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.

Birds and Bees

For over a decade Kerri at kerribeads on etsy has been honing her glass crafting skills, and the results I see today are breathtaking. Each of her tiny treasures is a unique work of art, desirable for any collector. I think it's incredible how much color and detail she puts into every animal and insect. Her artistic beads are sure to be the eye-catching focal point for any jewelry design. She also enjoys sharing her love of working with glass and put together a variety of very detailed tutorials designed for intermediate to advanced lampworkers, but they are sure to inspire beginners to continue in their skill building.

If you are an owl collector, definitely don't miss the owl babies found in the Focal Bead Gallery on her very informative website. Kerri also crafted a striking collection of amphora vessels featuring more of her creative designs. The dragon fly seems perfectly proportioned and aligned to guard its precious consignment. Be inspired by the creations of jewelry designers using her amazing beads in the Designer's Gallery.

If she has not taken her show on the road, or teaching, Kerri is enjoying creative time in her Canadian studio. She ships internationally and can be found on Facebook. Contact her if you are interested in a wholesale order or having her teach a class at your location. Keep an eye on this artist. She is continuing to explore the boundaries of her chosen medium, and you won't want to miss her latest creations!

A Paper House

They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky... Are you singing along yet? To my delight, I ran across the Addams' Family home at themoonlightmuse on zibbet. This amazing artist uses mad paper crafting skills to create very impressive 3D shadow box homes. She has also captured the Bates' house from the movie Psycho. Marcey's incredible works of art would be very much at home hanging in a real estate or architect's office, and sure to be real conversation pieces wherever they are proudly displayed.


Marcey has also turned her artistic talents to polymer clay creating a selection of magnets, pendants, and wee sculptures. How cute is that little zombie bunny magnet! and the RIP tombstone and crow looks like it belongs in the Addams' yard. Be sure to see Ruby the red dragon with her hoard of treasure!

Marcey trims her shingles in Michigan, ships internationally, can be found on Facebook, and has an etsy shop. She does a fantastic job with the doom and gloom!

Stained Glass Menagerie

Discover a wonderful world of colors and imagination in this stained glass shop, TYorkStainedGlass, on ArtFire. This artist has a passion for stained glass, and her fanciful creations will astound you. Frogs, owls, penguins, fish, roosters, and dolphins along with a host of other fantastic creatures are sure to please. There are so many whimsical sun catchers to choose from. A charming cat face can be made in the colors of your furry friend.

There are beveled art works that will paint any room with a dazzling light show. If you are looking for a business card holder, there are beautiful styles and colors to choose from.

Visit the photos on their Facebook fan page to see the vast spectrum of this shop’s artistic expression. Larger glass art works are available. The 3D dragonflies are amazing. As you explore this artist, you will continue to be astounded at her artistic vision - birds and butterflies in every imaginable color combination!

The glass magic happens in Rhode Island. They ship internationally and can also be found on etsy. Special orders are encouraged and custom colors are welcome. The colors of stained glass never fade and these treasures will be enjoyed for many, many years to come!

Star Wars Amigurumi Crochet

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small-scale cuteness by knit or crochet. Fantasy crochet patterns abound at LucyRavenscar on Etsy. Whether you are looking for your favorite Star Wars character, rabbits, wizards, or other fantasy folk, Lucy has the roadmap to creating your own amigurumi. The little gnomes, or any of these wee wonders, would make such a fun hide and seek game. The seeker leaves the room while the gnome is hidden, but part of it must be visible from the center of the room. I played this fun I Spy game as a child with little pocket rabbits my mother knit.

Her patterns range from beginner to intermediate crochet level, and I can only imagine the hours of trial and error that have gone into creating them. I was once asked how I create crochet patterns: simply write each row down as you work, and when you make a change, tear it out, cross it out, and continue on. Did you know that crochet nomenclature differs between the US and UK? Lucy provides both terms in her directions.

Lucy has painstakingly crafted her patterns in the United Kingdom, can be found on Facebook, and by e-mail her patterns are available via PDF worldwide. Visit her blog where you will find darling little eggs to delight any egg hunt, as well as free patterns and links to free patterns that you can try your hand at. Keep in mind that her pattern designs are available for personal use only. She has spent great time and care in preparing them. I wonder what she will come up with next!

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!

   

Colorful & Delicate Glass Magic

Get ready to see the wonders of a master glassblower. Here is an amazing zibbet shop, Glasmagie, which means glass magic in German. I came across the glass cat as my introduction to this fantastic shop full of colorful and amazing glass works and soon discovered an abundance of exceptional glass creations.

The pink elephants remind me of Horton in the Dr. Seuss classic, Horton hears a Who, but in this shop you will find elephants in a range of charming colors. Keep your eye out for playful dragons, dragon snakes, delicate butterflies, and little hummingbirds, each one truly a unique creation.

Karo crafts her glass artistry in Germany, ships internationally, and can be found on her blog, where you will see her at work in demonstration videos - a definite must see! Never missing a beat with the flame and colorful glass sticks, it sure looks like a lot of fun.