tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35906036935161665982024-02-06T23:32:42.389-06:00Your Daily Muse NewsShowcasing artists like you from around the world ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-81054164934992485912010-10-06T04:26:00.000-05:002010-10-06T04:26:00.630-05:00Spooky Silhouette Candleholders TutorialThought I would start October out with a spoooooky tutorial...okay it may not be that scary but it is one for the books...or is that one for the blog ???? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/SzZV_ewPOJI/AAAAAAAAASs/4zBbjKn14tY/s1600-h/mainevita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/SzZV_ewPOJI/AAAAAAAAASs/4zBbjKn14tY/s320/mainevita.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You can find the full tutorial at <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/diy-project-evitas-spooky-silhouette-candleholders.html">http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/10/diy-project-evitas-spooky-silhouette-candleholders.html</a><br />
<br />
Till tomorrow .. keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-1143617447823071192010-06-09T04:58:00.000-05:002010-06-09T04:58:00.459-05:00Homemade Air Freshener – RecipeHere in Texas the summer heat is already moving the temps up and we are at a point where you can no longer open your windows unless you want everything to have that soupy wet feeling to it. I may have told you all that we moved from Iowa to Texas 10 years ago, and one of the things I miss is the true season changes ...I love being able to have my windows open even in the dead of winter to get fresh air in the house. <br />
<br />
Today's recipes are my way of freshening up the house without a lot of commercial sprays. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Spray Vanilla and Cloves Air Freshener Spray</em></strong> <br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 cup household vinegar<br />
1 TBS vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp cloves<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Bring all ingredients to a boil then simmer over medium heat for two minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. <br />
Strain cloves then pour liquid into spray bottle, shake and use as needed. <br />
Note: You can increase/decrease the vanilla & cloves amounts to your preference.<br />
<br />
<strong>Lemon Air Freshener Spray</strong><br />
Ingredients<br />
2 cups hot water<br />
1/8 cup baking soda<br />
1/2 cup lemon juice<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
First dissolve the baking soda in hot water then add the lemon juice. You can use ReaLemon for this (expired is fine). <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Quick Tip: Easy Homemade Deodorizer Sprays:</em></strong><br />
You can also whip up some good, fresh smelling spray with just two ingredients: water or vinegar and essential oils. <br />
<br />
Simply fill a spray bottle with water or vinegar, add a dozen or so drops of your favorite essential oils and spray away! <br />
<br />
<strong>Salt Packed Citrus Shells: DIY Air Freshener</strong> <br />
<strong></strong> <br />
I just love the smell of grapefruit: <br />
<br />
Cut an grapfruit in half and remove the pulp; <br />
Fill the empty shell with some salt; <br />
Put in the back of your fridge as a fridge freshener; <br />
Keep the grapefruit shell in a small bowl so it won’t tip over and spill the salt. <br />
<br />
The salt absorbs stale and nasty odors while the shell releases a fresh, orange smell. I also tuck one of these behind the toilet in our bathroom. <br />
<br />
This would also work for other citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.<br />
<br />
Another way you can do this is cut an orange in half and coat the exposed flesh liberally with salt. Since we love eating oranges I always remove the pulp first.<br />
<br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-60518130673032856002010-06-07T05:35:00.000-05:002010-06-07T05:35:00.975-05:00Interview with Dick Kent of Dick's Good Wood - Wood CarvingI just love the grace and feel of a wonderully wood carving... Dick has has an amazing talent .. let's begin getting to know this artist and his work ! <br />
<br />
DM: What is your artistic medium?<br />
DK: I carve entirely in wood, primarily Basswood but some others. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IDndAsu1I/AAAAAAAAApA/8Y1S6FnTs9s/s1600-h/il_430xN_62560466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IDndAsu1I/AAAAAAAAApA/8Y1S6FnTs9s/s400/il_430xN_62560466.jpg" /></a></div><br />
DM: Where can your art be seen? <br />
DK: The best place to see my work is on my <a href="http://www.dicksgoodwood.etsy.com/">ETSY</a> website ... <br />
<br />
DM: When did you become interested in your medium?<br />
DK: I have carved off and on for about 8 years but never with regularity. Before starting to carve, I built and sold pine furniture both as a hobby and to sell in local gift shops. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ID11yEtFI/AAAAAAAAApE/avxSHYWQQ74/s1600-h/il_430xN_59817662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ID11yEtFI/AAAAAAAAApE/avxSHYWQQ74/s320/il_430xN_59817662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling? <br />
DK: Although I have taken a couple of 2-3 day courses, I have learned most of my skill through good old trial and error. Some of my first carvings weren't too good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IGr4qRXWI/AAAAAAAAApc/xK1KCe6OQV4/s1600-h/il_430xN_62563412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IGr4qRXWI/AAAAAAAAApc/xK1KCe6OQV4/s320/il_430xN_62563412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out? <br />
DK: Basswood is about the best to start with. It is reasonably inexpensive and carves pretty easily. Don't buy junk wood, buy good wood, it is so much easier to work with. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ID91wSbgI/AAAAAAAAApI/ELynnnQr9EI/s1600-h/il_430xN_59932222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ID91wSbgI/AAAAAAAAApI/ELynnnQr9EI/s320/il_430xN_59932222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium? <br />
DK: The creativity and challenge, especially when carving a custom item for a client. <br />
<br />
DM: What do you find the most frustrating?<br />
DK: Usually, that I don't get enough time to carve. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IHEsb6s9I/AAAAAAAAApg/CoYAeVVLLtQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_62557668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IHEsb6s9I/AAAAAAAAApg/CoYAeVVLLtQ/s320/il_430xN_62557668.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?<br />
DK: Since I do mostly custom work, my clients tell me what they want. Otherwise, I just carve something I see or imagine that I like. It may be a picture, a nature scene, sometimes a carving by some other artist. I never copy someone else's work but I do use them to generate ideas of my own. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IEKI7nzsI/AAAAAAAAApM/IvonI2jQzT0/s1600-h/il_430xN_96493949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IEKI7nzsI/AAAAAAAAApM/IvonI2jQzT0/s320/il_430xN_96493949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: <br />
DK: My favorite creation was of a pair of brown bears wrestling. I did it as a surprise for my son. I also like to create custom walking sticks, with a theme that reflects the users interests. Although I have not placed any in my shop at this time, I would be happy to create some for my clients. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IDiix8j-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/PdL268eop5o/s1600-h/il_430xN_61378352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IDiix8j-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/PdL268eop5o/s320/il_430xN_61378352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it? <br />
DK: No, I haven't had this problem, probably because I carve for clients, and they give me the theme of whatever they desire. <br />
<br />
DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it? <br />
DK: Under-estimate the time it will take to produce a piece of work. I've gotten better at this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IFuMfQA5I/AAAAAAAAApQ/j9PNIml6s0g/s1600-h/il_430xN_61376123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IFuMfQA5I/AAAAAAAAApQ/j9PNIml6s0g/s320/il_430xN_61376123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?<br />
DK: Today, I work out of my attached garage, where I have an area set aside for my work area. As my sales grow, my dream is to build a separate shop on my property. <br />
<br />
DM: When is your favorite time to create?<br />
DK: I enjoy carving about any time, day or night, as long as I'm not physically worn out from some other activity. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IF-BftKBI/AAAAAAAAApU/2TqluxsS-2Y/s1600-h/il_430xN_62170589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IF-BftKBI/AAAAAAAAApU/2TqluxsS-2Y/s320/il_430xN_62170589.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?<br />
DK: Buy good, sharp tools and keep them sharp. Also, use good wood. Nothing is as frustrating as trying to carve with a dull tool, unless it's trying to carve a bad piece of wood with a dull tool. <br />
<br />
DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire? <br />
DK:Not in particular. I enjoy about anyone's work. Just being able to use God given gifts to create is beauty in itself. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IGcGmf1sI/AAAAAAAAApY/eH9XfPJETqY/s1600-h/il_430xN_77467974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IGcGmf1sI/AAAAAAAAApY/eH9XfPJETqY/s320/il_430xN_77467974.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.<br />
DK: I have been retired for about two years and still carve on an as-time-permits basis. Of course, I have to schedule my time a little better when I'm working on a clients piece but I still try to maintain a "retired" life style. My wife and I enjoy traveling and I often work while traveling, so a piece of work may have been done in multiple locations. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IHPnUgtjI/AAAAAAAAApk/Kk4janngvKI/s1600-h/il_430xN_62559332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IHPnUgtjI/AAAAAAAAApk/Kk4janngvKI/s320/il_430xN_62559332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Anything else you wish to share? <br />
DK: Only that anyone with a creative gift should make every effort to use it. <br />
<br />
Thank you Kent for sharing more about your passion and your art ! We wish you the best in 2010 !<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow... keep creating !<br />
TinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-85005810887209229852010-05-02T12:24:00.004-05:002010-05-04T02:03:34.950-05:00Hello dear reader, I know that you'll be expecting to hear from Tina, however, there are problems in blogland and all is not well! At the moment, Tina cannot get in to create new posts, but hopefully the difficulties will be resolved soon.<br /><br />At this point I should probably introduce myself! I am Alita and I am going to be helping Tina with "Your Daily Muse News". Please bear with me while I familiarise myself with the blog, I just hope that I can be as entertaining as she is.<br /><br />Being a practising artist, I am, like most of you are I imagine, fascinated with the work of other artists, which is what led me to find "Your Daily Muse News". What a great idea, I thought, to showcase such diverse artistic disciplines and thereby give inspiration to others.<br /><br />When Tina announced that she would like some help with the blog, I jumped at the chance to be involved with such a worthwhile site.<br /><br />Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! Alita on behalf of Tina aka Your Daily Muse NewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-64514414734790611162010-04-27T04:36:00.000-05:002010-04-27T04:36:00.161-05:00Teaser --- My weekend class with Julie Picarello<span style="color:#000000;"><em>Got back to Texas around 1 am Monday morning... needless to say slept till noon but WOW WHAT a WONDERFUL class, my mind is on overdrive with everything I learned this weekend ! </em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>I was laying out on the hammock enjoying some great Texas sunshine (let me tell you, I LOVE my hammock) and every time I would see a flower or a little lizard my mind would start whizzing with color schemes ... I have a new outlook thanks to Julie and her take on colors ! </em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>I must say Julie Picarello is just as sweet and fun in person as everyone had said she would be AND her teaching skills are AMAZING !! </em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>I walked away with 3 or 4 newly made pendants and yes I promise to do a better write up later this week sharing even more about my wonderful time and some great pictures, but I am exhausted and planning an early night.... then the day job take over and I may not get a chance to post again for a couple day ... but rest assured, YDMN will soon be back on track ! <br /><br />I also want to put a huge thank you to the </em></span><a href="http://www.cmspcg.com/"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>CMSPCG </em></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><em>(MS PC Guild) for being so welcoming, talk about southern hospitality, I never felt so at home ! I will be writing more about this outstanding group also ! </em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>For now... off to bed and till later this week ... keep creating !<br />Tina aka Your Daily Muse News</em></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-37750730967793201132010-04-26T04:41:00.053-05:002010-04-26T04:41:00.482-05:00Interview with Yosi Peled - Olive Tree Art - Wood SculptureYosi works with such passion and grace with each wood sculpture, it was a pleasure to interview him... let's begin ! <br />
<br />
DM: What is your artistic medium? <br />
YP: I work with wood, natural olive, cherry, oke, mahogany and others. My material is mostly trees that ended their lives. I work with them and give them a new life. I sometimes combine glass, mirror, metal or stone materials in my works.<br />
<br />
DM: Where can your art be seen? <br />
YP: At my home studio and in <a href="http://olivetreeart.etsy.com/">olivetreeart.etsy.com</a> and I'm also working on a website.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AjQZgDY9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/jmilAc1AzzQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_111938301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AjQZgDY9I/AAAAAAAAAj8/jmilAc1AzzQ/s640/il_430xN_111938301.jpg" /></a></div><br />
DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?<br />
YP: Since I was a small kid in the "Kibbutz", I used to spend hours in the local wood workshop.<br />
I've been working with wood all my life.<br />
<br />
DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling? <br />
YP: Many trials and errors, watching skilled craftsmen at work, and a continuous self-exploration of various materials such as wood, metal, glass and stone. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AkXsXbjbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QQAmjl2Zgto/s1600-h/il_430xN_100395657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AkXsXbjbI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QQAmjl2Zgto/s320/il_430xN_100395657.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out? <br />
YP: Combine your own personal originality with the endless experience of others. Be open to absorb, and give your heart the freedom to create. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Akhk4eCmI/AAAAAAAAAkE/4opES9kFttE/s1600-h/il_430xN_100352913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Akhk4eCmI/AAAAAAAAAkE/4opES9kFttE/s320/il_430xN_100352913.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?<br />
YP: The most magical feeling I experience when working with the natural wood, is when two points meet together: The original tree's expression, enhanced by my inspiration and touch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Akp9jCqAI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aLIfc5KRoJg/s1600-h/il_430xN_100378247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Akp9jCqAI/AAAAAAAAAkI/aLIfc5KRoJg/s320/il_430xN_100378247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you find the most frustrating?<br />
YP: When reaching this "meeting point" is delayed...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AkzqQJdMI/AAAAAAAAAkM/DY_5i7fPoK8/s1600-h/il_430xN_110642630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AkzqQJdMI/AAAAAAAAAkM/DY_5i7fPoK8/s320/il_430xN_110642630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?<br />
YP: Most of my inspiration comes from daily-life experiences, and when I come in contact with the "right" tree or wood material. In many cases the tree itself is the trigger to the creation. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Ak9ZiJ8wI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/gdgf6meIrPI/s1600-h/il_430xN_111938172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Ak9ZiJ8wI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/gdgf6meIrPI/s320/il_430xN_111938172.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: <br />
YP: My favorite creation is my last creation - a 2.5 meter high Olive tree mirror. This work is a combination of wonderful raw material and all my gained experience up to this point. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlGWoKsFI/AAAAAAAAAkU/X7nChTZHqK4/s1600-h/il_430xN_101636320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlGWoKsFI/AAAAAAAAAkU/X7nChTZHqK4/s320/il_430xN_101636320.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?<br />
YP: Yes. Frustration is sometimes a part of the creationism process. I try to get the most out of it, by using the energy of those pressure points to the benefit of the work. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlQP2bvFI/AAAAAAAAAkY/uzYR-U4hTGI/s1600-h/il_430xN_100385946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlQP2bvFI/AAAAAAAAAkY/uzYR-U4hTGI/s320/il_430xN_100385946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?<br />
YP: It's really hard to choose one example. Mistakes take place many times and make grate contribution to my artistic progress.<br />
<br />
DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?<br />
YP: The studio set-up is defined by the specific project I'm working on. My studio contains professional machinery. I have a large collection of hand tools, since most of the work is done by hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlbjAVAWI/AAAAAAAAAkc/0BBGqeDoXqk/s1600-h/il_430xN_111938401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0AlbjAVAWI/AAAAAAAAAkc/0BBGqeDoXqk/s320/il_430xN_111938401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: When is your favorite time to create?<br />
YP:In the evening.<br />
<br />
DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?<br />
YP:Don't let the fear of frustration hold you back – if you keep trying and follow your truth – you will succeed.<br />
<br />
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DM: Are there any artists that inspire you or that you admire?<br />
YP: I deeply respect Salvador Dally and Auguste Rodin.<br />
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DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.<br />
YP: Born 1959 and the father of two sons. I grew-up in Kibbutz Ein-Gedi in Israel.<br />
I spent about 10 years living in the United States and Canada, learning to work with different types of wood and carpentry techniques. Today I live and create in Israel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Al5kh2B3I/AAAAAAAAAko/ABbRtZ0tL_I/s1600-h/il_430xN_101418148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S0Al5kh2B3I/AAAAAAAAAko/ABbRtZ0tL_I/s320/il_430xN_101418148.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br />
DM: Anything else you wish to share? <br />
YP: Thank you Tina and Your Daily Muse News for the platform.<br />
I would love to get replies and questions to my email: <a href="mailto:yosi265@bezeqint.net">yosi265@bezeqint.net</a><br />
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Take care and keep creating !<br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-57102462533527065872010-04-22T07:37:00.001-05:002010-04-22T07:37:00.706-05:00Julie Picarello - Road Trip to MS !<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em>I am so excited, I am off on a four day road trip to MS to take a class with Polymer Clay artist Julie Picarello, this is one of her last guild teaching for 2010. If you are not familiar with Julie's work, I have grabbed a few pictures from google to show you what I am looking forward to learning. Please take some time to enjoy Julie's website, I think her work is just amazing (yes I am a little star star struck) ! </em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em>Julie won the second place award at last year’s Bead & Button Show Bead Dreams competition. She has put her own twist on on a polymer version of </em></span><a href="http://www.mokume-gane.com/Pages/What_is_Mokume.html"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em>Mokume Gane</em></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em>. I also love that she incorporates metal work into her finished pieces. </em></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;"><em>With any luck, I will come back with some great pictures from my road trip and some new mad skills I can share with you all ! </em></span></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiui9I3I/AAAAAAAABC4/6UIbakY6XTY/s1600/2231564909_7943cf656e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461275951285216114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiui9I3I/AAAAAAAABC4/6UIbakY6XTY/s320/2231564909_7943cf656e.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiR-ELII/AAAAAAAABCw/q_7Nvdy_XZs/s1600/CFCF.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461275943614295170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiR-ELII/AAAAAAAABCw/q_7Nvdy_XZs/s320/CFCF.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiGLYdyI/AAAAAAAABCo/XpZstSnaLSQ/s1600/julie-picarello-on-flickr-300x225.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461275940448925474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZiGLYdyI/AAAAAAAABCo/XpZstSnaLSQ/s320/julie-picarello-on-flickr-300x225.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZh3EAs5I/AAAAAAAABCg/TR7wrRHd3KA/s1600/43918552_tulip1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461275936391476114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pZh3EAs5I/AAAAAAAABCg/TR7wrRHd3KA/s320/43918552_tulip1.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>You can see more of this artist work at her<br />♥ Webpage: <a href="http://www.yhdesigns.com/">http://www.yhdesigns.com/</a> </div><div><br />Till tomorrow ... keep creating !<br />Tina aka Your Daily Muse News</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-26733570499551176462010-04-21T04:42:00.002-05:002010-04-21T04:42:00.426-05:00Artisan Craft Club Pages of Tutorials !Found this wonderful page at my all time favorite site DeviantArt --- pages and pages of tutorials.... and we all know how much YDMN loves her some tutorials !<br /><br />They have Jewelry, Origami, Woodwork, Sculptures & Glass, Metal Work, Leather Work, Custom Dolls, Culinary Arts, Pumpkin Carving ( now who does not need to know this skill I ask you? ) , Textile, Tsumami Kanzashi (not sure what it is but I do love acquiring new skills!) , Plushies, How to Drape the Basic Bodice, and the always fun to browse Miscellaneous !<br /><br />You can loose hours and hours and remember, I want to see pictures of the items you make !<br />♥ DeviantArt: <a href="http://artisancraft.deviantart.com/blog/8282003/">http://artisancraft.deviantart.com/blog/8282003/</a><br /><br /><br />Till tomorrow ... keep creating !<br />Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-34226821809978328462010-04-20T04:20:00.000-05:002010-04-20T04:20:00.381-05:00Stephenie Lynch of Arcadia Rose Jewellery Design<span style="color:#000000;"><em>Artist Information or Bio:<br /></em></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Stephenie Lynch of Arcadia Rose Jewellery Design has had a fascination for the Alchemy and beauty of Mokume-Gane.This is a mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns, historically originating from Japan. Mokume-Gane - meaning: "wood-grain metal". These beautiful patterns are reminiscent of the patterns found in nature. It is in this way, we are reminded of and appreciate nature and perhaps our existence in it.<br /></em></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8phS1JKTEI/AAAAAAAABDg/WnbzHuJP3CU/s1600/il_430xN_133272742.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461284474271190082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8phS1JKTEI/AAAAAAAABDg/WnbzHuJP3CU/s320/il_430xN_133272742.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8phLq8epYI/AAAAAAAABDY/yIklD1WcJYQ/s1600/il_430xN_135812730.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461284351274558850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8phLq8epYI/AAAAAAAABDY/yIklD1WcJYQ/s320/il_430xN_135812730.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pg9UmVOlI/AAAAAAAABDI/1k9yCnprGN8/s1600/il_430xN_122919457.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461284104757918290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pg9UmVOlI/AAAAAAAABDI/1k9yCnprGN8/s320/il_430xN_122919457.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8pg9MNrOfI/AAAAAAAABDA/eEm526Mwicw/s1600/il_430xN_135812730.jpg"></a><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="color:#000000;">(PS I keep dropping hints at the hubby that my 25 yr anniversary wedding ring needs to be made from mokume gane.....can you see why ?)</span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#000000;">You can see more of this artist work at<br />♥ Etsy: </span></em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/arcadiarose"><em><span style="color:#000000;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/arcadiarose</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#000000;">Till tomorrow ... keep creating !<br />Tina aka Your Daily Muse News</span></em><br /></div></div></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-26234182122534002832010-04-19T05:05:00.069-05:002010-04-19T05:05:00.434-05:00Interview with Misty Oakley of Mistys Creations- Clay & Paint ArtistWhen I came across this artist, my jaw just dropped to the floor, I was blown away by this lady's talent ! I am sure you will enjoy not only the eye candy but the answers to my interview questions ! Lets begin …. <br />
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DM: What is your artistic medium?<br />
MO: My mediums are paint and clay. It depends on what I have in mind for the piece whether I use polymer clay or air dry clay, and I always use acrylic paint.<br />
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DM: Where can your art be seen? <br />
MO: On the computer my art can be seen on "<a href="http://www.myspace.com/dragontaxidermyandstuff">My Space</a>"... I also have a couple Blogs...<a href="http://realitysuckspeanutbutter.blogspot.com/">http://realitysuckspeanutbutter.blogspot.com/</a> (DM: LOVE the name of that one ! ) and <a href="http://artgeckostudio.blogspot.com/">http://artgeckostudio.blogspot.com/</a>. You can also find me on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistyscreations">ETSY.</a> <br />
I belong to various guilds...and groups which present my style of art,<a href="http://www.elfwood.com/~mysty1">http://www.elfwood.com/~mysty1</a> and last but not least...I have a Barber Shop called Sweeney's in Tucson, Arizona (DM" how cute of a name for a barber shop !) and I fill my walls with my art that I create in the studio area of my shop!<br />
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DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?<br />
MO: This is a little weird, I have always had to draw, paint or sculpt, but I've had a busy life. I didn't always have the time to create art. In the year 2000 I promised I would make myself happy and concentrate on my art. One day I had a gentleman in my barber chair and I couldn't help but look at the catalog he was thumbing through. It was a taxidermist's catalog. I never knew what was under a deer skin when it was up on the wall, but there it was, a foam deer form. I thought they looked like baby dragons. I was thinking...if I cover one with air dry clay I could sculpt a dragon! So that's what I did! I haven't stopped yet. Then I paint them with acrylics and I use taxidermy glass eyes, they sometimes look as if they need to be fed! <br />
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DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling? <br />
MO: I think everything in art is trial and error, you just know you have to make stuff. Sometimes you like it...other times you throw it in the trash before anyone sees it. I'm a mood artist, when I really am in the mood to create, I don't worry about the time or whether I'm hungry I just have to keep going.<br />
Love the great books on polymer clay they have in the bookstores, I have just always had to do art. My dad was a newspaper man and when I was in preschool he'd bring home stakes of unprinted newsprint paper and I'd fill them full of everything I could think of! Looking back... he was probably trying to keep my from filling up the walls! No formal schooling, self taught, I paint and sculpt things I am obsessed with!<br />
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DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out? <br />
MO: If I had to pick something for a beginner, I say try air dry clay. It's nice to have the 3D and feel it in your hands. But that's really where the trial and error comes in... try different things until you find the thing that fits YOU!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNEaGixII/AAAAAAAAAr4/_aq_DbNd1DY/s1600-h/il_430xN_40237470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNEaGixII/AAAAAAAAAr4/_aq_DbNd1DY/s320/il_430xN_40237470.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium? <br />
MO: With my clay dragons, I like how they effect the viewer, they often don't know it's clay...that's nice!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNSXTWi6I/AAAAAAAAAr8/5bcAU7wn6k4/s1600-h/il_430xN_97998533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNSXTWi6I/AAAAAAAAAr8/5bcAU7wn6k4/s320/il_430xN_97998533.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you find the most frustrating? <br />
MO: How long my dragons take to finish. There are a bunch of steps...but I always know when one is done!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNZrbUqoI/AAAAAAAAAsA/vUmPw3E6GgM/s1600-h/dragon_012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNZrbUqoI/AAAAAAAAAsA/vUmPw3E6GgM/s320/dragon_012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create? <br />
MO: I find inspiration in other artists work, I get sparks from other artists, not to copy but to create something beautiful of my own. I fell in love with Boris' work many years ago. I have his books and calenders you name it. Fantasy art...reality is too real... I find it very depressing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNh69h1xI/AAAAAAAAAsE/XJOk9Bc57CQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_71141715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNh69h1xI/AAAAAAAAAsE/XJOk9Bc57CQ/s320/il_430xN_71141715.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: <br />
MO: I have a large blue dragon I made. It's a female and she is turning her head and licking her shoulder. When I put her on the wall she was turning to the wall. It was just looked wrong...all her energy was stopped at the wall. So I cut out a renaissance shaped window from ply wood. I put screen around the outside and sculpted the stones of a castle window. I had professional glass cutters install a mirror and then mounted my "Looking Glass Dragon" in front of it! Now her energy is reflected in the never ending window! She's my favorite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNqQETMzI/AAAAAAAAAsI/KNjVyb5URIo/s1600-h/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNqQETMzI/AAAAAAAAAsI/KNjVyb5URIo/s320/003.JPG" width="277" /></a></div><br />
DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?<br />
MO: Oh yes, it's awful. I try to stay away from my art until my mood changes or I'll mess something up. I watch a great movie, read a book, go on the web and see what other artist are doing...that makes me want to create! Or it will rain!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNx9_25kI/AAAAAAAAAsM/1nrigCQkQt4/s1600-h/il_430xN_38809635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JNx9_25kI/AAAAAAAAAsM/1nrigCQkQt4/s320/il_430xN_38809635.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it? <br />
MO: Maybe it wasn't the biggest but costly and time consuming...I was trying to cut corners by not using a primmer before painting. With out primer your paint will then soak into the clay, the texture will be different and your colors won't be true. It's just not worth it. Don't rush your art, do it right the first time then your end product will be something you can be proud of!<br />
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DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?<br />
MO: My studio is the back room in my barber shop, if I'm at work. if I'm home it's on the floor in front of my TV. I paint and sculpt between haircuts, and I carry my paint to and from work everyday because if I don't I will be in the mood and all my stuff will be in the other place...it will drive me crazy(er).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JOFyuwCuI/AAAAAAAAAsU/NMYUpD34WlY/s1600-h/il_430xN_45779690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1JOFyuwCuI/AAAAAAAAAsU/NMYUpD34WlY/s320/il_430xN_45779690.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
DM: When is your favorite time to create? <br />
MO: There is no favorite time, when ever the mood strikes!<br />
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DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium? <br />
MO: Just get your hands dirty, if you don't like it... tear it up. Make something else, until you like it. As long as YOU like it, that's all that matters, then someone else will!<br />
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DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire? <br />
MO: I mentioned Boris, several of the masters of course. but there is also Linda Smith, she's a fairy artist, she does tutorials and has a blog and so on...wow she makes the most beautiful fairies.<br />
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DM: Tell us a bit about yourself.<br />
MO: I have always loved doing art. I married young had children and step children. I became a barber because my husband needed a barber, I became a musician because he needed a bass player. I worked two jobs night and day for over 20 years. Now I only work one, I retired as a musician, I now have time for my art...DO NOT WAIT TO DO YOUR ART! Do what makes you happy...follow your BLISS!<br />
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DM: Anything else you wish to share? <br />
MO: I'd like to share my sincere Thanks to Muse News for thinking of me for their interview. I'm honored.<br />
Bless you and thank you again,<br />
Misty Oakley<br />
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DM: Believe me, it has been a please looking over your art and learning about you ! <br />
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Till tomorrow.... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-22541820402424532832010-04-18T07:28:00.015-05:002010-04-18T07:28:00.966-05:00Your Daily Muse News is looking for co-blogger or intern !<strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">I am looking for someone that wants to share their interest of all the great arts and crafts around the net --- if you are interested, please contact me museoftheday(at) gmail.com</span></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">It really is a fun gig, w</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">e will share the duties, and </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">I promise you, it will not take too much of your time. I will help you with some great short cuts that make each post wonderful ! </span></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Hope to hear from someone !</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Tina aka Daily Muse</span></em></strong>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-24629219267126918552010-04-17T04:54:00.001-05:002010-04-17T04:54:00.047-05:00Welcome to Creative Gold Smith !!!Artist Information or Bio: <br />
I am a goldsmith who has been working in the jewelry industry for 20 years. I went to North Bennett Street School in Boston in 1994 to train to be a goldsmith. I have worked in repairing, renovating and custom design in my work shop for the last 15 years. Most of my jewelry is hand fabricated resulting in each piece being unique.<br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Artfire: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/creativegoldsmith">http://www.artfire.com/users/creativegoldsmith</a><br />
♥ Blog: <br />
♥ Facebook: <br />
♥ Twitter: <br />
♥ Webpage: <br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-15616509864564542202010-04-16T04:06:00.001-05:002010-04-16T04:06:00.855-05:00Paper Sculpture by Allen and Patty EckmanSpouses Allen and Patty Eckman to create sculptures using paper and their original patented method. The sculptures created by Ekman relate to their personal hobbies. Thus, Allen Ekman belongs to Cherokee and his works are about the Indians. Patty also involves the Indians, but more on the theme of nature, women and children. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly5pUz2eI/AAAAAAAAA4A/8VIXPhSfwQQ/s1600-h/A-Fight-For-Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly5pUz2eI/AAAAAAAAA4A/8VIXPhSfwQQ/s400/A-Fight-For-Food.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly8ld0vLI/AAAAAAAAA4E/fqaIoOehPt8/s1600-h/Calling-the-Buffalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly8ld0vLI/AAAAAAAAA4E/fqaIoOehPt8/s320/Calling-the-Buffalo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly_0i-QnI/AAAAAAAAA4I/qT1uTpDJbhI/s1600-h/hula-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Ly_0i-QnI/AAAAAAAAA4I/qT1uTpDJbhI/s320/hula-girl.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LzC-6eKII/AAAAAAAAA4M/AOyuZxCXIbU/s1600-h/Powwow-Practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LzC-6eKII/AAAAAAAAA4M/AOyuZxCXIbU/s320/Powwow-Practice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LzF1BuVnI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/dFi8YYLV80U/s1600-h/The-Way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LzF1BuVnI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/dFi8YYLV80U/s320/The-Way.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />
You can see more of this artist work at <a href="http://www.eckmanfineart.com/index.html">http://www.eckmanfineart.com/index.html</a><br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-8926466210970660922010-04-15T04:31:00.001-05:002010-04-15T04:31:00.280-05:00Welcome to Dichroic Creations !!!Artist Information or Bio:<br />
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Hello and welcome to Dichroic Creations. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My name is Mandy and I live on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I am a mother of 3, their ages are 4, 11 and 13. I first started making Dichroic Pendants when my youngest was just a baby and have been addicted ever since. Every spare minute I have I am working on more pendants to the point my family gets sometimes neglected LOL. <br />
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My whole life I have always been crafty and my first ever job I was a Picture Framer for a number of years where I found I had an eye for colour combining. If colours didn't sit right with me it would actually make me feel ill and to this day when creating my pendants colours have to be right together or it just does not work for me. So this has been an important sense in my creating.<br />
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I usually have two creating days a week when my little one is in Kindy, I love these days, it's almost a form of meditation when I can just sit in front of my glass and create what comes to me. I never know what I am going to create on my day until I sit down - it really depends on my mood. Then there are days that I just can't create at all, so I will spend the day grinding or photographing etc.<br />
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Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy my work!<br />
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Mandy<br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Artfire: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/DichroicCreations">http://www.artfire.com/users/DichroicCreations</a><br />
♥ Blog: <br />
♥ Facebook: <br />
♥ Twitter: <br />
♥ Webpage: <br />
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Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-75331504914934468792010-04-14T04:31:00.004-05:002010-04-14T04:31:00.347-05:00Robert The: book works .........They’re still books – only a bit changed. All these books were transformed into visual art, but still they’re books. American artist and a mathematician with a strange name, Robert The makes bizarre creations from books for many years. His art works are stored in many private collections and are exhibited in modern museums. These quite unusual and creative creations will surely find its place in modern art. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LcdVNM34I/AAAAAAAAA0E/WWuO3-vlTOc/s1600-h/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LcdVNM34I/AAAAAAAAA0E/WWuO3-vlTOc/s320/06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LclrUAo0I/AAAAAAAAA0M/_MH1sX89CCc/s1600-h/07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LclrUAo0I/AAAAAAAAA0M/_MH1sX89CCc/s320/07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can see more of his work at <a href="http://www.bookdust.com/">http://www.bookdust.com/</a><br />
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Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-14699093149654409142010-04-13T05:16:00.000-05:002010-04-13T05:16:00.098-05:00Etsy Finds - Welcome to Out On A Whim !!!Artist Intro:<br />
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Welcome to Out On A Whim. Just as the name implies, you never know what I may be making or doing. My first love is photography, but when I am not doing that, I spend many hours in my studio, sewing room, and garage making the items that you will see here. <br />
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I make all of my own items and although some of them may be along the same theme, no two will ever be alike. Most of my creations start out with a very general idea or inspiration and I never know what the finished product will be, so it even surprises me sometimes at the finished product. <br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReneesOutOnAWhim<br />
♥ Blog: http://ohnothatdidnothappen.blogspot.com/<br />
♥ Website: http://www.reneesoutonawhim.com<br />
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Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-66306139983438623212010-04-12T04:31:00.001-05:002010-04-12T04:31:00.537-05:00Interview : Elitsa Altanova of KUKLA Studio- Jewelry Design, Metal WorkingI have been wanting to get back into wire wrapping and admit, I still search the web for wonderful artist like Elitsa that have a way with wire ! Let's get started on her interview ........<br />
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DM: What is your artistic medium?<br />
KS: It has been a few years now that I use mostly wire to create my jewelry. I like it because it gives me the opportunity to create jewelry of different type.<br />
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DM: Where can your art be seen?<br />
KS: I can be found on <a href="http://www.kuklastudio.com/">ETSY</a> and my <a href="http://www.behance.net/KUKLAstudio">Behance</a> website.<br />
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DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium?<br />
KS: I can not say when exactly, it’s always a process of trying different things and using the medium that mostly suits you at a certain moment. I like creating jewelry because it gives me the opportunity to create pieces of art which are at the same time part of the everyday life. <br />
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DM: Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling? <br />
KS: I have a degree in Fine Art and Photography but as a jewelry designer I am basically self-taught.<br />
When I have an idea about a new piece I start looking for a way to create it – there are times when I come close to the idea I started from and others when a different piece is being created in the process. And of course also times when I realize that the thing I’ve dreamt of or the “great” idea that I just got, wasn’t that great at the end. <br />
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DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out? <br />
KS: I cannot think of any particular thing. Maybe the most important is to look for your own voice and to have faith in what you are doing.<br />
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DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?<br />
KS: The wide variety of choices. <br />
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DM: What do you find the most frustrating?<br />
KS: Promoting my work – I really prefer creating to spending time on my web page and trying to figure it out what SEO and other similar things mean.<br />
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KS: Everywhere - in everyday life, nature, dreams.<br />
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DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:<br />
KS: I remember I was quite happy when I created my <em>Silver Landscape Earrin</em>gs – the idea just appeared when I was randomly thinking about the change of the seasons and how everything is so different in the Fall. Then I thought it would be nice to create earrings with an autumn landscapes and at the end I came up with these two delicate trees, which are loosing their leaves. Something about them just makes me feel good there are my work! <br />
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DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it.<br />
KS: I don’t know if it’s an artist block, there are just times when I don’t feel like working. It could be laziness! :) But I know the importance of the time off and I’m trying to give it to myself. When I don’t feel inspired I just take a day off, try doing things that I enjoy, go for a long walk, start reading a new book, see a beautiful movie and be patient with myself. <br />
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DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?<br />
KS: The biggest mistake… Maybe leaving my jewelry on a consignment contract with people who put their interest above all. What I’ve learned was to trust my work and to ask for more when I deserve it.<br />
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DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up?<br />
KS: I don’t have a studio. Since I like traveling and living in different places and I am never long enough at the same spot, I can not settle. I work where I live, always trying to create a space which is comfortable and where I feel good.<br />
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DM: When is your favorite time to create?<br />
KS: I am a day-person, so I’ve always prefer to work in the mornings. Of course when I have a lot to do I work during the nights too.<br />
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DM: Are there any artist that inspire you or that you admire?<br />
KS: There are many artist that I admire, I really like Japanese graphic art and also Art Nouveau works. And certainly I adore Rene Lalique.<br />
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DM: Anything else you wish to share? <br />
KS: Thanks for including me in your blog, I really appreciate it!<br />
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Take care and keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-2696156206086978422010-04-11T04:38:00.001-05:002010-04-11T04:38:00.269-05:00Welcome to Mickey's Jewelry Creations !!Artist Information or Bio:<br />
- Guild Member Of:The Crafty Moms, GroupArtfire, Cafemom, TeamPolymer, Clay Smooshers<br />
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I make jewelry for casual and formal wearI make wire-sculpted pendants and bracelets. I make polymer clay items and what I call my standby, stand alone jewelry. The stand alone jewelry are items made with sterling silver, 14K gold filled, semi precious stone beads and Swarovski crystals and pearls.<br />
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With Swarovski pearls and crystals I tell you the color I used. That way an item with Swarovski Rose crystals for example will be the same exact color of any other item with a Swarovski Rose crystal used in it as well.<br />
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Some jewelry is made as sets like a necklace, bracelet and earring set. <br />
I can match or coordinate crystals,pearls, or stone with a swatch of material. <br />
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Now, I don't do jewelry ALL the time----just most of the time. When I'm not making jewelry, you'll find me taking care of 2 dogs, being "Grandma's Taxi Service", cooking, or doing laundry. All that stuff. Oh by the way, I also do criminal background searches for a Private Eye Firm. So a potential employer knows if the applicant has a misdemeanor or felony conviction record.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8DRcWim1EI/AAAAAAAABA4/tTXWnE8enJ8/s1600/14976_product_2055113525_4_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S8DRcWim1EI/AAAAAAAABA4/tTXWnE8enJ8/s320/14976_product_2055113525_4_thumb_large.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>I'm a grandmother of 4, living with my daughter and her family. Jewelry occupies my time while the grands are at school. When they are home I plan what to make next. My latest is polymer clay jewelry.Polymer clay is loads of fun, but very demanding. You condition it, blend with other colors or make canes with it. Once your happy with what you made you bake it, then sand it from 200 to 1000 grit sandpaper. Then you glaze your masterpiece and bake again. Then you are ready to turn it into jewelry. It takes a long time----hours, but you have a one of a kind handmade item You won't find another one exactly the same in the world. So my items are truely "Made For You and You Alone".<br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Artfire : <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/MickeysJewelryCreations">http://www.artfire.com/users/MickeysJewelryCreations</a><br />
♥ Blog: <br />
♥ Facebook: <br />
♥ Twitter: <br />
♥ Webpage: <br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-59058298962074284232010-04-10T03:57:00.001-05:002010-04-10T03:57:00.566-05:00Crafthaus Finds - Featuring 2Roses StudioArtist Bio:<br />
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2-Roses is a life long collaboration between Corliss Rose and John Lemieux Rose. Each is a master craftsman in their own right, and together they encompass a formidable range of expertise across a wide range of mediums.<br />
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Both are the product of formal artistic training in the U.S and abroad. Curiosity and evolution have been the driving forces of the studio since its inception in 1968. In addition to art jewelry, some of the major mediums the studio produces work for are commercial and industrial design, tool and die making, painting, photography, lithography, sculpture, holography, furniture, fabrics, engineered plastics, leatherwork, ceramics, lapidary and gem cutting.<br />
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The studio continues to evolve as the couple's interests shift and cross-pollinate from one medium to another. In 2005 the studio began formally exploring the creative process collaborating with a wide variety of artists and individuals from other disciplines, mediums and industries. <br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/2Roses<br />
♥ Blog: <br />
♥ Facebook: <br />
♥ Twitter: <br />
♥ Website: http://www.2roses.com/ <br />
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Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-4183057016468050752010-04-09T05:10:00.002-05:002010-04-09T05:10:00.331-05:00Flickr Finds - Malodora's photostream - Polymer ClayYou can read more about this artist Bio from <a href="http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2008/09/artist-feature-malodora.html">Etsy Metal Blogspot</a><br />
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"<em>Malodora is D Dee Wilder. I first took notice of her work when I saw a photo of an experimental bracelet she had made, on flickr. Her work is organic; alive - and it comes as no surprise to learn that she worked for many years as a research entomologist and a nature photographer, it's very obvious that this in-depth knowledge informs not just her work but her whole aesthetic. You get the feeling it's likely that if you took once of her incredible bracelets apart you'd find a biologically correct nudibranch</em>." <br />
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I found her work to be so enlightening, each piece called out to me in a different way and I hope you will enjoy a glimpse at this artist talents. Enjoy, she has over 52 wonderful pages of eye candy ! <br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Malodora">http://www.etsy.com/shop/Malodora</a> & <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/malodora/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/malodora/</a><br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-82808593684845253222010-04-08T05:00:00.000-05:002010-04-08T05:00:00.738-05:006 Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners & The Self-EmployedFor those who are self-employed or who own very small businesses (10 or fewer employees), the onus of good financial planning for retirement is that much greater since there are no matching employer contributions to rely on, there may be fewer assets to put aside, and the cost of the best retirement plans may make them prohibitive to the smallest businesses.<br />
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Having a good retirement plan for yourself and your employees to fall back on in later years is essential. But with all the qualified retirement plans and programs available it may be hard to know which one is right for you. Here is a brief rundown of your options:<br />
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The Simplified Employee Pension Plan ( SEP)<br />
The SEP is one of the simplest and cheapest qualified retirement plan options for the self-employed or for those who have only a few employees. The plan is funded with tax-deductible employer contributions, and the employer must cover all eligible employees. Self-employed individuals and small business owners can make tax-deductible contributions to SEP accounts of up to $49,000 per year in tax year 2009. SEPs are also flexible in terms of contributions from one year to the next. If, for example, business is slow one year, account owners can reduce their SEP contributions or skip them altogether.<br />
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SIMPLE-IRA<br />
The Savings Incentive Match Plan or SIMPLE-IRAs are somewhat of a hybrid between a SEP-IRA and a 401(k). With the SIMPLE IRA, both the employee and the employer are required to make tax-deductible contributions. The employer contribution is defined at a fixed match rate, usually 3% and is mandatory each year for all employees who participate. The 2009 contribution limit for SIMPLE IRAs is $11,500, or $14,000 for employees who are age 50 or older as of December 31st of 2009 plus an employer matching contribution (up to 3% of your salary). This may be a good option for businesses with only a handful of employees, but compared to other retirement plans, your own allowable contributions are limited.<br />
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Traditional IRA and Roth IRA<br />
Since IRA accounts are available to anyone who earns taxable income and they can be held simultaneously with other qualified retirement accounts, it is definitely worth considering- especially if you are able to put aside more than the maximum contributions allowed with other plans yet you earn less than disqualifying income limit.<br />
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There are two types of IRA accounts: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. With the traditional IRA, you can claim a tax deduction on contributions and your account earnings grow tax-deferred until you take the money out upon retirement. With a Roth IRA, you do not claim a tax deduction. Your contribution is made with after tax income. The retirement earnings in your Roth IRA then grow tax-free. This means you will not have to pay taxes on your distributions from the account.<br />
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Self-Employed 401(k)<br />
Unlike the popular 401(k) plan which can get expensive and difficult to administer, the self-employed 401(k) is actually quite easy set up and cheap to maintain. Moreover, the self-employed 401(k) offers higher contribution limits than other retirement plans, it can be consolidated with a traditional IRA account, and there is a lot of flexibility when it comes to making contributions.<br />
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Keogh Retirement Plans<br />
Those who are self-employed and support only a handful of employees may want to consider the self-employed Keogh plan. Like the other qualified retirement plans, the account holder must be 59 1/2 in order to withdraw money from the account, and required distributions begin when the account holder reaches 70 1/2. Similar to an IRA contributions are pre-tax thus lowering taxable income, but contribution limits are more liberal than with an IRA.<br />
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There are two kinds of Keogh Plans: the Defined Benefit Plan and the Defined Contribution Plan. Each one has its own rules, benefits, and deductible limits. Deciding which Keogh Plan type to choose and administering it once chosen will require the services of a professional.<br />
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Profit Sharing Plans<br />
With a profit sharing plan, all employees (owners can claim themselves as employees) receive a percentage of the company’s profits. Annual contributions up to $49,000 are made to the account, but because they are dependent on the company’s profitability, they may vary from year to year. Under a profit sharing plan employers are only required to contribute when the business makes a profit, which may make them particularly attractive to small businesses. These plans will generally require the services of a trained professional for administration so this cost should be factored in.<br />
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For more information on retirement plans, see IRS Publication 590 and Publication 560.<br />
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Source @ <a href="http://www.fastupfront.com/blog/business/6-retirement-plans-for-small-business-owners-the-self-employed/">http://www.fastupfront.com/blog/business/6-retirement-plans-for-small-business-owners-the-self-employed/</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-90878459723813479842010-04-07T02:57:00.030-05:002010-04-07T02:57:00.641-05:00Surrealistic Paintings by Vladimir KushToday we want to show you artworks of Russian artist Vladimir Kush. This surrealist inspires by the works of Salvador Dali and you can see it in his paintings. According to experts, Vladimir perhaps is one of the most talented surrealists of our time. Each painting is fascinating by stunning fantasy stories, game with metamorphic! If you are a fan of surrealism, you’ll get a real pleasure by watching artworks of this talented author! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxPiSxmyI/AAAAAAAAA3g/6jaYi3Wg_gM/s1600-h/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxPiSxmyI/AAAAAAAAA3g/6jaYi3Wg_gM/s320/03.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxTDdbWTI/AAAAAAAAA3k/9dil8AJk958/s1600-h/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxTDdbWTI/AAAAAAAAA3k/9dil8AJk958/s320/05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxWQEggzI/AAAAAAAAA3o/tGwRNVKk0LM/s1600-h/06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxWQEggzI/AAAAAAAAA3o/tGwRNVKk0LM/s320/06.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Lxa3EJgsI/AAAAAAAAA3s/dlS7yGiy4r4/s1600-h/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4Lxa3EJgsI/AAAAAAAAA3s/dlS7yGiy4r4/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxepDronI/AAAAAAAAA3w/mXBHLfkKMwg/s1600-h/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxepDronI/AAAAAAAAA3w/mXBHLfkKMwg/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxihQ7EBI/AAAAAAAAA30/53j_nldwwU0/s1600-h/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxihQ7EBI/AAAAAAAAA30/53j_nldwwU0/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxmnSlIxI/AAAAAAAAA34/o2xTa8_Mefg/s1600-h/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxmnSlIxI/AAAAAAAAA34/o2xTa8_Mefg/s320/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxqSZCrAI/AAAAAAAAA38/2MPutvVSQ2M/s1600-h/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S4LxqSZCrAI/AAAAAAAAA38/2MPutvVSQ2M/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can see more of this artist work at <a href="http://www.vladimirkush.com/home.php">http://www.vladimirkush.com/home.php</a><br />
Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-59436668738902249192010-04-06T04:38:00.019-05:002010-04-06T04:38:00.375-05:00Etsy Finds - Welcome to Gerri Newfry's handmade books, tools and jewelry !!!Artist Bio:<br />
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I've always been interested in books. As a child I read voraciously and journaled furiously. I have journals dating back to the second grade. Mostly they are filled with angst and silly ramblings, but I love looking back on them. I've spent years looking for the perfect journal, one that would take the pen nicely and not bleed through. One that would not be lined. One that had paper with a sensuous texture. I don't know why it took me so long to decide to bind my own. I had worked with polymer clay for ten years before I took a book binding class on a whim. Once I realized I could connect my polymer art and my first love, there was no looking back.<br />
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I've used books as a doorway. I've opened covers to be transformed to a place of fiction or inner sanctuary. Many of the books I create evoke the imagery of a door or window. Where do they lead? The blank book structure allows the collector to answer that question herself, or enjoy the questions unanswered.<br />
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In addition to the doorway, a common theme is the decay of synthesized objects. I live in a city rich with rusty bits that find their way onto the covers of my books. In contrast, polymer clay is inert and unlikely to decay anytime soon. The impermanent object is nested in the permanence of polymer. When life gets really gloomy I have to remind myself which parts are the rusted bits, which parts are the polymer, and that there is always a doorway on the bookshelf.<br />
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You can see more of this artist work at <br />
♥ Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gnewfry">http://www.etsy.com/shop/gnewfry</a><br />
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Till tomorrow ... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-55881895156649394922010-04-05T04:58:00.001-05:002010-04-05T04:58:00.207-05:00Interview : Mike & Donna Brown of Brown's Country OriginalsToday's featured artist is a little touch of the country life ... hope you enjoy and lets begin ! <br />
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DM: We have so many international and domestic readers, would you please tell us a bit about where you are located? <br />
DB: We are location in the United States the state of Pennsylvania in a small town called Adamstown. The population of the town is about 1100 people. <br />
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DM: Is there a story about how you picked the name for your business ? <br />
DB: We are Mike and Donna Brown a husband and wife artist team. We have always loved to create things. These creative passions led us in 2008 to start Brown’s Country Originals. The name came from living in the country, the original art work we create and our last name.<br />
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DM: What is your artistic medium? <br />
DB: I work with wood, chalkware, clay and paper mache. My wife works with dried, fresh and artificial flowers and hypertufa. Hypertufa is a lite weight concrete. Besides the paper mache and chalkware we have a line of garden items my wife makes country/primitive hypertufa birdbaths, flower planters and flower pots. I make country/primitive wooden potting benches, planter and garden stakes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IRqS5NUmI/AAAAAAAAApw/loitHuudfQI/s1600-h/DSC03007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IRqS5NUmI/AAAAAAAAApw/loitHuudfQI/s320/DSC03007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>DM: When and how did you first become interested in your medium? <br />
DB: I have a Santa collection and one of the Santa’s in my collection is made from chalkware. I thought it would be cool to try and make chalkware pieces. So I did some research to learn how to create chalkware pieces. This lead to other mediums such as paper mache. Today my 2 primary mediums are chalkware and paper mache. My wife’s love for gardening lead to her to start making hypertufa troughs, bird baths and planters.<br />
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DM:Once you decided to pursue your art, how did you start off, trial and error, books, classes, videos, formal schooling? <br />
DB: We did most of our research on the internet. Also talked with other artists.<br />
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DM: Out of what you tried, was there any particular thing that you would recommend to someone just starting out? <br />
DB: I recommend doing research before you get started.<br />
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DM: What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?<br />
DB: I enjoy working with paper mache the most. Chalkware is created using antique chocolate molds, so your creative is controlled by the mold. Paper mache there are no molds used each piece I hand create. This allows me to explore more of my creative power.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ISFYWBxOI/AAAAAAAAAqA/g0le9fdQ39w/s1600-h/il_430xN_94600570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ISFYWBxOI/AAAAAAAAAqA/g0le9fdQ39w/s320/il_430xN_94600570.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
DM: What do you find the most frustrating?<br />
DB: I find pricing my pieces the most frustrating part of being an artist. <br />
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DM: Where do you find your inspirations for what you create? <br />
DB: Antique and vintage pieces, life and world events.<br />
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DM: Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: <br />
DB: My favorite creation is my paper mache Humpty Dumpty. I got the idea from the old childhood stories. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ISl1R9y6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/K7mC38-hxgg/s1600-h/il_430xN_105275343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ISl1R9y6I/AAAAAAAAAqM/K7mC38-hxgg/s320/il_430xN_105275343.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: Have you ever experienced artist block and how did you overcome it?<br />
DB: I find my most creative time is in the morning. The afternoon and evening is when I get artist block. <br />
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DM: What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an artist? What did you learn from it?<br />
DB: I think sometimes my prices for my art are to low. I am still trying to get a handle on pricing, so I am still learning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IS2vXnNNI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AC_iS6xbkP8/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_100274827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IS2vXnNNI/AAAAAAAAAqU/AC_iS6xbkP8/s320/il_fullxfull_100274827.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />
DM: Would you please tell about your studio set-up? <br />
DB: Our studios are in our home. Mine is in the basement, my wife’s is in a shed on our property. Neither of the studios are fancy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ITB4DO3kI/AAAAAAAAAqc/kBTMPXFMtY0/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_103311337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ITB4DO3kI/AAAAAAAAAqc/kBTMPXFMtY0/s320/il_fullxfull_103311337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: When is your favorite time to create? <br />
DB: Anytime of the day … We really do not have a favorite time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ITX3963BI/AAAAAAAAAqk/uCI_vV0mDZs/s1600-h/IMG_0068-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1ITX3963BI/AAAAAAAAAqk/uCI_vV0mDZs/s320/IMG_0068-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
DM: What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?<br />
DB: Do lots of research, keep trying do not give up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IUBS7QpwI/AAAAAAAAAqo/rs09agye82k/s1600-h/heartquilttop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ps="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/S1IUBS7QpwI/AAAAAAAAAqo/rs09agye82k/s320/heartquilttop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>DM: Where can your art be seen?<br />
DB: Our work can be seen on the following websites:<br />
<a href="http://www.brownscountryoriginals.com/">http://www.brownscountryoriginals.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.brownsco.etsy.com/">http://www.brownsco.etsy.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.artsaflutter.com/">http://www.artsaflutter.com/</a><br />
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DM: On a personal note, anything more you would like to share about about yourself? <br />
DB: I love spending time with my family fishing and camping.<br />
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Thank you Mike for taking the time to share your passion for your art with our readers, we wish you the best for 2010 ! <br />
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Till tomorrow... keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3590603693516166598.post-91946385736261095292010-04-04T04:45:00.001-05:002010-04-04T04:45:00.506-05:00diy project: handcut felt muralI love me some murals, painted, textured, photographed, does not matter, the thought of bringing a wall to life with something more than just a coat of paint thrills me to my little toes ! Now I have found a way to use felt to add even more to a mural, just opens the possibilities ! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/SzZo0RLUjEI/AAAAAAAAAS8/6zU4OWXhRo0/s1600-h/felt-mural-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UXAKTF4PkyE/SzZo0RLUjEI/AAAAAAAAAS8/6zU4OWXhRo0/s400/felt-mural-wall.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />
For the full tutorial, pop over to <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/06/diy-project-handcut-felt-mural.html">handcut felt mural</a> and as always, if you use this tutorial, please send me pictures ! <br />
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Till tomorrow ..keep creating ! <br />
Tina aka Daily MuseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com1