Clay In The Hands

Color Challenge

2012-01-10T18:56:00.003-06:00

I have found that I need a kick start to creativity at the beginning of this new year. On Pinterest I pin color palettes on to my Inspirations board and I keep thinking that I will choose one and play with some colors. I pinned this one not long ago and I really love the soft colors.

I also noticed this January color challenge on the Art Bead Scene blog and it has a similar palette of colors....although with more of an autumn feel.

I'm not sure that I will join the challenge or anything but at personal level because jewelry design really isn't my strong suit, but it will be fun playing with the feel and colors.

I've looked for some examples that would fit in with the feel and/or color pallete and these are the items I found.

Sanskrit bracelet by Jewel Fire Designs

Hobo Bag by Robins Flight

I will keep looking for examples and will share what I come up with soon.

blessings, Zuda Gay

CAST Secret Sister Gifts

2011-12-27T19:35:00.000-06:00

I participated in the Christian Artist Street Team on Etsy Secret Sister gift exchange this year. It was very fun! I got to send gifts to Becky of Good Neighbors Candle Shop. I love Becky's candles they are wonderful and she has great customer service! And I received gifts from Kelley from Little Elfs Toy Shop. Kelley sent me two items that she made by needle felting wool.The are so tiny and precious! I love them!

And Kelley added to my Noah's Ark collection with this adorable carved wooden Ark set.

Enjoy this last week of 2011

blessings, Zuda Gay

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T11:02:00.000-06:00

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the room the whirr of the sewing machine creating a gift to be wrapped soon. :) I mentioned that I was going to shrink some sweaters and make some hats and mittens. I just finished up the last pair of mittens this morning so I thought that I would show my handiwork. I had a terrible time taking pictures, but you can get the general idea. :) I think they turned out very cute. :)

Amber's new coat is green and gray...a deeper green, but I think they will go well. If you can't tell, the hat and mittens are creamy white, grey and light green with brighter green and purple buttons and embroidered accents.

Brianna's new coat is turquoise and gray so I used the creamy white and gray and a bit of black and went with an owl theme. :) I made appliqued owls on the left mitten and a branch on the right so when she puts her hands together it looks like the owls are sitting on the branch. hehe.... I hope they will like them!!

The other thing I've been working on today is trying to clean our shower. I HATE cleaning the shower, it makes my back hurt. I just can't seem to find anything that works well that I can stand to use without coughing. AND, I get soaked and the cleaning stuff all over me. I found this recipe: Equal parts white vinegar and Dawn dish soap: heat the vinegar in the microwave then add the Dawn, stir gently then put in a spray bottle - spray on, let set for 10 minutes or so, scrub and rinse off. It seems to work pretty well!! I'm going to do a wall at a time.And the only fumes are from vinegar. Yay!!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!
"So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough-because there was no room for them at the lodging place. In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.
This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough." Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
Glory to God in the highest heaven,and peace on earth to people He favors!"

May you have a blessed Christmas!

Zuda Gay

Give Away Winners!!!

2011-12-13T14:22:00.001-06:00

I am running late. I had to run to the thrift store...I'm looking for wool sweaters that I can shrink to make mittens and hats. Then I was wrestling with Blogger trying to get videos to load...never did get White Heart. If they turn out I will blog about it. I enjoyed reading everyone's favorite Christmas songs and movies, that was fun. I guess I should share mine as well. I have lots, but I'll just share a few. hehe... I love Bing Crosby and David Bowie's Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth duet...

And White Heart's version of Little Drummer Boy and Mark Lowery's Mary Did You Know.

I love singing, O Come, O Come Immanuel and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) and Carol of the Bells...and the Messiah. I love a lot of Christmas movies as well, but my favorite is White Christmas....and Holiday Inn, and It's A Wonderful Life and I really like The Santa Clause movies.

Now to the serious business. I wrote all the names down on little slips of paper and wadded each one up into a little ball then put them in a bowl. Stirred them around and drew out....... Eileen, for the Blue and White Flower, then the second and third ones I drew out Clay It Again, and Ginger Peach.
Congrats to all of you!

blessings, Zuda Gay

Winter White and Blue Giveaway

2011-12-07T11:49:00.001-06:00

It is giveaway time!! WooHoo!!! And today is perfect to get me in the mood because the sky is that gorgeous sunny December blue and there is snow on the ground, my favorite scene for this time of the year. Yesterday when our 4 year old grandson got up and saw snow, he was sure it was Christmas time. I want to give this wintery flower pendant away and if you would like an opportunity to win it all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me your favorite Christmas song(s) or movie(s). EASY!! I like easy.

I will also draw two names for these small star/snowflake pendants.

The three names will be drawn on Tuesday, December 13th around noon Illinois time.

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Winter White and Sky Blue

2011-12-06T13:35:00.001-06:00

Recently I've been loving the combination of white and blue. Isn't funny how a color or a color combo just kind of tickles your fancy for a while. I guess that is partly the making of trends. I decided I needed to make up a cane to appease my newest color crush. I really like how the flowers came out. I decided that I would like to offer one as a give away, because well, Christmas is coming and I like to give things. But, before we get to that...I would like to share some pretty white and blue things that I found on Etsy from some of the teams I am a part of.

Vintage Ice Skate Decoration by My European Touch

Flower Embellishments from Cards by Jeweleigha B

Pocket Mirror by emh Graphics

Blue and White Square Pure Silk Scarf by Colours and Textures

WoooHooo it's snowing by Peggers

Miniature rose fairy home by Fizzy Claret

Ooops, I waited too long to take pictures of the necklace. Look for a giveaway post this week.

blessings, ZudaGay

Gratitude = Grateful Attitude

2011-11-23T09:18:00.001-06:00

The older I get the more I recognize the importance of attitude. And that my attitude is something that I can control. At this time of the year we concentrate on being grateful and seeing the farmers harvesting their crops we have an example of God's provision. I've been trying to have a grateful attitude everyday in all seasons, not just this one where we are reminded to be thankful. No matter my circumstances I can strive to have a thankful attitude. Also, I've been trying to be specific in my gratitude thoughts. It is so easy to say "Thank You, God, for everything" and I am thankful for everything, but I think I need to look at the small pictures in the practice of being thankful. I am thankful for my husband Danny who loves me, I am thankful for our daughters who are so precious to us. I am thankful for our sons-in-law who love our girls and work so hard to provide for them and their children. I am thankful for the grace shown to me most especially from God but also from people who extend their grace to me. I am thankful for tea, for peanut butter, for heating pads, for computers and for kitties. I am thankful that I live where the seasons change and the weather is rarely boring...(well except in the summer when it is too hot for too long, I have to work on that one)

Gratitude Book by Mister Pen Quin

ACEO Print of Original Artwork by V. Elish Art Work

Five Autumn Blessing Bible Bookmarks by Karla Dornacher

Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgving!

Zuda Gay

ABCs of Me

2011-11-11T15:10:00.001-06:00

I got this meme from my friend Judy which she did on her blog This Creative Journey. Thanks Judy! These things are always fun.

Vintage Crewel Embroidery Sampler Needlework, Ratty and Catty Shop

A – Alumna of Quincy Senior High School
B – Bible reader
C – Creative
D – Doodler
E – Etsy-er
F – Fantasy fan
G – Guitar plunker
H – Helpmeet of Danny
I – Illinois resident
J – Jewelry component creator
K – Knitting admirer
L – life-long learner (this was too good not to steal)
M – Mom to Kristin and Jessica
N – needleworker
O – Organizationally challenged
P – Polymer Clay artist
Q – Quiet
R – Red lover
S – Secretary
T – Teetotaler (jasmine green)
U – Unbiased Gramma (Ha!)
V – Versatile
W – Wisdom seeker
X – XOXOXO
Y – Yahweh's kid
Z – Zuda

I would like to see yours if you decide to do this ABC meme. Just put a link to your blog in my comment section.

blessings, Zuda Gay

String and Sticks or a Hook and Line

2011-11-08T18:39:00.002-06:00

Have you looked at yarn recently? Oh my goodness, there are some beautiful yarns to be had. I want to touch them and buy them, but I know that I could never do them justice. I can knit and I can crochet, but I hate following patterns and I'm really not good enough at either to make up a garment out of my head. When I have a desire to knit or crochet I usually make washcloths which is enough to quench my creating with fiber thirst when it hits. My sister is an amazing needle worker and has passed that talent to her daughter. In this post I am sharing work by some of my Etsy friends and an adorable hat made by my niece, Lissa.

Deep Red Tall Trapezoid Bag by Robin's Flight

Knit Baby Hat by Baruch's Lullaby

Hat and Scarf Set by Krafters Korner

Beautiful Adult Handknit Turtleneck Poncho by Stitches by Julie

Hand Knitted Ballerina Mouse by The Slip Stitch

Enchanted Garden Felted Wool Needle Book by JN Originals

Crochetted Perry the Platypus Beanie by Read Write Knit

I hope you enjoyed these lovely and adorable yarn goodies!

blessings, Zuda Gay

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...

2011-11-01T20:26:00.003-05:00

I love cats! Although I love most any animal that has fur...with a couple of exceptions..I have to admit that I am a cat person. One way I can tell that my husband loves me a lot is that he puts up with my kitties. He is not a cat person. I found some cute kitty items from a couple of my Etsy teams.

Brown Cat Face Pendant by Artsy Clay

3 Miniature Kittens Needle Felted Figures by Little Elf's Toy Shop

Kitty Cat Lovers Personalized Ornament by Button Willoe Design

Kitty Mask by My European Touch

Regal Siamese Cat by Glass Art by Cheryl

Grey Kitty Original ACEO Watercolor by Six Sisters Art

Original Painting Fine Art Silk - On the Prowl by Mystic Silks

Mouse pad or hot pad, crazy cats by Scotty Acres Boutique

I can't have a post about kitties and not share my kitties. First is our Rusty who is the sweetest and softest kitty. My foot warmer and my snuggle baby.

These two kittens are half of a litter that was born in our garage last spring. We tamed two of the kittens and gave them away and these two were left. We have been working on them. The gray one Smokey, is pretty tame now. The lovely little lady is Butterscotch and she will come inside and occasionally let us pet her so we are making some head way with her.

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Draw, Doodle and Sketch

2011-10-25T13:53:00.002-05:00

I love art...most any kind really. Although I focus on working with clay, and an occasional wall mural I have done many different crafts in my lifetime, I love looking at artist drawings, paintings and collage work. Here are some that I have taken joy in recently.

Truckee River Bank Black Ink Drawing by pfd Original Artworks

Original Illustration in Ink, Dancing Girl by Arona Designs

Personalized Sketches Portrait by Maria Sambs Botelho

Zentangle Doodles 4 ACEO by Watercolors N More

Tree Autumn Landscape Original Pencil Drawing Collage by Niki

Within Original 5 x 7 by Em Bound Art

ACEO Tree 2 by Black Ink Cards

Celebrate Fall Colorful Contemporary Paper Leaf Collection by Mechelle Designs

I decided that I wanted a sketch pad and some Micron pens for my birthday. We had some errands to run in town (town is Quincy, IL and about 25 miles from our little village) so we made a stop at Hobby Lobby and I picked out my pad and pens. :) I can't tell you the last time I had a new sketch pad. I haven't concentrated on drawing for decades, other than the usual doodling while on the phone...or on my sermon notes. (shhhh...) I've been seeing some pictures of drawings that looked similar to my doodles and found out they were called Zentangles...how cool! So I've been tangling and here are a few examples. :) SO FUN!

I hope you enjoyed this little art show!

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Chalkboard Fun

2011-10-12T09:24:00.001-05:00

When I was in grade school I loved to get picked to write on the chalkboard. We did spelling and math drills on the board. Sometimes when the weather was nasty and we couldn't go out for recess we got to draw on the board. I always loved when it was my turn for the chalkboard chores of banging the erasers and washing the board. Chalkboard items are really popular right now. You can buy chalkboard paint (or make your own) and turn any number of surfaces into chalkboards. Such fun! I found some items from the Christian Artist Street Team on Etsy that are wonderful representatives of this fun trend.

Chalkboard Mat, Reusable Art Toy by BAM Crafty Mommas

Chalkboard Vinyl Oval Labels by Vinyl Art Studio

Chalkboard Activity Art Children's Bag by Sew Endless

Chalkboard Table Marker Signs by Saw Dusted

And I've gotten in the Chalkboard making with these cute pendants.

Chalkboard Pendant by Zuda Gay

Chalkboard Pendant - sold

These next items don't have anything to do with Chalkboards, but I want to put a plug in for a great fund raiser. Good Neighbors Candle Shop is giving 50% from the sales of these French Lavender Soy Candles in her shop that are marked for the Purple Dress Project fund raiser to fight Crohn's Disease. They are just lovely candles and this is a terrible disease that many are struggling with, so these are a wonderful item to purchase to help others and to bring a touch of loveliness into your home.

30 ounce French Lavender Soy Candle

French Lavender Soy Candle

Blessings!!

Zuda Gay

I Won....part 3

2011-10-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

This is the third installment featuring the shops that I received free items from the Sampler Village treasury that I won.

The first shop I want to share is Rock a Bow Baby Boutique which is owned by Shannon from Hampton Bays and features adorable girly items like headbands and hair bows.

Candy Corn Halloween Boutique Bow

The item that was in the box that came to my mail box was and adorable headband with a detachable bow that can be worn separately. When I opened it and showed it to my husband we agreed that it was perfect for our #3 granddaughter, McKenna. She wears a lot of green and pink and it looks adorable on her!

Watermelon Woven Headband with a Bow

The second item I want to share was made by Heather from New York and the name of her Etsy shop is Sticker Brat. Heather's shop is in vacation mode at the moment because she is getting married this month. Congratulations Heather! She let me pick the style and the color of a Vinyl Light Switch Frame Decal, so I went with something that would go well in my office. The pictures I am sharing are of my office. I followed the directions and it was very easy to do. Yay!

I painted scripture on several walls and some scroll work and thought that the decal would match very well. I don't know if you can see the scripture on the wall above the window, but it is almost the exact same color as the light switch frame and I think it looks great! Thank you Heather!!

The last shop I want to share in this post is LaFuffie Boutique owned by Jocelyn who also is from New York. Jocelyn makes yummies....literally makes YUMMIES!! Ummm, I have to confess, that I didn't share. I really was going to share with my hubby, Danny and with grandchildren Eli and Anika...but, well...I confess, I was selfish. Jocelyn sent me four Chocolate covered Oreos. I just have to say, if you haven't tried a chocolate covered Oreo, you really should.

Happy Halloween Pumpkin Chocolate Covered Oreo

Also in my box was two of these. Just for the record, I think that white chocolate and pretzels were made for each other!

12 Halloween Chocolate Covered Pretzels

The third thing that was in my box was two chocolate covered marshmallows on sticks..so cute!

7 Princess Collection Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Bouquet

That wraps up the third installment of what I won. Did I say how much fun this was? It was great fun, I felt so pampered!

blessings, Zuda Gay

I Won...Part 2

2011-10-08T12:25:00.002-05:00

This post features the second set of free items that showed up in my mail box from the Sampler Village treasury that I won.

The first one is from Heather who lives in Colorado. Heather's shop is Blackbird Soap Shop and features "Homemade natural soaps and body products with a bizarre twist!" You just gotta go browse her shop. Such cool looking products with great names. I think this one would smell delightful, I love orange and clove!

Harvest Moon Soap

This is the item I received from Heather. It smells lovely and is so luscious and creamy. Thank you, Heather!

Goldilocks Creamy Body Mousse

Next up are these yummy, adorable candles from Fresh Country Candles located in Virginia. They look like little pies and smell OH SO GOOD!!! I was a little afraid that my grandchildren were going to try to eat them the way they keep smelling them. Aren't they cute?

3" Pumpkin or Apple Bakery Pie Candles, set of 2

Also in Fresh Country Candles Shop you can find tripple scented candles in a variety of scents like this one:

Macintosh Apple scent in a Mason Jar

The third shop I want to share in this post is made by Chellsea from Massachusetts. Chellsea is a full time student and a fellow polymer clay artist who makes adorable and yummy looking miniature food items which she uses to create jewelry and little charms to decorate her small coin purses like this one she sent to me. Thank you Chellsea!!

Blue and Orange Stripes Coin Purse with Donut Charm

Chellsea's shop is Forgotten Fortune by Faydust and also includes items like this ring.

Halloween Pumpkin Cupcake Ring

The last one for now is from the Etsy shop, Whiffs of Whimsy from California, that carries bath and body products with delicious scents. I received a bottle of bath wash that smells like I just opened a candy cane to enjoy. Thank you Whiffs of Whimsy!!

Candy Cane Body Wash

If you can't make up your mind what scent you would like to try, you can get a sampler pack of five scents including, Candy Cane, Banana Cream Pie, Oatmeal Whoopie Pie, Black Licorice, and Cherry Almond Cake.

Five Scented Body Washes

I've enjoyed these items so much! Please check out these shops for yourselves.

blessings, Zuda Gay

I Won!! Part 1

2011-09-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

One day someone posted a url on a Etsy team thread for a cool and different Etsy treasury so I went and took a look. It contained all kinds of samples from different shops that are a part of a unique shop called *Sampler Village. I looked at all the items featured and left a comment that I thought this was a cool idea not really thinking anything of it after that. Come to find out, this whole treasury was going to be given away to someone and I was that lucky someone!! I have had the best time opening all kinds of packages from all kinds of shops. I would like to share these shops as a part of my thank you to them for their generosity and for making me feel like a queen for a few days. :) *Sampler Village Shop offers monthly sampler boxes with an amazing variety of items from many different shops.

The first shop I want to share is Mammygram.Tracy is from Iowa and her shop contains a fun mix of cards, candy and a bit of jewelry but I think the most touching listing in her shop is the Mammygram which includes a group of encouraging cards each containing a little gift for women going through the "adventure" of breast cancer.

Mammygram

Tracy sent me TWO adorable Fight Like a Girl necklaces. My 3 year old granddaughter was watching me open my packages and when she saw there were two necklaces she said, "Look, Gramma there is one for me!!" Of course, she was right. She LOVES her new necklace. Thank you Tracy!

Fight Like a Girl Necklace

The second shop is Daily Repose owned by Shelli in Texas featuring beautiful handcrafted eco-friendly soaps and candles.

Green Tea Soap and Candle Gift Basket

Shelli contacted me and let me pick the scent of soap I would like for her to send to me and I chose Green Tea scented. My soap came SO delightfully packaged in a darling little muslin bag and smells so lovely! Thank you Shelli!

Tea Bag Soap

The next package brings us to Pookaberry Candle Shop owned by Danielle from New Hampshire who makes the most adorable, yummy looking candles that smell as yummy as they look!

Mini Lemon Meringue Scented Cupcake Candles

I opened my box and found this sweet candle that we thought smelled like candy corn but we lit it and it was pumpkin pie...yummm! Thank you Danielle!

Pumpkin Pie Glass Votive Candle

And last for now, but certainly not least....Goatie Girls Goat Milk Soaps and Lotions by Ginger and her flock of Goatie Girls from Arkansas . I chose Cherry Blossoms scent and I received a whole passel of beautiful products to sample. It was like digging out goodies from my Christmas Stocking! Lotions and soap and lip balm and sugar scrubs....oh my! The first thing you should know is, I adore goats. Goatie Girl product labels feature pictures of the goats who give their milk to make these lovely products...so cute!

Coconut Lime Verbena Goat Milk Soap and Lotion

Small Gift Set Goat Milk Soap & Lotion

These were just four of the boxes that I've received so far...stay tuned for more in the future! :)

blessings, Zuda Gay

Wednesday CAST Finds...

2011-09-21T10:27:00.002-05:00

I was perusing the newly listed items by the Etsy castteam and these are the cute fall items that caught my eye. (don't you love the word peruse?)

Autumn Leaves Essential Apron by Stitch Princess

Dish Towel Fall Leaves Applique by Leah's Heart

Repurposed Vintage Hand Embroidered Pillow by AdaJane

Felt Flower Headband by Elna Designs

Pumpkin Velvet Brown by Chocolate Dog Studio

Historic Adobe Building ACEO by Laurel Photo and Craft

Lovely items, yes?

I hope you enjoyed them.

Blessings, ZudaGay

The Winner is....

2011-09-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

I am late! I thought of the giveaway when we got home from church and then I ended up taking a nap at around 2pm and slept until after 5pm and my brain hasn't been awake...so I slept through the time I set and then forgot. Nothing like being over five hours late. :)

So, without further stalling, the winner is Emily from Bookmarks N Bangles. Congratulations, Emily!!

blessings, Zuda

September Giveaway!

2011-09-13T18:52:00.001-05:00

I LOVE that the evenings are getting cooler and that hint of autumn is in the air. The skies are SO blue and I have to say that Fall ties for my second favorite time of the year. This is an easy-peasy giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment making sure that I have a way to get a hold of you if you win.

This autumny pendant is the gift I'm offering this time around, it is about 2" across and has a cute little brown button center and is hangning on a hand-twisted cord and a hand dyed ribbon from Abby & Ellie. A perfect way to show your fall colors.

I will pick a winner using the random number finder on Sunday, September 18 at around 4:00 pm Illinois time.

blessings, Zuda

One Word

2011-09-02T19:07:00.005-05:00

I stole this off of another blog. I guess this has been going around and it has been a long time since I did a meme...are they still called that? This may be hard because I can rarely do one of anything.

Yourself: Blessed
Your husband: Faithful
Your hair: Brown
Your Mother: Example
Your Father: Love
Your Favorite Item: Guitar
Your Favorite Drink: Jasmine-Green-Tea
Your Dream Car: 1956 Red Corvette
Your Dream Home: Roomy
The Room You Are In: Living-room (hyphenated counts, right?)
Your fear: Drowning
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? Here
Who you hung out with last night: Danny
What You’re Not: Organized
One of Your Wish List Items: Unity
Time: Sevenish
The Last Thing You Did: Supper
What You Are Wearing: Turquoise
Your favorite weather: Snow!
Your Favorite Book: Bible
Last thing you ate: BLT
Your Life: Mature
Your mood: Sleepy
Your Best Friends: Daughters
Your car: Dodge-truck
Your summer: HOT!
Relationship status: Married!
What is on your TV: History
When is the last time you laughed: Today

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!

2011-08-31T08:54:00.003-05:00

It is suppose to be in the upper 90's where I live for the rest of the week. I really don't like summer, and I really, really don't like hot! I chose some HOT items from the CAST Team to help me enjoy the heat a least a little bit. :)

Scallop Nightlight from Dianas Stained Glass Shop

Domed Glass Magnets with Cross Theme from New Creations NZ's Shop

Heart Song Art Card from Andrea T Designs' Shop

Textured Cross from Haveart

Hand Dyed Yellow Orange Felt from Sassalynne's Shop

Orange and Yellow Roses from My Savior's Shop

I hope your eyes were delighted!

blessings, Zuda Gay

Treasuries In My Favorite Colors

2011-08-18T18:27:00.003-05:00

I've been in a few treasuries here lately and a couple of them have caught my eye because they have featured two of my favorite colors. My absolute favorite color, and has been since I was a very small child is red. I love red and most reds except for orangey reds. I also love grays, and if I could mix these two treasuries together, it would be perfect. (by the way...red was my Daddy's favorite color, too)

The Delightful Marriage of Blue and Green

2011-08-17T07:56:00.003-05:00

I love the look of blues and greens together, I think it is because it reminds me of the green trees and the blue, blue sky as we head into the end of summer that is just breathtaking as I walk outside. Here are some lovelies that I found in the shops of some of my team mates.

Mercury Glass Soy Candle by Becky

Blue Tit Birds Original Painting by Niki

Lap Quilt by Leah's Heart

Felted Knit Baby Mittens by Baruchs Lullaby
The Baruchs Lullaby family is working to add to their family
through the adoption of two precious little ones from Bulgaria.
If you would like to be a part of bringing these children home to their
family, please visit Baruch's Lullaby blog to find out how.

Jumbo Perle Medium Blue, Green Yarn by Sassalynne

New Satin Colors Fuzed Dichroic Glass Pendant by ccvalenzo

Beautiful Green and Blue Baby Blanket with Hat by Julie

I hope you enjoyed these selections and be sure to browse these shops for more of their delightful offerings.

blessings, ZudaGay

Sunflowers continued...

2011-08-16T16:51:00.002-05:00

I lost track of time somehow and missed last week, strange how that happens...so this post is much later than I was planning on. I picked out some of my newest sunflower type flowers and some of my favorite old ones that are long gone but thanks to Flickr and my sold files on Etsy, not forgotten.

Yellow and Brown Sunflower Brooch on a scalloped base with a dotty center.

I love this one...although it definitely isn't sunflower colors.
Raspberry and Mint Pendant with a dotty center.

This typical Sunflower colors of brown, cream and yellow
I love using vintage button centers when I can find one that has the right feel.

I love the look of this butterscotch orange with the
sienna dotty center.

This was an early sunflower that I just love because of the button

Blessings, ZudaGay

Time for Sunflowers

2011-08-03T12:45:00.003-05:00

Sunflowers are such a beautiful flower. They seem to evoke happiness. I am sure that they make birds happy by sharing their seeds with them. We always buy extra sunflower seeds to mix in with the bird seed mix we buy for our feeders because the Cardinals enjoy them so much. I am continuing this month to promote the Christian Artist Street Team and the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team so these beautiful sunflower items are from member's shops of these teams.

Bulgarian sunflowers Bracelet by eversoDear

Ceramic Sunflower Vase by JillsTreasureChest

Buckets of Sunshine by yankeegirl

Sunflowers Pewter Silver Floral Necklace by thefiligreegarden

The Sky's The Limit ACEO by campbelljane

Sunflower Melody by MYSAVIOR

Garden Delight by bbrunophotography

I love making sunflowers with clay. I will share some of mine in the next couple of days.

blessings, ZudaGay

Poppies Part 2

2011-07-28T13:49:00.003-05:00

First thing I'd like to share is a jigsaw puzzle. I do a puzzle on Jigzone most everyday while I eat my lunch. I like puzzles and I like having something to do while I eat. Today the puzzle was a poppy! I found that the site allows you to embed their puzzles in blog posts...how fun is that?

I have been making poppies for a few years now and I was interested in how the newer ones have changed or evolved from the first ones.

Lavender and green poppy.
This was an experiment with a clay center.
I made a mold from a little button then put
dotties around it. I really like the look, but it may change..who knows?

I saw a photo of a pale pink poppy with a
deep, dark purple center.
I like this okay, but it didn't quite come out the way it was in my head.
I think I will give it another try soon.

A customer wanted a dark red poppy and so this was my first try.
I always make something up and then allow the customer to say yes or no
and offer any ideas of changes if it isn't quite what they want.
Seeing what a person wants doesn't always happen the first time around.
It came out a lot darker than I was planning and was darker than
she wanted. This one is on a flat base.

This was my second try at the custom poppy and we were both
very please with the outcome. I made a bowl shaped base to build
the poppy on...ummm in. I like the way it cups the petals much better.

This was the first poppy I made in 2007,
I was just playing with the end of a cane.

This one was made with a cane made for the poppy.
I love the satin covered button center!

The biggest evolution from the two older poppies to the newest ones is the textured petals. I have been using a handmade glass ink pen from Italy to make the vein textures in my petals and leaves here lately and I just love the look! The second thing that has evolved is striving to make the petals go up with a base that still supports them rather than lying flat or even curling under.

Blessings, ZudaGay

Poppies!

2011-07-27T15:11:00.002-05:00

Poppies seem to be quite popular and no wonder, they are a lovely and somewhat simple flower. Here are a few examples of poppies from the CAST, BBEST and EtsyLush teams.

Felt Brooch Red Poppy by SunshineFelt

Original Painting Mixed Media White Poppy Floral by syoderart

Poppy Wine Glasses Painted by GlitznGlass

Poppies Original watercolor Painting by TheCreatorsPalette

Turquoise Satin Poppy Elastic Headband by SewEndless

I hope you enjoyed these lovely poppies. I will share the ones I have been experimenting with soon.

blessings, ZudaGay

Oldish and Newish Browns

2011-07-22T14:10:00.002-05:00

In my last post I mentioned I was going to share some of my work to show color combinations incorporating the color brown. I have found that brown goes with so many different colors and makes a great base for setting a calm and warm mood to a piece and maybe even hints of age.

This is my newest pendant that uses brown,
more as an accent rather than the focal color.

I used it in this flower to tone down the flamboyant oranges and yellows.

There is something that hints of richness when combining red with brown.

Peach and brown gives an old almost Victorian feel.

I do believe that Browns and turquoise were meant to be together.

Copper, brown, gold, pearl, bronze.....yummmm

This has to be one of my favorite hearts I've made over the years.
Pink makes brown sweet, but not too sweet.

This was a pretty early pendant that just happened while playing with scraps.

Thank you for joining me for a bit of a journey down the Brown Memory Lane.

blessings, ZudaGay

Brown, Brown, Brown, What goes with Brown?

2011-07-18T09:01:00.003-05:00

Can you tell I've been reading children's books? :) Brown gives such a warm and restful addition to many different colors. Here are a few of my favorites from the Christian Artists Street Team on Etsy.

Brown and reds

Silk Drawstring Purse in Brown and Dark Red Waves by LuckyZelda

Brown and gray

Gray/brown plaid hobo bag by madebynanna

Brown and turquoise

Imperial Turquoise Blue Earrings by eversoDear

Brown and cream

Ceramic Sunflower Handcrafted Necklace by ForMySweetDaughter

Brown and peach
Peachy Keen Pure Silk Scarf by pollyannedesigns

Brown and pinks
B Initial Bottlecap Pendant Necklace by sarahstreasurebox

Brown and greens
Vintage Drawstring Laundry Sack by whimsiedots

Brown and blues
Handmade Patchwork Lap Quilt by Primitive Quilting

Aren't they lovely? I enjoy working with brown and I'll be sharing some of my favorite brown work soon.
blessings, ZudaGay

A Look At My Favorites This Week

2011-07-12T08:52:00.002-05:00

Here are some beautiful items from the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team.

Sing the Blues Flower bib Statement Necklace by PickleBerryTrifes

Pastel Aqua by AltheaP

Charm Bracelet with Teal, Aqua, Turquoise and Blue Flowers by ss10001

Turquoise Crochet Scarf by jnoriginals

Teal Blue Ruffle Scarf by blazingneedles

Fused Glass Dish by Chris1

Paisley Seed Bead Brooch Pin by eversoDear

I hope you enjoyed these lovely items, take a look at these shops for more beautiful pieces.

blessings, ZudaGay

Wednesday Inspirations

2011-07-06T08:03:00.003-05:00

Color Combos.... I've been seeing a lot of yellow and gray or grey and yellow.

Like in fabric:

Decor:

I decided to play around with this color combo.
It is peaceful and I think lovely.

blessings, Zuda Gay

Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team is having a Weekend Sale!

2010-11-05T17:30:00.003-05:00

If you would like to do some shopping for quality handmade art and artisan made items take a look at these shops.
♫♦♫ ☺☺☺ BBEST Team is having a sale!♫♦♫ ☺☺☺

Please read instructions on the 1st page...then buy buy buy!

~* vanfleetstreetdesign: 10% off everything, please contact me for a revised invoice before purchasing. Sale ends Sunday evening @ 4pm central time!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vanfleetstreetdesign
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~BethPeardonProds~~~~~~~~~
Free shipping on all items. Please convo me before so I can change. Thanks.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BethPeardonProds
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~TheSlipStitch~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also free shipping. Please convo me so I can make the changes.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSlipStitch

Great way to save!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●✿●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬● ●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●✿●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●
*´¯`•.¸.• *´¯`•.¸.• *Imaginuity*´¯`•.¸.• *´¯`•.¸.• *

15% Discount on all items in my shop through Sunday, November 7th at 4 PM Eastern. Discount will be given via a refund. I will also give an additional 5% discount (refund) for a combined purchase from any of my shops! -- Imaginuity -- VintageLegacyStudio -- PocketComfort --
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginuity
http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageLegacyStudio
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PocketComfort
●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●✿●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬● ●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●✿●▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬●

♥♥♥♥♥♥ On A Whimsey ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Art in the Wax! Convo me to get 10% of everything except shipping. Sale ends Sunday midnight (7 Nov) - remember UK is ahead of you in the US!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/onawhimsey
♥♥♥♥♥♥ On A Whimsey ♥♥♥♥♥♥

☺♥☺ ZudaGay.etsy.com ☺♥☺
FREE SHIPPING!!! Already marked on all items through Sunday, November 7th at 4 PM Eastern
☺♥☺ Have fun Shopping!! ☺♥☺

********
10 % Discount on all items in my shop plus FREE SHIPPING.
Sale ends Sunday Nov. 7th at 4 PM.
SIXSISTERS
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixsisters

******** ********* ***********
***Chauncey***
10% off plus free shipping till Sunday Nov. 7th at 7pm
discount will be refunded after purchase
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chauncey

Yankeegirls sale!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/yankeegirl
How about free shipping on all of my prints (watercolor and Photos) to the USA and this 20% off section from yankeegirl!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/yankeegirl?section_id=7409790
Please convo me to let me know you saw the Booming Sale and I will set up a listing just for you!!

-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*-----
"STITCHES BY JULIE", "STITCHES BY JULIE 4KIDS" & "NATURE IN PASTELS"
Knit & Crocheted stuff for everybody, hats, scarves, ponchos, baby stuff, soy candles, soaps & art work. Check it out!
20% off product price (not inc. shipping). After the sale has been made I will issue a refund to your paypal acct.
Visit both my shops...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchesbyjulie
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchesbyjulie4kids
http://www.etsy.com/shop/natureinpastels

-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*-----*----

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Heronkate
All original paintings 20% OFF !
Including ACEO's !!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heronkate

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

♫♪ ♫ ♥♥♥ JillsTreasureChest♥♥♥ ♫ ♪♫ http://www.etsy.com/shop/JillsTreasureChest
Ceramics and wood items! 20% off any item in shop through Sunday at 6 pm Etsy time. Convo for adjusted invoice, or pay and leave me a message to the seller that you saw the sale here and I'll reimburse your PayPal!!
☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥

TurtleTreasures http://www.etsy.com/shop/TurtleTreasures
Handmade jewelry and crocheted items. 20% off any item in the shop through Sunday at 6 pm Etsy time. Convo for adjusted invoice, or pay and leave me a message to the seller that you saw the sale here and I'll reimburse your PayPal!!
☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥ ☺☺☺☺☺♥♥

I'll update if any more shops are added.

blessings, ZudaGay

Working On An ArtFire Shop

2010-10-23T10:25:00.006-05:00

Disregard this post, ArtFire didn't work out for me. I just didn't have the time to put into making it work. I am sure it is a wonderful site and many do very well there.

Copper Cream and Chocolate Ring

I took advantage of The Deal on ArtFire that began on October 1st and I've been trying to set up shop and get it look like it is actually inhabited. I'm still not sure about it, but I am trying to give it a chance. I have different items in this shop than those in my Etsy shop, so here is a little look inside.

Hibiscus Pendant

Red Flower Necklace

Purple Flower Brooch

If you would like to take a look at the whole shop you can find it here:
ZudaGay's ArtFire Shop

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Giveaway on Imaginuity Blog

2010-10-16T11:40:00.003-05:00

My sweet friend Judi from Imaginuity Blog has honored me with a featured artist interview and we are having a giveaway of anything from my shop $15 and under or a $15 credit on higher priced items. If you would like to enter, you can find it here: Imaginuity Fiber Arts: Meet an Inspiring Artist -- With A Special Giveaway

How To Make A Hibiscus

2010-10-09T12:00:00.009-05:00

I have been working on a custom order this week making some hibiscus pendants in several different colors. I made my first hibiscus as a special request for a customer because it was one of her favorite flowers. It has never been one of my favorite ones to make. But! as I was working on them this week I came up with a different way to put them together than what I was doing and now I am enjoying making them. :) Yay! So, I just thought I would share my newly found process on how to make a polymer clay Hibiscus Pendant.

As with every pendant/focal I make, I begin with scrap clay. I have decided that this pendant will take the amount of clay of one 40mm circle and one 30mm circle of clay rolled on #1 of my Atlas Pasta Machine.

Smoosh the two circles together and roll into a smooth ball.

I take my petal cane and cut off several slices then run them through
my pasta machine on #5 or so.

Then use the flattened slices to cover the ball.

Roll it smooth.

Flatten the ball into about a 1/4" thick disk.

Using a rounded end of a tool or pen? make a crater in the center.
Insert bails. (I use the plastic from a bacon package to build my flowers on)

Cut five petals from your cane. (about 2-3mm thick)

Flatten out a bit with your finger tips then lay the petal in your hand.

I use a moistened nightlight bulb to rub across the petal to flatten it a bit more and
smooth it out.

Make waves or scallops around the edge of each petal by pinching and twisting a bit.

Over lap the side edges of the petals lightly pressing to get them to stick together.

When you get to the last petal, tuck it under the edge of the first petal to
complete the circle.

Center your circle of petals on top of your base making sure you have them
arranged in the way you want them.

Using the end of a tool or pen push the center of your petals down into the
crater you made in the base.
Gently press your petals down onto the base.

Make a pistil and put the end in the hole you made in the center arranging it the way you want.

Finished Hibiscus Pendant ready to be cured.

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. The techniques I used to make the petal cane may be found in many places online. Here is a great link: Donna Kato Petal Cane

blessings, ZudaGay

A Purple Attack

2010-09-28T15:37:00.005-05:00

I had an attack of purple this weekend and just had to make something purple. I love making a cane and using a part of it then smoosh, cut, stack and smoosh the rest to make a different looking petal cane. So fun! I made this cane with deep purple, cream, navy blue and a bright yellow. the first two flowers are made with the original cane. The third flower is after I altered it a bit. :) I love the look of both.

You can find these three flowers in my Etsy shop.

blessings, ZudaGay

Mulberry Lane Folk Art

2010-08-23T17:47:00.003-05:00

Mulberry Lane Folk Art Blog is giving away this adorable bird house. Go HERE if you want to enter to win.

Heart Birdhouse

I have enjoyed browsing Mulberry Lane Etsy Shop and I would like to share some of her creations for those who like folk art.

Folk Art Painting - Sheep Under The Moon And Stars

Americana Birdhouse

I collect Noah's Ark items and although I don't really have room for anymore, I would LOVE to have this!! My grandchildren would enjoy playing with this, I am sure, and so would I. :)

Noah's Ark

You can find these great folk art items and much more at Mulberry Lane Folk Ark Shop on Etsy.

Blessings, ZudaGay

8 Mile Creek Designs

2010-06-11T12:30:00.003-05:00

Father's Day is coming soon so I have been keeping my eyes open for guy stuff. I found this very cool shop while chatting on the CAST team thread on Etsy the other day. 8 Mile Creek Designs is the father/daughter team of Wendell Pohl & Ruth Hawkins from Kansas. And they really do live on 8 Mile Creek! (isn't that cool? My Daddy would have loved to have been a part of a creative business venture with any one of his children) 8 Mile Creek Designs features items made with vintage auto paraphernalia such as hub caps and license plates and keys. This first hubcap clock I selected in honor of my Daddy. Daddy LOVED his Ramblers.....we owned two during my childhood, both were red and named Rosy. :)

1960-1970 Rambler Hubcap Clock

I think using hubcaps to create clocks is a great idea!! Hubcaps are interesting and lend themselves to clock faces very well.

1959 Chevy Corvette Hubcap Clock

1953-55 Nash Hubcap Clock

They not only offer clocks made with hubcaps and license plates but tail light night lights, old key magnets and frames made with license plates/tags.

1941-48 Tail Light Night Light

Old Lock Key Magnets

Mosaic License Plate Tag Frame

If you've enjoyed seeing these great items from 8 Mile Creek Designs, you may enjoy visiting Ruth's Purple Design Studio where she offers handcrafted sterling silver & antiqued brass jewelry, display frames, handwovens & accessories for every occasion.

blessings, Zuda Gay

Wordless Wednesday, The Branch That Fell From The Tree

2010-06-09T15:26:00.003-05:00

blessings, Zuda Gay

Lovely Lizard Art Jewelry

2010-06-04T13:32:00.005-05:00

Actually "lovely" just doesn't quite describe it... beautiful? a bit quirky? interesting? how about gorgeously unique? I came across Lizard's Jewelry on Etsy a couple of years ago and I said "Wow!" ummmm quite a few times as I was browsing her shop. I LOVE the combination of silver and polymer clay. It is like they were made for one another. The contrast is so pleasing and satisfying. The artist who creates this amazing work is Liz Hall who lives with her husband Jeff Hall at Silverwood Farm and Studio in Virginia where they not only create their art but also opperate their pinto sporthorse breeding farm.

Silver and polymer Belt Buckle

I love how Liz uses swirls in different ways in her work. I like swirls and use them on occasion myself. :)

Sun After The Storm silver and polymer necklace

Go Green Stripes Silver Pendant

This heart pin may be my favorite. Red, silver, black and white is one of my favorite color combos. I love the swirls and the pearls and the way the little notches on the side are mirrored in the black and white dashes. So very visually appealing.

Silver Heart Pin with pearls and polymer

Well, maybe this one is my favorite.... Please take a moment to click on the photo which takes you to the listing, then click on the photo which will allow you to enlarge it to really see the details of this necklace. It is well worth the extra effort! This piece is designed so beautifully!!

Spring Fling silver necklace with polymer clay and gem stones

This is what Liz says about her work in her Artist Statement:
"My work combines precious metals, stones, plastics, polymers, glass or whatever object catches my eye. My designs are contemporary combining both organic and geometric forms. The majority of my pieces are pendants, necklaces and earrings, though I do occasionally make other items. My main focus in the past was fabricating metals to create my designs. In 2004 I discovered a new medium called PMC (Precious Metal Clay), which is clay like material composed of fine silver. Fine Silver is the highest quality silver, essentially 999% pure silver, as compared to the 925% silver of sterling silver. I enjoy exploring this new medium and combining it with other materials. I strive to always improve on my designs and techniques and to make jewelry that is creative, unusual, elegant and fun to wear."

Please take some time to enjoy a leisurely browse through Lizard Jewelry.

blessings, Zuda Gay

Wordless Wednesday, Lily White

2010-06-02T16:06:00.003-05:00

blessings, Zuda Gay

Pottery = Joy

2010-05-29T10:43:00.004-05:00

I have this fantasy.....I would love to have my cabinets full of hand thrown/built pottery of all kinds from a lot of different talented potters from everywhere. I really LOVE pottery!!

I "met" Ceci, the wonderful artist-potter whose shop Artsielady Five Cats Studio I am featuring this week, on our Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team. (which means we are past a certain age) Ceci does some very cool things with clay and has a special affinity for Raku and here lately using real fish as molds.

Raku Fish

Raku Vase

Ceci begins her bio saying... "My birthplace and upbringing stems from the island of Oahu in Hawaii and my heritage is a mixture of Filipino, Portuguese and Chinese. The islands provide a rich blend of cultures and ethnic background from which I take my philosophical artistic approach." You can see these wonderful influences in each beautiful piece of pottery.

Rice/noodle Bowl Set

Earthtone Speckled Yunomi

When I browse through the ArtsieladyEtsy Shop the colors and swirls and textures of an array of beautiful glazes delight my eye's quest for color.

Red Swirl Serving Bowl

Salamander Leaf Bowl

If you enjoy beautiful pottery too, you will love taking a look through Ceci's beautiful shop!!

blessings, Zuda Gay

And The Winner Is.....are ☺

2010-05-29T10:05:00.002-05:00

From the Random Number Generator the first number that came up is 21! The 21st commenter is Nancy from Nancy's Bags Etc... Congratulations to Nancy!! I have also decided...since it is my 3rd anniversary I decided to ask the handy dandy Random Number Generator for two more numbers. These two winners will get to select anything they want from my shop. :) These winners are: number 3 which is my lovely friend Emma Stormy and number 33, Julie who owns the shops: Stitches By Julie and Nature In Pastels. Congratulations to all my winners!!

blessings, Zuda Gay

3rd Etsyversary Giveaway

2010-05-25T15:57:00.005-05:00

This day crept up on me! I joined Etsy and opened my shop three years ago today - May 25, 2007. This was my first real experience selling my work online. The company Danny worked for was down sizing and I decided that I really should try to bring in some sort of income if I could. I had all kinds of things sitting around that I had made so I had a start on getting my shop stocked. I had been focusing most of my clay work on making light-able Christmas ornaments as well as some night lights. I also covered tins and pens and did a little bit of jewelry on occasion and made beads with scrap clay. I had been making flowers for the top of the tins that I covered and I loved how they turned out. (The banner for this blog and my Etsy shop is a cropped bit of the top of a tin) All of a sudden I got the idea of putting my flowers on a bead base. It worked!!! These flower beads have helped provide a part of our income for the last three years. :) I am very thankful for Etsy and all the wonderful customers I have had these three years.

I am giving away this brooch/pendant in celebration of my Etsyversary. If you would like a chance to receive this brooch all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. PLEASE make sure you leave a way for me to get a hold of you if you win!!! It makes me sad when a number comes up and I have no way of contacting the person it corresponds with.This brooch is built on a flat scalloped clay cookie and has a vintage round silver button center. It measures just over 2" across and the pin back with a pendant bail is firmly embedded.

I am also offering free shipping now through Friday....please convo me first.

Thank you all so much!!!
blessings,
Zuda Gay

Tapestry 316

2010-05-14T13:58:00.005-05:00

When I was a child I LOVED animals. I would bring home all kinds of strays (and some that weren't stray) to try to talk Mama into letting me keep them. "Please Mama, let me keep him?" Usually the answer was a no, but it never stopped me from trying again the next time I came across an animal I just knew needed a new home and someone to love him. I still love animals of all kinds...well not so much the slithery type, but most any with fur or feathers. I met Kathleen Golter Roeth on Christian Artist Street Team on Etsy and got to know her a bit better when we friended one another on Facebook. Kathy is a lovely artist who works in a variety of mediums which she uses to draw and paint the most delightful subjects, some who just so happen live on her farm.

Kathy's horses look like the kind of horse you would find on the TV shows I used to love to watch as a child like My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty and of course Mr. Ed. They weren't just a pet to their owners they were their friends. Kathy paints horses that look like they could be my best friend who would listen to my every thought and share adventures.

Sugar - a very pretty horse

I Want To Play - a beautiful buckskin horse

Kathy paints other farm animals with such sweet expressions that you just want to go out looking for a farm to buy.

Long Horn Cow and her calf - That's My Baby

Fiona the baby calf

The next two animals I would like to share with you are a dog and a cat. Boxers have become rather dear to me in the last few years. We have a sweet Boxer granddog named Toby. He always makes Gramma and Papa welcome to his home...and is so happy to welcome anyone who comes to visit. And this cat reminds me a little of my Rusty cat. I love cats!!

A Boxer called Diesel

Oranges Bajoranges

Kathy offers her original artwork along with very reasonably priced prints of her work in her Etsy shop, Tapestry 316. And now I leave you with a few words from Kathy's Etsy profile:

"My artwork has always been inspired by the beauty of God’s creation and by memories from my past. I remember being surrounded by family treasures as a child like the brass bell that has been rung by chubby little fingers since the 1920’s.

The present is filled with chubby fingers, too, since my daughter and son-in-law have two lovely girls and I am excitedly awaiting my third grandchild who will be adopted in the near future. Well, I hope it will be soon! Adoption sure takes a long time… and this is one impatient Grammy here – LOL!

The best part of the tapestry of my life; however, is the love that my Lord Jesus Christ has for me. Both the saving grace that He has shown me by His death on the cross and His constant presence in my life have proven over and over that He is indeed Who He says He is. "

blessings, ZudaGay

Wordless Wednesday, Fresh From The Oven

2010-05-12T16:45:00.006-05:00

blessings, Zuda Gay

Mother's Day!

2010-05-10T09:58:00.003-05:00

I missed my Feature Friday this week because my mind was occupied by something very special. Our 8th grandchild was born early Friday morning! Ezekiel Jesse made his way into the world joining three sisters and two brothers making everything even in his family and our grandchild count at 4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. :) How cool is that? So it was a very happy Mother's Day for our family and we enjoyed getting to spend time with one another and Oooo and Awww over our newest addition. He is so sweet and and so beautiful! Newborns make such funny faces and thankfully don't mind getting laughed at too much.

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Wordless Wednesday, Around the Yard

2010-05-05T17:44:00.002-05:00

blessings, Zuda Gay

Fabulous Fairies by Donna Cooper

2010-04-30T10:34:00.008-05:00

I came across this fabulous doll artist in the forums on Etsy while I was wasting a bit of time one day. I think we were showing off our items with roses. I clicked on the link that took me to this listing:

Faylinn

I love fairies!! I could live in a fantasy world...if there were such a thing. If I had patience and absolutely no need to make money from my work and the time I would try to make fairies out of clay. Ah, maybe someday. :)

Anyway....I thought, "What an adorable fairy!" I clicked on all the pictures in the listing so they would give me a larger view so I could study all the incredible details that make these dolls each an amazing work of art. The fabric selections, color combinations, the sweet hand painted faces and all the little carefully chosen accouterments.....so delightful and magical!!

Lacey Tracey

And so as with any yummy thing, I can't devour just one!! I went on to look through Cooperdolls shop, oooing and aaahhhing over each one. I have picked out just a few of my favorites to share. I could have put every one here, but that would have just been a bit silly seeing as you all can just as easily make your way to this adorable shop and spend some time with the fairies all on your own.

Bella Fata

Doll artist, Donna Cooper lives in my home state of Illinois and has just been on Etsy since January of this year. Here is what Donna says about her doll making on her profile page: "I started hand crafting cloth dolls 2 years ago. I find them rewarding and exciting on a creative level. Each doll is unique in it's own way, and I love the hunt for the perfect embellishment to make each one special. Many hours go into the creative process for each doll, and yet as I finish each one I'm so excited to get the next one started."

Angelica

Irish Beauty

I hope you've enjoy taking some time to explore Donna Cooper's Cooperdolls shop.

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T11:46:00.004-05:00

blessings, Zuda Gay

A Visit To a Time of Beauty

2010-04-23T16:31:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to time travel to another time - a gentle time - a time of lace and ribbons and buttons and bows? sigh.... The last time I checked, no one had invented a time traveling machine, but for a little while we can sip a cup of our favorite tea (I have jasmine green in my cup) open a package of those cookies we have stashed for a needful time (mmmm Pecan Sandies) and go back a few years to the Victorian Era.

Let me introduce you to the lovely Judi Brandow who is the proprietress of not one, but three beautiful Etsy shops. Let's stop first of all at the Vintage Legacy Studio where Judi offers some beautiful vintage possessions, antique pieces and nostalgic collectibles for your perusal.

Vintage Sewing Machine Drawer and Embroidered Sewing Chatelaine

Vintage Hand Mirror

For your wearing pleasure, Judi creates the most beautiful wearable art from bits of lace, velvet, silks and satins and many other delightful doodads that she finds in her studio of treasures. She offers these delightful statement necklaces and fiber art jewelry for sale in her Imaginuity Shop. I am so blessed to own one of Judi's brooches which she made with me in mind.

Turquoise N Jet Statement Bib Necklace

Versatile Statement Accessory Necklace

Lastly we will enter this sweet little shop called Pocket Comfort. This is how Judi describes this delightful shop: "At Pocket Comfort, you will discover all kinds of pockets, from pocket comfort quilts and cards, to fashionable holders in a variety of sizes and colors. Because envelopes are also pockets in their own right, I have incorporated many of my designs into greeting cards that can be easily mailed to bring comfort, joy, love, and encouragement to others as well."

Mother's Day Card - Vintage Secret Message Style

Mini Crazy Quilt - Fiber Art Card - Mother Gratitude

I hope you enjoyed our little trip to the past in the present. And, I hope you take some time as you sip your tea to browse through Judi's lovely shops and glean a little glimpse of her heart and passion. Please remember these lovely shops when you need that one special gift or a statement piece of wearable art.

blessings, ZudaGay

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T11:40:00.001-05:00

Aimee's Birthday Giveaway

2009-10-01T09:37:00.002-05:00

It's Aimee's birthday but she is giving away the gifts. Help Aimee celebrate by heading over to her blog and leaving her a comment. One of her giveaway gifts is a Sunflower Brooch made by.......ME!! There are also a bunch of other fabulous gifts to be won. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIMEE!!!

blessings, Zuda Gay

The Winner Is....

2009-09-02T04:33:00.002-05:00

Using the random number generator I got the numbers 9, 1 and 35!!! Now, off to find who these numbers reveal.

Number 9 is Jill!!! WooHoo, Jill!!! Jill is one of my BBEST team friends. Jill has wonderful things in her Etsy shops. In Jill's Treasure Chest she has her ceramics (check out her adorable figurines!) and jewelry and in her Turtle Treasures Shop Jill offers supplies and crocheted items.

Number 1 is Bev!!! WooHoo, Bev!!! I can't tell you how long I've known Bev....although we have never met face to face, I've been talking to her online for quite a few years. Bev's Blog is wandering, wonderings of a wacked-out woman.

And the third number is 35 is Tessa!!! WooHoo, Tessa!!! I haven't known Tessa very long as she is a pretty new member of the BBEST team. Tessa is a talented artist who lives in UK. She offers beautiful original paintings, silk scarves, jewelry and greeting cards in her Etsy shop, Colours and Textures.

I am sorry this is late. I reminded myself several times throughout the day on Tuesday and then we were invited to friends for supper and I totally forgot to do this before we left home. We stayed out until after 10 pm!!! I can't tell you the last time I stayed out that late. :) Yummy food and great conversation....you can't beat that!

blessings, ZG

WOOHOO!! 1000!!! and a Giveaway!!

2009-08-26T13:46:00.007-05:00

As most of you know, I have been waiting for my 1000th item to be sold from my Etsy shop. Today it happened! Yay!!! I threw confetti and streamers and danced around the room.....well I danced, and if I had had confetti and streamers they would have been flying. I'm tickled pink!!

Let me introduce you to the customer of the day. Lulu is a return customer and oh my! what a delight. She and her sister Lisa pool their talents in their business called Coastal Sisters. They have an Etsy shop, CoastalSister.etsy.com, and their online store is, Coastal Sisters. They have all kinds of wonderful things from banners to items to decorate your home and beautiful jewelry. Lulu publishes a delightful blog, Coastal Sisters News. Pop over to Lulu's blog and see the beautiful necklace she made with one of my focals!

To celebrate and thank everyone for the encouragement you have given me and for my customers who have helped to put food in our mouths, I am having a giveaway! I would love to give something to everyone, but I just can't do that....so I am going to give three items. If you are one of the three chosen, you may pick anything from my shop or if there is something you would rather have that has already been sold I will try to make what you desire. All you have to do is just leave a comment on this post and your name will be put in the hat. PLEASE make sure I have a way to get a hold of you. Names will be drawn around 6:00 pm Illinois time on Tuesday, September 1st. Good grief, September!, where did the summer go??

blessings, ZG

Count Down and A Little Sculpted Leaf Tutorial

2009-08-15T12:23:00.008-05:00

August 19th count: 994! The person who buys the 1000th item will get to choose a free item from my shop. AND....there will be a give away here.
The count down (or up) is at 990....only 10 more items sold to reach 1000!!!

This is a little tutorial for making a somewhat realistic sculpted leaf. You may make a leaf any size you like with these directions. This one is quite small, I think it ends up being less than 1/2" long. I will put these leaves on the top of a pod bead. I think they add just the right finishing touch! You will need Polymer Clay and a needle or needle tool.

Roll a smooth ball of clay. This one is about the size of a very small pea.

Place your finger on the side of the ball and roll it back and forth
to make a teardrop shape.

Flatten your teardrop into a leaf shape.

Using a needle tool make a crease down the center of the leaf.
(my needle tool is a needle that has been baked in a clay snake for a handle)

Using your needle tool make veins on one side of the leaf
with the point of the needle touching your center line and
angling with the point toward the base of the leaf.

Press veins into the other side.

A leaf with veins.

Run your needle tool down the center from point to base to make the veins line up
and to give a crease to fold the leaf so it looks realistic.

Fold the leaf on the crease and
squeeze the point then give it a little turn or twist to make it look realistic.

Finished leaf ready to decorate a bead.

The leaves are going on top of a little pod bead.

Placing the sculpted leaves on a pod bead with the needle tool.

Finished bead ready to cure.

I hope you enjoyed this little leaf tutorial. If you have any questions about it or about working with polymer clay, I am happy to help!!

blessings, ZudaGay

Coming Soon To This Blog

2009-08-11T10:38:00.005-05:00

Just a heads up....

I will be having a give away soon. I decided sometime ago that when my Etsy shop reached 1000 sold I would have a give away. I'm getting close!!! Yay!!!! So, stay tuned. 987 and counting...more information coming.

blessings, ZG

Premio Meme Award from Diane

2009-08-10T08:45:00.004-05:00

I am so remiss when it comes to awards, but I really do appreciate the honor and that someone is thinking of me and HEY! she actually LIKES me!! hehe.. This award comes from one of my BBEST friends Diane Clancy. Diane is an artist who works in pastels and paints and also does some very cool digital artwork. I am so blessed to own some of Diane's prints in ACEO size. They bring me joy when I look at them! Here is a small sampling of Diane's work and are some of my favorites.

The Hideaway - ACEO

Yellow Mist - ACEO

Conundrum I

Primio Meme Award

This award is a Meme in which I am suppose to tell seven little known things about myself. Hummmm. I've done other memes so I may repeat myself because I can't remember what I've previously shared. So, if I repeat myself, I apologize.

1. Either I have rose colored glassed when I look back at my childhood or I really did have an idyllic childhood. I enjoyed playing outside with friends until the street lights came on. Spending time up in my favorite tree reading books and riding my bike all over the north end of Quincy, IL.
2. I used to shoot archery and somehow I became pretty good at it and won some awards from tournaments I participated in.
3. I LOVE peanut butter. I could probably live on peanut butter. I like it straight from the jar on a spoon or on toast or spread on a banana among other ways.
4. I seem to be stuck on old standards and big band style of music. I would have loved to stand in front of Tommy Dorsey's band and sang the old songs.
5. I love dancing shows- Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. I have this hidden desire to be able to dance. Hehe...it's not going to happen! Dancing doesn't seem to be one of my talents.
6. My favorite sandwich is BLT, my favorite food is crab, I love Mexican, Italian and Greek foods and Chinese (which I'm told isn't really real Chinese food) and even some "American" food. hehe..
7. Now we are down to number seven and I can't think of anything else. I will go with an obvious fact. I love animals especially cats. I have the sweetest, softest kitty and sometimes he is quite silly. We have granddogs that we get to play with when we need a doggy fix as well. A very good way to have dogs. IMO :)

If you haven't received this award yet, please feel free to say that you received it from me and let me know so I can come and read your seven things. :)

blessings, Zuda

Blog Awards and Six Things

2009-07-08T08:26:00.005-05:00

I feel really honored and really bad. Hehe... Quite a combination of emotions. Honored because I have received the One Lovely Blog Award from three wonderful people. And really bad because it has been a while ago and I am just now getting around to doing something about it. sigh...

At this time I am only going to do part of the award requirements and link back to those who awarded it.....and give a little feature on each. I don't have time to search out new blogs to pass the award on to right now. I'll try to get to that a bit later on.

The first one came from Vicki at Graceful Moments blog and EllieLee Etsy shop. Vicki is a painter and photographer who offers her beautiful originals and prints and photos in her shop. This is a beautiful day lily ACEO.

The second one came from Arlene at Harrison Hollow Designs blog and Harrison Hollow Designs Etsy shop. Arlene makes some fun and beautiful things from polymer clay. I just love her adorable plant pokes!

The third one came from Eugena from Polymer Clay Chameleon blog and Eugena's Creations on Etsy. Eugena is a very talented polymer clay artist. She also creates tutorials of some of her techniques. How cool is that? Steampunk is so popular right now and Eugena has made some gorgeous Steampunk Butterfly necklaces.

Arlene also tagged me for Six Silly Things That Make Me Happy meme. I've never done this one before so I am playing along. My six thing are:
1. When grandson Aaron plays my harmonica and granddaughter Anika dances. So cute!!
2. My cat Rusty. He is silly a lot! See my Rusty makes friends pictures.
3. I think the Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice commercials are so funny!!
4. Watching all my grandchildren being silly. And they can be pretty silly at times!!!
5. My hubby, Danny's silly one liners...I groan, but they do make me laugh as well.
Me: "I'm going to take a shower" Danny: "Well, put it back when you are finished" Ha!
6. I know they aren't really silly, but I love Jasmine Green Tea in the mornings and I just love
handmade soaps.....simple pleasures that add a bit of happiness to my life.

May many silly things come your way to bring laughter and happiness to your day!
blessings, Zuda Gay

And The WINNERS Are....

2009-05-25T20:02:00.004-05:00

The numbers are......drum roll.........

1 and 10!!!! WOOHOO!!! Number 1 is ShellieArtist and number 10 is SixSisters. Both Etsy shop owners. Congratulations Shellie and Joan!!! I will contact both to see what they want.

Thank you for playing and helping me celebrate my 2nd Etsyversary!

blessings, ZudaGay

Happy Etsyversary To MEEEEE!!!

2009-05-22T16:57:00.006-05:00

My 2 year Etsyversary is Monday, May 25th! It has been a such great experience since the very first day. I have met some wonderful people, some who are the best customers ever and some who are wonderful team mates! To celebrate two wonderful years, I'm going to have a give away. I will pick two winners....because it is my two year Etsyversary, and they will be able to either pick anything from my shop or I will make them a custom item. Anyone leaving a comment on this post is eligable to win. I will pick the winners, by the random number generator thing, at 8:00 pm CST...or is it CDST, I have no idea....Illinois time on Monday, May 25th.

ALSO.....I am offering free shipping, on items bought from my shop, until 10 pm Illinois time on Monday, May 25th.

I LOVE This Flower!!

Blessings, Zuda Gay

Lisa Pavelka Tools

2009-03-27T13:33:00.003-05:00

It seems like the big thing right now is Facebook. I really didn't know what to expect when I joined. My hubby, Danny, joined about six months before I did. Then both daughters joined. Quite a few of my team mates from the Etsy street team BBEST were talking about friending each other. So I broke down and joined. I am having the best time!! I can keep up with fellow Etsians, friends from school and childhood and family who live far away and those three blocks away.
A few weeks ago another polymer clay artist invited me to be her friend, on her friend list was polymer clay celebrity, Lisa Pavelka. I've never been one for being a celebrity hound, but I thought I would invite her to be my friend and if she didn't want to, that was fine. One of the quirks of being friends is that you get to view one another's profile. As I was looking at Lisa's profile page I clicked on the link to her webpage. I hadn't visited it for sometime and she has redone it. In her store are some really cool tools that Lisa has developed. I love tools!!! I rarely buy any, but I do lust for them. Then... I just received an email announcing a blog giveaway for guess what?............Lisa Pavelka tools and video!! How cool is that? :) I know that my chance to win goes down with the more people who enter the giveaway, but I also get more chances to win by announcing it on my blog.....hence this post. hehehe... For your chance to win these great tools, go to Fave Crafts Blog for their Product Review and Giveaway.

blessings, ZudaGay

AND The WINNER Is........

2009-02-24T19:57:00.003-06:00

The random number generator did it's number thingy and came up with the number 6!! The sixth person to comment was Beth Peardon!!! WooHoo!!! Bethy!!! Beth is a wonderful photographer and sells her work in her Etsy shop Beth Peardon Prods. I am so honored to own one of her gorgeous prints and a couple of her delightful ACEOs. I will get the brooch in the mail to Bethy tomorrow. To go along with the flavor of this giveaway and for your viewing pleasure....here are a few of my favorite Bethy pictures. :)

Vintage Bike

Red Rose TTV

Relaxing View

Congratulations, Bethy!!

blessings, ZudaGay

Featured Artists and A Giveaway

2009-02-16T20:27:00.012-06:00

I have three wonderful Etsy shops that I would like for you to take a look at. Each one is different, but each of these artisans creates with love and passion and it shows so beautifully in each and every item.

The first shop is my friend Sharon's shop, Mana Moon. Sharon is a wonderful jewelry designer and I am so honored that she uses some of my beads in her amazing creations. No matter the type of beads Sharon chooses to use, her jewelry is beautifully made and always a work of art!! You may like to read Sharon's blog Mana Moon Studios. And check out her other online shop at Mana Moon Studio.com. You may also check out her graphic design shop for banners and avitars and all manner of lovely things to use in your online life at Mana Moon Studios on Etsy.

FIDELIA

This next shop belongs to Kym whose shop is Kim buktu. Kym creates beautiful quilts and quilted bags with her amazing color sense. Every single piece of fabric is just the perfect choice. I can sit and look through her shop over and over and my eyes are always delighted. If you would like to see more of Kym, you can check out her website Kimbuktu.net and her second Etsy shop Paper Paraphernalia.

CHRISTIE QUILTED & BEADED PATCHWORK BAG

I would love to own a wire cross from Les & TC Cunningham of Totally Crosses. I think they would make a thoughtful wedding or anniversary gift!! There is just something so extra special about these crosses! You can just tell as you look at them , that love goes in to creating each loop of the wire. You can see more of TC's work at their website Totally Crosses.com.

SHABBY CHIC BEADED WALL CROSS

Now we are getting to the giveaway part!! I'm offering a giveaway of one of my newest style brooches. This brooch has a touch of lace decorated with leaves and of course a flower. All you have to do for a chance to receive this brooch is....visit the shops I have listed then tell me your favorite item from one of them by leaving a comment to this post.

PLEASE....be sure to leave a way I can contact you if you win!!! I will pick a winner by random drawing at 8:00 pm CST on Tuesday, February 24th.

Mana Moon Studios * Kimbuktu * Totally Crosses

Blessings, ZudaGay

CPSIA

2009-01-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm not usually one for protesting, but as a Gramma I love buying handmade toys for my grandchildren. Toys that are lovingly made by artisans who are mommys or daddies or grandparents as well. I love to buy things from people who are just like me and are putting a little of their heart in their handmade exquisitely made items. I copied and pasted this from a thread about CPSIA in the Etsy forum because there is no way I could have put it any clearer or better.

"As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react."

blessings, ZudaGay

Springy Creating

2009-01-17T12:03:00.009-06:00

After this last below zero cold snap I have heard people wishing for spring. I don't think wishing will get it here any faster, but we can always look at springy things and dream a little. I have been playing with some springy colors in the last couple of weeks. So here are a few soft pastels just for the Spring of it.

A Funny Springy Sugar Bug Bead

Pink, Yellow and Aqua

Blessings, ZudaGay

I Am Honored and Blessed!

2008-12-18T20:46:00.004-06:00

I am thrilled and honored to be a featured artist on the World Artisan Gems blog! They contacted me and then sent me questions to answer. Please go and have a look at the amazing jewelry designers and bead artists they have featured. It is a joy and inspiration to browse through their site.

The second honor I received recently is a lovely award passed on to me by my sweet friend, Sharon from Mana Moon Studios.

For the Bloggy Goodness Award the rules are:
1. Post a copy on your blog
2. Mention who gave you the award
3. Pass the award on to 6 others
4. Leave a message on their blog letting them know
the honor has been bestowed upon them.
I will try to choose six blogs that I would like to honor when I have the time, but I wanted to get this much accomplished.

Blessings, ZudaGay

It's A Wonderful Life....OH! I Mean, SALE!!!

2008-11-12T07:33:00.006-06:00

I have mentioned it before that I am a member of a wonderful Etsy Street team called Boomers & Beyond Etsy Street Team or BBEST for short. :) A wonderful group of people who just happen to be over 40. AND, we're having a SALE!!!

It's A Wonderful Sale runs from November 12 - 18. Each shop is offering it's own unique sale specials. Not only are we having a sale...but we are offering THREE prize packages you may have a chance to win!!!

How do I win one of these wonderful packages? You ask... Good question! There are two ways!! First of all, for every dollar you spend in participating shops you will be entered into a drawing. (You spend $10, you are entered 10 times!) If by some strange quirk you don't find a thing you want to buy....or you are like me and just don't have any money...you may enter by playing Holiday Hide & Seek. You may see all the rules in the It's A Wonderful Sale & HOLIDAY Prize thread in the Etsy forums. :)

I am thrilled to be participating in It's A Wonderful Sale, because sales are SO fun!!! ZudaGay's Shop is offering free shipping on all items. ALSO...Buy One at the regular price and I will take 10% off all other items bought at the same time. **PLEASE put BBEST in your "note to seller"** You may convo me before your purchase and I will edit the listing(s) you are purchasing...OR...You may purchase the item(s) you want, don't pay and I will send you a revised invoice through Paypal...OR...You may purchase the item(s) you want, pay for them and I will send you a refund through Paypal.

Happy Shopping!!!!

blessings, ZudaGay

Purple and Green - One of my Favorite Combos!

2008-10-26T13:03:00.006-05:00

I have no idea how many times I've used purple and green together. I think the only combo I like better is something with red and black or gray. I played on Saturday afternoon. YAY! Time for playing has been very hard to come by in the last couple of weeks for some reason. And I don't have much to show for my busy-ness. Ah well...such is life at times. Anyway...the free time to play is that much more precious. I made several pieces that could be used together. I think I will list the leaves and the tiny flowers together and the bigger ones separate. Maybe they will spark someone's creativity.

A Purple and Green Grouping

Center Hole Bead

Four Leaves and Two Center Hole Flower Beads

Center Hole Bead

Flower Focal - hole drilled horizontally near the top

Pendant

Blessings, ZudaGay

Poinsettia Mode

2008-10-13T05:53:00.005-05:00

OK, I have no idea what day I'm on. I've lost some here and there and keeping track of time and days is just totally beyond me! So, I'm dropping off the day count and I will just post about what I've been doing. There, I feel much better...a load has been lifted! hehehe....

I have been making poinsettias. These are the ones I have baked so far. I have some other colors I want to play with. There is a purple one that I saw that is just gorgeous...and I love those speckled wine colored ones. But for now these are a few of the ones I made....humm...I think it was Saturday.

Traditional Red and Green

Silver Tipped Pink with Aqua Leaves

Midnight Blue and Chartreuse

Pink and Green
Chartreuse

I'm sure there will be at least one more Poinsettia post. I have to get them out of my system, then off to something else.

blessings, ZudaGay

Day 4 is a Day of Red

2008-10-10T14:06:00.005-05:00

My favorite color is red. It started when I was a child, in fact I don't remember a time when I didn't love red. Red was my Daddy's absolute favorite color- which might have had something to do with it being mine. When I was a little girl my Daddy was my favorite person in the world. I thought I would just make red flowers and see how many different ones I could come up with in a half an hour...actually it was getting closer to an hour when I stopped. Here is my Red Flower Show:

It is time for making Poinsettias.

A very cool button from Pearl!

A Red Dahlia!

Another cool button on a little flower bead.

I love black with red!!

Blessings, ZudaGay

Days 4 and 5 or....Flowers of Different Colors

2008-10-08T20:19:00.006-05:00

On day 4 I played with lumps of clay that were laying on my work table. I really do need to clean up my work area once in a while! I like to mix colors!!! Mixing colors is one of my favorite things to do. Not just clay...I like mixing paint colors, too. I mixed several lumps together and got a lovely coral color. I decided it looked pretty good with some left over Midnight Blue that was sitting there so this is the flower that came from this combo.

Next I had some of the coral left over so I lightened it with white and put it with some lavender.

For this last flower I used the left over lightened coral and added some yellow that was sitting there to get more of an orange. I put the orange with some brown and a buttery yellow that were just waiting for this opportunity and got two canes with a bit of a Mexican flare. I really like how this flower turned out!!

Just a note: I made the canes on day 4 and the flowers on day 5.

blessings, ZudaGay

Day 2 & 3 of 30....or...Purple Petals aPlenty

2008-10-04T11:08:00.004-05:00

I was looking through treasuries on Etsy the other day and came across one made up of purple and pale blue items. The color combo attached itself to my brain and I had to play. First of all I mixed the purple and the pale blue I wanted to use to make my canes. This is the beginning of the blend: (sorry about the picture...but I have a terrible time taking good pictures inside)

Once I got the blend completed I had a sheet of clay that went from deep purple on one side to pale blue on the other side. I cut it in two and made two separate canes....one with purple on the outside and the other with pale blue on the outside. You can see the different petal canes in this grouping of flowers.

I also used some scraps to make a Dahlia that is suppose to be graduated from lighter on the outside to dark in the center...but I need some work to get the look I want.

I made up a rose and three buds for this pendant.

And lastly....this adorable pod. I guess it is a pod. What do you think, should I start making these?
Blessings, ZudaGay

Day 1 of the 30/30 Day Challenge.

2008-10-02T19:09:00.004-05:00

My friend Di put forth a challenge for the month of October to spend 30 minutes a day for 30 days to form a positive habit. There are 12 of us who have taken up the challenge. My goal is to just "play" with clay for 30 minutes every day. Some may think that I play all the time...but actually I've kind of got myself in a rut of making the same type of cane and making flowers. I LOVE making flowers!!! don't get me wrong...I just need to add a little freshness to the whole process. I get fresh by playing. I am going to try to post about what I did the day before. So...here is what I did on October 1st.

I love making a Mokume' Gane' block or stack. You take several different colors of clay (I used a deep maroon, a raspberry pink, silver and translucent with silver ink spread on the sheet and allowed to dry) you roll them out into thin sheets and stack them.

I cut my short stack into quarters and stacked them up..and repeated a couple more times. Then comes the fun part!

You get to poke objects into the stack and cut it and just make a mess out of it! Then you need to moosh it all back together into a rectangle or square. You get to cut thin slices off of this stack and cover scrap clay and make beads...I made a heart. LOVELY and FUN!!!

What am I going to play with next??
blessings, ZudaGay

An Orange Treasury From the BBEST Team

2008-08-26T15:02:00.004-05:00

I know I've not posted for so very long....so, I'm going to copy something from my friend Myfanwy. She has been doing a small treasury on her blog and I've enjoyed looking at her picks so I decided to give it a shot. Here are a variety of orangy items from some of my BBEST (Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team) friends.

And adorable hand panted floppy hat from
Talking Dog's shop.

Decorate your window for fall with this beautiful hand painted window cling
from Clinging Images.

AJ's candles have the yummiest sounding scents and oh so pretty colors!
Find candles, soaps and wax melts/tarts at AJs Country Cottage.

My fourth orangy pick for today is this beautiful handspun yarn
from the shop of The Knotty Sheep.

Please check out the wonderful items in these shops, you will be glad you did!!!

blessings, ZudaGay

We Wish You A Merry Christmas.....In July!!!

2008-07-11T12:51:00.007-05:00

Boomers and Beyond Christmas In July Sale ends at Midnight EST Monday, July 21st. But there are many shops that will still have sales going on throughout the month.

Many on Etsy are having Christmas In July sales and our Boomer and Beyond Etsy Team decided to join in the holiday type fun. There are some great prices on some wonderful items!!!! These are the shops that are participating. Have fun shopping or even just browsing!

Collage & Painting - 2 Star Studio, http://2starstudio.etsy.com
Bath & Body Beauties - A Breath of French Air, http://abreathoffrenchair.etsy.com
Textile Art - Alis Clair, http://alisclair.etsy.com
Silk painting - Althea Peregrine, http://AltheaP.etsy.com
Knit & Crocheted Works - Alysa Merle Handcrafts, http://AlysaMerle.etsy.com
Mixed Media - Artmixter, http://artmixter.etsy.com
Recycled fabric art - Attack of the Vintage, http://attackofthevintage.etsy.com
Hats, Scarves and Bags - Bags and More by Pam, http://bagsandmorebypam.etsy.com
Photography - Beth Peardon Prods, http://BethPeardonProds.etsy.com
Unique and Fun gifts - Big Island Rose Designs, http://birose.etsy.com
Knitted and Crocheted - Blazing Needles, http://blazingneedles.etsy.com
Fused Glass- Chauncey Design, http://Chauncey.etsy.com
Fun variety - Circle In The Sand, http://circleinthesand.etsy.com
Window Clings - Clinging Images, http://clingingimages.etsy.com
Fused Glass - Designs by Christine, http://Chris1.etsy.com
Paintings, Animal & color - Diane Clancy's Art, http://DianeClancy.etsy.com
Destash & Supplies - ElectricMiscellany http://eclecticmiscellany.etsy.com
Beautiful Jewelry - Ever so Dear, http://eversoDear.etsy.com
Quilts, Bags & More - Fabric Art by Debby, http://fabricartbydebby.etsy.com
Raku Stoneware & More - Fehu Stoneware, http://fehustoneware.etsy.com
Steampunk & More - Figments by Kathleen, http://Figments.etsy.com
Painted Glass & Jewelry - Glitz n Glass, http://GlitznGlass.etsy.com
Painted Works of Art - Heron Kate, http://heronkate.etsy.com
Original oil and watercolor paintings - Jean Levert Hood, http://JeanHood.etsy.com
Ceramics, Wood, & Jewelry - Jill's Treasure Chest, http://JillsTreasureChest.etsy.com
Textile Accessories - JN Originals, http://jnoriginals.etsy.com
Eco Friendly Art - Joonbeam, http://joonbeam.etsy.com
Beautiful Beadwork - Kathy's Krafty Kreations, http://kathyskraftykreation.etsy.com
Fabulous Jewelry - Katz's Kreations, http://katzskreations.etsy.com
Polymer Clay & More - Lemachi Designs, http://LemachiDesigns.etsy.com
Textile Art - Lizplummer, http://lizplummer.etsy.com
Wearable Notebooks - Memo-Pause, http://memopause.etsy.com
Fabulous Jewelry - Night Sky Jewelry, http://nightskyjewelry.etsy.com
Glass Creations, Jewelry & More - Nonnie's Treasures, http://Nonnie60.etsy.com
Encaustic art - On A Whimsey, http://onawhimsey.etsy.com
Lovely Bags - Posey Patch Creations, http://poseypatch.etsy.com
Quilts, Blankets & more - Precious Quilts, http://preciousquilts.etsy.com
Fine Art - Purely Painting, http://purelypainting.etsy.com
Wonderful Wirewrapping - Rosegardenfae, http://rosegardenfae.etsy.com
Varied Vintage - Rosegardenfae2 http://rosegardenfae2.etsy.com.
Stunning Threads & Yarn - Sassa Lynne at Etsy, http://sassalynne.etsy.com
Scottie Designs for People - Scottie Acres Boutique, http://scottieacres.etsy.com
Fantasy Painting - Sixsisters, http://sixsisters.etsy.com
Eclectic Adornments - Studio a la Mode, http://studioalamode.etsy.com
One Of A Kind Accessories - Talking Dog Productions, http://TalkingDog.etsy.com
Beautiful Jewelry - TCP Jewelry, http://tcpjewelry.etsy.com
Buttons & more - The Button Hole, http://ButtonHole.etsy.com
Fine Art - The Creators Palette, http://TheCreatorsPalette.etsy.com
Fabulous Jewelery - The Filigree Garden, http://thefiligreegarden.etsy.com
Vintage Accessories & More - The Good Old Days, http://GoodOldDays.etsy.com
Handspun yarn & more - The Knotty Sheep, http://theknottysheep.etsy.com
Fine & Fun Artist - Van Fleet Street Design, http://VanFleetStreetDesign.etsy.com
Fabric Fancy Whimseys, http://whimseys.etsy.com
Gorgeous Watercolors - Yankeegirl's Watercolors, http://yankeegirl.etsy.com
Polymer Clay Beauties - ZudaGay, http://ZudaGay.etsy.com

blessings, ZudaGay

And.....The WINNER is......

2008-06-08T14:48:00.005-05:00

Number 6 is the winner of the ACEO and number 16 is the winner of a custom flower (or if they would rather, they may pick their favorite flower from the flower pendants and focal beads in my shop. Now I need to go see who these lucky people are! (off to count and recount to make sure my counting is correct)

Number 6 is, Alis from AlisClare. Alis, I will send you your new ACEO in the mail on Monday. Congratulations!!

And, number 16, is Rosepostcards - Beth! Beth, be thinking what kind of flower you want.

Thank you all for helping me celebrate my 1 year anniversary!!

blessings, ZudaGay

First Annual Anniversary Contest

2008-05-30T08:14:00.006-05:00

Hehehe, my title tickles me! You always see fifth annual or tenth annual, but they had to begin at first, didn't they? May 24 was the first anniversary of my Etsy shop. I am having a 10% off sale until 11 pm EST May 31. That is the first phase of my celebration and thank you to my customers. The next phase is what you are reading about right now! WOOHOO!!! I am giving away this ACEO titled "Family".

The next give away is a custom designed Flower Pendant on a cord or ribbon. You will say size, shape of petals, color scheme and if you prefer a wire bail or a focal bead style.

Also, anyone who leaves a comment on this post is entitled to a 20% discount until 11 pm EST, June 7th. Just write bloggy discount in your message to seller, don't hit the pay button and I will send a revised invoice. Or....convo me to tell me what you want to buy and I will revise the listing and put Reserved for you in the title.

What do you do??? Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite flower. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.....make sure you leave a way for me to contact you. Some blogger profiles are private and they don't tell me a thing. I hate drawing a number and finding that I have no way of contacting that person.....it makes me sad! I will draw the winners on Sunday, June 8 at Noon CST using a random number generator.

I want to thank everyone who has made this year totally amazing for me. First of all to God who has blessed my efforts and has provided for us in some very imaginative ways. To all my customers....you are the best customers....EVER!!! And last but certainly not least, thank you to all the wonderful friends I have made this year - especially the BBEST team who laugh, cry, encourage, bully, dance and share their chocolate every day.

blessings, ZudaGay

It's Been So Long!

2008-04-26T13:31:00.004-05:00

Obviously my "new year's resolution" to post three times a week didn't stick! It has been over a month!!! I really do have an excuse...it isn't good, but it's an excuse which I won't bore you with. This is just an update on what is going on, and I really will try to post more often. First of all, we have been taking care of two grandkids about 9 hours a day which takes up time and a whole lot of energy!!! What a delight they are- most of the time. The second thing is I have four (I think) items in a book called "1000 Jewelry Inspirations" which will be on sale next month. Also, a treasury, created by Block Party Press that I am honored to be in, was sellected to be on Etsy's home page.

To be on the front page is a thrill for any Etsy shop!!!

blessings, ZudaGay

It's A New Thang...for me anyway

2008-03-06T14:51:00.008-06:00

ACEOs!!! I just may become addicted to this new thing. New to me anyway. Artist Trading Cards and Artist Cards, Editions and Originals have been around for a while. I'm not too sure exactly how long, maybe around ten years or so. Although miniature artwork has probably been around about as long as there have been artists. Historically miniatures really didn't have any guidelines, they were very small works of art that the artist made either to show off their work or to enable people to carry around an image of their loved one. This new age of ATCs and ACEOs does have one guideline - for size. ACEOs must be 2.5" X 3.5" the same size as baseball cards. They may be made in any medium the artist chooses to use. In this post I am showing what I have been doing, the next one I will show you some of the ACEOs of some artists whose work I desire to add to my ACEO collection.

Secret Garden Fairy Door

Happy Tree

Just to show what happens when the oven spikes:
Burnt to a crisp Secret Garden Fairy Door

Waiting for Emily

My first one Butterfly Garden

blessings, ZudaGay

Longing For Spring Give Away

2008-02-19T09:31:00.006-06:00

THE WINNER IS:
I picked two winners. I wasn't going to do that, but......when it comes down to the time to give away I wish I could afford to let everyone win! Thank you so much for all the lovely color combo ideas!!!! I appreciate your input and your comments! ***cue the drum roll***
Comment #5 is......Kary!!!! Kary can go pick anything she wants from my shop.
and Comment #13......Joon.....you can choose anything from the Small Pendant or Oopsie sections of my shop.

I thought that I would like to break up the monotony of winter a little bit and have a give away this week. But you have to work a little bit for this one. I want some information....what are your favorite color combinations? My daughter Jessica loves greens and purples together.

Now, here are a few springy flowers for your viewing pleasure.

To enter my Longing For Spring Contest, leave a comment telling me your favorite color combination. Don't forget to make sure I have a way to get a hold of you!!! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you what you get!!!! You may choose any item from my shop! I will use the random number generator on Sunday, February 24 at 1 pm Central to choose a winner.

blessings, ZudaGay

Knitsteel - Handforged by Kirsten Skiles

2008-02-13T14:30:00.005-06:00

I remember, as a child, reading stories about blacksmiths making horseshoes and various tools . In my little girl mind I envisioned a person who worked with metals as a big guy who pounded steel and iron into shape. I can remember at a young age standing and watching a blacksmith working. It must have been at the county fair. This person wasn't large and he wasn't making horseshoes. He was making lovely graceful wall sconces and hooks. I love when our preconceptions are jolted into change!

I'd like to introduce you to a lovely artist whose work literally takes my breath away. I came across Kirsten's Etsy shop a couple of months after I joined Etsy. I loved her crosses which were elegant, rugged and very powerful! Her leaves so lifelike and beautiful and the tools she creates for other artist to use have these lovely simple lines that somehow call me to pick them up and do something. Kirsten lives in Wisconsin with her family. Here is an excerpt from her Etsy Bio.

"Kirsten Skiles is an Artist Blacksmith and Jeweler creating nature themed romantic home decor and jewelry.

Kirsten has taught at a number of well known craft schools, including Touchstone School of Crafts, John C. Campbell Folk School and Appalachian Center for Crafts.

She has exhibited both nationally and abroad. As a self-employed artist she works frequently on commissions for private residences through interior designers, architects, and other blacksmiths."

Here are some of the lovely items you will find to purchase in Kirsten's Etsy shop, Knitsteel.

This piece is my favorite in Kirsten's shop right now!!
Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Ginkgo Leaf Pendant No. 2

This lovely Textured Twiggy Copper Bangle Bracelet

And this beautiful Grape Leaf Trio - wall art

Kirsten also does commission work. I had such a hard time choosing what two pictures of Kirsten's commission work to share! They are all so amazing!! I implore you to take some time and go look at Kirsten's Flickr site.

Water Lily Railing

Copper Angelic Lectern
a commission piece for the Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI

If you would like to know more about Kirsten Skiles and her work please visit her blog Hand Forged by Kirsten Skiles. To see more of Kirsten's work visit her Flickr site. And to buy Kirsten's lovely work you may browse in her Etsy shop, Knitsteel.

Blessings, ZudaGay

Here In The Land Of Pink And White

2008-02-09T07:47:00.001-06:00

Recently a customer wanted off white and pale pink round petal flowers. I thought Humm, I've been wanting to try out an idea of an off white and pearl clay blend. So that is what I did. I think it came out lovely!! I love the subtleness of the veining in the petals. I think it looks quite elegant! And I always love pink, almost as much as I love red.....nope, not even close, but I do love pink.

Round petal off-white with gold center

Pale pink pointy petal flower with silver center

Round petal off-white flower with cute knotty silver center

Round petal pale pink flower with silver center Off white pointy petal flower with elegant swirly gold center
which has a new home.

Just a show and a bit of a tell in this post....
blessings, ZudaGay

Alis Clair Art - Bright and Colourful

2008-02-04T09:45:00.001-06:00

One of the first people I became acquainted with when I joined Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team at Etsy is Alis. Alis is a multi media artist who lives in UK. I believe Alis can create beautiful things from just about anything!!! One of the things that draws me to Alis's work is her masterful use of color. I love her color choices and blends and contrasts, they are a delight to my eyes!!

This piece sold some time ago, but I just had to include it in this feature as I think it is one of my favorite Alis Clair Art work.

There's a Sunflower in my Garden

This is what Alis says in her profile in her Etsy shop:

"Hi I'm Alis, just made 50 and loving it.

Living on the North Devon coast I have inspiration all around me in the colours and textures that I see everyday.

I enjoy playing with all sorts of materials - fabric, paper, beads and anything else I find in my stash!

I try to make sure that all my pieces have the attention to detail necessary to make them special.
I also hope my love of bright colours and textures shines through in my work."

I love flowers and this one is so sweet!!!

Flower Power Brooch

The colors in this piece are just so yummy!!!
Sunset

This mini quilt is lovely with a Victorian woman showing off her flowers.
Sunny Day: Mini Art Quilt ZNE

I love the colors and shimmer as this adorable star flashes through the night sky.
Star

Please take a bit of time and browse through Alis Clair Art Shop and enjoy the colors and moods and lovely art work of this very special artist! Also you can read her very enjoyable blog: Alis Clair

blessings, ZudaGay

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival

2008-01-27T13:30:00.002-06:00

AND THE WINNERS ARE: For the brooch - Tara Dawn
For her choice from my shop - Judy Nolan
Thank you all for playing along with me!!! I will contact these winners ASAP and tell them of their good fortune. hehehe....
blessings, ZudaGay

I had so much fun participating in Shannon's, from Rocks in My Dryer and Bloggy Giveaway.com , Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway Carnival that I just had to do it again!!! If you want a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post. PLEASE make sure you leave a way for me to get a hold of you if you win!!!!! Last time the number landed on someone who didn't leave a way for me to contact them....and that is just sad!!! So make sure if you don't have a blog or an active profile with your email address on it that you leave your email in your comment. You can type it all out like: mollymae(at)twinkletoes(dot)net - and I will figure it out. The drawing will be held at 9 am CST on Saturday, February 2, 2008. I will post the winners on my blog at that time and send the winners notification that they won. If I don't hear back from the winners within three days, I will draw again.

What can you win?????? Aha!!! That is the question!!! hehehe... First prize is this heart shaped, sculpted, (by me) polymer clay brooch that has never been listed in my Etsy shop. This brooch features sculpted and cane work leaves and flowers in jewel tones. It measures 2.25" across and 2.5" in length and has a metal pin bar on the back.

A comment will also be selected for a second prize...so if you would like to be entered for the second prize drawing, visit my Etsy shop and in your comment tell me your favorite item. I will draw the winner for the second prize from those who have an item listed in their comment. If your name is drawn for the second prize, you may choose an item from my shop.

Who may participate????? Anyone who wants to and leaves me a comment!!! This is an internationally open giveaway! I will mail to anyplace in the world that has mail service. SO...... what are you waiting for??? Leave me a comment!!!!!

blessings, ZudaGay

Fabric On Wood!!!!!

2008-01-26T08:54:00.001-06:00

Who knew that you could make amazing artwork with fabric and wood! A bit of a different combination...but oh what a delightful marriage!!! I came across this next feature artist, shortly after I opened my Etsy shop, in the Etsy Forums. I instantly became enthralled with her work, and my goal is to have one of her pictures one day.

In this quote from her Etsy profile, Shellie tells us a bit about herself and her art:
"Hi my name is Shellie Mitchell and for the past 8 years I have been creating artwork with fabric on wood blocks which I call "Fabric on Wood". I consider myself an expressionistic artist and I studied painting, printmaking and alloys in college. Somehow I strayed away from what I knew to my own unique technique that I love. I live in South Carolina with my husband, baby boy and 5 pets. My studio is in my home where I create each piece by hand.
Each piece is one of a kind and original- I may redo an image in different fabrics or medium but they will never be the same."

These are a few of my favorite Shellie pictures. Actually my favorites are the cats, but I will try to give an overview of her different subjects.

This one is very unique as the cat is drawn on the wood and then the background is fabric.
Very cool!

Green Eyes

I love the colors, the shapes and of course..... the cats!!

2 Black Cats on a Hill

Beautiful!!!!!
Big Sweet Love

I had to choose this one because I drink green tea.
Green Tea for One

This is perfect in every way!!!
Petals In The Wind

For a very delightful time, get yourself a cup of your favorite drink and go spend some time in Shellie's shop.

blessings, ZudaGay

A Pearl of a Potter

2008-01-21T11:39:00.001-06:00

I LOVE pottery!!!! That is my confession for today. I have always wanted to play in mud and I literally did throughout my childhood. But mud creations tend to melt when it rains. My senior year of high school I got to go to a "fine arts school" which was a part of my high school and there I actually got to play in the mud and have it fired. So potters are my secret idols and at times I have to deal with a bit of jealousy toward them for the fact that they get to play in the mud.

I met Pearl of Fehu Stoneware a few months ago through the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team. I fell in love with her work....then when I got to "know" her I came to love Pearl as well. Just the thought of Pearl working at her wheel or firing raku in the snow wrapped in a blanket makes me smile. Pearl's pottery makes me covet! (my goodness, this post must be a time of confession!) Just look at these lovely pieces of art!!!

I love this one!! The glaze is gorgeous!!!

RAKU Valentine Broken Heart Dish

The crystalline glaze on this bowl is so pretty!!!

Raku, stars and wonderful crackling...can you get any better?

What is it about crackle that I like so much? Isn't this weed vase adorable?

"Fehu is a Rune of fulfillment: ambition, satisfied, love fulfilled,
rewards received.
It promises nourishment, from the most worldly to the sacred and divine."

Pearl works in her studio and lives with her family in the beautiful state of Colorado. Please, do yourself a favor and visit Fehu Stoneware.

blessings, ZudaGay

Blends

2008-01-19T18:38:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things about working with polymer clay is making blends. A polymer clay artist named Judith Skinner discovered a way to put two (or more) triangles of colors together, run them over and over through a pasta machine and create a graduated blend from one color to the the other. Although I've been doing this for quite some time, it never ceases to thrill me! I
love to show other people how this works and see the amazement in their faces. So fun!!! I do have some favorite blends that I've used over and over, but I have been playing a bit here lately and I think my favorite one goes from purple to blue to lime green. I think it is so yummy!!! I also like the turquoise to yellow. Here are a few flowers made with my new blends.