Strangely Missing In Action - Strange Stuff Saturdays

My Original Hand Drawn & Hand Painted Doll Face. Acrylic On Flannel.

Sorry folks for the lack of strangeness this Saturday. Hopefully I'll be posting double tomorrow, I am busy with a custom doll project for a very special person, and I am trying to get it done as quickly as I can while still doing my very best work. I'll be posting images of my completed doll on my sister blog Ketsy's Doll Pieces. So feel free to wander over there to take a look at what I have been up to.

My Hand Painted Doll Parts. All Hand Drawn And Acrylic Painted On Flannel. Stuffed With Poly-Fil. Handbag Is A Custom Design In Flannel With Embroidered Details, OOAK Button, & Ribbon.

I am going to add a few teaser pictures here of what I did yesterday towards completing this very special project. It is for an amazing woman who is going through the most challenging of circumstances and still manages to sparkle like the gem she is. My heart and prayers are with her, and her family, and with all the many friends she has earned, those who cherish her for the wonderfully radiant person she is and will always be.

Ketsy.

Making Faces - Found On A Friday

ONE 28"x20" Mixed Media Print, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Friday's are the day that I don't have to worry about any categories, I can simply showcase something wonderful. That is a blessing and a curse sometimes. A blessing because it removes any constraints on the fabulous finds I get to introduce, a curse because I am spoiled for choice.  It has become apparent to me that I like a heck of a lot of things, and so it comes down to choosing an artist to feature that doesn't "fit" into one of the themes days here at the Fab. That means that mt Fridays are usually reserved for Artist that have a unique and original flair that somehow speaks to me. Today's featured artist is one of those.

Every You Every Me - Mixed Media 15/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Angel - Mixed Media 12/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy

It has become apparent to me that the original art that seems to grab me full on from the jump is often art that features human [or humanoid] faces. I don't know why, but when I see a face, I see emotion, and it often connects with me on a very deep level. I have presented several artists that do a sort of 'abstract portraiture' before, and try as I might to pass them by in search of something else to showcase, I keep coming back to the same work over and over again. Vincenzo Rizzo is one of those artist who works just grabs me. I will be doing a random search of artwork on Etsy, or even just searching the whole of the newest listings pages, and every time I see one of Vincenzo's paintings, I click through to look at it closer. I often don't even realize it is yet another of Rizzo's amazing creations until I get to the image listing, at which point I have that "well Duh!" moment, the moment where I realize that it is no wonder I like it so well. Vincenzo Rizzo is a master of capturing faces that captivate me.

Canada 10/100 Limited Edition Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Drinking My Tears - Mixed Media 14/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Vincenzo's Etsy Shop is chock full of the most amazing mixed media prints and original paintings, and they are all of them priced well within the grasp of an collector.  Prints are almost always limited to an edition of 100 copies, and most are available for purchase at just $10.00 USD.  Canvas mounted prints run higher, but they are large in scale and ready to hang. You can bring home an amazingly high quality print on canvas, mounted on wood, and signed and dated by the artist, for $220.00 USD. Many original works are also available, these range in price from the ridiculously affordable $10.00 USD price point.

Agata - Mixed Media - 11/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Feeling The Wave - 4/100 - Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

You may well recognize some of these faces, as I do, as some of the most beautiful models to grace the pages of fashion magazines, to portraits of some of the most iconic celebrities.  Many people may attempt to do portraits of famous faces, but Vincenzo does it with such skill that you often feel that you know who you are looking at in these images, you just can't figure out how you know them. Rizzo's combination of these lovely faces and splashes of colour, script, or other mixed media elements are masterful. The range of colours and materials used makes them so appealing, and with such an accessible price, you can bring these lovely limited edition prints or originals into your home with very little hesitation.  I simply love the way Vincenzo makes faces.

LoVe BomB - 49/100 Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Watercolor's Spirit // Limited Edition 32/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Rizzo's art would look stunning in a traditional mat and frame, or in a floating frame of glass.  The sizes make them very easy to frame for a reasonable price, so they would all make wonderful gifts as well.  I could see them in a gallery like collection, featured on the walls of a hip hair salon or spa, or in the bedroom of that budding Fashionista teen you know so well. A group of these prints would work in just about any room that needs some colour and personality.

NERONE - miXedMedia 12/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Wings Of Stone - 34/100 - Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

This is just a small selection of Vincenzo's works available on Etsy, so please follow the links to Rizzo's Etsy Store and see which works speak to you personally.  While I mainly presented a sample of portraits, Vincenzo also does some fantastic nudes and humorous images featuring juxtaposed vehicles, animals, and other artistic elements.  I particularly love the whimsy of some of the original works done on pages of Latin dictionary pages, they are simply fantastic.

LOVED - 18x12 Inch - Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

3D O.R.I.G.I.N.A.L. Hand Painting Mixed Media on Page of Antique Italian Vocabulary of the Early 1900's Original Unique Artwork, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Make sure you take a trip over to Etsy this weekend, a long weekend for us Canadians, and don't forget to visit Vincenzo Rizzo's Etsy Store in your travels. You will not be disappointed, and it is a great place to start if you are an Etsy 'virgin', as may be the case.  Don't be afraid, Etsy may seem like a daunting place, there is so much to look at and explore, but there is truly something for every taste and living space, and the images presented are almost universally lovely and appealing.

UV - Mixed Media 49/100, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Gucci 12 of 100 Limited Edition, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

You may think of Etsy as akin to eBay in some respects, but it is far more focused on handmade, one of a kind, and antique goods.  I find eBay to be impossibly over-run with what often seems to be 'crap', there seems to be no standard of presentation or attention to detail. Etsy provides a much better shopping experience, and there is a true community feel to the site. Have a lovely weekend and may you find a whole lot of fabulous in your foraging attempts.

I Know You Like My Poker Face - 30/100 - Mixed Media, ART by Vincenzo Rizzo on Etsy.

Note: All Images/Products Featured In This Post Are Copyright and the Intellectual Property of Vincenzo Rizzo and the associated Etsy Shop. No Infringement is Intended. Please Follow The Links Below Each Image For Purchase Information or Further Details.

Kiss Me Cate - Found On A Friday

Lacy by Cate Rangel

At last it's Friday once again, and today's Found featured artist is one who's work speaks volumes all on it's own. Which is a great thing for a variety of reasons, it has been a very busy blogging week for me, and I may need the help. I initially happened across the work of the astonishingly awesome Cate Rangel on Etsy, and I just knew I had to share it with everyone I could.

Daydream by Cate Rangel

Cate is among the small number of self-taught artists that I would place in the "Are You Kidding Me" category. What I mean by that is, her work displays such an unbelievable level of skill and style that it is hard to believe that she hasn't been studying art her entire existence.  Her work is startling in it's expressiveness, and her images will stay with you, almost call to you, as they did to me, asking you to come and have another look.

Culinary Curiosities by Cate Rangel

Based in Los Angeles, Cate's paintings of primarily female subjects reflects what she describes as a "psychological mirror".  While her formal education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Rangel's work is a school in the elements of the feminine mystique.

Vera by Cate Rangel

Her portraits, of real or imagined subjects (it is sometimes difficult to be certain) are powerful in their apparent simplicity. They convey the "mix of boldness and fragility" that Cate herself identifies, but something more that is hard to describe in words.

Lilith by Cate Rangel

For me, art is all about the way it makes me feel, I know instantly whether I love something or if it not my 'thing'. The moment I saw Rangel's work, I was swimming in the pure joy of having connected.  Her work speaks to me, not only because of the subject matter, but the style as well. There is a haunting vulnerability in the eyes of these women, while at the same time, a sense of the power they possess.

Savannah by Kate Rangel

 A mix of pop art, pin-up, fashion illustration, and expressionism, with an ample dose of Suicide Girl sexy, there is a stark beauty to each and every painting.  Working primarily in acrylic on panel, Cate's skill is breathtakingly obvious, her images look like they are ready to come to life in some perfectly dark futuristic cyber-society or comic book, but I wouldn't be surprised to find them in a local Tattoo Parlor either.

Kristen by Kate Rangel

You can select from a lovely selection prints, many Limited Edition in Cate Rangel's Etsy shop, or visit her online store where you can find some of her original work alongside her prints.  On Etsy, prints range in price by size and edition availability, but generally start from $25 USD, while original paintings can be found beginning at $325 USD and up. Cate also has a website where you can see a large gallery of her work, her exhibiting calendar, and more.  Rangel also indicates in her Etsy shop information that some images not appearing in her store can be purchased as prints upon request, so I urge you to have a good look around. Aren't you glad that Cate Rangel was Found On A Friday? I know I am.

Cherry's Jubilee by Kate Rangel

LINKS:
Cate Rangel on Etsy
Cate Rangel Original Art
Cate Rangel Store 

Cotton Candy by Kate Rangel

Found On A Friday - Accidentally On Purpose

Illinois born Megan Carter is a rarity among the artist I have come across on Etsy. Her work is striking and powerful, and yet she seems so unaware of just how good she really is. Her shop name says an awful lot, why else would she have named it Accidentally Good. It may be an accident, but there is no doubt about it, she is beyond "Good", Megan's work is great.

The first image I saw of her's, I came upon quite by accident. Simply titled Morte, I saw so much in this painting. I reminded me of something specific, the face was speaking to me, and how could it not. Megan has the ability to turn a few colours, well chosen, into something beyond a composition of elements, her work is deep and affecting, and it has a way of staying with you. And I must admit, it will now be staying with me, I couldn't resist her.

The above work goes by the name Jinx, again it is minimalist abstract portraiture in style, but the play of positive and negative, dark and light, makes this painting another standout. Make no mistake, you are not looking at a print, all of the work currently on sale in Megan Carter's Etsy shop is one-of-a-kind [OOAK] original work. These are not copies or silk-screened reproductions, not photographs, this is the real deal. Most original work of well known artists on Etsy sells up into the hundreds of dollars. But this is a rare opportunity for you to "get in" on the work of an artist before she hits that tipping point.

Prices range from just $30 to $80 USD, and Megan uses primarily Acryclic, and some Water Colour, on Canvas, Wood, or Canvas Pad. The image above is of Megan's work titled Tatiana features an example of a Water Colour on Paper original.

I found Gloria, the image above to have a lovely retro feel to it, it looks very Old Hollywood Glamor to me. But then, that is what I like best about Megan's work, it speaks differently to each viewer, where I see Old Hollywood, you might see something entirely different, and isn't that the point of art?

The above 9x12 Original Acrylic on Canvas Pad work, entitled Robyn is a perfect example of why you can have original artwork in your home for less than the price of most art prints. This image is a steal at just $35 USD, and illustrates perfectly why Accidentally Good is the most ironic of names for Megan's Etsy Store. Click on over to see the rest of Megan's work currently up for sale, and see what you "Accidentally" fall in love with. I found it on a Friday, but I will treasure it always.

LINK: Accidentally Good on Etsy.

Motley Mode Mondays - Wrap and Roll

This Monday's fashion spotlight falls upon the one accessory that needs no sizing, no dressing rooms to squeeze into, and is stylish on any member of your family from the little monkeys to mom and dad. While Mother Nature is making up her mind about whether or not to "Let it Snow", you can always get cozy in a great scarf. Scarves are versatile and stylish these days, a scarf can jazz up a simple and functional on-the-go look, or be the wow factor in your practical winter wardrobe. Here are an arms load of great custom handmade scarves for everyone you can think of, and with Valentine's Day less than a month away, this is one accessory that can you can give to everyone on your "I Love You" list. Think of it as a walking hug that your loved ones can take everywhere they go.

If you are looking for a simple but stylish scarf, try a Hand Knit Button Up/Button Down Cowl Scarf from Windy City Knits on Etsy. This one is in a lovely soft Heather Gray, but other colours and styles are available, as is a PDF Pattern document if you want to knit it yourself. This item cuts down on the bulk of traditional scarves, and keeps the style factor intact.

This Chunky Hooded Scarf, shown in a luscious Lemongrass hues wool, is a one piece scarf that can be wrapped up around the head once to form an instant hood. Made with a wool blend chunky yarn, Shanionie on Etsy also offers her items in a chunky acrylic yarn for those allergic to wool.

If you love to do-it-for-yourself, you will have to take a quick trip to Fairbanks, Alaska Native Tara Murray's shop on Etsy. Mammachee offers the most delicious crochet patterns for warm wooly wear, like this Crochet Cowl Pattern - Loopy/Hoody Cowl Scarf, which makes not only toddler and child versions, but also adult sized versions of this scarf for just $4.00 USD.

This stunning Chunky Braided Infinity Cowl Scarf was snapped up from Kay Lim's Kay Lim Designs Shop on Etsy within 24 hours of my spotting it, and you can easily see why. Made to order, Kay offers unique pieces, all with slight differences, as they are all handmade. This item is a multi-fabric circle scarf in a cotton french terry and cotton jersey elements, raw finishes and the ability to style it in a variety of different creative ways. These scarves are unisex items, and add a really hip stylish touch to any ensemble. No doubt Kay Lim will be offering more soon, but in the meanwhile, you can take a look at her other brilliant work in her Etsy Shop.

For the men on your shopping list, you might consider this classic Dark Brown & Cream Handmade Crochet Scarf. A large two colour plaid design, you can request a version with or without a tassel fringed edge. Handmade in Turkey by Asu Crochet, a visit to this Etsy Shop now offers a limited time free shipping Valentine's Day offer, and there is a large selection of other beautiful items available for purchase.

If colour is your preference, you can't get more colourful than this one-of-a-kind [OOAK] Every Day is a Pleasant Day Unisex Cozy Scarf by Fluur of Vancouver, British Columbia. Check the photo-gallery below for a quickfire look at a spattering of more amazing scarf offerings on Etsy, and the shops that you can nab them at.

Wrap them for sub-zero temps in style withThe Alaskan Infinity Scarf by Ozetta on Etsy.

For the lovable geeks, The Super Long Doctor Who Scarf by Lassarina will do the trick.

Narrow Avenue, purveyors of simply lovely custom knits on Etsy, will show you what a difference a button, or two, can make with this Custom Knit Cowl Neck Scarf

Another great knitting pattern for you crafty and elegant types comes from Sadie & Oliver on Etsy. This stunning Drifting Pearls Scarf Knitting Pattern comes in PDF format so you can select the colour(s) for yourself. Jennifer Lang of Calgary, Alberta has this and many other lovely patterns and fully knit items available in her Etsy Shop. Too many great scarves abound on Etsy, this is a highly edited list of my personal favorites, but just run a basic search and you will find the scarf of your dreams. If you can find the date of your dreams for Valentine's Day, at least you can have the scarf. Aren't you glad it's Monday?

Link: Get Started On Etsy