Art - Tastesorangey at Etsy

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I saw Clares beautiful pictures on the front page of Etsy, and asked if I could feature her here. The piece I fell in love with at firt sold instantly - I wasn't the only one to fall in love with it. But then I looked at the rest of her shop and just adore the dreamy like quality to her art. she says;

"Hi, my name is Clare Elsaesser and I live and work in a really neat house overlooking the bay. I have a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston which I have been figuring out how to put to use for the last six (whoa I feel old) years.

I love painting pillows, people with wild hair, and things found during countless hours browsing the expansive resources of the internet. "

Win Olly the Solid Silver Owl Pendant

To celebrate the launch of the new site, SomethingXtraSpecial is offering one lucky person the chance to win Olly the Owl. To win this solid silver pendant all you need to do is sign up to the mailing list. Once there are 45 people on the list, someone will win Olly. Olly is a hand crafted original pendant made in fine silver (.999), exclusive to SomethingXtraSpecial. He comes on a fine sterling silver 16-inch chain and sells for £15.00 Postage is free. Click the link above for more details and to enter.

Art - Aimeewhite at Artfire

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I don't have much imformation about Aimee but love her naive art and use of colour;

"I am a Houston native that has always enjoyed creating in a variety of mediums. At the moment I am really loving my sewing sewing machine. I like to use lots of color when in my creative mode. "

Free Silver Pendant - Tell your friends - share the joy!!

This week I'm taking a break from featuring other artists to talk about my new website, for the very reason that I am just completely absorbed and obsessed with it and it's all I can focus on at the moment.

I decided to run a competition to help launch the new site and as I've said below once there are 45 people registered I will pick a winner for the lovely silver owl. These are proving really popular at the moment, maybe it's because here in UK it's graduation week.

Anyway, it is taking a lot of work to get the new site known. I'm having new cards printed, I'm giving a 10% voucher to all buyers for their next purchase and of course there is the competition. I have twittered the news and facebooked it, but of course, as we all know this isn't an instant success, so loads of promoting and work. When people see my stuff it's really popular, but of course it's a very different story online.

Since I changed over to a new range of fine silver items I am just so happy with the results. Totally, completely and utterly unique, absolutely no one can reproduce anything I make, not even me!!

So this week it's about me. Next week back to featuring other artists.
If you'd like the chance of winning Olly then do click the link and add your name. Tell your friends - share the joy!

Launch of New Website

Thrilled to announce the launch of my new website. I had a free website before, that I was very pleased with but objectively it really wasn't very good. There was so much faffing to put light box pictures up and to get the pay pal buttons to add items to my shop. Now I have taken the plunge and paid for a site and the difference in use and look is incredible. Anyone wondering whether or not they should invest should really think about taking the plunge. It looks so much more professional, it is so much easier and I think it is hugely more attractive than before.

That's my news for this week. If you pop over to the site to have a peek, there's a little yes/no poll (anonymous) and there's a mailing list to fill in if anyone is interested in hearing when there are new items going up. The pea pods will be up soon!!! (I love my pea pods).

Sculpture - Claire

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I recently joined a lovely group of people the 'craftbrittania' group, and here I saw Claires work. Now the mad thing is that Claire is passionate about felting, and does it beautifully, but way down on her lovely blog, there are a few scultures. I asked her about them and she is so modest and says she's not sure etc etc and that's why I want ot put them here, I truly believe this kind of talent shouldn't go to waste. Get on and do more Claire, they are stunning!!

Glass - BethSingleton at Artfire

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I love what Beth says and relate to so much of how she feels about her beads;

"My journey into bead making began in 2001 when I purchased a beginner's beadmaking kit online. I taught myself using books and any information I could find online. Once my skills improved I upgraded my equipment. As time went on and I became more obsessed with the craft my work station was moved from a little corner in the garage to my own little studio at home.

I can't always find the time that I would like to make beads but when I do it's always a thrill! I am most productive at night out in my little studio. It's my great escape! Out in my studio I can watch what I want on the TV while I make my beads. No sportsman or hunting shows out there! It's always a joy to check the kiln in the morning. I love pulling the beads from the kiln to see how my beadmaking session the night before turned out. Making beads just never gets old."