The Moment is Now

I spend so much time thinking about what next that I often don't notice what I am doing at the moment. I am working on relaxing my mind so I can be open to the flow. Seems like when I am creating something the hours in my studio fly by.

My creative process, great learning resources, and ways to help the planet by repurposing are the theme of this blog. You are about to enter "the world according to Jan." Hope you find it a-musing.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Inspiration found while walking through the woods

 Art focused on the natural world is my passion. I care about the planet, our Mother, and instead of buying materials like gemstones and precious metals I try to upcycle and recycle as much as possible.  For years, I have been making one of a kind jewelry pieces from recycled materials. Like these tin pendants and talisman in this picture.

 Recently I have noticed that some of the cuttings from our grape vines look like human figures.  This was my inspiration for making Forest Fantasy figurines.  Notice the nice derriere on this grape vine. cutting.


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I live in a grove of majestic old oaks on the edge of forest land.  Each afternoon I take my dogs for a hike in the woods.  While walking, I pick up moss, lichen, fungi and interesting textures I find on the forest floor.  I even found a mouse head which you can see on this figurines head. Expand the photo and you will see why those rodents can eat your wall.  Those are some sharp teeth.  

While I buy the doll parts from local resale shops, I tend to modify them some to make them look "scarier" .  A few facial tattoos made all the difference on this one.