Cyndie Smith Designs

2012 FEST January Giveaway!

2012-01-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year with a Special Treat from The WoodenBee for our January FEST Blog Giveaway. Bee started it all with a love for the environment and partnered with Busby Cabinets recycling pieces of wood and other materials to make her wonderful art and product lines.

We are delighted to offer, as this month's Giveaway, the beautifully fashioned Wall Hanger seen above. It's made from reclaimed cherry wood with a merlot brown stain and would be perfect for organizing keys, necklaces, belts, pet leashes, aprons and much, much more

Each item is one of a kind and requires "following the wood" to unlock the beauty within and create masterfully finished products, giving reclaimed materials new life. You will find Wall Art, Bulletin Boards, DYI Wine Cork Kits, Mirrors with Hangers and a myriad of interesting finds in Bee's Etsy Shop.

You can visit Bee at her Etsy Store to see more of her unique and original wares at The WoodenBee . Find the perfect item for your home and save the environment too.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win this versatile Wall Hanger by visiting The WoodenBee or any of the FEST member shops listed on the top of our Blog Page. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address or contact info so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 02/05/12. Simple and Easy!

December is Almost Over!

2011-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well, this month has been one hustle! Very little studio time, unfortunately, so I have nothing new to show you, though there are several new style rings in the works.

What I have done is reconnect with friends from all over...party....eat....drink....eat....did I mention eat???

First up was the opening of the Altered Minds Christmas Shoppe at the Progress Energy Gallery. We do this every year, and it's always a great time. Most of the Altered Minds gals offer up items that they've been working on all year. It's a glorious collection of arts and crafts. We started earlier this month - just after Thanksgiving to allow the good folks of New Port Richey enough time to do their Christmas shopping. And of course we started with a party!

Some of the gang!

Great kids gifts!

Ila demonstration her spinning wheel technique!

Dolls by Diane

And lots of food! (Thanks Audrey!)

I inventoried and packed up the last of what was left yesterday. Kinda sad, but Christmas comes again next year, and I'm sure we'll all be there. It's something we look forward to every year.

Next on the agenda was the Altered Minds Christmas party. This year the party was hosted by Jill Marcus, at her wonderful home on the river. Everyone brought food to pass....did I mention we ate?....and a great time was had by all.

Ellen, Audrey and Betty

Our wonderfull hostess, Jill

Um, did I mention the food?

It was a wonderful luncheon, in a gorgeous setting on the water....great friends, beautiful weather.

Thanks Jill!

I think this is long enough, so I'll continue with the month's activities in the next post. Wishing you all a Happy Holiday!

Toodles,

FEST Holiday Blog Give Away!

2011-12-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to feature as our Happy Holidays Giveaway three colorful and fun polymer clay sculptures from Kathy of SmallThingsClay. Kathy creates fanciful clay sculptures of frogs, toads, lizards, crabs and all things whimsical from the sea and sand. She utilizes glass beads, colored wires, found shells and other items to produce unique and happy figures sure to bring a smile.

Kathy is providing a set of three of her wall hanging Nubibranches from her Epicenter Gene Pool Series as our December Giveaway, two of which are pictured. Each one of a kind Gene Pool is created with polymer clay, fired to specifications, painted in the best acrylics and sealed for UV protection. A swipe of a soft damp rag is all you need on cleaning day. They are durable enough to gift to a child and also perfect for adults

As a sponsor of the Florida Parrot Rescue, Kathy donates $5 to the FPR for every item she sells and helps in the effort to rescue, rehab and rehome Companion Birds throughout the State of Florida. Below is another of her creative figurines.

You can visit Kathy at her Etsy Store to see more of her clever creations at SmallThingsClay. HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win the Nubibranch Set by visiting SmallThingsClay or any of the FEST members listed on the top of our Blog Page. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address or contact info so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 01/10/12. Simple and Easy!

November Giveaway!

2011-11-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

It's Giveaway Time Again!!!
We are so delighted to have our November FEST Giveaway sponsored by Cory of Aquarian Bath from Daytona Beach. Cory is a herbalist who makes wonderful and delicious natural soaps, specialty salves and natural perfumes and grows her own herbs for her organic products.

Cory is getting us ready for the Holidays with her wonderful Christmas Gingerbread Man Soap on a Rope Ornament of Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove and Essential Oils.

Her veggie soaps are hand cut and strung with natural hemp. Gingerbread men soaps are a great gift for co-workers, family or friends. Cold-process soap and Orangutan friendly; no palm oils are included.

All of Cory's items, such as those pictured below, are made from scratch and formulated by her and are either unscented or lightly scented with pure essential oils

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win this darling Gingerbread Man by visiting AquarianBath at her Etsy Shop or any of the FEST members listed on the top of our Blog Page. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address or contact info so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 12/10/11. Simple and Easy!

Toodles,

Forms and Shapes to Inspire you!

2011-08-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

I talk a lot about what gives me inspiration so I thought I'd share some photos of shapes that just might inspire you. My inspirations so often come from the things I see around me - architecture, sculptures, nature- and I'm wondering where all of you get yours.

Do you carry a camera around with you (or cell phone with a camera) everywhere you go? I do! Nothing is safe nor sacred! My family has threatened me with bodily harm if I dare share some I've taken of them....so I'll stay on a safe subject here! Forms and shapes!

Here's what I'd like to see.....no matter what type of art you create, take a look at these pictures to see if any inspire you. Then create a little something and send a pic to me. I'll post it here. In fact, I'd love to interview you about your piece and what inspired it for this blog. I'll be nice, I promise. But I'm challenging you to stretch a little and use one of these pics! Fair 'nuff?

OK, here goes!

No, these are not bowling balls!

This is the inside of a very old Steinway Piano I saw at the BMW museum in Munich!

A tree in Romania

Ornate Gate from Eastern Europe somewhere! I can't remember! (memory is the first to go!)

This is a sign above a store!

Ok, so there you go! Show me what you can do!

Toodles,

August HOT Fest BLOG GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-08-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Our FEST Blog Giveaway for August is a sensational Lily Inspired Dragonfly Hug Ring by MadScientistsDesigns . Mad uses beautiful antique copper to fashion her whimsical jewelry masterpieces. Her creative and lifelike representations are fanciful and exotic and this wonderful Dragonfly Ring is no exception. It conforms to your finger, is adjustable and comfortable with wings that hug your finger and a tail with a fanciful curl.

Mad loves designing jewelry to match steam punk and goth fashion and also is committed to rescuing cats and giving them a good home. She initially started selling on Etsy to help pay for their food and care and this charitable endeavor has blossomed into her wonderful Etsy Shop with so many fabulous offerings such as the Vacuum Tube Necklace pictured below.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win by visiting Mad at MadScientistDesigns or any of the FEST Team members in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 09/05/11. Simple and Easy! Open to EVERYONE!

July Sizzling Summer FEST GIVEAWAY

2011-07-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Summer is sizzling and so is our FEST Blog Giveaway for July from GardenWhimsiesByMary . Mary has combined her love of gardening with decorating and producing gorgeous unexpected treasures to add whimsy to your garden. Her pieces are one of a kind garden art and so colorful and fun as seen in this month’s Giveaway - a Sapphire Blue Petite Plate Flower.

Mary stacks plates for “flower” garden stakes and fits them with a holder on the back so they can be set on a copper pipe and placed anywhere. Her amazing talent for combing colors and textures is evident in all of her works of art. An added benefit is her love for bringing new life to objects that might otherwise find themselves in a landfill. Treat your garden to a touch of Whimsy!

HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Team FEST blog and Enter to win by visiting Mary at GardenWhimsiesByMary or any of the FEST Team members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 08/07/11. Simple and Easy!

The giveaway is open to everyone!!

What Inspires You ?

2011-06-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm always curious about what inspires artists. There's plenty of inspiration around, if you just know where to look! I take my inspirations from nature first, and my surroundings second, and sometimes - in fact, often - from other artists. I don't copy, mind you, just interpret things in my own, warped way.

This year I was blessed with a fantastic Eastern European river cruise down the Danube. So much inspiration, my camera was hot,hot, hot, just trying to keep up. The architecture was magnificent, but oddly, I found my greatest interest in all the graffiti I saw. Some of the towns were war torn and depressing on first sight, but the graffiti was a welcomed splash of color in a mostly gray area.

My latest designs, soon to be featured in my Etsy Store, relect what I saw - or at least my own interpretation of it.

Take a look!

I'd love to hear from you about where you get your inspirations for what you create!

Toodles,

FEST Giveaway!

2011-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's Giveaway time again!

Our lucky June Winner will have an opportunity to select one item from either of Carrie's Shops - HappyLittleMonkey or MonkeySeeMonkeyDo. Carrie is a Florida native now living in Tallahassee. She creates wonderful products for kids with practicality, utility and parents in mind.

HappyLittleMonkey specializes in great baby gifts and you can choose a Premium Swaddling Blanket and Burp Cloth Set from this Shop similar to this lovely blue, aqua and white blanket combo as your Giveaway.

MonkeySeeMonkeyDo features items for bigger kids, from age 1 to around kindergarten and growing. Or select as your Giveaway, an Appliqued Shirt from this Shop. Here's an example of Carrie's special designs.

Carrie spends hours searching for just the perfect materials and fabrics for her fabulous creations and, in addition to the Giveaway, if Team FEST members purchase a Swaddling Blanket Set by July 4th, Carrie will monogram the blanket or burp cloth FREE when FEST members use the code GOTEAMFEST in the comments.

HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win by visiting Carrie at either or both of her Shops HappyLittleMonkey or MonkeySeeMonkeyDo or any of the FEST Team members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 07/04/11. Simple and Easy!

About the Artist:

Carrie is a stay-at-home mommy of two little ones and loves the opportunity to create great things! Her product inspiration comes from her kids, and then she create things that Moms will love too.

Carrie learned how to sew as a little girl, along-side her mother who gave Carrie her very own machine at a very young age!

Teach Them While They're Young!

2011-06-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been an exciting week around the Smith household! A visit with my son and granddaughter always has me hopping! Now I know why we have kids when we're young! We "old folks" just don't have the energy level that is required with an "almost" four year old!

The wonderful thing about all that energy is that they have such inquiring minds! It's the best time to teach them! And of course, I did my best to introduce art....coloring books, stickers, and....Studio time!

During their stay, I had a couple of custom orders to finish up. My little angel, Amaya, was full of curiosity about the room that was "off limits", so I set up a little table, far from the tools and other "dangerous, don't touch" stuff, and gave her some rings with prongs I had made and a box of lampwork beads. She was so excited to be creating and her hand/eye coordination was right on! She sat there, talking a mile a minute about her creations as she fitted bead after bead onto the ring prongs. I was facinated and thrilled! How better to fuel her curiosity about what Nana makes, and start her off in the art world.

She asked about colors and wanted to know how the beads were made. I almost Skyped my friend, Patty Lakinsmith, the maker of all those wonderful beads Amaya was using, to explain the process, but didn't want to bother her and wasn't sure Amaya would really understand anyway. However, I need to mention that her favorite beads were the lil meanies that Patty makes. She thought the teeth and tongue sticking out were funny, and understood they were glass and would break if dropped on my concrete studio floor.

I read a lot of artist bios and one thing always strikes me as infinitely important. Many learned their trade or developed their interest at a very young age, at a grandparent's knee or another adult mentor who was wise enough to develop a young person's curiosity about the art. As an artist, not just a grandmother, I feel an obligation to carry that forward at every opportunity. Art needs to be cultivated and nurtured at all ages and when better than when they're young and full of questions and open to new things???

Tah Dah! The finished product! (And look at her smile!)

Ok, then...time to get back to the studio, though it'll be a little lonely now!

Toodles,

Art - My Way!

2011-05-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

I really should be in the studio working but I'm so excited about my new "arrival" that I had to get it down and share it with you! This is what I call art - my way!

Over the last couple of years, I've been slowly transforming my house into a showcase for some fantastic art....not mine, but fabulous artists I've found. One of my great finds has been the unique art of Keri Colestock, a friend I met on Etsy. Over the last couple of years, we've traded or bought designs from each other. I could fill my whole house with them! Below is my latest!

This is Beatrice, something new from Keri and her husband Ric, aptly named KerRicTures. She arrived today and I was so excited, I tore into the box with gusto! She's beautiful and I love her - my new member of the family.

Beatrice

Isn't she Cute??????

Keri has started a new line with found objects that I think are amazing. I marvel at her imagination and creativeness. I've shared some of her new designs below. Check out her shop, you'll discover something you love, for sure!

I own this one too!!!!

Thank you Keri, I love ya!

Toodles,

Team Fest Giveaway!!!

2011-05-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

The FEST Team proudly presents our May Daze BLOG GIVEAWAY selection from Laura of Tierrasolpaz. Laura is an accomplished artist who enjoys creating mixed media art, jewelry, photography, zines, stationary, decoupage pieces, paper crafts - anything that materials may inspire her with. Laura uses recycled materials, or follows an upcycle philosophy whenever possible helping to keep the final cost of her creations affordable to the buyer. She is proud to be part of the etsy community of independent designers, creators, artists, and crafters alike.

Her giveaway is a stunningly beautiful and glorious sunset over water with mountains in the background of Lake Mead in Las Vegas, Nevada. The photograph will be delivered as an 8 x 10 glossy professionally printed picture.

HOW TO ENTER: Visit the team blog post May Daze BLOG GIVEAWAY to enter to win the lovely and colorful photograph by visiting Laura at Tierrasolpaz or any of the FEST Team Members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to leave your email or contact info so we can reach you if you're the lucky winner. The winner will be picked on June 4rd. Simple and Easy!

Join in the fun!
Toodles!

Nuno Fun!

2011-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, in the continuing saga of trying to expand my mind (the rest of me seems to expand all by itself!), I signed up for a Nuno felting class. In other posts on this blog I've featured one or two of the Nuno Felt Artists I found on Etsy who have attracted me to their shops with mouth watering designs. I love their work and have often wondered just how it was done. Well now I know!

The studio for my class was in a gorgeous house in the "country" (we don't have much country around here, so that in itself is unique), decorated with refurbished, recycled and repurposed artsy furnishings. I've never seen such an imaginitive collection, mostly done by my instructor. Things like an old hutch decorated with mosiac tiles, large glass grapes in various colors hanging around the windows, many works of art throughout the house, and so much more...I knew I was going to have a great time learning from this uber creative person.

Along with the great lesson, Pat Riesenburger, my instructor, served up some yummy homemade banana bread - jeesh, is there anything she can't do? And when we got ready to leave, she presented us with a small carton of fresh eggs, from her own chickens!

I'm not going into detail about the lesson, but I will direct you to her You Tube video, which shows you what she taught us. And below - Ta Dah !!! My gorgeous scarf!!!

I'm so proud of it, I'm actually going to make a couple more for gifts!

Toodles,

Mixed Metal - A Way Around the Price of Silver!

2011-03-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

Yikes! The price of silver has hit the roof! As of today, Rio reported it as 34.72 a troy ounce. That's actually down from around $36 reported last week, but it's still a shock! When I first started working with metal, I used mostly sterling silver. At that time, about 7 years ago, it was barely $9 a troy ounce.

I admit, I was rather cavalier about my silver back then....rarely worried about my scraps, never collected my sweeps, and recycling old pieces didn't occur to me. Now, you will often find me on my hands and knees scouring my studio floor for that tiny piece of silver I dropped while sawing or forming. And every piece of scrap goes in a container for reuse or to send in for refining. Now I'm looking at old pieces, or things in my "time out" box, for silver I can reuse in some form.

Another thing I've noticed is that I'm not the only one to incorporate alternative metals into my designs.
It's a good way to make an interesting piece of metal art, using less silver, and adding other metals like brass and copper. I've been seeing more steel and aluminum being used as well. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm sure I'll get to that soon.

I scoured Etsy for some unique designs by some of the talented metalsmiths, and thought I'd share them with you. Mixed metal pieces are becoming more popular, and these folks have created some unique and beautiful designs.

This cuff by LittleGreenRoom, shows how combining silver and copper can add an attractive embellishment to leather.

I really love this bangle by BobsBrass ! It's simple yet totally unique, combining several metals.

A cool pendant by lpjewelry! It's a very clean design, using rivets and stamping. The combination is very attractive.

And of course, I personally love combining brass and copper in my designs. It's a good way to way to make a large piece and minimize the cost of all that silver that I would normally use. It makes the designs more affordable for my customers in this current economy.

So there you have it! I'm seriously thinking of trying steel and aluminum next and will let you know how that experience goes.

Toodles,

New Stuff, Recycle, Upcycle!

2011-03-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm getting ready for my trip to Eastern Europe, and I'm getting really excited! We'll start off in Budapest and cruise down the Danube as far as Bucharest. Then we'll fly to Germany to meet some friends, and spend some time in Munich before heading home. Should be great fun, and I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get back!

Meanwhile, I have been trying to add new things to my routine and have made some changes in my life.
I've been spending less time on line, more time in the studio and getting out of the house more! Spending less time on line has good and bad results.....not as much marketing, which reflects on the store, but a whole lot more time in the studio! But, yes Virginia, there is life beyond the internet!!!

I was rummaging through my studio in an effort to find some inspiration, and determined to recycle or upcycle some of my stash, and I found a box of Turquoise cabs and stones I'd forgotten about! Since I love Turquoise, and so many people do too, I'm making some new designs using my little treasures. Some of these stones are really big, so I'm trying to think of ways to use them. Meanwhile I'm tearing up old pieces from my "time out" box and recycling the metal. Have you seen the cost of silver these days????? Yikes. Definitely time to recycle and upcycle.

Here's a couple of pieces I've just finished:

I also completed another neckpiece and a big ring in turquoise and silver, but haven't had time to photograph them yet.

On another note - I found a team on Etsy for Florida! This is a wonderful discovery for me, because I have always wanted to get to know more artists from here and possibly even have a get together at a show or something. FEST is the Florida Etsy Street Team, and from what I can see, members are from all over Florida. Yay!

Well, back to the studio -
Toodles,

Learning is So Much Fun!

2011-02-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Well, as I said at the beginning of the year.....I'm determined to learn a lot of new things this year. And I'm doing it!!!

This week I started lampwork bead lessons with Joyce Horn of Joyous Creations. It took me quite a while to find someone who gave lessons at a location near me, and I was fortunate enough to meet Joyce on a social/art site called Artists in Wonderland. She lives about 40 minutes away, definitely doable and is quite a find!

So Monday I plugged her address into my trusty GPS and off I went! Brooksville, where Joyce lives is a little out in the country, and the setting is woodsy and peaceful. Her house is lovingly decorated with all kinds of art, and it's fun just looking around. Her husband built her studio away from the house, and she has a cozy set up with lots of work stations, a kitchen (yay for coffee- always on!) and a large table and chair set up for discussion, lunch and other things we girls do when together. (talk, talk, talk...)

I was a little intimidated by the sight of all the tools, torches, glass rods, etc. but determined to learn as much as I could. After demonstrating basic techniques she let me get at the torch. I've always been facinated by the physical properties of all things when heat is applied, one of the reasons I took up metalsmithing in the first place, so it was a wonder to watch glass melt! Layering and watching what happens to the colors was so cool. I was chomping at the bit to see how my beads turned out...but of course they needed to be annealed in the kiln..so I didn't get to see them that day.

On Wednesday I went back....and Joyce had taken my beads out of the kiln for me to see! Joila! Beads!
Well....sort of. Since it was my first actual experience, with the exception of a short time at the torch during the torch time at the Gathering in July, making perfectly shaped beads was not something I could easily do. But for a newbie, I guess they didn't turn out too bad. And it's certainly nothing that practice, practice and more practice can't fix!

Here are some pictures we took. I'm certainly not finished with the lessons....I'm ready my book - Passing the Flame, by Corina Tettinger - and I'll go back to Joyce next week. She's such a warm, bubbly person, I'd look forward to seeing her, even without the lessons!

Joyce, smiling as usual!

I'm really concentrating here!

The final product!

Aw...ok...not great, but I'm proud of them!

I really look forward to next week!

That's it for now,

Toodles,

Working with Brass

2011-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well, one of my new year resolutions was to actually read some of the wonderful art books I've been collecting all these years! I started out with Practical Joining, by Tim McCreight. And lo and behold! I learned the solution to a problem I've had for a long time when working with brass.

If you work with brass then you've probably had the problem of winding up with a coppery color after soldering and pickeling. Now I have to tell you that I've spent hours trying to get rid of this annoying characteristic of brass, and never really new why I was having this problem. But I sanded and sanded until I could sand no more! Been there? Done that?

Well, in Tim's book (pardon the familiarity, Tim, but I feel like I know you so well) he identified the problem as the use of Sparex in my pickle. Most of us use it for our silver, and I never gave much thought to how it affected brass. In his book, he provided a formula using Hydrogen Peroxide that removes the pinkish color. Geez - it really pays to actually read these books!!!!

Anyway, make the pickle with Sparex, using hydrogen peroxide instead of water - about 1 tablespoon of Sparex to a cup of peroxide. Warm the piece and dip it into the solution. The rosey color will dissolve in 10 -20 minutes. He does warn, however, that if you leave the piece in the solution more than that, it will become etched and turn black. The black can be removed, the etching can't. Thankfully, I have a trusty old egg timer, and I did watch the piece carefully, so I didn't have this particular experience.

This really does work, and I have learned how to save myself precious hours of sanding by using this solution. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

Notice the pink around it? I finally oxidized it with a brass oxidizer to bring out the detail and cover some of the pink. I like the affect, but now I don't have to do that anymore!

That's all for now,
Toodles,

New Year, New Adventures!

2011-02-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I know it's February, but happy New Year everyone! We had our usual New Years Eve party and a good time was had by all!

Now that we're well into the start of new year, it's time for reflection - again. I've made a few significant changes in my life, after much consideration, both personal and professional. Most of them have to do with reducing the stress that I seemed to be living with for the past year.

From a professional perspective, this is a wonderful thing. I'm spending less time on the computer and more time in the studio - withdrawal ain't easy! And I'm getting ready to take my art in a new direction.
Though I will continue to make designs for my shop on Etsy, I'm going to be taking some classes and learning new things.

This coming week, I'm going to start lampwork beadmaking class. This is actually something I've wanted to do for quite a while, but just never could find the time. Before another year passes by - and each year seems to go by faster than the year before - I am determined to learn this new skill. I'm also going to learn enameling - finally. Those of you who know me well, know that I've always wanted to do a suite of designs as an ode to Kandinsky. His use of geometric forms and brilliant colors has always attracted and inspired me. I'm hoping that with the use of lampwork and enameling, I will be able to add the colors I see as part of my designs. I will probably make some pieces wearable, but I'm actually leaning toward larger pieces, more sculpture like. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, I did make some designs that are now in my store. Take a look and let me know what you think.

That's all for now!

Toodles,

A New Take on Felt!

2010-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am in Pennsylvania visiting my son...and freezing my buns off! Very cold for this Florida gal!

Cold weather makes me think of warm things, and since the winter promises to be long and frigid, I thought I'd share a few found items on Etsy that I truly love and would own in a hearbeat, all things (like my wallet!) being equal. Today it's felt. A long time ago, someone gave me a couple of bars of felted soap. Never having seen that before, I was never sure what to do with it.

Before that, I'd never really thought much about felt, except that I could put it on the bottom of things that I didn't want to scratch tabletops. When my partner, Patty Lakinsmith, and I were designing the last piece for the ISGB Convergence exhibit, she suggested lining the back of the piece with felt, which she was willing to make herself. After ordering the materials and instructions on Etsy, I think she thought it was quite a bit of work for such a small piece. It turned out beautifully, and I think we both gained respect for the felt artist.

So while I'm looking for warm things, here's some felted designs I've fallen in love with!

Of course here's some of the felted soap...I confess I am now actually using the one I was gifted and am enjoying the benefits of having my own built in "scrubby"!

These are by SoFino

Here are some gorgeous fashion items....I'd really love to own! Santa are you listening????

Cutie Olive earrings by 3Fun

Gorgeous felted scarf by Rudman

I could go on, but you get the idea! I now have a tremendous amount of respect for felt artists, and I've added learning how to do this on my long "bucket list"!

That's all for now....
Toodles,

Girls' Cruise!

2010-11-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

87 girls on a cruise ship!

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Well I finally did it! My friend, Marie, has been asking me to go on one of her girls cruises for a couple of years. This year, along with my YaYa sisters, Audrey and Judy, I finally went.

These gals have been doing this for 13 years! And it was such fun, it's no wonder they keep doing it year after year. On this trip there were 87 of us, all organized by Heidi, friend and travel agent, and she didn't miss a thing.

First of all, we all wore hot pink Tshirts so we could identify one another. Everywhere you looked - hot pink! Hot pink Tshirts, boas, beads, hats....you name it.

The famous YaYa sisters!

A sea of pink shirts!

Audrey, Judy and I shared a deluxe cabin. This is my only complaint...it was the smallest cabin I've ever seen. When we entered, we all had one thought....how in the heck would three grown women survive 5 days in such a small space???? It's a good thing we've known each other for years, and have shared living space before. Frankly, there was absolutely no problem! Partly because we were hardly ever in the cabin...and partly because none of us are slobs!

The cabin had a couch that opened into a bed, and a double bed, and...get this...a murphy type bunk bed that dropped from the wall over the double bed.
I picked that one....and it was like having my own private space! I loved it!

Ggggggood nite, folks!

Always laughing!

We even had a guest one night!

I think the most fun I had was when Audrey and I would trip into the cabin around 2 or 2:30 a.m ..(after playing in the casino and seeing shows) trying to be quiet and not wake up Judy. Every single time, she'd get up and the three of us would sit out on the balcony, overlooking the gorgeous ocean, with our drinks, and laugh until the really wee hours! Then room service would arrive with our morning coffee at 7:30 a.m. !!!! Yikes! We sure didn't get much sleep, did we girls?

I celebrated my birthday while on the cruise, and every day Heidi and Marie would put something on the door for me...kind of a countdown! It was really cute....and a fun way to celebrate!

I don't know that I've ever laughed as hard and as long as I did these 5 days! My sides actually ached at the end of the trip.

Now it's back to real life....but it was sure fun while it lasted!

Toodles,

Fun at the ISGB conference!

2010-08-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally have some time to catch up here! I've been pretty busy since returning from the ISGB conference in Rochester, NY. But I really do want to share some of the fun I had while there.

First of all, Rochester was a wonderful city. Patty and I got to see some of the cute shops and bistros in the SUNY section of town. Lively and lots to offer. But the real attraction, for me, was meeting all the wonderful glass beaders and seeing their fantastic work. Such extraordinary talent! It's hard not to be around all of them and not catch the bug! And I did get to try my hand at making a bead or two at the open torch sessions in the evening, thanks to Marcy Lamberson from Atlanta, and my partner in crime, Patty.

You can tell I'm concentrating very hard! It's not as easy as it looks, I soon discovered! Not that I want to switch from metal to glass, but I do want to learn more about it and will actually be taking lessons this month.

Another highlight was taking the gallery tour and getting to see our piece that we made for the Convergence exhibit. The piece is actually touring with the exhibit for about a year before we'll catch up with it again, so this was a treat.

Of course, yours truly has her eyes closed! But that's our piece on display in the background. And, in case you don't already know, that's my partner, Patty, with me.
Here's a close up of the piece -

The Bone Goddess

I'll add some more of the highlights in another post! It was such an enjoyable experience - my first time at the ISGB - and I took tons of pictures I want to show off!

Toodles,

Musings

2010-07-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm in the final throws of preparing for the Gathering in New York at the end of this month. I'm never sure if I'll have enough pieces for the booth I'm sharing with Patty Lakinsmith, my partner in crime, but I just keep plugging away and hope for the best.

In my efforts to make my life a little easier, I ordered some tools from various supply companies that I had hoped would help speed up the process. Now I'm going to whine a little here, so bear with me. I was so excited to get my new tools and hounded the UPS tracking site until they arrived. There's no greater feeling than opening up boxes that have been delivered! Here's the problem: NO INSTRUCTIONS!!! Now in most cases, the tools are pretty basic and no instructions are needed. But this time I ordered the Swanstrom link forming pliers, complete with jigs and pegs that I saw in a trade magazine. (they were highly recommended) There are so many parts and no instructions on how to assemble the tool for it's various uses.

Why on earth would a manufacturer not include instructions.....even pictures...or something???? I contacted Rio Grande and asked them to send me a tutorial or instructions and they said they'd get back to me. That was a couple of weeks ago, and still nothing. I find all this very frustrating. The tool was not cheap and it's just going to sit on my bench until I have the time and patience to try to figure it out.

I confess, I'm a tool junkie and have collected, over the years, quite an array of assorted dodads. Some I find very helpful and time saving.....like my guillotine cutter.....nothing better than quick clean cuts on sheet metal, and my jumpring maker....I can make dozens of well formed, well cut, jump rings in just minutes.
But some, which were fun to use at the start, become more troublesome than need be, and I wind up back at the bench using old fashion hammers, pliers and files, and the new thingamajig just sits there. But I would like to at least try the new tool before making a decision about it and with the new tools I just got, I won't even have that opportunity for a while. FRUSTRATING!!!!

On another, brighter note, I had the opportunity to teach a basic metalsmithing class to my gals in my Altered Minds group. I put together kits so they could make basic earrings using metal squares and beads of their choosing. They learned to texture, file and sand, and patina their pieces, punch holes and add beads and earwires. They learned to bend wire to form loops to attach everything and then they were turned loose to create. I have to add that this group is very creative as a whole....they are painters, quilters, papermakers, photographers, beaders, doll makers, artists of varying degrees, etc. and I learn from them every month. This month was my turn to tutor them. I was amazed at the beautiful earrings they created! Here's some pictures of the group at work and some of the results.

That's all for now.
Toodles,

Featured Artist- X2 !!!

2010-05-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a busy month! The stars must have really been in alignment because one of my designs (lil meanie earrings) was featured on two different sites! What a thrill it was to get those emails that start out "you've been featured"!!
The first was at Crafthaus, an on line site for professional artists, designers and craftspeople. This site has some unbelievably talent folks on it, so this was such an honor for me.

The second was Art Jewelry Magazine on line. (see logo on the right) Again, with all the artists submitting their designs, this was quite a surprise and a thrill for me.

This exposure has kept the email and requests coming in, way beyond my expectations! It sure is keeping me busy!

Lil Meanies

This design was inspired by the original piece, Mean Green Mother Earth, that was a collaboration between myself and Patty Lakinsmith, made for the Convergence I last year. We've both had a lot of fun creating designs that we call the "spawn" of Mean Green Mother Earth.

The original - Mean Green Mother Earth

Patty's Meanie Bracelet

Patty's Ring

My necklace

Just a few of the "spawned designs"

Well that's all the news for now.

Toodles,

Gallery Opening

2010-05-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it was short and sweet! My recent gallery opening happened on Friday, and, though the foot traffic wasn't tremendous...sales were great! And it was wonderful to see old friends and customers who attended and supported me! Thanks to all of you!

Here's a few of the highlights!

The photo is of the "Bone Goddess", a collaboration with Patty Lakinsmith

that was recently selected for Convergence II.

Tree of Life

This piece was dedicated to Hospice. When my mother was there, I passed by a huge

wall sculpture of the Tree of Life every day on the way to her room. There is no way to express my

gratitude to them and that sculpture left quite an impression on me.

Ring featuring one of Patty Lakinsmith's fabulous beads! This was quite a hit!

And of course, a good time was had by all!

Now that the weekend is over, I must admit that I am glad I did it but am also glad that I have no deadlines or schedules to adhere to for a while. Time to get to all the other stuff - laundry, house cleaning, etc. - that got neglected while I was preparing. I also have dreams of trying some new stuff, like PMC and enameling.

We'll see...stay tuned!

Toodles!

I've been featured!!!!

2010-03-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! One of my rings has been featured on Art Jewelry Magaizine's on line Friday picks! What a cool honor!

It was such a surprise to open up my email and find that message! Made my day!!!!!

Beads of Courage

2010-03-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

A little more about my time in Tucson........

Patty Lakinsmith and I were invited to a gathering held by the "Beads of Courage" organization. Until that time, I had not even heard of it. What this group does just blows my mind!

The organization was started by Jean Baruch as part of her work for her Phd. in Nursing at the University of Arizona, School of Nursing, and they work to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illness through their art-in-medicine program. Bead artists from all over the world make and donate beads to this cause and each type of bead signifies a treatment or milestone in the child's illness. The organization trains and works with staff in over 60 hospitals across the US, New Zealand, and Japan.

I'm a former nurse and I think of myself as fairly stoic when it comes to dealing with illness. (Unless, of course, it's my family) but I have to tell you, just hearing and reading about this program choked me up. Hard to imagine a child suffering through cancer, burn injuries, cardiac conditions and other serious illnesses,
so to allow a healthcare worker to help that child through an alternative program such as this is really touching. I'm disappointed I don't make beads!

Here's how it works: each child is first given a length of string and beads that spell out their first name. Then, colorful beads, each representing a different treatment milestone, are given to the child by their professional health care provider to add to their Beads of Courage collection throughout their treatment as determined by the Beads of Courage Bead Guide. Blue for Spinal injection, Red for surgery, striped for hair loss, and so on...

I saw a video of a girl with Lukemia who had a collection of beads that numbered over 100. Breaks my heart. The program extends to siblings and parents as well.

Patty with Jean Baruch, founder

For a small donation, we each got to make our name

out of beads.

There's really so much more to this program...I'd rather you read about it yourself by clicking on this link. You won't be sorry! http://www.beadsofcourage.org/

Toodles

My First Outdoor Show!

2010-02-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I really did it! One of my goals for this year was to (finally) get started doing outdoor shows and my first one was at Tucson in February. Boy, did I learn a lot about what to do and what NOT to do! The lesson was well worth the price of admission!

Rather than tell you all about the show, I'll just direct you to my partner in crime, Patty Lakinsmith's blog, where she shares most of the details. She's a far better writer than I so you can read all about the fun stuff we did on her blog.

So here are a few things I learned:

You have to take a lot of stuff!!!!

(ok, I told her I would get this picture on the net!!!)

It's a lot of work!

(Don't forget the lights! That's Patty setting them up!)

Be prepared for bad weather!

(oh ick! This needs no explaination!)

Organize your shop well!

(tah dah! My first booth! It was fun to share one with Patty)

Take the opportunity to make contacts!

(Another artist, Miriam, who had a booth across from us)

Keep good records!

Remember to have fun!

(Taken at the after hours Karaoke party!)

And be prepared to be dog tired!

(That's Patty's dog, Bodie)

I'm not being very serious here, but I have to tell you, this was the most fun I've had in a long time. I was able to meet Patty for the first time- after a couple of years of partnering via the internet. She was everything I expected based on what I already knew about her, and a lot more. This is a friendship I will treasure forever.

She made my first outdoor show an adventure and I really did learn a lot. If you want to try a show for the first time, I highly recommend sharing a booth with someone who has experience doing it. I learned about tents, displays, signage, what to bring, and a whole lot more. And no blood was shed!

Toodles,

Handmade Sale This Weekend

2009-09-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I've been away for a while...but I'm back now and rarin' to go! It's been a very stressful couple of months, with my mother's death and settling the estate, packing up her house, etc. But I'm finally seeing the light at the end of a loooong tunnel. So it's back to work! Just before all this happened, I joined a fabulous team on Etsy called Team Treasury, otherwise known as "Teamt". We make treasuries as often as we can catch them, and must feature at least 6 other members. This group is so active, they've been on the front page many times! More about that later. This weekend, as part of the Etsy Weekend Deals, we're doing a giant sale starting Thursday at midnight, through Sunday. Please check out some or all of these shops! They are a talented group and have many items to offer. In my own shop, I'll be offering 15% off all items! If you're thinking Christmas already (Yikes, it's getting close, isn't it?) then stop in and take a gander at loads of options for family and friends. And isn't it time to buy something for yourself? You deserve it! Here's a list of the teamt members:

Team Treasury Weekend Deals, September 25-27:

http://www.sarahjohnafana.etsy.com/

10% off all framed and unframed prints and photographs,

and 10% off all notecards

http://www.schemata.etsy.com/

10% off entire shop

http://www.ixela.etsy.com/

10% off all jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets,

brooches, earrings)

http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.etsy.com/

15% off entire shop

http://www.brownbagvintage.com/

15% off first item, 20% off two items, 25% off three

or more

http://www.linenme.etsy.com/

20% from all scarves in my shop

http://pipinghotpapers.etsy.com/

10% my entire shop (excluding shipping)

http://www.fiveforty.etsy.com/

10% off everything in my shop

(excluding shipping)

http://lachiffonniere.etsy.com/

15% off entire shop

http://annymay.etsy.com/

10% from all armwarmers in my shop

http://www.bovinebubbles.etsy.com/

15% off (excluding shipping)

http://www.nancywallisdesigns.etsy.com/

10% off everything in my shop (excluding shipping)

http://www.smallearthvintage.etsy.com/

10% off entire shop (excluding shipping)

http://www.edenswake.etsy.com/

Take 10% off purchase of one item,

or 15% off purchase of two or more items

(excluding shipping)

http://glassetc.etsy.com/

10% off any of my plant stakes

(excluding shipping).

Many other items already discounted.

http://www.handamade.etsy.com/

10% off for Apple jacket, coffee cup sleeves,

tote bag, Doll. (excluding shipping)

http://www.jensancandles.etsy.com/

My deal is 15% off all items in the store.

http://ww.vintageaimee.etsy.com/

10% off entire store.

http://www.trendyknitting.etsy.com/

15% OFF entire shop

http://www.juicygraphics.etsy.com/

20% off everything in the store –

prices reflect discount

http://www.catherinereece.etsy.com/

10% off everything in store

http://www.mandag.etsy.com/

10% off from all the items in the shop

(excluding shipping) – prices reflect discount

Gettin' Busy!

2009-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

OK, I know...no excuses! I'm just not as good as I'd like to be about keeping up with this blog. However, I've revamped some things in my life....always subject to change, it seems...and it looks like it may be working towards my goal of having more time for creative thinking and writing.

I struggled with being snowed under with custom orders for so long that I almost forgot what it was like to sit down with a pad of paper and pencils and actually design something new! I have decided that I don't really like operating under deadlines - too much pressure, too much repetition, and way too much complaining! (By me!) So I'm really cutting down on my custom orders, and if I do take one, I'm allowing myself a time span to finish it that I can live with.

The exciting thing for me right now is making pieces for the "Gathering", ISGB's annual conference in Miami. If you remember, back in April, I announced that the piece that Patty Lakinsmith and I submitted was accepted for the convergence exhibit. So now we're designing pieces, following that theme and some new designs, for the show. Patty and I will be sharing a table. In fact, part of my excitement in all of this is finally getting to meet, in person, the good friend I've met on line, and had the pleasure of working with in designing pieces via the internet (ain't technology great?). Can't wait!

Meanwhile, I've discovered this really cool rock shop practically around the corner from my house. Though I don't use a lot of beads and stones in my designs, I've gotten addicted to both, and have made many trips to that shop for inspiration. Here are a few I've just finished.......

using tumbled Obsidian (aqua colored stone), a "sea opal" (multicolored) and a tumbled agate.

Well, that what's happening...I'm getting busy with fun things...finally!

Toodles,

Unique Art Jewelry

2009-05-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I know that when I'm searching for unique gifts for family members, finding just the right gift is difficult. Malls offer so much of the same thing, in very large quantities, that it's just plain tiresome and boring. And - most of what I find isn't made by hand. Since I don't have time to make something for everyone on my list, I go to the venues that offer handmade creations. While looking for some unique items last night, I found these items that really peaked my interest. Take a look....and let me know if you're as impressed as I am.

Salsa Lampwork Cha Cha Bracelet by Patty Lakinsmith

Blue Galaxy by Simply Unique Jewelry

Hot Pink Dichroic Fused Glass Set by Dichroic Dazzle

Carnelian Silver Cuff by Alibali Jewellery

Except for Patty, whose shop is on Etsy, all the other members are part of the Artfire Jewelers Guild. Check out their blog at Artfire Jewelers Guild or the web site.

Support handmade! Toodles,

Artisan Jeweler Guild

2009-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I've been branching out somewhat and trying a couple of new venues, just to see how it goes. Being on Etsy has been a great experience, and I've really learned a lot, but I decided to spread my wings a little and see what else is out there. So...I joined Artfire. There are lots of things I like about this site, though the sales are slow (aren't they everywhere?), and I'm still learning my way around the site and trying to get noticed. One great feature are the guilds available there and I recently joined the Artisan Jeweler Guild. If you get a chance, take a look at the guild's page and see some of the great artists and their designs. Here's just a small sample of some of my fellow members :

I'll be adding more shops in a short while so stay tuned!

Toodles,

My Artsy Friends - Part one

2009-04-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ever since I decided to take my work public and utilize the internet, I've been fortunate to meet many talented artists. I'm generally in awe of other artists who find new and creative ways to express themselves, and have decided to start showcasing them and some of their work.

Meet Catherine Marche, of Kalicat - a London based designer who does some exquisite jewelry designs. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, Catherine travelled extensively during her childhood. She sometimes changed class 3 times in a year, which gave her great faculties of adaptation and the use of several languages. She's one of those artists who finds inspiration from just about everything, including all her travels. Her creativity isn't restricted to jewelry, though...she also provides images for editorial, advertising, book covers and apparel. She works with marketing, PR agencies, design and advertising companies, greeting card publishers and illustrate for web. Talk about talent!

I've chosen a few of her wonderful designs for you to see. Check out her web sites to see more!

http://www.catherinemarchedesigns.com/ http://kalicat.etsy.com/

http://kalicat.dawanda.com/

Elegant work! These pieces are great for any occasion...and don't forget Mother's Day! Be sure to look at her other designs using the links above.

Toodles,

Art Jewelry - Just a little scary!

2009-04-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

So, Patty Lakinsmith and I are ready for the ISBG "Gathering" in Miami. We've registered and we're going to share a table. Can't tell you how excited I am - my first time at one of these - because I get to see our creation again on exhibit, and I get to meet Patty in person for the first time.

I've been working on some theme related pieces, and my first, shown below, turned out pretty cool and a little on the "dark" side. It's called Man Eater....and is meant to look like it's taken over the wearer's body. Patty's busy making some more beads for me to use in other creations, so I'm getting ready to get creative.

Anyway, got to get back to the studio....so I'll keep this a running dialoque.

Oh, and by the way - My web site got all funky on me. I've not been too happy with my host service, so I've made the leap to switch to a new one. Of course that means I have to start from scratch to build a new site, but maybe this is a good thing. I haven't been happy with the one I have now, and the program the hosting service uses won't let me easily change it. So I get to create another one, hopefully more to my liking! I'll be off line for a while until I get it done, but hope to focus on it in a couple of days...once the domain name has been transferred.

Tendrils fall across the chest

This bloom sits menacingly on the shoulder.

Toodles,

Art Jewelry Collaboration

2009-04-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed with great friends in my life. You know, the kind you can call on when all you want to do is whine, the kind you can laugh and play with, the kind who encourage you to take risks and hold your hand and give you kleenex if you fail. Now I'm twice blessed! Since starting my on line store at Etsy, I've met some truly wonderful folks. One of them is Patty Lakinsmith, the lampwork artist from California, that I've featured here before.

Not long ago, Patty asked me to collaborate on a piece or two to submit to the ISGB contest called "convergence". The premise was to combine lampwork beads with another media - and she asked ME! I was thrilled to be asked, and we started trading ideas back and forth via email.

Along the way, we discovered a snippet on Utube from "Little Shop of Horrors", featuring the man eating plant singing "I'm a mean green mother". If you haven't seen it...please do! It's hysterical! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLO7IxKwruc&feature=related)

Anyway, it really got us talking and planning. It was wonderful to find out that we both embraced the idea of really thinking out of the box. We wanted to do something that would grab their attention. We traded pictures back and forth, explored ideas...and finally had a finished piece. When we submitted it to ISGB, I don't think either one of us thought we would be chosen as one of the pieces they would use in their exhibit at the Bead and Button Show. But not long after we submitted our pictures, we got the news: We were chosen!!! They liked it! Happy dancing all around!

Mind you, Patty and I have never met in person. But I feel like we've been BFFs for years.

In July we will meet for the very first time, at the "Gathering" in Miami...and Patty will get to see the finished piece in person, also for the first time. I'm so excited....about the piece and meeting Patty after all this time.

So....here it is. We called it "Mean Green Mother Earth". It's supposed to look menacing and like it would attack it's wearer. If you watch the video, you'll know what I mean.

Take a look at those marvelous beads! Patty is one of the best, if not THE best, lampwork artist I've ever seen. I can't get over all the detail on these "heads". If you haven't already done it, check out more of her fab beads at http://pattylakinsmith.etsy.com you won't be disappointed.

See you in Miami!

Toodles

The Dust has Settled!

2009-02-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

Well, after living in chaos, for what seems like eons, the dust has finally settled! My newly renovated studio is finished! Yahoo!

I think, before this, that I spent more time trying to find tools, wire or just about anything else I needed, than I actually spent creating. It would get pretty frustrating, so I'm hoping this will really light a spark under my creative fanny, and get me off to a good start. I'm sorry I forgot to get "before" pics, but here's what it looks like now. Organizing my "stuff" was actually fun...I found things I forgot I even had.

New bench, pegboard wall

Everything within arm's reach!

Yeah, I know...to the casual eye it still looks chaotic. But trust me, everything has a place now and I have lots more storage.

On another note, here's a couple of new designs. I'm planning a new line, so stay tuned, but meanwhile I 'm enjoying playing around with different metals and adding some beads here and there.

Well, back to the studio! Toodles..

No New Year's Resolutions - Artist's musings

2008-12-29T12:53:00.000-08:00

So, I finally had a few minutes to myself and started thinking about what's in store for me, my art, my life for 2009. Now I'm not really a person who makes resolutions every year. I mean things like "lose weight" and "get more exercise" and "eat better" are kinda life long pursuits!

But I am very goal oriented. I'd rather focus on positive pursuits, and the three aforementioned resolutions always leave me feeling depressed when I fail miserably. So...let's just take those three for granted and move on! Here goes:

1. Do at least 2 juried art shows. I've only shown my work on the web and in galleries to date, mainly because it's tough having enough inventory to fill a 10x10 tent. (good news/bad news!)

2. Do a few art and crafts fairs. Probably a good place to start, don't you think? I can get my feet wet, so to speak, at little risk and work my way up to the juried shows.

3. Take at least two classes or workshops. I'm very interested in enameling. Have been trying to find a good way to add color to my pieces besides using stones. One of my fellow team members from the Art Jewelry Collective has started enameling and has had great results. Take a look:

http://charmdimsur.etsy.com/

Pretty neat, huh? And they seem to have been sold right away! Nice! So, back to my goals:

4. Develop a separate line of designs for less expensive metal work. One for the high end, one for the middle of the road pricing. Bangles, cuffs, earrings that are fairly simple and fast to make. They might be good for the art fairs. My change- a- bead earrings are doing quite well, and they've even started to sell on Etsy, though I suspect they stand out like a sore thumb on my site because it's not my "usual" style. Like the ones below -

I think if I accomplish all of this, I'll have a very busy year! My personal goals will remain personal....you don't need the details, do you? But you can add "eat better", "exercise more", and "lose weight"! Hey, I'm just saying.....

Toodles,

Gallery Opening

2008-12-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flies so fast! I had just gotten back from Europe, now I've had the gallery opening, and next week is Christmas. Yikes! I'm not really ready, but I hope to catch up this weekend. The gallery opening was great. What a thrill for me...it was my first as the featured artist and I have to say, I didn't realize how much work it would be. I had 40 pieces and the installation took two days! By the time the opening arrived, I was exhausted. If you've never done one, let me tell you - the stress is something else. First, getting the pieces ready, then the installation, then worrying "what if no one shows up?" and finally - "what if nobody likes it?" Well, the roof didn't cave in, the gallery was packed, and many pieces went out the door! I was thrilled. Of course, none of this would have happened without the love and support of my girls, the ya ya's.

Then last week we had an Art Stroll downtown, and many artists set up tables on the sidewalks. It was cold, for Florida, low 60's, so the gallery served hot chocolate and tons of cookies, baked by ya yas Audrey and Judy...talk about sugar overload. We sponsored a horse and buggy ride and the children loved it. Again, the gallery was packed. I'm proud to report that my displays have been stripped almost bare. So guess what I'm doing between now and Christmas??? yup, making more stuff to fill the empty spaces. Hey, I'm not complaining!

This is me and DH (dear husband) at the opening, standing in front of "Electra", part of the strong women series.

"Electra"

"Cassiopia" "Pandora's Box"

Well, that's all I have for now. Lots of exciting things going on, and despite the poor economy, Christmas looks to be fun this year with tons of parties, a boat parade, a gallery event tomorrow and food! Lots and lots of food! Eat well, y'all and have a very Merry Christmas! Toodles,

I'm Back!

2008-11-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been gone almost a month! I never realized how much I would miss tending my on line store, my on line friends, and my torch! But I sure did manage to enjoy it anyway!

For those of you who don't know, I spent 3 days in Venice, Italy and then hopped on a ship and cruised for 17 days. We went to Rome, Sicily, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Spain, Portugal, Corfu, Cadiz, Madiera and Nassau. The cruise ended in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida...about a 5 hour drive from home. The ports of call were wonderful. We ventured out on our own and wound up walking, taking a train or a bus through the countries, and avoiding a lot of the tourist traps. There's just so much to tell you, but I'm going to do it in segments.

Fast forward to the ship....6 days trans Atlantic! There was an organized 5K walk for the Susan Komen foundation for breast cancer. I was really excited to be able to participate in the walk, for a cause I feel very strongly about. If you remember way back, my life cuff was inspired by the death of a dear friend....and she had breast cancer. So it's a bit of an understatement to say I'm a little emotional about it. I was able to complete the walk....and it was very cool to be walking the circumference of the ship...9 laps, with two long term survivors. What an inspiration they were!

Here's some pics:

Like I said before, it was a great experience but I'm glad to be home. Even though it means I'm doing 5 tons of laundry....who wore all those clothes anyway??? But I sought and found artists in every country we visited, and I came back inspired by what I saw and ready to go to work.

I'm preparing for a gallery show that opens Dec. 5th and right now, I'm feeling under the gun. But like everything else, it's just another challenge....and I'm up for it!

Till next time,

Toodles

Gallery Musings...

2008-10-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

I went to an opening at the Progress Energy Art Gallery in my town Friday night. This is the gallery where I've been putting some of my pieces and will be the featured artist in December. Anyway, this opening was unbelievable. The name of the show was Persona Obscura and featured incredible masks by Sergio Flores.

There were several other new young artists there, all having their first shows as well. The amazing talent showcased here Friday night was something to behold. But I need to give you a little background so you'll know why I'm so thrilled with what I saw.

This is a sleepy little town. It's been very slow to support the arts, though the elders have made several attempts to turn this into an artists' haven. It was, in fact, reputed to be the hideaway for some very famous movies stars back in the WWII days, and the town has put up murals on old building walls to depict the "good old days". The art gallery made several attempts to showcase local artists, but until recently, the focus for this little town has been the water, and all the accompanying activities. That changed when Karen Tolliver became the gallery director. Under her leadership, a legion of supporters has been steadily growing....though much of the works shown were oils and photos....lovely art, but somewhat quiet and staid. Recently, we've been showing more wearable art, and collage art...and we still have a long way to go...but we're getting there!

So...along comes Friday nite. Dark art, some even grotesque in it's own beautiful way, hung all over our little gallery. The artists, some with their models, dressed in black with multiple piercings, along with their fans, families and friends filled the place to the rafters. A large hearse, on loan from the local funeral home, was parked out front. Wine flowed generously. It was quite a sight, and I'm sure it set this town on its' ear. But for me, the real thrill was watching the older gallery "regulars" mix with these young, incredibly sweet, new artists. They embraced this new talent and welcomed them, they shared the thrills of the night as they all discovered how truly united they were in wanting to give the art it's proper recognition. I know that Karen and the artists were very nervous as the opening approached, worried about what kind of a reception this type of art would get. But I'm here to tell you...this was the best attended opening I've been to since I joined. It was a ball! (And I bought a mask and a digital painting for my art wall...)

This town is ready...and these new artists are just the shot in the arm we need to wake up everyone to let them know we're here to stay!

Toodles,

Art Jewelry - Thinking outside the box

2008-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get so caught up with the business side of things, I forget how much fun I have creating new things...and stepping outside the box...a little shock and awe never hurt anyone! So, though my time for playing has been limited...I have a couple of new things I've been playing around with. And some of my friends appear to be having fun too! I've probably said this before, but one of my favorite toys is my hydraulic press. It's pretty evident that I use it a lot. But my second favorite toy is my torch! When I'm not setting things on fire, or burning myself, or accidently melting something...I'm experimenting with color and hemming and fusing. It's a big learning curve...one of the things that makes it so difficult is the lack of control ....the results are always different. I suppose that control comes with tons of practice, and that would be nice - but the element of surprise is fun too!

And here's a couple of things from my Etsy friends....

http://www.studiomarcy.etsy.com http://pattylakinsmith.etsy.com Hey, we girls just want to have fun!

Toodles!

Collaboration - What a wonderful thing!

2008-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Yikes, has it really been that long since I posted???? I've been pretty busy with creating, family stuff, boat trips, etc. but I need to be flogged for not blogging more often! I have been collaborating with a couple of other Etsy artists and I love working with them. The community feeling most artists share with one another is something to be remarked upon, because the sharing is something that allows us to learn and grow. Whenever I need advice on a design element or technique, someone is always there to help me out. And I pay it forward by offering help when asked. Ok, sometimes I offer when not asked, but that's another story!!!

One of the remarkable artists I admire so much is Patty Lakinsmith, http://www.pattylakinsmith.etsy.com/ , who makes the most remarkable lampwork beads. Recently she sent me a gorgeous bead and here's what I came up with. Oh, did I mention that she's remarkable? :)

And here's a close up of the bead. I wish I had about ten of them!!!

I love the way this piece looks and hangs. I think the colors of the wonderful bead are really highlighted with the "antique" finish of the metal, don't you? This has presented a real dilemma for me.....I want to keep it for myself and wear it...but I also want to post it in my Etsy store so that folks can see it. Maybe they have a bead they would want made into something like this.

Oh, what's a girl to do??

I've also kept up with my custom orders and recently did one I'm very proud of because of the significance of the piece to my customer. Her Dad died and left her some stones and she wanted to have them made into a cuff. He was a forester, so the design element included leaves, of course....one of my favorite things. Here's the original sketch:

And here's the result:

Well, off to the studio! Toodles,

Jewelry, Beads and other musings....

2008-06-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy lately that sometimes it feels like I'm just spinning my wheels. The shop has been doing great, and the custom orders have been really keeping me busy. I also have been preparing for a member's show at the Progressive Energy Art Gallery. It's my first at this gallery, so I wanted to make sure I showed some of my more unique designs. The opening was last night, and it was really fun. I even bought a couple of things made by other artists that I really love. Here's a couple of things I made for the gallery showing.

Cleopatra

I can just imagine Ole Cleo floating down the Nile wearing this piece! It's my newest in the Strong Women series. (It's the first time I've done a neckpiece that opens in the front and I like how it turned out)

Athena

This design has been very popular for custom orders, but this time I made it in Copper and Sterling Silver.

On another note, I've become addicted to lampwork beads and other glass beads. I have no idea what I'm going to do with them but I am working with a couple of bead artists to collaborate on some designs. One will be incorporating beautiful focal beads into my designs and the other is to design some pieces that will allow the wearer to change the beads whenever she wants. Maybe to match the outfit she's wearing. In any case, I'm thrilled to be doing this and honored to be working with both these wonderful artists. I won't name them yet....but when we're done, I'll introduce the designs and collaborating bead makers. I only hope I can do justice to their wonderful art!

Ok, gotta run, Toodles!

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

I promised myself I'd get better with the blogging thing...but I've been stuck in the studio so long trying to get out custom orders, I'm usually just too darn tired to make any sense. The days just seem to fly by.

Thought I'd at least take the time to show you a couple of new designs. One, the first one is a minor victory for me, so I wanted to do a happy dance on my blog! For some time I've been trying to make a ring that's the same style as my folded cuffs. I wanted it to look like a cuff for the finger, kind of a mini me thing. One of my customers requested one as a special order this week, and I took the challenge. Probably my inspiration was not wanting to disappoint her, because I took my time and concentrated really hard,(and held my mouth just right! lol!) and it turned out pretty cool! I'll be making more!

Waverunner Ring

I also made an addition to my Life Series...another ring....guess I have a thing for rings (hey, that rhymes!) but it's the first one for this series. This one is called Love amid the Chaos, made with brass and sterling silver. The woven and soldered base of the ring represents the chaos, with all the twists and turns and general disorganization and the heart on top is the love that gets us through it all. If you've had a lot of chaos in your life, or some of it lately, you understand that family and close friends or significant other is what gets you through it!

Love Amid the Chaos

Well, I guess I'd better stop and get on with the day.

Toodles,

Strong Women - Real and Fictional

2008-04-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged last. I really must do better! I've been busy working on my custom orders and a new series called "Strong Women - Real and Fictional." I've always had an admiration and facination for strong women. Women who overcame the odds to become famous in some way. Or...women who fought battles for others, like the fictional characters we grew up with. I mean, who didn't want to be Wonder Woman? Anyway, I can think of a few off the top of my head...some provide inspiration and some don't. So I've been researching famous women and have read some very interesting bios. I already knew who the first strong woman design was going to be named after but what follows that is still being decided. Here's my first of the series, named after Zena, warrior queen.

The Zena Cuff

It's Sterling silver with copper wire that's been hammered and made to look like leather strips. I can just imagine the warrior queen wearing something like this, can't you?

And speaking of strong women.....kerijoy, the artist who was featured in my last blog is certainly one of them. Maybe I should name a special cuff for her! I'm so in love with her creations and I finally have 3....yes, 3!...of them on my wall! They are so wonderful and everyone loves them. Be sure to check out her site at http://kerijoy.etsy.com.

Well, I have promised myself to update this blog more frequently, and I will.

toodles for now,

Wall Dancers - Featured Artist Kerijoy

2008-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

I met a lovely lady this week on Etsy who does the most incredible wall art. I think I'm going to own a few of these lovely "ladies" before too long. But besides being drawn to her wonderful designs, I was inspired and in awe of her story. I can't tell the story as well as she can, so I'm going to quote her....

" I began the "Wall Dancers" in February 2003. After 15 years of being a Senior Designer, I lost my "passion" for my art. Just when I said "No Mas!" and "I knew' where my life was going (silly me!) - Our Higher Power decided to display a sense of humor and I've been 'along for the ride' ever since! I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in February 2002 that kept me literally bed-bound. It's been a 6-year tough battle but my ‘choice’ was not to take the victim role. The first dolls were actually made in bed with me in my jammies! I was told by all of my doctors that "these were impossible to do" and still to this day they still wonder 'how I do it.' ~smiling~ You just have met the "Rainman-Of-ETSY!"

Defying the odds, and making the most of her blessings, Keri has put so much personality into her wall dancers that you want to smile everytime you see one. She's a true artist, with all the talent and passion that makes what she creates a labor of love. Check her out. You'll fall in love with her "ladies"!

Your Friendship is Timeless

Lil Junk Food Junkie

Artsy Babe

BEE Positive Babe

http://kerijoy.etsy.com/

I know you will enjoy her Wall Dancers as much as I do! And if you want to know what to get me for my birthday.....Artsy Babe is my fave! Toodles...

New Series

2008-04-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy with custom orders lately...which is a nice thing. Sometimes, however, it leaves little time to create on my own. I started the Life series, and am still making pieces to add to it, but because it's so personal and based on my feelings about life, I'm slow to add to the collection because I really have to feel it. I did add one piece, which I will share with you. If you've been following the series, you know what inspired it. This one is about my own life. It's a sterling silver version of the original life cuff...but I added a feature or two to from my own perspective. If you look closely, you'll see a couple of lone silver balls, somewhat separate from the other design elements. These represent the two people in my life who are now lost to me. My dear friend, Cherie (who inspired the series originally) and my Dad. I made the cuff in silver because, though there have been ups and downs...who hasn't had them...my life has been very blessed.

I'm also starting a new series dedicated to women. I'm not sure what the name of the series will be, but each piece represents a woman, real or fictional, that we all know. I've completed a couple of pieces and as soon as I photograph them, I'll post them for you to see.

Toodles for now,

I'm It!

2008-03-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this week we're playing tag with fellow bloggers, and I got tagged "it". I'm supposed to share 7 random or wierd facts about myself and then tag 7 other people, who will then do the same. I was tagged by another Etsy artist, Tatsuko. So here goes! 1. They keep telling me grey is the new blonde, so I stopped highlighting my hair and am letting the grey show. Um..... 2. My grandbaby is visiting and I can't get over how much she looks like my son when he was her age. I pulled out all the pics of him as a baby, and I swear you can't tell them apart! By the way, I had him when I was 12 years old! lol! 3. I love being alone. Most people need other people around, but I cherish my alone time. I can read, do my art, daydream....whatever I want. 4. I really dislike telephones. I can blog, email, forum, all day...but do not like it one bit when the phone rings. In fact, sorry to say, I often ignore it and let it go to message. 5. I'm a food-a-holic and have a truckdriver's appetite. I don't care much for snacks, but when I sit down to a meal...I want a big one! None of this nouveau, designer food for me. Give me a big bowl of pasta! 6. I need white noise. Every TV in the house is on all day long, as I roam from room to room. Usually, I have no clue what's on...nor do I even watch it...just need the noise. 7. I drink coffee all day long. My family knows not to talk to me until I've had at least one cup...or is that one pot?....If I don't get my coffee, I'm incoherent! Wow, it's hard to think of 7 things! At least 7 I want to put out there for everyone to see!!!! So...I'm tagging the next seven: 1. Mickey - http://ImagesbyM.blogspot.com 2. Marcy - http://StudioMarcy.blogspot.com 3. Pam - http://whimsicalpam.blogspot.com 4. Wendy - http://dharmadesigns.blogspot.com 5. Stacy- http://ellebelleblog.blogspot.com 6. Patty- http://pattylakinsmith.blogspot.com 7.Heather - http://hpalleiko.blogspot.com Movin' on....... Toodles for now...

New Etsy Artist

2008-02-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has finally made her fabulous photos available for buying. She is just starting out on the Etsy site, so check her out. She is offering blank cards/envelopes with the prints on the front, or you can buy the print for framing. Below are a couple of samples, proving just how talented she is!

http://www.imagesbym.etsy.com/

On another note, I just finished a few new things. One I'm particularly proud of. I actually wore it to the club last night to test it out before listing it, and someone saw it and bought it! I did pursuade her to let me list it as reserved for her so that others could see it. Check it out.

Well, no other news, except my grandaughter is coming for her first visit to Florida next month, and I am really excited! (She's bringing her parents with her) She was born in June, and I haven't seen her since she was a week old except in pictures. Definitely not enough nanna time for me!

Toodles for now

Art Jewelry Collective

2008-02-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Gee, I can't believe it's been so long since I've last posted. Shame on me! Actually, I've been pretty busy with my Etsy store and have been creating some new items to list. Last posting I talked about the Art Jewelry Collective, which I joined. They are a very active group and I really like what they're all about. We are currently working on a web site, have been posting on Flikr, and have been doing our best to get the members creations front and center on the Etsy site. I have volunteered for the Treasury group, and have been lucky enough to catch a couple. These artists are so good, it's really fun putting together a grouping for the Treasury, though I admit I feel like a stalker, waiting around for a slot to open up. Here's a couple that I've done so far:

These are just a few of the artists in the collective. Click on the links on the left under Art Jewelry Collective for links to their site. Or go to http://www.artjewelrycollective.etsy.com/ I've listed a couple of new items, as well as some custom pieces that I wanted to show you as well. I'm hoping to be able to keep adding new ones all month.

Well, I hope it won't be as long as this time to post again! Toodles.

Wearable Art Jewelry - Palleiko Designs

2008-01-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

I've been searching through the Etsy sites for some really cool neck pieces. Of course, I tend to lean toward metal, but I've found some gorgeous bead work too. One of the artists I've discovered is really skilled at draping the neck to show off, not only the design element, but also the flexibility of the metal. The results are amazing.

HPD designer Heather Palleiko attended University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA studying metalsmithing and jewelry design. Working with a wide variety of materials that include various precious metals, rare woods, found objects, semi-precious stones and fibers, she has created beautiful wearable works of art for a varied clientel across the country and abroad. She specializes in custom designs. Take a look at these!

http://www.palleikodesigns.etsy.com/

Glass Art, Life and other musings..

2008-01-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

I am always looking at the Etsy shops, particularly the ones that sell handcrafted glass art. The other day I spotted this store and fell in love with the designs. Just had to share them with you. Patty is the artist, and I have to say, I think each bead is truly a work of art. I've provided her link so you can check her out for yourself.

http://www.pattylakinsmith.etsy.com/

On a sadder note, I recently lost a very close friend. The loss of 1/4 of our YaYa girls left quite a mark on me. We four have been hanging out, learning new things, kayaking, and sharing each other's lives for a long time. She will be missed. Her death inspired me to rethink life. A big part of my life is my art, and this event has made it's mark there as well. I recently started a series of designs called The Life Series. This is the first piece, and I wanted to share it with you. The brass wire represents all the roads, twists and bends in our life, the balls are the bumps in life we encounter, and the dark recesses are just that....dark things that happen...(you know, "poop happens"). The main part of this cuff is actually brass but I hand plated most of it to a brass colored finish, and left the unplated parts free to change with age as copper does, and like we do.

After all, that's life!

Life Cuff

I'm just completing the second in the series, so stay tuned. On a lighter note, I met with a friend today who is a fantastic photographer. She has watched me work on Etsy and noted how much I am enjoying the community of great people and artists, and wanted to talk to me about putting her prints in an Etsy store. Mickey will make a great addition to the community, and has some wonderful ideas, and even more wonderful prints. I'll put her link up as soon as she's set up.

Toodles for now,

Who doesn't love baby buns???

2008-01-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

I was going to show you some cool valentine's day stuff I found on Etsy...but while looking around, I found a shop that I just love. The products are beautiful, but I flipped out when I saw these pictures. You know me and baby stuff! These hats are so cute, but take a look at the model!

You can find the hats and more (not the baby though!) on the shop below. Hey, who doesn't love baby buns?

http://www.knittybittyapparel.etsy.com/

As for valentine's day....there are so many things popping up on the Etsy site, it'll make your head spin. Here's a couple of my favorites:

http://www.whimsicalpam.etsy.com/ http://www.ozarkgypsyart.etsy.com/

Even I got on the bandwagon. I don't usually do theme pieces...at least not holiday or special day pieces. But I wanted to do a couple of hearts, and the timing seemed appropriate.

I will post some more links to valentine's day creations in a few days, so drop back in and see what's up. Toodles for now.

Art, Art Jewelry, and Artists

2008-01-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

I think I'm addicted to the Etsy site. I love scrolling through all the stores and discovering all the talent I find there. The artists are so good...and so very creative. Here's a few of my latest discoveries.

www.talisman.etsy.com

www.natalyasots.etsy.com

www.FrancescalLynn.etsy.com

On another note...I received my new volumn of Ornament, and much to my surprise, found a full page ad for Etsy jewelry artists. It looked really sharp so I put an announcement in the forums. Someone responded that it was AJC. AJC? What's that??? Come to find out, AJC stands for Art Jewelry Collective. I didn't even know it existed, but I do now! And..I joined. Check out their sites:

www.artjewelrycollective.etsy.com

www.artjewelrycollective.blogspot.com

I'm looking forward to getting involved with this group....some really talented jewelry artists. I'll have more to talk about after I scope it all out. Toodles for now.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the holidays are over. Hope you spent them with the ones you love!

Now that the family is gone, I've been working on some new ideas. I wear a lot of belts and everyone is always asking me if I made the buckle...so I thought, why not? Love the organic look of distressed metal, so thought I'd play around with that idea. Here are my first two. Comments are welcome!

I have some new pictures of Amaya that I want to share....you know how it is when you have your first grandchild!! Bragging rights!

And that's my news for this week. Back to the studio........

All things Handmade: Jewelry - Metal, Page 4

2007-12-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

I've been working day and night with the Christmas rush. I'm excited to say there has actually been a rush. In fact, I had to order more packing supplies because I ran out. Made some new things......most sold pretty fast. Here's some of my new things....

This one sold!

Gone!

Sold this one too! Love this Christmas - can't seem to make things fast enough. I'm not complaining though! Have a few things in the works. I've also done some great Christmas shopping myself on the Etsy site. Can't show you right now, 'cause they're supposed to be a surprise! I added this link to the blog. Great stuff here. All these Etsy artists have their own blogs and shops. All things Handmade: Jewelry - Metal, Page 4

All things Handmade: Jewelry

2007-12-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

All things Handmade: Jewelry

All Things Baby...New Etsy Featured Artist

2007-12-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I admit...ever since my grandaughter, Amaya, was born, I have this thing about handmade stuff for babies and new mommies! I've been to the toy stores in the mall, baby clothing stores, etc. and am a little distressed to find most of what I see is made in China. I'm an American artist who wants to buy either American, or from an artist from another country who handmakes his/her products - so I turned to Etsy for Christmas shopping. I found Elle Belle. Their designs for baby and mommy are just wonderful.

Elle Belle was started by Stacy, three friends and her mother. Together they have over 75 years of crafting experience. Believe me, it shows! After having babies of their own, they realized that each one of them, in their own way, had creations to share and different talents. They researched through tons of things offered in the baby/mommy category and came up with what are some of the best, most useful and unique items to offer. Check out their store.

http://ellebelleonetsy.etsy.com/

Stacy and her cutie-pie

http://ellebelleonline.com/

http://ellebelleblog.blogspot.com/

Working my fingers to the bone...

2007-12-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Well, it's another week and I have been working hard in the studio to produce some new and different designs. I discovered that I really like using copper, and have made some copper cuffs to replace the ones that sold. I made three, and already sold two.

This is the only one left!

Guess I can't complain, but it's getting to be a full time job, keeping up with my Etsy store. It's such a great community of crafters and artist. I just love it.

Another week....another ETSY artist

2007-12-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

Well, this weekend was spent glued to my bench, working my tired fingers and cramped hands to produce three new cuffs. I think it went well...at least I reached my goals.

This week I made a couple of new friends on Etsy. It's such a great community for exchanging ideas and meeting other artists. Let me intoduce you to.......

dharmadesigns

Wendy Baylis is the artist behind this great site. Like many artists, she holds down a full time job and still finds time to create. Art is her outlet and her sanctuary. Her creations reflect her profound respect and love for the cultures and faiths of the world, especially Asia. After looking at her designs, I'd say it also reflects her passion. Wendy dabbles in a little of everything, writing, painting, drawing, you name it. But I think she's found her niche in these beautiful pieces.

Wendy has Fibromyalgia, but says she doesn't let it get in the way of living her life to the fullest.

In fact, she has vowed to climb, at least part way, up Mt. Everest! I can't wait to see what she creates from THAT experience!

Her goals, at Etsy, are to have fun and open people's hearts and minds to all cultures and faiths through her art. Wendy would like to pass along some advice to other Etsians that was given to her when she first started her store. "Take good pictures. Natural sunlight works best. Get rid of all the props - don't be afraid to focus on you craft." Good advice.

Please visit Dharmadesigns at:

http://www.dharmadesigns.etsy.com/

It's a Small World After All!

2007-11-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when I scanned the Etsy site and found another jeweler whose designs I just love....and it turns out that he's from the Tampa Bay area too! He's a self taught designer....and I have to say, he "learns good!" I just had to show you some of his stuff!

Looky, looky...

This is my favorite!

You can check him out for yourself at his shop on Etsy.

http://www.DugDesigns.etsy.com

Blue Monday...

2007-11-19T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I learn something everyday! If you scroll down to my Etsy faves, you'll see a mini composite of some of the cool things made by other artists. What I didn't know, when I made the Etsy mini, is that everytime I add a favorite to my list - the pictures change to include that item. How wonderful is that? Today it's all blue, great for a Monday, huh? Who knows what it will look like tomorrow. Stay tuned. At Etsy I met a really neat person. Her name is Patty and her store is http://www.glassdancer.etsy.com. She's a nomad, traveling from craft show to craft show, so home is where she hangs her hat. She's become a buddy and a mentor and we all need a couple of those, don't we? Take a look at these lovely macrame'd earrings. Takes someone with incredible talent - and good eyes- to make these.

http:/www.glassdancer.etsy.com

Can't you just see yourself wearing these? Check her out at Etsy.com

I've listed a couple of new things. One sold right away but I'm going to show you anyway.

And there you go...Toodles 'til next time!

Ah...the Holidays!

2007-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that it's almost Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner. Besides the cooking and preparations, I've been spending more time in the studio creating for my Etsy store. I hope to have them completed, photo'd and in my store before the week ends. Check out the Etsy site, guys....there are some wonderful artist...with great stuff to fulfill your Christmas shopping needs. Don't tell anyone, but I found some cute handmade stuff for my new Grandbaby. Shhhh.....it's a secret.

I'm a Grandma!

2007-11-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well I waited a long time, and finally, 5 months ago I became a grandma. My son Josh and his wife Alison became the proud parents of baby girl Amaya. (Love that name!) Guess I'll be shopping at Etsy for handmade baby stuff for Christmas!

Welcome!

2007-11-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first blog! I'm really excited about getting this started so that I can show off some of my work, as well as others who are dedicated to handmade wearable art. We are a nation of "makers" and hopefully we can show off some of our creations here. Please feel free to post to let me, and the readers know what you're doing that's innovative, unique and wearable.