I Can't Help It...

I apologize.  I know I should be talking about glass and art, but every time I see this photo from Buzzfeed, I laugh.  For 49 additional funny animal photos from 2012, click on the link.

Repurposing Into Jewelry Perhaps?

I saw this wonderful antique cast brass pull in Blind Peacock's shop on Etsy.  And I can't help wondering whether it might work as a focal in jewelry?  I love the patina and the design.  I grew up with antique French and Italian furniture, so I guess it hearkens back to that.  A little swirl, a little flourish and perhaps a tiny bit of crustiness and it will generally visually appeal to me, although I'm not sure what I would do with it.

What do you think?  Should we be looking to repurposing vintage and antique pulls into jewelry?  Is it too old fashioned?  I would love to hear your opinion.

Paris 100 Years Ago

I have two old photographs of Paris from about a hundred years ago, which have been colored. Old photos and paintings that show how something really was, are so interesting.  I love to see if my imagination has done a place or activity proper justice.

This top photo reminds me of the movie, Les Miserables.  Have you seen it yet?  If you aren't familiar with the story, suffice it to say, the title is very appropriate.  But some of the scenes (which took place prior to the photo), might give you the idea of this one.

This bottom photo makes me smile more.  I think of Toulouse Lautrec and his paintings.  Although the photos were taken a bit past his time, it still resonates on the slightly edgy respectability of its day.

Photos are from Musee Albert-Kahn.  See you tomorrow!

Resolutions? Maybe More Like Intentions

Ah, it's that time of the year.  Everyone talks about them, but how many are able to follow through and complete their resolutions?  I know I've got plenty of room for improvement.

I think it's semantics, but as of a few years ago, I started writing "Intentions".  I wanted a bigger picture focus, instead of a "to do" list.

So once again, I'm hitting the key concepts for this year.
• Be Kind and Express & Practice Appreciation More.  I do this pretty well, but I want to do more.  Some of it will be through Beads of Courage.  I can make a small difference in this world by helping them.
• Reduce- yeah of course myself plus some of the contents of my house.  This will give me more time for creative projects in the long run.
• Create Bigger - sounds funny with the above, but I want to go bigger with my art- concepts, size and details.
• Teach more.  I love sharing my knowledge and love seeing the smiles and happiness of my students.

So there you have it.  Have you written out your intentions or focus yet?  I'd love for you to post a link to your blog or where you've written them down.

Sometimes doing it publicly makes it more of a priority.  Other people have seen what you intend to do.  And honestly, not everyone can make it 12 months.  I know I lose focus, but aren't you better even if you do it for 3 months or 6 months, or whatever? It's not like you're hurting yourself by working on improvement.

2013 Trend...Hair Accessories

I often pop by Refinery 29's website to see what's new in fashion, hair and all that girl type stuff.  One of their articles is on trends for 2013 and this one caught my eye.  I love how a hair accessory that goes with the jewelry was added for this Chanel runway look.  (notice the lack of earrings with this huge necklace)  Just wish we could see it from the front a well.

Happy New Year.  Tomorrow will be the Resolutions post.  I just thought today everyone else would be doing it and you might want a little eye candy and something different.

Art Resource

I just discovered a website which offers royalty free artwork.  Are you familiar with Vintage Printable?

They have a lot of interesting artwork that you probably haven't been searching for, but enjoy seeing and can find some use for, if you use your imagination.  (case in point, this blog post)  I have always loved illuminated letters.

So pop by and check them out.  Lots of easily searchable categories and you're sure to find something that you can either use, or will make you smile.

See you tomorrow

Currently Fascinated With...

NUDIBRANCHS!

These are awesome!  Have you ever googled nudibranchs?  I love their colors, shapes and patterns.  Look for a new series coming out soon that mimics some that I've found.

Glass friends...see the opal yellow, periwinkle, white, ivory, ink blue...yeah, me too.  What would you use for the interior color- the one on the top layer in the middle..kind of a warm, golden brown that probably needs to be hand-mixed?  Suggestions?  That color seems to have pinkier tones in some places and grayer in others.

Okay, just thought I'd show you.  I think they could make some gorgeous oceanic organic shaped jewelry.  Better get my kiln up and running.  This will be a busy day.

Happy Friday to you!