Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
More Fire!
Yesterday I spent an extremely enjoyable day learning how to enamel on metal using a torch. Woo! More fire-intensive fun for me! I was lucky enough to get a spot in Barbara Lewis's Torch-Fired Enamel class, which was held yesterday in Reston, VA.
Aside from the fact that I dread driving around Northern VA these days, it was a terrific experience! I got to meet and chat with so many interesting and creative people, including Barbara herself. I also happily got to sit next to, Cindy Wimmer, of Sweet Bead Studio, one of my favorite jewelry designers and wireworkers. Lori Anderson was there, too, hooray! The one person I had SO hoped to meet, Kerry Bogert, wasn't able to make it due to family needs. I was sad, as I have been wanting to meet her ever since I discovered her work about a year and a half ago. I even had her new book with me, all ready for her to autograph! (I'm such a fangirl, I know) Good thing I'll be going to the ISGB conference in July; I'll get to meet her then, as I am from the same city she lives in, where the conference is being held -- Rochester, New York!
Anyway, the workshop....FANTASTIC! I learned so much, and I got to make quite a stash of enameled beads and charms. Here's a shot of the group of beads and things that I made:
Jeanette Blix (of Fundametals) and Cindy Wimmer were the organizers, and they really did a spectacular job. There was coffee and coffee cake, they arranged for a yummy lunch, the location was great, and there was plenty of room. It was really easy to relax and enjoy the class. I highly recommend any workshop these ladies put together. In fact, there is one listed on the Fundametals site right now that looks REALLY interesting, and has two open seats left. Check it out!
I did, of course, make myself something right away with some of the beads. I've been wanting a chunky, noisy charm bracelet for a while, and last week, I started putting one together. Some of the enameled beads I made were perfect for this bracelet:
I love it!
I can't wait to make more things using these really awesome beads....and make more beads!
Aside from the fact that I dread driving around Northern VA these days, it was a terrific experience! I got to meet and chat with so many interesting and creative people, including Barbara herself. I also happily got to sit next to, Cindy Wimmer, of Sweet Bead Studio, one of my favorite jewelry designers and wireworkers. Lori Anderson was there, too, hooray! The one person I had SO hoped to meet, Kerry Bogert, wasn't able to make it due to family needs. I was sad, as I have been wanting to meet her ever since I discovered her work about a year and a half ago. I even had her new book with me, all ready for her to autograph! (I'm such a fangirl, I know) Good thing I'll be going to the ISGB conference in July; I'll get to meet her then, as I am from the same city she lives in, where the conference is being held -- Rochester, New York!
Anyway, the workshop....FANTASTIC! I learned so much, and I got to make quite a stash of enameled beads and charms. Here's a shot of the group of beads and things that I made:
Jeanette Blix (of Fundametals) and Cindy Wimmer were the organizers, and they really did a spectacular job. There was coffee and coffee cake, they arranged for a yummy lunch, the location was great, and there was plenty of room. It was really easy to relax and enjoy the class. I highly recommend any workshop these ladies put together. In fact, there is one listed on the Fundametals site right now that looks REALLY interesting, and has two open seats left. Check it out!
I did, of course, make myself something right away with some of the beads. I've been wanting a chunky, noisy charm bracelet for a while, and last week, I started putting one together. Some of the enameled beads I made were perfect for this bracelet:
I love it!
I can't wait to make more things using these really awesome beads....and make more beads!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Gallery Show and New Work!
First, tonight is the opening of the show at ArtWorks. Besides the portion of the show my work will be in, they are also showing an exhibit of Korean and American artists, a photography exhibit that shows some really interesting urban photographs, a paitning show, the usual monthly all-media show, and other stuff. The Eggstravaganza show is on, too, and they will be announcing the winners tonight!
I have no idea what to wear. I was thinking of going with all black and white, but the really awesome necklace I am making that is all black and white is not done yet. Hmm.
If you are local, you should try to go see the show, either tonight or anytime before March 21.
***************
AND, in big new news.....I am getting into pounding metal.
Seriously. I have a friend who is a jeweler in Pennsylvania, and for a while now, he has been giving me lessons and helping me work on my skills. I blame him for the need for more tools.
Anyway, I got a wild idea to try some copper forming and stamping, and here are the latest results:
Hammered copper, stamped with the quote, "The lyfe so short, the craft so long to lerne." It's from Chaucer, and I thought it was fitting for my first metalworked piece.
This piece is a favorite, "Loops". Nice and substantial and really attractive to wear. This one should be in my Etsy shop by the end of the day.
And of course, this one. A mother's bracelet, stamped with the names of my three kids and with three lampworked heart beads as accents. My mom saw this and now wants one with blue beads and her grandchildren's names. No problem, Mom! I will likely be offering this as a custom order in my Etsy shop as well...base price to include up to three names and beads, with a maximum of five or six. Details to come.
I made three more bracelets, but they are not yet photographed and finished. I'll post those when I am done, hopefully by the end of the weekend.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Cheers!
I have no idea what to wear. I was thinking of going with all black and white, but the really awesome necklace I am making that is all black and white is not done yet. Hmm.
If you are local, you should try to go see the show, either tonight or anytime before March 21.
***************
AND, in big new news.....I am getting into pounding metal.
Seriously. I have a friend who is a jeweler in Pennsylvania, and for a while now, he has been giving me lessons and helping me work on my skills. I blame him for the need for more tools.
Anyway, I got a wild idea to try some copper forming and stamping, and here are the latest results:
Hammered copper, stamped with the quote, "The lyfe so short, the craft so long to lerne." It's from Chaucer, and I thought it was fitting for my first metalworked piece.
This piece is a favorite, "Loops". Nice and substantial and really attractive to wear. This one should be in my Etsy shop by the end of the day.
And of course, this one. A mother's bracelet, stamped with the names of my three kids and with three lampworked heart beads as accents. My mom saw this and now wants one with blue beads and her grandchildren's names. No problem, Mom! I will likely be offering this as a custom order in my Etsy shop as well...base price to include up to three names and beads, with a maximum of five or six. Details to come.
I made three more bracelets, but they are not yet photographed and finished. I'll post those when I am done, hopefully by the end of the weekend.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Cheers!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Which came first?
I like to make charitable donations to support organizations whose missions really make sense to me. Easter Seals Virginia is one of them. As a speech therapist, I know all about what great work they do in helping kids (and adults) with disabilities, running fantastic camps and other programs, and providing access to services that some people might have to do without. The local group runs an Easter event called Eggstravaganza, which consists of a black-tie party and silent auction. Easter Seals works with the gallery where I have taught, ArtWorks, to assemble egg-inspired art donations for the auction. I just finished a couple of pieces as a donation. There is a prize awarded for Best in Show, Best Expression of the Easter Seals Mission, and 1st through 4th places in each of Professional, Amateur and Student categories. Here is my donation to the cause:
"Which Came First?"
necklace, made with copper wire and glass beads
...and...
the companion bracelet. Again, made with copper wire and glass beads.
This is a new type of design for me, new components, new wireworking. I'm getting some pieces ready to put in Etsy that have a similar look. It's all about color and quirky unexpectedness. I think you'll like it!
Keep your fingers crossed for me....today is the egg art judging....Friday is the art show opening and winners announcement. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sneak peeks!
I'm working on some new ideas and new pieces for spring. Here are a couple of photos to show you what I've been up to...
Lots of fun wire designs, lots of color....I'm really excited about it all!
More soon...
Lots of fun wire designs, lots of color....I'm really excited about it all!
More soon...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Beginner Beadmaking classes in Richmond, VA!
For all of you who are local to Richmond, Virginia....I will be teaching a beginner beadmaking class in March at ArtWorks Gallery!
The class is limited to four students, and you will learn all the basics of glass beadmaking, from safety and equipment, to setting up a torch, to making a variety of bead shapes and styles.
The details are as follows:
Class dates/times: Sunday afternoons, 1pm to 3:30pm on March 14,21, and 28.
Class fee: $120
Supplies and Materials: $50 (covers use of a torch and tools, the fuel, glass, and bead release)
Location: ArtWorks Gallery, 320 Hull Street, Richmond, VA
Contact me for a registration form and further information.
Additionally, there is a newly-forming glassworker's meetup group starting, which will be held at ArtWorks, and open to all students completing the beginner class, or those with previous lampworking experience.
Email me to let me know if you are interested in either the class, or the meetup group!
The class is limited to four students, and you will learn all the basics of glass beadmaking, from safety and equipment, to setting up a torch, to making a variety of bead shapes and styles.
The details are as follows:
Class dates/times: Sunday afternoons, 1pm to 3:30pm on March 14,21, and 28.
Class fee: $120
Supplies and Materials: $50 (covers use of a torch and tools, the fuel, glass, and bead release)
Location: ArtWorks Gallery, 320 Hull Street, Richmond, VA
Contact me for a registration form and further information.
Additionally, there is a newly-forming glassworker's meetup group starting, which will be held at ArtWorks, and open to all students completing the beginner class, or those with previous lampworking experience.
Email me to let me know if you are interested in either the class, or the meetup group!
Monday, November 23, 2009
New series!
I've been working diligently on a new series of pieces for my collection. Here are the first pieces in "Industrial Revolution"....a collection created using copper and mixed metals, glass beads, and found objects, with a steampunk/clockwork/turn-of-the-last-century feel.
"Fortune's Amulet"
and the matching bracelet..."Springs Wash"
Both will be available on Etsy as soon as I get them posted later today. More pieces are forthcoming, too, I just have to get the photos taken!
Hey, don't forget I have a page for A Hot Piece of Glass on Facebook, so if you are an addicted Facebooker like me, check out the page and become a fan!
"Fortune's Amulet"
and the matching bracelet..."Springs Wash"
Both will be available on Etsy as soon as I get them posted later today. More pieces are forthcoming, too, I just have to get the photos taken!
Hey, don't forget I have a page for A Hot Piece of Glass on Facebook, so if you are an addicted Facebooker like me, check out the page and become a fan!
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