DREAM

Title:  Dream

Medium:  Mixed Media

Size:  6x6

Yummy Beads from MICHAELS

As some of you may already know I'm from a small town in Ontario, Canada.  Living has it's perks but when you're an artist looking for supplies it can sometimes be difficult finding what you're looking for.   Recently, my husband, two children and I took a trip to London, Ontario Canada (22 hours from our little wilderness city).  We had a long list of things we wanted to do but visiting Michaels was on my list of musts do's one of them.  Michaels is a crafters dream, they carry everything from beads to paints. 

There was so much to see and so many great deals to be had.  I could hardly contain myself!  When I finally made it to the beading section I was overwhelmed by all the different beads and supplies... wish I could have bought all of them but my suitcase could only hold so much.  These are just a few of the lovelies I bought !!!  If you click on the link below you will be taken to Michaels website where you can buy these and so much more!  Happy shopping eveyone :)

http://michaels.com/art/online/home 

Mystic Blue

Mystic Blue is 19.5 inches in length. The focal bead is made of carved bone from India paired with pretty glass beads, ceramic beads, shells, polished river rocks, carved bone beads and seed beads. Like many of my pieces a vintage button and loop have been added for easy fastening.

To purchase this piece please click on the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

Carved Bone Beads and Pendants

Lovin' these carved bone pieces made in India.  I purchased these yesterday and can't wait to create some new Mother Earth pieces to add to my One Artsy Chick shop! 

If you are a bead supplier check these out at http://www.multicraftimports.com/

Here's a little update on a necklace I made with one of these pendants...

you like?

Leather Loop Bracelet

Living in a small town can sometimes be challenging when you're an artist.  Supplies run low and sometimes you have to think outside of the box.  I love working with chain but I'm finding it challenging to say the least finding suppliers in town.  I've had this pretty leather cording in my stash for sometime and I've been using it throughout the summer in my work. This piece was inspired by a bracelet photographed on a very posh celebritie wrist.  I love the simplicity of it.

To purchase this bracelet please click on the following link  http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts 

Statement Pieces

I was asked by a very special lady to make a donation to her 20th High School Reunion this summer. I said "YES" and knew I wanted to give them something very special for this event. This class graduated a year after me, I grew up with so many of them. You can imagine how honored I was when Caley asked me to be a part of this. Good luck to all who attend!!!

This warm and chuncky necklace is made in gold and brown tones and measure 20 inches in length.

For more details or to purchase this piece please click on the following link http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

 Love how this necklace turned out... I've been saving these red and brown swirl beads forever.  I think they really add a touch of elegance to this piece.  It measures 18.5 inches.

For more details or to purchase this piece please click on the following link

http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

Mother Earth Necklace

This piece is both earthy and sophisticated. To make this necklace I've brought together polished river rock, vintage buttons, a wooden bead, bronze seed beads, dark brown shell beads and a gold cirlcle clasp. This necklace measures 18 inches.

To purchase this item through my One Artsy Chick Studio please click on the following link  http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts  

Mother Earth Collection

Casual necklace made with three polished river rocks, wrapped in non-tarnish gunmetal wire, attached to chocolate brown cording with a vintage button to fasten.  This bracelet measures 8".

http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

To purchase this piece or  any of the following pieces please click on the above link!

This pieces focal point is a bronze metal pendant, turquoise stones, wood beads, turquoise bead, bronze seed beads and a vintage wooden button to fasten.  This bracelet measures 9". 

Beach casual necklace made with one wooden pendant, shell beads, brown seed beads, copper disc, copper clasp and chocolate brown leather cording.  This necklace measures 18".

Aloha...this earthy bracelet reminds me of Hawaii with it's vibrant colours.  Its made with glass beads, turquoise stones, wood beads, bronze seed beads, chocolate brown cording, brown seed beads, dark brown leather cording with a beautiful gold clasp.  This bracelet measure 8". 

Love this sophisticated but casual piece.  This piece is a marriage of polished river rock, vintage buttons, wood beads, bronze seed beads, dark brown leather cording and a beautiful stone arrowhead pendant.  It measures 19". 

Happiness Bracelet

Description

A daring hammered focal piece is enhanced with a happiness charm and paired up with  hematite beads, grey pearl, white cermic bead, tumbled river rock, black and bronze seed beads with a vintage bronzed button to fasten. This bracelet measure 8".

To purchase this piece please click on the following link http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Artsy-Chick-Studio/119946684714951?v=app_135607783795&ref=ts

One Artsy Chick Studio Store Front

One Artsy Chick Studio

Facebook Store Front

So happy to finally introduce you to my new One Artsy Chick Studio store front on facebook.  I'm gradually adding new pieces every day and hoping you will click on the face book link to your left and "LIKE" my page.

Once you're there go to the top of the page and click on the blue SHOP NOW tab!  Voila... my new store front :)

Mother Earth Necklaces

22" necklace has a OneArtsyChick hammered metal pendant with semi precious stone and a glass bead charm.  The necklace is made from braided black cording with beads and a black vintage button loop closure.

18" rustic choker has a brass hoop adorned with a red river rock and two shells.  It is attached with black, linen, and brown cording and a brown vintage button loop closure.

22" necklace is simple but sophisticated.  The focal piece is a gunmetal hoop, adorned with a grey tumbled river rock, wrapped in non-tarnish gunmetal jewelry wire.  It hangs from brown and black cording, with a brown vintage button and loop closure.

  

Statement Mixed Media Jewelry

16" choker made with black chunky metal chain, three OneArtsyChick handcrafted metal charms and a OneArtsyChick pendant.  The pendant and charms are attached with non-tarnish gunmetal wire.  This statement piece is guarenteed to last a lifetime. 

This one of a kind 18" necklace is made of handmade non-tarnish gunmetal wire hoops, amber glass beads, Blue Moon semi precious stones and vintage buttons.  The beads and stones are wire wrapped in non-tarnish gunmetal jewelry wire.

     

This unique 7" bracelet is made with handmade non-tarnish gunmetal wire hoops, Blue Moon semi precious stones and gunmetal chain. The stones have been wire wrapped in non-tarnish gunmetal jewelry wire.

Birds in a Tree

Title:  Birds in a Tree

Medium:  mixed media collage

Size:  8x10

(not for sale)

Title:  Bird in a Tree

Medium:  mixed media collage

Size:  8x10

(not for sale)

This past week my husband and I spent a few days out at our cottage.  We built our little vacation home a few years back, I'm still decorating it and adding little touches here and there.  These two pieces are now carefully placed on a corner shelf in my country kitchen... they added some much needed colour and whimsy to the space.   

I'll Miss You When I Wake Up ~ by Jacqueline Grandmont

Title:  I'll Miss You When I Wake Up
Medium:  Mixed Media Collage
Size:  11x14
Artist:  Jacqueline Grandmont

I'm so happy to introduce the work of Jacqueline Grandmont, she's a student at one of the grade schools  where I live.  She's also the daughter of a good friend.  Jacqueline inspiration to do this piece was the story "Alice in Wonderland".   Thanks Jackie for sharing your work with us ... I love your zest for life and hope you continue to create and inspire those around you !!!

Your Spirit Inspires Me

Title:  Your Spirit Inspires Me

Medium:  Mixed Media

Size:  16x12

Have you ever met someone whose spirit is so uplifting and carefree that you just want to drink in their energy and passion for life?  These are the spirits my soul feels most at home with.  I have met some very inspiring people on my journey and feel blessed to call them "friends".  I can only hope that I too will be such an inspiration to others.  This piece is for those fearless, resilient, passionate people who make my heart smile on not only the good days but the bad ones too  :)

My Cabin Journal

Garage sales were FANTASTIC this weekend ... I found so many treasure but this one was particularly special!!!

I've been searching for the perfect journal to record  special times shared with family and friends at our lake house.   You can imagine my SURPRISE when I spotted this beautifully crafted journal.  Could it be the very same journal I had picked up awhile back at a quaint little boutique about four hours from here?  I've been regretting putting that journal back ever since... kicking myself for not spending the $31.95. 

Well I wasn't going to let that happen again, I picked that journal up and held it close making my way to the previous owner and happily handing him my payment of .50 cents.   

Love the sweet little saying carefully placed on the front...

and this little note written on the inside cover!

                                    I couldn't be happier... I love it to pieces !!!

Fun in the Sun Necklace

This necklace has a casual fun in the sun feel to it.  A combination of colourful beads, shells and buttons have been strung and  knotted with dark chocolate brown cording.  To fasten simply pull the shell pendant through the loop and voila,  you're ready for a picnic in the park or lunch with the girls.   

Princess Shaleea's Birthday Glam

My beautiful neice Shaleea is turning four tomorrow. I had so much fun making this matching necklace and bracelet set.  The perfect accessories for those fun filled afternoons playing and dreaming in her magical world of make believe.

   

Happy Birthday Shaleea!!! oxoxoxoxo

What Is this Need to Create ?

What is this need to create? I create because it relaxes and centers me. I create to bring hope and joy to others. I create because suddenly the mood takes me. I create to express my thoughts and feelings at a particular time in my life. I am passionate about colour and how it can magically change our moods. When we're surrounded by colour and self expression we are more alive.

What is the driving force behind it and why is it so important to me?  I suppose it stems from the need to express my thoughts and feelings, without having to use the spoken word.  Growing up, I had a hard time expressing my feelings.  I was afraid of saying the wrong thing, the wrong way and risk being viewed as unintelligent by others.  I recall many times when I simply ignored the cruel words of others and was mistakenly labeled as dumb for not catching on to their hurtful intentions, when in reality saying something equally harmful was not in me. I was taught from an early age to treat others the way I  would want to be treated and if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.  I'm not sure what was worse, putting others feelings before mine or not standing up for myself. 

Most times I'm in a good place while creating but there are times when life throws me a curve and I use my art to work through it.  Blocking everything else out around me, and separating my feelings from the problem suddenly brings clarity to the situation, allowing me to find the answer my heart has been searching for... it's very therapeutic. Through creating I've come to know who Joella is, what makes her tick, what she values most in life and what really makes her happy.

I feel it's important we do what we can to make the world as loving and accepting as we can for ourselves and others.  I have developed an overwhelming need to leave something of myself behind for my children and their generation, making their lives richer through my work.  Giving hope and inspiration by sharing the secrets I have learned on my journey that have giving me the tools to live an authentic life.

There are many reasons why I create, but the single most important reason is in the knowing that I have touched the hearts and souls of others, and maybe just maybe making their lives a littler more joyful because of it.

Earthy Necklace and Bracelet

 This casual earthy choker is crafted of vintage buttons, seed beads, clay disc, glass bead, copper chain and non-tarnish gunmetal wire.

The matching bracelet is crafted of the same materials.  I've add some brown cording to give it a little more jazz!

Your Thoughts create your future

I stumbled across this little gem on YouTube! 

Yummy Custard Strawberry Tarts

I've invited my daughter Emma's friend, miss Darian for dinner tonight.  She's a sweet girl and forever making my Emma laugh... music to my ears :) I've made these especially yummy tarts for the occasion.  Hope she enjoys the tarts as much as we enjoy her company. xooxoxox   

1 pkg Tenderflake Tart Shells

2 egg yolks

¼ cup (50ml) sugar

3 tbsp corn starch

1 cup (250ml) whole milk

2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract


Freshly sliced strawberries



Method:

12 Bake tart shells in oven for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

To make custard: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar and corn starch until thick and pale; heat milk in saucepan until almost boiling; remove from heat. Slowly dribble hot milk into egg mixture, whisking continuously, until all of milk has been added. Return custard to pot and cook, over medium-low heat, until custard has thickened.

Spoon custard into baked  tart shells and smooth. Place sliced strawberries attractively over tart.  Serve with whipped cream.  YUMMMMMMMY    Refrigerate any leftovers.

Hope

~ When the world says, "Give up," listen to the whispers of hope , "Awaken your soul, reach for your dreams". ~

Title:  Hope in Dreams

Size:  16x12

Medium: Mixed Media Collage

Breathe in LIFE

BREATHE

by Jennifer L. Barefield

I THINK, I BREATHE, I PRAY.

DAY BY DAY.

THOUGHTS OF LIFE, LOVE, DEATH.

EACH DAY PASSES, THINKING OF FAMILY AND

FRIENDS.

BREATHING IN LIFE, PRAYING FOR TIME.

LET THERE BE TIME FOR ME.

 TIME FOR
FAMILY, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

LOVING, LAUGHING, SHARING, CARING.

TIME TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT LIFE GIVES.

WHEN GOD IS READY FOR ME, LET ME BE OLD

AND FULL OF MEMORIES.

LET MY FAMILY BE FULL OF ME.

What does it mean to breathe in Life? To me it's means living in the moment, taking in the good with the bad;  births, losses, loves, family, friendships,triumphs, mistakes, hopes, dreams and everything in between.  

Last week I was having one of those blah days where I was feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated.  The housework was piling up, orders for my art need to be filled and there were chores at the cottage that had to be done.  On top of all this I was feeling anxious about the new e-course I was about to start.  How was I going to keep up with my blog posts and e-course material, time on the computer is limited as it's shared between family members.  My mind was racing and suddenly out of nowhere tears of frustration started trickling down my face.  Along with feelings of frustration came thoughts of resentment.  I remember thinking I was the only one in this house who ever did anything.  Of course this is not the case, my husband does a lot but at that moment, I chose to wallow in self pity and ignore any feelings of gratitude I may have felt?   My husband walked into the room and asked what was wrong.  I shared my feelings of despair and  thoughts on being unappreciated.  His look of concern said so much and the fact that he gave me his biggest  bear hug made all the difference in the world.  

 It's now Friday, a week has passed since my little melt down and life is once again back on track. I went to work yesterday with feelings of hope for the future and gratitude for the life I share with those I love. 

 Thursdays are always busy for me as it's the end of my work week and I have so many little jobs to be finish up before the weekend.  At the end of the day I was dead on my feet, It was nice coming home to my husband cooking dinner and him asking me how my day had gone.  After telling him about the days events, I realized  he had this great big beautiful smile on his face the entire time...like the cat that caught the canary.  I asked him what the devilish grin was all about, he glancing over at the table and said

 "Your gift came in the mail today"  I followed his gaze and to my surprise, there on the table was a beautiful shiny new laptop.  I gasped with excitement and asked "why"?  He gave me another one of his big bear hugs and even though he didn't say anything, I knew this was his way of saying "I love you, I appreciate you, you mean the world to me"

This was just one of many of my BREATHE in LIFE moments.

Do you have a special moment you would like to share?   I would love, love, love to hear about it...please share :)

I AM Resilient

You're probably thinking Joella has gone and lost her marbles, but before you make any rash judgments I have to tell you, this was absolutely one of the most empowering things I have done in a very long time.  Kelly Rae - Instructor of Flying Lesson suggested we consider doing something really crazy such as writing or painting declarations on our bodies,  I have to admit, when I was standing in front of the mirror with the black marker inches away from my skin, I almost chickened.  Then I thought what the heck, I use to do it all the time as a child.  hehehehe I'm thinking that maybe next week I'll right something on my feet... you'll just have to wait and see!!!

Aligning My Dreams

Today is the first day of Kelly Rae's Flying Lessons creative business e-course.  My first assignment is to record in my journal my answers to some very interesting questions.


1) What does your creative business look like?  I envision my creative business as my own on-line gift shop  selling my work in a number of forms such as: jewelry, journals, silk flags, cards, prints and originals.  I will have at least one assistant who will take care of paperwork and finances.  My pieces will eventually be sold in stores and boutiques both nationally and internationally.  This will start out as a part-time business but will eventually work into full-time.  


2) How do your dreams align with who you are and what your product is?  My heart is happiest when helping others see the good in life and feel good about themselves. By creating mixed media collages and working inspirational words into my pieces. I have found a way to speak to the hearts and souls of others.  My hope is that they will see my work, reconnect with their souls leading them to the answers they are looking for.

Answering these two questions helped me envision a clear picture of what kind of work I want to create and how my pieces will be of value to others.

Friendship

Title: Friendship

Medium:  Mixed Media Collage

Size:  16x12

I was inspired to do this piece while reading Kelly's book Taking Flight. Have I mentioned how excited I am to be participating in Kelly Rae Roberts e-course "Flying Lesson's"?  You can find the e-course button at the top of my blog :)  Why don't you come and join us!  

LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS.mp4

I was truly moved after watching this! So many of us concentrate on what we don't have... it's what we do have that counts!!!

OneArtsyChick Shell Necklaces

If you're looking to brighten up your day, these are sure to do the trick!!

Altered Journal Collage Pages

Have you ever worked so hard on something, put it away for another day and forgotten about it?  While I was looking through some art supplies I pulled out the altered book I had been working on last year.  I never got around to posting my work, better late than never!  I must apologizes for the bad picture quality, one day soon I must buy myself a new camera.

Freedom!

Abundance...believe in it, see it, it will come true!