ArtFairly Aware on Shophandmade.com

Monday, February 20, 2012

Macrame Madness

I recently visited the Half Price book store in my area searching for the Lord of the Rings trilogy for my son.  Of course I had to browse the craft and jewelry making section.  I found a book on macrame jewelry that I just had to buy.

In the 80's I did a lot of macrame--I still have most of my books.  This macrame, however, was mainly plant hangers.  I did make a hanging table that was quite awesome!

Well, I've rediscovered my love for tying knots!  The basics came back to me pretty quickly.  It has been so much fun to create pieces of jewelry using these familiar techniques.  I've listed a few in my bonanza shop:


And here's a bracelet I sold at a recent show:

I have a few more items to list and a few more in the works.  I'm having a blast!  I'm so glad I found that book!!!  Have any of you rediscovered a lost art/craft lately?

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Custom built guitars by West River Guitars

I consider myself an artisan.  I design and handcraft jewelry.  I create one of a kind olive oil/vinegar decanters from recycled wine bottles.  I've started doing macrame again.  I draw, paint, sew, blah, blah, blah.....

I love what I do and I'm very proud of some of the pieces that I've created.  So, here's the thing...what does this have to do with custom built guitars by West River Guitars?

My son (and fellow artisan) Kevin and his friend and business partner Tim (also an artisan) are West River Guitars.  They are extremely talented luthiers who have been formally trained and educated to make beautiful looking, but more importantly, beautiful sounding handmade, hand-built, custom guitars.   I had no idea what went into building a guitar until I witnessed it happening in my own garage.  Not only is it artistic and creative, it's very technical as well.  I mean what good is a beautiful looking guitar that sounds awful!!!

Kevin and Tim met while at the Galloup School of Guitar Luthiery in Big Rapids, Michigan.  I remember the first day of orientation when we dropped Kevin off at the school, Brian Galloup (owner) said, "Anyone can make a guitar, we're going to show you how to build instruments."  And that he did--see for yourself!








The details are incredible--beautiful inlays. 
Absolutely gorgeous wood grain!

While they take pride in building each guitar by hand, they do use the latest technology available for voicing each guitar.



Want to see and learn more?  visit their website at :  West River Guitars or follow them on facebook where they are always updating and posting pics of their latest creations:  http://www.facebook.com/WestRiverGuitars

Yes, I'm a proud mom, but can you blame me?