Sweet and Pretty . . . take 3

Today’s helping of Sweet and Pretty is actually a collection or treasury of items discovered by Bella of Allami. While the grouping is definitely inspired by Russian matryoshka dolls (you know, the nesting ones you played with as a child), the items would be perfect for a nursery or little girl’s room. All well priced, these are sure to bring whimsy and delight to any princess, no matter the age.

One of the items that really got my attention was this painted horse box by GoodWoodDogs. Other than being pink and girly and a great place to store special trinkets, the hand crafted, hand painted pine and basswood treasure is made by a father - daughter team. The father is a retired chemist-turned-artist.  Dad does the carving, daughter does the painting. Which I think is just great, and adds a bit of back story to the item.

In a time where more and more children’s toys are mass produced, it’s so nice to see hand-made items with care and attention to detail . . .and no batteries required.

Wooden Wings by Jason Tennant

I’m not a fan of hanging antlers or stuffed large mouth bass on the walls of my home. It’s just not my thing. I’m also not a huge fan of Native American art, with the exception of British Columbia’s own late Bill Reid.

However, that being said there is an amazing grace and beauty to these wood carvings by Jason Tennant. While I reallize they are indeed complicated and well thought out with great attention to the details within the wood, it is this exact focus on the natural elements that lends to the elegance and almost simplistic grace of these pieces of art.

Jason Tennant received his BFA from Indian University of Pennsylvania and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in sculpture and a minor in drawing. He then went on to a full teaching gig in 3-D design at the University of Buffalo in addition to travelling through South America. He now holds a MFA from the State University of New York at Buffalo as well as a Art Teacher Certification.

Mr. Tennant has been featured in many art gallery and museums throughout the state of New York and his sculptures have made their way into several private collections. He currently is the creative force behind From Waters and Woods, a series od sculptures and paintings that represent plants and animals native to North American woodlands and waters.

Mr. Tennant also has a selection of art pieces available for purchase under his shop jasontennant on one of my favorite websites, Etsy.