Pop-Up Pendants

Hi there, and hope you're having a great summer! I've been busy making these shadowbox pendants, preparing for an upcoming craft show in Ventura, CA, updating my website (with the awesome help of Cathy from Avalon Rose Design), and trying to keep my family happy. It ain't easy I tell ya!
I caught this mischievous little fairy, fresh from the garden! I think she's the one who took that big piece of cake, but she won't admit to it. She even brought her own wand which is helpful when you need her for a little magic.
Here's the back of the pendant. I attached a teeny tiny Swarovski rhinestone on the back under Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust. Well, back to work. We've been under the shadow of June gloom weather wise around here, and I'm starting to really miss the sun. Anyway, thanks again for dropping by. I'm in the process of uploading these pendants and other goodies on my new and improved website. :)

Take care,

Martha

Magical Mermaid Sand

Last evening while walking on the moonlit beach I came across a group of mermaids resting on rocks and combing their hair.  Slowly I approached them.  The mermaid nearest to me with hair as black as night beckoned me to come closer.  When I did she dipped her webbed hand into the sand.
Gathering it into a small glass bottle she handed it to me.  Thank you I nodded and she gently touched my head.  She dove back into the sea with the rest of her mermaid companions.
Looking down at the bottle I noticed a beautiful label with her face on it.  Inside was the most sparkly, glittered sand I had ever beheld.  Of course it had magical properties in it.  "Magical Mermaid Sand" was written on the tag.  
Affixed to the tag it reads:  "This magical mermaid sand was collected when mermaids gather closest to the shore once a year, in the light of the full moon.  Make a wish and sprinkle delicately to create your own magic.

Thank you mermaid friends especially Rosemary.  I'll use the magical potion sparingly until I see you again when the moon is full.

~Martha

First Le Petite Complete!

On to the theatre!  I finally finished this design I've been working on, and I'm happy with the results.  It turned into a mermaid design by some strange magic.  I'm also working on some other theatre ideas.  Since I cut out each little piece (the charm is only 1 1/2"x2") it has a 3-D look to it that I wanted for a theatre.  But when I started soldering, problems began.  However I kept going and it finally worked.  I also found out that glitter is kinda addictive.  Yikes, now I look at the calendar and can't believe Feb. is almost over.  I've got to start preparing for craft shows coming up.  First I need to get rid of this flu.  Hope you are well and happy.  ~Martha

Little little Mermaids

Little mermaids have been swimming around my head lately.  My charms seem to be shrinking (as well as my brain, but that's for another blog). I started out making large soldered ornaments about 2x3 inches, but they have progressively become tinier and tinier.  I like the fact that you can wear them on a charm bracelet or necklace.  You can also layer them, and they aren't too heavy.  

I've also been working on glitterizing some of their tails.  I was inspired by all the cool mermaids I saw on your beautiful blogs and decided to get out the glitter.  Just a sprinkling of glitter really makes the design sparkle.   I'll have these on my website soon.  :)  Enjoy your friday!

Mermaids

"Who would be a mermaid fair, singing alone, combing her hair, under the sea in a golden curl with a comb of pearl, On a throne?

(The Mermaid, Alfred Lord Tennyson)

What kind of mermaid are you? Mermaids are depicted as cruel creatures who lure sailors to their watery deaths or happy little beings poking through the ocean looking for treasures to wear in their long hair. I see myself  as the happy nice kind, although I understand how the cruel ones get, especially after a long drive in traffic on the 405 freeway and being cut off by a rude "sailor." There is just something about a mermaid's grace, elegance, romance and mystery that draws me to them.  I like imagining them as passionate creatures with a strong desire for happiness not only for themselves but for others they meet.  Much of the goodies I make these days has been inspired by the sea and mermaids in particular. I love the ocean and recently moved where I am closer to it than ever before.  The smell of the salt air and sound of the waves is hypnotic and takes me away from any of life's problems.   Yesterday a storm was coming in and I got in the car with my daughter and we drove over the the beach.  The sky was grey and the wind was really strong and cold.  I took a couple of photos before I couldn't stand the cold anymore.  The water was a churning dark grey choppy mass.  Every time I look out at the ocean it seems to change colors from light grey to a deep rich blue and everything in between. I asked my son once why the ocean was grey, and he just said, "Mom with all the dirty dolphins out there, what did you expect?" 

 

~How to Woo a Mermaid~

Mermaids love attention.  Shower her with beautiful trinkets that sparkle and shine.  Let her know she is loved and don't just say the words, but show your love through actions.  She loves surprises, so make sure you have a running list of things she especially likes receiving like flowers, chocolates,  anything from Anthropologie, (hint hint-it's a link :), vintage goodies, and vanilla scented candles.  Mermaids love being surrounded by inspiring and beautiful things, and have a strong fondness for music.  The guitar is her favorite instrument, so if you have one, be sure to play it for her as often as possible.  If you follow this list you're sure to woo a mermaid.  Finally, mermaids need to know they are appreciated and desired...lest they swim away.