New Copper Creations

I'm having a blast finding new ways to incorporate brass and copper into my jewelry. I think the part I like the most is breaking out the hammer and steel block and just pounding it to create texture.

A big design trend in necklaces this year has been a circle focal. Here's my interpretation of that idea, taking it further by incorporating one of my beads for added color and dimension.


Additionally, I'm branching out in my necklace designs for my heart pendants. Because these beads are so big, it's a delicate balance getting the necklace design to compliment rather than either disappear or compete with the bead itself.


Now that we're into the warm months of summer, my garden is bursting with color and I relish viewing the sunrise-kissed hydrangeas and day lilies each morning before work.

New Directions

So far, May has been a very, very busy month. Not only is my "day job" kicking my arse demanding much time and energy, but I spent a very intensive week the beginning of the month that is leading me in new directions with my jewelry.

I attended the Art & Soul Retreat here in Hampton Roads taking classes from Michael deMeng, Stephanie Lee, Jane Wynn and Susan Lenart-Kazmer. All I can say is "WOW!" The teachers were all great and very willing to share their techniques. I have been wanting to learn more metal-work for a while now, and boy, did I get my fill.

Afterward, filled with inspiration and ideas bouncing around my head, I had to get some new tools, new materials, and practice, practice, practice. Oh my! I'm not sure what will come out of this, but I'm confident it will take my jewelry designs in a new and unique direction.

Kiln Down, Jewelry Up

Well, I went and did it! I inadvertently touched the heating element in my Chili Pepper kiln while it was on and shorted it out. While I've been working with Mike at JenKen Kilns to help me properly install the new element (which, if I do it wrong, will short itself out AGAIN)...I've been making more jewelry.

ALSO, I spent last weekend with a group of crazy women (family & friends) for one of our "Girlie Art Weekends" learning some tricks and techniques with polymer clay. Thanks to Jodi and her huge house, her wonderful hospitality, and her globe-trotting husband Bryan, 8 of us arrived in Warrenton, VA on Friday night ready to rock and roll (more pics to come shortly).

Along with my various aches and pains I never seem to get rid of, I now have "jeweler's elbows...I'm guessing it's tendinitis, or something similar. Hopefully, I'll figure out what I'm doing wrong with my set-up (chair, table, piss-poor posture) and the pain will clear up. Meanwhile, where are those Teflon-coated body parts I ordered?

New jewelry designs

If you keep up with the latest jewelry trends, you'll have noticed that copper is becoming increasingly popular. Not that I'm out to be a trend setter (or slave), but because of it's popularity and the ever increasing cost of sterling silver, I'm looking to copper to expand my design choices.

So I've been playing around with several new designs with copper wire and chain. The "cluster" necklace is 20" long with double linked rings. This looks fantastic on - like a "Tiffany" chandelier.

I'm also experimenting with designs that allow for greater flexibility, like the lentil bead/pearl necklace. This can be hooked in the back or front. And more heart necklaces are on the way. In addition to the one shown here, I'm working on designs that use pearls and crystals in the necklace part. These necklaces can be found at Loverly, Katody's and Heron Way Gallery.

January is....

"get organized" month! Still out in the Bead Shack on weekends, as time and weather permit. But mostly I'm getting myself organized and finding better ways to manage and streamline the business. With having jewelry in multiple consignment areas, it's been tricky trying to keep track of everything. But I can see light at the end of this tunnel....choo choo....

My biz partner, Ellen, and I having been sprucing up the displays and inventory over at Loverly (our shop in Newport News, VA). In addition to my jewelry, Loverly houses Ellen's beautiful collage pendants and our friend Jodi Flood's digital collage jewelry. If you haven't been, it's time to plan a trip! We also have vintage and antique "stuff"...furniture, pottery, china, crystal, "re"creations, and a whole bunch more. Check out the site: ShopLoverly.com.

Finally, I'd like to pass on my favorite recipe of the month...Beer Bread. If you have yet to make this, take it from a reluctant cook...it's EASY and DELICIOUS!

INGREDIENTS:
2C All-purpose Flour + 1 C Whole Wheat Flour (or 3C APF if you don't use Whole Wheat)
1 T Baking Powder
2/3 C Sugar
1 t salt
1 12 oz. beer
1/4 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:
Sift flour. Stir in dry ingredients until well mixed. Slowly stir in beer and mix just until combined. (Batter will be thick). Spread in greased 8" loaf pan, pour butter over top.

Bake at 375 degrees for 50-55 minutes, until golden brown and toothpick stuck in center comes out clean. (note - place a cookie sheet below loaf pan to catch any butter that drips over.

OH MY - this is GOOD! (It's rare that a fresh-baked loaf survives past a couple days...if that long.)

Finishing up holiday orders

Just a quick post to show the couple of holiday orders I've been working on. Now to concentrate on my own presents. Yikes - Christmas is one week away!!

Sunday - Just Out of the Kiln

Saturday was pretty productive in the Bead Shack. I have an order for a pink & blue necklace, so I've been making lots of those colors....but I'm not completely happy with what I've done so far. I've got some great pinks - and great blues - but none with those colors in one bead. That's what I'll be playing with today.

I'm also working on a new looks for chokers using twisted colored wire. These will look really cool with beads that are on a bail (bail opening has to be large enough to accommodate the bail opening. I'll post pictures as soon as I've perfected the look...

And the weather is PERFECT (so far) for working out in the Shack, so I'd better gather my tea, XM radio and get dressed and GET BUSY!!