Look Close to Find the Beauty

This photo is a broken shard of a section of glass from an old lighthouse we visited recently in Nova Scotia.

In person it wasn’t too exciting but as usual I was snapping away and I was surprised to see this shot.

It kind of reminds me of when you break open a piece of an aloe plant. On the bottom edge of the triangle shaped cut it almost looks like a small drip.

It looks kind of icy and I like the movement in the picture too.

I guess the lesson is...with digital cameras, no film and a delete button there is no reason to edit yourself when taking pictures.

But the largest memory card your camera will hold, charge up your battery and start shooting!
You never know what you will end up with.

My Crafty Abode Series – Beautiful Memories

This small detail is a section of a beautiful gift my parents gave us a few years ago.

It is my families dining room table that I grew up with.

Walnut, hand carved, big…10 feet by 4 feet…all one piece, with no leaves.

While the table is an amazing work of art on it’s own…I think the most special part is all of the memories attached to it. 40 years of family, parties, friends, children, holidays, food…and now it is ours to carry on the traditions.

We use it…and it shows the use which gives it a warm, comfortable glow.

Maybe someday, when the kids are all grown, we will refinish it to it’s early glory…and maybe not. Like my fine silver, I prefer it to show the use and memory marks!

Using Everything You’ve Got

I am not sure why exactly but I found I had some extra "rings" from decorative toggle sets.

Can’t for the life of me tell you what I did with the “bar” sides but nevertheless, there they were.

I wanted to try and find a use for them and this is what I did. I had made some thick, hand woven, leather bracelets and needed a closure option that would be suited to a man.

I used the rings I had left over and just tucked the little attached loop inside the folds of the leather strands. It kind of anchored the loop. Then I secured the ends with some crude, organic looking wire wrapping.

Now I don’t know how this would work with thin strands as the attached loop might show though but with this application it was hidden. I used an over sized lobster clasp on the other end which hooked on to the ring.

The textures on the rings worked with the leather and the substantial size balanced the thicker bracelet.

See what you have left over that might be able to be utilized in a new way.

“Chicken Puppet” Displays

When I needed displays for some of my jewelry I just couldn’t find what I wanted.

Truthfully, I didn’t even know what I wanted but I knew I didn’t like what I was seeing. I have an eclectic taste and the plastic, cookie-cutter display pieces just didn’t work with my one-of-a-kind, hand crafted jewelry.

I also had a budget and a list of other guidelines like, transport easily, store well, be flexible, be neutral, etc…

Finally, I remembered that I know how to sew. It was funny it took me so long because I actually went to school for fashion design.

These funny little pieces are what I designed. They are made out of a neutral fabric, they are sculptural and can be configured in many different combinations.

The whole thing breaks down for storage and transport and it gives my display some height.

I could see these made in different sizes, colors or shapes…it is only limited by your imagination!

My Crafty Abode Series – Lighten up

I have always loved industrial looking home accessories.

Things most people would think are too avant garde to incorporate into a personal space…especially a bedroom.

This is a picture of one of our bedside table lamps and while our bedroom isn’t overly contemporary, I love that little edge these give to the space. It is a small way for me to incorporate that industrial feel without it being cold or hard looking.

At night, they let off a soft glow and an interesting pattern…with a little bit of sparkle. I chose to use a graphic, tube shaped bulb because you can see them through the mesh.I think having two of the same light fixtures flanking our bed gives it balance and I am happy every time I flick one on!

Don’t ever be afraid to add decorative touches or materials that make you happy...even if you think it might not be the "right" thing to do!

An Artist's Motivation...

This made me smile...

"I hate flowers.
I only paint them because they're cheaper than models and they don't move.”
Georgia O'Keeffe

My Crafty Abode Series – Painted Privacy

When we moved in our home it bothered me that there were open windows on top and both sides the front door.

At night you could see right into our kitchen and dining room clear as day.

Not good for someone who lives in her PJ’s when home.

I struggled with wanting more privacy but not wanting to loose the beautiful natural light streaming in. I tried sheer fabric panels but it was distracting and to fussy looking for me.

Then it hit me…I am an artist…paint!

Using a specialty paint called Gallery Glass I was able to simulate stained glass which gave us the privacy AND light. Being slightly impatient when it comes to starting the fun part of a creative project…I chose to do a loose pattern that I could free hand with little prep work or planning.

Above is a section of the final product.Fluid leaves with a frank Lloyd Wright type box border. I kept the colors muted and natural and tried to highlight some texture. That added to the privacy without loosing the transparency.

When the sun comes through, colors fall on the white molding and bring a bit of cheer…especially on a New England winters day.