A new technique and a new material...

Though I love working with metal, I also love the idea of working with much more fragile materials too, like paper.

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After a little trial and error, I made a Star Pendant. I am quite happy with the results.

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If you are curious, it is created from 8 tiny 1" squares of scrapbooking paper and sealed with a medium-gloss finish. A fine silver bail was embedded in the Star.

Making Easter a little more GREEN

Seems like I've had green on the brain lately! Eco-green and the color!

Well, for the past few years I have been avoiding buying plastic Easter grass to fill the kids' Easter baskets. Besides the fact that I think it is such a waste, stray pieces always seem to plug up the vacuum cleaner's beater bar, and I've been told some pets like to eat it. Yuck!

I usually buy paper grass to fill the baskets. This way I can reuse the shreddings for packaging and it doesn't seem to affect my vacuuming either. Two very big pluses for paper Easter grass.

This year paper Easter grass was no where to be found. I decided to make my own. It may not be as long or crinkly (sp?) as the kind I used to buy, but it will fill the void quite nicely. I used my paper shredder (which usually shreds all that junk mail and obscene credit card offers) to shred a few sheets of green and yellow colored paper. I like the way it turned out, if I do say so myself!

Wishing all my readers a Happy Easter!

Handmade CARDS

Oh my goodness!! Anyone who knows me knows what a paper, card, and sticker fanatic I am! Well, much to my surprise, while searching through the Treasuries on Etsy, I stumbled upon a Treasury list comprised of members of the Etsy Greetings Street Team. The Street Team was holding a simple contest on their blog and was seeking some basic feedback on greeting cards. I participated and WON a prize package that comprised of over 20 of the most exquisitely made greeting cards.....ever! (can you see me jumping for joy!?)

I wish you could feel the quality of the paper and see first hand the care and precision of each fold, cut and crease of each card.

Here are some of the wonderful cardmakers that made this prize possible:

BBesigns
Juniper Berry Design
NY Papercrafter
Miscelena Handmade Papercrafts
Mon Ami Greetings
The Dragon's Wares
Cardware by J. Henz
Haley's Handmades
Waisze Designs
Althena12
Moxie Photo Design
SJ Designs
Jennifer Rose Designs

SPECTACULAR FINDS OF 2007

As the year comes to a close, I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to some wonderful products, artists and crafters over the year. I will share them with you!

1. Natures Corridor is a Wisconsin artist who creates warm and wonderful watercolor and acrylic paintings. I absolutely love the colors she uses, the hint of whimsy in her watercolors, and the movement she creates in the trees and landscapes are mesmerizing!


2. Natalya Sots is a ceramics artist from Schaumburg, Illinois. She makes teapots, cups, plates, bowls and bells too! Her creations are fun and pack a colorful punch! My favorite piece is the Mad Hatter Teapot.


3. sjDESIGNS is an exquisite greeting card crafter from Omaha, Nebraska. I have been purchasing cards from Stephanie (sjDESIGNS) for over a year, and every card is perfection. If you are looking for unique and very well-made greeting cards, look no further!


4. Block Party Press is no ordinary polymer clay artist! Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, she creates all of her designs by first making a hand-carved stamp, then using the stamp in the clay. Thus all of her designs are uniquely hers! Additionally, she uses a special distressing technique on her items too, which further creates a unique yet distinguished look.


5. Soapylove is the creator of bright, cheerful, and perfectly scented glycerin soaps and soapsicles. They make great gifts, especially for kids and the kid-at-heart! Debbie (Soapylove) hails from San Diego, California, and her soaps can be found around the globe and on Etsy.


6. KimonoMomo is obsessed with vintage Japanese textiles. Carol is the creative genius behind Kimono Momo where she reconstructs vintage kimono and obi into one-of-a-kind works of art, namely scarves and handbags. Each piece is uniquely beautiful...and if you are looking for vintage fabrics, Carol also has some available in her Etsy shop!
7. Precious Meshes is a wire and jewelry artist. Emily Conroy crochets fine gauge wire to create masterful works of art! Some of my favorite pieces are her Anemone Hoop Earrings. Emily is also co-owner of VIX Emporium in West Philadelphia, which features independent artists and crafters from around the world.
8. Purusha creates "All Natural Handmade Soaps" and is based out of New York City. I have been an avid handmade soap user for over three years for two main reasons: Handmade natural soaps are better for the environment (no nasty chemicals being washed down the drain) and handmade natural soaps have done wonders for my skin.
   

Of course, these are in no particular order and I'm almost certain I have neglected a few talented artists and crafters...but the best thing about a blog...I can edit and update the list! :) So watch for additional 2007 Spectacular Finds over the next week or so.

Again, I would like to wish everyone a warm and joyful New Year! Oh, and be on the lookout for a special sales announcement in your mailbox (hint-hint)!

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 - 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 - EARMARK INVITATIONS

Headed up by Bridgette and Mike, Earmark Invitations aims to "Create Happiness" in paper. And I must admit, many of their designs did put a smile on my face!

But don't be fooled by their name, invitations are not their only product. Greeting cards, personalized journals, and even pencils can be found in their Etsy Shop, Http://earmark.etsy.com/

In fact, the adorable Apple Pencils (pictured above) can be purchased for only $1.00 USD. Wouldn't that make a teacher's day?

If you ever need personalized greeting card, birthday cards or note card sets, they will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. Oh, and those birthday cards....for $7.50 they will use the names, text, colors and/or images that you would like! How special would your recipient feel?

You can learn more about Earmark Invitations at: http://eigreetings.blogspot.com/