Violet Heart Bracelet - Something New!

This is one of my new bracelets with matching pendant. It is made with polymer clay, alcohol inks, silver leafing, stamped with a French text, and resin finished. The design is on both sides of the hearts so that if one heart happens to turn, you will still see the text and silver leafing. I have added adventurine beads with Swarovski crystals. It has a silver heart shaped clasp. The pendant has an AAnraku bail which will accommodate any type of cording.

Krissy is Back!!! WELCOME HOME!

My niece, Kristen Erario, served six months in Iraq. Yesterday she came home escorted by approximately 100 motorcycle riders from the "Iron Shield". It was the most awesome, emotional experience! Her sister, Danielle Aiello, arranged for this exciting homecoming!

Featured Artist - Mai of 4Thesparrowsnest

http://www.4thesparrowsnest.etsy.com/

Recently on Etsy’s front page comes Mai (pronounced May, like the month) of 4thesparrowsnest. She delights in creating beautiful, functional treasures that brighten up everyday life. Newly married, she studied art at Appalachian State University in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. She’s an avid crafter, and has a fervent appreciation for all things handmade–especially felt, unique jewelry, and pottery.

She says, “I find myself most intrigued by nature and the beauty and humor that can be found in it, and I love to translate what I see into whimsical narratives. Allowing the little melodramas of animals to unfold captivates my inner story-teller and brings me to what I love most–the process of creating.I ADORE birds of all kinds, and love to play with woodland/forest themes. I enjoy working in different styles, utilizing a diverse spectrum of materials. I really enjoy switching between jewelry and felt; it keeps my thoughts and ideas fresh and keeps me from getting bored with one particular medium. While working with felt, I often get new ideas for jewelry, and vice versa.”

“My process for my polymer clay creations involves a mix of hand-shaping and constructing, as well as mold/casting techniques. I find sources for molds in many places, and many of my molds are custom created by me (meaning I created or significantly altered the original item myself.) Even after a piece is cast, I always alter it further by sanding, carving, antiquing, and gently polishing. All of my felt frames are crafted using my own hand-drawn patterns. They are embroidered and assembled in a very time lengthy process. If you would like to know more about my creation process, feel free to contact me.

Featured Artist - Maryellen of Beetreebyme

http://www.beetreebyme.etsy.com/
Trying to blog about Maryellen of Beetreebyme was a difficult task. On her website, she has the most beautiful pictures of her work. Not only does she sculpt, but makes buttons, caketoppers, bracelets, necklaces, you name it.

I could not pick three pictures; they were all so beautiful. Here's a little about her: She is inspired by almost everyone - artists, jewelry designers, people she meets. Other people’s tastes, interests and emotions show her the world from different perspectives. That leads her down different paths and inspires her to try new ideas.
Nature is her biggest source of inspiration for designs. Almost all of her work is fashioned after realistic or fantasy flora and fauna. Her inspiration for color comes from everywhere. The natural world, magazines and unknown sources. Sometimes color combinations just pop into her head. She said, "I think most of us store inspiration without realizing it. Then we draw from it as needed."

Maryellen has been working with clay since the late 80’s. At that time she had a farm and sold fresh herbs at local farmers' markets. She met a vendor who was making great pins that were collages of cane slices. She experimented and came up with a design for a vase style brooch that would hold a tiny herb bouquet.

The brooch upside down looked like a skirt and that became her angel and fairy design. She never looked back after that. What an amazing artist! You are such an inspiration to us all Maryellen!

Nominated for Award!

I have been nominated for an award called the "Sisterhood Award." Given to me by Lynda of SCDiva. It was given as she thinks my blog is creative and inspirational, and in return, I get to nominate 5 women whose blogs inspire and encourage me. I have chosen Alissa of

http://divadea.blogspot.com/, Jan of http://www.jangeisen.com/, Pippa of http://www.pipsjewellery.blogspot.com/, Laura of
http://www.laurabeestudios.blogspot.com/, and Marcia of http://www.marciapalmer.blogspot.com/. All of these wonderful artists have amazing blogs. Check them out!

Featured Artist - Lynda of SCDiva

Inspiration for polymer clay designs comes from many places, nature, texture, colors, but my greatest inspiration comes from other polymer clay artists. Here is one artist whose designs are so elegant and exquisite, I draw from her creative talents. Lynda of SCDiva (http://www.scdiva.etsy.com/) incorporates semi-precious gemstones with polymer clay to complete the most beautiful necklaces.

Her image transfer pendants are imaginative and different. She puts her own spin on brooches and pendants using Magic Transfer Paper. She is my friend and my teacher. Here is one of her designs.

One of my very favorite necklaces is a newer piece she has just done using gorgeous African jasper slab cut beads and a matching polymer clay pendant of the same colors. Amazing and lovely.

Tyler William Riopel on his Christening Day

Our grandson, Tyler William, in his little tuxedo, Christening Day, Cure of Ars Church, Bellmore, New York, March 15th, 2009. Isn't he adorable?