Chocolate Bubble-Wrap

Chocolate Bubble-Wrap from DeLessio...why the hell not? (via NOTCOT)

Nadia Sparham

Above are just two of the many whimsical ceramic designs from UK designer Nadia Sparham. Her website, which also feature wall hangings, cushions, and murals among other things, is really cute and fun to navigate. (Found via Print & Pattern)

Colleen Baran

From the "man I wish I had more time to make silver jewelry file," Floating Saucer Series silver one, two, and three finger rings by Colleen Baran. The photo above was featured in Joanna Gollberg's 'The Art and Craft of Making Jewelry', published by Lark Books.
Check out her Esty store!

Eli and Ra - Etsy Shop of the Week!

Some really cute and simple silver work by husband and wife team Eli and Ra. Their bird earrings and rings are selling like hotcakes!

Mention this blog in the Note to Seller box and recieve a free pair of lami bird earrings with your order. It's a $6 value!

Bloesem on Ceramics

I just came across a great article on Bloesem which gives a nice history and images of some of the larger Scandinavian and Dutch makers of vintage ceramics. If you are half as interested in vintage plates as I am, it is worth a read (if only to wow your friends at the next flea market!)

Steampunk Workshop

Learn how to make your own retro mod keyboard at Steampunk Workshop. Very Cool!

Ikea Hacker

A great blog to visit to kill some time and get great ideas is Ikea Hacker. This blog is dedicated to bringing you all there is to know in the world of altering Ikea products, from furniture to the Swedish meatballs! Above are two crafty projects, making a decorative room divider out of the Dunker Lamp, and making a bag out of colored Akseline fabric. Fun stuff!

The American Craft Council Show - This Weekend!

Just a reminder that The ACC Show at the Convention Center is this weekend, February 23-25! I was hoping to highlight more participating artists, but time did not allow. Check their website for a complete listing and photos of artist work!

Above is work by Ayala Jewelry from New Jersey, booth #302.

Kelly Wearstler

I am still sorting through all that I missed in the design blog world, but I instantly wanted to share this designer I found on Design Sponge. This is another great, non-food related, use of plates by Kelly Wearstler.

We're back!

I was expecting a veritable treasure trove of tacky thrift store plates in sunny Florida, but left disappointed with the conservative findings! After visiting 3 thrift stores, an antique shop, and my mother-in-(sorta)-laws cabinets, I came away with these seven new plates. Our trip was nice, we spent a lot of time hanging on the porch, drinking coffee and chatting. I got a great massage and pedicure, met family and friends, and managed to fit in a hockey game.

We spent some time at my mother-in-(sorta)-laws new metaphysical shop, Spiritual Effects, which is filled floor to ceiling, through 7 rooms, with all sorts of stones, jewelry, books, and all things metaphysical. It is worth a visit if you are in Florida! (PS-they also carry broken plate pendants and have a cool dog named Clancy!)

OK, Back to work...

A little break...

We are off to Florida tomorrow. I shall hopefully return February 22 with some crazy plates imported from the South!

Diem Chau

Above is the work of another amazing crayon (and pencil) carver Diem Chau. Who thinks of these things??

Alyson Fox

Check out thegreat use of plates in this installation my Alyson Fox! This gave me some great ideas for craft show displays. (via Design*Sponge)

Crackery Tableware

LOVE this celebration of broken china by Joana Meroz of The Ornamented Life! Crackery Tableware is a collection cracked white plates and cups whose imperfections have been accentuated by filling them with gold luster and transforming them into blossoming flowers. Chips in the plate are also turned into flowers or bulbs depending on their placement and shape.

Newspaper Jewelry

Newspaper Jewelry creates jewelry out of old crossword puzzles, comics, sweetener packets and lots of other interesting recycled papers. They are all sealed and protected by a non-toxic, water-resistant coating to insure a long life.

Key Rings

These "Key Rings" by Kiel Mead are sterling silver castings from house and car keys. He can cast from your personal keys too, which would make a really cool house warming gift or commemoration of an old house or car.

Towson Metals and Jewelry Sale!

Just a reminder that the Valentine Sale starts today and ends tomorrow! It will be open both days from 10-7 in the Center for the Arts. Try to make it before the blizzard comes! I am hoping to pick up another one of these great bracelets by Megan Auman. You can't have just one.

Shoshona Snow Ceramics - Etsy Shop of the Week!

I absolutely love these Danish, mid century modern inspired ceramics by Shoshona Snow! With her signature scraffito and glazing technique, black and white on the outside and vibrant color on the inside or top, it is easy to spot this amazing pots in a sea of ceramics.
**Free shipping until February 28th, 2007!! Just mention The Broken Plate in the Note to Seller box.

Dime Museum Auction.

I am very sad that the American Dime Museum in Baltimore is finally closed for business after a few years of financial difficulties. Fortunately for us, they will be auctioning off a ton of great stuff on February 26th at Richard Opfer Auctioneering in Timonium, MD. A preview day will be held at the museum February 23-25. Photos can be found on the auctioneers website. This may be your last time to see amazing things such as the Parrotfish and Lincolns Last Movement.(pictured above)

Jacqueline Sanchez - ACC Baltimore

Every year at ACC, I struggle with whether I need to buy groceries or a piece from Jacqueline Sanchez. They are just so fun, well-made, and wearable - and last longer the groceries I might add! Someday when I have disposable income...

Check her out at booth #524

Poodle Butts!

If you are having trouble finding the perfect accent for that boring room, may I suggest a Poodle Butt from J. Schatz. They come in black, white, brown and pink to go with any room! Why the hell not??

Pete Goldlust

Wow, and I thought I was a little OCD. Check out these carved crayons by Pete Goldlust, amazing!

Valentine Sale!

This hot steamin' box of broken plate goodness will be available for perusal and purchase at the Towson Metals and Jewelry Clubs' Valentine Sale, February 12-13 in the Atrium of the Center for the Arts. The sale goes on from 10-7 both days (I will be there Tuesday from 1-4.) SO, Take a long lunch and come visit!
PS-Cash and Checks only.

I'm so crafty, I make people!

For those of you who we have not had a chance to tell personally, SURPRISE, We're Pregnant! Yes, pigs have flown and hell has officially frozen over! I just had my first OB appointment and everything looks "normal." I am almost 11 weeks along and due sometime in early September. The world will have another obsessive-compulsive Virgo on its hands!

I apologize for the non-craft/design entry, but as Lynn Flanagan says in this months BUST magazine,
"...if you've got a baby on board, then jack up the music, paint a Jolly Roger on you lovely lady lump, and get ready to complete your biggest DIY (do-it-yourself) project ever!"

(The above linens are from Dwell Linens which can be found at Velocity Art and Design.)

Margaux Lange

I am always on the hunt for great jewelry made from unusual or recyclable materials, so I was very excited to come across former MICA student Margaux Lange in Whip Up today! She has an unbelievable collection of jewelry made from Barbie and Ken dolls. Also, take a moment to check out her blog, which is filled with great observations and inspirations.

Thanks for the mention Margaux!

Etsy Shop of the Week - Maggie J's Jewelry - 15% off!

Please take a look at Maggie J's Etsy shop! She makes great use of mixed metals and stones in a really diverse collection of jewelry.

To receive 15% off, enter BROKEN PLATE BLOG in the Note To Seller section, and wait for an updated PayPal Invoice. Happy Shopping!

Neutrino Designs

Neutrino Designs. Because everyone deserves a cool butter dish. Available at Art Star.

Mary & Lou Ann - ACC Baltimore

Since it is officially the month of the American Craft Council's annual Baltimore show at the Convention Center, I thought it's time to start teasing some of the HUNDREDS of great artists that will be exhibiting. Above is work from Mary Filapek and LouAnn Townsend whose work is "inspired by the awesome power and potential of the atom."

Visit them at booth #518

Check back for more favorites over the month of February!

Diana Fayt

I am so smitten with Diana Fayt's ceramics, I would not even dream of breaking them. BUT can you imagine the cool jewelry that could be made...
These images are from her Flickr site.

We Are Happy to Serve You

To add to the disposable cup theme, these "We are Happy to Serve You" cups, reminiscent of coffee cups made famous in New York, are actually heavy duty ceramic! These can be found at Velocity.

Tara Donovan

Strofoam cups aren't all that bad! Check out this installation by New York artist Tara Donovan.