tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91319710890957904982024-03-18T20:47:22.798-06:00Success In StoneI'm a sculptor, preferring to work in stone with mostly hand tools. I have been in the "art industry" since the mid 1980's--first in a corporate position helping other artists get their work successfully reproduced, then as a gallery manager. Here are my insights and thoughts on art for the lay-person and more!Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-51881882241556256012011-12-29T10:21:00.002-07:002011-12-29T10:33:29.245-07:00Snow Sculpture in ChinaThis isn't new, but I happened across a great post about the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival--filled with lots of photos.<br /><br />There are snow sculptures such as the beautiful woman playing a flute (?) as well as sculptures carved from ice--including a full-sized ship you can walk upon!<br /><br /><blockquote>The temperature in Harbin reaches forty below zero, both Fahrenheit and Celsius, and stays below freezing nearly half the year. This Chinese city is actually further north than notoriously cold Vladivostok, Russia, just 300 miles away. So what does one do here every winter? Hold an outdoor festival, of course! Rather than suffer the cold, the residents of Harbin celebrate it, with an annual festival of snow and ice sculptures and competitions. The festival officially runs from January 5 through February 15, but often opens a week early and runs into March, since it’s usually still cold enough. This is the amazing sculpture made of snow greeting visitors to the snow festival in 2003. <span style="font-style: italic;">~R Todd King</span></blockquote>Check out complete R Todd King's information: http://www.rtoddking.com/chinawin2003_hb_if.htm<br /><br /><h1><br /></h1><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-32052699657159429632011-05-03T07:52:00.006-06:002011-05-03T08:14:48.105-06:00Medieval English Alabaster Sculpture from the Victoria and Albert MuseumI remember visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum as a young teen and being so impressed with their collection. It was probably my favorite museum for quite a number of year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4rA65XjyBTw-V2_y1Hrksc4x1g3REmuRFc7cBOjg3V0-M5vFgAOVmELsWDr4BZs13IL2xV0pGJHikbdvnO7a-FZu2osKS2Bf9UgP4rCvht9KSJTOpvuVDCIR9K-rXAh9TY2T9aIl1WI/s1600/bowdoin+college+1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4rA65XjyBTw-V2_y1Hrksc4x1g3REmuRFc7cBOjg3V0-M5vFgAOVmELsWDr4BZs13IL2xV0pGJHikbdvnO7a-FZu2osKS2Bf9UgP4rCvht9KSJTOpvuVDCIR9K-rXAh9TY2T9aIl1WI/s400/bowdoin+college+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602491479477977394" border="0" /></a>s.<br /><br />Well, Americans do not need to venture to London to see some of the collection--in fact, an exhibition of alabaster devotional sculptures is currently on display at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine through<br />June 26.<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Alabaster production during the Middle Ages centered on the making and selling of finely decorated, gilded and colored sculpture to churches, nobles, and owners of private chapels. More common examples, however, were intended to brighten the homes and spiritual lives of people of modest means and are now treasured as the folk art of the ordinary medieval English man and woman. Due to this range in intended audience, this assemblage of English alabasters offers an unrivalled glimpse into the spiritual lives, hopes, fears and religious aspirations of both aristocratic and non-aristocratic society during the Middle Ages.</blockquote><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ89_whsoWm4S1nVLxmurMVbHc40dwKbGm16n2rSl-LT0KXkKoAKGmgV_KKT5H268zt0RSS5j2Fkvvv445Wp9aNVRscxajiTKzSAddxV-LoK_dZV9T_02VDTeIf0SFlQUO1DR5OtF3Z8/s1600/bowdoin+college+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ89_whsoWm4S1nVLxmurMVbHc40dwKbGm16n2rSl-LT0KXkKoAKGmgV_KKT5H268zt0RSS5j2Fkvvv445Wp9aNVRscxajiTKzSAddxV-LoK_dZV9T_02VDTeIf0SFlQUO1DR5OtF3Z8/s400/bowdoin+college+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602491570644263842" border="0" /></a>Whether you are interested in devotionals, stone carving or sculpture in general, this would be a good stop if you are in the northeastern part of the US this spring-early summer.<br /><br /><strong style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. This exhibition is supported by a grant from The Samuel H. Kress Foundation.</strong><br /><br />Additional information on this display may be found<a href="http://www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/2010/object-of-devotion-.shtml"> here</a>.<br /><script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-1830856-4"); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview(); //]]> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-88577226155520561372011-04-18T08:30:00.003-06:002011-04-18T08:41:52.571-06:00Colorado Governor's Art Show ReturnsThe Loveland Museum/Gallery is the home once again to the Colorado Governor's Art Show. This is a juried art show that displays works by the top artists in Colorado. It is a wonderful way to see works by your favorite artists and also see high quality art by artists you aren't familiar with.<br /><br />The 2011 Governor's invitational Art Show and Sale begins this Saturday, April 23. There will be a free demo by painter Sallie K. Smith from 2-4pm on Saturday.<br /><br />There are almost 250 pieces ready for display including works from 58 different artists. Each artist may display up to 4 pieces. 9 artists are from Loveland. This year there are 15 sculptures including stone and bronze. Pieces range in subject from realistic to abstract.<br /><br />Pieces are for sale during the exhibition. Any works sold will remain on display for the entire show.<br /><br />The Governor's Art Show is a fundraiser for the Loveland and Thompson Valley rotary clubs, benefiting the clubs' community service projects and scholarship programs.<br /><br />The opening night gala is Saturday. Tickets for the gala are $55.<br /><br />3 works will be raffled off on the last day of the show.<br /><br />The show will be on display April 24-June 5 in the Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland Colorado. For more information visit <a href="www.governorsartshow.org">www.governorsartshow.org</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-24219409798993387462011-03-03T09:28:00.005-07:002011-03-03T10:07:23.905-07:00Loveland Stone Sculptor Voted Peoples Choice AwardCongratulations to Loveland stone sculptor Ellen Woodbury for winning the Arts Advocacy Project's first-ever People's Choice award for her owl "See Through Other Eyes: Spotted Owl."<br /><br />The white marble piece is displayed as part of the art-on-loan program which currently consists of five sculptures of a variety of media from different artists. The pieces all adorn downtown Loveland's 4th Street.<br /><br />The wonderful owl, carved from Colorado Yule Marble, is on display until May of this year. At that time the sculptures will be rotated out, with a bevy of new works decorating the town.<br /><br />The Loveland Visual Arts Commission sponsors the Arts Advocacy Project and the People's Choice Awards. Sculptors interesting in applying to have their works displayed in the Sculpture Capital of America can apply at <a href="http://www.callforentry.org/">CaFÉ™</a> . CaFÉ™ (Call for entry) is a resource from the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) and is an online source for artists in of all media to submit works for shows in the Western United States<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-83707516502922515642011-02-25T07:52:00.005-07:002011-02-25T08:01:57.520-07:00New Sculpture by Loveland Sculptor Ellen WoodburyLoveland sculptor Ellen Woodbury has created a new masterful piece, <a href="http://ellenwoodbury.blogspot.com/2011/02/master-of-disguise-sculpture-by-ellen.html">Master of Disguise</a>.<br /><br />You can meet Ellen and see her work at the Sculpture in the Park event every summer here in Loveland. A talented artist in many media, Ellen is a former animator with Disney. She has applied the powers of observation and detail required to create film characters successfully to stone creating a myriad of wonderful creatures.<br /><br />This latest piece work is a depiction of a Cuttlefish, created as a commission. It is a lovely work in Rosso Verona Marble. By changing the degree of polish in various parts of the work she is able to achieve a wonderful contrast and variation in hue that emulate the Cuttlefish's chameleon like abilities.<br /><br />Ellen turned to stone just a few years ago and her success is a testament to her dedication and talent. I met Ellen while taking a workshop with Collen Nyanhongo, a stone sculptor from Zimbabwe. Since then Ellen has been to the Marble Marble symposium numerous times and has been a participant at the prestigious show in Benson Sculpture Park since she first applied--which is a rare feat!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-69318047813267884472011-02-18T08:13:00.003-07:002011-02-18T08:21:50.155-07:00Congrats Loveland Sculptors!The team of sculptors from Loveland, Colorado who headed to Japan earlier this month to participate in the 11th annual Japan Cup international Snow Sculpting Competition did not come home empty handed.<br /><br />While the sculpture is just a memory...snow sculptures, unlike their stone counterparts, are temporary after all..the threesome of Stefan Keinschuster, Jack Kreutzer and Sheldon James came home with 3rd place titles that will never melt in this prestigious art competition.<br /><br />Starting with blocks of snow that are 10 feet x 10 feet x 10 feet (or 3 meters to be more exact) the Loveland sculptors were the only team to create a representational piece--all other competitors chose to create abstract sculptures.<br /><br />The talented artists were selected to represent the United States based on the drawing they submitted. The carved and shaped the 15 ton chilly cube of snow into rocks that morph into water, fabric and 2 figures.<br /><br />Congrats guys--well done!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-21776769116341067052011-02-03T08:33:00.000-07:002011-02-03T08:33:01.217-07:00Loveland Sculptors Heading to Japan for CompetitionFresh on the heels of the 2011 Budweiser Snow Sculpting Competition in Breckenridge this last week, the team from Loveland, Colorado is heading to Japan for more of the cold stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/%7En.hokuto/2011/program2011.html">The 11th annual Japan Cup International Snow Sculpting Competition</a> is held in Nayoro, Japan. The Loveland sculptors will be representing not just Loveland, nor even just Colorado, they are representing the United Sates in this competition.<br /><br />12 countries are represented in this competition after being selected from the sketches they previously submitted. All teams are scheduled to arrive on Monday, Feb. 7.<br /><br />The blocks of snow are a bit smaller than Breckenridge--starting at 3 meters cubed (about 10 feet) but, like Breckenridge, the area is known for it's fine quality snow that allows for intricate works of art as a result.<br /><br />Team USA's design will include a rock foundation transforming into water and fabric. Two figures will also be prominent in the piece.<br /><br />The team members include Loveland artists Stefan Kleinschuster, Sheldon James and Jack Kreutzer.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-13152159009633787382011-02-01T08:09:00.005-07:002011-02-01T08:33:24.274-07:00Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Winners<h1 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:arial;" id="Title1_title"><span style="font-size:100%;">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">2011 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships</span> where held last week in Breckenridge, with the sculptors putting down their tools on Saturday Jan. 30. The resulting works of art are available for viewing by the public, weather permitting, through Sunday, Feb. 6.</span></h1>The artists compete for glory, not money--there is no cash prize for this competition. The event is free to watch...with the only "fee" being $1 to vote for people's choice, $1 = 1 vote. All proceeds from the voting go to funding the event for future years.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" ><strong>1st Place</strong>- Team Mexico</span></span><br /><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" > <strong>2nd Place</strong>- Team Canada- Yukon</span></span><br /><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" > <strong>3rd Place</strong>- Team Breckenridge</span></span><br /></div><br /><blockquote>“Team Mexico definitely took some risks,” said Jenn Cram, judge coordinator and Arts District Administrator for the Town of Breckenridge. “They defied gravity in several areas on the piece, especially with the dragon head. The contrast of thick and thin areas created a wonderful fluidity. Additionally, the piece was covered with finely executed texture that spoke to and had a strong connection to the team’s heritage. Team Mexico’s expression, use of ice for details and overall risk taken resulted in a superbly-executed sculpture with 360 degrees of interest.”</blockquote><br />While Team Mexico won the first prize in the eyes of the official judges, both Team Canada-Yukon and Team Breckenridge produced crowd favorites.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" ><strong>People's Choice</strong>- Team Canada- Yukon</span></span><br /><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" > <strong>Kid's Choice</strong>- Team Breckenridge</span></span><br /><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn"><span style="color: rgb(95, 46, 34);font-size:12pt;" > <strong>Artist's Choice</strong>- Team Canada- Yukon</span></span><br /><a href="http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/2011-winners/"><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/2011-winners/">Photos of the sculptures</a> show the detail the artists are able to achieve.<br /><br /><strong>Team Mexico</strong>'s winner titled <strong>“Alebrije,”</strong> depicts three mythological beings of Mexican culture. <strong>Team Canada Yukon</strong>'s "<strong>Spirits of the Aurora,”</strong> represents the Northern Lights. <strong>Team USA Breckenridge</strong>'s <strong>“Underwater,”</strong> used the shape of the 12-foot-tall starting block to act as a frame for a below-the-sea scene.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-66115030499118851142011-01-25T13:41:00.008-07:002011-01-25T14:15:41.184-07:00Colorado's Cool Carving Competition CommencesThe Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships are held in Breckenridge, Colorado every year. The first internal competition in the town was in 1991 so this year mark's the town's 21st competition.<br /><br />The competition allows only hand tools to touch the 10x10x12 blocks of snow (yes, that's feet) that weigh in at 20 tons. The competition starts today with 5 person teams coming from <span id="_ctl0_leftColumn">Russia, China, Japan, Morocco, Belize, Finland, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Mexico, Great Britain, Spain, Bulgaria and Canada and of course, the United States. This year 8 countries are represented by the 15 teams with the US boasting 4 different teams all competing for medals and ribbons--but no cash. Sculptors do it for the fun of it and love to have you come enjoy the process and the results.<br /><br /></span><span id="_ctl0_leftColumn">The teams have five days (65 hours total) to create their masterpieces. After that a panel of artist judges will find a favorite on the basis of theme, style and technique. At the awards ceremony on Sunday (at 3:30pm), the sculptors will also learn which team has been selected as People's Choice, Kids' Choice and Artists' Choice</span>. People vote with $1 donations, with the money going to help support the event.<br /><br />Some years the works are melting by the time the weekend comes, but this year it looks like the temperatures will be cool enough to preserve the work. Mother Nature permitting, the sculptures will remain on display until the evening of Sunday Feb. 6.<br /><br />Organizers suggest visitors come before then and watch the pieces evolve--which is a lot of fun. It is hard to see what they are doing at first, but then suddenly the work reveals itself. Very cool...no pun intended. Friday night Jan 28 ought to be a really fun night since it is frequently an "all nighter" for the artists as they put on the finishing touches before they judging on Saturday the 29th which begins at 10:00am.<br /><br />Many of the sculptors who participate in snow sculpting also work in other materials other times of the year. Loveland sculptor Jack Kreutzer is a stone sculptor and one of the founders of the <a href="http://www.sculptureinthepark.org/show.html">Sculpture in the Park</a> show every summer (this summer will be the 28th annual event.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/index.aspx?page=495">Learn more </a>about the snow sculpting competition including the best parking spots and some photos from past events. The venue is at the Riverwalk area (<a href="http://www.townofbreckenridge.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=2578">see map</a>) and there are shuttles from other parts of town.<br /><br />Check out more photos, information and even <a href="http://www.gobreck.com/events/town-events/budweiser-international-snow-sculpture-championships/">videos </a>of past events.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-14250490523080413102011-01-13T12:31:00.004-07:002011-01-13T12:36:32.890-07:00Yule Marble Quarry Reopens with Italian TiesGood news for lovers of the beautiful white stuff from Colorado called Yule Marble (yes we have beautiful white stuff that is not snow!) After being closed for 10 months the quarry is reopening under new ownership.<br /><br />Read the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_17076008">Denver Post article</a>.<br /><br />It seems that Colorado Marble and Carrara Marble are now linked: the new owner is from Carrara, Italy!<br /><br />I'm actually working on a small piece of snow white Yule Marble right now, so I was pleased to hear this news.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-11440955683535518962011-01-07T12:20:00.005-07:002011-01-07T12:30:10.754-07:00Stone Sculptor Works in Limestone and MarbleLocal sculptor Gene Milway took art lessons in high school, but like most of us pursued other ways to make a living. About 40 years ago Gene first started sculpting using clay.<br /><br />Now Gene carves in limestone and in marble--Yule marble from here in Colorado and Carrara marble from Italy.<br /><br />He has attended the popular Marble Marble symposium five times. This symposium is organized by another local sculptor, Madeline Wiener, and it takes place in Marble, Colorado near Aspen every summer.<br /><br />Gene has also spent 3 weeks in Italy near the famous Carrara marble quarry.<br /><br />I have met Gene and his lovely wife, Gaea. While I was at their home, Gene showed me his pieces and was very generous with his time telling and showing me a variety of tools he uses in his studio at home.<br /><br />Gene's work is often displayed in Fort Collins' Lincoln Center, and the sculpture shows in Loveland: Sculpture in the Park and the Loveland Sculpture Invitational.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-55601791879302248572010-12-24T13:30:00.003-07:002010-12-24T13:36:48.484-07:00Christmas Ornaments by Loveland SculptorsOne of the wonderful traditions Loveland, Colorado has is offering special Christmas ornaments every year. This tradition started 20 years ago with the first ornament created by Cammie Lundeen.<br /><br />Lundeen loves sculpting horses and was invited to create this year's ornament in honor of the 20th anniversary. Of course she chose to create some loving and lovely horses for this tree trimmer.<br /><br />Ornaments are available at many stores for $25, or by mail for $30 (which includes the shipping and handling.) But don't expect to get the original for any where close to that--only 600 were made and they are a hot collectible now, with one selling recently for $1000!<br /><br />To order by mail, send your $30 check to Winter Holiday Council, PO Box 2274, Loveland, CO 80539. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments pay for holiday displays all around Loveland.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-11962071801347368522010-12-23T14:32:00.002-07:002010-12-23T14:35:21.666-07:00Carving Out SantaA Loveland couple has amassed an extensive collection of hand carved wooden Santas.<br /><br />What makes this collection even more amazing is that they created them, all 130 of them, themselves! Jim Siegl is the carver and Helen paints the figures.<br /><br />They are beautiful and filled with all sorts of details...what a great hobby they have created for themselves.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-38363615003036463312010-12-15T05:51:00.001-07:002010-12-15T05:51:00.353-07:00Gratitude Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwBrDHXwkW3EvVHWIfhLoLIq8sBw-YksHV-9-Ll8K8vXZCijF_v7gfTQOganWtOVI7M63hamb6_kSLqzu5vBD8OAqBp_sXeH2MVtmxxa1BjIZNNszxDFF8yHHSdLFwf3ebUH36EX7_6o/s1600/grat+proj+right.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwBrDHXwkW3EvVHWIfhLoLIq8sBw-YksHV-9-Ll8K8vXZCijF_v7gfTQOganWtOVI7M63hamb6_kSLqzu5vBD8OAqBp_sXeH2MVtmxxa1BjIZNNszxDFF8yHHSdLFwf3ebUH36EX7_6o/s320/grat+proj+right.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550721926336886050" border="0" /></a><br />I am super excited to finally be able to let the cat out of the bag...this project has been so much fun and so fulfilling...and for this next part I need YOUR help TODAY, Wednesday, Dec. 15<br /><br />I have been honored to be asked to be a co-author of an incredible new book: <a href="http://thegratitudebookproject.com/">"The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude"</a> and we are going for an ambitious goal--to become an Amazon best-seller!<br /><br />So if you are looking for an inspiring book, either for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, please consider this book that will provide that inspiration day after day--all year long!<br /><br />And, feel good about your purchase for another reason: 100% of the proceeds from the <a href="http://amzn.to/fbXLpN">Amazon sales</a> go to 4 worthwhile charities! That's right, 100%--we don't get a dime!<br /><br />The goal is to get as many sales as possible on Wednesday, Dec. 15 in order to hit that best-seller mark. Why is that so important? Well, best-seller status will get us a lot of traction and help us earn more money for these worthy charities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So who gets the money?</span><br />We have selected four non-profits to receive the proceeds from our sales on Amazon:<br /><br /> * ASPCA for the prevention of animal abuse<br /> * FeedingAmerica<br /> * Make-a-Wish<br /> * Women for Women International<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do I order?</span><br />Ordering the book is easy,just go to Amazon and search for "The Gratitude Book Project" or you can click on this link that will take you directly there: <a href="http://amzn.to/fbXLpN">http://amzn.to/fbXLpN</a><br /><br />This book is special to me because it really helps remind us of all the things that we do have to be grateful for...things we often over look. Some simple things and some really big ones, too--like YOU!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-86008995605691530902010-12-14T07:23:00.000-07:002010-12-14T07:23:00.921-07:00Mysterious SculptureImagine waking up and looking out your window and seeing a sculpture. Cool, right? Well, what if it appeared overnight without your knowledge?<br /><br />Turns out that's what happened to a woman in Boulder...for the 2nd time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_16847704?source=rss">Read this article</a> for more details...I was amazed.<br /><br />Don't want to spoil the end, but it's too bad it won't stay there long.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-10288455824275594422010-12-13T08:15:00.002-07:002010-12-13T08:15:00.672-07:00Ice Sculpture and BowlingIce sculptors in Loveland got into the act, too, during the festivities this week...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQLQpB26yGMjB15I5eg9DtKdDXkXIN4PifFNcKGjjU-0GZr2JVhbDiBRaVlE0RJaj2tCb6swW4z-rKXpX5tZ05WTXFBqxDAg-hGbV9VALmDKfSBtrn49zBVFQTicLscGRDo_CRi5JXg4/s1600/974_0588.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQLQpB26yGMjB15I5eg9DtKdDXkXIN4PifFNcKGjjU-0GZr2JVhbDiBRaVlE0RJaj2tCb6swW4z-rKXpX5tZ05WTXFBqxDAg-hGbV9VALmDKfSBtrn49zBVFQTicLscGRDo_CRi5JXg4/s320/974_0588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549954266673019042" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vUvugyehMV7eYVpQi8d-JcYrj9YynZqWB39aGaB5OQEGEX24AdIgcn19Dk3cbtVVat4PvMXFYpOnjqJ0rkBya2bFMsPK0jq2S97MoFzlvA4dafwWsYU45wVYEud8A6K3N4FfFBDRyoA/s1600/974_0553.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vUvugyehMV7eYVpQi8d-JcYrj9YynZqWB39aGaB5OQEGEX24AdIgcn19Dk3cbtVVat4PvMXFYpOnjqJ0rkBya2bFMsPK0jq2S97MoFzlvA4dafwWsYU45wVYEud8A6K3N4FfFBDRyoA/s320/974_0553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549954256852029362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40fbajGuIh-7AG4ReIds1PtL0pZdOFHfRvJWZVjcRZW91zutJfvElaLp0kq6P4iDk4rxSy9FJT3bUFAawArtioMG622bH7-KfyQ8a6N5KV-c_-N5vn_PNXfqIcLGJBI8etyUspj2bkUI/s1600/974_0597.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40fbajGuIh-7AG4ReIds1PtL0pZdOFHfRvJWZVjcRZW91zutJfvElaLp0kq6P4iDk4rxSy9FJT3bUFAawArtioMG622bH7-KfyQ8a6N5KV-c_-N5vn_PNXfqIcLGJBI8etyUspj2bkUI/s320/974_0597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549954252820776306" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FPGVpaEIeWW50L1VrzJ55KINLgpJ6pe-oVRsuCVKiwz40Xhx1bGyF8209mQg5sbUTqpbkKqQbmZ4T_DZDKDDDW6bOG9JTEnYGtdJFg4utt5NLWcA1G9BhOUQq3J6p8c-l9bmXrExQQg/s1600/974_0552.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FPGVpaEIeWW50L1VrzJ55KINLgpJ6pe-oVRsuCVKiwz40Xhx1bGyF8209mQg5sbUTqpbkKqQbmZ4T_DZDKDDDW6bOG9JTEnYGtdJFg4utt5NLWcA1G9BhOUQq3J6p8c-l9bmXrExQQg/s320/974_0552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549954803585330578" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Even creating a little bowling alley where you could knock down pins with a frozen chicken which turned out to be a hit with the kids!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwkFH2Y_ZfLyGPghudyyRECddyHet7XKwfkmXVrm9MlGtQr29UQRXBs9hy6oHdw8HGk2O-t98hOZMNyt4TuZg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-3299519199820178862010-12-12T16:36:00.011-07:002010-12-12T17:13:11.602-07:00Snow Sculpture Competition in LovelandLoveland had a snow sculpture competition this year for the first time in...well, I don't know how long. So of course, we probably had the warmest December to date on record! Snow had to be made from local ponds (one of the sculptors told me the snow smelled fishy) and trucked in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy5Go_2kVLm-77hqElC39a4RlxsxEwGFgMP-sckd19AiiXcc4zGZOTMed4VeibxmKV4q7irI8i8Qy_UXAMd1vsTe3VX3fn8Wb-1_swfsowLsBhoNNZcyLLHHap5J9DdI3JA9igB6d6ik/s1600/974_0515.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy5Go_2kVLm-77hqElC39a4RlxsxEwGFgMP-sckd19AiiXcc4zGZOTMed4VeibxmKV4q7irI8i8Qy_UXAMd1vsTe3VX3fn8Wb-1_swfsowLsBhoNNZcyLLHHap5J9DdI3JA9igB6d6ik/s320/974_0515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549945119546004962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAb9bKNjKGzc806gCupZERBrUUWXw-Mpjd1ofoE0IbY28XYISMdrzmCPI4FB6VCzMBIZ1pLk6q2s7zIIaHTBHKNHzVHN80QauDaWgJboFKKs0yzWIvcceqM1KRAtlCcvtkzUs7xHtCKk/s1600/974_0517.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAb9bKNjKGzc806gCupZERBrUUWXw-Mpjd1ofoE0IbY28XYISMdrzmCPI4FB6VCzMBIZ1pLk6q2s7zIIaHTBHKNHzVHN80QauDaWgJboFKKs0yzWIvcceqM1KRAtlCcvtkzUs7xHtCKk/s320/974_0517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549945837223595778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Concrete forms were set up to hold the snow, which was loaded in and then packed down by volunteers. After a day to set, the forms were removed and the blocks of dirty snow were revealed. I noticed large air pockets, which the sculptors called "cancer"...fortunately for this competition they were allowed to help the blocks a little and use "slurry" to fill in voids if necessary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHw5kNb2ztthRjhfttm7S2KWcoX1NHnHnncUx_A4z1vyoY6qxfY3pe8ewVD3rbhm0Wl9iTzmZaGm7BFRkerfHtGrNH9OYy-HckUjEJfBmfhu5oKD5ERwullY3eP2GnMFIr_XefIrsnpw/s1600/974_0519.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHw5kNb2ztthRjhfttm7S2KWcoX1NHnHnncUx_A4z1vyoY6qxfY3pe8ewVD3rbhm0Wl9iTzmZaGm7BFRkerfHtGrNH9OYy-HckUjEJfBmfhu5oKD5ERwullY3eP2GnMFIr_XefIrsnpw/s320/974_0519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549945844136067682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT4stOg1xLgDfZ2gvofK0r9OS3ONOfM5dL57ZuFPoWcZCWTPJ93RKqPgELCBcQs45IzjPJaotmqj8vhog883E6GPvKJOYW3LdBm6qDZshjyxKutbslkUVgurcu7oJaDvgaV9-kH1HSGw/s1600/974_0520.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT4stOg1xLgDfZ2gvofK0r9OS3ONOfM5dL57ZuFPoWcZCWTPJ93RKqPgELCBcQs45IzjPJaotmqj8vhog883E6GPvKJOYW3LdBm6qDZshjyxKutbslkUVgurcu7oJaDvgaV9-kH1HSGw/s320/974_0520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549945852750452850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The snow was rapidly melting in our 50+ degree weather...but the sculptors, using a variety of tools came out with their maquettes and drawings and started to carve.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eCMS4w_cjNcx5dPBOK2fZVGaFosIiM0NtjM1UmyRYrs6tXq-ani4CDjGGlSjK319TLCph-eto56oejvB1KxE4DS00Shbn0TjK7Mwci9rb8vStyGA6IPraqDQju4XhGdfbAH4pjDAOLM/s1600/974_0536.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eCMS4w_cjNcx5dPBOK2fZVGaFosIiM0NtjM1UmyRYrs6tXq-ani4CDjGGlSjK319TLCph-eto56oejvB1KxE4DS00Shbn0TjK7Mwci9rb8vStyGA6IPraqDQju4XhGdfbAH4pjDAOLM/s320/974_0536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549947534348487490" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-eqEa_Zmy_UMNIvZTgN_h-Puv8hpmwMPz6nNW55ydGpCIQeSzawK90devKlkGBPXyxmTqnBxn4fq8S6YYbNw8qh7JNGEp4HMzb18jDd7HKt2n8LFreMZxu6VkUvXL_cJ3SDLMiHTG8w/s1600/974_0524.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-eqEa_Zmy_UMNIvZTgN_h-Puv8hpmwMPz6nNW55ydGpCIQeSzawK90devKlkGBPXyxmTqnBxn4fq8S6YYbNw8qh7JNGEp4HMzb18jDd7HKt2n8LFreMZxu6VkUvXL_cJ3SDLMiHTG8w/s320/974_0524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549947531140109986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZAwlYkKe4nqh6E2lLzWncazV_FloO2L8b0wSCQZ8cpgY-agsLKzynoAPXJBqE-7-y6gIeL_e4vcAGNtPx1jag5vfXO-_CwoavKdx_LLRQyca0V1JVwf-CaR9gYio0cqMpDshmDwQX_g/s1600/974_0527.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZAwlYkKe4nqh6E2lLzWncazV_FloO2L8b0wSCQZ8cpgY-agsLKzynoAPXJBqE-7-y6gIeL_e4vcAGNtPx1jag5vfXO-_CwoavKdx_LLRQyca0V1JVwf-CaR9gYio0cqMpDshmDwQX_g/s320/974_0527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549947538716480258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip18rb5Bj1FQegf-S4tcESsTr7fz__oxLQSM4fJ_WjCYTHOp_KScstqFfVqkQhdAdWzpk8Fq7B57_r0JFkMHvuhyphenhypheneM0aMbYs6GJsy0DSrE4567kLNzjMq7SOI3u4Z30Ha4feQlLbjAx5k/s1600/974_0561.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip18rb5Bj1FQegf-S4tcESsTr7fz__oxLQSM4fJ_WjCYTHOp_KScstqFfVqkQhdAdWzpk8Fq7B57_r0JFkMHvuhyphenhypheneM0aMbYs6GJsy0DSrE4567kLNzjMq7SOI3u4Z30Ha4feQlLbjAx5k/s320/974_0561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549948877782269458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The works gradually began to take shape over a couple of days as the sculptors worked...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdERdo4M0_Xj0VyefD6WB-8fMk8SxAUnBohM44M8IjOq4ZXrO13RykUBTaLZR8BuGI35SIWhHvUW56QFq_d_ZAdNd5fMDBMF89edGR56wbaaBo1nm-YnqDP0GcNXSohvmOC8yOsQBJwkk/s1600/974_0540.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdERdo4M0_Xj0VyefD6WB-8fMk8SxAUnBohM44M8IjOq4ZXrO13RykUBTaLZR8BuGI35SIWhHvUW56QFq_d_ZAdNd5fMDBMF89edGR56wbaaBo1nm-YnqDP0GcNXSohvmOC8yOsQBJwkk/s320/974_0540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949822047564146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMGpWDess1hwcIFxvFKm1N_mHNDHTVotWB7p9JimVi-G0kceGtoZGenSLKetmW0PAWALEhhdcUPImpok1jxJPYwxiWAPkjenaVfSICWD8WSW4Cd3r-j3Dsyde8JBupQ_U6u37pN_ZDhY/s1600/974_0544.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMGpWDess1hwcIFxvFKm1N_mHNDHTVotWB7p9JimVi-G0kceGtoZGenSLKetmW0PAWALEhhdcUPImpok1jxJPYwxiWAPkjenaVfSICWD8WSW4Cd3r-j3Dsyde8JBupQ_U6u37pN_ZDhY/s320/974_0544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949827272408930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0GboRyTnTSJRwcWXrSfm4_jHBp_JiG2MHnwbAlEe-bzDRXJlSvosWGHwjZbVISWF6cdy-jr_bEzksewMJCodEOgz6iitHWNwP1Zp0PvWBioGAiJxTPFCOiCp5e5JVONrNEjJKe9NMVk/s1600/974_0530.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0GboRyTnTSJRwcWXrSfm4_jHBp_JiG2MHnwbAlEe-bzDRXJlSvosWGHwjZbVISWF6cdy-jr_bEzksewMJCodEOgz6iitHWNwP1Zp0PvWBioGAiJxTPFCOiCp5e5JVONrNEjJKe9NMVk/s320/974_0530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949815002115010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh4xqdrpNao6cGUGGe-khMEfOPX4OXjAc2R9wIpIeuTZY0qEL1Pp5uUpeRsWaAdTRd-F59YuM_XIMRlINtciOANHlUgsPFaJJ-YYvgGqXtjgi2KCPUiS20n5OHIZ4frMz3H30q1rpc/s1600/974_0528.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh4xqdrpNao6cGUGGe-khMEfOPX4OXjAc2R9wIpIeuTZY0qEL1Pp5uUpeRsWaAdTRd-F59YuM_XIMRlINtciOANHlUgsPFaJJ-YYvgGqXtjgi2KCPUiS20n5OHIZ4frMz3H30q1rpc/s320/974_0528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549949809257820178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr_mMfWiRgmJlUJHlna9A3z-JzRLgEm3U2wFFFmibsqml2sj9MeBfJuk5EVHzYHmEAzeuooIhKPlRWGLDmku8nbqNINJPBuVG8pGS4NuBpgGUqvpFUj2XAUzMFS_OxP5laQjK7YJdHYI/s1600/974_0538.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDr_mMfWiRgmJlUJHlna9A3z-JzRLgEm3U2wFFFmibsqml2sj9MeBfJuk5EVHzYHmEAzeuooIhKPlRWGLDmku8nbqNINJPBuVG8pGS4NuBpgGUqvpFUj2XAUzMFS_OxP5laQjK7YJdHYI/s320/974_0538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549950317234173170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Things were looking pretty grim on Friday...the wind was strong which can erode the sculpture and the temperatures were so warm it was not possible to get to work on the detail.<br /><br /><br />But, sculptors are intrepid and many stayed up all night or came early on the (thankfully for them) cold Saturday morning...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7x5k9z8go1orKIOZaklUfmY286oMdIox4mSBr61FjODcikAOxfdRMAoC8Y6R25VFJ9NEmNfrmczQipi8YmSryDb1IA5pc66P6hRw-Jj3L7nVSMOvDSSzfoaKCdfdZYUNnYeMu6vtTuM/s1600/974_0564.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7x5k9z8go1orKIOZaklUfmY286oMdIox4mSBr61FjODcikAOxfdRMAoC8Y6R25VFJ9NEmNfrmczQipi8YmSryDb1IA5pc66P6hRw-Jj3L7nVSMOvDSSzfoaKCdfdZYUNnYeMu6vtTuM/s320/974_0564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549950898207935970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOwSWllR5FKbX3VL5dvJekMOQtqBkkFPXEvjnFnqWW5a8H6Sfb9xJ9WuVGktGOgXyFmYAqNbrtXW_LHaOoUDgXSIrYboQUGiG2AFTNFxkXkvGjztqPe9oC1MUMbHFLr9VBVx41bKask/s1600/974_0555.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sOwSWllR5FKbX3VL5dvJekMOQtqBkkFPXEvjnFnqWW5a8H6Sfb9xJ9WuVGktGOgXyFmYAqNbrtXW_LHaOoUDgXSIrYboQUGiG2AFTNFxkXkvGjztqPe9oC1MUMbHFLr9VBVx41bKask/s320/974_0555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549950889703355218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGVCkk0VqZjLYZ_9RPFZjgJdxts_lIzuTwz5ZywfBuDStbk0R_4h89AvDdYEqkNC7nAi-LNxKO_jtwY6XCxGXnb_7la0Cy701HX5Qii0OZnRCpSOB4aUqtPVqDe6JCBv9IYGTqqjbh7w/s1600/974_0559.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGVCkk0VqZjLYZ_9RPFZjgJdxts_lIzuTwz5ZywfBuDStbk0R_4h89AvDdYEqkNC7nAi-LNxKO_jtwY6XCxGXnb_7la0Cy701HX5Qii0OZnRCpSOB4aUqtPVqDe6JCBv9IYGTqqjbh7w/s320/974_0559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549950878989080354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and by Saturday evening masterpieces were revealed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZolM1DKWkginK28xzNtxYCKSbOEPO_VXfDufDdUir7at9OB1vAz9iNFfCW1lo-Tuce_rUTzR_vw2iQaZP3FkFRb70LgutLgLQ1V4BJEO1zQy2PePwFqitrdRMGijta73OEw1mxpbJTQ/s1600/974_0579.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZolM1DKWkginK28xzNtxYCKSbOEPO_VXfDufDdUir7at9OB1vAz9iNFfCW1lo-Tuce_rUTzR_vw2iQaZP3FkFRb70LgutLgLQ1V4BJEO1zQy2PePwFqitrdRMGijta73OEw1mxpbJTQ/s320/974_0579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549951984257291602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hsGSWyFR9Uxn8cY9SVt2F_RCpuGs8NGyb9vAsH80oekHQlnOi5LpMD9lZgl8C_sOtNA3d70ZoBcX_Wg3Gdba-asecNBXqqDcgBk12mMrPPo-ZvRwCzjoxhNKpJg8-fKh-1LHAE49fFg/s1600/974_0589.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hsGSWyFR9Uxn8cY9SVt2F_RCpuGs8NGyb9vAsH80oekHQlnOi5LpMD9lZgl8C_sOtNA3d70ZoBcX_Wg3Gdba-asecNBXqqDcgBk12mMrPPo-ZvRwCzjoxhNKpJg8-fKh-1LHAE49fFg/s320/974_0589.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549951973361502274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ZKwlL-Jp9e5kteDa2bDruhXiq44fRHSGHziJswJAUx901E88IlA8_7iuWOoOWw2CutzOUloTn-qTlEHnII0T6mWay6I98FmQydKaAIYJpH6zf2NrkPWDWk4PvOLF0fuDtXcOWRU5Ss/s1600/974_0592.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ZKwlL-Jp9e5kteDa2bDruhXiq44fRHSGHziJswJAUx901E88IlA8_7iuWOoOWw2CutzOUloTn-qTlEHnII0T6mWay6I98FmQydKaAIYJpH6zf2NrkPWDWk4PvOLF0fuDtXcOWRU5Ss/s320/974_0592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549951971680455458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyusoX3wuqPmMinFcgkzY8CkS0U1xwuvCPsZ4dntf3ynUgja3DqTflmpijFQoF70TAvrwAOVQreXuSKfvEKU7iuxMitl0rAzT4R5nuwAQV1hvhhaxNr9dRjHPnGtQjDIWTyJ-NaxFsfT4/s1600/974_0578.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyusoX3wuqPmMinFcgkzY8CkS0U1xwuvCPsZ4dntf3ynUgja3DqTflmpijFQoF70TAvrwAOVQreXuSKfvEKU7iuxMitl0rAzT4R5nuwAQV1hvhhaxNr9dRjHPnGtQjDIWTyJ-NaxFsfT4/s320/974_0578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549951964965459650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlWCSQvgagvnq_WH194VL1k-R0NxKElOjaa4jYW1Cud5RO2mpBf1n-veY5yKBwOiDvCNe651w-N5zYB6ylblJX5spNS17SL3w6QvRcZVeE3bo2Z3GdsYAUI-UQeYmBHCQh1VWqPkueEQ/s1600/974_0590.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlWCSQvgagvnq_WH194VL1k-R0NxKElOjaa4jYW1Cud5RO2mpBf1n-veY5yKBwOiDvCNe651w-N5zYB6ylblJX5spNS17SL3w6QvRcZVeE3bo2Z3GdsYAUI-UQeYmBHCQh1VWqPkueEQ/s320/974_0590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549951955645751906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />all in all, the event was a big success!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-67013957294368874852010-11-22T09:04:00.003-07:002010-11-22T09:16:09.876-07:00New Zealand Arts in My ThoughtsNew Zealand is a beautiful country and I met so many wonderful people while I traveled there years ago.<br /><br />My thoughts are with them as the rebuild Christchurch after the earthquake that devastated the historic downtown region and now with the miners trapped due to the explosion in the mine.<br /><br />As lives, families and cities are rebuilt, it takes the combined efforts and positive thoughts of us all to bring the best possible outcome given the circumstances beyond our control. Truly, many of these people are going through a horrific time--one that we would not wish upon anyone.<br /><br />Rebuilding the cities will be the easier task. It is time-consuming, but they are blessed to have an abundance of beautiful stone (Oamaru stone is great for both sculpture and buildings) and talented artisans for reconstruction. There are options as to whether they choose to rebuild in the style of that which was lost or go for a new look altogether as Napier did years ago when it was destroyed. That city was rebuilt in the then contemporary style (Art Deco) and is a testament of how we can take advantage of a tragedy and turn it into a time capsule of sorts...creating an artistic and historic snapshot of a different era.<br /><br />Lives and families are not so easily reassembled, and my thoughts are with all who have been touched by these disasters. May you know peace, love and beauty in your lives.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-33449250609602320582010-11-13T16:14:00.003-07:002010-11-13T16:26:11.764-07:00Seiferts Sculpt Steel and LandEd and Barb Seifert are former neighbors of mine...they also happen to be landscape designers and sculptors residing in northern Colorado.<br /><br />Funny thing is when we were neighbors neither of us was actively working in sculpture.<br /><br />I run into them at the Loveland Sculpture Invitational...and it is always great to see their work and catch up on what they are doing and how much their kids have grown. It just doesn't seem possible that it has been that many years, but when I learn where the kids are these days it makes me realize that my gray hairs are not premature!<br /><br />Each of the pieces the artistic duo creates is unique. They often combine steel construction with water, whether free standing or a pond, and glass or stone...the natural and the man-made coexisting in harmony.<br /><br />One of their pieces, "River Chimes" is an example of this harmony. The work is installed here in Loveland, at the Medical Center of the Rockies and features stone and steel in the form of posts and pipes.<br /><br />Ed and Barb are extremely talented, as well as wonderful folks. Visit their <a href="http://www.seifertstudios.com">site </a>to see their landscape design, the nursery and of course, their sculpture. You can even arrange an appointment to see their private sculpture garden...but do call ahead! 303 772-1888<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-7476625562679085832010-11-12T16:34:00.000-07:002010-11-12T16:34:00.335-07:00Test for Limestone or MarbleMy cousin was here recently as he drove cross country...moving from Florida to California. Since he was a geologist in a "former" life it was fun to have him help me with some of my stones.<br /><br />I confess I find stones that I think are pretty and I frequently don't know what they are! What kind of sculptor is that? Truth is, I'm more interested in how they carve and what they look like...but it is good to know what it is in case I like it and want to get more!<br /><br />He told me that I can do a simple test to determine if my pieces are Limestone or Marble.<br /><br />Take plain vinegar and place a drop on the stone. If it "fizzes" you have Limestone or Marble.<br /><br />An alternate test is to, in place of the vinegar, use muriatic acid (you can get it from a swimming pool supply store.)<br /><br />Sometimes with the limestone you have to have some stone powder rather than the solid rock...I'm not sure why, but I'm the carver cousin not the scientist!<br /><br />Haven't tried it yet, but I have a couple rocks that I want to run the test on. It'll be interesting to see how it works out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-1900840576254157212010-11-11T16:28:00.003-07:002010-11-11T16:34:32.927-07:00Back in the StudioHaving injured my shoulder (don't ask me how, because I don't know) I have not been able to be in the studio much for the past 6 months.<br /><br />I've been busy with trips home to see my mother who was having some health issues...she seems to be pretty stable and accepting some help now, so that is good.<br /><br />This week I have actually gotten in the studio twice! I am so happy.<br /><br />Have a new little bird that I carved. Really I suppose it was more whittled since I'm not really up to hammer and chisel. Small piece of soft serpentine. Very easy to work.<br /><br />I've done all the sanding, now I'm letting her dry. Then I'll see if I like what I've done or if I want to change any of the texture before I polish her and decide on her base.<br /><br />Originally I had thought I would have a wall mounted piece as she is thin and really one sided. Now that she is done I'm thinking she would look great perched on a rock. I found a piece of igneous stone that would be a nice contrast. I'll have to think about that!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-32873767980290517912010-10-03T17:49:00.002-06:002010-10-03T18:00:16.171-06:00Arts As Important As FoodThere is a Persian proverb that says:<br /><blockquote>If you have but two coins, use one for bread to feed the body and the other for hyacinths to feed the soul.<br /></blockquote>Beauty in all forms has long been known to promote health and happiness. This beauty may be in the form of flowers or man-made art, whether that be in the form of film, music, live performances, painting, poetry, or my personal favorite, sculpture.<br /><br />According to researcher Dan Buettner in his latest book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Thrive</span>,<br /><br /><blockquote>Art, like flowers, nourishes the soul. Happy people usually have access to art...and live in places that are attractive to the eye. A city must provide venues for artists to create and exhibit their work...<br /></blockquote>One of the examples given in <span style="font-style: italic;">Thrive </span>as a city doing a good job of this is the town of my alma mater, San Luis Obispo, California. It seems that students had good reasons for wanting to stick around this beautiful, inspiring, and art-nurturing city!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-83847885789761671592010-07-30T17:56:00.003-06:002010-07-30T18:02:35.023-06:00Loveland Sculpture Invitational Change in ScheduleThis year there is a change in the schedule for the Loveland Sculpture Invitational...it appears it will not be open on Friday (which is a shame) but the good news is that if you want to see the fantastic works on Friday you can by attending the opening gala. Tickets are $25 for a pair and include wine, beer and food as well as the sneak preview of all the wonderful art.<br /><br /><br />You can get tickets at the <a href="http://www.lovelandsculptureinvitational.org">website</a> or at the door on Friday August 6th. The event runs from 4-8pm.<br /><br />If we don't see you there, come on by on Saturday or Sunday. Admission to the show is still only $5. The show hours are 9:30am-6:00pm on Saturday and 9:30am-4:30pm on Sunday!<br /><br />See ya!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-46049115791142365702010-07-15T09:32:00.004-06:002010-07-15T09:48:09.215-06:00Da Vinci Painted It All By Himself?It has long been known that many of the great masters had teams of assistants who helped create the masterpieces we enjoy to this day. The assistants often had specialties...some might paint clouds, others rocks, etc.<br /><br />Leonardo Da Vinci was no exception.<br /><br />His painting, "Virgin of the Rocks" has long been thought to have been painted with a team of assistants. Recently the painting was cleaned and it is now believed that the master painted this one all by himself.<br /><br />So if a team helped paint a masterpiece...does that make it any less masterful? If the "painter" is more or less a director does that make him any less a maestro? Is the ensemble method of art only valid in music and theater or large scale projects such as Christo's that would be physically impossible for a single person to accomplish?<br /><br />These are interesting questions for artists and art lovers to ponder.<br /><br />An artist is the visionary and the driving force to have the vision brought into reality.<br /><br />Does that mean that perhaps the artist does not need to personally have any skill with brush, chisel or other tool?<br /><br />After all, there are many artisans who have technical skills but lack the creative vision to bring something unique to life.<br /><br />Perhaps the artist does have the skills necessary (as of course Da Vinci did) but lacks the time to breath life into all the visions that exist in his mind's eye. Thus using a team to bring the pieces forth benefits all...the artist, the team and the world.<br /><br />I'd love to hear thoughts from other artists and art lovers on this...for example, if you bought an oil painting by a particular artist and learned that he or she didn't actually do all the painting on the canvas, would that matter to you? Would it have less value monetarily or spiritually for you?<br /><br />If you'd to read more about the cleaning of the Da Vinci that insp, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100715/ap_on_en_ot/eu_britain_da_vinci">click here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131971089095790498.post-84313838240385777742010-07-07T11:27:00.004-06:002010-07-07T11:31:42.137-06:00Finger Painting on iPadThis is an amazing demonstration of what a talented artist can do with latest technology.<br /><br />The video is just under 8 minutes in length. Entire process took about 3 hours.<br /><br />Now, how can I use the iPad to carve stone???<br /><br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5OLP4nbAVA4&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5OLP4nbAVA4&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://successinstone.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/tech-fav-1.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a></div>Laurie Tossyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16435739968905733384noreply@blogger.com0