In The Studio

Today I decided to take advantage of my free Sunday and spend some quality time in the studio. But I wasn't making jewelry...I was painting!

I haven't painted in a while and I am trying to get back in the swing of things. Not only do I have works to create for my MA Thesis project, but I'd like to have some artworks completed so I can enter them in the OAL Fall Juried Show.

Below is one of my works-in-progress. I am using modeling paste to build up the surface and then piping the paste using pastry bags to create a confectionary texture.
I haven't thought about colors yet; I do like the subtle differences that you can see while the canvas is white.

I am also prepping some panels for a series that I am working on about the places I have lived. I created a similar series called "Nine Homes" for my BFA show back in 2003. Now, I have 11 "homes" and I am using the fabulous features of Google Maps to create abstract map-scapes.
But I can only do 5 right now, because Utrecht only had 5 of the 8x8" panels I need! And they're not available online. Maybe I can convince them to order more for me...

Holy Cow!

This is one of the only days where this would be possible: but I made sure I was at my computer at 1:00 on the nose when the Etsy Cooperative Advertising Program went on sale!

I scored a spot: which means that a mini photo of a Sweet Stella item will be in an ad (along with 35 other Etsians) in Craft: Magazine in the November 2008 issue!!

Now, all I have to do is decide which photo to submit. My deadline is Wednesday, August 20th!

If you have time, please check out my Etsy Shop and let me know which photo/item you think would be a good representation of my work. I think the theme for November's issue is "Green".

Exciting News!

I am very excited to announce that my jewelry and accessories will soon be available at a store called Oak in Boston, MA! Oak sells all types of handmade goods from artisans in the Boston area and beyond. In addition to their "brick & mortar" retail shop, Oak also sells select handmade merchandise on their website, oakboston.com.

Soon you'll find hairpins, earrings, rings, and necklaces from Sweet Stella Designs among the other unique handcrafted wares at Oak.

If you're in the Boston area, make sure to stop by Oak soon (my items should be arriving in a week or so). They're located at 31 Gloucester Street, on the corner of Gloucester & Newbury and down the street from Fenway Park and the Prudential Center.

image source: oakboston.com

Make sure to check out Oak's blog for news, stories, updates, and other cool info about the store!

Let Them Eat Cake!

If you enjoy cake (seriously, who doesn't?!), you should check out my new series of rings in the "Tiny Treats" collection. They are all tiny cakes and pastries set on mini porcelain plates. Some of the cakes have a slice missing, giving us a peek at the type of cake and filling inside!

Right now, these rings are only available at Wholly Craft, so get yourself to Clintonville (N.W. corner of High and Pacemont) and check 'em out!

Sweet Stella Designs at Open Door Art Studio

I am excited to announce that Sweet Stella Designs jewelry can now be purchased at Open Door Art Studio in Grandview, Ohio!
Open Door is a great space that offers art classes for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Their amazing artwork adorns the walls of the gallery. The Open Door Studio is "dedicated to overcoming limitations and giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to discover their expressive freedom" (source: opendoorstudio.org).

The gallery/shop portion of Open Door is filled with handmade goods from independent artists and designers, including Columbus favorites (and Sweet Stella buddies) Anne Holman and Megan Green of MooganCreations. Some folks from Etsy Team Columbus will soon be added to the mix as well.

I am thrilled to have this new opportunity to sell my designs! Stop by Open Door during the Grandview Art Hop on the last Saturday night of the month.

Featured in Trend de la Creme!

I am so excited to be featured in a very cool collection on the site "Trend de la Creme"! On the Trend de la Creme website, the author, Jill Sherman "brings together her interpretations of the 'goings on' in fashion, beauty, style, design, and popular culture" (source: trenddelacreme.com).

My custom Pick-A-Pill necklace was included with other fabulous medicine-inspired designs ranging from jewelry to espresso cups to USB flash drives. Check out all of the pill-related goodness HERE!

New Work!

Well, I have spent the last few weeks making lots and lots of new work and trying to stay busy and positive. I am trying to take rejection (in crafting and in life) and turn it in to energy to keep improving my work.

Right now, I am building some fabulous friendships and professional/business relationships. I am also figuring out how this is all going to work when I start teaching again in 2 week (ack!).

I am proud to introduce my latest line: it's called "Sweet Collaborations" and features the work of Columbus artists in my jewelry. Yipee!
Come check out awesome pendants showcasing the art of Jeff Fernengel and the photography of Brandon Presz as well as my other designs at the North Market this Sunday from 11:30-5 pm!

Sweet Collaborations!