The Joys of Wire Wrapping

I have been doing some interesting things with dead soft wire in the last few weeks and I am pleased the results. I love the way the wire cages frame the beads and give them an interesting dimension. I used carnelian and lampwork beads for the silver necklace and earrings. The bangle is made with copper and silver wire that I hammered and adorned with fresh water pearls and Hill Tribe pure silver beads. The necklace and bangle bracelet are for sale in my esty shop . The earrings have been sold, but I am more than willing to do a custom design. All my jewelry is one of a kind so if you like the earrings, yours will be unique.

Have you Been to Crater Lake?

I haven't been there, but would sure like to visit soon. Railyuh's etsy shop is filled with beautiful prints like these. The icy tree below was taken near Crater Lake and is an 8x10 photo print. The print of the lake is part of a set of 5x7 blank notecards that are just gorgeous. Think about purchasing these as a gift or perhaps for yourself. Don't forget to check out Railyuh's blog too.

Railyuh

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Railyuh. Read her bio below before visiting her exciting shop.

" While I like to experiment with a variety of crafts, photography has always been one of my first artistic loves (the other is writing). I especially enjoy landscape photography and I think the beauty I see in the natural world inspires me to fill my home with natural handmade items. I also love viewing ordinary objects from different angles and perspectives in my black and white photography. I hope sharing my images will bring a little beauty into the lives of each person that views them.Some people have asked where the name "railyuh" comes from so I thought I'd share. My first name is Aurelia (pronounced uh-rail-yuh), but I grew up going by my middle name because Aurelia was hard to spell and pronounce. By the time I was in high school a shortened version, "railyuh," became my nickname with a few close friends. It soon became my online screen name, hence my shop with items "made by Railyuh"!Feel free to visit my blog to learn more about me and to see sneak previews and updates for my shop. I'll also be featuring some of my favorite etsy shops, artists, and items there:"
http://etsyfind.blogspot.com/

In the Pink

Are you looking for a gift for your valentine? You can find this lovely pink bracelet along with many other nice choices in the etsy shop of purrfectlydevine. The moonstone and onyx piece below is another favorite of mine from her shop. Don't forget to check her blog as well.

Purrrfectly Devine

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of purrfectlydevine. Please read her bio below:

"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. I have sold a number of pieces through an Open House my sister held for me. I also crochet and am thinking about adding some crochet pieces to my shop in the future.My full-time job is a special education teacher and I work in a grocery store deli part-time. My husband and I have one daughter who is pretty much on her own and planning to get married in 2009. We share our smoke-free home with 3 cats and one grandpuppy who are banned from the bead room."

It's Not always Black and White

But as far as black and white goes, this photo is hard to beat. It is currently on display in a fine art gallery in East Hampton, N.Y. See below. It was love at first site when I first saw this beauty and I think you will agree. Please take a look at Citrus tree's photos in her etsy shop as well as her cards like the one below. You won't be disappointed!

Citrus Tree Designs

Today I am featuring the wonderful shop of Citrus Tree Designs. The photo that I chose as my favorite is currently being show in an art gallery.
My Black & White Abstract print is currently on exhibit during the winter show at:
D'Art Gallery
116 Pleasant Street
East Hampton, MA
My Prints have been featured at the following:
http://hauteinnovations.com/?p=47
http://yaslanisgroovespot.blogspot.com/
http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/01/visit-citrus-tree-for-cards-prints-more.html
***My cards have been blogged here:
Kiddlins.comKopahetsy.blogspot.com
http://sinthesiscm.blogspot.com/
http://fabulous-fabulous.blogspot.com/2008/01/100th-post-filled-with-love.html
***I have also exhibited at All Florida Fine Arts Show - Cornell Museum of Art and History, Delray Beach Florida
***My Flickr Accounthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/citrustreedesigns/
***My Bloghttp://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com/
***I will be updating as things progress!Etsians Unite!
Favorite Materials
Photos, Paper, Prints, Cards

Something for Your House

Tracy Suter has a series of wonderful paintings in her etsy shop done on a house shaped piece of wood. One of them, seen below and is titled " House of Antiquated Notions" This painting can stand alone or can be grouped with another from her house series. The print of the birds titled"Stasis" is my favorite in Tracy's shop . The colors are just exquisite.

Artgirlx

Today I am featuring the beautiful artwork of Tracy Suter. Please read her bio below:

"I am a painter, photographer and mixed media artist from Victoria, BC. I have Paintings, Prints and Pendants in my shop now! All of my paintings are mixed media oils or acrylics....and yes, the house paintings are really house-shaped! I am inspired by many things; imagery, phrases, movies, everyday life, literature and other artists. I am a graduate of Emily Carr Institute of Design in Vancouver, BC (BFA Photography) I spent many years as a graphic designer in advertising and publishing and am currently a full time student studying Art Therapy. Thanks for visiting my shop! Look for more pendants and more art in the new year!Visit me at my blog http://www.smashart.blogspot.com

Wrapped In Love

Katrin Lerman does some amazing work with wire. The pieces below caught my eye because I love the combination of stones ,colors and the inticate wire wrapping. The heart would make a lovely Valentine's Day gift as would any of the pieces in Katrin's shop. Don't forget to take a look at her blog too.

Katrin Lerman Jewelry

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Katrin Lerman Jewelry. Please read her bio below:

"I come from a family of makers and have been doing jewelry since I was a little girl (if making friendship bracelets is considered jewelry ; ) Originally from Germany, I settled in Massachusetts, US almost ten years ago. I can’t believe it has been such a long time already! Nonetheless, I draw inspiration from my German childhood as well as from the time spent here and from every little moment I can remember happening in between. Sometimes, photographs of finished jewelry pop into my mind and I have to quickly run to jot them down before they are gone. Other times, I have an idea in mind and it takes a lot of drawings until I have figured out how to best do what I was thinking about. Of course, those sketches are not written in stone and I often change a design while I am making the piece to arrive at the best end result possible. I graduated from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston with a Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Interior Design is all about color, form, and texture – and that’s what I’m integrating in my jewelry designs.Now that I have a beautiful baby girl, I try to spend every free minute (and those of you who have a baby know that there are few) creating jewelry. Naturally, I have lots more time thinking than creating and so my sketch book is filling up with ideas for years to come. I can’t wait to get working on all those ideas and designs!!!"

The Eye of the Tiger

Are you a fan of Tiger Eye? I think this unusual necklace by Berrybeads brings the Tiger Eye beads to life and compliments them perfectly. The wirework on this necklace is truly unique. Berrybeads has some wonderful ID badge lanyards for sale in her shop as well. Don't miss her shop or her blog.

Berry Beads

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Berry Beads. Please read her bio :
"Hi! My name is Rosi and I have always loved crafts. It is especially nice when the things I make are practical as well as pretty. I have many different interests and making jewelry is a new passion to bring out my creative side.

I've been selling my ID badge lanyards at work and they have been quite popular. Each lanyard is a unique creation and is made to last."

Too Early for Summer?

Since summer is my favorite season, I had to feature this lovely necklace by autumnleah. It's almost Valentine's Day, but everyone needs a little summer in their hearts. If you want a custom necklace to give to your valentine, then consider this one and put your photo on the heart. Atumnleah has these and other wonderful pieces in her shop including a number of lovely necklaces just right for Valentine's Day. Take a peek at her blog too.

Autumn Leah Design

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Autumnleah. Please read her bio below.

"I am a stay-home mom and I love being able to see my daughter grow everyday... with that said I also need something to keep me sane. So I make stuff! I just recently started making jewelry so it is my habit right now but I also love making anything on my computer. I do all of my scrapbooking digitally. I create Christmas cards, birth announcements, birthday invitations etc. I have a degree in graphic design so that is my passion. I would never actually work in the advertising world (too much pressure) but I love using those skills for personal use or for friends, etc. I love to look at a craft and figure out how to make it myself. That is why my shop is kind of eclectic. Anyway, I live in Dallas and I will ship to anywhere. Outside of the USA there is an additional charge though. Thanks for stopping by!!"

Are you Lucky in Love?

If you are lucky in love, then tell your significant other by sending this adorable card this Valentine's Day. If you are marrying your valentine then see the beautiful thank you notes below and send them to your quests after the wedding. Mycatlulu has some wonderful printed items in her shop. Make sure to take a look and check her blog too.

My Cat Lulu

My feauted artist for today is mycatlulu. Please read her bio below.

"✭✭MyCatLulu ✭✭
Lulu is one of the cutest cats out there. She has great big eyes and really soft fur. She reminds me of an anime cat, but only better–no crazy effects...though her purr could use a little more volume.
About me:Professional facts:BA in ArtDay Job: Desktop PublisherTrained in Photoshop, Indesign, gocco, my medium format camera, black and white darkroom, and the color darkroom.
I am:I'm lover not a fighter who enjoys the company of people, the songs of birds, and an occasional Mia tai. Don't like mean people, but really who would. Don't own bowling shoes, but I did play in a league when I was in 5th grade. Other than art, my passion is traveling. My last trip took me to Kauai, Hawaii...lovely. Read about art and the life on me and Lulu at:mycatlulu.blogspot.comPictures, pictures pictures!http://www.flickr.com/photos/beccaphoto/
Proud Member of the following street teamsCalifornia Crafters Club Of Etsy EFA- Etsy's For AnimalsGoccoPaperSF Bay Area "

Going Out on the Town

Do you have a special evening planned? These extraordinary beaded pieces might just be perfect for you. The beaded bag is made with a beautiful combination of different size and shape seed beads and has a very interesting wooden lizard bead hanging from it. The white bracelet could be worn with any outfit and is just dreamy! Don't miss cigarboxes interesting shop.

Cigar Box Beads

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of cigarboxbeads. This is what she says about herself.

"I'm a retired Home Ec teacher, loved what I did, love what I'm doing now.Beadweaving is my joy, along with knitting, crocheting, sewing AND being with our twin grand daughters. Not at the same time though, they love to 'help'! We do have 'crafting time' every day that I watch them, so I hope I'm instilling the love of creating in them.PS- I just opened another etsy shop---suchandsort-go there to read where THAT name came from!AND.....breaking news-- a new blog http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com
I'm just getting started, so not much there right now--but I'm working on it!"

Let Sleeping Gypsies Lie

What makes this unusual tapestry so interesting is that it is beaded . It is made with over 30,000 delica seed beads. The time that went into this piece makes it an incredible buy. Please take a look at this piece and onethousandhills other amazing beaded pieces in her etsy shop.
Don't forget to take a long at her blog too.

On a Thousand Hills

Today's feature is on the etsy shop onethousand hills. Pleae read the artisit's bio below.

"My name is Cheryl, and I love the outdoors! I also love playing with my beads and seeing what I can come up with to make.I can't remember how old I was when I first did any crafts, but I know it was pretty young. I went to a vocational high school and took 4 years of Clothing Shop there. I have always done a bit of different crafting hobbies, but found beads in a serious way about 5 years ago. My daughter was given a bead kit for recuperating after surgery, but wasn't very interested in it. I took it over and took off with my beading. I've had to put them on the back burner at times, when homeschooling and work got in the way. Now I am dedicating more time to be able to learn and grow in this art form. Yes, it IS an art form.God's creation is one of my favorite themes for my work, and I think everyone would have to agree how wonderful nature is."

Beaded Beauties

If you are looking for something red for your valentine,then consider this exquisite design . Myfairladyvt4 makes these amazing bracelets using a variety of of seed beads and a gorgeous Czech glass button. Take a look at these bracelets and the lovely sets she sells in her shop before you choose your Valentine Day gifts.

My Fair Lady vt4

If you love extraordinary beadwork then you should take a look at myfairladyvt4's etsy shop. Please read what she says about herself here:
"I love to work with beads. Especially seed beads and gemstones. Everything that is in this shop is made by Me one bead at a time. Nearly all of my items are "One Of A Kind" OOAK. I never make another item exactly the same. It's not as interesting the second time.I am very happy to be a member of the Etsy Beadweavers Street Team. It is a great group of beadweavers. Check out the Street team Blog at:
http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/
You won't be disappointed. "RED" is the theme for Valentine's Day.We have the EBW January Beadweaving Challenge coming up. Voting on the blog begins on Monday, Jan. 7th. There are so many great "RED" pieces entered. To view the challenge pieces type EBWC in the Etsy search.Check out my Blog, it's real new! Give me your comments.
http://myfairladyvt4.blogspot.com/
If anyone has any questions on an item, please contact me. Some items can be made to order if you have a specific color scheme or size in mind. Convo me if you are interested, and we can talk about it."

A Bird in the Hand

You know what they say about a bird in the hand. If you act quickly you can grab this beautiful painting or an equally lovely piece of art from Glory2727's shop. I love the bookmarks! They would make lovely gifts or treat yourself to a great book and these bookmarks.

Glory2727

Today's feature is on the beautiful artwork of Glory2727. Please read her bio below.
"A Florida artist who loves to paint in acrylics, water color, and pen and ink with watercolor wash. Flowers are her favorite subjects.Her canvases are large 16x20 art renderings, candles, glass bud vases, wine glasses,wood, note cards and bookmarks. I also hand paint designs on small letters for name boards. "
Check out http://www.frommybrush.blogspot.com/
Check out http://www.frommybrush.com/
Check out http://www.thisboardsforyou.com/

Do you Love Fireflies?

If you love fireflies, check these lovely pieces from Shannon Saylor's esty shop. Bracelets incorporate darling firefly charms and some very interesting glass beads. I like the addition of the leaves to this bracelet. Check out Shannon's shop for some lovely pieces and don't forget to look at her blog too.

Shannon Saylor

Meet Shannon Saylor, whose lovely etsy shop is my feature article for today. Read below what she says about herself.
"I'm a crafter from my family. It runs in the genes. I love to work with glass beads and wire. Toggle latches are my favorite as they are easier to clasp. My Blog on Blogger is http://shannonsaylor-etsyshop.blogspot.com/I'm in my mid 3-'s, living in SW VA in the mountain's with my husband & 5 cats. I am an animal lover as you might can tell (husband included LOL). I donate and am part of The Etsy For Animals. (EFA)"

Go Ahead Indulge Yourself

A girl can never have enough earrings, especially when they are as lovely as these. Scorpienna's etsy shop has many choices as well as necklaces, bracletes, and watches. So go ahead, indulge yourself with something lovely from this awesome shop. Don't miss her blog either!

Scorpienna

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Scorpienna. Please read her bio below.

"I'm an engineering student in Missouri. I like to use tools, to make things, and to play with beautiful colors. I also love to procrastinate my studies, and I've found that making jewelry is a great way to relieve stress while putting off my homework just a little while longer! If you would like something in my shop in a different color or length, please contact me. I can also split up sets on request. Check out my sold items for more things that I can make for a custom order.All earrings are pristine (never been worn).If you are disappointed by an item you buy, let me know and we'll work something out. I want my customers to be satisfied. I have a cute little spoiled parrot (green cheek conure) so I'm particularly interested in parrot artwork and crafts as well as bird toys. If you have anything cute and parrot-y, let me know!Thank you to Colorfiesta for creating my awesome banner!"

By the Beautiful Sea

I was immediatley drawn to this beautiful picture of the sea by Allyon67. It is just where I would like to be right now. You will find Allyon's paintings full of life and vibrant colors like the flamingo dancers below. If you are looking for some exciting art work make sure to check out the work of allyon67.

Allyon67

Today I am featuring the work of Allyon67. She is a very talented artist who has been featured in galleries and has won awards. Take a look at what she says about herself here.
"I feel that creating art is a way of sharing your soul with others. As you will see in my artwork: sometimes I am very flamboyant and always colorful, sometimes confidant and peaceful, other times angry or chaotic. I think all of my emotions; passions come out in my works. Sometimes I layer it on thick (paint and words) and other times I flirt with the canvas with light feathery strokes. My art reflects my beliefs in love, warmth, generosity, loyalty, and honesty. I am inspired by science, fantasy, martial arts, architecture, and nature (especially water)."