ART IS A WASTE OF TIME...I THINK NOT

Art is a waste of time...

No, this isn't my sentiment, but rather something someone recently said to me.  I beg to differ.

Art has been proven to help improve students' overall academic careers.

Art is a positive, therapeutic outlet for stress.

Art is a creative expression for everyone.

And ART has been valued and highly sought after for thousands of years by those who have shaped our history.

I want to encourage each of you to find your inner artist and support others who are exploring this field of expression.

CHANGES

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa.

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi.

I am very excited to share some of the changes with my life and The Art of Victoria Morgan.  I graduated from college in May and begin my career in art education in August.  In order to handle additional responsibilities, I am shifting AVM to an online shop primarily.

From July 11th through August 1st, AVM will be running a series of inventory reduction sales.  Check our Facebook page for information regarding items & discounts.

AVM will still be available at the ASU Farmer's Market during this sales period.  You may, also, shop online at

www.artofvictoriamorgan.ecrater.com

I look forward to continuing to share my art with you and training future artist.

GRAND OPENING!

Introducing the grand opening of The Art of Victoria Morgan on eCrater.com.

AVM's brand new online store is open & ready for business.  We are still adding new items daily.  So, please, check back often.

To help celebrate this occassion, AVM is giving YOU a FREE inspirational cross keyring with every order over $15 until the end of June!

Thank you for visiting and we appreciate your support.

www.artofvictoriamorgan.ecrater.com

SUMMER TIME FUN: FARMER'S MARKET

Looking for something to do this summer?

Check out your local farmer's market.  A farmer's market is place where local farmer's can market their seasonal crops directly to you and there is usually a variety of local crafters offering their wares as well.

This is the freshest produce that you will find, because these folks raise it, pick it & bring it straight to the market.  There is no middle men and the produce hasn't been handled by a dozen people before it gets to you.

The vendors you meet here are small business owners.  They live in your own community and are the backbone of our country.

This is my second season at the ASU Farmer's Market in Jonesboro, Arkansas.  I just love the tight knit community feeling here.  It is safe, clean, and family & pet friendly - a great place to introduce your children to where their food comes from.

Farmer's market are usually held on Saturday mornings and some items sell out fast.  So, be sure to come early for the best selection!

Join us this summer at the farmer's market.  Support your local, small businesses.  Eat fresh, healthy, & local!

Inspiration Comes Unexpectly

Gold dino keyrings?!  Yes, really.  They may not seem like my usual style, but I was inspired, lol.

I always have folks ask if I have anything for the boys at my weekly farmer's market.  Other than a cross keyring or an occasional unisex necklace, I don't carry much for the males of our species.  I always feel bad saying no.  So, I went on the hunt for ideas and inspiration.

Most males don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I wanted a product that would make sense with my artisan jewelry line.  I have hair acessories for the females.  But what do boys like?

Well, I went down a possible list in my head:  trucks, guns, dogs, army men, .... Then one day, I was shopping and saw these cute, little glow in the dark DINOSAURS.

Bing!  Bing!  Bing!  We have a winner.

So, I grabbed a pack & headed to hardware for screw-in eyelets.  I impaled the dino with an eyelet and attached the keyring findings.

Wah Lah!  I had created a keyring for my male customers.

I loved the glow in the dark feature of my dinosaur keyring, but it just felt too commercial.  So, back to the studio I went to find a way to render this creation more creative.

I thought about adding charms.  But no, I didn't like that.  Then I thought, "Paint it!"  I chose gold paint to tie it into the AVM jewelry line.

BAM!  My blinged out dino keyring was completed and ready for my next market.

I hope he is a big hit and I hope you have been inspired to create your own masterpiece!

Be safe & have a blessed day.

THE GENUINE ARTICLE

I love turquoise!  It comes in a variety of colors & textures.  It pairs well with silver (my favorite metal).  And it has such a rich & diverse history!

However... I am always hesitant about using turquoise or even posting pictures of my gorgeous turquoise beaded creations like the pieces pictured here. 

You see,  turquoise is often faked!  Much of what is being advertised as turquoise is in reality dyed howlite or magnesite.

Howlite & magnesite are wonderfully useful & versatile stones, but they aren't turquoise.  They are often carved into cute shapes and dyed in an array of colors.

Having every stone professional tested is impractical for normal jewelry purchases.  However, there are other methods you can use. Here are a few quick tips to help protect your investment.

- Often dyed stones will bleed or the colors will fade or wear off.  When in doubt, rub your thumb over it a few times or with a dab water.

- Turquoise is a coveted stone and it is rare to see it carved into little skulls or peace signs.

- Turquoise is a realitively soft stone.  It is often "stabilized" with chemicals to hold it together & harden.

- Turquoise stones will be the same color all the way through.

- Dyed Howlite or magnesite will usually only be colored on the outside.  If you chip it or crack it open, it will be white inside.

- It is always a good idea to purchase jewelry from a seller you trust or a reputable vendor.
   
I use reputable vendors to supply my stone beads, but occassionally mistakes happen.   So, I also test all the stone beads that I purchase for authenticity by checking for hardness on the Mohr scale and soaking stones to test for color fastness.

Unfortunately, we live in a buyer beware world today.  So, it is important to stay informed.

Stay safe & have a blessed day!

www.artofvictoriamorgan.etsy.com

Friday Art Walk

The 4th Friday Art Walk in downtown Doniphan, MO was a blast!

Thank you to all of you who came out tonight and supported the local culture!