Saturday, December 29, 2007

Next holiday: Valentine's Day!


I know, I know, it's not even New Year's yet, but I can't wait to get started on Valentine's Day items! Hearts are one of my favorite things to make out of clay, and can be for Valentine's Day or any day.


A friend asked me to make her a shawl stick (a pointed thing to keep her shawl closed) out of bright colors to match her yarn. I had some left-over clay and made these two small hearts (1 1/4" wide). They could be finished as pins, pendants or magnets. Such happy colors!

In an entirely different style, here are two larger hearts (2" x 2") made with origami paper on clay. Not sure which of the 4 is my favorite. I love them all. You will find them in my etsy shop.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007



I'm having an after-Christmas sale on selected items in my etsy shop. Check out the "SALE" section!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Wishing you and yours...



After a busy month of craft shows and custom orders, it's so nice to be able to *breathe* and relax, and enjoy getting together with family and friends.

Wishing everyone a blessed and holy Christmas and peace in the New Year.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Woof! Meow!



A co-worker asked me to make these pins for Christmas gifts for two friends who own these pets and live together in the same house. It was fun to make them in a way that should evoke a smile. Since I made the dog with a bone, I decided to make the cat "dreaming" of a fish. My husband said the cat looks drunk. LOL I love the funny eyelids.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Dogs and Cats





Here are some custom orders I made this week...a clay pin of a darling Bichon Frise named Ruffles...and some cat initial pendants. Custom items are available in my etsy shop.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Featured Etsy Artist - Dharma Designs



Jasmine Tea at the Garden Necklace and Earrings Set


Do you enjoy jewelry and photos with an Oriental flavor? Then you simply must check out the beautiful designs of Wendy Baylis of Portland, Oregon, at Dharma Designs on etsy. Wendy says she hopes "to promote global peace, acceptance, and understanding of all cultures and faiths through art."

She offers a variety of items including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and photos and plans to add cards, paintings and teas. She says, "I have always had a deep love and respect for other cultures and faiths, particularly those of Asia. I think it really comes across in my work."

Wendy works full time in the semi conductor industry. She explains, "Needless to say, it's not that creative, so my art is my escape, my sanctuary. I also have Fibromyalgia, but I refuse to let it get in the way of having a full and happy life. I've been known to go on five-hour hikes and plan to trek the Himalayas some day."

In addition to creating jewelry, Wendy does pencil portraits, paintings and cards as a hobby - and is writing a fictional novel about a medical evacuation helicopter crew in the Vietnam War. She explains, "My main passion is writing and drawing/painting. I'm also working on a black and white series of portraits of American soldiers in the Vietnam War."

Wendy shares some suggestions for fellow Etsy sellers: "Don't be afraid to focus on your pieces when taking pictures. I used to use lots of props to make it look interesting, but it really detracts from your work. My first pictures were absolutely dreadful!"

A look through her shop shows that she's definitely learned to take great photos. Here's one of my favorites: Kathmandu Turquoise and Silver Earrings

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Candle Making is Fun!


My son, who is almost 17, and I bought a candlemaking kit a couple of years ago, made one candle and never got around to making more. I decided to get it back out of the closet and make some Christmas gifts for family this year. His life is filled with school and work, hanging out with friends, playing video games or talking on the phone - and we don't do much together anymore, so it was SO MUCH FUN to work on this project together!

The white one (transluscent) has different colored chunks inside it and is beautiful. We actually made 2 of them. We added color to white wax to make the blue and yellow ones, and added scent to them all. :) I think everyone will love their sweet-smelling pretty-colored gifts!