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Masterful Marbles

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wp62b99264I recently picked up the latest issue of World Art Glass Quarterly magazine. It’s their anniversary issue and is full of some of the most incredible glass art I’ve seen in a long time. You’ve got the regular cast of masters… Dale Chihuly and Paul Stankard as well as The Lundberg Studios. Many artists are shown. The marbles of Mark Matthews really had me mesmerized. The detail and craftsmanship of these marbles is incredible. Sure he does twists with complex canes of filigrana, but his geometrics and his animal prints are breathtaking.

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Check out his web site to see more of his work and get some of his history. The page of animal spines known as the Life and Death series, where he collaborates with blacksmith Joel Sanderson are incredible. The combination of the marbles and the metal work so well together.wp6b0567de

I find his work compelling and inspiring. It makes me want to get on the torch and play. Maybe I’ll get a little marble out of it.

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Sweet Cookie Embroidery (Japanese Edition)

“Sweet Cookie Embroidery (Japanese Edition)” by nashi is a Kindle-exclusive Japanese craft book that introduces readers to the art of Totsuka embroidery through the lens of confectionery-inspired designs. The book showcases the delicate and charming icing cookie designs of sweets artist KUNIKA, translating them into embroidered accessories using simple stitches.

The book features a collection of designs inspired by KUNIKA’s icing cookies, rendered through Totsuka embroidery techniques. Each design is accompanied by clear instructions and illustrations, making it accessible even to beginners. The use of embroidery threads, beads, and pearls adds depth and texture to the creations, enhancing their visual appeal.

The designs are characterized by their simplicity and elegance, reflecting the aesthetic of KUNIKA’s original cookie art. The Totsuka embroidery technique employed is straightforward, utilizing basic stitches that are easy to follow. This approach ensures that both novice and experienced embroiderers can enjoy the projects.

While specific user reviews for the Kindle edition are limited, the book has been positively received in other formats. For instance, a review on Japanese Creative Books describes the designs as “lovely simple designs, a bit limited but completely worth the money if you like the style.” The reviewer also notes that the book offers “the best prices for Japanese embroidery books.”

“Sweet Cookie Embroidery (Japanese Edition)” by nashi is a delightful resource for those interested in combining the art of embroidery with the whimsical charm of confectionery designs. Its clear instructions and appealing projects make it a valuable addition to any craft enthusiast’s collection.