Thursday, January 19, 2012

Humble Offerings, News, and A Question....

Hello Everyone!

  As usual I'm late, I'm late for a most important date!  I might as well get a T-Shirt with this as a logo, since it's pretty much a motto around here!

In my last post, I showed you a few works in progress and mentioned that the works would be for sale the next day. Sure enough, this crazy thing called Life got in the way (it has a funny habit of doing that)!

So, instead, here are my finished offerings for Valentine's Day!

Vagabond Sweethearts 



These two are woodburned, AND handpainted wood. Nice larger size. Perfect pair to dedicate to someone for Valentine's Day..or any day!
Also, I can paint in the name of a loved one on the big purple heart! You can find them HERE

And these guys look familiar, right?

What is it with owls that people so love having them, and I so love making them!

HEART OWL 


Lovely Wooden Painted Ornament!
SOLD! Thank you Theresa!
(By the way, Theresa is an amazing artist friend! If you are looking for unique jewelry and other bits of whimsy, see HER WORK and life HERE



However, I DID make another set of owls!
LITTLE DARLINGS


These two sweeties carry a heart between them. Mother and baby? Little Friends? Who knows, but they add a whole lotta cute to their tree-hollow home! FIND THEM HERE

PLUS! We are back to working with our bees' wax!

(you DO know I'm a third generation organic beekeeper, right?)
We have our new 100% organic beeswax ornaments
SO GET SOME HONEY FOR  YOUR HONEY...err, or something like that! FIND IT HERE


In the meantime, some news:

*One of my goals this year was trying to expand my art further. To that end, I've tentatively been reaching out to various art groups to see if I even remotely qualified to their esteemed groups..and I'm happy to say:
I AM NOW A MEMBER OF PFATT MARKETPLACE! 

After I recovered from fainting, I have to say, I did a BIG happy dance--I am humbled to have been accepted, since many artists that I admire are long time members, and the group consistently turns out AMAZING work! Wow!
So be on the lookout--I am trying to put together new pieces for their February 10th showroom!

However, this brings up a big question for me, one that constantly bugs me:
Do you see a stylistic similarity between these pieces?












Can you recognize these as something done by me?

And now this?


(Yes, this is the beginning of my first ever CLOCK!)

Ok, my problem is, I feel sort of disjointed with my style of work. I draw and create whatever comes into my head. But, I don't know if it these translate to a cohesive style. Parts of it look very particular (Like the little elf Vagabonds), but then the woodburning and the animals sometimes don't, I think. The only consistent part of ALL of the works is that there is a dark staining of the cloth or wood before I paint something...

....so, I'm doing the very professional and scientific analysis of the whole thing by...umm...just asking people who might even remotely be interested in helping for:  thoughts, comments, ideas..encouragement?

My biggest problem is that as I widen this little business out I really WOULD like people to recognize and seek out the work (ha! I am assuming that more than 4 people like my work)... I also find myself leaning back toward my own style, which is much more "realistic" than what I've been doing (as seen in the sketch on the clock):



But this tends to be even less stylistic or uniform than all of the other work. HELP! Am I making this too complicated? Am I over thinking this (most likely, but any extra input would greatly be appreciated!)

THANKS!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

New Art and New Beginnings!

Hello Friends!

I hope the New Year so far is treating you well! There are a lot of things going on around here, lots of changes behind the scenes and, as usual, lots of artwork! How is YOUR New Year so far?

Right now, a few new Vagabonds are sitting on my art table, almost finished!

And just in time for Valentine's Day!
These two are quite the pair!


Woodburned wood, fully painted, they just need a few more details! I can also paint the name of a loved one in the big heart hey are holding!

And of course, there always seems to be an owl here and there! This little fellow is "Valentine Owl"...he also needs some work as well....


And I hope to have another creation done shortly, as well...

They will all be in my Etsy Shoppe tomorrow!

So stay tuned for them, and some more interesting and important news, coming soon!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!


Each New Year's Eve, I put out the same sentiment, because I believe it....

Happy New Year my friends! Bring your best game, your light, your hard work, your joyful noise, your whole heart to this New Year. May your big or even little dreams be realized and may the spirit and friendship be a comforting force.

Thank you for all of your support, my friends! And above all....

SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy Holidays!


 Hello Friends!

Wow, what a busy holiday season!  Maybe you’re like me, scurrying about getting all sorts of wonderful things done?

I have managed to finish the LAST of this year’s Vagabond Creations,  this little owl spoon:


Would it surprise you to know that this spoon is already sold? It most certainly surprised me, as the wonderful new owner asked for it before I had a chance to finish it!

In fact, I have been AMAZED, surprised and humbled to find that many, MANY of you have been so kind as to buy several of my wares, whether an art piece or some of my own treasures in the blog sale.

You have no idea how much these little gestures have helped me, and I can say that with conviction: each time you bought a little item, you helped with THIS little dream, and you made it easier for me to rely on my crazy regular job to pay off bills and more.  This is the art of truly supporting each other, and it’s the reason I’m so adamant in true LOCAL business. It’s the inspiration for THIS post, showcasing local farmers, artists and small businesses. 

THANK YOU
for your support, even for the kind words, as I understand what it’s like to want to buy an item, but be short on funds. Sometimes even a word of encouragement is enough!

Now is the time to enjoy the Wintertide.  While there is no pressure to produce art for the next few weeks, I will probably do a lot of painting and creating for fun! Of course, there will be time spent with my family, and general holiday mischief. 

It helps to have a snow dog as part of the family! Polly The Great Pyranees is tuckered out from all the festivities!



We are not doing too much gift giving, but I am trying to find creative e and fun ways to help them.  We will also be doing far too much eating since my mother comes from a long line of amazing cooks!

What are your holiday plans?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Friends!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

BLOG SALE ~ Toys!

WELCOME TO TODAY'S BLOG SALE ! PLEASE NOTE THESE ITEMS are coming from my house in FL...please order according to this location

Sales help with my little farm and horse and carriage dream, and helps me move some stuff out of the house!


Here you will find most unusual items that myself and my sister have collected over the years! This is the TOY section

Remember:
1. I will do my best to describe each item below. You will see the price under the description. Please CLICK PICS to enlarge!

2. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING. SHIPPING IS VIA STANDARD Mail prices.

3. IF you wish for your item to arrive via express shipping please contact me.

4. If you are INTERESTED in purchasing an item, or have a question about an item, please email me at BEYONDVAGABOND@gmail.com

5. I take credit cards and paypal payments. I will let you know where and how to pay me once you contact

6. Happy Shopping and THANK YOU!


GRINCH

Cute, movable, singing toy! Our favorite Grinch is ready for a good home. He's 9 inches sitting, bobs his head and sways slightly to the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Solid, comes with batteries.
$15 INCLUDES SHIPPING.

2 LITTLE BEARS

Two cute fuzzy bears, great condition. They are both about 5 inches, in a sitting position, maybe some good stocking stuffers?
$9 EACH INCLUDES SHIPPING!

POLICE RHINO


Cute Rhino dressed like a police officer, nice uniform, not removable. Not sure about this one, has a logo on the back of the police outfit that says "Rhino Aqua," otherwise very charming. 8 inches tall.
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

FIREMAN RHINO



Apparently Officer Rhino (above) has a brother! This is fireman is fully suited up--yellow shoes, firehat coat and suspenders. Not sure but has a logo "Rhino Aqua" on the back of his coat. Otherwise very nice.8 INCHES Tall.
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

VALENTINE BEAR

Cute Valentine bear has hearts plush burned on all of the red parts of the fur, roughly 10 inches tall.
$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

PINK VALENTINE BEAR




This Pink Bear is similar to the red one (above). Has cute pink burned plush hears along its body, very cute. 10 inches tall. 
$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING!


BABY FLAMINGO


This teensy flamingo is adorable. Pink plush, looks like it's got beany stuffing. 4 inches tall, fuzzy hair top.
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING

 GIRAFFE

Cute plush giraffe with mohair type mane and tale. 12 inches from horn to hoof.
$12 INCLUDES SHIPPING

LION


Lion looks like he came with giraffe (above), faux fur main and tale, mane a bit fuzzy. Very cute. 11 INCHES
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING

TEENY BEAR



Super cute and small. Looks like it's part of a keychain (See pic 1 for the loop at the top) 3 inches.
$6 INCLUDES SHIPPING

PANDA

Cute panda with multicolored shirt that has hearts on it.  Roughly 7 inches tall.
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING.

WINTER PENGUIN


Fuzzy little Penguin with earmuffs and a cute little bowtie with hearts. About 6 inches tall
$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING


LITTLE CHICK

Cute little chick with blue and white suspender overalls!  4 1/2 inches tall
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING

BROWN BEAR


Cute fuzzy brown bear. Roughly 11 Inches in diameter.
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING

BLOG SALE ~ Interesting and Unique Items

Welcome to the "Unique Section" of this little blog sale. Here you will find most unusual items that myself and my sister have collected over the years!
PLEASE NOTE THESE ITEMS are AT MY PARENTS' HOUSE IN FL, please order according to this location

Remember:
1. I will do my best to describe each item below. You will see the price under the description. YOU CAN CLICK TO ENLARGE

2. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING. SHIPPING IS VIA STANDARD Mail prices.

3. IF you wish for your item to be delivered via express shipping please contact me.

4. If you are INTERESTED in purchasing an item, or have a question about an item, please email me at BEYONDVAGABOND@gmail.com


5. I take credit cards and paypal payments. I will let you know where and how to pay me once you contact

6. Happy Shopping and THANK YOU!

RUSSIAN BLUE JEWELRY BOX
This was given to me by my sister from a Russian Market, I believe it to be hand tole work, with iredescent gold paint and blue flowers on a black lacquer box. It's 4" in diameter and a pretty light box, which makes me believe it is either very light clay but more likely paper mache. Covered by a satin varnish, very shiny and beautiful, the insides are all shiny black. Makes a nice jewelry box or centerpiece.
$15 INCLUDES SHIPPING






EGYPTIAN BOX
A really lovely box gotten from Egypt in the Grand Bazaar. This is a woven CLOTH exterior over a solid box form. It depicts a classical scene of King Tut and his Wife (as seen in a relief in his tomb). Tons of vibrant color. The sides of the box have traditional heiroglypics and the INSIDE also has a reverse phantom picture on the lid (see picture 2). Overall a stunning piece with lots of work put in! 7 inches, length, 5 inches in height.
SOLD!!





Plate From Kenya


I bought this from a  local street fair years ago and it has been hanging faithfully at my house for years. My understanding is that it is made in the traditional fashion and you will find these sort of scratchplates all along central Africa. Very sturdy, heavy, beautiful, decorative and high quality! 10 inches in diameter
$40 INCLUDES SHIPPING



TURKISH PLATE


This lovely plate is hanpainted and from Turkey. Vibrant folkloric plate handcolored on what appears to be a brass plate, has a hanger for hanging on the wall. 9 Inches in diameter.
SOLD!

INDIAN PLATE

 This is a lovely brass plate that has been etched and then hand colored in a folkloric flower scene. From India, and can be hung from the wall. 9 1/2 inches diameter.
$22 WITH SHIPPING


Japanese Scarf
A nice silk scarf depicting masks used in Japanese theater, these are usually of Japanese gods and goddesses. Please email for diameter info, I did not take it out of its protective plastic enclosure. Beautiful brown and gold border.
$12 INCLUDES SHIPPING



Peacock PASHMINA
This lovely pashmina is super soft. Eggshell white with graceful red peacock feathers on either side, brown eyes. Great scarf, veil, shawl. Roughly 3 feet long. Beautiful!
$20 INCLUDES SHIPPING!



Flower Cloth
Stunning embroidered flowers on a sheer black cloth. Amazing for veils, costumes, more. More than 3 yards.
$20 INCLUDES SHIPPING



Paisley Cloth
This is a very lovely cloth, sheer black with embroidered flower paisley design. Great for veils, costuming or more. More than 3 yards...lovely!
$20 INCLUDES SHIPPING!






BEAUTIFUL SCARVES

These scarves are used around the hips, to dance in the Middle East. You may wear them over the hips to accent your clothes, as a very fancy head-kerchief or....? Lots of great options!
(Please note: in my haste to get these all photographed, some of the scarves were not properly steamed for wrinkles, so you may see a few of them wrinkled...however, they are now steamed and wrinkle free!)

ALL SCARVES: $23 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

Orange Scarf/Silver accents








Pink Scarf with gold accents:




Blue Scarf with Silver Accent




Lavender Scarf with Gold Accents




Lavender Scarf with Silver Accents










Red Scarf with Gold Accents


Blue Scarf with Gold Accent