Huge Scale: Enormity on Etsy

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Scale is about the size of things in relation to other things. In design, we primarily strive for balance, combining large, medium and small elements in pleasing proportions. But some rules are meant to be broken, right? Sometimes there is a place for bold, outsized proportions that draw attention, make a big statement and introduce a dose of panache and humor. Today I looked for Etsy artists who aren't afraid of big scale and pulled it off beautifully with these eight creations. Click on the pictures to see these listings and more from these artisans. Prices range from $24.00 to $499.99. From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artists include: QuilJewelry, TianaCHE, calexandra, WinchesterPottery, pipertree, chicallure, drobart, couvert
~~HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY, AND ALL THE BEST IN 2010!~~

Tudor Style on Etsy

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The royal House of Tudor reigned the British realm from 1485 to 1603, starting with the Henry VII and ending with the death of Elizabeth I. Tudor dynasty intrigue, romance, betrayal and treachery reads like a work of dramatic fiction and has ever since inspired historians, novelists, playrights, and film makers to revisit the era. Influences from Tudor architecture and court style have survived through modern times, seen everywhere from residential facades to chunky furniture to costume jewelry. Recent films and the series, The Tudors, has sparked a trendy revival, and Etsy designers offer some evocative creations in all price ranges -- perfect to add a romantic touch to holiday attire or give as gifts. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.75 to $62.00.
From left to right, today's featured Etsy artisans include: duchessa, KiraFerrer, MiladyJewels, etherealcreations, treasurecast, justbedesigns

Sea Legs: Octopus' Garden on Etsy

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Felted critters from the sea with "leg issues" caught my eye this morning and brought to mind the sweet, happy Beatle's song, Octopus' Garden. Like Ringo's lyrical octopus that travels along the seabed collecting pretty things for its garden, I trolled along Etsy's search pages and gathered in my proverbial shopping basket these whimsical creations born of imagination and skill. There is no end to what you may find on Etsy, and browsing without anything in mind is fun and addicting! Please feel free to share your own whimsical creation or favorite find in a comment, and remember to include your link! Click on the pictures to go directly to these listings. Prices Range from $12.00 to $125.00

From top right to bottom left, today's featured artists include: SeasideSiren, lizetfrijtzers, starfishproductions, sadiesez, Lazyhawk, feltcreations, mousepants, orangefishy, 5erg, Jefita

Bronze: Uncommon Jewelry on Etsy, Part II

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Bronze: An alloy and a name of a color denoting a mid-value, earthy brown hue. Today's feature showcases the beauty of bronze as both a color and a medium.

As a color name, the word 'bronze' was first used in the English language in the mid-18th century. Bronze, as a metal alloy consisting of copper mixed typically with tin, was so revolutionary in human culture that an entire historical era bears its name: The Bronze Age. Throughout the ages, from antiquity right up to modern times, it has been used for tools, weaponry, building materials and ornamental arts. With the addition of silicon in the 20th century, bronze gained even wider application in industry and modern statuary. To many, it may seem commonplace and humble, but in talented artistic hands it becomes extraordinary. Today's selections feature bronze either as a surface-finish color or a metal component in the creations of eight talented jewerly designers found on Etsy. Some of these artists have had no sales and receive minimal traffic to their stores, despite their superb artistry. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $20.00 to $195.00.

Today's artisans include: jenkahn, veroque, JudieGummDesigns, BinarySoul, roco63, daringwoman, zcatstudiocreation, FireDanceStudio

Seedpod: Botanical Inspiration on Etsy

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Our natural world is an unending source of inspiration for artists. Today's focus is the fascinating seedpod that carries and disperses life around our planet, in lovely little parcels encasing the seeds of future flora, fruits and legumes. In my own studio I've been creating bead-woven fantasy seedpod pendants, and wanted to see what other Etsy artists do with this botanical subject. We often overlook the seedpod's significance and aesthetic qualities as we munch our peas. Today's featured artists remind us of their visual and metaphorical beauty, using their chosen medium to create objects that delight the eye and adorn the body. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.00 to $115.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's artisans include: prettygoodthings, iacua, blancamonrosgomez, alihermann, tamra, seapod, peachcult, MillipedBead, SarahHoodJewelry, budandbranch