Isn't This a Fine Kettle of Fish?

HAPPY EARTH DAY

2011-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22!

Keep doing every little thing you can to protect and heal Gaia the Living Planet!

DAVID SUZUKI POSTED AN EARTH DAY SPECIAL WITH SOME GREAT IDEAS FOR THINGS WE CAN DO FOR THE EARTH
"Ever wonder how your tiny carbon footprint really impacts the big picture of climate change? Though you might feel like your lifestyle is insignificant compared to things like oil extraction or vehicle emissions, the choices we make in our day-to-day life — how we get around, what we eat, how we live — play a major role in slowing climate change."

DAVID SUZUKI asks that if you love the environment, vote on May 2!
"On May 2, your vote will shape how Canada addresses its growing environmental challenges. Vote for a candidate who is committed to protecting the environment because a healthy environment is the basis of a strong economy. Your ballot will encourage our leaders to act in the short term, and develop a vision for the long term, to protect the air we breathe, water we drink, and all of nature.

Voter turnout in the last federal election was the lowest in history – let’s turn those lows into historic highs.

If you love the environment, pledge today to vote on May 2 and bring three other people to the polls with you."

Playlist for the Planet
30 itunes that support environmental stewardship.

Green your workplace
"Save cash, time, and the planet when you go green at work. We offer all the tips and tools you need. Remember, people love companies with an eco-conscience, and so does Mother Earth."

Reduce your carbon footprint
"Simple changes in our everyday lives can help slow climate change — including reducing our energy consumption, choosing to travel sustainably, and being conscious of what we purchase."

Eat for a healthy planet
"There are many food choices you can make to help the planet. Here are a few actions you can take."

Call for leadership
"Political leaders earn their positions from votes. They care about public opinion and keep close tabs on issues constituents raise in letters, meetings, phone calls and the editorial pages of local papers. Your voice matters."

Join the Book Club
"Enjoy a good read? Want to join a thought-provoking discussion about a great book? How about an opportunity to share ideas with like-minded people who want to create a more sustainable future?
The David Suzuki Foundation Book Club is a virtual meeting place for people who love books that inspire action. "

Be a community leader
"We're looking for citizen leaders across our country to help David Suzuki protect nature right where they live — in their homes, workplaces and communities. Because we're all in this together, and planet Earth is the only home we've got. "

GAIA ~ THE LIVING PLANET by dequilla

Here's to a cleaner, healthier Canada and world, our home and the future for our children.
cheers, Ruth

All Images Copyright Ruth J Jamieson, All Rights Reserved.

FEATURE BLOGS FOR THE WEEK OF March 27 to April 2, 2011

2011-03-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I hope you will check out this week's Blog Features on Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

THE ZAZZLE REVIEW Monday Feature: WELCOME ZAZZLER AND NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER LIZA DEY

'Fire Island Lighthouse at Sunset' Poster by lizadeyphoto

THE ETSY TIMES Wednesday Feature: MEET ARTISTS AND ETSY SELLERS BETTY AND ROSE REFOUR

FRIDAY FEATURE ARTIST: Is a surprise :)

* If you are interested in being considered for a feature in any of my Feature blogs, each one has a Blog Feature Submissions page *

Watch for more Butterfly Garden items in my Zazzle shop this week and also some of my new cute I Luv Bunnies! items

I Luv Bunnies items can be found in the ANIMALS product category, listed down the side bar of my shop, or by clicking on the ANIMALS category image box on the shop page.

Other ANIMAL categories include:

I hope you are having a fantastic week!
Our snow is melting and the ducks have arrived back, yay!!!

All images are Copyright to the Respective Artist, All Rights Reserved

WEEKLY ROUNDUP for March 20 to 26, 2011

2011-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a chance to check out this past week's Blog Features on Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

THE ZAZZLE REVIEW Monday Feature: was the wonderful and talented Zazzler JESSICA IN SEATTLE

Space Needle and EMP by JessicaInSeattle

THE ETSY TIMES Wednesday Feature: As my scheduled feature Etsy seller was unavailable this week, I chose to feature a fabulous ETSY Treasury on Wednesday. Curated by Shannon Girouard-Fogl the Treasury is from TEAM DISCOVERY and is titled 'Mother Nature Puts on Her Charms'

NATURE GLASS

FRIDAY FEATURE ARTIST was the lovely and talented multi-media artist Cherie Balowski

JUST CURIOUS (Kitty Kat) by Cheries_Art

* If you are interested in being considered for a feature in any of my Feature blogs, each one has a Blog Feature Submissions page *

I have been busy creating new designs for Spring, Easter, Earth Day and Arbor Day. Some of these designs are now available in my Zazzle shop 'dequilla'

Postage, Greeting Cards, Stationery, iPad and iPhone cases, Necklaces and coasters are now available featuring my popular art Butterfly Garden. This line is being expanded daily to include all Zazzle's products. For many products there will be a variety of designs to choose from. The original image is quite large so I am able to make product featuring the overall image and also close up portions of the image. I'm very excited about this versatility!

BUTTERFLY GARDEN MP229 Design by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN GC2 Design by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN S11 Design by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN Design iPad Case by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN Floral Design by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN Yellow Butterfly Design by dequilla

BUTTERFLY GARDEN Drinks Coaster by dequilla

HAVE A SUPER WEEKEND! I'll see you again on Monday with next weeks Feature line up and an update on what's new with my art and designs :)

All Images are Copyright to the respective artist, All Rights Reserved.

Written by Ruth J Jamieson, Copyright Ruth J Jamieson 2011, All Rights Reserved.

I'VE HAD SOME DESIGNS FEATURED IN THE BLOG HOLLY COW'S WORLD

2011-03-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to fellow artist and Zazzler Dan Radcliffe for featuring a few of my products over the last couple of months :)

DAN RADCLIFFE publishes this awesome Blog. 'HOLLY COW'S WORLD'

In the TO THE RESCUE, ANIMAL ADOPTION post of March, 23, 2011

KAZUL THE KAT Cat Design by dequilla

In the LOVE, LOVE, LOVE post of March 16, 2011

SENDING YOU MY LOVE ~ Love, Love, Love by dequilla

In THE VIRTUE OF PEACE post of March 9, 2011

PEACE Winter Sunrise Design by dequilla

LOVE YOUR POSTS DAN :) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FEATURES!

Actually, Holly Cow and her typing assistant Oliver the Duck write that blog, and it is filled with positive, fun and funny writings, anecdotes and images :)

Holly Cow and Oliver the Duck are just two wonderful characters created by Dan Radcliffe. He has whole families and communities of characters and they are all bright, positive and fun.

Some of those characters are the residents of 'Quarter Baked'. Dan portrays these quirky characters in many humorous situations, accompanied by wise cracks and 'words of wisdom'. I have had the honor of having Dan create characters for my husband and myself and we are very proud to have his original artwork hanging in our home. The character he created for me is SUNSHINE.

SUNSHINE, Never Stop Creating by dradcliffe

Some other great Quarter Baked characters are:

BEATRICE, Mornin' Sunshine by dradcliffe

MORRIS, The Life of the Party by dradcliffe

SYDNEY, Soak Up The Summer Sun by dradcliffe

MITZI THE CHEERLEADER, Go Team! by dradcliffe

KARL, Tired and Retired by dradcliffe

CHARLIE, It's Better Than Music, It's JAZZ by dradcliffe

AUNT AGNES Soup's On! by dradcliffe

FRIEDA, Not Just Another Pretty Face by dradcliffe

ABNER, Procrastinate?!! by dradcliffe

I hope you get a chance to visit Dan and all his wonderful characters soon. Tell them 'Sunshine' sent you :)

All images Copyright to the respective artists. All Rights Reserved.

Edited by Ruth J Jamieson, All Rights Reserved.

ZAZZLE'S JAPAN RELIEF STORE HELPING TO BRING AID TO JAPAN

2011-03-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

In support of the rescue and recovery process, Zazzle is donating to the Japanese Red Cross. For every one of Zazzle's official Japan Relief t-shirts sold, $10 of the proceeds will be given to the Japanese Red Cross to help with their aid efforts.

In addition there is a link in the store to donate funds directly to the American Red Cross for their work in Japan at this time.

Zazzle designers and shopkeepers have also contributed designs to the shop in order to donate the proceeds of the sale of those designs to the relief effort.

These are the designs I have contributed to these efforts. There are hundreds of designs donated by many, many Zazzler's. I hope you find one you like and that you are able to help Japan at this time.

PRAYERS FOR JAPAN by dequilla

HELP BRING HEALING TO JAPAN by dequilla

HELP BRING HEALING FOR JAPAN by dequilla

PRAY FOR JAPAN - SAYURI by dequilla

HEALING FOR JAPAN March 2011 by dequilla

WHAT'S UP FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 14 - 18

2011-03-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

I hope you will check out this week's Blog Features on Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

THE ZAZZLE REVIEW Monday Feature: Zazzler Cherie Balowski

Hello! Bunny Flower Collector by Cheries_Art

THE ETSY TIMES Wednesday Feature: Etsy Seller Emily Goodwin

FRIDAY FEATURE ARTIST: Ruth J Jamieson

* If you are interested in being considered for a feature in any of my Feature blogs, each one has a Blog Feature Submissions page *

This week and for the next couple of weeks, ZAZZLE is making some big, beautiful changes. If you visit the site and notice glitches, please be patient, all will be better than normal soon.

During this time of change, I am getting paperwork done and working on more great designs for my Zazzle shops and for Zazzle's Japan Relief shop. All proceeds from sales of products in that shop go to the United States Red Cross for relief work in Japan, after the earthquake and tsunami they suffered on March 11, 12, 2011.

Here are a few of those designs by fellow Zazzlers:

I Heart Japan by katetapley

Support Japan Butterfly Grass Nature Design by WhimsicalWonderland

Earthquake Relief Japan by Ladiebug

'til tomorrow have a fantastic day!

cheers, Ruth

***************************************************************************************************************************

SPRING FEVER HAS HIT

2011-03-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of spring here in Northern Ontario imminent, spring fever has come over me. Easter and spring designs are in the works for my Zazzle shops.

I have also added some new blogs to my group and I plan to move my FRIDAY FEATURE ARTISTS blog into this group of blogs and off of my website.

I'll have to work fast as it won't be long before I have to roll up my sleeves and get digging outside. As soon as the snow is gone I will be building a new vegetable garden so we can have delicious fresh produce right from our own property this year.

What kind of things are coming up for you when spring arrives?

cheers, Ruth

ENTERED ZAZZLES INTERNATIONAL VALENTINE CONTEST

2011-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Zazzle is having their first INTERNATIONAL design contest!

International Member Valentine’s Day Necklace Design Contest

Grand Prize:
Feature of the winning Necklace on the Zazzle Valentine’s Day Homepage row on Zazzle.com and all international domains with a Valentine’s Day row and inclusion in the Zazzle Blog.

This is so exciting and not wanting to miss this great opportunity, I set to work designing!

Here is my entry:

BUNNY LOVE VALENTINE by dequilla

This design is just one in a series that will be featuring these cute love bunnies. I'll post the others as they are developed. Stay tuned :)

REVISITING OLD FRIENDS

2011-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Today I am revisiting older designs in my shop. I do feel like I am visiting old friends who I haven't seen a long while. I'm freshening them up and dressing some of Zazzle's newer products with them. Well new since this artwork was put into the shop for the first time anyways.

One of these designs is PONY EXPRESS U.S.A.

PONY EXPRESS U.S.A. is a watercolor painting I did several years ago and which still hangs in my home. I find I can't part with it. It started out as an experiment, crumpling paper and pouring paint and ended up with a soft, vintage feel full of the wind blowing through the horses mane and the Pony Express riders pushing their steeds to gallop across the western plains of America to get the U.S. mail delivered safely and on time.

PONY EXPRESS Mail Riders by dequilla

PONY EXPRESS U.S.A. by dequilla

PONY EXPRESS AMERICANA by dequilla

PONY EXPRESS Mail Riders by dequilla

Guess I better get back to work, Davinci is getting restless.....

talk again soon :)

INTRODUCING WATERCOLORIST HEATHER LEE

2011-01-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY FEATURE, Jan. 28, 2011

Join me on my website RUTH J JAMIESON for my regular FRIDAY FEATURE and learn more about watercolorist Heather Lee and her wonderful artwork.

Today I am EBSQ Blogger of the Week

2011-01-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to EBSQ and Amanda Makepeace for the opportunity to be featured on EBSQ's blog. It is an honour and I truly appreciate it.

EBSQ supports living artists. If you've never checked it out, take some time to do so. Thousands of artists participate in EBSQ, it's forums, monthly juried shows, educational series and much, much more.

It was the influence of seeing the artists on EBSQ living their creative dream that galvanized me to begin doing so myself.

Please take some time to read the whole feature and perhaps a few others on the blog. Browse a few portfolios, meet a few new artists, perhaps find some inspiration for YOUR creative journey.

Cheers, Ruth

EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Ruth Jamieson

Posted by Amanda Makepeace in Artist Interviews, Blogger of the Week on January 25, 2011

This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week is an inspiration. It makes so difference what medium she chooses to work in, her art speaks to the heart.

Ruth Jamieson

Who and where are you?

I’m Ruth J Jamieson and thank you for featuring me as blogger of the week. I’m a visual artist and potter, though I have been on hiatus from clay for a number of years. I live and work in a little house my family and I built on the beautiful north shore of Lake Nipissing, in northern Ontario, Canada. My dining room is my studio and I watch the sun travel the sky and watch glorious sunsets many evenings while I work. I would say my current artistic focus is on photography and fractal art. I also create many digital art images by combining various elements including my photographs and fractals.

VISIT EBSQ's BLOG TO READ THE ENTIRE FEATURE!

Pauline Boyd is fundraising for The Stroke Association

2011-01-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Pauline Boyd is fundraising for The Stroke Association

ZAZZLE WORLD by Elena Indolfi: The Best of Valentine's Day Cards

2011-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

ZAZZLE WORLD by Elena Indolfi: The Best of Valentine's Day Cards: "Vintage roses and heart Valentine’s Love card by zazzleproducts1 View other Valentine Cards Sexy Sweet Love by PeppersPolishMafia View ot..."

72 DESIGNS IN 100 DAYS

2011-01-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

I committed to this project in my 2011 plan.

72 Names of God, designed before Pesach (Passover) begins.
So far I have completed four designs with several others in progress.

So here are the first four designs:

Stay tuned for the next 68 designs in this exciting series!

Cheers, Ruth

2011 IS WELL UNDER WAY, ALMOST AS PLANNED

2011-01-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

The first thing to do each year is make a working plan for the year, if you didn’t get it done in December (which I didn’t last year)

So, I did that and here it is:

1 Triple the number of items available in my Zazzle shops.
2 Increase sales.
3 Develop a website and three feature blogs in addition to blogging regularily on my personal blog
4 Add another shop to Zazzle
5 Develop a 72 design series

Of course there are more specific criteria for each of these items, and time frames for implementing each goal.

Now that I am nearly two weeks into this plan, I am finding it challenging, but doable. I have found solutions to a couple of issues that were puzzling me and am continuously learning things to help with all of these goals.

So far I have:

Increased products by 100
Developed four designs of the 72 design series
Developed three awesome new fractal designs
Developed my website, two new blogs and three weekly blog features
Added the new shop, though it is not open yet
Sales have been slow the last two weeks, that should improve as we really get into the swing of this fantastic new year, 2011.

How are you doing with your 2011 plan and implementation?

You can’t reach your destination if you don’t have one!

SO ANOTHER YEAR IS UPON US! ALL THE BEST TO YOU IN 2011!

2011-01-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of the New Year and lots of snow and cold where we live, I decided to freshen up the look of my main Zazzle shop http://www.zazzle.com/dequilla*.

Out went the festive red and white colour scheme and holiday pine cone motif and in came a blue winter theme and stunning winter sunrise banner. After looking at that glowing, light filled banner for a couple of days, I decided that I had to share it.

So, dequilla has a host of new products sporting WINTER SUNRISE. Some of the products are purely scenic and can be customized with text by the purchaser or left as they are. Others have funny sayings, sentimental wishes or odes to winter and winter sport.

I'm having fun with this design before I move on to my other 'TO DO's'

So here are some WINTER SUNRISE products :)

WINTER SUNRISE Serenity Mouse Pad Design by dequilla

I’D LIKE TO BE WARM! Doggie Tshirt Design by dequilla

WARM WINTER WISHES Winter Sunrise Design by dequilla

BABY IT’S COLD OUT THERE, It’s Time to Bake! Desig by dequilla

FIRE UP THE SNOWMOBILE! Winter Cap Design by dequilla

HERE’S TO A WARM ICE SHACK! Winter Cap Design by dequilla

WINTER’S GLOW Winter Sunrise Design by dequilla

Rdwnggrl's World: A Few of my Favorite Things - The Ruth Jamieson Ed...

2010-12-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

Rdwnggrl's World: A Few of my Favorite Things - The Ruth Jamieson Ed...: "Artist Ruth Jamieson has always been one of my favorite Zazzle artists. There is something very magical, inspirational, and calming about he..."

Belated Holiday Wishes!

2010-12-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

It was a busy time here with many new product introductions to design for on Zazzle including: iPad & iPhone cases, sandstone coasters, silver plate pendant necklaces and premium silver plate keyrings. Back to back introductions meant many Zazzlers were feverishly designing and creating so Zazzle shoppers could find just the right design for a special gift for the holidays.

The Apple iPad and iPhone cases are made by SPECK and are very high quality, sturdy cases. This is my best selling iPad case design so far. This design has also been popular for the iphone as well.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN Design iPad Case by dequilla
More iphone 4 cases

Some of my popular iPhone case designs are:

FRACTAL APPLE by dequilla
View more iphone designs

BLUE RAINFOREST ORCHID by dequilla
Browse iphone 4 cases

SEA SHELL by dequilla
Browse more cases for the iphone

The new porcelain ornaments are beautiful, and come in a beautiful black velvet presentation bag. These are some of my new designs for this product:

View more personalized gifts from Zazzle.

The Sandstone Coasters are very sturdy and have and have a cork pad backing. At 4.25in in diameter, these coasters will comfortably protect your surfaces from even the largest mugs and steins.

Shop for a personalized gift at Zazzle.

Even after all that marathon designing, I managed to have a lovely and relaxed Christmas with my family.

Now with the beginning of 2011 imminent new design opportunities await : ) I wish you all a wonderful, blessed and prosperous New Year!!! Thank you for visiting!

GREAT GIVE AWAY FROM DIANE CLANCY

2010-08-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

50 Free Greeting Card Giveaway

Diane Clancy is hosting a wonderful giveaway. You could win 50 7x5" folded Custom Greeting cards with 50 plain envelopes. To find out the details and enter check out Diane Clancy's Blog.

HARLEQUIN BLUE FLAG

2009-05-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to my Art & Design gallery on Zazzle is Harlequin Blue Flag.

I remember my first introduction to this flower as a young child. My Aunt would take us to her ‘camp’ and it was a challenge as we bumped along the narrow forest track to be the first to spot the clusters of brilliant blue wild iris. I was amazed that such a wonder could thrive amongst the rocks, moss covered logs and bogs.

I hadn’t seen those regal beauties for many years, when I discovered a small clump of ‘Blue Flag’ in a low area of our back yard. I have guarded it vigilantly from the ravages of the lawn mower and wandering children and now I enjoy a spectacular show each spring.

This postcard below can be customized with personalized text on the front and flip sides, or it can be framed as art.

HARLEQUIN BLUE FLAG by dequilla

Other names for this flower are: Iris Versicolor; Blue Flag; Larger Blue Flag; Blue Flag; Blue Water Iris; Poison Flag; Flag Lily; Liver Lily; Snake Lily; Dragon Flower; Dagger Flower; and Water Flag.

Blue Flag is the provincial flower of Quebec, Canada.

This image began as a digital photograph, which I took with my daughter’s Canon Rebel in spring 2008. I love to explore digital manipulation of photographs. I used digital effects to create a watercolour like image of a single beautiful bloom.

This digital image is available as a paper or canvas print at my Zazzle gallery, as well as cards, postage and other items.

The beautiful U.S.A. postage below can be ordered in a variety of denominations, for your postcards to your packages!

HARLEQUIN BLUE FLAG by dequilla

Iris is the generic name of a number of flowering perennial plants belonging to the natural order of Iridaceae.

In the Victorian “Language of Flowers” Iris means Faith; hope; wisdom and valour.

Iris plants have a creeping rootstock or tuber, sword like leaves, irregular flowers, and three stamens. They are found in both temperate and tropical climate zones.

The wild species of iris are generally called Flag, and the cultivated version, flower-de-luce, (fleur de lis) is so named for Louis VII who used them as his emblem.

The most common North American blue-flag is iris versicolor. It is native to North America, growing in swamps and low damp areas of loam or peat soil. The range of the plant is eastern and central North America and it is very common in Canada as well as parts of the United States. The violet-blue flowers with yellow and white markings grow on stems one to three feet high amongst large clusters of typical sword shaped leaves. Blooms appear from May to July.

This business, or profile, card can be customized to your text requirements, or to no text at all. There are many choices of card stock as well. The card is ACEO size and is suitable for framing.

HARLEQUIN BLUE FLAG bydequilla

With spring upon us I am looking forward to the opportunity to enjoy these blooms!

I added many new varieties of tulips and daffodils to my garden last autumn, so watch for some fantastic images of those colourful blooms soon!

To see more of my Floral and other images, visit http://www.zazzle.com/dequilla*

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

KATE QUEEN OF CARDS

2009-04-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Meet Ontario, Canada artist Kate Lesko-Smith

Kate introduced herself to me when I was operating my first Artisan Gallery in 1999. As a result of that meeting, I then offered her Heirloom quality hand made dolls in the gallery.

We got to know each other more, and when I moved my gallery to a location in our downtown core, Kate and her dolls moved with me. She became my right hand woman and helped keep me going when the going got tough. I taught her pottery and she helped me move beyond the knit stitch. We continue to get together to knit and gab, compare notes on our latest projects and ventures and offer each other advice and commiseration.

Celtic Bird

Kate, how did you come to be an artist?

I fell in love with art in grade school and in high school, art was my favourite class. I also loved Home Economics, where I learned to sew. My grandmother taught me to knit and crochet. Creating became part of my life as I grew up.

Beaded Blue Flower

How did you learn your creative skills?

My school studies, and my grandmother’s teaching, got me started. I learned a lot on my own.

As a young mother, I became a representative of a Needle Arts company and I taught myself to embroider and cross stitch in order to pass those skills on to my clients. I then discovered Shoshiko embroidery, doll making and quilting as well. Over the years I taught myself more advanced knitting skills and began to create my own designs for everything from hats to slippers. I also enjoy creating little knitted critters of all sorts.
I learned to work with clay from you.

Celtic Luck

And what media do you work in?

I work in many mediums, but professionally I create hand made cards with stitched, painted and beaded elements.
I got started making cards after seeing a book about embroidered paper greeting cards. I loved the method and started coming up with a bunch of ideas and just started making them. As I progressed the painted and beaded accents became part of my repertoire.
I prefer classic designs with a historical or cultural theme. I’ve been designing medieval and Celtic flavoured designs and Japanese, Egyptian and Mexican are coming too.

How do you come up with your designs?

Ideas come to me in my sleep. In fact I am always making things in my sleep, lately I’ve been knitting booties. A colleague is expecting, I guess that is the reason.

Bluebird of Happiness

How has your career developed over the years?

For many, many years I created for myself or for gifts. In 1999 I approached a local Gallery, yours, with my Heirloom dolls and I worked with you for several years.

In 2007 I opened a shop on Etsy, Kate’s Kards, and it is the best thing I ever did!

For the future I am working towards creating cards full time. I look forward to seeing the evolution of my work over many years to come.

Modern Christmas Tree

What motivates you to create?

I am very passionate about what I do! As new designs come to mind and evolve to the finished product I am constantly moving towards the next design or series of designs.

Twelve Days of Christmas Sampler

Please visit Kate at her Gallerys on Etsy and Zazzle, and view her Cross Stitch designs at Artists Alley!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243269

http://www.zazzle.com/kates_kards

http://www.artists-alley.com for Cross Stitch designs.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Watch for more artist profiles, and sneak peeks of what is coming up from me too!

Many thanks for coming by, cheers ruth ;D

THE ART OF THE SUGAR BUSH

2009-04-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes events in our life are living art and capturing those moments is a challenging task. This is the story of some of those moments.

Although I was born and have lived in this region much of my life, I had never before visited 'the sugarbush'. This year I decided it was time I experienced it. In March we visited Matthew's Maple Syrup.

Entry sign at Matthew's Maple Syrup on a mild, sunny day! From the left, our youngest child Victoria, myself and DH, David.

This is the syrup processing barn. Matthew's uses reverse osmosis for most of the condensing of the sap into syrup. The final process is a heat process. Inside the barn there is also a shop where visitors can purchase maple syrup, maple candy, maple sugar, maple jellies, sauces and more.

Under the blue canopy, Mrs. Matthew's poured syrup onto a tray of ice and we twirled it onto small wooden paddles to create a toffee pop. It was delicious!!!

This is the way the trees are tapped, into a miles long web of gravity drained lines. These lead into the larger gravity fed main line.

This is the main sap line to the processing barn. The line is about three inches in diameter and you can see and hear the sap running, by gravity, down to the barn.

Historically, sap was collected in buckets hanging on taps, which would be put in anew, with a hand drill, each season. It was quite an undertaking in a large operation. The sap would be collected in a huge tank, pulled around on a sled, by work horses. Then it would be brought to a boiler which was fueled by a wood fire. It would have been gruelling work! This photo is of Matthew's Opening Tree Tapping Ceremony this year. This gentleman is drilling a tap hole.

Installing the tap.

Hanging the sap bucket.

Putting on the cover to keep out rain, snow melt, creatures and contaminants.

Is the sap running yet?

One of the Matthew's beautiful dogs.

Old fashioned sap boiling. That kettle was constantly at a rollicking, rolling boil, fuelled by a roaring, wood fire.

The First Nations people processed their sap by filling a dugout log with sap, then adding hot rocks from the fire. This boiled the sap and reduced the sap to syrup, or even to sugar.

Push and Shove, mother and son sleigh horses. Both stunningly magnificent!

Sugar Bush sleigh ride pulled by Push and Shove. Historically, this sled would be pulling the sap tank, not visitors!

New Friends! Victoria and Push.

Visit Matthew's Maple Syrup at http://matthewsmaple.com for more information about the history and operation of their sugar bush, maple syrup and their products.

If you get the opportunity to visit a sugar bush, take advantage of it. Making maple syrup is a practice that is centuries old and no matter how it is done, it is part magic and completely amazing!

Prints, cards and other items featuring some of my photographs from our adventure will be available at http://www.zazzle.com/dequilla*.

Following our visit to Matthew's, we tapped the maple trees on our property and I made my own maple syrup! But that's another post . . . stay tuned! ;D

SHARING SUNSHINE WITH YOU

2009-04-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Meet Cincinnati,Ohio artist, Barbara Klocke!

Chickadees, Barbara Klocke

I first met Barbara, whom I now call Sunshine, on March 22, 2007, in my first days as a Gallery owner at Zazzle.com. She was my third fan!

We became friends and cheerleaders to each other. As I slogged through the learning process of setting up the Gallery, learning posting protocols, Zazzle etiquette, etc, Barb always cheered me on, and encouraged me.

Barb is insightful, tremendously funny, and caring and giving to others. Her fans and friends span all age groups, art styles and genres. She is a delightful woman who sees the divine in all and everyone she sees and knows.

When not creating, Barbara spends time with her family and friends, reads, gardens, knits and crochets and practices the healing practice of Qigong.

Old Barn, Barbara Klocke

Barb, how did you come to be an artist?

“Art has always been a part of my life. It has always been a source of joy and expression for me. Having others enjoy my work is the highest form of success for me.

I suppose that my love of art began with my first coloring book. I decided that I wanted to be an artist at a young age. I was fortunate enough to have an artist neighbour as a child. I would visit her often and ask her what I needed to do to become an artist and then I taught myself how to do it.”

Earred Grebe, Barbara Klocke

And what media do you work in?

“I used to work in oils, but now I work in acrylic and sometimes watercolour. I work on canvas or paper, but I worked extensively on rocks for some time. Recently I began experimenting with coloured pencils.”

Wood Duck, Barbara Klocke

How has your career developed over the years?

“Over the years, I entered numerous art shows, both amateur and juried. My work was accepted for shows in Sofia, Bulgaria and Athens, Greece.

The prestigious Clossens in Cincinnati, featured my rock art for six months.

The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tempo-art section, featured two articles about my Rock art. I also appeared on a local TV show with some of my rock art. My Granddaughter was permitted to go on with me, so that was great fun!

Two local Cincinnati galleries featured my work for several years.”

Pelican, Barbara Klocke

Has your work changed over the years?

“I paint a wide variety of subject matter, including wildlife and florals. A number of years ago though, I began researching the Native American culture in an effort to learn more about my own heritage. As a result I painted many Native American inspired paintings as a tribute to that Culture. “

Sunflowers, Barbara Klocke

What motivates you to create?

“I see the expression of God's love all around me, in Nature, Animals and people. I suppose that is my main motivation, to try and capture some of that beauty and love. The Native American art is more spiritual in nature, and many of those paintings came to me in dreams. To Native Americans, nurturing one's Spiritual side is as important as nurturing the physical side. They feel that true happiness can only be found by having balance between the two.”

Please visit Barbara on Zazzle!

http://www.zazzle.com/klocke

buy unique gifts at Zazzle

Next Time: An interview with an artist who I met here at home and have worked with for many years, Kate, of Kate’s Kards on Zazzle and Etsy.

Many thanks for coming by, cheers ruth ;D

My Story

2009-04-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

So, fine, I’ve finally started my very first blog EVER!

I’ve read that I should SEO the content, etc, etc…..

For now, I’m just going to get the thing started; I’ve procrastinated on this TOO LONG already.

So Search Engines, Yoooooo Hoooooooooo, I’m over hee eere *waves hands*, Come and fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind meeeeeeee! Helloooooooooooooo? Hellooooooooooo?

Oh well, if that doesn’t work, I will do the SEO thing, …. eventually……..

I’m told that in a blog, one should use ones own ‘unique’ voice. I only have the one voice, is that the unique one? Am I missing something?

I am not a person to embellish or embroider things much; a Capricorn with a Libra twist. I’m not big on emotional, mushy or cute. I am passionate about integrity, kindness, courtesy, tolerance, gratitude, love, fun and helping others achieve their full potential, in whatever large or small ways I can.

I’ve heard that folks like to know more about an artist, to have an affinity with them and some understanding of their creative motivation. So what might they like to know about me I wonder???

It all started on a snowy Christmas morning long ago …… I can sure imagine what my fiery, out spoken, red haired mother had to say about that!

The next 30 years were a mish mash of character building circumstances. Suffice it to say ‘forged in the fire’ might be an accurate description. I say ‘GOOD’, I wouldn’t be who I am, but for all that, and I bloody like who I am.

Per that ‘bloody’, I may have picked up my mother’s penchant for British slang. She by the way has been departed from this earthly life since 1975.

Throughout my life my creativity was encouraged in ways large and small, as a ‘hobby’. The older I grew, the stronger the inclination to create became. In 1994 I became a potter. Kick wheel, kiln, and the whole nine yards. I opened a Gallery, taught students AND worked full time at a J.O.B.

A medical crisis stopped life as I knew it in 2003.

My families support and alternative treatment strategies have aided my slow, and to date, incomplete return to health, physical mobility and strength. Throughout my recovery journey, it has been spiritual study and creative endeavours that have soothed my mind, provided necessary mental and physical therapy and given me hope that my efforts to heal would lead to a brighter, stronger and healthier future.

A little over two years ago, I discovered the online world of Print on Demand, P.O.D. Here was a way to market my art, to get it out to the world, despite my physical limitations.

I began to delve into digital art and image manipulation. This led me to rekindle my relationship with the camera. A wonderful friend on Zazzle, Perlyyyy, introduced me to Apophysis and my love of Generative art was born. Today, Generative Art is my focus and passion.

Next Time: An interview with artist Barbara Klocke of Ohio and a look at some of her beautiful work. Barbara is a wonderful, talented and accomplished lady who I like to call ‘Sunshine’!

cheers, ruth ;D