Tuscan Road Designs

Last Updated on Saturday, 27 February 2010 01:20 Written by Chainmaille By MBOI Saturday, 27 February 2010 01:20

Just thought I would show some love to one of our forum members Holly of Tuscan Road Designs. Holly is a jewelry designer and uses high quality materials with a unique eye for details. You will not find beads on a string with her work. Be prepared to see some lovely gems and lampwork beads as well as sterling silver and know that you are looking at something made with love. Holly also has a wonderful blog where she spends some time talking about herself as well as featuring other artists that are inspiring as well. She also has a facebook page, so make sure you become a fan so you can keep up with the happenings!  Holly sells her lovely creations at Tuscan Road Designs on the new Handmade Artists’ Shop so make sure you stop by and take a peak!

Haffina Creations

Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 11:52 Written by Chainmaille By MBOI Wednesday, 10 February 2010 11:52

Thought I would put out a quick mention for one of our longest standing members Haffina Creations who has been a member of the forum since 4 days after we started. It’s been a pleasure having Haffina as a member. Her service to the forum and handmade has shown me and I’m sure others that helping each other will get you a long way. Check out her stuff for yourself on her blog and she has a shop here at Haffina Creations on Handmade Artists’ Shop.

Anyway I know this post is short and sweet but Haffina has truly touched Kimberly’s and my heart.

Thanks Haffina for all your support for the forum and everything else!

Twas Brillig

Last Updated on Thursday, 4 February 2010 05:20 Written by Chainmaille By MBOI Thursday, 4 February 2010 05:20

Nancy was one of our charter members on the forum, at least it seams she was there forever (LOL), her support and help has been immeasurable. Nancy has a blog and facebook page as well as a shop with us one the Handmade Artists’ Shop. You can find her shop here to buy her lovely paintings!

Nancy also runs the forum facebook page, her service has been such a wonderful help to all of us.

Thanks Nancy,

Andrew & Kimberly

Handmade Artists’ Forum

Kitzbitz Art Glass – Talent Beyond Compare

Last Updated on Thursday, 4 February 2010 05:08 Written by MakinTheBestOfIt Tuesday, 26 January 2010 11:54

Glass working is an amazing art The idea of taking glass bits, pieces and rods and creating beautiful, usable pieces of art is a talent that I don’t possess and wouldn’t even know where to begin. Jolene of Kitzbitz Art Glass is one of these talented people! She is a UK based artist and supporting member of the HandmadeArtistsForum as well as the HAFteam. She not only creates beautiful glass beads but also puts together unique pieces of jewelry. In her Etsy shop you will find beads, jewelry and even glass for us craft addicted people that want to try glasswork out for ourselves. Jolene’s blog features her beautiful creations as wll as links to other places on the web that you can oooohhhh and aaaahhhh and drool over her talent.

Defining handcrafted

Last Updated on Saturday, 23 January 2010 09:54 Written by dreamriverdesigns Thursday, 21 January 2010 09:37

What is handcrafted?

Handcrafted as defined by wictionary: English[edit] Adjective handcrafted (not comparable)
Made by hand or using the hands, as opposed to by mass production or using machinery. Why is that important? It’s important to realize the time, skill and effort that goes into handcrafted items. No two are ever alike even when they may look similar. The artist’s mindset always plays a role in the final piece as does the reaction of the medium they are working with at the time. What is Art? Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities. It is the deliberate arrangment that makes a handcrafted item Art. An artist goal is to appeal to the senses and create emotions and memories with a piece.

One other note, I have noticed that many sites are advertising items as handmade, please read the details carefully as I have found that many items are actuallly mass produced or using mass produced items and are being sold as handcrafted. I find it helpful to read the artist bio/profile as it may give details to the originality and origin of the piece.  The Handmade Artist Shop screens sellers to insure that all pieces are indeed handcrafted, created by the artisan seller and are truly “one of a kind’ (OOAK)