Diving into ACEOs

I have always loved drawing. Crayons, colored pencils, finger paints, oils, pastels, acrylics..you name it, I've dabbled in it. My favorites are colored pencils and acrylics. Colored pencils because they are so versatile and vibrant. Acrylics, for the same reasons, but also beacause they are paints and using them makes me feel like a real artist :) Also, they dry pretty fast making them a good choice for hectic lifestyles and impatient personalities!

So I have opened another Etsy shop, called Chameli Creations! Chameli is the Hindi word for that lovely flower, jasmine. The word "jasmine" is derived from the Persian word (also used as a a name), "yasmin," which means "gift from God." I am not a classically trained artist. That is to say, I have never had any formal training, other than those elemantary art classes, but I don't let that hinder me from trying. Flower, trees, nature in general is a great inspiration for me. I am not good at drawing life-life portraits and such. But I do like abstracts and strong, vivid colors. I use the world around me, our gift from God, to inspire me.

The ACEO pictured above is one of mine, entitled "Mountain Home." I have 3 more in my shop and I plan on drawing more. It's very exciting getting into a new art and learning all about it.

ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. They have only one rule, and that it that it must measure 2.5 by 3.5, the size of a baseball cards. If it is any other size, it can not be called an ACEO. The size makes it easy and affordable for are collectors to collect a variety of art from all over the world and place them in card albums or shadow boxes, give as gifts....the possibilities are endless! I LOVE the idea of collecting mini masterpieces and I am looking foward to starting my own collection.

Here are some of my favorites that I found on Etsy.....

Open Heart ACEO by ArtGarden

Happy Together ACEO by PaintingPrints

The Clamshell Mermaid by SusanRodio

Hope you enjoy these and are inspired to start your own art collection!

Aprons Galore...and More!

As a mother, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I'll be the first to admit that, though I like cooking, it can get tiresome doing the same old thing everyday. But I know that this Patti Paisley Demi Apron from the Bella Morgan Boutique will make those mundane tasks all the more exciting! Aside from aprons, they have all kinds of loverly, handmade items, like diaper bags, burp cloths, bibs, tutus, etc....

They are also having a great giveaway for this delicious Cupcake Apron. Go visit The Apron Goddess to enter for a chance to win!

I got inspired by this apron, so I checked out what Etsians had to offer by way of this sugary confection. Here is an adorable Little Girl's Cupcake Bracelet...

A Sweet Cupcake Painting.....

A Cupcake Cook Charm Necklace, which I think is fabulous...

And this cute Princess Tea Party Dessert Felt Set

I am going on a sugar overload, so catch you later while I go brush my teeth :)

Spring Fever!

In anticipation of spring, the EtsyNJ Street Team is running a sale! Check it out here! And of course, I am participating as well. I am offering free shipping on any order in my shop for the run of the sale. I am so lucky to be part of such a great team! Starting out on Etsy is pretty easy, but it can also be overwhelming. And the feeling of being overwhelmed applies not just to Etsy but to everything dealing with the handmade world, in which I have just dipped my toes in. So I have a lot to learn and being part of a team gives me a resource that I can go to for any questions that I have. It was through the team that I learned of a Craft Show taking place in Medford, NJ. It runs from March13th to the 15th. Even though I can't actually be there, Sheri the organizer said that it would not be a problem. I could just send the stuff to her, she would sell it and then send me any remaining items and my money! Hopefully, all I will get back is a big check....and nothing else!

I have also set up my display in the nail salon that agreed to sell my jewelry on consignment. I am really wanting to go to the mall and walk past and see if anything has been sold or not! I started out small. about 6 pairs of earrings and 4 necklaces. I pulled up a sample contract online and tailored it for my situation. I have to admit, it was a little scary for some reason, asking the owner to read and then sign the contract. I have always been geared toward the sciences my whole life, so doing something business-related made me empathize with the whole fish-out-of-water scenario.

Looking around on Etsy, I found this lovely necklace...

A gorgeous steampunk necklace that invokes that irresistable essence of early spring. It's made by JewelsofLuxury and I think that she did a great job on the composition of the photograph as well. Here is a painting that drew my eye, titled "Dreaming of Spring." How apropos!

The artist, Sascalia, is a self-taught artist in mixed media. She grew up in rural France, and now lives in the U.K. I adore the colors that she uses and her technique is so storybook-like. My walls are looking bare! And since it can still run a little cold in early spring here in the Garden State, I leave you with this lovely scarf from Grace Sakowski of gsakowskidesigns!