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!

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!