Flotsam and Jetsam NY

Schadenfreude at Sea Shepherds Scuttle

2011-12-30T04:50:00.000-08:00

reposted from OLD SALT BLOG.The reality TV stars, the Sea Shepherds, took their newest speed boat, the Brigitte Bardot, out on the Southern Ocean recently, which proved to be more than it could handle. The Brigitte Bardot reportedly cracked its main hull and severely damaged the port pontoon in heavy seas. No crew were reported to be injured and the boat will return to Freemantle Australia for repairs.The Brigitte Bardot is the ex-Ocean_7_Adventurer, a high-tech 115 ft stabilized monohull twin diesel powered vessel built built to circumnavigate the world in less than 80 days. (It succeeded in rounding the world in 74 days in 1998.) The Sea Shepherd’s acquired the boat after sinking their previous speed boat, the Ady Gil, the ex-Earthrace, a biodiesel powered wave-piecing trimaran, which completed a circumnavigation in just 60 days 23 hours and 49 minutes.Sea Shepherd anti-whaling boat damaged by waveContrary to their claims, the Sea Shepherds do effectively nothing to protect endangered whales by their use of vigilante violence. While we do not support the continued Japanese whaling, the minke whales being hunted by the Japanese are not endangered, while the Sea Shepherd violence violates the Law of the Sea and risks the lives of sailors on both sides of the conflict. While we oppose whaling, violence against seafarers of any nation is not an acceptable nor an effective means of enacting change.We need a Real Do Gooder to erase these Assholes of the Sea once and for all. Two boats down, one blow hard named Paul Watson to go.

Up Close and Personal with Catbird

2011-10-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Catbird for the fantastic coverage!!!!!

Read the rest here.

There will be Rum

2011-10-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, Customers, and people I have not seen in a coons age.Come help to celebrate the opening of the studio and test the weight limits of the building!Friday, October 21st 20117:00 and after.311 East Broadway, 5th Floor, New York NY 10002(creepy old building with the gargoyle above the Ritualarium)Lower East SideIf you are taking the Subway nearest stop is East Broadway on the F TrainHope you can make it

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Red Tides, Electric Blue Nights

2011-10-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

As a Red Tide Washed the shores of Southern California yesterday, the heavy concentration of bioluminescent life made the waves glow electric blue by night. a mysterious, beautiful beach death cloaked in phosphorescence.

Message in a Bottle

2011-10-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Harold Hackett of Prince Edward Island in Canada has a hobby of tossing bottles in the sea.Of his 4,800 messages he has received 3,100 replies. For a heartwarming story check out the BBC interview here

The Empire Strikes Back

2011-09-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday September 13th join Josh Fox, Gasland, probably Mark Ruffalo and many other sane people in taking the time to tell your leaders to stop being short sighted. So What the United States has pockets of natural gas beneath its beautiful mountains? It also has tremendous amounts of sun soaking its lower half and wind blowing from coast to coast. Hydrofracking is earth rape. It promises to poisin the our drinking water and this is a small part of its intended environmental crimes.Please take a moment to call the whitehouse 212-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 or send an email through the whitehouse contact pageIf you live in NY State, contact Cuomo 212-681-4580 or 518-474-8390 or email.Learn more on United for Action's website.

The Crabs are Coming!!!!

2011-09-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

The crab series began years ago- having found a perfect crab on the beaches in Montauk. In my laboratory/studio I have dissected their legs and bodies and re-arranged them and the franken-crab series continues to evolve.Early in the summer work began on wrapping claw rings, with hopes of completion during the Cancer Zodiac sign. Instead it looks like these will be ready to march with the Christmas Island Crabs!!!! Marching into stores in a few weeks.

Ram Head Well Mounted

2011-09-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

Walking around Tompkins Square Park the other week, surveying the downed trees from Irene and the flora and fauna of rats, walked past this amazing hood ornament.

Pirate Ship Earrings and Spanish Galleon Pendant on Trend De L Creme

2011-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea, and, as "Earth-Shaker," the creator of earthquakes. So, unlike his singularly-gifted co-gods, Poseidon was bestowed the ability to unleash his fury on land and at sea. So, it's no surprise that, only a week after the strangely unexpected earthquake centered in DC, a hurricane is now barreling towards the eastern coast. A clear indication that he's up to no good, and probably just getting started. So, friends, it's time to batten down the hatches in Boston while Hurricane Irene does her dirty work. (Does anyone else find it odd that Irene comes from the Greek Eirene which means "peace" ??)

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Qaddafi's Mermaid Couch

2011-08-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

He had Good taste in Body Guards and Guilt Couches

DEEP BLUE HOME: SEA WOMEN

2011-08-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

DEEP BLUE HOME: SEA WOMEN: "In southern Japan women freedivers have been collecting the flora and fauna of the sea for 2,000 years. Traditionally..."

Brave New World

2011-07-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the fantastic piece by Stewart C. Prager, "How Seawater Can Power the World"
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/11/opinion/11Prager.html

The Boxes Are In!

2011-07-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ordered in February----received in June....worth the wait......still waiting on ring boxes...
but happy all the same.

Mark Motherbaugh Does Wallpaper

2011-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Mark Motherbaugh of DEVO and amazing sountrack making fame has designed wall paper.
Check it out

So beautiful it hurts

2011-06-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Blogworld Darling Hollister Hovey shared this with the world today, and I am following the lead.
Austria, epicenter of high culture is preparing for their opera festival Bregenzer Festspiele, where they perform opera on floating stages. Just when you think humanity is a sinking ship, you become aware of something so beautiful and inspiring happening somewhere in this world.

Check out stage sets of the past and be amazed.

Pirates in Paris on the Cherry Blossom Girl

2011-05-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Blue World Ring rears its brassy head again. Thanks to The Cherry Blossom Girl and a perfect kick off to summer photoshoot PIRATE IN PARIS!!!!

South Street Seaport Seamonster.....or Sturgeon

2011-05-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

On the little beach beneath the Brooklyn Bridge lied a leviathan, swollen and smelling and swimming no more. Its head was flat like an eel and body covered in scutes like Dinosaurs.
Turns out it was a Sturgeon in the East River.

S.O.S. Save our Seaport

2011-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

During the Winter of 2011 the South Street Seaport Museum closed its doors to the public. Since March the Historic Bowne Print Shop, tours of the Tall Ships: Peking and Wavertree, The Hellen McAllister Tugboat, Ambrose Lightship and sailboats Lettie G. and Pioneer are no longer open to the public. Attempts have been made to send the modest collection of ships representing New York's Maritime History away from New York City's downtown.
Join the Many Volunteers that have preserved these traditions of nautical wood working, printing, sailing, and educating youth about the East River's Ecology rally to re open the museum and the ships. If you can not attend the rally, join Save Our Seaport and see how you can get involved.

Sunny the Seal Sleeping in the Sun

2011-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam docks in Red Hook

2011-04-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam NY will be carried in the amazing Metal and Thread store in Red Hook Brooklyn. 398 Van Brunt Street. The shop carries work by the artisan owners as well who make amazing quilts and chain mail jewelry.

Its Alive

2011-04-14T05:32:00.000-07:00

Dutch Kinetic Sculptor Theo Jansen builds beasts that with help of the wind propel themselves along the dunes.

Expedition to the South Bronx and Spanish Harlem

2011-04-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

Pointed the car north to the South Bronx this morning to crawl through the exotic wood warehouse of Rosenzweig Lumber. Walked the corridors surrounded by planks of zebra wood, weng, mahogany, bass, walnut and cherry and chose a selection of walnut for its strength, affordability and dark wood grained expressions. We hauled the wood next door to Jose, master carpenter of the South Bronx to cut and join and rip and round the wood into a workbench. Lunch was a dark wooden spot for the truck drivers, police officers and EMTS that found their way to this short order cook and gravy haven that may have been called Mary L's.
Harlem was on the way home with a terrifying walk through Demolition Depot, being chased by the house cat, and wondering if the building crammed full of artifacts would collapse any second (like their former location "Irreplacable Artifacts" actually did.
Photographic Evidence below.

The Boy with the Pearl Earring

2011-04-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

An Obvious Title for a not so obvious new Talent I came across. Johnny Quinlan, wearer of The Pirate Ship Earring with Pearl, possessor of a very strong, powerful voice and nimble piano playing fingers. Singer of a dark-post-punk-meets-synth-pop band, Revel Hotel, playing Don Hills April 20th at 10:00. For those who still enjoy a band that not only plays well but brings style to the stage, it should be a great show.

Photo by Emily Strange Photography

Sea Organ Croatia

2011-04-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Carrie Barrett's world of curious wisdom for turning me on to the Sea Organ in Zadar Croatia, playing the sound of the Adriatic Sea meeting the land.

James Demaria brings his second Second Line To Coney Island

2011-04-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Shipwreck Furniture

2011-03-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Where land meets the sea, many gifts often wash ashore. From Rubber Duckies

inside capsized shipping containers to your life's calling. That was the case for Nic Kruger of South Africa, who came across the carcass of the shipwreck Kunene. While her bone- like boards were drying in the South African Sun, they spoke to him. He carried the ship skeleton home to his workshop. The Kunene was built for sea fishery patrols, but like all ships, her careers changed many paths before she sank in the ship retirement home that was her harbor. Now her boards, vessels of sea stories fashioned into tables continue their lives, revived by the craftsman of Shipwreck Furniture.

First Studio Visit

2011-03-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

If the studio were a ship, and most everything can be likened to a ship, Yesterday I watched for my first passenger. From the iron railing on the downstairs street prowl I met the lovely and talented Daisy Press, Master Modern Vocalist, and welcomed her aboard. She purchased a Spanish Galleon Ring, of course, that she will wear as she tours with Chromeo. We rose to the crows nest and watched the suns light go down and the lower east side light up. We spoke of her unique childhood touring with her parents and Neil Diamond and discovered that we had most definitely been in the same places before as Neil Diamond was my first concert. We spoke of places never been and books to be read. Daisy's wide range of musics mastered can be experienced by all on her website, visit and be seduced by song

Salt Cell for Cherry Blossom Girl

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

The Sea Horse Salt Cell gets its 15 minutes....and beautiful photographs used in its glory....as a salt cell. It also comes in handy as in ink well for illustrators. Thanks to Cherry Blossom Girl Blog. Inspirations from this cell are from Benvenuto Cellini, mannerist master. Most of his work was melted, while he loved creating beautiful objects for his patrons, he also had a penchant for the equivalent of bar fighting of his day, backtalking to cardinals, and swashbuckling and was known to melt most of his metal for battles. A true Renaissance man, he created timeless sculptures of Perseus slaying Medusa for the Piazza Del Signore in Florence. The infamous salt cell was stolen. Operas were made. His legend as a master metalsmith, swashbuckler, author, creator of highly valued stolen objects continues... in life and in his homages like Flotsam and Jetsam's salt cell.

The Oldest Living Things in the World

2011-02-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

View The Oldest Living Things in the World in a larger map

Rachel Sussman travels the world, documenting the oldest living things in the world. Did you know brain coral can be 2000 years old?

Love Note Lockets are spreading across the City

2011-02-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the lovely Catbird of Williamsburg and Dave Arman, bike messenger extraordinaire, and today, Cupid.
An early morning marriage proposal and an evening surprise is under way.
Its shaping up to be a very special Valentines Day.

The Lovely Dana Varon

2011-02-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

Seen in "I want to be her," blog by Ebay Fashion Editor Andrea Linnet. Thanks for including the Spanish Galleon Ring in your lovely outfit.
When not performing her music and acting in movies, Dana also concocts perfume called Doll. Her intoxicating aromas can take you to that island far away.

Edward Hoppers Beautiful Solitudes at the Whitney

2011-01-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Old Man and the Nile

2010-12-23T05:46:00.001-08:00

Mr Pastore and his beautiful houseboat in Cairo in the NY Times. Amazing.

Flotsam and Jetsam NY in January 2011 Lucky Magazine

2010-12-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

This months issue of Lucky Magazine is featuring shopping in Dallas. Thanks to the amazing store, The Shining for carrying our work in their Natural History Museums meets jewelry and design store.

Peter Francisco

2010-12-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Inspirations for the Armada Collection....

As a child my grandmother would tell us the local legend of Peter Francisco.

It was a story she unearthed while preparing to teach local history for Hopewell, Virginia. She lit the fires of many children’s imaginations regaling the tale of a little boy put ashore in 1765 on the docks of City Point. The jettisoned child was wearing silver buckles and velvet pants and speaking a language no one understood. Later they discovered it was Portuguese, and he was abducted by pirates from his parent’s home in the Azores They believe while traversing the Atlantic a great storm was endured and like the biblical story of Jonah being offered to the Sea, he was expelled from the ship and the proverbial whale that absorbed him were the colonies of what would become the United States.

A painting of a little boy on the dock watching his captor’s ships sail away hung on our walls and reminded me of the tragic beginnings of this boys life and the adventures that begin at sea. The beautiful crucifix-like masts of the Pirate ships told the story every day of the most interesting occurrence on the banks of the James River since Pocahontas spared the life of Captain John Smith.

Recently I devoured a book entitled, Hercules of the Revolution, a page turning historical fiction by a descendant of the little orphaned boy. It turns out little Peter Francisco led quite the life. Originally he was sold into slavery where he learned the art of blacksmithing. He was greatly appreciated by the plantation owners and fellow slaves as well as a local family for saving their daughter’s life. He grew to be a whopping 6 and half feet of strength and integrity, which drew the attention of patriots like Patrick Henry and others as they planned to assert their freedom against the British crown. Francisco went on to fight in the American Revolution with a 6-foot broadsword custom made for him on the orders of General George Washington. In doing this he earned both his own freedom as well as that of the colonies.

The 6th generation grandson, Travis Bowman, shares his ancestor’s height and charisma. He not only authored the book, he also produced a documentary and travels around the country bringing the story to life for audiences as an actor.

Hercules of the Revolution, a true American legend of Peter Francisco can be purchased here. It is a great stocking stuffer for fans of history and adventure.

Flotsam and Jetsam Holiday Shopping Guide

2010-12-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

We hope this finds you enjoying this holiday season. Here are a few ideas of pieces that make fantastic gifts.
Flotsam and Jetsam NY is offering a discount of 7% off all items in our store.
Enter code: A017G387VY12

Have a beautiful Winter.

1- Seahorse Salt Cell
These salt cells make fantastic gifts for many occasions from house warming to Mother's Day.
Pair it with pink salt for your gourmet friends.
Add it to Mark Kurlansky's book Salt for your intellectual friends.
Purchase it for caviar from Russ and Daughters for an elegant New Years treat.
Mix it with a bottle of india ink for your artist friend.

2- Black Arm and Chandelier
Black Arms are sold individually and come in handy as key and necklace holders.
The dangling Chandeliers are perfect for displaying earring collections.
*Arms are $90, Chandeliers are $90, Sold together they are $180
They are perfect for the person who has everything, or perhaps even too much of everything.

3- Gazelle Earrings
These animal totems lend beautiful brutality to those that wear them.

4- Lancelot Monkey Ring
Affordable, Comfortable, Adjustable. Memorable.

Early Mermaid Illustrations

2010-11-11T02:32:00.000-08:00

from webblog, Pink Tentacle, These mermaid illustrations are very Edvard Munch.

Jettisoned Johnny

2010-10-09T15:59:00.001-07:00

I first met Johnny Gallo when I first walked in to the Montauk Manor. He was wearing a vintage Hawaiin shirt and dragging a cooler full of lobsters. What other signs does a person need to know when a legend is standing before you? Amongst fisherman he is a known for surviving a sinking fishing boat off the grand banks of Newfoundland and floating on a cooler for a day until he was found. He has placed a deepwater devil anglerfish in the Smithsonian and sings a mean Led Zeppelin karaoke. But last week he was at the Liar's, and he was representing Flotsam and Jetsam NY.

Bora Yoon, the sound of an Angel

2010-10-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Tadao Ando's Temple of Water, Awaji Island, Japan

2010-10-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Tado Ando and Elvis were both truck drivers before finding their life's calling and creating greatness for the world.
Ando was even a boxer at one time. Now he is an architectural conductor directing a symphony of concrete, water
and light. Water Church.

Global Expansion....Part I

2010-10-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

In the coming weeks, lookout for "The World is Yours" collection... It begins with a nod to Tony Montana and Brian De Palma...to the Unishpere of the world's fair... More work and global metaphors to come...

Sun Dog and the Rising Sun

2010-09-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

A Sun dog, scientific name parhelion (Greek for "beside the sun") is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright spots of light
in the sky, often on a luminous ring or halo on either side of the sun.
Sundogs may appear as a colored patch of light to the left or right of the sun, 22° distant and at the same distance above the horizon as the sun, and in ice halos. They can be seen anywhere in the world during any season, but they are not always obvious or bright. Sundogs are best seen and are most conspicuous when the sun is low.
In her history Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance, telling the story of Endurance's ill-fated polar expedition in 1912, Jennifer Armstrong writes:
… All around them, too, were signs that the Antarctic winter was fast approaching: there were now twelve hours of darkness, and during the daylight hours petrels and terns fled toward the north. Skuas kept up a screeching clamor, and penguins on the move honked and brayed from the ice for miles around. Killer whales cruised the open leads, blowing spouts of icy spray. The tricks of the Antarctic atmosphere brought mock suns and green sunsets, and showers of jewel-coloured ice crystals.
The poet Aratus (Phaenomena 880-891) mentions parhelia as part of his catalogue of Weather Signs; for him, they can indicate rain, wind, or an approaching storm.

Taxidermy for Vegetarians

2010-09-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

When we were a young family- I a little girl, Grandpa still around, still with his own teeth, we used to get in the car and drive hours to places to eat. One of these magical establishments worth driving all the way, was Roma's Italian on Connecticut Avenue in Bethesda Maryland. Just inside the door stood a Wild Tiger mounted in an erect pouncing stance. The Tiny restaurant was long and narrow, banquet booths flanked a walkway that threaded through. The walls were guilt leather wallpaper, the booths were old black vinyl. Above each table was an old sepia photo of the owner on Safari holding his weapon and animal trophy, above was the animal mount. In the early afternoon a blind woman entered beneath the pouncing tiger and walked down the aisle to an old piano where she would feel her way across the ivory keys and entertain us as we dined in the Taxidermy Menagerie.

The Taxidermy for Vegetarians series has been a precious memory in my head since childhood and in the works for several years. The Animal Mount Pendants are produced in bronze and silver. They are all also produced in pewter pendants and wall sculptures in varying effects. Gazelle Rings are scampering throughout the world on fingers and postcards, with Botswana Agate and Cats Eye Stones. The final piece will be Gazelle earrings with elegant glass drops... about 3 weeks away.

Perfect for anyone without the heart to kill or room to hang the real thing.

Patterns

2010-09-23T06:04:00.001-07:00

Coney Island Parachute Drop meet
Mesozoic invertebrate, Astrophyton Darwinium.

From the Carving Block

2010-09-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

Last Night Gone with the Wind was on Turner Classic Movies....The perfect inspiration for carving lazy flowing flowers. With candle and chaser and blade more work was done towards the THREE GRACES SERIES. The Three Graces are inspired by the antique arm tie backs and sconces from Rococco days. The single arm holds necklaces. There is a chandalier adornment to hold earrings and shown here is a bouquet of flowers to hang down and hold rings. Named for the three graces who helped the goddess Venus dress in the mornings, these helping hands can make every woman feel a bejewelled beauty. These are off to the caster for first casting. Expected to be finished and for sale in early October.

The September Issue

2010-09-14T15:05:00.001-07:00

Well actually, its the November issue, but its on the stands now...
Check it out....last winter's work.

Cave of the Storm Nymphs

2010-09-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

many thanks to JWC's endless library of art history he calls a brain and his clever insertions of historical beauty to brighten a girls day. and to Sir Edward John Poynter...

A Tale of Two Pianos...

2010-07-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

No visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is complete without a visit to artworks I have come to consider
friends throughout the years. It is sad to say but I probably see some pieces more than friends...one of these is
The Golden Harpsichord of Michele Todini, a baroque masterpiece said to have pushed the envelope in the moments
leading to the invention of the modern piano by Cristofori.
Recently Macedonian Industrial Designer, Apostal Tnovski, has dreamt up the Hydra Piano.
There is a myth saying Lady Gaga was the inspiration and even sadder than visiting works of art more than friends
is the potential that Lady Gaga could be the Catherine De Medici of our times. But this is not a post about pop stars, this is
a post about beautiful pianos....

Liquid Surface Travel

2010-06-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Taking things a step farther, after skimming the surface of the Achafalaya Swamp Basin, it was time to see the Peconic River up close instead of peering from the window of the L.I.R.R. Peconic Paddler is a gas station turned Adventure Sales and Rental Shop in Riverhead Long Island at the mouth of the Peconic Bay that separates Long Island's North and South Fork. It is a business run by Jim Breeman an energetic man who wants to sell the business so he can take people on long distance Kayak trips.
Paddling through the narrow and winding creeks was straight out of the Wind in the Willows. It was the beginning of many more river trips to come. The trip is a dirty one, but someone found the courage to archive it here http://picasaweb.google.com/randyhagerman/PeconicRiverTrip#5387296188354675890

Hightimes Medical Cannabis Cup

2010-06-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

It was a long road and many lessons learned. It was a big step and a challenge. I was fortunate to work with a company in Connecticut who has been in the business since 1798 who employ American Craftsman that polish atop pulpits.
And now it is complete and the first Hightimes Medical Cannabis Cup went off without a hitch.

Armen Ra releases his first album

2010-06-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to see Armen play years ago when he was in New York. It put me in a trance and true to any other addiction, I sought to experience his Aural Enchantments again and again. Somehow I even talked him into coming to Virginia to
play at my first art opening, Hortus Siccus at the Sycamore Rouge. Several years and many accomplishments later he has released his first album, Armen Ra Plays the Theramin. Well done Armen.

the monkeys of Gibraltar

2010-05-30T18:04:00.001-07:00

Many people are drawn to skulls in art and jewelry, I believe an equal amount are drawn to Monkeys, perhaps it is two ways of approaching life. Monkeys are the beginning, and skulls are the end, frolicking in the danse macabre both have a humor to their postures and ways. Throughout June, Flotsam and Jetsam NY will be launching monkeys. shown here are sketches for the monkey ringand monkey earrings/pendants....coming to a store near you.
They will also be for sale at the Renegade Craft Fair and Hester Street Market.

Renegade Craft Fair

2010-05-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam NY will be at booth 114 at McCarren Park
Saturday June 5th and 6th
Come and Visit.

Blue Bayou

2010-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

My partner and crime and I are just back from Lousiana. There will be many posts covering various angles of why this is the most special part of the country. I will save oil rants for another day. "Oil in Nawlins...why, I won't think about that today, I'll think of it tomorrow....at Tara"
Anyhow, we ended our trip by visiting the Atchafalaya Swamp, Americas largest swamp. Having grown up near the dismal swamp, it surprises even myself to find such a place interesting, but I am willing to brave mosquitoes to lay eyes on the careless drapings of Spanish Moss, partake of the roots of the Bald Cypress and I might have the wrong impression, but as long as an Aligator is in the water and I on boat, they are adorable.
This becomes a bit of a travel review, but from New Orleans we took the river road (route 18) and passed all the antibellum sugar plantations of Lousiana with ancient oaks. A truck stop in the south is a surprisingly good meal, as there are not too many places to eat, follow the trucks, they know the roots, generally a sign saying DIESEL and FRIED CHICKEN OR FISH together means good food. The Great River Road lands you in Baton Rouge where Interstate I-10 becomes a beautiful ride, if one can say such things of an interstate. I-10 through these parts is a land bridge over the Bayou. It divides and joins in beautiful curves as your car rolls over the rythmic concrete slabs that are the bridge. If you take this tour, be sure to listen to WWOZ 90.7, New Orleans heartbeat to music for as long as you can pick it up.
We had a crestfallen moment when we arrived for the arranged private airboat swamp tour at McGhees to find after our journey it was cancelled for lack of boats. But partner in crime and I, hereto referred to as PIC, have strange look, generally when something bad happens, it is for our own good, while it seems bad at the time.
We found another place down the street, Atchafalaya Basin Tours, who had things far more together, and houseboats to boot! What we found was beauty and in lieu of 'squitoes, dragonflies galore!
If I were to travel there again, I would face my Cape Fear fears and spend the night and hope De Niro did not come out of the swamp after me. Instead we left and followed good advice to Crawfish USA. Crawfish USA is the equivalent to a German Beer Garden for the South. In a barn like building, they offer boiled (pronounced "bawled" in these parts) seafood, atleast, they do while there is still some left. Tomorrow is another day, today I post the beatitudes of the South, tomorrow the evils of Corporate Control on our Government and their effect on a cultural pulse of America.

after water, bikes are my second love

2010-04-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

And Water Bikes Take the Cake

The Bird is The Word

2010-04-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

Thanks So Much to the Amazing Store Catbird.

In Search of 1950's Florida

2010-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just back from a trip in search of old Florida. Beneath the spanish moss and over roads with dancing heat mirages, through throngs of retirees and snowbirds, and amidst clouds of mosquitoes and love bugs I found it and its called Weeki Wachee Springs.
The Seminole Indians named the waters Weeki Wachee meaning "little spring" or "winding river." Florida is home to many springs that bubble up from the bowels of the earth releasing consistently cool 72 degree waters into the often limestone lined caves and depressions that house them. The results are enchanting blue waters cool in the summer and warm in the winter where many people can snorkel, tube, swim and boat with the native manatees, turtles and occasional alligator.
In 1946, ex Navy Frogman and trainer to Navy Seals in WWII, Newton Perry came across this spring and had a vision. He purchased the land and removed the discarded refrigerators and rubble and begin experimenting with underwater breathing systems. Like Jacques Cousteau, a fellow WWII vet who invented the Aqualung, Perry invented hoses that would supply people in the spring with oxygen enabling them to stay under the surface for long periods of time. He found local beauties and trained them to perform underwater shows and the park opened on October 13th 1947. It is said in the early days that the mermaids of Weeki Wachee would stand near the roadside and lure cars in their bathing suits, like sirens, attracting customers to their shows. Success came quickly as Weeki Wachee became one of the top roadside attractions in America in the 1950's, even luring Elvis Presley to their world of buxom bathing beauties. Throughout the years people have travelled from all over the world for the honor of being a mermaid and they have come to be a dreamy profession like the Rockettes in New York City. The Springs incorporated in 1966 and consist of a population of 9 people and a family of peacocks led by a former mermaid mayor.

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A Tale of Two Oceans

2010-03-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

Its not to say that the Atlantic Ocean is in any way preferable to the Pacific. Although where the Atlantic touches America, the temperature is generally more agreeable and waves softer than the Pacifics cold kisses on the California shores. Where the Atlantic Ocean has the Sargosso Sea and Pirate and Drug runner history of the Caribbean, the Pacific has the Pacific Gyre and the Pacific Coast Highways rocky coastline and the ring of fire and the romantic exoticism of the South Pacific.
For your comparison the intended Artwork of Jason De Caires Taylor and tragic vortex of human's waste known as the Pacific Gyre.

The Dawning of Aquarius

2010-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

New York City Mayor Bloomberg and his dead pan Broadway performance in Hair.
I love this man.

black and white liquid beauty

2010-03-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

My eyes are not tip top this week, so sailing through the internet, I borrowed Joel Pickford's.
And what an eye for beauty... Here are a few of his compositions containing water.

Thirsty World

2010-03-24T07:52:00.001-07:00

The April Edition of National Geographic is on the stands. It is all about the most precious element of life...Water. As usual beautiful photos and interesting facts jump from the pages. If you find this months magazine as amazing as I do and wish to read further about the magical properties of water, try The Hidden Messages in Water, by Japanese scientist, Masaru Emoto.

Goddess Dressing

2010-03-21T07:35:00.001-07:00

Announcing the Three Graces: Aglaia beauty, Euphrosyne mirth, & Thalia bounty.
They are arms that can hold necklaces. Plans are to develop add ons to hold
earrings and rings specifically, so everyone can be a goddess getting ready.

St Patrick's Day and the Sea

2010-03-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Now here is a person born of Irish descent to honor, Grace O'Malley," 1530-1603, County Mayo Ireland
Pirate,, Mercenary, Traitor, Rebel, Prisoner, Amuser of the Queen....Woman.
to find out more read on...

Legitimacy

2010-02-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

A special Thank you to Tugboat Captain William E Clifford-for buying his Valentine
the Stormy Sea ship bracelet-A narrative for the wrist...and for the swell hat-
I am looking forward to that Tugboat Ride in the Spring....

In What seems like the Endless Winter, a reflection on the Endless Summer

2010-02-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

When I was a teenager and really starting to notice guys-I only noticed the ones at the beach, with long hair kissed by the sun, tangled like seaweed from the salt of the sea and shoulders sculpted from days spent paddling into the ocean on a surfboard. The outfit of choice was Birdwell's Beach Britches
While these days Mind tops Muscle in lists of charming qualities, I prefer a surly writer or geeky ham radio enthusiast to beach bum any day, I still try to convince said Men of Pen to wear the retro beach get ups.

If you have never heard of Birdwells, check them out-they are the Dr Bronners of swim attire-
They are a company with a simple and timeless product, a credo of how they work and lots of
unsolicited dogma on their website, letting the world know exactly who they are dealing with.
Like Dr Bronner---its a new thought movement and great product rolled in one.

Gazelle Ring

2010-02-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Diablo Rojo

2010-02-05T04:05:00.001-08:00

Predatory jumbo flying squid invade California waters ">

Beach Party HorroR!

2010-02-02T14:54:00.001-08:00

Piglet Squids & Dumbo Octopus!

2010-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

This Week in Time Out New York

2010-01-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the ladies over at Plum Boutique on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side-The Stormy Sea Cuff is featured in this week's
Time Out New York Magazine. This cuff is available in bronze and rose gold plated pewter with black enamel.

Colonel Mustard Did it in the Conservatory

2009-12-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Announcing the Clue Charm Murder Weapon Series

Captain Sully Baby Spoon

2009-11-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

This was a design in the making for a long time...long before the Hero Sullenberger landed the plane on the Hudson River.
However, it came to fruition around the same time, and speaks to the herores in all of us, or the unborn heroes of the future.
So, here is the Captain Sully baby spoon-to inspire the little ones in your life...or just make eating more magic.

and really great Octopus Chandeliers

2009-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

Apparently there is a genre of Octopus Chandelier art.
Here are the masters of the Style.
Abstract Black background with white sea creature lights a la Timothy Horn.
Glossy Octopus Chandeliers by Adam Wallacavage.

Octopus Chandaliers

2009-11-29T05:20:00.000-08:00

From a Seller on Etsy, Found through a great blog Craftastrophe.

From The Corning Glass Museum

Catbird NYC

2009-11-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

My latest store, Catbird NYC, has relaunched their website.
They have a great selection of goods from secretary pen necklaces ala Mad Men
to great, I am a french whore that doesnt like washing my hair, hair powder.
Please to enjoy.
https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=116

Finally, the torques are ready

2009-11-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

these pieces were originally created in steel. While studying Blacksmithing with Bob Oakes at the Cold Hanworth Forge and Blacksmithing School in Lincolnshire, UK, we twisted steel bar, hammered out the edges and created the models. It took years and hundreds of dollars to mold them from steel, to bronze and finally to pewter. They are coming out now in all one of a kind necklaces called BLACK BONES. The pewter and bronze chain are arranged and finally dipped in gunmetal, gold, and rhodium finishes, for everyone to frugally fabulous in time for the Holdiay Party Season.

inspiration

2009-09-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Flemish art. Having worked in Amsterdam for several years, I came to appreciate the great contributions of the Dutch and their predecessors, the Flemish. Heirynomous Bosch is one of the most amazing artists to have ever lived. If only he could have made films. But his restraints helped him create the most amazing visual narratives perhaps ever painted. Necessity is the mother of invention.
In his wake, Jan Van Eyck maintained that perfect humors of Bosch, and after him Vermeer, painted contrast of light shown through everyday experience years before the invention of the camera.
There are many great works left to create in this world, but for now, kudos to the great work that has come before and Adobe Photoshop, for making silly thought in ones head a reality.

announding the Kingdom of the Seahorse

2009-09-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam started out as Remanja.com in 2005. Since then it has been shifted from a combined name of the designers name, Rebekah combined with the African Sea Goddess worshipped in Brasil, named Yemanja to Flotsam and Jetsam NY. The Seahorse collection was stared then, but has just been punctuated now. Please to enjoy, Rebekah

Stardate: September 13th 2009

2009-09-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Flotsam and Jetsam NY joins blogger. Through this wonderful user friendly platform, we will bring you fresh updates of images and information of new jewelry designs as they happen.
We will also keep you abreast of all press, collaborations, and inspirations.
Thank you for visiting, please join this blog if you would like to watch the tiny little jeweler that could. Thank you for visiting. Rebekah Harris