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!

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.

Spring Ahead

All the reasons of spring                                                                             Inez Dunn©2015 

A small metal spring will give and coil back again, keeping what it is attached to form & function. The season of spring is very similar she gives and nurtures keeping our spirit fully functioning. Below I have a list of words that give meaning to much of what this season is about. Remember just like the hands of a clock we spring forward and we fall back. This rhythmic movement brings us closer to all things forgiving so, today lets toast to March 20 and maybe, just maybe, get some spring back in our step!
Readjust
Reaffirm
Reawaken
Rebuild
Recharge
Reconnect
Redefine
Reevaluate
Rediscover
Rekindle
and even Rewire!
Happy spring to everyone!!!

Valentine's Day!

Milagro No.10                                                                                                             Inez Dunn©2015

Milagro No. 12                                                                                      Inez Dunn©2015

 

 

 

 

Milagro No. 15                                                                           Inez Dunn©2015

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

May all things heart-shaped, sweet and joyful reside with you. These are my Valentine's for all of you faithful followers and believers in my art. My art has matured and advanced all because of the continual support and encouragement from people like you. Milagro's are religious symbols their tradition is an ancient one belonging to the peoples of Iberia, who lived along the coastal regions of Spain. The word "Milagro" means miracle. This iconic art form has many varied interpretations everything from healing to love offerings and even prayers for the sick. I simply fell in love with the intricate design of the Milagro its shape and symbolism. As I began to create my first heart, dozens followed and I'm still drawing more. These computer generated drawings are my versions of these beautiful religious icons. May the simplistic imagery of my drawings bring to you the same amount of joy as I received in creating them. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

A New Light

"A winter sunset"                                                                                                            Inez Dunn ©2015  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

"Natural Beauty"                                                                                                                  Inez Dunn©2015

  

        

"The good stuff"                                                                                                           Inez Dunn©2015

"Take the long way"                                                                                                 Inez Dunn©2015

Its a new year and with each day there is opportunity within all of us to re-invent, to re-create, to begin again, and to start something new. I think the best place to look firstly, is deep into our hearts. Try to see and re-connect with the best part of you, before you look outside of yourself. Find and congratulate your best attributes, strengths and accomplishments, and then forgive all those mistakes and miscalculations that happened because, after all we are just humans. Try the word game and use a ton of kind words not just for yourself but for other people, too. Get your attitude and gratitude into positive perspective, be grateful for the company of others who encourage, support, and give you acceptance. And give encouragement, support, and acceptance to others because you can. A new year is a perfect time for renewal but remember so is each and every day.
                                                                        *
The above photos are reminders of seeing things in a different light, of appreciating the beauty of flowers, of the simplicity & grace of home cooked meals, and finally the endless inspiration that is found once you step out into the great outdoors. Happy New Year 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