Things I Buy On Etsy

Yes I have a shop on Etsy.com, but I am also a buyer. I can’t tell you how many things I see on a daily basis and think…I MUST have that! What a wonderfully diverse and talented group of amazing artists, crafters, vintage finders and all around fabulous people. I decided to start a new series of regular posts showcasing my purchases on Etsy. I love the idea of finding unique handmade goods, ordering custom work and supporting people who love to make things or are living their dream of working for themselves. I have quite the collection already and as I buy these wonderful goodies I will try to take a snapshot of them and share them on this little blog, so you can see why my paypal account is always so low!

The first item I would like to showcase is a recycled paper mosaic made by Lauren Snyder of http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenSnyder
Not only is Lauren a dear friend of mine, she is also a fine artist. I wanted something special for my two-year-old son’s new "big boy" room. I wanted it to match the colors and décor I already had and I wanted it to be just for him with an "E" for Evan. I knew Lauren could make something special and she did!
Lauren collects used greeting cards, and other scraps of colored paper, and cuts them into little paper tiles. She paints her design on canvas and then mosaics with the recycled paper. What would have been trash is now a lovely piece of art! Her work is done with such detail and care; you can really see her artistic passion come through. Please check out Lauren’s Etsy shop and see her full collection of beautiful recycled works of art.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurenSnyder

Upcycled Box Project *Last Update*

All of the accent pieces have been glued on. I have added rhinestones, flowers, leaves, bees, butterflies, and more. Now it is all background work. I will not be posting another picture until it is done! Stay tuned!

Upcycled Box Project *Update*

I love to have many projects going at the same time. It is nice to give my eyes a break and bounce from one thing to another. Even the smallest pieces still take many hours to create and the large pieces...well we are talking weeks and sometimes years. For me, walking away from something then coming back to it with a fresh eye is really important. I was stuck on the background color of this box, I had no idea what I wanted, I did not have a clear picture in my mind so I had to walk a way for a bit. The other day I walked into my studio to grab something and *poof* I knew what I wanted the background to be, so I got busy painting. Just a few more fun charms to add and I am ready for the llllloooonnnngggg process of beading all that background!

Christmas Ornaments In JUNE??

Yes, you are reading this correctly...I have started my Christmas ornaments for this year! Years ago when I could not afford to buy ornaments for my Christmas trees I would make my own. When I was a kid, I watched my Grandma make beaded ornaments for her trees (she usually had two or three trees) and I wanted to make ornaments that I would want to keep forever, and pass down to my children. I have a special place in my heart for beaded Christmas ornaments, so I decided this year to make a few for my Etsy shop. The whole process is a long one, so if I don't start now they won't be done until sometime in 2014! Here is the first one painted and I have started beading. I'm using the paper mache craft balls, adding the beads will make the ornaments a bit heavy so I have wired the balls straight through and covered the end with my signature silver tag made from silver clay. I wanted to make heirloom quality ornaments and I think the extra effort will be worth it in the end.

My most difficult love bird yet

I finished yet another little Love Bird, YAY!
At one point during the beading process I asked myself out loud alone in my studio MEREDITH WHY why why..these wings...WHAT were you thinking!!! Now I feel the effort was worth it, I hope you do too.

The Love Bird Measures:

3 inches or 7 1/2cm Long
1 ¾ inches or 4-½ cm Wide
2 inches or 5 cm Tall

Poppy Bowls

I'm so excited about my new Poppy Bowls. These two maybe first in a series of many, depending on how well they are received! I wanted to show a before shot, when they were just painted. The 3 inch one is now finished and for sale in my Etsy shop, the 4 inch one is almost done and I will post an update as soon as I list it!
*Update*
The 4 inch chartreuse bowl is DONE!

Upcycled Box Project

I found this box and thought it would be fun to bead. Then I found this bird on a branch cabinet pull on sale and decided to screw it into the top of the box. After spending some time in Japantown San Francisco I was inspired by all of the cherry blossom art. I love working in layers and decided to decoupage my design onto the box then I started to bead on top of that. Now the flowers and leaves are almost done and most of the accent charms are in place. I just have to pick a background color!