Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Face of Contentment on ArtFire.

From Face of Contentment's Bio:

"I fell in love with precious metal clay the first time I heard about it.
It feels like the alchemy I used to read about in school, and later in fantasy novels.
You take a bit of clay, sculpt it, fire it in a kiln, polish it a bit, and you have created a piece of 99.9% pure silver.
It can be fashioned into jewelry, used as art, or as an accent piece. I have spent twenty years as a special educator, a school principal, and Hebrew school teacher finding fulfillment in opening new worlds for children and teens. Having found my inner artist (I am certified as an instructor for PMC and Art Clay)
I aspire to bring the creative and magical world of precious metal clay to others.
My pieces are reflective of my eclectic background. Having held jobs that range from waiting tables, working with horses, to teaching in public and Hebrew schools, my art demonstrates my love of the simplicity of children. I have recently found a love for working with hot and warm glass. You will see in the pieces that I show, many lampworked beads, fused glass cabouchons, and wire work. I have also incorporated ecologically sound practice into my art. Several of the beads that "fail" find new life as fused pieces in barrettes, pins, and necklaces."

Wow! I only wish I had a teacher like that to inspire me. All of her work is beautiful but I especially fell in love with this one. I have a special place in my heart for wolves, probably because I belong to a costuming group called the Bad Wolves. Click on the picture to see all of her beautiful creations.


Howling at the moon pin

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Violet Pie on etsy.

From violetpi's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to Violet Pie!
I create little toy animals ~ from needle felted wool creatures to collectible heirloom mohair and felt plushies in Kawaii style. You'll find sizes ranging from tiny miniatures to huggable softies."


The Cheshire Cat has always been one of my favorite characters. I see that look on my own cats and I know they've been up to something, and sometimes they do disappear. This cute guy has promised not to disappear though (we'll see) but with a face like that I can't imagine he'll stay in the shop for long. Click on the picture for more adorable creations by Violet Pie and remember, never trust a smiling cat.



Large Grey Smiling Cheshire Cat

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Handmade Artists Forum Blog Ring - Featured Artist

This week's HAF featured artist is Nancy of The Tulgey Wood.

From Nancy's Bio:

"Often found tinkering with things probably best left alone. Happy when playing with power tools and/or wire cutters. Bead-a-holic. Shutterbug. Will spray paint anything that doesn't move. Runs with scissors.....

As you can see, I'm involved in quite a range of creative endeavors."

Reading Nancy's bio I had a revelation. She states that she has "ADD...Artistic Deficit Disorder, the inability to focus only on one craft!!!" I am afflicted with the same disorder. I feel so much better knowing there are others like me out there.

Now on to her work. I love Alice in Wonderland and this is a fabulous depiction of the White Rabbit. It even has a steampunk feel to it. How could it be more perfect. Click on the picture to see more wonderful prints, jewelry and other creations by Nancy of The Tulgey Wood.


THE WHITE RABBIT Alice in Wonderland Series 
Art Print

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Spoiled Bratzwear on ArtFire.

From Spoiled Bratzwear's Bio:

"It's true, I've gone to the dogs! I have owned several businesses over the years but never enjoyed ANYTHING like I do designing & sewing my pet fashions! I use high quality materials including Swiss and German thread, imported designer ribbon and incredible fabrics.
Although my specialty is smaller dogs, please ask if you see something you would like in a larger size."

OK I know Christmas is over but I just found this and I had to share it. What can I say, this is just too much fun. Click on the picture for more fun outfits from Spoiled Bratzwear. Check out the cool Halloween costumes. It's never too early to start planning the perfect Halloween for your spoiled brat.


Christmas Elf Hat for Little Dogs & Cats

Friday, February 5, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Eiriel on etsy.

From Eiriel's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome!
Come in, pull up a chair, take a slice of cake and don't mind the cats, they'll sleep on anything.

Eclectic jewellery includes chainmaille, pearl and unique jewellery that make fantastic gifts for birthdays, christmases, anniversaries or for yourself after a hard week! I love custom orders, so please feel free to convo me if you have any special requests.

Everything here is handmade by me, an Ancient History student living and studying in Birmingham, UK."


What a stunning necklace! You couldn't help but feel special wearing this. Click on the picture to see more stunning work by Eiriel.


Pearl Tear Necklace

Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

Sorry I missed posting a Handmade Tweet yesterday but I was just too busy and overwhelmed. Thankfully I got a little rest and I'm back on track today with glazedOver on etsy.

From glazedOver's Bio:

"I've been hand throwing and slab building clay forms for over 15 years. Most of my work is functional and tends toward earthy design vocabulary with an occasional inclination toward the eccentric or anthropomorphic. I am partial to earthtones and warm hues but can also find inspiration in a bold, splashy palette."


Handmade pottery is so beautiful I wish I could replace all my manufactured dishes with it. Oh if only funds were unlimited. I agree about colours, I'm partial to warm hues and earthtones myself, and these are fabulous. She has a number of different items in these colours. Click on the picture to see them all and check out her other beautiful designs.


glazedOver Small Stoneware Nesting Bowls (Set of 2)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Island Top Glass Art on ArtFire.

 From Island Top Glass Art's Studio Announcement:

"Are you looking for colorful, whimsical, one of a kind, handmade glass lampwork beads and artisan jewelry? Well, you've come to the right place! Come on in and take a look around you never know what you are going to find in my store. Visit my website if you like www.islandtopglassart.com Thanks for stopping in, Paula"

These are just too cool! I'd love some of my cats. It just amazes me what you can do with lampwork beads. Click on the picture to see other amazing creations, animals and more traditional beads, from Island Top Glass Art.



Custom Pet Bead Caricature - Focal Glass Lampwork Bead by PaulaNC at Islandtop Design