Featured Artist ~ Elektra Jewelry Design

Oftentimes, we find discovering our muse is a very special journey of its own…

Dina of Elektra Jewelry Design explains that while she has been passionate about jewelry all of her life, it was traveling to Greece for the first time at the age of 15 that influenced her love for 18k and 24k gold, with the warm, rich color enchancing the stones and settings of each beautiful design. She later discovered that silver was equally lovely, complimenting some of her favorite stones even better than gold.

Dina finally took the step from fine jewelry collector to designer and artist one cold morning on a ski vacation when a jewelry design workshop was offered. Like many artists, the seeds had obviously been planted, and fortunately for us, the results continue to be stunning.

Working primarily with gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver, semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads, Dina usually creates OOAK pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.

Ready for a beautiful journey yourself? Stop by Elektra Jewelry Design soon!

You can find Elektra Jewelry at:

Etsy: Elektrajewelry.etsy.com
Blog: Elektrajewelry.blogspot.com

Featured Artist ~ A Rose by Name

The beautiful world of beadweaving always amazes me, and I was not disappointed by my visit to the talented beadweaver’s shop, A Rose By Name. Anna not only enjoys beading, but finds it to be a therapy for stress!

At first a family activity, Anna explains that her daughters and she first tried beading together many years ago. As weaving skills undoubtedly developed through the years, Anna now works with smaller beads and more intricate designs. While her daughters no longer join her in beading, they do enjoy wearing the beautiful pieces that Mom creates.

Anna is an active member of the Etsy community through her participation in three street teams ~ Etsy BeadWeavers, Cleveland Rocks, and BBEST - Boomers & Beyond.

Stop by A Rose by Name soon and discover ~ or re-discover! ~ the beautiful world of beadweaving!

You can find A Rose by Name at:

Etsy: arosebyname.etsy.com
Blog: arosebyname.blogspot.com

Featured Artist ~ That's Headley!

Once you “enter” That’s Headley!, you can immediately tell you are about to embark on an incredible journey of discovery! The gifted artist behind this wonderful Etsy shop explains that That's Headley! Jewelry Designs “is a journey in wearable art in semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass…(where) Color, texture, balance, and richness are my design goals.”

A beader since adolescence, this designer now also uses wire wrapping and silversmithing, always using real sterling at the least, and sometimes fine (99.9% pure) silver. Most creations are OOAK and That's Headley! welcomes custom requests.

That's Headley! has a special shop section ~ Hope for Whirled Peas ~ which supports the Fisher House™ Foundation, a program which donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers, enabling family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times.

Get ready for an exciting journey and stop by That’s Headley! today.

You can find That’sHeadley! at:

Etsy: ThatsHeadley.etsy.com
Blog: ThatsHeadley.blogspot.com/

Featured Artist ~ Alilsumptinsumptin

Eva of Alilsumptinsumptin combines her talent for making jewelry, her love for whimsy, and her commitment to a mission to create a wonderful Etsy shop. Like many other Etsians, Eva also has been involved in art since her childhood and now considers herself “a Jill of many trades, master of none.” Upon viewing her creations, however, I suspect that might be a humble reflection.

With formal training in fashion design, illustration, and calligraphy, Eva has been making jewelry for about 3 years. All her pieces are OOAK and frequently incorporate two things she loves: flower gardens and dogs. The handcrafted artisan lampwork beads which Eva often uses are wonderful little works of art in themselves.

A permanent section of Alilsumptinsumptin is “PAWS” where 100% of the proceeds benefit various animal and human non-profit organizations through “PAWS FOR A GOOD CAUSE,” established by Eva in memoriam of her two golden retrievers, both adopted from local animal shelters. Past charities that have benefited include the ASPCA, the HSUS, and Habitat for Humanity.

Whether you are looking for exquisite, OOAK, boutique-quality jewelry or a special piece to commemorate the “PAWS” cause, Alilsumptinsumptin is sure to have a treat in store for you!

You can find Alilsumptinsumptin at:

Etsy: Alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com
Blog: www.alilsumptinsumptin.com/

Featured Artist ~ Elements by Dawn

Today’s artist feature, Elements by Dawn, a shop with striking, OOAK jewelry, begins with Dawn’s definition of “element” ~ the shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light, and color of a design.

Dawn Brandt clearly draws on this definition in creating her pieces. She explains that “ through pattern and texture, (my) designs take on movement, visual and tactile interest…(and) through the use of color and form, (I) communicate emotion and energy.” Variety reigns in Dawn’s designs as you will find pieces with simplistic shapes and lines, suggesting a sense of calm as well as more heavily textured designs with bold colors and lines, evoking passion.

Always learning new techniques, Dawn also continues to perfect the traditional methods of metalworking and design in her work.

Elements by Dawn is the perfect stop to find something special for someone or even better…for yourself!

You can find ElementsbyDawn at:

Etsy: ElementsbyDawn.etsy.com
Blog: elementsbydawn.blogspot.com

Featured Artist ~ Tiffany Teske

You will be fascinated with a visit to TiffanyTeske, an Etsy shop filled with this gifted photographer’s work in Polaroid processes, prints, cards, and pendants.

Tiffany explains that her passion for photography began at the age of 7, when she was given a 110 camera, to capture memories on a family trip. Formal photography study, however, wasn’t Tiffany’s original plan. Studying ballet, creative writing, and art in high school, she did not take any photography classes, but rather was "the after school photography club,” learning how to use the darkroom from a science teacher.

Tiffany explains that “the chemicals got into my blood, and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) I settled in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, population 200, and home to Sugarloaf USA, and decided to go to University for.... nursing? Well, yes, I did start the pre req courses, but fate stepped in, and after one summer colour printing course and some credit mishaps on the school's part, I switched my major to photography.”

Graduating from the University of Maine at Augusta with an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000, Tiffany received her Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002.

I especially enjoy Tiffany’s Polaroid process works as this is a photography art form I have seen my brother-in-law use. It is incredible to see the works develop as the photographer “works” with the film.

Take time for a visit to TiffanyTeske today. You are sure to find many favorites!

You can find TiffanyTeske at:

Etsy: TiffanyTeske.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.oldesage.com/

Christmas Eve

On a snowy Chistmas Eve in Rochester, New York, 1989, a tradition was born that continues every year. Excited children (first two, then three and now almost all grown to adulthood), surround Dad on the living room sofa for his annual reading of The Polar Express. Each year the story remains the same, but somehow Dad adds a new touch with every reading ~ a special sound effect, a character's voice ~ small details which bring the story to life and bring smiles and sometimes laughter from the sofa every Christmas Eve.

After remembering how they all still want to hear Santa's bell, the children on the sofa snuggle closer to Dad as he sits up a bit straighter, clears his throat, and introduces "Luke, Chapter 2", music which, he explains, was composed by his fourth grade parochial school teacher, Mr. "Soreguts." Of course, there is a bit of irreverent giggling from the sofa at the sound of the teacher's name, and as years progress, giggling develops into gastrointestinal jokes which will finally be settled by Dad quietly stating, "Yes, but he had a good heart." That is the cue that the performance is about to begin, and silence prevails.

"And it came to pass..." Dad sings out confidently, peacefully, the words from the second chapter of Luke so committed to memory as well as the lilting melody, nowhere on paper but each year the same hauntingly beautiful tune. Originally composed for a school choir, the children on the sofa wait for their parts, small choral interludes interspersed after key phrases, which over the years will also come to be accompanied with dramatic sweeping arm movements. "...And on earth peace. Peace. Peace on earth." Dad's clear voice quietly trails off.

Applause follows the performance and the group moves to the piano with Mom to finish the evening with carols. All the favorites are sung ~ "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Deck the Halls," "Joy to the World," and many more. The final song of Christmas Eve that night, and every Christmas Eve since, is one of Andrew's (then almost 4 years old) favorite songs, "Old Toy Trains" recorded by Raffi.

Old toy trains, little toy tracks

Little toy drums coming from a sack

Carried by a man dressed in white and red

Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Close your eyes, Listen to the skies

All is calm, all is well

Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells

Bringin' old toy trains, little toy tracks

Little toy drums coming from a sack

Carried by a man dressed in white and red

Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Of course, the last line is Andrew's and sister's cue that now's the time for bed so that Santa can come. Bedtime hugs and kisses are shared, and over the years, Dad will tuck the children ~ first two, then three ~ into their beds for Christmas Eve prayers.

Tonight, Christmas Eve 2007, was really no different ~ 3 excited siblings squeezed on the living room sofa, surrounding Dad; "The Polar Express"; Dad's singing of Luke, Chapter 2; carol singing arond the piano (Mom did pretty well with one hand this year!); and finally, a very teary rendition of "Old Toy Trains." Andrew, once almost 4, is now almost 22, and is making plans to leave in June with the Peace Corps. As we sang the final chorus, we all realized that our "little boy" would be spending his next Christmas somewhere in sub Saharan Africa. The hugs we all shared tonight after the song were especially dear and warm.

A very merry, blessed Christmas to all...

Guest Blogger ~ Skippy the Wonder Dog

Today's blog entry will be brought to you by our talented guest blogger, Skippy the Wonder Dog. New to the world of blogging, Skippy details his daily highlights while visiting with his Mamie and Papa over the holidays (Skippy doesn't realize he's been ditched by his family who are Christmasing without him in California! Shhh! Don't tell!)

You can catch up on Skippy's latest adventures here: Skippy the Wonder Dog.

Remembering When...

Two forwards in the past couple of days have made me remember warmly....

First, this link to the real story behind Dan Fogelberg's Christmastime classic Same Old Lang Syne ~ http://www.pjstar.com/stories/122207/PHI_BF98B7KI.054.php . Quite the story and yes, it explains the song so well!

And, as I was browsing Studio Marcy, and saw the Chatty Cathy bead (see below), I immediately recalled my 4th Christmas when ALL I wanted from Santa was a Chatty Cathy doll. Santa, indeed, delivered, but to my (any my parents!) dismay, Cathy wasn't so "chatty" after all but rather sputtered a lethargic, intelligible stream of syllables each time I eagerly pulled her cord. Cathy was returned to the "elves' workshop" for a few days and came back as good as new to my sheer 4-year-old delight.

In my email this morning was this reminder of "Chatty Cathy," along with a host of baby boomers memories, reminding me of the "good ol' days" (or maybe reminding me of how old I'm getting?).

Featured Artist ~ Studio Marcy

I am thrilled to share a fellow street team member’s shop today, Studio Marcy. Marcy Lamberson, a glass artist from Atlanta, Georgia, creates the most wonderful whimsical beads and sculptures, most of which will definitely make you smile!

Marcy explains that often her inspiration comes “while working out of my sunroom studio overlooking my garden and birds, squirrels, chipmunks and occasional wandering possums, sometimes I just made them into beads, too” with clothes and jewelry, turning them into fun glass pieces. She also adores children’s toys, art, gnomes, and nature- especially ocean/beach related items.

First a watercolor painter, Marcy started noticing the similarities between the mediums of artisan glass and watercolors, light shining through transparent colors, layering colors to form new ones, and mixing colors in both mediums. She explains that “once I started doing fun and funky sculptural beads, I found that I loved seeing people laugh and smile when looking at them and I loved creating them even more.”

A visit to Studio Marcy is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, too! And, if the visit inspires you to think of your own unique bead idea, Marcy will be glad to design a custom treasure for you.

You can find StudioMarcy at:

Etsy: StudioMarcy.etsy.com
Blog: studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Featured Artist ~ Silver Dragon

“Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create.” So says the talented Patricia of Silver Dragon, an Etsy shop offering wearable art necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets.

Patricia has always been an artist with one of her earliest and formative art memories being a nursery class field trip to a local museum in Rochester, NY. Completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans, Patricia doesn’t know how long she stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say.

Patricia’s path as an artist, however, has been a duet of both fine and performing arts, which she has journeyed on through a fascinating academic career. A (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, she holds a Masters Degree in Astrophysics, has worked as an astronomer, and still teaches astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.

Patricia’s work continues to grow, and she now also counts herself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving, the very art that first called to her as a small child. All of her work is OOAK, and you can see from her work how she enjoys playing with color and texture, experimenting with shape and drape and form.

Stop by Silver Dragon and see what Patricia’s created for you!

You can find SilverDragon at:

Etsy: SilverDragon.etsy.com
Blog: vener-art.com/beadblog

Writers' Strike...

Not here...it's a new treasury I just managed to get over on Etsy ~ some fun, wonderful ideas for writers or just anyone looking for something different to add to your desk! Take a peek at WRITERS' Strike!

Featured Artist ~ Giftbearer

“I come bearing gifts….” Sound familiar? Pippit Carlington certainly has many gifts to share and gives us a wonderful taste of her talents in her shop, Giftbearer.

An artist and designer all her life, Pippit taught herself to play the piano by ear at an early age as she composed songs. She even redesigned the school mascot, constructing a new one out of paper mache and by junior high had turned her artistic creations into an entrepreneurial venture, selling various art items she had made.

Working in several mediums, including acrylics, watercolor, drawing, clay sculpture, and jewelry, Pippit has received formal art training at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and Studios. Her diverse heritage of of Iroquois Indian, Hawaiian, Russian Jewish, and French Canadian provides a multicultural influence in her work, and she is also strongly influenced by nature, political, and social issues, using her art to educate the public.

Pippit’s Giftbearer shop specializes in high-end indigenous jewelry with a stunning collection of OOAK earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. This gifted Etsy seller is also the developer of the innovative new marketing plan called the “90 Features in 90 Days Challenge” which this blog participates in.

Giftbearer’s door is open ~ be sure you take the time to visit this multi-talented artist’s shop!

You can find Giftbearer at:

Etsy: giftbearer.etsy.com
Etsy: GiftbearerSupply.etsy.com
Blog: artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com

Featured Artist - Lazy Cat Gifts

Looking for beautiful, unique, boutique-quality artisan crochet bead jewelry and fiber art? Be sure to put Lazy Cat Gifts on your “must-visit” list. Lazy Cat Gifts originally was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI who all had grandmothers who crocheted. Allison, Stasia, and Kelly enjoy using the skills from their grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. Crocheting in both yarn and wire, they create artisan crochet bead jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. They are constantly looking for new ways to artistically use their crocheting skills, and they welcome custom orders.

Lazy Cats Gifts is updating all the time, so be sure to check back often to see what new goodies have appeared!

You can find Lazy Cats Gifts at:

Etsy: lazycatsgifts.etsy.com
Blog: lazycatsgifts.blogspot.com

Dan Fogelberg, August 13, 1951 ~ December 16, 2007

His albums...yes, albums :-), are still among some of my favorite music, speaking stories to me in that special bridge of time as I gingerly found my way from adolescence to adulthood.

Nether Lands

High on this mountain

The clouds down below

I'm feeling so strong and alive

From this rocky perch

I'll continue to search

For the wind and the snow and the sky

Oh I want a lover and I want some friends

And I want to live in the sun

And I want to do all the things that I never have done

Sunny bright mornings and pale moonlit nights

Keep me from feeling alone

Now I'm learning to fly and this freedom is like

Nothing that I've ever known

Oh I've seen the bottom and I've been on top

But mostly I've lived in between

And where do you go when you get to the end of your dream

Off in the Nether Lands I heard the sound

Like the beating of heavenly wings

And deep in my brain I can hear a refrain

Of my soul as she rises and sings

Anthems to glory and anthems to love

And hymns filled with earthly delight

Like the songs that the darkness composes to worship the light

Once in a vision I came on some woods

And stood at a fork in the road

My choices were clear yet I froze with the fear

Of not knowing which way to go

Oh, one road was simple acceptance of life

The other road offered sweet peace

When I made my decision

My vision became my release

- Dan Fogelberg, 1977

Featured Etsy Artist - Crafty Moose

What do you get when you combine a lifelong love for crafting with your husband’s love of moose? Why, the Crafty Moose, of course ~ a wonderful Etsy shop offering such a wide variety of French beaded flowers, beaded art dolls, holiday decorations, and more!

Debbie, of the Crafty Moose, has been crafting for as long as she can remember and enjoys painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay, and jewelry making. Most recently, she has returned to the art of french beaded flowers. Debbie enjoys making original, OOAK butterflies and dragonflies and has also introduced a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers.

Debbie welcomes your custom requests so stop by the Crafty Moose soon to see what “the moose” might have for you!

You can find Crafty Moose at:

Etsy: craftymoose.etsy.com
Blog: craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com

Featured Etsy Artist - Ulixis Crafts

Amanda, of Ulixis Crafts, is an incredibly busy student with a lifelong passion for crafting. Currently a fifth year Honours Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University, Amanda is working in the Janssen lab on her thesis (due December 10th!) and does real-time videomicroscopy of smooth muscle cell migration.

A leisurely visit to Ulixis Crafts shows Amanda’s other side – her button bracelets are fun, colorful and creative. The OOAK notebooks are unique and offer the opportunity for personal reflection/journaling. Her beaded glass jewelry reflects a colorful, artistic design. Looking for something unique, colorful, and fun….and, no, don’t worry, you won’t have to write a thesis to make a purchase! Stop by Ulixis Crafts soon!

You can find Ulixis Crafts at:

Etsy: Ulixis.etsy.com
Blog: Ulixis.blogspot.com

Featured Etsy Artist - Vanessa Kimball

Vanessa Kimball, a graphic designer with Ekcetera Productions, brings you a lovely collection of personally designed stationery items, including cards, invitations, and one of my favorites, her 2008 calendars. This talented artist also offers some wonderful Etsy shop banners, ready for you to start the new year with a new look!

Vanessa Kimball welcomes custom orders so feel free to contact her with your stationery needs.

You can find Vanessa Kimball at:

Etsy: vanessakimball.etsy.com
Website: http://www.ekcetera.com/
Blog: vanessakimball.blogspot.com

Shoulder Surgery

Surgery was Wed....finally made it home late yesterday...OUCH! :-{

Featured Etsy Artist - Darjeeling Paper

Michael Gresh of Darjeeling Paper has an inviting shop, filled with beautiful, unique stationery, handbound books, and quality paper goods. A self-proclaimed man of many trades and “paper-nut,” Michael is a hotel designer and clearly brings his eye for interior design/graphic art to life through Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. I loved the bound books and the Bush-isms cards are classics!

Stop by Michael’s shop soon – it’s an ideal spot for finding a gift or for gifting yourself. His creative paper goods are sure to inspire you.

You can find Darjeeling Paper at:

Etsy: darjeelingpaper.etsy.com
Blog: darjeelingpaper.com/blog

Featured Etsy Artist - Backwoods Creations

MaryAnn Anderson of Backwoods Creations in Norridgewock, Maine, explains that she is "actively pursuing (her) dream of living an artistic and creative vision on a daily basis." This becomes quite clear on a visit to her Etsy shop and seeing her wonderful mixed media creations and unique fabric animal sculptures.

MaryAnn has been involved with arts and crafts since childhood and enjoys keeping the creativity flowing as she develops what she calls her somewhat eclectic endeavors. I found her fabric animal creatures each unique and especially liked the batik print designs. Her use of texture and color is truly beautiful in her fabric cuffs and collages.

If you enjoy colorful, creative OOAK creations, you will not be disappointed by a visit to Backwoods Creations.

You can find Backwoods Creations at:

Etsy: backwoodscreations.etsy.com
Blog: backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Who Is Earle Bruce?

Since I've been asked a couple of times now, I'm realizing that not everyone who reads my blog is a die-hard Buckeye fan and so, using the wonderful tool, Wikipedia, I will answer the burning question....."WHO IS EARL BRUCE?"

FROM WIKIPEDIA:

Earle Bruce (born March 8, 1931) is a former college football and arena football coach from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bruce was the successor to legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes, and was an excellent college football coach in his own right. In 2002, Earle Bruce was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame.

After Woody Hayes was fired from Ohio State, Bruce was offered that head coaching position. Bruce coached Ohio State from 1979-1987. In the first year, Ohio State went undefeated in the regular season and played in the Rose Bowl, losing the game and the national championship by a single point. In 1987, he was fired just prior to the last game of the season—against Michigan—but was allowed to finish out the year. Bruce was able to defeat Michigan at Ann Arbor. This is something Ohio State would not do again until 2001 under head coach Jim Tressel. After the game, Bo Schembechler told Bruce, "I always mind losing to Ohio State but I didn't mind so much today."

NOT FROM WIKIPEDIA:

The evening of OSU's winter quarter graduation, 1981, at the Fontanelle Restaurant, a quiet Italian place on North High, my parents and I were celebrating (actually, I think they were probably REALLY celebrating ~ after all, I had changed my major 4 times....what is it about us creative types?) My father glanced at a nearby table and then whispered, "Hey, that's Coach Bruce." Of course, we all looked, trying to be discreet but not succeeding, and then replying, "Yes, it is, but don't say anything...leave him alone." Nope, not what happened....Proud Papa grabs a cocktail napkin and next thing you know is over at the table explaining that his daughter just graduated from "this fine institution, etc. and wouldn't you love to give her an autograph?" Hence, Earl Bruce's autograph on a napkin....in a box....somewhere in my basement! :-)

Featured Etsy Artist - Berry Patch Designs

Three incredible shops to browse tonight and none will disappoint! All three are the result of the talented work of Etsy jewelry designer, S. Strain. She explains that “hearing and seeing that people enjoy wearing (her) jewelry is one of the best things about designing jewelry.” She also loves combining the varying colors and textures of the natural world in her designs and does so using high quality stones, pearls, glass, crystals, and metal beads. You will also find sterling silver and copper with occasional gold filled or vermeil in the designs which are suitable for a wide range of styles.

Silver Shadow is the most recently opened Etsy shop, allowing this artist to focus solely on her design work. Berry Patch Designs, a collaborative effort with two other friends, includes more beautiful handmade jewelry by all three women. The third shop, Under Current, is described as her “alter-ego” or “alternate reality” shop where this creative artist offers her “edgiest” designs and creations for your consideration. With all of the choices, you are sure to find something to please you or someone you’re shopping for!

You can find BerryPatchDesigns at:

Etsy: BerryPatchDesigns.etsy.com
Etsy: UnderCurrent.etsy.com
Etsy: SilverShadow.etsy.com
Blog: strainsasylum.blogspot.com