“We are symbols, and inhabit symbols.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
This week’s edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere gets to the meat of the matter: what resides within a tulip’s bloom, microscopic creations derived from ordinary desk implements and the vanitas of one’s tchotckes.
Miniaturist Dalton Ghetti must have the tenacity and patience of a marathon runner. These intricate sculptures are achieved using the graphite found in the head of an ordinary pencil tip. The scale is shocking, to say the least. Ghetti refuses to sell his masterworks — an honorable ideal to uphold — and, instead, only sells photos of his pencils. Wise man. [Via What Possessed Me]
What lies beneath a flower’s delicate exterior? The stamen or pistil, yes, but there’s a more nuanced view to be taken. X-ray fiend Hugh Turvey decided to turn his radioactive rays upon lilies, tulips and the like, and the results are ghostlike. [Via TrendLand]
Skillfully balanced tchotchkes, or something more sinister? James Hopkins’s Vanitas series plays with the concepts of space, balance and life’s instability. (Also, don’t those skulls remind you of the skull-or-little girls optical illusion from the 1800s?) [Via designaside]
Wanna give me some more artsy, style or design blogs to peruse? Leave them in the comments! And check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!
165 comments
Sign in to add your ownsewnewthings says:
Love the plant photography!
1 year ago
DreamzBoutique says:
love this... check this one too.. http://www.etsy.com/listing/52743154/wave-turquoise-and-pearl-necklace-and
1 year ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
The skull shelves are so cool!!!
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Amazing photos!
1 year ago
NaiyaArtBoutique says:
Cant believe this is real!!! everything is just fabulous!! thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
evertonterrace says:
Incredible, all of it. I am in awe of the creativity and artistry of these people. Thanks for showcasing it today, was in need of some inspiration.
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
This is way too cool. Love it
1 year ago
OfTheFountain says:
Those pencils are absolutely ridiculous! Wow. What skill & patience.
1 year ago
BellaPuzzles says:
The graphite sculptures blew my mind. Thanks for this - very thought-provoking.
1 year ago
hungryknife says:
What an amazing post! The carvings are off the hook and those photos are breath taking!
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
My favorite c&sb ever!!!
1 year ago
manvsgeorge says:
Gorgeous eye-candy...thanks for sharing these!!
1 year ago
NorthviewJewels says:
The graphite sculptures are absolutely stunning. The time and effort that went into those pieces shows in the details. Thanks for the inspirational kick :)
1 year ago
kissadesign says:
Love the pencils! Amazing.
1 year ago
motleyme says:
Those miniatures and the flowers are breathtaking.
1 year ago
chARiTyelise says:
i saw those pencil sculptures the other day and they are A-mazing!!
1 year ago
janellelile says:
James Hopkins is a genius! Love the series and thanks for the find...I hadn't seen his work before.
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Love the X-ray photos. Very cool!
1 year ago
jcjewelrydesign says:
Beautiful Work! Amazing talents~
1 year ago
pamwares says:
very cool! love the pencils!
1 year ago
mossylanestudio says:
I can understand why the pencils are not for sale. Flowers are beautiful, inside and out. Time to re-organize my shelf...
1 year ago
VibrantLifeHandmade says:
The pencils are amazing! How much delicate skill and concentration he must have!
1 year ago
HAREandDRUM says:
Fantastic, I love the pencil sculptures!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
me too love the pencils ! Dear Alison such a great post , many many thanks for your time and hard work ! May I say waouhhh :))
1 year ago
earlybirdcreations says:
Wow Dalton Ghetti's work is just amazing. Astounding! Not sure I could have that much patience. Great post as usual :)
1 year ago
enhabiten says:
those pencils are nuts!
1 year ago
EfiaFair says:
Such interesting artists! I have always loved miniatures - Ghetti's work is astounding.
1 year ago
frostingcoutureshop says:
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!
1 year ago
FrillyButts says:
The pencils are unbelievable! The skull shelves are really cool too.
1 year ago
elizabethwrenvintage says:
Brilliant!!!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
JUS BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS !!!!!!!!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
great work!
1 year ago
BeaumontStudio says:
i just learned what a smelt is!
1 year ago
louloudo says:
Hahahaha! I was just about to post about Dalton Ghetti's pencil carvings. Great minds think alike! x
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
We are constantly amazed at the creative mindset of the artist. Here at LeafandInk we are always striving to push the limits. Come view our current collection Stay tuned in with Subscribing to our new blog to keep up with all the new and exciting things we are doing and all that is happening around us here in Portland Oregon USA!!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/52944112/portland-oregon-fine-art-photography We so look forward to getting to know each of you!!! http://leafandink.wordpress.com/
1 year ago
webs55 says:
I am so in love with the perfect expression on the fox's face :)
1 year ago
JanJat says:
And I thought I was patient! Those pencils are absolutely incredible!!
1 year ago
TheBakersDaughterToo says:
I can't imagine the patience needed to create those wonderful pencil sculptures! Thanks so much for sharing!
1 year ago
TheEvesLikeUs says:
Charming finds!
1 year ago
NinaStillStudio says:
Amazing graphite minatures, he must have a super steady hand! And a very clever idea to only sell the images.
1 year ago
RoughGems says:
those pencils and shelves are way tooo cool! thanks yet again for another delightful blogoshpere entry!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
All quite amazing.
1 year ago
skullery says:
love that fox print!
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
I love what you have put together for us. I think this is one of the best collections of cool art work you have shared. And you have shared a lot of GREAT stuff! Thanks!
1 year ago
MireilleLagow says:
Fascinating sculptures!
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
fantastic. i can't believe how intricate and small those graphite sculptures are... amazing. the flower xrays are hautingly beautiful. thanks so much!
1 year ago
emetalworks says:
absolutely amazing work...thanks!
1 year ago
Vanittas says:
Wow...the miniatures of Dalton Ghetti are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
BranchandBirdie says:
Amazing! Cannot believe those pencil carvings!
1 year ago
ktjean says:
this stuff is incredible...you really featured some *great* artwork...truly unique and inspiring!
1 year ago
theeye says:
I love all the photography... just wonderful
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
The pencil sculptures and skull shelves are insane! Always the coolest stuff in these articles! Thank you once again for sharing!!! ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles! <3
1 year ago
SpottedFish says:
Those pencil sculptures are AMAZING, thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
MouseTrapVintage says:
OH BOY! I truly look forward to this post every week, Alison! You find the absolute best things and just deliver them right to my heart. What's better than that, being featured in your collection of Etsy finds!!! MANY THANKS! This is one of my favorites yet (THOSE PENCILS!) :)
1 year ago
tiffanymcfarland says:
What a great way to use all those pencils you've sharpened to a stub, broken off the eraser, or nawed on - Reuse & Recycle, that's great!
1 year ago
artofjane says:
I loved it all!
1 year ago
GoodGriefGlass says:
I'm awestruck by Dalton Ghetti's work.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Remarkable, incredible, sublime pencil sculptures! There's Zen mind in making those. Vanitas, again. I've been thinking about it. This is one the your best, Alison. Thank you!
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
A real eye opener! WOW! Amazing!!!
1 year ago
HoldTheWire says:
You always find such fasicinating stuff! Those pencil sculptures are really amazing! I can't even understand how they could be made. Wow, thanks for posting them. The plant photos are beautiful, too.
1 year ago
tugboatprintshop says:
wow-wee! those pencil sculptures are SUCH a thrill!
1 year ago
quarks says:
absolutely!
1 year ago
labonnefemme says:
The pencils are simply amazing! Thanks for including me!
1 year ago
thehouseofhemp says:
yeah the pencil carvings are absolutely insane - really inspiring in a bewildering kind of way... love them. love them. love.
1 year ago
FoundDays says:
Yes, the pencils are so amazing. They also remind me of Diem Chau's carved crayolas in a way - www.diemchau.com. Thanks for this great article.
1 year ago
FoundDays says:
Yes, those pencils are really amazing. They also remind me of Diem Chau's carved crayolas (www.diemchau.com). Thanks for this great article!
1 year ago
shopgoodgrace says:
Wow! I'm blown away by this edition of "news from the craft & style blogosphere"... those PENCILS!! (The man certainly is talented - and incredibly smart to sell only the images, not the actual works.) And the skull bookshelves...and plant xrays... Amazing!
1 year ago
MyPricelessCreations says:
The Pencils are amazing, Etsy Artists just amaze me at times in the variety of Handmade products that people make. Thanks for the Articles that I and others get to read. I'm always encouraged even when its slow. Thanks for the articles!
1 year ago
StringsnTings says:
Wow- awesome post. I looked through these pictures several times, great job!
1 year ago
sleepymoondesign says:
Holy crap! The detail on those pencils....AMAZING!
1 year ago
ArtistBeingHuman says:
The carved pencil points are so clever, and I love all things botanical... you do find the coolest stuff! :)
1 year ago
treasuredarling says:
LOVE this!!! Especially the skulls....how cool!
1 year ago
ItsQuiteTrue says:
What can I say...it's impressive!
1 year ago
SoPreshDesigns says:
So amazing and creative!
1 year ago
Earthystyle says:
the pencils...all I can say is WOW!!
1 year ago
ecozuzu says:
WOW. James Hopkins's Vanitas series that plays with concepts of space is amazing! Love the skulls. :)
1 year ago
buysomelove says:
very nice work! eye catching, to say the least!
1 year ago
gingeraledesigns says:
how beautifully creative! i love it!
1 year ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Those x-ray photos actually took my breath away. And the pencil sculptures - wow!
1 year ago
Serrelynda says:
Photos Extraordinaire!
1 year ago
etaletc says:
The pencils!
1 year ago
zeropumpkin says:
omg the pencils so amazing 0__0
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Amazing work!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
How skillful the artist of the graphite sculptures are! He could be a surgeon !
1 year ago
fadefade says:
The pencil pieces are so whimsical.
1 year ago
TeenahTime says:
picture my jaw dropped.
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
As usual, you delight and inspire with your choices TA. My friend who is a miniaturist DPKministat on Etsy will go bonkers for Ghetti's work. Love the negative style photos!
1 year ago
chanyeevon says:
The pencil carving is soooo awesome!!!! I'm so stunned and speechless! How on earth did the artist make that?
1 year ago
SundayTreasures says:
love all sly fox's......very inspirational
1 year ago
whimhandmadejewelry says:
This is brilliant -- so creative! It's always nice to see fresh, completely unique art! I saw a line of jewelry once that resembled the photographs of these pencil sculptures. It was an odd thing; not something I would consider doing in MY jewelry, but it was certainly interesting to look over. Again, wonderful art. Every time I think I've seen it all, this blog proves me wrong!
1 year ago
whimhandmadejewelry says:
Amazing work! I always love seeing fresh, completely unique art! The pencil sculptures pictured here remind me of a line of jewelry I once came across called "Talismans". She hooked pencils together one after the other to form a thick necklace. Not something I would ever consider doing in my own jewelry, but it's interesting to look through all the same! Again, this is incredible! Every time I think I've seen it all, this blog proves me wrong!
1 year ago
whimhandmadejewelry says:
(I apologize for the double post -- my internet connection quit right as I was posting, so I didn't think it went through the first time!)
1 year ago
spacejam says:
the pencils are amazing!!!
1 year ago
LiliumVitiate says:
"Vanitas" is most likely referring to a similar vintage image- "All is Vanity" http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Allisvanity.jpg So, close with the two little girls, but not quite, I think.
1 year ago
ilgattoselvatico says:
Woah, those pencil sculptures are amazing!
1 year ago
UpsideDownsideDark says:
This has to be my favourite Etsy post ever. Amazing finds, thanks so much for sharing.
1 year ago
evihan says:
wowww increadible workmanship....I am amazedddd
1 year ago
MaaPstudio says:
Awesome post!!!!!Thanks for sharing:))
1 year ago
TerrorDome says:
I love all of this sh*t.....brilliant
1 year ago
luciamanila says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
wow those pencil sculptures are totally crazy intricate! I can't even begin to imagine how you'd make something like that.
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
Fantastic, thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
FabricFascination says:
Very interesting articles. The pencils are amazing, love the ghostly photos, and the skillfully arranged bookcases made me giggle.
1 year ago
FullSpiral says:
Wow - totally inspiring. I particularly admire the pencil carvings as I love all things tiny, details and intricate.
1 year ago
adatine says:
Great ! Thanks!
1 year ago
houseofistria says:
beautiful! love the plant x rays... this has inspired me to do more of my own photography... blooming well should make use of my photography degree i suppose! :) thank you <3 xx
1 year ago
kimmchi says:
wow, what a great selection of photos
1 year ago
rntn says:
sooooo amazing!!!!
1 year ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
COOL!!!!!
1 year ago
SepiaLepus says:
Wow! Great images. I love getting a good dose of inspiration in the morning.
1 year ago
AutumnLeavesJewelry says:
Whoa! beyond inspiring. Love the faces in the bookshelves!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
I had to look a couple times at the bookshelf sculptures, how interesting! And I love the x-ray flowers, just amazing! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
these creations are amazing! I love the pencils and the wall art skull... amazing!!!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Stunning. Love it all - especially the pencils Going in my favorites file.
1 year ago
AmityUK says:
Absolutely amazing.
1 year ago
ErinBradleyDesigns says:
Love it!
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
I have a weird love for pencils and love anything to do with a pencil, this art just made me all giddy and happy. I could not part with them either. What a mind at work.
1 year ago
squeakydingo says:
mind boggling! WOW! Amazing stuff here....
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Amazing what beautiful images you can get by putting flowers under x-rays. We purchased our first x-ray flower image 4 years ago at Pike Place Market out in Seattle. The flowers are x-rayed then beautifully colored. We got the tulips, which you can see in the link below http://secretgardenstudios.net/ KettleConfections.etsy.com Fresh Gourmet Nougat Candies
1 year ago
jillmccp says:
amazing details. jillmccp.etsy.com
1 year ago
BirdsChasingBugs says:
*jaw drops to floor*
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
I loved all of this! Amazing creativity - WOW!! The pencils.... fantastic!
1 year ago
Schmutzerland says:
This weeks blogosphere is the one from my dreams that I didn't even know I had. Those pencils! Divine! Those shelf displays! Tchotchkes forever!
1 year ago
pasin says:
Everything is fabulous, thanks for sharing!! Love them all, pencils are wonderful
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
This is awesome! I am so amazed with people's creativity. I love the pencils! I love the xray photographs (it reminds me of my evolution lab in college). I love the Skull displays! Thank you so much for sharing. These are my new favorite things!
1 year ago
jenmaestre says:
I'm in a show with Dalton Ghetti at the New Britain Museum of Art right now! Meticulous Masterpieces. It is up until the end of August.
1 year ago
JaneMichael says:
Thanks for sharing! Those pencils are mindblowing. I can understand not wanting to sell such masterpieces!
1 year ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
blown away!
1 year ago
5gardenias says:
i am smitten smitten smitten each and every single thing just has me enthralled! this may be my favorite post of yours yet...!!
1 year ago
LoveandDream says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
TheSweetPeaShoppe says:
Those pencil sculptures are remarkable! And I had to look twice before I saw the skulls. :D
1 year ago
artstudio says:
Wow what a great selection, I can look at these for hours!
1 year ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
So very unique.
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
those mini sculptures are amazing - I can't imagine doing work so tiny.
1 year ago
EverybodyElse says:
I've already seen those pencils, which are amazing. But I'm also blown away by how cool those flower x-rays are. Great post.
1 year ago
PRIDASH says:
love the pencil sculptures.
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Awesome collections/selections !! Cheers !!
1 year ago
YellowViolet says:
People's creativity never ceases to amaze me. I just wish our society valued it more! These are great and inspiring finds. Thanks!
1 year ago
IDreamedISaw says:
I love Dalton's work. OCD to the max.
1 year ago
1AEON says:
beautiful picks again, no surprise that it's all tasty superb art here!!!!!
1 year ago
MrsCraftyRVing says:
I couldn't guess to begin to guess how they do this - what a beauty of an art. I'm a new fan!!
1 year ago
thenewblackmarket says:
I LOVE ALL OF THEM. EARLYER TODAY I SAY THE PENCIL ART!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Wow....so cool in so many wonderful ways....
1 year ago
tippleandsnack says:
Amazing article- from big to small concepts. I'm looking at shelves in a whole new light! (and thanks for including my Nordic casserole dish)
1 year ago
anakim says:
Thanks!
1 year ago
LichenStudio says:
I am constantly in awe of the talent and diversity of etsy artists. Amazing! Thank you for the inspiration!
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
Those miniatures are amazing! So much detail in such a tiny space, I'm in awe. <3 Andrea
1 year ago
PurpleDeerVintage says:
I love your picks Alison. There is always something dark about them (which I love), but still cute enough to make it on Etsy...bravo.
1 year ago
yogiodie says:
Awesome job Alison - love the pencils (just in time for school) and the skeletal shelves. Middle daughter caught that right away.
1 year ago
IrinaSztukowski says:
Incredible photography!! Thanks, Irina
1 year ago
reiddamnit says:
wow, that pencil work is insane! love the skull colleges Check out the blog of artist Danielle Ezzo. She is doing some great collabs with Seasick Mamma - making art accessible, putting her work on tees and her personal style finds are very cool http://dezzoster.tumblr.com/
1 year ago
WoodenTreasures says:
I love nearly everything about etsy and what is "used" to represent. When I first discovered etsy a couple years ago I felt a strong sense of awe looking at all the handmade and handcrafted items that all of the true artisans were making available to potential buyers. Now sadly two years later I see the pages of etsy filled with mass produced items made by machines and priced well below a normal retail price. The integrity seems to be slipping and the honesty of handmade items being demeaned by the mass produced items now sold as handmade. Perhaps someone other than me will notice this and pass the word along. When handmade isn't handmade anymore how can true artisans compete with it?
1 year ago
ericawalker says:
Love! Ghetti's pencil sculptures blow my mind.
1 year ago
aistheta says:
Wow! I love seeing the different types of art people are driven to create. Thank you for sharing. You have show us quite a variety... from miniature to wall installations. People have wonderful imaginations and many surprising talents!
1 year ago
BeCharmedDesigns says:
Thanks very much. There are def. some increadable minds out there...
1 year ago
santosleather says:
Stunning!
1 year ago
deathbycupcake says:
I just picked my jaw up off of the floor after seing the graphite sculptures. WOW!
1 year ago
FavreBijoux says:
The carved pencils are just incredible. As always, thanks for finding these unusal and inspiring works.
1 year ago
backyardcolorado says:
Love,love, love the creativity here!!
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
Balance organization and design are key elements for your room decor or art study, these are fascinating
1 year ago
LinaEgutkina says:
Sweet!
1 year ago
auniakahn says:
Very awesome indeed!
1 year ago
camanobeadworks says:
I am humbled.
1 year ago