Joyita Series (little jewel) layered resin ink paintings

New small work available - stay tuned for the Nyack Center's new art/craft fair Nov. 29th!2015

All my resin experimenting is beginning to pay off as I am beginning to return to older paintings and repaint layers between the resin, and re-coating. The result is intriguing to me as it mimics my escapades with warm fused glass and the layering of fused glass blocks that I used to do. It demands a lot of patience ...and is ridiculously difficult to photograph, as you can't see the dimension or depth in the photo as you can when the piece is in your hand...but part of me likes that defying of virtual space.

Joyita (little jewel series)

Unsellable Objects

A while back in my Jewelry category I wrote a post called Unsellablegivable objects in which I wrote about how sometimes I learn a new technique such as this beading one, and I simply can't bring myself to give or sell any of it away. Here is another example of something else I do when I'm not painting, drawing, sculpting, writing, sewing or exhibiting.

Furthermore, I'm really interested in learning about how other creatives 'focus' and limit themselves. Lately, I've been feeling as though it's futile to even try to limit myself since I get easily bored with any one technique. Even if I can manage to make twenty of something (which I do often) when the wave is over - I move on. With getting older I've settled a bit - but barely.

I just have an issue with wanting to do too much. During meetings my hands always have to be moving. I get over-whelmed yet still always have five projects going at once, all with self-induced stressed and deadlines.

My hub says I behave as though I'm going to die tomorrow and have to do everything today! I am quite honestly a doer and need to be making something always.

Is anybody else like this or is it just me?? I mean between my writing and blurring the line between fine art and craft on a daily basis, I'm all over the place as an artist. And that's ok right?? Yeah, that's the 21st century non-outsourceable mind...right??

- Ciao Amarettogirl

New Mai Sweetshop Products in the Works!

Having been a while since my first MAI Sweetshop debut this past November, its time to get back to work! The product line was more popular than I could have ever dreamed and I learned so much in the process. To read about how Mai Sweetshop started, please read this older MAI Post.

I have to say that I am a bit surprised that the products have remained in demand. I sold out of almost every piece I made for that December craft fair. I now know what people want more of.

In resurrecting my efforts I experimented a lot more with different materials and have learned some new and improved ways of making some of the objects. I have been teaching myself from Japanese crafts books that I can't read - but the pictures are phenomenally elaborate and systematically clear.

New Mai SS Cupcake Ornament

Since I use the soft clay material, as opposed to the silicone (either is recommended), the products are very fragile and I am now combining that with stronger material for protruding parts. In addition, I've learned some awesome glaze and chocolate syrup techniques that add a whole lot more realism-moxie!

New! Mai SS altered Re-Ment cake ring

The altered Re-Ment hot cocoa rings were so popular that I have started a whole new branch of altered Re-Ment jewelry. Re-Ment is a Japanese company that makes miniature doll house pieces and parts. And since necklaces were a hot request item, I'll be making whole jewelry sets (earrings, necklaces and rings).

So here are some shots of what's up and coming in my little studio that I now call 'The Hovel' since I feel like I'm in a closed in cave when I'm in there!

New Mai SS cupcakes!New! Mai SS altered Re-Ment Ring!Mai Sweetshop Altered Re-Ment Rings

When it comes to altering Re-Ment, I am mixing and matching pieces and parts from different sets, drilling holes, gluing, adding glazes, filling cups, adding sprinkles, re-touching paint and adding blank jewelry parts. Since many of these are the only Re-Ment pieces I have (until I order more), if you see something screaming out at you please let me know before I place it in my Etsy shop so that I can reserve it for you!

Mai Sweetshop altered Rement jewelry in the works!New! Mai Sweetshop Hot Cocoa! New! Mai SS altered Rement ring (Too bad I didn't get this done for V'day!)

So this is all hot off of the press and nothing is listed for sale yet - but it will be- so stayed tuned! Hope you enjoyed the pics and let me know what you think!