thickneckARTS

"Katrina" 1/2 OFF SALE

2009-06-25T19:19:00.002-04:00

This painting is an abstract representation of what I felt while exploring thoughts of how chaotic the city of New Orleans must have been after the actual landing of Hurricane Katrina.

The center of a hurricane is calm and the sun shines as if nothing has happened. But you can see the edge of the storm that has passed as well as the edge of the storm that has yet to pass. The one time I experienced this was unnerving to say the least.

"Citrus Will" 1/2 OFF SALE!

2009-06-25T19:11:00.003-04:00

This painting gets more hits than anything on my Etsy site and has been featured in Treasuries a number of times!

It's also part of my 1/2 OFF SALE in an effort to make room for new pieces.

Wedding Globe

2009-06-25T16:51:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Proctor posted these pics of the Wedding Globe I made as a gift for her and Mr. Proctor's nuptials.

The piece is made using polymer clay and a giant glass candle holder.

Instructables Contest

2009-05-08T22:18:00.002-04:00

I wasn't a finalist for the Epilogue Contest on Instructables.com, but I was in the top 100 out of almost 500 entries!

Not too shabby.

Thanks to all who voted for me!

Now Go Vote!

2009-04-21T09:55:00.002-04:00

The instructable aforementioned in my last entry is now set to win a laser cutter in another contest! I just need your votes!

The Grand Prize is a laser cutter!

The link is http://www.instructables.com/contest/epilogchallenge/ and then look for "Homemade Paper" or "thickneckarts" as the author.

Thanks!

Instructables.com

2009-04-20T08:41:00.002-04:00

One of my instructables won a first place prize! Check it out--->

Homemade Paper - More DIY How To Projects

Hemp Necklace Instructable - Square Knot

2009-04-13T11:40:00.000-04:00

This is my newest instructable. Register with instructables.com and rate it!

How to Make a Hemp Necklace - More DIY How To Projects

YOG Beads

2009-04-12T21:40:00.002-04:00

This necklace is created using 2 focal beads made from Blazin' Orange, True Green, and Sunshine polymer clays. The beads are strung on yellow hemp with a switch and square knot design.

Vintage Wood Beads

2009-04-12T21:35:00.002-04:00

This necklace was created using wood beads from a necklace my mom used to rock in high school! The beads are in awesome condition as you can see from the pics.

Royal Julep Necklace

2009-04-12T21:32:00.002-04:00

70s Mod Pendants

2009-04-12T21:15:00.006-04:00

This is a necklace made with one of the first "barrel" pendants I made. The barrel is a distinct swirling of Sweet Potato, Chocolate, Hunter Green, and Hot Pink polymer clays. It's attached to a coated leather cord using a bit of tiny chainlink.

This necklace is also created using the 70s mod colors, however, they are stacked rather than swirled. The pendant is a trapezoid shape and strung on pastel green, DNA-knot hemp.

Revamped Barrel Necklace

2009-04-12T21:01:00.002-04:00

This is the Kelly Gold Pendant necklace from my Etsy site. Last week, it was a hemp necklace but with some persuasion from outside creatives I decided to change it up a bit.

I took apart the hemp necklace and gave the barrel a new and more versatile look. Plus, I added an adjustable knot system in lieu of a clasp. The adjustable knot system allows the necklace to fit just about anyone!

Algae Beads on Hemp

2009-04-12T20:55:00.005-04:00

Here's a photo of a necklace created with the beads made in one of my instructables, you can find it here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Make_Polymer_Clay_Beads/. The beads were created using wood beads as their center. The wood bead centers keep the finished beads lighter and more durable.

New Blog...

2009-04-05T16:41:00.001-04:00

Check out my new blog about upcycling!

Soon to come, more articles and some interviews with other upcyclers!

http://theupcyclingrecycler.blogspot.com

Wedding Tea-Lite

2009-04-02T12:25:00.002-04:00

This is my newest candle/tea-lite holder. The spirals are made with Pearl, Translucent, and Cloud White polymer clay. I used the same cane to make a wedding gift for a friend of mine, hence the name.

Stonewashed Denim Paper

2009-03-26T12:40:00.003-04:00

Here's my newest recycled handmade paper for sale on Etsy. The sheets are made from "apple trays" I get from a local grocery. The trays are already made from recycled material so these sheets are more like recycled-recycled handmade paper!

The sheets are fairly flexible and would make great journal or scrapbooking pages. I have made one journal cover from my handmade paper but am still working on getting the density right so it's more durable.

Hope you like the pics :D

Light-Weight Polymer Clay Beads

2009-03-26T11:07:00.004-04:00

I posted an instructable yesterday that shows how to save money and make light-weight beads. Those of us working with polymer clay know that the larger the beads, the heavier the weight, which can be no bueno for necklaces when using more than one bead. But I love ginormous beads! So I had to figure out a way to get big beads with less weight. And this is how I did it. Enjoy!

http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Make_Polymer_Clay_Beads/

Vote for my instructable!!!

2009-03-16T21:15:00.003-04:00

Hello hello! Just entered a contest at Instructables.com, where I have some tutorial-type videos, and I want you to go an vote for it! There is a star rating system to the right of the instructable so use that to rate what you think of the instructable! All ratings and critiques are welcome!!!

Click on the title of this blog entry or here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade_Paper/

Thanks! :D

Vintage Wood Beads on Hemp

2009-03-10T11:00:00.003-04:00

Ballpark Beads on Hemp (Sold)

2009-03-10T10:56:00.004-04:00

Watermelon Bead on Hemp

2009-03-10T10:50:00.004-04:00

Ceramic Focal on Hemp

2009-03-10T10:37:00.004-04:00

"Spiral Trance Treasure Box" Spotlight

2009-03-06T10:30:00.003-05:00

Back in May 2008, one of my treasure boxes was spotlighted by Domestika at domestikgoddess.com. You can click the title of this blog to go to the site and check out the interview and pics.

New Customer Appreciation Pics

2009-03-06T10:10:00.001-05:00

Here's a couple of pics sent to me from a local customer.

Thanks Indigo! Hope you enjoy your new jewelry!

Did I Mention...

2009-02-13T05:23:00.002-05:00

Aside from all the previous seriousness... Did I mention Zea is the super awesomest pizza pie maker ever in Chattanooga? Check her out at Pisa Pizza as well as Greenlife!

Color Static (Sold)

2009-01-26T21:02:00.006-05:00

These are a couple of brightly colored sheets created to liven your day! Although one has a slightly calm color scheme of Purple and Green, it's still an exciting piece to see. Of course, the orange and yellow sheet is nothing less than excitement on a page!

Happy Tie-No Dye

2009-01-26T20:56:00.003-05:00

This paper's color mix is probably my favorite. Blue is by far my favorite color! And the random bursts of Sunlight splashed all over the sheets brings a smile to my face. Hence the name.

Happy Valentines

2009-01-26T20:50:00.005-05:00

No, it's spelled correctly. This paper was created with all those lovers who create gifts rather than buy them. 3 solid pink sheets and 2 sheets with a tie-no dye scheme of light pink and lavender.

Old South Swamp Paper (Sold)

2008-12-06T20:28:00.005-05:00

This is my newest addiction. Creating recycled paper. I've been able to create mild color schemes that give the paper a tie-dyed look.

I have several sheets waiting to be photo'd but this is the first I have listed in my Etsy shop---> http://thickneckarts.etsy.com

Tell me what you think!

Stacking My Paper

2008-11-13T13:37:00.003-05:00

I often veer from my polymer clay fascination to attempt other types of crafty creations. One craft I have experimenting with is the art of journal and notebook making.

Aside from my arts & crafts, I'm also a writer, so I'm always on the look-out for a super cool journal or notebook to pick up. A really unique notebook can help spark a million ideas for my poetry or stories. That's why I decided to try my hand at making my own journals and notebooks rather than scouring the Earth for them.

I have made a couple of lil'notebooks/memobooks by upcycling old CD covers. Even sold one from my Etsy store but haven't put together anymore lately because of the lack of time. See, cutting the paper to the right dimensions has been a bit of a challenge due to lack of space. I was utilizing the FedEx/Kinko's down the road but that sorta takes away from my trying to be eco-friendly when crafting. Then it struck me...if I make my own paper, not only would I be recycling/upcycling but I could also make it the exact way I want it without having to cut it!

And here I am.

In the next room I have my very first sheet of recycled paper drying. I couldn't be more excited! Hopefully within the next day or two, I will have more sheets of paper made and will be able to put together my first completely handmade journal!

Stay tuned!

Sunset Barrel

2008-11-13T13:19:00.002-05:00

This is probably one of my favorite creations! The bead is a OOAK design made from a "happy accident". The barrel's made of Sunset, Gold, Black and Pearl colored polymer clays. It's about an inch in length and slightly bigger than 1/2 an inch.

The necklace is made with Black Cotton Cord and has a dual knot system making it a one-size-fits-all!

Suspended Frost

2008-11-13T12:57:00.002-05:00

The pendant is created using White, Pearl and Translucent polymer clays. The White stands in contrast with the Translucent giving the look of a "suspended" flow of swirls. And when the Pearl catches light just right, the pendant sparkles and shines.

The necklace is completed with Black cotton cord that uses a dual knot system making it adjustable to any size!

Sweet Potato Delight

2008-10-03T12:50:00.003-04:00

One of the first pendant designs I experimented with was adding "nubbs" to beads to give them 3D abilities. I wanted the pendants to not just hang on your necklace but to interject themselves into their surroundings, to make an impression visibly as well as physically. This pendant is by far my favorite and that's why I put it on a simple cord set-up, as to not take from the pendant itself.

Halloween Candle/Tea Lite Holder

2008-09-23T10:04:00.003-04:00

Candles are always great for creating spooky lighting. This one continues the fun after the candle is blown out with glow-in-the-dark spirals!

80s Brick Pendant

2008-09-23T10:01:00.003-04:00

What I miss most about the 80s is the colorful fashion!

Kitty Boom Boom

2008-09-08T23:13:00.003-04:00

It just doesn't get much sweeter than when a lil'kitty chooses to sleep on your bag rather than any other part of a huge bed!

Prideful Alice

2008-09-08T23:08:00.004-04:00

This was originally named "Prideful Alice" because the first pics I took of it were on a mushroom top. We a couple of mushrooms sprout up overnight and by the end of the day, they had spread tops completely out to "toad stools"!

The pics reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, the bead is rainbow themed and I needed a catchy-name!

Russian Tea Twist

2008-09-08T22:55:00.002-04:00

I really love spirals. They're infinitely finite.

Hypnotic Designs

2008-08-21T12:13:00.002-04:00

New Pendants

2008-08-18T11:32:00.004-04:00

These pendants were created as a set from the same cane. There are more to come so keep your eye on this blog!

The first 2 pendants are no longer available.

"Screenprinting" without the screen...

2008-08-07T14:09:00.001-04:00

Starr's Photo Shoot

2008-08-06T08:06:00.000-04:00

Some of my homies sporting my wares... :D

DIY Treasure Tin

2008-07-29T06:19:00.002-04:00

This is my first go at a "Tutorial" :D Enjoy!

Buy Handmade

2008-07-29T00:02:00.004-04:00

Check out my store-front at Etsy.com!

I'm currently in a media-experimenting phase and I have posted at least one item from each media I try out. Right now I have everything from recycled gift card tins to abstract wall-art paintings to great hippie-like hemp jewelry! There's definitely something for everyone!

And if you don't find what you're looking for in my store, I guarantee you'll find it somewhere else on Etsy!

Have a nice day :D

WHOA!

2008-06-22T03:02:00.002-04:00

My pup here on the left has never been a fan of cats! In fact, she hates cats! And we have 2! But honestly, she has done nothing more than growl at either one...and then I caught this disturbing scene...wait until the other mutts in the neighborhood get-a-load of this photo! LOL

Sweet Pea and Oscar

North AL

2008-06-11T04:28:00.003-04:00

I never really paid close attention to the peaceful beauty of an awesome sunset until a friend of mine in college made me sit through one out by the local golf course. Needless to say, I've been hooked ever since...

Took this photo today, on my way into North AL.

my babies

2008-05-11T00:31:00.000-04:00

sweet pea

sam
tate
oscar

My way of saving sweatshop dollars...re-purposing my kicks.

2008-05-05T06:46:00.001-04:00

BEFORE

AFTER

How I re-purpose boring kicks...

2008-05-05T06:39:00.004-04:00

BEFORE

AFTER

College Work

2008-05-01T17:58:00.004-04:00

Badu

(Pencil/Acrylic on Posterboard)

Back

(Pencil on Matteboard)

Paintings

2008-05-01T17:49:00.002-04:00

Pastels

SunBurst

TearDrop

Beating

Candle Holders

2008-05-01T12:33:00.006-04:00

Lake Jar Tea-Lite Holder

*light doesn't show thru sides

Blacklight Fun Votive Holder

*light shows thru sides in most spots...would be best with blacklight shown on outside

70s Mod Tea-Lite Holder

*light shows thru sides

Scratch

2008-03-11T16:24:00.002-04:00

Another drawing I'm working on.

Actually, I've been working on this one for awhile. I get frustrated when I can't make my pencil do what I want and often that results in a long period between start and finish.

I still need a lot of practice too !

Rosario

2008-03-11T16:04:00.002-04:00

Picked up my pencils again...I haven't done much drawing since college.

A friend of mine asked me to help come up with a logo for her website, which took me back to the ol'drawingboard. I re-realized how much I enjoy drawing and sketching.

This is one of the pieces I started. Suppose to be Rosario Dawson.

We'll see how it turns out!