articulations

Lucky Me....

The Three Sisters...

Earlier this week, when I was laying in my stinky and sweaty bed coping with this flu, my husband brought up a package that had come in the mail...It was from one of my sister's. A birthday present. In a beautiful little burlap bag with wonderful terracotta beads attached-(yes I'm quite certain she knew I'd like those too!) were these precious bunnies. They came from a shop called Ten Thousand Villages...a very special non-profit that she is doing some volunteer work for. These little bunnies kept me company next to my bed until today. I finally felt good enough to get out of my jammies and move around a bit. They came down to the studio to keep me company. So sweet...

Yup, today is my birthday. When I asked my daughter yesterday...what today was....she replied...I don't know, I just know that on Thursday it's Crystal's birthday...when I told her it was MY birthday, she replied "well I don't keep track of that kind of stuff!" lol...the truth is, my husband didn't even remember until this week-end that it was my birthday. ..a one A.M. (after 2nd shift) stop at a 24 hour  super-market saved him the wrath of a wife with no cake on her birthday...I didn't feel good enough to eat it at lunch, but he helped himself to a large slice...I'm quite determined to eat some tonight with my daughter...even if I must give up dinner to do so...

When my husband saw this he cracked up...Expand? Why would you want to wear that for jewelry??? The  beautiful  sterling bezel is from Susan Lenart Kazmer's "Objects and Elements" collection. Another piece I have been hording for nearly a year and a half. When I poured resin last night, I decided that I must use it. I always keep a stash of ephemera in a basket nearby. I grabbed it, found some vintage dictionary text, and that was what grabbed me- expand. I snipped it to the right size, and forever embedded it in resin. I think it's a wonderful word, even if it's poetic beauty was lost on my husband. I'm sure that the story of this piece will unfold very soon. I thought immediately that it would be a bracelet, but now, I'm not sure. Possibly a necklace...for another day.

Signs of Spring? It was actually warm enough today, that I sat out on the front porch (ok I was bundled a bit) and enjoyed my first cup of coffee while my daughter waited for the bus. The cranes came back today, as well as the robins, and the red-wing blackbirds...a happy sight!

Tiny little vintage brass book/lockets. I put a tiny little image on them, and encased it in resin. Tricky, but they turned out so cute!

Tiny little connectors too!

And lastly..tiny little drops! 

Ok, my daughter is yelling at me...Ghost Whisperer is on. It's one of the few shows we can watch together, and I don't get embarrassed, or go insane...time for some cake...hope you are all doing well...resin pieces will be listed later this week. They need a day or two more to fully cure..

light and love-amanda
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday Special on Etsy...

Butterfly Love Elements Sampler 

I've decided to run a special sale on a package of my handmade elements on Etsy every Sunday. It will be a collection of my choosing, and will be offered at a discount. I'm hoping this will encourage people to try my handmade components, or at least get a great deal. Each Sunday I will offer up a new package...they will have a theme, and will only be available on Sunday. If they don't sell, they will be "unlisted." A new package will be available the following Sunday. I think I will try to give a sneak peak on Saturday here on my blog...that way those of you who read my blog will have the heads up on what will be available on Sunday morning.  I thought it would be a fun way to promote my work. We will see how it goes....
 

Make Art

  It's really hard to make art, let alone get anything else done. I had a fever off and on last night, then the bad dreams that always accompany them. My bedroom smells like an old hotel...I know totally gross. I'm trying to get a few things listed on etsy, but it's taking every bit of energy I have.  I take a few pictures, then edit them, and get a few things listed, and I feel like I've run a marathon. It's funny how these flu viruses affect us. My daughter did have a fever last week, and she was definitely a zombie, but it was in her head. Not psychologically, but physically...congestion, stuffy...etc. It seems like my weakness is always in my chest...no matter what the virus is, it always settles in my lungs...making it hard to breath, and zapping all of my energy...my husband gets it in his head too...weird. Well I hope none of you are suffering from this crud. It sounds like it is going around all over...one last ditch effort before springtime I guess. On a more positive note...our little Sprout is doing a lot better. It has been a challenge getting the eye medication on her eyeball 3-4 times a day, but we have been vigilant about it, and it's helping a lot. We are still going to bring her in on Monday to get her annual blood-work done, and have that eyeball checked out while she's knocked out.

 

Sprout

That's her in all her glory. Her hair is standing up because the camera flash was spooking her. Her tongue hangs out a lot...not crazy like some of the other dogs I've seen, but I think it's cute. 

Ok, I'm coughing and hacking, so I need to take a rest. I'd like to wish my Dad a

 Very Happy Birthday

...today's his day. I need to save my air to call him and wish him well.

Have a beautiful afternoon..light and love-amanda
 
 

NO Time for the Flu...

Ahh yes, it is good to be home...but not with the flu...after my tv appearance I started feeling the affects of the flu...I managed to get a few things done, and even got up early to finish up some metal-clay pieces to complete some custom work...but it keeps catching up with me. Hannah was home all last week...and now I'm starting to feel totally out of commission. To top it off, our little dog Sprout- (I was going to put her picture up, but she wouldn't cooperate) is having a very serious eye problem. I ran to the vet yesterday for some meds...but she's definitely going to have to go in on Monday...some of you may remember me talking about Sprout-she's 6 pounds of evil...the Chi-Wiener of Doom. Half dachshund and half chihuahua, we've had her since she was 14 days old. Brain damaged from dog bite to the head, she's not the most pleasant dog in our pack...but we do love her thank-goodness. She's epileptic, and she has to be anesthetized when we take her into the vet. It's just too traumatic. Last time she bit her tongue so badly she actually ended up losing the tip...and no I wasn't happy about that...She's a really great little girl in her own environment...she's even sweet to us...but she doesn't like change, and even taking her outside can be stressful enough to bring on a seizure. Andy is sick too, and has been in bed for the last few hours...I don't know which one of us is going to bring her in to the vet, but it should be interesting...I'll try to get a good picture of her later...poor thing.

To complain a little more...my metal-clay pieces didn't sinter properly...which means another full firing...I was so afraid of that...it always happens when I need something now, now, now. They won't be done until late tonight...which means I can't get the special order pieces completed until the morning...grrr

Ok, enough complaining! I'm sorry...I plan to have more metal-clay pieces listed this week-end...and I've finally started a flickr group for those of you who have bought some of my elements and would like to post photos of your designs. I have to work some of the technical parts out, but if you want to be on my flickr page, just e-mail some pictures, your name, your shop if you want, and a brief description of your piece! I'll get them posted as quickly as I can...

Ok time to crash...light and love-amanda

 

Back and Catching Up...

The Birder

(mini bottle-caps,resin, brass, gemstones)

 I'm back from my road-trip to Minneapolis...trying to catch up on everything. I'm not a good traveler...I stress out...I pack too much....and then I don't pack what I really need. Then when I get back I'm exhausted. But this trip had a purpose.... I got to meet my niece for the first time, and spend some time with my nephew and help him celebrate his 4th birthday. Today I'm packing and shipping some orders, and trying to get a few things listed on Etsy. I've got my tv spot in the morning, so the next thing on my list is to get my jewelry and displays ready for that....I was able to post a few things on Etsy...some etched pieces, a few resin bezels, and even the bracelet above...I started this piece before I left on my trip, and then was able to finish it this afternoon. It was weird to be away from my studio...even for a few days. I decided not to bring any "work" to do, and instead just brought a few books and magazines. It was both good and bad...for some people work is just that-work...but I really enjoy the process of creating. Even when I have "businessy" stuff to take care of, I often take a break and work on a piece of jewelry. Even if it's just for a few minutes, I find it really relaxing and grounding. If I'm really stressed out, all I want to do is grab my jewelry tools and get busy...forget the bills, and that taxes are due in just a few short weeks...give me some wire, and some odds and ends and a few beautiful gemstones. Ahhh-sounds good doesn't it.

Create Magic

(sterling silver, chalcedony,resin,bezels,brass)

I really loved how these earrings turned out. It's hard to tell in the picture,but the image of the butterfly wings look stunning with that blue chalcedony.

Caged

Etched Copper Pendant

Stand Tall

antiqued brass and resin pendant
 

Ok, that's it for now. I'll check back in after the my big day tomorrow...I'm hoping to have some more elements in my shop by the end of the week. I'll be working on some metalclay pieces mid-week...

light and love-amanda
 

Bracelets and TV...

Serendipity

Sterling Silver, Recycled Glass, Bali Beads, Lake Michigan Stone, Drusies 

Ok, I debated whether or not to make this confession, but I decided I will. I have been asked to be on segment featuring Etsy Artists on our local Fox 11 news station. I'm completely honored, but completely scared too! It will be quick, I'm in good company, and there will be another artist there too...still scared...I've got to figure out a quick set up and display for some of my pieces that will look good on camera, and of course figure out what to wear. Exciting I know but still scary. So like usual, I ignored what I should be doing in lieu of making some new pieces of jewelry. I started this piece last night, and finished it this morning. I liked how it turned out, so I started another silver bracelet....

Sacred Spirit

Sterling Silver, Jasper, Raku Fired Pottery, Bali Beads 

I love silver, I wear sterling every day, earrings, rings etc. But it's not very often I give myself permission to make such an extravagant piece of jewelry. I'm sure this sounds silly to a lot of you, but silver is expensive...the heavier gauge wire is costly, and the Bali Beads can be $10-$20.00 each. I always have this fear of using up "all my good stuff" so I save it for _______? When I don't know. The funny thing is, there is always more "stuff"...always. When I am able to get past this fear of using up "all my good stuff," I'm usually pretty happy with the results of what I create...another lesson in letting go.

And after the silver, I had to go back to my other favorite material-antiqued brass....

Song Bird

recycled sari silk, antiqued brass, pressed glass, mini bottle cap bezel 

As for the resin bezels I promised to post later this week---well they have all sold. I've got a few more that I will try to get up before I leave. Have a great night-

light and love-amanda

ps...my tv debut will be on March 2nd around 8:15 am channel 11 (if you are local)

wish me luck

Resin Pendants and Connectors Oh My...

Antiqued Brass and Resin Connectors or Pendants

One of the interesting things that I am learning about offering my handmade elements for sale... I no longer feel the need to hold on so tightly to these pieces. I am also feeling a freedom to create in "excess". In truth it's not really excess. I've got several galleries to provide new work to, and having my bits and pieces done and at my fingertips is really wonderful.  Being able to share these pieces that are dear to my heart, for someone else to create a cherished piece of jewelry is fulfilling in a way I never thought it could be. It's also pushing me outside of my comfort zone to come up with new work for this year's gallery sales.

These will be up later this week..I've got someone who has requested first choice, but I thought I'd give you a sneak peak at them. 

And lastly a little pair of earrings I made.

Birds of a Feather

I kinda like this pair. If they don't sell on Etsy, I just might have to reclaim them for myself.

Hannah is still home today, but she's feeling better. I think school will be in her future for Wednesday. The dogs have sure enjoyed the extra attention they have gotten while she's home. She has been on the couch with furry lumps keeping her warm all day.

Have a great afternoon...

light and love-amanda 
  

Away to the Gypsy Camp....at least for a day

Found this in my stash while I was making envelopes for shipping. I couldn't bare to use it, so I will keep it until I am inspired to use it in something for myself! 

After not having a whole lot of human contact over the last few weeks...I headed out to my friend and neighbor's house for our Weave-Cut-and Sew Class on Saturday. I did none of those things, but did get a quick lesson about how to use Facebook, and in return gave a quick lesson about Etsy. I guess everyone assumes that I use Facebook a lot, but really, my blog posts are automatically posted over there. I've had a few people contact me through Facebook, and I haven't been able to get back to them-sorry if you were one of them....It's a bit embarrassing that I'm not able to navigate all of these things, but I will learn it eventually.

Class was a really good break for me, and being surrounded by old friends and new ones is always a blessing. We eat well, talk a lot, and share our newest projects. I'm usually the black sheep, because what I have to share is usually jewelry or art related. These woman are fantastic weavers and sewers, and usually have some fabulous art garments to share...I usually have jewelry...they don't seem to mind, and they keep letting me come back ...this time (ok I confess, I mostly brought jewelry to show) I actually did have something that I had sewn. It was a few months ago, but I felt  I finally had something  "sewish" to share...

These were projects from two books that my daughter got for Christmas. I will have to dig them out of her room because they are really good books, and I'll have to share them with you. I can't explain my love of stuffies...odd, cute, handmade, missing an eye. I love them all. I'm sure my mom could tell you it started a very long time ago. I had more stuffed animals than any other kid I know. I still have a few special ones from my childhood. My daughter likes stuffies too. I'm hoping to work on some of these projects with her soon.

I did work on getting a few more things listed on Etsy. I've got some copper elements that I've put a verdigris finish on, and a new wing pendant...after much discussion we've decided it's a moth wing.

Moth Wing  in copper 
 

A Little Love  in copper with verdigris patina 

Scalloped Keyhole Pendant/Connector

in copper with verdigris patina 

And that's about it for the week-end. I spent yesterday in front of the tv with dogs on top of me, on the side of me, under me..you get the picture. My daughter was sick all week-end, and she is home again today. I'm starting to get nervous beacause we are supposed to go visit my sister and her young children...if Hannah doesn't feel better soon we won't be able to go...we will both be very sad.

I spent part of this morning on the phone to "customer service" trying to figure out how $200.00 worth of stuff was charged to a credit card  that I haven't used in over a year....very frustrating. My credit card company wants me to call these companies and try to get it figured out with them. Between a 25 minute long distance call where I was continually put on hold, or couldn't hear what the person was saying, I finally gave up and decided to save it for another day...ok, I did rant for awhile to my husband and daugther...but then I gave up and got back to work...hope none of you ever have to deal with this. I think it's going to be a long process. Ok, this is getting to be a long post. Hope you had a great week-end, and a good Monday.

light and love-amanda

Gather Dreams

sterling silver, chalcedony,resin,ephemera 

The Day's Bounty...

Wow did we ever have a great day today! Usually when we go out, one of us has some luck finding some goods, but today we both came home happy. The vintage luggage is one of my favorite ways to store ephemera, lace, or pieces and parts. When I have time, I make a beautiful tag to hang from it, to tell me what's inside. My studio is so packed that I have to stack things....to the ceiling in fact. The luggage gives it a fun look, and I can pretend I'm organized. The beautiful red and white trim was all handmade...I only paid a dollar for it. The crusty steamer? What else, I'm going to take it apart and use the panels for wings on my assemblage dolls...

 

The "dreaded cheese dome"...I don't know if your thrift stores  have these...but we have them in every shop....it must be a prerequisite to opening a thrift store in the Dairy State. I recently saw someone use them to keep their resin pieces dust free when they were curing. I wish I could remember if it was on a blog, or a magazine...it's a great idea!

And then a few treats from a local bead shop. Some really great copper trade beads, some Chalcedony, and some Ancient Roman Glass....I've been drooling over that glass for the last two years. I intended on making the leap, and adding a strand to my collection of "best stuff" -( you know, the kind of beads that you don't cut the strand for 6 months because #1 it was pricey, and #2 it's just so pretty on that strand, and #3 what on earth are you going to make with that?) But when I got to the shop and looked at their strands (which were actually half the price they are selling for on-line) I liked the loose pieces better. The strands were gorgeous-don't get me wrong, but they were thinner pieces and a bit irregular. I loved the circle shape of these, and they are nice and thick...

 The pictures don't do them justice at all. Trust me they are absolutely beautiful...and no I don't know what I'm going to do with them, but I know I'm going to keep one piece for myself.  I'll try to get a better picture in the morning with the sun on them...Beautiful!!

And lastly, I must apologize for my grosso hands...My family has informed my I need to hire a hand model for these blog posts...yes I know they look like sausages...I work hard...they are swollen...they are dirty....and yes I did buy artificial nails for my trip next week....maybe I need gloves too...lol

light and love-amanda
  
 
 
 

Verbage for your Wrist

Forest Sparrow  

Modern Id Bracelets

 I'm finally using a few of my own elements. Just thougth I'd share a few pictures this morning. Forest Sparrow is listed on Etsy, the Id Bracelets haven't gone  up yet. I'll be posting some more copper elements (with a natural green patina) in the next day or so. I hope to have a few listings this afternoon!

Off for a day of fun with my husband. No work today for him. I'm hoping for a junk-shop marathon...xo amanda

A Meditation on Letting Go....

Letting Go
 A sneak peak here at my latest piece... before the light fades completely.

Lots of sterling silver, an antique salt shaker, resin filled bezels, faceted blue chalcedony, coppery coin pearls, and the beautiful sterling bird clasp from Green Girls Studio...I order a few of those clasps  several years ago. I've held on to them, not wanting to use them for fear... of what I don't know. I still remember when they arrived... and I can remember the fear I felt about creating something that would be "fitting" enough to have such a lovely clasp...something worthy enough. They are so beautiful on their own, as a designer, you almost don't want to spoil the beauty of them...I'm sure hundreds of designers and artists have made many beautiful things using them, but I was fearful. I will try to post a better picture of this necklace in the morning. The light is now gone, and I just can't take a picture at night to save my soul. The resin bezels read-"ask, believe, receive." The chalcedony is the loveliest shade of blue, and paired with the coppery pearls and sterling, it's one of my favorite color combinations. It's a very long piece too...which I love. You can wear it super long, or wrap it around your neck for a layered look.

 
Brass and Resin Bezel Pendants

on Etsy...

Discover Truth Earrings

handmade bronze pendants, sterling silver, and freshwater pearls

These earrings are available on Etsy too. I'm working on another grouping of copper clay elements. I'm going to try some different patina effects and see what happens. I had hoped to get them finished today, but I ended up having to do a second firing. I'll be heading out of town next week, for a trip to Minneapolis . I hope to have some new elements listed, and some more finished jewelry up before I leave. I think I'm going to have to rest my hands after this next batch of metal clay is done. I don't know if anyone else suffers from this, but boy do my hands look terrible. They are rather pudgy anyway, but they are so dry, and permanently filthy...I've tried to use all the products they recommend, I moisturize, all that stuff. But my fingers, and finger nails are disgusting. I know, too much information....but it's rather embarrassing when you are checking out at the store and you see the cashier looking at your black finger nails....then try to explain it's from working with metal-clay (then trying to  explain what metal-clay is)----and they look at you like-"yeah right" I think I need some extra sanitizer....so, to make this long story short, I'm going to see my brand new niece, who is just a baby, and I don't think she wants to meet her Auntie with totally gross hands...It's also my nephew's birthday, and he's not the type to hold anything back...I'm sure he'd tell me that "Auntie M, your hands are gross...." maybe it's time to try out some artificial nails....my daughter just thought I should go the "Goth" route and paint them black...no one would no the difference....anyway this is why I must rest my hands after this last batch. I don't want to be known as the Auntie with gross hands....

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Light and Love-amanda