Your Daily Muse News

Spooky Silhouette Candleholders Tutorial

2010-10-06T04:26:00.000-05:00

Thought I would start October out with a spoooooky tutorial...okay it may not be that scary but it is one for the books...or is that one for the blog ????

You can find the full tutorial at http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/diy-project-evitas-spooky-silhouette-candleholders.html

Till tomorrow .. keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Homemade Air Freshener – Recipe

2010-06-09T04:58:00.000-05:00

Here in Texas the summer heat is already moving the temps up and we are at a point where you can no longer open your windows unless you want everything to have that soupy wet feeling to it. I may have told you all that we moved from Iowa to Texas 10 years ago, and one of the things I miss is the true season changes ...I love being able to have my windows open even in the dead of winter to get fresh air in the house.

Today's recipes are my way of freshening up the house without a lot of commercial sprays.

Spray Vanilla and Cloves Air Freshener Spray
Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup household vinegar
1 TBS vanilla extract
1 tsp cloves

Directions
Bring all ingredients to a boil then simmer over medium heat for two minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Strain cloves then pour liquid into spray bottle, shake and use as needed.
Note: You can increase/decrease the vanilla & cloves amounts to your preference.

Lemon Air Freshener Spray
Ingredients
2 cups hot water
1/8 cup baking soda
1/2 cup lemon juice

Directions
First dissolve the baking soda in hot water then add the lemon juice. You can use ReaLemon for this (expired is fine).

Quick Tip: Easy Homemade Deodorizer Sprays:
You can also whip up some good, fresh smelling spray with just two ingredients: water or vinegar and essential oils.

Simply fill a spray bottle with water or vinegar, add a dozen or so drops of your favorite essential oils and spray away!

Salt Packed Citrus Shells: DIY Air Freshener

I just love the smell of grapefruit:

Cut an grapfruit in half and remove the pulp;
Fill the empty shell with some salt;
Put in the back of your fridge as a fridge freshener;
Keep the grapefruit shell in a small bowl so it won’t tip over and spill the salt.

The salt absorbs stale and nasty odors while the shell releases a fresh, orange smell. I also tuck one of these behind the toilet in our bathroom.

This would also work for other citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.

Another way you can do this is cut an orange in half and coat the exposed flesh liberally with salt. Since we love eating oranges I always remove the pulp first.

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Dick Kent of Dick's Good Wood - Wood Carving

2010-06-07T05:35:00.000-05:00

I just love the grace and feel of a wonderully wood carving... Dick has has an amazing talent .. let's begin getting to know this artist and his work !

DM: What is your artistic medium?
DK: I carve entirely in wood, primarily Basswood but some others.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
DK: The best place to see my work is on my ETSY website ...

DM: When did you become interested in your medium?
DK: I have carved off and on for about 8 years but never with regularity. Before starting to carve, I built and sold pine furniture both as a hobby and to sell in local gift shops.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
DK: Although I have taken a couple of 2-3 day courses, I have learned most of my skill through good old trial and error. Some of my first carvings weren't too good.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
DK: Basswood is about the best to start with. It is reasonably inexpensive and carves pretty easily. Don't buy junk wood, buy good wood, it is so much easier to work with.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
DK: The creativity and challenge, especially when carving a custom item for a client.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
DK: Usually, that I don't get enough time to carve.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
DK: Since I do mostly custom work, my clients tell me what they want. Otherwise, I just carve something I see or imagine that I like. It may be a picture, a nature scene, sometimes a carving by some other artist. I never copy someone else's work but I do use them to generate ideas of my own.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
DK: My favorite creation was of a pair of brown bears wrestling. I did it as a surprise for my son. I also like to create custom walking sticks, with a theme that reflects the users interests. Although I have not placed any in my shop at this time, I would be happy to create some for my clients.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
DK: No, I haven't had this problem, probably because I carve for clients, and they give me the theme of whatever they desire.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
DK: Under-estimate the time it will take to produce a piece of work. I've gotten better at this.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
DK: Today, I work out of my attached garage, where I have an area set aside for my work area. As my sales grow, my dream is to build a separate shop on my property.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
DK: I enjoy carving about any time, day or night, as long as I'm not physically worn out from some other activity.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
DK: Buy good, sharp tools and keep them sharp. Also, use good wood. Nothing is as frustrating as trying to carve with a dull tool, unless it's trying to carve a bad piece of wood with a dull tool.

DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
DK:Not in particular. I enjoy about anyone's work. Just being able to use God given gifts to create is beauty in itself.

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
DK: I have been retired for about two years and still carve on an as-time-permits basis. Of course, I have to schedule my time a little better when I'm working on a clients piece but I still try to maintain a "retired" life style. My wife and I enjoy traveling and I often work while traveling, so a piece of work may have been done in multiple locations.

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
DK: Only that anyone with a creative gift should make every effort to use it.

Thank you Kent for sharing more about your passion and your art ! We wish you the best in 2010 !

Until tomorrow... keep creating !
Tina

2010-05-02T12:24:00.004-05:00

Hello dear reader, I know that you'll be expecting to hear from Tina, however, there are problems in blogland and all is not well! At the moment, Tina cannot get in to create new posts, but hopefully the difficulties will be resolved soon.

At this point I should probably introduce myself! I am Alita and I am going to be helping Tina with "Your Daily Muse News". Please bear with me while I familiarise myself with the blog, I just hope that I can be as entertaining as she is.

Being a practising artist, I am, like most of you are I imagine, fascinated with the work of other artists, which is what led me to find "Your Daily Muse News". What a great idea, I thought, to showcase such diverse artistic disciplines and thereby give inspiration to others.

When Tina announced that she would like some help with the blog, I jumped at the chance to be involved with such a worthwhile site.

Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! Alita on behalf of Tina aka Your Daily Muse News

Teaser --- My weekend class with Julie Picarello

2010-04-27T04:36:00.000-05:00

Got back to Texas around 1 am Monday morning... needless to say slept till noon but WOW WHAT a WONDERFUL class, my mind is on overdrive with everything I learned this weekend !

I was laying out on the hammock enjoying some great Texas sunshine (let me tell you, I LOVE my hammock) and every time I would see a flower or a little lizard my mind would start whizzing with color schemes ... I have a new outlook thanks to Julie and her take on colors !

I must say Julie Picarello is just as sweet and fun in person as everyone had said she would be AND her teaching skills are AMAZING !!

I walked away with 3 or 4 newly made pendants and yes I promise to do a better write up later this week sharing even more about my wonderful time and some great pictures, but I am exhausted and planning an early night.... then the day job take over and I may not get a chance to post again for a couple day ... but rest assured, YDMN will soon be back on track !

I also want to put a huge thank you to the CMSPCG (MS PC Guild) for being so welcoming, talk about southern hospitality, I never felt so at home ! I will be writing more about this outstanding group also !

For now... off to bed and till later this week ... keep creating !
Tina aka Your Daily Muse News

Interview with Yosi Peled - Olive Tree Art - Wood Sculpture

2010-04-26T04:41:00.053-05:00

Yosi works with such passion and grace with each wood sculpture, it was a pleasure to interview him... let's begin !

DM: What is your artistic medium?
YP: I work with wood, natural olive, cherry, oke, mahogany and others. My material is mostly trees that ended their lives. I work with them and give them a new life. I sometimes combine glass, mirror, metal or stone materials in my works.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
YP: At my home studio and in olivetreeart.etsy.com and I'm also working on a website.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
YP: Since I was a small kid in the "Kibbutz", I used to spend hours in the local wood workshop.
I've been working with wood all my life.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
YP: Many trials and errors, watching skilled craftsmen at work, and a continuous self-exploration of various materials such as wood, metal, glass and stone.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
YP: Combine your own personal originality with the endless experience of others. Be open to absorb, and give your heart the freedom to create.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
YP: The most magical feeling I experience when working with the natural wood, is when two points meet together: The original tree's expression, enhanced by my inspiration and touch.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
YP: When reaching this "meeting point" is delayed...

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
YP: Most of my inspiration comes from daily-life experiences, and when I come in contact with the "right" tree or wood material. In many cases the tree itself is the trigger to the creation.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
YP: My favorite creation is my last creation - a 2.5 meter high Olive tree mirror. This work is a combination of wonderful raw material and all my gained experience up to this point.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
YP: Yes. Frustration is sometimes a part of the creationism process. I try to get the most out of it, by using the energy of those pressure points to the benefit of the work.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
YP: It's really hard to choose one example. Mistakes take place many times and make grate contribution to my artistic progress.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
YP: The studio set-up is defined by the specific project I'm working on. My studio contains professional machinery. I have a large collection of hand tools, since most of the work is done by hand.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
YP:In the evening.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
YP:Don't let the fear of frustration hold you back – if you keep trying and follow your truth – you will succeed.

DM: Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?
YP: I deeply respect Salvador Dally and Auguste Rodin.

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
YP: Born 1959 and the father of two sons. I grew-up in Kibbutz Ein-Gedi in Israel.
I spent about 10 years living in the United States and Canada, learning to work with different types of wood and carpentry techniques. Today I live and create in Israel.

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
YP: Thank you Tina and Your Daily Muse News for the platform.
I would love to get replies and questions to my email: yosi265@bezeqint.net

Take care and keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Julie Picarello - Road Trip to MS !

2010-04-22T07:37:00.001-05:00

I am so excited, I am off on a four day road trip to MS to take a class with Polymer Clay artist Julie Picarello, this is one of her last guild teaching for 2010. If you are not familiar with Julie's work, I have grabbed a few pictures from google to show you what I am looking forward to learning. Please take some time to enjoy Julie's website, I think her work is just amazing (yes I am a little star star struck) !

Julie won the second place award at last year’s Bead & Button Show Bead Dreams competition. She has put her own twist on on a polymer version of Mokume Gane. I also love that she incorporates metal work into her finished pieces.

With any luck, I will come back with some great pictures from my road trip and some new mad skills I can share with you all !

You can see more of this artist work at her
♥ Webpage: http://www.yhdesigns.com/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Your Daily Muse News

Artisan Craft Club Pages of Tutorials !

2010-04-21T04:42:00.002-05:00

Found this wonderful page at my all time favorite site DeviantArt --- pages and pages of tutorials.... and we all know how much YDMN loves her some tutorials !

They have Jewelry, Origami, Woodwork, Sculptures & Glass, Metal Work, Leather Work, Custom Dolls, Culinary Arts, Pumpkin Carving ( now who does not need to know this skill I ask you? ) , Textile, Tsumami Kanzashi (not sure what it is but I do love acquiring new skills!) , Plushies, How to Drape the Basic Bodice, and the always fun to browse Miscellaneous !

You can loose hours and hours and remember, I want to see pictures of the items you make !
♥ DeviantArt: http://artisancraft.deviantart.com/blog/8282003/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Stephenie Lynch of Arcadia Rose Jewellery Design

2010-04-20T04:20:00.000-05:00

Artist Information or Bio:

Stephenie Lynch of Arcadia Rose Jewellery Design has had a fascination for the Alchemy and beauty of Mokume-Gane.This is a mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns, historically originating from Japan. Mokume-Gane - meaning: "wood-grain metal". These beautiful patterns are reminiscent of the patterns found in nature. It is in this way, we are reminded of and appreciate nature and perhaps our existence in it.

(PS I keep dropping hints at the hubby that my 25 yr anniversary wedding ring needs to be made from mokume gane.....can you see why ?)

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/arcadiarose

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Your Daily Muse News

Interview with Misty Oakley of Mistys Creations- Clay & Paint Artist

2010-04-19T05:05:00.069-05:00

When I came across this artist, my jaw just dropped to the floor, I was blown away by this lady's talent ! I am sure you will enjoy not only the eye candy but the answers to my interview questions ! Lets begin ….

DM: What is your artistic medium?
MO: My mediums are paint and clay. It depends on what I have in mind for the piece whether I use polymer clay or air dry clay, and I always use acrylic paint.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
MO: On the computer my art can be seen on "My Space"... I also have a couple Blogs...http://realitysuckspeanutbutter.blogspot.com/ (DM: LOVE the name of that one ! ) and http://artgeckostudio.blogspot.com/. You can also find me on ETSY.
I belong to various guilds...and groups which present my style of art,http://www.elfwood.com/~mysty1 and last but not least...I have a Barber Shop called Sweeney's in Tucson, Arizona (DM" how cute of a name for a barber shop !) and I fill my walls with my art that I create in the studio area of my shop!

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
MO: This is a little weird, I have always had to draw, paint or sculpt, but I've had a busy life. I didn't always have the time to create art. In the year 2000 I promised I would make myself happy and concentrate on my art. One day I had a gentleman in my barber chair and I couldn't help but look at the catalog he was thumbing through. It was a taxidermist's catalog. I never knew what was under a deer skin when it was up on the wall, but there it was, a foam deer form. I thought they looked like baby dragons. I was thinking...if I cover one with air dry clay I could sculpt a dragon! So that's what I did! I haven't stopped yet. Then I paint them with acrylics and I use taxidermy glass eyes, they sometimes look as if they need to be fed!

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
MO: I think everything in art is trial and error, you just know you have to make stuff. Sometimes you like it...other times you throw it in the trash before anyone sees it. I'm a mood artist, when I really am in the mood to create, I don't worry about the time or whether I'm hungry I just have to keep going.
Love the great books on polymer clay they have in the bookstores, I have just always had to do art. My dad was a newspaper man and when I was in preschool he'd bring home stakes of unprinted newsprint paper and I'd fill them full of everything I could think of! Looking back... he was probably trying to keep my from filling up the walls! No formal schooling, self taught, I paint and sculpt things I am obsessed with!

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
MO: If I had to pick something for a beginner, I say try air dry clay. It's nice to have the 3D and feel it in your hands. But that's really where the trial and error comes in... try different things until you find the thing that fits YOU!

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
MO: With my clay dragons, I like how they effect the viewer, they often don't know it's clay...that's nice!

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
MO: How long my dragons take to finish. There are a bunch of steps...but I always know when one is done!

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
MO: I find inspiration in other artists work, I get sparks from other artists, not to copy but to create something beautiful of my own. I fell in love with Boris' work many years ago. I have his books and calenders you name it. Fantasy art...reality is too real... I find it very depressing!

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
MO: I have a large blue dragon I made. It's a female and she is turning her head and licking her shoulder. When I put her on the wall she was turning to the wall. It was just looked wrong...all her energy was stopped at the wall. So I cut out a renaissance shaped window from ply wood. I put screen around the outside and sculpted the stones of a castle window. I had professional glass cutters install a mirror and then mounted my "Looking Glass Dragon" in front of it! Now her energy is reflected in the never ending window! She's my favorite.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
MO: Oh yes, it's awful. I try to stay away from my art until my mood changes or I'll mess something up. I watch a great movie, read a book, go on the web and see what other artist are doing...that makes me want to create! Or it will rain!

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
MO: Maybe it wasn't the biggest but costly and time consuming...I was trying to cut corners by not using a primmer before painting. With out primer your paint will then soak into the clay, the texture will be different and your colors won't be true. It's just not worth it. Don't rush your art, do it right the first time then your end product will be something you can be proud of!

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
MO: My studio is the back room in my barber shop, if I'm at work. if I'm home it's on the floor in front of my TV. I paint and sculpt between haircuts, and I carry my paint to and from work everyday because if I don't I will be in the mood and all my stuff will be in the other place...it will drive me crazy(er).

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
MO: There is no favorite time, when ever the mood strikes!

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
MO: Just get your hands dirty, if you don't like it... tear it up. Make something else, until you like it. As long as YOU like it, that's all that matters, then someone else will!

DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
MO: I mentioned Boris, several of the masters of course. but there is also Linda Smith, she's a fairy artist, she does tutorials and has a blog and so on...wow she makes the most beautiful fairies.

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
MO: I have always loved doing art. I married young had children and step children. I became a barber because my husband needed a barber, I became a musician because he needed a bass player. I worked two jobs night and day for over 20 years. Now I only work one, I retired as a musician, I now have time for my art...DO NOT WAIT TO DO YOUR ART! Do what makes you happy...follow your BLISS!

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
MO: I'd like to share my sincere Thanks to Muse News for thinking of me for their interview. I'm honored.
Bless you and thank you again,
Misty Oakley

DM: Believe me, it has been a please looking over your art and learning about you !

Till tomorrow.... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Your Daily Muse News is looking for co-blogger or intern !

2010-04-18T07:28:00.015-05:00

I am looking for someone that wants to share their interest of all the great arts and crafts around the net --- if you are interested, please contact me museoftheday(at) gmail.com

It really is a fun gig, we will share the duties, and I promise you, it will not take too much of your time. I will help you with some great short cuts that make each post wonderful !

Hope to hear from someone !
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Welcome to Creative Gold Smith !!!

2010-04-17T04:54:00.001-05:00

Artist Information or Bio:
I am a goldsmith who has been working in the jewelry industry for 20 years. I went to North Bennett Street School in Boston in 1994 to train to be a goldsmith. I have worked in repairing, renovating and custom design in my work shop for the last 15 years. Most of my jewelry is hand fabricated resulting in each piece being unique.

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/creativegoldsmith
♥ Blog:
♥ Facebook:
♥ Twitter:
♥ Webpage:
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Paper Sculpture by Allen and Patty Eckman

2010-04-16T04:06:00.001-05:00

Spouses Allen and Patty Eckman to create sculptures using paper and their original patented method. The sculptures created by Ekman relate to their personal hobbies. Thus, Allen Ekman belongs to Cherokee and his works are about the Indians. Patty also involves the Indians, but more on the theme of nature, women and children.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.eckmanfineart.com/index.html
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Welcome to Dichroic Creations !!!

2010-04-15T04:31:00.001-05:00

Artist Information or Bio:

Hello and welcome to Dichroic Creations.

My name is Mandy and I live on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I am a mother of 3, their ages are 4, 11 and 13. I first started making Dichroic Pendants when my youngest was just a baby and have been addicted ever since. Every spare minute I have I am working on more pendants to the point my family gets sometimes neglected LOL.

My whole life I have always been crafty and my first ever job I was a Picture Framer for a number of years where I found I had an eye for colour combining. If colours didn't sit right with me it would actually make me feel ill and to this day when creating my pendants colours have to be right together or it just does not work for me. So this has been an important sense in my creating.

I usually have two creating days a week when my little one is in Kindy, I love these days, it's almost a form of meditation when I can just sit in front of my glass and create what comes to me. I never know what I am going to create on my day until I sit down - it really depends on my mood. Then there are days that I just can't create at all, so I will spend the day grinding or photographing etc.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy my work!

Mandy

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/DichroicCreations
♥ Blog:
♥ Facebook:
♥ Twitter:
♥ Webpage:

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Robert The: book works .........

2010-04-14T04:31:00.004-05:00

They’re still books – only a bit changed. All these books were transformed into visual art, but still they’re books. American artist and a mathematician with a strange name, Robert The makes bizarre creations from books for many years. His art works are stored in many private collections and are exhibited in modern museums. These quite unusual and creative creations will surely find its place in modern art.

You can see more of his work at http://www.bookdust.com/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Out On A Whim !!!

2010-04-13T05:16:00.000-05:00

Artist Intro:

Welcome to Out On A Whim. Just as the name implies, you never know what I may be making or doing. My first love is photography, but when I am not doing that, I spend many hours in my studio, sewing room, and garage making the items that you will see here.

I make all of my own items and although some of them may be along the same theme, no two will ever be alike. Most of my creations start out with a very general idea or inspiration and I never know what the finished product will be, so it even surprises me sometimes at the finished product.

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReneesOutOnAWhim
♥ Blog: http://ohnothatdidnothappen.blogspot.com/
♥ Website: http://www.reneesoutonawhim.com

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview : Elitsa Altanova of KUKLA Studio- Jewelry Design, Metal Working

2010-04-12T04:31:00.001-05:00

I have been wanting to get back into wire wrapping and admit, I still search the web for wonderful artist like Elitsa that have a way with wire ! Let's get started on her interview ........

DM: What is your artistic medium?
KS: It has been a few years now that I use mostly wire to create my jewelry. I like it because it gives me the opportunity to create jewelry of different type.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
KS: I can be found on ETSY and my Behance website.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
KS: I can not say when exactly, it’s always a process of trying different things and using the medium that mostly suits you at a certain moment. I like creating jewelry because it gives me the opportunity to create pieces of art which are at the same time part of the everyday life.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
KS: I have a degree in Fine Art and Photography but as a jewelry designer I am basically self-taught.
When I have an idea about a new piece I start looking for a way to create it – there are times when I come close to the idea I started from and others when a different piece is being created in the process. And of course also times when I realize that the thing I’ve dreamt of or the “great” idea that I just got, wasn’t that great at the end.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
KS: I cannot think of any particular thing. Maybe the most important is to look for your own voice and to have faith in what you are doing.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
KS: The wide variety of choices.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
KS: Promoting my work – I really prefer creating to spending time on my web page and trying to figure it out what SEO and other similar things mean.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
KS: Everywhere - in everyday life, nature, dreams.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
KS: I remember I was quite happy when I created my Silver Landscape Earrings – the idea just appeared when I was randomly thinking about the change of the seasons and how everything is so different in the Fall. Then I thought it would be nice to create earrings with an autumn landscapes and at the end I came up with these two delicate trees, which are loosing their leaves. Something about them just makes me feel good there are my work!

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it.
KS: I don’t know if it’s an artist block, there are just times when I don’t feel like working. It could be laziness! :) But I know the importance of the time off and I’m trying to give it to myself. When I don’t feel inspired I just take a day off, try doing things that I enjoy, go for a long walk, start reading a new book, see a beautiful movie and be patient with myself.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
KS: The biggest mistake… Maybe leaving my jewelry on a consignment contract with people who put their interest above all. What I’ve learned was to trust my work and to ask for more when I deserve it.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
KS: I don’t have a studio. Since I like traveling and living in different places and I am never long enough at the same spot, I can not settle. I work where I live, always trying to create a space which is comfortable and where I feel good.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
KS: I am a day-person, so I’ve always prefer to work in the mornings. Of course when I have a lot to do I work during the nights too.

DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
KS: There are many artist that I admire, I really like Japanese graphic art and also Art Nouveau works. And certainly I adore Rene Lalique.

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
KS: Thanks for including me in your blog, I really appreciate it!

Take care and keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Welcome to Mickey's Jewelry Creations !!

2010-04-11T04:38:00.001-05:00

Artist Information or Bio:
- Guild Member Of:The Crafty Moms, GroupArtfire, Cafemom, TeamPolymer, Clay Smooshers

I make jewelry for casual and formal wearI make wire-sculpted pendants and bracelets. I make polymer clay items and what I call my standby, stand alone jewelry. The stand alone jewelry are items made with sterling silver, 14K gold filled, semi precious stone beads and Swarovski crystals and pearls.

With Swarovski pearls and crystals I tell you the color I used. That way an item with Swarovski Rose crystals for example will be the same exact color of any other item with a Swarovski Rose crystal used in it as well.

Some jewelry is made as sets like a necklace, bracelet and earring set.
I can match or coordinate crystals,pearls, or stone with a swatch of material.

Now, I don't do jewelry ALL the time----just most of the time. When I'm not making jewelry, you'll find me taking care of 2 dogs, being "Grandma's Taxi Service", cooking, or doing laundry. All that stuff. Oh by the way, I also do criminal background searches for a Private Eye Firm. So a potential employer knows if the applicant has a misdemeanor or felony conviction record.

I'm a grandmother of 4, living with my daughter and her family. Jewelry occupies my time while the grands are at school. When they are home I plan what to make next. My latest is polymer clay jewelry.Polymer clay is loads of fun, but very demanding. You condition it, blend with other colors or make canes with it. Once your happy with what you made you bake it, then sand it from 200 to 1000 grit sandpaper. Then you glaze your masterpiece and bake again. Then you are ready to turn it into jewelry. It takes a long time----hours, but you have a one of a kind handmade item You won't find another one exactly the same in the world. So my items are truely "Made For You and You Alone".

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Artfire : http://www.artfire.com/users/MickeysJewelryCreations
♥ Blog:
♥ Facebook:
♥ Twitter:
♥ Webpage:
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Crafthaus Finds - Featuring 2Roses Studio

2010-04-10T03:57:00.001-05:00

Artist Bio:

2-Roses is a life long collaboration between Corliss Rose and John Lemieux Rose. Each is a master craftsman in their own right, and together they encompass a formidable range of expertise across a wide range of mediums.

Both are the product of formal artistic training in the U.S and abroad. Curiosity and evolution have been the driving forces of the studio since its inception in 1968. In addition to art jewelry, some of the major mediums the studio produces work for are commercial and industrial design, tool and die making, painting, photography, lithography, sculpture, holography, furniture, fabrics, engineered plastics, leatherwork, ceramics, lapidary and gem cutting.

The studio continues to evolve as the couple's interests shift and cross-pollinate from one medium to another. In 2005 the studio began formally exploring the creative process collaborating with a wide variety of artists and individuals from other disciplines, mediums and industries.

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/2Roses
♥ Blog:
♥ Facebook:
♥ Twitter:
♥ Website: http://www.2roses.com/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Flickr Finds - Malodora's photostream - Polymer Clay

2010-04-09T05:10:00.002-05:00

You can read more about this artist Bio from Etsy Metal Blogspot

"Malodora is D Dee Wilder. I first took notice of her work when I saw a photo of an experimental bracelet she had made, on flickr. Her work is organic; alive - and it comes as no surprise to learn that she worked for many years as a research entomologist and a nature photographer, it's very obvious that this in-depth knowledge informs not just her work but her whole aesthetic. You get the feeling it's likely that if you took once of her incredible bracelets apart you'd find a biologically correct nudibranch."

I found her work to be so enlightening, each piece called out to me in a different way and I hope you will enjoy a glimpse at this artist talents. Enjoy, she has over 52 wonderful pages of eye candy !

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Malodora & http://www.flickr.com/photos/malodora/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

6 Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners & The Self-Employed

2010-04-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

For those who are self-employed or who own very small businesses (10 or fewer employees), the onus of good financial planning for retirement is that much greater since there are no matching employer contributions to rely on, there may be fewer assets to put aside, and the cost of the best retirement plans may make them prohibitive to the smallest businesses.

Having a good retirement plan for yourself and your employees to fall back on in later years is essential. But with all the qualified retirement plans and programs available it may be hard to know which one is right for you. Here is a brief rundown of your options:

The Simplified Employee Pension Plan ( SEP)
The SEP is one of the simplest and cheapest qualified retirement plan options for the self-employed or for those who have only a few employees. The plan is funded with tax-deductible employer contributions, and the employer must cover all eligible employees. Self-employed individuals and small business owners can make tax-deductible contributions to SEP accounts of up to $49,000 per year in tax year 2009. SEPs are also flexible in terms of contributions from one year to the next. If, for example, business is slow one year, account owners can reduce their SEP contributions or skip them altogether.

SIMPLE-IRA
The Savings Incentive Match Plan or SIMPLE-IRAs are somewhat of a hybrid between a SEP-IRA and a 401(k). With the SIMPLE IRA, both the employee and the employer are required to make tax-deductible contributions. The employer contribution is defined at a fixed match rate, usually 3% and is mandatory each year for all employees who participate. The 2009 contribution limit for SIMPLE IRAs is $11,500, or $14,000 for employees who are age 50 or older as of December 31st of 2009 plus an employer matching contribution (up to 3% of your salary). This may be a good option for businesses with only a handful of employees, but compared to other retirement plans, your own allowable contributions are limited.

Traditional IRA and Roth IRA
Since IRA accounts are available to anyone who earns taxable income and they can be held simultaneously with other qualified retirement accounts, it is definitely worth considering- especially if you are able to put aside more than the maximum contributions allowed with other plans yet you earn less than disqualifying income limit.

There are two types of IRA accounts: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. With the traditional IRA, you can claim a tax deduction on contributions and your account earnings grow tax-deferred until you take the money out upon retirement. With a Roth IRA, you do not claim a tax deduction. Your contribution is made with after tax income. The retirement earnings in your Roth IRA then grow tax-free. This means you will not have to pay taxes on your distributions from the account.

Self-Employed 401(k)
Unlike the popular 401(k) plan which can get expensive and difficult to administer, the self-employed 401(k) is actually quite easy set up and cheap to maintain. Moreover, the self-employed 401(k) offers higher contribution limits than other retirement plans, it can be consolidated with a traditional IRA account, and there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to making contributions.

Keogh Retirement Plans
Those who are self-employed and support only a handful of employees may want to consider the self-employed Keogh plan. Like the other qualified retirement plans, the account holder must be 59 1/2 in order to withdraw money from the account, and required distributions begin when the account holder reaches 70 1/2. Similar to an IRA contributions are pre-tax thus lowering taxable income, but contribution limits are more liberal than with an IRA.

There are two kinds of Keogh Plans: the Defined Benefit Plan and the Defined Contribution Plan. Each one has its own rules, benefits, and deductible limits. Deciding which Keogh Plan type to choose and administering it once chosen will require the services of a professional.

Profit Sharing Plans
With a profit sharing plan, all employees (owners can claim themselves as employees) receive a percentage of the company’s profits. Annual contributions up to $49,000 are made to the account, but because they are dependent on the company’s profitability, they may vary from year to year. Under a profit sharing plan employers are only required to contribute when the business makes a profit, which may make them particularly attractive to small businesses. These plans will generally require the services of a trained professional for administration so this cost should be factored in.

For more information on retirement plans, see IRS Publication 590 and Publication 560.

Source @ http://www.fastupfront.com/blog/business/6-retirement-plans-for-small-business-owners-the-self-employed/

Surrealistic Paintings by Vladimir Kush

2010-04-07T02:57:00.030-05:00

Today we want to show you artworks of Russian artist Vladimir Kush. This surrealist inspires by the works of Salvador Dali and you can see it in his paintings. According to experts, Vladimir perhaps is one of the most talented surrealists of our time. Each painting is fascinating by stunning fantasy stories, game with metamorphic! If you are a fan of surrealism, you’ll get a real pleasure by watching artworks of this talented author!

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.vladimirkush.com/home.php
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Gerri Newfry's handmade books, tools and jewelry !!!

2010-04-06T04:38:00.019-05:00

Artist Bio:

I've always been interested in books. As a child I read voraciously and journaled furiously. I have journals dating back to the second grade. Mostly they are filled with angst and silly ramblings, but I love looking back on them. I've spent years looking for the perfect journal, one that would take the pen nicely and not bleed through. One that would not be lined. One that had paper with a sensuous texture. I don't know why it took me so long to decide to bind my own. I had worked with polymer clay for ten years before I took a book binding class on a whim. Once I realized I could connect my polymer art and my first love, there was no looking back.

I've used books as a doorway. I've opened covers to be transformed to a place of fiction or inner sanctuary. Many of the books I create evoke the imagery of a door or window. Where do they lead? The blank book structure allows the collector to answer that question herself, or enjoy the questions unanswered.

In addition to the doorway, a common theme is the decay of synthesized objects. I live in a city rich with rusty bits that find their way onto the covers of my books. In contrast, polymer clay is inert and unlikely to decay anytime soon. The impermanent object is nested in the permanence of polymer. When life gets really gloomy I have to remind myself which parts are the rusted bits, which parts are the polymer, and that there is always a doorway on the bookshelf.

You can see more of this artist work at
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/gnewfry

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview : Mike & Donna Brown of Brown's Country Originals

2010-04-05T04:58:00.001-05:00

Today's featured artist is a little touch of the country life ... hope you enjoy and lets begin !

DM: We have so many international and domestic readers, would you please tell us a bit about where you are located?
DB: We are location in the United States the state of Pennsylvania in a small town called Adamstown. The population of the town is about 1100 people.

DM: Is there a story about how you picked the name for your business ?
DB: We are Mike and Donna Brown a husband and wife artist team. We have always loved to create things. These creative passions led us in 2008 to start Brown’s Country Originals. The name came from living in the country, the original art work we create and our last name.

DM: What is your artistic medium?
DB: I work with wood, chalkware, clay and paper mache. My wife works with dried, fresh and artificial flowers and hypertufa. Hypertufa is a lite weight concrete. Besides the paper mache and chalkware we have a line of garden items my wife makes country/primitive hypertufa birdbaths, flower planters and flower pots. I make country/primitive wooden potting benches, planter and garden stakes.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
DB: I have a Santa collection and one of the Santa’s in my collection is made from chalkware. I thought it would be cool to try and make chalkware pieces. So I did some research to learn how to create chalkware pieces. This lead to other mediums such as paper mache. Today my 2 primary mediums are chalkware and paper mache. My wife’s love for gardening lead to her to start making hypertufa troughs, bird baths and planters.

DM:Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
DB: We did most of our research on the internet. Also talked with other artists.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
DB: I recommend doing research before you get started.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
DB: I enjoy working with paper mache the most. Chalkware is created using antique chocolate molds, so your creative is controlled by the mold. Paper mache there are no molds used each piece I hand create. This allows me to explore more of my creative power.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
DB: I find pricing my pieces the most frustrating part of being an artist.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
DB: Antique and vintage pieces, life and world events.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
DB: My favorite creation is my paper mache Humpty Dumpty. I got the idea from the old childhood stories.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
DB: I find my most creative time is in the morning. The afternoon and evening is when I get artist block.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
DB: I think sometimes my prices for my art are to low. I am still trying to get a handle on pricing, so I am still learning.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
DB: Our studios are in our home. Mine is in the basement, my wife’s is in a shed on our property. Neither of the studios are fancy.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
DB: Anytime of the day … We really do not have a favorite time.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
DB: Do lots of research, keep trying do not give up.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
DB: Our work can be seen on the following websites:
http://www.brownscountryoriginals.com/
http://www.brownsco.etsy.com/
http://www.artsaflutter.com/

DM: On a personal note, anything more you would like to share about about yourself?
DB: I love spending time with my family fishing and camping.

Thank you Mike for taking the time to share your passion for your art with our readers, we wish you the best for 2010 !

Till tomorrow... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

diy project: handcut felt mural

2010-04-04T04:45:00.001-05:00

I love me some murals, painted, textured, photographed, does not matter, the thought of bringing a wall to life with something more than just a coat of paint thrills me to my little toes ! Now I have found a way to use felt to add even more to a mural, just opens the possibilities !

For the full tutorial, pop over to handcut felt mural and as always, if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures !

Till tomorrow ..keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Schin Illustrated !!!

2010-04-03T05:03:00.003-05:00

Artist Bio

My name is Schin Loong and yes, I painted everything in my shop! :) I have been freelancing professionally since I was 17. My work has appeared in Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition 2008 and 2009, ImagineFX, Exotique 5, Darkstalkers Tribute Art Book and Popcorn Magazine.

I love bad puns, the worse, the better.

My guilty pleasure is listening to bad pop music I grew up with (here's one: Spice Girls! Oh dear!).

I enjoy looking at pictures of baby animals, especially ducklings.

I go out of my way to step on crunchy, dry leaves.

I drink a zillion mugs of milk tea a day.

I love all kinds of pretty things, and I hope my paintings will make your day a little prettier.

You can see more of this artist work at

♥ Etsy : http://www.etsy.com/shop/schin
♥ BLOG: http://schin-craft.blogspot.com/
♥ FANPAGE: http://www.facebook.com/schin.art
♥ TWITTER: http://twitter.com/schincraft

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Made with Love - pressed botanical specimens tutorial

2010-04-02T04:50:00.000-05:00

As you will soon be able to tell, Design Sponge is one of my favorite sites for the coolest how to tutorials !

This one is one that I have tried and LOVE the effect, I recently redecorated my house and art studio and so loooove the look of fresh plants around but do not have the "green" touch, I am always out looking for ways to spice up my walls with flowers and fauna.

I think you will really enjoy this tutorial ! Here is a sample of what you could do !

For the full tutorial, pop over to made with love pressed botanicals. And as always, if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures !

Till tomorrow ..keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to OrganicOdysseys !!!

2010-04-01T05:58:00.055-05:00

Artist Bio :

Organic Odysseys is my exploration of all the wonders of nature found at my local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) organic farm. As an artist and shareholder for the past three years at Quiet Creek Farm, located at Rodale Institute, I have been delighted to discover the wonderful nuances of the CSA, which brings one into direct contact with the earth and its bounty. This has sparked a greater interest for me to explore each plant and all its components on a level that is deeper than can be had by supermarket fare or even produce stands. I am delighted by the results of this exploration and have only just begun! I hope my excitement and delight can be passed on to you with each piece I make, that you too will see the wonder and beauty that is out there!

To create each piece I have used a medium that captures the elegance of this deeper scrutiny more than any other, including macro photography. To do this I use a 'relatively new' art material called Polymer clay. Only this kind of material can capture the minute designs and details in each leaf, seed, or fruit. It is with this ability that I have only begun to explore the many layers of beauty that can be found in the simplest of edibles, herbs, or even the beetle eaten leaves of the edamame plants.

Each piece is carefully hand crafted, starting first with selection of the subject matter, be it an herb leaf, flower or edible/non edible green.... Vegetables, fruits and their seeds are also carefully hand-picked for size, shape and sometimes state of ripeness. Depending on how I wish to highlight the particular item, I will impress the vegetation directly into the clay on the piece being made or sometimes make a mold of it first to get a raised impression to apply in a bas-relief method.

Every piece goes through numerous steps, some of which can be up to 5 firings of the clay. Also involved in the process of completion: carving, sculpting, painting, antiquing, and lots of sanding. In fact I take most pieces through grits ranging from 150 to 2000, and some up to 8000!

Then each piece is either hand buffed or given a coat of non yellowing lacquer. The piece is also signed and dated and carefully labeled so you know from which wondrous plant it comes from.

The finished work is like finding a modern day fossil. Although not ancient, it will recall many a wonderful memory of the farm days and the great meals from the bounty of the earth.

I love to recycle and you will see many items use recycled materials as well as my gift boxes which are included with most purchases, unless to large!

For more about me and my art please check out my blog at http://organicodysseys.blogspot.com/

Thank you for taking time to read about me and my art!

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/OrganicOdysseys
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

diy project: kate’s mirror stencils

2010-03-31T05:10:00.000-05:00

Who out there is lucky enough to have an Ikea close by ? If you are then you know what I mean by the DY'selfer's dream place...so many plain bland items begging to be brought to life with a little touch of art !

If you are not one of the lucky ones, we feel for you ! I found this fun tutorial that can be done on any mirror and again the only thing stopping us is our imagination ! Enjoy !

For the full tutorial, pop over to mirror stencils and if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures !

Till tomorrow ..keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Miniatures in Wineglass ....... Artist Szymon Klimek

2010-03-30T02:37:00.003-05:00

Everyone saw miniature copies of houses, ships or trains in the bottles. But it turns out that this is not the most complex miniature art. Artist Szymon Klimek from Poland creates quite working miniature versions of retro mechanisms in wineglass that are working on solar panels. He’s working with brass and tin sheets to create various old mechanisms, such as steam engine, sailing ship, bicycle or retro automobile. An amazing combination of advanced technical capabilities and unusual hobby.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.edrobiazg.com.pl/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Marie Young of Young Creative - Custom Mixed Media Wedding Cake Tops

2010-03-29T04:47:00.061-05:00

Marie opened her Etsy store in 10/12/09, she has taken the artistic jump into custom wedding top designs … this is a new type of interview for me so lets get started and learn more about Marie and her art !

DM: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
MY: For my full-time job, I am part of an amazing creative marketing team at Penn State that encourages adults to finish their college degrees. At work, I am surrounded by BLUE & WHITE. So when I get home, I like to use some other colors. I started Young Creative as a way to express myself outside of the restrictions of my day job.

On the home front, I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Rob. We started dating when I was 16. We've been together for more than 20 years now.

DM: What is your artistic medium?
MY: I work in mixed media. I love to put together things that vary in texture such as clay, paper, and fabric. Lately I’ve been jazzed about combining those elements into miniature sculptures for on top of wedding cakes.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
MY: You can see my cake toppers in my storefront at www.etsy.com/shop/youngcreative.

I also have a blog called Creative Sprinkle where I share projects that I’m working on. Those projects range from items for my wedding cake topper business to the 1940s inspired bathroom remodel I’m planning.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
MY: My Mom has a love for everything crafty and she instilled that love in my sister and me.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
MY: Again my Mom is always trying out new techniques. She gets super excited about something and shows my sister and me how to make it. She also buys us a lot of crafting supplies for the holidays so we can afford to try new things. Beyond that I read books, magazines, and lots of blogs to get ideas.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
MY: Keep practicing. It takes time to learn something new. You get better each time you try.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
MY: It is really rewarding to start with a blank sheet of paper, or mound of clay, and end up with something beautiful. I get that “wow, I made that” feeling every time.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
MY: Sometimes I can see what I want to make so clearly in my head, but I don’t have the skills to create it. I may still create something nice, but it isn’t what I pictured so I am disappointed.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
MY: Craft shows and the web. I love sites like www.creativeeveryday.com and of course Etsy where I can be exposed to the work of lots of amazingly talented people.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
MY: My favorite piece is a wedding cake topper that I just finished. I love anything old, so when I found a digital collage sheet at rubydoordesigns.com that featured old-time wedding photos, I knew I wanted to use it. I placed a copy of the photo into a hand-stamped clay frame that I created, and then I played off the feel of the black and white photo to carry the vintage feel throughout the piece.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
MY: Most of my adult life has been spent in artist block. Growing up, I didn’t go anywhere without a sketchpad. I loved art so much that I majored in art history in college, but studying the work of great artists paralyzed me. I knew I would never be great, so I gave it up for a lot of years. I’ve only recently started to seriously pursue art again.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
MY: For me art is about creative freedom, yet at the same time I want to be able to make some money doing what I love. My biggest mistake is ignoring what I learned in my day job about marketing. I need to find a balance between the freedom I’m seeking and the strategic direction I need to take to be successful.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
MY: We are lucky enough to have a finished basement with a private room in the back where I can work. My husband built me a custom workspace. The colors are super cheery: blue carpet and orange creamsicle walls. I also have everything in matching containers made from recycled shoe boxes that I decorated. My cats like the comfy chair in the corner.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
MY: Saturday mornings. My energy is highest in the morning and that time is dedicated to my Penn State job during the week.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
MY: Start by mastering the techniques. Take a class, read a book, and start practicing.

DM: Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?
MY: Some of my biggest inspiration comes from the graphic designers I work with. They are so talented. Many of the balance full-time work with outside freelance ventures so that gave me the courage to try something on my own. I also have tremendous amount of respect for my Creative Director, Herbert Reininger. He has helped me see that when I stop focusing on the stress of making deadlines or seeking perfection, my mind opens up and the ideas come.

DM: Marie, thank you so much for the look into a new and budding business ! We wish you much success and again enjoyed learning all about your art !

Till tomorrow … keep creating,
Tina aka Daily Muse

Tips to Increase Traffic to Your Online Business Directory

2010-03-28T09:33:00.001-05:00

First I wanted to say sorry for the missing days posted, I had family in town and am now back to work full time so my days got a little mixed up ... working on getting YDMN up and running so I can get more and more readers ! Please if you like or dislike a post, let me know, it is nice to see your comments -- lets me know everyone is still enjoying my blog !

Now back to your Sunday business tip :

Driving traffic to your online business directory is essential to building a thriving directory. No one will post if they do not know that your directories exist. There are a number of easy ways to increase traffic to your online business directory.

Below are a number proven methods to help you bring traffic to your business directory.

1. Search Engine Indexing of Your Directory: It is essential that you submit your online directories to all of the search engines to be indexed, even the lesser known search engines. As well, have your directories validated so that the major search engines will better index you URL.

2. Create a Favicon: A Favicon is a small icon displayed in your browser next to the URL in the address bar and also on bookmarks. It will distinguish your directory from competitors on the bookmarks' list. You can download an existing Favicon or create your own.

3. Write Business Promotion Articles: Write articles about business and online business directories and submit them to article directories. Make sure that you include your directory URL. The articles should relate to online business marketing.

4. Create a Unique Directory: A unique directory will make your directories stand out from the competitors. General business directories will receive less business listings than if you created specific directories that focused on a particular niche. Do not create category dumps or search engines will categorize your online business directory as duplicated content.

5. Spread the Word: There are many options available to spread the word online about your online business directory. Develop a relationship with other directory owners so you can exchange promotional ideas and strategies. Exchange links with relevant directories, not your competitors. As well, post comments of business blogs and discussion boards. Make sure you use a forum signature that includes your directory URL on forums and blogs where you participate. Answer questions and post questions on sites such as yahoo answers.

6. Create Your Own Blog: If you have your own Blog, you can post relevant comments related to your online directories. As well, you place your directory URL and directory description on your Blog. Promote different categories and subcategories of your online business directory.

7. Social Book Marking: You can increase site traffic to your online directories by making use of social book marking websites. A small widget of the site can also be placed on your site so that visitors can share your content with others. As well, become a social networker. Use your Twitter, Linked In, MySpace, Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster to promote your directories. The more friends and followers you have, the more likely you are to get people to post on your business directories.

8. Make News: Use RSS (Rich Site Summary) technology. Offer RSS subscription to your directory's visitors. Provide newsletters to those who subscribe to your news feed. Regularly provide new content about your directory using this feed.

The key to increasing traffic to your online business directories is implementing strategies that will make your directory appealing as well as getting your name out in the online business community.

Source : Ezinearticles.com

Take care, Tina aka Daily Muse

DIY Project: Jewelry Shadowbox

2010-03-26T01:04:00.001-05:00

When I came across this tutorial, I thought more about a way to show off jewelry at a show verses for personal use, I am always looking for new ways to jazz up my show booth designs !

I adore shadowboxes, my favorite thing is to buy old ones from markets or garage sales and turn them into something totally new.

For the full tutorial, pop over to diy-project-jewelry-shadowbox. And as always, if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures !

Till tomorrow ..keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Creative Chocolate – Crave Sydney 2009

2010-03-24T04:38:00.015-05:00

This appetite set of chocolates was created in 3ds Max and Vray by designer from Australia Rachael Dunk. Each chocolate represents a different event that took place around Sydney for October 2009. For now it’s just a concept but I doubt that I’ll be able to eat such piece of art. And you?

You can see more of this artist work at http://rachaeldunk.com/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Delicious Rings from Japan created by Sofia

2010-03-23T04:06:00.001-05:00

Today we want to show you collection of unusual handmade rings created by Sofia from Japan. This collection was inspired by delicious dishes, sweet desserts and various drinks. Very creative, not expensive and with Japanese aura they will make your day brighter. Each of them is existed in single exemplar and can be bought here.

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Dianne Karg Baron from Wrapture Wire Jewellery - Wirewrap and tutorial artist

2010-03-22T04:14:00.078-05:00

I came across Dianne's work when I was looking for a tutorial on wire-wrapping, I loved reading her replies, it has been a while since I picked up my wire-wrapping and needed a swift kick, her interview brought the passion back to me and I hope you will enjoy as much as I did ! Lets get started !

DM :What is your artistic medium?
DKB: I work in wire, primarily precious metal, but also in base metals, like copper.

DM : Where can your art be seen?
DKB: On the internet, my work can be seen on my websites http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/ or http://www.diannekargbaron.com/.
Both pages link to my blog, where the photos of my recent work are posted. I also have photos up on Flickr, and sell through Etsy , my tutorials are available through http://www.wrapturetutorials.com/.

My pieces have been published in a number of books and magazines including "500 Earrings" by Lark Books, "Wire in Design" by Barbara McGuire, "All Wired Up!" by Mark Lareau, as well as "Lapidary Journal" and "The Wire Artist Jeweller".

DM : When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
DKB: I was a committed rockhound - it was a real passion for many years. While walking on the beach near my home in 1995 that I picked up an interesting rock. It turned out to be glass. Disappointed, I was about to throw it back into the lake when I thought "Hey, this would make an interesting piece of jewellery." The only thing I could think of to lay my hands on quickly was sterling silver wire. I made a pendant and then immediately had all kinds of ideas for other pieces, so I just kept going.

DM : Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
DKB: I started off with trial and error, and later decided to take formal jewellery and silversmithing classes so I could learn the language of jewellers. Those classes drove home the importance of being precise. As a bonus, I met my husband while taking the classes :-).
DM: How adorable !

DM : Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
DKB: Pay attention to the finishing! File and tuck in the ends of the wire, close your loops tightly, beware the death grip, which can leave plier marks. I often tell my students to remember The Sweater Test: It doesn't matter how beautiful the design is, if your piece catches on a sweater because you haven't paid attention to the details, it's junk.
DM: Take it from me readers, words to live by !

DM : What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
DKB: I love the variety of work I can produce, from something wispy and delicate to something substantial and solid.

DM : What do you find the most frustrating?
DKB: It's easy to create a really substantial piece using sheet metal or with casting. It's much more difficult in wire. Depending on what I'm working on, it can take a long time to finish. That has a dramatic impact on the price I have to charge for the piece, which makes it harder to sell.

DM : Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
DKB: Nature, architecture, historical periods like the Gothic Era, calligraphy, and sometimes I draw inspiration from my personal life.

DM : Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
DKB: One of the pieces that is close to my heart is a pendant called "Mother and Child". I made it after suffering a miscarriage in May 2009. At the end of April I was surprised to discover that I was pregnant. I took the pregnancy test on the Monday, and then made a visit to my family doctor on

Wednesday to start the process of finding an OB and to schedule an ultrasound. On Thursday I started bleeding. After spending several hours in Emergency, I was sent home and told to come back if the bleeding got heavier. By Saturday, I was cramping severely, so I went back to the hospital. While waiting for blood tests, I suffered the miscarriage.

My head spun at how fast it all happened: I hardly had time to even get used to the idea of another baby. (My husband and I already have two beautiful children.) What got me the most was the fact that I had originally planned to delay taking the pregnancy test until Thursday. Had I done that, I would never have known I was pregnant.

I believe that every pregnancy is a soul connection between the mother and the child. It's a connection continues regardless if the pregnancy is terminated, miscarried or goes full term. Losing the baby was terrible, but it has helped to think in terms of still being “Mommy” to an angel who didn’t quite make it to Earth.

The pendant is my expression of that soul connection: it clearly shows the baby growing safe and secure in its mother’s belly. The baby is abstract, and looks a little like an angel wing. So for me, it works on two levels: celebrating the ones who join us, and remembering the ones who are growing up on the other side.
DM: I fell in love with this pendant and I found this subject to so touching and close to my heart.....

DM : Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
DKB: Definitely! I deal with artist block by taking a break for a while. I'll change gears completely. For example, a little over a year ago, I was feeling uninspired, so I switched over to doing photography and joining a photography group. As a result, my photographic skills improved immensely. Eventually, I started noticing ideas for jewellery seeping back into my consciousness, so I picked up my pliers again. And, as a bonus, I also started taking better photographs of my jewellery!

DM : What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
DKB: I should have started selling tutorials much earlier than I did. For years I got emails from people asking me if I had a pattern for such and such design on my website. At the time I found it really frustrating because I wanted people to buy my jewellery, not copy my designs. Instead, I realize now, I was ignoring a target market and that making a living from your artwork can come from multiple streams.

DM: Which I am grateful, I have enjoyed many of your tutorials ! When you do this one, I must have it ! I love caged pendants and make many different designs but always looking for another great tutorial (hint hint)

DM : Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
DKB: At the moment, my studio is set up in a very cluttered space that includes my bench, my computer desk, my filing cabinet, my photography setup, and a couple of bookshelves filled with beads and wire, and reference material. My bench has an area for soldering, my vice and a rolling mill perched on one end. It's currently covered with all kinds of projects, both finished and unfinished. My pickle pot is in the basement. One of my new years resolutions is to clean up and organize the space so I can work more effectively in it.

DM : When is your favorite time to create?
DKB: I create whenever I can. Most of the time now it's during the day while my kids are in school, or after they've gone to bed. It's not unusual for me to work until 12-1 a.m.

DM : What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
DKB: Don't be afraid to waste wire - experiment, even if you end up throwing things in your scrap bin. It's the only way to truly get a feel for what it can and can't do. Also, save your early pieces, because that way you'll be able to see how far you've progressed.

DM : Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
DKB: I adore the work of Mary Lee Hu. Her pieces are wonderful, full of symbolism, mystery and texture!

DM : Tell us a bit about yourself.
DKB: As I mentioned before, I met my husband through a jewellery class. We've been married for 7 1/2 years and have two boys. I love watching my kids play: both are very inventive and creative. For the past ten years I've been teaching wireworking through community colleges in Toronto and Haliburton (Ontario, Canada). After years of being asked "Do you have a pattern for this design?" I finally started selling tutorials in 2007. When not working on jewellery or tutorials, or spending time with my family, I volunteer with The Metal Arts Guild of Canada. The Guild publishes a magazine about the Canadian metalworking scene three times a year, and I'm currently serving as the Editor. My life is so busy that I joke about sleep being overrated! LOL

DM :Anything else you wish to share?
DKB: I'm really happy to have found other people who are as passionate about wire as I am. The internet has been a great tool for making connections, and I've been very lucky to meet several fellow wire artists in person. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my work with your readers! Thank you!

DM: Again Dianne, thank you for sharing all that you have with us ! I look forward to more of your wonderful work and tutorials and we hope 2010 brings you all the joy you deserve !

Till tomorrow...keep creating,
Tina aka Daily Muse

Amazing Interior Design from Moomin Books

2010-03-20T02:27:00.001-05:00

Have you ever read Moomin books of Finnish novelist Tove Jansson? If yes you will love this bright design for family entertainment center created by designer Maria Yasko from Russia. Interiors of children’s play hall, cafeteria and recreation were designed to recreate lanscapes from these books. Even colors in decoration will remind you about this fairytale. And of course everything was made to give your child pleasure and joy while visiting such center. Who could not be creativity with this ?

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.behance.net/Gallery/_quotMoominvalley_quot/238408
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Flickr Finds - Polymerclaybeads' photostream - Polymer Clay

2010-03-19T05:56:00.002-05:00

Found this fun and fabulous mixed media / polymer clay artist on Flickr... enjoy !

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/polymerclaybeads/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Knitted Food by Ed Bing Lee

2010-03-18T04:12:00.001-05:00

Philadelphia artist Ed Bing Lee has been perfecting his knotting artistry for over 25 years and now is able to create practically anything using basic macrame knots. For example art pieces that look like food. He gathered them into "Delectable series".

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.edbinglee.com/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Insect Lab customizes real insect specimens ........ real steampunk !

2010-03-17T04:15:00.002-05:00

Borrowing from science fiction and fact, Insect Lab customizes real insect specimens with antique watch parts and other technological components. From ladybugs to grasshoppers, each is individually hand adorned, and original- a unique celebration of the contradictions and confluences between nature and technology. Enjoy.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.insectlabstudio.com/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interesting Links : The Artful Crafter & Tutorial for Baby Footprint Pendant

2010-03-16T04:45:00.001-05:00

The Artful Crafter is a great page if you have not yet visited, they offer wonder tips and tutorials. Today I am sharing a link on how to make this beautiful footprint pendant tutorial .. hope you will enjoy and if you use, please send me pictures, I would love to post !

Baby Footprint Pendant

http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/pendant.html

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Tom Jarvis - Critter Creek Creations - WoodBurning Artist

2010-03-15T04:13:00.052-05:00

I have always been intrigued by the woodburning process, I remember trying it in wood shop so many years ago, when I came across Tom's work on Esty I was thrilled that he agreed to do an interview with us... let's begin !

DM: What is your artistic medium?
TJ: Woodburning Art

DM: Where can your art be seen?
TJ: Currently online at http://www.crittercreek.etsy.com/. I used to have an art studio in Northern Michigan in Harrison where I used live. I sold woodburning art, rustic furniture, and chainsaw carvings.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
TJ: I have been drawing and painting since grade school and always had a passion for art. I have painted cars, signs, done drawings, chainsaw art and finally one day (about 10 years ago) just thought I would give the woodburning a try. The detail that you can put into a piece when woodburning is incredible.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
TJ: No formal training for me. Self taught and I think as an artist you either have it or you don't. The only trick is finding the right quality equipment. From that point on it is just drawing what you are passionate about.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
TJ: Practice makes perfect! Use inexpensive tools until you really get the hang of it. Pine and Birch are the best woods to use.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
TJ: Seeing the final art piece. As an artist I think you always know what the end result will look like even before you start! But to see the final project is the best part!

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
TJ: That's a hard one to answer, I don't really get frustrated. I suppose my only challenge is doing a custom order for a client when they aren't exactly sure what they want.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
TJ: I'm an outdoorsman all the way and have lived in northern Michigan most of my life. So the outdoor and wildlife scenes just come from my own backyard sometimes. But just chatting with my wife and kids can spark a new idea that I can't wait to get on wood!

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
TJ: Well...honestly I think they are all my favorites. Some pieces have up to 200 hours of work in them down to as little as 3 hours. But I think the Grim Reaper. The detail and the story it tells.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
TJ: Yep.....and you just wait it out. Sometimes it takes a day and sometimes a few.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
TJ: I think my biggest mistake was waiting until I was 50 years old until I decided to make a career out of it. Life is to unpredictable and short to not follow your passions. If it makes you happy and you can make money....you gotta go for it!

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
TJ: My current studio is in my home. I have a great view of the lake for inspiration. I can look at wildlife, birds, ducks, deer all day! The studio is loaded with my art all over the walls, computer equipment and a drawing table loaded with woodburning tools.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
TJ: Early morning, when the house is quiet. After my wifes goes to work and it's just me and the radio!

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
TJ: Follow your passion. Don't give up and just keep at.

DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
TJ: Probably Thomas Kinkade. I always like his work.

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
TJ: Well I am a 63 year old man, living in Michigan. I have a wife and 4 kids that have always supported me in anything that I have tried. I have been painting since I was a kid and have never really stopped. Only now, since I retired, am I finally able to devote my time to what I love to do.

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
TJ: A sense of humor goes a long way. It can make the long projects go by with ease and just makes life a whole lot more fun you and everyone in your life.

Thank you again Tom for sharing your art with us ! Who knows, maybe I will pick up that woodburning tool again and give it a try !

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Welcome to LITTLEFLY - Literary Jewels by Jeremy May - Paper Artist

2010-03-14T04:20:00.015-05:00

Jememy May is a paper artist --- Paper is many things: a carrier of text, illustration, history and emotion.

Jeremy May has captured the beauty of paper via a unique laminating process. Littlefly jewellery is made by laminating hundreds sheets of paper together, then carefully finishing to a high gloss. The paper is selected and carefully removed from a book, and the jewellery re-inserted in the excavated space.

Each piece is impossible to replicate, and is unique to the wearer. The beauty of the jewels extends within the piece: text and images pass all the way though the object, only exposed at the surfaces – giving a tantalising glimpse of the book within.

I don't know about you but I do not think I will look at paper the same way !

You can see more of this artist work at http://littlefly.co.uk/littlefly_wordpress/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Creative and Stylish Salt-and-Pepper Sets

2010-03-13T04:16:00.000-06:00

These creative, innovatie and definetely very stylish salt-and-pepper sets will expand your imagination. And again we do not recommend not watch the last set to impressionable people because of its provocative character. Enjoy!

Rockers Mini Salt & Pepper [ via Nickmunro.com ]

Crazy Bulbs Salt & Pepper [ via TheMagazine.info ]

Alessi Lilliput salt and pepper [ via Amazon.com ]

Designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi this magnetic salt and pepper set can hang horizontally from the handle or perch on the base. Bright and funny set.

Acanthus Gold Salt & Pepper Shakers [ via Manor Home & Gifts ]
Elegantly hand made this set is decorated with the finest quality Swarokski crystals, 24kt gold, and fine Limoges porcelain paste.

Salt & Pepper Cell [ via Antrepo Design ]

Now what fun can you add to your kitchen ?
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Gothic Jewelry from Bjorg

2010-03-12T02:44:00.003-06:00

Bjorg is a 34 years old girl designer from Norway. As noticed on her biography she was never fascinated by classical jewellery, there has to be a soul. And according to these thoughts she created fabulous jewerly collection consisted of necklace, rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. Everything is made from precious and natural materials. Products created by Bjorg can be described with the words “gothic”, “vintage”, “fabulous”, “surreal”…

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.bjorgjewellery.com/ .... a very impressive intro to her website also... enjoy !
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Mermaids in Fantasies of Various Artists

2010-03-11T03:18:00.003-06:00

Little Mermaid is an old fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The Walt Disney Studios has created a cartoon based on this sad story and this red cute girl became the single prototype of mermaid for almost all people. But not for everyone. In this post we’ve collected a lot of mermaids illustrations and you can see how differs images of mermaids in minds of various artists. On one picture mermaid is a gentle underwater creature, on other she’s a steampunk monster… Take a look by yourself!

Which one did you like best and why ??? Inquiring minds need to know !

Mermaid of Deep Water by Candra

The mermaid by satiiiva

Mermaid secretary… by nancynismo

Mermaid by Pascal Blanché

Lionfish Mermaid by Marina Siu-Chong

Mermaid by Dason Adamos

Mermaid and Friends by Chris Achilleos

Sleeping Mermaid by yuehui Tang

Mermaid by vetton.ru

Koi Mermaid by Bamfette

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

DeviantArt Find : da-bu-di-bu-da

2010-03-10T04:14:00.000-06:00

Today I want to show you unusual and colorful dolls created by young artist from Russia which is hiding under nick da-bu-di-bu-da. Some of them she made by herself, other ones were customized by her from ordinary dolls from stores. As a result she get very positive artworks. Besides the talant in creation unique dolls she certainly have talant in photography. In each and every photo you could see not only beautiful doll but also an interesting story...........

You can see more of this artist work at http://da-bu-di-bu-da.deviantart.com/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Looking for Newest Jewelry Display Ideas

2010-03-09T04:07:00.000-06:00

I am always looking for New Jewelry Display Ideas and found this website booked marked and thought I would share... who knows what you might find !

This site is full of great little time saver hints or new jewelry display ideas, just to name a few you will find ....

Post or Stud Earring Packaging

Display Risers

Display for Photographing Faux Pebbles Bracelet

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Consuelo Okdie - Polymer Clay Artist

2010-03-08T05:39:00.003-06:00

When I stumbled upon Consuelo's land of whimsical and nature based art it left me with the desire to run to my desk and create... I hope you will enjoy getting to know her as much as I did. .. let's begin …

DM : What is your artistic medium?
CO: My drug of choice is polymer clay.

DM : Where can your art be seen?
CO: My work can be seen on my website, in PolymerCAFE and Crafts Reports magazines and in reruns of ‘Craft Lab’, ‘That’s Clever’ (formerly ‘Crafters Coast to Coast’), ‘Carole Duvall’s Holiday Workshop’ and ‘Paint Paper & Craft’.

DM : When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
CO: I’ve been an artist all my life, working in several different mediums. I’ve been a professional cartoonist, stained glass artist, animal portrait artist & more. A lot of my time was spent wandering the aisles of art/craft stores looking for new things to try. So many times I was drawn to the displays of polymer clay, because of all the color – but would always wonder what the heck people did with it! One day in 2001 I was watching the Carol Duval show & saw Donna Kato turning all those beautifully colored squares into amazing things and in that second it finally clicked – I wanted to play with clay too!

DM : Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
CO: As far as polymer clay is concerned I am totally self-taught. When I started off I produced some of the most awful things I’d ever made in my life. Trial & error turned into trial & error & error & error but I didn’t want to give up. At that time books on polymer clay were few & far between but I bought Donna Kato’s first book & that sent me in the right direction. I also started asking questions of some of the top artists in polymer clay via email & every single one I contacted not only answered me but were extremely generous with valuable information. Since that time there are many more resources available & I’ve taken advantage of as many as I can. I took a workshop with Dorothy Greynolds where I finally learned how to make a Skinner Blend, joined the International Polymer Clay Guild & subscribed to PolymerCAFE - all great sources of information & instruction.

DM : Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
CO: Polymer clay is such a versatile medium with new applications being discovered every day. I got caught up in trying to do everything at the beginning – canes, jewelry, techniques, etc. The best thing someone just starting out can do for themselves is play with it a lot, learn as much as they can and then try to concentrate on one aspect at a time. Eventually you’ll find what you like to do best – and may even end up going in a totally new direction that hasn’t been seen in the polymer clay world. Most importantly they should have fun with what they’re doing – the rest will work out if it’s meant to!

DM : What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
CO: I love that I’ve never been bored with polymer clay, something I’ve had a problem with in the past with other mediums. When I pick up a piece of pc I know that I’m going to have so much fun which gets very addicting quickly.

DM : What do you find the most frustrating?
CO: Marketing drives me right up the wall! An artist today also has to be a photographer, writer, public relations person & promoter & you have to be good at all of them! All the things take time away from what I really love to do which is play with clay.

DM : Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?

CO: The majority of my work is inspired by nature. All I have to do is look out the window or walk outside & I get bombarded with ideas. The sub-tropical climate here in Florida is an unending source of brilliant colors which I am constantly drawn to. Animals are a recurring theme in my work; actually there’s only one piece I’ve done that doesn’t have an animal, bird or fish in it. A lot of my pieces have elements of whimsy & humor which I attribute to all the years I spent cartooning. The inspiration for some of my newer pieces – for instance the parrot fish & others I call ‘the mutants’ – come from the zillions of images that run around in my brain. (Sometimes it’s a little scary in there!)

DM : Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
CO: My favorite piece is an illustration Titled ‘Welcome to Florida aka Fred”. It just seemed to come together so easily. I absolutely loved working on it because of all the color & texture. The ‘Fred’ part of the title is for my brother – favorite creation, favorite brother.

DM : Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
CO: I’ve struggled with artist block on & off my whole life but have discovered that the majority of the time I actually dream my way out of it.

DM : What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
CO:Taking on too many projects at once was a huge mistake. What I learned from that was not to do it again!

DM : Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
CO:My studio is a converted bedroom in my home. I would love to have a tree house as a studio so I could pull the ladder up & nobody could interrupt me.

DM : When is your favorite time to create?
CO: My favorite time to create is in the middle of the night when there are no interruptions.

DM : What advice would you give someone starting out in this medium?
CO: I would tell artists new to polymer clay not to get discouraged, keep learning & most of all keep trying. After all, no one ever gets worse with practice so they can only get better the more they try.

DM : Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?
CO: There are so many artists – it’s impossible for me to pick one.

DM : Tell us a bit about yourself.
CO: I’m originally from the Catskill Mts. in NY & now live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I’ve been married to my husband Joe for 10 years. Between us we have 4 sons, 2 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 2 dogs & 2 cats. One of our favorite things to do together is ride around in the 1952 army jeep that Joe restored himself. We’re both insane to some extent but we don’t suffer from it, we enjoy it!

DM : Anything else you wish to share?
CO: Yes – my hands are numb from all that typing so I hope everyone enjoys this!

DM: Well I know I enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to talk to us all about your world !

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !

Tina aka Daily Muse

Mystic World of Natalie Shau

2010-03-07T03:57:00.017-06:00

Natalie Shau is Lithuanian illustrator and artist now living in Greece. In her works she combines photography, digital technology and 3D-modeling, creating a strange, sometimes surreal, sometimes frightening, but a definitely exciting artworks. As she noticed Natalie Shau gets inspiration in religious imagery, fairytales illustrations and classic Russian literature in the face of Gogol and Dostoyevsky. Feel the pleasure from viewing these surreal illustrations!

You can see more of this artist work at http://natalieshau.carbonmade.com/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Made from Water ... art works of Alexandra Zaharova & Ilya Plotnikov

2010-03-06T02:07:00.001-06:00

Professionalism is always held in high esteem, even if we are talking about ordinary things. It would seem that every Photoshop user passed through the creation of water effects. But not everyone can do it so that the audience said WOW! Only such a word can describe art works of Alexandra Zaharova & Ilya Plotnikov from Doberman studio. Their flowers or a butterfly look like if they actually made of living water.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.dobermanstudio.ru/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

The Gimp Tutorial And Free Gimp Download

2010-03-05T01:32:00.001-06:00

The Gimp Tutorial And Free Gimp Download

By: Peter Nisbet

If you are looking for a Gimp tutorial, or the Gimp as many refer to it as, then probably the best sites are those offering Gimp video tutorials. The Gimp is one of the most comprehensive website graphics applications online, and a free Gimp download is available from many free and open source websites.

So what exactly can the Gimp do for you, and why should you learn by means of a Gimp video tutorial? The name stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, GNU being what is referred to as a recursive acronym for GNU s no Unix, and is a free operating system like Unix, but containing no Unix code. What GNU means, however, is largely irrelevant to the normal person s use of Gimp, and since a free Gimp download is easy to get, the normal person uses it a lot.

It is a highly sophisticated application, and very much like the very expensive Adobe Photoshop in functionality. It can be used, for example, with digital photographs to sort many photographic problems such as perspective problems caused by lens tilt and also to carry out digital retouching to enhance the detail of digital images. These are among the simple tasks that the Gimp tutorial will teach you.

However, it can also be used in website design to develop wonderful looking web pages and templates s well as practically intuitively for simple jobs such as image resizing. Many web designers use on the Gimp for their professional work, and it can do the vast majority of jobs that Photoshop can do: perhaps them all, though I have not yet had to do everything that Photoshop can do, so don t know if Gimp can. However, I ve yet to find something that it cannot do.

Although a free Gimp download is easy to find, however, a good Gimp tutorial is not. Many tutorials are written and very difficult to follow, and even those sites that offer screenshots of how to use The Gimp are often very difficult to follow. There is always that little something missing. A Gimp video tutorial, however, misses nothing because you see the Gimp being used in front of your eyes, from the initial download all the way to using it in a design operation.

One of the most important aspects of learning how to use Gimp is understanding exactly what it is and how it achieves its basic functions. Once you understand that, then you can begin to understand how it can be used as an alternative to Photoshop. You will learn about layers, channels, maks, masked filters and all the normal; stuff, and also how to create your own brushes, including dynamic brushes, and how to replace or remove image backgrounds.

Using the Gimp tutorial you will learn how create fabulous website graphics, and compelling WEB2 graphics that people will be offering you fortunes to design just for them. The Gimp video tutorials are the best way to learn how to use the Gimp, and the free Gimp download also helps to render this one of the most attractive graphics packages currently online.

Author Resource:-> For information on the Gimp and how to use it, visit Pete's website at http://www.onlinenetincome.com/gimp-tutorials.html where a free Gimp download is available together with the documentation, also the offer of a Gimp tutorial to help you use it better.

Article From Exba Articles Directory

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Tasty Jewelry from Oriona

2010-03-04T04:59:00.017-06:00

Today I wanted to show you the beautiful original works of young designer from Russia Oriona. Earrings and bracelets featured below are made from polymer clay. Size of details is about 2 cm. Each and every bracelet and earring exists in single copy. This collection looks insanely delicious! Bon Appetit!

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.annaoriona.ru/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Bright and Positive Paintings by Leonid Afremov

2010-03-03T04:00:00.000-06:00

Leonid Afremov tried different techniques during his career, but he especially fells in love with painting with oil and pallette-knife. Every artwork is the result of long painting process and brings different mood, colors and emotions. So colorful, lovely and professional at the same time these breath taking paintings will surely bring you a lot of positive and peace of mind.

Which one did you like best and why ?

After The Date

Foggy Park

Magic Flowers

Misty Melody

Night Trolly

Soul of The Rain

Two Sisters

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Remarkable Collection of Steampunk Sculptures by Belgian artist Stephane Halleux

2010-03-02T04:48:00.001-06:00

Today I am showing you the remarkable collection of Steampunk characters, engines and vehicles created by Belgian artist Stephane Halleux. For a long time Stephane worked as an illustrator and drew cartoons in his spare time. In recent years he became interested in steampunk style and the creation of unusual sculptures.

About his work, he says: “I like crazy mixtures, unlikely associations, advanced technology mixed with mechanisms of long ago. I’ve always been fascinated by robotics, its advantages and contradictions.” While creating these sculptures Stephen used leather, metal, wood pulp and recycled materials. The real size of the sculptures you could see at the last photo. I’m sure these crazy sculptures will not live you indifferent!

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.stephanehalleux.com/
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview with Winona Johnson of Art by Winona Mixed Media Artist

2010-03-01T04:15:00.002-06:00

DM: We have so many international and domestic readers, would you please tell us a bit about where you are located?

WJ: I am currently located in Portland, Oregon in the United States. My studio space is located in the South East area of Portland in a warehouse called The Watershed

DM: Is there a story about how you picked the name for your business?
WJ: I decided to pick Art by Winona because of the various mediums I like to use. I like to dabble in everything: Metalsmithing, painting, ceramics, woodworking, sculpture, sewing, etc.

DM: What is your artistic medium?
WJ: Well, since I like to use so many mediums I will choose my favorite; metal.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?

WJ: My first experience working with metal was in college. The beginning jewelry/metalsmithing class was one of the first classes I took at the University. I really had no idea what the class entailed. And you would think that I fell in love with it right away, wrong. I hated it! It was the most frustrating piece of material I ever had to work with. My first project was a disaster. But I was determined to master the material, my second project I had to start over twice. By the end of the class I was starting to get the hang of it until a chunk of my ring fell off. It still turned out pretty well, sometimes the mistakes turn out the best. After that class I practically lived in the metals room for the remaining three years of College.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?

WJ: I have loved art since I could maneuver a pencil. After high school I went to my community college in Wenatchee, Washington. A small town located in the center of the state. After I earned my Associates Degree I transferred to Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. An even smaller town located about hour and half away. There, I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in Jewelry/Metalsmithing. I also have a collection of books which is slowly growing. Trial and error is the best way of learning anything. You’re not learning anything if you don’t make mistakes, I should be making more.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?

WJ: Have a chunk of money in your savings. I know that’s always easier said than done. Be a shameless self promoter, I am still working on that. Really love what you do and be proud of your art, always thinking positive! Unless you plan on staying in one place for the rest of your life, don’t be a pack rat. Moving isn’t fun.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
WJ: I like metal like I like my men, I can manipulate and form it into anything I want.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?

WJ: I don’t get frustrated with the actual material, it’s the process. I am always cutting, burning, filing my fingers and sometimes burn my hair with a torch. I think I am up to three times now with burning my hair. I haven’t burned my hair for a while though….knock on wood.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
WJ: My inspirations come from everyday adventures; whether it is a found object as I walk through a park, my quirky personality, or something that happened at my part time job.

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations.
WJ: I have a few pieces that I like, but if I had to choose one it would be the Chameleon brooch I made for my metalsmith friend Andy Cooperman. I enjoy the technique chasing and repousse and granulation. He was the first person to purchase a piece of jewelry from me and he gave it to his wife for their anniversary.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?

WJ: I have artist blocks all the time, that’s why I use so many different mediums. When I get frustrated with coming up with jewelry ideas, I’ll switch to painting or drawing. Right now I am silk screening shirts for my other Etsy shop I have with my boyfriend: http://www.visualresistance.etsy.com/

WJ: And when I just can’t create anything I go to yoga, ride my bike, go dancing, or hang out with my friends. You can lose your creativity sometimes being stuck in the same space too long.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?

WJ: My biggest mistake as an artist is letting fear get in the way. Being afraid of what someone else thinks, if you’re not going to get in a show, or your just not good enough will not get you anywhere. I am still learning from this. Fear is my one worst enemy and it gets me every time. I will be trying to defeat this for a while. The fear is slowly leaking out of me.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up? (If you have pictures to share that would be great)
WJ: Like I mentioned before we are located at The Watershed in South East Portland. It’s about 1,000 square foot space with an office at one end, the main room is filled with the silk screening equipment, I have a room just for my art on the other end of the space, and a washout room for the screens. ( for more great pictures of the studio see her flickr page)

DM: When is your favorite time to create?

WJ: I would say in the later afternoon and in the evening. I have had the habit of getting up around 10 in the morning. Having to be up in the early morning is not a pretty sight.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?

WJ: Start out with smaller, simple projects. I had big ideas in my head when I first started using metal. I always wanted to make something really complicated before mastering each technique. You’ll just end up getting frustrated.

DM: Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?

WJ: I have several that I admire: My father Terry Johnson, I thank him for my artistic ability: , Andy Cooperman: , My Professor Keith Lewis and many more metalsmiths, too many too count. I also like Degas, Frida Kahlo, Monet, Salvador Dali, and Van Gogh.

DM: Where can you or your art be seen?

WJ: Right now just on these websites. I have not lived in Portland for very long and have yet to go out and explore my options. Flickr, Facebook: Etsy: Art by Winona, Etsy: visual resistance, Etsy: Terry Signs
DM: On a personal note, anything more you would like to share about about yourself?
WJ: I snort when I laugh.

DM: And on that note ! Thank you Winona for a wonderful look at your art and your life, much joy and happyness in 2010 !

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Polymer Clay for a Cause !!!

2010-02-28T02:44:00.014-06:00

PolymerClayforaCause's Shop Announcement :

Polymer Clay for a Cause was started in honor of the owner's daughter, Cortney.

Cortney had an incredibly artistic mind, but due to her Muscular Dystrophy we were not able to find a medium that she could do. So in turn during her years of living at Childrens Hospital she would tell her mom GREAT stories and she would try to bring them to life thru polymer clay. Clay became both of their worlds, just in different ways. Cortney left this world at the age of 14 to go dance for the first time, but her mother tries to continue her spirit thru clay and charities (Cortney would grow her hair out, just to donate it to locks of love - which for a girl in a wheelchair is rough to do - that was the kind of soul she was). He mother will list photos of her in the store, if you wish to see her!

About the store.....

This is a non-profit shop that takes art work from any polymer clay artist that wishes to contribute. About every four months the PCAGOE (Polymer Clay Artist Guild on Etsy) will vote on a children's charity for which to donate ALL of the sales from this shop go to that orginization.

If you wish to contribute. Please look in the stores policy sections for information.

A very worthy cause, please stop over and see if you find something you would like to buy ! Her shop is /Polymer Clay for a Cause

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Barron Design Studio's !!!

2010-02-27T03:35:00.022-06:00

Artist Bio: My name is Deborah Barron, and I am a self-taught metalsmith. All that you see here is my fault. I thought of the design, and set about making it from raw materials.

I choose to use natural stones and precious metals to create something that I hope will be unique and timeless. My favorite tools are my torch and many hammers. Of course, I can't resist pretty rocks.

Jewelry made exclusively by hand. Each original design is forged and fabricated from precious metal sheet and wire.

Traditional metalsmithing techniques are combined with carefully chosen natural stones and pearls.

Each and every piece of jewelry is made by hand one at a time, and so even designs that I may choose to make again will have slight variations.

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/barrondesignstudio
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Create a Watercolor-Themed Website Design with Photoshop

2010-02-26T03:52:00.002-06:00

Watercolor in graphic design has become very trendy the last couple of years, many websites and incredible designers are using this style and taking it to another level. Even knowing the technique is important in this kind of design, is more about creativity and experimentation. You will learn how to use the Art History Brush and combine it with watercolor custom brushes to create a nice background header image and more. Let's get it started!

Tutorial Details
Program: Adobe Photoshop CS4
Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced
Estimated Completion Time: 4 hours

If this is something you may want to learn, visit http://psd.tutsplus.com/tutorials/interface-tutorials/create-a-watercolor-themed-website-design-with-photoshop/

If you do use this, I would love to see your results !

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

What’s Hot in 2010 Jewelry Trends for Fall

2010-02-25T05:38:00.066-06:00

Trends.... as a designer we are always looking for what will be the next big trend and my thought always goes to if this is something I can design around. Many of my items are more of what I like to wear, how do you design .... do you make something that will be seen as trendy and hot or do you design what makes you happy ? I will be interested in your reponses !

In the mean time, here is what the fashion trends are lining up for Fall 2010 ....

Bold Statements, Mixed Media
Big, bold statement jewelry – whether it’s a chunky cuff, an oversize opulent cocktail ring, or this season’s front runner, the “Statement Necklace” – this is the season for size.

These trend designs for Fall 2010 jewelry are fabulous when focused on mixed media.

The more unique the mix, the better the look.

Domed Pendulum Pendant

Strong Motifs

Peruvian Blue - sterling silver and fabric pendant

Don’t shy away from strong imagery this season.

Snakes, elephants, flowers, birds, and coins are some of the most popular motifs.

These elements add a very particular mood to a collection so find one that you like and then style it in a way that makes it your own.

Emphasize a motif by repeating it in many different ways.

For example: a necklace dripping with metal textured elephants, enamel elephants, carved wood elephants, and mixed with cords and chains can be a statement piece.

Applying chains in a snake-like pattern to a fabric frontal necklace can evoke the feeling of the snake without actually using the image.

Mixing and layering colorful flowers in fabrics, beads, and metals can create a romantic statement.

Metals

Remember to use plating finishes to send the right mood message.

Shiny surfaces evoke a more traditional status feeling and burnished platings can create an antique and nostalgic mood.

Mix them for a truly modern and versatile look.

Captured Pearls

Fun with Fringe

Fringed necklaces in chains, beads, and mixed media are red hot now and will continue to be hot for Fall / Winter 2010.

The All-Important Earring

The size of earrings is definitely getting larger.

Earlums

However, there will always be a customer looking for style in small and medium earrings.

The key to larger earrings for Fall 2010 is keeping them lightweight.

Using filigree stampings as a base to suspend motifs, charms, chains and beads from is a good way to do this.

Creating webs of linked chains is also a unique way to gain size without the weight.

The use of color is important in earrings, and murano glass beads have a wonderful finish that is not only popular right now, but is highly saleable.

Failsafe 2010 Fall Jewelry Colors

Mosaic Art Pendant -Wood Fern

The must-have colors for the season are deep greens and rich purples.

Accent these colors with teal and fuchsia.

Set these colors in antique worn gold or gunmetal gray platings.

This is a winning palette because it is on trend, and has had positive selling in past seasons.

Jewelry Sets

Sterling Silver Tube Leaf Pendant

Always create trios of looks in your line – for every necklace there should be a great earring and bracelet to coordinate.

In my career I have always noted that American women like to purchase jewelry that matches.

Completing a woman’s look for her makes her shopping experience great, and your sales even better!

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

The NICHE Awards Competition

2010-02-24T04:57:00.002-06:00

I always look forward to the release of the NICHE awards, the work is always worth the view and inspires me to new highs in my designing.

Here are a few of my favorites....enjoy then pop over and view the rest.... which one did you like most and why ? (hint...when you go over to main link..click on picture to get full view, then scroll through the slidelike show to see every detail)

Ceramics - Bamboo Dragon by Xuti

Fibers - Helleborus by Joh Ricci

Glass - Tangerine by Katrina Ruby

Caged Souls by Jason Howard

Metal- Enameled - Chrysalis necklace by Jennifer J Park

Wood - Carved - Little Wings by Milo Mirabelli

Jewelry

Gentle Current Brooch by Julie Jerman-Melka

Grana Carotene by Damia Smith

Red Flowers by Kimberley Morris

3-D Leaf Flower Necklace by Sadie Wang

Druzy Pendant by Steven McGovney

(one of my favorites)

Collision Pin by Ashka Dymel

Charmed by Lisa Hawthorne

Home- Furnishings

Mission Inspired Corner Cabinet by Joel Liebman

Strata Pendants Lights by Danielle Blade and Stephen Gartner

Lotus by Lilach Lotan

Other - Glass House by Alisha Volotzky

You can see more of at http://www.nicheawards.com/Our-Professional-Finalists.php
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Osiris Gems - handfaceted quality-gems

2010-02-23T04:30:00.001-06:00

Oh what I could do with some of these !

Ametrine : Another example for Ametrine from the brazil/bolivian border. This one is more closed to the amethyst with only small Citrine sections and still one of my favorite pieces in this new design.
15.37 cts., 16.9 x 11.7 mm

Orthoclase: This is my last new design for 2009. It is a sevensided brilliant-design with two stars: a big one and a tiny one inside the big. The name is "Hepta-Star". 5.38 cts., 12.5 x 7.7 mm

Rutil-Quartz (one of my FAVORITE stones to work with) Reddish golden Rutile-Needles in clear, white quartz from Brasil. Faceted into Tom Herbst´s swirling "Figaro"-Design. 16.37cts., 16.7x 12.4 mm

Girasol : One more of the fine Girasols I have faceted during the last weeks. This is the new computation of the older "YinYang"-design. Now it has 41 facets and some more contrasty sparkle. It was found on the gem-island of Madagascar and is eyeclean with little silk and light golden reflexes. 11.72cts., 16.2 x 11.2 mm

Smoky Quartz "Glacial Ice"

Smoky Quartz "Bar Round"

Topaz "Phase"

To see more of their selection, visit Osirisgems.com
Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview: Stan and Heather Micallef of Dragon Glass

2010-02-22T04:40:00.068-06:00

I met this wonderful couple on a Yahoo Glass Chat group - Art Glass Pic, if you have an interest in learning and chatting with some a great group of people, check this group out, you will LOVE them !

Stan and Heather Micallef make some of the most amazing glass windows, lets get started learning more about their art …...

DM: What is your artistic medium?
DG: The glass side of Dragon Glass is Fusing and Slumping. We also teach and sell Art Clay Silver products, and Bronzclay and Copprclay. The third side of Dragon Glass is the Chain Maille!

DM: Where can your art be seen?
DG: Mainly on our web site, as we don't really make to sell, as it would be in competition to our customers! and follow links to the other sites!

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
DG: Most potters eventually put a piece of glass in the kiln to see what happens! We started about 18 years ago, when the studio glass movement was getting strong in the USA. The Lindstrom books had become available, and so we eventually decided to bring in some Bullseye glass to try with. We began teaching a 3 day workshop, using both Bullseye and float glass. This became very popular, and in order to reach a wider customer base, we put the course onto video, plus a lot more information. "An Introduction to the Fusing and Slumping of Glass" was the first of several videos - and as soon as it became established as a learning tool, we stopped doing "live" classes.

This was the time to concentrate on developing our supply base. Bullseye Glass having proved to be too expensive to import and use, we expanded our range of float compatible products. The strongest is of course Thompson Enamels, as this is the cheapest form of colouring float glass! We are also agents in South Africa of the wonderful Spanish Flosing products, which include frit, stringers, eggshell (confetti), bubble powders and flash coloured glass!

Naturally we import dichroic, where would we be without this great innovation in glass!

As moulds were also a problem, it was natural to be able to use our ceramic background to develop a range of specialized moulds for slumping glass. Previously people were using pottery bisque ware, but as you all know this is not really satisfactory. Our moulds all have a proper finished footring, which is important in creating an up-market glass product - not a "wobbler" as was so often the case with bisque.

We also had to develop a proper glass kiln. Fortunately, we have some good kiln builders in South Africa, and with much trial and error, eventually the Dragon Glass kiln was born.

So in reality, Dragon Glass can be considered the people who gave the kiln formed glass movement in South Africa it's kick start!

The first video led to the follow up - "Answers, Ideas and Troubleshooting Kiln Fired Glass" - in which we try and solve problems, as well as introduce more advanced techniques etc. These led then to "All About Moulds and Other Things" which is self-explanatory, and a specialized little video on using the Flosing glass products! We also made a video on Decoupage Under Glass, as this is a good way of encouraging people to buy plain glass bowls and plates.

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
DG: Teaching ourselves was a matter of studying what books we could get, and much trial and error. The folk at Bullseye were very helpful as well, as they still are to this day! As there was no one in South Africa to help us, we had to go it alone from the start. One of the main difficulties was in finding a source for materials in South Africa, so we developed our own kiln wash, prefire glue and other essentials to make it easier for anyone to take up the craft.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
DG: Buy the biggest kiln you can afford! You will regret having a small kiln once the bug has bitten and you want to make larger items.
DM: I soooooo agree with this one, we have 2 different sizes and they never seem quite big enough !

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
DG: Any craft that deals with "fire" is exciting - in our case it is electric, but still the heat is the important part of the process. Fusing is also so much faster than other glass crafts - most modern crafters want a quick result of their labours, and kiln formed glass can give this gratification!

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
DG: Telling people NOT to do something you know wont work, only to have them come the next time to show you that they tried it....and...guess what! It does not work! Probably this is every teachers' frustration, students who do not listen!

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
DG: Mainly in nature. Natural forms are appreciated by the majority of people, so anything which is based in this style usually will find a ready response with customers. Abstracts are what interior designers go for, so often when you are "stuck" for a design, some simple geometric shapes fill the bill here, and are easy to do!

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favourite creations:
DG: Our studio windows have been the biggest challenge, and the results beyond what we anticipated!

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
DG: Probably, although not having to make too much finished glass commercially, we have been lucky! Best thing is to relax and play with some scrap glass until you find a happy design that makes you feel good, and use that! Your creative muse will follow naturally!

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
DG: Not too sure - probably trying to do something that is not really possible - pushing the boundaries just too far. Lesson learned of course – keep within the "rules" of glass, but still push your creativeness to improve all the time. What really comes to mind is spending time painting a piece of glass, and then not burning off the painting medium (binder) before putting the top capping piece of glass over it. Results - an ugly black burned coloured piece instead of all the lovely colours, plus a large bubble! Lesson quickly learned not to do that again!

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
DG: Our studio began in the garage, and has evolved over the years to include 2 more large rooms, and the new jewellery studio is now above the garage. The windows we made are in the stair well, and one can be seen from the street! The picture shows the front of our house on the left, and the studio to the right, with the - as yet unfinished - new jewellery section on the top. The windows are just out of sight on the left of the upstairs section! Our poodle Lucie is in the foreground!

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
DG: Actually - when we HAVE time! Running a wholesale/retail glass materials business, as well as teaching and supplying metal clay and chain maille products, keeps us pretty busy!

DM: What advice would you give someone starting out in this medium?
DG: Do some homework BEFORE you buy anything. Have some lessons, see what others are doing. You don't want to spend time and money only to find that you don't like what you are doing. We always ask potential customers to first buy our DVDs, especially the first 2, go away and watch them, and then they can decide on which direction they would like to go.

DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?
DG: Most of the artists who were associated with Bullseye in the developmental days made timeless and beautiful pieces - for sheer colour beauty that you can look at over and over again - Claus Moje is the king!

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
DG: Short bio of us - Dragon Glass consists of 2 people - Stan and Heather Micallef. We have been self-employed craft teachers and suppliers for more than 18 years, working from our studio at home in Benoni, South Africa. After both being laid off from our jobs, we turned to crafts to make a living!

Started in ceramics as we had a long ceramics background, and naturally progressed into glass fusing!

Stan is more on the technical side, Heather the artist, although Stan has developed his artistic side over time! The kiln formed glass progressed into some glass jewellery, especially once the dichroic glass was more readily available, and this in turn led to us becoming the Art Clay Silver representatives in South Africa. We have also developed a unique range of silicone moulds for the metal clays!

Now of course we also have Bronclay and Copprclay, and the new Art Clay Copper! Lovely to combine with glass too.

The chain maille came about because we wanted copper and brass chains to go with the new metal clays, and it was a natural progression yet again to making them ourselves. We also cut the rings here for chain maille, as no one else in South Africa does!

Of course - following our usual way - this led to yet another 3 DVDs, one on Art Clay Silver, one on chain maille, and one on working with the Bronzclay and Copprclay! Our jewellery DVDs in NTSC are available in the USA from Art Clay World USA, and all the DVDs in PAL system are available from our son in the UK, who acts as our agent there. Interested? Contact him on LM@LCEM.com. (PAL system will play in a computer!)

We have been fortunate enough to travel to the USA in the past to teach glass classes - using float and float compatible products. Our students in both California and Portland Oregon were thrilled to be shown how to use enamels and enamel paints to make classy items that could rival those made with the more expensive coloured glass. One lady who is a teacher in a college was so pleased that she could finally offer her students colour in their glass without breaking the bank! And adding that lovely little scrap of float dichroic just sets it off so well.....!

As far as the Art Clay Silver is concerned, we have both had success at entering the annual competitions sponsored by the parent company in Japan. To have pieces selected for Honourable Mentions or for a prize amongst entries from all over the world is really exciting!

DM: Anything else you wish to share?
DG: Always remember that in times of recession, crafts are what people turn to for both relaxation and stress relief, as well as another source of income. In fact, Stan's favourite story is of the commercial "Thin Red Line". When interest rates climb above the "red line", people need to find extra income to cover their shortfalls on loans etc, and when interest rates fall below the "red line", people need to find the income to make up the deficit in interest earnings! Crafts are always the easiest and most rewarding things for people to become involved in, and this has been proved to be a fact through many ups and downs in economic times over the last few decades. As long as you can produce quality goods, at a price which suits buyer and seller, you will survive through thick and thin.

DM: Heather thank you for that very deep look at your business in South Africa and the many layers of what you can do with glass.

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Great Expectations Unique Handcrafted Jewellery!!!

2010-02-21T04:10:00.007-06:00

Artist Bio :
Hi! I have been designing and creating jewellery for over five years alongside my full time job. I would love to one day be able to turn my hobby into a full time occupation! My other passions are Charlie, my cat(!), urban exploration, my PlayStation 3, trying to learn web design, and classical singing.

I live in the historic Cheam Village in Surrey. Cheam dates back to the Saxon period and features in the Domesday Book of 1086. Nonsuch Palace which once stood in the Cheam/Epsom area was built by King Henry VIII and is known for being his last and most elaborate Tudor building project. Sadly the only surviving Tudor building in Cheam is now the picturesque Whitehall. The pretty Nonsuch Park which was once part of the palace grounds is also nearby.

Favorite Materials: Sterling Silver, Vintage Lucite, Pure Copper, Raw Brass, Vermeil, Ceramic, Crystal, Lampwork Glass, Vintage Glass, Recycled Glass, Gemstone

FALLEN LEAVES Pendant

NOUVEAU Earrings

KIMONO Earrings

FANCY A CUPPA Pendant

SNOWDROPS Earrings

You can see more of this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/greatexpectations

Till tomorrow...keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Peculiar Forest !!!

2010-02-20T03:16:00.001-06:00

Artist Bio : Hello! Im Louise, 28 and I have just moved to France from the U.K. I have been working with polymer clay for around 3 years now and recently art clay silver or PMC.

I started out making personalised wedding cake toppers which did very well but I decided I wanted to take a new direction and make jewellery. So now I actually do both!

She is also a proud member of the Etsy Metal Clay Team & European Street Team.

You can find more about Louise at her blog and on Trunkt, or Flickr, she also uses Twitter, today's featured Etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/PeculiarForest

Her cake toppers can be found at http://huntersdesigns.co.uk/

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

diy project: decoupaged ceiling

2010-02-19T01:53:00.016-06:00

For those who have been following my blog know I am in the mist of making some major changes in my house and studio, this tutorial struck me a goldmine of possibilities !

When we first moved into this house 10 years ago, my youngest was a mere 9 years old, I can remember her running into the bedroom already decorated with those crazy glow in the dark stars all over the ceiling, what I could have done with this tutorial !

I have always wanted one of those cool rooms with the clouds and night scenes all over the ceiling ... now I can share with you all one way to achieve this great look !

For the full tutorial, pop over to decoupaged ceiling and as always, if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures !

Till tomorrow ..keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - Welcome to Destinys Creations !!!

2010-02-18T03:58:00.000-06:00

Artist Bio:
As a jewelry artist, my passion is to create wearable works of art to adorn women. My creations are inspired by my desire to make women feel beautiful. I love clean shapes, whimsical yet elegant designs, as well as, combining materials and colors.

When I was in college, I worked backstage as a make-up artist at all of the theatrical productions held at the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut. One summer I had the opportunity to work as the make-up artist for opera productions of La Boheme and Ariadne right outside of Dartmouth's Campus at the Opera North in Lebanon, New Hampshire. I marveled at transforming women and men alike. At the time, working at a production of Cirque du Soleil would have been my dream.

Since Connecticut is not the capitol of the entertainment industry and I wasn’t in a position to move to a major city, I followed my other passion, which was the law and became a paralegal.

While I was enjoying my career as a Paralegal, I was in desperate need of a creative outlet. My first attempt was to try and assist with productions at the Hartt School of Music during the evening; however, once I was informed of the schedule there was no way that I could work as a make-up artist backstage due to my priorities at work. One of my co-workers suggested that I try my hand at jewelry making and since I love jewelry, I took my first beading class at a local bead shop. Within months I pursued classes in metalsmithing, wire wrapping, creating dichroic glass and finally metal clay design classes.

While I no longer had my make up brushes, I found a torch, a kiln, and a myriad of other ways to experiment with color and transform. I finally found my creative outlet one that I loved and Destiny’s Creations was born.

I don’t subscribe to the school of thought that you should focus on just one aspect of jewelry design. The possibilities in designing jewelry are endless and I thoroughly am enjoying the journey, whether I am working with metal clay, wire wrapping or creating dichroic glass.

I work with Art Clay Silver, fine silver, sterling silver, gold-filled wire, artisan glass lampwork beads, swarovski crystals, and unique precious and semi precious gemstones, to create limited edition or one of a kind jewelry pieces.

The lampwork beads that are a part of many of my jewelry pieces are purchased from artisans around the world, each unique in their style. Many are one of a kind and can't be duplicated.

I now have my Art Clay Silver Certification. Art Clay Silver is an eco-friendly metal clay, which is comprised of 100% recycled fine silver particles, organic binders and water. Once the clay is fired, the organic binders burn away and what is left is 99.9% pure fine silver.

Working with Art Clay Silver is a wonderful, creative outlet for me as it has challenged me and allowed me to experiment and execute my ideas in new ways. I love that I am able to do things with metal clay that I might not be able to do with traditional metalsmithing techniques.

Working with you to design an original piece of jewelry that fits your unique personal style is what I love most. I have also been known to take a vintage piece, reconstruct it and modernize it. All of my work is made by hand in my private studio in Windsor, CT.

You can find more on this artist work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DestinysCreations

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Welcome to Phil Hauser Sculpture !!!

2010-02-17T06:17:00.001-06:00

Sculptor Philip Hauser captures both the sensuality of the female form and the spiritual qualities that the form reveals in his exquisite limited edition bronze sculptures. From the vulnerability and courage expressed in his Joan of Arc pieces to the grace and elegance of his dancers, these beautiful pieces are sure to add to the artistic ambiance of your home.

Philip Hauser has been a professional sculptor for over thirty years. He was born in Minnesota and attended the University of Wisconsin, but California has been his home for the majority of his career. At the age of 21 he was hired by a fine gift company to set up their bronze foundry and run their sculpting and molding department. Here he learned the technical skills that formed the basis for his work as a commercial and fine-art sculptor. He later joined with his brother Joel to establish a successful custom jewelry store which his brother still owns and operates in Cambria.

After leaving the jewelry business Philip started a pewter foundry and worked in the gift and collectible market. His clients were large international companies such as Dakin, Applause, Dosign Gifts, and Hamilton. During this time he became one of the top freelance sculptors for all the major toy companies. For the past seventeen years Philip has worked for Mattel, Galloob, Hasbro, Tyco, Playmates, Just Toys and many others. There are probably toys in your child’s toybox that have felt the hands of Philip Hauser in their birth process! He also works with the licensing departments of all the major studios including Universal, Fox, Disney, Sony and Warner Brothers.

This wide body of experience has given the artist an intimate working knowledge of anatomy and the dynamics of human movement. But far from being sterile academic exercises, Philip’s fine art bronzes stir with a vivid inner life. And like most artists, he is capable in many media, including two-dimensional work. A Hauser landscape painting in oil received the Grand Prize in the Cambria Allied Arts juried fine art show in 2007. Recently he painted all the figurative elements of a 6300 sq ft fine art mural in a residential estate winery. Local girls were chosen as models for this pre-war Italy vineyard subject mural called “Golden Vintage”. He’s also taught sculpting at the California Sculptors Symposium.

Phillip Hauser lives and works in Cambria, California.

You can more on this artist @ http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Phil+Hauser+Sculpture&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Digital Artist from Technicolour Abstract Art ....

2010-02-16T06:13:00.078-06:00

Today, I am showing something new, digital art, I REALLY love digital art and wanted to share a few of the artist I follow. Oh Flickr I follow a group called Technicolour Abstract Art , let me know what you think and do you have a favorite ?

Were Not Gona Take It

Making Light of Chaos by Chameleon Music

Fun with Lemons

No Title Given - I call it Trees ....

17 yrs. ago - RuthArt

Truimph of the Spirit

Blue on Blue

Twilight Reflection

Once upon a time there was a frog....

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Interview : Julie Darch of 2MuchYarn ! Where ~Useful meets Funky~

2010-02-15T05:28:00.054-06:00

When I was out looking for artist to showcase, I came across Julie's shop and LOVED her tagline ~Useful meets Funky~ !!! Let begin getting to know Julie and her art !

DM: What is your artistic medium?
JD: My artistic medium is Crochet.

DM: Where can your art be seen?
JD: It can be seen on Etsy , Facebook fan page or my blog.

DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
JD: I learned how to crochet when I was about 11 years old but it was not “cool” so I put down my hook and did not look back. Until about 3 years ago my back became really bad. I was off work a lot and bored out of my mind. My best friend came to my rescue. She came over one evening and showed me how to crochet. She taught her self just before she went on maternity leave. Ever since than I have been hooked!

DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling?
JD: Mostly just Saturday crochet nights with my friend. She helped me when I was stuck. I also bought books to help teach me as well.

DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out?
JD: Be patient. It takes time for your squares to be square and your circles to be circles. Just keep at it.
Patterns are a great way to learn. Everyone knows what a scarf looks like, so try and make one.

DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
JD: The end product. I love I can make something and people think its great. It nerve racking because I may think its cute others may not. Every artist puts a little of themselves in everything they make.

DM: What do you find the most frustrating?
JD: When I miss a stitch and need to rip my work out or if I am free handing a project and I just can’t figure something out.

DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?
JD: I get my inspirations from life. Sometime it will come from a custom request, like the shrugs and shawls, I always wanted to make them, just never gave myself the time to try until someone asked for a custom order.
I try and create useful but funky items. I was tired of the boring paper coffee cozies , so I created one with colour and personality !

DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:
JD: My favorite creations are my slippers. My toes are always cold and I hate wearing bare feet at peoples homes. I wanted something that was cute and warm and girly.

DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?
JD: I do. I think the best way for me to overcome it was to put my hooks down and walk away from crocheting for a day or two. Another way is to look at new patterns, sometimes creating a new pattern helps get the creativity flowing again.

DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?
JD: I don't know what my biggest mistake was, but I have had a lot of learning experience from selling online. I think we all learn from our mistakes and move on. I have learned a lot about crocheting and works for me.

DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?
JD: I don't really have one. I love to crochet in front of the television at night watching my favorite shows. I have my yarn organized in a cube shelving unit. Although, it doesn't stay very organized very long. I keep all finish product in an old dresser.

DM: When is your favorite time to create?
JD: I guess I answered that above, but I love crocheting at night. My favorite night is Saturday. That's when I meet my friend for a crochet/movie night. Its awesome.. Plus sometimes we throw in some midnight shopping.

DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?
JD: Be patient, enjoy it and don't give up. Took me forever to master the square.

DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.
JD: I am 28 years old. I recently began my career as a law clerk and I am loving it. I live in a apartment with my common law partner, Patrick. I love to crochet, yarn shopping, gadgets and reading. I love walking out doors and doing tourist type things.

Thank you Julie for a look at how you go about making your funky art ! We all wish you the best for the rest of 2010 !

Till tomorrow ... keep creating !
Tina aka Daily Muse

Etsy Finds - HAPPY Valentine Day from Mr. & Mrs Muse !

2010-02-14T06:23:00.013-06:00

Here is hoping your Valentine's day is filled with sweetness and love !

Below are just a few of the hundreds of wonderful items I found listed for Valentines day this year on Etsy !

Valentine Sugar Cookies

Thief of Hearts - Gocco Greeting Card

Valentine's day heart dress

Personalized Lariat Rope Heart

Valentine's Day fabric gift bag

Healing

Sutured Heart Necklace

LoveStruck

Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant

Mosaic Pendant-Flower in Your Heart

Love Letters Earrings

PS sorry these are sold.. to ME ;-)

CELTIC HARP Love Book

Till Tomorrow. ... keep creating !

Tina aka Daily Muse