Something Sublime

Kitchen Redeaux-Choices, Choices

Who knew that there could be so many choices available in kitchen paraphernalia? I now believe there are more kitchen sinks and faucets out there than stars in the sky. Finally, finally!...I've landed on this most excellent farmhouse sink by Herbeau for my kitchen remodel.  Even though I don't plan on doing dishes in it, I could.  

If I wanted to.

Which, I don't.

But heck, I could do all kinds of other fun stuff in this sink like soak my feet, or wash the dog. And this baby...which I'm totally in love with...will make those tasks much easier:

Do you adore this faucet? I can hose down the whole kitchen with this thing, if need be. All I need is a drain in the center of the floor...

Selections made.  Moving on...

Houston Heat Wave

We're in the middle of a crazy heat wave. It. Is. Hot. Here, in my part of the world, we've had a record number of consecutive days in which temps reached triple digits.  24 days.  29 days.  I've lost count. I spotted three huge loads of huge hay bales going down the road this weekend and the look of them summed up everything about our weather right now: stickery, hot, dusty, dry...pretty much ready to burst into flame!

Over the weekend, the temperature edged up to 109 and 107.  Our low was 81.  Low. 81. Dang!

My flower garden has withered under the intense glare and stepping outside feels mostly like stepping into a blast furnace, but with the added delight of high, high humidity.

Even Miss Maggie wants to do nothing but lay on the cool tile. Me too. Must...lay...on...cool...tile.

It's so ironic that part of the country is under floodwaters from Irene...and here, we're setting some kind of record for lack of rain. I don't recall when I've seen so many trees dead and dying. Even for us, it's crazy hot.

But still, we're blessed...right?  I prayed for y'all on the East Coast that you wouldn't be washed away...that we'd be spared the worst. And, aren't we all so grateful that it wasn't as bad as we thought it might be.

Soon, camping weather will be here again.  And, I can't wait for the break! How about you?

xxoo

Ready, Set, Build-The Build Zone Registration

Hello friends!

• School's back in session, which means you may have a little free time on your hands without the kids at home.
• Or maybe you've always wanted to learn how to make your own jewelry but felt a wee bit intimidated.
• Perhaps you make jewelry already but are ready to step it up a notch and learn some tricks to give your pieces that professionally finished look.
• Are you someone who wants to attend a major art retreat but you just don't have the spare time or cash to travel right now?
• Or maybe you just like to work in your jammies (like me!)...

I've got a terrific solution for you....  Registration for my Build Zone online class starts Thursday, Sept. 1st.

If you've never taken an online workshop with me, you can see what my previous students have said, here (lovely students!)

If you're a returning student but you haven't taken this particular class, I try to design all my online workshops so that there's not much overlap, as far as technique.  In other words, there will be plenty of new stuff for you to learn in The Build Zone.

If you're wondering what we'll be doing...pop over to my Jewelry Works site,  here, for a class description and plenty of examples.  I'd love to have you in class!

In the meantime, did you know that I have a tutorials section, right here on my blog?  And...it's free! You can find the link right under my blog banner or, click here to check it out.

deryn xxoo

Next Up...ArtBliss

Believe it or not, I'm in the studio working on class proposals again.  Oh, I've got some terrific ideas swirling around in my head!  And, at the same time, I've had a vision...yes, a vision.  One of those middle-of-the-night revelations, an "ah ha" moment, a crystal clear idea clearing away what was previously a foggy notion.  I know what to do and I'm fired up to do it...finally.  But why do these inspirations come right when I'm the busiest with a zillion other things that must get done?  Right now, I have deadlines to meet and classes to prepare for.  I can hardly wait to travel to the DC area again for ArtBliss!

Wax On

I taught there last year and it was such a pleasure.  The students are fantastic and the organizers, Cindy and Jeanette, made me feel like a queen.  This year, they've gathered an awesome lineup of instructors: Richard and Jane Salley, Robert Dancik, Diane Cook, Christine Damm, and Kerry Bogert.

Balance Bronze Bangles

The atmosphere at this retreat is like none other...an immersion into a friendly, creative world of generous, like-minded artists.  Last year we had so much fun.

BoHo Hoops

From last year...here I am with Jeanette and Cindy.  Don't we look like we're having fun?

...with student Elizabeth Auld.  Pretend like you don't see that chocolate cake in the corner.  I'll pretend like it didn't make my jeans a bit more snug.  I can pretend, if the situation calls for it.

Here's happy student Amy Powers wearing the lovely creation she made in my Crowned Gems class.

Of course, I got to check out the sights in DC...something I'd always wanted to do.

And so, I prepare.  And in the midst of it, here's a peek of one of those class proposals I told you about. As for "The Vision," while I'd love to share, I'll have to keep that to myself, for now. It needs a little nurturing and loving care...and of course, a ton of work...before growing into a real thing.

deryn xxoo

Moving Forward-At A Snail's Pace

Finally, finally...the impossible has happened. My kitchen redeaux is moving forward. After completely stalling out for the last three months, for various reasons...some of which are related to my traveling and my, um, indecisiveness...things are back on track and our prospective start date is Oct. 3. Hooray! So, what's happened since May?  Well, after much research and agonizing, I picked out some granite.  I say "I" because Wife Whisperer has left these things largely up to me. Believe me, I give him a chance to throw in his two cents but I think he really wishes I wouldn't.  Anyhow...granite: chosen.

It's called "Delirium" which WW gets an enormous kick out of, for reasons I pretend not to grasp.

It's pretty crazy but oh! so lovely. We've got our new fridge installed and, now that we've been using it for a while, I LOVE it. Love the design, the freezer drawer, the clean lines of it (we opted for no water dispenser in the door,) and the French doors.  The best part of it is that, while it looks like stainless steel, it's some sort of super duper finish that doesn't leave fingerprints. Love.

Our other appliances, including this gorgeous Kenmore Pro 30" duel fuel range, are parked in the garage. I can hardly wait to use this thing.  Maybe something edible will come from my kitchen yet. Actually, I fancy myself a pretty good cook but the range I've been using for the last 16 years has considerably lessened that impression.

This is our splurge...a built in Electrolux beverage center.  WW was resistant to this idea, at first.  But, when he realized he could sit at the table and, while playing poker, reach the beverage center...without ever having to leave his seat...he warmed right up.

The only decision left, before we can order cabinets, is the color.  I'm torn between a painted warm white with chocolate glaze...

And a lovely stained maple...not too dark...with the chocolate glaze.  My contractor, who is a really cute, sweet guy, really knows his stuff.  He's pushing for the white on the basis that every white kitchen he's done has turned out fabulous. He's also telling me, and this is true, that white is what the decorating magazines are featuring.  White was my first choice but the stain is really warm and rich. White....stain....white...stain... You see my dilemma. They're both beautiful and I really can't go wrong, either way. But, I need help or it may be another three months.  If you click on the photos above (for a bigger view) and give me your thoughts, I'd love it.  So would Wife Whisperer.  And my contractor.  And the cabinet guy.

xxoo

Destination Creativity

First let me say how much I appreciate to all of you who encouraged me with your kind comments, emails and facebook posts regarding my grandpa's passing. It's made this week much easier just knowing you're all out there.

So, I've been working on some new pieces this week...some I'm loving, some are still in the awkward adolescent phase.  Maybe I'll have some photos for you soon.  In the meantime, I have a couple of book reviews for you...

If you've never attended an art retreat, you can see what you've been missing in Rice Freeman Zachery's brand new book.  She, and her Ever Gorgeous Earl, roam the land in search of creative venues and interesting artistic happenings and have documented some fun stuff. Rice takes you inside some of the best retreats in the country but this book also contains projects from some of the classes. Back when I taught at Artful Texas, Rice and Earl joined us in class and took lots of photos.  I was assured that EGE never keeps any photos that are unflattering to women (thank you, Earl!) If you've met him, you know what a sweet guy he is...he and Rice are a pleasure to work with.  I can't wait to see this book!  It's on pre-order right now and you can get a sneak peek here.

I've got a copy of this one in my hot little hands.  1000 Steampunk Creations by Dr. Grymm and my friend Barbe Saint John, is loaded with gorgeous photos of all kinds of wild and weird steampunk creations. While I don't really consider myself a steampunk artist, I have leanings toward some odd elements, like the bear toe bones I recently purchased at Art Unraveled. What will I do with those??? I'm happy to have some pieces included in this book.

Reliquary Bracelet

(yes, that's a tooth)

Steampunk in Color

My pieces are pretty tame compared to much of the stuff in the book but, wow...it's full of amazing clothing, jewelry and gadgetry! If you've seen this book, I'd love to know what you think about the pieces featured inside...

Keeping The Faith

It's been a tough week.  My grandfather passed away.  He was 97 years old and still living in his own house...something I aspire to. He was an independent, funny, wise man and he'll be greatly missed in this world.  He has a new home now.

Faith is the belief in things unseen. Every one of us has the chance for a new home and a new life, beyond this one.

My guys.  They're still at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Basically, in the middle of nowhere. When life gets claustrophobic at the camp, they head into town (Raton-some miles away) for some good old Denny's. Number Two had loaned his vehicle to friends for just such an excursion but, on the way back, an elk jumped out in front of the car and it was totalled.

It was completely a God thing.  

That car had 5 guys in it, one of whom wasn't using his seatbelt.  The elk hit the front of the car, then bounced off the windshield (people have been killed by animals coming through the windshield, into the car.) It was 1:30 in the morning.  They were going the speed limit...about 60 mph. Elk can weigh about 500-1200 pounds...at that speed, it's like hitting a brick wall.

There were no serious injuries.

The policeman who came to the scene said that they were extremely lucky that no one was killed.  In my book, that's not luck...that's a God thing.

Faith is the belief in things unseen. God's unseen hand was hovering right over the boys in that car. Someone in that car, or that was involved with the accident, or that hears about it...needs to know that.

Art Unraveled-What A Trip

Deryn, Ronnie, Ned, the delightfully amusing Dan Essig, Diane Cook and Diana Frey 

(photo by Diane Cook)

Did we have some fun, or what?  I had a great trip to Phoenix and enjoyed every minute of that notorious dry heat.  Art Unraveled, once again, lived up to it's reputation as the most outstanding art venue around.  I ran non-stop, almost from the moment I arrived...ate some fantastic food (thank you, Dan, for keeping me entertained during dinner!) enjoyed a few happy hours and taught some extremely talented and creative students.

Met the lovely Pam Carriker who made me feel like a rock star (thank you Pam, and welcome to Texas!)

Joanna Pierotti, Maija Lepore, Deryn, Ruth Rae

I even got a chance to meet up with some of my Christmas ornament swap peeps.  A few of them actually already know what they're making for this year's swap.  Oiy!  It's making my head hurt just thinking about it.

I have to say, my students were incredible.  I got lots of photos of what they did in my Balance Bronze Bangles class...

Amazing...no?  I'll be teaching this class next at ArtBliss and then at Adorn Me.

Wonderful things were created in my Little Garden of the Soul class as well but, of course, I didn't get photos of finished works.  So....if you were in that class, I'd love it if you could email me a photo of what you did.  The photo above is a shot of a little of the bling that one of the students brought to work with. They all brought similar piles of treasures...it was quite amazing to see their stashes!

The very best thing about teaching in person is meeting my students.  Linda Britt was an Art Unraveled student but has also been in my BoHo Bliss online class and my Of Towers and Turrets online class.  You can see the piece she created in the Towers class...big, bold and beautiful.

This was the morning view from the Embassy Suites.  Yep.  I'm thinking about taking up golf.

I fell in love with this mountain.  It looks amazingly like Heart Mountain in my beloved Cody, Wyo:

Heart Mountain

See?  Can you see the profile of the Indian's face in both mountains?

Mini Heart Mountain of Phoenix

The ride home was interesting.  Before I tell about this, let me say how very grateful I am to have been in the right place at the right time. Mostly.  I happened to be standing near the ticket desk when the airline announced that they needed to bump a few people and would compensate with ticket credits.  I have a couple of trips coming up so it seemed like a great idea.  And, really,  it was.  I have at least one upcoming trip paid for now...yay for me.  But, when I went to get on my new flight, I was the very last one on the plane.  I couldn't find a seat and, no wonder.  The attendant finally found that last seat...a tiny little space smack in between two gargantuan men...both overflowing various body parts onto my seat.  I smiled sweetly and thanked the attendant, even though curse words were flowing just behind my eyes in a steady stream, and slipped into my allotted 10 inches.  I don't know if you've ever flown out of Phoenix at the height of summer but it was about 150 degrees outside and probably more than that inside the plane. Airless. Beyond hot.  My shoulders were each tucked right up under the armpits of my big, sticky, new friends...thighs crushed together...we were sweating like construction workers.  To make it just a little more fun, when we got up into the air, it got a little bumpy. Claustrophobia + anxiety + flying are not a good combo for me.  At that moment, the man in front of me...who obviously was from another planet and totally oblivious to the drama of extreme discomfort going on behind him...rudely released his seat all the way back into my lap, making my misery complete. Tears actually welled up in my eyes.  More than anything in the world, I wanted to flick the back of his witless little head.  But.  I didn't.  Instead, I prayed for mercy and, miracle of miracles, that flight went by faster than I thought possible.  My two large seatmates were very nice...bless their hearts.  I lived to see another day. Amen.

Vendor day

So that's my tale from Art Unraveled...one of my very favorite venues.  Special thanks to Linda and Chuck who, once again, were the epitome of professionalism and calm under fire.  And, to my wonderful students.  You rock! xxoo

Last Day For BoHo

Quickie check in post...this is the last day to get your bliss on.  Registration closes for my BoHo Bliss online workshop at the end of today.

Humongous, enormous, tremendous thanks to those of you who have signed up and have been making this class such a treat for me.  It's been great fun, so far!  Anyone interested in more info, please click here.  Class runs through Aug. 31st so you still have some time to play.  xxooderyn

Hoop-la

What have I been doing?  Obsessing over hoops...of course!

Remember these beauties from the recent gem and jewelry show?  My fingers were itching to get them into some wearable form.

What I discovered is that the tourmaline slabs help these hoops swing from the ears in a gentle, lovely way that just feels so deliciously hippie chic.

They mingled so well with peridot and citrine...bff's.

These gorgeous brown sapphires were another strand of stones that had me itchy to start something.  Now, bff's with faceted garnets.  What a pairing.

Amazonite and chalcedony, anyone?

I'm packing up all these lovelies to bring with me to Phoenix where I'll be teaching a few classes and Art Unraveled and tending to my table at the vendor event.  I think it's about 150 degrees with a chance of dust blizzards but...it's a dry heat.  I'll love it.

Really.

See you there!