Helix Elemental Art Spot

Something new is happening here!!!

2011-03-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since updating. A lot has beern happening. #1 Russ has opened a new jewelry shop with his new and improved designs. Visit http://www.dichrogem.etsy.com/ to see his new dazzling dichro gems.

#2 Clearance Sale at http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/ . $40% off everything with code. All the old designs must go. Making room for the new. Hurray while supplies last.

#3 http://www.oldstuffnewstuff.etsy.com/. old and new supplies for the mixed media artist in you.

#4 Made to order art dolls made from your childs art. http://www.kicksandgiggles4u.etsy.com/

#5 Finally, we are changing our name from Helix Elemental Studio to Helix Art and Glass. I guess we will keep the blog the same. For Now!

Our Craft Season Summer Kick-Off!

2010-05-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Early this morning we were off to the "Summer Kick-off" sponsored by Sweet Localiscious. With Subaru Outback loaded to the gills with all our goodies we traveled to Ogden's Union Station with eager anticipation as this was our first craft boutique of the season.

We set up our new and improved booth, (see photos) and took some pictures and then it rained a while. The sun came out for ten minutes and then it rained some more. Finally...the weather improved a bit and we enjoyed some very moderate foot traffic along with the stylized fitness finesse of Zumba Fitness. While there, we were also visited by family members and friends. We truly appreciate their love and support. When it was all said and done we decided to have our own "Summer Kick Off". Russ is having a BOGO sale in his etsy shop http://http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/ and I am having a BOGO sale on all art prints in my etsy shop as well. See http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com/. So, please drop by for a visit and if you see something you like... now's the time to take advantage. Hurry. The sale won't last long.

Also: we are planning another giveaway probably in a few days so keep checking for the next item to be given away by Helix Elemental Studio.

Winner Of Heart Pendant Giveaway

2010-05-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

We have selected a winner of the Hot Pink On Ice Heart Pendant giveaway via Randon.org. And the winner is (and we only have her blog name so far) Sarah Simplifies from sarahsimplifies.blogspot.com.
She has been informed of the drawing results. Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway.

It appears that the results of the "What would you like to see in the next giveaway" is the Dichroic Heart Of Many Colors. We will be starting that giveaway in the very near future!

Watch For This In Our Next Giveaway!

Mother's Day Giveaway: Hot Pink on Ice Heart Pendant

2010-04-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, May 2nd a winner will be randomly chosen to receive this Hot Pink With on Ice Heart Pendant. Just in time for Mother's Day.

It is a bright pink heart scattered with violet sparkles, framed by a heart of clear glass (1 1/8" X 1".2.8CM X 2.5CM) on an 18" black satin cord with a silver plated barrel clasp.

This little gem has just the right balance of clean lines, purity, dazzling color with shifting sparkles.

You can enter as often as you like. Here's how:

Visit http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com and/or http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com. Come back here and leave comment listing the item that you would like to see in the next giveaway. Please provide a link. You may select as many items as you like but please list each item on a separate comment with link. Each comment = one entry.
Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway and leave comment for each action with link. Comment = one entry.
Follow blog and leave comment. Comment = one entry

Have fun and good luck!

Announcing Winner of Calla Lily Pendant

2010-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Carapace! Random Number Generator.org was used to select our winner for this giveaway. Thank you all for your wonderful participation and fabulous comments.

We will be giving away more items in the very near future. Please continue to check back for more opportunies.

Calla Lilly Pendant Give Away

2010-02-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Helix Elemental Studio in giving away a pretty pendant via random drawing to be held February 21st.

On a foundation of turquoise blue glass a beautiful combination of patterned dichroic glass makes this pendant shimmer, colors shifting at every angle. Floating on top of the shifting colors is a bouquet of gorgeous Calla Lilies permanently fused to the pendant. (1 3/8" X 1 3/8". 35.CM square.18" white satin cord with a silver plated barrel clasp. )

It's easy to enter the drawing. Here's how. Enter as often as you like.

Follow our blog and comment here. This equals one entry.
If you already follow our blog comment here. This equals one entry.
Post contest on your blog and comment here with link. Good for one entry.
Visit either of our stores, browse and comment on your favorite item. Good for one entry. http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/ , http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com/
Post giveaway on any social network i.e. facebook, twitter, ning, etc. Comment here with link.

Thank you all in advance for your participation. Please remember while posting, that if your name is drawn we need to be able to contact you. So have fun and win!

Congratulations Miss Ibiscus

2010-01-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

A winner has been selected from a random drawing. Congratulations Miss Ibiscus!
Thanks to all of your for your participation. We will have another giveaway in about a week. Russ is going to be giving away some jewelry. Check back for details. We would have it sooner but we are moving. Yay!

Three Seahorses Art Prints Give Away

2010-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Seahorses are great for home decor, gifts, bathroom or kids room. These have been well received at the craft fairs that we have participated in. To show our appreciation for the support and encouragement of all our followers, a set of three 5" X 7" Art prints in an 8" X 10" white mat board frame will be given away by random drawing to be held Sunday January 24, 2010. The prints are quality archival prints lasting 300 years. They are made from the original art of Christina's reverse glass paintings.

Enter now for a chance to win the set of three prints. Here's how:

Please leave a comment on this post. Comment about anything you want. You can visit our etsy shops, follow, twitter, share your favorite items from our stores or just talk about the weather. Every comment left will be an entry into the drawing.

Random Drawing

2009-12-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Enter the drawing to win this charming dichroic heart pendant. Just follow the link to learn how to enter.

http://www.helixelementaljewelry.blogspot.com/

Alert! Scammers in Etsy

2009-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all. I just wanted to warn everyone about a specific scam that I encountered in Etsy. I recently listed a high end item, retails at $500.00. The very next day I received a convo from a prospective buyer. It went like this:

I am interested in the immediate purchase of your item and will be make payment via cashier check/money order, my private shipping company will handle the shipping, but before payment will be made i need to be sure of who i am dealing with if you are going to be honest and sincere throughout the transaction. A certified cashiers check is cash-able the same day,there is going to be an excess fund on the check ,the excess fund is meant for the private shipping company who will come to your place for pick up of the item, so shipping is not a problem,will you be able to transfer the excess fund to the shipping company the same day you receive the check?. check would be sent to you so when you get payment you can easily cash it at any cashing point near you or deposit in your bank. You'll be sending excess fund to my shipper , which would be meant for shipping arrangement.if you agree, signify your interest by forwarding to me your Final Asking Price, Full Name & Contact Address and Tel # also i will want you to email to my private email address kimhoward44 [!at] yahoo.com,So plz kindly email me to my email address I await your response soonest.

Best and kind regards, "

Sorry for the lengthy spill, but I wanted you all to be aware. I was perplexed by this because I offered free shipping on this item and I couldn't understand why this person needed to over complicate the transaction. Having red flags go up in my head I googled etsy scams and found an article in Etsy's Storque that described exactly what I had just received. So I followed their intructions, ignored the convo, and reported the incident to Etsy's team. Etsy responded pretty quickly and closed the persons account.

We all know that will hold them off for about two minutes. So just be aware. If something doesn't seem quite right.... research it first.The big sale is enticing but not worth it if you get screwed in the end.

Congratulations !

2009-12-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your participation in Helix Elemental Studios first "Give Away." The winner of the random drawing for a set of Snowman Art Cards is (drum roll please) Julie! .

Congratulations...Julie!

Give Away: Set of Ten Snowman Blank Art Cards

2009-12-05T16:27:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, December 13th, a set of Snowman Cards will be given away from a random drawing. Presented here for that random drawing are 10 blank art cards. Last year I painted five snowmen on paper and they have been well received. This set includes two quality cards of each image. They are 4" x 5.25", are blank inside and come with a matching envelope. The set is attractively presented in a box with clear top and tied with a ribbon. It is valued at $28.00.

There are several ways to enter the drawing and you can enter as many times as you like. Here's how.

1. Blog the giveaway with a link to this post, come back here and comment. (Please leave a link to your blog post.) Comment equals one entry.

2. "Follow" this blog and comment about it, Comment equals one entry.

3. Visit http://www.christinacolwell.blogspot.com/, "Follow", come back here and comment. Comment equals one entry.

4. Visit my Facebook Page and become a fan. Come back here and comment. Comment equals one entry.

5. Visit My Etsy shop. Browse. Come back here and comment on your favorite item. Comment equals one entry.

6. Mention giveaway in any social networking site with a link to the drawing, come back here and leave a comment for each site (twitter, facebook, ning, stumbleupon or any other). Each comment equals one entry.

While comments on other sites are welcome, only the comments left here on this post will be included in the drawing. Thank you for your particiation, good luck and have fun!

Featured Seahorses

2009-11-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

My Yellow Seahorse from my three seahorse reverse glass paintings have been featured on All Things Seahorse. This blogs author and artist Mary Lamoray does some rather amazing work herself and so I thought it only appropriate to reciprocate the feature. She has some remarkable wire sculptures that can be seen in her etsy shop WonderfulWire . Featured here are a couple of my favorites.

The Owl Collection

2009-10-31T17:35:00.001-07:00

Omar and His Skyhook

2009-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Market Craft Fair

2009-08-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

This has been our first year at the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmer's Market or anywhere for that matter. We have enjoyed a fairly steady stream of sales through etsy but the firsthand experience of interacting with local admirers has been most rewarding. It took us a few weeks to get our booth worked out so that we had good visibility and drawing power. But now...things are working well and are sales have increased steadily every week. Last week end, however, the weather was yucky. A gigantic branch came crashing down on our booth and mangled our canopy. We packed it in after that. But we will be back next week with some new stuff..oh! And a new canopy.

Fortunately, the massive branch missed our heads. Not a scratch on either of us and none of our products were hurt; just the canopy.

Chihuly Exhibition

2009-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last summer we took a family vacation to California and had a great time. One of the activities we embarked upon was the Chihuly Exhibition at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. If you ever have an opportunity to see Chihuly's works...do it! Extraordinary. I have posted here a few photos that Russ took during the exhibition tour. Also, take a moment and enjoy the slideshow or visit Flickr.

Altered Pages

2009-03-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Attention all doodle enthusiasts. A few weeks ago there was the 99 doodle challenge. If you enjoy this sort of thing, then you may enjoy this as well. Folk artist Jane Campbell has a beautiful blog with a tight focus but potentially a lot of fun. If you are stuck creatively, this could be a great outlet for you. Check out ALTERED PAGES.

Altered Pages was made purely for the love of altered art. Blog posts will be limited to Altered Pages so stop in often to take a peek of the Altered Side!

Here are the rules...

1. You must use an old paperback page.

2. No ripping or tearing or making holes in the page.

3. You can not have more than 7 words in one line across the page.

4. You must have more than 1 word on the entire page.

5. You must use only a black marker.

6. Be Creative!

7. All pages must be tasteful.

8. Sign the side of your page if you wish. (A link to your blog will be noted under your page)

9. If you decide to show your Altered Page on your blog please post a link to this blog.

10. Have fun!

To submit your altered pages, post a comment on Altered Pages with a link to your flickr or other photo sharing url.

Please remember to visit her etsy shop.

Distinctly Diana

2009-03-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

The idea of featuring other artists who are not of Helix Elemental Studio has been simmering in my mental stew pot for quite some time. I don't post often enough to really make this work and there are so many wonderful artists, I don't know where to start.

I have compiled a sort of list and have decided to start at the top. So Helix Elemental Studio would like to introduce to you (drum roll please)....

Distinctly Diana!!!!

Diana works with porcelain clay to create itty bitty adorable creations that fit on your fingertip.
Visit her etsy shop and check out her profile. She says she goes a bit cross eyed at times putting these miniaturized creations together. I can imagine.

Considering the size, the detail is quite extraordinary. These teeny tinies are very collectable.
Start your collection today!!

99 Doodles Challenge

2009-02-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

I came accross a Live Journal blog that is listing links to your Doodle collection. The challenge is to upload 99 Doodles (drawings) on your flickr, blog, Live Journal, etc. Post a comment and your link will be listed. There are no rules or time limits. What could be easier?

If you are stuck creatively or you are a doodle maniac, this could be fun. I have started my own collection of doodles at Flickr called 99 Doodly Doos. So go ahead and visit. Check out 99 Doodles
and see if you are up to the challenge.

New ACEO Sized Blank Canvas Now Available!!

2009-02-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

In response to the growing popularity of the ACEO/ATC sized work of art or print, I went on a hunt for pre-stretched blank canvas in the 2.5"x3.5" size. The only ones I found were available through Dick Blick. I ordered some while they were on sale and the price was good. No complaints. (They also have mini easels available to display them.

However, I was more interested in a canvas that was the mini equivalent of a gallery wrap. I wanted to stand it up on end without it toppling over if I decided to breath. I wanted more versatility for displaying the miniature art piece. Russ and I constructed mini canvases made of 5/8" square poplar dowel with mitered corners and wood glue with 7lb primed Cotton Duck was stretched over the small frame. They cost a little more than Dick Blicks but I think they are worth it. Try one and see for yourself.

They are now available at the following sites:
http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com/
http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/
http://christinacolwell.artfire.com/
http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/christinacolwell.aspx

Google Analytics and Link Referral

2009-01-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Google to the rescue. As new internet marketeers we are always looking for ways to maximize our promotional efforts. Google Analytics is a free tool that helps you to analyze where your traffic is coming from. It will tell you from what source i.e. google search, link referral, direct. It tells you what search terms were used to find your site. It tells you how much time is spent on your site. And more.

One of the important questions that I have had regarding the effectiveness of Link Referral has been answered in a very short time by google analytics.

If you are currently using Link Referral as a means to drive traffic to your site, you are probably wondering the same thing. After all it does take some time. If you have multiple sites as I do it takes more time. If you are juggling your internet enterprise with productivity and a day job, time is gold.

So here is the outcome. Link referral does bring in traffic but not necessarily buyers. I suspect that traffic from Link Referral are in the same mindset that I am. Get in, do your minimum. Click on, click off, write your five reviews from the rapid gleaning of key elements of the site just visited, get out.

Now in all fairness to Link Referral, I have found sites that I have a genuine interest in. I have acquired new followers to both my blogs and coincidentally there have been a few new sales shortly after starting Link Referral. At this point, I don't know if these sales were a result of Link Referral or just post Christmas sales. Generally speaking..I am happy with Link Referral but through Google Analytics, I think I can zero in on more effective ways to bring quality traffic to my site that translates to sells and a more efficient use of my precious time.

Handbag Giveaway

2009-01-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

I came across this site that is having a giveaway. I encourage all our readers to take advantage. Not only because it is an adorable handbag but it is also a great idea for increasing subscriptions and traffic to your sites. Check it out! Go through all the steps. Watch and Learn! Who knows...maybe you'll be the lucky winner. But I hope it's me!!!!

Clicking the post title will take you directly to the contest! Good Luck!! Have Fun!!!

Made It Myself: Review

2009-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Earlier in December I opened a store through madeitmyself.com. I was impressed with the layout and the flow. It is new and is still in its beta testing phase so the listings are free. At least for the time being. The store was easy to set up and my images upload quickly. Very sanppy response time. I received an immediate acknowledgement in my e-mail, unlike Artfire where none was received. I get a lot of views here as well. Unfortunately, however, I've had no sales where as I have had sales through Artfire.

My conclusion is: keep the store in place, add new listings when time allows, it doesn't cost me anything to let it run on auto pilot. Time will tell whether or not this site will catch on and be a "hit." Meanwhile ArtFire is $7.00 a month for unlimited listings so list as much as possible.

Finally, I pour all of my promotional efforts into Etsy, my blogs and then Artfire...in that order..as time allows.

The store layout in Madeitmyself is simplified form other sites. No mechanism for a store banner. Your public profile and avatar are your store's introduction. With this in mind I encourage artists who are self promoting to take advantage of the free listings and at least get that extra exposure. After all, it is the user who makes or breaks a marketing venue.

All aboard.

Artfire: Review

2008-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Register on ArtFire.com

I joined Artfire earlier this month to check it out. I am happy with Artfire. It was easy to set up. Listing an item is all on one page. You can upload lots of pictures but I do advise that you load one at a time. When I tried to load several at once, it took FOREVER. If you load one-at-a-time it is pretty snappy.

I have had three sales since Dec 8, 2008. Much faster than Etsy. Artfire is new so you don't get lost in a sea of artists. There are no listing fees. A flat $7.00 a month for unlimited listing if you join now.

So having given ArtFire a whirl I wasn't sure if I wanted to manage another store in addition to Etsy but it really isn't that much more trouble. I've had sales already and it's easy to use. It's cheaper to use. I guess I will have to work it a little more and see what happens.

Additional note: Customer service is very responsive to any issues you may be encountering. A plus.

Adventures with Artsefest

2008-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

Update: As of 1/06/09 this store has been closed. It proved to be a lot of hassle with little reward. Redirected to etsy.

The Amber China Dangles featured here can be found on Russ's new site on artsefest. Clicking the title of this post will take you there directly. Russ decided to give Artsefest a try. The jury is still out. Their customer support is eager and responsive but he has had some trouble getting bugs worked out of the shopping cart. Setting up shop was a bit confusing, especially the shipping but the store is beautiful. He has enjoyed a lot of traffic. He hasn't had any sales yet as a result of this new store. Artsefest does offer a submission service as part of the package. I think it's costing about $16 a month. For that he gets his own site, submission service, increased exposure, inventory control, unlimited products, secure payments and (they say) a large marketing budget. At any rate, he's going to give it a shot and see how it goes.

Promote, Promote, Promote

2008-12-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest challenges for Russ and me is marketing. We have put up several stores on various sites on the interenet but trying to find the time and the just-right marketing activity that brings traffic and ultimately buyers to our stores is the task we are undertaking.

Of course, this is while simultaneously creating items for sell, holding a job because we aren't there yet and still find time to promote so that we can get there. (We actually have discussed the possibility of taking a day off. It is a painful prospect though.) Yes..we are working every waking moment of our lives. The days of being couch potatoes are over. And the days of marketing expertise have...will...perhaps will arrive.

In my search for inexpensive marketing tips I've come across a blog: http://www.jessprkle.blogspot.com who has been compiling a list of promotional activities. She's an Etsy seller and has been at this a little longer than we have and you'll probably find her site before you find ours but here it is anyway. Just click on the title of this post and it will take you directly to here long list.

Meanwhile..here at the humble craftsy farm...we will endeavor to research, test, try, at least some of the things on the list and tell you what we think about it.

And while you are visiting Jessica's blog, don't forget to visit here Etsy stores.

Oh yeah, I think we have found some that are not on her list so I guess I should let her know so you all can find them too.

How to Make a Mosaic Cat Statue for the Yard

2008-11-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

"Here kitty, kitty!" But this kitty won't budge. Typical cat. He does look pretty in my herb garden though. He sits there all day long watching the birds and butterflies and bees flitting about in the garden. He doesn't run and hide when it rains making him a very brave kitty.
You can have a garden kitty too. This kitty is a glass mosaic and tile mosaic but he can be made of broken porcelain plates, china, teacups or even a collection of vintage doo-dads.

So. First you build the armature. (If you want the pattern just let me know and

I can send an email with attachment. ) I cut the pieces out of plywood with a jigsaw (A bit tricky but do-able. If you have a scroll saw that would probably be better) and glued them all together with wood glue.

After that, tear or cut some paper strips from old newspapers. Make a solution of white Elmers glue and water. I use one part glue to about three parts water. It's not rocket science though, just whatever consistency is easiest for you to work with. Just try to avoid making it too watery.

Start layering the strips around the armature until completely covered. Allow to dry and repeat this step two more times. You want enough paper that all areas are rigid. If you find an area that is thin or flexible, simply reinforce it with more paperstrips and glue.

After that, seal the paper with a water proofing sealant. I used about three coats of polyurethane following the instructions on the can.

When the sealant is dried you can begin to apply your glass, tiles, embellishments or doodads with thin set or any glue that adheres to glass. I use Loctite Clear silicone. It smells a little vinegary but it works really well.

Once the pieces are all in place and the glue or thinset has dried you can mix your sanded grout to the consistency of pudding, apply generously, making sure grout gets into all the cracks and crevices. Allow grout to set up for 30 min to an hour, then begin to wipe off all the excess. It's a good idea to wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling grout as it will dry out your hands and those nasty hang-nails begin to appear. When cleaning off the excess, I use a five gallon bucket of water and lots of paper towel. Something else may work better for you but this works for me.

Oh...do not put grout, dry or wet, down the drain unless you like plumbing or plumbers.

When all the excess is removed and grout has dried (allow at least 24 hours) apply a grout sealer.

Oh yeah I forgot the wire whiskers. Glue those onto the paper layer along with pieces before applying grout. I actually drilled holes in glass to pull whiskers through to help anchor them. Wire tends to be a bit wiry.

Okay. All done. Now you can put pretty kitty in your garden and take lots of pictures so you can show your new feline friend to all your non-feline friends.

Black Cat and Paisley

2008-10-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

I love paisley. I love the organic, fluid patterns and I like trying to find new ways to incorporate paisley in my art work. Here is a recent painting...acrylic on canvas featuring a stylized black cat in a floral paisley setting. This is currently available as an 8x10 , 5 X 7 and ACEO art print. You can find it at Etsy, Artfire, Made It Myself or Art Cards Wanted dot come. The title of this post links to my Etsy store if you'd like to check out the pricing.

Poppies Hiding Paisley

2008-10-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with some reverse glass painting. I'm using my own concoction of water based ink and water based polyurethane. It creates some interesting effects. This piece also uses some fabric and torn paper to give it additional texture. All in all it is very soft and fluid. I had to incorporate some paisley although it is very subtle. Can you see it?

Small Creatures and Paisley Mixed Media Wall Art

2008-10-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Using a combination of kiln-fired art glass, fabric, on acrylic and oil pastel background I have entertained my current obsession with the paisley pattern. I have incorporated small creatures in a paisley pattern as their natural setting. There is a blue glass quail, a snail and a dragonfly. The floral pattern is art glass as well. It is unusual but it is about 8 x 10" I may make it available as a blank art card and giclee print. Will update later.

Snowman

2008-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

My first encounter with a snow man and snow woman was in my grandparents living room. One of the few memories I have as a toddler is of a slideshow on the living room wall. A few of the featured images were those of a nicely sculpted snowman and snow woman.

My parents had built the snowy creatures when they were newly-weds. I suppose they were icy representations of each other. They used food coloring to paint faces on their snow people and were impressed enough to photograph them for posterity.

Frankly, as a toddler with no previous experience with such beings, I was freaked out by the images of human-like non-humans. Since then I have had more "hands-on" experience with these fascinating winter creatures and find them to be very inspiring.

I was pleased with the end result of these snowman paintings. They have an air of realism but at the same time leave your imagination open to explore the possibility of magic and flights of fancy.
This set of paintings will be made available as a set of 5 blank art cards 4.25" x 7" with envelopes through our etsy store for about $8.00 plus shipping. Please check our etsy store listings for availability. I intend to have a free bonus for early orders...before Oct 31.

I will also make the paintings available in a matted 8 x 10 giclee print. ( All are printed on white archival matte paper). The originals will be framed and will be embellished with glass tiles.

Helix Elemental Studio Etsy Site

2008-09-01T11:40:00.001-07:00

We have begun selling our jewelry on Etsy. The site is helixelemental.etsy.com.
We highly recommend you go there and buy some stuff so we can make a living, plus you'll have some very original, quality, hand crafted art to wear with your tatoo's and piercings and any other decorations you may incorporate into your body.
Also we will do commision work.

Two Birds on a Board

2008-07-17T04:44:00.000-07:00

Recently completed two versions of Bird on a Board. The first, right, are stained glass inlay using an old weathered piece of siding. I don't have great wood carving tools nor am I a wood carver..so I probably won't do this again. Definitely one-of-a-kind. Gift for mom and dad.

Second, left, are tack fused embellishments, on cotton print stretched over a board. The branches are paper. It's a mixed media piece as image contains paper, fabric, glass, paint, wire.

Paisley Clock

2008-07-08T22:32:00.001-07:00

I like paisley, the organic flow and shape of paisley. I've wanted to do a series of paisley pieces that incorporate more than florals. This is my most recent completed piece. Uses mixed media; plywood, paper, paint, nylon netting, fused glass, clockworks.

Tri-layered Amber and Dichroic Glass Post Earrings

2008-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Russ has been working on a design for jewelry. He's come up with three layers of glass in decreasing sizes incorporating dichroic glass. Very pretty. We have also recently acquired some studio lighting so that we can take professional looking photos of our work for our website which we hope to launch in August if all goes according to plan.

Cat Nap

2008-06-09T15:03:00.001-07:00

Just Finished a quick sketch of napping kitty. I like how it turned out even if it is simple. Might do some more kitty.

How to Build a Mosaic Cat Statue for your Garden

2008-05-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is a paper mache', stained glass mosaic combination.
1. Design an armature that will support the paper mache' and the weight of tiles. This one is cut out of plywood. Pattern is available upon request.
2. Apply several layers of paper strip. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next. Add enough layers to be good and rigid with no "flex". Apply 2 or 3 coats of polyurethane or other water proofing substance.
3. Glue tiles onto surface, add grout and sealer. I used stained glass smalti and tack fused embellishments for this statue.
4. Now welcome the new feline addition to your garden.

Frog & Giraffe Stained and Fused glass Night Light for Nursery

2008-05-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

I work with a nice young lady who is expecting. She asked me to make a night light for her nursery. This is a custom piece which combines tack fusing with copper foil. This may be a production piece that will be made available on our website when we get it put together. I haven't decided yet.

She was happy with it. Aaah!

Christina

Anime Pencil Sketches

2008-05-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

These sketches were done by Cliff. He's got quite a few but these are some of his best. He recently attempted an ambitious art glass project of an anime character. Unfortunately he got hold of some incompatible glass and it broke in two. Too bad. It was loo9king pretty good. I hope he will attempt another.

Seahorse Mosaic Mirror

2008-05-08T20:23:00.001-07:00

Just recently completed a mirror mosaic. One of my first attempts. I'm happy with the end result but have already thought of a dozen ways to improve on the design.

Made with glass tile on a wood form, cut myself from my own design.

3d Sci-Fi Space Craft by Russ

2008-04-26T08:59:00.002-07:00

Russ has spent a great deal of time mastering 3-d modeling in Bryce and Cinema. He has sold some of his images. Here are some samples of his work.

I don't really have a lot to say about the images. If Russ was posting this I imagine he would have plenty to say. He's done a lot of research and built models based on actual technology or proposed technology. These are not just flights of fancy but propulsion systems that have been on the drawing boards of those dedicated to space exploration.

Suncatcher, Wall Art

2008-04-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

With Russ's help, just finished one of the 2X2 inch squares from previous post. It has a copper foiled frame and can be used as wall art or a suncatcher. Looks nice with the sun shining through in the window.

Tack Fused Art Glass

2008-04-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

Just finished experimenting with glass art. The tiny images were carefully cut out using glass saw then tack fused in the kiln overnight. Most turned out pretty good. Some have areas of improvement. Each piece is approximately two square inches. The first two have been made into pendants to wear around the neck and the rest will be copper foiled into stained glass frames. The photo doesn't do them justice but they are quite cute and fun to make. I'll post again when I have one completed.

Christina

Helix Elemental

2008-04-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this blog is to offer, hopefully, information and insights into the life and times of artists at work and the projects they work on. We want to make available photos of our works in progress, some how-tos. Mostly we just want to provide for ourselves a platform to brainstorm, share ideas and whatever else comes up.

We currently have a web-site under construction so that we can make our work available to the general public. In the meantime this seems like a good way to get some internet related juices flowing.

So What is Helix Elemental? Well mostly an art studio...in our living room, garage, back-yard and kitchen. The persons involved are Russ Colwell (my husband and wiley creative genius), me (Christina Colwell), Cliff Sperandeo and Cody Sperandeo. Who knows who may come on board later on down the road. But for now it is just the four of us.

So what's up with the name Helix Elemental? The name Helix is all about the Helix Nebulae, "the eye of God." We just love the NASA photos but we also strive to maintain a relationship with the creator of the universe through prayers, reading of His words and through the acceptance of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The Helix Nebulae is just a symbol and reminder for us that the Creator has His eye on us. Elemental was Cliff's idea. He thought that something that reflects the use of all four basic elements earth, air, fire, water leaves us open to a world of opportunities. So here we are, Helix Elemental Studio!