Something Sublime

Scenes From An Oregon Autumn

I've been in Oregon for a few days of blissfully beautiful weather and it's about to start raining.  That's ok...I'm just grateful to be here.  My flight was near perfect until a disturbing incident of terror somewhere above California.  According to our pilot, one of our engines sucked in a bird.  Let me tell you, an enormous bump and prolonged shudder, followed by flames shooting from one engine is not what you want to experience at 20,000 feet.  My poor sweet, seatmate, Hillary, was even more terrified than I.  I haven't held hands with a woman so much since I was five years old and holding hands with my mommy!  It was good to focus on something other than my own fear.  God knew.  He knew I needed to sit beside someone who needed to feel His presence.  I hope Hillary felt it...bless her heart.

Something Nouveau

Wife Whisperer is quite a guy.  This weekend, he took me antique hunting...not something most guys (himself included!) really enjoy.  The loving patience displayed was amazing!  Especially in light of the fact that I really didn't find anything, until...

I peeked into a huge glass case and this amazing, Victorian antique belt screamed out at me.  The minute I saw it my head started to buzz and visions of the incredible jewelry I could make floated before me.  The aged patina on the bronze and steel is wonderful.  There are five of these stunning, faceted glass medallions...

four of these enchanting, filigree dingleberries...

...a couple of these fine, filigree flowery/clovery things...

...and several of these beautiful, long filigrees.

One of the things I love the best about the medallions is that, not only are the fronts faceted, but the backs are, as well.  The attention to detail in the construction in all of the elements is really remarkable.  This jeweled belt dates back to the 1800's and is quite a rarity.  It's incredibly lovely and I immediately fell for it.

Unfortunately, the sales lady was in love with it too and I practically had to wrestle her to the ground before I could buy it.  But, in the end, I prevailed and I'll be bringing a few pieces of jewelry, made with the outstanding findings from this antique, to Art & Soul with me.

"Nouveau"

Available on Etsy

Btw...I'm guest blogger over at the Objects and Elements blog...take a look!

A Moment

I was so touched by all of your comments to my last post...your encouragment is priceless!  But, I promise, I wasn't fishing for support...just having a small moment.  In truth, I'm in a pretty good place as far as being ready for my upcoming schedule.  Part of Sherry's comment snapped me back into a God-conscious place:  "...remember who got you there and He's delighting in you and your work....! So just rest in the enjoyment of it....I know you will..."  Wise words for us all.  I have been placed, purposely, where I am and, in that, have been equipped and prepared to accomplish the tasks at hand.  And, so have you.  Wouldn't life be easier if we remembered that on a moment by moment basis?!  And so, back to work...

Are We There Yet?

I've been working on some really fun things lately (can't wait to show you but they're not quite ready), as I scurry around, getting ready to leave for Art & Soul in Portland.  I'm feeling autumn on the inside but, outside, here in Houston, it's still hot and humid.  I'm sure I'll freeze in the cooler weather of my home state of Oregon, but I can't wait for the cool.  Last time I was home, it was to pick up Little Blackie...hard to believe that was a whole year ago.

In addition to gathering the things I'll need to teach, my fingers are flying over beads and baubles to create new pieces for my vendor table. 

 

I have no idea what to expect because, as many times as I've been to A&S, I've never been to Vendor Night.   Can you believe it?  I've heard all about it though.    I figured my wallet would surely be considerably lighter after a visit to the fabulous artist's displays and thought better of attending.  I do regret having missed Susan's past, outlandish, vendor night outfits (news of her boots and bustier traveled far and wide.  Looking forward to seeing you, Susan!). 

This year, I'll be there, behind my own table...which is a little intimidating.  I have alternating fears that I'll either be totally swamped (I can't even imagine that!) or I'll be twiddling my thumbs and watching everyone walk right by me (much more likely!).  If you're there, I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

Jewelry Challenge-The End And The Winners!

Carla Barrett-Bead Shelf Necklace-Project 3

It's the very end of my Mary Hetts jewelry challenge.  I would like to thank each of you who participated with me throughout the challenge...your work has been spectacular!  For those of you who haven't heard about my challenge, I've set up a separate blog for it here where you can see all the participants projects (check the links in the left sidebar.)  Mythought behind this challenge was to stretch, grow and explore things that might not otherwise be explored.  My favorite thing about the challenge was to take a technique or idea from the book and make it my own...add my signature to it.  It was exciting to see you all doing the same.  It's been a fun, creative journey!

Before I tell you who the winners of my final drawing are, here are just a few of the beautiful pieces made during the challenge...

 

Dale Meister-Spinner Necklace-Project 1

 

Renate Starke-Krammer-Looped Cone Necklace-Project 12

 

Kelly Snelling-Twisted Wire-Project 20

 

Renate Stark-Krammer-Looped Cone Necklace-Project 12

Molly Alexander-Moving Parts Necklace-Project 16

 

Sharon Borsavage-Twisted Wire-Project 20

 

Sharon Borsavage-Wire Wrapped Hands-Project 15

 

Wendy Smith-Wrapped Beads Necklace-Project 5

I hope you've stuck with me for this long because I finally have a couple of winners! 

If you've done any of the projects throughout the challenge, your name was put into the hat, or in this case, an antique jewelry box,  for as many projects as you did. 

 

I was surprised to find how many participants there were...you were all such great sports!  Up for grabs are two of my own pieces, completed during the challenge.  Without further hesitation, stalling or goofing around, the winners are...

Wendy Smith...winner of "It's My Favorite"

and...

 

Jenn Desjardins...winner of "Prince Pod"

Ladies, please email me with your info.  Thank you all, again, for making this such a fun challenge!  And, just in case you missed it, I'll leave you with a comment from Mary Hettmansperger (left on this post):

"I want to THANK YOU and all your readers for using my book for this challenge!!! AMAZING and beautiful jewelry! I am SO thrilled that you used my book as your guide and Im totally impressed with all your interpretations! Great job to all... and again... Thanks!"  Mary Hettmansperger

Wingkeeper Class Update

I'm very excited to announce, my Wingkeeper class for Art & Soul-Portland in October, is almost full.  Only three spots left!  I'd like to say, right here, that I'm very grateful to have received such an enthusiastic response to this class.  I'm so looking forward to teaching it that I've already started packing my stuff.  I love teaching and am anxious to see old friends and make new and just hang out with a group of creative minds.   Because this is a two day workshop, I'll have lots of time to spend with each student and get to know everyone.  We have many techniques to cover so two days will give us plenty of time to absorb and create.  I even have a special little surprise for my students in this class (I can't reveal what it is but I'm feeling sort of a fifth-grade-style excitement about it!)  If you were thinking about signing up, now is a great time.  See you soon!

9-11-2001

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.  Rev. 21:4

Adorn Me Is Online

class sample for "Clear Applications- Jewelry"

I've been working like crazy on a few last minute teaching proposals and I have exciting news...Linda Young, organizer of Art Unraveled, has the website for Adorn Me up and running!  This is going to be a fantastic event, here in Houston, next March;  all jewelry classes.  There is an amazing line-up of incredibly talented  instructors, including Keith Lo Bue, Richard and Jane Salley, Stephanie Rubiano, Diana Frey and Diane Cook.

 

class sample for "Clear Applications-Paper Glazing"

I'm thrilled to be offering four classes at Adorn Me.  I'm especially looking forward to teaching my Clear Applications classes.  I'll be teaching these two workshops as an endorsed instructor of Susan Lenart Kazmer's "Objects and Elements" design team. This is extra sweet for me as I've really enjoyed my time working on the O&E design team and the artistic relationships and inspiration developing there.  My Paper Glazing class will be a fun evening of creating resin papers and the Clear Applications Jewelry class will focus on using the glazed papers in jewelry making.

Joujou Charm Keeper

I'm also offering one of my favorite things to make and teach, my Joujou Charm Keeper necklace.  This is a great class that's loaded with a variety of techniques, which is what makes it so much fun!

 

Secret Garden Birdcage Necklace

My last offering is my birdcage necklace.  The focus of this class is creating a beautiful birdcage focal but we'll also be working on other techniques to create the rest of the piece.  What you'll learn in this class can be applied to so many different projects.  It's going to be a terrific class!

Click here to see the Adorn Me site and list of instructors and workshops.  At the bottom of the Adorn Me page, you'll see a link to the Art Unraveled Yahoo Group, if you join that group, you'll get all the latest updates for Adorn Me.  Registration for classes will be soon!

Angels Watch

"Angels Watch"

Available on Etsy