New Website for Special J Creations!

Hello again Bloggersphere!

I have finally made the move to having my own URL and Independent online store for Special J Creations. I will also be keeping the Etsy Shop going for now.

New Online Shop Home Page Snapshot and Link for Special J Creations

I am going to use the blog feature that is built into my shop to bring it all into one place where I will also be pulling content from this site as "throwback" posts. I am keeping this wonderfully rich blogger site, too, because it has become a journal of sorts and some of it is more personal than business (especially some of the sometimes "sad poetry", thanks for reading it if you did). I may continue to update here as well, just not quite sure yet!

If you have been paying attention to what I have been up to in the past few years, you may have watched as I became somewhat successful in capturing a piece of a "dream". Realization of the dream and the never ending chase has been a helluva ride full of hard work, plenty of mistakes, love, heartbreak, loneliness, healing and rebirth - and I am sure there will be plenty more along the way.

If you are still tuned in here please feel free to give the new site a visit: www.specialjcreations.com . I welcome your feedback as well!

Thank-you so much for your love and support!

In Trim

Adding to the summer theme here with some more surf-inspired jewelry.
This time influenced by the beautiful lines of a single fin and the smooth, magical feeling of gliding across a wave face in perfect trim.

Shown above is a custom fin made for one of my surf sisters, Arianna from Stay Stoked Photography.
Custom typography is an option for yours, too!

Singlefin Trim Necklaces, Endless Wave Rings and other mermaid delights are available in my Etsy Shop

Photo Cred for photo #6 by Jacko

Atlantic Flavor

Back to my roots this spring and summer here in New England. Combining wampum (carved from quahog shells) with seaglass and precious stones. Melding magical ingredients into bohemian, beachy, mermaid goodness.

Endless Inspiration

It doesn't take much for me these days. Between surfing everyday, treasure hunting and creating - I am keeping busy and keeping very inspired. So much to do, so much to learn and so much to look forward to!

A Few New Works

Recently completed mixed-media compositions created with acrylic paint, acrylic gel medium transfer process and watercolors on canvas. All pieces are 8"x8".

1. Seabirds
2. Dream
3. Rockdance
4. Surf is Swell

You Really Missed It

Dunno about you, but I am not too fond of this scenario. Also, I can't draw hands.

You shoulda been here...

Yesterday
Three hours ago
Last Tuesday
You really missed it.

A year ago
This morning was great
Tomorrow could be good
You really missed it.

Just wait 6 hours
Maybe on the incoming
Maybe on the otherside
You really missed it.

You really missed it.
You really missed it.
Na-na-na na na
You really missed it.

Sea Treasury

Finished up the signage for Mass Surfrider's May Fundraiser and headed out in search of some sunshiney lil longboard waves. Ended up finding way better surf than expected. A sweet session ensued. Love it when that happens.





If you are in Massachusetts on May 10th, 2011, please hop over to the MA Surfrider Fundraiser at Flatbread Company in Davis Square, Somerville. Come enjoy pizza, beverages, and bowling in which a portion of every dollar spent will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation. You will be in good company with loads of other surfers and ocean lovers. Hope to see you there!

Artwork | Fall 2010

Part dreamworld, part memories, part wishes, part love letters. These pieces are inspired by real events: sunshine, ocean waves, a sunny perch, a long road traveled, backyard discoveries, stoked folk and the flatspells in between.

All works are a combination of acrylic pigment transfer, acrylic paint and watercolor mixed with original digital and analog images.


8x8, Sparklebutta


8x8, meet me in Montauk


8x8, Watching over me


8x8, FUN O RAMA


8x8, slider


8x8, Exit here


8x8, live life.

love letter #13

Is November known for it's sunsets or what?

The Hive Grand (re)Opening Show...
Saturday June 12th from 6-9pm

Come on down to help us celebrate new work & our new location (@Art Haven) on Main Street in Gloucester. If you like what we are doing, spread the word and help us build community through creativity. Local food and beverage provided by Alchemy and Cape Ann brewing. Afterparty across the street at Alchemy.

Hope to see everyone out.

180 B Main St. Gloucester, MA 01930
email. thehivecapeann@gmail.com
web. www.thehivecapeann.com

tel. 978 290 3786
fax 815 846 8300

Wordle!

This image was generated through this cool little utility/website called Wordle. i am a total nerd sometimes. Ok... lots of times.

Flat day doodles!

Sometimes a good surf followed by a little down time provides the perfect opportunity to get the creative juices going. I love to fill up these moleskine watercolor journals with colorful doodles inspired by sessions gone by.

Image transfer technique

A lot of folks ask me about the image transfer method that I use in my mixed media paintings. I thought this might be a good place to explain...



The finished artwork begins with a digital "base image". Start by choosing a favorite photo to base the artwork on. I will often digitally enhance/manipulate the image with photoshop until I have the image to where I think it is in the right place. I spend a good amount of time adjusting levels and hues for best printout effects in preparation for printing, often eliminating all but a few colors for the final image.

Once the transfer image is created I print it up at high quality on the inkjet using coated matte photo paper by a company called Great White. This is a type of paper that I heard works really well and it is true. Something about the coating? Note: Remember to flip your image before printing, (since when you transfer it, it gets flipped!).

Once the image is printed, take some acrylic gel medium (I use Golden Brand Matte Medium but I am sure any brand will work) and coat the surface of the image. I usually do two coats, sometimes experimenting with paint on the image as well as gel medium. You can do a lot of experimentation but so far I have found that transfers work best on light vs dark surfaces. Play around with it and see for yourself!

After the image is coated and dry, you are ready to start the transfer process. Brush another coat of gel medium on the artwork and on the receiving surface. Place your image on the surface. Spray down the back of the image with water and use your hands/fingers or the back of a spoon to work out small air bubbles. Paper is more prone to tearing when it is saturated so be careful.

Allow piece to dry overnight.

Once dry, spray down the image again. Select a spot and begin rubbing away the paper - being careful to not overrub too much. I usually choose a corner area. Basically, you are rubbing off the paper and are left with the image transfer which can then be painted on, distressed, layered with other elements, etc.

It takes a little practice but part of the fun is the unpredictability of how it might end up. It is a pretty fun technique!

Mixed Media Artwork

Mixed Media by Special J. A collection of surf art by me. Many available if you are interested! A few are listed on my Etsy site as well. These small works range in size from 4x4 to 8x8 and depict the point of view of a passionate New England surfer. They are mixed media paintings on wood and canvas. Hope you enjoy!