Exceptional Artists Use a Bead, a Button, and a Little Bit of Flair to Create Sensational One-of-a-Kind Works

SPECIAL NOTE: Please check out the exciting competition and giveaway information from two of our TSTers at the end of this post. Thanks!

Take a bead, a button and a little bit of flair and what do you have? The recipe for unique artwork! This week is by far one of the best weeks on the TST because every single artist stepped out of their comfort zone and created a work of art that they'd wanted to for some time. These professional, talented artists challenged themselves in new ways and the results are simply extraordinary.

But don't take my word for it, please take a trip this artistic wonderland and celebrate risk-taking, beauty and the transformative magic of art.


Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this sensational inspirational video titled, "Crooked." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJGNvZoss0U

"This week's prompt sent me way outside my comfort zone, into something I've been wanting to do for a long time but was too nervous about. When Natasha talked about flair, all I could think about was how much flair we all have inside ourselves...and so this video was born. If you're wondering where my button is, just hit the "play" button! ;)"

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















Maureen, a talented artist, created this gorgeous piece.

"Hmm . . .lavendar . . a button . . something you've never done but wanted to try . . . when Amanda/Persistent Green said, 'Why don't you try sewing?' then this prompt just exploded for me!! I ripped apart, literally, a purple gauzy skirt that was no longer flattering, sat down at my new sewing machine and pushed its buttons and repurposed that old skirt into a new flowing dress--something I've always wanted to try!!"

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/

Jodi, creator of Jodi Horgan - Beaded Art to Wear, created these stunning pieces.

"Purple is an easy color for me to work with and I work with it often," Jodi said. "I've been experimenting with silk soutache trim lately."

http://www.jodihorgan.etsy.com/













Teri, creator of Giraffelabel, created this simply unforgettable BELLA (button) bag.

"This was a great theme!" said Teri. "I have had this fabric for a long time...I expected it to be an apron when I bought it. I love buttons, and I have an incredible stash of vintage buttons that my Dad has collected for me at yard sales. So, I was happy to be able to put all of these elements together."

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














Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created this Framed Collage titled, "Ready for my closeup!"

"Hard to tell, but this actually does have some little “jewels” on her dress and hair," said Felicia. "I still have some work to do on this but it’s pretty close. I think it was Amanda who mentioned in a previous post about me holding on to things for a long time. Well, that movie clapboard (actually a notepad) was given to me by a movie producer I worked with back in the mid-80s!!! I knew I would use it some day …"

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













Natasha, creator of DoodleStar, created this doll for her little Doodle.

“I’ve wanted to make a doll for a long, long time I just never made time. It was hard work but the reward was Doodle carrying “Princess Dolly” everywhere. I loved making this.”

http://www.doodlestar.etsy.com/












Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created these phenomenal pieces.

"What a great challenge," said Trina. "I had a hard time using new materials (due to time and budget), but I tried to use new techniques...

First, I made a little pincushion using counted thread embroidery and some really fun threads. I carpool with my husband (90+ minutes each way), so this is what I keep busy with in the car. On this one, I tried adding a tassel.

Second, I made a little wall hanging using Hardanger embroidery. It still needs its beads and beaded fringe. I guess I bit off a bit too much...

Finally, a pendant using some different colors (reminds me of Mardi Gras) and some earrings using a brand new weave for me with some really pretty amethysts for "flair".

Rose was so honored to have so many comments on her work last week, and she wants to come play again soon. This week was taken up with preparation for Valentine's Day, though, and we just ran out of time. "Maybe next week, Mama," she told me."

http://wovenchains.etsy.com/





















Bird, creator of CrowTarot Tours, created this beautiful piece.

"More cheerful than I'd expected it to be, but that's not a bad thing," said Bird.

http://www.crowtarottours.com/ - In Progress!
Talismans by CrowTarot found at http://www.crowtarot.etsy.com/
Twitter: @CrowTarotTours




After viewing this one-of-a-kind TST are you feeling full of desire to step out of your comfort zone and create, create, create??

Well, the next theme is theme is.........."A Bright Bit of Sunshine Mixed With...". Take a bright bit of yellow and mix it with ....whatever you can imagine...one color, several, bits of fabric? Take this Spring color, introduce it to something and see what beauty is born.




SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Jodi, creator of Jodi Horgan - Beaded Art to Wear, just finished a bead embroidered purse for the Etsy Beadweavers competition.

When you have a moment, stop by the Etsy Beadweavers, check out the amazing entries and celebrate Jodi with a vote :). She is #34!

http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/


2. Amanda, creator of Persistent Green is offering one of her incredible paintings in a giveaway at http://choosingbeauty.com/. So, hop on over and enter today! The contest ends Friday night, midnight CST.