Water, water, everywhere!

I love the water, and was lucky enough to live on a small lake when I was a teenager.  My brother and I taught ourselves how to swim and spent every day possible in the water.  Even before we lived on the lake my big brother would take my younger brother and me down to the river, and we'd play for hours in the shallow water.  One memory really sticks in my mind.  We had found an inner tube from a big truck tire, took it down to the river, and spent hours taking turns "riding the rapids" in the tube.  I remember relaxing in the tube, gently bobbing in the water, the sun shining on my face.  The sense of peace and joy I felt at that moment is something I've never allowed myself to forget.  Being with my brothers and sharing that special time together still fills me with joy.  My older brother Jeff is gone now, so it's a bittersweet memory, but one I cherish. 
I also love water themed artwork as well.  And when I find something as awesome as this Water Dragon Necklace from WyvernDesigns on ArtFire.com, well, I've just got to share!


 
And how cool is this?  It's called Neptunes Original Daughter and was sculpted by BlueJane on ArtFire.com.  The colors are just gorgeous, and those eyes are so intense!
And then of course there are mermaids!  You just can't have water without mermaids!  Although this beauty is perfectly happy to hang on your wall.  This mermaid wall hanging was sculpted by FantasyClay on ArtFire.com and is full of texture and detail.
And this Dragonfly Spirit Box from Into The Dawn on ArtFire.com reminds me of the dragonflies that used to hang out with my brothers and I while we were swimming.  If you stayed real still and held your finger out sometimes they'd perch there for a minute! 
All of these wonderful pieces were created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild.  I thank them for creating such beautiful work and making me smile!  Be sure to visit their shops and see all the delightful items they've created!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Featuring DawnMarie of Into the Dawn on ArtFire

I just love Into The Dawn's unique polymer clay creations! DawnMarie is a fellow member of the ArtFire Polymer Clay Smooshers guild, and her work has often inspired my own sculptures. Her biography reads "I am a creative spirit and self-taught multi-media artist. My work is inspired by nature, fantasy, mythology and different cultures and spiritual paths from around the world.
I was formally trained in floral design when I was in my twenties, and specialized in wedding work and silk floral design for many years. Nowadays, typical craftiness for me includes: thread crochet, rubber stamping, digital photography and glass etching. I dabble in calligraphy, candlemaking, sewing, drawing Celtic knot work, collage and creative journaling as well.
Currently, the main focus of my art work is in creating unique polymer clay pieces. I love to incorporate lots of rich colors and interesting textures in my designs. I also like to bring elements of my other interests, like Celtic knot work and rubber stamping, into my polymer creations." And her clay creations are just beautiful- full of color and feeling. You can find Into The Dawn online at http://into-the-dawn.blogspot.com/, Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter.
Below are a few of my favorite items from Dawn's shop (I'd show them all if I had room!). Be sure to visit her shop and see everything Into The Dawn has to offer. These pieces are beautiful, one of a kind creations.

And there are plenty more beauties where these came from!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters