See My Work with Patty Lakinsmith for the ISGB/Bead and Button Convergence Exhibit



Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Strong Women - Real and Fictional

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged last. I really must do better! I've been busy working on my custom orders and a new series called "Strong Women - Real and Fictional." I've always had an admiration and facination for strong women. Women who overcame the odds to become famous in some way. Or...women who fought battles for others, like the fictional characters we grew up with. I mean, who didn't want to be Wonder Woman? Anyway, I can think of a few off the top of my head...some provide inspiration and some don't. So I've been researching famous women and have read some very interesting bios. I already knew who the first strong woman design was going to be named after but what follows that is still being decided. Here's my first of the series, named after Zena, warrior queen.

The Zena Cuff

It's Sterling silver with copper wire that's been hammered and made to look like leather strips. I can just imagine the warrior queen wearing something like this, can't you?

And speaking of strong women.....kerijoy, the artist who was featured in my last blog is certainly one of them. Maybe I should name a special cuff for her! I'm so in love with her creations and I finally have 3....yes, 3!...of them on my wall! They are so wonderful and everyone loves them. Be sure to check out her site at http://kerijoy.etsy.com.

Well, I have promised myself to update this blog more frequently, and I will.

toodles for now,

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Wall Dancers - Featured Artist Kerijoy

I met a lovely lady this week on Etsy who does the most incredible wall art. I think I'm going to own a few of these lovely "ladies" before too long. But besides being drawn to her wonderful designs, I was inspired and in awe of her story. I can't tell the story as well as she can, so I'm going to quote her....
" I began the "Wall Dancers" in February 2003. After 15 years of being a Senior Designer, I lost my "passion" for my art. Just when I said "No Mas!" and "I knew' where my life was going (silly me!) - Our Higher Power decided to display a sense of humor and I've been 'along for the ride' ever since! I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in February 2002 that kept me literally bed-bound. It's been a 6-year tough battle but my ‘choice’ was not to take the victim role. The first dolls were actually made in bed with me in my jammies! I was told by all of my doctors that "these were impossible to do" and still to this day they still wonder 'how I do it.' ~smiling~ You just have met the "Rainman-Of-ETSY!"
Defying the odds, and making the most of her blessings, Keri has put so much personality into her wall dancers that you want to smile everytime you see one. She's a true artist, with all the talent and passion that makes what she creates a labor of love. Check her out. You'll fall in love with her "ladies"!
Your Friendship is Timeless
Lil Junk Food Junkie

Artsy Babe

BEE Positive Babe

http://kerijoy.etsy.com/

I know you will enjoy her Wall Dancers as much as I do! And if you want to know what to get me for my birthday.....Artsy Babe is my fave! Toodles...

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

New Series

I've been pretty busy with custom orders lately...which is a nice thing. Sometimes, however, it leaves little time to create on my own. I started the Life series, and am still making pieces to add to it, but because it's so personal and based on my feelings about life, I'm slow to add to the collection because I really have to feel it. I did add one piece, which I will share with you. If you've been following the series, you know what inspired it. This one is about my own life. It's a sterling silver version of the original life cuff...but I added a feature or two to from my own perspective. If you look closely, you'll see a couple of lone silver balls, somewhat separate from the other design elements. These represent the two people in my life who are now lost to me. My dear friend, Cherie (who inspired the series originally) and my Dad. I made the cuff in silver because, though there have been ups and downs...who hasn't had them...my life has been very blessed.

I'm also starting a new series dedicated to women. I'm not sure what the name of the series will be, but each piece represents a woman, real or fictional, that we all know. I've completed a couple of pieces and as soon as I photograph them, I'll post them for you to see.

Toodles for now,

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