Gifting Renée Zellweger

It's not everyday that I get the opportunity to send my art to an Oscar-winning actress. When the chance came up within The Artisan Group to gift Renée Zellweger, I jumped at it!

Photo of Renée at the Miss Potter Premiere 2006

Renée Zellweger has been in so many great movies. One of my favorites is "Miss Potter", a film dedicated to telling the story of Beatrix Potter. An amazing British woman, born in the 1800's who became one of the most popular authors and illustrators in Children's Literature. She was also a naturalist and conservationist credited with preserving most of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park in North West England.

Inspired by the film, and the hope that, as a country girl herself, she may like a touch of nature, I decided to send Renée a small collection of my feather studies.

Snowy Owl, Blue Jay, Northern Flicker and Magpie Feather studies

Gift wrapped especially for Renée 

Needless to say, I was not the only one who was excited to send something special to the Oscar winning actress. Here's a peek at some of the other creations members of The Artisan Group gifted Renée. :)

Chiffon Rosette Clutch by GirlByAileen

Goat Milk Bath Soak and Blissful Balm by Simply Caprine

Swarovski Knotieties Bracelet and Knotieties 5 pack 

Set of two stack bracelets by SassyBelleWares

Kumihimo Braided Bracelet by KathsElegantAccessories

Hand Pleated Clutch with wristlet by SugarRushCreative

Boho Cuff Stck by HeidiLee Design

Hammered Organic Oval with Chalcedony by AndreaWysockiJewelry

Hand Stamped Bar Necklace by TheSilverDiva

80 page notepad by Galaxy Eyes

Brass and Druzy Cuff by Ten2MidnightStudios

Now, I have only revealed about a quarter of the amazing pieces that were gifted to Renée by some of my fellow artisans at The Artisan Group. Valerie, the founder of the group just received a hand written note from Renée herself, thanking us all for the "beautiful things". :)

Earth Day 2013

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. :)

Raptor Feather Collection

Wondering what else was included from my The Artisan Group members? Wow, you are going to be blown away! So much talent.

Look HERE to see what's inside those packages

The Vampire Diaries

Many of my fellow TAG'ers (The Artisan Group members) had a great opportunity recently! They created some amazing accessories for the Stylist of the hit show, "The Vampire Diaries".

The show is based on the novels by L.J.Smith, geared towards young adults. I read those books about twenty years ago!! The show, for me, is a guilty pleasure. Like rag mags in line at the grocery store, if I catch the show while channel surfing, I cannot look away!

Here are a few of the pieces that have been spotted on camera!

This little beauty is a hand formed solid bronze pendant on a gold filled chain by Tag..You're It
The Vampire Diaries Episode 4x12 "A View to a Kill"

A beaded leather triple wrap bracelet by Julie Ellyn Designs
Worn by Elena on The Vampire Diaries Episode 4x11 "Catch Me If You Can"

Custom Fine Silver Necklace by 2SistersHandcrafted
Worn by Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries
Episode 4x12 "A View To A Kill"

Olde World Romance Earrings by Heidi Kingman Jewelry
Worn by Bonnie's Mom on The Vampire Diaries

Gunmetal Wide Band Ring with Chiyogami Paper and Glass Tile by BKDSignature
Worn by Bonnie's Mom on The Vampire Diaries

Original Handcrafted Necklace by Uni Q Creations
Worn by Bonnie's Mom on The Vampire Diaries

Swarovski and Amethyst Gold-filled Long Spike Necklace by Brooklyn Designs
Worn by Caroline on The Vampire Diaries Episode 4x13

Silver and Almandine Garnet Talisman Necklace by Metalmorphis
Worn by Bonnie on The Vampire Diaries, multiple episodes

Crocheted Brimmed Hat by Hunky Dori Boutique
Worn by Elena on The Vampire Diaries Episode 4x13

Stainless Steel Celtic Knot Warrior Pendant by Loralyn Designs
Worn by Galen Vaughn on The Vampire Diaries

Congrats, everyone! It's so great to be able to see all of your hard work pay off!
If you are a fan of The Vampire Diaries, keep your eyes peeled for some of these pieces and many more...;)

The Artisan Group, Backstage at the CMA Awards Gift Lounge

Here's a look at some of the fabulous pieces made by talented members
of The Artisan Group for some of the biggest names in Country Music! 

Participating in the CMA Awards gift lounge was such an honor! I would like to say Thank you to the CMA's for your support and approval, to The Artisan Group's Founder, Valerie Propst Guerrero for her tireless efforts in getting The Artisan Group to the CMA's and representing us with such dedication and zeal! To Ashley Berthelot, a fellow member and All-star who did an amazing job representing all of the participating artisans at the event.

To the awesome musicians who stopped by The Artisan Group table backstage and posed with the members' displays. Thank You, it means so much to us artisans! (Kelly Clarkson! ;)

I hope that all of my 85 Original Feather studies have flown to new homes where they will be treasured and appreciated!

One Original Watercolor Feather was included in each swag bag from The Artisan Group.
I really wonder who received each feather, and like to think if some of the band members put them together,
they'll have a small collection of my art! :)
If you want your own collection, click HERE

Kelly Clarkson with my Mallard Feathers painting, backstage at the CMA Awards Gift Lounge

"Dancing Mallard Feathers"

The Artisan Group Founder, Valerie Propst Guerrero,
 showing off some of the display pieces to Clay Cook of
the Zac Brown Band

One of the All natural, vegetarian, hand crafted soaps from Nashville, Tennessee's
Music City Suds
I loved the genius names given these babies. This one is "I Walk the Lime"
Other great names include: "Friends in Aloe Places",  "Stand by your Mandarin",
"A Bar Named Sue" and " If Tomato Never Comes" among others! LOL!

It looks like Clay Cook of the Zac Brown Band thought the names were awesome, too!
I want some of that soap!!

Chris Fryar of the Zac Brown Band looking stoked with a colorful dog toy guitar
from Wags and Wiggles

The Wags and Wiggles Display
If you want a Dog Toy Guitar click HERE

Jimmy DeMartini holding Wags and Wiggles' guitar and wearing
the Guitar Pick Necklace by River Valley Designs

A hand-stamped aluminum guitar pick from River Valley Designs
Buy Yours HERE

Country Music Royalty came through the gift lounge in the name of
Vince Gill! Here he is with one of the pieces from Popnicute's
"Studded Glory" Collection.

Southwestern Fusion Collection Necklaces and Bracelets
were in the swag bags. I am so amazed by the attention to detail
and originality of Kharisma's work. Exceptional.
If you are interested in any of these pieces,
click HERE 

Fellow TAG team member, representing us at the CMA's was Ashley Berthelot of  Fancy Designs
Here she is, showing off display pieces to the legendary Mickey Raphael and his lovely wife.

Fine Art Notecards from Paper Angels Photography 

Mickey Raphael with "Teardrops on my Guitar" photo by Beth Engel

Willow Creek Jewelry Studio's Copper Cuffs display.  

Daniel de los Reyes of the Zac Brown Band was totally diggin' this copper cuff by Willow Creek Jewelry 

Valerie explaining The Artisan Group to Coy Bowles and Daniel de los Reyes of the Zac Brown Band

These gorgeous blank Photo Notecards by Biff Rendar Photography were included in  every bag. 

Coy Bowles of Zac Brown Band with "Beauty" A fine art photography print by Biff Rendar
on display at The Artisan Group table.

Will Hoge with the Lone Star Brown and Brass 12 Gauge Cuff
by SureShot - Shotgun Casing Jewelry and Accessories

A few of the awesome pieces displayed by SureShot - Shotgun Casing Jewelry and Accessories

Jon Jones of the Eli Young Band, holding the display piece from Java Jane Designs

A collection of "Alphabet Art Prints" from Java Jane Designs

Brantley Gilbert with a great leather bracelet by SariBlue

The SariBlue CMA display

Chris Thompson of the Eli Young Band with some delightful soap
from Barefoot Bath and Body

Some of the soaps included at the CMA's "Wide Open Sky", "Margarita" and "Juniper Aloe"

Jana Kramer with some bling from Trinkets N Whatnots

Some of the many rings gifted backstage. Love the little cowboy hat boxes!

James Young of the Eli Young Band with Sparetire Design

Display from Sparetire Design

Scotty McCreery with Kiki Bird Jewelry's gorgeous display pieces

The "Bright Lights Swarovski Crystal and Brass Necklace" gifted to 85 lucky celebs
from Kiki Bird Jewelry 

John Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band with a Wee Bindery leather bound journal

For a look at some great bound books by Wee Bindery, click HERE

Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band with Four Black Paws

Collar and Leash by Four Black Paws on Display 

"Gone Country" Dog Collar available HERE

It doesn't end here! More to come in another blog post! Stay Tuned!!!