I have returned.

To those of you who follow me, I offer an apology for having not written. It has been a couple months now, and honestly the whys of having not matter not. But it has not been time wasted. I have grown as an artist during this time, as well as a person and a wife. We have had more life changes than were imagined just two months ago, and so are riding the roller coaster of life. So, I will have to work hard to get back into the habit of writing.

For a start I am going to post you three articles this weekend. The first is simple and some what vain. Here I will provide to you pictures of my recent work to let you know I haven't been sitting around twiddling my thumbs! In my second article, you shall see that even my love affair with the indie community has continued, as I provide to you a list of awesome mothers day presents to consider. And for today's finale, I have save the treat. A new interview, one of my favorites for sure, and one I have wanted to do for so long. I will save the details to surprise you later. On with the show!

I still LOVE handmade.

There is no better way to put it. The longer I am an artist, the more I adore artists. The more skills I learn, the more I envy those I see elsewhere. And the more creations I am fortunate to view or ever so blessed to own, the more I hunger to share the beauties I cross with the world.

As Mother's Day approaches, I have begun to shop early. I always try to, in case my inner fire sparks with inspiration of something to create her myself. This year, though, my fires are burning almost rampantly, with way more begging to come out of me than I can manage. I dream of the day that I can hire elves to produce my lovelies in the evening whilst I dream of them.

Anyway, when you are considering your mother today, begin to consider her needs, her loves, her personality. And consider then how many of these she cannot continue to live with out, and how quickly she will fall in love with any of these beauties. This year really try to present her with a token of your love, not just another another shelf-sitting, dust-collecting, run-of-the-mill Thing.

For the mother who loves her career.
Keep her desk as attractive and organized as she is.


For the mother who loves to bake.
Deliciously cute cupcake containers, usable for so many other things.


For the mother who loves to create.
A feminine set for repairing or creating, which will always keep her organized.


For the mother who is always in style.
A beautiful red poppy tote bag, perfect for carrying her new purchases.


For the mother who loves her tea.
Amazing flowers that bloom in the water while creating the perfect tea.


For the mother who has everything.
A custom drawing from one of your mother's favorite photos.

I HAVE kept busy.

As you know, I returned to school this term for another goal at finding the right fit of a career for me. Most of these pieces are carry over from what I produced there in Illustration classes, and many of these I may use in my professional portfolio later on.

I have enjoyed doing some of these styles so much that I have begun searching out people to commission me to do more. I am also creating similar pieces for gifts. Look forward to more this year family!

One of my favorite new things lately is creating terrariums. I have never had a green thumb. I don't think I can emphasize the never part enough. I buy a couple small plants a year, and make my efforts, but always my flaky forgetfulness ends up foiling my plans. This year, after viewing so many terrariums lately on Etsy, I decided to start easier (and so much cooler) than one plant that depends totally on me. A mini eco-system that supports itself is so much more ...convenient for me! This is just one of them (I have about 6 right now), next to one of the only plants that has survived me more than a year!
Of course I am still creating jewelry, but I am sad to admit it has been a bit on the back burner. But a good ol' friend from college recently commissioned me to create a set of jewelry for his girlfriend's birthday. This is the pair of earrings, of which I fell in love with and if I ever get my ears pierced, will probably make a pair of these for myself.

This is a pen & ink portrait I stipled for Illustration class. It is my niece Brianna, of who you can see pictures of on my Facebook page. Let me know if you can't find me there for some reason! (Currently, it is on display at the school. Yay!)


This is a linocut I created for school. It is a piece from a three part series, and one of the pieces, an all black print is also on display. If you are not familiar with linocuts, I carve into a block, roll it with ink on top, and press the paper to it. Time consuming, but I love how they look.


I enjoyed doing the linocuts so much that I decided to branch out. This is one I created after my sister's college graduation, for my grandmother and aunt (the women on the left and right, respectively).


This is a portrait of my husband I created for Illustration, made by layer different colored papers. I love looking at his beautiful face.


This is also a paper-cutting, with looots of layers. The purpose of this piece was to be a stamp series illustrating how adults should teach children to appreciate nature, and each corner represents a single stamp.


This is part of a four piece paper-cutting series, concerning the color wheel and how to pair up colors. Elementary, my dear Watosn.


Thanks for lookin!

Strike Again!!!

It's official, I quit my job. This past Friday was the last day, and since then, I've been a busy little bee on the million projects I have built up. But not today. Today I am tired and lazy. Still working sort of, but taking it easy-ish.

Since I quit my full-time job to go to school full-time, I am going to have to make some more money. I have been brainstorming and have fabricated a new idea! It is something I will put on Etsy, but will also try to sell around town to a couple shops. How great would that be? I am making a couple test subjects for myself and a friend to, um, test out, enjoy, and see how they go over. She doesn't know yet what's going on, so I get to give her a gift for being so always supportive too!

Anyway, I'm not going to tell you anything until I get these first two done, so stay tuned for more details!

Christmas Presents and the Big Disappointment

I started so early. I had so many ideas. And so much eagerness. I dreamed of creating all of my christmas gifts this year. But I failed. My family is just tooooo big. Come on, we are talking, like, 20 people. I went a little easy and ruled out the people like my brothers-in-law and baby nieces who would have no appreciation for a homemade gift, so that ruled out...5. Then a couple of the non-immediate family members were going to get family gifts. So, that narrowed it down a little more. But there are a few people whose gifts I still just do not have time to finish. Granted I could be working rather than typing this, but I am bummed, and tired, and sore. I am decided a couple gifts will just be put off til birthdays, or next Christmas, or maybe even given unfinished. Bummer.

Here are a few of the gifts I did finish, and I will post more as I finish them.

For Lucas's Grandmother
(This is a Family Tree bracelet that has a gemstone representing every member of the family, size according to generation, and grouped by immediate families. I will also soon post in my shop as an item I will make custom also)


For Aunt Sherrill
(This is a super cute set I bought before my brilliant make-it-all idea, and so I found a way to spiff it up with a mug-cozy, to keep from burning hands w/ hot tea!)

For my cousin Paul, and his family (Melissa, Max, and Annie)
(A store bought blanket that I embroidered sort of, and then refolded it inside out so none of the handywork can be seen. The surprise is inside!)

New Artist Interview: Buttons&Rainbows

Artist: Sara Ortiz of Illinois
Stores: www.buttonsnrainbows.etsy.com
www.buttonsnrainbows.com
Blogs: www.buttonsnrainbows.blogspot.com www.thedanvilleventure.blogspot.com

I have had the pleasure of talking to Sara online some lately and she has such wonderful ideas about bringing out everyone's creative sides. She would love to share this dream with adults and children all over the world and you can learn more about this, as well as her own eminently creative side on her personal website and blogs.

What do you make?
I hand-paint children's clothing mostly. I also have stationary, plushy key chains for babies and toddlers to play with, crocheted bracelets, felt bookmarks and 3-D cut paper art. All of my creations are made with the goal of bringing creativity, texture and color back into our child’s lives.

What inspired you to start selling your work?
A little creature names Herbert. He’s a little green guy that came to me one day so I painted his portrait on a t-shirt and I thought to myself that I should share him with others. And then I thought wouldn’t it be nice to have your imaginary friend with you at all times, no matter your age? So this thought process snowballed into Buttons & Rainbows.

Are your items sold at any brick and mortar stores?

Yes, I live in a small town called Danville, IL. We have many cute family owned stores. I am selling at a children’s bookstore called Blue Kangaroo and a café called Brewstar.

What is something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do or make?
This list is endless. Let’s see, I would love to learn: how to fly, screen-printing, astrology, jewelry making, how to sail a boat, quantum physics, to speak French fluently, how to fix a car, how to make a killer Boston Cream cheesecake (like the one from The Cheesecake Factory), how to do the splits, I think I’m going to stop there.

How did you learn the (main) skill you sell in your shop?
My mom taught me how to crochet and I have continued to learn on my own through the internet and magazines. I taught myself how to paint and draw. I just clear my head and start moving my pencil over paper and just go with whatever comes out. The thing I had to learn most was letting myself get into the flow and not having preconceived notions or being scared of it not looking “right”.

Where do you find inspiration in your day-to-day, or during creative slumps?
I either walk or just drive around my town. Most often when I get to our downtown area I am filled with all the history and potential that our town has to become great again that my brain just starts firing away and I can’t wait to get home to get it all down on paper and start working.

If you could be doing anything anywhere you want in 5 years, regardless of your current life, what would you be doing?
Celebrating the publication of my second children’s book and my first novel in Paris, while I speak French with Johnny Depp at a café. (I don’t ask for much!)

How do you promote your shop to the world?

Mostly word-of-mouth. I have less than $200 in my business account so advertising is non- existent. Selling at Brewstar and Blue Kangaroo has helped. I also try to participate in any event I can here in Danville. That helps to get the word out too.

Outside of your shop life, what else do you do?

I work part-time for my dad at his computer shop. I do a lot of volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club. I’m working on a children’s book and am starting to write a young adult novel. I love talking philosophy with my husband and I love to read.

What kind of things do you have planned for the future of your business?
I want my products to inspire and spark creative thought in children so I am starting to design creations that have a more interactive quality to them and enable the child to use as well as play and experiment with them. I’m also working on designs that are more grown-up but still playful in order to bring out the child in adult as well.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, regarding business or otherwise?
A friend once told me to not worry about where the money is coming from or how you will get it. As long as you are passionate about what you do and find your little piece of the world, riches will find you.

My fabulous new friend Sara wants to share her creative wares with you and is generously offering 30% off her entire shop thru the end of this month! There is still time to get those last minute Christmas presents, ya know, for the friend you forgot or the family that is suddenly coming to town now! When you check out, use the coupon code SuzLuc, and don't yet pay. Sara will adjust the invoice for you or get back to you about other options!

Even more exciting, Sara has a new product to introduce called Bits & Pieces and she would like to give it to you for free! It is an awesome kit she has put together for children's parties Anyone who makes a purchase through the end of January will be entered, and a name will be drawn on February first! Please refer to her main website for more information, and check back soon for pictures!

Wrist Wear

Chair of Goodies

Dedicated, hard-working Bianca

Need a Gainesville Apartment?

That's right!

I have an apartment on my property that my best friend is moving out of and is now for rent. This is a horrrrible thing to do to my beloved blog, but I have such limited access at work and am eager to get these pictures up somewhere soon! (And this provides a great way for apartment looker's to learn about me!) I will leave out the gory details, but if you are interested just email me for more information.

Front view of house

One corner of main room

Bath

Small piece of the back yard.

If you are intersted and have not seen the add, check out Gainesville, FL Craigslist, and apartments. Or just email me for more info!

Monthly Goals

Like 95% of America I'm sure, I suck at sticking to New Year's Resolutions. So, instead of even attempting, I am going to make monthly resolutions. The goal is that I will see how life is on the other side of that missing object or goal, and by the end of the months, maybe I will have formed a few new habits.

One other change to the traditional New Year's Resolutions, I am starting now. I will have a practice month, from Thanksgiving (2 days ago) to Christmas. The goal I am setting for this month is simple: to do something nice for somebody different everyday. Care to join me?

After Christmas, I will sit down and form my list of monthly goals for the year of 2009. Seeing as I need to loose weight and am hopelessly addicted to a few food and drink items, I will focus a few months goals on avoiding those certain items. Other goals will focus around things to improve habits, my relationships, my home, the earth, etc. I am taking suggestions!

The Gator Craze

I reallly dislike alligators, so much so that I've had nightmares about them since I was a kid. Guess it has to do with living in central Florida, and all the crazy amounts of gators in every pond and lake. Anyway, I happened to move to and marry the love of my life in Gainesville, the home of the UF Gators, so now I see them every where!

.

This I found at Snopes.com, its a snake that must have burst while eating a gator. Go snakes!

My husband, who is not really a huge football fan, is however, full of community spirit. When I began taking the jewelry casting class I asked him if he would wear a ring made by me. and to my surprise he said yes! This answer was like a gift to me, because the only jewelry he wears is his wedding ring! I was so excited to design the ring, and then I began to worry maybe he wouldnt like it if i just surprised him. So, after consulting him on the design, I decided to go with a subtle alligator sticking out of the water.

.

Picture this head, from the side on top of the ring, with a piece of its back behind the head, and the tail coming out of the water in front of its head. Confusing, I know.

Tonight, I will actually be casting the ring, the hard work is done! All that remains is polishing and cleaning (and sawing off the excess metal from the casting process). But now, after seeing the beauty that thing ring became in wax form, I wonder if i could really sell these in stores! I am so proud of my design and believe that this is especially the town, or even state, for people to want them! So now I will be looking into companies that would actually produce my ring for me, and places willing to either buy them or consign them! How cool would that be!

People are just so facinated by these dangerous creatures!

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UPDATE

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This ring has become Lucas's new love. And I gotta say, I love how it turned out! Take a look for yourself!

Looking towards the face, and the tail wrapping around the ring,

ending in front of the face

The back of the gator and the back of the head

Side view of the ring, with tail on left, head on top, and back of gator on right

New Artist Interview: FRIAGO

Artist: Francisca de Souza of Fort Lauderdale, FL

Stores: http://www.friago.etsy.com/,,
http://www.friago.com/

Blog: http://blog.friago.com/

Being a jewelry maker myself, I don't usually select other jewelry makers to interview, but Francisca's jewelry is fresh, simple, and quiet elegant. It's hard to pass through her shop and not fall in love with at least a few possible wardrobe-staples.

1.What inspired you to start selling your work? I love making jewelry. It doesn't so much seem like work to me. I was working full-time when I decided to start selling. A few months later, getting laid of from my job really gave me the push I needed to really dive head first into it.

2.What is something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do or make? Ceramics & Pottery are so beautiful to me. I would love to take a class one day.

3.How did you learn the (main) skill you sell in your shop? I am self taught when it comes to jewelry making. I love accessories and had a bit of a hard time trying to shop for things that were a reflection of me. I think that my design background (in architecture) has helped me to become a better jewelry designer.

4.Where do you find inspiration in your day-to-day, or during creative slumps? One thing I cannot do is design on command! I am inspired by so many things. Of course architecture….but also art, photography, people I meet, nature, and everyday situations. I often design for places; meaning, what jewelry is appropriate to wear to the supermarket, a wedding, to have a cocktail, etc....

5.How do you promote your shop to the world? I do a ton of promoting: in forums & chats on Etsy, through family and friends, through networking sites like facebook and myspace, and through my blog and other blogs. I've met some wonderful artists so far.


6.If you could be doing anything anywhere you want in 5 years, regardless of your current life, what would you be doing? In 5 years I would love to be a mommy to at least 2 gorgeous babies, an even better wife than I am now, and to still be happy & healthy.

7.Outside of your shop life, what else do you do? At the moment there isn't too much going on outside of my shop life other than family time and the occasional short vacation. Having a business is more than full-time for me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the freedom of owning my own business and doing what I love with the support of my husband and family.

8.Please tell us 5 things about yourself that most people don't know. (Make it intersting!)


9.What kind of things do you have planned for the future of your business? I am currently expanding my business plan to include selling at local boutiques, I have already included wristlet clutches to the Friago collections, but have yet to debut them, and I would love to get into clothing one day.

10.What other information would you like to provide shoppers about your shop? You'll find more and more pieces where I have mixed metals. I love the clean lines of a sophisticated piece of jewelry that can be worn everyday. I adore big bold pieces, but lately I've gravitated toward cleaner, simpler designs.

11.What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, regarding business or otherwise?
1. Patience is a must! This one has been extremely hard for me!
2. Always keep your business hat on no matter where you are, Friago is always being represented by me.

Francisca has offered a couple coupons as a thank you for reading about her new shop! This is just in time for Christmas shopping, so take advantage!
Mention the coupon code, and remember not to pay until she has sent you an adjusted invoice!