Birds and Bees

For over a decade Kerri at kerribeads on etsy has been honing her glass crafting skills, and the results I see today are breathtaking. Each of her tiny treasures is a unique work of art, desirable for any collector. I think it's incredible how much color and detail she puts into every animal and insect. Her artistic beads are sure to be the eye-catching focal point for any jewelry design. She also enjoys sharing her love of working with glass and put together a variety of very detailed tutorials designed for intermediate to advanced lampworkers, but they are sure to inspire beginners to continue in their skill building.

If you are an owl collector, definitely don't miss the owl babies found in the Focal Bead Gallery on her very informative website. Kerri also crafted a striking collection of amphora vessels featuring more of her creative designs. The dragon fly seems perfectly proportioned and aligned to guard its precious consignment. Be inspired by the creations of jewelry designers using her amazing beads in the Designer's Gallery.

If she has not taken her show on the road, or teaching, Kerri is enjoying creative time in her Canadian studio. She ships internationally and can be found on Facebook. Contact her if you are interested in a wholesale order or having her teach a class at your location. Keep an eye on this artist. She is continuing to explore the boundaries of her chosen medium, and you won't want to miss her latest creations!

Wooden Petals

Here is an eco friendly shop that truly takes recycling to heart with stunning results. Unwanted wood is given a second life at AccentsandPetals on ArtFire. They create gorgeous flowers by carefully shaving rescued wood for each wonderful petal. I have fond memories of my grand dad out in the barn with curlicues coming from his hand plane. They can make a wide variety of flowers, so if you don't see your favorite, send them a photo and they will work botanical magic.

I am amazed by the splendor of their floral creations. The zinnias sport the dried center of a real flower for special effect. They have a line of flowers made from leaves that have been fossilized; a process of preservation giving them a very long lifetime. You will also find colorful spiral flowers that would make perfect table accents. I upcycle old maps into gift tags, but this inventive shop decoupages them into one-of-a-kind jewelry.

These exotic beauties bloom in the Philippines and are shipped internationally. You can visit them on Facebook and find their other shop on zibbet. More examples of possible bouquets, pomanders, centerpieces, corsages, and boutonnieres are found on their blog. A tutorial on building your own bouquet from an assortment of their flowers looks easy to follow, and allows you to add a personal touch. They are willing and able to make your special requests, just contact them with your ideas.

How Time Flies

Hard to believe, I've been hunting Discovered Treasures for 2 years now. Each week I present an array of amazing artists, unexpected creations, and intriguing art forms. I believe these talented artists deserve a wider audience, and I'm happy to report page views now average 80 a day from a wonderful international audience. Feel free to post my beautiful Discovered Treasures blog badge, designed by Mary from WingsDove, wherever you'd like to share these truly unique finds.

Without further ado, I would like to introduce a unique, self taught treasure, Natasja, from CrocheTime on etsy. I haven't picked up my lonely hook in quite a few months, but never would have thought of a clock face. I envision Natasja's charming wall clocks perfectly placed in a nursery, crafting room, or any creative space. A true lover of color, she says you won't find black in her yarn stash.

Natasja starts the clock in England, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. Drop by her blog for more insight into her creative process, and follow this gifted lady's crocheting journey down the twisted path of discovery. If you would like to hook one yourself, she has a pattern in American English available with four different edgings. Remember, there is a difference between British and American crochet terms, and you may need to translate the instructions using the key she provides before getting started.

Are you ready for another year of treasures?

Turkey Feathers

I'm always on the prowl for a painter with a unique canvas, and KentuckyWildThings on etsy does not disappoint. Rodger specializes in hand painting turkey feathers, which can range in size from a few inches to over a foot long. I have stroked the vanes and attempted to realign the barbs on many a feather over the years, so I can appreciate the delicate nature of this painter's canvas. His striking works are mounted in wooden frames between Plexiglas for a floating effect, and will impress any exclusive art enthusiast with their one-of-a kind beauty. What do you think of the turkey on a turkey feather?

Rodger retired from a career at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, where he probably reminded visitors 'Don't Feed The Bears' on numerous occasions. An avid outdoorsman, he continues a love of the great outdoors with his incredible animal art feathers, and also paints this treasured wildlife on Christmas ornaments. The deer decorations bring to mind the prize that eluded my dad and brothers for many years.

Rodger ruffles the feathers in Kentucky, sends his art internationally, and can be found on ebay as featherman10. Be sure to contact Rodger if you are interested in a custom piece. His exceptional works of art are sure to astonish anyone on your gift list. What a unique way to immortalize a family member, friend, or beloved pet. This creative soul also plays the guitar and continues to amaze. Sportsman's Delight is a professionally produced CD with 10 songs written and sung by Rodger!

Etched Porcelain

My introduction to clay involved a kick wheel, and it took me a while to get used to the electric version. I found an etsy shop, Sofia's Dad's Pots, that takes throwing a pot up a notch. Jim has spent many years experimenting and perfecting techniques to put intricate relief work on his masterfully crafted porcelain, creating impressive works of art. After applying a shellac resist, he uses hydro abrasion to reveal the design. I thought of how the Grand Canyon continues to be eroded away, and couldn't imagine how he accomplished this without using flowing water, but that is why he is a master potter!

 Jim's functionally artistic pieces are lead free, microwaveable, and dishwasher safe, so you can enjoy them for every day use or as intriguing focal point displays. He talks about the tactile quality in the etched pieces, and I do believe my fingers would be hard pressed not to dance on their enchanting surfaces. I can only imagine how many times his artistic pieces are caressed and marveled at during craft fairs. I find the brick pattern very pleasing, and done in yellow, has me remembering the Wizard of Oz - 'Follow the yellow brick road!'

Jim plays in the clay in Kentucky, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. Visit his blog to view an informative article he wrote for Pottery Making Illustrated that will take you through the process of making an etched bowl. He is a master in his craft, and I hope he is able to inspire and share his pottery genius with Sofia!

Music Appreciation

Rescuing instruments that have come to the end of a musical career and turning them into colorful works of art is the passion of this mother and daughter team at BeesCuriosityShoppe on etsy. Inspired by the curiosity and wonder of Ashley's wee one they created an awesome recycling program. Retired canvases from the string, woodwind, and brass sections sport paint that seems to dance in bright and cheerful patterns as testament to their former life. Whether privately or publicly displayed, these inventive creations are sure to catch a passerby's eye.

Their talents are not limited to upcycling tuneless discards, and traditional canvas artworks are found in their shop. Boats on a Canal is a wondrous work done in a mosaic painting style. Be sure to see the custom mural listing. If you are in their area and are looking for very unique private or commercial wall art - Wow!

A percentage of the proceeds from their shop goes to Artists for Angels, a charity Deb started locally, providing portraits to parents of children who pass away at birth. They hope their charity will one day be established by artists nationwide.

This magical mystery tour artistically plays from Virginia, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. Stop by their website to catch Deb's teaching schedule in Pennsylvania as well as their road show schedule, where you can view these marvelous works in person. Custom orders are always encouraged for instruments or "Off the Easel" art. I am pleased to have discovered another painter with an unusual canvas.

Wood In Motion

Working from a wood stash of domestic and exotic hardwoods, this master craftsman creates amazing and unique jewelry boxes at ArtistryInWoodworking on zibbet. John's elegantly lined treasure boxes are worthy of harboring the most precious baubles. His wooden wonders of zebrawood, yellowheart, and tigerwood can be displayed as eye-catching works of art in an office or home, the focal point for a shelf or table display. One of these desk organizers will concealed the paperclips and rubber bands with executive style!

If you are looking for a traditional rectangular jewelry box, John has a selection of those as well. This magician crafts each piece with great care, showing off the wood's natural beauty. The distinctive color and grain assure each creation is one-of-a-kind. The organic fluid motion in his pieces is intriguing. Be sure to see his jewelry box tree sculptures. They have me imagining scenery from Dr. Seuss!

 The happy hum in John's woodshop comes from Minnesota, he ships to the United States, and can be found on Facebook. He also maintains shops on ArtFire and etsy, where more of his incredible talent can be found. If you see a style you adore, but fancy another type of wood, no problem! Contact John and this woodworking wizard will be happy to undertake your custom order. These wooden heirlooms are sure to be passed down to the next generation.

Sandsational

Artistically encouraged as a child, this geologist-trained teacher has taken her love of nature down an unexpected avenue, and we discover Heidi's charming sand painting at NaturalEarthCraft on etsy. Sand from around the globe, in all its natural glory, is the only paint this artist uses to capture a zoo of animals and appealing landscapes, including waterfalls. She mixes sand just as a painter mixes paint to obtain the right hues. Her sandy art is finished with an acrylic fixative so there is no shedding.

Some of Heide's incredible works of art come with a stand for display. Some pieces are also captured on canvas bags and blank note cards.

Designing with sand is not enough for this creative rockhound, and she enjoys jewelry making with natural stones. She has a line of beautiful eyeglass chains, earrings, and necklaces. I marvel at the multicolored Indian agate pendant; such a beautiful stone!

Heide's groundbreaking art is unearthed in Ohio, she sends internationally, and can be found on Facebook. What a wonderful avatar! Find more of her marvelous talent on her website, including a video showing her creative process. Give her a shout if you are interested in donating sand from your part of the world to her earth toned pallet. If you are interested in immortalizing a loved one in the sands of the world, she is eager to design a piece just for you!

Kimekomi Eggs

Here is a beautiful Japanese folk art, which dates back several hundred years, and is wonderfully continued at Ornament Designs on etsy. Alyx works with smooth foam egg shapes to create designer Easter egg decorations that will last a lifetime. Her gorgeous patchwork eggs are available in a host of colors, patterns, and trims; some with sparkling sequence. If you are interested in a particular pattern and color, she will be happy to create the perfect egg for you!

Kimekomi seems like temari's little sister. The kimekomi technique on tucking fabric in a groove was first developed to dress wooden dolls with fabric scraps.

Like temari balls, kimekomi balls make uniquely designed Christmas ornaments, and Alyx has a selection of these in her shop. If you would like to make your own, she has kits available, which can be customized for color preference.

Alyx is in the groove in Japan, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. A wealth of information on the kimekomi style of crafting can be found on her website, where instructive videos are also available. I'm going to add this to my 'try it someday' list. I warn you; she makes it look very easy!

The Designer's Ark

These delightful creatures aren't available two by two, but limited runs ensure a unique selection on plush creations at stuffedsilly on ArtFire. Monkeys, dragons, and silly monsters are among the wonderful selection of original designs perfect for a birthday surprise. Lisa even has bunnies, ducks and chicks ready to go on an Easter basket ride. Each comes with a numbered tag including their official birthday!

With an education in fashion design, Lisa went to work in the fashion industry only to discover that her true passion was as a toy maker. She develops her patterns, which have continued to evolve over the years, with great attention to detail. Do you have an idea for a little pal, or maybe prefer a different color? Contact Lisa and she will be happy to work with you to make your custom one-of-a-kind toy.

Lisa will craft your new best friend in Canada, ship internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She has a website as well as an etsy shop where more of her endearing creations can be found. Lisa hopes to make you smile with her fanciful works. I believe we have discovered another one of Santa's satellite workshops.