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 a shop on 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.