Friday, October 31, 2008

Tefi Loves: Pamela Michelle

Birds, trees, butterflies, and leaves - these are the things that Pamela Michelle's freeform art is made of. Artist Pam Jackson, whose influences include modern art and Scandanavian design, first draws out her doodles, then etches them onto wood pendants that she cuts, paints and seals. In addition to colorful art pendants, Pamela Michelle offers original artwork, prints and magnets. If you're in the Dallas area, catch Pam at Etsy Dallas' 1st Annual Jingle Bash on November 22nd. Seeing her items in person is a stunning experience of color and nature! Shop: http://www.pamelamichelle.etsy.com/ Web Site: http://www.pamelamichelle.com/ Blog: http://www.pamelamichelle.blogspot.com/ Location: Dallas, Texas USA

Tefi Loves: Nature Printing



Nature Printing: 30 Projects for Creating Beautiful Prints, Wearables, and Home Furnishings by Laura Donnelly Bethmann

There's nothing that bring the crafter closer to nature than using what she provides us to create fun and beautiful art, clothing or home goods.

Since the beginning of times, man has attempted to capture and codify the beauty of the natural world around him, be it cave paintings or collecting specimens.

In Nature Printing, Bethmann shows the reader the ease and simplicity of choosing the right nature specimens and using ink to impress them onto a surface such as paper or cloth, much like the science of fingerprinting.




In addition to projects, Bethmann goes into the history of nature printing both abroad and in the US, and furnishes the reader with several techniques and sources for using the right materials and tools.

Use nature prints to adorn stationery, tea towels, baby onesies, fine art prints - any surface works! And unlike flower pressing, the objects used to print do not have to be flat. So grab that apple out of the fruit basket and get to printing!

Visit your local independent bookstore today to purchase this and other books.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tefi Loves: Maggie J

With a degree in jewelry and metalsmithing and her own jewelry shop in the heart of a North Carolina artist community, Maggie Joynt is living her dream. Maggie J's jewelry combines the soft images of nature, such as jellyfish and flower petals, with the hard, sleek look of sterling silver. Items are made-to-order so expect slight variations from piece to piece for a truly handmade look. Custom orders welcome. Shop: http://www.maggiejs.etsy.com/ Location: Dillsboro, North Carolina USA

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Tefi Find: Ottoman

In order to appreciate the unique stylings of Ottoman's work, you have to understand the tedium behind the art of needlefelting. This craft involves poking a mass of wool roving (or other felt-able fiber) until it naps. The artist can then sculpt and conform the felted mass into a particular shape. In this case, clumps of luscious green moss! Made in three layers, Ottoman's Moss Collection offers up barettes, bobby pins, rings, pin cushions, pendants and brooches. Also in her repertoire: jewelry and accessories made out of cork. Custom orders welcome. Shop: http://www.ottoman.etsy.com/ Blog: http://www.ottoman.typepad.com/ Location: Oregon, USA

Friday, October 24, 2008

2008 Jingle Bash Featured Artists

For the past several weeks I've been working my tail off co-organizing Etsy Dallas' 1st Annual Jingle Bash. A million thanks to my crafty gal pal Pamela Michelle for stepping into the leader role for this event since I am belly-deep into my third trimester. Yay Pampers!

Needless to say, we at Etsy Dallas are super-duper excited to present you with the following Jingle Bash Featured Artists. Show some love; click on the following links and check out their Etsy shops! No time like the "present" to begin your holiday shopping...



Clockwise from top left:
Nerdbomber - wallets, bags, clutches
Bijoujuju - art pendants
Sassy Hoops - hula hoops for kids and adults
Tefi Designs - gemstone, wire, and felted jewelry
Going Coastal - beaded and hemp jewelry
Karma Crochet - knitwear and accessories
Alicia Colina-Ashby - recycled, repurposed housewares
Official Jingle Bash logo
Designing Diva - glassware, metal and glass jewelry
Pinkfairywand Creations - art pins, prints, candles
Pamela Michelle - art pendants and prints
Cut Out & Collect - bags, clutches, wallets
Freeforged - metalsmith jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - children's clothing and goods
Earth Essences - beaded jewelry
Official Etsy Dallas logo

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ALREADY!! This is going to be a mega-super off the hook craft show that you do not want to miss. It's 100% volunteer-run and we aren't keeping a dime for ourselves (really!). It all goes back to the team to work towards promoting our crafts and the handmade movement in general.

So get yer shoppin' done early this year, buy American, and support your local artists and crafters!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Happy October!

This is my favorite time of the year. The wind turns crisp and mornings are nice and cool. Leaves lose their green, which allows their other beautiful colors to shine through - reds, oranges, and yellows. O, Canada! - genuine maple leaf necklace This leads us to the ultimate season of all - Winter! Here in Texas, I treasure our winter since it's such a nice reprieve from the relentless summer heat. I love the ice and sleet and occasional snow, but most of all I love the way the air smells. Happy Autumn!