Thursday, July 29, 2010

Book Review Stamped Metal Jewelry

I preordered Stamped Metal Jewelry from Interweave Press last March when I first heard that it was going to be published. I was familiar with Lisa Niven Kelly from her website, Beaducation so I was sure it was going to be good. I also wanted the book so I could have it on hand for my Stamped Metal Jewelry Class at the Thousand Islands Arts Center Class in July. I knew when I ordered it that the publication date was probably too late for the class and I was right. A few days after my class, it arrived in the mail. What a thrill. It is such a great book. Wonderful illustrations, great projects, crystal clear directions and wonderful tips from an artist who is very experienced in this craft. And to top it all off, the book comes with an instructional DVD. You can order this book from Amazon.com, from Beaducation and Interweave Press.  This is one you won't want to miss.

Work of students in my stamped metal jewelry class at the Thousand Islands Art Center, Clayton, New York a week ago.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

New on My Website

Clover Pendant in shades of blue.


Here are several new pieces on my website.
I love those tall clover pendants and above is a pic of a new color combo for me.  Pretty wild.
 
A new toggle called Wild Harvest in Plum and Teal 



A unique pattern of leaves and color in this Wild Leaf Toggle in Purple and Pink


A vintage color style toggle in pinks and teal


And my first oval toggle clasp


Monday, July 19, 2010

Tiny charms and connectors


These are some little connectors and charms that I made from a cool set of mircro cutters that I got at Michaels a few weeks ago.
They will be great for my bead work and I am thinking of putting some onto a thin leather snap bracelet that I have.  I have also tried them out on some metal rings. I love the size and the potential for them.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I needed a boost today


I needed a boost today to fill the gap here now that my son has gone back to his home.  So I went to Flickr and uploaded some photos and then made a mosaic with them for a post card.  I used Mosaic Maker.  It is a great photo tool/toy and can be set up so that it grabs photos from your Flickr photo stream.

One of the best ways for me to cheer myself up is to get busy making.  So after catching up, a little, on the weeding in the veggie garden, I went to my studio and glazed and glazed and glazed.

With the help of my wonderful husband and 3 dips in the river, I was feeling better.  And I have lots of fun memories from the visit.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

New on My Website

New on my website

I had fun with the colors on this pendant.  I was really  pleased that it came out so well.

And this twin flowers blooming tomato pendant is also now on my website.

Love that branch toggle bar from Bello Modo.

A new toggle for me.  Wild pasture grass.  I like the brown and light green and copper together.

My son is here for just a couple more days.  We had torrential rains and lighting like crazy yesterday.  And today it is back up in the 80's and even though the river is rising, it is still warm.  We are going to go out in our canoe soon and just gets some of that lazy summer river sunshine.

This was take before the rain.  Now the river is a luscious brown color. And looks sultry and summery.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Happy 4th of July

                                                    Lady Liberty  

Have a wonderful 4th of July--lots of sunshine, good company, good food and an enjoyment of our many freedoms. 

I am having a great 4th of July.  My oldest son is visiting for 10 days and we are doing lots of catching up, computer talk and enjoying our river by canoe and dock.
He is the designer of my website, my computer guru, online business innovator and loving friend.  I am so lucky.

Raku Bead Video Part III