of the "Queens" who attended my Queens of Art event...so special!

My dear Queen of Queens ... you can not imagine how much I miss being at your beautiful home. I thought I was a spoiled woman but now I know what it really means. You truly made us feel so very welcome, at home and that you were delighted to have each one of us there, that was so special and a gift that comes only from a true heart.
The Valentine bliss started at the first step onto your walk ... roses in the bird bath, the sweet cherub dressed in his Valentine finery...the red velvet robed Queen at the door and the welcoming heart plaque...only hinted at the fabYoulous days ahead.
What a lovely, warm, talented, sharing group of women you brought together and then pampered and delighted. I could go on and on but will try to control myself and just say thank you thank you thank you for your sweet hospitality and one of the most relaxing, fun and creative times ever.

To be able to participate at such a wonderful venue you need somebody dedicated to pull it together and do the job! Karen this week-end was fabulous. Every detail...from the decor to the projects to the food... you just made it so beautiful and the ambiance was perfect for this art event. Thank you.

As our journey take different roads I sure hope that I will meet you all at an other event...may be in Austin Texas!

Thank you again and Happy Heart Day,

Bien amicalement, hugs Brigitte Chavaillaz

Queens of Art was a weekend I will never forget!! Karen, you made every detail of the event special and memorable. There was amazing art projects, delicious food, meaningful time spent with friends, new and old, and as Jessica said, being in your home was like being inside of a jewelry box. Your home is elegant and inviting. The entire experience was completely perfect in everyway. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for hosting. xoxo

Dear Karen,
This was the most spectacular event and I am so honored that you included me in it. Every last detail was perfect. All of the meals were so delicious and presented so beautifully. The classes were fabulous and taught us so many new techniques that we will be able to apply in the future. You made all of us feel so welcome and comfortable in your beautiful home. It was a pleasure creating with so many like minded ladies. I can't wait for the next event.
xox,
Sharon

Welcoming my Queens of Art!!

2012-02-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

I will admit it.. I am a hopeless romantic...can't help it! I am in love with love, and the romance of it all...this is why a Valentine's event stirred in my mind ...artful women gathering...beauty surrounding ..it was more than a year of planning and was worth every moment of thought and detail.

From the statues in my yard, to the light fixtures in my home, all boasted Valentine's Splendor, and I only wish this weekend could have lasted forever and ever...but it will, in my heart, and in the hearts of the women I was blessed to host on this special weekend...
May love live in all of your lives not just on Valentines Day, but each and every day of the year!

Hostess and Chef!

2012-02-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

My greatest joy this "Queens" weekend was not only to host these artful amazing women who gathered, but to put my cooking skills to use and present a beautiful menu! I love nothing more than to serve dishes beautiful to the eyes but equally as beautiful in taste...

Meaningful Moments

2012-02-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

There was a depth of love at the Queens event...I believe deeper than we all expected... champagne toasts, a translation of a french love letter from 1918, a Valentines tribute in the garden over breakfast, an exchange of quotes by the campfire... these moments were priceless..

Friends Forever!

2012-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Queens and friends forever!

Suitcase Showcase

2012-02-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

The "Suitcase Showcase" was a huge hit!!! A beautiful way for traveling girls to showcase their wares simply and beautifully...it was splendid and on view all weekend for the "Queens" shopping pleasure! Everyone left with purchased treasures!

Love filled Swaps!

2012-02-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

Two swaps were presented for the Queens! A Valentine heart candy box filled with treasures hosted by Karen and the "Lovers Lane" house swap created and presented by Cassandra Van Curen.. Both swaps boasted BEAUTY BEYOND!!

Projects Galore at queens of Art!

2012-02-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

It was a creative weekend from start to finish!

Cassandra's Love and Lace Tote bag, Molly's amazing Sweetheart wreath, Judy's On the wings of Love crown, Sharon's Mosaic Heart Plaque and Brigitte's Valentine's Fairy Queen..the creative bliss was incredible!!

Love Lives..even after Valentine's Day!

2012-02-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

It was a weekend of pure bliss, start to finish, happy tears and laughter, fun and friendship...words will never express it all...I am so grateful to my personal assistant Heather who as always, was my right hand, doing it all, including photographing each and every moment of this magical weekend..and as we were cleaning up and putting all the crochet and decor away, the words from one of my favorite songs by Stevie Nicks rang through my mind again and again....

"The feeling remains even after the glitter fades..."

The Queens of Art shall live in my house forever!

ONE WEEK LEFT!

2012-01-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

The countdown is here Ladies! What an incredible way to start the New Year! Registration closes for my Queens of Art event JANUARY 12! Don't miss the fun and FABULOUSNESS!!!! Click on the Queens of Art Button on the left!

This girl went JUNKIN'!!!!!

2011-12-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas was in the air at one of my favorite places in the world, The Girls Gone Junkin' in Canton, Texas! I was filled with happiness knowing I will be bringing all the Beauty in Blue event girls here in the spring! BEAUTY awaits!

Cathy and I in her AMAZING store!

All of the Girl's gone Junkin who will host my group for a wonderful project, wine and cheese!

These adorable vintage German pink Christmas balls came home with me for my tree at Karen's Kozy Kottage!

Everywhere you look is breathtaking!

Rock and Roll Cowgirl's gutair !

Brenda creates the most unique and beautiful clothing EVER!

We decided the project we will do with the group will be a "Lovely Lacey Little Lampshade" using materials like this!

Amazing embellished boots!

A treasure of treasures...I am the owner of this INCREDIBLE over the top crochet bag! It is really big and once I put it over my shoulder, I knew it was coming home with me! This was handmade with love by Cathy's mom and I will cherish it! Be sure and visit beautyinbluevent.blogspot.com for all the details about the Spring event! I would love to share these amazing places with you! Be blessed, and be beautiful my friends!

2011-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

First stop was to see Jackie from Urban Gypsy Rags. We will be visiting her store on the canton trip and she has some surprises in store for us! Her store boasts wonderful clothing and vintage treasures of all kinds!

My heart skipped a beat when I saw these crochet little girl tops! I had to come home with the one on the right for my prop closet! Couldn't resist!

I was thrilled to find these roses which will be used in a project for my Queens of Art event in February!

Deep in the HEART of Texas!!

2011-12-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, to be in TEXAS! I ventured through Dallas and into Canton working on all the details for my upcoming Beauty in Blue Art and Photography event in the spring! I had A BALL! This was a first time "all alone" trip for me, I must say ..it was FABULOUS! Just me and a GPS and a hotel room! Texas has the most amazing hospitality and you make friends where ever you go!

Beauty in Blue Project Line up!

2011-11-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

I am so thrilled and excited to present the teacher and project line up for Beauty in Blue! This is an exclusive, small and special art retreat in the heart of Texas! Registration is now open! Space is limited so be sure and visit the event blog for all of the "BLUETIFUL" details! To learn more and to register please click on the link below.

Beauty In Blue

How amazing do these sneak peek projects look?

I hope you will join us for a fabulous artistic weekend in Texas!

See you in Spring!

XOXO,

Karen

Once Upon A Dream Table setting

2011-10-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

The tables where we created were so beautiful and welcoming! Such precious little details!

My finery at Once Upon a Dream Vendor Night.

2011-10-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was honored to display my works at the vendor night and was thrilled with all of the beautiful compliments. (Thank you so much Ladies!!) It was so wonderful for me to see my belts and jewelry and clothing being worn during the weekend. It made me so proud! Here are some photos of my finery on display!

Yummy Fairy cookies at my table! They were almost too beautiful to eat! I had to tell the girls they were cookies, not soap!

My custom made belt designs were one of the biggest hits! Many of these now have new homes with fabulous women!

Once Upon a Dream was a Dream!!

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have returned from Asheville, N.C. and the Once Upon a Dream event. Everything about the trip was dreamlike. The fall colors and cool temperatures were splendid! Jennifer Hayslip went above and beyond in presenting this gorgeous art event. I was thrilled to celebrate my birthday at the beautiful Claxton Farm with old and new friends. It was a week end I shall never forget! A few of these photos provided by fabulous Sonia Crouse!

BEAUTY IN BLUE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!

2011-09-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is official my artful friends! The blog is live for Beauty in Blue! A small and intimate artful retreat in Texas! This event is in celebration of a life long dream I have had as a photographer....to capture the magic in the breathtaking Texas Blue Bonnet Fields! This event shall fill quickly!
The blog is:
www.beautyinbluevent.blogspot.com

Getting ready for "Once Upon a Dream...."

2011-09-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

I am filled with excitement as I am creating finery for the amazing Once Upon a dream event coming up in Asheville, N.C.! I have been inspired by the fairies to create some magical treasures for the vendor night..here is a sneak peek! Can't wait to see my artful friends and celebrate Fall!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

2011-08-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Click HERE, or the image above for more information and to register!

Hope to see you there!

Beauty in Blue Save the Date

2011-08-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine a sweet Spring getaway full of pretty things?

Sweet smelling flowers, sharing stories with friends by the pool.

Indulging in luscious treats.

Creating beautiful treasures with like minded creative souls.

Making new friends and deepening the bound of old friends.

And let's not forget SHOPPING!

(Photo from the lovely Girls Gone Junkin)

OH and did I mention ALL INCLUSIVE!

YES an ALL INCLUSIVE art retreat!

I have marked my calender and I am counting down the days!

Beauty in Blue is an artistic weekend retreat celebrating springtime in Texas!

This will be a small intimate gathering so be sure to save the date so you don't miss out!

The main focus of this weekend is to" escape and create" with an intimate group of artful minded women. We will relax, unwind and indulge ourselves in beautiful projects featuring shades of blues, creams and whites.

This all inclusive event will be held at the charming and lovely Whitworth Ranch Retreat. The retreat is a ranch style home built in the late 1800's and sits on 50 acres in Scurry, Texas which is about 50 miles southeast of Dallas. All meals, accommodations, instructor fees and projects are provided with your reservation. Most of the photos above are from this lovely retreat!

An extra special highlight of this event will be a day trip on Friday to Canton, the world's largest flea market! We will be hosted by the amazing "Girls gone Junkin'" to shop, do a make and take project, and enjoy a light lunch!!

ALSO I am pleased to announce " The Beauty in Blue Portrait Event" to be held following the art event throughout the week of April 1st. Children, couples, families...this is the time and place for a SPECTACULAR photo session! I will be photographing in the stunning blue bonnet fields, styling the sessions with my vintage clothing and prop collection!

All details and sign ups will be announced soon!

SAVE THE DATE

2011-07-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Karen Hillman Presents

Queen of Arts, 2012

An Art Filled Celebration of Valentines Day beauty!

Save the dates! February 11th and 12th 2012

Join us for a weekend of regal treats and an array of handmade projects "FIT FOR A QUEEN " including a romantic vintage style tote bag, an embellished jewel and lace crown, a beautiful chandelier crystal Queen necklace, a shabby sweet mosaic wall plaque and more!

The weekend will even be complete with a fabulous altered heart chocolate box swap!

The event will be held at the home of Karen Hillman in Plantation, Florida, this will be an attention to detail weekend filled with dining delights and wonderful surprises!

Space is limited to 20 creative women! So keep an eye out because sign ups and complete details are coming soon! I hope to see you there!

Beautiful Views of my Vintage finery exhibit at An Artful Tea!

2011-06-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

My Completed Frame!

2011-06-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

I brought my frame home to finish because I knew I had another embellishment to add! A fabulous little bisque cherub! I fashioned a lace and rhinestone crown for her and she was the perfect final piece for my frame!

An artful Tea Details!

2011-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Cassandra's creative spirit came forward and presented the perfect project to showcase my photographs presented to each artful woman who attended! We embellished beautiful shabby chic frames to perfection!

2011-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Beyond Bliss in Dallas!

2011-06-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

It is not often one walks into a place and is...well...SPEECHLESS..."The Church" as it is known in Dallas has been the home and residence of Debbie and Shea, The Gilded Life Girls. This year the church is 100 years young, and being in it's glory was a gift I will never forget. In fact, for the first 10 or 15 minutes, I could not speak!! I was simply overcome with happiness. The entire weekend from the Canton Flea Market Trip to the art projects, the delectable food, the sponsor gifts, etc. truly was a dream come true for the 55 artistic women who attended.

The studio was unlike anything I had ever seen...the fabrics, the velvet coat, the bits and beauty were EVERYWHERE and I do believe, I could eat, sleep, create and never leave there....here are some photos of the beauty including Shea's crown collection and beautiful embellishments. The weekend holds one of the greatest memories life shall gift me with!

The Gilded Life studio of Dreams

2011-06-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

My Gilded Bracelet Creation! Love it!

2011-06-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

What a GILDED LIFE!

2011-06-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

My heart was full, senses overwhelmed at the amazing "Gilded Life" Art Event in Dallas, Texas. It was an amazing weekend full of creativity, art and antiques! Here are some photos of the magic!

A New Found love!

2011-05-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

One thing I have never really explored is stitching by hand. Some of my artful friends are creating a project for someone special and we were asked to stitch a 4x4 square..well I must admit I was somewhat intimidated..but I just tried and as I was trying...I fell in LOVE with the hand stitching! It was really such fun and I realized that the beauty of it is not to be perfect!..each stitch not being the same is what gives it "shabby sweet" character! This little piece has inspired me to take on a fun project using vintage hankies! Isn't it great to GET a gift while GIVING a gift!! Fabulous!

I DO!!!

2011-05-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

The Fabulous Royal Ring! We love them!

Vintage Ring box fit for a Queen!

2011-05-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Royal wedding, some girlfriends and I celebrated at The British Marketplace with High Tea! I presented them each with a replica wedding ring in this vintage embellished ring box I created! We felt like Princesses!

An Artful Tea

2011-04-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to announce . . . . "An Artful Tea"! I have decided to host an exciting one day event at the enchanting Garden Gate Tea Room on May 28th of 20011!

Here are some photos of the tea room taken by Molly Knox .

An Artful Tea will be a full day of decadent food, shopping, exploring, creating, gifts, and making new friends. Your day will begin at the oh so lovely Garden Gate Tea Room.

We will start the day off with a project taught by Cassandra VanCuren!

One of the treats for attending the event is one of my lovely 5X7 prints (seen below).

So I thought it would only be fitting to have a class that taught you how to make a shabby beautiful frame to put your 5x7 print in.

EVERYTHING to create this lovely frame will be provided, including the tools! All you have to do is simply show up!

After your project, you will enjoy a Artful Tea lunch! Lunch will include your choice of either a delicious Quiche with a baby green salad, or chicken salad on a bed of baby greens with feta, apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Save room though because a lovely selection of Petit Fours will also be provided. Of course don't forget the tea!

This is just an example of the lovely presentation of delicious food the tea room prepares. Truly a work of art in it's self!

During our time at the tea room, I will be taking everyone individually aside for a photo shoot! At the conclusion of the event, in a couple of weeks a cd will be shipped to you will digital files of your photography session with me. These photos will be yours to keep and print!

The day is not over yet! Next we will head out to explore Mount Dora! Join us in a shopping adventure of the lovely historic district. Shabby shops, antiques, unique boutiques, and a CUPCAKE SHOP OH MY!

I'm so excited! What a dreamy day! I hope that you might be able to join us too, so please save the date, and keep an eye out because space is limited and sign ups are opening REALLY soon!

The "Marie" Girls!!!!!!

2011-03-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

   Me feeling VERY "MARIE!!!"

   Amazing Cassandra who presented
   the entire wonderful weekend!

   My Michelle!!! Another weekend
   of memories made!

Jen Hayslip was "OH SO MARIE!"

At the Grand Ball being...FABULOUS!!!!

Some shots of some of the Marie Girls at the Marie Art event And Grand Ball! There are so many I must download and add...want to find photos of my new found LuLu and Marsha and Zoe and Tiffany..etc etc..... more to come!!

Marie's Danse des Fleurs Weekend

2011-03-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Angel Centerpiece I created for my table!

My vintage Belt Buckles...many now with new owners!

My Table display shot!

Some of my clothing mixing old with new!

   Sophie owns one of my necklace's and belts
   and she wears them so well!

A box full of my vintage hand made rings! You can find some of these

in Maryland at the wonderful Frederick store called "TIARA DAY!"

What an amazing weekend full of blissful art presented by Cassandra VanCuren! I exhibited my vintage finery and met AMAZING like minded women and artists! Here are a few photos of my exhibit! Thank you to the incredible Fancy Farm Girl Tiffany for photographing the entire weekend! I have a new icon in my world of photographic artists!

Marie's Danse des Fleurs

2011-03-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

My Angel Centerpiece!

A most amazing weekend presented by artist Cassandra VanCuren! I exhibited my work and sold LOTS of my vintage finery to new artful friends! ( but I think I spent everything I made buying other artist's treasures!) The highlight was the Grand Ball! We were decked out Marie style and said "LET THEM EAT CAKE!!!"

My Vintage Embellished Buckles!

2011-03-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

A favorite of my creations are my one of a kind, vintage embellished belt buckles! They are a feast for the eyes!I feel so happy when they are sold to the perfect person because they can't be replicated. I have a series of 12 new designs which will be posted soon! Be FABULOUS my friends!!!

Fabulous WOMEN/Furs in the Forest, 2011

2011-03-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of feeling beautiful, looking beautiful, and being FABULOUS this past Valentines Day my vision was to be one with my camera and the forest and to capture the beauty of amazing women who gifted themselves and/or their husbands with the greatest gift of all!! AMAZING day!

Old World Crackled and embellished cross

2011-03-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

I loved embellishing this cross with vintage findings! It has a new home with a very special person in central Florida...the other one I created, in pinks and blues just had to stay with me at my cozy cottage! I am in the process of designing 2 more which are spoken for! I adore working on these because I think about the beauty of having faith ... Be Fabulous Friends!

Mount Dora has my Heart!

2011-03-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

I adore my "Cozy Cottage" in the wonderful historic town of Mount Dora, Florida! When I arrived for Spring break, I was greeted by a fence full of the most beautiful purple wisteria I have ever seen!! when we first bought the house, we thought it was a weed, we almost cut it down, but decided to wait until Spring! I am SO GLAD we did!! It smells divine and it is rare to ever see it growing in Florida! I give thanks for simple, beautiful pleasures such as this!!!...P.S....A wonderful "Artful Afternoon Tea Event" is in the works to be held in Mount Dora!! Details to follow!! Be Fabulous my Friends!!!

Fabulous Furs in the Forest

2011-03-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here I am busy on the job photographing gorgeous women in the forest ..It was incredible fun for me using my antique clothing and props...and the photos....STUNNING!!! :)

My Ancient Queen Designs labels

2011-03-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Be an angel...be a Queen!