Arts In Rhode Island

The BIG Move!

2010-04-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

Hi!

We are moving our blog to our website:
http://www.artsinrhodeisland.com/

We think that it would be better if our blog was located alongside all the other information pertaining to the group! We hope you will visit and bookmark our new Blog here:

http://www.artsinrhodeisland.com/?page_id=115

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you again!

ARTS IN RI SPRING SHOW AT WEST SIDE ARTS MAY 1ST

2010-03-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

Spring Showers

2010-03-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Some warm Blues to Brighten up your day

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
sickfeet.etsy.com

Oh, the colors of California....

2010-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a wonderful trip visiting family and friends in California and I couldn't help but take too many photographs of all the luscious colors out there. In LA we experienced some rain, some smog and then of course three beautiful sunny days in the eighty's.

Leaving there and heading for San Francisco we saw scenes like this unfold before our eyes. We wandered up the coast at a pretty slow pace. Pacific Coast highway is very winding and high on the cliffs so I got teased alot about how all the leaning I was doing didn't have much effect on keeping the car on the road. Oh, well, we made it there anyway, leaning or not!

Checked out the aquarium in Monterey and WOW!

Talk about color combinations!

Then we visited an artist friend who lives way up in the foothills of Gold country and got some time to spend poking around her studio, tasting fine wine, and exploring the town of Sutter Creek. I hear that you can still pan gold there in the creek that runs thru town.
It was a trip full of color, laughter and inspiration. One I'd like to return to right now on this cold grey day. I'm glad I have this inspiration to turn too. Between the warm wood stove and these pictures I should be able to figure out the next warp for my loom.

Yum Yum!

2010-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Greeting! The Art of Lauren Minco has new paintings up and is well into 2010. New items will be posted soon, such as "Sushi Time", an original 11"x14" acryla gouache painting. This piece was actually an experiment to get me working on a more complex composition with plenty of people and details while still using my quirky sense of perspective. All in all I'm very happy with it! It will also be used on my next seasonal mailer that I send out to Art Directors.

Last Minute Shopping with Arts in RI

2009-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to shop on-line at the Arts in RI Etsy Holiday shop. Most of us can get your items to you in time for the holiday if you order by tomorrow, Friday, December 18th. There is lots of gorgeous hand crafted goodness in the shop, take a look. And, if you're a blog reader, you can earn 20% off your purchase by typing the code BLOG READER 20% in the notes to seller at purchase. Your 20% discount will be refunded to you within 24 hours via PayPal. Happy Holidays!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
ArtsInRI

We're MOVING!!!!

2009-11-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI has a flashy new website and blog all in one, so this blogger blog will not be active from here on out.

Visit Artsinrhodeisland.com (or the usual artsinri.com either one will work) to check out our new digs and bookmark the new blog.

Gearing up for the Holidays

2009-11-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have been really busy lately. Part is trying to get done work for my shop, but a lot is trying to get my holiday shopping done.

Alright I confess I am a bit strange when it comes to holiday shopping. I am usually done getting presents by early summer...I plan ahead.....way way way ahead. Hahahaha. I never enjoyed fighting with other people to get items the day before and things like that really stress me out, but alas this year I dont have my holiday shopping done and its November!!!!!

This holiday we are short on cash, so I am making the majority of my gifts. Here is my first completed gift.

I finally finished this gift! Woohoo. I crocheted up some leftover yarn (teal, white, and green) and then used some other extra yarn to weave in through the crochet. I overdyed the whole scarf teal. The end result makes the scarf look woven and have an interesting design. The pattern is super easy too!

I also think this would look super cool with a bunch of leftover yarns in a bunch of colors, but this was all I was working with.

Now I am working on another scarf in forest green with the shifting sands pattern I got off of Ravelry!

I hope your holiday shopping goes well and here are few items that may make your shopping a lot more enjoyable! I really love these items and I think they would make great gifts for your loved ones.

2009-11-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

It began with a little guy and a favor.

Last year I got the opportunity to go on a sailboat transport running from North Carolina to Florida and as a result I would be missing an upcoming art show. My daughter, Jess, who grew up doing shows with me, was willing to cover it for me and so I was off, foul weather gear and all.

Jess covered the bases for me and while doing so fell in love with this little guy,one of my artdolls who is listed in my etsy shop, www.lodestarwovens.etsy.com

She asked me to make her one for her next birthday. It needed to be a girl clothed in pink with blonde hair and "glitz"! The summer flew by and I realized last week that I better get going on this new project.

I love how she turned out! What do you think?

While you're checking out Etsy be sure to go to our street team holiday shop and look at all the beautiful things there. Lots of Christmas gifts waiting to happen! www.artsinri.etsy.com

Seasonal Bliss - Botany

2009-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's time for more Seasonal Bliss! I'm Diana of D. S. Brennan Photography and I have a treat for you this November. As we head toward winter, I find myself drawn to those last remnants of the living things that made the Spring, Summer, and Fall so beautiful. So, I've created a little botanical collage as a desktop wallpaper for you. I hope you enjoy it!

To download this month's Seasonal Bliss Wallpaper, click the image below to open it in a new page, then go to the file menu and "Save Page As" or right click and "Set as Desktop Wallpaper". Please remember that it is for personal use only. Enjoy!

Be sure to browse these beautiful botanicals from Arts in RI members!

Personalize It with custom gifts!

2009-11-13T06:20:00.000-08:00

What’s the secret to finding unique gifts for family and friends? Easy, give handmade custom or personalized gifts made for you by talented AiRI members! It is possible to find affordable, beautiful, handmade, one of a kind gifts custom made for your most special person. A personalized custom gift is extraordinary and tells the recipient you love them. Here's a few ideas to help you personalize your holiday gift giving.

How about a custom house painting. JulieBCreative will paint a portrait of your home or your gift recipients home and will double the gift by donating 20% of the cost to Habitat for Humanity!

For the music lover in your life, you can order personalized mixtape notes from HeatherJeany who offers not only personalized text, but color too!

For the nature lover, fantasy fanatic, or very special someone, ElysianFields will create a personalized custom nature's spirit pendant with a portrait painted from a photo you send her. You can even select the leaf shape of most significance to you.

PhriendyK8 will create a one of a kind custom dress for you. You decide on color, theme, applique patterns, and Kate will pull it all together into a gorgeous, one of a kind dress.

Got a passionate cook in your life, someone new to cooking? This the gift for them. I'll create a custom recipe box for you. You tell me color, theme, size and we go from there. Visit MalcolmStudioShop for ideas and to see completed custom boxes.

do the TWIST!

2009-11-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

JulieBCreative and HeatherJeany, will be venturing off to the land of Northampton MA this weekend for the Twist show. We are OH SO excited!!! and nervous...always nervous. Did I pack everything? Did I bring enough stock?

Join us if you're in the area!!!

Twist is a fresh kind of fair, showcasing original handmade goods and art from 60 talented vendors. Save the dates for an exciting feast of shopping and fun!

Location
Northampton Center for the Arts
17 New South Street
Northampton, MA USA

Dates
November 13 - 14, 2009

Hours
Fri 6 - 9 pm, Sat 10 am - 6 pm

VIP Reception
Friday 11/13 4-6 pm, tickets $20
VIP ticket includes complimentary beverages and snacks, admission to the fair both days, and our coveted Swag Bag (available while supplies last!)

Regular Admission
Adults $3
Kids 6-12 $1
Kids 5 and under FREE

New Arrivals!

2009-11-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say that The Art of Lauren Minco welcomes some new arrivals. Whether you are doing some early holiday shopping or just want to grab the best goodies for yourself, check out guitar-playing birds, some swanky ladies, and this fun sushi-themed piece (mmmm...sushi!). They are small matted originals that won't break the bank and make for a unique present.

If you are also in the Rhode Island/ Massachusetts area, feel free to head down to Craftland in downtown Providence. There are many amazing artists selling their handmade works there and I have some original paintings for sale as well as journals and prints.

Fall into Some AIR

2009-11-01T20:57:00.001-08:00

Fall is upon us! Let us enjoy it before the snow comes!

The Arts In RI Group Shop

2009-10-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have you seen it? It's amazing.

The Arts In RI Holiday Etsy shop is up and in full swing. Items from all of the Arts In RI members are on the shelves and ready to ship to you, your loved ones, etc.

Here is a sampling of the beautiful items that would make great gifts for just about anyone:

Southwestern Swirls-Mosaic Pendant

by Crooked Moon Mosaics

Box Art Supply Desk Organizer

by Malcolm Studio

Albino Blue Jay - 8x8 Photograph Print

by Diana Brennan

Peaceful Birdy Print

by Sick Feet

Oh and did I mention, that if you use the code "AIRblog" during the check out you get 20% off your order? Yes... that's right! Our beloved readers get this special deal! GO! SHOP!

"Birds of a Feather"

2009-10-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone I just wanted to write a quick note about an up and coming art show that will feature Lauren Minco and Myself(Jyll Ethier-Mullen)and also 2 other local illustrators Alli Coate, and Allison Cole.If you haven't heard of them please look them up as well, they do alot of illustrations for the PM ( Providence Monthly). Which we also have a small feature in the Providence Monthly about the art show, so if you see one around town please pick one up!
All the info for the show is in the above Postcard.So don't forget WEST SIDE ARTS NOV 14Th Sat 6-10pm Opening Reception. Swing by and start your Christmas shopping early!

Seasonal Bliss - Foliage

2009-10-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Diana of D. S. Brennan Photography back with another installment of Seasonal Bliss. October is all about that gorgeous fall foliage, don't you think?

To download this month's Seasonal Bliss Wallpaper, click the image below to open it in a new page, then go to the file menu and "Save Page As" or right click and "Set as Desktop Wallpaper". Please remember that it is for personal use only. Enjoy!

Be sure to browse these luscious leaves from Arts in RI members!

New Prints by Lauren Minco at Society6.com

2009-10-15T11:40:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! Lauren form The Art of Lauren Minco here...

The truth is that I don't carry as many prints as I use to (sorry, sorry...I know). While a few are on etsy, I am happy to say that two more are available through Society6, an online community that now allows artists to sell high quality art prints through a professional third party. It's a real steal; a nice 17"x21" art print with trim is only about $32.00. Feel free to follow the link above and take a peek. All you have to do is scroll down until the two images show up and click on the orange "buy" icon.

Art and Inspiration

2009-10-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

You don't need to look far for inspiration. A glance outside your window. A sound, scent or memory...inspiration is everywhere.

Tree of Genetic Traits is one of my favorite found object assemblages. You can see it in my Etsy shop, MalcolmStudioShop. The inspiration for this piece came from an NPR report about the work of mathematician Professor Nalini Nadkarni. Using satellite images from NASA, Professor Nadkarni estimates there are 61 trees per person on the planet. While that sounds good, here in the U.S. the Professor says we're using well more than our allotment. Oops...is it genetic? NO, we can all plant a tree, upcycle, recyle and reuse!

Inspired by one of my favorite childhood TV shows, "Lost in Space," I subtitled the piece "Dr. Smith Comes Down to Earth." Why? It often seems that our space program is all about escaping the planet, and so, I was inspired that Professor Nadkarni used NASA's work to HELP the planet. You can read more about Professor Nadkarni by clicking here.

Sometimes, inspiration comes from just one word. Arts in RI memberJulie Beck, of JulieBCreative, challenged AiRI members to create an original piece inspired by the word "harmony." Immediately I thought about social harmony, and how creative discord is an important means to achieving it...This found object assemblage, "Creative Discord," is the result. Creative Discord will be finished soon and available in the ArtsinRI team shop for sale.

In the meantime, you can see other AiRI team members' responses to the Harmony challenge by visiting the ArtsinRI team shop on Etsy or search on Etsy using the term ArtsinRI team harmony.

October Style File: Gifts for Guys!

2009-10-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I'm Karen of MalcolmStudioShop. I've got two blog posts today...just because I'm feeling talkative! First up is the final of my style files featuring the work of our amazing Arts in RI members. This month's focus, Gifts for Guys!

It's difficult sometimes to find gifts for guys on Etsy, but our Arts in RI team has lots to choose from, like these awesome LP flatnote cards by HeatherJeany. Your guy can use them to write you love notes, or, just use them as a stash for sending "I'm sorry notes" for forgotten b-days and anniversaries! (LOL)

I can't stop looking at this amazing Dude - Genuine Bonfire Seaglass Leather Choker by SeaFind Designs. What more do I need to say about Tracy's work, she's amazing and your guy will look coooool dude in this choker.

Lisa, of CrookedMoonMosaics makes gorgeous one of a kind mosaic belt buckles, AND, will sell you a thick leather belt for him to wear it with. Oooo la la, your man will look SEXY in this one of a kind man jewelry!

Mark Kaplan's Jewelry is stunning and this silversmith's ring is special. Mark describes it as "bold without being ostentatious"--and I agree. You can't go wrong in your gift choice with a hand hammered solid sterling silver ring.

These mod, masculine and fun Hardware Cuff Links from AlamodeStuff are a perfect gift to get your guy for those special dress up dinners out.

And, what about a gift for him that's a gift for you too from Suzanne of TannerGlass, his and her hooks -- so cute!

You can see more amazing work from Arts In RI team members in our team holiday shop which officially opened on October 1st. Or, just go to Etsy and search Handmade using the term ArtsinRI Team! Enjoy...And, read on for my 2nd post on art and inspiration.

AIR out and about this weekend

2009-10-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Come see us in person this weekend at the following shows:

Stop by and say hello to Wendy of DesignsByWendyT

The Scituate Arts Festival
Saturday, October 10 through Monday, October 12
10 am to 5 pm

****************************************

Get close up and personal at the Arts in RI yART sale
Sunday, October 11
9am - 4pm
Orchard Ave, Greenville, RI

participants include:
DSBrennan
PhriendlyK8
CrookedMoonMosaics
and possibly others!

2009-10-07T13:58:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tickling the Muse

Main Entry: in·spi·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
2 : the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs
3 a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired
4 : an inspiring agent or influence

— in·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— in·spi·ra·tion·al·ly adverb

So where does your inspiration come from? How do you design your masterpiece? On the days when I'm struggling for a new idea I try to sit back quietly and come up with the ever elusive answer to those questions....

For me, more often than not, it's a trip through the garden that inspires me and I find myself using colors in my handwoven work that I never would have chosen

otherwise. Ever notice how startling red and green seem side by side until you see a greenhouse full of poinsettias at Christmas time? They can absolutely take my breath away with their natural beauty and the color combination seems so perfect.

Other times it is remembering a special moment I've experienced. Very little beats sunset on the water off a Cape Cod beach. I can see this picture, close my eyes and be there...Chilled Chardonnay in hand and dinner sizzling on the grill. I've yet to wind a warp that mimics that skyline, but I promise it's bubbling up inside of me and will emerge soon!

One of my favorite travel destinations to date is an out of the way beach on Bermuda named "Tobacco Cove". Ever been there? if you have, you will join me in celebrating the mix of blue, turquoise and green shades that abound. It's stunning! and there are 8 handwoven Lodestar Wovens shawls roaming around out there to prove it! I relived the place while in the process of using it as inspiration and enjoyed every minute of it.

So let me know. I'm always looking for inspiration and would love to hear about where you find yours...

("Cloudy"'s reminder: try thinking out side the box!)

October's Featured Member- Kristin Crane

2009-10-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

October brings colder weather to Rhode Island and thoughts of travel start to set in. Whether you are traveling to warmer climates south of New England or taking a trip up north to see the foliage, our featured member Kristin Crane, a skilled bookbinder, has a travel journal for you! We asked Kristin to tell us about herself and her art.

Hi Kristin, could you please give us a little background on yourself?

I grew up in Northern New Jersey and moved to Rhode Island about 11 years ago where I live on the west side of Providence. I have a degree in textile design and used to design woven fabrics for the home furnishings industry. I am addicted to books, my laptop and am rarely seen without a scarf.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I have always loved books in all forms, and am also a big journal keeper. In college, one of my classes had a bookbinding workshop, and it instantly appealed it me. It was awhile before I did it again, but one winter I decided to take a bookbinding class at RISD through their continuing education program and have been doing it ever since.

What inspires you?

Travel is a huge inspiration for me. I love learning about new places and what makes those places and their people unique. I’m especially interested in what a culture makes and how that reflects where they live and who they are. Whenever I go anywhere, I enjoy researching what crafts are traditional to that region and who makes them.
I also am inspired by repeating patterns, especially in nature, and gorgeous fabric.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

Living in Rhode Island makes it so easy to become part of the local artist and crafter community. It’s a really small state, which makes it easy to network, meet people and connect. If there’s someone you want to meet, chances are you know someone who can introduce you! It’s also a place where people genuinely care about shopping local and supporting their community. This sense of camaraderie makes it a great state to be a local artist making handmade products.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

The vast majority of my books are made using the Coptic stitch. This stitch allows the book to open up flat, making it easy to use. I’m a big journal keeper, and like books that are beautiful, but also usable.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

For me, it’s finding the quiet time to be creative. It’s easy for me to get swept up in production, but I find it harder to focus on working out new ideas.

How did you find Etsy?

I heard about Etsy through Heather Toupin of Heatherjeany. We both worked together at the time she started selling on Etsy, and I soon became a shopper. I was inspired by her success and how easy it seemed to get your stuff out there, so I gave it a try. Now I can’t imagine how I ever shopped for anything before Etsy!

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

I work part time at Craftland in downtown Providence where I’m surrounded by awesome handmade product. I recently resurrected my loom from storage, so I have been weaving again. I also live with a foodie, so I spend a fair amount of time eating great food and tasting amazing wine, often while watching the travel channel and fantasizing about where to go next.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

I’d have to say Providence. I love the scale of this city. It has everything I want from an urban setting, but also retains elements that give it a small town feel. I love the independent spirit here, the enthusiasm for the arts and, of course, the Del’s lemonade.

Arts In Ri makes a public appearance

2009-09-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the Arts In RI peeps were out in full force. PhriendlyK8 and Malcom Studio were at the Providence Sustainability Festival, while HeatheryJeany, CrookedMoonMosaics, PinkLemonadeBoutique, DesignsByWendyT, and me (juliebcreative) were at the Providence Rotary Street paiting Festival. While it was quite chilly in the shade, we all stayed warm by goofing around the whole day and meeting great people.

While not every show can be a financial success, I like to think of the other things I got out of doing shows like this. The best of all, of course, if spending time with the Arts In RI members who I consider very close friends. We always have a great time and I love getting to know everyone better. Second of all, I love meeting so many new people. Some people who stop in my booth are people who know me from Etsy, but others are just discovering our work for the first time and it is a priceless thing to be able to talk to someone face to face about your art. I honestly believe people appreciate the work more when they know the face behind it.

Here are some pics of the fantastic (and widely varied) set ups for our booths:

Also, notice the silver car that was directly in front of our booths for the first couple hours of the show!

September Vogue Inspiration

2009-09-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Ive been trying to do more pieces that are inspired by fashion. So here is a picture I ripped out of Septembers Vogue catalog.I really love this red jacket and I have an undying love for grey hair, so I really loved this picture. If only I could afford the jacket!! hahahah The jacket is a Louis Vuitton wool coat for $2K. So I wanted to do a red hair piece. Lets get right to it! Here is what I came up with.
I was really excited to include the pair of vintage earrings. Also I was really excited to include vintage pearly stamen from Germany.

What is your inspiration this month?

Arts In RI goes GREEN!

2009-09-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am Katelyn Safford of Phriendly K8's Threads. I love the fact that today it is a priority for most people to "go green" and do everything that they can to help the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. I have been thinking a lot about this lately as I am gearing up to sell my items alongside Karen Malcolm of Malcolm Studio Shop at the Providence Sustainability Festival in Providence, RI on Saturday Sept. 26th.

We would love to see you there!

It seems that everytime I turn around something stunningly beautiful catches my eye that has been made with recycled, reclaimed, vintage, and upcycled materials! In just our small group many of the artists have gone green and used recycled materials in their craft. Whether it be an article of clothing found at a thrift store, a map given a new life, a piece of glass sculpted by the sea, or a collage made of flea market treasures, each thing is unique and special in it's own way.
We are all doing our part towards a healthy earth!

MalcolmStudioShop.Etsy.com

PhriendlyK8.Etsy.com

Venbead.Etsy.com

CrookedMoonMosaics.Etsy.com

Markaplan.Etsy.com

Kristincrane.Etsy.com

HanamiGallery.Etsy.com

SeaFindDesigns.Etsy.com

I hope you take a look at all of these beautiful items and try to do your part to clean up our beautiful planet!

Seasonal Bliss - Apples!!

2009-09-15T06:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm Diana of D. S. Brennan Photography, an art photographer and part-time wetland biologist. I dig nature, interior design, gardening, cooking, travel, reading, and of course art!

I'm excited to introduce a new series to the Arts in RI blog... "Seasonal Bliss". Once a month for the next six months Arts in RI will be hosting a giveaway - a free desktop wallpaper inspired by one of my favorite things about the season. (For personal use only, please.) To download your gift, click the image below to open it in a new page, then go to the file menu and "Save Page As" or right click and "Set as Desktop Wallpaper".

This past weekend I went apple-picking at one of the numerous orchards I am lucky enough to live near. I love this time of year - the crisp dry air, the crisp juicy apples... It makes me feel truly blessed to live in Rhode Island.

Love apples? Check out these items from Arts in RI members...

September STYLE FILE

2009-09-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Home Decor & Fine Art

In August, I promised a home decor style file and here it is. To be honest, this is only half of what I wanted to include. There's just an amazing array of wonderful home decor & fine art offered by the diverse and talented members of the Arts in RI team. The great news is that starting on October 1st, you can shop the full range of AiRI talent in one place, at the team's cooperative Etsy shop! Just go to www.ArtsinRI.etsy.com.

Home Decor clockwise from top:
SeaFind Designs Pull Chain, Alamode Faux Bois Switch Plate, KristenCrane Pocket RI Journal, SteppingStone Beach Stone Vase, MalcolmStudioShop Upcycled Recipe Box, SickFeet Recycled Junk Box

Fine Art Clockwise from top:
juliebcreative original paining Autumn Sunset, dsbrennan fine art photograph Waiting for the Ferry, LaurenMinco Portrait of the Artist original painting, CrookedMoonMosaics Baby Sings the Blues mosaic guitar

There's Just Something About Purple....

2009-09-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but every year as the summer weather begins to turn to the gorgeous autumn fare we are blessed to experience here in Rhode Island, I get a hankering for purple..... Not just purple though, I mean PURPLE!, in it brightest, boldest and most sincere forms. It can be a cool blue tone, a warm red one, or as royal a purple as in days of old. There's something about the color purple that tells me it's time to start meaning what I mean, saying what I want to say and looking out past my habitual horizons. It's a color of renewal and emergence. Therefore I start my annual production weaving with a warp of purple tones all laid out and ready to become the first scarves of the fall season.

Quite often I set myself up a small tableau for inspiration. Piling up fibers of all hues and textures can be a great way to get a feeling for what the combination promises as a finished piece. I'm up on ladders and benches in my over-full studio grabbing whatever strikes my fancy at the moment and tossing it to the floor for consideration. My husband has, on occasion, wondered if the roof timbers were falling. (let it be known that I am an admitted fiber junkie.....if I can't reach out and grab it when its what I have in mind, I will promptly find a way to procure it. As a result, I make many trips to my favorite fiber outlets to make sure that doesn't happen! My studio has a set of double tiered shelves at ceiling height and surrounding the perimeter of the room to hold all the cones of fiber I have amassed and they are always pretty near full. hence the climbing and heaving....!) I set up a bit of inspiration for myself and make sure to soak it up for awhile. A vase of asters, dahlias and artemesia from the garden got me going this fall.

Much ado later, I had a wrapped, wound, warped and sleyed "warp" ready to weave.
Fibers on the loom don't always appear as they do in my imagination or for that matter in the pile of fibers cast upon the floor of my studio in the midst of all my manic fervor! But luckily, this season's debut warp was right on target! I was pretty pleased with the results. And oh so PURPLE!

Alice Walker (of "The Color Purple") tells us "I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it". I agree with her. (Read the book or watch the movie to truly understand the sentiment!) Notice purple every chance you get! It's some of life's best. May you find it in every garden, sunset and Easter Egg of your life.... Go, PURPLE!

Just as a side note, Cotton, my dear, sweet 18 year old doesn't care what color it is...

just make it soft....

NEW wallets by à la mode

2009-09-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

Many months in the making (mostly in my head), I've come up with a wallet that incorporates both fabric and seatbelts. It took me 4 tries before I was satisfied with the results.

It features a zipper pocket (not pictures as I ran out of zippers), 6 credit card slots and two bill pockets. It folds nice and flat and closes with a snap. I hope to have some listed in my Etsy shop soon. This particular one is already reserved.

I love it when a plan comes together...even if it takes many, many months. What do you think?

September's Featured Member- Lauren Minco of The Art of Lauren Minco

2009-09-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's September and it's back to school for the kids as well as our next featured Arts In RI artist Lauren Minco of The Art Of Lauren Minco. Lauren teaches continuing Ed and Pre-college at RI School of Design and she is an adjunct professor at Montserrat College of Art. Lauren is also a talented illustrator and painter and her shop is bright, fun and edgy. There is always something unexpected in each of her pieces which make it so much fun to view her work. Her work has been featured in many publications and is shown in galleries across the country. We asked Lauren to tell us more about herself.

Lauren can you give us a little background on yourself:

I moved around in the Southern states before ending up in Texas as a teen. It was then that I started seriously taking art classes and decided that art school is where I wanted to be. I went to The Rhode Island School of Design and majored in Illustration in 2006. I’m happy to say art is my life. I’m always doing freelance, showing work in galleries, or teaching art. I currently teach at RISD’s Continuing Education branch (including Pre-College) and will be starting my second year as an adjunct instructor in Montserrat College of Art’s Illustration Department. I currently live in the Wayland Square area of Providence and enjoy watching people walk their dogs past my house as I work.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I was always creative as a kid, but it wasn’t until I was twelve or thirteen that I kept a sketchbook and all that. That was a very important step in taking myself seriously as an artist.

What inspires you?

I love street art, folk art, stories, pop culture, Japanese silkscreen, and a bunch of other elements. I prefer to listen to music when I work and I think there is something in that experience that helps me develop my imagery.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

I happen to be by many fellow illustrators that I have found through RISD or the Providence art scene, plus being around my old instructors and contributing to RISD definitely helps me keep my creative energy up. I have found a community that helps me function and keep going as an artist.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

I’m a painter (although many people think my work is digital). I enjoy using acryla gouache on silkscreen paper, although lately I have painted on wood, too.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

No matter how old I am or how many clients I get, I think I will always be asking myself if I’m good enough! You are your own worst critique, and sometimes that means that you have to remember to pat yourself on the back and feel good about your accomplishments.

How did you find Etsy?

My friends told me about Etsy, and it took me a good year before I actually joined.

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

As mentioned before, I teach and do freelance. Some of my clients include Scholastic Press, Girls’ Life Magazine, and Galison/Mudpuppy. I also am happy to be showing my work across the country. When one part of my life is a little slow, usually another part speeds up.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

If you follow my street in Wayland Square it takes you behind Blackstone Blvd pass these AMAZING homes surrounded by the water and small park areas. You’re away from the traffic, the city, and it’s very relaxing.

so crafty!

2009-08-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was informed that I was accepted into the Twist show in Northampton, MA. SO exciting! Only problem? You only get a 6 foot table to display your stuff on! I am used to having a 10 foot by 10 foot area with 2 tables and 3 grid-wall panels. A 6 foot table is a MAJOR decrease in available real-estate!

Inspired by HeatherJeany, I decided to build my own stair-type display in order to show my small paintings. Here is a pic of her cool display:

I wanted something that only took up only a portion of my table space so that I could still show some larger 12 by 12 paintings on the table lying flat.

There was a LARGE used piece of thick foam-core at work that has sat there for years. It had silver spray paint on it, adhesive from it's initial use and was all banged up. For some reason it was never thrown away, but I'm glad it wasn't because it made such a great display. This is 12 inches deep, each stair is 3 inches deep to accommodate my 1.5 inch paintings, and each stair is 7 inches high...making it a grand total of 24 inches high.

What do you think?

Puppet Making 101

2009-08-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

It all began a few years ago when my very talented son, Brett Eves, started to sculpt. One thing led to another and before long he had one of his pieces published in Somerset Studio's Art Doll Quarterly. Only the beginning.....

The next year, just before Christmas, I received a box in the mail filled with latex puppet heads. They looked somewhat like naked baby somethings.

I gave Brett a call, asking, "what should I do with them?" and his easy reply was "anything you want!" That's all it took for this collaboration to find it's start. Now, many puppets later, we're still going strong and waiting to see the next character to emerge....
Tho I can't claim to understand how he takes a sculpted piece and through use of handmade molds, creates the latex
head he gives to me to embellish, I can attest to the fact that the molds lie in wait in my attic for each successive pouring. Here's what they look like when I get them.

At this point, I mix my paints and start the process of adding a little character to these guys.

All painted work is then sealed with a fixative. From there, I dress them in all the fabulous upholstery fabrics I can find. Each is unique. A few feathers and beads finish the process, taking
a piece of pink latex and giving it the personality it deserves! In truth, the little guys get kinda pushy, the closer they come to completion. I guess it takes all kinds....

I got caught in a Stamp-ede

2009-08-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

I can't explain my current obsession, maybe it's because i've been doing nothing but eating, sleeping and sewing bags for all the shows I've ill-advisedly signed up for this summer/fall. It's a fun and addictive diversion. That and the wine. Which I dont' recommend doing simultaneously. Aside from really crappy stamps, sharp tools and X-acto knives require a high level of manual dexterity, obviously best wielded in the most sober of conditions. So I've been carving stamps, and stamping bags. Lingerie and shoe bags which should be up in my shop soon once I am happy with the final design. I originally started off with this really soft rubber which crumbled whilst attempting to carve detail. A trip to the RISD art store remedied this problem in the form of blocks that carve like buttah. I've got to tweak the design a bit and find a better way to apply the fabric paint to the stamp, maybe a brayer? I used a brush, and it got kind of splotchy and blotchy, so I'll just have to keep these bags for myself. Won't I feel so together when I pack for my next trip with proper shoe/lingerie bags?

Im Back

2009-08-26T08:02:00.001-07:00

Hahaha bet you didnt know I was even gone!

Last week I was farm sitting for a friend who has alpacas. What are alpacas? Well here is a pic of a farm close to the one that I was sitting for that just had two new baby alpacas.

What I had to do was get up and feed them, give them water, scoop beans (poop), feed chickens, feed dogs, walk dogs, check kitties, and anything else twice a day. It was a lot of fun, but I only wish it was cooler last week!

Unfortunately due to my being away my shop has not had any new items. So what have I been working on? Well this merino.

Okay okay it looks pretty confusing...well it is! Hahhahaah I heard of Navajo plying and thought I would give it a try. So what you do is make a really long single ( I did 4 ounces worth). This part seemed to take me forever....probably 20 hours. Then you put on a new bobbin and Navajo ply it! It is like hand crocheting, so you get a 3 ply yarn from a single! I could not have made a 3 ply yarn the traditional way because I only have a total of 3 bobbins, and being how expensive bobbins are I did not really want to buy another one. So this was great!

Well I didnt stop there. I Navajo plied the whole single. Then I took off half onto another bobbin and spun the two together. So now its a 6 ply! holy cow~! I was pretty excited about my first 6 ply. So now I can make a 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 plied yarn! Pretty cool!

The yarn is a 64 ct merino. So it isnt super soft, but it is super squishy. I hand dyed the roving in blue and brown. Now I just have to think of something to make with it. Maybe inside shoes?

Today is your birthday....

2009-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

...Happy Birthday to you.....Kristin Crane!

adventures in screenprinting (part two)

2009-08-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hey there, so it's been 5 months since my last post. I've been trying to chronicle my transition from my beloved Print Gocco to traditional screenprinting. I bought a Yudu back in March and I thought it would sort of be my gateway, a way to ease the transition. Unfortunately I'm starting to feel like it was a waste of money. I'm getting some use out of it, but not at all in the way the machine is intended. I'm using liquid emulsion ($16.50 for 28 ounces) rather than Yudu's weird emulsion sheets ($18 for 2 sheets), my sturdy wooden frame screens from college rather than Yudu's flimsy screens, regular speedball ink ($6.25 for 8 ounces) rather than Yudu ink ($7.45 for 3 ounces) and just regular old hinge clamps on my print table rather than using the Yudu. So basically the only thing I'm using the Yudu for is to expose the screens and I must say it does a mighty fine job at it! 3 minutes flat and my screens are ready to go.

For now I will continue this way, I've been having so much fun making onesies and little t-shirts. I still haven't tried to do any stationery or wedding invitations with my new set up. Yudu claimed that they were coming out with a higher mesh screens (their current screens aren't fine enough to do small text like I would be doing on wedding invitations) but I've seen no evidence of them. My plan is to buy some regular screens with a mesh count similar to Gocco screens and start doing some experimentation in the next month or so. I'm also excited to be able to finally start using more environmentally friendly supplies, because who knows what was in those Gocco inks!! I'm also really excited to see the change in my bottom line of my little business with my transition to traditional screenprinting. I very regularly drop a few hundred dollars on Gocco supplies, and with the cost of traditional screenprinting being so drastically less expensive it's really going to make a huge difference in my business.

Hopefully next time I post I'll have done some preliminary experiments with invitations and other papery, screenprinty goodness. I love Gocco, but man, I'm ready for this new chapter....

"Harmony" challenge - juliebcreative

2009-08-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Recently we all agreed on the theme "Harmony" for this creative challenge. Sarah has already posted her item, and I believe I'm the next to be done with an item. This painting was aptly named by my grandfather as "Tootie Fruitie"! The hardest part was getting the harmonica to look right. This is not listed in my shop yet but if you're interested in purchasing please contact me.

Stay Tuned for more Arts In RI "Harmony" Themed items!

Fabric Meets Glass

2009-08-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Beaded Chick Fabric Cuff (copyright pending) is a collaboration between The Venerable Bead and Pink Lemonade Boutique . We are very excited about this marriage of Lisa's soft, feminine and colorful fabrics with Paula's glass implosions. The base fabric is a colorful cotton print while the top fabric is a rich green silk. It has been interfaced for body and the snap is magnetic. At the closure Lisa has sewn a one inch borosilicate implosion "button" or cab handmade in the flame of Paula's torch and annealed in her kiln for strength and durability. This one features a lily in yellow, green, blue and purple. The Beaded Chick Cuff is comfortable and should fit snug. The bead feels light and won't spin as long as you are measuring your wrist where you wear a watch. These cuffs are one of a kind! They are available in Paula's shop. Watch for neck cuffs coming soon!

Fashioning Your Fall with Arts in RI!

2009-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Karen of MalcolmStudioShop.etsy.com and I'm new to the Arts in RI team. To help me get to know my fellow team members and their gorgeous style and craftsmanship, I've compiled a series of style files that I'm excited to share with you. This month's style file is all about fall fashion. Fashioning your fall wardrobe is easy when there's such pure gorgeousness to choose from among the Arts in RI shops on Etsy! To find even more gorgeous goods, just search using the term artsinri team. Watch for my September post when I'll share my home decor style file with you.

1. Colored Glass Ring, TannerGlass.etsy.com
2. Sterling Earrings, Markaplan.etsy.com
3. Skirt, Geometry Meets Organic, PhriendlyK8.etsy.com
4. Mosaic Ring, CrookedMoonMosaics.etsy.com
5. Moss Moon Pendant, SeaFindDesigns.etsy.com
6. Blueberry Ice Scarf, LodeStarWovens.etsy.com
7. Purse, PinkLemonadeBoutique.etsy.com

One Thing A Day (aka Operation OTAD!!)

2009-08-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Lauren from laurenminco.etsy.com here, and this August I'm trying something new. I'm always working on teaching, freelance illustration, or gallery work, but the truth is that I do alternate between the three, sometimes days (or weeks) separating the "shifts". This Fall, I hope to do one thing each workday (Monday-Friday) focusing on my freelance work in order to really push that area of my life. This includes working on my new website, creating a portfolio piece, sending mailers, or just buying stamps. I'm calling it Operation One Thing A Day, or Operation OTAD for short. I don't have a particular goal, just to stick with this philosophy and hope that I see big pay off once Christmas rolls around (for the sake of the "experiment", let's say Mid December is when I'll look back and reflect on my progress).

I invite you, dear reader, to join me no matter what your objective is. You could even try one thing a week (OTAW??) if that fits your lifestyle better. Today my goal is to work on my new mailers. What will you do??

You can follow my progress at http://adventuresofminco.blogspot.com

Stop by to see some of us!

2009-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

As summer slowly winds down, August is typically quiet around town. Many families go away for vacation. If you’ve decided on a staycation this year and are looking for some local fun, then mark your calendars for these upcoming festivals:

Block Island Arts Festival, August 8 & 9. Held on the grounds of the historic Narragansett Inn, the backdrop for the festival couldn’t be more picturesque. This year’s participants include our very own Arts in RI artists, Lisa Calabro (Crooked Moon Mosaics) and Carol Mania (Lodestar Wovens) among many others.

Crooked Moon Mosiacs

Lodestar Wovens

Other shows just outside of Rhode Island:Cape Cod Fine Arts Festival, August 29 & 30 - HyannisSouthend Open Market, Sundays - August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Boston

A Peek into my Brain...

2009-08-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm Katelyn of PhriendlyK8's Threads. Today it's my turn to blog, and I decided that I would give you a peek into my creative process. I will show you from start to finish how I will make a dress go from a mere idea to a beautiful final product!

If the dress is going to be made specifically for a custom order I will ask the customer what ideas that they have in mind. I take their ideas and make a sketch for them. I show them my sketch before proceeding. That way they can let me know what they like, what they don't like, and what they want me to change.

I then begin with the focal part of the dress which is usually the middle panel. I draw the applique design true to size on a large piece of paper, then begin to transfer the design onto fabric, and stitch it on.

After the middle panel of the dress is done I start to add the rest of the panels to the skirt part of the dress. A lot of times I find myself adding little extra details and appliques to the dress. For this dress in particular I added a patchwork section along the bottom, and I went crazy adding little yellow stars all over.

When the skirt part of the dress is finished I create the bodice. I add the appliques to the bodice in the same manner as I have done with the applique on the front panel. I use a dressform to make the bodice so that I can structure it to fit the specific measurements of the customer .

Now the bodice and the skirt are finished. I attach the two together and I add the straps on. Now it's Finished!

I hope you have a chance to check out some of my creations in my Etsy Shop!

PhriendlyK8.Etsy.com

Arts In RI LOVES RI Monthly

2009-07-29T04:49:00.000-07:00

If you live in Rhode Island, you know of the famous Rhode Island Monthly. It's a great magazine with local content and a fresh vibe. Recently they did an article about Etsy...which is great! But the best part was that 4 of the 6 artists featured were Arts In RI members.

AND they wrote "find other local artists on etsy at www.artsinri.com"

This was a big step for us as a group. My goal when I started this group was to have a collective where if someone wanted to find local high quality handmade goods online here in Rhode Island, they knew where to go without having to sift through all of Etsy. A huge thank you to RI Monthly for taking us a big step towards that goal.

You can check out the feature online HERE.

Harmony Part I and Giveaway from Hanami Gallery

2009-07-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hi there~

My name is Sarah from Hanami Gallery. I am going to be blogging here every month on the 26th, so look forward to it! Why the 26th? Well because I was born December 26th 19... waiiittt lets just stick to December 26th~ Nice to meet you and please take care of me~

So whats harmony got to do with anything? Well all team members of Arts in RI were proposed with a challenge under the theme of harmony. ENTER CHALLENGER: Hanami Gallery (dun dun dunnnn). So the first thought to my crazy head was doing ying and yang. So here is what I came up with:
Except these are not harmony! The pattern is not a symmetric pattern, or what I would consider harmonic, so I figured I would do these pieces in color to mask the inharmonious pattern. I tried to do complimentary colors, but if you notice in different shades.

First up was the purple and yellow one~ This one I tried to do in a very purple and yellow shade. I did not take any color liberty here. This one is mounted on a gold barrette. This one I will be posting tomorrow in my Etsy shop (this will be important later).

The second one I worked on was the pink and green one. I did not want to do red and green due the resemblance to Christmas. This one is mounted on a comb. This one I will be posting on August 3rd. You will want to check that listing to see if you are a winner in the giveaway - more to come later on this~ promise~

The last one I worked on was the blue and orange. I tried to do a pale greyed out blue with an orange with a slightly pink tint. I took the most color liberty with piece. Lastly this one is mounted on an alligator clip (all different clips!). This one will be posted August 10th.

My next posting on August 26th will feature my true harmony themed piece. It will have more of a resemblance to ying and yang and I am really excited to work on the piece next month, so look forward to it~ Now onto the good stuff....the giveaway~

In celebration for my new dedication to doing blog posts every month here I am giving away a piece. It is not my usual tsumami kanzashi, but rather an alpaca kanzashi~
I made this piece out of 100% alpaca. I crocheted up the flower and dyed it in shades of pink and purple. It is mounted on a barrette and has two beads on it. The back is 100% wool felt. This is truly one of a kind. I made these especially for an event and have this one left over. I plan to never make this again, so you will truly receive a unique and special item. The flower is about 2" in diameter and the whole piece is about 3" long.

So how do you enter to win this soft pretty piece. Easy! There is a list of our shops to the right! Visit one (or multiple!!) and comment about an item you like, and a week from today I will randomly select a winner and then announce it on August 3rd in my Etsy posting for the pink and green piece listed above.

******UPDATE: WINNER noble beeyotch!

Thank you to all that participated~ I really appreciated it and I hope to see you again~

July's Featured Member~Valerie Ashley of Elysian Fields

2009-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

July's featured member is Valerie Ashley of Elysian Fields. Valerie's work captivated the group immediately with it's unique fantasy based themes and skillful use of polymer clay in a way none of us had seen before. Valerie has been a wonderful asset to our membership as she brings a warm natural spirit and a wealth of internet experience and knowledge to the group.

Valerie, can you give us some background on yourself:

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. Living in the country, much of my time was spent outdoors; along with frequent camping trips to the mountains I spent very little time indoors. There was no such thing as video games and electronics back then so imagination was king!I moved to Rhode Island twenty years ago and loved being so close to the ocean while being able to live in a rural area. I have three grown children, 32, 29 & 19, and three grandsons 5, 3 & 18 months.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I have been creating art in one form or another since I was a child. Living in the country, we had to be inventive in what we did. I think I can trace my love of sculpting back to when we dug clay out of the ground and shaped it into little people that adorned the back wood area we played. I would create paper dolls, scraps of cloth to sew clothes for my dolls, and learned to weave grass and willow branches into mats for the houses or “forts” we’d create.My grandmother and mother read to us constantly and my favorites were fairy tales and poetry. We’d spend summer evenings chasing fireflies and mornings lying on our bellies waiting for fairies to appear in the fairy rings in the grass behind our house. I even had an imaginary horse named “Tonka”, so my love of fantasy started early.

What inspires you?

Nature inspires me. There is nothing better than waking to the sound of birds in my back yard, the sweetness of the air after a storm. When taking walks I always have my camera and sketch pad to record details I might see in a leaf, or a shell near the ocean. We were taught early to respect nature in all it’s forms and I have always had an affinity for trees. I knew they were alive and have always believed that they each had a personality of some sort as well. After spending years sculpting miniature fantasy pieces, I wanted to do something that included trees and stumbled on my leaf pieces during a creative “slump”.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

Definitely. Living out in the woods allows me to relax and dip into my creative well. The sights, sounds, and smells give way to some of my most imaginative pieces to date. Add to that the nearness of the ocean and it’s a magical blend. To sit on a beach and listen to the waves is mesmerizing. It clears my head almost like a blank slate and stress just melts away. For a small state it certainly is one of the most beautiful I’ve been to.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

I work primarily in polymer clay that is a wonderful medium. After years of experimenting with different brands I have found one that I like the best that most professional artists use. It is a great medium because it allows so many techniques that can be used on it. My leaf pieces are imprints of local leaves that once cured become a canvas that I can either paint of draw on. So sculpting skills are constantly being honed and to finish the pieces I use precious metals and gemstones to accent them. I love to be able to combine different techniques (sculpting, wirework, jewelry making, drawing, painting) and am constantly pushing the envelope to see what else I can do with polymer clay.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

I usually start out with an idea in my head and although polymer clay is wonderful it can be difficult at times. I’ve spent days sculpting a piece to cure it and have it crack, or burn. I hate to toss anything away but sometimes that’s the way it goes. I do a lot of custom work and I tend to obsess a little more because I get to know the person it’s going to. I want everything perfect and once the piece is finished, only relax when I know it’s in their hands.

How did you find Etsy?

I found Etsy totally by accident. I had been selling my sculptures on Ebay for many years and was getting tired of the fees, and regulations, and felt stifled. So during a search for alternative selling venues I found Etsy and loved the first impression it gave me. I left “greed-bay”, signed up at Etsy and have been there ever since.I joined Arts In RI this past year and have learned so much and love them all dearly!

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

Wanting to do my art full time has been challenging, so I’ve opted to simplify my life and left a corporate job to work for a landscape company and be a part time nanny to my grandchildren. It allows me the time I need and climate to create and sculpt. I also love to read and sew when I can find the time.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

Believe it or not my favorite place to be is my home. I live out in a rural area and spend time gardening, hiking about; I love bird watching and trying my hand at photography. I have an adopted 15 yr old pug that is my constant sidekick and some very silly Rhode Island Red hens as comic relief.

Find great father's day gifts AND more at the Providence Arts Festival

2009-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Father's day is June 21! Since dads can be hard to buy for, here are some great ideas for unique, handmade gifts. AND, if you are in the RI area, you can purchase these items at the Providence Arts Festival this Saturday, June 13, from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (downtown on Westminster between Eddy and Union). There will be fantastic art, great food, and fun activities for the kids. Bring the whole family!!

These are just a few "dad" related items you can find by the Arts in RI team members who will be at the festival (we will be showing grouped together at the festival):

For the dad who likes to travel or write, handmade journals by Kristin Crane:

For the fine art enthusiast, paintings by Julie Beck

For the musician, a mosaic guitar by Lisa Calabro:

For the old school, letter writing dad, cassette note cards by Heather Toupin:

For the auto enthusiast or steampunk dad, vintage skeleton key chain by Paula McDonough:

For the sports/hobby enthusiast, decoupaged switchplates by me:

Please also stop by and say hi to team member Kim Vredenburg:

June's Featured Member~Sarah Whitman of Hanami Gallery

2009-05-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

June's featured member is our newest member Sarah Whitman of Hanami Gallery. Sarah is a maker of origami cards, ornaments, and tsumami kanzashi. She impressed us with her beautiful, bright, fun and intricate designs. A trip through her shop is like a walk through a florist. Although we have yet to meet Sarah in person, we are convinced her love of laughter makes her an excellent fit in our group. We asked Sarah to tell us about herself.

Welcome to Arts In RI Sarah. Can you give us a little background on yourself:

I grew up in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. I went to high school in New Jersey and then did 1 year of college at University of Vermont. After listening to too many drum circles I transferred to Syracuse University where I got my degrees in Mathematics and Economics. I have been in art classes since I was a kid, but honestly didn't think I would have a job as an artist which is why I chose those degrees....and here I am not doing anything with them. I have done regressional analysis to determine my target market....nope just kidding.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

Ive been doing origami since I was a kid. I then became interested in modular origami in college and even did an event for Pi Mu Epsilon on the mathematics of modular origami. So, I have always liked working in paper. Two years ago I visited Japan and picked up a ton of craft books one of which was on tsumami kanzashi. To me it was a lot like origami, except instead of folding paper it was silk.

What inspires you?

colors, stuff, and things....hahaha. For my kanzashi some are based off of real flowers, cool colors, maybe a piece of fabric, and scenery. For my cards the inspiration is the paper. I try to showcase the beautiful paper and which origami design can best accomplish that.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

I have had it influence my kanzashi, but not really my cards. I hope in the future to have more Rhode Island inspired pieces~

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

Folding. Hands down its what is done the most. I fold the kanzashi with tweezers and fold origami with a guitar pick.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

Being satisfied with my work. When I am done I am usually picking out little things that I wish were better, but this helps me make better products next time.

How did you find Etsy?

I was referred by a friend of my fiances.

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

I enjoy knitting and just learned to crochet from a Japanese book. Since I have been dyeing silk I have really enjoyed dyeing my own yarn. Although I am sure my family and friends are sick of getting scarfs for Christmas~ haha.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

I live in Providence, but I really enjoy the rural areas in Rhode Island and visiting farms.

Gaspee Days

2009-05-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

In June of 1772 brave colonists from Rhode Island burned the British revenue schooner, HMS Gaspee, in what has become recognized as the first overt action leading to the American Revolutionary War.

For the past 44 years the village of Pawtuxet, RI has commemorated this act with the annual
Gaspee Days Celebration.

Some of the Arts In RI Members will be at the Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival
Memorial Day Weekend: May 23, 24, & 25, 2009
Starting each day at 10 am to 5 pm
Narragansett Parkway, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick

The annual Arts and Crafts Festival attracts approximately 50,000 people a day for three days browsing and purchasing the wares of the 150-200 craft exhibitors along Narragansett Parkway in Warwick. All while this is going on, there is a professional food court, free family music, entertainment, and pony rides for the children located in Pawtuxet Park. The proceeds of the annual Arts and Crafts Festival benefit the running of the Gaspee Days Parade.

Come on down!!!!!!

Mother's Day Challenge Contest Winner

2009-05-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

We have a winner. Lisa B of Isa1sew has won a basket of goodies handmade by members of Arts In RI. Congratulations Lisa! Thank you to all who commented on our creations to enter.

May Featured Member- Linda Cox Demers of a' la mode

2009-04-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

May's featured member is one of our founding teammates Linda Cox Demers of a' la mode. Linda is a dynamic, beautiful, hip and extremely talented entrepreneur. She balances her family and her art and makes it look easy! She's also our "go to girl" for all things blog, Internet and social networking. Once you have had time to digest all the goodies in her shop (and believe me you are going love it) you must also check out her blog and several of the blogs; scoutie girl and the girl indie blog she contributes to regularly. We asked Linda to tell us about herself:

Give us a little background on yourself:

I was born and raised in the Midwest, just outside of Chicago. After college, I moved to Chicago where I met my husband. We lived there, except for 18 months in Philadelphia, for many years before moving to Rhode Island. I have two boys ages 12 and 7 years.

When my family moved to Rhode Island in 2004, I needed to find work that allowed me flexible hours. I always wanted to have my own business, so I took the leap and began making and selling my designs online in 2005. I began wholesaling handbags and decorative light switch plates under the name à la mode.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I have been designing, creating, and dreaming of art since I was very small. I have dabbled in just about every art form imaginable since I was very small. As a result, I never felt drawn to any particular art medium. It was the process that interested me, teaching myself how to do something or taking something apart and making it into something else.

As a little girl, I learned to sew from my mom. I was very crafty and would make things out of whatever I could find. I remember making a little television set for my Barbie with a cardboard jewelry box and sewing pins for antenna. If I wanted a new skirt or handbag, I’d make it.

What inspires you?

Simple, everyday things really inspire me most. I might notice a pattern on a building or a piece of hardware in the local hardware store. I love making utilitarian objects into something useful and beautiful.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

Absolutely, although it doesn’t manifest Itself in a literal way. I take walks to the beach which allows me to relax and gain clarity in art and life. The beauty in nature definitely influences my work.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

Since I make many different things, it is hard to say. Knowing how to sew and piece things together has helped me deconstruct things. One medium I use almost everyday and in all of my work is photography.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

I really like the initial process of bringing a totally new idea to life. Sometimes I wake up with an idea, often a crazy one, and I’ll obsess over it for a while until I can figure out how to create it. It may take me many frustrating tries before I’m happy with it, but if it comes together in the end, that fulfills me most.

How did you find Etsy?

I knew about Etsy when it first started but was very skeptical about it. It seemed like a great idea, but I needed to see it work. It took me two years to finally decide to join. Once I did, I joined this great team and have learned so much about selling online (on and off Etsy).

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

I love to spend time with my family, preferably away from home since that is where I work. I like to blog and explore the Internet. I like to garden, read, take pictures and hang out with friends.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

I’d say the beach. Every time I go to any beach in RI, I feel energized. Coming from the Midwest, there is nothing like the ocean (sorry, Lake Michigan).

Celebrate Mother's Day with a sense of humor!

2009-04-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the Mother's Day theme, alamodestuff is featuring this fun retro switchplate.

"My husband has said this to the kids for years. I decided to make a switchplate simply to remind them on a daily basis."

This cheeky switchplate is individually decoupaged by hand and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Kid tested and mother approved, the switchplate will withstand everything from kitchen and bathroom traffic to sticky little fingers. Other sizes and styles (quadruple, toggle, dimmer, etc.) also available.

Through Mother's Day, alamodestuff is offering free shipping (and gift wrap and card) on this switchplate (anywhere in the US or Canada). Leave a comment regarding this item and you'll be entered into our Mother's Day giveaway. Details are below!

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Arts in RI Mother's Day giveaway! All you have to do to qualify is leave a comment for the artist about their Mother's Day item. You will be entered into a random drawing for a basket of handmade goods made by Arts In RI members. You can leave a comment every time we post a new item for multiple chances of winning! We are also offering the winner the option of having the winning basket sent directly to his or her mother if they so choose!

A Good Mom

2009-04-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

The next Mother's Day item is hot off the torch from The Venerable Bead. Paula made this Mother's Day themed skeleton key necklace as a statement for all the "good Mom's" out there who know the balance between limits and unlimited love. Paula says of her creation: "Being a good Mother is hard. It's the hardest job I have ever had but also the most satisfying. I don't always get it right but I try my best each day to find that balance between protecting, limiting, releasing, and unconditionally loving the most special little beings I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Sometimes the responsibility is awesome but as luck would have it so are the rewards!"

Paula's necklace features a lampwork bead in bright orange built directly on the shaft of a vintage skeleton key. She uses watch parts and other found objects along with beads and crystals to make a piece filled with nostalgia and forgotten times but updated for today's hippest fashion looks. For the modern Mom who enjoys a steampunk aesthetic.

Please leave comments for Paula here on the blog and you will be entered to win a Mother's day basket filled with handmade goodies from our Arts In RI team. The drawing will be on Mother's Day!

In Mother's Honor

2009-04-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Arts in RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to come up with Mother's Day themed items and post them for you on our blog. We will be running a contest between now and midnight May 9th. All you have to do to enter our contest is leave a comment for the artist about the creation and you will be entered into a random drawing for a basket of handmade goods made by Arts In RI members. You can leave a comment every time we post a new item for multiple chances of winning! We are also offering the winner the option of having the winning basket sent directly to his or her mother if they so choose!

To continue ArtsInRI's celebration of Mother's Day, Carol of Lodestar Wovens, has created a gorgeous shawl inspired by her mother.

"When I think of Mom, I think of those long walks on the beach hand in hand, curling up on a warm loving lap and snuggling, and hours spent just being close. I felt so loved and cherished as a little girl and I owe it all to her!

This year, in honor of my mother, I designed and wove what I hope is a fitting bit of gratitude for all she has given me. I took the softest cream and white fibers I could find and wound them into a mixed warp. Then I wove a simple triangular shawl. The magic happened after that....a dye bath of orange and yellow used with a low water immersion dyeing technique, produced this beautiful addition to any wardrobe!"

Let us know how you feel about Carol's work in the comments section and you will be entered into a random drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies made by Arts In RI artisans. Check back here on May 9th to see if you have won!

A Gift of Nature for Mother's Day

2009-04-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Arts in RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to come up with Mother's Day themed items and post them for you on our blog. We will be running a contest between now and midnight May 9th. All you have to do to enter our contest is leave a comment for the artist about the creation and you will be entered into a random drawing for a basket of handmade goods made by Arts In RI members. You can leave a comment every time we post a new item for multiple chances of winning! We are also offering the winner the option of having the winning basket sent directly to his or her mother if they so choose!

Mother's Day allows us the opportunity to celebrate moms and what they do for us every day of the year. Flowers have always been a traditional way to show appreciation to the moms in our lives and some historians claim that Mother's Day originates from ancient spring festivals dedicated to maternal goddesses. Greeks honored Rhea, wife of Cronus and mother of the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. Ancient Romans had a spring festival dedicated to Cybele, also a mother goddess. Called Hilaria, this celebration lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades.

In celebration of Mother's Day, Valerie of Elysian Fields, has a custom listing up for one of her Nature Spirit creations.

"Mother's Day is coming! What better way to show your love than with a unique hand crafted Nature Spirit© design! Moms who love to be outdoors, run, or garden would love to own an original piece of art inspired by Nature."

Let us know how you feel about Valerie's work in the comments section and you will be entered into a random drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies made by Arts In RI artisans. Check back here on May 9th to see if you have won!

April Featured Member: Suzanne Tanner of Tanner Glass

2009-03-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

April's featured member is the very talented Suzanne Tanner of Tanner Glass. Suzanne has been part of Arts In RI for about a year and she brings with her the ancient art of glass blowing. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Suzanne. She is a straight shooter, very serious about her craft and has a heart of gold. We asked Suzanne to tell us more about herself.

Suzanne, please give us a little background on yourself:

I have spent a huge part of my life in Rhode Island…..growing up, I spent my summers on the beach (and still do), but never imagined living here full time. In my heart, I’m a mountain girl. Give me snowy peaks, endless trails, and a wood burning stove, and I’m happy. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing that compares to sand between the toes. I just happen to prefer ski boots on my feet.But, I’m proud to call Rhode Island my home. I’ve been here for 10 years, after living in Maine and Colorado (surprised?). The arts community here is like none other.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I have a vivid memory of seeing glassblowers work at a festival when I was a child (okay….not completely vivid, as I can’t remember where or when). I was amazed at what they were doing, and the fact that the glassblowers had long hair (they were men). Men didn’t have long hair in West Hartford, CT, where I grew up. West Hartford did have art classes, and I took them. I loved to draw, and thankfully, my parents knew that. I took my first glassblowing class my Senior year (last semester) at Hartwick College in 1993. Within a week, I knew this is what I wanted to do.

What inspires you?

The everyday. I strive to make functional work…….things that people will want to own, and use everyday. I like to call my work FUNctional Objects.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

As I mentioned earlier, the Arts community here is unmatched. And the support, advice and inspiration I receive from fellow RI artists has helped me get where I am today.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

Well, around these parts, I’m known for my bottle stoppers. No specific technique there……they are just my ‘thing’. A technique that I use often, is hot-applying designs to my work. The Coin Bud Vases and Belted Vases are perfect examples of this. I rarely melt them in completely, creating a optical and textural quality. These are by far, my most favorite things to make.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

Hmmm…..well, glassblowing itself is a challenge. I would like to be better at it. And the challenge lies in finding the time to work at that. It’s easy to get comfortable making the things I make, and not find the time to work outside of my comfort zone. Someday, I will make a goblet. Someday.

How did you find Etsy?

On the Today Show! During the China recalls in 2007, they were discussing venues to purchase American made products. I joined a few months later.

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

I’m a glassblower. (I work for another artist). I’ve been working for her for 10 years, and truly do so much more than glassblowing. And I love it. I also teach Spin (indoor cycle classes) a few times a week. I love that, too.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

My family's beach house in Quonochontaug (in the Spring/Fall, when I can walk my dog on the beach, and just laugh at her battle the ocean, sand, and all things beachy).

Do you?? ..... because I DO!!! (part one)

2009-03-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

With the demise of my beloved Print Gocco, and supplies skyrocketing in price before their inevitable depletion, I've been doing tons of research on what the next step will be for my stationery business. There are lots of ideas swirling around the internet about ways to modify your Print Gocco; using Photo EZ, Stencil Pro, etc. but for some reason I just didn't want to get all Frankenstein on my Gocco. I've been feeling like maybe it's just time to move on. I've always played around with the idea of going back to "real" screenprinting. My first love will always be Gocco (and I have the tattoo to prove it), but there is something very satisfying about actually pulling a print that's lost on the Gocco.

There's been a lot of buzz about this new screenprinting unit from Provocraft called the Yudu (pronounced You Do, corny, right?). It's sold at craft stores and clearly marketed toward the scrapbooking mom (a category clear on the other side of the craft spectrum from me), but I can't deny that I've been very intrigued by it. The website barely gives any information about it and the video tutorials are laughable. It's like the everyman's screenprinting machine. It's the kind of thing that all the poster artists around Providence that I respect would totally laugh at. Lucky for me I don't care about people laughing because I bought the f'ing thing. I know that I could have gotten a nice, traditional screenprinting set up for the same amount of money, but I like gadgets and I LOVE the all-in-oneness of this machine. It's inevitable that screenprinting will be messy, and traditional screenprinting is much messier than Gocco, but I get the feeling that with this machine it will be a little easier to stay clean. For what I do (wedding invitations mainly) I can't have a mess, everything needs to be tidy.

Now before you get all excited to see my results, I haven't tried it yet. I've created a test image with all different font sizes and some detailed images that my Gocco handles without breaking a sweat. The main concern I have about the Yudu is that the mesh count of the screens is much lower than the Print Gocco screens. Print Gocco screens have a mesh count of 200, while Yudu screens are only 110, and basically the higher the mesh count the more detail you can get. The awesome news is that I just spoke with a rep from Yudu and she told me that they hope to be offering a 220 mesh screen in May *fingers crossed*

I have to admit I'm a little nervous to try it out. I've been Goccoing for 11 years, before that I took every printmaking class I could along with my textile design classes in college, but it's been a long time. I've screenprinted 3 color designs in repeat on 5 yard lengths of fabric on 3 separate occasions, but I've never once pulled a print on paper. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, I'm just really hoping that when the finer mesh screen becomes available this will be a suitable replacement for my Print Gocco. In the meantime you can rest assured that I will be making some kick ass shirts and experimenting to see what I can accomplish on paper. Check back for an update to see how my tests go.... and wish me luck!

Happy crafting, Heather

A new collaboration project between Lauren Minco and alamodestuff

2009-03-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Lauren Minco (laurenminco.etsy.com) and Linda Demers (alamodestuff.etsy.com) recently collaborated on a project making several of Lauren's colorful illustrations into art you can wear.

These necklaces are fun, lightweight, and bold. "Lauren's drawings are so vibrant," says Linda. "I was excited to take someones art and make them into pendants. These masked girls are particularly irresistible."

Spring is in the A.I.R.

2009-03-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sickfeet's husband for doing the graphics!
Come to our show!!!

Mothers Day is on it's way!

2009-03-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Box by Jyll (Sickfeet.etsy.com)

Mothers Day is coming up...so place your order in time to receive it for the holiday! Don't forget to check out the Arts in RI Shops for a gift any mother will love!

Springtime is in the A.I.R.!

2009-03-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mark your Calendars! April 4th from 9-4, Arts In Rhode Island will be at the West Side Arts Gallery! Come check out all the amazing local talent!! More details to come, but this will be an event you won't want to miss!

"The Yellow Tulip" by Diana Brennan, member

Collaboration Challenge: Ranunculus Pillow

2009-03-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

We continue our collaboration series with the latest project completed by Diana Brennan of DSBrennan and Lisa Billings of Pink Lemonade Boutique. They took a photographic image of Diana and incorporated it into a pillow made by Lisa. It's a stunning combination. We asked them to tell us about this project.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what kind of art you make

Lisa: I am a wife and mother to 7 yr old Olivia, and am lucky to stay at home and run my design business, Pink Lemonade Boutique. I make mostly bags and purses, but also make quilts, pillows and anything that can be sewn.

Diana: My name is Diana Brennan, I'm a photographer. I have a degree in Environmental Science, and my day job since college has been as a Wetland Biologist. It's no surprise that nature heavily influences my work! Right now I'm continuing to build my Natural History portfolio - it's been a lot of fun and has brought back some great memories of my college courses.

Can you tell us how you got started on this project and how it has evolved?

Lisa: Well, this is a project a long time in the making. I think Diana and I started talking about a collaboration a year ago. I approached Diana about transferring one of her images onto fabric and I would make a bag from it. Which then turned into a pillow.

Diana: When the idea to do collaborations first came up, I was just learning about some methods of printing photos on fabric. It made sense to work with one of the "fabric people" on the team. I was thrilled that Lisa was interested in working with me, since I LOVE her work.

What inspired you about your partner's art?

Lisa: Everything! I love Diana's images...they have such a dreamy quality to them. It really appeals to me, it was pretty much a natural fit...my aesthetic is feminine and her photographs are soft and pretty. I told her to go ahead and pick an image...she ended up picking the ranunculus photo...which was my favorite of her photos, so it was easy to get inspired.

Diana: What doesn't inspire me about my partner's art! I particularly admire the way she pairs colors and patterns. Each of her pieces feels energetic, as if those fabrics were just waiting for her to put them together before they started dancing around the piece. I felt that "Ranunculus" would work well with the vibrant floral fabrics she often uses.

How did you ultimately decide to make what you did?

Lisa: Well, initially we had talked about doing the bag, I thought maybe a messenger bag, with the image on the flap, and kept playing with the shape and composition and just wasn't feeling it. When I decided to do the pillow, it just seemed right.

Diana: Ultimately, the decision on the final product was left up to Lisa. We tossed some ideas back and forth, but in the end it was her pick. I'm thrilled with how it came out.

Can you give us some insight into your brainstorming process?

Lisa: After I decided to scrap the bag for the pillow, it was pretty smooth sailing from there. I pulled a bunch of fabric from my scraps that really made the photo pop. I love how it looks like it's almost glowing. I love doing free form patchwork.

Diana: As far as picking the photograph to print - I wanted something with colors that would work with Lisa's typical vibrant fabrics. I wanted something with universal appeal. And of course I wanted to choose something natural and fun!

Did this collaboration stretch your creative limits?

Lisa: Honestly, probably not!

Diana: It was certainly a challenge finding out the best way to print on fabric. The techniques just don't give you the same detail and color accuracy as the photo printers I'm used to dealing with. So the printed fabric itself became something a bit different than the original photo.

Were their any roadblocks or setbacks?

Lisa: Not really, just that it took me awhile to decide which direction to go in...once I decided it was very enjoyable making this project.

Diana: The biggest roadblock was that I couldn't find a fabric printing method I was happy with. It took me a long time to even bring my best results to Lisa, since I wasn't thrilled with them. But once I got over that self-critical attitude, and actually showed the pieces to her, she convinced me that we should use them. And she was able to create something beautiful!

Did you find this to be a rewarding experience and why?

Lisa: Very rewarding and fun, how could it not have been being able to use Diana's gorgeous photography?

Diana: Definitely. Lisa was a joy to work with. It's exciting to see my art as part of her art. It's now something more than just what I could have done with it. And that's a pretty special thing.

March's Featured Artist: Lisa Calabro of Crooked Moon Mosaics

2009-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

One of the team's New Year's resolutions was to get back to the business of featuring our members on a monthly basis. We learn about each other and you get to know us too. We like that! March's featured member is Lisa Calabro of Crooked Moon Mosaics. Lisa is a newer member to the group and we find her to be absolutely charming. You will too. Her incredible talent is only matched by her humility. Lisa is funny, kind , slightly computer phobic and extremely good at her craft. Check out her shop for more of her wonderful work.

Lisa please give us a little background on yourself:

I was born right here in Rhode Island and raised in East Greenwich. I have always been exposed to art through my Dad who is an accomplished sculptor and jewelry designer. I did the normal kid things, ice skating, flute, and taunting my older sisters. High school was difficult for me and I became quite the partying rebel who barely graduated! The only thing I cared about was art. I would bunk my classes and spend most of the day in the darkroom developing photos! I won some big awards in drawing, photography and even store display while there, much to the frustration of my teachers who did not think I deserved them because of my behavior! I never made it to college (shocker) with the exception of a few art classes. I floated from job to job and eventually got married in 1987. I had two girls Amanda now 19, and Ellie now 16. I am divorced and remarried now. My art has had many faces over the years....photography, sculpting, drawing, painting, basket weaving, model making, cross stitching, sewing, interior design, gardening, stained glass, and now mosaics, the art I am most passionate about. Expressing myself artistically is what keeps me grounded, even through the most difficult times of my life.

When did you first become interested in your art form?

I’m not a big fan of the color blue (for decorating) but for some reason, blue glass always intrigued me. So I started taking some stained glass classes at a local shop about 10 years ago. I enjoyed it, but being a perfectionist, I found myself getting disenchanted. Not being able to make those solder lines perfect frustrated me to no end! Fast forward 6 years and I found mosaics quite by accident. Because I am a starving artist, I work at a restaurant waiting tables. We have about 70 feet of windows with a 10 inch sill. The chairs hitting the edge of the sill and the moisture from the windows sweating, were causing the plaster to break off. It looked horrible. I suggested a tile mosaic to fix it and next thing I knew.... I was making it! While researching how to do that project I found some truly amazing artists who pushed the envelope on what most people think of when they hear the word “mosaic.” I could not wait to experiment with the glass I already had and find my little niche in the mosaic world.

What inspires you?

Other mosaic artists inspire me most. There are some that are truly masters at what they do and I am just blown away by some of the mosaic masterpieces that they make! Creating something I love and having others love it also, is inspiring. I have gotten some really great feedback on my work and it makes me want to keep learning and fine tuning my craft. Being surrounded by shelves of jars, trays and boxes of my mosaic material inspire me when I walk into my studio. I usually don’t plan out my designs, I’ll pick a color scheme first and then just go through my tesserae, putting pieces together till I like it, then glue it down.

Does living in Rhode Island influence your work in any way?

I moved to MA in 2001 and just recently came back to RI to live. I felt very isolated and alone in MA so the contentment of being back home totally inspires me. Seeing all the amazing artists and artwork that come from this tiny state of ours inspires me as well.

What techniques do you use the most in your work?

In mosaics there are a few different techniques for creating a piece. I use the direct method where I adhere my pieces directly on the substrate I am working on. I also nip most of my glass with wheeled nippers as opposed to cutting with a glass cutter.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

What I find challenging is my perfectionism and trying to let go of it. It shows in my workmanship, which I’m proud of but it is also a huge frustration for me. Something that should take me an hour ends up taking me 3 hours! Perfectionism also leads you to question your choices. I can not tell you how many times I have nearly completed a piece and then ripped it all apart only to start over.

How did you find Etsy?

While doing a search for stained glass pendants I found LingGlass. I was instantly hooked on Etsy! I joined and listed my first buckle in April 2008. Etsy has really opened my eyes to the world of handmade.

Apart from your Etsy work, what do you do?

I wait tables at Haruki East Restaurant on the East Side of Providence. It’s not something I planned on doing for a main career but I actually enjoy it and have met some terrific people! I've been with Haruki for 13 years, I'm almost an expert on sushi! I enjoy gardening and hitting up the yard sales and flea markets to find vintage world globes and alarm clocks to add to my collection. I spend time with my kids, family and friends as much as I can.

What's your favorite place in Rhode Island?

It's hard to pick just one, but I would have to say Block Island. I absolutely love it there! The shoreline anywhere in RI. I love Federal Hill, where I can find a little piece of my heritage. The youth and eclecticism of Thayer St. The peace and tranquility of the farmlands in Jamestown and Exeter. I love the local controversial celebrities we have here (think Buddy)! I adore my home state of RI!

Arts In RI

2009-03-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Make sure you check out all of our shops at our website...

HERE

There are so many beautiful handmade items to choose from. Fiber arts, photography, painting, illustration, jewelry, sea glass, natural jewelry, handmade glass...ANYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT!!!

So in these hard economic times (tired of hearing that phrase yet?) remember to buy more handmade goods to support your local neighbors.

Tonight in providence!

2009-02-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

3 of our members will be at the IMAGO Fem show tonight at the West Side Arts Gallery: Lauren Minco and Jyll from Sickfeet and Julie Beck! Come join us if you're in the area!!!

It's a great show to support a great cause!

We Have a Winner!

2009-02-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Our month long contest of love has concluded and a random drawing of all the posts (and there were 264!) was completed and Ronnie Tucker of Biddy Brain Workshop has won the gift basket! Congratulations to Ronnie and thank you to all who entered. We thoroughly enjoyed showing you our Valentine themed products and explaining a little about them. We hope you enjoyed reading about them and we invite you to come visit us again. We have lots of cool things planned for our blog to keep you glued to your computer.

Ronnie is a talented artist herself, so we think she will very much appreciate the talent that has gone into her winning basket. Here's a little peek into the prize which has a retail value of $175!

Lining the basket which is actually a Valentine themed hat box is a gorgeous raspberry scarf handwoven by our newest Arts In RI member Carol of Lodestar Woven. Color, texture and wearability all wrapped up in one fabulous scarf. Words can't begin to describe this particular handwoven masterpiece, but I'll try to give you an idea of just

how lovely it is. The use of novelty yarns gives you the treat of 5 different textures and over 10 highlight colors. The rich raspberry background is enhanced by numerous pastels. The scarf measures a very generous 80" in length and 6" in width. Tucked in behind the scarf is a gorgeous print from our team leader Julie of JulieBCreative called Grandma's Bell. Julie's grandmother owned a bell collection and she painted this as a tribute to her memory; a sweet woman who gave her family every ounce of love in her heart and died peacefully at 95 with her entire family at her side.

Resting comfortably on the scarf is a little set made by 2 artists but goes together so well I just had to have them share the same box. Kim of KimVGlass has created a borosilicate glass pendant in a drop shape in the flame of her torch in rich neutral earth tones. It matches perfectly with a sweet pair of gemstone and sterling earrings made by Wendy of Designs by Wendy T. There is also a keychain made by yours truly of The Venerable Bead. It features a lampwork glass bead made directly on the shaft of a vintage skeleton key. On the key hangs a brass puffy heart charm and the key hangs from a vintage brass split ring. There is also another pendant made by Linda of A la mode from her big dot series. It's called Blades of Grass and it is lightweight and fun to wear. It boasts a deep color and beautiful high quality wood grain appearence. It makes a simple statement while adding a big fashion bang to any outfit. Finally there is a sweet wristlet sewn by our very own Lisa B of Pink Lemonade Boutique. Handy and stylish it will carry all your essentials in style. Patchwork coordinates with linen and features a zip top. Wonky patchwork piecing features whimsical prints in juicy oranges.

What a fine prize. I am so jealous! Congratulations Ronnie Tucker! Happy Valentine's Day!

Heart of Hope

2009-02-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Our final Valentine item is a beautiful mosaic heart created by Lisa Calabro of Crooked Moon Mosaics . Lisa says of her creation: "I saw these little wooden hearts and they were just begging to be mosaiced. I took out all the red tesserae I had in the studio and pieced this bold red and black heart together. The mix of glass gives it lots of texture and interest. I used mirrored and stained glass, coral, glass beads, glass tile, virteous and crystal glass tile, and milliefiori imported from Italy. I added a little glass red heart for double the love. I also included a couple of red paper beads that I bought from Project Have Hope. These beads are handmade by women in the Acholi Quarter of Uganda. The profits are used to provide education for the children and promote business opportunities for women. The back can be personalized in gold or silver ink. These are great for anytime you want to send a little love."

Please let Lisa know what you think of her heart here in the comments and you will be entered to win a beautiful gift basket filled with handmade goods from the artists on the team. Tomorrow night Friday at midnight is the deadline for entry. The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 14th here on the blog.

Mi Amor

2009-02-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

Our next item is this original painting by Lauren Minco of LaurenMinco. Lauren explains the inspiration for this painting: “Mi Amor” (My Love) was actually inspired by a friend’s Halloween costume. It was easy for me to envision this wrestler who perhaps had a more romantic side, like he was going on a date but still had to wear the mask. Originally I had him holding a single rose, but in the end the flowers made it in the background as a pattern. A lot of my work has a quirkiness too it that contrasts different elements, so combining the sweeter elements (roses, a male suitor, a banner professing love) with the more abrasive (aggressive wrestler, thorns, bones) is something that you can find lot in my work."

Please leave a comment for Lauren about her painting here on the blog and you will be entered into a contest to win a gift basket that has handmade items from the members of Arts In RI. For multiple chances of winning you can leave a comment for each item we have posted this past month. Stay tuned later in the week for a peek at the gift basket that will be awarded to the winner

Love Birds

2009-02-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Our next item is this original collage created by Layla of Dollface Design . Layla says of her collage: "This collage is printed on mottled, antique ledger paper from the late 1800's, featuring a pair of love birds surrounded by a bevy of beautiful flowers and an ornate Victorian tintype frame. This piece is part of my vintage paper series which is experimental printing on a variety of delicate, antique substrates. Printing directly onto the old paper really gives the piece a beautifully muted palette and a true sense of authenticity. The birds are Victorian scraps from an old Victorian scrapbook and the paper is late 1800's ledger paper. The roses and frame are bits and pieces from old Victorian postcards and tintype photos. You can check out other works from this series in my shop, they look lovely framed as a set."

Let Layla know what you think of her Love Birds here in the comments and you will be entered to win a basket full of handmade goodness created by the members of arts in RI.

I Love You, Anatomically Speaking

2009-02-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Our next item is this limited edition Gocco screenprint created by Heather of HeatherJeany. Heather says of her print: "I have always loved vintage anatomical diagrams so that seemed like a logical place to start for my Valentine design. I wanted the overall image to have the feel of a playing card or tarot card or some sort of mysterious fortune telling chart. The overlapping text at the top reads, "February XIV" and the bottom reads, "Be My Valentine." The text going around the perimeter corresponds to the numbers on the diagram and includes many translations of the word "love." The design is lovingly Gocco screenprinted in three colors; blood red, black and sparkly metallic gold ink onto 8.5" X 11" recycled, acid free, archival quality, heavy chipboard. I originally did this design much smaller on a folded greeting card but since it was always so well received I decided to make it larger, jazz it up a bit and offer it as a limited edition print. This edition is limited to 40 prints and they are all signed and numbered."

Please leave a comment for Heather here on the blog letting her know what you think of her Valentine print and you will be entered into a random drawing for a gift basket filled with handmade goodness from our Arts In RI team. Leave comments for our other contributors in previous contest posts for multiple chances of winning!

Change Of Heart

2009-02-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Our next Valentine Item is a borosilicate glass heart pendant handmade in the flame of Kim V's Torch of KimVGlass. Kim says of her design: "I have been contemplating the necklace design for a while. It's a variation of the necklace that I use for my heart shaped discs...but one that has some flexibility to it. This necklace allows you to change the focal bead that hangs from it, as long as the focal has a hole that is at least 7mm (1/4 inch) in diameter. I was fortunate to take a class recently, along with fellow Arts In RI'er Paula down in Orlando, FL. The teacher, Brent Graber is a boro glass guru!! We had a great time!! When I came home, I started playing with some of the techniques that I learned. While melting glass at the torch, it came to me....how to create the interchangeability that I was after AND how to incorporate a heart."

Let us know what you think of Kim's ingenious design here in the comments and you will be entered to win a drawing on Valentine's day. You will win a basket filled with handmade goods created by our Arts In RI team.

My Sweet Valentine

2009-01-31T06:29:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Our next item is this beautiful bracelet made by Wendy Thatcher of DesignsByWendyT. Wendy says of the stones she used to make this bracelet: "These beautiful AA quality Rhodochrosite nuggets have wonderful striation in varying shades of pinks and blue-gray. Rhodochrosite is believed by some to cleanse the subconscious and allows access to higher thoughts. It is also thought to create emotional balance and assist one in increasing feelings of self-worth and self-esteem." What a wonderful gift for your Valentine. Show her you'd like to take care of her inside and out. The bracelet is 9 inches long and closes with a heart shaped sterling silver toggle. Let us know what you think of this pretty pink bracelet here in the comments and you will be entered to win a gift basket filled with goodies created by our very own Arts In RI team.

Mended Heart

2009-01-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Don't you just love when nature gives you something so perfect? Our next item is this flawless sea glass heart pendant created by Tracy Prince of SeafindDesigns. As Tracy tells it sometimes nature needs a little help: "This gorgeous piece of pure white GENUINE sea glass was found by me..... This one started out pretty flawless, save one tiny flea bite at the top of the glass. I sanded it out to cover the bite and to create an even more heart-like shape!" This pendant comes on a silver plated 20 inch ball chain.
Just like real love. A little hard work and creativity goes a long way to mending hearts this Valentine's Day.
Let us know how you feel about Tracy's work here in the comments and you will be entered to win a beautiful gift basket filled with handmade goodies created by our very own Arts In RI team.

The Perfect Pair

2009-01-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Our next item is this beautiful fine art photograph taken by Diana Brennan of D. S. Brennan Photography. Diana says of this photo which she took for our Valentine challenge: "I wanted to stay true to my usual style, and have a subtle Valentine's theme. Basically, I wanted the image to work year-round. As my sister-in-law so energetically says, "those pears are IN LOVE!" And I'm in love with the photo, I must say. I went back to my black & white roots - and I love how that brings out the contrast between the fabric and the pears, and allows the pattern of the fabric to dance." Diana's photo is 8 x8 and printed on crystal archive paper. It's signed and dated.
Let us know what you think of Diana's work her in the comments and you will be entered to win a gift basket filled with handmade goodness made by our very own Arts in RI members.

Aphrodite's Fire

2009-01-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our next item is a beautiful pair of earrings created by Val of ElysianFields. Val, says of her design: "Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty was also where the mineral Copper was mined and named for. I have combined the organic warmth and protective qualities of Bali copper wires and added to it the fiery sparkle of pink fire polished Czech beads. The fire used to create these sparkling little treasures seems to radiate from within the bead itself. A lovely gift for your Aphrodite this Valentine’s Day, they come in a lovely hand crafted gift box."

Let us know what you think of Val's sweet earrings in the comments and you will be entered to win a gift basket filled with goodies made in RI by our very own Arts In RI team.

Guess How Much I Love You

2009-01-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

The next Valentine item up for viewing is from my own shop The Venerable Bead. It's a boro glass beaded vintage skeleton key necklace inspired by a children's book. On the last few pages of Guess How Much I love you by Sam McBratney, Big Nut Brown Hare settles Little Nut Brown Hare into his bed of leaves and whispers "I love you right up to the moon - and back". I swear I never got through that last page without tearing up when my kids were babies. I tore through the house looking for that book last Sunday morning. Maybe I was feeling a bit melancholy because my baby boy turned 11 on Monday. I literally felt myself having panic at the thought this book had been put in the Goodwill bin. In front of 6 sleepover guests I was begging my son to help me find the book. He looked at me like he might just kill me right there in front of 6 witnesses. "Whew never mind I found it in your sister's room" I said a few minutes later. I heard him say to one of his guests that he had no idea why I would think a baby book was anywhere but.

This is a tribute to unconditional love that spans a thousands oceans, a million miles...to the moon...and back. It's comprised of a skeleton key that has a bright red borosilicate glass bead made directly on the shaft. It has charms and a hand stamped brass tag the reads: I love you right up to the moon and back. It comes strung on a 24 inch gunmetal chain with lobster clasp.

Let us know how you feel about this piece here in the comments and you will be entered to win a basket full of great prizes created by our very own street team.

Roses are Red My Love

2009-01-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

Our next item is a sweet wristlet created by Lisa Billings of PinkLemonadeBoutique. Lisa says of her creation: "I HEART linen, and this wristlet combines my favorite fabric and a beautiful embroidered rose applique detail. It's just perfect for a romantic night out on the town, or a cocktail party with friends. A sweet little bag for all your little essentials. I love this piece because it's very pretty and feminine, but not over the top. The natural linen keeps it sophisticated, but the hot pink shades make it just perfectly romantic." Let us know what you think of Lisa's wristlet here in the comments section and you will be entered to win a drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies made by Arts In RI members.

The Love Within

2009-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

Our next Valentine item is a sweet hand blown glass bud vase made by Suzanne Tanner of TannerGlass. Suzanne says of the vase: "I love these. I'll be honest. They are my most favorite thing to make. I feel that they epitomize everything I strive for in glass....simplicity, functionality and FUN. What started as a custom request (a Heart Pocket Coin to remember a lost loved one), soon became a larger idea. I hot-apply the Heart Coin (made with a hand carved stamp) to a colored bubble, melt it in a bit, and finish the shape. The heart that you see is actually an air pocket that is the result of this process." Let us know what you think about Suzanne's glass work by leaving a comment here on the blog and you will be entered to win a gift basket filled with handmade goodness from the Arts In RI members.

Warm My Heart

2009-01-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Our next Valentine product is an MP3 player sweater in vivid red hand knit by Kristin Crane of KristinCrane. Valentine's Day isn't just about hearts, it's also about staying warm! (At least here in Rhode Island.) Don't let your iPod get chilly while it's playing all those love songs on the 14th. Kristin said of her creation: "This little sweater was inspired by Irish Aran sweaters. It was hand knit with an interesting cable pattern, and is a washable bright red wool. It fits the classic iPod perfectly."

Let us know how you feel about Kristin's sweet sweater by leaving a comment and we will enter you in a random drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies created by the members of Arts In RI. Check back here on Valentine's day for the winner.

Snow Angel In Love

2009-01-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

Our next Valentine product comes to you from the sewing room of Katelyn Safford of PhriendlyK8. It's a sweet dress that Katelyn has upcycled from an older garment. Katelyn says of her creation: "This dress was inspired by and created using a beautiful skirt that I was lucky enough to pick up at a thrift store. The skirt was so soft and elegant that I felt I could give it a new life by turning it into a beautiful dress. I love creating something new from something seemingly discarded. I feel that every piece of clothing has a voice and a story, and now this dress has two stories." The dress is beautiful and romantic. It's perfect for Valentine's Day but understated enough for everyday! Katelyn looks adorable modeling the dress too.

Let us know how you feel about Katelyn's creation by leaving a comment here on the blog and you will be entered to win a basket of goodies made by the Arts IN RI members. Leave a comment every time we post a new product for multiple chances of winning. Don't forget to check back here on Valentine's day when we announce the winner.

Eco Love

2009-01-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our next Valentine work is this adorable stone necklace with a hand drilled heart created by Tracy Prince of Steppingstones . Tracy said of this piece: "My inspirations for the Eco Love was to create a piece to signify my commitment to living a more eco friendly life. It started off with Matt and I trying to save money.... switching lightbulbs.... using reusable bags..... and other simple stuff. But, then it became more about preservation for my children and their children. I didn't want my kids to have to clean up my mess! So I created the design in 2007 as a tribute to my new commitment!" This necklace features a heart of stone cut exclusive to Steppingstones strung on a sparkling 18 inch silver plated chain. It comes packaged in a heart shaped satin box with a tube of bubbles for your silly Valentine to play with!

Let us know how you feel about Tracy's work in the comments section and you will be entered into a random drawing for a gift basket filled with goodies made by Arts In RI artisans. Check back here on Valentine's Day to see if you have won!

You're Kind of Growing on Me

2009-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

All great loves grow over time... they start out as saplings and then blossom into beautiful relationships with deep roots. Juile Beck of JulieBCreative painted this cute little painting for our challenge. It's her first painting of 2009 and we are so honored! Julie says of her creation: "The colors are super rich...deep crimson reds and brown, with slight hints of purple in the shadows. The sky is a complex layer of pigments...first the warm hue of unbleached titanium white with a wisp of pure white. On top of that is a thin layer of robins egg blue making the sky an interesting play of color." Give your sweetie a little gift of art! It is painted on high quality linen canvas and it is 6 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches deep.

Are you lucky in love? Tell us how you feel about Julie's beautiful painting in the comments section and you will be entered to win a basket of handmade goodies from the Arts In RI artists! It's that easy! Leave a comment every time we post a new Valentine product for multiple chances of winning and check back here on Valentine's day to see if you have won!

A Valentine's To Love

2009-01-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Arts In RI team members decided to creatively challenge one another to embrace the season of love with Valentine themed products. Between now and Valentine's Day we will share some of these "lovely" designs with you here on our blog. Let us know how you feel about our art by leaving a comment. Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a random drawing for an Arts In RI gift basket featuring goodies from many of our shops. (one entry per person per post. In other words you can enter once every time we post a new product!!!) Be sure to check back on the blog on Valentine's Day as we will announce the winner that day. Entries will be accepted until midnight February 13th.

Have you ever fallen in love with something at first sight? That's how I felt when I saw this classy Valentine themed clutch made by Linda of Alamodestuff. The fabric is velvet flocked red taffeta. Linda said of the fabric: "When I saw it, I simply had to have it. I wasn't sure what I was going to make, but I bought it anyway. After staring at it for days, I decided that it would make the perfect clutch for a little black dress. The shape was inspired by the purses of the 1940s. It reminds me of a time when women wore evening gloves with their fancy little bags." Check out Linda's shop for this item as well as other wonderful items with urban appeal.

Ocean Mist

2008-11-09T05:44:00.000-08:00

You only have to drive about twenty minutes or less from anywhere in Rhode Island to get to the ocean. The water that surrounds us very often influences our art. The collaborative team of Wendy Thatcher of Designs By Wendy T and Kim Vredenburg of Kim V Glass created a beautiful jewelry set with an ocean theme and color scheme. In Ocean Mist Wendy used borosilicate glass beads born one at a time in Kim's torch, coral, pearls and silver to create a gorgeous blue green necklace and earrings set. We asked them about their collaboration.

Please tell us a little about yourselves and what kind of art you make.

Wendy: My name is Wendy and I wear many hats. In my spare time (yeah, I have none) I design jewelry. My favorite materials have always been stones, wood and any other natural material. It is my passion, and it is what I would rather be doing at any given moment!

Kim: I am a lampworker. In other words, I play with fire. :-) I've been doing this for about 5 years and it still amazes me that I can take glass rods the thickness of a pencil melt them in a torch, manipulate it a bit....and end up with a little work of art.

Can you tell us how you got started on this project and how it has evolved.

Wendy: I have always had a desire to work with lampwork beads, but honestly, at first, this was a little intimidating for me. Kim makes such AMAZING creations! Because I have not worked much with glass, I was afraid that I could not do Kim's beads justice. I decided that I would handle this in my usual way. I took Kim's beads and hung them in front of me on my work bench. This is what I do with stones that I have purchased just because I love them, but don't have a plan for. I work on other projects, all the while glancing at the beads that I SHOULD be working with. For some reason, this works for me. Eventually, it hits me! This is exactly how it happened with out collaboration project!

Kim: When the Arts In RI team members were discussing doing collaborations, I remember thinking that since I make beads it was only fitting that I work with a jewelry person....Wendy.

What inspired you about your partner's art?

Wendy: Everything about Kim's art inspires me! She is an incredibly talented person who I secretly stalk through Etsy. I love to see her new pieces when they are listed! Besides being a wonderfully sweet human being, and so much fun to talk to, she inspires me to learn as much as I can about my art form.

Kim: I absolutely LOVE Wendy's designing ability!! It seems that, no matter what she is working with, it always "goes together" so beautifully. I swear she could make something fantastic out of junk!!

How did you ultimately decide to make what you did?

Wendy: As I mentioned before, I needed to wait for the right idea to hit me! I saw Kim's boro beads working well with blue sponge coral, some blue topaz and lots of other little fun things! In keeping with my natural style, I also added some unique little faceted bronze freshwater pearls.

Kim: I knew from the beginning that we needed to do an ocean themed project....after all, we are from the Ocean State :-) I had made a set of beads in the past that resembled ocean waters and had been unable to duplicate them. Torch chemistry has a definite effect on borosilicate glass. My goal was to recreate them.

Can you give us some insight into your brainstorming process?

Wendy: Kim and I discussed what we would like the end result of our collaboration to say. We are Ocean State girls, so this seemed the natural way to go. I waited to see Kim's work before ever thinking any further in to it. I needed to see the colors, shapes and sizes that she had chosen before I could even think about working with her boro and my stones.

Kim: After some chatting at one of our meetings and then through etsy's email system, it was agreed that I would try to recreate that set of ocean water beads. If I was successful, Wendy would work her magic with them.

Did this collaboration stretch your creative limits?

Wendy: Absolutely! I had never worked with boro beads before, and I truly wanted this project to be unique! I made and then took apart 3 or 4 different pieces before I was happy with the design.

Kim: I was definitely stretched in a technical way. I really wanted to create beads that would do justice to Wendy's design!

Were there any roadblocks or setbacks?

Wendy: Only my lack of confidence at times, but in the end, I was so pleased with the outcome.

Kim: Well, there were some beads that didn't come out quite like I wanted them to :-) But, I persevered and was able to make enough that Wendy could make a necklace and a pair of earrings.

Did you find this to be a rewarding experience and why?

Wendy: This project was very rewarding to me! I really do feel that it forced me think outside of my comfort zone, which I really needed to do anyway! Kim was a blast to work with and I am ready to do it again any time!

Kim: Absolutely! Most of the time, when I send off a set of my beads, I don't get to see them in a finished piece. I was so excited to see them as part of a finished piece, and a gorgeous finished piece it is!! I would love to collaborate with Wendy again!!

Hidden in The Soul of a Child

2008-11-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

Our third installment in our collaboration journey is a mixed media piece done by Julie Beck of JulieBCreative and Kim Vredenburg of KimVGlass. Julie attached one of Kim's electroformed skeleton keys with a large glass cabochon to her painting. The theme of the piece is the education of children using the key set against a beautiful rural and rustic scene. We asked Julie and Kim about this project.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what kind of art you make.

Julie: I am an acrylic painter. I am happiest when I'm sitting in front of my easel, painting away while the day slips by...although I normally paint at night...so I guess it's "as the night slips by". My paintings range in all types of sizes, but I like to work in either square canvases, or very horizontally long canvases, bold colors, and nostalgic and/or rural imagery.

Kim: Up until last year I taught elementary school but once I retired I was able to devote more time to my glasswork. I've been working with glass for over 20 years, starting with stained glass and eventually lampworking. There is something so intriguing about melting glass in a flame and seeing what one can create with it!

Can you tell us how you got started on this project and how it has evolved?

Julie: After Arts In RI decided that we were going to do collaborations, I went through all the people participating and landed on Kim. She has skeleton keys that are flat on the back so I knew it would be a simple process to attach to a painting. She started out by making the key, and lucky for me, she had me make decisions along the way. I got to choose colors for the glass, from a selection of keys, as well as which glass cab I wanted when she was done. All those decisions ultimately led me to what color scheme the painting was going to be.

Kim: When the Arts In RI team members were discussing doing collaborations, I remember thinking that there wasn't one member that I couldn't envision working with. They are an extremely talented group of artists! That being said, I was thrilled when Julie contacted me about collaborating with her.

What inspired you about your partner's art?

Julie: I've used skeleton keys in the past for still life subjects, but I liked the blue patina she had on some of her work. Also, her use of color is really vibrant. I stick to bold vibrant color for the most part, so it seemed a perfect fit.

Kim: I love Julie's style, her subject matter, and her use of colors!!! I hoped that combining her work with mine would produce a fantastic mixed media piece....and I think I was right! :-)

How did you ultimately decide to make what you did?

Julie: I sketched out my idea before I started. Once I had the idea down, Kim made the key, and I got to work!

Kim: When Julie and I first started discussing integrating my glass into her work, I just KNEW I had to do an electroformed key. I was positive that it would meld very nicely with Julie's style and subject matter.

Can you give us some insight into your brainstorming process?

Julie: I started with the sketch and an idea. Kim and I talked over the idea and what the look and feel was going to be. We agreed on this type of scene...so the brainstorming process was the catalyst.

Kim: We used Etsy e-mail system and "talked" via Convos until we were able to meet in person. When we met, Julie brought her sketchbook with her and drew out various alternatives. Our project started to take shape at this point.

Did this collaboration stretch your creative limits?

Julie: Absolutely! I normally stick to bold earth tones, but Kim's colors for the key pushed me into a less explored color scheme. It sounds like it's not a difficult thing but in reality, it takes a lot of reworking and layers to get just the right color to match.

Kim: Did this stress me? Yes :-) I wanted to make the perfect piece for Julie and the glass doesn't always cooperate. Did it stretch me, definitely! The color scheme that Julie and I decided would look best with her work incorporated some colors that can be difficult to work with in borosilicate, and not some that I work with regularly. So, I was stretched "technically".

Were there any roadblocks or setbacks?

Julie: Surprisingly no!

Kim: No, this was a totally fun experience!!

Did you find this to be a rewarding experience and why?

Julie: This was a really great challenge and I am already on the lookout for next 3D item I can use in a painting. It not only forced me to work with different colors, but also got me thinking in a whole new dimension.

Kim: Absolutely! When I'm working alone in my studio I can feel a bit isolated (which is not necessarily a bad thing) and it felt good to expand outside my glass world!! It is really great to work with someone so creative!

Julie has created a time lapse video of her painting this work of art here

Fabric Meets Metal

2008-11-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

Our next collaborative project takes us to the sewing room of Lisa Billings of Pink Lemonade Boutique. Lisa designs and makes gorgeous fabric handbags. She completed a project with Mark Kaplan a metal smith who has taken a one year sabbatical from Arts in RI while he travels Asia. We interviewed Lisa about their completed design.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what kind of art you make

Let's see...I am a stay at home Mom trying to make a go of a handbag business on Etsy and various craft shows. I love to sew, quilting is my passion, but handbags are quicker and more profitable! I actually really enjoy designing handbags too, obviously. They are the perfect outlet for my fabric obsession. I'd rather buy fabric than food, clothes, shoes, (well maybe not shoes) and jewelry. I love to incorporate elements of quilting into handbag design, such as patchwork and fabric applique. I like quirky color combinations, and vibrant colors in general.

Can you tell us how you got started on this project and how it has evolved?

Actually it took me awhile to actually get started on the project. I approached Mark Kaplan about collaborating, and he really understood the design idea I was describing to him. Next thing you know, he has these gorgeous Sakura buttons for me. I kind of dragged my feet on it because I became daunted at designing the perfect bag for his buttons. I think I was overthinking it. But then I just happened to be showing a bag I just made, and someone suggested I add the buttons to it, and voila, it worked beautifully! It was serendipitous.

What inspired you about your partner's art?

I was intrigued by the contrast in our styles. His masculine metalwork was so different from my floral feminine style, I thought it would be pretty dynamic.

How did you ultimately decide to make what you did?

Well think I pretty much described how it inadvertantly came together.

Can you give us some insight into your brainstorming process?

As far as the idea I pictched to Mark, I just had these Sakura (cherry blossom) images floating in my head, and I thought he would be able to execute them, and he did perfectly. I don't know why, but at the time I was fixated on that particular motif.

Did this collaboration stretch your creative limits?

It did, and that's exactly why I wanted to collaborate with Mark. On the surface he seemed like and unlikely partner for me and at first I thought; "this is kind of wacky", but it was actually such a compatible meeting of styles.

Were there any roadblocks or setbacks?

Just my own overthinking and procrastination.

Did you find this to be a rewarding experience and why?

Yes it was very rewarding. I appreciated so much Mark being to willing to do this with me. He did such a great job with the buttons. And I got great feedback about what ultimately became the finished product. It was rewarding to see your particular craft from a different point of view, and do something you wouldn't naturally feel comfortable doing. I'd love to do it again.

Collaboration Challenge

2008-11-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Collaboration is the foundation of society. People interact, share ideas and form relationships in order to better their lives and the lives of those around them. Art and the creative process of an artist was once a very solitary endeavor. The Internet and social networking has allowed artists to collaborate on a single work together like they never would have been able to before. As our Arts In RI street team has gotten to know one another and seen the amazing talent of each member we began making links between things in each other's work. It became apparent that seeing the work of others on the team sparked ideas for our own art and thus creative connections began to form. It made sense to create a challenge, asking members to formalize these ideas and create collaborative projects. Well, the challenge has been a success. The members who have participated report enjoying this challenge very much and the projects speak for themselves. They are beautiful! We will be doing a series of interviews of each team that outlines the process and shows the reader the finished collaborative works. Most of these works are or were available in our Etsy shops.

The team that outlined this challenge for the group was that of Tracy Prince of Sea Find Designs and Stepping Stones and Paula McDonough of The Venerable Bead.

Paula and Tracy please tell us a little about yourself and what kind of art you make:

Paula: My name is Paula McDonough and I am The Venerable Bead. I am a wife and mother of two beautiful children, Thomas and Emma. I am a clinical social worker by day but at night I melt borosilicate glass rods in the flame of a torch to create one of a kind beads and pendants.

Tracy: My name is Tracy Prince. I am attached to Matt, we made Matthew and Emma! I've been called a "Jayne of all trades" I think it's because of my ADHD. I just haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up yet! Right now I make things out of stuff I find on my Rhode Island coast..... sea glass, stones, shells, reusable trash! I make mostly jewelry, but a lot of stuff for your home too!!

Can you tell us how you got started on this project and how it has evolved?

Paula: Tracy and I thought it would be fun to challenge our group to collaborate with one another. This challenge came at a time when our group was starting to get to know one another and learning about each other’s art. It seemed like a great way to cross promote as well as grow and develop as artists and as a team.

Tracy: Paula and I pretty much think the same on a lot of subjects. This evolved from brainstorming together. Paula pretty much came up with the idea and it grew from there! I wanted to collaborate with Paula first because I loved her mix with the old and new. It's pretty much the same as my art.... making something old new again!

What inspired you about your partner's art?

Paula: I have always loved sea glass and stones. From the time I was very little I could not resist a shiny pebble or piece of glass tumbled by the sea. There’s a funny story that happened to me in second grade. I was in the school yard crouched down collecting tiny white shiny pebbles and one of my classmates tried to hurdle me. Well she missed and stepped right on my head sending my forehead into the pavement. I received 4 stitches for my love of stones!
I don’t think I ever told Tracy that story. Anyway when I saw Tracy’s work, that early love for stones and glass was rekindled in me and I knew I wanted to somehow incorporate her work into mine.

Tracy: The mix of old and new! I'm not a bling kind of gal. I love the rustic feeling of Paula's jewelry. I knew simplicity of my glass and stones would work well with her art!

How did you ultimately decide to make what you did?

Paula: Well I think we both tried to over think this one. The key with charms seemed like a no brainer so I tried to go beyond that and think way outside the box. At first I wanted Tracy to carve a stone for me that I could set a glass cabochon into. I was inspired by Jesse Demoss’s Finder's Keepers series where he has set his boro glass cabochons into stone and released them back to the world for unsuspecting humans to find. I really thought Tracy and I could achieve the look of this in a piece of jewelry. It didn’t happen. Tracy’s stones are a lot smaller in person and my cabs are honking big. When we both really talked about what we wanted to see in a finished piece it came right back to the beaded keys for me and for Tracy, the cluster necklaces. We settled right into a groove once we went back to what we know and love most.

Tracy: Trial and error I think! We passed a few ideas around, and what we ultimately decide to make just seemed right. I wanted to incorporate each others work into our own instead of making something new that didn't feel like "Us".

Can you give us some insight into your brainstorming process?

Paula: Tracy and I are like the comedy team of collaborators. Picture 2 ADHD kids in a candy store trying to decide what they want. “Make me a red one …no a blue one…. oh heck let’s do both.” Once Tracy suggested a theme Earth and Sea (despite me trying to change it to Fire and Ice.. doh…) we ultimately decided to make two sets of items based on that theme. The final projects are absolutely spot on. We nailed them!

Tracy: Yes. Me saying "Let's do this!!!" and Paula saying "You can do that with glass!!!!"

Did this collaboration stretch your creative limits?

Paula: Well I think I tried to make more of it than it needed to be. Tracy said it best. “Our creations are simple and elegant”. That’s exactly what most women want in a piece of jewelry. There’s just enough sparkle and lots of originality and fun and each of our personalities are represented.

Tracy: Did I mention the ADHD! I always feel stretched!! It was fun!! I really like Paula and enjoyed working with her!

Were there any roadblocks or setbacks?

Paula: Well besides our first misstep with the cab idea and some serious scheduling issues on both our parts, things really came together well in the end. I think our projects were supposed to be delayed because I think mine were meant to have PMC and Bronzclay charms on them and that couldn’t have happened until after we serendipitously took a PMC class together in September. I found Tracy and I work well together which is quite funny because when we get going on our group message board we are like the Desi and Lucy show. Verbal sparring over early morning coffee and Diet Coke is our favorite past time. Sometimes the one liners are flying so fast I get whiplash. Ahh but it’s all good fun. I so enjoy her.

Tracy: See the ADHD disclaimer above! No, just schedules I guess. We work pretty well together.

Did you find this to be a rewarding experience and why?

Paula: Yes very much so. Not only was it fun to create something with Tracy but it has also been rewarding seeing how other teams have worked together and the wonderful things they created. It’s kind of like being a mama and papa of art. Sniff...

Tracy: Yup! How often to you get to meet a bunch of great people, play together, make stuff, and feel good about it!!?? Not often past the age of 11..... And I never had to take my ball and go home once!!!

Member Recognition

2008-10-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Two of our members, Kim of Kim V Glass and Linda of A la' mode have recently been published! Kim has a wonderful tutorial of her electroformed skeleton key in the Oct/Nov 2008 issue of Glass Line Magazine, and one of Linda's bags has been featured in the October 2008 issue of Stressfree Living. Congratulations to both of them. We are so proud of them. Both make beautiful art and it's really nice when talent is recognized.

Winner of the Halloween Contest

2008-10-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Poppy of groovyglassgirl.etsy.com has won the pumpkin. My daughter randomly chose her name this morning in our drawing. Congratulations Poppy!!! Poppy is a talented warm glass artist who I am sure appreciates Suzanne's fine talent as a hot glass artist. Thank you to all who played and entered. We hope you enjoyed your trip through our fine shops. We received alot of nice feedback. Thank you for that as well. It makes having these contests such a pleasure.

ARTSINRI Halloween Contest

2008-10-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Artsinri is sponsoring a Halloween contest and offering a treat with no tricks. All you need to do to enter is search for the Halloween pumpkin Artsinri logo in a featured item in one of our shops. You will need an etsy account and can register for one here. Along the right column of the blog you will find a link to all of our shops. When you find the Halloween logo with the carved pumpkin, convo me with the name of the shop and the item name and number where you found it and you will be entered into a random drawing to win this beautiful glass pumpkin hand blown by our very own Suzanne Tanner of Tanner Glass. The pumpkin is made of transparent orange glass with a transparent green stem. It measures 4" tall by 3.5" wide. It is signed and dated on the bottom by Suzanne, and a gift box is included! The suggested retail price is $35. Suzanne was kind enough to make this pumpkin especially for this contest and it is one of a kind! For this reason, Suzanne doesn't have these in her shop but if you convo her she is happy to take special orders. Now enjoy your not so spooky trip through Artsinri. We would love for you to ring our doorbells along the way if you like what you see! The contest will run from today and end at midnight on Monday October 27th. The winner will be notified by convo and posted here and on the Etsy forums on Tuesday October 28th. Thanks for playing.

Keep your eyes peeled!

2008-10-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Our Arts In RI Halloween Contest is on it's way!

The Venerable Bead is Famous!

2008-09-25T17:58:00.001-07:00

Arts in RI member Paula of The Venerable Bead not only made it onto the pages of "Stringing" magazine - she made the cover! And it's no wonder, her work is gorgeous. Visit her Etsy shop to see more of her beautiful work.

Stringing Magazine

Paula's Piece

You can pick up a copy of Stringing at your local bookstore or craft store.

Newest Member

2008-08-28T12:13:00.001-07:00

Arts In RI welcomes our newest member Lauren Minco!
We love her playful fun paintings and prints.

GO check out her shop.
Interview to come!