Recycled Art

For whatever reason I decided to look up the definition of art today.  With the multitude of information on the web today a zillion things popped up in my search.  Here's the definition I'm going with...  

"the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."

Like me, my art is constantly changing, however my source of inspiration always remains constant.  I have a few things that fuel my inner desire to create and spark my creativity...  Nature, color, culture, words, and music.  Of course my emotional state can fuel it too.

I love Sugar skulls!
This design is absolutely one of my favorites.

For the last few years I have been making these little beauties pictured above and below.  I believe in trying to protect the earth as much as possible by making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle.  I also believe in trying to make decisions that work towards sustainability.  And from these beliefs this creative idea was born.

Just in case you wondered what the process was, here it is.  If you don't care, skip this paragraph.  :)  Each bottle cap is definitely a labor of love because each one takes a considerable amount of time, energy, and work.  Each bottle cap is pinched to stretch the metal, then I pound each one with a hammer to make it flat.  After the bottle cap is flattened, the glue is scraped off.  Have I told you I LOVE tools?  Yep...  the more the merrier.  My dad purchased a little grinder for me and to say it's a little slice of heaven, is an understatement, not to mention it made my life a lot easier when making these.  I used to have to file each one with a hand file, which took FOREVER.  Now I go and get my little grinder and grind each one which takes about half the time.  The bottle cap is then sanded down to make it smooth.  Then a layer of white paint is sprayed on.  From there I design each one, drawing little designs on them or placing inspirational words, then painting them with acrylic paint.  I told you...  A LABOR OF LOVE.

Bottle cap earrings are actually one of my favorite creations and I enjoy making each one.  What I love even more is seeing them on the individual's that purchased them.  



I recently made the two on the left for a friend.  She had a couple pieces of jewelry that had broken so two of the creations seen in this picture are recycled- the metal spirals I cut from a broken watch and made into earrings for her.  The bottom pair of bottle cap earrings were made from a pair of earrings that had broke.  Instead of throwing them away she asked if I could make them into something else and Voilà!

     

These sweet little beauties I made for my lovely sister.

These I made as a custom order for a friend.

Creating art is a beautiful form of self expression, one that I enjoy and get a lot of fulfillment from.

If you would like your own custom designed pair please feel free to email me at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

or 

call:  336-608-8637

Or visit my etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels

Happy Fall feature

Fall is without a doubt one of my favorite seasons.  I am mesmerized by the beautiful colors, the smell of leaves in the air and the temperature...  not too hot, not too cold, just right.  Unfortunately, today isn't one of those fall days because the weather has brought very frigid temperatures and dreary rain.  I'm still grateful for the fall season though, despite the cloudy days we have been having as of late.

Nature in general is one of my largest sources of inspiration in my art.  With all the natural beauty surrounding me I am captivated by the intricate details and magical colors fall brings each year.  It's a feast for my senses.

I was featured in this lovely Fall Etsy treasury with several other talented artists.  So if you have a moment today, take a look.  For a look at my other work, click on this link:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicaljewels

Enjoy this beautiful season.  Be inspired and go create something beautiful....

Etsy Treasury features

Over the summer I have been featured in a few ETSY treasuries.  They always come as a nice surprise and I'm grateful to have someone appreciate my art.  Here are the 3 treasuries I have been featured in the last few months.

SUMMER

September Finds #63

September Finds #65

New items and today's sale item

For the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to be consistent with posting a sale item each day in the hopes of clearing out some items from my studio.  I hoped this would start a domino effect that would go something like this....  sale items will sell, making room for new creations waiting to be listed for sale in my Etsy Shop and this would lead to a jump start in creativity to create more items.  

Lately creativity seems to be stagnant for me.  I have periods of time where ideas are hard to muster and creativity seems to be playing a clever game of hide 'n' seek.  A game which I am losing because creativity has found a REALLY good hiding spot.  Hopefully I will find her soon.  Until then here are some new items I have posted in my Etsy Shop and Today's Sale item.

If you have a custom order you would like me to create for you, send me a message at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com  That would help me win this game of hide 'n' seek  ;)

Click on the links to see the items in my etsy shop

* New items *

you are beautiful healing message box

$5.00

Birdhouse in My Soul

$5

Pinwheel upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Live Out Loud magnet

$8

Heart upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Spiral upcycled bottle cap earrings

$12

Empower Others, Practice Peace

(Slight imperfections so the price is lower)

$8

Today's SALE items in my Etsy Shop

Cowry Shell Ring

Original Price $8, Today's sale price $6

Sunflower Girl double sided pendant

Original Price $18  Today's sale price $15

Side A

Side B of pendant

What's the item on sale today?

You can find the daily "sale" item in my Etsy shop by clicking HERE.  I still have a handmade whimsy frame on sale as well.  If you have been looking for the perfect picture frame with "character" then this is just for you.  To see both items, click HERE.  

If while viewing my ETSY shop, you see an item you would like to go on sale, send me a message.  

Enjoy today's sale item and MaRcH to your drum.  

March and be true to your spirit.

Laugh, Love and Be thankful.

There are still three items on sale in my etsy shop.  Two of those items were posted in a previous blog post a few days ago.  Today's NEW sale item in my etsy shop is this beautiful reminder....

original price $25.00  ON SALE today for $15.00

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175056319/on-sale-laugh-love-be-thankful-painted

Blessings and love to you!

Happy 4th.... SALE!

HAPPY 4th of JULY SaLe!

I've been busy the last few days spending time with my family enjoying the weekend festivities and as a result haven't posted new sale items.  I've went through my etsy shop and chose a few items to place on sale for today.  Because I haven't posted new sale items daily, each day I will take one of them away and add another.  So you have a few opportunities to catch items on sale!

The first item for sale is this lovely blue and green glass wind chime.  

Original Price $45...  ON SALE for $30!

The sound of glass wind chimes is definitely one of my favorite sounds, not something I can place into words.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175742193/on-sale-blue-and-green-glass-wind-chime

Mother of Pearl and Electric blue wire ring

Original Price $8.00   ON SALE $5.00

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100818452/on-sale-hexagon-mother-of-pearl-and-wire?ref=listing-shop-header-3

Rose and Quote pendant

Original price $15.00  ON SALE $12.00

This pendant is double sided.  On one side is a beautiful red rose and on the other side is a recycled Yogi tea bag quote:  Socialize with compassion, kindness and grace.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/40579805/on-sale-red-rose-and-quote-pendant?ref=shop_home_active_1

 

Electric blue octopus earrings

Original price $20.00  ON SALE $15.00

https://www.etsy.com/listing/77674111/on-sale-electric-blue-octopus-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_4

Red and Black chain dangles

Original price $19.00  ON SALE $15.00

https://www.etsy.com/listing/79289658/on-sale-red-and-black-chain-dangles?ref=listing-shop-header-4

ENJOY!  

SaLE!

So, I didn't post my daily sale items in my ETSY shop for a few days.  I have been a little slack...really just busy with other stuff.  As a result of my busy schedule, I've decided to post 4 items on sale today.  Each day I will remove one of the four items and list a new sale item...until FRIDAY.  If you have an item you would like to see go on sale please place them in the comments.  It could be your lucky day!

Sunset Glass Wind Chime Original Price $45

ON SALE $30

 Green and Black Octopus Earrings

Original price $20  ON SALE $15

Double sided pendant:  Colorful leaves and Rock out

Original Price $18  ON SALE $12

  

Peace Magnet

Original Price $8.00  ON SALE $5.00

Did someone say SALE?

Here's today's sale offerings in my etsy shop...  ENJOY!

Black and red octopus earrings  on sale TODAY $15.00

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/79103696/red-black-octopus-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_1

Purple carved agate hemp necklace on sale TODAY $10

https://www.etsy.com/listing/96864048/my-third-eye-hemp-necklace?ref=related-1

up, Up, UP and aWay.

This magical sculpture is on sale today in my etsy shop.  Today only.

Today's SALE - 2 items!

Today's etsy sale features not one item but TWO!  Click on the word sale to be taken to the sale section of my etsy shop.  Click on the words etsy shop to see all the items in my shop that are handcrafted by me.  

Please contact me for custom orders, parties, creative gatherings, healing art activities, girls night out, etc at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

ENJOY!

Black and pink button wire ring.  Size 6.75 

Today's price $8.00

 Black and Red falling star dangling earrings.

Today's price $18.00

Today's sale item

Each day in my etsy shop I will have an item on sale.  Today's sale item is a necklace comprised of leopard skin jasper, coral, and fluorite.  In between each of the stones is sterling silver chain.  ENJOY!

Here's the link:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/45923680/leopard-skin-jasper-and-coral-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_1

March to your drum

My "March to your drum" pendant was featured in the lovely treasury below by one of my etsy team members, Tina Cauthorn.  As I was looking through the items I fell in love with several of the items.  The lilac photography reminded me of home in upstate NY and I was instantly taken there in my mind.  Lilacs remind me of my childhood and sitting under the lilac trees cherishing the sweet smell of these fragrant flowers.  Some of my fondest memories were of the lilac trees in my yard.

The featured seller for the spotlight is LeeAnn Cisneros.  I love several of her items!  Please look at her shop when you have a chance:  http://www.etsy.com/people/LeeAnnsHeavenScents

There are so many talented artists on etsy and I'm honored to be featured in a treasury with some of them.  To be quite honest there are many times that I am still surprised that people like my stuff.  I continue to create, marching to my drum, knowing that someone out there will identify with it and they will love it as much as me.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to create and to be "treasured".  I hope you know that you are treasured too.  Continue to march to your drum...

Facebook fans are awesome...

My march to your drum soldered pendant was featured today in a treasury by one of my etsy team members.  There are many different art forms featured so please take a look when you get a moment.  Remember to click and comment it.  As always, THANKS for supporting handmade art.

Celebrating purple and green...

I am involved in a few teams on Etsy and I have found them to be quite wonderful.  I have met some really great people and found some awesome shops by being part of the teams on etsy.  I love that etsy is such a supportive community and that there is such a variety of art forms.

Today a member of one of my teams featured my "Mountains" necklace that has fluorite, aventurine and amethyst in it.  Please take a look at this lovely collection...

To love and be loved

(Bouquet of Flowers fused glass pendant)

V-Day, Valentine's Day, Lover's day, The day of love....

I have heard all of these names before and countless others. Personally, I think we put too much energy and money into one day of love. Is this what we have resorted to, one day of selfless love and giving? What happened to showing love everyday? I know I may be taking it a little too far. But then again maybe I'm not.

(Rose wired button ring)

Yesterday as I sat making my husband and children a handmade card there was one main thought running through my mind... Do I show them enough how much I love them? What can I do to make each day better? What can I do that is greater than what I already do?

I know my children know they are loved. I also know that my husband and I both shower them with love and affection everyday. But I'm sure we can do more. We have daily signs of love. We sit down at the table for dinner as a family and discuss our day almost every night of the week. We don't leave the house without giving them a hug and a kiss and telling them how much we love them. On the way to school we go around the car and state what we are thankful for in each person. Most importantly, we teach them. We teach them the skills they need to be self-sufficient, better people and successful. We discipline them and correct them when they have made a mistake. We celebrate their successes and discuss how to correct a mistake when one is made. When I think about the love and lessons my parent's taught me, I'm filled with so much gratitude and love. They gave me the greatest gift by preparing me for the future and a living example on how to raise my children.

Now I move on to my husband. It seems in the hustle of life there are times when our spouse is the one who is forgotten. I think I do a fairly good job at showing Shayne how much he is loved but I can do better. Love began here and without it I wouldn't have my two beautiful children that I adore so much. So I realize that I need to do more to make him feel loved and adored. Because the truth is I do. I still light up when he walks in the room and inwardly smile that I am so blessed. 17 years later and I still feel like the 19 year old girl that fell so hard for a 18 year old boy. I am truly blessed.

So, I encourage you to show the people in your life that you care about them each and everyday not just on Valentine's day.

(the fused glass bouquet of flowers and rose ring pictured above are handmade by me and can be found at a.l.o.e in Lewisville, NC. http://www.aloeoflewisville.com/default.html or visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/aloeoflewisville)

Show yourself some love too. ;)

Etsy Front page

You might say I'm a late bloomer or maybe I just have too much on my plate. who knows. It's a statement I ponder from time to time but don't waste too much time on it. If you ask my husband he would say I take on too much. I suspect he worries that I do too much and then my body will fail me. I know his concern is genuine and I'm sure it's hard to watch the person you love so much be in pain because they bit off more than they could chew. I know for myself it's frustrating to be limited and have a body that fails me from time to time. I'm still young and it can be frustrating to feel like I'm much older because my body fails me every now and then. Usually it's me that has abused my body and not the other way around. I guess in my mind I'm doing things that a "normal" 35 year old would do and don't want to succumb to the limitations that my body has given me. Just last night, as we were enjoying our evening out, (it was our anniversary) I was telling him that I wanted to take guitar lessons. As soon as the words came out of my mouth and traveled through the air to his ears he said.... really? You have so much that you are doing already. When do you think you will be able to do that, when will you have the time???? I sighed and simply stated I'd find a way and I'm determined to. I miss playing music. I miss the therapeutic effects it has had on my life and I'm convinced I would have never made it through adolescence without it.

Anyway...back to the title. Due to all of the things I have going on days seem to slip by turning into weeks...turning into months....so on and so forth. I kept meaning to post this great news but failed to do so...time didn't stop...days have turned to weeks but my excitement is still the same. I had the distinct honor to be featured in a treasury on etsy with some very talented artists. For those of you that don't know what a treasury is...an individual chooses items that they like and then make a treasury list. Anyone that has an account on etsy can make a treasury list and be a curator of art. Luckily the management at ETSY also liked the list and placed it on the front page. Our list was featured on the front page of Etsy on July 24, 2010. Very exciting!


Enjoy looking at the list... My art is the midnight sky wired art card.

Happy SPRING!

I have been creating a lot over the last few weeks. Spring always gets my creative juices flowing! I love the scents in the air, the new growth on the trees and ground, all of the flowers and flowering trees, the birds singing....what can I say I LOVE SPRING! I was recently in an Easter Festival and wanted to share some of the new pieces of jewelry I created that sold in the festival. Over the next few weeks I will be listing some new items in my ETSY store (http://www.whimsicaljewels.etsy.com/)

If you would like a custom order, want to book a house party, have a girls night out making jewelry or have a beaded birthday party for your child please contact me at whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

ENJOY~

Necklace and Earring Set:

Aqua Millifiorie glass with coral chips and blue seed beads

Purple glass earrings

MOP Black Shell Earrings with cubed dark pink glass

Tribal Leaf Bone bead with black and white bone beads on leather

Hurricane Wired Earrings with Rosaline faceted bead inside

Wired Star Earrings

Light Green Foiled glass with grey glass pearls and aventurine stone chips

If you have been inspired by someone else's work or have an artist you would like to recommend to be featured on my blog please email me at: whimsicaljewels@rocketmail.com

Featuring Sea Glass Artist: Amy McDonald!!!!

I am very excited to introduce, Amy McDonald, a talented Sea Glass Jewelry artist. Along with enjoying my own personal piece of jewelry made by Amy, I had the opportunity to interview Amy regarding her life and art to find out a little more about what inspires her.

Amy lives in Maine where there is a lot of snow and plenty of availability for inspiration. Besides being a jewelry artist, Amy is a full time mother of 3 and a hair stylist. Her husband is a BIG hunter and total outdoors man and her kids are 16, 12, and 1.

Amy's beautiful work can be found on Etsy, which features handcrafted artists around the globe. Her Etsy shop called, Sea Treasures by Amylee, can be found @ http://www.amylee34.etsy.com. Amy's pieces are made of Sea Glass found from the beaches in Maine. She absolutely loves making Sea Glass Jewelry and has spent a lot of time locating each piece of glass for her jewelry.

In Amy's words, "Up here in Maine we have lots of beaches, so my whole life I have beach combed and collected sea glass. My fondest memories are of being with my grandparents as a little girl and walking the beaches every weekend picking up sea glass. Well, I'm 34 now with LOTS of SEA GLASS. Being a stay at home mom I have found my creative outlet. I wanted to have a lot of jewelry but didn't want to pay their prices. Everywhere I went I found pieces I didn't care for and they were expensive, so I started my own line! I think I have always had a passion for this, in high school I took a pottery class and instead of making bowls and cups, etc. I made a beaded necklace. I think I get inspired easily, there are a lot of things that are so beautiful it gets me thinking, weather it's my catchy names for my pieces, or wonderful colors on a bird. My favorite color is purple and I love browns and aquas together. I have a work shop down in our finished basement with a drill press, (it's my husbands that I took over) but my creating happens in our dining room, it has much better light. My absolute favorite thing to work with is the glass. Holding it up to the light and finding just the right beads. It's a great thing. I was very nervous to have a shop on Etsy, I thought what if I don't sell anything or what if people don't like my items, but the experience has been wonderful, everyone has been so nice, and supportive of one another. Lots of helpful tips to be shared. The thing that I find to have helped me a lot are my pictures of the items, you really need to use props that really make your item stand out. When I did that I started to get more views and hearts and even SALES. "

Amy feels it is very important to buy handmade to support other artists and their talents, knowing every item is made with love and that the artist is sharing this with everyone. Amy says, "I hope everyone who purchases an item from me loves it as much as I did making it."

Besides being found on Etsy, Amy can be found at one of the largest craft fairs in Augusta Maine, located at the Augusta Civic Center November 28-29, 2009. If you live close by please stop by and see her beautiful work. If not please be sure to check out her lovely Etsy shop, I know you won't be sorry.