More kaleidoscopes!

Okay folks. I am addicted to the kaleidoscope tool. Really, I need to be making real jewelry, pretend jewelry! This has spawned a crazy amount of new ideas. It's really eye opening to see my jewelry transformed into another form of art. You can see all 114 images on my Flickr photostream. I am sure I'll be adding daily though!

Kaleidoscope my jewelry!

I had so much fun making symmetrical pieces of jewelry (images) by running my Flickr photos through a digital kaleidoscope. So many new design ideas will come from this fun experiment. The above piece is called "Peaches and Cream".

Chatelaines

This pretty and unique piece of jewelry is called a chatelaine. My friend Jen at Scrapdash has created this one. Here is the description in her words, "My chatelaines are working jewelry, designed to keep your scissors and spool of thread close at hand, attractively. If your project doesn't require a spool of thread, the 3" spool rod can be removed. This rod will also hold knitting and crochet row counters that are designed to slide onto the end of a needle or hook. Each scissors' pouch accommodates up to a 4" long pair of scissors and is constructed with a snap closure to keep your scissors in place. " These are both clever and cool. Be sure and visit her Etsy Store as well as her blog. Jen, I love them!

A decision had to be made...

Nigel and Milhaus

Two friends, two cats. Both demanding to be seen in their element. My cat Nigel wants everyone to know, he would rather be on vacation in the Caribbean. While Milhaus, Kandace's cat, is actually climbing the corporate ladder and will soon have that dream vacation.

The beauty of creation

Oh my goodness. What can I say? These earrings are just gorgeous. I was cruising around Etsy and found this wonderful artist. Her designs reflect the awesome beauty found in nature and the genius of the Creator's design. Please take the time to read her bio. I am attracted to the very same things. Nature is a wellspring of ideas and inspiration. The artist mentions the friendshops she has made along the way, and the joy she shares with the customer connects with one of her pieces. I feel the same way. So much of myself goes into each piece, and when someone buys a piece, a part of me goes with them. Anyway, check out her Etsy store, For The Cross Jewelry Designs.

Relaxing, theraputic, lavender

I've long been a fan of lavender. The fragrance is soothing and relaxing, and helps me bring my stress level down when I have a migraine or am simply wound up about something. I found this great website that validates my belief that lavender is truly theraputic. Lavender Bee Farm, Lavender and Honey What I like to do is add lavender essential oil to a bath, spray lavender on my pillow, or splurge on a lavender oil head and neck massage at the salon. Try it. You'll love it. The lavender bath is by far the best in my opinion. Lavender can also be used as a tea or in a gourmet dessert. Check the site out for many great ideas.

Giving

There is so much I could say about this, but it is different for everyone. I challenge you to think about how you give and how you can give. What you give, and who you give to. Why do you give? Why do you not give?

Here are a few of my thoughts about this. Giving is an important part of humanity. It is as important to know how to receive, as it is to give. I think our pride gets in the way of both. Sometimes we feel inadequet to give, and not deserving of receiving the gift of love, help, or anything else. We can always give, if we have compassion. Sometimes all I can give anyone is a smile, or a listening ear. Though my time is very, very limited. I always place this as a high priority and make space where there isn't any to do this. The joy and peace I have in placing value in people is like no other. It is a gift I give.

Just the same, I accept the help of others. I am thankful for the support, kind words, and love I have been given to me, even by people who barely know me. By accepting the gift of time or help, or whatever it is, I am showing my appreciation, and allowing them to fully experience the joy and peace of knowing they have made a real difference.

My art is influenced by the people I know well and the people I meet. But more than that, the absolute and complete peace of knowing there is still good in humanity.

Nature Journals

I have this book at my desk today and took some time to look at it and see what treasure lie within. It is fabulous and definitely worth buying. It is full of beautiful examples, and clear instructions on how to do the various techniques shown in these masterpieces of mixed media. The text itself would benefit any artist, as it inspires deeper thought and exploration of self and materials. The quotes are great as well. Amazon has a great deal on this book.

"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do."- Rumi

Mixed-Media Nature Journals

New Techniques for Exploring Nature, Life, and Memories

By L.K.Ludwig

Published by Quarry Books

Copywright 2007