by Kelly | 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 Kelly | 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.
by Kelly | May 11, 2012 | accessories, art, Henna Party designs, mehndi traditional
Henna really lends itself to the warm spectrum of colors – red, orange, brown and yellow. I’ll be featuring some great red, yellow and orange accessories to have for a Mehdni Party in different mediums today.
This handmade necklace by Chocolate Angel is such a yummy, warm honey yellow with such intricate detail in the tiny seed beads. It has a Moroccan feel which would go great with symmetrical Moroccan henna designs.
Amber browns, oranges and reds melding perfectly in this nice necklace by Beca’s Beaded Jewelry. I also really like the added beauty with the copper clasp at the ends.
Michele Buttons brings us a beautiful piece of art.. that can also be a reusable grocery tote bag! Seriously, can you think of a more lovely way to support your “green spirit” other than this? Made from 100% cotton canvas, this unique tote is great! You can have these for party favors at your mehndi party!
Whimsical and adorable, this handmade polymer clay pendant by Flowertown Originals is hung on a hand-braided cord as well. Super cute!
I was shocked (in a great way) to find out that these beautiful red floral beads were made by hand! Here’s how Blue Morning Expressions explains the creating process “My handmade polymer clay beads were created on a lemon yellow base, with yummy blue berry flowers, pink cherry and orange flowers and lime green wire wrapping woven in between the beads…Every polymer clay bead has been completely handcrafted and hand rolled and all the flowers have been added individually before baking.” bravo!!
If you are looking for something orange & fabulous for an upcoming mehndi party or Indian wedding, this pendant necklace by TartanHearts, inspired by The Hunger Games, is a great accent to add to any outfit.
And who doesn’t love bright red and orange poppies? They make me so happy when I see them … but pair them with a turquoise background and an antiqued chain you can see me do a happy dance! This necklace by Wear It Out! is one I would cherish in my collection. ( I’m sure you would, too)
That wraps it up for red and orange accessories (today, at least..) Hope you found some pieces that you adore.. I know I have!
by Kelly | Apr 27, 2012 | art, Crafts, Henna
Henna wedding invitations, cookie favors, shoes & jewelry – watch out ladies – this is a TEMPTING post! <3
Before you have your amazing wedding, you need invitations. That’s where Citlali Creativo comes in with their beautiful henna inspired wedding invitations .
Next you need your delicate henna style silver necklace and ring by AbellaBlue
For your Mehndi Ceremony, wear Kelka Jewelry ‘s stunning gold Moroccan henna cuff
This hot, hand painted, henna style heels from Coco Belle Boutique are show stopping!
And to give all your guests, these yummy and cute sugar cookie elephants from Baked are a great wedding favor
Enjoy these great ideas for your perfect henna wedding!
