Farewell To Innocence

As my children continue to grow and face new challenges I find myself missing the preschool years.  Things were so much simpler then.  I wish I could just keep them in a safe little bubble forever but I know I can't and that they need to learn and grow and make their own mistakes.

Kitsch, the new kit by Holliewood Studios, reminded me of my own childhood and gave me the perfect tools to illustrate that change between childhood and young adulthood.

The image below features my daughter, who I purposefully placed off to the side, because anyone who knows her will tell you that she is a free spirit and isn't about to follow a path laid out by someone else.

Am I the only one who thinks this whole parenthood thing is a lot harder than they let on?

Phat Lewt

So... I just got back from my first Gem Faire.  I was expecting to pay less than I would in a retail store or even online but holy cow!!  If there is a show coming to a town anywhere near you I highly recommend you check it out.  They had some very pretty finished jewelry as well. 

Below you can see some of the strands that I picked up to use in my future projects.  I can't wait to get started! :-)

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