Friday, September 30, 2011

The Artisan Group Gift Guide!

Holiday Gift Guide

The Artisan Group is a collection of Artists who participate in Celebrity Gifting Events for Award Ceremonies such as the Oscars and Golden Globes. Many of the Artists have had their product in the hands of Celebrities!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

More Than Metal Show Recap

More Than Metal Show was such an eye-opener to the amazing talent we have in Toronto. It was located at The Women's Art Association of Canada house. The event was such an inspiration and what a joy it was to be a part of it. I met some familiar faces and amazing people.  It is not often to see a Jewelry exclusive event and just to see the wide range of talent, ideas and creativity was such a delight.


I had the chance to sit beside Odile of Woolly Fabulous who works with recycled materials making felt and zipper broaches. Odile is very talented with tons of positive energy and interesting tales to tell. She is always working with something new and outside of the box. Her creativity goes beyond her zipper broaches.




I ran into Vera Fischer who I had met years ago at Value Village. At the time I never understood why she collected antique jewelry. At the Show the reason was revealed. She designs gorgeous wire wrapped jewelry using antique jewelry that she collects and gives it a new purpose. Her presence at the show was uplifting and she brightened the room wherever she walked. Her designs were unique and beautiful. They are truly OOAK, and can never be repeated.





Another wonderful lady I met at the More Than Metal Show was Irena Pertseva of Black Currant Jewelry. A soft spoken woman, ready with a smile and talent that will shock you. Her wire wrapping techniques are astounding, creating intricate designs and elaborate pieces. Her rings were astounding to see. They beheld the tiniest of weaves that I didn't think were possible. Her most beautiful work I have to say are her Phoenix Necklaces.


Lastly, the unique creations of Ola Fumilayo who also orchestrated this event with help from volunteers. Under My Secret Music Box, she designs these intricate and delicate pieces into functioning and lovely sounding music boxes. Each are OOAK and behold a vintage feel. She uses 18 note Japanese Mechanisms and vintage pieces for her designs. Ola spent so much time catering the event and ensuring everyone was having a good time that she barely stopped at her table - and a great event it was!


The More Than Metal Show was busier than I had anticipated so I was unable to visit and spend time with everyone at the Show, but everyone at the Show was very talented. There was a wide variety of styles under one roof. Every Artist was local to Toronto. It was a huge joy to be among creative people who enjoy doing the same thing - designing jewelry - and they do it so well!

Thanks to Ola Fumilayo and Helen Kontozopoulos, photos of the event were taken to forever keep it in our memories. If you did not come to this year's event, hopefully we will see you next year. Until then, enjoy the photos on Flickr and go see the Artist's work on their websites and buy handmade!



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Two New Steampunk Designs!

I posted these on Flickr, but I want to share them here too!


One of the joys I've discovered is working with Pocket Watches. I have always admired and loved Steampunk, but it was only recently that I begun to delve into this beautiful fantasy world filled with enchanting and inspiring designs.

I have been timid at first in my designs, working with single chains and small glass stones and swarovski crystals. This design was a leap for me, and I am delighted how it turned out.

Isabella Steampunk Pocket Watch Layered Choker Necklace

 
This necklace was a delight to make. I spent 4 wonderful hours creating this piece using upcycled chain that have been waiting nearly a whole year for a purpose. A year ago I would never have thought it would have turned from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan design (a swan with a pocket watch).

I love how this necklace hangs on the neck. A full hour was spent just making sure it hung just right. Some elements had to be taken away to make the composition perfect.




This is a close up of the beautiful lattice work on the Pocket Watch. The Pocket Watch really finishes this look, and it just wouldn't be a complete necklace without it.

This design is the start of something new as my creativity expands. I am constantly inspired and looking at what else I can do. I love working with Pocket Watches and taking something masculine and working with a masculine saturated style (steampunk) and making something feminine and unique. This specific design is not as feminine as my designs using lucite flowers.

You can find this necklace on my shop here: Isabella Layered Steampunk Choker on Etsy

Victorian Goddess - Lariat Heart Locket Vintage Style Necklace

I loved creating this design. It is a new design for me. I started with the idea of using a toggle to hold a centerpiece and open at the front instead of behind the neck. The idea grew into this beautiful design. 




 I love working with antique brass, and this beautiful heart locket was looking for a home. I originally had a simple design in mind, but after discovering these beautiful chunky, high quality glass stones and beautiful, large toggle - this design began to form in my mind.





I tried this technique of clustering beautiful, small stones together atop another big stone. Since I am self taught, I refused to research this technique, and instead problem solved it in my head. Then I quickly realized how simple the technique was.

I was skeptical at first of adding this element into this design. I was worried it would become too busy when I wanted the pendant to be the focal point. I decided to just try it and see, and I think it came out beautifully. I am glad I decided to take the leap.

You can find this necklace here: Victorian Goddess Necklace on Etsy



These are my two newest designs. I am very proud of them, and there will be more in the foreseeable future. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

More Than Metal: Melissa Arnold

More Than Metal: Melissa Arnold: "Work by Melissa Arnold www.etsy.com/shop/Sahetah Artist Bio: Melissa delved into art from a very young age, from ink drawings, ske..."

Monday, June 20, 2011

More Than Metal: More Than Metal is a love letter to jewellery love...

More Than Metal: More Than Metal is a love letter to jewellery love...: "More Than Metal is a love letter to jewellery lovers and designers in Toronto. This show gathers the best of one of a kind jewellery in Toronto made with a diversity of mediums, including metals, wood, clay, bead, lost and found objects, paper, glass, fiber, and gathers them in a multiplicity of styles – all for one day under one roof.

When: Sunday July 10 2011 - 11-4PM
Where: 23 Prince Arthur Ave. (at Bloor & Avenue Rd) - The Women's Art Association of Canada house


Come to the More Than Metal Show to see me and other great Artists!!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Shipwrecks and Bravery at Craftstock2

It was a great event, small and not too stressful at all. In fact it was very fun, and there were lots of really cool people. I met some great crafty and innovative people who also set up shop, splitting tables and enjoying deeeeelicious cookies from CookieFridayco as people listened to some really great, local indie bands and singers.

I will introduce you to each Vendor, but for today I want you to meet a very special girl named Tara!

I got to sit beside this wonderful crafter in silk screening, textiles and knitting who came a long way for this fun event! Hard times has really hit her good, without a job and taking care of an elderly lady . She came to this event with less than 20 bucks to her name and only wished she could make enough to cover her fare home. None of which cramped her style, she had a cheerful demeanor, friendly and funny and she was certainly great company. Her lovely work can be found at shipwrecksandbravery.com


Through all this excitement, I had left behind a gorgeous pink coffee cup cozy. I was too busy thinking about 'what to get a man?' and 'I'm soooooo hungry I have to eat all those cookies!!!' that I forgot to get something that I think is PERFECT for my sensitive fingers because I can't STAND coffee cups. They burn my hands, even when I double cup. (sorry eco-lovers I just can't help it, coffee cups really do give me burns but I do recycle) So here Tara has the perfect solution.

And here it is - the one I left behind!! =(



Here is her lovely set up right beside mine! I love her robust and crafty look. Something I could never achieve!! You can see the collection of Coffee Cozies of such a beautiful variety ready to be used! One gentlemen thought he could use it for his guitar, but for the moment, they are not for guitars!! (sorry guitar lovers you cannot cozy your guitar)






People loved these pins. They are wonderful gifts, and the compass and anchor were the favorites.

note: Compass pin does not actually give directions

Please check out her shop and consider one of these lovelies as a gift for yourself or a friend!

Tara was a lovely girl and I was so glad to have met her, she was a joy to sit beside when the crowds were busy with the bands and beer. I'm hoping I'll run into her again soon! =)