Inspirations by Stella

Montreal Bus Stop...snow is almost gone!

2010-03-08T18:48:00.001-05:00

Isnt this cute? Even the bus stops have hats on!

To my friends of Greek Etsy Street Team...send us some more sunshine! Wait I have a better idea...why don't I just come visit you instead and go for coffee by the ocean in Glyfada?

Some Montreal Scenes

2010-03-08T18:44:00.001-05:00

Last week, on my way to an appointment downtown, I took some pics. Seen these all my life, but never photographed them.

Along McGill College Avenue in Montreal, there is a sculpture called The Illuminated Crowd It stands at the base of the BNP Tower-Laurentian Bank Tower. This unique piece of art was created by Raymond Mason and has stood at the entrance to these glass skyscrapers since 1985.

This is a group of 66 people with their own personalized facial expressions.The faces on the figures at the front of the Illuminated Crowd are filled with joy and amazement, the middle portion of the crowd have people talking amongst each other and the last part of the group have good and bad emotions coming from their expressions.

Paul Lancz’s sculpture called "TENDERNESS" depicting mother and child in white carrera marble, has in a short time become the most favorably talked about piece of art in the city.Paul Lancz's representation is unique, in that the mother is not holding the child, rather the figures depict two equally significant entities expressing devotion to one another. The child kisses the mother's hand, the mother the child's forehead.

Color my world!

2010-03-08T12:04:00.001-05:00

As the season changes over from the grays of winter to spring, there is an explosion of color that soaks into my soul! Another treasury (cli ck to see treasury)curated by the talented lady behind a delightful Etsy shop:

MindHeartArt

She makes so many different types of jewelry, look at these: hand knit flower earrings made with organic wool!

Its Spring!....in Athens!

2010-03-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Antigoni of the Greek Etsy Street Team, made a treasury that reflects the vitality and beauty of spring!

Antigoni also has a graphic design shop for Etsy sellers its called

( I just love this name):

La Sousourella

So here is the treasury:

Here is my current favorite item in Antigoni's shop:

The Garden of Eden Necklace

Stemellina Giveaway!

2010-03-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

One of my friends in the Greek Etsy Street Team, Stemelina, had a giveaway on her blog: Felt4u/FeltJewelery and her sweet little daughter picked my name in the giveaway!!!

I have never won anything and so it is such a delight!

Here is what I won: Its absolutely gorgeous, and will be a great accessory !!!

Thank you so very much, it is such a lovely giveaway!

A Touch Of Calm - included me in this treasury

2010-02-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

An very fine Etsy Seller: Inspired by Marie composed this serene treasury.
It is a reflection of her talents, she creates wood art...yup, and its irresistible.

Isnt this lovely?

So you know how talented she is,

Here is a sample from her shop:

Meet Richard Ungar - Author / Illustrator / Lawyer-CANSCAIP

2010-02-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

I met Richard Ungar at the CANSCAIP Conference last November. When I told him about my blog, he was very kind to agree to my interview. Thank you Richard!
Richard Ungar balances the worlds of law, art, and writing. A practicing lawyer by profession, he devotes his leisure hours to painting and writing.

He has studied painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design. He also took a five-month sabbatical to paint in France and Jerusalem. His work can be found in private collections in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington, and Denver.

He lives with his wife, two sons, and pussycat in Toronto.

He has four picture books published.Three of his books take place in the mythic village of Chelm (not to be confused with the real-life village of Chelm that is in Poland).

Richard says that once you have visited Chelm, (the mythic one that is) it is very hard to leave. You see, the people there are very silly. And, when you spend half your day being a serious lawyer, silliness is welcome.

Rachel's Library
The citizens of Chelm have always had a reputation for foolishness. How can they convince people otherwise and show outsiders their true wisdom? Surely the answer lies in the great city of Warsaw. They will send a delegation to the capital to find a solution.

Young Rachel is an unexpected addition to the group, but as always, she is the one with the answer. The clue to wisdom lies in books. What Chelm needs is a library. In her own creative fashion, Rachel finds a way to build a village library – different from any library you can imagine.

Two other books: Rachel Captures the Moon and Rachel’s Gift have introduced the endearing village of Chelm – always quirky and always full of surprises.

One of the many reviews:

"Though the story possess a humourous tone, it conveys a valuable and inspiring message; sometimes the answers to our problems are closer than we think - they lie within us. Ungar's watercolour and coloured pencil illustrations, rich with reds, oranges, and yellows, add vibrancy and warmth to this folktale..."
- Canadian Bookseller

Even Higher is Richard's most recent book:
Young Reuven has a problem. Every year, on the day before Rosh Hashanah, the beloved rabbi of the village of Nemirov disappears until nightfall and no one knows where he goes.

That evening, when Reuven watches the rabbi through the synagogue window, he gets an idea. Determined to follow him at daybreak, Reuven is baffled as the rabbi, disguised as a simple woodcutter, passes the synagogue, the cheder, and Beryl the Baker’s house — his usual stops — only to enter the great forest. Where could the rabbi of Nemirov possibly be going?

Adapted from a beloved story by I.L. Peretz, Richard Ungar once again captures the joyous spirit of the Jewish folktale with lighthearted humor and a rich palette of colors as vibrant as the story he tells.

Read one of the reviews:
"The story is charming and instructive for children, and Ungar's adaptation is written at a level that can be read by capable children in the target age group. Parents and teachers will also find that the story has been structured well to engage children's minds - the mystery, the dare, the adventure, the truth, the lesson"
- CM Magazine

Richard graciously accepted to be interviewed for this blog post:

Q: Which contemporary illustrators continue to inspire you?
The first illustrator to have a big impact on me was Ed Young. I saw his work in a bookstore near my office and was blown away by the looseness and elegance of his pastel paintings in his book Lon Po Po. His work opened my eyes to the idea that there is not just one way to illustrate a children's book - which led me to thinking that one day I could possibly illustrate my own children's book.

Other illustrators whose work I admire include Jirina Marton, a Canadian illustrator who recently won the Governor General's Award, Murray Kimber (The Wolf of Gubbio) and Marie Louise Gay.

Q:How do you generate ideas to write about?

With my picture books (I've written 4 so far), my inspiration has come from Jewish folktales. My stories have been either adaptations of classic Jewish stories or inspired by Jewish folktales. For example my book 'Even Higher' is a retelling of the classic story of the same name by I.L. Peretz.

Lately, (the last few years) I've been trying my hand at writing middle grade fiction. The source of ideas for my writing in this genre are a bit harder to pin down. Sometimes an idea comes to me by looking at a photograph, or when I'm walking along a street. Often though the ideas come when I'm actually writing.

Q:What childrens lit blogs would you recommend to kidlit bibliophiles?

I haven't spent a lot of time lately on kit lit sites, so I might not be best positioned to answer this question. But I've heard from others that Verla Kay's site is a good source of info for kid's writers. I also like to read Richard Scrimger's blog because he is very funny.

Q:How do you manage your time with two careers?
I scramble a lot... when I'm doing my lawyering I am completely focused on it and since that is the career paying the bills, it tends to take precedence over the writing. But even when I'm busy at my day job, I somehow find time (mostly late at night) do do my writing. For me, consistency with my writing is the key rather than quantity. I try to write every night - even if its only a few words. By the end of the year with any luck I'll have written a bunch of words.

Thank you so much for your time, and for sharing your insightful art. It is beautiful and most inspiring!

Richard Ungar does school visits too!

Wonderful Treasury by VickiDianeDesigns- Greek Etsy Street Team!

2010-02-17T11:17:00.003-05:00

The Greek Etsy Street Team is irresistible. These girls are very sweet souls that give credit to the artistic heritage of Greece. Their Blog is EtsyGreekStreetTeam.

VickiDianeDesigns is a Etsy Seller with a generous and creative soul. Her shop features ecclectic items that are worth your click on this link.

Some Fav Etsy Sellers

2010-02-13T18:39:00.003-05:00

Gifted Designs
OOAK, lovingly created jewelry hand-crafted by Shannon Rochon. Choose from necklaces, earrings and bracelets to make you feel gorgeously chic, timelessly elegant and classically cool everywhere you go!

PanicaLab makes all sorts of one of a kind things, like this cowl neck warmer:
Neck warmer is hand knitted in 50% wool and 50% acrylic blend.
It's suitable for both men and women.
You can wear it as a headband or even an open top hat!

Sew Faithful makes this practical little wallet:This simple little wallet is perfect for holding your ID, Money (including change), and Credit Cards. Or use it for your Business cards

DaisyChain makes unique accessories like this 2 1/4" Pocket Mirrors

Handmade textured paper that I pick and then hand press into a round circle of pocket mirror

New Etsy Minis!

2010-02-13T12:28:00.002-05:00

What is an Etsy Mini? Its a little vingette of Etsy sellers items featured on the left hand side of my blog.
Etsy Mom, Etsy Q, Etsy Greek Team, and Etsy Christian Artists and Crafters.
Have a look!

"Imagine A Story" Conference In Montreal!

2010-02-08T19:05:00.001-05:00

Yes Oui CANSCAIP hosts the inaugural edition of its "Imagine a Story" conference on

Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Dawson College

3040 Sherbrooke St. W., Room 4C1 (Amphitheater), Montreal.

Full conference details and registration information are

available online at http://www.yesouicanscaip.ca/conference.

Yes Oui CANSCAIP is the Quebec chapter of CANSCAIP

(Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers).

For those of you with Facebook, here is the event page:
Imagine A Story

Thoughts on Writing for Children

2010-02-07T17:28:00.002-05:00

"We must meet children

as equals in that area

of our nature where

we are their equals...

The child as reader is

neither to be patronized

nor idolized: we talk to

him as man to man."

-C.S. Lewis

Hearts for HAITI on Etsy

2010-02-02T16:24:00.000-05:00

Many Etsy sellers have graciously opened their hearts by sharing their their skills and earnings for charity. One of the more ambitious collective shops is HeartsforHaiti. More than twenty sellers are running the operation and countless others have donated their work to the shop.

Click Here for the interview with Victoria, a.k.a. exlibrishandmade, the organizer behind HeartsforHaiti.

Featured in EYE CANDIES

2010-01-31T18:48:00.000-05:00

I have a Giveaway on the popular Eye Candies

About the Eye Candies Project

Searching, discovering and selecting eye candies in the field of art, craft and photography is the main target of this blog! Launching during mid December 09 my prime aime is to keep you amazed with waves of creativity and visual treasures.

Art Candies is a project of Aphrodite Ioannou, digital illustrator and founder of the Digital Portrait Project based in Athens, Greece.

You can enter the giveaway to win this art print just by:

1) Following my Twitter (TweetStella), and/or

2) Following the EyeCandies Blog.

Make sure to leave a comment here so they can notify you through mail if you are the lucky winner!

Thank You Eye Candies!!!!!

Government of Canada Pledges To Match Donations

2010-01-22T13:11:00.001-05:00

This earthquake is the worst catastrophe in the Western hemisphere in the last 200 years. Latest reports are that as many as 200,000 people are dead, and 1.5 million more are homeless.

In response to the devastating earthquake that hit south of Port-au-Prince Haiti on January 12, the Government of Canada has created the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians, the Government of Canada will contribute one dollar to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, up to a total of $50 million.

Samaritan's Purse Canada is one of the organizations which is eligible for this.

You can click on my button on the left to take you to the donation site.

Watch video by Franklin Graham, President Samaritan's Purse.

Books for Haiti Orphans

2010-01-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

Danita's Children is a Haitian orphanage housing 75 children ages 4-17. They were not hurt in the earthquake but will be taking in several more orphans. They are in need of help which you can select from their website. Prior to the earthquake they asked for FRENCH language books, new or used; novels, literature and informative books for ages 10-17 are needed most (40 pages +) There are 500 students in their community school and only 15 French books in the library. They do not speak English.

Food for Thought

2010-01-16T08:07:00.000-05:00

"Literature adds to reality,

it does not simply describe it.

It enriches the necessary competencies

that daily life requires and provides;

and in this respect,

it irrigates the deserts

that our lives have already become."

- C. S. Lewis

Sunshine Blog Award from my friend Kallia in Athens, Greece!!

2010-01-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting these award:-

Put the logo on your blog or within your post.-

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.-

Link the nominees within your post.-

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Its an opportunity to visit blogs again, and reconnect with friends in blog land♥

This is hard as I love so many different blogs for so many different reasons , well here I go!

I want to pass this award to the following cross section of bloggers (in no order):

A Creative Dreamer

Kathleen McGiveron -Ceramic and Sculpture Art

Inspire Wire(byTLC Inspirations)

Novely Jewels

Crystal Lullaby

Emma's Jewelery Box

Silly Cheeks ( or OneInspiredMama)

ALittleBitofEverything

Meet Writer's Helper

2010-01-05T08:58:00.002-05:00

I met Audrey Owen of Writer's Helper several years ago when writing discovered me. She is my mainstay and the reason I haven't given up writing or trying to anyways. A woman of quality, I have learned much with her.Audrey's credentials are sound and reliable you can meet here here.

I receive her e-zine and it always inspires me one way or another. Today I opened up her e-zine and discovered this little poem which was what I needed to "hear". Thank you Audrey!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

...When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must--but don't you quit.

...Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup.

--Anonymous from "Don't Quit." --Hazel Felleman, The Best Loved Poems of the American People, pp. 113--114

If you are aspiring to write, or are already writing, Writer's Helper has something to offer. If you are serious about editing, she will turn your sample edit into a free sample edit. Find out here.

Uug-g-h-h-h...Alot of snow!!!

2010-01-03T19:03:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone, well now you know that I live in Canada and am enjoying the year's first huge snowstorm. It started snowing on New Year's Eve, lovely sparkling little snow flakes. I went cross country skiing in the soccer fields near my home. The skiing was great! Work off the Greek Vasilopita smothered with butter (just saw Julie and Julia...yum!). But now its Sunday, three days later, and that lovely sparkling little snow is still falling!!! I dont mind that much actually because its not cold when it snows- its really very refreshing! Dropped off my daughter at a friends house and here are some pics I took driving home. Its against the law in Montreal to talk on a cell phone while driving...mine happens to have a camera in it and I sort of broke the law...I think.

Happy New Year to all my readers! Its Greek Dancing on youtube!!

2009-12-31T18:06:00.003-05:00

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and support. I also send a big fat Thank you to those who have agreed to be featured, answered questions and sent me lovely pics to make my blog a pleasure to read. In fact you are part of my "neighbourhood" as Mr.Rogers would say.

Wishing all of you the best for 2010; in Greek we say "Kai tou chronou mai eigia"..."Next year lets wish the same with health"...Health, something we take for granted; and yet when its not 100% we obsess over not having the full 100%. We also say in Greek that "all can be fixed when we have our health".

So my friends on that note, I leave you with a Greek song from the magnificent Manos Hatzidakis....
Because, growing up Greek in Canada, I never understood Auld Lang Syne...and it made me cry :{
This clip is of Melina Mercouri! dancing! breaking glasses! makes me wanna get on the first flight!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA-4b_hEfKo&feature=related

Chronia Polla !! kai tou chronou mai eigia!!
Stella

ps. Thats me in the green velvet tunic dancing Greek with my dad - its the same dance Melina does in that video clip; the cute little girl in the red tunic sitting on the desk is my little sister, Eleni; she still is cute. Dad is in heaven since July 4, 1991, miss him :(

My Friend "A Creative Dream"

2009-12-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and merry Christmas! Most of my posts include pics, but this post is about an invitation from a creative blogger with lots to see.

I am trying to catch up on my blog reading and found this lovely woman's blog with a beautiful postcard to share. Her blog is "A Creative Dream" The post is from November, shows you how far behind I am :(.

But her blog is so worth it! Enjoy! And thank you June!

Sending you a big fat Greek hug!

Meet Kallia of Kallia's Wonderland !

2009-12-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

I met Kallia on the Greek Etsy Street Team. She has an inspiring Etsy Shop : KalliasWonderland
This young woman is a profoundly creative soul. She is fluent in a few languages, and translated her own interview because my Greek is not as good as her English!

1. Tell us about yourself!

My name is Kallia, I live in Greece (Athens) and I like to create jewels, trinkets and objects from odd materials. I adore experimenting with new techniques and products. My motto is "Reuse & Recycle" because I really need to create a new object from the old one. My attribute is alternative in every way - I do not like standards and I am always looking for something different and unique.

2. What do you do when you are not crafting?

I study European Culture, I am freelance interior designer (specialized in 3D Cad designing), I play keyboard (not so often as I really like…), I watch movies, I search for new supplies and techniques…I always have something to do… I never get bored!!!

3. What made you open the shop on Etsy?

I always wanted a shop! A little shop in country style, with warm colors and white wooden furniture, where anyone can buy my creations and also drink hot (or cold) chocolate, eat my famous cakes and participate in my art/craft workshops!!! But I really couldn’t afford a “real” shop. When I found Etsy, I thought “Wow…that’s my chance!!!”…and I grabbed it! The bad thing is that I can’t treat you chocolate and cake (LOL)!!!

4. What kinds of things inspire you? Do you have any mania or obsession?

Everything! I am maniac with buttons, bottles and match boxes! I really love them!!! It seems to me that can be used almost everywhere…

5. What are your favorite materials? Do you have a favorite creation?

I love most vintage images, ribbons, buttons and bottles (as I already told), felt and brass. I have two favorites! My Singer spool pin and my Fornasetti bracelet.

6. How do you promote your work?

Mostly online. Through Etsy promotion, through my blog and via other sites and blogs. I also try to take part often in activities of the European Street Team and Etsy Greek Street Team.

7. What advice would you give to etsians that are just starting now?

Good pictures! It’s very important people can understand totally the object that pictures because they cannot touch it or feel it. And a positive attitude when everything goes wrong. To make mistakes is to be human. And so the solutions!!!

8. Where people can find you? (blog, etsy, etc...).

My blog:
http://kalliaswonderland.blogspot.com/

my Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalliasbliss

my Twitter:
http://twitter.com/KalliasWondland

my Etsy Shop:
http://www.kalliaswonderland.etsy.com/

Thank you Kallia!It is such a delight to feature you on my blog. I admire your talents and genuine sweet soul!

Interview with Childrens Book Illustrator: Val Lawton

2009-12-13T18:34:00.000-05:00

Val Lawton was trained as a librarian at the University of British Columbia, but in recent years has taken up illustrating for both children and adult audiences. She granted me this interview and a glimpse into her process. It was a delightful opportunity. She also has a beautiful blog : Val Lawton Illustration

Q. Your latest book, “Where Does Your Cat Nap?” has just come out. Can you tell us a little about it?

A. “Where Does Your Cat Nap?” is a story told-in-rhyme about all sorts of cats, and the kinds of places they might think to take a nap! I guess you could call it a sequel to “Where Does Your Dog Sleep?”

It’s written for the 0 – 5 year old set, but I’ve met some adults who are liking it, too!

Q. The author, Jean Freeman, is an author AND an actress, I hear. What’s she been in?

A. Jean is a renaissance woman, and does all sorts of interesting things. If you watch CTV’s “Corner Gas,” you’ll recognize her as a Fitzi’s Grandma. Did you see the episode about “the great big dirty hoe”?!
She’s also a delightful storyteller. You can hear her read our first children’s book, Where Does Your Dog Sleep?”, on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgF-LFTIoJM

Q. And what about you, Val Lawton? Have you been illustrating for a long time?

A. I started illustrating seriously about 8 or 9 years ago, when I was home with little children. We spent hours poring over library books, and I kept thinking, “hey, I could do this…” So, I put my portfolio together (when the kids were napping!), and started to promote myself as an illustrator. Since then, I’ve illustrated twelve books for both kids and adults.

Q. Are there any illustrators that have particularly influenced you and your illustration style?

A. Oh, yes -- I LOVE the great British illustrators like Edward Ardizzone, Randolph Caldecott, Quentin Blake, Charlotte Voake, Helen Oxenbury, Ernest Sheppard, Simon James, Sally Gardner, etc. etc. I’m also a huge fan of Jean-Jacques Sempe, the French cartoonist/illustrator. There are so many great illustrators whose work I admire.

Q. Do you do anything else besides illustrating?

A. I do lots of classroom visits, where I talk to kids about the illustration process, and then I get them to do some illustrating of their own.I’ve also done a few artist-in-residencies, my most recent at Calgary’s Telus World of Science, in the Creative Kids’ Museum. I spent a month there this fall, demonstrating old-fashioned optical devices like thaumatropes, a zoetrope and flip-books.

I’ve got more on my blog if you’re interested in reading about it… Val Lawton Illustrator

Q. What about adults?? Do you spend any time working with grown-ups?

A. Ah, yes, of course—the grown-ups!… I consult with writers who are interested in developing picture books on their own. I provide both copy-editing and illustration services to people pursuing self-publishing over traditional publishing.

Q. And what are you working on right now?

A. I’m currently working with a Saskatchewan author who’s written a 24-page picture book about a Giant who loves to eat. But he’s a gourmet, not a gourmand…! Very funny stuff! It will be out in 2010.

And there you have it! Didn't I tell you she is a delight ?

PIED CARRE / SQUARE FOOT in MONTREAL!!!

2009-12-03T20:38:00.001-05:00

The SQUAREFOOT SHOW concept being well established in Toronto and New-York, Gallerie Zone Orange initiated the idea in Montreal with a unique collective exhibition. The only creative criteria: the end format must be 12” x 12” (one square foot). The works created an eclectic mosaic, revealed to the public on December 3rd during the opening night and kept up until December 23rd.

Galerie Zone Orange is located in Old Montreal:410 Saint Pierre Montréal QC H2Y 2M2

Square Foot Toronto has youtube showing the preparation, and Pied Carre will also do the same shortly.