Celebrate Cyber Monday!!
25% off Sandra Evertson RELICS & ARTIFACTS®!!
Also, Sandra's favorite Flaming Hearts and Ex Voto Collection is BACK IN STOCK over in the shop!!
Enter PROMO CODE: relicsforall at checkout.
Thanks for your support!!
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® On the 6th Day of Christmas...
Ready to ring in the holiday season with a bit of RELICS & ARTIFACTS® cheer?!!! We are up and sharing it up loud and clear over on the Prima Marketing Inc. blog!!
We have LOTS of amazing and simple inspiration along with our very own Sandra Evertson, RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassadors, Louise Nelson and Milagros C. Rivera, and the Prima design team in a beautiful collaboration!!
Created by Sandra Evertson.
Created by Sandra Evertson.
Want to know how these projects were created? All the details including supply lists + step-out tutorials are available over on the Prima blog! Oh, and there's even video too!!
Want to play along with some RELICS & ARTIFACTS®?
- Create ANY Prima-based card, tag, or ornament with one of the 12 product challenges.
- Upload your project photo (using the inlinkz link provided on the day's post.)
- Include which challenge day (1-12) you are entering in your title.(Ex: Sharon- Day 1-Victorian Christmas)
- You can enter as many times as you wish by December 14th, 2015, at 11:55 EST!
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Tribe | Merry Merry Ornament Challenge
MERRY MERRY ORNAMENT CHALLENGE over at the Tribe!!
Not a member of the Tribe yet? Come join us!!
Here's how it works:
1. Create your most spectacular ornament using any combination RELICS & ARTIFACTS® matte resin craft blanks.
2. Post it to the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Tribe before December 12th. Let us know it is for the MERRY MERRY ORNAMENT CHALLENGE.
3. Enter as often as you like! Tag and share with all of your friends.
4. Pieces will be "judged" by a secret faceless, nameless panel hidden in an undisclosed location. :)
5. Prize will be YOUR Santa's "wish list" of FOUR assorted packages of RELICS & ARTIFACTS® products. IN ADDITION WE WILL INCLUDE A SPECIAL HANDMADE SURPRISE GIFT created for you by Sandra Evertson!
6. Be joyful, CREATE and HAVE FUN!! Good luck to all!
*Follow RELICS & ARTIFACTS® on Instagram @relicsandartifacts
*Invite all your friends to join our RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Tribe on Facebook
*Shop it up for RELICS & ARTIFACTS®: www.sandraevertson.com
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Snapshot | Debby Anderson
With this next Ambassador, her bright and bubbly personality shines through even though I have yet to meet her in person. Seriously, after my first few online chats with her, I knew she was a classy sassy soul and add to that as the epic queen at soldering when you check out her art! I warn you to prepare yourselves to see soldering taken to the next level in her projects below using RESINS & ARTIFACTS®. She solders on the resin! Yes, ON the resin. I can't help but smile when I see her headshot below that shines full with sparks of happiness and a spirited soul.
Check out my sweet and soulful interview with Debby Anderson.
Debby Anderson is a self-taught metalsmith, jewelry designer, and mixed media artist. Debby works from her home studio in San Francisco, California. She started her company, Romancing the Bling, seven years ago with a focus on jewelry design. Her beautifully ornate handcrafted pieces have been published in the prestigious Jewelry Affaire magazine and featured on the Today Show. Debby teaches jewelry workshops in the Bay Area and across the United States, as well as popular artist retreats hosted by Vivi Magoo (Texas & Tuscon) and BABE (Bay Area Bead Extravaganza) held in Oakland, California. Debby is on the faculty with Artful Gathering Online Retreats and offers two online workshops each year. She has three DVD workshops available to students. Debby's product line, Vintage Romance, has also been sold in Michaels stores.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
Spending time with my two amazing sons, as well as the the rest of my family! I have to admit that I wish I had more time to spend with them as my artistic life does not allow for much time off. I love traveling to share and teach with my students! Also, I love to read, attend flea markets, and spend time with my girlfriends!
What are you favorite materials to use when you create?
I have many favorite materials I use in my work as a jewelry designer, metalsmith, and artist. One of my favorite techniques is to start with a single piece of wire. I love to shape, forge, and harden different gauges into focal pieces while soldering with an iron and/or torch. My second favorite material to work with is Apoxie Sculpt Clay. Many designs include a combo of metal and clay. My designs are usually embellished with vintage gems, spiritual imagery, and medals.
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
I am inspired by various time periods in history ranging form the Renaissance through the Art Deco era. I love incorporating religious icons and French themed embellishments to replicate jewelry, relics, and images from the past in my own design aesthetic.
What is your signature style?
Intricate and feminine with an 'old world' artistic aesthetic. It is important when creating that I use high quality materials and apply finishing techniques at each step so that my pieces replicate a fine piece of jewelry from the past.
What is something your friends probably don't know about you?
Hmmmm....this is a hard one as I am pretty much an 'open book'....ha!
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
This is easy. It would be my soulmate and late husband, Harvey. Often, I feel him with me. I know he would be proud that I have worked hard to overcome the grief from his passing 18 years ago. While working hard to reinvent myself over the past 7 years, I would like to chat about how I have become quite the passionate artist.
What is your favorite quote?
"Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were big things." ~ Kurt Vonnegut
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Don't 'over think' when designing and creating....I always say there are "no rules, nor mistakes in art". If your result does not make you happy, remember there are more opportunities to create with endless inspirations.
Sacred Hearts | Created by Debby Anderson
Check out more about Debby on her social media links below.
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Snapshot | Louise Nelson
After having the honor of working alongside this next Ambassador on the Prima Marketing Inc. Design Team, I knew she was a perfect fit as a RELICS & ARTIFACTS@ Ambassador. Give her beads, give her paper, give her gesso, ok, just give her any art medium....and this girl will always deliver (I'll pause while you check our her project below. Insert "jaw-to-the-floor".). She is truly an inspiration not only in the arts but in her full-time profession as a nurse.
Let's visit the 'land down under' for an interview with Louise Nelson.
Up until 10 years ago, Louise considered herself not at all crafty or artsy, for that matter. Louise enjoyed furniture restoration and DIY home decor. However, she ventured further than that. In 2005, Louise began to scrapbook and in the the last 10 years has developed a distinctive style that is an elegant mix of 'negative space' and art mediums. Louise considers herself fortunate to have designed for a small variety of both Australian and International manufacturer design teams during this time. Also, Louise had project publications and feature articles in both Australian magazines and Somerset Memories magazine. In recent years, Louise has developed a love of mono printing, stamp carving, painting, and enjoys perusing these arts in her spare time.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
As boring as this sounds... WORK! I do very much feel like all I do is eat, sleep, and work LOL! Ha! But I SO love my job and the people I work with, so it is all GOOD!
What are your favorite materials to use when you create?
At the moment? Hm, that would be texture mediums, wire, chipboard, beads anddddddd RESINS!! Ha!
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
Inspiration is everywhere! Seriously! I also love to read home decor magazines for color inspiration. Color coordination is not my strong point and if I had a choice, I would create everything in black, white, and metallics. Ha! There are several favorite art/artists that I get a lot of inspiration from but especially fashion designers, print artists, abstract collage artists, and Neo-Expressionist artists.
What is your signature style?
Simple white space with a 'devil is in the details' approach.
What is something your friends probably don't know about you?
Hmmmm, not sure I want to share ha! Okay, I dislike wearing shoes and if I could do the barefoot thing all the time, I would. Oh, and I am handbag tragic!
If you could meet anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
Please could I stretch that to 3 people??? Definitely fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and artist/designer Beatrix Ost.
What is your favorite quote?
This is one of many that I love, "Being creative is absolutely magical...and it's ever changing." ~ Carla Zampatti
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® products?
Well, I will be honest. I had not used the product until I created my tag (see below). So, I am a newbie to RELICS & ARTIFACTS®!! Ha! So, my approach was to let go, experiment, and have fun!
Prickled Heart | Created by Louise Nelson
Check out more about Louise around her social media links below.
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Snapshot | Kimberly Cochrane
I'm having a major girl crush on our next Ambassador revealing up today. Seriously, this woman can rock the antiques + rock the jewels. Can I get an amen shout out after you check out her beyond incredible project below?! Get ready to catch your breath. GASP. Further, she is proof that being an artist is naturally deep within the blood as she is a self-taught artist.
I'm crazy happy today to share an interview with Kimberly Cochrane.
Kimberly is a self-taught artist and avid antique collector/dealer. She grew up in a small town in Eastern Oregon but now resides in Boise, Idaho. Kimberly lives with her fiance, Patrick, and their 'child', Sophie (a 3 year old Yorkie). Kimberly knew from a young age that she would be an artist. She had a very artistic upbringing as her mother, Gail Lackey, is a one-of-a-kind doll artist. Kimberly's mother has always been a huge inspiration and supporter of her art! Kimberly loved creating assemblages with discarded antique and vintage jewelry so much that in 2010 she opened her online shop, Madonna Enchanted. Although her main inspiration is jewelry, she also loves altering clothing, making unique religious inspired tassel bags, painting furniture, and creating collages and shrines. Kimberly believes that life is too short to waste it doing something if you are not passionate about it. She hopes that through her art she will inspire others to find their own creative passion.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
There really is not a time when I am not creating. If I can not physically create something, I am creating it in my head for later. For the time when I am not in my studio, I travel about an hour from where I live to help my brother and mother take care of my 91 year old grandfather.
What are you favorite materials to use when you create?
I LOVE anything that sparkles so I use lots of rhinestones!! Also, I love antique and vintage items. Anything that has a past and some character. Further, I will use antique fabrics, lace, metallic trim and velvet...LOVE me some antique velvet!
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
I pretty much live in my studio so I surround myself with the things that inspire me. I create jewelry, so of course, I have lots of vintage and antique rhinestone necklaces, beads, pearls, old brooches, and cameos. My true love is antique religious items! I have a collection of old prints, paintings, religious medals, shrines, crosses, and statues that inspire me. Also, magazines and books are very inspirational. Where Women Create magazine is one of my favorites! When I need an inspirational boost, I go shopping LOL! I LOVE going to antique stores, flea markets, and thrift stores!
What is your signature style?
I have a very eclectic style, at least I think so, so I'm not sure what you would call it...I like a little bit of everything! When it comes to my jewelry that I create, I would lean more towards the French Victorian religious style.
What is something your friends probably do not know about you?
I would have to say they probably do not know that I love scary movies and Halloween is my favorite holiday!
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
I have not really thought about this one...but I would say that I would love to meet with the nuns from the late 1700s to early 1800s. The religious art that was created during that time like meerschaums and shrines were absolutely beautiful! I would love to find out about the creative process.
What is your favorite quote?
"Create what you love and is in your heart not what you think is going to sell." ~ Source Unknown
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Create away! There is no right or wrong way to use these FABULOUS pieces! The possibilities are absolutely endless!!
Ex Voto Sacred Heart Necklace Series | Created by Kimberly Cochrane
Check out more about Kimberly and see her current and past creations.
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Snapshot | John Creighton Petersen
We have an amazingly unique "gang" of Ambassadors as each one brings a unique spin in their artsy renderings on the RELICS & ARTIFACTS®. You have probably seen John Creighton Peterson around the art world rocking it with the paper arts. We have a feeling he will rock the paper arts and beyond with a major twist using RELICS & ARTIFACTS®.
I'm excited today to share an interview with John Creighton Petersen.
For as long as he can remember, John has always been fascinated with making art. Whether drawing, sketching, or creating his own journals and art books while in school or moving into other fields such as calligraphy and photography, he has always taken a new skill and added it to his repertoire for new creations. Although his background is primarily based in the paper arts, he began to venture into jewelry making as a way to embellish his mixed media projects. He naturally dove into the medium of beadwork which opened so many new possibilities! Through this medium of beadwork, he began to incorporate more mixed media and upcycled objects into his work, along with learning new techniques while working with metal, resin, and vintage pieces. At the 2015 CHA Show, John stumbled upon RELICS & ARTIFACTS® and it was immediate chemistry ("love at first sight"). John had the pleasure of meeting Sandra at the show and there an instant "artistic" connection with Sandra and her work. Since meeting Sandra, John has expanded both his personal artwork using RELICS & ARTIFACTS® and has the pleasure of introducing students across the country to new art forms that highlight the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® products.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
I have to admit that I'm a Pinterest junkie and love to find new recipes to try and re-create, paired with a good glass of wine, of course. When I want to unwind and relax, you can usually find me beading something, that's my 'mindless' activity to pass the time.
What are your favorite materials to use when creating?
I'm a very tactile person and like to incorporate this into my art. Anything and everything that can create an interesting texture onto pieces always fascinates me. I'm always wanting to explore new mediums for creating from texture pastes to any kind of found objects.
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
Inspiration is all around us and many times it's something that most people overlook! The beautiful colors found in nature, a retail display in a local store, the decor inside of a favorite cafe. There is inspiration all around us everyday but it's just a matter of taking the time to pause and take it all in. I also find great inspiration from fellow artists, whether it is for a new technique or a different color combination I had never thought of.
What is your signature style?
The majority of my work combines the past with the present, mixing vintage elements with something new, which is why I love RELICS & ARTIFACTS® so much. It is taking something from the past and pairing it with something modern. For example, mixing French Renaissance with the clean lines of modernism. I call myself a 'mixed media fusion artist' because I'm constantly combining so many different styles and found objects for creating my work.
What is something your friends probably do not know about you?
I almost majored in chemistry in college! For some reason, chemistry always fascinated me and came very naturally but I declared my major in 'Architorture' (as I refer to those days now). I ended up taking what I call a 'sabbatical' from college and traveled Europe to discover my calling in life. When I returned home, I took a photography class on a fluke because a friend had given me an old camera and I had no idea how to use it...and I was hooked! Those were the days before everything was digital. Photography combined my love of chemistry in the darkroom with taking photos of architecture. The majority of my work was taken in transparency (slide) format. I worked almost exclusively in image transfers onto glass and other objects.
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
Alannah Currie, former member of the Thompson Twins (yes, the 80's band) who is now a mixed media and sculptural artist. She has always been outspoken in everything that she has done, from the crazy big hair in the 80's to leading the activity group, Sisters of Perpetual Resistance. She has always spoken exactly what is on her mind and I know that it would be an absolutely fascinating and entertaining conversation!
What is your favorite quote?
I couldn't choose just one LOL. So, here are the ones that have carried me through the years:
"What is essential to the heart is invisible to the eyes." ~ The Little Prince
"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death." ~ Auntie Mame (and aka the clean version of the quote)
"Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive." ~ Josephine Hart
"To breathe the air of Paris preserves the soul." ~ Les Miserables
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Explore and get creative! The RELICS & ARTIFACTS® line is so versatile and can be incorporated into almost any project from jewelry to mixed media pieces - or by itself! You can use almost ANY medium on these pieces which makes them so great to work with, from stamp inks to watercolor pencils, even sprays. Let your imagination run wild with these pieces! There are no rules nor limits to what you can make!
Amour Book Shrine | Created by John Creighton Petersen
Be sure to check out more of John and his creativity around social media.
Blog-Shop-Tutorials-Classes-Resume
Facebook-Pinterest-Instagram as @artnewwave
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Snapshot | Milagros C. Rivera
Over the next few days, we are diving into the creative minds of our talented Ambassadors to find out what makes their creative souls tick tock and spark.
I'm thrilled today to share an interview with Milagros C. Rivera.
Milagros is from the sunny island of Puerto Rico. She grew up among seamstresses and artists, so it was natural for her to gravitate to the arts. When her daughter was born, she decided to open a scrapbook store and thus continue a next generation interest in the arts. Her work reflects her passion for all kinds of crafts, jewelry, sewing, and collaging. She considers it really hard to choose just one artistic passion! She loves the way this world has evolved into mixed media to give her the opportunity to work with so many exciting mediums.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
Sleep...hey, I even create in my kitchen!!! LOL, I love to drive around the island to secret spots, quiet beaches or up the mountains for relaxing views with camera in hand, of course.
What are your favorite materials to use when creating?
Pearls, mother of pearls and stones. I love the shine on them, the cold, heavy feel of a stone in your hands. The fact that they are real speaks to me!
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
The classics, antiques, old timeless pieces and fashion runways inspire me. I connect with nature a lot. Flowers, leaves, tree trunks, they hold magic to me and the sound of water makes me reconnect. I guess all of that helps me stay inspired!
What is your signature style?
Classic romantic, yet sometimes shabby.
What is something your friends probably do not know about you?
I don't think they know how much I enjoy creating jewelry or creating a costume from scratch. I'm very skilled with the needle and can draft a pattern for whatever pops in my head!
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
I would love to sit down with Don Luis A. Ferre, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, politician, musician and art lover. He died in 2003 at 99 years old.
What is your favorite quote?
"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." ~ Coco Chanel
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Attack with reckless abandon! They are all so easy to adapt, even with no mediums on them they are statement pieces on their own. Buy what speaks to you whether it's Milagros, Intaglios, or maybe classy chandeliers and just experiment. A simple coat of Prima Color Bloom Spray or a single swipe of Prima Mica Powder will take the relics to another level!
"La Diosa en mi" (The Goddess in me") | Created by Milagros C. Rivera
Be sure to check out more of Milagros and her creativity around social media.
Personal Blog, Paper Boutique Scrapbooking Studio Blog
Instagram-Twitter-Periscope-Pinterest as @milagroscrivera
Welcome the 2015-2016 RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassadors
Hello all! We have been busy busy behind the scenes on LOTS of new and positive happenings around here! We are kicking RELICS & ARTIFACTS® up a notch by introducing some major talent to join us. Without further ado....
Say hello to the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® 2015-2016 Ambassadors!
Wendy Morris-Saponaro, Ambassador Team & Social Media Coordinator
We are all going to explore lots of new creative territory together with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® designed by Sandra Evertson! This artistically fearless group of hand-picked talent by Sandra are "avengers", as we also like to call them, as they have vindicated the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® to an entirely new level of talent. They will be your global muse of inspiration here on the blog, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, the Tribe, and many special projects already in the works and to come.
Oh, it gets better as we are showcasing each day this week an artistic spotlight from each Ambassador where we will pick their brain to see what gets their creative soul ticking and get to know them better.
SO excited to work with this team and hope you are ready to be super inspired!
Things We Love - Verday Paints
We have a new item in the shop Verday Paint Kits! We'll be adding a few non Relics products here and there for you to enjoy and play with. You will love the amazing finishes you can create in just 3 easy steps. No need to prime or seal this gorgeous finish, just paint one coat, let it dry, paint a second coat and while its still wet spritz it with the oxidizing solution, let it cure for a few hours and enjoy the magic!! All of these Relics & Artifacts® have been finished this way...
Halloween Rhinestone Paved Skulls
WIP Halloween Rhinestone Paved Skulls... I'm working on a second one and am going to clip them to this vintage pair of Oscar de la Renta velvet slippers so I can have a pretty pair of kicks to wear giv'n out candy! I used Relics & Artifacts® Ancient Soul skull # 941703. www.sandraevertson.com
Love Totem Towers
When the things I desire are not within my reach I am inclined to try and recreate them... an assortment of painted Relics & Artifacts resin craft blanks paved in tumbled Garnets, Peridot and antique paste stones along with some of my New Summer 2015 line of Dresden Foil Trims with a few odds and ends of Turquoise and Coral added here and there!
Labor Day Sale Happening Now!
It's been a wonderful Summer and now it's time to head back into the studio. I'm making some room for the newest RELICS & ARTIFACTS Summer 2015 to arrive.
From Friday Sept 4th - Sept 12th, I'm having a special 20% off sale.
Use PROMO CODE: labordayrelics to receive your discount and some beautiful pieces to create with this Autumn!
Stop by my Shop at www.sandraevertson.com and pick some up.
While supplies last (as they say)!
Sandra
The Milagros Story
Milagros are also known as promesas (promise, undertaking, vow), in Spanish the word milagro
literally means miracle or surprise. Isn't that such a lovely thought?!
They are folk charms traditionally used as offerings,
frequently attached to altars and shrines as an act of devotion.
I just think they are beautiful symbols of love and I enjoy decorating them! It is fun and easy.
My RELICS & ARTIFACTS matte resin craft blanks were designed specifically to arouse the
imagination and to inspire grand ideas...
I am always astounded by what a couple of coats of paint can do!
To make them "glow" just add a smudgy inner ring of a pale yellow tone,
followed by a layer of a warm orange, finishing the edges in a dark red, tipped with an even
darker brick red. To create interesting raised texture I used Finnabair glass beads on some
of the flame areas of the milagros, just glue them down with a thick white glue, let dry
and paint a base coat or two of gold right over them. This locks them in place.
Be sure to let the paint dry throughly in-between coats, I think this technique creates a cool,
added dimension and gives the appearance of an antiquated piece. You can also glue little bits of
scrap velvets, or other fabrics and textiles onto the heart area for a nice tactile texture.
For this batch I chose deep, rich, saturated tones of crimson, sapphire, moss, and even a faux turquoise!! How ever you choose to embellish your Relics the most important thing is to have fun! I have so many ideas I could decorate hundreds and never create the same piece twice!!!
Purple Passion Flaming Heart Ex Voto II
Prima Marketing Inc. http://prima.typepad.com is hosting a National Scrapbook Day Blog Hop!
Read moreRELICS & ARTIFACTS TRUNK SHOW RECAP
I just spent two days in craft heaven, meeting like minded, sweet, impetuous, creative spirits. Forging friendships, laughing, crafting, eating, and sharing our passion for the making of fantastic things!
Read more