Art studio

Tucked around the corner from Armondo's there is a window framing an artist at work. Lisa Lamoreaux recently became part of the unique blend of Renton Downtown.

Never content to work on one piece at at time, a view into the artist's studio will find Lisa at various stages of completion on six or seven canvases. The mixed media of sculpting gel, torn pieces of wallpaper or other paper pretties seen hanging from racks, become the layers of labor that go into Lisa's work before seeing her final paint brush touches. The studio had a open house and party two weekends ago, and many of Lisa's favorite clients came out to purchase from her walls full of art.

The past ten years have seen Lisa slowly leaving the corporate world to pursue her art full time. This year will see her in Oregon and Washington fine arts shows, keeping her occasionally on the road with her fine beauties.

There are whimsical colors and themes to be found in Lisa's work. The Chinese lanterns have become something she is well known for and the demand for them still keeps her expanding her vision this theme.


One earlier aspect of the artist's work were these lovely decor lights, made with a collage of colors and prints and trims.

Though Lisa is in her studio to work, do feel free to stroll on by and catch the artist in her element. Maybe peek your head in, if time allows, and see her latest work. Personally, I find it very exciting to have an artist studio in town. Kudos to Armondo for giving the DTR this cool, cultural dimension.

Lisa Lamoreaux Fine Art
www.lisalamoreaux.com
910 Houser Way South
206-660-6759

The red, white and blue of it

I might not be blogging as much lately, but I am keeping up on my cupcake lore. Renton River Days and the fourth are soon to be upon us, and Crystal Roberts over at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes has already got a patriotic and sweet delicacy on hand.

These beauts are fresh blueberry cupcakes with a vanilla bean buttercream topped with a red cherry or a blueberry with red sprinkles. Ahhhh, makes me love being American. Land of the free, home of the cupcakes.

As usual, get them while you can. I will try to be back in the blogging chair more often again. Sometimes life just creeps up on you, and a breather here and there never did a person harm.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Renton is so crafty and colorful

Color and dance - these handmade bouquets come from the crafty hands of Deb at Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral on South Third Street. The Spotlight Dance Company had a Willie Wonka dance performance, and these were the handsome posies given out to the lead performers - all seventeen of them. Underneath the festive bow tied at the base was a big chocolate Willie Wonka bar. Now if only I could have found my own copy of Johnny Depp amidst the fleurs, I would be one happy camper.

Remember to give my gal Deb a call with any floral arrangement concerns. She works wonders.

Crafty hands have been yarn bombing a bike at Mary Clymer's store, Happy Delusions, on Sunday afternoons when folks gather for the Stitch and Bitch. Rachel, above, along with Esperanza, were putting in impressive efforts of the fiber kind this past weekend. When this baby is done, watch out Renton - you never know what might come next.

Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral 920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Happy Delusions
924 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 255-6078

Bacon Cupcakes - Come to Papa!

Big Papa needs a little bacon on his cupcakes after bringing it all home. For Father's Day, this should definitely be on your shopping radar. I mean - desert meets your favorite breakfast meat, what is not to like?

It's no mystery that the undisputed local Queen of Cupcakes, Crystal Roberts, has been cooking up this meat mischief at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes. The bacon is laced with butterscotch and given some bling, then put on top of a vanilla or chocolate cupcake frosted with butterscotch butter cream. I am a confirmed bacon lover, and this confection just goes to show how versatile this pork product can be.

There will only be so many available from now until June 20th, the third Sunday in June (Father's Day). Crystal has a stock of little scotched bacon bits, but my thought is - these babies are gonna go fast. Like hotcakes, only more cuppy.

Tonight also launches Common Ground's return to the First Friday Block Party arena with music by Devin Moore (singing, ukulele) and photography by Jayne Rose. Jayne's photo cards have some incredible images and are very affordable. I like photos and make photo cards myself - her's are good.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

First Friday Block Party rocks again

First Friday Block Party tomorrow y'all - and the artwork is rockin'. Featuring the paintings of artist Dan Kevil, who will be at the party for a little meeting and greeting, this is when coming to hang out in the DTR really gets to be fun.

Firecrackers - Bork

Caroline Jones

Set your clocks for 7pm - when either DJ Phil Anthony or Floyd will be spinning some tunes to set the mood. Mike Moskowitz, our favorite conveyor of dark, caffeinated drinks, will be at the helm and neighbors and friends will certainly be inbound for this fun, Downtown Renton event.

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

Junebug's Birthday

"J" is for Junebug - the cute Chinese Crested on the left, who had her first birthday on the first of this month. Celebrations and cupcakes are the norm in this here parts, so the day could not go unnoticed. Yeah! Just the right amount of fun to get this summer season started.

Chocolate cupcackes with dark cocoa cream cheese frosting, made by yours truly to help get the party started. Sue Rider, Dog Mom, brought the first rhubarb of the year baked in a lovely crumble. You soooo wish you had been there.

Birthday dogs get special treatment - like hugs from dear Neva, all cheeks and smiles.

Dog Mom herself, Sue displays the special "J" treats of the day. More happy memories to add to the year.

Thanks to Mike and Johnny, of Liberty Cafe on South Third, for letting us party hearty.

Local Eats and a place to meet - Week One at the Market

Farmer's Market season begins once again - Tuesdays from 3pm til 7, so you still have time to nip in on your way home from work and get some locally grown and made goodies to add to your pantry.

There are some welcome new comers this year - one being Zaw Artisan Pizza, lovingly made right in front of you for you to take home and bake. Just seeing the pizza dough being rolled out by hand made me smile and salivate.

Dancing and music are always available at the Market. Some people just tap their feet - others, get their friends involved. Check out the wonderful website for Renton's Farmers Market to find out who will be playing next and what vendors you might find.

Ahhhh - and the flowers - who doesn't just want to come for a bunch of floral delight to take home. So reasonable, so gorgeous. These bunches were just $4 at 6pm when I cruised on through.

Little Blue Eyes Mini Munny
Under the loving care of Mary Clymer of Happy Delusions fame, there are crafters at the Market this year just across the street from the Piazza. This little munny was loving painted by one of my favorite artists, Alexandria Sandlin, of the big eye art. I love seeing this addition to the market. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Mary through the link provided above.

Farmers Market means family time - here are Jimmy and Katie out scouting the yummy treats with James, who is giving a resounding double high five to this year's market.

Honey, honey - raw, unfiltered, never heated and delicious, is available again this year. Sweet As Can Bee's Honey is local - and what could be better than that. They had flavors that piqued my interest - vanilla or the creamy habanero honey.

Known to many as Farmer Bill, Bill Provin had his shopping bag full of cherries and Trevani Truffles. I will be dropping by later, Bill, to help you with those purchases.

Forest Fairy Bakery delivers the goods and has been a market staple for the last couple of years. Welcome back!

Devon and little Bella scope the scene for likely purchases. I am assuming that if you can hold your dog, you can bring your dog. I think that sounds fair, right?

Another great addition on the craft side of the Market were these good smelling, locally made soaps by Pepo Park. I was given a sample to take home and it has made a new customer out of me. The lather and scent was just up my alley.


What opening day of the market would be complete without Randy Corman, member of the Renton City Council and our favorite men in blue, Jim Gould (center) and Dave Adam (right)? Our town is not so big as to prevent the Market from being a place to catch up with friends and meet people from City Hall. Gotta love it.

Renton Farmers Market
The Piazza/ South Third St. and Burnett
Tuesdays, 3pm - 7pm

The Weekend Memories

Memorial Day Weekend in Renton - a couple of days strung together with a holiday and you get time to recreate and remember. Some, like our furry downtown friend Lucky, carries his spirit of the season with a red, white and blue collar. Go Lucky!

Others, like Bob Davis, hold a BBQ for friends and sundry, inviting them to come and swing some red and blue nunchucks to show their mad martial art skills. Bob assures me that girls like men with skills. Dina, Bob's wife, was unavailable for comment.

Many of us went to remember family members and friends who had served in the armed forces over the years for our country. Veterans of all wars were honored this day with flags, poppies, and the red, white and blue.

Mt. Olivet Cemetary, Renton's Pioneer Cemetery, is a beautiful and quiet place to visit and be reminded of the import of the holiday.

June 1st - can you believe it? I don't know about you, but I can't believe that summer has already begun.....
Hope you had a great weekend to inaugurate the season.