Handmade Spark » Sarah Ranes

The Psychology of Color

Sarah Ranes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:14:01 +0000

Have you ever stopped to think why you are attracted to certain colors? What do you think your color preference says about your personality? I did a little bit of research into how different colors influence our feelings and emotions. We usually start our day by deciding what to wear. The colors we choose to wear are a direct reflection of our personalities.

Say for instance you really are attracted to red. Red is a warm fiery color that screams with passion and emotion. It is often used too as a warning signal or as a color to grab someones attention. Red is the most intense of the colors and is even known to increase a persons heartbeat.

Cherry Bomb Necklace by PoleStar

On the other hand there is blue, which generally has the opposite reaction of red. Blue, considered to be the popular of the colors, evokes a tranquil relaxing feeling. It also represents loyalty and strength. It is said to be the perfect color to wear to a job interview.

Hand Painted Silk Scarves by Shailja

Smurfette by tracidawn78

Purple is a mix of blue and red and is known to represent royalty and nobility. It is often associated with magic and spirituality. Purple is said to be rarely found in nature but when it is it is so beautiful.

Waiting purple daisy fine art print by leapinggazelle

Green is a calming and refreshing color and is very easy on the eye. Green can be seen everywhere in nature but it is hard to replicate all the subtle hues. Green currently symbolizes living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Dipping dish leaves in chartreuse by hopejohnson

And then there is orange and yellow, both vibrant happy colors. Warm colors evoke cheerfulness and good feelings. Yellow is definitely an attention getter, orange is a little more subtle but since it is a combination of red and yellow it has both colors properties.

Sun Dance Necklace by earlybirdcreations

Quirky Style

Sarah Ranes — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:40:59 +0000

How would you describe your style? Could it be a wee bit on the quirky side? Would your friends say your taste runs a little bit off center or maybe even say you took a major detour off the main road years ago? Well if this describes you take a look at some of the very “interesting” things I found on etsy.

Doll Parts Print by Youngish

Detour by Frankenkitty

Zombie Love Loopy Art Doll Cake Topper by loopyboopy

in between by ellemoss

Kinswomen by ClownGod

Inspiration

Sarah Ranes — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:19:56 +0000

What inspires you to create? Where does it come from? Is it something you consciously think about or does it just happen? I suppose inspiration is different for everyone. Some people are inspired by the written word.

Nothing happens to any man that he is not formed by nature to bear By pocketfullofpoesy

While others are inspired by the wonders of nature.

Mixed Metal California Sun Cuff by LittleGreenRoom

A Touch of Nature Bracelet by sweetfindings4you

While other may be inspired by their religion or a culture on even a particular country. Inspiration can be found in so many places.

Mary Martha and Jesus by creationsbycurry

Giclee Canvas Catching Desert Dreams by tctalano

French Inspired Copper Necklace by sweetsimple

Celebrate Winter’s Beauty

Sarah Ranes — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:45:15 +0000

Cold Sunshine Snowy Landscape Handpainted Art Journal by UsefulBooks

I know, I know by this time of year most of us who live in cold winter climates are thinking Spring, but let’s take another look at all the beauty winter has to offer. I live in Pennsylvania and we have had more than our fair share of snow this year. Just last night we got a fresh new coating of that glorious white stuff. Snow can be a lot of work and trouble but on the other hand it is amazingly beautiful and inspirational. Just look at all the inspiration it has given all these talented etsy artisans.

Constellations Polar Bear Graphic Illustration by nativevermont

Flurry Scarflette by AllInStitches

New Real Snowflake Photos by piddix

Farm House Fine Art Photography Print by garyhellerphotograph

Snow Filigree Necklace by Floridity

Great Finds with a Theme

Sarah Ranes — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:05:59 +0000

Fern 5×5 angiemuldowney

One really fun way to find great items on Etsy is to start with a theme. Granted if you have a very specific item in mind this isn’t the route to take but if you’re looking for a special unique treasure that maybe you didn’t even know you needed this can be great approach.

I started my search with the word fern and I came up with some really amazing things. After a while I tried searching pottery with ferns and glass with ferns, just to narrow things down a little. I find it inspiring to see all the different mediums and techniques artist use to convey their interpretation of a simple theme.

Fern Earrings TinaFrancisDesigns

Fern Hand Painted Wine Glasses Set marywibis

Original Fern Garden Print Crepe de Chine Silk Scarf Sisadazsy

Meadow’s Edge Cup leavesofclay