Testing subscription link

Don't mind me - just testing here......

I have just recently done my first show. Yea, I know, I'm slow.

A late bloomer perhaps.

Or perhaps I just really love the fact that what I do with metalsmithing is just 'fun' and relaxed and for ME. I really really enjoy metalsmithing and I don't ever want to lose that joy. So in part I've hesitated making the push from 'hobby' to 'business for that reason. And the other part just has to do with life circumstances. Working full time, being a Mom -- it doesn't leave a lot of time to consider business matters.


However, when I heard (on Twitter of all places) about a new market taking place in September, I decided to check it out.

The price to take part was super low and it was close to home so I decided to go for it.

Here is a pic of my tiny table.

So my maiden voyage into the show world took place on September 12, 2009 at the Fenton Street Market. The organizer, Hanna, did a FABULOUS job thinking of everything to help the day run smoothly. Right down to where we could use restrooms and extra hands for set up, as well as umbrella insurance and tax information! She really rocked it!

I only took one table and I ended up with quite enough to fill the table nicely. (that has always been a concern, that I wouldn't have enough stock at one time to present a well done table)

I crafted a BUNCH of sterling silver bangles and cuffs.

I am REALLY pleased with how these turned out!

They are weighty (except the 'skinny-minny bangles'...) and they feel GREAT on.


Some of the cuffs have a word on them, ones that are meaningful to me and hopefully to a potential wearer.

I love that I can use all different kinds of textures AND make something custom relatively easily since I don't normally do custom work.


PEACE and BELIEVE


More new textured cuffs - unfortunately these are not the most flattering pictures, the cuffs are rather dirty - a consequence of handling them and packing and unpacking (photos were taken after the show).




Next we have some earrings....

all metal and ALL hand done - hand cut and hand formed, hand textured and stamped.

My favorite pair (a flower like design) found a new home and I will need to make more of those. I want a pair myself and I think someone else wanted a pair. I look forward to getting to the bench to make those.

I also made something for myself. A sweet little tension set ring - sterling and amethyst. :)

I have worn it every day since.










The other vendors were really great, I enjoyed talking and seeing their wares. And the crowd in attendance was FABULOUS. So much fun, loads of energy, good feedback, and some REALLY knowledgeable buyers. I was so very glad I made it! (I had second thoughts due to threatening rain). And I'll be back on October 3rd. :)

All in all it has been a crazy lovely start to September. My little guy (LG) started third grade and so we are adjusting to all the new schedules and responsibilities. He is growing up so fast. Where does the time go????

How time flies...

Time can have a way of getting away from me and such is the case with the updates on my News & Notes page here. I am going to make an effort to update at least once a month - showing new techniques or areas of interest.

The last time I wrote I had JUST begun soldering! In some ways it seems like ages ago and in other ways it seems like yesterday. I am reminded how long ago it really was when I look at some of my work since that time - even though I create part time - there is a fair amount of work to show for it ! Some of the pieces have issues which will prevent me from offering them to the public, but some are 'good to go'!

Here is a small sampling since I haven't updated the website in ages:

Sterling and Sapphire earrings:

These earrings sort of came together on their own which is neat. I cut the sterling wire and they had a nice graceful bend in them and I only placed them together and soldered them, then added the sapphires in tiny cut sterling tubing. These earrings are VERY long and look amazing on.


Contemporary hollow form sterling and sapphire ring:

This is one of my first attempts at a hollow form. The ring has a few flaws, so its MINE!


Sterling lines and nest ring:

Another first, and another "MINE"! This ring came about from inspiration of another artist. I reversed their technique and this is the result. This is one of my favorite rings and I wear it almost daily.

Owyhee Jasper , Carnelian in sterling (pendant):

This pendant combines two fabulous stones in an asian inspired handcrafted setting. I then gave the sterling a nice dark patina then brass brushed it so it shimmers. This is a rather small pendant but has a lot of 'umph'!


Two agate pendant:

My daughter helped design this lovely pendant, one of our better collaborations! The stones are both agates and have a creamy almost translucent blue color. They are set in sterling.


Sterling bracelet:

I am often intrigued by filligree and this is my take on a loose airy filligree. (not technically filligree but rather reminiscent of it). This probably needs to be done in a heavier weight sterling, this one has just a bit too much 'give' for me. So again, this one is "mine"!


Thats all I have time to display now. I hope to add a more personal update soon and show some more recent work. Look for the website to be revamped in the coming months too! :)

~Janice

Adding in soldering

I have very much enjoyed working with cold connections - i.e., wire connections, jump rings, rivets, tabs, etc. However, being able to solder does open up much in the way of design capabilites, therefore, I am now exploring the area of soldering. I have used to torch in the past to add great texture to metal and to make findings, now comes the work, and fun!, of learning to use the torch and solder to join metal to metal.

So far, I have cautiously explored some simple joins by making two rings. Here they are:

This has been a great learning experience and I can definitely see so many possibilities to begin using solder in my work. As I said elsewhere recently - Let the solder flow!

News and Notes from the studio

I'll update here with notes and news about new items, projects, or areas of exploration. May also include any upcoming show information or tidbits about business expansion or home life. :) Do feel free to check in!