Brilliant Artists Invite You to Enjoy the Most Spectacular Safari Imaginable

PLEASE NOTE: Please take a moment to visit the Comments section to see an additional entry from Allover Art. You won't want to miss this...it's fantastic!!!!

Quick note: I know I've been talking about the changes coming to the Thursday Sweet Treat for the last few weeks and I want you to know they really are coming. Stay tuned, get excited..it's going to be great.


AND if you didn't have an opportunity to read the Artist Play Date yesterday about the tremendously talented RoseWorksJewerly or enter the Giveaway, please take a peek and leave a little love.


The entries this week knocked my socks off. All of the pieces are exquisite but what was even more incredible were the risks many artists took in challenging themselves. Many folks stepped out of their comfort zones to create completely unforgettable works. There were artists who weren't sure that they would be able to rise to the challenge however they not only rose to it, they exceeded every expectation they had for themselves. From the "Urban Safari" to the "Artistic Safari," these talented, professional, creative artists made some of the most beautiful work I've ever seen. I applaud everyone!

It gives me great pleasure to invite you on a magnificent, Artistic Safari......

Giraffelabel created this phenomenal work titled, "Safari clean-up crew."


"'Artistic safari'…I have the safari part. Artistic…hmm…maybe not. But, still a ton of fun to work on! When I saw this week's theme, my mind started brainstorming immediately. I wanted to go out on a limb, and come up with something amazing and artsy and imaginative but, in the end, I kept coming back to my studio and looking at these fabrics. It’s always about the fabrics for me. I just couldn’t resist using them. And, being a mom/aunt/godmother, I know a little bit about babies and their needs. (as well as the wants of the mom!) When my children were babies, I would pick out an outfit for them to wear, and I would pick out a bib and burp cloth to go with it. It was part of “the look”, as important as any other accessory, even if it was destined to be covered in drool and food. That is how I decided what to make with these fabrics. So, is this artistic? I think so. Mostly, I hope it makes each person who looks at it smile!"


http://giraffelabel.etsy.com/

Jody, creator of My Pencil Portraits, created this striking piece titled, "Mother's Love."

"The safari theme really stumped me at first because I immediately locked into the idea of animals. Even though I do some animal portraiture, I was having a hard time connecting to any 'safari' type animals because my art is all about catching expression, personality, and some sort of vulnerability. This is pretty hard to do with elephants, giraffes, and zebras. I don't know why it didn't occur to me right from the start to just stick with what I love doing best and draw people-- and what is more beautiful than capturing the special bond between mother and child? I took the theme as a sign that it was time to make my first attempt at drawing someone with a dark complexion and I'm ever so glad I did!"

http://mypencilportraits.etsy.com/
http://www.mypencilportraitsonline.com/

Steph, creator of Tart Deco, created this exquisite piece titled, "Safari in Style." http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13270176

“In creating this piece I knew I wanted to use scrap items I already had,” said Steph. “The leather and feathers seemed pretty natural to include in this, but I needed to make sure these were not overwhelming. I had experimented prior with creating the grass fringe based on vintage millinery I had on a hat and I thought the pattern on the fabric was cheetah-like, so I used it as a base for more texture. Lastly, the flowers reminded me of colors I had seen in pictures of jungles and added a feminine touch.”

http://tartdeco.etsy.com/

The Nature Nomad took this incredible photo of a Cape Buffalo.

"I took it while walking through one of Africa's amazing National Parks. There's something special about a walking safari (instead of driving-as most people do). I'm guessing it requires more attention because you are right there with all of nature instead of protected inside a vehicle. It is a powerful reminder for me that in order to really experience what I want to discover, I have to get out from behind the barriers to take it all in."

http://naturenomad.etsy.com/

Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this stunning WildCover hand-bound jotter, "Explore".

"This week's theme made me itch for spring and my own version of a safari--wandering by the local creek, admiring wildflowers and scribbling sunny poems in a little notebook," said Amanda. "In this spirit of adventure and play, I finally listened to the urge to try bookbinding, albeit in a very simple way. This mini jotter fits your palm or back pocket--perfect for any safari, whether you're in the Sahara or South Dakota!"

http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/

Gabrielle J-C, creator of Art Therapy, created this beautiful “Little Bee Eater” sketch.

“First thing that comes to mind when I think Africa are the big guys - elephants, giraffes, hippos,” said Gabrielle. “I wanted to honor the little guy, so here is a Little Bee-eater who lives in Kenya, Tanzania, and other parts of the world and are about 5 inches. I liked learning that both the males and females take care of the eggs :) For this theme, I went out of my comfort zone of abstract, expressionistic painting to sketching an illustration. Very exciting to challenge myself.”

http://arttherapy.etsy.com/

Katie, creator of Kay T Taylor, created this amazing piece titled, "Summer Breeze Fitted Cowl."

"This is for a sweet 15 year old whom I admire & love," said Katie. "She asked me to make her one of my cowls & the bright colors are perfect for this beautiful girl and the happiness she brings to so many others! It's cool & breezy, perfect for the outdoors and will ward off the chill of a beautiful morning sunrise..."

http://justuschatter.blogspot.com/
http://www.kayttaylor.etsy.com/

Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes, creator of mkcphotography, created two stunning pieces titled "Clocks" and "Grace".

“I laughed when I first read this challenge - where is a city girl like me supposed to go on safari?” wondered Michelle. “Then I thought of our beautiful local arboretum and my two curious little boys...I had my answer! Here are two special things they helped me find - they had never seen a swan before, and who ever heard of a dandelion growing in the harsh Philadelphia winter? I'd like this our "Urban Safari" and I hope you all enjoy the results!”

http://www.mkcphotography.com/
http://www.mkcphotography.etsy.com/
www.mkcphotographybymichelleciarlo-hayes.blogspot.com/

"Clocks"

"Grace"

Jodi, creator of Jodi Horgan, created these absolutely unforgettable "Massai inspired hoops".

“Every year my grandmother gave our family a subscription to National Geographic,” said Jodi. “As a kid, I was fascinated by all the pictures in the magazine. I clearly remember one issue with pictures of these African women wearing beautiful beaded jewelry. They wore huge necklaces and earrings -nothing like I had ever seen. These incredible pieces were created by women of the Massai. It was this memory that helped to inspire my submission this week.”

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

Salvaged Expression created this truly magnificent hat.

"I was originally going to make a tiger hat but my orange was not next-to-skin soft so I reached into my HUGE stockpile of white and went with a zebra stripe hat," said Salvaged. "My poor husband had to put up with a lot of me saying "hold on I'm counting." and I have to admit it may be a while before I do these kinds of stripes again. That said I think the result is pretty cool looking."

http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/

Samantha, creator of Jeans and a Sweater, created this "Purple Leopard Mini Book Bag/Purse" and "Purple Leopard Yoga Bag".

"I had have this one pair of jeans in the house for about a month," said Samantha. "When I saw them I had to have them to make something. I wasn't quite sure what when I first bought them. This challenge was the perfect reason to get off of my butt and get something made with it. Since these are both made from the one pair of jeans, I ran a little short on fabric so I improvised with some knitted pieces. As you can see I have yet to give them a real name, just a descriptive one. Suggestions are welcome."

http://jeansandasweater.etsy.com/

Felicia, creator of Another Bright Idea, created this awe-inspiring piece titled, “Twilight Safari”.


"This is the first time the theme threw me off a little,"said Felicia. "I’m a “city” kid and have never been even close to a safari. However, undaunted, I went out on my patio (we finally had a semi-warm day) and took some photos of my climbing hydrangea vines, which I love. I layered that with a macro photo I took of a feather and an altered clip art photo of a jungle cat to come up with my submission this week. I actually surprised myself!"

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/

Lorrie Veasey, creator of Our Name is Mud, created this fabulous PINK ELEPHANT.

"Seeing pink elephants" is a euphemism for drunken hallucination, caused by alcoholic hallucinosis or delirium tremens," Lorrie said. "My safari was, as usual, of the Liquid kind.I created this in earthenware but it is painted in acrylics because I ran out of time. Thanks Tash for this awesome site and to all of you guys who have stopped by my blog to say hi."

http://www.ournameismud.com/

http://www.ournameisblog.blogspot.com/

Ceridwen, creator of Wanderlust Bling, created this spectacular Safari necklace.

"I loved this theme and came up with tons of ideas," said Ceridwen. "To start I went to my embroidery floss collection and picked out what I thought were Savannah-eycolors - browns, rusts and tans - then I used the Japanese technique of Kumihimo to create a cord with these colors. I added "caged" Amazonite beads wrapped in square copper wire and a fun striped glass bead. This was such a fun theme because I very rarely work solely in these neutral colors -but I will now!"

http://wanderlustbling.etsy.com/

http://wanderlustbling.artfire.com/

http://twitter.com/wanderlustbling

http://wanderlustbling.blogspot.com/

Theresa E, creator of WoodNGoods, created this awesome puzzle using 2 different hardwoods.

http://www.woodngoods.etsy.com/
made in Michigan scrollsaw art and more.
http://www.woodngoods.blogspot.com/

Ashley, creator of Off the Hooks, created this gorgeous "Little Tiger Handspun Beaded Art Yarn."http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22174689


"My initial inspiration was the colors often associated with the "safari aesthetic"; lots of contrast, lots of bright colors; pretty much anything goes!" said Ashley. "I had been holding onto this fabulous black alpaca fiber since the fall- when a friend and I went on a little safari of our own to a local alpaca ranch! I immediately thought of using it as a contrast to another brightly colored fiber. So I grabbed one of my favorite blends- merino and silk. I let this idea bubble in my mind for a few days, and then I remembered the huge collection of beads I have! Why not use some of them in the yarn? One of the things people like to collect when they travel is jewelry- what a perfect addition to a safari-inspired yarn! I am very happy with the end result, and can't wait to see what some lucky person will knit or crochet up with this yarn!


http://www.offthehooks.etsy.com/

Lada, creator of Works and Finds, created these two fantastic pieces titled Thursday Sweet Treat Safari necklace and the Thursday Sweet Treat Safari Necklace - elephant.

"Wow, you say SAFARI and go non stop. I had so much fun making these - thank you for your blog and for your fantastic ideas," said Lada.

http://worksandfinds.etsy.com/
http://ladaworks.etsy.com/


Thursday Sweet Treat Safari Necklace - elephant
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22176596








Thursday Sweet Treat Safari necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22173209

Maureen, a talented artist, went on her Artistic Safari in her journal.

Sky says, "help called out to her. Your've been waiting for this." Timid footsteps start at the left. "Now is the ideal time." She braves the edge of the jungle and Tree One whispers, "Stay strong. Moving forward. Because." She answers, "I will." Tree Two urges her forward, "Don't fear. Immediate relief. Yes, I can." She cries out, "I will." Tree Three encircles her, draws her onward,"Remember what's good. have you met life today? (deep breath) Discover. Possibilities. It's a new attitude. Rejoice." And there's Maureen, deep into the wild. "Suddenly, everything feels so right."

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/

Bird, creator of Kitty Hawke, created these two magnificent pieces - Tribal Safari and Spiral Safari.

"Safari to me means journeys, whether inner or outer, no matter where the mind & body may roam," said Bird. "These pieces here, and those still to come, are journeys. Some are exploring different ways of expressing themes. Some are pushing the boundaries of what I am comfortable doing. Some are simple statements of a journey into an environment. All are unique."

http://kittyhawke.etsy.com/

Tribal Safari

Spiral Safari

Alwaysadorable created this stunning Giraffe Portrait.

"I have always had a fascination with giraffes and couldn’t help myself with the African safari theme," said Alwaysadorable. "The giraffe is hand drawn in pencil and highlighted with color pencil with a digitally colored background. I love her eyes, they say everything."

http://alwaysadorable.etsy.com/

I had no idea what I was going to make this week. Then, as I was working on a children's book this new character began to take shape. I'd love for you to meet him. He's very rough as is the writing but I just adore him. He's my Safari Treat.

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/

The text reads:

"What a silly monkey!" she said. "He doesn't even use his vine to swing from tree to tree like everyone else. He just skips rope all day."

They all laughed but he didn't care. He was having too much fun.

I have to ask....are you not amazed at the imagination in each of these pieces??

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

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.

http://www.pollyandester.etsy.com/

http://www.cursewordsandbirds.blogspot.com/

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!

http://miasgraphicdesigns.etsy.com/

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."

http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/

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."

http://www.irisdesign.etsy.com/

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

http://www.ournameismud.com/

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.

http://www.glasselements.etsy.com/

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."

http://blinkingmouse.etsy.com/

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

http://lovepeaceanddye.etsy.com/

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

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5897254

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!