Holiday Greetings

Christmas has come and is almost gone.  Hope you and yours had a happy and peaceful holiday.

Wishing everyone the very best in 2011.

Marianne

Tangerines

These tree ripened, Arizona tangerines from my tree are ready to go.  Giftbearer has featured them in a blog on her site  http://artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com/  along with some other yummy holiday fare.  The wonderful pictures are hers.

Approximately 7.5 lbs of tangerines are sent in the medium size, flat rate Priority Mail box.  

I pick them in the morning and take them to the Post Office that same morning which saves a day.  Take a look.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/64086674/arizona-tangerines-hand-picked-straight 

As you can see, they are plenty juicy and since they are tree ripened, they are sweet, not sour.

Stingman

A good friend of mine has a Border Collie named Sting.  This is a fine boy who has done a lot of Dog Agility Competitions as well as Herding Competitions.  Unfortunately, he has developed severe arthritis in his toes...some dogs, like people, just seem to have problems along these lines.

Not being able to practice, compete, go for the long walks and ball chasing he was used to doing had made him unhappy.  It wasn't fun to stay home when everyone else went out but physically, he just couldn't do it without severe consequences.

The problem was solved when my friend found a baby stroller...the kind used by moms who want to run for exercise and take the baby along in a special stroller.  This was modified to allow Sting to ride along on the family walks. 

Now, as you can see, he is a happy boy.  He isn't left behind and he isn't in pain. 

What a terrific solution.  Look at that happy face.

You go, Stingman!

Rock in Action

I was working at a dog agility trial this past weekend when one of the exhibitors came up, gave me a big hug and asked if I remembered giving her one of the Medicine Rocks last March.  She said she has it by her computer and sees it every morning and thinks of me and how nice it was to have been given the rock.  She loves it.

This is exactly what these little rocks/stones do.  They make someone feel special and happy.

Know anyone who might enjoy one?  This is a lot of comfort for a small price.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&sc_id=115291&seller_id=69411&op=new
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CalliopeAZCreations?section_id=7264560

Artfire has the larger selection for now.

Those Incredible Stones (or Rocks)

These Medicine Rocks (or Stones) have been very popular.  I originally made them as a memento for a National Shetland Sheepdog Herding Event.  They were presented in small white bags with a colorful ribbon.  People loved them.

Each Stone is unique. There are no exact duplicates. They are small stones which have been decorated with two colors of cording then embellished with small feathers, usually pheasant, and small natural semi-precious stones of turquoise, carnelian, citron and Rose Quartz. Spiny oyster and other shells are used occasionally.  I've recently expanded the materials used.

They are a nice little gift for groups and usually come in small bags closed with a narrow ribbon. Guests/Participants select a bag and the one they select is the one they are meant to have. The bag is opened and the Medicine Stone is seen for the first time. A small card explains what the metaphysical properties are for each stone. People have a lot of fun with this.     

These have been given to teachers, Mothers, relatives, Secret Santa's, friends, BFF's, brides, bridesmaids, friends with health issues, those recovering from surgery and people with stress in their lives.  The list is endless.  Some people like them simply because they are attractive and natural.

   

Medicine Rocks, Holistic Stones, Wellness Stones or by any name are made by me with love.  These unique and lovely gifts bring a smile to the recipient.  They provide comfort and support for those who can use it and are better than a hug.   

Keep the stones close to you but not in the bottom or your purse or under your pillow. Feathers are too delicate. They can be kept on a bedside table, kitchen window ledge, shelf, by your computer or where ever you tend to spend time. You can have more than one. They don't get jealous.  Dogs, cats and small children are attracted to them so you need to keep them out of reach.

I also make custom stones tailored to the needs of specific individuals.

Coming Attractions:

I'm leaving for Southern California and a Dog Agility Trial early tomorrow morning but when I get back, I plan to post information on my new additions to the Wellness and Comfort Stones...Story Stones and Happy Stones for children.

A couple of the first ones are already listed...with a bunny and a lamb...hand made not mass produced.

I also have some beautiful necklaces using the hand colored silk ribbons and beadwork almost ready to go. 

See you next week.

I went to the Mimi Gem & Mineral show here in Tucson, yesterday.  The huge one is in February but this small event keeps us in supplies and in touch with new things. 

I love the shows where the artists come in and are there with their new designs, colors and chatter.  Such fun!  Yesterday was the "Best Bead Show" and a quick trip to the Holidome and Cobough for Turquoise.

I came home with several bags of goodies and a lot of inspiration.  Can hardly wait to get started on several new products. 

We're so lucky to have this at our own back door twice a year.

This is from an earlier event.

I've Been Published!

Feminine Medicine Rocks


Calliope Creations Handcrafts Gemstone Charms Specifically for Women
Natasha Suter

Marianne Hopkins of Calliope Creations has been designing jewelry, beading and making small sculptures with natural materials for over 15 years. Her work has been sold at the Tucson Museum of Art, as well as placed in galleries in California and Arizona. Many of her pieces are in private collections across the country.



One of her creations is the light gray ‘Women’s Health Medicine Rock,’ which is embellished with soft, downy white duck feathers and gems with a band of light green cording crossed with pale yellow. The gemstones selected are those which have been used through the ages to promote women’s health, especially in the area of fertility, pregnancy and childbirth. Calliope Creations’ rocks can be used and appreciated by any woman and they make a loving and thoughtful gift.


The designer behind Calliope Creations resides in Tucson, Arizona and when she’s not working on various creative projects, you can find this artisan training and showing her Shetland Sheepdogs in competitions.


I've always heard that an artist should select one mode and perfect it. This is too limiting for me.


http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calliope-creations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/calliopeazcreations
http://www.artfire.com/users/CalliopeCreations

Anne Choi Metal Bead Artist

I've always been a big fan of Anne Choi's work.  Her hand made, hollow metal beads are a true treasure and I am  lucky enough to have a few. 

Anne comes here (Tucson) for the Gem and Mineral event in January/February and we are always eager to see what new things she has to offer.  She is at the Whole Bead show at the Windmill hotel.  If you happen to be at the show, drop by her booth and see the beads for yourself.

For more information on Anne and her work,   http://www.annechoi.com/

Her process is fascinating.

.

The dog days of summer inspired this great necklace of Obsidian, Coral, Sterling Silver and Thai Silver

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1668779 

How to Handle the Heat, Corgi Style

It's been very hot around here so True and some friends decided to have a 'pool party'.  Hanging with friends, swimming and taking pictures made the party an unqualified success.  See for yourself.

When it comes to pictures, True is more into random poses.  None of this 'line up and smile' stuff for her.

Farewell to Punkin

Punkin, the puppy loving cat, has disappeared. He has been missing for a couple of weeks and they are afraid something caught him. He lived on a ranch and his owner tried to keep him in the house or at least
close by the house and with her but he wanted to go out on his own.

 Punkin was neutered so he wasn't looking for a lady kitty. He was just curious I guess.

He will be missed and my friend isn't sure she can have any more litters of puppies since they won't have Punkin to teach them about cats.

Punkin the Cat and his Puppies

Punkin loves the puppies and when there is a litter around, so is he.  He plays with them and is so very patient.  Punkin has a lot to teach these youngsters and most of them learn.

His owner says that when the grown up puppies come back to visit, Punkin recognizes them and will rub up against them, lovingly.

Who says we can't all get along.

Big Mouth

This little guy put on his most fierce look (he's been practicing in front of a mirror), opened his mouth as wide as it would go to show his mighty fangs then barked like mad (in a puppy voice, unfortunately).  Nothing worked.  The desert tortoise was totally unimpressed.

Poor little 'Grip' was so diasppointed.  Brother Tortoise was supposed to scamper away in fear of his life.

Love that fake fierce look!

I'm sure his sisters got a different version of the event.

Corgi Puppies for Practice

A friend recently had a litter of Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies.  Lots of pictures were taken.  They are darling. 

I'm trying to load more than one image per post (new to all this) so I thought some puppy pictures would entertain you while I practice...providing I'm successful.

Okay, here is a puppy in a large tube with a large toy corgi blocking the exit.  Now, this puppy went into this whole thing on her own. 

Can you 'Find the Puppy" in each of the pictures?  She's successful at the end.  I think we can safely say that this puppy is a determined problem solver.  Katie, bar the door!

Success at last for the puppy (Tru) and Marianne

Father's Day Has Come and Gone

It turned into a Father's Day three day weekend with phone calls, presents, ice cream, cake and favorite meals.  Oh, yes, a hand massage, too, though he's not my father. 

Now we are all sitting around feeling fat with some ice cream left to finish. 

Now that Ruby Three Legs has gone home and no longer needs my attention, I plan to get back to my Zumba Exercise Class on Monday and Wednesday.  I'm wearing my pedometer this time to see how many steps I actually take in an hour class.  We really work up a sweat.

I have a follower.  I'm so grateful.  I will follow back if I can figure out how to do this. 
Still wandering in a fog, here.  Question, is it possible to post more than one image per blog?  How?

Above is the new necklace I added this morning.  It's called Crystal Sky.  I was hoping to put it at the bottom of this post but all my images seem to have minds of their own.

Happy Father's Day!

Tuff, one of Sheltie boys, went all out this year and got his people Dad one of his favorite treats...an ice cream sandwich with chocolate chips. 

Now, Tuff is our trickster and has a weird sense of humor.  This ice cream sandwich happened to be made of soap.  It looked so real that his Dad almost took a bite!

Tuff was chuckling as he hid behind the tree.

Marianne