Christmas is over, Time for Valentine's Day

Well for the first time since I opened my etsy shop, I am finally starting to think like a retailer. Part of me feels proud and part of me feels disgusted. We've barely finished up Christmas and New Years and here I am already creating Valentine's Day jewelry! I've never been a huge fan of Valentine's Day. To read the first blog post I ever wrote (ironically about Valentine's Day) go here. http://rebeccahadley.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-singles-awareness-day.html
It's a made up 'holiday' that allows companies to overcharge for anything "love" related. I know that others really love it though, so I have been creating some fun love related jewelry. Luckily they won't be overpriced. :)

This is just my first round of styles. I have a few more pieces that I'll be sharing a little bit later on once they're finished.

"Love's First Blush" Earrings

"Hearts of Gold" Earrings

"Be Still My Heart" Earrings

I should be able to get these listed in my etsy shop www.jewelsofenchantment.etsy.com tomorrow so stay tuned!

If you are an artist or artisan, have you begun to work on Valentine's Day related items as well?

Hope that you've enjoyed this preview and that you have a wonderful week!
Sending you lots of free love,
Rebecca

Artybra from Start to Finish

I recently completed a piece for a local exhibition entitled "Artybra". Artists were asked to create a bra that will be auctioned off. The proceeds benefit the local breast cancer center here. I decided to create a Midsummer Night's Dream themed bra. My first task was to find a bra that wouldn't break the bank. (Thank you Walmart for you inexpensive $6 two packs!) Next I did some concept sketches and eventually decided upon this one.

Next I began to paint directly onto the bra with acrylics. This was a bit of a tricky task as the microfiber that the bra was made of tended to absorb a lot of the color that was being applied. Layering seemed to work best...

Next I cut out an assortment of leaves and flowers in various sizes out of felt. (I already had felt on hand and it's fairly inexpensive. This is why I chose to use this particular material.)

After that I began placing the leaves and flowers on the bra and sewing them in place.

One of my favorite little details was the little leaves and flowers in the back at the clasp. Even though this bra is meant to be a work of art and therefore not worn, I felt that the little details like this are what makes it special.  

After I added vines, leaves and flowers to the hanger, the piece was finished!

I really like the finished piece and can't wait to see how much the gallery earns in the fight to end breast cancer. I dedicated my bra to my best friend's mother who has been battling breast cancer for over a year. She is truly an inspiration to me and I hope that in my own small way this piece will help her and others like her. Wishing all of you a very blessing filled week! Remember to live each and every day to your fullest.

My Latest Art Project!!

I have been working hard creating a bra for an exhibit at a local gallery. The exhibition is called Artybra and involves lots of fun and unique bras created by the local artists here. Each bra will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition and the proceeds will go to a local breast cancer center. I'm so excited to have been able to participate in this event as I love being able to help others with my art! Here is a quick video that I created showing my piece. I plan on doing a more in depth blog post showing my process from the original concept sketches to the finished product so stay tuned!!

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful beginning of the new year!