Inspired by Nature- My Backyard

by D'Arsie Manzella of Mamacita Beadworks

This month's Art Spark got me thinking about the beauty of my backyard. Living in the Grape Belt of Western New York is nothing short of magical. Each day I look out on the grapes that my husband and I were married in. In addition to the vineyard views, we are right next to Lake Erie and that gives us some of the most stunning sunsets you've ever seen.

Two nights ago as I was doing my After-Kids-in-Bed Web Work and I noticed an orange pink glow outside. I stopped what I was doing, ran downstairs and snagged my hardworking husband from his own computer screen.
I was surprised at how willing he was to drop everything and go walking in the grapes. That's how vivid the sunset was. It was a super natural event. Right there in our backyard.

As we held hands beaming at the color in front of us and the dusky moon rise behind us, I was overwhelmed with joy and hope for our future. When life is spinning me, I always find peace in Mother Nature.

Here is my contribution to this month's Art Spark. I have the moon, (my hand cast pewter Midnight bead caps). I have the grapevines and the deep orange and pink sunset colors (Batik cotton cord from OhSoFabu). Together they capture a moment I will not soon forget.

Thanks Izzy for this challenge!

Inside the Beadworks

by D'Arsie Manzella

Usually when I invite someone into my studio my heart rate goes up and I start chattering on like a wild raving metal enthusiast explaining the workings of my machinery, the mold making process and even the composition of my metal alloy.

This will happen no matter the guest's vocation or interest. I just can't contain myself. I will inevitably treat their visit as a college course they are not sure they signed up for. My friend will nod, smile and even exclaim "Oh!" or "Wow!" no doubt thinking that they have stumbled into the wrong classroom. The one with the crazy little animated professor.

But my blog reading friends, I will spare you the lecture, I will remain calm and try not to hop around with excitement while giving you a small peek into my beadworks.

This is my workstation.
You see my molds stacked to the right,
my sweet sisters on the left
and the pile of work before me right now!
The Count helps me keep track of inventory.

Working here on a large order for Chautauqua Institution.
These are Bell Towers and Hall of Philosophy Pendants.
I grew up in this place and am so
honored to be able to do this project.

Inventory awaiting the grinding and the tumbling.


And me, myself in my super hot safety goggles.
Hey, safety is sexy.

I hope you're having a wonderful and
productive day in your own sacred studio space!

winners all

mary jane dodd

for spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere and autumn begun in the southern...

'in the spring, 

i have counted 136 different kinds of weather 

inside of 24 hours.'

~ mark twain

and congratulations to carol of dillman's dallies for winning d'arsie's earrings!  please contact her here ... 

you also still have a couple of days to enter march's call to create - for the generous offerings to one randomly chosen winner - see the right hand sidebar!