articulations

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) 

Love, Hope, Faith...

 

-Hope for Haiti-
Please check out this link for storenvy....proceedes from this shop will go to support the Red Cross efforts to aid the earthquake victims of Haiti. The t-shirt below was designed by my (nearly) brother-in-law: Workerman...

 

$8.00 from every t-shirt sold will go directly to the Red-Cross.

Thanks-amanda

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
 
 

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
 

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

 

Fiber Art Eye Candy

Ok, it was difficult for me to wait until 8:15 to bug my friend. I am such an early riser, that I forget normal people don't get up at 4:00 in the morning. I did get her blessing to post a few pictures of her work, I wish I was a better photographer, but this is what I wanted to share with you...

Front

Back

This wonderful jacket has so much detail, it's really hard to see in these photographs. It's beautifully lined, and the most comfortable jacket I own. Love it!

This next photo is of a felted wool collar that Jeanne needle felted a beautiful blue bird image into. The detail again is amazing. In person the design looks like a watercolor portrait....I've never seen anyone else who can blend the wool in this manner...

 

Ok, and lastly my Magic Jacket. Jeanne made this for me on my birthday this year. She called it a smock, but I wouldn't dare wear it for a smock. It's my Magic Jacket, and I do wear it in the studio, but only when I'm not being messy. It's so beautifully illustrated and painted. It's one of those things  that makes you smile, and makes you feel loved and grateful for the friendships you have.

 

 

 

The above picture is on the back...Magic

Fresh out of the tumbler-a special order of sterling silver and gemstone earrings...now I have to match those pairs! Have a great afternoon-I'm going to hit the couch with my dogs! light and love-amanda

Friend and Fiber Artist Jeanne Shay....Published in Belle Armoire this Month!!!

 

I Just wanted to say congratulations to my dear friend Jeanne Shay! Jeanne called me this week to let me know she heard that her beautiful felted wool collar would be in this month's (Sep/Oct) Belle Armoire (page 77) magazine. So please pick up a copy and check out her inspiring work. Jeanne is one of the most talented women I know and I'm so excited for her. I met Jeanne a few years ago at a friend's holiday show. She mentioned that she might be looking for a companion -of the furry sort-and me being the dog magnet of the area, set out to find a good match...we've been friends ever since....and yes I did find a dog for her-a lovely border collie cross who had been abandon by her owner..."Maggie" couldn't have found a better home with Jeanne and her husband. I'm going to call Jeanne today and see if I can get her permission to show a few photos of her other work. I've been lucky enough to receive several beautiful pieces of her work as gifts, and I'd love to show them to you...light and love-amanda

P.S. Jeanne's fiber art can be found at the Red Cup Coffeehouse on Washington Island, WI.

Isn't it lovely!

Kinda Crabby...

I know, the title doesn't exactly encourage you to read this post...I've been in a funk all day. I actually had to leave for awhile this morning just to give my family a break-from me.....I got an e-mail this morning (from one of my sisters) telling me about someone who is making birdhouses and various other jewelry that bares a striking resemblance to mine...to make matters worse, they have a "rep" and are doing some wholesale markets in close proximity. I checked out her web-site, and yeah, it's pretty darn close...I have mixed feelings about copyright. It's such a hot topic among artists right now. If you want to start an argument, that's the conversation you want to have. So I won't bore you with my whining, but here's what went through mind as possible solutions to this issue...

1. Send her a mean, nasty, and anonymous letter.

2. Call her out on my little blog.

3. Sell my stuff at cut rate pricing.

4. Give a free tutorial on how I make the birdhouses.

5. Cry and Whine

6. Complain to my family

7. Let Karma handle it.

8. Consider the possibility that we are both on the same creative wave length.

For tonight I'm going to stick with #7.  Since # 5 and #6 weren't too effective. And I'm not ready to try # 8.

As I'm typing this, my daughter brought me a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream with Hershey's Syrup. She proceeded to drop the entire bowl over the door way, (we have half doors to keep the dogs out of my studio.) bumped my soda-spilling it on the keyboard of my laptop-(which isn't even paid off yet) and then shattering the antique bowl (Fire King-Jadeite) all over the floor of my studio.-How's that for Karma?

...I know this isn't a very nice post, but I just had to air out my thoughts tonight.

Don't worry, I didn't even yell at her. I'm too tired from being crabby all day. She was sweet enough to offer me her bowl of ice cream. (sigh) But I declined.

Like the Wind Spirit Rattle Necklace

I'm working on some new things in the studio, and hope to have new work posted for sale in my Etsy Shop later this week. I'll also be back this week to give some book reviews. I've picked up some really good books over the last few months, and just wanted to share my thoughts on them...

Spirit Dance Spirit Rattle Necklace

I'll leave you with a picture my daughter drew on the computer. She e-mailed it to me to cheer me up...xo amanda

How do you like your coffee? with two donkeys, a horse and one goat please...

I've never claimed my life is calm and serene...even when I try to take a few moments, something usually happens to interrupt my moment...lol

My daughter left this afternoon to go on a trip with my folks. She's been bored out of her mind these last few weeks before school, and driving me insane. My folks take her, and I get the dogs. It's a pretty sweet deal. Andy had just left for work, and I poured myself a wonderful cup of iced coffee. The dogs had all settled in, and I was going to have a moment...Minutes after Andy left, I get a phone call that there are two donkeys, an ancient horse, and a goat on the highway...I need to get my buns down the road and help get them back home ASAP. Luckily I know where they belong, but no one is home. I get back to animal central, and tell my husband to stop in up the road where the owner's husband works. He calls back to tell me the neighbors are on vacation, but help is coming....I proceed to try and coerce these animals back to the field where they belong...I was totally unprepared for trekking through the field. I had my Birki's on, no socks and a field of thistle to get through. Help arrived, and luckily he knew how to turn off the electric fence. All of the animals got back to their pasture, but I got that look from the goat... I'm sure as soon as we drove away he was hatching another escape plan. Gotta love living in the country...

If you need a moment, try making this wonderful iced coffee...it's so easy. I got the recipe from a friend, and it couldn't be simpler to make...

Make one pot (12 cups) of double strength coffee.

 It's better if you use the flavored kind-even if you don't normally drink it, trust me it will be delicious. I prefer Hazelnut or something Chocolaty.

One can of sweetened condensed milk.

Let the coffee cool a bit, then whisk in the entire can of sweetened  condensed milk. That's it! Put it in the fridge, and when it's cold, pour it over some ice, or blend it with ice in your blender. Superb! It won't last long, but we've kept ours for a few days and it still tastes great.

It's been a busy summer for me. I've worked more than I would like, and plan on shifting gears a bit once my daughter gets back in school. I  need a new perspective, and I need to find some balance between work and play...hopefully finding some more time for play. I've got a library of wonderful books I've been perusing, and I'm very excited about Sheri Gaynor's new book "Creative Awakenings." I plan on working through the book over the next 12 months. It's definitely worth buying if you have it on your wish list!  I think this book and Sheri's process will help a lot of people, whether you are an artist or not- so check it out!!  I'll keep you posted on my progress...

(Never too Late available in my Etsy Shop)

The last thing I wanted to share with you today...

I was recently invited to consign some of my jewelry at a gallery in Rome, Georgia. The gallery is called the Rome Area Council for the Arts. (or RACA) . I've heard some wonderful things about Rome, but I'd love to hear from any of you who have been to the gallery!

Ok, that's enough for today. Hope you are all enjoying your summer! light and love-amanda

Back from Washington Island...

 

(Field Notes available now on ETSY)

Wow, I know it's been a long time. I am back from my trunk show on Washington Island, and boy did I have a great time! The drive that I stressed out about, the ferry ride, it was all very easy, and absolutely beautiful. I stayed with my friend Jeanne, and had a wonderful time peaking at her creative home. I came back very tired, and had to jump right into getting more work together for The Flying Pig, but I also felt great, and almost transformed. I was proud of myself (which I know sounds silly) for doing it "by myself." I have huge travel anxiety, and often opt out of fun things just because I don't want to go or drive somewhere I don't know. Maybe this was a step in putting some of my anxiety behind me!!  The Red Cup Coffee House was even better than I had imagined. Ann and Mike (the owners) really have created a wonderful, welcoming environment. I was comfortable the moment I walked in, and they had other super cool art and antiques all over. Not to mention they kept us in coffee and killer Mocha smoothies all week-end. So a huge thank you to both of them, and their beautiful daughter for hosting the trunk show!

Here's a few pictures of that week-end...

 

From the Ferry

-you park down below, and then you can get out of your car and sit up top. It was a little cold, but what a wonderful way to see Lake Michigan!

 

Seriously, is that all of my artwork back there? It was surreal to see it all hung up.

(PS-the large painting on the right is NOT mine)

Jeanne's Jackets! Wow were they beautiful. Jeanne is a master at sewing and design. I know the Islander's were waiting for that trunk show to open...

Here are her "Little People" sweaters. These are so special, and really an heirloom piece. Jeanne spends a lot of time on each piece, getting every detail perfect. Beading, crochet/knitting, all the little details make these sweaters a treasure.

 

  

Inside the Red Cup-so cool!

 

Me and Jeanne!! xo

Now I'm back in the studio, getting some new work completed and posted in my Etsy shop. In the upcoming weeks, we have decided to make a few room changes in our house. We are swapping out rooms, and I will be moving my studio downstairs, our bedroom will move upstairs, and my daughter will get my old studio for her bedroom. It's going to be hazardous, as we can't seem to agree on colors, and some of the rooms haven't been painted in 12 years. I'm having a really difficult time deciding what color to paint the studio. I have always stuck to neutral colors for the walls, and this time I really want something colorful and bright. The Red Cup was such an inspiration with it's colorful walls, I'd love to take some of that back with me into the studio. I'm thinking a warm orange, or even a lime green, but I'd love to hear from all of you what color your studio is, or what color you wish it was...??? I'll keep you posted on our progress....light and love-amanda

 

Stepping Stones-Bracelet (available on Etsy)