Meet Handmade Artist Gail M. Caldwell…

Location: Pacific Northwest

Website: www.thesassybeach.com

Handmade Specialty: I specialize in custom handmade jewelry utilizing only the finest materials, including freshwater pearls, man-made pearls, Swarovski crystal, crystal, glass, Italian glass, fire polished crystal and glass, shells, semi-precious gemstones, Tribal silver, Bali silver,silver, fine silver, copper, cord, leather and silk.

I do not use any products that have lead and nickel in them. My crystals are top of the line in cut and shape to get the very best sparkle.


Gail’s Story…
My designs are hand crafted in the Pacific Northwest by me. I have lived here my whole life. Most of my pieces are one of a kind. Sometimes I will reproduce a piece due to its popularity. However, since they are handmade, they are always slightly different. Often I buy only one strand of beads, etc. and when those are gone, they are gone. My stock changes rather quickly because once someone buys a piece, it is replaced with a different piece.

I love the time spent with friends and by myself making and designing my jewelry. I find it very relaxing and fun seeing how everyone designs differently. I am always excited to design jewelry and want to share my excitement with you. I have the great enjoyment of being completely surrounded by water, sandy beaches, and beautiful mountain vistas which inspire my designs. I feel very lucky to have the advantage of living in a multi-cultural and diverse region to influence my artwork and designs.

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Meet Handmade Artist Suzanne Shenkman…

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Website: SuzanneShenkmanDesigns.com

Etsy Shop: Suzannedesigns.etsy.com

FLICKR gallery: suzanne_shenkman_designs

Handmade Specialties: I make sassy accessories for women and pets from vintage neckties (tote bags, wrist cuffs, watch wraps, appliqued tees, pet collars, pillows, iPod cases, zippered purses, etc!)

Suzanne’s Story…
I’m a mad, zany crafter.

I started my design venture back in 2005 in response to my longtime love affair with the necktie. I saw more potential in the tie… wrist cuffs, tote bags, watch wraps, pillows, belts, tees, pet collars, iPod cases…

My creations include ties from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and often adorned with vintage buttons, costume jewelry, ribbons and other fabrics. I repurpose and reuse as much as possible. It’s important that all my items are eco-earth-friendly~

I also love to create custom items, such as pillow covers, table runners or other home accessories. Often people bring neckties to me that that have personal, special meaning to them (from a father or grandfather) and have me a create something to honor them—a lasting memento.

I couldn’t do any of this without my supportive husband and firecracker daughter. They are a mini focus group. For craft support, I lean on the St. Louis Craft Mafia—an uber progressive local organization of which I’m a member. They are a talented bunch. My family lives our life as ecologically-friendly as possible. We drive a hybrid, compost everything we can and recycle the rest.
 
For those in the St. Louis area, my items are available at:

• Four Muddy Paws Pet Boutique in Lafayette Square
• Phoenix Rising in the University-City Delmar Loop
• Scratch Boutique inside Daisy Clover in Webster Groves on Big Bend Avenue

Recognition

• 2005 IdeaBounce contest @ Washington University- winner
• Washington University Olin Cup Competition (student division) winner
• Various features in Venus Magazine, Where Magazine, St. Louis Magazine, The Riverfront Times and the St. Louis Post Dispatch

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Meet Handmade Artist Rebecca Hale…

Location: London

Website: www.bubblebeecomics.com

Etsy Shop: www.bubbleroundels.etsy.com 

Handmade Specialties: Personalized bespoke roundels. I work from photographs of the person or pet which are sent via e-mail from each individual commission. Please contact me at bee@bubblebeecomics.com for further info on your personalized gift.

Rebecca’s Story…
I paint personalized bespoke glass roundals. I use bold colours and strong lines in my work making the image beautifully eye catching. I paint anything from portraits of people or pets to what ever you require. I love a challenge! These roundels make an excellent gift for friends, family or even for yourself. All are surrounded with lead and have a soldered loop for hanging.They all come with the appropriate coloured ribbon to be hung from infront of a window for full view.

A little about me…
Born in Cambridge 1969 then moved to South Africa until returning back toEngland in 1986. Studied in illustration at the London art college for 2 years then went on to do many courses in cartooning and comics. My own comic books focus on the Barbie doll,incorporating my own life from the perfect Barbie figure and altering it to suit my own, which is a fuller and more realistic character, thus creating my BARB PLUS MORE stories, which you will see more of in the near future.

From 1995-97 I studied 3 Dimensional Art in sculpture, wood work, metal, ceramics which led to stained glass at Shepperton Art college.I was then accepted at Middlesex university in 1997 where I started to develop skills in sandblasting glass and specialize in making bespoke panels for light boxes’.

I since have been part of many exhibitions in London such as:

• ‘The Art Auction’ at The Horse Hospital, London in 1998 which displayed one of my Barb Plus More plaster relief’s.

  The Round House, Camden, London in 1999,again displaying 3 of my plaster relief’s.

• ‘Heartfelt’ craft exhibition in Gillespie rd, London in 1999 where I sold a few of my stained glass light boxes.

Then in 2007 my partner and myself organized and put on our first big show at the County Hall gallery, London called ‘SHOWOFF’. This was a collection of 17 artists work,including our own.

Why I started crafting my handmade creations…
My desire to draw and paint took hold of me, so I decided to go forth and further my studies learning how to paint on glass.Since 2000 I’ve been doing just that.

I started to paint on roundels because it gave me the chance to really express myself using my free hand line and to mix what ever colours I could, to achieve the desiredresults. There is no limit to what I can paint on glass and that makes me very inspired and satisfied. Being able to incorporate inspiration from POP as well as COMIC book ART gives me endless choices to develop my glass painting.

What people love most about my handmade…
People enjoy my bold use of colour and adventurous subject matter.They also enjoy my confident and playful use of line.

I go to great lengths to make sure that I fulfill all of my customers wishes by getting as much information of their choice of subject matter for personalizedcommissions. These roundels are a real hit because they are affordable,attractive and personal, light giving, visual pieces of art for everybody.

Where I sell my crafts…
I work from my work shop situated in my home in North london.Taking all my finished pieces and selling at numerous craft fairs and craft shops in and around London, UK.

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Meet Gifted Artist Laura Barbosa…

Location: Toms River, NJ USA

Official Website: www.laurabarbosaart.com            Etsy Shop: www.barbosaart.etsy.com

Handmade Specialties: Original Paintings on Canvas, Custom Commissions, Digital Art /Graphic Design, Art Jewelry Images, Fine Art Prints

Laura’s Story…
My interest in art began as a child. I was born with a love for animals and a passion for painting. Having come from a broken home and having a lot of free time at a young age, I developed my very own art skills through experimenting with crayons and finger paints. This eventually took me down the road of art and before I knew it, I was stopping at the art store on my way home from school and found myself buying new colored pencil packs and sketchbooks with my lunch money.

My complete adoration and love for animals developed from my relationship that I had with our family dog. I found enjoyment in his facial expressions and funny antics. I believe these experiences molded me in the direction of animals and a true love for painting them. My art grew more and more with each passing day. In high school my favorite pastime was doodling and eventually I doodled my way into an art class.

I started a home business when I was 16 which was all about capturing people’s favorite photos onto sweatshirts and sold them at a fair price to many students and their family members. I was making a decent living at a young age with nothing more than a few bottles of fabric paint an airbrush and a pack of generic sweatshirts. As time went on, I started painting wall murals and experimenting with different media. After accomplishing more pieces, I grew as an artist. The traits and techniques I developed as a child actually create the anchor that my creativity rests upon today. It seems that each year I became more free with my ideas and techniques.

Laura’s Creative Process…
My emotions and thoughts predetermine what is going to develop on the canvas. I work from the subconscious mind and many times I will wake up with an idea in the morning. There are so many ideas in my head that I need to carry a sketchbook with me to jot down the thoughts coming from my head. I have been known to be in the middle of a conversation and have to excuse myself to sketch an idea in my book before I lose it. This is the beginning of my creative process and from this point I cannot wait to get to my studio to start painting. I work mainly with acrylics and ink. I like to use them together to achieve the effect I want.

For my abstracts I prefer thick acrylic paint, texture and using the palette knife to mix and push the paint around the canvas. I don’t like using brushes and have come to love the sponge and the use of my finger for blending but for my animal portraits, brushes are needed for detailing and creating fur. On occasion, I will dip my whole hand in paint and start creating to see what I come up with. If the subject matter is very specific then it must be planned out. For example, my animal portraits are carefully calculated before I begin.

More About Artist Laura Barbosa….
Laura Barbosa is becoming known on an International Level and is a Published Artist with Public Collections. Her Collectors reside in Australia, The United Kingdom, Canada and in all 50 United States.

Laura’s Painting Entitled: Model has been chosen for HGTV’s new show: Battle on The Block and will be featured in an upcoming episode in April of 2010 the West Orange NJ Show.

In 2009, Her PUG DOG was picked up by a scout from icon shoes for their many products such as handbags, golf shoes, belts, purses and more.

Selected Exhibitions:

• December 2009 – All America Tour – Chalk Farm Gallery, NM USA
• December 2009 – All America Tour – Miranda Gallery, CA
• March of 2007- Splash Contemporary Gallery in Asbury Park NJ
• March Madness Show – 6 works on Exhibit
• July 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009- Stover Mill, 56th, 57th, & 58th Annual
• Tinicum Arts Festival- Erwinna Pennsylvania – 7 Works on Exhibit

Published:

• NY ARTS Magazine 2008
• Hollywood Reporter
• Forbes & more

Awards & Honors:

• Public Collection: Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ
• Winner, "Horse Dance", Cultural Arts Center, Brick, NJ 2008
• Winner, Stover Mill, Acrylics Category, "Bordeaux Dog" Juried by Bill Novak, 2007
• Featured Artist: Imagekind Gallery on Easter Sunday March 23 2008
• Art E-Motions Contest Winner- Boundless Gallery – May 2009
• Artist of The Month – Boundless Gallery – Artist Interview – July 2009
• EBSQ Award Winner "Patrons Choice" For "Uncanny Valley" May – 2009
• EBSQ Art of the Day – For "Orange Scope" Digital Art – June, 19, 2009
• EBSQ Award Winner – For "Mardi Gras" 2009
• Artwork "Shapeshifter" Chosen by Well Known Writer for NEW BOOK (Kim Carlsberg)

Public Collections: Community Medical Center (St. Barnabus) Toms River, NJ
2008 Fund raiser for The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. 3 paintings of 12 Working Therapy Dog Portraits. Acrylics on Canvas – 24" x 48" This work is on Permanent Public Display in a HUGE collection at the St. Barnabus Health Care Facility in NJ. This Public Collection has raised $7500.00 for the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Org. to help maintain their training and education for the welfare of Patients throughout America.

Commissions: Small to Giant Custom Artworks for Home or Office Decor.

	The Art of Laura Barbosa on YouTube
	Laura’s Fan Page on Facebook
	Follow Laura’s Tweets on Twitter

Other Places to Buy Laura Barbosa’s Art
Discovered Artists, Etsy, Yessy, Absolute Arts, D’ART, Fine Art America, Artflock, Ebay, Art.com, Allposters, Imagekind and more.

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A few words from glass bead artist, Diane from DkDesigns.biz…

I have to admit that I’m involved in a long term affair – - I fell in love with beading over 15 years ago – - The love affair with beads all started with rock hounding with my wonderful husband Bill.

We have travelled to Mount Ida, AR to dig quartz crystals and Herkimer, NY to mine Herkimer diamonds. We’ve made several trips to many parts of North Carolina to hunt for everything from sapphires to emeralds. After one of our trips, I was thinking, “Can I drill holes in these little stones to make beads and string them? – - hmmmm….” Well that started the beading years…..

Then my sister signed me up to take a class with her at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and told me we had to bring a can of Mapp gas to class with us. When I saw the beautiful palette of colored glass rods that I could melt in a flame and create my very own glass beads, well, need I say more? Now, I create wonderful works of art that are treasured by many collectors and teach in my studio.

Visit my online shop and see if you find that something special you have been looking for……..Enjoy ! Diane

About Diane From DkDesigns.biz
Diane has been beading for over 15 years, and has traveled to and attended many beading conferences and workshops learning many different beading techniques. She learned the art of "Lamp Working" over 11 years ago. "Creating Glass Beads with Glass Rods and a Torch", sparked her creativity to produce varied and unique jewelry designs. Diane’s creations can be seen on her website and at shows throughout the southeast.

Education

Diane learned the art of lampworking back in 1998, studying under Deanna Griffin Dove, until 2002.

Additional studies include:

• October 2005 – studied in workshops under Corina Tettinger
• December 2005 – learned Holiday Bead technique with Cristie Prince
• February 2006 – studied in workshops under Pam Dugger
• June 2006 – studied in workshop under John Winter
• October 2006 – studied in workshops under Andrea Guarino-Slemmons
• January 2007 – studied in workshop under Larry Scott
• April 2007 – studied in workshops under Tom & Sage Holland

Diane is proud to be a member of:

• Alpharetta Arts Guild
• Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association
• Brookhaven Arts Alliance
• Southern Flames – Former Co-President
• ISGB – Business Member

Diane also contributes to:

• Wet Canvas
• Lampwork, Etc.
• Beadartist.org

View More Handmade by Diane From DkDesigns.biz