articulations

Enameled Elements...

Fallen

enameled copper element

Today I got started into the enameling process. I had so much fun, and what I thought was going to be scary and difficult, was actually fun. Whenever chemicals are involved, or potentially fire causing ingredients, a little part of me panics. I still hold my breath when I light up my torch...With my studio in the downstairs of our home, I have a lot to lose if I mess up, or don't follow proper safety precautions. But today was exciting, I had some success with the few pieces I did, and managed to totally ignore the custom work I am supposed to be doing for a family member...I do think I will have to work on that part tonight. I've listed a few of these enameled components on  Etsy  this afternoon, but keep your eyes out, I'm sure I will be adding more pieces in the weeks to follow. For now here's a little peek at what came out of the kiln today...light and love-amanda

 

-A few bits and pieces- 

 
 

WOW!

Courage  (sold)

Bronzclay Pendant

Sometimes we just have to leap and have a little faith...sometimes it's scary and we wish we had a little more courage... but usually really wonderful things happen when we finally take those first steps...

I know I've blathered a bit here and on the last few posts about whether I should start adding some of my handmade "elements" to my etsy shop. It's probably a difficult thing for alot of you to understand why I would have such a struggle with it. From a logical, business point of view, one would think it might be a great way to reach a whole different audience. For those of you who are artists, you probably understand the struggle that I have been going through. It's a funny thing. This inside battle I've been going through.  Well I finally decided to take a leap-ok maybe just a tiny step, and list a few "elements" on etsy to see where it might take me...wow...the last two days have been amazing...lots of new people browsing in my shop, and lots of great questions from other artists. ..I must say a huge thank you to Lorelei who no doubt got the word out about my elements in a gigantic way....So thank-you Lorelei- I really appreciate your blog post... and your support...it was entirely unexpected and greatly appreciated. Please stop by her blog  and say hello. She does a wonderful job of supporting other artists, and featuring her finds that she creates into one of a kind jewelry. It's refreshing to find someone who is willing to share all her secrets...especially when it comes to finding great supplies...I know many of us-(myself included)-keep our lips sealed when it comes to that! So thanks so much...it's truly appreciated.

EnLightened

Fire Agate, Steel, Hand Dyed Silk 

So what does this mean for Etsy?  Don't worry, I'm still making jewelry, still at the bench. But it gives me a little more flexibility, and an entirely new perspective. It is a great way to mix things up a bit. I'm still planning on getting some artwork done soon too...It's been far too long. I've been collecting bits and pieces for another round of assemblage dolls that I hope to get done before spring. Should be fun...

Hope you are all having a wonderful week-end. Andy and Hannah took off for a father-daughter day...I haven't heard a peep out of them for hours. Hope they are having fun.

-Light and Love-

amanda

Wings Handmade Microscope Slide Pendants (sold) 

New Stuff...

More BronzClay from my own molds...

 I tried firing my kiln over-night...not so good. In theory, it was a great idea...get everything ready, set it up, fire away while I sleep, and voila, wake up to some great surprises...but we have a house-full of dogs right now, and they really didn't know what to make of the kiln noise with no person down stairs working.... I've been up since 2:00am because the dogs didn't particularly like the sound of the kiln clicking on and off. It made them nervous, and when one barks or gets upset, it just spirals down from there. I'm sure you know how that goes if you've ever lived in a multi-dog house hold...

But my folks got back from out of town, and they took their two dogs home with them this afternoon. My mom brought back the bracelet I wanted to share with you, and I was able to get a few pictures off this afternoon before the light was totally gone...

Ancient Spirit-BronzClay and Brass 

I really like how the bracelet turned out. It has a nice weight and a great patina..those of you who know me, are probably laughing. I have a thing about the "weight" of things...it has to feel just right...I'm sure there are lots of other people out there who know what I'm talking about...Not too heavy so that it's cumbersome, but not so light that you can't feel it on...I always feel like the weight of jewelry connects you to a piece. Anyway, this one has the right weight...lol

I've spent a lot of time working with metal clay this week. It's funny because it was really a "side" project, and not really why I wanted to invest in the kiln in the first place. I was really interested in working with regular clay, and doing some enameling. I've yet to pull those materials out, but I'm hoping to get started this week. I'll keep you posted as I go along. For those of you who are thinking about taking the next step and getting a kiln, I would highly recommend stopping by the WholeLottaWhimsey website and checking out their information on kilns.  They have wonderful info, a comparison chart, and lots of great supplies to help you get started. I couldn't have waded through all the information I had on kilns without that comparison chart....it was invaluable.

Have a great night...light and love-amanda

Drops of Sky- Sterling Silver and Peruvian Blue Opal 

CopprClay and Sterling

 

Dragonfly Zen  (sold)

and

Blue Moon  (sold)

 

Still working on how to work this camera and the software...but it's fun too.
  

When it rains....it pours....

BronzClay Harpy Pendant (sold)

Just happens like that sometimes. This week has been interesting to say the least. We have had some technical difficulties....and I'm not so technical which leads to alot of difficulties. We have been trying to switch over to a different service provider, and we just purchased a different computer for upstairs. My main computer has been dying a slow and painful death. 73 viruses and counting. My daughter was unable to even use her drawing programs or get on-line, so we took the plunge and got something small, and suitable for her usage, and then decided to switch providers at the same time.... that lead to a slew of headaches and confusion on my part. It's difficult and maybe a little humiliating when you don't really know how to hook all of this stuff up, and you don't even know the correct lingo to use to ask for help. Well I finally got the new computer up, then the internet working, and then my printer and my camera died. Well technically my printer still works, but the wireless connection to my laptop is not working. So, I'm leaving that for another week, and am struggling to learn the new software for a different camera. In the meantime, I was able to get a few pictures off and two new pieces listed on Etsy. The above piece is a pendant made from Bronzclay. I've been toying with the idea of putting a few "components" for sale in my shop. It's a difficult decision for me, but I thought I might give it a shot. I also made a bracelet, but photos for that will have to wait. My parents are traveling this week, and my Mom wanted to take the bracelet to show my Aunt...One more photo for today...

Wild Iris Earrings...Sterling Silver

 

Our thaw is over, and it's back to frigid temperatures. Just makes me ache for Spring-time even more.

Light and Love-amanda
 

Remnants...and tools

We have had some rain here over the week-end, it's what we Wisconsinite's refer to as the January Thaw. It offers some relief from the bitter cold winter, but uncovers alot of ugly, brown, dirty messes. And if you have dogs, it's serious...Peeking out of the snow and mud, I spotted this yellow pansy. A remnant from this past summer, just sitting there saying hello to me. So although it's been a bit gloomy out, there's always a spot of sunshine..if you look. I had to go out and pick this little treasure, then I started looking around and noticed how beautiful my orchids looked in this winter light...

Mind you, I do have a green thumb for some things, Orchids are not one of them. It's almost unnatural that these two plants haven't died in my care. The lovely purple one has been with  me for over a year, this is it's second blooming, and the other, has only been here  6 months or so.

They are a treat during these winter months.

My Love (sold)

-Sterling Silver, Freshwater Pearl, Handmade Copprclay Heart-

 Andy picked up a hood vent for my kiln a few days ago. He was determined to get it in today before he left for work...With some major effort, he was able to get it installed, and eat lunch before he started 2nd shift.  Our house is of the vintage variety. It's a log home that was covered with several layers of siding, and plastered at one time on the inside. Anytime we have to cut a hole in the wall, it's kind of a big deal. I'll post a picture later of the drill bit that did the damage.  So he's off to work, and I've got a dusty mess to clean up. I'm really enjoying the Copprclay and the kiln. I've just made a handful of things, but I can see how artists could just focus on this one medium. The possibilities are endless. I just ordered a few DVD's on Copprclay/Bronzclay specifically. I've watched one of Sherri Haab's PMC videos-it was wonderful. I don't know if I will be able to take any classes this year, so I figured the DVD's are a really good investment...and for those of us with less then stellar memories, I can go back and watch it again. Gotta sign off-the dog's are calling...I'll be back soon with a few more pictures..light and love-amanda

 
 

Ode to March

handmade copprclay pendant, sterling silver, aquamarine
 

Ok just a few quick pictures, then my daughter will be off the bus. Here is the hole that we had to drill...

Here's part of the chunk that came out of the log...maybe I will save it for some assemblage doll?

And here's the tool to get the job done...well, it might need my husband behind it...there's no way I could have done that...

If you know anyone who owns an old log house, or is purchasing a country home...this drill bit would make a lovely gift. It has saved us countless times...lol...when we first got internet service, we told our provider that they would have to drill through logs to get the cable through. They still came unprepared, and Andy ended up running the wire and drilling the holes for them.

-have a great night-
 
 
 

The joys of copper...

 

Woodlands Earrings (sold)

Etched Copper and Sterling Silver with Smokey Quartz

 
I've been an etching fool...

As part of my New Year's resolutions, I am trying my hand at expanding my skills, and my comfort levels. I've tried etching copper (with the traditional chemicals) in the past, and have been pretty disappointed with the results. #1 it's really toxic and smells terrible, and #2 what do you do with the toxic waste that's left over?  With our dogs in the house-not to mention humans-I was always worried about the fumes.  I had read about electronically etching metal, and then last year I came across Sherri Haab's website and her etching system called the E3...I finally saved my money and ordered the system. I have to say, I've been really happy with the results...the above picture isn't the best, but it's just a small sampling of what I've tried. The unit is small, and fits into my studio set up without any problems. It's really easy to use, and it can also etch sterling with a different set of chemicals. I haven't tried that yet, but it's on my to do list....

Nesting Instincts

-Handmade Etched Copper Pendant with Sterling Silver-

available on Etsy

 

My other project right now is gigantic, one that I hope to be working on for the rest of my life...wow, sounds pretty big...I was able to take the plunge and get the small kiln that I have been dreaming of for the last two years...I'm certain it will take me a lifetime to learn how to use it to it's full extent...so far I 've fired one small project... Copper Clay. Talk about scary...you can read all you want, and study, and try to learn as much as you can, but firing something up to 1650 degrees in your house is a bit nerve racking. Andy is off this afternoon picking up a few things he needs, and he will be picking up a hood vent for the kiln. No more firing until it's properly vented, but I had to give it a a little test run.

I won't be winning any awards for these small trinkets, especially the cracked pieces, but it was a great learning experience, and I can't wait to try it again. My hope is to be able to create more of my own components. I do love using other artist's work in my jewelry designs, but I'd also like to be able to come up with more of my own focals. Again, I wish I had more time in the day...

So that's about it for today. Andy just got back from the store, time for some lunch and a coffee. I'll keep you posted on my progress...and for you fellow artists...just a reminder Sales and Use Taxes are due in a few days...no more paper filing...you have to E-File...get it done soon!! I filed mine via the phone this morning. Good Luck-light and love-amanda

Wind and Rain Earrings

Handmade Etched Copper with Sterling Silver and etched glass drops
 
 

Just a little sneak peek....

I've been working just a bit in the studio. Other things have had my attention this week, including ordering supplies and tools for this coming year, planning,...and pouring over a few new books.  Add to that, my husband and I are addicted to Dexter...and eagerly await the arrival of the next delivery from NetFlix...I don't think I've been this hooked into a TV show since my youthful days of 21 Jump Street...or maybe Moon Lighting....yeah, I know go ahead and laugh. But the truth is, Andy and I rarely agree on what tv shows/movies to watch together....he is more of an action/adventure kinda guy, I like indie flicks and weirder stuff. Dexter seems to fill the gap in our viewing worlds. But I digress, I just wanted to pop in and give you a quick peek at what I've been up to. I promised to add a little more sterling into my work this year, and I've been working on some new (to me) wire-working techniques.  I've always wanted to add rings to my offerings, and wire work is a perfect fit.

Nest ring in silver. 

This was fun. I've made nests for the last few years, but I recently found a great tutorial on making them into rings. I couldn't resist doing one up in sterling silver. This one ended up being big (lucky for me it fits!) but I still really love it.

Some more gemstone and silver rings.

These too were really fun to make. I just listed this Freshwater Pearl one on Etsy tonight. 

 

Eclipse Ring-Size 7 on Etsy..

I'll be back again soon with more updates. We are moving things around in my studio again. I haven't even gotten used to the new set-up, and we are changing it already. I need more counter space for some new equipment, and I need an addition. Since the addition won't be happening, I'm going to have to get creative with storage. Meaning, up, down, under and anywhere in between...maybe it's time to get rid of some stuff....we'll see. light and love-amanda

Carved Rose in Rhodonite

Amazonite (sold)

 Amethyst 
 
 

Happy Holidays....and some sage advice from my husband....

I'm back...once again. We have finally wrapped up the Holiday Sale, with just a few small things to finish up. The Holiday Sale has kept me busier than I thought, and then I came down with a serious case of yuck-so I just haven't been feeling myself. I'm on the mend, and feeling re-energized to get back into the studio and start making a giant mess again. I've been taking some huge mark-downs in my Etsy shop, and also adding a few new pieces here and there. Look for silver to play a new role in more of my designs in this coming year. I'm crossing my fingers that I will be able to get a small kiln at the beginning of 2010, and that will add a whole new dimension to my work...not to mention a whole new course of study for me...xo

After a particularly ugly rant this afternoon, my husband interrupted me with a phrase I really needed to hear...and luckily for me, I was able to hear it..."LET IT GO..." I was really upset about another artist copying one of my designs...I won't go any further than that, but I was not happy, and feeling pretty ugly about the whole thing....which wasn't doing me any good...he then opened up his jacket and presented me with a box from my favorite local bead shop-Rocks of Ages....

Inside the box, this beautiful strand of Aquamarine gemstones....I've looked at this strand several times....I've dreamed  of this strand of lovely blue...my birthstone...I certainly didn't deserve this gift, especially today...which is what made it so special. Even after listening to me say such rotten things about another person, he let me say it, let me get it out of my system, and still gave me this gift...wow....I'm feeling lucky, and a bit ashamed. But I will let it go...thank you honey...for knowing what I needed to hear, for letting me say what I needed to say, and loving me in-spite of it. wow.

And lastly I wanted to share with you the amazing talents of another etsy artist...Ellen Dooley...

 

I'm amazed at the beauty she captures in each of her beads. They are tiny pieces of artwork, rivaling any fancy cut gemstone. I've started to incorporate several of her beads in some of my new sterling silver pieces, but please check out her shop, her photography is amazing too! Whenever I receive one of her packages, I feel like a small child on Christmas morning. I know what's inside will be grand, but I'm always delighted at  the beauty of her work...

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, no matter how or what you celebrate. May you be surrounded with those you love, and safe in your travels. I hope you all have a little bit of handmade in your holidays too! light and love-amanda xo

Dragonfly Meditation Bracelet
 

It's been far too long...

Where have I been? I know, it's been some time...I've been working everyday for the last few months at a Handmade Holiday Sale. The show is going well, but it leaves me little time to do much else. I just wanted to pop in and say hello. I'll be back again soon. The show closes on the 6th of December, and I hope to get back into my own rhythm once again. Please enjoy the special Holiday Sale I'm having in my Etsy shop while I'm busy finishing up at the brick and mortar shop. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. The sale is located at:

KeLe Alpacas

E1870 Pine Grove Rd.

Kewaunee, WI 54216

need directions? just shoot me an e-mail, and I can help you find your way....light and love-amanda