Art Of The Ornament

I have been making ornaments for my Etsy shop as long as I have had it open (2011) and a little before.  I had my work in a consignment shop where I thought about the up coming holiday and what I could do to not only to sell something for the holiday but help decorate the shop for Christmas. Then I thought up my first two ornaments the snowflake and the ball ornament.

   


Then each year I expanded my designs and how I was going to make them. Even incorporating more than wire in the pieces. Like these two pictures below and to the right, the ball ornament with shapes or words added or crystals added to the snowflakes. These ball ornaments went a step further by opening them on  the front side.






I designed pieces that also were for Autism awareness that I collaborated with another Etsy artist Heidi Rowe Clous and here is her shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoKavadesigns . With us both having autistic children and wanting to help raise funds for local and national charities for the cause we created a handful of ornaments over the years. I included suction cups for these to be used as sun catchers as well.

The steps for the creations:

The sketch: Each ornament goes through a sketch phase , basically a line drawing about actual size unless its a huge item like my tree hanging or the star tree topper.  These sketches are pictured to the left, just a few from the past few years I have piled up in my studio. Most of my early shapes were free form designs with out outline designs but I am learning to work with various wire gauges and types or wire like copper coated and aluminum.

 The prototype: I then make a prototype to see if this is even going to look any good. Trust me I have had a few I just tore apart and started new or altered the design slightly because it was not what I had envisioned. Like this new snowflake pictured left there are two tips with just the wire wrapped on them. I did not like it and thought to randomly wrap beads through it, much better! You can see those on the other tips.





Prototypes that didn't hold up or have not made it into production are these two pieces pictured below.  The left bottom piece being made of what is a very thin gauged wire causing the ball ornament to be way too flexible and causing it to be flattened very easily. To the right is a pointsetta flower, a fairly large one too. I was hoping to make these as tree toppers or just ornaments that rest on the top branches. It did not receive a huge positive response so it has been put on the back burner for the future.

 During creation: I then make an outline wire forms and fill in with knitted wire.  Like these pointe shoe ornaments. Then knit my wire to the form like the right picture which is the finished project.























Although I do have more free form shapes like my snowflakes who have gone through changes over the years. For example my red birds have grown as well. Turning into basic to 3D this year!




















Star toppers have changed over the years and I hope to be working on a new topper for next year as well.





















Over the years I have had some favorites of mine and here they are.

Here are a few of this years designs and as you can see a few have pushed me into other wire wrapping techniques besides my knitted style.

I try to challenge myself to try something new each year and build on what I have already tried in the past. I enjoy the challenge and love making them from scratch.There are no patterns to these and I have been asked many times over the years for this. I consider these my little art pieces. Besides, I have no idea how to write a pattern nor do I want to, Sorry.




Another style of ornament I make every year is my scrap wire ornament. No two are alike and I use remnants from other ornaments or star toppers to create these ball shaped ornament. This way no wire is wasted and something beautiful is still made from even the scraps!

I do take suggestions every year and if you follow my facebook page you can always add your suggestions there or even on this blog post.  I want to make items you will love for years to come.  I hope to continue to create for you and your home and love being a part of a holiday that brings about family gatherings, peace, love and happiness. Now onto watching the Hallmark Christmas movies!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeArtbyME

Maritza S. Ruiz Sea Glass Series 5/6

   

 Going down the stairs to sea-glass heaven across
 the street from the Capitolio. ( located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.)  

My name is Maritza S. Ruiz.  I am a sea-glass collector , enthusiastic and seller. I’m also the administrator of a page called Sea-Glass World Wide Lovers on Facebook: 
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/152655714777169/  It has been growing slowly will celebrate 8 years on October 30th of this year, 2018. 

Trying always to please my clients with a grand variation of beach finds.

    I’m known as a hard ball, because I’m not only passionate to share what I do, but serving others while remaining loyal to authentic Sea-glass and the acknowledgement of those who don’t.  I’m loyal , hard working, responsible and have integrity in what I do. This is what I go by and only ask others that want to be members of my page to do the same.  

Photo Left: Posing at the beach in San Juan. (Photo taken by a close friend and sea-glass enthusiastic William Walsh)  

Photo Center: Culinary Arts is a passion I share and comes along with me , while sharing with my sea-glass friends from all over the world. Cooking for others allows me to share personally with them, it’s an added plus for us all. 

Photo right:Sharing the importance of marine life, in keeping in tune with your surroundings while out hunting or just enjoy your time swimming. 

 I currently live in Puerto Rico, came down to live temporarily from CT, where I was born and raised, been here for 35 years. 

My complete family, out on the bay.( before the lost of our older son)
Short after my journey and love for sea-glass and beach findings began.

  I’m a wife and mother of three wonderful Boys, growing up to be remarkable men. One of which parted over 12 years ago, this is where my journey began.

My son John Anthony Hernandez-Ruiz 

After the passing of my son I began to go to the beach to admire its beauty and be where he most enjoyed to be

       After the passing of John Anthony Hernandez Ruiz I was drawn to his favorite place to be, the beach. I wasn’t fond of getting sand all over me, nor did I enjoy the sun. Not knowing that in the future I would have sand in my hair and mouth at times, “willingly” or burn my self repeatedly for not putting limits on my sun exposure.( please always use sunblock and re-apply when need) 

Adding to my passion and enjoying the sunsets, a must.
Luis admiring me, ha! 

  But this journey lead me to my passion for sea-glass that I collected along with my young boys at the time and husband Luis.

This was my first picture that was taken with my haul of the day. “ beach at añasco, PR.
( with the help of my kids ages 10-11 at the time) “2006”

    I collected at first, also made some trinkets and small scale jewelry for family and friends. Mostly shared my findings with others who like me, enjoyed and admired the findings from Puerto Rico. 

Playing, I have made my finds as gifts .My most praised finds are sea-marbles, an old un amberlina reflector light from the early 1920’s-1940’s.

My gift from my husband, a blue stopper in perfect condition. 

               As the years progressed  I went on a web site where I met other sellers, jewelers and enthusiasts that shared this overwhelming passion that was taking control of my time, outings, and even house space.

Walking on the beach in Hatillo
( Photo taken by Tom Leaf) 

My favorite spot: “The Cove”

  

I called it: “Time in a Bottle” bottles filled with tinies.

    My first big project were bottles I filled with tinies found in San Juan for the benefit of an orphanage in Haiti that my close friend was administrating at the time, and actually still is. I became proud of the resource it was giving and allowing me to be a part of.

I have only collected sea-glass in Puerto Rico, but have also extended my search in the Island of Culebras located off the shores of Fajardo.
( Photo taken by William Walsh)

     Can’t forget; She is my greatest supporter and protector. My Perla, my blue nose Pit-bull. 

I have met many people from almost all around the world. Friends that I have hold on to for over 10 years or more. Great opportunities, otherwise would never have exposure to. I treasure each and everyone of them. Thank you! 

~ God has a unique way of healing your heart, and giving you peace. 

From something that has been tossed, broken, lost; has passed through up and downs like we do, in trials and normal life. Only to be transformed at thee end to be a beautiful gem. Something to be admired and cherished~MSR 

 Thank u for this opportunity to share my story and passion of what we do. 



Why I, Melissa purchase from Maritza: I recently found Maritza through her Facebook page in the last year or so. She sells wonderful treasure boxes and beach finds. I made a cute little sea glass terrarium from pieces in treasure box I purchased from her.  She is passionate about sea glass and has a huge heart!  I enjoy seeing her finds and getting to know her more and more each day! 

Here are some pieces Creative Art By ME has made with Maritza's  finds:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeArtbyME