View from my Tent - Happy Go Lucky

Imagine you are a painter. You are sitting in your studio surrounded by your paints and brushes, creating a beautiful masterpiece in a serene setting. Or better yet you are working plein-aire sitting outside in the landscape you are painting.


 Now imagine you have just 3 minutes to create that masterpiece! And the surface you are working on has curves and bumps and is on a wiggly child! That is the world of face Painter Melissa of Happy Go Lucky face painting and henna.


Melissa has been adorning bodies with art since 1999.  She offers both face painting and henna tattoos. And it is not just for kids, adults enjoy her work too.

I came across Melissa at the Lavender Faire in Sequim. You can find her at various events across the state or you can even hire her for your very own party. Check out her Facebook page for additional information and to see many examples of her work.

She also creates fantastical head pieces for any occasions... from fascinators, to headbands and headdresses. Custom orders welcome! Check out her Bohemian Fairy website for more information. 

Last of a Series - Outback Wood Jasper

This week I worked with the last of my supply of 30x30mm square outback wood jasper. These have been so popular. The matte finish maskes them feel wonderful. Like a worry stone, I think you'd be rubbing it all day long!

If you see something below that you like please contact me ASAP as I do not expect these to last through mid-August. Even the small stones remind me of miniature landscapes. I will be sorry to see these go.

The bracelets are a mix of oval, coin and 12x12mm square outback wood jasper. 

 Pewter toggle clasp and accents with matte black glass beads.

 Double strand of matte black seed beads with pewter accents. 

All silver ear wires are copper filled sterling. Necklace and stone earrings have been SOLD.

All 4 earrings have been SOLD.

All have been SOLD.

 Copper filled sterling or copper.The first and third earrings have been SOLD.

 Copper toggle clasps, copper accents and dark brown glass seed beads.
All have been SOLD.

 Both of these (above and below) are rich brown matte glass seed seed beads and copper.
All have been sold.

The necklace is SOLD. 

 These last 4 (above and 3 below) are a very dark brown glass seed bead mixed with copper.
All have been SOLD. 

Both bracelets have been SOLD.

Both have been SOLD.

All have been SOLD.

View from my Tent - Inky Quills

 Another of my great neighbors at Olympic Lavender Farm was Inky Quills LLC - maker of natural, eco-friendly, cold process soaps for all skin types. I love homemade soaps and can not wait to try out my purchases. Once you have tried homemade soaps you will never go back to the commerical brands!

Chris makes her soaps using avocado, hempseed, and olive oils. Also offered are lip balms and lotion bars. You can see a partial listing of products and make a purchase on their website. You will find Inky Quills LLC at both the Saturday Poulsbo and Thursday night Bremerton Farmers markets.

Check out their Facebook page for a fun set of photos showing the soap making process!

View from my Tent - Restless Chocolates

One of my neighbors at Olympic Lavender Farm was Restless Chocolates, a small artisanal chocolate company from Seattle, WA. Yum!! The owner, Hilary, has been making chocolates for years and just last year went into business. She creates flavor combinations that can't be found elsewhere. She focuses on experimentation as well as innovation. 

My favorite sweet from the weekend was their fizzy lemon drops. 

They tickle your tongue and make you giggle! 

 

  If you'd like to sample some of their tasty confections the next opportunity is this Saturday at the Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival. You can also purchase their chocolates at the West Seattle Thriftway and the Chocolate Box on 1st and Pike in Seattle. 

Or you can purchase online at http://restlesschocolates.com/shop/

Amethyst

This weekend I will be at Olympic Lavender Farm in Sequim during Lavender Faire. I always stock up on my purple for this show. This week it was Amethyst. Amethyst is a variety of quartz. The purple color is due to its iron content. Note all of these pieces have been SOLD!

Amethyst is the Birthstone for Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 

and is used to celebrate the  4th and 6th years of marriage.

Amethyst becomes paler if kept out in sun. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Keep away from strong chemicals and avoid sudden temperature changes.

Healing ability: Amethyst magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance.

Mystical power: Given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind. Cures impatience, balance high-energy, eliminate chaos, promote clarity, and help keeps one grounded. Activates and balances the 6th chakra (third eye). Ancient folk believed it protects against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety.  Associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and protection against thieves. Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep. 

Note: this information is for curiosity only and is not meant to be medical advice. 

Recent Work - Turquoise, Flower Jade, Amethyst

A few things off my work bench this week that you will find in my booth at the Choochokam Arts festival in Langley WA this weekend. My pictures are blue again! I must have mistakenly changed a camera setting. It really messes up the color of the amethyst necklaces. I will work on that for the next batch.

 Turquoise and pewter

 Turquoise and Copper. Bracelet on the right has been SOLD.

The earrings on the left and the right have been sold.

The earrings in the center have been sold.

 Flower Jade SOLD

 Flower Jade Choker

  Flower Jade Choker

These are both amethyst. The one below is choker length. 

I am starting to stock up on purple for the Lavender Faire!
Both of these necklaces have been SOLD.

Recent Work - Outback Wood Jasper

 I am continuing with this gorgeous series.

 

A few mixed with turquoise. 

The patterns on these reminds me of the southwest. 

Findings are either pewter or copper.
All have been SOLD.

Both earrings have been SOLD.

These two are mixed with Iron Zebra Jasper rondelles and copper. This series has been very popular so if you see one that speaks to you, send me an email so I can set it aside for you.
The bottom necklace and earrings have been SOLD. 

Pretty Pearls

These are so dainty. Perfect to dress up a casual outfit or to go with that little black dress. 

 

Pearls symbolize purity, love, success and happiness. They are the birthstone for Gemini, May 21 to June 21. Pearls are also the suggested gift for the first, twelfth and thirtieth anniversaries of marriage.

Pearls are less durable than other gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness and humidity. Put on any makeup, perfume or hairspray prior to putting on your pearls. If needed clean pearls with warm soapy water being very careful not to get water into the drill hole as this may discolor the pearls.

For healing abilities, pearls are thought to eliminate emotional imbalances. They hlep one master the heart chakra, as well as aid in stomach, spleen, intestinal and ucler problems. 

Mystically pearls are thought to help one see themselves and to improve self worth. They help to attune all 7 chakras and bring a soft, healing energy during meditation.

(This information is provide for curiosity only and is in no way intended to be medical advice. )

All About Ears - Making Hammered Daggers

My "how-to" posts are popular so here is another. In these pics I am making earrings that combine glass and metal beads with hammered copper or sterling daggers. Because I need things in quantity I use an assembly line method, doing the same step on several pairs of earrings at the same time.

 I start by laying out all the components. Headpins, wire cut to length, glass and metal beads, metal rings and ear wires. Then I add beads to headpins.

 Next step is to bend the tops of the beaded headpins at a 90 degree angle.

 Then I make loops at the top of all the headpins and the cut wires as well as form the circular dangles.

 Next step is to hammer the daggers. I use a tiny anvil and small hammer.

 Then comes assembly. I make each earring  a mirror image of its mate.

 The last step in the creation process is earring cards. They get small holes punched for the earrings, folded, labeled and priced. Since I do shows outside in all kinds of weather, I put plastic backs on to insure the earrings stay on the cards.

The earrings on the top left and bottom center have been SOLD.

Then I take photos. I take photos of everything I make for my records and to list in my online store or include in a blog post. Items get placed in my light box - currently a cardboard box with 2 very bright lights and a tripod and digital camera.

 Now I start the process over for the sterling silver ones.