Artist Feature - GEORGE MCKIM

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, George studied art in college and has a Masters Degree in Painting and Drawing. His artwork has been shown in galleries and museums in the Mid-Atlantic region. George's day job is working as a pre-press graphic artist for a printing company and he makes art in his "spare time."

Featured above is an original collage painting is based on the image of a flower. It is titled, "Springtime Explosion." The painting is available in George's Etsy shop for $75 USD.

Other works include: Sunflowers, 5isms, and other abstract artwork.

Non-handmade Confession

Prompted by this article in the Etsy Storque: "Confess, Cheaters", I too must confess my mass-produced buying sins....

While I'm not overly crafty, (I don't sew, paint, draw, or do well with a glue gun) I can cook. So to fill the Handmade Pledge order, I made POUNDS and POUNDS of Spiced Pecans! They were a big hit. Woohoo, I was off to a great start! But then the realization that some items I just couldn't make and I didn't know how to fill their Holiday Wish without buying something mass-produced. Grandma wanted a certain perfume and my husband wanted a certain band's CD. So, there you have it...I bought perfume and TWO CDs. Oh, and I received an awesome set of non-handmade knives (so I can cook!).

I will try to do better next year and throughout the year during other gift-giving holidays and birthdays too.

Time for a Little Rest and Relaxation

The kids are performing their End of the Year Winter Concerts this week. My Husband is starting his Christmas vacation tomorrow. I have shipped all my holiday orders.

Now, finally, it is time to relax. Maybe start on some new designs? Plan a menu for Christmas Dinner? Maybe, just maybe...get ready for tax time. Nah!!!

I wish all my readers and customers a happy, safe and joyful holiday!

Peace and Joy to ALL!

Artist Feature - DARJEELING PAPER, LTD.

Situated in Largo, Florida, Michael Gresh is the co-founder of DemiGod Studio and started Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. as a way for him to hone his skills and try out new techniques, all while presenting his works to the world.

A sample of Michael's work can be seen above in this four-pack of blank-inside notecards which feature four distinct patterns and come in four vibrant colors. The cards are approximately 4" x 5 1/2" and are packaged together in a resealable cellophane pouch, along with four blank white envelopes. The set is available in his Etsy shop for $6.00 USD.

Feed your inner paper addict! Or maybe that's just me ;)

Artist Feature - ULIXIS CRAFTS

Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Amanda Giesler is the creative force behind Ulixis Crafts. Amanda has been crafty her whole life and enjoys making a variety of things. When she was younger, she was into drawing, making wreathes, dolls and even beading. Today, her focus has switched to notebooks and jewelry. Amanda also states that she also enjoys cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Amanda's "Lemon Cream Button Bracelet", featured above, can be purchased in her Etsy shop for only $5.00 USD. In fact, she has quite an assortment of button-themed jewelry in a variety of great colors!

Wait a minute. Did she say, "Problem solving?" Well, Amanda is a 5th year honors Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University! She is also working in the Janssen lab on her thesis. She concurrently does real-time videomicroscopy of smooth muscle cell migration. Fascinating!

To learn more about Amanda, her craft, and other Etsy crafters, go here: http://ulixis.blogspot.com/

The day AFTER

Yesterday was the ART vs. CRAFT event in Milwaukee, and despite freezing temperatures, the show was outstanding!

I was able to meet a few new crafters and briefly catch-up with familiar faces too. At this event I was next to two wonderful upcyclers, Holly and Alex of GroveCraft. The duo is from Minnesota and create wonderfully warm and soft embellished mittens and hats from upcycled wool and cashmere sweaters. Toasty!

Also near me was Becky of MyMishMosh. Becky is from the Milwaukee area and specializes in making creations from bicycle parts (jewelry, collage and assemblages) and duct tape wallets and purses. Ingenious!

I was also pleased to meet fellow WIST (Wisconsin Street Team) member, Bobbi of KittyGrrls, Knits and Spins. She makes wonderfully soft and colorful hand-dyed yarns. Yum! Even Cari from MudandMint stopped by to say "hi."

A familiar face, or should I say faces, were Emily Frances and her husband, Pat. If you recall, they were my booth neighbors during the Summer version of Art vs. Craft. I am proud to announce they have joined Etsy and will be selling their silkscreened shirts, oil cloth aprons (my favorite!) and her wonderful capes. Visit their soon-to-be-open shop on Etsy.

I also must give some much-deserved praise to the promoters, Faythe Levine and Kim Kisiolek! They have always done a superb job of organizing and advertising the event. Thank you, ladies!

Artist Feature - MINERAL MAGIC COSMETICS

Kelly Peterson is the driving force behind Mineral Magic Cosmetics, a thriving business headquartered in Pennsylvania.

Admittedly, I don't know much about mineral make-up! This is what Kelly has to say about her products, "I take great pride in my makeup line and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflammatory for your skin, as well. My makeup does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride, which is kin to arsenic, and is most likely the reason for skin discomfort and bad skin reaction.Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin."

The set featured above, "Vegan Mineral Makeup Kit", is available for $30 USD in her Etsy shop (http://mineralmagic.etsy.com/) and contains foundation, blush, eye, makeup brushes, a carrying case and mineral veil. This set is a great way to introduce yourself to Minreal Magic or be given as a gift (hint-hint).

It's officially WINTER now!

Well, maybe not on the calendar, but in my mind it is! We had our first taste of snow on Thanksgiving day. Not too significant, maybe an inch or two and it lingered on the ground for a few days. But today was a different story!

I had a local crafts show I was participating in and couldn't see what was going on outside, which is fairly typical of most shows. I knew the weather was slated to get nasty later in the evening, but the snow began to fall around noon today. By 2:oopm a few inches had fallen and the show I was attending was void of customers (I wouldn't want to go out either!). I told the promoters I would be packing-up and heading out before the snow got much deeper. It was then they announced the show would be closing early!

After slipping and sliding home on the yet-to-be-plowed streets, I got home and enjoyed the rest of the day with my family. My son entertained us with Christmas tunes on his violin and we put up a few holiday decorations. The only thing missing was some hot cider and cocoa.

Most of the time I curse winter weather, but today it allowed me to spend some time with the family, which is always appreciated!

Tomorrow's forecast doesn't look much better than today's. Perhaps I'll be able to catch up on some Artist Features and start gearing up for Art vs. Craft show coming up next weekend. It will be my last show of the year!

Artist Feature - LAZY CAT

Lazy Cat is comprised of three good friends who met in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kelly, Allison, and Stasia began their venture by making gifts for family and friends. Crocheting, which each had learned from their grandmothers, is Lazy Cat's specialty. The group works with not only yarn and fiber, but fine-gauge wire as well. They focus on wire-woven jewelry, scarves, hats, baby and pet items.

Oh, how I envy those who can sew, knit and crochet! Being a jeweler myself, I especially appreciate wire crochet. The piece featured above is titled, "Broadway" and is a princess length necklace which was created using black wire, carnelian gemstones, and multicolored glass beads. I love how the black wire really adds drama and contrast to the piece.

Broadway is available in their Etsy shop (http://lazycat.etsy.com/) for $55 USD.

Artist Feature - PERSONAL TREASURES

Phyllis Mufson is the creative voice behind Personal Treasures.

Earlier in her life she was a textile artist and that sensibility influences her designs. Phyllis is concerned with how the jewelry drapes and moves when worn on the body. Phyllis is also inspired by her customers. In addition to her Etsy stores she sells through private jewelry shows. During these shows she gets to see how women respond to the jewelry. Phyllis talks with them about what interests them, and finds out which designs are particularly flattering to wear.

The necklace featured above is a strikingly beautiful Phrenite gemstone necklace, measuring 18" in length and is accented with vermeil beads. It is available in Phyllis' Etsy shop (http://personaltreasures.etsy.com) for $185 USD.

You can learn more about her coaching practice at: http://phyllismufson.interfaceias.com/

Phyllis also has a blog where she writes about creativity and creative people at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/.

Artist Feature - SHOOZLES

Michelle, aka Shoozles, is the mother of 12 year old triplets and a St. Louis Missouri resident. She has been creating art jewelry for 18 years and has worked on many different mediums, including: shrink plastic, polymer clay, paper. clay, plastic, and glass.

Eight years ago Michelle discovered her love for glass fusing and it has been the focus of her creative and artistic outlet. The Fused Glass and Brass Pendant featured above, is available in Shoozle's Etsy shop (http://shoozles.etsy.com/) for $20 USD.

Michelle is also a member of the Etsy Glass Artist's Street Team and WWAO (Worldwide Women Artists Online). In addition, you can learn more about Michelle and her creations at http://shoozles.wordpress.com/

Artist Feature - CRAFTY MOOSE

Debbie, aka Crafty Moose, has been crafting for as long as she can remember. Debbie is self-taught and has enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, she has found herself drawn to beads and has returned to the art of french beaded flowers. Debbie enjoys making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies and dragonflies. She is also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and sun catchers to her Etsy shop.

I personally love Debbie's beaded art dolls and beaded flowers. The piece I have featured above is titled, "Ikebana Freestyle French Beaded Flower Arrangement" and is available in Debbie's Etsy shop (http://craftymoose.etsy.com/) for only $15.99 USD. The flowers are comprised of tiny Czech glass beads and are arranged in a cut-glass bowl.

Artist Feature - CREATIVE SUNDRIES

Sarah and Carol, the mother and daughter team behind Creative Sundries specialize in vintage treasures and unusual ephemera, as well as handmade ATCs, notecards, crocheted cuffs, and jewelry.

I know I really enjoyed peeking through their shop at all the vintage and ephemera items. I think it is funny when I happen upon something I recall from my childhood. (but of course, that means I must admit that my childhood is now considered VINTAGE!)

A fun piece of nostalgia, pictured above, is a pair of game playing cards from 1968 called "Funny Bones" and are ideally suited for mixed media art or collage. The cards can be purchased in their Etsy shop (http://creativesundries.etsy.com/) for only $1.50 USD.

Sarah and Carol are also members of the Etsy Minnesota Street Team and IndiePublic. You can learn more about Creative Sundries at http://creativesundries.blogspot.com/

The Art Jewelry Collective HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Are you looking for something unique? Perhaps a piece of quality art jewelry? With all the jewelry choices available, it can be quite a daunting task to sift though the pages and pages of ordinary jewelry. Well, I have a solution!

The Art Jewelry Collective Holiday Gift Guide is here! It is packed with high quality, unique, and reasonably priced art jewelry. Let your loved ones know you care by taking the time to find them something truly wonderful.

What is the Art Jewelry Collective (AJC)? The AJC is a group of like-minded jewelry artisans who believe in quality workmanship and uniqueness, professional and authentic presentation, excellence in customer service, appreciation and preservation of jewelry as a respected art form, upholding the standard for a respectable and “living wage”for art jewelry-makers, educating potential customers and the general public toward a more qualitative versus quantitative (high volume, low price) mind-set.

Currently, you can find a wide range of earring styles available in the AJC Etsy shop (http://artjewelrycollective.etsy.com/).

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Artist Feature - BECKI'S DESIGNS

Becki (aka Entyqua) is a stay-at-home-mom to a beautiful daughter and resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Becki creates both costume jewelry and genuine gemstone and precious metal jewelry as well as finished jewelry boxes, greeting cards and other paper crafts. Soon she will be adding clothing as well!

Becki loves to use a lot of natural stones and beads for her creations. Her favorites being wood and gemstones. She also loves to use freshwater pearls and faux pearls because they have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in. All of Becki's jewelry designs are handmade with care.

The necklace featured above is available in Becki's Etsy shop (http://entyqua.etsy.com/) for $35 USD and is adorned with silver beads and a mother-of-pearl cameo pendant.

Artist Feature - MOMMY AND ME BOUTIQUE

The Mommy and Me Boutique features many one-of-a-kind items created from the finest fabrics, ribbons, and workmanship. Corine works and lives in California and has a passion for making aprons for adults and toddles alike. Her other specialty is creating little skirts and baby items, including apparel for American Girl dolls. She describes her work as fun, funky, traditional, and vintage.

The adorable child's apron (pictured above) is available in Corine's Etsy shop (http://mommyandmeboutique.etsy.com/) for only $21 USD. It is reversible and features a ruffled edge and a little pocket too! I think it would be the perfect treat for any little girl!

You can learn more about Corine and her craft at: http://themommyandmeboutique.blogspot.com

Artist Feature - CRYZTAL VISIONS

Beth Alexander (aka Cryztalvisions) has been creating with stones and crystals for as long as she can remember. Beth comes from a long line of crafters and artisans. "My great grandmother was a very talented artist who started painting late in life. She left behind some amazing oil paintings that I will always treasure. She also painted and fired china, she had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. My father was an accomplished, well rounded artist and crafts person and spent many years teaching art in the public school system." It must have been quite an interesting and exciting childhood to be surrounded by artistic talent!

Beth has been creating unique jewelry for over 20 years and has an insatiable appetite for learning new techniques that push the boundaries of her creativity. Along the way she has also been drawn to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. Beth has have found combining her love of minerals, an artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with her heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy. She loves to immerse herself in the creative process and is fascinated when some pieces seem to magically design themselves.

One of Beth's newest pieces, "Circle of Life" is a handcrafted fine silver pendant/amulet necklace and is available in her Etsy shop (http://cryztalvisions.etsy.com/) for $48 USD and is featured above.

Artist Feature - PAULETTE INSALL

Portland Oregon resident, Paulette Insall, is an artist. A painter, if you will. Though, she never thought of herself as an artist until a few years ago. For many years Paulette dreamed of painting, but could never bring herself to pick up a paint brush until October of 2006. That's when her love of creating stories with paint and paper began!

This is what Paulette had to say about her art, "My art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God. Most of my work depicts a sole woman because these are the stories of my own personal search and the emotions they invoke within my soul. My hope is that the visual stories I create with my art touch people from all walks of life and let them know that they are not alone…and find comfort in that knowing."

Beautifully and so precisely said. It is obvious to me the emotion and depth Paulette has put into the many faces of her characters. One of my favorites (pictured above) is titled, "Follow." The woman's flowing hair seems to be pulling her in a direction she isn't quite sure she should go, but she is curious as to the path it may lead her down. To me, butterflies are a symbol of hope, rebirth and transformation. Perhaps the path is the path from adolescence into adulthood? Perhaps she is on a journey of self-discovery? You decide!

For more examples of Paulette's art, go to http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com/

Images copyright Paulette Insall

END OF THE YEAR SALE!

Elements by Dawn is having a 40% off clearance sale on select jewelry pieces! All domestic shipping on sale items is only $2.00.

Visit the Elements by Dawn's Sale Section early for the best selection!

Happy shopping!

~Dawn

Artist Feature - COCONUT PALM DESIGNS

A Canadian residing in Belize, Joanne is a graphic designer who has fallen in love with woodworking and painted signs. Joanne also creates ACEO (Art Card, Editions and Originals), which I love! I have a growing collection of ACEOs and am always looking to add to my collection. One of my favorites from Coconut Palm Designs is "Orange Wildflower." This particular flower is grown in Belize. Joanne drew it with pencil crayons on watercolor paper. It is an original work of art and is signed on the back.

Another favorite piece in her Etsy shop (http://coconutpalmdesigns.etsy.com/) is this Custom Butterfly Sign (pictured above, left) for only $35 USD. Joanne explains the process of making this sign, "This Welcome sign is hand painted in purple. The words, butterflies and fish on the main part are carved out using a dremel and then the butterflies and fish are painted back in. Sign measures 10" x 3.5" with the butterfly measuring almost 3" x 3". It is hung with ribbon braided with wire for durability and sealed against the elements with an acrylic spray finish. This sign is customizable with your name, city, or country in place if the 'Jamaica' or that part can be left blank."