Gift tags on Etsy

gift tags set one front, originally uploaded by livefunky.

I listed three sets of my original art gift tags in my Etsy shop today. You can check them out at www.livefunky.com.

Recycling art - gift tags

Here are some gift tags I've been making using sketch paintings on paper that have collected over the years. They weren't good enough to sell as is but made for interesting designs to create one of a kind tags with. I just got a new multi colored stamp pad (that I LOVE and I want to buy all of them!) so I'm playing with my own hand carved stamps as accent pieces on colored cardstock. It's an overcast day today so I just took this shot to give you an idea of what I'm working on. I'd like to photograph them and list them in my Etsy shop as soon as I have a nice sunny day to shoot.

In other news, I'd like to extend a great big THANK YOU to Tsvetelina of www.pearlk2.etsy.com/. I was the winner of this gorgeous bag on her blog giveaway and I absolutely love it! I've already used it packing it with heavy bead boxes and other crafty things going to a friend's house and it handled the load no problem with style. Take a look at her shop or go visit her other sites at www.pearlforu.blogspot.com/, www.facebook.com/pearlforu and www.twitter.com/pearl2k.

Autumn Leaves

Autumn Leaves, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Available at www.JessicaTorrant.etsy.com

Subtle Shift

Subtle Shift , originally uploaded by livefunky.

New acrylic painting on 16" x 20" box canvas. Available at www.JessicaTorrant.etsy.com.

Works in progress

cup of tea and paintings in progress, originally uploaded by livefunky.

I worked on a new batch of paintings today. One (not seen here) is finished and another is very close. I should be able to photograph them tomorrow if the light is right.

October makes itself known

This is a set of muslin bags I worked on a few weeks ago, hand stamping them with my own carved stamps and painting them. They are gift bags to ship my stamps, magnet sets and other little trinkets in. I've been thinking about packaging a lot lately...

Okay, there's no denying it - October is here and not afraid to show it's spooky, mysterious and shifting states. One day the sun is shining in a perfect blue sky, the next day heavy grey clouds hover over the land, blocking out the sun entirely. I had a really productive day yesterday and was looking forward to photographing a batch of products today but the weather wouldn't allow it. It's that time of year when you have to officially let go of summer (it may still be warm out, but there's no denying the falling leaves) and welcome the transition. That has been difficult for me year after year in New England resisting the winter months and the many ways they restrict me. This year I'm going to work on being happy with what the moment has to offer. To be aware of how I react to the change of season emotionally, creatively, physically. To accept it rather than resist it and make the most of what it has to offer me.

The other night the wind was wild and I was all set to work the night away online when the power went out. I have to admit my techy addiction got the best of me and I was annoyed when it became clear power wasn't coming back on any time soon. I lit a candle and began reading. I found the sounds of the night outside and lack of stimulus from the computer and tv to be so refreshing and exactly what I needed though I didn't realize it. Forced peace - if that's what it takes, so be it, right? Anyway, that night taught me once again to roll with it, baby.

A few other notes to mention...

Facebook Fan Page - Join me on Facebook (if you're so inclined). In the Discussion board on my page I have started a bunch of discussion "threads" that are really just category markers for people to add their links to. Jewelry, Bath and Body, Ceramics, Fine Art, etc.
http://facebook.com/JessicaTorrant

Etsy Traveling Art Journal - http://etsyjournal.blogspot.com/ This project is back in action again and I should be getting Book 5 at some point. I'll keep you updated as I find out more information.

Conversation

Conversation - Acrylic mixed media painting on 18" x 24" canvas, 2009
Available at www.JessicaTorrant.etsy.com.

Original Art Pendants

Winter Tree

Sunrise Abstract

Translucent Floral

Mint Folk Flower


I think I've found a good way to photograph these new art pendants on my antique wildflower book. I love this book. I've had it since I was a teenager and used it as a reference for painting a floral banner around my best friend's bedroom on a spring break from high school. I also decoupaged color photocopies of the images on my kitchen cabinets when I moved into this house in 2001. This book has been a source of creative inspiration for almost twenty years! The images are black and white plates of wild flowers - some of which are hand tinted (see the background of the last image for a great example).

But back to my pendants... these are the pieces I've been working on the last few weeks. They are each double sided with original, one of a kind paintings/mixed media on the front and back of the 1" x 2" glass pendants. The backs are sealed with several layers of a glass like finish using 3D Crystal Lacquer. Aanraku silver bails are attached and a complimentary black satin ribbon is included with beaded ends. http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/.

Little Tree

Playing catch up

Tree stamp available at www.livefunky.etsy.com.

I am playing some serious catch up over here after having been away for the first two weeks of September (I went to Ireland with my parents - I'll share some pics from the trip soon). Then when I returned, our modem broke and we decided to switch internet providers, so that left us without home based internet access for two more weeks. In that time I worked on inventory, creating a ton of new hand carved stamps and original art pendants. Yesterday we got our new system all set up and ready to go. So now I've got my work cut out for me photographing all of my latest creations and listing them on Etsy. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the autumn season. Cheers!