Thursday, February 28, 2008

Just a Bit Corky - We Are All a Bit Corky Here

You know you're in good company with a nice bottle of wine (Riesling happens to be my favorite next to a nice Muscat for desert...) - that delicious taste rolling over your tongue...that warm feeling flowing down your throat also wrapped around your being by laughter and friendship.


Moving to San Francisco opens you up to the world of wine...it permeates the culture. Napa/Sonoma are only short drives away and people are proud to serve local wines in almost any restaurant. (Not to mention the Monterrey Bay Area - a delicious neighbor).

And, then, back where civilization began, in one of the
fewgreen havens left in the Middle East, I had the
opportunity to visit the Golan Heights winery - an
experience I will NEVER forget and always cherish. I
boldly tell you - if you have the chance to purchase or
try Yarden wines - you won't regret a single swig!

And, while we are all a little bit quirky, some artists are a bit corky...and Connie, fellow Etsy artist, was able to nicely bring them together in this fabulous Etsy Treasury! You can view these pieces as well as one of my featured Vino Hot Stuff Wine Cork Trivets by clicking the image below until Friday, February 29th:


The Crafty Wino - Corky Creations and More!
Welcome to The Crafty Wino!
Here you will find fun and useful handmade items, most of which are related to a love of wine. I crave to make things that are fun, useful, and most of the time related to my love of wine. And as I satisfy my craving I like to enjoy a nice glass of wine, whether it be a smooth Merlot or a sassy semi-sweet Missouri wine. Hence The Crafty Wino was born! I prefer variety when I create, so rarely will you see something in the shop that is exactly alike. Thanks for visiting, and check back often as I'm always making something.
Click on the banner below to visit these tasty creations!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Turqoise & Friends

In caves and mines Turquoise has it's own friends. Jasper, Copper, Malachite, Lapis - the fabulous Eilat Stone from Israel is a gorgeous example.

But, here above ground, Turquoise found friends with EBSQ and WWAO artists and Torrie Smiley in her fabulous Etsy Treasury - which happily includes one of my gemstone bracelets. She displays the Turquoise and many wonderful artistic applications - click on the image to view until Monday, February 25th.


Torrie Smiley
"Welcome to my Gallery featuring original landscape and still life paintings using oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. All art is original paintings. ***No prints*** I am primarily a self taught artist who paints using oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. I guess you could say I am a mood artist. I paint what I feel at the time using the medium that will best capture the feel and look I am trying to achieve. I have become known for my different renditions of pears, ranging from realism to colorful impressionism. My Martini Series has become an award winning series and collector favorite. Enjoy the Art!"
Click on the banner below to view her wonderful work!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Faves: EBSQ & Bestbooks

Etsy has attracted some fabulous self-representing artists. Not only providing art and craft at excellent prices, cutting out any annoying middlemen, producing gallery quality art you can pass down through the family in a plethora of styles and subject matter. How excellent is that?!!

So, it's difficult to pick favorites, I have a list that's a few hundred items long. But, Elis Cooke, a rock star of an artist herself, was able to create a beautiful Etsy Treasury with fabulous works of art available from Etsy artists - but I'd swear they were worthy of The Met. Click on the image to view until Sunday, February 24th.


Into the Blystic - Elis Cooke Original Art
Not only is her art some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, she is a wonderful supporter of my art! Most of her pieces have an ethereal quality that looks like it comes so easily from her being - absolutely awing and extremely humbling. Specializing in Mixed Media, Handmade Paper Collage, Abstract, Bookarts and Monotypes. Enjoy her work by clicking on the banner below:

High School Color

I attended two high schools...neither had the greatest color combos. The first, was SUPPOSED to be gold and blue. But...gold doesn't translate into fabric unless it's lamet, and I'd LOVE to see a bunch of football players touting that uniform!

The second was white and bleh green. Wasn't quite olive, wasn't quite kelly, a nondescript green paired with the absence of color - white. Bleh.

It was funny to bring back these memories when I saw the Etsy Treasury that the shopowner of AbbilyBabbily created. She even included my dotted polymer clay pendant! Click on the image to view until Sunday, February 24th:


Hello and thanks for coming to my Etsy shop, AbbilyBabbily! The term 'AbbilyBabbily' comes from my son on the day his little sister was born. He saw her for the first time and asked her name. When he was told Abby, he immediately called her 'AbbilyBabbily'. And it fits, she talks a lot. But, you can see her fabulous glass creations by clicking her banner below:

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Back in Black

I have a silly smile on my face...and now I'm thinking back to my friend Lara and excellent funness while we sang out loud "...she was a fast machine, she kept her motor clean..." over and over and over. And, it was a ton of fun - one of those really simple and wonderful experiences.

I was extremely pleased to see fellow WWAO, Etsy and EBSQ artist Tracey Allyn Greene's new Etsy Treasury featuring one of my Good for Girls, Great for Guys Gemstone necklaces. Not to mention the accompanying artists wonderful work - check it out by Thursday, February 21st by clicking below:


TagsCats
Hi! Thanks for visiting TagsCats Esty shop! Yep, you have found me, Tracey Allyn Greene, a full time artist. I'm a multi-media artist, which is to say, I love painting all sorts of things using all sorts of media. I work in oils, watercolor, acrylic, on canvas, paper, and even river rocks! I do specialize in pet portraits, especially cats (whom I consider my muses), but, I don't limit myself, I will paint any animal, and tackle most subject matter. I was a vet tech for a lot of years before turning to art full time. I love to memorialize a special pet friend for people, on river rocks or in oils on canvas, that is my passion. Thanks for visiting! Peace and purrs!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

One World - One Heart Event Winners!

Just so you know, I used a random number generator that was not my husband. He tried...but in the end, he just kept coming up with meaningful numbers...like the ones he uses to play the Lottery. I love him, but ixnayed him for something online and impersonal.

The winners are:

Hermine Koster
"One World - One Heart" Gemstone Necklace



She Became a Butterfly
"Um...That's Mine" Wine Charms



Diane Clancy
"Vibrant" Gemstone Earrings



Claudia
"Bacchanalia" Polymer Clay Pendant



You can click on their banners to visit their blogs and get to know them a little bit. A special thanks to all that participated! I absolutely enjoyed reading every comment. I wish I had more to give...and more money for postage (hint, hint...USPS rates are going up again this year!). In the meantime, please visit my Etsy and Ebay shops and drop a line from time to time here on my blog!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Thank You Staci Rose

Just the title makes me whisper, "Awwwww"...the post is even better!


"I am an artist. My purpose is to create and to share."
Please click on the image to view her blog!


Friday, February 8, 2008

A Few of My Friends

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
~George Washington Carver
(one of my favorite human beings to have lived and strove)

One of the best things about the groups I choose to belong to, is that they are truly supportive artists. We are all humans and at one point or another in our lives we are all looking for help, seeking assistance, vulnerable or needing guidance. I believe I find these qualities in the members of EBSQ and WWAO and a vast number of artists on Etsy. All of us sharing our passion with the world, with each other. Some of those people, like myself, belong to all three of those communities.

I also know, if any one of them made it to San Francisco, I'd love to take them for a hookah at in the Haight and hang out in the park listening to the drummers on Sunday afternoon. And, I was glad to see this feeling is mutual when I saw Torrie Smiley's Etsy Treasury, happily featuring my Desert Mustang necklace! Click on the image below to view until Saturday, February 9th.


Torrie Smiley - Original Works of Art
Welcome to my Gallery featuring original landscape and still life paintings using oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. All art is original paintings. Torrie Smiley, originally from West Texas, now residing and painting in the foothills of North Carolina. I am primarily a self taught artist who paints using oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. I guess you could say I am a mood artist. I paint what I feel at the time using the medium that will best capture the feel and look I am trying to achieve. I have become known for my different renditions of pears, ranging from realism to colorful impressionism. I have won awards both locally and in Online art shows. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the art! Click on the banner below to enjoy her delicious artwork!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

90/90 Staci Rose

Guess what! Today is Rosh Chodesh Adar I...which basically means, the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar. AND! I was featured by Marilyn, a fellow Etsy artist, on her blog Cigarboxbeads that focused on my Judaica!


Cigarboxbeads
I became a non-stop beadweaver when I purchased 3 vintage cigarboxes full of beads at a flea market---about 20 years ago. I'm still using those beads, plus a 'few' more I can not help but purchase! I also knit, sew, crochet, decoupage and lots and lots of other stuff so some other goodies might show up here as well, along with beads! Happy looking!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Hug Nation

I have been so happily overwhelmed with the OWOH Event that I didn't realize how much I needed a hug until I visited Suzi Blu's Divine Journaling Ballerina Princess blog.

She fabulously shared this video - I hope you enjoy as much as I did!



You can find out more about Caleb and his grandson Halcyon by clicking the image!

Monday, February 4, 2008

One World - One Heart Means Free Giveaway!


It is a blog-wide giveaway event. The original idea behind this was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. Last years' event had nearly 100 participants and many connections were made because of it......friendships that are still going strong.

I was lucky enough to find this event while perusing the most fabulous Diane Clancy's Blog. She rocks, is a fabulous individual and artist, and is also a participant. She is offering the most delicious set of cards based on her magnificent artwork.

You have until February 13 (at least at most blogs) to leave your name and join in each blog’s give-away. You do not need to be a blog author or OWOH participant - anyone can leave a little message for me to enter! If you want to win the give-away, leave enough information for me in a comment to this post so I can get a hold of you. You can always send an email to the address in the side bar. Make sure your email address is a valid one and not one of the no-reply ones. Please do not leave sensitive info like your address or phone .. I can get your address when you win!

I will accept all entries until 9 pm Pacific time on February 13and then the winner will be announced (and given a little feature if you're up for it!) on February 14 … and then your gift will be shipped your way! International - NO PROBLEM! I live here in San Francisco, California, USA - but I am happy to make friends and send goodies! (There are no hidden fees - you will not have to pay insurance, shipping, etc. However, you will need to be responsible for any customs fees or taxes your country might impose.)

Here is the link for more details on Lisa Oceandreamer's blog, One World, One Heart Event, if you would like to participate. There are many blogs participating … so please go on over and check them out! I can't wait to!

Well, I hope this provides enough information and I definitely look forward to hearing from each and every one of you! If you need any further information, don't hesitate to ask!

OH! WAIT! What will you win?!! I have a necklace for girls and guys! Here's the nitty gritty of the piece: Picture Jasper cubes and rectangles, Petersite rounds with Oolitic Jasper and Petrified Wood pendant. 17-1/4" with 2-1/3" pendant. Jasper is very grounding and stabilizing, helping reduce feelings of insecurity, guilt, worry and fear and reminding us of our connection with mother earth. Petersite (found in Australia and related to Opals) helps by increasing ones clarity of presentation and improving ones public speaking skills. Petrified wood can be used to calm down survival based fears. It helps to make one feel safe and secure, helps one feel ageless.


This necklace is perfect for women. However, if you win and would like this piece for a man, I can 1. remove the Oolitic Jasper pendant and replace it with the Petrified Wood pendant, 2. only remove the Petrified Wood Pendant, or 3. remove the pendant entirely. Easy as pie and happy to oblige - just let me know if you are the lucky winner!

PLEASE NOTE: For each set of 50 comments, I will add one more prize (could be like this, might be different it just depends on which way the muse moves me!) Please leave a comment, I love reading everyone's responses!

I am so excited about the responses I've received! And, at over 50, I'm updating to add another little goody to this giveaway...GLADLY!

About This Piece:
Title: Um...That's Mine,
Wine Charms
Quantity: Six (6)
Materials: Glass, Resin

I LOVE functional art! Wine charms are a perfect creative outlet AND way to assist the harder partiers with finding their wine glass (and also not drinking from yours!). Wine charms must be distinguishable from each other! Each charm is uniquely different as well as part of a set! L'chiam! Cheers! Saloo!

Guess who just reached 100 responses! And, I'm going to add a third giveaway for a third lucky winner! The responses have been wonderful and I've enjoyed reading each and every one of them! Thank you so much; I hope you enjoy this little goody.

I would like to offer these gemstone earrings: Vibrant! Quartz, Peridot, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine rounds, Carnelian faceted button and Topaz teardrop. 1-2/3", gold-plated surgical steel earhooks. Amethyst enhances spiritual awareness, healing, meditation, peace & psychic abilities. Carnelian balances creativity and mental processes. Citrine is uplifting. Peridot enhances growth, renewal, relaxation & comfort. Quartz is the symbol or patience, perseverance and the infinity of space - considered the "healing stone" of all spiritual matters. Topaz imparts the strength to quiet wild emotions. Wear in good health - thank you for visiting!

Does anyone know what 153 comments means? It means I am totally overwhelmed by the wonderful responses to this event! AND, I am excited to add one more item for one more lucky winner!

I'm adding this pendant, for you vixens, dancers, lovers, and possible mythology buffs. Title: Bacchanalia - Turquoise Blue worshiper on a Cherry Red circular background. Measures approximately 1-1/2" in diameter with raised, hand-sculpted image. This piece is lightly varnished to protect the piece and give it a soft shine and signed and dated on the back. Hole "drilled" through the top - will be happy to include jumpring or wire-wrap for easy stringing, please let me know your preference if you are the winner. Would look lovely on a silver chain, simple cord, or incorporated into your own jewelry creations!

The Bacchanalia was a religious festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus. The bacchanalia were held in secret and attended by women only it included several different celebrations including the Oschophoria (“Carrying of the Grape Clusters”). Later, admission was extended to men, and celebrations took place as often as five times a month versus the original three days each year. The reputation of these festivals as orgies led in 186 BC to a decree of the Roman Senate that prohibited the Bacchanalia throughout Italy, except in certain special cases. (Surprisingly, a copy of the decree survives, as does an account by the Roman historian Livy.) Nevertheless, Bacchanalia long continued in the south of Italy. It is still a source of inspiration today - especially among restaurant menus during Valentine's Day!

So, all you have to do now is let me hear from you!
And, I just can't wait!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Two Items Listed Today

Not only is creating a joy, but selling is fabulous and a little recognition is even better! I was ecstatic to see the post on Purrfectlydevine's Jewelry Design blog Life as I Experience It - for both of us!


Purrfectlydevine's Jewelry Design
Handmade Beaded Jewelry - Something for Everyone
I am relatively new to beading and I love taking classes to learn new techniques. I began selling because co-workers liked my work and asked if I would sell to them. I opened a shop because people I didn't know would comment about how much they liked my jewelry. Friends encouraged me and helped me get set up and my husband is supportive of my efforts. Click the banner below to visit this wonderful shop!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

You Are My Sunshine

I've been complaining about the recent weather in San Francisco. Honestly, if it wasn't storming every other day for months, I might not. But, after knee surgery and back surgery I've become a human barometer and not only is wet-all-day, storming and power outages inconvenient, but it is physically uncomfortable and painful, as well.

SO! In come the little things in life that are able to sweeten the most sour. My 9-month old nephew, Maksim, in Boston has been having difficulties sleeping on a schedule. And, since I happened to be on the phone, they put the phone to his ear and I sang to him, "You Are My Sunshine". (As a bonus, I'm a singer and know the second verse!) Apparently, he kept absolutely still listening to my song over the phone.

I miss him. And, it was JUST the sweetest thing! I was so excited to find a onsie at A Laine Designs on Etsy that I could send to him for Valentine's Day. In fact, I was even able to snag a Treasury and dedicate it to the Sunnier side of art! Please visit by clicking on the image below by Tuesday, February 5th:


Just in case you miss this Etsy Treasury, you can ALWAYS visit these fabulous artists by visiting their Etsy Shops! Just click on the names below:

Friday, February 1, 2008

Love is in the Air - WWAO February Online Exhibition

Welcome to the Worldwide Women Artists Online exhibition for February 2008! Each month, a different member offers to host an online exhibition of members' work to promote each others' work and showcase women artists online. The theme of this exhibition is Love is in the Air.
Worldwide Women Artists is an international collective of women artists showing and selling our work through the worldwide web. As women artists, we give birth to our ideas in a variety of styles and media. We embrace the diversity of each other's work, celebrating the joy of creating our art and sharing it with the world. We welcome female visual artists from all over the world who create and sell their own original art.



Please click on the thumbnail to enlarge (if larger view is available available) and on artist's name below to visit that artist's site.

ThumbnailDetails
PhalaenopsisTitle: Phalaenopsis
Medium: Framed Photograph
Dimensions: 12"x12" to 30"x30"
Price: $24.50 to $84.95
Aritst: Dorothy Birch
New RomanceTitle: New Romance
Medium: Fine Art Reproduction of Digital Painting
Dimensions: 8"x10" image matted 11"x14"
Price: $40.00
Aritst: Diane Clancy
More PoppiesTitle: More Poppies
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 16"x20"
Price: $150.00
Aritst: Barbara Furlong
This Is True LoveTitle: This Is True Love
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Dimensions: 36"x24"
Price: NFS (commissions welcome)
Aritst: Robin Hernandez
Love is...Title: Love is...
Medium: Framed Art Glass
Dimensions: 20 3/4" x 16 3/4"
Price: $175.00
Aritst: Carole Lago
Harold and GladysTitle: Harold and Gladys
Medium: Cotton Wall Hanging with Raw Edge Appliqué
Dimensions: 36"x24"
Price: $150.00
Aritst: Cathy Lewis
Valentine's Day CatTitle: Valentine's Day Cat
Medium: ACEO Print
Dimensions: 3 1/2"x 5 1/2"
Price: $6.50
Aritst: Donna Ridgway
VixenTitle: Vixen
Medium: Moukaite (Australian Jasper) & Carnelian rounds with Moukaite disc pendant
Dimensions: 17-1/2", 1-2/3" pendant
Price: $41.00
Aritst: Staci Rose
Giraffe DuoTitle: Giraffe Duo
Medium: Digital Print
Dimensions: 8"x10"
Price: $35.00
Aritst: Sharon K. Shubert
Love is in the Air 1Love is in the Air 2Title: Love is in the Air
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Dimensions: each 4"x5"
Price: $100.00 for pair or $75.00 each
Aritst: Angela Taylor
Swan ReflectionsTitle: Swan Reflections
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Panel
Dimensions: 11"x14"
Price: $180.00
Aritst: Brenda Thour
Where Two Souls MeetTitle: Where Two Souls Meet
Medium: Digital Abstract Photography
Dimensions: 20"x20"
Price: $225
Aritst: Deborah Voizin
FlightTitle: Flight
Medium: Original Relief Print
Dimensions: 5"x2 1/2"
Price: $12.00
Aritst: Amie Roman

Very special thanks to WWAO artist Amie Roman
for hosting & coordinating this lovely exhibit!