I Found Her!

I had a terrific day!  First of all, to take advantage of the upcoming full moon's clearing and cleaning energy, I spend most of my day cleaning, sorting and ridding our home of things we no longer needed.  I cleaned out closets, organized drawers and had fun doing it.  I took a break to swing by Home Depot to pick up some heavy duty garbage bags, and decided to run into my local Homegood's store to pick up a shower curtain liner.  When there she was...my beautiful shabby chic girl!  I've been wanting her for oh so long.  She makes an excellent display for my jewelry, and other "things" of interest...scarves, jackets, pins, etc.  I can't wait to adorn her with goodies!  Ask and ye shall receive!

~Wishing you all a fantastic week~

 

Hopefully, you have beautiful, sunny days :-)

 (He's smiling for the camera)

Unfocus...

 "It is important to do what you don’t know how to do. 

It is important to see your skills as keeping you from learning what is deepest and most mysterious. 

If you know how to focus, unfocus. 

If your tendency is to make sense out of chaos, start chaos".

~Carlos Castaneda

I love this quote by author Carlos Castaneda.   To allow creativity to flow and learn new and exciting things, we must let go of our preconceived expectations and enter into new and sometimes intimidating territory.  Yes, there are times when our projects will not turn out as expected, sometimes better and sometimes, not so much better.  However, this is how we learn our full potential along this beautiful path of creative exploration.  These pics are a perfect example!  I was given the most wonderful gift ever by my most wonderful husband - an early 40th birthday present in the form of a Nikon D5000.  Can you believe it?!?  A total dream come true for me as I've been wanting to indulge in learning more about photography and digital art.  And I have SO MUCH to learn.  Lighting and lenses and subject matter and the list goes on and on.  It's intimidating and a little scary, but it's absolutely incredible to have the opportunity to learn something so exciting.  These are the first few pics I've taken and for a novice, I think they are okay!  My initial thought is to be over critical and find things that are completely wrong with them.  BUT...I'm trying and learning and I will get better at it.  It's all a learning opportunity.  Of course, I do have the BEST subject matter.  

I'd love to hear about any of your new and intimidating experiences and what you gained from them.  Let me know what chaos you started and how it changed your life...

New Crystal Pendants!

Remember all that lovely artwork from my previous post?  Well, here you have the finished products, and I couldn't be happier with the end result.  I'm now just trying to decide on the appropriate chain or ribbon to pair with each design.  I've been wearing the crystal pendants on a simple ribbon, however, I can also envision some intricate chain intermingled with vintage filigree or Swarovski beads.  Inspiration will come to me soon; it always does :-)  

Wishing you all a beautiful and happy weekend!

In Progress: Vintage Filigree Jewelry

 FOR THE LOVE OF FILIGREE

Current Works in Progress

I adore filigree, especially filigree jewelry!  Filigree is delicate and intricate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire.  The filigree pieces I utilize in my jewelry designs are made of brass, then coated with beautiful antique finishes in oxidized sterling silver, brass or copper.  I work primarily with brass or bronze because I feel those finishes evoke the essence of vintage style the best.  The art of filigree has been around for centuries and is an absolutely beautiful art form.  Intricate and unique, feminine and romantic, filigree findings and stampings always add a touch of elegance to my jewelry designs.  I often use them in conjunction with various vintage pieces I have in my collection.  These are just a few of my current projects in progress; check back soon for finished designs.  I'm also working on some crystal pendants that are turning out absolutely gorgeous with all that fabulous artwork mentioned in a previous post.  Have a wonderful weekend! 

New Artwork for New Pendants!

Creating is a collaborative process.  As an artist, one must continually visualize new and creative ideas.  This process does not exist in a vacuum; often, it is a combined effort of varying mediums collected and melded into a final eclectic idea.  My jewelry creations are perfect examples of this collaboration.  Although I design and ultimately create the end result, I rely on other talented artists' work to contribute and enhance my final vision.  

Izabella's Blues is one of my absolute favorite resources for inspiration and digital collage sheets.  Izabella's work has been featured in several publications, including Artful Blogging and Digital Expressions, a new book by digital artist Susan Tuttle which focuses on creating digital art with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Visit Izabella's blog http://izabella.typepad.com and Etsy shop http://izabellah.etsy.com for some visual stimulation. 

From Izabella's "Sad and Blue" Digital Collage Sheet

Julia van der Werf, a wonderfully talented digital artist from the Netherlands, also shares beautiful and unique digital art at her Etsy shop, Cemerony.  Romantic, elegant and colorful, I can always visit her shop for inspiration.  Look for some of her designs in my future crystal creations.  Visit Julia's shop and blog today for some terrific eye candy.  http://juliavanderwerf.blogspot.com/ and http://www.cemerony.etsy.com/

 Digital Art from Julia's Etsy Collage Sheets

ArtCult, another fabulous Etsy shop by artist Batya Sagy, has consistently been one of my favorites.  Batya's designs are so exceptionally exquisite, I visit her again and again for renewed creative ideas. Visit her shop today at 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtCult, and be amazed! 

PERFECT art for Vintage Style Pendants!

I'd like to thank these wonderfully talented artists for sharing their unique creations with others. By doing so, they contribute to an expansive chain of beautiful creations!

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. 

Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

~Budda Quote

Rainbows...

“May God give you...

For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. 

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.”

~Irish Blessing 

It's so comforting for me to know that after the rain, the magnificent and healing sun appears and sometimes we even get the gift of a rainbow.  We've heard it a million times before, but it's true...without the rain, we'd never get to experience the breathtaking and magical beauty of a rainbow.  Life is full of challenges and obstacles we must overcome; no one is exempt from this reality.  However, we must choose to see the opportunities that exist within these challenges and move forward with renewed optimism and hope.  I am blessed beyond measure; for the rainbows in my life are all of you...my family and friends who are always there to listen, give advice or a kind word, or simply just be with me.  For you are all truly my "rainbows".  

My most recent crystal creations reminded me of all the colors in a rainbow!  I'm thinking of creating a monogram crystal collection and would love your feedback!  Let me know your thoughts!  

My Favorite Rainbow :-)

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend!