Little Gordy

 

Little Gordy is my latest one-of-a-kind paper mache creation. Little Gordy has a big brother, Big Gordy, who is currently being reviewed by a magazine for possible publication. So, we'll have to keep Big Gordy under wraps for now.

 

In the past, I designed hand-painted wedding runners that featured lots of swirly, Art Nouveau-inspired designs. When you're talking about wedding runners, you have a lot of surface to cover, and I had absolutely no problem taking my designs all the way from start to finish. Since these types of designs come naturally to me, I've decided to use them in my paper mache creations. Although inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, all of my swirly designs are my original creations.

 

Here's another shot of this handsome, little devil.

We Have a Winner!

 

We have a winner for my OWOH giveaway. The random number generator chose Top Floor Treasures from the United Kingdom. Congratulations! I'll be mailing your art print out as soon as I get your address.

Thanks to all the wonderful people who participated in this giveaway. I had a great time meeting you all, and I'll be sure to stop by again for more visits. A big thank you goes out to Lisa Swifka who did a great job coordinating this world-wide event!

New Sensations

 

This was my ticket for the Lou Reed concert at The Ritz in New York City on January 8, 1987. As I look at the date, I see the concert was on a Thursday night. I was in college. Didn't I have to get up for classes the next day, or did I not have any classes on Friday mornings? When you're in college, who cares? Only a two-hour drive to New York City, my brother and I ventured into the city to see what turned out to be a great concert. 

Why did I even bring this up? Blame it on YouTube. I hadn't heard Lou Reed's song titled New Sensations in years, so I decided to check it out on YouTube. After listening to the song, I looked through my bag of old concert tickets to find my ticket stub.

While speaking with my brother tonight, he reminded me that we ran into Jim Carroll of the Jim Carroll Band while attending the concert. I remember saying, "Hey, Jim" when I spotted him. Jim looked at me, but he was so out of it that he could barely lift his face. When I looked at the back of the ticket, I saw my note about seeing Jim Carroll coming out of the men's room. How's that for documentation? I see that the Del Lords were the opening act. I don't remember them, so they obviously didn't make an impression.

This is an interesting song, and I think it's cool that Lou Reed mentions the Delaware Gap in Pennsylvania in the song. To get to New York City from my neck of the woods, you have to drive over the bridge at the Delaware Water Gap.  He also mentions the country folk and the hunters. Good eye, Lou!

Strawberry Shortcake Makes an Appearance

When your boyfriend deals in collectibles, you learn to expect the unexpected. When I opened the dishwasher this afternoon, a Strawberry Shortcake figurine was sitting on one of the pegs. At first I didn't notice it, but then that bright, pink hat gave her away and forced me to look a second time. I don't own any pink dishes or utensils.

It's just another collectible waiting to get spruced up before being shipped to a new owner.

Signs of Spring at Home Again

 

 I stopped in to see Mary of Home Again today on this beautiful, sunny day. Mary's store is always a pleasure to visit because her store is always loaded with new merchandise.

 

Mary has an in-store event coming up on Saturday, March 20 with the fabulous Cindy Mitchell from Mary Kay cosmetics. I'll post a bit more about the event soon, so stay tuned. 

  

Mary does a great job with displays. My Art Nouveau-inspired painting is hiding behind one of the glass doors.

  

 I love the details and colors in this magnificent throw.

  

 This lovely painting is by local artist Charlotte Kindler.

 

Anyone for tea?

What a Difference a Day Makes

So the old saying goes. Today turned out to be a sunny, wonderful day. The roads were clear once again.

 

~Not a trace of snow~

I love that turquoise blue sky.

Snowy Day in Northeast Pennsylvania

What a peaceful day it is in snowy northeast Pennsylvania. 

I took this picture while standing on my front porch this afternoon.

 

I love how the snow elegantly lies on the limbs and branches.

 

I took this picture while looking toward the sky. You can see some of the falling snowflakes.

 

The governor shut down three major interstates in Pennsylvania. Good thing I'm working from home, and I have nowhere to go today.

  

~Another lovely tree~

 

It's a winter wonderland!

Best Buds

For as much as Julius picks on Chiseler, he still loves his best bud.

New Business Card

In desperate need of a new business card, I designed this one a few weeks ago. (For this post, I removed my e-mail address and phone number from the business card.) I have many design styles, but I seem to gravitate toward whimsical and prim, so I used my pineapple design with the decorative border along with some of my favorite patriotic crows. I think the crows add the whimsical touch. I'd love to know what you think.

Another Design Chosen to Highlight Valentine's Day

I'm thrilled to learn that people are really drawn to my Valentine's Day cards. This design, which is titled Valentine Cupcake is now featured on Belinha Fernandes' squidoo site . Behlinha is an accomplished designer, so I'm honored that she chose to feature this design.

For more information about Belinha, be sure to visit her Zazzle store.

RockHill Designs Giveaway

The word giveaway is going around a lot lately. The lovely Lynette of RockHill Designs is offering this beautiful necklace as a giveaway on her blog.Please stop by to see how to enter. Good luck!

One World One Heart Giveaway

I knew I'd keep the flow going again, but this time I'm participating in Lisa Swifka's One World One Heart worldwide giveaway event.This event gives all participants a chance to connect with other bloggers and artists from around the world. What a fabulous opportunity for us all.

Every blogger who participates must host a giveaway on his or her blog.  This giveaway is open to anyone who blogs. 

 The Rules

Post only one comment for my giveaway, and include a blog address that I can link back to, or leave an e-mail address so I can contact you if you happen to win.  It's that easy.

This event ends February 15, 2010, so if you'd like to participate in a giveaway of your own, check out Lisa Swifka's blog for more information.

My Giveaway

I'm offering an archival art print titled Tea Lady in Green, which is one of many in my Teacup Society Design CollectionTM featuring many tea lovin' ladies. My tea prints have been featured at many formal teas, and I'm happy to have this art print to offer in this giveaway. This art print measures approx. 4 1/4" x 6" with a small white border around the image, which makes the piece suitable for framing with or without a mat.

This tea lady looks lovely in her green suit, and she's digging those floating tea signs! Good luck, and I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

And The Winner Is...

Sharon of livewirejewelry is the lucky winner of my jewelry giveaway. Last night, I threw all the names in a hat, and John picked Sharon's name. Be sure to check out Sharon's blog. She's a talented jewelry designer, and I'm happy to pass these earrings on to her.

Thanks to all of those who participated, and be sure to stay tuned for future giveaways.

"Key to My Heart" Design - Best of Zazzle's Valentine's Day Cards

What a surprise. I just learned that my Key to My Heart design has been chosen as one of Zazzle's best Valentine's Day cards as listed on Enchante Renascence Pub's Web site. To see more of my Valentine's Day cards, please visit www.zazzle.com/lizrevit.

"Keep The Flow Going" Giveaway

Yesterday's post inspired me to keep the flow going. So I'm giving away these sterling silver earrings that I made for one of my jewelry-making workshops.

All you have to do to participate is post a picture of these earrings on your blog with a link to my blog. After you've done so, simply post a note on my blog to let me know, and your name will be entered in the giveaway.

On January 30, 2009, I'll enter all the names in a hat, and I'll let John pick one of the names. I'll post the winner's name on January 31, 2009. Good luck!

Flow

When someone wants to give you something, take it. Don't stop the flow of energy. If you don't need it or want the item, take it anyway. Don't stop the flow of energy. You may need the item in the future, or you can pass it on to someone who can use it.

Today, I was the recipient of a box of beads, jewelry, and findings. I love the gold bead caps on these costume pearls. Gilded is the word that comes to mind when I look at this picture.

There's nothing like a chain all bundled up waiting to be unraveled.

This vintage necklace goes so well with the April 18, 1969 cover of Life featuring Mae West.

~domes of silver~

~Pastels~

These earrings are stamped "Hong Kong," but I can't locate a designer's name.

These beads remind me of Fruity Pebbles. Mmmm.

Rich, dark colors are intriguing. I wonder who wore these.

~ The flow ~
Don't break it!

Prim Snowmen - Framed Artwork

I love creating primitive snowmen. I have many art styles, but there's something about the prim look that keeps calling me back.

This framed print, which features one of my art prints titled Snow, can be hung on the wall, displayed on a shelf, used as a gift tag, or used as an ornament. I've had a great response to these prim goodies, so I'm offering them for sale on etsy.


This framed print features my art print titled Snowman With Broom. For anyone who loves prim, these framed prints are versatile pieces of artwork that can be used in a variety of ways all winter long or throughout the year if you’re a total snowman lover!

See these prim goodies on etsy!

UT Baseball Cap and Products Made in America

I finally cut the tags from this brand new baseball cap that my brother bought for me a few months ago at The University of Tennessee's bookstore. I was in dire need of a new UT baseball cap, and he was kind enough to pick it up for me.

Living in Pennsylvania where everyone lives and breathes Penn State, it's hard to get away with wearing a bright orange baseball cap sporting the Volunteer's "T" logo. That's OK. I wear my UT stuff with pride even if we had a lousy season. Win or lose, they're still my team. (I still think Philip Fulmer got the bum's rush, but I won't go there.)

Anyway, while making an early dinner, I looked up and noticed a bar code on the inside of the visor. I immediately thought of an interesting post I read yesterday about bar codes and how you can tell where a product was manufactured.

I stumbled upon the post via The Artful Life blog. Tina has a wonderful list of blogs that she follows, and it's there that I found the Curds and Whey blog.

If you visit Curds and Whey, you'll see Karen's post about bar codes. It's very interesting. If you're like me, and you want to buy more American-made products, I encourage you to visit her blog.

This baseball cap has a bar code starting with 053. According to the blog post, this indicates that the cap was made in The United States; however, the inside label states that it was made in China. I wonder if there's a foolproof way to make this determination. My bet is that the label that's stitched into the cap trumps the peel-and-stick bar code.

It's funny how something as simple as a baseball cap can get you thinking about where products are made. Go VOLS! Better luck next year.

Designers' Night Out

I had the chance to meet up with some of my former jewelry students who have gone on to become designers, and it was so nice to see all of their new creations. The sparkly ring above is one of Nicole's designs. It's a showstopper!

The two beadweaving bracelets were designed by Sally of Wireworked. The bracelet has an old-world, vintage feel to it. Nicole designed the sterling silver bracelet in this picture.

We have plans to attend one of Lynn's (of Lynn's Craft World) polymer clay classes in the near future. If anyone is interested in attending, please let me know. I'd be glad to put you on the list, and inform you of the upcoming class when I obtain more information.

Here's to a great New Year to all of my former jewelry students who have gone on to do wonderful things! May you continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Jewelry Design Sketch

When designing jewelry, I often sketch the design idea on paper before diving into the project. A lot of times, I'll color the design with watercolors, color pencils, or markers.

The sketch featured here was created using pencil and watercolors. I had an idea for a necklace using turquoise and red coral. Using this design approach helps me stay more organized.

If you have an interesting approach to designing jewelry, arts, crafts, etc., I'd love to hear about it.

Art Gum Erasers

John gave me this box of art gum erasers yesterday. Each eraser measures 2"x1", and they look so interesting nestled neatly in their own little box.

There's nothing like new art supplies. I can't wait to start using them today. I almost hate to do so because they look like a piece of artwork grouped together like this. Looking at this picture, I think the erasers resemble a collage or a puzzle.