Friday, July 31, 2009

Blog Party - 5 Degrees of Inspiration

Today I'm taking part in a blog party called "5 Degrees of Inspiration" where artists from various places are posting about what inspires them. To see other participants in this fun event, just click on the "5 Degrees of Inspiration" picture on the top right hand side of my blog page. Have fun!




"Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in an artistic, musical, or other intellectual endeavor. Literally, the word means "breathed upon," and it has its origins in both Hellenism and Hebraism. So I ask myself, what inspires me to create jewelry?"

These are my five inspirations!


1. Color
There's color all around us and yet sometimes, I think we fail to see it. Sometimes though, I'll look at a color and it will arouse certain emotions in me....love, anger, warmth, energy, creativity to name just a few. I love looking at various color combinations in fabrics, in nature, even in what other people choose to wear. Color not only affects my mood but I think the mood of other people around me also.

2. Nature
I love plants and flowers. I look forward to spring and summer so much, just to see the glorious plants that Mother Nature has to offer. If you look closely at flowers and even leaves, you'll see beautiful textures and color combinations. Even the smell of certain plants can be intoxicating. There's nothing quite as relaxing as taking a stroll around a gorgeous garden and just observing the plants and insects. I take tons of photos during the spring and summer and often refer back to them when I'm making jewelry as they are full of inspiration.

3. My Children
There's something about the innocence and simplicity of the way children look at things that can be very inspirational. Sometimes they comment on or get enjoyment out of those things we find so "everyday" and yet if you really listen closely, it's those details that can be very enlightening provide a different way of looking at things.


4. Music
As much as I love a quiet, silent home at times, most of the time I love to listen to music. I find it very relaxing to work while I listening to certain music. If I had to choose a favourite, I love Cuban music...not too slow that it makes me want to put my feet up and do nothing, and not too loud that I'm prevented from concentrating.


5. Other Artists
I'm constantly awed by the talent displayed by other artists. If I'm ever feeling in a blah mood and not very creative, I just check out some of the wonderful artwork created by others. That's usually all it takes to inspire me to get started on a new project! An example is the lovely applique below made by my mother, Val Garnett.


Lastly (yes, I know it was only five !), my husband inspires me. He's my biggest fan. He's always there to support me and offer words of wisdom and encouragement.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Marmalade Posy Bracelet Is BACK IN STOCK


For those of you who were inquiring about the Marmalade Posy Bracelet, good news! I have more in stock and posted in my ETSY shop.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Back From a Week in Quebec

Last week we headed up to the small town of Saint Saveur in Quebec, Canada to visit my in laws. We spent the time swimming at the local lake (well it was too cold for me but not the boys!) , going for walks, collecting snakes and frogs and visited Mt. Tremblant where we watched a raptor demonstration and took the cable car to the top of the hill.

While I try and get back into the swing of things here, I thought I would just post some pics of lovely cornflowers (well, that's what I call them) taken while on a brief, mosquito infested walk!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Floral Simplicity Necklaces

I bought these lovely matte silver plated floral silhouette pieces a few months ago, knowing that I loved the simplicity of them but not entirely sure what to create. I took them out again the other day and decided they needed a complimentary splash of color but nothing to complicated. This is what I came up with. I hope you like them as much as I do!




Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Premio Meme Award

Thank you Sharon at Mana Moon Studios for awarding me the Premio Meme Award!











Here's how it works...

I'm going to share seven facts about myself and then pass on the award to seven other happy bloggers! So here goes...

1. When I was 10 our family traveled for 6 weeks around Namibia and got lost in the desert one day with no gas!

2. I once went to a vet's office in a rural area, thinking it was a walkin doctor's office and completely humiliated myself

3. I hate horror movies

4. I have really big feet - size 12

5. My favorite music right now is Alex Cuba

6. I have a very weird sounding sneeze - sounds like it's coming from a mouse.

7. If I had to eat out for any meal, it would be brunch..yummy.

I, in turn, am passing this award along to....

Linda B's Jewelry

Kind Over Matter
Cantalope Corner
Sassy Glass Designs
The 6 o'clock Stitch
The Eclectic Element
WillOaks Studio

Monday, July 13, 2009

5 Degrees of Inspiration




Theme:
"5 Degrees of Inspiration"

Date: August 1st, 2009

What to Do:
*Sign up for the blog party by leaving a comment on Inspiration Avenue's posting - your blog and link will be added to the sidebar list on their blog. (be sure to include a link and the name of your blog in your comment)
*Grab the party images and details, then write about it on your own blog. Be sure to post the smaller badge on your sidebar linking back to the posting. (sidebar badge and link are located below...)
*Join us all on the date of the party by writing your own blog posting about the 5 things that inspire you the most. Feel free to post photos too - they love eye candy!
*Visit the other participating blogs from the list posted on the Inspiration Avenue sidebar and enjoy! It'll be such fun discovering what inspires each of us!

♥Prizes:
They're hosting 2 wonderful prizes!
*The first is a fabulous collection of work from their team members and will be awarded to one of the participating blogs so be sure to sign up before August 1st! (A photo of the prize package is coming soon so keep checking back!)
*The second prize will be awarded to one of the visitors who leaves a comment on their blog posting the day of the party. This will be a $20 gift certificate to their team shop.

This sounds like a lot of fun and I'm getting involved. Why don't you?

Sidebar Blog Badge:

Badge link: http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2009/07/5-degrees-in-inspiration-blog-party.html

Elegant Earrings

Two new pairs of earrings added to my Etsy shop yesterday, in between painting the exterior windows and having some family time!

First pair are made from these lovely sterling silver floral ear wires and a very pale rose colored coin pearl which has a magnificent lustre.


The second pair are very organic looking. They're made from silver plated leaf charms, sterling silver ear wires and boast a small pale pink freshwater pearl.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Memories


My grandmother and grandfather some time in the 1940's (I think). I always think my grandmother looks so elegant in this photo.


Publish Post

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Orange and Green Posy Bracelets Added

recently I sold out of my orange and green posy bracelets. They've definitely been the most popular designs. I just added a couple more a few minutes ago. Here they are!


Friday, July 10, 2009

NYC

I finally snagged a treasury. It's New York City. Some gorgeous pieces so go have a look if you have a chance!


Monday, July 6, 2009

A Heron Visiting

A few minuted ago I was standing in our office chatting with my husband when he suddenly looked past me, out the window and said "Look at that chimney!". So here's the shots I took of this lovely heron in the middle of suburbia, sitting on our neighbor's chimney. What a majestic looking bird!

Friday, July 3, 2009

4th of July Picks!

A few favorite 4th of July items found while trolling Etsy! have a happy, safe weekend!


Pogo - Michael

Organic Quilt for Baby Crib and Toddler Bedding / Modern Red, White and Blue

Red, White, and Blue Republican Elephant Onesie/Tee

Cat/Ferret Collar with breakaway safety collar and detachable bell. (Pattern- Big Sky Country, Colors-Lone Star, Cherries Jubilee, Wonder Cat)

Pretty and Patriotic Fabric covered button Ponytail Holders