I am so excited to be participating in The Artisan Group's "Earth Day Gifting Event" this year.
What a great opportunity to get my artwork in the hands of some savvy, A-list, eco-conscious celebs!
Yes, all of these folks will be receiving 2 (yes, 2!) of my original watercolor feathers. I went a little nuts and thought I'd paint two each). Haven't brushed up on your celeb name-game lately? Here they are:
Those being gifted with The Artisan Group's Earth Day Gift bag: First Row: Woody Harrelson, Ted Danson, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Rachel McAdams, P!nk, Orlando Bloom
Second Row: Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Malin Akerman, Leonard DiCaprio, Kate Bosworth, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Josh Hartnett
Third Row: Jake Gyllenhall, Hayden Panettiere, Ginnifer Goodwin, Emily VanCamp. Edward Norton, Daryl Hannah, Courteney Cox
Fourth Row: Cameron Diaz, Barbra Streisand
Fifth Row: Alicia Silverstone, Adrian Grenier
My plan was to paint feather studies from Birds of Prey. Raptors are protected birds and some are "species at risk", (which is pretty much endangered, in my opinion)
I had been rolling around the idea of somehow "giving back" to the birds. After all, I never started out painting with a focus on birds, it just...kind of happened. I felt like donating to a Raptor Centre would be a good option. I visited the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, met with Amy Fennell, the Raptor Centre Lead, and was so blown away by what they do. Mountsberg is currently home to 33 protected birds of prey. With 4 staffers (One Full Time), they rely heavily on volunteers and donations.
I included information on Mountsberg with the feather studies for Earth Day, in hopes that maybe something good could come from it. I also decided to donate 50% off any of my Raptor related prints sold to The Mountsberg Raptor Centre.
The Original watercolor has been sold. Prints available here
Here are a few progress shots of some of the Earth Day feathers.
Let me just say, finishing those 60 feathers felt awesome!
If you are interested, I have made an instant archival quality collection of prints of a selection of the Raptor Feathers that were gifted to the celebs. 50% of the sale of these will go to Mountsberg. :)
For those of you not in "the know", Jordin is one of those triple threats - - maybe quadruple even. LOL.
She's a recording artist, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, spokesperson and designer! Amazing!
At seventeen, she was the youngest winner of American Idol.
Her debut album, which was released in 2007, produced 2 hit singles "Tattoo" and "No Air" (the latter featuring Chris Brown). The album then went platinum, and Jordin earned her first Grammy Award nomination for the song "No Air".
Jordin has gone on to win many awards, including the following : 2 Teen Choice Awards, a People's Choice Award, an American Music Award, an NAACP award, and a BET award.
Recently, Jordin performed an emotional tribute to Whitney Houston at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. It's hard to imagine what meeting one of your idols would feel like. Jordin, not only met Whitney Houston, but performed with her, acting alongside her in the film "Sparkle" which is set to debut in August.
You can imagine the pressure I felt in creating something for this talented starlet!
I wanted to paint some of my feather studies for her - - feathers have been trending lately, but I think they're transcendent and appeal to everyone. I painted three different feathers and associated different traits that I think Jordan embodies to each one.
This is the Red Carpet feather that suggests her Drive and Passion for her work
This polka-dotted feather evokes her Style and Personality to me. Classic and Contemporary.
Did you know Jordin has created her own fragrances?
The final feather for the Songbird, Jordin. To me, this one illustrates her Talent.
Also, I read that her fave colour is purple, so I thought that was fitting!
Would you like a glimpse at some of the other things made especially for Jordin? You're in luck! Here's a peek at some of the fabulous things made by some of my fellow members!
Enamel, Copper and Sterling Earrings - Quite possibly my favorites of all of the swag Jordin received. These, to me, are so perfect! I would wear them all of the time, and I'm sure Jordin will be sporting them often. So gorgeous and unique and versatile!! The companion pendant is totally fab. I would definitely wear it with my fave tee and jeans and feel A-mazing. (Don't you just love the amethyst cabochons?)
This luscious Passionflower and Acai Berry Gift Set by bodyspell sound amazing! Exfoliating Foaming Sugar Body Butter and Cashmere Dreams Lotion created for Jordin, personalized with a "J" on the lids. Packaged in a lovely black cosmetics case for traveling, with a darling bodyspell charm on the zipper.
This is a romantic and sweet locket from The Black Star Boutique! Perfect for a late summer afternoon with her Honey, I think she'll love this necklace.
How could anyone resist this dainty beauty? I can almost smell those lilacs, can't you? So sweet!
This is a lovely sterling silver pendant with the artisan Tracy Kavanaugh's photograph featured and a tiny purple, czech glass bead, dangling at the bottom.
William Morris lived by this ideal, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". I love that quote, but it makes me think I need to de-clutter my own home. LOL.
This clutch was hand crafted using vintage William Morris wallpaper! It includes a zipper pouch and vintage button closure. Also included - - a pair of gold spiral wire wrapped earrings with Citrine stones.
I would love to see these in person. Dichroic glass has an amazing look to it, like a fiery opal, it seems alive. I'm sure these earrings and pendant flash in the light.
How about these show stoppers? These earrings are statement pieces in themselves. Made by Deborah of Bead Indulgences. I think these will be perfect for her next Red Carpet event!!
Black, faceted spinel, jet and clear swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, expertly wrapped in 14k gold filled wire? Yes, please! :)
After any event in high heels a woman needs to pamper her tootsies. What better way to do that, than with a Simply Caprine Blissful Foot Scrub and Blissful Foot Balm ! Made with simple, natural, fresh ingredients to nurture your body. I personally can't wait to get my hands (and feet and elbows) into some Blissful Balm!
Check out the great earrings and necklace set from Kim at Kiki Bird Jewelry! I LOVE them!!
So, I hope you've enjoyed taking a quick look at some of the lovely things made for Jordin! If you're interested in The Artisan Group, please check the group out here: www.theartisangroup.org
I would like to wish Jordin all the best as she promotes her new film "Sparkle". There's probably no end to her travel schedule at the moment. Here's hoping she has a chance to kick back and relax with family and friends this summer!
Thanks, Jordin, for sending this pic. :)
Here she is, opening up her Artisan Group bag!
Ryan Gosling caused quite the sensation recently, when he attended a graduation ceremony for his Mother, Donna, at Brock University in my home town.
Now, as many of you can attest, he probably wouldn't have to do much to cause a mass-swooning, and indeed this is the case here! LOL. His attendance alone became a top trending topic on Twitter that day and caused mild hysteria and heart palpitations in many women attending the ceremony.
Most well known for his role in The Notebook, Ryan has become one of the hottest leading men in hollywood. Heartthrob is one of many words used to describe this talented, Oscar nominated actor.
Ever the gentlemen, he refrained from doing interviews or directing attention away from the graduates that day, stating, to the University Spokesman, Kevin Cavanagh, "This is my Mom's Day...the graduates' day. I don't want to be a diversion."
His mother graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree. Beaming with pride, Ryan jumped to his feet, applauding his Mother and snapping photos when she received her diploma, with girlfriend Eva Mendes by his side. It was reported he said that his Mom is going to be "... an excellent teacher".
Apparently, heartthrob for a reason! Taking time out of a busy schedule to support his Mom? Gold Star. ;)
Aside from the fan frenzy that ensued, his attendance coincided nicely with a gifting opportunity from The Artisan Group.
Some very lucky fellow Artisan Group members had recently been selected to make custom items for Ryan and I would love to give you a peek at some of the swag ;) I'm sure Ryan wouldn't mind.
I am loving this hand-stitched journal. So rugged-looking with that rich patina, layered over a hex/honeycomb pattern. Chevron interior?! Yes, please. Very stylish!
Needless to say, George is receiving some Artisan Group love as well!
Here are matching bling for both Man and Dog ;) from SariBlue! A way cool adjustable leather bracelet to promote good luck and peace, with silver and glass beads, the Evil Eye and Om talisman and a matching ring/clasp with talismans for George's collar.
If you're as much of a dog lover as Ryan, or you know someone special who does, you may want to proclaim that love for a furry friend with some awesome accessories like the copper bracelet made for him by For Love of a Dog Jewelry and Gifts:
I think the design and colours on this Leash and Collar combo from 4blackpaws is perfect. Sarah is a dog "Mom" to three dogs and her love for them is evident with every handmade item. Her Etsy shop is the perfect place to get affordable, fashionable collars for the furry love in your life!
I'm sure Ryan will soon be photographed sporting this great chainmaille bracelet made by SanikiCreations. I know my Husband would proudly wear it. Manly, yes. Versatile, check. Classic and contemporary. Perfect.
The following products from Shaka Soap look amazing. Ryan's feet must be tired, with all of the traveling he's been doing lately. They're sure to be summer sandal ready with this Soothing Hawaiian Salve. With Shea butter, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Olive and Rice Bran Oil, Beeswax...wow! How could you resist wanting to rub that on tired hands and feet?! I'm in!
This soap looks good enough to eat. I'm certain it smells divine! One of the key ingredients is the Kona coffee, grown on the Big Island in Hawaii, shipped to Canada to be roasted and then shipped back. A Canuck like Ryan won't be able to resist lathering up with soap like that!
Or, if you would like to check out some other luxurious gifts made with soft, velvety alpaca http://www.RosyToesDesigns.com/
Your man may not have the same salary as a hollywood heavyweight, but he can feel like a star with a personalized money clip. This one was hand crafted for Ryan using Sterling Silver and 14K gold. Classic and sophisticated.
You know that chocolate has a physiological effect on some people right? Well, what do you think the effects of a Bacon and Chocolate candle would be? I love everything about this candle. The tin, the label, that awesome wick. What dude wouldn't love a bunch of these on his patio?
