Since many know of my love of photography, I have posted a picture of a "ginger" plant. The "pod" is red and it looks like it has gold dust, but it is really where the pod is starting to dry out. I don't know much about this plant, only that it is called a ginger plant...But I love the red pod... Check out the others at i heart macro with button above!

September Challenge with Art Bead Scene

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted....been very busy. Trying to set up my online jewelry business. Anyway below is the picture we were given for the September challenge.  I had already started a piece with clay that had some of these colors so I went with it. 

Flora by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, 1588

Oil on wood, 73 x 56 cm

Private collection, Paris, France

About the Art

Flora is one of Arcimboldo’s most famous paintings, painted at the same time as Vertumnus, when he was at the height of his career. Although his work was forgotten after his death, over the last 100 years it has grown in popularity to be included in many contemporary forms. This particular painting was used as the 2009 cover for the album “Bonfires on the Heath” by the English pop band The Clientele.

 The leaf and main beads are clay. I worked the clay and came up with the design of colors then made the leaf and beads. It is strung on silvertone wire with brown and yellow glass beads, silver metal beads, and swarovski crystals. I attached two silvertone metal leafs to accent the clay bead.

Thanks for looking.

All Free Jewelry Challenge

 When I shop I try to pick up different beads that I normally would not use just to challenge myself.  The glass striped beads I picked up at Walmart in their $1 bin.  I added turquoise glass beads and two rusty brown ceramic beads and strung on memory wire.  I had fun with this challenge and was glad I was able to use these beads.


Check out more at http://www.favecraftsblog.com/join-the-allfreejewelrymaking-beading-challenge/

August ABS Challenge

About the Art

Few of Homer's watercolors rival this one for its effects of shimmering sunlight and steamy atmosphere, achieved through the rapid application of wet-on-wet surfaces, the broad and dexterous exploitation of the white paper reserve, and the judicious sponging of wet pigment, especially in the shadows, reflecting light off the water. This picture is also exceptional for the number and visibility of its pencil marks, not only to indicate some of the boats' rigging (and betraying the pentimento of a sloop in the background that the artist edited out), but also to enliven the rustle of the sailcloth lifted by a phantom breeze. By contrast, Homer, in masterly fashion, merely daubed in the figures freehand, sacrificing nothing of their form and weight—they even seem to speak.

About the Artist
Winslow Homer (February 24, 1836 – September 29, 1910) was an American landscape painter and printmaker, best known for his marine subjects. He is considered one of the foremost painters in 19th century America and a preeminent figure in American art.
Largely self-taught, Homer began his career working as a commercial illustrator. He subsequently took up oil painting and produced major studio works characterized by the weight and density he exploited from the medium. He also worked extensively in watercolor, creating a fluid and prolific oeuvre, primarily chronicling his working vacations.

Here is my submission for August ABS.  This necklace reminds me of all the colors of the sea and the bead reminds me of a fish. I loved doing this and some other ideas too if I get a chance to post them.

To get more information check out the ABS Blog

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/

Stepping outside my comfort zone!

 For the ABS challenges you are supposed to use and "art bead"  and in this last challenge I had not done that, so Tari, kept pushing me and so I searched the internet just to see what new things I could do and come up with wire beads.  This is my first attempt but I know I will get better.  Enjoy. 

July Art Bead Scene continued

In addition to the post I all ready made for the July Art Bead Scene challenge, I have added three more bracelets and the piece I originally started before I found out about the bracelets.  My piece has all the colors and was me stepping out of the box and trying my hand at beading, fringe and chain work.  I haven't decided if I am going to make it a necklace or brooch....I may just frame it and put it in my workroom for inspiration. Enjoy mine and all the others at  Art Bead Scene  and see what a creative bunch we are!

July ABS Challenge

July Monthly Challenge

"Two Acrobats with a dog" by Pablo Picasso, 1905

Gouache, 105.5cm x 75cm
Museum of Modern Art, New York

About the Art

Our inspiration this month is from Picasso's his Rose Period. The Rose Period signifies the time when the style of Pablo Picasso's painting used cheerful orange and pink colours in contrast to the cool, somber tones of the previous Blue Period. The Rose Period lasted from 1904 to 1906. Harlequins, circus performers and clowns appear frequently in the Rose Period and  will populate Picasso's paintings at various stages through the rest of his long career. The harlequin, a comedic character usually depicted in checkered patterned clothing, became a personal symbol for Picasso..

Our new challenge was : We have a new spin to our challenge this month.  We'd like encourage you to make a blue bracelet inspired by our challenge piece and consider sending it in to the 7000 Bracelets Project.  Take a moment to read about this program that offers awareness and support for caregivers of children with rare genetic diseases.  I know that many in our community have participated and there have been some wonderful blog hops, but I'd like to rally our readers together to donate at least 200 bracelets this month.  

I decided to make up some quick bracelets with blue and white beads and buttons that I can donate for fun. I love working with buttons!. They are on elastic cord since you never know who will be wearing them. I am still working on more, but I am posting these.

(NOTE: I don't know if anyone else is having problems, but when I post this, all I see are stripes, but if you click on it,it will show the true pic.....)