Custom Order Sign

This was a custom order done for a very special lady! It was a busy busy weekend, i had this one and one more! Will post pics of the second as it's a gift from someone and I wouldn't want to spoil the surpise:)

One Artsy Chick Jewelry

I've started collaging on beads...so much fun! I've even made some for Canada day on July 1st! I'll post them later;) wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!!

One Artsy Chick Jewelry

A little something fun and flirty for the summer!

New Outlet to Sell my Jewelry!

Ring ring goes the phone "hello"? "Hi this is Rainbow Point Lodge Gift Shop calling, we were at the Naked North gallery yesterday and loved your jewelry. Would you be interested in displaying some for sale in our shop?" SILENCE..."how many pieces would you like and when"?

She wanted a variety of different styles and pieces. Her shop has a steady flow of tourists and locals. I've promised to have twelve pieces done for her by Monday of next week and more to follow as she comes to our wilderness city weekly. So far I've made two beach inspired necklaces with bracelets to match. I just hope I can keep up, I'm already sooo busy making pieces for the gallery. I'm not complaining though, this could be the start of something good!

My Son~The Grade EIght Grad!

Yesterday was my son Adam's grade eight graduation. As if graduating wasn't enough to pull at my heart strings...he had to go and win the Kathy Sanders award too! I remember thinking to myself, these are the moments in life we as parents live for, there's nothing life that feeling of overwhelming love and admiration your feel for you child when they achieve something great. I can still remember walking him to the bus stop on his first day of kindergarten, I wanted to drive him that day but he was so excited to be riding the bus just like his big sister (she's the pretty lady in the pictures next to my son). Now he off to High School in September...just like his big sister:) Adam...Dad, Emma and I are all so proud of you and wish you all the success in the days to come in High School:)

Feel Love in the Now SOLD

Title: Feel Love in the Now Medium: acrylic, paper, pen and ink Size: 16x20

I didn't think I was holding onto any anger from my past but recently I realized there had been something I'd been carrying with me for a very long time. Feel Love in the Now came from that realization. I think I've let go of most of that anger through working on this piece...as they say we all need a little chicken soup for the soul:)

~Thank You~ St. Joseph School Teachers and Staff

~Thank You~

Dear Teachers and Staff:

We would like to take this opportunity to express our happiness that our son, Adam, had the opportunity to attend St. Joseph’s School throughout junior kindergarten to grade eight. For Adam this time at your school has been filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears and most of all learning and growing. This loving, structured, and nurturing environment were exactly what Adam needed to embark on his educational journey. With the knowledge he has gained while in your care, there is no doubt in our minds he is completely prepared to begin High School in the fall.

We know that the experiences he has had in your school will remind him that education can be challenging but also fun and rewarding. With your help Adam has become a respectful, spiritual, honest individual who is strong-willed and determined. These are the qualities that will contribute to his success in years to come.

St. Joseph’s School is very blessed to have such talented, skilled and caring teachers and staff. With full confidence we will recommend any friends or family members to entrust their child to your care. In the challenging educational environment of today, there is no time to lose with the minds of tomorrow. We do truly appreciate all that you have done for our son.

Sincerely, Joella and Chris Notte

Say it Like it is: We All Get Our Inspiration From Somewhere!

Maureen shares my views exactly on this subject. In her post All Things Jewelry and Then Some: What's the Fuss About Copying? she shares her views on the subject. It's funny I should come across this post today of all days as there is an artist I know who has been struggling with this. I respect this person's feelings but I don't share in her opinions on the matter. Everyone gets their inspiration from somewhere...myself I get mine from ETSY and other crafty bloggers. I never have and never will copy a design of someone else's... but using their idea as an inspiration is something most of us do even without knowing it sometimes. Working with other artists on a daily basis at the gallery I find we all learn and grow along with each other. We all inspire each other on some level...I take it as a compliment should I see a bit of my style in my fellow artists peices. When it's all said and done, as long as they haven't made theirs to look just like mine I see no problem with it. We are all striving to be original and I don't think any artist likes to be compared to another. Just doing what's in your heart and making it your own will make that piece original to you.

Wow...busy Saturday at the GAllery!

Tourism is starting and with our little gallery being located on the highway our number of visitors is steadily rising. I bought some new beads and such and thought I would be able to spend the day making jewelry and filling some of the empty spaces on my display. No such luck !!! With people wanting custom orders (god bless them) and regular sales I'm not much further ahead. I'm hoping I'll find the time this weekend to make three necklaces, two bracelets, paint two signs and start on another painting...the garden and the laundry will just have to wait:) P.S. I'm loving every minute of it!!!!

Blue Button Charm

I've been working in a lot of gold and brasses lately so I thought I would switch things up a bit. As you can tell I just cant stop with the buttons...I like to add a little bit of the unexpected to my pieces. SOLD

Cute As A Button Charm Bracelet

I remember waaaay back when I was a child making bracelets at my grandma's out of old disgarded buttons...I guess some things just never change! SOLD

Casual & Fun!

You won't find anything like this in the stores! These pieces are all one of a kind!

Bring a little colour into your life...great with jeans and a T.

Perfect for those casual summer BBQs!

You Asked For Pics...Here They Are!

After posting pictures of the outside of our saltbox cottage you asked to see the inside. It's not perfect but it's our little piece of heaven.

This is our bright and cheery kitchen. I recycled these cupboards from an old school house being torn down. After putting bead board on them, painting them yellow and redoing the counter tops they turned out to be more beautiful than I had dreamed. As you can see we still have so much to do...I'll post pics of the lofts and other rooms when they are complete. To be continued...

Naked North Set to Expose Itself

Dryden's latest attraction is celebrating its Grand Opening Thursday.The Naked North Art Gallery is holding an open house from 4 until 9, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 5 o'clock.The Gallery at the Tourist Information Centre on Highway 17 has been a hit since opening its doors about a month-and-a-half ago.The gallery is run by volunteers and features the work of some 15-local artists.
Posted by Mike Ebbling on Thursday, June 11th, 2009 http://ckdr.net/news/index.php

Our Grand Opening was a smashing success! It was so heartwarming to see so many people out to support our unique little shop. The place was jammed packed and the words of approval and encouragement from everyone were overwhelming. I would like to thank everyone who attended our celebration and all the artists who worked together to make this happen. It's been quite a journey working towards our dream of one day opening our own gallery and making that dream come true. I look forward to working with you all in the years to come!

Two's Company Three's a Set!

Antique Brass Choker SOLD

Antique Brass Earrings SOLD

Antique Brass Bracelet SOLD

Hi My Name is Joella and I'm a Bead Addict

Does anyone else have this problem? I run into a craft store to buy some findings for a necklace I've made (a five minute job tops) and end up spending an hour filling my folded arm with bead packets, I didn't get a cart because I was only coming in for findings. My arm is so full they start dropping to the floor and I'm thinking this will be it no more beads for awhile...not until I sell more jewelry and then only then will I buy more beads. But oh no...the next day I'm in Walmart picking up a few items, I find myself passing by the bead section, I keep walking but something tells me to turn around, just take a quick look, see if there's anything new. What could be the harm right? Well $40.00 later I'm back in my car and wondering what the heck happened...how am i going to explain this to my husband? As I turn the corner to our home I'm hoping my husband's truck isn't in the drive...it is! I casually walk up the front step to the house, like it's any other day, like I've done nothing wrong, I open the door, the coast is clear so I through the bags on the counter, grabbing the small bag that holds my pretty addiction and I quickly tuck it away into a drawer until later when he's not home and I can add them to my collection. I've got away with it this time but will I be so luck next time? What's a girl to do?

ONe ArtsY ChiCk Jewelry

Gold Charm Choker with Glass and Pearls in Blue

Gold Charm Bracelet with Blue Glass Beads

One Charming Silver Bracelet with Blue Pearls SOLD

ONe ArtsY ChiCk Jewelry

Gold Orange Swirl Glass Bead Bracelet

Gold Orange Swirl Glass Bead Charm Choker

Gold Mauve Glass Bead Charm Bracelet SOLD

Gold Mauve Glass Bead Charm Choker

The People You Meet at Timmy's

Went for coffee today with my girlfriend Michelle and her friend Tara! It was my first time meeting Tara and I instantly loved her carefree personality and open minded views on life:) After talking for awhile we discovered that we each had our very own blogs, hers is http://www.tarasviewoftheworld.com/ you should take a look! She's very knowledgeable when it comes to buying and selling on Etsy and has offered to help me out! Anyhoo, after talking with her I was so inpired that I went and bought a bunch more jewelry and art supplies...there's no turning back now!

Shhhhh...don't tell anyone!

Title: Shaleea...do you believe? Medium: Mixed Media Collage Price: Priceless~ For My Niece

I wanted to do something special for my niece Shaleea. Her birthday is coming up and I sure hope she likes what I've done for her. This little garden fairy painting took me two days to complete but it's for a very special girl and worth every minute!

Taking the Plunge~Selling on Etsy

Well it looks like I'm going to take the plunge and start selling my work on http://www.etsy.com/ . I've been a member for awhile now but I just wasn't ready to start posting my work until now. Thanks for all your words of encouragement and wonderful compliments. If you don't already know you must have a credit card to sell your crafts on Etsy, so I've scheduled myself an appointment with my local bank and I'm going to apply for my very first credit card on friday!!! I know, I know, you're asking yourself ~ it's 2009 and this girl doesn't have a credit card? Well... I've always believed in paying for things with cash, living by this rule has worked well for my husband and I. Don't get me wrong, my DH has one that we use on occasion when we stay at hotels and such, but after working at a bank I know the that having my own will be good for me as far as my personal credit goes. So wish me luck!!! Watch out ETSY cause One Artsy Chick is about to join your team:)

Portrait of a Friend~Author Unknown

"Portrait of a Friend"

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears, but I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers. I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain, nor the future with its untold stories, but I can be there now when you need me to care. I can't keep your feet from stumbling. I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall. Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine; Yet I can share in your laughter. Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge; I can only support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask. I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you. I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you, but I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself. I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting, but I can cry with you and help you pick up the piecesand put them back in place. I can't tell you who you are. I can only love you and be your friend. --Unknown

Naked North~Month of May a Success

Well our first month of being open has been a success! My jewelry has been flying off the rack and I've even managed to sell two of my teacup candles. Our Grand Opening is on June 11th, it sounds like it's going to be an artsy fartsy good time:) Live music~food~balloons and one big tent set up outside for artists to sit and work while visitors mingle...please Lord let there be sunshine on that day!!

Bring Out The Silver

I can't wait to serve up some pretty dainties to my girlfriends on this beautiful silver tray. I purchased it last weekend for a song!

Antique Brass Jewelry

Antique Brass Shell Earrings $10.00 SOLD

Antique Brass Black Bead Choker $20.00

Antique Brass Shell Bead Choker $20.00 SOLD

Antique Brass Earrings $10.00 SOLD

Antique Brass Jewelry

Antique Brass Bracelet $10.00 SOLD

Can I charm you with my charm bracelets?

Got a bit creative today and made these pretty charm bracelets!

From boring to WOW!

It was a freezing and rainy sunday morning but I was on a mission to find materials for my arts and crafts. I went to a safe grad fundraiser where I spotted four cutting boards just like this one. I couldn't resist, I knew right away what I was going to do with them. I finished these two signs and I'll post pictures of my other two when there complete!!!! What do you think?

Title: Love Medium: Collage Price: $40.00 SOLD

Title: Dream Medium: Collage Price: $40.00.