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Bringing exposure to wonderful artisans whose shops have gone unnoticed or under appreciated.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Clean Sweep

This shop on zibbet, Skagit BroomWorks, is doing their best to help you clean up. Kevin and Sarah Miller have a passion for traditional broom making. Their brooms are made from 100% North American broomcorn, which provides many years of use. Each of their brooms is constructed by hand using the same methods used by the Shakers in the 1800's . Special orders are not a problem, and if you have a favorite handle, they will dress it with the perfect broom.

I have been around plenty of corn fields, and couldn't figure out where the broomcorn came from. It turns out it has nothing to do with corn at all, but is a common name used for sorghum, which includes various species of grasses, and is apparently very good for making scrubbing and sweeping devices. Did you know that hanging a broom to dry after sweeping a damp surface will prolong its life?

 The Miller's have a well swept store in Washington State, which I understand smells wonderful and is a great place to pick out your own broom. They ship to the United States, are found on Facebook, with a larger shop on etsy. Find a lovely picture of this remarkable team on their website, where you can order from them directly. They even take phone orders. Pure beeswax candles is another undertaking for their shop, and you will find a great selection of sizes.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Pony Up

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryRidge
When I first saw one of these colorful pieces, I wasn't sure what it was. I though a work in cross stitch or plastic canvas, but now I know another spectacular use for pony beads. These pretty beaded banners are found at SherryRidge, a relatively new shop on etsy. Bead by bead these artistic wall hangings are created. The cat in the window looks like my Panther. These beaded works of art can grace a wall inside or decorate an outside space. The look of depth translucent beads give the fish in Under the Sea is amazing, and would make the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a fish tank or trip to the aquarium.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryRidge
Claudine and Jim have a range of beautiful works in their shop perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays year round. There are also a few counted cross stitch seed packet completed pieces available. I know the hours that went into creating these lovely stitched works or art, and they would be so pretty framed for wall display.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryRidge
These two have their needles flying and beads bouncing in Texas and ship to the United States. I can just imagine how much fun my boys would have chasing beads around the floor. They already pitch in to help me sort buttons from time to time. I'm sure we can expect more creative works from this artistic duo, so check back to see their new shop offerings.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Petting Zoo

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MelodysMiniArt
Make you smile cuteness on every page; that's what you will find at MelodysMiniArt on ArtFire. The captivating eyes of mice, bunnies, kittens, and puppies among other endearing animals will ensnare you as you travel through this delightful petting zoo. Prints of her original art works are available as bookmarks, blank note cards, and ACEOs (Art Cards Editions and Originals) at very affordable prices. The serious art collector can choose from her originals to grace their wall.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MelodysMiniArt
Melody's artistic abilities are matched with her deep passion for the protection of animals, and a portion of every sale is donated to an animal charity. I laugh at the fantasy cat with wings. My boys are mischievous now. I would never be able to put anything out of reach if they had wings. Some of her works are available as wearable pendant art. I do like the tuxedo cat necklace. It reminds me of my beloved cat Chris, who we lost last year.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/MelodysMiniArt
Melody draws her furry friends in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. A greater selection of her work is found on etsy. Explore her website ,where you can find hanging ornaments and order signed copies of the children's books she illustrated. My girls are quite artistic with a pencil, and I am in awe at even the mindless doodlings, which could be framed, of such talented individuals. My drawing skills are limited to a game of hangman.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Hooked Fish

http://www.zibbet.com/Dawily
After finding these amazing fish earrings on Dawily, a handmade zibbet shop, I looked into the process of creating these colorful copper art pieces. I was watching a YouTube video when my son walked in and said, “Don't you think that's a little extreme?” I assured him not to worry, and it was only research for my blog. I believe it was the torch that had him a little worried. All of the wonderful colors you see in Dave's shop are created by heating the copper just right. There are no paints or dyes used to color these pieces.

http://www.zibbet.com/Dawily
From what I have seen, heating copper is a lot like cooking steak. It keeps cooking after you take it off the heat, so planning the right color takes spot on timing. Being able to create similar designs with the torch requires a master's touch. Years of experience, and a love for his art, are evident in Dave's beautiful copper creations. I was drawn in by the fish, but there are so many earrings, pendants, and bracelets among other interesting copper items to see here. All the edges have been buffed smooth, and clear lacquer gives a protective glossy finish.

http://www.zibbet.com/Dawily
Dave heats his copper in Canada and ships internationally. His studio must be a warm sanctuary in the nippy North. He has a shop on etsy with a larger selection of his impressive art. Be sure to read his etsy shop announcement for more information on his creative process as well as his frequent buyer program.