RAW - the 52 week journey

mary jane dodd

'logic will get you from A to B.

imagination will take you everywhere.'

~ albert einstein

and the natural world will provide more to muse upon than anything else... 

this ring was made after a day spent going in and out of the house, noticing the fresh green shoots and leaves covered with the silvery veil of ici-ness which fell in the way of snow, sleet and hail... how fragile and yet hearty are the first stirrings of spring... 

while walking this week i noticed birds flying with grasses in their beaks; squirrels rustling through leaves, scampering up trees with their mouths filled... 

searching for the perfect fork in which to entrust their new homes... 

preparing for nests and the new life soon to follow... 

after seeing over 20 swans take flight in the river this morning, i was thinking of feathers and things aloft... things aloft and wishes... wishes and dandelion parachutes... 


floating gently away - carrying hopes and dreams with them...

here is the link to the flickr group where you can see some really terrific and imaginative work!

Birds of a Feather - Folksy Friday

Todays Folksy Friday follows a bird theme. I get woken up every morning by birds singing in the tree outside my bedroom window. I have never seen theses birds so this is what I imagine them to look like!

Wee Bird Pendant by Cherryloco

Cartwheel Bird Print by Bird & Bridge

Bird Cushion by Sew Gorgeous

Bird Hairclips by Bbel

Who?What? Bird by FruteJuce

The Song Bird by Terri Lowe Design

Featuring Designs by Vanessa

Designs by Vanessa is this months featured Etsy Blogger! I had the privilage of interviewing her, and I get to share that with you! Have fun getting to know her :) Click on any of the pictures to be taken to the listings for them.

1. What type of art work do you do?

At the moment I enjoy designing jewelry and paper goods.

2. How did you get started doing art work?

My dad is a talented artist and he got me started with painting and drawing probably before I could walk. I am a family therapist by day and art has quickly become my own form of therapy at the end of a long day.

3. Do you do any other crafts?

I love all types of crafts and I especially love learning new crafts. Lately I have enjoyed working with felt.

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

My name is Vanessa and the designs are by me! A bit narcissistic and not that original but I still like it lol!

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

I’m loving my felt birdie cards at the moment.

6. Where do you sell your work?

Etsy: www.designsbyvanessa.etsy.com

7. Do you blog?

Yes I do: http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/designsvanessa

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/designsbyvanessaetsy/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peoria-AZ/Designs-by-Vanessa/20085958436

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

Lately I have been addicted to watching 80’s movies while I craft. I love Pretty In Pink, The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. I know these movies by heart so I don’t have to pay too close attention to them.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

Pickles are my favorite food! You said random, right?