Hooked Fish

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.

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.

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.

Origami Dolls

My daughter has made little Japanese dolls for me to slip into cards and letters, so I was delighted to find Christina's shop, Umeorigami on zibbet, where the traditional handcraft of folding origami dolls is flourishing. She has included some modern touches, and a magnet can be added to any doll. Using the finest papers directly from Japan, her little works of art come alive. What a lovely surprise finding one of treasures tucked in a card would be.

Taking paper folding beyond dolls, Christina enjoys exploring the possibilities of origami. She has designed a line of distinctive earrings and necklace pendants. When I first saw a pendant with beading, I thought it was a special Christmas ornament. Take a look at her very unique and interesting boxed accordion cards.

Christina folds the fancy paper in California, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. A website will show off more of this artist's work, which includes photography. Be sure to see the creative Star Wars doll set.

She has a shop on etsy, and although it is not currently stocked, you can see past work being enjoyed by her patrons. This busy lady has a second shop, origraphix, on zibbet where you will find graphic designs. If you have a custom order, be sure to contact her.

Box it Up

I have a wooden treasure box I picked up in Calgary many, many years ago, and it still smells of cedar. Beautiful keepsake boxes to last several lifetimes are found at BoxTower on ArtFire. Alexandra has a love of huskies and an eye for the intrigue of Celtic knots, incorporating them in many of her works of art. She uses wood burning (pyrography) skills to create amazing designs then expertly colors them in with oil pencils and wood stains. Her unique boxes are then sealed for an enduring finish, protecting the color and design.

Alexandra's delightful boxes come in a range of shapes and sizes; hearts, flowers, triangles, and stars among the traditional squares and rectangles. More shapes will be coming soon. She recently introduced a line of bookmarks, which are the perfectly affordable way to own a little piece of her incredible talent. The Siberian Husky is charmingly simple in its design and sure to delight any lover of the breed.

Alexandra heats it up in Illinois, sends internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you have a shape, color, and design in mind, be sure to contact her. An elegant wedding day, anniversary, or precious memories box for a newborn will be treasured a lifetime. Surprise dad this Father's Day with an exceptional box for his deck of cards or checkers!

Following Fractals

Fractal art relies completely on the designer’s eye and skill of the artist directing the computational power of a computer through mathematics. Donna of DreamTreeStudio on ArtFire (which has closed) creates stunning modern digital art prints with layers of vibrant color and captivating design. Her visually pleasing prints are available in sizes from 8 x 10 to the pocket art collector ACEO size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches. I am fascinating by the design that reminds me so much of perfectly spread creamy lemon frosting.

Donna’s unique masterpieces can take up to several days to complete. Her incredible art prints are professionally printed in a photo lab and come ready to be framed. The patterns and colors will keep you mesmerized.
She computes her equations in South Carolina, ships internationally, and can also be found on Facebook and etsy. Please contact her with any questions or special requests. These delightful prints would make such lovely note cards.