Island Time

Wow, how time flies! This summer has been very busy as we've continued to adapt to island life. Considering that Tim and I are originally from Arizona, where the biggest weather threat is dust storms and flash flooding, we spent a little extra time and money in putting our emergency hurricane plans in order. We were ready just in time for Dean! Lucky for us, he passed us by with barely a whimper and only a few drops of rain.

We've also been taking advantage of our free time by getting to know the area beaches and seeking out good snorkeling spots (always looking for that elusive sea turtle). We found a great area in Luquillo that has many coral reefs and we love going there on the weekends to explore. Naturally, these trips have provided me with a great deal of inspiration and it's being reflected in my work. I have opened a second Etsy store, The Floral Reef, which is now home for all of my whimsical, island inspired designs. Here is a sampling of some of the new items:

A Few Original Art Pendants -

A Few of My Caribbean Critters -

Inspiration is all around us, if we only take the time to stop and take a look around! I hope you enjoy my new designs, I am having a blast making them! To see more, visit The Floral Reef at http://www.thefloralreef.etsy.com/. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

More of El Yunque Rainforest

On Friday, June 29th I was fortunate enough to participate in a great event, Art Night at El Yunque. With the sounds of the coqui frogs off in the distance, the event took place at El Portal in the Caribbean Rainforest, El Yunque. Sponsored by the US Forest Service the evening included dining, dancing, drinking and art, all under a big bright full moon. These are some pictures from the event.

Lisa Wigger from LeeLoo Studio

My Table Display

A Sampling of Lisa's Work. See more at http://www.leeloostudio.com/

Jaymee Weinreich, one of my favorite artists in Puerto Rico. See more of Jaymee's awesome work at http://www.weinreichstudio.com/

My new friend Olga. She does amazing work with sea glass and wire.

Lisa Wigger, Rob Wigger and my honey Tim Blackford

"In the Mist" by Tim Blackford

The next Art Night at El Yunque will be held on Friday, July 27th from 6 - 11PM. If you're going to be in Puerto Rico make sure to put this on your agenda, it's a night not to miss.

Aqua

All things aqua! It is such a soothing color! This week's featured Etsy artist designs are breezy and summery, just like the cool Caribbean waters. I've included a picture taken at Flamenco Beach, located on Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands just off the coast of Puerto Rico. We are looking forward to going snorkeling there soon. They say that the visibility can be 40 - 70 feet and you can sometimes spot sea turtles over there... I'll keep you posted. Enjoy!

"Fused Glass Sushi Dish", Hand Crafted by Glass Primitif, West Yorkshire, UK - $22

Visit Glass Primitif: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5808247

"Nesting", Original Fine Art Notecard by Alicia Bock, Michigan - $4.50

Visit Alicia Bock: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6093776

"Flower Paisley", Long Strap Shoulder Bag by J Pleasant, Georgia - $45

Visit J Pleasant: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5905810

"Aqua Lashes", Wristlet Keychain by Jimmy Pickles, New York - $6.50

Visit Jimmy Pickles: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6247367

"Sea and Shore", Hand Painted Lariat Necklace by Coco Black Designs, Coco Beach PR - $34

You can visit my shop by clicking on the link to the right.

Flamenco Beach, Culebra, PR

There are several ways to get over to Culebra Island. Last time we went we took the public ferry and at $5 round trip it's a bargain. They do charge extra though for coolers, oversized bags and beach chairs, but it still beats the airfare rates. Plus, the ferry ride over is part of the fun.

Pets

I love my PETS! They bring so much joy and happiness to my life that I couldn't imagine not having them around. My puppy Gonzo makes sure I get out of the house every day for walks and my cat Maya keeps me in check and makes sure I remember who's boss, especially at feeding time. They love routine and hate shoes. Recently I came across an article in Good Housekeeping about common household items that can be dangerous to your pets. A few of them I was aware of but others surprised me. In love of pets everywhere, I thought I would share them along with a few Etsy finds for those special, super pampered pets. I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Enjoy.

Items That Can Harm Your Pets -

These are excerpts from Good Housekeeping magazine, June 2007 edition, written by Hallie Levine Sklar. To access the complete article go to www.goodhousekeeping.com.

1. Lilies - Yes, the beautiful flowers can be lethal to your cats. Ingesting even small amounts can cause kidney damage.

2. Onions and Garlic - They contain disulfides, sulfer compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation to pets and harm their red blood cells. Also consider foods that have been cooked with lots of garlic and onion like meatballs and chopped liver.

3. Grapes and Raisins - This one was a shocker to me since I used to feed my beagle Tootie grapes all the time! But beware, they can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and even kidney failure.

4. Macadamia Nuts - The nuts contain an unknown toxin that will make them very sick.

5. Pine Oil Based Cleaners - They contain phenol and can cause severe liver damage to your cats. Even in tiny amounts like licking their wet paws.

6. Sugar Substitutes - The one to look out for is called Xylitol and it is used in sugar free candy, gum, toothpastes and baked goods. It can cause low blood sugar and liver damage and it doesn't take much. The article quotes a study that says a 22 lb. dog that ingests even just a gram of xylitol should be treated by a vet.

If you'd like to learn more please visit Goood Housekeeping or seek out the book, "Doc Halligan's What Every Pet Owner Should Know", by Karen Halligan, D.M.V., Director of Veterinary Services at the ASPCA of Los Angeles, CA.

Featured Artists -

"Cat Ties", by Natorious - $5

Vistit Natorious at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6144344

"Fancy Fleece Cat Bed", by Tita's Treasures - $22

Visit Tita's Treasures at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6173323

"Pebble Beach", Dog Leash by The Modern Pet - $26

Visit The Modern Pet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5751996

My Sweethearts and Best Buddies -

Gonzo

Maya

Enchantment

What do you think of when you hear the word enchantment? For me it evokes images of dark forests, faeries, magical creatures and Puerto Rico, the island's nickname is Isla Del Encanto, Island of Enchantment. Last weekend I got a little glimpse of that enchantment. While hiking in El Yunque Rainforest in the late afternoon we turned a bend and the path in front of us was illuminated, just like I would imagine a magic forest, I've included the picture for you all to see. Enjoy my whimsical and enchanting pick's this week.

"Three Wise Faeries" 8 x 10 Gothic Fairy Fantasy Art Print by Jasmine Becket-Griffith, aka Strangeling, Celebration, FL - $14

Visit Strangeling: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6058533

"Love Potion", All Natural Artisan Tea by Alchemille, CA - $4

Visit Alchemille: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5682972

"Kindom of Whimsy Map", Original Watercolor by Paint and Ink, VA - $50


Visit Paint and Ink: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6080772

"Pink Fairy Dust", Fairy Bottle Pin by Eposotive, Newport, KY - $10


Visit Eposotive: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5540745

My Enchanted Forest Photo


El Yunque National Rainforest, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Found

This week I received an email from a fellow artist here in Puerto Rico sharing photos of the most amazing life size scultures of Paso Fino horses made completely out of driftwood found on the beach! Unfortunately I can't get the photos to load on to the blog, but I promise to keep working on it to share with you. This week I picked a few other visionary artists that work with found objects and recyclables and turn them into something extraordinary! I have recently started working with bamboo that I found at the beach. The wood is so pliable and easy to shape, I just love it.

Speaking of the beach... A few weeks ago I featured turtles! Well, the leatherback turtles are finally hatching here. I've included a special photo of the found babies on their journey to be released. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

"Pink Pixel Girl", Cassette Tape Blank Book by Erin Zam, Hays, KS - $18

Visit Erin Zam: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6035353

"Geisha Rag Doll", by Own Two Hands, Ottowa, ON, CA - $75.00

Visit Own Two Hands: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5228715

"Crazy Chip Bag Headpiece", by Boring Sidney, Bothell, WA - $10

Visit Boring Sidney: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5961055

"Red Stars and Diet COKE Stripes", Pendant/Earring Set by Vintage Neuveau, Flint, MI - $18

Visit Vintage Nouveau: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5666930

Baby Leatherback Turtles

These little guys have just hatched and measure between 2-3 inches long with their front flipper about one and a half times the length of their body. They hatched on the beach by the Wyhdam Rio Mar Resort (NE end of Puerto Rico) and were collected by a biologist from the DNPR. They collect them right after hatching in order to supervise their release at dusk in order to give them the best chance for survival. When leatherback turtles become fully grown, they can be as long as 8 feet with a flipper span of 17 feet. Wow, truly a miraculous creature!

Sweet

While planning the blog I came across a few items that are just too sweet not to share. All of the designers featured have created the SWEETEST items just in time for summer picnics and vacation. Not only is each and every one handmade, surprisingly they're all under $10 - now that's sweet. Enjoy.

"Sweet Watermelon", Handmade Polymer Clay Ring by Dulce Bella, NY,NY - $8

Visit Dulce Bella: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5973817

"Spring Green", High Top Sneaker Booties by Krafty Lady Kreations, Upstate NY - $8

Visit Krafty Lady Kreations: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5976672

"Ladybug Picnic", Ponytail Holders for Little Girls by Magpie's Nest, Nags Head, NC - $6.50

Visit Magpie's Nest: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5974956

"Happy Hermits", Set of Three Postcards by Apak, Portland, OR - $5

Visit Apak: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5971673

"Fly", Hand Painted Pendant by Coco Black Designs, Coco Beach, PR - $9

Visit Coco Black: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5963923

Calming Blues

Life can be hectic. This week I thought it would be nice to sit back, relax and check out these gorgeous finds in calming shades of blue. Maybe you'll even find something you just can't live without. I've also included a favorite photo of my calming spot taken by my husband, enjoy.

"Summertime Blues" Wallet or Card Holder by Stella Bean, Bristol, CT - $8

Visit Stella Bean: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5912261

"Blazing Spiral" 5 x 7 Art Card by Sandra McCall, Dewey, AZ - $3.50

Visit Sandra McCall: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5905266

"Garden Party" Hand Painted Pendant Necklace by Coco Black, Coco Beach, PR - $18

Visit Coco Black: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5885199

"Buddha" 16 x 16 Handmade Pillow by Pieces, Phoenix, AZ - $25

Visit Pieces: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5895585

Picture of where I go to get calm -

Quote-
"Always behave like a duck - keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath." - Lord Barbizon

Turtles

I love turtles! There is something so majestic about them, their slow pace and graceful movement. I'm still waiting for the first time I get to see one up close while snorkeling... Last Saturday I participated in the Festival de Tinglar (Turtle Festival) in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. It was sponsored by the local chapter of the Sierra Club and I had a chance to meet so many cool and like - minded people, besides getting a chance to show my jewelry. What a fun day! Food, drink, lots of artists and the constant rythym of bomba and salsa music. This week I've selected other artists that must love turtles too since they've prominently displayed them on everything from cool coin purses to baby bibs. Enjoy!

"Batik Turtles", Coinpurse by Superb Kitsch, Gainesville, FL - $19

Visit Superb Kitsch: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5843824

"Sea Turtles", Boutique Infant Baby Bib by Posh Kids Co., Summerville, SC - $7.50

Visit Posh Kids Co.: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5780268

"Turtle on The Big Island", Original Oil on Canvas Painting by Deborah Sprague, Bend, OR - $149
Visit Deborah Sprague: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5780268

"Sea Turtle", Hand Screen Printed Ladies Jersey Tee by Supastarr, Cincinnati, OH - $21

Visit Supastarr: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5799795

Quote-
"Slow and steady wins the race."
- Excerpt from Aesop's Fable, The Tortoise and the Hare

Time

Time... No one ever seems to have enough! Each of the items I'm featuring this week represent a great deal of time, patience, attention to detail and skill. I picked the theme time, because last week one of my Pablo y Pucci Calavera trinket boxes was selected to be published in a book called "Slow Handicraft: 80 Handmade Creators and DIY Hot Tips", written by Affa Log and published in China by China Light Industry Press. It is due to be published sometime in June 2007. I'll keep you posted on the details and in the meantime, take a moment and enjoy this week's picks.

"Atlantis", Hand Crafted Charm Bracelet by Coco Black Designs, Coco Beach, PR - $80

Visit my shop: www.cocoblackdesigns.com

"Red Oak Leaf Trivet", by Convergence Designs, Chehalis, WA - $18

Visit Convergence Design: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5807374

"Masks", Original Abstract Art by Pinwheel, Trawsfynydd, UK - $200

Visit Pinwheel: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5820262

"Culebra Dreams", Hand Painted Trinket Box by Coco Black Designs, Coco Beach, PR - $32

Visit my shop: www.cocoblackdesigns.com

"Fern" Stained Glass Window by Neile, Sparta, NJ - $195

Visit Neile at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5072784

The Slow Food International Organization - Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member - supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Visit Slow Food International: http://www.slowfood.com/

Quote -

"The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time."

- Henry David Thoreau