Beautiful Words...

Yesterday we drove into Pittsburgh to attend a poetry reading by my friend Sarah Williams-Devereux (and Romella Kitchens) at the Carnegie Library. I met Sarah years ago at a summer residency program. I was working while participating in the residency and went in after most of the other artists had already left for the day. I often found myself in the studios alone late at night. When I got frustrated or tired and needed a break, I would wander the halls. One night, bleary-eyed and exhausted, I came across a line of text running along the base of the sink in the restroom. The words were so tender, heart-felt and impossibly beautiful that I broke down in tears. The next night, I went back to savor the words again, but they were gone. At the time, no one knew who had left the poetry that was infiltrating our lives in the most subtle and unexpected ways. You might find a string of spidery handwriting on a pane of glass in an empty studio, or a stamped letter message running along the floorboards. As quick and as mysterious as they would appear, they would just as easily disappear. Her words held us all enthralled... and they still do. I wouldn't drive two hours and battle traffic (each way) for just anyone. Sarah is a master wordsmith, who I admire deeply. We were fortunate enough to hear her latest works, a kaleidoscope of images, memories and emotions.

Spring Cleaning Sale...

Today marks the official launch of a two part sale I'm hosting in my shop! The first wave is called, "SPRING CLEANING SALE". I'm trying to make room in my shop for the second wave. All of the prices in the sale section have been lovingly reduced – many of them going for a fraction of what they were originally acquired for. I want all these lovelies to find good homes out in the world. I've got some really excellent items in the sale section and will continue to add them as space allows. (BigCartel has a limit of 100 items per shop.) The SPRING CLEANING SALE will run until next Monday, April 26th! The second part of the sale will be called, "the Send My Debt Away Sale". I've been working on a unique set of components for the past couple of weeks that I'm really proud of. Once you see the components up for grabs, you'll understand perfectly why it's called "the Send My Debt Away Sale". I'm hoping to pay down some of my looming debt to help fund and facilitate new directions and exciting developments with my work. Starting new projects, especially on the scale that I'm envisioning is very expensive, and I'd like to do it without going too much further into the red.

To show my appreciation, all orders placed during the SPRING CLEANING SALE will receive special gifts and don't forget that all orders placed during the month of April are subject to an additional 5% off. Use the coupon code "cyndi" to claim your additional discount!

Beaded Links...

A Bead A Day
Give (inexpensive) beads a chance! Oh, the variety you can find at the craft store!

About.com Jewelry Making
Where do you create your jewelry and other crafts? Show, tell, and look at some great craft spaced created by other designers.

Art Bead Scene
Art beads don't have to be round, they can be toggles too!

Barbe Saint John
Putting out the call for Steampunk art!

Beading Arts
Cyndi has just finished up a floral necklace that features fabric!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi is photographing the jeweled decolletage on paintings in Paris again!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's personal history finds its way into her work.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie mixes shell pearls from Rings and Things with metallic hardware motifs to create a softer industial look .

Katie's Beading Blog
Share your ideas about beading trends and be entered to win a copy of Jean Campbell's new book, Steampunk Style Jewelry.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Dig out your button collection, because wonderful Keepsake jewelry can be made from it, and Lorelei shows some examples!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Join the fun and become a fan of the lovely jewelry design magazine, Australian Beading Magazine!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew teams up with Cathy Collison of Glass Garden Beads for this week's Thursday Giveaway. You could win a set of three hip bottle-cap beads!

The Coventry Inn...

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, PA, in an authentic English Tudor building there's a great little restaurant (open Thursdays through Sundays) called The Coventry Inn. Think dark exposed beams, warm candlelight and English Delft tiles; the ambiance is intimate and cozy. From the looks alone, you'd think you were transported magically to England! But don't let the looks deceive you, The Coventry Inn is more than just any old ordinary pub. The menu boasts an eclectic array of fine dining cuisine and an impressive beer and wine selection. (Yes, the Guinness is on tap and fish and chips are on the menu for the hardcore tavern enthusiasts!) While soaking in the environment and enjoying the menu, you'll see that the waitstaff is friendly, attentive and courteous. But if you're not interested in the full-on dining experience, not to worry! Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar with appetizers (my favorite was the hot crab dip with toasted pita bread and baguette slices) and dollar draft Yuengling.

Also noteworthy and definitely not to be missed is the Cuban flan. This silky smooth custard is drizzled in a rich caramel sauce and garnished with a candy-crunch bite of melted sugar. Even my mama, who makes the best flan, would be impressed.

So the next time you're in town, make The Coventry Inn a dining destination. (Can't make it to Indiana, PA? Join the Facebook Fan Page or follow them on Twitter for the latest special events information and menu updates.)

Self-Portrait Friday...

I had intended to post this earlier, but there have been some heavy storms here and the internet was out all day.

It's funny, because I waited all day to write this... but I don't really have the words. I thought about writing about Northern European vanitas paintings, Jolly Rogers, the goddess Kali's necklaces, Mexican Day of the Dead sugar skulls, Mesoamerican crystal skulls or even my Skull Shop... but the words just aren't there tonight.

This small-scale self-portrait with a skull necklace was painted in the faux fresco style on collage mounted on board. I had originally left the collage completely unobscured in the background, but the patterns were too dominant and distracting and gave it a distinctively "urban tribal" flare that I wasn't digging. So, I muted the background with a few washes of paint.

Little Rewards...

I got so much done on my list that I decided to make a nice dinner as a reward. I still have mountains to do, but I feel good about the progress that was made. For dinner I made bacon-wrapped fillet mignon, broiled brussels sprouts, sauteed portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted rosemary baby potatoes. It's more extravagant than what I generally make. When you're on a budget, usually "creativity" is the most important ingredient. You find all kinds of ways to doctor up inexpensive cuts of meat and jazz up leftovers. The seemingly random and disparate contents of your cabinets can be boiled, mashed, and contorted into the semblance of a fine meal. But every once in awhile, it's nice to just splurge and treat yourself with the most expensive piece of meat in the display case, the fancy mushrooms, and "baby" potatoes, even though the regular ones cost half as much for twice as many.

The Space Between Us...

I participated in an Art House Co-op group show called, The Space Between Us. To the left is my submission. I'll be in Denver, but you should drop by the show on April 23rd, 2010 at the Brooklyn Art Library (201 Richards Street #16). It's one of those voting things, so if you like my little painting on collage, then vote for it. It's not flashy and LOOK-AT-ME, but I like it and am proud of what I sent. I might not win, but I'm just pleased that I was able to participate.

Errands...

When you're on the road as much as I am, things tend to pile up. Today is dedicated to clearing away much that has accumulated on my to-do list. For instance buy printer ink cartridges, go to the post office, try and track down some nice book ends (I'm thinking 1950's metal office ones), hang shelves, do laundry, go grocery shopping, and do (a few loads of) laundry. Oh and when all that is finished, work on some designs for a few magazines, try to finish up some really cool components, and pack up all the recycling. OH! And work on my self-portrait for tomorrow. Can't forget that! OH! And order business cards. Busy day ahead, better put on another pot of coffee.

Thursday Giveaway...

This week's art bead giveaway comes courtesy of Cathy Collison of Glass Garden Beads in Northfield, MN. One winner will receive a set of three domed and soldered bottle cap beads. I love that these lightweight beads are made out of recycled materials. Not only are these beads "green" but they're also charmingly stylish. Very hip!

To enter to win this set of beads, all you have to do is a leave a comment on this post. A winner will be randomly selected from the comment section on Monday (April 19th) at midnight EST. Do make sure to leave your name if it doesn't already appear next to your comment.

Note: Two of the three bottle caps come from alcoholic beverages. In some public schools, a Zero Tolerance policy is in effect that prevents any "alcohol-related paraphernalia" to be on school grounds, with the potential of suspension or even expulsion. By winning these beads, the winner accepts all responsibility for the usage of the materials and acknowledges that they were clearly warned that these beads are best suited for adults over the age of 18 and will not hold this blog, Glass Garden Beads, or related affiliates responsible for any possible or actual repercussions resulting from the prize materials.

Simple Dinner...

Mushrooms sauteed in butter are tossed with Farfalle pasta dressed in olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. The mixture is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dill. This is so quick and easy!

Thursday Giveaway Winner...

The winner for this past week's Thursday Giveaway is quiltingjewel39. Please email me with your contact information and I'll put your prize in the post. Be sure to be on the look out on Thursday for another chance to win!

A Visit With Margot Potter...

My talented friend, Margot Potter and her husband, invited me out to stay at their beautiful former-schoolhouse home in Amish country after BeadFest Wire. I've been trying to make it out there for years, but something always came up. I'm happy that this time things finally came together and the visit manifested into reality. You might know Margot from QVC as an on-air personality or from one of her many craft books, like The Impatient Beader, The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired!: A Crafty Chick's Guide to Instant Inspiration, or Sparkletastic: 50 Dazzling Jewelry and Fashion Projects for the Discriminating Diva. She also worked on a book with Katie Hacker and Fernando DaSilva called, Bead And Wire Jewelry Exposed: 50 Designer Projects Featuring Beadalon And Swarovski. Margot also just came out with a book called, Beyond The Bead: Making Jewelry With Unexpected Finds. Her forthcoming title, which will be released in August (and I'm in!) is called, Bead Chic: 36 Stylish Jewelry Projects & Inspired Variations. It's available for pre-order now!

I adore Margot! She's so vivacious and full of life! She has brilliant stories and always has the gears turning – thinking up new and different ways of doing things. She's incredibly generous with her time, energy and effort and is truly a delightful person.

When I came in, they treated me to a lovely fresh salad and a tasty pasta dish. I picked up a cheesecake and a bottle of sparkling grape-juice (I forgot you couldn't buy wine in Pennsylvania unless you're at a restaurant). Drew and Margot were absolutely fantastic and I had a great time talking with them and getting to know them both better.

Above (from left to right) is a shot of Margot in her tricked out studio, her converted Amish schoolhouse home, and one of her pet pigs and chickens.

They have such a beautiful home in a picturesque landscape. I felt as though I had stepped into an Andrew Wyeth painting with a splash of sparkle, color, vintage ephemera and fair trade sculptures and furniture! It was such an awesome time and I am deeply grateful for their generosity and for hosting me!

If you too are interested in spending a little time with Margot Potter and picking her crafty brain, there is ample opportunity! She'll be hitting the City in June, in Busy As A Bead. In New York, Margot will share her top secret shopping sources and participants will get to enjoy site-seeing as well as a Broadway show. Then she'll be heading out with Style Network celebrity, Brini Maxwell in September on a cruise called Crafty Cabaret Caribbean. Both of them sound like amazing trips!

Postcards from King of Prussia...

I'm home from Bead Fest Wire in King of Prussia. It was a lovely time. I wanted to thank everyone who came out to the show and said hello! So many awesome folks dropped by and it was great to connect with everyone.

While at the show, I ran into lots of different talented artists and beautiful people who make this community what it is.

For instance, I briefly dropped by Joan Miller's booth before we opened one morning. It was nice to get there before all the crowds descended. It was also nice, because I didn't get a chance to leave my booth much throughout the show. Anyway, Joan makes amazing porcelain. I love the artistry that goes behind her pieces. (I particularly love her skulls!) I got a few goodies and am excited to use them!

Another friendly face who swung by the booth was the new mama, Meredith of Beadalon. Meredith is such a sweetheart. I met her years ago in Tucson because our booth was near the bathroom and she had to walk by each time she wanted to use the loo throughout the week-long show. It's good to see her and it was most excellent to hear that her baby is happy and healthy and will be just the right age to be a playmate of Max's.

I was also lucky to drop by before the show opened to say hello to Amy of The Bead Goes On. She's great and it seems like we're companion road warriors, because I always see her at the shows. I thought I did a lot of shows, but they're EVERYWHERE! Apparently while Amy was in King of Prussia, Sally was in Charlotte for a trunk show.

I hadn't met Teri before, but I was happy to become acquainted with her. It's funny because I was talking about where I had moved to with another customer and it seems as though Teri is just down the road in Blairsville! (Our town is so small we have to go to Blairsville to do the majority of our grocery shopping.) Teri is the owner of a great little coffee shop there called, Stompin Grounds Coffee. It's such a cute place! I'm definitely going to swing by, and not just for the great Kiva Han coffee, but to say hello to my new friend, Teri!

I wasn't expecting to see these two lovely ladies, but they both managed to make their way out to the show! Susan Nestor came out from New York City. I was happy to get a little news from the City since I haven't been back since we moved in October. Gail Crosman Moore stopped by on her way down to D.C. for a talk she's going to give. Neither of them were doing the show, so it was definitely a wonderful surprise to see them!

Beaded Links...

Art Bead Scene
ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone asks the readers to weigh in on where she should go next.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a jacket pin in order to justify another crafty purchase.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy follows her heart and stripez and makes some new beads.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A mix of brassy metal components and chain from ArtBeads.com inspires Melanie to make a springtime woodland owl necklace.

Jean Campbell
Jean shares yet another travelogue. This time, it's Portland, one of her new favorite cities.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean emphasizes the importance of checking out the auction of gorgeous treasures from tons of artists which is being held for Michele Goldstein, lampwork artist, organized in a stunning way on Ebay by Anne Mitchell and Gail Crosman Moore! It is not too late to bid on something amazing!

A Bead A Day
Do you have a knack for using unusual odds and ends in your jewelry designs? Lisa is looking for ideas if you have a minute to stop by!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy looks at easy metal jewelry making this week on her blog.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts another Thursday Giveaway! This time, the prize comes courtesy of LillyPilly Designs!

BeadFest Wire...

I am extremely tired, so this post will be very short. The ride out was more difficult than I thought it'd originally be since I got caught in the middle of a storm all the way out. Lots of white knuckle driving.

Today was a fun day. I got a chance to see a lot of familiar faces and catch up with old friends. I didn't get a chance to leave the booth though except to go to the restroom and grab a Red Bull from the vending machine. Folks did drop by to say hello!

From the left: Kerry Bogart (author of Totally Twisted: Innovative Wirework & Art Glass Jewelry), Leslie Rogalski, Lori Anderson and Anne Mitchell.

If you're in the area, you should come by also! I'd love to see you! I'd write more, but it's time for bed.

Self-Portrait Friday...

It's no secret that I have a fondness for owls. Ever since I was a toddler, I've been fascinated with them. Known to many different cultures, the owl has different symbolic meanings. In Greece, the owl is linked with Athena and therefore an emblem of wisdom and insightfulness. In other parts of Europe and abroad, the owl has a infamous symbolic duality, ranging from protectors, messengers and bringers of inspiration, to creatures of the night who are harbingers of death and ill fortune. In some areas like in Central and South America, owls are sometimes believed to be witches who have shape-shifted into the winged creature and therefore have a strong association with sorcery and magic. The sheer fact that they have such a divided and complex reputation and history is appealing. This self-portrait pays homage to my totem.

This painting was done in the faux fresco style over collage mounted on board. It measures six inches wide by ten and a half inches tall. The painting appears differently than I had originally sketched it. Originally I had planned to paint a snowy owl and have blood drip from the talons. (If an owl had indeed landed on my shoulder, a wound from the powerful and sharp claws could only be expected in reality.) I opted for less morbid and more cute. I also let more of the original collage show through in the background, as opposed to painting over it and partially obscuring it, as I have done in the previous self-portraits.

The funny thing is that when I finished painting the painting, I heard owls calling to each other in the woods. We've been keeping the windows open since the weather has been so nice. This was the first time that I've heard them out there. I took it that they approve of the painting.

To Philadelphia...

I'm waiting for the UPS man to arrive with the business cards, then I'll be on my way to the Philadelphia area for the Bead Fest Wire show. I normally look forward to this show quite a bit, but I'm dreading the drive out. It's not that it's a particularly long drive or that the drive is a difficult one, it's just that I've been spending a lot of time in the car lately and the cumulative effect has not been so good. I kind of feel like my spirit is playing catchup with my body. Not to mention that someone hit my car while it was parked and busted out one of the back lights and dented the bumper. No note. No nothing. Just a dent and a broken light. The ridiculous thing is that we JUST changed out the bulbs the other night after Easter dinner. It's like two steps forward and then one step back.

So, if you're in the Philadelphia area this weekend, you should definitely stop by the show and say hello! I'd love to see some familiar faces and meet new friends. I'll be at my family's booth – Green Girl Studios. This'll do much to lift my spirits. (Remember, if you wear a piece of jewelry representing Green Girl Studios merchandise on it to the show, you'll eligible for a free bead!)

Thursday Giveaway...

This second installment of the weekly art beads giveaway comes courtesy of the fine folks at LillyPilly Designs. Aren't these pastel hued laser-engraved shells lovely? I love the lacy pattern. These are just perfect for spring!

To enter to win this giveaway, all you have to do is a leave a comment on this post. A winner will be randomly selected from the comment section on Monday (April 12th) at midnight EST. Please remember to include your name if it doesn't already appear, so as to streamline the process and reduce confusion. Good luck!

Vortex...

I have a theory that there is a vortex that swirls around Pittsburgh. Hours at a time are sucked into this mystery, never to be seen again. At least, that's the way that I feel about traffic near Pittsburgh. I needed to do some business at a bank that has the nearest branch there before I leave for Philadelphia tomorrow. The stupid thing is that when I got there, they said, "Oh, you could have done this at any ATM machine. No need to come out all this way."

So, much of today was spent... stop... go... stop.. go... stop... go.... stop. I don't think I've ever mashed my brakes so much in my life. The air was heady with the smell of brakes, pungent like a sour mixture of ethanol and smoke. My stomach cringes and my head lolls just thinking about it.

With so much congestion, I missed the meeting at the Botanical Society. I'm sad that I didn't get to go out to Greensburg for it. I was looking forward to hearing about wildflowers (this month's topic) and meeting some new people in the area. I'd really like to get to know plants better and what better way than making friends with people with the same passion and interest and are already experts. Oh well... there's always next month.

Dinner...

For dinner tonight, I prepared slow-cooked beef in a tomato, roasted chili pepper and red wine sauce over roasted garlic orzo pasta with parmesan cheese. The beef came out fork tender and the sauce was a nice mixture of tangy and spicy. The orzo was buttery and the roasted garlic added a nice caramelized sweetness, which balanced out the zing of the beef and sauce.

Yesterday's Adventure...

My family was visiting Ohio for Easter. I met up with Cynthia, Greg and Maximus at our friend, Jessica Weasel's house in Columbus on Monday. (Azalea wasn't feeling good, so she stayed home with Grandma O in Cincinnati.) Since I'm in Pennsylvania now, the drive over isn't too bad – just under four hours.

Even though our visit was short, it was good to see everyone. I was excited, of course, to see the baby, but I was also looking forward to checking out Jessica's new apartment. She lives in an apartment building that looks like a castle! Her studio is even in the "tower".

Above and to the left is shot of Jessica in her studio. She said she doesn't like pictures taken of her, but I couldn't resist. I think this picture turned out very well! The lighting is magic and it has her healthy carnivorous terrarium (which I highly envious of) and the miniatures that she's working on for an upcoming show in Chicago. Above and to the right is Maximus asleep in his car seat. He's so cute! He's getting big and even has two baby teeth!

I am so lucky! Jessica gave me a miniature jackalope mount and a ceramic skull necklace (not shown). Isn't the jackalope mount awesome?! I love the incredible detail and the sweet expression on its face. For those of you who don't know what a jackalope is, it's a chimera hybrid creature straight out of urban legend who is part jack rabbit and part antelope/deer – ergo jackalope. This fearsome creature can also purportedly mimic any sound, including the human voice.

Before I left, we all had dinner at Cap City Fine Diner. The meatloaf was most excellent and I highly recommend it. I also had the opportunity to restock and get new goodies for the Green Girl Studios table for the BeadFest Wire show in King of Prussia/Philadelphia. This is not to be missed! If you get a chance, please come out and say hello! I always look forward to this show; there are so many wonderful vendors who come from all across the country to do this show.

Thursday Giveaway Winner...

The winner for this past week's Thursday Giveaway is Melissa of Chinook Jewelry. Please email me, Melissa with your contact information and I'll put your prize in the post. Be sure to be on the look out on Thursday for another chance to win!

Finding Peace...

Today was a good day. It was almost perfect if you don't count the comment on the other post. But in its own way, it was a reminder of how blessed and fortunate I am. I am lucky to have the support and encouragement of so many people. I feel lifted up by this. I am able to do what I do – living a truly creative life, because of people out there in the world who believe in me and my work. I'm not rich in money, but I truly feel rich in the spirit.

One of my blog readers ended up tracking down the anonymous comment leaver. Nothing is ever really anonymous on the internet anymore. IP addresses are embedded and a gossamer trail of cookies is left behind. It stings what was written, but ultimately... that's not what hurt so much. What hurt the most was that it was left anonymously, like an edict or some kind of judgement.

The blog for me is about communication and opening dialogues. That's why I'm here. It's about building community through sharing. Sure, sometimes criticism is hard to hear, but there are ways to say anything. When I used to teach portfolio to young artists trying to get into art school, that's one of the first things we talked about. It was about giving constructive criticism. Not only is it respectful, but it teaches you how to root your reactions into words and to also learn from what you're trying to say. Sometimes all the lessons are right in front of you and you are the best teacher. Even if someone can't find the exact "right" words, perhaps there's an image, sound... or even smell. Dialogues can be comprised of more than just words.

Sure, I was disappointed at first, but I listened to the words... really listened... and there is truth to some of the comment. As an artist, I am self-absorbed. The work that I make is a reflection and a product of how I see the world. I am deeply rooted in the seat of my personal experiences. This blog is a slice of my thoughts, feelings, words and images. It is the quintessential expression of being self-absorbed. I'd like to think that I am sharing and that others out there appreciate what and how I share it, just as I appreciate so many of you out in the blogosphere.

Maybe I am a little paranoid, but my experiences have not taught me to react otherwise. Also, I do feel blessed and instead of just letting people walk all over me and take advantage of my work, I will fight to the death my right to make my artwork and live by it. I gave up so many years in service to something other than my Muse... and I wouldn't go back to that ever. I will fight for my blessings. I will fight for my passion. I will fight for my work.

My heart right now is no longer filled with hurt, but with gratitude for all that I am blessed with.

Beaded Links...

A Bead A Day

Do you love a craft project AND making jewelry? Lisa is looking for some interesting ideas for new glueable findings! Stop by and share if you have a minute!

About.com Jewelry Making

It's time for a fling, a spring fling that is, and why not start by making a pretty beaded flower?

Art Bead Scene

Art Bead Scene Free Project: Bead Cap Tutorial.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts

I'm certified!

Beading Arts

Cyndi shares how she constructs her bead embroidered cuff bracelets for the Bead Journal Project.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva

Cindy re-interprets a traditional Easter icon into Grunge Bunny!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

Melanie sees a new line of beads in the internet adventures of Molly the Owl

Jean Campbell

Jean tells all about her adventures in San Francisco during Beading by the Bay--a creative retreat.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!

Although Andrew has posted about this,Jean wants to emphasize how beautiful the motivation and the necklace Andrew and Loreli made, for Relief for Haiti!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Andrew collaborates with fellow designer, Lorelei Eurto, on a necklace to be auctioned off to raise money for the Red Cross's Haiti Relief Fund. Bid while you still can!

A River Walk...

I've been feeling a little cooped up lately. My deadlines and trying to organize my studio have kept me inside a lot. It's tempting to abandon all these projects in favor of the beautiful weather. Luckily, I finished enough work to feel all right about going on a little river walk at the Ohiopyle State Park yesterday. It was great to get out and relax a little with some hiking and combing the riverbanks for treasures.

I'll leave you with the pictures from the day...

Happy Easter...

This is the kind of note left, anonymously that I will sometimes get (this one was left on A Note):

talk about being full of one's self, I wouldn't worry about someone using your collages, in fact you would be lucky to have that happen

y'all are so flippin' paranoid

do you enjoy art as much while ALWAYS lookin over your shoulder?

"they are stealing from me" seems to be a common theme with you and your group

Apparently the person did not read the previous post, or receive the emails I got requesting to use my collages for resale. I think this person lacks the fine sense that I don't mind if someone turns my art into a piece of art for themselves... I DO have a problem when someone is using my work to sell to make money. I don't want to sound greedy, but this is how I feed myself. Sure, I love making art... but I like to eat as well.

Happy Easter everyone!

Happy Birthday...

Happy birthday, Grandma! I miss you!

Self-Portrait Friday...

I've been busy this week. One of my tasks this week was breaking up the Venus Flytrap seedlings and putting each in its own container. They were beginning to get overcrowded and I feared that they wouldn't survive unless I acted swiftly.

Above are the seedlings in their new containers and a close-up of one of them.

I've always been fascinated with carnivorous plants. Perhaps it was that they lived in conditions that no other plants could survive in by adapting and seeking their much needed nitrogen through other means. Maybe it's because they have such a wickedly bad rap. It could be that they are the closest thing to a hybrid between the animal and the plant world. Or, it could be that they devour flies, which I am not a lover of. Whatever the case, I have a fondness for the the Dionaea muscipula.

I told my mom recently that I was growing them. She replied that they "stink" and "smell so bad you think something has died". Although some varieties of carnivorous plants do emit a horrible stench, mine do not. So, here is my self-portrait smelling a slightly exaggerated venus flytrap.

The small piece (6" X 10.5") is a faux fresco done over a collage mounted on board. It has been oddly intense making these self-portraits, but I imagine that's natural when you spend a couple of hours looking at yourself, examining every detail. It has also been wonderful working with paint again. It is a challenge, no doubt, since it has been so long since I've painted figures... but I have been enjoying the process of reacquainting myself with the practice.

HUGE Shop Update...

Over the past few nights, I've been adding TONS of stuff to my shop. These are some of my favorite things. I'm currently at my maximum capacity and was sort of forced into taking a break. (I've got plenty more where this all came from!)

I added several beads to the dichroic glass section, some to the Artisan Lampwork Glass Section, and even one to the Bob Burkett Beads category. I also added three large PMC focals by Candice Wakumoto to the section devoted to her work. This is the first time I've featured any of her one-of-a-kind pieces and I'm really excited about offering them here since access to them is limited. I'm also REALLY enthusiastic about my new Vintage section on the shop. Since I've started the shop, I've always featured at least one or two vintage pieces of jewelry, but am going all out and liquidating my massive collection of antique jewelry!

So, make sure to stop by the Shop to check out all the updates. Also pop by Cyndi Lavin's Beading Arts blog for a unique opportunity for her readers.

Thursday Giveaway...

I've decided to host weekly giveaways of art beads from some of my favorite bead-makers here on the blog. To play along, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. (Make sure to leave your name if it doesn't already appear so that Anonymous 1 doesn't get into a fight with Anonymous 2 about who actual won.) A winner will be randomly selected from the comments on the following Monday (April 5th) at midnight EST.

This week's giveaway comes courtesy of the talented ceramist, Keith O'Connor. The beads up for grabs are an assortment of five teal glazed beads. Aren't they lovely! Thanks for playing and do keep an eye out for future giveaways!