Parts and pieces of concrete equal a table top fountain!

Sometimes when I am pouring and creating my concrete art, a piece here and there comes out and just doesn't work or fit with what I'm creating.  I have to make the determination to chuck it or keep that piece.  A few weeks ago Lenn and Mike, the owners of Wealthy at Charles, where I sell my art, told me they would like to sell table top fountains and wondered if I could design a few.  So as I was working the other day I spotted these concrete pieces and thought some of them would make great parts for exactly that! 

These concrete table fountains are great.  They make that relaxing sound of water, the cord is hidden, and they are small enough to place anywhere, especially indoors.  If you are interested in one of these, email me for more information. amy@amygreving.com

Bugs going macro!

I have to admit this time, although beautiful in color, these bugs kind of grossed me out.  But in macro mode I couldn't stop looking at their detail and color! There was a whole bunch of them (I think they just hatched).  The color of these bugs caught my eye.  I mean who can't be drawn to the color orange in the summer.  That color just pops right out at you especially against these beautiful green leaves!

Does anyone know what these are?

I was taking these photos yesterday during my break time.  I will have a three tiered concrete fountain ready this week to show you and I'm working on two new designs for concrete table top fountains.

If you have any interest in purchasing any of my photos or concrete pieces, please email me for prices and information.

A new concrete fireball coffee table ready for a customer!

It's done!  I love the way this concrete fireball coffee table turned out.  It's a darker concrete in color and has just a few bits of mirrored sparkle in the top finish. This sparkle will sure add a cool added effect when you have this burning. I also added a favorite leaf of mine. A natural three leaf imprint of a Jack-in-the-pulpit plant.  This table design is stable enough to set your drinks and food on.

If you are interested in ordering one of these or any of my art pieces, email me for more information!

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Bugs and insects!

I kind of have this thing for bugs and insects, or as my daughter would say the little guys! 

I was out in the rain yesterday looking for some cool shots of rain and flowers.  What a great contrast between a cool rainy summer day and the freshness and beauty of flower color.  Everything was so drenched with moisture that I was surprises to find this tiny insect not under a leaf taking cover but sitting on top.  He must have been thirsty.  All this photo is not quite as sharp as I would like, I was so amazed at the intricacy and detail of his head.  I definitely wanted to show you this.

Today I hope to complete my next fireball table.  This one is already spoken for, but I will be making more, so email me if you are interested.

Chunky Concrete Bowls - perfect for so much!

This bowl measuring approximately 16" is one of my favorite chunky bowl designs.  It is only one bowl with the look of two.  It works great as a display piece, a bird bath, or you could even put a large round glass bowl in the center and use it as a punch bowl.  Maybe your favorite summer margarita recipe!

This chunky bowl and just a little larger at 18" is again a great display piece, but would work also great as an herb pot.  Set your herbs low to set of the texture of the leaves and shapes.

This chunky bowl measures about 16 inches but is quite deep.  Set your assortment of treasures or a candle on the bottom.  This bowl also works great by adding a small pump making it a personal fountain.

This chunky bowl is perfect for a small bird bath.  It has a rounded bottom so it fits most any stand.  It measures about 14 ".  I have been asked to many of these by customers.  They wanted to give their old bird bath an updated look!

These chunky bowls are ready for purchase, so email me if you are interested.  Did you know I also ship my art?  Ask about that too!

Happy first day of summer filled with lots of concrete!

The title of my blog entry doesn't make much sense, but today being the first day of summer and the fact I poured a lot of concrete yesterday, I think it's appropriate. 

I poured concrete for 5 chunky bowls, a fireball coffee table, and a base for a fountain.  Today I get to do what is my most favorite in my whole process of concrete art.  That is taking them out of their mold!  I just love to see if it turned out as I expected and to see the little surprises I didn't expect.  Concrete has a mind of it's own.  It sets and creep into areas you didn't plan on.  That's ok though, because it's fun to work with the unexpected to make an original.  That is why I tell each customer, they do get a "one of a kind!"

If you ever see something you're interested in purchasing, please email me for information.  You can also check  out my website for other products available.  I sell all my concrete art, photos and abstract canvases!

Got it! Ready to go!

I kind of feel like I had a mini vacation this past weekend.  Friday I was lucky enough to spend a whole day at the beach.  I mean the whole day.  From morning until sunset.  My youngest daughter and I spent the whole day at our favorite beach with our favorite snacks and refreshing drinks.  We then made it into town late into the day to pick up a yummy pizza with a bit of wine and then headed back out to watch the sun set.  It was a wonderful day!!!  Saturday I no agenda, spent a few hours with both daughters and a night out with fun friends.  Yesterday was of course my husbands day, but with the whole family with every one's help it was another relaxing day!  Yep I got it, I'm relaxed and refreshed! 

And...now that I had these three days of not working I now need to catch up. I have a list:  more concrete chunky bowls (these seem to be popular again); two concrete water fountains to finish; a concrete fireball table to finish, an order for a concrete birdbath, and I'll be rapping up my new concrete table top fountain design.  Whew!!! 

I'll be posting a picture of these concrete designs as I get them done.

A whimsical concrete art piece finds it's place.

I designed this concrete light source a little while ago.  I love this whimsical design.  When it is put in a smaller space and it becomes dark the wire not only glows but casts shadows on most every surface.  I never could quite find the perfect spot for it, and just this week thought it would make a great outdoor light source as we entertain and and enjoy outdoor living.  It worked!  I placed it under a Japanese maple tree near our Koi pond.  It looks great!

This light source can be purchased, or you can custom order a new design.  Email me for more information! 

Did you pick up your Fireball as a gift for your father for Father's Day yet?  There is a great selection at Wealthy at Charles located on Wealthy St. in Grand Rapids right now!

My concrete fireball coffee table debut last night! Now taking custom orders!

I was lucky enough to host a small birthday party for a dear person last night.  What a fun night!  Despite the weather we were able to have it outside.  What a treat also.  I just have a hard time with summer parties inside. 

One benefit for me was to test my concrete fireball table.  It worked great!  The three citronella candles are not part of the table, they're just a bit of extra decoration for the display.  It was great for setting our drinks and plates of food as well.  At the end of the evening I still had flame and had to use the snuffer for it to go out.

One great thing that comes out of getting together with friends is when they are willing to share their ideas with me.  It's a great sense of inspiration for me.  The one idea I'm going to grab and go with is people will be able to custom order these tables.  Do you have special treasures, a quote, shapes, a favorite leaf, or even a child's hand, or grandpa or grandma's hand (I love older people's hands, there so detailed and show so much of what there life has been like).  I can incorporate them into the table to make it yours.  What a great gift this would be!  (Thanks Heather for this idea!)    

I think this table is a success and I will be making more!  In fact I have another one almost finished.  If you are interested in more information or placing an order, please email me!  If you wonder of I'll ship, the answer is yes! 

The new concrete fireball coffee table!

This new concrete fireball table of mine comes water sealed and waxed creating a smooth surface.  The concrete is poured to intentionally allow the concrete to present an outdoor organic appearance.  A simple leaf design is also added to set the total look.  This one measures 28"x28".  The snuffer with a round concrete handle fits flat over the square cup. It uses the same fuel gel my fireballs uses so there will be no need for you to purchase a new product!  Remember, the fuel gel also comes in citronella to scare off the mosquitoes we have this year!

If you are interested in purchasing one of my concrete fireball coffee tables please email me for more information and pricing.  You can custom order also.  I could include your favorite leaf print!

A large concrete fireball tower would make a great gift for a great father!

Here are two different views of my new  fireball tower.  This fireball is full of detail!  Rocks, leaf prints, a hand print and organic texture.  It stand tall...about 36 inches.  The round concrete snuffer is perfect for a complete look for your garden or home.  Wouldn't it look great even in your entry way (inside or outside)?

It's been a busy few weeks.  I've been working on several larger concrete art pieces.  I will be setting up a new concrete water fountain and finishing my concrete fire table today.  My new fountain mixes a simple pure contemporary with an organic look and feel.  My concrete fire table is definitely contemporary.  It is smooth with clean lines and one simple leaf pattern off to the side.  I hope to have photos for you tomorrow.

I also have another fountain in the early design stage.  This one although similar to the others will have three levels for the water to flow over.  I can't wait to get that one together!

And of course I continue to keep up with the demand of my concrete fireballs.  It's a good thing I like to make these.  Everyone that comes out of the mold is so much fun to see!

If you are interested in any of my concrete pieces, please comment below or email me for information.  I'll be taking my large fireball tower over to Wealthy at Charles today, so  please go check it out!  I'm sure your father would love it!  Who doesn't love fire?

Two new photos as I'm waiting for the concrete to dry.

You all know I love taking photos, especially macro photos!  Photography for me is what makes my art come together.  I have two reasons for this.  The first is it helps me see and gain ideas for my art.  The other is it complements my concrete art.  There always is drying time that takes place between each step of concrete designing.  I use this time to reflect and watch and even listen for opportunities for a perfect photo.  Here are two examples of what I found a few days ago.

If you are interesting in purchasing any photos you see posted here or on my website, please contact me for prices and information.

Making lots of concrete fireballs for Father's Day gifts!

I know with the name fireball, all my fireballs should be round.  But it's the flame that really describes these art pieces,  They put out an awesome fire ball flame!!! 

These two fireballs may be a bit to "girly" for your father, but these two concrete fireballs are and will be the only two ever made like this.  This mold is for sure a one time mold.  I will not have any more of these available after they are sold.  As an artist I do always want those who purchase my art to get a one of a kind piece.  Although my round ones are most popular, each one is different.  It's actually fun to watch and listen to people talk about them when they are deciding on which one to purchase, especially when they have several to choose from.  They like that color stone, or that rock, or that sparkle, or the way that one feels, or the color of the concrete.  It sometimes takes them a while to figure it out.  These two fireballs would look great anywhere for sure, but if you have a vintage they would be perfect! 

Do you ever know what to get you father for Father's Day?  We all struggle with that at our house. This would be the perfect gift!  I'll have them ready, just contact me!  I'll also be bringing a bunch of them over to Wealthy at Charles Friday morning along with some small fountains and new bowls!

A new name for this concrete bust?

Some one stopped by the other day and spotted my concrete bust in my front yard garden.  The bust has been there for a few years watching over everything that has been passing by.  I've grown to like her there. 

Well, this person immediately found a connection, named her (LuLu) and asked if I would sell her.  She had the perfect spot for her at her Pentwater home.  How could I say no.  Her reaction and the fact she really liked her is exactly one of the most important reasons I create and design.  So I sold her and am very happy I did! 

So here is my new bust.  I missed the other one so much that I had to replace her right away.  This one has serious attitude and definitely will fend off anyone if necessary.  I'm thinking she has a humorous side as well and most days doesn't take life too serious.

Have a great day...enjoy it, and of course I would sell this one too to a good home!  Email me if you would like information!

Beautiful but kind of gross too!

I have to admit after taking these photos I headed straight to the shower.  Although I really do think this is beautiful I was grossing out a bit checking the many different shots I took.  These four are my favorite!

I took my advice in my last blog and took some time to relax and enjoy the color, texture and patterns offered to me outside last night.  It was just what I needed after a couple of stressful days.

After I thought I was finished with some great shots I sat on my porch to reflex and enjoy the evening in silence.  As I was just sitting there my eyes were drawn to my rose bush ready to bloom I noticed there were these tiny creatures moving on the very end of a branch.  The evening sun was hitting this branch just right making the edges of these creatures and the intricacy of the plant fibers glow.  I grabbed my camera once more and these four shots show you them in detail.  These bugs appear so delicate, almost made out of glass.  The evening sun gives color of contrast to both the subject and the background.  Wow! 

Needless to say I love it when I can capture a surprise as this.  And I love it when I can show you!  If you have any comments, I would love to hear them.  If you would like more information on any of my art, you may email me.

Why I'm Thankful For The Little Things

 

An orange poppy calmly waving its petals in the wind, the clear blue sky, the cool wind blowing through the leaves of the trees, the sounds of water gently bubbling, and the chirps from birds early in the morning.  Those are a few things I am reflecting on this morning.  Why am I telling you this?  Because sometimes life gets complicated, confusing, and even irritating with no good answers in sight. When I get this way I try to take time to reflect and get positive thoughts going again.  I head outdoors to remind me of a few beautiful sights and sounds that are always there.

 

 

I take my camera outdoors with me and search for those tiny moments of beauty. Each time I do this I'm never disappointed and find myself in awe of God's beauty.  It continues to amaze me that no matter how many times I walk down the same path or stop in the same spot it's always different. I often wonder what it would show me if I had a camera or video set in one spot for an entire day or even a whole year? 

 

So now this week after a few weeks of being unsettled, I’m ready and excited to move into my new 2015 season of concrete art and design. I'm especially excited as I have new ideas and concepts ready to create!  A few of my past popular concrete pieces will still be  available for purchase. Like my sphere bowls, concrete containers, my headshots, fire coffee tables, counters and some smaller water fountains that would be perfect for a patio or deck.

 

I'll be posting my new art as I finish them so keep checking back or better yet, click the link on the upper left of my blog to follow my posts!  You can also check out my Facebook page as I frequently post my most current art.  I encourage you to always enjoy the simple beauty that surrounds you everyday, especially when "life" gets in the way. 

Two New Chunky Concrete Bowls!

I love making these chunky bowls!  They work great as herb bowls.  My favorite part of the design process is when I pull these bowl out of their mold.   Although I have a plan before I pour the concrete, I'm never quite sure how it's going to turn out.  The more organic texture they have the more I like them.  Did you know each one of my bowls is unique?  That means when you purchase one, no one else in the world would have one like yours. How fun is that?

I like these and they are available for purchase at $65.00.  If you are interested in these concrete bowls, email me for information!