Vista House?!

Hello,

I know it has been a long time. I got a job, was looking for an apartment, and my computer went kaput All in all, it has been busy. However, I am hoping to post more often. My hubby has a laptop I can borrow most of the time, and I now live about 20-25 minutes closer to work. :)

Now, for the big news. I was accepted to sell my art in the gift shop at Vista House! I am focusing on patterned baskets and basket jewelry! My wares haven't made it yet due to some technical difficulties with my tags, but they will be soon!

What is it? A rest stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was "dedicated in 1918 as a comfort station, a scenic observatory, and a Memorial to Oregon Pioneers" (Source: Friends of Visa House Membership Invitation pamphlet). They promote wares from local artists, and like to focus on the historical, local flora and fauna, and Native American handicrafts.

Where is it? Vista House is in Oregon, along the Columbia River. It is on the old Historic Columbia River Hwy. I have included a map below for your convenience. :)


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Feature! White Buffalo Designs

Now, you have likely recently read, if you follow this blog, about the wonderful bunch of "Campfire Cousins" I have found at the virtual campfire of the Native Forum on Etsy. Through this I have made many cherished friends, and I am always excited to expand the closeness to others in the forum.

Speaking of other great artists in the forum, I have found some absolutely gorgeous items in the shop of White Buffalo Designs. I really must have at least one once I get the money. He has a number of beautiful ammonites, supplies, bags of various types, and inlaid pieces.

Here is a peek of his stuff.

Ammonites. The listing only is for one, but you get to pick the left one or the right one. Really, they are both gorgeous. Ammonites cut in half and set in silver so it can be a pendant.

This is one particular piece I am interested in. Once I get the funding, this is gonna be mine. Really, I adore ammonites in general. These warm browns and wines really pique my interest. I really hope you don't but it before I get to here in his shop. You should read his description in the listing:

These are prehistoric fossils similar to a snail , that have been
cut in half ,polished and set in a silver band for a pendant.
These are rather large , being 40x32mm.
The reverse on these is opalised but does not show any
irridessence.
The draw with cut ammonites is the interesting interior.
Some are solid , while others will show cavities with crystal
formations in them. Everytime you cut one you get a different
surprise.

I have some whole ammonites listed that have lots of color
flash showing on the polished surface.

Isn't that writing beautiful? I need to learn how to do write-ups like this.

Now for something different, for you men out there:

Men's "Turquoise Heshi Choker with Red Pipestone"

Isn't that handsome? You can buy it here. I think I will definitely show this one off because I love the color combinations. The black intrusions in the turquoise remind me of a beautiful lakeside. Actually, it kind of reminds me of one of the places I love to go camping on the rez. I am really attached to that place, so this piece spoke to me, just like the other piece I featured. I love featuring things that reach out to me, and White Buffalo Designs definitely makes such items.

He is definitely inspirational in work, and words on the forum. I love hearing from this talented artist. I hope you take the time to browse his shop. Maybe a piece will speak to you saying "bring me home."

Chain Your Attitude (photo-heavy post)

My father has done all sorts of arts and craft over his lifetime. In the past few years it has ranged from beadwork to sewing, from making fringe to making jewelry. Lately, though, he has picked up a much-beloved hobby again and has started making chainmail.

Yep, chainmail. It is very time-consuming and takes a lot of attention to detail. Definitely something I could never do.... I barely have the patience to make my own arts and craft. But I digress. This post is dedicated to my father and his budding business, Chain Your Attitude.

His business is based out of home and is something he does on the side. Not quite to where he can retire from his job to do this kind of stuff. Maybe it will end up being that way! His prices are really reasonable, considering the amount of time and effort that goes into each piece. Not to mention cost of supplies. Those colored links cost more than plain and those swarovski crystals are very pricey!  But they make lovely gifts for anyone!
((I gave a necklace to each of my bridesmaids in thanks for their participation and help, dad made them and they were wonderful!))

See? This is an example with back and blue links and black and blue crystals. Model is my sister. I think he is making these with smaller links nowadays, but this was the first go at it. This piece (due to cost of supplies and time) is ONLY $60!!! Seriously.

Here is a piece done with twisted wire and chainmail links:

Model is another of my sisters. I really like how swishy this one is. This was his first attempt at making these, so he hasn't put any up for sale yet, but he is definitely working on them!

Have school spirit? How about a favourite team? Any sport, really... my dad has started to make these "Chain Your Attitude" spirit-bracelets! They are made with rubber "O" rings and metal links. He has three different styles (you should check his website for full details!) and can make them in practically any color and color combination. Also: since they are made mostly of rubber, you can use them as hairties/ponytail decorations too! My mamma tried it and it works! (sorry for the pic, the flash made it glare really bad, but here is an example of the simple, one-stranded ones, as well as his current color selection. Don't worry! I think he can expand upon request.)

Not into jewelry? That's okay! He does other things, too. Here is a chain-mail hackey sack he made! It is really nifty, and for the amount of metal, it is a nice price! It is about the same size as a regular hackey sack ball, and quite durable. Inner fabric available in a variety of colors.

Finally, my favourite item thus far: Hairflowers. Really, these flowers can be used for bracelets, necklaces, etc.. but my favourite thing to do with them is put them in my hair. Kind of steam-punkish and definitely shiny! (Remember, folks, I have ADOS -- Attention Defeceit-Oooh, Shiny! -- and I have it bad). He doesn't know if he likes them much. I definitely do! These are just two examples. My four personal favourite colors are Red/Gold and Blue/Silver, so I got one of each. He can do these in a variety of colors, too... so don't hesitate to ask!

He is really a great artist! If you have any questions for him, please check out his pages. Most of his items are sold on his etsy site. He posts a few images of items he has done on his DevaintArt, but he hasn't updated that in ages (then again, neither have I, so I guess I can't complain much). I highly suggest you check out those pages. You can also follow him of facebook. He has posted a lot more of his pieces there!! CHECK IT OUT!

Seriously, though, I am not sure how he has time for a full-time job, six kids (including myself), wife, pets, AND all this chainmail. You should support this wonderful guy.

~Picpic Tewlikitpe