California artists..

Many of you may know that we have been travelling around the country for the past 6 months..I keep saying I will journal and scrapbook, but so far the journal is not as fat as it should be and the scrapbook has not been started.. I have however, been documenting much of what we've seen with small video clips. so small pat on my back for that. (those can be seen on facebook, for those interested)
But I resolve..yep...to do better in year 11.
We're packing and preparing this week to drive from Lompoc, California to my home town Fort St John in northern BC, Canada. It's a 34 hour drive so I'm fairly sure there will be some time to write in my journal then... I am looking forward to seeing everyone, even if its just for a couple of days.
I will be bringing back to California with me my beloved torch and glass. Yes! So I can begin again to melt glass.

So many talented artists here in California ..sharing here just a couple from the Santa Barbara and area.

SunFire Gallery We met the artist, Lawrence Newsum in a small shop of collectibles on State st in Santa Barbara. Nice guy..talented artist. Love the blown lampshades and light fixtures, mmhmm... this one would look fabuloso in our some day bedroom.

Julie Dunn..oh my. As soon as I am standing in one spot long enough I will get the materials needed to give this art a try. Its called Tempera Batik painting.. a procedure that involves outlined chalk drawing, block painting and a wash of india ink.

This womans work is stunning. We found her through a small gallery in San Luis Obispo~

and lastly ..for the moment anyway..Sarah John Afana, an artistic soul who lives in central California. It was the blown ornaments in a gallery that turned my head ~

but she is proficient in painting, photography and knitting as well. Of her work she says this:

"My images are expressive and colorful. I use top quality artists materials in all my creations. Acid-free papers or fine stretched canvases are always used as platforms for my paintings and drawings." ~Sarah John Afana

and if it may be a while before you get to troll the galleries in California, Miss Sarah has a shop on Etsy. so go give her work a gander. It's soulful and colorful and ..well really, with a name like Sarah John Afana..she must do art, don't you think?

!A most merry Christmas to you all..enjoy your holidays..and stay safe!

Lampwork bracelet..'Castleberry'

'Castleberry'

Handcrafted with my own flameworked glass beads, this bold bracelet is one of a kind. Strung with fresh water pearls and tiny seed beads and all in shades of muted ochres and organic greens..

Findings and toggle clasp are 925 Sterling Silver..fits the average wrist at 7"

Available only on Etsy

and the winner is~

Thanks to randomizer.org the winner of the draw for the lampwork bracelet OR earrings is Jen! of Blue Desert Rose.



Thank you all for you support and participation..much much more to come in the New Year, so stay tuned.



And congratulations to Jen..I will be sending you and email for your preference and your address.

Reminder ~ draw for lampwork bracelet or earrings..

Don't forget to enter the draw and remember that I have extended it to the 15th..which is Wednesday. AND I have added a choice for those who would rather have the earrings..

Needle felted silk Cuff

Brilliant turquoise silk threads needle felted cuff backed with soft faded re-cycled leather. Lampworked button style closure.

~~$48 available here

Comes to your house gift boxed and tagged with artist signed card

Musical notes to move your creative energies~

Do you use music to inspire your work?
I have a love for a wide range of music...Chevelle, Diana Krull, Tom Cochrane, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Joss Stone..Sara Bareilles has one of the purest voices I've ever listened to and Adelle is new to me but will be on my playlist for a long time...I really love it all, depending upon my mood!

I have a challenge for you:

LiSten to mUsic, {preferably something new..new always tweaks the creative muscle}, while you are creating today.

This set of lampwork beads was sold long ago but as I was taking a look at some of my older work I noticed that this one was entitled, 'Songs from the Wood', so I know that they must've been inspired by Jethro Tull~ they do look a wee bit primal don't you think?




Give it a go and then come back and tell us about your experience in the comments.

I'm extending the draw a couple of days (15th) so you will be entered to win either this! free bracelet or these! free earrings~

David Gray - Sail Away Live

December 2011 Blog Hop

A Bead A Day

Blackbeary Mountain

Blue Pearls Handcrafted Goods

Chic and Frog

Crafty Hope

Dragonfly Dreamers

Etania Gems

ExPostFacto Jewelry

Fangdangles

GreenBead Designs

Handcrafted Serenity Jewelry Designs

Happy and Healthy Magnetic Jewelry

Holly Westfall / Silver Rose Designs

Just A Tish

Just Mare Pottery

Keefer Style Creations

Kabs Creative Concepts

Klassy Joolz

Kristi Bowman Design

Lilly Rose Jewelry Designs

Little Rocks

MiShel Designs

Melinda Orr Designs

My Life Under the Bus

Olive Branch Organics

Pine Ridge Treasures

Pink Poppy Studio

Rosebud’s Lampwork Beads

Sand & Sea Designs

SCJ Jewelry Design

Sew Stacy

SongBeads

Studio Waterstone

Sundancegems

Suzanne Stevens

Sweet Creek Herbs

Sweet Water Designs

Wire Worked Handcrafted Jewelry