The Build Zone

One of the many things keeping me busy these days is Deryn Mentock's Build Zone class.  The first time I saw her work I fell instantly in love with it.  It has a rustic, vintage, handmade, spiritual, mixed media charm that makes you say, "Wow!" 

At least that's what it did to me.  So, when I found out she was going to start offering online classes I jumped at the chance to take my jewelry making skills to the next level. 

The Build Zone is all about the basics.  So far, I've learned how to put a patina on silver and copper wire with both Liver of Sulphur and fire.  I've learned how to wire wrap beads in a way that's less formal and stuffy and more artistic and expressive.  I've learned how to make jump rings, twist wire, create links, make handmade clasps and re-use vintage clasps and elements. I've also learned how to use various hammers to both harden and decorate wire.  I've learned design principals.  I've learned how to use a torch!!

Needless to say, I'm having SO much fun!

Below are a few pictures of my first completed necklace.  It is made with sterling silver wire, aquamarine and amethyst beads and in the center:  moss quartz.  I chose this particular stone because at its heart is a tiny crystal castle filled with magic... at least that's what I like to believe. :-)

The Attic

When I was kid I always wished I had an old magical attic to escape to. 

Please see my Flickr page for credits

March Cover Girl

I'm honored to be the Featured Cover Artist in this month's Deviant Muse E-Zine! Download your free copy HERE and then sign up for the DeviantScrap Newsletter so you won't miss another issue. There are so many wonderful articles, coupons and freebies inside you'll be on creativity overload! This month's issue focuses on my favorite genre: Steampunk!! :-D

Work In Progress

Wow, so far February has been a bit of a whirlwind.  Not that I'm complaining, mind you.  Along with opening my shop I have several other exciting projects in the works that I will be able to share with you soon.  I know, I'm such a tease.

I'm certainly no stranger to being busy.  Back when I was working for someone else I was busy all the time.  The big difference is that now I'm busy doing things that I love.  I find myself wishing I had more hours in the day to get the things done that I want to do.  Not things that I "have" to do but things that I "want" to do.  Sure, there are still things that I "have" to do like cleaning the house but my job is no longer Work.  My job is Fun.  How cool is that? :-)

I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at one of the fun things I've been working on: mounted prints!  I wanted to offer mounted prints from the very beginning but I wasn't wild about the mounting options available from the professional labs and I didn't want to hold up the shop opening any longer.  I wanted something that had more of a handcrafted feel to it and it would need to be ready to hang, right out of the box.

I recently came across a solution that I'm really excited about.  In the near future, I will be offering prints that are hand mounted on cradled Claybord.  I love this stuff!  Not only is it archival and acid free, it won't warp and it's made in the USA from wood from sustainable forests.  It can also be hung right out of the box or framed in an open face frame.  I'll be hand painting the sides, mounting the image, applying several layers of gel medium for texture and then sealing it with varnish. 

Here, let me show you some pictures! The one on the bottom gives you an idea of the texture but they will, of course, all be slightly different.  I hope you love them as much as I do! :-)

Open For Business!!

Finally! After months of planning and testing and researching and procrastination my Etsy store is finally open!!  I'm kind of excited and full of nervous energy right now.  Can you tell?

I'm starting with a relatively small selection but will be adding more soon.  I still have a lot to learn and would love any advice from those of you who have been doing this for awhile.

Speaking of business, I have a new section in my blog list that contains some really inspiring websites about running an art business and living up to your full potential.  Check them out if you have some time!

I'd also like to thank you all again for inspiring and encouraging me all this time.  I couldn't have done this without you!

XOXO

I Did It!!

I completed my very first ever art journal page!  This was the first week of Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan and one of our prompts was to pick one word to define our upcoming year.  I chose the word "Believe".

Originally, I was planning to do this by hand.  I had my nice Moleskin journal all ready and the pieces were cut out but then I decided it was going to take too long because I had to wait for paint to dry and I really wanted to get it done before the next assignment is given tomorrow.  So, I decided to do it digitally instead.  I still plan to make a handmade version as well so I guess you could say this is my rough draft.

The funny thing is that this ended up taking probably the same amount of time because I spent forever messing around with photoshop brushes so I could get the look I wanted.  I was trying to make it look as authentic as possible without using a premade paper.  I wanted it to look painted.  I was only partially successful.  I managed to get the first layer down and looking pretty good but then anything I put on top looked weird.  I think I just need to spend a day really playing with all the brushes and figuring out what they do.

So, one layer of paint is mine and the rest is from several kits by Holliewood Studios.  Hollie's papers rock!  I hope I'll be able make something like them someday.

My goal with this page was to remind myself to think positively and not worry so much.  I don't know about you, but I occasionally get bogged down by all those negative voices in my head.  Ok, ok, actually it happens a lot,  especially now that I'm starting a new chapter in my life.  Just between you and me... it can be a little scary.

Believing Is Seeing

I believe...

I will be successful

It's ok to make mistakes

There is nothing to be afraid of

I am good enough

I deserve to be happy

I will make my dreams come true

I can do it

Anything is possible

Believe in Magic

Believe in yourself

She stood on the edge... and she unfurled her wings

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that it has only been a year since I made my very first blog post.  What a year it's been, creatively speaking.  It was a year of change and growth and challenges but what I treasure the most are the friendships I've made along the way.  I would like to thank you all for reading my ramblings and taking the time to comment.  It has meant more to me than I can put into words. Thank you!!

I have many exciting things planned for 2011.  You have probably already noticed the change in my blog design.  It was prompted by the launch of my brand new website.  Yay!  I'd love it if you'd take a look and let me know what you think.  Just click the "website" button at the top of my blog. 

I will also be opening up my first Etsy store in the next few weeks.  I'll keep you posted! :-D

And, I've decided to jump on Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan.  I've never done any art journaling before so it's a little scary but I'm up for the challenge.  I think it will be good for me.

Whew, it's going to be a busy year!

Please see my Flickr page for credits