Feature Artist: Moore Taste

This is a striking and quite different pendant. First of all, the flower is just abstract enough to still see and recognize it while at the same time not being too literal. Very pleasing! And then, I really love the blue resin used in the back to have it shine through as the flower in the front. It offsets the warmth of the copper very nicely. Toni Moore, the artist of this and many more interesting pieces of jewelry, says: "My aim is to create unique and beautiful jewellery items that you will love for many years". You can see that it the timeless pieces she creates. Another of my favorites are these Reedy Sterling Silver Earrings. The disk is a conmen theme, but the pattern on these earrings make them very dynamic. That makes them stand out from the crowd.
There is much more to see at
http://mooretaste.etsy.com
http://mooretaste.blogspot.com

Featured at Cuteable!

I'm so excited! On of my creations for Kaleidoscope Style has been featured on www.cuteable.com. I could not believe when I saw it and now I have to share it with everyone. This here is the item they chose to feature. I loved making it using wet and needle felting techniques. To me they look like flower pods, but to the people at Cuteable, they look like Easter eggs in a basket. What do you see?!

Joy to the Fishies!!!

I finally was able to list another creation of mine. I finished these Earrings a few days ago, but it was just so cold each night and I had so much else to do, that I didn't get to put them up. Now here they are and I really like their whimsical look. Just having the oval picture frame and little swirl in the center I think is neat. Just looking at them I can think of many more ways to add something special to those centers. This one has Amethyst and Citrine beads in the center . They remind me of little fishies with long curly tales - hence the name!

Feature Artist: Creative Sundries

These fun and whimsical cards are something else! The red ones are made from Fortune Teller Miracle Fish. You know what that is? I did not. They are packages that have a little red plastic fish in them and when you place the fish in your open hand, it is supposed to move. The back side of the package tells you what it means. If the head moves, you are jealous, if the whole fish curls up you are passionate, and so on. So a card that you can play with! How much fun is that. Now these other note cards are made with original Naipes Playing Cards from Mexico. Also a great idea to reuse them. They are so beautiful and make perfect cards. This is just a small sampling of what this mother-and-daughter team has to over. There are so many different items in this shop ranging from pendants, to vintage treasures, to ... just about anything! You got to see for yourself.
http://creativesundries.etsy.com
http://creativesundries.blogspot.com

Feature Artist: Pam Miller

ACEO are all the rage now. I really like these Fall Flowers from artist Pam Miller. I love how the flowers appear to be alive in how they drop their leaves and look up at the sun. They are almost begging for more sunlight. I know I am! This is a Watercolor/Mixed Media artwork on Watercolor Paper. The Art Card Organization explains what ACEO's are: "ACEO stands for "Art Cards, Editions and Originals". These cards have one main rule - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches - the size of a trading card. The reason for this is, of course, that Art Cards are made to be traded! But while artists were happily trading cards, the general public was left out in the cold, having no Art Cards to trade. A group of artists realized this, and quickly made their cards available for sale at remarkably low prices so that everyone could join in the fun! […] Artists from all over the world are creating, and now selling these little gems in different mediums and of different subjects. Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Colored Pencil, Pastels, Pyrography, Pen and Ink, Sketching, Collage - the sky is the limit. Abstract, Surrealism, Outsider Art, Impressionism, Expressionism -every style you can think of - and then some!. Every interest and subject is covered! Extremely collectable Pocket Art, you can't stop at just one!" I'm all over this as well. And I might also start collecting them. Really a great way to own original artwork without the heavy price tag. Love it! Pam has several other ACEO's in her shop and also a wealth of other artwork. Never have seen such a filled shop!
http://allyon67.etsy.com
http://pmillerabstractart.blogspot.com

New Tiny Hair Clips

I'm having so much fun with my sister working on our Kaleidoscope Style shop on Etsy. It's a nice way to relax and do something different from my jewelry pieces. Plus, I get to connect and be with my sister. Really gets the creative juices flowing! Our latest additions are tiny Hair Clips. These are perfect for ant type of hair. I use them on my baby girl's hair and she has almost none. But it also looks great in my own hair. Another great way to wear them is as pins in sweaters or on the leave. Really adds another dimension and style to any knit top and is easier to put on and take out then a pin. I always have one on my sweater and then I can take it off to put in my little girl's hair to show her of.

Feature Artist: Silver Dragon

I know I say 'I love' too much, but I just love earrings! Especially when they are nice and big and colorful like these. I have never seen beadweaving pieces like this before. You can see the fun this artist is having making them. Her profile is quite interesting, so I am sharing it here.:” I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say. My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa CArdinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied and essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.) My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want! All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form. Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me." I so agree with that last statement. I have never been so happy staying home with my baby girl and creating away!
http://SilverDragon.etsy.com
http://vener-art.com/beadblog/

Feature Artist: George McKim

I'm so looking forward to the spring with the sun's warm rays. This Springtime Explosion mixed media collage makes me want the spring even more so. It's so joyful and full of movement. George explains about himself: "I studied art in college and have a Masters Degree in Painting and Drawing. My artwork has been shown in galleries and museums in my region. My day job is working as a pre-press graphic artist for a printing company and I make my art in my "spare time".
Since I was a kid I have always drawn pictures and painted. I like the freedom of expression of art and have always enjoyed painting." The artist has many more collages full of color in his shop!
http://GeorgeMcKim.etsy.com
http://georgemckim.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: That's Headley

The weather has been so nice here lately and I have been working in the garden putting new plants in and making it all pretty for the summer. I just love gardening and being outside. So when I saw this Five Peas in a Pod Necklace, I got all excited. This is a very nice version of the peapod theme and perfect for so many occations. Like, for excaple, Mother's day. This artist can customize the number of peas on it for you so if there are 3 children, you could get 3 peas. I really love that idea! Actually wondering if I will get a Mother's Day present - It's my 1st Mother's Day, so it sure is special!!! This necklace is only one of a series of peapod items and all of them are just darling.
And while we are on the gardening trip, I found these Garden Earrings in Headley's shop as well. So sweet and perfect for the gardener in your life or just as a cute little summer accessory.

http://thatsheadley.etsy.com
http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com

Lemon Drop Pendant

I finished another pendant - Lemon Drop! Always feels like setting another baby in the world. Well, not quite. This one is the pendant I posted a progress photo of on Wordless Wednesday. See what a difference a little (LOL) wire and silver beads makes. This one reminds me of calligraphy or something. Even a little hat. It's like one of those ink pictures everyone reads something else into. So what do you see in this one :)

Fun Colorful Necklace

Here is my latest necklace from my Kaleidoscopes Style Shop. This one looks so great on a sweater or turtleneck. I have been having lots of fun making felted accessories lately. After working non-stop on my wire wrapped jewelry, I had to take a break from it this week and work on all my other ideas to refuel. Hope you enjoy these colorful and soft jewelry pieces as well!

Feature Artist: Kala

I have to organize my photos and what better way to get myself started as to get a beautiful photo album. I love the color and pattern on this Accordion fold photo album. It's something different with the leather tie and accordion style. Karen, the artist behind Karla, is a professional artist and illustrator from the UK. She is one of us who loves to create and tries a bit of every craft. In her shop she has many beautiful cards, notebooks, collages, and much more.
This Dance Notecard caught my eye. You can so see that little girl dancing around. Very cute! Karen also offers a custom pencil drawing of your child. I'm saving up for that one of my little girl.
http://kala.etsy.com
http://chalkhillstudio.blogspot.com/

Worldless Wednesday - That's what I'm working on...

Feature Artist: Cigarbox Beads

I love strong colors and these two beaded pieces are about as strong in color as it gets! This Scarlett sez Fiddle Dee Dee Choker (he, I'm all about names as well, if you have seen the titles of my jewelry pieces) is, of course, perfect for Valentine's Day. It's so different and yet just cries LOVE. A red coral Buddha is hidden in the fringe for good luck. I love it! Now this Icy Lemonade Bracelet is so striking and fun with its vintage glass lemons and glass leaves. It makes me remember the summer days and that they are coming soon again. One can forget about the summer with all the snow we are getting here in New England. So I’m glad I found these 2 pieces today. They made me smile and made me happy. Thanks Cigarbox Beads!

http://cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com

New Chandelier Earrings!

I realized that I did not make anything with a green stone yet. Green is my least favorite color. So it's not a surprise to me! Then I found these lovely Lemon Smoky Quartz Heart Briolettes and just had to use them right away in these Green Fortune Earrings. The facets on them are just amazing. I also added Peridot to make it really appear green. These earrings are nice and long. It's so cool how they jingle agains your neck. I always thing it's the best when you can really feel the earrings you are wearing. Plus, I have long hair so the chandelier earrings are the only ones people would actually see on me. I also made this frame out of 2 parts for even more movement. Don’t know if I will be able to part with these and I don't even like green!

Feature Artist: Backwoods Creations

These are the most interesting cats I have ever seen. I can't believe how live like they look even though they are clearly disfigured. I guess this artist just really caught the essence of cats and how they appear to us that we see a real cat in these. They are hand painted over 100% cotton muslin stuffed with polyester fiberfill over a wire support. And those painted eyes are just striking! The artist is also a member of 'Etsy for Animals and 10% of her "adoption" fee will go to the charity of the month. So if you love cats but can't get a real one, this is for you! Get one and do something good!
http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com
http://backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Hot Lava Pendant

Finally a similar pendant to the Icicles one. I guess I'm doing a nature cycle or something! This one is just the right size - not too small or too big and has a nice jingle to it.

Feature Artist: Lucky Girl Trading

Lucky Girl Trading offers all kinds of goodies - mostly dichroic glass pendants and earrings, chains, and supplies. While looking around in her shop, I did also find pieces offered that the artist created using "two ancient arts: Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and both give (her) a zen-like tranquility while working". And I just love the looks. Plus, it is always great to find something new in a style I have not known and then discovering that those are, in fact, old art forms. There is always something new to learn.
This Teal and Sunshine Temari Ball looks so striking. It has a rattle inside and would make a great housewarming gift or good luck charm. The other art form is shown in this Royal Blue and Teal Green Luxury Kumihimo Choker. It is made by using kumihimo to braid satin cords into a necklace. It gives it a very rich look.
http://luckygirltrading.etsy.com
http://luckygirltrading.blogspot.com/

Feature Artist: Paulette Insall

Look at this painting! It just seems to draw you in and look at you even though this women is looking to the side. It is facinating how each mixed media art print of Paulette comes with a story. For this painting "Follow" it is: "When you've found something that brings you great joy and fulfillment, there are always stumbling blocks that get in your way. Guess it's just the nature of life. Painting is one of the things that gives me these feelings. We must always remember to follow the path to our dreams even when life tries to stop us".
The reason for stories like this one is that her "art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God". She further says that: "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".

http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com
http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog

New Pendant: Pluzzling !

I finished this fun and yet elegant pendant the other day. I still don't know how this design came to me. It sudently was on paper and created in wire. This one looks very nice put on - a lot more striking than you would think. I also finally took a picture of the frame again. This is before I started wrapping it and you can see how much better and finished it looks once it is done. I just love how much whiter and brighter my pieces look once they are totally coiled. Somehow they catch the light so much better with all the little coils.

Feature Artist: Morelle

It's about time I feature some purses and totes. I love them, have a ton, and could always get more. Luckily (or not) I have a family that holds me back when I'm drawn to the bag section in a store. Do you get the familiar 'do you really need another bag?' Yes! I say. These here are so gorgeous, you will need one. I especially like the Spring Temptations Tote. I told you that you will be tempted! It is made of corduroyed with a pretty paisley lining inside. This artist is located in Amsterdam and has a "passion for creating and designing things with fabrics and wool"
Another favorite of mine in her shop is this Button Purse. It is made purely of recycled materials and has 2 compartments inside to keep things organized. A fun and stylish bag!
http://morelle.etsy.com
http://www.morelle.nl/

New Post Earrings!

I finished some really neat Swirly Curl Earrings yesterday. They also have a post and just look so elegant! My mother LOVES these. Now I have to make her a similar pair. She has very short hair. So my chandelier earrings just don't look good on her, but these really do. I don't even remember why I started this design. It sort of just appeared out of the wire. These I also would be willing to do with your choice of stone. Maybe I even do something similar without any gemstone. Let's see.

New Item: Note Cards!

I finally received my first Note Cards and listed them yesterday! I'm very excited to offer these and think that they would be so great to use when you just have to send a little note to someone. People had been commenting on how great my photographs that I took of my jewelry looks that I thought I should offer them for sale. The theme of my photographs is inspired by my jewelry and the treasures that I collect on my travels. Of course, I could also have them printed at any size if someone would like them as a picture to hang. This is just the first card. More to come!

Feature Artist: Regal Beads

Regal Beads offers intricate seed bead jewelry in striking colors. This yellow and blue Sunny Skies necklace is my favorite. It really does look so sunny and fun to wear. It is crafted "from thousands of tiny beads, many hours were put into this quality piece of jewelry". It is clear that this artist knows her seed beads and works on several patterns. She says about herself: "I have loved doing crafts for most of my life (in fact, my dad loves to tell an embarrassing childhood story on me about this passion ;))
Both of my parents are quite creative, and passed this down to me!
I started beading over five years ago and took to it like a fish to water.
I love the feel of the beads in my hands, the challenge of a new pattern, and the joy of a completed piece!
For years this has been one of my hobbies, with my personal collection growing quite large, and with many family members and friends also benefiting.
I have now decided to share these treasures with the world."
http://RegalBeads.etsy.com
http://regalbeads.blogspot.com/