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My fascination with animals started with a white dove named Snow. He lived to be 24 years old. Who would have thought a creature with hollow bones could live so long? He inspired me to look at the world outside my studio window.
What are wild animals doing out there? What hidden dramas are unfolding? My woodblock prints probe the depths of their secret lives. I’ve learned, among other things, that flamingos can stand unscathed in highly acidic water and snails can gallop when threatened. These intriguing facts enticed me to delve deeper.
I enjoy creating funny and playful images. Often, there’s an underlying ecological theme. One example is the impact of encroachment in my piece “New City.” Despite the tragic sight of wrens carrying their home away, the image has a prevailing sense of wonder. The viewer can witness these birds enduring despite losing their habitat.
It’s difficult to imagine a world without animals, but sadly, their populations are rapidly declining. A study by Cornell University researchers revealed that nearly 3 billion birds have vanished from North America and Canada since 1970. I create art to capture the natural beauty of animals and inspire others to support conservation efforts.
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Heidi Beal, a visual artist hailing from Jonesport, Maine, originally from Beals Island, Maine, exhibited a passion for drawing from a young age. Despite lacking formal art education, she ventured into acrylic painting during her early adulthood, exploring various mediums such as airbrush, face and body painting, murals, and pen and ink over the years. Rooted in rural Maine inspiration from the scenic beauty and heritage of the Maine coast.
Since her return to Maine, Beal has actively contributed to local art fundraisers, notably the 2019, 2020, and 2023 Milbridge Theatre Art Project, aimed at supporting the reconstruction of a cherished local theater from her childhood. Her artistic endeavors were showcased at the Schooner Art Gallery in Milbridge, Maine, during the 2019 44 Degrees North Open Art show.
Noteworthy among her achievements, her piece “Christmas Rowboat” was selected for the cover of the December 2021 issue of Hobe Sound Magazine. In 2022, she generously donated her artistic skill to craft a wall mural for the Jonesport Volunteer Fire Department, expressing gratitude for their community service.
Heidi’s Maine Life Greeting Cards offer a unique and artistic way to share a piece of Maine’s beauty with loved ones. Each card begins as an original acrylic painting, , capturing the essence of Maine’s landscapes, wildlife, and coastal charm. Heidi’s creative process ensures that every print and greeting card retains the vibrant colors and intricate details of her original works. Printed and packaged in her home studio, these cards are not only a testament to her artistic skill but also to her dedication to crafting high-quality, personal keepsakes.
Heidi Beal’s creations grace private collections around the world.
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Hello! I started my maker journey in 2019 when I left my career to undergo IVF treatments. I was making mouse ear headbands (like one would wear when they visited the world of the mouse). I loved making one-of-a-kind pieces and sold them on Etsy. Shortly after, I found out I was having a baby girl and I started making her hair bows during the pandemic. I had so much fabric at home that I taught myself how to sew for my daughter so I could make her cool outfits. It was here that I found my real passion, sewing! I taught myself everything I could about how to sew, and how to sew to sell. I draw inspiration from my close-knit community of small shops that also make clothing for children, as well as my daughter and local community. For example, my daughter loves a good twirl dress, so I make a lot of those. Even special collections for events, like the Yarmouth clam fest bring me a large amount of inspiration. There are so many great ways to bring small batch, trendy clothing to locals! I’ve learned a lot from sewing groups, pattern groups, and fabric groups online.
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Handmade quality fixed blade knives and kitchen cutlery made by knifemaker Ryan Jacques of Sidney ME. Each knife is crafted by hand in my home workshop. I offer a collection of kitchen and hunting knives on my website and also offer custom builds. Visit my Facebook to stay up to date on what I’m doing and to contact me directly. http://Www.facebook.com/durenknives
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We have been dealers in antique and estate jewelry for 30 years, and gemologists and gemologist/jewelry appraisers for fifteen years. Beyond the 30 years of study in the evolution of jewelry design, construction styles, techniques and materials required of our business over those years, we have attended numerous sessions at Warg Studios, Scarborough, Maine, and have received certifications in gemology and gemology/jewelry appraisal at the International School of Gemology. Among our sources of inspiration beyond the desire to make our jewelry 100% sustainable by utilizing previously used materials are early hand forged jewelry, interesting gemstones and the incorporation of natural and narrative themes and elements of expression to our designs.
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From the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene woods of Maine, my journey in publishing spans nearly three decades, embracing both the dynamism of city life and the tranquility of nature. Armed with a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and a master’s from New England College, I’ve navigated the industry’s evolution, contributing to giants like Gale and Random House, and birthing 12 Willows Press in 2022.
At 12 Willows Press, our commitment extends to showcasing the talents of Maine illustrators alongside our authors, creating a harmonious blend of storytelling and visual artistry. This collaborative spirit not only celebrates Maine’s rich cultural heritage but also brings each narrative to life with authenticity and heart. Our dedication to local craftsmanship enriches our diverse catalog, which includes children’s literature, young adult adventures, and adult fiction, with a spotlight on Maine’s storytellers and artists.
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- The Maine Rope Mat Company is your one-stop shop for everything rope-related. We are “The Real Original Rope Mat Makers,” proudly serving customers since 1998. When you partner with us, you can trust that your order will arrive on time.
- We offer a beautiful variety of 92 products and are always just a phone call or a road trip away. We understand the demands of your business and know that customer service isn’t limited to 9-to-5, Monday through Friday. That’s why we work when you work.
- If you choose us, you’ll benefit from our low prices, our unmatched availability, and our commitment to serving our customers like no one else. With us, you’ll never run out of product. In cases of slow or unmovable items, we’ll come and swap them out for you.
- We offer a wide range of rope products, including wine bottle baskets, dog leashes, key chains, pet toys, and the new and popular Handcrafted Woven Rope Pack Basket, along with the famous ice fishing pack basket. (www.braidco.shop)
- We are dedicated to developing new products that meet your needs and expectations, everyone wants new and fresh and that’s what we are.
- For those who aren’t seasonal, we are here year-round, providing perfect seasonal and holiday editions.
- We maintain a steady inventory of 21 colors in rope, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we can customize it for you.
- Finally, we also offer private label services if you want to brand your store, which is particularly popular for our dog leashes.
Thank you for considering us!
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As an artist specializing in the intricate mediums of paint and metal, I view each piece of my jewelry as a unique form of wearable art. The act of creating is not just a process for me—it’s an addiction, a passionate endeavor that fills my soul with joy.
Beyond my artistry, I wear many hats. I am a wife, a loving mother and proud grandmother, a registered nurse, and an equestrian. I invite you to explore my site, and I hope my creations bring as much satisfaction to your life as they have to mine.
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I grew up on a small, family farm in Salisbury, Vermont. We had donkeys, ponies, sheep, chickens, geese, and Toggenburg goats. When you grow up on a farm, it kind of gets in your blood. So, after moving to Limington, we, of course, started a farm.
We decided to try the milk from our Nigerian Dwarf goats, and it came as such a surprise when we drank it. Lovely, sweet, goat milk! And so, so much milk! With so much milk I decided to take a soap making class. Thus my love of soap making was born. Since 2016, after taking my first soap making class, I have watched hundreds of videos and tutorials on soap making and soap making techniques. My soap journey continues as everytime I make a batch of soapBut, with all the soap making I take time to watch my animals, and tend my gardens. I get lots of inspiration from the farm itself.
My soap making adventures have become a journey into many different aspects of the personal care world. My most recent endevours have been lotions, natural deoderants, salves (using infused oils and herbs and natural plants harvested from our farm).
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My husband and I canoed/kayaked the Allagash Wilderness Waterway 9 years ago and we fell absolutely in love with Maine. So much so that we moved to the state once we finished our trip. After moving here we had two beautiful boys and I was looking for a way to bring in a little extra income while staying home with my boys. That is when the idea of using my crafting skills to build a business came to me. I started off selling t shirts and vinyl stickers, and custom lake glasses using stencils and Armour etch. My glasses took off so well that I was able to upgrade to a laser and in doing so that opened up the whole world of creating items using wood. I started making cribbage boards and since then that has really been my niche. I have learned that in Maine you can never have too many cribbage boards and that people are always looking for that unique cribbage board that they don’t have to add to their collection.
