color Archives - Page 2 of 17

Haunted Hollow Tree Pyrography

April 9, 2020 by Erika Jurney 3 Comments

The Haunted Hollow Tree: This is an original mixed media of pyrography, water color, and casein paint.

Most commonly known as “wood burning”, pyrography is the traditional art of using a heated tip to burn or scorch images onto natural materials such as wood or leather. It is a challenging medium to work in because the permanent nature of burning requires constant precision and missteps are not easily corrected. It is very much like drawing in a sense, but done with a hot wire tip instead of a pencil. The different tonal values and subtle graduations are created carefully by varying the pressure and temperature of the pen tip.

Falling for Red

April 4, 2020 by Sarah Safranski 3 Comments

Along with the changing leaves and dropping temperatures comes the new fall fashion and color trends. I already reported on capes and leopard print, and last but not least is the color red. I have to admit that the only red thing I own is lipstick, and that only goes on for special occasions, but that may change this season. The color red screams confidence and strength, and, well, who doesn’t want more of that?

A red party dress is the perfect way to stand out in a crowd of little black dresses. This silk option by Ikvot ha Mashiach has wonderful detailing–a series of sweet ruffles and pleats–coupled with a classic and universally flattering cut that accents the smallest part of your waist. Paired with a simple heel and jewelry, this dress is sure to turn heads.

This poncho by Sandmaiden is handmade from beautiful red hand-dyed wool jersey. It features a peter pan collar and belted closure, as well as a sophisticated cut that can be worn casually with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a skirt and heels. If aren’t too eager to wear red this season, this poncho comes in nine other colors. Best of all, it’s sewn to your specific measurements.

A red purse is a great way to make a statement with color this season. This leather option by Art On Crafts is perfect for work or running errands on the weekend. It features a zipper closure, both interior and exterior pockets, and plenty of room for all your odds and ends. The detailing on this bag is excellent; I love the larger zipper pulls and white stitching.

My mom always told me I should wear more red. This year I’m going to take her advice and pair my red lipstick with an equally red and stunning dress!

**The painting featured at the top of this post was created by Shira Sela.

Barefoot Weaver

March 21, 2020 by Erika Jurney 4 Comments

Barefoot Weaver: I have been in love with color since my first box of crayons and I fell in love with weaving in the 70s when I watched a girl weaving (barefoot, of course!) in the back of a store in Brattleboro, VT. Here was not just color but dance as well! By the early 90s I had my first loom and there was no looking back. Looms have a way of multiplying and taking over the house (as my family can attest) and now I have four (we won’t count the one in the barn). I am always amazed seeing them warped and vibrant with potential.

Colors live in my living room and cones of thread fill my bookcases. I dye my threads on a big plywood table upstairs in one of my workrooms (did I mention that I have taken over the entire house?) and my clothes line is often draped with skeins of freshly dyed thread. I do my designing on my warping mill and my work now is mostly warp driven which just means that I want the warp to show more than the weft (or weaving).

I started adding more texture to my weaving some years ago as well inspired in part by knitting yarns that have flags and tufts and wraps and shiny bits and skinny and fat parts.

So, I overproduce. And I have three grown sons who really don’t wear my creations aside from a very plain chenille scarf or two. I live on an old farm with my two horses, three cats, one small dog, and a very supportive husband. We heat with wood, snuggle down in the winter up here in the North Country, and I am content.

SheaClay Pottery

March 17, 2020 by Erika Jurney 1 Comment

SheaClay high fired stoneware pottery includes dinnerware, bowls, platters, mugs, decorative ware and more- thrown and altered, stamped, carved and finished with lead free glazes, suitable for oven, dishwasher and microwave.

I strive to create joy in the simplest thing, like really good coffee in a really great cup. It’s that warm moment of appreciation, like when you are struck by the beauty of your surroundings, or when you receive kindness from a stranger, that I try to capture in my work. My pursuits include a balanced overall form with a sense of movement.

I try to create lots of edges and hard lines through carving, stamping, throwing marks- many places for glaze to break, change direction and create more color. I like warm, muted tones that provide a natural background for food and celebration, a form which invites you to pick it up and use it, and good function for service, which enhances the beauty of the form and realizes my initial goal for creating it.

Color Explosion Wire Mesh Cuff Bangle Bracelet

March 12, 2020 by Erika Jurney 3 Comments

I purchased this stunning multi-beaded frenzy of color, the seller was a pleasure to deal with, it arrived at my door promptly in a sweet little gift box, and it is even more beautiful than I had imagined it would be.

Fortunately for you, Meditations has more of these in her shop. I recommend you grab one in a color that tickles you and wear it all the time. That’s my plan at least.

UPDATE: Meditations is offering Free Shipping and a special gift to everyone who emails or convos her and mentions “Try Handmade” before making a purchase. This is a great deal, go check out her shop :)