Beadkeepers Blog - What's In the Attic?

Playing with PVC

2011-11-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

I love Robert Dancik's work. He is the creator of Faux Bone, a pvc product in sheet form that you can easily form, carve and treat to look like aged bone. I haunt his website and love his tutorials. Since discovering Faux Bone, I have also started experimenting with PVC on my own. It's inexpensive (cheap, actually) and easily available at local hardware and home improvement stores.

I recently stumbled upon a bracelet design while helping my husband clean off his work bench in our garage. He had some PVC pipe fittings laying around, and I found one that I initially thought would work well as a bracelet form for my wire work. It was a 2.5 inside diameter, schedule 40 PVC pipe fitting. The outside circumference is the perfect size for a standard bangle. Then it occured to me that maybe I could make a bangle from the pipe alone....hmmmmmm. A couple hours later and I had a lovely, aged bone bangle with copper accents.

So, I give you the Super-Cool PVC Bangle Tutorial! I wanted to share this because it's so fun to make and inexpensive to boot! This is a perfect holiday gift idea, and you can customize the look any way you wish!

Take a peek, and let me know what you think. If you make a bangle, I'd love to see it. Share the photos and I'll post here.

Have fun!!!
PVC Bracelet Tutorial

I've Got A Book!

2011-09-09T17:21:00.004-04:00

For some time now I have been writing short stories and poems to go along with mixed media jewelry designs. I call this series "Sacred Salvage". Several folks that have read the work have asked why I haven't put together a book. Basically, it's because the idea of putting this all "out there" terrifies me! My writing is very personal, and the idea of throwing it to the winds is very intimidating. Everyone is a critic, and the thought of having my inner works poked through really gets to me. But, I then realized I was being a big baby. So, I am proud to announce that Sacred Salvage is now available through Blurb.

The book is laid out like a photo book with text. I have to thank Durga Garcia, photographer extraordinare, for the cover and chapter photos. They're gorgeous! The rest of the photos are mine. This book means so much to me, because it truly reflects what inspires me most in my jewelry designs--nature, personal growth and strength of spirit. I am donating 100% of my sales proceeds to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, so that's one more reason to feel good about buying the book!

I hope you will consider this for yourself or as a gift. It's more than a jewelry book and more than a book of short stories and poems. It's my invitation to take a peek into my heart, and I don't offer that lightly.

Thanks in advance to those who buy a copy--you can get 20% off with the coupon code BLURB20. If you do buy the book, please contact me with your thoughts. I'm a big girl, and I'd like to hear what you think!

Sacred Salvage by Karen McGovern | Make Your Own Book

Re-defining Art Jewelry

2011-07-04T11:04:00.001-04:00

What is art jewelry? What is fine jewelry? Can inexpensive jewelry be considered "fine"? Hmmmmm...There are many different "levels" in any art form. With jewelry design, the terms are tricky and sometimes prickly. I once had my work refered to as "costume jewelry" and it pissed me off, because for some reason I associated that those terms with cheap, mass produced jewelry. I consider my work to be "art jewelry". That being said, there are all sorts of other catagories--"fine jewelry" being at the top of the heap. I consider fine jewelry anything made using precious metals and gemstones. BUT, that doesn't mean there isn't a ton of mass produced, crappy fine jewelry out there--just visit WalMart and BEHOLD...

The reason I bring this up is because my work doesn't exactly fit into any category. Sometimes I use precious metals, most time I do not. Sometimes I use fine gemstones, most times I do not. My goal is to create original, AFFORDABLE art jewelry with whatever materials strike my fancy. If I make something using sterling or gold, I can assure you it is only because I was able to purchase said sterling or gold SUPER CHEAP. Affordability is really important to me, probably becuase I have never been able to afford what is considered fine jewelry. Luckily, I also don't really care for that stuff anyway. I have always been attracted to the unusual, the pieces that are obviously designed and hand-crafted by an artist thinking outside the conventional jewelry box.

So, I may use base metals or really inexpensive elements in my designs, but don't call me cheap! The end result is always a singular design, well-crafted and carefully constructed. I once was hesitant to use nickel silver or pewter in my work, worrying that it would "cheapen" the finished product. STUPID! I encourage everyone to explore working with these materials, and to come up with original designs that bely the inexpensive componants. Bottom line, I want my work to be worn, to be purchased, to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Sure, I can make you something using only sterling silver or fine gold, but the cost (too me) outweighs any design benefit. Plus, it somehow seems unseemly to be setting fake grass or coyote teeth in 14k gold....just saying...

There are so many innovative, inexpensive design elements out there for the picking that translate into personal, inspirational designs. I am a mixed media fanatic, and there is no button, photograph or dried leaf safe from my resin-coated fingers, and don't get me started on bone, feathers and fur...It's all in the translation, the way you work with common elements to create something uncommon and beautiful.

So, hit your local Michael's Craft Store and dig through the bead section. Then hit the scrap book section, then hit the floral department. Then head for your local hardware store and bring home some copper pipe and a pipe cutter. You will be amazed at what you can create if you take a big step outside that jewelry box...

These three rings were made using inexpensive elements and componants including base metal ring blanks, copper washers and pipe, etched brass discs, and faux flowers and grasses.

Creating with Intent

2011-06-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

Just got the latest issue of Nat'l Geo, with the cover all about Cleopatra. The image focused on an amazing gold and pearl earring that belonged to her. A golden snake coiled around huge white pearls. Breathtaking. In reading the article, you discover the intent behind the design. Snakes represent long life and prosperity, and were featured in countless jewelry designs from bracelets to necklaces to clothing.

This got me thinking about the history of human adornment, and how every culture in the world historically created art and jewelry with "intent", meaning behind the design that goes far beyond simple beauty. I think that is fascinating, and have always tried to incorporate a message or meaning in my work. Some of my designs are inspired by, or inspire themselves, a short story or poem. I'm partial to Native American folklore and often incorporate elements of that into my designs and writing. No matter what I create, I find that each design began as something more--an intrepretation of a greater idea or inspiration.

Susan Lenart Kazmer always encourages us to "create with intent". To make concious decisions with each step of artistic design. Every curve of wire, every bead or stone placement, the choice of metal or material, every hammer strike, should mean something--should be meaningful--even if it is only to you, the designer. I agree, and find that being concious of this--of opening yourself up to explore meaning behind design and creativity--inspires greater creativity and originality. Each design is a bit of my imagination come to life, made material.

I am inspired by nature, and try to reflect that in everything I make. I believe I impart a message in every design, and hope the person who ultimately makes that design their own can see or "feel" my intent. This way of thinking has made me a better artist, and I hope a better person as well...Isn't it amazing what personal expression can do for the individual and the group??

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, and how you express your intent or message in your work. Please feel free to share here...THANKS!

This ring was made with spectacular varacasite from Out of Our Mines. I chose it because it made me think of the Earth, with rivers and valleys in the marbeling of the stone. It feels like magic to me...

Steel My Heart

2011-05-11T19:02:00.000-04:00

I've recently started working more with steel wire. I've had a spool of 16 gauge wire on my bench for some time, using it as accent wire, etc., but never as a design focal pint. I can thank Susan Lenart Kazmer and Brenda Schweder for bringing steel wire to the forefront, both have published books, videos and tutorials about the wonders of steel wire. I just got Brenda's book, Steel Wire Jewelry, full of inspiration. AND, one of my all-time jewelry design heroes, Richard Salley, also incorporates steel wire in his amazing designs.

The economy has also played a big part in my shift to alternative metals other than silver or gold. Steel wire is affordable and gaining in popularity. I get mine from Objects and Elements.

I'm having a blast working with steel, it hammers, wraps, bends and solders like a dream. There are several new designs in the works, I'll post pics as I go. Shown here is a necklace/ring set made with steel, pearls and amazonite on black brass chain. Dramatic and industrial, yet also kind of glamorous too!

If you haven't worked with steel before, I highly recommend it. Get yourself a spool and have some fun!

Treasure Hunting

2011-05-09T12:17:00.005-04:00

Went to our local, monthly antique fair yesterday with my good friend and amazing jewelry designer Donatella Linari. She has such a good eye, immediately zeroing in on the booths with the "real" stuff. She took home a fantastic, ancient glass seal from Haiti that will be transformed into one of her signature pendants, can't wait to see that.

I snagged some goodies as well. Found a sterling silver encased chatalain pencil, which I love and are harder and harder to find. Dated to the mid 1800's, and a bargain to boot! This will make a great pendant element. The cased is etched sterling and the pencil was still inside. I also found some vintage textured brass ring bands in a gorgeous, organic pattern. Immediately used them to make the two rings pictured here. I really like the look of these bands, very ancient and rustic. I hope to find more very soon (internet, here I come...). I finished my haul with two tiny pocket watch keys that will make fantastic earrings or pendant elements.

We had a nice afternoon, nothing is more fun that an antique fair. All in all, a great day sleuthing for treasure!

Tech Stuff

2011-05-06T09:53:00.000-04:00

This is a quick post for those of you that create and maintain your own websites, like me. I found a great flash slideshow program that creates really lovely image slideshows that are simple to make and embed in your websites, Facebook, blogs, etc. It's called Flash Slideshow Maker Professional and I really like it! I just updated my website and placed a great slideshow of images on the home page. I highly reccomend this program, it offers tons of themes, layouts, transitions, music, and more. Depending on your web skills, you can dig into the advanced features and make specific changes to suit your needs, or just go with the standards and you'll still be pleased. When you are done, you upload to get the code for sharing, all with guidence and ease. Check it out!!

HELP! I'm Being Robbed!

2011-05-04T12:26:00.005-04:00

Okay, so maybe my post title is a bit over dramatic, but when it comes to the price of silver and gold these days, I do feel like I'm in the midst of a personal heist.

Gold and silver are at unprecedented prices right now, and that really affects what I do in my studio. My goal has always been to create original, affordable jewelry. With the cost of metals so unbelievably high, I have pretty much given up on designing with sterling, which is (as of this writing) almost $20.00 an ounce. To put it in perspective, one square inch of sterling silver 24 gauge sheet is over $10.00! So, no sterling in my studio right now except for wire, which is also priced through the roof.

For now, I am working with nickel silver which is much, much less expensive and looks and behaves a lot like sterling. The downside is that many folks are allergic to nickel. I'm trying to come up with all sorts of creative ways to get around this, like backing pendants and rings with resin-set images, transparencies, and even textiles so the nickel never touches skin. The results are pretty cool, and this "dilemma" has given way to some new design ideas. The photo below is of a new pendant made from Imperial jasper, amazonite and shell on nickel silver backed with a resin-set text transparency. I think it's lovely, and the cost is so much more reasonable!

For those of you that will settle for nothing other than sterling silver, I'm happy to oblige, but be prepared for some heart-stopping sticker shock. The days of inexpensive metals are over...at least for now!

Plum Gallery

2011-05-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

As of this weekend, my jewelry designs will be available at Plum Gallery in St. Augustine! This lovely little art haven is tucked away on Aviles Street, run by Karen Sheridan and Maribel Angel. I discovered it on my last visit to St. Augustine a few weeks ago.

I am so excited to be a part of this Gallery full of amazing art. They have "First Friday Art Walks" from 5 - 9 PM, a great way to spend a Friday evening wandering St. Augustine and visiting the many ecclectic galleries all over town. AND, don't miss "Sangria Sundays" from 2 - 4 PM--pretty self explanatory!

It is always great to become a part of a new gallery, and Plum gives me another excuse to visit my favorite city as often as I can. So, if you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by for an art walk or a glass of local sangria. See you there!

Dreams Become Reality

2011-04-30T10:24:00.003-04:00

I'm always designing in my head. No matter how busy I am, my thoughts inevitably turn to some sort of creative endeavor. Sometimes being too busy to actually sit down and create can be a good thing. This pendant, "Arbor Boy" is a good example. I'd been imagining this pendant for weeks, going over every detail in my mind, but had no time to actually work on it until yesterday. When I finally sat down to make it, the design flowed like water!

I created him from a tiny antique porcelain doll head set on an etched/heat treated copper "stage". A hand made tree grows from his head, and below an antique sterling silver fork acts as roots, holding a French blown glass level. Copper, brass and pewter gears accent.

Arbor Boy represents my belief that we must think and live "green" to restore balance to our planet.

So, don't be too impatient to create your next big idea/design. Let it live and grow in your imagination for a bit, and the final result may be all the better for it.

Surviving the Streets of St. Augustine

2011-04-08T21:06:00.032-04:00

This is an odd post for me, a small departure, but I wanted to share...

I am a 45 year old runaway. Yes, this weekend I ran away from home. It's a struggle, living on the streets. The mean streets of St. Augustine. The constant assault of local live music wafting through the air, tripping over street musicians and performers with tiny dogs dressed as pirates. The wonderful indie art galleries and restaurants in every nook, cranny and hidden side street. Don't get me started on the antbellum architecture or how the place reeks of painstakingly maintained Spanish history. It's Hell, I tell you, Hell!

Just to survive I've ducked into a new little place called "Rhett's", right next door to "Scarlet O'hara's" on Hypolita Street. Those marketing wizards!

Where Scarlett's is a multi-level, old home turned into pub-style restaurant and college hot-spot, Rhett's is a new, super-cool, upscale piano bar and gourmet dining experience. Sort of like what I imagine Mr. Butler would also be...but that's another story.

I can hardly manage to wolf my Caesar salad with all the burbling piano music, lovely and attentive staff, and don't get me started on the saxophone guy...oozing talent and fresh-scrubbed college cuteness.

My lovely waitress just stopped by to ask what I thought of my salad. I so wanted to drawl, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." Don't worry, I didn't. But I could have!

So, I sip my beer (yes, I am not afraid to order a draft in a place like this, after all, I am a street person), and stare at the antique tin tiled ceiling, plotting my next move. I am interrupted by the arrival of my lobster stuffed chicken breast on truffle-infused mashed potatoes. Oh. My. God.

I don't want to simply eat this meal. I want to marry it. I want to wear it next to my skin. I want to take it for a long walk on the beach, holding its hand. In case you don't get what I am saying, this meal is an orgy in my mouth. Wait, that is really gross. This meal is...delicious. Simply, elegantly, delicious.

If I could eat like this every day I would become one of those house-bound people who eventually make the news because a wall of their home had to be destroyed so they could be removed by crane. And I would be grinning ear-to-ear while dabbing at the truffle oil staining my chins.

I ran away to St. Augustine because many, many, MANY moons ago I used to live here, and to this day I adore the place. Don't get me wrong, St. Augustine, America's oldest city, has its share of ridiculous tourist-traps. Many crap shops selling T-shirts and chocolate on a stick in the shape of an alligator, "ghost tours" on every corner, and sangria bars with exhausted locals sweating their asses off dressed as Spanish soldiers, grinningng through gritted teeth at drunk, fanny-pack wearing families from Wisconsin taking their pictures. But, as I sit under a painting of the Battle of Atlanta, sipping cappuccino, I marvel at how hip little places like Rhett's coexist with the Nation's Oldest Drug Store and Ripley''s Believe it if Not! Somehow, St. Augustine has managed to grow up, while still retaining it's core personality. Kind of amazing, really.

By the way, I am totally getting into this whole runaway street person thing.

I was about to say that my dining experience was marred by the arrival of a huge party of really loud people seated right next to me. I was, until the woman in charge of the group came over to me and apologized in advance for her boisterous group, and offered to buy me a drink to make up for it. God, I love St. Augustine!

Holy crap, I just realized that after it gets dim in Rhett's, they give you menus that LIGHT UP WHEN YOU OPEN THEM. I can't stand it. You crazy kids with your fancy toys. God bless you, no more squinting, or lighting your menu on fire because you held it too close to the table candle in a vain attempt to read it.

Back to the charm that is St. Augustine. One of my favorite memories is of walking down a side street one evening after a great meal, and hearing laughter and music coming from a hidden courtyard. The yard was surrounded, as many are, with an ancient stone wall. I peeked over and found a group of locals, off work but still dressed in their Spanish period costumes. They were relaxing, drinking beer, and cranking some great tunes. They saw me and immediately insisted I join them, a total stranger. Of course I did, and had a great night getting buzzed with soldiers, pirates, and wenches. Totally awesome.

That is why I run away, as often as I can, to St. Augustine. And you should too. Living on the street has its advantages...

So, Rhett's, I'll let you carry me up that gigantic winding staircase anytime. Really, you can, because I am so stuffed I can't walk right now.

Thank You Kim St. Jean

2011-04-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

It's funny what gets me to finally bite the bullet and try something new. I've never taken a jewelry class in my life, and am grateful to be alive in the digital age, where you can find almost anything online. There is a video for just about everything (YouTube) and great books and DVDs at our fingertips.

I mentioned Kim St. Jean's new book, Mixed Metal Mania, in a previous post. It's great, go get it right now. Because of this book, I finally tried using stering silver solder paste, wire and sheet to create my own bezels. I am a huge fan of copper and brass tube bezels, which I make using recylcled pipe. But, I also wanted to learn the traditional methods of creating bezels, but didn't have the courage to go for it before now.

Turns out, in my recent studio cleaning frenzy, I found a tube of sterling silver solder paste I totally forgot I even had (and don't really remember buying...Jeez, I'm old) as well as a nice selection of solder wire and sheet. I guess at one time I thought I might actually give this a go! Good thing I did stock up, and I'm very proud to say I now am a soldering fool.

Kim made it look and sound so simple, I figured I had to be able to do it. The photo below is of a ring I created from scratch--sterling on brass bezel with a nice hunk of Boulder opal. I am pleased with the results, need to perfect my finishing a bit (you can see the line where the bezel wire meets...boo), but overall I think it 'aint bad for a first try. FYI, the ring is available in my Etsy shop...just sayin', a girl's gotta eat, so take a peek if you like opals...

I am eager to try more complex designs now, just wish sterling silver prices weren't so crazy. Remember the days of silver at 50 cents a gram??? Thems was the good ol' days, that's for sure!

Oh, and I also just ordered my very own Fordham FlexShaft. I burned up my third Dremel set up trying to make it behave like a real machine. So, that's exciting and totally emptied my wallet....wish me luck!!!

Spring Cleaning - It Just Might Kill Me

2011-03-09T16:17:00.005-05:00

So, I've spent the last three days feverishly attempting to bring order to the chaos in my house and studio space. Spring Cleaning sounds so optimistic and bright...yeah, right. My back is killing me, I've hauled three giant lawn and leaf bags of junk to the curb and I still haven't touched my cave of a closet.

On the bright side I did tackle my work bench with damn good results. It was such a complete disaster--looked like a bomb went off--and I had given up actually working in the space. The upside, besides re-discovering the actual surface of the table, was finding all the stuff I forgot I had buried in the mess. Sort of like a shopping spree in my garage.

I know the new-found organization won't last, we creative types aren't known for our neatness. But I will enjoy the open space while I can...Now, on to the closet!

Web Shop Shout-Out...

2011-03-03T10:49:00.000-05:00

Ornamentea, hurry up and go there. Really, just put the name in Google or click the link and go there! I discovered this shop a while ago and have been so pleased with the fun bits of this and that I have found there. It's a grab bag of a place, with everything from tools, to base metal findings, to super cool 3-D cast pewter twigs, to lace inset plexyglass sheets. The tutorial pages are also very nice, with great tips about coloring metals like brass (rip some paper towels into strips, put in a lidded plastic container with a few drops of ammonia, add your brass, close the container and shake for a few minutes--voila--aged brass). Don't skip the "Micellaneous" tab, that's where the odd bits live, from brass bullet casings to tiny acrylic leaves. Oh, and did I mention that the prices are FANTASTIC? Enjoy...

A pendant I made using a bullet casing and heart charm from Ornamentea, along with pewter wings and a rutilated quartz bullet.

New Stuff and a Book Shout-Out

2011-02-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

So, I've been working on a new line of neclaces featuring pendants created using vintage photographs, optic lenses and brass gears. I really love old photos, and mixing ecclectic elements with the designs. I am lucky to have a huge antique/flea market right near me, with monthly shows. I have been finding some really cool photos, tin types and old ads that are great for pendants. Most are from the mid to late 1800s. I especially like old tin types for thier creepy yet beautiful poses. So, here's a slide show of some of the new stuff, all available at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth.

Next, I want to give a shout-out to jewelry designer and author Kim St. Jean. Her new book, Mixed Metal Mania, is fantastic and a must for all jewelry mixed metal enthusiasts. Great photos, projects and tips, including a list of ways to easily color metals like brass and copper with home made patinas. I've really enjoyed the jewelry projects, and have further educated myself with her soldering, folding, and metal work techniques. THANKS KIM!!! Oh, and Kim, hurry up and get a website, okay? We want to see more of your work!!!

Not Enough Hours in the Day

2011-02-21T09:42:00.003-05:00

Hello! It's been forever (it seems) since I've posted. As with so many of us, life is so busy! I have been working closely with a wonderful little co-op gallery in Lake Worth, Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery, run by Joyce Brown, a talented sculptor and supporter of all things art. Joyce is a real voice for the arts community in Lake Worth and has a spectacular back story involving peddling to the Amish, promoting hippy folk concerts and proudly declaring her Communist affilitations. I love her. The gallery is a funky, ecclectic mix of everything from gigantic metal sculpture to fused glass earrings. The member artists (28 and counting) all work together to keep the doors open and host events twice a month. It's a big challange to keep the gallery up and running, considering todays economy and wholesale evisceration of most communities arts budgets. Anyway, I help the gallery by running their Facebook page and blog, both of which I expect you all to immediately follow and "like". Go ahead, I'll wait till you get back....

Thanks! Now, on top of working with the gallery (where I also show my work), I also manage several other blogs, websites and Facebook pages for both my jewelry business and my "real job" with the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation. Again, please follow, like, etc. As much as I enjoy working with social media and web design, I am at capacity with all the groups I support, and find I need to somehow figure out how to juggle it all AND find time for my own work. Welcome to the digital age.

So, what have I been up to? Well, last Sunday we hosted the fifth annual WILD THINGS Art Show in support of RSCF's conservation programs. This event is held every year in Loxahatchee, right around the corner from RSCF, at a private studio owned by Gisela Pferdekamper. Gisela is a wonderful artist--famous for her "fat horse" sculptures and paintings. Every year she allows us to hold the show in her studio, a converted barn. The space is amazing and we have a great time. All the art is wildlife inspired and this year we had some of the best artists in the region. I have to give a "shout out" to a couple of artists that joined us for the first time this year. First, Anthony Burks. Anthony is a spectacular painter/mixed media artist and his work is just breath-taking! We are so lucky to have him in the show! He created the bongo painting you see here specifically for the event, and it sold (of course). Check out his online portfolio and prepare to drool....

Next, check out Melinda Moore's art photography. GORGEOUS work, almost dream like. Her bird photos are just stunning. Again, a great addition to our show. We look forward to seeing both Melinda and Anthony again next year.

Finally, I have to thank Georgette Pressler of Devious Body Art for her amazing work during the show. She painted Andy Fields into a living cornucopia of wildlife! Parrots flock across his face and shoulders, while bongo graze on his chest and abs....Can you say SUPER-COOL-AMAZING? Whate a great night...

So, I've been busy! AND, I've been making a whole new line of necklaces using vintage photos and tin types. More on that later...this post is long enough!! See you later...

Body of Work...Bodies as ARTWORK!

2010-10-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I met an amazing artist at a local show--Georgette Pressler. Georgette is a professional body painter. This is an area of art that I really knew nothing about. What I now know is that this genre of alternative art is a highly competitive phenomenon!

Georgette works under the name Devious Body Art and her work is stunning, amazing, risque, and utterly beautiful. Since meeting her I have had the pleasure of watching her work at art galleries, shows and events all over town. I am always left speachless by what she creates. Please, visit her website and take a look at her virtual portfolio. She's available for private events, art shows, music festivals, you name it!

Oh, and did I mention that she is drop-dead gorgeous and unbelievabley nice? Yeah, I know, go ahead and kill yourself now.

Here's a few teaser photos of her work....

And Now for Something COMPLETELY Different...

2010-09-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

I don't know where to begin. I discovered this artist, Hirotoshi Itoh, while searching the 'Net for another artist. What can I say? This is GENIOUS! I come from a family of rock-hounds. I've spent countless summers on the shores of Northern Michigan, licking rocks in search of prized Petosky stones. This artist is a huge hit with the science crowd, who appreciate his "tongue in rock" refreneces to fossils and all that is hidden inside ancient stone. I just love it! Take a look at his works, you'll never look at a rock the same!

Altered Inspiration

2010-09-23T16:32:00.000-04:00

I posted the other day about altered art and how it inspires me. I've been spending some time drooling over some really great artwork, Keith E. Lo Bue of Australia (I already posted about him...) and another wonder-jeweler, Kristin Diener. Check out her website and be prepared to pick your jaw up off the ground! Kristin creates stunning assemblage jewelry on a grand scale, and that is putting it mildly. I especially like her use of vintage and antique eyeglass lenses, still in frame, as cabochons. What a GREAT idea. This mixed media, altered art movement is really....well...moving!

At the same time, I am also creating my own series of altered works, inspired by these and other artists, for an upcomming show I will be in called "Theatre of the Absurd - Beauty in Uncommon Forms". This show is all about mixed media, unusual art. I'm having a blast. I have always incorporated found objects such as bone, feathers and fur into my designs, but after seeing what some of these phenomenal artists are up to, I am looking at things entirely differently. I consider these new "explorations" absolutely infantile--first attempts--but I do enjoy the results so far. I've included photos here of two new designs. One is a tiny masonite box shrine called "Southern Girl". I used a vintage photo, tiny air bromeliads from my back yard, a sea urchin and various gems and charms to create the main "soul" of the piece. I used an antique porcelain doll body--head above, body below, to finish and give 3-D "body" dimension to the woman pictured. The piece is about 6 inches tall. I plan a series of these...I'll post more pics as I go.

Next is a pretty elaborate piece for me, inspired by Lo Bue, called "When the Baby Comes". I began with two tiny lidded tins--one an inch round, one a little over an inch rectangle. I used the tins lids and bottoms as separate items, separate bezels if you will. In the central round, deep bezel are layers of images and objects including vintage photographs, text transparencies, mica, porcupine quills, watch parts, and paper text. Below, the rectangular box holds a aged bronze baby, door image, mica, watch parts and leather. The rest of the necklace is made from the tin lids, which I filled with images and objects front and back--the entire necklace is totally reversable. I used a key as a link and a tiny key as accent. The result is pretty damned cool if I say so myself and fun to wear because most of the elements spin individually and are double-sided so you can wear this multiple ways.

I think I am attracted to art like this because most pieces tell a rather detailed story, and I love a good story. I like jewelry that has meaning as well as beauty. So, here I go, off on another new artistic journey. Wish me well on my travels!

Dive Down the Rabbit Hole...

2010-09-16T10:28:00.004-04:00

Okay, strap yourselves in and get ready to blow your mind with some FREAKY, CRAZY, GORGEOUS stuff. I just discovered Keith E. Lo Bue and he is my new PERSONAL HERO. Please, please take some time to sip a goblet of absinthe and browse his web site. He takes mixed media art and jewelry design to an entirely unheard of level. What he does with spoons...Holy Moly!!! Whether you are a fan of "steampunk" art or not, you simply can't deny the man's unholy talent. I'm green with envy....and FILLED with inspiration. So, take off your rose-colored glasses (unless the frames are made from animal bones) and prepare to be AMAZED.

Fire....Good...

2010-09-07T08:42:00.008-04:00

So, I've been crazy with my torch these days. My super-cool micro-torch. First, I began working with heating copper to add color to the metal. You can create a forest of fall colors simply by applying heat to copper. I've also discovered what happens when you heat sterling silver. It's called "reticulation" and you get amazing texture in the metal. Gorgeous. Both of these techniques are perfect for me because I am the most impatient person on Earth, and you can get amazing results very quickly. Believe me, if I can do this YOU CAN DO THIS!

I'm going to describe the two processes here so you guys can all run out to Home Depot and buy yourself a micro-torch (they start around $20.00) and create something amazing. This is perfect for those of you (ahem, that includes me...) that have ever been terrified to work with fire and metal. I have never been what you could call "handy" and always figured I'd burn my house down if I ever tried to work with a torch. But, I have conquered my fear and now have not one, not two, but THREE different micro-torches at my bench. Propane is now my friend.

So, take notes - here's the deal: I get all my metal discs, which is what I mostly use for rings, from Etsy . My favorite seller of metal discs and supplies is Hodgepodgerie. I use a variety of disc sizes, great for layering, etc. To really see the colors and textures in copper and silver you don't want to go much smaller than half inch. You'll also need a fire-block upon which to heat the metal and a steel bench block to hammer/shape/texture your metal. All these items are INEXPENSIVE and available on Etsy! Be sure to have safety glasses, a tall cup of water and pliers on hand to handle the hot metal.

Creating Color on Copper with Heat

First, shape your copper disc. If you want a cup, use a dapping block to curve the metal. You may want to simply hammer all over the surface--that's one of my favorite textures. You need to do your hammering, cutting, shaping prior to heating. Drill any hole you need for a pendant, ring layer, etc. NOTE: You cannot solder this after heating--you'll totally ruin your colors!

Next, clean your copper. I use a medium grit sanding sponge and really give both sides of the metal a good sanding. Then I rinse the copper in water and dry. Try not to handle the metal too much, you have oil in your skin sticks to the metal and will affect how the colors come up.

Place the copper on your ceramic fire block. Turn on your torch and hit the copper with a nice even flame, circulating around the metal to heat evenly. You will see the color change almost immediately. Play with this, move your torch closer to and farther away from your disc to see what colors appear. You'll get orange, red, blue and deep purple. The really great thing is that if you hate what you see, simply place your flame a bit closer and the colors will disappear! Once you have a color pattern you like, pick the metal up with PLIERS (it's screaming hot) and quench by dropping the metal in your cup of water. Remove from the cup and gently dry. If you don't like the result, you can always sand the surface clean again and start over. IT'S SO SIMPLE!!!

You need to seal the metal when you are completely done to keep the colors true. You can use a variety of sealants, I prefer a matte or gloss metal spray from Sculpt Nouveau. These sprays are specifically designed to seal metals like copper. You can also use automotive clear coat, available at any auto supply store (like Auto Depot). These are also specifically designed to seal metal. Two coats should do, make sure to let completely dry between coats.

THAT'S IT!! Here's a ring I made using heat-treated copper. Note: This doesn't work on brass. Brass just turns a yucky pink or black in flame.

Now, on to silver...

Reticulating Silver with Heat

This process is similar, but very different from working with copper. You can't shape your silver prior to reticulating. Heating the silver like this sometimes shrinks the metal, so you should actually start with a disc slightly larger than what you plan to end up with. It's very hard to reticulate small pieces of silver, they simply shrink away under heat, so start big. Remember, you can always cut and shape the piece when you are done.

First, clean your silver. Again, I use a medium sanding sponge, give both sides a good sanding, then rinse and dry. Place the disc on your ceramic fire-block and turn on your torch. Heat the metal evenly with the flame, moving the flame around the surface. What you are actually doing is heating the surface of the silver almost to its melting point. The silver usually turns dark first, keep moving the flame around, DON'T STOP. Don't leave your flame stationary either--if you point it too long in one spot you can burn a hole in the silver! The surface will begin to get really shiny and glow a bit red--you're getting close! When the silver is shiny everywhere it will actually go liquid on the surface--you will see the surface begin to "boil" in teeny-tiny bubbles. That's when the reticulation is beginning! Keep that flame moving and all sorts of things may happen. Bubbles may form that lift the metal in places, ridges and valleys may form. Bumps and lumps will appear everywhere depending on how you move your flame, etc. At this point stop, turn off your torch and quench the silver by picking it up WITH PLIERS and dropping it in your cup of water. When you take it out it will be an ugly, flat grey/black. That is the impurities in the silver coming to the surface. You have two choices here. You can "pickle" the metal chemically using a crock-pot (again, search this on Etsy--all questions will be answered) or you can do like I do (ever the impatient girl) and go at the silver with your sanding sponge. The black will come right off. Sand, rinse, sand, rinse, etc. till you can really see what you have. If you want more texture simply set the silver back on your fire-block, turn on your torch and get busy. Each time you quench, sand, and rinse, the silver it will heat easier and reticulate even quicker. You can do this several times till you get the effect you want. When I am totally done, I sand, clean and buff the silver with a dremel tool. Tarnex, yes, good old fashioned Tarnex, works really well as a final, super fast cleaning agent. Now you can shape the metal VERY CAREFULLY if you wish. Reticulating silver makes it brittle, so if you want to curve it be careful, hammer very lightly. You may find that the edges are especially brittle, bits may even break off, but that's part of the beauty of the effect--simply file your edges smooth.

Here is an example of a ring I just made with reticulated silver fused with sterling silver shot, set with an amethyst. YUMMY!!!!

Now it's your turn! Get online, get some tools, then start creating. I'd love to see what you make. Send me some photos and I'll post them here. If you have any questions about the processes described here, please contact me! Have fun playing with FIRE!

I've Gone to the Dogs...

2010-08-14T08:51:00.003-04:00

The cooperative gallery I work with, Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth, FL, is hosting an event next Friday (the 20th) called Dog DaZe. We're supporting Elite Greyhound Adoptions and the gallery will be filled with guests, their dogs, and art inspired by our furry friends. I created this necklace especially for the event, and will be donating 100% of the sale to Elite. It features a vintage, sterling silver dog-head whistle that is just gorgeous. It's fully functional, and removable. This piece is called "And We Danced" and comes with an original short story I wrote inspired by the whistle. The necklace also features a gorgeous lampwork glass pendant bead, a vintage optic lens, and a silver framed moth wing behind acrylic. I hope it sells, and that we can raise some funds for Elite, a wonderful organization that finds homes for retired racing greyhounds. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by! Also, if the necklace does not sell on the 20th I will be listing it in my Etsy shop, so check back!!

New Artist Shout-Out!

2010-07-28T09:29:00.003-04:00

I just discovered Melanie Moertel and her FANTASTIC lampwork beads. She is just amazing and completely original in her designs! I could go on, but it would be a lot simpler and quicker for you to just go to her website immdeiately and drool all over your keyboard. I can't wait for her Etsy shop to open in September, so I can SNATCH one (or two, or three...) of her beads for myself. The only problem will be choosing...I know I'll want ALL OF THEM.

"Spill, Baby, Spill"

2010-07-24T15:03:00.001-04:00

I live in South Florida, on the east coast. Since the day the DWH blew up I have been completely overwhelmed by the mind-boggling ecological disaster unfolding in the Gulf. This piece was created with this in mind. It's called "Spill, Baby, Spill" and I made it using an antique 3-inch porcelain doll body splattered with black paint. A tiny, sterling silver dolphin, colored black with patina is trying to escape the doll's head. I really like the result. Will be showing this in an upcoming art show in Sept called "Raging Art".

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Sweet as Sugar!

2010-07-23T17:12:00.003-04:00

I don't usually blog about food, in fact, I never have. BUT, I stumbled upon this amazing shop on Etsy called SugarRobot. They make and sell edible sugar butterflies, leaves, and other lovely items. So original and beautiful! These are made from wafer paper--a mixture of potato starch, vegetable oil and water. The inks are edible and the images are printed on a food safe printer. Doesen't this look delicious??? I may have to order these--maybe decorate some cookies or brownies with them. I just love this idea!!

Florida Craftsmen

2010-07-12T08:35:00.002-04:00

I've been so busy with my "real life" that I have had no time to vacation in cyber space lately. But, I wanted to share some exciting news, so here I am. Last week I got an email from the director of the Florida Craftsmen Gallery in St. Pete. They are a non-profit, member organization that represents Florida artists. They want me to join the Gallery! They have asked for 10 pieces--I am so excited. The Gallery is really lovely, they have a great contract and are totally professional. I am flattered and terrified at the same time. I'm trying to put together 10 pieces that reflect my work, I figured five rings and five necklaces....still, very intimidating! Have to put this together today and ship tomorrow if I can. Wish me luck!!!

New Imagings...

2010-05-31T23:54:00.002-04:00

I call this ring "Kiddie Pool"

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Morgane Got Married!

2010-05-18T17:52:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, I was approached on my Etsy site by a wonderful young woman named Morgane. She was plannig her wedding and had chosen ME to design her wedding ring! GASP! I have never done this before, and was both petrified and honored to be a part of such a momentous occasion! She really liked my bird's nest ring, so I made one for her with tiny sterling silver "eggs" in the golden nest. Perfect! Well......not so fast. She was in Mexico, and I have never shipped to Mexico. I figured three weeks in advance would be plenty of time....I WAS WRONG! I shipped the ring and assumed all was well until poor Morgane started contacting me as the wedding was suddenly days away and NO RING! Needless to say I was ill with panic. My first wedding ring and it might miss the wedding! On top of that, the wedding was to be held in FRANCE, and Morgane was getting ready to LEAVE WITH NO RING! I must say I was beside myself. Anyway, on the day she was to leave for France I had all but given up hope, when the ring arrived 2 hours prior to her flight!!! Talk about a close call! I don't know about Morgane, but I nearly wept with relief!

So, Morgane is married (to a handsome young man I might add) and the ring is on her finger. Thank you, Morgane, for choosing me and for sharing these photos from your big day. I wish you both nothing but happiness wherever your nest may be!!

Reticulating Silver

2010-05-11T11:14:00.005-04:00

First, it was etching. I love etching. I am etching everything I can get my hands on and hope to some day afford an electronic etch system for silver. For now, I etch brass and copper like no tomorrow.

THEN, I discovered reticulating silver. WOW! This is really fun, and really simple. I've seen reticulated silver before, and figured it was created through some incredibly difficult process that was far beyond my skill-set. WRONG. The look of rugged peaks, valleys, bumps and lumps I love so much are created with heat, and patience. With my little butane torch I can easily heat stering silver discs and sheet to red, then, with steady, even heat, start the reticulation process. You can see the bubbles begin to form on the nearly molten surface, then you have to stop, and clean the silver either by pickling or by hand with patina prep or whatever else you like to use to clean silver. This removes all the impurities that are in the silver, which come to the surface when heated. Then, back under the torch. Keep your flame even over the surface, don't focus the flame in one spot or you might burn right through the silver. Do this several times until you get the pattern or look that you like, cleaning between each torch session. The silver will deform, so start with a piece larger than what you want to end up with. I love the deformed look, and usually leave it at that. When you are happy with the results, clean thouroughly, and burnish either by hand or with a wire brush wheel/dremel. Be sure to look at both sides, sometimes the bottom side turns out even more interesting than the top! From here you can hammer (be a bit careful here, reticulating makes the silver somewhat brittle), cut, and patina to your heart's content. COOL!

Pictured here is a ring I made combining etched brass with reticulated silver and a baroque freshwater pearl. I just love the ancient, organic look!!! More to come....

Art Rocks!

2010-04-15T10:21:00.003-04:00

My friend Jill Elisofon-- fantastic jewelry designer and bestest friend--and I will be in a funky-cool art and jewelry show in May. The show is called Art Rocks and wil be held May 15th at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach. If you are around, you HAVE TO COME BY! The show will feature 45 booths of wearable, touchable, edible, ORIGINAL art. This will be fun!!!

And Now for Something COMPLETELY Different...

2010-04-12T09:04:00.005-04:00

I've been obsessively etching copper and brass for days--I get that way with a new idea or toy. So, I decided to pull myself out of that and refresh myself in a completely different direction for a project I hope to be a part of.

I heard about a call for artists to participate in a "Steampunk Inspiration" book to be published next year. I've been fooling around with assemblage jewelry for a while now, and have really enjoyed creating funky necklaces using antique German doll bodies. These porcelain figures are hollow, and make great pendants! I've created four so far, and this is the latest, my Raven God. The "wings" are made from hammered sterling silver wire and silver tubes. I inserted black turkey feathers into the tubes. It's multi-functional as well. The pewter raven head-piece is another necklace, the chain fits inside the doll body. Below is an adjustable sterling silver ring with guinea and turkey feathers suspended by a sterling silver hook. You can wear the whole thing when you need the DRAMA, or wear the smaller necklace and ring seperately. I used a sterling silver neck wire for this so it could be hung on a wall when not being worn. This is definately meant to be displayed! I submitted photos of this guy along with some other assemblage work. Hope I get in!!!

I still have three or four doll bodies left...I'm thinking of creating a botanical piece next....I'll keep you posted!!

I'm all Etchy...

2010-04-10T08:26:00.006-04:00

Been experimenting with etching and LOVE IT! Made two new locket pendants over the past couple of days, plus a ring, plus some earrings...basically etching anything and everything copper and brass. Here are a couple images of the lockets--one features a great collage image of a finch, the other a picture taken of my Mother when she was a girl. One of my favorite photos. More images to come--what do you think???

Just for Fun - Etsy can really rock sometimes. I love having a shop there, and am constantly inspired and surprised by the artists I discover. This "Mom and Dad" artist duo was featured on Etsy's home page and I really love the work! I'm not a huge "doll" or "figure" collector, but these creations are just weired enough to make me want one! Take a look at Cart Before the Horse!

Cool Artist Alert!

2010-04-08T10:20:00.005-04:00

My super-hip niece, Laura, sent me a link on Facebook a while back to a super-cool artist website. French artist Maissa Toulet creates "cabinets of curiosities", 3-D assemblages containing...well...everything! Totally cool, unbelievably unique, these dioramas are amazing. Please take some time here, you'll be compelled to look at each creation--full of detail and amazing botanical elements. Love this!!!

Too Cool!!!

2010-03-29T12:53:00.007-04:00

Just found this on Etsy. What a wonderful idea (get it, lightbulb...idea???). Anyway, I wish I had thought of it! Take a look and visit this shop!

Wouldn't this be a great project for Earth Day? Hmmmm....wonder if I have any old light bulbs like this anywhere.

Want to Come Up and See My Etchings?

2010-03-29T09:46:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to experiment with etching metals for quite some time. Recently, I came across a great blog post at Alternative Designs explaining how to etch brass and copper with ferric chloride. I'm very intrigued...planning to give this a try. Ferric chloride has to be disposed of properly when you are finished using it...luckily I have a great recycling center within 5 miles of my house. I'll let you know what happens.

I'd love to hear from you if you etch...what is your preferred method? Contact me and I'll post your advice and sources here!

Hummingbird image etched in copper.

New Work...

2010-03-03T09:10:00.004-05:00

I've been busy lately working on new designs. I was part of a great art show last week for the conservation organization I work for, the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation. We hold a nature-inspired art show every year. This was the fourth year for the show, and we get better each time! Great artists, lovely venue (a private studio behind a friend's house). We had a ball and shared some wonderful art. The images below are of a few of my new designs created for the show. More to come!

Also, I had the wonderful good fortune to meet Bernie Berlin yesterday while updating my gallery display at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth. Bernie is a fantastic mixed media artist--get to Amazon to purchase her book, "Artist Trading Card Workshop". Totally cool. Her eye for color and design is FANTASTIC. Bernie raises money through her art to support the rescue and placement of unwanted dogs and cats. Visit her at A Place To Bark, her animal rescue organization. So nice to run into her...you never know who you're going to meet on any given day. Art is such a unifying force and the force was definately with me yesterday!

Cernunnos - God of the Forest Assemblage Necklace

2010-02-24T08:37:00.005-05:00

I found these amazing antique porcelain doll bodies, they are from ArtChix Studios. They are hollow, and perfect for assemblage work. This is my newest design using the last of my doll bodies. Back to ArtChix--I hope they have more!

I created Cernunnos, a mythical God of the Forest, Protector of the Hunt. I wanted this piece to be an example of wearable art--I designed it to be displayed when not being worn. It is also my first multi-functional piece. The headdress, created from feathers and silver-over-copper antlers set in a silver cone, is a removable pendant that can be worn alone. The sterling silver ball chain is attached and fits inside the doll body with ease. Around his neck are silk fibers and a "necklace" made from a gorgeous rubilite garnet and fine brass wire. I hand-made as much of the componants as possible--the sterling silver "branch" arms, the brass "branch" and copper leaves are all made by me. I also included a removable hand-made sterling silver antler ring attached below the doll body, held in place with a sterling silver "T" bar. A manufactured brass leaf accents here. The entire piece is connected to 18-inches of antiqued brass chain with a hammered brass "S" closure. I even made the bamboo stand for display.

So, you can wear this complete as a truly amazing statement piece, or separately for every day. I especially like the ring--it's adjustable and really fun to wear.

It was a labor of love to make this--I can't wait to wear it out!!!

New SlideShow Program...

2010-02-17T09:48:00.003-05:00

Just discovered a great slideshow program online called Slide. Quick, easy, FREE and you can share almost anywhere. So, I created this--some of my recent and past work. Give it a try!!

More Experimenting...

2010-02-01T09:27:00.004-05:00

Another package arrived from Objects and Elements...so love getting those! Their new line of handmade brass charms are so cool. Very ancient in appearance, so many to choose from! Can't wait to begin working with them. I did immediately pounce on the faux bone I ordered. In case you haven't heard, this stuff is really fun to work with. It's basically PVC in sheet form. You can cut, saw, heat, bend, scratch, and carve with ease. Age it with anything from shoe polish to glaze, buff it up, and you have the look of ancient bone. Robert Dancik is the genius behind this, and he is aslo a fantastic jewelry designer. Take a peek at his site and get inspired...Don't miss his tutorial on YouTube!

So, here are two new designs using some of the great stuff from O and E. The bracelet is made from a 7-inch brass bangle topped with layers of brass, faux bone, copper, sterling silver and a Michigan beach stone. I textured and aged/patina'd all the metals myself. This piece is cold-connected--held together with brass screws and nuts. The ring is a layered design using sterling silver that I impressed with a woodgrain pattern then colored with patina to bring out the design, topped with sterling silver, a text transparancey sheet, a cup of plexiglass, a copper washer, a brass bezel and sterling silver bead (again, held together with a brass screw and nut). Love them!

More to come soon....

Sunday--It was a Good Day!

2010-01-25T10:48:00.005-05:00

Yesterday (Sunday) was a nicely productive day for me in the studio. My head was chock-full of inspiration from visiting my favorite artist's websites and blogs, and I was ready to try some new techniques and designs. I created four rings, each very different in style and appearance. One incorporates a vintage photograph and loose gemstones under a clear mineral crystal dome, one features a super-cool antique signet stone I found at a funky antique fair, the third features a hand-carved 800 year old bead from Africa, and the last is a huge stack of mixed metals hammered and heat treated with oil pastels. WHEW! Three of the rings are cold-connected, no soldering involved, and use my favorite copper and brass tube bezels in one way or another. I connected the elements using rivets and brass screws. How cool is that???

I'm most excited about working with oil pastels on metal (thank you again, Susan Lenart Kazmer). I had no idea you could work the colors into the metals (with or without patina), heat it with a torch or heat gun, then seal. The possibilities are endless, and I plan to do much, much more with this. I'll keep you posted...

In the meantime, here are a couple photos of the results. What do you think?????

All of these designs are available in my Etsy shop...

Amazing Artist...

2010-01-22T08:51:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I'm cruising through Susan Lenart Kazmer's webiste--a constant source of inspiration--and I see they now have a Zine (online magazine). Wonderful stuff, you MUST take some time here. Anyway, while browsing through previous posts and images I discovered Richard Salley, my new FAVORITE ARTIST OF ALL TIME. His work is absolutely inspired. What he does with found objects, metals, wire, heat and patina will take your breath away. His tutorial for a locket pendant created from a rusted automotive flange has me digging through my husband's workshop for similar design elements. AND, he offers an online tutorial to create that very locket!! Please, please visit his site and prepare to pick your jaw up off the ground. I've included a couple images of his work here to whet your appetite...

Bye-Bye 2009....THANK HEAVENS!

2010-01-05T11:04:00.004-05:00

Excuse me if I slam the door on 2009...not the best of times for so many of us. I now turn my attention to 2010, with the hopes that the year is prosperous and PEACEFUL for all. I've been out of my studio for a while, holiday madness put the brakes on my creativity outside of the kitchen (I cooked me up a storm this season!). The holidays brought me a few culinary firsts--my first brined, organic turkey for Thanksgiving (DELICIOUS), my first "fancy dinner" with friends (tucked fresh allspice leaves into each folded napkin--cloth napkins--at the table), and my first attempt to make homemade beer bread (eh, could take it or leave it). All in all, fun and EXHAUSTING.

Now, it's time to get creating in the studio! I'm still struggling with my conscience, debating how to create meaningful art and jewelry that doesn't take advantage of the planet's resources...my designs this year will be different--I can feel it.

I would love to hear from other artists out there who are "creating with conciousness" so to speak. How do you express yourself artistically? Please, send me your stories or images to share. We all need inspiration, right? I hope 2010 inspires us all to create with intent, share with heart, and celebrate the natural wonders all around us.

Happy New Year!

Another Social Skill Gone Extinct...The Spoken Word

2009-12-05T16:23:00.006-05:00

First, let me say that I am totally aware of the irony of this post. Read on...

So I'm at a gallery event the other night. My jewelry is currently being shown in a new cooperative gallery--a fun, ecclectic mix of art and artists of all ages media. I'm chatting with a pretty, young potter whom I discover is also a yoga instructor. I mention that I spent close to twenty years as an aerobics instructor. With big eyes she responds, "Aerobics? Do people still do that?" It was as if I had told her that I practice medicine using leeches (which, by the way, many hospitals still do--go on, Google it). Oblivious to my obviously cool reply of "Amazing as it may seem, but yes, people still "do that"", she went on burying herself by continuing, "I mean, I remember aerobics, like, back in the day, in the 80's, right?" As if the 1980s were the equivelent to the Stone Age or any other dark, forgotten time prior to Ipods and teenage Vampires. You know, before anything IMPORTANT happened in history. She sat there smiling at me, completely oblivious to the verbal torpedos she so casually launched. If I didn't already know this girl I would believe she was intentionally commiting conversational suicide by being a total bitch. But, I do know this woman (I shouldn't call her a girl, she's in her late 20s), and it hit me that she was like most people her age--oblivious to just about everything other than whatever was in her immediate center of interest. A product of a life spent surfing the 'Net, a child of Facebook. Who needs to master the art of conversation when you can OMG, LOL, ROTGL!!!

When I got over my initial fury (mostly because I couldn't help but feel TOTALY ANCIENT in that moment) I actually felt sorry for her. She's a good artist and a lovely young woman, but I like to actually SPEAK to a person, interact, connect, all that OLD -FASHIONED stuff and to her I was the eqivalent of a living dinosaur. Interesting, but aren't they suppose to be, like, extinct or something?

I knew in that moment I would never connect with her on any level other than superficially, and that made me kind of sad. Many say that the age of the Internet has brought the world closer together, but I think it has isolated individuals more than ever. Who needs to master the subtle art of good conversation and depth of thought when you're entire verbal repertoire is confined to 140 characters or less? She may have benn "friended" a thousand times on Facebook, but how many friends does she really have?

Give me a good, long conversation over a cup of coffee with a real-live person, face to face, not Facebook, and I'm one happy camper. I want to hear you laugh, not read LOL on a computer screen. Social networking via computer is all fine and good as long as it doesn't replace the need for vocal cords and eye-to-eye contact. It's what keeps us human. It's what makes us human.

Sorry, this far exceeds 140 characters...

Creating with Consciousness

2009-11-30T11:55:00.007-05:00

Last night I watched a 60 Minutes program on the gold trade in the Congo. Needless to say, the program was NOT a feel-good story with a happy ending. Turns out, gold mining in the Congo is just as corrupt and evil as diamond mining is. Young boys and men work in slave conditions digging into the Earth in search of gold for less than a dollar a day in pay. The gold/gold dust is sifted out of the soil, and treated with heated MERCURY (in buckets over open fire) to bind the gold together into tiny nuggets. Gold is sold to rebels and soldiers that in turn buy guns, drugs, whatever they need, to fuel and fund civil war in the region. The gold is exported to the World trade through Dubai, and yes, this gold may end up in the jewelry you and I purchase at local jewelry stores like Walmart (the country's largest seller of gold jewelry).

As a conservation biologist, this appalling practice and trade is unacceptable. The Earth and surrounding ecosystems are ravaged, and the cost to human life is incalculable. As a jewelry designer, I find myself in an evolution of thought that gives me great pause. Can jewelry be designed and created without contributing to the atrocities of strip-mining and human suffering abroad?

I try to create jewelry with a purpose--reclaimed metals, found objects, non-precious metals, etc. but I still use gemstones and beads mined from the Earth. Is this truly creating with consciousness? Is it enough? Long ago I made the decision to NEVER use, purchase or promote the use of diamonds in jewelry. As far as I am concerned, the diamond industry is just as fraudulent and corrupt as organized crime. The term "blood diamond" doesn't begin to describe the level of horror associated with diamond mining. But what about gems from Brazil? Brazil is famous for amethyst and other quartz mineral gemstones. Mines are everywhere, and mining companies have alarmingly similar practices around the world. Rip open the Earth, take what you want, pay little or nothing for it and move on, leaving behind a wake of destruction.

I am in a true moral quandry here, and am not sure what direction my designs will take, or if I should even continue to persue jewelry design at all. I try to raise funds for wildlife conservation through the sales of my work, but that seems pretty hypocritical if componants of my work are created through destroying the very systems I strive to protect. How can I look at gold wire or sheet without seeing the faces of the men who slave to get it out of the ground? How can I set a gemstone without seeing the scarred Earth from which it came?

Jewelry design and personal adornment are ancient--all cultures on the planet have decorated their bodies with items made from gifts from the Earth. The history of jewelry fascinates me and has inspired me for as long as I can remember. The jewelry INDUSTRY of today is a far cry from singular aritsans creating works of personal art. Today's market is a voracious beast churning out tons of glittery, meaningless JUNK. Junk that funds wars, fuels famines, and fosters desperation in the countries selling off their natural resources with no sense of the future consequences.

As I said earlier, there is no happy ending here. I am going to take a long, hard look at myself and my purpose in creating jewelry. My conscious demands it, and I believe I owe it to myself and to the countless, nameless souls who give their lives so wealthy countries can drape their citizens in glitter.

'Tis the Season...

2009-11-13T11:07:00.004-05:00

Even though we haven't carved the turkey yet, and we still have left-over Halloween candy, it is never too early to begin shopping for the Holidays. As you wade through endless advertisements for "Door Buster" Holiday Sales and "Black Friday" Super-Specials, remember this--gifts given with thought and care mean so much more than grabbing something on sale at a Mega Mall or SuperCenter. Handmade gifts are especially meaningful in many ways. Giving a handmade gift guarantees originality and quality. Buying handmade supports the Arts and the artists themselves. Buying from local artists also supports local economies, not some gigantic factory overseas. So, before you purchase a mass-produced item simply because it is on sale, consider visiting your local artists cooperative, or shopping online for handmade goods. Etsy is great place to start. You will feel so much better about your purchase, and I can guarantee that whomever gets the gift will be far happier as well!

Also, many artists will work with you to design a custom gift. What a great way to show you care!

Gallery Girl!

2009-11-03T09:08:00.003-05:00

I am very happy to announce that I have been accepted into a new, fantastic cooperative gallery located in Lake Worth, Florda. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery is a non-profit artists group full of amazing talent. I am so excited to be a part of the group! Currently, over 20 artists are represented--sculptors, potters, jewelers, metalwork, woodwork...you name it, it's there!

The gallery is open seven days, and we have evening gallery openings the first and third Friday of the month, featuring three of the current artists. So much talent in one room!! So, if you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and see us!

Mmmmmmm...Mokume

2009-10-19T12:18:00.005-04:00

Remember when I posted about Reactive Metals? Well, I purchased some copper and sterling silver mokume gane from them and...well...WOW! I bought a 3-inch by 3-inch square, and Baldwin's patina to bring out the color in the copper (which the super sales representative reccomended, thanks!!). It sat on my workbench for a couple weeks 'till I got up the courage to actually cut into it. It ain't cheap, but boy is it GORGEOUS! This is the result, a pendant in a series I call "Perseverance". I used brass pipe, copper and brass sheet, sterling silver wire, brass wire and a 5mm faceted green tourmaline. Available in my Beadkeepers Etsy shop. Can't wait to make more...a matching ring perhaps?

Don't Forget to SAMPLE!

2009-10-19T08:32:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted about this before. I am a self-taught jewelry designer on a tight budget. With that in mind, I am constantly searching for bargains, especially with metals like copper, silver and brass. Copper and brass are relatively inexpensive and there are tons of sources for sheet, bar, tube and wire. Just do an online search or take a look at the Google ads running to the left of this post...most are about copper and brass sources.

What I wanted to share here is the wonderful world of SAMPLES. I have discovered that almost every metal sheet manufacturer will offer samples of their materials. I just got a sample pack of copper sheet colored with a variety of patinas. Ten 4 x4 inch sheets of copper, each colored with a different patina, for under $20.00!!! SWEET!

So, if you are browsing a metals site and don't want to invest in a large order right off the bat, or are not sure what you really want, ask if they offer samples!! Sometimes you can even find them for FREE!

Eye Really Like This...

2009-10-16T08:09:00.006-04:00

Those who know me understand my continual search for unusual and unique elements to incorporate into my jewelry designs. I love a new discovery, and would like to share one here.

A few months ago I stumbled across a website that really sparked my imagination and a new line of jewelry designs. Van Dykes Taxidermy Supply. Taxidermy supply??? Yes, taxidermy supply. Specifically, Van Dykes line of glass and acrylic animal eyes. These things are amazing! There are hundreds to choose from. Mammals, birds, exotics, reptiles, fish....you can spend the day browsing the selection. The eyes are calibrated too, so you can choose from sizes ranging from 6mm up to 30mm. Perfect for standard stamped bezels. Imagine the rings, earrings and pendants! These eyes are gorgeous, a great unusual element of design. The colors are intense, the construction flawless. Take a look at the site and let you imagination run wild!

I've posted here a few photos of some of the designs I've created using these eyes, including my newest and personal favorite--the mixed metal squid necklace. I call it "Calamari". I just got my latest order from Van Dykes...shark and sailfish eyes. Have no idea what I will do with them yet....but I'm working on it. I'll keep you posted....

The image below from left to right shows "Calamari" with a squid eye, "Crocodile Tears" with a croc' eye, "Woodsman" with a coyote eye and tooth, and "Crocodile Tears" ring with croc' eye.

New Tools - New Challanges!

2009-09-21T16:58:00.002-04:00

Santa came early to my workshop and delivered some new tools. I am now graced with a drill press and flex shaft rotary tool. THANK GOD FOR HARBOR FRIEGHT TOOLS! In my dream world I have top-of-the-line everything, including a Fordham flex shaft. But, reality (and my wallet) dictate that I start with something a bit more affordable, like a Dremel 300 with flex shaft attachment. Fordham systems start around $300.00 and are worth every penny. BUT, if you are a newbie like me and can't afford that I highly recommend the Dremel set, which costs about $100.00 for the Dremel and the flex shaft.

What's the big deal about flex shafts you ask? Well, if you want to work with metal sheet, this opens an entirely new door for cutting, drilling, polishing and grinding. The small size and flexibility of the shaft allows you to work much closer, and the feel in the hand is great. Separating the powersource (the Dremel) from the shaft keeps things cooler as well. I rigged a hanger for the Dremel from a coat hanger and a clamp. Dremel offers a hanger system, just haven't bought it yet. Another $20.00 or so.

The Fordham system is operated by a foot pedal to power the motor for ultimate control of speed and I really, really wanted that but didn't think Dremel offered it. WRONG. Found a foot pedal for a Dremel on Amazon for under $20.00. Just ordered that bad-boy today. So, for under $150.00 I have a system that I think will really boost my productivity and creativity. I still want the Fordham, and someday I'll get one (when I am a famous jewelry designer....really), but for now this is a HUGE step up for me. I have been using my husband's ancient Dremel (much to his dismay) that was battery operated. I've burned through three batteries to date. The 300 is corded and multi-speed, hooray!

Now, on to the drill press. I use copper and brass tubing for all sorts of things and always have trouble drilling it. I also sometimes want to drill large holes in sheet metal and have been struggling with that as well. NOT ANYMORE! I got a great drill press for $40.00 (yes, I said FOURTY DOLLARS) at Harbor Frieght Tools. Drills pipe like BUTTER. What a time saver.

Who knew I'd get so excited about TOOLS. I am not a mechanical person--most power tools scare me to death--death being the operative word here. When faced with most power tools I can clearly imagine the grisly end I will no doubt meet as I attempt to use them. BUT, I'm proud to say that I have overcome most of my demons and now really enjoy using these tools.

Hey, if I can do it so can you. Google is your friend, and there are tons of great websites and YouTube videos to guide and advise you.

ATTENTION ALL METAL-HEADS!

2009-08-15T10:16:00.003-04:00

I have been fumbling my way through teaching myself basic metal work. Many of my designs feature copper tube bezels I cut myself and lots of hammered and textured brass. I love textured metals. I've recently discovered shibuichi, or cast sterling silver. The patterns and textures you can achieve are just amazing. Same with reticulation--heating metal to the point the surface actually flows and changes, leaving behind amazing textures. I am NOWHERE near skilled enough to actually attempt these techniques myself and have simply been admiring from afar. Mokume gane--the blending of copper and sterling (or gold and sterling) into gorgeous patterns....sigh. Delicious. All these techniques are ancient in origin, many originated in Japan. Someday....

So, imagine my DELIGHT and SURPRISE to discover Reactive Metals online!!! My dreams are here! Now I can purchase shibuichi, mokume gane, and shakudo SHEETS!!! Are they expensive? YES! Are they worth it? YES! This site also carries all the tools and supplies needed for metal work as well as books, CDs and tutorials. They offer great information on patina techniques using these sheets (can you imagine?!?!?) as well as some traditional Japanese patinas I've not seen anywhere else. What a great site.

As soon as the piggy-bank is a bit fatter, I will be investing in some fantastic metals here. Take a look...and prepare to lighten your wallet. So hard to resist!!! I've included an image here of just a sample of the sterling sheet you can buy...love the sea urchin textured one. If you do invest in these sheets, let me know. I'd love to see what you create...

Sister Art

2009-08-13T12:23:00.006-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted...busy, busy, busy...Okay, so I was actually completely out of delightful commentary and thoughtful insights. Until today--I found an amazing website called "The Sister Project", or TSP for the hip who join this group. The site is actually a blog, or a bunch of blogs, all celebrating sisters, art, and expression. Take a few moments to visit here...you'll be inspired, enlightened, and have access to fantastic artists of all media.

As one of five sisters, I really found myself lost in this site. Trust me, it's worth your time. Sloan Tanen's "Sister Chicks" will simply leave you weak from laughing. I've included one of her series here...

This is for my older sisters who went to Catholic school. I don't know what I love more, the chick tied to the bed or the teeny, tiny saddle Oxford shoes...Plus, they remind me of marshmallow peeps. Our family has a strange obsession with peeps. Another story for another day...

One of my most favorite artists is also featured on this site, Lindsay Carr of Little Robot. Her illustrations are breathtaking and her paper theaters fantastic works of art. I'm trying to entice Lindsay to illustrate one of my poems for a children's book...wish me luck!! Below is a classic example of her work...

Isn't she grand? Anyway, please visit these sites and ENJOY!

What Time is it?

2009-07-07T21:55:00.003-04:00

Time is something I am very aware of. I often incorporate images representing time and the passage of time in my jewelry and writing. I am very aware of the changes that time inevitably leaves behind. I try to mimic what time can do to the metals I so love to work with. I treat copper, brass and silver with chemicals to speed up this aging process because I love the color, the texture, and the patina of time.

In the past few weeks, I’ve found myself wondering why the passage of time is so difficult for humans. Why we don’t see the beauty in ourselves as we age like we do in the precious metals, jewelry, and art we adorn ourselves with.

Aging is a natural, biological process we have absolutely no control over, no matter what Olay tells us. Aging is amazing. It is wondrous. It is mysterious. It is celebrated in ancient cultures all around the world, and yet here in the U.S. aging is considered a dread disease, a condition that is shameful, embarrassing, and completely intolerable.

The lengths we will go to try and hold back the hands of time. The millions, and millions of dollars spent. The torture, both psychological and physical, we are willing to endure for the illusion of youth. And for what? Approval? Acceptance? If so, from whom? To what end? We still age—we still die. There is no magic lotion or elixir that can stop any of this. We simply fool ourselves because—let’s face it—we’re certainly not fooling anyone else, no matter how tight the face, how huge the lips, how firm the breasts.

To maintain good health, well-being and to live a full life—where is the shame in that? Why do we see aging as a desecration instead of a celebration?

As a woman approaching her mid-forties, I too struggle with what the passage of time has given me. A bad back, skin that doesn’t exactly snap like elastic, and yes, my boobs have decidedly moved a bit South. But, I have learned more about myself in the past five years than I have in the past forty. I think clearer, I see more (especially with my new graduated lens eyeglasses), and for the first time in my adult life I am AWARE of who I am and who I want to be. I look in the mirror and, yes, I wince. Where is the girl who taught 10 aerobics classes a week for years? When did my pores get so huge? Why did no one tell me about back-fat and gray hairs in your EYEBROWS?

But, I have to laugh. I laugh (especially after a glass or three of Prosecco), at what women convince themselves they are getting away with. Cat-eyes and cliff-like cheekbones. Faces and lips so swollen with fillers and frozen with toxins they look like victims of some sort of terrible allergic reaction or unusual thyroid condition. Hair extensions, eyelash extensions, everything but what we really crave—a LIFE EXTENSION. Can’t get that at a salon or surgery suite.

But, we can choose to live our lives to the fullest. To treat every day as a gift, something to be treasured, filled with conscious action and given back to the world. To look outside ourselves, away from the mirror. Humans are blessed and cursed with self-awareness. What we choose to do with this awareness, I believe, is what defines our lives.

I want to try to become like the women I often write about. Beautiful, older women who not only embrace time, but revel in it. They do not fight the passage of time, they use it as a stage upon which to deliver the greatest of performances—the performance of their LIFE.

Beauty is defined by action, not by celebrity or pharmaceuticals. I choose to live a beautiful life. Would you care to join me? I certainly hope so.

NOTE: This post was inspired in part by the passages of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Two iconic individuals that defined and fought what we consider “beautiful”--both have left us far too soon.

Beyond the Norm

2009-06-11T08:29:00.004-04:00

My good friend Norm Gitzen, a fantastic artist, sculptor and wildlife lover, was recently featured in a short video created by students at Palm Beach Junior College. Please take a few moments to visit Norm's world--he's a "true believer" and his art reflects his love of wildlife and passion to protect what remains of nature. GO NORM!!

Handmade Chic Interview

2009-05-05T08:08:00.004-04:00

I invite everyone to take a good look at Rachel Baron's blog, Handmade Chic. Rachel is a wonderful glass artist (Inferno Glass Beads) and a staunch supporter of handmade art. She graciously interviewed me for the blog--THANKS, RACHEL! So, stop by and visit with Rachel for a few moments when you can, and visit her website for lovely glass creations!

Wonderfully Weird - Using the Unusual in Jewelry Design

2009-05-04T08:35:00.012-04:00

If I were to write a book about jewelry design, the title would be the title of this post. I really love incorporating unusual elements into my work. There are many names for this type of design--mixed media, altered art, assemblage jewelry, and found item jewelry are but a few. I'll go with assemblage jewelry for the purposes of this post.

Assmeblage art is very big right now. Artists like Susan Lenart Kazmer, Tessa Rickard and Stephanie Lee and have pioneered this artform, bringing everything from doll parts and old dominos to burnt out miniature lightbulbs into fine jewelry design. If it can be bezel set, then by gosh BEZEL SET IT! The results are stunning, as you will see on these amazing artist's websites.

I am a collector of oddities, I always have been. My passion for wildlife conservation and animals is evident in my collection of "weird" which covers everything from glass taxidermy eyes to animal bones of all kinds. I especially love working with animal bones. At my work station I have several boxes and containers of bones from raccoons, opossums, and most recently, an iguana. All these items are found on the 30-acre wildlife preserve in which I live. Sunny south Florida is a great place to bone hunt and I often find great, bleached out bones from animal visitors long past. I've collected bones forever, even as a little kid. I like to think I honor the animal by turning their bones into something unique and beautiful to live on in their memory.

I never really considered this all that strange, until my sister visited me recently and discovered my bucket containing a complete opossum skeleton. I could tell she was simultaneously interested and grossed out. I remember she said, "Oh, I bet you'll do something really amazing with this." I immediately started telling her my plans for the vertebrae and teeth--I use these smaller bones in rings and pendants. She nodded politely and then said, "That sounds really cool. But, when you're planning Christmas gifts, remember this isn't for me!" She was trying to joke, but was also deadly serious. That got me thinking--one woman's weird is another woman's wonderful.

I've been lucky. I have created animal bone jewelry that has been appreciated (and actually PURCHASED) by many people. I've never thought twice about using bone or animal fur/feathers in designs. But I wonder, is there such a thing as too weird? Tessa Rickard, I'm sure, would argue and emphatic, "NO!" Some of her work incorporates human teeth for crying out loud! AND, the results are GORGEOUS as you can see in the Lark book 500 Pendants and Lockets, which features her designs.

I guess it's all about having the courage to put your work out there and not be overly influenced by those that may not "get" it. Art is fluid, constantly changing and open to interpretation. Most of all, it's EXPRESSION that matters. Yes you can use a clasp created from your Grandmother's beautiful vintage button collection to finish a necklace made from copper electroformed iguana vertebrae.

So, do you agree??? I've included a few photos here of some of my "weirder" work and ask that all you assemblage artists out there to send me images of your "wonderful weirdness". I'll post them here with links to your web pages.

OUCH! I Guess I Don't Really Need That Finger Anyway...

2009-05-03T14:36:00.005-04:00

So I'm teaching myself cold connecting with rivets. I have some great books that illustrate the process (Susan Lenart Kazmer has a FANTASTIC book illustrating all the ways to cold connect), yet I continually go it alone. Why is it that sometimes you just have to figure things out on your own, even when you have great information at your fingertips? I find that I work this way often. Not sure if I'm just too stubborn or impatient to open a book first, or if this is just part of my "creative process". At any rate, my fingers bear the brunt of my self-taught "lessons". My left hand in particular, the hand I use to hold the teeny-tiny elements I am attempting to rivet together with a steel riveting hammer held firmly in my right hand. I've whacked the crap out of my fingers. Sigh, there goes my career as a hand model.

That being said, I love riveting. It is very easy once you have the right tools, and you practice a bit. I got my rivet hammers from Burnt Offerings Jewelry and Adornment. FANTASTIC mixed media artists, and they have great tools and supplies. VISIT THEM!

Here is my first cold connected bracelet. I made it using copper disks colored with patinas, layered with hammered copper washers riveted with sterling silver wire. I connected each disk "sandwich" with black rubber "O" rings. This took forever, I was learning as I went along, and I have to say that I was quite proud of myself when I finished. Now I know I can rivet with much more confidence and I'm already working on new designs.

So, don't be afraid to try something new--even if you don't think you have the perfect skills. Of course, don't be totally stupid--I'm not suggesting anyone teach themselves how to use a blowtorch! But, don't be afraid to pick up a hammer, or a book for that matter, and teach yourself something. Remember, Band-Aids come in the cutest colors and patterns now-a-days!

Continuing a Love Affair...Ahhhh, Patina

2009-04-19T18:05:00.012-04:00

So, I've gone on and on about how much I love to work with copper, brass and chemical patinas. Well, Christmas came early for me--I got my new universal patina kit from Sculpt Nouveau. Talk about a kid in a candy store! This website has everything, I mean EVERYTHING you can imagine to work with colors on metal. The selection of patinas is endless and so are the possibilities. The kit I purchased has a over a dozen colors of patina, metal cleaner, sealers, and waxes all for $75.00!! TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY. By the way, the folks at Sculpt Nouveau have some great videos using these patinas posted on YouTube. Just put "Sculpt Nouveau" in the search box.

So, I've been busy like a mad scientist mixing colors on metal and here are some images of the results...My first pin/pendant (and one of the most complex pieces I've done to date), and two bracelets I made using bezels made from copper tubing and brass bases. I so love these!!! I especially love the results you get from mixing blue and green patinas. These pieces are all available in my Etsy shop.

Image Transfer Solution Tutorial

2009-03-30T10:40:00.006-04:00

In an earlier post I mentioned my experiments with Image Transfer Solution. I really love this stuff--you can now transfer laser printed, toner-based images onto just about anything incuding metal. Since my post I've been asked by ArtChix Studio to create a tutorial of the process and I've included a pdf version here (you'll need Adobe PDF Reader). I created a simple locket pendant using a pre-fab brass locket and images from ArtChix. ArtChix has such great collage sheets, all are laser printed and work well with ITS with a few minor adjustments. Take a peek, then get yourself some ITS, visit ArtChix, and make something amazing!

Please Pardon My Mess...NOT!

2009-03-27T14:09:00.001-04:00

If you've read more than one of my artist interviews you will see that many of the questions I ask are often the same. I think it's facsinating to see the similarities and differences among artists regarding interests, influences, and style. One question I always ask is what type of studio they work in--Is it organized and neat, or controlled chaos? I initially asked this question just to assure myself that I'm not the only artist whose studio/workspace often looks like a bomb went off, and I am relieved to know that I have yet to interview an artist who keeps their workspace neat as a pin!

My husband, a brilliant scientist/mechanic/fixer-of-all-things finds my workspace horrific. No matter how technical or difficult a situation is for him (working up to his elbows in the guts of a tractor, or rebuiding a delicate parrot egg incubator) he somehow manages to keep his workspace organized and, dare I say, tidy. Every tool has it's place, whether in the box or laid out for immediate use. I've tried to explain the whole right-brain, left-brain artist thing to him, but I believe he just thinks I'm hopelessly disorganized.

BUT, we creative types know better, right? How can you really explain the artistic process? I try, I really do, to keep my space organized. Every few days (okay weeks) I actually sit down and clear my workspace. Tools put away, beads back into boxes and trays, bits of scrap metal into other storage, patinas and paint on the correct shelf, right down to the bare wood on my table-top. Then I get an IDEA...and the process begins. No matter how detailed a design is in my head, the process of laying it out and actually creating it is as organic as the design itself. I imagined turquoise, but what about carnelian or coral?? Lay that out. I need a opossum tooth, but found vertebrae I forgot I had. Lay that out. Beads, wire, beads, feathers, beads...lay them all out. Inevitabley, while pulling together all the elements I think I need for a design I find stuff I forgot I even had! Might as well lay that out, too. I'm sure you get the picture...the messy, messy picture.

Once, I knocked a small box of 3mm faceted gemstones off my table to the floor, where they scattered hither and yon. I found myself on my hands and knees, flashlight held tightly in my teeth as I searched for anything shiney. I found the gems, and a package of pheasant feathers, a bone moon face, several long-lost silver beads and a length of sterling silver chain I had given up ever finding again. And that was just in the immediate area around the chair I sit in...Ah, the thrill of the hunt!

In all honesty, I LIKE having a crazy workspace. It's like a freaky treasure hunt, and for the most part I do know where everything is....sort of. I like looking at the chaos and digging a design out of it. Where in nature do you ever see neat and tidy?? Look out your window--unless you live in a formal English garden, everything you see is gorgeous, unplanned, natural chaos. I say, REVEL IN IT!!!

Artist Interview - Payton Jett of Green Glass Cafe

2009-03-27T10:29:00.001-04:00

I discovered Payton Jett on Etsy, when I came across her amazing lampwork glass bird beads. I've collected several of these impossibly cute, wonderful beads. I encourage anyone interested in nature-themed, unusual and beautiful glass beads to visit her Etsy shop, Green Glass Cafe, and her personal website, www.greenglasscafe.com. The selection is fantastic, from elaborate and detailed focal beads to tiny birds including owls, chickens, and my favorite, fat little songbirds. What I like most about her bird beads is that she has captured the complete essence of a bird in a simple, elegant design. The color choices are fantastic and each bead has a unique personality. Her imagination, and skill evident in every creation she makes. Payton graciously took the time to answer a few questions for me and I hope you will all visit her shop and website SOON! Thanks, Payton!

KM: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

PJ: I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. Before lampwork beads, fine silver, jewelry and photography, I was a graphic artist/web designer. That's how I learned about lampworking. I did a webpage for a local lampwork artist and got the torching bug! I still like to dabble in graphic arts but hot glass is where my heart is at!

KM: When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?

PJ: I never wanted to be an artist, I just always was.

KM: What is your favorite medium and why?

PJ: Hot glass. I've thought a lot about what it is about hot glass that makes me so crazy about it and the one thing I consistently come up with is that it's always a challenge. There is so much chemisty and fine skill involved and I am a pretty competitive person so that seems to work for me. There is a bit of mystery too--glass changes a lot from flame to kiln--the colors seem to almost morph and it's always a guessing game as to what you will get out of the kiln the next morning!

KM: What other mediums have you tried, experimented with, etc.?

PJ: I think I've tried everything less glass blowing from a crucible or glory hole and throwing pottery. I really enjoy balancing out my hot glass world with drawing and photography and even making cards! We have a pretty extensive stamp collection and it's nice to just sit down and put little paper bits together sometimes!

KM: What inspires you to create?

PJ: Just about everything I see. I'm always putting designs together in my head or in one of my hundreds of little sketch books I keep around the house, in the car and in my purse! The need to create never really leaves me so I try to stay prepared!

KM: Who are your personal favorite artists?

PJ: I have so many it would be hard to list them all! I am inspired by my fellow lampwork/jewelry/silver artists for sure!

KM: You obviously love birds...what is the story behind your bird beads?

PJ: The bird beads, ah! Well, I've always loved birds. My friends always tease me that I'm not supposed to like bird watching until I'm getting on in years--ha! I always tell them that I am an old soul, so that counts for something! The first bird bead was born last January. I made "love" birds for Valentines day. I wanted to design a bead that was different from anything anyone had seen and with a whimsy and folk feeling. My inspiration came from this really adorable bird I saw at an orchard in Peoria, IL called "Tanners". They've got this great little gift shop that we like to go to and there was this cute, fatty little bird that really got me going. I was in love! So I used his shape as a basis for my designs.

KM: How would you describe the link between art and nature, and how does this influence you?

PJ: For me, art and nature are really one. Everything I do is really taken from or inspired by nature. Obviously I'm all about organics and nature as that's the basis for my business name, GREEN glass cafe. I always try to encorporate organics and metallics or organics and bright colors. If you look around you, everything is organics and metallics. Think about tin roofed barn and a large, open field of swaying wheat. It just works.

KM: What is your studio/workspace like? Neat and clean or controlled chaos?

PJ: Completely controlled chaos. I have two 8-foot tables and one 6-foot table that are partitioned into spaces, if you will. The 6-foot table is the "packing and shipping" area and houses all my beads, both sold and unsold. Then you've got the bead cleaning station, fine silver station, lampworking torch, and workbench. To the right of that is a 6-foot tall shelf with about 500 cardboard tubes that hold all of my glass. Then the kiln sits to the right of the torch. The last table has the picture taking set-up and jewelry area. Under the tables is all my storage for things that don't fit in the three shelves we have here and there! It's complete chaos, but I know where everything is! Most of the time.. :)

KM: What advice can you offer other struggling artists out there, especially during these tough economic times?

PJ: Be original. Find something that works for you that is different, original and fun. If someone else is making the same pink bracelets, do something different.

Be courageous. Finding that one of a kind design that sells often takes courage because you're pulling from a place inside you that is almost always private and vunerable to criticism. But if it is unique it will always feel scary. Since no one has ever done what you're doing you don't know how it will be received! Just do what feels right in your heart and when you find something that works make the heck out of it until it stops selling.That last bit of advice is a new way of thinking for me. I'm always about original and unique but in these hard economic times you have to have your mainstay and that means that one really great thing that you make and that people know you for and that sells!

Always, always always be open to custom order work. This is a great way to form connections with your customers and to learn more about them. Custom work is challenging but way more rewarding than anything! And I find that I always learn something new when I take on custom work--Not just about my customers, but about design. It's a great experience for anyone!

Finally, ADVERTISE in ANY way you can. Blog, connect with other artists in any way possible, network heavily. Stay in touch with people! Update your site or Etsy store often. Have a newsletter that you can involve people in what you're doing. They wont read it every time but most will read it most of the time! Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and a personal site are all really great ways to advertise.

This Guy is Sort of Talented...

2009-03-27T07:52:00.001-04:00

I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw the cover of the latest issue of Art Jewelry Magazine. The cover-shot is of metal clay work by Gordon Uyehara, an uber-talented artist that has taken PMC to a whole new stratosphere. UNBELIEVABLE. I've been on the edge of actually attempting to work with metal clay for years. Frankly, I'm intimidated. BUT, seeing Gordon's work is so inspiring I just might finally take the plunge. Anyone interested in PMC must get this issue of AJM. Metal clay has come leaps and bounds since it's inception. Now you can choose from silver, gold, brass, and the soon-to-be-available COPPER metal clays. How cool is that??? Also, this issue has some great profiles and information about working "green", which is, of course, close to my heart. For more information visit AJM's website. Also, you can visit Cool Tools, my new favorite product/tool supply website, for metal clay, and much, much more.

What do you Mean it's Almost APRIL???

2009-03-25T15:06:00.000-04:00

Holy-moly the time has flown by...Obviously, I've been busy. Spring is FINALLY in the air and the animals are all going baby crazy. The parrots are nesting, the marmosets are having babies everywhere and the bongo are thriving. In the midst of all this I have a real case of Spring Fever and have been creating lockets and necklaces in bright colors (with just the right amount of weird, of course...). Playing with mica powders mixed with chemical patinas and acrylic. Loving the results!!! A picture included here of a necklace I made using patina, copper cups, mica powders and a glass coyote eye I found on a taxidermy website...

New lockets are also my obsession, thanks to influence from one of my all-time favorite Etsy artists, Tessa Rickard. Her lockets got me inspired to try to make my own...the latest is below. I'm calling these "Poetry Pieces" because the each come with an original poem I've written based on the locket design. I've discovered the fantastic world of Image Transfer Solution for metals and have been working with vintage photos from ArtChix transferred onto sterling silver, copper and brass. If you haven't tried this DO!!! The possibilities are ENDLESS. I love using these images in my lockets--they inspire the stories and poems I write...

More to come...I promise!!

I'm BAAAAAACK!

2008-12-02T11:26:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a crazy last few weeks! As you can see, I've totally missed out on November postings...Just want to let you know that I've dragged myself out of a HIDEOUS case of bronchitis and am ready to resume postings. The holidays have snuck up and smacked me in the face...time has just FLOWN. THRILLED with our election results, looking forward to a fresh, bold 2009. New artist interviews on the way, new websites to review...plus jewelry to make!! So, check back with me in a few days--lots of new stuff ready to upload!!!

Happy Holidays everyone!!

The Coolest Accessory Ever!

2008-10-24T16:06:00.000-04:00

Here's something that never, ever goes out of style. I hope all of us will be proudly wearing a sticker or button like this one in the coming week. One size fits all and it looks fantastic on absolutely everyone! Be sure to get out and VOTE!!!

October WebFind - Shiana Hilltribe Silver

2008-10-09T08:22:00.000-04:00

My webfind for October is really fantastic--you must visit Shiana Thai Hill Tribe Silver. Shiana is a fair trade site and promotes continuing education programs, arts programs, and sustainable conservation. Your purchases ensure that the next generation of artisans will survive to preserve the works of their forefathers. Making silver has become a profitable advantage for the Hill Tribe families and an invaluable alternative to growing illicit crops or slash-and-burn farming.

The selection of silver and gold here is simply stunning. Unusual designs, great inspiration and tons of bargains to be had. If you are looking for that perfect focal bead, that fantastic finding you have been dreaming of--this is the site for you. They offer gorgeous black sterling silver--really amazing. The selection is simply endless, you need to take some time browsing this site. A great find--ENJOY!

The Beauty of Patina Continued - Patina and Polymer Clay

2008-10-03T07:53:00.000-04:00

In my previous post I discussed coloring metal with chemical patinas. Well, there are also many more ways to incorporate the look of aged metals in your artistic designs. I love polymer clay, and when I began creating my Goddess series in polymer, I wanted to create pieces that looked like ancient artifacts. I found that metal paints and patinas work wonderfully on polymer clay! I begin with basic white polymer (Sculpy was my first choice because it was inexpensive to buy and easily available in big blocks). I create my Goddess forms in clay and bake according to directions. When she is cool and sanded down, I decide what the color pallet will be. Michael's Crafts sells Sophisticated Finish paints and patinas in gold, copper, brass, pewter, iron and a beautiful deep blue. All these paints have metal particles suspended in the paint base that react when in contact with the chemical patinas (often sold in sets with the paints) in blue, green, black, and rust. So, for the Goddess pictured to the left here, I simply painted her with 2 coats of copper paint, and misted on blue patina and watched the colors appear! When she was dry I added details with folk art paint, a turquoise cabochon and some wonderful Klew polymer clay leaves. I use Future floor finish or any of the glazes available for use with polymer clay to seal each Goddess and protect the finish. The image below shows (from left to right) an Earth Goddess treated with copper paint scratched and lightly misted with green patina then accented with 24k gold leaf and turquoise metal paint, a Moon Goddess in blue metallic paint and sterling silver leaf, a and a Stone Goddess treated with mixed stone spray paint and ivory folk art paint. I'm working on a rusted Goddess totem now. I've also used textured spray paints (the sand and stone series) layered with metal paints and patinas to achieve a truly ancient stone effect. The possibilities are endless! I strongly encourage all you wonderful polymer clay artists to play with metal paints and patinas--I'd love to hear about your experiments and see what you create! Let me know!

Aging Metals - The Beauty of Patina

2008-10-02T07:54:00.000-04:00

Recently, I've come across a lot of posts, blogs and convos about coloring metals with patina. Everyone is searching for the perfect way to change shiny new copper, brass, and silver to appear like ancient relics, colored by time. Who new that there would be such a demand to look old? It is true, aged metals are gorgeous. Brass and copper turn shades of intense blue and green, silver can change to a virtual rainbow of colors, to deepest black. In this post, I will be sharing with you my experiences coloring copper, brass, and sterling silver. I also invite you to comment here, and share your tips and tricks. I'd also love to share photos of works in progress and finished designs using patina colored metals. Contact me with your photos and ideas!!

First, what is "patina"? According to Wikipedia, "Patina is a coating of various chemical compounds such as oxides or carbonates formed on the surface of metal during exposure to weathering. The green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze is known as verdigris and consists of copper carbonate. Patina also refers to accumulated changes in surface texture and colour that result from normal use of an object such as a coin or a piece of furniture." Well, if you don't have the patience to wait months or years to let a piece of metal patina naturally, there are many chemical patinas commercially available that will do virtually the same thing in hours. My favorite sources for copper and brass patinas are Modern Masters and Michael's Crafts. Both offer a line of metal infused paints and chemical patinas that will change copper and brass to green, blue, brown and black. Simply spritz or brush on the patina of your choice and you can virtually watch the colors begin to change! The photo here is of a pendant I made using a solid copper bead I sprayed with green patina then sealed with automotive clear coat. I also always have brass ager on hand from Kennedy Hardware. This turns brass and copper deep brown to black depending on how long you leave it in the solution. All patinas must be sealed with a top coat or the colors may fade or flake off. Modern Masters sells a gloss and flat UV stable topcoat specifically designed for metals treated with patina. Otherwise you can try light coats of acrylic sprays. Use caution here, products not specifically designed for metals treated with patina can actually make your colors disappear (I speak from experience here...ugh!). A trick I use quite frequently for copper and brass is to spray on layers of automotive clear coat from my local Discount Auto Parts store. Acrylic spray for cars is specially formulated for metals and works quite well--giving a strong, durable finish without changing the color of the patina.

There are also some great books out on coloring metal--I just got "The Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes" by Jinks McGrath. A great source for patina ideas (and much more) with formulations you can make at home. Last night I tried the formula recommended for turning copper and brass indigo blue--something I have wanted to do forever. Simply take a medium sized plastic container with an air tight lid and place a smaller ( I used a baby food jar), open container of common household ammonia inside to one end ( I got the ammonia at my local grocery store in the cleaning products aisle). Prep your copper/brass by sanding, and wiping down with warm saltwater. Place the metal next to the open ammonia container. From here you can do a couple things to add texture to your patina. I sprinkled salt and vinegar on one piece of copper, left another bare, and left the brass bare. Cover the container with the airtight lid and leave for at least three hours up to overnight. You will be amazed at the color you get!!! The copper treated with salt and vinegar got a mottled, spotted coloration of deep blue and black. The untreated metals turned lovely indigo blue. When the colors reach your desired intensity, simply take the metals out, rinse thoroughly, pat dry and seal. Kind of magical actually....The book also describes a similar process to get that rich, blue color by burying the metal in an airtight container of sawdust, garden soil, and tobacco soaked with ammonia and vinegar! That appeals to my inner mad scientist/archaeologist. I like the idea of digging up the metal later, even if it is from a Tupperware container. I'm trying that one next... The photo below shows my ammonia experiment with (from left to right) a solid copper bead, a dome of brass, a fragment of copper sheet and a larger fragment of copper sheet. The large piece of copper had the salt/vinegar splashed on top. Don't you LOVE that blue? All were finished with Modern Masters UV flat topcoat.

Of course, you must be sure to do all of this in a well ventilated area--ammonia fumes are overwhelming if you are not careful. The commercially available patinas that I mentioned earlier are odorless and easier to use, but don't give the intensity of color that you get with the ammonia treatment.

AND, let's not forget the beauty of RUST. Rust is the poor step-child of patina. You don't often think of it as a desirable patina for jewelry, right? Well I disagree! Sophisticated Finishes (from Michael's) has a rust paint and patina set. The paint contains suspended iron particles that react with the chemical patina, turning the iron a lovely orange. I have used this with brass and copper, and love the result. I layer this with blue and green patinas, sand some off, add more--it's a process. To quote Forrest Gump, "You never know what you're going to get!"

I haven't even touched on coloring sterling silver yet...I could go on forever! The most common chemical to color silver is liver of sulphur. Smells horrible, like rotten eggs, but is easy to use and you can get it at Cool Tools. It comes in chunk form--simply place a small chunk in a plastic or glass container of HOT water, and drop in your silver. Have another container of warm water mixed with baking soda on hand to immerse your silver in when you reach the desired color. The color change is immediate and will go from a lovely rainbow effect to deep, dark black in moments--so be ready to remove your silver right away. You can also brush on the liver of sulphur/water mix to better control your patina. Drop in the water/baking soda to stop the reaction and then rinse in cool water. Pat dry and seal.

Well, that's a start...I will be adding to this post as I get your responses--I hope you will join me in sharing your patina questions, secrets, ideas, and finished designs. Let's grow beautifully old together!!!

October Artist Interview -- Tessa Rickard

2008-09-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

When I first came across Tessa Rickard's shop on Etsy, I nearly squeeled with delight. Doll Disaster Designs is a shop filled with curiosities, originality, and raw TALENT! Tessa's work is the sort of jewelry design I aspire to--she uses found objects, lots of casting both in sterling silver and resin, gemstones, natural elements such as bone, fur, and wood, plus a heaping scoop of doll imagery. Her custom lockets are beyond amazing, and her resin doll pendants, gemstone rings, and brooches simply fly out of her shop. Some may consider her work strange or even creepy, but you cannot deny her work is compelling, fascinating, and uncoventionally beautiful. I couldn't wait to interview her!

KM: Tell us a little bit about you.

TR: My name is Tessa Rickard-Carpenter. I use Tessa Rickard for my art, no need dragging my husband into my crazy world. I will be 35 on Sept. 20 (KM: Happy belated birthday, Tessa!). I am married with two daughters. I went to Ball State University and received two degrees--a BFA in Drawing and a BFA in Metals. I then moved to Michigan to get my Masters in Metalsmithing at Cranbrook Academy of Art. I teach jewelry classes part time at a community college. I sell my work online through my Etsy shop.

KM: Okay, what's up with the name "Doll Disaster Design"?

TR: My master's degree thesis was titled "From The Mind of a Doll Disaster". I used a lot of doll imagery in my work. I still do now also.

KM: When did you know you wanted to be an "artist"?

TR: My mother says she couldn't keep enough paper in the house for me as a child. I remember being happy when I would draw or make something, and that is still how I feel today. I guess it would be high school that I decided to be a "real" artist. In college I figured out how hard it was going to be to make a living being just an artist, so I decided to also teach art.

KM: What inspires you?

TR: Old, forgotten, broken objects. Bones, teeth, natural oddities. Folklore, Mythology, Alchemy, Symbolism, Spells/Charms, and the Grotestuque. I especially like old, creepy, dolls.

KM: What is your favorite medium and why?

TR: I love working with metal. When I was little I would go with my dad when he would use the metal detector and to dig in old dump sites. After he would dig up an old coin or piece of jewelry, I would remember thinking how interesting it was that it was still there after being buried for so long. We would find old, broken bisque dolls and other metal objects too. Working in metal to me means a more permanent or indestructible piece of art. I love the thought of someone someday digging up one of my pieces!

KM: Who are your favorite artists and how do they inspire you?

TR: In the jewelry world: Keith Lewis, Todd Reed, Yeonmi Kang, Kiff Slemmons, Felieke Van Der Leest, Min-Jung Cho, William Harper, John Paul Miller, and Richard Mawdsle. Other Artists: Hye Won Kim, Joel-Pete Witkin, Otto Dix, Karl Blossfeldt, Nick Bantock, Kiki Smith, Bosch, Kvium, Egon Schiele, Joseph Cornell, and Van Gogh. This just names a few! They are my favorites for many reasons. The subject matter, images, objects used, and the way their work makes me feel are the main reasons.

KM: What does the term ART mean to you? Expression? Interpretation? Therapy?

TR: Art means a lot of expression and a little therapy to me. There are lots of thoughts and feeling in side me that are hard for me to communicate. My art is a visual way for me to express my inner self.

KM: What are you working on right now?

TR: I am working on a series of pieces combining teeth (human real, false, partials, and animal) with faceted gem stones. Combining the not so pleasent maybe gross (not to me) teeth with gems excites me! I want people to take a second look at the pieces!

KM: What is your studio/workspace like? Neat or controlled chaos?

TR: My studio is a mess! I love it that way! If I could I would have everything out so I can see it all. My husband can't even look at my desks because It makes him crazy. Most of the time I get so many ideas I start laying everything out and end up working on my lap.

KM: What is your favorite studio tool/gadget/gizmo?

TR: I love my forming pliers. Sounds pretty boring, but I use them all the time. I also use a wooden chop stick to set most of my bezels.

KM: Tell us a little bit about your perspective on the link between art and nature.

TR: How can you not be inspired by nature?!? The world around us is in everything we do and make. Mother Nature is one of the best artists. I love the natural order in nature and the circle of life. I use objects that have been left behind. Bones, teeth, insects, and so on. But, I don't believe in harming animals for my work--I use only found objects.

KM: Finally, what advice/encouragement can you give to struggling artists in the world?

TR: Don't give up! Believe it or not, there is a market and place for your art out there somewhere! It may take time to find it. I struggled for years with galleries, and shows trying to sell my work. I always stayed true to myself and what I wanted to make. I found Etsy and I now know there are people out there to appreciate me and my pieces.

My Favorite Book of the Moment

2008-09-18T12:09:00.001-04:00

Stephanie Lee is a fantastic jewelry designer. She has vision, talent, and has written a wonderful new book, "Semiprecious Salvage". It's full of delightful jewelry and art designs using found objects, metals, and gemstones. She explains each project in detail while taking you on a journey through her imagination along the way. Her book is laid out like an expedition to an exotic far away land--very inspiring! She has an Etsy shop, under the name Dabbler--you must see her work! This book has helped me take my jewelry in a whole new direction. Thank you Stephanie, for giving me the inspiration and courage I needed to try something new. I hope to interview you soon!!

Psssst....Your Crimps are Showing!

2008-09-15T09:52:00.000-04:00

They say that "the Devil is in the details", and with jewelry design that is certainly true. Even artists who design and create assemblage or salvage-type jewelry that looks rough-and-tumble or even "unfinished" will tell you that hours and hours are spent perfecting every "imperfection". Details matter--period. That's why I feel that it is so important for artists of every skill level to make certain not to skip basic details of jewelry design. You can have a fantastic design/creation fall short for the want of a few simple steps. One of the first things I learned as a "newbie" jewelry designer was to COVER MY CRIMPS. Back in the "olden days" before commercial crimp covers were even thought of, I was squinting into my magnifying light, forcing 3 and 5mm seamed sterling silver beads open with a bead reamer to fit over my crimps. I'd then squeeze the bead closed and "Voila", the crimp now was a bead. I also always made sure to tuck my thread ends into adjacent beads so no loose threads or bead wire ever shows. This may sound silly, but details like these make a huge difference and will translate into better sales and better designs. So, don't get caught with your crimps showing--your jewelry will thank you for it!

Artist Profile - Sister, Sister

2008-09-12T08:54:00.000-04:00

When choosing an artist to be the first profiled on this blog, there was only one choice for me, my sister, Lynn McGovern (www.lynnmcgov.etsy.com). Lynn is many things--a fantastic sister, dance partner, friend, mother, and AMAZING glass artist. Besides all that, Lynn is the person that has most inspired me in my life to persue my interests in art and jewelry design. I have learned so much from her, and we have collaborated and partnered for many years. Lynn lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her son Ben, and is the original founder of Beadkeepers. Lynn creates amazing beads and jewelry from lampwork glass and is currently exploring architectural/sculptural glass. Thanks, Lynn, I can't wait to see what you do next!

KM: When did you know you wanted to be an "artist"?

LM: I can't remember a time when I didn't find it extraordinary to learn how to take something and turn it into something else. I'll date myself here, and remember how much I loved "Tot-Lot", a program held at a local park. Bored teenagers would teach us how to make pot holders from fabric bands and flowers from tissue paper. I think that you look at the world differently when you have that creative streak. Driftwwod, stones, feathers, and beach glass become ingredients or a palette for an expression of your heart. I do remember my third grade teacher asking me if she could keep a still life drawing that I did to show to future students. It was defining for me to be told that I had a talent, when at that point I just thought everybody loved to draw.

KM: What inspires you?

LM: My inspiration comes from so many sources, but my message is always to honor "all our relations". To express my love and energy for all of creation. This changes with the seasons, the times, and my own place in the universe today.

KM: What is your favorite medium and why?

LM: Glass, glass, glass. For many years now I have been involved in some sort of a relationship with glass. Stained glass in the 70's, glass beads in the 80's and 90's and then I found out how to melt and form my own lampwork glass beads. Glass is light. It reflects, refracts, and transmits light. Like a painter who will tell you that painting a picture is painting light, working with glass is dancing with light.

KM: Who are your favorite artists and how do they inspire you?

LM: My favorite glass artists are my beloved teachers. Loren Stump--a true master of the flame. Kimberly Fields, whose beads mimic the natural world she loves with astounding acuracy. Sharon Peters, who manages to bring her wonderfully twisted sense of humor into her glass creations. Emile Galle' has managed to put his dreams into glass in the 1800's, and his work takes my breath away. My sister Karen's work continues to amaze me. She takes me back to my initial wonder of taking something and turning it into something else, limited only by imagination.

KM: What does the term ART mean to you? Expression? Interpretation? Therapy?

LM: All of the above and I would include to honor and explore.

KM: What are you working on right now?

LM: I recently purchased a condo in a historical 19th century insane asylum that is being redeveloped into an incredible village of residents and retail. This "Kirkbride" building was built with the idea that "Beauty is Therapy". The architecture is stunning, full of mosaic marble floors, 20 ft. ceilings, and--my personal favorite--peaked spires that were included in the building design to intake fresh air. I am intriqued by the spires and spend as much time as I can up inside them, mesmerized by the fantastic views of Northern Michigan. They have inspired me to create "spire" beads. Tricky architectural details challenge me technically, and I love that challange.

KM: What is your studio/workspace like? Neat? Controlled chaos?

LM: My studio space is a place where most would wonder how I manage to accomplish anything! But, it is a place where in all the mess, I know where everything lives.

KM: What is your favorite tool/gadget/gizmo? You know, the thing/tool you love to use, that makes your work easier, better, fun, etc.--could be anything, even music. For me it's my ridiculously oversized electrical repair soldering gun.

LM: I love my oxygen/propane torch. My torch is an extention of my hands. Music is a constant, can't work without it.

KM: Tell us a little bit about your perspective on the link between art and nature.

LM: I looked up the definition of nature to answer this. ( I love my dictionary). Webster's says that nature is the "realm of the living". Art reflects that. Art honors that. There isn't a day that Nature doesn't offer me an inspiration to create. There isn't a day that I am not grateful for that.

KM: What advice/encouragement can you give to struggling artists in the world?

LM: Keep struggling!!! If you have the urge, need, inspiration to create then you will not be happy unless you do.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
lynnmcgov.etsy.com

Art and Politics

2008-09-11T10:08:00.001-04:00

You simply cannot argue that ART is a true form of human expression on every level. Love it or hate it, the socio-politics of the moment are reflected in everything from news media to "info-tainment" to fine arts and crafts. Here are but a few examples of artists expressing their beliefs and interpretations of the United States 2008 Presidential Election.

From left to right: Etsy's artisanimprinters, Etsy's brookadelphia, on Flickr

Fabulous WebFinds September

2008-09-10T15:40:00.001-04:00

I surf the 'Net a lot looking for weird and unusual beads, findings, gems, metals, STUFF for my jewelry designs. On of my new favorite websites is ARTchix Studio where you can find fantastic and unique items for those of us in love with vintage, assemblage, paper arts, collages, and odd bits and pieces. I've been purchasing like mad from the endless selection of gorgeous transparencies, and am in love with their selection of super-fab metal shrines and boxes (just waiting to be embellished, rusted, encrusted, and adorned!). They have so much to choose from! Simply a great selection of ecclectic items at great prices. You can also get great inspiration from photos and information about finished pieces created by artists from around the country. Check them out RIGHT NOW!

Welcome to the Studio!

2008-09-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Hello art lovers! I've decided to include you in my world of blogging, which covers everything from rants about the environment, celebrities, life, and now, ART. I am a jewelry designer and conservation biologist. I create jewelry to raise funds for wildlife conservation, focusing my designs on my belief that art and nature are one and the same. You can't have one without the other. So, here I'll post new ideas, introduce you to some of my favorite artists and generally try to get you as excited about art and nature as I am!

A little about myself. My husband and I live and work on a 30-acre wildlife conservation center and I have some of the worlds rarest animals and plants in my "backyard" including tiny marmosets from Peru that can sit in the palm of your hand, 1,000 lb. antelope from Africa, and rare Brazillian parrots. Every day is an adventure and an inspiration for my jewelry designs.

My real goal is to get people interested in nature through art. So, forgive me if I continually and shamelessly promote the organization I work for, the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (www.rarespecies.org) throughout my website and this blog. We're a small, focused organization striving to save what's left of the world's wild places. Check out the website--you'll be pleasantly surprised!!

So, I hope you'll come back to visit this little blogspot often--I'll be featuring amazing artists, offer cool ideas and any new "tricks of the trade" that I come across, and generally try to encourage you to join me on an artistic journey into the wilderness...Thanks for stopping by!