My First Feature Artist

My first feature is Olivia, owner of The Filigree Garden. The moment I went into Olivia's Shop I felt romance. Her jewelry peices have a sense of history along with beauty. It all started when Olivia was small, she loved rummaging through her mothers jewelry draw, thinking she was in a treasure chest. She loved to see and feel all the wondeful gems. She would make simple pieces for her dolls. When Olivia was in her 20's she took a silversmithing class, however, at the time she was working with fabric. She makes bags, childrens clothing, pillows, curtains and slip covers. She says "Fabric is very tempting to me, I love all the colors and textures." Olivia just recently has returned to her love of jewelry with needing to repair her own jewelry and having her late mothers collection. Being a big fan of handmade and locally produced items, an internet search brought her to Etsy. She states "Its very satisfying to give new life to forgotten things"

One of the reasons I loved this shop is Olivia's items contain an element that has been "rescued" from a broken piece of vintage jewelry which is a big part of their beauty and also makes them one of a kind. So far her Etsy experience has been wonderful. She loves being apart of her BBest team. She mentions that being with so many vibrant, artistic and interesting men and women over 40, keeps her going when she starts to feel old, it reminds her and all of us, that there is so much to look forward to.

Olivia's other passions are Photography and Writing.

Please take a visit to Olivia's shop, The Filigree Garden http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5373919

Vintage and old photos

I've been fiddling around trying to perfect some vintage and old tyme photos. So far this is what I've created.

I get alot of enjoyment experimenting with all the resourses that are available in software. I can get different effects from the same print. Thats very exciting to me.

***Contest***

Take a look......thats me in the center......Can you tell what I was taking a photo of? Hmmm might be very easy...But I'm going to throw in a little lemon twist.....be specific!!!!

Winner will win one of these magnets........perfect for Valentines Day. Leave your answers in the comment box. Good luck!

The winner of the contest is Precious Quilts.....thank you all for guessing.

My Sandwriting

My Sandwriting was started about 7 years ago with my family on our vacations on Martha's Vineyard. During this time I would have alot of fun by writing everyones name in the sand and then snap the photo right when the wave came in. This is where timing comes in. Of course on more than one occassion I would have to redo these over and over again because the ocean waves kinda do what they want. Over the years many people have requested I write their childrens name, their last names, their hometowns etc. Sandwriting has turned into quite a big part of my photography and I enjoy it immensely.

Below is a few examples of sandwritings that I've created.

My family has been going on vacations to Martha's Vineyard for over 20 years. Its a place we all feel is home. Its a place were we all get together and play games and go to the beach and pretty much do the same thing every year......what makes us love it so much? Must be because its being with the whole family at the same time. We fight, scream and end up laughing every time. This is a tradition that is going to continue with my children also. They love the island and make sure they come every year also. So I guess Martha's Vineyard means family and thats why I love it so much. Here is a little snippet video of us enjoy our summer.

My Photography

At the age of 13, my father bought me my first camera. This camera changed my life. I began taking pictures and was hooked. I would shoot pictures wherever possible. Because of my need to learn more about photography, I took classes all through high school. My father saw my interest and decided to build a makeshift darkroom in our cellar where I spent much of my time. I soon became the photographer of the family, and over time I got married, had children and didn't have time to spend on my photography. However, since my children are grown and on their own, I decided to start taking pictures again, utilizing all of the new media available. Because so many things changed in the world of photography through technology, I decided to take additional courses to catch up to the next generation. Armed with my new digital camera and computer software, I went to work taking portraits and landscapes. One of my most popular work has been my sandwriting photos. I did it for fun on Martha's Vineyard during family vacations, but then got so many requests for personalized writings that I decided to sell them as well. I like being creative by taking advantage of technology and putting my art into many different forms, such as magnets and notecards. I'm spreading my wings through various mediums on the internet where people can view and purchase my art. There is nothing that gives me more gratification than for someone to enjoy my photography.