Stumpy the Cat!

Recently I ran across folk art and primitive animal patterns and I fell in love with the style because they were different, unusual! I was getting bored creating the same things and let's face it, jewelry, although beautiful, is a hard sell because so many people are making it. I knew that in 2009 I wanted to introduce some new lines... make some needed changes! I've decided I will make primitive/folk art critters and also my add my North Wood wee people series.

I had all good intention of making my next wee people set until I received the Primitives pattern that I had recently ordered. I vowed to give myself some time off after the Christmas rush and recharge/renew my creative energies........... but, I just kept staring at the Stumpy cat pattern and I just had to rip it open and drag out the sewing machine.

I think what I liked about it the best is that it also satisfied the "artistic" side of me. I got to get out my acrylics and fabric paints and bring this little fellow to life. I really had fun making this
fabric kitty. I am looking forward to making other folk art/primitive critters.

Stumpy Cat can be purchased from my new ArtFire store: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=39956

Wintertime Frostivities Contest!

Well the winter has certainly settled in quick! We are getting sub-zero temps, frozen pipes, and it amazes me how some people try to drive in these conditions. I have seen more sideways vehicles than I can count on one hand.... yikes!

But tis the Season! These are busy and hurried times for most of us, hustle and bustling, finishing up last minute shopping, trimming the tree, putting out decorations, baking, and for us Artisan's, busy creating!

This year I decided to take on something totally new. I entered two of my creations in a Etsy Wintertime Holiday Frostivities contest! The contest runs from 12/13 - 12/19/2008. I would like to thank all of my family and friends that have voted for me. I really appreciate your loving support.

You can see my two items at:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18468813 (Currently in 1st Place)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18482108 (Currently in 2nd Place)

If you would like to vote you simply heart these items.

I would like to wish everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. Stay warm, dry, and most of all stay safe out there.

Peace and Blessings,

LV

1/1/2009 Update: The Nativity Scene won 1st Place and Baby Bear came in 2nd! Wooohoo!

Just a blue-sy day......

Oh those days.... everybody has them. You can never pin-point any specific reason why you are in a funk, so you just have come to learn to chalk it up as one of those days. I think the cold weather and thoughts of winter setting in might have something to do with it. For the life of me today I just couldn't get warm. I tried to light a fire as I knew that would help. Even the wood wouldn't cooperate.......

So I decided to create! That always helps. Is it any small wonder the pendants I ended up with?

Yep, both are blue. The breathtaking blue of the Blue Lace Agate and equally as beautiful, the Blue Lapis Lazuli. I absolutely love both of these semi-precious gemstones.

Here are my blue-sy creations.

Ammonite Fossil Pendant and Beaded Necklace

Thes are two of my Ammonite Pendant Necklaces that are available at my Beads n' Things Etsy store: lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Ammolite! Awesome!!!!!

I have to tell you, now that I have actually worked with the Ammolite gemstones, I am drawn to these incredibly beautiful stones. I love both the Ammolite and Ammonite, as both are equally beautiful in their own way. The Ammolite looks like the prehistoric that it is. The Ammonite is so beautiful the way the colors are ever changing, like a Kaleidoscope as you move it from side to side.

This particular pendant necklace is my favorite piece. I am seriously thinking of giving it to myself for Christmas, so I will not be too heartbroken if this one doesn't sell.

Too see more of my Ammolite and Ammolite necklaces, that are currently available, see my Beads n' Things Etsy store: http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Ammolite

Ok, for those of you that know me, you know I just can't resist buying rare, unusual, or stunning gemstones. Up until now Opals have been my most favorite gem.... that is until I ran across Ammolite.

Ammolite is similar to an opal and some of the Ammolites that I have seen are opalized giving them even more beauty than their original state. I have been most fortunate to find a wonderful seller (on Ebay) who has been so kind and patient with me and educated me a bit about this rare and precious gemstone.

Ammolite is the rarest gemstone in the world! In 1981, ammolite became recognized by CIBJO, (the Colored Stones Commission.) It is the latest of only three new gemstones introduced in the last 50 years. It is also only one of three organic gemstones, (including amber & pearl.) It has been compared to opal and has a superficial similarity to the Austrian mineral lumachelle whose iridescence is also provided by the fossil ammonite carnites floridus.

Ammolite is also known as aapoak, (Blackfoot for small, crawling stone,) calcentine, korite, ammonite shell or gem ammonite. Ammolite is the fossil shell of the upper cretaceous ammonites: Placenticeras meeki, Placenticeras intercalare & Baculites compressus. Ammolite is only found in the Bearpaw formation that extends from Alberta to Saskatchewan in Canada and south to Montana in the USA.

Ammolite comes in various sizes, shapes and forms as you can see by the pictures above, but one thing is for sure. In any form Ammolite is the most beautiful stone that I have ever seen. I have seen these stones easily sell from $100 - $600 and a whole shell sell for $3000 - $10,000. Ammonite is increasing in value at a rate of 40% a year because it is becoming more and more scare. Because of this, naturally I had to get some Ammolite gemstones and fossilized shells and will be making up jewelry pieces for loved ones. I don't think you can give anyone a finer gift. Native American's carry one in their medicine bag to bring not only wealth and prosperity, but also for grounding.

I will be offering some Ammolite pendants at my Etsy store, http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com so check out my store in mid to late November.

A Tisket a Tasket.......

A TISKET, A TASKET.. Win What's In Our Basket - Win over $100 worth of goodies! Ten Etsy Artisans have gotten together and are offering prizes to one lucky winner. Make any purchase by October 24th and get a chance to enter this drawing. It is a great way to get an early start on your Christmas shopping.

There are OOAK (original one of a kind) gift items, handmade soaps, bath salts, Christmas cards, custom coffee cups, jewelry, so many wonderful things to choose from.

To see the list of the stores and more details click on the link below:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5853018&page=31

Autumn Tree of Life Pendant Necklace

I created this tree of life pendant using sterling silver wire, seed and bugle beads, bicone crystals, and miscellaneous glass beads. The finished pendant is stunning and perfect for complimenting your fall outfit. This would make a really nice Christmas gift or a present for that special someone. It's available in my Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16093774

Boo!

More Halloween items!

Well alrighty then......

Ok, so the October Fest was a bust! It rained the entire day and I thought surely they will cancel it, but they didn't. Only 12 of the crafters toughed it up and set up in the rain. I was going to turn around and head home but the promoter talked me in to staying and set up a tent for me to put my table under.

Although sales weren't fantastic, I sold more than I expected to, given the conditions. I was amazed anyone came out at all, but Priest River folks are used to knarly weather and it was an October Fest after all. People were walking around on the streets checking out the booths, with their cup of pumpkin ale and brats in hand.

In spite of the crap weather I did have a fantastic time. They put another artisan in the tent with me, Bill from Cusick. He made canes, walking sticks, and sling shots out of tree branches. Shortly after noon I headed off to the liquor store and got us some Bailey's and we sat around and chatted like two old friends. His girlfriend was a hoot! I traded Bill a magnetic bracelet for a walking stick for my Brother for Christmas. We exchanged cards so we could hook up again at other local craft fairs.

I love it when a bad day turns in to a positive one. I made new friends, made a little money, and met a lot of town folks.

And now it is almost time for Halloween so I am busy making up Halloween spiders and a beaded witch to sell here locally. I have a few of them listed at my Etsy store.
They really are prettier than they look in the photographs! Perfect for gift giving. :)

Ok.... back to creating! Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

First Ever! Priest River October Fest!!!!

Priest River, ID is having it's first ever October Fest. This gala event is happening on Saturday, October 4th on Main Street. There will be live entertainment, craft and food booth, beer and wine tasting.... oh boy! I have a booth reserved for the event so if you live nearby, come stop in and say hi.

I have been making up all kinds of things to sell.... jewelry, Christmas ornaments, snuggle bears, dream pillows, soy wax candles and melts and hand painted wolf and husky soaps. Today I went to our second hand store and got some neat containers to put the soaps in. It kind of dresses them up a bit and also helps to protect them.

Here is my finished soap project.

I will take pictures of the October Fest and post them afterwards, so check back and see how well we did and what kind of turn out we had. So far no one seems to know anything about it so I am making sure I spread the word. I don't think they are advertising it very well, although it was in the past two weeks newspaper, (our news is published once a week.) They should have flyers up all over town but so far I haven't seen a one. :(

Anyway, wish me luck!

Ciao,
LV