Hummingbird & Rose, Anna Lopez

We meet artists at all stages in their development – when they can point to decades of work, when they are critically acclaimed, when the struggle in anonimity, and sometimes when they are fresh and inspired.   This week’s featured artist is the latter.  Meet Anna Lopez of Hummingbird and Rose.

Anna has been designing jewelry for just over a year and her own fresh style and inspiration are shining through!  Anna has been working at Handmade Galleries LA as our assistant manager for three years and although she’s a self-described creative person and has always been “crafty” it was a wire-wrapping class here that launched her on this new path.

When I asked Anna about where she gets her inspiration she brought up her day job:  “I am constantly inspired by all of the wonderful artists that I get to work with (at Handmade Galleries LA). I have a love for all things pretty and sparkly so my jewelry line is a reflection of my own style and tastes. I like simple jewelry that can be dressed up or down.”

She works mostly in sterling silver, 14k gold fill and semi precious stones and incorporates the art of wire wrapping into most of her current pieces. But her art is still evolving…  only recently naming her line “Hummingbird and Rose” the future is wide open… ” I am constantly changing my mind on where I want my jewelry to head.  I am always looking for new ideas and I am still defining my own personal ’style.’”

We see the wonderful and unique creations she has come up with in just a year (check out the gorgeous ‘feather jewelry’ and can’t wait to see where she’s headed!   Enjoy some images here -

Stop by Handmade Galleries LA, in Sherman Oaks where you can see all of Anna’s latest creations!

Featured Artist is an ongoing series, each exploring the creations and inspirations of one of the talented artists who offer their work at Handmade Galleries LA.

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M. Carlesimo 100% Soy Candles

When artisan/craftperson Mark Carlesimo learned about the chemicals many companies used in making the typical paraffin candle he knew there must be a better way.

He set out to design his own line of high quality, eco-friendly, clean burning candles with the best fragrances.  M. Carlesimo candles are handmade with 100% Natural Soy – a far healthier choice for you an the environment.   Mark’s commitment to purity and quality continues with 100% cotton wicks and dye-free product – that ensures a long-lasting, healthy burning candle.

Commited to creating a beautiful looking, beautiful smelling candle, M. Carlesimo candles are made with great care.  Even down to the packaging – the glass and packaging are fully recyclable and the box is even printed with biodegradable soy based ink.

Since his candles first debuted they’ve become a luxurious ultra-chic, eco-friendly hit.  Popular with moms and celebrities alike, M. Carlesimo candles are spreading beautiful scents in homes throughout southern California.

You can pick up M. Carlesimo eco-friendly Soy Candles for your home and as a gift at Handmade Galleries LA, in Sherman Oaks.

COMING UP: M. Carlesimo will be hosting a Trunk Show Saturday April 28th, 2012 – and will be debuting a new scent.  Come meet the artist and pick up some wonderful candles.

Featured Artist is an ongoing series, each exploring the creations and inspirations of one of the talented artists who offer their work at Handmade Galleries LA.

GREEN ART DESIGNS

This week’s Featured Artist is Susan Green of GreenArt Designs.   A life-long jewelry designer, she is drawn to creating pieces inspired by history.   A student of French and English armor and accessories, their influence can be found in many of her creations.    But as any artist, her imagination is not limited by what has been – she says “I am also inspired by science fiction,  such as Jules Vern-type victorian fantasy mechanics.”

Having spent over a decade as a professional Hollywood make-up artist, she has a love of pop culture that playfully manifests itself in some of her pendants:

While she has worked in many materials – bronze, copper, fine silver, sterling silver, plastic etc, her current body of work is created using artists’ colored pencils on copper, bronze and fine silver.  “I am hooked on this new style!” Very few artist are doing as each piece takes days to make because they have to be layered at least 10 layers. It’s very unique.

Among her more popular items are tiny hearts with stones,  sterling stitched colored plastic hearts, bronze stitched hearts, and rustic circles charms.   Her clay pieces with images have recently inspired something wholly new:   a line of small handmade polymer clay and bronze boxes.

You can see GreenArt Design’s most recent creations in person at Handmade Galleries LA, in Sherman Oaks.

COMING UP: SUSAN GREEN WILL BE AT OUR MOTHER’S DAY TRUNK SHOW MAY 12th, 2012

Featured Artist is an ongoing series, each exploring the creations and inspirations of one of the talented artists who offer their work at Handmade Galleries LA.