back to blogging...

It's good to be here again, been a while...my computer-savvy son managed to restore my blog background. Isn't it great when our kids grow up to be so helpful? It looks different here now, but I kind of like the change.

Lots of things going on in the last couple of months, and several fun things to look forward to this year. I'm trying to be more focused with my art making; and more recently, learning how to use a new camera I picked up on craigslist (purchase initiated by the above mentioned adult child...).

One of my customers from the PAC holiday sale requested that I make a few more wire-worked pins so have been working on those. Also, I've finished a quilt and taken on a major project in re-doing my work space above the garage. More on that later.

wired!

I came across an article recently written by Inna Gorshtein for Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine (Sept. 2011) on making scarf pins with wire and beads and decided to try my hand at making a few of my own.
Wire jewelry is something I've enjoyed doing for a while. Sharilyn Miller's book "Bead on a Wire" is my favorite go-to resource on the subject.

I seem to be on a roll with these pins...they are really fun to make. They are worked with 16 and 20 gauge brass wire, oxidized in a solution of Novacan Black Patina and water, then put through a tumbler with stainless steel shot for strength and a final polish.

I think they would look nice on a scarf, shawl, or sweater.

working on

I've been on a jewelry-making jag lately...getting a head start on some things for the PAC holiday show. Some of the soldered pendants I made a few months ago are now necklaces.

The findings and beads collected in the past year or so are coming together for earrings.

Did I mention that I am the "featured artist" for this month on the Portland Art Collective blog?
If you scroll down a bit there, you'll find my moment in the spotlight. :)

new tricks

I've long admired the soldering projects done by my art friends, and recently took some instruction from one of those multi-talented friends, Jan Harris. Here, Jan is demonstrating how to begin assembling a tiny glass box to hold some teensy-tiny treasures...

My completed ornament, holding a frozen Charlotte doll and little key...all suspended by a chain with soldered charm...which led to more charms and ornaments later on at home...

As you can see, I've gotten a little carried away with my new skills. These pieces will be incorporated into jewelry and ornaments for the PAC holiday show in December.

Jan is an excellent teacher and frequently offers classes at the Collage store on Alberta in Portland. I'd highly recommend taking a workshop with Jan, and visiting this store!

what a week, part two

Just a couple of days after returning home from Olympia, I was off to Tucson to enjoy a visit with Libby, my friend and fellow jewelry artist. The trip was planned to coincide with the Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show events that take place each year in Tucson. Libby guided us through 3 of her favorite bead shows during my short stay. It was a bit of a shopping frenzy, I must admit, mixed together with a load of inspiration.

One of my favorite vendors was Sandra Younger of The Knotty-Do-It-All, a design board that makes knotted cord jewelry much easier to create. Sandra made a bracelet for me using one of the charms I got from the Green Girl Studios booth, and I came home with one of her boards.
I found some nice things at Akonye Kena's booth; some hand-dyed fabric, a couple of bags, and a handmade photo album. This organization partners with young artisans in Africa to provide a venue for selling their goods, including colorful beads made of recycled paper.

A few other little treasures that found their way into my bags.

The time passed all too quickly but it was a great seeing Libby and catching up with her, eating great Mexican food (!!!), and experiencing a little bit of Tucson.