Seeds of Inspiration

Seed pods from my backyard with their wonderful spikey geometric shape offer interesting design possibilities to artists.

Last night I noted that several people in the Promotional Frenzy thread in the Etsy forum http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6652194


were talking about the need for refueling their inspiration and motivation, so I slept on it and woke up to the idea today to take pictures of all kinds of textures, lighting, shapes, perspectives, and colors that might jump-start creativity for my own and others' future works.

I found more than enough subject matter just within my front, back, and side yards!

This little wasp's nest was attatched to my screened porch and I placed it on a yellow leaf so that it would stand out better.

There is alot one can do based on this design (and I've seen some fascinating ceramics and jewelry created with this in mind).

For those of you who do steampink styles this drainpipe with its accordian design could pur some new, innovative work!

I've provided several different perspectives that could be incorporated into jewelry, papercraft, ceamic, sculpture, etc.

This folded puppy pen would also offer a unique subject for one's work;

It would make an interesting background for screen printing, as would this screen

Shadows can also offer numerous ideas to artists looking for effects to use in their work.

This is one I captured on my wooden security fence.

Shadows can be really lovely and can be used in all mediums from jewelry to sculpture, to watercolor, to mixed media art.

Here I captured myself taking the picture in the driveway scattered with acorns! Now how about that for perspective!

Jewelry artists and sculptors might especially like this chain link fence cap;

and this hinge might inspire hinges on jewelry or handmade boxes, for instance;

And my favorites are almost always patterns from nature like these!

I love the perspective you get when looking up a tree!

This tree in my backyard has an owl hole near the top where it broke off a few months ago during a storm.

For those of you who love leaves these photos should give you alot to think about!

And for you dog-lovers I've got these;

This dog recently moved into the house behind mine;

 I had to lean over the fence for this first one! Just look at that black tongue on this dog. He must have Chow in him!

And a regal headshot from behind the fence!

I haven't forgotten about all you Carmella fans!

So get out there and see all the beauty this world has to offer, then come back with a headfull of ideas...and create!

Full of Surprises!

Southwest Heirloom Santa - $25.00
Santa sculpture doll measures approximately 18" tall including the stand to which he is permanently attached. Instead of a traditional Christmas tree he has with him a stuffed felt cactus! Embellished with bugle beads, a variety of fabrics, tiny lights, and faux fur.

Won't your holiday guests be surprised and thrilled when they walk in and see Santa greeting them just inside the front door! Quite a conversation piece, your parties will be THE latest hotspot once the word spreads about your clever home decor.

Debbie, owner of Craftymoose is a self-taught mixed-media artist who makes a wide variety of things but specializes in French beading and mixed-media art dolls most of which include beads and wire. The work has a folk-art feel to it, and all pieces are one-of-a-kind. I just love her beaded french flowers! Absolutely gorgeous work!

French Beaded Ring of Beaded Roses - $40.00
Made with Czech glass seed beads, some of which are vintage, about 60 years old. Each component was completed and then attached to a 7 inch ring. There is a loop attached to the back of the ring so this may be hung on a wall or in a window.

This hummingbird is also very pretty and would be splendid to hang in the window or above your bed or over your desk. This piece caught my eye because I am currently exploring creative ways of filling in wire frames. She has done a great job here of rendering this little creature and even has the markings and shading down!

Beaded Hummingbird Suncatcher – 14.00
Hummingbird hand-formed with 20 gauge black wire. His wingspan is 5" and he is a little over 5" long. Czech glass seed and bugle beads in different finishes were used to bead the body & wings. The head is beaded in metallic green & ruby transparent and the chest in peach with a pearl finish. The wings are done in crystal clear, topaz & copper.

Go check out her Etsy store. You never know what you might find...or what you might miss if you don't.

To see more by this artist go to:
http://craftymoose.etsy.com/

To read more about her and her activities, read her blog:
http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/