Reminder: Art Walk in Tremont Friday, Jan 14th 2011 5-9:30 pm

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I would like to introduce Silvia, and her beautiful jewelry. It is all handmade - from jumprings for the chain maille earrings to bracelets. She takes great care in making sure that every piece is perfect.

Silver Prices are still sky high. Remember, not everything that is silver in color is actually Sterling or Fine Silver. Too many artists and manufacturers are trying to lower their costs by using other silver colored materials, some of which can cause dermatitis or can be toxic. All of the work we carry at Eye Candy Gallery is nickel compliant. Did you know that Nickel, in Jewelry, is banned in England? Today, I learned that much of the jewelry coming from China and elsewhere may also contain lead or cadmium, both these materials are very toxic to adults and especially children.

Fine Silver is .999 Pure Silver. Sterling Silver is a Fine Silver and Copper alloy. There are a few other alloys which contain Fine Silver and other metals which do not cause dermatitides as nickel does - but these alloys will not be called "STERLING SILVER"

My Metal smithing classes will resume at the Brecksville Center for the Arts, on March 21st. For information, please call Rob or Kim at 440-526-6232 for class information and to sign up. If you have other questions, feel free to contact me at: EyeCandyGallery@gmail.com

I'm hoping for another "thaw" . . . Hope to see you soon!

After Thanksgiving

It's almost December - the time to buy gifts for family and friends. Gifts don't have to be expensive, they should be full of thought and love.

Don't be fooled . . .not all 'silver colored' metal is Sterling or Fine Silver. Too many are changing their materials to less expensive silver colored metals - Nickel Silver, also known as German Silver, non-tarnishing silver, Argentan (Not to be confused with Argentium which is a new Silver alloy), Alpaca, Alpaka, ALP, Austrian Silver, Mexican Silver, EPNS, Stainless Nickel Silver - these are ALL nickel silver - and most people get some form of dermitis (rash, breakout, blisters, etc.) from this metal.

Nickel has been banned from jewelry in most European countries. Why it is still allowed in the USA is unknown.

Silver colored jewelry may also contain "Cadmium"
"Cadmium has no constructive purpose in the human body. Cadmium is extremely toxic even in low concentrations" Wikipedia

Be careful when purchasing jewelry - make sure you know what it's made of.

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Just before Thanksgiving

Today, I spent the day visiting and "playing" with my good friends Linda & Opie O'Brian - aka: Burnt Offerings. I haven't seen them in YEARS!!! The reason for this visit- my husband's nephew's wife - Debbie and her son Jamie- signed up for a private workshop with Linda and Opie. I sat in during the workshop. Wow! I enjoyed every minute.

Visit: www.RitaTelaak.com - it's my newly redesigned web site - featuring the jewelry I make and have available for purchase at Eye Candy Gallery www.EyeCandy-Gallery.com

The new RitaTelaak Jewelry site is finally up and running!

My new website is up and running! Finally! I love the new look. I like the music, but may change it.
I'll try to keep it new and fresh with my own creations.

Hope you like it too! (www.RitaTelaak.com) Please take a look . . .

Don't forget Art Walk in Tremont will be this weekend, Friday, November 12th. Starts when you get there - 5 pm till everyone leaves. The weather is supposed to be GREAT! Hope to see you there. All kinds of new work from a variety of artists.

November, 12th artwalk and News

I am about to embark on a new designing adventure.  I think I've mentioned that my previous laptop died a few months ago, and although I was able to rescue and save some files, it seems that two of my web sites have to be rebuilt from scratch.  SO, I have purchased a new template for one of the sites, and hope to have it designed and built soon.  Of course, it may take a while since these things never seem to go easily for me!

November's featured artists:

Anne Fulton-Brunner:  Anne is a long time family friend who started painting a few years ago, her work is colorful and a bit different from what usually represent.  She works in watercolor and acrylic.  Some work is mixed medium, all of her work is affordable and fits almost any decor at a very reasonable price.

Gary Lemeyer - works with fine, white, cement, his creations include: Angels, fish, snails, birds.  All are whimsicle and very affordable.

Judy Corlett - blown glass jewelry - BIG is in!  Judy's work, although it appears to be large, it's very light and wearable.  Her colors are well chosen for this season's fashions.  Very reasonably priced.

http://www.eyecandy-gallery.com/

The gallery has all kinds of new work. Furniture from Raven Toney, Sculpture from Steven Wagner.

Randall Oldrieve brought new fire doors with his unique art - look closely and you'll see a woman . . .

New Jewelry by Judy Corlett- blown glass beads make the earrings and necklaces substantial, yet light, in beautiful colors.

And, we have added a whimsical line of very affordable cement sculpture - the artist will be featured in November, but you can have a sneak preview if you stop by the gallery.

Hope to see you soon!

Metalsmithing class at the Brecksville Center for the Arts

Rita Telaak's Metalsmithing classes will be starting next week:
Sept 20, 2010. Monday evening (6:30 pm till 9:30 pm) is nearly full, Tuesday evening (6:30 pm till 9:30 pm) is not full. Tuesday morning (10:00 am till 1 pm) has 4 or 5 students. There is still time to sign up!
440-526-6232

Jewelry making classes starting Sept 20th.

Just back from a wonderful trip to Las Vegas with some of my high school friends.

Did you know that Silpada Designs has just been purchased by AVON??? Yes, the door to door cosmetics compay now owns the assets of the party plan jewelry retailer.

My jewelry making classes will start Sept 20th at the Brecksville Center for the arts. 440.526.6232 or visit http://www.brecksvillearts.org/ for complete details.

In these classes You will learn to cut, file, sand, shape, solder and polish your own jewelry. Unlike mass manufactured, you will end up with unique designs.

Just another peek at new work -

This is another of Campbell Paxton's pieces.

I promised new sculpture images - here are a couple . . .



Campbell Paxton:

Steven Wagner:

What a nice surprise . . . with many other festivals going on, this artwalk brought out many old friends and new ones too!

Steven Wagner is from Jefferson, OH. He has been cutting stone, as a profession, for many years.

We are also featuring work by Campbell Paxton a nationally recognized sculptor, whose work can also be found in the Cape Cod area. Campbell lives in N.E. Ohio.

I know, I promised to post images of the new sculpture. Unable to do that, it seems that my photo program ended up being corrupted. I'll be getting a new one in the next few days . . .but, stay tuned . . .

The sculptor is: Steve Wagner.

August - the first week

With the hottest days of the year arriving, I try to beat the heat by staying in and playing. Some of my best jewelry has been created while listening to Harry Potter audio books. We all know that dark forces trouble Harry nearly all the time. Well, I think that those same dark forces have moved into my studio as of the end of July.


August 1st: the mother board on my trusted computer died - that isn't all that bad since the hardware can be replaced, but with the death of the mother board - I lost ALL of my passwords. (oops, silly me, should have known better than try to store them on the trusty, 'ole 'puter, right?) well, after several days of agony, most of the needed passwords have been recovered and I'm back with full force! YEA!


At Eye Candy Gallery, we have new stone sculpture. Beautifully done alabaster and marble, priced reasonably. Tomorrow, I will post images. Please check back.

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Just a quick reminder that Taste of Tremont will be held on Sunday, July 18th, and We WILL be Open - Stop in to see us!

Baba paintings

In case you don't know what a "Baba" is - in may European languages, a Baba is a Grandmother. I see fewer and fewer "Babas" as I get older. Babas used to frequent the West Side Market and wander around the Tremont area. My own Baba died shortly after I was born (she was actually my Great Grandmother.)

The painter: Maria Kovalenko Leysens happens to be my cousin. She was born at Grace Hospital on W. 14th Street. Her Baba lived on Kenilworth. Maria's Mother and Father lived in a house behind Baba's - which now happens to be next door to the Visible Voice Book Store. Maria's family moved out of the Tremont area, (back then it was known as "the South Side") in the early 60's.

The painting above is watercolor.

Don Winton Ceramics & Furniture

Don Winton is our featured artist for the month of July. Don is very talented, he not only makes ceramic pieces, both functional and decorative, but he also designs and builds beautiful furniture.

Don has been accepted into several shows and will be showing off his creations.

He has been with Eye Candy Gallery for several years, and every year his work becomes more and more beautiful.

9th anniversary of Eye Candy Gallery

Months have been flying by and so have the years. Eye Candy Gallery opened on W. 11th on June 21, 2001. Since then we moved to a larger location on Professor Ave. That happened in 2003.

2010 - Friday, June 18th seems to be the perfect day to celebrate . . . so that's what we are going to do. The Flip Side Band will play (indoors or out, weather dependent). Refreshments will be served. See you then!!!

Tremont Art Walk 5 pm till 10 pm

Art walk is coming up this friday, May 14th. Ed and Marty, the makers of "Totally Smokin Cigar Box Guitars" will be playing their creations. Stop by, and check them out!

Another Review!

4.09.2010
Dearest Rita,

We just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the intricate detail in designing our rings and the stellar hospitality you shared with us in picking them out. We'll wear and treasure them forever.
The role you played in our engagement and the constant reminder of love we wear n our fingers will always be tied to you. We're so incredibly happy with our rings and so proud to share the memory with such an open-minded , dedicated, beautiful woman.

With love and appreciation - Jordan in Gina (Strongsville, OH)


6.8.10
Thank you so much for everything you did to help me find the perfect Jewelry for my wedding. This day is so important to me and you definitely went above and beyond.

We will definitely be back to visit your gallery and I may need your assistance in the future.

Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely, Jeanine Clark, Toledo, Ohio

Gallery Reviews

What a great surprise your gallery was today! Your sense of whats "hot" is right on spot. Quality, fun and creative resounds throughout your gallery. I LOVE the uniqueness you offer, definitely not "cookie cutter". Thanks for letting us browse and shop, we will definitely be back again soon.
Lynn Daniel 4/17/10

I can't say thank you enough for your correspondence regarding the guitars.
I truly think James was more than pleased with his choice.
I was so happy that he was totally surprised and he genuinely loved it.
Your kindness and patience while he was strumming away was so appreciated.
He seems very happy with his decision and maybe I've started him on a new collection!

It meant so much to me to be able to come up with such a gift for him.
He has been a very special part of my life in the past 7 months and has given me so much,
it was nice for me to be able to give something special back to him.

Your gallery was truly amazing and having an art background myself, I so appreciated the fine quality and craftsmanship of your inventory. I wish you much continued success and I hope to see you again when we participate in the art walks in the near future.

My warmest regards....

Bev 3/15/10

I just had to brag . . . people are loving our gallery and the art that is in it. I will be including more comments from our clients soon!

More Glass!

Glass!

Think positive thoughts! Get that good energy flowing!

FLOWING is the key word when it describes glass.

Glass has been around since the beginning of time.

In Ancient times people found two forms of natural glass. When lightning strikes sand, the heat sometimes fuses the sand into long, slender glass tubes called fulgurites, which are commonly called petrified lightning. The terrific heat of a volcanic eruption also sometimes fuses rocks and sand into a glass called obsidian. In early times, people shaped obsidian into knives, arrowheads, jewelry, and money. It is unknown exactly when, where, or how people first learned to make glass. It is generally believed that the first manufactured glass was in the form of a glaze on ceramic vessels, about 3000 B.C. The first glass vessels were produced about 1500 B.C. in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The glass industry was extremely successful for the next 300 years, and then declined. It was revived in Mesopotamia in the 700's B.C. and in Egypt in the 500's B.C. For the next 500 years, Egypt, Syria, and the other countries along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea were glassmaking centers.

Ancient Rome - traders of glass traveled the dirt roads from settlement to settlement. "Roman Glass" is now sold in, sometimes, very expensive gold or sterling silver settings. No one truly knows whether this kind of glass was really made by Romans - according to what I've read, it has more to do with the method of melting and pouring the glass. If "Roman Glass" jewelry were actually made by Romans it would be an antiquity, and most would not be able to afford to buy it.

Today, Glass has been refined,. Methods of making glass have been perfected.

Beach Glass - another type of glass which is used in jewelry. Drill it, and it becomes the focal point in earrings or necklaces. This kind of glass can be found on most beaches, the water and sand capture, tumble, soften edges, of broken pieces of glass. Sometimes it take a very long time to find that softly etched, perfect piece of Beach Glass, The quick method of getting a similar look is to use a diamond burr to soften the edges and then etch the glass using a mordant available at most craft stores.

Fused Glass - also used in jewelry requires one to take small pieces of glass, stack it up like a sandwich - heat in a kiln until it becomes molten. This kind of glass is fun.

Blown Glass - this type of glass fascinates me, you blow though a long tube after getting the glass at the end of the tube hot enough for it to flow. Beautiful pieces of art are made by this method.
We currently carry a nice variety of examples at Eye Candy Gallery.

Tremont Art Walk
Friday, March 12th

Spring is only 17 days away! March 20th is the magic day. Whether we will get rid of the snow by then, or add to the piles is the question. But, there is no doubt that Spring brings more people to the Tremont Art Walks.

Once the weather gets warmer, Eye Candy Gallery will feature live music outside, maybe inside if it's raining. The music just adds to the festive atmosphere. People walking around, looking at great art, buying their favorite art. There is such a variety!


Don't forget, we are featuring SCULPTURE this month.
Whether the sculpture is for indoors or out, it's always interesting .
We currently represent several sculptors, all do something different.

Thomas Ott - sculpture for the wall, table or shelf - some even framed and made of paper.
Randy Oldrieve - large, carved, wood, stone, glass - WOW!
Gary Mazurowski - wall sculpture, occasional tables , coffee table and tabletop .

I can't believe how quickly time flies! It has been nearly a week since I updated the blog. I wonder, how do I know that anyone is reading or even looking?

The gallery lost power today, so Bob closed early. There is no reason to stay open when there is no heat and no lights. But, there were a few brave souls who wandered in during the day.

I'm wishing the snow stops . . . I will have Caribbean music playing to remind me that some places are actually warm. I'd love to be one of the divers in the acrylic painting by Eric McAfee.

What a BEAUTIFUL Friday - the sun is so bright! It almost looks like spring. The temperatures are still in the 30's, although it's warm enough for some melting to happen!

For those who are Irish or Irish wannabe's we now carry handmade blank cards. These are beautifully, hand crafted by: Mike Bizup of Cleveland, Ohio. I've included an image of just a few of the cards. All are "one of a kind."

Mike also makes "any occasion" cards - his cards retail for just five dollars

Finally, a day of SUNSHINE! I almost forgot what it looked like when it's sunny.

Cigar Box guitars - we have a nice variety of hand built electric Cigar Box guitars. Built by Marty Strauss -of course he would be a musician and Marty Wallace - Marty is also a musician. Both are from N. E. Ohio

Some of the guitars are self contained - they have the amplifier built in, others can be plugged into an amplifier. Either way they sound great. Tuned to "open E", played using a slide. Fun for those who play or collect.

Spring - Jewelry Classes at the Brecksville Center for the Arts.

It's snowing again . . . I'm wondering if it will EVER stop? Do we realize that there is a difference between Climate change and weather change? Maybe if I were a skier I would appreciate longer winters.

For more information, visit: www.BrecksvilleArts.org. The class is not just for experienced people, but I ask that beginners who sign up, to PLEASE have a "simple" design in mind. Most students finish more than 4 projects during the 8 weeks.

Questions?  Please contact me via email:  EyeCandyGallery@Gmail.com    Thanks!

It's a game . . .

Today, I'm reading many posts about "I don't care about your Farm, Zoo, Mafia, whatever" game on Facebook. I find it interesting that I continue to get daily quotes which make little sense from people who refuse to join in games. Now there is even advice on how to Hide what you don't want to receive. Isn't that called "censorship?" This social network should be a game of "give and take" just like in life and business. . .

Speaking of Business, March, the "Sculpture" month at Eye Candy Gallery will feature some exciting work. I'm offering a peek to those who may be interested. . .

The pieces shown above, are done by Randy Oldrieve and others are done by Thomas Ott

Almost Valentines Day

It seems that the snow will never stop. Earlier today, as I looked out the gallery window, the sun was shining and the flakes were huge. It gave me the impression of a "snow globe", those silly things filled with water and glitter that when shook gave the appearance of a snow storm in a glass container.

Flowers were delivered - red roses and red carnations - what a surprise. No, the flowers were not for the lady of the house -- instead SHE sent flowers to HIM. He loved that.

The gallery is filled with beautiful things for loved ones.
This is my first attempt at blogging . . . I'll be back with more!