Top Ten Tuesday -- May 8, 2012

Spring is definitely in the air here in colorful Colorado! Yesterday was very rainy and today is very sunny, so my flowers and my new Chinese Plum tree are very happy. I'm happy, too, especially now that I've looked at my file of top ten items for this week! What a bright and cheerful group of handmade treasures from talented artists in a great variety of places, such as Maryland, Ohio, Turkey, Denver, and France. I love sharing the work of these talented men and women who also love the beauty of our natural world. I hope you enjoy this top ten and a lovely 8th of May where you are.

Elegant Beauty in this Fiber Brooch from France

The rich colors and nubby texture in this fiber jewelry are lovely and I'm sure they will be a conversation starter! The wingspan of this copper underwing moth brooch is 5" and the body is over 2" long, which makes it a true statement piece. Perhaps it is more truly a conversation stopper than a starter, which is fabulous! For those who prefer, there is also a mechanism on the back for hanging this piece in your home. Love it! You can see Blue Terracotta on Etsy here.

Little Bird Ring from Maryland

My hands are small and the rings I wear need to be petite, especially since I work with my hands all day in the wool. This tiny brass bird ring can be made in any size to fit your hands perfectly, too! The delicate design showing the feathers on the wing and the tail make this ring pretty special. I understand there are matching earrings...sounds perfect! You can see Proteales on Etsy here.

Tangerine and Plum Butterfly Pillow Case from Ohio

I love how this Etsy merchant has thought through all the important service features for her customers! She has made this luscious hand dyed and printed pillow cover and she's made it very easy for you to order it and care for it. To me, that's a lovely pillow and a lovely shopping experience! How much fun is that!? You can see Giardino on Etsy here.

Tour des Trees Fundraising Event in Oregon

We've all heard about the Tour des France, but for all you tree lovers in America, this is an awesome alternative! The 2012 Stihl Tour des Trees will launch in Portland, Oregon on August 5th covering a 585-mile route. This visually scenic multi-day bike tour will take the riders through Oregon's coastline, vineyards, and high desert, with Mt. Hood providing a sweeping landscape. Since 1992, the Tour des Trees has raised more than $5.5 million dollars to fund a variety of research projects, including educational programs, all geared toward keeping urban trees and forests healthy. What a wonderful way to do good!

Eco-Friendly Fibers from Ohio

I've found a fun place to shop for yarns that do not have many if any synthetic ingredients! There are certified organic yarns in a variety of colors as well as recycled natural fiber choices. I love the feel of silk, cotton, corn silk, and bamboo. The Yarn Market is for those of us who are "environmentally aware knitters and crocheters!" That sounds right to me. Oh, yes, these yarns are also beautiful.

Chinese Plum Tree in Bloom from Denver

Keep the blooms of Spring alive all year long with this charming hand painted mug from Feisty Owl Studio in Denver! This popular Etsy shop will hand paint your tree mug to order using porcelain paint. This non-toxic paint stays put in the microwave and dishwasher. You even get to request a larger mug size, if you'd like! It sounds like the perfect recipe for an amazing cup of coffee to me. Well done!

Soft Flowing Spring Green Scarf from Turkey

This lovely batik cotton scarf is lightweight and a perfect accessory for a warm Spring or Summer day. Depending on how you wrap the scarf from Mediterranean Lights on Etsy, you will see deep green, spring bud green, or soft yellow and white near your face. I love how versatile that will be for any wardrobe! Scarves really are a popular alternative to necklaces for many women...I like bringing out the green of my eyes with a soft scarf.

The Paper Art of Helen Musselwhite in England

Helen is a force of nature in my estimation. Her paper cutting, folding and construction techniques have such a solid delicacy when finished. Don't you love her use of color? The many layers that she uses to build her scenes are a fascination, and I think it would be wonderful to see a show of her works in a gallery. They would probably have to rope-off a viewing line so that everyone could get up close enough to take a turn seeing her detailed artwork. Sign me up!

Spiral Garden Path

Spring is the right time to clean up the walk ways and paths around your property, so this little DIY idea keeps popping up on my to-do list! I love the playful way the small rocks were used to make flowers and spirals. This would be a fun project to work on with kids or grand kids...especially if they would bring me all of the materials I need so that I don't have to keep trying gracefully to stand up from sitting on the ground. That's the hardest part...the getting back up again part! This path would make a grand entrance toward your front door. Love it!

Funny Animal of the Week

I don't know why I think it is kind of spooky to have a kitten outside. I've never owned a kitten, and I guess I just assume that if they are left outside, they will run away, never to be seen again. I feel happy when I look at this funny kitten, and in my imagination, her care-taking human is just beyond the camera's angle, ready to scoop her up and keep her safe and happy. Yeah, that's what I think. This is a really cute picture when I think of it like that. I really like how the cat is standing like a farmer, surveying her garden!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

"Tree Party" Design at Nestle and Soar

It has been very busy in my studio this week! I am getting ready to frame my latest needle-felt fiber art...I've named it Tree Party. I like the spirit of these colorful birds as they come together to chat and party in a tree for a bit. And like any really fun party, there is lots of diversity amongst the guests...makes for better conversations! This fiber art for the wall will be 16"x20".

The foundation of this piece is raw-edge fabric patchwork with machine quilting. The leaves are appliqued wool sheet felt with hand beading. The birds have a variety of decorative sewing or beading--I've used wool throughout--except for the green bird in the middle, who is felted with silk fibers.

The last studio photo shows a variation of this design that I'm making as a pillow top. I've included two bright blue and gold birds in this piece, and it is still in progress...I'm guessing it is about 50% complete.

I'd love to know what you think about these new designs!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- May 1, 2012

May Day -- May Day! I always think of birds and flowers on May 1st, and today is no exception. There is a robin nesting in the crook of our rain gutter again this year and that is always a herald of Spring to me in May. This week I was able to find many bright and organic items that help keep my May Day mood going. Perhaps before dinner tonight I'll have a chance to plant a few more flowers along the winding path to our front door...

until then, I hope you have a chance to enjoy my top ten Tuesday finds. Happy May Day to you!

Sweet Needle Book by Fiber Luscious

As a sewing teacher, one of the first projects I teach is making a needle book. Maybe you aren't in the mood to sew just now? Jill Verbick-O'Leary from Wisconsin is happy to make one for you or your favorite sewing fan using contemporary applique and machine quilting! This bird needle book measures just over 3" square/6" wide when opened. See all of Jill's great fiber items at Fiber Luscious!

Verdigris Feather Brooch

Finding a lost feather is considered by many to be good luck. I wish I could find this lovely handmade stunner! Not One Sparrow in Pennsylvania makes this lovely vintage-inspired brooch in shades of gold, turquoise, and green. It would look lovely on the lapel of a coat or on your favorite felt hat!

Bird-Lover's Wheel-Thrown Casserole Dish

 One Clay Bead on Etsy, which is located in Asheville, North Carolina, makes this lovely casserole dish in one of my favorite color combinations: turquoise and brown. This casserole holds 2 quarts and the lid can be turned upside-down in dish for stacking. You can bake or serve in this nest-topped dish, and she even has coordinating pieces in her shop! This would also make a great gift for any upcoming summer wedding.

Living Tree Sculpture

The folks at Cornell University have a great resource for any of us who love sculptural tree elements in our yards. I know it sounds ambitious, but I have always dreamed of having a tunnel of trees for the grand kids to play under! This living sculpture website it a good place for us to start!

Fine Art Print from Contemporary Earth Art

A stack of vintage books is the perfect resting spot for a sweet golden bird! The blues, golds, and browns of this contemporary print by Laura Sue are home decor trends that I love. The image is 8" x 10" and is sold unframed, which to me means I could select the perfect frame for my family room! Visit with Laura Sue here.

One-of-a-Kind Reading Chair 

I love curling up with a good book. This bright chair from Anthropologie looks like the perfect place for me to do just that! Upholstered in unique vintage kilim fabric, no two chairs can be alike. The curvy arms look perfect for when I'm knitting...my elbows need space to move around! Love it!

The Mighty Live Oak

Uninvented Colors on Etsy has taught me that the Live Oak tree is named that because it remains green year-round. How much would I love that! She also tells me that this tree is the southern symbol of strength, and when I look at the graceful canopy of this tree, I can feel its strength. This fine art photo print comes in five sizes and would make a striking image in most every home. Gorgeous!

Bird's Nest Necklace Tutorial and Finished Item

One of the very best features of the Internet is access to helpful tutorials, and today my top favorite one comes from Sarah Ortega of Poppy and Pine. While you can buy a finished nest necklace directly from her great shop on Etsy, she has been gracious enough to teach you how to make one, too! Her nest design is special because of its simplicity...it looks like it will be smooth against the skin. The variety of bead "eggs" you can include is endless, so I have a feeling that once I begin making them, I'll have trouble stopping! The tutorial link is above, and it is included as Number 11 on a list of 25 tutorials...have fun!

Origami Birds

I stumbled upon a company in England that sells these charming paper birds. Cox and Cox has a number of lovely bird-themed home decor items. These paper collage birds are hand crafted from printed antique notation and script, with little beaded eyes. Use the clip to perch them on napkins or flower arrangements. Some come with their wings open and some with their wings closed.

Funny Animal of the Week

 I think this elephant ranks right up there with a dancing purple elephant. I never thought I'd see an elephant water ski. If this image is computerized fantasy, I may still have never seen an elephant water ski! It's funny to think about though!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Good To Know -- Insights for the Creative Life -- Feather Earrings

Jessie Bender of Free Flying Boutique on Etsy

When a bird lover like myself wants to wear on-trend feather jewelry, it is hard to imagine wearing real feathers for decoration. There are many lovely options for feather-inspired products these days, and I love the way Jessie Bender has taken this popular trend and made it so much more compassionate. Her lovely (and petite) feather earrings are kind to birds! She makes extremely realistic paper feathers for her handmade and beaded jewelry, and each pair is a work of art.

You can see Jessie's work at her fun Free Flying Boutique and I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions about her love of birds. Join me for my visit with Jessie...

Feathers and earring findings on Jessie's work table at Free Flying Boutique

Georgianne Holland: How are your feather earrings kinder to birds?
Jessie Bender:  What I love about this type of feather is that it has all the beauty and detail of the real thing, but it didn't require any disturbance to get it. To get such beautiful feathers, a person would have to either capture the bird, kill it, or follow it around for months, waiting for the feathers to fall. Since those three things are not an option, I wanted to find a way to get the feather without endangering wildlife.

GH: What is your background with birds and why are they a focus in your fine crafting?
JB:  As a huge animal lover, I was able to work for several years at a zoo, in the Bird Department. Although, I always loved birds, it was then that they really became a passion. I love so many of their features: their amazing sounds, their stunning colors, their fun personalities and character, their keen intelligence and most of all, their ability to fly. It was not hard to include these eye-catching creatures in my crafting. They are so inspiring.

GH: Have you worked with real bird's feathers in the past?
JB:  At the zoo, I would spend my days cleaning cages, feeding and caring for the inhabitants. As I did these things, I found countless bird feathers, of all shapes and colors. Due to strict rules, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to collect or keep feathers, especially from certain species. Knowing what gorgeous feathers were out there, I wanted to capture their gorgeous detail in my art. I worked with the limited amount of feathers that could be used legally, such as feathers one can buy for crafts and fly-tying, to create items like hair feathers and earrings. I tried really hard to recreate the plumage I had seen so many times on the actual birds, but the turkey feathers from the craft store weren't cutting it!

The bright citrus colors of these paper earrings are luscious and refreshing!

GH: Are the beads you use to make your charming earrings precious stones?
JB:  The stones I use for my jewelry are very carefully chosen to bring out the best qualities of the feather. I use a wide range of beads, from lovely precious stones, to shiny metal beads, to colorful glass beads. I have a huge collection of beads and stones that I have collected for over a decade. It takes a long time to choose just the right bead.

GH: How many types of bird feathers do you use in your work and which is your favorite?
JB:  I have the feather images of over 150 different types of bird species. The number is always growing as I continue searching for more images. It would be hard to narrow down a favorite type of feather. I really love the brilliant colors of the parrots. I love the charm of the birds of prey. I really like the patterns in the feathers of the pheasants and game birds. The woodpeckers and flickers have some really cool designs, too. My favorites are usually a combination of all those features. So probably the Blue Jay would be my favorite, since it has color and patterns.

GH: Do you see other animal-friendly ways to make nature-inspired jewelry?
JB:  I think the digital age has really made it easy to enjoy wildlife without harming it. One picture can be used again and again, without the need to find more feathers. I have started looking at other things besides feathers, such as butterflies and flowers. The methods I use to make my jewelry can turn just about anything into an exceptional work of art. I try to make sustainable, Eco-conscious choices, such as using recycled paper for my jewelry. Anytime you can find a different avenue to capture the essence of something, it allows the real thing to continue thriving and inspiring us.

Thanks to Jessie for sharing her passion for birds and her insights for the creative life! I invite everyone to look at her jewelery and enjoy Free Flying Boutique on Etsy.

Thank you for stopping by,
Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- April 17, 2012

My Nestle and Soar studio office has a large dream board that I love adding to, and each week that is where I stash my Top Ten Tuesday picks. I figure that if a handmade item plays with my heart strings enough to make me want to add it to my inspiration board, then it will probably be a perfect item to share with you! This week's items are all very sweet and colorful. The attention to detail that each crafts person/artist shows is impressive, don't you think? I'd love to invite all of these folks to sit around a table and be creative together...who would you want to invite to that crafting social?

Red Orange Bird Archival Print

I have fallen in love with the art of Cori Dantini, a talented illustrator from Washington. She has a charming Etsy shop since 2007, and this archival bird print is one of my favorites! The illustration is 8"x8", which is a great size to hang in a little nook in your home. You can see more than 100 lovely whimsical illustrations by Cori's at Corid on Etsy.

Tiny Watercolors from Little Dear

I love learning about entrepreneurial women who create in many arenas, and I've found that in Aimee Ray, the creative force behind Little Deer. Aimee hand paints these pin back buttons using watercolor, and she also is an expert at embroidery! Her Craft Patterns and Embroidery Patterns are very popular, and I can see why...I hope you have fun looking at Little Deer on Etsy. I know I did.

We are All Connected!

I'd like to introduce you to a special artist I've gotten to know a little bit, Jen Renninger of sunny Florida. I purchased one of her prints and I get so many great comments from friends with it: seems as though folks feel really good about being connected! I tried my hand at a paint-by-numbers landscape years ago, and when I saw Jen's print, it helped me remember that fun experience. I also love the name of her Etsy shop -- Please Be Still. Those are words to live by, too!

Twine and Rag Nest by Carolyn's Homework

I love a whimsical nest perhaps more than most, and this lovely twig and fabric scraps nest is top drawer. Carolyn has a sweet and simple aesthetic and uses natural colors and homespun materials in a fun way. This little shop has only been open since 2010 and I am very excited about keeping my eyes on her work! You can find her at Carolyn's Homework on Etsy.

Appliqued Owl Pouch

What a cheerful handmade owl pouch I found at Mama Blue Designs. I can see one of my little granddaughters enjoying this cute pouch as a purse and I can also see my youngest daughter using it as a make up bag! Every girl I know loves owls! Artist Laura Clausen of California does a great job with machine stitched lettering, so if you'd like one of her popular pouches personalized, you will love the results!

Lottie Fun Crochet Flower Bracelet

Imagine a hand crocheted flower that is less than 1" across and then imagine how tiny the crochet hook would have to be to create the definition you see in this chic and colorful bracelet! There are eight double crochet daisies in this cute bracelet...the photo here shows the Lottie Bracelet (closest to the model's hand) as well as other handmade crochet from Gitte - Wearable Fiber Art in Australia. Open since 2007, this shop has many fashion-forward items that all have the homespun qualities of vintage, which I think is a lovely combination. Modern Vintage Style!

Little Knit Birds by Beaded Wire on Etsy

These soft pastel knit birds are all sitting in a nest, waiting to make your home a little sweeter! Beaded Wire is a popular shop based in New Hampshire, and her shop is loaded with a huge assortment of accessories either knit, crocheted, or beaded. All of her items are available for immediate shipment, which I admire. And the expertise of her knitting stitches...can you see it in the shaping of each little bird? I'm in love!

Art Quilt -- Tree of Life

Art quilts are an acquired taste in my opinion. If you learned to sew or quilt in home economics class, like I did, there was always great emphasis put on traditional geometric patterns. Art quilts are so very interesting because it is a fiber art in the quilting genre without all of the fussy rules and right angles. The Tree of Life quilt by Bozena Wojtaszek of Poland is a wonderful example of the expressive nature of art quilts. It is about 16" x 21" and packed with personality.

Straight Stitch Society Patterns

Whether you are an apples or oranges type of gal, this Oliver + S shop pattern is perfect for you. Having a handmade sewing kit was always the perfect beginner's sewing project, and making one this adorable will be popular for any age group. The finished items includes a pincushion, a zipper pouch for notions, a needle keeper, and tons of style. If you like this, you will really want to check out the whole Straight Stitch Society selection.

Funny Animal of the Week

I love books, too! Owls and books are a good combination, and it looks like these owls love books about birds! Hoot!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Studio Scene at Nestle and Soar

Inventory wall in the Nestle and Soar studio, near Boulder, Colorado

There is always a riot of color in my fiber folk art studio! I have tried to keep the walls fairly neutral because I know full well that my fiber art will be bright with color.

The needle felting process always includes steam-pressing the wool. It is important to use a pressing cloth.

The dry felting of birds and trees onto linen is still my favorite medium. These pieces become decorative pillows or wall art; this bird piece will eventually be a pillow.

The ledge that is built into this wall of my studio is a wonderful place to display fun items as well as keep regularly-used items within easy reach.

I don't know how I could ever compact my studio items into a smaller space at this point! If I don't have enough room to display, for instance, my favorite Nancy Drew book, how could I make do?

What is your favorite "unnecessary/necessary" item in your creative space?

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne