Dreams and Echoes

Winter Celebration

2012-01-19T03:19:00.000-08:00

Last year I put up a Winter Heart Tree, after taking down my Christmas Tree decorations. The origin of this idea was something I had thought about for a long time, but never mentioned out loud, until last year. Every year I would love having the Christmas decorations up and then feel so let down after they were all put away. Because then it was just grey and blah outside. I thought that I should create some Winter Hearts so I could celebrate Winter instead of disliking it so much. (Having handmade hearts on my tree was already a tradition.) So I mentioned this to my hubby and he loved the idea. I got busy and created lots of quilted handmade hearts in shades of blue and white. This year I added some baby's breath and silk flowers ... hope you like it.

Christmas Lost ... and Found

2011-12-25T02:56:00.000-08:00

This year, the first thing I did was trim my tree. So I got out the big plastic box with the little dividers that holds all my precious ornaments and transformed our tree from a Fall Tree to a Christmas Tree. (For a picture of the tree, refer to the previous article.) But when I opened up the red box that holds my Christmas House decorations, the box was almost empty. My Christmas Hearts were not there. I was stunned. These hearts had been lovingly made by hand, quilted, some embroidered, and I used them to tuck into nooks and crannys, nest into bowls, and hang across the bookcase. I didn't know what to do. I went through both boxes again. I went through my box of Fall decorations. Then I began, one by one, to go through all the boxes of Christmas "Stuff" that I have saved but never display because there isn't room in the loft for everything. I came across a lot of wonderful memories, gave up a lot of them to go to Goodwill, but didn't find my Christmas Hearts. Somehow, I knew I wouldn't, but it was like I had to go through everything anyway.

Then yesterday as I was walking through the bedroom, I got a very clear picture in my mind's eye of the upper cabinet of my computer hutch. I hesitantly walked to the hutch, not wanting to be disappointed again, but somehow, somehow, I had a feeling. And when I opened the hutch doors, there they were, all carefully packed and protected. Now they grace my living space, and it feels a little bit like a Christmas miracle.

Way to Go! ~ Christmas Give-Away

2011-12-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

I won a "Give-away." What is a Give-Away, you ask? It's when an artist gives away one of his or her art works for nothing. I'm constantly amazed by how many artists do this. And I just won a Give-Away - my very first one. Some artists put their Give-Aways on their blogs, other on their FaceBook pages. You enter the Give-Away by leaving a comment. And I finally won!

I won this wonderful elf made by a friend of mine, Cindi, on one of the Etsy threads. I knew I had won it, so couldn't wait for it to come in the mail. And when I opened it I was amazed. It was perfect, beautiful, cute, etc. I could see all the care that went into making it, down to the smallest detail. And, of course, I immediately hung it on my tree, where it looks right at home. Many thanks to Cindi for her generosity in making this wonderful ornament and making it possible for me to win it. To see more of Cindi's creations, visit her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayItAgain

October Surprise ... Sunrise

2011-11-13T03:19:00.000-08:00

October is gone, and November is on it's way. Before the fall is completely over, I wanted to share this ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) with you. I entitled it October Sunrise because of the colors, but in one of the forums I frequent, someone called it October Surprise, which I also liked. An ACEO is 2.5" x 3.5". Here it is:

Bubble Bubble - The Littlest Witch

2011-10-03T03:13:00.000-07:00

This little witch may have a secret. Is she a real witch masquerading as a child? Or a child masquerading as a witch? What surprises may she have up her sleeves? Whatever the answers, she will be a lovely little witch, going house by house to get her treats and perhaps leave a bit of magic. In case you haven't guessed, she is a good witch.

This little witch is an ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) and is done with pen and colored pencils.

Time for Fall

2011-09-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

My Fall Heart Tree is finally done. Yea! It took a bit longer than I had hoped, but at least I got it done before the first official day of Fall. For those of you who haven't seen my other seasonal trees, it all got started last Christmas. I was taking down the Christmas decorations and grousing about winter. I told my hubby, David, that I wish I had some hearts to put on the tree to celebrate winter because otherwise, it just was grey and blah. He said "do it!" He said, "We'll leave the tree up all year." So I did it. First was the Winter Heart Tree, then the Spring/Summer Heart Tree. And now we have the Fall Heart Tree. I think I like this one the best because, in addition to the hearts, there are dried flowers tucked in between the branches. Because I don't have a sewing machine, all the hearts are completely, lovingly handmade. I hope you like my Fall Tree.

Last Days of Summer

2011-08-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

It's nearing the end of August, and people are getting in their last picnics, last family barbeques, last vacations and last trips to the beach. It's even possible, depending on where you are, to fee a bit of a chill in the air in the mornings, like biting into a crisp Red Delicious Apple. This colored pencil drawing is about the last day at the beach for one little girl. Do you remember yours? As a child, time sees timeless, and yet, it inevitable passes, drawing summer to a close and bringing the excitement of fall ... new clothes, new school supplies, going back to school, etc. But enjoy the summer while it lasts. (And one really neat thing about this piece is that it was purchased by a woman from Portugal.)

WIP ~ Work in Progress

2011-06-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

Normally, I am the only one who gets to see my artwork as it evolves. I thought others might be interested in seeing that process. A WIP is a work in progress, a work that isn't yet finished, a work that I am still having a dialog with. The process begins with something I've found. Then I begin to arrange natural objects, along with paint and manmade objects on my chosen "canvas." In the past this canvas has been a piece of tree bark mounted on a pine panel. (If you want to see an example of a bark piece, visit my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn) This will be the first natural assemblage that isn't mounted on bark, but instead will be mounted on a shallow wooden box.

One day I was walking down the ramp to the loft building that I live in and I came across a tangle of thin branches. I looked at it, picked it up and looked at it some more, and then put it back. The next time I was on the ramp, I decided to take it home. Even if it was fragile, I wanted to make something with it. That was when I noticed the rest of an abandoned nest in the rafters above the ramp. Then I looked over to the next section and saw a Robin sitting on a nest. I had an abandoned Robin's nest ... what a precious treasure. I went and talked to the Robin, who seemed to sit and listen patiently because she didn't fly away. Later my husband and I would see the little baby Robins in their nest. This added an even greater to the artwork I had already begun.

The first two steps in the process is what you see here. I had first put the nest to one side of a piece of freezer paper (so it wouldn't stick). Then I sprayed it within an inch of it's life (with matte medium). Later I went back and got out two of my rubber stamps and stamped spirals on the left side. I put a plastic snake on the bottom. (I've often used plastic snakes in my work. I paint them carefully, and I've had several people at shows ask me if the snakes are real.) My husband looked at it and said he didn't get it. LOL

What you see here is the next stage. I went back to the table, put the nest in the middle, put a torn photo of myself behind the nest and added another snake. This time the two snakes were then arranged in the V shape you see in the piece above. I also added a small beautiful stone. The next time my husband walked by he said, "Wow, oh now I get it." He didn't realize what I had already known ... that I would be moving the nest to the center. So this is the stage the work is in now. I want to saturate the picture of me and print a smaller version so it's easier to see the face within the nest. And, of course I need to paint the snakes as well as the pine box it will be mounted on. I'm not sure what else I might add ... stay tuned.

You can see a picture of the baby birds too, above. Aren't they too cute.

2011-05-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

This is a WIP (Work in Progress). I am going to be setting up a second Etsy shop to sell the many wonderful strands of beads I've collected over the years. I recently made the decision to focus on my visual art, and, while it's difficult to see my beads go, I'm going to be selling them on Etsy. I have everything from semi-precious to Czech Glass, to bone and shell. My hubby, David, photographed a picture to use in my banner. It gives you a sense of the lush quality of the beads I have. I'll keep you posted and write an update when I open my new shop.

Primal Grace

2011-05-09T03:33:00.000-07:00

Grace comes of its own. You may want it so much; you may even pray for it. But it will come to you in the most unexpected way at the most unexpected time. It will overtake you and fill you with Beauty and Love. Receiving Grace is one of the most primal, basic experiences we may have. When the experience is over you are left breathless and filled with Gratitude.

This mixed media assemblage is done on a piece of tree bark. It includes paper and a feather. It shows the hands reaching up to receive Grace. It is 14 x 3 x 5/8 inches.

Welcome Spring

2011-03-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Spring. Here in Lowell, Massachusetts, it's still grey, cold and wintery ... all the more reason to finally put my Spring Heart Tree up. For those who are not familiar with the origin of my seasonal trees, the impetus began over a decade ago. I always loved to play dress ups with my house at Christmas, and along with the tree, which had a few quilted hearts on it, I also had hearts scattered around the house ... in bowls, on shelves, and in nooks and crannies. But when I took the Christmas decorations down, I would inevitable get a let down. Not only was my house no longer dressed up, but outside the weather was grey and blah. For years I thought I should make some Winter Hearts, but was deterred by my lack of a sewing machine. For some reason, this year, nothing got in the way, and I happily made Winter Hearts by hand. For anyone who wants to see the Winter Heart Tree, scroll down a bit and you'll see it.

I'm in love with my Spring Heart Tree. The colors and the feeling of Spring really make me feel as if I am welcoming the new season with all of my heart.

The Silence

2011-02-19T03:43:00.001-08:00

In the ancient Vedic literature of India there is a concept referred to as the "Cave of the Heart." This sacred space is both the seat of our higher Self, but is also the location of an intimate connection to the Source. The Vedas urge people to spend as much time in the Cave of the Heart as they can. One way to do this is meditation; another is contemplation. And sometimes, some people may just find themselves there as it is also a magnificent source of creative energy. Here are the words to a song I once wrote:
Listen in the Cave of your Heart
the Silence echoes your name.
Do you answer the Call
to come home again.

This mixed media piece, "Cave of the Heart," is an ACEO assemblage. ACEO stands for "Art Cards Editions and Originals." ACEOs are small 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Usually they are flat, and I have done some ACEO colored pencil drawings (you can look back through my blog to find them), but this was my first attempt to translate my larger assemblages, which I can no longer do because of lack of studio space, into a smaller format. The components are: mat board, dirt with aluminum foill, paper, paint, mother of pearl star, matte and gel medium. My "Cave of the Heart" is very earthy. The lotus is also a sacred symbol in Hindu art and literature; it stands for the purity of the Self rising out of the muck of the ego.

Celebrating Winter

2011-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

My family and friends are familiar with my collection of quilted hearts. I have a set for the fall and a Christmas set. I tuck them into nooks and crannies, put them in bowls, and for Christmas, put them on the tree. Then, every year, when I take down the Christmas decorations, I get this let down feeling. For two months I have been playing dress ups with my house, and, suddenly I'm left with the Winter blahs. Everything seems dull and grey (unless, of course, it's snowing). So every year, for about the last 15 or so, I have had the same thought ... if only I had some winter hearts. For some reason, this year I did something about it. I made a collection of Winter Hearts, in shades of blues and whites, each one made totally by hand, one stitch at a time, because I have no sewing machine. So now I have my celebratory Winter Hearts and a Winter Tree as well. My husband likes it so much, he wants me to continue and do one for each season. So look forward to my Spring House dress ups ~ they'll be ready about the same time crocuses are pushing their little heads through the soil.

Choo Choo

2011-01-11T02:41:00.001-08:00

My DH (dear husband), Dave, is really into miniature trains ... no, I mean REALLY into it. He has built about an eight foot square that sits at about chin height (for me). He recently added another eight foot square (3 X 3 approximately) across from the bigger one, which he is connecting with a wooden link so that the trains can go back and forth, and of course, 'round and 'round. I am fascinated by this grand work in progress. Dave has boxes of trains, train parts, miniature buildings, and cars and trucks.

This definitely a work in progress. So far he has his track laid out, though he is still futzing with it a bit. He's got trains hooked up that can actually run around the track, and he has some buildings and train stations set up. He hasn't even begun to get to the trees, grass and people stage, because he is just so in love with the trains. There is no such thing as too many trains, and he continues to buy and collect more and more. He uses the HO type trains, which means his model trains are 1/87th the size of real trains. Eventually there will be tunnels and a bridge, and of course, a landscape. With his trains he is like a kid in a candy shop.

Snow Song

2011-01-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

I love wolves, and really wanted to make a drawing of a wolf in the snow. This one is entitled "Young Wolf Snow Singing." And I really wanted the wolf to be "singing." This is, in a sense, a mixed media piece, as I used Prismacolor Colored Pencils and an oil stick. It was my first try at combining these two, and I want to experiment some more, using conte crayon with pencil. Where is his pack? Close by no doubt. Maybe I will show some more of them.

The Precious Tree

2010-12-22T03:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the Christmas tree. My husband asked me yesterday if I had enough ornaments to trim a 6 foot tree, and I said, "yes." That's because most of them are put away. We have a small tree sitting on top of a box in the corner of our loft living room. Still, I love it. I love decorating it ~ a lot of the ornaments are handmade; I love looking at it; I love the lights. This year I'll even love undecorating it because I have Winter Hearts to put on it, and will keep it up a few more months as a Winter Tree (see previous article about hearts, if interested.)

Have a Heart

2010-12-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

For about 15 years, it has been part of my holiday tradition to have quilted hearts. I have a bunch for fall, and another bunch for winter. I put them in bowls, tuck them into nooks and crannies, and at Christmas, hang them on my tree. The heart is so symbolic ~ it speaks of love, comfort, home. And every year when I take my Christmas decorations down, I have this kind of sad feeling, because now my house will not be dressed up any more, and it will be grey and blah. I have been wanting to make winter hearts for years, but the lack of a sewing machine kept me from doing it. To take an hour to do something I could do in 5 minutes on a sewing machine just put me off. This year I didn't care. I have been making oodles of Winter hearts ... to celebrate Winter ... blue and white, white on white, different sizes. And this year when I take my Christmas decorations down I will have Winter hearts to put around. In fact, I'm going to leave my tree up and put Winter hearts on our Winter Tree ! I've included some pictures of my Christmas hearts and my Winter hearts for those who want to see them.

Glorious Fall

2010-10-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

I welcome the Fall with a heart full of gladness. It's my favorite time of the year, perhaps because I was born in early November. (And I am a double Scorpio, if that has anything to do with it.) When the Fall comes, my energy gets stronger, colors seem more intense, I have creative bursts. But I have to be a bit careful or I burn out quickly. One thing I love about the Fall is the transformation of the landscape from Summer to Autumn and all the changes in the trees and grasses. I love the many hues of yellow, red, orange and purple (yes purple) that slowly appear, until the world is ablaze in color. That is the inspiration for my latest colored pencil drawing, "Glorious Fall." I hope you like it.

My Precious Bunny

2010-10-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

I belong to a group on Etsy called the ACEO Group (for definition of ACEO, see earlier article). Every month there is a challenge put out by a member, sometimes there are several challenges issued. There is no deadline on when a person can submit an image, so, for example, someone may submit in October a challenge that was given in August. One recent challenge tugged at my heartstrings. It was "Favorite Toy." When I was a little girl I had a small bunny. It was just flat, stuffed a bit, but not three-dimensional the way bunnies are today. And I adored it. I carried it with me everywhere. I have a vivid memory of my mother bringing my bunny to me in the hospital, and how, once I had it, I felt safer, and better too. This ACEO is an homage to my bunny. It is a collage made up of rice paper, fabric, stampings and newspaper. I hope you like my humble little bunny.

Primal Echo ~ Coming Home

2010-09-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

My heart and spirit always seem to be leaning in the direction of ancient echoes, calling from the past, and primal echoes, that whisper in my heart. This focus on bringing the past to the present and the inner to the outer has been with me since my first painting as a teenager. I work, sometimes struggle, to make the unseen visible. I do this, both through my visual art and my jewelry. And if I breathe into the depths from where these echoes emanate, it helps lesson the very real physical pain of my Fibromyalgia. I have always believed in the transformational power of art, in whatever form.

This necklace, "Primal Echo," came into being first through the spiral pendant. Spirals are universal symbols of transformation and the dance of life, and have always featured prevalently in my art and jewelry. The faceted Rhodonite and the Apache Sage Jasper seemed to go perfectly with the faux brass spiral pendant. The faceted Taureg (African) Silver beads, which I love, pick up the colors in the pendant and, again, seem to speak from the past. This little bit of a song from my repertoire seems to sum what I am saying up:
Listen in the Cave of your Heart,
the Silence echoes your name.
Do you answer the call
to come Home again.

Up and Away ~ Transformations

2010-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been undergoing a transformation recently, as I move away from making jewelry to making visual art again. When I moved from New Mexico to Massachusetts, my studio was smaller; I opened an Etsy shop, and it made more sense to focus on my jewelry. But my heart has always been with visual art, with what can be explored, shown, transformed. Additionally, though many people seem to like, even love my jewelry, I'm not selling. I can't, because of my health, do art fairs or belong to cooperatives, which were the major sources of selling my jewelry in the past. And I'm just not making the sales in my Etsy shop. On the other hand, the moment I listed my small drawings, they were snatched up.

Don't get me wrong. I have never made visual art with the primary intention of selling. For me it has always been a voyage of discovery and personal transformation. But it sure doesn't hurt when someone likes my art enough to buy it. This new direction means a re-do of my studio area, putting my jewelry making supplies, which are all over the place at the moment, away and re-establishing my area as more of an art making center.

So far I've been working in the small format ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals), which is 3.5 " x 2.5 ". It's been a great way for me to stick my toe in the water again. And because the format is small, it doesn't take quite so long to build up all those transparent layers I love to build with my colored pencils. My most recent, "Up and Away," was done as a "challenge" for one of the art forums I belong to online. To me, it's also a metaphor ~ what will I recover and discover as I take up my art journey once again?

A Wonderful Team of Artists

2010-08-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Melange group is a mixed media team of artists who sell on Etsy. It's a small, but very close knit group of members who share art, tips and techniques, products, concerns and anything else that has to do with making and promoting members' art. Please visit the team shop on Etsy and check out Favorite Sellers to see a list of all of team members' shops.
http://www.etsy.com/people/melangeteametsy

Every month, Indira, a member of the group makes a wonderful video, including music, that shows pictures of Melange members art. Here is a link to the most recent video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/igovindan#p/a/u/0/dgTIoBZYbvg

I hope you like it and will use the first link to learn about the Melange artists.

Please note: the mixed media collage above is by member Maureen Tillman.

Amy ~ A Free Spirit ~ The Joy of Belly Dancing

2010-08-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

My daughter Amy has many talents. She is an incredible jewelry maker (insert Flickr link), she works a day job with a green architectural firm, and most recently she has taken up belly dancing. She likens the feeling she gets with the feeling she had as a little girl spinning around in her twirly skirts. But like many of us, as Amy grew up, she was very conscious of the way she looked. As an antidote, she says: "In many ways I was fearless - I expressed myself through my clothing and makeup in ways that made my parents cringe - not because I was wearing something too short or too low-cut, but because I wore things that they knew would get me teased at best and potentially picked on and beat up at worst." (Note: she looked a lot like Cyndi Lauper.)

That phase being past, Amy went on living her many faceted life and grew to a beautiful young woman who could put a look together in a way that I have always envied. Then she discovered belly dancing. Says Amy, " Belly dancing from the very beginning freed something deep within me. At moments, while watching myself in the studio mirror, I lost that judgment of myself...and saw something deeper in my reflection: my body as a vessel for my being (soul, consciousness...) and an outlet of expression of self-love, beauty (within and without), joy and grace."

Being too self-conscious as a young woman to dance in front of anyone, because of the freedom belly dancing gave her, recently, at a wedding she danced "without fear," I danced without thought of how people thought I looked, whether I was being perceived as "fat" or "attractive" or "stupid looking. I danced without fear. It was wonderful. Plus I get to play dress up!"

Transition in Time

2010-08-14T05:04:00.001-07:00

Even though it is only mid-August, there is a hint of fall in the air, and some of the trees have already started changing color here in New England. I had to make a transitional necklace, something between summer and fall, and here it is, "Seaside Autumn." The components are Freshwater Pearls, Moss Agate rondelles, Goldstone, and brushed gold Vermeil accent beads. Let me know what you think. To see this and other jewelry visit my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

2010-08-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I made another "Wave" bracelet ~ this time in copper. I really like this design and am considering making a necklace. What do you think? Aside from that, I had my class with Penny this morning, and finished up a necklace with a spiral pendant that I made myself. We also LOSed (Liver of Sulphur) it, which gives it a slightly tarnished, antiquey look. I'll put a picture of that one up later.

Playing with Waves

2010-08-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

I have been working with wire for some time now, learning about bending and twisting, making curves and knots. It's a wonderful medium to explore, and I'm very grateful to my instructor, Penny Cox, for sharing her wealth of knowledge. My most recent creation is this simple bracelet, made up of double "s" shapes. To me it looks like ocean waves. What do you think?

Meet Jennifer of Mewes Mountain Arts

2010-07-26T05:31:00.001-07:00

Raised in Osmond, Nebraska, Jennifer, of Mewes Mountain Arts now lives just outside Denver Colorado, with what her hubbie and she like to regard as their own private mountain. Jennifer has had an interesting path. Earning a BFA degree early on showed her what it was like to be a "starving artist," so she eventually went back to school and got a BS in Information Technology, which she had already showed a great interest for.

Jennifer, eager to show where much of her inspiration comes from states: "just behind our house is OUR self-proclaimed Mewes Mountain. The beauty out here and the love of Jesus Christ are the inspiration for the start of Mewes Mountain Arts and Crafts. I'm excited to see what God has in store for this adventure so stay tuned!"

Jennifer has done painting, pottery, scrapbooking and photography, but her beadwork is what keeps her going now. Several of her creations are above, and you can learn and see more by stopping by her Etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MewesMountainArts?ref=top_trail or by visiting her blog: http://mewesmountainartsandcrafts.blogspot.com/

Meet Connie Cooper of Saorsa Studio of Beads

2010-07-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Connie Cooper of Saorsa Studio of Beads, lives in Plantersville, Texas, where she enjoys her passion of beading. She makes her own glass beads and also uses micro macrame with her beadwork. As she stated, "Macrame is my meditation." In working with glass, her favorite is what she calls "Organics" because she loves " watching the reactions and the innumerable ways the glass will behave."

All of Connie's work is OOAK (One of a Kind), and she wants each person who buys a piece of her work to feel "as if they have something special and uniquely theirs." Her friend, Lauri Watson, got her started with beading, and recently she was accepted in to the Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD) . Connie thanks SRAJD for "promoting those of us who create and design jewelry as well).

Be sure to visit her website and her Etsy store:
website: http://saorsastudios.com/
Etsy ~ Saorsa Studio of Beads: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaorsaStudios?ref=seller_info

Working With Wire

2010-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I started taking classes in wire work with a wonderful artist, Penny Cox. Penny is a jeweler who makes the most incredible jewelry ~ each one is a work of art. The fact that she agreed to give me private lessons really made my day (and month and year). Eventually, I will do a feature on Penny.

For now I want to say that through all the ups and downs of bending, curling and twisting wire, I have come to love it. So far our work has been with copper wire, which is the cheapest to learn with, but I can't wait to get my hands on some silver (soon....). I did wrapped loops till I thought my eyes were going to fall out, and then I did spirals ~ oh, they were fun, and so pretty. Now I have just finished my very first necklace where the beads are connected only with wire, rather than Beadalon or Soft Flex. I thought it looked warbly, but I have gotten so many lovely comments after posting pictures in some of the forums I belong to that I decided to share "Santa Fe Afternoon" with you too.

Featured Artist Teresa Rusk

2010-07-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Teresa loves making her one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, and loves using all kinds of materials, especially wire. Teresa, who lives in Hillsboro, North Carolina, believes "that all women should be able to enjoy nice things and not have to spend a fortune to do so!" In her Etsy shop, she offers good quality items at an affordable price: http://www.etsy.com/shop/trusk4u?ref=top
Teresa is married, with two grown children and two dogs. Despite all that to keep her busy, she finds time to fill her Etsy shop and her Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) shop with a plethora of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Her work is diverse, made from a variety of materials, from semi-precious stones, to glass, to wire. Visit Teresa's HAF shop: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/trusk4u.html

Teresa's stated mission is "to provide a wide variety of quality, limited edition jewelry products for women at affordable prices." In addition to the items mentioned above she also creates custom pieces for weddings and other occasions. And, as if that weren't enough, she is getting ready to open her own real world store in Mebane, North Carolina. You can follow news about her shop on Twitter: http://twitter.com/HollyhocksLLC ... and don't forget to check out her blog for more tidbits: http://www.trusk4u.blogspot.com/

A Concise History of Beads

2010-07-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

For a brief and terrific history of beads and beading, visit LTD Beads' blog to see what Joan has written. It's fascinating. The beaded glove is circa 1200, photo by Michael Manas, courtesy of Wikipedia. Here is the link: http://www.ltdbeads.com/history.html

The Goddess Revisited

2010-07-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

In the 1970's, along with a resurgence of a new women's movement, came an interest in the Goddess, and there was a surge of books, articles and studies of many of the goddesses throughout history. There was an interest in attributes of the goddess, location, jurisdiction, etc., and of course, lots of different kinds of art. "The Goddess Protects" doesn't come under any of these categories, except that she is a very earthy goddess and I have designated that she protects. What does she protect? She protects the wearer; she protects all things earthy ~ vegetation, animals, soil, etc. She is also more primal, being made of Bone, Turquoise and Copper. The Bone also places her not only in the present, but in the past as well.

Meet Carmen Trueheart, Beader and Animal Lover

2010-07-05T07:55:00.001-07:00

Carmen, who lives in Saint Augustine, Florida, first began working with beads in her early days as a "hippie" in Richmond, Virginia. She started out stringing beads, then began to collect all kinds of beads, including vintage beads, and continued to nurture her interest by taking classes in Silversmithing and Precious Metal Clay (PMC). She even earned a PMC certification, which allows her to teach this method of making beautiful sterling silver beads. Carmen says that "To be able to create through art, to experiment , succeed and fail, and learn through creativity, that has always been a desire." Visit both her Etsy sites and see her wonderful work:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/baublezptoa
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bananamiranda

Carmen also loves animals and donates "a portion of all of my sales to Best Friends Sanctuary." She shares stories and pictures of her beloved pets, along with pictures of her jewelry on her blog: http://mooaanysays.blogspot.com/

Meet Larissa of Reef Botanicals

2010-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Larissa is a member of the Handmade Artists Forum: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/ Along with her husband, Eric, she created Reef Botanicals ~ Handcrafted Soap and Other Indulgences. Independently, they both, as children were incredibly creative, working with knitting, photography, candle making, henna artistry and more. They didn't realize until after they were married that they loved to make things "from scratch." Hence was born an awesome creative team.

Their shop carries handmade soap lip balm, items for hair care, scrubs, a men's line, and ready-to-go gift baskets. Their soaps use only the best natural ingredients, in order to "give you a luxurious bath experience." They are user friendly, even to people who have allergies. Stop by their website, "Reef Botanicals" and find out more about the wonderful, useful, indulgent items they make: http://reefbotanicals.com/catalog/index.php Or pay a visit to their blog: http://www.reefbotanicals.blogspot.com/

Even today, Larissa carries forward the multi-creativity she expressed as a child. She first became a lawyer and a licensed face painter, and did both at the same time. (And yes, she continues to do both!) In becoming becoming what she calls "a soaper," along with herhusband Eric, she went back to her roots. Together they worked out recipes, stired the molten soap in the crock pots, trying to keep it from foaming all over the kitchen, and ransacked cabinets to see what they could put into their latest recipes. She's decided that "we're mad scientists!"

Vessel of Light

2010-06-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

My newest ACEO (Artist Cards Editions and Originals) is "Vessel of Light ~ Shamans Rise." This is based on imagery and beliefs that I have held for over twenty years. Ancient traditions hold that shamans travel to find healing, knowledge, or other gifts, which they bring back for an individual or for their community as a whole. If anyone is interested in learning more about shamanism, please check out Michael Harner's Foundation for Shamanic Studies: http://www.shamanism.org/
(If you are interested in knowing more about ACEOs, scroll down to previous article.)

Meet Holly of Tuscan Road Designs

2010-06-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Holly is an amazing jewelry artist who sells her unique and diverse jewelry through her Etsy shop, Tuscan Road Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/tuscanroad Whether it is a necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings, her eye for the beautiful is exemplified in every piece. She refers to her beautiful work as "an eclectic mix of mod and vintage," utilizing components such as semi precious gemstones, crystals and beautiful Lampwork beads made by herself and her son. She doesn't follow trends; she wants to set them by being consistently inspired, always keeping her eyes open for "that unique and beautiful bead or idea to incorporate into my designs."

Holly is inspired by nature, Old World icons, the world around her, nature, and architecture. Her incredible work began with a trip to Tuscany, Italy, where she visited the glass and bead factories on the island. And she was hooked. Returning home, she promptly took a class in making Lampwork beads, which she incorporates into her lovely jewelry pieces.

As if creating all that wonder jewelry weren't enough, she and her son Tanner take in baby Owls to rehabilitate for return to the wild. She describes the wonder of these little creatures, including the many different kinds of sounds they make. But you have to see it to believe it, so pay a visit to her blog: http://tuscanroad.blogspot.com/

Mystic Mountains Necklace

2010-06-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

This necklace, "Mystic Mountains," was inspired by my practice of shamanism. During some of my shamanic (visionary) journeys, I went to a place in the sky where, off in the distance, there were beautiful, gem-like mountains. When I saw the faceted Rainbow Flourite, the stones looked so much like these beautiful healing mountains, that I had to make the necklace. The other components are Amethyst, Sterling Silver Accent Beads and lots of Bali (handmade) Sterling Silver spacers. If you are interested in learning more about shamanism, visit Michael Harner's site: http://www.shamanism.org/

If you are interested in this or other similar items, please visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

My Visual Art ... ACEOs

2010-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

In addition to being a jewelry maker, I am a visual artist. After training with a BFA in painting from Virginia Commonwealth University my work has been shown in galleries throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, Virginia, New York, Oregon, Idaho and New Mexico.

Currently I am working with what I thought was a new format called ACEO. ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. They are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Artists trade them, sell them, make prints and make and sell the prints. For more information on the history of ACEOs, visit Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACEO

I am working on a collection of four ACEOs; the theme is creation and the origin of the four sacred elements: fire, water, earth and air. These elements have been a recurring theme in the majority of my visual painting, drawing and mixed media art. They each have associations such as for fire: birth, illumination, power, and more. They are done in colored pencil. I will continue to share this collection as I work on it and welcome all comments.

Featured Artist Robin Hartman

2010-06-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Robin Hartman (aka Helen Puck) is an artist jeweler par excellence. She is also a mother with two toddlers and a part-time college English professor. Says the artist, "I've been involved in crafts ever since my tiny little looped balloons around a clothespin and called it a doll. Now, she makes everything from lovely cameo earrings to cross stitched pendant necklaces, from delicate origami paper (set in clear epoxy) pendant necklaces to lovely wire wrapped earrings and pendants. To see her work, visit her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/helenapuck
Robin also makes adorable wire wrapped bird' nests, which you can see on her blog, along with other creations: http://snipsansnails.blogspot.com/

Dream Again Jewelry by Stephanie

2010-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Stephanie walked into her first bead store at the age of twenty and never looked back. Overcome by the sheer number and types of beads in the shops, she bought a few things ~ some African Trade Beads, leather, and clasps, and she was hooked. She's been making one of a kind, handmade jewelry ever since, and is completely self-taught.

Growing up in the country in a small town in California, she was surrounded by creatures, domesticated and wild, from chickens to wild turkeys, from dogs to coyotes. The family business was grapes, and says Stephanie, "we had lots and lots of grapes." Being the firstborn in her family, she admits to being spoiled by her mother and attributes this to the beginning of her love for "pretty things."

Stephanie's original creations are made with with pliers and wire, chain, beads, and stones. When inspiration strikes, she starts dreaming up new ideas, which she turns into reality. She also does custom work and says, " I want to make your dreams a reality." To enjoy Stephanie's work, visit her Etsy store, "Dream Again Jewelry": http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamAgainJewelry

Primal Garden

2010-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

For most of my life I have been interested in primal and indigenous cultures and spirituality. This has led me to study shamanism as well as extended study of the Navaho culture, and of ethnomusicology. This love has taken root in my visual art, in my performance art and in my jewelry. As a performance artist, I have led participatory ceremonies related to a variety of issues including ecology and self awareness. This newest necklace, "Primal Garden," is an expression of this deep interest. The pendant has a very primal feel to me and, like the other Sterling Silver elements, was handmade by the Hill Tribe in Thailand. The Turquoise seemed to naturally fit, and the bronze Freshwater Pearls are an earthy element to the design, which is assemytrical.

The pendant, being the focal point, draws you into the garden, and the other components invite you to explore. To see this and my other jewelry, visit my Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

Meet Japanese Artist Kazumi

2010-05-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

This week's featured artist is Kazumi, a versatile Japanese based artist. She does everything from age old sock monkeys to wedding message boards. I especially like her whimsical drawings. Her sock monkeys have been sold around the world, and she has t-shirts and other items that go with them. To see her sock monkeys: http://sockyworld.com/
In her Etsy shop, Kazumi welcomes visitors to "East Meets West" designs. Everything she does is handmade, but, for her fabric pieces, with fabrics from around the world. To visit K & K Crafts and Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sockysworld

Sandi's Handmade Art

2010-05-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sandi, of IKnitQuiltSew, expresses her passion through her knitting and quilting. Her items are handmade, one of a kind blankets, booties, bears, etc. According to Sandi, " I truly love what I do... whether it's knitting that perfect pair of booties or hand-quilting my latest creation, it's a labor of love." Some of Sandi's designs were handed down from her great grandmother to her grandmother, and then to her "before color TV was invented." Sandi is an artist with fabric and yarn as her media. To see more of Sandi's wonderful work visit her Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/iKnitQuiltSew

2010-05-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Sonata

2010-05-19T05:43:00.001-07:00

This is my latest, "Sonata." The Botswana stone beads are combined with Mother of Pearl and "Crystal Copper" Swarovski crystal beads. I wanted the look of the metal without actually using Copper, and the think the crystals did the trick. They also add a bit of a shimmer. As a whole, the necklace reminded me of a lovely melody, hence the title. I have now used up all my Botswana Agate beads, and I guess I will have to buy some more because I have come to love this stone. To see this and other items, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

Featured Artist ~ Haffina

2010-05-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Haffina is a busy mother of five who lives and creates her wonderful polymer clay beads in Australia. Haffina's creations include beads, pendants, toggle clasps, and more. In addition, the artist also makes jewelry, using her own beads, and creates fantasy creatures, such as dragons. According to Haffina, "Polymer clay fascinates me, it is so versatile, and I want to show others just some of the possibilities." To see more of her work, visit her Artfire Gallery: http://www.artfire.com/users/beadsbyhaffina

Sante Fe Tequilla

2010-05-12T09:03:00.001-07:00

I was a bit homesick for the southwest when I made this one. I recall sitting at a small, streetside cafe, sipping Margaritas and watching the passing people as well as the rolling mountains in the distance. Turquoise is always a good bet when thinking southwestern, but I was surprised at how much I liked combining it with the Serpentine. And, of course, a spiral (pendant) is almost always a must have, to add that sense of mystery. To see this and my other jewelry work, visit my Etsy site: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

"Girlie's Bling" by Joanne

2010-05-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

Joanne, under the Etsy shop name, "Girlie's Bling & Things," showcases her wonderful jewelry. she also loves to do other types of crafts, including painting, jewelry, to macrame and a bit of woodwork. Her jewelry work runs the gamut from necklace sets, to earrings to keychains, and everything is made with love and a fine attention to detail. The diversity of her work is incredible, but most of it has a feeling of light and openness. To see her work visit her Etsy page:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/joanne79

2010-05-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Seaside Dawn

As spring moves along, thoughts turn to summer and beaches, sea and sun. "Seaside Dawn" reflects the colors of the sea in the Montana Agate rondelles, while the Freshwater Pearls evoke the dawn. In between each pearl is a 24K Gold Vermeil "Daisy" spacer, adding a bit of shimmer. I haven't been to the beach yet, but I plan to visit Plum Island (MA) soon. Dogs are allowed to run free on the beach there, and it's a great chance for me and David to be near the ocean and my wonderful dog, Pepper, to run free and mix with other dogs.

To see more of my jewelry, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

2010-05-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nala is the Featured Artist of the Month

Nala is a self taught crafter who is a member of the Handmade Artist's Forum (HAF). (For more information about HAF, scroll down to article). Her jewelry is featured on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybynala and on nin.com: http://jewelrybynala.ning.com/
She likes to make jewelry that is "dark and mysterious" as well as jewelry which is light. All of her work shows her incredible attention to detail and to color and composition. She is a jewelry maker par excellence. To view her work: http://www.etsy.com/listing/46040706/leaf-pendant-necklace

2010-04-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

Dreaming of the Desert

My newest necklace, "Desert Dream," harkens to my six year sojourn in Silver City, New Mexico. For a year I lived in the requisite adobe, actually up in the mountains in Pinos Altos, an old mining town. Silver City itself was a copper mining town, though the industry had shut down. Artists began to move in and a vital and diverse artist community developed. There were about fifty-five galleries in and/or close to Silver City. It was an artist's dream. I was affiliated with a number of galleries while I was there, showing both my mixed media art work and my jewelry.

The sand colored stone in "Desert Dream" is Magnesite. The fine veins of dark brown are very much like horsehair pottery, which was becoming very popular throughout the southwest. And of course, a necklace inspired by my past in Silver City wouldn't be complete without Turquoise and Copper. The Copper beads are vintage, and I love the little bumps on them. They add texture to the design. My "artists residence" in New Mexico continues to inspire me today.

To see more of my work, visit my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raedawn

HAF Featured in Online Journal

2010-04-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Handmade Artists Forum and Shops, started by Andrew and Kimberly Kitchen, was recently featured in an article in "The Beading Gem's Journal," an online publication. According to the article, Andrew and Kimberly literally started from the ground up, first teaching themselves the ropes of selling their own jewelry online through their web sites, then by starting the Hand Made Artists Forum (HAF) to support and promote the work of other jewelry makers.

(Please note that HAF is not solely for jewelry artists, but features all types of handmade items.)

According to Andrew and Kimberly, "The HAF shop as it is known is set up so the members of the forum have another option to sell their wares, most of our members sell on other venues as well but many are warming up to the shop as it is small and relatively manageable." To visit HAF: http://handmadeartistsshop.com/
To check out their websites - http://makinthebestofit.com/ (painted stem glassware and beach glass jewelry) and http://chainmaillebymboi.com/.

For those interested in "The Beading Gem's Journal": http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/04/handmade-artists-forum-and-shop.html

2010-04-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

I just completed a fun spring/summer necklace set. This one I made for myself. The beads are Milleflore and Blue Howlite. I love the way each Milleflore bead is a little different, no two alike. It may look like it was made for a doll. I have a very thin wrist and neck. Once at a craft fair, a lady was looking at some of my chokers. She said, "you've got to make these to fit the rest of us; we don't all have a tiny neck like yours." I always appreciate feedback from customers, so that one really sunk in, which is why this set is not for sale.

New Necklace ~ Mayan Princess

2010-04-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

My newest necklace is an experiment in using two different metals in one piece, in this case, copper and sterling silver. The stone is Botswana agate, which I love for its swirling colors. The sterling silver beads, handmade by the Hill Tribe in Thailand, reminded me of the stepped architecture of the Mayans, hence, the name. So far, I've been getting some really good feedback about this piece, which can be seen in my Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44308663

2010-04-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Kris, of Albuquerque, NM, also know by her art name as LisianBlue, makes beautiful stained glass and painted glass pieces. For more about her: http://dreambubblesreverie.blogspot.com/

Sweet Spring

2010-04-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

This necklace is my latest creation. The stones are faceted Aventurine rondelles. The faceting adds a sparkly affect to the necklace. The flowering leaf reminds me of the sweet peas that used to bloom at my grandmothers. They don't look the same, but they "feel" the same. All the Sterling Silver is made by the Hill Tribe in Thailand. To me this is a soft understated piece with a promise of more to come.

2010-04-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

Debbie Downs of Greenriver Designs is a good jewelry artist to check out. Amember of the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF), Debbie works from her farm in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. In addition to making jewelry, she raises Dexter Cattle and Old English Baby Doll Sheep. To find out more, visit her blog, "Bead Beat": http://www.beadbeat.blogspot.com/

2010-03-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Featured Artist ~ Amy Abrams

Amy began making jewelry in the early 1990's after a fateful trip to the library led her to discover a book about bead weaving using tiny glass seed beads. Over the years her passion for the beauty and intricacy of jewelry has led her in new directions and opened her eyes to different techniques and materials. Her work is inspired by nature and the divine feminine, as well as the materials which infuse her work.

In early 2005 Amy became a certified metal clay instructor using Art Clay Silver, a cutting edge material, developed and manufactured in Japan. It is made from fine silver (99.9 %, sterling is 92.5%) particles, a natural and non-toxic plant cellulose binder and water. She is very happy to note that the silver used in Art Clay Silver, rather than being strip-mined, is manufactured from silver that is recycled from industrial processes and processed with minimal impact on the local environment. She has also recently taken up the use of bronze and copper versions of this clay for making larger items for jewelry, decorative ornaments, incense holders and vessels.

All of the materials Amy uses in her work are genuine stones and pearls, fine silver, sterling silver, gold fill, vermeil (22k gold over sterling silver) and in some cases high karat gold, and now bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) and copper.

2010-03-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Handmade Artists Forum ~ A Home for all Things Handmade

About a month ago, I joined the Handmade Artists Forum, which is a wonderful place featuring artists of all types of things handmade. From painted silk to knitted caps, to baby clothes, to jewelry, to painting ~ just about every kind of handmade work is represented there.

HAF is a wonderful community, still being small enough to have a very personal flavor and interactions by members. My HAF shop can be found at:
http://www.handmadeartistsshop.com/DreamsandEchoes.html

Within the HAF, there is a Virtual Craft Fair. This month I am a featured artist. I'm so excited. Due to my illness (Fibromyalgia) it is not possible for me to participate in art/craft fairs anymore, so this exposure is especially great for me. If you're interested:
http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/2010/03/featured-artist-linda-dreams-and-echoes/
You will be able to see samples of my jewelry, and if you scroll down, you can see others who are represented at the current Virtual Art Fair. Select an aisle to explore, and you'll be there.

2010-02-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Now I am waiting on a Fire Mountain order, for two copper toggle clasps. I just did a necklace for David, my hubby ~ it's Leopardskin Jasper and Copper ~ and another for sale that is Botswana Agate and Copper. :::sigh::: It's frustrating when I have something complete, ready to go and then I have to wait. The 'problem is that I also already have so many different strands of beads, finding galore, etc., that I am down to mainly being able to purchase only when there is a specific need. My bead wall is 4' x 8' and is nothing but strands of glorious beads, up, down and across. It's beautiful to look at and provides a lot of inspiration.

2010-02-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Still waiting for the snow that was supposed to come today. There were some flurries this morning, but since then, it's all settled down. My friends are waiting for the snow to melt, and I'm wishing for one more before the season is over. That didn't stop me, however, from finishing the "Dancing Flowers" necklace I've been working on. Here's another picture of the set. My hubby used a different background and the variations in the Lepidolite show up much better ... such a pretty stone.

2010-02-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

This is a WIP (Work in Progress). The necklace is done, but I still have to do the bracelet and earrings. The stone is Lepidolite, and there is also Blue Lace Agate, Czech Glass and Sterling Silver accent beads. I'm thinking spring since tomorrow we are in store for another big snow.

A lot has happened since I visited my daughter at Christmas. First, we had a wonderful visit, me, her, my hubby, her hubby. Amy is so creative; she is a jewelry maker with an emphasis on Precious Metal Clay, so we had lots of catching up to do, both personal and artistic. Now, since she is in Maryland, she is literally up to her ears in snow. We didn't get any here in Lowell, MA. I always love to see the big fluffy flakes coming down.

I joined the Handmade Artists Forum, which is a great new outlet for people who make arts and fine crafts by hand. Now I am being featured in the virtual craft show, the first time I've ever done anything like this. It's like having a mini shop online for a two-week period. If you want to check it out go here: http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/category/virtual-craft-show/

Scroll down to Dreams and Echoes. That's the name of my shop. I also have a shop with the Handmade Artists Forum. It's a more permanent shop, and I'm working on building up my inventory there:
http://www.handmadeartistsshop.com/ixxocart/vendors/DreamsandEchoes.html

These are wonderful venues, as is Etsy (my Etsy url is on the lower left of the page), and as I continue to create new works of jewelry art, I continue to build my shops inventories. Right now I'm working on a necklace set using Lepidolite, which is a lovely stone that has different colors of purple and lavendar. To the left is a WIP (Work in Progress) picture.

Coming Next: what's new with my visual art.

2009-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

I'm preparing to go to Maryland (from Massachusetts) to visit my daughter, Amy. I am so excited because I'll be there for nearly a week, and it's been a year since I saw her. You should definitely visit her site that's listed here. Her precious metal clay work is exquisite. She is an awesome beader and the one I love to blame for getting me hooked.

I just finished a new necklace and earrings set, "Snow Drifts," which I hope I can remember how to post. I guess I should visit my blog more often. Anyway, what can you do with winter except celebrate it.

Recently, I joined a forem of Mixed Media Artists on Etsy. There are a few who also do jewelry, but being part of the group is making me ache to do some drawing and painting. All I have to do is finish clearing off my art table, and buy a table easel, which will be my first agenda of the new year.

2009-11-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I've had 3 visitors to my Etsy shop, %100 satisfaction, but no sales. I am so addicted to beads, I just can't stop making jewelry; :::sigh::: I'm really hoping for some sales. Though the expense to be on Etsy is minimal, I feel that I need to have some justification to continue. My hubby, David, took some beautiful pics of a Chinese Turquouise necklace, which I hope to upload today. The Chinese Turquoise is green with sienna matrix ... so beautiful and lush. Next, I really want to get some art prints and notecards in my shop.

Welcome to My Blog

2009-11-23T07:35:00.001-08:00

Hello, this is my first real blog, and I'm really excited. My blog will have entries about my jewelry and art work as well as about my life journey. Today, I am having a blogging lesson, and my body is crashing. Faaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllling