Friday, January 30, 2009

Theme 4: Poetic Sea

(NOTE: Please check out the previous post to learn about possible new features for Thursday Sweet Treat and let me know your thoughts! Thank you! Enjoy the new theme :)

How you choose to interpret the theme is completely up to you. It simply needs to be tasteful – no pornography or messages of hate here. When you sit down to create, you cannot think about how people will or will not receive your work. You are required to simply enjoy the act of creating. Please see the bottom of this post for how to submit a response.

"Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air."

Carl Sandburg quotes

Important Guidelines

Please submit your response no later than end of day Wednesday, February 4th if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, February 5th. OR send me a link to your response to include in the comments section of the post. With your response please include:

1. Your name - either first name or shop name

2. The name of your piece (if you choose to give it one)

3. Something you'd like to share (process of creation, idea behind piece) if you'd like to share anything

4. Two photos of your piece or of each of the pieces (3x5 or 4x6 and 72dpi or a max of 96dpi - if you need any help with that please don't worry I'd be happy to help!)

Most importantly, unleash your imagination and play! Dream big! Have fun!

Thursday Sweet Treat to Add Some Fun, New Features?



Good morning everyone! How are you?? I hope this finds you well. Have you checked out the fabulous artwork that was created on Thursday, January 29th? If not, please do I promise you that it will leave you feeling energerized and excited to take on the day!


I have a few things I'd like to share. First there are four new features I am thinking of adding to this blog. They require your participation so feedback would be truly appreciated! Thank you!!


Mini-Treat Monday

I have spoken with several artists who either missed the deadline for a project or joined when a project they would have loved to have contributed to was already in progress. All of them said, "I'm just going to continue to create and send you a picture because I love what I am creating." Well, I have seen some of those pieces and I truly think everyone should. So, I am thinking of creating Mini-Treat Monday. That is the day that people can submit pieces they created for old themes. However, you will only be able to submit 1 picture and only your name and shop name. The Thursday Sweet Treat is the major showcase so this is just a small way to share a bit of the work because it's great. Please let me know your thoughts on this.


Artists Play Dates

I would like to have a play date with an artist. This would essentially be an interview however I I want to talk about the real issues - how you deal with insecurity, how you deal with financial issues, what new techniques you are learning. What I am asking is to speak with people in a real, down to Earth way about this artistic process and how you stay positive and keep going. We all face obstacles but I want to hear how you are working to overcome them. What do you think? If interested, please email me and let's chat. I do not have a date set for that yet but will share more after I hear from you.


Blog Playgrounds

Finally, there are people writing incredible blog posts about this project. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I want to share those so once a week I want to do a blog roundup to share your fabulous blog playgrounds! Would this appeal to you?


Blog Button

It has been suggested (thank you Persistent Green - I heart you!) that I should create a button for you to put on your blogs. I have to tell you - I was so flattered to be asked. Thank you for wanting to share this incredible space. Please let me know if you would be interested.


Please leave comments here and email me about the Artists Play Date. I love talking with you all so much. I can't wait to hear from you!


Oh one last note - I had an item that I created because of the Thursday Sweet Treat (the Life's Too Short...Wall Art - which GlassElements encouraged me to put in my shop - thank you!) featured on a wonderful blog, Ripper Arts. Please check it out if you have a chance and leave a little love...for all the folks featured and for Ripper Arts. Here is the link: http://ripperarts.blogspot.com/


And a BIG thank you to Salvaged Expression, Persistent Green and Ceejay Bags. They were with me in the Etsy forum yesterday promoting this site, all the work and YOU. Thank you for reaching out!!!


If you have news to share or a blog post, please share it here as well!


You are all amazing!! Thank you for being a part of this :) Let's create great art!!


Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Stellar Artists Capture the Beauty of a Sunset In Their Magnificent New Works

Quick note - please do not worry if you were unable to participate this week! There is always next week and new feeatures which will be announced tomorrow! ALSO, don't miss a submission today from Rowena...I've listed it in the comments. Check it out, you will love it!

At first glance, all of these creative, thoughtful pieces of artwork will help you to shake off the winter chill and fill with a spring and summertime warmth. That's quite a gift in January! However, upon further inspection these pieces will do so much more. As you look at them, I challenge you not to feel a sense of fun and pure delight.

Recently, I have heard stories of sales of Thursday Sweet Treat items and, while that is not the point, I definitely understand it. All of the items created here and in the previous posts have radiate love, imagination and fun. Who wouldn't want a piece of that?

The pieces that are being created are little gifts from the center of the artist. They are created out of a need to learn a new skill, challenge oneself and simply play. Playing allows the imagination to bring dreams to life and each of these artists did that this week. All of them rose to a challenge and created new works that are professional, inspired, fun, thoughtful and unbelievably beautiful.

I invite you to sit back and bask in the beauty of the sunsets.

CeeJayBags created a few incredible pieces.
"Yesterday I found a few hours to play, so I broke out the much-neglected art supplies and play I did!" comments Ceejay. "Even blogged about it http://ceejaybags.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-of-creative-play.html."

Magazine Paper Collage Sublime Sunset - "...to get me back into the swing of things. It was great fun finding the colors that I wanted, and messing my hands up with gel medium again!"

Mixed Media Abstract Sublime Sunset - Closeup
Mixed Media Abstract Sublime Sunset - "...is done with inks, handpainted tissue, newspaper and acrylic on watercolor paper."






Mixed Media Sublime Sunset - "The third (and the one I'm so proud of) - mixed media abstract (sublime sunset) really just flew out of me! I don't even know where it came from, but I'm sure happy with it. It's done with liquid acrylics, tissue, glitter pens, ink and heavy bodied acrylics, on canvasette."





Jodi Horgan's gorgeous piece is called "Coral Sunset".

"My inspiration came after seeing your photo which reminded me of our family trips to the beach," said Jodi. "I recently had bought these beautiful fossilized coral beads and I immediately thought I could marry the two ideas. The fossilized coral is surrounded by fire opal beads which reminded me of the beautiful orange colors in a sunset. "
http://www.jodihorgan.etsy.com/

Coral Sunset










Fugsly's stunning artwork is titled, "I won't ride."
Acrylics on canvas - 9" by 6".

"The painting's about a quiet and happy rebellion," comments Fugsly. "I wanted to get across the feeling that you get stupid at hours of the morning when you feel like you're the only person awake but it's strangely comforting and not lonely. This (along with others) is going to be available as prints and aceos very soon!"



I Won't Ride



Janet Davies created the magnificent, "Haliewa Sunset Felted Bead Bracelet". Beads are wet felted from various wools and angelina flash then strung on heavy sterling silver wire with blue glass beads and secured with a sterling silver clasp.

This piece will appear in Janet's Fundraising Shop. All proceeds from this shop are being donated to the Matthew Hernan Medical Fund. Matthew suffers from a rare brain stem tumor. Please visit - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5154587


"You really couldn’t have come closer to my heart with this one, " Janet said. "This invoked memories of my teen years in Hawaii when we would get up before dawn, load our surf boards, beer, towels, radios and as many people as we could talk into going in cars and head for the North Shore of Oahu where we would stay alllll day playing in the water and hanging out. Then we would sometimes go to Waimea Bay or just stay at Sunset beach to watch the amazing sunset before we packed it all up and drove home again, feeling the perfectly peaceful tiredness that comes with being and playing in water and sunshine. Covered still in salt and a little sand I would climb into bed, still literally feeling the rock of the waves and drift off into exquisite sleep. Yep, that was really my life."

http://janetdavies.etsy.com/

Haliewa Sunset Felted Bead Bracelet






SpiritedWoodland's extraordinary piece is titled "Sunset Fairies Book Altered Art Journal With Extra Goodies - Find The Magic Within Yourself".

Sunset Fairies Book Altered Art Journal With Extra Goodies - Find The Magic Within Yourself






EarthDeva created this amazing artwork.

"My creation for this weeks Thursday Sweet Treat kinda happened along with the other things I've been making over the last few days," said EarthDeva. "I guess I must've been thinking about shadows, fireflies, frosty breath and the Sun. This pendant is the result. The Mahogany Obsidian is very deep brown, almost black - a shadow...and the Aquamarines sparkle a little like the firefly does - they also have a frosty look to them. The Copper wire is finished in a spiral, representing the Sun.This one will be appearing in my Etsy shop sometime in the next couple of days. "

http://earthdeva.etsy.com/







Salvaged Expression"s super fun piece is titled, "Aztec Sun Bag".

"Actually the handles glow in the dark a bit too. ;)," said Salvaged.


Aztec Sun Bag







TheSilverLakeStudio's dazzling piece is titled, "Sunrise/Sunset".

"I created this out of sterling silver, with a touch of copper, that seems to add a little element of surprise," said TheSilverLakeStudio. "In metal fabrication, the hot new thing is "the marriage of metals". You may start with sterling, and add touches of bronze, gold, copper, or brass, in any form...flat sheet, wire, or other elements. I'm enjoying playing around with the concept. There is an abstract leaf pendant in my shop that features copper as the vein!"

"What inspired me.....Well, you did! What a fun project you came up with. I now look forward to Thursdays more than I ever did before. So, keep the challenges coming! It will make me a better metalsmith! " Dont't worry TheSilverLakeStudio, I will. You all make me a better artist!

http://thesilverlakestudio.etsy.com/

Sunrise/Sunset




Kelly, creator of kpdesigns07 created this spectacular piece titled, "Slice." Bright sunset background with black slices cut away from its view.




Slice




Into the Groove created a phenomenal bracelet.

"I had fun and learned a new technique making this bracelet," said Into the Groove. "It is made from hand rolled polymer clay beads covered with my new polymer clay sunset design."
http://intothegroove.etsy.com/





Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created an unforgettable piece titled, "WildCuff".
"When you were a kid, did you thrill at drawing outside the lines? Do you still?" asks Amanda. "WildCuffs celebrate quirkiness, color, and a zest for life. Each is finished with carefree layers of zigzag stitching, which are both dynamic and durable. The raw edges will break in like your favorite pair of cut-offs. See a loose thread? Go ahead, pull it. Go wild!"
http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/



WildCuff







Glass Elements's radiant piece is titled, "Sunset Memories" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20331252
"Since winter is upon us, and Seattle has been rather dreary, I took my inspiration for this week from sunsets I've experienced when traveling, most recently in Australia," said GlassElements. "The memories of this trip bring a huge smile to my face and remind me how lucky I am to have experienced them! Like memories of warm sunsets from vacations past, this pendant and earring set is soft, warm and inviting. Multicolored glass with streaks of pinks, oranges and creams lend this pendant understated elegance. Adorable matching earrings finish out the set. "



Sunset Memories




Lorrie Veasey of Our Name is Mud created 2 stellar pieces.

1. GET ALONG LITTLE DOGGIES (Cowboy at Sunset) Ceramic tile 6 x 6 with MDF frame

2. SUNSET BOX Ceramic tile 4 x 4 and wood.

"This theme was really fun. Both of these pieces were created by pouring underglaze sideways over a tile, " said Lorrie.






GET ALONG LITTLE DOGGIES




SUNSET BOX






Mia, creator of MiasGraphicDesigns created this fabulous piece titled, "Sublime Sunset"

"I wanted to create something that was reminiscent of spring and summer," said Mia, "but still had a little feel of the cold winter, so the vines coming down at the top of the image represent the falling night, and the winter that's slowly receding. The flowers are the little hopes that spring comes soon."


http://miasgraphicdesigns.etsy.com/


Sublime Sunset








Iris O'Connor, creator of Iris Design created a lovely piece titled, "Evening Song."
"I love it and it practically painted itself once the red paint hit the music sheet," said Iris. "I will develop a theme around it because i'm in love."




All of the artist's creations last week and the support, love and encouragement I received after taking a risk on my project inspired me to make a dream come true this week. As the proud owner of over 20 filled journals (journals help me to process life), I have always, always wanted to create inspirational journals for people. I just never imagined that I would. This week, I brought a lifelong dream to life - it's a first step but a step nonetheless. I am proud to share this with you. I am still debating if it will be in my shop but I hope you'll still stop by for a visit.
http://doodlestar.etsy.com/


Gorgeous Moments Journal



Here are the words:

As the day draws to a close, the sun slips quietly
from its perch and a parade of colors – pink, l
avender, and ice blue – follow. It is in this
moment that I recount the day’s events and
make an important choice.
For I will not hang my emotions upon the things
that went wrong, nor will I let my mood
sour thinking of the ways my life is lacking.
Instead, I will celebrate the people I
know– both new and old – who add color
to my life. I will drink in the beauty
of life all around me letting the
sunset set my imagination ablaze,
and allow each gorgeous moment that
passes to fill me with magical electricity
that even fireflies will admire.
Then, using my two hands, my heart and my
mind, I will gather what I learn and
create gifts for the world in celebration of
every dazzling moment I am given. I will dream
and I will create long after the sky has grown
dark, the moon has kept watch and the
colors begin to appear again.

Now tell me - weren't these amazing??
Share your thoughts, comments and love here and then go visit these artists at their shops and blogs and share some more!



Friday, January 23, 2009

Theme 3: Sublime Sunset

How you choose to interpret the theme is completely up to you. It simply needs to be tasteful – no pornography or messages of hate here. When you sit down to create, you cannot think about how people will or will not receive your work. You are required to simply enjoy the act of creating. Please see the bottom of this post for how to submit a response.



"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.” Crowfoot quotes


Please submit your response no later than end of day Wednesday, January 28th if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, January 29th. OR send me a link to your response to include in the comments section of the post. With your response please include:

1. Your name - either first name or shop name

2. The name of your piece (if you choose to give it one)

3. Something you'd like to share (process of creation, idea behind piece) if you'd like to share anything

4. Two photos of your piece or of each of the pieces (3x5 or 4x6 and 72dpi or a max of 96dpi - if you need any help with that please don't worry I'd be happy to help!)

Most importantly, enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy some more!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Talented Artists Create Unforgettable New Works that Celebrate Art, Expression and Life

(SPECIAL NOTE: Please be sure to check the comments portion of this post for fabulous additional submissions).

Wow! That was the first word that popped into my head as pieces of artwork began to arrive in response to Theme 2: Explosive Celebration (please see previous post for theme). I even wrote that word to one of the artists and then I realized that I was saying it in my head for each one.


These talented artists were able to capture that feeling of celebration - the longing for it, the joy of it, the idea of it - in each piece of artwork. That's incredible! Many of these pieces are now in shops and can be purchased and yet that was not the idea. The idea was to simply create and enjoy the act of creating which each person so clearly did. I think the fact that these works of art can be sold speaks to the caliber of work they create. They all challenge themselves and strive to create the highest quality work and they succeed because it is all top notch. What they demand of themselves and the way they challenge themselves to create is a gift to all of us.
Now sit back, put your finger on the mouse, start scrolling and enjoy this explosive celebration.

CLineCreations "took the plunge" and began making jewelry for the first time. Rising to the challenge, CLineCreations created these Red Knotted Earrings.
http://clinecreations.etsy.com/
http://clinecreations.blogspot.com/




Using colored pencil, pigment ink, watercolor and graphite on a discarded book page, PollyandEster brought this work of art to life.



MiasGraphicDesigns explosion became a Professional Package-Explosive Celebration, Life in the Heavens. This graphics package is one of a kind to ensure your shop's look is completely unique!




Curious Mess said, "I had a TON of fun making this! As soon as I saw the post, the image just popped into my head and I knew instantly what I wanted to do."

http://curiousmess.etsy.com/

http://www.curiousmess.com/



AllOverArt created this eye-catching 1.25 inch (3.175 cm) square fine art silver-plated adjustable ring. This tiny acrylic painting is one-of-a-kind, and depicts an abstract white, blue, turquoise, and orange theme.This original miniature painting was created with high quality acrylic paints on a wooden tile. The painting was then sealed on every surface making it water-resistant, and then received a high-gloss resin finish which gives it a very shiny and polished look. The finished effect is similar to that of a heavy glass ring, but it is actually very lightweight. The ring features a silver-plated adjustable ring securely attached to the back. It can be adjusted up to just above a size nine. Each miniature work of art is signed by the artist on the back.
http://www.alloverart.net/
http://www.alloverart-nc.blogspot.com/
http://www.alloverart.etsy.com/


When talking about the submitted piece, Salvaged Expression said, "It's essentially a head scarf with attached crazyness. Meant to be worn while dancing and jumping with joy."




EarthDeva discusses the idea behind these works of art at http://the-earthdeva.blogspot.com/. http://earthdeva.etsy.com/


Irisdesign "wanted to do something with my books from my beloved second-hand bookshop but the light for taking pictures was just not right. So I used a few book bits in the collage. My inner celebrations are exactly that: inner. I don't jump and shout and scream. I try to taste and feel every emotion with a few sparks going off here and there, hence the fantasy flowers jumping out of the vase."

Lorrie Veasey's explosion made it's way onto a festive platter!




When describing this piece of artwork, PersistentGreen said, "My piece is a fabric wall hanging, the first of a series I'll soon be selling in my Etsy shop. The wall hangings, a combination of textiles and my marbled paper, will feature various phrases for everyday encouragement and inspiration."
http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/


Into the Groove 's piece of artwork is called "Thrilled for Thursday!" It's a hand cast resin pendant with pink glitter and a happy kitty!

Glasselements Celebration Fused Glass pendant was inspired by the change in DC and joy I see and feel everywhere. A rainbow of colors splash across a dark background, reminding me of fireworks and celebrations.




This artwork is titled "From the Heart" and as MyYoungStudios said, "What's more celebratory than exploding with love?"
http://myoungstudios.etsy.com/



Blinkingmouse said, "My piece is called 'Punk Rock Princess'. Any celebration would be kind of girly but with a punky, altenative edge (hence the pastel colour scheme but the unusual combination of lime green, purple, pink and black). It would always involve polka dots as my favourite outfit for celebrating is some kind of polka dot prom dress with killer heels."





LovePeaceAndDye's explosion became Recycled Denim Jeans Turns APRON in Great Green and Blue Plaid.

Jewelry by Lisa Scala had a creative explosion in many forms!


Turquoise Woven Coursage Bracelet
Teta Purse Black Leather,Coral and amber Bakelite

Masked Man Necklace and Earrings
Purple Africa Necklace

Icy Aqua Carved Flourite Necklace
Doodlestars had an explosion of words and images. "It's all the things I want to remind myself and others so that nothing can diminish the light of an inner celebration." It will be a framed wall hang in my shop.

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/




Here are the words:
Life is too short to….

Hold a grudge. Hold a Hand instead.
Keep your “I love you’s” hostage. Set them free today. Hoard your smiles. Start giving them out now.
Pack your hugs away. They are the best handmade gift we have so share, share, share.
Listen to negativity. Listen to a friend’s kind words.
Hide who you truly are from the world. Be yourself -who knows who you might inspire!
Let your dreams deflate. Fill them with belief and let them float up, up, up.
Offer lodging to fear. Tell fear you have no vacancies as courage is taking up all available space.
Allow others to edit your story. This is your tale and, in the end, you want to read it with pride.
Worry about being vulnerable. What others say is really about them and not you, so shine!
Let your belief in yourself falter. You are unique and filled with the best kind of magic.
Question your path. If you listen to your heart and fill each step with passion you will find your way.
Not trust. Have faith that if you’ve been hurt there are loving souls out there that will heal your heart.
Try to make others love you. It’s ok to be loved just for being you.
To waste any more time, let the celebration begin –
Celebrate YOU!

Share your thoughts, comments and love here and then go visit these artists at their shops and blogs and share some more!