Art Shows

I know it has been way too long since my last post. I have greatly increased the amount of shows I've been in since last year. It is a tremendous amount of work. The set up and break down alone are grueling. But I love meeting my customers and having that one on one connection with them. I met a woman at the Festival for the Eno who ordered a custom ring for her granddaughter and seeing the relationship that they have and what this ring will mean to this girl is beyond words. I am humbled to be able to be a part of that gift.

Aaaaahhhhh Fall.

I'm a summer girl through and through, but even I am ready for Fall. A fire in the fireplace (note to self: get a fireplace), leaves falling to the ground, and my personal favorite: fall festivals. Yesterday I participated in The Five Points Street Fesival and Block Party. The weather was perfect, a little cool in the morning and then sunny with a gentle breeze all day. I was next to a booth selling maple butter (which was delicious and I bought some) so I got to smell maple syrup all day, a perfect fall smell. I have two more shows coming up in the next few weeks, BazaarSPARK in downtown Raleigh next weekend and Festifall in Chapel Hill Oct. 3rd. It's a little bittersweet doing so many shows because I love going to all of these festivals. Thankfully I have a great husband who helps me out and works the booth while I walk around (and shop). And then after the fall shows are over I'm heading to the Virginia mountains for colorful leaves, fresh apples and a rented fireplace.

Crankin it out.

I'm in heavy production mode around here. I have five shows for the remainder of the year and may even add a couple more. My wonderful production manager (Matt, my husband) comes in at the end of each day and checks over the progress and adds it to his handy dandy spread sheet. It's a nice change from my usual of being creative to just plain creating, one after another after another. It's interesting to see how it works so much better and faster to make multiple of one thing at the same time than to try and make a few totally different pieces at the same time. Production verses designing definitely comes with a learning curve.

Pollen

I look to nature for design inspirations but lately the world is yellow with pollen. However underneath all the dust I can see gorgeous flowers opening up. I'm working on daffodils and lily pads in the studio. Matt has been learning to cut some beautiful gemstones which I've been fortunate enough to obtain a few. Look at Epona and Oak in the next few weeks for some of my work with big sparkly stones.

Here is the finished Bamboo and Lotus necklace. It has a 5mm Swiss Blue Topaz. I'm making one for myself for Valentine's Day. This is my all time favorite piece! It was inspired by Blue Lotus Yoga in Raleigh. I was in class and trying not to think about work and all I could think about was that the class was so great that I needed to make this necklace.

Bamboo and Lotus and more.

The bamboo and lotus necklace is finished!!! I worked all day Sunday on this piece and I love it. As soon as my fabulous photographer is done with it I will post a picture.

I have, however, posted a pic of my new oxidized heart pendant with a whopping 5mm Garnet. This has definitely gotten me in the Valentine's Day spirit.

New Year, New Jewelry

It is 65 degrees and sunny in Raleigh, NC today. This is the kind of weather I needed to get me geared up for making my spring line of jewelry. I'm thinking of Lotuses and bamboo for one piece. I also have a few new wedding band designs for those spring and summer weddings.

I'm signed up for a couple great classes this spring too. Lost wax casting at Ornamentea and Belt Buckles at Pullen Arts Center. I have a growing collection of designs for belt buckles including a pirate treasure map buckle for my five year old son, Miles.

Back to the studio to work on some sparkle for Valentine's Day...