Ruby Lane & Ruby Plaza's Creative Hands - May 2011

In This Issue

• Mother's Love by Karen Soldswish
  
• Ruby Lane Artisan Jewelry Shop - btwisted Jewelry Designs
  
• Grey Feather Creations on Ruby Lane
  
• TimCampbellArt - Outsider Folk Art on Ruby Plaza
  
• Kentucky Derby Day is Saturday! Good luck to the lady in the saddle!
  
• Send Us Your Video & Get Paid
  
• Celebrate love for Mom with jewelry created by the fine artisans of Ruby Lane.
  
• Join Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza on Facebook and Twitter
  
• Share Creative Hands With A Friend
  

MOTHER'S LOVE BY KAREN SOLDSWISH

The month of May brings flowers along with a special day for honoring mothers. A mother is at the heart of the home, the giver of unconditional love, the source of comfort, teacher and finally a friend.

I learned to love from my first instructor, my dear Mom. She taught me countless lessons during my upbringing and to this day, I learn from her.... patience, cleanliness, faith in God, hard work with the satisfaction of a job well done, the love of baking, the art of being well dressed, making a home comfortable and beautifully decorated. My mom knew the comforts of life... a delicious home-cooked meal, baking the best apple pie in the world, sewing cozy quilts to snuggle up with and soft pajamas for pleasant dreams.

During my self-centered teenage years, I never fully realized the depth of my mother's efforts and love; and it was not until I was married with children of my own that I began to fully appreciate my mom. And now, that my children are teen-aged and young adult, I fully comprehend her actions which were based on love. Mom was excited to have grandchildren and I recall, a special moment during my first pregnancy which wonderfully occurred on Mother's Day. With my mom at my side, I felt the initial stirrings of my daughter's life inside me.

As a grandmother, I witnessed my mom's love through fresh eyes. She tirelessly and lovingly cared for my children when I worked, provided them with their favorite security blankets, sewed adorable outfits and taught them to
love Polish food and always bought them new shoes! There are no words to describe my gratitude for Mom's selfless affection; she taught by example as a loving and generous grandmother. The cycle is nearing full circle as my daughter often wonders how she is going to have the capacity as a mom when it's time, but I know she will be great!

As my children draw closer to leaving "the nest", I reflect upon this quote by Erich Fromm "The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully independent." How True! I can attest to the passionate love! And... when they depart, it will be bittersweet, but I will let go just as my mother did.

Recently my mom, who is 80 years old, was leaving my house, and as I watched her walk to her car, as spry and feisty as ever, I said a silent prayer thanking God for blessing my life with this wonderful woman who is my MOM! I love you Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

Karen Soldwisch of Synergy Collectibles

For more great stories visit the Ruby Lane Blog: Notes from the Lane

RUBY LANE ARTISAN JEWELRY SHOP - BTWISTED JEWELRY DESIGNS

Welcome to the world of btwisted. Are you certain you want to delve into our twisted little world? I think it's safe to say we are all a little twisted in one way or another. This is not necessarily a bad thing, once you come to accept the fact we all have our own little idiosyncrasies. After all, that's what makes us, us. So just btwisted!

btwisted was conceived by us in the fall of 2007. Us; is Shari and Dan Johnson, a happily married (and twisted) couple who like spending countless hours side by side creating beautiful things. Ideas and concepts bounce back and forth as part of a process utilized that will eventually become that beautiful thing we referred to earlier.

Creating beautiful jewelry is an art form and consists of much more than merely assembling components. It involves conceptualization of an expression that can be shared and enjoyed by one or many. Creating a piece often begins with inspiration. Good old inspiration... Inspiration can be challenging or effortless, simple or complex, spontaneous or deliberate, funny or sad, loud or muted, logical or crazy, animated or still, normal or freaky, trendy or outdated, the list goes on but I think you understand how diverse inspiration can be. Inspiration can be influenced by music, literature, ideals, politics, environment, objects, architecture, nature, other art forms, artists, colors, materials, fashion, technology, events, conversations, dreams and visions can play into the beginning of a
masterpiece. We are fortunate when our inspiration evolves and is a continuous process. Inspiration is whatever, whenever and for the most part cannot be forced.

We are happy you are here and appreciate that you took an interest in finding out a little bit of what makes us tick and why. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to earn your business and when we do, you won't be disappointed. We guarantee it!

Take a moment and visit shop btwisted Jewelry Designs

GREY FEATHER CREATIONS ON RUBY LANE

$Grey Feather Creations began with a need to create and relax. At the moment, I work full-time away from home during the day. In the evening, I have always had a craft or project to relax and use the 'other side' of my brain. I have stitched hundreds of thousands of cross stitches in my life and I decided jewelry would be a very rewarding way to create little pieces of art. People often ask how I came up with the name Grey Feather Creations. No, I don't make Native American jewelry, or use real feathers in my designs (although, I might someday). Grey Feather comes from two grey cockatiel's who share their space with me.

I started selling my jewelry in August, 2008 at a local salon. My customers range in age from 8 to 90. Since then, I have had showings in my hometown of Kiowa, Anthony, Ks, and Salina, Ks. I also have jewelry for sale in a boutique in Wichita, Ks.

My favorite medium is wire. I use sterling silver, brass, bronze and copper. I try many different techniques with wire and metal and I am always looking at new ways to create. Since I still consider myself a novice, I am always reading books and watching DVDs to further my skills in making jewelry. I have no formal training in any type of jewelry techniques. Everything I make is from trial and error and hours of practice.

Quality components are key to my creations. Each piece is crafted carefully and meticulously. I use high quality materials. I try to buy all of my components and supplies in the
United States. I love artisan lampwork beads! Most of the lampwork beads I incorporate in my designs are made by self representing artisans living in the United States. Occasionally, I buy from some very gifted artisans in Canada and Europe.

Although wire is my passion, I sometimes make jewelry using Vintaj Natural Brass components. I am always open to trying something totally new. Resin has been very interesting, and I plan to extend my jewelry line with Precious Metal Clay later this year.

Martha Bogner

I hope you enjoy browsing my shop! Grey Feather Creations

TIMCAMPBELLART - OUTSIDER FOLK ART ON RUBY PLAZA

I am a self-taught / outsider artist. My work is in galleries throughout New England, Cape Cod, Atlanta, San Fransisco and also in the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.

I reside in southwestern New Hampshire with my Jack Russell Terrier, Otis Campbell, named after the character on the Andy Griffith Show.

My work is both thought provoking and humorous. It has taken Folk Art to a new level. I was selected by "Early American Life" magazine as the 2010 Best & Listed in The Directory of Traditional American Crafts.

My sculptural pieces are created entirely from recycled wood and metal. My painted furniture uses vintage pieces which gives them their primitive appearance. Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.

My work is in private collections throughout the United States and Europe.

Timothy Campbell - an artisT - KeEne, New Hampshire TimCampbellArt

KENTUCKY DERBY DAY IS SATURDAY! GOOD LUCK TO THE LADY IN THE SADDLE!

Have you heard? There is a woman jockey riding in Saturday's Kentucky Derby - 22 year-old Stephanie Korger! No woman has ever won the Kentucky Derby but Saturday's Race could be the first. For more on the story: Women Jockeys Keep Up with the Men

We have wonderful handcrafted Derby Hats on Ruby Plaza. Take a look!

Kentucky Derby Hat 24 inch brim Triple Crown











Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Lady Olivia

SEND US YOUR VIDEO & GET PAID

Many of you already know that Ruby Lane & Ruby Plaza accepts blog articles from shops, and credits your shop $35 per accepted article which we post on Notes from The Lane, Twitter and Facebook. We have developed a sizable number of shops who contribute regularly! We are expanding this program to include video - so we invite shops to send us video links that showcase your shop for publication consideration.

Have you considered making a video about yourself and your shop? Do you want to showcase the items in your shop? Do you have tips and information you'd like to share with others about online sales success to help establish yourself as a valuable resource? Do you have a studio that you would like others to view?Do you have a handcraft technique you would like to share with others or a demonstration video showing how to create your handcrafts? Video is fast becoming the medium to communicate with others, and a it's great way to market your shop. And these days anyone can do it!

Here's how it works:

Once you make your video, upload it to www.youtube.com. Then, send us a link to it at marketing1@rubylane.com. Once accepted, we will publish it on our blog, Facebook and Twitter pages to spread the word about your shop. Once published, we will credit your shop $35. Please note that the focus of your video must be you and your Ruby Lane or Ruby Plaza shop.

Here are links to a couple of videos that other Ruby Lane shops have done. These are just examples - we invite you
to use your imagination in doing your own:

Sorren's-Blue Scarlettshard

Vintage Jewelry Showcase

If you're not sure how to get started making your own videos, be sure to check out this step-by-step Make Your Own Videos blog post by Viga Boland of Vintage Jewelry Showcase to see how she made hers.

Kind Regards,
The Team at Ruby Lane

CELEBRATE LOVE FOR MOM WITH JEWELRY CREATED BY THE FINE ARTISANS OF RUBY LANE.

Lydia's Lodge

Bold Boro Love Heart, Peridot, Gray Topaz, Garnet, Silver Necklace

This necklace features a wonderful Boro 'love heart' bead which has been created by a very talented glass artist and dear friend of mine. I have made ...

Synergy Collectibles

Vintage Artisan Assemblage Baby Motif Charm Necklace

Oui Sweet Little Bebe, Je t'aime! Having A Baby Is A Special and Blessed Event and The Glowing Maman Can Proudly Wear This Vintage Keepsake Charm ...

Dolphin Designs Artwear

Love Your Mother Liquid Silver Sterling and Quartz Earth Pendant Necklace

I made this pendant a few years ago. I clipped the top off a sterling silver earth charm. I sanded the metal with a file so it would be smooth. Then...

Creations by Crystal

Custom Made Personalized Bali Style Mothers Mom Grandma Name Bracelet Sterling Gold-Fill

This stunning mothers bracelet would make a wonderful gift for that special mother or grandmother in your life! It is handcrafted using only the ...

B BOLD Jewelry for Boomer Girls

New Mexico Sterling Silver Charms Bracelet

Adorning this bracelet are sterling silver charms of rabbits, sheep, butterflies, and crosses handmade by local artisans in New Mexico. In addition, ...

Purrrls

Freshwater pearl necklace with stunning mother of pearl pendant

This simple design really makes this gorgeous mother of pearl pendant stand out. Tiny light bronze colored freshwater pearls hang gently around the ...

Holly Cottage Designs

Picnic in the Grass - Purple Flowers on Grass Green Lampwork with Swarovski Crystal Clusters

These pretty lampwork beads are worked on a base that reminds me of spring grass. Another pair from the torch of Victoria Burby, these beads are ...

Round Two Jewelry

Handcrafted Button Bracelet Roundelay

Roundelay n. a poem or song with a recurring refrain... A recurring theme of beautiful decorated antique and vintage metal buttons make up this ...

P Lee's Place

Royal Blue And White Cloisonne Featured Necklace And Earring Set

This alluring necklace features a stunning blue and white cloisonne pendant with gold enamel filigree in a gold plated casing, believed to have been ...

Jewelry Fanatic

Maille Mama European 4-in-1 Chain Bracelet

Sterling silver... 7 1 4 long, 3 4 wide... Hand-crafted European 4-in-1 pattern chain weave bracelet, created by Holly Thompson! 1.7 oz. of ...

JOIN RUBY LANE AND RUBY PLAZA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza are now active on both Twitter and Facebook, and we invite you to join us. Both services are free to join and participate.

Follow Ruby Lane on Twitter: Twitter

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SHARE CREATIVE HANDS WITH A FRIEND

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