Friday, November 11, 2011

Friday's Focus - New Attitude

(Please feel free to click on any product links or photos to be taken directly to the shop listing!)

It's Friday and that means it's time for a Friday's Focus feature. Today's theme selector is Nea Allison of BlueDartDesigns on Etsy.  I asked Nea to share a bit about herself, her shop, and her creative philosophy, and here's what she had to say!
Detroit-
Glass metal dangle hoop earrings

"I usually describe myself as a rock 'n roll hippie. My friends usually call me "that hippie." I'm crazy about classic rock (especially AC/DC), and strive to be environmentally conscientious. So, the evolution to recycled rock 'n roll inspired jewelry was only a matter of time."


 



Royal blue recycled glass
& white faux suede cord



"I wanted to make and wear something interesting and unexpected. When I do wear jewelry (which I often don't!) I want it to be a reflection of my personality-fun, simple, a bit sassy. I figured there are some folks out there that feel the same way. I'm always looking for ways to keep material out of the waste stream, and jewelry seemed like another natural evolution for that need. "





Natural orange feather earrings
with recycled glass beads

"I go through phases in designs, and always make a "prototype" to wear myself before offering a new style in my shop. This lets me make any adjustments to later pieces, and I won't be heartbroken if a favorite item sells. I've been making jewelry for years, but only started selling recently, thanks to the encouragement of my amazing fiance! I followed him to Texas when he got the orders to deploy, and since he's been gone, making jewelry has been a welcome distraction. It's a great conduit for my artistic sensibilities, and I really hope it's something I can continue with a degree of success!"


I love hearing about what inspires my fellow artisans, and I think a lot of Nea's thoughts and hopes for BlueDartDesigns follow the same common thread that most of us feel. We put a little bit of ourselves into every piece we create - our emotions, our values, our soul essence, and we can only hope that someone comes along who has a similar attitude and way of looking at life, and that they'll appreciate our work and value it as much as we do.

Speaking of attitude, THAT is Nea's theme choice for today!  Looking at her designs and reading her thoughts, I got the sense that attitude is a driving force for her - be it an attitude of playfulness, sassyness, or determination.  Keeping that in mind, here are some of the great finds I tracked down on Etsy - with my interpretation of "attitude"!

When Life Gives you LEMONS throw a PARTY Blank Card from aedesigns


Personalized PRINCESS Humor Graphic T Shirt from togs4sprogs
 
I Ain't No Bluebird of Happiness Needle Felted Soft Sculpture by McBrideHouse


Sweet Sassy and Southern Classy Pink T shirt from CountryCabinCrafts

Vinyl Wall Decal Art Sticker - Some People Say I Have Attitude -by WondrousWallArt



Attitude Phrase Art Pendant by 4TDesigns


Some People Dance in the Rain Contemporary Print by catalyst54
Thank you to Nea of BlueDartDesigns for selecting such a fun theme.  I hope you'll visit her shop as well as the other great shops featured here.

I hope you've enjoyed this Friday's Focus. If you'd like to have the opportunity to select next Friday's theme (and have a mini-feature of your shop done as well), please leave a comment and share your thoughts on today's selections!  Be sure to leave contact information as well.  One randomly chosen commenter will be chosen sometime next Thursday (November 17th) afternoon and contacted to decide on a theme!  Of course, I love reading your comments for whatever reason you feel the desire to post! 
 
One last question since I'm curious, how would you describe your attitude today?


xo,



6 comments:

Terry Kempfert - Heritage Maker, Certified Engraver and Calligrapher said...

We need to have an attitude adjustment daily - what great ideas! Love your beautiful post and fabulous products. I have posted on my FB @Defying Gravity Design. Thank you!

Julie said...

Thank you for featuring one of my custom t-shirts on your blog today. I am honored to be picked out of so many items on Etsy. Love all the items you featured today, especially the cute little bird! Best wishes, Julie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for featuring my shirt on your blog. I will be leaving a note on both of my facebooks (Niwid & Golleewhopper) to have everyone come and check out your blog.
I so appreciate all your work that it takes to keep a blog going.
Thank you again Barbara

The Card Garden said...

Thank you for including my fun lemon card on your blog! What great Etsy finds with attitude! I've posted your blog on my fb.

Bludart said...

Thanks so much for choosing me, it was so much fun! Great choice of themed products-love that card!

Bella McBride said...

What a thrill to have my little bluebird of unhappiness featured on your blog with all these other attitude filled items! Thank you so much! As for my attitude on this wet and wild day? Well I started out looking like my little bluebird but quickly took on a more humble attitude when I realized today is Remembrance Day in Canada. So my attitude today is of pure gratitude.

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