Something Sublime

Something Sweet

artwork by Diana Frey

Oh...I got something sweet in my mailbox today!  My generous and talented friend Diana Frey sent me a little surprise.  When I opened the box, this beautiful card was the first thing that graced my eyes.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Diana used a print of one of her original collages, then gussied it up with paint, glitter and strips of silk and tulle.  Diana makes beautiful things.

The next thing in the box was this gorgeous, sterling angel from France.  Where does Diana find such treasures?

Then, wrapped in sage green, handmade paper and tied with more silk strips, was this incredible antique, religious book.  I'm not sure what type book it is.  It doesn't seem to be a Bible but it's a definitely a Christian book.  The antique illustrations inside are wonderful!

This is the spine.  Maybe one of you can tell me what this says and what language it's printed in.

The covers are leather and beautifully embossed and have a lovely, little, metal clasp.  Wouldn't that clasp look great in a piece of jewelry?  Of course, it will have to stay right where it is.  This little volume will go directly into my growing collection of antique Bibles and religious books.  Thank you so much Diana!

Girls in Nighties

"Sisters in Their Nightgowns" by Sharon Tomlinson

Does this painting look familiar?  I did some serious coveting when I saw it on Sharon Tomlinson's blog All Norah's Art.  Sharon is an extremely talented artist and I've been following along, with interest, as she's worked on a series of "sisters" paintings.  When I spotted this one, I fell in love!  It arrived today and I opened the box with much anticipation, knowing how beautiful the painting  would be.

And hey, what's not to love?!  The girls in their nighties are just gorgeous.  Sharon does an incredible job with faces and her detail work is genius.  The depth of color and texture is exquisite.  I've already chosen two favorite girls:

Doesn't this girlie look like a nice sister?  One you could reveal all your secrets to and giggle with into the night?  I completely overlooked the fact that Sharon had painted butterflies onto the girls nightie collars until I started photographing.   Aren't they lovely?

And this one looks like my third grade teacher.  Oh no...wait a minute...third grade teacher was Mrs. Hairpuller.  It's favorite fourth grade teacher that this girl reminds me of...Miss Hokamp.  Don't you love that name?  Miss H. was young and single and pretty and oh, so wonderful!

And the most sublime detail of all...the reason I couldn't resist this painting...each girl carries her own divine butterfly (or are they night moths?) each captured in it's own, tiny cage.  Beautiful!  You can see more of Sharon's wonderful paintings here.

I Never Got to Thank You

 

photograph by Deryn Mentock

There's something interesting going on at Bill Burn's blog Loving Her Beautiful.  Bill is a funny, witty man whose posts on life, love and other incidentals are insightful and entertaining.  He's working on a terrific project  in which he's gathering personal "thank you stories" to eventually be compiled into book form.  This is such a cool idea!  So, what's a "thank you story"?  A thank you story is a letter you've written, and delivered, to someone in your life who's had a profound impact on you.  It's a way of honoring someone who has enriched your life in some way.  In Bill's words:   "A Thank You Story doesn’t show off writing skills, it re-connects one heart to another with a Thank You. It’s about sharing your story, in your words, in your way."

Bill is asking for participants for this project.  If you'd like to be involved, check out the details here.  We all have people in our lives who have mentored us, enlightened us, inspired us, loved us.  What better way to recognize and reconnect with that special someone who's had a life-changing effect on you?  (This post can also be seen at Artsmiths).

 
 

A Muse Named Norah

 

mail art by Sharon Tomlinson

I have to show this incredible mail art I received from my fellow Texan, Sharon Tomlinson.  Her blog is called All Norah's Art and, for awhile, I thought her name was Norah, and even called her that once in an email.  Turns out, Norah is the name of Sharon's muse...awkward for me!  When you visit Sharon's blog you'll see that her muse works overtime.  Her paintings are brilliant and she regularly, and generously, features tips and tutorials on her techniques.

Sharon's been busy sending out mail art lately and I was one of the lucky recipients.  The envelope that came in my mailbox was a recycled envelope with a glassine window in it...the type that bills are usually sent in.  Instead of my address, peeking through the window was a hint of the goodies inside.  Sharon filled the envelope with snippets of all kinds of ephemera...yum!  When you visit her blog, make sure you look at her "True Colors" Flesh Journal (right sidebar of her blog).  Who knew flesh could be such a wonderful color?

Which brings me to this...remember when I posted about this book?  I wanted to bring you a few more insights from Mr. Pressfield and, as I was looking through my highlighted portions of the book, I ran across a few things reminded me of Sharon.  When I read her blog posts and see her work, I see a joy there...a joy in the act of creating.  Not for love or money but simply for pleasure in the act of creating.  You can see it in the generous way she shares, not only her artwork, but also her techniques and time.

Pressfield talks about why we, as artists, do what we do.  "Of any activity you do, ask yourself:  If I were the last person on earth, would I still do it?"  This is the test of our true ambitions...the answer reveals why we do what we do.  According to Pressfield, "We must do our work for it's own sake, not for fortune or attention or applause."  This is so true.  As a matter of fact, I would absolutely continue to create in some way if I were the last person on earth (have you seen "I Am Legend"?  Great movie!).  Of course, there are those of us who make a living with our creations but, would we continue to create if we didn't have to?  And, certainly, it's wonderful to have attention and applause, but the person who allows them self to be defined by adoration is in serious trouble.

Although this is not a religious book in any way, Pressfield makes mention of the idea of doing the work, then turning it over to Him...as an offering to God.  "The work comes from heaven anyway.  Why not give it back?" (Here he mentions the "Lord of Discipline" but I take it in my own frame of reference which is, obviously, a Christian point of view). 

For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever! Amen.  Ro. 11:36 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  Ro. 12:1

The humble artist knows "they are not the source of the creations they bring into being"  We do our best work when we are free from the petty ego of self-adoration.  I know I do!  Long ago, I gave my work over as a "spiritual act of worship".  Not to say I don't struggle...at times, I do.  But it's a good struggle and one that I know I will be better for when I let go.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on my ramble!  And, oh yeah...don't forget to check our Norah's   Sharon's blog...

Baby Trail

"Heaven's Children"  Deryn Mentock

I don't have time at the moment to write a full post on this piece but, suffice it to say, it has very special meaning that I promise I'll write about a little later.  You all probably saw the precious fingertip babies I got from the lovely Miss Judy, I couldn't resist putting one to use right away.  Judy's been traveling this week on her way toward Artfest, visiting with my friends Kristen and Ruth, leaving a trail of baby dolls behind her (don't miss Ruth's creation...scroll down when you get to her blog).

"Home"  Lorraine George

Also on her way to Artfest is my dear friend Lorraine George who gifted me with this stunning necklace.  Lorraine is such a talented artist and designer with a real eye for detail and precision hand.  She's one of the few non-teachers to get a booth at the Artfest Vendor event and I'm sure you can see why.  Her jewelry is fabulous.  Make sure you get to her table early as I have no doubt she'll sell out quickly!

"Old Enough to Fly" Deryn Mentock

Remember this piece of jewelry?  It's part of Seth Apter's Playing Favorites "museum tour" at The Altered Page which is now featuring body art.

He's got several photos of it posted along with the gorgeous jewelry of some other, very talented, artists.

   

Once you visit Seth's blog you'll be a regular there.  He's always got the best ideas and most interesting posts...tons of inspiration!

Resurrection Celebration

 

Crucified...

He is risen!

I received an wonderful package in the mail yesterday.  In their travels, Judy Wilkenfeld and Michael DeMeng discovered a German Bible with engravings by Albrecht Durer and, knowing my love of the Bible,  kindly offered it to me.  It arrived all the way from Australia, packed and shipped by Judy.  As you can see, the engravings are incredible.  The text of the Bible is in German in a lovely calligraphy font...maybe a blackletter script.  Judy generously included several lovely surprises.  Among these were two sweet, antique baby dolls.

They're from Germany, very old, manufactured sometime between 1880 and 1930.  I'm not really a doll person but these are the most adorable bisque babies I've ever seen.  I am totally in love with them!  I'm not sure about the availability of these but I do know that Judy will be at Artfest in Washington within the next few weeks so keep an eye out for her and you can ask her yourself.  She'll be offering her wonderful Red Velvet wares on vendor night and, of course, Michael will be teaching and vending as well.  Again...thank you so much Michael and Judy!

  Stop doubting...and believe!

A blessed Easter holiday to you...

The Perfect Pillow

I'm not talking about the kind you sleep on!  I've been looking for a source for a good bench bag for a long, long time.  I considered making them myself but just don't have the time.  You all know I spent a a weekend with my good friend Sally.  Well, not only does Sally have lots of great stuff in her studio but one of those great things is the perfect bench bag.  The one I've been turning myself inside out looking for. 

Of course, I just had to have one for myself.  When she noticed me slobbering over her bench bag Sally had no choice but to tell me where she got the goods.  Enter...The Antique Palette etsy store.  I immediately ordered two pillows of my own and they're on the way to me even as I write this.

So, what's all the fuss?  And, what's a bench bag for anyhow?  It's probably something only a jewelry maker or metal worker can get excited about but it makes a big difference when you're pounding metal or wire.  A bench bag goes under your steel bench block to muffle the sounds and vibrations of all that necessary hammering done by jewelry makers.  These bench pillows are just right.  They're made with nice soft suede so the bag doesn't slip around on the bench.  They're filled the perfect amount so your block can snuggle right down into all that cushiony goodness.  If you're looking for a new pillow, I highly recommend these! 

Richard Pearson

"Burning" by Richard Pearson

I try to point you to the work of other artists here just so you don't think this blog is all about me.  I got lucky and stumbled across Richard Pearson's blog RapidView the other day.  I don't know Richard at all but, wow...I love his work!

"Sweeter Than Laughter" by Richard Pearson

Richard is a talented photographer but I love what he does with Polaroids.  What exactly does he do?  I'm sure this probably isn't polite but I'd like to sit him down and pick his brain!  His Polaroid photos/collages are incredibly intricate and fascinating.

"Animal Like Eyes" by Richard Pearson

His blog is full of gorgeous artwork like this.  Go take a look and make sure you look through his archives.  I'd love to hear what you think...

Mail Call

Mail art by Sally Turlington

Oh, I had a lovely mail day not long ago!  My dear friend Sally Turlington sent me this terrific calendar created by her and her friends in the Art-ed-Anima group.  Of course, it wasn't mailed in just any old envelope but this beautiful, artful envelope.  When you visit Sally's blog you'll see she's a huge fan of Nick Bantock.  Sally did a great job capturing the Bantock feeling.

The calendar is new for this year and is full of terrific artwork by some very talented artists, including Sally.

Sally is a master of mail art.  I always feel so lucky when I get a package or envelope from her because she always takes the time to turn it into art before it reaches me.  In fact, I don't think Sally sends anything in the mail without beautifying it first!  This is the other side of the envelope.  She cleverly altered one of her old photos to look like a rubber stamp.

Here's the photo Sally used in it's unaltered form.  Makes me want to turn all my vintage photos into rubber stamps.  I love the look but haven't quite acquired the computer skills yet.  Thank you Sally for the inspiring artwork!

Go Ahead...Make My Day

The lovely Roben Marie Smith very kindly tagged me as a blogger who makes her day...thank you Roben Marie!  I could turn this right back to her because she makes my day in so many ways.  She's a talented and generous artist and she can take a photo of dang near anything and it's terrific.

See what I mean?  I'm going to tag five blogs in an attempt to direct you to some you may not visit on a regular basis but should!  You're probably way ahead of me and have already visited these artists:

Sharon Tomlinson- makes my day with her beautiful artwork and wonderful, generous tutorials.  Besides, she lives in Texas.

Patty VanDorin-love the banner, love the photos, love the journal pages.  Another Texan...what's not to love?!

Tammy Fischer-she made my day and made me laugh (yes, out loud) with her bra story.  Check it out.

Mary Beth Shaw-fantastic paintings and backgrounds.  Mary Beth is generous and kind as well...a true professional.

Azirca-incredible photos and artwork.  Make sure you look at her recycled art assemblage "Escapology".

Crystals and Curiosities

In the land of Oz lives a very sweet and generous artist named Keron Lee who has a terrific blog called The Colorguru.  I've often admired her gorgeous blog banner and creative work.  Lately, I've drooled over a project she's posted called "Great and Precious Promises".  Take a look for yourself and you'll see that it's drool-worthy!  One day, the generous Ms. Lee gifted me with the most lovely chandelier crystals...all the way from Australia.  You see, she took a look at my work, saw the things I love and, since she loves crystals herself, she decided to share the joy.  Thoughtful girl!

"Tuft" by Jane Wynn

In another part of the world, lives a creative and talented artist with a bent toward the unusual.  She creates the most interesting and curious things in her studio and her name is Jane Wynn.  I was immediately drawn to this fuzzy and strangely sentimental necklace when I saw it in her shop.  It reminds me a little of a rabbit's foot and, in fact, I fell in love with it but exercised a tiny bit of self-control and didn't purchase it.  When I visited Jane's shop again and saw it, still there, it was more than I could resist and now it's mine.  Lucky me!

Figments and the Faithful

I know I've said it before but, I must say it again...I really do appreciate those of you who take time out of your day to pop in and see what's happening here on my blog.  I know you're taking time and attention away from your desks, studios and loved ones just to check up on me and maybe even leave a comment.  I really am blessed with quite a few lovely, dedicated readers.  And, oh, so generous!  I received a wonderful surprise in the mail today.  Just look at this delightful, soldered flower pendant given to me by my faithful reader Cindy Dean.

Cindy's flowers are just adorable and such a clever design.  You can see more at her etsy shop.  I'm thrilled that she customized this one for me.  Not only did she use one of my favorite stones, kyanite, but she used one of my own cemetery photos for the flower's center.  Isn't that the coolest?!

The Passionate Blogger

"Crowned"

Melanie at Le Petit Cabinet De Curiosites has kindly tagged me to give my top tips for successful blogging.  I'm no professional blogger but, for my dozen or so readers (you know who you are!) I'll give it a shot:

1.  Love your blog.  You have to love blogging to have a successful blog!  If you'd rather clean the toilets than post, you probably don't have the blogging passion you need to keep readers coming back.  Michelle Ward

2.  Post often, post often, post often.  Readers like to come to your spot to see what's new.  The more often you post, the more frequently they'll visit.  Did I say...?  Post often!  Soul Humming

3.  Post lots of fabulous pictures and not so many words.  Visitors may find descriptions of your latest nature walk riveting but a picture's worth a thousand words!  Sandra Evertson

4.  Give your readers interesting and relevant information;  a tutorial, book review, contest, blog links, etc.  The Altered Page

5.  Make it easy and fun for your visitors with a well designed site.  Make sure your blog is easy to navigate and not too cluttered.  Tongue in Cheek

There you have it...my plan for the perfect blog.  I've tagged only five but there are tons of talented bloggers out there.  What are your best blogging tips?

Twice Blessed

Bracelet by Cindy Forrester

“Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures, it costs nothing and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and him who receives, and thus, like mercy, it is twice blessed.”     - Erastus Wiman (1834-1904)

I found the lovely bracelet here and the lovely quote here

Staxx

Aren't these stackable rings with mix and match elements great?  I found them  on Bronwen Davies blog, Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy.  Bronwen supplies me with the latest and greatest fashion finds.  She's so savvy!  Not that it does me much good.  I can't seem to get out of my jeans and t-shirts.  I'm not sure I will be able to bring myself to spring for one of these kits but I'm loving this one:

You can find them at Staxx.  What a genius idea.  It really appeals to my thrifty, multi-tasking side.  I'm trying to figure out a way to incorporate this concept into my own jewelry.  Hmmm...