Mood Altering Items

I mentioned yesterday that I went out on a bit of an adventure. Adventure may be a slight over statement. More like a hopeful errand. I got it in my head that I needed an at-home set of art supplies. Friday, I moved all my art supplies to the studio. Paint, paper, markers, pencils... everything is up there. I also decided that I needed some inspiration and a little pick-me-up. Naturally, I set off to my local bookstore and Starbucks. The inspiration came in the form of Art At The Speed Of Life by Pam Carriker and the latest issue of Art Journaling. (confession: there is a very slight chance that I already own a copy of this issue of this magazine... oops) The pick-me-up came in the form of a Cocoa Cappuccino. Toss in that red clown nosed man in the mix and my spirits were completely on the rise!!

After I browsed the very sadly, ever dwindling, down-to-a-single-shelf, jewelry book section at Barnes & Noble, I thought I might swing by the sketchbook section. Heck, I was on a roll right? Hot coffee, wonderful visual candy, clown nose induced smiles... why not grab a new sketchbook too? You really can't have too many sketchbooks. Oh what a treat I was in for! It would seem B&N now has just a handful of art supplies. I found a set of pastels (a medium I haven't worked with since high school) for just $7 and super cool set of colored pencils that fit perfectly into the jewel case for cds for only $5. Perfectly, perfect, perfectness.





Melancholy can be a powerful thing though. So, although my spirits were good, honestly, they grew gray again pretty quickly. As I sat in my living room, fire toasty behind me, the latest Script cd playing, blank page in front of me, I completely froze. What is it about the blank first page of a new journal or sketchbook that completely paralyzes me? I know I am not the only one this happens too. In fact, I was tweeting about it and Barbara Bechtel sent me this quote:

"It can be terrifying to confront a blank canvas- is it fear of destroying it? You are about to create a world in this pure and empty space, a world in which complex goals have been set. In one way, you have become God; in another way, you know you are not."
- Audrey Flack

Completely spot on. I put some seriously high goals in my mind for that blank page... that blank BOOK. How in the world could I fill it and do it justice? I swear I started and stopped and ripped out the first page at least 5 times. Then finally, with a heavy exhale, I just started writing. Actually, I started wishing. I wished I knew where to begin, I wished I knew what the possibilities are, I wished I knew how to pull things out of my heart and I wish I knew where to put them. On and on the wishes poured out. There isn't a spot of pastel or colored pencil on the page, but it is a start. And but the end of the writing, I felt a bit more at ease in my heart. Those wishes needed to get out and we'll save coloring the wishes for another day.

If You Could Join Me For Breakfast...

... I would have us sit in the sunniest spot in the house...

... I would tell you the kids and I are surviving "winter break" with the help of chilly walks, movies, and playdates...

... I would tell you that I am stealing plenty of moments to work on my manuscript...

... I would share my excitement at the feelings of something amazing coming together...

... I would scoff at the your apologies for licking the grapefruit juice off your fingers and I would lick my fingers too...

... and by the time the last meaty bite of fruit was had, the sun would have moved into another room and it would be time for me to get back to work.

Be Back Soon

In my random comments yesterday morning, before sharing the new Simply Sweet collection, I mentioned I might have to take drastic measures to meet a deadline that is so very quickly approaching. Today, I don't think, I know it is what is needed. It is too easy to procrastinate these days (like listing the new Simple Sweet collection). So, it is time. I need to take a deep breath and really focus. That means, I need to not be worrying about this space while I have so many words swirling in my head that need organizing and typing and sending in to my publisher. I am taking a short blogging hiatus until my deadline is met. See you here again soon... and no, it won't take until tulips are in bloom to finish my writing assignment. Just another week... or two.

(If you really can't get enough of me and think you'll just be beside yourself with grief until I return... I'll still be tweeting on Twitter. Find me @kabsconcepts )

Then Again Maybe Not

Happy Saturday, my lovely readers. It is wonderful to see you on this bright and shining morning. I must confess, I was rather comfy in my bed and didn't rise until well after 9am. So unlike me... but so needed after last night. I know you aren't used to seeing my in this bloggy space on the weekends. But today it is warranted. I have some feelings to work through and I want to do it while the feelings are so very fresh.

As you know, last night my first First Friday event at the studio. With all the overwhelming other events of this week, on Thursday, I was thinking this event might not take place. With Jacob down and out on the couch with influenza, and my back smarting every now and then, I called Ron and asked if I should just let it go. He said, in the most husbandly fashion, "it is up to you". Not what I wanted to hear. So, I set to texting an understanding friend. My understanding friend is wonderful at leading me through a conversation in a way that helps me better know my own intention and heart. Often times, she does it with the simplest of words. She knows all too well the pressure I put on myself when it comes to doing "public" shows of my work. The simple thing she said was "... as long as you aren't waiting out of a place of fear...". The one word, fear, settled into my thoughts and I knew instantly, without a doubt, that there was no fear in my heart. I decided to just let things happen as they would and as they did, an excitement settled in.

Yesterday, I truly was so excited as I moved through the day. I bought a bouquet of balloons to draw the crowds down my hallway. I picked wine to share with friends that would visit. I tidied the studio, set up displays, made a last minute necklace, I hung silouettes that I made of the kids, and I felt really good. I felt antsy to see what the night would bring too. All the while I was checking in with myself, being present, and knowing where my heart was. No fear.




Then... people started arriving. Of this I have no doubt, I absolutely loved sharing my new space with my family and friends. I was so so proud to show my new creative home to them. I wish I had more time to focus and talk with them. (I also wish I could have found a couch for the studio too. It could really use some softer, cozier, spaces.) It would seem that just when one conversation would get going, new people would wander in that needed greetings and questions answered. One of the nice things about doing events like this is getting to introduce my style of lampwork glass jewelry to people that have never seen it before. It is fun to watch eyes widen at the mention of each bead being made by hand at the torch. (Yep, that torch right over there in the corner.) Many take a card and a final look around before going off to explore another studio in the building.

And then... there were the other kind of visitors. Before I tell out about the others, know this... my words aren't coming from a place of sadness or frustration or hurt. In fact, it is just the opposite. I am excited to finally know my feelings on this. I think a lot of my angst leading up to Friday came from a place of uncertainty. Now, I know and I am in a good, healthy place about it. So, read these next sentences with a tone in your mind that pictures me smiling and sort of whispering/sharing a discovered secret.

The others... well, some were down right rude and left me feeling violated. And I.did.not.like.it. I have told you before how tender I feel about my studio and protective of it. So, you can imagine how unsettling it was when people completely ignored the displays of jewelry I had out to bee-line to my work desk, pull out a strand of glass from a jar and snap it in half. Or how rattling it could be for some to walk behind my desk and feel free to touch my tools and pull rods of glass from my shelves. Some others went even further with their inconsideration, ignoring both my art and my workspace, to help themselves to free wine and snacks. Yes, they walked to my table, poured themselves a glass of red, then promptly turned and walked out. Truly... violating was the only word I could come up with to describe the sensations I was feeling in the moments when these others came into my creative home.

Monday, I will sweep and wash away the yuck left behind on the floors and tables by those others. I will return my spools of wire, pliers, and polishing pads to their rightful places on my desk. I will twirl a time or two in my tutu and I will shut my doors to those others. In my heart I know I do not want to open my studio, or myself, to them again. First Fridays are not for me... and I am at peace with that in the very best way. I really learned so much about myself last night. My family and my friends will always be welcome... and I am thinking private open houses on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon are what will be in my future. Last night, though, will not happen again. I feel stronger in knowing that resolve and eager to continue finding truths that make my heart happy.

Twisted Tuesdays - Studio Work

I think after the ups and downs of the past month, these two photos speak for themselves and say a thousand words.

I Broke Up With The Mess In My Studio...

If I told you I hadn't spent time in my studio for nearly two months, would you believe me? Well, it is true. Early September was the last time I spent any quality time in there. The time was right before ArtBliss when I was banging out kit after kit to be ready to teach. Then, I put about 100lbs of tools and equipment into boxes that were shipped to Washington DC for the event. Just three days after the show, I was in England for a week (which I still haven't finished telling you about, jeesh). I came home to a bit of chaos and finally, finally, as of this week, I can see a the light at the end of the tunnel. Life has the potential to start returning to it's constant shifting state of normal soon.

So... yesterday was the first day in the past month that I haven't had to run to an appointment, set up a meeting, call the doctor's office, or or or... for anyone else. (No, wait, I did run out at lunch to a dr. appt, dang it) Regardless, I decided that yesterday would be THE DAY to get back in my studio. Something had to give in there, every surface was a disaster. Plus, I am still waiting for my oxygen concentrator to be repaired, so, in the meantime, there was some cleaning what needed to get done. I have a lot of mixed feelings about the past few months spent away from the studio. Something I have learned about myself is that even through I am a very open and share-anything-with-anyone kind of person, as a writer, I am extremely introverted. I don't let things out until they have formed into a complete idea. Not a bad thing, it is just that I haven't gotten to a place where I feel I can articulate all the everything in my head right now. Eventually though, I will and we will have a chat, you and I, and all that I have been feeling and thinking.

I can say this... it is good to be back. And just being in that space, that is mine all mine, felt really fantastic.

A BIG thanks to Wendy over at A Girl And Her Brush for the inspiration to do a time lapse video of my day in the studio. If you have a chance, you MUST check out Wendy's work. It so bright and colorful and fun and true.

(ps... I set this video to the Barenaked Ladies song Break Your Heart, ((arguably one of the best break up songs E.V.E.R. and one of my favorites)) but then YouTube said that was infringing on copyright. Sorry Barenaked Ladies! YouTube did an "audioswap" with something not protected.  SO, I have no idea which song plays with this video now. When I see it, it is still BNL. weird.)

Link

Sometimes, I surprise myself. I like when that happens. I will have a bunch of thoughts in my head, a way that I am feeling, and I dwell/stew on that particular mind set for what feels like an eternity. Until... until something comes along and pops me in the face, startles me, and reminds me that, silly girl, your thinking is all wrong. And usually, what ends up doing that, is myself in the form of something I find in the archives of this blog. Another thing that amazes me is the very obviously cycle to my thoughts and feelings that, for some reason, can be completely oblivious to me. Yes, I mean oblivious. I don't see it until I point it out to myself. And although that sounds odd, hang in there, I think this is going to be an interesting post, and it will all come together in the end. (or at least I thought it would two days ago when I started writing this, not so sure about that coming back to it later, LOL)

It is that time of year again. The time when the calender turns, we all reflect a bit, dream/resolve/promise a lot, and the world seems to bubble with a sense of hope and possibility. I find some years I feel the sensation more than others. This year, I don't feel it as strongly as I have in the past. And that is okay. I am almost thankful for it. There is less mania to the possibilities and a little more grounding. I like that. I was thinking back on the goals I set for myself in January 2009. I grinned at myself this morning when I saw that I had succeeded at a few of those goals, and laughed at the things I wasn't so good about. They are things I will probably never be good about, oh well. I did make more art, and will keep that on my to do list this year. I learned some new things and I did cut out a lot of computer time (though I could still cut back more). PJs are just too dang comforting so I didn't get out of the house as much as I could have, and people, seriously, my business spread sheets are blank (I am going to be kicking myself for not following through on that one).

This year, goals haven't even entered my mind until I sat to write this post. I knew I had set goals last January, looked them up in the old blogger archives, and those last few sentences are the gist of my thoughts about goals this year. I guess this just isn't going to be a goal oriented year for me. You see what I mean about some years being more inspiring than other and how this one is not, yes?

While searching the archives for my goals post, I also made a point to find my word post from 2009. That was the post that smacked me in the face this morning. I have had that nagging feeling that I talked about a few weeks ago and for some reason, that post, the word post, made me stop in my tracks. Made me say to myself a bunch of things all at once. (bare with me some make me sound rather full of myself, but that is okay, it is good to give yourself some compliments once in a while) I thought... dang, look how thoughtful I was (that is the thing I surprised myself with), my stars I was sorta eloquent, "tokens" was such an awesome word and it made me see so many blessings in my life, I so should have stuck with the journal, HA!, what is the new word going to be?... Each one of those thoughts, that seemed to all come at me at once, really seemed to validate and at the same time alleviate my concerns about feeling like I don't do enough or that I am not connected to my life enough. Because I *am* enough. And duh, Kerry, look at the dates of your posts, I get this way around this time of year. See, obvious but oblivious.

Anyway, I am starting to ramble, it is time to pull this all together. I loved the word Tokens last year because it made me pause in so many moments and think to myself "what is this a token of?". Granted I wasn't good about marking them down in a journal, but oh well, I still found those tokens and acknowledged them and kept them in my heart. I wasn't good about sharing those tokens with you here on the blog, and maybe that will be something I am better about here with the new word, but hmmm, I don't know. A little part of me is really feeling kinda guarded about certain things lately. I will think on why that is some more and that will be a post for another day.

As I thought and thought and thesaurus-ed on words in seeking out *my word* for 2010, I tried to find something that would help me continue to grow as a more connected and grounded person. I want to work on being mindful in moments and having intention in my actions. Then it came to me... my word for 2010...

Link (lingk)

-noun
1. one of the rings or separate pieces of which a chain is composed.
2. anything serving to connect one part or thing with another; a bond or tie.
3. an association or relationship.
4. a causal, parallel, or reciprocal relationship; a correlation.

-verb
5. to join by or as if by link or links; connect; unite.
6. to connect with or to become connected with.

I have had my new word with me for a few days now and I am already in love with it. It makes my stop and think "what is the link?"... what is the connection?... how can the pieces be brought together?... where is my grounding?... See, it has so many meaning and ways to be interpreted. I love my new word.

Now, what is your word?

(and ps... sorry this is a little on the choppy side, LOL, I had to keep coming back to it over several days and it just doesn't seem to flow like I thought it would. Such is my life. I wonder if I will look back at this post in 2011 and think is was as eloquent as 2009.)

Listening To A Whisper

Anyone remember back in January when I talked about the lovely Kelly Rae Robert's book, Taking Flight? I mentioned that one of the things that Kelly Rae talks about is listening to your heart's whispers. Well, there is a whisper that I have been hearing for a long time and tried to ignore. Today, I listened.

I used to be a runner... way way back in junior high. The fact that my running days were about 18 years ago and I still long to have them back really says something. I loved running. Probably because I was that girl in school that was tormented by bullies to no end, and running, running was something that I was really really good at. It was a place to escape to, listening to the rhythm of my breath and the drum of my step on the ground.

Then... my knees started to hurt. One year, I grew about 6 inches, and when my hips popped out it threw everything out of alignment. My knee caps were grinding against my femur bone and I was loosing cartilage. I went to an arthroscopic surgeon who told my Mom, and I quote "she isn't the next Jackie Joyner Kersey... just have her stop running". And being that there was no way for my parents to afford that kind of surgery, I had to stop. Even though I was running 5min miles at the time. I used that excuse to get out of gym class anytime running was involved for the remained of my time in the public school system. Soccer, nope, my knees hurt... field hockey, no way, my knees hurt. You get the picture.

For a couple of years now, I have been saying I want to try to run again. I mention it to my aunts that are runners. I think about it when I drive down the road and see the bobbing pony tails of girls running along side traffic. There is a demon in my head called self-doubt that has been eating at me. If I buy the sneakers, will I actually run? If I run, will it hurt? Am I too out of shape? Where will I find the time?

Finally, my spirit is getting stronger then the self-doubt. Enough is enough. I want to run again. I was out last night getting Jacob his new cleats for football and I bought myself some running sneakers. They are Target cheapies, but they are a start. I woke up at my usual time this morning and threw on my shoes. I started a pot of coffee (so it would be ready when I got home). I grabbed my cell phone to keep time and I went out.

Oh how my body fought me. So I did more of a run/walk. I would run a few hundred yards, then walked a few hundred... ran... then walked. My hips are sore and my ankles are clicking, and my lungs felt like they were been squeezed in a vice. BUT, I used the time to talk to myself in a way that I hope combats the horrible ffu-s I have been feeling. FFU stands for "frumpy fat and uglies". In my head, I said things like "come on Kerry... just get to that tree... I can do this...". I think it is an amazing way to start the day. I did my walk/run for about 35 minutes, came home to a warm shower and hot coffee. And, I still have all the time I need to get done they usual things I do in the morning. My emails are answered, my kids are working on their chores, and I have 15 more minutes to hit my favorite blogs.

I don't know if I will stick with it. I hope that I do. I hope that writing about it here holds me accountable. Let's see how bad the shin splints are tomorrow, lol.

ReFunked

Don't worry, I don't think all the pieces will have "Re" in the title, LOL! But as long as I can come up with them they will. I introduce to you... "ReFunked". And my stars do I need to be careful when I type that. Wouldn't want to put a c in place of that n. I would need to put vulgarity warning on the old blog here. ;)

WOW! Truly, that is how I am feeling about the comments yesterday. WOW! You all are such a huge support. Thanks for your understanding and wonderful words of praise. LOL, you know, you are probably half the reason I get so insecure. Such pressure to keep delivering cool things! How can I keep up to the hype? I don't know how I'll do it, but I'll keep trying.

I think Deb said what I was feeling better then I could in her comment yesterday. She said "Until recently I worked with artists (some of an international calibre) for a number of years. One thing I learned is that, artists often hold things close - it's somewhat like nurturing a baby for 9 months....everything has to be ready in order proceed. That also goes for how you feel about it!" YES! That is how I was feeling... I didn't want to share... I didn't know if it was ready. (and those other things I mentioned too)

Enough about that though. More about "Refunked". I LOVE these colors!! So bright... so big... same thing I was saying about "Respired" yesterday. I think this would look good with a white top, pink top, orange top, black top. There are just so many options. I love the orange and red with the pops of pink and little touches of lavender. This piece has three beads (two hollows and simple disc). Man , I am getting anxious for more supplies to come to explore these designs more. I hope they get here soon!!

Re-Inspired Junk Collection

Okay, to be perfectly honest, I am feeling very vulnerable at the moment. I have been working behind the scenes on new jewelry designs for this summer. The process has been awesome. It makes me all giddy and excited. At the same time though, I am very unsure. I am worrying, holding them close, and not wanting to share. I have six new pieces sitting on me desk and I can't decided it they are genius or junk. I don't think you all could stand another fluffy post about nonsense on this blog so it is time to share what I have been working on...

"Respired" is the first piece in the "Re-Inspired Junk Collection". You had to know that if I was going to jump on the repurposed jewelry band wagon that I would find a way to do it with wild color. Yes... repurposed jewelry. The photo at the top is of an enameled metal brooch I bought while out thrifting with Lorelei last weekend. Very sixties/seventies. It is BIG and BOLD, measuring more then 3inches across. I totally busted it apart. I used wire to bring the pieces together in a new way, added big lampwork hollows, then strung them up with vintage enameled chain. I love using enameled pieces. Essentially, enamel is glass... so I am still using glass in a creative new/old way.

Why am I feeling all insecure? Several reasons. First, I can't decide if I love it or hate it. Is it too much? I have worn it a few times, outside the house, and it is light as a feather, you hardly know you have it on. Yet, everyone else knows you are wearing it and you gotta be prepared to have your chest stared at all day. Second reason, I really think I am on to something here. And I am very worried that the minute I show this light bulbs will turn on over peoples' heads and I am going to see tons of flower pins turned jewelry components show up every where. I am feeling very protective of it, at the same time, I can't not show it. How will I get feedback about reason #1 if I don't?



So far the reviews have been great. I previewed this photo on Facebook last week to lots of love. I am really loving an orange and hot pink design setting on my desk that I will share tomorrow. Now it is time to hear from you... leave me some feedback. Have I gone off the jewelry deep end? LOL.

State Of The Studio

It has been a few months since my last State Of The Studio address. Since I am kinda at a loss for words today, I thought it was time I did another one.



On Jewelry Things: I am in the throws of "research" for the new book. I am finding it incredibly inspiring, yet sorta frustrating. I am discovering worlds I wouldn't normally ever delve into and it makes me want to try things. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time to experiment right now. Why? Well, I am currently: preparing for a trunk show, working on the new book, getting ready to head to Loveland CO for the photo shoot of first book on May 19th.



On Beading Things: My beading time keeps getting thwarted. I have had a few windows of opportunity to torch, but it is really limited. I am trying to use it wisely, but that doesn't always happen. The colors I am craving are BRIGHTS! But, brights that lend themselves to lots of blue. *sigh* Who woulda thunk blue would become my favorite color... I always thought I was a purple/pink kinda girl.



On Life Around Here: Things are in bloom! Compared to the last State Of The Studio: Around The House image, things look really different! The Sugar Magnolia is pretty much spent already, but the Dogwood is coming in nicely. We have built several raised beds for veggies and strawberries, but I want to wait to share that until it has a little more life to it. LOL. It still looks like a bunch of boxes full dirt and hay at the moment.



On Knitting Projects: I am still working on my "Pucker" top that I have show in process a couple of times. I have finished the back and I am working threw a tedious part. I need 15inches of stockinette stitch (yawn). I have about 10inches done so far before I get to do the cool puckering. The yellow yarn there is for the next project I have lined up. It is a top called "Buttercup" by Heidi Kirrmaier. My pal, Lindsey, and I are going to do it as a knit-a-long. Meaning, we are knitting the same top at the same time. Her's is a different color thought. *sigh* I really wanted yellow.

Let's Take A Ride...

What kind of ride? A Ferris Wheel Ride!



Oh how I love what-if-I-do-that ideas! On Sunday when I was working on the custom necklace I showed earlier this week, I was building up layers to make the cool hollows when I though... what if I do just that? See, I had the idea in my head that I would be creating those big coils of wire... so I wondered, what if I only made half a hollow, and "capped" the big coils?

What is half a hollow, you ask? The way I build a hollow is from a tutorial in one of Corina Tettinger's booklets by Jill Symons. Essentially, I build up two discs on a mandrel and slowly add rings of glass until they touch somewhere in the middle. So I was thinking... what if I built up a disc and it didn't meet something in the middle? What if it was just a sorta cupped disc?



That got my mind really whirling. Then, "what if I make them all different colors" started running in my head. I worked on these beads Tuesday and just went crazy. I pulled stringers and twisties... I grabbed one of every color for a whole rainbow of rods on my desk. It was FANTASTIC!! It was exactly the creative outlet I needed after a wild week home with the kids.



As I built the necklace and twirled the wire, the capped coils reminded me of Ferris Wheel Carts... Like These. (Only mine are way more colorful.) I am thrilled with how it turned out, though I think I want to made a few more and make the coils go a little farther around the neckline. When you hold it in your hards, it is so slinky, I love the way it moves.

What I find awesome about the creative mood I am in right now is that ideas keep building on each other. As I was making this side winded discs, I thought... okay what if I make hollows now? So the idea kinda went ful circle. Hollows... lead to discs... lead back to hollows. I thought, what if I layer the colors into a wild colored hollow?!? You gotta be careful when using opaque color in hollow forms, it isn't as "stiff" as transparent glass and becomes much more soupy when molten, which leads to colapsing hollows. I was patient and things seemed to come together.



I want to experiment more with color combinations for these. I am so so with some and extrememly psyched about others. This is the "Funny Hollow" lariat! I know you all are going to be asking about that blue chain!! Well, I have been wanting to add even more color to my work. I knew colored chain was out there and I did a little research. Basically, there are three types of colored chain... plastic (YUCK!), anodized (like the colored wire I use), or enameled. This chain is the later. Enameled chain isn't made anymore so the only way to find it is in vintage form. I love it! Enamel is essentially powedered glass, so the colors I have found work beautifully with my work. I have several sketches with design ideas for this lovely new finding of mine. But we can't put my whole line of jewelry for the summer in a single post.

KABochons

Magical Mess-Making + Husband Holidays = KABochons!!!

In a recent post on Watch Me Create about the books currently sitting next to my big comfy chair, I swore I would learn to bezel set, even if it killed me. I ordered all the materials more then a week ago and they finally made their way here in my house yesterday.

It was a nutty day yesterday... doctors' appointments, swim classes, hair cut appointment, baseball practice, and a sleep over! I was running like a crazy lady. Thankfully though, Ron, in his infinite wisdom, knowng how rough the week was on me, took the day off work to help me out. In the middle of the day, I squealed with joy at the UPS guy bringing me my bezel setting box of goodies. And Ron was happy to let me stow away in the studio for a couple hours. He even brought me food while I was working away!

I quickly ripped open the box (you can see the packaging all over the floor in the photo above), I went nuts rummaging through storage boxes to find missing supplies I knew I already had somewhere, and set to work.

What.A.Learning.Experience.



Here is what I have learned so far:

1) Solder needs HEAT, so I am returning the crappy little "pencil" torch that I paid $41 for and I am looking for something hotter. Yesterday I ended up using my trusty hot head to solder, but that flame is big and bulky, and hard to control.

2) Bezel wire melts if you get it too hot with your hot head torch, lol. For those of you not familiar with bezel setting, basically you build a "cup" (bezel) for a bead/cabochon from metal. First I built the frame that wrapped all around my bead (from bezel wire), then I soldered that frame to a piece of sterling sheet metal...



3) I need better saw blades and dremels are good for more then just cleaning beads! After I soldered the bezel wire to the sheet metal, I needed to saw away the excess metal and file/shape/smooth/sand the edges around the outside edge of the bezel. I went though 8 jewelry saw blades before pulling out my dremel. HA!

4) Use less solder. You can see in the "back view" of my new bezel pendant that there is way too much solder attaching the bail to the back of the sheet metal. Oh well, I am learning.



I don't think these are ready to sell yet, I need to work on my technique... BUT they do make for a good "Random Act Of Kindness". I gifted a purple one of these to Marcia yesterday afternoon! Enjoy it Marcia!!

Oh, and before I go enjoy this G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. weather we have in Rochester this weekend, I want to tell you all thank you so much for your comments on Thursday's post. It is a wonderful support to know I am not the only ragging lunatic of a Mom, lol. The kids head back to school on Tuesday... I am looking into summer camps... and I'll be alright. You are all appreciated so much... I hope you know that. Thank you.

Sent Away

I did it... IT IS DONE!! This is the box of finished jewelry for my book. YOO HOOO!! There are more then 20 pieces of jewelry in there! Some people might write a book and only show you one picture of one finished design... but not me. I did a couple of each and some with totally different bead options. I have put so much energy into this box. *sigh*

To celebrate, Ron and the kids took me out to dinner. With three kids, dinner out in a resturant isn't something we do. There is always fighting over who sits where or whinning over what there is or isn't to eat. Not last night though. We had a lot of fun. The kids asked me lots of questions... an interview of sorts about the book. "so Mom, how long did it take you to write the book?" "Mom, are you gonna be famous now?" "did they give you a lotta money?" LOL.

Once home last night, I felt a huge sense of relief. From the beginning I knew I could do it. I knew I could write the book, but at the same time... I am hard on myself and I had a lot of doubt too. But I look through all the photos I took of the finished things and I open the files of text and I am so excited. I can't wait to share it all with you!!

The work isn't done yet. There is still a lot more to do. There is editing that needs happening, and a photo shoot in May. I worked on a "shot list" on Monday (which is a list of each and every photo I want taken for the book) and we'll be taking about 262 pictures. And I need to get ready for all those photos. Kinda reverse engineering the jewelry and breaking it down into the steps that need shooting. Cool huh?

I have a little time in between though. And I have some new jewelry I will be working on for spring!! YOO HOO!! I have some fun ideas up my sleeves and I am itching to work on something I can actually show you, lol. I already started too. I have whipped up a couple fun and simple pendants with loose beads on my desk. I'll share 'em soon.

Down to the Wire & An Auction!

Things are really getting down to the wire here (pun intended, lol). I keep having flashes of panic attacks when I think about what I still have left to get done and when it needs to get done by. But I have lists and I am ticking things off one after another. As long as I keep to the list, I will be set.

We had a simple holiday weekend around here. We built our raised bed veggie gardens (pictures coming later this week) and had a lasagna lunch at my sister's yesterday. The kids are all spoiled with candy coming out their ears. This year I was smart and grabbed an extra bad of peanut butter M&Ms for me and Ron rather than stealing from the kids' baskets. LOL.

I have an AUCTION Alert for you!! The Glass Gala at the Memorial Art Gallery is just a few weeks away. Each of the artists having trunk shows during the Glass Wear exhibit is offering up a piece to the be auctioned during the gala. YOU CAN BID!!! My piece is HERE, and I added a button on the side bar to find it easily. The piece being auctioned is "Honey & Rain". YES, out of state bidders are welcome! The gallery will happily mail the piece to the winning bidder. The website allows for "pre-bids", and the high online bid becomes the opening bid during the live auction on the night of the gala. Staff at the gallery is available to place bids on your behalf during the live auction, just send them an email!! The Memorial Art Gallery is such a gem in Rochester, so bid high, and keep it bring amazing exhibits like Glass Wear to our little city!



And I will leave you with a little preview... one of the beads from last week. I have a new Zoozii's press!! The 1 1/2in spree press. I did a bit calmer "Mod Dot" style bead. Oh, My, Stars... I am in love with this bead (and the finished piece it became). *sigh*... back to work.

Just Me

I had a pretty amazing experience a few weeks ago and I have been chomping at the bit to share it with you. But, I needed to wait until everything was ready. Now that it is, I am so excited to show you...

Way back in November, I got it in my head that since I am a big time author now, I need proper head shots. I couldn't very well have a photo of me holding the camera at arms length from my face taking my own picture. I typed in "portrait photographer" into google and started my search for someone who was able to take a nice portrait. I didn't want a standard issue Sears photo center portrait, or a "glamor shots" thing. I knew I wanted something fun, and relaxed... artistic, and colorful.

I found just what I wanted in Kelli Marsh. You can view her portfolio on her website HERE and there are more images HERE on her blog. Ya know, I complain to my family all the time that I am constantly taking picture of them... couldn't someone take my picture once in a while without making me feel vain or making me look like and idiot? Really would it be so bad?

I was a nervous wreck during the first, oh I don't know, hour, lol. I was thinking to myself "this was stupid, I feel like an idiot, I'll have two chins and chubby cheeks... why did I think I needed to do this?" Kelli made this whole experience so great. We chatted like two girlfriends that have known each other for years. She helped me feel at ease and the pictures.... Oh they are awesome!!

The two on the blog here are my favorites. I don't know if it is the lightning bolt part in my hair or the twinkle lights in the back ground, but something about that top photo makes me feel like a rock star. Would you look at my lashes? *sigh*... such an awesome photo. The bottom one will be my "head shot". I love the expression and the light and the color of this one. I dare say there is even a twinkle in my eye.



There are a few more shots in my Flickr Gallery. Check them out... and if you need a photographer for anything, ANYTHING... I am tellin' ya, you gotta get Kelli. She is the best.

Apropos

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
- Henry David Thoreau

I picked up this bottle of wine back in September when we went on a day trip for my Mom's birthday. It is from a tiny winery in Naples NY, called Imagine Moore Winery. Each bottle they make has a single word for the title with a quote on the bottle. I loved this wine when I tasted it, but hadn't paid very close attention to the quote. It was very apropos to the situation last night.

I finished the text for my book last night!! And I do feel like I am getting to "live the life I have imagined." I still have a lot of work left, but last night was a time to celebrate this small accomplishment. I still need to make a ton of finished pieces between now and next Wednesday (the day everything needs to be in the mail). So, I am not back to my regular blogging just yet, but I wanted to share the news and let you know where I am at.

And while I am at it, since I am writing way already... I'll keep blogging. And I'll let you in on a little secret, I have writing ADD, lol. I could have finished the text in half the time had someone taken my wireless access away. I would write a step or two... then surf... write another step... then surf. I think it might be a disease. LOL. And OMG... if I never see the words "wrapped loop" again in my life, it will be too soon. Along with surfing, I did some shopping too. I have some new goodies headed my way, and it isn't a new handbag or shoes, it is jewelry "stuff". Oh yeah, don't you worry... this book isn't cramping my creative urges and burning me out. It has me chomping at the bit to move on and make new things!! I got cool ideas stewing, people. Cool ideas.

We woke to a few inches of snow this morning. I won't want to be outside in the sun and working in the gardens, lol. Just three more tutorials to write! And then I need to get a boat load of finished projects created.