New! - Mardi Gras Mask Stick Pin

Here it is, the Mask Stick Pin inspired by those pink crepe paper roses I previously mentioned. The handle is free swinging with a real freshwater pearl and vermeil ornament. As with all my masks the beads slide up and down the handle for fun. A delicate pink rose sets in the center of this sparkling pink mask.

There's been a renewed interest in wearing pins and brooches by fashion trend setters like First Lady, Mrs. O - Michelle Obama who loves to wear brooches in this article by Mary Tomer . Want to know what's hot? Stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cate Blanchett and other folks on the red carpet do know, and are featured sporting brooches in this article Trend Watch by Cynthia Sliwa. 

Want to creatively wear a brooch in a new modern way? Or when to wear the right brooch? There are two short articles here by Melanie Spark and Victor Galindo that will tell you how.

This brooch would look lovely on a black sweater or jacket, hat, or scarf. Pins aren't just for lapels anymore. 

Artist - Kerri Settle - Painter

From time to time I intend to feature an artist of interest & inspiration to me, so here is the first:

I discovered artist, Kerri Settle, on ebay offering small & large contemporary oil paintings in an impressionistic style. Her landscapes usually evoke a dreamy state of mind and always take me someplace far back in my memories I long to return to.  I delighted to own a number of her works. She is a prolific painter and very affordable. She paints mostly landscapes and still life. 

On her blog she has been offering a monthly painting giveaway! What a great offer! I hope you will leave a comment on her blog and have a look at her work. Her main web site is Sirenic Art. Visit both her blog and website to see her variety of work.