Picturesque

"An artist interpretation of nature is a language spoken between two hearts."     I.D.©2019

    "Home is where the art is." Seldovia, Alaska.                                                      I.D.©2019

    A sense of place is where form, vitality, and wonder exist and co-exist for all. Seldovia has that.
What was and what continues is a historical perseverance from the people who call this place home. They believe, and its their faith that makes Seldovia alluring in every way.
The bounty is beautiful, made up of women and men: Coffee makers, and baker's, watercolor painter's as gracious innkeepers, botanical gardener's with spirited green thumbs, and so much more! Don't tell anyone. Seldovia is still one of Alaska's great kept secrets!

*Seldovia Rowing Club, B& B.
*Thyme on the Boardwalk, Lodging
*Harbor Inn Coffee

A New Year, and A New You!

"A New Year To Delight"                          Inez Dunn©2019

"January's New You"                                              Inez Dunn©2019

A shoe store like no other

11124 Old Seward Highway  Anchorage, AK (907) 929-0555

Romance is in the ear                                                             Inez Dunn©2017

Mark your calendar now for Saturday September 16, 2017, Noon to 3:00 at ShuzyQ.  All new jewelry designs in an array of hand-mixed patinas from rich coco to vert de gris and this beautiful oscar winning red (shown above.)  More to come...

Fall again and again...                                          Inez Dunn©2017                       

Look at me now

Introducing Hypoallergenic "Niobium" ear wires.                                                Inez Dunn©2017

The Noir Collection                                                Inez Dunn©2017                                

Sterling Silver a summer favorite            Inez Dunn©2017

Last Minute Holiday Shopping, Alaskan Style

      It's that time of year...last minute gifts, holiday cards, and so many festivities abound!!! No worries, The Beach House Gallery has you covered. Handmade, one of a kind art treasures will make any recipient on your list a very, very, happy receiver. Homer, Alaska will have its unique version of last minute holiday shopping available all day on Saturday, December 17th, 10:00am-6:00pm. Be there it will be a glorious holiday extravaganza for all.!!!
Blessed and Joyous greetings to each and every one of you!

Dandy

Ain't it dandy?  For the last year I have made it my exercise of choice to create some form of art each and everyday. For me it is  mental and emotional cleansing something like brushing your teeth, you know you have to do it; and in the end your all the better for it. My initial goal was and still is that someday I may master the craft of surface design. Each day as I attempt to learn something new, I stay open about my threshold with artistic challenges, about seeing the repetitions that frequent my work as a whole, and how I always tend to gravitate to the familiar and safe choices within a color palette. Some days I might only create a small row of leaves, or the outer petals of a flower, other days I can actually get the images from my brain to completion via the computer screen. I know for myself if I want to grown as a artist I must practice in order to discover, discover all that I am capable of as an artist, and as a human being which; gives me so much more to share with you. Thank you so much, my dedicated readers for this incredible journey!

September Sale

Sail On Through                                                                                 Inez Dunn©2016

Hello Friends,
Its fall! And I'm having one of those great sales events...I have curated much of the old and many new jewelry items all just for you! Click on the jewelry tab at the top of the page and view the amazing assortment of one of a kind earrings. Earrings for any and every occasion, plus there are necklaces all artistically fashioned, all unique and will compliment any fall outfit. There is still much more I need to do but, I'm having a blast with the updated look of this blog, and it is my hope you will enjoy the layout and selections just the same. There is more to come, please keep coming back and please share this site with a friend.

Questions, Custom Designs, email me at:   inad123@yahoo.com

Crystalline

Crystal Clear Persuasion                                                                 Inez Dunn©2016                                

When you think of the sparkling beauty and shiny glow of crystals you might first think of the name Swarovski, the Austrian company known for its stunning crystal-cut glass beads. And although man made cut crystal is quite alluring, I'm thinking more about the crystal-like gems that are found deep within the Earth.

Recently, I came across historical data that states or even claims many organic minerals contain medicinal sources of energy that can directly affect the human body; the link suggests it is because of the trace elements that are contained within the stones. Like so many mysteries this planet gives, magnetic, electrical and even vibrational phenomenon occurs all around us, which I believe can support such claims. The following un-treated gemstones possess a "crystal-clear" brilliancy and to the untrained eye can almost resemble a diamond in appearance. Here are my three favorites: Danburite, Goshenite, and Phenakite. My selection considers how durable the stone is for the purposes of being placed into a jewelry setting, with that in mind the hardness of a stone is very important. A diamond is a 10 on the Mohs' scale of hardness. The Mohs' scale determines first how easily a gem can be scratched then how susceptible the gem will be when cut by a gemstone cutter.  Danburite is a 7 on the Mohs' scale and is reported to have a crystal healing intention that releases blocked energies. Danburite got its name from the town of Danbury, Connecticut for which it was reportedly first discovered. The gemstone Goshenite, is a 7.5-8 on the hardness scale, and it was named after the town Goshen, Massachusetts, its crystal vibration leans towards, authenticity and truth. The gemstone,"Phenakite" which is my favorite, takes its name from the Greek word meaning  "deceiver" due to its similarity to rock crystal. Its hardness is the same as Goshenite but, this stone is reported to emit the highest vibrational energy of any natural stone, and it looks just like a diamond when not under magnification. I could go on and on about the beauty of so many crystal-clear gems and their known properties but I've things to do, people!. I will add do check-out any local gem, rock or mineral show in your area, or even at your local museum, and take in a sparking glance of some of these natural wonders and do it soon after all; Clarity and Healing is something all of us can use.  Peace.

Flutter Away

 

Free to Fly                                                                      Inez Dunn ©2016


Butterflies are mysterious and fascinating creatures. They gracefully appear out of no where, silent and meditative and then disappear with as much ease as when they arrived. With spring nearly upon us images of butterflies are popping-up everywhere. From towel linens to purses, barrettes, and even jewelry pieces like the ones I created in the photo below. Instead of coming-up roses, spring is now trending with all things, four winged. Naturally, I became a bit curious and immediately sat down at my computer using the free movement of  the mouse as my pen and brush, and began to pursue my own interpretation of this magical insect. And then you could say, I caught the bug! (Pun intended). After I drew and playfully rendered my first butterfly drawing I was soon on to creating many more butterflies with various filters and elements. (As seen above).  In Alaska there are as many as 80 species of butterflies, and in a rare and recent discovery the golden Tanana Arctic butterfly was just added to Alaska's growing butterfly list. So maybe today's mantra could be in the musings of the famed Cassius Clay he said,"Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee", and although I'll never be a boxer...this artist will walk away happily from this months post, lighter and inspired almost like I'm floating, just like a butterfly!

ARTS Sea

Misty Mendo                                                                                                             Inez Dunn@2016

Eye's in the Sky                                                                                           Inez Dunn@2016

Beach As Art                                                                                                                Inez Dunn@2016



My love for the sea first began along California's north coast. The ocean's beauty and beaches affected my young heart; it was a time and place where I soon realized that nature was, indeed ART. As a child I eagerly adored every tide-pool. Sea glass and fragmented seashells beckoned me. The north coast is breath-taking; its globally recognized by its signature rocky headlands veiled in a ghostly fog. The ocean's neighbor is just as impressive; Majestic Redwood forests. These forests shoulder the Pacific ocean, they inhale the seas foamy air and invite us high into her mountains. In these forests Maidenhair ferns thrive knee deep haloed only by slivers of falling sunlight. Remnants of old tree stumps breathe once more with new saplings reaching upward through the canopy. The air is oxygen heavy and fragrant with verdant spices.
            
 In Alaska my desire and inspiration to create come from these long ago experiences and are fostered each and everyday by the raw and unspoiled landscape that surround me. It is the sea, the neighboring rivers, and the richness of our Spruce forests that feed my soul and inspire me to create.  Thank you faithful readers who support me, believe in my art and have allowed me to share my NATURE with you!

DYI Bracelet Project

       "Hey, Copper"                                                                                      Inez Dunn©2016

 It's January, and I'm wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! Let's start this month with  a fun and easy DYI bracelet project. I love working with metals and copper is one of my favorites because, it's affordable, and malleable. Copper can be painted, etched, torched, enameled and even hammered into a beautiful shine. Okay, Lets begin.

TOOLS:

Beads
Beading wire
Clasp
Crimps
Eyelets
Gloves (sturdy)
Hole punch tool
Jump rings
Pliers: Needle nose, wide nose
Rubber bands (thick and wide)
Sand paper
Soup can
Tin Snips
Wire: 16-gauge 

TECHNIQUE:

Use the tin snips to cut copper at approximately 3/4" inches wide by 2-1/2" inches in length.
Sand the edges of the copper till smooth.
Align the hole punch tool and make two holes at both ends of the copper tab.
Insert the eyelets into both holes and set them appropriately.
Place copper tab firmly over the soup can and conform (wearing your gloves). Wrap the rubber bands around the soup can to hold the copper tab in place and set aside for 24 hours.
Attach the jump rings or create a simple loop with wire then secure to one end of the bracelet.
Thread the beads onto beading wire and crimp to the jump ring at one end and to the clasp at the other end.

Copper has a warm glow and is complimentary to any skin type. This metal is claimed by some to have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate arthritis which, makes this the ideal project and jewelry accessory to wear this cold January month. Enjoy!

Gifting

Bejeweled                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2015

December is the season for gifts. Bells are ringing, lights are beaming, and those shiny red cans of sharing are everywhere. Children can't wait to open their gifts, and many adults spend countless hours shopping, buying and wrapping gifts with a shared solidarity that represents our celebration of the coming holidays. Gifts remember can and should come in all forms of the imagination, and sometimes the most unexpected gifts have a history all there own...I'm referring to material things, things we all have excess of or items, objects that we no longer use can become ideal gifts for Homeless Shelters, Women's Organizations, and even agencies that care and provide for our furry friends.  For instance maybe you have a winter coat that you haven't worn in years, or maybe you have too many winter scarves like me! Recently, close friends of mine experienced a burglary in their home. Not only is this kind of invasion a complete violation of privacy, it is an assault of trespass in the most sacred of space. Unsure of what these mindless thieves were after,  electronics were taken and jewelry, clothing? towels,? blankets? and food? (Broccoli from the refrigerator!) Come-on!
So when I heard about all the missing jewelry from this mother and daughter well, I did what any jeweler would do, I emptied out my messy and unorganized jewelry box and scooped-up dozens of my old earrings, necklaces and bracelets and I gladly gave them. What is different about this gift is that these old adornment pieces of mine all have a story. Like a bracelet I really loved at one time but over the years I seldom wore. Or a dangling pair of earrings I made for a special occasion and at the last minute decided they didn't look right on me. So, maybe this last post of 2015 isn't really about the giving of gifts, maybe I'm writing more from the heart on the subject of just giving. Giving because you want to and giving because you can. Maybe today you'll look into your own jewelry box, coat closet, or that top shelf in the garage over-flowing with usable hats and gloves. Maybe you'll wrap up something nicely and hand it to someone standing near a shiny metal can happily, willingly ringing a bell. Season's Greeting to all!!

Gorgeous Garnet

"Going Garnet"                                                                                                            Inez Dunn©2015

Garnet used to be exclusive to just January birthdays but not anymore. The stone is so lovely and the color is perfect to wear from fall into winter. Although most of us recognize Garnet for its deep burgundy color, the stone actually comes in several different colors, ranging from limy green, to a brightly  orange tinged hue. Pyrope has the reddish shade with a brownish tone. Rhodolite has a purple red,  almost rose-color. Almandite is red with violet shading, and Spessartite has a golden orange to red brownish shade. The above named gemstones are just some of the stones that belong to the Garnet group and are the most common and recognizable. These gorgeous gemstones are sourced from all over the word, and there are even places in Alaska where Garnets can be found. Lately, I've been researching the history and properties of gemstones. Did you know that Garnet is the healing stone that aligns with conditions such a arthritis, varicose veins, and even the pancreas? This winter celebrate the rich colors of Garnet and shine in this fanciful stone who knows it just might heal that which ailes you or at least you'll look good trying!

Happy Halloween!

"Pumpkin is the new chocolate"                                                                                       Inez Dunn©2015

"Persimmon's & Limes"                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2015

"No sticky fingers, adjustable lengths"                                                                Inez Dunn©2015

Pumpkins, golden leaves, candy corn, hot cider...oh my!!! The colors of fall are not exclusive just to the great outdoors, try this selection of embellishments: Mix coral beads with lime colored fresh water pearls, golden Swarovski crystals and vintage lucite roundels in cantaloupe. Group the beads together by size or by color, this type of mix and match provide that un expected pop in jewelry design. Experiment with fabric or ribbon and use Velcro self-adhesive tabs in place of a traditional clasp. It might be getting cold outside but these vibrant colors worn against the skin provide a seasonal warmth long after the leaves have gone, and the candy bowl is empty. Happy Halloween!

Bracelets

Off The Cuff                                                                            Inez Dunn©2015

String Theory                                                         Inez Dunn©2015

Brace yourself! Fall fashion is calling. Bangles, broad cuffs, and bracelets in every style are the latest must have accessories. Over the years I have written dozens of technique based articles for crafting one of a kind jewelry pieces, and today I thought it be fun to walk you through an easy to make recycled bracelet project. Ready?
Materials:
Old leather belt
Scissors
Craft Knife
Hole punch tool
Cord or nylon strings
Craft wire
Lapel pin (deconstructed, pin and clip removed)
Pliers
Directions: Cut leather to accommodate your wrist size. Place lapel pin on top and center it . Use the craft knife to cut 4 areas around the outside edges of the pin placement. Now use a hole punch tool over those marks (this is where you will use crafting wire and secure the pin to the leather cuff). Use the same method at the ends of the cuff make sure you position the holes so the cord or nylon string can easily be pulled in either direction. Option add beads or crimps to the ends of the cord for a clean finished look.

Presentation

"What you see is what you get"                                                                                             Inez Dunn©2015

"Put up the shutters"                                                                                                       Inez Dunn©2015

Presentation for any artist is key to getting and keeping a fan base. This summer I participated in several Arts & Crafts gatherings, and boy did I learn a lot. Firstly, there is advantage to knowing the demographics of the area or town site for which any event is to be held. One example would be is the venue tourist orientated? Or is the area a setting for business, family or single individuals? The price points will hinge on knowing these factors, and sales will be a reflection of how well your predictions played out. As I mentioned before presentation is key, its basically like meeting someone for the very first time, so everything from your displays to your tags & especially your business cards must be more than memorable. Remember its all about your "Brand"! Your brand is your company and it says everything about you. I constantly receive positive feedback from my customers, and I take to heart what they notice, and what they are buying. What I really enjoy doing is talking to my customers about source and technique information, I might explain the process of enameling, or how to anneal metal. What is gained is I'm giving my customers is new insight and appreciation for how much work goes into what I do. And my customers walk away with a clearer understanding about what I do in my creative process, the time it takes, and the work involved. These types of interaction lend value to my art and create continued sales from people who  take a genuine interest in what they buy, how something is made, and the person who is behind the brand which, just happens to be me.

Seashells

"She Sells"                                                                                                          Inez Dunn©2015

Seashells and summer are a perfect pair! Whether your a collector or a casual observer most of us are fascinated by seashells.  Shells of all sorts carry a varied history, and it all dates back to around the
16th and 17th century, when keen eyes discovered their possible and potential value. Shells for their beauty and intrinsic value suddenly became the island trader's sole source commodity. Its said that the Dutch were among the first patrons to be captivated, although many may argue it was the elite of Paris society. Regardless, the new world was soon introduced to the decorative possibilities of shells, not only for ornamental pleasures but atlas to adorn oneself from head to toe. Craftsman from notable factories began designing extraordinary jewelry created from natural pearls and Mother of Pearl. Soon the world was hooked by the dazzling array and the shiny allure seashells provide. By the 1940's in this country plastic imitations were a dime a dozen, why every grandmother had at least several chokers, bracelets, and earrings all crafted so brilliantly that they closely mimicked the real thing.
Today, shell jewelry is the iconic symbol that represents summer, its worn casually and seriously with all attire. Maybe today before you head out the door, throw on that pearl necklace or a pair of dangling shell earrings, remember its the perfect pairing to summer!

    "A picture is worth..."                                                                                  Inez Dunn©2015

                               

Collage: A work of art in which various materials are arranged and placed together on a surface.
We create collage all the time, it shows up on our dinner plates, on the walls in our homes, even in our gardens. Nature give us the best examples of collage we see it in every forest, desert, and especially along rugged coastlines. Discarded and fragmented bits of Earth's creations juxtaposed to one another are all around us, almost perfect arrangements appear everywhere reminding us that the simplest natural beauty is in the everyday; and most often can be found just outside our windows. One of my favorite ways to approach collage is with assorted papers and GOLDEN gel medium. I like to start with a large piece of heavy paper that I tape down to a sturdy surface. I then tear-up small pieces of tissue paper, gift-wrap paper, aluminum foil, xerox recipes and then I mix the torn papers together just like a raffle waiting to be drawn. Next, I will compose random happy words on my computer using any combination of fonts, some in script, some in bold or italic and then print these out. I will later cut the words out with a pair of scissors and add these to my torn paper pieces. To apply the gel medium to my substrate I use an old sponge instead of a paintbrush then I lay down my torn paper pieces. Once everything is completely glued down and dry I will draw over the collage using charcoal pens or pastels crayons, and I might include a mixture of light colored acrylic paints. If I want to add additional layers I will continue with wax or a watered down sealant to my design. Collage is an assemblage of what feels right and looks aesthetically pleasing to you and its really about making that reconnection to nature. The great thing is your inspiration is already all around you and if you need more of it then just take a look right outside your window!

It's summer

Stepping into summer                                                                                                Inez Dunn©2015

Okay, I guess its summer...we all know summer in Alaska is an experience like no other. That's because there will be days here that will rival any southern climate. But most days will actually be more like spring, and then there will be many, and I mean many days that will look and feel like fall! Ask any Alaskan and they will tell you that sometimes a cold June day is colder than a cold October day. This is Alaska after-all, some say if you don't like the weather just wait about a half hour, it will change! We are an adaptive society, and living here requires we acclimate ourselves to some curious behaviors: such as the marathon pace we hum to, a  pace set all summer driven solely by the maddening gain of daylight; its like living under a dimmer switch that gets brighter and brighter amplifying and accelerating everything, minute by ever increasing minute. The other behavioral challenge is our inventions for cancelling out all that light! I'm talking about trying to rest-up, restore, and sleep. When I first moved to Alaska I was advised to purchase a lot of aluminum foil because this is what Alaskan's use to cover their windows at night, I was told that aluminum foil is ideal for "blocking out the light". That was a very long time ago, and I don't think I've ever seen foil on any window since.  Although, I have seen bedrooms where every possible nook and cranny was taped, draped, and sealed in order to block out even the thinnest crack of light. These nightly routines (which are performed while its very light outside) can sometimes teeter on  the ridiculous, its like spending a lot of time wrapping a Christmas present and once its under the tree you see a big gap in the paper, and then you have to re-wrap the gift all over again!!!  Okay, I guess its summer.

April's Fool                                                                                          Inez Dunn©2015  

  

In the month of April all Alaskan's get fooled.We stagger anxiously into the broadcast light of spring, with teasing warming temperatures that usually end abruptly by erratic snow showers. Golden lawns everywhere brighten into avocado green, and young verdant shoots of Elderberry and Willow awaken casually. The temperatures in April vacillate anywhere between 26 degrees and sometimes even as high as 50 degrees. Fooled. Most of us have been planning our gardens picking through last years seeds, dreaming-up the possibilities of new veggies and pungent herbal starts. Only to be met by yet another spring snow fall, blinding our eyes by jokingly painting the surrounding landscape in a wash of brilliant white! Fooled, again! April can be a real downer, but it doesn't have to be...In the Tarot deck to get the "Fool" card is choice. The card depicts an unknowing, care-free wanderer simply idle in thought, a bit deceptive, transient, and completely spontaneous. I guess these are the exact same traits that would sum-up April, and come next year I'm pretty much thinking,we'll all be fooled once again! Happy garden planning to all!!!