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                       

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!

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!

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!

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!!!

Natural Selection

Natural Selection                                                                                                                        Inez Dunn©2014

It was Darwin who coined the term "natural selection". It's about survival, about staying on top of ones' game. Eat or be eaten is the most simple comprehension of Darwin's theory. I think of what the Earth gives us in all its perfect forms, patterns, functions when I ponder natures beautiful bounty. I think of how some things especially rocks in all their various characterizations have and will survive us all. And I'm one of you, I see an unusual rock, shell, bone, or piece of wood and I just have to pick it up. For years I have been collecting beach Agates, wondrous, lustrous, and really, super old. Old as in millions, millions of years old which, makes me think of our snippet of evolutionary existence, and makes me think of Darwin. He was just trying to figure stuff out in order to make sense of his & our place in the general scheme of things, here on Earth. I'm crazy-curious about beach Agates, and they seem to always find me on most of my beach walks. These shinning marble-like structures are like free mini treasures in my hands. Lately, I've been playing at my soldering table (so much patience and practice) I'm truly determined to make sensible art from these glowing rock specimens. I feel like I'm giving back, maybe honoring the magical of this planet with my little known skills. I think I can relate to Darwin, maybe actually understand his drive, his mojo or maybe I too even at my age am just trying to make sense of my place in general, here in my little corner of Alaska. Whichever it is, I hope you'll stick around and continue to follow me on my journey. A new year is upon us, lets get there together!

Falling for beaches

My Kachemak Bay                                                                                                                            Inez Dunn©2014

Just 13 days ago winter arrived on the southern Kenai peninsula. And for the last few weeks winter disappeared and fall showed-up again. Late fall is definitely my favorite season with its stripped appearance and calm gesture. Of course the rain came too...but now the beaches are swept clean from those winter storms and now is the best time for collecting agates, fossils, and everything else kind of treasures.

The ebb & flow of things                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2014

         

Alaska's beaches are rugged and active geologically. Land mass spills from the bluffs and adds to the thick glacial clay layers. Large tides take away the sandy soil and reveal huge rocks & boulders not present before. Happy fall again, and get out and do some beach combing today. Life is beautiful!

Alaskan Beach Agates                                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2014                  

Alaskan Agate Pendants with 14kt Gold & Copper                                                                                Inez Dunn©2014

Summer 2014

Summit Lake, Alaska                                                                                                                        Inez Dunn©2014

Summer is the beloved season to all Alaska's. It is the time of year when lawns and gardens explode in size. If you leave your yard for a long weekend you may not recognize it upon your return and secondly, you'll have to start all over again! The increasing light acts like a enormous grow lamp effecting all plant life to surge to maturity. Yes, that is why Alaska continues to hold the title to some of the largest veggies on earth. Just check out the Alaska State Fair and see for yourself and speaking of summer and fair events check this out:
The city of Palmer will be holding its annual Midsummer Garden & Art Faire on Saturday July 12th all day. I will be there with my handmade jewelry creations, all new and perfect for summer. Look for the Beach House Gallery tent, and stop by to say hello.  Last years event was so much fun, a day filled with fabulous food, live music, and amazing artists selling their wares.  Look for the signs and posters coming soon and don't miss out on this one day incredible ART fest!!! See you there.
www.palmergardenandart.org

Clay Date

Clay Date                                                                                                                 Inez Dunn©2013

 

Its fall its time to turn inwards and get out all those crafty projects that have been on hold all summer. Finish some, discard others, and learn about new stuff. Here, in Alaska fall begins and takes with her hours of daylight as the season pushes toward winter. What does that mean? It means creating art in the dark!!!  And I have been doing just that!

These days early hours won’t see the crack of dawn till nearly this side of  9:00 am.

But that just fine for kneading clay, and that exactly what I’ve been doing since I took a class titled, Bead and Jewelry Making with Polymer Clay by Ben Smith.  Ben taught several methods that involved intricate layering and conditioning of the clay. The result produces a variety of surprising and dazzling complex colors. Note: The bead in the photo with the crazy green and gold swirls, yup I learned that from Ben. Thanks Ben.

Its been over a month since I took the class and I have immersed myself whole heartily in all things clay, everything from baking it to not baking it to painting clay and to even creating molds. Next months post promises to expand all these subjects and more. Till then I encourage you to get out those fun projects and get movin.

Oh, and another reminder its not too early to start on Christmas cards either!

September Sunday

Sun Daze                                                                                                Inez Dunn©2013

Its fall my friends and the days are filled with sumptuous colors. The once verdant and alive leaves and grasses are now toasty and brittle. And the crispness in the air influences all flora to change color.
Here in Alaska, the fall season is the bumper before the snow whispers on in. From the mountain ranges to the seashore Alaska is awash in fall colors although, muted compared to say the east coast.
The hues of burnt sienna, umber and rust paint this great state before winter arrives. So, speaking of colors and change in the air...now is the time to exchange your summer jewelry & accessories for bigger and bolder bracelets, necklaces, earrings and the like. Heavier metals, brighter beads, and even clay jewelry! (I'll be reporting more on the latter in next months post). Note: the ring necklace above
is exactly what I'm talking about. To learn more pick-up this months issue of the magazine Belle Armoire Jewelry at: http://www.bellearmoire.com and learn how I made the "Rings True" necklace. And if that weren't enough make sure you go out and bask in the celebration of fall!
Happy fall to all!!!