Undiscovered Gold: No Pun Necessary

If you haven't noticed yet, its the holiday season. WHAT?!?! I know, you are probably sick of being reminded about that too. I do love some aspects of this time of year. Not the crowds at the mall or the music on the radio, but the generous spirit that is awakened in so many people. It is particularly important now that so many families are struggling to just make it through the day. Charities are struggling too.

This week's shop has so many things going for it; number one being its HYSTERICAL name, The Funky Pussy. Don't be offended, they sell cool things for your cat. I don't know about you, but my cats love to jump into an open drawer. Why not buy them a drawer of their own! Steve Maka, creator of these cat beds and other things, makes each item from reclaimed materials. Best of all, he is generous enough to donate 10% of every sale to a local animal shelter.

If you are still shopping for Christmas, consider buying from shops that will be donating part or all of their profits to charity. It is a win-win for everyone involved :)

I Love This

Alphabet Magnets by The Angry Robot

I Love This

Rhinestone Bridal Necklace by LivingVintage

Landscapes/Seascapes/Local Scenes

I entered one of my photographs into a show at The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, NJ. I was very excited to find out I was accepted; my first time at that space. It is a very well respected local art organization offering classes and exhibits of its members juried in throughout the year. This exhibit celebrates the beauty of summer with  landscapes, seascapes and local scenes.

Today was the opening reception. I decided to go with my camera to document some of the beautiful things others submitted; all which are for sale. I even got the opportunity to talk to some of the contributing artists, full of great advise and loads of talent. I of course shared with them some of my knowledge on internet marketing your art.

I was quite surprised, not by the quality of the work, but by how many photographs there were! I was also impressed with the diversity of subject matter. While many artists stuck with traditional subject matter such as the beach, as I did, many ventured into abstract expressions and portraits.

These are some of my favorite pieces from the show. All are available for sale at The Guild if you are interested. The show will be up in the main gallery now through July 27th. Stop by and see it in person!

Something Fishy by Buren Gilpin 

wood vase

Old Red Barn by Frank Colaguori 

watercolor

Rain... Sun... Mist by Marilyn M. Baldi 

photograph

By the way, here is my piece on display:

Breakers by Tracey Rediker

photography

If you are interested in purchasing it and cant get over to The Guild, this piece is also available online. 

Handmade Shop of the Week: Cut Your Heart Out

I found Jessica of Cut Your Heart Out recently while searching for fun shops on etsy. She would describe her work as quirky, offbeat and slightly creepy but I just think of it as cool.

Every piece of jewelry in her shop is unique. As she states on her website,"All of the pieces created and sold are pieces that I would wear myself. I don't make anything that I wouldn't be proud to wear. I also don't believe in putting a high price tag on the items I create so everything you find in my store is affordable and reasonably priced."

Jessica's love of tattoos, Alice in Wonderland, and loud music shine through in each one of her designs. Her favorite materials are stones, glass and paper which she uses often and with great flair.

Besides her etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/cutyourheartout , you should check out her blog http://cutyourheartoutstore.blogspot.com/ and her facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/cutyourheartout. Jessica is a proud member of the etsynj team.

Interested in being featured? Email me for more information.

Perfect Beach Day

I don't know what made me think that today would be a great day to go take pictures on the beach, but that is exactly where I went. What an amazing time I had. The sand was covered in snow, as was everything else. It was quite treacherous getting down to the beach on the slippery steps! The sky was blue and clear; the sand was an in contrast to the white powder of the snow. Seagulls and other locals were enjoying the cool breeze on their walks by the water.

Jersey Made

Everything I make is Jersey Made; and everything in this store is Jersey Made too!

Jersey Made, located in Mount Holly, NJ was a fantastic find for me. At an art show in Keansburg, NJ, Jeweler Dori of Face of Contentment told me about Holly and her great little shop. Holly is an artist herself and created a place that supports her fellow local artists and brings creativity to the masses with classes in a variety of crafts.

This is the best part: Jersey Made will be selling Tracey Knits! Now you can go in and see my handmade knit items live and in person anytime.You can, as always, buy my work online if you choose, but I know there are people who prefer brick and mortor so here it is! Be sure to stop in and check it out.

Festivals are coming!

Just in case you live in New Jersey, be sure to write these dates on your calendar:

Saturday, September 26, 2009 10am-4pm, Joe Palaia Park, Ocean Township, NJ
5th Annual Fall Fest
Craft Vendors, Apple Pie and Chili competitions, Classic Car Show, and a parent/child tennis tournament.

Saturday, October 4, 2009 9am-3pm, Jackson Township Fire Co. no.1, station 55, Jackson, NJ
Fall Craft & Vendor Fair
Holiday Fair & Fundraiser
Arts, Craft, and holiday merchandise for sale. All proceeds go to the Jackson Fire Department.

I will be selling my hand-colored illustrations at both these events, as well as my greeting cards. Stop by and check out my work in person!