Friday, January 29, 2010

Theme 43: All That Glitters is Art

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.



This theme was inspired by my daughter, Doodle, who has a love of sparkly things that's inspiring. No matter the color as long as it has a little glitter, a little sparkle, she's in love. And truly we don't celebrate the sparkly things that exist inside or outside of us enough.

So this week any color, all the colors, use whatever feels right so long as you add a little sparkle to your creation.




Important Guidelines


The work submitted must be something you have created and/or worked on between the time the theme was revealed and the Thursday unveiling. Please submit your response to Natasha@creativenachos.com no later than end of day Wednesday, February 3rd if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, February 4th. 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, shop name or both.

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. Please limit this to 2-3 sentences

4. The shop and/or blog links you'd like to include

5. 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, let the glitter flow!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Artful Mischief + Childhood = Warmth and Beauty?

Artful mischief = inner beauty? As I strolled through these stunning creations I was moved by the thought process and the memories that this theme stirred in people. The works are playful, striking, and colorful all wrapped in a beautiful package. Behind each one is a warmth I've never experienced while looking at art. It makes me want to call up my brother to take a stroll in the park and laugh about the silly things we once did. It brought home the gift of family and for that I can only say thank you to these talented, professional artists. What a gift!

Come, let's delight in the memory of childhood...let's see what the idea of artful mischief conjures up......



Maureen, a talented artist, created this fabulous piece.

“Maureen's offering this week is a tribute to her big brother. She was overjoyed to have this prompt pull up a memory of the incredible Halloween costumes her brother would make. One year she wore some sort of dress that had a bicycle tire around its hem to help it stand out, and her accessory was a magic wand, wrapped in aluminum foil, that actually lit up. So, in the midst of many Bad Things, her brother gave her the power to light up the night. Thank you, Dan!"

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/















Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright, created these two unforgettable pieces, “I see you!” a photo montage and “The Curiosity of a Child”, a digital collage.


“I took the photo of this little guy many years ago at a family party (I think he’s in college now!) and just love it,” said Felicia. “I thought it was about time to use it. Here’s two versions. I suppose my 20-word poem works with either one …”

That fearless, delightful curiosity.
Those innocent eyes bright with wonder and surprise.
Oh, to return to that magical childhood again!

www.etsy.com/shop/anotherbrightidea
http://www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/

I see you!



The Curiosity of a Child











Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this phenomenal Color Outside the Lines, mixed media painting.

"I grew up in a very creatively encouraging environment, where we could always let our imaginations run wild (being homeschooled helped this happen as well)," said Amanda. "In my house, coloring outside the lines wasn't mischievous at all--it was the norm! Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for this blessing."

http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/
http://persistentgreen.blogspot.com/
















Teri, creator of Giraffelabel, created this sensational yet-to-be-named beaded fabric cuff bracelet.

"I honestly do not have a good "explanation" for how I came up with this," said Teri. "My thought process was something like this: art...mischief...childhood...dress-up...sewing...mom's
jewelry...beads...sparkle...let go."

http://www.giraffelabel.etsy.com/

















Natasha, creator of DoodleStar, created this journal.

"I was playing with this paper all last week but I just couldn't figure out what I wanted it to be so I stashed it away. Then, as I was journaling about this theme I had a memory of pulling my bureau away from the wall and drawing all sorts of Cinderella things on my pink walls and suddenly I had it. The journal is filled with colorful paper to play on and lots of silly prompts!"

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/
Please note my store will be opening again shortly :)

Front



Back











Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created these truly magnificent pieces, a "Carnivale" necklace and two black and red bracelets.

"I'm so excited for Thursday this week. I can't remember when I have been more excited to see what the sweet treat will bring. This theme energized me in the best way!" said Trina. "I could have created and created and created for this theme, but this silly little time thing got in my way. I only managed to get two of the entries in my head finished in time. The others will just have to wait."

"The first is my "Carnivale" neckace. Bursting with color, wonder, and play, this was the first thought I had when I read the word mischief -- just a little on the wild side."

"The second are two black and red bracelets, an homage to my favorite Batman character "Harley Quinn". To me, she has always embodied all that is mischevious in this world -- a little fun, a lot naughty, and never stopping to apoligize for anything."

http://wovenchains.etsy.com



















Bird, creator of CrowTarot and CrowTarot Tours, created this gorgeous piece.

"Just one this week - but there has been progress elsewhere - Facebook fan page now published, icon edited & resubmitted, WordPress theme has been installed and the first steps towards customization have occurred, and I'm much closer to having our CafePress shop up & running," said Bird. "So, a productive week all 'round. Which is good, because our October must-move-by date grows ever closer, and I have realized that it's more accurately a "have the money by June" date instead, which leads to its own freakouts. Anyway. :-D Enjoy the pooch & the poem & may your own weeks be as free & fun! :-D"

Talismans by CrowTarot found at www.crowtarot.etsy.com
www.crowtarottours.com - Coming Soon!
Twitter: @CrowTarotTours







After viewing this beautiful TST are you feeling like you'd like to grab some materials and play?? Are you ready to dive in and start creating for the next theme??

Well, the next theme is theme is.........."All That Glitters is Art". Any color, all the colors, whatever you feel as long as you add a little sparkle to your creation.







A Blog Shoutout!

We all know what it's like to write and send our thoughts into the Universe, especially when we first start. It's more than a little daunting. This blogging business can be tough so what better way to help a new blogger than by sharing some love?

I am thrilled to introduce a fabulous new blogger/certified yoga instructor/educational kinesiologist who has just launched her blog. Candace Morano, creator of Explore Vidya Yoga. Candace is a fantastic woman that I've had the pleasure of working with and someone who has become a dear friend. She has a talent for reaching people, zoning in on their toughest areas and helping them to release what's within. If you have a moment, I invite you to drop by her new blog, read her piece about going after your dreams (we all know what that's like) AND leave her a little message.


Caffeinated Frenzy Cupcake Bag

Want to do another fun blog thing?? Then why not enter Caffeinated Frenzy's Valentine Giveaway! I almost don't want to share because I want that fabulous cupcake bag for myself LOL!!! When you have a moment, please pop over and play. You are sure to have a blast and who knows you might even win an ADORABLE Valentine's Day treat! http://caffeinatedfrenzy.blogspot.com/2010/01/isnt-that-sweet-valentine-giveaway.html

Monday, January 25, 2010

Imagine the Sublime Torture of ....

being trapped on a tropical island.

Tell me, would you rather be alone or with someone who drives you nuts?

Friday, January 22, 2010

Theme 42: Artful Mischief

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.


Eloise is that mischievious little girl who lives at the Plaza in NYC and always has her hands in something. Whether she is wearing a Kleenex box like a hat, singing, making her turtle wear sneakers, writing on the walls, or making things up, she's always creating. This week, I want you to travel back in time - maybe you're 6 or 8. Whatever age you choose to stop on, bring something you loved doing, creating or feeling to life. Let your imagination suspend all limitations and create from that place within you that feels magical, naughty, silly, wherever that kid within wants to go. Create something you absolutely LOVE!



"I have a dog that looks like a cat
His name is Weenie
Sometimes I put sunglasses on him
Then I have to scratch his back with a wire hanger"
Excerpt from Eloise written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.


"TV is in the Drawing Room
I always watch it with my parasol in case there's some sort of glare
And oh my Lord when it's fight night Nanny is absolutely wild and we
have to scamper into our places and get ready and Nanny has to find
her Players and I have to get my binoculars and call Room Service
and order three Pilsner Beers for Nanny and one meringue glacee
for me ELOISE and charge it please
Thank you very much"
-Excerpt from Eloise written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.





Important Guidelines


The work submitted must be something you have created and/or worked on between the time the theme was revealed and the Thursday unveiling. Please submit your response to Natasha@creativenachos.com no later than end of day Wednesday, January 27th if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, January 28th. 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, shop name or both.

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. Please limit this to 2-3 sentences

4. The shop and/or blog links you'd like to include

5. 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, be a kid and just play!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Art Breaks Forth and Dazzles All

Please note we have one entry that got lost in the shuffle! Please check out Maureen's piece!

Welcome back to the Thursday Sweet Treat! These gorgeous, imaginative, fun, professional works created by these incredible artists are proof that 2010 is going to be a fabulous year.

Please join me as art breaks forth from these amazing creators......


Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this stunning untitled work in progress, acrylic and modeling paste on canvas board.

"This theme came at the perfect time," said Amanda, "helping me dive back in after a creative dry spell. Ever since I began this piece, I've been overflowing with ideas for other projects--it's like an art avalanche! It's so good to have TST back, isn't it?"

http://persistentgreen.blogspot.com/
http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/
















Janie, creator of Lifeartdesigns and Mypolymerclaycanes, created this phenomenal "Reaching for the Stars Together" necklace.
http://www.1000markets.com/users/lifeartdesigns/products/122255

"I'm so excited to play this time," said Janie. "I made a really special necklace for this one in PMC (precious metal clay). There are two hands on top of a textured heart with fingertips touching a 4mm Amethyst Cubic Zirconia in the center (the star)."

Please note: Janie still has her Etsy shop where she will sell beads, canes, and pendants, but she moved all her jewelry over to 1000 Markets where she also has a blog. She's still in the process of stocking both shops back up.

http://www.lifeartdesigns.1000markets.com/
http://www.lifeartdesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.mypolymerclaycanes.artfire.com/











Teri, creator of Giraffelabel, created this fabulous Burst of Color Tie Apron (? maybe).

“When I read the theme "art breaks forth", my first thought was of a bright fabric coming out from behind a darker fabric...breaking through,” said Teri. “So, I went with it....and this is where I landed.”

http://www.giraffelabel.etsy.com/

















Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created these two magnificent pieces, Cupid's Arrow and Pale Roses.

"These two pieces may not be very bright and cheery, but they definitely represent an “art breaks forth” for me, since I have been in a creative drought and doubt lately," said Felicia. "I tried working with both 20-word poems and pictures together and I’m happy to have completed something."

www.etsy.com/shop/anotherbrightidea
http://www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/


Cupid’s Arrow

No Cupid’s arrow for me,
My heart beats cold and weary.
This loneliness embraces me
I hold it tightly within.





Pale Roses

Pale pink roses arrive,
Crisp white envelope tucked among the thorns.
Letter unread, she arranges the vase
And sits alone.














Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created these dazzling "Joy Bubbles" Earrings.

"This week, I had a beautiful necklace planned (and got it about 1/3 done) for this great theme," said Trina. "Then my father in law ended up in the hospital, and it didn't get done -- I hope you will all get to see it in an upcoming mini-monthly. Luckily, he is home and on the mend, but my plans for the treat changed a bit! So... I made these really cute, fun, gravity-defying earrings instead. Not only did art "break forth", it morphed and adapted on the way."

http://wovenchains.etsy.com/
















Bird, creator of Crow Tarot Tours, created these wonderful pieces.

"Kept thinking it was "Art Bursts Forth", but it still works, :-P" said Bird. "Will be serving these up Cafe-Press style just as soon as I can figure out how.
In the meantime... Enjoy! :-D"

http://www.cafepress.com/CrowTarotTours


























Natasha, creator of Doodlestar, created this new Color journal.

"I will be re-opening my shop very shortly. In the meantime, I'm making new ones. This is a work in progress - still needs to be put together. The idea of "ultra-violet light struck me and this was born. Last year I made a VERY special journal for a special someone and used colored pages. This will have it as well along with color exercises and activites."

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/










Maureen, a talented artist, created this awesome piece.

"Maureen painted a 9x9 self-portrait for Art Breaks Forth. For her, art comes from her heart, and also from her heart breaking forth--sometimes into little pieces, and sometimes in songs of great joy. And yes, she realizes her hair is actually short and white, but artistic license allows her to give herself the wild and curly tangle of black hair she used to have when she was little!"


http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/








After viewing this imaginative TST are you feeling like art wants to break forth from you?? Are you ready to dive in and start creating for the next theme??

Well, the next theme is theme is.........."Artful Mischief". Remember Eloise?? We are going to tap into our mischievious inner child and PLAY!


Eloise is written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Treats, Treats and MORE Treats

Note: The Imagine Series will appear tomorrow as I was not around yesterday.




Today, I am surrounded by things that make me happy! First, I'm working hard to re-open my shop so I'm working on a new piece for it (PSST...I'm also working on my TST piece for this week, what about you?)

When I'm not working, I like to surf, dream and play. I'm always looking for inspiration and this week I found it in three fabulous places.

It's the new year and what better way to kick off January than by finding a creative way to brighten the grey skies and add a little warmth to the chilly weather. Jodi, creator of Jodi Horgan - Beaded Art to Wear, is doing just that by sharing her heart. A friend of hers started a truly fabulous website for girls between the ages of 8-14 called iTwixie. I want to hang out there and I'm way past the age limit! LOL! Well, Jodi is sponsoring an ultra-cool project developed especially for iTwixie and you have to check it out. Please visit Jodi's blog post:
http://jodihorgan.blogspot.com/2010/01/sharing-my-heart-with-you.html to read all about what she has done then pop over to iTwixie. I wish this site had been around when I was a kid. Also, make note of the awesome kits in Jodi's shop - you might just want to snag one for yourself!

When you are done there, hop, skip and jump over to another spectacular little blog, Trail of Hearts, started by the one, the only, the fabulously funny Lorrie!! If you like Hearts - you know the ones you find on Etsy, the ones we give and receive with equal bliss - then you will love this Six Degrees of Separation style, twisty mountain trail site. I predict you will be hooked after your very first visit!

Finally, we've been talking about hearts so how's about sharing some of yours with a fellow TSTer and a super amazing artist! Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, has posted a questionairre on her blog, Another Bright Idea, in order to help her build her business. When you have a few moments, please stop by and share your thoughts with her. It will help so much!!