pattymara on Craft Is Art

Blessing Bowl of Mica Clay

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:37:15 -0700

Food can be a sacrament when baked with Love, and served in Beauty. Holy Food deserves a mica clay blessing bowl. An elegantly shaped bowl luminous with mica and blessed with magnificent fire clouds, where no glaze chemicals were used. The clay is a tawny russet, infused with a constellation of mica stars. The smoke patterns from the final pit fire, are called fire clouds. A mica blessing bowl is mesmerizing as you gaze into the starry universe of its interior curve. Because mica clay is ovenware, you may bake bread or simmer a stew or casserole in the oven. I will include a recipe card for a whole wheat loaf to bake in your blessing bowl. I make these bowls about 8" diameter at the rim and about 4-5" tall, perfect for one loaf of your favorite bread. This is a GiftShipper Selection! I will gift wrap, send it directly to your gift recipient and include your personal note at no extra charge. Just mention GiftShipper in the Note to Seller when you check out and include the contents of your note. In addition to baking bread, you may use your blessing bowl as a "one bowl meal" of salad, soup, chile, pasta and rice dishes, or for serving veggies or fruit. Mica clay is said to make food taste better. Because of its alkaline qualities, it balances the acids in foods, which is key for a healthy diet. Eating meals from mica pottery has changed my whole approach to food. Holy clay creates holy food. Place your blessing bowl on your holiday and Day of the Dead tables. Use it as a "burning bowl" for sage and cedar smudges. This clay a silky smooth blend of micaceous clay from new Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. I throw and trim my mica pots on my potter and rsquo;s wheel, then meticulously polish with a smooth rock to create a lustrous semigloss surface. This in essence takes the place of a glaze. No additional glaze is applied, making these pots amazingly chemical-free. After the pots are polished, buffed and fully dry, I fire them in my small kiln for about 18 hours to 1700 degrees. A second firing it in a wood pit fire creates the "fire clouds". Each fire cloud is unpredictable, a true gift of the fire. I make offerings and prayers with blue corn at every stage of the process of creating a vessel. Each vessel I and rsquo;ve made seems to require from 8 - 10 hours of loving hands-on care, from clay to fired pot. It is signed with my potter and rsquo;s name Patch, and dated. This clay is unlike any other clay I and rsquo;ve known during my forty years as a potter. The mica comprises up to 80%, and has a healing quality. Mica has been used in Native American medicine bags for protection and thwarting negativity. I find its energy signature to be of an angelic being, named Micah, who has accompanied me on a recent healing journey and will come when called. Caring for your mica pot: I have "seasoned" this bowl with a coating of virgin olive oil then baked it in my oven at 375 degrees for 40-60 minutes. Seasoning increases the life of the pot, seals it, makes cleaning easier, and enriches the flavor of food. Use only hot water and a sponge to clean your pot. Soap will remove the seasoning. Avoid allowing water to sit in your vessel (or your vessel to sit in water) for any extended period of time. Wooden or bamboo spoons are kinder than metal to the interior surface. Re-season your pot occasionally if needed. I wouldn and rsquo;t dream of placing mica pottery in a microwave.
Price 55.00

Clan Mother of the One Breasted Women

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:53:28 -0700

Breast cancer has created a new clan of women who stand by one another as they encounter the fears, decisions and challenges of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In the company of this tender sisterhood emerges a new Clan Mother for all women who have lost a breast, or two, to cancer. This ceramic sculpture was created from paperclay, a combination of recycled clay and paper, glazed and fired to 1800 degrees and painted with ceramic enamels, then refired. Clan Mother wears a crown of pink glass butterfly beads, crystals, golden spirals and dichroic glass earbobs. Her missing breast is honored by a spiral of tactile dots. Some of my customers tell me that they use their Clan Mother as a keeping place for healing affirmations and prayers, placing letters and wishes inside the hollow of her body. Each Clan Mother comes with a hand made collage card and gift wrapping is included. A perfect gift for anybody walking this healing path. The and rsquo;clan of the one-breasted women and rsquo; comes from Terry Tempest Williams and rsquo; wonderful book *Refuge*, where Terry tells the story of the women in her family. Colors: rose, raspberry, blues, purples Size: approximately 10" tall x 5" wide x 3" deep
Price 75.00

Vintage Cake Topper with Bridesmaids

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:56:45 -0700

A spectacular vintage cake topper with bride and groom and four bridesmaids in blue ascending a spiral pedestal. Bride is dressed in a a lace trimmed satin gown with full train, and tulle veil. Bridesmaids are in blue satin layered with tulle, with painted bouquets and flower petal hats. Groom is in a painted tux, but he is dashing. All have painted faces and lovely details. This may have been my Aunt Hilda and rsquo;s very own wedding cake topper. She married late in life after a career in the army. Uncle Ace from the Army Corp of Engineers stole her heart on the first day they met. Condition: Figurines in very good vintage condition. Bridesmaids and rsquo; dresses need pressing to achieve the full bell of the gowns. The spiral pedestal is in fair condition, needing some renewal. The pearl rope that ascends the spiral and columns on the pedestal is partially missing. Some of the pedestal and rsquo;s silk chiffon flowers need replacing. Size: 11" tall x 6" wide at base. Groom: 4.75" Bride: 4.25" Bridesmaids: 4" Printed on the bottom of the pedestal: Copyright 1965 Coast Novelty Company, Venice, California.
Price 66.00

Vintage Vegan Vinyl Alligator Purse, from the Lady with the Alligat...

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 00:24:58 -0700

I love alligator bags but this one is the most humorous one I and rsquo;ve seen. It reminds me of the children and rsquo;s story about the Lady with the alligator purse. It is from the forties, made of vinyl (or whatever they called it then) and has a tiny alligator head that pouches out from the surface and front claws embossed on the front. Great vintage condition. Brass clasp that snaps smartly. Accordion sides open to reveal a center pocket with a metal brass zipper. Size: 7" tall, 14" tall with handle, 7.5" wide at the bottom, with a slight taper to the top. Interior fabric is black material that looks like grosgrain ribbon, but not ribbon. When I was a tiny girl, my favorite Aunt Hilda would singsong this rhyme to me and we would giggle about it all day long" Miss Lucy had a baby, His name was Tiny Tim. She put him in the bathtub, To see if he could swim. He drank up all the water. He ate up all the soap. He tried to eat the bathtub, But it wouldn and rsquo;t go down down his throat. Miss Lucy called the doctor, Miss Lucy called the nurse. Miss Lucy called the lady With the alligator purse. "Mumps," said the doctor. "Measles," said the nurse. "Hiccups," said the lady With the alligator purse. Out went the doctor. Out went the nurse. Out went the lady With the alligator purse. by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Price 45.00

Easy Button Rock Glows in the Dark

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:07:37 -0700

Everybody needs an Easy Button Rock at least once a day. Keep one on your desk or kitchen table, within reach. Yes. It is just a painted rock. But not just any rock....this one was found in a river, worn wise with the passage of time. All that time spent underwater; tumbled by spring floods and stilled by winter ice...it adds up. This rock is imbued with the music of the spheres so that just holding it, or pressing it, will yield results. When you need a fast serving of *Easy* go directly to your Easy Button Rock. In dire times, turn it over to the super charged *Really Easy* setting. Sure, you could buy one of the plastic ones at the big box office supply store, but they don and rsquo;t have the magic in them that this river rock has. And, besides, this one glows in the dark. Each of the three choices here fits into the palm of my hand. Let me know which one is yours. After you pick one of these three for yourself, pick one for your friend. GiftShipper: I will gift wrap, enclose a card with your greeting and mail this directly to your recipient. Free Shipping too; how easy is that?
Price 20.00

Day of the Dead Ceramic Skull Mask

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:07:36 -0700

Day of the Dead is a colorful festival on November 1 and 2, which celebrates and honors our friends and family who have passed on. We remember them with their favorite foods and invite them to return to visit. Skulls made from pressed sugar and decorated with the names of departed souls grace the ofrendas (altars) of families during this time. My ceramic skull masks are decorated with marigolds and calla lilies and the colors of El Dias de los Muertos. Your choice of one original Day of the Dead ceramic skull wall mask (choose one and let me know), made in my studio in Halcyon, CA. Glazed and fired to 1800 degrees, painted with transparent glass enamels. Size: 6" x 9" x 5". Decorated with marigolds, calla lilies and roses, leaves and peace symbols. Embellished with decorative fiber,a handmade goddess bead, bells, beads and ribbons. Sturdy wire hanger. Hang on your Day of the Dead altar or enjoy all year round.
Price 85.00

Mug of Mica Clay

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:07:10 -0700

I have sold all of these mugs, but if you are willing to wait, I can make custom mugs for you in your desired size and shape. The firecloud patterns of course will be up to the whim of the smoke and fire, but they always bring a smile. A gift from Clay Mother, these mugs are made from micaceous terra cotta clay from the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. This family of mugs was thrown at the same time on my wheel. Each has a unique firecloud pattern which emerged in the last pit firing. They range in size, but share a similar handle design and rounded curves. This listing is for ONE Mica Mug. Please let me know your choice at checkout. I have detailed photographs of each one if you wish to see more details. "Tiny Tea" is the smallest, (second photo) with a volume of 8 ounces and a vaporous firecloud that graces the rim. 3" tall, 5" wide. Tiny Tea has found her new home with On Slender Threads: http://www.craftisart.com/OnSlenderThreads "Shadow" has a predominant black firecloud on one side and shiny tawny orange on the other, with the shadow crossing the handle and rim. Volume: 12 oz. 3.5" tall, 5.5" wide. "Squash Blossom" has a splashes of mica shimmer throughout her body, with a delicate firecloud marking and a double spiral design beneath the handle. It reminds me of the double squash blossom whorls worn by Hopi women. Volume: 16 oz. 3" tall, 6" wide. "Fossil" looks ancient, only recently unearthed. The dark fireclouds subdue the mica, and form sinuous designs inside and out. A shell pattern on the bottom, formed by my cutting wire when I removed it from my wheel, reminds me of the fossilized seashells found throughout dry lands. Volume: 16 oz. 4" tall, 6" wide. About my process: I throw and trim my mica pots on my potter and rsquo;s wheel, then meticulously polish with a smooth heart shaped rock to create a lustrous semigloss surface. This burnishing of the surface takes the place of a glaze. No additional glaze is applied, making these pots naturally chemical-free. After the pots are polished, buffed and fully dry, I fire them in my small natural gas kiln for about 18 hours to 1800 degrees. A second firing it in a wood pit fire creates the "fire clouds". I make offerings and prayers with blue corn at every stage of the process of creating a vessel. Each cup I and rsquo;ve made seems to require from 8 - 10 hours of tender loving hands-on care, from clay to fired pot. It is signed with my potter and rsquo;s name Patch, (a name I was given at UC Santa Cruz when I first learned to throw pottery back in the sixties) and dated. The fire clouds on this mug came from the final firing in a wood pit fire, when the burning wood makes contact with the clay wall of the pot. Each fire cloud is unpredictable, a true gift of the fire. This clay is unlike any other clay I and rsquo;ve known during my forty years as a potter. The mica comprises up to 80%, and has a healing quality. Mica has been used in Native American medicine bags for protection and thwarting negativity. I find its energy signature to be of an angelic being, named Micah, who has accompanied me on a recent healing journey and will come when called. Caring for your mica pot: I have "seasoned" this mug with a coating of virgin olive oil then baked it in my oven at 375 degrees for 40-60 minutes. Seasoning will deepen the color of the pot, but not dramatically. The color will become richer and more textured with use. Seasoning increases the life of the pot, seals it, makes cleaning easier, and enriches the flavor of food. Use only warm water and a sponge to clean your pot. Soap will remove the seasoning. Avoid allowing water to sit in your vessel (or your vessel to sit in water) for any extended period of time. Wooden or bamboo spoons are kinder than metal to the interior surface. Re-season your pot regularly to keep it happy. I wouldn and rsquo;t dream of placing this mug in a microwave.
Price 45.00

Teeny Tiny Abalone Shells Three Dozen, Plus a Bonus Gift of These B...

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:59 -0700

I live near the Pacific Ocean and have collected tiny abalone shells, so many that I have some to share. Ranging in size from a half an inch to 1.25 inches. The backside is a soft teal, and the shell side is luminous mother of pearl. One gift pack includes three dozen (36) teeny shells of assorted sizes, plus many more to fit snugly into the tiny boxes. If you need more than three dozen(plus), ask me for a special price on a larger amount. I clean each shell individually and make sure none are damaged. Shells are shipped in tiny plastic boxes with foam to insure safe delivery. Great care is taken to package them securely. Here is some recent feedback from an Etsy customer: "Thank you so much to a wonderful, personable, and very special Etsian!! These tiny shells are all perfect little treasures! It will be a special treat to work with them! I have so many ideas for these, and can and rsquo;t wait to start creating! Thank you, these are beautiful, and were all so lovingly collected by hand...that and rsquo;s what makes them even more special!" by OriginalTreasures Feather light, these tiny shells can be made into jewelry that will win any mermaid and rsquo;s heart. Use them for embellishments or charms or art dolls or ACEOs or cards. Abalone shell has been "revered by the ancient tribes throughout the world as a magical gift from the sea, one which can stimulate fertility of both the mind and body and can protect against un-cooperative attitudes and actions." (exerpt from "Love is in the Earth" by Melody)
Price 15.00

Build a House for Grief Original Poetry Collage Handmade Book

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:57 -0700

Grief will come home, if you build a house for her. A Custom Collage Book with an original poem. "Build a House for Grief", (see the full text below) is the title of a poem I wrote after losing a dear friend. I heard the first line spoken early one morning in an awakening dream, and the rest of the poem emerged in the next three days. This original (one of a kind) book will have 22 pages of collage, and is perfect for a Day of the Dead altar, memorial gathering or wake. It is a tender gift for someone who is grieving, reminding them gently to "take your time" inside the sacred space of sorrow. Each 8" x 8" page is painted, on the front and back, then collaged with exquisite handmade/recycled papers. A tiny picture frame charm hangs from the cover, to insert a picture or photo of your loved one. It will resemble these images, which were a part of a custom order in the past, but will have its own original, not to be repeated design. GiftShipper: Book will be sent gift wrapped in tissue with ribbons and a bouquet of lavender picked from my garden. I will add a card with your message and send it to your recipient directly, if you wish. Free Shipping. The photographs here are from custom books I have made for others. Here is my poem: Build a house for Grief, Tin roofed, for the company of rain. Windows open wide, for breathing. By a creek, at the end of the road. Yours alone. Take your time. Build a house for Grief, With a window seat, for watching. Pillow it with faded quilts of old soft silk. Hook up a clawfoot tub. Put thick towels nearby. Find lavender studded soap. Carry rocks from the creek bed for the hearth. Stack the chimney slowly, mortaring with memories. Take your time. When you find a heart rock, place it tenderly by the photo on the scarred kitchen table. Build a house for Grief. Take your time. Make soup. Bake bread. Sweep the kitchen. Keep one closet empty, lined with cedar. Yours alone. No one will hear you. Dig a garden for Grief. Watch sweet peas twine over sills and rise to the rafters. Tuck bulbs into soil, for later. Spit plum pits from the porch. After the blossoms fall, When the trees are tall enough, stretch a clothesline. Wash a load of sheets. Give them to the sky to dance themselves dry. Grief will come home. Kicking off her shoes at the door. Letting herself in. She has her own key. Welcome her, with soup. Stay up too late, talking. Draw her a bath in a pool of moonlight. Let her spend the night. She will stay As long as you need. ********* PattyMara Gourley, 2006 A portion of this sale will be donated to my local Hospice angels in San Luis Obispo, California.
Price 125.00

Cake Topper Bride and Groom Mice

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:42 -0700

Here comes the mice bride and groom! A bridal couple perfect for a wedding cake, cheesecake or a cake of stacked cheese wheels, like my daughter created for her wedding. Sculpted from white mica clay, then fired to 1800 degrees, glazed and painted with transparent glass enamel colors. One of a kind originals for a special couple. The bride carries a bouquet of flowers in her arms, with a rose tiara. The groom sports a jaunty top hat and a silver tie. They can be arranged side by side, or nose to nose for a sweet kiss. Pale pink tails of cotton cord add a touch of whimsy. Size: Bride 2.5" tall and 2.25" wide Groom 3" tall and about 2" wide. They measure 4" from side to side. Custom orders just for your wedding as well as two brides or two grooms available. Please allow 4 weeks. Colors may be chosen to match your wedding design.
Price 75.00

Silk and Gemstone Chakra Healing Vertical Wall Hanging

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:42 -0700

An original handpainted silk chakra wall hanging, composed of seven individual silk disks connected by gemstone beads. Each 10" diameter handpainted silk chakra disk depicts one of the seven chakras or energy centers of the body. In ancient traditions each chakra or spinning wheel of energy has its own color, sacred geometry symbol, gemstone and Sanskrit sound/seed tone. These tones vibrate and align the charkas, balancing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. While drawing, painting and beading each silk chakra, I sing these sacred "vege" tones. I have combined my original illustrations of flowers and animals with the traditional Sanskrit symbols, sacred geometry and colors associated with each chakra~ 1st: red poppy/cube, 2nd: orange monarch butterfly/pyramid, 3rd: yellow rose/sphere, 4th: green luna moth and hummingbird/heart, 5th: blue humpback whale/inverted triangle, 6th: indigo-purple iris/oval, 7th: light beings/merkaba. The seven silk disks are connected to one another with beaded channels of semi-precious gemstones associated with each chakra. These gemstones further enhance the healing properties of the banner. Each chakra disk banner is one of a kind, created intentionally for you to integrate your personal intentions/wishes with the vibrational healing energy of the ancient symbols, sacred sounds and radiant colors. Contact me if you have a specific intention or healing wish you would like me to hold while I draw, paint and bead your custom chakra disk banner. I have created these chakra banners for individuals and healing centers around the world. Perfect for your meditation room, massage room or yoga center. To watch a flash slide show of each chakra disk please visit my website: http://www.gourleydesign.com/DolphinSmile/Chakra%20Round.htm Size: 10" x 93-96" (approximately 8 feet tall)
Price 325.00

Custom Wedding Memory Silk

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:41 -0700

An original, customized, handpainted silk made just for the bride and groom to remember their wedding day. Embellished with a beaded wire hanger and dangles of glass beads and tiny abalone shells, this sample honors the couple and rsquo;s love for each other, the ocean and oak trees. Your custom silk would be a perfect gift for the bride and groom, from the best man, the maid of honor, the parents or friends. Size: 13.5" x 13.5" stretched silk with a 4" beaded hanger at the top and 4-6" of beads, shells, brlld, glass suncatchers or chimes at the bottom. Overall dimensions 13.5" wide x 24" tall. Allow two weeks for creation of this custom piece of art. Convo me with your ideas and I will design an unforgettable gift. Other occasions for this gift: the birth of a new baby, graduation, anniversary, special achievement, retirement.
Price 65.00

Rumi Poem "I Will Meet You There" Painted Silk Wall Hanging

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:25 -0700

Handpainted silk banner featuring the timeless poetry of Rumi: "Out beyond ideas of right and wrong, there is a field. I will meet you there." Wisdom for your home, classroom and office walls. Perfect gift for someone who helps make heart connections. Size approximately 20" x 26", with a unique red willow sculpture at the top where the hanging cord is attached, embellished with decorative ribbon, fiber and bells.
Price 125.00

Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep Collage Book

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:25 -0700

An original, one of a kind accordion collage book featuring a poem by Mary Frye, written in 1932. My wonderful friends at our local Hospice use these collage books for their grief groups. The book in the photographs is what you will receive when you purchase this listing. Each page is an original collage. There are fivecollage pages on sturdy board, handpainted on both sides, bound with ribbons. Freestanding, it can be arranged in an accordion shape or a half circle for easy reading. There is a tiny photo frame charm on the cover, to insert a photograph of your loved one and a bronze butterfly charm on the back cover. This collage book makes a tender gift to a grieving person or family. It will be sent wrapped in tissue and decorative ribbons, with a tiny sachet of lavender from my garden. I first heard this poem at a funeral of a beloved friend, my "other mother". It helped in a way that I can and rsquo;t describe, and it brought Marya and rsquo;s presence into my heart and mind. I am forever grateful to this poem and rsquo;s wisdom: Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I did not die.
Price 60.00

Woo HOO What a Ride Hand Painted Silk Banner

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:51:24 -0700

This handpainted silk banner reads: "My life will not be a journey to my grave, where I arrive demurely in an attractive and well preserved body. I plan to SKID IN SIDEWAYS, my body totally worn out! Chocolate in one hand, glass of wine in the other, smiling ear to ear, hooting "WOO HOO! What a RIDE!" Size: Approximately 12" x 60". Ready to hang, with a wooden dowels at the top embellished with round wooden knobs and festive ribbons and bells. I have customized these banners for my buyers, for example, substituting "champagne" for wine (everybody wants the chocolate) and adding favorite items one might want to skid in sideways with at the pearly gates (on a Harley, in a and rsquo;56 Willy and rsquo;s Jeep, you get the drift). I and rsquo;ve painted this banner on black silk for men with manly words like "bottle of beer in one hand, cigar in the other" (no boa, yet, but I and rsquo;m open to a man requesting a boa to slide in with). Contact me with your ideas! My most interesting custom order came from a wild woman who bought a large Woo Hoo! banner for her adult children to hang at her wake. My kind of gal.
Price 125.00