Jewelry Circuit

The kraken has been released at this recycling monster of a shop, theBlueKraken, on Artfire. The leaf brooch caught my eye, as the color reminded me of the elven cloak pins from Lord of the Rings, and I had to investigate what green stone the leaf was made of. To my surprise it was a computer circuit board! Amanda takes the unwanted bits of technology that we casually toss out without a though and turn them into amazing wearable art. This innovative artist is certainly running far out front on the recycled jewelry circuit.

Amanda has a line of guitar picks sure to delight any musician or guitar pick collector. If you know someone in the tech world, a circuit board tie clip or pendant is sure to bring a smile. Be sure to see the butterfly pendants. I marvel at the colors and her mastery of silversmithing. She works with hard drives too, nothing goes to waste with her creative mind.

This recycling wizard is master of her craft in North Carolina and ships internationally. You can also find her on Facebook, and will want to bookmark her shop for more great artistic art works from this upcycling genius. If you have a piece in mind, possibly sets for a bridal party with a high tech theme, be sure to contact her for custom work.

Mesoamerican Art

My exploration of zibbet revealed one of those 'you'll never find it anywhere else shops', michaelgoard. Michael gets his creative inspiration from the Mesoamerican cultures of the ancient Aztec and Mayan. He uses enriched concrete and replicates Aztec and Mayan glyphs on tiles, dishes, garden decoration, and wall art. His wondrous works remind me of spectacular History Channel shows and archaeological specials on foreign lands, and they take my husband back to his childhood by Tazumal.

Michael is also an accomplished silversmith and lapidarist. Many of his jewelry pieces honor the rich cultures of the past. Be sure to see the Mayan glyph 'mountain' jade pendant, and the Aztec 'movement' Glyph necklace. He has also taken his hand to painting, drawing on Mesoamerica for inspiration in a series of colorful interpretations.

Michael revives the past in my part of the woods in California, and can ship internationally if you contact him. This gentleman loves the art world, and much more about his restoration work, mural painting, and art services is found on his website. He also has a shop on etsy. If you are interested in a custom or large order, be sure to contact him. My mom is going to adore the coaster for Mother's day! She doesn't use a computer, so I can tell you.

Rags to Rugs

There are many styles of rag rugs, and I found an artist creating the crocheted version at PineywoodsFolkArts on etsy. The traditional art of rug making with rags is a refreshing return of the waste-not-want-not concept that has nearly lost its voice in our disposable world. When the idea of throwing anything away was a last resort, worn clothing, linens, and fabric scraps were put to good use in rug making. Although we no longer need these rugs to cover dirt floors or keep out drafts as so many generations before us did, we can appreciate the rebirth of a T-shirt, which has seen its last useful day, into the mosaic of a useful rug that will be around for many years to come.

This mother and daughter team produces a shop of rag rugs and jewelry, and each incorporates rescued materials in their artistic pieces. Daughter Bean handles the crochet hook with ease in her transformation of seemingly useless rag to beautiful and durable rag rugs. Andi is the self professed jewelry geek with a recycler's heart. Be sure to see her fishing lure earrings; perfect for anyone who patiently waits hours for that exciting nibble at the end of a line.

This terrific team calls Texas home, ships to the United States, and is found on Facebook. They have a presence on ArtFire. Most of their creations are one-of-a-kind, but if you are interested in a special jewelry or rug design, they are waiting to hear from you. Fabrics from a loved one can be made into a mantel or table decoration, as well as a rug. It's nice to see a shop where Recycling Works!

Chinese Knotting

The butterfly first caught my eye at SarahCollection on ArtFire, as I wondered what it was made of. This artist has taken the traditional art of Chinese knotting into the 21st century with her innovative animal key chain designs. The turtles are adorable. There are frogs, spiders, ladybugs, and an unusual shrimp key chain. She has tutorial kits available too.

Sarah has knotted beautiful jewelry pieces in the Chinese tradition, and she uses Chinese knotting techniques to make lovely Celtic knot earrings. Keep an eye on this shop as she is always trying fresh designs and pushing her knotting skills to create new wonders. Be sure to see the pig! Her peaches remind me more of hearts or strawberries.

Sarah knots her colorful cords in Hong Kong, ships internationally, and has an etsy shop. More of her unique creations are on her website, where you will find a tutorial for the dragonfly and rose in the DIY Zone. Try your hand at some of the knots in the Knots Tutorials. She has so many lovely pieces, but if you are interested in a different color or combination, be sure to contact her.

More MicroMacramé

I discovered BarbsMacrameandMore on ArtFire with her gorgeous beaded micro-macramé earrings. I never got beyond plant hangers with my macramé, and continue to be amazed by the delicate beauty of this micro cord twisting art form. There are necklaces and other macramé works available in her shop. Barb does make decorative plant hangers, which is the only way to keep my cats from gnawing on house plants.

Her creative energies follow her to the beach where she enjoys spending time collecting sea shells. Barb turns these into clever ring dishes and interesting shell candles. I love the smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing, and Barb's shell art is a trigger for that happy place.

Barb has been learning the art of yarn twisting from her mother, Martha, who loves to crochet. You will find colorful baby blankets and lap blankets in her shop, which can be fun statement pieces for the wheelchair bound. Her mom has crocheted angels as well as other items in the shop. Be sure to see the lovely bunny, perfect for Easter, among Martha's handmade items.

Mother and daughter twist their treasures in Louisianan. Contact Barb for international orders. You can find her on Facebook and she maintains a presence on etsy and zibbet. Macramé or crochet, if you see something you like, but prefer a different color, be sure to contact her for a custom order.

String Art Earrings

You may remember this artist from etsy, but GilliansLocker has now found a home at the handmade marketplace zibbet. I was struck with the delicate beauty of her Peruvian string art earrings. I remember thread art projects on black velvet many years ago, but haven't taken notice of this art form in earrings until now. With the precision of Charlotte, this lady weaves colorful webs to grace your lobes.

As with many creative folk, Kathie's inventive spirit has her creating with different materials including paper, paint, beads, yarn, and currently she has been exploring the wonderful world of polymer clay. You will find sculptures, tube beads, and an interesting eyeball bracelet among other treasures in her shop.

Kathie strings her beauties in Colorado and ships world wide. You can find her on Facebook. She welcomes custom orders, so if you envision different colors, be sure to contact her.

Birch Bark Beauties

It has been a long time since I saw bark curling from a birch tree. I was delighted to see birch bark creations at WowWeeCreations. Ken and Donna Wooten share their love of art and creating beautiful, useful treasures in this interesting etsy shop. Here you will find wooden ornaments, bowls, and boxes, along with unique jewelry and crocheted items.

Ken is skilled at bending willow and birch bark to his artistic vision. Working with a scroll saw, he cuts out a variety of pleasing designs as ornaments and focal points for his baskets. Wood burning, or pyrography, enhances the beauty of these pieces. His wood working talents produce one of a kind art pieces that can take days to finish, and are sure to be cherished additions to any room decor.

This crafty team comes to you from Idaho, and ships internationally. Donna takes care of the business side of etsy and is inspired by her love of crochet to hook a wide range of fun and useful items. Her big blue fish reminds me of Jonah and the whale, and would make a great gift with the book for a very engaging story time.

Dot Matrix Art

Who remembers the zipping sound of a dot matrix printer as it advanced line by line? I am amazed at the incredible art created one tiny dot at a time I discovered at PearlesPainting on etsy. There are no zipping sounds in this self-taught painter's studio as she precisely places each dot. Swirls, waves, and arches appear as I gaze at the dots Pearle has patiently painted on Christmas balls. Each of her ornaments is a unique work of art, waiting to grace your tree for many years. What an unexpected treat one of her Christmas decorations would make. You will be remembered each year it hangs on their tree!

Pearle loves to create beautiful works of art and embellishes pepper mills, vases, chairs, salt and pepper shakers, creating designer, one-of-a-kind works of art. Some of her designs are available on small canvases or bits of wood for year round display. Next to the dots, I find her leaf designs to be captivating. She also has a line of hand painted designer jewelry; a delightful array of necklaces, pendants, and earrings. Be sure to see the delicate butterfly earrings, which were inspired by her daughter. Pearle has walnut and egg ornaments too, so take a peek down the aisles and be amazed at the wonders she has been working on.

Pearle paints with pinpoint accuracy in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. Find more by this prolific painter on her blog. She is a true kindred spirit and passionately believes in recycling/upcycling, breathing new life into rescued materials. If anything sits still for too long, this inspired artist is likely to give it a pointed makeover!

Insect Art

For several years, one of my sons was interested in bug collecting. We had a net, killing jar, and pin boxes, so I found BugUnderGlass on etsy fascinating and couldn't pass up showing it to you. Kevin is an artist biologist with a passion for education, conservation, and sustainability. He has a burgeoning business creating museum quality art pieces by mounting farm-raised insects. What a thoughtful gift one of these taxidermied specimens would make for a budding entomologist or teacher.


Kevin composes insect dioramas sure to bring a smile, and he has blank note cards depicting several of these scenes, making his art very accessible. The motorcycle riding Weevil Knievel is my favorite. He has also developed a unique line of butterfly wing jewelry. You will marvel at striking butterflies professionally mounted for display, and I find those hovering over a map background very appealing.

Kevin is in my neck of the woods in California, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. He is also an official San Francisco Green Business, and has a well designed website. There are many interesting things to see in his well stocked shop, with more being added. Did you know moths could be so colorful? Be sure to stop by and enjoy the walking stick, scorpion, and cicada among other beauties!

Beaded Rope

I almost called this post 'The Beaded Snake' as that is what came to mind when I first saw one of Nona's necklaces at Lanmom on etsy. Wondering how they are made, I was surprised to find that individual strands of beads are crocheted together forming these wonderful patterns. This artist's true passion for crochet is quite evident in the variety of her shop's hooked offerings.

Nona takes some pretty snaps, and I did a double-take on her photo of a well watered red raspberry to make sure it wasn't a beaded double. She also has a line of retro bracelets, and it's nice to see another innovative soul using pop caps. Her hand is in macramé and card making too. Nona must have a 'Got to try this list' as long as mine.

This busy lady calls Utah home, sends internationally, and is found on Facebook. Be sure to take a stroll through her inspired shop and see where the creative spirit has lead her. So, as Monty Python and Nona put it...And now for something completely different...Amazing wearable art created one bead at a time!

Classy Clutches

You will feel like a princess with an elegant clutch designed by Briana from FoxburyAndCo on etsy. Working from an impressive super stash of gorgeous fabrics this lady will make your handbag an eye-catching outfit accessory. Her bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, with all aspects open to customization. Pick your silk dupioni lining from the color choices found on Flickr.

Briana loves to sew in Virginia, ships internationally, is found on Facebook, and recently started a shop on zibbet. She also has a line of beautiful baubles, necklaces and earrings ready to complete your royal touch. Here is the perfect shop to find bridesmaid accessories and gifts.

Marble Mailling

There are many shops offering chainmaille jewelry, but this outstanding ArtFire shop, Sneath, has taken mailling to a surprising level. Beyond an impressive array of bracelets, some which glow in the dark, you will discover unusual earrings featuring caged marbles. I find the Tao Dragon Tail* weave to be very pleasing. Glen also has an eye-catching line of mailled marble key chains, which can be converted to pendants. Some of his marbles contain trace amounts of uranium and emit a harmless eerie glow under backlights.

Glen was inspired after a Lord of the Rings marathon to have a hand at creating his own chainmail. His interest turned into a hobby, and has since grown into a small business. Popular at craft shows, he now offers his artistic pieces online. Find this young artist modeling his amazing chainmaille neckties on his blog. What a show-stopping gift for dad!

Glen mailles the magic in California, ships internationally, can be found on Facebook, and has an etsy shop. If you have any questions or would like a custom piece, he would be glad to hear from you.

*Tao Dragon Tail is a Tao of the Dragon variation weave by Corvus Chainmaille.

Flower Fancy

This flower filled shop on Zibbet, lagodesigns, may have the bees fooled with a garden of impressive floral beads fashioned from polymer clay. Diana creates her exquisite tiny beads in an array of colors and flower designs, which come together with dazzling beads to make striking statement pieces of wearable art. Her bold feminine designs are true one-of-a-kind treasures and sure to be the focal point of any outfit.

With hair pins to shoe clips, Diana’s designs will have you shining from head to toe. I like the cheerful gerbera daisies, but you will find orchids, roses, crocus, delicate apple and cherry blossoms, as well as tulips among the garden dwellers. If you are thinking of making your own floral beads, Diana has several tutorials to take you through the process of creating the flowers, then putting them together in your unique statement necklace.

Diana’s flower garden grows in Portugal. She ships internationally, and can be found on etsy. Visit her website for detailed pictures of her wonderful creations – such nice photos! These works of art will be enjoyed for many years.

Tatted Treasure

Inspired by the childhood memory of a lace edging her mother made, this artist has been captivated by the traditional art of tatting. Krystledawne, on ArtFire (which has closed), is the place to discover fine tatted lace jewelry. Krystle’s earrings, necklaces, rings, and hair ornaments are uniquely designed and many incorporate accent beads. The gorgeous bridal choker and earring set is available in several colors by special order. Don’t miss the little pumpkin earrings, definitely a hit for the fall season.

Krystle hand dyes cotton thread in an array of exclusive colors and shades to further ensure the uniqueness of her little works of art. She offers dyed thread in several sizes for your needlework creations.

When you are ready to stand out, tatted earrings are lightweight, full of personality, and offer a distinctive flair. In addition to her tatted pieces, she incorporates tatted elements as the focal point in some of her necklace designs.

Krystle tats her heirloom treasures in Washington State, ships internationally, and can be found on Etsy and Facebook. She is happy to work with you on special orders. Visit her blog for sneak peeks and more examples of her intricate designs. Tatting is still on my list of things to try!

Arachnomania

Spiders, spiders everywhere! Don't be frightened by these lovely beaded treasures from JewelReMotion, an Etsy shop. I featured Christmas spiders once before and was very pleased to find another shop offering them. Whether you are looking for a spider for your tree, a unique cell phone charm, or an eye-catching spidey brooch, you will find many colorful candidates in Susan's charming shop.

In addition to her wonderful selection of amiable arachnids, Susan hand fashions a very unique line of true one-of-a-kind steampunk heart necklaces using polymer clay. If you knit, you will enjoy her stitch markers that fit a needle up to size 9. The markers that remind me of Jack Skellington are very cute.

Susan captures our attention from New Mexico, will ship internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She keeps busy with a second shop on Etsy, KnitsNthings, where you will find the most adorable snail and monkey tape measures. She has very nice spider photography too!

The Eyes Have It

This interesting and impressive ArtFire shop, DesertRubble, has a very unusual, eye-catching jewelry collection. Lynn has tried her hand at a variety of creative outlets over the years, developing a wide range of skills that she has put to very good use. She now turns her artistic passions toward exploring the wonders of polymer clay, which she has done with the skill of a master.

Be sure to stop by Lynn's blog to read a very candid discussion regarding her style, and where she feels she fits in the artistic community. Whether she calls her work Industrial Surrealism or some of her work falls into one of the Punk varieties, Goth, Steam, Industrial, or Cyber, it doesn't matter to me; I just know I like what I see.

Lynn creates her awesome steampunk visions in Arizona, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you are interested in a custom piece, please contact her, but be aware that all of her art works are unique and although she may create one similar, an exact replica is not possible, always assuring you of a one-of-a-kind treasure!

   

Checkmate!

I host weekly drop-in chess at our library and teach anyone wanting to learn. It is the game you will play your entire life! I was therefore very struck when I ran across this incredibly unique chess set, and applaud the ingenuity and creativity of AutumnSteam (closed), a fascinating Artfire studio specializing in steampunk jewelry. The wing nuts on the bishops bring a smile.

From Washington to Texas, this artistic family travels from show to show living the gypsy life and sharing their inspired creations along the way. Autumn still manages to maintain her online presence despite their traveling schedule, and can also be found on Etsy. Most of her artistic pieces are one-of-a-kind and cannot be reproduced. I think the copper flower pendant is particularly stunning.

They are roaming somewhere in the Western United States, ship internationally, and have a host of information on Autumn’s blog. As you know, I have a blue bias, but The Blue Evidence Book does look like it would make a wonderful steampunk scrapbook or journal. Congratulations on an interesting shop Autumn and Andrew, and keep creating!

Exploring Micro-Macramé

Now I know about macramé, and even took second place in the County fair one year for a large plant hanger, but I had never heard of micro-macramé until running across this charming ArtFire shop, Annika. After looking at a piece’s construction, I am reminded of friendship bracelets, but this jewelry designer has taken a unique twist on things and produced a line of incredibly attractive and artistic wearable art, incorporating beads and stones in her knotting. I am very impressed with her use of color and texture.

Annika is the author of Micro-Macrame: 30 Beaded Designs for Jewelry Using Crystals and Cords, which also has a British edition. She offers an autographed copy of her book along with a special treat. What a delightful Christmas present this would make for a crafty person on your list. If you are familiar with macramé knots, you may enjoy the challenge of The Aspen Choker, a fully illustrated how to PDF found on her website.

Annika knots up a storm in Washington, ships internationally, and has a website where you will find more of her amazing work. If you are interested in a custom-designed piece for a special occasion, please contact her and she will be happy to make your dream piece a reality.

Cold Porcelain Flowers

A professional crafter for nearly 30 years, Norma of RosePetals, on ArtFire, painstakingly shapes each of her spectacular floral sculptures petal by petal. Necklaces, earrings, hair ornaments, and brooches are all artfully fashioned in a magnificent array of colors, each one a unique handcrafted treasure. Be sure to see the decorated pedestal candles and wedding cake toppers, which would also make an eye-catching table display.

She started her career with salt dough, moving to bread dough shortly thereafter. Perfecting her bread dough roses for over 20 years, she recently began creating with cold porcelain and the results are stunning! She now calls on her wealth of experience to create heirloom pieces in cold porcelain. Norma continues to produce her signature bread dough roses, and the special recipe she uses insures that her roses are hard, very durable, and bug resistant.

Norma's garden grows in New York, she ships internationally, and can also be found on Etsy as DoughRoses. She even accepts wholesale orders for her beautiful jewelry. This is an artist to keep an eye on as she launches into a new medium with overwhelming success!

Cold porcelain is a combination of white glue, cornstarch, water, glycerin, and cold cream, which is mixed together and heated on a stove or in a microwave. If you would like to give it a try, directions can be found online (search for cold porcelain recipe). The dough is messy, but easy to make. The ability to shape it with consistency, however, takes the skill of a master crafter.

Wrap It Up

Jewelry has to be one of the hardest markets to sell in, and the creative innovation that sets these artisans apart is even more important to their success. Flightfancy is a zibbet shop that is unquestionably forging their path in the jewelry world. I find the unmistakable Victorian influences very appealing, but there is also a playful side with contemporary designs that are sure to be fashionable for many years to come.

Coming from a crafting family, Theresa had the benefit of growing up surrounded by creative influences. Envisioning her own unique designs and then wrapping wire to explore her visions has led to necklaces guaranteed to be admired. Colors and designs fill this incredible shop; each piece is a true one-of-a-kind art treasure. Visit her ‘Wrapped in Black’ collection for some wonderful color contrasts.

Theresa crafts her gorgeous adornments in Washington, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She is also willing to create a custom piece just for you.