To Mannequin, or Not to Mannequin...

... That is the question...

Whether it be nobler to wait until I can purchase a real one or go ahead and see if I can make my own... hmmmm.

I've been wanting a mannequin neck/ torso to display my necklaces in my ArtistiKat and ArtKat shops. I've found a few on-line but they were well outside my price range, and also visited many of the department stores in my area to see if they had any broken ones they'd be willing to part with.
No luck.

Most of you know that I hate waiting, so I thought I'd jump in with both feet and see if I can make one.
I have no idea what I'm doing and precious little to work with, but they do say that necessity is the mother of invention... here goes.

First I started with a holiday tree stand that my sweet hubby made for me a couple of years ago to display my jewelry on at craft shows. I cut off the widest bottom branches, covered with a red t-shirt and filled it with newspaper.

Found an old container of plaster/ spakle for patching wall under the sink. added water to make it a runny batter consistency. Ripped paper towels into strips then dipped into the plaster and had a bit of fun.
Here's the rough with the top of the tree still showing. It kinda looks like a manic mummy.
;P

After a lot of sanding and patching, and sanding again, I finally have something that may work. As you can see from the 3/4 view, the back is still rough. I probably won't do much to that; just need the front for my photos.

I found a little white tank top at goodwill and am going to use it to hide the imperfections.

It may not be the most professional looking end result, but it was actually pretty fun to do.

* Expect to see her (it?... I haven't got a name yet) displaying my necklaces real soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring and Weddings

It's Spring and a young man's thoughts turn to ....
Well, probably not weddings. LOL

I HAVE seen a lot of wedding items and wedding preparations showing up lately. My little shops are no different.
;)

I've been working up a few new designs for my Spring/ Summer Wedding Collection.
Here are a few of my first plus a favorite that seems to be generally liked.

Elegant Pearl with pretty Silver Curl, perfect for a Bride.


Lovely Pastel Blue Amazonite, would be pretty for a bridesmaid or lovely on a Bride


Stunning Golden Heart also comes in other colors. Take a peek at my starfish for more shades or contact me if you have a particular color scheme in mind.

A favorite for weddings. The union of two Hearts.

Stay tuned for more of my new wedding line to come!

Look What Came in the Mail!

Something wonderful came in the mail yesterday...

I was the lucky winner of this gorgeous hat from the Wugs Backyard Blogspot giveaway!

It's even better in person than in the photos. The workmanship on this is incredible!

It's so soft and snuggly.I had to include one of Deb's photos that show the craftsmanship better than mine.

I'm amazed at the skill Deb has with crocheting. She is truly an artist. You should see some of her fantastic creations at her Wuglyees Etsy shop.

Perfect timing too... this morning was windy and chilly. I was all set to wear it today while walking the dog but couldn't find it. Looked everywhere!
Was frantically searching throughout the house, then I came across the note...

Turns out my darling daughter decided it would be the perfect thing to wear to school this morning.

I can see that if I want this lovely hat to myself, I'll need to hide it away.
LOL

Thanks Deb! You made my day!

No Joke April Fool's Day Special

Happy April Fool's Day everyone!

Woke up to a bright sun shiny day! Went outside and froze! brrr!!!!!
I guess that was natures idea of a little joke.
LOL

In honor of April Fool's Day, I'm running a free shipping (U.S. orders only) special in my Etsy ArtistiKat shop for TODAY (4/1/2011).

...no joke! ;DHere's a brand new item posted yesterday!
just click on the photo to see it in my shop.

Have a fun April Fools Day everyone!