Rabbit's Ass Pot

OK OK, I know this is a strange little vessel but I couldn't resist it when Bruce came to me and said he thought the form looked like an "owl" and I said (just to be a snot!) no I think it looks like a rabbit's ass...well then what else was left to do but to make it a rabbit's ass!!! Enjoy!

6" porcelaine lidded vessel hand carved with celadon glaze

This piece is one of a series of three that we did together. The carving is quite extensive and took many hours. This among others will be in the "Nature Inspired" show at the Sozda Gallery in November.
Details to come...hope to see everyone there.

Fish Pot, 9.5 inches high, Soda fired stoneware

This vessel was created by Bruce and fired in a student built Soda Kiln at the Lighthouse Art Center in Tequesta, Florida.
The glaze has a wonderful earthy color and slightly metallic surface. The fish are hand sculpted by Cathy and have an iron wash rubbed into the texture she created with various tools.

9.5 inches, Soda Fired stoneware with hand
sculpted fish and Temoku glaze

Bob White Quail, mixed media (acrylic, ink, pencil) on gesso board 6x8

 

Well, I'm done painting Mr. Bob White. This painting is a small piece, 6"x8" on a ridged gesso board and will end up with a wonderful hand made, one of a kind frame created by my friend and woodworker Eric Troast.

The image came from one of Bruce's slides from a long time ago but I've always liked the rich colors in the bird that seemed to echo with the broken tree behind it. Even in its winter environment, all puffed up, he looks quite special.                                                                                                                                                                                

Bob White Quale Mixed Media on Gesso Board

Not quite finished with this yet but it helps to see it on the computer screen to critique it before
going on. The right side of the image need more twigs, branches and weeds poking through the
snow to help balance with the tree and bird. I blocked my values in with acrylic washes and am
now working with rapidograph pens and colored pencils. It's strange how I seem to have a need
to work close and into a small space after working on a large format with big brushes. Almost
like curling up with a security blanket for awhile before going off again to a bigger place.

Spring Peeper Triptych, 2'x4' acrylic on linen panels

Well, here they are together finally. I originally thought all three panels would be the same sizes, however it seems that by waiting to paint the last panel almost a year later, I miscalculated the size. Oh well, I still love the three together and the sepia monochromatic center almost gives the cattail an excuse for being a different size.

Peeper on Cattail, Acrylic on Linen, 24x48

OK, I'm thinking this will be the last of my "frogee" obsession! This painting completes the three frog paintings I intended to place together. I've painted my little Spring Peeper on a Dandelion, a Day Lilly and now a Cattail.... I'm done!

white moth on white peony 2'x4' Acrylic on linen

I don't know if I enjoyed painting this more than I enjoy looking at it finished.  Every time I view
it I seem to get caught in the petals and the journey starts again. This is the second time I've painted
this image. The original painting was one of eight sold to a corporation and the paint was barely dry.
I think I missed the "getting acquainted" time after a painting is finished, that happens for me as an artist.
One thing that I noticed about this piece is that it can be hung horizontally or vertically and the composition still works. I'm going to have a difficult time letting this one go.

Rings Rings Rings

This is a rainbow moonstone and has a beautiful"blue flash".
The band is wide and has been hand stamped with a design. Size5

This is a natural star ruby, not lab or man made. Size 8.5

This is a grey moonstone set in sterling with a 14K gold braid around the bezel. Wide shank, Size 7.5

Ohata kaki Glazed Vase

This little six inch porcelain vase is perfect for cut wild flowers or flowers fresh from your garden. SOLD

Gourds according to Claus!

Santa Gourds! I know its a little early but I like painting these guys all year round! Its so much
fun assessing the posture of the gourd and finding a personality in it. They are sealed and ready to be a part of your home for Christmas.

Original Lockerhook Rugs

I love designing these rugs but man oh man they take FOREVER to do.... I'm not a big landscape lover on canvas but oddly enough I enjoy hooking them!!!!

a little corner of Forest Hollow

Little Brown Pot 2.5 inches

This little gem is so rich in color and perfect for a small shelf or even a single wild flower!

Star Sapphire Ring

Hot off the bench!!! Just finished this Star Sapphire ring. Sterling Silver setting and one
of a kind design. Beautiful star. Size 8

"North Country Wind Blown" Acrylic on Linen 9x16 SOLD

I began this painting with a palette that reminded me of the old slate from Vermont. There's something warm about the underside of the leaves that the cold colors can't touch.

Two Red Creek Jasper Pendents

Red Creek Jasper is a beautiful natural gemstone that looks much like a landscape. I specially selected stones with lots of reds and oranges because it reminds me of the Adirondacks in the Fall. I've used my signature detailing around each bezel to make them look more organic. There's a surprise on the back of each one I make.  I first draw the image and then cut it out with a fine blade. The vertical pendent on top has a lone Pine Tree with a sliver moon and the horizontal piece contains a peace dove with the word "peace" stamped in the lower right corner. Both are set in Sterling. They are hung with black cords with sterling closures. Both pieces are bezeled in Sterling Silver. If you tire of one side you can wear it on the other side to look like a whole new pendent.

"Three", encaustic painting

I'm still working on this piece. It's 18x24 and as you can see its an image with two borders. I began on paper and then mounted it to a masonite panel. The goslings are a transfer from one of Bruce's photos he took last year in Summerville at the Traditions where he took pictures of the eggs, the eggs hatching and the goslings under mama's wing and photographed them until they were of a good size and swimming on their own.
I'm thinking of altering the line of weeds in the forground so they are less straight and making the background either darker or more faded. The layering process and the fusing of each layer produces many unexpected results which then brings a whole new set of both positive and negative surprises. I love encaustics however I'm beginning to feel that there's not enough time in this lifetime to explore and master all the possibilities it presents.

5x5 Red Squirrel encaustic painting on cradled wood

Second attempt at painting with wax.
The texture on this piece is very pronounced. I'm enjoying the feel of the surface but physically and visually.

Reworked encaustic painting 6x11

I reworked this painting. The head of the fox was strange and after stepping back from it and getting some critique from friends I think I was able to save this little piece.

Dancing guy earrings Sterling and hematite



These are my "signature" earrings and I've sold many many pair of them. No two pair will ever look alike but they will always be dancing!!!



Marble Ring set in Sterling....no two will be the same...color requests considered



THE MOST FUN YOU'VE HAD WITH A MARBLE SINCE YOU WERE TEN!!!!!



Three Fun "Dancing Girl" Pins




Dancing Girl Pins!!!! Sterling Silver, Bronze, Copper, Rose Quartz, Goldstone, Hematite

 

What is an Encaustic Painting?

Encaustic is considered one of the most ancient painting mediums in the world. The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek encaustikos, “to burn in,” referring to the process of fusing the layers of paint together. The oldest surviving use is the well-known Fayum portraits painted on tombs from Roman Egypt around 100-350 A.D.  After disappearing for much of history, it was revived in the 1950s by Jasper Johns, who is often considered the father of contemporary encaustic painting. He used the medium most famously in his Flags and Target paintings.
Materials and Tools
Encaustic paint is usually made from beeswax, damar resin, and pigment. The beeswax has a relatively low melting point, approximately 150F, and is strained multiple times to remove impurities.  Because of this low melting point, damar resin is added, which serves both to raise the melting point to about 165F and to act as a hardening agent, so the encaustic has a slightly enamel end when cool.

Encaustic Painting

This is my first intentional, rather than experimental encaustic painting.
The adult fox was drawn on the surface first and the cubs were collaged and worked into the composition. The waxes were painted on and fused between levels.
 As I was working I saw a piece of chicken wire in the garbage in the pottery studio and decided it might make a statement as well as add interest to the piece. I'm very pleased with this and am already working on a new one. Stay tuned in!!!! Any responses are welcomed. thanks



Our sunset cruise on the Lilly on the St.Lucie River....We love Stuart Florida....great place, great people...great life.



Younmi Tea Bowl 3x3.5

This tea bowl is cone 10 porcelain, glazed with temmoku
and air brushed with tomato red. I like the results and it has a good feel in the hand for a refreshing bowl of tea.

Sterling Silver hand stamped pendent with China shard and two Peridots

Preliminary for "Snowshoe on quilts" painting

Right now I'm contemplating using this pile of quilts to rest Mr. Hare on! Not sure if it will be outside, maybe with a clothesline in the background. That might be more contrived than I want. I think I'll listen to my brush once I'm on the canvas.

working from my sketches and decided to use the snowshoe looking directly at the viewer.

february 8 and too tired to sleep

  OK, so it's all about the show in November. Animals, whimsy and me. It's difficult being away from my
own working space and I'm once again forcing myself outside my comfort zone with size and subjects.
Working from Bruce's photos is always a thrill for me. Tomorrow we will review his memory cards and figure out how to get them up on the laptop so I can begin.

Sterling and Crystal earrings SOLD

I decided that I was tired of using the circle shape for earrings. I love this leaf stamp and wanted to use it as an all over pattern so my choice of rounded edges seemed to be more natural than 90 degree angles. After hand stamping them I decided to look for a green bead to use but there just wasn't enough "sparkle".  I do love sparkle! These pretty crystal beads catch the light and add just the touch I was looking for. The entire length of these dangles are approximately 3/4" and look great with long or short hair.

Sterling and Blue China ring Size 4.5

This ring is sterling even though the photo looks rather gold, it is not gold. The shard of course came from a piece of China that I ground into this shape.  I decided to make the shank small to fit a small hand since most of my creations seem to be sizes 6,7, and 8! However if you are a size 5, I can stretch this ring to fit you.

5" stoneware Tree Vase, SOLD

Rose bud china and sterling ring size 8

Stoneware Bowl with hand painted (liquid iron) inside

This bowl is 8 inches wide and 5 inches tall, oven proof, microwavable, and dishwasher safe

Carnelian Sterling Ring Size 7

Stonware 6.5" Tree Pitcher SOLD

Blue China Shard Triangle Ring Size 7

This clean and geometric design with a plain but substantial shank was created from a broken
piece of china.  I ground it to this triangular shape and decided I liked it simple so that the unique
shape and material would be what attracts the eye when you are wearing it.  

Stoneware Rice Bowl with wooden chop sticks

This rice bowl is one of a pair and soon to be one of a series of rice bowls.  Cathy did her tree thing
in iron and attached the swirl which she said makes her think of "roots" which makes her think of rice as a main stay to many cultures.  In any case I think it works here and would like to know what you think, just press comment below.

Call to order 315-826-7162 or Email forest@ntcnet.com

Consider our blog as our catalog and enjoy looking at all our handmade, one of a kind items. Because we are currently not using an online paying system, we welcome you to call the number above or email us to purchase anything you see on our blog.  I guess we're pretty old fashion but by doing it this way but we are very caring about our customers and want to make it as easy as possible for you to get what you want so don't hesitate to call or write. We're looking forward to hearing from you.  Comments are always welcome.  Happy Holidays from Cathy and Bruce.

Faceted black onyx and swarvski crystal beaded sterling bracelet

This lovely bracelet sparkles with the faceted beads hanging from your wrist. The size can be altered easily if it doesn't fit perfectly. Every part of this bracelet is hand made from the rings to the closure.

FREE SHIPPING FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 25

14Kgold, sterling silver and copper 

14K gold, sterling silver and copper Post Earrings. Posts and backs are sterling. These are beautiful heirloom earrings which I made from an antique belt buckle that was no longer useful.  The metals are inlaid and the pattern is exquisite.  Call me now to order for FREE SHIPPING for Christmas!

Victorian Earrings, sterling and pearl

The background in this photo gives the silver a brassy look however they are actually sterling that I
antiqued with liver of sulfur and buffed to reveal the flower pattern. I soldered a 20 ga. wire and attached two beautiful coral colored pearls along with sterling beads to create a very feminine look.  Hope you like them. FREE SHIPPING UNTIL DECEMBER 25

Aventurine Ring size 8.5

I originally made this ring for myself, however I decided I have enough rings and I've decided to part with it!  Aventurine is a variety of Chalcedony and this particular stone is a beautiful color. To me it resembles the color of a piece of beach glass, that pretty light blue with a touch of green in it. The bezel I chose to use has a glitter to it when the light hits the tops of the pattern. The shank has been rolled to produce a flat edge, which makes it very comfortable to wear.

Sterling Mandala Flower Earrings *SOLD*

Landscape Bottle SOLD

This is a 6.5 inch bottle wheel thrown from white stoneware clay. The landscape is painted on the glaze with liquid iron before the final firing.  Of course, this is a collaboration. The wonderful landscape reminiscent of  an Adirondack autumn was created by Cathy. FREE SHIPPING UNTIL  DEC. 25