Wear Ever You Go

Who: Jennifer Jordan Park of Wear Ever Custom Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Enamel Jewelry
Where: Budd Lake, NJ
Web: http://www.weareverjewelry.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WearEverJewelry
Why: Jennifer's award-winning enamel designs span a dazzling range from ornate 22K masterpieces to minimalist sterling jewels. All of it reflects her gentle affinity for nature, each piece created with a dedicated attention to detail. I love the balance of blazing colors in perfectly restrained designs...gorgeous!
Jennifer will be exhibiting this Labor Day weekend at the superamazing Sausalito Art Festival, one of my favorites! Go and be dazzled in person!

Submarines and Rocketship Dreams

Who: Jody Lyle
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Mountain View, CA
Web: http://www.jodylyle.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jlyle
Why: Subs and rockets are two of my favorite things to doodle so Jody's jewelry shoots me over the moon happy! I hope you enjoy it too!  :)

The Other Side of The Coin

Who: Sean Hale
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Indiana
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/haletree
Why: Okay, if you mention the phrase "coin jewelry" to me, I usually won't squeal with excitement. Sean's jewelry on the other hand is so worth jumping up and down with squealful glee! First and foremost he uses screamingly cool gemstones, the kind with character that you see just so all too rarely. Royston, Peacock, Candelaria and Lazy Old Men varieties of Turquoise, Umba Sapphire, Pietersite, Kyanite and all sorts of Tourmalines. Then he uses unusual coins that have been damaged or that have been in circulation for a long time...the ones that otherwise would be cast aside by collectors. The coins themselves have interesting elements too like those funky vintage fonts! And finally his workmanship and design aesthetic are impeccable. He sets his stones beautifully with smooth secure bezels (he doesn't just glue them in like some other jewelers) and he adds delightful details that draw the bezels into the design...they're not just plopped on top of the ring. I never thought I'd be caught dead with a "coin ring" but I would definitely make an exception for Sean's little baubles.  :)

Two on Tuesdays...Beadliscious Beauties!

Who: Dana Evans of Stone Addict Jewelry
What: Handcrafted Jewelry and Gem Cutting
Where: Lorton, VA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/stoneaddict
Why: Fun and fancy color-driven, pattern-dappled designs derived from Opals, Turquoise, and multitudes of beads!

Who: Molly Murphy-Adams of Native Couture
What: Contemporary Sculptural Beadwork Designs
Where: Tulsa, OK
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NativeCouture
http://www.lovettsgallery.com/artists/artist.asp?ArtistID=113
Why: Beaded detail taken to new dimensions by a dedicated, sensitive and delightful artist! Check out her interview videos on the gallery site. She's articulate about her art and kind of a hoot too...the girl's got a blooper reel!  :)

Fabled Fine Art

Who: Elisabeth Maurland
What: Handcrafted Ceramics and Greeting Cards
Where: Decorah, IA
Web: http://www.elisabethmaurland.com/
http://www.etsy.com/people/ElisabethMaurland
Why: If Aesop had collected art he would have loved Elisabeth's wheel-thrown stoneware and illustrated cards. Lively wildlife with adventurous stories to tell would inspire anyone's imagination!  :)

Precious Pendulums

Who: Todd Reed
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Boulder, CO
Web: http://www.toddreed.com/
Why: Todd has drawn high praise for designing spectacular jewels spiced with raw and rose-cut Diamonds in glowing earthen hues, elegant brilliant-cut Diamonds, deep red Rubies and ethereal Aquamarine carvings. I'm enchanted by his medieval motifs in platinum, palladium, titanium and gold, and especially by his drippy crystalline gothic earrings. Diamonds swinging like primitive precious pendulums...magnificent!  :)

Lilly's Treasures

Who: Lilly Fitzgerald
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Spencer, MA
Web: http://www.lillyfitzgerald.com/Welcome.html
Why:  Lilly has always been one of my favorite jewelers! She works with some of the finest gem dealers to extraordinary stones in refined 22K gold designs. Purple Tourmalines, Blue Moonstones, Crystal Opals, Sapphires, Diamonds...all expertly set in pieces featuring classical and nature-inspired motifs. Lilly is also exhibiting at the ACE in Evanston this weekend!

Golden Bliss

Who: Jonathan Lee Rutledge
What: Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Where: Evanston, IL
Web: http://www.rutledgejewelry.com/
Why: Fabulously talented, highly acclaimed jeweler Jonathan Lee Rutledge specializes in 22K gold designs with stunningly meticulous granulation. I don't know how he does it...the lines are so even, the shapes are so symmetrical! Granulation is gorgeous but it really does take a total zen state of mind to get it right and Jonathan seems to have a lock on it. His Etruscan-inspired designs are blissfully beautiful to behold.
Jonathan will be exhibiting at the American Craft Expo this weekend...if you are anywhere near Evanston, IL...you. must. go. Even if you're a few hours away, make the trip. These artists are the super elite of the fine craft world all in one place for one weekend, so it's my idea of heaven on earth.  :)

Craving Extra Chunky?

Who: Nadine Kariya
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Seattle, WA
Web: http://www.nadinekariya.com/nadinekariya.com/Big_Rings.html
Why: Craving Extra Chunky? You got it!  :)

Two on Tuesdays...Face To Face

Who: Justine Tatarsky of Art On Tile
What: Tile Art, Interiors and Installations
Where: Woodacre, CA
Web: http://www.artontile.com/index.html
Why: Expressions and passions are expertly crafted in Justine's vivid ceramic artistry!

Who: Kimmy Cantrell
What: Ceramic Sculptures and Framed Work
Where: Atlanta, GA
Web: http://www.kimart.com/index.html
Why: Kimmy's magnificent masks reveal so much more than they conceal. ;)

Working Hand In Hand

Who: Mary and Spencer Watson of Silver Stone Handcrafted
What: Art Jewelry, Sandblasted Stones and Commemorative Art
Where: Prospect Heights, IL
Web: http://www.maryandspencerwatson.com/
Why: Mary and Spencer's talents mesh perfectly in their collection of jewelry and sculptural pieces. Spencer creates lively characters from sandblasted beach stones as well as display bases for the pin/pendants. Mary designs and crafts her jewelry with fascinating Jaspers and Agates, Drusy Quartz, Opals, Moonstones and other phenomenal stones. Together they also craft vessels, celebratory sculptures and commemorative jewelry and urns for people and pets. They have a keen eye for details and patterns, and a sensitive, expressive quality to their work that is truly unique.

The Finer Cut

Who: Ken Swanson
What: Limited Edition Block Prints and Cards
Where: Racine, WI
Web: http://www.kenswansonprintmaker.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kenswanson
Why: Brilliant linocuts...cut, inked and painted by hand. Witty, intricate and mysteriously left untitled.

Pick A Color, Any Color

Who: Michele of Olive Bungalow
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Tucson, AZ
Web: http://www.olivebungalow.com/
Why: Michele is a one-woman show, designing and creating each of her sweet and easily wearable pieces with an abundance of skill and enthusiasm, and she gladly welcomes you into the process by offering several customization options. Decide on a design and metals...sterling silver, 14K or 18K gold. Then the most fun part...choose from rainbow's range of gems! Multicolor Opals, silky Pearls, misty Moonstones and Aquamarines, rich purple Amethysts, red and rosy Garnets, earthy orange Citrines, grass green Emeralds and forest green Tourmalines, and a sea of blues in Sapphires, Topaz and Zircon!

Earthen Artistry

Who: Nick DeVries
What: Handcrafted Pottery
Where: Minneapolis, MN
Web: http://www.devriespottery.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nickdevriespottery
Why: Nick's wonderfully sensuous stoneware just spins my spurs! Silken teal and moss and sandy colors cover gentle nature-based forms that remind me of lush tulips, ripe pea pods, graceful ginkgos and lopsided toadstools. Like souvenirs from a walk in the woods, eternalized in earthen artistry.  :)

Bones and Stones

Who: Gabriella Kiss
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Stanfordville, NY
Web: na
Why: Sophisticated jewels with an edge. Gabriella draws inspiration from nature, science, bones and body parts...relics of life rendered in wearable ornament. She's just conceptual enough to make you think about what she's trying to express, yet not so over-the-top about it to require a degree in art to understand. The lines are clean and sleek, the colors are pure and pleasant. You can find her work at the superfabulous galleries Quadrum in Chestnut Hill (just outside Boston) and Egan Day in Philadelphia.

Two on Tuesdays...Think Shrink

Who: Amy Frances of Floralchic
What: Original Illustrated Jewellery, Tote Bags and Mirrors
Where: Cleethorpes, England, UK
Web: http://amyfrances-illustration.biz/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Floralchic
Why: Because I've become obsessed with shrinkie crafting.

Who: Joanna Horvat of Kite Design
What: Handcrafted Jewelry, Bags and Accessories
Where: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitedesign
Why: Because I'm still obsessed with shrinkie crafting...and now I want ice cream!  :)

Chain My Heart

Who: Linas and Monika Kreive of KreiveMade
What: Handcrafted Accessories
Where: Lithuania
Web: http://www.kreive.lt/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KreiveMade
Why: Mixable matchable marvelous pins! You like the princely little pooch? You can attach him to the bone, the tulip, the tree, the big-hatted girl, or just wear poochie all by his royal self. You can chain clouds, or birds or hearts and flowers, or forget the chain and just wear groovy groupings. So many options, I'll need my Magic 8 Ball to choose!

Fusions of Color

Who: Sheryl Ellinwood of Ellinwood Studios
What: Glass for Body and Abode
Where: Pella, IA
Web: http://www.ellinwoodstudios.com/
Why: So much to discover, from the silly to the sophisticated...shimmering jewels, iridescent sculptures, neon bright birdhouses!

Castles and Cages

Who: Youngjoo Yoo of jyjewelry
What: Floral and Architectural Image Jewelry
Where: Iowa City, IA
Web: http://youngjooyoo.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jyjewelry
Why: I can't decide which I adore more...Youngyoo's light, lacy hollow-formed jewels or her witty and whimsical sculptures and tableware. Her cage-like combos in sterling or bi-metal are wonderfully gothically elegant. Tiny trees sprout on handles, castles float in the clouds, ships sail across your dinner table...all so creative and imaginative! Hollow constructions can be head-bangingly difficult, so my hat's off to her. It's no surprise she's won so many awards...this girl's a shining talent!

Go For The Gold

If you're gonna do it, go for The Gold!  :)

Column 1
Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Grecian Flower Pendant with Granulation" in 22K Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Pre-Raphaelite Chain" in 20K Peach Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Who: Conni Mainne
What: Sculpted Spiral Rings 18K Gold
Where: Mendocino, CA
Web: http://www.connimainne.com/index.html

Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Eclipse Cufflinks with Granulation" in 22K Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Column 2
Who: The Golden Eye
What: "Narrow Beaded Hoops" in 18K Gold
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://www.goldeneyesantafe.com/index.html

Who: Conni Mainne
What: Sculpted Leaf Ring 18K Gold
Where: Mendocino, CA
Web: http://www.connimainne.com/index.html

Who: Ross Coppelman
What: "Quadrant Cufflinks " Cufflinks in 18K Gold
Where: East Dennis, MA
Web: http://www.rosscoppelman.com/

Who: The Golden Eye
What: "Sea Serpent Hoops" in 18K Gold
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://www.goldeneyesantafe.com/index.html

Column 3
Who: Dell Fox
What: "Lakshmi" Earrings in 22K Gold
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://dellfoxjewelry.com/

Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Guinevere Bracelet with Eleven Rows" in 22K Yellow Gold, 22K Apricot Gold and 18K White Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Twisted Hoops" in 22K Apricot and 22K Yellow Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Who: Susan Reinstein and Brian Ross of Reinstein/Ross
What: "Woven Bracelet with Braided Clasp" in 22K Gold
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.reinsteinross.com/index.php

Column 4
Who: Ross Coppelman
What: "Abstract Double" Ring in 18K Gold
Where: East Dennis, MA
Web: http://www.rosscoppelman.com/

Who: Dell Fox
What: "Lotus" Earrings in 22K Gold
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://dellfoxjewelry.com/

Who: Keith Berge at The Golden Eye
What: "Woven Bracelets" in 23K Gold
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://www.goldeneyesantafe.com/index.html

Who: Ross Coppelman
What: "Tapered Hiero" Hoops in 18K Gold
Where: East Dennis, MA
Web: http://www.rosscoppelman.com/

Two on Tuesdays...Flights of Fancy

Who: Lisa Hildebrant
What: Paintings and Portraits
Where: Portland, OR
Web: http://www.lisahildebrant.com/
Why: Lisa's lovely paintings are full of charm and cherishment. Nostalgia-tinged paintings recall memories of playing with her grandma's wild and winged jewels, and her pet portraits are just ridiculously cute!

Who: Annabelle of Pik-Verre
What:  Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Saône-et-Loire, France
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PikVerre
Why: Annabelle makes glass and shrink plastic jewelry in bright bejewelled bug designs, but these are creepy crawlies I can live with!  :)

After The Dance

Who: Jamie Wolf
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.jamiewolf.com/
Why: Former New York City Ballet dancer Jamie now designs softly elegant jewelry in 18K yellow, rose and white gold and platinum. Her pieces embody delicate grace and femininity with classic gems such as Rose-cut Diamonds, Cognac Diamonds, Aquamarines, Amethysts and Pink Sapphires. She's the creator of numerous celebrity jewels, including Natalie Portman's stunning engagement ring (oh, and congratulations to Natalie for her beautiful vegan weekend wedding!). Get a glimpse into her design process and see more glittering jewels here. Superfab fact...Jamie donates twenty percent of sales of her "Symphony in C" collection and fifty percent of sales of her "Signature" collection to the NYCB...a generous expression of her ongoing love and enthusiasm for the ballet!

Flying Through A Dream

Who: Arian Armstrong
What: Illustrations and Prints
Where: Cincinnati, OH
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/arian
Why: Arian's illustrations are heart-achingly charming...just tiny little moments with memorable sentiments. Arian also teams up with husband Daniel to create ultracool animations too! If you do nothing else, you must at least take 6 or 7 minutes and watch these two animations. Like flying through a dream.  :)

Wild Spirit

Who: Dell Carrere Fox
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Web: http://dellfoxjewelry.com/
Why: Classically inspired gemmy jewels named after the greatest of the Goddesses...Demeter, Lakshmi, Venus, Hera...honor a wild female spirit found throughout the world's rich cultures. I love Dell's big-shouldered rings and drippy earrings, sparkling with Fancy Sapphires, Purple Tourmalines, Emeralds and Opals and inspired by her global wanderings. She's truly a worldly talent!

Gardens of Delight

Who: Robert C. Anderson
What: Garden Kaleidoscopes and Metal Sculptures
Where: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Web: http://www.rcandersondoorcounty.com/index.html
Why: In addition to origami-inspired inflated steel sculptures, Robert fabricates fascinatingly cool interactive garden teleidoscopes. Teleidoscopes are those kaleidoscopes that create images from exterior objects rather than interior objects. Robert's pieces use the vibrant natural colors of lush little gardens to create breath-stopping, ever-changing images. Brilliant!

Dreamy Dwellings

Who: Bell & Frank Barr of The Faerie House
What: Handcrafted Ceramic Art
Where: Edina, MN
Web: http://www.faeriehouse.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Faerie-House/268656099846277
Why: Even faeries deserve a dreamy dwelling, complete with faerie bell. I'd love to meet the lucky sprite who lives in that spinningly spectacular castle!

Peaceful Pachyderms

Happy Elephant Awareness Day!

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to declare August 3, 2012 Elephant Awareness Day! Learn more about helping elephants through the official website, The Elephant Sanctuary or In Defense of Animals, then celebrate with a supercool artist-made elephant or two!

Column 1
Enamel and Sterling Silver "Elephant" Ring or Cufflinks by Mark Poulin
http://poppyarts.com/markpoulinsbluesring-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.aspx

"Elephant" Recycled Metal sculpture by Yardbirds
http://poppyarts.com/yardbirdselephant.aspx

"Elephant's Nest"  Print by Alex Wijnen
http://www.cargoh.com/product/elephants-nest

"Animal Locomotion: Plate 733 (Elephant)" by Eadweard Muybridge
http://www.20x200.com/artworks/4060-eadweard-muybridge-animal-locomotion-plate-733-elephant

Column 2
"Elephant Fly" Woodcut Print by James Grashow
http://www.jamesgrashow.com/gallery_woodcuts_flyprints.cfm

"Elephant" Messenger Bag by Kurt Halsey
http://www.artstarphilly.com/shop/kurt-halsey-elephant-messenger-bag/

"I Will Be Lucky For You" Giclée Print by Meera Lee Patel
http://www.cargoh.com/product/i-will-be-lucky-you

"Elephant" Felt Brooch by Debbie of Daisy Dewdrop
http://folksy.com/items/2632037-Felt-Elephant-Brooch

Column 3
"E is for Elephant" Locket by Marcia Meyers
http://www.facerejewelryart.com/artist.php?id=141

"The Elephant" Original Collage by Audrey Smith
http://www.cargoh.com/product/original-collage-elephant

“Nelly Elephant” by Ecoleeko
http://www.artstarphilly.com/shop/ecoleeko-nelly-elephant/

I caved and bought one of them...can you guess which one?  ;)

A Little Book Love

Who: Kit and Adam Chase of Trafalgar's Square
What: Illustration, Paper Goods and Design
Where: Riverside, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/trafalgarssquare
Why: Bless his twinkling little heart, my nephew loves books as much as I do, so I wanted to find some supercute bookplates for him. So happy I found Trafalgar's Square! Their illustrations are gentle and sweet and just the thing to encourage little ones to play, dream and of course, to read!