Something Sublime

On Finding Bliss

I've been flying in the clouds...literally and figuratively.  I'm just home from ArtBliss, reflecting with a concoction of white lavender tea and honey in my hands and, wow, was it an inspiring, uplifting, amazingly positive event.  The first thing I saw, upon arriving in my room, was a thoughtful gift, adorned with the Inaugural Event logo...boy, do I love this logo!  So very patriotic and clever...perfect for a D.C. event.  Well, very close to D.C., anyway, we were in beautiful Sterling, Virginia, about 20 minutes away from the Capital.

Our amazing hostesses, Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix, made me feel just like a queen and I'm thrilled to have had the chance to explore Washington, D.C. if only a little.  I've always thought it would be a great experience to visit our nation's capital but it never occurred to me that it might actually happen.

Jeanette and Cindy

Friday night, Jeanette and Cindy arranged a meet and greet...so much fun.  I loved having a chance to talk with the students and many of them stopped by my table to chat.  It amazes me how y'all reach out to me, know me from my blog and my work...and want to talk about it, make me comfortable...maybe even take away a little piece of me through my jewelry.  Thank you for that!

It was a pleasure meeting the very talented ArtBliss instructors Lesley, Kerry and Melissa.

Saturday, I discovered that my lovely class assistant, Annabella Wewer, and I had met before, some years ago at a week long workshop in Seattle.  It's so funny, we were in Seattle for a week and were so busy, each in our own creative fugue, we never got a chance to connect.  I was glad to run into her and have that opportunity again.

I debuted my new class, Link Love, and consider it to be hugely successful.  It's cram packed with tons of technique, which the students really responded to.  All their shining potential, their creative energy, wafting around the room...they took away enough to keep them very busy for quite a while!

The students were really the stars of this event.  What an outstanding group of women.  It was a happy, chatty art weekend among friends.  Most of us were meeting for the first time but the retreat was such that everyone was familiar and friendly.

And, their work...oh, what pretty things they made!  These are a few lovelies from my Crowned Gems class.

Right now, I'm still basking in the warm glow of their excitement.  It's the very best thing to be able to pass along a little of what I've learned and I love being in class.  Thank you, thank you to all of you who joined me there!

Cindy and Jeanette were kind enough to share a few extra way-cool ArtBliss canvas bags with me. I'm giving them away  just as a way to spread the excitement about this retreat.  If you'd like to have one, leave me a comment on this post (make sure to include your email) and I'll randomly choose two winners.  Did I already say how much I love this logo?  

Photos of D.C. to come... 

Live From ArtBliss!

 

Dear Readers,

Having an experience that is beyond fabulous!  Hostesses (Cindy Wimmer, Jeanette Blix) are making me feel like a queen.  Classes are wonderful.  Students are incredible.  Wish you were here.  Can you come next year???

xxxooo Deryn

from Artbliss

Belle Armoire Jewelry-Finding Your Creative Voice

It's here, it's here....it's finally here!   My new, Autumn issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry has arrived. I'm really excited about this issue because I am honored to have the chance, once again, for my work appear here.  Not just that, though.  The article that I wrote (called Style Journey: Finding Your Creative Voice...click here and scroll down for a pre-view)  is, I think, one of my best. While I've never considered writing to be my strength, well, I'm a little (honestly, only a little) pleased.  Now, you guys may read it and think I'm crazy but it's one of those things that wrote itself.  I love it when that happens.

The subject matter, finding your very own creative voice...is something I find fascinating. I've done a lot of soul searching on the matter; a lot of talking with other artists, a lot of questioning and discussing.  I know more than a few artists who have had trouble finding their own unique style; difficulty creating works that reflect their artistic essence.  I know several who have changed their style abruptly, mid-stream...made a conscious decision to switch creative gears...and those who have completely abandoned the search for their own style.  Even those who adopt the style voice of another.  And, though I totally believe in mimicry as a great form of practice in the beginning, deep down, every artist wants nothing more than for his or her own spirit to shine through in their work.

So, what's the secret?  I could carry on with a lot of fluffy, flowery language about digging deep into your soul and wrenching out every emotion and hidden thought you've ever had.  I could speak to dreams, wishes, longings and finding your bliss.  Don't get me wrong, those things have a part in the process but I really believe that the core of finding your creative voice is.....work.  Not a very romantic word or notion but, believe me, if you don't put the work in, you will never reach your artistic potential!

Following your creative yearnings is the very first part of your journey.  As the age old saying goes, "practice makes perfect."  And, so it does.  Practicing your art, working on your craft, as frequently as possible, will propel you into discovering your talent and...your creative style.

And so...without re-writing the article here, I hope you will take a look at it.  It contains some amazing shots of some of my favorite pieces of jewelry.  The kind people at Stampington have given me a nifty blog button for you to click that will take you straight to the pre-view (over on the right side of my blog.)  And I also noticed, somewhere on their site, this lovely little ad...

Very cool, yes?  Thank you, Stampington folks!

ArtBliss

It's been a busy week and promises to get even busier as I prepare to fly off to DC and teach at ArtBliss (the guys will hold down the fort in my absence...scary thought!)  Gemtypes and jewelry tools are flying in my studio!   I have to tell you, this retreat has been blessed with the most fantastic instructors:  Kerry Bogert, Melissa Manley (whom I've met personally and can say is one fabulously talented and wickedly nice lady) and Lesley Venable.  I'm so looking forward to meeting Kerry and Lesley and schmoozing with these three.  And, of course, with Cindy and Jeanette, our intrepid organizers.  I hope you can join us...it's going to be terrific fun!

"Link Love"

The Sweetest Thing

"Surveyor's Double Wrap Necklace"

I discovered this morning that Michaels has added one more piece of mine to their projects page for Susan's Industrial Chic line (click here to see my page.)  Needless to say, much hooting and hollering commenced!  It's an honor for my designs to be included and, while it makes me feel like a movie star or someone equally as important, I know who I am and am humbled by the attention.  Seriously, how can designing and creating something you love be any more fun.  And having you all join in my celebration of this exposure makes it that much sweeter!

Speaking of sweet...some wondrous sweet things have been showing up on my doorstep lately.  My boys surprised me yesterday with this lovely, chocolaty confection.  When I asked them how they knew what to get they said "We just got the one with the most chocolate."  They know me well.  But nothing is sweeter than spending time with them.

This was their other surprise for me.  It was considered and decided upon to be just to please me...purchased, wrapped up and delivered in person.

I just love Jack Skelly...he's so very full of heart and soul.  That Sally is a lucky gal!

However did they know I would adore this bag?  It will be the perfect thing to carry my teaching essentials to class.  Man...I heart those boys.

And, one more sweetness turned up in my mailbox this week from my dear friend, Pilar.  Have you seen her work?  The girl is just doing some amazing things with stitchery!  I have several of her fabric milagros...gorgeous stuff.

So anyway, yeah...I got this envelope in the mail from Pilar but, I'll tell you, the outside was even more precious than the inside...

Pilar's little baby-girl niece decided I needed some extra joy in my life and created this astonishing artwork for me.  Is it not splendid and adorable?

Have a blessed day!  xxoo

Michael's Industrial Chic

"Black and White Graphic Necklace"

Jumping, waving, squealing, everything jiggling....happy dance!  I'm thrilled that Michaels has chosen two of my pieces to include on their projects pages for Susan Lenart Kazmer's Industrial Chic line. When you go to the pages, my name is to the right, materials list below that and instructions at the center bottom of the page. Click here to see my Black and White Graphic necklace page.

I designed this piece to be worn as either a necklace, or doubled as a bracelet.  These necklaces were a little challenging for me as only pieces from the Industrial Chic line were to be used in the designs.

"Everybody Plays The Game"

Well, no...scratch that.  I thought it was going to be challenging but, once I got into it, it really wasn't.  The IC line is loaded with such inspiring elements...that makes designing with it easy.  (Click here to see the Michael's page for this piece.)

And, guess what?  Susan has been working on new charms, pendants and elements for the line and they're making their debut this weekend in Michaels stores across the country.  To celebrate, the Objects and Elements blog is having a giveaway.  Click here to see the details and get a peek at some of the new things.

Ok...the dog is looking at me funny.  Apparently, she doesn't recognize the happy dance...

September 13th-Ike It's Your Anniversary

1900 hurricane memorial, Galveston Texas

Oh...I SO did not want that date to go by without notice!  I've been so busy getting ready for ArtBliss that I didn't get a post up.  Well, it's been heavy on my mind...every year at this time, actually.  Sept. 13 is the anniversary of Ike's visit to us in 2008, here on the Gulf Coast.

Galveston Sea Wall, after Ike

We aren't strangers to nasty weather here. In August of 2005, Katrina devastated our neighbor, New Orleans. Katrina was fresh in Houstonian's minds when, less than a month later, Rita rolled through.  We were in Rita's sights and a very scary, chaotic evacuation fiasco commenced.  5 million people, all trying to get out of Dodge at the same time...crazy and in some instances, tragic. 

downtown Houston, after Ike

Rita ended up missing us but caused an astounding 11.3 billion dollars worth of damage in the Gulf Coast area. Then came the threat of Wilma.  These were big, huge, life-threatening storms...like Katrina.  Unlike Katrina, most of the rest of the world doesn't hear much about the damage they caused.

Crystal Beach, Tx...near Galveston, after Ike

And then Ike roared in.  We weren't the first stop for Ike.  It blasted over Haiti first, killing 75, then made landfall in the Gulf as a very strong cat 2 storm...a click away from a cat 3...and still did a catastrophic amount of damage.  The storm surge was terrific, and deadly.  A total of approximately 195 people were killed by Ike.  

before and after Ike

Thousands of homes were flooded or totally destroyed...washed out to sea.  Can you imagine your home...possessions and all...washed away into the ocean?  3 billion of us were out of power, some for more than a month.  So, I guess my thoughts at this time of year are that, as much publicity as Katrina receives, and continues to receive, I feel like I don't want anyone to forget about Ike.  I know we on the Gulf won't.

Student Works Of Art

towers bezel by Mary Zimany

I just had to share with you...the artists working in our "Of Towers and Turrets" online class are creating amazing works!  All of the videos are up at our site, which means that the jewelry making/metal work vids are up.  I admit, I was a bit anxious over this part of the class.  Worries were niggling and nagging and buzzing like mosquitoes around my head...are my instructions clear enough?  Will the students be able to execute the more trickier parts of the lessons?

finished towers by Paula Hardesty

finished towers by Paula Hardesty

Well, as you can see, most of my worries were baseless.  We're having such fun in the classroom! The work Sharon and I put into this class...heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears (well, maybe not blood!)...was immense.  But, I'm proud to say that what we've been able to offer in this class is immense, as well.  SO many techniques (20 videos worth!)  Creating this workshop, we just wanted to pour everything we know into one place!  You guys have probably guessed...there's no way to pour every bit of knowledge into one workshop so....stay tuned...toward the end of the year, I hope to have a follow-up workshop.  This one will be strictly jewelry making...showing you how to work with a few vintage elements, how to incorporate your towers focal (or other focal) into a finished piece of jewelry and tons more.

stencils by Talisa Selby

In the meantime...I'm soaking up the inspiration and creativity that's positively flying around our classroom.  It's so rewarding to see our students truly enjoying themselves.  I wish I could see their faces when I read their happy comments in our forum.  Their excitement is palpable!  Every nano-second of work and effort, on my part, was worth it and has been rewarded.  Thank all ya'll!  (That's how we say "you guys" in Texas.)  Oh yeah...if you 're interested in joining the fun, this workshop runs until Dec. 31 of this year...3 1/2 more months...sign up any time and work at your leisure (I love that you can work at your leisure...in your jammies...eating bon bons, if you like!)  Plenty of time for you to work and create.  Click here for registration.

finished towers by Deirdre O'Shea

Not Too Late For A Little ArtBliss

 
"Link Love"

It's not too late to join me for a little creative bliss at the inaugural event for ArtBliss Workshops.  I'll be in the metro DC area, teaching three classes, Sept. 24 and 25.

 
"Musical Notes Earrings"

I've never been to D.C. before so I'm pretty excited to have this opportunity!  I'm hoping to see a few sights...maybe some Civil War sites.  I'll be dragging Wife Whisperer along with me to keep me from getting lost.  Actually, his most important role will be holding my hand during the flight.  I don't relish the thought of a long flight.  I really hate that about myself.  So why travel to teach?  Well...I just love teaching.  I love seeing that light in the students eyes when they "get it" and they realize they are artists in their own right.

 
"Crowned Gems"

Also, two of my classes, Link Love and Musical Notes, are brand spanking new, so that's always exciting!  I'll be teaching Crowned Gems again, which is one of my favorite classes to teach.  Riveting is such fun...don't you think?  If you think you may be able to attend, take a look at the ArtBliss website.  See that pretty pink icon in the left sidebar?  Click on that and it will take you right to the site, too.  Cindy Wimmer and Jeannette Blix Ryan will be our gracious hostesses and have done a terrific job organizing this creative retreat and providing a cozy, comfy, yummy atmosphere for us.  Washington, here I come!

My Life...I Think I'll Keep It

I know, gross...right?  Thankfully, this isn't my hand!  But, unfortunately, it's Number Two's hand. The pain, for me, is almost as bad as if it were my own.  This summer, while working at Philmont Scout Ranch, he was walking along...tripped...fell on a cactus. (Isn't that what guys do?  Walk, trip...fall on something dangerous?)  One of the spines went right through the back of his thumb and his friend (NOT a doctor, nurse or veterinarian) broke the end of it off whilst trying to dig it out with a pocketknife...thus, embedding it permanently into Number Two's thumb.  (Isn't that a guy thing, as well?  Surgery with a pocket knife?)  Today was the day, after about a month and a half, that we had it properly removed...by a real doctor.  That's the spine, there to the right of the wound.  A little memento of manly adventures.

I show you this to say:  This is what my life has been.  Breath holding and hand wringing while watching my guys participate in a succession of dangerous activities and patching up the inevitable wounds.  Beginning when they were just babes attempting every seemingly perilous activity they could dream up.  Number One wandered off from me in the store, got stung a dozen times on the face by bees, fell out of a grocery cart...and more.  But Number Two, no doubt attempting to top the antics of his "all-boy" brother, was into it from the git-go.  He fell off the top rail of his crib (trying to escape,) off the bed, out of his car seat, off the step, off his little toy car, off a chair.  He chipped a tooth, had stitches in his head, hand, should have had stitches in his elbow, arm and both legs.  He got run over by a bike, shot with a marshmallow filled potato gun, rode a bike off a ledge, fell off a fence and got bit by a squirrel.  Oh yes, and got a cactus spike to the hand.  I'm amazed he's survived.  He's battered and scarred. I'll tell you, every one of their scars represents an amazing amount of worry and concern on  my part.  Wondering what amount of bloodshed there would be with squirt guns, wooden axes, boffer swords, skateboards, potato guns, pellet guns, hockey sticks, sling shots, bb guns, throwing stars/knives/axes, paintball guns, pocket knives, shotguns, motorcycles and vehicles.  Sheesh...how did I survive?  Life with boys has been life with an interesting twist.  They are surely nothing like we girls!  They are their own beings...wild and wonderful.  I wouldn't change a minute.

(hearts from the tops of Philmont's mountains)