Spooky Jewels

Who: Amy Gervais of Rapscallion Design
What: Handcrafted Polymer Clay Jewelry
Where: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rapscalliondesign
http://rapscallion.storenvy.com/
Why: Must be the full moon...I'm feeling rather wicked.  ;)

Generous of Heart

Who: Amy Peters
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Avila Beach, CA
Web: http://www.amypetersstudio.com/index.php
Why: Amy's sterling collection bursts with cheer, optimism and childlike playfulness, and several pieces are devoted to worthy causes such as cancer research, hunger relief and animal charities. Supercute and generous of heart!

A Jack of Trades

Who: Michael Boyd
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Salida, CO
Web: http://www.michaelboyd.com/Home.html
Why: A jack-of-all-jewelry-trades, Michael's work encompasses a variety of feisty forms and functions. He designs, crafts and sometimes cuts the stones for his bold and colorful brooches, rings, earrings and objects. Exotic gems are ever-present...Parrotwing Chrysocolla, Sugilite, Gaspeite, Ammonite to name just a few...along with traditionals like Diamonds, Jade and Lapis, and all are accented with precious metals from silver to 22K gold. His pieces are fun, imaginative and so pleasant to be around...just like him!  :)

Sharing the Jewelry Love

Who: Barbara Heinrich
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Rochester, NY
Web: http://www.barbaraheinrichstudio.com/
Why: Barbara is a legend! Her high-karat gemmy designs always seem to be right on the pulse of current trends and tastes, and she is an accomplished and hard-working businesswoman as well as artist. She leads a team of experienced goldsmiths and skilled apprentices working in her studio to produce her designs, teaching, supporting and encouraging young talents in the process. She is remarkably generous in spirit and a fabulous role model for established and emerging artists. Definitely try to catch one of her exhibitions or trunk shows if you get the chance!

Feel the Good Vibes!

Who: Elle Schroeder
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: San Jose, CA
Web: http://www.elleschroeder.com/
Why: Stunning spirit-filled gems conjuring age-old civilizations and mystical experiences...they positively shimmer with feel-good vibes!  :)

Two on Tuesdays...Brilliant Bots!

Who: Sarah Turner of turnerbots
What: Ceramic Goodies, Vases and Coin Banks
Where: Richmond, VA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/turnerbots
Why: Robots safeguarding my pennies...brilliant!

Who: Jules Vine of Jewels Vine
What: Steampunk Robots, Lockets and Secret Skull Jewelry
Where: Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelsvine
Why: Sweet little good luck bots!

p.s. Happy 50th Birthday Jetsons! That includes you too Rosie the Robot Maid!  :)

Lush Line

Who:  Kiri Moth
What: Original Prints and Graphic Design
Where: San Francisco, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiriMothDesigns
http://kirimoth.com/blog/
Why: Lushly lined Art Nouveau & Steampunk designs by a fabulous talent!

Handles and Hinges

Who: Kimberly Nogueira
What: Contemporary Studio Jewelry
Where: St. John, VI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kimberlynogueira
http://www.kimberlynogueira.com/
Why: Loads of texture from hammered bi-metal bracelets to engraved bands and cast bunnies and velvety rich colors in gems like Jasper and Turquoise make for so very likable jewels. Above and beyond these trinkets and treasures are Kimberly's marvelous mechanical ornaments for the body...you must check out her website to view the zoom shots and discover so many supercool details. I'm absolutely enchanted by all the little handles and hinges and flourishes and fonts!

Artists in Harmony

Who: Tim Clark and Linda MacMichael of Elk Fork Studios
What: Handcrafted Fine Art Bags, Accessories and Wallpieces
Where: South Burnsville, NC
Web: http://www.elkforkstudios.com/index.html
Why: Linda's exquisite bags are meticulously crafted, featuring superbly woven straps by Tim, as well as custom-made elements by accomplished metalsmiths. Tim uses variations of a finely-detailed ancient Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo. To watch both of them work is a study in patience, integrity, seamless creative collaboration and a shared sense of humor! Delightful designs!

Glowing Elegance

Who: Ayesha Mayadas
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Englewood, NJ
Web: http://www.ayeshastudio.com/
Why: Easy glowing elegance in lush 18K gold...love her work!

All Good Things In Time

Who: Amy Rubin Flett of Pinwheel Designs
What: Original Cards and Prints
Where: Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinwheeldesigns
Why: Heart-grown wisdom, expressed with innocence, imagination and a never-say-give-up optimism.  :)
Heads up...the giveaway ends tomorrow at noon! Cheers!

Tiny Baubles

Who: Katya Bassil
What: Handmade Jewelry
Where: New York, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/katya323
http://katya323.tumblr.com/
Why: Because she's a talented designer of sweetly tiny jewels, she heads up her own rockin' indie band, and she has a couple of superhuggable pups I'm totally a-swoonin' over.  :)

Kid Stuff

Who: Scott Nelles
What: Cast Bronze and Aluminum Sculptures, Banks and Toys
Where: Elk Rapids, MI
Web: http://www.nellesstudios.com/index.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Nelles
Why: Scott's wonderfully fun and clever banks first caught my eye...Bob the Robot and King Kong will guard your fortunes with their very lives, while the Titanic will carry your treasures secretly down to the depths of the sea! His retro racers and ray guns, and especially his robots, bring out the feisty kid in anyone. Gotta love an artist who refuses to grow up!

Chocolate, Silver and Sunshine...and a Giveaway!

Who: Christine Street of Chocolate and Steel
What: Modern Handcrafted Eco-friendly Jewelry
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Web: http://chocolateandsteel.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateAndSteel
Why: Christine's jewelry is truly adorable! Original illustrations by Christine and fellow collaborator Susie Ghahremani include fanciful flowers and the most mischievous and mirthful animals...I love her jolly elephants and chubby little birds! Christine's work is as eco-friendly as it gets, from using reclaimed fine and sterling silver to powering up her studio with wind and solar. Chocolate, silver and sunshine...totally irresistible!  :)

Did someone say giveaway? Yes, I did! I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate to Chocolate and Steel!
Here's how to enter...
Mandatory: Please leave a comment below. Visit Christine's shop and tell me your favorite finds. Or tell me your favorite kind of chocolate. Or just say something cheery!  :)
Additional entry: Spread the word about the giveaway on Twitter, Facebook and/or your blog. Tell me which of these you did, and include the link(s). You can do this in your mandatory comment.
Please make sure your email address is available, either through your blogger profile or include it in your comment.
The winner will be drawn at random at noon (CT) Friday Sept.21st. I will contact the winner by email and she/he will have 72 hours to reply. I'll announce the winner on this blog post once they have been confirmed.
Enough nitty gritty details. Please enter and spread the word about Christine's supercool work and the giveaway! Good luck!  :)

...and who is the lucky one? Cadry!
You are the winner of the $25 Gift Certificate to Chocolate and Steel!
Please email me back within 72 hours so I can contact Christine and get you the GC.
Cheers!

Many thanks to everyone who stopped by and entered the giveaway, and thanks to Christine for being so sweet to work with. Happy Weekend!

Gentle Strength

Who: Mary Hughes and Caro-Gray Bosca
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Gloucester, MA
Web: http://www.hughesbosca.com/
Why: Sophisticated designs blend the strength of classicism with an organic jag...natural crystal forms and gentle domed cabochons add a palette of color to rich high-karat gold. I admire their combination of formality with just enough rawness to give it warmth and humanity. Lovely work!

Whirled Peace

International Day of Peace ~ September 21st

In today’s world, peace needs to be more than just a word.
Imagine…  millions of pinwheels spinning in the wind – pinwheels in the United States, Great Britain, South America, Australia, the Middle East, Canada,  Africa, Europe and Asia;  pinwheels all over the world! – big pinwheels, small pinwheels;  pinwheels of all  shapes and sizes – colorful pinwheels, decorated with drawings, paintings, collages, photographs  – pinwheels with words of peace and harmony written on them – fields of pinwheels, pinwheels along roadsides, in schoolyards, in parks, pinwheels EVERYWHERE! 
This is the Pinwheels for Peace project!

Celebrate the International Day of Peace! Make pinwheels and plant them in your yard, pass pinwheels on to friends, lovers and unsuspecting strangers, host a pinwheel party, bake some yumful pinwheels and of course, wear them...here are some wondrous whirlers to start you off!

Column 1
Who: Derek and Peizhu of MXM Jewelry
What: Tiny Pinwheel (Windmill) Necklace
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59241105/tiny-pinwheel-windmill-necklace

Who: Laura of Crane's Quilts
What: "Let's Take a Whirl" Quilt
Where: Portland, OR
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/105531194/lets-take-a-whirl-quilt

Who: Bonny Royce Art Studio
What: "Play Date For Pinweel" Painted Floor Canvas
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/107775084/play-date-for-pinwheel-36x57-floor

Who: Lisa Salsbury of Willow and Me
What: Pinwheel Spinner Ring in Fine Silver
Where: Ellsworth, Hancock County, ME
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/57159060/pinwheel-ring-spinner-ring-in-fine

Column 2
Who: Gillian of PingWynny
What: "Carnival" Patchwork Quilt
Where: Newport, Wales, UK
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82087028/patchwork-quilt-carnival-by-pingwynny

Who: Grecha
What: Handmade Hooded Sweater Coat with Grey and Green Pinwheel Design
Where: Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/104939886/sweater-coat-multicolor-size-s-m-us-size

Who: Caitlin of Blue Dot Jewelry
What: Pure Silver Pinwheel Earrings
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/96486329/pure-silver-pinwheel-earrings

Who:  Char Russell of Tabitha Quilts
What: Pinwheels, Fans and Delectable Mountains Quilt in Blue, Purple, Teal & Turquoise
Where: Clinton, MA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/99237074/large-quilt-in-bpt-blue-purple-teal

Column 3
Who: Grecha
What: Handmade Hooded Sweater Coat with Purple and Pink Pinwheel Design
Where: Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/104927665/sweater-coat-purple-size-m-l-us-size-8

Who: Caitlin of Blue Dot Jewelry
What: Pure Silver Daisy Pinwheel Necklace
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/85078898/pure-silver-daisy-pinwheel-necklace

Who: Karyn Kraft and The Ladies Collective of Lazy Lion Quilts
What: "Pinwheels No.6" African Quilt
Where: Mill Valley, CA/Mfuwe, Zambia
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63860968/african-quilt-pinwheels-no6

Who: californiafairytales
What: Vintage Handmade Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet by Chicago Artist Anna Halasi
Where: San Francisco, CA
Web: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-American-Modern-Modernist-Anna-Halasi-Cuff-Bracelet-Sterling-Silver-/170907383827

Column 4
Who: Francine Ruth
What: Pinwheel Earrings, Etched Sterling Silver and 22K Gold Bi-metal
Where: Cleveland, OH
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/109038540/pinwheel-earring-etched-sterling-silver

Who: Char Russell of Tabitha Quilts
What: Pinwheels Quilted Coat in Blue, Purple & Turquoise
Where: Clinton, MA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/98641175/blues-purples-turquoise-pinwheels

Who: Ginger Wankewycz of Ginger Folds & Fine Arts
What: Silver Origami Knot Pendant
Where: Cleveland, OH
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/88255885/silver-origami-knot-pendant

Who: Grecha
What: Handmade Hooded Sweater Coat with Cream and Blue Pinwheel Design
Where: Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/104934997/sweater-coat-blue-cream-and-gray-size-l

Shuffling Moose on the Loose!

Who: Anneke van Bommel of Touch the Dutch
What: Handcrafted Jewelry and Printed Cards
Where: Toronto, Art and Design District, Canada
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/touchthedutch
Why: Anneke is a well-accomplished and much acclaimed artist with a fierce Canadian wit...Yes, that is a Shuffling Moose ring. And the official crossed axe brooch of the Secret Order Lumberjack Society. And I'm not exactly sure what poutine is, but that is a completely handcrafted cutlery set featuring a poutine fork, knife and ice cream paddle. I'm diggin' the Pinwheel earrings the most, but I do believe I may be hearing the call of that wayward moose!  ;)

Keep It Simple

Who: Hanna Karlzon
What: Illustration
Where: Umea, Vasterbotten, Sweden
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kattching
http://www.hannakarlzon.com/
Why: Striking minimal simplicity.  :)

Spirits of the Past

Who: Rob Sutherland of Sutherland Ceramics
What: Hand Coiled Ceramics
Where: Selkirk, Scotland
Web: http://www.sutherlandceramics.co.uk/index.htm
Why: Subtle colors, strong forms and nature-inspired motifs unite beautifully in Rob's work, tinged with nuances of ancient monoliths, cave paintings and fossils. I'm completely enchanted by Rob's Blue Pebble, Lichen and Arboretum series of ceramic vessels...like bits of Prehistory or relics from Stonehenge. Rob is definitely channeling some eons-old artistic energy!

Two on Tuesdays...Barcelona Bling

Who: Marta Sànchez Oms
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/masaoms
Why: Love Marta's supersized jewels and her 24K and sterling designs...they pack a pretty punch!

Who: Walter Chen of Monte Azul Estudio
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/monteazul
Why: Unusual settings and stones along with sweet and serene origami pieces...each one-of-a-kind that no one else will be wearing. True originality is my favorite part about handmade jewelry.  :)

Create Change!

Who: Favianna Rodriguez
What: Fine Art, Limited Edition Prints, Posters and Clothing
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.favianna.com/index.php
http://favianna.flyingcart.com/index.php?p=home
http://www.justseeds.org/artists/favianna_rodriguez/
Why: Non-stop advocate of activism through art, Favianna is the perfect muse for a day celebrating the hard-working people in our country. Happy Labor Day!

Mighty Meteorites

Who: John Biagiotti of Metamorphosis Design
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Ben Lomond, CA
Web: http://www.metamorphosisdesign.com/index.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Metamorphosisjewelry
Why: Another great find at the Sausalito Art Festival this weekend! John's jewelry combines strong classic designs with rare and exotic gems like Pink Druse, Yellow Beryl and Orange Sapphire. He also makes liberal use of Gibeon Meteorites, iron meteorites that have been etched down to show their crazy cool Widmanstatten patterns, the result of crystallization as they speed through our atmosphere...so geeky yet so fascinating, they are sure to spark a conversation among your fellow geeks...er, jewelry aficionados.  ;)