AND....

And the brain continues to say make earrings, and the hands are still agreeing to do so. My very treasured pink depression glass from my gram sports some classic black bling and rustic chic designs. Available in my etsy shop. I think my gram would have approved!

FOLLOW YOUR HEART

I think one of the reasons I like mixed media so much is that I can convey a message or thought without too much difficulty. I really enjoy trying to get stuff out of my head and releasing it somehow, in fact , I guess that is why we are all artists is because we feel the need to release what swirls in our brain! This card is for a swap with the theme of "Things with Wings".. The thing can be whatever you want, as long as it has wings. This was the first thing that came to my mind. I often wish my heart could just soar, with absolute freedom, and art is the only place I think that truly happens for me. Life stuff gets in the way a lot in the real world, responsibilities, commitments, guilt, to be specific. So when I pull out the papers and markers, and glue, I feel I can easily say what I want. I adore the quote on the card, but also find it very difficult to live by sometimes.......so I keep it stamped by my table to remind me often to keep at it. And with all my blog friends, it is easier to do.

NIGHT AND DAY

New earrings and more to come, if I can keep up with my brain. Available on etsy.

COFFEE INCHIES AND SANDA

coffee inchies for a swap

gifts from Sanda

click on the pictures to see the detail!

handmade cards by Sanda Reynolds

I'm back on the inchie kick this week, and the theme was coffee, one of my favorite things in the world! Been drinking it black since I was in high school, and I like a strong cup . I adooore expresso also, but don't make it as often, but I have been giving that some thought since I feel more tired it seems every day. Does anyone remember those college or 20 ish year old nights that never ended? Up all night without assistance, and ready to do it again in a heartbeat? Where is that?! haha
On another energizing subject though, Sanda Reynolds, of Sanda's Hobby Blog sent me some divine gifts !! I ordered two handmade Christmas cards from her that I thought were beautiful, and let me tell you, they are INCREDIBLY beautiful in person! The quality, craftsmanship, and beauty is amazing, and I highly recommend that you order some if your looking for a great card or product . She sent me lovely gifts as a thank you, which I will treasure! She sent her cards in plastic sleeves also for protection, another fantastic idea! These cards are exquisite, and now I'm not sure if I can part with them! Maybe I'll keep one! She sent me an incredible card as you see here, with a gorgeous Christmas tag, and a small frame of polymer clay with the word believe stamped in it and framing a vintage lady! Sanda....you know the way to my heart! Thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing your talent!

FAIRY LOVE

Here is my second entry for the Art Bead Scene's November challenge. When I went to the bead show last weekend, I fell in love with so many pieces that I thought could work, and landed up putting them all together for this. The long skinny very interesting stick was made by Anne Dilker of Moss Hollow Pottery. The lovely fairy face by Moggie Moyer of Bead my Love. I wrapped the face in the neatest copper filigree by Kabela Design, and that great little charm that I think MAKES the whole thing is what LeAnn Weih of Summers Studio calls a "doo dad!" Copper chain by Kabela, labrodorite, yellow chalcedony, lapiz, and wood.

Happiness!!

FINALLY CREATING

This is an inchie box and inchies I created for a swap. The first photo is a sample I made to make sure I liked the look . The finished product has to be shipped flat, and the the recipient can decorate with the inchies they receive, and also embellish it if they wish. This was a bit of a challenge for me, since I never was very good at 3-D in college. I was pretty happy with the way it turned out.
Life has really gotten in the way recently of my creativity, and I feel like I am overflowing with ideas and they have no where to go. I cannot even remember to write down everything I think of. Hopefully this week will be less chaotic. I am planning on making this an art/jewelry priority week......I hope I can pull it off!

UPDATES AND AN ATC SWAP!

Thanks to everyone for their best wishes, and I am happy to say the party I just came from was a big success!! Not a lot of people, but wonderful people who appreciate artisan goods, and spent a nice amount of money on my jewelry. I'm happy!! And they plan to have another one in the new year!!
I did want to mention that I was also fortunate enough to be published again in the November issue of Bead Trends, and above are the two pieces included, both are in my etsy shop. I have been blessed to have made another issue, and I am most grateful to the staff at Bead Trends and my blog friends for their constant motivation and support!
Another exciting bit of news.....my friend Liz told me about a Christmas ATC swap being hosted by her friend Sandra of Babycakes...Cornbread Kids. All are invited , so check it out to see if you would like to play....I'm in!!