Friday, June 28, 2013

Fini Friday! Ideas in Motion!

Hello Hello! 
Welcome to Fini Friday! 
I hope your week has been fabulous so far! 
This post is purely about ideas! 
 I've others percolating in the background as well, yet these are the those that took their growth a bit further today! 

I've had the basic idea and materials for this creation for some time. This idea is centered around the gorgeous natural tigereye pendant, wrapped in sterling silver, and the hand-rolled copper beads that you see to the right. Added to the mix more recently are the petite, twisted link sterling silver chain and scattered here and there are various accents and charms that may (or may not) be in the final design.   This is intended to be a lushly-spare design...lush in that it will likely be multi-strand, yet spare in that the focus needs to always be on that stunning gemstone pendant!

The second idea I've to show you centers around the Popcap Pendant created with hand-coloured, non-toxic resin, Swarovski crystals (Fire Opal), a vintage crystal and scrapbook stickers (in an old-fashioned playing card design).  Though suspending the pendant from that unusual and fabulous chain would be quite enough... I'm pondering the possibility of drawing in some colour (with the coloured jumprings in accent colours), adding whimsy with the jolly roger flag or horse shoe charms, and/or perhaps the old game token...finished with toggle clasp, which echoes the shape of the pendant.  The filigree might find it's way in there... only time will tell!

As we come to the end of this Fini Friday, let me give a  little heads-up...
I'll have Sprite Creations in the CONvergence Art Show over the July 4th weekend! 
If you'll be there, stop on by and see all the fabulous, fabulous art! 
If you're intrigued about CONvergence, click here for more details. 
The CON is members-only, however it is no problem to register at the door! 
See you Friday! 
Ciao!

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Whimsy Wednesday! The Fae and the Moonlight!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!
I've a little bit of whimsy to show you today involving the Fae, moonlight and magic!
Working Title: The Fae's Moonlight Lanterns
Ingredients: Swarovski crystal (Purple Velvet and White Opal), glass, Bali and Sterling silver.
The lanterns might look familiar!  If they do, you've seen them over at this Fini Friday post!
I adore this colour of blue and these immediately called to mind lanterns that Faeries would use as they weave their way through the forest landscape and between the luminous moonbeams!
The purple velvet Swarovski crystals are reminiscent of the beautiful velvet depths of a forest eve.  The white opal Swarovski crystals are the exact colour of moonlight, don't you think?
Betwixt and between all of this is gorgeous, subtle Silver!  Often thought to enhance intuition, I wrapped the sterling silver wire (with Bali silver accents) around and about to echo the shape of the moonlight as it drapes itself across the forest and the gloaming.
This creation is more than a bit romantic, captivating, and mysterious...perfect for the Fae and the night!
I've an idea to combine these into a mixed-media art creation, so stay tuned for that!
Just a little heads-up...
I'm have Sprite Creations in the CONvergence Art Show over the July 4th weekend! 
If you'll be there, stop on by and see all the fabulous, fabulous art! 
If you're intrigued about CONvergence, click here for more details. 
The CON is members-only, however it is no problem to register at the door! 
See you Friday! 
Ciao!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Magical Monday! What If?

Hello Hello! 
Welcome to Magical Monday! 
For those just joining us, Magical Monday posts are intended to showcase interesting, unusual and beautiful projects, ideas and events to assist in making the world a little more magical!

I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who attended the Charity Event I was blessed to partake in on Friday!  It was so much fun to meet all of you, despite the mini-hurricanes! YAY!!
 
This post is all about the question of What If? 
The question surrounding this photo is...what if this could give you iron bones?
Credit for and details about the photo and situation are here. Wouldn't it be awesome to have iron bones?! 

Next Up! 
What if you inflated hot air balloons indoors?
Credit for and details about the photo and situation are here.   This looks like fun to me!!!

And now, for our final What If.... 
What if you could recreate iconic movie scenes (such as the scene in the original Star Wars movie where Luke and his X-wing succeed in blowing up the Death Star)? Well, here you go!
Credit for and details about the photo and situation are here
Thanks for the visit! 
I'll see you on Wednesday! 
Ciao!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Fini Friday! A Little Early....

Hello Hello! 
Welcome to Fini Friday! 
It is true that today is Thursday (rather than Friday), however tomorrow will be quite busy (away from the Internets) for me, so I'm posting early! 
I've finished creations from materials that might look familiar from this Fini Friday post
Let's take a look! 
Title: Her Majesty's Money 
Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Sapphire and Crystal), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated). 
The idea for both of these creations was to pair them with Swarovski crystals in colours of jewels worthy of royalty. Gold, too, is always favored by the wealthy. And that is metal colour common to these two creations. 
Of course, the Queen Mother (featured on this faux bank notes) would have Diamonds (the closest Swarovski gets to diamond is crystal) and Sapphires! Also, whilst there is some 'frippery' to the design, it remains elegant and simple. 
Just like the Queen would want! 

Onward to the second fini creation! 
Title: Investments 
Ingredients: Resin-encased (hand-coloured and painted with non-toxic resin) faux paper currency, Swarovski crystals (Ruby), Czech glass, Jeweler's Brass, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated).
These bank notes focus on a gentleman of stature and repute and so the creation needed a bit more lavishness and adventure! I wanted the earrings to be elegant, yet "dripping" with rubies" (which is the colour of the Swarovski crystals, by the way!). 
Also mixed in the design was the desire to convey a more inquisitive, and worldly mindset (indicated in the metal wire-work and mixing of metal tones). 
These are for those who seek their fortunes in the world, rather than those who rule the world with their power and fortune. 
 All in all, quite a wealthy bunch, wouldn't you say? 

Don't forget my next exciting event TOMORROW!!!
I'll be a Faerie Reader at Fluevog and Opportunity Partners Charity Event Friday, June 21st from 5-9pm!
This is an RSVP only event and Charity Fundraiser, so click over here for more details and to get your name on the list!
I'll be offering brief 5-10 minute Faerie Readings at the Minneapolis Fluevog Store! 
It would be wonderful if you could join us!
See you soon!
Ciao!

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Whimsy Wednesday! An Elephant at Play!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to this Whimsy Wednesday!
I hope your week has been filled with magic and many things that encourage you to smile so far!
I'm happy to have a whimsical new creation to show off today!
Title: An Elephant at Play!
Ingredients: Hand-carved Elephant(Boxwood), Sandalwood, Rosewood, Bali and Sterling Silver, Hand-dyed fiber(USA), Fray-check.
I hand-picked this elephant because of its simple and utter joy and playful pose...as well as the detailed carving!  The elephant has feet!  And foot pads! And the most delightful, twirling, upraised trunk!  So many details that are hard to capture via photos.  Perhaps you'll just have to see it in person! *grin*
So, today seemed the perfect day to create something with this charming fellow!  The position of the trunk reminds me of elephants playing in the water and lo! The idea of what to suspend our elephant from was borne!


Here is a view of the creation on a mannequin!
Though playful, I wanted to include more details in the form of materials and a "foundation" if you will, of the spiritual or sacred. Some of these details include star-shaped Bali silver heishi, sterling silver(thought to help with intuition), sandalwood (a wood sacred to many religions including Buddhist, Muslim, and Pagan) and Rosewood (also sacred in many traditions). 

The necklace portions is hand-dyed fiber procured directly from the artist (who resides in Idaho, USA) and finally, the spiral clasp (Bali silver) is a sacred symbols dating back thousands of years and across every culture.
So there you have it, a bit of whimsy and myth; sacred and playful, all at once!
Don't forget about my next exciting event!!!
I'll be a Faerie Reader at Fluevog and Opportunity Partners Charity Event this Friday, June 21st from 5-9pm! 
This is an RSVP only event and Charity Fundraiser, so click over here for more details and to get your name on the list!
I'll be offering brief 5-10 minute Faerie Readings at the Minneapolis Fluevog Store! 
It would be wonderful if you could join us!
See you soon!
Ciao!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Magical Monday! International Art!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Magical Monday!
I've lots of magical, art tidbits to share with you today!
Let's start with some fabulous floor art!
Details and credits for this photo and art are here!
There is so much that is so fun about this that I'm not certain where to begin!  Vibrant colours, a really excellent space theme, excellent workmanship...and the idea of having it in your very own home!! YAY!!!

This next series of art are photos taken by airline pilot and photographer Karim Nafatni.
I think you'll find that they are gorgeous!
Here is where I found this artist and his information!

I decided to feature this last art project here because I find it amazing that the contributing artists and art came from around the world!
Details and credits for the art and photos are here.

Updates and news on events!
My next event is tomorrow, June 18!
It is the BlogTalk Radio Interview revealing the Faeries' Message for the month of June!!
Hosted by Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom, you'll find us chatting at 12Noon (CST,USA).

I'm so excited about this next event!!!
I'll be a Faerie Reader at Fluevog and Opportunity Partners Charity Event this Friday, June 21st from 5-9pm! 
This is an RSVP only event and Charity Fundraiser, so click over here for more details and to get your name on the list!
I'll be offering brief 5-10 minute Faerie Readings at the Minneapolis Fluevog Store! 
It would be wonderful if you could join us!
See you soon!
Ciao!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Fini Friday! Re-Discovering!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Fini Friday!
These are the posts that showcase completed creations or projects that have been languishing for a while.
There are often bits and bobs of natter about studio space interspersed as well. This particular Fini Friday post is about rediscovering and reclaiming my studio space!
First, a photo of a BARE FLOOR!!!!
This may look like a perfectly ordinary f loor, but don't let looks deceive you!  This floor hasn't been this clutter-free in...well.. too long!  I intended to do a little "Spring Cleaning" as well as some de-cluttering and organizing closer to Springtime.  \As with many things in life, Other Things Happened(tm) and this took much longer than planned.
On the upside, though, I now have a BARE FLOOR!
YAY!!!

Onward to the Work Table!
This is the left side of my work table, complete with all sorts of materials, beads and etc. from completed creations, creations still growing and whatnot.
You can see the sweet little Rose Fairy peeking out from behind all of this, on the far left!
She was a gift to me some years ago and I love having her in my creative space as inspiration!
I'm often successful about putting away my materials after creations are done, yet these last few months have really thrown a wrench in that good habit.
Ah well!
Here is the ever-so-lovely and soothing After photo of the same space!
Now you can clearly see that quiet little Fairy! Did you spy that stained glass Fairy Lamp, too? She was also a gift to me (I sense a theme here....*grin*) as well!  I love the magical aire she adds to my studio!
I adore having a few unusual, well-chosen bits of art in my work space!  You can also see some of the view out my windows - ah Green Space!
YAY!!!

Let's wrap this up with a look at the right side of that work table (after rediscovery and reclaiming, of course!).
You may notice a creation that is in the middle of growing in the center of the table!  My table has such a dark colour, I often use a bit of light-coloured fabric helps me see hues and materials better!
And look at those pliers, all lined up and ready to use!
The cat-shaped light you see in the background is another one of those whimsical things kept in the studio for my amusement!  I often light it up in the non-Halloween Season, too! 

My next event is next Tuesday, June 18!
It is the BlogTalk Radio Interview revealing the Faeries' Message for the month of June!!
Hosted by Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom, you'll find us chatting at 12Noon (CST,USA).

Also!  I've a fun thing happening next Friday, June 21st from 5-9pm! 
I'll have details for you shortly!
Stay tuned!!!!
I hope you can join us for these!!
See you Monday!
Ciao!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Whimsy Wednesday! Flying High!

Hello Hello! 
Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday! 
I hope your week has been full of wonder so far! 
I've a new creation to show you! 
Title: Flying High 
Ingredients: hand-painted plastic button (painted with hand-coloured non-toxic resin), suede leather, Czech glass, antiqued copper (USA), fiber, Fraycheck. 
I painted gold-flecked non-toxic resin on this whimsical and beautiful pegasus button. I wanted to both add some dimension to the button with additional sparkle and soften the somewhat harsh look of the plastic with the organic characteristics of the resin (pooling in the recesses of the chest and etc.). 
The design needed to be simple, as any Pegasus clearly needs to be the center of attention (!) yet every Sprite Creation needs details and a spot of whimsy. 
These came through the braiding, if you will, of the metal and bubble-coloured glass beads as well as the fine pewter feather pendant, wrapped with matching fiber...in a downy, feather-like texture! The fact that the fiber matched the hue of the suede so well meant that the different textures and the pendant would stand out, whilst not detracting from the lovely Pegasus! 
The words on the back of the pendant "To Thine Own Self Be True" are a perfect addition to this creation! And... the Pegasus button is the clasp! YAY! 
One final note... the wire is copper, which means that with careful adjustment, the metal can help the bracelet fit the contour of the adoptee's wrist! WOOHOOO!!!
My next event a BlogTalk Radio Interview! 
Hosted by Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom, this interview will reveal the Faeries Messages specific to June!
Saturday, June 18th at 12Noon (CST,USA). 
I hope you can join us! 
Ciao!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Magical Monday! Races, Slides and the Eiffel Tower!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Magical Monday, where I share little tidbits of beauty, art and happy things to brighten up the week!
Let's start with the slide, first!
This looks like a fabulous waterslide!
Credits for the photo and details are here!
I think it would be fun to use it.
The only problem I can see is that I'd be tempted to "get stuck" in it, just so as to have time to watch the fish!

Let's move on to the Races now! Of course, these aren't races most normally think of.  I give you....Office Chair Races!
Credits for the photo and details are here! Isn't human ingenuity awesome?  And look at that those helmets!  Safety first!  That looks like fun, too! 
I wonder what the best chair time is?
10 yards in 10 seconds?
Hee hee!

I'll wrap up this post with a video of composer Joseph Bertolozzl "playing" the Eiffel Tower!  
Click here for video
Isn't that intriguing?!
And that wraps up this Magical Monday!

Just a little reminder of my next event!
My next event a BlogTalk Radio Interview! 
Hosted by Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom, this interview will reveal the Faeries Messages specific to June!
Saturday, June 18th at 12Noon (CST,USA). 
I hope you can join us! 
Ciao!

Friday, June 7, 2013

Fini Friday! Fancy-full!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Fini Friday!
I hope your week has been grand so far!

I've a quick Update about my weekend schedule!
There has been a change of plans regarding the Healing Gallery and the Open House this Saturday and Sunday.
Neither my Sprite Services nor my Sprite Creations will be available at the Healing Gallery.
If you were hoping to visit with me, please contact me via my website.
My Sprite Services will continue to be offered at locations that best suit each person and situation, include by appointment at Bellaluna Boutique!
Onward to the shinies!

I acquired more loot on Walkabout this past week!  Fanciful knobs!
Take a look!
I plan to use these in multi-media creations!  Those are mixing jewelry creations with other types of media!  Stay tuned as I'll showcase those here (of course)!

This is a collection of materials for a necklace (possibly necklace and earring ensemble) that has been lying in wait for the last bits of shiny-goodness!  I think a few more bits of filigree will do it!  The idea started with the matte-black links from Earthenwood Studio. Soon enough, that fabulous Unicorne pendant joined my collection.  It is hand-made by an artist at our local Renaissance Festival!  I'm fascinated by the shiny, industrial finish and raised relief of a Unicorne!  I love the juxtaposition of the modern, gritty colouring with an ancient, legendary creature!
Stop by to check see how this grows into completion!  I promise it will absolutely be unique! 
The working title right now seems to be Unicorn Rising!

And with that, I wish you a fabu weekend!
See you Monday!
P.S.
My next event a BlogTalk Radio Interview! 
Hosted by Cheryl Patton of 1Woman's Wisdom, this interview will reveal the Faeries Messages specific to June!
Saturday, June 18th at 12Noon (CST,USA). 
I hope you can join us! 
Ciao!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Whimsy Wednesday! Something A Little Different!

Hello Everyone!
Welcome to Whimsy Wednesday!
Life has been encouraging me to be flexible lately and today's post reflects that!
I've a mixture of an older, whimsical creation and nifty, whimsical things in the world for you, so let's get started!

Title: Soft-Hearted
Ingredients: hand-finished brass filigree, Swarovski crystals(jet), flocked acrylic hearts, Czech glass, metal, surgical steel earwires(gold-plated).
I hand-wrapped the hand-finished brass filigree (made in the USA with eco-friendly processes) around these softly flocked black hearts. These earrings are finished above and below with jet Swarovski crystals and more warm tones of eco-friendly brass.
Could be Steampunk! Could be Nouveau Vintage!  So many possibilities! Aren't these lovely?
This can be adopted from my Etsy shoppe here!

This is a video of Thomas Dolby and former Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin performing Thomas' hit song "She Blinded Me With Science"! 
Isn't that just fun?! 

One last bit of whimsy that is more on the intellectual side....  
This is an art installation that visualizes sound with water! 
I'd love to play with that in-person! 
Perhaps that could be done at home?!! Hmmmm!!! *grin* 
And that wraps up this Whimsy Wednesday! 
See you on Friday! 
Ciao!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Magical Monday! Pirates, Star Trek and the Sydney Opera House!

Hello Everyone! 
Welcome to Magical Monday! 
I hope your weekend was grand! Mine was pleasantly busy! I was preparing for the Healing Gallery Open House, among other things! 
I've a few vignettes for you today, so let's get started! 
This is looks like something you'd expect to see....on Star Trek Music, of course! Details and credits are here
I've no idea which song this is actually attached to, but it is quite amusing! 
YAY! 
 Next up! 
Real life Lego Pirates! 
Details and credits are here

And let's close with video of the Sydney Opera House awash with colour! Click here for the video and details! Isn't that gorgeous? 
I've an exciting event coming up this weekend!
Announcing a new event and creative home in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area (MN, USA)! 
Healing Gallery Open House 
Saturday, June 8th 
from 1 to 7pm 
Sunday from 1pm to 5pm 
Details and address are here
I'll be there Saturday only, yet I encourage you to stop by whenever you can that weekend! 
It is a beautiful space and the art is absolutely gorgeous! Marian is a very talented artist and healer! 
*Edited with an update*
I and my Sprite Creations will be available at the Healing Gallery through this weekend only.
My Sprite Services will continue to be offered at locations that best suit each person and situation, and by appointment at BellaLuna Boutique, rather than at the Healing Gallery.
Thank you!
*Now back to the blog as it was*

There is much more to come as my behind-the-scenes 'work' continues, so stay tuned! 
Thanks so much for stopping by! 
I'll see you Wednesday! 
Ciao!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Substitute Saturday! Time, Rainbows and News!

Hello Everyone! 
Welcome to Substitute Saturday...which is Fini Friday a day late! *grin*
Life is busy in new and interesting ways over the past week! 
For instance...We've had a cat whose health has been variable for more than a few weeks now. Last night it took a downturn. 
Rest assured we are doing all that we can for him, yet ultimately the decision is his whether he will stay with us or leave. 
And so it is with all of us, yes? 
Bet you didn't realize there would be philosophy involved in this post, huh?! 
Yup! Sure is! 
All part of "the package"! 
So! 
What do I have lined up for you today? 
Let's start with the Rainbows! 
 These are a few of the things I've found on Walkabout recently! I love the colours, shapes and textures, don't you? 
These are actually cute Fairy-esque skirts, so you may (if you visit with me in person) chance to see them on me! 
I love finding things for myself and others that create a more fun and unique life! 
Whee!! 

And now, about that Time word in the title! 
A new creation that features a Popcap Pendant created with scrapbook stickers, vintage rhinestones and pearls, Czech glass, non-toxic resin and more! 
Working Title: Las Vegas Glamour 
Ingredients: Popcap Pendant (vintage rhinestones and pearls, Czech glass, scrapbook stickers, hand-coloured non-toxic resin, glitter, metal), Swarovski crystals, vintage rhinestones, beads, glass and chain, lead-free pewter, metal. 


The idea behind this creation is the mixture of depth, grit and life that can be found even in midst of the faux (faux jewels, the faux glamour of gambling) and it's allure. 
And perhaps one can find real magic even betwixt and between false or imitative, yes? 

Let's wrap this up with some of that promised News! 
I've a new event and creative home in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area (MN, USA) that I'm excited to share with you! 
Healing Gallery Open House 
Saturday, June 8th 
from 1 to 7pm 
Sunday from 1pm to 5pm 
Details and address are here
I'll be there Saturday only, yet I encourage you to stop by whenever you can that weekend! 
It is a beautiful space and the art is absolutely gorgeous! Marian is a very talented artist and healer! 
ALSO!!!! 
*Edited with an update*
I and my Sprite Creations will be available at the Healing Gallery through this weekend only.
My Sprite Services will continue to be offered at locations that best suit each person and situation, and by appointment at BellaLuna Boutique, rather than at the Healing Gallery.
Thank you!
*Now back to the blog as it was*

There is much more to come as my behind-the-scenes 'work' continues, so stay tuned! 
Thanks so much for stopping by! 
I'll see you next week! 
Ciao!