Treasury Time

Hello and welcome to treasury time! 

Sit back with a cuppa and enjoy. Cheers!

Featured Treasury by Cat from BabanCat

My 1st Guest Blogging for Etsian Artists!

Etsian Artists: Wonderful Wednesdays

WOO HOO!! I did my very 1st guest blogging today! Check it out! :-)

Happy Wednesday!

Etsian Artists: Wonderful Wednesdays: In the spirit of the holiday season, today's fabulous finds from the Etsian Artists Team inspire you to decorate that tree in handmade splen...

Are YOU Ready For The Holidays? Part IV: More Ornaments

OK, I admit it! I've been playing with ornaments again..... 

As the holidays approach, I get more and more inspiration to create new Steampunk vacuum tube ornaments. They are just so fun and unusual! This new batch includes spirals in silver and gold and some iridescent, sparkly ones... The perfect gift for that special someone... or even for yourself!

Steel Spirals with White Ribbon

Golden Brass Spirals with Gold Ribbon

 Iridescent Hologram with Red Ribbon

And Another Iridescent Hologram

Each ornament will be a one-of-a-kind unique piece because of the use of vintage vacuum tubes and wire-work. All wire work is done by me including the twisted jump rings I used to attach the ribbons.

These make the perfect cross-over gift, working for: men and women, Christmas, Yule, NeoVicotian style, Steampunk, Goth, geekery, techie, and so many more...

Happy holidays!

I'm A Zombie Voodoo Doll!!!

The fabulously talented Kristy Carey of KACSales and VintageFusionJewels has immortalized me, I mean animated me, in this interview from October 31, 2011! So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy!


Voodooz Movie
by: KCarey22

The original text version (along with pictures) can be seen on Kristy's Blog. Feel free to follow her to check out what is new with her. :-)

Playtime!! Adventures With Gilder's Paste Part I

OK fellow crafters, raise your hand if you are panicking that it is already NOVEMBER 10TH!!!!! Today, instead of hiding under the bed, I decided to break out my latest toy: Gilder's paste. This toy was a gift from a friend who tried it, but liked using a different medium better, so since it was just sitting in a corner drying up, she gave it to me to play with! **giggling with glee like a 3yr old**

Because it hadn't been used in so long, it had begun drying up. The back of the can says to use paint thinner to "rejuvenate, soften, blend" although Claudia said I could use water... Weellll, I bought some acetone (which can be used to thin paint) and decided to try both methods.

I have some raw brass that I washed with soap and water to remove any remaining oils and residues from the stamping process and sat down to play with the Gilder's paste. I can tell you now that it is not easy to revive. :-)

I have 5 different colors to play with in various stages of drying out. I will post again after I figure out the best way to rejuvenate it.

Cans of Gilder's paste

Wings in Antique Gold

Well, we have to let it dry for 12 hours, then buff it and seal it with acrylic sealer. Tune in later for an update on how it turns out! And don't forget to always have fun with your crafting!

Are YOU Ready For The Holidays? Part III Ornaments

I finally completed the 1st couple of 2011 Holiday Ornament designs. Whew! And I must say YAY!!! I am totally in love with them and hope you will be too!

I am still learning the ins and outs of designing a specific line of items, so please bear with me as I learn. In part 3 of my series, "Are YOU Ready for the Holidays" I am introducing MadScientistsDesigns 1st three 2011 Holiday Ornaments:

1. NeoVictorian Steampunk Splendor in Silver is a hand-picked used vintage vacuum tube decorated with a delicate antiqued silver filigree featuring a Swarovski crystal, handmade silver colored twisted jump rings, and  a delicate, transparent gold ribbon, this ornament has a NeoVictorian elegance combined with a Steampunk flair.

2. NeoVictorian Steampunk Splendor in Brass is a hand-picked used vintage vacuum tube decorated with a rich antiqued brass filigree featuring a Swarovski crystal, handmade Vintaj brass twisted jump rings, and a delicate, transparent gold ribbon, this ornament has a NeoVictorian elegance combined with a Steampunk flair.

3. Steampunk Wirework in Brass is a used vintage vacuum tube featuring a rich Vintaj brass  wire-wrapped knot and suspended from hand twisted, handmade jump rings.

Each ornament will be a one-of-a-kind unique piece because of the use of vintage vacuum tubes and wire-work. The perfect cross-over gift, it works for both men and women, Christmas, Yule, NeoVicotian style, Steampunk, Goth, geekery, and so many more...

Happy holidays!

Are YOU Ready For The Holidays? Part 2

The holidays are rapidly approaching! Yikes! So many ideas streaming though my head and only so much time to work on them!

In part 2 of my "Are YOU Ready for the Holidays" series I am introducing a new item available at MadScientitstsDesigns: The Box of Love.

Box of Love

Several years ago I received one from my mother and have treasured it ever since. My version of the box is custom wrapped in premium scrap-book papers then tied with a pretty ribbon. The poem itself is hand cut using decorative scissors and adhered to the box. Although I am premiering this item in time for the holidays, it is a year-round item adaptable to many gift-giving occasions.

Because I hand-make each one, no two will ever be exactly alike. :-)

Here is a preview of the variety available:

Baban Cat: Psst! Oi, you!

A hilarious story from Baban that I HAD to share with all the cat lovers out there! Enjoy! :-)

Baban Cat: Psst! Oi, you!: Do you like my shiny winter coat? Nice isn't it? It's the best I've ever had! You don't know me but my name is Dizzy. It's a stupid name ...

EtsyExtension: What attribute?

Happy Thursday! Etsy recently added new features to help with search relevancy in an attempt to make it easier for buyers to find what they are looking for. I ran across this blog featuring an item from my friend Boitifole explaining the different available Etsy attributes with pictured examples and decided to share. Enjoy! :-)



EtsyExtension: What attribute?: I was not surprised that etsy wanted to give the shopper the edge by giving them a more narrow search field to find what they are looking fo...

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Even though it isn't Halloween yet, Christmas items are beginning to pop up everywhere! At the stores, Etsy.... So I decided to start my Christmas wish list early this year! Hope you find some items you like also.

Handmade items are always more special than mass produced items. Please buy handmade when possible and support artisans. Thanks!



What do you want for Christmas or Yule?

Friday Fun

I made a fun little treasury for today comprised of members from 3 of my teams. Enjoy!

Are YOU Ready For The Holidays? Part 1

I know that I am ready with several new lines both planned and in the works.

I have already launched the first series in my Autumn Line: Decadent Decoupage Earrings. Decadent Decoupage are 2-sided with 4 different images on handmade ear-wires. They are sassy but classy with a neo-Victorian and Steampunk feel. This series predominantly features Steampunk ladies on clock faces altered art . The earrings are lightweight and easy to wear while really making a statement! Each pair is a piece of one-of-a-kind original jewelry art. Artwork for your ears!

 

Steampunk Decoupage Earrings 004 Risque

 

Steampunk Decoupage Earrings 003 Gaze

 

Steampunk Decoupage Earrings 002 Sepia

Coming soon:

Decadent Decoupage Nudes

Delightful Decoupage Earrings

Vintage Vacuum Tube Christmas Ornaments

Wire Wrapped Christmas Ornaments

Handmade Winter Journals

Etsian Artists: Freaky & Fun Friday - How To Make A Spider and Web...

Great ideas to help with your Halloween decorations! It's coming up folks! Enjoy this posting from oddballartco. :-)

Etsian Artists: Freaky & Fun Friday - How To Make A Spider and Web...: Part 2 How To Make A Spiders Web This weeks tutorial is a little different to what you are use to getting from me but only because I ...

Art and Sew Forth: Monday MEWsings presents Artistically Created Cat ...

Another wonderful shop to check out today! JoysBarnLions supports feral cat rescue. Enjoy! :-)

Art and Sew Forth: Monday MEWsings presents Artistically Created Cat ...: JoysBarnLions Welcome to another week of Monday MEWsings! The PURRson I have chosen for today's post is not only a member o...

Play time!

Well, I've been sort of on hiatus because I managed to misplace my camera battery..... finally gave in and ordered a new one and it JUST CAME!!!! Woo Hoo! Back in business!

So...... while I waited for a decent picture, I decided to take another look at my favorite tutorial site: Jewelry Lessons and some of my jewelry magazines. So many techniques, so little time..... sigh. Needless to say, inspiration overload occurred and I started trying new techniques! Here are a few of the new techniques I learned (or worked on):

Herringbone Weave:

Netted Bezel:

Wire Wrapping:

Knotted Headpins:

I love learning new techniques! If you ever see anything that you want me to try, just let me know.  :-)

Art and Sew Forth: Monday MEWsings Picks from the Cat Avis Unite Team...

A little re-posting today! A lovely write-up featuring my friend Lilybellesjewels! Lily has lots of wonderful items in her shop including gorgeous flower earrings, fun bottlecap necklaces, ACEOs, and newly listed Halloween cards!

In addition to being a gifted artisan, Lily works tirelessly to help animals in need and donates 10% of all sales to Mt. Olive TNR Project.

Enjoy!

Art and Sew Forth: Monday MEWsings Picks from the Cat Avis Unite Team...: "Over at the Cat Avis Unite Team on Etsy, we share our new listings with one another. After PURRusing this fine feline friend's shop this w..."

Etsian Artists: Marvelous Mondays

Halloween is coming at the speed of a runaway freight train!! Lots of super fabulous, spooky, cute, and just flat out cool finds all over Etsy.

Today we have some fabulous Halloween finds from the Etsian Artists Team! We have a scaredy cat door hanger, a bat magnet, a really cool skull bracelet, a cute miniature clay black cat, scary spider earrings, a skull ring (mine), a cool crocheted black widow spider, great green skull earrings, spooky graveyard photography, awesome ACEO, super star earrings, crocheted Halloween garland, and last, but not least, Jack O'Lantern Halloween coasters!

All these great finds and more are available from members of the Etsian Artist's Team. Enjoy! Psst! ((everything is for sale)) Sssshhhhh!! Grab them up first!

Etsian Artists: Marvelous Mondays: "I know its still a way off yet but I am feeling a little bit spooky today so let's see what the Etsian Artists are cookin' up for Hallowee..."

Time Travelers: Now Don't Go Losing Your Head! ;)

Today I'm re-blogging from one of my teams: Time Travelers Team.

oursj searched far and wide (through TTT shops) and founds some truly interesting and unique skull items (including some of MY earrings! hahaha). With Halloween just around the corner, Etsy seems to be gearing up for a fabulously fun holiday season this year! Enjoy!

Time Travelers: Now Don't Go Losing Your Head! ;): "Browsing through our Time Travelers Team Members shops, I found a lot of curious and unique items featuring skulls. Why not share I thought..."

Mad Facts and Versatile Blogger Nominations

Recently Baban Cat nominated me, along with 6 others, for a Versatile Blogger Award. How exciting! Only one catch: I must reveal 7 "interesting" facts about myself and nominate 7 other bloggers for the award. Hmmmm....

Shoot! Now I have to think of 7 things about ME that others might find interesting.....

1. I have 10 rescued and/or adopted cats.

 2. I am allergic to cats! (hahahahaha great cosmic joke that one!)
3. I have been working with wire since February 2011 (that's right, I only started this year).

 4. I have climbed pyramids and visited ruins in Mexico.
5. I was once blessed by the Pope (I was in the audience for one of the Sunday hang-out-the-window blessings).
6. I have been to the top of the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
7. I am a self-taught artist in that I have no "formal" art or jewelry making training...

Whew! That was hard!! Aaack!! Now on to something even HARDER!!!!!

My Versatile Blogger Award picks...

Fanfare please.....

Disclaimer: Please note that these choices are in no particular order of preference.....

1. Market My Shop by TangledMetal
2. At Home in the Home Counties with ArtySandp by ArtySandp
3. Etsian Artists by oddballartco
4. brienna pruce by Brienna
5. The Fabulous Animal Rescue Project by FARP
6. Art and Sew Forth by the owner of The Verification Cat
7. Merriweather Technology for the Discerning Adventurer by agentofchaos

Check them out! Hope you enjoy them! :-)

Baban Cat: Nominated

I am up for a Versatile Blogger Award! Yay!! Thank you Baban Cat!! To read more about the award and to see the other nominees, please check out Baban Cat's blog. Smiley, smiley today!! WOO HOO!!

Have a great day!
Mad

Baban Cat: Nominated: "I really should be painting. Cornflower white. As I said, I should be painting. I've done two walls and I'm having a break. I'm blaming Ap..."

August Giveaway!!

Visit the AUGUST HOT FEST BLOG GIVEAWAY for a chance to win my Copper Ox Dragonfly Wrap Ring!

Enter to win between now and September 5th! The contest is open to everyone, just click on the link above and follow the entry rules.  :-) Good luck!!

ACEO Swap on the Time Travelers Team - Etsy

Last week the TimeTravelersTeam on Etsy conducted an ACEO Swap. Ten people participated, some were experienced and for some (like me) it was totally new. I received my 3rd (and final) card in the mail today and happily report that they are all AWESOME!! Even the one made by someone who had never made one before! You can see more fabulous items by these talented artists by clicking on their names. Enjoy!!  :-)

I received this gorgeous, colorful Tiger from ArtSnark.

I received this a fabulously spooky Black Widow Spider from BlackFridayStudios.

I received this spectacular Steampunk Fly from Lilibellesjewels.

The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That!

Feeling whimsical today! So I made a hilarious treasury full of cats in hats! Hope you enjoy it too! :-)

Addicted to ACEOs???!!! Oh no!!!!! Say it ain't so!!

Yep! It's true! I've been bitten by the ACEO bug. All are hand drawn using pencils, colored pencils, and pens.... When will the madness end??!! I keep thinking of new ones to make..... Someone give me the number for ACEOs Anonymous please!!!!

Steampunk Flowers

The Spider and the Fly

Swirl

Liriope in Bloom

Pumpkin

The Verification Cat

For some hilarious definitions of the verification words you have to type in to prove that you aren't a computer go to see The Verification Cat!

If you have always wondered what words such as ubolowle, tative, redus, brinne, or tarth really mean, The Verification Cat has your answer presented on adorably illustrated ACEOs.

WARNING: Be prepared to laugh your tail off!

 You can find all these definitions and more at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVerificationCat?ref=pr_shop

Enjoy!

ACEOs: Art cards, Editions, and Originals

I signed up to trade some art cards.... Only one problem: I have never made ACEOs!!! Eeek! Now I have to decide what I want to create. The only constraint is that the card measure 2 1/2" by 3 1/2". Hmmm.... The cards can be made using metal, paper, wire, yarn, cloth, clay, pretty much anything goes!

Here are some of the cards I created using paper, paint, pen, charcoal pencils, and colored pencils:

Time Travelers: Help Support!

Welcome to my new series of blogs on animal rescue groups!

Support Suzie's Zoo Sanctuary for FELV+ Felines (a re-blog from the Time Traveler's Team blog)

For more information on Suzie"s Zoo: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzys-Zoo-Sanctuary-for-FeLV-Positive-Kitties/136403249724521?sk=wall&filter=1


Time Travelers: Help Support!: "Are you an animal lover? Love felines and want to make sure they are getting the care and love that they deserve? If you answered yes, then..."

THE FABULOUS ANIMAL RESCUE PROJECT: CATS FOR CATS!

ONE NIGHT ONLY! A celebrity concert to benefit Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats!

*****CATS FOR CATS August 6th at 8:00 at the Orpheum Theater Downtown Los Angeles******

"All proceeds benefit Kitty Bungalow - Charm School for Wayward Cats, Shawn's Los Angeles non profit cat rescue, dedicated to help find every cat a warm lap! "

For more information on Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats: http://www.kittybungalow.org/

THE FABULOUS ANIMAL RESCUE PROJECT: CATS FOR CATS!: "Project member Shawn who is the Headmistress at Kitty Bungalow Charm School For Wayward Cats wants to share this super spectacular event ..."

MSPCA Teams with 2 Organizations to Host Kitten Adoptathon

Check this out!!!

MSPCA Teams with 2 Organizations to Host Kitten Adoptathon

Time Travelers: Claudia is in the House!

Time Travelers: Claudia is in the House!: "Are you looking for some unique jewelry with an added twist or flare that will help you to stand out amongst your friends, family and cowork..."


Check out this Blog featuring Claudia Bruno!

Etsian Artists: Fabulous & Fun Fridays - How To Make a Decorative ...

Etsian Artists: Fabulous & Fun Fridays - How To Make a Decorative ...: "I love Fridays! It's the start of the weekend, the end of the week and I always have such high hopes going into it! I wanted to do someth..."

A terrific tutorial from oddballartco of Etsian Artists. Make your own personalized bubble mailers!

Love this!

Dragonfly Dreams

 I've been working on a dragonfly sculpture using a vintage vacuum tube and wire. After some rework, because something in the original plan didn't look the way I wanted it to, I finally finished it! Wow! It was quite a labor of love.  :-)

The finished piece measures 5 inches long, 4 1/2 inches wide, and 1 1/4 inches tall. Made solely from a vintage vacuum tube, wire, and imagination.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76189375/sara-inspired-dragonfly-wire-sculpture

Adventures in Patina

Yesterday I used a patina technique for the 1st time!! It wasn't as hard as I was afraid it would be. I modified a recipe for making patina at home from B'sue Boutiques. ** http://www.bsueboutiques.com/pi_cool_ways_to_age_brass.shtml ** I used what I had on hand, distilled white vinegar and Morton's salt.

I soaked the rings in the solution for an hour. Then, baked them for 13 1/2 minutes, took them out and let them cool. They looked really funny and salty. hehehe

After they were cool, I rinsed the dragons off in water and rubbed them dry. They came out a rosy hue with purple accents on the scales. Awesome! Now I just have to get some wax for them (hopefully tomorrow). Can't wait to see how they come out!

Welcome to Mad Ramblings

Hello, and welcome to Mad's Mad Ramblings. Here I'll be blogging about my Etsy shop and my Etsy teammates.