I have encountered a number of uniquely crafted instruments over the years, however htis is the first moment when I’ve heard the artisan state that their work is a marriage between art and craftsmanship. INdeed, the look of the instrument and fine sound, also tells me that it may be a polyamorous relationship as *technicality* seems to have influenced this pairing.

Avocado Ukelele

Snail Shell Ukelele (Snailele)

Dove Hole Mandolin by Celentano Woodworks

To be an artist, artisan or fine crafter, one must fully embrace their medium, materials and tools for all of its possibilties, quirks and challenges. Then, one must consolidate that knowledge with the skills honed over time and circumstance to bring the idea to form and innovate. Truly the expertise, intensity, joy and beauty necessary for and produced by the artists and crafters derives from the same inner source, yet I am perplexed by the fact that society views one as finer than the other because the objects have different practical potentialities.

Navajo Spindle: Earth by Roosterick

Polwarth Wool Roving - Handpainted Felting or Spinning Fiber by Woolgatherings

Raibow Upcycled Sweater by Katwise

I wonder if one must devote themselves to one art form to truly be considers a great artist… or must you know everything about one craft to be a master craftsperson. What about the person who appreciates the vastness of any given art or craft area, endeavors to learn to do one thing really well, then pursues the next medium, material or art / craft form to repeat the process of learning. What is that person called? What is the name of the art of pursuing practicable knowledge about craft?

Offering No. 29 - Handstitched Clamshell Book Sculpture by Odelae

An Innocent Fluttering - Mini Handstitched Journal by Odelae

View the Craft In America Episode: Process that explores the makings of a craft career.  ”What inspires a career in craft?  How does one learn a craft and make a living at it?”

1) Know what materials / emotions / places that make you want to create

2) Indulge your curiosity, inspiration is always near

3) Trial and Error. Even the “mistakes” can be beautiful!

4) Collect an email address for every patron who buys your art

5) Open an etsy shop. Start your own cottage industry!

6) Honor your vision. What is amazing to you will find it’s audience. See below!

All the artworks featured in this post are from some of my favorite artisans and shops on etsy! they inspire me. Saving them to y favorites means that I’ve created a small gallery of beautiful handmade items; I love to look at them!

Nevada Cut Coin Jewelry by bongobeads

Toothless Ring Made With Fake Tooth And Topaz by dolldisasterdesign

Tardis Corset- blue underbust corset, steel boned, custom made, doctor who inspired by Corset Wonderland

Other people create board to vision their weddings or personal style, to share humorous images, or to make themed “magazine-esque collage boards. I have not tried to pin a video, so I don’t know it it is possible, and I don’t yet know if you can pin quotes or non-visual items like sound; but for the visually inclined, pinterest is an easy foray into blogging and curating your favorite parts of the web!

View my boards on Pinterest, who knows, it may inspire you to create an account for yourself! You can click the image if you’re Pinterested!

Click if you're Pinterested!

oh em gee…*guilty* as charged!

Enjoy!

I’m sooo getting a download

Shawndel

Lyrics

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself

Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test

and no matter how you feel, just the speak the word and you will be healed!

Speak over your self, encourage yourself, in the Lord

(chorus)Sometimes you, have to encourage yourself

Sometime you, gotta pat your own self on the back, yeah

(Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test)

And no matter how you feel, speak the word over life, and you will be healed

Speak over yourself, encourage yourself in the lord.

Second Verse

Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself,

Depression is all around, but God(dess) is president

Well the enemy created walls, but remember giants, they do fall

Speak over yourself, encourage yourself, in the Lord

crescendo

As I minister to you, I minister to myself

Life can hurt so, ’til you feel there’s nothing left…

(chorus) (no matter how you feel)

Speak the word over your life and you will, you will be healed!

(Speak over yourself)

Sometimes you gotta look in the mirror and tell yourself “I can make it!”

(speak over yourself)

You gotta remember that life and death lies in the power of your own tongue

Even if nobody tells you you can run on, YOU TELL YOURSELF!

You gotta remember I’m on and a conqueror!

(I’m encouraged! I’m encouraged)

Greater as (S)HE rests me …..yeah,

I believe that he Lord said about me!

Everything the enemy ever told me It’s a Lie! It’s a Lie! It’s a Lie!

(I’m encouraged! I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged!)

Yes I am!

I,  will lift up mine eyes unto hills! yeah. All of my help, all of my help comes from the Lord!

I believe, I believe everything (s)he said about me!

(I’m encouraged)  Oh Yes I am! (I’m encouraged) Oh Yes I am! (I’m encouraged) Oh…Yes I am!

I am, I believe I’m gonna run on, I’m gonna see what the end’s gonna be.

(I’m encouraged)

I know something better is out there waiting for me!

(I’m encouraged)

I believe everything the Lord said about me!

Speak over yourself, Encourage yourself, in the Lord.

END