Our shop, ImagineMDD, was lucky enough to be featured in a Treasury Welcoming New Members of the Etsy Bloggers Team! How neat is that!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Symbols of June, Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
I'm a proud new member of the EtsyBloggers Team! What a great idea for a team! This is my first post for their Blogathon, Blog Carnival. So step right up, grab a ticket, come on behind the curtain, don't be shy. I'll do my very best to get this right. :)This time the Carnival suggestion was symbols for the month of June. They mentioned June birthstones, pearls and moonstone, and the flower, the rose. Wow. As a June baby myself, and a jewelry designer who adores pearls, this was the best greeting I could have received!
But then it said any other symbols associated with June so I'm going to stretch my June-themed carnival post to something else that I always think of once June rolls around, another passion of mine. June is Adopt a Shelter Cat month in the US. The San Francisco Examiner has an article with cats who are up for adoption and other local web sites most likely have done the same. (Image from their site. Cute kitties.)
I don't think people should ever bring a pet into your home without first giving it a lot of thought. But if you and your family have been considering it, this may be a good time to drop by your local shelter and see who might be there waiting for you. Cats are great companions, they can be stress-busters and they can help to remind us that we're all beautiful.
Our last shelter cat, a wonderful black kitty, we adopted in 1986 and he lived for 22 years, a few moves, a few different houses. We miss him terribly. They say that black cats are the hardest cats to place and they have to be most careful placing them.
It''s a big commitment. Once he was 16 we had images of Toonces, the cat who could drive a car. (Saturday Night Live in the early 90s) When he turned 21, we worried that he'd want to start drinking! It could be the start of a wonderful relationship.
June is a great month for pearls and roses and for cats. Meow
Ten good reasons for adopting a shelter cat ...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Tape Art, Cellophane Tape Anniversary
Cellophane Tape was patented on May 27, 1930. It's a great day to celebrate artists who use some form of tape in their work.
The first person who came to my mind is Mitra Fabian who uses Scotch tape, glue and window blinds to create fascinating sprawling floor works and topographies of enormous scale. Her pieces may look simultaneously pretty and fragile, bizarre and ominous, as they appear to be growing out of control.
Artist Mark Jenkins is a master of the world of street art, including his unconventional Scotch Tape forms. A visit to his web site to check out his work, if not to see his work in person is well worth the time. (One of Jenkins' tape pieces is shown below.)
Danny O signed on as the official spokesman for the 3M company’s 75th anniversary celebration of Scotch brand tape in 2005. He is known for a unique ink-on-tape art form and spectacular collage-style images. Some of his most famous work was created using vintage 'Archie' comic books. “The ink is easily lifted from the coarse paper pages and the hues are vivid," he said.
Kristina Lewis utilizes common household objects such as duct tape, drinking straws, zippers, needles and magnifying glasses. Her work is attractive and provocative. She has a July show at the Oakland Museum Sculpture Court in California.
Mark Khaisman "paints" grand scaled pieces with several layers of translucent packing tape, applied to clear Plexiglas and placed in front of a light box to give the image shadow and depth. The idea came partly from the artist's work in stained glass. Khaisman will have a solo show at the Philadelphia Airport titled Tape Noir, Sept 14-Oct 10, 2009. Information should be confirmed closer to the date.
Khaisman's 2009 site had a short Q&A where he talked about the use of tape in his work:
How you came to working with tape?
My Tape Art is a conversation with light. I started it like a traditional stained glass artist, but with tape: I found I could continue my conversation with light, but in a more expedient manner. I might have never thought of this “medium” if not for my working in stained glass.
Yet, tape's happened to be much more than just a replacement of the stained glass medium. It miraculously bonded together all my previous experiences.
If you would send me a parcel – how would that look like?
My parcel would look like any other parcel, but it will take me quite a few attempts to get it right.
The Tape Art web site has features about tape artists and their work in different settings including hospitals.
Perhaps the most poignant and moving is The Hope Project: The Eleventh of September: an act of remembrance.
From the main site: "Between 2001 and 2006 we drew every fireman and airline passenger that passed away at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. These drawings were made in 496 locations spanning from the WTC to 123st in Harlem." The drawings were temporary and done in tape.
The web site is an awesome memorial with photographs of the artwork and a list of all the 2,749 names of the deceased organized in alphabetical order. The site features a detailed map with dots showing of locations of drawings of each person who lost his or her life at the World Trade Center in September of 2001.
The first person who came to my mind is Mitra Fabian who uses Scotch tape, glue and window blinds to create fascinating sprawling floor works and topographies of enormous scale. Her pieces may look simultaneously pretty and fragile, bizarre and ominous, as they appear to be growing out of control.
Artist Mark Jenkins is a master of the world of street art, including his unconventional Scotch Tape forms. A visit to his web site to check out his work, if not to see his work in person is well worth the time. (One of Jenkins' tape pieces is shown below.)
Danny O signed on as the official spokesman for the 3M company’s 75th anniversary celebration of Scotch brand tape in 2005. He is known for a unique ink-on-tape art form and spectacular collage-style images. Some of his most famous work was created using vintage 'Archie' comic books. “The ink is easily lifted from the coarse paper pages and the hues are vivid," he said.
Kristina Lewis utilizes common household objects such as duct tape, drinking straws, zippers, needles and magnifying glasses. Her work is attractive and provocative. She has a July show at the Oakland Museum Sculpture Court in California.
Mark Khaisman "paints" grand scaled pieces with several layers of translucent packing tape, applied to clear Plexiglas and placed in front of a light box to give the image shadow and depth. The idea came partly from the artist's work in stained glass. Khaisman will have a solo show at the Philadelphia Airport titled Tape Noir, Sept 14-Oct 10, 2009. Information should be confirmed closer to the date.
Khaisman's 2009 site had a short Q&A where he talked about the use of tape in his work:
How you came to working with tape?
My Tape Art is a conversation with light. I started it like a traditional stained glass artist, but with tape: I found I could continue my conversation with light, but in a more expedient manner. I might have never thought of this “medium” if not for my working in stained glass.
Yet, tape's happened to be much more than just a replacement of the stained glass medium. It miraculously bonded together all my previous experiences.
If you would send me a parcel – how would that look like?
My parcel would look like any other parcel, but it will take me quite a few attempts to get it right.
The Tape Art web site has features about tape artists and their work in different settings including hospitals.
Perhaps the most poignant and moving is The Hope Project: The Eleventh of September: an act of remembrance.
From the main site: "Between 2001 and 2006 we drew every fireman and airline passenger that passed away at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. These drawings were made in 496 locations spanning from the WTC to 123st in Harlem." The drawings were temporary and done in tape.
The web site is an awesome memorial with photographs of the artwork and a list of all the 2,749 names of the deceased organized in alphabetical order. The site features a detailed map with dots showing of locations of drawings of each person who lost his or her life at the World Trade Center in September of 2001.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
World Turtle Day, Native American Symbolism
May 23rd is World Turtle Day. It is an annual observation which began in 2000 to celebrate and honor turtles, bringing people's attention to their situation and in so doing to help us see what’s happening to all animals, the environment and the earth as a whole. Several museums, aquariums, zoos, animal and environmental groups are staging events in to entertain and educate people about turtles and the environment. The celebration officially lasts for a full month with things happening through June.
American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) is a nonprofit organization established nearly 20 years ago for the protection of all species of tortoise and turtle. Susan Tellem, co-founder of ATR, says, "These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the live food markets, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade.
"We are seeing smaller and smaller turtles coming into the rescue which means that older adults are disappearing from the wild, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced. This is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises throughout the world.”
There may be events scheduled in your area today or over the next month. There are always animal organizations, and reptile-specific ones, such as the ATR that could use some assistance, whether donations of money, supplies or time.
The Children's Museum of Science & Technology in Troy, New York and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston will be having special events on Saturday, May 23rd. Turtle Days is an annual festival in Churubusco, Indiana celebrating the legend of Oscar the Turtle the Beast of Busco!
Whether your local zoo or aquarium is having a Turtle Day event or not, it’s a great time to visit and to do some personal research into reptiles. Bring out your inner Mutant Ninja, maybe. Get together with some friends and and invent a special reptilian interpretive dance while you think about how to best do your part to help these creatures in your community?
The turtle is one of the most popular tattoo themes around. It is considered to have brought about the creation of the universe from its parts. Divination or foretelling has been known to be conducted by reading a turtle's shell and underbelly. According to Japanese culture the turtle is known to possess a spirit of healing and profound inner knowledge.
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| Popular Good Luck Turtle Pendant Oval Simulated Gemstones, choose color Birthstone? 
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The Turtle protects by teaching the family to protect themselves. She brings the blessings of heaven to the home. The turtle symbolizes both the stability of earth energy, and the magical mysteries of heaven. Some Native Americans see the Turtle as the sacred life giver, representative of Mother Earth, and have tribal fetish necklaces for her.
A turtle was worn over a woman's heart. Women aspired to be like the turtle and hoped their children would also take on the qualities of the turtle.
Our friends did a significant amount of research before acquiring their pet turtles who are our official Blog spokes-turtles today, Boomer and Scamp, and they're featured in the photo above. They're happy and healthy and love having their pictures taken!
You may choose to express your beliefs, what you love by incorporating those motifs into what you wear and how you decorate your home.
Keep things close, keep it real. There is a vast array of turtle themed tattoos out there. Turtle designs in tee shirts, beautiful stained glass, jewelry of all kinds can be found in many forms, many places.
Links to Resources:
American Tortoise Rescue
Churubusco Turtle Days Festival in Indiana
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
OM 12-String Guitar underway
Peek-a-boo. Francois is finishing up his current commission for an Orchestra model 12-string guitar. More photos to come. The back and sides are cocobolo, the top is sitka spruce. Bridge and fingerboard are ebony.
When we get more information about the Indie film which features another one of his guitars, you'll read about it here, too.
When we get more information about the Indie film which features another one of his guitars, you'll read about it here, too.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Amelia Earhart anniversary, Fly, Inspire, Wings, Airplanes, Etsy
May 20-21, 1932: Amelia Earhart is the first woman to fly solo across the
Atlantic. She flew from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland to Londonderry, Ireland in her single engine Lockheed Vega.
May 20-21 was exactly five years after Charles Lindbergh made his solo flight across the Atlantic.
She set the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing (13 hours and 30-40 minutes) and the longest distance flown by a woman.
What can we do to be inspired and celebrate this occasion? Fly a kite? Take flying lessons yourself? Hot air balloon ride? Look into more women's achievements throughout history, maybe.
On this historic anniversary We can think of wings; airplanes, propellers, birds', insects' and butterflies' wings both literal and abstract. How can we use these decorate our homes and ourselves? How can they inspire us?
Different actresses have played the part of Earhart in films. Recently Hilary Swank and Diane Keaton have played her.
Keaton in Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight, 2013 and Hilary Swank in Amelia, 2009.
In the 1930s the inspirational Katharine Hepburn talked with Howard Hughes about making a film called The Amelia Earhart Story.
Hepburn said, "motion pictures could be one of our greatest mediums of education today." -- Katharine Hepburn: A Remarkable Woman, by Anne Edwards
There are different photos of her as a pilot including a poster print of Hepburn inside a vintage airplane.
The Wall Decal above right comes in a number of sizes and shapes. Brilliant high-resolution printing on self-adhesive fabric paper.
It's easy peel and restick up to 100 times. No wall damage or sticky residue. Place your girl in the pilot's seat. What's on Special? Check out All Zazzle Sale Items, Coupon Codes Customize, Create Your Own item from scratch.
Designing an office, reception area, a game room or someone's special room? If it's got a science, space or aviation theme, consider and airplane or planet and Stars Pendant Light.
So why not figure out a way to celebrate Amelia's achievement? Let out your inner butterfly. :-)
One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.
--- Helen Keller
Links to related pages, books of interest:
Astronaut Suits, Space Travel Firsts, You can be an Astronaut
Crystal Tattoos, Wings
Black and White Costume Wings, Dragon Wings, DIY
Katharine Hepburn: A Remarkable Woman by Anne Edwards
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Airplane Flying High Add Your Own Photo Wall Decal |
May 20-21 was exactly five years after Charles Lindbergh made his solo flight across the Atlantic.
She set the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing (13 hours and 30-40 minutes) and the longest distance flown by a woman.
What can we do to be inspired and celebrate this occasion? Fly a kite? Take flying lessons yourself? Hot air balloon ride? Look into more women's achievements throughout history, maybe.
 |
| Amelia Earhart |
On this historic anniversary We can think of wings; airplanes, propellers, birds', insects' and butterflies' wings both literal and abstract. How can we use these decorate our homes and ourselves? How can they inspire us?
 |
| Hepburn went flying with Howard Hughes Philadelphia Story  Choose size
|
Keaton in Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight, 2013 and Hilary Swank in Amelia, 2009.
In the 1930s the inspirational Katharine Hepburn talked with Howard Hughes about making a film called The Amelia Earhart Story.
Hepburn said, "motion pictures could be one of our greatest mediums of education today." -- Katharine Hepburn: A Remarkable Woman, by Anne Edwards
There are different photos of her as a pilot including a poster print of Hepburn inside a vintage airplane.
The Wall Decal above right comes in a number of sizes and shapes. Brilliant high-resolution printing on self-adhesive fabric paper.
It's easy peel and restick up to 100 times. No wall damage or sticky residue. Place your girl in the pilot's seat. What's on Special? Check out All Zazzle Sale Items, Coupon Codes Customize, Create Your Own item from scratch.
 |
| Gee-Bee Squadron Mobile 4 Plane Models for Nursery/Playroom |
So why not figure out a way to celebrate Amelia's achievement? Let out your inner butterfly. :-)
One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.
--- Helen Keller
 |
| Prepare Amelia Earhart's Favorite Fried Chicken & Biscuits Royal Baking Powder ad 1937  Her mother says it's her favorite. |
Links to related pages, books of interest:
Astronaut Suits, Space Travel Firsts, You can be an Astronaut
Crystal Tattoos, Wings
Black and White Costume Wings, Dragon Wings, DIY
Katharine Hepburn: A Remarkable Woman by Anne Edwards
Friday, May 15, 2009
San Francisco Artists in Residence-Recycling & Disposal, Tour de Trash in Honolulu
Talk about Upcycling....San Francisco Recycling & Disposal has an Artists in Residence program. Their next art show is on May 15 & 16, 2009. They say that the goal of the Artists in Residence program is "to use art to inspire people to recycle more and conserve natural resources."
One of the featured artists will be Bill Basquin, whose work, he says, includes "images from the series Fruits Uneaten and Now Past Their Prime. ... Depictions of citrus peels generally indicate fruits that I did eat." Photo is from his web site.
I previously did a blog post about the upswing in green and recycle fashion including a small Earth Day show calendar. Recycle, upcycled artwork is a big thing as well, and hooray for that. If you would like to apply for the San Francisco program they have information at their web site.
Opala is the Hawaiian word for garbage. The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services has a multi-part Tour de Trash, where people can become more familiar with what happens to the things that we throw away. It all helps so much with our awareness of how we might better conserve and reuse our resources.
I'd be interested to hear of other recycling or upcycling art shows, fashion shows or opportunities out there so we can all find out about them.
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