Off to Fl in the morning. I wish I could say we were heading there for a fun filled vacation but instead we are headed to the funeral of yet another loved one this fall. Hubby's Grandma B has passed, it is sad but I take solace in knowing she led a long, full and mostly healthy life. I wish I had gotten to know her better, but living over 1000 miles from a person makes it difficult to "stop by". She will be missed, most especially by my father-in-law who was her only child.
The warm sunny weather will be a pleasant change from the increasingly cold and grey weather here in western NY. We have an extra season here I call "gray" it starts sometime from mid-fall to early winter and doesn't usually end until March or April. Many, many days of gray skies that make me want to hibernate, instead of hibernating I take afternoon naps during the gray season. This leads to me being up later at night, which is not all bad as I seem to be more creative and productive late at night.
Hoping to possibly squeeze in a trip to meet Barbara Lewis at Painting with Fire in St. Pete. It would be lovely to thank her in person for my obsession with torches and enamel :).
Have some pics to post of my studio re-do. Hoping to get that done while I am away too.
Ramblings about metal, enamel, beads, fiber,fabric and more
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Mismatched Art Bead Earring Swap REVEAL
Welcome to my corner of the Mismatched Art Bead Earring Swap! You may remember that this swap was the brainchild of Diana Ptaszynski of Suburban Girl Studio. The idea seems simple enough, make a mismatched pair of earrings and swap with your assigned partner. I say seems simple because I found out I was not the only one who struggled with making a mismatched pair of earrings, lol. When mine were done I wasn't sure they were mismatched enough. I'm not a matchy matchy girl, but still making two different earrings for a pair was a challenge for me. Big thanks to Diana for putting this together for all of us, I can't wait to get hopping and see what everyone made.
My swap partner was the lovely Theresa Fosdick of Thoughtful Notions. Theresa makes really lovely jewelry, while you are at her blog be sure to check out her Etsy shop. She made my earring with really cool techniques she learned from Richard Salley at Art is You. I am honored to be the recipient of such lovely little works of art. I have worn these often since I have received them. Without further ado, here is what she sent (drum roll...)
My swap partner was the lovely Theresa Fosdick of Thoughtful Notions. Theresa makes really lovely jewelry, while you are at her blog be sure to check out her Etsy shop. She made my earring with really cool techniques she learned from Richard Salley at Art is You. I am honored to be the recipient of such lovely little works of art. I have worn these often since I have received them. Without further ado, here is what she sent (drum roll...)
Aren't these yummy?! I LOVE them. The silvery parts are made from stamped solder.
Aren't the details just amazing?
This is as close as I come to modeling, lol.
The earrings I sent Theresa were mostly components that I made myself. Copper discs that I hammered and enameled, enameled copper tube beads and handmade earwires. I added some Swarovski crystals for a little bling. Head on over to her blog to see them, the link is above.
Be sure to hop on over to everyone's blogs to see all the great things that were created. Here's the list so get hoppin :)
Diana Ptaszynski http://www.suburbangirlstudio.com
Lisa Liddy http://www.lisaliddy.wordpress.com
Kari Asbury http://www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Jayne Capps http://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Anderson http://www.songbeads.blogspot.com
Lesley Watt http://www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Lori Bowring Michaud http://www.artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Renetha Stanziano http://www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Holly Westfall http://www.silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/
Theresa Fosdick http://www.thoughtful-notions.blogspot.com/ My partner
Ali McCarthy http://www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com You are here...
Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Iveth Caruso http://www.creativeatelier.net/blog.html
Carolyn Collins http://www.sparklingwaterstudio.com
Elaine Ray http://www.elaineray.blogspot.com
Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/
Charlene Jacka http://www.clay-space.com
Jan Onipenco http://www.MoltenMayhem.typepad.com
Stephanie Woods http://www.rainydaysdesigns.com
Eleanor Burian-Mohr http://www.cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com
Shelby Foxwell http://www.sundownbeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Mary Harding http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson http://www.Whimsyswonders.blogspot.com
Kashmira Patel http://www.sadafulee.blogspot.com
Penny Neville http://www.copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com
Dee Elgie http://www.cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk
Sarah Small http://www.bysalla.blogspot.com
Carolyn Lawson http://www.Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Karin Slaton http://www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com
Ashleigh Becker http://www.seladesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Kay Hand http://www.creativetangent.blogspot.com
Rana L. Wilson http://ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com/
Sandra McGriff http://www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com
Dawn Pierro http://www.turtlemoondesigns.me
Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Karen Mitchell http://www.overthemoon-design.com
Melissa Trudinger http://www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Shhhhh, it's a surprise...
You may remember the copper and enamel leaves I made in a previous post. Syd asked if I could do a custom piece for her, two oak leaves to represent herself and her husband with three acorns to represent her children. I still have to string it, but that's the easy part. I cut, hammered and enameled the copper, then made three little lampwork acorn headpins with little copper caps. Here it is, can't wait to see her on Friday night to present it to her. I hope she likes it. I will try to get a picture of her wearing it this weekend.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
What's been in the works...
Wow, been a little while since I last posted, sorry about that. But here we are nearly into October and I have a few things to share with you. First is a lovely fall sunset we had the other night, the sky was the loveliest shade of purple for a few fleeting moments, the picture doesn't really do it justice.
I played with more lampworking this week. I'm learning as I go, the design part is coming easily enough it's the technique of getting consistently round beads that has been a bit tougher. Now that I have found the sweet spot and correct mix for this torch things are going a little easier. However it seems that the glass in my starting kit has different "stiffness" according to color. Maybe that's normal, but not having any lampworking pals in my vicinity I have no one to test this theory for me.
As I have continued working on technique a few other things have become very clear.
1. I had read in a review that the bead release in the kit isn't the greatest when it comes to releasing. I have to agree, unless I am doing something horribly wrong, but this stuff doesn't release for me most of the time without being rather strongly persuaded (that is to say I have to put the mandrel through a hole in a piece of wood and whack it with a hammer to loosen it).
2. 10 mandrels is not nearly enough, once you get going you are disappointed when you get to bead 10 and are done for the time being while the group of beads rests.
3. The starter kit contained several not so favorite colors and most of the colors don't go that well together, at least in my opinion. I should however just keep using them to try to perfect my technique of a nice round bead.
4. I need to order a whole bunch more glass since I am quickly running short.
5. This an addictive artform, as most things that involve fire are for me.
6. I really want to sit with an experienced lampworker for an hour or two so they can give me some guidance and constructive criticism. Did find a class for beginners up in Buffalo, so I will be emailing her soon.
All that said here is what I have pics of, like I said before feel free to laugh along with me, my feelings won't be hurt :)
Then it changed to pinks with purples...
I played with more lampworking this week. I'm learning as I go, the design part is coming easily enough it's the technique of getting consistently round beads that has been a bit tougher. Now that I have found the sweet spot and correct mix for this torch things are going a little easier. However it seems that the glass in my starting kit has different "stiffness" according to color. Maybe that's normal, but not having any lampworking pals in my vicinity I have no one to test this theory for me.
As I have continued working on technique a few other things have become very clear.
1. I had read in a review that the bead release in the kit isn't the greatest when it comes to releasing. I have to agree, unless I am doing something horribly wrong, but this stuff doesn't release for me most of the time without being rather strongly persuaded (that is to say I have to put the mandrel through a hole in a piece of wood and whack it with a hammer to loosen it).
2. 10 mandrels is not nearly enough, once you get going you are disappointed when you get to bead 10 and are done for the time being while the group of beads rests.
3. The starter kit contained several not so favorite colors and most of the colors don't go that well together, at least in my opinion. I should however just keep using them to try to perfect my technique of a nice round bead.
4. I need to order a whole bunch more glass since I am quickly running short.
5. This an addictive artform, as most things that involve fire are for me.
6. I really want to sit with an experienced lampworker for an hour or two so they can give me some guidance and constructive criticism. Did find a class for beginners up in Buffalo, so I will be emailing her soon.
All that said here is what I have pics of, like I said before feel free to laugh along with me, my feelings won't be hurt :)
The bead on the far right has release that crackled and spattered off the mandrel onto the molten glass.
These are a little better, even got the black one round and mostly balanced!
When all the mandrels were full I played with the new torch making some realllly cool enameled copper tube beads. Going to try and get a tutorial together soon on how to make the swirl effect ones. I really liked them and thought others might want to make them too. Try to ignore the St. Bernard hair on that black speckle bead, it was in every darn photo.
Here is one with some copper inclusions, the little copper discs are leftover from when I punched holes in some discs. Hey, make use of every scrap right?
These beads turned into a bracelet inspired by a design I saw by Mary Hettmansperger. Hers uses different types of tube beads. I strung them on leather cord for durability, I would have preferred something more supple like waxed linen but was worried about wear. Maybe next time some suede cording?
Front side, see how it doesn't quite lie flat, that's the stiffness of the leather.
Back side and clasp.
Mailed out my Mismatched Art Bead Earring Swap earrings to my lovely partner on Friday. She is all the way out in CA so this was a cool coast to coast swap. Can't wait until reveal day so we can all see what everyone made! This was my first swap and I had one heck of a time trying to make mismatched earrings.
My bead stash that I won from Lisa Lodge at Pine Ridge Treasures arrived and they are sorted into projects. Unfortunately, I was so busy playing with fire I haven't assembled the pieces yet. I will soon and will post them here. Thanks Lisa for that uplifting little package :).
Went to an impromptu show yesterday. Tractor Supply in Hornell asked for some vendors to come by and set up for the day. Eight of us were happy to oblige. I sold a couple of my 10g copper wire cuff bracelets. A lovely women picked up one for her and one for a friend. Those purchases at least covered the gas to go and a little leftover. While I was there I made some new crafting friends, got leads on some upcoming shows, and was asked if I would like to put some things in a newly opening artisans consignment/retail shop! You bet I will be putting some things there, thanks for asking me George.
Whew, I think that catches things all up. Will have some other things to show and share soon. Until then, what's in the works at your place?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Hooray for MAPP!
Look what arrived at my front door today...
I think it's amusing that it says it includes "real glass rods" as if there are imititation glass rods out there.
Here's what was inside the kit...
The most exciting piece for me here is the new torch head! It means I get to use MAPP gas which burns a whole lot hotter and a whole lot cleaner than the propane I have been using.
And here are the things I did with this new arrival today...
First up, test on iron beads with enamel. The bead on the left is with my new torch, the one on the right was made with my old torch, same color enamel. Big difference don't you think, this alone was worth the purchase.
Next I had to try some tube beads with enamel, you may remember I had some really muddy looking ones in another post. These are so much better, orange is orange and not grey, and foxglove purple is just that, though this pic makes it look a little grey.
Then I had to try my hand at lampworking. Shhhh, these beads are "resting" in their blanket so that they won't crack as they cool. I will try to get some close ups tomorrow of these first wobbly attempts. Feel free to laugh along with me some of these will not be pretty :). I have always wanted to try lampwork beadmaking, we will see where it takes me in the coming days.
These came out so wonky I didn't even let them rest in the blankets with the others, LOL. I will save them to remind me of what not to do in the future!
Made these today before the new torch arrived. Propane is fine for firing from underneath. These are some pieces i'm working on for a show this Saturday.
Made this guy for a bracelet for the boy today. He requested it when he saw all the Jacks I was making. One eye is a little off but he loves it. Have to remember to post the rest of the pupmkin patch soon.
Hope you are having a happy and creatively productive week. I will try to keep you posted with pics the next few days, but as I mentioned earlier I am in some last minute production for a show on Saturday, so the posts will probably be long on pics and short on words like this one.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Happier days are coming!
I took a quick moment before dinner last night to finish this guy up . His name is Happy Jack and as I looked at him today I decided he has inspired a series of lil Jack's. He is just slightly larger than a penny but I think he has a lot of heart. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday and fall my favorite season.
Today after I blogged out my sadness I took my aviation snips in hand and cut these pendants out of 24g copper sheet. Then I hammered the heck out of 'em! Of course they are finished in a variety of torch-fired enamels. What's better than fire and hammers to work out your emotions?
Here are some close ups of the leaves:
Maple
Aspen
Oak
Hmmm...maybe I need to make some more of these pendants for upcoming shows.
Happy fall to you all!
A life remembered and more importantly, celebrated
Warning: This is not as lighthearted as most of my posts.
On Friday, my father passed away. Emotionally, my plate was already a little full, and this overflowed it. Over the days that followed our family gathered to remember his life and more importantly, celebrate it. Call us strange but we also celebrated his passing. It might help to understand that our father's mental health has been in steady decline for over two decades. Dementia struck this incredibly intelligent man much earlier than anyone would expect. My Daddy, and yes at 43 I still call him Daddy, was an incredible person and it was painful for all of us to watch him slip away over all those years. My siblings and I were all in agreement that we had already grieved his loss for years, but death is final. The days that followed made me realize that I had not already healed from losing him. I can only describe it this way, it was a like a wound that had nearly healed, scabbed over and nearly scarred, but his passing and the days that followed ripped that wound open and made it painful all over again.
My siblings and some of my father's siblings gathered together and shared our stories of him, many that somehow I had never heard before. We shared our grief and pain of those last 20 plus years that we watched him slip away from us. There were tears and there was laughter. Thankfully the laughter was far more plentiful than the tears. My siblings and I were the same way when we lost our mother several years ago. I almost felt sorry for the other people in the ICU waiting room who had to listen to us laugh, knowing we were all there with loved ones in the most dire medical conditions. But that's just how we deal with things, few tears and more laughter. My parents were Christians and believed in the afterlife, surely there was something better waiting for them on the other side of their suffering. We try not to dwell on their final painful days, which in my father's case were actually years and instead celebrate the part of their lives that were truly lived. We try to remind ourselves that without a little sorrow one cannot know real joy, and that life is short so make the most of every moment you have.
During the funeral yesterday, my brother stood to talk about our father and his famous phrases we had all heard growing up, and the meaning of them. He addressed all of our spouses too, and offered explanation of why my father's kids may be stubborn etc, but that we were also loyal etc and that all those qualities were learned from living our lives with our parents. It was the most beautiful memorial any of us had ever heard, and again there was laughter and a few tears.
In an earlier post I talked about the importance of making time to be with "your people". After a lunch together yesterday following the funeral, my Uncle Paul stood and addressed the party, he said that same thing in different words. Life is short, make time for the people who are important to you, hold hands not grudges.
On Friday, my father passed away. Emotionally, my plate was already a little full, and this overflowed it. Over the days that followed our family gathered to remember his life and more importantly, celebrate it. Call us strange but we also celebrated his passing. It might help to understand that our father's mental health has been in steady decline for over two decades. Dementia struck this incredibly intelligent man much earlier than anyone would expect. My Daddy, and yes at 43 I still call him Daddy, was an incredible person and it was painful for all of us to watch him slip away over all those years. My siblings and I were all in agreement that we had already grieved his loss for years, but death is final. The days that followed made me realize that I had not already healed from losing him. I can only describe it this way, it was a like a wound that had nearly healed, scabbed over and nearly scarred, but his passing and the days that followed ripped that wound open and made it painful all over again.
My siblings and some of my father's siblings gathered together and shared our stories of him, many that somehow I had never heard before. We shared our grief and pain of those last 20 plus years that we watched him slip away from us. There were tears and there was laughter. Thankfully the laughter was far more plentiful than the tears. My siblings and I were the same way when we lost our mother several years ago. I almost felt sorry for the other people in the ICU waiting room who had to listen to us laugh, knowing we were all there with loved ones in the most dire medical conditions. But that's just how we deal with things, few tears and more laughter. My parents were Christians and believed in the afterlife, surely there was something better waiting for them on the other side of their suffering. We try not to dwell on their final painful days, which in my father's case were actually years and instead celebrate the part of their lives that were truly lived. We try to remind ourselves that without a little sorrow one cannot know real joy, and that life is short so make the most of every moment you have.
During the funeral yesterday, my brother stood to talk about our father and his famous phrases we had all heard growing up, and the meaning of them. He addressed all of our spouses too, and offered explanation of why my father's kids may be stubborn etc, but that we were also loyal etc and that all those qualities were learned from living our lives with our parents. It was the most beautiful memorial any of us had ever heard, and again there was laughter and a few tears.
In an earlier post I talked about the importance of making time to be with "your people". After a lunch together yesterday following the funeral, my Uncle Paul stood and addressed the party, he said that same thing in different words. Life is short, make time for the people who are important to you, hold hands not grudges.
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