A good Pantomime!

In the UK, the word "Pantomime" stands for a theatrically themed performance which traditionally is enacted during the Christmas holiday season and early January. Most cities and towns throughout the UK have a form of Pantomime at this time of year. The origins of British Pantomime or "Panto" as it is known date back to the middle ages, deriving some of the traditions of the Italian "Commedia dell’ Arte, the Italian night scenes and British Music hall to produce an intrinsic art form that is constantly adapted to survive up to the present day.

Pantomime has been attempted abroad, usually with a small amount of success. Not surprisingly it has proved popular in countries such as Canada, Australia and South Africa- recently a production of "Babes in the wood" ran at the Rainbow Seven Arts Theatre in Harare, Zimbabwe! In America this very British art form has fared less favourably, although in 1868 a production of "Humpty Dumpty" ran for over 1,200 performances at the Olympic Theatre, New York, making it the most successful Pantomime in American history.

Pantomime, as we know it today is a show predominantly aimed at children, based on a popular fairy tale or folk legend. The most popular subjects being "Cinderella", followed by "Aladdin", "Dick Whittington" and "Snow White".

Although a typically British thing I have searched our team to see if there are any items that could be perceived as anything, however remotely, to do with a 'panto' theme! So here goes!!

Cat Prince on Pillows FRAMED ceramic tile for wall or table display Whimsical folk art design by KRISTEN STEIN

Alice In Wonderland Realistic Fake Cupcake by Frosted Fakes

Mad Tea Party by KatHannah

Dragon Stained Glass Suncatcher by Creations in Glass

Little Strawberry House by Elegant Snobbery

It has been quite hard to get real Pantomime themed items relating to fairytales so please excuse the rather tenuous links! However, I know you will enjoy this selection.

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Winter is here...

I live in Portland, OR, where the climate is mild and the winters are rainy. Right? Well, usually that is the case, but having just come through the biggest snow storm in 40 years, I have just one thing on my mind - snow, snow and more snow! I'll walk you through the winter wonderlands of more than a few DSG artists who have celebrated the snow in their work.

Winter Sparkles 4x6 original painting by Melanie of The Creators Palette.

Christmas Light original 8x10 oil painting by Brenda Thour of Luvs2Paint.


Frozen 8x10 photographic print from Jorjia.


Christmas Eve Snow #287 16x20 oil painting from Paint With Barb Oil Paintings.

Sunrise Snow 12x18 photographic print from Alison Du Bois.

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Imagine

Imagine. "To form a mental image." The word comes from Latin imaginari which is from imago or image.

The holidays are a time for imagination; and visual imagery is an important aspect of imagination. From the visions of sugar plums, to the decorations in every home, the festive sights and sounds are everywhere. People are busy rushing here and there; some even frantically trying to finish every last detail to create this impression of wonder.

Since the image is the base of imagination I thought this months posting would be a quieter reflection of images from the Design Style Guide photographers. Take some time out of your busy day for quiet reflection and let your imagination drift around the globe through the images of the many talented photographers on Design Style Guide

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Room With A View - Winterwood, Part One

Some beautiful examples, and suggestions, of wintery wood in a variety of mediums from Design Style Guide artists on Etsy:

salt and pepper shakers from Just Mare

bark photo from Ashton Photography

birch woven rug from The Loom-A-Tic Workshop

vase from Webb Pottery

stained glass panel from The Looking Glass

switchplate from Funky Chicken Design

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Tiffany Teske

I have loved photography since I was given a 110 camera at the age of 7, to capture memories on a family trip. I studied ballet, creative writing, and art in high school but did not take photography classes. Instead, I was "the after school photography club" and was taught by a science teacher how to use the darkroom. The chemicals got into my blood, and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) I settled in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, population 200, and home to Sugarloaf USA, and decided to go to University for.... nursing? Well, yes, I did start the pre req courses, but fate stepped in, and after one summer colour printing course and some credit mishaps on the school's part, I switched my major to photography. I graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002. Did I mention that I drove 3 hours round trip to school, 2-3 times a week, for 5 years? If it weren’t for computer courses I would have driven even more… oh, and I met my future husband during this time, who was from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, a 12 hour round trip drive the other direction. I drove back and forth for three years before we married. Now, we live in Banff, Alberta, Canada, with our toddler, Quinlyn, and I WALK EVERYWHERE ;)

It has been a fun ride all along. If you want to know more, feel free to check out the About Tiffany section on my website at www.oldesage.com.

My Favorite Materials are...
TMAX and HP5 black and white film; Polaroid peel apart films for transfers and emulsion lifts; all kinds of paper; fiber based prints made in the darkroom; hand colouring markers; archival mats I cut myself; black metal frames for sleekness and gold gilded frames for romance; silver and copper jewelry components; gel medium; bamboo tiles; poker chips; bottle caps; watercolour paper.I have made a commitment to work with only recycled and thrifted materials for the next year (and beyond...). You can read more about this and a plethora of environmentally related concerns, tips, ideas, goodies, and recipes on my blog,http://mypartforourplanet.blogspot.com. Feel free to also check out my art blog at http://www.tiffanyteske.com.

10% of all my sales go to my local Jacket Frost Fund which provides jackets, snowsuits, boots, and warm clothing to local children in need.

I am thrilled to be presenting my work to you on Etsy. Please note that all of my work comes from a non smoking and pet free environment. Thanks for looking!

You may see many more of Tiffany's works at her Etsy shop.

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Art That Keeps You Warm

A beautiful quilt is truly a work of art. As a bonus, it can also keep you warm at night! Two hundred years ago, our predecessors stitched scraps from old clothing into covers, and layered these together to create quilts that were more utilitarian than artistic. But when fabric became more readily available and affordable, women could also begin to express their creativity through their patchwork and applique. Today's quilter has access to a virtually limitless variety of cotton fabric. With modern tools and techniques, as well as more leisure time than our predecessors, quiltmaking is enjoying a huge revival. If you love beautiful quilts but are not inclined to create one yourself, you can find the work of many talented quilters on the Design Style Guide. Below are just a few examples.

Click on any photo for more information about the item or the artist.

"Garden Bouquet" by Betts Quilts

"Memories of the Titanic" by Pamela Quilts

"Starburst" by Quilt Lover

"Dragonfly Batik" by Jennifer Miller

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Baby Love

Recently one of my best friends had a baby. Of course, as an honorary aunt, I must do nothing short of spoiling her. This new development got me thinking about all of the wonderful things my fellow Design Style Guide shops have to decorate for a baby and these are some of the lovelies I have found:

Mary isn't the only one that can have an adorable little lamb! This print, plus ones of zebras, skunks and giraffes, would be so unique in a nursery. You can check them all out at: CitrusTree.etsy.com.

What little girl would not want to grow up with this beautiful piece in her room? I don't know of any! This custom painted armoire, along with other equally adorable furniture, is available at: madteapartyfurniture.etsy.com

These little modern birds would be perfect in a rocking chair in the babies room. These are hand drawn, screen printed on 100% cotton twill. These little birds can be purchased from: chakrapennywhistle's etsy shop.

This smiling flower pillow is sure to evoke a smile from any child. The soft toy with a hand embroidered face would be perfect for a teething toddler. This little flower can be purchased at:FloradoraInc's etsy shop.

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White Christmas

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Beautiful Boxes

A few months ago I came across this artist on etsy, and haven't been able to get her lovely creations out of my head.

Zebra Sofa Box

Her name is Sandra Todd and she's a retired artist and crafter.
Here is what she has to say.

"My Box Designs were created one day when I took one of my husbands empty cigar boxes and decided to get a little creative. Before long, I had so many interesting pieces, that I started giving them away as gifts to friends and family.
One day someone saw one of my creations at a friends house on her coffee table. The box was being used to store her TV remote controls. The person called me, and asked if she could purchase one for herself, but asked if I could match it to her decor. What evolved since that day, are the boxes you see on this site. All of the boxes are one of a kind. I rarely repeat myself, unless it is a special request and the fabrics I have used are still available. I have used many different types of mediums, fabrics, and embellishments.
Most of the boxes I start with are all different sizes and shapes. I have experimented with all types of styles, from modern metallic, to Victorian lace. All of the boxes are made of wood and most (unless indicated) have new brass hinges and accessories. I am told (by all the people who have purchased them) that they are being used in all sorts of interesting ways. Jewelry, keepsake, photos, dining room silver pieces, coffee tables, the boudoir, night tables, or just for a delightful accent piece. They can also make a perfect gift for that special someone."

Pet Memorial Keepsake

Elegant White Sofa Box

Sweet Dreams Baby Keepsake Box


These boxes are truly unique and adorable.

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Is Santa Bringing You a Plasma TV?

Plasma and LCD TVs are sure to be lurking under many a Christmas tree this season. Give your new tv a home worthy of the investment with one of these audio video furniture masterpeices:

Girtz Plasma TV Stand From: Shaka Studios See Product Details Sellers Portfolio Sellers Website

Plasma TV Pie Safe From: Shaka Studios See Product Details Sellers Portfolio Sellers Website

Brazos Plasma TV Stand From: Shaka Studios See Product Details Sellers Portfolio Sellers Website

Media Console From: Black Mountain Furniture See Product Details Sellers Portfolio Sellers Website

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Reclaiming Wood

My boys have been working in wood lately, I am a textile designer but I love wood and am happy to be collaborating on some projects with them. I have also found many great wood workers on line. With the economy and environmental things happening right now, I think it is important to use existing materials when creating, if possible (we all know about those fabric stashes). Today I am featuring some artisans that do just that in creating home accessories using reclaimed wood in the process.
jneale3


SecondLineFrames


Plyhouse



Happy Holidays to Everyone, Angelia

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Affordable art for your walls, featuring Liz Plummer

Liz Plummer is a textile artist. You can see these wonderful works as well as many of her other pieces in her Etsy Store. She is such a versitile artist, creating in a variety of mediums and styles. I love her gocco prints! She has those great gocco prints, fabric postcards, large wall hangings, mixed media collages, mounted art quilts, and much more!

Spiders Web Collage on art board - available for only $30.00!

Spiders' webs on a collage of leaves and autumn debris is an original tissue paper collage on art board. It is made with acid free tissue paper and quality acrylic paints and acrylic medium, and also incorporates printed paper and Italian newspaper to form a dramatic abstract picture. The many layers and texture of the transparent tissue paper provide depth and interest to the design.

In her own words, Liz says:

I’m a textile artist living in South Wales in the UK. A few things about me:

* I love the feel and texture of fabric, the effects of layering it and using sheers to give the illusion of depth or cutting back layers to reveal hidden elements underneath.

* A City and Guilds certificate in Patchwork and Quilting (completed June 2004) got me started working with layers of fabric, experimenting with paint, dye and other media and learning about colour and design.

* The Quiltart email discussion list, based in the US, has provided me with challenges, ideas and stimulation. My journal quilts and fabric postcards originated here (see Portfolio).

* I am based in Wales, in the UK, where I have lived with my husband and 3 boys since 1989.

* I have always made things: knitting and sewing at a young age, though usually from patterns and magazines. I first bought a sewing machine in the 1980s when I needed a dress for my brother’s wedding. My degree in history reflects my interest in the past and I love visiting textile museums, silk mills etc.

"Rushing hither and thither in our daily lives, there are so many little details we miss. The glistening raindrop on a branch, the way a leaf hangs, sparkling streets after rain.
I try and capture some of those moments in my artwork: the wonder of the beautiful world all around us, little vignettes into eternity.....
I love working with layers: layers of fabric, paint, dye, adding colours, taking away colours, building up those layers to create depth and meaning in each piece of art I make.
Most of my work uses fabric which I have dyed, painted or otherwise altered myself. I use a variety of fibres depending on the effect I want to achieve, including cotton and silk."

Here is one of those great gocco prints!

Botanical Gocco Print on handmade Khadi Paper - Plane tree seedpods - price at only $10.00!

This is based on a photograph Liz took. It is 6"x4" on handmade Khadi paper, made in Southern India from 100% recycled cotton rag. She used Golden heavy body acrylic paint and Golden screen printing medium. It is an original print and the nature of the Print Gocco means that each print is individual and unique.

Visit her great blog here! I never miss it.

Next month, I'll bring you more affordable art for your walls!

Please visit my Etsy store for original watercolor and oil paintings priced from $10.00 to $395.00.

Don't miss my website for more oil paintings, and to see my "What's going on in my studio this month" feature!

Check out my blog and see new artwork, as well as the wonderful flora and fauna of the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

Thank you!
Jean

Jean Levert Hood

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Ellynelly's Instant Wall Graghics

Ellynelly’s offers instant graphic for you walls. No painting necessary. Anyone can quickly and inexpensively transform any room into a happy and artistic space. With their great choice of designs you will have no excuse, you can create without picking up a paintbrush.

'elly nelly', are a mother & daughter team, Elaine & Nell Oliver. Both experienced textile designers with an intense interest in pattern. Elaine lives in Cairns, Australia while Nell is based in New York, USA. Stop by their Etsy shop EllyNelly’s and take a look.

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Furniture - Buy Handmade

When I'm ready to buy a piece of furniture, I used to go to a furniture store and buy a piece made on an assembly line. But now that I have found the Design Style Guide I know now that I will want to buy handmade.

All I did was go to Etsy.com and searched "interiordesignteam" furniture and I found so many lovely pieces of furniture. Just take a look a few of my favorite finds! (click the picture to see these Etsy shops!)

A beautiful French Provincial Keepsake Chest by ArtisticLifestyling

Handmade cribs that also turn into toddle beds by DryadStudios!

A gorgeous hall or side table by ShakaStudios

Handmade Iron bed by deliafurniture

Modern and perfect for Christmas! By lunarloungedesign

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SewDanish: Danish Scandinavian Textile Art

Oh my! I am so excited to introduce Birgitte to you! She is an amazing textile artist and shop owner of SewDanish. I was stopped in my tracks when I saw this beautiful coiled woven bowl made of fabric. Of course I immediately checked out the rest of the shop. Among other cool finds was a vintage cloth journal cover made from a vintage hand embroidered tablecloth and a small flower pouch bag made of corduroy and velvet flowers.

You definitely need to jump on over to http://www.sewdanish.etsy.com/ and see what she has. There are so many gift ideas flowing from this shop! And then when you're done there, I suggest going to http://omshantihandcrafts.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/an-interview-with-birgitte-of-sew-danish/ to read all about Birgitte and her work. Amazing work Birgitte!

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