Catch of the Day...Fish Linen Pillows

copyright 2008*2009 isola bella,LLC

It has been another busy week fabric printing in the loft. I have been busy preparing orders for two fabulous shops that will be featuring my collection in May, House Newport in Newport,Rhode Island and 20 Main of Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. So for all of you Memorial Day and Summer travelers be sure to check out the goods in person on your trip!

The wooden square above (which I use as a blotter for printing fabric on) is beginning to look like a work of art as well dappled by the colorful inks. I found it amusing and had to snap a photo. The fish fabric is on it's way to be sewn into gorgeous 18" pillows. I use Russian linen which is one of the purest fabrics in the world. A little fun fact for you: In ancient times linen was used to make sails for boats. We hope our designs will sail into your fabulous homes! All of our pillows are made-to-order. Visit shop.isolabellashop.com for more styles and reserve yours today!

Astrologer, Author & Artist - Kelley Hunter

Top: Venus Sunrise- painting by Kelley Hunter

Above: new book available at Amazon.com

This week while searching for some answers from the universe, I decided to get my current cycle reading done by astrologer-mythologist-author-artist, Kelley Hunter of St. John. Her new book is available now and I can't wait to get my copy arriving in the mail shortly. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me and share some of her personal artwork.

When did you begin your passion for astrology and mythology?

Mythology was an interest from early. I was Athena for Halloween when I was ten. At one house, a woman had been to Greece and showed me how to tie the sheet to look like a real toga. That made a big impression. My Dad got me on to the stars and my interest in astrology was piqued when I met a new friend who could guess people's signs. Aha! a subterranean passion for psyching people out was thereby tapped. How glorious that we are each connected to the Cosmos. One thing led to another, and astrology became my second language after English — or maybe first language. Astrology is an intuitive science that is understood as a language of symbols and cycles.

How does living on St. John enhance your work & spirit?

I came to the Caribbean as a result of kinesthesiology, a diagnostic system using muscle responses to questions asked. The session revealed that in order to relieve my migraine headaches, my body wanted to swim specifically in the Caribbean. So I started coming! My mermaid self has blossomed in these turquoise waters. The beauty of St. John requires a response. I started writing here. Many of friends are artists. At my 50th birthday party I had small water color give-aways which were praised. So I started going along to the life drawing class and to the beach for plein-air painting. Images speak like poems. I write so much prose, I need a break — and some color. I have done a series of collages as a form of research to understand the cosmic feminine. Also, I am a dramatic artist. Astro-drama, acting out the planets, is just about the most fun way to learn astrology.

For those of us lucky to be living on St. John and St. Thomas we will get to see Kelley Hunter in person at the book signing at POETS in Red Hook, St. Thomas- Thursday, May 14th from 5pm-7pm. For the rest of you she is a click away with the mouse. You can contact Kelley through her website http://www.heliastar.com

Charlene Landry Painter of the Spirit

All works sole property of Charlene Landry copyrighted 2009

From top left: The artist and one of her works (courtesy mays/photo), Top right: Light Turquoise Mandala (painting on wood), Bottom Left: Tantric Dove: Peace & Love, Bottom right: Coral Mandala (painting on wood)

When I befriended and then viewed this artist's work I had to feature her on the blog. Charlene Landry hails from Southern California. Her new collection of Mandala paintings on wood integrates color therapy and represents a connection to one's spirit. This self-taught artist has a strong connection to the sea and Carribean culture. As a child her world was vividly painted by the old stories told in thick Caribbean accent by her mother who grew up in Trinidad. The lifestyle, beat of the island, sea, and rich tropical vegetation became inspirations to her. After suffering a spinal injury many years ago, Charlene began to rehabilitate through her art. "The art and design that I create hopefully will inspire, heal and touch the heart and spirit just like the islands do." Many of her works are commissioned pieces. To view more and to contact the artist directly please send her an email at artbycharlene@gmail.com

Summer Style

Click for larger view on these fabulous finds!

Island Photos St. Thomas-St. John

It was a glorious Easter weekend boating around the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. Here are some photos from the journey. The gorgeous beach at the bottom left is Little Cinnamon Beach on St. John. The top dock photo was taken from a private beach called Skinny Beach on St. Thomas' East end.

Isola Bella on 100 Layer Cake DIY Contest

Isola Bella has been included in the first DIY giveaway featured on 100 Layer Cake.com's new blog! Filled with fabulous photos, unique ideas, and distinctive products to help plan the big event you will become truly inspired after visiting this blog! To enter for a chance to win great goodies visit 100 Layer Cake - Blog.

A Sea of Cards

It has been another busy week in my loft. Lot's of orders filled and on their way to shops in Florida and New England just in time for Easter break. The photo above is a "sea" of mini cards I have been working on this week. Thinking of giving these out during the Stationery Show in NYC in May.

Island Photographer Kelly O'Brien

The natural beauty and pristine beaches of St. Thomas makes it an easy choice for the bride and groom who long for a destination island wedding. Kelly O'Brien, a native of St. Thomas is the photographer who can bring that dream to life for the lucky couple. Kelly approaches every photograph with impeccable detail, artistic vision and elegance. To view her outstanding work from landscape to weddings to baby photos visit her gallery at kellyophotos.com and be sure to bookmark her blog for creative ideas and features.

Thank you to Kat the wedding planner extroardinaire from North Carolina for your kind words and feature. It is always so humbling and rewarding when your art and creativity can inspire others.
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