Frances Armstrong

A friend of mine mentioned meeting Frances Armstrong at a show, and the name immediately registered. She said Frances was the sweetest woman, and encouraged anyone to pick up her pieces and "play". I remember visiting her site years ago and marveling at her TINY creations. It was the first time I'd seen little matchbox scenes, and really, uber tiny in general, and it was instant love ;-). Frances dies in 2008, a fact I was not aware of until now. So, it's a but late, but thank you, Frances, for sharing your amazing, tiny creations!!

Frances Armstrong

Another friend gets IGMA Artisan!! Alison Shibata!!!

Ok, this is how out of the loop I get when I'm busy and my head is up my arse :-/. I just found out that Alison Shibata, of Bliss Miniatures, AND a fellow local girl, got IGMA Artisan!! I am standing up and clapping wildly as we speak!! She so deserves it, as anyone can see by looking at her stellar work. And she doesn't only excel at food!! Go have a peek at her blog and visit her etsy shop!!

Alison's blog

Her etsy shop

Carolyn Mohler Kraft, new IGMA Artisan!!

Woot!! My buddy Carolyn has received Artisan and I couldn't be more thrilled for her!! Absolutely deserving, because she makes spectacular miniature plants!! They're incredibly realistic, right down to the "nest" of tangled roots under the pots! Of course, her real life garden is gorgeous as well- she has a miniature AND real sized green thumb! Check out the beauties below, and visit her blog and website. She is planning on updating it very soon ;-).

Carolyn's blog

Her website

Incredible sculptures by Ellen Jewett!!

I was on etsy the other day when I stopped dead in my tracks. Now, this does not happen often when I'm quickly glancing at the front page. But good Lord!! BLOWN AWAY!!! Ellen Jewett of Creatures from El produces seriously jaw dropping sculptures! I visited her shop, clicked on every listing, and went back to look at her sold pieces. MASSIVE talent!! They are so unique, I've never seen anything like them. It's impossible for me to pic a favorite from the collection below, but I just love that beast of burden....and of course, the boar!! They're just all SO fabulous!!!

Ellen's etsy shop

My jars runneth over...

So my friend and customer, Rachel, is one wacky woman! Talented and brimming with ideas 24/7! I've been making her lots of jars to fill the shelf in her cafe, and she asked me to make some "exploding cherries"...which of course led to more messy ones. And I've only just started! You know how I go a little nuts once  I start making something :-O!!
Her's what I've made so far...

Grilled, stuffed Calamari

I love me some fried calamari, but I also love it grilled...or hell, raw! Sometimes this dish is paired with a tomato based sauce, but I just added straight up olive oil ;-).

No jars! Grilled Eggplant and Bruschetta

Not that I'm not still banging out jars, hehe. I've been filling an Italian order, and I make extras to list, of course ;-). This is a platter of Grilled Eggplant with Caponata, and Bruschetta. I love Italian food (although not as much as my beloved Asian)!! I might have to make a pizza next, which is something I haven't done in years. I love my deep dish and my NY style, but there's nothing like the taste of pizza in Italy!