Blue Terracotta

Web Presence

2010-10-22T16:53:00.003+02:00

Please join me over on my new blog: BlueTerracotta.com!

How to Make Egyptian Paste

2010-08-08T14:01:00.021+02:00

Perhaps I should have called this post something else, like My Egyptian Paste Results, My Egyptain Paste Experiment, because this is me trying out Mitsy's tutorial from back in April, entitled How to Make Egyptian Paste? By the way, Mitsy, of ArtMind, posts a wealth of tutorials and how to's on her blog. I imagine her workspace divided into two sections: her studio on one side and a laboratory for experimentation, its documentation and its diffusion to everyone who wants to try new processes and media on the other!

I love ceramics and all things Egyptian, especially the lovely turquoise objects made from a self-glazing low-fire clay body. You know, the beads, small dishes and shabti dolls you see in museums. So here's how it went for me:

I prepared some dishes I had made by putting a coat of bat wash on the inside bottom so that my objects wouldn't stick.

I then prepared my first recipe: It's Sylvia Hyman's recipe, and it's the first one Mitsy tries in her tutorial too. She has listed all the ingredients and amounts in her post. I was able to get everything from my ceramic supplier. The copper Carbonate was very expensive and only sold in large quantities, and Mitsy was nice enough to send me a small amount in the mail. Don't forget to wear a mask, goggles and gloves since breathing in these ingredients is TOXIC.

I mixed my ingredients in a plastic bag, and then added water.

The resulting clay was a little too wet (too much water) but I let it set a bit on my work table and then worked it around in my hands to get it dry enough to shape but not so dry it would crack.

I made lots of beads and lined them up on a bat washed tray.

Some of the clay I rolled out into discs and printed with lace to get an interesting texture.

I cut a few crescent moons from the textured discs.

I loaded a second dish with beads and the moons and put a few beads on a wire from ceramic stilts.

The next day, I tried a second recipe. This one is not in Mitsy's tutorial, so I'll give it here:

36 gm feldspar

35 gm quarts

12 gm kaolin (China Clay)

2 gm bentonite

6 gm Natriumcarbonate

6 gm Natriumbicarbonate

2-3 gm copper carbonate

This second recipe was easier to work with, kept its shape better but dried out faster, so I had to work faster.

Using a tiny cookie cutter, I cut out fish shapes and loaded them on to the two other dishes.

I fired to 980°C.

This is what I found this morning. Look at the blue, lovely and shiny.

However, the bat wash stuck where the bead was in contact with it.

The beads on the wire were completely stuck to the metal. I can't get them off. But I do love the color and the way the glaze pooled at the bottom.

On the other hand, the flat objects, moons and fish did not stick to the bat washed dishes. When I took them from the kiln, they seemed to be stuck, but as they cooled, they came right off.

All of the objects made with the first recipe turned out the same blue.

However, for the fish, the colors go from dark turquoise to a much lighter one. Perhaps I didn't mix my dry ingredients thoroughly.

The second recipe (the fish) is slightly darker than the first (the moon). I added one extra gram (4 grams total) of copper carbonate to the mix, so I guess that made the difference.

I really enjoyed working with Egyptain paste from start to finish, and when I make more I think I'll go with the second recipe, and stick to 3 gm copper carbonate. If I want to make beads, I'll have to get the stilts with metal points for firing. The beads would have been pretty enough to use in a necklace!

The Winner!

2010-08-06T21:27:00.004+02:00

And we have a winner for the giveaway! Congrats to Rachel Crisman from Mississippi, USA!

To relax, she drinks tea, listens to the Beatles or takes long walk in the evenings. I've never been there, but I bet the evenings are lovely in Mississippi. She'll be receiving her moth on a lovely cord to hang in her home.

A big Thank You to everyone who participated!

Summer Giveaway

2010-07-22T16:09:00.007+02:00

I'm back from a holiday in Spain, feeling rejuvenated, energetic and motivated...but also determined to take regular breaks to disconnect and relax and in the long run be more productive, I hope!

Now's the perfect time for summer giveaway!

Here's your chance to win a white linen moth, brooch or ornament, you choose. This is one moth, with either a metallic brooch clasp on the back, OR with a pretty white cord attached so that you can hang it in your home.

• To enter, just leave a comment and tell me what you do to relax, I'd love to hear. Don't forget to leave an e-mail address where I can contact you should you win, and your preference for brooch or ornament!

• Or, you can become a fan and leave a message on facebook:

facebook.com/blue.terracotta

• The winner will be selected in a random drawing on Friday, August 6.

Rhubarb Pie

2010-06-29T18:05:00.002+02:00

This has got to be the most refreshing summertime pie! 1 kg of fresh rhubarb with 150 gm of sugar, made into a compote (about 25-30 min.) I made a double pie crust because I love the lattice work on the top. Bake for about 30 min in a 375°F oven and enjoy.

I'd love to hear about your favorite summer pie!

The Honey Bee in the Ancient World

2010-06-28T00:10:00.001+02:00

I am delighted to be participating in the blog it forward Bee series along with fellow members of the Artisans Gallery Team. Check out yesterday's post by Sharon of Knot Original on the team blog. And my post today will be followed by one from Kathi of Kathi Roussel, on her blog.

With much respect and admiration for ancient art, I present a post on bees in the ancient world, their importance to the ancients in so many aspects.

Beekeeping was widely practiced in the ancient world. Bees and beekeeping are often depicted in ancient artwork. But let's begin with the discovery in 2007 of remnants of ancient honey combs, beeswax and intact hives, attesting to a 3,000 year old beekeeping industry in Northern Israel. The Bible refers to Israel as a "land of milk and honey" but no mention of honey bee cultivation. These findings show that there was a highly developed beekeeping industry in the Holy Land.

The ancient Egyptians are considered the first beekeepers in history. The bee and its products had an importance that was not only agricultural, but also nutritional, medicinal and ritualistic. Honey was more than just food, it was applied to wounds for its antiseptic properties and was believed to prevent miscarriages. Beeswax was used in mummification and in candle making. There was also a large demand for honey to be used as offerings to the gods. Ramses III made an offering of 21,000 jars of honey to Hapi, the Nile god. And when Re wept, his tears turned into a bee which "busied himself with the flowers of every plant, and so wax was made and also honey."

The honey bee was the official symbol of Lower Egypt.

The bee and the sedge plant together represent the "Ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt", the traditional epithet of Egyptian Kings used from 3100 BC onwards.

The primary religious figure for the Minoans of Crete was the Mother Goddess. She had numerous manifestations, one of which was a bee. The Queen Bee was especially important, for she was the leader and the ruler of the hive, adored by Bee priestesses.

Some exquisite gold jewelry survives from Knossos (Middle Minoan period, 1700-1550 BC) such as this pendant (above) depicting two bees on either side of a honeycomb.
Also, a sketch of an onyx gem (also above) depicting the goddess as a woman with the head and eyes of an insect.

Like the Minoans, the Greeks held the Bee sacred and featured it in their mythology.

Gold Plaque from Rhodes

Omphalos Stone at Delphi

There are too many examples of Bees in Greek mythology to go into here, but these are my favorites:

Apollo gave the gift of bees to Hermes, including three female Bee maidens, the three Fates. The Omphalos stone at Delphi, site of the most important oracle in the ancient world, resembles a beehive with crisscrossing rows of bee symbols.

Honey was the food of the gods. Infant Zeus was fed honey by his nurse Melissa (Greek for honey bee), a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey.

Honey was regarded as an elixir, ensuring a long and healthy life and preserving the remains of the dead. The Greek mathematician, Pythagoras, who lived to nearly 100, said his long life was due to a steady diet of honey. The Greek sea god, Glaucus, was supposedly restored to life when buried in a jar of honey.

For the Romans, Bacchus, god of wine, discovered honey and taught beekeeping to humans. Virgil wrote a practical beekeeping thesis, describing the working of the beehive in great detail. Pliny the elder called honey the "sweat of the heavens" and the "saliva of the stars." For the ancients, then, the bee was a link between humans and the divine.

"Some say that unto bees a share is given of the Divine Intelligence."

-Virgil

My homage to the bee and to the ancient Egyptians is this bee hieroglyph brooch.

The bee was venerated for so long, but we have lost contact with the sacred qualities in nature, animals and each other, seeing everything as replaceable, in a throw-away society.

Become a defender of the honey bee!

• read and share our team's posts

• become a beekeeper

• buy honey from your local cooperative

• wear a bee-inspired piece of jewelry

• spread the word, help save the bees!

Further reading:

The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore by Hilda Ransome

A Short History of the Honey Bee by E. Readicker-Henderson

How to Make a Tote Bag

2010-06-16T18:42:00.005+02:00

We all have lots of supplies, and it's not always easy to organize them, even with shelves, boxes, or whatever storage method you use. I have piles of fabric falling out of my closets, so I thought I'd make a few storage bags from fabric remnants. They are flexible and easy to fit into small spaces, or you can hang them in the closet or on hooks.

I used a vintage pattern and I explain my entire process complete with photos over at the Artisans Gallery Team blog.

Take a look and browse our team blog while you are there!

Monday Moodboard Orangeade

2010-06-07T00:41:00.002+02:00

A nice tangy mood this Monday. I was inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle which was my first car, mine was orange too!

Upper left: starrybluesky
Upper right: artwatercolor
Lower left: ikabags
Lower right: QuercusSilver

For more moodboards featuring the members of the European Street Team, go to fleur fatale's blog.

21 Days of Yoga and Writing

2010-06-04T17:58:00.005+02:00

Bindu Wiles, who I heard about through

Danielle LaPorte, has created a community online project beginning this coming Tuesday, June 8. It's called 21.5.800.

For 21 days, 5 days of yoga per week and 800 words written per day.

The yoga part is taken care of, I do at least an hour a day, every day. Maya Fiennes's video kundalini courses are so addictive that I sometimes do more than an hour .

But I'll have to make an effort for the writing. Aside from product descriptions and lists, I don't have... take the time to write. Count me in, I'll give it a go!

Featured in the Storque!

2010-06-03T20:10:00.004+02:00

My owls, made from vintage linen bedding, are featured in an article in the Storque (on etsy) about eco-friendly items, and sellers who use recycled or repurposed materials and eco-friendly processes!

Monday Moodboard: Subdued

2010-05-31T10:40:00.003+02:00

Some subdued colors and awesome textures from the talented European Street Team for this last day of May, rainy here in Lyon, France.

Upper left: hypericumfragile
Upper right: staroftheeast
Lower left: hueconcept
Lower right: afra

For more moodboards featuring the EST, go to fleurfatale's blog!

Holiday Monday Moodboard

2010-05-24T10:42:00.003+02:00

It's a gorgeous sunny holiday Monday in France, Whit Monday, perhaps where you are too! I've made a moodboard inspired by the European Street Team shops that I return to time and again to browse and to dream because they take me to some other place or time, some enchanted world where, like a holiday, I can take a break and get away from everyday routine.

Upper left: lapomme

Upper right: LaTouchables

Lower left: anasousa

Lower right: Intres

For more Monday Moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

Monday Moodboard

2010-05-17T09:54:00.003+02:00

Some clouds, some sun...that's what the weather has been like here in Lyon, France this month. These lovely selections from the European Street Team on etsy are just perfect to show you what I mean. Perhaps you've been seeing the same type of changing skies where you live?

Upper left: krize

Upper right: Huismus

Lower left: vaisto

Lower right: JurgitaMi

For more Monday Moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

Button Post

2010-05-12T13:10:00.002+02:00

I don't know how to knit, but if I did, I'd put beautiful and original buttons on my scarves, gloves, sweaters, shrugs. Mostly ceramic. My favorite material. With these lovely buttons from uniquebuttons on etsy, I can combine my love for natural history and ceramics. My plan? Change all the buttons on my store-bought sweaters next winter.

Thanks to P8, I'm discovering so many artists who make buttons from all types of materials; check out her blog for more button stories!

Is Art a Luxury? (Scoutie Girl)

2010-04-29T09:03:00.002+02:00

The question on Scoutie Girl is about art...is it a luxury? Not to me. And I don't think to most people. Even if one can't go to a concert or buy a CD, she can sing or beat out a rhythm; if I can't afford to buy a piece of art, I can trade one of my pieces for something I love. I just made a great trade this week: I received my frog oven mitt in the mail a few days ago! Thank you Inger! Check out her shop, ingermaaike.

I think people are creative and artistic even if they can't or don't want to exchange money for a "work of art". Perhaps it's the difference between living and just existing. Most people choose to live.

Monday Moodboard White

2010-04-26T00:05:00.000+02:00

A lovely white mood for this last Monday in April.

Upper left: alatceramics
Upper right: lapomme
Lower left: Mireloom
Lower right: AtelierAfra

For more moodboards from the very talented European Street Team, go to fleurfatale's blog!

Button Thursday

2010-04-22T16:44:00.013+02:00

I've discovered more fabulous buttons on etsy this week. These amazing handmade buttons are by buttonsbyrobin. She uses various materials such as resin, glass, ceramic, wood and more.

I'm partial to her bird buttons, not only because I love birds, but because of the uniqueness of these buttons. Little works of art. Perfect for mixed media artists, seamstresses, jewelry designers, knitters.

Her round buttons feature original images and are more suited to sewing projects where they will be used to close a garment, but the possibilities are still endless, and could be used in many different projects.

I hope you visit her shop, I know I'll be going back.

For more interesting buttons, go to P8's blog!

AG Team 2010 Mother's Day Gift Guides

2010-04-20T00:27:00.003+02:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I've been admiring the Artisans Gallery Team Gift Guides on their blog lately. Here's my wish list:

Upper left: folkartvision

Upper right: catherinereece

Lower left: OneClayBead

Lower right: SHIHAR

Si vous êtes en France, vous avez encore plus de temps pour faire votre séléction, la fête des Mères, c'est le 30 mai!

Monday Moodboard

2010-04-19T09:02:00.003+02:00

A sunny spring morning with the European Street Team!

Upper left: ingermaaike

Upper right: afra

Lower left: kreativlink

Lower right: filigreephotos

For more Monday moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog!

Thrift Shop Finds

2010-04-18T00:59:00.007+02:00

The weather was so warm and sunny this past week that I found it hard to stay in, be good and work on anything for very long. So I took a walk and visited the local thrift shops. There are three within a short walk from our apartment. I was looking for some shelves but had no luck.

Instead, I got myself a new teapot, because you can never have too many of those! The plates are for my mosaics, of course. At another shop, I found some gorgeous vintage linen from the 1940s. It feels wonderful, crisp, starched, a tight weave. Printed on the side is "Toile Metis Lin" "Fleur Bleue". I'll have to find a project for this fabric!

Button Thursday

2010-04-15T12:34:00.006+02:00

It's button Thursday and I thought I'd show you some gorgeous buttons I discovered this week.
They are made by a New Zealand ceramic artist living in Kent, England. Her shop is called buttonalia.

These handmade ceramic buttons have been glazed front and back for high durability and can be used in a variety of projects. Visit her shop to find more buttons and ceramic beads too!

For more amazing buttons, visit kraplap's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2010-04-12T00:08:00.002+02:00

Here are some gorgeous items from the European Street Team, for a stroll around town.

Upper left: LoveandKnit
Upper right: loddelina
Lower left: starrybluesky
Lower right: isabelamyo

For more lovely moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog.

Buttons

2010-04-09T13:11:00.006+02:00

I've recently developed an interest in buttons, mostly thanks to Petronella, who sells lovely button creations on kraplap, her etsy shop. I even bought some to use in my own creations, and I remember my grandmother's button box. We loved to string the mismatched buttons together on rainy days.

I found this great site, cribtoyscloset, which features unusual and fun buttons. Here are just a few of my favorites. Above, a leather doll purse button that actually opens!

This boxing glove button is so cute!

Or how about a button to remind you to do the ironing!!

For more button-related blogposts, go to P8's blog!

How's Your French?

2010-04-07T10:09:00.005+02:00

Je suis très contente d'être sur le Guide D'achat de Etsy French Handmade Team blogspot cette semaine! Merci Anny de AnnyMay au Canada, de m'avoir accueillie. Laissez-moi me présenter en français!

I am so happy to be on Etsy French handmade Team's shopping guide this week! Thank you Anny!

Easter Monday Moodboard

2010-04-05T10:02:00.002+02:00

A sunny Easter Monday...kids sleeping late, chocolate to eat, shops closed, so I couldn't go shopping if I wanted to. Here are some delicious treats from the European Street Team!

Upper left: ThreeBlueBee
Upper right: LoveandKnit
Lower left: ArzuMusa
Lower right: PetitPlat

For more Moodboards go to fleurfatale's blog!

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-29T00:00:00.003+02:00

Here's a spring moodboard which includes some of the pleasures of the season.

Top left: evihan

Top right: ikabags

Middle left: verityunmondoaparte

Middle right: atelierafra

Bottom left: stemellinasupplies

Bottom right: liloshop

For more moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

My First Newsletter

2010-03-25T00:07:00.004+01:00

I've sent out my first newsletter, in time for the first days of spring. It took me a while and a few mistakes. I sent myself a test and tried the links; it seemed to work. I was inspired by the newsletters I receive, but tried to find my own style. Check it out and tell me what you think. I'd love suggestions!

I've been featured on Hand Made Europe Blog!

2010-03-23T11:24:00.002+01:00

Lovely Dawn of LaTouchables has chosen me for her bi-weekly series on photography on the Hand Made Europe Blog! I'm so honored to be featured; please stop by and read the article if you have time. Thank you Dawn!

Monday Moodboard Euro Week!!

2010-03-22T00:05:00.006+01:00

For this Monday, the first day of Euro Week on etsy, I'd like to present some shops that are new to the European Street Team. I found some bright colorful items which are perfect for this first Monday of Spring. So let's celebrate europeans shops!

Come by this week for discounts, free shipping or promotions in many European shops. 10% discount on all mosaics in my shop. Take a look at my newsletter for more great deals!

Upper left: bcheri

Upper right: PinkNounou

Middle left: lechouchou

Middle right: filigreephotos

Bottom left: ColorfulShop

Bottom right: valeriatelier

For more Monday moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

Monday Moodboard: Happy Birthday Sis!

2010-03-15T01:09:00.004+01:00

Today is my sister's birthday, the ides of March. I've created this collection, from the talented European Street Team, for her. Things I've bought for her, or would like to buy and send, even if they would be belated gifts. She needs the evil eye charms to ward off the bad luck she thinks is upon her. I've already sent her some lovely handmade soap to help with her dry skin. I know she would love the fish incense holders. Finally, the coasters, because she hates water rings on her furniture!

Top left: sesideco
Top right: PortugueseVintage
Middle left: CasaDiAries
Middle right: UltimateOrganicSoap
Bottom left: aysetugrul
Bottom right: evihan

For more fabulous moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-08T07:30:00.002+01:00

A collection full of color, from the members of the European Street Team, to contrast the snowy weather we had over the weekend and to celebrate International Women's Day!

Upper left: PetitPlat

Upper right: StudioBee

Lower left: ikabags

Lower right: subrosa123

For more Monday moodboard go to fleurfatale's blog!

The winner

2010-03-01T22:37:00.003+01:00

And the winner of the EST weekly challenge is Dawn's gorgeous Migrating Bird Cuff/Bracelet! My daughter and I both agreed on the unique and luxurious beauty of this piece. Check out her shop, LaTouchables, as she has a variety of cuffs, necklaces and bags that are rich in textures and colors!

The Est Challenge Entries

2010-02-23T16:45:00.015+01:00

And here are the entries in this week's challenge...birds in literature, legend, mythology, religion and film.

I just love this Jonathan Livingston Seagull necklace by kraplap! If you don't remember the story, written in 1970 by Richard Bach, about a seagull who dreams of greater things, click on the photo to read about it in the description of the item.

This flamingo greeting card is from ColoursandTextures, and is from an original silk painting.

Here is Bennu, the Egyptian equivalent of the phoenix, a heron associated with the rising of the Nile, resurrection and the sun, representing creation and renewal. Alatvian says this challenge made her leave her comfort zone and learn something she had wanted very much to learn.

This amazing necklace is the Simurgh Bird Necklace by LeelaBijou. The simurgh is is a Persian mythological flying creature, depicted in Iranian art as a gigantic bird with the head of a dog, and sometimes with a human face.

This gorgeous Golden Bird Ring is by staroftheeast and features a vintage stamped bird. The story is The Golden Bird by the brothers Grimm. Click on the photo to read a part of the story, and get a link to the entire story! You may remember it from your childhood.

This lovely hand printed vintage tea towel with the tweety design is by lamarquisedesanges, from France.

The Bird and the Bell by Martice, is inspired by a Japanese poet, in a poem about the flight and the song of the bird. Click on the image to go to the item description and read the details!

Dawn of LaTouchables, has created a Migrating Bird Cuff in beautiful rich colors.

European Street Team Challenge

2010-02-22T22:56:00.004+01:00

Wow! Thank you Nicole, from UltimateOrganicSoap, for choosing my fish as the winner of last week's challenge! Actually, it was Nicole's son who apparently liked this underwater creature!

So, this week it's my turn to choose a theme and collect all the outstanding entries, present them here...and then to choose a winner, which is the hard part, because the EST is full of talented and hardworking artists!

The theme this week is close to me, for I love these creatures. They are familiar and yet mysterious. The theme is birds in literature, legend, mythology, religion or film. The subject is vast, but I know everyone has a favorite bird from a story. What about the dove who told Noah that the flood was over? Or the four and twenty blackbirds from the nursery rhyme? My favorite is the Raven from Poe's poem. Don't forget Aesop's fables, the albatross from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Quetzacoatl from Aztec mythology. Tell us of birds from African, Chinese, Japanese, Hindu, Mexican cultures. Show us a bird from your culture.

Monday Moodboard

2010-02-22T00:09:00.003+01:00

Aren't they all so cute?

Upper left: fleurfatale
Upper right: dinafragola
Lower left: sabahnur
Lower right: krize

For more moodboards featuring the European Street Team, go to fleurfatale's blog.

What's New!

2010-02-17T22:32:00.005+01:00

Lots of new pieces in my shops! Tiny mixed media houses, shrines...charms or amulets.

The insects are coming! A grasshopper, a bee, a wasp, a leaf insect, a blue scarab are already in my shop...more will be arriving soon. You can celebrate spring by sporting an elegant fabric insect on your shoulder!

Monday Moodboard

2010-02-08T08:28:00.002+01:00

A little romantic, a little dreamy.

upper left: staroftheeast

upper right: lilarubyking

lower left: lapomme

lower right: LaTouchables

To see more great European Street Team moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog.

La boîte à rêves

2010-02-04T21:45:00.008+01:00

I recently interviewed a French artist, Catherine, who creates a wonderful world from paper maché. Her online shop is called la boîte à rêves on the French site alittlemarket and I interviewed her for the online magazine ModernHandmadeChild.

She lives on the banks of the Marne River in the Paris Region of France and she used to work as an assistant television program manager for the overseas French territories. Now, she spends her time with her family and creating her tableaux, diorama-like scenes and also mobiles in paper maché. To get to know Catherine better and discover her amazing work, you can read the interview in the latest issue of ModernHandmadeChild, page 64.

Monday Moodboard Exotic

2010-02-01T08:11:00.003+01:00

Taking an imaginary voyage, I found these on my way: from the European Street Team!
Upper left: GiftsandStars

Upper right: alatsupplies

Lower left: DutchCraftWork

Lower right: LaTouchables

For more moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

Monday Moodboard Love!

2010-01-25T08:29:00.004+01:00

I realize Valentine's Day is approaching, and this might be a Valentine's moodboard, but no...today is my eighteenth wedding anniversary. My handsome hubby just gets sweeter every year! Happy Anniversary Vincent! Enjoy these wonderful finds from the European Street Team!

Top left: artmind

Top right: thespottedsparrow

Middle left: nanouke

Middle right: UltimateOrganicSoap

Bottom left: lapommevintage

Bottom right: sabahnur

For more moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog!

Valentine's Items

2010-01-21T19:03:00.007+01:00

I'm trying to offer a few items for Valentine's day this year in my shop.

"Little Temple of Love" in ceramic

"Love Birds" jacquard brooch

"Heart of Glass" mosaic

Monday Moodboard

2010-01-18T00:15:00.004+01:00

Some lovely accessories fromthe talented European Street Team. I would love to have all of these!
Top left: kraplap
Top right: bohochique
Bottom left: dinafragola
Bottom right: evihan

To see more inspiring moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard Winter White

2010-01-11T00:21:00.002+01:00

The color I see outside, lovely snowy white!

Top left: sabahnur
Top right: papermodeHome
Bottom left: lapomme
Bottom right: ayca

For more great moodboards, go to fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2010-01-04T00:20:00.004+01:00

It's a blue Monday, but not at all sad!

Top left: ArtMind
Top right: woolicious
Bottom left: karlita
Bottom right: psarokokalo

For more Monday moodboards, go to FleurFatale's blog.

A Creative New Year to All

2010-01-02T18:24:00.005+01:00

I plan on doing a lot of sewing this year, and what could make it more enjoyable than a fun pincushion? Swee from swiedebie made this cute pink flowered apple pincushion and here it is perched on a tiny red earthenware plate. It looks like an enchanted apple, magic, lucky and so pretty! Anyway, I'm delighted to have it! Thank you Swee! Please check out her shop for more pincushions, and monsties! And may you have a creative and productive New Year!

It's snowing!

2009-12-18T12:41:00.006+01:00

It's snowing in Lyon! This is relatively rare, in fact the last snowstorm was on the day my son was born, back in 1997. A view out our window today reveals the bare branches, each one topped with snow. This is perhaps the first and last snowfall of the year here, so I took some photos!

Inspiration

2009-12-15T14:56:00.007+01:00

I get so inspired by materials: the textures, the colors, the patterns, the shapes.
I treated myself to some beads and charms recently.
Look at these sweet multi colored ceramic scarab beads from etsy shop thenile. I also got a bookmark with my order! I forgot to photograph it; I'm using it in a book already.

I don't know what I'm going to use them for yet as I don't make jewelry, but an idea will come.
For now, I have some in a glass bowl on my desk and a few lined up on the keyboard of the computer.

They've got hieroglyphic inscriptions on the bottom!

These gorgeous metal charms are from redvelvet in Sydney, Australia. Now I must learn how to oxidize metal to get the scarab and the owls to look like the African mask. If anyone has any oxidation recipes, please leave me a link! I remember using patinas and heat in bronze sculpture class, but I don't have a blow torch.

Monday Moodboard - Red and White like a Candy Cane!

2009-12-14T01:02:00.003+01:00

Candy canes, peppermint candy which hang on the Christmas tree, and which you can pull off to eat whenever you want! We don't have any this year, for I don't know where to get them in France and my sister forgot to send some. But take a look at these beautiful items from the talented European Street Team! They remind me of the joy of candy canes!

Top left: ArtMind

Top right: alatceramics

Middle left: karlita

Middle right: sabahnur

Bottom left: dinafragola

Bottom right: nauli

For more Monday moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2009-12-07T00:23:00.003+01:00

I am working on a project in black and white at the moment, and I'm obsessed with the combination. Here are some wonderful items in black and white from the talented members of the European Street Team.
Top left: TomBjornDesigns

Top right: ikabags

Middle left: GogoKorogiannou

Middle right: Ayca

Bottom left: homelab

Bottom right: elaa

For more great moodboards, go to fleur fatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-30T00:26:00.004+01:00

I'm in a white mood this Monday, the last day of November! Clean, pristine whites. Take a closer look at these wonderful whites from the European street team.
Top left: lapomme
Top right: staroftheeast
Bottom left: helis
Bottom right: ArtMind

See more moodboards full of work from the EST at fleurfatale's blog.

My Lovely Sales Fairy from Sweden

2009-11-25T01:02:00.006+01:00

I have to show everyone my sales fairy, made by Carita of Jealousydesign in Sweden. She is made of silver with the cutest hair, delicate limbs and even a vest! She carries a pail of magic dust, which she lovingly sprinkles near my work area. And she has her own chair.

She arrived on Friday, November 13th and she brought with her lots of sales for my shop. Who says Friday the thirteenth is unlucky?

Here she is on the mantel, in front of her house. I suppose she goes inside at night, but by day she works her magic!

I can also wear her around my neck since she has a loop on her back so she can hang from a chain. Perhaps I'll take her outside to visit France.

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-23T00:43:00.003+01:00

I wanted to start the week softly with these lovely items from the talented European Street Team!
Top left: artwatercolor
Top right: giftsandstars
Middle left: mistyaurora
Middle right: annarubyking
Bottom left: stemellina
Bottom right: ayca

For more moodboards, go to Fleur Fatale's blog!

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-16T00:29:00.003+01:00

How about a calm meditative Monday? Anyway, that's my mood on this Monday in mid-November. Enjoy these beautiful items from the talented European Street Team.

Top row left: Jealousydesign

Top row right: artwatercolor

Middle row left: JKphotography

Middle row right: antigoni

Bottom row left: birribe

Bottom row right: bahaar

Go to fleurfatale's blog to see more moodboards!

Hawthornethreads

2009-11-09T23:13:00.004+01:00

I was thinking about getting some fabric for my seven-year-old niece for Christmas. She's beginning to sew and I've already sent her some of my scraps, but I wanted some new pieces, something to inspire her. Well, just last week I received an e-mail from hawthornethreads

informing me that they have set up a new website full of gorgeous fabrics. I had bought from their etsy shop, and I can vouch for their excellent communication and fast shipping too!

How about a bundle of fat quarters? The one above is Holiday Magic Fat Quarter Bundle in Light.

This one is the Deer Valley Charm Pack...imagine the adorable things little hands could make with these. Tiny doll clothes, collages, gift tags, and so much else. There is an extensive choice of fabrics at Hawthornethreads, and I haven't decided what to get for Sarah. In the meantime, I've registered for their giveaway. You can register here.

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-09T08:49:00.002+01:00

Lately I've been seeing some really gorgeous rich red items from the talented members of the European Street Team, so here are some of my current favorites!

Top left: FebystanDesigns
Top right: MKaae
Bottom left: Karlita
Bottom right: Kreativlink

For more Monday moodboards, you can visit fleurfatale's blog.

Monday Moodboard

2009-11-02T08:39:00.002+01:00

My mood this Monday is bright and these beautiful things would brighten anyone's day!
Top left: swiedebie
Top right: ayca
Bottom left: barbarix
Bottom right: lovelycrochet

To see more moodboards, go to fleurfatales's blog!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2009-10-30T11:54:00.010+01:00

Roasted pumpkin seeds make a delicious healthy snack. I get my seeds from the market, where they sell pieces of pumpkin. The merchants usually throw the seeds away, but one of my favorite merchants gives them to me once a week. So, if you don't know how to make them, here's how I do it:

First, separate the seeds from the pulp, rinse them and drain them in a colander.

I dry them slightly with paper towels.

Spread them out on a cookie sheet with about two tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Bake in a pre-heated oven, 425°F, 220°C, gas mark 7. I roast mine for about 20 minutes, but the baking time may vary in different ovens, or if you like them very crunchy.

Stir the seeds once or twice during this time to make sure they are evenly roasted.

When they are a golden brown, remove from oven and add salt. If you are on a low-salt diet, you can add herbs, or other spices.

Enjoy these whenever you want to munch on something crisp!

Monday Moodboard: Get Some Sun!

2009-10-26T09:57:00.004+01:00

Turning the clocks back is somewhat depressing: suddenly it gets dark early and we know that the days are getting shorter anyway. Everyone loves the sun and I'm an advocate of hibernation for humans! I wish I could sleep right through the winter! Most of us can't but we can surround ourselves with sunny colors. So, get out and get as much sun as you can and check out these European Street Team shops:

Top left: kreativlink

Top right: artwatercolor

Bottom left: ayca

Bottom right: malam

For more Monday moodboards featuring items from the talented EST, go to fleurfatale's blog.

A Trip to the States

2009-10-21T15:22:00.009+02:00

I spent last week in the States, not for a pleasant reason, but I did get to spend time with my sister and her family, and we tried to have a bit of fun. Her house is decorated for Hallowe'en, and she lights her special lights each night: the jack 'o lantern, the devil, the skull...the house is aglow with spooky images! Lots of her decorations are from the early seventies; they decorated our house and our grandparents' house when we were kids.

Much to my surprise, my mother had kept a bust I did of my husband when we first met.

I was just out of art school and I did this in the living room of his apartment! Clay and plaster everywhere, you can imagine the mess. Well, I don't think it looks like him, not that he has changed much, but I didn't capture him too well. My kids laughed and said I should try to do better, it isn't a good likeness.

My mother also kept lots of photos, souvenirs, holiday cards, and believe it or not, this trophy that I received when I graduated second in my class from High School. Horrible, isn't it? But I suppose my mom kept it for sentimental reasons!

We had some blue crabs for dinner one night. I found them an especially beautiful blue color, so I had to take a "before" photo.

Vegetarians, look away, since the last photo is an "after" photo. All cooked and ready to be eaten!

Monday Moodboard

2009-10-05T10:46:00.003+02:00

Well, it's Monday and my birthday! I've made my first moodboard, something festive featuring some of my favorite EST artists.
Top left: staroftheeast

Top right: carmenesque

Bottom left: fleurfatale

Bottom right: sigmosaics

To see other moodboards, go to FleurFatale's blog!

The Voter

2009-09-18T07:30:00.003+02:00

My Mosaic Sun Temple is in the Voter this week on etsy! Wow! It's the first time I've been included. I was nominated by Dawn of LaTouchables. Thanks Dawn! The theme is the Autumn Equinox and there are lots of lovely entries. If you like my Sun Temple, please vote for it!

And We Have a Winner!

2009-09-07T21:28:00.003+02:00

I can now announce the winner of the European Street Team's weekly challenge, the theme of which was "The Enchanted Forest." Alatvian, the creator of this magical Turquoise and Jasper Necklace, has been chosen! BIG CONGRATULATIONS to her!

Thank you all so much for letting me host the challenge; it has been lots of fun!

The Entries

2009-09-01T23:27:00.035+02:00

And here are the magical entries!

Enchanted Forest - Long Blue Cloak/Jacket with XL Pixie Hood and Sleeves by Vaisto.

Untitled Bracelet by Gr8jewellery.

Enchanted Forest - Necklace made of Filigree and Glass Beads on Brass Chain by Vadjutka.

Enchanted Forest, Brown Monochrome - A4 Print 1/10 by Serpentaires.

Wooden Acorn Necklace by DeerLola.

Enchanted Palm Frond Pouch by Kraplap.

Enchanted Forest Felted Triangle Wrap by Ingermaaike.

Turquoise and Jasper Necklace - OOAK - Natural Beauty Series by Alatvian.

The Enchanted Forest Necklace by Star of the East.

The Enchanted Forest 2 in1 Necklace - The Princess and the Frog by Amoronia.

In the Middle of the Forest - Canvas Wristlet by Happybee.

Frame Handbag in Chocolate Brown by Karuski.

Enchanted Forest - Fancy Fiber Necklace by Antigoni.

This is the Enchanted Forest Leather Journal in Suede by Kreativlink.

Sweet Leaves Earrings by Fleurfatale.

The Key to the Forest earrings by Allabala.

Enchanted Forest Leaf Necklace by Sumikoshop.

This is the Enchanted Butterfly Necklace by Happyment.

This Enchanted Forest Bracelet is by LeelaBijou.

OOAK Drop Cut Raw Amethyst Pendant with a Flower and a Pearl by Toosis.

Green Flower Bouquet Headband by Queenece.

Felted Magical Romantic Magnolia OOAK brooch or hair clip by ayawedding.

This is Le Hibou - The Owl Acrylic Painting by Chichiboulie.

This lovely creation by Binkaminka is the Storyteller necklace. Look at the lovely linen pendant!

The European Street Team Challenge

2009-09-01T17:25:00.005+02:00

Wow! I won the European Street Team weekly challenge! The theme was Fall is coming and I was chosen by Sumikoshop. You can see all the entries on her blog here. I'm so honored to have won! What a great way to begin September.

This means that I am hosting the challenge this week with the theme "The Enchanted Forest". This theme evokes fairy tale settings, elves, fairies, unicorns, in fact all manner of magical creatures, objects and events. It's a place where anything can happen and often does!

I'm expecting wonderfully enchanting entries from the amazingly talented members of the European Street Team, who have, as the French would say, "des doigts de fée" which means they quite literally work magic with their fingers!

I'll be posting the entries here, so keep looking!

Egyptian inspired

2009-08-16T18:03:00.007+02:00

Visits to museums can be so inspiring. I get so many ideas, see so many possibilities; I feel somehow (no matter how remotely) connected to artists who lived long ago. I feel encouraged to make something really beautiful!

However, more and more, museum visits are photo opportunites and you spend your time trying to stay out of other people's photos, making an effort not to block their view. I guess most people take photos to look at later or show their friends, so they see a lot of the art through the lens.

At the Met I noticed most photos being taken of the huge impressive sculptures and paintings, often with friends and family standing next to them. This was true in my favorite collection: Egyptian art. Everyone loves the huge stone carvings of animal-headed gods, the temples and of course the colorfully painted sarcophagi, and so do I. But I prefer the small objects, in the rooms off to the sides; those are the things that inspire me. So I too was guilty of photo-taking, so that I would be able to see these lovely things again and again.

And when I got back, I wanted to make something really beautiful from my little bag of fabric remnants. Okay, it's a rather big bag. Anyway, these are Egyptian inspired.

Back from the US

2009-08-08T15:33:00.009+02:00

We got back a couple of days ago from our five week trip to the US. We spent a few days in New York, and this was the first time I'd been there with my kids. They were amazed by the tall buildings, of course...by all the taxis, the distances they had to walk and the resulting sore feet and legs! So, although these are really typical photos of New York, they remind me of the dazzle in my children's eyes when they saw these places for the first time.

We went past the Dakota, mainly for my sister, who didn't come with us to New York, because she absolutey wanted photos of the place where Rosemary's Baby was filmed.

I couldn't resist taking this photo of the work of one of my long-time favorite sculptors, Claes Oldenberg at the Museum of Modern Art.

The place I love most in New York is the Met, where I could stay for hours roaming around the Egyptian exhibits. I was very happy to find that my children liked the Egyptian art as well, taking lots of photos of their favorite pieces, and genuinely enjoying our time there.

Summer Vacation

2009-07-02T22:36:00.006+02:00

It's official! It's summer vacation, the weather is hot, the pools are open, people are heading to the ocean, school is out. For me it means being able to fly...to visit my family on the other side of the Atlantic. The bags are packed, hopefully weighing in at an eco-friendly less-than-twenty-three kilos each. A few gifts for the family, beachwear, a camera and we're all set!

Here's my latest mosaic, a gift for a wonderful aunt who requested a cross. I had never made one, but I wanted to make it for her since she's a fantastic aunt to have! I had a few doubts about tesserae, colors, images to use; I thought it wouldn't come out right.

But I decided to keep to my own style, broken plates, some Roman tile bits, a lace printed bird, some pewter word charms and I think it came out okay. She likes the photos; I only hope she likes the real thing!

flea market finds

2009-06-14T21:43:00.008+02:00

There was a big flea market or 'brocante' in my neighborhood on Saturday. It stretched for about ten blocks on both sides of the street. There were some professional antique dealers

but mostly people selling their old stuff...which became new stuff for the buyers! I found some great teal saucers (without cups, but since I'm going to break them anyway, so what?), and plates with a pink and white print. But my favorite finds are pictured here: a wooden box for treasures, lots of lace and...a toast holder.

The lace is hand-made and vintage. The woman who sold it to me assured me that she got it from a woman who worked for Dior...maybe, maybe not, but I fell in love with so many pieces that I had to get a few. I will use the short pieces to print on clay, and I can use the longer ones in textile creations. I'm thinking of lovely lacy moths.

Apparently, this is a toast holder. I had never seen one before. I suppose it might come in handy if you are making large quantities of toast, but at our house, the toast is eaten as soon as it pops up from the toaster! I'm using this apparatus to store my linocuts, to keep them from getting dusty and sticking together once they've been inked. I'm sure there is an apparatus especially for this, but I didn't find one at the flea market, so I'm improvising.

Graffiti

2009-06-02T23:36:00.007+02:00

I often walk by this stately apartment building on rue Chavent, a quiet street in Lyon. The building dates from 1937. It is quite big, with two entrances, balconies on every floor and unlike many buildings, it's set back from the sidewalk and has lots of trees in front of it.

I was coming back from the post office on Saturday morning when I looked across the street and saw the faces. I had taken the same street to the post office but didn't notice anything. But I had to stop and smile...faces had been painted on the tops of the posts. They looked like over-sized playskool people standing there, smiling, frowning, some even crying.

Graffiti is usually cleaned up really quickly in Lyon, at least on the "nice" streets. I thought these faces would be gone the same day, but when I returned to take some photos in the afternoon, there they were. They were there on Sunday too, and Monday.

Perhaps it was the holiday weekend that caused the clean-up delay.

I didn't take that street today. Since the post office is closed for six months, I had to go to another post office, in the opposite direction. I'll have to check tomorrow. I hope they stay.

What do you think about graffiti? Is it art or is it vandalism?

Exhibit Photos II

2009-05-21T18:19:00.008+02:00

My show is going to be up for another week yet, so I thought I'd show you some more photos of pieces that are not in my etsy shop. I made two mosaics using a funny little plate I found at a second-hand shop. The dark blue glaze with a small village scene painted in yellow, including a crescent moon and stars caught my eye. I used the cut-out stars and moon pieces to make a night sky for my own little scenes of women from ancient times standing beneath arches and holding vessels or pouring out water for each other. This one I call Water Bearers.

The piece above is called Divinities, and is perhaps my very favorite mosaic. It's been in two shows, it was on the poster for an exhibit in 2008.

Here you can see the crescent moon I cut from the dark blue plate. The plate was thick and the sharp edges of the pieces cut my hands many times as I was creating this one. One lady is pouring water for the other: this mosaic is complete with ceramic water flowing from the pitcher into the dish!

Exhibit Photos

2009-05-13T15:44:00.007+02:00

The opening of my exhibit was, for me at least, a great success. Lots of people came, many of them friends, but also people I didn't know, reporters from the city paper Le Progrès, the director of the Salon D'Hiver, just back from New York, the director of the cultural center, as well as people from the neighborhood.

I had my picture taken for the paper, explained my process to those who asked, tried to answer the often-asked question "How long does it take to make one of these?" and... sold four of mosaics! You can read the article here.

Here are a few photos of pieces I've never put in my etsy shop, some because I could never part with them, others because they are too fragile or heavy to mail.

You'll recognize the one above: these are the ladies in my etsy shop banner: Blue Ladies.

This small piece is one of my rare orange pieces with stars cut from a red-orange serving platter. It's called Libation.

Above is a large mosaic called Water Birds. You'll see the ladies who modeled for my blog banner and the birds of my avatars!

And this is my moon goddess, made from the back of the red-orange serving plate mentioned above. I try to get as many pieces from the same plate as I can, no waste! I have more photos of never-before-seen mosaics for the next post.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-09T11:56:00.006+02:00

Camille celebrated her sixteenth birthday yesterday with her favorite cake: two layers of orange cake with chocolate icing, decorated with fresh strawberries.

May 8th is a national holiday in France as well, so she never has school on her birthday!

We served the cake with a Crémant de Loire, a sparkling rosé wine from the Loire. Actually we were living in Tours, very close to the beautiful Loire river when Camille was born. We moved to Lyon soon after her birth, so she neve spent much time there. We visited Tours and Chinon this past summer, and this region is the most beautiful place in France, I think. Or perhaps it's just the wonderful memories of getting married in Tours and living there as newlyweds.

One glass of sparkling wine won't hurt; she is sixteen, afterall!

And here she is, wearing her charm bracelet made with love by Maria of neraidodhmiourgies.

Happy birthday, Camille!

My Newest

2009-04-30T23:07:00.010+02:00

I hung my show at the cultural center today. Twenty-two mosaics and three fabric trees with fabric insects in them! I haven't taken photos yet; by the time I had finished, it wasn't sunny enough to get good ones. However, I took some photos of my new pieces before wrapping them up to take over there.

The one above is called Magic: a girl holding a magic lamp in one hand and a magic word charm in the other. I used one of a set of red dessert plates I found in a thrift shop a while back for the tesserae.

My daughter doesn't like this one because of the beetle, but that's what I love about it. I used some lovely porcelain saucers with a leaf pattern around the edge. I was trying to get an Egyptian feel.

I stamped the French word rêver (dream) into the clay using tiny rubber stamps I ordered from Japan. The blanket and pillow are stamped with vintage lace. It might have a fairy tale quality to it because of the sleeping girl which may recall Sleeping Beauty, but I was actually thinking of the importance of dreaming, or letting yourself have dreams!

Don't forget to dream!

Sous les Etoiles

2009-04-21T22:46:00.004+02:00

That's the title of my exhibit! I'm having a show of my mosaics and also fabric collages in May. Opening night is May 4th (7pm) and the show runs until the 29th. Where?
At the Salle des Rancy, 249 rue Vendôme, Lyon, 69003.

It's quite a big space, and I have it all to myself, so I'm including many of my mosaics, large and small. I've made some big fabric trees and moths and I'm busy creating fireflies and some fabric stars too. If you're in Lyon, please stop by, I'd love to see you there!

Easter Eggs

2009-04-11T17:40:00.005+02:00

You can find some delicious chocolate in France. Eggs, fritures (tiny chocolates in the shape of fish), chocolate bunnies, hens, bells...dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate.

I sent some chocolate eggs to my niece in the USA. And I sent them in a beautiful hand knit bag that I bought on etsy. It was a sneak attack, when a few people get together and buy from shops with few or no sales, and surprise! All at once they have sales! You must visit this lovely shop, ShamuMakes.etsy.com .

When I received this purse, I was really pleased with the colors, the feel, the size (perfect for seven-year-old Sarah), and I decided to fill it with chocolates, which was a suggestion in the item description! A great idea, isn't it? So I hope you enjoy your chocolates and your bag, Sarah. Happy Easter!

Moths

2009-04-09T00:19:00.005+02:00

I know butterflies are the most popular insect, beautiful, colorful, delicate, the symbol of metamorphosis and rebirth. Everyone loves them. They get all the attention...but what about moths? Less colorful, (only sometimes!), scary (to some), annoying (clothes moths), creatures of the night fatally attracted to the flame. The French word is papillon de nuit , night butterfly. The English word comes from the old English moththe, pronounce that!

Being neither an etymologist nor an entomologist, I can go no further than to say that I find these insects esthetically attractive, and perhaps they need a little love too! So take a good look at the next moths that come into your house, attracted to the lights. They are pretty too.

New Supplies

2009-03-26T14:41:00.007+01:00

It's time to show you some great recent buys for my upcoming mosaic projects. I found three brightly glazed plates at the second-hand shop yesterday. I only wish they had had a set of each one, the colors are so vibrant. But alas, only one of each. And all for 0.75€. I'll add them to my growing stacks of plates and saucers, but I have the feeling I'm going to break these apart quickly.

I received lots of packages from fellow etsy sellers last week, three of which contained beads and charms. Aren't these beautiful? As I said a few posts ago, I wanted to make butterflies, but there were too many talented artists already making amazing ones...well I'm going to incorporate these charms into my mosaics. Butterflies, but also grasshoppers and beetles! Maybe I will be able to overcome my fear of bugs! These (above) are from lunasilver; stop by her shop and see her gorgeous charms!

Next, from Dragynsfyre, some lovely beads: moons and stars with faces, magic lamps, and little word beads, since I like to add messages to my work. You should visit her shop and see the themed beads, fairy tales, pirates and more!

And I got a bag of milagros from El Sol. I've been wanting to buy some to put in little retablos (retable in English, I think) that I want to make, and these are so nice. There were a lot in the bag, and my kids like them too! I might have to get another bag!

Spring Bird

2009-03-16T23:45:00.003+01:00

I've been buying lots of supplies on etsy lately! Beads, charms and some fabric, of course. Friday I received a package from The Designer's Touch, some lovely cotton floral woven decorator fabric! I found it so beautiful that I had to make something right away. I made this little bird brooch!

And spring will be here at the end of the week!

Amazing Butterflies!

2009-03-11T15:44:00.006+01:00

I had a vague idea of making butterfly brooches for spring, getting some pretty silks and whipping some up, and then selling them on my etsy shop. Well, I am amazed and somewhat intimidated by the gorgeous butterfly images already available! I've discovered some on the Front Page, and others in a showcase or the gift guides. Hats off to these excellent artists, and I think I'll stick to mosaics and bird pillows for now!

The one above is by Dolan Geiman, one of my favorite artists. This is a panel painting; it's on my favorites list and I may even buy two! They are not only beautiful but also very affordable! This Swallowtail butterfly linocut is by Gwen Ottinger Artworks. I love the black and white, but she also makes colored prints. And since I love everything blue, I also fancy her blue elephant. Go take a look!

This Monarch butterfly brooch is by Edera Jewelry. The artist uses lace-making and needlework techniques along with traditional jewelry making techniques. Look at the intricacy and beauty of this piece! I don't think it gets any better than this!

Another Mini

2009-03-05T15:09:00.003+01:00

My latest mini mosaic in my ongoing effort to make affordable pieces of original art. They're really fun to make, and satisfying since I can finish one rather quickly. I tried some brightly colored porcelain plate tesserae this time, and darker grout to set them off. But it's hard to sell art at the moment!

Made For You

2009-02-26T11:53:00.005+01:00

I was honored to be featured recently on Made For You Blog, where you can find great art and handmade articles and read about artists from all over the world. My son took my photo, and then I cropped out all the (clean) laundry and magazines that were behind me on the sofa. You know, to get rid of the messy, mundane details that I'd prefer not to think about. But I still have my work apron on!

Anyway, go take a look at the blog and find how the featured artists work and what inspires them!

Mini Mosaic Art

2009-02-21T17:26:00.003+01:00

I've recently begun making tiny mosaics as a way to offer affordable original art work to everyone who'd like to have it. A lot of artists offer art that is accessible to those who can't spend enormous amounts on art (people like me!), either prints or reduced-in-size original works. These are the first of my line of tiny works of art, about 6 by 4.5 inches, with metallic charms and a special message in each one.

Decorator Fabric

2009-02-18T11:57:00.007+01:00

I discovered these upholstery fabrics at the fabric store this past week. I was looking for some heavy weight fabrics to make a few large tree collages for an upcoming exhibit. I think I found just the right thing! I'll cut the tops of the trees (or leaves) from these, and add some reddish orange fabric for the trunk and branches. And in the trees, I'll put some brightly colored fabric birds.

Anyway, the prints are so amazing, much better in person. And there were some in red/orange too. They are reversible, so the quality is the same on both sides. The largest flowers measure over 6 inches in diameter.

What would you make from these fabrics? Any ideas?

French Silk

2009-02-11T13:42:00.004+01:00

I found this gorgeous silk and cotton blend fabric at the open market in Lyon. It's sumptuous, with pumpkin and peach-colored floral accents. And I really wanted to make a pillow set. So here are mama and baby bird silk accent pillows!

Luneville plates

2009-02-06T16:41:00.005+01:00

I found these Luneville plates for 0.90€ at the second-hand shop last week. Luneville is best-known for lovely beadwork which was produced in this town in the 18th century. Pottery was also produced there and still is, apparently! I fell in love with the floral pattern which looks as though it was stenciled on. It's all around the edge and there were three plates, plus a dark blue one that was one of it's kind. Maybe the others in the set were broken, but I would have liked to find a whole stack of them, the deep blue is gorgeous!

And here's one of my birds, cut out from a terracotta slab, printed with lace, fired, colored and waxed, already glued to a board, soon to become part of my next mosaic.

In fact there are three birds on the board, and I was looking for the perfect printed plate tesserae to put under their little feet. I'll have to show you how it turns out!

Lady in Archway

2009-02-04T07:55:00.003+01:00

I'm always amazed when one of my pieces is included in a treasury. This little lady in an archway was one of my first mosaic pieces and I loved making her tiny face and hair. That's my favorite part in fact, sculpting the faces of my ladies.

This treasury is full of beautiful collage art:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37353

Vintage Patterns

2009-01-30T22:40:00.004+01:00

Thinking about spring and some new additions to my wardrobe got me looking for patterns. I always make myself a few items so that I'm ready for the lovely warm weather and sunshine when it finally arrives. However, I've had a hard time finding vintage patterns in my small size.

I discovered and bought these from Nana's Sewing Basket after seeing one of her vintage patterns in a Storque article suggesting things to frame and display in your home.

It's true that these patterns envelopes would look smart framed and hung on my wall. They remind me of Barbie dresses or those smart little outfits Samantha Stephens would wear on Bewitched! Now I just have to find some fabric and some time!!

Featured!

2009-01-29T16:56:00.004+01:00

So today my love bird pillows were featured, along with a lot of other beautiful birds, on the blog at foundhandmade! They are right under Miss Butler's heart ornaments. Miss Butler is one of my favorites! There are so many cute birdies and hearts and now I've discovered another handmade site!

another treasury!

2009-01-28T15:22:00.003+01:00

Oh my gosh, I'm in two treasuries on the same day! Now this might be old hat for some of the better-known etsy sellers, and perhaps a day will come when I too can say that I'm in treasuries all the time, and I'm a regular on the Front Page. But for now, this is exciting!! My only item of a Valentine theme: two love bird pillows.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=36045

a treasury on etsy

2009-01-28T06:59:00.006+01:00

My orange and gold bird brooch has been included in a treasury on etsy! And I thought no one liked it! This is the second time I've had the honor of being in a treasury. I think I'll have to start making treasuries myself, but it sounds difficult, from what I've read in the forums. Difficult to get one, I mean. And then it would be hard to choose items from all the great stuff on etsy. I guess I'll have to get to work reviewing my favorites and making a poster sketch!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=36232

Valentine for etsy

2009-01-23T18:08:00.003+01:00

I spent Wednesday evening making this embroidered Valentine "card" and then I sent it off to etsy on Thursday morning. They are going to be given out to seniors on Valentine's Day with Meals on Wheels. I hope a lot of etsy sellers (and others!) are participating; there may be a lot of people who are alone, and who would appreciate a little token of affection on that special day.

So, get to work and create a beautiful Valentine card! Etsy must receive them by February 2nd!

A Mosaic Workshop

2009-01-19T17:00:00.003+01:00

I made this mosaic last year in a workshop at the Musée des Tissus/Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Lyon. I love participating in workshops there. There's this amazingly big work space, the artists are helpful, especially with technical details, and there's no phone ringing, or kids asking you to do things, at least for the duration of the workshop! Five hours of non-stop creation.

This mosaic workshop was two five-hour periods, two Saturdays in February. After ten hours, I had finished way less than half this mosaic! I worked another 20-odd hours at home, not including grouting or cleaning! And it's not even that big; it measures about 45 x 35 cm. I had it professionally photographed, and it is in my portfolio, but it's been sitting on my worktable, propped against the wall for almost a year.

So last week I decided to ask at the local fine art supply store if they'd let me hang it there. I had noticed that they had a lot of paintings up, but no mosaics. Well, the owner liked it, and said he was about to set up a display of mosaic supplies and my mosaic would be the perfect wall hanging in that area, right in the front of the store! He said he couldn't guarantee that it would be sold (who can ever be sure of sales?) but if it does, he doesn't take a commission. Thanks so much to Le Pinceau d'Or in Lyon, France!

So, I've found a home for my rather heavy mosaic, at least for now.

Gifts & Swaps

2009-01-13T13:22:00.005+01:00

Here are a few brooches I made for my sister and her daughter this weekend. I sent them off to the USA yesterday with about 50 of my brand new business cards enclosed! I thought since she's going to be passing them out, the least I could do was to make her a few little gifts.

This one is for my niece, Sarah, to whom I gave a big set of seed beads in lots of colors for Christmas. Perhaps this will inspire her to try felt too!

Speaking of business cards, I also sent out a few cards to another etsy seller, and she's sending me some of hers. If you would like to do a card swap, let me know in the comments. I would love to include them with my orders, in the USA or internationally!

Another Fish

2009-01-09T15:49:00.004+01:00

My latest fish pillow is made of this pretty green fabric that I got at the outdoor market here in town. In French, the color is called vert anis, and I didn't know what it was called in English. (Yes, I'm a native English speaker, but I'm really bad with color names!) So I was on a thread on the etsy forums last night where people were talking about hot colors for spring and I found my color on a Pantone color chart. So apparently it's called "dark citron."
I had never heard of this before, I hope I've got it right!

Anyway, I like the way the fish came out. Once again, my son wants one of these too!

Bird pillows or Soft Sculptures

2009-01-06T15:17:00.006+01:00

So, I've made some pillows (or soft sculptures), still inspired by my drawings of African bird sculptures in bronze. This one is like one of my brooches, only bigger, of course, and 3D instead of 2D. This one sold two days after being listed on my etsy shop. This is the first one I tried, made of cotton decorator fabric I found in the remnant bin of my favorite fabric shop here in Lyon.

This one is made of a beautiful paisley cotton I bought from etsy seller, The Designers Touch. I used linen for his beak and felt for his legs and feet. My son loved him so much he hugged him!

I like the fish too. She's simple and would look good on a couch with lots of other fishes. I'll have to make a bunch more! My daughter thinks they would be the perfect pillows for a beach house. We don't have one though, so...

Bird Walk

2009-01-04T21:50:00.006+01:00

I was finally able to photograph the finished piece! It's been winter grey skies for what seems like a very long time. Today the sun came out, even though the temperatures are frigid.

For some reason, I had to call it Bird Walk. Instead of "birds walking" or "walking birds" or even "the birds go for a walk". The title Bird Walk just seemed to be my only choice.

Blue and Golden Yellow

2008-12-29T13:37:00.005+01:00

Ever-enamored of the blue and golden yellow color combination, I cut up the plates to give these birds a golden contrast.

I added some of the tiny flower patterned pieces along with touches of blue and black. I just need to cement it all together.

Ceramic Lace Bird

2008-12-29T01:10:00.004+01:00

The idea is to use the same imagery in different materials. My blue cotton bird brooch was transformed into a ceramic lace bird (still blue!). He's been fired and colored with blue pigment.

Inspiration

2008-12-27T12:22:00.008+01:00

I found these lovely plates at the thrift shop recently. You have to go often, since they get "new" old stuff regularly. Seeing them all in a stack makes me want to get to work cutting them up!

I especially love this rich golden yellow/brown. When I'm cutting them for my mosaics, this golden glaze reminds me of caramel.

I don't usually work in black and white, but this floral and paisley pattern is so interesting, perhaps I'll make an exception!

These tiny blue flowers are so sweet!

The colors and patterns on these, you might say, rather ordinary dishes, are very inspiring: they whisper ideas to me, suggest ways they could be used and what they'd go perfectly with. And in the end, I always listen!

Flying Girl

2008-12-27T01:25:00.003+01:00

Sigmosaics included my flying girl in a treasury on etsy! This is my first appearance in a treasury; I'm so excited! Take a look:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=28827