Upcoming Event: Crafting from the Collection

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is located in Fort Worth, Texas. Now in its sixth decade of operation, the museum offers a diverse array of exhibitions, publications, & programs that connect visitors to masterworks of American art. We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to cross-promote with the museum during our Fort Worth events. It's wonderful that such an institution works hard to support local independent artists, crafters & designers! One way they do this is through their ongoing series, Crafting from the Collection.

On Thursday, May 31, at 6p.m. the museum will feature a tour and hands-on demonstration led by Megan Klein Designs allowing participants to gain ideas & skills for jewelry projects. Sketching paper & pencils will be provided to record crafting inspirations from the featured artworks. A crafting project followed by socializing & refreshments with fellow crafters follows the tour. No reservations are required. Talk about an exciting opportunity that is free of charge!! I hope to see you there! Follow The Amon Carter Museum of American Art on Facebook.

Tiny Hands Jewelry

Tiny Hands Jewelry features unique food-themed jewelry that is scented! I don't know about you, but as a kid I LOVED scented stickers, toys, etc. so this really takes me back to those good times. Mei, the designer behind Tiny Hands, has been creating expertly crafted & customizable scented jewelry since 2006. In the last two years, she's added a ton of new products ranging from bubblegum-scented rainbow lollipops to blueberry pie slices.

Whether you're a sophisticated foodie or just appreciate quirky, fun accessories, Tiny Hands has something for just about every style. The scented birthday cupcake necklace makes a great gift for those celebrating another year wiser. And the mint chocolate chip ice cream necklace is sure to make you feel just a tad bit cooler on hot summer days. Don't have much of a sweet tooth? No problem! Check out the sushi and bubble tea charms.

Another great addition to Tiny Hands Jewelry, is their use of Polyvore, the web's largest fashion community site. Since figuring out what to wear with food jewelry can be difficult for some people, Polyvore shows assembled outfits to go with Tiny Hands jewelry. The outfits range from cute, comfortable summer clothes to a 1990s grunge-style sundress and combat boots.

Every Tiny Hands order comes in a special gift box, tied with a satin ribbon making each purchase ready for gift-giving...or self-indulgence! Receive FREE SHIPPING on any order with coupon code FUNKYSHIPPING. Offer expires August 15, 2012. Learn more about Tiny Hands Jewelry via Facebook and their blog.

(Pictured: 1. Scented Maple Syrup & Butter Waffle Necklace & Earring Set; 2. Scented Pumpkin Pie Ring; 3. Out for Dessert Ensemble on Polyvore)

GIVEAWAY - Stone: A Legacy and Inspiration for Art

What happens to us is irrelevant to the world's geology but what happens to the world's geology is not irrelevant to us. We must reconcile ourselves to the stones. Not the stones to us. - Hugh MacDiarmid, excerpt from
On a Raised Beach, 1934

Black Dog Publishing specializes in beautifully produced books that represent a fresh, eclectic take on contemporary culture. Their titles cover a wide range of interests, including art, architecture, design, fashion, music & environmental concerns. I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Stone: A Legacy and Inspiration for Art for review.

My initial reaction upon receipt is that the book itself is beautiful. With over 200 pages, this hardback book is filled with a wide variety of color photos & information on a subject I've never given much thought to, a fact I berated myself for while reading the book. I say that because in life we are surrounded by stone that has been altered by human beings & nature into works of art.

Stone is a photographic journey through the traditional processes of extracting stone, showing the beauty of the material, and the way it is used today in contemporary sculpture. The book depicts the work of the Edinburgh College of Art’s Stone Project, led by Professor Jake Harvey, Professor Noe Mendelle and Joel Fisher; and their three years of research-based travel to countries around the world — explored through essays, case studies, photographs & film stills.

The trio guides readers through the traditional processes of extracting stone & the plethora of tools & techniques used. Simultaneously, the authors delve into the history of stone work while situating it within contemporary practice. The authors follow stone’s journey from its birthplace, through the various methods of extraction, exploring the material’s evolution into something new with an array of sculptural techniques. Contemporary stone sculpture and stone carving is also featured within the book, with artists using stone within their practice being highlighted — such as Marc Quinn, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Gerard Mas, Isamu Naguchi and the late Louise Bourgeois — Stone includes previously unseen images of their work in production, and in some of the many stoneworking ‘laboratories’ and quarries featured.

A visually stimulating title, Stone is the ideal introduction to stone work & the perfect addition to the bookshelves of those with an interest in arts, crafts & architecture. I promise that once you read this book, you won't look at stone in the same mundane way again. If you would like to order this lovely book for you or another person with an appreciation for art (and hard work), you will receive a 40% discount by emailing your delivery address to Jessica Atkins at jess@blackdogonline.com. The same discount offer applies to Black Dog’s latest printmaking book release; The Mechanical Hand: Artists’ Projects at Paupers Press. Include "Funky Finds Discount Offer" in subject line.

*** GIVEAWAY ***

PRIZE: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Stone: A Legacy and Inspiration for Art from Black Dog Publishing.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post noting why you would like to receive this title for you or for someone else.

EXTRA ENTRY: Like Black Dog Publishing on Facebook & leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

ENDS: Sunday, May 20 at 9pm CST.

(Pictured: 1. Book Cover; 2. YA AN Long Dong Da Gou Tou Marble Quarry worker in Sichuan, China; 3. Crated Marble Lion from Quyang Carving Workshop in Heibei, China; 4. Seed by Peter Randall-Page, granite; 5. Dual 'Jeanne' portrait by Barry X Ball in Belgian Black Marble, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, acrylic lacquer, steel, nylon & plastic.)

Steampunk Weekend in Jefferson, TX

Funky Finds is based outside of Jefferson, Texas, a charming historical town in deep East Texas. There is always something fun going on in this small but busy town. For example, this weekend is Pilgrimage. The town will be filled with Civil War reenactors participating in the re-enactment of the Battle of Port Jefferson that took place in 1864. I personally will be dressed in period costume while acting as a docent at one of the historical homes on tour. I love playing dress up!

Last month, Jefferson hosted The Steampunk Illumination Society from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The group held their Steampunk & Paranormal conference here because Jefferson is considered to be the most haunted town in Texas by paranormal experts, as well as Discover, Travel, and Sci-Fi channels. Also, the group enjoyed the Steamboat and train rides.

I was excited about this event, because two designers I know from the DFW area decided to participate as vendors. Lindsay Wisecup is the creative mastermind behind House of Introspection & she has vended at many of Funky Finds' art & craft events in Fort Worth. Teaming up with her for the first time was Amy Jewell, a talented designer, who teaches multiple classes, as does Lindsay, at The Artful Bead in Carrollton. For this event, Amy decided to try her hand at millinery, or hat making, and I must say she was successful in creating eye-catching accessories!

It was great to have time to visit with Lindsay & Amy in a relaxed atmosphere. Usually we see each other briefly during all the hustle & bustle I experience during a Funky Finds event! In addition to their goods, there were other vendors selling a wide variety of unique items ranging from clothing to jewelry. But, I must say, it was extremely fun people watching AND meeting a man on stilts! Steampunk attire is very creative & interesting.

If you are unfamiliar with Steampunk culture, check out this article I wrote back in 2009. Many people visiting the vendor area asked, "What IS Steampunk?" I heard Lindsay tell one curious shopper that "Steampunk is like Victorian times, but with ray guns." Now you're REALLY intrigued, aren't you!?

Be sure to LIKE Funky Finds on Facebook for up-to-date information & announcements!

(pictured: 1. Me as a docent in December during the Candlelight Tour of Homes; 2. House of Introspection Display; 3. Amy & Lindsay; 4. Me & A Man on Stilts)