articulations

Total Randomness...

 
I've spent alot of time Home lately...I'm not sure why, although we have had alot of things going on with our family, work, life...you know how that goes. I've cut way back on my work schedule these last few weeks, but I still don't feel caught up on "rest."  I haven't done a whole lot in the studio, and oddly I only feel a small sense of guilt...But now, I'm getting back into the swing of things, and getting energized about this coming year. I've spent alot of time researching some new tools to add to my studio, and still have more research to do. I'd really like to add a kiln, but I still have some fact finding to do (and some money to save) before I take that leap.

We spent the week-end celebrating my daughter's 12th birthday. She had a few friends over on Friday. Saturday we took all the girls bowling and out for pizza- I think everyone had a great time. I couldn't remember when the last time I had been bowling...it had to be at least 16 years ago...but it was kinda fun. Something to keep in mind when my daughter complains about being bored.

...New wire-wrapped bangles...

I've really enjoyed making these new bangle bracelets. I stumbled upon a wonderful web-site called JewelryLessons.com by Eni Oken and friends. It's a great resource for all things jewelry related and has wonderful tutorials that you can buy and download for just a few dollars. Some of the tutorials are even free. These bangles were made using techniques I learned  from a tutorial by Tadaosgirl. The tutorial was called "Robin's Egg Bracelet."  There is a wealth of information and knowledge on that website, I'm looking forward to heading back over there to try some more tutorials.

I've also been working on some more resin/bezel pendants. I just listed "Ode to Poe" today.

Ode to Poe on Etsy

 Well that's about it for today. My husband just came in to yell at me that the sun is out, and it's not freezing cold. I think that's a hint it's time to take a walk...hope you have had a wonderful week-end. light and love-amanda

 

Where oh Where has the time gone?

As usual, I am ever so late in posting anything over the last few weeks. Class at Valley Ridge with Katie was absolutely wonderful. The books we worked on were fantastic- mine is not yet done, but I will post some pictures as soon as I finish binding it. I have been pretty busy with some custom orders, and just life in general. Andy and I have put the finishing touches on the new garden structure, complete with little dragonfly lights, and autumnal decorations. Hope to get a picture of that up here too. This past week-end we started cleaning out our old granary.

   

It's a nice little barn structure that has good bones. In the past we have raised chickens and goats in it, kept a stray dog or two in it (just for a few hours!) and used it as a storage area. Now we'd like to completely refurbish it into a studio and gallery space. I would have a working studio upstairs, and be able to display my art (and my husband's) downstairs. Maybe have a few open-house type events, and have a fun place to hang out away from the demands of the house. It has a long, long way to go, but we are getting started on it, and that's half the battle. Andy was able to get wood flooring from another granary that was taken down in the area, so we have that ready and waiting. But first we need to clean out the years of goat and chicken debris-yuck! We hauled two large trailers out already, and probably have 2 more to go. It is interesting what happens to that stuff over the years. It totally decomposes, and becomes almost like rotted wood. Heavy rotted wood. Believe it or not, it doesn't even smell too much. Don't get me wrong I won't be camping out in there any time soon, but it isn't as bad as you'd think.

 

The original stairs. We will be taking them out, and moving the entire staircase. And yes that's some of that "debris" I was talking about-the chicken variety.

Lastly I will leave you with a new necklace I just posted on Etsy. I have gone back to my roots (well sort of) and started playing around with Polymer Clay. About 15 years ago, I worked for an artist who did polymer clay work, and I haven't touched it since...lol..but here I am again, getting out the pasta machine, and seeing what I can come up with. Have a good night everyone-amanda

 

A close up of the Polymer Focal-

 

And the beads-

Back from the Bead Tour-Wow!!

 

Not the best picture, but boy did we have fun. Sue, her husband Gary, and I met today for the Rings-n-Things Bead Tour at a local hotel. As always we weren't disappointed. So much to see, and very friendly staff-I've been ordering supplies from them for years, and they really do have the best customer service in the industry. The show was great, I always try to have some idea what I want to get when I go, but of course you always walk away with things you didn't know you had to have. The pink stones are a good example of that. I don't normally work with pink, but I really liked the combination of those stones, so I am going to give it a whirl. Jen Worden has a great challenge right now that has to do with "Change"-those pink beads might be something that I will incorporate into the challenge piece. Check out her great blog, and jump into one of her challenges. So I am off for the night, need to get some rest in, and start packing for Valley Ridge. Katie Kendrick's class is coming up soon, and I can't wait to get down there! -amanda

 

Autumn Joy

Yes I'm back. After some sweltering hot days here in NE Wisconsin, finally a beautiful fall day today. The Autumn Joy Sedum is just starting to blush, and it is definitely one of my favorites this time of year. So many things have happened since my last post, but I just wanted to tell you a little bit about the class I took at Valley Ridge Art Studio. I went mid August to take a wonderful class from the very talented, sweet, and generous Misty Mawn. Not only is she a wonderful teacher, but she is a very kind soul. It was completely amazing to watch her work, and the knowledge I gained in those two days is invaluable. I have so many ideas rolling around in my big round head, I just need more time to get them down on paper and canvas. We worked on watercolor paper for the duration of the class, and that was a big change for me. I am used to working on stretched canvas, or three dimensional objects. I had the misconception that using something flat was,- well flat. I couldn't have been more wrong. I learned techniques that I would never be able to do on a stretched canvas. Amazing. I would encourage any of you who might be tossing around the idea of taking a class down there to jump in with both feet. This is the first time I had been down there, and it was fantastic. My friend Sue has talked about it for years, telling me that it is the best kept secret in the Midwest, and indeed it is. From the picturesque location, grand lunches, and the in studio shop, not to mention the rock-star teachers, it was wonderful. The owners are very kind, and make sure that your experience is a great one. I look forward to my second class with the very talented Katie Kendrick on September 13th and 14th. I think there might be a spot or two open, so now is your chance to take it all in, and sign up for a class.

Some beautiful Goldenrod, I know those of you with allergies are already sneezing at the sight of it. I just think it is such a lovely looking plant. This one popped up in my front garden, and I just didn't have the heart to pull it out.

Little Minus the kitty. NO I didn't name her that, my daughter came up with the name. She had a sister that was much larger than she is, so my daughter thought that "Plus" and "Minus" were fitting names. The arrived at our doorstep when my daughter was having lots and lots of math homework last year!

And lastly a picture of the only successful plant in our veggie garden this year.

Our kitties decided that the front garden was their gigantic litter-box this year, and all food that was growing in it was condemned to worm food. The potatoes were dug up this afternoon, not sure if I can stomach eating them....my poor daughter. They were started in a milk jug at school last year. She was so proud when we dug them up. Some are so tiny they were like pebbles. Anyone want to come over for mashed potatoes? Have a good night everyone, and enjoy these beautiful days! amanda