“Funky Flatware? Did I hear that correctly?” you ask. “Yep”, I say “…and this is totally hip stuff!!”

I am always impressed by handcrafted things that are BEAUTIFUL and different. I’m classy, not trendy, and I don’t like looking like everyone else, nor do I acquire things because everyone else has one. (I just started purchased a flat iron, and that’s only because my stylist verbally lashed me until I agreed to use it.) So when I find someone in the craft world that is like this, I have to bring your attention to it. Partly because I’m compulsive, but mostly because it’s my job (and I love it)!!

So welcome to the world of a talented craft artisan just outside Philly. Her work is self described as “FUNKY”, and funky doesn’t even scratch the surface of the not only unique but also so creatively beautiful work of this acrylic sculptress. It’s retro, hip & contemporary all at the same time. I just love this super kitschy sterling silver salad server set with inlaid Amethyst and Topaz stones. GORGEOUS!!

This gal does everything she produces…all by herself! Here is a brief description of the process from her website:

Using classical jewelers techniques, I hand carve all of the acrylic, and hand smith all of the sterling silver. Each design begins as an extensive series of sketches. Once the design is finalized, I freehand the basic shape of the acrylic piece onto a large block of acrylic. I then cut away as much of the excess material as possible using a band saw. Next, the rough acrylic piece is carved using coarse files and abrasive cloth, and dyed using a heated pigment-solvent mixture which fuses the color to the acrylic, and is non toxic once dry. I hand form the silver using an array of stakes and hammers, and bring them to a high polish. Then, I set the acrylic piece using stone-setting and cold-joining techniques. I complete each piece by signing and copywriting it. I do not use the help of any assistants. All work, from start to finish, is done by me.

Absolutely fabulous work Debra!

Cream & Sugar Set only $950.00. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!

Toothpick holder for the obsessive compulsive.

Super duper Inlaid Salt and Pepper shakers.

 

Of course, being the person I am, I love her jewelry…isn’t this simply funk-a-delic!!!

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Spring is my favorite time of year. I love flowers, and where I’m from, they grow them for the world! www.theflowerfields.com

This year, my friend back home who is a fab bead maker made these flower enamel beads for me this year as a gift.

It took her 3 days!!

Because I couldn’t wait to wear them, I decided to be simple and throw a little something together with them! You can do this technique with any beads that have two eyelets on the back. Simply cross your soft flex in an X pattern behind the beads, place whatever accent beads you like and repeat. SIMPLE!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies you’ll need.

Colors I used.

Enjoy!!

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clipped from craftivism.com

Living in DC comes with a constant reminder of the ways everyone wants to change the world. Most of these are very old repetitive methods that have been around since the early stages of our democracy, and I don’t know about you, but I often wonder who really pays attention anymore. Ok, occasionally I do, but being inundated with it, one gets a bit callous.
That’s exactly why I found the idea of craftivism superlatively refreshing!! To be able to continue to make the world beautiful and be politically active at the same time is simply a marvelous idea. Why not use craft to reach beyond ourselves and our circles!! Why not use creativity to develop ways to touch more than the surface of things made, and impact the world of ideas!!! Empower, Inspire …CREATE! Craft on dear activists…CRAFT ON!!

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Aren’t these simply adorable! I found them at craftzine.com, which most of you know is a fabulous online craft mag. I just thought these were too cute and I am officially now looking for someone who would like to make one of these for us (me)!!

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Brazil is a beautiful country, there is no doubt. The contrasts of green and blue throughout are striking!

I found a similar beauty in the work of Fernando Dasilva. This native Brazilian creates “culturally infused designs that sizzle with scintillating juxtapositions of color, shape and texture.” And truth be told, this is exactly the case.

I met Fernando while filming a segment on the CHA convention in Anaheim this last January. He was working furiously away designing for Beadalon, and when I laid eyes on some of his creations, I was captivated. My crew and I interviewed Fernando, and I look forward to having him on our show. In the meantime I wanted to introduce you to his work. Here is a piece that he recently made for the show, isn’t it gorgeous! I intend to wear it every chance I get.

Visit Fernando’s website the first chance you get, you won’t be disappointed.

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