I'm beginning to decorate my house and I'm thinking..."what better way to start off the Christmas season, my friends, than with angels?" So hey...pop up class!
I hope you'll join me in my excitement as I offer the second in my Ornamental Christmas series of online ornament making classes, Angels on High.
Things tend to get a little crafty for me, around the holidays, and you know what I say to that? No shame in it! I love creating things and ornaments have long been one of my favorites to make.
In this class, I'll show you my secrets to creating these amazing angels...gorgeous in their shabby-chicness. They make fantastic gifts and whose not looking for a great gift to give? Also...
...they can turn a bit Halloween-y...which I love!
Since this is a spur-of-the-moment, pop-up, kinda thing, class begins in just a few short days...Dec. 1st! You can catch all the details, or register, by clicking HERE, or click the Angels on High icon in the right sidebar.
It's been a very busy year for me...moving across the country and setting up a new household and studio. What a lot of work it is to move! My studio is almost ready for visitors, but not quite:
I've located a fabulous, sturdy student worktable and the best part...it was free! You can see it with the top off, in this photo. My plan is to have small, intimate classes in studio, a couple of times a year. Right now, I just need to finish organizing!
In the meantime, these merry little fellows are back! Registration for my super popular online class, The Merry Men of Winter, is now open. (Click HERE or on the icon in the right sidebar for details).
These guys arrive in a flurry of glitter, just in time to deck out your tree. I'll even show you how to turn them into necklaces.
I love the holidays and these classes in my Ornamental Christmas series are just meant to be creatively inspiring and fun...no pressure!
Class begins this Friday, Oct. 27th and runs through January 7th. I hope to see you there!
A lot of you know, from my previous post, that we're moving! We bought a 117 year old farm house...it was build in 1900!...in Wyoming and are in the process of packing up 22 years worth of stuff and hauling it cross country. Our new place is very different from what we now have, in Houston, and a bit smaller. Here are a few shots to give you an idea:
These are all shots of our property...the first two acres that we purchased, with the house. You can see shots of the inside, here. It just so happens that an amazing opportunity came up, AFTER we purchased, to get the adjoining 2 acre barn property (which originally belonged with the house property...long story, there). Of course, we weren't actually IN Wyoming to go and SEE the barn so we had to rely on photos to tell the story. We had see it, from afar, and Wife Whisperer had seen the inside of the tiny house (see below) but we really didn't pay much attention as it wasn't available. Hey, we're getting good at this buying-property-without-seeing-it-in-person thing.
Anyhow...we are now the proud owners of 4 acres of house AND barn...!!!
This is a shot of the barn before it was refurbished. It was built around 1925 and refurbished a few years ago. It's a beautiful thing. And here it is after it was refurbished:
Our barn property also comes with a tiny little, unfinished house...another long story. I'm not sure what our plans are for this little house but we'll have to finish it up.
This is the inside, kitchen...
It's positioned between our house and our barn so...not sure about the location but, we'll see...
From the front porch of the tiny house you can see our cottage and the garage with my studio space, above. I can't wait to have a large studio! There's all kinds of potential for all of these spaces. I may even be able to hold workshops in either the barn, tiny house or studio. The studio requires some work so it may take a few months to get it up and running. I can't for the day when I'm back in business...please don't forget about me! haha!
The house property came with a little corner of riverfront but the barn property came with a long piece of river. They actually call it a creek. It's not very deep but it's pretty wide so, to me, it's sort of a cross between the two. In any case, I'm pretty psyched about this part of our property! It's right out in front of our house, the only drawback being that there's a dirt road between the house and creek. But, that's ok. We've never owned a creek...or dreamed of owning one. How blessed can we be?!
A lot of things are unsure, with this move. One of those...a biggie...is our internet service. Wyoming is the least populated state in the country and, as such, there are fewer choices when it comes to almost everything, including internets. (Where will we eat out? lol!) We'll be changing phone service and maybe internet service...and maybe my email address will have to change. Ugh. This seems like a pretty big deal to me! But, we'll get it worked out. In the meantime, please know that I'll be checking in as best I can.
The best way to keep up with these changes and not lose contact with me is to sign up for my email newsletter. It's super easy! Just fill out the form, below. Thank you guys SO MUCH for your patience!
I'm happy to announce that my online class, Boho Bliss, is back! I know there are some of you who have waited quite a while for this workshop to come back around and...here it is. Registration is open! Get the details by clicking on the Boho Bliss icon, in the right sidebar...or click HERE.
Here's the thing: if you've been wanting to take this class, there's no better time. I'm offering it at a discount! Some of you know, we're moving to Wyoming (see previous post!) and so are in the process of packing up our house...and my studio...for the big move. It's 22 years worth of stuff, and memories, ya'll. It's a big job so I'm doing this class a bit differently...
I won't be offering a social media group or instructor participation. But I will be offering the class for longer than usual and, like I said, at a discount. Yay!
My life, lately, seems like a constant series of events where I say "I'm winging it!" so this spur of the moment offering seems to fit right in with the way things work. If you've taken a class from me you know that my online classes are the complete package. So, I hate not to participate but ya'll got this. The videos are extremely detailed so you won't miss a thing.
Also, I have to say that this class has been a student favorite. It's one of those classes that provide a great jumping off point for inspiration, growth and creativity. Here are a couple of superb examples of student work from this workshop:
Student work by Beth Marx
Student work by Heidi Horan
Student work by Karen Hess
Student work by Keya Kamat
Student work by Julie Jones
See what I mean? How good is that?!
If you'd like to see what past students have to say about my online classes, here you go: reviews.
Ok...all the deets by clicking here, guys. Now, back to packing!
Big, big news...we did it! We've been searching and praying for just the right place and we finally, finally found it...and got it! Our offer has been accepted on a 116 year old home in Sheridan, Wyoming. We're moving, friends!
First a photo disclaimer: none of these photos can be credited to me. In fact, Wife Whisperer and I haven't even seen this property, in person. Is it cray cray to buy a place without seeing it?
Somehow, I don't think so. In fact, it feels so right! We had family, on the ground looking at every corner of the place and giving it the thumbs up. Good enough.
I can't wait to have morning coffee on that porch. But, we won't be going anywhere immediately. There's lots to take care of at Casa de Mentock en Houston, Tejas, first.
So, you can see that this is the beautiful country property that I've always dreamed of. The house is...well...quirky...and cute...and oh, so perfect!
For those of you who are interested (you know who you are!) there's just over 2 acres, here, with a sliver of riverfront included. The river is across the road...which is good and bad. Good because we're well away from the floodplain. Bad because, even though it's fairly close, it's not really visible from the house. But it's there...and a little part of it is ours.
It might be this little part.
This is the three car garage (yes!) with one bay set up as a shop and a large room/potential apartment, above. Can we just stop right here and do a little happy dance? Oh, and the gate has an electric opener. More dancing!
And a garden shed. A garden shed, people! I've never had one of those but I think I'm gonna like it.
This is the little out back cottage. Happy dancing has evolved into ecstatic, incoherent jumping and flailing. I'm just so stinking excited about all the work space/guest space potential!
This is the side of the house where there's a brick patio area. What I love about this, and this is kind of silly, is that little cement-looking walkway to the front. And look at that adorable flowerbed fencing.
The view from the front and front parking area. I adore this. Also, tons and tons of wood fencing. This photo, right here, makes me think of wood smoke and pumpkins.
Another shot of the parking area...and existing dog. She doesn't come with the property.
View from that front parking area. You can see the garage in the back. The trees...oh, the trees!
Inside...it's pretty small. But...so cute!
The living room and dining room are the main part of the house, that you come into. Then, on into the kitchen. We've already got some ideas for things we want to do, inside and out. There's so much potential but a lot of it has already been done!
The kitchen...all new appliances.
Like I said...tons of potential. The owners have already done a lot of remodeling which, when you're looking at a 100+ year old house, is a very good thing.
From the kitchen, into the mud/laundry room.
A sink in the laundry room, ya'll! I've never had one and always wanted one. Also, that little door in the bottom right corner of the photo is a doggy door...built right into the wall. Miss Mayzie is gonna love that.
From the laundry room...up the stairs to the loft...
The ceilings here are really cool...
Two bedrooms (and a tiny, tiny bath, upstairs)...with dormer windows! I've always wanted dormer windows! I know these photos are a bit dark but they were taken in late afternoon. You can see the sun slanting in.
These are the two bedrooms, downstairs. Also, there is a small bathroom there. The floors are fab!
I think I forgot to show you the garden. It's already fenced for deer! That's a big deal when you live in the land where the deer and the antelope play. And guess what, we could have chickens. I'm feeling like a farmer's wife, already. haha.
So here is our happy place, ya'll. Wife Whisperer is already calling it our little piece of paradise. Some of you will have to come and see it for yourselves. Let's have coffee!
I'd love, love, love to hear what you guys think of it...
Haha! It seems, Super Girl ain't so super. Well...I put on my cape and gave it my best shot but I've fallen short of my goal to complete another new online class for ya'll, for this year. Yep...I'm disappointed. But things have happened, ya'll! Things within my control (very little), beyond my control (quite a bit) and just flat out of control (most things!)
So, first let me tell you that I know that some of you have been asking about my online class, Bezel Bootcamp. I hear ya! Registration is open and I think that's going to make ya'll very happy. It makes me happy because I know the quality and content are excellent. If you haven't taken this class...here's your chance. The first day of class has happened so, if you're thinking about it, jump in!
Also, kind of a save-the-date, fyi kinda thingy...I'll be offering The Merry Men of Winter, online, at the end of the year. LOTS of you have been asking me about this one so I know there's some interest! This is the funnest class, I gotta say... If you're on my newsletter email list, you'll be notified. No worries.
One of the cray-cray things that was out of my control was the fact that, at the last minute, I had to miss Art Unraveled...for the first time in years. :( That's a sad face, right there.
However, I did get to teach at Adorn Me, last week, right here in Houston. Chuck and Linda put on a fabulous, wonderous event. If you've not been to Art Unraveled, or Adorn Me, I think you're missing out on a really good time schmoozing with other artsy types and learning. Maybe plan to go next year...
So, I sorta hopped on the crazy train starting in March when we decided to renovate our bathrooms. While this seemed like a good idea, at the time, I didn't expect that we would have a toilet in our living room until just today. That's 5 months, folks. And, does that photo above resemble anything like the kind of work that any self respecting craftsman would do? I say...no. But, this is just a small, small portion of what's gone completely off the rails, in my house. If I can bring myself to, I'll post the before and after photos (if there ever IS an after...they're still working!). I'm not sure I can show the distressing "during" photos. It just makes me feel a little sick.
In June, I took a fantastic trip to Indiana, with Wife Whisperer. Yes, I'm smiling...in spite of the fact that my bathrooms are in a shambles and my house is piled high with construction trash. I'm smiling because there's nothing I love more than spending time with family, so this was a perfect trip. Except at the end. When I got really sick with food poisoning and couldn't get on the plane. Funny story there but quite embarrassing so I'll spare you! haha!
Next up, we took off to Wyoming for more family time. I can't even tell you how much I love family time. It's life!
Second trip to Wyo involved a bit of a situation. We bought a house, packed a house, unpacked a house, set up another household, drove over the beautiful Big Horn mountains multiple times, through no fault of my own got bit by a squirrel ..three times (he's a pet...not rabid. Not naming names but...Rocky!) , got sick from a tetanus shot, went through lots of angst about various issues, and Wife Whisperer retired. Whew!
Yes, Wife Whisperer retired. He's worked many, many years...very hard...and he deserves it. So, I'm excited for him. And, I'm trying to figure out how he can help me with my biz. haha!
Ok, so I know there are those of you who want to see photos of our Wyo house so here's one, just to give you a hint. I'll try to post more later, because it's a really good one. This is a tight little house...so well built and really beautiful. My sweet mother-in-law will be living in it.
Anyhow...that's just a tiny bit of what life has been throwing our way. I'm not complaining...in fact, it's a blessing to be able to help honor and care for family, to have a group of amazing students that I adore and yes...even to be able to remodel; even if it is the remodel from H. E. Double toothpicks.
It's time for one of the only jewelry making events that's held here in our fair city of Houston...Adorn Me! Dates are Sept. 6th through 11th. This one is all jewelry making, all the time and a great way to add to your jewelry making skill set. I've got three brand new classes for ya'll, that I'm really excited about. Check it:
Friday, Sept 9, I'm teaching a terrific, boho piece called Affirmations Necklace. First off, I love the design of this necklace as it can be worn long, or doubled. Love a piece that is versatile!
We'll be doing some reticulated silver coins, made from your scrap silver, then adding your own personal soul words using metal stamps. I'll also show you how to make a terrific sterling arrow for a lariat style closure.
If you have trouble stringing beads (it's a little trickier than one would think!), we're covering this in class, too. This is just a beautiful necklace that can be worn with almost anything.
We'll be making a shaped and stamped ear cuff with a soldered bezel, then adding some pretty embellishments.
I'll show you how to twist, spiral and paddle wire to add to your cuff.
I'll also show you how to add gemstones to create a unique "stick of stones." These make beautiful earrings! We'll top it off by learning to make perfect ear wires.
Last, but certainly not least, is my Strap Set Drusy with Patterned Chain. I love this chain, so much! This class is on the last day of Adorn Me...Sunday, Sept. 11. I'm bringing some incredible drusies that I picked up in Tucson...I'll have them for purchase, in class. They're gorgeous and so unique!
I'll show you how to make a Alexander Calder in inspired strap setting that can be used for lots of different stones.
I'm going to bring some special dies for ya'll to use to make this gorgeous patterned chain to go with your pendant. This is a soldered chain so you'll be learning how to do that, as well.
I'll also cover bead stringing, as time allows. This class is cram packed with technique!
Ok...so there you have it. I'm excited to see your shining faces because, you may or may not know, I had to miss Art Unraveled in Phoenix, this year. I've been there for years but, due to a family situation, I had to cancel at the last minute. That was agonizing for me and I have to apologize to you if you were one of my students there. If the sun rises and the river don't rise, I'll see you at Adorn Me! lol!
For all the info and registration, please click HERE.
Hello, my friends! It's been a super busy year for me and I feel like I've barely been home. I've got a couple more trips planned, including one to travel to the west to help with family matters. A blessing, for sure...but that means I've been a tad neglectful of my dear blog. There's only so much to be squeezed into 24 hours! In any case, here's an update of my current in-person teaching schedule.
Art Unraveled is coming...QUICKLY! It's a favorite venue of mine, and probably yours too. I adore Phoenix and this retreat is so well run and so much fun.
I've added Adorn Me, to the schedule, with a couple of brand new classes, right here in Houston. Super excited about that!
My busy time of year approaches and I'd love...love...love to see you in one of my classes!
Hey all! It's been an interesting year, as far as my teaching schedule. There have been some additions, tweaks and changes so I'm keeping in the spirit of rolling with it! Let me tell you where I'll be in the near future...
First of all, I'll be in beautiful Phoenix, Az, very soon! I always love teaching at Art Unraveled. Linda Young is the consummate professional and an expert at organizing amazing teaching/learning events. Linda has also had an interesting year and I'm hoping we can all support her. For my part, I'm teaching three classes for her. Here's what I have for you:
First thing for me, at Art Unraveled, will be Vendor Day on Saturday, Aug. 6th. I'm lately feeling the need to clear out and am in search of new beginnings so I'll be bringing lots of pieces, for sale. I'm bringing many of my own, favorite, personal pieces to share with ya'll. I'll have necklaces, rings and earrings...maybe even a bracelet, or two. If you've been eyeing something of mine, for a while, come see me at Vendor Day...I may have it for sale.
Aug. 7th I'll be teaching my popular Basket Weave Bezel Ring class. Oh, how I love these rings! I've not seen another design like them and they're just so much fun to make. If you haven't had a chance to take this class...do it. I probably won't be teaching this one again.
Aug. 8th, I'm so excited to be offering a brand new one called Embracing the Ear: Gem Stick Cuff and Earrings. Ear cuffs are back and hotter than ever. I'll show you how to create your own stamped or textured cuff with a set stone. Then we'll make gem sticks: sterling sticks embellished with tons of gemstones. These are so gorgeous!
Aug. 9th, is my Calder inspired Strap Set Drusy Ring. This is a super versatile, and beautiful, setting. I was inspired by the forged wire work of Alexander Calder. I'm in love with his jewelry pieces...and with this ring. I think you'll love it, too!
I'll have info on Linda's other venue, Adorn Me, which is in Houston, in a separate post.
On the home front...this is the last day to register for my new online class, Link Love. You still have a little over a month to complete the class, so there's plenty of time. I'll have to show ya'll the student work from this class...it's gorgeous! I hope you can jump in.
Registration for my brand new class, Link Love, is up and running! Working with wire was a first love of mine, way back when. I'm so pleased to now share the romance with you.
I've got some amazing classic links in store for you...
...as well as some intriguing designs of my own. 22 unique and beautiful links, in all!
We'll even create a gorgeous bracelet that you'll be proud to wear and say that YOU made.
To get all the details, click the Link Love icon in the upper right corner of my blog. Or...click here. You'll also find a handy paypal button in that upper right corner.
If you've ever taken an online class from me, you know that a TON of thought and work goes into my classes. This class is no exception. I'm putting it all out there for you guys and I think you're going to love working with wire, as much as I do!
All works of art, jewelry and photographs within this website are protected under U.S. copyright laws and international conventions. No portion of the artists' works or statements may be duplicated, downloaded, reproduced or altered in any way without prior permission. Classes and class material, online or otherwise, my not be reproduced or taught in any venue, in whole or in part.
