#MailArt

This last fall I participated in an art project called "#mailart", developed through networking artists on Twitter. Organized by artist Mark Philip Venema (@Art_News on twitter) artists were to create postcard size art depicting the chosen theme "human in time" and send out the works to the other artist. As we received the small originals in the mail we were to post them to a Flickr group pool for viewing including any new textures created through the mailing process. The styles and mediums varied amongst the artists and so did their individual interpretation of the theme.
For my series I tweaked the theme to "being human in this time, how this generation spends time". I also decided to create all my work on my iPhone employing various photo and drawing Apps available. I see it as an extension of how this generation spends time. Throughout the series you can glimpse how I spend my days, while also seeing how I see the world around me spending time. All the pieces start with a photo I have snapped on my iPhone then I edit and add effects to enhance and emphasize the scene or message I am portraying.
Some of my days I am lucky enough to spend time at the beach. Whether surfing or sitting and photographing, there is something to the refreshing serenity of being by the ocean. While I snapped this photo in the middle of the day but edited it for sunset, it just doesn't matter what time it is-it's just always relaxing. The original print that I sent out was one that did not fare so well in its' travels. Prints available, please contact me for details.

Let's Get This Season Started

Holiday Open House at The Source Salon & Boutique-It's a fun party to kick off your holiday season. Food and spirits will be served; door prizes will be won and unique handmade gifts to be shopped. The list is long of beautifully crafted creations including one of a kind jewelry, festive ornaments, fine hand knits, stylish aprons and much more. This year the Open House introduces two new members to the team-Michelle Ferrari and Sarah Conatser. Stop by and join in the fun Friday, November 20th from 4-8pm. The Source Salon & Boutique, 945 Spring Street, Paso Robles (805)226-8655. Can't make it to the party? You can still find my hand painted glass ornaments and handmade scarves in schemata.

Pre-Holidays Sale

This weekend, November 13th-15th, shop with TEAMT on Etsy and save 10 to 50% on fabulous holiday gifts.
I will be offering 10% off all handmade scarves available in schemata. In addition I will have 10% off all my note cards, and all framed or unframed prints (including ACEO) and photos available at SarahJohnAfana.etsy.com.

Looking for additional gift items for the holidays, simply search Etsy.com for TEAMT under all items and start saving. Savings do not include shipping and will be refunded via PayPal after purchase. See individual shops for details.

10% Off Everything
ixela-Cowls, Shrugs, Wraps and Crochet Jewelry
CatherineReece-Pottery
JennyNDesign-Handbags
eightfold-Handbags and Accessories
mandag-Scarves, Cards and Home Decor
fiveforty-Jewelry and Rag Rugs
nancywallisdesigns-Jewelry
vintageaimee-Glass Works
PipingHotPapers-Paper Goods, Magnets and Other Goodies
GlassEtc-Plant Stakes and Other Creations
Carvelcountrysoaps-Soaps, Lotions, Lip Balms…

15% Off Everything
JenSanCandles-Candles, Soaps and all things that smell good
organicodysseys-OOAK Organic Art from Organic Botanicals
almostartifacts-Traditional Judaic Art with an Ancient Look
polkadotsandals-Unique Jewelry, Quilts, Vintage and Supplies
StudioARTBEAD-Handmade Beads
BlueNostalgia-Dainty. Feminine. Nostalgic.Jewelry

20% Off Everything
SmallEarthVintage-Mid-Century Vintage Clothing & Shoes

50% Off Everything
juicygraphics-Fresh Designs for Your Fine Crafts & Scrapbook Pages

10% off all ornaments and original art
thenightjar-Original Art and Ornaments

20% off shawls
trendyknitting-Hand Knit Creations

$10 sale thru Monday
VintageConfections-mmm…goodies

'Tis the Season...already?

Holiday season is here, now! Only 43 days 'til Christmas and I'm already feeling the pressure. Along with the usual decorating, shopping and entertaining that goes along with this time of year I have the added joys that come with creating a seasonal find. I have been making my hand painted glass ornaments for about five years and selling them locally at The Art Works in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Art Center-CraftArt Market. This fall I opened schemata; a second shop on Etsy featuring my fine art crafts. I have been busy creating enough ornaments to keep all my galleries stocked with a variety of shapes and colors to choose from. They have gotten rave reviews from shoppers and those who know what to look for in one of a kind creations-recently featured on MyShoppingConnection and soon they will be available on Fey Handmade.

Scoutie Girl

My artwork was recently discovered by the fabulously stylish Scoutie Girl *a penchant for the passionately handmade. Have a read to find about about my artistic passion.

Candied Popcorn

Candied Popcorn or Popcorn Balls are something I grew up with at a variety of holidays. Of course Halloween had orange colored popcorn balls or one of my favorites was the Valentine's Day Heart shaped red candied popcorn from grandma. I have no doubt my sister is reading this and asking herself how she is going to get some of that yummy mountain of popcorn she saw me make on twitter. This simple recipe was passed down and it's a coveted family favorite.

Candied Popcorn-
2 cups (before popping) Popcorn
1 cup butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup Corn Syrup
1 tsp vanilla
Optional: Food Coloring of your choice

Pop the popcorn. Set aside in a large bowl or casserole dish.
In a medium saucepan melt butter. Stir in sugar and corn syrup; while stirring bring to a boil and simmer 3 minutes. Be watchful it will bubble and boil over if you are not attentive.
Remove from heat, add vanilla and if using food coloring stir until well combined.
Pour over popcorn; stir and toss with candy syrup until evenly coated. Now you have a choice of shaping into individual servings and packaging so stylishly or saving the entire batch for yourself to eat out of the bowl you just created it in.

Happy Halloween!

Come Shopping With Me!

This weekend only there is a BIG event happening over on Etsy. I’m offering 10% off all framed and unframed prints and photographs, and 10% off all note cards at sarahjohnafana.etsy.com-also find 10% off entire stock of my handmade scarves at schemata. Just enter code "Weekend Deals" in the Message to Seller section of checkout and I will send you a 10% refund off your purchase price (shipping not included) via PayPal.

...and if you’re looking to GET AN EARLY START ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, check out all the WEEKEND DEALS offered by my fellow TEAMT members (Etsy group Team Treasury). Simply use Etsy’s search engine using ‘All Items’ for TEAMT and start saving. Each offering 10-25% off specialty items ranging from art, bath and body, knits, jewelry, pottery, clothing, bags, vintage, supplies, and more... See individual shop announcements for special offers.