Okay I was on the front page twice again today:) Now, don't be annoyed... I can't help it if my fellow Etysian create such stunning Treasuries! Check them out - this first one was created by ZsBCreations from The Netherlands was on just past midnight, so it was almost like yesterday... the second one is from one of my newest favorite Treasury creators GekkoKamen (see her last treasury with me) - thank you both so very much - you are talented!
St. Patrick was credited with driving the snakes from Ireland (an early version of Samuel L. Jackson with "Snakes on a Plane"). St. Patrick's day came from his original Christian Feast Day (also may have also been the date of his death in 1737). When Irish
immigrants came to American they started to celebrate this day, first in Boston, and then with the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766 (The History Channel).
collection without adding some green.
Okay, I have to say that I didn't actually find this artist - she found me! Anna (of annrubyking), had put me in some her Treasuries and since then I have loved here work - of course, all things tiny fascinate me! I fell in love with these miniature birds made from fabric. She then places them strategically on a card with a clever theme - this one is "The Seedeaters", and sells them in a set of two for $11.50 (what a great price for all that work)!
great love for fabric. I absolutely love the cards she makes with the fabric. Such an original way to "color in" the image - whether it's chickens, horses or just a block background (this one is "Fabric Squares - Japanese Red and Blue" that sells in a set of two cards for $12.00) - it really is outstanding! I can't wait to buy some of her cards!
Her store is also full of the most marvelous and whimsical bird art. She does Original, ACEO and Gocco. Her central theme covers all aspects of birds (some flightless and some looking for nesting materials). This ACEO original has birds taking a shopping trip to look for that perfect wedding gift (this is "The Walking Birds White" one sells for $7.50).
I know that in the past I have featured color groups: whites, browns, yellows, etc... but I was thinking... I would like to change things up a little bit. The groupings will still be in the mix, and I will showcase those once a season - look for the Spring Color grouping this month but, this week I am featuring an individual color. It is one of the more interesting colors in my collection. I am focusing on a new color(s) for the season each month - usually the color(s) that gets the most attention. And why not start with Spring!
This last week I took a walk to my very favorite place to get coffee "Albina Press" on N. Albina. It is right off the Mississippi Neighborhood. I love Mississippi - especially "Pistil Nursery" this time of year: they have baby chicks and they are sooooo cute! I just love visiting them... Anyway, this is THE place for coffee in Portland, I think. The baristas are so good that they are sent to National competitions and often win or place! Not only do they have great coffee, but they also take the time to display the work of a local artist on their walls - so great! This is such a lovely place, with large windows in the front to let in tons of light (we crave it here in the PNW), and they have free wi-fi too. So bring your laptop, have a cup-o-joe and relax... it's definitely worth a trip. After my cup-o, on the walk home, I found these beautiful blooming crocus' and just couldn't resist the inspiration, the newness, the fresh flower feel from them - hey it's Spring!
this color! Really, to be honest, I've had this color in my repertoire for many years, and have sold it at some of my local retailers but the fact is... I have a hard time with purples. Not because I don't like the color, although, I do think it tends to have some problems getting along with the other colors in the
ndbox. But, because I just haven't wanted to battle that battle.
The Queen Bead. Although I thought of my company name many years ago (I was 15 to be exact- and quite the giddy high school student then), the name has evolved over the years, as have the processes. I like to think that my intentions were original, but alas, it was not meant to be. So, officially TQB Designs stands for: Tincery, Quincery & Blunt. This is a medley of silly words with absolutely no philosophical or meaningful connection to me and what I do (thought I have say that I am quite blunt sometimes - that fits). Why, you say, did I choose this route for my business? Well, because "The Queen Bead" as well as their derivations: "The Queen Bee", "Queen Bead" "The Queen's Beads", etc... have been used over, and over, - and I feel that I have evolved past just the "bead" part of what I make. I truly love the metal work part of the jewelry making process, and strive for perfection in that as well. To me the metalwork should be as noticed as the beadwork.
2. da Vinici Arts Middle School - This is bound to be one of the best Holiday Shopping Events this year. It takes place at the fabulous Portland Public School that has a arts centric curriculum. It is a 2-day event starting Friday, December 7th from 4 - 8pm & Saturday, December 8th from 10am - 4pm. This is great opportunity to help out one of our public schools as well as the children that attend, since 20% of all the sales go directly back to the school! There will be quite a large selection of artists at this event, so plan on attending - think of it as an investment in our children.
4. If you can't make it to any of my shows, remember that I have several locations within Portland and Seattle, as well as across the country, where you can purchase TQB Designs. Please refer to my earlier blog entry on where to find a location near you!
