Birds on the Brain

The annual Christmas bird count is on and that got me thinking about some of my favorite birders...

original etching by Fleurografie

    sculptural bird feeder by joepapendick

photograph by PhotogenicGallery

Lovebirds by peylu

Victorian bird pin from WickedDarling

vintage falcon print from carambas

woodland print by LouisestArt

prepare to laugh your *** off! MincingMockingbird

limited edition print by TheJoyofColor

bird vase by catherinereece

Happy birding and a very happy Holiday to all!

SeeLifeShine

Ms Flora Abunda

Several years ago metal sculptor and friend Linley Schetky asked me to work with her on a collaborative project sponsored by Art in the Pearl, here in Portland. I jumped at the chance because I love spending time with Linley, and I had already learned the basic welding and plasma cutting skills from her while helping her out in her studio.

We decided to do a life sized, or in this case, bigger that life sized figure which we named Flora Abunda. Made from steel rod and found objects and topped with a floral crown, she's currently residing at Lawrence Gallery in Sheridan, Oregon. She is looking for a home that can accommodate her. She eats very little. As you can see, she's not even skin and bones, just bones. And she has a very pleasant personality...

With our girl at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in the Pearl district

For me, working large, in steel was very freeing. After I got used to the idea that I didn't have to file and fit every joint to perfection before welding I found a whole new world of really being able to manhandle the material. I really, really want to do more of it!

This week's output...

Last week I finished the majority of my orders and this week I strove to make one new piece each day. Some of the work took several days, some could be completed in a single day. Thanks to a CD of music my daughter made for me I was able to saw, hammer and solder, and set all while rocking out to "mama mix". Thanks Caelen!

posted to etsy on Monday, fossilized coral

these turquoise and pearl earrings were also a Monday addition but sold within a few hours...(!)

Dalmatian jasper drops on Tuesday

these pretty little coin pearl studs appeared on Wednesday

Thursday- Cherry Creek jasper and freshwater pearls

And today I finished a stacking ring set in sterling.

I'll definitely be back at it tomorrow! You can check out more of my work at betsybensen.etsy.com.

kidsville

some of my favorite etsy shops with kids in mind...

my weekend

Had a wonderful show in the lovely home of clothing designer Ann Williamson. I think half the fun was seeing all of the beautiful clothing that walked into our show on the shoppers! I got a few photos in the morning right after set up just to set the scene! Thanks Ann and all for making it such a great weekend!

 The entry featured one of Elisabeth Gillem's gorgeous outfits and the delicate forged silver jewelry of Bay area metalsmith Kathryn Ferrier.

Just a small selection shown here of Carol Risley's fabulous leather handbags.

Some of the amazing work of Ann Williamson, much of which is constructed using vintage kimono silks with hand applique and bead work.

I shared the dining room with designer Elisabeth Gillem and of course, ended up with one of her beautiful hand dyed silk scarves. How could I not?

And my little case was packed full of goodies as well.

This is the Weekend!

I've got my car packed and will be setting up for a wonderful holiday Art to Wear show at the home of clothing designer Ann Williamson taking place this weekend, Dec 3rd and 4th. I'm hoping that all you Portland area readers will pop over and check out the artisan clothing, jewelry and bags being featured, and meet the artists, we'll all be there!