Something Sublime

The New Girls

"Sophie"

Between larger pieces, I've been working on building up my stock of earrings.  I've been having fun with filigree brass findings.  This pair is sterling, brass, freshwater pearls, vintage crystal rondelles and those gorgeous carved buri seed beads I found at the last bead show.

"Zoe"

More brass, sterling and azurite malachite drops.  I love the way the stones "hide" under the brass pieces, just peeking out.

"Becca"

These are sterling, brass and beautiful smoky quartz onion briolettes.  The stones swing and sparkle from beneath their caps.  It's like a little surprise under there!

"Pompeii-Rods and Bars Grey"

And another pair of my Pompeii inspired earrings.  This is definitely one of my favorite designs.  Which reminds me...

My sweet friend Pilar left a comment on my Eruptions and Aliens post about Pompeii dog.  When I visited MFAH last weekend to see the Pompeii exhibit they had a cast of this dog who had been caught in the eruption of Vesuvius.  It was sad but fascinating.  The Roman people often kept guard dogs as a way of protecting their property.  This one was tethered outside the entrance to a home.  The family had fled the coming eruption.  I'm sure they thought they would be returning as there had been volcanic activity and earthquakes in this region for many years.  Evidently, this dog avoided death for at first by jumping up and down onto some sort of nearby box or platform of some sort but he finally succumbed to the eruption and was covered with ash like everyone else.

Casts of the Pompeii figures were made by injecting casting material into the hollow forms left behind from people and animals caught in the blast.  At the time of the eruption, the bodies were covered with ash and volcanic material which hardened.  Years later, when the actual bodies were gone, what remained were hollows in the shapes of those who had been buried.  Many of the casts are very detailed.  In this cast, you could even see the dog's teeth!  The Field Museum of Chicago site also has some interesting information about the eruption and exhibit.

Confessions of an Accidental Collector

This week, I received a lovely, thoughtful gift in the mail.  This red, velvet rosary case was given to me by a woman who saw my blog and thought it would be a nice way to display my jewelry.  It's a vintage box, worn around the edges, with crushed velvet on the outside and white satin inside.  Just my thing!  Thank you Lorraine...

I seem to be gathering a small collection of vintage pincushions as well as jewelry boxes, and now, old glass pins.  It's funny how these things start.  I had an idea for jewelry display using my Chinese pincushions...

...went searching for vintage, glass pins...

...and ended up with yet another vintage pincushion!

But, in my view, less is more when it comes to nifty, old stuff.  I'm sure this cushion will come in handy somehow...

Pompeii Inspiration

"Pompeii-Bars and Rods"

Yesterday, I finished a new earring design that I'm really excited about.  Ok...it's not exactly new, in fact it's an ancient design.  Remember when I posted about visiting the Pompeii exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston?  The jewelry in the exhibit was gorgeous and very inspiring.  Many of the earrings were a simple but beautiful design that I fell in love with.  The museum folks called them "bars and rods".

My version of "bars and rods" isn't exactly the same as the one those ancient jewelers created but I'm really pleased with the way they turned out.  They're very comfortable and, when I wear them, the pearls clink together in such a nice way.  I'm definitely going to be making more of these.

"Pomp and Power"

I've also been busy with some larger pieces.  When I name a piece, I try to let some part of it speak to me.  Sometimes, this happens during the creation process but often it's not until the piece is finished. For part of the focal on this necklace, I used some antique Bible text, sandwiched between mica and antique brass.  When I was finished turning the last wire, the words "pomp and power" in the text stood out to me and seemed like a good name.

I decided to use all sterling wire on this piece and it was fun using silver again.  It's a bit different to work with than steel but with a very similar look.  I really adore this piece...it feels very solid and, well...powerful around my neck.  It's long and a little heavy with large, freshwater pearls alternating with some gorgeous, faceted turquoise chunks I've been hoarding.

"Heishi Stack"

"Music Love"

These are just a few pair of, what seems like, the tons of earrings I've been working on.  In reality, it's hard to get "tons" of anything done.  Life has a way of getting in the way of studio time and, with the mini men at the end of the school year and Number 1 graduating, I've got my hands full...in a good way!

Red Birds Return

"Vines and Nests"

I'm feeling so inspired by all the birds in our area this spring.  Where I live, there are tons of birds year round but especially in springtime.  Texas is in both the central and Mississippi migratory flyways so we see all types.   During the last week, I've discovered a mama cardinal nesting right outside my bedroom window in the bottle brush tree.  I can hear her occasionally chirping and twittering as she sits on the nest.  At first, I wasn't sure if she was simply building the nest or if she actually has eggs there so today, I figured out a way to peek inside.  Here's what I saw:

Three lovely eggs!  I'm so excited because last spring we had a pair of cardinals begin to build a nest in the same bush but they had to abandon their project because of this:

Miss Menace Maggie discovered there was something funny going on in her yard and every time she spotted those cardinals flying in and out of the bush she ran over and barked her fool head off at them.  Needless to say, they decided this was a very unpleasant place indeed and moved their operation to a more peaceful yard.

Cardinals are very shy and (pardon the pun!) flighty so, when I began nosing into Mrs. Cardinal's business, she took off from her nest.  She returned shortly with Mr. Cardinal in tow...him complaining and scolding me very loudly.  She was soon settled back on her eggs and I didn't check back until later when I caught the couple lunching at the neighbor's house.  It's hard to get good photos because these two are so quick moving.

 

Cardinals make for a very close pair and where one is, the other is never far behind.  It's sweet to watch them together.  The male often comes to an area first to check it out then signals the female that it's safe to join him.  I had to be really careful not to disturb the Mrs. but I finally got a shot of her nesting.  I had to slowly and cautiously hang my head, and my long lens, out from the window above while she eyed me warily the whole time.  If it's not one danger around here, it's another! 

Scenes From the Studio

Ok...so I thought I would give you a little studio tour so you can see my workplace.  I'll tell you right now, things are a bit cramped in there so I've got lots of close ups.  Wouldn't want you to see that dang cleaning lady hasn't come lately!

In preparation for the trunk show DJ and I will be having June 20th before our class in Arizona, I've been picking up props here and there for my jewelry display.  I'm afraid I got somewhat carried away but I just couldn't resist these vintage jewelry boxes...leather lined with velvet.  They're the most delicious, vintage colors!

This pink one is teal inside...perfect.  I'm sure someone thought it was high time to get rid of these old things but, their loss is my gain.

Love this little velvet Italian number!

And this old, flowery, paper covered box.  When you see the inside of this one, you'll see that this is where I probably went overboard a bit:

Yes...she's a blue ballerina.  Well, I never had one as a kid so here she is now.  Besides, the inside of her box is lined with velvet and shirred fabric.  Who could resist?  She twirls around in the most wonderful way.  This particular item got some really comical, puzzled looks from my three guys.

Various fabrics to be artfully placed under the boxes...  The crochet on the right is handiwork from France.

These vintage, silk pincushions are another find I'm powerless to resist.  I just adore those little Chinese kids holding hands...and their tiny pigtails!

See how endearing they are?  I actually have a plan to use these in my display at the trunk show.  I'll be posting photos of the whole thing later.

You can't see much of it in this photo but I snagged this wonderful, old, wire greeting card display rack.  there are three wire sections and a heavy base.  The whole thing comes apart so I can easily pack it around with me. 

I got this lovely, small, china dish to hold my business cards.  Right now my collection of baby spoons resides there.  Back to some studio scenes and a few things I've been working on...or, will be working on.

"Babies in a pouch" Number 2 mini man stated rather facetiously when he saw them.  Funny boy!

Vintage stamps and carousel...I use these a lot.

A cool piece of crusty "junque" I have laying around.  This is one of those things that I have no idea what I'll do with but, there will be a moment when it will be the perfect thing for a project.  I love when that happens.  It just happened to me with these large, gaudy, copper rosebuds.  I didn't think I'd ever use them but...voila!...they ended up being the perfect element for a project I just finished...

The moral of the story:  never throw anything out no matter how useless it seems at the time and no matter how many times Wife Whisperer tells you you should.

This is part of my vintage globe collection.  The whole lot has narrowly escaped the trash bin on more than one occasion.  But hey...everyone needs a globe or two...right?

And, of course, some lovely baubles to work with.  Last, but not least, what I should be doing right now instead of giving a studio tour.  But, touring is so much fun!

The Good Shepherd

"The Good Shepherd"

It's a lovely time, with the Pope's visit to America, to have completed a piece called "The Good Shepherd".  This was a special order from a very sweet lady...it seems like everyone knows her!...Miz Carla.

Carla requested that a cross be the focal for her necklace so I gave her this beautiful, vintage, carved, mother of pearl cross.  I have several of these old, mother of pearl pieces and, as I understand it, they originally came from Bethlehem and were made by master craftsmen.  I've seen several online sources that claim this industry was introduced anywhere from the 14th to 17th century by Franciscan monks.  But, I have some original pieces that came with a card telling the story of Bethlehem mother of pearl.  According to the card, the industry was introduced by the Crusaders in the 12th century.  In any case, Mother of pearl carving is still an important craft there today.

I used a vintage, brass locket to go with the cross and a shell casing with dangling pearls...it reminds me of a flower with stamen peeping out.  The scripture inside the locket comes from John 21:17:  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?"  He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

 

This link is one of my favorites to make.  I used it near the charm keeper as well but added some tiny pearls on fine steel wire to add interest.  Carla requested whites and neutral colors which I felt played into the theme of sheep/shepherd/purity.

Carla requested an extra "chain" made with wire wrapped pearls.  I added a bead wrapped stick of jasper beads and a vintage brass filigree bead.

To wrap it all up, I made a textured precious metal clay loop for the clasp.  This piece is one of the last of several orders I had to finish up before starting work on the pieces I'll do for a trunk show for my class in June.  Many of you have been asking when I'll be re-stocking my etsy shop.  I hate to leave it empty but will have to for now as I'll be working on pieces for the show for awhile.  So, no, my etsy link doesn't work for now and YES...I will be stocking my etsy shop in a few months.  I'm so grateful for those of you interested enough to ask!

Mercy Touch

"Mercy Touch"

This necklace is a piece I just finished as a gift for my lovely friend Lelainia.  It was commissioned (half commission, half gift) by another dear friend, Deb Trotter.

   

You may be noticing my new photo prop.  I picked up this very cool cement swan during my weekend scavenge hunts.  I love this bird but I'm going to have to nickname her "Crumbs" because every time I touch her, her lovely vintage paint crumbles off along with bits of cement!

I wanted this piece to hold power and meaning for Lelainia so I added many elements that embody her personal imagery.  This imagery includes things she uses in her own artwork and things that are important to her.  The focal is a house shape representing, of course, home...a safe and happy place of one's own.

Lelainia uses a lot of buttons in her work.  They are found everywhere in the world and represent connection.  The vintage barkcloth was just the right color combination requested by Lelainia.

Hands are another personal icon for Lelainia.  Hands are all important to the artist as vehicles for creation.  In this case, the hand is representative of the healing touch.

I've also included two vials.  One is filled with broken robin's egg shells.  The egg symbolizes renewal, re-birth and hope.

The second vial contains a beautiful, red/orange feather I found years ago.  The feather symbolizes freedom...freedom from pain, the ability to move freely through life and upward movement.  Oh yes...see those wonderful, lampwork beads?  I got them from fellow Texan and talented bead maker, Moon Stumpp.  They were the perfect Lelainia colors of red, cream and vintage aqua.  Happy, happy b-day L!

Heaven's Children

"Heaven's Children"

I posted this piece previously and wanted to tell a little more about the meaning behind it and show a few more pictures.  I created it for Judy Wilkenfeld who's artwork is influenced by the holocaust of WWII.  I recieved these divine baby dolls from Judy and kept thinking about a television show I recently saw about children of the holocaust.  It is believed that as many as 1.5 million children were murdered in the ghettos and death camps of the Nazi regime.  As many as 300,000 more were kidnapped from their families in Poland and other countries in the search for so called "Aryan" blood.  These children were to be raised by members of the German SS (see Lebensborn) and most were never returned to their true families.  Many children were orphaned and babies were usually killed immediately upon arriving at the death camps.

   

This adorable "fingertip baby" (it's about the size of your fingertip) represents all the lost children and babies of that time.  I gave the baby angel wings from which mother-of-pearl stars are suspended, representing heaven.

I did the piece mostly in shades of white representing purity.  In the "chain" part of the necklace, I've included antique chandelier crystal beads, mother-of-pearl, a white freshwater pearl, and a beautiful drop-shaped faceted moonstone bead.

The reliquary the baby is attached to is filled with stars and beads, again, representing heaven.  The word "live" floats inside the reliquary.  The scripture in the background is from Deuteronomy 30:19..."This day I call Heaven and earth as witness against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live."

The bullet casings represent death...the garnet beads, drops of blood.

The clasp hooks into a rusted and weathered washer with the word "forgive" stamped into it.  I've added a St. Jude medal...he is the protector of children.

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget

falls drop by drop upon the heart,

until, in our own despair,

against our will,

comes wisdom

through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus, translated by Robert Kennedy

Step by Step Wire Jewelry

   

I'm absolutely thrilled to have a piece of jewelry published in the Spring 2008 issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry.  I got the chance to meet the lovely and talented Ronna Sarvas Weltman last year at Art & Soul and she encouraged me to submit. 

disk necklace by Ronna Weltman

Ronna makes the most beautiful jewelry incorporating polymer clay.  If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and take a look...it's really remarkable.  Ronna had one of her "disk" necklaces with her when I saw her and it's even more beautiful and impressive in real life.

"Faith, Hope and Love"

You may remember seeing this piece here at Something Sublime.  You can now see it in the gallery of Step by Step Wire Jewelry.  By the way, their website has all kinds of useful information including tips, tutorials and projects you can download.  Take a few minutes and check it out.

I'm off to the bead show tomorrow...fun, fun!

Spring Vines

"Twining Vines" earrings

The stunning Angela Cartwright  recently purchased a few of my "vines" pieces.  Wow...my jewelry never looked better!  Also, take a look at the post on this blog.  Thanks for the mention Cynthia!

 

"Twining Vines" nest

As you probably know, Angela is an incredibly talented photographer and artist.  She has a few more shots of these pieces and another pair of the earrings posted on her blog.  Go...see!

Oh, and I just got my new issue of Angela and Sarah's quartz "Pasticcio".  Love this publication...if you haven't seen it in person yet, you should treat yourself.  I'm tickled that they included a piece of my artwork in this issue:

"Auto Ride"

But back to spring ornaments...

"Vines and Nests"

I just finished these earrings for another order.  I made the nests a bit smaller than usual;  more appropriate for earrings.

The nests and vines translated well into earrings.  As I was working on pieces for the workshop that DJ and I will be teaching, and then began working on jewelry projects as an offshoot of that, the vines and leaves got smaller and smaller.  These are quite tiny but all the "in" birds are wearing them for Spring!

Baby Trail

"Heaven's Children"  Deryn Mentock

I don't have time at the moment to write a full post on this piece but, suffice it to say, it has very special meaning that I promise I'll write about a little later.  You all probably saw the precious fingertip babies I got from the lovely Miss Judy, I couldn't resist putting one to use right away.  Judy's been traveling this week on her way toward Artfest, visiting with my friends Kristen and Ruth, leaving a trail of baby dolls behind her (don't miss Ruth's creation...scroll down when you get to her blog).

"Home"  Lorraine George

Also on her way to Artfest is my dear friend Lorraine George who gifted me with this stunning necklace.  Lorraine is such a talented artist and designer with a real eye for detail and precision hand.  She's one of the few non-teachers to get a booth at the Artfest Vendor event and I'm sure you can see why.  Her jewelry is fabulous.  Make sure you get to her table early as I have no doubt she'll sell out quickly!

"Old Enough to Fly" Deryn Mentock

Remember this piece of jewelry?  It's part of Seth Apter's Playing Favorites "museum tour" at The Altered Page which is now featuring body art.

He's got several photos of it posted along with the gorgeous jewelry of some other, very talented, artists.

   

Once you visit Seth's blog you'll be a regular there.  He's always got the best ideas and most interesting posts...tons of inspiration!

The War of Art-Resistance

Are you an artist?  A painter, sculptor, jeweler?  What about a writer, teacher, runner, dieter or housewife?  If you're in the process of any kind of creative endeavor, venture in self improvement or move to a higher moral calling, you should read this book!  I recently heard about Steven Pressfield's, "The War of Art" when I ran across it on Sandra Evertson's blog and then again in the newest issue of Somerset Studio where editor, Jenny Doh, wrote about it in her "Letter from the Editor".  I just finished reading it...it's an easy read in a few sittings...and I highly recommend it.  In fact, I like it so much, I'd like to pass on some of the best of what I've read so, I'm going to occasionally post some of Pressfield's wit and wisdom here for you.

"In Flight"

As the subtitle suggests, most of us creative types struggle with blocks and battles with the muse.  Pressfield calls these obstacles "Resistance".  He defines Resistance perfectly and tells how to overcome it.  "Resistance by definition is self-sabatoge."  We all know this to be true.  How many times has that nasty little voice whispered in your ear "You can't do this!  You're really not that good.  Everyone else is better, more talented, prettier and better dressed than you!"  From the git-go we are our own worst enemies!

But...there's another, insidious form of Resistance waiting in the wings.  Once we begin to succeed and overcome our own, inner Resistance, we may begin to notice others resisting our success!  Those close to us may develop strange, adverse reactions to our positive growth.  Maybe you have a husband who is suddenly demanding, a child who develops an issue that needs all your attention, a friend who decides you've "changed" or, worse, a fellow artist who is unjustly critical or wildly jealous.  Pressfield writes:  "The reason is that they are struggling, consciously or unconsciously, against their own Resistance.  The awakening (artist's) success becomes a reproach to them."  Fascinating stuff.

Pressfield gives a terrific analogy for this:  "The highest treason a crab can commit is to make a leap for the rim of the bucket."  According to Pressfield, the best thing we can do is get over the edge and don't look back.  Moving forward into success is what you want for yourself...isn't it also what you want for your fellow artists?  If you're the one holding someone's leg as they try to get over the rim, it's a golden rule moment.  "The best and only thing that one artist can do for another ist to serve as an example and an inspiration" If you're still at the bottom, gazing at the rim...what's keeping you in the bucket?

Get this book if you need a kick in the pants.  Take the leap!   

Leaves and Connections

"Music To My Ears" available at my Etsy shop

Today was a great day for taking photos...the light was perfect.  Of course, that means it's not a great day for too many other things;  cloudy and occasionally rainy.  Good for making jewelry though, which is what I spent most of the day doing.

"Thirsty Soul"

I've been toying with the same wire working methods I developed to use in class samples for the Mingled Elements workshop that DJ Pettitt and I will be teaching.  The techniques have translated very well into jewelry.

"Little Leaves"

These forms are inspired by Susan Lenart's resin paper forms.  Although, I didn't use resin for these.  By the way, have you seen her new book?

All of Susan's work is incredible and so is her book.  It's very well done and the pictures are clear and beautiful.  Susan's got some great how-to information here but, more important to me, she includes lots of conversation about her creative process and what excites her artistically.  Take the time to enjoy this book...just browsing through it is inspiring!

First Thing

I'm finally back on my feet and feeling a bit better and, I just have to say...thank you to all of you who commented and emailed about your cold and flu remedies.  Some of you were hilarious!  Robyn, I'm sorry, I will not be trying the sock! 

The first thing I had to take care of in my studio was to finish this order for the lovely Angela Cartwright.  Angela is the co-author, along with Sarah Fishburn, of the fab new qARTz (quality art zine) called Pasticcio.  If you haven't seen a copy yet, get one!  It's an inspiring publication.

I've been working on some jewelry pieces using  the designs I did for the Mingled Elements workshop DJ Pettitt and I will be teaching this June at The Paper Studio.  I love this twining vine look...it makes me think of spring.

I'm pretty busy at the moment getting caught up but I'll be making more of these to put in my etsy shop so check back.  I'm off to get my daily dose of Sudafed!

Slacking Off

   

Wow...I've been really busy working on lots of stuff besides jewelry lately!  I do have a few pieces of jewelry to show for my time and effort but not much that I can offer in my etsy shop at the moment.  This, and the fact that my etsy widget developed issues, probably have you wondering if I've just deserted etsy altogether and, the answer is no!  But, when you're busy camping in the woods, it's hard to come back to the harsh reality of the studio and take care of business.

Don't you love the length of these earrings?  They're called "shoulder sweeps".  What a romantic name!

I do have this great pair of earrings listed in my shop and, I know it sounds selfish, but, I've bonded with them and I'm kind of hoping they don't sell so I can keep them for myself.  I feel like a princess with them swinging from my earlobes!  They're made from long, slender stick pearls and faceted, citrine drops...so pretty.

I've also listed these lovely earrings but, I haven't bonded with them yet so you won't have to pry them out of my ears if you want them. (sold)

So, what exactly have I been doing around here lately?  Let's see...working on a few projects that popped up, finishing up some writing (no, I'm not a writer!), making various and sundry items for gift giving and polishing off that big box of bon bons Wife Whisperer gave me for Valentine's day.

Ok, so I fibbed a little.  Wife Whisperer really gave me some new backpacking duds for V-day.  It's almost the same thing as bon bons...right?  I'll be the best dressed hiker on the trail.  The red roses were a nice touch too.

Today is the Day!

Today is the day of the big One World One Heart giveaway!  It's so much fun for me to be able to give away this beautiful pearl cross pendant.  But first, I'd like to wish you all a very pleasant Valentine's day.

Did you know there was an actual Saint Valentine?  Well, probably so but did you know there were at least three actual Saint Valentine's?  Apparently, all were martyred for their Christian faith.  At least two were priests in third century Rome.  One legend says that St. Valentine secretly married Christian couples against the decree of the Emperor and was beheaded for it.  Another story says that St. Valentine helped Roman Christians escape persecution and was martyred for his troubles.  Yet another legend portrays Saint Valentine as facing persecution, then being martyred, in Africa.

 

The story that I'm partial to goes like this:  St. Valentine lived during Roman times when Christians faced severe persecution.  When the Emperor demanded Christian slaves be put to death by facing hungry lions, St. Valentine offered his own life in exchange for the lives of the slaves that were to be executed.  As he faced the lions he quoted Jesus in saying:   Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  John 15: 13   True love evidenced by true sacrifice!

But back to business...  Ok, the moment I've been trying, in my roundabout way, to get to!  I used this really nifty, random integer generator to come up with my winning number...just so you all would know I'm doing my darndest to be fair.  The winner is...commenter #117!  Yes,  Debbie Battle of Whitley Julep Designs!  Congratulations Debbie!  I'd like to say that I was overwhelmed with the extremely kind comments and compliments you all left.  Thank you all so much for playing!  Please make sure you visit my artpub blog if you signed up there.

One World-One Heart

Because it's so much fun to give stuff away, I've decided to jump on the love train and participate in the One World-One Heart second annual giveaway.  This event was organized by Lisa at Heart of the Nest to bring bloggers together from around the world.  I'll be giving away the pendant you see here as well as another one on my blog over at Artpub.  All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post.  The name I draw on Feb. 14 is the winner.  Make sure you leave a comment on my Artpub blog for that prize too!

Tons of bloggers are participating in this so you have lots of chances to win some really groovy stuff.  A few of my friends that are participating: Kristen Robinson, Lemoncholy, Kelly Snelling, 100 Visions and Revisions, Cowboy's Sweetheart, Figments of Cindy's Imagination, First Born Studio, Izabella's Blue, Altered Antiquity, Moss Hill Studio, Sandra Evertson, Tattered Edge, and more...much too much to name here.  Check out the complete list here.

Rosarium

"Midnight Rosarium"

ro·sar·i·um [roh-zair-ee-uhm]  

–noun, plural -i·ums, -i·a

a rose garden.

[Origin: 1835–45; < L rosārium]

Main Entry:	rosarium1
Part of Speech:	n
Definition:	a rose garden
Etymology:	Latin
Usage:	pl rosariums, rosaria

Main Entry:	rosarium2
Part of Speech: