Freeing The Burn - Found On A Friday

I am a serious consumer of T-shirts. I could never wear all of the ones I have collected, but as a YUGE geek, I sometimes have to grab up that Star Wars or Walking Dead referenced tee. The problem, while some tees can be found for about $11 US on some sites, you tend to pay a lot for shipping, making things a lot more expensive. I am not saying that the art alone is not worth the money, but these days, I rarely have the cash to feed my tee addiction.

Bernie Sanders 2016 Feel The Burn Presidential Election Campaign T-Shirt by TeesDeals on Etsy

As a Canadian who is rather plugged in to the goings on south of the border, I have been getting really engrossed by the current Presidential Campaign. I have had gut wrenching nightmares about the possibility of certain candidates actually winning the nomination, and possibly the election, but the bright light in all of the political rhetoric is one Bernie Sanders. I don't claim to know the man, I only see his heart and soul, his desire to make life better for every American, and even if you are not a Democrat, that is pretty inspiring stuff. He cares about the planet, the future we all will share in, and that our children will inherit. You may say he's a dreamer, but he's not the only one, he has lit a fire across the USA, and unified groups and causes of all kinds under his positive "we" not "I" umbrella.

Bernie Sanders Black Flack T-Shirt, White, Long Sleeves by TeesDeals on Etsy

I decided I needed to show my faith that no matter what, this man was changing the world, one person, one vote, at a time; I wanted to have a Bernie Sanders supporter shirt. But where does a Canadian girl go for such items, how do I support a small business that cares and is driven by real people, not a corporation? Well etsy of course. After a quick search I stumbled upon TeesDeals and nabbed a stunner of a shirt, exactly the one I wanted, for just $6.52 Canadian dollars, which is brilliant. But as I was browsing the shop, I stumbled on something that is exactly in Bernie's corner, a free T-Shirt for anyone who wants to show support for this amazing man and his movement. Free for me meant $1.29 Canadian, which is the least I have paid for a shirt since never, so I requested two of them for some friends, not expecting them to actually arrive. But arrive they did, the one I purchased for a very reasonable price and the two others from the giveaway, in the exact sizes I requested.

Giveaway, Bernie Sanders T-Shirt, Feel The Burn by TeesDeals on Etsy

There is something pretty fantastic about the good vibes that are spread by Bernie Sanders supporters, and this is a great example. I don't know how long the giveaway is running, but I would not hesitate. You can request any size from TeesDeals, from size small to 3XL, but the colour option will be random. If you can, do support the shop by buying a regularly low priced Tee as well, spread a little Karma and commerce for the good of us all. So glad to be back to share what I have Found on a Friday, simply YUGE news.



Speaking of YUGE news, I want to share this link to a YouTube video by Myles Dyer, who will really give you hope about what Bernie is doing, and for me, erased a lot of the anxiety and the nightmares I was having about a certain Orange Tinted Xenophobic Racist Neo-Republican Misogynistic Buffoon who was dominating the News Cycles here just north of the US border, and making me truly fearful for the fate of the US. Please give it a watch and a like, it changed my perspective and made all the difference in my take on the whole #FEELTHEBURN movement. It is well thought out, well researched, and rather fascinating. Enjoy!

Shadow Play - Found On A Friday

Le Grand Carnival, Shadow Box Diorama Frame by LaBoom, Etsy.

Paper is such a wonderful thing, it can become so many different things in as many different hands. When we are children, we are given paper and crayons or finger-paint, and let loose to make a mess. When we learn to look at books, we can see magical images on the same flat plane of paper. When we begin to read and write, we form letters and numbers with pencils and pens and begin to express ourselves in a non-verbal way that other people can understand. But by far, my favorite use of paper is to alter it from it's usual one-dimensional form, and to create something entirely different.

3D Pedestal Display - A Day In The Island - by LaBoom, Etsy.

By layering, gluing, scrunching, folding, cutting, painting, and any other number of manipulations, we can turn paper into magic. We see the world in dimensions, though we may not be as aware of it as we are when we sit in a movie theater looking at that flat screen with those goofy 3D glasses on. There is perspective all around us, some things are closer, some things are farther away. When light moves over the land, be it natural or artificial, different things are highlighted. We see shadows, we see new items illuminated that we didn't notice before, and everything can change in the span of a few hours. Think about your favorite place to be, it looks different based on how much light there is, and where you are in that space.

Handmade 3D Display - Ludella On Stage - by LaBoom, Etsy.

Shadow boxes and dioramas are becoming a lost art, and that is a true shame. Children create their art on a tablet or computer screen, and it never achieves the same quality of a hand made work. If you never play with sizes and shapes of cut out paper arranged closer or farther from your eyes, and with different light sources, you will never fully understand the magic of perspective. No matter what technology comes along, there is nothing that can beat a plain old arts and crafts kit full of scraps of paper, trims and findings, glue, paint, and colour.

3D Shadow Box Frame - The Journey of a Teapot -, With a Light by LaBoom, Etsy.

Today I stumbled upon the most magical of things, a wonderful Shadow Box Diorama created by the very talented hands of Tatiana Kontouli. Tatiana's Etsy Shop, called LaBoom, contains a bounty of wonderful examples of 3D sculpture, shadow boxes, dioramas, lighted boxes and other magical hand crafted paper creations. Tatiana's creations vary in price quite a bit, from $12.00 US for smaller shadow boxes, to $55.00 US for her most intricate creations. This makes them affordable for almost anyone to add to a collection of curiosities, or as a perfect gift for that person that is impossible to buy for.

Handmade 3D Frame Display - Miss Nagg's Kindness Spirit - by LaBoom, Etsy.

Comprised of vintage ephemera, paper cutouts, fabric trims, wire, glitter, cardboard, and illusion, Tatiana's work is fascinating to look at, and really makes you want to take a closer look inside the box.  From grand multi-figure displays, to simple seeming light boxes, each piece is so very special. You can see the careful combination of elements, the thoughtful placement of text and hidden creatures, and the small touches of magic that make these more than just crafty little items, it makes them something very special indeed.

Handmade Shadow Box Frame - Peachy Wonderland - by LaBoom, Etsy.

A close look at the individual listings I have selected to show you, or any of the dozens of others in the LaBoom shop, will show you different angles and close-up views that will enchant you utterly. Tatiana Kontouli's "whimsical wonderland" ships all the way from beautiful Antiparos, Cyclades in Greece, one of the most magical and mythical places on the planet. It all just makes the story come together for me, Greece is the seat of a great deal of the historical evolution of sculpture and art.

Light Box Diorama Display - Watch Out Girls - , Light Off by LaBoom, Etsy.

Light Box Diorama Display - Watch Out Girls - , Illuminated by LaBoom, Etsy.

I urge you to take a closer look at LaBoom, and hope you see something so special you simply must bring it's whimsy and magic into your home. If nothing else, it will have you heading into your old scrap box of bits and bobs, grabbing an old cigar box or cardboard frame, and planning to spend a little time with a glue-stick and some newsprint in the near future. Dioramas should not be on the endangered list of folk arts, too many things have already gone that direction.

3D Shadow Box Frame - Party Dog -  by LaBoom, Etsy.

So hit up the local craft shop or dig into your old stash of findings and create your own shadow box, and include the children in your life in the process, they will be enchanted by the magic that can be found in paper. Don't let them think of paper as relegated to school work and books alone, as much as I love books - they need to learn to see possibility in all materials, and not just take them for granted. In the time before television, computers, and video games,it is too easy to forget about real creativity.

Shadow Light Box 3D Frame Diorama - Hippolyte - by LaBoom, Etsy.

Where will our future sculptors, crafters, designers and architects be without knowing the magic that can be found in 3D? I am so glad I found Tatiana Kontouli's Etsy Shop, LaBoom on a Friday, and now you can be too. Have a great weekend everyone, do something creative with paper and rediscover the magic.

3D Shadow Box Frame - Fox In The Woods - by LaBoom, Etsy.

Cleaning Up With Kindness - Found On A Friday

SewEco Reusable Snack Bags on Etsy

As a newly born "vegan", I am looking for ways to reduce my carbon footprint, reduce my use of chemicals and natural resources, and still maintain that fabulous air of geek chic that I have cultivated for myself. Sometimes, there are challenges in the way of finding that perfect new time-saving and Eco-friendly object of desire for your home, but luckily, that is not always the case. Here are a few fabulous finds that you can easily put to work in your home and they will make you feel all green and fuzzy all over.

SNACKABY Eco Friendly Dishwasher Safe Reusable Sandwich Bags on Etsy.

The first area where you can make a quick and easy change is swapping out all those plastic sandwich and snack baggies you use in your own, or your children's lunch kits.  Yes they are convenient, but they cost a fortune and end up in the trash.  There are heaps of options that you can make yourself, or take advantage of the many fabrications and expert touches that can be found on Etsy. Many of these bags can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and certainly in the washing machine, and have well "Serged" edge details that will stand the test of time. Unlike bulky plastic containers that are forever losing their lids, and take up room in a lunch bag or backpack, these collapse flat, and are perfect for smaller snacks like dry cereal or raisins, without offering a challenge to little hands.

Inspired Stitchery Unpaper Towels, Selection Of Colors on Etsy.

Paper Towel is another product many of us are forever buying, and once used, tossing out. Unlike a kitchen cloth, which may harbor bacteria after a single use, a paper towel offers the ease of a clean wipe for window cleaning, and can be used in a variety of ways. So how do you replace something so indispensable? You buy or make yourself some reusable toweling that does the same job but can be washed endlessly, maintaining it's lint free surface, and absorbency.

Sew Happy Designs by Abby Custom Reusable Cloth Paper Towel Roll With Snaps on Etsy.

Personally, I wash all my lettuce and leafy veggies like kale as soon as I come home from market. I then place the leaves on toweling, and roll it up before placing it in the fridge crisper compartment or a storage bin. This is a huge waste of paper towels, but it makes perfect sense for a re-usable thin toweling that can be used week after week.

Kootsac Reusable Bulk Food and Produce Bags on Etsy.

We have all been a party to the movement to replace plastic and even paper grocery bags with cloth or canvas reusable bags, and many of us have embraced this change. But take it a step further and you can replace a few other shopping bags on your trip.  For instance, if you buy bulk foods, particularly dry goods, nuts, or candy, you are likely forever looking for that roll of plastic bags and twisty ties near the bins. How about using your  very own cute baggies that you can easily stash into those reusable grocery totes.  You can use them over and over, and they won't add any weight to your scales or garbage to your bins at home.

The High Fiber Reusable Produce Bags on Etsy.

Similarly, you can get yourself some reusable vegetable bags that can go from market, right into the fridge when you are in a hurry. Made of linen or mesh, you can pop these directly into the fridge and not worry about things going mushy in an air-tight plastic bag, and they look really cute too.  Easy wash and stash for your next shopping trip, they are the perfect thing for veggie lovers.

Clean Sypria Wool Dryer Balls by Tara Fletcher-Gibbs on Etsy.

Want to replace your fabric softener and have some fun at the same time? Pick up a handful, a half dozen, or more of these fabulous all natural wool dryer balls. They average about the size of a tennis ball, and can be found in colored or natural tones.  They are safe for handling around the kids, and can be scented with natural oils to impart a yummy scent to your laundry loads.

Moss Creek Wool Works Wool Dryer Balls on Etsy.

They actually do more than just soften your clothes, they draw in moisture to speed your drying process, therefore reducing the amount of energy you use per load. Reducing static naturally, they contain no harsh chemicals, and are safe for your household pets to play with should one roll away. They are especially perfect for drying cloth diapers, and can even do double duty for play when teaching your toddler about colors.

Sew Much Style Reusable Eco Friendly Bowl Covers on Etsy.

My final kitchen miracle worker is one that is equally stylish and very smart, whether you are baking bread or storing leftovers.  Bowl covers have been around for a long time, they usually resembled mini-shower caps, but were still plastic which become greasy and aged poorly over time. When looking for a plastic wrap replacement, or even to foil the aluminum foil trap, using fabric covers is the perfect option. They breath a bit to let out excess gasses and prevent spoilage, but still keep things crisp and fresh.

chez-sucre-chez Bowl & Container Covers Set [Various Sizes & Colors Available] on Etsy.

These are just a few of the great Eco friendly and washable kitchen essentials, and a laundry essential that will save you time, money, and most importantly your conscious when it comes to reducing your environmental impact. They may seem like small things, and maybe they are, but they are just a small part of a bigger trend.  All of these items are produced by hand, made by crafty artisans that believe in their products and are more then happy to work with you to meet your needs. Many will create custom orders just for you, and you can often find very local products made in your own area to reduce your shipping costs too. There is no reason why your kitchen can't be the center of your new Eco conscious self, just as it it the center of your home.  Fabulously kind and chic items like the ones featured above are not only great for your personal use, but make brilliant gifts for friends and family too. I love finding a reason to blog on Fridays!

Imagination Factory - Found On A Friday

Double Rainbow - Miniature Ceramic Rainbow Factory Duo by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

 Thank goodness it's Friday, and thank goodness I am feeling more like myself so that I can share today's Fab find with you all. It's been a while since I have blogged, about 2 weeks actually. Being sick is never part of ones plans or on the schedule, it happens, often out of the blue, and it forces us to pay attention to our bodies and get better. Sometimes when we are feverish and in that half sleep state, we get wonderful inspirations for work we want to do, unfortunately, we are often too ill to remember to write those ideas down or follow through. Just as well, I suspect some of those feverish great ideas are actually not so great.

Chartreuse Sea Lion with a Toy Top - Ceramic Figurine by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Rolling Blue Cat Fish - Miniature Ceramic Sculpture on Wheels by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Today I want to show you some absolutely wonderful and whimsical sculpture work that seems born of that fevered dream state. Not to say that it is exceptionally odd or strange, just that it is quite magical. The "Handmade Curiosities" of PearsonMaron on Etsy are wonderful little bits of inspiration and ingenuity, all wrapped up in a bundle of kitsch.  Colors pop against pure white ceramic backdrops, small creatures come to life with spinning wheels and a healthy dose of whimsy.

A Nuclear Love Story - Miniature Nuclear Cooling Towers With Hearts - Geeky Wedding Cake Toppers - White Ceramic Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Bigfoot Diorama - Limited Edition Ceramic Mini Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Married couple Adam and Quincy together produce a marvelous menagerie of urban legends, sweet and poignant statements, and playful creatures from a blend of ceramics and other mixed media. While they work collaboratively on many items, some are the work on one or the other alone.  The Etsy Shop of PearsonMaron is chock full of an amazing array of items, from Prints and Paintings, Buttons, Magnets, Sculptures and Figurines, Dioramas, and even some Housewares. What that adds up to is a whole lot of wonderful.

Green One Eyed Octopus on Wheels - Mini Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Black Birds On A Wire - Miniature Ceramic Telephone Pole Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Adam and Quincy, who reside in Southern California, have a good thing going on in their Etsy Shop, and it is definitely worth a click on over to check it out. Prices range from just a few dollars for their Pin Back Buttons, to a whole lot more for one of the amazingly detailed sculptural pieces such as the one below. Most of the items featured on this page range from $20.00 to $95.00 USD, so there is a wide range of prices for any budget, whether you are a collector yourself, or looking for a unique gift for a special someone.  Thank goodness I found PearsonMaron on a Friday, and thank goodness I am back in the blogging groove once again.
 

The Astronaut - Space Exploration - Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Small Art Big Love - Found On A Friday

"Jake The Tortoise" Hand Sewn Brooch, Felt Badge, Tortoise Pin by Jess Quinn.

 Sometimes in my travels I stumble upon something that is so many wonderful things in one shop that I can't decide upon which day of the week to feature it. That is why I am thankful for Fridays, where anything goes here on the Fab.  When I cam across the Etsy Shop of Jess Quinn, I knew the only place to do her amazing stash justice was to place it in a Friday feature.  Simply called Small Art, Jess's shop is full of the most fabulous items, from paper goods, cloth dolls, clay creations, felt accessories, original oil paintings, and so much more. If this is Quinn's idea of 'small', I can't imagine what she considers to be 'large'. With almost 150 items in her Etsy Shop, I would say there is nothing small about the work of Jess Quinn at all.

The Woodsman - Art Doll, Soft Sculpture by Jess Quinn.

Alphabet Fairy - Wood Art Doll - Beatrice by Jess Quinn.

"Higgety Pop" Vintage Altered Art Doll by Jess Quinn.

What is really special about Jess's Shop is the way she presents her fabulous items.  The photos are precious and engaging, and they make you want to look closer.  She will create a whole tableau of items around her dolls, brooches, and other items, often using dollhouse furniture or toys that not only add a sense of playful whimsy, but also indicate the scale of items for sale. 

Easter Bunny Hair Band/Fascinator - Pink Felt Bunny Rabbit by Jess Quinn.

Spring Bib Necklace, Fabric Pink Clown - Blue Pom Poms - Embroidered Textile by Jess Quinn.

Little Indian Head Dress, Dressing Up, Head Band - Native American by Jess Quinn.

The little [ and big ] pops of colour against a white background are perfectly styled. Her accessories are often worn by adorable kiddies with naturally silly smiles or honest pouts, and her paper goods and artwork are presented in the perfect lighting to make them appear as magical as you know that they are.

"Isabelle" Girl In A Yellow Dress - Illustrated Greeting Card by Jess Quinn.

"Girl With Apples" Illustrated Greeting Card, Printed Drawing, Black & White by Jess Quinn.

"Knitting Queen" Illustrated Greetings Card, Printed Drawing by Jess Quinn.

Items in Jess Quinn's shop range in price from less than $2.00 USD to just over $200.00 USD. That means there is something  for every budget and every taste.  Shipping from Bristol, England in the UK, shipping cost are excessively reasonable. The cards are frame-able art, the dolls enchanting, the brooches would make brilliant gifts, and the accessories are instant one-of-a-kind treasures.

"Bitsy Boo" Fabric Art Doll, Red Felt, Little Girl, Linen Cloth Doll by Jess Quinn.

"Miko & Molly" Hanging Fabric Decoration, Printed Cotton Sweethearts, Vintage Silk by Jess Quinn.

Cloth Art Doll, Soft Sculpture, Textile, Square Clown Blue by Jess Quinn.

Jess takes great care when describing her items, often including little anecdotes about their inspirations, the materials used, and the dimension of the items.  All essential information when you are buying handmade goods online. I have to commend her on her presentation style, her shop feels intimate and you get the distinct impression that you are getting a peek 'behind the curtain'.

"Miss Bird" Clay Brooch, Circus Pin - Hand Painted Small Sculpture by Jess Quinn.

Clown Art Doll, Clay - Textile, Felt Fabric, Hand Painted by Jess Quinn.

Clay Brooch, Wearable Art, Hand Painted Pin - Green, Lettuce by Jess Quinn.

Jess has divided her shop into specific categories of items, so I decided to present a few of examples of her work that reside under each category heading so you can get a good idea of the range of whimsical items she offers.  As always, I showcase items that tend to appeal to my taste, but there is so much more to be discovered in Jess's Small Art shop. Jess herself calls her items Unique Artworks and Original Gifts, I would stress the unique, I haven't seen anything quite so fantastically outside of the box in my recent travels.

"Clown Miko" Felt Brooch, Pillow Pin Portrait, Wearable Art by Jess Quinn.

"Bunnyhoot" Small Art Doll, Purple Felt Brooch, Plush Forest Creature by Jess Quinn.

"Matilda Mouse" Felt Brooch - White Mouse Bow Tie Pin, Printed Drawing by Jess Quinn.

You really must take a closer look at the work of this Art School graduate and mother of three, who says she comes from a family of 'makers'. I rather like that statement, I can identify with it completely. For more information on her captivating work, you can also swing by her Blog and check out what Jess is currently up to. You might also like to know that Jess is offering a "Free Shipping" code until March 11th, 2012 and that currently she is having a small Spring Clean Sale on selected items in her shop, as if you needed more reason to head over and check it out. It may be Small Art, but I have big love for it. [In particular, that "Jake The Tortoise" Brooch at the top of the post, how incredibly sweet it is!]

Small Oil Painting on Canvas, "Sisters" by Jess Quinn.

"Infanta Margarita in Moonlight", Small Oil Painting on Canvas by Jess Quinn.

"Mary" Small Oil Painting on Canvas by Jess Quinn.

Links:
Small Art - Etsy Shop
Jess Quinn's Etsy Profile
Jess Quinn's Blog

"Tom & Nancy" Wooden Art Dolls, Hand Painted by Jess Quinn.

"Lulu" Wooden Brooch, Wearable Art - Hand Painted Pin by Jess Quinn.

"Eric" Wooden Badge, Hand Painted Pin - Wearable Art by Jess Quinn.

Note: All Designs and Images are the Intellectual Property and Copyright of Jessica Quinn and QUINN. No infringement is intended. Please contact Jess Quinn directly with inquiries about her work. Follow the links provided under each image in this post  for further information about the items featured in the post, including price, payment options, availability, and shipping information.