Creative life 2016- week 40

Not much studio time since I got done traveling- my nights have been filled with getting things back on track from my month away from home. I did take some photos last week that I thought were worth sharing. :) I have demos at TN Welcome centers this weekend, Pink Palace Arts & Crafts fair in less than 2 weeks, River Arts in less than 3 weeks and then a great chain maille class at the Gardens on the 29th. I'll be on TV the 24th to talk about my work and my classes. October will be pretty busy, but in a good way- for the reasons I like to be busy. Hopefully, I'll be creating like mad over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for new work!

The tree I always stop and visit when I go to Olive Branch for onsite service. 

The view from Cabin 6 at Natchez. It was supposed to be a nice weekend with woods wandering but instead turned into an unplugged weekend of cabining. 

Reflections early in the day on Pin Oak Lake

Reflections late in the morning on Browns Creek Lake

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.

Weekly challenge - Week 40 continued

I had a busy night last night! I got 4 spinner rings completed (smaller sizes both in width and ring size for those of you with dainty fingers!!) and 2 wider ones almost finished. These are all sterling silver (and gold- the bottom one in the pic has rose gold filled and yellow gold filled spinners). I need to get busy on some copper ones too so i'll have plenty for this weekend!

I also made some fancier stacking copper rings- the heavy gauge wire is great for adding texture- i love all these and am going to have to make myself a set when i have some down time (HAHAHAH!!!).

Weekly Challenge - Week 40

Pink Palace Crafts Fair is this weekend and i'm excited and nervous. I don't have nearly as much inventory as i want to have, but i do have some pretty awesome pieces to show off. My air chased/fold formed Tafoni and Eddies lines are really cohesive and look great on display. (and wear quite well :) )

I got some new toys to play with once i have some down time this show season- they're blanking dies!

New toys!

I've had artists block lately- so i took some broken vintage jewelry and re-imagined it into something timeless and wearable. (a truly complete weekly challenge piece!!!)

Weekly Challenge- Week 39 continued

 New earrings... the silver ones are an example of what we'll make in the Gift Workshop class at the Botanic Gardens on the 20th of November. 

 Air chased sterling silver with Boro glass cab pendant. I'm trying to decide if i'm going to make a chain for it or just slap a fancy bail on and go. :)

Overview of the stuff i've been working on.. that large ginkgo leaf is *heavy* - lots of fine silver there. i'm debating on adding some patina to the leaves.. they look a little flat all shiny, if that makes any sense. I'm trying to build up stock of some new awesome stuff for Pink Palace- which is only a week away!!!!

And because kitties make everything better- here's Willow snuggling. :)

Weekly Challenge - Week 34

I have sort of been making this week- not all visual art, but still creating through my writing, doing things at home, even a little cooking. I finished the ginkgo leaves that i picked at Bhan Thai (one didn't make it, but it's ok, such is the fragility of nature) and some of the peperomia leaves from my beautiful plants at home (that are doing so well now that they are out of reach of the kittens!) and they just need to be polished and have some patina applied and they will be ready for sale. I have another project going on too but I can't share it at this time. I finally had a breakthrough on something that I'd been stuck on, and that is a huge relief. 

I have several shows and events coming up this fall- it's going to be my busiest fall season yet and i am more than a little thrilled. My first even it right around the corner on September 19th- I'll be at Cooper Young festival with Happy Thread Creations. I'll be doing silver rings at Family Fun day down at the Metal Museum's repair days on September 26th. Then I will be at Pink Palace in the demo tent again with Virginia Fisher. Just a couple of weeks later, I'll be doing demonstrations at River Arts Fest. Then I have a small break and will be at my first Crosstown show, Crafts & Drafts. :) I have a lot on my plate but I think it's the good kind of busy. 

I have been nesting some at home- the cooler weather in the evenings and mornings tells me my favorite season is near, and i have already begun celebrating that with some french press coffee, a book and a new cozy blanket. I sat down Sunday and read a book from cover to cover in one sitting- i haven't done that in forever. It felt good to feed my brain and to have 4 kitties snuggled around me, taking turns buzzing in my ear to let me know that they have missed our quality cuddle time as well.

I've been trying to be more thoughtful about my interactions with others- what kind of influence i am having, what i am 'leaving in my wake'... i was reminded recently that not all 'free spirits' are such- many are just free loaders- and i am being mindful to look at not just the words and actions, but the way they combine when deciding if someone is one or the other.


So there's the random musings of an artist for today. :)