ART vs. CRAFT

For those of you in the Milwaukee area...come out and see me and other talented artists and crafters!

Details: Saturday December 8th from 10am thru 7pm. The new venue is at the Masonic Center on the corner of Wells St. and North Van Buren St.

For more info, including a map and other details, go here: http://www.artvscraft.com/

Secret Santa Swap

For the second year I have been privileged to participate in the Switchboard's Secret Santa Swap, organized by Lili of http://www.iglubu.com/ .

My Secret Santa was Erin from http://bridedesign.com/ ! Not only did she fill my entire Wish List, she included chocolate! How cool is that?

In the photo above (and please excuse the dull photography) you can see a hand-bound journal with Japanese Yuzen paper on the cover (very cool and perfect for sketching my jewelry designs in!), 2 sets of handmade stationary (always appreciated and loved!). In addition she included an ACEO (I'm a collector!) and some handmade soap from Kristine's Shower, which is all ready in my shower (I'm addicted!). Oh, and did I mention chocolate. Well, it's not in the picture because I have devoured about 1/2 of the bar (yum!).

Thank you, Erin! You have brightened my holiday season all ready.

Artist Feature - ALASKA HOT DOGGIES

Alaska native, Jodi Hughes, has an obsession...an obsession with color! Jodi's focus is on hand-marbled papers and textiles. She also enjoys upcycling, reconstruction, and recycling discarded objects.

An example of her marbling technique can be seen above. The aluminum cuff bracelet has been covered in handmade marbled paper, then clear coated to help protect it against moisture and gentle wear. It is available in her Etsy shop (http://akhotdoggies.etsy.com/) for $7 USD. While the bracelet is a real attention grabber, her marbled lampshade are beyond cool! For about $15 USD you can transform the look of an ordinary lamp to something fabulously unique! Check them out in her Shop!

Jodi is a member of the Etsy Fiber Artists Street Team (FAST).

To learn more about Jodi, visit her blog at: http://akhotdoggies.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - CATHERINE MARCHE

A Londoner born in Paris, Catherine Marche is an artist by trade. While it is immediately evident Catherine is a jewelry designer from her Etsy shop (http://kalicat.etsy.com/) many probably do not realize Catherine is an accomplished illustrator too! Her work can be found in the UK, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Zambia, and the US. But it doesn't stop there, she has also been employed creating illustrations for various magazines, books, fashion shows, and more.

If you would be interested in commissioning Catherine, she can be contacted through her website at http://www.catherinemarche.com/

Artist Feature - ADORNMENTS BY BJ

Tennessee resident, BJ's passion, and therefore her obsession is to create unique, one-of-a-kind beautiful artisan jewelry. She has been designing and creating jewelry for about a year and a half, and it has literally taken over her time and rejuvenated her life too! BJ is a young retiree, and jewelry design has virtually changed her "mundane existence." Her Etsy shop (http://adornmentsbybj.etsy.com/) contains quite a variety of designs to fit every style or occasion. BJ believes jewelry is selected subconsciously, reflecting your persona ~ your soul, if you will. BJ says, "You can be drawn to a stone metaphysically and not understand the attraction. My preference of materials leans toward natural elements ~ semi-precious gemstones, crystals, shells, wood , pearls, sterling silver and gold filled findings, and my latest addition: silk and braided cord used for my new series of Chinese Knot Jewelry."

In addition, BJ is a member of AJC (Art Jewelry Collective), JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team), S.R.A.J.D. #0517(Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer).

The Faceted Citrine Quartz Necklace on a Chinese Knot Cord is available in her Etsy shop for $50 USD. A matching set of earrings are included, which completes the collection nicely.

Member of the Day

Yep. I'm Tuesday's Member of the Day on IndiePublic! I'm excited, shocked and honored too.

You can "meet" me and other IndiePublic members throughout the week. :)

http://www.indiepublic.com/

Artist Feature - DINA CUOMO

Dina Cuomo is the artistic voice behind Elektra Jewelry Design http://elektrajewelry.etsy.com/ Her travels to Greece and her Greek background have influenced her love of 18k and 24k gold and her choice to work with rich gold vermeil (24k over sterling silver). Dina makes one of a kind jewelry pieces to accommodate many different styles and fashion trends. She works primarily with gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver, semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads. Be on the lookout for Dina's new pieces in her Murano Collection. The colors of these beautiful Venetian beads are so exceptional, they add another dimension to her jewelry designs.

The beautiful Y necklace (featured above), entitled, "Y Not" was created with deep amethyst Swarovski crystals and at its focal point is a pure gold filled Murano glass bead from Venice, Italy. It is highlighted by a gold tone chain. This beauty looks stunning dressed down or up. It can be purchased in Dina's Etsy shop for $65 USD.

Artist Feature - YASLANI

A self described pack rat, Yasmin is a mixed media artist and jewelry designer from New Jersey. Her work is whimsical, playful, colorful and will definitely make you smile!

After spending a number of years in the corporate life, she gleefully returned to her heart's desire....crafting and making art! Yasmin says, "Making things is an addiction....I believe all items have a second life and I love using recycled items and supplies that are gentle to the environment." In addition, "I'm all about art, fashion, beauty, pop culture and anything that makes me think or smile." I couldn't have summed it up any better.

Bamboo pendants are her forte. The piece featured above is entitled "Paris" and is a collection of 8 scenes from Paris all affixed on a natural bamboo tile ready to be showcased as a pendant or charm. The pendants are available at her Etsy shop (http://yaslani.etsy.com/) for $20 USD.

You can learn more about Yasmin and her creations here: http://yaslanisgroovespot.blogspot.com/

The Indie Entrepreneur

The Indie Entrepreneur is a business website guide geared towards independent entrepreneurs in the creative and design fields. Their goal at IndieEntrepreneur.com is to simplify the business process and offer concise, helpful tips in starting out, stepping up, and successfully maintaining your business.

This blog is chock full of helpful and interesting information! The creators have done an excellent job in compiling information on technology, tips, trends, and other business resources....not to mention the thought-provoking interviews from other indie businesses too!

Grab a cup of coffee or green tea and dive into http://indieentrepreneur.blogspot.com/ You'll be glad you did!

Artist Feature - LINDA CHANDLER

Linda Chandler began making jewelry even as a child and grew up designing and handcrafting one of a kind pieces. She is inspired from designs of nature to basic functional pieces and combines the two into literal works of art. Linda is a master craftsman in many facets of jewelry making. Whether it be silversmithing intricate filigree designs, weaving wire into almost impossible patterns or stone setting, her foremost enjoyment comes from the design to finish of her amazing pieces. Linda has been a vendor on Etsy.com for well over a year and finds it a welcome change from the traditional Art Show scene that she spent many years taking part in. She feels that Etsy is a wonderful and lucrative avenue in which to share your designs, meet fellow artisans, and share tips and techniques.

Linda is also the co-author of "Woven Wire Jewelry" & "Getting Started Making Jewelry" published by Interweave Press.

The Argentium Tarnish-resistant Sterling Silver Woven bracelet, featured above, is available in Linda's Etsy shop (http://lchandler.etsy.com/) for $85 USD.

Taking the PLEDGE

I pledge to buy HANDMADE this holiday season and request that others do the same for me!

Some may ask, "Why buy handmade?" Well, to me handmade is more than just uniqueness, quality workmanship, individual creativity, custom creations, and details. Handmade is an art form. 99.99% of crafters take painstaking pride in their creations and I wish to honor their talents by purchasing and supporting their livelihood. I hope you will do the same!

Please visit http://www.buyhandmade.org/ for a listing of participating members. I am number 2567 located on page 6.

Going to the Mouse House

Yep! Disney...here we come!

Once upon a time I knew Disney like the back of my hand. Having grown-up in Florida, visits to Disney were fairly frequent. (Yes, I remember E-tickets!) However, this will be our first visit with the kids. Funny thing, when we were planning our vacation, the kids weren't the least bit excited. In fact I heard complaints! "Why do we have to go to Disney?" "Can't we go to the Dells instead?" Oh, how my feelings were hurt! Now, finally, they are excited. Thank goodness.

Mouse House, here we come!!

Artist Feature - SO AND SEW CRAFTY

Karen Copeland is the artistic force behind So and Sew Crafty. Hailing from Opp, Alabama, she has been crafting for over 30 years and is the mother of four grown children!

Karen specializes in quilts, blankets, clothing, tote bags, dolls and stuffed animals. She even makes little outfits for your four-legged friends!

One of the most thoughtful gifts I received when I was expecting my little bundles of joy were personalized receiving blankets. Karen makes an equally thoughtful gift in her Etsy shop (http://soandsewcrafty.etsy.com/). For only $17 USD you can order a personalized fleece throw, like the one featured above. There are 8 colors to choose from and you also choose the color of the embroidery! How cool!

You can learn more about Karen and her crafts at http://soandsewcrafty.blogspot.com/

Artist Feature - VALERIE MUNGIA

Valerie Mungia, aka Wanderlust & Pixie Dust, hails from Riverside, CA. Valerie's love of world travel, antiques, ephemera, and anything and everything vintage is evident in all of her handcrafted goodies.

The ephemera piece, featured above, is especially cool! As a little girl I loved Holly Hobby! Somehow and somewhere, Valerie has discovered some vintage Holly Hobby wrapping paper. Wouldn't this make an ordinary gift just so much more special?

You can purchase the Holly Hobby wrapping paper for only $3.50 USD in her Etsy shop (wanderlustNpixiedust.etsy.com) along with other special treasures.

Learn more about Valerie at http://wanderlustnpixiedust.typepad.com/

More Artists to Come!

My 90 Artist Features have only just begun! There is so much talent yet to be discovered and I will return to my Features shortly (promise!).

However, as life and business sometimes collide, I have been very busy preparing for a Craft Show this weekend and tying-up loose ends before we head off on our BIG family vacation.

So, have no fear! I will promptly return to my Artist Features as soon as life slows down just a little :)

Artist Feature - ANNA of A ROSE BY NAME

A member of the ETSY Bead Weavers Street Team, Cleveland Rocks Street Team and Boomers and Beyond Street Team, avid military supporter, wife and mother of two teenagers...Anna is one busy woman! Anna hails from Akron, OH, and has been bead weaving for several years, admitting that as time has passed the designs have become more intricate and the beads even tinier.

The Bead Woven bracelet, "Geometric Gemtones" featured above, is available in Anna's Etsy shop (http://arosebyname.etsy.com/) and is listed for $40 USD. I think this bracelet is exceptional for a few reasons: L-O-V-E the pattern, the colors are perfect, the square button is the perfect finishing detail that really defines the quality of this piece.

To learn more about Anna, visit her blogs: http://arosebyname.blogspot.com/ and http://arosebyname.wordpress.com/

Artist Feature - ABBI CARICCO

Located in the mountains of western Virginia, Abbi Caricco (aka Lunachick) is a jewelry artisan and chainmailler. She strives to make unique and one-of-a-kind pieces showcasing intriguing gems and interesting shapes then coupling them with more traditional materials like sterling silver, aluminum and brass.

A few examples of her chainmailling talents and use of unique gemstones can be seen above. The chainmaille piece is a Steel Byzantine Patterned bracelet and can be purchased for $15 USD. The Peruvian Pink Opal necklace can be purchased for $25 USD. Both pieces can be found at http://lunachick.etsy.com/

Artist Feature - SPARKLY STRANDZ

Located in Friendswood TX, Sparkly Strandz began making jewelry more than 10 years ago. It all began while in college when a family friend, who was also a jeweler, taught her how to string/knot pearls. In addition, Sparkly has been crocheting for over 25 years! The combination of her talents are used to create wonderful and sensible crafts.

An example of her crochet work can be seen above. The adorable little Cowgirl Booties can be found in her Etsy shop (http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com/) for $12 USD and come in pink, lavender, black, and white and are available in sizes 0 - 9 months.

Artist Feature - EVA ESPIRITU

Eva Espititu (aka Alilsumptinsumptin) is an avid animal lover and proudly donates a portion of her sales to help animals in need. So far this year, Eva has raised and donated over $1,000 USD to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to help support their cause of ending cruelty to animals.

In addition, Eva enjoys creating one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry creations and has been doing so for about three years. Her love of whimsy and lampworked beads is deftly expressed throughout her jewelry designs. Each lampworked glass bead is truly art in miniature.

“Grrr, Wild Thing 2” is featured above and can be purchased from Alilsumptinsumptin’s Etsy shop for $70 USD. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this choker style necklace will be donated to HSUS! To see more of Eva’s work, go to http://alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com/

Artist Feature - MY FAIRY BABIES

Hyla is the driving force behind My Fairy Babies and Faewood Creations. A mother of three and located in Weedsport, NY, Hyla creates adorable little fairy-themed plushies and whimsical jewelry designs!

Hyla has been offering her creations on Etsy since June 2007 and is a proud member of the Fantasy Artists of Etsy who specialize in Celtic, Medieval, fairy tales, and invented creatures.

Hyla is also very proud to announce that she was the winner of the Fantastic Fall Fantasies Contest! Her doll “Guinevere: The Queen Autumn Fairy” was the winning entry! Guinevere, pictured above, can be purchased in her Etsy shop (http://myfairybabies.etsy.com/) for $15 USD. Additionally, Hyla’s “After the Rain Fairy Earrings", also pictured above, can be purchased in her other Etsy shop (http://faewoodcreations.etsy.com/) for $20 USD.