Tactile Melodies

Chelsea Jones is now in her third year of being an artisan for Art and Soul. She is a gifted jewelry maker. She is so excited to be back at the show this year. She always has a blast.

When asked how she got started Chelsea shared that she started making jewelry during high school as a hobby, it allowed her to make personalized gifts for friends and family. Once she began attending IU in order to attain her Art degree she was able to take two years of metalsmithing and jewelry design. She began her business three years ago and hasn't looked back.

Her current favorite pieces are the constellation series. They're simple, quirky, and classy and remind her of stargazing in the country on a warm summer night. She researched many constellations to find which would best translate to pendants. Along the way she had a lot of fun learning many "cool" facts. 

Arc set... sterling silver

Ursa Minor... The Little Dipper from my constellations set. Sterling Silver

"Galaxy" ...freshwater pearls and silver

"Scribbles" in copper and silver

"Flowers" fabric broaches

"Trees" hand oxidized copper

So, if you'd like to see more of Chelsea's creations, stop by her booth at Art and Soul on Saturday, November 17, from 10-3 at Chapman's.

"Little Red Porch"

Now some of you may be thinking you've reached the wrong site. After all what does a little red porch have to do with Art and Soul creations. Well, when I asked Pam what the name of her business was, and if there was any significance to that name she replied, ".The name "Little Red Porch" is simply what it is. It is one of my favorite places to be."
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.I make handmade signs, ornaments, knitted wool items and baby gifts.  Anything that evokes an emotion from me within my ability, I will attempt.  I have to love something or the idea of something before I will attempt it.
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I recently learned to knit and I have found it to be a great way to pass time on the porch and make little lovelies for sweet babies.  I always use 100% wool and love it for its heirloom qualities. 

Another thing that struck me was Pam's answer to where she finds her materials. This is her answer, "I also have a great resource for my signs...my dad can't throw anything away and he has a whole collection of supplies waiting for me in his barn.  Most of his supplies are collected for the purpose to be resold and the proceeds given to missions, so any portion of signs that I sell I give him a portion for his mission fund."



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One additional note is that Pam does special orders throughout the year.

In the meantime, if you'd like to see her items in person stop by the Art and Soul Sale on Saturday, November 17 at Chapman's (corner of 3rd and Hwy446), from 10-3. See you there!
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By Design

Today's featured artist is a misnomer, as actually this is a business that has two generations producing work, Sharon and her mother.

Sharon has been sewing for over 50 years. She first started sewing by putting together clothing for her Barbie dolls. From there she graduated to making her own clothes. Sharon often gets inspiration from looking at magazines and websites. In addition to clothing she also works on such items as: pillows, slipcovers, placemats and draperies.

Sharon's mother joined in her sewing ventures when she came to live with her a few years ago. She found that sewing gave her a lot of enjoyment. You can see her handiwork in the purses displayed.

Sharon hopes to soon open her shop up on Etsy. In the meanwhile you can call her at 812-361-1560 in order to set up an appointment to discuss any sewing needs you might have.

Joining Sharon and her mom at their table will be Sharon's friend, Gaye. You can contact her at 812-219-6895 for information on custom made doll clothes for 18 inch dolls.



But, on November 17 you can see Sharon (and hopefully her mom and her friend Gaye) in person at our 4th Annual Art and Soul event, on Saturday, November 17 from 10-3 at Chapman's. Hope to see you there!.

Moslee Olstuff

Linda Tatum is another of our artisans this year. While corresponding about her work I asked her for a bit of information to help us understand what she does, and where she finds the components she needs for her work. Once she had shared I better understood the name of her business, "Moslee Olstuff."

This is what Linda had to share:

I've crafted for years and made creatures off and on in various mediums.  I'm 64 so I've done lots and lots of crafting.  I have sold in other places but not for a good while. I find vintage things at auctions (I have a couple of antique booths) and some things  are from secondhand stores then I combine old and new.  So things are original and one if a kind.


















I am very excited to see Linda's creations in person. There is so much character showing in each piece. Please come join us on Saturday, November 17 from 10-3 at Chapman's for our Fourth Annual Art and Soul Sale and visit her table.

Sharon Porter Tables aka Starfire Productions

When asked to share a bit about her creations here is what Sharon had to say:

 I started making these tables when I found a beautiful old table at the Goodwill which had a ruined top. I discovered that there were many quality pieces of furniture around that had been scarred by water rings, cigarette burns, scratches and hard use. Doing glass tops gave them new life.

The glass comes from broken bottles, dishes, old candle luminaries, friends and the scraps from real glass artists. I also do picture frames and mirrors. I'm working on a plant stand right now that was inspired by God's sunset on Oct 21 just a few days ago. 

My favorite themes are good and evil, light and darkness. I find inspiration in biblical themes, combinations of color that surprise me, and in unusual designs in the furniture itself. My favorite is a three tiered table in my living-room which took ages to do because the top rotates and the design continues (when open) through all three tops.

The tables, grout and tiles come from the recycling center, Restore, and many garage sales. I am just starting to sell because I need to make room to do more!

My business is Starfire Productions which encompasses my work as a director/producer, catering, and now my new endeavor, Misguide Bus Tours of Bloomington which is a comedy bus tour. This should be up and running by Christmas.

Sharon's creations will be for sale at Art and Soul Sale, on Saturday, November 17 from 10 -3. Come visit her booth and see what other things she has created!

Calling all Art and Soul Artisans...

I need your pictures and descriptions. HELP!! There are a number of people out in the cyber world who might enjoy seeing what we're working on. And, just perhaps, we'll whet their appetite for a pretty bauble, a beautiful canvas or an aromatic bar of soap. All that to say... please send me your photos soon.

I have almost completed my latest project... vintage sterling silver spoon ornaments. I'm here to tell you these are GORGEOUS! But, if you want to see them you'll have to come to Art and Soul, Saturday, November 17, 10-3 at Chapman's in Bloomington.

Blessings,
Kim

"Who Loves You"... series of lovely owl pieces

I'm going to kick off this list here and show you a few of the owl pieces I've created this year in readiness for Art and Soul. Each of these pieces has been hand wrapped, hand stamped (where applicable), and lovingly crafted for you to enjoy.

 I will have more owls at the show... I've now got sweet black and white owls as well, so look for more earrings and a necklace or two.

Hope this inspires all our other artisans to share some of their wares.
Blessings,
Kim

Welcome to our new blog!

Greetings to our local artisans and their customers, 

This blog has been established for a two fold purpose. 

First, this gives our local artisans an online presence where their creations may be shared. And secondly, in that sharing we hope to encourage shoppers to join us at Fourth Annual Art and Soul Artisans and Crafters Sale. We can be found at Chapman's, east of College Mall, off of 3rd Street on Saturday, November 17. We will be selling from 10-3. 

So... artisans.. send me your photos and I'll get them up here as quick as I can to share with our community. And shoppers... keep watching as I'm sure you'll see something that you "just have to have." 

Welcome one and all! 

Blessings, 
Kim