Etched in Metal ideas.................

My original plan for the metal boards was the use of a "Message Central" you know where we all go for the answers to our BUSY DAY day:) Once I sold the first few message size boards, my mom gave me the idea of creating a photo size frame with the use of the magnets!!!!! Since I usually listened to my mother..... I took her advice and.............

........................ SCORE!!!!

It was a BIG hit!!!

..................the 8 x 10 "Etches in Metal" photo frame was born (2006)

They come with 4 handmade copper magnets to display your photo. Each one is a work of NAture:) Oh.......... & yes, those are my "3" little stinkers:)

Exploring the possibilites of the metal brought me to this latest edition - personalized wall decor! ..........we all love these! So why not display them in an "ArtsY" way? Throw out the norm ------- go for something COOL * eARTHY * uNIque!!!!

You can find my original work at: Art and Elements on facebook & on stefanie buysse on Etsy & for you locals at my studio: Interior Elements & Design, 422 w. 7th street:)

copyright, 2005, stefanie buysse

By the Lakeshore.......................

The lake has always been a place that I enjoy retreating to - of course to soak up some sun & enjoy some cocktails with my honey but also to relax or reflect on all the important things in my life......my children, family & health.....but have you ever spent the time strolling along the shore collecting all of Nature's Treasurers? For over the last ten years my husband, kids & I have been doing just that.

What a thrill to find a fossil, beautiful shell or interesting rock, a silky smooth driftwood that has come so far to end up on the beach in its ever beautiful organic-ness!! Oh, and the ever elusive seaglass, oh! me! oh! my! What a hightlight that is!!!! I even get excited finding an action figure!!! I really could keep going but I won't bore you. The following photo's I am sharing are images of a few of the works of art that I have created at my studio.

A wonderful customer brought me this bag of driftwood last November. How exciting!!!

Now the really special treasures end up in the "gold box"...............

My photo frames are a favorite at the studio. I offer 4x6 & 5x7 openings.

This mirror is actually hanging in my bathroom at the studio. This one is mine:)

(Detail of mirror) Have you ever found a rock that looks like a heart? I will share my collection on a later post.

I made this jewelry stand from driftwood for my booth display at artbeat 2010. Much of my jewelry line is very organic and earthy so the driftwood was a perfect partner to my artwork. Maybe I could sell them too?

I absolutely love the dark grey lake rocks. They are lovely to the touch and so organic in shape. I created the piece above out or sterling silver with these rocks in mind. I still haven't decided what to do with it - maybe a pendant or bracelet embellishment? I will keep you posted:)

I thought I would showcase a collection of all the rings that I have made over the last few years. I love rings...........they happen to be one of my weaknesses:) But to make them is a pain in the @#$!

Handmade Stamped Jewelry

A collection of my handstamped initials/numbers, miscellaneous charms & inspirational words that I have been creating in my studio since 2006. I currently opened an etsy site and will have them listed soon!

Here they are...........

Copper Washers stretched into beautiful earrings:) Love to work that metal!!

The fine silver dangles & charms are hand made and finished off with copper wire. All held together by hand made sterling hooks.

Oh, the magical copper washer.......................what can I turn these into?
stay tuned...........

Here is one of the many heart necklaces that I've been working on. I added some copper wire with Thai silver beads. This heart is more orgainic so the copper really finishes it off nicely. This one is heading to my etsy site which I will hopefully have up and running soon.

I have various other heart necklaces for sale at my studio Interior Elements and also at Chartreuse, the gallery co-op that I am a member at, located in St. Joe, Michigan.