Another Day at the Office

"The harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." - Thomas Jefferson

This past weekend I participated in another art show at El Portal Visitors Center at El Yunque Rainforest. It was such a great weekend with bright blue skies and a soft breeze blowing! We all really enjoyed it and met so many great visitors to our island paradise! Here are a few photos -

Our Art Space -

The View -

Diane Cutter Working - Jaymee Weinreich Working - Lisa Wigger Working -

Tom Benesh Working

One of Tom's Hand Sculpted Porcelain Pieces -

The next art show featuring the EDGE artists at El Yunque will be February 28 - March 2 from 9 - 5 daily at El Portal Visitors Center located at the main entrance to the rainforest. If you're in the area stop by and say hi, we'd love to meet you!

In other news, I'm still waiting for my lampwork glass torch!!!!!!!!! The company that we ordered from sent me the wrong one and of course, the one we ordered is now on BACK ORDER! I have been so excited to make glass again and anxious to get back to making my Gypsy Sol charm bracelets so I dug up some of the lampwork I already had and made this, I call her Princessa. Making these bracelets is a great excercise in patience which I really need right now...

If you'd like to see more of my Gypsy Sol bracelets visit my Flickr library at www.flickr.com/photos/cocoblack and click on lampwork and gem jewelry. It will give you a good idea of what these one of a kind collector bracelets are all about :)

Have a great day!

Cheri, aka Coco Black

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.

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