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!

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.

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!

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.

Parasols on Parade

To shield the powerful rays of the sun, parasols have been used for thousands of years. Here is an ArtFire shop, dbvictoria, that will have you taking a summer stroll in elegant style. Whether you are looking for Gothic Lolita, Steampunk, or simple Victorian, ruffles and lace gracefully dress up these sun blockers creating exquisite fashion accessories.

My daughter enjoys costuming in steampunk style and Victoria's parasols have wide appeal in this realm, as well as reminding me of the elegance of Mary Poppins or My Fair Lady. These parasols would also make exceptional photo props in any trendy studio.

Victoria also has a line of clever dust ruffle petticoats to add the perfect layer to your costuming. This artist then uses her talents in the jewelry arena, creating a line of beautifully beaded chokers among other charming pieces.

What is Victoria's secret? She is inspired by romance and beauty, and has a magpie's eye for shiny things.

Victoria designs in Washington State and ships internationally. More of her work can be seen on her website, and she is also found on Facebook.

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!