Some Things Really Are Better Less Than 6"

I gotta be honest with ya. Until now, the only miniature paintings I've ever seen are exquisite pieces done by village artisans in rural India (of course brought to the big city for sale). Just incredible. The beauty and intricacy of these tiny pieces is mind-blowing. Never thought I'd see that anywhere else.

Enter my friend Melody Lamb - did I mention she uses India ink? Good segue way. Seriously, you have to check out this very talented artist - she is blessed with a crazy steady hand to carve out beautiful paintings in the form of ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions, & Originals about the size of a hockey card) - yeah, I just learned what that meant too. Wonderful renditions of fawna and fantasy. This lady's got a blog, a website, an iphone app, a twitter profile, a book she's illustrated, magnets, ornaments, OH MY! Hey who knows, if you come up with another great idea, she might even load that up too! ssssshhh, don't tell her I said this, but maybe you can ask if she takes requests - you know like for special occasions or special people...

Yes she is an extremely talented artist, but what impresses me most is the kind of person she is. She's a hard working stay at home mom, a giving human being, and a truly supportive friend to many. Check out this great miniature artist and spread the word!

Diamonds

From myths about diamonds warding off evil, curing illness, and casting spells to its magical draw of beauty and mystique, diamonds are one of the most interesting gemstones man has ever encountered.

The early history of diamonds always speaks about India - even the largest diamonds today come from India (the Koh-I-Noor and the Hope Diamond). Diamonds were valued for their ability to refract light, their strength to mark hard metals, and their beauty (not to mention the myths too). Soon spurred by the value of diamonds and the limited supply, the east enjoyed a very prosperous trade economy. Diamonds were given as gifts to royalty, used for trade, and considered a source of wealth. India was the only place diamonds were available until about the late 1860's at which point a new source was discovered in South Africa - unfortunately these diamonds have been referred to as blood diamonds. There have also been other sources unearthed around the world, but not in great quantity.

This much coveted stone has received much press from its initial discovery. Diamonds continue to captivate audiences everywhere!

Indian Weddings

Have you ever seen the vibrant, breathtaking colors of the saris and jewelry in an Indian wedding? Absolutely stunning! Ruby, emerald, sapphire, gold, bright orange, the deepest of reds...all woven together in beautiful embroidered patterns of bursts and paisley, studded in yards and yards of the most exquisite silk fabric - silk like you've never seen before. And the exquisite jewelry! Of course traditionally it's always been pure gold, but now with the birth and growth of beautiful imitation, it gives the wearer of the jewelry a bit of a break in terms of weight and cost. Each outfit is just an absolute magical combination of color and while we might think the adjacent colors may clash, somehow they come together beautifully. It's a time of joy, spirit, celebration, and unity - all so reflected in wardrobe!