Manuela Wutschke - An Amazing, Jaw Dropping Glass Artist on Etsy!

As I perused Manuela's Etsy store,

my jaw dropped and hit the floor!

It was so hard to choose just a few of her magnificent works of art to showcase in this blog!

I've picked some, but please check out her store.

There are so many amazing beads and works of wearable art there,

it REALLY was hard to choose!

Amazing, right?

This beautiful work of art is called Looking at the Sea Fish Lentil Bead.

I love it!

Do you see the fish?

His big, beautiful, golden eye looks down for food.

Wow!

This work is magnificent!

Oh, the beauty of coral for the summer months!

The beauty of this work from Manuela!

Necklace at the Opera, 

and it's one of a kind.

It is entirely handmade by Manuela!

Oh, my, goodness!

This piece takes my breath away!

Sunshine on My Face Handmade Lampwork Focal Glass Cat and Bird Bead.

I love Manuela's Whimsical beads, too.  Look at all the detail in this bead!

Each bead tells a short story to those who look closely!

Oh, my!  My jaw is still on the floor after seeing this neckpiece!

It is amazing!

It is one of a kind.  It is all handmade by Manuela!

There are 136 wave beads in this work of wearable art!

Like, WOW!

Oh, I almost forgot, this piece is called,

Paradise.

It really is!

Now, in this short tour of Manuela's Etsy Store,

I didn't do justice to her work,

I know that, 

but, if you follow her on Etsy, you will be able to see an amazing array of beads and jewelry!

Le Ann Gehring-Ryan Mankato Artist Reflecting on her Life

If you live in Mankato, Minnesota,

you will be pleased to know that Le Ann Gehring-Ryan is exhibiting her art work at the
Carnige Art Center of Mankato.
I've known Le Ann for several years.
We used to teach at the same high school, West High School, in Mankato.
Le Ann is an art teacher there.
Two years ago, on February 5th,
Le Ann had a stroke.
As Le Ann came back from her stroke,
she realized how much her life had changed.
I would visit her, and I watched her progress.
Her art became a focal point in her life.
You will see the paintings that she created after her stroke.
They show her feelings about recovery,
and
the journey she had to take.
Now, as I walked through the gallery,
I took photos.
However,
I forgot to write down the names of Le Ann's paintings.
Some I can guess.
Others,
well, all I can say is let them tell you the story.

This is a mixed media self portrait of Le Ann.
She's a lovely woman.
I know the name of this one.
Light at the End of the Tunnel.
I don't remember the name of this painting, but I like it!
Le Ann often portrays herself as a crow.
Note the bandaids.
I love this one.
This depicts Le Ann's special friend, Charley, taking care of her.
I think this one was called
As the Crow Flies.
I remember when Le Ann started this painting.
She was in the early stages of recovery.
Note the damage to her brain.
Pushing up Daisies, I think.
I don't remember the name of this one.
I do remember the name of this one.
Fork in the Road.
I think was called
Learning to Write Again.
Le Ann had to learn to write again.
Self Portrait.
Note the bandaids.
She had a lot to do to recover.
What a vision of your mind.

Thanks, Le Ann, for sharing your art with us!
Isn't she an amazing artist?
What a journey for her.

Belvedere Beads - Wow!

If you see what Lucinda sees when you look at this photo, you are GOOD!

I see this photo, and I see corn.

Lucinda sees this, and she makes an amazing piece of wearable art. See the next picture.

See what I mean?

Lucinda demonstrates her creativity in her wonderful blog called Belvedere Beads.
She made headpins with crows and roses on the ends.
She really upped the bar on those!
She also makes earrings with the headpins she designs.

Now, these earring are made with some of her fabulous beads!
She also makes her own ear wires!
Lucinda is so talented.
She describes herself this way:
"painter, ragpicker, flame geisha & wayward fusspot who should spend more time painting and less time with the torch."
These beautiful rose headpins can be found on Etsy at the Belvedere.

Lucinda also has another store on Etsy called: Curious Old Things.
I found this vintage brass belt buckle there.
I am an unabashed fan of Lucinda Storms!
I hope you follow her blog
so that you can see her amazing
work!
Don't forget to check out her two Etsy Shops here and here.
You won't be sorry!!
I only wish I could see the way Lucinda sees!
Amazing!

Renee Wiggins--Artist, Supplies, and so much more

I made a visit to Renee Wiggins' website called Jet Age Studio. What a treat that was for me! Talk about exciting treats for the lampworking eye! Take a look at this frit------------------------------------------>!
Isn't it beautiful? It's called "Electron." It's a hand blended reduction frit from Jet Age Studio!

Oh, and there's so much more! But before we go into some of the other products featured in Jet Age Studio, I want you to hear what Renee has to say about herself.

"I took my first lampworking glass back in 1993 with Sam Sypolt (the Tucson folks may recognize that name best! ). Glass working became more than just lampworking to me, so soon after the lampworking experience, I started studying other methods to manipulate glass beginning with mosaic art, stained glass, then fusing. Fusing stuck with me for several years (and continues to be a chosen artistic outlet for me to this day), but in 2006 I decided to buy my first bench torch mainly to work elements into my fused work. I got bit by the lampworking bug again hard, and got back into making beads immediately. Getting back on the torch opened my eyes to even more glass manipulation techniques. I now focus on making decorative elements such as murrini, which I use in my own work as well as sell to supply other lampworkers."

Murrini, (I never know how to correctly spell that word!) Take a look at this!

This is only one sample of the many beautiful murrini's available from Jet Age Studio. I'm just drooling!
This one is called "O'Keefe." There are many other types of murrini on the web site to inspire you to greater levels of skill and creativity. Speaking of inspiration, here's what Renee has to say about inspiration.

"I get my color ideas and inspiration from so many sources; nature, the city, the desert, the numerous (too many in fact!) design magazines I subscribe to, and definitely other glass artists. I love to get out into nature; I'm an avid gardener so it's a natural "go to" for me when I want inspiration. My husband is a fine art painter, and his work always inspires me with how he layers his colors. We also belong to a local artist group and often have meetings just discussing art in general. Learning from and seeing how I can "adopt" some of their ideas from their disciplines into mine is always inspiring (and challenging). Knowing I still have so much more to learn about glass always keeps me wanting to 'do more'."

Renee is also a very talented bead artist!
Look at this bead! --------------------------------------------------->
Isn't it amazing?

There are more beads to see on the website. I particularly liked this one.

Now, one thing I have to tell you privately. In an exclusive interview with me, Renee admitted that she is "guilty" of some things. Yes, you heard right. Renee said she is GUILTY of certain things. Here's what she had to say about this. Remember this is an exclusive.

"I'm really guilty of namely wearing my pj's all day in the name of "art"...feeding the neighborhood kitties "unsolicited" table scraps and seeking recipes to "copy" ethnic cuisine."

Well, I tried. Renee is not only a talented artist, but she has a wonderful web site with great items to feed the lampworking soul. When you visit, be sure to visit her e-zine: JATO. It's really wonderful reading, and it's more food for the artistic soul.

Lori Ramotar- Another Fabulous Artist!

I honestly wonder if there is something that Lori Ramotar can't do. Her art work is fabulous! Her metal work with jewelry is amazing! She blogs. She's married.
She's, well, she's Lori Ramotar.

Before I let Lori do a bit of talking, I want to give you the links to Lori's blog, online stores, and website.




This painting by Lori --------------->
can be found in her Etsy store. It's called Different Yet Still the Same.




















This print called: She was free to Dream, is found in Lori's Artfire store.














This bracelet made by Lori is listed in her jewelry store, The Royal Bead, on Etsy.












Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In --------->

Now, I want to let Lori do a little talking about herself:
When I was a little girl of only 6 yrs. old, I already knew what my calling in life would be. It was at this age, I first declared that I would be an artist when I grew up. Creating gave me an overwhelming feeling of happiness and purpose, and it still does.
I concentrated on painting in high school and continued to develop my skills and particular style as I went on to major in fine art during college. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County, the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and finally the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. As most artists do, I have dabbled in many art forms, and my love of sculpture led me to jewelry design. I have been creating my own jewelry since 2002, and spent 4 yrs. as a professional glass bead maker (lampworker). I had to retire from lampworking when my husband and I moved to Florida. I have since been concentrating on metalwork in my jewelry designs.
(Love Live Dream Hope) ------------>


I have never stopped painting though, and my love for texture and layers in my jewelry designs led me down a new path to mixed media paintings. First and foremost, I am obsessed with color, texture, and design. I desire all of my artwork to attract second glances and bring visual and emotional enjoyment to the viewer. I use only high quality materials in my creations, and spend a great deal of time researching new products and techniques.
I enjoy using inspiring or amusing quotes in my pieces. I believe we all need daily smiles and uplifting reminders to get us through difficult times. I hope you enjoy my artwork, as I have created it not just for my own enjoyment, but for yours also!

Before I forget, be sure to check out Lori's blog! It's called Kitties and Cupcakes!

Ursula Lengyel Studio on Etsy

The reason I found Ursula Lengyel was because I was bored one night, but now, I am so glad that I was bored. One some nights when I am bored, I do what I call, blog hop. I go up to the tool bar on Blogger, and I hit next blog. It took a bit, but I finally found Urusla's blog. There are some works of art and certain artists to whom I take iimmediately. Ursula is one of those rare artists whose work jumps out at me.











This painting, available in Ursula's etsy store, is called Marie. It is her take on Marie Antoinette. I love the face on Marie, and the colors chosen by the artist. She seems a bit pensive, and I think, are you wondering what the peasants will say when you say, "Let them eat cake."





















This painting is called "Peace." The angel seems to be very much at peace and looking to us to grow in peace! Love it!





















This painting is called "All Dressed Up." I see the young woman all dressed up but waiting for someone special. Notice the glitter in her hair.




















This angel is looking above and beyond our earth. Isn't she lovely? This work of art is called "It will be good."

You can find more of Ursula's work in both her Etsy and Artfire stores. Be sure to look. You won't be disappointed.

I snagged a new treasury on ETSY!

These are great artists!
Please click and comment, especially, if you are in the treasury.

Slavko's Artworld Gallery on Etsy

In my opinion, Slavko Zgonjanin is the foremost and outstanding artist on Etsy. His store is named Slavko's Artworld Gallery! Every time I visit there, I am awed and overwhelmed by the quality of the work that Slavko produces. I am now quoting from Slavko's bio in his profile:

"Slavko Zgonjanin
painter, ceramist, sculptor, teacher....

I create what I like: my thoughts, my visions, my dreams, places in my memory, feelings, that's the freedom of my life and work. Variety, experimenting with different styles and techniques are deep inside of my being. Discovering great joy in sculpture, ceramic creations and paintings made my work wide open to different mediums, styles and techniques.
Ceramic jewelry I make just about 35 years now. Real unique pieces, every time different, real OOAK. My jewelry is sold in more than 70 different countries.
My ceramics, paintings, sculptures and painted furniture can be found in many private and corporate collections in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and South America."

When you see the work samples from his shop that I will showcase here, and when you visit his shop, you will that this statement only begins to touch the surface of his art. He is fabulous!

This is an ACEO card, a limited edition. I am awed and amazed at this fabulous piece of art.

This pendant is stunning! Words fail me on this work of art!
This oil is called Inner Healing.
I can almost feel the healing process as it occurs here.
I have saved the best for last. Can you image owning this sink? I don't think I'd ever use it. I'd just stand there and admire it all day!
Be sure to visit Slavko's gallery on Etsy. You won't be disappointed.

A Fabulous Mankato Artist - Laura Veenhuis

A small resturaunt opened in North Mankato a while back. The name of the resturaunt is Christie's. When you walk into Christie's, not only are you impressed with the ultimate cleanliness of the eating area, you are struck by the awesome works of art on the wall. These paintings, and other types of art, were created by two of the waitresses in the cafe. I will feature one of these fabulous young women today. Her name is Laura Veenhuis, and such a talented artist she is!






Now, let's look at some of the fabulous works of art that have come from the mind, heart, soul, and hand of this young woman. I almost forgot to add that you can view more of her work at MN Artists

















This image is titled "Tormented #5." I don't know who the model is for this masterpiece of artwork, but the artist truly has portrayed a woman in torment. Notice the details in the photo: the stitching on the shrug, the simple jewelry, the pensive look of the woman's face. All three of the paintings you will see, are hung together on one wall. The look of the wall is dramatic and astounding!


















The title of this masterpiece is "Tormented #1." Look at the aging woman. Her earrings and her glasses are reflective. The wrinkles on the woman's face show the struggles of her life. You can't see the cigarette in her hand, but she is smoking one. The nerves and anxiety of this woman cause the aging in her face. She is pensive and concerned. What a stunning work of art!



















This work of art is called "Tormented #2." Again, I'm looking at the details. This woman looks in a new direction. See the minute details of her person. Can you see the detailed pattern of her scarf, her earrings, and her hat? Look at the troubled face she is showing to the world. Why is she tormented? What has happened to this woman of color to cause the anguish in her face? Where is she going? What will happen to her next?

This was just quick tour of the art available at Christie's in North Mankato. Laura is one of the fabulous artists whose work you will see when you go in there. When you do go in for some of the fabulous food they serve, stick around a bit and talk to Laura. You'll not only get to see her art, but you'll get to know the artist, too.