Treasures, Treasuries, and Thoughts

I swore I would never do a blog! So much for swearing. I didn't think that I would have much to say or share. I was wrong! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, loyal friends, sharing colleagues, and the support from so many that I will never run out of topics to write about.

I have opened an on-line store at a place called Etsy (rhymes with Betsy). The items on the left are available for purchase there. These will change from week to week to show you my latest creations. The link to the store is in the upper left corner of this page.

I also have items for sale listed on Art Fire. The link to my Art Fire Studio is http://www.jstinson.artfire.com/

I hope you will visit this blog, my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/2500402289/) and my Etsy and/or Art Fire stores often. (http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/ http://www.jstinson.artfire.com


So come along on my Trail of Treasures! It will be a Spirit Journey for me and I invite you to join me on the trip.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

TALE OF THREE TREASURIES

Who Loves Jewelry....obviously I do and I bet you do too! This wonderful jewelry Treasury was done by Chauncey last month. My apologies for the delay in posting it to this blog. I was thrilled that Chaucey elected to include my carneliean bracelet (bottom row, middle item) in her collection.


Chauncey’s real name is Eileen and she hails from Philly. While Chauncey is a talented multi-media artist, she says that glass is her " #1 passion".

That really surprised me as I thought her #1 passion was chocolate making glass #2. We often chat in the Etsy forum and if Chauncey is in the room, chocolate will be mentioned pretty quickly! Chauncey’s glass pendants are spectacular! She does a lot of themed and personalized pendants. You may find a perfect one for yourself or a gift. Just check out Chauncey’s store at http://www.chauncey.etsy.com/. You will be pleased that you did.

This beautiful Treasury was done by Birose. I was thrilled that she included my Native American Picasso (second row, last item) necklace in her "Red and Turquoise" themed treasury. Don't you agree that these two colors have a natural affinity for one another?

Birose’s name is actually Rose. Birose comes from Big Island Rose Designs.
Rose was born in South Dakota, lived a long time in California and now resides in Hawaii…Big Island!

She creates wonderful pieces from buttons ,fabric and her trusty sewing machine. She uses Yo-yo’s and buttons in ways you can’t imagination. You will just have to see for yourself at http://www.birose.etsy.com/ !

This "Power of the Word" Treasury was done by Judy of JNOriginals. I am honored that she included my beaded pen, Old Glory (last item in the second row) in her tribute. Judy believes in the power of the word as is evident in her Forum postings and her blog.

If jnoriginals rings a bell, it is because I have written about her in previous blogs.
While we have yet to meet in person, Judy is almost a neighbor as she lives in Iowa! Judy does nifty needlework. She does wonderful felted wool items and a large variety of versatile needlework creations. Judy is one of those people who is a life long learner. She is always daring to try something new! Judy is a treasure trove of great ideas. You will want to see her work at http://www.jnoriginals.etsy.com/.

Mvto and Wa-do to Chauncey, Birose, and JNOriginals for honoring me in your wonderful Treasuries!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Beads On One String

Last Thursday afternoon, my son, Patrick, and I attended this performace Celebrating Cuture and Tradition Through Music and Story. We were motivated to attend not only due to our interest but also because Sheila Rocha, Native storyteller (pictured on your right above) and our friend was one of the featured artists. We know Sheila as a producer of Native theater performances and our encounters over many years at various Pow Wows.
Dennis Warner, Folk musician from Minnesota, has performed in venues from grade schools to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. He set the stage for the performance with his song and book, Beads On One String. If you usually purchase books for your children or grandchildren during the holiday season, let me highly recommend this one!
Beads on One String illustrates that while we are different, we are all connected by a common thread like beads on one string.

The sheet music for Dennis' song is on the book inside cover and a CD of the song comes with the book.





Dennis set the stage for this performance with his wonderful music, wit, and good humor.



Rita Pakowitz, Jewish Storyteller, tantalized us with her story about the Rainbow People and how you can become one by doing simple good deeds. She convinced us that if you do deeds of kindness, you may be the one who saves the world from being destroyed by a chocolate pudding filled astroid!


Idu Maduli, Black Story Actor, told the story of four black women in Omaha who grew up in the projects and went on to accomplish wonderful cultural and environmental feats.


Our friend, Sheila Rocha, Native Storyteller, related a fascinating story about her multi-cultural upbringing.



The concept of beads on one string is so strong that the Girl Scouts now have a Beads On One String merit badge and a project for elementary schools has been developed. You can bring this special project to your school. If interested, learn more at http://www.warnersongs.com/. We enjoyed the performance immensely and were reminded that we really are all beads on one string!






Thursday, October 16, 2008

Olivia's First Class Cake

She squeezes sea shells done by the cake base.


I Think I've Got It
I Know I've Got It!
Wa-La, I'm Finished With My FIRST CLASS CAKE!


Wishing You Rainbows!

My grandchildren, like many, are blessed with so many things. Lots of clothes, books, iPods, knick knacks,games and doo-dads! When it came time for Olivia's tenth birthday, I decided to give her a gift that would last a life time. She loves sweets and has always loved to play in the kitchen. So, I enrolled both of us in an adult cake decorating class knowing that she could handle it. Not only is she learning new skills but we have quality one on one time together.
I pick her up at school each Monday afternoon, we go some place for dinner and then make it to our 6:30 class. We have completed the first portion of the program and have two more lessons to go.


The instructor over-planned our last session and we had to return to my house for Olivia to complete her FIRST CLASS CAKE. We didn't want her family to see a work in progress but rather a finished accomplishment.

Now, Olivia is on the road to many fun times armed with a new creative skill and I will treasure the memories of our time together forever. Like Olivia's First Class Cake, we both wish you "Rainbows"!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Buyers Be Aware!

Buyers be aware that you are one of the greatest treasures of all! I so appreciate all of you who have purchased my work! In the interest of privacy, none will be identified but you know who you are.

All of the items that I had previously featured on my blog page have been sold! My Etsy customers, Pow Wow followers, and those who have purchased from me in other venues, MVTO and WA-DO!!! That is thank you in Creek and Cherokee and can't be said enough times to show my excitement when you support my work.

I have added new items to the front page of the blog. I hope you enjoy viewing them and may be stimulated to make them your own! BUYERS BE AWARE that you validate my work, give me the great pleasure of pleasing you, and the stimulation I need to keep beading. You are among my truest treasures!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Two New Treasury Features


First, let me say Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) to all of those who have included my items in your Treasuries during the summer. I truly appreciate it although I am woefully behind in adding them all to this blog! This morning, I determined that as well intentioned as I may be, back tracking to add them is just not going to happen soon. So, I am moving forward and will, in time, reflect back.



This morning I was honored to be included in the Treasury shown above which was curated by Mystic Silk. Mystic Silk is very special to me because when I was very new to selling on Etsy, Klaire, the owner of Mystic Silk, was the first person to put one of my items in a Treasury. I will never forget that!


Klaire included my Purple Haze bracelet in her current treasury. It is pictured in the center shot of the second row.


Klaire lives in Warren, Ohio. She describes her store as offering unique items of silk art. Her art is not only beautiful, it is usually functional as well. She makes gorgeous silk paintings, scarves and pillows. Her art work can not be duplicated not even by Klaire! So, each of her items is truly ONE of A KIND. To see the beauty of Klaire's work for yourself, visit her store at http://www.mysticsilks.etsy.com/. Mvto and Wa-do Klaire!




This wonderful treasury of turquoise was done by one of my Bbest friends on Etsy. Judy of Jnoriginals and I both belong to the Bbest street team and frequently have the opportunity to chat on line. She doesn't live too far away from me. Her store is in Urbandale, IA (a suburb of Des Moines).


She was kind enough to feature my "Turquoise On Ice" bracelet. It can be viewed on the third row, right in the photo above.


Judy is a thread artist…she sews, knits, and crochets. She makes wonderful felted wool bags, crocheted scarves, coffee cup jackets, coasters, napkin rings and more. You will want to visit Judy’s store at: http://www.jnoriginals.etsy.com/.

Again, Mvto and Wa-do to Klaire and Judy for featuring my items in their wonderful treasuries.