From mixed metals to mixed materials, my inspirations are constantly evolving. I have been finding myself drawn to natural fiber beads lately. I found these great donut-shaped beads, hand wrapped in dyed hemp, from my local bead store, from which I created a new line of whimsical, dangly earrings, called, you guessed it, “Fruit Loops”. Selling at $22 a pair, you can find them on my shop at Etsy.

Another discovery during my hunt for inspiration and excitement, came in the form of a 20 mm hand crocheted bead! These, too, insisted on the formation of a brand new line of jewelry aptly named, “The Crocheted Ornament” line. This line comes in several styles and colors, most of which are available at my Etsy shop, as well.

I didn’t really need another reason to celebrate this Holiday season…but I got one anyway!

If you happen to come across a copy of 500 Metal Vessels by Lark Books in your local Borders Books or Barnes & Noble, be sure to check out page 360. Want to know why? Because I’m in it!

My copper vessel, The Five Elements, was among the 500 vessels selected for inclusion by renowned metalsmith, Fred Fenster. You can purchase this beautiful, inspirational, full-color book at a great price from Contenti. Check it out.

In honor of the publication (my first, for the record) I’m offering a great Holiday Special!

Spend $65 or more (before shipping) in either of my online shops (www.dreamspiralart.etsy.com or www.dreamspiralart.com) and receive a free pair of Crazy Wire Ball Earrings (a $19 to $22 value)! These have been one of my most popular designs for years and they would make a fantastic gift!

Be sure to specify the color you want (Silver, Gold, or Silver with Gold) in the note to seller during check-out or just send me an email to let me know. Visit my ETSY shop to see photos of the three options.

Offer ends December 15 th.

The annual Cash and Carry Holiday Show takes place at the Lynchburg Academy of Fine Arts located at 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504. The show will take place from December 7 - 28, 2007 (the preview begins in the Lobby of the Arts & Education Building on Novmeber 20). Artwork from every medium imaginable will be juried in to this year’s show. I have been selected to submit work for this event. See my latest musings in metal and check out this special holiday event. For more information, please contact the Lynchburg Academy of Fine Arts.

As a member of art6 Gallery, located in Downtown Richmond, VA, I invite you to support a fundraising event to benefit art6 and Artspace through the purchase of tickets to the Gala Premiere of ThinkSmall4, the4th Biennial International Miniature Invitational Exhibition of art opening simultaneously at art6 and Artspace November 2nd 2007.

The ThinkSmall Gala Premier (sneak-peak opening) will take place November 1st, the night before this hugely popular exhibit opens to the public. Tickets are $25 each in advance, $30 at the door and include the following:

- Shuttle service between venues;
- Seated performances by eighth blackbird at art6 and Northside Consort at Artspace;
- a complimentary drink at each venue;
- mini-appetizers from great local area restaurants including Bistro Twenty Seven, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cafe Olé, Chez Foushee, City Ice, Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, Comedy Sportz, Lift, Kuba Kuba, Malabar, Ma-musa, Mekong, Montana Gold Bread Co., Nile, Popkins Tavern, Rostov’s Coffee & Tea and Sammy’s Bakery.

The ThinkSmall Gala Premier will take place from 7 – 10 pm; there is ample free parking at Artspace, Plant Zero, Zero East 4th Street.

Please contact me to purchase tickets or call art6 gallery at 804.343.1406 to make an advance reservation.

Thank you: we sincerely appreciate your consideration and support of our efforts to keep art and culture alive in Downtown Richmond, VA!

This candid picture was taken by photographer, Jay Paul, a couple of weekends ago at the 43rd Street Art Festival in Richmond. My friend, Karen, went with me to scope it out and enjoy the autumn weather.

Ever since I moved to Richmond, my ears have been buzzing with the term “indie-Art.” So in my quest for enlightenment on the topic of Indie-Art, I’ve had to do a little research.