Process Shot of the Week

Trunk Show Prep

I'm failing spectacularly at making something everyday, but I'm still trying. I do think about making everyday, and I know I should be making, which gives me hope that I'll keep striving for a lifestyle that will allow that. I'm just still in the beginning stages, piecing everything together. And from most everyone I've talked to, what I'm going through seems to be par for the course.
However, I'm participating in the trunk show at the SNAG conference in Phoenix this year, and I'm beginning to panic about having enough work! I'm trying to work up some new mica pieces as well as improve upon the older designs. I know late May seems very far away from early March, but when you only get one or two solid days in which to work in the studio on top of teaching and working, and coordinating an exhibition. . . well. . . I've just been feeling very overwhelmed lately. But, I'm pretty pleased with where these earrings are heading.

I've also been doing some enameling, which is good for my soul. These will be slate black cloisonne brooches for the trunk show.

Back to work! Thanks for reading!

Awesome Jewelry that I Own!

I'm really very fortunate that I know so many talented and giving people who are willing to gift or trade me their fantastic work. Here are a few recent adds to my personal collection I've aquired over the past few months. (This is just a start, I've got some more awesome pieces to add to this later, including my "Wonder Triplet Power Ring".)

Spray painted costume jewelry and silver earrings by Tara Locklear.

Steel and silver earrings by Leia Zumbro.

Silver with steel and enamel "balls" by Jennifer Wells.

Copper and enamel heart brooch by Ken Bova, and cast silver and enamel brooch by Sarah West.

I'm excited because I've got other trades in the works with Laura Wood, Marlene True, Autumn Brown, Jennifer Wells and even Bob Ebendorf!

Sketch to Product

So, I always kind of though that the idea of artists coming up with ideas on bar napkins was a bit of a romantic myth, but I was out with some friends last night and got to talking to one friend in particular, who wanted a pair of my mica earrings. Several napkins later we came us with this design:

Then, after some frustration, despair and problem solving I made these earrings this afternoon. I'm pretty satisfied with them and pretty pleased with the solution I came up with after I realized that my original plan wouldn't work. My friend loved them and totally rocked them at the MFA opening/party tonight! She's already commissioned a second pair!