What a Beautiful Bride!

I always love doing custom work, especially when it involves a wedding. I had such a fun time designing this lovely necklace for Hope. Below is my finished design. She was so thrilled with it.

I came across her wedding blog post here. Look how darling she is!

How fun would it be to get married in Disneyland? I love Disneyland. I think I will go put my Pump Up the Grump sweatshirt on ~ featuring one of my favorite dwarves.

Muah!

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WOW!

Well, I think those of us who have the "artist" in us, and expresses ourselves creatively, want to be recognized in some way or another. Yesterday, when at one of my favorite online supply haunts, the owner of the shop contacted me and asked me if it was okay to have some of my items featured on the front page of her supply catalog shop.

Well I was very flattered to say the least, and replied with a resounding "Golly are you sure you want me?" But this morning, low and behold, there I am right on the front page of her store. Holy cow! I am sure this is subject to change, so I am capturing it here for posterity =)

I am bathing in the sunlight of fame...basking in the glow.... I know, I know I should just totally get over myself right now. But I thought it was kind of cool to be on the front page of a supply catalog!!! I honestly am grateful for the opportunity and exposure! Thanks Susan!

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Newer Creations

So with all the remodel going on my creativity has really suffered. The makeshift kitchen has been in the studio. My creative juices just don't flow very well when I am sitting in there and all I can smell is the pizza pocket that Jake just heated in the microwave.

However, I have been able to get a few things out - - - All are available in both of my Etsy Shops. My steampunk shop, which uses watch movements and Victorian style jewelry can be seen here. And my Lilikoi shop, which uses semi precious gemstones, sterling, silver and fine silver can be seen here.

Grandma's "C"

The other day I was sitting in my jewelry studio and there was a discarded piece of wire on my desk. It had a loop in the end and then it kind of curled around. Looking at the piece of wire, I was reminded of how my precious Grandma would write my name. She would loop the top of the "C" and loop at the bottom.

I took that discarded piece of wire, and formed it into my Grandma's "C". I hammered it into shape, added a crystal quartz rondelle to the bottom, and oxidized it. This is what Grandma’s “C” looks like.

I have always attributed my creative nature to my precious Grandma who nurtured it in me. She is the origin of many things good and right in my life ~ primarily my mother, but for many other qualities as well. When I wear my Grandma’s “C”, I will be reminded of her inspiration to me, her profound faith in God, and the beauty that comes with age.

Muah Grandma!

First Work

I totally meant to put pictures in of the things I made while at my class. So here they are. A couple of them I used with molds and the rest I textured and then either cut them out by hand or used a cutter. I am not so sure I like the bright silver of these charms, as I am a more oxidized sort of a gal. I will wait to do this until I find the right project for these items.

This was way fun, and I am excited to explore this avenue a bit more. Stephanie, Julia (two of the ladies I met at the class) and I are going to have a play date soon so that we can create together. That is a really fine thing - inasmuch as Julia has the kiln.... niiiice. I can't wait to experiment! I have bought the new clay and have decided that I will use found objects for texture. Upcoming items soon!

Me and PMC

What a great opportunity I had a couple of weekends ago. Do you ever feel like things happen for a reason? Like you are in the right place at the right time? Like karma smiled at you? Like… well, you get the picture. So it was with me. I have wanted to take a PMC class for some time now. PMC you ask? Precious Metal Clay. For those of you who are jewelers you know what this is, for those of you who aren’t, precious metal clay is made from microscopic fine silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water. It is worked like clay then fired in a kiln. ... What is left behind is 99.9% pure silver in whatever shape you created. Remember your days with Play Doh and there you have it. Let me tell you I made some of the best Play Dough spaghetti and meatballs you have ever tasted – it was only natural that I would want to dabble in PMC.

ANYWAY… I started looking into a class and I happened upon Sherri Haab’s website. Sherri has written 17 craft books, six specifically geared toward jewelry making and design. She is one of the leaders in the industry in the use of PMC in terms of crafting and design. As I read more about her, I found that she lived in Utah. I fast forwarded and found that she was teaching a PMC class here in Utah - - the upcoming weekend!! Wow! What an opportunity! I made a phone call – got in the class, and before I knew it, Marika (my friend and business/bead sista) was booked on a flight to attend the class with me.

What an experience, in more ways than I can describe in this post. I had the opportunity to learn a technique from one of the foremost teachers in the business, and to meet some of the most incredible people! I am excited about the new avenue in jewelry design this has opened up for me, and for the exciting new friendships that will develop.

I am so thrilled for the opportunity, grateful for the experience, and excited about this new adventure!