Step Into A Brilliant World Of Color and Beauty Created By Phenomenally Talented, Wonderous Artists

I am in love with the creations this week. Each artist's designs filled me with a feeling of freedom. I feel free to share my thoughts, create and just be me because each artist let their imagination soar to new heights thus inspiring me to do the same. The work is absolutely breath-taking. These talented, professional, incredible artists have inspired me to let my own inner colors shine and keep reaching for the sky. Thank you, you beautiful souls.

Now, spread your wings and take a trip with me.....


Salvaged Expression created this simply beautiful piece titled, "Stone Chrysalis."

"I almost didn't make it this week," said Salvaged. "At first I had a grand scheme in mind but the more I looked at it the more I could see that it wasn't going to happen this time. So I reached in my stash of random objects for a glass flower which promptly fell apart when I tried to manipulate it. So I poured out my stash of stones. I looked at shells and lava and finally this stone reminded me of a chrysalis. I went with a slightly chaotic looking wrap and photographed it on a leaf of my big bean plant so the prehistoric butterfly will have food when it finally emerges."

http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/

Kaitlin, creator of Colors by K2, created this truly stunning piece titled, "Monarch and Daisy."

"I’ve recently been testing the waters with new materials and wanted to try my hand at polymer clay," said Kaitlin. "However, there are so many possibilities; I was getting a little bit overwhelmed about where to begin, so when I saw this week’s theme I yelled, “YES!!! That’s perfect!!!” I think I scared the dog with my exuberance =)"

"Anyway, this is the result! And the process… I first made a small slab (just under 3” and not quite square) and sanded it smooth after baking. Then transferred the outline of my design and carved out everything but the orange markings on the wings. Next came the paint! I covered the whole piece with black acrylic, making sure to fill in the cracks, then sanded to get the background effect. Second was re-painting the black on the butterfly, carving out the markings (which I left a natural terra cotta color), and applying the white paint to the spots and flower petals. I added just a touch of green to the stem to give some support, and signed (or rather, carved) and dated the back. Lastly, I baked it for 10 more minutes at a lower temp to help set the paint. It looks great displayed on a mini easel!"

colorsbyk.etsy.com

colorsbyk.blogspot.com

Maureen, a talented artist, created this wonderfully magical piece.

"I LOVE butterflies--the actual creatures plus their inspiration as cocoon/butterfly symbol, so was delighted to see this week's prompt: on the wings of the butterfly," said Maureen. "Yet all week, I surprised myself by dragging my heels on any artistic expression. Then today, my sweet daughter Amanda said, "Mom, just do SOMEthing." And so I did. I did NOT let myself get caught up in perfectionism--I just played. And then I realized that all this week, when it felt like heel-dragging, I was really just coming out of my cocoon!!"

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/

Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created these absolutely gorgeous pieces titled, “Morning butterfly fairy” and “Evening butterfly fairy”.

"I have been busy with the business of being busy lately, and simultaneously in a little bit of a creative vacuum," said Felicia. "Lots of other things have been occupying my time, and when I finally sit down to “create,” nothing comes. I did spend four straight days in my little garden, planting lots of lovely flowers, a task I truly enjoy. I also have a few favorite fairy figurines that have yet to be placed in said garden, and that’s what may have prompted me to do something with these two butterfly fairy silhouettes from my clip art files. Hopefully, they will sprinkle some magic fairy dust on me to get my creative juices flowing again!"

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/

Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this simply phenomenal piece.

"Natasha is always inspiring me to reach beyond the familiar," said Amanda. "This week was no exception, and it marks the beginning of my latest adventure in making journals. Although I ran into a few obstacles, I learned a lot and am excited to continue playing with this process. This particular pocket-sized journal features fabric covers, including a fun butterfly print that was too perfect to pass up for this theme."

http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/

http://persistentgreen.blogspot.com/

Teri, creator of Giraffelabel, created this truly unforgettable "butterfly RUTHIE bag".

"I'm so glad that I was able to participate this week. (it's been a bit crazy with the long weekend.) But, I had so much fun when we did the safari theme, U decided to do something similar," said Teri. "I freehand cut out the butterfly shape and hand-stitched it on. Then, I added the buttons for the body. It was all so much fun. The shape of the bag (the RUTHIE) is a shape that I make often, but I tweaked it a little bit with some pleats add the sides. I always love to just do something new...and this week was no different!"

http://giraffelabel.etsy.com/

One of the things that I love most about this magical playground is that it is getting me to share things and create things time and again that I've only ever dreamed of and this week is no exception. As I sat on the beach looking out at the waves and contemplating life - which included what I would make this week - I began looking at the seashells. They are my favorite bits of joy and I remembered a time when I was about nine when I wanted to start a business making "Seashell jewelry." Every single year I am at the beach I gather all these shells in the hopes of making that dream a reality and every year they sit and collect dust. Well, not this year!

In thinking about a shell, I found myself thinking about a cocoon and what emerges from it...a butterfly. It leaves its home and soars. People are like that...they all have a time when they leave their "shell" and let themselves soar. This is the first painted shell I've ever done and I am SO excited about it....I'm really proud of me :) So in celebration of leaving "shells" behind here is a little butterfly taking flight and inside the shell - the part that would be close to your heart when you wear this necklace - are the words, "Let Your Dreams Soar." (It is on two differet multi-colored necklaces here.

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/

Don't you want to soar through all these delights again?? Me too!!


Please share your thoughts, ask the artists questions, leave a comment and some love here. Then, go visit them at their shops and blogs, share some more and tell a friend! Thanks so much for visiting!!