Wizard Necklaces

I have a "wizard" friend so I am in hopes he will like this focal piece.  The necklaces are similar in the way they are constructed…but the focals are different in color and one cord is longer than the other so he has a "choice".  I have 2 more to do but I will do them differently as they are all the turquoise blue color.  Another fun construction.

AMAZONITE NECKLACE

This necklace went together pretty quickly because I kinda knew what "I" wanted as this is my necklace.  I used the amzonite coin beads (6), some handmade lamp work in the light blue which are etched and some light brown wood beads…  The right and left side of the necklace is balanced but put together differently to provide a more unique piece of art.  I just received the larger lobster claw clasps that are on this necklace today…..and when I saw them I knew they were perfect for this necklace.  If I were to sell this necklace or make another similar the cost would be between $60 and $70.00.  I love it and the bigness is a different look for me….could be worn with jeans or with more dressy attire..

AMAZONITE

These crystal gemstones come in blues and greens….as well as different sizes and shapes. My  preference is to use stones in jewelry making which are not "Pure" in color but contain many of the earthly elements that  are common within the raw slabs of stone and cut for its' beauty for a more natural state.as seen in my photo above.   When there is a landscaping of colors and variances of color(s) as an artist I feel they provide  a more interesting,  beautiful piece of jewelry.  My preference also leans towards stones which are the lighter, softer and pretty hues of a light blue rather than the darker blues and green.

The stone is referred to as the Amazon stone, Stone of Hope and is a holy stone in Egypt.

Amazonite contains copper and feldspar.

It is one of the newer New Age/Metaphysical gemstones and has many attributes and inspirational aspects.  It is strongly connected to the throat chakra, can unlock psychic 3rd eye vision, and brings one closer to the Spirit that works within each of us.

The gemstones are found here in the USA, Madagascar and Russia.

Some of the attributes are:  healing, stimulates the better emotions and personality traits, balances feminine and masculine energy, stregthens stamina, soothes all Chakreas, stimulates artistic ability, creativity and powers of clairvoyance, attracts luck and good fortune, calming, allows us to use our intuitive wisdom, helpts to eliminate aggravation that causes anger, allows us to cleanse our spirit of negativeness, vibrates to the #5, aligns physical and astral bodies and heals emotional disturbances.

With each piece of jewelry an information sheet and disclaimer will be provided.

Now………. to create with nothing in mind but to enhance a stones beauty.  So stay tuned for some final photos of completion.

Astral Necklace

I purchased the ivory colored focal bead at the Gem and Bead Show in Arizona about 4 years ago and
it has waited that long for me to find the componets to make a necklace……  My computer colors are a tad off because the bead next to the focal bead really matches well and I love the light aqua blue eyeball beads…..  I am really pleased with the outcome and a necklace I can't part with because of its' uniqueness and the cost of the initial focal bead….

I am making jewelry for an upcoming boutique (I Hope) the beginning of December so I am working steadily to increase finished pieces so I have a nice assortment of one of a kind and different, designing for myself as I go along on focals purchased for myself.

Computer Cookies

I GET A LOT OF QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RUBBER STAMPS I SELL AND THERE ARE TIMES I CAN'T ANSWER BECAUSE I DON'T REALLY KNOW.  SOOOO TODAY BECAUSE I MADE IT A PRIORITY;  I TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT STAMPS WITH SUGAR COOKIES TO SEE "WHAT WOULD HAPPEN"…..    NOT ALL OF THE STAMPS WILL WORK BECAUSE SOME ARE FINELINE BUT I REALLY LIKED THE "COMPUTER COOKIES" MADE WITH THE CIRCUIT BOARD STAMP.  (LAST PHOTO / SINGLE COOKIE) 

I WASHED THE STAMP BEFORE I STARTED,  JUST PRESSED THE STAMP INTO THE HAND FORMED BALLS OF DOUGH…AND ADDED JUST A TOUCH OF DUSTING SUGAR BY WILTON (GREEN).   WITH THE HOLIDAYS COMING UP….HOW COOL TO MAKE SPECIAL COOKIES QUICK AND EASY?  

FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE STAMPS I USED OR FEEL WILL WORK WELL FOR THIS OUT OF THE BOX COOKIE IDEA:

CIRCUIT BOARD

STICK TOGETHER

LOST IN WONDERLAND

ANNIVERSARY

FOREST FLOOR

ELECTRIC GEARS

                                                                       SCALED
                                                                  OUT OF SIGHT
                                                                SIMPLY HEARTS
                                                                       ASTRO

FUN………….and the cookie recipe I used is easy, rich and delicious….yummy with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or just because.
                                                       

Pentel Pens / $ Tree Metallic Poster Board

Gorgeous fall colors in Bend, OR   2015

I LOVE good, smooth, non skip, just the right thickness PENS…..but they are so difficult to find.  I just rec'd my order for:

Needle Point

Pentel Arts 

Slicci Metallic

0.8 mm 

Pens.

I AM THRILLED…..

I am doing some work on black card stock for some reason and finding pens that would show up and look professional has not been easy until I ordered 2 of these in silver…..BINGO…..  Just went back 

and ordered a set of 8 different colors.  

NO SKIPPING….NO GLOBS of PAINT….just smooth, and easy and beautiful…..

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


MY OTHER GREAT FIND:
Metallic Poster Board from $ Tree.
When I opened the pack to "see"  I was delighted.  Inside was 5 pieces.  Gold, silver, inca blue, peridot green and red……… WHAT A FIND…..  and I bleieve they are 12" x 16" which is an even better "deal"…..
 

Mystic Colors of Light

A 60's Flashback

He Loves me he loves me not…………

Altered Ink #2

This is another altered ink that I did ….. pink of the mat is not showing "true" ….  I used the black pen only and then came back with a side load of white to highlight the petals to make them a bit more prominent and add some dimension…and then use Black Glamour Dust paints for the dots using a toothpick….. and then the Diamond alcohol spray….with just one quick shot of pink alcohol ink.
This was painted on a greeting card but it looked so pretty matted with the pink inside mat and grey outside mat….I really like the effect(s) that I am achieving….as well as the diversity…  I am never quite sure what will happen which in itself interests the element of surprise I receive as I work….

Enjoy.

Altered Ink

Becasue I am not sure if a technique name has been "attached" I am just going to refer to this as Altered Inks…which pretty well sums things up.

Val Mann (thank you Val) posted to Facebook a couple of designs she has done and I just had to give it a try as it was intriguing in its' being out of the box and unique.

It was done using The Speedball Elegant Writer Calligraphy pens (for this piece just the black pen)  and I embellished my piece with some GlamourDust Glitter and alcohol ink sprays in Alpine Ice Rose….and Diamond .  They also helped to move some of the paint a little bit…. SUCH FUN.   Relaxing and meditative…    I have titled this cards design "Falling Light" and have signed it…..

This year I want to do my own Christmas cards so it will be fun to try different techniques, brushes, substrates, mediums, etc. and play while accomplishing some neat cards….  As I send them I can choose the verse to write inside the card….or just leave blank….    I purchased a box of the blank heavy weight cards at JoAnnes and they work really well…..semi smooth … not indented like watercolor paper is….  It will be fun to try different types of subtrates to see how they work, or don't work and develop techniques of my own.

I purchased some pliable plastic cutting boards a while ago so I taped the card to one of these boards (I love them for art work) using the blue painters tape to give myself a bit of a mat border before I started to play.

Later tonight I am going to finish off the day by seeing what happens using a heavy black paper….and a couple of the other color pens…but staying totally in the Speedball Elegant Writer line.  The pens come in different nib sizes….and I was lucky to find an Ebay vendor that was selling a set of 18 pens….6 colors in 3 different sized nibs….  YIPPEE….  Right now I am using #2 which works nice  and Dynasty round, and angle brushes as well as the larger dry brushes and the chalk pencils …..  I am really impressed with the final product.

Handmade Journals by ME….on ETSY

SAMPLING:

I FINALLY got all of the journals I have created to date in my Etsy store for sale….well almost all;  I think there are 4 more to photo and add.

On each item there is a something specialness ….   Many of the journals have incorporated into them other artists work and most of the items I use are Etsy purchases; because I really DO believe in Mom and Pop-ness.  I love handmade….unique, special, different, out of the box, one of a kind, specialty, pieces that say that the user or the buyer took extra time and effort to choose something special for their own or someone elses' personality or in some way connected to lifestyle.  Some of my journals will have vintage pieces worked into them, handpainted feathers, beautiful laser fretwork, pieces of nature, or maybe just a theme….but it will be unique in its' very own way.  And…. who doesn't love things that are special and make us or another feel special…a cut above??

My journals are "created" not done….and some lay for weeks until the final pieces are found and added.  I don't duplicate.  I may use the same materials because I really like the item (i.e.: the fretwook wings and skeleton), but done in a different way.  I take photos of what I have done as reference inspiration for a custom order which helps me move along.

I also have handpainted journals which have blank paper inside and are incorporated into a ringed binder which I really LOVE the idea of as it leads another artist to embellish the inside exactly to their own specifications…..to add their own touch to the piece to make it totally THEIRS….  A fantastic small sketchbook for the spiritual hearted soul in your life.

Somewhere I read the words Personal Bible and I thought how apropos … and that is what seems to be happening to/with the one I am working on for me….. Most of my words that are coming from deep inside … words that pertain to me, my place in life, (be it age, location, hobby, beliefs, etc.)  And the self therapy that is derived is surprising as it grows, takes shape and becomes…..and I find I enjoy going back and reading what came "out" say a week or so go.

My journals will find their right home…..and is why I have taken the time to explain the technique, time, and creativity that goes in to what I put forth to sell…it is all special to me.

www.artisticrenderings.etsy.com

Seed Orbs

After a recent extensive Spiritual retreat,  experiencing Mt. Shasta,  and the meeting of new like people….I find myself questioning things that are brought forth as mysteries of life.

A friend brought me a bouquet of these yellow sunflower species and being a photography nut I wanted to get some close ups……..I love the beauty of nature and find beauty others would question.

But….. Seed orbs.  Tiny seed orbs in several of the flowers I photographed….  and will they manifest? Do they manifest?

Convertible Necklace #2

I really like this necklace piece….and the spiritual lotus flower add on……..and the pastels of the colors as they JUST BEGIN to bloom forth into full fall colors….. The beads and leaves are handmade lamp work…..the small beads have been etched but the leaves are sparkly glass ….

SIGNS

My daughter and son in law are starting a sign business which looks as if the "outcomes" will not just be spectacular but give buyer the feeling of a Candy Store in making choices…..  Chris made these for us to put in our yard art area and I will take and post other photos once it is in its new home….and hopefully in a space that is well protected and safe from theft……  I love these along with knowing I will have other options to "change out the signposts……   His site is BendHouseofTrees on Etsy where you can view a small sampling of what he has…..  The business is new but has really "taken off"……

These signs are perfect for fall but I can see winter ones of  STOP,  DEER CROSSING and  OLD Fart Crossing….what do ya' think Chris???

www.BendHouseofTrees.etsy.com

Convertible Necklace

THIS IS ONE OF MY NEW NECKLACE DESIGNS WHICH CAN BE WORN SEVERAL WAYS AND ADDITIONAL PIECES CAN BE PURCHASED AND ADDED TO WEAR AS YOU WANT.  THIS PARTICULAR ONE IS "ORBS" AND IS A GIFT ….  I LOVE THE COLORS IN THE CZECH BEADS….SO SPARKLY AND EARTHERN IN TONE.  I LOVE MAKING JEWELRY ITEMS "FOR" SOMEONE …..  IT IS ON ITS WAY TO MT. SHASTA CALIFORNIA……….

FALL

If someone asked me what my most favorite season was and why……I think I would have to go with fall.  There is a smell and feel about fall that sets it apart….  The crunch of leaves, smoke, a slight chill to the air that calls for coziness….change…and COLOR…..  I love the color of fall.

This is a photo of the old truck that sits and embellishes the Japanese red maple that is in crowning glory this year…and I can't stop taking pictures….  There is so much to something of beauty…the angles, shadows, intensity of light, the values of the color, an occassional surprise, the way the light showcases an area……and the best part…I have a photo with an orb…which pleases me to no end….I feel protected …. as if I have my own guardian angel….

So here are a couple of my favorites…...

Balance

This is one of my most favorite photos….taken at Mt. Shasta.  These little balances were seen all over the area but this was the neatest………  I am working on small scales ones ut the right stones are hard to find……….lol….

BALANCE your life.

Mt. Shasta

There are really no words to describe this……. about 10.00 AM on the way from Mt. Shasta, Stewart Mineral Springs headed to McCloud Falls….I am so greatful to have been on the mountain side of the van with the windowseat

Ventricular Clouds over Mt. Shasta

Light Orbs

This past week I have had the totally awesome experiences of "what is" spiritually in the known of unknowns……….the magics that many of us are in the dark about in the world of light.

I had the ultimate priviledge of meeting and talking to Dharma Cohen who is the author of the book "Calling all Orbs".   Dharma lives in the Mt. Shasta area of California which is a very spiritual and diverse area of eye opening retreat experiences.  

I was immerged into some eye opening experiences so I can only share with those of who you dare to believe…….a couple of untouched photos I took when at the base areas of Mt. Shasta.  I have photos taken at Panther Meadow and also McCloud falls that show how amazing these light orbs are as they make themselves known to us in the mysterious magic of the unexplored…..  For those of you who would like to know more about Orbs please search out Dharmas' book and let her take you on her journeys of experiences thorough photos and knowledge.  My eyes did NOT see the orbs until I downloaded my photos from my camera upon coming home to the computer and the shivers of delight and total disbelief of this lifes' mysteries continue…..that "I" had unknowingly captured.

And following are the photos I took….The photos are "un-touched" …..    Click on the photos to enlarge and see what my camera saw and captured in larger proportions and ENJOY….

Handpainted Journals

I purchased 6 of these journals to see if I liked them……and just went back and ordered 6 more as they are really nice quality and I like the before and after…. I was able to get all 6 painted today and enjoyed the hours at my table listening to music.   As you can see what is unique about these journals are they are 6 ring binders, small, leather tie and brass leaf which matches the embossed leaves on the journals.  The cover is a sueded material but the edges of the leaves are a smooth shiny leather that is really nice.  I like the way the journal has a large and small side that provides a nice off center look to the journal.   The inside paper is camouflage tan which I like soooo much better than white.  When I fill the journal….I will be able to cut and punch my own paper to go back in so I love this option of a "re-cycleable" journal….  I have painted roses on 5 and a hydrangea on 1.  They are painted with Enamel acrylic paints and I love the way the background provides a natural looking shading to the rose.  The blotches that you may see on some are the flash of the camera reflecting the Diamontd Spray I used to add just that TINY bit of sparkle and bling……and best of all it IS NOT GLITTER that is shook on and comes off.  They are listed on Etsy so I can get a "feel" for how well this type does….  I think this will be a Christmas present option for friends this year.

The next ones I paint will be different from these……

Handmade Jewelry Set #2

Same beads, different look.  My smaller green beads are more in a dark sage green which goes with more of my clothes.  I absoluely love the orange, green, white and black beads which are NOT lamp work but goodness but they are beautiful…and I have NO idea where I got them to order more….With these 2 sets of jewelry I think I might have one (1) left.  I also really like the clasp on the bracelets and I am trying something a bit different with the necklace and will show you what it is when I finish another……  It will work good for me…but maybe not tohers.  Once again I love the little teardrop pieces and need to order more of these as they look so cool in the pieces I have done so far.  The ring had room for a cham on the outside of the ring so I incorporated a silver lady bug which has a personal meaning to me.  I am anxious to wear this set….

Handmade Jewelery Set

I just finished this jewelry set tonight and it will be soon on its way to the east Coast….a birthday gift….  I LOVE the beads in the ring and the bracelet (orange, black, green and white) and have enough to make myself a bracelet and ring which is nearly done…..it is the same in some ways but different in others.  I love that the polymer clay beads for the earrings matched and makes a cut set.

The teardrop silver beads between the lamp work and Czech beads add a different look which I like.

When I finish the other set (am doing a necklace, bracelet and ring set for me) I will post it so you can see the similarity difference.

Have a great first week of August  everyone…….

BOOK "WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES"

 I really enjoy painting books and was into working with this surface so I painted the book I am reading
"Women Who Run With the Wolves"….  On the page edges I have painted a couple of roses also…..

And by the way an AWESOME book and I am only on Chapter II but was so impressed I felt it needed my own thank you to the words inside….  It is so jam packed with knowledge it is a slow read but you find you want to remember it all.

I wrote the word LOBO because these were the wolves that WERE prominent in PA where I was born,  raised and spent about 25 years of my life….  They were a grey wolf and there was a preserve for them in either Kane or Ludlow Pa.   Funny how triggers work….where they take you…

MAUI INACTIVE VOLCANO

Of all the photos I have ever taken I think this one is the most magnificent….and I am just in awe of this magnificent Maui capture.  I was petrified going up the windy 2 lane highway, and then when we went ABOVE the clouds my panic doubled, and next my toes ached from grasping the pavement with them.  It was WELL worth every minute of distress when you see THIS….  I had it enlarged and just finished matting it….NOW to find a frame…..  GOODWILL here I come.   This was taken the beginning of this year...

THIS LITTLE PIGGY

I have NO idea why I felt so compelled to paint this pig.  My Aunt and her husband raised pigs back in PA, and I had a friend who had one of the small pet pigs, but why now, and in jigsaw format?  It was inspired by the cover of a book I purchased at the Thrift Store on different pigs….and how many of them are extinct….  So meet Jasper the pig…..I like him….He looks happy.

My new Most FAVORITE TOOL

There are a lot of tools and gadgets out there for "doing something" and when I came upon this idea
(or at least it is a NEW idea to me) I wondered if it was going to be something I would really use….and for me it is a BIG YES.  I have a REALLY NICE pistol grip dremel (not even made any more naturally) and it was such a HASSLE to fight with changing the type of tool from one to another it was just something I didn't want to take the time to spend TRYING to change it with always NO LUCK.

Once a year I treat myself to a pedicure in the summer and I don't have my nails done so I was watching this manicurist use this and I questioned where she got it….etc.  I went on to AMAZON and there was this one……AND in pink…how much fun is that….and sanders to use as well as the other metal tools…..AND all of my dremel tools fit on this machine.  YAHOO I say….  I use it when I work with clay which is what my current creative outlet is based so I use this to drill holes, buff or polish when done,  and sand down rough edges.  I LOVE that the tool can be held like a pencil….it is really
light weight, in a second I can switch tools and I am REALLY happy with the amount of tourque it puts out on the maximum setting.  There is not just high and low with a click but the exact speed you want for what you are working on.

This one was under $50 complete with tools, manicure kit, sequins, etc.  Well worth every penny I spent.  It is compact as you can see……and how neat that it is pink????

But any who……I just wanted to share a super duper tool for all creative artists who can use a little electric drill like this.

Tomorrow I will be back at it.  One of the things I am making out of clay is a spirit doll….I have had the inspiration to do one for ions it seems…and now just feels like the right time in my life.  The very first one will be mine and based maybe on just what is inside me…and I can use the solitude, along with some soulful music to get the ole ball rolling and see what happens….

On Etsy I sell rubber stamps for clay so this is actually the first I have REALLY worked with them to
 do an actual project and I am so thrilled with the results.  I also tried different brands of clay to see which I like the best and so far it is Fimo.  I like the little bit of flexibility that this clay has after firing…more of a rubbery feel which I like.…  Every artist has their favorite "somethings" and is part of creating your own style…..  Sometimes it takes a waste of money but somehow in the long run I think that it works out….

I will post my Soul doll which I am goins to call Salina….and she is a beautiful shade of pale turquoise blue and she is going to be a wall hanging or an inside in front of an open window….windchime.  We shall see.  Seems nothing ends up the way I think in the beginning they will…..

BUT ANWAY….great artist tool…..

Sky Blue Pink

During the hot weather we were having a couple of weeks ago I got this shot….and no matter where I looked there was a magnificent sight ……   I was in the car as a passenger with no place to "really" pull off to the side of the road so I have had to be content with what I got…..  Photos just don't do a lot of nature justice….this is one of those times…

FRETWORK JOURNALS

I have been purchasing fretwork items and FINALLY got around to playing with some of the pieces I had.  Since my latest "artistic journey" has been journals…here are 3 that I just finished using fretwork by Unique Laser Designs.

All of the journals I do are one of a kind and I love altered art, out of the box, and fun.

At the last show I did journals sold well….especially to the teenagers which was great to see.  I have about 15 done so it is time to "move on".