Enjoy this little slide presentation by one of our members of purple offerings from our team members! |
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Color Purple From Team ESST!
Enjoy this little slide presentation by one of our members of purple offerings from our team members!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday's Treasures - Shes Batty
Just to clear things up, Shes Batty is a shop name, not a reflection on today's guest artisan. ;-)
Jamie Sabot is the artist behind Shes Batty. Jamie actually has 2 shops on etsy, ShesBattyDesigns, where she sells eco-friendly, unique handmade greeting cards and adorable accessories and BattysBath for handmade bath and body products.
Let's get to know Jamie a little bit....
1) What role does your family play in your art?
My family is very supportive of my passion for creativity. They support me by being my cheerleaders, my sales reps, and my "word of mouth marketing team".. all without me asking them to! They just do it because they know how much it means to me to be a thriving non-starving artist!
2) Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in London, Ontario, Canada but am originally from a small town about 45 minutes away from London. London is big enough to have everything you need without being too big that you feel like you can't easily escape to the country. I love that there are a lot of things within walking distance from where we live and the city has two off leash dog parks that we take our 3 dogs to when we can. Ultimately I would like to live in the country but I think I would miss the convenience of being in town.
3) Where did you learn to craft or are you self taught?
Most of my skills are self taught. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my creative expression so I've spend hours upon hours in each medium I practice regularly (soap making, paper, sculpture, photography). I've also studied Fine Arts at college and university.
4) Where do you receive your inspiration, in general?
A lot of my inspiration for my bath and body products comes from my love of food! All the sweet scents that I make are usually concocted when I'm hungry lol! Inspiration for my other mediums, particularly paper, comes from just about anywhere!
5)What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Do what you love and don't fight with a medium that you just can't seem to "find yourself in". Also, plan ahead for the holiday season so you don't get burnt out! I made that mistake last year and plan to start building up stock in July and August this year
6) If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on?
After stocking up on all the cardstock I'll need for the holiday season (for my Christmas card designs), I'd go crazy ordering every fragrance oil and flavor oil known to man! I'd also stock up on packaging (jars and bottles) and labels.
Here are links to where you can find some of Jamie's products:
ShesBattyDesigns on Etsy
BattysBath on Etsy
Friday, March 26, 2010
Need Some More Inspiration???
This is the second inspiration post for the Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge! You can learn more about the challenge here. Now sit back and enjoy!
That's just a few of the beautiful things the Divas do with their own beads...but we want to see what you can do with them! Come join our Flickr group and submit your creations today!
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tuesday's Treasures - Exquisite Studios
I'm a little late with my post this week, but hey....it's still Tuesday SOMEWHERE! ;)
This week's featured artisan is someone who I have come to know pretty well the past few months, someone who started out as a customer, who I now consider a friend. Emily Schmitz-Zieman of Exquisite Studios on ArtFire. Em is an incredible jewelry artist with a wonderful eye for composition! Let's get to know her a little bit.
1. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it? The one thing that defines me is my spirit.
2. What role does your family play in your art? My daughters are both very gifted in their creativity and imagination. my oldest is an artist with every brush,pencil,piece of clay she touches. My youngest loves to design along side me. My husband is by support-system for confidence in my work. Without all of us together, nothing would be possible.
3. Where do you live and what is it like? I live in Kasson, MN with a population of just around 5600. MN is crazy-cold in winter but a beautiful state to live in and raise a family, laying down roots as you go.
4. Where did you learn to craft or are you self taught? I am self-taught in every facet of jewelry designing and many other design work I create. I read books, tutorials, but I have found the best designs for things come from ones heart and soul.
5. How long have you been working at your craft? I've been doing artsy-stuff ever since I was little.
6. Where do you receive your inspiration, in general? In general, I gather inspiration from being very spiritual, from people, and from the natural beauty in things.
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists? My best advice for anyone in this world is to imagine!
8. If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on? $1000 Craft Shopping-Spree you say? WOW! Wire, Lampwork, and whatever that moves me the very moment I see it--trust me, there would be nothing left!
Here are links to where you can find Em's beautiful creations:
ArtFire
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Little Inspiration!
The Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge is underway! The theme is Spring and there are lots of fabulous prizes to win, all shown in this thread. We're excited, and we know you are too. To tide you over, we thought we would give you a little "eye candy" to help inspire beautiful creations for the challenge! These are all pieces made by our very own Fire Divas, using their own breathtaking lampwork. Enjoy!
The best part is...we have more to come! Look for another inspirational blog post next week featuring more incredible work from our lovely and talented Fire Divas!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday's Treasures - La Bella Luna
I had the pleasure of interviewing Evelyn of La Bella Luna for this week's artisan spotlight. Evelyn is a very talented jewelry artisan who specializes in all things silver....silversmithing, PMC, etc. Let's get to know Evelyn better!
1. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it? Me?- as a person?- I would have to say the word would be earnest. I'm very honest and really care about my work. I try VERY hard. It's my personality. Sometimes it's a bit of a curse, but it's how I've always been.
My work?- that's a hard one. All I can tell you that I design every piece that I make with my own personal sensibilities. By that I mean I absolutely have to like it myself. I follow my instincts and if something doesn't please me I take it apart and re-work it till it feels right. Hard to explain...
I asked some friends what they thought. One said "vintage meets modern", one said "clean" and also "arts and crafts or craftsmen" (as in the design movement- think Stickley). I agree with all of that, too.
2. What role does your family play in your art? I was always encouraged by all of my family. My father and my grandfather (paternal) were mechanics. They also had very clever creative streaks. I must have been influenced by that. I love tools, fabrication, figuring things out, and of course design. My husband is a photographer and so he is a wonderful source of inspiration and support (he bought me my kiln as a surprise gift!) Not to mention he helps me with the great photos of my work!
3. Where do you live and what is it like? I live in Windsor, Connecticut, my hometown. The neighborhood I live in now was built in the 1920's. We still have a few neighbors who are originals around here! There are lots of artists and creative people. It's a lovely community. There are sidewalks and a lot of people walking all the time. The town center is a few blocks away. We really like it here.
4. Where did you learn to craft or are you self taught? I've always made things, all my life. I now work primarily in precious metal clay- and my first experience with that was at Lis-el Crowley's studio, Art and Soul, which is here in town. Lis-el has been a great teacher and mentor for me. She is an accomplished metal clay artist, and I am fortunate to be associated with her. I have also been certified through the Rio Grande program. That involved a three day intensive workshop to learn more advanced skills. I continue to take classes and workshops whenever I can. I read all the time, too. Always looking to learn new things.
5. How long have you been working at your craft? Well, as I said, it's always been part of my life. I remember making jewelry as a kid. But the real serious stuff started about 4 years ago. And then I started full time with the jewelry business about a year ago.
6. Where do you receive your inspiration, in general? My inspiration is visual. I see things all the time (sounds like that movie... The Sixth Sense!) Seriously, though, I will see something- could be anything- and an idea will pop into my head. I carry a little pad with me and I make sketches. I belong to the Precious Metal Clay Guild, and they have a publication called Fusion. In every issue they have a feature called the "Visual Trigger Challenge". They print an abstract image, and challenge readers to design a piece based on it. I mention this because it's a good analogy for the way I get inspired. It's the Visual Trigger.
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists? Oh, I know. It would definitely be- Do what you think is best! By that I mean follow your own muse. Don't let others steer you around. It's YOUR art!
8. If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on? Oh man. Wouldn't that be sweet? Let's see- a torch, a jeweler's bench, a flex shaft, a bunch of PMC, sheet silver, tons of wire... have I spent a thousand yet? Stones, gadgets, tools, tools and more tools!
Here are links to where you can find Evelyn's beautiful creations:
http://www.labellaluna.artfire.com
http://www.labellalunajewelry.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/labellalunajewelry
http://labellalunajewelry.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Important Fund Raiser to Save a Precious Life!
Over the years there have been many news reports I've come across of young children (and older ones) needing life saving cancer treatments. Somehow they've all touched my heart. I've given when I could, but this little girl is someone that I've grown deeply fond of. She's the niece of a friend of mine. Her name is Leiryn Stanley & she's just 2 years old.
I first heard of Leiryn's story when her aunt, Michelle, bought one of my pink glass lampwork hearts. She said that she knew the perfect person for it, her niece Leiryn, who has a thing for anything pink and what little girl doesn't love hearts?? I was touched to think that one of my hearts could brighten the day of someone undergoing such a struggle!
I was a bit perplexed at why someone would purchase a glass heart for someone so young, but at the time, Leiryn had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma. An amazing little girl, Leiryn has already undergone several rounds of chemo in the hopes of shrinking the tumor to a manageable size. Against all odds, this tiny little angel has fought a battle with remarkably few perceptible side effects thus far, but her battle is not over. At the conclusion of this last round of chemo, the plan was for her to be able to get a stem cell transplant and radiation to fight her cancer.
Unfortunately, though Leiryn has been fighting a valiant battle, her doctors have agreed that her cancer is not responding even close to how they hoped it would. The transplant and
radiation are not even an option right now. Though she's made huge strides, it is simply not enough.
The plan of action at this point is to do 2 more rounds of chemo. This is chemo that is in trial right now for pediatrics and not covered by insurance. Currently it is being used to treat adult 'solid tumor' cancers, but has been tested in pediatrics for the last 4 years or so. Once completed a decision will be made as to where they stand and how to go forward. There aren't very many options left.
The family had planned a fund raiser for tomorrow, 3/14 some time ago, but considering the cost of this new experimental chemo treatment, the fund raiser is much more urgent now. Please, if you are in the Canton, MI area and can attend, the fund raiser will be held:
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 8611 Ronda Drive, Canton, MI 48187 (The Skating Station II)
If you can't make it, and would still like to contribute, there are alternatives. You can go to any branch of 5/3 bank and give to the "Stanley Family Benefit Fund", under the
name "Charles Stanley", or go to PayPal and send money to stanleybenefit@yahoo.com.
If nothing else, please send up a prayer for this beautiful little baby girl. Her aunt Michelle & I have become close friends and I cherish this little girl as though she were my own family. I'm honored to have been named an honorary auntie of this precious little girl. I beg you to do what you can.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Tuesday's Treasures - Emily Claire Creations
This week's handmade artisan spotlight is on Valerie of Emily Claire Creations on ArtFire. Emily is a hugely talented polymer clay and jewelry artist. Let's get to know Valerie better!
1. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it? I have always done my own thing, I have always been self directed in many areas of my life. Whether it was my formal education or my personal life, I tend to keep my own counsel.
2. What role does your family play in your art? I spend a lot of time with my two daughters, so I get to revisit a lot of my favorite childhood memories, such as walking to the library, visiting the local woods, sharing all my favorite children's books with them. All of this seems to come through in my jewelry designs, in one way or another.
3. Where do you live and what is it like? I live in Northeast Ohio, near the border of Pennsylvania. It is very beautiful here. There used to be a lot of industry here, but it's gone, and now we are considered part of the "Rust Belt". We have a very vibrant artist community here and they are trying to revive our area through the arts.
4. Where did you learn to craft or are you self taught? I did take some jewelry metal working classes in College, but mainly I am self taught.
5. How long have you been working at your craft? My very awesome cousin in NYC got me interested in beading. I started beading in College, but I have become more serious in the past two years.
6. Where do you receive your inspiration, in general? my inspiration mainly comes from nature, mythology, fairy tales, and fantasy.
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists? Follow your bliss.
8. If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on? Tools, books, and more classes!
You can find more of Valerie's amazing creations here.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Tuesday's Treasures - Haffina Creations
I am starting a new weekly blog feature, called Tuesday's Treasures. I am going to be posting some of my favorite handmade artisans each week so please check back often.
I met Haffina, aka Jennifer on Plurk. She's an extremely talented Polymer Clay and Jewelry Artist. The turquoise is NOT real turquoise BTW. It's polymer clay! Can you believe it??
Let's get to know Haffina better!
1. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it? I dont think there is any one thing that defines me, I'm pretty much an onion - lots of layers :)
2. What role does your family play in your art? They are one of my sources of inspiration, and part of turning this into a business was to build a future for us all.
3. Where do you live and what is it like?I live in South Australia, in a rapidly growing semi-rural area. It is relatively quiet and my kids can walk to school.
4. Where did you learn to craft or are you self taught? I am pretty much completely self-taught, or family member taught. I read a lot and watch youtube videos and experiment.
5. How long have you been working at your craft? In terms of my jewellery design and creation, about 3 years. Chainmaille wise its about 2 years and Polymer clay is about 18 months. But I have always done something creative, including cross stitch, knitting, crochet, mandalas and painting.
6. Where do you receive your inspiration, in general? Everything is, or can be, an inspiration, depending on my frame of mind or what materials I am using.
7. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists? Be true to yourself. Create what you want to create, the way you want to create it. Don't allow currently fads or trends to dictate to you. And believe in yourself and your abilities and talents.
8. If you won a thousand dollar craft shopping spree, what would you spend it on? Rings for maille, polymer clay, Czech beads, lampwork, Swarovskis, Gemmies, wire, findings, resin, tools, tumbler.... okay..can I have another thousand dollars LOL!
Here's where you can find Haffina's creations:
Haffinacreations
HandmadeArtistsShop/Haffina
HaffinaCreations on ArtFire
BeadsByHaffina on ArtFire
HaffinaAgain on Zibbet
HaffinaAgain on Etsy
Monday, March 01, 2010
If I Could Be:
If I were a month I’d be July
If I were a day I’d be Saturday
If I were a time of day I’d be the late night
If I were a planet I’d be Pluto
If I were a sea animal I’d be a mermaid
If I were a direction I’d be west
If I were a piece of furniture I’d be a big soft chair
If I were a liquid I’d be cappuccino
If I were a gem stone I’d be labradorite
If I were a tree I’d be a dog wood
If I were a tool I’d be a brass press
If I were a flower I’d be a hibiscus
If I were an element of weather I’d be a sunny day
If I were a musical instrument I’d be a flute
If I were a color I'd be purple
If I were an emotion I’d be content
If I were a fruit I’d be a cherry
If I were a sound I’d be laughter
If I were an element I'd be water
If I were a car I’d be a convertible
If I were a food I’d be chocolate
If I were a place I’d be Oregon
If I were a material I'd be silk
If I were a taste I’d be yummy
If I were a scent I’d be vanilla
If I were a body part I’d be eyes
If I were a facial expression I'd be a smile
If I were a song I’d be something soothing and spiritual
If I were a bird I'd be an eagle
If I were a gift I'd be a book
If I were a street I'd be a street in Venice
If I were a city I'd be Portland
If I were a door I'd always be open
If I were a pair of shoes I’d be flipflops
And what would you be?
(Note: I got this cool little thing from my friend Ruthie - and I was surprised at how many of her answers fit me perfectly!)
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