TattooDreams

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

2011-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Jon and I are in Austin Texas doing the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar with our TattooDream boxes. Twenty six years of doing a myriad of various types of shows and venues across the country and nothing remotely compares to this! Booths are various sizes which lends a varied and interesting esthetic to what is already an eclectic show. Coupled with the amazing live music from class acts, we feel this is a real treasure and a gift to be here.
Every day we open our booth to the wonderfully fun and interesting people of Austin Texas. They are genuine and most welcoming to us, especially when they hear we came so far. Our hosts, Bruce and Annie have gone above and beyond to welcome us into this Armadillo family. Health issues as they are, we need to make some changes to our show schedule and we hope by doing this show that will allow us the ability to do just that.

To us, this is our Christmas gift.

This year the show runs 11 days. Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm right up to Christmas Eve. In it's 36th season this year. We've spoken to so many artists who have done it from the beginning as well as patrons for whom this has become a holiday tradition.
We've known about this show for a very long time but knew we didn't have the rigth work for it. Now to actually be here doing it it feels very cool!
Our dear friend Bonnie Blandford is here to help us for the first 5 days. Her offer to help us has been hard to quantify. She's given up time at home after a busy year to do this. We are forever indebted. Days are long and morning comes a bit too soon, but the energy within that hall is addictive.
Time away from the booth is good too. Our dear friend David Haun is taking Bonnie and I to the South AustinTrailer Park Eatery tonight for supper. Food trucks in Austin provide some for the best local fare around and this one is sure to please. Bonnies first night here we at at Chuy's. Excellent food and eclectic decor. Loved the ceilings full of hubcaps! Hmmm... I do believe it was here that the infamous Jenna Bush got arrested! (Some rich girls just need to know that laws are for everyone!) Hahaha!

If you are anywhere near here, plan a trip over to the Armadillo. We're in the Palmer Events Center. Plan to stay the day and into the evening! A dim hall, alcohol, fantastic live music and a great place to do all your holiday shopping!
Eat, drink, shop and fill your sleigh!!

Heckers TattooDreams are in booth B4. The one with the puple and blue LED lights and fun boxes!!

A Morning Haiku

2011-12-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

Winters quiet light
Breath rises in silent fog
The days peace unfolds.

~Patricia Hecker

Featured box is available for free shipping from my etsy site.
$48.00

Artist Bunny Box

2011-11-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

Woman is born to create...in creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into her creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work...it is to give out ones individuality. Woman becomes creator when, after the numerous stages of adaptation to alien influence, she finally grasps what is really her own, what she really receives, not from men, but directly from God as a special personal message.
Jeanne de Vietinghoff

This quote resides on one side of my Artist Bunny Box

This box and others available on my etsy site.
$48.00

Vegetarian Refried Beans Recipe

2011-11-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Killer Refried Beans

2 c. dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed
bay leaves
3/4 c canola oil
1 bulb roasted garlic
2-3 tsp. kosher salt
tamari or Braggs Amino
adobo powder
cumin powder
1 can chopped roasted tomatoes

Sort beans for any stones. Rinse beans and add to pot with water. Cook with cover ajar for 2 hours till soft. Add water if needed, but doubt that will be necessary.
Keep the water level about 2" above beans.
(Note:DO NOT SALT beans till they are fully cooked.)
In the meantime.......
Roast a bulb of garlic drizzled in olive oil with a pinch of thyme.
Remove bay leaves from the cooked beans. cook beans until there's very little water above the height of the beans.
When garlic is done roasting, remove cloves and mash them slightly and add to pot of beans. Mash beans in pot with a potato masher or big spoon.
Add the canola oil to the beans.
Add the undrained roasted canned tomatoes to the pot.
Add tamari or Braggs, salt and adobo.
Add 2 tsp. of cumin

The longer you can cook this down with all the spices and things added, the better your beans will taste! Keep cooking them until they thicken a bit more and serve. You can add chopped jalapenoes and serve with shredded cheese or not.

This Day of the Dead Box is available on my etsy site.
$48.00

Handmade for the Holidays!

2011-11-18T07:44:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
... year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.
Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE - - gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who thinks nothing of plonking down
the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local artists and crafts people make stunning baskets, spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery, sculpture, tree ornaments and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
us, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments.
We are the 99%.
We can make a difference!

This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?

This post has been shared and altered along the way by those it touches.
My thanks to fellow artist, award winning basket maker Stephen Kostyshyn.

Pumpkin Soup with Chipotle Sour Cream

2011-10-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Soup with Chipotle Sour Cream

2 tbs vegetable oil
1 1/2 c diced onion
2 large carrots, diced
1 1/2 tbs diced jalapeños
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups pumpkin puree (canned or cooked)
2 c vegetable broth
1 1/2 c milk
salt and pepper to taste

Chipotle Sour Cream

8 tbs or so sour cream
1 tsp finely minced chipotle peppers
(I used dried and reconstituted with a little water to soften)
cilantro

Heat the 2 tbs. of oil in a large stock pot. Saute onion, carrots and peppers for about 15 minutes till it smells wonderful and people begin saying "what are you making?"!!!
Add the cumin, garlic, pumpkin, milk and broth. Bring to a simmer and season as needed.
I chilled our soup and reheated it later while making some jalapeño cheddar cornbread.

Serve soup with a dollop of chipotle sour cream on top.

Enjoy!

This soup is a wonderful harvest soup. Served in one of my friend John Baumans stoneware pumpkins pictured here, even better. See more of John's work and buy it now in time for Thanksgiving!
Pat

~Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

‎"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. Stay hungry. Stay foolish." -Steve Jobs 1955-2011.

Not that long ago I blogged about Steve Jobs. Tonight this visionary man passes from one world to the next. All the adjectives used to describe 'genius' have already been attached to this man and to his legacy. There isn't much more to say except that he will be missed and what he designed has had a profound affect on me.
I never thought I'd enjoy using a computer. If I were using another platform (I'll refrain from mentioning), I know I'd have little interest.
I use a Mac.
I always have, and always will.
Yes, a cultish following indeed, but because this operating system is so easy to use I've found new talents within myself that I may have never tapped.
Perhaps that is also part of the genius behind this man. He taught us to look inside ourself for answers and to continue to ask questions. To believe in the power of ideas. To act on those beliefs.
I am profoundly grateful to a man I've never met, a genius that will live on and whose innovations enlighten and connect me to
my friends-
to the world-
and to new ideas.
I will always remember his genius and his generosity.
Rest in peace~

~Patricia

Artist Box

2011-09-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Some pieces just come out really good-- this was one of them!
~Patricia

Skull & Skeleton In Art: Folk Art to Pop Culture

2011-09-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

This past July we were thrilled to be approached by the energetic Mary Urbas at a show we did in Ohio. Mary organizes the gallery at Lakeland Community College. She asked if we would like to participate in a the Skull & Skeleton In Art: Folk Art to Pop Culture. Sounded like it was right up our alley- so we sent 15 pieces of our work. One piece is featured here, our newest mirror we call the Day of the Dead Milagro Mirror. Accompanying this mirror were a myriad of boxes and vases all very TattooDreamed!

The shows runs September 15- November 3 2011.

Many thanks to Mary for her hard work and amazing dedication and to Michael Kifer who introduced us to one another!

I hope if you're a Day of the Dead collector or in the Ohio area you'll attend what will be a great collection of wonderfully 'dead' art!!!

~Patricia

A Few New Zodiac Boxes

2011-09-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

New boxes were added to my etsy site this morning. stay tuned- more will be posted!

Visionary of Our Time

2011-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

There are people on this planet who think differently.
For them I am grateful.
They reinforce that mental solitude is not futile.
When the brain is playing it is working!
Any artist knows the best work comes from letting ones self play.
It is when visionaries build in their heads
that they create
ideas that integrate into reality.
They take chances.
Some are artists.
Some are poets.
Some are designers.
Some are all of these.
Steve Jobs is one of them.

On the right side of my blog are the words from the 1997 Apple ad campaign.
There's not a single day I have not let those powerful words resonate within me.
They have become my mantra.

Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits. The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do
is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
We see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world,
Are the ones who do. 1997 Apple Campaign

Steve at Stanford giving the commencement speech.

New Work from TattooDreams Studio

2011-07-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have been busy here at TattooDreams Studio on Purple Hill. Our collectors will reap the reward of our efforts! If you see something here that ignites your soul- contact us jphecker (at) bluemarble (dot) net. We can help make this part of your collection!
~Jon and Patricia Hecker
TattooDreamers

The Artists Palette
Roughly 12" high. On this palette resides a wonderful quote from St. Francis of Assisi. Speaks to the creative spirit of craftswomen and artists. A must for your studio!
125.00

Affirmations Mirror
Black stain on oak adorned with positive affirmations. Affirmations are of various heights and are accented with a raised copper tacked edge. Very hand hewn!
Excellent for an entry way to your home or business or wherever the tone of positivity needs to be prominent!
20" x 28" Can be hung horizontal or vertical. Wired on the back with stainless steel cable.
$650.00

Quilted Reflections Mirror
Hand painted and air brushed patterned pieces adorn this bold mirror. This matches everything!
Wood is stained black over oak. Patterned shapes are of various heights and are accented with a raised copper tacked edge. Very hand hewn!
20" x 28"
$850.00

Affirmations Mirror
20" x 28" Cherry with raised words in black. Affirmations are of various heights. A wonderful way to set the tone!
Cherry copper tacked raised border.
$650.00

Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Shells Recipe

2011-07-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

• 1 box large pasta shells. I used Tinkyada as they are gluten free and available on Amazon
• 16 oz. Ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• Large chunk of mozzarella cheese, cubed
• Parmesan cheese
• About a pound of fresh chopped spinach
• Ample garlic, black pepper
• Fresh or dried basil and oregano
• Fresh or jarred pasta sauce

In a large bowl mix ricotta, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach and spices. Set aside.
In a large pot cook the shells till al-dente in salted water. Rinse with cold water and drain throughly in a colander.
Pre-heat oven to 375º

In an oven casserole dish, add a small amount of sauce to bottom of pan. Fill each shell with spinach cheese mixture.
Place open side up in rows. Squish in any extra empty shells or mixture.
Add sauce to top to coat and sprinkle a little more parmesan on top or decorate with small pieces of mozzarella.

Bake uncovered till bubbly. Usually about 35-45 minutes.
Enjoy!

Served with a rustic artisan bread and tossed salad- I must say - this meal rocks!

~Patricia

☀ What I Learned at Ann Arbor ☂

2011-07-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

What I Learned at Ann Arbor
Sometimes life's lessons are best learned from watching nature. In our case, it was ants.
Yes, the lowly often stepped upon ant.
Sales were exceedingly slow in the 100º heat at Ann Arbor this year. I sat on our grey utility box behind our booth on Friday evening. The low box gave me a great vantage point to ant watching.
It had cooled a little. Streets were full but no one buying much. I had time on my hands and lessons to be learned!

A colony of ants found some broken chips on the sideway behind our booth. Perhaps remnants from us feeding Timmy the baby squirrel behind our booth earlier in the day. Timmy and his Dad inhabit the grounds in the front of Angell Hall on State Street. They must love the artists coming to town each year since their diet becomes infused with a new array of snacks and friendly animal loving artists to play with them. These cute squirrels were fed, photographed and befriended by many of us! Timmy loved peeled grapes cut in half, pistachios my husband shared with him and gluten free edamame chips. Only the best for Timmy!

The ants however added a whole new dimension to what occurred in my hundred square feet of overly expensive 'real estate' for four days!

Lesson One: Ants don't work alone.
They take on huge tasks and work in groups. Overwhelming to most insects they whittle away the sides of big things making them smaller and lighter, providing nourishment at the same time. They took on huge tasks and broke them into smaller tasks they could handle.
Brilliant!

Lesson Two: They communicated with one another! If they can do this, why can't our politicians manage this task? Why can't we do this with one another?

Lesson Three: A few leader ants rode atop the small chip and gave directions! Clearly female ants charting the course not wanting to get lost and willing to ask for directions should they become disoriented along the way. Never needing GPS they were guided by instinct. What better way to live! It's the journey people! I digress....

Lesson Four: They traveled out of the path of being stepped on by moving their chip into the crevasse of the sidewalk. They stayed low and did their thing! Honestly, I don't think they cared that I was watching them. What a blissful state to travel through life in!

Lesson Five: They accepted help along the way. Other ants took over when the fist squad got tired. Something we all need to remember. We can help one another!

Lesson Six: When the rain came and splashed on their efforts, they took cover under the leaf I gave them and picked up where they left off despite their chip being relocated. A few inches to us, probably miles to them! They did not cease!

Lesson Seven: Past errors need not be repeated. We can learn from them and move on! A good reminder!

Lesson Eight: Sometimes it's Gods smallest creatures that can teach us life's biggest lessons - if we are willing to watch and learn!

They never gave up.

I can learn from this!

~Patricia

Frida Kahlo- A Mexican Icon

2011-06-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

The amazing Frida Kahlo is the theme of this warm cherry box. The box is handmade by my husband and rubber stamped by me. All the designs are permanent and will not fade or wear away. Sealed with a protective spray. The intricate designs are a wonderful mix of sayings and images of this iconic Mexican artist. My one of a kind boxes are quickly becoming collectable and can be purchased from me here or at selected art fairs across the country.

This box measures 8" wide x 3.75" deep x 7.25" high. Perfect for holding thoughts, dreams, tea bags, artist trade cards or anything you desire!

Adorned with magenta pink feet and and red fringe. A fun Fiesta creates the knob on top. Lined on the inside bottom with black velvet. Wonderful details make this box one to covet!!
If you chose, fringe can be removed-that's up to you!

TattooDreams 2011 tour schedule is posted on my website http://TattooDreams.biz

More boxes can be found on the rest of my etsy site.

$55.00

FREE Domestic shipping!

Home Box

2011-06-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Home---
a state of being.
Being where you are comfortable
find shelter
grow
flourish
create.
A place to stay safe
entertain
retreat.
Retreat from
life outside
become yourself inside
renew
begin again
hide.
A house is a building.
A home is a soulful dwelling.

~Patricia

Smoky Hill River Festival- Salina, Kansas

2011-06-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

TattooDreams hits the road once again. This time we head west to Salina Kansas to do the Smoky Hill River Festival.
This unique show is like no other. Part art festival, part music festival, part homecoming. The entire town comes out for this annual event. The park is decorated from top to bottom- every tree, the pond, the bridges - everything.

The event takes over the town and is preceded by a search for a lucky medallion. Each year the medallion is hidden and clues are given. The lucky person who finds the medallion gets all kinds of things including admission buttons to the show. To say this is a unique venue is an understatement. Show director Karla Prickett is one of the best! She is boundless energy and ideas all packed into one of the sweetest people I know!

I was asked to place 3 of my pieces of work on the tables for the Collectors Breakfast the first day of the show. I made these vases especially for that purpose. I only made a few so orders can be taken. They hold a recycled plastic water bottle so real flowers and water can be used.

There is something wonderfully gentile about this show. It harkens back to homecomings and reunions when everyone in town knew everyone else. A familiarity seldom found these days. A stepping back in time, at least for a summer weekend. One where I hope to leave my story boxes behind and bring home good memories from people who wanted to buy my work.

~Patricia
This vase can be ordered by going to my etsy site: http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

$68.00

Reflecting Affirmations Mirror

2011-05-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

New from our studio- our Reflecting Affirmations Mirror. We've been wanting to do this design for a while and this week it all came together. I love having an idea and see it come to life so quickly! A true collaboration of our skills.
Made from cherry with mixed woods of varying height and thickness for each word. The frame has a Danish oil on it and each word block is stamped, sanded and painted.

Ready to move into your life!
20" x 28"

650.00

SOLD

~ Jon and Patricia Hecker

Black Rock Mountain- Mountain City GA.

2011-05-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

For a little over a year my Fathers ashes sat closed in the small bag the funeral home gave us. Cremains they are called. Dad died on April 4, Easter Sunday 2010.

Friday evening near sunset, my family gathered on Black Rock Mountain in Georiga. It was on this mountain that my Fathers ashes were to be scattered. This was his last wish and we were prepared to see it carried out. The sky grew dark as sunset approached. The leaves on the trees twisted in the wind indicating rain was imminent. The view from this board walk was magnificent and one he would have loved. Perhaps he too had stood there. Most likely he had at some point. Before us lie a mountain vista layered in rolling valleys of various shades of blues and grays. We carefully opened the bag that held my Fathers ashes. His second wife's ashes were to be scattered with his. After 78 years of life, what remains is a small bag of dust. Almost resembling beach sand and shells but finer and lighter. I lightly touched the surface. My finger leaving an impression in the dust. He is not this dust. He is in my heart, but this is what is left of him on Earth.

First a toast. Shot glasses, tequila limes and salt came along for this final send off. My brother Ken and I took turns scattering the ashes and hearing them fall on the green foliage below. It sounded like rain. It was new. Spring gifts this mountain range with an array of deciduous trees, most of which had leaves. The recent tornado took a swipe at this old mountain, but didn't destroy this section of the park. Much like relationships, they weather change.
Our life here on Earth is where we leave our impressions,
our scars,
ourselves.
By the choices we make, the lives we touch and the love we give.

This last year has been a roller coaster of emotions. Some good days and some not so good days. The lives that have touched mine have left their fingerprints on my soul. For them I am forever grateful. They have lifted me through difficult times and held me from a distance as I healed. Healing, is an ongoing process, that I'm certain. When I went through this as a 15 year old with my Mothers death, I had just 15 years of reference. This time, 35 years later, with the last parent carries a completely different, longer perspective. More water under the proverbial bridge. More memories, more 'what if's'.
More.

Our lives are not what remains as dust. It's all the day to day small, seemingly insignificant things that make us who we are. We are not dust at the end. We are souls going their way leaving behind who we became.
We are who we make of ourselves with every breath. We are wind and light and memories and love.
We are the life of life and what we chose to make with that life is ours to chose.

Ashes to ashes - dust to dust.
Rest well Dad- you are home.

Love,
Your Pumpkin

Photos: Jon Hecker

Spring is in the Air-

2011-05-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

TattooDreams Tour continues-- Dunwoody Arts Festival•Dunwoody, GA this weekend. New vases, story boxes and wall art!! This past week we put into motion our new vases. They're a fun new inclusion to our work and come adorned with handmade beads and tied around the top.
They cost $68.00 and hold water using the recycled water bottle tucked inside.
Great for gift-giving or a gift to yourself!!

This is just the beginning-- there's more to come!
The road calls and there's art to be sold!
Happy Spring everyone!

YOU STILL NEED ART

~Patricia

Georgia on My Mind

2011-05-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Heading to Dunwoody Georgia this weekend for the Dunwoody Arts Festival. This will be our first time there and with us will come new work! I love taking new work on the road to get the reaction of collectors and fellow artists. Georgia should be beautiful this time of year with trees and wildflowers in bloom.
Hoping to spend a day with my beloved pandas at Zoo Atlanta. Lun Lun has a new cub, Po and we plan to see him. Pandas bring me peace. Their quiet demeanor and slow, careful gestures align with their docile nature and graceful habitat.

While on this trip, my family will be scattering my Fathers' ashes in the mountains, per his request. It was a year ago he died on Easter and it is time to fulfill his last wishes. Having never done this, I look forward to returning Dad to the Earth and the mountains he so loved.
This is closure of the most natural kind.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

~Patricia

National Grammar Day

2011-03-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's National Grammar Day!
Yes, that's right. Not a Hallmark card type of event, but none the less, an important one!
As a culture we have whittled down the beautiful English language to a mere texting acronym of sounds.
Adjectives- those exquisite words that flower and paint the human word have become lost to grunts, groans and single letter dialog.
Nouns, made familial by using just initials not our given names.
Are our lives so busy we cannot hit the shift key to use capital letters where appropriate?
Are we in that big a hurry?
Must we tweet nonsense in place of carefully chosen thoughts
behind the wheel of the car
in public
at a party
at a dinner table?
All inappropriate times.

Must we convey nothingness at every turn using words jumbled and transposed?
Must we have run on sentences with no room for pause and breath?
Must we be so activated in the moment that we try to convey it to others rather than breathe it in and enjoy it?
Must we lose the fundamentals of communication to be 'on call' all the time?

Turn off your cell phone at parties- guess what- unless you're a doctor on call- you're not that important that it can't wait till later.
Use the written word and punctuation to paint, convey and control your message.
Use the shift key to capitalize words DAMMIT!

Grow up.
Wake up.
Not all technology suits us well.
Not all things typed, phoned, or written need to be.
Edit your life before you hit 'send'.
Edit your life.
Edit life.
It goes by fast enough that
seeing it
smelling it
tasting it
loving it
growing in it
being in it
need to just
happen.
Not be documented
without pause
hesitation
and to the world.
Keep some things inside
for yourself.

Edit.
Punctuate.
Think to yourself!

Patricia

Small Squares Exhibit

2011-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

The square.
A most basic of shapes.
One of the first we learn as a child.

The Small Squares Exhibit at The Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne, IN. features just that
this month. From March 3-31 the theme is Small Squares. A variety of media and artists have lovingly taken this theme and run with it to explore the nature of the square!

My contribution are the two boxes shown here. They are the only two of their kind and available at the Orchard Gallery for this exhibit. The remainder of my work is on my etsy site. Please join my TattooDreams Facebook Fan Page where my show schedule will appear and work and travel documented.
The opening is March 5th.

Patricia

Franklin The Turtle Box

2011-02-24T17:36:00.000-08:00

I created this little box for a wonderful repeat customer of mine. He liked my Bob the Fish Box, but needed a turtle. Not just any turtle, it was a special turtle named Franklin. In his quest for the most "Franklin-like" turtle, we discussed what I had and it was not 'Franklin-like', so he ordered just the right stamp and sent it to me. I used it and returned it with the completed box.

This sweet box now lives with his God-Daughter in France and graces her life. A reminder of love and care. There are many wonderful aspects that aligned in this brief transaction. Overall, it was a gift of love done for one person from another. It is the people who make the effort in our lives, who take the time, who go that extra mile that make all the difference.

Life is not about getting 'through' things. It is about the journey as we proceed.
What we learn along the way coupled with the the final arrival.

This takes time.
Love takes time.
This was a true gift of love - thank you for letting me be a part of it!

Patricia

Artist Creativity Box

2011-02-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

Rubber stamped with lots of artsy images, this handmade cherry box is ideal for jewelry or nothing at all.It measures 5" wide x 5" deep x 7" high (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 15.87 cm ).Perfect for the artist in your life. Maybe that's you! Maybe an aspiring art student. A place to stow ideas, thoughts or record your artistic endeavors.

Adorned with a turquoise blue knob, blue fringe and black and yellow feet. The knob sits perched atop a yellow gold square stamped with black kanji symbols. Lined on the inside bottom with black velvet. Blue fringe adds a whimsical playfulness to this altered art box.

My boxes are hefty, handmade and I must say - beautifully handcrafted! Not flimsy ones from a craft store or imported. All boxes are sealed with a clear spray finish. Careful attention to detail resides in all the work from our studio. My husband builds the boxes and I adorn them. We're career artists and have been for 25 years!

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.
Will yours be one of them?

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

48.00
FREE domestic shipping

Valentines Boxes are Showing up at TattooDreams!

2011-01-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest. Valentines Day is my favorite holiday of the year! It arrives in the dark cold of winter. The stores have fragrant flowers blooming and the color combo of red and pink decorations dazzle the palette! It was a holiday, that, as a child, my Mom made special. She usually served as a 'Room Mother' for my brother or I and that meant cupcakes were made and brought to school. Usually a small token of her love for us meant a little gift wrapped in special paper. My Mom loved detail and making small things fun and us feel special. She never missed the opportunity to hug us and let us know we were a gift to her. Some things are hard to forget.
In these last few frozen days, I've taken to my studio to create some fun Valentines Day boxes. They're slowly being posted to my etsy site and available right away - and free shipping is my gift to you!
This handmade cherry box measures 8" wide and 3 3/4" deep and 7 high. The top opens by way of a wooden lift off lid with a red knob and co-ordinating red feet with sweeping pink fringe. The bottom is lined in sultry jet black velvet. It will hold anything you wish to tuck inside - or nothing at all!
Stamped with a wide array of all things Valentine from my vast collection of rubber stamps. All boxes are finished in a protective clear coat and the images will not fade.

Every piece a one of a kind! If you like it, buy it!

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world. They are handmade by my husband Jon in our Bloomington Indiana studio and finely crafted. He builds, I stamp. These are not flimsy boxes purchased and decorated from a craft store.

Patricia

Walkin' In Memphis

2011-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Out of sequence here, but back in October of 2010 we did the River Arts Fest show in Memphis. Elvis still reigns supreme in this bayou town of music and nostalgia. The ever-present reminders of Martin Luther King, Civil Rights and the nearby Lorraine Motel become interwoven in this edgy city of history and strife.

Each time we do the show there, we spend Saturday night on Beale Street with friends. We take the trolley over from the show after we close our booths. On these trolley rides we've had the pleasure of meeting visitors from Australia and England as well as common folks who left footprints in our hearts and made our trip to this delightful city all the more enriching and memorable.

Last fall we met the Mayor of Beale Street, Rudy Williams. We ate dinner at The Kings Palace Cafe and took in some incredible jazz. The fried green tomatoes they served were the best!

The trip would not be complete without a meal at the famous Arcade Diner. It sits mixed in among the art fair booths that line Main Street. I do think they serve the best biscuits I have ever tasted. I'll have to return to verify this, but I'm pretty certain!
Some cities are magnets for interesting people - this is by far one of them. We look forward to a return and yet another wonderful encounter in the land of the Delta Blues.

Patricia

Why Would You Buy This?

2011-01-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Why would you buy this from me? I can tell you all kinds of facts about how it was made, who made it, the size, the color - buy why would you buy this? Why would you spend $55.00 for a box? $800.00 for a painting?

Financial/practical folks would say "Do you want it or do you need it?"
Of course you don't need it.
You buy art because you want it.

Will it improve your life? Debatable.
If smiling when you see this object counts, then 'yes'.
If feeling that you have helped contribute to the life of an independent artist to continue living their creative life makes you feel good, then 'yes'.
If surrounding oneself with unusual one of a kind treasures makes you feel
like you're creating a personalized pod to live in, then 'yes'.
If by owning this, you vicariously are living with a piece of this artists spirit in your home or office - then 'yes'.
Pretty compelling reasons I would have to say. Then again, I'm the artist who wants you to buy my work!

So - if this is the case.....think about these things the next time you hesitate. The next time you think,"should I buy that beautiful work of art that seems to be tugging at my soul".......just say 'yes'.

There is no right or wrong in buying art.
Buy what you love.
Buy what ignites your spirit.
Buy what makes you feel whole.
Buy what makes you miss a breath.
In becoming attuned to your inner voice, you come to count on it's intuitive input
when you need the push to say 'yes'!

As 2011 unfolds, make it point to buy at least ONE handmade piece of art each month.
At the end of the year, your collection will have grown,
your sense of collecting strengthened -
your passion expanded.
You will have grown too!
You may find yourself smiling more.
You may find yourself showing others your collection - having people into your home.
These are some of the wonderful aspects of art.
It is beauty and grace all wrapped in one!
--this is art!

Happy Collecting!

If you need any ideas - I ship for FREE on my etsy site!

Patricia

CD Cabinet Commission from TattooDreams

2011-01-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

Every year on New Years Day our studio gets cleaned. This year we've been too busy with a few remaining orders to tackle the task. In the meantime, we completed this commissioned cd cabinet for a wonderful collector! Her patience was appreciated as the form came to life.

Made of cherry, accented with opulent gold paint, rubber stamped and finished in Danish oil, it was delivered to the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne, IN where our client will pick it up.
We hope it will be treasured!

Commissions gladly accepted.
Their completion depends on the complexity and our studio/show schedule.

Jon & Patricia Hecker

Fripples

2011-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

Letting a pet go is perhaps the hardest part of having one. Today we had to do that. Our sweet 15 year old Fripples' heart gave out. We'd been giving him extra love and care since late fall. On New Years Eve we took him to the vet. This last week has been very difficult. When we decided to put him to sleep, our vet said he couldn't do it until Monday. That wasn't an option so we went to a vet we'd never been to. His compassion and diligence were what we needed.

I always felt Fripples was special - that's because he was! He was a gift. He found us 15 years ago in our forest home in the woods. During our time together he weathered lots of lifes' ups and downs with us.
A constant furry companion, a teddy bear who hugged us with his sweet white mitten paws, dazzled us with his watery green eyes and fluffed in the breeze on the deck sitting beside his red and pink geraniums. His sweet kittenality had everyone who came to visit us wanting to take him home! He would sense when my blood sugars were low by my breath during the night and stay with me until Jon gave me juice.
He was my best friend.

He had the same white fluffy color and coloring that a sweater my Mom gave me had. I felt he was somehow my Mom reincarnated.
I had my Mom 15 years and Fripples the same.
That just never seems long enough when you love them.

Go with God sweet bunnyman- you will always be loved.

Art Is Passion

2011-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

This handmade cherry box measures 11" x 8" x 7". Perfect for the artist or imagineer in your life. Perhaps the creative soul in your family embarking on an art career.
Reinforce their decision and show your support with this great box. They will never forget it-or you!

The top opens by way of a lift off lid. The pink and electric blue feet are wonderfully colorful and accentuated with black fringe. The knob is a hand cut palette......can it get any more artsy? Fringe on any of my boxes can be removed at your discretion. This box is lined in rich black velvet on the inner bottom. All my work is sealed with a clear finish.

My boxes are hefty and handmade. Not flimsy ones from a craft store or imported. Careful attention to detail resides in all the work from our studio. My husband builds the boxes and I adorn them. We're career artists and have been for 25 years!

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.
More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

95.00
Free Shipping

FREE Domestic shipping!

2 0 1 1

2011-01-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Three days into the New Year. What will this year bring?
We have 12 months ahead of us.
A year from now, what will have changed?
Last year brought so many changes.
Ones I never saw coming or anticipated. Ones that altered who I am in ways I never thought possible.
It was a painful year on too many levels.
One I was more than happy to toss aside as 2011 loomed.

So far I have enjoyed the 'new' feeling this year has brought.
A chance to re-invent.
To begin again.
The sunsets feel new. The air fresh and the Earth ready to move through her seasons
and let them unfold in quiet unison.
Internally I feel a quiet I'm enjoying. I've made no resolutions and that
actually feels good.
No promises- just peace. I too will unfold and bloom as I need to.
I feel peaceful inside- maybe for the first time in many months.
I feel creative and full of ideas and that energy will soon be released in new work
that has floated through my brain for the last several months.
It will next move to my hands.
The realization that, once again, it's my passion for art that keeps me centered.
It never feels like work to walk into my studio and let my hands go to work.

My hands share a visual reference to that of my Moms.
She had long fingers and mine look like hers.
She is with me continually.

I share with you a prayer. This prayer was gifted to my friend who works in a hospital. It was bestowed on each person at the hospital, if they chose.
I find it both comforting and powerful since hands are the tools so many of us use to transform - be it to heal or to create- although that may be one in the same.
This year I hope to pursue the integration of healing by learning Reiki. This is something I've been fascinated with for a long time.

"May you be blessed with a spirit of gentleness and a heart that is tender.
May you be blessed with a spirit of strength shining within you.
May you be blessed with a spirit of compassion and a fervent caring.
May you be blessed with a spirit of courage, daring to be who you are.
May you be blessed with a spirit of openness, understanding, and respect.
May the earth hold you.
May the wind lift you ever up.
May the fire draw and warm you.
May the water soothe your soul.

Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have felt pain.

Blessed be these hands that have embraced with compassion.
Blessed be these hands that have been clenched in anger, or withdrawn in fear.

Blessed be these hands that have drawn blood and administered medicine.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned beds and disposed of wastes.

Blessed be these hands that have anointed the sick and offered blessings.
Blessed be these hands that grow stiff with age.

Blessed be these hands that have comforted the dying and held the dead.
Blessed be these hands, we hold the future in these hands.

May the work of your hands bring healing to all the people you touch."

•••••••••

May 2011 touch you gently in ways yet unknown.
May this year grace you with understanding - of yourself and others.
May this year bathe you in light-
May you shine!

Patricia

Artists Palette

2010-12-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

This box is made for artists! Ideal for supplies, notes taken, a place to stow information culled for that next creative endeavor. This handmade cherry box measures 6"x 6" x 9" high. A festive box with black feet adorned with red fringe. The top opens by way of a dimensional palette knob. The color and detail on this box along with all the great images make it a show stopper! Certainly a box any artist would love to have!

Treasures from loved ones, trips to galleries or absolutely nothing can be tucked inside this collectible art box. Emblazoned with rubber stamped images representing this most exhausting of professions--being an artist. Not that it's tiring, just highly misunderstood. If your have an artist in your family, I hope they are understood.
This box may help bridge that gap.

The colors and playful fringe with the strong graphics make this a really fun box. Inside, the bottom is lined in black velvet. All my boxes are sealed with a clear spray finish. All my boxes are handmade and hefty- NOT purchased from a craft store- handmade!!!!

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.

75.00
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING!

Like my work? Become a fan on my Facebook Fan Page-

Hospitals and Airports

2010-12-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hospitals are like airports.
Exits and entries.
Arrivals and departures.
Laughter and tears.
Waiting.
for
tests
flights
answers
healing
Old magazines.
Crumpled newspapers.
Brochures
Information.

Walking
to gates
to labs.
Sitting in institutional
chairs.
Staring at wear patterns in industrial carpet.
Looking at nameless faces and
codes on loud speakers
calling no one
you know.

Places designed for the masses
catering to the needs
of a given moment in time.
Whitewashed in the brevity
of the short time we pass through
the open spaces
gates
thresholds
where movement
rolls
lies silent
wheels in unison
to the needs of those.
Who grip
safety railings
non skid floors
to keep from harm
from getting injured
falling
becoming confused
arriving late.
Getting hurt
Becoming healed.

Signage that
confuses
instructs
eases
educates
the time that we
wait
are alone
in a crowd
watch the people that pass by
and wonder.
Where are they going?
Arriving from?

Are they there for others
themselves
To exit
to enter
to stay
to be tested
to visit
to comfort-
those coming
going
admitted
late
delayed.
Gone.

Time passes in these tiled spaces
quickly
slowly
Days
hours
minutes
on boards
kiosks
clocks.
Decorated diatribe.
Alone and in groups.

As we wait for answers
smiles
deadlines
tests
goodbyes
hugs
kisses
fate
hope
Among crumbled newspapers
coffee cups
bandages
In seats designed for brevity
that feel like eternity.
Sometimes.
We wait.

Patricia Hecker

Ginkgo Leaf TattooDreams Box

2010-12-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Handmade rubber stamped folk art cherry box. Measures 7" wide x 7" deep x 8 1/4" high (17.78 cm x 17.78 cm x
20.95 cm ). Perfect for holding thoughts, dreams or anything in your life! Ginkgo leaves are sensuous and beautiful. One of the oldest trees and one that cleans the air.
Adorned with two toned purple feet and fringe with a leaf shaped knob. Lined on the bottom with black velvet.

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

FREE Domestic shipping!

$75.00

TattooDreams Wine Bottle Charms

2010-12-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

These are new! New in the last few months and new to my etsy shop. This charm depicts a sensuous dragonfly fairy with the positive affirmation of the importance to dream along with a radiant sun. On the back, a message of peace.
These tactile handmade wooden beads can adorn fan pulls, wine bottle necks, Christmas trees, drawer pulls, gift packages - or nothing at all. For you to decide! Each collection of wood beads are hand cut and strung on black waxed linen
with small glass and wood beads interspersed. Both sides are designed.

Custom charms can be made. Please contact me for a quote.

Overall charm length from top of cord to bottom 11 inches tall. Actual length of beads 5" tall x 7.25" wide.

Please see my etsy shop for more original TattooDreams work.
Todays icons for tomorrows heirlooms.

$28.00 each- FREE SHIPPING

http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

To Have & To Hold

2010-12-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Weddings bring people together in the most wonderful of ways. People who are meant to share this life find one another, unite and share the joy as they begin their journey.

A few months ago, dear friends Marc and Wendy began their life together.
Jon and I created a TattooDream box to hold wedding cards for the day and memories forever!

The entire wedding party wore red Converse hight tops........so did their box!
Their dear friend Parker shot the wedding and in doing so crafted a lifetime of memories for them. Every smile and nuance captured the love and happiness.

Blessing of love and health to you both!!

Patricia & Jon

Dia de los Muertos Altar for my Parents

2010-10-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Many trips to the desert southwest have helped me embrace the quiet culture and deep spirituality that is reflected in the celebration of Dia de las Muertos. A respect and celebration for the lives of loved ones past. It is felt, that on this day, the spirit of the deceased comes back to visit. Graves are decorated with flowers and food and there's a solemn joy that fills those that believe. This being the Catholic equivalent of the Feast of All Souls.

My Father died this past April. It was at sunrise on Easter morning that he left this earth. My father and I had a kindred love of Easter. When my Mom was dying he and I took part in a special yearly event at our church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic organization replicating Christs' Apostles. Each member of this council agreed to one hour that they would pray in church during the 24 hours leading up to Easter morning. I asked if I could go with him. I was 15 at the time and I asked him to pick an hour it would be most difficult to stay awake, to make the practice more resemble what the Apostles did. We picked a very late hour and walked over to our church which was in our neighborhood. The cool quiet woke us and the silent meditation infused us both with what we knew lay ahead. It was later that year that my Mother lost her battle with breast cancer.

That Easter,for that one hour, was ours.
Ours in quiet contemplation.
For my Dad to die on this same day, 35 years later seems part of a long cast puzzle slowly unfolded.

I recreated this Day of the Dead altar from one I made a few years ago for my Mother. This year, after a long earthy divide, they are reunited. Surrounding the altar are love letters my Father wrote to my Mom while he was in the Marine Corp. Each on Marine Corp stationary, embossed with the Marine logo and ink pen he wrote daily. The written word kept them together.

No phone or faxes. No facebook, text messages or e-mail. I trimmed the edges to resemble the papel picado flags that are used in these types of celebrations.
On the altar I placed a photo of them on their wedding day, with a wood cut cherub floating above them. This is a Valentine for them.
Memories of my Father and his life at the Sheriffs Department mark the years he and my Mom were 'apart'.

On the day my Father's life was celebrated at his small Georgia church, a pair of large birds hung in air currents and glided past the floor to ceiling church windows. In the months that have passed, I have been comforted by the vision of birds overhead.
His soul is at rest and he is with my Mother and the angels overhead.

Rest in Peace Mom & Dad

Handmade Bee Box - TattooDreams

2010-10-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

Bee Box measures 5" wide x 5" deep x7" high (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 17.78 cm ). The top opens by way of a yellow and black wooden knob and matching feet. Inside, the bottom is lined with black velvet. I always decorate the inside of the lids, and this one is no exception. Treasures, trinkets, jewelry or nothing at all can be placed in this box.
Artful empty or full!

$48.00

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

FREE Domestic shipping!

Gingko Hand Made Rubber Stamped Box

2010-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

One of my newest boxes-- It measures 7" wide x 7" deep x 8 1/4" high (17.78 cm x 17.78 cm x 20.95 cm ). Perfect for holding thoughts, dreams or anything in your life!
Ginkgo leaves are wonderfully sensuous and beautiful.
Adorned with two toned purple feet and fringe with a leaf shaped knob purple. Lined on the bottom with black velvet. Touches of warm gold accentuate the graceful knob.

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world. Let yours be one of them!

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:

75.00

Patricia

Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe and Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Gluten Free Crust

1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 c oatmeal flour*
5 tbsp cold water
1 tsp vanilla

Cut butter into flour until a crumb like texture forms. Add water and vanilla and work dough with hands. Press into a pie pan. Mine was about 10" wide.
Bake at 400º for 12 minutes.

Some individuals with celiac disease cannot tolerate oats, use your best judgement.

Pie Filling

1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 425º. Mix all ingredients and pour into pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes at 425º.
Reduce oven temperature to 350º and bake for 35-40 minutes until center of pie comes out clean with toothpick test. Cool pie before cutting.
Enjoy.
We add a scoop of good vanilla ice cream on top of warm pie!

•Imagine•

2010-10-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood sisterhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Happy Birthday John!
You are alive in our souls!

Art doesn't match your sofa- It matches your soul!

2010-10-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

This sign is part of a campaign I've begun to remind the public that art is not a thing- it's a way. It's a necessary component of our lives and our culture.
These hand stamped signs are done on cherry wood and tied with hemp cord. Can be hung anywhere, but best used indoors.

There's a page I've just begun on Facebook to share this message. Become part of the movement to take back the media with our message!

I'm not pushing overt consumerism- I'm asking people to realize the importance of art in their lives.
Art doesn't match your sofa- it matches your soul!

Each sign will differ slightly, but resemble this one. Less than 12" long. Sealed but best used indoors.
Hang them in your art fair booth, your cubicle - every arts organization needs at least one!
Spread the word. With velco added to the back, these signs can easily be displayed on Pro Panels or fiber walls.

Available at my etsy shop for 15.00
FREE Shipping

Patricia

New Ornaments on Display

2010-10-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

My husband Jon built the most beautiful display racks for our new ornaments. Crafted from a downed branch in my brother-in-laws yard we brought back from Virginia, this looks great. Copper tacks securely hold the waxed linen thread over each limb.
These new ornaments will go to our next shows, arrive at the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne and be posted to etsy.com in time for the holidays.

Patricia

NEW Things From Our Studio!!

2010-09-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

We've been busy this week! After some very cool brainstorming with our friends Steve and Sue last weekend, we took to our studio and created smaller versions of our 'oh so popular' beads. These strings are about 10", tactile and oh so yummy (if I do say so myself). Can be used as ornaments, fan pulls, or decorations to hang-- we'll let you decide! You'll easily want multiples, so deciding which ones may be the hard part! All are one of a kinds!!!

If you're in Louisville, Kentucky this weekend we will be too! We're in the St. James Art Fair - On the inner court in Booth SJ-341i- North Green between Magnolia & the Fountain.

We have boxes, beads, wall pieces, tables and spirit sticks! It will be chilly, the beer and cider flowing and the leaves falling!

Come out and buy some art!
Support the creative spirits!

Posted here is some of our new work we'll have with us this weekend.

Patricia & Jon

Tattoo Dreams Day of the Dead Folk Art Box

2010-09-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

•This is my newest Day of the Dead Box. Made of cherry wood hand built in our Bloomington Indiana studio. Rubber stamped in black, this box measures 6" wide x 6" deep x 8" (15.7cm x 15.7 cm x 26.67 cm). The top opens by way of a lime green stained painted wooden knob and matching feet. Knob has pink trim and feet have blue trim- making them just a bit more fun than normal!! Inside, the bottom is lined with black velvet. I always decorate the inside of the lid, and this one is no exception. Treasures from loved ones, trips to Mexico or absolutely nothing can be tucked inside this collectable art box. Could be used as an urn for ashes. It's adorned with images representing this most festive of celebrations---Day of the Dead- nothing morbid, just a true celebration of loved ones past.

My Day of the Dead boxes disappear fast- YOU can own this one!!!

75.00 on my etsy site

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
FREE Domestic shipping!

Pumpkin Bread

2010-09-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

3 c granulated sugar
1 c canola oil
4 eggs
1 16 oz can pumpkin

3 1/3 c flour (I use oatmeal flour to make it gluten free)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cloves
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 c. nuts (optional)

Grease and flour 5 small bread pans. I use pans that are about 6" x 3 1/4" x 2". Heat oven to 350º. Beat sugar, oil, eggs and pumpkin. Sift flour, salt, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat this mixture into pumpkin mixture. Add nuts now if you chose. Divide batter among the loaf pans. Tap each pan to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean at the center.
Let cool 10 min. in pans and use a knife around the edges to loosen loaves.
Wrap in foil and refrigerate.

Happy Fall!

Patricia

I Pray

2010-09-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

I
pray
daily.
I pray for our life
our health
our time together
our tiger children
our endurance of hard times.
Those times are here.
I pray.

I pray for our home
our studio
our van.
We need these to keep our
business going.
I pray.

I pray for my friends who
have been our rock.
I pray for their health.
For my family.
For their health and well being.
I pray for those I've lost.
I pray.

TattooDreams Beaded Room Divider Screen

2010-09-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is a room divider screen that my husband Jon and I designed and built. It appears more like a sculpture and becomes a conversation piece wherever it's placed! Each panel is 66" tall, 16" wide and holds 5 strings of beads per panel. It consists of 15 strings of handmade rubber stamped painted and cut out beads strung on stainless steel cable. Each string is adorned with tied silk and fringe intermittently added to radiate bursts of color.

Beads can be custom made to incorporate family names or pets or significant dates almost making this a 'family tree'.
Can be made with color or natural and black.
Pieces of my work are available for movie prop rental. Please enquire by phone 812-935-6172 availability and rates.
Any item from HeckerDesign Studio can be shipped world wide.

Jon and Patricia Hecker
Bloomington, Indiana

Light Filled the Temple

2010-09-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sun light filled the Temple on this past Saturday afternoon in early September. We were in Dunn Loring Virginia attending my nephew, Benjamin's Bar Mitzvah. My sister-in-law is Jewish and this ceremony is his acceptance of his Jewish faith. There was a cantor who sang and although I knew not the words, they enveloped me with a sense of history and awe I'll not soon forget. Some brought tears. I knew I was witnessing a very old ceremony amidst contemporary surroundings. The Ark of the Covenant.

We witnessed our nephew take command of a foreign - yet studied language, stand before family and friends and read from the handwritten scroll of the Torah- backwards, with amazing poise and confidence. He was respectful and solemn and steady in his demeanor. I was so proud of all he had accomplished to arrive at this point in his young life.

I saw a Temple filled with people of all faiths and all beliefs. From near and far, friends and family. I thought, 'why cannot this small microcosm of life, right here, right now, be the way a world of people get along?'
It gave me hope.
Hope that maybe it could.
Hope that maybe it will despite the differences we face.

There were celebrations and parties and hugs and well wishes through out the weekend. What will remain with me from this occasion was a young man taking control of himself. Accepting his faith and growing up, right before my eyes.
Light filled the Temple and hope filled my heart.
We are all one- if we chose to be!

Patricia

TattooDreams Wall Art

2010-08-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

As my line of rubber stamped TattooDreams work evolves, so have new ideas! Pictured here is an image of the back corner of my booth showing some wall pieces I've recently done. These complete what is becoming a body of work that is maturing. I'm happy with it's progression.

You still need art!

Patricia

༺ Good Gourd Almighty! ༻

2010-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have a green thumb. Oftentimes that comment is underscored by rampant growth of some vegetation on our property. This is one of those times!
Pictured here is a happily thriving 'volunteer'. This gourd vine has taken off and now crawls across the front door of our studio.

The seeds were tossed outside when I cleaned gourds last fall. I never know how many will make it to the dried stage. When they do successfully make it to that point, they become art supplies! We were gone 2 weeks and this went wild!

So, if this vine produces gourds that dry well, they will get to enter the door they now broach, get cleaned, rubber stamped and embellished. After their 'makeovers' they will be photographed and sold!

Patricia

Etsy Workshop - How to Sell on Etsy--South Bend Museum of Art

2010-08-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jon and I are looking forward to our Etsy Workshop in South Bend on August 16, 2010
Monday: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
We are being hosted by the South Bend Museum of Art and Community Foundation’s ArtsEverywhere Initiative

During this informative workshop we'll show the finer points of using the etsy website to the participants and post a box live to our etsy site.

Jon and I are not affiliated with etsy in any way other than being happy users to its site, but are available for group workshops. If you or your group are itnerested, please contact us at through our website for availability.

Pictured is one of our new Peace Boxes. It will be posted live to our site during the workshop next Monday.

Selling Art Globally

2010-07-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Make local -
Sell global!
One of the wonderful things about selling my work on etsy.com is that people all over the world see and buy my work.
These two African Adinkra Symbol Boxes were a commission and are headed to the United Kingdom.
To have access to the world to sell my work makes me feel honored and a bit more in touch with the fact that art is appreciated all over the world. Work made in our Bloomington, Indiana studio will find its home far from where it was made but take with it the imagination, breath and fingerprints of it's creators.
For this and so much more, I rest satisfied in what I did today!
I made art!

Patricia
♥

A Summer Evening On Our Deck

2010-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

June was one of the hottest summers on record. Last night the temps dropped enough to enjoy dinner outside on our deck with our tigers. What a treat! We've been working hard and fresh off the heels of a long hot Ann Arbor 4 day art fair-a-thon!!

Life is good!

Patricia

Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair - You Still Need Art!

2010-07-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

During the next few days, the right of passage known as the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fairs will emerge once again. Too many artists to count and even more art loving patrons gather each summer amidst the meandering streets and sunny skies of Ann Arbor Michigan. Multiple shows reach into one another so much so some don't know where one begins and another ends. It is there you will find everything from wonderfully imaginative work to 'stuff' impaled on a stick. (There is a name for such 'stuff' I will refrain from using here.)

I will be there! My TattooDream boxes will make their debut at the Summer Art Fair also known as The Michigan Guild Show. My booth is #8 on State Street near the steps to Angell Hall by the Quad. With a show so large, one needs GPS and comfy shoes to take it all in!
By doing this show, I'll mark having done all of the major shows that concurrently go on for these four (usually sweltering) summer days in this artsy enclave.

In my booth, you will see a sign. It simply says "YOU STILL NEED ART"......

For so long, the mantra has been to not be seen spending money. Guess what? You have my permission to begin shopping again! Yes, you heard it here! The concept is to be selective and buy things that enhance your life, feed your soul, and nourish your being.
So what I'm saying is---BUY ART! Buy art this week. BUY ART NOW!!

Find your favorite artist or a new one and re-establish buying art. (We know you haven't forgotten how to do this!)

We have not gone away, we're still here.
Here fighting to hang on in a screwed up economy, pay our bills and and carve away the dust to uncover our dreams and prosper once again.
We need you!
YOU are a part of that process.
Without YOU, artists cannot keep creating.
Join in the process of keeping art alive again. It's easy, really. All it takes is you giving up something of value to you in exchange for me giving up something of value of mine.

Resume the passion of collecting!! YOU STILL NEED ART!

Patricia

Girlfriends BFF Rubber Stamped Box

2010-07-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

♫ Hey- Girls just wanna have fun!! ♬ ♫
That was a song as I recall!
My Girlfriends BFF Box has been a hit at recent art fairs. Ensuing laughter and comments like "you gotta get this.." Handmade cherry wood box measures 5" wide x 5" deep x 6" high (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 15.87 cm ). Perfect for the one who shares your inner most secrets- your BFF!
Adorned with fun sayings you and her will get......
"If I get tired of shopping, I sit down and try on some shoes!!"

Lined on the bottom with black velvet. Pink ruffles and great messages abound the waistline of this most sought after box.

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed box collections around the world- let yours be one of them!

••I love making special things for special people!••

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:

48.00

FREE Domestic shipping!

Handmade Wisconsin Cheese Cow Box

2010-07-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you love cows or cheese- this box is for you! This handmade cherry box measures 6" wide and 6" deep and 9 1/4" high ( 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm x 23.49 cm ). An ever so fun - 'Wisconsin' box with cow spots, a faux cheese wedge on top (complete with holes) and utterly sexy magenta pink feet! The top opens by way of a wooden lift off lid. Carefully airbrushed, the carved wood 'cheese' is the handle to this groovy box! Lined on the bottom with velvet as black as a night sky in the country.

Sure to be a hit with the cheese lover, Greenbay Packer fan, Cheese Head or Wisconsin Alumni in your family. Each box is a one of a kind!

79.00 on my etsy site
FREE Shipping

★ TattooDreams Zodiac Boxes ★

2010-06-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

What's new from TattooDreams you ask? These zodiac boxes are new and will be awaiting buyers at Boston Mills Artfest. Held at the Boston Mills Ski resort in Peninsula, Ohio. I will be there July 1-4 in the North tent with lots of boxes and Tattooed ephemera! My boxes make great gifts for yourself or someone special.

Not yet listed to my etsy site, these zodiac boxes will make their debut! I have limited quantities and will be taking orders.

Patricia

Margarita Rubber Stamped Salt Box

2010-06-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Summer may now begin!! I just listed this fun new box to my etsy site. Margarita Rubber Stamped Salt Box- This handmade cherry box measures 5" wide x 5" deep x 6" high (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 15.87 cm ). Perfect for the tequila lover or margarita aficionado. The top opens by way of a lift off lid. The 'knob' is a wooden lime wedge!
Salt on the rim- no problem! I've added sparkly 'salt'--nifty huh!!
This box is unlined and designed to hold salt or what ever other party needs you wish to have on hand.
This small box looks great on a kitchen counter and will be the life of the party! Laughter and tequila- does it get ANY better?

PEACE LOVE & MARGARITAS

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, ASK FOR TEQUILA AND SALT

A great hostess gift for that special summer party!
Also makes a great wedding gift with a bottle of the finest agave tucked alongside!

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:

It's almost the weekend- treat yourself, jump start the economy and have fun!!!!

If you're in Salina Kansas at the Smoky Hill River Festival in Oakdale Park, come by our booth and see all our TattooDream boxes. We're in booth #12

༺ A Family Reunion ༻

2010-06-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend, my family gathered in New Jersey, the epicenter of Swearingens! There were 18 of us. My cousin Kathy and her daughter Izzy from the UK, my brother Ken and his wife Michele from Florida and Jon and I from Indiana.
This was the first time some of us had met. To all come together to reconnect, meet, laugh and cry was cathartic to say the very least. When my Father died unexpectedly on Easter, I think the feeling was that we all needed to come together somehow. This was the time and this was the place. My Aunt and Uncle and their children, my cousins, made it possible.

In recent years, my Dad would drive to New Jersey from his home in Georgia for summer visits. He made memories there that I'm hearing about now. He met his nieces and nephews children and their partners. He reconnected with his only brother and his wife and he had a good time.
This time the party was without him, but his presence was very much there.

On Memorial Day a red twig dogwood was planted in his honor. As the soil was being prepared, the sky grew dark, thunder rumbled and his plant was entrusted to my cousins yard. My Aunt felt their yard represented the 'future'. My brother and Uncle carefully turned the soil. I cried.
Swearingens are particularly gifted with green thumbs and gardening. What flashed through my mind were vivid memories of my Grandfather with his snow white hair, my Dads Dad, tending to his yard. The citrus trees he grafted and the tropical flowers he grew. It was his place of peace. It was like he too was there in seeing his now white haired son, my Uncle, prepare this ground for his brothers plant. Hands and shovels in soil turning the rich earth. Amazingly cathartic. The sky darkened further, thunder rumbled and the winds picked up. It reminded me of my brother Ken and I playing on our swing set before a storm. I loved it then and I love it now! The energy palpable. We were all feeling this emense release of joy and sadness all at one time in concert with the energy of the approaching storm.
I want to remember this moment like I remember the clarity I felt the day Dad died.
The air, the wind, the aliveness of all around me.
A few words were spoken, nothing formal. My little niece said "sleep well Uncle Ken".

That's all that really needed to be said!
Rest in peace Dad- you're loved!

Love,
Pat

Art & Soul Blues TattooDream Box

2010-05-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Handmade cherry box with music themes measures 8" wide and 3 3/4" deep and 7 3/8" high (20.32 cm x 95.25 cm x 17.78 cm ). It could hold a huge array of ACEO (trade cards), tea bags or anything else you desire. A cute box with bronze colored feet and black trim. Emblazoned with musical images adorning all sides and inside lid. A lift off lid reveals all your treasures. Inside, the bottom is lined in black velvet.

On the handle knob this quote- "We are the music makers and the dreamers of dreams."

♥ Boxes this size beg to be handled and loved.
I hope you consider 'loving' one of these soon! ♥

Ideal graduation or birthday gift!

55.00 on my etsy site:

LOST- What A Ride It's Been...

2010-05-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

For the last 6 years, Jon and I have sat spell-bound by the TV show LOST. For two individuals who don't watch much TV, this is amusing. An amazing cast and crew have taken over our lives and living room embarking on a weekly journey of intrigue, faith, mystery and perhaps even destiny. What began with teasers for what appeared more like a TV mini-series, a show emerged like no other! Each week the tables were turned, the stakes upped and as any LOST aficionado knows, more questions would rise to the surface with few answers revealed. The black and white, the good and the evil.

Thanks to this show, we've derived a new vernacular. To me, a hallmark of something superior! Akin to a good movie, these quotable quotes will be around for a long time.
I've always felt that the good things in life need to leave us wanting more. Maybe not getting it, but wanting it nonetheless. As we prepare for the final episode, we're certainly left wanting more. Wanting more from an amazing ensemble of gifted actors who have pushed us to tears, made us laugh and left us feeling like we really knew them. Their nuances are unmistakable. Their once unrecognized personas grace magazine covers and our hearts- we now know them well. These gifted thespians will find new roles, but the ones they portrayed on LOST will be with us forever.
The brilliance of this ingenious show is a mix of excellent direction, superb writing and acting that blend flawlessly. All have left us guessing, frustrated and many weeks scratching our heads wishing the show was longer than one hour. In essence, wanting more!

Good things do end and in this spirit, I wish them amazing success in their future roles and careers. For the extraordinary writers, directors, set designers and creators who have crafted for the loyal LOST followers a journey of epic proportion, I wish them new projects that will captivate our minds and push their creative energies.
I've heard the ending will be 'beautiful'--I'm sure it will be!

I post here to my blog a few items from a recent 'food drop' by the Dharma folks. Funny how they knew to bring tequila! It'll be enjoyed in the hatch!
Here's to LOST!

Namastè

༺♥ "We Do" ♥༻

2010-05-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Twenty-six years ago today, Jon and I got married! It was a sunny day with a cloud dotted sky in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We said our vows and walked outside the beautiful Spanish Colonial St. Anthony Catholic Church. Palm fronds rustled in the breeze and our life together began. St. Anthony is the patron Saint of 'things lost'. For us he represents us finding one another at the perfect time.
In sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer. We began as inseparable friends whose lives were all about art and that has never changed.

Here's to many more years of growing together.
Each day is a blessing that unfolds before us.

•••••♥♥•••••
Jon and Patricia Hecker

Reflections of A Journey- Broad Ripple Art Fair

2010-05-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Twenty four years ago my husband and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary while exhibiting at the Broad Ripple Art Fair. We loved the experience and this show ignited something inside us. It was our very first art fair. We sold $2.00 handmade cards. The finishing touches to our display were completed the night before by my husband and my father-in-law. Amazingly, everything fit into a Honda Civic! Our canopy was delayed in transit and didn't arrive in time for the show. By Monday morning my scorched nose was peeling as the UPS man delivered our much needed display tent. Little did we know that that weekend set into motion, what would become for two young artists, a way of life.

For some the month of May in Indy means racing. For the art festival fair goer and artist, it means Broad Ripple Art Fair! For me, it signifies the anticipation of a busy art fair season. The wonderful people who attend and support the artists who exhibit at Broad Ripple Art Fair make this event one not to miss for the artist or the collector. We've loved doing this show, rain or shine over the years.

Few collectors leave this show empty-handed. Something special awaits every taste and budget. The dedicated fair goer will arrive armed with shopping bags, sun block, cash and credit cards. All necessary accouterments to fully enjoy this event! Finding the perfect art treasure, the one that really speaks to you, is paramount. Winding down with friends to enjoy live music, artist demonstrations in the art center and neighbors you'll meet, only add to a great weekend.

Any artist exhibiting knows the degree of passion, frustration, dedication and long hours that are instilled into honing their craft. This becomes fully realized when they connect with the right person- the one who recognizes this effort. This stirring is both tangible and rewarding. The culmination of time seems unimportant once your work is fully appreciated. This exchange is just one of the many beautiful aspects of art.
When hard earned money is exchanged for hand made work, the circle of art is complete.
The art of buying something handcrafted carries with it
-the soul and the fingerprints,
-the emotion and the passion,
the breath of its maker.

My husband Jon builds wooden boxes and furniture that I emblazon with words and images stamped in paint. Somewhat resembling tattoo's on wood, we call them TattooDreams. Each piece is a one of a kind. It's our newest body of work and one that has come into it's own within the last few years. Some pieces are adorned with tied silk, beads, pistachio shells, seeds, bottle caps and assorted collected ephemera. Collectors find images and words they relate to on my work and in doing so quickly claim the piece that speaks to them! Custom pieces can be ordered as well.

There are few venues an individual can casually go where they'll encounter as much original art and speak directly to the artists as at an art fair. These are special events that communities need to support to keep the handmade spirit alive and artists thriving. One of the last things handmade in our country is our wealth of fine art and fine craft. It's a part of our culture that needs to be fed and fostered to stay vibrant.

Twenty four years later, we're happy to be juried into and exhibiting at the 40th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair. Our display and work have gone through numerous revisions and no longer fit in the back of a Honda! We've participated in approximately 480 shows across the country, traveled more than 500,000 miles and met wonderful collectors who have shared their homes and collections with us. In carving this path, we've amassed an amazing group of talented friends who share our same passion and dedication.
The circle gets wider and continues to surround us with an extraordinary life that begins and ends each day with ideas, images and our passion for making and selling our work.
The people and places we've traveled and the countless hours we've driven are forever ingrained in our hearts. They are with us when we enter our studio every day.

Gas prices may rise, the economy may shrink, but mans intrinsic nature to create handmade objects of beauty will never cease. The passion of people who collect this beauty will never die. As humans we desire to covet things that fascinate, magnify and accentuate our lives. It is these very objects that surround us in our homes, feed our souls and nurture our ongoing quest for things that make us feel good and whole. In capturing what beauty an artist has created, the collector becomes part of this magical circle we call art.

We hope you'll come by our booth. TattooDreams can be found in Booth # 214 in the Artists Lot, on the right hand side.

Never forget- You still need art!

Patricia Hecker

Broad Ripple Art Fair-May 15th & 16th-
Indianapolis, Indiana

Fears Given Flight Healing Vessel

2010-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

This box was done during the last week. It began as a story box and turned into a box comprised of healing thoughts and feelings that welled deep inside. A cathartic box of emotions set to words and given flight.

decide • make shampoo horns • daily try to remember to laugh • fearlessly acknowledge fear • breathe in love • dig in the dirt • always trust in yourself and God • connect with nature and wind • shine

forgive others and yourself • trust • follow your star • pray • listen • adjust and know you will be okay • hope • envision the goal • create • sit quietly and dream • heal • believe

surrender guilt and loss • imagine joy • take the back roads • bloom as needed • make time for peaceful healing rest • renew • help others freely • love • invite joy into all of your home • listen • act

eat ice-cream daily • cry • know you are much stronger than you think • honestly forgive • paint in the sunshine • be extra kind • wave to animals • hug friends • believe strongly in hope

Up Close- in an artsy kind of way!

2010-05-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

On my etsy site
425.00

Vessels such as this will be in my booth at art fairs this summer.
Each a one of a kind awaiting the right person to make them their own!

Patricia
TattooDreamer

Kenneth R. Swearingen - My Dad

2010-04-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

October 1, 1931 - April 04, 2010

The night before Easter I was in my studio working when my husband Jon told me my Father was in the hospital. I froze as he filled me in on the details from my brothers call. He took ill very suddenly. I somehow imagined the worst. Maybe it was my minds way of preparing myself.
The following day, on Easter morning, my Father died.

I've become very quiet. Kind of weird for me. The weather that day was amazing. A gentle wind all day that seemed to give me peace. A perfect spring day followed by a night sky filled with stars. The handle of the big dipper arched across the sky and pointed directly to Polaris- the North Star - a sign of guidance and direction. In the days to come, I knew I would need that compass. I tried to stay busy. The wind gave me peace, I'm not sure why, but it did. In the quiet hours that followed I let myself feel the pain I'd been pushing away all day. I realized I was alive and my Dad had been gifted a beautiful day on which to go to heaven. For a spiritual man, dying on the day of Resurrection was a gift granted him from above, of that I am certain.

The days that followed were a frenzy of planning, packing, phone calls, airports, schedules and tears. When that subsides there comes a time when the quiet sets in. The flowers faded, the ceremony over, the immediacy of things - done. In that space, one goes over in their head all that's transpired. Fragments of thoughts and feelings that may stay forever ingrained in my head rewind and play over and over.

When my Mom died when I was 15. My clearest memory was of my Dad, my brother and I walking away from her grave site in the cold wet grass. A very alone feeling as we left behind the 'glue' of our family never to be hugged again.
A very alone feeling I have never forgotten. I hate wet grass.
There was no wind that day. Just wet grass and an empty feeling inside.
These recent images are clear now, but they too will eventually fade.
Some will stay I'm certain.
The way the air felt.
The way sunlight came pouring into the church.
The fragrance of all the flowers and incense mixed together.
The faces of friends and co-workers sharing their feelings.
The pain of 'what ifs' that surface in my head late at night when it's dark.
The peace of knowing my Mom and Dad are re-united.
The alone feeling over the loss of both of them.

I think my Father knew he was dying, but kept it to himself. The last secret he could keep was to accept his mortality on his own terms. He wrote his own obituary in the weeks prior to his death. His memorial Mass was just as he would have wanted it to be. The smell of the Easter lilies and other flowers filled the air. It was personal, solemn and ended with a Marine Corp Honor Guard. Nine shots fired into the cloudless sky. A United States flag was ceremonially folded and handed to my brother outside the metal roofed country church he attended. Under the portico, the breeze blew as we stood mesmerized by the careful, calculated gestures these dedicated older Veterans displayed.
I felt relieved Dad had the type of send off he would have wanted.

My Dad was 78 years old. He lived a good life. His death came unexpectedly to all of us. His parents lived well into their 90's and I figured he would too. He outlived two wives and left behind an older brother. He was fortunate to have found love more than once in his lifetime. Not all are so blessed.
At his funeral were people he worked with, his family, his 9 year old neighbor girl and his friends. One of them a young Marine named Ian in full dress uniform. He had befriended my Dad at the courthouse and in doing so found a mentor. His being there struck a cord in me. After he received communion at the altar, he placed his white gloved hand on the box containing my Fathers ashes. He too had lost a friend. So many people knew my Dad on levels so different than how I knew him. He had made his life in the mountains of Georgia and he'd made a difference in other people's lives.

I'm struggling with all that is hitting me. Over the years, I had a challenging relationship with my Dad, but we'd made peace and I knew he loved me. In his post office box were a tin of cookies I'd just sent. He never got them. In his last weeks I shared with him some personal issues I'm facing and he didn't pass judgement on me. That may have been his last real gift to me - the fact he didn't pass judgement. Never would I have guessed that would have been his legacy or in doing so it would mean so much to me.

When we visited my Dads home after the funeral, we found a wind chime hanging in his tree. His gardens were beginning to bloom and life was returning. My brother and I looked at where he'd lived out his final days and we both agreed, he's not there anymore. Ken carefully untied the wire holding the chimes in the tree. The white angel with the broken wing that was in his backyard will come live with us too- wherever we live, and in the wind we'll find peace.

I love you Dad.

♥

Three New Urns

2010-04-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

These new vessel/urns and ones like them will be available at art fairs this summer where TattooDreams is showing.
Also feel free to shop my etsy shop for more boxes.

Patricia

Day of The Dead TattooDreams Purse

2010-04-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is my second Tattoo Dreams purse. Rubber stamped with incredible Day of The Dead stamps and a touch of Frida Kahlo imagery. Black velvet lined on the side, it has small wooden feet to gently raise your purse off of any surface it's placed. Sealed with a protective spray, it can be handed down for generations to come. (Ya never know........) This one of a kind purse is similar in size to a lunch box--it holds all you need for a night out or a day with friends and will be the hit of wherever you take it. Hand stamped it measures 9 3/4" wide, 7 1/2" deep and 3 1/2" high. Has a sturdy silver metal handle that has torn silk, handmade beads, wooden beads I've stamped, silk, glass beads, skulls, linen threads, pistachio shells and magical talismans and skull ephemera tied onto it. This will add a slight reverberation and awaken the souls of the faithfully departed!

It sports a sturdy hinge. A great addition to your Dia de Los Muertos collection!. All sure to evoke lots of eye appeal from those who see you with this amazing art purse!

Available for sale in my etsy on line shop
85.00
FREE Shipping

SOLD

Cancer Sucks Rubber Stamped TattooDreams Box

2010-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

This handmade cherry box measures 8" wide x 8 3/4" deep x 7 1/4" high (203.2 cm x 222.25 cm x 184.15 cm ). Cancer Sucks- I know first hand. I lost my Mom to breast cancer before mammograms had been developed. I was 15. She was 45. I know the toll it took on her, me, our whole family. I've seen this repeated among too many friends.

Why did I make this? Perhaps to aid in my own healing and help others. In creating this box, my hands found themselves reaching for a wide variety of word stamps in my collection. Everything from "laughter" to "sorrow". Tears mixed with paint and this empty box was transformed. This disease, like so many others, transforms. It brings so many emotions and memories to the surface.
My box may be just the 'right' gift for a friend going through this. Some days you laugh, other days you cry and in the end, you find a healing balance that gets you through whatever fate is planning on handing you. A good place to write down your feelings and tuck them inside. A cathartic worry box that can help.

Finished with a clear spray on the outside and left natural maple on the inside. Lined with black velvet on the bottom. Trimmed in shades of pink.

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world- let yours be one of them!

••I love making special things for special people!••

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:

TattooDreams Art Vessel

2010-03-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

This one of a kind handmade cherry box measures 8" wide x 8" deep x 19" tall (20.32 cm x 20.32 cm x 48.26 cm). Handmade in our Bloomington, Indiana studio by my husband Jon and rubber stamped by me. There have only been a handful of these one of a kind vessels made so far. I'm proud to present this one to you my TattooDreams collectors.

Many hours went into this box and the detailed purple finial that sits on top. Attached to the finial are a myriad of beads and torn and knotted silk. From this hangs glass and handmade wooden beads. This ephemera only adds to the fun factor on this one of a kind box. Lined on the bottom with black velvet, this artsy box could store dreams or be used as a ceremonial art vessel or the respectful keeper of a loved ones ashes- or nothing at all.
Yours to decide.

This one of a kind vessel beckons to be set upon a mantle or bookshelf and shyly listen to the compliments it will get in your home or office! The price of this vessel is clearly reflected in the fine craftsmanship and detail it holds.

375.00
See this and other boxes available for sale now on my etsy site.

Patricia

Menopause Bitch Box

2010-03-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

A brand new Bitch Box.....this is a new size box we're unveiling!!

Is your body on fire? Do you find tweezers your next best friend? Your forgetfulness reaching an all time orgasm to the point of putting car keys in the refrigerator? Finger sticking coffee grounds off the counter to lick them - thinking all the while they're cookie crumbs......(hey that counts as house cleaning...right?)
Never knowing when you'll get your period?
Tampons gracing every pocket and purse and glove compartment in your universe?
Tired, cranky, not sleeping well? Up at 3am.......

This box is for you, my fellow sufferer! I share with you The Bitch Box. This is a handmade cherry box emblazoned with words of comfort and joy! If laughter ensues, even better! Buy one for yourself and order one for a friend!
Adorned with chocolate, thermometers, chocolate, bitching, chocolate, women, chocolate and wisdom!...did I mention chocolate?

•Hot Flashes are not responsible for global warming!•
•Grey is the new blonde•

If this resonates, you owe it to yourself to buy it!
Immediately!
Yes, NOW!

Like eating m&m's while watching Oprah's Taking Control Diet Special, or Cheese Whiz sprayed on your fingers.....big girl comfy underpants........or Jif Peanut Butter off a spoon......(is there any other way?)

Make this yours........life's short.......so BUY IT NOW! Toss it in your cart, jump into your sweats, spray on some perfume and get ready for a night of good tv with the cat. In a few days, this enchanting box will arrive at your door while you're in your jammies polishing off the last of family size box of strawberry Pop Tarts in the shiny protective foil wrapper! (This may count as fruit!)

Oh yea, the size.......see....... I'm so forgetful!
This Bitch measures 5" x5" and 5 1/2" tall. Lined with black velvet on the bottom.
Has two-tone bi-polar pink ruffles on its plump pink feet and a lift off lid. Inside the lid, there's more girl talk that will get us through this segment of our lives laughing one minute and crying the next........just buy it!!
Throw caution to the wind, you know you want it!

On my etsy site 48.00

Food for the Soul

2010-03-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Friendship is built, much like a pizza crust. Over time, with attention to details. There's a foundation, there's ingredients and there is flavor. Over the years what makes this pizza good may change, but the foundation has been established. The past two weeks we were on the road doing shows. During this time, we shared meals with friends in their homes, in our art fair booth, in restaurants. The breaking of bread, with friends cannot be compared to anything else. This common act shared, is what keeps us whole, keeps us centered, keeps us nourished from the inside out.

Above is a photo of a magnificent gluten free pizza delivered to us at the Las Olas Art Fair by our dear friend, Michael Bole. Created by Pizza Fusion, you'd never know it was gluten free! What an amazing treat to have this lovingly gifted to us.

Food for the soul for certain!
We are continually blessed with amazing friends-

Thank you Michael and all who 'fed' us in so many ways on this recent trip!

Patricia

TattooDreams Mask Vessel

2010-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

This new vessel has been delivered to the Orchard Gallery to be part of their Artful Box 2 Exhibit. Handmade of cherry and adorned with pistachio shells, glass beads, seeds, knotted silk and an elaborately painted finial. The stamps I used on this vessel are from my mask and Adinkra symbols collection and represent various cultures. There's a tribal feel to this collectable art piece. More wonderful boxes of all types and materials will be on display and ready to add to your collection.

March 3-31 2010
Orchard Gallery of Fine Art
6312 Covington Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46804

260-436-0927
Reception March 6 12-5pm

Patricia

Tribal Mask Box

2010-02-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

This TattooDreams creation is my Mask Box. Another of my recycled, reloved, cigar boxes. It measures 7" wide x 7 1/4" deep x 6" tall (17.78cm x 18.41cm x 15.24cm.) This box has a hinged top that easily reveals the contents you decide are the treasures most important. It's lined on the bottom with sultry black velvet. Emblazoned with an exotic array of culturally alive masks. These rubber stamped masks are from my tribal collection.

Inside the lid is stamped a crow with a verse from the Desiderata:
"You are a child of the universe.
No less than the trees and stars"

This box has amber feet and would match any decor no matter how contemporary, primitive or eclectic!

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.
See more of my work at http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

••I love making special things for special people!••

FREE SHIPPING on all domestic orders!

69.00 on my esty site

Patricia

The Snowman Rocketh'!

2010-02-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

Needless to say.......

We have snow.......

Lots and lots of snow.......

Jon cleared the upper deck of 12 inches of snow and found a 3 foot plus icicle which became his ice guitar!
I love this crazy man!

Patricia

Saying "I Love You" With Art

2010-02-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

Nothing quite says "I love you" like something handmade. It holds within it the spirit of the maker, the breath of the artist, the soul of the imagineer who found a new way to express themselves.

To buy from an artist helps support them in what has become a most trying time. In doing so, you are also helping keep alive the 'can do' spirit that built this country. You're keeping your money alive in the U.S, buying American made art and craft and not buying imports. You are supporting another human being.

I sell my work on etsy.com and at art fairs accross the country. On any given weekend there are hundreds of my friends and I selling what we make in 10' x 10' white tents. Sometimes set up in parks or parking lots, we are there.
We are not a traveling circus- though we know most of our fellow artists.
We are a family of another kind- we help and look out for one another. Kindred spirits some would say.
We jury for each show one at a time and are granted an opportunity to show based on the quality of our work. If the weather and crowds are good, we hope to sell. If we sell, it means we too can contribute back into the economy.
This is our job.
This is not a hobby we dabble in.
This is what we do for a living.

We need your support now more than ever.

I say this not as begging. I say this because we are part of what makes the fabric of our culture.
We are the makers of art that is being made now.
We're the artists that can inspire tomorrows artists to follow their passion.
We are the ones that bring an esthetic quality to people who understand the importance of living among work that is
handmade, not generic soul-less 'stuff'.

We are the dreamers you read about.
The 'different drummers' you may have secretly admired.
The kid who ate glue and doodled incessantly in the corner of the classroom.
The odd girl who got picked last for volleyball teams but could draw amazing clouds.
The kid with mismatched socks that was mesmerized by what they saw out the school bus window-
The kid who had a million thoughts running inside their head-yet sat alone twisting their hair.
The one who didn't fit in then is the one whose work you may admire now.

This is who artists are.

Their ideas fill journals
paper napkins
sketchbooks
post it notes
the backs of their hand
canvasses
bits of paper
-the walls of their minds.

We make what you love.
We love to make what we do.
We love it more
when you love what we make enough
to trade
what is valuable to you
for
what is vital to us.

This is fair trade.

This is the process of buying art.
Investing in passion.
This is necessary
and this- in essence -
is love.

Patricia Hecker

Featured in the photo, The Artists Imagination Box
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35401858

Feel free to fall in love with something in my on-line shop.
Throw passion to the wind and toss it into your shopping cart and
painlessly pay with Pay Pal.
Your life will thank you.
Your soul will smile!

Letting Go

2010-02-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

Often when things feel out of control, we must surrender.
Surrender the pain,
the loss of feeling in control,
the 'what if' soundtrack that runs in our heads-
the isolation
the fear.

When we can find ourselves in that place,
we need to give it up to the universe.
We have to remember to let go,
Let God.
This is me doing just that.

I grew up on the Florida Gulf Coast and here I was again.
I was 5 then.
Almost 50 now.
Still looking for a release -
a searching
a letting go.
A sense of wonder.

The open expanse of Mother Nature helps
me put things in perspective.
I'm going to be okay. I'm not sure how just yet,
but I'm going to be okay.

It's time to begin again.

Patricia

Photo taken by Michele Miller, my sister-in-law

★ Check Out the Legs on that Box!! ★

2010-02-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

Step right up! Children of all ages---a Circus Box!
Great for any adult whose inner child needs to come out and play--
Simpler times--
when the circus came to town.
The lions and tigers and sequined elephants oh my!
Plastic balls holding orange juice with a small white straw---nestled in a bed of ice!
Toys that spin and whiz and whirl.
Pop-corn vendors in red and white pressed uniforms.
Ropes and nets and painted cages and families together.
Before cell phones and the interruptions of life as we have it now.
Step back and remember simpler times!

In my etsy shop awaiting you to take it home!

55.00

FREE Shipping

Patricia
TattooDreamer

Positive Affirmations Mirror

2010-01-31T07:27:00.000-08:00

Handcrafted of maple and purpleheart wood, this mirror was made in our Bloomington Indiana studio. It's covered in positive affirmations. For this reason, we call it our Positive Affirmations Mirror. Overall outer dimensions of the wood are 20 1/4" (52.705 cm) wide at the top, 16" (40.64 cm) wide at the bottom and the height is 28" (71.12 cm). The purpleheart shelf is 20" (50.8 cm)wide and 3 1/2" ( 8.89 cm) deep. Actual glass mirror dimensions are 12" x 18" (30.48 cm x 45.72 cm). The mirror has been sandblasted to reveal a wonderfully playful geometric design.
Carefully finished with a Danish oil that lets the beauty of the wood resonate.

This mirror is ideal for an entryway, hallway or bedroom. The shelf detaches from the mirror by screws provided and makes for ease in shipping, which is FREE in the US. It hangs by a stainless steel cable affixed to the back.

The positive affirmations make for a stellar way to begin and end a day--thoughts to resonate alongside the reflection of your face. Think about it!
It's positive, creative, uplifting and just what you need to have in your most sacred of environments - the space where you become you.

Available from my etsy shop

$395.00
FREE Domestic shipping!

Patricia

BEAD Hosts Workshops on Social Media Networking

2010-01-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂ ❂

Bloomington, IN - As part of its strategic vision to offer entrepreneurial and educational opportunities to the creative community, the City of Bloomington's Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) is hosting workshops on social media networking on Friday, Feb. 12th, from 9:00 am – 1:15 pm in the Bloomington City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street.
These workshops are sponsored by the Indiana Arts Commission.

The workshops will cover two areas of web-based marketing platforms of interest to artists and arts and cultural organizations: social media marketing and Etsy. Sarah "Intellagirl" Robbins will be providing the keynote on social media marketing for artists and arts and cultural organizations from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Two break-out sessions will follow at 11:15: Robbins will be offering a hands-on session on social media marketing and Jon and Patricia Hecker will be offering a beakout session on Etsy for those who want to find out how to sell art on the web, set up their own shop, or enhance their current Etsy presence.

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About the Presenters

Sarah “Intellagirl” Robbins has helped dozens of schools and businesses learn to wrangle with the question “what do social media and virtual worlds have to offer?” Her work has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today and the Chronicle of Higher Education. She is the co-author of Second Life for Dummies and dozens of articles.
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Jon and Patricia Hecker, independent artists for 23 years, have participated in almost every aspect of the arts spectrum. Formally trained as graphic artists with a heavy emphasis on brand identity and marketing, they incorporate these key points in their unique lines of fine art. A new body of work called "Tattoo Dreams" is heavily marketed online through the arts-commerce website, Etsy.com.

The event begins at 9:00 am with registration and networking. Advanced registration for the workshop is required and participants may register for the keynote plus either one of the two breakout sessions. Space is limited. To register contact Miah Michaelsen, Assistant Economic Development Director of the Arts, City of Bloomington at michaelm@bloomington.in.gov or at 812.349-3534 no later than Wednesday, February 10.

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TattooDreams Beaded Curtain

2010-01-27T10:16:00.001-08:00

Currently Hecker Design Studio is abuzz. The past few days have found us multi-tasking to the sounds of Dave Matthews. The 2010 show schedule is upon us and work is taking shape! We're busy with commissions of beaded curtains, individual strings of beads, pet urns, dimesional wall pieces and box commissions from my etsy.com site.

Above is a close up of some of my TattooDream beads you'll see if you visit my booth this year. Fondling is free and so is lusting. Purchasing a 7 foot long string however, will cost you $200.00. Remember, however, it's NOT made in China, supports American artists, and is one of kind!
Reason enough to spend $200.00.

You still need art!

Patricia

Shaman Spirits TattooDream Box

2010-01-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Some things look yummy up close. This Shaman Spirits Box was one of them. It was on my etsy site for less than 24 hours and sold to a past collector. My husband captured this boxes' aesthetic in a wonderful way!

Here's to making art and selling art!

Patricia

SOLD!!

The Pain of People with Hope - Haiti

2010-01-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

The magnitude of loss in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti seems unimaginable.
To be without the basics-
water
safety
shelter
food
sanitation
..seems beyond comprehensible.
It moves me to tears to see the plight that has been thrust upon the people of this impoverished nation.

To have so little-
to loose so much.
To have nothing.
To be stripped of all but your soul.
And in this strife to see arms raised in prayer.
Prayers of thanksgiving.
Prayers of hope.
Prayers from people who are being tested beyond what
most of us could comprehend....

How does one look for tomorrow?
How does one look for hope?
How does one pray that prayers do not dissolve into tears?
Visceral screaming.
Pain that emanates from deep within.

What lessons are there for me to learn about myself,
humanity
loss
grieving
possessions
comforts
faith?

"There but for the grace of God go I."
I heard my Mother say that more than once as a child.
As an adult, I understand those words and the complexity they entail.

This understanding born of my own grief.
Of dreams lost
of time not alloted to me
from a parent lost too soon
from growing up too fast
amidst confusion and quiet
not sharing pain
and delving deep inside for answers not found.

Tears are salt and salt heals.
They heal open wounds.
They heal hearts torn and ripped apart.
They heal wounds that seem un-repairable.
They heal.

The people of Haiti need prayers
They need hope.
They need to heal.
They need the ability to believe that tomorrow will be better.

Better than today or yesterday -
when so many tomorrows were taken
and shaken from their grip.
Taken by the violent shaking of Mother Earth.
When towns and villages and tomorrows were crumbled into ruin.
When doors and windows
became blocked with the rubble of memories
and rooms that held love and living and moments
are filled with debris.
When skies turned dark with the dust of
buildings
dreams
and devastation.

They need light
and love
and knowing they are not enduring this pain alone.
They need you.
They need me.
They need to begin again.
They need hope.

Don't' we all?

Sending love and light-
for this is all I have.

Patricia

☆Cosmic Star Box☆

2010-01-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

This handmade cherry box measures 6" wide and 6" deep and 8 3/4" tall ( 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm x 22.22 cm). Trimmed in black and acid green feet with a magenta pink knob, red fringe and purple trim. Reminds me of a tattered circus! This would be a great box for a birthday gift or any magical person in your life! Top to this box lifts off allowing full access to whatever is stored inside!
A fun box to entrust photos of trips and artifacts be they real or of our own making. Inside the box bottom is lined with sexy black velvet.

★ ★ ★
On etsy
79.00

Happy Hunka Hunka Birthday Elvis!

2010-01-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

Born January 8th 1935 in Tupelo Mississippi at 4:35 am.

Elvis was kind enough to grace our ArtfulSmiles.com booth in Las Vegas in 2006 when we were there for the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists). He made a brief appearance to preside over our 22nd wedding anniversary!

Happy Birthday Elvis!
Thank you - thank you very much!

To one of my most dedicated blog readers and friends, this one's for you Michael!!
♬ ♫ ♬ ♪ ♫ ♬ ♩ ♫ ♪
Happy Hunka Hunka Friday!
Patricia

Adinkra Symbols Beaded Gourd

2010-01-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

༺★♥★༻
IT IS THE VESSEL OF FRIENDSHIP
THAT FILLS TO THE RIM.
THAT OVERFLOWS,
EMPTIES
AND FILLS AGAIN.
A BOTTOMLESS PIT OF COMFORT
THAT ALLOWS HONESTY,
LOVE AND COMPASSION,
TRUST TRADED,
HOPE....RESTORED.
ME LOOKING AT YOU...
AS YOU REFLECT
ALL THAT IS IN ME - IN YOU.
EACH OTHER.
THIS IS FRIENDSHIP.
THIS IS LOVE.
༺★♥★༻

Pictured here is the Adinkra Symbols Beaded Gourd
available from my etsy shop

85.00

Patricia

Exits and Entries

2010-01-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

I've been reminded by a few of my blog readers that I haven't posted in some time. I go through periods when I post a lot and then go silent. As I told a friend, I've been known to curl into my Cancerian shell and observe for a while. Lately, the shell feels safe and the view is about all I need. I've been wondering too what my first post of the new year would entail. Usually an idea will pop into my head and once it does, I realize that is the message to share. At 3 am I realized what I would write today.
For me, New Years has come to resonate with a certain degree of retrospection and quiet. I'm not the kind to need to over-indulge to mark the turning of a new year. I feel more like there are lessons I need to take from the stillness that require a level head to hear them.

A new year marks an end and a beginning. An exit and an entry. Last night that thought became underscored by learning of the death of one of our dear art fair friends, Denny Davis.
Denny was battling stage 4 Leukemia for the past two and half years. We last saw him at a show in Pensacola in November. His spirits were good and he told us he was about to undergo a stem cell treatment. He'd be hospitalized for several weeks. Later in November we learned that the treatment was such that it could kill him. I think we all felt he'd beat it. He seemed invincible. Complications arose and an infection ensued. He died yesterday afternoon.
Denny possessed a dark sense of humor that brought groans from some and laughs from others. It was his way of coping. I understood it since my Mom reacted the same way as she was dying. It was a twisted way to keep from going to the dark side, which he knew was at arms distance. Yesterday that arm reached out and took him from this world.

I've been crying on and off and realize this is my loss. The loss of someone I always looked forward to talking to is gone. I will miss him greatly, but this should not be about me. The art world has lost a great artist that painted with abandon and was prolific. He was the most well read individual I'd ever met. He was intelligent and articulate. He could recite and bring into focus concepts and history and politics that I can't begin to wrap my brain around. The last time I saw him he said he was ready to sell everything and move into someone's garage and paint and read. That was his life. That and his friends - and there was no shortage of them.

Denny could assemble and lay out a 100 square foot booth like no one I know! He would, in essence, create a maze of panels and fill them top to bottom with paintings. If you liked abstract work and left his booth without anything, it was amazing. He loved to work a deal and make a sale possible. "I'll tell ya what I'll do...." he'd begin. His paintings had a fire and life to them that always kept me looking into them. They were alive with his energy. He used red with great passion. I only wish I owned one of his canvases.
That I regret.

Denny loved to poke fun of people he felt were fake. TV evangelists and politicians in particular were his fodder! He had a way of justifying his disdain that always left me smiling. I used to call him a 'devout atheist' but reminded him I was praying for his good health. To which he'd reply 'hey, that's okay if you want to'.
His exit marks the entry to a new year.
Again, I sit quietly trying to take from his passing a lesson.
I mourn his loss, but I valiantly cheer his presence in my life. He will be missed greatly.
His doing what he loved, right to the end, is what I take from his passing. All he wanted to do was paint and spend
time with his friends.
I will not let his exit be an ending, but a beginning.
A passage to an entry.
He wouldn't want it any other way, and to honor him, that's how I will remember his life.

RIP dear friend, wherever you are!

Patricia

Arrangements:

An informal gathering of Dennys friends will be held at:
The Miller Bakery Cafe
555 S. Lake St.
Gary, IN

This Saturday, Jan. 9 at 1 PM.
The phone number for Miller's is 219-938-2229
http://www.millerbakerycafe.net/

TattooDreams Beaded Charm Spirit Necklace

2009-12-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

You've shopped for everyone else, now it's time for YOU!

After many hours and lots of detailed beading...here it is! If you saw me at an art fair during November onward of this year, you probably saw me wearing a similar creation. The myriad of beads that waterfall from this silk and beaded one of a kind neckpiece are now available to you.

There are over 30 strings of beads hand knotted on waxed linen. Interwoven with tied and knotted silk, this necklace is right in style with todays layered trends and accentuates the nature of buying and dressing ones self in handmade spirit-infused accoutrements.
I've used peanut butter jasper, sterling, glass, trade beads, clay, pistachio shells, betel nuts, measuring tape, turquoise, bamboo, hematite, bone, sea shells, marble, horn, green turquoise, dominoes, mother of pearl, stamped chop sticks, limestone, bamboo coral and TattooDream rubber stamped beads. There are many more.

The length is adjustable and left untied so you can tie it however short or long you prefer. It's 36" long and can be tied in a bow behind your neck. This flexibility allows for various necklines to be accentuated and adds even more versatility to this artful necklace that goes with everything! (Okay, maybe not plaid, but darn close!) The beaded strands vary from 8" to 16".

This is a statement piece of wearable art, not for the faint of heart. You'll derive 'ohhs' and 'awes' and visible fondling while this piece envelopes you. This necklace and an evocative fragrance are all you need to set the party afire!

It's easy and fun to wear and not nearly as heavy as it looks. Total weight is 12 oz.

Domestic shipping is FREE!

In my etsy shop awaiting the right collector!
385.00

Altered Art Peace Box

2009-12-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

This is my Altered Art *ACEO Trade Cards Box. Designed to hold almost anything.
This handmade cherry box measures 8" wide and 3 3/4" deep and 6 1/2" high (20.32 cm x 95.25 cm x 16.51 cm ). It could hold a huge array of ACEO (trade cards), tea bags or anything else you desire. An edgy box with metallic teal feet and black fringe. Wonderful artsy images adorning all sides and inside lid. A lift off lid reveals all your cards or treasures. Inside, the bottom is lined in black velvet. If you prefer a box without the fringe, let me know and I can remove it prior to shipping.

♥ Boxes this size beg to be handled and loved.
I hope you consider 'loving' one of these soon! ♥

*Artists Trade Cards Editions and Originals (ACEO's) are miniature works of art the size of a playing card.

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.

••I love making special things for special people!••

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

55.00

Ships right away! FREE Domestic shipping!

Patricia
TattooDreamer

Artists Dirty Hands

2009-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Jon stumbled upon a most interesting post on a design blog he reads daily (blog.2modern.com). The post highlighted an artists hands while making their jewelry. Apparently their hands were in a photo showing their work. Comments grew and so did the concept of sharing the working hands of others. What resulted was a compilation of hands and submissions were being shared on her blog. Jon submitted my hands and here they are.
<
What came to mind when he shared this with me and while he was taking these images in our studio yesterday afternoon was a poem I read many years ago. The author escapes me, but the context of the poem was about how 'the trade enters your body'. Whatever trade you pursue, it becomes part of you.
The sentiment resonated and too the work these and millions of other hands and what they do on a daily basis. Our minds and our hands are our most basic tools. How we use them is often reflected without saying a word.

Why do we do what we do?
I can only answer for myself.
I make art because to do anything other than that feels odd and displaced.
I make art to stay sane in a world of insanity.
I make art to settle the chatter which runs like a non-stop soundtrack in my head.
I make art to find peace within myself.
I make art to expel the millions of ideas that fill my head.
I make art to share and sell and derive my livelihood.
I make art because I need to.

To quote one of my favorite musicians, Dave Matthews from the "Big Whiskey" album, Why do I make art? --- because it's "why I am"!

Patricia Hecker

To see more hand images, the blog I referenced is:
http://www.cutpasterepeat.blogspot.com/2009/11/by-our-hands-we-live.html

To see what my hands make:
http://HeckerDesign.com
http://TattooDreams.etsy.com
http://Artfulsmiles.com

"Bob" A Little Box with A Big Story!

2009-12-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

• Now here's the story about Bob. This box is dedicated to all the 'Bobs' out there. You know who you are.... You are the small orange goldfish who every 8 year old had to own. The one who lived with the plastic plants that never grew along with the horrible neon colored rocks interspersed with occasional goldfish turds they didn't see when they supposedly cleaned your bowl each Saturday morning after cartoons while Mom was vacuuming. Did they not once notice your need for a more muted decor? Did they not once notice you hated to constantly swim through the fake rocks with the fake holes only to later swim through the fake resin treasure chest complete with fake pearls opened up by the fake half floating mermaid with the yellow hair and big boobs you couldn't quite see atop your florescent rock carpeting with the never ending stream of bubbles surfacing ALL day and ALL night long? Did they feed you the same frickin' fish flakes day after day after day despite your kind requests for something a little higher on the food chain? Did small snot impacted nosed children with big round eyes stare at you in your thick glass bowl that they picked out amidst the barking dogs and background parakeet chatter in the store where everything smelled like cedar gerbil bedding even in the fish isle after they abruptly scooped you away from your other orange frolicking friends with the green plastic net and into a plastic bag marked 99 cents with a rubber band secured around the top for the bumpy journey home between juniors knees with the prepubescent hair follicles waiting to sprout as he repeatedly pushed his 'who knows where it had been' finger against your temporary pliable poly home for the ride to the new digs? Yes, this is for you Bob! When you died and were flushed to oblivion with little more than a few meager sheets of squeezably soft Mr. Whipple (remember him?) approved toilet paper gently laid across you as you swirled endlessly into goldfish funeral oblivion in the pastel tiled bathroom in the pastel colored toilet bowl with the matching pastel colored hand towels hung on the fake marble plastic 'guest towel' ring by the sink en-route to your final resting place---THIS BOX IS FOR YOU!! You've endured enough!

Bob The Itty Bitty TattooDream Box is on my etsy site
28.00

Patricia
TattooDreamer

Small TattooDream Boxes

2009-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Diminutive boxes are often my favorite! These fit that bill!
Will be posted soon to my etsy site along with several others. If you need a quantity of them, feel free to leave me a message and we can talk!

28.00
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

Patricia

Create ACEO Trade Cards Box

2009-12-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

~This is my Create ACEO Trade Cards Box. Artists Trade Cards Editions and Originals (ACEO's) are miniature works of art the size of a playing card. Where to store your collection? Why not in a box like this! This artful box can be kept out for people to admire and for you to share your collection!
Think of it as a 'coffee table box'!!

This handmade cherry box measures 8" wide and 3 3/4" deep and 7 1/4" high (203.2 cm x 95.25 cm x 18.41 cm ). It could hold a huge array of ACEO (trade cards), tea bags or anything else you desire. A cute box with purple and black feet, purple trim and black fringe. Wonderful artsy images adorning all sides and inside lid. A lift off lid reveals all your cards or treasures. Inside, the bottom is lined in black velvet. It could hold tea tea bags, artists trade cards or almost anything!

♥ Boxes this size beg to be handled and loved.
I hope you consider 'loving' one of these soon! ♥

My boxes are quietly making their way into esteemed collections around the world.

••I love making special things for special people!••

More boxes can be found on my etsy site:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

$55.00

FREE Domestic shipping! I ship by Priority Mail, so this can arrive in time for Christmas!!!

What's Orange on Top?

2009-12-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

What's orange on top, fun inside and can fly your direction instantly?
This TattooDreams Box........
$79.00
Purchases on etsy can be shipped directly to the recipient and shipping is free!

Thanks in advance for purchasing handmade!

Patricia

What Magic is This You Say?

2009-12-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

A simply charming magical box awaiting the right person to hit the 'Add it to my cart' button and make it theirs!

On etsy
$79.00----includes shipping

Patricia
TattooDreamer

Twenty Nine Winters Ago Today.....

2009-12-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Twenty nine winters ago John Lennon was doing what most of us do daily - he was on his way home from work. Home from working in his recording studio. Earlier in the day he signed an autograph for the man who hours later would end his life.
IMAGINE if things happened differently that cold night.

Twenty nine years ago I was unmarried, living in my first apartment in Florida. I was 20 years old. It was a warm night and I had the windows open. I recall the searing message that came over the tv, then the radio, then everywhere. I remember newscasters crying. Howard Kosell in tears. A hole was drilled right through me and pain entered. An unsettling silence.
The world mourned the loss of this amazing iconic individual. A visionary of peace who was far more than a musician or rockstar. He wrote of the world 'being one' and perhaps it took his bloody death for that to happen.
How sad.

I recall the days afterward laying on my living room floor listening and crying to every Beatle song played on the stereo and radio. So many possibilities ended with his murder at the Dakota. For a pacifist to die by way of a weapon of steel seems a fate worse than cruel.
Across from his home lay Strawberry Fields. Another irony is the sign posted there. "No playing of musical instruments allowed". Where better than there?

As a society, we allow guns to become available to people who have no business having them. Freedom to own a firearm........to protect yourself. A right of the constitution.
As a society we allow instruments of creativity to be purchased, but ban where and when they can be played. Why? To protect others peace?
This is just more madness in a world overcome by rules that 'allow' people to not have to think or take responsibility for themselves or others.

Some things make little sense to me.
Some things never will.
The legendary lyrics and music from the Beatles are dogma.
Time honored art that collectively became a prayer for peace,
a mantra to end war
and birthed hope for generations to follow.

Here we are twenty nine years later.
The music still resonates but now with a new generation.
To those who grew up with them, they are forever with us.

We need to give peace a chance.
We need to IMAGINE.
We need to Imagine Peace

✯ Christmas Card Box ✯

2009-12-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

What childhood Christmas memories do you cherish? Was it a particular way something was made or done? A favorite cookie or carol? A particular tradition you still hold onto? Mine was our holiday cards. We strung them on twine that we covered in paper drinking straws. They hung around our living room and each day with the delivery of more mail, the string got longer and longer.
For some, the memory is an object that only came out at Christmas. A decoration or item passed through families that made the holidays all the more magical just by it's annual appearance. I hope I made one of these today.
My husband Jon built this wonderful box from cherry and I rubber stamped it with selected holiday stamps from my vast collection. I chose somewhat 'retro-feel good' stamps that reminded me of my childhood and simpler times. A warm fuzzy for certain!

This box is ideal for safely keeping your holiday cards or treasured ornaments. A usable nostalgic box that can be lovingly passed along to your children as they go out on their own.

••Buy several and begin new traditions this year!••

This box measures 10" x 7" x 7 " ( 25.4 cmx 17.78 cmx 17.78cm). Adorned with green feet and a red ball knob. Both are trimmed with fringe, one red and the other a sparkly cream. Inside trim is gold. Inside the lid is stamped for more magical goodness! This box is not lined so your cards can be easily removed for sharing with others.

69.00

For more of my Tattoodreams:
http://tattoodreams.etsy.com

Ho Ho Ho!! I ship for FREE so load your sleigh and let TattooDreams make Santa's work easier this year!!!

Thank you for buying handmade!

What Do We Really Need?

2009-11-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

What's going on? The holiday buzz is upon us. The retail weirdness of shopping on Thanksgiving Day......What could one possibly 'need' that has to be purchased on Thanksgiving Day other than foil or cranberry sauce?

We were in the grocery store on Wednesday,along with the rest of Bloomington and what I saw made me feel good. People smiling at one another! In a time of what soon becomes the rush of the holidays, give the easiest gift of all - a smile. I found people all day returning them to me.

It's the simplest recognition.
It's the easiest of gifts.
To someone it may mean the world.
That someone noticed.
Cared.
Took the time.
Bothered.

Today I posted more boxes to my etsy site. I hope you'll peruse them, hopefully finding something that tugs at you for a gift for yourself or someone else. Tomorrow we'll do the Bloomington Farmers Market with my TattooDream Boxes. Next weekend we'll do our last show of the year, the Unitarian Universalist Church Show.
After next weekend, our busiest year doing shows comes to a close.
25 shows, all over the country, 2 bodies of work.

I'm feeling ready for 2010 and a new beginning.

Some things look yummier close up! This is a detail shot of one of my new boxes.

Give away a few smiles-the person getting one may be more in need of one than you know!

Patricia
TattooDreamer