Birds and Swirls

Who: Vickie Hallmark
What: Handcrafted Jewelry
Where: Austin, TX
Web: http://www.vickiehallmark.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vickiehallmark
Why: Supertalented artist! Lovely jewels and beads, inspired illustrations and award-winning quilts colorfully animated by birds, swirls, leaves and trees. All painstakingly crafted and beautiful!  :)

The Courage of Peace

Today is International Day for Tolerance, established in 1995 by the United Nations, to "encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples". 

I'd say we could use a little of this everyday.  :)

Column 1:
Who: BirdznBeez
What: "One World" Locket Necklace
Where: Beautiful Midwest
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86151107/silver-locket-necklace-silver-globe-one

Who: Michelle Caron of Caron Art Glass
What: "One World" Fused Glass Cabochon Key Ring
Where: Kaneohe Station, HI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97614449/key-ring-one-world-fused-glass-cabochon

Who: Kathie McCurdy
What: "One World Under The Stars" Print
Where: Akron, OH
Web: http://kathie-mccurdy.artistwebsites.com/featured/2-one-world-under-the-stars-kathie-mccurdy.html

Who: Liz Soll of Beading Nutritionist Jewelry
What: "One World" Cluster Station Bracelet
Where: San Francisco, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/44984284/one-world-cluster-station-bracelet-b156

Column 2:
Who: emmevielle
What: "One World" Denim Cuff Bracelet
Where: Downers Grove, IL
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102199040/denim-cuff-bracelet-upcycled-blue-jean

Who: Tony Motto
What: "One Heart, One World" Wood Slat Flag
Where: The Woodlands
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/111208303/one-heart-one-world-wood-slat-flag

Who: Valerie of SunDrop Clips
What: "One World" Turquoise Ribbon Hair Clip Set
Where: San Diego, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/102733530/one-world-turquoise-set-ribbon-hair

Who: Nancy Tobin
What: "One World" Folk Art Quilt Print
Where: Maplewood, NJ
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/36860633/large-quilt-print-folk-art-tribal-floral

Column 3:
Who: Lisa of Under Her Charm
What: "One World" Sterling Silver and Amethyst Hand-stamped Necklace
Where: Berkeley, CA
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74435420/one-worldsterling-silver-hand-stamped

Who: Rachel Badeau of Moosup Valley Designs
What: "One World" Chief Seattle Giclee Print
Where: Warwick, RI
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80530664/one-world-giglee-reproduction-print

Who: Coffee Shop
What: "One Mic One World" Vintage Microphone Print
Where: Near NYC
Web: http://www.etsy.com/listing/61936257/one-mic-one-world-vintage-microphone

Two on Tuesdays...Red or Blue?

Red ~ Row 1
Who: Garrett Keisling of Keisling Glasswürks
What: "Cherry Perfume Bottles" in Glass
Where: Nevada City, CA
Web: http://www.keislingglasswurks.com/Keisling_Glasswurks/Flameworked_Glass_Designs.html

Who: Gary Schott
What: "Strawberry Cheesecake - 310 Calories" Brooch
Where: San Antonio, TX
Web: http://www.garyschott.com/

Red ~ Row 2
Who: Joel Hunnicutt
What: "Open Segment Hollowform" Woodturned Vessel
Where: Siler City, NC
Web: http://www.joelhunnicutt.com/

Who: Donna Veverka
What: "Esther's Window" Garnet and Sterling Silver Pendant
Where: Boston, MA
Web: http://www.donnavjewelry.com/

Red ~ Row 3
Who: Tristyn Albright
What: "Some Like It Red Hot" Beaded Vessel
Where: York, PA
Web: http://www.tristynalbright.com/

Who: Amy Faust
What: "Lorelei Ring" in Sterling and Glass
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.amyfaust.com/

Blue ~ Row 1
Who: Tim Harding
What: "Sapphire Reflections" Fiber Wall Art
Where: Stillwater, MN
Web: http://www.timharding.com/th/index.html

Who: Daniel Slack of Cache La Pottery
What: Carved Spiral Bowl
Where: Livermore, CO
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CacheLaPottery

Blue ~ Row 2
Who: Andrea Anderson
What: Handwoven Wrap
Where: Farmington Hills, MI
Web: http://www.aahandwovens.com/

Who: Jess Wainer
What: "Lapis Teardrop Vase" in Glass
Where: Oakland, CA
Web: http://www.jesswainer.com/

Blue ~ Row 3
Who: Catherine Iskiw
What: "Oblique Ring" in Platinum with Blue Sapphire and Diamonds
Where: Brooklyn, NY
Web: http://www.catherineiskiw.com/index.html

Who: Nina Mann
What: "Loved and Treasured" Lapis Necklace
Where: Traverse City, MI
Web: http://www.ninamann.com/

Red or Blue...what would you 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!

Quietly Timeless

Who: David and Melanie Leppla of Mad River Glass Gallery
What: Sculptural and Functional Glass
Where: Waitsfield, VT
Web: http://www.madriverglassgallery.com/home.html
Why: Lanterns, vessels and vases derived from the quiet serenity of nature and a beautifully timeless aesthetic.

Elegance Emerges

Who: Elaine Hyde
What: Objects in Blown Glass and Precious Metals
Where: Los Osos, CA
Web: http://www.elainehyde.com/
Why: So excited to find this exuberantly creative hybrid of glass and jewels! Treasure jars that partially dismantle into gemmy beads and pendants. Perfume bottles with dramatically elegant gold, silver and gemstone stoppers. Teapots tipped with precious stones. All in full mind-blowing color!

Busy As A Bee

The air is soft with the sweet May showers,
And the birds make melody.
The lazy hum of the busy bees
Murmureth through the almond trees.

(from In Spring by Ernest Dowson)

Spring is such a spinningly busy time! Make sure you slow down and take time to appreciate the little things.  :)

Column 1, top to bottom:
Ceridwen Hazelchild of Mystic Moose Crafts
Three Bumble Bee Garden Hives Illustration Eco Cotton Tote Bag
Stroud, England, UK
http://www.etsy.com/listing/98748843/three-bumble-bee-garden-hives

Christine Moser
Bee Card - Linocut on 50/50 Sugar Cane & PCW Recycled Paper
Atascadero, CA
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84485490/bee-card-linocut-on-5050-sugar-cane-pcw

Maia Waye of MaiaArt
Bee Good / 8"x8"
Sequim, WA
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87012774/bee-good-8x8

Column 2, top to bottom:
Robin McBride Scott Scott and Blevins of Willows Keep Pottery
Green Tea Honeypot with Bees
New Castle, IN
http://www.etsy.com/listing/95025719/green-tea-honeypot-with-bees

Kelly Ann of The Poppy Tree
Bee Girl Print---Bumblina Bee
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
http://www.etsy.com/listing/38990555/bee-girl-print-bumblina-bee

Melinda Byrd of Byrdcall
Honeybee Hand-printed Notecard
Woodbine, MD
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88539765/honeybee-hand-printed-notecard-suitable

Column 3, top to bottom:
 Michelle Hinson/turtleshell03
Steampunk Inspired Journal with Bee
Tempe, AZ
http://www.etsy.com/listing/90386619/steampunk-inspired-journal-with-bee

Roxana Villa of Illuminated Perfume
Honey Bee Original Art Print
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.etsy.com/listing/69222838/honey-bee-original-art-print-sacred-to

Lisa Yoshiko Radecki/lyoshikor of Yosh Design
"Beverly the Bee" Artist's Book
Chicago, IL
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73901249/beverly-the-bee

Denise Shipley/DeniseAnnette
Hunee.....Lampwork Bee Bead with Flower
Whidbey Island, WA
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99063551/huneelampwork-bee-bead-w-flower-sra

Column 4, top to bottom:
Tricia Scott of The Oddest Owl
They Called Her Honey Bee Bookplates
Roanoke, VA
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64854411/they-called-her-honey-bee-bookplates

RQP Studio
Bee Necklace with Latin Motto "Vive Ut Vivas" ("Live Life To The Fullest")
Myrtle Beach, SC
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83222059/bee-antique-wax-seal-necklace-with-latin

Renee of PaintedByRenee
Whimsical Queen Bee Notecards and Envelopes
Southern California
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56656682/queen-bee-whimsical-copper-faux-frame-8

Singin' the Blues...and Reds...and Yellows...

Who: Jonathan Winfisky
What: Blown and Cast Sculptural Glass Vessel Forms
Where: Charlemont, MA
Web: http://www.winfiskyglass.com/index.html
http://www.winfiskyglass.net/
Why: Dad was a bit of an art collector and one of his favorite pieces was a stunningly beautiful cobalt blue vase by Jonathan Winfisky. Jonathan's bold use of color is certainly eye-catching, especially his rich, saturated Cobalt Blue Collection and his traffic-stopping yellow and orange Flower Bud Top Vases. His classic forms, including stately pedestal vessels and perfume bottles, and his softly undulating sea-inspired shapes have captured critical acclaim and a faithful clientele. You can find his work online through Grow Gallery's etsy site, but if you're passing through northwest Massachusetts, stop by Grow Gallery to see those gorgeous colors in person, or give Jonathan a call and you can visit his supercool working glass studio and see him in action!

Hot Hues!

Who: Nathan Macomber
What: Glass Blowing and Metal Working Studio
Where: Conway, NH
Web: http://www.macomberglass.com/
Why: Soul-warming radiance of color!

In Love and Light

Who: Joan Nicole of Light Curves Glass Studio
What: Stained Glass Jewelry and Art Objects
Where: Loch Sheldrake , NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lightcurves
Why: Peace, Love and Happiness make the world a better place. :)

Two on Tuesdays...Candy Canes

Who: Ginger Kelly
What: Fine Art Glass and Jewelry
Where: Breaux Bridge, LA
Web: http://www.gingerkelly.com/home
Why: Fruity juicy colors like tart Jolly Ranchers on a hot summer's day.

Who: Penelope Rakov
What: Millifiori Art Glass and Jewelry
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Web: http://www.peneloperakov.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PenelopeRakov
Why: Dreamy designs in soft Nordic hues...like fresh sweet salt water taffy.

Captured

Who: Chad Trent of Cosmo Glassworks
What: Handcrafted borosilicate glass marbles, paperweights and jewelry
Where: Roanoke, VA
Web: http://www.cosmoglassworks.com/index.php
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CosmoGlassworks
Why: Opals embedded into marbles and ethereal mists of 22K gold and fine silver captured in glass. How screamingly cool is that?
The man is a torch-wielding genius.

Two on Tuesdays...Mercy with Magic

Who: Samantha Vrij of Bewittched/Slow Water Studio
What: Jewelry, glass and sculpture
Where: Puhoi, New Zealand
Web: http://www.slowwaterstudio.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop/bewittched http://www.etsy.com/shop/SlowWaterStudio
Why: Delicate pate de verre glass castings are her forte, but vegan artist Samantha Vrij also does fabulous garden sculptures and wind chimes as well as fun and playful gothic-inspired jewelry. Her poesy rings can be stacked and set with gems such as Moonstone and Amethyst, and her earrings, lockets and locket rings are easily wearable and eye-catching. She has a real feel for 3D forms and puts it to good use in conjuring her beautifully "bewittching" pieces.


Who: Rachel Anderson of Two Silver Stars
What: Prints, cards, jewelry and gifts
Where: Ithaca, NY
Web: http://www.etsy.com/shop/twosilverstars
Why: Supertalented Rachel is an accomplished artist, illustrating in a style reminiscent of Pre-Raphaelites like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and modern artists like Brian Froud. She brings lush vivid color to life in her dreamy pendants, prints and gifts, all created with eco- and animal-friendly ideals in mind. Her profound love and respect for nature and all the magical beauty found in it are woven throughout her work. Irresistible, ethical and enchanting.

Shimmers, Squiggles and Swirls

Flux: Reflections on Contemporary Glass
New Mexico Museum of Art--Santa Fe, NM
June 07, 2008 - Sep 21, 2008

A stunning survey of the glorious forms of glass, from minimal to monumental. The exhibition includes artists that reference Mesopotamian artifacts and African textiles, as well as those using glass to create provocative conceptual installations.

"Marvel at the many sculptural possibilities of glass, from functional vessels to abstract sculptures and representations of popular culture icons. The exhibit features work by nearly 50 artists, including international masters William Morris and Dale Chihuly and gifted New Mexico glass artists Tony Jojola and Stacy Neff..."

>>continue>>

Images:
 Eva Vlcekova
"Shield", 2003, Cast glass, 32 x 14 x 5 in.
Courtesy of Arnold and Doris Roland, Photo: Addison Doty
Vladimira Klumpar and Michael Pavlik
"Alicante Verde", 2000, Cast glass, 35.5 x 36 x 14 in. 
Courtesy of Doug Ring and Cindy Miscikowski, Photo: Steve Oliver

Luminescent Legacy in the Southeast

The Morse Museum of American Art--Winter Park, FL presents 3 exhibits:
Domestic Treasures: Tiffany Art Glass for the Public
Through January 14, 2007
Windows and Wonders: Tiffany from the Morse Vaults and Secrets of Tiffany Glassmaking
Through September 2, 2007

Jeannette Genius McKean and Hugh F. McKean have devoted their lives to collecting, appreciating and sharing the phenomenal work of designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Their museum, named after Jeannette's grandfather, holds "the world's most comprehensive collection of the designer's work", as well as the Tiffany Chapel from the 1893 Chicago world's fair.

The variety of the Morse's Tiffany holdings range from his famed leaded-glass windows to glass buttons he fashioned to make even life's most humble objects expressions of beauty available to a broad public. It includes paintings and extensive examples of his pottery, as well as jewelry, enamels, mosaics, watercolors, lamps, furniture and scores of examples of his Favrile blown glass. Among the most fascinating objects in the Tiffany collection are the brilliantly colorful windows, mosaics, Byzantine-Romanesque architectural elements and furnishings of the chapel he created for the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. The chapel has been reassembled and is open to the general public for the first time in more than 100 years. It was Tiffany's work at the 1893 exposition and especially the chapel that established him as a universally acknowledged member of the small international circle of leading artists/designers of the period - and the only American in that group. >>continue>>

Luminescent Legacy in the Midwest

Electric Tiffany--The Paine Art Center and Gardens--Oshkosh, WI Through October 8, 2006

Briiliant color from a brilliant master, only in the Midwest...

Electric Tiffany features fifty original lamps created by the studios of renowned American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). Produced at the turn of the century, primarily between 1895 and 1920, Tiffany's remarkable lamps coincided with the development of electricity and signify his quest to bring beauty to American homes. Ultimately, Tiffany developed the lamp into an entirely new art form, pioneering the artistic use of the newly invented light bulb to create decorative objects that were both elegant and utilitarian. Tiffany Studios produced more than 400 different designs for both shades and bases in a variety of forms, ranging from table and floor lamps to hanging fixtures. Botanical themes inspired most designs, but others show Tiffany's interest in Islamic and Moorish motifs, fauna, and geometric patterns. Electric Tiffany demonstrates this immense diversity and celebrates the creativity, innovation, and exquisite craftsmanship of Tiffany's magnificent lamps. >>continue>>

Serenity in Glass

Sonja Blomdahl
Sonja's glass is expertly crafted--vivid, luminous, yet exquisitely serene. She specializes in architectural panels and vessels, and is known for her mastery of difficult techniques such as incalmo (joining two or more separate blown glass pieces while they are hot). Sonja's pieces can be found in several prestigious collections such as the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design, and the Renwick Gallery-Smithsonian Institution.

In a sense, the vessel is a "history of my breath": It contains the volume within. If I have done things correctly, the profile of the piece is a continuous curve, the shape is full, and the opening confident.

Color is often the "joy" in making a piece. I want the colors to glow and react with each other. The clear band between the colors acts as an optic lens; it moves the color around and allows you to see into the piece.

For me there is still much to explore. The relationship between form, color, proportion, and process still intrigues me. >>continue>>