Saturday, May 8, 2010

DaxDesigns Bead Art

Here is an amazing talent with beads, Dax Design's Bead Art. Located in Australia, this bead artist brings bead work up to fine art. Her name is Glenda. She creates original handcrafted bead art jewelry and keepsakes.


The following is from Glenda's bio:

" Glenda's beadart is inspired by shapes, patterns, colors and meanings of cultural and natural worlds near and far. Many of her designs use traditional beadweaving techniques that women have used in diverse cultures over time to create beadwork of great beauty and significance to their daily lives. Some of this beadwork carries hidden messages, some forms their dowry and much of it contains their wealth in a wearable form. All of it intrigues, enchants and inspires me to use beads to create wearable bead art that celebrates this tradition and brings diversity to what we see and wear and in daily lives."

I feel that my life is enriched just by looking at Glenda's work. Please visit her Etsy shop for looking at her many beautiful creations!  Here are some links for DaxDesign:

First, Glenda's Etsy shop: 
Her destash shop on Etsy, DaxDestash:
Glenda's Blog, DaxDesigns:





Friday, May 7, 2010

Red Fairy

Okay, so I told you I was having some inspiration, but having some trouble with painting. I am getting frustrated with the acrylics. They are drying out too fast as I use them and they don't flow and mix the colors. Soooo, I am dreaming of oil paints. Not just dreaming, but I am starting to use them!!!!

I really love watercolor, too,  but there is nothing like the workability of oils. So here is The Red Fairy that I painted with acrylics. It took me way longer to paint than it "should" have.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Twig Letters, Personalized For You!


What could be better than Personalized Twig Letters???? These letters are so charming to me, I could just about burst! If you are familiar with The Sister's Studio, yes! One of the sisters has created this shop. I don't know which one.
Here is an exert from the shop announcement. It reads as follows:

"Take a nature break from your hectic schedule and let the outdoors and unique in. These letters are perfect design elements in your child's room, in your office, or anywhere in your home.

  I have been harvesting bits of stems, flowers and leaves to adorn my twigs and turn them into wall poetry for many years for friends and family, and since 2007 on Etsy, I blend natural, organic elements and blend with copper, stainless steel or silver wire. I first started out in my other shop but it was a muddle of my art, twigs and prints, then branched out (no pun intended) here, to focus on creating little works of art from nature and the land.

 
All the products used are organic and entirely home grown in my garden. There is no store bought plants, silk flowers or adornments that may contain harmful chemicals, paints, or dyes used in any of my designs."




http://www.etsy.com/shop/twigletters


and links to their other great shops:


http://www.etsy.com/shop/thesistersstudio
http://emcisaac.etsy.com Prints
http://McIsaacArt.etsy.com Original


Here is one description of a fabulous Twig Letter creation:
  
"Twig Wall Poetry", these little twig gems have been created from bits and bobs found in my garden. Each letter is 6 inches high by approximately 3 inches wide, if you have a particular word, name or phrase in mind please just drop me a note and I will be happy to create it for you. These little twig letters look lovely on any wall, are perfect above a bed, next to your desk, or any room in your home, take a deep breath and let your mind meander into the countryside.

My twig wall poetry reflects my love of Mother Nature and language. Simple materials and words combine in a fluid and graceful visual and bring to mind the peaceful quiet of old country farms, forests, meadows and fields. They are as timeless as nature itself, but receive fresh life as modern words, phrases and names.

Each Twig Letter is made with attention to detail, a tribute to the bounty of my garden and nature. I am very fortunate to live in a climate where it is easy for me to forage through the greenery, grasses, weeds and flowers to make my original creations. Coming out soon is a new line of work that I am presently creating, very original and I am excited. New line will still be earth friendly and socially responsible. Taking care of nature one step at a time.


I blend natural, organic elements and with copper, stainless steel or silver wire and all come with hangers.

Branches: Oak, lemon verbena, manzanita, rosemary
Grasses: Wild oats, wheat, stray grass
Flowers: Montbretia, salvia, lambs ears, honeysuckle, morning glory, coneflower, velvet plant, some weeds, statice, gypsophylia, straw flower, ornamental grasses, pepper tree berries, moss, lichen, yarrow, creeping geranium, dried rose buds
. "

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Spring Inspiration

Okay, so it's spring. Which means a lot of spring cleaning and planting of the garden. And new inspirations for artwork. I have started FIVE new paintings. But it is slow going... for me.... it is always slow going when painting.

What are you doing this spring and what is inspiring you???

Do you need any advice? Remember, Aunt Jane gives good advice!