Creative Life - Week 27

It's going to be one of those 'longest short weeks ever' weeks- I can already tell. I spent some time yesterday at the studio. I did a little cleaning up and got frustrated at how much there was still to do so I decided just to sit down and make some stacking rings- nice mindless activity that needs to be done since stacking rings are still crazy popular and aside from my circle necklaces and fold formed leaf earrings, still the fastest selling thing I make (especially the ones with the pretty rose cut stones or cute owls).

The rain yesterday was a mixed bag-  I was thrilled at watching the storm roll in and seeing the lightning and hearing the rain pelt the roof. (my yard and trees very much needed the good soaking) I was not thrilled at missing the fireworks due to it being very soggy. When I went out to see if I could see the Bartlett fireworks, I got to see the glow of them, with an occasional high one in view over the treetops, followed by nice intercloud lightning as a sort of response from Mother Nature. it was pretty cool, although I would have rather seen the fireworks in their glory AND the lightning. :)

I've got some exciting stuff coming up this year. I'm teaching a silversmithing class the 16th of July at MBG, 2 classes in August (one at BMB and one at MBG), the Crosstown Clectic show in late August, leading to some demonstrations at 2 TN Welcome centers early October, the Pink Palace arts and Crafts show, mid-October and returning as a Demonstrating artist at River Arts at the end of October. I've got my fingers crossed I'll be invited back to Crafts & Drafts in November as well. In December, I'm off to Austin, TX to play with hammers and stakes at the Makery for a workshop with Andrea Harvink-Kennington.

Creative Life - Week 26

The blogger app has been eating my posts, so i haven't been able to consistently post like i mean to. June flew past me so quickly i didn't even have time to enjoy the passing of birthday month and it was nearly 11 today before i realized it was July... i've been trying to get in the studio regularly, but i'm still working through getting new product in the system and on the shelves, so my creative time has been rather lacking.

With silver prices skyrocketing in the wake of Brexit, i'm hesitant to move forward with my silver line. I think copper and bronze with silver accents are going to still be the thing this fall, at least for my customer base, but i'm dying to make little jewel encrusted spiculum and air chased neck pieces decorated with some of the gorgeous turquoise i bought out west. Maybe i'll make them anyway, prices be damned.

I have been doing more sculpture/decoration stuff lately (at least i'm making something) including this cool family tree i did for a friend's mom. It's not tacked down yet, so that's why it's a weird angle.