Jeff Pulver, Social Media and Networking Guru came to our town this morning and his only goal (so he claims) was Breakfast!  Socially speaking of course!

Infamous twitterers, (is that a word?), members of the DC Media Nexus and the generally socially addicted showed up to eat, drink coffee and socially “TAG” each other. Über FUN!

Toni Lyn with Jeff getting “Pulverized!”

From Left: Ann Miller, Steph Stockman and Tre Me!

The socially addicted of D.C….

Sashi of Network Solutions

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I decided to start a category of my favorite things, mainly because 1. I think it will allow all of you to get to know me better, 2. It will bring to those craft artisans the attention they honestly deserve, and 3. Simply because who doesn’t love talking about their favorite things!!

So, I have to post at my first in this category the German lampwork artist Melanie Moertel. Yes, I know…more beads. But the bottom line is, this stuff is georgous!! True art and stunning craftsmanship genuinely meet together in this amazing work. Melanie is no newcomer, and her work has been appraised by many. And yet, her beads seem to continue to be some of the freshest stuff in the global lampwork community.

Now we have been trying to obtain some of Mel’s work for display on the show (of course I want to wear it!!), but alas we have not been able to get to it fast enough. So the best we can do is pictures. WAY TO GO Melanie!!

We’d love to know what you think of Melanie’s work. Please take a moment to participate in the poll below. You can type your answer in the orange box. Feel free to submit as many times as you would like! Then CLICK HERE to see the answers of others!!

Call for photos: TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO OBTAIN HER WORK, PLEASE SEND US PHOTOS OF THE CREATIONS YOU HAVE PUT TOGETHER SO THAT WE CAN SHOWCASE THEM. We want to show off your creativity in what you’ve chosen to do with these.

Courtesy of Jennifer Dangerfield

Best to all!

TL

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“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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