Saturday Night at the Market – 04/3/10

It was a glorious day of balmy air and spring breezes , and  lawn care season officially began today with the  annual First Starting of the Mower.  Now, I admit, I am a very neglectful mower owner.  There was still a little gas in it from last summer, and to add insult to injury, I topped it off with more old gas from what was left in the can unused all winter.  I did not clean the spark plug.  I said a small prayer and pulled the cord.  (yes, I have a non-self-propelled push mower with a pull cord starter).  It was a miracle – 3 pulls and I was mowing!  I should be ashamed of how I treat my poor mower especially since it treats me far better.   So now I sit here on my couch with the smell of freshly mowed wild onions drifting in through the open window happy with the knowledge that my lawn will be lovely for Easter Sunday. 

Speaking of the smell of fresh cut grass – check out this great  looking  cold processed soap I found while ‘armchair shopping’ tonight at 1000 Markets.  From the shop of Southern Vermont Soap, this one is actually called Fresh Cut Grass – I just  had to smile when I saw it! 

This great shop is filled with irresistible looking  soaps that are also gorgeous to look at.  No doubt that I’ll be ordering soon!  One I’d definitely like to try is the Manuka Honey Lavender with goat’s milk, also a cold-processed soap.  Soap making is a passion at Southern Vermont Soap.  Not only do they use the best ingredients, but they are always happy to explain more about the their cold and hot process soap making.

I found another lovely soap shop tonight,too - Enchanted Soap Favors.    What a refreshing twist for wedding or shower favors – gorgeous soaps that look like flowers!   This lovely white flower, made of soap, measures approximately 3." It is decorated with the ribbon color of your choice and white beads. A "Thank You" charm is attached as well.   The hand carved leaf base, also made of soap, measures approximately 5" from left to right.   These little beauties are the perfect accent for a lovely spring wedding!

And speaking of weddings – I just have to show you the exquisite “Wedding Nite” earrings from my friend Sandra’s shop – Preserve Jewelry Studio.  Sandra specializes in earrings, and if you’re an earring addict like me, you will love her shop!   (be sure to check out the great necklaces, too)  Her work is meticulous and top quality- I have several of her earring designs, and now have my eye on the lovely Wedding Nite design,  as well as the delightful pair, new for Spring,  titled “Sweet Lemon Tea”.   I love the pretty pale yellow against the tea-colored crystal rondelles.  Simple. Elegant. Perfect.  And nobody can have just one!

Have a great Saturday, and I hope the Spring Breezes are blowing your way…

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

This week I want to share a great sale with you! Sue, the artist behind Nine Dragons Sculpture Art has many of her incredible pieces on sale for 25-50% off! If you have been wanting one of Sue's pieces, or if you have not yet seen her wonderful work - take the time to check it out, you'll love it!

One of the pieces that caught my attention right away is the Big Bold Bohemian Bangle Bracelet. This one is definitely a statement piece! The bangle was created with laminate layers of polymer clay, loose cane work, hand rolled tubes of mixed color and several finishes of mica and metallic powders which were applied in different stages and then distressed with selective sanding to give an interesting smooth textured background.



Another piece that I love is the Red Fabric Bitsy Bottle pendant. The design is beautiful, and Sue has constructed it so it is quite functional as well - perfect for tucking away a favorite little inspiration!



Sue is also a talented sculptor, and her little sculpture pendants are different than anything I've seen out there in the vast world of online jewelry. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I am partial to the Baby Steps pendant where she has perfectly captured a tiny baby elephant in polymer clay.



And last, but most certainly not least, Sue is a Painter. Yes, with a capital P. Like the Old Masters. Her technique is amazing, and fully captures the life essence of her subjects. I am mesmerized by the eyes in her painting titled 'The Sultress' - I never get tired of looking at it. If it's still for sale when I can afford it, I'll be hanging it on my wall!

So do take a minute to check out Sue's sale - you are quite likely to find an exquisite treasure!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 06/13/09

It's been a great week down in the studio and out in the garden. Well, actually, the garden has been doing great without me, ha ha! I've been admiring it from the kitchen window, but most of my time this week has been spent in the studio. I've had a wonderful time with my hammer, and fabricated a new ring and cuff for my 1000 Market and Etsy shops.

I did spend the morning outside taking a few photos of this month's new bloomers - two of my very favorites. Sunset Echinacea, (coneflower)complete with two bumblebees discussing the day's plans, and my yummy Paprika yarrow. It barely bloomed last year, but it's doing great now. If I get into enameling I am definitely doing some pieces in these colors!



Speaking of enameling, a new member in the Metalcraft Market at 1000 Markets, Natasha Suter has some gorgeous enamelled pendants. My favorite is her Diamond Shaped Marbelized Green and Fuschia pendant.

Another colorful piece that grabbed my eye as I was strolling through the Metalcraft Market is the Here We Go necklace by Liz Hall of Lizard's Jewelry.

Her pieces have that perfect touch of whimsy that makes you go back for a second look. The combination of the bright yellow with the black and white striped 'tail' definitely made me go back for a second look at this piece! This piece, and many of Liz's pieces combine sterling silver and polymer clay for a very unique look.

There is news from the Wearable Art Market this week, too - Gale of Le Enchantement has finished a fabulous and professional video for the Market. Be sure to check it out below. If you can't visit a wonderful outdoor market like the one in the video, the Wearable Art Market is the next best thing to it!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

My mom and I had a wonderful trip down to Hanover Gallery in Chattanooga, TN on Friday afternoon to deliver all the pieces I've been working on for the last couple of days. We decided we needed to get out more often, so we'll be traveling to the other galleries that are close enough to visit, as well. I always wanted to be a travel writer, lol! Just the one photo of Missy Peirano, who is the owner of this delightful gallery, sitting behind the jewelry display case for now, though - I'll be writing a post about our trip with more pics and details of some fab food later this week. Now it's time to move on to the great new items I've come across at 1000 Markets during the last week!

First, there is a new member in the Wearable Art Market, and her work had my full attention the very moment I first laid eyes on it - meet Peggy and her shop Maskwoman. Each of her wondrous creations has a many-layered story to tell. These are the type of pieces where you notice a new delight every single time you look at them. She makes masks that are small enough to be worn as pendants (they come with a tube bail affixed to the back for hanging), as well as larger masks to be used as wall art.



One of my favorites is the sweet 'Empty Nest' pendant mask with its lovely shining gold. The dreamy look of the eyes in this one gives me the feeling that just about anything is possible - if you dream it you can do it!

And of course, I can't help but love her 'Back to the Garden' pendant with it's lovely sagey green paired with a sweet rose and a touch of deep red - most definitely on my wish list!



As a bird-lover, the ever so unique 'Birdgirl's Prize' caught my eye right away. I would so love to hang it on my wall - the colors were just made for my house! This is a large piece, 12" by 8", and the little 'prize' at the end of the string is a wonderful touch of whimsy. The expression of the bird reminds me a lot of my own little african grey, and I definitely think he keeps me on a string, ha ha!


The Metalcraft Market is a 1000 Markets marketplace that I manage with the help of several other metalsmiths who are members. The work there ranges from jewelry to fine sculpture and wrought iron work - just about anything that can be created from metal is represented. The longer I work with metal, the more I am fascinated by what can be done with it. You can push it to the limit, then anneal it, and it returns to soft pliability waiting to be push to the limit once again. I was greatly inpsired when I first saw the work of Patrick Conlin, who creates both stunning jewelry and amazing metal vessels.


His piece titled 'Seaform Teapot' is just simply one of the most amazing pieces of functional art I've ever seen. Incredibly, the teapot is functional, and includes an infuser in the lid, a beautiful hardwood handle, and two matching cups. Unbelievable.

The 'Flared Vessel' is a perfect example of the distance that metal can be moved through the skillful use of hammer and torch. This one has me inspired to try and create one of my leaf pieces with ragged edges. Read more about how to create raised vessels here.

Another way to form metal into a 3-D design is through the art of Repousse. Patrick has a gorgeous Repousse Sterling Cuff in his shop that is a stunning example of this art form.

This is another technique on my 'short list' of things to learn. Hopefully I will be trying this at the annual jewelry retreat in October. Read a more about the art of Repousse here and here. Oh, my, how I want to take one of Valentin Yoktov's classes!!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

Hi all! I sure hope everyone's Saturday has been as glorious as mine has. I am postively reveling in the first really warm weather of the year, and the garden is too!


I spent some time playing with my camera and taking photos of my lovely Nelly Moser clematis, just coming into her own this year. I planted her last June, and have been anticipating these spectacular pink blooms ever since. I suspect there are several pieces of jewelry-to-be that will be inspired by her!

Flowers always make me wish I could paint. In my imagination, I can create masterpieces like Mary Ellen Golden's gorgeous work in watercolor.

I fell in love with her painting style the instant I saw it. Her painting titled 'Spring Glories' makes me want to plant a white camelia to keep my pink one company. Camelias are such gorgeous plants that are the first hint of the coming spring. Another painting of Mary Ellen's that I love is her 'Monarch' piece with the beautiful purple of asters against the hot orange Monarch butterfly.



Mary Ellen lives on the North Carolina coast, and her oceanscapes are truly mesmerizing to me. She perfectly captures the liquid beauty of the waves in motion, and I particularly love the colors in her skies. I think my favorite is 'Sunrise Flight' - so peaceful and serene. I think it's time for me to visit the ocean and take a walk on a beach like this!

And speaking of the beach, one of the new members of the Wearable Art market, 360 Jewels, has the most spectacular spinning ring I've ever seen in the same gorgeous liquid blue that I love in Mary Ellen's beach paintings.

The name '360 Jewels' represents their philosophy that jewelry should be beautiful no matter from which direction it is viewed. Each piece is a lovely little sculpture adorned with the finest gems.
Another piece I love is the Amethyst Pyramid Treasure Ring. What a treasure indeed in the loveliest shade of purple! I just can't stop looking at either one of these beauties!


The second new member at the Wearable Art market is Laura Timmins, who creates stunning jewelry in polymer clay. Since I'm still in a 'beachy' mood, I'm especially attracted to her gorgeous 'Ocean' collection of pieces.

The detail she has created in color and pattern is nothing short of amazing in this pendant that captures the feel of a breaking wave perfectly. I can almost feel the spray on my face!

There is also a pair of matching earrings, which I just might have to have one of these days.....

On that note I am off to bed, dreaming of oceans and earrings and a full day in the studio tomorrow. Pictures soon!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 04/18/09

The new category shopping has been live for about a week now at 1000 Markets, and when combined with the ability to search within a category, finding just what your heart desires is now a piece of cake!

What my heart desired this week was color and enameled jewelry. I've always admired the technique of enameling, and as I progress further in my own metalwork, I can feel the need to embellish with color getting stronger and stronger. I purchased Linda Darty's book, The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration just to see if it is something I can add to my work without breaking the bank. I haven't had time to do much other than skim, but it looks like torch enameling is going to be what I try first.

I decided to see what enameled lovlies I could find (jewelry, of course) so I went to the jewelry category, then did a category search on the word enameled. What inspiration I found!!


Bullfinch & Barbury's shop caught my eye right away because of the name - I automatically love anything that even sounds English (I'd so love to live there!) The shop is filled with simply luscious cuffs in every color of the rainbow.

Her work is beautiful, yet with a touch of shabby chic. It's hard to pick a favorite, but at this moment, I think the lovely English Orchard enameled bracelet set is my choice. Delightful shades of orange, pink, cranberry, green and purple grace a stack of 5 fabulous bangles. Another piece I love is the spectacular green moth that I found in her post on "Beautiful Bugs". This pendant is just stunning, and in my favorite shade of green, to boot.


Another shop filled with 'to die for' enamel work is Kyle Anne Metals, where I found this elegant cherry blossom in a dreamy opalescent pink on pure sky blue. Heavenly, to say the least! Kyle Anne uses the cloisonne technique in her enameled pieces, creating intricate and beautiful detail in her designs.

Another piece I really love is her classy little Fantastically Deco pendant in black and white.

These pieces are but a small taste of the wonderful world of enameling. I'll be exploring further over my morning coffee as I think about adding color to my work. Here are a few more places to visit for inspiration and info....

Glass on Metal magazine
Ganoksin article - Enameling Copper Balls
Ganoksin article - Torch Fired enamel

Well, I'd better get busy down in the studio and stop playing around here on the computer. Much to do today!!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 03/28/09

Yay for categories!!

Things are getting exciting over at 1000 Markets these days. Not only is there buzz about a "Grand Opening" this Spring, maybe even in April, but categories have finally arrived!! (If you aren't yet convinced that 1000 Markets is going to be the best handmade shopping site in the world, read this interview) The artists and admins are working hard to get all the category names finalized and our products sorted into them. I've always loved 1000 Markets as an artist, but as a shopper I was always afraid I might be missing something great because I couldn't browse by product categories. When I'm in the mood I want to see every single one of whatever it it I'm looking for!



Even though the categories aren't fully stocked yet, I've already found things I never knew were there. Or re-found things I forgot were there. Like this great clock from Mad Tea Party. This shop was one of the very first I ever discovered at 1000 Markets, and it was love at first sight. I could decorate an entire room around this clock!

And speaking of decorating, I also found this lamp titled 'Touch of Whim' in the shop. It would be completely perfect in my living room. This one is definitely on my wish list, right under the clock!



I also discovered that Mad Tea Party is a member of a great new market - Magical Talents, where I rediscovered Karen Sugarman's amazingly beautiful Peruvian Pink Opal Parfait necklace. This one just leaves me speechless - I can't stop looking at it! A year or two ago I made a bracelet out of gorgeous pink opal beads, and it would be just exquisite with this necklace. (hmmm, I need to go find that bracelet and wear it!)

Another piece of Karen's that I adore is 'Alexendra', another piece made of dreamy pink, and highlighted with citrine and pearls, and a lovely, regal focal pendant.

Karen's pink lovlies put me in the mood for more pink, so tonight's 1000 Markets Search Engine find is the word "pink".


And who wouldn't want a pink leather collar complete with jewels for their sweet little puppy? I think my Roxie dog would just love this! It's from Greenbelts' shop, and is made from a recycled full grain leather belt and pink rhinestones.


And on that pink note, I will close for now. I am falling asleep at the keyboard, a wee side effect from my lovely morning of gardening in the light misty rain. Picked the first bouquet of the year - Pink tulips and purple money plant. Good night!

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

I'm so excited - I just discovered the Come to Asheville Market at 1000 Markets! Asheville is just 'over the mountain' from me, and it is wonderful to be able to meet so many wonderful artists that are practically in my back yard! In fact, one of my favorite places is in the River Arts District - Earthspeak Arts. Whenever I can afford it, I take a class there. The last one I took was on reticulation, and I had a blast, plus I learned a wonderful new technique. That was over a year ago already - it's high time to take another one!!

On to the great shopping......Of course, the great pottery in Eileen and Marty Black's Potter's Mark Ltd. shop is the first thing I noticed. I adore the Mad Hatter's Teapot - not only the shape, but the great rich color, which is an ancient Japanese Tenmoku glaze.
Another great piece is the Earthtone Fin Pot, which was hand built, with each fin added one by one. This piece would look completely at home on my dining room table filled with pinecones from my yard.

Small worlds, and an old friend found...

Now, here is where today's story gets really exciting (to me, at least, ha ha). I was browsing through the market and noticed a unique and fascinating bracelet named The Accountant's Daughter. This piece is a study in different metal techniques, all executed to perfection. I noticed the name of the shop, Relics of a New Age, and thought "what a great name - it perfectly describes the style of this work."


Then I saw the name of the shop owner - Una Barrett. Turns out that this is indeed the daughter of the person who gifted me with a pair of her handmade earrings way back when I was a country inn owner/chef, and had no idea that 'regular people' could actually create jewelry! Of course, the last time I saw her, Una was probably 10 years old, and Una's mom was my assistant chef at the inn. She made the most fabulous soups on the planet, and I couldn't have lived without her during the inn years. I lost track of her after selling the inn, but I often think of her since I now make a living as a jewelry artist. And how ironic that her daughter Una is also a metalsmith!! I can't wait to get back in touch with her! What a small world this is, made even smaller by places like 1000 Markets!

The Come to Asheville market is also brimming with gorgeous paintings and photography as unique and beautiful as is the Western NC area. A couple of my favorites are from a new series by Lisa Ringelspaugh Irvine. Here are her words about her inspiration for this series: "I have spent many evenings in downtown Asheville, NC watching magic happen between people. This is one in a new series of paintings celebrating that magic."

Lisa's paintings do indeed capture the magic that I have enjoyed, as well, on my many trips to Asheville's ever so browseable downtown. Old Europe is another one I love that makes you feel like you are right there. In fact, I think it's about time for a weekend trip to Asheville to see what's new in the shops downtown and go back to the fabulous Indian restaurant we found the last time we were there. And if you all are too far away to visit Asheville in person, do make sure to browse the rest of the wonderful shops in the Come to Asheville Market. You are sure to find something you love there!

And now I'm off to compose an email to Una's mom to say hello - bet she'll be surprised! See you all later!