Intentional Stones

Networking networking networking.

The networking thing is kind of fun!  It seems this year I need to work even harder on creating this kind of connection.  Several of the art fairs in Pittsburgh seem to work through crafting and artists guilds.  This is a great idea, promoting one another.  But it's a little tough as I haven't worked with any of these groups yet.  We live, we work, we learn...

If you're looking for small events to attend- The Heritage market at the Pumphouse in the Waterfront complex in Homestead is happening again on June 26th.  We'll be there, outside and hopefully this will be a recurring event through the summer.  I'm excited to have a regular spot in Pittsburgh to meet people and show my art. 

Classes are a great opportunity to meet new people.  My new friend AR also has a shop on Artfire- Satorious Designs!  The other people in my class are also to be seen at art events all over Pittsburgh. 

-Simbelmynë

Delightful Dalish Knits

Gina of Dahlish Knits is just a weaver of the fantastic. Who knew you could create such delights with a set of needles and some yarn! Be careful, on her site you'll find dragons and mermaids, fish and monkeys, all hand knit.

The dolls are Waldorf style-with faces for little ones to fill with their imaginations. 

Everything she makes is sustainable and her kids help her design the toys.  The designs stimulate the imagination and the bright colors stimulate the senses. 

 She uses her lovely blog to talk about her delightful custom knits.  She can also be found on facebook and the new Handmade Artist's Shop.

Handmade childish fun!

-Simbelmynë

 

Spotlight on Artist: Haffina Creations

Finally!  Haffina has her turn in the spotlight!

Always a friendly and welcoming presence on the Handmade Artist's Forum, Haffina is a designer of polymer clay, chainmaille and beaded confections.  She's got a blog and talks about the artists who support and inspire her every week.

But let's talk about her as an artist!

Looking around at all her work, she's an artist after my own heart.  Trying every different technique to see how well it will create her own vision.  From complex beadwork:

To polymer clay:

And doesn't this next one almost make you want to carry it down the aisle? (not that I'm getting married, but it would be right at home.)

And chainmaille:

She's a mom of 5, a fact I just found out, and am completely amazed by!  She's inspiring in her dedication!  Learning new skills is a passion of my own (you read my blog, you know this) and Haffina is inspiring in the success she's had with all these different media in jewelry!

And she's in Australia, and probably rolls her eyes every time I mention my brief stay there.  Thank you, Haffina, for your support and energy!  Your work is beautiful.

You can also find her on Facebook and twitter. 

-Simbelmynë

 

The Beauty of Childhood

Handmade dolls and doll accessories by IKnitQuiltSew are just irresistable. 

I'm just in love with this little girl, with a smile full of mischief. 

Both adults and children love the dolls (oops!  Sarah here has ribbon ties that need to be secured for the kiddies!)  That's the beauty of Handmade, though.  You can have the doll as meant for maximum customization or perfect for a child!

Sandi is also a great friend and helper.  She takes time out to moderate over at the Handmade Artist's Forum and is always encouraging.  She uses her blog tirelessly to help out, as well. 

She's creating special things for the little ones in your life. 

Tiny little baby things for tiny babies and Sweet handmade teddy bears round out her delightful work.  I know these will end up in the memory box every single time. 

I hope you love her as I do!

-Simbelmynë

TRusk4U Handmade Jewelry for Women

This week, Teresa Rusk's lovely shop is featured.

Sweet wire work and beautiful beads make up her personalized designs.  She owns her own store, Hollyhocks, in Mebane, North Carolina and connects local artists in her town with people who will love their hard work.  She's lucky to have a place to meet the women who wear her jewelry. 

She's got a whimsical way with wire. 

She also has a site in the new Handmade Artist's Shop

  On her blog, she's always helping out other artists.  And, if you like her, follow her new stuff on twitter.  I admire her courage and standing up for her fellow artists! 

Thank you, Teresa!

-Simbelmynë

 

Polymer clay can be so amazing

(And I'm pointing this shop out to you, Mina!)

This week we're showcasing Kabi Designs, home of wonderful, imaginative polymer clay art jewelry.  

Karina is experimenting with the medium, and her gorgeous designs push the limits of craft into art. 

Here are just a few things

And my favorite today:

Karina also has a flickr to showcase her work.

Pardon my lateness, shame on me for letting a little thing like taxes get in the way of more important things!

-Simbelmynë

Blog Ring brought to you by the Handmade Artists Forum

Celebrating Reef Botanicals

Once a week, on the Intentional Stones Blog, we're going to feature a fellow artist.

Reef Botanicals! "Handcrafted soaps and other indulgences."

Ok, here's a great idea she and her spouse have whipped up. 

Beer Soap

You read that right. 

Beer soap.  Coffee soap.  Dead Sea Mud Mask.  I feel like I've just found my kind of soap shop. 

They're crafty, obviously, and fun.  Creating their own soaps, with handmade bases and natural additives.  They're working with a local brewery on the beer soap.

Visit them at their blog and their Handmade Artists Forum Shop.

-Simbelmynë

(A blog ring is a cooperative blogging effort, with fellow members of the Handmade Artist's Forum.)

 

 

 

Artist's weekend

My family will be out of town having the time of their lives.

And I'm staying home to have a party! (yes, I do feel like a teenager whose parents have left town for the weekend)

It's an artist's retreat at Simbelmynë's house!  I'll hit Costco and fill the house with food. I'm used to all sorts of eaters-picky eaters, carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, food sensitivities, OmNomNomNivores... Also I have hot and cold running WiFi, which is, of course, optional.  And, never fear, coffee.

Everything's ship shape with lots of room for big projects.  I'm not far from Construction Junction, really you could get pretty crazy. I'm planning to set aside areas for specific things, and we can adjust as people arrive with their projects and goals for the weekend.  I have lots of places to sleep, if you're from out of town or just don't want to leave.

The jewelry studio will be in full swing.  I have almost every type of equipment anybody could need-from torches to finishing equipment. I have tables and corners and quiet areas for writing, being quiet, meditating.  A park next door for walks and listening to the world around us.  A full crafting room with all sorts of supplies, if you forget anything.  I even have a macro photography studio, if you want to get some small photos.

We can swap, dump, laugh, play, work, meditate, trade secrets, teach, learn, whatever we want to do.

If you RSVP I can make sure I have what you need.  Or just show up, the more the merrier!

Stay all weekend or come and go as you please. 

Official Start is 7pm Friday, March 18 and end at 7pm Sunday March 20.

-Simbelmynë

(412)608-8986

235 Oakview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

(Please ignore the photo it's from the highway, for some reason)

We're the last house on the left.

School's Back

I forgot how much time I really have while the kids are in school.  I'm taking the two classes AND I've had time to make my own projects on top of the homework. 

Everybody is pretty much loving being back at school. So far the kids' teachers are managing pretty well.  I have yet to meet them, but the grades, comments and notes coming back to me are all right.  Havoc's even doing well in spelling!  The summer's schedule of ballet/theater and kung fu would have left us treking insanely every school day except Friday.  Choices had to be made.  The littles loved Kung Fu, so I think I'll have them trade second semester.  Gradual progress is OK and possibly they'll develop a strong favorite after two good semesters of activities. 

I've had the random appeal to homeschool again.  Don't tell the kids, but I retain my sanity at 7:30 AM by imagining us switching to PACyber and getting the kids little netbooks to do school on.  All of us sitting peacefully around the dining table or on the patio doing our various work...What a nice dream.  But you know it would turn back into all of us fighting and not meeting one another on a workable educational level. 

My classes are giving me more confidence with design and metal.  These earrings sprang quite easily from my bench.

I've started a tumblr mini-blog just for bench photos while I'm working like mad.  http://intentional-stones.tumblr.com/ If I get too busy to write a full blog entry, try and find out what I'm working on over there!

-Simbelmynë

In which we discuss individual pieces

Mina's Lovely two strand necklace of amethyst, moonstone and pearl

Simbelmynë's pale amethyst and rose quartz scarab bracelet

Sunshine and Happiness

Mina and I shall discuss in the comments our own piece and the other artist's piece. Please, if a particular piece strikes you, say why in the comments?