An Open Studio Tour at Monroe Center

Monroe Center added me to the poster advertising this event- I was so honored!

I love the sound of an “Open Studio Tour”… It just sounds so artsy! That’s exactly what the goings on were at the Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken this past Sunday. The building opened its doors to welcome in the visiting public and each studio or suite had the option to open up their places and participate.

Never one to "travel lightly" here I am admiring the art and waiting for the elevator

The lower level gallery was decorated with beautiful “action” photos of many of the studio owners. What a fabulous way to show off the talented members of Monroe!

"Creativity At Work" is on display in the lower lever photo gallery at Monroe Center

Coming off our successful Valentine Cookie Workshop at Urban Arts, I was honored to be asked to participate in the Open Studio Tour and hang out for the day.

Just a few of the amazing student projects on display at Urban Arts

I set up a little pop up shop where I sold my decorative cookies and also “tested” my new “line” of cookies I have been calling “Just add milk”! (So far so good- More about this later)

Sweet Dani B Frog Princes, Crowns, Owls, Lemon Lovies...

I also set up an “Ice with Me” demo where people were welcomed to join me in icing a cookie!

Come Ice with Me! A few of my favorite shapes set up with my Expert Icing Bottles

This little sweetie watched carefully before icing his heart half

Another fan of pink royal icing... this adorable expert icer caught on quick!

These sisters complimented their hearts with their fabulous outfits!

Whoooo said sisters?! These expert icers did a beautiful job with their owls!

Later on, I took a stroll down the hall and could not have been more elated that the Puppet Heap was open! In my next life, I want to come back as a puppet maker…

I could have stayed in The Puppet Heap for hours- their work is incredible! They also sell a few of their puppet designs- some are sweet like the puppy and others are scary cool like the squid- what an amazing gift item! I'll be back!

I also was happy to pop in and visit my new friends at Botanical Design. I have been looking for a floral vendor to recommend and these guys are amazing! They have just the right taste level and they are warm and welcoming. I love their studio space which is a combination of a showcase of their work and a working studio.

I loved that they were selling Spring Bulbs as well as welcoming guests into their studio- Sweet!

How fun is this? A Tango workshop!

A piece I loved on display at Janet Greene Jewelry Design studio

After my walking tour, I stumbled upon “Rosie’s Weenie Wagon”, which was set up in the perfect spot- between the elevator and the live music! While loading up an order of nachos for me (yum), Rosie mentioned she is available for party bookings: how fun would it be to have her wheel her cart into your yard this summer?

Rosie working her magic on an order of loaded nachos- mmmm!

Monroe hosts Open Studio Tours about twice a year but the building is always bustling and open to the public. It’s a wonderful place to visit and is a fast growing cultural center. I had a great time on Sunday and am looking forward to returning for our Spring Cookie Workshops March 31st and April 1st! Check out our Workshop Schedule and come join in the fun!   Xo Dani

 

Sweet Style Saturdays: “Brooching” the subject

Because I was raised to be a good sport, I still follow Lucky Magazine on Facebook. Most people who put in the amount of time I did to enter the Lucky Lifestyle contributor contest, got all the way to the finals after months of work and didn’t win or even get a consolation prize (really, not even a lipstick! or how about a free subscription to the magazine? hello!) would have grumpliy said ‘Later Lucky!’… but not me. I love fashion and pop culture too much, and I enjoy Lucky for the fast, easy way they deliver information.

I found Lucky’s “snap poll” on Thursday “Would you ever wear a brooch?” to be interesting. The reference to brooches as “old lady” kind of shocked me (also the way it was actually worded was “mean girl” in my opinion). Later in the paragraph it is announced that “brooches are back”.

Trends are trends, but certain things like brooches, have become more of a staple accessory for me and they are really fun to collect. I don’t wear a brooch every day but its a great “go to” jewelry item to have in one’s jewelry collection. Extra bonus points for sentimental brooches… a brooch is a beautiful piece to gift and pass on.

My I just love your cat "brooch"! Is that Cartier?

My brooch wearing days started early. As a way to jazz up my catholic school girl uniform, I added a “brooch” to my look every day. Of coarse back then they were more in the cat, milk and pumpkin category rather than Cartier knock off…

Luckily my Mom saved one of my favorite Catholic school pins! This explains a lot actually... my deep love for googly eyes may have had its origins here AND I drink a glass of milk a day!

Always inspired by a small thing that could jazz up an entire outfit I continued to collect them over the years…

My first vintage brooch purchase came from an amazing store in Providence, RI

I love using this Carolee star brooch as a closure to a cardigan

This funky Jcrew brooch remains pinned to my fave denim jacket

As Lucky mentioned, I LOVE a brooch fit perfectly into the gathers or sash of a gown or dress... This Cate Blanchett red carpet Oscars look was one of my faves too!

Not an official "brooch" but this flower pin has become one of my signature pieces! I dress it up or down.

I’m always inspired and influenced by fashion and jewelry and sparkle… and it shows up in my work all the time…

This brooch was the fabulous favor at a fashion-y Bridal shower that I designed... Love it!

I didn't realize it at the time, but the colorway for this dragonfly "critter" that appeared on the Martha Stewart show may have been influenced by one of my fave brooches!

My bestie and I often inpire eachother... Tamara (of AngelDogDesigns on etsy) was inspired to make this adorable felted mushroom "brooch" using my mushroom cookie as a guide

My Jcrew "love bug" brooch needs some repair but it is still one of my favorites for obvious reasons...

So, if you are trendy, the brooch is back! Or if you have always loved brooches there’s no time like the present… Pin one on, jazz it up, enjoy! I’ll be rocking a brooch for sure this Thursday… Tune in to the Martha Show on the Hallmark channel to see which one makes the cut!

Happy Sunday! Xo Dani

(Click here to check listings for the Martha Show on the Hallmark channel)