by Bridget | May 17, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts
The feature today is UntamedMenagerie – Penny & Nikki – a mother & daughter creative team that specializes in making whimsical, wearable modern art accessories.
Here’s the Q&A with UntamedMenagerie :
►Where do you get your inspiration? — We are inspired by so many things, but our primary inspiration comes from nature and architecture. sportfogadás online An unexpected influence is music. sportfogadás tippek naponta The music we listen to while designing can sway us from edgy to sweet or from subtle to bold. játékok nyerőgépes
►What is your creative process? — A design usually starts as a sketched doodle that Nikki both adds to and takes from until the paper is completely smudged and worn thin. When we are satisfied with the design, it is scanned to her computer where she cleans up the image so she can resize and perfect the lines and curves before cutting the test piece. From sketch to finish, this usually takes around 2-3 weeks. We’ve had some breakthroughs where we have worn the finished piece just days after the idea came, and at least half a dozen that we have been working on for more than a year. In-progress designs hang all around while we wait for ideas to spark until a piece feels complete — and wearable. Sometimes a design may not be practical for wear and we choose to start over. 
►What’s your favorite item you make? — Nikki’s favorite is Triple Threat (a very industrial feeling three finger ring). Penny loves the Eccentric bangles best.
►What’s your artistic philosophy? — We create what we love. We’re whimsical, bold, and quirky. We want to make you smile.
►When did you start creating? — We began making jewelry together in 2005. Nikki previously worked as a seamstress; Penny dabbled in interior design.
►What’s the future for your business? — We hope to expand our business to include household items and large wall art, and we want to explore different mediums and learn new techniques. It has long been our dream to open a brick and mortar shop to display our work as well as that of other artisans.
by Bridget | May 17, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts, Henna
When it comes to knowing if the henna paste you are using is quality, the color of fresh henna is key. This is something only henna artist or henna enthusiasts know but henna powder is actually a leafy green color and when its mixed with essential oils, sugar, lemon and black tea, the fresh henna paste is a dark kelly-green color. After the paste undergoes dye release is when it changes to that familiar chocolate brown color and its applied to the skin. When I tell my clients henna actually starts out green, most are surprised.
Here is a collection of beautiful handmade items that remind me of the color of fresh henna powder and henna paste (as well as some other items that are just a lovely shade of green!)
This is a great “everyday bag” by Marbled Bag . I really like the large bow and the functional yet appealing quality of the design.
Hope Johnson brings us these hand built ceramic dishes that are painted with chartreuse green to make this simple yet elegant decoration. I really appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these.
We always need an effortless, fashionable accessory and Rayna Robinson gives us just that with this chartreuse turban headband. .. and how cute is she?! hah
Can you tell I’m diggin the chartreuse? I just love the color and how it just makes items POP! and this elephant from The Original Animal Magnet is no exception! I can think of the perfect spot on my bookshelf for this little guy.
Yummy watermelon scented bath salts by Sudz ‘N Saltz ! A great way to take your relaxing time in the tub and make it a spa-like experience .
From Angie’s Sweatshop is a really AWESOME screen printed octopus on a chartreuse green skirt. I like maxi skirts and all things octopus and this skirt falls right into those categories.
Asymmetry is a great way to shake up the expected. I dig this asymmetrical black and green Czech glass beaded necklace with small lime seed beads by chr designs .
This “chuplette” by Chuppy Love is a baby “chuppy” Amigurumi – read as: an adorable stuffed friend made of yarn. These are some adorable creatures and I want a whole collection!
Bright Bold & Beautiful brings us this lovely watercolor print of a hydrangea in all its green-hued glory!
Do you know an adorable little boy who this bow tie by Sharp Dressed Little Man would look so cute on? I know I do and the cuteness level he projects would go through the roof if he wore this!
I admire hand beading and embroidery because it takes serious devotion and concentration to bring an overall vision together. Not to mention the amount of time attaching each thread or bead takes. Hats off to MillieICARO for this intricate beaded peacock sash.
Heron and Lamb‘s rustic moss necklace is such a uniquely designed accessory! “This beautiful, earthy design features a lead-free soldered glass circle, which encases live preserved reindeer moss. An ode to spring, this necklace is finished with an rustic antique copper patina and and sealed for maximum protection.”
I am a big fan of stacked rings that’s why these peacock stacked rings by CameraSHY Photography really caught my eye. I like that each ring is different by fits together as a cohesive set very nicely.
I don’t often find statement bracelets so when I came across this wire wrapped bracelet by Vera Nasfa I knew it had a special place in this collection. I am fond of the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
This stylish linen dress by Camellia Tune is custom made for each person! How cool is that?
Laura Kingrey presents a handmade bracelet with matte light green sea glass as the focal point accented with Czech glass, copper wire and bronze framing. I appreciate when something has such a hands-on & made-with-love look as this bracelet does.
A stunning blue-green turquoise cabochon ring with silver bezel from Bones & Stones finishes up the feature today. The long natural stone is just the right accessory for some henna-ed hands!
by Bridget | May 16, 2012 | art
Superman!
I had to share this because of how adorable it is.. <3
by Bridget | May 15, 2012 | Henna, mehndi traditional, tattoo
A few weeks ago I did these henna feet designs on myself here in good ol’ Ypsilanti, Michigan. The weather has been so lovely here the past few days so its a great time to do henna on my feet because I’ll be wearing flip flops to show them off.
I hope you enjoy them!
by Bridget | May 14, 2012 | accessories, art, Crafts
For weddings, its very popular to have peacock henna designs on the bride’s hands and arms. I have done many bridal mehndi designs involving peacocks and brides just love it. Peacock artwork has always been very alluring to me so I have compiled some peacock artwork in varying mediums. Enjoy this wide range of talent!
First we have Karen’s Fine Art print of an original oil painting of hers. Look at how vibrant those colors are and how much movement is captured! Her painting is described in this way : “Karen’s oil paintings express her appreciation of nature with a simple intimacy that conveys a quiet emotion and a gentle strength. A versatile impressionist, her forte is plein air landscape. With a subtle play of light, color, and composition, her paintings have a moving sculptural quality.”
We move from literal interpretation of the beautiful peacock to an abstract representation with these gorgeous statement earrings by mint lilly . “Elegance, romance and simplicity. Vintage and nature inspired hand crafted jewelry ” is the description given for these decadent jewels and I think there’s no better way to describe them.
When I stumbled upon this peacock hobo bag by Erica Maree I was stunned at the elaborate embroidery and design. The colors are so vivid! I would just love to own this bag…
This collar with peacock feathers and hand painted Viennese lace with a brooch and copper studs by Haus of Mirth is a total show-stopper! Walk into any event wearing this and you will have the most unique accessory (as well as the most coveted).
Katy Marie Creations has crafted these killer peacock-blue swirled polymer clay gauged earrings that make me seriously reconsider having just regular (boring) ear piercings.. I mean how awesome are these?! I love the curves and design of them. They are two pieces of artwork that mimic a fantastical version of a peacock feather that you can wear as earrings! Yowza!
Let’s get serious about having fun here. Take a good look at the amazing details of this Peacock Queene costume by Fairy Nana Land. From the whimsical peacock feather head piece and the velvet choker to the hand-stitched belted bodice and detachable silk train you have a handmade, unique peacock costume that is the best one I have ever seen. Amazing craftsmanship.
Would you like to rest your pretty head on some lovely artwork? Sure – we all would. This pillow cover from Pictorial Boom is designed with a print reproduced from an original painting of his. Its just adorable and super cute! The colors are perfect and I really like the henna design quality it has.
We all love TOMS shoes and the great cause that each purchase goes towards- but what if you could have a pair of TOMS and the donation to needy children PLUS a custom piece of artwork designed JUST FOR YOU? Well…. you can thanks to B Street Shoes . Each shoe pattern is custom designed for YOU, in your size, color and specification. This is a pair with glitter and hand painted peacock feathers.. could you get any better than that?
This peacock-blue Rivoli Swarovski Crystal bracelet by Ts Studio Jewelry would be a stunning addition to your jewelry collection. Look at the depth of color in the stones and the juxtaposition against the pure silver color of the setting. eep! so lovely..
Sofisticata offers a great way to jazz up ANY shoe with these “pearl and peacock” shoe clips. Add them to heels in the front, back, strap or the side to get a completely customized look. Great accessory for a glam Indian wedding, too!
Handmade from brass stamping and plated with silver, we have this beautifully designed pendant necklace of two peacocks in perfect symmetry by rossana. There’s something about the delicate balance of this piece that gives me a peaceful sense of calm. Wonderfully done..
From literal to whimsical and everywhere in between! I hope you enjoyed this selection of peacock art – I know I have.
