It's A Quirk Thing: The Blog @ A Quirk of Art

NEW BLOG on Typepad

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:41:00 +0000

I now have a new blog! So if you've been following me here, please update your subscription and/or links to my new blog: http://aquirkofart.typepad.com/get-quirked/. This will be my last post here!

On my new blog, I'll be starting a weekly feature called "This From That Thursdays". To find out more, and to see the first installment this coming Thursday, March 26, follow me to "Get Quirked" on typepad! Hope to see you there!

A Quirk of Art Jewelry Now Available at Gifted! Artist Market & Gift Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:30:00 +0000

I'm pleased to announce that Gifted! Arist Market & Gift Boutique is now carrying a selection of A Quirk of Art jewelry!

About Gifted!

At Gifted!, you’ll find a unique collection of artists and vendors offering gifts, jewelry, home décor, clothing, garden art and more. For a shopping experience that is original, creative and just plain fun, look no further than Gifted! on Canton Street in Historic Roswell.

For the store address, hours and contact information, visit their website at http://www.giftedmarket.com/.

If you're in the Roswell, GA area, please stop in and support this wonderful gallery and the artists they represent!

Upcoming A Quirk of Art Events -- Hope To See You There!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Exclusive A Quirk of Art Jewelry Trunk Show at Art4 Gallery

Purchase One-of-Kind & Limited-Edition Jewelry. Plus order custom & personalized pieces...Just in time for Mother's Day!

WHEN:

Saturday, April 4, 2009

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Art4 Gallery

309A Allegheny Street

Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

814.693.2784

www.art4gallery.com

Reflections In Metal Exhibit & Fundraiser: Contemporary Works by the PA Society of Goldsmiths

See & purchase works from 27 members of the PA Society of Goldsmiths & 11 Master Artisans including Thomas Mann, Charles Lewton-Brain, Todd Reed, Marne Ryan & more.

WHEN:

Artist Opening Reception with Book Signing by Thomas Mann

Friday, March 20, 2009

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Exhibit & sale runs March 20 - April 15, 2009

WHERE:

Wayne Art Center- Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Gallery

413 Maplewood Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087

www.wayneart.org

Download Your Opening Night Invitation and RSVP Card!

Save the Date! A Quirk of Art Trunk Show at Art4 Gallery, Saturday, November 1st.

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Need an excuse to go holiday shopping? Then be sure to come to my trunk show on November 1st, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Art4 Gallery in Hollidaysburg, PA!

See new personalized jewelry designs...Delivered in time for holiday gift-giving.
Get one-of-a-kind items that can't be found anywhere else.
Stop in for light refreshments and great shopping at the fabulous Art4 Gallery. No RSVP required.

You can get more information, directions, etc. at the Art4 Gallery website: www.art4gallery.com

If you're not in the Hollidaysburg area, check out my other shows. Hope to see you this holiday season!

Professional Photos--Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:59:00 +0000

I just recieved my new jury photos and I couldn't be more excited! This is the first set of professional photos I have had taken. All of the credit goes to photographer Hap Sakwa who did an amazing job. If you're in the market for professional jury photos, I highly recommend him...his website is: www.hapsakwa.com .

Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure!

Fireweed Art Retreat Registration NOW OPEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:20:00 +0000

 Join me in Juneau, Alaska for a week of creativity at the Fireweed Art Retreat!

Registration for the Fireweed Art Retreat in Juneau, Alaska is officially open!

There are a wide variety of workshops in everything from painting to mixed media art to jewelry.  I'll be teaching some great workshops, including an Intro to Metalsmithing Basics class called "Map of My Heart". Not to mention you'll get to experience the beauty of Alaska and the cultural and historical richness of Juneau, which is worth the trip alone!

The retreat is being held October 13-19, 2008. You can view all of the available classes and register HERE.  

I hope to see you there!

P.S. Be sure to stop by my website to view my newly posted workshop schedule. I'll be teaching this summer in Bethlehem, PA, with other locations in the works.

And thanks to all of you who stopped by my booth at the Hoboken Art & Music Festival last weekend. We had a blast and hope to return in the fall!

A Quirk of Art Update -- Lots to Share!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:31:00 +0000

Bad news: Its been a loooong time since my last post.

Good news: I have LOTS of exciting things happening with my jewelry!

I have been super-busy lately, but thankfully with all good things! First and foremost, I have finally updated my website with some of my newest pieces. You can see new necklaces here, new bracelets here and new earrings here (still have earring to add).

One of my favorite new pieces is a miniature book necklace titled "Phoenix Rising". The necklace features a poem I wrote (and that I used in a different necklace now owned by Christine) and includes prints of digital collages, transferred images of some of Leonardo DaVinci's flight-related sketches, and more. The poem reads "Stronger than you think, I am Phoenix Rising. Born of fire, I fly on flaming wings." Below is a photo of the front of the book. Click on the image to view the inside. The book is available for purchase in my Smashing Darling store.

See more photos here.

My intention long ago was do a series of books, which I am finally making a priority. So if you love my little books, be sure to check back often for new ones.

NEW STUDIO!
Yes, I am sooo excited to announce that I have moved into a new studio space! I am no longer toiling away in my basement, but now working happily in a rented studio space about 5 minutes from my home. I LOVE it, and I'm now much more productive. The best part about having the studio is that I am now teaching small workshops out of my studio. Which is a great jump to my next bit of news....

WORKSHOPS!
I have been working hard to develop new workshops and schedule workshop events! I love teaching and I'm excited at my growing workshop schedule, which I promise to have posted on my website soon. I will be teaching 3 workshops at Northampton Community College this summer. I will also be teaching several workshops out of my new studio over the summer. And I'm super-excited to be teaching at the Fireweed Art Retreat in Juneau, Alaska this October! You can find out more about the retreat here: http://www.fireweedartretreat.com. The class list will be live soon. I hope to see many of you there!

Plus, just in development, it looks like I will also be teaching in North Carolina in the late summer...but details are still being worked out. I'll make an announcement as soon as everything is finalized.

WHOLESALE SHOW!
I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be exhibiting at this summer's Buyer's Market of American Craft in Philadelphia, PA! Held August 2-4, the show connects artists with qualified buyers of American craft. I'm excited and a little bit nervous about this venture, which is a big step for my and my business. But I can't weight to unveil my new and updated lines of jewelry and meet gallery owners and buyers from around the country! Think good thoughts for me and send good vibes my way for a successful show.

UPDATED SHOW CALENDAR
I have several arts and fine crafts shows coming up in May and June. Check out my schedule here, and stop by if you can! I'll be in Hoboken, NJ; New York City; Bethlehem, PA; and Lahaska, PA (Peddler's Village).

AND THERE'S MORE...but since I've already written more than you probably want to read, I'll save that for another post another day!

New Work Showcase - Enjoy!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Get Your Quirk On At The Arts Scene in West Chester, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:17:00 +0000

This weekend is the opening of the "Valentine's Paradise" juried jewelry show at The Arts Scene in West Chester, PA. I have 20 pieces in the show, and I'm really excited to see what the other participant will be showing. I know there is going to be a wide range of styles and price points, so whatever your taste or budget, I'm sure you'll find something!

The opening night reception is this Saturday, February 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be entertainment and most if not all of the jewelry artists represented in the show will be there. So stop in if you can! The show runs February 2-February 17.

The Arts Scene is located at 530 E. Union Street in West Chester, PA. For more information about The Arts Scene and for directions and gallery hours, you can visit there website: http://www.theartsscene.org.

Hope to see you there!

New Jewelry Added, New Show Calendar Posted and The Best Christmas Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:45:00 +0000

First of all, Happy Belated New Year! I had a crazy November and December and I feel like I've just now recovered. Thanks to all of my great customers, old and new, for making 2007 a successful year! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support and your continued appreciation of my work!

The beginning of 2008 is shaping up to be just as hectic as the end of 2007! Good new is that I've been chosen to participate in a Valentine's show at The Arts Scene art gallery in West Chester, PA. The show will feature 11 jewelry artists from the Pennsylvania Society of Goldsmiths, all of which are very talented and offer really diverse styles of jewelry. The show runs February 2, 2008 through February 17, 2008. If you're in the area or passing through, be sure to take the time to stop by, enjoy the art and hopefully purchase some jewelry! For more information, address and directions, visit The Arts Scene website: http://www.theartsscene.org/.

Between orders and shows and the occasional luxury of a good night's sleep, I've managed to update my website! There is now a handful of new items posted, so be sure to stop by and check them out. And I'll be posting more over the next couple of weeks, so stop back often. Highlights include this fun, one-of-a-kind charm bracelet featuring charms I fabricated from a vintage cigarette tin and an old metal folding ruler:

Also new is this necklace created from a gorgeous African Pietersite cabochon, sterling silver, blue goldstone, recycled tin, and a recycled foil candy wrapper (can you guess where I used the wrapper?).

Off the topic of jewelry, I had what was possibly the best Christmas of my adult life ever! My husband, Rich, managed to give me the most thoughtful gifts ever. The best and biggest was an amazing teapot by artist Marilyn Andrews. Its called "Attack on the Castle"...here's a photo of it:

The detail on this is incredible and I absolutely love it.

What make this so special is that over a year ago, we saw Marilyn Andrews at an art show in NYC. I fell in love with her work, but at the time we couldn't afford to purchase anything. So I've had her postcard on my office wall for the past year...something I didn't think Rich really noticed. Well he did notice it, and he remembered how much I loved her work and contacted her and purchased this awesome teapot for me for Christmas! He also gave me several other gifts, all of which I had seen throughout the year when we were shopping and said I really wanted. I can't believe he managed to remember them all! My gifts to him couldn't even compare--I've definitely lost my status as the best gift-giver in the family. Next year I'll have to win it back!

Aside from gifts, I was able to take some time off of my day job and spend time with my in-laws (a good thing, believe it or not!) and my own family. So while the two months before Christmas were tiring and stressful and a whirlwind, I was able to take a breather and enjoy the holiday with everyone I love. It was a great, relaxing time that let me assess what's really important to me in my life and recharge my batteries for the new year.

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and here's to a creative and prosperous 2008!

Bracelet Project Featured in New Lark Book: Beading with Charms!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:39:00 +0000

I'm very happy to announce that I have a project featured in the new Lark book Beading With Charms!

The project is a step-by-step how-to on creating heart charms using recycled tin and making a bracelet using the heart charms. Here's the bracelet you can learn how to make:

I'm totally thrilled with the entire book. With the turn of every page there's another gorgeous piece of jewelry with excellent step-by-step instructions. I especially like the book because it features several "outside-of-the-box" projects, including a great bracelet by found object jewelry guru Susan Lenhart Kazmer.

I've known for quite a while that my bracelet was going to be included in the book. I didn't saying anything to anyone but family about it until now because, well with my luck being what it is, I was sure something was going to happen that would keep it from being in the book. But on Saturday I received a complimentary copy of the book in the mail and lo and behold, there was my project on page 92! I was positively giddy! ONE, because I somehow managed to thwart Murphy's Law, which always seems to find me, and my project was actually included. TWO, simply because I was published! And THREE, because the caliber of the projects in the book was beyond my expectations and I was flattered to be included alongside many artists who I admire.

So if you're interested in creating charm bracelet/necklace, or need some creative inspiration, this is a great book to pick up! Hope you enjoy it if you decide to buy it!

A Quirk of Art Jewelry Now Available At Gallery Piquel!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:56:00 +0000

Exciting news! Select pieces of my work are now being carried by Gallery Piquel in New Hope, PA. Gallery Piquel is an outstanding art gallery with an amazing list of artists, a wide range of artwork and a very knowledgeable and super-friendly owner (Tamara Cannon). I'm beyond excited to be included among the very talented artists represented there and very thankful to Tamara for deciding to carry my work.

The Gallery is located at 39 Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938. Phone 215.862.3523. If you're in the New Hope area or ever passing through, be sure to stop by and check out my jewelry and the incredible artwork of the other artists represented there!

New Custom Necklaces -- Check Them Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:04:00 +0000

When it rains it pours! I'm busy, busy, busy. Lots of custom orders, which I love doing. Below are two custom necklaces I just finished that I thought I'd share.

Anniversary Necklace:
This necklace was made for a customer to commemorate her 13th wedding anniversary. The necklace includes 2 photos of her and husband (then and now), as well as charm that features a copy of part of a card given to her by her husband (his signature) and another charm cut from a metal ruler with the number 13.

40th Birthday Necklace:
This necklace was made a 40th birthday present. It features photos of the customers children, photos of her and her husband and silver, brass and vintage tin hearts with the names of her children.

Thanks for looking and have a great week!

Reliquary Necklace -- A Special Project

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:33:00 +0000

I just finished what was a very special project for me. A couple of months ago I was contacted by a fellow artist who wanted to commemorate her late husband in a piece of jewelry. But this wasn't going to be a photo locket or a name charm or something similarly typical. She wanted a necklace that incorporated her husband's cremated remains. I have to admit I had to give the project some thought...I had never worked with something as sacred as human ashes and, surprisingly to me, the idea of using them made me pause just a little. But I was really honored to be asked to work on something so meaningful. And in reality, it sounded like something I would make for myself if I experienced such a loss and I realized it really wasn't such an odd request. So I jumped in with both feet and below is the result...

Two of the charms you see are actually cremains that did not burn completely...a tooth cap that I polished and what appears to be something like a snap. Another charm features hair snippets set in resin.

I was really pleased with the end result, and thankfully the artist for whom I made this let me know that she was also very happy. This was a very sacred project for me that really had a sense of purpose. I'd like to thank C.K. for choosing me to create this for her. And for her permission to share this piece and my experience with all of you. Thank you!

Boycott Corporate Sponsors of 2008 Olympics & Save Darfur

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:48:00 +0000

Please take the time to read about the boycott of the corporate sponsors of the 2008 Olympics and sign the petition today! We're trying to reach 500 names, so please share this link with your friends and family too.

Read more and the sign the petition here:
Online petition - Boycott Corporate Sponsors of 2008 Olympics & Save Darfur

Check out my interview with AriDesigns!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 01:38:00 +0000

I'm thrilled to have been blogged on AriDesigns' Fab Designers & Cool Things Blog. There's an interview featuring moi, which you can find here. Hope you enjoy it!
And a big thanks to Arriel for taking the time to interview me and for her interest in my work!

Look For My Art in Somerset Studio Gallery Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 19:09:00 +0000

So I recieved this magazine called Somerset Studio Gallery in the mail weeks ago. I didn't remember ordering it, but I was on the Somerset Studio/Stampington website looking at other publications I wanted and thought maybe I accidentally ordered the wrong thing. I decided to just keep it and put it aside until I had some free time. At least a week and a half later, I picked it up to finally look through it, and while I was paging through it, I passed a page that made me do a double-take. Lo and behold, there was an image of a fatbook page I did almost 2 years ago! Published! With my name and everything! I couldn't believe it! If you have the mag, its on page 50 (you can buy the magazine here). Here's the magazine page featuring my little 4x4 piece of art at the very top:

And here's an image of the actual fatbook page (which I further embellished with mini-beads not seen here):

For those of you not familiar with fatbooks, fatbooks are little collaborative art books featuring 4x4 artworks of the contributing artists. For example, if 40 artists are participating, each artist makes 40 4x4 pieces of art - all originals or high-quality copies--which are sent to the fatbook hostess. The hostess binds all of the pages and sends a complete book to each artist. Each book usually has a theme that the artwork needs to portray. And they can vary in size--4x4 is standard, but some books will feature other sized artwork too. The books are a lot of fun, and I used to participate in them regularly before jewelry took over my life!

While I'm talking about fatbooks, I thought I'd share some of the artwork I've done for fatbooks in the past:

Zetti Journal Fatbook - Front

Zetti Journal Fatbook - Back

"Menagerie of Tails" Fatbook - Front
(featuring the king of our house... our dog Dexter) 

"Menagerie of Tails" Fatbook - Back
(featuring the king of our house... our dog Dexter)

"House of Dreams" Fatbook - Front

Postcard-Sized Fatbook - Front

Postcard-Sized Fatbook - Back

Johnny Depp Fatbook - Front

Johnny Depp Fatbook - Back

Heart Themed Tag Swap - Front

Hope you enjoyed my art!

Also, be sure to take a look at www.AQuirkofArt.com...I posted some new jewelry that I think you'll love!

Gotta Love The Lisps!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 22:20:00 +0000

Going to see these guys, The Lisps, and Vermillion Lies in NYC in August. Love them!

And Best of Show Goes to.....ME!!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:58:00 +0000

That's right! I was quite honored to be be awarded Best of Show in Contemporary Crafts at the 2007 Peddler's Village Fine Arts & Contemporary Crafts show! It was a real accomplishment for me...it was my first year in the show, and I was judged against some very talented artists whose crafts ranged from woodturning to glass lampworking to stained glass and more. The honor came with a $500 cash prize, which was much needed and very unexpected!

Of course, my luck being what it is, it was 93 degrees out and let me tell you...I did not glisten...I was not sultry....I was beyond balmy....simply stated, I sweated. And sweated. And sweated. So when they came around to award the prize, with video cameras in tow, I looked like I had taken a 5-hour steam bath. There I am, completely surprised that I won, looking like I'm going to melt into a puddle, having to be coherent for a video interview. I think I was delirious from the heat because I actually let them take a photo of a very sweaty me with my huge blue ribbon pinned on my chest with my arm around one of my mannequins--completely THEIR idea. I just KNOW that photo is going to come back to haunt me one day. My only hope is that I looked so bad that they won't want the photo associated with them now way no how and it was immediately relegated to cutting room floor! And of course I let this great opportunity for publicity pass me by...if I had my sh** together, I would have sent out press releases to the local media in hopes of getting some press, but alas, I was, well, me, and didn't do what I should have done. And now 2 weeks have passed, so I think its too late!

In jewelry news, I just finished a couple of custom pieces, one that was given as a gift to a young woman for her Sweet 16, and one to be given as as special gift from a woman to her best friend for her 50th birthday. I LOVED working on both of them...I wish I had photos of both, but I don't! I do have a photo of the 50th birthday piece. Here it is:This necklace incorporated photos of loved ones and friends, custom-made charms that had nicknames, lucky numbers, favorite quotes, pet names, etc. on them, and charms taken from pieces of jewelry that held meaning for the woman receiving the piece. I'm hoping she'll love it as much as I do!

FREE JEWELRY WINNERS!

I am WAY behind in announcing the winners of the free jewelry drawing from my last two shows and sending out the pieces!

From the Bethlehem Fine Arts and Crafts Show, the lucky winner was Christine R. from Bethlehem, PA.

From the Peddlers Village Fine Arts & Contemporary Crafts Show, the winner was Reina L. from Bensalem, PA.

Congratulations to both of you! Your jewelry will be shipped out Monday!

A Boy & His Dog
I just had to share this photo of my husband Rich and our much loved Cairn Terrier, Dexter relaxing together after a hard day's work. I'm sure I'll be the one in the dog house after posting this, but I couldn't resist!

A Little Bit More About Me...

I took this "What Number Are You?" quiz recently and it was surprisingly accurate. So for those who don't know me that well, I thought I'd leave you with a glimpse into my inner psyche (although I hope I'm much more complex than what an online quiz can deduce!). But I'm happy to be in the company of my all-time biggest crush, Johnny Depp!

You Are 4: The Individualist

You are sensitive and intuitive, with others and yourself.
You are creative and dreamy... plus dramatic and unpredictable.
You're emotionally honest, real, and easily hurt.
Totally expressive, others always know exactly how you feel.
At Your Best: You are inspired, artistic, and introspective.
You know what you're thinking, and you can communicate it well.
At Your Worst: You are melancholy, alienated, and withdrawn.
Your Fixation: Envy
Your Primary Fear: To have no identity
Your Primary Desire: To find yourself
Other Number 4's: Alanis Morisette, Johnny Depp, J.D. Salinger, Jim Morrison, and Anne Rice.

What Number Are You?

Multichain necklaces and found objects, oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Mon, 21 May 2007 19:42:00 +0000

Just a quick note to say go check out my new necklaces at www.AQuirkOfArt.com! I've fallen in love with multi-chain necklaces...so far I've created two of them, both of which are on the site. This one is my favorite: You can read more about it here: http://www.aquirkofart.com/necklaces/mixed_media1.htm

Although, I love this one too!

Find out more about this piece here: http://www.aquirkofart.com/necklaces/pirates_booty.htm

Both pieces looks so great on...so much better than in the photos. This is when I wish I could have my pieces photographed on a model, or that I was much better at digital photography than I am. Seeing these on would definately give you much better appreciation of them.

What I like about the first piece, and what I've been trying to do more of in my work, is to incorporate my found objects into the actual chain or neckpiece, like I did with the piece of ruler. I have a necklace in the works that is entirely found objects and metal pieces joined by chain and wire-wrapped links...so its less of a charm necklace, but still has a funky feel to it. I'll have it done in the next week or so, so be sure to check my blog and my store to see it!

For those of you in the PA/NY/NJ area, I'll be at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA next weekend--June 2 & 3. This is going to be a great show with lots of fine art and quality contemporary crafts, plus live music. Stop by if you get the chance! You can get directions and more info here.

I'm very excited for this show, and very inspired to make some great pieces! This past weekend I spent some time at my favorite antique store and have some great new finds to incorporate into my jewelry. There's nothing like a couple of hours digging through drawers and drawers of wonderful old bits and bobs to get my creative muses talking. I know, I know, I'm strange - but I LOVE digging through what many people would consider junk looking for just the right find, whatever "it" may be.

I'll be posting the winner of the free jewelry drawing from my show in Bethlehem, PA later tonight--So if you stopped by my booth, be sure to check your email and this blog later tonight to see if you're the lucky winner!

I've been featured on www.beadfreak.com!

I was quite honored with Cynthia, owner of the awesome beadstore Ornamentea and its online store www.beadfreak.com, contacted me about being their "Inspiration" website! I was very flattered and very excited! For those artists and jewelry designers out there, be sure to check out www.beadfreak.com for all sorts of cool components, supplies and bits and bobs not easily found elsewhere! Cynthia also has a funny and informative blog called Shiny Little Things...you can read it here: http://shinylittlethings.blogspot.com/.

I'm not too shy to pimp myself out...come be my friend on MySpace!
If you haven't friended me on MySpace yet, why not?!? You can find me at http://www.myspace.com/aquirkofart. While you're there, check my my new favorite band, the decidedly odd and talented Vermillion Lies.

Be A Voice for the Independent Press!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:07:00 +0000

Not much twists me more than seeing large, wealthy corporations getting larger and more wealthy by exploiting their power and wrecking the little guy in the process. This time, Time Warner is the culprit, arranging a postal rate scheme that could damage and possibly bring many small independents presses to their demise. I was made aware of this issue by one of my favorite independent publications, Bitch Magazine. Here's what's going on, in their words:

"A new postal rate scheme concocted by Time Warner could significantly lower postal rates for huge conglomerate magazines--and significantly raise them for independent mags (like, say, Bitch). Because most indepent media operates on a shoestring budget, these unfair rate hikes mean that the future of independent publications is at risk. Postal regulators have decided to extend special favors to the nation's largest publishers, like Time Warner and Hearst, while unfairly burdening smaller and independent magazines like ours with much higher postal rates. Time Warner's plan was chosen -- with no public input -- instead of another proposal that would have imposed a mostly-equal increase (approx. 12 percent) in all publishers' costs. If implemented, the Time Warner plan could force many smaller publications to the brink of bankruptcy."

So please, voice your opinion that this is unfair and CAN'T happen by going to http://action.freepress.net/campaign/postal!

New Fiesta Charm Jewelry (Plus Bonus Alanis Morissette Spoof)

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 23:38:00 +0000

Whew! I've been busy preparing for an upcoming private trunk show in Altoona, PA. I just finished a couple of pieces perfect for spring. I think the bright colors and found objects really remind me of Mexico. And the bracelet includes a couple of quirky Milagros I picked up in Mexico. Take a look and let me know what you think! Of course, both are available for purchase on my website.

Fiesta Charm Necklace (above) - This necklace features a bunch of handcrafted tin charms, glass beads, trade beads and more. See more photos at my website here.

Fiesta Charm Bracelet (above) - A great bracelet that features hand-fabricated found object charms, beads and vintage tin charms. Super-fun! See more photos at my website here.

Check out this Fergie spoof by Alanis Morissette!
On a non-jewelry note, you've got to check out this great spoof by Alanis Morissette of the song "My Humps." The ridiculous song is originally by the, uhm, "talented" Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and could be the anthem for everything that's wrong with popular music and culture today. Alanis Morissette does a great job of spoofing the song and the booty-shaking, objectifying videos that seem to dominate MTV these days. Plus it just cracks me up! And yes, those are the REAL lyrics to the original song, which leaves me shaking my head thinking "THESE are the philosophical thoughts of the "top" musicians of today???." God help the future of music if this is what it takes to top the charts. Oh, and my most fond memories of this song? I'd have to to say its having it play while I was at the gym working with my trainer on this leg machine that basically sticks your butt way up in the air for everyone to see. Oh, I didn't feel too conspicuous, now did I (especially given my - uh - "generously sized" butt)? Now that was a GREAT experience. Here's the video:

Well its back to the studio for me. Have a great night!

New Earrings!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:44:00 +0000

Not much time to write tonight...I'm working on a custom piece that MUST go out in the mail tomorrow. But I thought I'd post some new earrings that I just finished. You can get more photos and details here: http://www.aquirkofart.com/earrings.htm. Have a great night!

New Website is LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:43:00 +0000

It's official! My new website has gone live! Here's a snapshot:

See the real thing at www.AQuirkofArt.com.

I'm thrilled with the site. Karen Michel of Lucky 13 was able to capture to look and feel of my jewelry and translate it into an easy-to-use and, of course, completely quirky website. For any of you artists out there who are looking to have your website designed (or redesigned), I highly recommend Karen and Lucky 13.

Hope you all love the site too. And be sure to check back often...I have a lot of pieces I'll be posting soon.

NEW Brass Charm Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Beth) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:54:00 +0000

Somtimes cliches say it best--Thank god its Friday! I finished a new piece last night that will be auctioned off at a charity event in Altoona PA. A couple of similar bracelets will be available at www.AQuirkofArt.com within the week. Take a look:

This bracelet features 6 of my signature vintage tin heart charms and an array of hand-wrapped glass, resin and African brass beads. This is the first piece I've done using brass as the main metal component. Most of my other pieces use sterling with brass as an accent. Brass is really a beautiful metal, very affordable and often overlooked or underrated by. It can give a really warm, rich glow to a piece and I love the way this turned out. Hope the auction-goers agree!